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Welcome new students!
Let us help you settle into student life with our midyear welcome and orientation events.
Life moves fast
Start your studies in psychology mid-year.
Attend 3MT faculty heat!
Support our higher degree by research students as they present their thesis in just three minutes | Tuesday 6 August
Improve your clinical skills with Adelaide Health Simulation
Adelaide Health Simulation offers practical simulation-based training, education and research opportunities to students and health professionals.
South Australia leads nation with Australian-first Meningococcal B study
Free vaccinations against Meningococcal B will be offered to sixty thousand eligible young people as part of a statewide study into immunising large community groups against the disease.
Welcome to the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is a world leader in health education and research. We seek to improve health care in Australia and internationally.
Everything you need to know about studying with us
We offer degrees in medicine and surgery, dentistry and oral health, nursing, health and medical sciences, public health, psychology, counselling and psychotherapy, and addiction studies. Our faculty has an outstanding reputation for teaching and producing career-ready graduates, and is ranked third in Australia for securing full-time employment (Australian Graduate Survey 2015). Find out about our degrees, admission guidelines and how to apply.
Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building
The Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences (AHMS) building is situated in the heart of Adelaide's BioMed City adjacent to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and SAHMRI. AHMS brings together more than 1700 students and 600 health researchers in a vibrant and innovative environment of learning and discovery and is home to the Adelaide Medical School, Adelaide Nursing School, Adelaide Dental School and Adelaide Dental Hospital, the School of Public Health and the state-of-the-art Adelaide Health Simulation.
Through our groundbreaking research, we are transforming the lives of South Australians and influencing the health of individuals and communities, globally. The integration of our research and teaching ensures our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and capabilities to not only deliver the best care, but to be tomorrow’s health leaders.
Professor Andrew Zannettino - Interim Executive Dean
Adelaide Medical School
Adelaide Medical School is the largest school in the University and includes highly successful researchers, talented academic teachers and a large pool of enthusiastic and motivated clinical titleholders. It has primary responsibility for teaching within the clinical years of the undergraduate medical degree at the University of Adelaide.
Adelaide Dental School
Established in 1920, Adelaide Dental School offers a range of clinically-focused undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in dentistry and oral health. Students have access to leading edge facilities at the Dental Simulation Clinic, so that they can practise real-world patient care procedures in a technologically-advanced environment.
Adelaide Nursing School
Established in collaboration with the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide Nursing School promotes world-class nursing practice through excellence in student-centred teaching. Nursing is a practice discipline which is humanistic in nature and has a fundamental responsibility to promote health, prevent illness, restore wellness and alleviate suffering.
The School of Psychology offers students a range of accredited pathways to becoming a psychologist. At postgraduate level, the School is unique in South Australia in offering three professional Master programs leading to registration as a Psychologist (Clinical, Health and Organisational and Human Factors).
The School of Public Health aims to prevent disease and promote health in populations. It practises public health through its engagement as a community of leading scientists, educators and students to advance innovative ideas to change individual behaviours, public policies, and health care practices in areas such as child health and development, life course epidemiology, health technology assessment, economic modelling and indigenous health.
Adelaide Rural Clinical School
The Adelaide Rural Clinical School offers and supports a variety of clinical health education programs, and promotes rural health as a career providing high-quality, hands-on medical education experiences in a dynamic rural setting. Students have close contact with experienced teachers, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving and clinical reasoning through clinical placements.
Faculty Intranet
For faculty staff, titleholders and HDR students, our task-based intranet is a guide to common processes used throughout the faculty for teaching, research, human resources and other professional service areas.
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Somalia Resurfaces
Somalis can sort out their problems if the outside world just gives them a chance.
By Michael Shank. Edited by John Feffer, November 17, 2008 .
At long last, the fragile state of Somalia seems to be slowly resurfacing from a searing bout of violence and humanitarian crisis. Interestingly, the light at the end of this decades-long tunnel is not burning at the behest of the United States or the United Nations; rather, it burns because Somali leaders, both within the government and without, have banded together. Frustrated by failed foreign interventions, they are now seeking sustainable Somali-based solutions.
The key to success, going forward, is to keep it Somali-led. Further intervention from neighboring Ethiopia or the United States will be ruinous. Leaders in Addis Ababa and Washington would do well to withdraw completely, then wait and watch — returning only if summoned by the new Somalia.
Recent talks between Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the latest iteration of an opposition movement, the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia (ARS), indicate the solution to the country’s conflict lies in internal, decentralized negotiations.
Somalia hasn’t been well served by the centralized system established by the Ethiopia-friendly, non-representative TFG in 2004. By 2006, local Islamic leaders were beginning to fill the void, much to the chagrin of America’s “War on Terror” camp (led by State Department Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazier). In response, rather than examining the successes of local Islamic leadership — enhanced security, increased attention to health care and education, reduced drug-trafficking — U.S. fighter planes and Ethiopian troops chose instead to pummel them. The attacks, a combination of airstrikes and aggressive ground raids, were so devastating that in 2007 the TFG’s deputy prime minister accused Ethiopian troops of committing genocide.
One year later, after another unsuccessful run at good governance by the Ethiopian-controlled TFG, the Islamic opposition has returned — under the guidance of moderate Sheikh Sharif Ahmed — and is busy brokering agreements with the TFG in nearby Djibouti. The talks have produced a unity government, complete with a new parliament and a new cabinet. Time will test the true mettle of the TFG on this commitment: Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein promised the new cabinet would be activated this month. Key additional components of the agreement included a cessation of hostilities, a ceasefire, and the removal of Ethiopian troops — all of which, it is worth noting, wouldn’t have been possible under the watchful eye of Washington.
Healing Political Wounds
Who then ushered in the collaborative climate necessary for a TFG-ARS consensus, if not the United States? The tragic and enduring humanitarian crisis — triggered by violence that killed 10,000 civilians and displaced over one million in two years — certainly helped to begin the healing of political wounds. Nearly half of Somalia’s population is starving and the stage is set for a famine on par with the horrific hunger that ravaged the Horn of Africa in the early 1990s. The TFG and the ARS likely recognized that the governed would soon be ungovernable due to burgeoning insecurity. Although politically undesirable, drastic measures like compromise were necessary.
Eastern Africa’s Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) also no doubt created the climate for compromise by leaning heavily on the TFG and the ARS. IGAD heads of state from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, and Eritrea not only helped broker the aforementioned peace deals but are now pledging, as they did in the Burundi peace process, to monitor the implementation of their decisions, meeting every six months to review progress made.
Largely ineffectual as a dealmaker in previous talks, IGAD has taken a welcome initiative to try to fill the present security void in Africa. The continent’s more appropriate security broker, the African Union (AU), failed Somalia almost entirely, mustering a mere half of the 8,000 troops promised, and neglecting the Horn’s smoldering humanitarian crisis. Sudan’s genocide, and the weak international response to it, has gutted Somalia in other ways too, as lackluster United Nations troop response in Darfur has made it more difficult to muster might for Mogadishu.
If the UN, the AU, and the United States can’t provide a helping hand, better then that Somalis look inward. If Somalis themselves can manage this process, the recent pirate raids for which Somalia is now infamous will also subside. The surge in ship seizures in the Gulf of Aden and elsewhere was largely due to a legacy of interminable lawlessness under the TFG, extreme poverty, and a desperate drive for resources and quick remedy. Here again, the United States and the UN must not foul this up by foisting another heavy security scheme on the seas offshore Somalia. Enhanced patrolling is fine, but let the locals sort this out. The tide is turning within the TFG and the ARS, and new sea raids by foreign forces will be feckless and ineffective.
Turning the Horn around is no easy task; the TFG and the ARS know this. Much hard work lies in store for the new unity government as Somalis are famished, forlorn, and fed up. It is an unenviable task to rebuild the country but no one but the TFG and the ARS can do it, with some ongoing oversight and accountability from the IGAD. And if the UN, U.S., or AU are to be of use, then let them be at the beck and call of the new Somalia, not the other way around.
Michael Shank is the communications director for the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University and a senior analyst for Foreign Policy In Focus.
Issues: Uncategorized
Regions: Africa, Somalia
Tags: Somalia Horn Of Africa
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Syria Afghanistan Iran Donald Trump South Korea nuclear weapons Israel Islamic State Iraq Isis Iraq War Africa Russia China North Korea Pakistan oil climate change Barack Obama Palestine
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Information Technology Essay
1371 essays for Subject “Information Technology Essay”
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The Impact of Mutual Ownership on the Management and Governance of a Football Club
Any business organisation must adopt and implement the essentials of business management and corporate governance principles to ensure its survival, expansion and sustainability. A football club, as mentioned earlier, is also a commercial enterprise that has established a managerial hierarchy and board of directors.
Pages: 10 (2500 words), Essay
Information Technology, Agriculture, Military
Information Technology, Technology, Engineering and Construction
VOIP - The Efficient Telephone System and the Choice over PBX
The advantage from the growth of telephony service providers is to establish VoIP-based service in the offices which can lead to a more powerful equivalent telephone service. It is a favourable solution in the national and international markets. The business benefits the regulatory standards and presents the potential for outdated services.
What is the Turing Test, and why is it so difficult to pass
Turing’s paper has been a frontrunner in all publications and research material on Artificial Intelligence, and has been cited in innumerable publications since the moment of its inception.The Turing Test was suggested by Alan M. Turing while he was employed at the Computing Laboratory in Manchester University (“The Alan Turing Internet Scrapbook”). Turing put forth the idea that machines could be devised to think and be
Pages: 7 (1750 words), Essay
Differences and similarities between existing security standards
ISO- 27001 or ISO/IEC 27001:2005 is typically referred as the most excellent practice specification that facilitates businesses and corporations all through the globe to build up a best-in-class information security management system (ISMS). In addition, these security and safety standards were published jointly by the ISO (international security office) and the international electro-technical commission (IEC). In this scenario, the British standard BS7799-2 was the predecessor for ISO 27001
Essay on Regulatory Theory: 2,000 words
The 1980s and the 1990s, the role of telecommunication in the economic growth of countries and the entire world became rather apparent, leading to the development of a number of regulatory and competition polices, even though to a limited extent, in many countries (Koops et al. Besides, regulating competition, the regulatory and competition policies were expected to instill dynamism, innovativeness, augment availability, accessibility and increase ICT choices and lower tariffs for customers.
Systems made up of NetApp and Microsoft COTS are to run, with one on standby to kick in and take over from the live environment once the live environment fails in the event of a disaster (Bahan, 2003; CXO Media/ IDG Enterprise, 2012; US Small Business Administration, 2010; University of Toronto Information + Technology Services, 2012; Microsoft Corporation, 2012; NetApp, 2012; NetApp, 2011).An oversight team is to form the different committees in charge of the companys functional departments,
Security Issue s In Ecommerce
The easy access to critical information and the susceptibility of security systems trap these fraudsters to these smaller stores that are engaging into ecommerce.Campbell et al (2010, p.37) estimates that 90 per cent of credit card safety compromises in the ecommerce industry originate from Level 4 Merchants (ecommerce websites that process fewer than 1 million total card payment dealings and less than 20,000 ecommerce dealings in a year.As a small business, it is important to understand the
DQ_Week 2
Different cryptography, encryption decryption, involvement of special characters, mixture of small and capital characters along with numbers, self generation algorithm as done by William H. Haubert (2002) etc. or the second way could be to generate a rule based system to create the surreptitious set of rules and regulations, control the rules that would be associated to the users and subsequently, the actual login interface for the said system.The above design will not allow users to select an
Provide an in-depth and properly-cited analysis of System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
SDLC is a deliberate way of building information system in a methodological as well as in structured way. The overall methodology started to appear during 1960s in order to build large business systems enabling large amount of number crunching and data manipulation. The overall popularity of this approach can be assessed from the fact that it is one of the widely used methodologies giving effective and sufficient results to system analysts to pursue this approach. (Blanchard & Fabrycky,
Evocative Object
Its use varies from different personalities including students, business personalities, doctors, service men, pilots, engineers, and the general society (Seyler 26). As a student, I have various uses of my cell phone both inn school and outside school. Indeed, in my very first day in college, I was new in town had a vague idea on where my school is. As such, it was physically impossible to access my school on the registration day. However, iPhone had a GPRS and could thus access Google maps
1400 BC: During this time an analog instrument of the computer was invented by Jamshid al –Kashi. This was used in determining the time of the day at which the conjunctions of the planet would occur. It was also used in for linear interpolation purposes (Black 2001).1492 BC: A mechanical calculator with the ability of adding and subtracting was developed. This was of great importance to the art field particularly when Leonardo da Vinci really contributed towards the success of the
Table of content is missing
As a function of all of this level of analysis, the end consequence can and should be to have a high level of improvement upon the potential for medical resolutions to both extant as well as unknown issues.This particular project has only been able to be completed due to the tireless help and assistance of a wide variety of different individuals. I would like to take this particular opportunity to thank each and every one of them for the differing levels of assistance they have provided.On
This is shown by the manner in which most of the world population conducts their business (Alanazi, Fahad, &Mohamed, 2011 87). These include, doing bank transactions, holding board meetings through video conferencing to a simple chat over the internet using simple interfaces such as Facebook and Twitter. The threats posed by malicious internet users has driven the technocrats into developing methods such secure web applications and procedures such as SWEET that ensure people have their data
MIS AND SECURITY
This makes it harder for unauthorized users to guess. User interface options like ‘Remember Password’ should be avoided at all costs. Storing of passwords should be done in an encrypted way to ensure their security. Once encryption has been done to passwords, Access Control Lists (ACL) is used to control unauthorized access. An insecure wireless network offers avenues for a system to be attacked easily. Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth make it easy for a quick attack on a system. Wireless
How IT impacts your career/major ...General Business
In many schools of business, the delivery of information and knowledge is through teaching aids such as slide projector, LCD projector and an overhead projector. Nevertheless, in distance learning mode, there are different tools such as audio-visual tapes, radio broadcast, and telecast via television, teleconferencing via satellite, CD-ROMs and floppy diskettes and networking through the Internet, that are used or even might be used in an extensive way in the impartation of management education
McBride Financial Services
With the technological revolution, more emphasis is now paid towards speed and powerful technology. Even McBride Financial Services has identified the providence of ‘efficient’ services as a key feature to their operations. The increased need for speed has transformed the business domain but at the same time introducing risks to data and information. Information risks is perhaps the most common security risks associated with virtual operations. The term refers to the unauthorized access of
Data centric
Strategy, “Plunder’s established a BI strategy, which it termed "Plan to Win," with key metrics centered on place, people, products, and promotions. From there, Plunders built standard questions and scorecards for mystery shoppers. They needed a way to accurately measure the customer experience. They wanted to review everything from top to bottom from an internal perspective. The scorecards are now in use in 29,000 of the companys 31,000 stores and are one of the critical reasons behind
Trouble shooting made easy
Improper shutting down of the computers is likely to cause a software or hardware failure. The computer user should, therefore, know if the machine was cold shut so that appropriate solutions can be. Scanning for a virus is also an effective general method of troubleshooting a computer. Viruses can cause both the hardware and software devices to respond inappropriately and hence viruses should be scanned and fixed. Dangerous viruses could even eat up the operating system which will stop the
Cloud Computing Security Policy
The policy must also be endorsed by the management and executives. The cloud computing security policy should also identify information security roles and responsibilities that must also be evaluated and reviewed in line with the changes of information and business risks. Data integration is a vital requirement in the policy that must be included since it helps circumvent any associated protective security measure and explain the consequences for breaching of the policy. The cloud computing
The Service Provider as Parallel to the Problem Presented by Macrobox
Section 1 of the CMA provides that in cases of unauthorized access to computer material a person may be found guilty when (a) he causes a computer to perform any function with intent to secure access to any program or data held in any computer; (b) the access he intends to secure; and (c) he knows at the time when he causes the computer to perform the function that that is the case.
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About Information Technology Essay
We Provide Detailed Information Technology Examples Essays
The field of information technology keeps changing. When you read an information technology study material today, it may cease to be relevant a few days later owing to the advancement in technological applications. As a result, it becomes hard to keep up with the requirements of the essays presented by the instructors. It is also challenging to determine the source of information that is suitable for your task. It is even worse when you do not possess impeccable writing skills. Luckily, we are here to assist. Our Information Technology writing experts keep themselves updated on the happenings of the technological world such that they can never include outdated information in your paper.
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The anxiety associated with these tasks is sometimes overwhelming. You find that you have a huge work volume to accomplish within a limited time. The fear may hamper your ability to come up with fresh ideas. Without creativity and the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the Information Technology field, writing an impressive essay may become a tall order. However, you need to relax and handle one task at a time. Take a break when you accomplish one task so that you can get the motivation to move on to the next task.
At the same time, there are a lot of diversions for students. For example, social media websites are a huge distraction to most students. If you tackle your information Technology assignment without paying enough attention, the chances of preparing a paper that is below par are high. Train your mind to fully focus on the information technology essay topics as you handle them. It needs a lot of discipline. Your papers are important, and you can only entrust them in the hands of a qualified writing company if you face difficulty concentrating. We are available when you need such assistance.
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Information Technology Admission/Application Essay Information Technology Annotated Bibliography Information Technology Article Information Technology Assignment Information Technology Book Report/Review Information Technology Case Study Information Technology Coursework Information Technology Dissertation Information Technology Lab Report Information Technology Literature review Information Technology Outline Information Technology Personal Statement Information Technology PowerPoint Presentation Information Technology Research Paper Information Technology Research Proposal Information Technology Scholarship Essay Information Technology Term Paper Information Technology Thesis Information Technology Thesis Proposal
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Doodle Jump Motion Comics Review
Doodle Jump Motion Comics
Author: AnimangaPLUS Corp.
Package name: air.com.animangaplus.doodlejump01lite
Unfortunately, professional review of the Doodle Jump Motion Comics app is not yet ready. This app is on the list and will be reviewed in the nearest feature. Meanwhile, you can find more from the official description below.
===JUST UPDATED!!!===
All pages and panels have been unlocked for your viewing pleasure!Please don't forget to rate us. Thanks for the support!!!----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Issue 1: In Doodler's first adventure, he finds himself ejected onto a snowy mountain populated by killer penguins. Along with his companion, the spritely being known as Triple, Doodler jumps for his life. They flee from the penguins, avoiding Black Holes to complete their mission. Issue 2: Our hero Doodler and his new pal Triple find themselves in a shadowy ninja world. They're in for a few unwelcome surprises - unless they can pull together as a team! Written by Meredith Gran (Adventure Time: Marceline and the Scream Queens) with fantastic art by Steve Uy (Avengers Initiative, JSA Classified). Doodle Jump, first released in 2009, is one of mobile gaming's most successful titles, and has earned continual praise for its excellence in innovation, performance and user experience. It's addictive yet accessible gameplay has made it a must-have classic and the #3 All-Time Top Paid iPhone app. Described by some as "Pac Man meets Ugly Dolls," Doodle Jump is everywhere...from prime time sitcoms (BIG BANG THEORY) to Late Night TV (JIMMY FALLON) to a fashion accessory for pop stars (LADY GAGA). About Animanga PLUS From static print to dynamic moving pictures, Animanga PLUS apps bring you an engaging animated and interactive version of your favorite Doodle Jump comic book or graphic novel for your mobile devices. In Reader View, read the story as it was intended for print page by page, while in Animated View, see the story come to life as the story is animated panel per panel.• Over 22 pages!
• Reader + Animation Views: Use reader mode to read the graphic novel or switch to Animated mode and watch the motion comic come to life!
• Animated characters
• Move to the next panel with a flip of your finger
• Background music and sound effects*************************************************************************************
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Johnny Test: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id960384718 Golden Twine: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/golden-twine/id959788152 Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter to receive updates:
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Here you can find the link to official Play Market Doodle Jump Motion Comics app page. On that page you can get and easily install it on a mobile phone or an Android-based tablet. Please note: the application may ask for additional permissions and contain in-app purchases.
Doodle Jump Motion Comics FAQ
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Doodle Jump Motion Comics Version History
Doodle Jump Motion Comics v.1.0.14 for Android 4.0+ Dec. 19, 2015
Doodle Jump Motion Comics v.1.0.12 for Android 2.2+ Aug. 21, 2015
Naruto Comics Facebook is, for all intents and purposes, for all intents and purposes 4.4
Meme Maker Comics Facebook is, for all intents and purposes, for all intents and purposes 3.9
Comics Comics Facebook is, for all intents and purposes, for all intents and purposes 4.0
Marvel Comics Comics Facebook is, for all intents and purposes, for all intents and purposes 4.0
LINE WEBTOON - Free Comics Comics Facebook is, for all intents and purposes, for all intents and purposes 4.5
DC Comics Comics Facebook is, for all intents and purposes, for all intents and purposes 4.1
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Report: Scientists in China Are Losing Track of Gene-Edited CRISPR Patients
Filed to: BioethicsFiled to: Bioethics
somatic gene therapy
At a lab in Shenzhen, China, an embryo is injected with the Cas9 protein.
Gene therapies are very much at their preliminary stages of development, so it would make sense to keep tabs on patients whose DNA has been modified via the innovative CRISPR technique. For some scientists in China, however, this is apparently not a priority.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that an undisclosed number of Chinese cancer patients who have undergone experimental gene therapies aren’t being properly tracked as would be expected. In these cases, the patients had their genes modified with the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool in an effort to treat their cancer. The scientists in charge of at least one trial failed to maintain ties with their patients afterwards and conduct follow-up examinations, according to the WSJ.
Indeed, follow-ups are extra critical for patients undergoing gene therapies. Changes to DNA can trigger unintended consequences known as knock-off effects. Unexpected health problems stemming from gene modifications, such as autoimmune disorders, could appear later in life.
“Since we do not fully understand the human genome and are still developing knowledge of [CRISPR-Cas9 and related technologies], we need to monitor the intended and unintended consequences over the lifespan of patients,” Jennifer Doudna, a biochemist at the University of California, Berkeley, and a co-inventor of CRISPR, told the WSJ.
This is the latest troubling development for biomedical research in China. Last month, Chinese scientist He Jiankui claimed to have produced the world’s first gene-edited babies. The scientist, who works at Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, said he used CRISPR to modify the DNA of human embryos, resulting in the birth of twin girls with an apparent immunity to HIV. Shortly after that news broke, the Chinese government expanded its social credit system to include infractions made by researchers, an effort to curb endemic scientific misconduct.
Human germline gene editing and the implantation of embryos into a mother’s womb is not yet legal in China or anywhere else for that matter, mostly because gene-editing is still in its nascent stages and because modified traits would be heritable (in both the U.S. and China, it’s okay to modify embryos, but they have to be destroyed after a few days). Somatic gene editing, on the other hand, in which a living person’s DNA is altered to treat various maladies, from cancer through to hemophilia, results in genetic changes that are not heritable. But somatic gene therapies, like the germline variety, are also in their infancy, requiring due diligence, responsible oversight, and a hefty amount of caution.
Somatic gene therapies are legal in both China and the United States. In the U.S., research scientists have tread carefully and trepidatiously in this direction, with the Food and Drug Association maintaining a watchful eye. To date, only one gene therapy has been approved in the U.S.—a clinical trial at the University of Pennsylvania to test the safety of CRISPR and involving just 18 patients.
China Has Already Gene-Edited 86 People With CRISPR
In the U.S., the first planned clinical trials of CRISPR gene editing in people are about to kick…
In China, however, there’s no equivalent to the FDA. Doctors can proceed with a clinical trial after receiving approval from their hospital’s ethics boards, the WSJ reports. As of January 2018, at least 86 patients in China have had their DNA edited with CRISPR. Most of these trials are being conducted by Anhui Kedgene Biotechnology Co., a private startup, as the WSJ points out:
One of Kedgene’s projects has lost touch with patients whose DNA was altered, according to a person familiar with the matter. Kedgene founder Mandy Zhou said one trial didn’t complete the research as planned, and as a result lost touch with patients. No patients died during treatment in that trial, she added.
Another Kedgene trial, at the Anhui Provincial Hospital, treated 18 patients, according to Wang Yong, who ran it. Many participants died as their cancer grew, Dr. Wang said, without giving a specific number. Dr. Wang said he was asked by the science ministry this month to send a report on the trial, the first time authorities in Beijing sought information about it since it began more than a year ago.
Three of the doctors involved in the gene-editing trials were recently contacted by China’s science and health ministries (the closest thing that China has to the FDA, which isn’t really even close). When the WSJ contact these ministries for more information, they declined to comment.
This is all very frustrating and regrettable, mostly because this deplorable scientific behavior is giving CRISPR and the entire prospect of gene-editing a bad name. CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies are poised to eliminate scores of diseases, and even usher in the age of human trait selection and enhancements (the gene-edited twins with an immunity to the AIDS virus, for example, is actually a very good idea in principle—it’s just grossly premature).
Sadly, the situation with China’s scientists could sway public opinion against these promising biotechnologies, which are already controversial.
[The Wall Street Journal]
Rogue Scientist Defends Gene-Edited Babies—and Reveals a Second Pregnancy
Chinese Scientist Responsible for Gene-Edited Babies Has Reportedly Gone Missing
China’s Social Ranking System Will Now Target Rule-Breaking Scientists
Ancestry Sites Could Soon Expose Nearly Anyone's Identity, Researchers Say
Scientists May Have Found a Genetic Risk Factor for Erectile Dysfunction
DNA That Should Only Pass Down From Mothers Can Come From Fathers, Too
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Here’s The Status Of Cannabis Legalization In Nine Countries Around The World
October 17, 2017 October 17, 2017 by Contributor
Canada’s legalization of recreational cannabis has occupied much of the media attention this year, but there is a quiet movement to partially or totally legalized cannabis in a lot of countries.
Another trend has to do with reclassifying cannabis as generally safe and different from synthetic, addictive narcotics like heroin.
Latin America is a hotbed of happenings on the cannabis front. A study published the International Journal of Drug Policy found that, in some parts of the region, more than 40% of respondents supported cannabis legalization, while in other, more conservative areas, support remained minimal.
Uruguay’s Law to Legalize and Regulate Cannabis adopted in 2013 brought radical change to the country’s approach to cannabis production and use. In 2017, the Latin American country became the first country to allow recreational cannabis to be sold in pharmacies. It is the final step of a nearly four-year process to legalize the production, sale and consumption of the plant.
The General Health Law of Costa Rica prohibits the personal use of narcotics and other drugs but does not penalize those who violate this prohibition. A bill that would regulate the production of cannabis and hemp plants for medical and industrial purposes was debated in the Legislative Assembly in December of 2014. However, that bill has yet to pass. In January 2016 a criminal tribunal in the city of Alajuela acquitted an attorney who had planted marijuana for personal consumption.
The Czech Republic is the only Eastern European country in the post-Communist era to have reduced punishments for some drug-related activities. The use of cannabis for medical purposes was legalized in 2013. The production and sale of drugs have always been punishable under Czech criminal law. The possession of drugs was decriminalized after the collapse of the Communist regime, but penalties were reinstated in 1999 for possession in amounts “larger than small.” The new Criminal Code enacted in 2009 differentiates between cannabis and other drugs, and imposes less strict penalties for the use and cultivation of cannabis.
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto signed a decree earlier this year legalizing medical cannabis. The measure also classified the psychoactive ingredient in the plant as “therapeutic.” The new policy isn’t exactly opening the door for medical cannabis dispensaries on every corner. Instead it calls on the Ministry of Health to draft and implement regulations and public policies regulating “the medicinal use of pharmacological derivatives of cannabis sativa, indica and Americana or marijuana, including tetrahydrocannabinol.” It also tasks the ministry with developing a research program to study the drug’s impact before creating broader policies. The measure had broad support from Mexico’s Senate and Lower House of Congress, where it passed 347-7 in April.
The Dutch Opium Act contains the legal rules pertaining to narcotics. The Act differentiates between “hard drugs” (schedule I) and “soft drugs” (schedule II). Cannabis is listed in schedule II. In general, possession and trade in drugs is illegal, but penalties are more severe for hard drugs. The Prosecutor-General publishes directives that set out the Dutch tolerance policy in drug cases, which means that even though the activity is technically illegal, the offender will not be prosecuted as long as certain conditions are met. The directives address the operation of coffee shops in which soft drugs may be purchased and used, the different approaches in cases involving hard drugs and soft drugs, and what constitutes a small quantity of drugs for personal use. As such, cannabis is generally available and tolerated in coffee shops but is not technically legal.
An application for an exemption from the Opium Act for cannabis and cannabis resin can be filed with the Bureau voor Medicinale Cannabis (Office for Medicinal Cannabis Research) for reasons of public health, animal health, academic or chemical analytical research, training, or trade-related purposes.
In 2000, Portugal became the first country in the world to decriminalize drugs. To further implement the strategy, the government enacted Decree-Law No. 183 that approved a general system of prevention policies, risk reduction, and minimization of harm and created programs and public health structures for increasing awareness and providing for the referral of drug addicts for treatment.
The rate of new HIV infections in Portugal has fallen precipitously since 2001, the year its law took effect, declining from 1,016 cases to only 56 in 2012. Overdose deaths decreased from 80 the year that decriminalization was enacted to only 16 in 2012. In the US, by comparison, more than 14,000 people died in 2014 from prescription opioid overdoses alone. Portugal’s current drug-induced death rate, three per million residents, is more than five times lower than the European Union’s average of 17.3, according to EU figures.
Australian state and territory legislation contains offenses related to illicit drugs like heroin. Earlier this year, the Australian Parliament passed amendments to the Narcotic Drugs Act that legalizes cannabis for medical and scientific purposes.
After much debate, the German parliament legalized medical cannabis this year. Patients are now able to receive up to five ounces per month at a cost of $12 per ounce under public health insurance (which covers 90% of Germans). They can fill a doctor’s prescription at any licensed apotheke, or pharmacy. Reimbursement happens via a special fund set up by the government. There is no list of qualifying illness.
Here’s The Status Of Cannabis Legalization In Nine Countries Around The World was last modified: October 17th, 2017 by Contributor
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How Joe Biden Works
Browse the article How Joe Biden Works
Joe Biden Image Gallery Sen. Joe Biden announces his candidacy for president in June 1987. See more pictures of Joe Biden.
Cynthia Johnson/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
During a campaign stop at a supporter's home in Claremont, N.H., in the 1988 Democratic presidential primary race, Sen. Joe Biden lost his temper. A small group of people were assembled for the informal, structured publicity appearance. C-SPAN, the public service all-government channel, was on hand to record the event. Among the group was a man named Frank. It was Frank who asked Biden, by then halfway through serving his third consecutive term as senator, about his academic record.
Biden had been a lackluster student in college. His first year at the University of Delaware yielded him a grade point average of 1.9 [source: ABC News]. When he graduated and entered law school, his performance was much the same, ranking 76th out of a class of 85 students. Still, Biden was convinced his poor academic showing was due to a lack of interest, not intellect. He later wrote in his memoir, "Promises to Keep" (published in 2007), "The work didn't seem so hard, just boring; and I was a dangerous combination of arrogant and sloppy" [source: Biden].
How to get this across to Frank? "I think I probably have a much higher IQ than you do, I suspect," he shot back, irritated [source: Bates]. Biden went on to mention he'd graduated in the top half of his law school class -- a false statement [source: New York Times].
This was typical Joe Biden. The 35-year veteran senator from Delaware is known for his bluster. He admits that he has a quick temper and, "I exaggerate when I'm angry" [source: New York Times]. He has found absolution for his missteps from his largely white and African-American working class constituency in his home state. "We forgive him every once in a while when he says something dumb -- 'Oh, that's just Joe,'" explains, James M. Baker, the mayor of Wilmington, Del., Biden's hometown [source: IHT].
But as the running mate in Sen. Barack Obama's bid to be the first African-American president in U.S. history, Biden will need the forgiveness and consensus of more than the voters of the nation's 49th largest state. What qualifies Sen. Joe Biden to serve as Vice President of the United States? Find out in this article.
Biography of Joe Biden
Jill, Joe and Ashley Biden listen to Barack Obama's speech at the DNC in August 2008.
Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images
Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born Nov. 20, 1942, in Scranton, Penn., the son of Joe and Jean Biden [source: Biography]. He was the oldest of four in an Irish-Catholic family. His father was a businessman of varying success. Biden Sr. worked as a car salesman, a sales representative for Amoco Oil, co-owner of a crop dusting company, an executive in a marine sealant manufacturing firm, a realtor, and a boiler cleaner for a heating company [source: Chapman].
When Joe Biden was 10, his family moved to a suburb of Wilmington, Del., where he attended Archmere, a private Catholic school. He took a part-time job to help pay for the tuition. As a boy, Biden had a debilitating stutter. He stood before a mirror reciting a line from Ralph Waldo Emerson's "The American Scholar" over and over, watching the muscles in his face in order to learn how to control them [source: ABC News].
He went on to attend the University of Delaware, struggling with grades at first and finally earning a bachelor's degree in 1965. The previous year, Biden had gone to the Bahamas for spring break, where he snuck into a hotel pool and met his future wife, Neilia Hunter [source: Time]. In 1966, the couple married and Biden went back to school. He obtained his law degree from Syracuse University in 1968 and practiced law in Delaware until he first entered the U.S. Senate in 1972 [source: Time, Biden].
In 1969, Biden's first son, Joseph R. "Beau" Biden, was born. He was followed by Robert Hunter Biden in 1970 and Naomi Biden in 1971 [source: Biography]. Tragedy struck the Biden family in December 1972, when Neilia and the three Biden children were involved in an auto accident while out Christmas shopping. Neilia and Naomi were killed; Beau and Hunter were injured.
Biden received the news while at his Senate office. He says he considered suicide after suffering such a profound loss [source: ABC News]. Ultimately, he chose to live. He raised his two sons as a single parent with the help of his family, including his sister who moved in with them. And he found love again; in 1977, he married Jill Jacobs. She has a Ph.D. in education and teaches at Delaware Technical Community College. Joe and Jill Biden have a third child, in addition to Hunter and Beau: a daughter named Ashley. They also have five grandchildren [source: Obama]. Beau Biden is the Delaware attorney general and a captain in the Delaware National Guard. Hunter Biden is an attorney and former lobbyist. Ashley Biden is a social worker [source: Obama].
In addition to his career as a senator, Biden also teaches constitutional law at the University of Delaware. Despite becoming the vice-presidential nominee during the 2008 campaign, he still teaches the class. And on one occasion, he "took the red-eye out of Afghanistan to make this class," a spokesperson for the law school said [source: CBS News].
During the 2008 campaign, Sen. Biden's prior medical history became a question about his ability to lead, should he become vice president. In 1988, he suffered a brain aneurysm that nearly killed him. He had dropped out of the presidential race a few months prior (more on that on next page), when he felt what he took to be a pinched nerve and a headache. After a visit to the doctor, he was taken to emergency cranial surgery. He developed a blood clot in his lungs during recovery and suffered a second aneurysm. Biden underwent a subsequent cranial surgery the following May [source: Time]. Sen. Biden said the experience changed him; he adopted the dichotomous outlook of throwing himself into his role of senator while not sweating the small stuff. Read about Biden's political career on the next page.
Political Career of Joe Biden
British Labor Party leader Neil Kinnock speaking in 1987. Biden would later be accused of plagiarizing Kinnock’s speeches.
Sahm Doherty/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
Joe Biden began his political career at the age of 27. He won a seat on the New Castle County, Del., council in 1970. Biden served on the council for two years before making the leap to the U.S. Senate. At the age of 29, Biden unseated Republican Delaware Senator James Caleb Boggs, the two-term incumbent. Biden garnered 58 percent of the vote [source: Biography]. Two weeks after winning the seat, Biden's family was involved in the auto accident that took his wife and daughter's life. He was sworn in at his sons' hospital room as the fifth-youngest senator in history [source: ABC News]. This would be the beginning of a 35-year career as a senator representing Delaware.
Biden commuted to Washington and home to Delaware each night by train to look over his two sons. The train ride was a habit he continued throughout his career as a senator, and it earned him a reputation as a Washington insider who lived outside of Washington, "an outsider inside the Beltway" [source: Washington Post].
Biden made his first run for the White House in the 1988 campaign. He ran on the promise that he would "rekindle the fire of idealism in our society" [source: NPR]. His chances looked good until New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd accused Biden of plagiarizing speeches from British Labor Party leader Neil Kinnock. Biden "became Kinnock" during one speech, lifting not only Kinnock's words, but part of his life story as well [source: Slate]. At an Iowa debate in August 1987, Biden used parts of a Kinnock speech that referenced being first in his family to attend college. The reference was true for Kinnock, but not for Biden.
Campaign managers for Biden later defended him, pointing out that Biden had used parts of Kinnock's speeches with proper attribution throughout the campaign. But the Iowa speech and an investigation that revealed he'd plagiarized one-third of a paper he wrote in law school led to the sinking of his candidacy [source: Slate]. Amid public outcry, Biden dropped out three months into the 1988 race.
Despite the controversy, he managed to keep his Senate seat. Back in Washington, and following his two aneurysms, "Biden became one of the Senate's most active and vocal members" [source: ABC News]. He became a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1975 (currently serving as chair); following his drop out from the 1988 race, he also joined the Senate Judiciary Committee, serving as chair from 1987 to 1995 [source: Biography].
Biden's long tenure in Washington and membership on those committees gave him both remarkable power and opened him up to criticism. As chair of the Foreign Relations Committee, he gained foreign policy experience meeting with heads of state [source: NPR]. As chair of the Judiciary Committee, he met wide disapproval for his leadership during the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court justices Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas, allowing each hearing to devolve into a "circus" [source: CNS]. Biden was also examined closely for his son Hunter's activities as a lobbyist. Hunter Biden worked as a lobbyist in Washington from 2001 to 2008, when he formally resigned from his firm, two days after his father's nomination as vice president [source: USA Today, WSJ].
In 2007, Biden made a run again for the White House. He dropped out after coming in fifth in the Iowa Caucus [source: NPR]. He withheld an official endorsement of the other candidates.
Due to his interest in foreign policy and chairmanship on the Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Biden is considered one of the United States' foremost authorities on foreign policy. That's just one key issue that's important to Biden.
Key Issues and Policy of Joe Biden
Sen. Biden during a 2007 visit to Iraq.
John Moore/Getty Images
At the heart of Joe Biden's foreign policy beliefs is that the Iraq War was possibly "the biggest foreign policy blunder in America's history" [source: Biden]. Sen. Biden took criticism for this stance on the war, especially since he initially voted in favor of sending U.S. troops into Iraq in 2002. He later changed his opinion, and in February 2007, he proposed that Congress repeal its authorization of the use of force in the Middle Eastern nation, which would have effectively ended the war [source: Salon].
This repeal didn't pass, but a later proposal to end the Iraq War did. In September 2007, the Biden Plan, a nonbinding resolution which proposed dividing Iraq into three autonomous nations (split among the three predominant ethnic groups in the region), passed in the Senate by a vote of 75 to 23 [source: MSNBC]. Sen. Biden has a personal interest in seeing the war end: His oldest son, Beau, is a captain in the Delaware National Guard and was scheduled to be deployed for a tour in Iraq in October 2008 [source: Washington Post].
Despite the pro-life stance typically demanded by his Catholic faith, Sen. Biden is a staunch supporter of choice in the matter of abortion, though he "is prepared to accept … on faith" that life begins at conception [source: NBC]. He opposes partial-birth and late-term abortions, and is opposed to public funding of any abortions [source: NBC]. He has voted in favor of federal funding for sex education and access to contraceptives, as well as expanding stem cell research [source: U.S. Senate]. Biden is against same-sex marriages (though he favors civil unions), but doesn't support a Constitutional amendment banning them [source: New York Times].
On crime, Biden favors a large law enforcement presence. In 1994, the Biden Crime Bill introduced an additional 100,000 police officers nationwide through federal funding. The bill also banned some assault weapons, increased the scope of offenses punishable by death, increased funding for new prison construction and increased civil liability for gender-related abuse through the Violence Against Women Act in the bill [source: Weekly Standard].
Biden said in 2007 that if he were invested with special powers from God, he would use his one wish to solve the global energy crisis [source: WSJ]. He is a strong supporter of biofuel research and set a goal for 60 billion gallons of biofuels to be produced in the United States annually by 2030 [source: Grist]. He is against drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and offshore drilling along U.S. coastal waters [source: New York Times]. He also called for removing government subsidies of oil companies and for investigating Pres. George W. Bush and others for price gouging consumers on gasoline [source: Biden]. Despite receiving high scores from environmental groups for his voting, Biden was criticized in the press for being among the candidates using personal jets on the campaign trail [source: AP].
Biden is in favor of repealing the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest one percent of Americans. He said in 2008 that it's time for the wealthiest Americans to "be patriotic" by paying higher taxes [source: AP]. Biden supports Barack Obama's tax plan to cut taxes for Americans earning less than $250,000 per year and raising taxes for those who make more than that amount. In the Senate, Biden's voted against repealing or lowering the Alternative Minimum Tax [source: U.S. Senate]. This tax, passed in 1969, was meant to tax high incomes, but was never adjusted to reflect inflation and increases in average salaries. The tax now levies stiff fees against middle-income families, rather than high income families.
Read about Biden following his nomination for vice president on the next page.
Biden for Vice President
Sen. Joe Biden introduces his running mate at a rally in Dublin, Ohio, in August 2008.
At 3:00 a.m. on Aug. 23, 2008, the Obama campaign sent out text messages and e-mails to supporters. "Friend -- I have some important news that I want to make official," the e-mail read. "I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate" [source: New York Times]. At the Democratic Convention five days later, Biden accepted: "Yes. Yes, I accept your nomination to run and serve Barack Obama, the next president of the United States" [source: Reuters].
While many Democrats lamented that Obama passed over Sen. Hillary Clinton for his running mate pick, others deemed Biden a better pick strategically. One of the traditional roles of vice presidential candidates during campaigns is to serve as the de facto attack dog for the campaign. It's the VP pick who goes after the other camp, leaving the presidential candidate free to campaign on issues, rather than criticize or fend off attacks from the opposing camps.
This role can be a prickly one for a VP candidate who hopes to make a run for the presidency in a future election; words spoken in one campaign can sink a later one. Not so with Biden, most political observers agree. "He has exorcised the presidential bug," wrote one pundit [source: Washington Post]. Thus freed from this ambition, Biden could speak without fear of reprisal down the road.
Biden's reputation for oration was examined again after he was chosen as Obama's running mate. He is alternately (and often in conjunction) described as "outspoken and candid," "a strong debater," "long-winded" and "prone to the occasional gaffe" [source: CBS, NPR, Reuters, BBC]. As Obama's running mate, Biden both answered for statements he made before the nomination and created more controversy after.
Perhaps most damaging to the Obama campaign were Biden's remarks about his future running mate during the primary. The day he announced that he would run for the presidency in February 2007, Sen. Biden was quoted describing Obama as "the first mainstream African-American [candidate] who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy" [source: CNN]. Biden also said early in the primary race that he didn't believe Obama was ready to serve as president [source: ABC News]. He created further controversy as the vice-presidential nominee when he said he thought that Sen. Clinton would have made a better running mate [source: Washington Post]. When pressed at a later public appearance he reiterated this belief. Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh's Web site called liberal Biden the "gift that keeps on giving" [source: Limbaugh].
Biden is much-touted for his appeal to Catholic and blue-collar voters. During the campaign, Sen. Obama lost that voting block to Sen. Clinton. Sen. Biden may be able to bring those voters with him to the election in November. Other voting blocks may be tougher to win over with him on the ticket; some his gaffes sound at best culturally insensitive and at worst racist. In 2006, Biden mentioned that it's impossible to enter a Delaware 7-11 or Dunkin Donuts without a Middle Eastern accent [source: Biography]. And he defended accusations of being out of touch with minority issues by pointing out that Delaware had been a slave state [source: Hartford Courant].
Despite these blunders, and calls from some Democrats for Obama to replace Biden with Sen. Clinton, it looks like Obama has found his running mate. Whether Biden's experience and foreign policy expertise can overcome his propensity for putting his foot in his mouth on the campaign trail remains to be seen.
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Bacon, Jr., Perry. "Biden stumps in Palin's shadow." Washington Post. September 14, 2008. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/13/AR2008091302456.html
Ball, Jeffrey. "Biden's beliefs: Obama's running mate calls energy America's top issue." Wall Street Journal. August 23, 2008. http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2008/08/23/bidens-beliefs-obamas-running-mate-calls-energy-americas-top-issue/
Bates, Michael M. "Biden proves he's a man of his word." Oak Lawn Reporter. May 11, 2006. http://www.enterstageright.com/archive/articles/0506/0506biden.htm
Broder, John M. "Biden living up to his gaffe-prone reputation." International Herald Tribune. September 11, 2008. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/09/11/america/biden.php
Brody, David. "An emotional Joe Biden opens up to Brody File about family tragedy." Christian Broadcasting Network. November 28, 2007. http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/276788.aspx
Brozyna, Christine. "Get to know Joe Biden." ABC News. December 13, 2007. http://abcnews.go.com/WN/WhoIs/story?id=3770445&page=1
Carlson, Margaret. "Biden is also reborn." Time. September 12, 1988. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,968383-1,00.html
Chaddock, Gail Russell. "Joseph Biden: a frank and abiding faith." Christian Science Monitor. August 27, 2008. http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0827/p01s07-uspo.html
Chapman, Steve. "Joe Biden's deep (but mythical) blue-collar roots." Chicago Tribune. August 31, 2008. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chioped0831chapmanaug31,0,7175933.column
Chase, Randall. "Biden wages 2 campaigns at once." Associated Press. August 24, 2008. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080824/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_biden_two_campaigns
Cillizza, Chris. "The case against Joe Biden." Washington Post. August 14, 2008. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/08/the_case_against_joe_biden.html
Cillizza, Chris. "The case for Joe Biden." Washington Post. August 13, 2008. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/08/the_case_for_joe_biden.html
Corsaro, Ryan. "Professor Biden shows up for law class." CBS News. September 6, 2008. http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/09/06/politics/fromtheroad/entry4422680.shtml
Dilanian, Ken. "Biden's son a registered lobbyist since 2001." USA Today. August 25, 2008.http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-24-Biden-son_N.htm
Dionne, E.J., Jr. "Biden admits errors and criticizes latest report." New York Times. September 22, 1987. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE4D91F3CF931A1575AC0A961948260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=print
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Grieve, Tim. "Biden: Repeal the 2002 Iraq war resolution." Salon. February 16, 2007. http://www.salon.com/politics/war_room/2007/02/16/biden/
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Heller, Karen. "How about VP worth quoting?" Hartford Courant. August 22, 2008. http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-heller0822.artaug22,0,3272484.story
Lehrer, Eli. "Biden's one accomplishment." Weekly Standard. September 15, 2008. http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/015/532zhbqc.asp?pg=1
Ludden, Jennifer. "Biden strong on foreign policy, national security." NPR. August 23, 2008. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93914952
Murray, Shailagh. "Biden's son off to Iraq." Washington Post. August 20, 2008. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thetrail/2008/08/20/bidens_son_off_to_iraq.html
Nagourney, Adam and Zeleny, Jeff. "Obama chooses Biden as running mate." New York Times. August 23, 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/us/politics/24biden.html
Shafer, Jack. "What kind of plagiarist is Joe Biden. Slate. August 25, 2008. http://www.slate.com/id/2198597/
Sheppard, Noel. "Pro-environment candidates fly to presidential debate on separate planes." NewsBusters. April 26, 2007. http://newsbusters.org/node/12346
Strickland, Ken. "Biden Iraq plan passes." MSNBC. September 26, 2007. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/380756.aspx
Thai, Xuan and Barrett, Ted. "Biden's description of Obama draws scrutiny." CNN. February 9, 2007. http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/31/biden.obama/
Winn, Pete. "Conservatives blast Biden for role in Bork and Thomas hearings." CNS. August 27, 2008. http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=34674
"A book by the U.S. Senator from Delaware." Time. http://www.time.com/time/2007/candidates_books/biden/
"Biden: Bush's comments were 'bullshit.'" Politico. May 15, 2008. http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/0508/Biden_Bushs_comments_were_bullshit.html
"Biden calls paying higher taxes a patriotic act." Associated Press. September 18, 2008. http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/09/18/biden_taxes.html
"Biden on the issues." Grist. August 23, 2008. http://www.grist.org/feature/2007/08/29/biden_factsheet/
"Biden gives Kinnock copy of his speeches." Reuters. January 13, 1988. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE5D61139F930A25752C0A96E948260
"Biden: The gift that keeps on giving." The Rush Limbaugh Show. September 15, 2008. http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_091508/content/01125109.guest.html
"Joe Biden biography (1942- )." Biography. http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=39995&page=1
"Joe Biden on abortion." On the Issues. http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Joe_Biden_Abortion.htm
"Joe Biden on tax reform." On the Issues. http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Joe_Biden_Tax_Reform.htm
"Meet Joe." Biden.Senate. http://biden.senate.gov/senator/
"Meet Joe Biden." Barack Obama.com. http://www.barackobama.com/learn/meet_joe.php
"Profile: Joe Biden." BBC. August 23, 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7574085.stm
"Running mates on the issues." New York Times. http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/president/issues/vice-presidents/index.html
"Transcript: the Democratic debate." ABC News. August 19, 2007. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Decision2008/story?id=3498294
"U.S. Senate: Delaware." PBS. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2008/biography.php?office=S&state=DE&num=1
"Who really is Joe Biden?" CBS News. August 27, 2008. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/27/eveningnews/main4390480.shtml
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News | Entertainment
Home > News > Entertainment
Jennifer Lawrence feels like she's finally "got to know" herself
The 'X-Men: Dark Phoenix' actress - who is engaged to Cooke Maroney - took a lengthy break out of the spotlight over the last year and though she initially worried she'd be "depressed" if she wasn't working, she's glad she took time off as she's discovered what she's passionate about
Speaking to Catt Sadler on her 'Naked' podcast, she said: "This last year has been the most healthy and fulfilling year because I used to think I would be depressed if I wasn't working, and I wasn't.
"I found interests, and I really got to the bottom of things that I was really passionate about that didn't just have to do with film. I feel like I got to know myself in the last year. It was great -- I met somebody, I fell in love, and I started a new life in New York."
The 28-year-old star announced two years ago she was planning to take a career break but admitted she wasn't sure what she'd do with her time off.
She said at the time: "I'm taking [a break]. I don't have anything set for two years."
And asked what she'll do with her time off, she quipped: "Start making pots."
However, Jennifer admitted she wouldn't be stepping away from the spotlight completely because she had a number of movies set for release which she would have to promote.
She quipped: "I'll see you in six months."
It was recently claimed the 'Red Sparrow' actress loves how her fiancé doesn't treat her like a celebrity.
Another insider said: "He's a great guy. He's smart and funny and I think really keeps her on her toes and he doesn't treat her like a celebrity like the other boyfriends did. He's definitely the coolest guy she's dated. [He's] not affected by Hollywood."
>> More Entertainment News
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Hope College Symphonette to Perform on Sept. 29
September 18, 2006 — by Hope PR
The Hope College Symphonette will present its first full-length performance of the school year on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Dimnent Memorial Chapel.
The public is invited. Admission is free.
The concert will include "Slavonic Dance No. 8 in G minor Op. 46, No. 8" by Antonin Dvorak, "Divertimento in D major for Strings K.136" by W.A. Mozart, and "Finlandia" by Jean Sibelius. The evening will continue with three works by Johann Strauss, and end with "L'Arlesienne Suite No. 2" by Georges Bizet.
Organized in 1953, the Symphonette is selected each year from the larger college symphony orchestra.
The Symphonette is one of only four orchestras from around the country invited to perform during the 2007 National Conference of the American String Teachers Association, chosen from a pool of more than 100 college orchestras that had applied for the honor. The conference will run Wednesday-Saturday, March 7-10, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center.
The group has made numerous radio and television appearances and has presented children's and youth concerts in addition to its series of formal concerts. The Symphonette has performed for the biennial meetings of the Music Educators' National Conference (MENC) and appears regularly in cities in Michigan. The Symphonette has appeared on the nationally televised "Hour of Power" from Garden Grove Church in California.
The Symphonette conducts a tour each spring, which has taken it from coast to coast in the U.S. as well as to two provinces in Canada, the British Isles, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The spring 2006 tour included cities in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.
The Symphonette is directed by Richard Piippo of the Hope music faculty, who is director of orchestral activities and an associate professor of cello/chamber music at the college.
Piippo has taught at Hope since 1999. His career began as cellist with the Milwaukee Symphony, and his reputation grew when he captured first place in two national cello competitions. He appears as a soloist and chamber player throughout the United States and Canada, performs as an adjunct cellist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and is the cellist with the Anchor Piano Trio at Hope.
Since 1996, he has spent his summers on the faculty of Seminar at Western Michigan University, as conductor, solo performer, teacher and coach. His work with the Detroit Symphony has included tours of Europe, Japan, Carnegie Hall and numerous recordings. During the summer of 2000, he performed as a soloist and chamber player on the Fontana Chamber Music Festival, the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck and the Dearborn Summer Music Festival. He recently completed his 11th season as artistic director/conductor of the Dearborn Summer Music Festival.
Born in Wisconsin, Piippo holds his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he studied with George Sopkin of the Fine Arts Quartet. He has also worked with Pierre Fournier in Switzerland and Lazio Varga and Margaret Rowell at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. His conducting studies were with George Cleve, Donald Craig and Marvin Rabin.
Dimnent Memorial Chapel is located on College Avenue at 12th Street.
Project TEACH Names New Student Participants
Project TEACH, an incentive scholarship program at Hope College whose primary objective is increasing the number of persons of color in the teaching profession, has chosen an 11th group of participating high school students.
Hope College to Welcome Indian Musician on Oct. 4
Hope College will welcome legendary Indian artist Shafaatullah Khan to the Knickerbocker Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m.
Donald Cronkite to Receive National Award
Dr. Donald Cronkite of the Hope College biology faculty will receive a national award this fall from the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT).
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Xfinity Live! Philadelphia
Xfinity Live! Philadelphia (known as Philly Live! during planning and construction) is a dining and entertainment complex located at the corner of 11th and Pattison Avenue, in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex on the former site of the Spectrum. It has become a media hub for various live broadcasts.[1]
Xfinity Live! is the home of five restaurant and entertainment venues including, Victory Beer Hall, PBR: A Coors Banquet Bar, Broad Street Bullies Pub, 1100 Social and NBC Sports Arena. The district also features an outdoor plaza that is home to the Miller Lite Concert Stage. Often called “Philly's fourth stadium”, the venue has invested over $150 million in original design as well as renovations over the years.[2]
Xfinity Live!, 2014
Philly Live!
N39° 54.8513', W075° 9.6919'
NRG station:
Broad Street Line
SEPTA bus: 4, 17
Comcast Spectacor and the Cordish Company
Restaurants, sports bar, and concert venue
First tenants opened March 2012
$50 million est
Xfinity Live from the south, with Center City skyline in the background
Starting in 2008, Comcast Spectacor and Cordish Company partnered for the proposed Art Nouveau design, making use of neon- and LED-lighting to accent structures and walkways. The original Philly Live! concept included an assortment of restaurants with outdoor seating, a hotel along Pattison Avenue, and a spa or health club.[3] In December 2011, Cordish and Comcast Spectacor announced renaming and reinventing the project as Xfinity Live!.
Construction began in the summer of 2011, and the first phase opened in late March 2012 as Xfinity Live!. The development concept was redrawn as a dining and entertainment district. Main attractions of the complex include the NBC Sports Arena and its 32-foot HDTV.
NBC Sports Arena
The first of its kind, NBC Sports Arena is the largest of the five venues inside Xfinity Live! At 32-feet tall, the venue holds one of the largest high definition televisions on the East Coast. The sports bar, in partnership with NBC Sports, offers bar food and a unique viewing experience for all major sporting events. NBC Sports Arena also holds two of Philadelphia's most popular food options: Chickie's & Pete's and Geno's Steaks.
^ Klein, Michael (December 15, 2011). "Philly Live!? No, Xfinity Live!". Philly.com.
^ "The Cordish Companies - Xfinity Live!". cordish.com. Retrieved August 15, 2017.
^ Messeroll, Jeff (July 1, 2010). "Philly Live! talking". South Philly Review. Archived from the original on April 5, 2012. Retrieved September 29, 2011.
Xfinity Live! Official Site
The Cordish Companies Official Site
Drive-in theater
A drive-in theater or drive-in cinema is a form of cinema structure consisting of a large outdoor movie screen, a projection booth, a concession stand and a large parking area for automobiles. Within this enclosed area, customers can view movies from the privacy and comfort of their cars. Some drive-ins have small playgrounds for children and a few picnic tables or benches.
The screen can be as simple as a wall that is painted white, or it can be a steel truss structure with a complex finish. Originally, the movie's sound was provided by speakers on the screen and later by individual speakers hung from the window of each car, which were attached by wire. These systems were superseded by the more economical and easier to maintain method of broadcasting the soundtrack at a low output power on AM or FM radio to be picked up by a car radio. This also allows the soundtrack to be picked up in stereo by the audience on an in-car stereo system which is typically higher quality and fidelity than the simple speakers used in the old systems.
Geno's Steaks
Geno's Steaks is a Philadelphia restaurant specializing in cheesesteaks, founded in 1966 by Joey Vento. Geno's is located in South Philadelphia at the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, directly across the street from rival Pat's King of Steaks, which is generally credited with having invented the cheesesteak in 1933. The cheesesteak has since become a signature dish for the city of Philadelphia. After Joey Vento's death in 2011, restaurant ownership was passed to his son Geno Vento.
Live! Hotel and Casino Philadelphia
Live! Hotel and Casino Philadelphia is a planned casino in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, expected to open in 2020. It is planned to have 240 hotel rooms, 2,000 slot machines, and 125 table games. It is being developed by a joint venture of The Cordish Companies and Greenwood Racing. Cordish also operates Xfinity Live! Philadelphia nearby.
NRG station
NRG station (formerly known as AT&T station and still commonly referred to as Pattison station) is the southern terminus of SEPTA's Broad Street Line, located at 3600 South Broad Street, at the intersection of Broad Street and Pattison Avenue in the South Philadelphia area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Naming rights for the station were sold in 2010 to AT&T for five years. Naming rights were passed to NRG Energy in 2018.
Reed Cordish
Reed S. Cordish (born June 18, 1974) is a fourth-generation American real estate developer, former professional tennis player, and former senior aide to President Donald Trump.Cordish is a principal and partner at his family-owned Baltimore-based real estate investment and development firm The Cordish Companies
where he was also affiliated with Entertainment Consulting International, a susbsidary of The Cordish Companies.
Spectrum (arena)
The Spectrum (later known as CoreStates Spectrum, First Union Spectrum and Wachovia Spectrum) was an indoor arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Opened in the fall of 1967 as part of what is now known as the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, after several expansions of its seating capacity it accommodated 18,168 for basketball and 17,380 for ice hockey, arena football, indoor soccer, and box lacrosse.
The last event at the Spectrum was a Pearl Jam concert on October 31, 2009. The arena was demolished between November 2010 and May 2011.
The Cordish Companies
The Cordish Companies (previously The Cordish Company) is a U.S.-based real estate development and entertainment operating company with its headquarters on the 6th floor of the Pratt Street Power Plant in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1910 by Louis Cordish. In 1933, his son Paul L. Cordish joined the business, then in 1968, Paul’s son David S. Cordish joined the firm and serves as its chairman and CEO. As of 2014, all three of David’s sons, Jonathan, Blake, and Reed Cordish, serve as Vice Presidents of The Cordish Companies with responsibilities over Private Equity Holdings, Real Estate Development and Entertainment Management divisions.The Cordish Companies has experience in the following disciplines of real estate: Commercial Real Estate, Coworking Spaces, Entertainment Districts, Gaming, Hotels, International Development, Private Equity, Residential, Restaurants and Sports-Anchored Districts. The Cordish Companies has been awarded seven ULI Awards for Excellence for positively impacting the cities in which they develop.
Xfinity Center
Xfinity Center may refer to any of these places in the United States:
Xfinity Center (Mansfield, Massachusetts), an amphitheatre in Mansfield, Massachusetts
Xfinity Center (College Park, Maryland), an arena and activities center at the University of Maryland
NBC Sports Group
Fight Night 36
Football Night in America
Fore Inventors Only
Indy Car 36
NBC SportsTalk
NFL Turning Point
NHL Live
NHL Overtime
Sunday Sports Report
College Football on NBC
College Hockey on NBC
Dew Action Sports Tour
IndyCar Series on NBC
Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross
NASCAR on NBC
Golf Channel on NBC
NFL on NBC
NBC Sunday Night Football
NHL on NBC
Notre Dame Football on NBC
Olympics on NBC
Premier Lacrosse League
Premier League on NBC
Red Bull Global Rallycross
USA Sevens
USA Rugby League
Tennis on NBC
Thoroughbred Racing on NBC
Men in Blazers
The Dan Patrick Show
National channels
NBCSN
NBC Sports Radio
Universal Sports (defunct)
NBC Sports Regional Networks
Bay Area (45%)
Chicago (20%)
SNY (8%)
Occasional programming
NBC-Telemundo Deportes
Occasional broadcasters
(Spanish-language)
All-American Bowl
Alli Sports
American Century Championship
NBC Sports Digital
NBC Sports Gold
NBC Sports Live Extra
Rotoworld Fantasy Sports
profootballtalk.com
Former programs
AFL on NBC
Baseball Night in America
Bowling on NBC
CFL on NBC
College Basketball on NBC
Formula One on NBC
Gillette Cavalcade of Sports
Hambletonian
The 'Lights
MLB Game of the Week
MLB on NBC
Major League Baseball: An Inside Look
MLS on NBC
NBA on NBC
NBA Showtime
NBC College Football Game of the Week
Sportsworld
Parent: NBCUniversal
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Hadeeth & its Sciences
Commentary on Hadeeth
The story of the hairdresser of Pharaoh’s daughter
This is a question about the Prophet’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) Night Journey. I would like to know whether the following story is true. During Mi’raj the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) smelt a pleasant smell like that of musk and when he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) questioned about it Jibreel (upon him be peace) answered that it is the smell coming from the beautician who worked in the Pharaoh’s palace (during Musa (upon him be peace) time). She was a secret convert but one day her faith was revealed when the comb fell from her hand and she said “Bismillah”. When Pharaoh heard of this he burnt her and her children . It is said that her infant son spoke to her at that moment and asked her to remain calm and steady in her faith. Due to her great eemaan Allah had elevated her position. Is this story true? Or are there any similar stories? Is this based on a Christian or Jewish source?.
The story of the hairdresser of the daughter of Pharaoh is narrated as follows:
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “On the night on which I was taken on the Night Journey (Isra’), a beautiful fragrance came to me. I said: O Jibreel, what is this beautiful fragrance? He said: This is the fragrance of the hairdresser of Pharaoh’s daughter and her children. I said: What is their story? He said: Whilst she was combing the hair of Pharaoh’s daughter one day, the iron comb fell from her hand and she said, ‘Bismillaah (in the name of Allaah).’ The daughter of Pharaoh said: ‘My father?’ She said: ‘No. My Lord and the Lord of your father is Allaah.’ She said: ‘I will tell him about that.’ She said: ‘Yes.’ So she told him and he summoned her and said: ‘O So and so, do you have a Lord other than me?’ She said: ‘Yes, my Lord and your Lord is Allaah.’ He ordered that a baqarah (lit. “cow”) made of copper be heated up, then he ordered that she and her children be thrown into it. She said: ‘I have a request to make of you.’ He said: ‘What is your request?’ She said: ‘I would like my bones and my children’s bones to be gathered together in one cloth and buried.’ He said: ‘This will be done for you.’ He ordered that her children be thrown into it in front of her, one by one, until they came to the last one who was an infant boy who was still being breastfed. It was as if she wavered because of him, but he said: ‘O mother, go ahead, for the punishment of this world is easier to bear than the punishment of the hereafter.’ So she went ahead.” Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: Four infants spoke: ‘Eesa ibn Maryam (peace be upon him), the companion of Jurayj, the witness of Yoosuf and the son of the hairdresser of Pharaoh’s daughter.
Narrated by Imam Ahmad in al-Musnad (1/309), al-Tabaraani (12280), Ibn Hibbaan (2903) and al-Haakim (2/496).
Al-Dhahabi said in al-‘Aluw (84): This hadeeth has a hasan isnaad. Ibn Katheer said in al-Tafseer (3/15): There is nothing wrong with its isnaad. Its isnaad was classed as saheeh by the scholar Ahmad Shaakir in his commentary on al-Musnad (4/295). Al-Arna’oot said in Takhreej al-Musnad (5/30-31, no. 2821): Its isnaad is hasan.
Thus it is clear that this story is saheeh and is proven from our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and it is not taken from Jewish or Christian sources.
With regard to the phrase “He ordered that a baqarah (lit. “cow”) made of copper be heated up”, Ibn al-Atheer said in al-Nihaayah (1/145): Al-Haafiz Abu Moosa said: It seems to me that this does not refer to something that was made in the shape of a cow, rather it may have been a vast pot or kettle, which they called a baqarah, taken from the word tabaqqur which means vastness, or it may have been something that could have held a whole cow because of its large size, so it was called thus.
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Lviv IT Cluster will Launch a New Modern Lab at LNU
Lviv IT Cluster together with Infopulse is going to launch the new modern lab at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, at the Faculty of Electronics and Computer Technologies.
Last year Lviv IT Cluster in collaboration with IT companies and academics has launched the innovative Data Science & Intelligent Systems undergraduate program at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. This year, the new lab will be launched at the program in September and will be used for lectures and workshops.
Infopulse, Lviv IT Cluster member, has supported the idea of the new DS Lab. The company provides software development and has 2000 employees and 7 offices in Ukraine.
“The idea of launching the new lab fits the concept of our company this year – “I am a citizen of Ukraine”. We encourage our employees to take part in the development of our country, to join numerous social and educational initiatives. Infopulse is putting a lot of effort into developing Ukraine as more a competitive and stronger country. We’ve created the first portal for administrative services in Lviv and we’re glad to continue such cooperation with our city. Infopulse wants to develop IT industry, and we’re especially interested in the area of Data Science. Since last year, the company is actively working in this field, as we think DS is one of the most prospective tech areas nowadays. The new lab will offer 15 working places and a server. Our employees will also join the program as DS experts, ” – comments Ivan Korzhov, Regional Manager, Infopulse.
The official opening of the lab will take place in the beginning of September. It will be located at the Faculty of Electronics, on Drahomanova St., 50.
Innovational educational program Data Science & Intelligent Systems has started in September last year. These are four separate study specializations, united by one name. The first year, students study the primary subjects common to all areas: higher mathematics, discrete mathematics, algorithms and data structures, programming and object-oriented programming. Also, in the first year, students learn to work in a team and present their projects. And in the second year, they will be able to choose their future profile from 4 areas: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Internet of Things, and Smart Solutions. Students will have the opportunity to have their summer practice in IT companies and to participate in thematic summer camps.
DS&IS program is one of 9th innovation degree programs of Lviv IT Cluster. You can find out about all the programs here.
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Decree On The Extension For The Monetary Redenomination
The central bank of Venezuela will be in charge of issuing the coins and bills after the monetary reconversion produced by decree 3445 of 2018.
The Decree N° 3445 (the “Decree”), published in the Official Gazette No. 6,379 dated June 01, 2018, deferred to August 4, 2018, the opportunity in which the unit of the monetary system of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela must be re-expressed under the terms established in Decree N° 24 in the context of the State of Emergency and Economic Emergency, through which the Monetary Reconversion is decreed (the “Decree of the Monetary Redenomination”).
The Decree provides that the opportunity to re-express the unit of the monetary system of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is deferred until August 4, 2018, in the terms established in the Decree of the Monetary Redenomination, that is, in the equivalent to one thousand bolivars (Bs. 1,000).
Therefore, the mentions related to June 4, 2018, contained in articles 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Decree of the Monetary Redenomination, as well as in its Transitory Provisions, will be understood as referring to August 4, 2018; and the reference to June 3, 2018, foreseen in article 4 of the Decree of the Monetary Redenomination, will be understood as referring to August 3, 2018.30
The Central Bank of Venezuela will determine the denominations of the bills and metallic coins that will represent the current monetary unit issued by it, which may circulate after August 4, 2018, keeping their legal tender until they are demonetized.
The other provisions established in the Decree of the Monetary Redenomination remain in force. The Decree will come into force as of its publication in the Official Gazette of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
This Legal Report presents a general description of relevant aspects of the Decree and does not constitute a legal opinion aimed at addressing a specific situation. In the case of any doubt, comment, or to obtain further information, please contact us through our website www.interjuris.com.2
Copyright © 2018 InterJuris Abogados, S.C. All rights reserved. Reproduction is permitted with attribution to the source
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French Celebrity Trainer Nancy Marie-Claire Helps Eva Green and Matt Dillon Hit Their Mark for Upcoming Film “Proxima”
March 11, 2019 Victoria Sayeg Leave a comment
Celebrity trainer Nancy Marie-Claire
French celebrity trainer and professional dancer Nancy Marie-Claire understands that the human body is a complex machine, and it is her job to assist in challenging, strengthening, toning, and preparing each individual physically in order to maximize their success in the entertainment industry– and in life.
A native of the Caribbean, Marie-Claire entered the artistic world as a dancer, where she learned, intrinsically, the patterns of the human body in space and in motion.
She explains, “This allows me to approach my training sessions with originality and playful side ensuring that each session is always different, varied and diversified.”
But her training doesn’t end there. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training, she is a certified Level 3 pilates instructor, and an internationally trained dancer, having studied under Dominique Lisette in Japan, England, Sweden, and the United States. There is no doubt that Marie-Claire possesses willpower, determination, organization and structure the likes of which most people can only dream of.
While Marie-Claire’s impressive resume undoubtedly helps her land countless celebrity training jobs, it is her compassion, adaptability, and charisma that set her apart from the rest, ensuring a long list of referrals and returning clients. Marie-Claire is most recently celebrated for her outstanding work on the film Proxima, which is expected to be released later this year.
Marie-Claire’s integral contribution to the film coaching star Eva Green (Penny Dreadful, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children) can be seen through Green’s physical stamina on set. In the film, Green portrays an astronaut who is preparing to leave on an excursion to the moon, with the film following her character as she evolves, trains, and prepares for the arduous journey.
“I had to learn about astronaut training methods, which turned out to be very interesting and so rewarding,” Marie-Claire says.
Once she grasped completely what this training should look like, Marie-Claire made the important decision to couple Green’s physical training with a nutritional program as well.
“Because Eva’s goals for this film included weight loss with upper-body mass gain especially on the arms and shoulders we worked primarily on endurance, speed, and force, allied with a carefully planned nutritional program,” explains Marie-Claire.
Marie-Claire worked with Green for three months leading up to the beginning of the shoot.
“In working with Eva, I challenged her with bodybuilding techniques, pilates, and electrostimulation, which has become one of our favorite practices, despite the effort and concentration that it requires.”
Electrostimulation is the application of electric current to stimulate bone or muscle tissue for therapeutic purposes, such as facilitation of muscle activation and muscle strengthening, and is a technique Green found incredibly helpful.
Actress Eva Green explains, “With Nancy’s electro-muscular-stimulation training, she was able to help me gain added strength in a shorter time frame and, above all, meet the needs of the director who insisted we follow a training program as strict as that of the astronauts.”
With her cross-training in electrostimulation, Marie-Claire is able to set up actors for success in a much different way than the average trainer.
Academy Award nominee Matt Dillon (Crash, There’s Something About Mary) also benefited greatly from Marie-Claire’s training and nutritional expertise during the filming of Proxima.
“My main focus with Matt involved staging different movements and exercises,” says Marie-Claire. “For example, there was a particularly fun and challenging scene involving a treadmill. Matt had to get on the treadmill and run for a significant amount of time while shooting. I helped train him to focus on his stamina and posture, so that the performance would be believable and genuine.”
While it is important to get the physical aspect of the job done safely and correctly, it is also critical to be understanding and patient as the trainee works to achieve their goals. Marie-Claire shines in this category as well, and celebrities are not shy in singing her praise.
“What’s great about Nancy is her natural empathy, her generosity and her ability to push you out of your comfort zone, getting you to trust her and yourself, completely,” says Eva Green. “Nancy is a person who listens to you, advises, takes the time to know your schedule, to adapt, gives you the best of herself and consequently makes you want to dig down and give the very best of yourself.”
Another trainer perhaps less focused on the individualized aspects of the job could inadvertently discourage an actor, which could lead to poor performance, or even giving up and failing entirely.
It is often said that an actor’s body is the most important tool in their toolbox, and Nancy Marie-Claire’s unrivaled skill, dedication, creative, safe, and effective techniques are instrumental in the maintaining and betterment of this tool.
Eva Green sums it up the best, “As an actor, I need to keep my body in tip top condition, ready to meet the demands of any role, and now that I’ve found Nancy, I know that I can call on her any time, for any project and she will help in my preparation, and accompany me throughout the film, and that is priceless!”
Celebrity trainerCelebrity trainer Nancy Marie-ClaireEva GreenFrench film industryMatt DillonNancy Marie-ClaireProxima film
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River Flow Ltd Referral Commission Back details (Scams group)
River Flow Ltd
Online: 2018-11-02 (42 D)
Last Paid: 216 days ago
Investment Plans: 103% - 130% after 1 day, 114% - 200% after 4 days,133% - 350% after 9 days,180% - 550% after 15 days
$1000 - 1999 5% 100% + $2.88 (member+ $0.02) 100% (member+ $1)
$2000 - 10000 5% 100% + $4.89 (member+ $0.02) 100% (member+ $2)
Sorry, we already lost more than $200 on the RCB offer, can NOT offer higher ref back !!
Total Referral deposit: $22965, Total RCB: $1556.22
2018-12-14 08:41:44 ko*** $50 / $2.8 U92*** paid
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5 WealthyCrypto $6196
10 TRESOR CAPITAL LTD $3052
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RCMP member who alleged harassment served with second discharge notice
By Amanda Connolly. Published on May 19, 2016 4:35pm
The RCMP is moving – again – to dismiss a B.C. force member who is suing the force for harassment and abuse, and she says she believes it’s an attempt to stop her from proceeding with two civil suits against the force.
Const. Karen Katz has served in the RCMP for 27 years and in 2012, she filed two civil claims against the RCMP alleging she experienced sexual harassment during her time with the force. In 2013, the RCMP served her with a notice of intent to discharge but that floundered after a medical board created to assess her case fell apart. On November 10, 2015, Katz received a second notice of intent to discharge, this time saying she has refused to be accommodated and must hand in her badge and uniform.
Katz, who has been on leave since 2009 because of a shoulder injury and PTSD, says she realizes that eventually she will need to be discharged but says she doesn’t think that should happen before her legal case is settled.
“Eventually I do have to be discharged,” she said, “but the timing …”
iPolitics reached out to the RCMP to ask for clarification on the matter.
“It would be inappropriate for the RCMP to comment on this matter,” force spokesperson Annie Delisle wrote in an email.
The first notice in 2013 informed Katz that the RCMP would form a three-member medical assessment board to evaluate her case but Katz informed the board they did not have her consent to view her medical records and says that prompted the board to disband.
The RCMP did not form a second board before the former Conservative government passed C-42, which made it easier to fire force members and came after Commissioner Bob Paulson said the rules as they stood then made it too difficult to get rid of “bad apples” within the force.
However, critics say it also makes it easier to fire those who complain against the force.
The notice Katz received states that while she has a disability as defined in the Canadian Human Rights Act, she has “refused to participate in the accommodation process” and that as of the day she was served with the notice, she is also relieved from duty and must hand in her uniform and badge.
Katz says she had asked the RCMP to provide her with a contract guaranteeing a “harassment-free workplace” but they refused.
She says she has already racked up about $100,000 in legal fees from her civil suits against the force and believes the attempt to dismiss her is an effort to delay or sway her legal case.
“You need your paycheque to pay your legal fees. What I think is they want to cut off my pay so I can’t pay my legal bills,” she said.
Earlier this month, RCMP settled a four-year legal saga with Cpl. Catherine Galliford, whose 2011 allegations to CBC News of sexual harassment during her two decades with the force opened the flood gates for hundreds of other allegations.
She had been unable to work for 10 years and had been waiting for a trial set for early 2017. Mediation efforts on her case resumed in March 2016 and led to the settlement announced on May 3.
The details of the settlement have not been made public.
Katz says the RCMP likely wanted to avoid a high-profile trial with that case but that she is frustrated with what she says are attempts to delay and discredit her own.
She said she expects the discharge will happen the next few months: she can appeal it but wouldn’t receive a salary during that process.
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Nation-to-nation relationship taking shape
By James Munson. Published on Jun 4, 2016 5:00am
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde at the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly in Gatineau, Tuesday December 8, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
In a speech to the Assembly of First Nations in a Gatineau hotel last December, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave what might have been his biggest promise in an already-crowded slate of commitments to indigenous peoples.
After barely a month on the job, Trudeau told the roomful of First Nations leaders he was open to repealing laws unilaterally imposed on them.
“Where measures are found to be in conflict with your rights, where they are inconsistent with the principles of good governance, or where they simply make no public policy sense, we will rescind them,” said Trudeau.
With this exercise in reconciliation before it, the Liberals are starting to match rhetoric with action, at least in some ways.
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) has opened around 20 “exploratory tables” – as the department is calling them – with indigenous leaders on potential self-government and land agreements, said Joe Wild, senior assistant deputy minister for treaties and aboriginal government, during an exclusive interview with iPolitics.
The exploratory tables – a series of non-binding discussion groups that are meant to find consensus ahead of tougher negotiations over powers — have the potential to one day create the material for a broad, national policy on indigenous self-government and sovereignty rights. But that isn’t necessarily the goal.
Joe Wild, senior assistant deputy minister for treaties and aboriginal government at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. Photo provided by INAC.
“It helps to inform how we’re developing a policy framework that maybe knits some of this together and maybe your policy framework really just ends up being just a bunch of core principles to help guide policy,” said Wild, speaking in his office overlooking the Ottawa River in Gatineau.
The tables are predicated on the unique challenges of having a policy on indigenous self-government, which could easily lose legitimacy if INAC took a strong-arm approach. That’s why the department calls the tables “co-development” — it’s a vision-making process that is supposed to lead to shared ideas about ultimate aims rather than beginning with an adversarial forum.
“It’s more flexibility on my end to be able to say, ‘We’re going to allow for the fact that things can look a little different in different communities based on needs — and based on their actual experience of what their needs are on the ground and I don’t need to force anyone into a cookie-cutter approach,'” said Wild.
The tables represent a significant break from past approaches in that Ottawa is open to hearing more innovative ideas about how to entrench indigenous rights into the core of how communities are governed, said Wild.
In Canada, there are major gaps among communities over self-governance because of the date agreements were entered into and the evolution of court decisions and public opinion over the past century.
To help make sense of it all, INAC makes a distinction between pre-1975 treaties and post-1975 treaties — 1975 being the year the first modern land claim was signed in Quebec. The federal government never interpreted many of the treaties before 1975 in a way that aligns with recent judicial interpretations on aboriginal rights. They were also accompanied by legislation that sought assimilation and social control like the Indian Act, which created a system of band governance that doesn’t provide for autonomy remotely resembling an equal footing with Canada.
There are 70 treaties across the country classified under the pre-1975 category, according to INAC. Among the post-1975 deals, there are 26 modern comprehensive land claim agreements across Canada, says the Land Claims Agreements Coalition, a lobby group for signatories to modern claims. There are over 100 self-government and land claim negotiating tables still in process across the country, some of which have been in place for decades, according to INAC.
The majority of First Nations people — not including Inuit or Metis communities — live under the pre-1975 treaties. There are 617 First Nations communities Canada and 364 of those are under those deals, representing 59 per cent of the total aboriginal population.
And critically, there are dozens of regional groups that represent nations outside of any formal political or legal process. While these likely play a key role in the exploratory tables — especially in places where dozens of communities consider themselves to be part of one nation — INAC will not divulge who sits on each table.
On top of the legacy of Canada’s interpretation of the pre-1975 treaties, there’s another way in which Ottawa’s rules on sovereignty frustrate indigenous peoples. The federal government’s own policies on self-government and comprehensive land claims since 1975 are dated when compared to court decisions as well. The department’s ‘Inherent Right Policy’ – which is the core of its views on self-government — is decades-old, while the comprehensive land claim policy – which determines how modern land claims are negotiated – dates back to the 1990s.
The exploratory tables offer a route to overcome both of these anachronisms.
“There’s a notion of sovereignty that can still exist in a way that doesn’t threaten the fabric of the nation,” said Wild. “There may be a few areas where you’ve got to be a little bit careful, like raising an army, the border of the country versus other countries, but the rest of it? You could probably figure out ways in which it all kind of works and it doesn’t actually do anything that would threaten the standing of Canada as Canada.”
Wild, who sits at the apex of one of the most unique mandates in the federal government, has wrestled with the concepts he’s now charged with enforcing.
A career public servant with a background in law, he speaks with a passion about the delicate nature of indigenous rights in policy-making. But he didn’t come to the post, which he took two years ago, with an appreciation for their scope.
After a youth spent in the Canadian public school system, and even courses in law school that covered recent developments in aboriginal law, he saw indigenous issues really just as a matter for social engineering like finding ways of boosting education levels. He had no idea how powerful terms like self-government were until he heard what they meant to actual indigenous people.
“When I first started the job, I wanted to really focus on outcomes and I didn’t really want to think about the sovereignty or rights,” said Wild. “Through listening to a lot of people a lot wiser than me in the first few months on the job, it kind of clicked in. There is something fundamental in section 35.”
Section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982 is the backbone of indigenous rights in Canadian law, both in the post-1975 land claims and in court decisions. It affirms the indigenous rights and land title that existed before Crown sovereignty was declared and reaffirmed treaties that came before the repatriation of the constitution.
It’s also become the roadmap for the Liberal government’s ambitions on indigenous policy.
Trudeau proposed a major revamp of the portfolio during the election, including the endorsement of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on residential schools’ final report, the adoption of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the creation of a national public inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women. Trudeau’s use of the term ‘nation-to-nation’ also marked a change of course from previous governments for its emphasis on equality.
But for all the grand promises, the Liberal position on self-government and treaties has been short on details.
During a committee appearance in May, INAC Minister Carolyn Bennett — when asked about progress on reconciliation — mentioned Wild’s work on treaties, calling him “amazing” for bringing a new approach.
“It is going to be through creativity and innovation that his happens,” said Bennett before the House of Commons indigenous and northern affairs committee on May 5.
Over the past few months, Bennett — along with Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould — has referred continuously to an expansion of the rights enshrined in section 35 in public statements.
Both ministers have said they want to “breathe life” into section 35, leading to some speculation that the government might codify in law the details of what it contains.
“What’s being signalled there is for a number of years, a lot of people looked at section 35 as an empty box, and the only way to figure out what was in section 35 was to hammer it out through a negotiated treaty,” said Wild. “And what we’re saying is that, actually no; Section 35 is a full box of rights and the point of the treaty is to establish the relationship between the various governments about how the rights are going to be exercised.”
The exploratory tables, an arena for these new interpretations of section 35 to take form, could impact treaty negotiations, self-government powers and resource management across Canada — among other things under Wild’s responsibility.
For indigenous people, the exploratory tables offer an avenue for greater economic development and the reinterpretation of ancient traditions and culture into governance structures. Since they’re still in their infancy and could lead to different deals across the country, their impact is hard to foresee.
Critically, Wild doesn’t have a mandate to implement what indigenous leaders propose to him in the tables.
He can, however, take the ideas he hears to Bennett and cabinet for a mandate to negotiate.
“It’s smart risk-taking,” said Wild, who said everything from central federal departments to his deputies know about the new experimental process. “There is a balance in how you do all of this in a way where you’re not putting ministers into a corner where they don’t have a choice, either.”
Before the co-development approach, the most important meeting place between INAC and nations would be at negotiation tables, which Wild described as “almost like a collective bargaining session – it’s a lot of lawyers in an almost adversarial talk at times.”
The new exploratory tables are meant to create a discussion before new agreements are hammered out between lawyers, a space where more general ideas — centred on socioeconomic outcomes changing over decades — can be discussed, said Wild.
“So instead of me guessing, I’m sitting down and we’re having a conversation about the shared outcomes,” said Wild. “It’s a way of looking at the journey of self-determination as a partnership…listening to how that particular group thinks that journey has to work and then being more responsive to that.”
INAC is willing to entertain treaties that have a time limit so that there is no question the agreement would extinguish aboriginal rights to land and resources. The department is also interested in hearing about governance deals that aren’t necessarily treaties, but deal with specific responsibilities.
INAC also doesn’t mind looking at new kinds of amending formulas for treaties, said Wild, in order to overcome criticism that Ottawa is reluctant to change the agreements once they’re signed.
The department is also open to renegotiating the role of the numbered treaties that cover Ontario and the Prairies, where the Indian Act has a greater role than places with post-1975 agreements on land and government.
During an emergency House of Commons debate on the suicide crisis in the northern Ontario town of Attawapiskat in the House of Commons, Wilson-Raybould said the Indian Act was not the right way to govern the community.
INAC is open to looking at how communities under Treaty 9, which includes Attawapiskat, might want to change that deal and erode the powers of the act, said Wild.
“There’s something in that conversation that’s well worth having and we’re absolutely open to having that conversation,” he said.
INAC is in early talks with the Assembly of First Nations, the national lobby group for First Nations chiefs in Ottawa, to act as an interlocutor for those numbered-treaty communities that want to leave Indian Act, said Wild.
The talks are a major opportunity to incorporate indigenous interpretations of what the numbered treaties meant into their implementation, said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde, who hails from Saskatchewan’s Little Black Bear First Nation, which entered into Treaty 4.
“For us in the numbered treaties, there have never been processes to move beyond the Indian Act,” said Bellegarde. “It’s exciting times going forward.”
There are ways to interpret the numbered treaties that allow them to be in line with a nation-to-nation relationship, said Bellegarde.
“Our challenge now is to move beyond the Indian Act and get into treaty implementation and treaty enforcement according to the spirit and intent of treaties,” he said.
The exploratory tables also cover areas where treaties haven’t been signed, like much of British Columbia, where many First Nations have turned down the province’s own treaty process.
INAC is in discussions with the Tsilhqot’in nation over that type of discussion, said Wild. The Tsilhqot’in were behind a major Supreme Court of Canada decision in 2014 that affirmed their title to land in the B.C. interior, the first time the court had ever done so.
“It’s early stages but we’re having that conversation,” said Wild.
The co-development process will also deal with aboriginal organizations that aren’t necessarily recognized as governments like bands under the Indian Act or a body under a self-government agreement.
“A prime example of that is the Manitoba Métis Federation where they don’t fit under any of our current policy frameworks,” said Wild. “That conversation will help us to eventually be able to develop a policy framework that could work for the Métis.”
Last month, INAC and the federation signed a memorandum of understanding that attempts to rectify broken promises made to the Métis. The MOU stems from a 2013 Supreme Court of Canada decision on the issue.
In many cases, indigenous governments and groups don’t represent actual nations. Often, broader regional groups are unified by a common ethnic or cultural link.
So the co-development process includes the possibility that indigenous governments can reorganize in a way that best reflects what they view as nations, a complicated process because it means opening up the potential for territorial overlaps between them.
That process also has to face practical considerations, said Wild, like when an amalgam of communities is big enough to warrant having its own school system or whether it should use a provincial system.
“Once you hit around five thousand kids, then you start to have a sufficient size that justifies the same types of added extras that a provincial school system has, so that means more assistant teachers, more resources that know how to handle say kids with autism or kids with other special types of needs,” said Wild.
INAC also advises other federal departments and agencies, most notably Natural Resources Canada and the National Energy Board, on how to approach the duty to consult aboriginal groups when major industrial projects are planned on their traditional territories.
But Wild sees that and the exploratory tables as two different things. While land is often discussed in self-government talks, it’s not as central as the discussion over governance more generally.
The work at the tables will give the resource industry clarity, said Wild, despite criticisms over Ottawa endorsing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in May.
“It helps everyone who is trying to do business in that area because the rules of the game are now clearly set out,” he said.
On May 10, Bennett announced in New York that Canada would no longer be officially opposed to UNDRIP, which calls for indigenous rights to land and governance powers to be recognized, among other things. Wilson-Raybould spoke at the UN a day earlier on Canada’s indigenous policies.
Bennett and INAC have said little on what adopting UNDRIP will look like in Canadian law.
However, Bennett said endorsing UNDRIP is “breathing life into section 35,” similar language to that used by Wilson-Raybould during the emergency debate on Attawapiskat.
Both ministers have referred to UNDRIP as acting as a kind of minimum standard as INAC reviews its indigenous rights policies.
In his interview with iPolitics, Wild described the underlying ideas within UNDRIP as being in line with Canada’s section 35.
“The basic principle that is lying underneath the UN declaration..is that we should recognize and reconcile the preexisting rights and sovereignty that indigenous nations enjoyed prior to Crown sovereignty being declared,” he said. “That’s the promise section 35 is trying to bring and the way the courts try to describe it is we’re all here now.”
With the work of the exploratory talks only beginning, Wild foresees the department doing more work at alerting indigenous leaders that the floor is wide open to new ideas.
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Medieval Feminist Forum: A Journal of Gender and Sexuality
Journal of the Society for Medieval Feminist Scholarship
MFF > Vol. 12 (1991) > No. 1
Notes and Announcements, no.12 1991
Note or Announcement
Copyright © 1991 Society for Medieval Feminist Scholarship
Notes and Announcements, no.12 1991 Medieval Feminist Newsletter 12 (1991): 26-28.
Medieval History Commons, Women's History Commons
Society for Medieval Feminist Scholarship
Subscribe to Medieval Feminist Forum: A Journal of Gender and Sexuality
Species and Gender
Microaggressions, Harassment, and Abuse--Medieval and Modern
Beyond Women and Power: Looking Backward and Moving Forward
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Tag Archive for: Artificial Intelligence
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Family Interest in Artificial Intelligence
June 14, 2018 /0 Comments/in Curiosity Machine, Iridescent /by Maggie
Parents Look For Ways to “Tech-Proof” Their Family for Impact of Artificial Intelligence
A recent study commissioned by Iridescent reveals 86% of parents want new ways to learn critical computer skills outside traditional classrooms such as taking a class, joining a club, or participating in events for more guidance on at-home education. The online study, conducted by VeraQuest, surveyed parents of 3rd – 8th graders to better understand their views of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and their children’s learning experiences. In addition to new approaches to learning, the study found parents do not understand the extent to which AI is already integrated into their everyday lives, but an overwhelming majority (92%) understand that technology, such as AI, is rapidly advancing and their children need to learn about these new technologies to be prepared for the future.
Today, only 36% of children receive technology education outside of their school, and parents expressed concern in the current gap between their child’s interest level in learning about future technology and their preparedness for it. These trends are consistent with studies conducted by Google and Gallup, which found interest in computer science learning continues to be strong, but all students do not yet have access to these learning opportunities in class. The education gap is especially prominent in low-income communities. “We often talk to concerned parents who are wondering how to provide their children the tools and skills they need to have a bright future as technology and the skill sets needed to succeed rapidly evolve,” said Tara Chklovski, Founder and CEO, Iridescent. “We want to help these parents feel confident and optimistic about their family’s future in a world filled with new technologies. That’s why we created the Curiosity Machine AI Family Challenge.” Through the Curiosity Machine AI Family Challenge Iridescent is filling the education gap with immersive AI curriculum for children and their families. The program introduces AI to underserved families in a way that fosters a deeper understanding of AI and its real world applications and makes technology education accessible to all communities.Parents learn alongside their children as they create AI-based products that solve problems in their community. “My daughter very much likes science,” said a mother surveyed in the study. “I think [the Curiosity Machine AI Family Challenge] will give her an upper hand in the [AI] field as well as allow her to be as creative as she wants to be in building skills for her future.”
Additional study findings for AI education:
Fears and Misperceptions Around AI
Our research found that 85% of parents understand that new AI technology develops rapidly, but less than 20% of parents know that Facebook, targeted ads, or other recommendation engines use AI technology. There is real danger the lack of AI knowledge and its rapid development will widen the “digital divide,” or information gap, between parents and technology.
Interest in Exploring New Technology
Regardless of their concerns, we found that parents still had a positive outlook on the future of technology. 63% of parents believe AI will be used to make the world a better place and 78% were especially interested in learning more about AI.
Iridescent is hosting a series of panel conversations with leading AI and technology companies and researchers. Join us for a deeper dive into this new study and a thoughtful conversation about how to support families, parents, and communities in the face of a rapidly changing world. # # #
Methodology The survey was conducted online from January 11th to January 17th, 2018. The sample was comprised of 1,566 respondents in the United States ages 25+ who have a child in grades three through eight. The sample was constructed from U.S. Census proportions to be representative of the population based on age, income, education, race/ethnicity and geography. Targets were also used for residential status and grade level of child. The low-income group (585 respondents) also had targets for each of the above variables. These targets were created to be specifically representative of families earning under $50K annually with a child in third to eighth grade.
Rationale Iridescent, in partnership with the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and NVIDIA Corporation, is encouraging families to learn about Artificial Intelligence technology through the Curiosity Machine AI Family Challenge. Over the next two years, the Curiosity Machine AI Family Challenge will invite 3rd – 8th grade students and their families to explore core concepts of AI research, apply AI tools to solve problems in their communities and have an opportunity to enter their ideas into a global competition.
https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/image1.jpg 1500 1999 Maggie https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/logo-iridescent-300x133.png Maggie2018-06-14 07:46:402019-03-07 07:55:29Family Interest in Artificial Intelligence
An Interview with Julita Vassileva: Artificial Intelligence and Online Communities
May 29, 2018 /0 Comments/in AI in Your Community /by katy
As part of our AI in Your Community series, I recently spoke with Julita Vassileva, a professor in Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan who is currently focused on building successful online communities and social computing applications. Julita Vassileva is particularly interested in user participation and user modeling, as well as user motivation and designing systems that incentivize people to continue participating in online communities.
Julita Vassileva
Tara Chklovski:To start off, maybe you can tell us a little bit about what problem you’re working on and what area of research you’re excited about.
Julita Vassileva: I’ve been doing research for 35 years, so I’ve done a lot of things! I’m a very curious person – I’ve been following my nose and have explored all over the place. When I first started working with artificial intelligence it was in education applications, while I was working on my Master’s degree and my PhD. When I started I didn’t have a particular interest in the area at all. I was in my 4th year studying mathematics at the University of Sofia, in Bulgaria, and when it came time to decide what to do next, all of my really smart and strong colleagues went in to very theoretical, classical areas of mathematics. I went to one of my professors for advice and he told me that mathematics is beautiful, and you could study it all your life and be fulfilled, but that it’s such an old area that every little stone has been turned over a hundred times by extremely smart people. You need to be extremely lucky and very smart, and work extremely hard to be able to find something new. So why not go into a new area? So I decided to go into computer science, even though I didn’t really have any idea what computer science was. I wasn’t fascinated by it – we programmed on punch cards, which was quite unexciting. But I picked somebody to work with who was sympathetic, who I thought I could talk to, my supervisor, Dr. Roumen Radev, who was creating a “smart” tutoring system to help teach how to solve physics problems. So I decided to try to do that for my Master’s.
TC: Oh, tell me more about that. What were you doing, and what did you think of it?
JV: At the beginning I thought, “who is going to study physics with computers?” Physics is tough enough just by itself. That leads me to a message I actually think is very important for young people– you don’t necessarily need to be interested in the subject when you start. In the beginning everything is hard, but under the surface there could be a whole world waiting to be discovered! You’ll have to invest a lot of work, and sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and do the work, and then suddenly you discover that it’s becoming interesting. The deeper you get, the more interesting and fascinating it becomes, and you feel the power of your knowledge gives you amazing opportunities. What flipped things for me was working on those tutors and realizing that it’s really hard to design tutoring systems. The tutor I created during my Master’s program coached students in solving problems using Ohm’s law, and it took me one year of hard work to develop it. It only taught only how to solve problems related to one physics lesson on calculating electrical circuits, but the experience made me think about how to make it easier to design the generic software for these systems so that teachers could create them more easily for different lessons and domains. And so I ventured into the area of authoring intelligent tutoring systems, which meant creating software that allowed other users (like teachers) to create their own tutoring applications. While computer-based training and authoring at that time was already an “old” area (20 years old, to be precise), intelligent tutoring, at that time, was new, which was so motivating, because it was a bit like homesteading – there were so many unexplored problems. You feel like the first person, the pioneer. Everything in the field is in front of you and you can do whatever you want. It’s a fantastic feeling.
TC: What was that transition like, moving from designing a tutor for one type of problem to creating generic tutoring systems and authoring tools?
JV: The really tricky thing was modeling the student, because for a system to be intelligent it has to understand how much the student understands and knows, and it has to adapt to it. If the student doesn’t understand a concept and the system continues giving the same advice it’s useless – the student will drop the system. How can you make the system intelligent so it can react to what the student understands? And how do you understand what the student knows?
Microsoft’s Clippy. Image from Mashable, 2017.
This is an area called student modeling, and at the time it was a new field of study, just starting. My focus during my PhD work was on creating generic architecture, knowledge representation schemes and a planning algorithms that could be used both for domain models and for student models. But then I found out that the application area of these architectures and methods is bigger than student models, since if one wants to create a “smart” system that supports the user, it needs to understand and anticipate the user’s needs, interests, knowledge and skills… which leads to user models. For example, Microsoft Office in the mid-90’s introduced Clippy – a little cartoon agent that was based on user modeling. It was watching what you were doing and trying to predict your goals and offer you advice based on those predictions. That’s user modeling and that’s what I was working on for the first five to six years after my PhD.Then I heard about multi-agent systems – a completely different area of AI from knowledge representation and planning, areas I was already familiar with. And suddenly, for me, it was like a revelation. It triggered my curiosity because I come from Bulgaria, which was a communist country. I left Bulgaria as soon as communism collapsed and it was possible to travel abroad. I went to Germany, and then came to Canada. And all the time I was trying to figure out, why did communism collapse economically? Of course, the reasons were many and complex. But I was looking for one simple, basic principle, fundamental in the system… Eventually, I realized it’s the incentives. People didn’t have the incentive to work because everything was divided based on your needs. You work as hard as you can, but then you don’t get as much as you worked for. Somebody else who did not work as hard but who has bigger needs (or connections to influential people) will get more than you. Then I realized that multi-agent systems, which was, at that time, a budding new area of artificial intelligence, allowed you to explore exactly those kinds of questions.
TC: Can you explain Multi-Agent Systems a little bit more, and how they allow us to explore those sorts of questions?
JV: You build a society of agents, where each agent is like a little person with very simple reasoning. But they can talk to each other. They can interact. They are autonomous. They can pursue their own goals, respond to rules and rewards that are set in the system or by other agents, and then you can let them loose, and see what happens with this society. If you set the rules of interaction between agents in particular ways, if you put laws and punishments in the society in a particular way you get completely different behaviors in the overall system. And you can see some societies collapse and some societies thrive, and you can build simulations of multi-agent systems. That was my focus for another five or six years. Marvin Minsky, an AI pioneer from the 1960’s created the concept of “Society of Mind” and I was totally thrilled by the idea of building software systems with a given purpose as a society of agents, not as a deterministic machine. To create “social glue” in such an artificial society, one needs to explore notions of trust and reputation, agent coalitions, emerging hierarchies and self-organization, communities of similar agents, and so on. And then, the Web “exploded”, people started blogging, sharing posts and videos, forming interest-based newsgroups and social networks, and I thought well, the agent simulation is good, but what about the real world? How can these concepts be transferred into the real world…because we design systems and then put those systems out there and people don’t use them. For every successful social system, there were thousands that failed… Just like the communist planned economies, perhaps their incentives were wrong? So how do you design for people and build incentives into the actual software to reward people so as to make the systems more engaging, and more addictive? And that became my area of research, which I’ve been working on since 2001. It’s about understanding how to incentivize participation in online communities, which could be discussion forums, social networks, or just enterprise systems where operators need to type in reports. For example, nurses who report on the state of a patient – how do you incentivize them to write a more detailed, better report? How do you reward desirable behaviors to enable the system as a whole to achieve a certain purpose, while maintaining its sustainability, quality, fairness, etc.? So then I started studying motivation, which is part of a field of psychology called social psychology and behavioral economics. Who do people do certain things? It’s a fascinating area.
TC: So what have you learned in your research about what motivates people? For instance people know you have to exercise and eat healthy, but how do you actually get them to do it? How do you keep people from getting bored and ignoring the technology once they’re used to it?
JV: I think that’s a one-million-dollar question, or maybe multi-million-dollar question because people are very easily bored, and we’re getting bored more easily. There are a lot of different strategies that exist, and there’s no one answer, but probably the best answer is that it depends on the person. The one important thing is that the person has to care about the behavior, and that they should set their own goal. To get them to set an appropriate goal, you can help them, you can educate them. So personalization is the key, and this leads again to user modeling. Here, again, going back to my original research into educational systems, AI and education – how do you teach people what is important? How do you convince them that something is important so that they can set a behavioral goal related to that thing? Changing habits depends on deciding on the new behavior you want to adopt, and then overcoming all the barriers which pull you to your old behavior, which is very sticky. So how do you do that? I’ll give you a couple of examples. Those personal monitoring devices like Fitbit and Apple Watch, they all rely on self monitoring. People are curious about their own behavior. Showing them statistics is important to teach them about how they’re doing, and if they’re improving. If they’re doing better than yesterday, it makes people feel good. Psychologists call this self-efficacy. It’s a very powerful motivation. People have a built-in drive to become better in whatever they’re doing. You can encourage this by showing them, visually showing them that they’re getting better, or if they’re not getting better, nudging them or relying on social influence. The key is to know your user, which leads back to user modeling, which means collecting data. Data, data, data. Understanding, collecting and understanding the data about your user, and of course this comes with huge privacy implications, since once the data is there, it can be copied, it could fall in the wrong hands, or can be used for wrong purposes. So ethically it’s very, very questionable. But like every technology, it has positive and negative uses.
TC: So what excites you about the potential of AI in the future?
JV: What excites me? I would very much like to see AI in a chip which people can plug in. I don’t believe that AI will be evil. I don’t think the fantasy about having a HAL computer which is much smarter than us and will take our place could happen. I think AI is very fragmented. Of course computers can have better skills than us for storing data. They’re faster than us. But these are also very narrow, very narrow areas, in which they can be better than us, for very narrow tasks. I see a positive future in augmenting our capabilities with the abilities in AI.
TC:That is so cool. What is a good way for children and maybe parents who don’t know about these kinds of technologies to start learning about them?
JV: There are so many tools out there. It’s really easy to create an app. There are environments where you don’t even need to code to be able to create a very simple app. I would recommend that they start with something that would enhance their life. For example, I live in a new neighborhood where nobody knows anybody. I had an undergraduate student who also lives in the same area who was looking for a project and I suggested that he make an app to allow people who live in the same neighborhood to just meet each other for a good reason. People are busy and need a good reason. Maybe they have something to give away, or cooked too much. Instead of throwing it away, why not offer it to the neighbors who didn’t have time to cook this evening? It’s also a reason to meet a neighbor, to encourage real face-to-face interaction, to get people to meet each other through the mediation of technology. And he was very excited. He did it and it worked well – he managed to actually get people on the application. So that’s a very good entry point. Once you start with something simple – and perhaps it’s not intelligent at all – then you can start adding “smarts” to it. But start simple, to solve a specific problem. And use the web. The web is big and there is so much to learn there.
TC:I think that is great advice, to start simple. And then you get excited.
JV: Exactly. Don’t wait to become interested because if you wait, there are so many interesting areas which you never get exposed to in school. So how would you know about this? How would you know if you’re interested? So start somewhere, work hard to become good in it, and then you’ll get interested. You’ll get excited, and it becomes a passion. Once you get passionate you will be good at it.
TC: That’s awesome advice. Thank you so much.
https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Julita-Vassileva-banner-image.jpg 300 860 katy https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/logo-iridescent-300x133.png katy2018-05-29 09:25:492019-03-05 14:55:45An Interview with Julita Vassileva: Artificial Intelligence and Online Communities
Elizabeth Clark: Creative Writing with AI
April 27, 2018 /0 Comments/in AI in Your Community /by katy
As part of our AI in Your Community series, I spoke to Elizabeth Clark, who won the Amazon Alexa Prize for her work with Sounding Board, a social bot. Elizabeth is studying natural language processing and working on tools for collaborative storytelling.
Elizabeth Clark
Tara Chklovski: Tell me a little bit about what you’re working on.
Elizabeth Clark: Very broadly I’m working on natural language processing, so looking at how language and computers interact, and helping computers process language – either written text or speech. More specifically I’ve been looking at collaborative writing systems, which give people support and offer suggestions to them as they write. I’m exploring how we can build models that will generate suggestions that are helpful to people as they try to write, say, a short story. There are different levels to offer help to people as they write. You could point out grammatical errors or spelling mistakes, or you could offer suggestions about structure. The type of suggestions we’re interested in are focused on the actual content for your story.
Our goal is to look at what type of suggestions people want, and determine how we can give them suggestions that are coherent with the story that has come so far, but are still creative and surprising – all to try and spark their creativity as they write. As for what are useful suggestions, we’ve found that it really depends on who is using the system. Different people want different things out of these suggestions. Some people really like silly suggestions, that have these unexpected elements, and they’ll work really hard to try to find a way to work it into their story, embracing it as a challenge…where other people know exactly what they want to write and if the suggestion isn’t in line with that, then they will just delete it and write their own story. There does seem to be a tradeoff between the level of unexpectedness of the suggestion and how coherent it is with what has come before.
https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/profPic171.jpg 301 859 katy https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/logo-iridescent-300x133.png katy2018-04-27 11:30:592019-03-08 12:06:05Elizabeth Clark: Creative Writing with AI
Natural Language Processing and Bias: An Interview with Maarten Sap
As part of the AI in your Community series, I recently spoke with Maarten Sap, a PhD student at the University of Washington. Maarten is interested in natural language processing, and social science applications of AI. Maarten is also the 2017 winner of the Alexa Prize, an Amazon competition to further conversational artificial intelligence. Maarten […]
https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/maarten-sap1.jpg 664 860 katy https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/logo-iridescent-300x133.png katy2018-04-20 12:09:192018-04-20 12:33:03Natural Language Processing and Bias: An Interview with Maarten Sap
Virtual humans and decision-making: A conversation with Stacy Marsella
As part of our ongoing AI In your Community series, I talked to Stacy Marsella, professor in the College of Computer and Information Science at Northeastern University and the Psychology Department. Professor Marsella’s research is grounded in computational modeling of human cognition, emotion, and social behavior as well as evaluation of those models. Tara Chklovski: […]
https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/stacy-marsella-professional-photo.jpg 358 860 katy https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/logo-iridescent-300x133.png katy2018-04-10 16:31:312018-04-10 16:31:31Virtual humans and decision-making: A conversation with Stacy Marsella
Machine Learning and combining common sense with data: An Interview with Fabio Cozman
April 4, 2018 /0 Comments/in AI in Your Community /by katy
As part of our AI in Your Community project, I spoke to Fabio Gagliardi Cozman, who is a Full Professor at the Engineering School at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. He works in the Department of Mechatronics and Mechanical Systems, in the Decision Making Lab, which focuses on Artificial intelligence. Tara Chklovski: Tell us […]
https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/fabiocozman-header-.jpeg 300 860 katy https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/logo-iridescent-300x133.png katy2018-04-04 15:07:302018-04-05 15:04:22Machine Learning and combining common sense with data: An Interview with Fabio Cozman
Game Theory and Machine Learning: An Interview with Fei Fang
As part of our AI in Your Community series, I sat down with Fei Fang, an Assistant Professor in the Institute for Software Research in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University. She works on game theory and machine learning, researching the strategic behavior of multiple agents, which has applications to many societal challenges […]
https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/feifang_header.jpg 301 860 katy https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/logo-iridescent-300x133.png katy2018-04-04 11:33:302018-04-04 11:33:30Game Theory and Machine Learning: An Interview with Fei Fang
Going beyond just clicks and views: An interview with Dr. Elisabeth Lex
March 16, 2018 /0 Comments/in AI in Your Community /by katy
As part of our ongoing AI In your Community series, I sat down with Dr. Elisabeth Lex, Assistant Professor at Graz University of Technology and head of Social Computing at Know-Center.
Dr. Elisabeth Lex
Tara Chklovski:What problem or area of research are you working on?
Elisabeth Lex: I’m working on a number of different projects at the moment! One of those projects is improving recommender systems. We look at how humans behave on certain tasks, and then design algorithms that are more effective and personalized. I like this field of research a lot because it’s very interdisciplinary.
Another project I’m working on looks at patterns of collaboration within networks to identify the factors that can improve collaboration, or make it more difficult. We’re also studying the effect of social status on how opinions spread over a network.
Finally, another of my research topics is open science. We want to open up the scientific process, the ivory tower of academia so all people can benefit from scientific research — not just the researchers through their publications.
https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Elisabeth-Lex_feature.jpg 1182 2336 katy https://iridescentlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/logo-iridescent-300x133.png katy2018-03-16 07:46:152019-03-13 10:57:12Going beyond just clicks and views: An interview with Dr. Elisabeth Lex
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Judging the erstwhile royals: An unkind cut or a bitter truth?https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jallianwala-bagh-judging-the-erstwhile-royals-an-unkind-cut-or-a-bitter-truth5673646/
Judging the erstwhile royals: An unkind cut or a bitter truth?
At a time when India is demanding an unconditional apology from the British govt for the mayhem that changed the course of independence movement, history questions the Punjab royals who never condemned the bloody Baisakhi
Written by Divya Goyal | Ludhiana | Updated: April 13, 2019 5:15:18 pm
Three new theatre productions are based on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre
100 years of Jallianwala Bagh: Exhibition displaying secret British documents to open in Pakistan
On Jallianwala Bagh centenary, exhibition puts focus on lesser known facts, protagonists
On the 100th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, people light candles at the memorial in Amritsar. (Express photo: Gurmeet Singh)
As India observes the 100th anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh massacre amid renewed demands of a formal apology from the British government, historians say that majority of royals – Rajas and Maharajas – within the country, ruling the erstwhile princely states then, had refused to condemn the horrific incident and some had even sided with the colonial rulers.
In the recent past, the Congress leaders in Punjab demanded an apology from former minister and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia on behalf of his great-grandfather Sundar Singh Majithia, who was Knighted and also given the title of ‘Sardar Bahadur’ by the British and remained a minister under British Raj.
However, the historians say that majority of the Rajas, Maharajas, and top Sikh leadership had refused to condemn the massacre with some even “praising” the British for the brutal killings. The leaders, according to historians, also included Maharaja of Patiala Bhupinder Singh, grandfather of Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh.
People pay tributes to victims of Jallianwala Bagh massacre on eve of its 100 anniversary at Amritsar Friday. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)
M Rajivlochan, professor, department of history, Panjab University, Chandigarh, says that Rajas and Maharajas of Punjab had even declared peaceful protesters as “rowdies” and praised British for killing them. “It was Mahatma Gandhi who had condemned and declared the massacre as entirely immoral in 1919. Mostly all the erstwhile royals and elite of Punjab appreciated the British for putting down what they called Indian rowdies. The elite Punjabis continued to praise, honour and appreciate Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer as for them it was more important to save their chair and position by siding with the British. Those who never condemned Jallianwala massacre include Maharaja of Patiala Bhupinder Singh. One prominent Sikh leader who insisted that Sikhs must fight against the British was Partap Singh Kairon who later became chief minister of Punjab,” Rajivlochan says.
In “The Magnificent Maharaja”, the biography of Maharaja of Patiala Bhupinder Singh, author K Natwar Singh wrote, “Dyer had killed 379 unarmed men at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on April 13, 1919. It is among the blackest episodes in the history of British empire. It was cold-blooded murder by a callous, conceited, narrow-minded unimaginative man, who should have been court martialled and dismissed. Instead he was lionised and a fund was raised for him from England. Inspite of the Martial Law, disturbances took place in various parts of Punjab. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh gave full support to the Raj. Lt Governor O’Dwyer acknowledged this in his autobiography. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh was not alone. All other Punjab princes did the same. Servile loyalty of this kind did not do the princely order any good. Even Churchill condemned the Jallianwala Bagh killings. But not one Indian ruler. The order was committed to taking orders from their imperial Masters”.
Sikh affairs experts also say that Arur Singh, then caretaker of the Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) at Amritsar and Sundar Singh Majithia had allegedly played a role in getting Dyer honoured with a siropa at the highest Sikh shrine. Majithia, otherwise, is also credited with establishing historical Khalsa College, Amritsar and raising several Sikh issues with the British through his “moderate” approach. He was also nominated as the first president of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) in 1920. He formed ‘Khalsa National Party’ in 1936 won polls and became Revenue Minister of Punjab under British and remained so till his death in April 1941.
Paramvir Singh, member, Sikh History Research Board, SGPC, says, “Dyer was honored at Golden Temple by caretaker Arur Singh, who too was a British nominee. He was the maternal grandfather of SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann who had later apologized on behalf of his grandfather. Till the SGPC wasn’t formed, gurdwaras were controlled by mahants who were hand in glove with the British. Cream of Sikh community, including Majithia, who was secretary of chief Khalsa Diwan in 1919 (an organization formed by Sikhs to open schools, colleges and do other social works but with moderate ideology towards British), were called for a meeting by Dyer after the massacre and later he was honored at Golden Temple. These Sikhs played a facilitator in getting him honored and suppressing anger in Sikh community. Almost every kingdom and institution then, including Maharaja of Patiala, were close to British because of their compulsion to save their own chair”.
An excerpt from the book, “A History of the Sikhs: 1839-2004” by Khushwant Singh, read: “General Dyer tried to win over the Sikhs as best he could. He summoned the manager of the Golden Temple and Majithia and asked them to use their influence with the Sikhs in favor of the government. He sent out movable columns through Sikh villages to wean them away from the influence of mischief makers and to prove that “sircar” was still strong. Priests of the Golden Temple invited the general to the sacred shrine and presented him with a siropa (turban and kirpan). Mahatma Gandhi later visited Jallianwala Bagh and the sites where atrocities had been committed by the army and the police. He addressed mammoth gatherings and told people that the most important quality for a patriot was to be nirbhai- fearless. Under his inspiration a new organization, the Central Sikh League, consisting of nationalists who were opposed to Chief Khalsa Diwan’s toadying to the British, came into existence”.
Sukhdev Singh Bhaur, a former SGPC general secretary, doesn’t believe in raking up the past. “It is all politics to divert attention from real issues plaguing Punjab right now – unemployment, education, environmental concerns, falling water table. Digging out skeletons for political gains is not going to help Punjab. But as far as apologies are concerned, those, whose forefathers did something wrong should not hesitate in apologizing – be it Majithia or Amarinder. Before we ask for an apology from the UK, we should not forget there were people within our country who justified Jallianwala and sided with the British.”
History being distorted just because they dislike me: Majithia
Ludhiana: Shiromani Akali Dal lawmaker Bikram Singh Majithia says that Congress leaders have resorted to distorting history just because they dislike him. He also claims that at least 16 members of Majithia clan were generals in the Sikh Army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the work that his great-grandfather Sundar Singh Majithia did for the society is “well-documented”.
“Just because they (Congress) dislike me, they resorted to distorting history and came up with something that happened 100 years ago. The works that my great-grandfather did for Sikh community and society – Anand Karaj Act, Chief Khasla Diwan that ran orphanages, schools, and colleges, Pingalwara Amritsar, Punjab National Bank, Khalsa College (Amritsar) and many others – are well documented.
Members of the Majithia clan, at least 16 of them, were generals in the Sikh Army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and fought with great valor. Some were even martyred. My grandfather Surjit Singh Majithia was a squadron leader in Indian Air Force. So, making allegations before going into the facts is completely wrong. If my great-grandfather was such a bad person who did nothing for Sikh community, then why and how was he elected first president of SGPC in 1920?” asks Majithia.
The former minister adds that it was true that his great-grandfather worked with the British government under several capacities but that doesn’t mean he sided with them. “There was a proper British government in place in India and whosoever worked under the government, doesn’t mean he or she was on their side. Moreover, I would also like to ask why only our (Majithia’s) properties were confiscated by the British? It is because they had earmarked families, which were close to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Raking up 100-year-old issues to target me is nothing but foolishness,” he says.
1 Jallianwala Bagh massacre 100th anniversary HIGHLIGHTS: Cost of our freedom must never be forgotten, says Rahul Gandhi
2 Employer ‘forcing labourer to eat excreta’, is this not Hindu terrorism: activists ask PM
3 Electoral bonds: Congress hails SC verdict, slams BJP
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So Where are We Now- A Year Later
This is the First Anniversary of my Blog.
Yikes what a year.
These were the first real words I wrote a year ago:
We The People, we need to take back the responsibility for our choices and to hold those politicians accountable for theirs. They serve us, it’s not the other way around.
But it does seem that in the last 20+ years that has been turned on it’s head.
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. ”
–President John F. Kennedy Jan 20th, 1961
We are long way from there now aren’t we!
These days it seems people are more interested in what government can do for them. The initiative and the drive to succeed is superseded by the want to have someone else do it for you or at the very least get someone else to pay for it (even though that in and of itself is an illusion).
The old joke of “Hi, we’re from the government and we are here to help you…” which would have sticken fear in a bygone era now seems to be what people want.
This sad state of narcissism is very troubling.
And a year later, that hasn’t changed. The Tea Party movement has gotten stronger. Congress even less popular. The Economy isn’t any better and likely is going towards a double-dip recession because the policies of Keynesian economics has failed miserably. But the Democrats fail to notice and the Media covers it up.
Government Health Care “surprises” from the now Law continue to pop up like evil gophers because the people passing the bills never read them.
Just this weekend, According to Sen. Baucus, the idea of him reading a bill allocating nearly $1 trillion of federal funds is “a waste of time:”
And he’s the one who “wrote” the Senate version!
“I don’t think you want me to waste my time to read every page of the health care bill. You know why? It’s statutory language,” Baucus said. “We hire experts.”
Aka staffers, and LOBBYISTS!
Baucus said. “Mark my words, several years from now you’re going to look back and say, ‘eh, maybe it isn’t so bad.’”(Washington Examiner)
So they pass bills that crush our freedoms, and they don’t even read them! And when you object they are condescending and tone deaf!
In the last year that has not changed.
But don’t tell that to the Media or Obama or Congress. They are tone deaf too.
There are calls for a second stimulus again!
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again the exact same way expecting the result to be different.
The Democrats are campaigning like its 2008.
It’s all George Bush’s Fault. The Party of No. Stimulus. and more Spending.
Except the people are angrier than a year ago.
And we spent another 1.3 Trillion more than we had.
The national debt is now a couple of Trillion dollars farther down the toilet than last year.
Government has no money unless it prints more or taxes more. It must get it from thin air or from you. Period. QED.
The Democrats still want to pass the Global warming farce, called Cap & Trade, but may do it by stealth means through the EPA.
They can’t get real amnesty, so they get quasi-Amnesty by ignoring as many illegals as they can and dismissing as many cases of illegals caught as they can.
They said that Arizona is a Human Rights Abuser and should be put down, by the likes of Cuba.
Unemployment is higher and more persistent.
Higher taxes loom even larger.
Debt is even more expansive.
Uncertainty is the #1 fear. Uncertainty as to what the Democrats will do next.
I ended that blog with:
The Declaration of Dependence
We the Congress of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Dicatorship, establish Injustice, insecure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense of The Congress, promote the general Welfare of The Congress, and secure the Blessings of Total Power to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Dictatorship for the United Socialist States of North America.
Yes, admitting to bad choices is tough. Yes, it can be messy. But the adage of what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger is still true and WE THE PEOPLE need to stand up and assert our rights and not abdicate them for the simpler, less stressful,less time consuming, less embarrassing and ultimately narcissistic way we have today.
And that is even more true now, a year later.
And November 2nd is the turning point.
“Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it.”
John Adams, Thoughts on Government, 1776
“Fear is the foundation of most governments; but it is so sordid and brutal a passion, and renders men in whose breasts it predominates so stupid and miserable, that Americans will not be likely to approve of any political institution which is founded on it.”
“If men through fear, fraud or mistake, should in terms renounce and give up any essential natural right, the eternal law of reason and the great end of society, would absolutely vacate such renunciation; the right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty, it is not in the power of Man to alienate this gift, and voluntarily become a slave.”
Now, it’s your turn to speak. Don’t expect the Liberal Ministry of Truth Media to speak for you. They won’t.
You can see November from here. And it has to be for We The People.
Or else, WE will just fade away…..
Standard | Posted in politics | Tagged America, Arizona, bi-partisan, Cap & Trade, choice, Citizens, climate change, competition, Congress, debt, deficit, democrats, dependence, diversity, double-dip recession, doublespeak, economics, elites, Fairness, faith, freedom, George W Bush, global warming, Health Care, health care reform, Illegal Immigration, Illegals, Insurance, John Adams, John F Kennedy, Keynesian Economics, liberty, Max Baucus, Media, medicare, Ministry of Truth, Newspeak, Obama, Orwell, pelosi, politics, Race, racism, reform, Responsibility, ruling elites, security, speech, taxes, tea party, tone deaf, trillion, Washington, We the People | 0 comments
I’m Sorry We’re Evil!
Moral Equivalence: This fallacy compares minor misdeeds with major atrocities.
Move over Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria. The State Department has made it official: The United States violates human rights. In an unprecedented move, the Obama administration submitted a report to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights detailing the progress and problems in dealing with human rights issues in this country. The document is a strange combination of left-wing history and White House talking points.
It describes how the United States discriminates against the disabled, homosexuals, women, Native Americans, blacks, Hispanics and those who don’t speak English. There is the expected pandering to Muslims, noting that the government is committed to “challenge misperceptions and discriminatory stereotypes, to prevent acts of vandalism and to combat hate crimes,” offenses that the American people evidently keep committing. And the current economic woes are blamed on the housing crisis, which itself was the result of “discriminatory lending practices.” The implication is that if Americans had only been less racist, they would be enjoying prosperity today.
The report notes that until recently, the U.S. engaged in torture, unlawfully detained terrorist suspects and illegally spied on Americans communicating with terrorists – but the report assures readers that Mr. Obama has been putting a stop to all that.
The main impact of the document will be to confirm critiques of the United States as a haven for hatred and rights abuses. It turns the Obama administration’s domestic political agenda into an international scorecard by which other countries can judge American “progress.” And it makes it that much more difficult for those abroad who have held up the United States as a model for the kind of liberal, capitalistic democracy they would like to see in their own countries.
“Progress is our goal,” the report proclaims, “and our expectation thereof is justified by the proven ability of our system of government to deliver the progress our people demand and deserve.” This reflects the general tone of a report that sees the state, not the people, as the source of American progress. All the problems discussed have a corresponding federal solution, whether health care, nutrition, housing or any other issue. To read the report, one could conclude that, to the Obama administration, big government is not just everything – it is the only thing.
The authors claim that the United States does not, by filing the report, “acknowledge commonality with states that systematically abuse human rights,” but of course it does. Dictatorships, authoritarian regimes and theocracies competing for legitimacy on the world stage have been handed a potent new weapon, the kind of assessment they would never offer about their own governments. The report also cautions that it should not be read to reflect “doubt in the ability of the American political system to deliver progress for its citizens.” The authors of the report should understand that the doubts in the Obama administration to deliver progress are already well-established. And they come from the American people, who don’t need the United Nations telling them to shape up. (Washington Post)
The First chair of the Commission in 2006 was Mexico. MEXICO!? 😦
Gee, I guess that’s the kettle deciding the pot is black and then you’re not suppose to notice that the kettle is even black.
Because in an international social justice world where everyone is equally evil the good guys are bad guys and the bad guys just need more understanding! 😦
Take Radical Islam for instance, or Iran or North Korea….
“The idea of our own American government submitting the duly enacted laws of a state of the United States to ‘review’ by the United Nations is internationalism run amok and unconstitutional,” AZ Governor Brewer wrote.
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer demanded Friday that a reference to the state’s controversial immigration law be removed from a State Department report to the United Nations’ human rights commissioner.
The U.S. included its legal challenge to the law on a list of ways the federal government is protecting human rights.
Imagine that, wanting to secure our border and deal with people coming here illegally is a Human Rights Abuse!
Can’t imagine what this commission thinks of it’s former Chair-County Mexico and their immigration laws… 🙂
In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Brewer says it is “downright offensive” that a state law would be included in the report, which was drafted as part of a UN review of human rights in all member nations every four years.
According to the ACLU, the U.S. report correctly acknowledges the need for improvement in several key areas, including racial justice, women’s rights, LGBT rights and discrimination against Muslims and Americans of South Asian and Arab descent. However, the report neglects to address other key areas where the U.S. has failed to meet its human rights obligations, including felon disfranchisement, inhumane prison conditions, racial disparities in the death penalty system and deaths and abuse in immigration detention. The report also defends the use of military commissions to try terrorism suspects, despite the fact that military commissions pose significant human and civil rights violations.
Oh, goody, The American Communist Liberals Union approves. Well, that settles it. We’re evil incarnate.
We are all equally evil.
http://video.foxnews.com/v/4322918/controversy-as-us-admits-human-rights-shortcomings
While it’s not on the UN report, this ditty from Rachael “Mad Cow” Maddow on the “end” of combat in Iraq is telling:
“The history of Iraq for the last generation is, Saddam taking power, a decade of the war with Iran, where we took Iraq’s side, then the first American war, then a decade of sanctions, then the second American war, toppling Saddam, presiding over a civil war, and now there’s us leaving. After all that, good luck! Hope it all works out for you guys!”
But don’t worry, they are the Insufferably Superior Moral Left!
They are better than you.
So you should just bow down to their greatness and not question their infinitely superior wisdom. 🙂
Standard | Posted in politics | Tagged abuse, ACLU, America, Arizona, blacks, cameroon, choice, commonality, Congress, democrats, diversity, doublespeak, economics, evil, Fairness, faith, freedom, Hispanics, Human Rights, Illegal Immigration, Illegals, iraq, islam, liberty, logical fallacy, Media, Mexico, Ministry of Truth, Moral equivalence, Native Americans, Newspeak, Obama, Orwell, politics, Progressives, Race, Rachael Maddow, racism, reform, Responsibility, saddam, SB 1070, security, socialism, speech, State department, tea party, UN, United Nations, violation, We the People, wisdom | 0 comments
You May Not Have a Dream…
While Fox News host Glenn Beck spoke to the droves of people that flooded the Lincoln Memorial to attend his “Restoring Honor” rally Saturday,Jaime Contreras, president of Service Employee International Union (SEIU) local 32BJ, said Beck’s rally didn’t “represent the dream.”
“It’s a shame what’s happening at the Lincoln Memorial. Shame on them! We are here to let those folks on the Mall know they don’t represent the dream!” Contreras said, cheered on by purple-shirted SEIU members in the audience. “They sure as hell don’t represent me! They represent hate mongering and angry white people!”
Just a teeny-weeny bit race obsessed and bigoted are we?
Sen. Harry Reid: “encouragement of Obama was unequivocal. He was wowed by Obama’s oratorical gifts and believed that the country was ready to embrace a black presidential candidate, especially one such as Obama — a “light-skinned” African American “with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one,” as he said privately. Reid was convinced, in fact, that Obama’s race would help him more than hurt him in a bid for the Democratic nomination.
Reid Again, this summer: ““I don’t know how anyone of Hispanic heritage could be a Republican.”
MSNBC’s Christ Mattthews at the Inaugural: “I was trying to think about who he was tonight. And, it’s interesting he is post-racial, by all appearances. You know I forgot he was black tonight for an hour. You know he’s gone a long way to become a leader of this country, and passed so much history in just a year a year or two. It’s something we don’t even think about. I was watching, I say, wait a minute, he’s an African-American guy in front of a bunch of other white people. And here he is President of the United States, and we’ve completely forgotten that tonight.”
The Rev. W. Franklin Richardson, senior pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, N.Y., told the audience that he wasn’t threatened by Beck’s rally. “It’s alright with me that they’re at the Mall today, because we’re at the White House,” he said.
Gee, no partisan politics here. 🙂
JANEANE GAROFALO: She dated him, so either she suffers from Stockholm Syndrome – a lot like Michael Steele, who’s the black guy in the Republican party who suffers from Stockholm Syndrome, which means you try and curry favor with the oppressor.
KEITH OLBERMANN: Yes, you talk about self-loathing.
GAROFALO: Yeah, and there’s, any female or person of color in the Republican party is struggling with Stockholm Syndrome.
An Omaha man was arrested Saturday on suspicion of spraying tear gas into a crowd of mourners and protesters outside a funeral for a Marine killed in Afghanistan.
The protesters were from the Topeka-based Westboro Baptist Church, run by Fred Phelps. Members of the church believe the deaths of U.S. troops are God’s punishment for the nation’s tolerance of homosexuality.(AP)
Remember kids, the Left is vastly superior to you. They are more tolerance, more compassionate and more sensitive than you could possibly ever be! 🙂
For those outside the beltway, there was likely little attention paid to the “firestorm” around President Obama’s Co-Chairman of his Bipartisan Debt Commission, former Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY). Simpson, in a letter responding to a disgruntled citizen, allegedly offended both women and Social Security recipients by concluding his response with some salty language (who described Social Security as a “milk cow with 310 million tits!” in an email. Simpson later issued an apology letter to the complainant.
The Left is all a tizzy about this. But when the Imam that’s going to be running the Mosque less than 1000ft from Ground Zero says:
“We tend to forget, in the West, that the United States has more Muslim blood on its hands than al-Qaeda has on its hands of innocent non Muslims,”Feisal Abdul Rauf said at a 2005 lecture sponsored by the University of South Australia. After discussing the U.S.-led sanctions against Iraq under Saddam Hussein, Rauf went on to argue that America is to blame for its testy relationship with Islamic countries. “What complicates the discussion, intra-Islamically, is the fact that the West has not been cognizant and has not addressed the issues of its own contribution to much injustice in the Arab and Muslim world.”
“We tend to forget, in the West, that the United States has more Muslim blood on its hands than al Qaida has on its hands of innocent non Muslims. You may remember that the US-led sanctions against Iraq led to the death of over half a million Iraqi children. This has been documented by the United Nations. And when Madeleine Albright, who has become a friend of mine over the last couple of years, when she was Secretary of State and was asked whether this was worth it, said it was worth it.”
The man who wants to “built bridges” and create “understanding” folks! 🙂
And according to The Left and the Media, he’s a centrist, moderate!
Must be similar to the Left’s annoyance with Obama being to “centrist” because he hasn’t been radically far left enough!
But remember, they are superior in every way to you. Just ask them.
“Welcome to Restoring Honor. You are standing on the banks of greatness, the banks of American dreams,” said Beck, during his initial remarks. “America is a land of opportunity.”
You evil angry white cracker you! 🙂
“For too long, this country has wandered in darkness and we have wandered in darkness in periods from the beginning. We have had moments of brilliance, and moments of darkness, but this country has spend far too long worrying about scars…today we are going to focus on good things in America.”
But victimization is the only thing the Left has, whatever would they do with themselves if everyone wasn’t a victim, even them?
Bill O’reilly: With polls showing that about 70 percent of Americans believe building an Islamic cultural center containing a mosque just two blocks away from Ground Zero is inappropriate, the far left is once again on the run. Failing with the bogus “freedom of religion” argument, the crew that is offended by the manger scene at Christmas is now saying the mosque controversy is another attempt to “scare white people.” Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson has put forth that loopy argument from his second home: MSNBC.
You may remember that the radical left designated the Shirley Sherrod story, the ACORN scandal, the New Black Panther Party-voting booth-Justice Department situation and the resignation of White House “green jobs” czar Van Jones as attempts to scare white Americans. I don’t know about you, but I’m white and those stories did not frighten me. I hope I’m not out of the white loop.
It is because of situations like the Ground Zero mosque that the far left has lost credibility, as well as viability. Americans are not stupid. They understand that New York City has more than 100 mosques. One more located near the site where fanatical Muslims murdered thousands of innocent people is certainly not necessary — especially considering the building would offend thousands of people who lost loved ones on 9/11. Why would anyone want to offend them?
After all, they are more tolerant, intelligent, compassionate, and sensitive than you, after all. 🙂
It would be nothing if not hypocritical to argue that Imam Rauf should be able to exercise his First Amendment rights without regard to Americans’ sensibilities while condemning Beck’s supposed “insensitivity” in exercising his.
And his freedom of religion must at least be equal to Beck’s. Right? 🙂
America is better than Glenn Beck. For all of his celebrity, Mr. Beck is an ignorant, divisive, pathetic figure. On the anniversary of the great 1963 March on Washington he will stand in the shadows of giants — Abraham Lincoln and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Who do you think is more representative of this nation?
Beck is a provocateur who likes to play with matches in the tinderbox of racial and ethnic confrontation.
And there is no road too low for him to slither upon. The Southern Poverty Law Center tells us that in a twist on the civil rights movement, Beck said on the air that he “wouldn’t be surprised if in our lifetime dogs and fire hoses are released or opened on us. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few of us get a billy club to the head. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of us go to jail — just like Martin Luther King did — on trumped-up charges. Tough times are coming.”
But I worry about the potential for violence that grows out of unrestrained, hostile bombast. We’ve seen it so often. (NY Times editorial)
Pelosi: “They’re carrying swastikas and symbols like that to a town meeting on healthcare.”
After all, who do they call “racists” “stupid” “ignorant” “violent” “domestic Terrorists”?
Other House Democratic leaders took a different tack: One senior aide has been circulating a document to the media that debunks the effort as one driven by corporate lobbyists and attended by neo-Nazis…
In addition, the tea parties are “not really all about average citizens,” the document continues, saying neo-Nazis, militias, secessionists and racists are attending them. The tea parties are also not peaceful, since reporters in Cincinnati had to seek “police protection” during one of the events, it states.
The guy beaten up at a Tea party Rally by a Union thug notwithstanding!
On MSNBC’s Aug. 25 “The Ed Show,” a seemingly angry host Ed Schultz said he was “fired up” about the Aug. 28 Glenn Beck event at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
“This is the story that has me fired up tonight – Glenn Beck is distorting Martin Luther King’s dream and his Tea Party followers are on edge,” Schultz sais. “You know, I just sense that we are going down a very dangerous road right now when a political organization like the Tea Party has members trying to intimidate elected public officials.”
…the entire Tea Party movement was the modern equivalent of the Brown Shirts, an organization that aided the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis in the 1930s.
“Folks, this is what the Brown Shirts did in the 1930s in Germany,” Schultz said. “They used to target businesses, target people, target families, list names, attack their businesses. This isn’t about protesting. This sets the table for intimidation and harassment.”
But the Lefts attacks on big business to satisfy there class warfare imperative and their obsession with racial politics and their need to call everyone who disagrees with them a racist, to shut down all debate are just the angels of intellectual and moral superiority.
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY.
If your conscience doesn’t match their stereotype of how a person of your group identity should vote, it’s obviously time for you to seek help for a psychological affliction.(red state.com)
If I were part of the liberal elite, I wouldn’t be as worried by the historic/racial overtones of the rally. I’d be worried about what it symbolizes: A growing understanding on the part of regular Americans that they should (and need) no longer heed the supposed “wisdom” and “moral authority” of a liberal elite that has nothing but contempt for them. (Carol Platt Liebau)
At least I hope so. I have a dream as well…. 🙂
Standard | Posted in politics | Tagged alan simpson, Bill O'reilly, contempt, cracker, freedom, Ground Zero Mosque, Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, insensitive, provocateur, stereotype, The Left | 0 comments
The Last Stand of Liberals- Bigotry
Charles Krauthammer: Liberalism under siege is an ugly sight indeed. Just yesterday it was all hope and change and returning power to the people. But the people have proved so disappointing. Their recalcitrance has, in only 19 months, turned the 40-year liberal ascendancy that James Carville predicted into a full retreat.
Ah, the people, the little people, the small-town people, the “bitter” people, as Barack Obama in an unguarded moment once memorably called them, clinging “to guns or religion or” — this part is less remembered — “antipathy toward people who aren’t like them.”
That’s a polite way of saying: clinging to bigotry. And promiscuous charges of bigotry are precisely how our current rulers and their vast media auxiliary react to an obstreperous citizenry that insists on incorrect thinking.
Resistance to the vast expansion of government power, intrusiveness and debt, as represented by the Tea Party? Why, racist resentment toward a black president.
Disgust and alarm with the federal government’s unwillingness to curb illegal immigration, as crystallized in the Arizona law? Nativism.
Opposition to the most radical redefinition of marriage in human history, as expressed in Proposition 8 in California? Homophobia.
Opposition to a 15-story Islamic center and mosque near Ground Zero? Islamophobia.
Now we know why the country has become “ungovernable,” last year’s excuse for the Democrats’ failure of governance: Who can possibly govern a nation of racist, nativist, homophobic Islamophobes?
Note what connects these issues. In every one, liberals have lost the argument in the court of public opinion. Majorities — often lopsided majorities — oppose President Obama’s social-democratic agenda (e.g., the stimulus, ObamaCare), support the Arizona law, oppose gay marriage and reject a Ground Zero mosque.
What’s a liberal to do? Pull out the bigotry charge, the trump that pre-empts debate and gives no credit to the seriousness and substance of the contrary argument.
The most venerable of these trumps is, of course, the race card. When the Tea Party arose, a spontaneous, leaderless and perfectly natural (and traditionally American) reaction to the vast expansion of government intrinsic to the president’s proudly proclaimed transformational agenda, the liberal commentariat cast it as a mob of angry white yahoos disguising their antipathy to a black president by cleverly speaking in economic terms.
Then came Arizona and SB 1070. It seems impossible for the left to believe that people of good will could hold that: (a) illegal immigration should be illegal, (b) the federal government should not hold border enforcement hostage to comprehensive reform, i.e., amnesty, (c) every country has the right to determine the composition of its immigrant population.
As for Proposition 8, is it so hard to see why people might believe that a single judge overturning the will of 7 million voters is an affront to democracy? And that seeing merit in retaining the structure of the most ancient and fundamental of all social institutions is something other than an alleged hatred of gays — particularly since the opposite-gender requirement has characterized virtually every society in all the millennia until just a few years ago?
And now the Ground Zero mosque. The intelligentsia are near unanimous that the only possible grounds for opposition is bigotry toward Muslims. This smug attribution of bigotry to two-thirds of the population hinges on the insistence on a complete lack of connection between Islam and radical Islam, a proposition that dovetails perfectly with the Obama administration’s pretense that we are at war with nothing more than “violent extremists” of inscrutable motive and indiscernible belief.
Those who reject this as both ridiculous and politically correct (an admitted redundancy) are declared Islamophobes, the ad hominem du jour.
It is a measure of the corruption of liberal thought and the collapse of its self-confidence that, finding itself so widely repudiated, it resorts reflexively to the cheapest race-baiting (in a colorful variety of forms).
Indeed, how can one reason with a nation of pitchfork-wielding mobs brimming with “antipathy toward people who aren’t like them” — blacks, Hispanics, gays and Muslims — a nation that is, as Michelle Obama once put it, “just downright mean”?
The Democrats are going to get beaten badly in November. Not just because the economy is ailing. And not just because Obama over-read his mandate in governing too far left. But because a comeuppance is due the arrogant elites whose undisguised contempt for the great unwashed prevents them from conceding a modicum of serious thought to those who dare oppose them.
And as for border security? Nothing to worry about there.
The body of an official investigating the massacre of 72 Central and South American migrants killed in a ranch in the northeastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas was found today dumped beside a nearby road alongside another unidentified victim, according to local media.
No big Deal. It’s racist to SECURE THE DAMN BORDER! 😦
Standard | Posted in politics | Tagged America, Arizona, bigotry, Charles Krauthammer, choice, Congress, contempt, democrats, diversity, doublespeak, economics, elites, Fairness, faith, freedom, Ground Zero, hispanic, homophobic, Illegal Immigration, Illegals, Islamophobia, islamophobic, liberty, Media, Mexico, Ministry of Truth, mosque, Newspeak, Obama, Orwell, politics, Race, race card, racism, reform, Responsibility, SB 1070, security, speech, tea party, We the People | 0 comments
Recession 2 “Summer of Recovery” 0
“We are going to take on the barbarism of war, the decadence of racism, and the scourge of poverty, that the Ku Klux — I meant to say the Tea Party,” The Rev. Walter Fauntroy told a news conference today at the National Press Club. “You all forgive me, but I — you have to use them interchangeably.”
But don’t worry, if you disagree with a Liberal you’re the hyperbolic racist! 🙂
The government is about to confirm what many people have felt for some time: The economy barely has a pulse.
The Commerce Department on Friday will revise its estimate for economic growth in the April-to-June period and Wall Street economists forecast it will be cut almost in half, to a 1.4 percent annual rate from 2.4 percent.
That’s a sharp slowdown from the first quarter, when the economy grew at a 3.7 percent annual rate, and economists say it’s a taste of the weakness to come. The current quarter isn’t expected to be much better, with many economists forecasting growth of only 1.7 percent.
Such slow growth won’t feel much like an economic recovery and won’t lead to much hiring. The unemployment rate, now at 9.5 percent, could even rise by the end of the year.
“The economy is going to limp along for the next few months,” said Gus Faucher, an economist at Moody’s Analytics. There’s even a one in three chance it could slip back into recession, he said.
The report confirms the economy has lost significant momentum in recent months. Most analysts expect the nation’s GDP will continue to grow at a similarly weak pace in the current July-to-September quarter and for the rest of this year.
The economy has grown for four straight quarters, but that growth has averaged only 2.9 percent, a weak pace after such a steep recession. The economy needs to expand at about 3 percent just to keep the unemployment rate, currently 9.5 percent, from rising.
According to data released earlier this week, home prices fell as much as five percent across the country in the month of July, and existing home sales fell 27%.
The worst in 15 years.
But if you listen to the liberals and their pundits, it slow but it’s all good. You just to have more hope. Give it more time. Don’t be so impatient.
So what if GDP growth has gone for 5% in the last quarter of 2009 to 1.6% now it’s still improving! 🙂
And you wouldn’t to hand the keys back over to Bush now would you!
After all, Bush was Republican and all Republicans are Bush. (a gold star to anyone who can spot the logical fallacy in that statement 🙂 ) But isn’t that what the Democrats ARE saying…
Cue Sisyphus! 🙂
Will the economy actually enter a double dip, with G.D.P. shrinking? Who cares? If unemployment rises for the rest of this year, which seems likely, it won’t matter whether the G.D.P. numbers are slightly positive or slightly negative.
All of this is obvious. Yet policy makers are in denial. Why are people who know better sugar-coating economic reality? The answer, I’m sorry to say, is that it’s all about evading responsibility.(Paul Krugman)
After all, it’s Bush’s Fault! and you wouldn’t want <cue evil organ music> Republicans! they’ll just wreck the car again like they did before! 🙂
After all, Bush was Republican and all Republicans are Bush.
And as Mr Krugman also says, showing his liberal roots,”The administration has less freedom of action, since it can’t get legislation past the Republican blockade.”
The Democrats currently have an overwhelming majority in the House and 59/100 seats in the Senate and The Presidency.
Yet, it’s a “republican blockade”.
The problem is that the Democrats can’t get all the Democrats to vote for all of this crap so they have to blame the minority party for it!
It sure as hell can’t possibly be their fault! 🙂
So, if November happens as predicted and the Democrats are the minority, it will be the tyranny of the majority then right? 🙂 They will be the victims yet again, as they are now in the majority. 🙂
Perpetual Victimization!
But the Democrats will focus again on the 1 tree in the forest that isn’t on fire and say that’s you’re hope and change, just be patient, socialism wasn’t built in a day! 🙂
On Thursday, Standard & Poor’s said action is needed soon if the U.S. is to keep the much-coveted AAA bond rating that lets the government borrow in global markets at the lowest rates possible.
S&P’s warning came just days after Morgan Stanley asserted that the U.S., along with a number of other developed nations, is likely to default on some debt. Such defaults are “inevitable,” it said, given the growing number of retirees in developed nations who will have to be taken care of by a shrinking pool of workers.
The sovereign debt crisis “is not over,” said the investment bank’s Arnaud Mares, and that includes in the U.S.
What worries Wall Street is a public debt-to-GDP ratio of around 53%. That’s high enough as it is, but it’s about to go a lot higher. By 2020, recent data suggest, the ratio will top 100% — a red line that virtually all economists agree is dangerous.
In raw numbers, we owed roughly $7.5 trillion at the start of this year. By 2020 that explodes to $23.5 trillion, according to an analysis of Congressional Budget Office data by economist Brian Riedl.
What do these numbers mean? To begin with, we spend $187 billion a year, or 1.3% of GDP, to pay our debts now. Just 10 years from now, that will surge to $1.1 trillion, or 4.8% of estimated GDP. Fiscally speaking, we’ll be gasping for air.
Debt can be a good thing, but in big doses it’s poison. If, as some fear, the U.S. should simply say it can’t pay its debts and default — or do a de facto default by printing money to retire our debt — the consequences would be dire.
No nation would want our bonds in their portfolios. To entice them to buy, we’d have to offer a much higher risk premium — that is, higher interest rates.
That means our debt service could go even higher, squeezing out even more of our economy’s spending.
The dollar would implode, and prices for foreign goods — which now make up 15% of our economy — would soar. Private investment would shrink and, along with it, private-sector GDP
Americans’ standard of living, once the envy of the world, would recede into the pack of mediocre, government-run nations.
It doesn’t have to be this way. All this is due to unrestrained spending. The federal government now spends about $29,000 per household. That will rise to $38,000 by 2020. If you think “the rich” will, or can, pay for it all, think again.
Unless we begin to control spending, we can kiss our American lifestyles goodbye. It’s that simple.
Sadly, the White House is unwilling to see reality. Which may explain why, as our debts mount to ruinous heights, Vice President Joe Biden — President Obama’s point man on the recovery — can burble, “This is a chance to do something big, man!”
Yeah, man, something big — like wreck a country.
Warnings about America’s impending financial car wreck are being sounded, loud and clear. The only question is whether those driving the car will slam on the brakes before it’s too late.(IBD)
Got the car out of the ditch and drove it straight off a cliff and into a bottomless pit!
Way to go Barack & Co!
Yours is the Superior Intellect! 🙂
Standard | Posted in politics | Tagged AAA Bond rating, America, bi-partisan, blockade, Bush, choice, Citizens, competition, Congress, debt, default, deficit, democrats, diversity, doublespeak, economics, economy, Fairness, faith, fault, freedom, GDP, global, health care reform, intellect, Ku Klux Klan, Liberals, liberty, Media, Ministry of Truth, Moody's, Newspeak, Obama, Orwell, political elites, politics, pundits, Race, racism, reform, Responsibility, security, Sisyphus, socialism, speech, Standard & Poors, Summer of Recovery, superior, superiority, taxes, tea party, Walter Fauntroy, We the People | 0 comments
How To Stay Here Illegally 101
Big Sis, DHS Secretary and Pro-Illegal Janet Napalitano has figured out a new strategy for creating a de-facto amnesty.
If they aren’t “serious criminals” you let them walk. Period.
So all you have to do to be an illegal alien permanently in this country is not be a “serious” criminal in this country.
More or less. More on that after a this…
The Department of Homeland Security is systematically reviewing thousands of pending immigration cases and moving to dismiss those filed against suspected illegal immigrants who have no serious criminal records, according to several sources familiar with the efforts.
Culling the immigration court system dockets of noncriminals started in earnest in Houston about a month ago and has stunned local immigration attorneys, who have reported coming to court anticipating clients’ deportations only to learn that the government was dismissing their cases.
Richard Rocha, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman, said Tuesday that the review is part of the agency’s broader, nationwide strategy to prioritize the deportations of illegal immigrants who pose a threat to national security and public safety. Rocha declined to provide further details.
Critics assailed the plan as another sign that the Obama administration is trying to create a kind of backdoor “amnesty” program.
Raed Gonzalez, an immigration attorney who was briefed on the effort by Homeland Security’s deputy chief counsel in Houston, said DHS confirmed that it’s reviewing cases nationwide, though not yet to the pace of the local office. He said the others are expected to follow suit soon.
Gonzalez, the liaison between the Executive Office for Immigration Review, which administers the immigration court system, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said DHS now has five attorneys assigned full time to reviewing all active cases in Houston’s immigration court.
Gonzalez said DHS attorneys are conducting the reviews on a case-by-case basis. However, he said they are following general guidelines that allow for the dismissal of cases for defendants who have been in the country for two or more years and have no felony convictions.
In some instances, defendants can have one misdemeanor conviction, but it cannot involve a DWI, family violence or sexual crime, Gonzalez said.
Massive backlog of cases
Opponents of illegal immigration were critical of the dismissals.
“They’ve made clear that they have no interest in enforcing immigration laws against people who are not convicted criminals,” said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for strict controls.
“This situation is just another side effect of President Obama’s failure to deliver on his campaign promise to make immigration reform a priority in his first year,” said U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. “Until he does, state and local authorities are left with no choice but to pick up the slack for prosecuting and detaining criminal aliens.”
Gonzalez called the dismissals a necessary step in unclogging a massive backlog in the immigration court system. In June, there were more than 248,000 cases pending in immigration courts across the country, including about 23,000 in Texas, according to data compiled by researchers at Syracuse University.
‘Absolutely fantastic’
Gonzalez said he went into immigration court downtown on Monday and was given a court date in October 2011 for one client. But, he said, the government’s attorney requested the dismissal of that case and those of two more of his clients, and the cases were dispatched by the judge.
The court “was terminating all of the cases that came up,” Gonzalez said. “It was absolutely fantastic.”
“We’re all calling each other saying, ‘Can you believe this?’ ” said John Nechman, another Houston immigration attorney, who had two cases dismissed.
Attorney Elizabeth Mendoza Macias, who has practiced in Houston for 17 years, said she had cases for several clients dismissed during the past month and eventually called DHS to find out what was going on. She said she was told by a DHS trial attorney that 2,500 cases were under review in Houston.
“I had five (dismissed) in one week, and two more that I just received,” Mendoza said. “And I am expecting many more, many more, in the next month.”
Her clients, all previously charged with being in the country illegally, included:
An El Salvadoran man married to a U.S. citizen who has two U.S.-born children. The client had a pending asylum case in the court system, but the case was not particularly strong. Now that his case is terminated, he will be eligible to obtain permanent residency through his wife, Mendoza said.
A woman from Cameroon, who was in removal proceedings after being caught by the U.S. Border Patrol, had her case terminated by the government. She meets the criteria of a trafficking victim, Mendoza said, and can now apply for a visa.
Memo outlines priorities
Immigrants who have had their cases terminated are frequently left in limbo, immigration attorneys said, and are not granted any form of legal status.
“It’s very, very key to understand that these aliens are not being granted anything in court. They are still here illegally. They don’t have work permits. They don’t have Social Security numbers,” Mendoza said. “ICE is just saying, ‘At this particular moment, we are not going to proceed with trying to remove you from the United States.’ ”
In a June 30 memo, ICE Assistant Secretary John Morton outlined the agency’s priorities, saying it had the capacity to remove about 400,000 illegal immigrants annually — about 4 percent of the estimated illegal immigrant population in the country. The memo outlines priorities for the detention and removal system, putting criminals and threats to national security at the top of the list.
Up to 17,000 cases
On Tuesday, ICE officials provided a copy of a new policy memo from Morton dated Aug. 20 that instructs government attorneys to review the court cases of people with pending applications to adjust status based on their relation to a U.S. citizen. Morton estimates in the memo that the effort could affect up to 17,000 cases.
Tre Rebsock, the ICE union representative in Houston, said even if the efforts involve only a fraction of the pending immigration cases, “that’s going to make our officers feel even more powerless to enforce the laws.” (Houston Chronicle)
Mind you bullets from the recent gun battles in Mexico have been flying across the border and hitting building, including the University of Tex El Paso, but don’t worry about that DHS has it all under control. 🙂
Now to that “less” I spoke of…
An illegal immigrant arrested five times for driving offenses, including a 2005 hit-and-run that ultimately left an elderly Dacula man dead, was voluntarily deported last October, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s office said Monday. Whether he will be involuntarily deported following his latest charge remains uncertain.
“He either didn’t leave the country as agreed or he left and came back,” said sheriff’s spokeswoman Stacey Bourbonnais. Added Sheriff Butch Conway, “they put him on the honor system, more or less.”
Celso Campo-Duartes’ current whereabouts are no mystery. He’s been in Gwinnett’s custody since May 28, when he was charged with disorderly conduct and unlicensed driving.
In January 2008, the suspect entered a negotiated plea to a charge of failure to stop at or return to the scene of an accident in the death of Aubrey Sosebee, an 83-year-old World War II veteran who was run over by the plumber as he was retrieving his mail. Campo-Duartes was sentenced to two years in prison and three years of probation and was released for time served.
A little more than a year ago, he was arrested for driving without a license and released the same day on $760 bond. In October, he was arrested on the same charge. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
So is he “serious” enough” or are the drug runners, smugglers, and coyotes coming across the border with impunity “serious” enough for DHS??
Like I have said before, now we know why the judge put SB1070’s enforcement provision on hold because they would “overwhelm” the system. 😦
The problem is so big they don’t, cant, and won’t deal with it. But they will lie about it and call anyone who disagrees with them a racist!
The Obama administration said it would focus its enforcement of illegal immigration laws by targeting workplace activities, but a recent report shows that while audits of employers are slightly up over the Bush administration, worker arrests are down drastically since the end of 2008.
Under Obama, employer audits are up 50 percent, fines have tripled to almost $3 million and the number of executives arrested is slightly up over the Bush administration.
But under President Obama, the numbers of arrests and deportations of illegals taken into custody at work sites plummeted by more than 80 percent from the last year of the Bush administration. In the current fiscal year 2010, which ends Sept. 30, ICE has arrested 900 workers.
That compares to immigration agents under Bush raiding hundreds of businesses from factory to farm — and arresting and deporting more than 6,000 illegal immigrants in raids in 2008 — more than 5,000 simply for being in the country illegally.
“No administration in the history of this nation removed more illegal immigrants from the country than we did last year and I expect the records to continue. We’re serious about enforcement. We’re going to go out and we’re just going to do it,” he said.
Can you guess if this was Obama, Napalitano or ICE? they’ve all said the same talking point.
But if they aren’t “serious” criminals they can now walk. And even if they are “serious” they can always self-deport so they can walk across the border again tomorrow. No problem.
So we raid your business, we fine you, you’re workers are taken by ICE. Then if they aren’t “serious” criminals they let them go so you can rehire them again or you can hire the group let go by another employer yesterday.
Let’s just swap workers and call that jobs “saved or created”. Yeah, that’s the ticket! 🙂
That is unless you’re a chronic drunk in Atlanta who kills people at their mailbox that is. 😦 Maybe…
So just like the Blank Panther case and others, the government has made the decision on what selective enforcement they wish to pursue. The law is mailable to their political whims of the moment.
“It is tough when you have law enforcement turning a blind eye to entire categories of aliens — and that is what is happening here — it is a de facto amnesty,” Julie Myers, an ICE director under Bush said.
“No one is talking about giving a free pass for fraud, or ID theft is to be taken lightly, but we know the vast majority of the workforce did not commit any crime,” Marshall Fitz, director of immigration policy at the Center for American Progress (a liberal think tank) said.
After all, being her illegally is not a crime to Liberals. It is to Federal law, but not to Liberals. So it’s no big deal.
And you’re a racist if you disagree, just remember that. 🙂
The law is there to enforced when they feel like it and how they feel like it.
SAN DIEGO — The speedboat is about three miles offshore when a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent cuts the engine to drift on the current in quiet darkness, hoping for the telltale signs of immigrant smuggling — sulfur fumes or a motor’s whirr.
“It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, and the haystack is the Pacific Ocean,” agent Tim Feige says minutes before sunrise marks the end to another uneventful shift.
This is a new frontier for illegal immigrants entering the United States — a roughly 400-square-mile ocean expanse that stretches from a bullring on the shores of Tijuana, Mexico, to suburban Los Angeles. In growing numbers, migrants are gambling their lives at sea as land crossings become even more arduous and likely to end in arrest.
Sea interdictions and arrests have spiked year-over-year for three years, as enforcement efforts ramp up to meet the challenge.
And that doesn’t even count the sea piracy on the lake in Zapata in Texas.
1 if by land 2 if by Sea. The Illegals are Coming! The Illegals are coming! 🙂
But don’t worry, if you’re not a “serious” criminal Big Sis and her pals don’t actually care. And even if you are, it depends on their mood ring at that moment. And you can always self-deport yourself so you can come back tomorrow.
No big deal. But it looks like we give a damn.
And if criticize us you’re a racist! 🙂
So why are they so against securing the border against the drug dealer, coyotes and bullets? Hmmm…
So lesson #1 for Terrorists coming across the border, keep your nose clean and no one will be paying any attention to you, or at the very least just don’t be “serious”, until you set off your bomb!
If unrestricted illegal immigration is unsatisfactory and “sealing the border” is unsatisfactory, where is the path ahead?
How to look like we’re are doing something, but in fact we aren’t doing diddly. 🙂
SNAFU 🙂
Standard | Posted in politics | Tagged America, Amnesty, Arizona, arrest, bi-partisan, Big Sis, Border patrol, Border security, Bush, Celso Campo-Duartes, choice, Citizens, Congress, democrats, DHS, diversity, doublespeak, drug cartel, drug dealers, economics, enforcement, Fairness, freedom, ICE, Illegal Immigration, Illegals, Janet Napalitano, liberty, Media, Mexico, Ministry of Truth, National security, Newspeak, Obama, Orwell, politics, Race, racism, Racist, reform, Responsibility, saves or created, sealing the border, security, selective prosecution, self-deportation, serious, smugglers, snafu, socialism, speech, tea party, Texas, UTEP, voluntary deportation, We the People | 0 comments
Quintessential Partisan
More of David Limbaugh (Daily Caller): President Obama is the quintessential partisan, for sure, but he doesn’t reserve his vitriol for Republican politicians. He’ll turn on anyone who stands in his way, and he’ll make it personal through bullying, ridicule, and demonizing. Obama believes he can use his presidential bully pulpit to say whatever he wants about anyone or any group, whether foreign leaders, bankers, or tea party protesters.
Consistent with his narcissistic proclivities, Obama is angrily intolerant of his critics. He dismissed President Bush’s rare criticism by snapping, “We won.” Likewise, he lashed out at Senator John McCain for objecting to his stance on Iran, declaring, “Only I’m the president of the United States . . . and I’ll carry out my responsibilities the way I think is appropriate”—completely ignoring the substance of McCain’s criticism.
This is a hallmark of Obama’s governing style: he takes things personally and keeps score. He exudes a sense of entitlement about his agenda, expecting legislators to vote as he commands, as opposed to, say, their consciences or the wishes of their constituents.
For Obama, it’s more than just a matter of political power. There’s also his egotistical sense that he is absolutely right about everything, that everyone else is wrong, and that if given enough time, he can persuade the rest of the rubes of the superiority of his positions.
It has been my experience, online and in the media (say MSDNC), that the more Progressive Left they are they more that condescending snottiness and absolute Right of God comes out. The more left they are the more they are The Insufferably Superior Left. And thus, they are utterly incapable of being wrong and even if you can prove it, they will just attack you like a rabid raptor.
In their heads there is no such thing as them being wrong. EVER!
An easy test: Ask one of these nuts when will it not be George Bush’s fault?
Get out a wetsuit because the dripping condescending snottiness and Bush Derangement Syndrome will flow like the flood of the century!
And don’t expect the Mainstream Media, The Ministry of Truth, to be there to protect you they are ideological now and they’re not news reporters. And they are in favor of Obama’s agenda and so they are going to disregard the kind of things he does and will make you (or Bush) the cause not him.
They still love him. Some on the far-far left are mad, it’s true, but that’s because he’s not been to far left ENOUGH for their tastes!
He didn’t get the Public Option. He didn’t get Cap & Trade in full. He hasn’t redistributed the wealth enough for them. He hasn’t crushed Wall Street and the “rich” enough for them.
Yes, they are that radically out of touch with reality.
We’ve seen how he attributed the public’s repudiation of his agenda via the Massachusetts Senate election to his failure to sufficiently explain his healthcare position—though he had talked ad nauseam on the issue. But it was true of other issues as well—even strong moral issues for which there would never be a consensus, as with his attempt to confront pro-life forces at Notre Dame.
He took the same tack with the issue of homosexuality. At a White House celebration of Gay Pride Month—a controversial act in itself—Obama said he aspired to persuade all Americans to accept homosexuality—as if the issue were simply about “accepting homosexuals,” and that anyone opposing special legal classifications for homosexuality was prejudiced, discriminatory, and as Obama claimed, possessed of “worn arguments and old attitudes.” He added, “There are good and decent people in this country who don’t yet fully embrace their gay brothers and sisters—not yet.”
As a candidate, Obama usually told voters what he thought they wanted to hear. He told an audience in Las Vegas he wanted to help “not just the folks who own casinos but the folks who are serving in casinos.” But after becoming president he wasn’t quite as solicitous. In one of his many anti-capitalist riffs he took a cheap shot at CEOs at a townhall meeting in Elkhart, Indiana, in February 2009. “You can’t take a trip to Las Vegas or down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers’ dime.” Obama’s careless statement elicited a strong reaction from Las Vegas businessmen, many pointing out that if their business suffers, the first and hardest hit are the front line workers—the people at the front desk, the bell staff, and the taxi drivers, precisely the people Obama courted during the campaign.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported that more than 400 conventions and business meetings scheduled in the city had been canceled, translating into 111,800 guests and more than 250,000 “room nights,” costing the city’s economy more than $100 million, apart from lost gaming revenue.
And despite British Petroleum’s assurances that it was “absolutely” responsible for the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Obama unleashed on BP a non-stop barrage of verbal abuse. Using language not usually heard from a U.S. president, he told NBC’s Today Show that he consults experts about the spill to find out “whose ass to kick.”
Even Obama’s supporters recognized he was resorting to sheer intimidation. As Democratic strategist James Carville noted, “It looks as if President Obama applied a little old-school Chicago persuasion to the oil executives.” But American presidents, of course, are not supposed to resort to this kind of outright thuggery to get their way. As Conn Carroll remarked on the Heritage Foundation’s blog, “Making ‘offers you can’t refuse’ may be a great way to run the mob, but it is no way to run a country.”
And the President oh-so-political Oil Drilling Moratorium (even now that the leak has been plugged it continues) has cost 10’s of thousands of jobs and continues to hurt the Gulf States, especially Louisiana.
But he doesn’t care. He has the backing of his environmentalist apparatchiks. So what does he care about jobs lost in a recession due directly to his meddling. It’s not his fault!
He’s scoring points for his agenda.
And leaving other apparatchiks to do the job for him also, Like the EPA and there declaration that “that carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels poses a threat to human health and welfare, a designation that set the federal government on the path toward regulating of emissions from power plants, factories, automobiles and other major sources.” (see also: https://indyfromaz.wordpress.com/2009/12/08/stop-breathing-save-the-planet/) statement and now apparently Connecticut’s attorney general and Democratic nominee for the Senate, Richard Blumenthal, is working to get courts to declare “cap and trade” regulations the law of the land.
Blumenthal’s suit, Connecticut v. American Electric Power, is the most prominent of a handful of “climate change” lawsuits filed by environmental activists, state attorneys general and trial lawyers. These suits threaten to impose a steep tax on the American economy, with no input from our national elected representatives.
In 2004, Connecticut, along with seven other states, New York City and three environmental groups, filed suit against five companies responsible for “approximately one-quarter of the U.S. electric power sector’s carbon dioxide emissions.”
Their lawsuit sought to hold the companies “jointly and severally liable for contributing to an ongoing public nuisance, global warming” and asked the court to force each company “to abate its contribution to the nuisance by capping its emissions of carbon dioxide and then reducing those emissions by a specified percentage each year.”(IBD)
So Congress doesn’t have the stomach to do it, the Progressives will just use their judicial apparatchiks to force it down your throat!!
The Bully that never gives up.
Based on his behavior as president, it is clear he truly believes his own hype. He behaves and governs as though he has been sheltered all his life, or at least since he was a young adult, living in a bizarre bubble, hearing only positive reinforcement and made to believe in his own supernatural powers. This is a major reason he cannot bear opposition; this is a major reason he is not, in the end, a man of the people and deferential to their will, but a top-down autocrat determined to permanently change America and its place in the world despite intense resistance from the American people themselves.
David Limbaugh: This is a guy who’s taken over private companies. This is a guy who — contravening the rule of law — allocates and pledges $140 billion to the IMF when Congress specifically said you cannot do that without our authority.
And he said — with an Orwellian argument, I can — this is foreign policy, I can divert $140 billion to the IMF for wealth redistribution in third world countries. Nothing to do with what the IMF was originally been set up for.
He can go after Gerald Walpin who is an IG for AmeriCorps because he uncovered fraud on the part of Obama’s friends and so he fires him without notice in total contravention of the rule of law there.
It’s a means to an end for him. He appoints judges who will rewrite the law. He will circumvent Congress when it comes to environmental policy by having his EPA declare carbon dioxide a toxic pollutant.
He will go out and thwart the secured creditors’ legal rights under the law — their rights under the law and favor the unions who are unsecured creditors, give them 50 percent on the dollar. Give the secured creditors 20 percent and then slam and slander the lawyer and slander them as speculators when they’re just trying to enforce their own rights under the law. (FOX)
“I’d rather be a really good one-term president than a mediocre two-term president,” Obama told ABC’s “World News” anchor Diane Sawyer last year.
And in his mind, and The Ministry of Truth, he is really good. Look at all the “legislative victories” he’s had!!
So what if 60+% of the people hate them. He won! That’s all that matters.
Like he cares. As long as he’s right and the Ministry of Truth tell him he’s right and cover up any gaffes or “misquotes” he’s perfectly fine with doing whatever he wants.
After all, as he told Sen. McCain during the Health Care roundtable, He won the election! Get over it 😦
But there’s also the fact that he’s tone-deaf. In addition to not caring what we think, he’s also tone-deaf because he has no clue after he passed – – he crammed Obamacare through he says, I’m going to continue to fight for the American people.
Oh, you are? So 24 percent of the people support what you’re doing and you’re fighting for us? How oblivious.
And how many times has he said that he will focus on jobs, then a shiny object like Health Care or Oil or some other Liberal fantasy distracts him and he just wanders off on vacation…
We either go full blown toward socialism, Marxism, Statism or we turn back and restore our founding principles. This upcoming election in November will tell the tale.
Freedom matters.
Standard | Posted in politics | Tagged Agenda, America, Apparatchiks, Arizona, bi-partisan, Blumenthal, bully, Cap & Trade, cap and trade, choice, Citizens, climate change, CO2, competition, condescension, Congress, Crimes Against Liberty, David Limbaugh, debt, deficit, democrats, diversity, doublespeak, economics, EPA, Fairness, faith, Fossil Fuels, freedom, George Bush, global warming, health care reform, Illegal Immigration, IMF, incapable, Insurance, judiciary, liberty, Media, Ministry of Truth, moratorium, narcissism, National security, Newspeak, Obama, Oil, Orwell, partisan, politics, Progressive, public option, racism, Reality, Redistribution of wealth, reform, Responsibility, security, snotty, socialism, speech, superiority, taxes, tea party, tone deaf, Wall Street, We the People, we won, wrong | 0 comments
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ORIGIN: LOS ANGELES
GENRE: R&B/POP & HIP HOP FUSION
YEARS ACTIVE: 5 YEARS
LABEL: GOOD KARMA ENTERTAINMENT
As soon as you hear the music of singer & songwriter Karma who is based out of Los Angeles, CA; you will quickly realize that not all Karma is bad. Having influences from the likes of Teedra Moses, Aaliyah, Ryan Leslie, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott, her style is a blend between R&B/Soul, Hip Hop and Pop. After growing up singing in school plays and church choirs she decided to embark on her musical journey and began working with local production companies.
Singing as a background singer for such notables as Steve Russel from the late 80's and 90's group Troop and the Underdogs, Marques Houston and several others, Karma knew that her time in the spotlight was soon to follow. She went on to tour with different bands and had the honor of opening for such greats as the Isley Brothers and Frankie Beverly & Maze.
After experiencing life on the road, Karma was determined to further both her musical abilities and overall knowledge of the business. Having already adapted the title of singer/songwriter, the songstress went on to earn her degree in Sound Engineering and Post Production from the Los Angeles Recording School, adding producer and engineer to her resume.
As a solo artist she has garnered the attention of several radio shows, magazines and blogs. Karma has traveled across the globe touring for Carnival Cruise Lines, giving her the opportunity to see and perform in places like Hawaii, Australia and various other destinations. Karma is the new prototype of what an artist should be. She owns her recording facility Treble Girl Studios and production company Good Karma Entertainment. Most recently Karma has signed a publishing deal with Tranzformaz/Universal Music Group. Now currently she is currently building her fanbase and brand and looks to become one of today's top music moguls. Her mission is to redefine the worlds idea of what Karma really means while maintaining substance and longevity! #GoodKarma
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Website Created by Karma the Artist © 2018
Cry 3:38
The Birthday Song 3:45
The Birthday Song
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Steve Perry Nixes Any Form of Journey Collaboration: ‘I Left 31 F––ing Years Ago’
Mike Coppola, Getty Images
Steve Perry touched on his feelings about his former Journey co-writers, suggesting that he felt love for Neal Schon but disregard for Jonathan Cain, while also strongly dismissing the idea of working with Schon again.
Perry’s comeback album, Traces, which was released last week, marks his return to music after nearly 25 years of absence. The news that he was back in business inevitably led to speculation about a Journey reunion, which Perry has regularly rejected. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, he was asked about Schon’s comments that the pair could collaborate on a project that had nothing to do with Journey.
“I’m not sure that’s possible without stirring up hopes of a reunion,” Perry said. “Please listen to me. I left the band 31 fucking years ago, my friend. You can still love someone, but not want to work with them. And if they only love you because they want to work with you, that doesn’t feel good to me.”
It was reported that “a look of disgust” appeared on Perry’s face when he was asked about Cain’s recent memoir. “I don’t really care to read Jonathan’s book,” he said. “And I’d appreciate if you didn’t tell me about it. I don’t need to know. It’s none of my business.”
Schon responded to the article with several tweets, including one in which he issued “a couple of corrections.” He said his main ambition was to “rekindle” his relationship with Perry “with 0 pressure.” In another tweet he added, “It does seem that he’s a bit POed with anyone bringing my name. Well as I’ve said many times you can not deny Natural chemistry we had between both of us. That’s never going away so if all we have for the future that’s ok.”
Schon also retweeted a comment from a follower about the artwork on Perry’s album that suggested that a dove standing on the headstock of a guitar suggested something positive about the singer’s feelings for Schon, while broken piano keys below suggested something negative about his feelings for Cain.
Steve Perry Through the Years
Next: Top 10 Journey Songs
Source: Steve Perry Nixes Any Form of Journey Collaboration: ‘I Left 31 F––ing Years Ago’
Filed Under: journey, steve perry
Categories: National & Global News
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President Obama steps down to Chairman of UN Security Council Post
President Obama on November 2nd, 2009 has been forced to step down as President of the United states of America.
His post for being the Chairman of the United Nations Security Council post will last one month. Mr. Obama will resume his duties as President of the United states of America following his one month tenure with the United Nations.
During this time, as per the United states Constitution, Vice President Biden will be the acting President and will assume all roles as signing of bills and as the Commander in Chief of all Armed Forces of the United states and of the United states Navy.
This action has not been done previously by any acting President but the United states Constitution mandates the procedure for a President who assumes another post by any other foreign nation or organization such as the United Nations.
Normally Congress and only Congress would have the power to acknowledge and permit a seated President from accepting and acting in another United states government post. However, since the post has not been authorized by the Congress this thus means that Mr. Obama must and has given up his duties as President.
Normally the President would appoint an Ambassador to fill this post. Interviews for acceptance and acknowledgement of skills by Congress must be made. Congress must approve all Ambassadors except when Congress i s not in session then the President can appoint an Ambassador to fill the post until Congress next comes into Session.
Mr. Obama, I hope you enjoy your stay at the United Nations and enjoy New York at the same time.
Perhaps the Queen of England may get upset at a President or other head of state being able to direct her troops at will.
5 Comments | Nation, politics, President | Tagged: Obama, politics, President, united nations | Permalink
Congressional Act required for Obama to Receive Nobel Peace Prize
President Obama must receive permission from Congress in order to receive and accept the Nobel Peace Prize. Otherwise he is breaking the U.S. Constitution, again.
Article I, Section 8.
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
From Bloomberg/Yahoo:
http;//news.yahoo.com/s/bloomberg/20091010/pl_bloomberg/a13s9nah4d2w_1
There were 205 names submitted for this year’s prize, the highest number in the award’s history. The winner is selected by a committee of five people elected by the Norwegian parliament. The prizes for literature, chemistry, medicine and physics, are picked by the Stockholm-based Nobel Foundation.
So what the above is indicating is: Since the Norwegian Parliament has established the committee by election the award is coming actually from the Sovereign State of Norway and not from the Nobel Prize Committee. Any “present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State” then must be approved by Congress first in order for the President of the United States to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
This is simple basic and to the point. Now let’s make sure that Congress does indeed pass a resolution which specifically states that President Obama is able to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He cannot accept the Nobel Peace Prize without first receiving permission from Congress.
On the other hand, I do not understand why someone would be receiving a Peace Prize for 11 days in office. This actually sounds like a payoff to me. All of the other recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize have been Democrats. Even when President Reagan created the greatest Peace in the world by “tear down this wall” between the two Germanys no Peace Prize was forthcoming.
Does a President really need to receive the embellishments of a foreign country in order to establish justice for the United states. I do not think so. So perhaps the Nobel Peace Prize is just a cover to receive a payoff and a bribe.
3 Comments | Nation, politics | Tagged: Nobel Peace Prize, Obama, politics | Permalink
Vaccination H1N1 Shot by Police Unconstitutional
We do not have an America Police force. That is specifically Unconstitutional. Only the Senate can wage war and not the President. Only the Governor’s can invite the United States military into a state. The President can only order the Military into a state to
The Congress shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States…
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water:
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years:
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions; …
I do not remember the Congress giving Obama the authority to round up citizens. I do not see any insurrections from the citizens. That is the only part here which specifically addresses the flue vaccinations in the slightest. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
or likewise
Amendment IV
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Back off Jack. You’re violating my Constitutional Rights. Since you are acting illegally according to the Constitution then you no longer have rights delegated from the Constitution. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
Show me the court order. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
That is cruel and unusual punishment. I demand my rights as a free citizen of the United states of America. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
Sticking that needle in me is tantamount to excessive bail and excessive fines being inflicted. By definition if you stick that needle in me I am being “inflicted”. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
When did Congress pass this law. What is the number of the bill. When was it signed. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
Congress did not declare an “Insurrection”. Only Congress has this power to declare an “Insurrection”. The President does not have the Power to declare an “Insurrection”. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
I am going back into my house. You are not to follow because I am not going to quarter you in my house. That would be Unconstitutional. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
You’re in my house. Show me the law where it says that the Senate has declared “War”. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
What deems “Probable Cause” that you have entered my house. Where is the Grand Jury indictment showing any relevancy of Probable Cause. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
What rules has Congress made concerning my Capture or Reprisal. Only Congress can make these laws. The President does not have this Power. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
Are you a medical doctor. Show me your credentials. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
National Police do not have a right to vaccinate me. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
Canada does not require mandatory vaccinations. We never do something which Canada does not do. You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
If that does not work then say: “All hail the Obama Nation. Put her right here!!” OR You are in Violation of My Constitutional Rights. Leave right now.
1 Comment | Nation | Tagged: Constitution, H1N1, House, illegal, Police, politics, shot, vaccination | Permalink
Obama Unconstitutional UN Chairman Security Council
Wow!! Obama must be super great. He is volunteering to be the United Nations Security Council Chairman for a month. Just think. The first President who will chair this position. Wow. Such energy and stamina. This is impressive.
But. It is Unconstitutional.
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
Obama, just so you do get this. The United Nations is considered to be a foreign state.
Now, for the Emolument part. If you receive non-compensatory rewards you will also be receiving payment for services rendered. See again the Federalist Papers. The objective of the President’s compensation remaining level and unchanged is to reduce the possibility of corruption or the taking of bribes. This is not particularly of others but of Congress as well. If a signing of a piece of legislation and an increase of compensation was included this would also be considered as a legal bribe. Restricting this during a term restricts the possibility of influence be the holders of the purse. Likewise, guaranteeing the compensation to remain on an even keel would increase the warranting of political suasion from Congress also. With a basketball player you want them running. If they are disagreeable and you want them to increase your solution is to fire, bench, or a restriction or fine. However, with the Office of President the players incentive or restriction is not to be adjusted. The people would be the prodding force in this case. A President would not run for President if not for the display of energy and the need for popularity and the need for changes. The need for change is the motivating factor and not the need for compensation. (See Alexander Hamilton’s arguments in the Federalist Papers No. 70-78.)
Did I also not get the first part where the Consent of the Congress must be mustered first. The United Nations Security Council Chairmanship is indeed an Office.
So now let’s go to Article II, Section 1.
{In Case of Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inabilty to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.}*
*Then see the twenty-fifth Amendment because the above was changed. The 25th Amendment basically says that for a time the Vice President would have to Act as the President.
If the President is in another Office then the Vice President would have to act as the President. The Vice President would not be the President but merely would just Act as the President. Thus the Vice President would be the Commander In Chief. The Vice President would sign all incoming bills and do other tasks like receiving Ambassadors and other foreign heads of state.
The restriction here has been chronicled previously by Alexander Hamilton in his Federalist Papers #70. The President is to have fewer powers than the Queen/King of England. Whereas the King could call forth and establish wars the President could only direct the Military. The establishment of war is the strict duty of only the Senate.
The Congress shall have Power… To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water:
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to the Use shall be for a longer
Term than two Years:
To provide and maintain a Navy:
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasion;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the Untied States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline by Congress….
All of the rules above a King is required to do. In England a further restriction has been given to the King in that the funding of the Military is for a one years period of time. (This subject has also been addressed by the writings in the Federalist Papers.) A short restriction of time in funding restricts the power of waging war by a monarch. But a two year period of funding raises continuity of mustering troops. This is the one difference between the United States and England where the President is not as restricted as in England. But this is only as concerning the Military. The holder of the purse can have extreme restrictions when it comes to an energetic Monarch or Supreme Magistrate.
See Article II, Section 2.
The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the Untied States; he may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Department, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law; but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.
So simply put. The President can appoint while the Senate is out of Session. Currently the Senate is in Session. Therefore President Obama cannot appoint himself during the time which the Senate is in Session. Nor can Mr. Obama appoint himself because the Constitution clearly states the President can appoint positions of other Inferior Offices which the Senate has previously deemed to be minor. This deeming of Appointment thus also cannot be an Appointment of himself. Neither has the Senate authorized nor does the President have the Power to Appoint himself to the Position or Office.
If this were the case however, then the President would have greater powers than the King/Queen of England. He would have the power not only to be the Commander in Chief of the Military forces of the United States but also he would have the Power to be the Commander in Chief of the English Military. His vote as Chairman of the United Nations Security Council would give him the authority to put British forces under his direction. Neither would this be tolerated by the British Parliament but presumably it would not be tolerated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The once Colonies commanding the Forces of the British Crown. It will not happen.
Restrictions and Control of Authority were built into the Constitution on purpose. In some respects also a Governor of New York has more power than the President. The more directly involved with the People the greater the Power vested should be instilled. The higher the level of Power the higher the degree of secondary approval of Power is required. The Senate is the true restricting force here. Approval to act with Power and the restriction of Power is Candidly provided for in our Constitution.
We did not break away from England just to have someone later usurp our restrictions and controls so we would be like a monarchy. But instead a monarchy is set up specifically to not act like a Republic and thus also a Republic cannot function properly as a Monarchy. Still today England does not want to be a Republic. (See House of Stuart Society mission statement.) Part of the House of Stuart (white rose) Mission Statement is to further the cause of returning the House of Stuart monarchy and pushing aside the House of Windsor (red rose) and in also maintaining a Monarchy and not to establish a Republican form of government.
Mr. Obama I can applaud you for your energy. But Mr. Obama this is not and never will be a Monarchy. A Monarch does have the capability to act fast and very decisively. But a Republican form of government is very restrictive. However, Mr. Obama, I hope you do realize the Senate after the bombing of Hawaii did in fact act precisely and forthrightly by declaring war the next day. Unity of purpose and direction of zeal in times of emergencies is not a difficulty historically for the Senate. They have acted quickly and swiftly in the past and they will act promptly in the future. Put your trust in our Constitution. It has worked and it will continue to work.
20 Comments | Nation | Tagged: politics | Permalink
Elizabeth Campbell and Viaduct/Tunnel Law Suite
The Viaduct is not dead. Or at least not as of yet. A law suite has been filed by Elizabeth Campbell according to her supporters. This is in the process of being verified. However, I had knowledge that this was going to happen two months ago. The only delay was in the acquisition of funds for the lawsuite. Stay tuned as to exactly what the specific details are. Will be getting this information from Elizabeth Campbell as soon as I am able to contact her.
The stigma of the lawsuite should be that an environmental impact statement has not been filed for the Tunnel as of yet. The Tunnel project has been separated into many different parts so that the necessity for a large Environmental Impact Statement is lessened. This might be strategic on the construction of the Tunnel but it violates the spirit of the law. A correction in this endeavor needs to be upheld and thus stop the progress of the building of the Tunnel until a correct and complete Environmental Impact Statement can be completed and evaluated by Federal Authorities and others who would need to make evaluations.
But is this the part of the lawsuite which is being filed. Stay tuned for complete details on this obvious controversy.
SR 520 construction may be dependent upon these determinations and findings. Financing of both are tight and could be flipped at any time. Who is responsible for what and when still needs to be answered. Again, the costliest roads are being played with. Your money is at stake again.
Either through politics or legal maneuvering.
Leave a Comment » | Viaduct/SR-520 | Tagged: 520, Campbell, Elizabeth, Environmental, Impact, legal, politics, seattle, SR, Statement, tunnel, viaduct | Permalink
Rep Jim McDermott Town Hall Meeting answered one question
On September 1, 2009, Representative Jim McDermott of the 7th Congressional District in Seattle, Washington on the Campus of the University of Washington at Meany Hall for the Health Care Town Hall Meeting only took one, yes, 1 question.
How do I know this.
Questions which were gathered were on 3 X 5 inch cards and Mr. McDermott was given questions on 5 X 7 inch cards. I was in the front row. He read about four and answered four to the audience.
Many questions from the audience of about 800+ were asked. But, and this is the reason why I say but, there was a code to who was supposed to be picked for the questions which Mr. McDermott would answer. A combination of a Nazi 45 degree raised hand and a communist raised hand was the signal. A closed fist and a Nazi open hand was the singled. But instead of being an outstretched open hand the first two fingers were out and the last two fingers were tucked under. Simplistic yet unsuspecting. They also had three cards with them instead of only the one 3 X 5 card which were handed out outside to the audience line they the questioners had 5 X 7 inch cards as well and three cards each. I am assuming this would be just in case the questions had already been asked by someone else.
The surprising aspect of the brownshirt technique here for occupying time was that after the question was asked the questioner would walk outside to the lobby area and leave. Normally someone would wait to ask the question and then leave but leave to their seat. These people left not to their seat but to the outside of the back doors. There was a set of mikes on both sides of the aisles as well so no excuse here.
Heckles were plentiful during the initial history comments of where we are in the health care process. This was obviously set up as a repeat of the Nazi Brownshirts technical to intimidate and disorient other prospective hecklers. Was most liberals do not realize is that conservatives want to hear both sides of an debate and determine their final decision on all facts and circumstances. This obviously was and historically has been a technique of the far left and was extremely predominant in the Nazi Party Brownshirters in the 1930’s and 1920’s.
One lady did get a questions through however. She did not raise her hand upright with the palm out but had here palm out with a 45 degree angle. Her question was original, in my opinion, because that was the only question which Mr. McDermott wrote down prior to answering the question.
Next time, Mr. McDermott answer real questions. If you really do not know the answer just say you do not know the answer. Do not rely on Brownshirt techniques of deception. Say the answer to a question will be included on your website.
Duh! Do the right thing.
QuestionOne: Since the Veterans Administration is collecting and permitted to selling Veterans Medical Files around the world to anyone through the University Medical system what is to stop anyone from finding out what the Minuteman Launch codes are from a Veteran who had access to them through deception medical knowledge trickery. An example would be someone who might be allergic to peanuts and then getting the veteran drug after inserting peanuts into their food so they are weak and asking them about three or four of the launch code numbers. This is both a national security issue and a health privacy issue.
Question Two: What is to prevent selling of records also in the same fashion of Military personnel to the highest bidder and getting the DNA records of the Military personnel. A weapon currently could detect the DNA pattern and with a flip of the switch eliminate the entire force facing an enemy. What is their to prevent this from happening.
You see Mr. McDermott hardball questions can make a bill stronger and not weaker and at the same time strengthen our national system. There are reason for the current system besides just money.
Next time, stop wasting the time of 800+ american citizens or united states citizens and answer real questions.
1 Comment | Family | Tagged: Answer, Bill, Brownshirt, Care, Congressman, Health, hecklers, House Bill, McDermott, Nazi, politics, Question | Permalink
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Thurston Clarke, JFK's Last Hundred Days
This is a kind of odd book. Even for the MSM. Clarke and his cohorts seem to be just catching up to what people in the know understood about Kennedy decades ago. But only now, in 2013 can this be revealed. But even then, it must be accompanied by the usual MSM rumor-mongering and dirt. I guess, under those restrictive circumstances, this is the best one can expect from someone who trusts the likes of Ben Bradlee, concludes Jim DiEugenio.
Thurston Clarke has now written three books in a row on the Kennedys. Since 2004, he has written two books on President Kennedy and one on Senator Robert Kennedy. The subtitle of his present book is "The Transformation of a Man and the Emergence of a Great President". I disagree with the both the title and the subtitle.
First of all, it would have been grand if Clarke had really just focused on the last hundred days of the Kennedy administration. For Kennedy was doing some remarkable things both at home and abroad in the last three months of his presidency. And although Clarke addresses some of them adequately, he also ignores some of them completely. For instance, there is not one sentence in the book about the epochal Congo crisis. One which both UN chairman Dag Hammarskjold and President Kennedy dealt with – Kennedy for the entire three years he was in office. This is even more bewildering since two years before Clarke published his book, Susan Miller released her milestone volume on the death of Hammarskjold, Who Killed Hammarskjold? That book was so compelling in its argument for foul play that it caused a new United Nations inquiry into the case. That inquiry recommended the case be reopened.
Clarke also does not mention the name of Achmed Sukarno, the president of Indonesia in 1963. A man who Kennedy understood and appreciated as a leader of the Non-Aligned nations movement. A movement which Kennedy respected and was in agreement with. In fact, with almost no exceptions, there is not anything in the book of any substance about Kennedy's policies toward these Third World nations in Asia and Africa. Even though there have now been three crucial books written on the subject: Richard Mahoney's JFK: Ordeal in Africa in 1983, Philip Muehlenbeck's Betting on the Africans, and Robert Rokave's Kennedy, Johnson and the Nonaligned World, the last two both published in 2012. And considering the miracles of speed in the publishing world these days, Clarke could have consulted both of the latter for his book. Evidently, he wasn't interested. Which is surprising since he studied at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies.
But by largely ignoring these aspects of Kennedy's life and presidency, he can keep up the idea that somehow Kennedy was "transformed" in his last hundred days. Even though Kennedy broke with Eisenhower's policies in Congo and Indonesia in 1961. (Destiny Betrayed, Second Edition, pgs. 28-33) Even though, in a rather jarring vacuum, he never explains how or why this alleged transformation took place in those last 100 days. Further, Clarke does not really isolate the last hundred days of Kennedy's presidency. He often wanders astray from the book's titled focus. In his discussion of the creation of the back channel to Fidel Castro, which Kennedy was working very hard on toward the end, he flashes back to when it began, which was after the Missile Crisis. (Clarke pgs. 190-92) Another example: In his discussion of Kennedy's Vietnam policy, he actually flashes all the way back to Representative Kennedy's visit to Saigon in 1951. (Clarke, p. 54)
That visit in 1951 to Saigon was a puzzling one for Clarke to include. Because what he is referring to there is the meeting between Kennedy, his brother Robert, and American diplomat Edmund Gullion. Mahoney first depicted this episode in his milestone book. And to his credit, Clarke explains its importance in the development of young JFK's thinking. For Gullion explained to the young congressman that the French attempt to recolonize Vietnam would not succeed. Mainly because the desire by the Vietnamese to be free of imperial influence was now too strong. Therefore, it could not be muzzled. As Mahoney explained, this discussion had a very strong impact on Kennedy's thinking. And he now began to rebel against the established orthodoxies of the leading statesmen of the Democrats (Dean Acheson) and the Republicans (John Foster Dulles). But in spite of this, when Clarke then addresses some of the things Kennedy said in the presidential race in 1960, he writes that "Kennedy's cold war rhetoric was not an act" and that he "subscribed to the domino theory... " (p. 56)
Yet to show how muddled his presentation is, directly after this, Clarke says something that contradicts what he just wrote. He notes that, soon after he was elected, it became clear to Kennedy's staff that, if Kennedy was a cold warrior, "he was a fairly non violent one ... " (ibid) He goes on to add that Kennedy talked tough in certain situations, but when push came to shove, he would not commit combat troops. Which, to most people, would seem to indicate that he was not really a cold warrior. And, in fact, Clarke later uses a revealing quote from National Security Advisor McGeorge Bundy in this regard. Bundy told his assistant Marcus Raskin, "You know there are only two pacifists in the White House, you and Kennedy." (p. 217) Bundy, who should know, also told author Gordon Goldstein for the book Lessons in Disaster, that Kennedy did not buy into the domino theory. That book was published in 2009. Clarke includes it in his bibliography. Apparently, he missed, or forgot, that important passage. That Clarke wanted to have it both ways on this indicated to me that he was a rather compromised author.
Another telltale issue in this regard was his use of Ellen Rometsch. Rometsch was born in East Germany and was a member of the communist party there. She then fled to West Germany. She married a pilot who was later stationed to Washington. While there, she began to attend a social club called the Quorum Club. This was set up by Lyndon Johnson's former aide Bobby Baker. When Baker got into legal trouble with the Justice Department, Rometsch now became a political football between Baker and the Kennedys. Was she really a spy? Did she have an affair with JFK? Clarke keeps up this trail of innuendo throughout a large part of the book. It isn't until near the end that he finally has to write that an FBI inquiry ultimately found that there was no connection between the woman and anyone in the White House. (p. 267) This is the same conclusion that researcher Peter Vea came to after going through all the FBI papers on the subject he could find at the National Archives. Why did the author waste our time and his if he knew the end result?
In addition to using Bobby Baker as a source, Clarke also uses people like Traphes Bryant. Bryant was the dog keeper at the White House. He later wrote a trashy book about his days there. But Clarke then goes beyond that. He actually sinks to David Heymann levels. I never thought I would see the day when a mainstream historian would use a book by Tempest Storm, who, no surprise, also claimed she had an affair with Kennedy. But, if you can believe it, Clarke does so. Author Jerry Kroth once wrote that if one bought into all the women who said they had affairs with JFK, one gets into the same problem writers have with James Dean. The actor simply did not live long enough to have all those affairs. Well, Kennedy wasn't in the White House long enough to have that many affairs. (Kroth checked the number. With Mimi Alford, who Clarke also buys into, its now up to 33.)
And then there is Ben Bradlee. Clarke has done some fairly extensive archival research. And he also did some notable interviews. So its puzzling why he would also include references to Ben Bradlee's 1975 book Conversations with Kennedy. First of all, Bradlee had a complex relationship with JFK. Some would call it ambiguous, in the sense that it is hard to figure out. Although Bradlee and Kennedy were supposed to be friends, Bradlee's book is not really a friendly tome. He begins the book by saying that he thought the effect Kennedy had on the populace was due more to flash and dash than any real substance. (Probe, Vol. 4 No. 6, p. 30) He then says that he thought Kennedy was the recipient of a good press while in office. Both of these assertions are quite specious. For instance, Professor Donald Gibson, in his underrated book Battling Wall Street, examines the kind of stories that appeared in the magazines controlled by Henry Luce: Time, Life and Fortune. For instance, it the last publication which was used by Allen Dulles to get out his self-serving cover story for the debacle at the Bay of Pigs. (DiEugenio, Destiny Betrayed, pgs. 53-55). It was that journal which Dulles and Howard Hunt used to issue the black propaganda that President Kennedy had cancelled the so-called D-Day air strikes. And it was this loss of nerve that had doomed the invasion. When in fact, these strikes had never been approved and were contingent of the Cuban exiles securing a beachhead, which they never did. (ibid, pgs. 45-46) This is only one example among many which belies the idea that Kennedy was the recipient of "good press".
Bradlee writes that he did not think that foreign policy was Kennedy's particular field of expertise. (ibid, Probe, p. 30.) Which was ridiculous for even 1975. Especially considering the horrendous results that occurred after Johnson reversed almost every one of Kennedy's major policy shifts. (See DiEugenio, pgs. 367-77) But none of this deterred Clarke from using the unreliable Bradlee as a source, sometimes for almost an entire page of material. Even when what the Washington Post editor is saying clearly does not align with the other facts in Clarke's book.
Consider what Clarke writes on page 284 about Kennedy and Vietnam and then Kennedy and the Dominican Republic. Concerning the former, Bradlee writes that in looking at a photo of American servicemen dancing with bar girls in Saigon, JFK said, "If I was running things in Saigon, I'd have those G.I.'s in the front lines tomorrow." Clarke does not ask the obvious question about his source: Mr. Bradlee, your friend Kennedy had three years to put those advisors into the front lines as combat troops and he did not. So why would he say that to you, and to no one else? Bradlee then tops this one. And Clarke dutifully parrots it. Bradlee comments on the coming to power of leftist Juan Bosch in the Dominican Republic. The Washington Post editor says that Kennedy was torn "about whether to order the CIA to orchestrate an antigovernment student demonstration there." If you can believe it, Bradlee counters JFK by saying, "How would you feel if the Soviets did the same thing her?" Bradlee then tops himself by saying Kennedy had no reply to this. And Clarke buys into all of it.
That story by Bradlee is even more ridiculous than the one Clarke recited about Vietnam. And like the inclusion of people like Bryant, Tempest Storm and Baker, it shows just how well Clarke knows how to honor the sacred cows of the MSM in order to stay a part of the club. The problem is that when one does this, the historian jettisons what is supposed to be his real task: informing the reader of the true facts about his subject. Someone like Gibson does care about the facts. Therefore in his book, which Clarke does not source at all, Gibson understands that Kennedy actually liked Juan Bosch of the Dominican Republic. He even advised him on how to run his economy. Once Bosch was overthrown by the rightwing powers on the island with the military in cahoots, Kennedy immediately spearheaded a program of diplomatic and economic sanctions against the new regime. It actually began within hours of him hearing about the overthrow. Kennedy actually led this growing hemisphere wide movement which was picking up steam at the time of his death. Within one month, the Dominican Republic was wincing at the isolation Kennedy had condemned them to. (Gibson, Battling Wall Street, pgs. 78-79)
Like several other policies, this one was actually reversed by President Johnson. When Bosch was threatening to retake his office, Johnson, Dean Rusk and Assistant Secretary Thomas Mann began to justify intervention by saying that communists were involved in the revolt. Bosch denied all this and said there was hardly any communist influence in the Dominican Republic at all. (ibid, p. 79) Therefore, within 18 months, Johnson reversed Kennedy's policy and invaded the Dominican Republic to prevent Bosch from returning to power. If Clarke had taken a more expansive view of who Kennedy was, and how he looked at the so-called "non-aligned world", he would not have been a sucker for the likes of the CIA friendly Ben Bradlee.
To give Clarke his due, there are some good things in the book. For instance, he makes it fairly clear just how important the 1963 test ban treaty was to Kennedy. For Kennedy told Ted Sorenson that he would have gladly forfeited his re-election bid as long as the treaty passed. (p. 30) And later on, Clarke notes just how hard Kennedy worked to make sure the treaty passed. Which it did by a resounding 80-19 vote. (p. 194) Kennedy was so enamored of this achievement that he started to campaign on it, in of all places, the western states. Even at the home of the Minuteman missiles. (p. 198) And once it was secured of passage, Soviet foreign minister Andrei Gromyko wanted more agreements made with the Russians. President Kennedy in turn suggested a mutual cooperation in the space race. (pgs. 101-103) To my knowledge, Clarke is the first MSM author to mention this fact. And he stays with the argument throughout most of the book. In fact, Clarke notes a discussion Kennedy had with James Webb of NASA trying to figure if the space program could achieve just about all that was needed by being unmanned. (p. 175) Finally, Kennedy ordered Webb to seek cooperation with the USSR in space. (p. 308) In furtherance of detente, Clarke also mentions the 1963 wheat deal to the Russians that Kennedy rammed through. Among many, Lyndon Johnson was critical of this move. He actually called it the worst mistake that Kennedy ever made. (p. 221)
Clarke devotes some time to the fact that, as a senator, Kennedy wrote a brief book (actually a pamphlet) called A Nation of Immigrants. It has been almost completely ignored by just about everyone in the discussion of Kennedy's presidency. Clarke calls it "possibly the most passionate, bitter, and controversial book ever written by a serious presidential candidate." (p. 156) The book celebrated the whole idea of the "melting pot" of America. But it also criticized the bias that contemporary immigration laws had toward Europeans, especially Anglo-Saxons. In fact, Kennedy concluded the book with a rapier attack on the 1958 status of American immigration laws. He first quoted the famous words on the base of the Liberty Bell: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." Kennedy added to this by saying that until 1921 this was relatively accurate. But after then, it was more appropriate to add, "as long as they come from Northern Europe, are not too tired or to poor or slightly ill, never stole a loaf of bread, never joined a questionable organization, and can document their activities for the last two years." (p. 157)
Kennedy understood that the present immigration laws made it difficult for people from eastern and southern Europe to get to the USA, and made it all but impossible for Asians to enter the country. By being blind to race and ethnicity, Kennedy's immigration bill tried to redress these injustices. It was finally passed after his death. (p. 355)
Clarke brings up another point that should be well known about Kennedy's foreign policy. It has been mentioned in some previous books, like James Blight's Virtual JFK. It was commonly known through Kennedy's diplomatic corps that, in his second term, President Kennedy had planned on extending an olive branch to communist China. As Clarke notes, "His intention to change U.S. China policy was not a secret. He had told Marie Ridder that it was on his agenda for his second term, and Dean Rusk said they often discussed it, and he thought Kennedy would have reached out to the Chinese in 1965." (p. 320)
Clarke also has some incisive commentary on the extremely underrated Walter Heller. Heller was Kennedy's chair of the Council of Economic Advisors. Kennedy was determined to get the economy into high gear since he thought the Eisenhower years were sluggish in economic performance. He and Heller brainstormed on how to get a Keynesian stimulus into the economy at the lowest possible cost to the consumer and the producer. They first discussed a large government-spending plan. But they figured they would not get the votes in congress for it. (Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 10/12/12) They finally decided on a tax cut on the marginal rates of income. Heller said this might produce a short-term deficit but it would eventually produce a long-term surplus. What made this proposal even more daring was the fact that the economy was already growing when Heller proposed it. Further, unemployment was only at 5%. In other words, many other presidents would have been satisfied with what they had. But as Clarke notes, Kennedy was determined to double the growth rate of Eisenhower, "preside over 8 recession free years, and leave office with the nation enjoying full employment." (p. 178) The package worked extremely well. It eventually brought down unemployment to 3.8% in 1966. And tax revenue actually increased in 1964 and 1965. Heller's design worked marvelously until President Johnson decided to greatly expand the Vietnam War without raising taxes. Heller knew this would cause an inflationary spiral. So he resigned.
I wish Clarke had discussed a rather important historical point here. Since the birth of Arthur Laffer's "supply-side" fantasies, many Republicans have used the Heller model to advocate tax cuts as being the magic elixir of the economy. Heller would laugh at them. Heller despised Milton Friedman and his acolytes; he used to poke fun at them. When Heller proposed the tax cut, marginal rates were at over 90%. He brought the top rate down to 70%. The bottom 85% got almost 60% of the benefits of the cuts. Therefore, it was not a cross the board tax cut. And it was not supply side oriented; it was demand oriented, since most of the benefits went to the middle and working class. That is a far cry from what Ronald Reagan proposed and passed. In fact, the top rate was twice as high after Heller's cut than what the Reaganites proposed. Reagan's cuts really were supply side oriented since most of the benefits went to the top end. (ibid, Noah)
But with today's grotesquely lopsided income distribution, any kind of Laffer style across the board tax cut will benefit the rich and ultra rich to a disproportionate degree. Further, there was still an effective corporate tax rate in 1963, and a significant capital gains tax. In other words, with Heller's plan, the money saved in taxes would really go into consumer spending and investment. Not into Thorstein Veblen type conspicuous consumption. And as Donald Gibson has shown, Kennedy's other economic policies rewarded the reinvestment and expansion of business. He did not reward globalization. Further, as his confrontation with Johnson showed, Heller was not at all for ballooning the deficit in the long run in order to exercise a short-term stimulus.
Clarke also addresses a point that needs to be corrected. Lyndon Johnson did not originate the War on Poverty. Kennedy understood that a tax cut would not do the trick with alleviating poverty. In fact, he made the specific point about this in his State of the Union address in 1963. Heller was also concerned with this issue and warned JFK that America was experiencing a "drastic slowdown in the rate at which the economy is taking people out of poverty." (p. 243) Heller decided this could not be remedied unless a specific program was devised to address it. About this proposed program Kennedy said, "Walter, first we're going to get your tax cut, and then we're going to get my expenditure program." (ibid) He then told Heller, that the attack on poverty would be a part of his 1964 campaign.
The book also reminds us that Kennedy's Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, Anthony Celebrezze, presented a Medicare Plan to congress in November of 1963. (p. 311) And Clarke goes on to add that, in large part, Johnson's Great Society was a compendium of leftovers from Kennedy's proposals and initiatives. (p. 355) And contrary to what Robert Caro wrote in his disappointing book The Passage of Power, there really was no mystery about what was going to happen with Kennedy's agenda. His bills, including the tax cut bill and his civil rights bill, were going to pass. Unlike what Caro implies, Kennedy was good friends with Republican Senator Everett Dirksen, and he had already targeted him as the key vote for the civil rights bill. (p. 356) In fact, this was all known back in 1964. Because Look magazine had done an extensive survey about whether or not Kennedy's program was going to pass if he had lived. This survey including dozens of interviews and the result showed that the Kennedy program was going to pass in 1964. It may have taken a bit longer, but there was little doubt it was going to pass.
I should add one other interesting anecdote in the book. In 1961, a man named Ted Dealey was the publisher of the Dallas Morning News. Dealey had gone to the White House that year and told Kennedy that he and his advisors were a bunch of "weak sisters". He added that "We need a man on horseback to lead this country, and many people in the southwest think you are riding Caroline's tricycle." (p. 339) Kennedy replied to this indirectly in a speech a few weeks later. Noting that Dealey had not served in World War II, he said that many people who have not fought in wars like the idea – until they are engaged in it. He added, that they call for a "man on horseback", since they do not really trust the people. Very acutely, he then said they tend to equate democracy with socialism and socialism with communism. Kennedy concluded with "let our patriotism be reflected in the creation of confidence in one another, rather than in crusades of suspicion."
With that anecdote about Ted Dealey included, I was surprised at what Clarke did near the end of the book. He starts to include things about the Secret Service that appear lifted from Gerald Blaine's book, The Kennedy Detail, a volume that Vince Palamara all but eviscerated on this web site. For example Clarke says that Kennedy refused to place the bubble top on the limousine in Dallas. (p. 341) Yet Clarke does not include things like the attempt to kill Kennedy in Chicago, or the fact that the Secret Service was drinking hard liquor until three in the morning the evening before the assassination at Pat Kirkwood's after hours bar. To his credit, Clarke does not say that three shots ran out in Dealey Plaza. But he does not say that Kennedy's body slammed backward and to his left at the moment the fatal bullet struck. (p. 346)
Clarke also mangles a couple of other events that occurred near the end. Although he is generally sound on Kennedy's decision to withdraw from Vietnam, somehow he does not mention perhaps the most important find by the Assassination Records Review Board in this regard. Namely the record of the May, 1963 gathering in Hawaii called the Sec/Def meeting. (Probe, Vol. 5 No. 3, p. 18) The record of this meeting showed that Kennedy had already decided to withdraw from Vietnam even before the formal issuance of NSAM 263 in October, 1963. Which is why he himself directed the editing of the Taylor/McNamara report upon which that NSAM was based. (In an offbeat passage, Clarke has Bobby Kennedy editing the report. But both John Newman and Fletcher Prouty say that this was done by Victor Krulak and RFK, but at President Kennedy's direction. See John Newman, JFK and Vietnam, p. 401)
Then there is what Clarke does with his handling of the so-called "coup cable" of August 24, 1963, and its attendant results. The two best treatments of this whole episode that I know of are by John Newman in his 1992 book, and by Jim Douglass in JFK and the Unspeakable. Newman is very good on the sending of the cable. Douglass is good on what happened in Saigon between Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge and CIA officer Lucien Conein to ensure the worst possible result i. e. the killing of both Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother. Clarke is much too brief and sketchy about how the cable to Saigon ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge was sent, and what Lodge's role was at the other end when he got it. Clarke spends about a page on these matters. (pgs. 90-91) Newman spends about six pages on the issue. (pgs. 345-51) And although Newman does minimal interpreting of the data he presents, he gives the reader enough information to see what was really happening between the lines.
There was a faction inside the State Department that wanted to get rid of Diem, mainly because he could not control his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu. Nhu was chief of South Vietnam's security apparatus. He had chosen to perform numerous crackdowns on Buddhist pagodas, and this had caused a national crisis in South Vietnam. It had culminated in the June 11th self-immolation of Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc. That event was announced in advance and was captured with American news cameras rolling. (Newman, p. 333) This crisis was ratcheted upward by the rather bizarre description of this shocking event by Nhu's wife as a "barbecue". That internationally televised event caused many in Washington to lose faith in the ability of Diem to lead his country against the growing effectiveness of the Viet Cong rebellion in the countryside.
The faction inside the State Department who wished to be rid of Diem was led by Roger Hilsman, Averill Harriman, and Michael Forrestal. But it is clear from Newman's discussion of the sending of the cable that this group had allies elsewhere e.g. in the CIA and in Saigon. Two South Vietnamese generals had met with CIA official Lucien Conein on the 21st and asked him if the USA would support a move against Diem. And Lodge had talked to both Harriman and Forrestal before leaving for Saigon. He understood they were not satisfied with Diem. Further, the sending of the 'coup cable' had been presaged by what Harriman had done the previous year with a peace feeler from North Vietnam. One that Kennedy wished to follow up on through John Kenneth Galbraith in India. In Gareth Porter's book, The Perils of Dominance, he makes it clear that Harriman had deliberately distorted Kennedy's instructions to Galbraith in order to sabotage a neutralization solution. (Porter, pgs. 167-69)
The plotters waited until a weekend when nearly all the major principals in government were out of town. This included Kennedy, Secretary of State Dean Rusk, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara, CIA Director John McCone, McNamara's assistant Roswell Gilpatric and Krulak. With those six out of the direct loop, and Lodge in Vietnam, the circumstances were now optimal. On the 24th, Lodge had sent in some cables that seemed to indicate the military wanted to move against Diem. (Newman, p. 346) Once these cables came in, Hilsman, Harriman and Forrestal went to work drafting what came to be known as the Saturday Night Special. This cable said that Lodge should tell Diem to remove Nhu. If he did not, and reforms were not made, "We face the possibility that Diem himself cannot be preserved." (ibid) The cable said that if Diem would not cooperate, "then we are prepared to accept the obvious implication that we can no longer support Diem." Then came the kicker, "You may also tell appropriate military commanders we will give them direct support in any interim period of breakdown..." (ibid) It should be noted that Hilsman said that Rusk had cooperated with the drafting of the cable and actually inserted the sentence about support for the generals. Rusk vehemently denied this to author William Rust. (ibid, p. 347)
When Kennedy was contacted in Boston, Forrestal told him it was urgent to get the cable out that night, for events were beginning to come unglued in Saigon. Kennedy asked that the cable be cleared by the other principals, and he specifically named McCone, probably since he knew McCone would not support it. McCone did not sign off on the cable. But the cabal told Kennedy that he had. Neither did Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Maxwell Taylor. (Ibid, p. 349) In fact, Taylor was not shown Cable 243 until after it was sent to Saigon. Once he saw it, he immediately realized that "the anti-Diem group centered in State had taken advantage of the absence of principal officials to get out instructions which would never have been approved as written under normal circumstances." (ibid) But yet, Taylor did not call Kennedy to tell him he was being maneuvered into a corner.
When the cable arrived in Saigon, Lodge ignored the wording about going to Diem and advising him about dismissing his brother. Instead, he went straight to the generals. On the 29th, Lodge then cabled Rusk that "We are launched on a course from which there is no respectable turning back. The overthrow of the Diem government. There is no possibility in my view that the war can be won under the Diem administration." As Lodge told Stanley Karnow for the PBS special Vietnam: A Television History, Kennedy sent him a cancellation cable on the 30th. He now said that Lodge should not play any further role in encouraging the generals.
But Lodge, who had just been sent to Saigon as ambassador to South Vietnam, seems to have had his mind made up upon his arrival. John Richardson was the CIA station chief there when Lodge arrived. Since Richardson supported Diem, and understood where Lodge was heading with him, there was tension between the two. Lodge eventually got Richardson removed from his post. (Washington Post, October 6, 1963) As Jim Douglass notes, this paved the way for the coup to go forward in early November, and then for Conein and Lodge to cooperate with the generals on the assassination of the brothers. (Douglass, pgs. 207-10)
Almost every major point made above is somehow lost on Clarke. From the failure to get McCone to sign on, to the ultimate cooperation between Lodge and Conein to ensure the generals knew where the Nhu brothers were trying to hide and then escape. Which resulted in their deaths.
Clarke also mangles the last month of Kennedy's Cuba policy. He says that even in November, after the back channel to Castro was in high gear, Kennedy was still trying to overthrow Fidel. Yet, as many authors have pointed out, the anti-Castro efforts by this time had dribbled down to almost nothing. In the entire second half of 1963, there were five authorized raids into Cuba. The entire corps of commandoes the CIA could call upon totaled 50 men. (Destiny Betrayed, Second Edition, p. 70) Question for Clarke: How does one overthrow a government with 50 men? Desmond Fitzgerald, who ran the Cuba desk in 1963 agreed. He later said that this effort was completely inadequate to the task and recommended it be scrapped. (ibid)
Further, Clarke also says that Castro was trying to subvert democracy elsewhere in November. And he uses the Richard Helms anecdote from his book, A Look over My Shoulder. This is where Helms goes to, first RFK, and then JFK, with what he says is proof of an arms shipment into Venezuela by Castro. (Helms, pgs. 226-27) Somehow, Clarke does not understand that neither Kennedy was at all impressed with this so-called "discovery". Probably because, like former CIA officer Joseph B. Smith, they understood that the Agency likely planted the shipment to divert Kennedy's back channel. (Smith, Portrait of a Cold Warrior, p. 383)
In summary, this is a kind of odd book. Even for the MSM. Clarke and his cohorts seem to be just catching up to what people in the know understood about Kennedy decades ago. But only now, in 2013 can this be revealed. But even then, it must be accompanied by the usual MSM rumor-mongering and dirt. (In addition to Rometsch, and Storm, Clarke throws in Marlene Dietrich.) I guess, under those restrictive circumstances, this is the best one can expect from someone who trusts the likes of Ben Bradlee.
The Spy Left Out in the Cold: Bay of Pigs Vet Bernardo de Torres Died Alone
More in this category: « Mark Lane, Last Word: My Indictment Of The CIA In The Murder of JFK Mark North, Betrayal in Dallas: LBJ, the Pearl Street Mafia, and the Murder of President Kennedy »
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West End of London facts for kids
Piccadilly Circus, the heart of the West End
The West End of London (commonly referred to as the West End) is an area of Central and West London containing many of the city's major tourist attractions, shops, businesses, government buildings and entertainment venues, including the West End theatres.
Use of the term began in the early 19th century to describe fashionable areas to the west of Charing Cross. The West End covers much of the boroughs of Westminster and Camden.
While the City of London, or the Square Mile, is the main business and financial district in London, the West End is the main commercial and entertainment centre of the city. It is the largest central business district in the United Kingdom, comparable to Midtown Manhattan in New York City, the Gangnam District in Seoul, Shibuya in Tokyo, Sol in Madrid or the 8th arrondissement in Paris and EUR in Rome. It is one of the most expensive locations in the world in which to rent office space, just behind Silicon Valley's Sand Hill Road.
New West End Company
Notable streets
Notable squares and circuses
Shaftesbury Avenue from Piccadilly Circus in 1949
Lying to the west of the historic Roman and Medieval City of London, the West End was long favoured by the rich elite as a place of residence because it was usually upwind of the smoke drifting from the crowded City. It was also close to the royal seat of power at Westminster, and is largely contained within the City of Westminster (one of the 32 London boroughs).
Developed in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, it was originally built as a series of palaces, expensive town houses, fashionable shops and places of entertainment. The areas closest to the City around Holborn, Seven Dials, and Covent Garden historically contained poorer communities that were cleared and redeveloped in the 19th century.
As the West End is a term used colloquially by Londoners and is not an official geographical or municipal definition, its exact constituent parts are up for debate. Westminster City Council's 2005 report Vision for the West End included the following areas in its definition of the West End: Covent Garden, Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square, the shopping streets of Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street, the area encompassing Trafalgar Square, the Strand and Aldwych, and the district known as Theatreland. The Edgware Road to the north-west and the Victoria Embankment to the south-east were also covered by the document but were treated as "adjacent areas" to the West End.
According to Ed Glinert's West End Chronicles (2006) the districts falling within the West End are Mayfair, Soho, Covent Garden, Fitzrovia and Marylebone. By this definition, the West End borders Temple, Holborn and Bloomsbury to the east, Regent's Park to the north, Paddington, Hyde Park and Knightsbridge to the west, and Victoria and Westminster to the south.
One of the local government wards within the City of Westminster is called "West End". This covers a similar area that defined by Glinert: Mayfair, Soho, and parts of Fitzrovia and Marylebone. The population of this ward at the 2011 Census was 10,575.
Her Majesty's Theatre in Haymarket, home to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera
Taking a fairly broad definition of the West End, the area contains the main concentrations of most of London's metropolitan activities apart from financial services, which are concentrated primarily in the City of London. There are major concentrations of the following buildings and activities in the West End:
Art galleries and museums
Company headquarters outside the financial services sector (although London's many hedge funds are based mainly in the West End)
Government buildings (mainly around Whitehall)
Institutes, learned societies and think tanks
Legal institutions
Media establishments
Places of entertainment: theatres; cinemas; nightclubs; bars and restaurants
The annual New Year's Day Parade takes place on the streets of the West End.
The New West End Company (NWEC) is a business improvement district and runs services including street cleaning and security on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. NWEC also runs the Red Caps service.
Albemarle Street
Charing Cross Road
Denmark Street
Gower Street
Great Marlborough Street
Great Portland Street
Harley Street
High Holborn
King's Road
Old Compton Street
Wardour Street
The West End is laid out with many notable public squares and circuses, the latter being the original name for roundabouts in London.
Cambridge Circus
Soho Square
St Giles Circus
London Underground stations in the West End include:
Goodge Street
Warren Street
Sub-regions of London
NUTS 2: Inner London · Outer London · Boundary Commission: North London · South London
London Plan
North · North East · South East · South West · West
Central London · Docklands · East End · South Bank · Thames Gateway (London Riverside · Lower Lea Valley) · West End
Areas of London
Central activities zone
City of London wards
Town centre network
Holloway Nags Head
Kensington High Street
King's Road East
Queensway/Westbourne Grove
(principal)
Harlesden
Harringay
Upper Norwood
Wealdstone
Alperton
Anerley
Barnsbury
Chipping Barnet
Elmers End
Gidea Park
Gunnersbury
Hackbridge
Harold Wood
Kensal Green
Roehampton
Upper Clapton
Wapping
Lists of all areas by borough
London Plan, Annex Two: London's Town Centre Network
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West End of London Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.
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“SLEEPING MURDER” (2006) Review
I might as well say it. The 1976 novel, “Sleeping Murder” is one of my favorites written by mystery writer, Agatha Christie. In fact, it is such a big favorite of mine that when I learned about the recent 2006 adaptation that aired on Britain’s ITV network, I made a great effort to find it on DVD.
Although the 1976 novel proved to be the last Christie novel featuring elderly sleuth, Miss Jane Marple, the author wrote it during the early years of World War II. In fact, she did the same for the 1975 Hercule Poirot novel, “Curtain”. Christie wrote both novels and placed them in a bank vault, in case she failed to survive the Blitz. During the early 1970s, the author authorized the publication of “Curtain” for 1975 and “Sleeping Murder” for 1976. I never warmed up to the 1975 novel, but I became a fan of the latter one. The novel produced two television adaptations and a radio version. Just recently, I watched a DVD copy of the 2006 television movie that featured Geraldine McEwan as Miss Jane Marple.
“SLEEPING MURDER” begins in 1933 India, where British diplomat Kelvin Halliday receives news that his wife Claire had just been killed in a traffic accident. The widower returns home to England with his three year-old daughter Gwenda and meets one Helen Marsden, a singer with a troupe of music performers known as “The Funnybones”. Nineteen years later, a recently engaged Gwenda Halliday returns to England in order to find a home where she and her future husband Giles, who is a wealthy businessman living in India, can live. Accompanied by Giles’ assistant, Hugh Hornbeam, Gwenda finds a house in Dillmouth, a town on the south coast of England. While workmen set about repairing the house, Gwenda realizes that it seems familiar to her. Hugh suggests she speak to an old acquaintance of his, Miss Jane Marple of St. Mary Mead. Gwenda and Hugh meet with Miss Marple at a local theater showing the John Webster play, “The Duchess of Malfi”. During one of the play’s climatic scenes, Gwenda screams in terror , as she remembers witnessing a pair of hands strangling a woman. Along with Miss Marple and Hugh, Gwenda realizes she may have witnessed a murder when she was a child living in Dillmouth. All three also discover that the murdered woman may have been Gwenda’s stepmother, Helen Marsden Halliday.
I . . . did not dislike “SLEEPING MURDER”. I thought this adaptation featured fine performances from a cast led by the always superb Geraldine McEwan. The television movie also featured memorable performances from Sophia Myles and Aidan McArdle as Gwenda Halliday and Hugh Hornbeam. I was also impressed by Julian Wadham as Kelvin Halliday; Martin Kemp, Dawn French and Paul McGann as three of Helen’s Funnybones colleagues; and Phil Davis as Dr. James Kennedy, Kelvin’s original brother-in-law. It was nice to see Harriet Walter give a cameo as an actress portraying the lead role in “The Duchess of Malfi” production. The rest of the cast gave solid performances, aside from two struck me as slightly problematic. Sarah Parish’s portrayal of Funnybones wallflower-turned successful singer Evie Ballatine seemed to be an exercise in character extremism . . . and a bit over-the-top. I could say the same about Geraldine Chapln’s portrayal of the gloomy Mrs. Fane, mother of Walter Fane, a mild-mannered lawyer who knew Gwenda’s mother.
“SLEEPING MURDER” also benefited from colorful and sharp photography, thanks to Alan Almond’s cinematography. I also found Frances Tempest’s costume designs for the early 1950s sequences rather gorgeous to look at. However, her designs for the 1930s scenes seemed to be something of a mixed bag. Overall, I had no complaints about the movie’s production designs and the performances. But I did not love this movie. In fact, I barely liked it.
The problem – at least for me – is that the positive aspects of “SLEEPING MURDER” failed to hide or compensate what proved to be the movie’s real problem . . . namely the screenplay written by Stephen Churchett. I do not completely blame him. The producers of “AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MARPLE” and director Edward Hall were willing to use it. I have no problems with a screenwriter changing certain aspects of a source novel or play for a screen adaptation. Especially if said change manages to improve the story or make it more effective for a screen adaptation. But the changes Churchett made to Christie’s story did not improve it in the end or made it effective for the television screen. Personally, I found Churchett’s changes more convoluted than a novel written by James Ellroy.
First of all, Churchett, Hall or both allowed the Gwenda Reed character from the novel to become the unmarried Gwenda Halliday, engaged to be married. The Giles Reed character was reduced to Gwenda’s unseen and wealthy fiancé, who turned out to be a jerk. Churchett and Hall decided to create a new love interest for Gwenda, the quiet and faithful Hugh Hornbam, who works for her fiancé. Why did Hall and Churchett give Gwenda a new love interest? What was wrong with using the original Giles Reed character from the novel? Was it really that important to inject a new romance, which seemed to be the hallmark of many “MARPLE” productions? Also, a musical troupe known as the Funnybones was introduced to this story. Three of the original suspects – Richard “Dickie” and Janet Erskine, and Jackie Afflick – became members of the Funnybones, along with Helen. The addition of the Funnybones also produced another suspect for the story – a singer named Evie Ballatine. Why did Churchett create the Funnybones in the first place? Perhaps he and Hall thought the musical troupe would make Helen’s character more “colorful”. On the other hand, I found the addition of the musical troupe UNNECESSARY . . . like other changes and additions to this story.
The above changes seemed nothing to me compared to the changes made to the Helen Halliday character. It is bad enough that Churchett transformed her from a nice, young woman who became a stepmother and wife to a professional singer. Go figure. Worse . . . Helen Marsden Halliday was eventually revealed to be Kelvin Halliday’s first wife, Claire. In other words, Gwenda’s mother and stepmother proved to be one and the same. How did this happen? Well, when Claire Kennedy went to India to get married, she changed her mind and became a thief. She met Kelvin Halliday, married him and gave birth to their only child Gwenda. However, when the police in British India became suspicious of her, Claire and Kelvin plotted her fake death, she returned to England and joined the Funnybones, and “married” Kelvin as Helen Marsden, following his and Gwenda’s return to India. Confused? I was when Miss Marple revealed all of this to Gwenda, Hugh and the suspects. When this whole scenario regarding Claire/Helen’s background was revealed, I could only shake my head in disbelief. What on earth was Churchett thinking when he created this confusing background for her? What were the producers and Hall thinking for accepting it? In fact, all of the changes made for this adaptation proved to be unnecessary, but also transformed “SLEEPING MURDER” into one convoluted mess.
What else can I say about “SLEEPING MURDER”? It featured some pretty good performances from a cast led by Geraldine McEwan. I liked its production values very much, especially Alan Almond’s photography and Frances Tempest’s costume designs for the 1950s sequences. But . . . I feel that screenwriter Stephen Churchett made a lot of unnecessary changes to Christie’s original story that left the movie into a big, narrative mess. And I cannot help but wonder what director Edward Hall and the producers were thinking to allow these changes to happen.
Filed under: Book Review, Television | Tagged: agatha christie, aidan mcardle, anna-louise plowman, british empire, early 20th century, geraldine chaplin, geraldine mcewan, harriet walter, john webster, julian wadham, literary, mid 20th century, music, nickolas grace, paul mcgann, peter serafinowicz, sophia myles, television |
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Second Look: “MANDINGO” (1975)
About forty-three years ago, Paramount Pictures released an adaptation of Kyle Onscott’s 1957 novel of the Old South, ”MANDINGO”. This movie, which has developed a reputation as lurid, exploitive and racist, is considered to be one of the worst films to be released in the 1970s. Directed by Richard Fleischer, it starred Perry King, Ken Norton, James Mason, Brenda Sykes, Susan George and Ben Masters.
However, there are recent film critics who refuse to dismiss ”MANDINGO” as simply lurid trash. They contend that despite its melodramatic tone, the movie offered a portrait of the antebellum South that may have been a lot more accurate than shown in Hollywood movies before or since. I have found two articles on the movie you might find interesting:
““Expect the Truth”: Exploiting History with Mandingo
NOTCOMING.COM: “Mandingo”
“The Greatest Film About Race Ever Filmed in Hollywood”: Richard Fleischer’s Mandingo
“SLIFR: ‘Mandingo'”
“MANDINGO” (1975) Images
Filed under: Book Review, Essay, History, Movies | Tagged: antebellum, ben masters, brenda sykes, james mason, ji-tu cumbuka, ken norton, lillian hayman, literary, movies, old hollywood, paul benedict, perry king, politics, richard ward, sports, susan george | Leave a comment »
List of Favorite Movies and Television Miniseries About SLAVERY
Posted on April 8, 2013 by ladylavinia1932
With the recent release of Steven Spielberg’s new movie, “LINCOLN” and Quentin Tarrantino’s latest film, “DJANGO UNCHAINED”, I found myself thinking about movies I have seen about slavery – especially slavery practiced in the United States. Below is a list of my favorite movies on the subject in chronological order:
“Skin Game” (1971) – James Garner and Lou Gossett Jr. co-starred in this unusual comedy about two antebellum drifter who pull the “skin game” – a con that involves one of them selling the other as a slave for money before the pair can escape and pull the same con in another town. Paul Bogart directed.
“Mandingo” (1975) – Reviled by many critics as melodramatic sleaze, this 1975 adaptation of Kyle Onstott’s 1957 novel revealed one of the most uncompromising peeks into slave breeding in the American South, two decades before the Civil War. Directed by Richard Fleischer, the movie starred James Mason, Perry King, Brenda Sykes, Susan George and Ken Norton.
“Roots” (1977) – David Wolper produced this television miniseries adaptation of Alex Haley’s 1976 about his mother’s family history as American slaves during a century long period between the mid-18th century and the end of the Civil War. LeVar Burton, Leslie Uggams, Ben Vereen, Georg Sanford Brown and Lou Gossett Jr. starred.
“Half-Slave, Half-Free: Solomon Northup’s Odyssey” (1984) – Avery Brooks starred in this television adaptation of free born Solomon Northup’s 1853 autobiography about his twelve years as a slave in antebellum Louisiana. Gordon Parks directed.
“North and South” (1985) – David Wolper produced this television adaptation of John Jakes’ 1982 novel about the experiences of two American families and the growing discord over slavery during the twenty years before the American Civil War. Patrick Swayze and James Read starred.
“Race to Freedom: The Story of the Underground Railroad” (1994) – This made-for-television movie told the story about four North Carolina slaves’ escape to Canada, following the passage of the Compromise of 1850. Janet Bailey and Courtney B. Vance starred.
“The Journey of August King” (1996) – Jason Patric and Thandie Newton starred in this adaptation of John Ehle’s 1971 novel about an early 19th century North Carolina farmer who finds himself helping a female slave escape from her master and slave catchers. John Duigan directed.
“A Respectable Trade” (1998) – Emma Fielding, Ariyon Bakare and Warren Clarke starred in this television adaptation of Philippa Gregory’s 1992 novel about the forbidden love affair between an African born slave and the wife of his English master in 18th century Bristol. Suri Krishnamma directed.
“Mansfield Park” (1999) – Slavery is heavily emphasized in Patricia Rozema’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1814 novel about a young English woman’s stay with her rich relatives during the first decade of the 19th century. Frances O’Connor and Jonny Lee Miller starred.
“Human Trafficking” (2005) – Mira Sorvino starred in this miniseries about the experiences of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent investigating the modern day sex slave trafficking business. Donald Sutherland and Robert Caryle co-starred.
“Amazing Grace” (2007) – Michael Apted directed this account of William Wilberforce’s campaign against the slave trade throughout the British Empire in Parliament. Ioan Gruffudd, Benedict Cumberbatch, Romola Garai Rufus Sewell and Albert Finney starred.
“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” (2012) – History and the supernatural merged in this interesting adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith’s 2010 novel about the 16th president’s activities as a vampire hunter. Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie and Mary Elizabeth Winstead starred.
“Lincoln” (2012) – Daniel Day-Lewis portrayed the 16th president in Steven Spielberg’s fascinating account of Lincoln’s efforts to end U.S. slavery, by having Congress pass the 13th Amendment of the Constitution. Sally Field, David Strathairn and Tommy Lee Jones co-starred.
“Django Unchained” (2012) – Quentin Tarantino directed this take on Spaghetti Westerns about a slave-turned-bounty hunter and his mentor, who sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner. Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo Di Caprio, Kerry Washington and Samuel L. Jackson starred.
Filed under: Essay, History, Movies, Television | Tagged: abraham lincoln, adam drive, alessandro nivola, american revolution, andrew duggan, antebellum, anthony mackie, art evans, ato essandoh, avery brooks, ben masters, ben vereen, benedict cumberbatch, benjamin walker, brenda sykes, british empire, bruce dern, chase edmunds, christoph waltz, chuck connors, ciarán hinds, cicely tyson, civil war, colman domingo, colonial america, cooper huckabee, courtney b. vance, dakin matthews, dana gourrier, dane dehaan, daniel day-lewis, david carradine, david oyelowo, david strathairn, dawnn lewis, dominic cooper, don johnson, donald sutherland, doug mclure, early america, edward asner, elizabeth taylor, embeth davidtz, erica gimpel, forest whitaker, frances o'connor, georg stanford brown, gilded age, gloria reuben, glynn turman, gulliver mcgrath, hal holbrook, history, ioan gruffudd, jackie earle haley, james garner, james mason, james purefoy, james read, james russo, jamie foxx, jane austen, jared harris, jason patric, jean simmons, jeremy swift, ji-tu cumbuka, jim metzler, john hawkes, john jakes, john saxon, jonny lee miller, joseph gordon-levitt, ken norton, kerry washington, kirstie alley, larry drake, lee bryant, lee horsley, lee pace, lesley anne down, lesley uggams, levar burton, lewis smith, lillian hayman, lindsay duncan, literary, lloyd bridges, lou gossett jr., mary elizabeth winstead, mexican-american war, michael gambon, michael parks, mira sorvino, movies, nicholas farrell, north and south, old hollywood, old west, olivia cole, patrick swayze, paul benedict, perry king, philip casnoff, politics, quentin tarantino, rhetta greene, richard roundtree, richard ward, robert carlyle, robert carradine, romola garai, ron white, roots, rufus sewell, sally field, sam waterston, samuel l. jackson, seth grahame-smith, slavery, sports, steven spielberg, susan clark, susan george, sylvestra de tourzel, television, thandie newton, tim burton, toby jones, tom fisher, tommy lee jones, travel, victoria hamilton, walton goggins, warren clarke, wayne duvall, william camp | 1 Comment »
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Assessing Frost Exposure On Vegetation
Identifying spring frost areas with Land Surface Temperature from Meteosat
A prolonged period of warmer-than-average weather over Europe in March and first half of April 2017 came to a halt after polar air mass rapidly moved southwards from N/NE of the continent. This event resulted in one of the worst frost damage in recent years. It affected vegetation, which was already in bloom over larger areas of Central, Western and Eastern Europe. Particularly hard-hit were areas with fruit cultivation, e.g., apples, grapes, pears and cherries.
Air and ground temperature recordings from in-situ monitoring stations help identifying locations hit by the freezing temperatures. Air temperature is most commonly measured 2 metres above ground. This can be representative of frost exposure on many types of fruit trees, while air temperature closer to the ground is representative of various types of vegetables that grow on the ground. The first figure displays measured air temperature at two different altitudes from in-situ station in the coastal part of Slovenia (indicated as a black dot on the map) and the corresponding values of land surface temperature derived from geostationary satellite Meteosat (LSA SAF LST product available every 15 minutes) for 21-22 April 2017. As can be seen from the figure, in-situ air temperature at 5 cm is quite comparable with satellite measurements, although there is a disagreement between the two for morning and noon values on 21 April 2017.
LSA SAF LST is very useful to assess regional effects of frost on vegetation. For this purpose we can study minimum temperature (shown for 21 April 2017 on a wider European domain with zoomed-in area over Slovenia) and the duration of night-time frost exposure as a measure of frost severity. We defined the latter as a number of hours when temperature fell below 0°C from 0 till 6 UTC. The two figures clearly indicate most of Slovenia experienced prolonged sub-zero temperatures on 21 April 2017 apart from the coastal areas. Satellite information helps differentiate areas with sub-zero temperatures from those with no frost exposure, particularly in areas with limited in-situ coverage.
Frost damage depends to a high degree on the type and variety of plants grown locally as plants have a very different vulnerability to frost. To further complicate matters, sensitivity to frost depends greatly on the plant development, i.e., its phenological phase. So, to accurately assess regional effects of frost damage on vegetation one can combine local data (both type of plants and in-situ temperature) with satellite data to have a better understanding on the spatial extent of the frost exposure.
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Disclaimer: All intellectual property rights of the LSA SAF products belong to EUMETSAT. The use of these products is granted to every interested user, free of charge. If you wish to use these products, EUMETSAT's copyright credit must be shown by displaying the words "copyright (year) EUMETSAT" on each of the products used.
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The Non-Toxic Cleaning Solution For Every Surface
By Meridian Living Well
Elder Holland Calls for the Refocusing of Efforts for Refugees
By ChurchofJesusChrist.org · July 4, 2018
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles called on non-governmental organizations, governments, and faith groups to refocus their efforts in responding to the personal and family crises suffered by refugees and internally displaced people.
“In the past, charitable institutions have provided financial support, medical treatment, and other physical needs for refugee victims, all of which are still needed, said Elder Holland, addressing an audience at the Chatham House—the Royal Institute of International Affairs—in London, England, on July 2. “But we now understand that we must look to emotional and spiritual needs as well.”
Citing the severe persecution experienced by the Yazidi people in Northern Iraq, Elder Holland said, “Every community has different challenges and different reasons for their resilience in facing them. For many, especially a tightly-knit faith-based community like the Yazidis, their faith is the one crucial resource that will allow them to pull deeply from the wellsprings of life that are sacred to their tradition.
“It is just as precious to them as water, food, and air. By preserving a person’s faith, we help preserve their future.”
To read the full article, click here.
2 Comments | Post or read comments
Herm OlsenJuly 10, 2018
Elder Holland is 100% correct. He doesn't say anything about being 'faithful and smart' - because that is too often used as an excuse to do nothing.
VICKIE CLOUDJuly 5, 2018
I agree with this posting....that the yazidi's need protection and they are the kind of people that need to immigrate to any country that will help them. I don't see them trying to murder people of different faiths. but we have to be very careful of those religious beliefs that want to do harm to anyone. there is a big difference and we have to be faithful and smart...
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Don’t Leave Kenya – Let Your Parents go Back to Europe and the US! →
Creating Credible Scenes
Posted on May 8, 2018 by jbwye
It’s a great privilege to host long-time friend Nancy Jardine once again. She is an eminent historian and novelist, and her dedication to detail leaves me utterly in awe. No wonder her books are so rich and satisfying. And she has produced some atmospheric photographs to give us an idea of the scenery where her characters lived in days gone by. Over to you, Nancy.
Hello Jane. Thank you so much for inviting me today. It’s always lovely to make a return visit.
Research generally plays a large part in the preparation for a historical novel. Depending on the era chosen, that can be a fairly simple process of going to prime sources, text books or academic papers to locate the information that can be used to create a credible setting.
In my case, since my historical fiction series is set almost 2000 years ago in northern Roman Britain, prime sources for this are non-existent. Some copies of ancient works I have to use with caution, because they are likely to be translations, and have possibly been subject to miscopying and/ or scribal misconceptions. There are plenty of non-fiction books I can read that give me useful general information on Roman Britain, but they are based on interpretations of what the era might have been like, and few of these books mention the barbarian areas of north-eastern Scotland. My task, when writing my fiction is to amalgamate lots of those interpretations and use them in conjunction with the archaeological record for the areas involved. But sometimes I need even more than that.
My imagination has to work hard, but not so hard it becomes historical fantasy. To date, readers and reviewers of my Celtic Fervour Series have enjoyed that I’ve striven to create credible scenes, and that’s my future aim, as well.
The organic nature of my research is very exciting, because there’s always some new theory or interpretation formed from the latest archaeological investigations using fancy new techniques which, sometimes, supplant interpretations of the previous decades.
While writing Book 4 of my Celtic Fervour Series, Agricola’s Bane, I’ve had to use additional sources of information to those already mentioned above to give me a better feel for what my setting was like. My characters in Book 4 inhabit their lifestyle much as in Books 1, 2 and 3. Their clothing, and the other daily trappings in their houses, is similar but the physical landscape they live in has become much more important because the countryside is deeply related to the plot of Book 4.
The action in Book 4 moves further north into new parts of north-east Britannia (current northern Aberdeenshire, Banffshire and Moray). While writing about the setting, there have been some niggling aspects of geography for me to solve before I’ve been happy with my story development. The physical landscape of the few higher hills around the area hasn’t changed appreciably in shape and elevation from 2000 years ago, since there have been no major earthquakes, or anything that would make noticeable differences. What has changed is the vegetation across the region, so whether describing the higher areas, or the valley floors, I can’t assume they looked as they do today.
2000 years ago much more of the land was covered in blanket bog which encroached right down to lower levels. Since the 1700s, mechanisation improved farming techniques, gradually at first, and then the pace picked up during the twentieth century. Lots of that original blanket bog stretching from the surrounding hills down towards valley floors was successfully drained, and is now well maintained, so what I can see now are the fertile fields of Aberdeenshire and Moray – though to be fair, the Laigh of Moray (flatlands) had the best fertile fields of 2000 years ago, but they were not as extensive as they are now.
How do I know this? I’ve used information from the Forestry Commission; Woodland Trusts; History of Farming in Aberdeenshire; and soil sampling research from archaeological excavations.
The sea coast of Aberdeenshire and the Moray Firth have also changed, a little, over those 2000 years, mainly due to coastal erosion. What I can visit today, is not necessarily what was there 2000 years ago, when General Gnaeus Agricola marched his Roman legions up and down the area.
Dunnicaer is at the centre top of this image
In some coastal bays, like those near Stonehaven, what are now sea-stacks of rock standing proudly separate were once joined to the land as promontories, or perhaps by a land bridge of some sort. The rugged-sided stack named Dunnicaer, a short distance from the iconic Dunnottar Castle, has been of great interest to me during the last few years.
Dr, Gordon Noble and his teams from the Department of Archaeology at Aberdeen University have been scaling up the stack with support from a trained mountaineer, to excavate what remains of the top surface. Their findings have been impressive and prove fort habitation back to the Pictish era AD 400-600. Someone of high status appears to have lived there in a small wooden hall surrounded by stone fortifications. (The Pictish word for fort is ‘dun’) It’s unlikely they climbed up and down every day like the archaeological team, so some fairly major form of erosion has occurred to separate the area from the bay cliffs. The natural erosion has left the team with only a small part of the fort to excavate, since the seaward side has already tumbled down into the sea.
If Dunnicaer was inhabited around the fifth century AD, then I like to wonder if it was also occupied during my era of AD 84. The concept of ‘kingship’ seems to have been absent during the time of the Roman invasion of the area, but that doesn’t rule out the possibility there was a roundhouse village there because it is an incredibly commanding position whether for defensive purposes, or purely for the view afforded from it. However, if I did include habitation there in my novel, I would probably be straying into the fantasy of authorial licence.
A recent hypothesis is that the fort on Dunnicaer was possibly abandoned sometime around the 6th century AD and the ‘kingship’ site moved to the promontory where Dunnottar Castle stands today. Dunnottar is likely to have been the site of a siege (Duin Foither in AD 681 – Annals of &Ulster). The ruins in the photo are of a later medieval castle, but I think the photo shows how natural erosion can separate land to become a sea-stack.
You can find Nancy at these places:
Blog: http://nancyjardine.blogspot.co.uk Website: www.nancyjardineauthor.com/
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/XeQdkG & http://on.fb.me/1Kaeh5G
email: nan_jar@btinternet.com Twitter https://twitter.com/nansjar
Amazon Author page http://viewauthor.at/mybooksandnewspagehere
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5139590.Nancy_Jardine
This entry was posted in Authors and tagged Aberdeenshire, archaeological records, barbarians, Britannia, Celtic Gervour Series, Forestry Commission, General Gnaeus Agricola, historical novel, Nancy Jardine, Pictish era, research, Roman Britain. Bookmark the permalink.
10 Responses to Creating Credible Scenes
Nancy Jardine says:
Thank you, Jane, for inviting me today! It’s lovely to visit you again.
You’re very welcome, any time, Nancy.
Thank you, Chris.
Welcome, Nancy – Great article 👍😃
The Owl Lady says:
Reblogged this on Viv Drewa – The Owl Lady.
Many thanks, Viv Drewa- The Owl Lady.
Sierra Ayonnie says:
I think so many people underestimate the amount of research that goes into novelizing. This post gives great insight about the world that has to be constructed with cited sources. I love this!
I’m very pleased to see you write this, Sierra, thank you!
Check out this helpful post from Jane Bwye’s blog on creating credible scenes
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2 earthquakes in 2 days: Comparing the quakes that hit Southern California
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The two earthquakes were the strongest to hit the region in decades. Here’s how they compare.
It sent residents running out of their homes, and the thousands of aftershocks that followed kept them on edge for hours.
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit the same area Friday night, rocking buildings and cracking streets and foundations.
It was 11 times stronger than the previous quake, according to the US Geological Survey.
And it was 5 times bigger
Not only was Friday’s earthquake 11 times stronger than Thursday’s temblor, it was also five times bigger.
So what does that mean exactly?
“Five times bigger” refers to the scientific measure of the earthquake. On the seismograph, Friday’s quake is five times the size of Thursday’s quake.
“Eleven times stronger” refers to the intensity of the quake. Friday’s quake released 11 times the amount of energy that Thursday’s quake did.
But the strength — not the size — is the more important figure. The energy released in a quake is what causes damage. Or, as the USGS puts it: “It is really the energy or strength that knocks down buildings.”
Here’s how to interpret the magnitude of an earthquake in terms of how much damage it causes.
It was also longer
Bakersfield resident Giovanna Gomez was at home with her family on Friday when their house swayed and the water in her pool overflowed.
“It was about a minute long,” she said. “Far larger than the one that (happened) yesterday. It was a smooth roll going back and forth.”
Bakersfield is in Kern County, about 110 miles from Ridgecrest.
Donald Castle, who lives in Porterville, west of Ridgecrest, said his house shook for nearly 25 seconds.
“It was more of a shake than what we had on the Fourth. It lasted longer and was more rolling,” he said.
Both quakes caused damage
Both of the quakes caused damage to communities, including fires, power outages and water main breaks. Here’s what happened after each quake.
The city of Ridgecrest announced a state of emergency. Mayor Peggy Breeden said the city was experiencing fires and broken gas lines. There were also power outages in the city of 28,000 residents.
In Kern County, at the epicenter, the fire department said it responded to more than 20 incidents relating to the earthquake and aftershocks, including fires and medical emergencies.
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital was evacuated, and about 15 patients from the emergency room were taken to another hospital.
There were also reports of damage in buildings and a 4-inch crack opened up in Highway 178, according to San Bernardino County Fire spokesman Jeremy Kern.
Gas leaks caused structure fires throughout Ridgecrest, residents reported water main breaks, and the power and communications were out in some areas, according to Mark Ghilarducci, director of the Governors’ Office of Emergency Management.
Several injuries were reported, according to Kern County spokeswoman Megan Person, and about 130 residents from Bakersfield and Trona were staying in a temporary shelter.
The San Bernardino County Fire Department said it received multiple reports of damage from northwest communities. The town of Trona was without power and water.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported no major damage, deaths or serious injuries, but said some wires were down and power was out in some locations.
They happened near each other
Friday’s quake struck 11 miles northeast of Ridgecrest, according to the USGS. It was centered just northwest of Thursday’s quake, also near Ridgecrest.
They’re both part of an ongoing system
CalTech seismologist Lucy Jones said Friday that both earthquakes are part of an ongoing sequence, of a “very energetic system.”
Friday’s earthquake was the mainshock, while Thursday’s quake was a foreshock. There have been over 4,700 quakes across all magnitudes since Thursday’s quake, USGS geophysicist John Bellini tells CNN.
“They are coming in every 30 seconds, every minute,” he said.
Since Friday night’s 7.1-magnitude quake, there have been three quakes with magnitudes of 5 or greater.
On their website, the USGS broke down the possibility of more aftershocks in the next week (until July 13). Here’s the forecast:
The chance of an earthquake of magnitude 3 or higher is more than 99%.
The chance of an earthquake of magnitude 5 or higher is 96%.
The chance of an earthquake of magnitude 7 or higher is 3%.
These probabilities will continue to decrease as time goes on.
CNN’s Jay Croft, Braden Goyette, Christina Maxouris, Paul Vercammen, Haley Brink and Meg Wagner contributed to this report.
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Case of the Day: Ingaseosas v. Aconcagua
The case of the day is Ingaseosas International Co. v. Aconcagua Investing Ltd. (11th Cir. 2012). We first saw the case way back in February 2011. Here was my description of the facts from the earlier post:
Ingaseosas and Aconcagua were both British Virgin Islands firms. They entered into a stock purchase agreement concerning shares in another BVI company that owned a Coca-Cola franchise in Ecuador. The agreement contained an arbitration clause requiring arbitration in disputes in Miami, subject to New York law. When the parties failed to consummate the stock purchase agreement, Aconcagua demanded arbitration and asserted a claim for breach of contract. Ingaseosas counterclaimed. The tribunal’s award was in favor of Aconcagua. Aconcagua sought recognition and enforcement of the award in the courts of the British Virgin Islands, and Ingaseosas sought to vacate the award in the federal court in Miami. When Ingaseosas failed to post a bond in the BVI proceeding, the court there granted Aconcagua’s application and entered a judgment in its favor. Aconcagua then filed a motion in the U.S. proceeding to confirm the award.
The District Court dismissed the case on the grounds that it lacked subject matter jurisdiction because a motion to vacate an arbitral award does not arise under federal law. The interesting procedural quirk in the case was that the court would have had jurisdiction had Aconcagua sought confirmation first and Ingaseosas then moved to vacate.
On appeal, the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal in an unpublished opinion, but not on the jurisdictional grounds on which the district court had relied. Instead, the court noted the course of the proceedings in the BVI courts. After the courts there had recognized and enforced the award, they appointed a receiver for Ingaseosas. The receiver was able to collect enough funds to satisfy the judgment, and Ingaseosas, still solvent, then exited receivership. Moreover, the BVI court had refused to allow Ingaseosas’s shareholders to assume control of the motion to vacate in the US court (the receiver had hired independent counsel to prosecute the motion) on the grounds that even if the motion to vacate were successful, the motion to confirm had already gone to judgment in the BVI courts, and a vacatur in the US courts would not upset the BVI judgment. In light of these facts, the Eleventh Circuit held that the motion to vacate was moot, either as a constitutional matter or under the doctrine of prudential mootness. The basic idea is that in light of the satisfaction of the judgment and the BVI court’s view of the effect of a US judgment on its own judgment confirming the award, the US court could not afford effective relief to Ingaseosas.
The BVI court’s statement that it would not give effect to a US court’s vacatur probably short-circuited what could otherwise have been an interesting and scholarly look into the possibility that a party could seek restitution or some other relief from the enforcing court after an award was vacated by the court at the place of the arbitration. Maybe next time!
Tagged: arbitration, British Virgin Islands, FAA, New York Convention
« The Judicial Role in Creating Puerto Rico’s Political Condition and Contemporary Judicial Passiveness on the Subject Belfast Project: The Government Files Its Brief »
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A Pacific perspective on climate-security risks and the UN Security Council - Interview with the President of Nauru
Berlin Climate and Security Conference 2019, Baron Waqa, speech
The President of Nauru, Baron Waqa, delivering his speech during the Berlin Climate and Security Conference at the German Federal Foreign Office, Berlin. | © Jan Rottler/adelphi
As the debate over climate-related security risks grows, many Pacific Island States are calling for more action by the international community to better address the links between climate change and global security. In an interview with adelphi, the President of Nauru, Baron Waqa, highlights some of these calls as well as the challenges in getting the climate-security issue on the UN’s agenda.
What steps are Nauru and the Pacific Island States calling for the international community to take in order to better address the links between climate change and security risks?
The Pacific is calling for the appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Climate and Security. The SRSG would fill a critical gap within the UN system and help us manage climate security risks more effectively. The SRSG should have three initial responsibilities: the first would be to provide an update to the Secretary-General’s 2009 report on the security implications of climate change based on the latest research findings, including an assessment of the capacity of the United Nations system to respond to the security implications of climate change; secondly, the representative should produce a new report, in cooperation with relevant scientific bodies, that identifies and analyses potentially dangerous tipping points within the nexus of climate and security, along with recommendations for improving our monitoring and response; and finally, the SRSG should provide support to interested vulnerable countries for developing preliminary climate-security risk assessments.
This mandate should grow over time to include facilitating regional and cross-border cooperation on issues that might be affected by climate change, engaging in preventive diplomacy, as appropriate, and supporting post-conflict situations when climate change is a risk factor that could undermine stability. It should be noted that this is not a new proposal. It has been on the table since the last formal debate on this matter in 2011. Furthermore, I would especially like to see clear mechanisms being developed to ensure that the people from the affected countries are driving the conversation.
You have been a strong proponent of placing climate change-related security risks squarely on the UN Security Council’s agenda. What are the biggest challenges that still need to be overcome to incorporate climate security risks in the Council’s mandate?
There are still very large differences of opinion regarding the appropriate role of the United Nations system in the context of the security implications of climate change. The Pacific continues to be the strongest voice for a robust UN response; however, we are seeking a more robust response from the UN system as a whole, within each organ’s respective mandate. The response should not be overly focused on action by the Security Council, which may have some powerful tools, but also have some limitations in comparison to other UN bodies.
Nonetheless, the Council needs better climate-related security risk information, analysis, and early-warning mechanisms to be able to make informed decisions. Sound analysis of current and future security risks are key for the Council to carry out its main functions, which are preventing conflict and sustaining peace. UN capabilities with respect to climate-related security risks need to be further developed to support the Secretary-General’s reporting and risk assessments, which is entirely consistent with the intent of the 2011 Presidential Statement and recent Security Council resolutions on the Lake Chad Basin, West Africa, the Sahel, and Somalia.
Despite these challenges, the debate at the United Nations continues to move forward as climate change impacts every aspect of its work. In response to recent Security Council resolutions, the UN has taken its first steps toward integrating resilience planning into the work of peacekeeping operations. This seems like a positive development with the potential to bring more durable peace and security to people living in fragile situations. Also encouraging is the establishment of a mini-mechanism within the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, which will help build UN competence on this issue.
Some countries resist specifically the expansion of the Security Council’s mandate to include climate security risks. What are their main arguments and concerns, and how would you respond to them?
Some countries do not support any expansion of the Security Council’s mandate. Nauru is sympathetic to this concern, as the Security Council is not a representative body. That is why the Pacific has proposed the appointment of a Special Representative, which would not affect the mandate of the Security Council.
Some have also expressed concerns about the securitisation of climate change, fearing that it will lead to greater militarisation of the issue. This is precisely the dynamic that we think a robust UN response can help avoid. If we do not proactively address the security implications of climate change, then the onset of climate-driven crisis will make it more likely that some will opt for military responses – not less. The military branches of many governments with global reach have been analysing this issue for more than a decade – mostly behind closed doors. Bringing the issue before the United Nations would provide the opportunity for all to engage in this critical discussion.
The last and most concerning source of opposition comes from a few powerful countries that have long sought to limit the reach of multilateral institutions like the United Nations and to avoid any constraints on their ability to act unilaterally. It could be argued that this logic is at the heart of the Paris Agreement, and I fear that it is not compatible with a world in which most Pacific Islands are viable. I harbour no illusions that the fate of my country concerns them in the slightest, but I am also not prepared to give up pursuing a way forward.
This interview was conducted by Anna Maria Link, adelphi.
“We will address climate-related security risks in the Security Council” – Interview with German Diplomat Michaela Spaeth
Climate security risks are, by all interpretations, a global threat. But when it comes to setting a political climate security agenda, a handful of countries stand out. In an interview with Climate Diplomacy, Michaela Spaeth, Director for Energy and Climate Policy at the German Federal Foreign Office, highlights some of Germany’s goals and challenges in forwarding the issue during its 2019-20 membership in the UN Security Council.
Climate Diplomacy Podcast 1: The UNSC's role in addressing climate related security risks
With climate change increasingly being seen as a security issue, we ask what role the United Nations Security Council could and should play. To answer this question, we are joined on the Climate Diplomacy Podcast by UN expert and Chatham House Associate Fellow Oli Brown. In this podcast, Oli explains some of the challenges that the UN Security Council has had in tackling climate change and outlines the prospects for action in the future.
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Abdullah discusses the state of black America
By Jocelyn Arceo on March 1, 2019 in News
Jocelyn Arceo
Melina Abdullah, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement’s Los Angeles chapter, spoke to 120 members of the University community in honor of Black History Month Thursday in the Campus Center Ballrooms.
Abdullah spoke about the state of American policing, highlighted various historical figures within the black community, and discussed the Black Lives Matter movement before a packed audience.
“Black Lives Matter is working for a world where black lives are no longer systematically and intentionally targeted for demise,” said Abdullah, who is also professor and chair of Pan-African studies at Cal State Los Angeles. “It wasn’t an accident that Wakiesh Wilson was murdered. It wasn’t an accident that Christopher Deandre Mitchell was murdered. It wasn’t an accident that Kisha Michael and Marquintan Sandlin were murdered… Those aren’t accidents.”
Black Lives Matter is a movement, not a moment, Abdullah said. When speaking, her intentions are to remind people that the struggle for black freedom is not only the responsibility and sacred duty of black people, but of non-black people as well, she added.
“In fact, it may be more your responsibility because you benefit from the structures that oppress us,” Abdullah said. “You need to do your work of betraying your privilege in toppling the systems that you think empower you, but oppress us.”
The Black Lives Matter movement began on July 13, 2013 after George Zimmerman was acquitted of charges and given his gun back after murdering 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black minor targeted by racial profiling. On that day, black mothers began marching the streets. Thousands of people gathered to express their outrage as they continued to march for three days.
“All black lives matter. Black queer lives matter, black trans lives matter, black women’s lives matter, poor black folk’s lives matter, black formerly incarcerated – black incarcerated folks lives matter,” Abdullah said. “All black lives matter, and in doing that and affirming that, we reject respectability politics both in terms of whose life matters but also in how we get down.”
The Black Lives Matter movement does not believe in police reform because, typically, this reform only means feeding into a systematically oppressive system, she said. They believe in abolitionism, which she described as completely toppling the systems put in place to oppress black people, such as the incarceration system.
However, as long as there is an incarceration system in place, it should be full of the officers who murder, instead of the overwhelming amount of black people who are incarcerated today, she said.
“We have to prosecute the police who kill our people. Even though we’re abolitionists and we don’t like saying ‘send people to jail,’ if we’re going to send somebody to jail then it needs to be one of the 575 cops, or all of the 575 cops, who have murdered our folks over the last six years,” Abdullah said.
Audience members were given a chance to ask Abdullah questions afterwards. The first question was posed by an unnamed audience member, who explained that he did not understand how his brother, a police officer, contributes to the systematic oppression Abdullah referenced. He simultaneously asked if she really believed that black people are not equal enough in this day and age to oppress others.
“It’s important that when we are in an institution of higher learning you commit yourself to actually learning, not to entrenching yourself into some kind of dogma that helps you to justify what your brother does,” Abdullah said. “There’s no instance where black people have been able to engage in racism… Racism requires the power to oppress, black people as a whole do not have the power to oppress based on race, white people do.”
“This is about his [your brother’s] willingness to participate in a system that intentionally targets black people, and brown folks, for their demise,” Abdullah said. “I’m not saying it’s your brother pulling the trigger in these murders, but what I am saying is that we all have a responsibility to resist systems that are murderous.”
She went on to explain that people who try to enter into an oppressive system with the intentions to change it from within are instead changed by the system themselves. Abdullah said that intentions are pointless when they are still contributing to the oppression of her people.
Sheila Hines-Brim, aunt of Wakiesh Wilson who was murdered in police custody, attended the discussion with Abdullah. She told the story of her niece who had a mental illness and was treated unfairly, and ultimately murdered, by police officers who were there to protect each other, not the people.
“Your brother, whether you know it or not, is protecting the ones doing wrong. When your silent and not saying anything, you’re just as guilty as the ones pulling the trigger,” Hines-Brim said. “They always come up with excuses. My niece, 22 minutes of the tape missing, what happened? I’m here to say that no, I don’t like the cops. They all, now, today, wear the white uniform of the KKK.”
The emotion behind the voice of Kim Dieu, assistant professor of psychology, could be heard by everyone present in the room. She said that sitting there, she could feel in her gut how upsetting it is that nobody says anything as these issues come up in social media and news segments – the murders of black people that she equated to lynchings of the past.
“How can we live with ourselves like that?” Dieu said. “Is there hope?”
Abdullah said that in remembering those who have lost their lives to a systematically oppressive system, it can get heavy. They sometimes forget to acknowledge their victories, such as Los Angeles County’s move this month to shut down Men’s Central Jail and replace it with a mental health facility.
She also mentioned the victory of seeing five police officers lose their jobs due to injustice, as well as the resignation of Police Chief Charlie Beck of the Los Angeles Police Department.
“We have to count our wins,” Abdullah said. “Everybody here had heard of Black Lives Matter before they came into this room, that’s a victory. We keep winning.”
One last question was posed by Jonas Poggi, a sophomore political science and speech communications double major, who explained to Abdullah that within the last year, students on campus have been calling into question the cultural competency of faculty members through protest.
“My question is, as an educator yourself, what do you believe that other educators can do to advance the betterment of lives of people of color, and what can we as the student body do to best hold educators who fail to meet that standard accountable?” Poggi asked.
Demand for a real ethnic studies department, not just a program, is necessary, Abdullah said.
Knowing how to interact with others while actually understanding their stories is much more important than learning how to dissect a frog, referring to the general education requirement of a science lab, she said.
“You can demand these things, and what that will do is force you to have faculty members who are experts,” Abdullah said. “Don’t accept some watered-down version of an ethnic studies requirement where historians and English professors think that because they read James Baldwin once they get to teach you ethnic studies. Demand a real Ethnic Studies department.”
“Don’t ever just sit there. Be an ally.”
Jocelyn Arceo can be reached at jocelyn.arceo@laverne.edu.
State bans secret assault settlements
Award ceremony honors faculty, staff
black history month, black lives matter, jonas poggi, kim dieu, lecture, Melina Abdullah, sheila hines-brim, trayvon martin, wakiesh wilson
Lecture explores role of Guadalupe
Classes canceled after student targeted in apparent hate crime
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GOP Debate Erupts Into Donnybrook!
There were a lot of casualties at last night’s Republican Presidential Debate in Las Vegas.
The first victim was Jon “Who?” Huntsman because he chose to sit this one out and thereby erase his own presence from the field of nominee wannabes. Huntsman injected himself into the Nevada/New Hampshire conflict over GOP caucuses/primary dates by siding with the Granite State and he illustrated his displeasure with Nevada by refusing to participate in a debate within its borders. It remains to be seen whether Huntsman’s defection will prove helpful in the New Hampshire primary (whenever it may be held), but there is no denying that his absence from last night’s debate provided a perfect example of “out of sight/out of mind” for GOP voters.
Next, we witnessed two pots calling the kettle black when Mitt “Flip-Flop” Romney and Rick “The Executioner” Perry faced off over illegal immigration. Rick Perry accused Mitt Romney of having no credibility on the issue inasmuch as Romney once hired illegal immigrants at his home. Romney then reminded the audience, that as Governor of Texas, Perry provides in-state college tuition to children of illegal immigrants. Perry also referred to himself as “an authentic conservative, not a conservative of convenience.” Romney in turn, made reference to Perry’s poor debate performances by saying, “This has been a tough couple of debates for Rick, and I understand that. And so you’re going to get testy.”
Every Republican debate of course, at some point turns to the subject of repealing our nation’s newly enacted health care reform law. Last night Rick “Man on Dog” Santorum went on the attack against Mitt Romney because the Massachusetts plan, known as “RomneyCare” was the actual blueprint for President Obama’s law. Rick Santorum said, “You just don’t have credibility. Your consultants helped craft Obamacare.” Newt “My Three Wives” Gingrich then jumped into the battle referring to Romneycare as “one more big government bureaucratic high cost system…” Romney responded to Newt Gingrich by saying, “Actually, Newt, we got the idea of an individual mandate from you.” Romney’s message was that Gingrich once supported the conservative Heritage Foundation’s idea for a personal mandate to purchase health insurance during the Clinton days when a single-payer system was being debated.
One candidate was attacked by everyone. Herman “Pizza” Cain’s “9-9-9” tax plan was on everyone’s hit list. Santorum said Herman Cain’s plan is “not good for families.” Ron “The 14th Amendment is Unconstitutional” Paul said, “”Herman. It’s not going to fly. It’s very, very dangerous.” Romney added, “The analysis I did, person by person, return by return, is that middle-income people see higher taxes under your plan.” Perry said, “Herman, I love you, brother, but let me tell you something, you don’t need to have a big analysis to figure this thing out. Go to New Hampshire, where they don’t have a sales tax, and you’re fixing to give them one.” Even Michele “Our Founding Fathers Ended Slavery” Bachmann seemed to understand that the plan is a bad one. Michele Bachmann said, “Anytime you give the Congress a brand-new tax, it doesn’t go away.”
Despite the near continuous vicious in-fighting, there was at least one long awkward moment of silence. This happened when Michele Bachmann announced that the United States never, ever negotiates with terrorists for hostages or anything else. Ron Paul then asked all of the candidates whether or not they denied that Ronald Reagan negotiated arms for hostages with Iran in the 1980s. You could have heard a pin drop. The candidates and the previously vocal audience were stunned into silence. Did Paul actually dare to utter a negative word about Saint Ronald?
If you missed the debate, you can see it here in 100 seconds:
Let’s see how all this develops during the three debates scheduled for next month.
We Didn’t Start The Fire song link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFTLKWw542g&ob=av3em
Tags: Debate, Herman Cain, Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, Ron Paul
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A Visit to Kersal Cell
29/09/2017 Kazzmoss Leave a comment
If you have landed on this page first, this excerpt comes from a book entitled Various subjects and is dated 1889. For a full explanation, please visit the Various Subjects page.
Charles Henry Stott was my 2 x great Grandfather and visited places around Manchester. He wrote articles for the Oldham Express and put them into a book called Various Subjects which was printed in 1889. His style of writing is very different from today and perhaps a little long-winded at times. I’ve decided not to change it and keep it just as he intended.
What’s also fascinating is how he talks about the past and records it through his modern-day eyes’. Charles was a well-travelled man and often refers to we in his stories. I believe he travelled with his wife and we’re fortunate to have a glimpse into life in the 1800s, not only what he saw, but his interpretation.
In the immediate neighbourhood of large cities and towns ancient residences are only few; old churches and other ecclesiastical buildings may be seen in almost every locality. But the march of modern progress with constantly extending railways and other wonderful and progressive achievements make ancestral residences, when the moderniser has so decided, to instantly disappear.
One of these is Kersal Cell, at Higher Broughton, near Manchester, which was originally built on the site of an old monastery of Cluny monks, which being one of the richest monastic establishments in Lancashire was sequestered, with many others by King Henry the Eighth. It was rebuilt in the year 1600, and is now used as a ladies’ boarding school, under the direction of Mrs Mary Barbour.
Kersal Cell is within four miles of Manchester Royal Exchange, yet its rural surroundings make the distance very deceptive. The boarders, however, have the advantage in their juvenility of the rural surroundings and as this ancient building is the centre of an area of six acres of garden and meadowland, with a dairy farm, the produce of which is for the use of the school, the pupils have an additional advantage. As we are writing of the Cell as we found it, its olden history is best told in the following lines:
Dear famous, time-worn Kersal Cell,
That nestling lay in woodland dell
For years, far more than we can tell,
When monks of Kirkshaw loved it well,
And under these ancestral trees,
Feasting on mead, black bread and cheese,
Spent far more time than on their knees.
Here scarce three hundred years ago
Brave cavaliers marched to and fro
To guard these homes from Roundhead foe.
And Bonnie Charlie Scotland’s pride,
His royal head came here to hide,
In Kersal Cell, when fortune’s tide,
Scattered his followers far and wide,
Some on the clock, other in dungeons died.
Kersal Cell has even now an attractive appearance. It’s bland and white, seems to be of special interest to photographers, who doubtless well know what is pleasing to their friends and the public; but the greatest attraction is the inside, which although it has in many places been modernised by the introduction of gas, etc, there is sufficient left of the Cell to make it interesting. The house contains thirty rooms, the entrance hall having a staircase that we much admired. It reaches to the top of the house; the handrail and twisted balusters, the colour of which indicates old age, are particularly interesting; their polished and well preserved condition struck us very much. This entrance hall is well filled with old furniture, which although it had no connection with the house, is nevertheless remarkable for its antiquity. An old clock commands attention the oaken case of which bears the following motto: “Lose no time,” with a carved bird indicative of the flight of time, George and ye dragon, etc. The small chapel, however, which is very interesting is perhaps the most antiquated part of the house. In it may be seen on the walls the armorial bearing of a Prince of Wales (period unknown), the arms of the Stanley family, those of Byrom, and also of the Redcliffe families, and on one side of this sanctuary may be seen the place where stood the altar. The oak and other rooms contain old bedsteads, the property of the present occupier, and although not connected with the Cell, as they are in a building of antiquity, are in a very suitable place. It is here where the late John Byrom, Esq, M.A., F.R.S., formerly fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, resided during his late years, and whose poems and system of shorthand have given a well-earned celebrity to his name:
This poet, whose carol sung round the earth –
Did he claim the Cell as the place of his birth ? –
Will rouse us for aye with his “Christian Awake,”
Till eternity’s morn on the ransomed shall break.
The extent of Mr Byrom’s library may be learned by the perusal of a catalogue of 249 pages, small quarto, which was printed in the year 1848, for “private distribution”, a copy of which may be seen in the King-street Free Reference Library, at Manchester, press mark 299, E79. As this catalogues states the library is in the possession of his lenient descendant and is preserved at Kersal Cell, Lancashire. We think it well to say that it was removed or dispersed on the death, about seventeen years ago of the late Miss Atherton, a descendant of the Byrom family. At the commencement of this catalogue we learn that it was prepared under the superintendence of Mr Rodd, as the library was “thought so curious and valuable as a transcript of his (Mr Byrom’s) mind studies, and many of his books contained in it are now seldom to be found, even in the most extensive libraries, that a catalogue of them has been prepared of which we view copies are now printed for the private distribution. Perhaps a more appropriate tribute could not be paid to the memory of one who was so learned, gifted, and benevolent than by exhibition to the world the varied stories from whence he drew the cultivation of his mind, the formation of his character, and the inspirations of his genius.” The catalogue is printed by Compton and Richie, Middle-street, Cloth Fair, London. A capital engraving of the Cell is given, but without the modern addition. (Here Charles Henry Stott lists many of the books kept in the library.
Byrom, we are told in Lancashire Worthies, by Francis Espinnage, died in ripe old age on the 9th September 1766 and was buried in what is now the Byrom Chapel of Manchester Cathedral.
But to return to the present of the Cell, being surrounded with curiosities, Mrs Barber seems to have acquired a taste for things that were current in the past, and which, when seen, make us almost imperceptible exclaim, Nous avons change tout cela! As, in addition to the old furniture, the ancient bedsteads, etc, this lady, the present tenant of Kersal Cell, has collected several hundred pieces of old china, and as each piece belongs to past ages, it is in itself full of interest, but to admirers of antiquity, what may seem to be a mistake may be seen in the drawing-room, where the old china is kept.
It is some work in oil, the operations of Mrs Barber’s former pupils, who have painted on the oak floor of this room a border illustrating well known nursery rhymes, but although this work does credit to the pupils, and is worth inspection, some people may liken it to gilding gold. At some distance from the house there is a notice board, with the words “No Road,” but we have no doubt that those who have a particular desire to see this ancient residence, and to know something more of it than that which we have written, on a suitable application by letter, would obtain the requisite permission to view the place.
Mrs Barber, we may add, has made a very creditable translation from the French of Geraldine, un incident de la Revolution Anglaise, petit drame en deux actes pour la heuness, which we have had much pleasure in reading, and which we can recommend to managers of high schools and ladies’ colleges from dramatic entertainments, either in the English or the French language. It contains part of six young ladies and three boys.
It may not be without interest to say that Mrs Barber, to whom the school belongs, is the mother of the late Doctor Barber, who lost his life in the Transvaal war a few years ago, and which at the time caused much sensation. The doctor, who, with his assistant, was on his way to the field, under the auspices of the Red Cross, to attend to the wounded after the battle of Majuba, was arrested as an English spy, and was shot by an escort of the Boars.
More information from Kersel Cell can be found here
#1800skersal celllancashireManchester
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July 14, 2014 Book reviewsbook recommendations, book review, C.M. Kornbluth, classic sf, Frederik Pohl, readers advisory, science fiction, The space merchantsmaistrechat
The space merchants / Frederik Pohl & C.M. Kornbluth. Originally published 1953.
The space merchants is the 1953 science fiction classic about an overpopulated, resource-starved future where rampant consumerism has caused advertising agencies to be the most powerful organizations in the world.
Mitch Courtenay is a high-powered advertising executive on a future Earth ruled by advertising agencies. Courtenay is assigned the task of creating an advertising campaign to recruit colonists for a colony on Venus.
It’s pretty intense satire wearing a science fiction costume. The space merchants is Mad Men meets Philip K. Dick, and it’s a great ride.
It’s an incredibly forward-thinking novel, coining, among others, the term “R and D” as an abbreviation for “Research and Development” as well as the use of “survey” as a verb.*
The space merchants is slightly given to hyperbole. The advertising agencies are so powerful that they have the population utterly convinced that their lives are getting better, despite massive water shortages and an infrastructure where powered transportation has become nonexistent. It’s cutting satire at its best, which places it far ahead of most of its contemporaries, to my mind. Dropping the rayguns and space travel in favor of focusing on society means that the book has aged far far better than most similar works.
*At least according to the OED.
well honed satire
Features a plot full of intriguing twists and turns
The hyperbolic nature of the satire could be offputting to more staid readers
Features the classic “colonization of Venus” trope that has aged very poorly
Generally, I suggest this for fans of classic science fiction. I also recommend it to science fiction fans who have busy schedules and don’t want to read books that are too long. People looking for satire might enjoy it, as long as they aren’t put off by the setting. (I never realized how many people had an instinctive hatred for science fiction until I worked in a public library. I’m not sorry that I don’t have to sit through unprompted rants about how fiction that isn’t meticulously realistic is terrible anymore)
Other books recommended for fans of this one/if you like these books you might like The space merchants:
Brave new world / Aldous Huxley
The forever war / Joe Haldeman
1984 / George Orwell
Fahrenheit 451 / Ray Bradbury
← The warrior’s apprentice Stand on Zanzibar →
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The black jewels
January 23, 2016 Book reviewsAnne Bishop, book recommendations, book review, child abuse, dark fantasy, Daughter of the blood, Fantasy, horrifying, readers advisory, romance, The black jewelsmaistrechat
Daughter of the blood / Anne Bishop
Daughter of the blood is the first book in the Black jewels series.
I don’t know where to start with this book. It’s tough to pick a point to get a handle on other than the reviewer who described it as “sensual” should feel terrible about using that word to describe this book’s world of nightmarish predatory sexuality.
Plot summary is below the cut this time. Content warning for a world of nightmarish predatory sexuality including extreme abuse.
Things also got a little more political than they normally do but part of that is as a live “human” I find the real-world parallels are important.
Witch has been reborn as the child Jaenelle. Largely defenseless until she grows old enough to control her powers, three men independently decide to devote themselves to her protection: Saetan SaDiabloe, lord of Hell, Daemon Sadi, impotent pleasure slave and illegitimate son of Saetan, and Lucivar Yaslana, Daemon’s brother and fellow slave.
This book made me cry more than once. It’s a really harsh read as the world portrayed is absolutely horrifying. I thought it was cute that the “good guys” are named Saetan, Daemon, and Lucivar, but when those are some of the most moral characters in the book and one of them has a tendency to murder women in horrific ways. The other two aren’t much better.
Does that sound like a fun read?
Actually it’s definitely compelling. After 150 pages I was considering giving it up, but stuck with it only to almost quit at the 80% mark. I did finish it eventually but it was a near thing. Bishop does a good job of portraying horrifying events without resorting to purple prose. Except… in a perhaps unintentionally funny moment, one of the characters says something along the lines of “it’s called a penis, I have little use for euphemisms” as this is a book where every other reference to genitalia is a euphemism of some kind.
I have been back and forth several times about whether or not I’m going to continue the series.
At this point I’m thinking no. Even though some of the things that happened in this volume are unlikely to be repeated in the next one I don’t think I want to subject myself to more of this.
Because this is a world where a hereditary aristocracy spends its time alternating between public castrations, sexual abuse, and flat out murder. It’s a world where aristocrats rape children so that the upset child can be diagnosed with “hysteria” and sent to a “mental institution” that is really a brothel catering to pedophiles.
So if this is a book you want to read then you should probably be aware of that. I wasn’t and it wasn’t a fun surprise.
I have two thoughts on the way this played out. (Why is it pay->paid but not play->plaid?)
What’s really sad is that, slightly different gender politics aside, these are things that have happened in the real world.
This is not transgressive fiction that is using the horrific to be outrageous. This isn’t black humor. There are almost-cathartic moments of retributive violence but that’s as close as anything gets to being redemptive.
Expanding on no. 1 above, there’s a longstanding historical tradition (at least in the West) of using accusations of mental illness to conceal and discredit victims of child abuse, to keep women subservient, to silence dissenting opinions. There’s also a long tradition of viewing the mentally ill as easy targets for abuse and sexual exploitation. Consider the Magdalene laundries.
The history of mental healthcare in the West is horrifying, and continues to be so. In the 1970s, aversion therapy and electroshock treatments were being used at BYU to attempt to “cure” homosexuality. Practitioners of so-called “Biblical counseling” continue to advocate abuse. Conversion therapy is just one part of a hideous movement that includes organizations like NARTH, the American College of Pediatricians, No Greater Joy, and Focus on the Family. While deinstitutionalization has done a lot to improve the treatment of people with mental illness, places like Winterbourne View continue to operate on a model that legitimizes the torture of people with disabilities.
So it’s harder for me to ignore the atrocities here because of how real they are. It’s certainly difficult to be entertained by them. Sexuality in Daughter of the blood is, with one exception, presented as a tool of domination and terror. There’s also the return of the wonderful “adult male character is sexually attracted to prepubescent female character but decides to wait until they are older before acting on it” trope that shows up weirdly often in sf. It’s worth noting that that is actually one of the least icky things in this book.
There’s a strong message here, and some incisive commentary on the way adults crush children’s imaginations with hardly a thought, but the whole is so ugly that you’d have to have a strong stomach or be completely desensitized in order to make it through. The content isn’t generally glorified or romanticized but it’s harder to imagine how this could be any darker. At least characters in Game of Thrones get to die.
For the most part, when adults are involved, the gender of the abuser and the abused are switched from their more common representation. Thinking extratextually about it I’d wonder if this was intentional as an attempt to get male readers to confront the way huge swathes of fantasy fiction portray their female characters. It could say that the “slavegirl” fantasies of abuse and control that show up everywhere from Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser to Star Wars are less exciting when you get to be the victim. This is presented mostly separately from the horrific child abuse but in combination with everyone else you get a world that seems to consist entirely of rapists. There’s a larger point here that should be fairly self-evident but at this point I don’t have the stomache to pursue it further.
I don’t recommend this book and don’t recommend recommending it. It’s too much and the risk factor is too high. The only time I can imagine suggesting it to a patron is one who asked for “a super dark fantasy where everyone is either getting raped or raping others and a huge percentage of the characters are obsessed with sexually abusing and torturing young children”.
I’d suggest it for Puppies as a way of subtly saying “This is what the worlds you want look like to people outside positions of extreme privilege” but I have a feeling the point would be lost and reading this would only serve to reinforce latent misogyny. The Puppies as a whole have demonstrated that they have a special talent for missing the point. I also have qualms reconciling my professional ethics with recommending books to people with the specific intent of trying to change their minds about things.
← The powder mage trilogy Dr. Adder →
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COMMODORE USA
“And the new Commodore 64, like the old one, is built in the U.S. — in Florida, where the Ft. Lauderdale company is based.”
“It’s 99% American made — everything except the motherboard is American made,” Altman said. “It just didn’t seem right to have the Commodore 64 become a Chinese import”.
This is from a great article from the LA Times
Holly adds: Hopefully, they will bring back all of their manufacturing to the USA!
“Commodore USA, LLC was founded by Barry Altman in April of 2010, with the express purpose of reviving and re-establishing the famous and much loved Commodore computer brand. Commodore played a major role in the micro-computer era, which was a hot-bed of activity and innovation in technology. It was an era of distinctive platforms each with different capabilities and focus. Commodore’s influence on the computing landscape was unparalleled, arguably even by the likes of Apple, Atari and IBM, their traditional rivals. When Commodore met its premature demise in the mid-nineties, we believe something of great value was lost in the tech world. Many Commodore fans and users were devastated, feeling that the magic had gone. Almost twenty years later there continues to be a huge cult following for the various generations of Commodore computers produced, with countless websites devoted to them, and thousands of enthusiasts who regularly meet at annual events all around the world. At Commodore USA, LLC we are striving to rekindle that magic that had left the world, to renew the fanbase, and to take the brand to new heights. To fight back against Apple revisionism. To start a new revolution.”
COMPUTERS, ELECTRONICS
ELEMENT ELECTRONICS
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Fifty years of abortion: Choice or coercion?
by LifeCanada
Ninety-two percent of Canadians want to see more help for pregnant women who feel pressured to abort, according to a new poll from Public Square Research. In addition, 80% say they would like doctors to verify, in person, that a woman seeking an abortion is not under pressure to abort.
The poll was conducted in the last week of April 2019 and released this week by LifeCanada, an educational pro-life group, following the anniversary of the 1969 omnibus bill that legalized abortion, 50 years ago.
A study published in 2018 in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons found that nearly three-quarters (73.8%) of the post-abortive women surveyed admitted that they were pressured to terminate their pregnancies. Over 50% said the pressure was great enough to significantly influence their decision.
Abortion is celebrated as giving ‘reproductive choice’ to women, but the unspoken truth is that many women are pressured to abort by significant people in their lives.
“This is a serious issue that receives little or no media attention, because it flies in the face of the rhetoric of choice,” says Natalie Sonnen, executive director of LifeCanada. “A woman who feels pressured at an extremely challenging time cannot be said to have made a free choice. This is a serious issue and Canadians overwhelmingly support women who want their babies.”
Those who work in pregnancy support services agree. Samantha Williams, executive director of ALIES, a pregnancy support centre, knows first-hand how women are pressured. “The women who come here have usually never thought of the options of parenting or making an adoption plan as realistic. No one in their immediate circle supports any other options than abortion. How is this ‘choice’?”
The poll also found that most Canadians do not support Canada’s current abortion policy which places no legal restrictions on abortion. Only 2% of Canadians support gender selection abortions, which usually target girls. This is consistent with previous polling data.
Only 8% of Canadians support late abortions after 6 months of pregnancy, also consistent with previous polling, and only 16% (fewer than 2 in 10 Canadians) said all abortions are acceptable, no matter what the reason, which is the current policy in Canada.
The data show that there is almost no statistically significant difference between men and women’s views on these questions.
The poll was conducted by Public Square Research, using on-line sources from the Maru Voice Panel. There were 1515 respondents.
LifeCanada was established in 2000 to operate as a national association of local and provincial educational pro-life groups across Canada in order to promote the value of human life, to serve our members, and to advocate for the most vulnerable members of society.
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Why Limeproxies
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Latest SEO Trends and Google Algorithm Update 2018
By Rachael Chapman
It is now the middle of the year 2018. The trends in SEO and Google algorithm, which remained as predictions at the beginning of the year, are now becoming clearer and more distinct. Voice search, mobile-first indexing, artificial intelligence, RankBrain, machine learning, high search personalization, among many others are emerging as areas of Google algorithm update 2018 where the trend is...
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When in 1991 the internet became available for public, we didn’t know that it will become the holy grail of our lives. It has and will continue to have a huge impact on our day-to-day activities. As the internet became popular and a household name so did its commercialization. Today everything is available on the internet : from music to food, to even your life partner – you will find it...
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Werner Sander
"To finally fortify peace". A Vital Exponent of Jewish Music in the GDR
Autor: Frühauf, Tina
Ergänzung: 20 Abb.
Werner Sander (1902-1972) holds an unusual stance in the history of Jewish music. Not only did he... mehr
Produktinformationen "Werner Sander"
Werner Sander (1902-1972) holds an unusual stance in the history of Jewish music. Not only did he live through two dictatorships-Nazism and GDR communism-but these outer political influences shaped his life and career as a musician. Born in Breslau, he trained to become a teacher for piano and voice; he initially also worked as music critic and choral conductor. Upon the Nazi rise to power he turned to Jewish music, a shift that would shape his identity as a musician forever. With his move to East Germany after the end of World War II, Sander continued his path as a synagogue musician, while pursuing his keen interest in conducting oratorios. Sander is chiefly remembered for having founded the still existing Leipziger Synagogalchor in 1962, and having shaped it as a concert choir exclusively devoted to Jewish music in its diverse nature. Tina Frühauf explores how Sander fought for the survival of synagogue music under the difficult conditions in the GDR.
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JIS: Students and staff at the Runaway Bay All-Age School in St. Ann started the new school year on Monday (September 3) in more spacious surroundings.
Food For the Poor, through partnership with 13-year\-old donor Rafe Cochran, constructed two new blocks at the school, comprising six classrooms, bathrooms and an office area.
The youngster, who hails from South Florida, contributed the proceeds from his annual Rafe Cochran Golf Classic for the school expansion project.
School Principal, Lambert Pearson, in expressing gratitude, said the new buildings have provided improved accommodation for the institution’s 400 students.
“This, most certainly, will improve our conditions for learning, and I’m sure that our performance will continue to grow,” Mr. Pearson said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 31.
For her part, Director of Recipient Services at Food For the Poor Jamaica, Susan Moore, noted that the modern facilities provided will not only improve the school’s physical environment, but also enhance learning.
“At Food For the Poor, we are certainly aware of the interaction between the physical spaces and the learning environment,” she outlined.
“The building alone cannot infuse the passion and vision that guides the school’s development; it’s the human spirit and interaction between the teachers and the students that will make the difference and ensure the new building supports a higher level of learning,” she pointed out.
Ms. Moore thanked Rafe for partnering with Food For the Poor Jamaica on this “well-needed project”.
Rafe has been supporting the work of Food For the Poor in Jamaica through his annual golf classic, which he organised with the help of his parents, Jay and Diahann Cochran.
He told JIS News that his philanthropic efforts stemmed from a visit his grade-three class made to the Food For the Poor headquarters in Florida a few years ago. Since then, he has been working with the charity to erect schools and homes.
He said he selected Runaway Bay All-Age this year “because I truly felt the need to help. I felt if these students and teachers had a better building to provide the opportunity of education, it would motivate and help the students achieve their goals”.
Teacher, Nicolette Fisher expressed pleasure about the new additions to the school’s infrastructure. “I think it’s a great initiative, and we have more space; it’s more comfortable, so I am really looking forward to working in the space,” she said.
Ms. Fisher noted that with the new classrooms, which will accommodate grades four, five and six students, she expects that the school will continue to excel.
Parent Marlene Edwards, shared similar sentiments.
“We are very excited about getting these buildings. As a parent, I’m sure that my (two) children will benefit, so we are thankful to Rafe and his family, as well as Food For the Poor (Jamaica), for donating same,” she said.
Also expressing gratitude was 11-year-old student, Janelle Spencer, who said she was “so thrilled and thankful to Food For the Poor Jamaica for doing this for Runaway Bay All-Age School. I have been inspired today because a child (Rafe Cochran) really did this. He made this school his project, so I am really inspired”.
The 60-year-old Runaway Bay All-Age transitioned from the shift system in 2014, and over the years, has seen steady improvement in the Grade Four Literacy and Numeracy examination and the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT).
The school principal informed that in the first year after the shift system ended, there was a 20 per cent increase in the Grade Four Literacy and Numeracy Test passes and the scores have been trending up for GSAT as well, with passes up 11 per cent. Students are involved in the 4-H movement, reading and math clubs, Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) festival competitions, and they do well in football, cricket and athletics.
CAPTION: Students from the Runaway Bay All-Age School line up to view the two new classrooms blocks that were constructed by Food For the Poor in collaboration with 13-year old-donor Rafe Cochran. The new classroom blocks were officially handed over to the school’s administration on August 31.
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News & EventsMedia/Blogger Center
Local Pop Star Wish Music Video Hits 650 Thousand Views
Since Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic granted local five-year-old Addy’s wish to be a pop star in own music video, the video has surpassed 650,000 views on YouTube. Addy, from Alexandria, Va., like many little girls her age, loves cotton candy, chocolate chip ice cream, sparkles, rainbows, reading and coloring, particularly with pink and purple. Unlike many little girls, however, Addy was diagnosed at age four with stage IV metastatic cancer. During her long hospital visits, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Addy would spend hours drawing and, when she felt up for it, practicing her singing and dancing. Addy took inspiration from an array of performances by her favorite musicians on YouTube.
When she learned she would be granted a wish by Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, she asked to be a pop star in a music video, singing “Roar” by her favorite artist Katy Perry. Inspired by the lyrics in “Roar,” Addy celebrated her victory with her wish come true – an incredible music video.
The video reached and exceeded the 650,000 YouTube view milestone within days of its release, and the views continue to climb as Addy’s story gains national and international media attention.
Watch her debut YouTube video and share with your family, friends and colleagues to continue to build the Addy fan base!
You can also watch Addy's official Behind the Scenes video to learn more about the making of her one true wish.
Follow Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic on Facebook and Twitter @WishMidAtlantic to follow Addy’s rise to fame.
Special thanks to the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation for their generous support in helping to grant this wish experience.
About Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic serves children who reside in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Northern Virginia. Founded in 1983, the Mid-Atlantic chapter is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year and has granted more than 8,000 wishes in the Mid-Atlantic region since its inception. For more information, please visit: www.midatlantic.wish.org.
Tara Wilson-Jones
VP of Marketing & Communications
6555 Rock Spring Drive Suite 280
gwbarf@zvqngynagvp.jvfu.bet
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Government’s weather forecasters shouldn’t discuss climate change, says Environment Canada
Posted on May 27, 2014 by Mike De Souza
Weather forecasters at Environment Canada aren’t supposed to discuss climate change in public, says a Canadian government spokesman.
Environment Canada made the comments in response to emailed questions about its communications policy.
The department defended its policy by suggesting that Environment Canada meteorologists – among the most widely-quoted group of government experts in media reports and broadcasts – weren’t qualified to answer questions about climate change.
“Environment Canada scientists speak to their area of expertise,” said spokesman Mark Johnson in an email. “For example, our Weather Preparedness Meteorologists are experts in their field of severe weather and speak to this subject. Questions about climate change or long-term trends would be directed to a climatologist or other applicable authority.”
Environment Canada estimates that nearly half of all the calls it takes from journalists are related to the weather. Its meteorologists also offer a 24-hour media hotline that, unlike most government scientists, allows them to take calls directly from journalists, without seeking permission for granting an interview.
But the department’s communications protocol prevents the meteorologists from drawing links to changing climate patterns following extreme weather events such as severe flooding in southern Alberta or a massive wildfire in Northern Quebec in the summer of 2013.
Johnson said that all public servants must adhere to a government-wide communications protocol that was introduced in August 2006, a few months after Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative party was first elected to form a government. Johnson also said that Environment Canada hasn’t received any feedback about its restrictions on meteorologists or wasn’t aware about any concerns.
Meantime, the department has touted job satisfaction among its employees, by posting some of its own interviews with staff on its website.
In contrast, some recently-released quotes from a union-sponsored survey by Environics Research show the opposite, instead demonstrating fears among scientists about speaking out.
“With meteorology we are in a somewhat unique position in that our availability to the media is relatively unrestricted,” one government employee told the survey. “We do have to be careful what we say and keep it to the weather however. I outright refuse to answer climate questions, it is an issue fraught with too many traps. Could be career limiting.”
The quote was among dozens of first-hand accounts from federal scientists who expressed frustration about what they described as political interference in research based on the ideological views of Prime Minister Harper’s government.
The quotes, released by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, include references to “Orwellian” practices and descriptions of Canada as a “Banana Republic.” The union didn’t release the names of employees in order to protect their identities.
Many Canadian scientists from universities have alleged that the Harper government is muzzling public servants who do research on air pollution, water pollution or climate change that contradicts efforts to support growth in the oil and gas industry, which can contribute to these environmental problems.
Several cases of alleged muzzling have surfaced in recent years, including an internal Environment Canada analysis that found scientists felt muzzled and had observed an 80 per cent drop in media coverage of climate change issues, due to new restrictive communications policies introduced in 2007 that required scientists to obtain management approval before giving interviews about their research. But the government has denied it was trying to suppress scientific evidence.
Some of the employees quoted in the union survey slammed the Harper government for damaging the scientific credibility of their departments, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Health Canada.
“I think it is unbelievable that an organization that used to be looked up to for its climate records and the like in the past is now laughed upon due to its lack of resources and quality control,” one scientist told the union. “For example, snow depth information is severely lacking and this is used to control some of the mechanisms that drive the numerical guidance routines that forecasters use in their assessment of the day to day weather patterns.”
Catherine Potvin, a biologist and Canada Research Chair on Climate Change Mitigation and Tropical Forests at McGill University, said that all weather forecasters, including those in the media, could play a role in helping the public understand what’s happening with unusual weather patterns.
“I think it’s good if scientists speak about what they know about,” said Potvin in an interview, after delivering a presentation Monday at the “Genomes to Biomes” science conference in Montreal.
“I don’t necessarily agree (with) the government trying to shut down these very capable scientists from talking. It’s a loss of expertise for the general public.”
The quotes from government scientists were released in support of the union’s internal investigation into allegations of muzzling of federal scientists. Its survey found that 90 per cent of federal scientists and professionals felt they couldn’t speak freely in public about their work and that 24 per cent had been asked to exclude or alter information for non-scientific reasons.
“I’m probably quitting. Harper wins.” – Federal scientist in Canada
The government, in response, has touted an OECD ranking that places Canada first among G7 countries for research and development in colleges, universities and other institutes. This ranking also showed that Canada had reduced the percentage of federal spending on government research and science in recent years, that it was below the OECD average and was proportionately spending less than half as much as the United States in terms of the size of overall economic output or GDP.
Potvin urged scientists at the Montreal conference to inform all politicians about the evidence in order to improve Canada’s climate change policies in the 2015 federal election.
“We have a responsibility to say (to all politicians) that they’re making a mistake by not listening to us, because all of the research and all of the evidence is pointing to that,” said Potvin, who also worked as a negotiator for Panama at international climate change negotiations. “I did my PhD on climate change in the 1980s and ever since then I’ve read all of the climate models…(and for) all of these impacts that were being predicted in 1985, we see them now.”
The union, PIPSC, has estimated that the Canadian government is cutting about $2.6 billion and nearly 5,000 jobs from science-based departments between 2013 and 2016.
Among some of the other quotes released by PIPSC:
– A scientist with 30 years of experience in government said that federal labs used to be well-equipped and funded, but are now often being run by economists without scientific expertise, who focus on industry needs: “The mood has changed dramatically, we don’t appear to be concerned with public good. Rather we must do what industry wants us to do. In addition travel is impossible and equipment is old and labs look like some that I’ve seen in the developing world.”
– A scientist said the Conservative government is ready to silence evidence when the “facts play against their economic agenda: Two examples: the environmental damage and pollution caused by the exploitation of the tar sands and the serious impact of chemical pollution on the health of the population living in and around Sarnia.”
– A scientist who works on environmental assessments of industrial projects – specializing in waste, water, and species at risk – said his or her role as an environmental steward was silenced: “We are tasked with work that we ethically do not agree with and must support. If we do not, they simply bring in project people who are non scientists who will write what senior management wants to hear. I am over worked, disrespected, undervalued, and I hate every day of my job where I used to love coming to work.”
– A scientist said he or she has given up on giving interviews and now refers journalists to NGOs for comment because he or she feels it’s too much of a burden to go through all the steps of the approval process for granting an interview – a process that lasts several days if not more than a week.
– A research scientist said management responds negatively to “potentially significant data” and asks him or her to downplay findings, while discouraging consultation with the academic world.
– Another scientist said the government is “very subtly manipulating scientific information.” One example is that the minister wouldn’t approve a publication and instead asks questions and provokes delays until that publication is outdated: “Since the current government came into office, the words ‘climate change’ started to disappear from the titles of divisions and subdivisions of Environment Canada.”
– Several scientists said they were giving up and leaving government, including one who said: “I’m probably quitting. Harper wins.”
This entry was posted in climate change, muzzling, Science and tagged Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Catherine Potvin, climate change, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment Canada, GHGs, greenhouse gas emissions, Health Canada, muzzling, oil and gas, oilsands, Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada, science, Stephen Harper, tarsands, weather forecasts by Mike De Souza. Bookmark the permalink.
14 thoughts on “Government’s weather forecasters shouldn’t discuss climate change, says Environment Canada”
Geoffrey Laxton on May 27, 2014 at 11:57 pm said:
Your articles are always appreciated Mike!
Nancy Stevens on May 28, 2014 at 12:41 am said:
This article saddens me. I am sure being a public servant has its challenging moments, but this goes beyond the pale. My heart goes out to each and every scientist who is feels s/he is being muzzled and shut down. Never have Canadians had to live with such an inept and ideologically narrow-minded government.
Dave Turchynsky on May 28, 2014 at 9:21 am said:
We all know that denial is the Harper Party’s best friend.
Makere on May 28, 2014 at 12:47 pm said:
Reblogged this on The Turning Spiral.
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Michael Bein on May 31, 2014 at 11:55 am said:
Mike, your reporting is much appreciated. Keep up the good work!
Pingback: Climate change: What if we just say everything is a carbon tax? - Macleans.ca
guydauncey on June 3, 2014 at 5:15 pm said:
Reposted – this is like an old Stalinist Soviet regime ruling in Ottawa.
Chris N on June 4, 2014 at 5:11 am said:
> Questions about climate change or long-term trends would be directed to a climatologist
This can either be seen as a stalinist attempt to control the story, *or* it can be seen as a simple attempt to make sure that the question is fielded by the most appropriate person. Meterologists *may* not be the most appropriate person to answer press queries on climate change, *if* the government has well qualified climatologists willing and able to answer instead.
So, before I pick up my pitch-fork, I’d have to know if there is reasonable media access to government climatologists
Pingback: Canadian meteorologists barred from talking about climate change | Grist
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12 fun cars for sale at Pebble Beach
By Peter Valdes-Dapena @peterdrives August 12, 2014: 4:15 PM ET
1956 Ferrari 250 Europa GT
For sale by: Gooding & Co.
Est. value: $2,500,000 - $3,000,000
Ferrari is well known for making some of the world's most beautiful cars. But, to me, its most gorgeous cars are those that don't fit the popular image of a Ferrari, that of a curvy red sports car.
As with most Ferraris that aren't purely racers, the body for this car was designed by the Italian auto design shop Carrozzeria Pinin Farina. Adding to its value, this particular Europa GT was the last one built.
It's among the hundreds of cars up for auction this week at some high-end collector car auctions in California. They're clustered around the annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, one of the most prestigious collector car shows in the world so, not surprisingly, the cars on sale are an interesting bunch. These are a dozen of my personal favorites.
First published August 12, 2014: 4:15 PM ET
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A Conversation with Lynne Stopkewich
Posted on April 23, 2018. Written by Steven Lee
Lynne Stopkewich directing Kissed
As a way to celebrate National Canadian Film Day, the Fantasia International Film Festival hosted a special screening of the 1996 film Kissed with the director Lynne Stopkewich in attendance. I had the chance to interview the special guest before the screening officially started. Without further ado, here is my interview with Lynne Stopkewich.
Lynne Stopkewich & Steven Lee. Photo by King-Wei Chu.
Steven Lee (SL): So just to get things started, what made you want to make Kissed in the first place? How did it all come about?
Lynne Stopkewich (LS): I came across a short story that was in a collection about apocalypse culture written by Barbara Gowdy. I contacted the author, because I couldn’t get the story out of my mind basically. I’d never heard of this idea or this kind of pursuit before, and it’s just one of those things where you know you’re gonna make a movie about something memorable. For better or for worse, I couldn’t get the idea out of my head, and I thought it could be kind of compelling for other people.
SL: When you pitched your script idea to the studio, what was their reaction like?
LS: Well, I didn’t have to do that because I didn’t have a studio. Basically the film was funded with money from family and friends. I was a film student out of UBC (University of British Columbia) in Vancouver, and so basically all the film gear came from the university. The crew came from the students, and we just had to pay for film stock and some food. We put it together like that, so it was a very low-budget film, and I didn’t have someone telling me what to do, which was great. [laughs] That never happens.
SL: Since this film really tackles the theme of death, was that something you’ve been fascinated with?
LS: Not particularly. But you know, everyone dies so it’s a pretty universal theme. And I think around that time, I was thinking a lot about mortality, and she just seemed like kind of an unforgettable character. Something I never read before.
SL: When people saw the movie for the first time in 1996, what was your reaction to the way the audience and critics viewed it back then?
LS: They were stunned. You know, I remember my parents coming out of the film the first time they saw it at the Toronto International Film Festival. They didn’t know anything about the movie, and my mom was kind of crying, and I thought that was bad. But no, she was crying because she really liked the character. She was like “Oh she’s wonderful! We love her!” And I thought “wow”, this is a subversive film if I can get my suburban parents to care about a necrophile [laughs]. But yeah, people were kind of moved. I think they were very surprised, and people were talking about it, but I think the execution was not what they expected. It wasn’t a horror film, and it’s not violent. It’s really kind of a sweet emotional journey with this coming-of-age of this young woman.
SL: I think it’s one of those movies where you need to watch it twice. When you watch it for the first time, you just wanna let it sink in. And then for the second time, you start to get more of the overall message.
LS: Right.
Still from Kissed
SL: Also, Molly Parker was absolutely amazing in the lead role of Sandra Larson, but what made you want to specifically cast her for the part?
LS: I couldn’t cast somebody who was right for the role, and I actually wanted to cast someone who was blonde. I wanted to cast a Doris Day type of character, because the film is based on a short story, and that’s how it described her character. Molly happened to be friends with our cinematographer, and she was just getting started in acting and just wanted to meet me because I was a woman director. She never met a woman director, and never saw a woman doing this job. I was in pre-production for the movie and desperately looking for someone to play that part, and she asked if she can read the script. I said “sure” and gave it to her, and I wasn’t thinking anything about it. Then she came back and said, “Would you consider letting me come in and read for it?” And I was kinda surprised, and she blew me away. It was amazing. You know when you meet someone and you feel like you met them before, and you feel like they’ve been your friend forever? It was kinda like that. When I met her, we were able to talk about anything immediately, and this was even before we decided to work together. So for me being a first-time feature director, being able to talk to your lead actor for them to be able to understand you and for you to understand them, and it’s almost all the way there in terms of bringing a character on the screen. She’s just wonderful, and we’re still friends now.
Molly Parker in Kissed
SL: That sounds like a great bond between actor and director.
LS: Absolutely, yeah.
SL: Would you say there were some aspects from the short story that you wanted to add in the movie, but you decided not to in the end?
LS: Well it’s interesting, because there were some things we had to cut out of the film since we didn’t have enough scenes to develop them from the short story, and there’s so much information about her family. There’s a very short scene where you see her working in a flower shop for her father, and you get to know more about that part of her life with her family in the short story than you do in the film. But for us, because our budget was so small, we just didn’t want to have lots and lots of actors and create all these different scenes, because it would be too expensive for us. So what I decided is just to focus on the essential points of the story, because you find out all about her and Matt in the second half of the movie. If we had spent more time on her family, I was concerned that people were going to start looking at that and point out things from the short story like her childhood. I just wanted people to kind of get an idea of who she was growing up, and then to spend more time with her as a young adult.
Peter Outerbridge in Kissed
SL: As a fun question since its National Canadian Film Day, what would you say is the most important thing for a Canadian filmmaker to have in order to make it in the industry?
LS: Patience. Patience and perseverance. I mean, just make movies. You know, go see as many films as you can and make films. One thing I have to say is that there’s a lot of filmmakers and film students that I’ve met, especially in recent days, who don’t really watch classic cinema. They don’t study film at all, and they don’t really understand the history of film, or that there’s an actual history of this visual language that started somewhere. When I ask them to talk about their favourite film or a classic film, for them a classic film is Pulp Fiction. It’s a classic film, but it’s not like Casablanca or Citizen Kane or The Magnificent Ambersons.
SL: Like, there’s a specific criteria when it comes to that category.
LS: Yeah. So, they think about American films from the 80s being classic cinema. But I’m telling them that there’s also world cinema and foreign films that were made from all over the globe. That’s also cinema, and you should be watching that as well. If you’re trying to be a filmmaker, then you should learn film history.
Kissed screened at a special National Canadian Film Day screening organized by Fantasia Festival.
barbara gowdy
fantasia international film festival
lynne stopkewich
Molly Parker
national canadian film day
sandra larson
toronto international film festival
About Steven Lee
Ever since he was a kid, Steven has always been passionate about movies. As a fan of Marvel, Star Wars and other geeky franchises, he will always bring you fun and nerdy articles that might pique your interest! More Posts
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Sculpting with Sound : Interview with Little Scream
Breaking Down Barriers with the Au Contraire Film Festival
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Conceptualizing the Innovation Process – Trends and Outlook
Kotsemir, Maxim and Meissner, Dirk (2013): Conceptualizing the Innovation Process – Trends and Outlook. Published in: Higher School of Economics Research Papers No. WP BPR 10/STI/2013 (12. April 2013)
This paper introduces the evolving understanding and conceptualization of innovation process models. From the discussion of different approaches towards the innovation process understanding and modeling two types of approaches to the evolution of innovation models are developed and discussed. First the so-called innovation management approach which focuses on the evolution of the company innovation management strategies in different socioeconomic environments. Second is the analysis the evolution of innovation models themselves in conceptual sense (conceptual approach) as well as analysis of theoretical backgrounds and requirements for these models.
The main focus of analysis in this approach is on advantages and disadvantages of different innovation models in their ability to describe the reality of innovation processes.
The paper focuses on the advantages and disadvantages as well as potentials and limitations of the approaches and also proposes potential future developments of innovation models as well as the analysis of driving forces that underlie the evolution of innovation models recently.
innovation models; innovation process; generations of innovation models; process dimension of innovation; innovation models evolution; innovation management
O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O14 - Industrialization ; Manufacturing and Service Industries ; Choice of Technology
O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O3 - Innovation ; Research and Development ; Technological Change ; Intellectual Property Rights > O30 - General
O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O3 - Innovation ; Research and Development ; Technological Change ; Intellectual Property Rights > O32 - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O3 - Innovation ; Research and Development ; Technological Change ; Intellectual Property Rights > O33 - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences ; Diffusion Processes
Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q5 - Environmental Economics > Q55 - Technological Innovation
Maxim Kotsemir
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Prince: Black Music’s Liberated Son
AuthorMedia DiversifiedPosted on April 25, 2016 June 20, 2016 CategoriesColumnists, Music, Shane Thomas, Two Weeks NoticeTagsPrince
by Shane Thomas Follow @tokenbg
The first thing that struck me about Prince was his voice. Not his singing voice – as marvellous as that was – but his speaking voice. It’s measured. It’s calm. Mellow without ever being monotone. You know who it reminds me of? Toni Morrison. It’s the vocal signature of someone who is totally confident and secure in themselves.
We should also remember what a good dancer he was. Beyond the sumptuous outfits, ornate stage design, and guitar skills that are arguably unmatched, Prince could move. Even if he’d never played an instrument, he would still have been one of the greatest ever live performers.
I’m sure I’m not alone in spending the past few days enveloped in the comforting cocoon of Prince’s songs. I’m sure I’m not alone in reading about 1,999 thinkpieces on his passing. And maybe I’m not alone in viewing Prince as the all-time of all-time. He was my favourite musician, the one whose art nourished, delighted, and uplifted me like no other.
That said, I didn’t engage with Prince’s work until my late teens. Rembert Browne observed that “Prince stripped us down to our core his entire career”. This sat uneasily with the isolated, insecure kid in Streatham who saw this short, scrawny guy from Minneapolis as an exemplar of everything a man shouldn’t be.
I now understand this was a problem of my own making, as I was also (and still am) short and scrawny, but unlike His Royal Badness, I desperately wanted to avoid anything that wouldn’t denote me as “a man”. Mercifully, Prince’s music shattered the patriarchal panes of glass I’d constructed around myself. Brian Phillips describes the effects of music thus: “When a song hits you the right way, it doesn’t feel analytically finite. Maybe that’s just brain chemistry, I don’t know. It feels like a miracle.”
The pulsing chimera of his songs compelled me to see the world through a wider and more fluid prism. The music had (and has) an urgency that was as elemental as it was beautiful, with an emotion that was totally unvarnished. Prince didn’t change who I was, but rather helped me come to terms with who I already was. His art had a place for all different types of personalities, including my own[1].
That’s why his liquefaction of the straight lines of gender presentation was so important. It never felt like a gimmick. The stockings, the heels, the make-up; this wasn’t an infant playing dress-up. They were part of the mien that made Prince Rogers Nelson who he was. You couldn’t have his guitar solos without the attire that busted gender binaries.
A lot of this occurred in Ronald Reagan’s America. A time when the nation’s pop-culture was all about “family values” and “hard-bodied” masculine heroes, symbolised by Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger – hardly the most amenable surroundings for an undersized black kid trying to find their way.
Prince was often described as audacious, but audacity is only perceptible when so much around it is vapid. A better word to describe him might be courageous, because it must have taken immeasurable courage to wholly be yourself in such environs. Prince wasn’t just brilliant. Prince was brave.
And then there’s the sex. Carnal Prince was always my favourite Prince. Half the fun of songs like Peach, Ripopgodazippa, or Cindy C. are the ad-libs in between the lyrics. The “Hold on… is that… are they… no, they can’t be” moments, before second-guessing yourself because, “I mean, it is Prince. That could actually be the real thing.”
But while sex was a repeated feature of his oeuvre, did anyone subvert sex like Prince? It wasn’t a cudgel for him to assert his dominance, or to cultivate an image of cis male superiority. He could seamlessly oscillate between rakish and guileless, and wasn’t above being the conduit for a woman to have her fun. Far too often, we’re conditioned to think of sex as a sport that must have a winner and a loser. But under Prince’s aegis, it had no kyriarchal structures. Sex was alchemised into something both pure and brazen.
Despite his supernatural gifts, Prince’s work ethic was second-to-none. His dedication was of a man thirsting for musical excellence. But this wasn’t motivated by the aphorism of “twice as good for half as much” that black people are achingly familiar with. This was excellence for its own sake, a person so in thrall to the power of music, that to try and be anything less than excellent would have been the highest sign of disrespect.
T his assiduity extended to every facet of Prince’s career. Some felt his esurient need to exercise absolute control over his narrative was nothing more than egotism. But Prince was never a short-sighted man, and you have to place his decisions – even if you disagree with them – in the historical context of black people’s artistic labour, which sometimes made them rich, but always made white men wealthy.
It’s a history that includes legends like Marvin Gaye and Gil Scott-Heron. Black men who achieved greatness, but also suffered hugely, never being able to attain personal freedom.
That’s what made Prince so extraordinary. Because more than anything, he felt to me like an oasis of liberation in a world wedded to anti-blackness, distilled into one Dionysian, diminutive, electric genius – the emancipated musical offspring of Memphis Minnie, Sly Stone, Ma Rainey, and Little Richard.
Isn’t this what social justice is for? To have the complete freedom to be ourselves, unabridged. To have every quirk, every eccentricity, every foible be accepted and celebrated.
You could listen to Prince and feel like you could do or be anything. Because it felt like Prince could do or be anything. We shouldn’t ignore that he had the privileges of being straight, cis, male, and light-skinned, but it’s no less remarkable that Prince found a way to express the full gamut of his humanity in a body that has never been seen as fully human.
He was beloved by many, but had a special place in the hearts of black people. Because in among the sound, style, and sex, he was unapologetically himself: black liberation made flesh.
[1] – I never realised how much until I saw him live for the only time in 2007. This isn’t the best forum to tell that story, but tweet me if you especially want to hear it. It’s a pretty good anecdote.
All work published on Media Diversified is the intellectual property of its writers. Please do not reproduce, republish or repost any content from this site without express written permission from Media Diversified. For further information, please see our reposting guidelines.
“Two Weeks Notice” is Shane Thomas’s bi-monthly column encompassing “Pop culture to sport, and back again“ Shortlisted for EI Arts, Culture and Entertainment commentator of the year
Shane can be found on Twitter, both at @TGEISH and @tokenbg (and yes, the handle does mean what you think it means).
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← Exclusive excerpt – Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America
Boris Johnson wasn’t just attacking Obama’s heritage, he was attacking us all →
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Capturing Extreme Weather in Photography
Mike Olbinski Author
[00:00:00.620]Thanks to Ben for that way too nice introduction,
[00:00:04.700]and to Ben and Jeremy, and to Ken
[00:00:06.250]for having me come speak here.
[00:00:07.410]That's just a real big honor to be able
[00:00:11.290]to come all the way from Phoenix
[00:00:12.300]and talk to you guys about severe weather
[00:00:13.660]and get to talk about what I love
[00:00:15.210]more than probably anything except my wife and kids.
[00:00:18.020]I like to start off my talks, always,
[00:00:19.630]with a little confession that my name is Mike,
[00:00:21.390]and I love big haboobs, and I don't know if,
[00:00:24.150]how many of you know that word.
[00:00:25.010]That joke kills in Arizona.
[00:00:27.470]We get a lot of dust storms, but haboob
[00:00:29.110]is another word for dust storm,
[00:00:30.870]and we get a lot of 'em.
[00:00:32.160]I even have a T-shirt that has it on it.
[00:00:36.645]Got a fantasy football team name
[00:00:37.478]called the Haboob Hunters if anyone plays fantasy football.
[00:00:39.640]I know we love football around here.
[00:00:42.460]But it's a fun word to use.
[00:00:46.510]I even like to do selfies in front of them,
[00:00:49.270]and there'll be more of those.
[00:00:51.720]Oh, my slideshow doesn't have the preview
[00:00:53.390]of the next slide on it for some reason.
[00:00:56.290]But I'm from Phoenix, and live there
[00:00:59.320]with my wife and three kids, and they are,
[00:01:03.430]they're the reason I do this.
[00:01:04.330]I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for my wife,
[00:01:08.050]really, and I'll talk a little bit more about her.
[00:01:10.670]But I'm a wedding photographer, a professional photographer.
[00:01:12.730]I shoot weddings when I'm not chasing,
[00:01:14.210]so about, I don't know, half the year,
[00:01:16.560]three-quarters of the year, I shoot weddings.
[00:01:18.050]If I could ever get a storm like this
[00:01:21.000]with a couple and a rainbow behind 'em,
[00:01:23.697]I mean that's just, that's the wedding I wanna shoot.
[00:01:27.610]It doesn't happen very often, unfortunately,
[00:01:29.540]although probably fortunately for them.
[00:01:32.390]I'm a storm chaser, and when I first got into,
[00:01:36.950]kinda weather photography,
[00:01:38.670]my passion was lightning.
[00:01:39.760]I started with this weird thing
[00:01:42.820]where I'd look on Wunderground every day
[00:01:44.830]at images and just look at photos of lightning.
[00:01:47.100]I couldn't figure out why that was what,
[00:01:50.420]I don't know, drew me to photography in the first place.
[00:01:53.620]I was talking to John Haxby earlier
[00:01:55.930]about memories when you were a kid,
[00:01:57.070]and this other guy that I had heard,
[00:01:59.720]he and his twin brother had, were living in a trailer park
[00:02:02.820]with their parents, that they owned,
[00:02:06.030]and this tornado came through
[00:02:07.410]and destroyed the trailer park,
[00:02:08.990]sucked their mom out the window
[00:02:10.360]and it came back in, and then she was covering them
[00:02:12.520]and holding them down, and they all survived.
[00:02:15.310]Later, when they were in high school and college,
[00:02:17.730]they were fascinated by tornadoes.
[00:02:19.170]All they want to do is chase tornadoes,
[00:02:20.510]which is kinda crazy when you have
[00:02:21.660]that crazy story to start your life off with.
[00:02:25.930]So it reminded me of one of my only earliest memories
[00:02:30.240]of weather that I could think of is,
[00:02:31.900]my dad loved the weather, and we would sit outside
[00:02:33.860]and watch storms, and probably,
[00:02:37.211]I don't know, I was eight years old,
[00:02:38.044]and a lightning bolt, we were watching a storm,
[00:02:39.510]a lightning bolt hit 100 feet behind our house.
[00:02:43.000]As a little kid, it just felt like I couldn't see anything
[00:02:45.170]for 10 seconds, so it was just so bright, so blinding.
[00:02:48.470]It was weird that this was the first thing
[00:02:50.370]that I wanted to take pictures of.
[00:02:53.507]But when I got into weather and was maybe not too long ago,
[00:02:57.480]like eight years ago or so,
[00:02:59.460]I had found a box of photos from high school,
[00:03:01.190]and I found this photo that I took,
[00:03:03.670]God, who knows when that was.
[00:03:04.570]I was actually probably in junior high,
[00:03:06.010]so the late '80s or something.
[00:03:09.050]This is over, this is in Chandler, Arizona.
[00:03:10.870]This looks like a supercell.
[00:03:12.010]I have no idea what I was shooting at the time,
[00:03:13.263]I had no clue about anything, really,
[00:03:15.440]but I knew that I couldn't help
[00:03:17.070]but go outside and take a picture of this storm.
[00:03:19.900]I didn't know anything about photography,
[00:03:21.760]didn't know anything about weather,
[00:03:24.420]but there was something about this storm
[00:03:25.930]that made me go take a picture of it,
[00:03:27.360]I just couldn't help it.
[00:03:30.377]And 2005, before I, just still before
[00:03:32.640]I got into photography, I just had a little digital camera,
[00:03:35.640]and I was, it was getting close to sunset
[00:03:37.330]and I look out the back patio window
[00:03:38.790]and I see the top fringes of this anvil cloud
[00:03:40.840]starting to turn orange.
[00:03:42.650]I just freakin' was like, I gotta go.
[00:03:46.100]We lived really close to desert,
[00:03:47.220]a half mile from the desert.
[00:03:50.412]So I ran down there, had really crappy camera,
[00:03:53.580]and I had to do, I think this was seven vertical shots
[00:03:56.860]to get this whole thing in.
[00:03:58.840]When I came home, I stitched it together,
[00:04:00.390]and had no idea what I was doing.
[00:04:01.440]You could actually tell it was three different shots,
[00:04:03.480]or seven different shots.
[00:04:04.970]Not until many years later I went back and took these,
[00:04:07.557]and photoshopped, and actually did a really good pano-merge.
[00:04:11.060]So now I love the photo.
[00:04:12.220]It was still kind of a thing back in 2005
[00:04:14.870]that I couldn't help but go out
[00:04:17.300]and take a picture of this.
[00:04:20.010]So photography started off with lightning,
[00:04:23.790]and wanting to take pictures of lightning,
[00:04:24.740]but also started off with my little girl.
[00:04:27.530]She's 10 1/2 years old now.
[00:04:28.990]This was when she was around two or three,
[00:04:33.210]and of course, when you're a new dad,
[00:04:34.630]and your first kid, all you wanna do
[00:04:35.670]is take pictures of your kid.
[00:04:37.360]I had another, a different camera,
[00:04:38.570]a newer camera, some old Sony point and shoot,
[00:04:41.600]and it had a macro mode on it,
[00:04:42.433]so I get really close to her baby face
[00:04:45.280]and take pictures of her all the time.
[00:04:47.950]But I was reading about the camera
[00:04:49.307]and it could do three shots a second.
[00:04:51.950]I was so fast, it was lightning.
[00:04:53.020]I'm like, okay if I go outside,
[00:04:54.500]and hold this camera, pointing at a storm,
[00:04:56.983]just hold the button down, just click, click, click.
[00:04:59.040]Maybe I'll get lucky and get something.
[00:05:01.250]So the first two nights sucked.
[00:05:04.555]The third, fourth night I went out,
[00:05:06.290]and I had a storm in front of me.
[00:05:07.510]This camera, it would take the pictures,
[00:05:09.920]but there's be a four or five second delay
[00:05:11.560]to see what would pop up on the back.
[00:05:12.927]You're like, I hope I get something.
[00:05:14.510]So I see this bolt of lightning
[00:05:16.470]streak across the sky.
[00:05:18.700]I'm just looking down my camera like,
[00:05:20.070]oh please, please, please.
[00:05:20.980]It was click, click, and all of a sudden, boom,
[00:05:22.550]it popped up and disappeared.
[00:05:23.383]I was like oh my god, I got it.
[00:05:25.223]I couldn't believe it.
[00:05:26.240]I mean, if you know anything about lightning photography
[00:05:27.630]at night, you really wanna do long exposures,
[00:05:29.130]not fast exposures,
[00:05:30.760]so the fact I even caught this was a miracle.
[00:05:33.360]I was stinking hooked on this.
[00:05:35.020]I sent it to Sarah Walters, a meteorologist
[00:05:37.890]at Channel 12 down in Phoenix.
[00:05:39.470]She put it on TV that night,
[00:05:40.740]and I'm like, this is what I wanna do.
[00:05:42.433]I wanna take more pictures of lightning,
[00:05:45.190]but I came home and told my wife,
[00:05:47.240]I can't do it with this camera.
[00:05:49.420]I need a better camera.
[00:05:50.350]So my wife, bless her heart, she's like,
[00:05:52.310]all right we'll do whatever we can to get you a DSLR.
[00:05:55.400]We sold our entire DVD collection,
[00:05:58.180]boxed sets of TV shows, Battlestar Galactia,
[00:06:00.600]Gilmore Girls, all the stuff we had.
[00:06:02.130]We made $600, $700 on eBay, and bought my first Canon Rebel.
[00:06:07.519]So everything started there.
[00:06:11.767]The other thing at the time I was doing,
[00:06:13.740]was watching a show that you guys might have heard of
[00:06:15.760]called Storm Chasers on Discovery.
[00:06:19.940]When I was watching this I was blown away.
[00:06:21.210]I mean, I had seen Twister, and so I was,
[00:06:23.060]this is a cool movie, but I had no idea that people
[00:06:25.990]chase storms like this.
[00:06:27.113]I just didn't know there was a whole culture out there.
[00:06:30.010]It was amazing, super educational for me,
[00:06:32.850]and made me realize that I didn't have
[00:06:34.970]to just go to the corner.
[00:06:37.030]That lightning bolt I got that I showed you,
[00:06:38.310]it was 500 feet from my house.
[00:06:40.990]I'm like, oh I can actually go out and chase these things,
[00:06:43.230]and get better and better photos.
[00:06:46.029]So this all started with these three things,
[00:06:48.674]this fascination with lightning, photography,
[00:06:51.280]my daughter, and this show pointing me
[00:06:54.360]in the right direction.
[00:06:56.850]As with my daughter being born,
[00:06:58.220]storm chasing started with her,
[00:07:00.190]and me and a camera, and chasing around Arizona.
[00:07:02.853]I think we started chasing around 2009-ish, 2010,
[00:07:07.417]and she was a year and a half.
[00:07:10.637]Taking her with me was really my way
[00:07:13.580]of having an excuse to get out of the house.
[00:07:17.070]I'd tell my wife, you stay home and take a bath,
[00:07:20.220]watch a movie, and I'll take Lyla with me,
[00:07:22.930]and you'll have a nice night off.
[00:07:25.863]I mean it was great though,
[00:07:26.696]'cause the great side effect was that she was with me
[00:07:29.180]chasing all these storms around Arizona.
[00:07:31.500]Since then we adopted a little boy,
[00:07:32.880]and then we had a surprise third.
[00:07:35.070]So now we're just a whole crew
[00:07:36.340]that chases around Arizona together,
[00:07:39.330]which is a blast.
[00:07:40.330]Unfortunately school seems to start early for them now,
[00:07:43.070]which is early August.
[00:07:44.680]So I have about a month in July that they chase with me,
[00:07:48.520]which is super fun.
[00:07:51.140]This is a little short clip of just us chasing together.
[00:07:55.770]I think Asher wasn't here, but the other two were.
[00:07:57.950]We were time lapsing a dust storm coming in
[00:07:59.120]and this gustnado spun up on the edge.
[00:08:07.534](kids yelling)
[00:08:23.129]Wow (laughs) wow!
[00:08:31.889]That was awesome.
[00:08:34.480]So they're a hoot.
[00:08:35.313]They're really fun.
[00:08:37.520]I'd never took them out chasing the plains,
[00:08:40.379]but two years ago in late 2017,
[00:08:41.820]I took my two oldest out through a two day chase
[00:08:44.630]in Colorado, and my buddy Mike Mezeul,
[00:08:47.450]if anyone follows him.
[00:08:48.283]He's an amazing photographer,
[00:08:49.530]and he's like, Mike if you're out there,
[00:08:50.770]you better get a picture of you and your kids
[00:08:52.420]in front of a storm with structure.
[00:08:54.410]I was like, thanks for reminding me to do that.
[00:08:55.867]I'm so occupied with the other stuff I do,
[00:08:58.010]so I'm so happy he said that, 'cause we finally
[00:09:00.410]got some structure, and of course,
[00:09:01.640]we're in the middle of the road.
[00:09:03.760]You'll find out I like to shoot a lot of shots
[00:09:05.471]in the middle of the road.
[00:09:06.304]It's kind of a thing, and I love this memory
[00:09:09.411]of us chasing together.
[00:09:12.890]We've chased together all across Arizona,
[00:09:15.080]starting in Arizona.
[00:09:15.913]We've seen so many cool things.
[00:09:16.980]This was a day in 2013 or 2014,
[00:09:21.100]and we got these transition seasons in October
[00:09:22.890]where we get a low pressure comes through
[00:09:24.870]and basically wipes out the monsoon high,
[00:09:26.870]and we get really interesting, severe weather.
[00:09:29.130]This day we had a tornado watch.
[00:09:30.990]There were chasers from out of Arizona
[00:09:32.800]coming to try to hopefully get a tornado in Arizona,
[00:09:35.030]which was pretty crazy.
[00:09:36.080]That just never happens.
[00:09:37.640]So of course this day, what was I doing,
[00:09:38.990]I was shooting a wedding.
[00:09:40.920]That was really frustrating.
[00:09:42.250]I was helping people in the morning
[00:09:44.280]that didn't know Arizona.
[00:09:45.180]Well you can take this road, you can take this road.
[00:09:47.130]But lucky for me, between where the bride was getting ready,
[00:09:49.850]and the venue that was 25 minutes away,
[00:09:52.910]this shelf cloud was rolling across Phoenix
[00:09:54.640]as I was driving to the venue.
[00:09:56.300]So I was able to pull over on the freeway
[00:09:57.770]and do a quick pano.
[00:09:58.860]I was like, well that made my day,
[00:10:00.350]'cause I don't think I even saw a better photo than that
[00:10:02.120]from anyone else that chased.
[00:10:03.130]There was definitely no tornadoes,
[00:10:04.740]and this was probably the best shelf cloud
[00:10:06.390]I've ever seen in Arizona, so that was awesome.
[00:10:09.990]Obviously dust storms.
[00:10:12.360]Getting one at sunset over downtown Phoenix is great.
[00:10:15.810]The colors, it's kind of hard to get the timing
[00:10:18.460]right on that.
[00:10:19.293]This was 2014.
[00:10:20.126]I've never seen one this good over Phoenix
[00:10:22.160]really since then.
[00:10:24.090]This was another good dust storm at night,
[00:10:26.310]and this thing was gnarly.
[00:10:27.170]I had a couple, I think three workshop people with me.
[00:10:30.650]It was our first night.
[00:10:33.330]This is in the dark, so it's like nine o'clock at night,
[00:10:35.440]and the light here from this is Gila Bend,
[00:10:38.380]southwest of Phoenix, and the light here
[00:10:40.070]is lighting this up,
[00:10:40.903]otherwise it was have been so hard to see
[00:10:42.450]and take a photo of.
[00:10:44.410]Watching this thing come out of the dark.
[00:10:46.340]I mean, it just looked like this ominous wand.
[00:10:48.570]I mean, it's a wide angle lens.
[00:10:49.960]Wide angle lenses usually make things smaller looking,
[00:10:52.860]and so in real life, it was just gigantic.
[00:10:54.670]It was insane, and then it hit us,
[00:10:56.920]and we jumped back in the car to try to get in front of it,
[00:10:58.897]just a minute after it hit us.
[00:11:00.600]It took us 10 or 15 minutes just to get back.
[00:11:03.300]It was intense.
[00:11:04.500]They had a 90 mile per hour wind gust
[00:11:06.070]came through this town, which we hardly ever get winds
[00:11:08.640]that high from a dust storm.
[00:11:09.600]It's usually like 50, 60 miles an hour,
[00:11:11.370]so it was a very intense one.
[00:11:13.130]Obviously lightning, I love to shoot lightning.
[00:11:15.390]lightning in Arizona, is probably,
[00:11:17.360]other than I've seen the Florida coast,
[00:11:19.200]and every now and then a good lightning storm
[00:11:20.460]out in the plains, Arizona is one of the best places
[00:11:22.470]to photograph lightning.
[00:11:24.010]When you get these isolated storms at sunset,
[00:11:27.510]it's just stunning with our landscape.
[00:11:31.659]This is the hour right after the sun goes down,
[00:11:35.010]and it's just blue.
[00:11:37.430]You can start doing long exposures,
[00:11:39.400]but it's still light out enough
[00:11:41.070]that you can see what's going on around it,
[00:11:44.420]especially if you jump on a storm like this,
[00:11:45.910]that's like a brand new storm that starts dropping bolts
[00:11:49.060]before the rain gets there.
[00:11:51.570]This is from a workshop, you can see.
[00:11:53.300]I think I'm in the blue and the workshop guy's in the green.
[00:11:55.750]I set up a camera behind us,
[00:11:58.330]and had a lightning trigger on it.
[00:11:59.303]We were just watching this.
[00:12:00.313]This was a little bit close.
[00:12:01.750]I think it was about a mile and a half,
[00:12:04.590]two miles away from us,
[00:12:05.560]so we probably packed it up pretty soon after that,
[00:12:07.320]but beautiful microburst.
[00:12:09.300]That's the kind of stuff you get out in Arizona.
[00:12:12.920]This is a great, I love lightning at night.
[00:12:15.900]I like seeing where lightning hits,
[00:12:17.140]almost more than anything.
[00:12:18.170]You can kind of see on the bottom left here,
[00:12:19.610]there's this rock formation.
[00:12:22.140]I don't know if it was iconic,
[00:12:23.010]but there's a rock formation from between Phoenix,
[00:12:25.612]and when you drive to L.A.
[00:12:26.445]I always look off an I see it,
[00:12:27.654]and it just looks funny.
[00:12:28.487]It's called I think Courthouse Butte, or something.
[00:12:30.950]On this night I actually got a lightning bolt hitting it,
[00:12:32.760]which was kinda cool.
[00:12:34.100]I just love seeing where lightning hits.
[00:12:36.500]Usually if I get a lightning bolt
[00:12:37.640]that hit behind the mountain and I'm in front of it,
[00:12:39.330]I just delete that photo.
[00:12:40.370]I want to see.
[00:12:41.610]Except for the next one, I believe,
[00:12:43.450]is my favorite lightning photo probably,
[00:12:45.190]that I've ever taken.
[00:12:46.850]I didn't hit in front but it was just so amazing.
[00:12:49.420]This was a tough photo for me to get,
[00:12:50.710]because I waited.
[00:12:51.820]Actually had gone to bed that night.
[00:12:54.640]I think it was 10:30.
[00:12:56.870]Of course as a storm chaser does,
[00:12:58.110]I rolled back over to my phone one more time
[00:12:59.930]to check the radar.
[00:13:01.610]I was like, oh no, I'm not going to sleep.
[00:13:04.100]The storm's coming in.
[00:13:06.080]So I got back out of bed, packed up.
[00:13:08.220]It's funny, 'cause I went out to this spot.
[00:13:09.460]I didn't tell anyone I was going,
[00:13:10.293]and I didn't have my spotter dot on
[00:13:12.010]or anything, but as I pull up and start setting up,
[00:13:13.820]my other buddy Nicholas shows up at the exact same spot,
[00:13:16.620]because we both had the same idea.
[00:13:18.150]This mountain range, this is the Superstition Mountains
[00:13:20.040]on the east side of Phoenix.
[00:13:21.550]It's kind of an iconic range,
[00:13:22.740]and so I wanted to get this shot for a long time.
[00:13:27.600]So I was wanting to get it in the middle of the road,
[00:13:30.060]and so it took 90 minutes.
[00:13:31.820]I'm a chaser.
[00:13:32.653]I wanted to go get closer to the storm,
[00:13:33.720]but I had to just sit here and wait for it to come to us,
[00:13:35.730]which was really hard.
[00:13:37.720]Finally, you know I was dodging traffic.
[00:13:40.995]This was at one in the morning,
[00:13:41.828]so there was really no traffic,
[00:13:42.860]but every now and then a car would come,
[00:13:43.910]and I'd have to move over,
[00:13:45.360]and then set back up and make sure
[00:13:46.230]it was exactly in the middle.
[00:13:47.710]So it was a little bit tedious for 90 minutes,
[00:13:49.870]but finally this bolt happened.
[00:13:51.220]I saw it on the back of the camera.
[00:13:54.430]Immediately, I'm like this is the best photo
[00:13:55.860]I've ever taken.
[00:13:56.693]I can't believe this.
[00:13:57.644]There was only two other people there.
[00:13:59.310]It was pretty wild.
[00:14:01.520]The next photo's probably my most interesting photo
[00:14:03.093]that I've ever taking of lightning.
[00:14:05.930]This was in New Mexico, and a very intense storm.
[00:14:10.330]I think it was supercellular for a little bit,
[00:14:12.010]and was kind of dying out, but the lightning
[00:14:13.640]was just really crazy.
[00:14:16.422]There was some of these lightnings I call widow makers,
[00:14:18.370]where they're so intense and they're so quick,
[00:14:20.180]you just feel like I better be in the car
[00:14:22.000]for all of these.
[00:14:22.833]I'm not gonna be outside.
[00:14:23.666]For this one, I set up the camera in front of the car,
[00:14:26.880]jumped back in and let it take pictures.
[00:14:28.400]Then a bolt would hit and I'd jump back out and panic
[00:14:30.300]while the storm was moving across.
[00:14:32.190]So finally I caught this one.
[00:14:33.743]I know you if can see on the bottom right here,
[00:14:36.090]it looks like there's all these dead trees here,
[00:14:37.600]but a zoomed in shot, all these trees are upwards
[00:14:40.430]streaming leaders of lightning coming out of the ground,
[00:14:43.600]which is pretty terrifying.
[00:14:45.060]I posted this photo on Facebook
[00:14:46.510]and literally had no idea what I had.
[00:14:49.820]Someone said, Mike those aren't trees.
[00:14:51.580]I don't know what you know and thought it was,
[00:14:53.267]but that's lightning coming out of the ground.
[00:14:55.850]Not only that, but you see houses here,
[00:14:57.330]so can kinda see some of these look like
[00:14:59.170]they're two to three stories tall,
[00:15:01.060]which is pretty insane.
[00:15:04.050]I know there' been leaders captured before
[00:15:06.440]in photography, but these lightning experts
[00:15:10.080]that helped develop the lightning tracking system
[00:15:13.320]around the world use this photo
[00:15:14.840]at lightning conferences now,
[00:15:15.820]which makes me really proud of it,
[00:15:16.970]even though I did nothing except point my camera that way.
[00:15:18.830]I was very lucky to get this.
[00:15:20.690]But it's kind of rare to get this many.
[00:15:22.064]I think they said there's about 12 different streamers
[00:15:25.080]coming out of the ground,
[00:15:25.913]because they're just faint ones back here in the back,
[00:15:28.310]that you can hardly see.
[00:15:30.260]The cool thing for them we they know right where I was
[00:15:32.820]on the exact spot of the road.
[00:15:35.090]They knew what lens I was using.
[00:15:36.470]They could see on Google Maps where the houses were,
[00:15:38.720]and then they had their own data
[00:15:39.810]where the lightning struck.
[00:15:41.285]So they were able to measure everything precisely,
[00:15:43.600]so they gave them all this data
[00:15:44.840]that they were able to use that for research and stuff.
[00:15:48.900]That was really cool.
[00:15:50.160]But of course, when I started shooting storms in Arizona,
[00:15:55.030]and I was watching storm chasers,
[00:15:56.730]supercells were drawing me there.
[00:15:59.733]I'm like, I can't stay here forever.
[00:16:00.770]I gotta start going out there.
[00:16:01.750]Although I still, of course, shoot both.
[00:16:05.298]I had started chasing the plains, of course,
[00:16:06.660]and that's just amazing stuff out there.
[00:16:09.350]This was in North Dakota a few years ago.
[00:16:10.730]This wasn't even a supercell.
[00:16:11.840]This was just like a day of 6000 cape up in North Dakota,
[00:16:14.670]and this microburst.
[00:16:16.490]They were just coming by over an over
[00:16:18.260]and the lightning got closer and closer.
[00:16:19.703]I had some tour guests with me and this bolt hit
[00:16:22.480]a quarter of a mile away, and when it hit
[00:16:23.750]we had one guy from Australia still out there
[00:16:25.157]who didn't realize we all started hiding in the car.
[00:16:28.190]The bolt hit the ground, and he looks back at us,
[00:16:30.590]and the thunder was so loud.
[00:16:31.710]He had no idea we were hiding,
[00:16:32.740]so we started laughing at him.
[00:16:33.730]This was one of the most intense bolts.
[00:16:35.283]It's so crazy to have a bolt where you actually
[00:16:37.020]almost see the 3D aspect of it where it's coming
[00:16:39.177]out of this cloud and then it gets bigger
[00:16:41.220]as it's coming towards us.
[00:16:42.220]You can actually kinda see the direction it's going.
[00:16:46.250]Supercells, I mean the stuff, the colors out in the plains
[00:16:48.600]is so different than Arizona.
[00:16:49.590]That's why I like chasing both of 'em.
[00:16:50.860]I get two totally different storms to shoot.
[00:16:55.020]The textures and colors of hail and this stuff.
[00:16:59.050]This was a blast of a storm in Colorado
[00:17:00.900]a couple years ago.
[00:17:01.733]It was me and my two kids on this storm
[00:17:02.980]and not a single other storm chaser,
[00:17:03.827]'cause I think it was one in the morning.
[00:17:05.960]We had actually gotten to a hotel,
[00:17:07.600]my kids and I, in Burlington.
[00:17:10.800]They were all in their PJs ready for bed,
[00:17:12.290]and I see these two storms go up,
[00:17:14.049]and they go tornado warned immediately.
[00:17:15.530]The rest of the day before had been kind of a bust.
[00:17:17.580]I'm like, oh my gosh you guys, I can't believe this.
[00:17:20.191]I'm like, what do you wanna do?
[00:17:21.140]My little boy Eli, who was probably four or five,
[00:17:23.020]he's like, let's get lightning daddy.
[00:17:24.690]Okay, so we jump back in the car.
[00:17:26.780]They're in their PJs, we go.
[00:17:28.806]I mean they're asleep within an hour.
[00:17:32.140]I had to wake them up at one point.
[00:17:33.410]I'm like, guys look at this.
[00:17:34.530]This is insane at night.
[00:17:36.310]We're the only ones out here seeing this flying saucer
[00:17:38.330]in the sky.
[00:17:39.680]I don't think they even remember it
[00:17:40.970]but I was happy that they told me to go.
[00:17:44.190]Another Colorado storm, and this was one of my favorites.
[00:17:48.020]I don't remember if I planned it or not,
[00:17:49.220]but you can see right through the front door
[00:17:50.850]out the back window.
[00:17:52.500]I don't remember if I had moved around to line it up,
[00:17:54.190]or if I just got incredibly lucky,
[00:17:55.610]but I actually screeched to halt on a dirt road,
[00:17:58.200]and turned around to go get the shot.
[00:17:59.400]It was really cool.
[00:18:02.210]This was around Hoisington, Kansas last year.
[00:18:03.930]Just a great storm that went on to produce
[00:18:05.690]the Tescott tornado, and so this was early on.
[00:18:08.610]The structure was cool, and this one lightning bolt
[00:18:10.330]was very, very intense.
[00:18:13.391]In all of that, I don't know if anyone can guess
[00:18:14.390]where this might be,
[00:18:15.223]but this was east of Arthur in the sandhills last year.
[00:18:19.400]Just we had a really good chase.
[00:18:20.740]I don't know if I have other stuff in there,
[00:18:22.530]but really amazing chase.
[00:18:25.840]We raced north of Ogallala.
[00:18:27.143]I got across the dam and as the storm was coming.
[00:18:28.890]Then we chased it east of Arthur and it was just incredible.
[00:18:32.930]I think I might have jumped a barbwire fence
[00:18:34.810]to get onto a hilltop here
[00:18:36.150]so I didn't have to be in the road.
[00:18:37.280]Sandhills are kind hard to find road networks
[00:18:40.720]to chase on so sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
[00:18:44.580]Tornadoes, of course, I haven't seen as many
[00:18:46.370]as a lot, because I started, probably...
[00:18:47.950]I didn't see my first tornado to probably 2014, 2015,
[00:18:52.362]but I'm seeing more and more,
[00:18:54.000]and it's been really exciting to finally see these happen.
[00:18:57.410]This was McLean a couple years ago, Texas.
[00:19:01.050]This was Oklahoma after a wedge had just happened,
[00:19:04.830]and another one.
[00:19:08.494]This was east of Trinidad in Colorado,
[00:19:10.290]southern border of Colorado,
[00:19:11.320]and it was one of my only times I've been on a storm,
[00:19:13.650]where there's only been four other chasers
[00:19:15.530]and seen a tornado.
[00:19:17.000]Everybody else was east of Denver,
[00:19:18.420]so a few of us were pretty excited to watch this happen.
[00:19:21.540]This was kinda where it started roping out,
[00:19:23.280]but it was really great to be out here for this.
[00:19:26.927]This was the Tescott tornado last year.
[00:19:29.650]This was wonderful 'cause I had two tour guests with me.
[00:19:33.320]It was our day one, and one of them
[00:19:35.850]had just flown in form Kuwait the night before,
[00:19:38.400]basically was on lack of sleep and jet lag.
[00:19:41.140]This was the first thing we really saw
[00:19:42.570]the next day after some other structure.
[00:19:44.850]The cool thing about this,
[00:19:45.683]there's a little suction board to see,
[00:19:48.380]something here on the backside of this tornado
[00:19:50.020]which briefly happened.
[00:19:52.110]I think someone else has a shot of it
[00:19:53.390]from a video close behind it
[00:19:55.980]when they were...
[00:19:58.655]Then I tried to incorporate my tour guests
[00:20:00.790]and people in it as you saw,
[00:20:02.029]this was another middle of the road shot,
[00:20:03.800]but this was south of Arthur in Nebraska
[00:20:07.370]last year, that same storm I was talking about
[00:20:09.430]in the sandhills.
[00:20:10.327]I'd never seen anything like this.
[00:20:11.720]It just looked like a hail core microburst
[00:20:14.270]coming out of a supercell.
[00:20:15.173]I have no other way to describe it.
[00:20:17.640]Very unfortunate that I couldn't time-lapse it from here,
[00:20:19.193]because it was so fast,
[00:20:20.650]and the rain was gonna hit me.
[00:20:21.530]Literally had no time,
[00:20:23.030]but I would have loved to have gotten that on time-lapse.
[00:20:25.370]It was very depressing.
[00:20:28.430]Another shot from last year, also Nebraska.
[00:20:30.970]From some linear, some day when all the storms
[00:20:32.900]went up at once and it wasn't as exciting,
[00:20:34.700]but we did get a tornado a little bit after this.
[00:20:39.184]So when I got into storm chasing
[00:20:41.700]it was really just photography at the beginning,
[00:20:43.540]but then 2011, for whatever reason,
[00:20:45.510]I wanted to try something different.
[00:20:47.420]I'm like, I wanna do time-lapse,
[00:20:48.697]and I don't remember why, but I probably saw some stuff
[00:20:51.360]where clouds were billowing,
[00:20:53.050]and I just thought it was amazing
[00:20:54.070]to see stuff sped up.
[00:20:56.532]You know we get the dust storms out there,
[00:20:57.390]so I wanted to see what a dust storm might look like
[00:21:00.700]on time-lapse, because I'd seen news reports,
[00:21:04.220]and helicopters shooting it,
[00:21:05.053]but never a set shot.
[00:21:08.120]Actually right here was my firs time-lapse ever,
[00:21:11.630]and I won't show it to you, because it's horrible.
[00:21:15.200]I'm moving, changing the shutter speed.
[00:21:16.730]It's just really really bad.
[00:21:18.280]I think I've shown it to one or two people.
[00:21:20.570]It's too bad.
[00:21:21.403]I didn't know what I was doing,
[00:21:22.236]because it was a beautiful scene.
[00:21:23.069]There's a little ball of dust here on the bottom,
[00:21:24.760]and the sunset's cool.
[00:21:26.770]But at least gave me one practice shot
[00:21:29.810]for the next day, July 5th.
[00:21:31.500]The next day I wasn't gonna chase.
[00:21:33.260]I was gonna do a practice time-lapse in the back yard
[00:21:35.480]with clouds going by so I was doing that.
[00:21:37.070]So that was my second ever time-lapse, doing a practice.
[00:21:39.650]Then I got a text from a friend
[00:21:41.340]saying, Mike there's quite a nice dust storm
[00:21:44.160]coming in from southeast of Phoenix.
[00:21:45.957]I'm like, okay that means it's gonna roll
[00:21:47.670]right across downtown, and I've always wanted to get a shot
[00:21:50.340]of a dust storm dwarfing the city,
[00:21:53.680]'cause people don't really understand how big they can be,
[00:21:56.160]and what they do.
[00:21:58.150]So I had found a parking garage not too long ago.
[00:22:00.510]We had just moved downtown.
[00:22:01.640]I found a parking garage not too long ago
[00:22:02.783]with this view of downtown Phoenix.
[00:22:05.740]I'm setting up my shot, and literally my jaw dropped
[00:22:09.520]almost this entire time.
[00:22:10.590]So here's a time-lapse that I shot that night.
[00:22:19.130]My third ever time-lapse of course I'm moving it and stuff,
[00:22:20.567]but no one cared about that,
[00:22:21.780]because when I posted this online,
[00:22:23.760]I called it A Massive Haboob Hits Phoenix,
[00:22:27.047]and it went nuts really quick.
[00:22:28.530]I thought at the time, I'm sitting here shooting this thing,
[00:22:31.380]and first off I had one camera and one wide angle.
[00:22:34.230]I'm like, why don't I have more cameras right now.
[00:22:37.160]Who knows what phone I had in 2011, but it was not good,
[00:22:40.201]so I had really crappy video of it,
[00:22:42.641]and that's all I had.
[00:22:44.560]The one thought on my mind was like,
[00:22:45.610]I put this time-lapse together and posted it.
[00:22:47.160]Maybe this will be the one thing
[00:22:48.670]that will get me on the weather channel, finally.
[00:22:50.810]Just one thing.
[00:22:52.796]So I had posted it online, and I think within a hour,
[00:22:56.320]it was all over the place.
[00:22:57.530]I had friends calling me, Mike I just saw your video
[00:22:59.750]on the news in Seattle.
[00:23:01.440]I had a friend who was in downtown Tempe, near Phoenix,
[00:23:03.880]saying Mike, there's people at the restaurant here
[00:23:05.910]watching your video on their phone sitting next to me.
[00:23:08.665]I'm like, this is so weird.
[00:23:10.440]I didn't go to bed until one or two in the morning,
[00:23:11.790]because everything was crazy.
[00:23:12.623]By five I was woken up from calls from CNN,
[00:23:15.100]the Weather Channel.
[00:23:15.933]I did live stuff on the Weather Channel,
[00:23:17.220]Today Show, NBC Nightly News had it,
[00:23:20.000]and then I had a teacher from the Philippines email me
[00:23:24.170]asking if she could show it in her classroom.
[00:23:26.410]I as like, yeah you can show it in your classroom,
[00:23:28.340]that's great.
[00:23:29.173]I just couldn't believe how far it went
[00:23:30.430]in a span of two days.
[00:23:32.500]So when I posted it I called it,
[00:23:33.560]Massive Haboob Hits Phoenix.
[00:23:35.730]The reason I used that word was that I had seen photos
[00:23:38.670]from the Middle East of just monster dust storms.
[00:23:41.090]If I had ever seen anything like the Middle East
[00:23:44.110]in Arizona, this was it.
[00:23:45.130]So I called it that, and the video went viral,
[00:23:48.205]and then that word got a little bit mainstreamed after that.
[00:23:50.747]There was all kinds of controversy.
[00:23:52.540]People hate that word for whatever reason,
[00:23:54.204]so I like to use it and just kinda rub it in people's faces.
[00:23:59.660]What is storm chasing?
[00:24:00.493]I usually like to take a little break here
[00:24:02.050]and talk about what is storm chasing?
[00:24:04.260]A quote I found,
[00:24:06.367]"Storm chasing is a soul-sucking addiction
[00:24:08.877]"that will leave you in such a euphoric state,
[00:24:10.887]"you can hardly contain yourself or,
[00:24:12.407]"so depressed, you're ready to call it quits
[00:24:14.487]"at any moment."
[00:24:15.320]That's my quote.
[00:24:16.470]That's how I was feeling one day.
[00:24:18.420]Storm chasing is such a high and low thing,
[00:24:20.330]I've been talking about it
[00:24:21.280]with a couple chasers this weekend.
[00:24:23.390]Here we are.
[00:24:24.800]This was one of my first tornadoes I saw,
[00:24:28.027]and I had my friend Andy, who was helping forecast,
[00:24:31.120]and this practice trial run tour gets with me,
[00:24:33.470]Pat, who was a friend.
[00:24:35.210]We had busted on this Canadian day.
[00:24:36.730]The day before we were sitting in the rain forever,
[00:24:38.270]then we drove away together,
[00:24:39.510]and of course a wedge tornado dropped right where
[00:24:41.190]we were so we missed it.
[00:24:42.360]So this day we were driving in Texas,
[00:24:44.580]and we were looking over in New Mexico,
[00:24:45.510]and I see this little thing drop down.
[00:24:47.093]I go oh my gosh you guys there's a tornado right there.
[00:24:49.280]This is crazy.
[00:24:50.113]We pull over, screech to halt.
[00:24:51.200]I mean this is a really zoomed in shot.
[00:24:52.640]This tornado was like 35 miles away,
[00:24:54.860]but we were just so happy.
[00:24:56.230]We finally saw this tornado.
[00:24:57.560]We got photos of it.
[00:24:58.410]My tour guests got good photos of it,
[00:25:00.230]so we were happy.
[00:25:01.240]We get it, we're starting to chase,
[00:25:02.170]to get closer to the storm.
[00:25:03.610]I think within 20, 30 minutes,
[00:25:04.900]we see my buddy Christian's photo of it
[00:25:07.400]from right underneath it.
[00:25:08.680]We're just like, you freakin' kidding me?
[00:25:10.510]I was like if I was to take my camera
[00:25:11.407]and just throw it out the window.
[00:25:12.830]You know, I'm done with this.
[00:25:14.870]This was something like if I was there,
[00:25:16.330]I couldn't even believe the photos
[00:25:17.660]and the time-lapse I could have gotten.
[00:25:19.600]So these are the highs and lows.
[00:25:21.160]You're so excited and then you go.
[00:25:23.640]Of course that's the problem mostly with social media.
[00:25:26.870]Zack, as you really during storm season,
[00:25:28.701]if I could turn off social media,
[00:25:31.610]and not see what other people were doing at the time
[00:25:33.460]I was doing stuff, the I'd probably be a lot less depressed.
[00:25:39.371]When I first started chasing supercells.
[00:25:42.460]I think I started in 2009 or 2010,
[00:25:44.580]and I had three years I went out.
[00:25:46.160]I was just going out for a day or two,
[00:25:48.070]and I never saw anything really,
[00:25:49.770]except I think I saw one wall cloud.
[00:25:52.080]I saw showers and I got caught behind a couple
[00:25:55.260]of tornado warning storms
[00:25:56.253]that I ran out of the way of at night.
[00:25:57.830]It was just nothing great, so in 2013,
[00:26:01.370]June 3rd, my buddy Andy and I flew out,
[00:26:03.560]just kinda through a dart at a calendar.
[00:26:05.260]Oh these three days look good.
[00:26:06.770]We went out and we landed in Denver, drove all the way
[00:26:10.060]to Southeastern Colorado, and started chasing storms.
[00:26:14.512]I was used to how storms moved to the northeast.
[00:26:16.740]So of course this day they were moving southeast,
[00:26:18.700]and I didn't really pick up on that at first,
[00:26:20.820]so I kept taking us east.
[00:26:23.030]So we were stuck in the hail,
[00:26:24.410]and then I was too much in a hurry to stop for gas,
[00:26:26.130]so we almost ran out of gas.
[00:26:27.910]Finally around this area,
[00:26:29.470]we found a gas station, a tiny gas station.
[00:26:31.340]I think we had five miles left in the tank.
[00:26:33.230]A tiny gas station, pouring rain, hail,
[00:26:35.520]filled up and I'm like, we've got to go south.
[00:26:38.010]We've gotta get out of the rain.
[00:26:38.900]We gotta get to the side of the storm
[00:26:40.380]where we're gonna see something.
[00:26:41.480]So we raced out of Kansas, across Oklahoma,
[00:26:44.270]got into Texas.
[00:26:46.170]As we're driving, we finally gather and we look over
[00:26:49.207]and I see the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen
[00:26:51.240]in my life.
[00:26:52.420]I set up my cameras, so this is the supercell
[00:26:54.870]we chase, and this is shot in two or three different spots.
[00:27:00.864](calming music)
[00:27:52.598]There's a couple of chasers down over here, their cars.
[00:28:01.900]The first shot we had to pull off the road,
[00:28:03.970]and this was kinda hilly,
[00:28:05.340]so we found the top of a little hill to shoot.
[00:28:08.390]I remember getting my stuff.
[00:28:09.270]I was just literally shaking
[00:28:10.620]with adrenalin and excitement,
[00:28:12.020]that I finally saw a supercell.
[00:28:13.750]I'm setting up my camera.
[00:28:14.583]I'm like, please get the focus right.
[00:28:16.210]Please get the angle right.
[00:28:17.050]Make sure everything's locked off,
[00:28:18.442]the tripod's good.
[00:28:19.770]I started it, and I took a picture with my phone.
[00:28:21.650]I posted it on Facebook, and said something like,
[00:28:23.700]we did it, like we just landed on the moon, or something.
[00:28:26.620]It was very exciting for us.
[00:28:27.930]I hugged my buddy Andy.
[00:28:28.810]I think I had tears in my eyes,
[00:28:30.969]and it was the most incredible thing I'd ever seen.
[00:28:34.550]It took four years to finally see a supercell,
[00:28:36.650]and not only did we see a supercell,
[00:28:38.247]but it was probably one of the best of the year.
[00:28:42.800]Still to me, to this day,
[00:28:44.010]I don't know if I've ever seen anything as good.
[00:28:45.057]I've seen a lot of good storms,
[00:28:46.726]but this was, with the cornfield, and the orange,
[00:28:49.580]it was so apocalyptic, it was just incredible.
[00:28:54.270]So from this though, after the dust storm time-lapse,
[00:28:58.450]which I don't think I talked about.
[00:29:00.400]What that led to was licensing opportunities
[00:29:03.530]I didn't even know existed.
[00:29:04.940]When I shot that dust storm, and it went viral,
[00:29:07.610]I had people asking for it.
[00:29:10.600]I had an air conditioning company in Arizona say,
[00:29:12.400]hey we wanna use your time-lapse to make a commercial about,
[00:29:14.540]hey if your air conditioning gets dusty,
[00:29:15.850]call us, we'll fix it.
[00:29:18.810]National Geographic called.
[00:29:20.310]Al Gore and his people called,
[00:29:22.070]and they licensed it for his climate change talks.
[00:29:23.930]He did talks where he had it behind him onstage,
[00:29:25.990]to talk about to talk about drought,
[00:29:27.030]and all that stuff.
[00:29:28.699]So that was something at the time
[00:29:30.380]I had never thought about.
[00:29:32.010]I took photos and I was time-lapsing for fun.
[00:29:34.240]I'm like, wow people are paying me for this,
[00:29:36.390]and I would do this for free.
[00:29:39.180]So it put me on a path to keep time-lapsing,
[00:29:41.950]and I started just shooting time-lapse
[00:29:43.700]of anything I was on.
[00:29:44.610]So this trip here with this supercell,
[00:29:47.000]was to just go out three days
[00:29:48.490]and get whatever footage I could get.
[00:29:50.800]So I put this time-lapse together,
[00:29:53.290]into that film that you just watched
[00:29:55.160]and posted on Vimeo.
[00:29:57.210]I think the first day it did just fine.
[00:29:58.780]I was like, well I kinda like it, but whatever,
[00:30:01.160]if not everyone likes it.
[00:30:03.040]Then that night this blog called Colossal picked it up,
[00:30:05.980]and then it was just all over the place
[00:30:07.530]within the next day or two again.
[00:30:09.100]I never thought I would ever have a video
[00:30:11.410]do well like that,
[00:30:13.230]but it ended up being the number one video on Vimeo
[00:30:16.180]in 2013, with like two million plays
[00:30:18.293]it was just all over the place,
[00:30:20.030]and then more licensing requests came in for this.
[00:30:23.123]I had licensed other stuff since the dust storm too,
[00:30:25.140]so this just confirmed for me
[00:30:27.736]I love doing this so much.
[00:30:29.860]I would just time-lapse for free.
[00:30:31.450]I would go out and do it on my own dime,
[00:30:33.820]but then the fact that some of the stuff
[00:30:35.170]I can sell to people to use.
[00:30:36.930]The coolest thing I got out of this.
[00:30:38.090]It's been licensed for lots of stuff,
[00:30:39.740]but I got an email from Marvel Studios
[00:30:41.820]saying they wanna license it
[00:30:42.940]for the second Thor movie.
[00:30:44.140]I had no idea what they were gonna do.
[00:30:45.500]I'm like, okay it's probably gonna be a little TV
[00:30:47.740]in the window of a store.
[00:30:49.110]There's gonna be a storm on there.
[00:30:50.770]That's great, but I had no idea they were even gonna use it
[00:30:54.230]until some friends that lived in London,
[00:30:56.550]said, Mike, why is your name in the credits of Thor Two?
[00:30:59.285]I'm like, oh my god they used it.
[00:31:02.116]This might be hard to see on the top screen
[00:31:03.140]but if you look on these.
[00:31:04.010]This is the scene in the movie.
[00:31:13.180]The top half of this whole scene in my time-lapse.
[00:31:16.670]We got Thor and Natalie Portman down here
[00:31:18.560]on the bottom.
[00:31:20.010]This was literally the coolest thing
[00:31:21.280]that's probably ever happened to me.
[00:31:28.416]I think I took eight buddies to watch that,
[00:31:29.249]and we had no idea where it was gonna be.
[00:31:31.020]It was opening night.
[00:31:32.685]We started watching it, and we finally like,
[00:31:33.910]oh my gosh, I think that's it.
[00:31:35.210]That's it, that's it, and we were all just looking around.
[00:31:37.030]Then we waited for my name in the credits.
[00:31:38.700]You know for Marvel movies, anyone who goes to see them,
[00:31:40.780]you gotta wait to the end of the credits
[00:31:42.020]for the bonus scene.
[00:31:43.390]So we were waiting, and waiting, and we saw my name,
[00:31:45.040]and we all cheered.
[00:31:45.880]Everybody was like looking at us like,
[00:31:47.090]what did we just miss?
[00:31:47.930]Did we miss some Easter egg?
[00:31:49.550]But we didn't tell anybody anything.
[00:31:50.760]We were just excited.
[00:31:51.960]So time-lapse is just such a fun thing
[00:31:53.513]this is just another.
[00:31:55.300]I show a couple, two video time-lapses I like.
[00:31:57.870]It's such fun way to shoot storms.
[00:32:00.410]This dust storm is coming in the distance you kind of
[00:32:02.970]have no idea, it's right here too,
[00:32:04.100]and it just takes over the whole screen right up front.
[00:32:06.960]I rarely shoot them from the side.
[00:32:08.550]I'm usually shooting them from the front
[00:32:09.790]so I can keep chasing them, but on this day I had no choice.
[00:32:14.200]This night was a cool night.
[00:32:15.120]All three of my kids with me.
[00:32:16.060]I think my littlest one was probably eight, nine month old.
[00:32:20.360]My daughter was feeding him a bottle and we pull over here
[00:32:22.260]to shoot the storm.
[00:32:23.870]I look up, oh my god that's the Milky Way.
[00:32:25.660]I had no idea, so we were shooting this
[00:32:27.440]with the storm moving by, and the Milky Way there.
[00:32:29.740]The storm never obscured the Milky Way.
[00:32:32.860]We were there for an hour shooting this,
[00:32:33.693]and it was wonderful.
[00:32:36.610]The skies of Arizona are so clear,
[00:32:38.470]especially down in the southern parts,
[00:32:40.922]and also around Sedona, and stuff.
[00:32:44.794]I love shooting time-lapse so much.
[00:32:48.832]I have a little, kind of thing of what it takes,
[00:32:50.704]the highs and lows, and what it would take
[00:32:54.890]to get a shot you really want for a time-lapse.
[00:32:57.950]This is in 2016.
[00:33:00.115]I think 2014, 2015, I was getting all my time-lapse clips
[00:33:02.860]that I would shoot in a season
[00:33:04.590]and then put them in a short little film
[00:33:06.720]with music, calling it like Monsoon Two, Monsoon Three,
[00:33:10.985]or The Chase, Pursuit, all these little films.
[00:33:13.780]So in 2016 my goal was I gotta get a tornado
[00:33:16.190]on time-lapse.
[00:33:17.023]I haven't gotten on before.
[00:33:18.758]I need a tornado.
[00:33:20.150]It's gotta be my end scene.
[00:33:23.040]So for me, I'd never gotten one,
[00:33:24.080]so that was my whole mission.
[00:33:29.258]It was the day before Mother's Day,
[00:33:30.091]I'd shot a wedding, I was shooting a wedding,
[00:33:31.767]but that morning I told my wife,
[00:33:34.030]it looks really good in Oklahoma.
[00:33:35.510]I hate to be gone for Mother's Day,
[00:33:36.343]but you know I'm trying so hard to get this.
[00:33:37.890]She was like, you gotta go.
[00:33:39.010]If it looks good you need to do it.
[00:33:40.610]I literally shot this wedding all day.
[00:33:42.250]Went to the parking lot of the wedding,
[00:33:43.390]changed, and then just drove all the way to Oklahoma,
[00:33:46.090]leaving at like nine, 9:30,
[00:33:47.240]drove all the way to Oklahoma.
[00:33:49.010]So Mother's Day 2016 I saw the best sunset ever
[00:33:52.330]with friends, as the joke goes,
[00:33:54.470]and it was a complete bust.
[00:33:56.290]No real good storms, nothing,
[00:33:57.560]this was the best scene of the day was the sunset.
[00:34:00.530]I just could not believe it.
[00:34:01.510]I had left my wife the day before Mother's Day,
[00:34:03.480]and missed Mother's Day to watch the sunset
[00:34:05.010]with two buddies that I could care less
[00:34:07.340]if I was hanging out with them on this day.
[00:34:09.966]I was so bummed.
[00:34:10.799]I'm like, I'm going home.
[00:34:11.870]Who cares about the next day.
[00:34:12.810]I'm just gonna drive home.
[00:34:14.290]The next day, wherever I was.
[00:34:16.700]I can't remember where we were but I drove two hours west
[00:34:18.870]to Altus on May 9th.
[00:34:22.100]I got to Altus and these airplanes were doing
[00:34:23.940]almost these touch and goes.
[00:34:24.930]It kinda fascinated me for a minute,
[00:34:26.760]but also gave me a distraction to stop driving,
[00:34:29.370]and figure out am I really going home,
[00:34:30.850]or am I gonna chase?
[00:34:32.020]I can't decide.
[00:34:33.840]Eventually I called my wife.
[00:34:35.680]As always she's like,
[00:34:36.730]if it looks good, you gotta do what you gotta do.
[00:34:38.933]I get it.
[00:34:41.105]So I'm like, okay.
[00:34:42.710]I kinda got over myself and being a bum,
[00:34:44.490]and I turned back around and got to the storm,
[00:34:48.690]right where I thought it was gonna be,
[00:34:49.523]and it went up right when I pulled up.
[00:34:51.743]I kinda got in front of this stuck in the rain.
[00:34:53.660]It was looking pretty good,
[00:34:55.250]but I was doing some funky things.
[00:34:56.370]I'm like, I'm in the rain.
[00:34:57.203]I cannot time-lapse in the rain.
[00:34:58.450]I don't want water drops on my lens,
[00:35:00.160]so I decided to reposition.
[00:35:01.480]This is a video of me repositioning.
[00:35:03.530]There's some leafs in here.
[00:35:14.047]Oh my god.
[00:35:16.248](bleep)
[00:35:18.277](bleep, bleep, bleep, bleep, bleep)
[00:35:21.937]My dear.
[00:35:23.823]I literally was driving.
[00:35:24.690]I was like what are these people looking at?
[00:35:25.991]I look back comb tornado on the ground.
[00:35:26.970]Of course, I did it again, Canadian last year,
[00:35:29.290]drove away, here I do it again.
[00:35:31.290]In hindsight it was a blessing
[00:35:32.430]that I left when I did,
[00:35:33.880]because I can't shoot what I wanna shoot in the rain.
[00:35:36.210]I had already gotten a headstart
[00:35:38.290]repositioning while it was raining so that was good,
[00:35:40.890]while it was coming down.
[00:35:44.228]This is a funny video of me getting to the next exit,
[00:35:46.550]turning down this road,
[00:35:47.700]and seeing probably one of the most incredible things
[00:35:49.390]I've ever seen.
[00:35:51.892]What?
[00:35:59.130]As you know I like middle of the road shots.
[00:36:00.840]I couldn't believe I got at tornado
[00:36:02.300]down the middle of this road.
[00:36:05.210]This is a zoomed in shot,
[00:36:06.310]and then around a minute later
[00:36:07.810]this was a wide angle shot of it.
[00:36:11.520]At the same time, it's like a weird thing
[00:36:12.910]to be totally gleeful and excited for something
[00:36:15.090]that might be damaging people's houses and all that stuff.
[00:36:17.300]That's kind of like storm chasing sometimes.
[00:36:19.120]You get excited to see something so amazing,
[00:36:21.870]but you know it's so devastating too.
[00:36:25.040]But I got these great photos.
[00:36:26.220]I'm sitting here going okay,
[00:36:27.270]I can get my time-lapse of the storm,
[00:36:29.150]but guess what I can't do it here.
[00:36:31.540]There's power lines, there's houses,
[00:36:33.090]this tornado is literally basically coming right at me.
[00:36:36.140]I didn't want to sit there and wait until
[00:36:37.150]to the last minute to leave
[00:36:39.250]when it's coming towards me.
[00:36:40.220]I need to find something
[00:36:41.180]to kinda shoot it going by.
[00:36:43.120]I didn't wanna run in the field off here to the right,
[00:36:45.280]because I would probably have to run a hundred feet
[00:36:47.300]in the field to get a clear view,
[00:36:48.410]and then I'm a hundred feet away from my car
[00:36:49.660]if something happens.
[00:36:51.439]So the hardest thing for me was to leave this tornado
[00:36:54.250]to try to find a better spot.
[00:36:56.330]That's the kinda thing when I do these time-lapses
[00:36:58.670]is that I am super critical about
[00:37:02.310]where I find places to shoot.
[00:37:04.470]It's gotta be a high area.
[00:37:06.080]It's gotta be a good view.
[00:37:07.280]It's gotta look nice,
[00:37:08.113]no cars, no other chasers in my view,
[00:37:09.920]and stuff like that.
[00:37:11.380]The hardest thing I ever had to do,
[00:37:12.560]knowing that I was there to get a tornado time-lapse
[00:37:14.530]and after seeing that big tornado to drive away from this.
[00:37:17.110]I drove back to the freeway, went south,
[00:37:19.070]and after a mile or so,
[00:37:21.120]I saw this little high embankment next to the freeway,
[00:37:23.480]pulled over and ran up to the top with one tripod
[00:37:26.640]and my phone, and had this view of the tornado.
[00:37:30.030]I was like I still hate those trees but this is all I got.
[00:37:33.430]So this was the time-lapse.
[00:37:35.940]Actually this was the time-lapse at the end of the film
[00:37:37.970]I put out that year called Vorticity,
[00:37:39.780]which you can watch on Vimeo or YouTube if you want,
[00:37:41.730]but this was the final scene,
[00:37:42.980]so I got my clip.
[00:37:45.001](dramatic orchestral music)
[00:37:59.830](audience clapping)
[00:38:00.663]Thanks.
[00:38:02.610]So that tornado lasted I think 20 minutes,
[00:38:05.200]maybe 20 minutes and I had those first photos about
[00:38:08.500]I think five to 10 minutes into it,
[00:38:10.990]and then I got around the last six minutes of it.
[00:38:15.790]I wanted that time-lapse so bad,
[00:38:16.930]and I literally caught just the tail end of it,
[00:38:18.587]and it was awesome, it was perfect.
[00:38:21.810]I mean anyone's seen a tornado,
[00:38:23.040]they just go up at any time,
[00:38:24.990]I mean, I could have nothing.
[00:38:26.830]It was really stressful.
[00:38:27.970]I texted my wife after I got it.
[00:38:29.608]I'm like, I did it, I got it.
[00:38:30.880]She was like, I'm so proud of you.
[00:38:32.140]Once again tears.
[00:38:33.510]That was while I was live streaming.
[00:38:34.870]I used to live stream back in the day,
[00:38:35.980]so I'm kind of crying,
[00:38:37.630]and people in the room are like, is Mike okay?
[00:38:40.468]I'm like, I'm fine, sorry.
[00:38:43.348]It was a major moment for me to get that,
[00:38:47.556]and have the ending of my film.
[00:38:50.360]That was May 9th, so I think I went on to get
[00:38:52.340]three, or four, or five more tornadoes that year.
[00:38:55.340]It was pretty cool.
[00:38:57.210]The last thing I wanna talk about
[00:38:58.790]was just going over a day in the life.
[00:39:01.640]This was a great day.
[00:39:03.110]On July 9th of last year, chasing in Arizona,
[00:39:06.585]and what it took to get all this footage on this day,
[00:39:08.810]and then put a film together based off it,
[00:39:10.820]'cause it was a pretty great day,
[00:39:11.980]to get enough footage to do a short film
[00:39:13.480]from a single chase.
[00:39:14.553]It's pretty remarkable.
[00:39:20.180]A couple days before the models were all showing storms.
[00:39:25.496]You probably don't know this map very well from here,
[00:39:26.850]but this area is Phoenix,
[00:39:28.919]and this is Interstate 8 coming out here.
[00:39:30.520]So Phoenix, Interstate 8, and all the models
[00:39:33.580]consistently were showing storms
[00:39:35.160]coming off this area up here, which is the Mogollon Rim.
[00:39:37.660]Then out here and blasting west, southwest,
[00:39:40.280]across Phoenix and down I8,
[00:39:42.520]which a few years ago in the past
[00:39:46.130]I had learned of this kind of pattern,
[00:39:48.420]and not only that,
[00:39:49.580]I knew this before, but I was out there finally
[00:39:51.680]on I8 one time, and realized
[00:39:53.980]these things kick up really good dust storms.
[00:39:55.960]That nighttime one I showed us was this pattern
[00:39:58.650]a couple years before this.
[00:40:00.270]I don't think most people even knew that happened,
[00:40:01.970]unless you happen to be on I8,
[00:40:03.100]and it's usually an empty freeway.
[00:40:05.570]All the models are lining up here.
[00:40:06.993]There was another one showing everything
[00:40:08.010]going through Phoenix, and kinda blasting down here.
[00:40:10.000]This one had some really good storms
[00:40:13.440]going through Phoenix.
[00:40:16.350]I had been in the day before,
[00:40:18.640]me and my two eldest kids went to visit my wife
[00:40:21.070]and out littlest in California.
[00:40:23.090]He was doing some feeding therapy
[00:40:24.250]at the Children's Hospital out there,
[00:40:26.280]and so we knew the models looked good.
[00:40:28.150]So we left early-ish, and we went and stayed at Blythe.
[00:40:31.780]We woke up in Blythe on this day on July 9th,
[00:40:34.790]and drove all the way to Phoenix,
[00:40:36.660]and got the camera gear.
[00:40:37.990]We knew that the storms coming off the rim
[00:40:40.320]would probably wait 'til a little later,
[00:40:41.590]but there'd be earlier storms down here by Tucson.
[00:40:43.470]We drove all the way to Phoenix, all the way down to Tucson,
[00:40:46.010]and started down here.
[00:40:47.300]We got on a great little storm over this mountain.
[00:40:49.380]If anyone knows vertically integrated liquid,
[00:40:51.080]that a hail core, especially for Arizona.
[00:40:54.261]This was the shot of it in real life.
[00:40:57.670]I don't know if anyone knows Kitt Peak,
[00:40:58.730]but this was Kitt Peak Observatory here,
[00:41:00.540]so it was just dropping crazy hail at that observatory.
[00:41:07.434]It was cool.
[00:41:08.267]We started down there, my daughter was
[00:41:09.230]on the first day she ever decided
[00:41:11.629]she wanted to pick up the Handycam and document a chase.
[00:41:14.370]I actually just posted this on YouTube a couple days ago.
[00:41:16.530]It was kinda cute.
[00:41:17.363]She was narrating stuff, talking about the radar,
[00:41:19.450]what was on the radar, and making me say stuff.
[00:41:22.590]So it was pretty cool to have her around.
[00:41:26.391]So a little bit after that, the severe storm
[00:41:29.510]we were chasing was over here,
[00:41:30.960]and we were leaving it, because the road
[00:41:32.370]to get back up to I8 kinda loops down
[00:41:35.190]and then goes all the way up here.
[00:41:37.190]So we had a long drive ahead of us.
[00:41:38.370]By this time the storms are coming off the rim,
[00:41:40.630]and coming off these eastern mountains here.
[00:41:42.970]I'm like we've got to get up there soon,
[00:41:44.420]or we're gonna be behind.
[00:41:46.380]So we made our move to get up north,
[00:41:47.680]and as we're getting north these storms
[00:41:49.040]that were south of us were kicking up
[00:41:50.730]an outflow boundary themselves,
[00:41:52.090]so we were getting chased by a weaker dust storm,
[00:41:54.737]but another dust storm chasing us.
[00:42:05.930]Then while we trying to get to I8
[00:42:07.330]the storms really intensified through Phoenix,
[00:42:09.300]which is exactly what we wanted.
[00:42:10.770]We want them to be really intense
[00:42:12.370]to get southwest of town, and then kick up.
[00:42:14.430]There's all this dry farmland
[00:42:16.170]in the desert southwest of Phoenix,
[00:42:17.340]so we knew if this held together,
[00:42:19.640]we were gonna get the dust storm that we wanted
[00:42:21.770]or at least a dust storm.
[00:42:22.900]Who knows what it's gonna do,
[00:42:25.010]but right before we get to I8,
[00:42:26.890]we saw this little isolated storm,
[00:42:28.620]and this is a very textbook example of right here,
[00:42:32.830]you can kinda see a rain shaft on the left
[00:42:34.540]and out over here a rainfall,
[00:42:36.270]but this is a typical microburst with the exploding dust
[00:42:40.430]out flow, and and this is essentially
[00:42:41.990]how dust storms are started.
[00:42:43.250]Big down drafts hit the ground
[00:42:45.030]the dust explodes out and you have multiple down drafts,
[00:42:48.290]and they keep forming they keep creating this
[00:42:50.340]big wall of dust that just keeps pushing.
[00:42:52.310]So this wasn't the one we that wanted,
[00:42:54.450]but it was cool to stop and time-lapse on the way.
[00:42:57.640]We ended up being just a smidge behind.
[00:42:59.320]This was on the freeway.
[00:43:00.230]Were a little bit behind the main wall of dust,
[00:43:02.450]we were hoping to be in front of,
[00:43:03.670]so just a little bit behind.
[00:43:05.840]It's kind of weird to drive in pouring rain
[00:43:08.250]and have a wall of dust in front of you.
[00:43:15.270]We got through it, got to the other side,
[00:43:16.770]and this is the start of one
[00:43:19.180]that was gonna get really good for us a few minutes later.
[00:43:21.130]Here we pull over at another overpass
[00:43:23.210]as it's starting to get better in my daughter's video.
[00:43:25.870]Can you guys see the dust storm?
[00:43:27.563]I think that's directly north of us.
[00:43:31.904]You can't really see it.
[00:43:34.974]She says you can't really see it.
[00:43:35.880]It's there but a few minutes later
[00:43:37.900]this was a post processing shot I got out of it later,
[00:43:40.860]the edited shot of it after it was getting
[00:43:42.610]a little bit closer.
[00:43:43.850]This was great and we had this really great
[00:43:44.683]wall of dust coming, but you can see how intense
[00:43:47.180]it is more on the right side than the left side,
[00:43:49.190]not as intense.
[00:43:50.023]That's because it was actually moving to our southwest,
[00:43:52.670]which is going off to no man's land.
[00:43:56.054]We were kind of around this 8 shooting it,
[00:43:57.770]and so we had to leave of course after it hit us
[00:43:59.760]and we blasted west towards Gila Bend here.
[00:44:02.320]It's really intense here,
[00:44:03.220]so that wall of dust that we were on
[00:44:05.290]basically just went southwest out here,
[00:44:07.660]and kind of disappeared in more rain.
[00:44:09.820]We were waiting in Gila Bend for it,
[00:44:11.020]so we didn't know that at first.
[00:44:12.450]There's not a lot of dust coming.
[00:44:13.460]I guess it must have just gone away.
[00:44:16.200]So now we gotta count on the stuff that came out of Phoenix,
[00:44:20.530]to dive southwest and give us what we wanted.
[00:44:23.475]Up to this point, I mean it's pretty amazing
[00:44:24.617]how the models were consistent for basically two days
[00:44:27.280]this has been happening.
[00:44:28.113]Here we are and executed a plan
[00:44:30.300]where we woke up in California,
[00:44:31.440]went to Phoenix, chased storms
[00:44:32.273]and now here we are exactly where
[00:44:33.710]we thought we were gonna be.
[00:44:35.130]It's so rare for a chase to go out
[00:44:37.950]exactly like you thought.
[00:44:40.310]We got through Gila Bend.
[00:44:41.143]The storms are chasing us really fast,
[00:44:43.290]and we're hoping that we're gonna see dust.
[00:44:44.880]Sure enough a new wall of dust
[00:44:48.020]starts coming from our northeast towards the southwest,
[00:44:50.310]even has some beautiful striated shelf cloud above it.
[00:44:53.850]This was a pano from Interstate 8,
[00:44:56.450]and then it just got better and better.
[00:44:59.210]This was the kids in the car looking at this thing.
[00:45:04.070]It just didn't stop getting better.
[00:45:06.010]Here's one.
[00:45:06.843]Reed Timmer if anyone knows him.
[00:45:07.730]He was out here chasing with a couple of my friends,
[00:45:09.160]and I was helping them a little bit,
[00:45:10.420]like you guys gotta get out of Gila Bend and get west.
[00:45:12.180]So a short video of us.
[00:45:15.760]Reed Timmer's first monster epic Haboob right here,
[00:45:19.730]this thing is unbelievable.
[00:45:22.380]Oh hi Drake.
[00:45:23.230]Hey.
[00:45:27.983]How are you?
[00:45:28.816]Hey Mike, oh my god.
[00:45:30.816]If you pull over.
[00:45:35.123]You know, exciting, wow!
[00:45:38.123]Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow.
[00:45:39.770]Eli, what do you think?
[00:45:43.130]Holy balls.
[00:45:46.058]So that's the edited shot of my son
[00:45:47.500]on the roof of the car.
[00:45:49.860]This is one of my favorite shots I've ever taken.
[00:45:51.840]I love it.
[00:45:52.673]He was having fun.
[00:45:53.530]My kids love the weather but they're not like,
[00:45:55.340]yeah, that's so crazy freaking out.
[00:45:56.703]They kinda have to, hey what do you think?
[00:45:58.940]They're just kinda like.
[00:45:59.773]I guess they see stuff all the time,
[00:46:00.870]but they they don't freak out as much as I do.
[00:46:03.660]But this was such a great chase.
[00:46:04.790]I mean from where we started
[00:46:06.650]was probably an hour before,
[00:46:08.010]and we're just going down the freeway.
[00:46:09.340]We're stopping, we're doing time-lapse,
[00:46:11.450]shooting it.
[00:46:12.283]We're letting it basically almost hit or hit us,
[00:46:14.610]and then we're jumping back out front
[00:46:15.930]getting 10 more miles down the road.
[00:46:18.190]What was so amazing about this
[00:46:19.350]is it started like at four o'clock.
[00:46:21.200]We had four hours of light left.
[00:46:23.770]So we were able to chase this thing
[00:46:24.870]for about three and 1/2, four hours.
[00:46:26.420]I've never had a dust storm that I could chase that long.
[00:46:29.458]They usually get really good,
[00:46:30.291]southeast of Phoenix,
[00:46:31.124]and I get a couple spots.
[00:46:31.957]They roll into Phoenix and it's done.
[00:46:34.070]I'd been out here on Interstate 8 with a few of 'em
[00:46:36.020]and they get really good right when it gets dark.
[00:46:37.910]I've chased them in the dark
[00:46:38.743]but you can't see anything out here.
[00:46:40.200]There's just nothing,
[00:46:41.410]so this was just astounding.
[00:46:43.020]Of course, I had to do another selfie
[00:46:44.770]in this dust storm with one of my many, many
[00:46:48.300]superhero shirts I wear.
[00:46:49.670]Someone was here today and he didn't recognize me because,
[00:46:52.755]was it you?
[00:46:53.588]No it was someone else.
[00:46:54.421]Someone else didn't recognize me
[00:46:55.272]because I didn't have a superhero shirt on.
[00:46:58.500]This is another shot of it
[00:46:59.440]as it was just getting really good.
[00:47:04.880]It was just incredible.
[00:47:05.713]To see one get this dense, and it had a shelf cloud over it,
[00:47:09.100]it was just.
[00:47:11.646]This is probably other than the July 5th one I took in 2011,
[00:47:14.630]probably the best dust storm I've ever chased.
[00:47:16.420]Did another selfie at this bridge.
[00:47:18.020]We basically commandeered this bridge.
[00:47:20.060]I also was gonna say before,
[00:47:22.330]I think one of my videos went on the news accidentally,
[00:47:24.410]with Eli on the roof of my car,
[00:47:25.780]and someone, of course, comments somewhere saying,
[00:47:28.330]oh your kid's on the side of the freeway.
[00:47:30.790]Literally the only people driving on the freeway
[00:47:32.990]were chasers because the dust storm was so bad
[00:47:34.980]everybody had stopped behind it
[00:47:36.343]because they couldn't go anywhere.
[00:47:37.830]You couldn't see anything in the dust storm.
[00:47:39.100]So the only people driving on the freeway
[00:47:40.920]were chasers, so that's why we were all cooling off
[00:47:42.530]on the shoulder ad stuff.
[00:47:45.287]This was a quick video just at sunset,
[00:47:47.467]and this is a really flat video from an iPhone,
[00:47:48.830]so not that great,
[00:47:49.663]but the colors were amazing.
[00:47:51.150]Just there's chasers everywhere,
[00:47:52.910]and people stopping to look at it.
[00:47:56.576]It was pretty crazy.
[00:47:59.630]So this is the radar image
[00:48:00.740]when we finally get almost to Yuma.
[00:48:02.750]I think we actually ended up getting to Yuma,
[00:48:04.240]but on the radar you might look at this
[00:48:06.360]and think this is rain or whatever,
[00:48:07.387]but this is literally the wall of dust
[00:48:09.940]showing up on radar, this wave.
[00:48:12.170]The last place we were was around here,
[00:48:15.960]and the dust had kinda started diving this way.
[00:48:17.700]So you can see it's really intense right here.
[00:48:19.390]This is the Mexico border,
[00:48:21.370]and it was going right into Mexico.
[00:48:22.830]It was getting weaker this way.
[00:48:23.863]It's just incredible when you see these dust storms
[00:48:25.690]actually appear on radar because they're so intense.
[00:48:29.046]They go up.
[00:48:30.060]I mean the July 5th one was a mile high,
[00:48:33.350]100 miles wide, and this one I'm sure
[00:48:36.650]was going up near a mile tall.
[00:48:39.310]So we stopped in Yuma.
[00:48:40.440]It got dark.
[00:48:41.273]We finally were done and we pointed our car
[00:48:43.140]at the dust storm and rode it out.
[00:48:43.973]Here's the last little clip of that.
[00:48:48.403]It kind of looks like I'm driving, but I'm not,
[00:48:52.530]as you see this other car drive by.
[00:48:58.432]It was pretty nasty.
[00:49:00.822]I got my windshield replaced last spring.
[00:49:06.500]My windshield just looked like garbage.
[00:49:07.990]The guy came and said, what happened to your windshield?
[00:49:10.520]He's like, I've never seen one like this.
[00:49:11.670]I realized that all that had literally got sand blasted.
[00:49:14.950]There was tiny little, no microscopic,
[00:49:16.910]but just tiny little dings, thousands of them everywhere,
[00:49:19.960]so it was almost cloudy from it.
[00:49:21.510]I didn't realize for a while that's where it all came from.
[00:49:24.540]So that was kind of a chase.
[00:49:28.542]We stopped obviously at a bunch of places.
[00:49:30.000]I usually time-lapse with two cameras,
[00:49:31.450]to I might have a wide one,
[00:49:32.654]and I might have one shooting off to the side.
[00:49:35.590]This is the little short film of that day,
[00:49:38.963]which for me being able to make a short film
[00:49:41.680]from one chase is pretty crazy.
[00:49:43.270]Usually I go a whole season to collect footage
[00:49:45.320]to do something, so this was great.
[00:49:47.680]We of course called it,
[00:49:48.513]The Great Haboob Chase on Interstate 8.
[00:52:24.854]So that was just a blast of a day.
[00:52:30.310]I'm almost done.
[00:52:31.143]I think I might show this little teaser,
[00:52:32.340]'cause I have extra time.
[00:52:35.302]But I just love what I do so much.
[00:52:37.550]To go out and do this, time-lapses are pretty.
[00:52:40.750]Someone asked me, a guy named Josh who I just met
[00:52:43.730]was asking me about time-lapse, what this is,
[00:52:47.050]or maybe some other people were talking about
[00:52:48.520]how hard it is to time-lapse this stuff.
[00:52:50.620]It's very tough to sit there,
[00:52:55.643]shoot a storm and have to wait for it to come at you,
[00:52:57.110]or be disciplined with how you do it.
[00:52:59.664]Anyway, I put a lot of work into this,
[00:53:00.790]and I love it more than anything.
[00:53:03.766]This was last year.
[00:53:05.130]I usually do a film after the spring,
[00:53:09.210]and the a film after the monsoons,
[00:53:10.350]but last year's spring chasing
[00:53:12.409]was really not the best for me, and I really,
[00:53:14.230]I put out so many films.
[00:53:15.200]I'm like I wanna do two seasons of chasing tornadoes
[00:53:18.010]before I put out another film,
[00:53:19.210]so I need it to be better than what I've done before.
[00:53:21.100]I need to keep getting better.
[00:53:23.400]So I didn't put out anything last year for the spring,
[00:53:25.380]but monsoon was so good that I did put out another
[00:53:27.870]monsoon film, which is Monsoon Five,
[00:53:30.150]which you can watch on my YouTube channel.
[00:53:32.100]This is like just a short little trailer
[00:53:34.470]of the stuff last year that I shot,
[00:53:37.990]because I'm like, I gotta show some of this stuff I got
[00:53:39.530]in the spring, 'cause it was kinda cool.
[00:53:41.891](calm, soothing music)
[00:54:03.747]Nebraska.
[00:55:06.737]You can tell, I really like to put music to my stuff.
[00:55:11.020]I would say quickly about music and time-lapses,
[00:55:13.651]it's all this work to get the footage
[00:55:16.930]and put something together,
[00:55:18.435]but the music is 50% of it,
[00:55:20.690]and I'm always so grateful to people that
[00:55:22.250]I'm able to license music from.
[00:55:23.880]Some of my films I paid a guy
[00:55:25.170]to create a custom track for me,
[00:55:27.792]and we worked hand-in-hand to figure out,
[00:55:29.230]what do we wanna do here?
[00:55:31.580]So the music is just so vital to the bring
[00:55:34.430]these storms and stuff to life.
[00:55:36.820]Although every now an then I get a comment on YouTube,
[00:55:39.150]they say, I hate the music and I should put
[00:55:41.390]real sounds in there.
[00:55:42.480]I just ignore those people.
[00:55:45.736]So I do workshops out of Arizona, in the summer,
[00:55:48.987]and that's were it's less stressful storm chasing.
[00:55:51.930]So we learn about time-lapse and all that,
[00:55:54.280]and forecasting and photography and shooting lightning
[00:55:57.527]and all that kinda stuff.
[00:55:59.420]It's usually fun.
[00:56:00.253]Sometimes, you know every workshop is hit of miss
[00:56:02.500]if you wanna shoot the Milky Way,
[00:56:03.640]and you get a workshop where it's cloudy
[00:56:05.020]the whole time.
[00:56:05.853]You're really disappointed.
[00:56:07.341]So if you go on a storm chase,
[00:56:08.390]and you don't know if there's going to be any storms,
[00:56:09.760]it's tough.
[00:56:11.054]But usually we get something,
[00:56:11.900]even if we have to go to New Mexico.
[00:56:14.180]So that's kinda it.
[00:56:15.340]I hope you guys enjoyed that.
[00:56:16.270]I think it's Q&A time, if anyone has any questions.
[00:56:21.159]Yes.
[00:56:22.061](speaking too far from microphone to be heard)
[00:57:13.574]I mean they all vary.
[00:57:15.030]Sometimes they're moving slow, so 40, 45.
[00:57:17.210]That storm was probably like 55, 60 miles an hour
[00:57:20.990]because it was such an intense one,
[00:57:23.530]but occasionally they'll be faster, 65 or 70.
[00:57:27.280]I think generally it's probably like 40, 45 to 50.
[00:57:32.900]The funny thing about dust storms
[00:57:34.653]is early on I had people,
[00:57:37.740]someone from another country, China or wherever,
[00:57:42.210]email me, ask questions about it.
[00:57:45.200]They said, when it hit were people running
[00:57:46.730]and screaming in the streets and all this stuff?
[00:57:48.420]I'm like no, it's Arizona.
[00:57:49.800]We see dust storms a lot and people were probably
[00:57:51.560]still driving in that thing, which they shouldn't have,
[00:57:53.727]and there weren't even any accidents
[00:57:55.230]in that big one in July, in 2011.
[00:57:58.471]They just look so cool but they are dangerous.
[00:58:02.530]The zero visibility is the biggest danger,
[00:58:04.970]and there's a part of Arizona between Tucson
[00:58:08.380]and Casa Grande, where there's a Picacho Peak area,
[00:58:11.000]and there's been multiple fatalities there.
[00:58:13.660]Dust storms that just blow right across the road.
[00:58:15.620]People are doing 80 on the Interstate,
[00:58:17.470]and suddenly they can't see anything.
[00:58:18.580]There's a lot of traffic,
[00:58:20.861]and there's been lots of deaths and big massive car pileups,
[00:58:25.341]They actually now have that section of the Freeway,
[00:58:28.540]an alert system, they drop it
[00:58:30.070]to like 35 miles an hour from 75.
[00:58:32.550]If there's a dust storm warning everyone has to slow down,
[00:58:35.180]so they're trying to make it safer.
[00:58:38.080]Yeah, the funny thing you said
[00:58:39.730]about the lightning being colored, is usually
[00:58:41.810]when I shoot lightning, and people are like
[00:58:44.330]is it really purple, is that just you doing it?
[00:58:47.460]I literally looked up and seen lightning,
[00:58:49.070]and it's purple, or it's red or whatever,
[00:58:51.110]so you see those colors.
[00:58:52.190]It actually happens.
[00:58:54.700]Yep.
[00:59:01.990]I'm pretty much self taught.
[00:59:03.270]I usually say before I do this,
[00:59:05.170]I'm not a meteorologist, I'm just a photographer,
[00:59:06.857]and I've learned enough meteorology to make myself
[00:59:10.480]dangerous, and be able to get on these storms.
[00:59:13.320]I really, I've always been a self learner,
[00:59:16.250]so I probably just do osmosis.
[00:59:20.150]I've also been pretty good at seeing where I am,
[00:59:23.800]and where I need to get to.
[00:59:26.100]I've never had that.
[00:59:28.539]I don't know who I was talking to,
[00:59:29.372]but the American Idol syndrome,
[00:59:30.780]where they go on there and they think they can sing,
[00:59:33.370]'cause no one's told them can't,
[00:59:34.410]or they can't hear themselves but they can't sing.
[00:59:39.430]I've known at the beginning, I'm like, I suck.
[00:59:41.220]These photos are awful.
[00:59:42.220]I'm doing horrible HDR.
[00:59:43.530]I don't know what I'm doing.
[00:59:44.470]I see these people out here,
[00:59:46.310]and I need to get there.
[00:59:47.850]So kinda able to like, okay, so what do they do?
[00:59:50.570]And maybe read their tutorials,
[00:59:52.220]download some stuff from them.
[00:59:54.010]So a lot of it's really just self taught.
[00:59:57.110]But I will say just going out and chasing
[00:59:59.800]and just getting the stuff is just experience.
[01:00:02.770]Even watching Storm Chasers was educational,
[01:00:04.840]but it still took me all these years
[01:00:06.440]of actually chasing to realize,
[01:00:07.920]okay, this is how you do it,
[01:00:08.980]and this is what side I should be on and all that.
[01:00:12.560]So there's a lot of stuff you can learn from books
[01:00:15.410]and all that, but you really just have to practice
[01:00:18.520]and get out there.
[01:00:24.612]Good job Ben.
[01:00:28.450]I don't know this storm being from Nebraska,
[01:00:32.040]except for reading historically,
[01:00:33.890]is there an electrostatic discharge
[01:00:37.130]for those storms?
[01:00:38.600]No
[01:00:39.644]Do they glow, or any kind of lightning or anything.
[01:00:42.079]I was just curious.
[01:00:42.912]No I've had that question before,
[01:00:43.745]and I've seen anything like that in the dust storm.
[01:00:46.440]But I mean there are times where it looks like it,
[01:00:48.190]because the dust storm is basically an outflow boundary,
[01:00:51.660]and you understand outflow boundaries as they move,
[01:00:53.640]they're creating more storms on top of them.
[01:00:56.060]I've actually had dust storms with a lightning bolt
[01:00:57.760]striking right out in front of the wall of dust,
[01:00:59.730]or flashing just behind it where it looks like
[01:01:02.600]the dust is probably electrically charged,
[01:01:04.410]but it's really the storm behind it.
[01:01:06.620]I don't think I've heard of that at all.
[01:01:10.688]You.
[01:01:13.526]I was wondering.
[01:01:15.887]This is more of a storm chasing question.
[01:01:20.240]I saw some of the over places that you had
[01:01:23.086]that radar that you had some of the analysis
[01:01:27.190]that you left a certain
[01:01:31.289]I was wondering
[01:01:37.231]Does it matter?
[01:01:38.139]I don't know.
[01:01:40.572]I mean it helps you know that there's maybe gonna be one.
[01:01:42.230]There's also the tornado one.
[01:01:45.659]Oh what's it called, tornado.
[01:01:47.220]What is it Ben?
[01:01:48.053]You know what it is.
[01:01:49.138]I can't remember the name of it.
[01:01:52.193]No what's that tornado overlay on Mesoscale Analysis.
[01:01:54.550]It's called Significant Tornado.
[01:01:55.611]Significant tornado, yeah.
[01:01:57.280]So that one kinda helps too.
[01:01:59.960]I mean although I will say in Arizona this year,
[01:02:04.900]out of nowhere this one day,
[01:02:06.036]we had a supercell composite on the border
[01:02:08.530]with Mexico of 20,
[01:02:10.120]which I've never seen more of a supercell composite
[01:02:12.250]in Arizona more than than like two, or three, or something,
[01:02:14.740]or four.
[01:02:15.710]So it was 20 on the border,
[01:02:17.040]and there was this weird, upside down,
[01:02:20.620]backwards supercell moving from right to left
[01:02:23.160]with the hook coming up like.
[01:02:25.240]If you're looking at the map at Arizona,
[01:02:28.510]the hook was going this way and it was moving like that,
[01:02:31.370]instead of this way, moving in this direction.
[01:02:34.187]I'm pretty sure, and I saw on radar,
[01:02:35.670]I'm like, I believe there's a tornado right there,
[01:02:37.550]and it was a 20 supercell composite day in Arizona,
[01:02:40.610]which is super rare.
[01:02:42.400]Unfortunately it was at the border in the middle of nowhere,
[01:02:45.067]and I couldn't get to it.
[01:02:46.779]Is there a question over here?
[01:02:49.300]Yeah, right down at the end.
[01:02:51.890]You were talking about a dust storm
[01:02:54.416]in Fall.
[01:02:57.867]Does the rain produce the outflow for the dust storm?
[01:03:03.107]Yeah, she asked if the rain produces the outflow
[01:03:04.780]for the dust storms and that's exactly how they start.
[01:03:07.670]Almost any other storm, even here in Nebraska,
[01:03:09.700]if you don't have a supercell and you get strong
[01:03:11.180]downdrafts you've have those outflow boundaries,
[01:03:13.490]you just don't have the dust to make them visible?
[01:03:16.540]In Arizona the dust basically just makes
[01:03:18.800]an outflow boundary visible so you can see it.
[01:03:21.510]So that rain hits the ground and just explodes outward.
[01:03:24.480]If it's really an out in Arizona,
[01:03:27.190]I don't know if it's a difference or not
[01:03:28.240]but our storms are very high based.
[01:03:30.080]Obviously supercells are very low based.
[01:03:32.380]That's how you get the tornadoes,
[01:03:33.670]because they're very low based and all that.
[01:03:35.420]In Arizona their high, and that's one reason
[01:03:37.810]why our lightning is so cool,
[01:03:38.840]because you can see so much more of the lightning
[01:03:41.110]out in Arizona, because the cloud bases are so high,
[01:03:43.540]but also because they're so high, I believe,
[01:03:45.160]the microburst stuff happen a lot
[01:03:46.690]where the rain has further to fall,
[01:03:51.032]and the outflow is gonna be kinda crazy with it.
[01:03:53.050]Even though we don't get tornadoes,
[01:03:54.620]our microbursts can get 90 to 100 mile an hour winds,
[01:03:58.760]that just destroy roofs, and trees, and all that stuff,
[01:04:01.430]just from a single downdraft.
[01:04:14.450]For which ones?
[01:04:16.380]The lightning?
[01:04:22.790]Well for lightning.
[01:04:25.460]lightning, never really, actually scared of lightning.
[01:04:28.410]I'm not as scared as I used to be
[01:04:29.410]but I'm pretty terrified if it's at night,
[01:04:31.107]and the storm's close I get pretty freaked out,
[01:04:33.270]so I'm able to set my cameras up
[01:04:35.430]where they're shooting automatically
[01:04:38.320]while I'm in the car safe.
[01:04:40.570]Sometimes I go out in it,
[01:04:42.100]and I've had some lightning strike really close,
[01:04:45.840]within like 40, 60 feet,
[01:04:48.550]but nothing closer than that.
[01:04:53.068]That's pretty close, but I'm usually in the car.
[01:04:54.517]I mean one time I literally packed up
[01:04:56.510]and I was turning away, and a bolt just hit 40 feet
[01:04:58.460]out in front.
[01:04:59.293]I saw the poof in the dust and all that.
[01:05:01.889]So if you're shooting lightning
[01:05:02.740]you really wanna be safe.
[01:05:04.350]The hard part about lightning and I tell everybody,
[01:05:06.160]how do you do it safely?
[01:05:07.140]Well you gotta be in your car,
[01:05:08.160]because even if you are.
[01:05:09.140]I don't have it in here but I have a photo
[01:05:11.290]at the Grand Canyon from a couple years ago,
[01:05:14.000]where the storm moved out over the Grand Canyon,
[01:05:18.804]and the lightning was striking in the Canyon,
[01:05:20.310]and the rain shaft was in the Canyon,
[01:05:21.670]so that's were, usually in Arizona,
[01:05:24.390]where the rain is, that's where the lightning's
[01:05:25.780]going to be.
[01:05:26.613]So you're expecting the lightning in the middle,
[01:05:28.468]and then a bolt came out on the top
[01:05:29.301]and struck all the way back on the plateau,
[01:05:31.810]where if you were standing there,
[01:05:32.930]like oh the rain went by the lightnings over there,
[01:05:34.440]so you go stand and watch it, and a bolt comes out
[01:05:36.120]and hits you on the plateau.
[01:05:38.540]Lightning is dangerous within 10 something plus miles,
[01:05:42.190]and then if you watch these supercells on radar,
[01:05:43.690]like a couple days ago in Hollis, Texas,
[01:05:46.510]the supercell main core of it is here,
[01:05:48.747]and 20 to 30 miles away,
[01:05:50.340]there was bolts coming down out of the anvil,
[01:05:54.946]so lightning is dangerous,
[01:05:55.910]so your safe if you're in your car,
[01:05:58.270]but if you're out in it, it's always gonna be dangerous.
[01:06:01.212]You just have to weigh that risk.
[01:06:02.610]Arizona not so bad, 'cause usually the lightning strikes
[01:06:05.430]where the rain is and you kind of know where
[01:06:07.280]it's gonna be.
[01:06:08.113]It's not usually just all over the place.
[01:06:09.710]Out here, I've been on storms where the storm's coming,
[01:06:13.347]the lightnings there, we're on a supercell,
[01:06:14.730]and all of a sudden a bolt strikes behind us
[01:06:16.300]by 100 feet.
[01:06:17.133]We're like, okay, it's time to pack up
[01:06:19.017]and get out of here.
[01:06:20.710]The dust storms aren't as dangerous as they look.
[01:06:24.950]If you do get caught in one, and the visibility's low
[01:06:28.440]that's pretty dangerous.
[01:06:30.260]The rule of thumb in a dust storm is to pull over
[01:06:33.290]as far as you can off the shoulder.
[01:06:34.630]Turn your lights off, put your car in park
[01:06:36.480]so no one can really see you over there,
[01:06:37.870]so no one follows you off the road,
[01:06:39.780]and just wait it out until you can see
[01:06:41.870]clear enough to drive.
[01:06:43.280]Usually when I'm chasing the storms
[01:06:44.357]and time-lapsing them,
[01:06:45.860]I let them hit me,
[01:06:46.693]but I'm usually back in the car in 25 seconds,
[01:06:49.690]and then back out in front so I don't get stuck.
[01:06:53.170]'Cause I had a friend once where I was doing that,
[01:06:55.377]and I got in front, and my buddy, Chris Fraley,
[01:06:58.140]took a little bit longer and police shut down the freeway
[01:07:01.960]because of visibility after I had passed,
[01:07:03.980]and the freeway shut down and he couldn't go any more.
[01:07:07.211]I never heard someone so mad before,
[01:07:08.820]because he couldn't get back out in front.
[01:07:15.121]Camera gear, and do you have an external
[01:07:17.400]intervalometer to use?
[01:07:18.493]Yep, I only use external intervalometers
[01:07:20.640]because I don't like the time it takes
[01:07:22.860]to go into the menu and do something.
[01:07:26.631]I'm usually shooting intervals of a second or two,
[01:07:30.380]like every second every two seconds.
[01:07:31.900]So all I basically do is set my camera up,
[01:07:33.667]and hit play and it goes.
[01:07:34.770]I don't have to hit menu and find everything and all that.
[01:07:37.820]So I use that.
[01:07:39.030]All my time-lapses for the last couple years
[01:07:40.760]I do on Canon 5 DSRs that 50 megapixels,
[01:07:44.917]and so I render them out full res,
[01:07:46.830]so they're over 8.5 K resolution.
[01:07:50.310]So they're really, really high quality.
[01:07:53.895]I never would ever guess.
[01:07:54.740]I mean I was buying $300 lenses in the past,
[01:07:57.090]and I had friend who was like,
[01:07:58.690]if you're gonna use that 50 megapixel camera,
[01:08:00.750]you have to have a good lens to resolve all the pixels,
[01:08:03.860]so I bought the Canon 11-24, which is a $2800 lens.
[01:08:08.540]I mean, it's as much as camera.
[01:08:09.930]I can't believe I'm buying this,
[01:08:12.290]but it is so sharp and with the 50 megapixel.
[01:08:14.910]I mean, I've pointed at storm once
[01:08:16.800]and I had a drone at the time flying out there.
[01:08:19.573]When I look at the picture on my computer,
[01:08:21.120]you see a white spec.
[01:08:22.610]I'm like, is that my drone?
[01:08:23.660]I zoom into it and I literally can make out
[01:08:25.023]that it's a phantom because of the pixel resolution,
[01:08:27.740]of the 50 megapixels in that lens.
[01:08:30.360]So it's really important to have,
[01:08:31.530]because I can take an AK time-lapse and I can
[01:08:34.950]put it on a 4 K film, and even cut the whole thing
[01:08:38.440]in half, and it's still sharp and has all this resolution.
[01:08:41.108]So I use those two cameras to time-lapse.
[01:08:45.750]I used to use a 5D Mark IV as my still camera,
[01:08:49.810]but I shoot wedding and that all the time,
[01:08:51.610]so I use, I kinda keep the IV and the III for weddings.
[01:08:54.650]But I bought a Sony a7R III just to do stills
[01:08:58.800]and lightning photos and put the lightning filter on it,
[01:09:01.420]and whatever else while I'm chasing.
[01:09:04.190]I don't love the Sony's interface and how small it is.
[01:09:09.180]I already had to get it repaired a month into chasing,
[01:09:13.900]but the files are really good,
[01:09:15.177]and the dynamic range is really good,
[01:09:17.000]so it's worth it for that.
[01:09:19.940]So we'll see how it goes again this year.
[01:09:22.377]Which lightning trigger are you using?
[01:09:23.999]The lightning, I use the Lightning Trigger IV
[01:09:27.357]from I think it's the lightningtrigger.com.
[01:09:30.640]There's only one Lightning Trigger, because the guy
[01:09:32.430]who made the Lightning Trigger IV has the
[01:09:35.020]Lightning Trigger trademark, so anything else you buy
[01:09:37.220]is a lightning sensor.
[01:09:38.910]I literally once wrote an article
[01:09:40.240]for a digital photography school,
[01:09:42.630]and I put lightning trigger in there.
[01:09:44.400]He emailed me and said, hey can you change it
[01:09:46.080]to lightning sensor.
[01:09:46.920]So he's a little bit particular about it
[01:09:49.370]but I give it to him, because his lightning trigger's
[01:09:51.300]better than anyone's out there.
[01:09:52.420]It costs $375, so it's a lot if you wanna shoot lightning.
[01:09:56.200]There's cheaper ones that are $100 to $200,
[01:09:58.830]but they're not gonna work as good.
[01:10:14.930]He asked if I adapt my Canon lens
[01:10:16.450]to my Sony glass, and the answer is yes.
[01:10:18.740]I bought I think it's a Sigma MC-11 adapter,
[01:10:24.400]but I don't just have Canon glass.
[01:10:26.665]With the Sony, I'm actually using the Sigma Art 14-24.
[01:10:29.820]I used it last year,
[01:10:31.200]and I tried a Tamron 15-30, and for whatever reason,
[01:10:33.860]the copy I got seemed soft,
[01:10:35.170]or I thought maybe they're all this way,
[01:10:36.557]and so I tried the Sigma, and the Sigma won.
[01:10:38.820]It's super sharp, and with the 14 it's really wide,
[01:10:42.990]which is perfect.
[01:10:44.010]I don't just use Canon glass fits,
[01:10:46.040]but I think I have a couple Sigmas,
[01:10:47.924]Sigma 35 millimeter, but then the rest are all Canon.
[01:10:51.260]Yeah, I haven't bought any Sony glass yet.
[01:10:53.510]They're expensive and I'm like, I already have
[01:10:55.350]all this stuff, and the adapter seems to work,
[01:10:57.010]so I'm just gonna go with this for a while.
[01:11:02.990]All right, no one else.
[01:11:06.080]Okay, thanks, appreciate it.
Mike Olbinski is a photographer and filmmaker specializing in the raw power of nature. He chases storms across the United States, capturing incredible supercells, tornadoes, dust storms and lightning. His work has won an Emmy and has been featured in work by Marvel (Thor: The Dark World), Discovery, ESPN, Nat Geo, and dozens of others in the industry. His work has been viewed by millions of people around the world (over 5 million alone on Vimeo) and he has received several honors/ rewards at internationally-acclaimed film festivals. He has perfected the art of storm timelapse in a way no other storm chaser or photographer has done, and is leading the way in high-speed weather animation and film-making. See link: https://vimeo.com/174312494
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US researchers develop new tests to diagnose Lyme disease early
By admin On December 16, 2018 In LYME DISEASE Leave a comment
A research team in the US has developed new approaches that can detect the presence of Lyme disease bacteria weeks earlier compared to existing tests.
Led by Rutgers University, the team included scientists from Harvard University, Yale University, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others.
The new techniques are designed to identify DNA or protein from the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease.
“As a positive result with the new tests indicates an active infection, the methods are expected to aid in quicker treatment to prevent long-term health problems.”
They are said to detect an active infection faster than the three weeks required for the current indirect antibody-based tests.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School physician-scientist Steven Schutzer said: “These direct tests are needed because you can get Lyme disease more than once, features are often non-diagnostic and the current standard FDA-approved tests cannot distinguish an active, ongoing infection from a past cured one.
“The problem is worsening because Lyme disease has increased in numbers to 300,000 per year in the United States and is spreading across the country and world.”
The current FDA-approved Lyme disease tests detect antibodies that the body’s immune system produces in response to the infection.
According to the researchers, such single antibody tests are not good indicators of active disease but can be considered as an exposure indicator, past or present.
Schutzer added: “The new tests that directly detect the Lyme agent’s DNA are more exact and are not susceptible to the same false-positive results and uncertainties associated with current FDA-approved indirect tests.”
The new findings have been published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal..
4 Types of Brain Injuries and 3 Levels of Severity.
The 7 Stages of Fibromyalgia.
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Music Enthusiast
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Six by Seger
Written by Jim S.
For the uninitiated, my six-packs are not intended to say “These are the six best” of a given artist. It’s more like, here are six I dig. Could be a different batch next week.
I’ve always thought of Bob Seger as the poor man’s Bruce Springsteen. That sounds like I intend to insult him but no. They are both working-class guys, but where Springsteen speaks in sometimes lofty, poetic terms about the travails of the common man (or woman), Seger is more a meat-and-potatoes rocker. But when he’s on, he’s a damn good one.
Bob Seger was born in Detroit and grew up in the college (University of Michigan) town of Ann Arbor, some 45 miles (72 km) west of Detroit. When Bob was 10 years old, his father abandoned the family, leaving his mother in tough financial straits.
Musically, his first inspirations were Little Richard and Elvis Presley. By the time he was 16 in the early Sixties, he was playing around in bands and digging the Beatles and James Brown, Live at the Apollo being a favorite album.
Seger initially made his reputation by writing songs for his own band and others. He managed to get tunes on the radio but never really much outside of his local area. “You’re nobody if you can’t get on the radio,” he once told his friend Glenn Frey. Frey*, a fellow Michigander, was a local musician who Seger helped get a recording contract.
Seger, who by now had management, signed up with Capitol Records. With his band, the Bob Seger System, he finally had his first national hit (#17 on the charts) with the catchy “Ramblin’, Gamblin’ Man.” Glenn Frey – who sources tell me had some later success of his own – plays acoustic guitar and sings backup vocals. Released initially in 1968, then re-released in ’69 to capitalize on Seger’s debut album of the same name.
Spotify link
This piece isn’t really intended to be a chronological history so I’ll just jump around a little bit. We’ll move on up to 1976. By now Seger – after a flirtation with the Tulsa crowd that would later back Eric Clapton up – had formed his crackerjack Silver Bullet Band.
In 1976 he released the album Night Moves which really has a lot of excellent stuff. But I will tell you my favorite song on this – and perhaps my favorite Seger cover – is “Come to Poppa.” I. Fucking. Love. This. Song. It’s a balls-out, struttin’, sexy tune, originally recorded as “Come to Mama” by R&B songstress Ann Peebles. Come to Poppa, baby.
In 1981, Seger released a live album called Nine Tonight which was recorded in Boston and Detroit. I had overlooked this album but one day heard Seger doing the Chuck Berry song “Let It Rock,” on the radio. The E Street band could not do this one better and that’s saying something.
If you can listen to this and not want to jump and shout, check your pulse. (Is the crowd chanting “USA” at the end??) Guitarist Drew Abbott kills on guitar. (Abbott left the band in the early 80’s over frustration with Seger’s use of session musicians. He seems to have opted for the quieter life, returning to Michigan to play in bands there):
In 1980, Seger released the album Against The Wind which, they tell me, was not only his first number one album but actually kicked The Wall by a certain Mr. Floyd out of position numero uno. Seger respects the ladies but well, let him tell the story on “Her Strut.”
She’s totally committed
To major independence
But she’s a lady through and through
She gives them quite a battle
All that they can handle
She’ll bruise some
She’ll hurt some too
But oh they love to watch her strut
Oh they do respect her but
They love to watch her strut
I had more good choices than I could fit into just six tunes. And sure I could go with any number of those classic Seger tunes you know. But every now and again I like to reach up and pull one down from the shelf that you may not know. The album Seven from 1974 has a couple of goodies including “Get Out of Denver.”
But I dig this bluesy deep track called “Seen A Lot Of Floors.” Check it out (No Spotify):
Now you know me. (To the extent that anyone actually knows anybody in the false intimacy of the Internet). I’m not that kinda guy. But some people are that kinda guy or gal and so they like to get cozy and do the “Horizontal Bop,” a fun dance (one hopes ) for all involved parties. (Naive sheltered me, I had no idea what this expression meant when I first heard it.)
This is the kickoff song from Against the Wind
Weirdly, not all of Seger’s catalog is in print. According to Bob, fellow Michigander Jack White has offered to remix them all for free.
I’d never thought much about seeing Seger live as I’m hardly a mega-fan. But he’s got a number of good tunes and really leaves it all on the stage. He’s had some health issues but is starting his final tour (yeah, right) in Grand Rapids in November. Alas, no Boston dates on the agenda thus far.
*Frey was Seger’s oldest friend in music. In an interview in Rolling Stone, he said, “He was such a positive influence in my life. We’d always call each other for advice. I pushed him to do that Eagles reunion [in 1994]. He was the only one that didn’t want to do it for years. I said to him, ‘I think you’d have fun.'”
October 14, 2018 · Posted in Artist Six-pack, Rock · Tagged Bob Seger, Classic rock, Glenn Frey, Music, rock and roll, rock n roll ·
16 thoughts on “Six by Seger”
This is the first Seger stuff I’ve heard. I’ve seen a few of his 80’s LPs when I’ve been crate digging, but can’t say I was ever grabbed enough by them to buy one. Even when they’ve been dirt cheap. I hear the Springsteen comparisons, though… some straight up good rock tunes.
Jim S. says:
Wow! The first you’ve ever heard. Boy, you can’t turn on a “classic rock” station over here without hearing his tunes. They even use them in TV commercials. He’s got a bunch more hits I haven’t even mentioned, mostly because I’m tired of them. “Old Time Rock and Roll” was used in a Tom Cruise movie to great effect ages ago with Tom dancing around in his undies.
cincinnatibabyhead says:
I’ve been listening to Bob since I can remember. back to the ‘System’. It was never a bad thing when a Seger song came on the box. I like all the tunes you picked. I did the ‘Get Out Of Denver’ cut a while ago. I’ve heard ‘Night Moves’ and ‘Main-street’ a lot, never get old. I really like the ‘Against the Wind’ album. I had no idea on the Frey connection. Not up on the Eagles.
Funny thing about Seger is I never really considered myself a fan as such. He’s always been a radio guy for me. If I like a tune, I listen. If not, I switch. But then going back and listening while researching the piece I realized he has a fair amount of good stuff. A lot of it I’m tired of hearing but I could put together a good album’s worth on Spotify. Would I go see him? Not my first choice. But for the right price it would a reasonable night of classic rock singalong.
If we’d had that time machine Doc we’d go see him back when he started in Detroit. The guy is a no bullshit rocker. He’s been around for years and I’m happy for any success he had. So many good ones don’t get it. I think Bob earned it and he’s written some good American music. I drifted from him when he got mega but I always go back to his original output. I think him and his like get a little overlooked for their contribution to keeping rock n roll alive. I like him Doc.
The Rolling Stones have a bootleg album from many years ago called “We Never Really Got it On Till Detroit.” Geils loved it there too. Never been there but by all accounts a great town for rock and roll. And I’ll totally understand if you check out when I eventually do the Eagles.
I always thought Geils was from Detroit. Yeah Mitch Ryder comes to mind. MC 5
Yeah, Geils was a straight-up Boston band. Formed there anyway. Peter Wolf is from the Bronx originally. I know he still lives in Boston as he shows up at just about every rocker’s show who comes to town, hangs with Keith Richards, etc. The Stooges were from Ann Arbor as were the White Stripes. And let us not overlook Motown!
I was thinking of the Stooges. Hard music from that town. Yeah I knew Geils was a Boston band but Detroit loved them. Grand Funk?
Good call. I’m your captain, yea yeah yeah yeah yeah.
Come on man, ‘We’re An American Band ‘ Cowbell city. “Up all night with Freddy King ..”
I got to tell you poker’s his thing.
love that lyric.
For the longest time I thought they were saying, “I got to tell ya Focus here sang.”
christiansmusicmusings says:
I think the first Bob Seger tune I ever heard and liked from the get-go was “Fire Lake” from the “Against The Wind” album. That track got a lot of radio play in Germany, along with some of Seger’s other biggies like “Old Time Rock & Roll”, “Mainstreet” and “Shame On The Moon”.
It’s fair to say I’m mostly familiar with his hits. Except perhaps for “Shakedown”, I’ve yet to hear a bad Seger tune, and even that song from the soundtrack of “Beverly Hills Cop II isn’t outright terrible – even though he’s German, Harold Faltermeier just not my cup of tea, or should I say glass of beer?😆
I think compared to some of the other big American rockers like the Boss, John Mellencamp and Tom Petty, Seger is a bit undervalued. Not quite sure how much mojo he has left these days, but just listen to the excellent “Live Bullet” from ‘76, and it quickly becomes obvious what a kickass rocker he was.
Unfortunately, I’ve never seen him live. I wish I could have caught him during that ‘76 tour!
I heard of his health issues as well, and I’m not sure he can still match Springsteen and Mellencamp. If he could, I’d consider seeing him!
I seem to remember us talking about Seger on your site a while back. You reviewed an album or something. Yeah, I’m not the world’s biggest Seger fan but much of his stuff rocks. I’m going to check out his shows on YouTube as he tours and see what the energy level is like. If he comes to Boston and the price is right, well, maybe. I say maybe because Seger’s music lends itself too much to audience singalongs and if he encourages that shit, no thanks.
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by Yassin Moussalli July 27, 2016, 9:59 am in Daily Life
She Was Bullied for Being Muslim, Now She’s an Advisor for The White House
Rumana Ahmed is the daughter of Bangladeshi parents raised in Maryland, close to Washington D.C. As a kid, you could find her at the basketball court. She also loved traveling and hanging around with family and friends. Everything went well but things changed after the attacks on 9/11. There were days when her identity as a Muslim American became a struggle. She was a young girl wearing a headscarf, but people threw names at her and were saying all kinds of things only because she’s a Muslim. But Ahmed said she never had an issue with it.
Ahmed says she experienced the opposite thing at the White House: “I actually felt empowered being a hijabi, because I think people came to me to ask for my perspective and valued my perspective, because they knew that I brought a different perspective.”
As a young girl who was once mocked and called names, she never thought about the fact that she could end up working at the White House wearing a hijab in the West Wing. At first, she didn’t aim for a government job, but everything changed after she heard current president, Barack Obama, speaking about hope and change. In 2009, she started working at the White House as an intern in the Office of Presidential Correspondence. Later she got promoted as staff in the Office of Public Engagement. She worked on the Champions of Change program and was trying to uplift and empower everyday Americans.
Rumana Ahmed said: “I believe if you work hard and if you play by the rules, you can make it if you try in America, no matter who you are or how you pray. It’s how a young girl – once mocked and called names – can pursue her dream and proudly serve her country as a head-covering Bengali Muslim American woman in the White House.”
inspirationMuslimWhite House
Written by Yassin Moussalli
Yassin is a 22-year-old guy from Belgium. He’s politically and socially engaged, always in for a cup of coffee, a fan of hiphop and he dreams of traveling around the world.
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Written by Mazalien
Parent Category: Greece
Category: Zakynthos
Beautiful Zakynthos , also known by its Italian name Zante, has become dominated along its southern and southeastern shoreline by heavy package tourism. Once you leave the long sandy beaches of those regions behind, however, and set off to explore the rest of the island, you'll discover plenty of forested wilderness and traditional rural villages. Some attractive lower-key bases lie just beyond the larger, run-of-the-mill resorts, including Keri and Limni Keriou in the remote southwest, and Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skinari in the far north, but it’s the spectacular scenery of the rugged west coast, where mighty limestone cliffs plummet down to unreal turquoise waters, that’s the true highlight. Zakynthos (Greek: Ζάκυνθος, Zákynthos [ˈzacinθos] (About this sound listen), Italian: Zacìnto) or Zante (Greek: Τζάντε, Tzánte /ˈzɑːnti, -teɪ, ˈzæn-/, Italian: Zante; from Venetian), is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands. Zakynthos is a separate regional unit of the Ionian Islands region, and its only municipality. It covers an area of 405.55 km2 (156.6 sq mi)[1] and its coastline is roughly 123 km (76 mi) in length. The name, like all similar names ending in -nthos, is pre-Mycenaean or Pelasgian in origin. In Greek mythology the island was said to be named after Zakynthos, the son of a legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus. Zakynthos is a tourist destination, with an international airport served by charter flights from northern Europe. The island's nickname is "The flower of the Levant", bestowed upon it by the Venetians who were in possession of Zakynthos from 1484–1797
https://mazalien.nl/photography/europe/greece/zakynthos/zakynthos-2006#sigProId11499d2318
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This article is from the Encyclopedia of North Carolina edited by William S. Powell. Copyright © 2006 by the University of North Carolina Press. Used by permission of the publisher. For personal use and not for further distribution. Please submit permission requests for other use directly to the publisher.
by Robert D. Billinger Jr. and Jo Ann Williford, 2006
Additional research provided by John L. Bell, Tom Belton, Michael Hill, Joshua Howard, Roy Parker Jr., William S. Powell, and Beverly Tetterton.
See also: Camp Lejeune; Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station; Fort Bragg; Liberty Ships; Moore General Hospital; Naval Section Bases; North Carolina, USS; Old Hickory Division; Overseas Replacement Depot; Refugees (World War II); Seymour Johnson Air Force Base; Submarine Attacks; Tar Heels in WWII (from Tar Heel Junior Historian); American Indians in WWII (from Tar Heel Junior Historian); U-Boats off the Outer Banks; Prisoners of War in North Carolina; Two World Wars
Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: North Carolina Contributions in Battle and on the Home Front
Part 3: World War II Military Installations in the State
Part 4: Prisoners of War Held in North Carolina
About 10,000 German POWs were detained at 18 military installations in the state. In North Carolina, as throughout America, German prisoners participated in compulsory work programs until their forced repatriation to Germany in the spring of 1946. The first German POWs to enter the country came from the U-352, sunk by the Coast Guard cutter Icarus off the Outer Banks on 9 May 1942. After their initial debarkation at Charleston, S.C., the survivors from the original 44-man crew were taken to Fort Bragg and later transferred to locations outside North Carolina.
In the spring of 1944 the federal government created a nationwide POW program to bolster a waning cadre of civilian and military maintenance workers on military bases and to assist the civilian war-related industries of farming, lumbering, and pulpwood cutting. North Carolina's first German POW work contingents, mostly prisoners from Field Marshal Rommel's Afrika Korps, captured in Tunisia in May 1943, arrived at Camp Davis, Camp Mackall, Camp Sutton, and Wilmington Naval Hospital (New Hanover County) in the spring of 1944. By the fall, after the Allied invasion of Normandy, the POW program in North Carolina, and across the United States, had expanded further. Administered through two major base camps at Fort Bragg and Camp Butner, the state added five more branch camps. There were 300 to 500 prisoners each at Ahoskie, Goldsboro (Seymour Johnson Air Force Base), New Bern, Williamston, and Winston-Salem. A year later still more camps were established as branches of Camp Butner at Moore General Hospital in Carthage, Edenton, Greensboro, Hendersonville, Roanoke Rapids, Scotland Neck, and Whiteville.
Approximately 3,000 Italian POWs-later given relative freedom and new opportunities when Italy received Allied status in the fall of 1943-arrived at Camp Butner in September 1943. By October these prisoners were engaged in work projects such as road building, social conservation, and farming. Branch camps for 500 men each were also set up for picking peanuts in Tarboro, Windsor, and Scotland Neck. New volunteer Italian Service Units were activated by mid-February 1944, and volunteers were transferred to various training centers, including Camp Sutton, which operated as a POW camp starting in March 1944; the camp held 3,500 Italian collaborators until July 1944 and 1,000 German POWs until March 1946. The Italian POW base camp at Butner and its branch camps were phased out and replaced by German POW encampments by May 1944; the Italian POWs, found to be difficult to handle, were relocated outside the state by the end of July.
Camp Butner was the most unusual POW facility in North Carolina. This 5,000-man camp housed a compound of between 700 and 900 non-German, anti-Nazi prisoners who had been captured as members of the German armed forces. Most were Poles, Czechs, French, and Dutch, but there were also Belgian, Russian, and even Mongolian prisoners. About 500 POWs, chiefly Czechoslovakians and Poles, were repatriated to their own national armies after appropriate screening.
A covert national program for the reeducation and democratization of Germans had its most obvious successes at Camp Butner, Fort Bragg, and Camp Mackall. Selected American films and courses in American geography, history, and politics, provided under the rubric of "intellectual diversion," were intended to attract POW interest and change attitudes. After the war ended in Europe, POWs were shown films of the liberated German concentration camps. After viewing such a film at Camp Butner, 1,000 Germans burned their Wehrmacht uniforms voluntarily. At Fort Bragg, beginning in July 1945, army education officers taught 36 courses weekly; of special interest to the POWs were classes on agricultural science, industrialism around the world, and South American and African geography. By late 1945 officers at Fort Bragg claimed, with both pride and exaggeration, that 95 percent of their POWstudents were familiar with American life and democracy. In September 1945 the POWs at Camp Mackall formed four political parties and elected a camp spokesman and company leader.
North Carolina's POW experience was further distinguished by a successful escape. Kurt Rossmeisl, a former member of Field Marshal Rommel's elite 10th Panzer Division, fled from Camp Butner on 4 Aug. 1945. He lived in Chicago under the name of Frank Ellis until 1959, when he turned himself in to the Cincinnati, Ohio, field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Mary Best, ed., North Carolina's Shining Hour: Images and Voices from World War II (2005).
Robert D. Billinger Jr., "Behind the Wire: German Prisoners of War at Camp Sutton, 1944-46," NCHR 61 (October 1984).
Spencer Bidwell King Jr., Selective Service in North Carolina in World War II (1949).
Arnold Krammer, Nazi Prisoners of War in America (1979).
Sarah McCulloh Lemmon, North Carolina's Role in World War II (1964).
David A. Stallman, A History of Camp Davis (1990).
J. Gordon Vaeth, Blimps and U-Boats: U.S. Navy Airships in the Battle of the Atlantic (1992).
Prisoners of War in North Carolina, LearnNC: http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/nchist-worldwar/6047
WWII POW Camp in Williamston, N.C. Image courtesy of East Carolina University Special Collections. Available from http://digital.lib.ecu.edu/4524 (accessed August 29, 2012).
World War II prisoner of war camp, Williamston, N.C., 1943-45. Image courtesy of East Carolina University Special Collections. Available from http://digital.lib.ecu.edu/4527 (accessed August 29, 2012).
World War II (1941-1945)
Bell, John L.
Belton, Tom
Billinger, Robert D., Jr.
Hill, Michael
Howard, Joshua
Parker, Roy, Jr.
Powell, William S.
Tetterton, Beverly
Williford, Jo Ann
Encyclopedia of North Carolina, University of North Carolina Press.
1 January 2006 | Bell, John L.; Belton, Tom; Billinger, Robert D., Jr.; Hill, Michael; Howard, Joshua; Parker, Roy, Jr.; Powell, William S. ; Tetterton, Beverly; Williford, Jo Ann
I would like to know about
Permalink Submitted by Kenneth Lautzen... (not verified) on Sat, 06/29/2019 - 10:13
I would like to know about Italian POWs in Tarboro. I am seeking information on the musical presentations they supposedly presented on the Town Common in Tarboro. Is there information about these Performances?
Were there any POWs that died
Permalink Submitted by Beverely (not verified) on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 15:33
Were there any POWs that died at Camp Hoffman? If so where were they embalmed and buried.
Dear Beverly,
Permalink Submitted by ehayden on Wed, 03/13/2019 - 15:15
Thank you for visiting NCpedia. It is possible to search Ancestry.com for a NC death certificate without a name and specify the NC county Camp Hoffman (now Camp Mackall) was in and the birth place as “Germany” to see who died there during the war years. Death certificates usually indicate where a body is to be buried. Your local public library may have a subscription to Ancestry. The book, Nazi POWs in the Tar Heel State by Robert D. Billinger, might also contain helpful information and be available through a public library. I hope this helps.
Elizabeth Hayden, Government & Heritage Library
How can I discover more
Permalink Submitted by john Wilkerson (not verified) on Sat, 01/12/2019 - 18:23
How can I discover more information about the pow camp in Scotland Neck?
Permalink Submitted by cluettger on Mon, 01/14/2019 - 09:40
There are two books I would recommend to you for information about World War II POWS in North Carolina.
Nazi POWs in the Tar Heel State, by Robert Billinger Jr.
The Barbed-Wire College: Reeducating German POWs in the United State During World War II, by Ron Robin
I hope this helps. Please feel free to respond to this post with any more questions or comments.
Christopher Luettger - NC Government and Heritage Library
Good information. You might
Permalink Submitted by Wilbur D. Jones, Jr. (not verified) on Wed, 03/06/2019 - 16:46
Good information. You might add my book, A Sentimental Journey: Memoirs of a Wartime Boomtown (White Mane, 2003), about Wilmington, NC, on the home solid information on our 3 German POW camps of Afrika Korps prisoners, 1944-46. I've lectured about them extensively . As a boy growing up in Wilmington during the war, I well remember many encounters with the PWs, and write about the public's association with them during the war and after.
I'm sorry if this is a
Permalink Submitted by Bob Brewer (not verified) on Thu, 01/03/2019 - 17:01
I'm sorry if this is a routine/ dumb question. I've heard for years that surplus N.C. Confederate era uniforms were used for German POW's. If this is true, are there any references you could recommend?
Bob B
The historians in the Archives have heard this story as well, but cannot confirm it. We recommend reading the book Nazi POWs in the Tar Heel State by Robert D. Billinger for more information.
I hope this helps. Please feel free to respond to this post with more questions or comments.
There was a "County Poor Home
Permalink Submitted by Joseph T. Forrest (not verified) on Wed, 08/22/2018 - 15:58
There was a "County Poor Home" in Orange County, NC until sometime in the 1940's. After it was decommissioned it was purchased by my Grandfather S. Carl Forrest, who ran it as a tobacco and livestock farm. I have heard many rumors that some German POW's were house on the farm and worked at surrounding farms during the day. Can you tell me if you have any records of POW's being housed and worked in Orange County? If so, how can I access these records? Thank you for your help!
Dear Joseph,
Permalink Submitted by kagan on Mon, 08/27/2018 - 13:23
Thank you for contacting NCpedia. I have forwarded your question to reference services at the NC Government & Heritage Library. A reference librarian will contact you shortly to help with this question.
Kelly Agan, NC Government & Heritage Library
Teachers! Read our blog post on "#EverythingNC in the Classroom: Back-to-school workshops and support for Educators… https://t.co/VX9sb1L6J1 — 22 hours 6 min ago
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FTT’s ‘Dead Man’s Cell Phone’ explores the impact of technology
Jonah Poczobutt | Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Susan Zhu
“Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” a play by Sarah Ruhl, explores how the proliferation of electronic devices has affected interpersonal interactions and whether they actually help us stay more connected. The plot follows the main character, Jean, through her experience of, as you may have guessed, finding a dead man’s cell phone.
In a sentence, the story follows Jean while she meets the old friends and family of the dead man, named Gordon, by answering his phone, lying to each one about Gordon’s last moments in an effort to build up his character.
The play also touches on the morality of the black market for organs, strained familial and marital relationships and ponders life after death. The plot moves from topic to topic at a breakneck pace, so viewers need to stay attentive.
Director Kevin Dreyer chooses to present the play with a sparsely decorated set which lends itself to the imagination of the audience. This gives the play a very modern and cutting edge feel, which is appropriate for such a contemporary subject.
While this set design fits in with settings such as the café, airport or afterlife, other settings, such as the notary shop feel a bit underdone with this minimalist approach.
In between scenes, the stage crew criss-crosses the stage in a rigidly organized fashion reminiscent of an old hand- and foot-operated loom. This mechanical movement furthers the modern feel of the play, an interesting juxtaposition to its message about how technology is isolating humans.
During these times between scenes, the background music is oddly reminiscent of the Ghostbusters theme song, which would have fit better with a murder mystery play.
The play begins to live up to its designation as a comedy about halfway through the first act, during a very awkward dinner between Jean and the family of the deceased Gordon. There are many genuinely funny lines in this play, but long pauses between dialogue at times may leave the audience unsure of whether to laugh or wait for an impending line.
The second act starts on a high note, when Gordon gets his first spoken contribution to the performance with a long monologue to begin the act. Anthony Murphy, who plays Gordon, stands out among many strong actors in the play beginning with this monologue. Gordon’s mannerisms seem very natural, and his posture and tone of voice fit his controversial character perfectly. Gordon’s reintroduction to the performance also adds some much-needed background to the story and the additional sub-plot of his unsavory career.
The second act also demonstrates the theme of technology isolating people from one another more clearly than the first, which is largely spent developing characters and setting the stage for an acceleration of the storyline.
Jean becomes even more caught up in her efforts to cleanse Gordon of any character flaws in the eyes of his family and soon finds herself drawn into a wild chase to absolve her dead friend of his wrongs, all the while becoming more attached to the technology that got her into this situation.
This attachment seems to be building up to a falling out with Jean’s love interest in the story, until an unexpected and strange fight scene and an out-of-body experience in which Jean meets Gordon face to face.
The play then turns again to focus on its original storyline and tie up loose ends created by the brief excursion.
The play manages to tell a lengthy story while only using five characters, which allows for ample dialogue between characters and substantial development.
The idea of the play is interesting, but whether or not this story will make viewers spurn technology in favor of embossed letters, as discussed in the show, is up for debate.
The performance runs April 15-19 in the Decio Theater of Debartolo Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $7 for students.
About Jonah Poczobutt
Finance and International Economics Double major. Class of 2018
Contact Jonah
‘Frozen’ breaks the ice of tradition
Even though temperatures were below freezing over break, “Frozen” continued to attract and delight...
The Progression of Sci-Fi
The Roommate bores her victims to death
Coriolanus: an action-packed tragedy
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November 14, 2016 Eddie Villanueva Jr.
Arrival vs. Story of Your Life: What’s the difference?
I’m a huge fci-fi nut when it comes to film and literature. I think that goes without saying if you have seen my previous articles and reviews. In the last decade, we’ve had some gems in the genre that have really helped reshape sci-fi to the modern day generation, such as 2009’s Moon and District 9, 2011’s Attack the Block, 2013’s Her, and 2015’s Ex Machina and Synchronicity. Sci-fi has been a genre that has always taken a backseat to most box-office busters in the past, taking second-seat to films in the genre of action, comedy, and even romance, but with the delivery of these and other great sci-fi films, we are now on an upswing of seeing more and more of these in theaters, such as the release of the incredible and cerebral sci-fi film from Denis Villenueve, Arrival.
Now, like most sci-fi works, most are often inspired by literature or art, whichever spurn the emotional responses, and Arrival is in that same vein. Arrival, directed by Villenueve, was derived from a short story created by author Ted Chiang entitled Story of Your Life. Uniquely enough, Villenueve had originally wanted to title the film under its original name, but test audiences weren’t too crazy for it, so it was changed to just simply Arrival. Eric Heisserer, who was hired on to create the screenplay for the film, didn’t steer too far from the original work, as both are focused on time and communication on the surface, but once we get into the sub-layers of each piece, we begin to see where Villenueve grabbed the bulls by the horns to create the masterpiece that is sweeping moviegoers around the world. So what kind of changes were made? What favorite parts of yours were either from Chiang or Villenueve? Let’s dive in, with a large SPOILER ALERT in your face, and see what are the top 5 major differences between the film, Arrival, and the short story, Story of Your Life!
1. Opening Sequence
In both the film and the short story, the female lead character, Dr. Louise Banks, played by Amy Adams, is beginning to tell a story to her daughter about her life. The film, however, does a quicker yet concise job of detailing the daughter’s unfortunate death, whereas the short story does take its time, although revealing that she does die young in the beginning. The short story also goes into detail about the separation of Louise and her husband, stating that after her daughter’s “departure,” she would have moved into their farmhouse with someone named Nelson, and her dad will be living with “what’s-her-name.” The film skimps out on these minor details, as the overall focus of the story may shift if the viewer is fed too much of unnecessary information, in my opinion. And speaking of “departure,” this is another point of difference: the film shows scenes of Dr. Banks’ daughter finding that she has some ailment, and passes from the illness. The short story, however, doesn’t reveal the nature of her daughter’s death until after the meeting with Colonel Weber, where it is revealed as a mountain climbing accident, at which the story states that the daughter is twenty-five years old. The film does not give a definitive age, but from the scenes, we can gather that she is much younger than twenty-five, quite possibly still in her teens. And speaking of meeting the colonel…
2. The Meeting
In both the film and the short story, Dr. Banks is introduced to Colonel Weber, played by Forest Whitaker in the film, when he walks into her office to show her the recording. What’s different about this scene in comparison to the story is that the meeting is actually scheduled, as by the surprise in Dr. Banks’ face, we can speculate that their meeting wasn’t. Also, this is also the time where we as an audience, as well as Dr. Banks, are introduced to Dr. Gary Donnelly, a physicist, played in the film by Jeremy Renner. The film portrays this meeting while in a helicopter ride to the site, where Dr. Donnelly expresses his thoughts on how the cornerstone of civilization is science rather than language, which is something Dr. Banks believes. The story describes a slightly longer conversation that the colonel and Dr. Banks have, with Dr. Donnelly in the background adding comments. Their introduction is less snarky in the story, but the camaraderie is apparent, as they share a smile at the end of the conversation.
3. The Alien Encounter
It’s already pretty widely-known knowledge by now as to how the ships look in the film. Being plastered on every poster and marketing material tends to make that pretty comprehensive. The crazy thing, however, is that in the short story, the ships aren’t even seen. Let me explain. What occurs in the film is that there are 12 alien ships that descend on to Earth around the world, located in random locations, from China to Montana. In Chiang’s version, there are ships, but they are in orbit, and aren’t described in the film. So since they’re in orbit, you may be asking how the heck do the scientists talk to the aliens? The answer: the ships send several large “Looking Glass” type objects. 112 objects in total, to be exact. These artifacts are what is used to communicate with the aliens, as they operate on a similar function as the glass walls we see in the film. So in the story, there isn’t a large oval-shaped ship in the sky, it’s just a rather large glass monocle- of sorts- that acts as a two-way video conference screen. The aliens, known as heptapods, look very similar to how the short story describes them, in fact they are spot on, minus one detail. In the short story, the heptapods, named Raspberry and Flapper, are described to have seven lidless eyes ringed the top of its body. In the film, oddly named Abbott and Costello, they seem to be without eyes, giving an expressionless response to their interactions. Other than that, Villenueve did a really impressive job creating creatures as described by its source material. And speaking of their interactions, the conversations with the heptapods are gone into with more depth in the short story, as opposed to the film. In the film, Dr. Banks as Dr. Donnelly discover that the heptapods are able to communicate through a picture/sentence structure called a logogram, through a process that is too long and difficult to explain here. The logograms are, in a nutshell, they’re way of creating a sentence by making unique marks along a circle, appearing to look like more art than grammar. The film spends a lot of time in their discovery of the logograms, but in the short story, it details the attempts made to understand complex mathematics with the aliens.
2. The “Gift/Weapon”
Both the film and the story build to a climactic point where they realize that the heptapods are wanting to give them something. The buildup to this in the film is met with global tension, as China, along with other nations, are no longer trusting of the aliens, choosing to become hostile. Even soldiers within the U.S. Army are making rash decisions, causing discord within the military base near the ship. The journey to this point in the short story, however, is a bit more relaxed. There is no global terror, no massive army ready to take on the ships, no insurgency. The discussion with the colonel just pops up, stating that they want to engage in a type of exchange. The discussion amongst the colonel, Dr. Donnelly, and others, is brief, and the story shifts to all of them in the same room as the artifact. The scientists offer a “gift” of a presentation on the Lascaux cave paintings, and in return, the heptapods displayed images of equations and information. After this, they said goodbye in their language, and disappear, leaving the glass translucent and empty. The information, however, wasn’t anything new to humanity, as it duplicated research being done in Japan. In the film, however, it’s a bit more dicey. Because of an issue with translations, many researchers around the world working to communicate with the heptapods receive a message that references them giving humanity a “weapon.” China is the first to think that something’s up, and causes the whole world to stir, deciding to become hostile. The researchers, however, find that what the aliens do want to give them is a tool rather than a weapon, and that it is actually one piece of twelve others, meaning that the nations will have to work together to understand the gift as a whole. Despite some insurgency within the military at the base, Dr. Banks is able to persuade the other nations to exchange their pieces with theirs, in a non-zero-sum game: everyone benefits, no one loses. The gift that is given is the gift of their language, in its entirety. Why give their language to humanity? How is Dr. Banks able to persuade some of the most powerful men around the world? Well…
1. The “Other” Gift
This is probably the point where that spoiler banner should be, but oh well. So, what ends up happening is that Dr. Banks is the one that received “the weapon,” moments before an insurgent attack by a few soldiers trying to kill the aliens. Dr. Banks, in an effort to save humanity, as well as the aliens, finds a way back into the ship, where she finds that she (**SPOILER ALERT**) has been gifted the ability to see into the future! The aliens tell her that they have given Earth the gift of their language, and her the ability to see the future, because the heptapods will need Earth’s help in 3,000 years. Dr. Banks, now understanding that she has been seeing glimpses of her future, realizes that she plays a much more important role in establishing peace between the world and the aliens, and must act quickly to resolving this conflict of world powers trying to blast the alien ships out of the sky. She, through her mind’s eye, I suppose, is able to recollect future moments and thoughts, giving her the ability to change the mind of the Chinese military leader, General Shang, leading to other’s following suit. This also explains what she had been seeing this whole time in her mind, as we as an audience find that she hasn’t had a daughter yet, and that the daughter she loses in the beginning of the film hasn’t happened yet. The thing is, the short story doesn’t have this in it, although it seems like a picture perfect fit, if you ask me. The story ends with the reader feeling like this was the start of their daughter’s story, Dr. Banks reminiscing about where she met her daughter’s father, and where it all started. The film, however, plays into the thought process that time is congruent to each other, happening simultaneously while other events occur. A story that has no definitive starting or stopping point. It’s poignant to find that Dr. Banks now knows and understands all that will happen to her, and still, she decides to pursue a life where her daughter will be born, live, and die, in a manner that she knows.
Of course there are a few other smaller differences between the two, but that would just be splitting hairs. The film was an outstanding piece of cinematic artistry, as the story not only pegs humanity with the question of purpose and choices, but it stems from a work that evokes just as much emotion and thinking. Both works are a testament to their mediums, as Ted Chiang created literature that was far ahead of its time back in 1998, and posing to humanity the idea of unity and cooperation. This work would give birth to an idea that Denis Villenueve would take and nurture, releasing a film that can easily be described as the best film of 2016.
Have you seen the film? What did you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
If you haven’t checked out our review for the film, click here to read our thoughts!
Tags ArrivalComparisonDenis VillenueveDifferenceEric HeissererSci-FiStory of Your LifeTed Chiang
Eddie Villanueva Jr. 309 posts
A movie connoisseur of only the finest films, and an Encyclopod of geek and nerd knowledge. And if you know what an Encyclopod is, you're cool too!
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Three-Run Fifth Surges No. 24 Shorter Past No. 7 St. Mary's in Game One of NCAA DII Softball Championship
OKLAHOMA CITY – Behind a three-run fifth and sophomore Ericka Bynum’s 3-for-3, two RBI performance, No. 24 Shorter defeated No. 7 St. Mary’s, 4-2 in game one of the 2015 NCAA Division II Championship, Thursday afternoon at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium.
Heading into the bottom of the fifth trailing 2-1, the Hawks (42-15) put three runs on the board and did not look back. Senior Maggie Meacham’s opposite field two-run double to the left centerfield gap put her team up for good, 3-2. Bynum (pictured) tacked on an insurance run, shooting a RBI single back up the middle.
That’s all freshman hurler Amanda Blanchard needed to earn the three-hit complete-game win. After surrendering a two-out home run and the lead in the top of the fourth, Blanchard buckled down and retired the final 10 batters of the game. She struck out five and walked a batter to improve to 19-4.
Joining Bynum in the multiple-hit category for the Hawks were freshman Niki Hall, a third-team NFCA All-American, and sophomore Cameron Carter with two hits apiece. Shorter was 12-for-24 at the plate with two extra base hits.
Bynum put Shorter on the board in the bottom of the first with a two-out RBI single to right, scoring junior Kendall Johnson. Johnson drew a two-out walk, stole second and moved to third on an error before Bynum came through with her first RBI of the day.
Senior and second-team NFCA All-American, Vianna Gutierrez Touchtone started in the circle for the Rattlers (48-11) and helped herself out in the top of the fourth, sending a two-out, two-run moonshot down the leftfield line for a 2-1 lead.
However, the Hawks started to find a groove in the fifth and forced a pitching change. It didn’t slow down Shorter, which registered five hits, four to the opposite field and one back up the middle, in the decisive three-run fifth.
Gutierrez Touchtone recorded two of the Rattlers’ three hits. Haley Rickter also singled for St Mary’s. Guitierrez Touchtone (28-6) suffered the defeat, allowing four runs, three earned, on nine hits. She struck out two and walked one.
Shorter returns to action tomorrow and will face the winner of game two between No. 6 North Georgia and No. 10 Indianapolis at 4:00 p.m. CT. St. Mary's moves to the elimination bracket and will face the loser of game two on Saturday at 12:00 p.m.
-- Photo courtesy of Richard T. Clifton.
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Education Visits in Wellington
At our Taranaki Street, Wellington premises students can get an overview of the work of an audiovisual archive, how to access our collections through our online website, an on-site tour of the Jonathan Dennis Library and then search and view collection items on a particular topic in our Media Library.
Bookings are essential and group numbers are limited to ten students. The tour duration is up to 90 minutes.
Alternatively you can inquire about booking an education session at your school on aspects of New Zealand identity and history, as illuminated through moving images.
Please select one of the programmes below and then email us to find out more. The cost is $3 per student / $4 tertiary. No charge for attending adults and teachers. Pre-visit activities are downloadable for each topic.
All programmes except "Documentary," which is more suitable for senior students, can be tailored to different curriculum levels.
Please contact education@ngataonga.org.nz for more information.
New Zealand Identity (1912 - 2012)
This programme looks at the way New Zealand and New Zealanders have historically been portrayed through moving images, both domestically and overseas.
Advertising (1961 - 2012)
A look at the history and development of advertising through moving images, with a particular focus on changing attitudes towards women, Māori and Pacific Islanders.
Moving Image in New Zealand (1896 - 2012)
An overview of New Zealand’s film and television history. This programme discusses the political, economic, social and technological changes that have shaped our moving image heritage.
Documentary (1900 - 2012)
This programme explores notions around what a documentary is by examining its codes and conventions, using both New Zealand and international examples.
Animation (1929 - 2012)
A look at the history of animated film, in New Zealand and internationally.
Wellington (1917 -2012)
This programme discusses the history of Wellington through historic and contemporary footage. It examines the geographic, social and economic implications of living in Wellington.
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John McCain – A Pillar Of Bravery, Decency And Public Service, Treated Like Human Garbage By Trump And His ‘Deplorables’
Posted on August 28, 2018 by dougdraper | 2 Comments
“He’s not a war hero. He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.” – then U.S presidential candidate and five-times draft evader Donald Trump in 2015, speaking of decorated military veteran and U.S. Senator John McCain
A Commentary by Doug Draper
Posted August 27th, 2018 on Niagara At Large
John McCain, one of the last of the “lions” in the U.S. Senate died this August 25th at age 81
Whether we favoured the politics and policies he championed or not, many of us may agree that a towering figure of a person on this continent passed on this Saturday, August 25th with the death of U.S. Senator John McCain.
John McCain, who died at age 81 from the same kind of brain cancer that took the life, a decade ago, of one of his friends and colleagues, Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy, was an elder statesman and standard bearer for what was left of the once proud Republic Party of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.
Unfortunately, in his final years, McCain witnessed the Republican Party he devoted so much of his adult life to morph into the stinking, steaming cauldron of hate-filled white supremacists, neo-Nazis and assorted other crypto-fascists, sociopaths and psychos that it is today.
It is a party that demeans and lashes out at women, at gays, at recent immigrants, at people of colour, at the news media, and even at members of its country’s own justice and intelligence agencies who are deemed, for whatever bogus reason, to be a threat to its selfish interests.
It is also a party that has given comfort to and even ginned up the worst elements of human nature, making large numbers of what Steve Bannon – a card-carrying wrecking ball and nihilist who helped manage Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign – now repeatedly calls “deplorables” feel safe coming out from behind their white sheets or whatever rock they have been hiding under.
You can watch them at Trump rallies and marches, yelling the “n” word at African Americans, or anti-Semitic chants at members of the Jewish American community, or equally vile language at any other individual or group they choose to blame (with more than a little direction and encouragement from Trump himself) for the loss of a job and any other deficits in their lives.
And in recent times, with Trump leading a charge of willing enablers, it has heaped insults and scorn on John McCain, himself.
The party’s war against McCain captured big headlines three years ago, with Trump, who managed to clinch five draft deferments during the War in Vietnam (probably with the help of his rich daddy), insisting that McCain is “not a war hero” for spending five years in a Vietnamese prison for having his fighter plane shot down during a bombing mission.
It meant not a whit to Trump and his deplorables that McCain endured torture during his imprisonment and refused opportunities to be released for “merciful” reasons (his father was a military commandeering during the Vietnam War and the then North Vietnamese government was looking to use McCain as a propaganda tool) until other Americans being held in the same prison were released with him.
Then as recently as this August, while McCain was close to death and just days before his family’s announcement that he was being taken off treatment, Trump chose to not even mention McCain’s name during a visit to Fort Drum, a military site in upstate New york to sign the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. He even managed to leave his name out during a mention of the bill’s title.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted the following on Twitter hours after news of John McCain’s passing –
Senator John McCain was an American patriot and hero whose sacrifices for his country, and lifetime of public service, were an inspiration to millions. Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing.
6:12 PM – 25 Aug 2018
Yet in the wake of these insults and so many others in between, none of the leaders of the Republican Party, including Congressional leader Paul Ryan, Senatorial leader Mitch McConnell and Vice President, showed one moment of the courage and decency McCain has shown through most of his life to stand up for him.
The words of condolence and tribute they have offered since McCain’s death this August 25th seem cheap, hollow and hypocritical now, and are certainly too late to do this last of the party’s fallen lions much good.
And what ‘crimes’ did John McCain commit that made him such an enemy of Trump and the party?
Among them was his brief return to the Senate floor last year from his home in Arkansas, where he was receiving treatment for his tumour, to deliver – with a gesture of thumbs down watched around the world – a deciding vote that prevented Trump and company from completely killing the Affordable Care Act or ‘Obamacare’, as opponents of affordable health care for all (publicly paid for or not) in the United States spittingly call it.
There was also a statement McCain released from his sick bed this summer, slamming Trump for failing to even mention Russia’s interference in the 2016 U.S. elections during a summit he held with this Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Helsinki.
Failure to raise the election meddling was a “tragic mistake,” stated McCain, constituting what he went on to conclude was “one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memory.”
Compare Trudeau’s words to those of Trump, issued a day later, and graced with a photo of himself
Without question, Trump’s base of deplorables, who have already proven that they will goose step through the gates of hell with him if that’s what it takes to get their tax cuts and anti-abortion judges on the Supreme Court, and build that damn wall, believe McCain’s refusal to grovel at the orange-haired monster’s feet justify the sliming he received, even as he lay dying.
To the rest of the world, I would hope, it makes Trump and his army of enablers, stooges and sycophants, all the more bankrupt in the decency department, and small.
Stephen Schmidt, who worked for McCain as a strategist during his 2008 presidential campaign and quit the Republican Party this June when none of its leaders showed the courage to condemn Trump’s policy of ripping young children away from their parents seeking refugee status at the Mexican border, declared that its current leaders had fallen to “the party of Trump – corrupt, indecent and immoral.”
“Every one of these complicit leaders will carry this shame through history,’ Schmidt said. “There legacies will be ones of well-earned ignominy. They have disgraced their country and brought dishonour to the party of Lincoln.”
Schmidt is so right in his remarks that there is only this left to say today about the Republican Party in the United States.
When John McCain died this past August 25th, any and all remnants of the Republic Party that could once rightfully be proud of having Abraham Lincoln as a leader, died with him.
Here is one of the more decent moments in politics on this continent in the last decade or so when, during a town hall John McCain held during his 2008 presidential campaign, he answered a woman who called his opponent Barack Obama “an Arab”, in a derogatory way, and claimed he wasn’t born in the United States. To listen and hear it, click on the following screen –
When John McCain received his country’s Liberal Medal from the U.S. National Constitution Centre last year, he spoke about populists and demagogues and their politics of scapegoating without mentioning Trump by name. His words ring ever more true today. Listen and watch it by clicking on –
To read a detailed obituary on John McCain from The Boston Globe, click on – https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2018/08/25/senator-john-mccain-dies/WGaVio8lkcjSmVpUl0T1dJ/story.html?s_campaign=breakingnews:newsletter .
To watch Trump respond to reporters’ questions in the White House this August 27th about the death of John McCain, click on –
.NIAGARA AT LARGE encourages you to join the conversation by sharing your views on this post in the space following the Bernie Sanders quote below.
2 responses to “John McCain – A Pillar Of Bravery, Decency And Public Service, Treated Like Human Garbage By Trump And His ‘Deplorables’”
Linda McKellar | August 28, 2018 at 4:51 pm | Reply
He WAS a hero. He IS a hero still. While I didn’t always agree with him, he would cross the aisle and try to cooperate with the opposition for what he felt would benefit his nation, not himself. He was a patriot. Trump is a traitor.
Gary Screaton Page | August 29, 2018 at 3:43 pm | Reply
The late Senator John McCain was the antithesis of Donald Trump. While the former never became President he was more presidential than the latter. Trump is vicious in his speech; McCain was an articulate,powerful, and motivating orator. The Senator was full of grace toward others, valuing service over self. Trump is egocentric, unkind, and sees himself as the centre of the universe. John McCain was a war hero: Trump perhaps a coward. McCain a builder: Trump a destroyer. Thank God for men like McCain. One John McCain does more good in a lifetime than a thousand Trumps.
The world is a lesser place with John McCain gone. May he rest in peace.
Leave a Reply to Linda McKellar Cancel reply
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Omega-3s could help smokers quit
Smoking is well known in the scientific community to reduce essential fatty acids in the brain, most notably omega-3s.
Taking omega-3 supplements reduces nicotine cravings and the number of cigarettes smoked per day, according to a first-of-its-kind study conducted at the University of Haifa.
“The substances and medications used currently to help people reduce and quit smoking are not very effective and cause adverse effects that are not easy to cope with,” says study author Dr. Sharon Rabinovitz Shenkar, head of the addictions program at the University of Haifa’s school of criminology department and of the psychopharmacology laboratory at Bar-Ilan. “The findings of this study indicated that omega-3, an inexpensive and easily available dietary supplement with almost no side effects, reduces smoking significantly.”
This can lead to brain cell damage, according to the study, interrupting neurotransmission in areas of the brain associated with pleasure and satisfaction, according to the study.
“Earlier studies have proven that an imbalance in omega-3 is also related to mental health, depression and the ability to cope with pressure and stress,” says Dr. Shenkar. “Pressure and stress, in turn, are associated with the urge to smoke. It is also known that stress and tension levels rise among people who quit smoking. Despite all this, the connection between all these factors had not been studied until now.”
Dr. Rabinovitz Shenkar worked with 48 participants aged 18 to 45 who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day and an average of 14 cigarettes per day. Their average age was 29 and they had all started smoking before age 18, meaning they had each been smoking for an average of 11 years.
They were divided into two groups, one of which took 2,710 mg of the fatty acid EPA per day and 2,040 mg of the fatty acid DHA per day for a total of approximately five capsules of an omega-3 supplement on a daily basis, while the other was given a placebo.
After 30 days, those who had been taking the omega-3 supplement had reduced their smoking by two cigarettes per day, or 11 percent.
Importantly, the participants were not told to stop smoking at anytime during the study.
One month after they stopped taking their supplements and placebos, their nicotine cravings hadn’t returned to baseline.
Source: freemalaysiatoday.com
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Trinity Sunday, June 14, The Season of Pentecost
The Holy Eucharist, 8 a.m., Rite I
The Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m., Rite II
Fr. Joel Morsch officiating
Rector's Class, 9 a.m. | Child Care 9:45 a.m.
Church School and Choir in summer recess
Note: Trinity Sunday is one of the seven principal feasts of the church year. The liturgical color for Trinity Sunday is white.
The Collect:
Almighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father’ who with the Son and the Holy Spirit, live and reign one God, for ever and ever. A men.
This week’s lessons and psalm: Corinthians 13:11-14; Psalm 8; Matthew 28:16-20
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for the restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11
The Gospel | John 16:12-15
Jesus said to the disciples, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you."
Schedule for the week of June 16
Sunday, June 16, Happy Father's Day to all our dads!
Monday, 6:30 p.m., Girl Scout Troop 816
Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., Julian of Norwich Prayer Group
Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., ECW Spring Fling, Sugo’s
Note: Fr. Joel will be away from Monday, June 17, through Wednesday, June 25. There will be no office hours while he is away and no Bible study classes June 18 and 25. Office Volunteers will not be working their regular Tuesday, Thursday, Friday hours during this time but will be in to check mail/phone and print Sunday bulletins as needed.
Link to parish website calendar: standrews-edwardsville.com/events/
Summer Newsletter schedule change: Week-End Update will continue to be published every Friday this summer but alternate issues will be limited to the service information and week's schedule. Today's issue is a full-length issue.The newsletter will return to its normal format as of Friday, August, 23.
Highlights from the June 12 Vestry Meeting
Fr. Joel presided over a 7 p.m. vestry meeting on Wednesday, June 12, with Senior Warden, Liz Edwards, and Parish Warden, Walter Bohn, in attendance, as well as members Riley Atwood, Marty Cavanaugh, Donna Ireland, Andrew Mills, Bill Schaefer, Velma Schmidt, and Marian Smithson.
Fr. Joel reminded everyone of his time away from June 17 - June 25;
Walter Bohn reported that the required annual elevator inspection was scheduled for June 28;
Andy Mills and Marian Smithson reported that six parishioners were being invited to serve on the newly formed stewardship committee; and
Riley Atwood presented the Treasurer's report, which was approved.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 and members quickly headed home to watch the final game of the Stanley Cup playoffs!
A Celibate Bishop
Charles Asa Clough was the 6 th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield (1948-1961). An Easterner by birth (Martha’s Vineyard) and beneficiary of an elite education – Phillips Academy, Yale University, Oxford University and General Theological Seminary in New York City, the oldest Episcopal seminary in the United States -- Clough was called to the Diocese of Springfield from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Augusta, Maine, where he was rector. That he had not landed in the lap of Episcopal affluence was impressed upon him when, in the course of a visitation to a church in his new diocese, he was forced to use a cup and saucer in place of an unavailable chalice and paten in celebrating the mass (no, it was not St. Andrew’s).
Clough was remembered as “a cultured, witty gentleman” and “a brilliant conversationalist.” He was also an energetic administrator, and carried out numerous administrative reforms and innovations within the diocese. He was also a “hands-on” clerical boss, as St. Andrew’s experienced in 1951 when shopping for a new priest. The Bishop personally escorted Fr. Ralph Krohn to Edwardsville and urged St. Andrew’s vestry to extend to him a call, which the vestry voted unanimously to do. The selection of new carpeting some years later also involved Clough. A sample of the material that had been chosen was sent to Springfield for his approval. Former diocesan historiographer Philip Shutt commented that “Few of his clergy felt free to differ with him—he had a long memory!” But what may be more interesting than Bishop Clough’s administrative style is his personal life. He had declared himself to be celibate.
The issue of clerical celibacy is controversial. That celibacy is required of most Roman Catholic clerics is perhaps the most obvious characteristic that distinguishes them from their counterparts in the Anglican Communion, although the distinction is not absolute. Individual exceptions can be made allowing married men to become Roman Catholic priests, and Anglican clerics occasionally make individual commitments to celibacy, as did Bishop Clough.
David Michael Hope, former Bishop of London (1991-95) and Archbishop of York (1995-2005) and author of an informative essay entitled “The Anglican Communion and Priestly Celibacy,” made a similar vow. While in some cases it may serve as a means of concealing homosexuality, the formal justification for celibacy is that it permits the priest, in the words of Penn State Professor Phillip Jenkins. “to devote himself entirely to God and to the people he serves.” But it also removes what can be the moderating influence of a spouse. Could that have been related to Bishop Clough’s imperious administrative style?
-Jim Weingartner
Ushers Needed
With three ushers no longer able to serve, new volunteers are needed to fill the vacancies. If you are willing to help out please contact Sandy Cooper at scoop1028@sbcglobal.net . Information on what’s involved in serving as an usher can be found on St. Andrew’s website.
Sign Up Sheet Posted for Coffee Hour
The Coffee Hour sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board by the ladies restroom. Please do consider volunteering in July, August or later.
The St. Andrew's Week-End Update , a weekly emailed newsletter, is designed to keep parishioners up to date on church activities. Please send news items to Editors Marianne Cavanaugh and Jane Weingartner by 11 a.m. on Tuesday to have them appear in the following Friday's newsletter.
Newsletter Editor Marianne Cavanaugh - hyfrydol1844@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor Jane Weingartner - kirmarja@sbcglobal.net
Newsletter Design Editor, Marian Smithson - msmiths@siue.edu
standrews-edwardsville.com | 618-656-1929
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Thomas Parnell
Thomas Parnell was an Irish born poet and clergyman who became known as one of the so-called “Graveyard Poets”. His clerical appointments included the post of archdeacon in the diocese of Clogher in 1705, a small parish in County Tyrone, now part of Northern Ireland. He was born on the 11th September 1679 in Maryborough, Queen’s County. Nowadays the town is known as Port Laoise and sits in the Irish midlands region called County Laoise. His father, a wealthy landowner, had been a staunch supporter of the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War. This continued, even after the restoration of the monarchy when he moved back to Ireland. Thomas...
Thomas Parnell Poems
A Hymn for Evening
A Hymn for Morning
A Hymn for Noon
A Hymn to Contentment
A Night-piece on Death
An Elegy, To an Old Beauty
Hesiod: or, The Rise of Woman
My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free
Thomas Parnell Bio
Thomas Parnell was an Irish born poet and clergyman who became known as one of the so-called “Graveyard Poets”. His clerical appointments included the post of archdeacon in the diocese of Clogher in 1705, a small parish in County Tyrone, now part of Northern Ireland.
He was born on the 11th September 1679 in Maryborough, Queen’s County. Nowadays the town is known as Port Laoise and sits in the Irish midlands region called County Laoise. His father, a wealthy landowner, had been a staunch supporter of the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War. This continued, even after the restoration of the monarchy when he moved back to Ireland. Thomas received a good education, entering Trinity College, Dublin at the age of fourteen.
It is not known whether it was his own, or his father’s ambition, to enter the church but he was a deacon of the Episcopal Church by his 20th year. Following his appointment to archdeacon six years later he was soon married but, alas, this was a short-lived affair. His wife died only five years later.
He had a keen interest in literature and, when he moved to London, he was soon enjoying the company of famous satirical writers such as Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift. The three men were members of a literary group called the Scriblerus Club, a collection of august writers which also included Henry St John, John Gay and John Arbuthnot. The group only existed for a little over 30 years, running from 1714 to 1745.
Parnell was a contributor of articles to The Spectator magazine and was a keen assistant to Pope who was working on a major translation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem, The Iliad. Parnell actually wrote the introduction to this translation. His “graveyard” poetry included one called A Night-Piece on Death which many literary historians have considered to be the first of its genre. Here is a three-verse extract from this sombre poem:
It was never published during Parnell’s short life time though. In fact, the only poetry of Parnell’s that was published while he was alive was seen in a variety of periodicals. Pope included A Night-Piece on Death in his own collection, Poems on Several Occasions, which was published in either 1721 or 1722. Other writers described Parnell’s poetry as
His work could never be described as memorable though and he may have been more or less forgotten had he not had his biography written by Samuel Johnson, included in his collection of biographies called Lives of the Poets. Even this was not published during the author’s lifetime and it was left to Pope to ensure its publication.
His life was cut short on a journey from England back to Ireland in the autumn of 1718. He was returning home to take up an appointment as vicar of Finglass and, while staying in Chester, it is believed that he over indulged in his alcoholic intake and died. Having already lost his wife and children his estate in County Laoise passed to his brother John.
Thomas Parnell died on the 24th October 1718 at the young age of only 39.
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The Ballad of Chuck Schumer
By Noam Scheiber
In the ongoing melodrama between Democrats and Wall Street, few characters are more compelling than Chuck Schumer. New York’s senior senator has a well-cultivated reputation as the financial world’s top wing man in Washington, at least among Democrats. But since he also hopes to lead his august chamber one day, he’s charted a more ecumenical path of late. That, of course, hasn’t exactly endeared him to the lords of finance, and so much pathos has ensued.
The latest example comes from a Politico piece on Schumer’s efforts to make nice with his patrons now that all that ugly “reform” business is behind us. As one such oligarch summed up Schumer’s recent goodwill tour: “He’s always been active in his outreach, but I would say he’s on much more of a listening — not talking — tour at the moment as he tries to mend fences.” Can’t wait to see what all that listenin’ means for the future of financial regulation!
But I digress. Because it turns out people have long memories on the Upper East Side, and all is most certainly not forgotten, much less forgiven. The nub of the matter? Well, take it away, Politico:
“He pushed, bullied people really, into giving him money for so long telling us, ‘I’m in the rooms you want me to be in, I can help,’” said a Wall Street executive and one-time Schumer donor who refuses to give any more cash to the senator. “We understand that he wants to be [Democratic] leader and as he’s moved up the ranks, he can’t publicly be too much of a cheerleader for Wall Street. But he wasn’t even cheerleading behind closed doors, which is what he promised he would do.”
Which made me wonder: What, exactly, was all this non-cheerleading Schumer is supposedly guilty of?
The Politico piece offers three specific data points: 1. He favors higher taxes on millionaires. 2. He supports closing the so-called carried interest loophole that taxes private-equity honchos at the bargain-basement capital gains rate. 3. His low-key role in the fight over the Durbin amendment, which capped the fees banks charge retailers for swiping debit cards.
Alas, if this is the extent of Schumer’s anti-Wall Street rap sheet, then count me as extremely skeptical. In case anyone hasn’t noticed, the millionaires tax and the plugging of the carried interest loophole haven’t, you know, become law. They're not even remotely close. Meanwhile, Schumer was basically on the banks’ side during the Durbin fight, he just didn’t advertise it. As Politico explains, “Schumer didn’t make a speech on the Senate floor on behalf of the financial community, even though he backed their effort to delay the rules.”
Unless I’m missing something, this is precisely what Schumer was promising his Wall Street backers. He was publicly supporting legislation they hated but which had almost no chance of passing, while privately beating back legislation they hated when it had a very real chance of passing.
And that, moreover, was his posture throughout the entire financial reform fight. If you look at the two Dodd-Frank provisions the banks considered most anathema—derivatives regulation and the Volcker Rule, which limited their risky bets—these turned out to be case studies in Schumer’s geographically selective approach to cheerleading. To outsiders, he talked tough about the need for reform. In the sanctum of the congressional back-room, it was an entirely different story. On derivatives, the Times reports, he “called on regulators to tread lightly while planning an overhaul of the derivatives industry.” (His own former aide—a woman named Kate Childress—headed up the industry’s derivatives counteroffensive from her perch at JP Morgan.) On the Volcker Rule, meanwhile, Matt Taibbi has the goods:
In the final hours of negotiations, a congressional delegation from New York, led by Sen. Chuck Schumer, decided to take one last run at gutting the Volcker rule. … [T]he Schumer coalition suddenly decided that the de minimis exemption for banks simply wasn't big enough. … In real terms, banks could now put up to 40 percent more into high-risk investments. "It was almost double what Geithner was talking about the night before," says [Senator Jeff] Merkley. … Schumer himself entered the change in the Senate version of the bill – and then asked the House to sign off on it 15 minutes later.
If this isn’t cheerleading behind closed doors, I’m at a loss to say what would qualify. Was Schumer literally supposed to wear bloomers?
Look, did Schumer end up supporting, or at least not blocking, provisions Wall Street opposed? Of course. But the idea that he signed onto anything more aggressive than what was minimally necessary politically defies any reasonable reading of the evidence. In the end, Wall Streeters aren’t upset so much because Schumer abandoned them when the laws were being written. He took care of them as well as they could have hoped. They’re pissed off that Schumer, like Obama, withheld the reverence they thought they deserved even after the worst financial crisis in 80 years. And because many have next-to no understanding of how politics is actually practiced. It’s just pathetic.
Follow me on twitter: @noamscheiber
New York, Politics, Noam Scheiber, Chuck Schumer, Washington, The Plank
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New Day Rising (The Case For Democratic Optimism--Real or Fake)
By Jonathan Bernstein
I recommend to all Democrats a manifesto from Ed Kilgore, James Vega, and J.P. Green, which recognizes how likely it is that Democratic factions will turn on each other in a self-destructive frenzy and urges them not to. It’s an excellent piece, although I’m tempted to add a little “good luck with that” sarcasm. Will Rogers, and all that.
Speaking of the Democrats, one positive impression I have of their reaction for far this week is that there’s a lot less despair than there was in 1994 (this Jonathan Chait post notwithstanding). I remember arguing with a Democratic pollster in December 1994 who was convinced that the Democratic Party was entirely doomed, and it would probably be replaced by a new third party. Perhaps that was a bit extreme of an example, but there was a lot of hopelessness going around that winter -- it sure seemed to me that very few Democratic activists or campaign professionals thought Clinton would be reelected, for example.
Why should anyone care about a little pessimism? Because Democrats wound up with a relatively lousy crop of candidates in 1996 who were unable to take advantage of Clinton’s popularity and Newt’s disasters.
The one thing that the political science literature tells us that matters in Congressional elections and is to a large extent within the control of the parties is the quality of candidates. Very soon, politicians will be making decisions about 2012. Incumbent Democrats who now find themselves lost in the Siberia of House Minority status, and who in many cases will be faced with the chore of learning and appealing to a significantly different constituency thanks to redistricting, will have to decide whether to retire. Ambitious pols -- state legislators, local prosecutors, former Members of the House who just lost their reelection bids -- will have to decide whether 2012 will be promising.
What political scientists have learned is that this is a case in which party prophesies are to a large extent self-fulfilling. Believe that the party is going over a cliff, and you’ll wind up with third-rate candidates, who will then lose -- not because of the general environment, but because bad candidates lose Congressional elections. Believe that your party is about to benefit from the wave, and you’ll wind up with excellent candidates who will win regardless of whether such a “wave” actually existed.
It seems to me that the GOP did a great job of selling their own potential candidates that 2010 would be like 1994. That’s behind the data that Brendan Nyhan reported last week about the large spike in quality GOP candidates, especially challengers. I strongly suspect that when all is said and done, that’s going to be the controllable variable that made the most difference, much more than choices about pushing the agenda for the Democrats or opposing it for the Republicans (with the possible exception of economic policy, but it’s always hard to know the effects of any potential changes, there).
Now, it’s the Democrats’ turn to react to adversity with confidence. First up: keeping what they have. They lost 20 House Members to retirement in the 1996 cycle, and that was without redistricting; that’s a terrible number for what turned out to be a good year for the party. Can they do better this time around? To do so, they’ll have to persuade not only wavering Members of the House and Senators that Democratic chances are good in 2012, but also persuade the people who those Members talk to -- including fundraisers and donors, including activists within the district, and especially including the Democratic establishment in Washington.
What’s on their side, this time around, is that the election was much less of a shock than 1994 was. Moreover, the example of the Clinton years, which has worked so well for the GOP for the last couple of years, now flips: while activists may not remember 1996, surely much of the Washington establishment does.
The rest is up to Democratic elites. There are a lot of things that opinion leaders cannot do -- a good speech from a president cannot make out-party rank-and-file, or even independents, change their minds about policy. This, however, is one that a strong effort by party leaders should be able to affect, because the target audience here -- other active Democrats -- is ready and willing to listen to what party elites have to say.
So, whatever they actually believe, Democrats should pound the 1996-2012 analogies, remind themselves that reversals are not only possible but happen all the time (I bet there are all sorts of other historical examples easy to dig up: liberal bloggers, consider that a challenge!), and convince themselves and anyone who will listen to them that good times for Dems are, once again, right around the corner.
At least until candidate recruitment season is over. If they want a time to bemoan their prospects, I’d recommend saving it for late spring/early summer 2012, after the last Congressional filing dates but before the presidential conventions. As long as they snap out of it by mid-summer, I would think that talking down their chances at that point will have absolutely no effect on anything.
Politics, Republican Party, House, Jonathan Cohn
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By Jeffrey Herf
The Muslim Brotherhood’s anti-Semitism isn’t just bad for Israel. It’s also bad for Egypt.
A specter is haunting the hopeful promise of a democratic Egypt—the specter of popularly legitimated anti-Semitism that would result from the electoral success of the Muslim Brotherhood. In light of the democratic victories enjoyed by Hamas in the 2006 elections in the West Bank and Gaza, the prospect is not a hypothetical one. And a bad situation for Israel promises to become much worse as members of the Muslim Brotherhood become members of a future Egyptian Parliament and then, with the legitimacy rendered by their electoral victories, express their long-standing hatred of the Jews and of the state of Israel. The recent decisions of the Egyptian government to improve relations with Iran, open the Egyptian border with Hamas-controlled Gaza, and foster a unity agreement between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, taken before the Muslim Brotherhood has even gained electoral legitimation, are deeply worrying signs.
The Brotherhood’s leaders have sounded reassuring notes concerning their commitment to democracy. Likewise, they have declared their eagerness to foster cooperation with Christians. Yet no leading Brotherhood figure has come close to addressing the hostility toward Jews that has long been central to the organization’s identity. Obviously, the prospect of victory at the polls for the Muslim Brotherhood is bad news for Israel. Less talked about, however, is the way in which a democratic validation of the group’s reliance on obfuscation and scapegoating is bad for the prospects of Egyptian democracy itself.
The Muslim Brotherhood’s history of anti-Semitism goes back to its founding. Its leading Palestinian figure, Haj Amin el-Husseini, collaborated with the Nazis, declaring that Jews were the enemies of Islam and had been for 1,300 years. He made explicit appeals on the radio to Arab listeners to “kill the Jews.” In 1946, when Husseini returned to Cairo, he was enthusiastically welcomed by Hassan al-Banna, the Muslim Brotherhood’s founder. In a secret bulletin intercepted by OSS agents in Cairo, Al-Banna said of Husseini, “What a hero, what a miracle of a man. Yes, this hero who challenged an empire and fought Zionism, with the help of Hitler and Germany. Germany and Hitler are gone, but Amin Al-Husseini will continue the struggle.”
In 1950, Sayyid Qutb, who would go on to become the Brotherhood’s chief ideologue, published an influential essay entitled “Our Struggle with the Jews.” Qutb, like Husseini, placed his Jew-hatred on the foundations of the religious traditions of Islam. The Jews, he wrote, engaged in “evil-doing” and “consequently Allah sent against them others of his servants, until the modern period. Then Allah brought Hitler to rule over them. And once again today, the Jews have returned to evil-doing in the form of ‘Israel’ which made the Arabs, the owners of the Land, taste of sorrow and woe.” Following his execution in 1966, the Brotherhood celebrated Qutb as a heroic martyr.
The 1980s saw the rise of Hamas, an offshoot of the Brotherhood. The Hamas Covenant of 1988 remains one of the most important documents of contemporary anti-Semitism. In accusing the Jews of causing World Wars I and II, it repeats classic anti-Semitic conspiracy theories imported from Europe. Article Eleven of the covenant states that “the land of Palestine is an Islamic Waqf consecrated for future Moslem generations until Judgment Day. It, or any part of it, should not be squandered: it, or any part of it, should not be given up.” In other words, Israel as a Jewish state has no right to exist and should be destroyed. And Article Thirteen declares that “so-called peaceful solutions and international conferences are in contradiction to the principles of the Islamic Resistance Movement.” Hence any compromise solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—or a peace agreement with Egypt—would be unacceptable.
The contemporary Muslim Brotherhood has not renounced the anti-Semitic statements of its past leaders, and, while it has renounced violence, it has not renounced Hamas. On the contrary, it has appeared to double down on antipathy to Israel and the Jews. In his speech to over a million people in Tahrir Square on February 23, one of the spiritual leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood, Sheik Yusuf al-Qaradawi, called both for the conquest of the Al Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem and for the Egyptian military to open the Rafah border, which separates Egypt and the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. “Egypt, who fought four wars on behalf of Palestine, should not break from this path,” he said. “[Egypt] must open the border crossing which is in our hands, the Rafah border crossing. We will open it for the [convoys] which were prohibited from delivering aid to our brethren. This is what I demand from our great, valiant, and noble army.”
Electoral success for the Brotherhood and its anti-Semitic worldview could jeopardize Israel’s peace agreement with Egypt, sabotage progress towards a two-state solution, and allow for the importation of even more dangerous arms into Gaza—but it could also prove detrimental to Egyptian democracy as well. Because anti-Semitism rests on lies and a profound inability to see the world as it actually is, it offers its advocates a convenient way to avoid facing responsibility for the nation’s problems. This has been one reason that dictators have found anti-Semitism so appealing. If “the Jews are guilty,” there is no reason to engage in the critical self-examination that has been one of the key advantages of public debate in liberal democracies. Should the Muslim Brotherhood’s political success in upcoming elections create democratic legitimation for Jew-hatred, prospects for the success of Egyptian democracy will be diminished in turn.
As a result, the United States should speak out about the moral and political disaster that anti-Semitism represents in Egypt. Of course, in the upcoming elections, votes will lead to representation and the United States should respect and honor the results of Egypt’s experiment with democracy. However, respecting the results of such elections does not mean according respect to advocates of anti-Semitism or to those who refuse to clearly repudiate an anti-Semitic past. Instead, the United States must play a key role in confronting the Brotherhood’s most noxious views and educating Egyptians about the risks they pose to its democracy.
Jeffrey Herf is a professor of modern European history at the University of Maryland, College Park. His most recent book, Nazi Propaganda for the Arab World, received the Bronze Prize from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy in 2010.
Follow @tnr on Twitter.
World, Cairo, Gaza, Germany, Palestinian Authority, Amin Al-Husseini, Hitler, Hassan Al Banna, Amin El Husseini, Sayyid Qutb, Egyptian parliament, Hamas, West Bank, Egyptian government
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BGFN MAGAZINE >> News >> World fashion >> The designer Evgenia Luzhina will present "Nostalgia" during Couture Fashion Week New York
The designer Evgenia Luzhina will present "Nostalgia" during Couture Fashion Week New York
by Boyana Ivanova, 02 September, 2015
Couture fashion designer Evgenia Luzhina will present her latest collection entitled “Nostalgia” during the upcoming Couture Fashion Week New York. A returning favorite designer at the event, Ms. Luzhina’s fashion show will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday September 12, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan. The show will include live music by award-winning musician and composer Serge Khrichenko.
A native of Moscow, Evgenia Luzhina received a B.A. in Fine Art and Design from Moscow Art College. She served as Resident Set and Costume Designer for the Moscow Chamber Forms Theater. While there, she designed numerous productions which were staged in Moscow, Los Angeles and Washington DC. In 1991 Ms. Luzhina moved to the USA where she continues to exhibit her extensive experience in Art and Theatrical Set and Costume Design. She has been a costume designer for more than 30 years, working for different theaters in Russia and Unites States where she has created costumes for more than 50 plays.
Ms. Luzhina’s designs have won critical acclaim in both local and national newspapers, on radio and television. Her most recent accolades were Maryland Fashion Awards 2012: High Fashion Designer – Winner, The Helen Hayes Award 2010: Outstanding Production for Youth – Winner, and The National Silver Archer Award in Public Relations 2014 – Winner.
Photo and information: couturefashionweek.com
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Author: Boyana Ivanova
Tags:Evgenia Luzhina, collection, couture, fashion week, New York, designer, award, event, fashion show, costume, experience, winner
Boyana Ivanova
Boyana is following men`s trade fairs and exhibitions. She is also covering fashion industry news, best dressed section, lifestyle and trends.
We are looking for men's suit tailors, fashion designers, managers, fashion consultants who want to share their knowledge and tips in an article or video and contribute to the site! Please email us at contributor@bgfashion.net Don't miss the opportunity as this will be a free advertisement for yourself and your menswear brand!
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2 new international routes opening in Davao City
Subscribe Now September 07, 2018 at 09:29am
The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) is confident that the addition of two more international routes to and from the city this year will boost tourism in the region and other parts of Mindanao.
Cathay Dragon, the operating brand of Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Ltd. and the regional airline of the Cathay Pacific Group, is set to start its four times a week Davao-Hong Kong flights on Oct. 28.
“Within the year, the triangular flight of Qatar Airways of Qatar-Cebu-Davao will also hopefully start within the year,” DCCCII President Arturo M. Milan said in an interview with BusinessWorld on Sept. 4.
Mr. Milan said Qatar Airways is already in the process of looking for ground personnel for the flights.
The airline committed to mounting flights to Davao after it signed a new service agreement with the country in May.
“This will provide connectivity from Davao to the major markets in the world which is just what we need to strengthen our bid to become a major hub,” Mr. Milan said.
In a related development, one of the main discussion points during the 27th Mindanao Business Conference on Sept. 13-15 is the push for the creation of agencies, independent from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), to develop and manage key facilities in Mindanao.
These include the airports in the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos City, and Zamboanga.
“I’m sounding like a broken record already (but) this is part of our Mindanao growth agenda,” Mr. Milan said, adding that this is particularly crucial for the tourism industry.
Mr. Milan cited that having additional direct international flights to and from Davao City will not only benefit the city’s tourism program but other areas as well.
“Tourists do not want to stay in just one area,” he added, “so they will definitely eye travel to Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and even Siargao.”
Mr. Milan said an increase in international flights will also put pressure on the need to upgrade the airport.
The Davao International Airport development project, which was already in the pipeline under the previous administration, has yet to be bid out.
Mr. Milan also said they are still hoping that direct flights between Davao and Japan will also push through soon.
“We are not sure which airline will accept the request as we are still campaigning, but we feel there is a market for the Davao-Japan flights,” he said, citing overseas Filipino workers, tourists, and Japanese who have ties to Davao.
Several projects are also being undertaken by the Japanese government in the city.
Tour operators like Alexander D. Divinagracia of Global Wings Travel and Tours said they are looking forward to direct flights to Japan, especially during the Obon Festival. Typically held during August, it is celebrated as a family reunion holiday as the Japanese honor their ancestors. At present, the only international flights in Davao are to and from Singapore, serviced by Singapore Airlines’ SilkAir and Cebu Pacific.
“But the Davao-Singapore route took sometime to develop since it started 11 years ago,” he said.
The Davao-Kuala Lumpur flights launched by Air Asia in Dec. 2017 has been temporarily suspended as of August due to lack of passenger traffic.
“There is no shortcut. There is a need to develop the routes to sustain the direct flights, but we have to start somewhere,” Mr. Milan said.
« Davao to become industry center soon P1B set for Davao underground cable project phase 2 »
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How to get an MBA and learn to code at the same time
by Beecher Tuttle 29 January 2019
Many business schools are seeing a softening or even a decline in applications to their full-time MBA programs. The falloff can be attributed to multiple factors, including strong employment rates and recent visa issues for foreign students, among others, according to Alex Min, CEO of The MBA Exchange. But these issues are mostly cyclical and are always subject to change. However, there is one new reality in the MBA community that’s not going anywhere. Traditional programs facing the evolving needs of financial firms and the desires of its students have been forced to incorporate new tech-based modules into their curriculum.
“What we are seeing as a trend is that many MBA programs are recognizing the need for their students to have some proficiency in coding and/or data analytics,” said Esther Magna, principal at MBA advisor Stacy Blackman Consulting. “Those MBA students who do not realize that they will be managing people, processes AND data in the future will be disadvantaged in their careers.”
A number of business schools have begun embracing coding and other technical skills, often at the behest of students who are now demanding tech classes and clubs become part of their education. That wasn’t always the case. Several big-name MBA programs have just recently added rigorous technical offerings, including Harvard and Stanford, according to Min.
In late 2016, an HBS student published an op-ed in the Huffington Post calling out the business school for falling behind competitors by not including computer science as part of its curriculum. Over the following year, Harvard MBAs built its CODE club into “one of the largest, most active organizations on campus,” including hackathons and data science and blockchain workshops, according to a follow-up piece. More than 650 students signed up for the CODE newsletter or attended one of their events over a two-year period, representing around one-third of total enrollment.
It likely wasn’t a coincidence then that Harvard rolled out a joint degree last fall that confers its traditional MBA program with an MS in engineering sciences. HBS also offers a standalone business-focused version of its introduction to computer science class, one of its more popular electives taken up by people like English majors turned J.P. Morgan bankers. Stanford has also launched a similar hybrid two-year MBA program that it combined with an MS in computer science and electrical engineering.
Meanwhile, NYU’s Stern School of Business, one of Wall Street’s biggest feeders of front-office talent, introduced a non-credit elective course for students who want to learn Python, a programming language that is quickly becoming a favorite of banks. As an example, Citi is now offering continuing education classes to incoming analysts after traders expressed interest in adding the skill. In June of 2018, three students from UPenn’s Wharton School, the consensus top-ranked MBA program for investment banking, launched the Wharton Coding Club, which gained over 100 likes on Facebook less than 24 hours after going public. It seems that students are pushing traditional MBA programs to embrace coding and other technical skills rather than the other way around.
Of course, these classes, clubs and hybrid degrees have popped up amid the influx of specialized master’s in finance programs that are shorter, cheaper and seemingly as effective at getting students into investment banks. “Future financial professionals are more eager than ever to learn about topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and algorithmic trading,” Min said. ““Business schools are under pressure to fill their available seats by offering specialized non-MBA degrees as well as adding technical courses to their MBA curriculum.”
Besides coding, Min said that today’s finance-minded MBA students have an increased desire to understand subjects like stochastic processes, time series analysis, differential equations, data mining, numerical techniques and computer architecture. Business schools that offer this education rise to the top of applicants' target lists,” he said.
Traditional MBA programs may soon become a thing a past…
Have a confidential story, tip, or comment you’d like to share? Contact: btuttle@efinancialcareers.com
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Home https://server7.kproxy.com/servlet/redirect.srv/sruj/smyrwpoii/p2/ Sport https://server7.kproxy.com/servlet/redirect.srv/sruj/smyrwpoii/p2/ Emiliano Sala: The fans were detained after the death of mocking with the motions of the plane during the game
Emiliano Sala: The fans were detained after the death of mocking with the motions of the plane during the game
Footage posted on social media after the game appeared to show men making airplane moves, in the first match of Cardiff that played since seeing the body of Sala.
The football player who signed for Cardiff City but has not played the game for his new club, died after his plane crashed on the English Channel last month. Pilot David Ibbotson is considered dead, although his body has not been recovered.
Southampton confirmed that two men were told by the police in a statement, which allegedly forbid supporters involved.
"The club continues to Work with the Hampshire Police to identify any individual who is considered to have committed obscene behavior towards Cardiff supporters," added the club, according to Agence France-Presse. " there is no place in our game and will not be permitted at St Mary's. The club will have a firm stand against anyone involved and wants to ban the supporters identified. "
The body of Sala was found after a private search commissioned by his family, financed by a crowdfunding campaign that earned support from some of the top soccer players.
Before the game, a minute's silence was examined by players and fans of both teams at St Mary's stadium in Southampton. Cardiff finally won the game 2-1
However, the incident puts the ugly behavior of pockets of English soccer supporters back into the spotlight, during a period that was sometimes marred by offensive chants and violence from fans. The arrest was made after clashes between fans in another Saturday game, between Watford and Everton, confirmed by the police.
In December, Chelsea said that some of its supporters were "shamed the club" by singing anti-Semitic songs during the Hungarian game in December, more than their fans were was filmed by the film wrestling racist oppression with Manchester City Raheem Sterling player in the same month.
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A look back at what made The Twilight Zone so great
TOPICS:"Mr. Dingle"Nightmare at 20"Once Upon A Time""The Bewitchin' Pool""The Hunt""The Silence""Time Enough at Last""To Serve Man"000 Feet"Burgess MeredithBuster KeatonCharles BronsonEarl Hamner Jr.Elizabeth MontgomeryFranchot ToneJack KlugmanJulie NewmarLiam SullivanPlanet of the ApesRichard MathesonRobert RedfordRod SerlingStanley AdamsThe Kanamitsthe Strong"The Twilight ZoneThe WaltonsWilliam Shatner
Posted By: admin April 10, 2016
This Rod Serling brainchild was unlike any other program that came before it.
Music, Sun., April 10, 2016
Childhood rating:
Four stars.
Adult rating:
An innovative CBS TV series created and hosted by Rod Serling that ran between 1959 and 1964, and has been revived three times since — once as a feature film in 1983, and twice as a series in 1985 and 2002.
When Earl Hamner Jr. died on March 24, the final writing connection of a legendary and groundbreaking TV series perished with him.
I’m not referring to his nine-year run of The Waltons, the 1972 rural semi-autobiographical family drama that Hamner created and was notorious for ending each broadcast with the 11-member clan annoyingly bidding “good night” to one another. No, it’s the episodic program where he got his first big break as a TV writer that floats my boat: The Twilight Zone.
Filmed in glorious black-and-white and filled with taut, mind-bending scripts, this Rod Serling brainchild was unlike any other program that came before it, changing the dynamic of network television by tearing open the portals of the imagination. Over the course of five seasons and 156 episodes from 1959 through 1964 (92 of which were penned by the series architect himself), the Syracuse-born future Planet of the Apes co-author presented sci-fi steeped tales that usually ended with a significant twist the viewer didn’t see coming.
How can you forget the weekly intro, supplied with Serling’s inimitably charismatic baritone: “You’re travelling through another dimension, to not only of sight and sound, but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. Your next stop: The Twilight Zone.”
Admittedly, the series debuted before I took up residence in my mother’s womb, although one of my earliest TV memories was a rerun episode, “To Serve Man” (“Mr. Chambers, don’t get on that ship! The rest of To Serve Man — it’s a cookbook!”) The scary-looking nine-foot-aliens called the Kanamits kept my 4-year-old brain awake for days.
Recently, I purchased the box set to see how well the series stacked up 56 years later, and the answer is … remarkably! Granted, the post-World-War-II era in which The Twilight Zone was filmed was a polite one, where everyone was addressed as “Sir,” “Miss,” “Mr.” and “Mrs.” and you could buy a cup of coffee for a dime and a beer for 86 cents.
But the observations and lessons that accompanied each 30-minute parable (stretched to 60 minutes for its 18-episode fourth season) remain pretty well applicable today: a man/woman yearning for something unattainable and realizing it’s not quite what he/she anticipated it to be once they get it; how human avarice leads to regretful decisions, even if the supernatural might be involved; and how hope is often the closest step to, or from, tragedy.
Serling employed his weekly platform as a mirror, and his Emmy-winning knack for forcing viewers into contemplation was incentive enough to tune into the show, not to mention a menagerie of future TV and film stars (William Shatner, Jack Klugman, Julie Newmar, Elizabeth Montgomery, Robert Redford, Charles Bronson), that showcased their formidable talents. Horror, humour, wonder, shock, the strange and the familiar were meted out in equal dollops on Serling’s intellectual panorama.
The Hamner Jr. connection? Selling and he met at an awards ceremony in 1948. Hamner was hired for the 1962 episode “The Hunt” and authored eight more, including the original series finale, 1964’s “The Bewitchin’ Pool:” credits that are way cooler than those Waltons miscreants.
A look back at what made The Twilight Zone so great | Toronto Star
Here are five exceptional Twilight Zone episodes:
“Once Upon A Time” (1961) An ingenious and lighthearted tribute to Buster Keaton written by Richard Matheson, the show begins as a silent film as grumpy janitor Woodrow Mulligan (Keaton, 65 at the time) accidentally transports himself trouserless from 1890 into the future via a Time Helmet. When he reaches 1960, the episode turns into a “talkie” as he meets a scientist (Stanley Adams) with ulterior motives to help him get back home. When he returns to his original time, the episode reverts back to silence.
“Time Enough at Last” (1959) Starring Burgess Meredith as Harry Bemis, a nebbish bank teller whose love of books outweighs his take on reality. During his lunch hour, he steals away to his vault to read and is knocked out by an explosion. Coming to, he is the last survivor on Earth, discovers a library, but falls and breaks his glasses just as he’s about to start his first book.
“Mr. Dingle, the Strong” (1961) Another Burgess Meredith episode, with the character, vacuum-cleaner salesman Luther Dingle, given superhuman strength by an invisible two-headed Martian scientist as an experiment. Disappointed by Dingle’s propensity for publicity, the Martian removes his powers just in time for the salesman to embarrass himself on national TV, and give him to the Venusians, who imbibe him with superintelligence.
“The Silence” (1961) Archie Taylor (Franchot Tone) hates the sound of Jamie Tennyson’s voice, and makes the heavily-in-debt Tennyson (Liam Sullivan) a bet: if he will remain silent for one year, Taylor will pay him $50,000. Tennyson wins the bet, but when it comes time to settle, Taylor announces that he’s broke. Tennyson reveals his own trump: he had his vocal cords severed. Serling at his finest.
“Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” (1963) William Shatner plays Bob Wilson, a man recovering from a nervous breakdown seated in a plane and who, midflight, sees a creature outside his window trying to disable the wing. Unfortunately, nobody sees it forcing Wilson to take matters into his own hands. Even though authorities are waiting for him with a straitjacket once the plane lands, Wilson is confident he’ll be exonerated, as the final scene focuses on the physical damage done to the wing. One of the most popular TZ episodes.
Postscript: A nice change of pace allowing me to pay tribute to a TV series that I’ve long admired. Thanks to the Star for letting me run with this one.
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OCUFA sets contract faculty, pensions, funding, and governance as priorities at 147th Board meeting
November 5, 2015 | Comment
From October 24-25, 2015, OCUFA’s Board of Directors met for its first meeting of the 2015-16 academic year. The focus was on setting priorities for the upcoming year and developing strategies for addressing the challenges facing professors and academic librarians in the months ahead.
A key objective of the fall Board meeting is to identify the issues that will be the focus of OCUFA’s advocacy and member support work. Recent high-profile cases of excessive administrator salaries and attempts to undermine academic decision making have highlighted the growing problem of governance at universities in Ontario and across Canada. There is a real and growing need to restore collegial governance on our campuses and to empower academic senates to act as a genuine balance to the power of administrations and Boards of Governors. It is also clear that there is a greater need for administrators to be more open, transparent, and accountable to students, staff, and faculty.
Closely tied to the governance issue is university funding. For years, we have seen the steady erosion of per-student public funding from the Government of Ontario. This has harmed the ability of institutions to offer a high-quality and affordable education to students. At the same time, decision making about how to spend the funding that is received – from all sources – is being increasingly dominated by university administrations through new budgeting processes, program prioritization, and similar initiatives. The problem therefore has two connected parts: there is not enough public investment in our universities, and the funding that is received is being allocated within universities according to opaque, top-down processes.
Given this context, OCUFA has identified two related goals in this area for 2015-16: To engage as an active participant in the provincial government’s review of the funding model to ensure that faculty goals and concerns are raised and heard; and to develop strategies and resources for member associations to support collegial governance and make boards more representative and attentive to the needs of the university and community.
To launch this work, the Board meeting hosted a panel discussion featuring two faculty associations that have had great success at governance initiatives on their campus. Larry Savage, from Brock University, spoke about how the Brock University Faculty Association (BUFA) successfully pushed back against their administration’s controversial program prioritization process and asserted Senate control of academic decision making. Kristin Hoffman, President of the University of Western Ontario Faculty Association (UWOFA), described her association’s work to hold their administration and Board of Governors to account over Western President Amit Chakma’s huge salary payout.
Like last year, pensions will also be a major area of activity for the organization. OCUFA is currently providing resources and leadership to the University Pensions Project. This initiative brings together interested faculty, staff, and administrators to explore the creation of multi-employer joint sponsored pension plan (JSPP). The past year saw the completion of the research phase of this project. We are now in the design phase, where stakeholders will determine what this new plan might look like. Whatever the outcome of this work, the decision to join a new plan will be made by each campus through collective bargaining and a formal consent process after the final build phase is completed. For faculty associations not interested in a JSPP option, OCUFA will continue to work to develop solutions that promote the security of Ontario’s existing university pension plans.
A focus on contract faculty and faculty complement will also be carried forward into the new academic year. This will allow OCUFA to continue its work to raise awareness about the rise of precarious academic work at Ontario’s universities and to improve the working conditions of contract faculty across the province. OCUFA is committed to ensuring that every academic job is a good job, with fair pay, job security, benefits, and the resources needed to deliver a high quality learning experience to students. Over the next year, OCUFA will be working with its Committee on Contract Faculty and Faculty Complement to achieve these goals. The We Teach Ontario campaign (weteachontario.ca) will also continue to put the issue of precarious academic work onto the public agenda.
The OCUFA Board of Directors also took time to honor some exceptional faculty members across Ontario. During a ceremony on October 24th, OCUFA presented its 42nd annual Teaching and Academic Librarianship Awards to an exceptional group of recipients. The Teaching Award winners are Dr. Greg Evans, University of Toronto; Prof. Vincent Hui, Ryerson University; Dr. Pippa Lock, McMaster University; Dr. Timothy S. O’Connell, Brock University; and Dr. Trent Tucker, University of Guelph. The Academic Librarianship Award was presented to Dr. Harriet Sonne de Torrens, from the University of Toronto Mississauga.
Tags: board meeting, contract faculty, Funding, governance, pensions, priorities
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← Off Days are (Still) for the Minor Leagues
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Dealing with Postpujols Depression
Posted on April 7, 2012 by Bob Netherton
For immediate release: Albert Pujols is no longer with the Cardinals. Over the winter, he signed a blockbuster 10 year contract with the California Anaheim Los Angeles errr Angels. According to the national media, that was the only story so far in the 2012 regular season. Forget that Jared Weaver pitched a gem of a game, the St. Louis Cardinals are not following the script and have won their first two games convincingly, Kyle Lohse (yes, that Kyle Lohse) took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his first start. Albert Pujols was not a factor in any of these events, yet the national media is obsessive about analyzing the Pujols situation from every possible angle. I will draw the line if somebody produces his most recent colonoscopy film – that is not must see TV.
PostPujols depression is a real condition, and there are a few things that everybody needs to understand about it.
Albert Pujols is Human
As much as we like to think otherwise, and some of his baseball statistics suggest it might not be true, Albert Pujols is a person. In a paying profession. In a system that rewards the best of the best with extremely lucrative contracts. At the expense of small market franchises.
That is the world we live in, and pretending that it isn’t so will not change it.
When comparing Pujols to other franchise players in St. Louis history (Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, Stan Musial), we must understand that most of them played in a different era. Gibson and Musial played their entire career under the reserve clause, meaning that they had little to say about where they played. It was much easier to keep franchise players back then, than it is today.
In Bob Gibson’s latest book, 60ft 6in, the Cardinal legend makes a disturbing confession when talking about steroids. He said that he was glad they weren’t around when he played, because he might have been tempted to use them. While that might shock some, it just points out that he too, was human. Don’t tell that to the National League hitters that faced him in 1968, but it is true. It also means that he might have done exactly what Albert Pujols did, if given the opportunity.
Ozzie Smith did play during the beginning of the free agency era, and signed an enormous contract in April 1985. At the time, sportswriters questioned the wisdom of signing Smith to the same kind of money that Mike Schmidt was receiving. Two NL Pennants later, it seemed like it was money well spent – or was it ? That big contract handicapped the Cardinals following the passing of Gussie Busch and the fiscally conservative ownership group (Fred Kuhlmann) couldn’t (or didn’t) surround Smith with enough talent to win.
Stan Musial might be a bit different story. We don’t know whether or not Musial would have taken advantage of free agency to land the same kind of deal as Albert Pujols, because he never had the chance. His continued involvement in the franchise and local community, along with taking a pay cut after a poor (by his standards) season – at his insistence – suggests that Mr. Musial might not have chased the last possible dollar. It is just further evidence of something we already know, Stan Musial is the exception, and not the rule. And that’s why Stan is, and shall always be, “The Man”.
I think we’ve known it all along, Albert Pujols and Stan Musial are two different people. The come from two different eras, have vastly different things driving them, and expecting the two to follow the same path is our mistake, not either of theirs.
Grieving is not Hating
Another important aspect is understanding what is going through the minds of Cardinals fans, who have watched a kid from Kansas City come out of nowhere, and become the greatest player of his generation. And he did it right in front of our eyes.
Don't worry Albert, we still love you
It has been a long time since St. Louis has had that kind of player. And you will have to excuse us for getting used to all of the attention that gave our team. And likewise, you will have to give us some time to get over the fact that that attention will now be placed elsewhere – Southern California and the American League West, to be exact.
Cardinals fans are going to take the Pujols departure in a number of ways. There will be some genuine haters, who think that the fans were somehow let down. To them, let me suggest that we had the privilege of watching the greatest player of his era give a small market team more than a decade of production. When the final chapter is written on the Pujols career, we will discover that his best years were played in front of us, and not in Southern California.
If you want to get mad at Pujols for taking the big contract, understand that most of those years, he was underpaid relative to others performing at, or below his level. So the Cardinals did get some of those years at a discount. They also took a big risk when they signed him to his $100M contract. With three NL Pennants, 2 World Series titles – I think that worked out nicely for both sides.
Finally, to the haters, nothing that Albert does, or doesn’t do, will have much of an impact on the Cardinals. He can be a big help to an organization that has always played second chair to one of the games greatest franchises, the Dodgers. If he succeeds, it will hurt the Dodgers or Padres, but not St. Louis. Even the concern that Yadier Molina might go running after his long lost bromance partner totally fell apart when he signed a contract extension, keeping him in St. Louis.
So there is no reason to hate Albert.
What everybody else has to understand is that many Cardinals fans are grieving a bit, and it will take a while for that to pass. Think Colby Rasmus times about a trillion, and you will be close. The sniping at Albert and the Angels is just catharsis – it is not genuine hate. We make fun of an 0-3 opening day debut with his new team, because we remember his .450 or so batting average on opening day. We understand that he is an RBI threat, just by being on the on-deck circle. He changes the outcome of the game, just because he exists. And he has been known to make players around him better.
And we will miss that.
We are Laughing at You
When you hear Cardinals fans making snarky comments, they are just that. It is like calling an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend ugly, stupid, or enjoying their misfortune. All that means is that we are still paying attention. If we didn’t care, we would not know that Pujols lined into a double play in his first, popped out to Mike Moustakas in his second, struck out in his third, and walked in his final at-bat. We are still hanging onto memories and wishing things had turned out differently. We still care.
But, the target of all the snarkery is not Albert himself. It is the national sports media, or in some cases, the local media as well. It is also aimed at fans of other clubs that think the St. Louis Cardinals is just Albert Pujols and a bunch of nobodies. Those are the ones we are talking to when we make #PuWho jokes. If you want to shut us up, remember that Matt Holliday won an NL Pennant before he played for St. Louis. Acknowledge that when Kyle Lohse has his command, and can hit his spots, he can beat any team in either league. Learn the names, Daniel Descalso, Lance Lynn, Allen Craig and Jon Jay. And Matt Adams.
The Cardinals Will Be Just Fine
The last part will play itself out over the next few months. There are many that suggest the Cardinals cannot win without Albert Pujols in the lineup. There is not a more intimidating player, or ferocious right handed bat anywhere in the game. As a single player, he cannot be replaced.
But – the last time I checked the official rules of major league baseball, a team is comprised of a pitcher and eight additional positions. Pujols represents just 1/9 of the ballclub. Functionally, Carlos Beltran has replaced Pujols in the daily lineup. That just means he’s the new 1/9 of the team. He doesn’t have to be Pujols for the Cardinals to win, he just has to be Carlos Beltran.
Over the course of his eleven year career, Albert Pujols has totaled 88 WAR (wins above replacement). That works out to 8 per year, a staggering number. When healthy, Carlos Beltran is around a 3-4 WAR. Allen Craig was a 3 last year, but only played for 1/3 of a season. David Freese is a 1.8, and played just half a season. No single player will, or at least isn’t likely to, replace that 8 WAR we have been used to from the first base position, but getting rid of a lot of negative WAR players, who saw far too much playing time in recent seasons, will keep the Cardinals a competitive and successful team. It is far too early to draw any conclusions about 2012, but the new lineup looks just as imposing as the one that won the World Series last year, perhaps even a bit better.
That’s the message I want to deliver to the single syllable sound bite driven sports media. The Cardinals have always been more than just Albert Pujols. It doesn’t matter that you base your entire narrative around a false premise, the fact remains that the Cardinals won championships long before Albert was a Cardinal, and they will (hopefully) win more now that he is gone. It will take a team effort, but it always has – baseball is a team game. At the end of the day, that is the real key to the Cardinals franchise – it has never been about one player, it has always been the team. That doesn’t always make for great headlines (Kyle Lohse pitching six no-hit innings to open the Marlins new stadium), but that is the Cardinals Way. Understand that, and you will understand us.
And then, maybe, we can all get along.
Until then, it is all good. Baseball is back. The Cardinals are playing well. We like our new manager. And it is so good to see Adam Wainwright back on the mound.
This entry was posted in 2012 Season and tagged Albert Pujols, Allen Craig, anaheim, angels, baseball, cardinals, carlos beltran, el hombre, Los Angeles, redbirds, st. louis, stlcards. Bookmark the permalink.
6 Responses to Dealing with Postpujols Depression
Kat Carlgren says:
Nicely said Bob. Enjoyed your comments. Personally I laughed that Albert hit into the DP because I would have laughed if he was still a Cardinal. I guess everyone has taken up where they left off from last season. I expect he will continue to be Albert just like the Cardinals will continue to be the Cardinals. I wish him well and am slightly relieved he did find a new team so my Cardinals can continue to field a great team. We are not about 1 player we are about a team, an organization, and the fans.
I truly think that is the beauty of the situation, because we all would have laughed at that double play. I think some lighthearted poking at Albert is fine, just as it was with Colby Rasmus (the Matt Sebek, get over it photo for example), but over time it should die down. Fortunately for Cardinals fans, John Mozeliak appears to have assembled a group of players that will take our attention away from the one that is missing.
diane1611 says:
Bravo, Bob! Very well written. I will have to see if I can find that Gibson book.
You really should track down the Gibson book. It was nothing at all like I expected. I loved every minute of it, and have re-read it a few times since. The surprise was how enjoyable Reggie Jackson’s comments were – totally unexpected. If have not seen these, they are a must watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aBcFKEb6ak (Intimidation)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJlUD6o30rg (Who owns the plate)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww-miB7QFxw (Sneaking a peek)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Iu515ncacA (Facing great pitchers)
Reading the book is exactly like watching these two talk in the videos.
Bravo, Bob! Very well written! Now I have to see if I can find that Gibson book.
KellyM says:
Nice post, Bob!
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Survey of Virulence Determinants among Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium Isolated from Clinical Specimens of Hospitalized Patients of North west of Iran
Yaeghob Sharifi1, 2, 6, Alka Hasani1, 2, *, Reza Ghotaslou 2, Mojtaba Varshochi 1, 3, Akbar Hasani 1, 4, Mohammad Aghazadeh 2, Morteza Milani 2, 5
1 Research Center of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2 Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
3 Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
4 Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
5 Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
6 Microbiology laboratory of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Orumieh University of Medical Sciences, Orumieh, Iran
Received Date: 29/8/2011
Acceptance Date: 2/12/2011
© Sharifi et al.; Licensee Bentham Open.
* Address correspondence to this author at the Research Center of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, and Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Tel: 0098 411 3364661; Fax: 0098 411 3364661 E-mails: hasanialka@tbzmed.ac.irdr.alkahasani@gmail.com
Recent data indicates an increasing rate of vancomycin resistance in clinical enterococcal isolates worldwide. The nosocomial enterococci are likely to harbor virulence elements that increase their ability to colonize hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to characterize virulence determinants in vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) obtained from various clinical sources.
During the years 2008 to 2010, a total of 48 VRE isolates were obtained from three University teaching hospitals in Northwest, Iran. Initially, phenotypic speciation was done and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of vancomycin were determined by agar dilution method and E-test. Then, species identification and resistance genotypes along with detection of virulence genes (asa1, esp, gelE, ace and cpd) of the isolates were performed by multiplex PCR.
Thirty eight isolates were identified as vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) and ten as E. faecalis (VREfs). Irrespective of the species, vanA gene (89.58%) was dominant and three phenotypically vancomycin susceptible E. faecium isolates carried the vanB gene. Among virulence genes investigated, the esp was found in 27(71%) VREfm strains, but did not in any VREfs. Other virulence determinants were highly detected in VREfs strains. Our data indicate a high prevalence of E. faecium harboring vancomycin resistance with vanA genotype and the two VRE species displayed different virulence genes.
Keywords: Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Vancomycin resistance, Virulence gene.
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The Maltese Olympic Committee (MOC) has announced that the sixteenth edition of the Maltese Olympic Committee Sports Awards will take place on Thursday 7th December at the Corinthia Palace Hotel.
The MOC Sports Awards will be bestowed upon athletes and teams who have distinguished themselves in major international competitions organised under the auspices of the International Federation of that sport or a recognised and reputable International Sport Organisation as well as games held under the MOC umbrella such as the Games of the Small States of Europe, European Youth Olympic Festival and the Youth Commonwealth Games.
Sporting Associations and Federation as well as Local Councils have been invited to submit nominations for achievements during the competition period 16th October 2016 and 15th October 2017. Furthermore Associations and Federations are being encouraged to nominate athletes, coaches, officials and administrators who have, through their participation and service promoted and fostered the principles of Olympic ideals at various levels whilst respecting the Olympic charter for possible induction in the Hall of Fame.
Nominations are to be submitted for consideration by not later than Friday 3rd November.
The MOC Sports Awards will be televised live on TVM2.
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Peter Holmes Access
Nicola Craddock June 16, 2014
A RETIRED construction manager is building a new career path after a major health scare drew him back to his love of art.
Recovering from a heart attack, Peter Holmes, of Stockton, was advised by doctors to take up a relaxing hobby
Now with help from tutors at Cleveland College of Art & Design, Middlesbrough, Peter, 64, has returned to the classroom to fulfil his dreams of becoming a professional artist.
“My doctor said that I needed to do something that wouldn’t tax me too much, something that I wouldn’t get worked up over, so I decided to give art a go,” said Peter, of Stockton.
“I’d always loved drawing as a child but gradually over the past 10 years my art started to become more than just a hobby.”
Enrolling on a number of short courses at The Northern School of Art Peter began to take his art more seriously and after retiring from the construction industry he signed up for a two year painting and drawing course.
“I needed some structure to my day so I applied for the Access to Higher Education course,” he said.
The Northern School of Art’s one-year access course is designed to give mature students, over the age of 19, opportunities to return to college and gain a qualification to progress to a wide range of degrees and higher education courses.
It covers a range of subject areas including drawing, textiles, 2D and 3D art, digital arts, art history and study skills and can lead to career pathways at university including fashion, illustration, interior design, fine art, applied arts, entertainment design crafts, textiles and surface design and film and TV production.
“The course has been absolutely brilliant,” said Peter. “A lot of what I was doing in an amateur way I’m now doing in a much more disciplined way.
“My confidence has grown enormously and since being here I have held my first exhibition and even sold a painting.
Peter, who also plays in a local band, is now looking to become a professional self employed artist and has set himself a target to produce 40 art works in the next four years for a pre-planned exhibition at Greenfield Arts, Newton Aycliffe in 2018.
“Originally my art started as a means to an end, a pastime, now I’m looking at a whole new life and career – I wish I’d done it years ago.”
For more information on joining the Access to HE course in Art, please call 01642 288888.
Jonpaul Addison wins governors award
Kathleen Sowerby Access
Summer Show 16 dates announced!
3DACCESSAD12AD3ALEVBTECDCRAFTSfashionFINEARTFOUNDATIONGRAPHICSMEDIAPHOTO
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Creatives in profile: interview with Dr Chuck Tingle
April 30, 2018 April 29, 2018 / professorwu / 3 Comments
A few years ago, a new literary sub-genre exploded onto the publishing scene. The sub-genre in question was dinosaur erotica (no need to beat around the prehistoric bush here – these are books where dinosaurs have sex with humans. You can read our detailed introduction here). And, as sales of these books started to take off, so too did the careers of the pioneering authors behind them.
Among these pseudonymous writers, one name perhaps stands above all others: Dr Chuck Tingle – the Hugo Award shortlisted author of Space Raptor Butt Invasion and My Billionaire Triceratops Craves Gay Ass. Self-proclaimed as the “greatest author in the world” during one of the most incredible Reddit AMAs to date, Dr Chuck Tingle is somewhat of a mythical figure – with questions over his identity still very much unanswered.
Always keen to shed light on the work of creatives working around the world, Nothing in the Rulebook reached out to Chuck to see if he would be willing to be interviewed by us. And we were genuinely delighted when he agreed.
It is a rare privilege for the team here at Nothing in the Rulebook are able to interview someone at the very cutting edge of their writing field (not to mention a Tae Kwon Do grandmaster with a PhD from DeVry University in holistic massage). It is therefore a true honour to bring you the following interview.*
Tell us about yourself, your background and ethos.
DR CHUCK TINGLE
My name is DR CHUCK TINGLE and i am from billings montana. i was born in HOME OF TRUTH UTAH with mom and dad and that was a very lonesome time. i was by myself in the fields walkin around learning the ways of the world like what is the wind and why do the trees sing? so then i learned this way. i started writing books there but i gotta hide them under the floor so mom and dad dont know whats going on in the butts heart of man of chuck (then boy of chuck) then one day was THE BIG FIRE and this was a scary way next thing i know im on the road to billings then i became a billings man started a dang life. now i am the worlds greatest author and i like to tell stories but i also like to prove that love is real on all timelines. thanks.
well there are all kinds of ways to be inspired sometimes it is just waking up and hearing the neighborhood birds that inspires my way. thinkin ‘WOW there they are again just talkin their talk and learning about the world maybe i should learn about the world too.’ but other ways of inspiration as a writer is R M STIME hit writer of books THIS LAND IS HORRIBLE AND A MONSTER IS HERE and MY DUMMY IS HANDSOME and DANG THATS A HAND ON THAT DOOR BETTER CLOSE IT so that is important but also STEVES KING writer of JACKS BACK: MY DAD IN THE MAZE and other tales. lets so other insperation is classic jokerman name of ANDYS KAUFMAN he is very funny when he is the worlds fastest taxi driver on television but i do not think this show is on anymore on this timeline. but most of all NUMBER ONE way of chuck insperation is my son jon he is so smart and handsome he always helps out around the neighborhood and i hope one day i can be just like him.
Is writing your first love, or do you have another passion?
holistic massage is very important but that is JOB not passion as man of chuck and i am retired in this way so yes it is nice to be a big time writer as a FIRST LOVE. i would say i am PASSAIONATE man in a lot of ways to prove love is real actually all timelines, so i am also passionate about TIMELINE TRAVEL it is very interesting to see other ways that the universe could have been or other layers of reality where fish are made of gold or hands are eyes or maybe a timeline where all foods are made of diffrent kinds of bread and thats it. i do not want to live on these timelines but I enjoy learning about their way.
A lot of our readers are quite interested in the rise of dinosaur erotica as a sub-genre in erotic fiction. What is it about dinosaurs, do you think, that makes them so ripe for this kind of writing?
well i think that they are NOTORIOUS BAD BOYS and that is always a very good character type in a story or maybe in a hot date so i think that is important. everyone likes a bad boy who plays by his own dang rules and says ‘GET THE HECK OUTTA THE WAY THIS TRUCK HAS NO BREAKS LOOK OUT IVE GOTTA SAVE THE DAY’ then they drive it to a cliff and then jump out as the truck goes off the cliff then the bad boy looks at the camera and says ‘lets see truckman do that’ and then the truck explodes behind him and he dosnt look at it just keeps looking at the camera.
As a writer, and human being, how can you imagine a world where humans and dinosaurs co-exist – how do you get inside the heads of your characters to make your stories believable?
there are a lot of timelines where dinosaurs and humans trot together including this one so that is an easy part of WRITE WAY YOU KNOW so if i see a handsome dinosaur i will think about his way and say ‘what is it like to be that much of a bad boy’ and then i write and write and write and then son jon takes a look and says ‘wow chuck great job’. so i think it is easy to make this beliveable because we encounter dinosaurs all the time in our daily lives it would be much harder to write about something like ted cobbler being a nice man (this is not possible) so I think i have a simply job as writer thanks.
What is your favourite kind of dinosaur?
handsome lawyer dinosaur check please
In your book ‘My billionaire triceratops craves gay ass’, Oliver, the protagonists gay former pet triceratops, is both an erotic dancer and a heavyweight in the financial sector. Firstly, do you think that dinosaurs would be inherently business-savvy, and secondly, did you choose to use dinosaurs as a metaphor for the financial sector in any way?
well i do not understand this question entirely but i will give it my best shot i would say that dinosaurs are good in business because of their bad boy way this can mean they are RUTHLESS and sometimes this is not fun to be around thinking ‘dang i hope this dinosaur dosnt bite me with his sharp teeth’ but also they have a lot of CHARISMA and they make people think ‘oh wow i am on the INSIDE TRACK this dinosaur lawyer knows what hes talkin on better follow him around and listen up buddy!’ so this also means that they will probably make a lot of money in these big timer jobs but i do not think that is true of all dinosaurs this is a very broad generalization there are many wealthy living objects cant even imagine how much the sentient manifestion of money has to spend on chocolate milks dang
Are there any taboos or topics you wouldn’t personally write about, or do we remain too much of a prudish society?
yes i do not write about famous ladybucks because i think they are talked about in this way enough already so it is my way to think, well lets leave that to someone else. but also recently a big time movie company has come to me and said ‘we would like to film a tingler’ so they do not make my perferred pound (bud on bud) but they have said i can write a ladybuck on ladybuck movie for them so i will try that because it is not poking jokes at a famous lady. mostly i would just not like to poke jokes at famous ladies i would like to lift them up instead so that is my line.
most ideas come as morning meditation first things first gotta wake up and have a big bowl of spaghetti and some chocolate milk then after that go sit on the deck and THINK with a clear mind this is when the best ideas come you just have to listen.
What, do you think, is the most important thing to keep in mind when writing a book?
most important thing to keep in mind when making all things as ARTISTIC BUCKAROO is to prove love that is only thing that matters really everything else is just decoration. there are so many ways to prove love so there are lots of options, but it is very important to REMEMBER that only rule for all layers of the tingleverse is that love is real this is consistant across all timelines.
Do you feel any ethical responsibility as a writer?
i think that it is okay to make any kind of art that is the point of art so i am a FREE SPEECH buckaroo in this way because i think if i see something that i do not like i will just say ‘okay you are wrong in this way but thats okay im going to trot over this way and ignore this now’ and that is just part of life. but for me as MAN NAME OF CHUCK WORLDS GREATEST AUTHOR i have my own set of being responsibles these are not for others they are for me only. and i give myself this task of saying HOW DOES THIS PROVE LOVE? WHY IM I PUTTING THIS INTO THIS TIMELINE? and these are things to consider i think but this is a limit that is different for everyone.
You often say it’s important to remember that LOVE IS REAL. What precisely do you mean by that, and what do we, as a society, need to do more of, in your opinion?
I have already explained this a bit in earlier questions but this is basically way of saying that on all timelines of reality there are MANY variations but love is always real on every one of them and i think this is a BIG DANG DEAL. because there are so many other things that are not real on some timelines like shoes or dogs or the sky or toms cruz. but love is always real and when you UNDERSTAND this way i think it is easier to enjoy life and ignore the call of the lonesome train.
The future of literature; of writing, is frequently discussed at great lengths. What are your thoughts on current industry trends – where are we heading?
as man name of chuck worlds greatest author i think that way of the AUTHOR is interesting one. on other timelines this way is much bigger deal here it is big timer but not BIG BIG TIMER not like famous movie star CHANNING TATUM in SPECIAL MIKE 2: A DANCER’S DREAM STORY. but i do not think there is solution to this really and i think it is okay, but in the future maybe there will just be CREATORS of things big and small and you just expirence them in all of their ways. this is how i feel sometimes because i am worlds greatest author but also i have a podcast and also other projects so i think, maybe i am not just an author and maybe this is the way of the future?
How would you define creativity?
being creative is just being yourself and trotting with YOUR OWN unique way. just waking up in the morning and stetching your bones is creative because every moment is making infinate timelines. you are so powerful in your way because for every decision there are so many new worlds spinning off and if that isnt dang creative i dont know what is thanks
What’s next for you? Are there any exciting new projects or books that we should look out for?
i am very excited for erotic film that i am writing it is like tingler but it is with real people (ladybuck and ladybuck) i think that i will work hard to make sure it proves love and make sure that is PUSHES CREATIVE LEVELS UPWARD to create something new and exciting this puts a spring in my trot
Could you write us a story in six words?
my last pound, my first love
What are your 10 top tips for aspiring writers and artists?
drink chocolate milk buddy not that sick water throw that out
you are important and so is your way. this is already a story that can be told
the void is not worth your curiostiy
listen to your buds
there is something to learn from traditional horseplay and there is something to be learned from modern trots. respect both
dont try to tell people what art is you will always be wrong
there is not very much that separates you from a big timers sometimes it is hard work and sometimes it is luck but its almost never talent
spend time with your family
have gratitude if you dont youll look like a goofball and youll feel like one too
prove love always
*Please note: all of Dr Tingle’s responses have been reprinted verbatim from our interview with him. Our thanks once again to Chuck for his time!
Before you go, remember to follow Dr Chuck Tingle on Twitter @chucktingle!
Writing for the library of the future: Turkish novelist Elif Shafak commits manuscript to the Future Library project
April 29, 2018 April 29, 2018 / professorwu / Leave a comment
Turkish novelist Elif Shafak has joined Margaret Atwood and David Mitchell in committing a manuscript of her writing to the Future Library project – a 100 year artwork that will see her work unpublished until 2114.
Conceived by Scottish artist Katie Paterson, the Future Library is, in Paterson’s words, “a living, breathing, organic artwork, unfolding over 100 years”. Starting in 2014, each year Paterson, working closely with her partner and library curator Anne Beate Hovind, has approached a writer to contribute a manuscript to the project.
To support the project, a thousand trees have been planted just outside Norway in a forest, to ultimately provide the paper on which the manuscripts will be printed in a century’s time.
Speaking about the ethos behind the project, Anne Beate, in an interview with Nothing in the Rulebook, said:
“Just a couple of generations back, people were ‘cathedral thinking’ all the time. You know, you build something or plant a forest, you don’t do it for your sake – you do it for future generations.
We kind of have this fast food thinking and now we have to prepare something for the next generation. I think more people realise the world is a little lost and we need to get back on track.”
Planting an entire forest that will one day help make the books of the library of the future takes time. Photo credit: Bjørvika Utvikling by Kristin von Hirsch.
Shafak, the author of novels including The Bastard of Istanbul, The Forty Rules of Love and most recently Three Daughters of Eve, will now follow Margaret Atwood, David Mitchell and Sjón as one of the 100 contributors to the project.
Speaking about Shafak joining the project, Peterson described the choice as pertinent, explaing: “Her work dissolves boundaries: cultural, geographic, political, ideological, religious and spiritual, and embraces a plurality of voices. Her storytelling is magical and profound, creating connectivity between people and places: a signal of hope at a particularly divided moment in time.”
Shafak herself has clearly discovered her own spiritual affinity with the project, saying:
“I had heard about the project, I had read about it; and I thought it was quite unique. The energy around it spoke to me. And I honestly thought it was a labour of love; I thought there was a lot of love involved in this project. The fact that you can leave a manuscript for the future, without knowing who will open up that box and read that manuscript – you know, for me it was like putting a letter in a bottle and putting that bottle in a river, and just, trusting that the river and the flow will take the letter to the right person, someday.”
The handover ceremony, where Shafak will deliver her manuscript in a ceremony in the Norwegian forest, will take place on 2 June. Yet if you are keen to find out more about Shafak’s involvement with the project, you can watch the following detailed interview with the Turkish author below.
https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js
Creatives in profile: interview with Anne Beate Hovind, the curator of the Library of the Future
In Norway, a thousand trees have been planted in a forest just outside Oslo. In 100 years’ time, they will be used to make the paper for an anthology of books, which will form part of the so-called ‘library of the future’.
Conceived by Scottish artist Katie Paterson, the project has captured the attention of great authors across the world, including Margaret Atwood, who was the first writer to pledge her story to the future collection.
Yet 100-year art projects, by their very nature, take time. When you work with timescales longer than the average human life, the focus of the work shifts: it is no longer about outcomes, or about critical reception from the artistic and literary communities. Rather, it’s about the experience, and the journey, that takes everyone involved in the project along with it.
Of course, there are also certain logistical necessities that go hand in hand with creating a project of this nature. How do you convince authors to write books that will never be read in their lifetimes? How do you ensure the forest you have planted is used to make the books, and not cut down to make way for some new highway or housing development?
How do you ensure the forest you have planted is used to make the books of the library of the future, and not cut down to make way for some highway or housing development? Photo credit: Bjørvika Utvikling by Vibeke Hermanrud.
To try and iron out some of the answers to these questions, the Nothing in the Rulebook team caught up with the project manager and curator of the project, Anne Beate Hovind.
It’s an honour to bring you this detailed interview…
So tell us about yourself and your involvement with the Future Library project
ANNE BEATE
I’m the commissioner and the producer for the project. It’s a magical sort of idea that really challenges our concept of time, as well as of trust, and I think ultimately has a lot to say about our world, and the way we interact with it as human beings.
What I think is extraordinary about the project is the opportunity to work so closely with the artist, Katie Paterson. In a way, I sometimes have to pinch myself when I talk about how I became involved in the artwork because in a way it’s crazy – because just imagine the pitch that begins ‘I have this proposal: but it’s going to take 100 years’. That’s when you panic. Because you think ‘100 years?! Oh my god”. Then the artist says, ‘and, we’ll also need a forest’. And you know, you immediately ask yourself – where will the forest grow? Because I work in the Oslo harbour development area – where and how do you grow a forest in a harbour? And then, on top of all that, the artist says, ‘one more thing – we need authors, famous writers, who are willing to participate, because it’s their work we’re going to print, a hundred years from now’.
But even though it’s a little crazy it really is extraordinary and I actually think in my role, it’s an interesting one to see how you have the relationship between the artist and the commissioner or producer, because where the artist is creative in that kind of traditional artistic way, I’m creative in making it happen!
The project wouldn’t happen without you!
Well I think it’s an interesting relationship – I was actually talking about this with another friend of mine, a Norwegian artist called A.K. Dolven, and we were discussing what it means to put an artwork into the control of the producers and so on who make art ‘happen’. Because you need both the creative idea and inspiration and also that inter-displinary competence and almost entrepreneurship to make those ideas into a reality.
You’re the curator, in a sense
I wouldn’t call myself a curator because I’m not an artist in the traditional sense – I’m an entrepreneur first, I create start-ups. And I actually spend a lot of my time working in the construction business, which is quite crazy, but I always get into this situation where I get into the exploratory work; the ‘make things happen’ kind of work; so even though I’m in a different field of work professionally, there are elements where I work in the same way – it’s about attitude; methodology; it’s a way of working exploratively. And it’s quite similar to the way artists create art. And this is what I like to share and talk about when I give talks and stuff.
You were in Austin, Texas, recently for the Southwest by Southwest festival. Can you tell us a little more about the talks that you give?
I was invited there as a speaker for their official programme, and actually on the way out I was a little nervous because I’d never been there before and on my plane out the Crown Prince of Norway was on the same plane and there was a band on board and the fanfare was a little overwhelming. But once I got off the plane I realised quite quickly I was actually the only Norwegian speaker in the official programme, where I was set to appear on their ‘live’ show.
I didn’t know what to expect but it was really interesting to be a part of. I shared a few of my thoughts about what leadership is about when it comes to making things happen.
Now, I think what it comes down to is approaching a new project with a kind of explorative attitude – you kind of have to have this tacit knowledge of where to start: what doors to keep open as long as possible, which ones you have to close. In my day job, there’s a lot of risk assessment involved. There’s a totally different risk-mind set involved compared to what I do in my daily life in the construction business; because in order to be innovative – in order to make innovations happen, you have to take risks, you have to be risk taking – and though you might be aware of some of the potential challenges or risks, you have to strike out and lead from the front.
How do you identify what sort of projects you’re going to pursue with that vigour? How do you maintain the energy for it?
I think what it comes down to is more about your attitude. In any job I do I try to make the most I can out of it. So I can do things that other people might find quite boring or not really very ‘arty’ but I don’t mind. I’m very curious. I learn everything about hospitals when I build hospitals. I worked in shipping classification for the shipping bureau and I learned a lot about that and I’ve worked at the main airport in Norway and I learned lots about that and the aviation sector and I do art – and other things – I think, because of that curiosity. If I’m curious about something or something grabs my attention, I want to find out more and I want to see where we – the project and I – can end up.
If you’re not curious about something, how can you have the passion for it, how can you find that energy? You know, that’s what it’s about. You have to know how to run a business or a project; but you also absolutely have to know how to stay with it.
Surely that’s a really important point in this day and age because, in, for instance, London alone, there are so many different free presses or websites and magazines that start up, and they might be around for a year or two years, and then they die off – or they print one anthology and disappear. Because it’s really hard to sustain a project and keep it going, especially in the world we live in where it’s hard to keep funding coming in. And so often there’s a difficulty in building in a sustainable, long-term view to your project. That you can keep building on.
Oh absolutely and you know, I think we might have a similar approach to you at Nothing in the Rulebook, because I like to ‘put bricks on bricks’ – that’s a saying I often use. This whole ethos really resonates with the Future Library project. What we say in Norway is ‘all wood’ – it’s wood all the way through. It’s an expression that basically means something is authentic; it’s true; it’s solid; and it has good correlation between what you say you are and what you do. And building this sort of thing takes time, it takes time and conscious effort. You have to pour yourself into it in a way and make sure your idea doesn’t just stop.
“‘All wood’ – it’s wood all the way through” – Anne Beat Hovind. Photo credit: Giorgia Polizzi
This whole attitude can be seen in the way we approached the project too, I think. Because we don’t spend anything on communication. And Katie Paterson, who is the incredible artist behind the idea, the two of us work very intimately and very closely together. Even though the Future Library project is quite big and quite well-known in the world; it’s mostly me and her.
So how does that work? How do you do it? Especially when it comes to first launching the project and getting people involved like Margaret Atwood.
How do you do it? How do we do it? We just ask! It’s such a fascinating story – people ask, ‘why don’t you make e-vites when you invite people to the handover ceremonies – but I said, ‘no – I’ll do it personally’. Because I think; that’s what fascinates people. We’re not part of a big organisation. The project does not have a lot of money behind it. It’s small and grounded and goes slow. It’s personal. It’s not like this big stuck up thing. It’s exactly what it says it is.
I think when you are living in this fast living world, with all this start-up thinking it’s like something gets blown up and then just as quickly it’s like PUFF – gone. But the Future Library isn’t like that at all; it’s totally different. And I think this aspect of the project is what people really respond to and connect with, you know, because it has real meaning and authentic content and impact.
It’s this idea of longevity being built within the project from the outset – the entire ethos of it. We live in an age where thoughts around cathedral thinking has disappeared – the idea that we used to build something that would last hundreds of years for future generations, and now, it’s the opposite…
Precisely. And it’s interesting you mention that idea of cathedral thinking because this notion is so important. I was thinking a lot about what Stephen Hawking says about this and I totally say the exact same thing about it.
And you know the day before I was due to give the talk in Austin, Texas, Stephen Hawking died – and I was quite touched by the timing of it because I always mentioned cathedral thinking whenever I talked about the Future Library project and Hawking has been the spokesperson for this idea that we need to invest in ideas for the future, which are made and built for the generations that come after us. And so the night before I gave this talk I totally changed the start of my presentation and I started out with a quote from Hawking about cathedral thinking. And people got really emotional here – and some actually cried. It was very moving.
But this I think is what makes people feel such a connection for the project. Because people are longing for slow, cathedral thinking projects that are grounded; that are not ‘tech tech tech’.
So what influence does technology have on our modern lives and culture, do you think?
Well I think firstly I should say that I love tech. You know. I drive a tesla – I was the one of the first persons in Norway to buy a Tesla. In our household we have two electric cars – we don’t have gas or petrol fuelled cars. We Live in a three-generation house run by solar energy and a thermal well – we have a lot of technology. But for me, technology should only be used to facilitate my life.
Technology is an enabler.
Yes, exactly. It’s about being a human being and keeping hold of that. And I think people are longing for that – to be reminded of what it is to be human, forget about the other tech stuff.
Yet we live in a world where you only have to walk down the street to see almost everyone always on their phone. Living their lives plugged in constantly to the digital world. And it can seem difficult to separate the technology that can do brilliant incredible things that bring us closer together – speeding up communication and living our lives more effectively – while of course avoiding the danger that we get sucked into this world of technology where it’s all we think about – and our social media lives take precedent over our social lives; which are actually the real, authentic parts of our lives that allow us to build real relationships with other people that last years; not seconds.
This is why projects like this are so important for our time. Just a couple of generations back, people were thinking this way all the time. You know, you build something or plant a forest, you don’t do it for your sake – you do it for future generations.
We are designed in our society to be constantly stimulated – To constantly go out and get things for ourselves and gratify ourselfs and just go, go, go, all the time. We’re constantly walking through our cities plugged into our headphones, but you can’t get away from the music in waiting rooms or shops and supermarkets. We don’t even have time to sit and be bored anymore, let alone think about building forests.
And this is the world where this Future Library artwork comes in, that’s entirely based on the idea of planting trees – it’s about walking in the forest; doing rituals!
Photo credit: Bjørvika Utvikling by Kristin von Hirsch
And how important is the relationship between nature and art? Especially in a world where we now have eBooks, rather than physical books. How important is it for us to keep creating these projects that entwine physical ‘real’ nature with art?
It’s interesting you ask this question about the relationship we have with nature and how we connect to it, because it’s actually a very personal topic to me.
I grew up on a farm. I carried the farm name – which is 1000 years old. It was once a Viking farm. And when my father died when he was young, I was supposed to inherit it. And in Norway, this is almost taken for granted as a rite of passage, that you would take on the farm and run it as a farm. And you are in fact obliged to run it as a farm if you take it.
And my father died when I was 22 and I really had a difficult decision to make; about whether I would take it on, and I said ‘no’. So it’s no longer part of the family.
And this is a decision I haven’t regretted. I realised I wasn’t a farmer, and that that was okay. It was maybe a brave decision, but the right one. And oddly enough what the whole experience has taught me – is that life, in a way, is about planting trees. And planting grains – because my other project is about planting farm crops in the middle of Oslo. And when I first heard about these projects and became involved with them, they both confronted me with how disconnected I had been from nature, even though I have such a long family history of living and working on a farm, which is so connected to the natural world.
And so when I think about this, I realise that both of these artworks are about sustainability. They’re both about the importance of protecting our environment; about living in this world and our collective futures, and having to protect what we have for the long term. We really need to reconnect with nature and the world.
So it’s amazing how both these artworks are so rich in the way they communicate a very fundamental message about being human, which is that no matter how much technology we have, we are still the same animals that evolved over millions of years and thousands of years of modern civilisation to live as part of nature – not apart from it. We need to save our world and our planet. So artworks that speak to this fundamental need are really important.
But of course, we live in an era of catastrophic climate breakdown – do you think these artworks have a call to action in encouraging people to take better care of our planet and our environment? Do we need to each start planting more trees?
So even though Margaret Atwood is kind of quite ‘black’ in her writing, she really isn’t when it comes to her outlook. And when I spoke to her she said “this is a hopeful project” – she’s the one who really knows what it means when it comes to environmental activism. She’s there, on the front of it – and she’s been there all the time; but we haven’t necessarily been listening. And it’s partly her environmentalist background that made her say yes to participating in this work – it took her maybe only two minutes to make up her mind, she said.
Of course, we were SO happy, when she said she was willing to get involved. I can still remember where I was when I got the message saying she would do it. I was so happy! Because it was at this moment that I realised ‘this project is actually going to happen’.
Anne Beate Hovind and Future Library contributor, Margaret Atwood. Photo credit: Bjørvika Utvikling by Kristin von Hirsch
Did you have doubts that the project might not take off before you got Atwood’s backing?
Not necessarily doubts, but I knew it was a challenge, because, as we said earlier, there aren’t many projects or ideas these days that are built around cathedral thinking – we don’t even build monuments or buildings that won’t be finished for 100 years, let alone art. So how do you talk to a board about this? How do you convince them that 100 years is nothing?
But it’s been a fantastic journey so far, and it is fantastic still. I’m so happy and grateful to be a part of this work, and it has changed me – it’s been life changing.
Why do you think this project resonates so much with so many people, including yourself?
Some researchers should do some research on this, you know. When I saw the article had been upvoted so many times to the front page of Reddit, I thought, what is it that makes people upvote it so much? What is it all about?
There’s a core essence, perhaps, that the project has which has the capacity to capture people’s imagination’s in a really quick way.
And it’s so positive: the engagement people have with it is so built on hope and trust and empathy and compassion. I think it’s really basic human things that we need and are in need of.
I don’t have the answer of course; I can only try to imagine. But when I hear people say things about it, or when I have people ask me ‘how can you be sure that someone will take on this project after you are dead’ (so there’s even an aspect of mortality here that is intrinsically involved), well, I say it’s all about trust.
But when you say that – people have a really shocked reaction – they think ‘that’s so crazy’!
So how do you sustain the project for the future? In 70 or 80 years time, how will you make sure it’s still running?
Trust! It’s all about trust. You know we have set up a formal trust and intention agreements with the relevant municipal authorities in regards to the forest and the room at the Oslo Library, so we have kind of rigged up that admin aspect of it. But to run this project is also about energy – its about respect for the artwork and how it’s set up; and it is about loyalty.
There will be things the board and the trustees will have to solve that me and the artist couldn’t forsee. So there will be people who have to take on my job and fulfil it.
Oslo Public Library, where the books of the library of the future will be kept. Photo credit: Atelier Oslo and Lund Hagem.
The great thing about this artwork now is that I’ve seen there is a whole world protecting it. So if the forest is threatened by anything – the whole world will make sure to guard it and the books.
I have no choice other than believing in the project. And there’s also trust the other way – because the coming generations have to trust us that we do these kinds of thing for them. They have to trust that we will do things that take care of the planet – that we create work of arts for them.
Art is about what brings people together and the connections that this kind of project can form. Do you have any hopes for yourself about how this might turn out? If you could see the ceremony that takes place 100 years from now, what would you like to see?
I’m sure it’s going to be very emotional. I hope some of my great grand-children will be there and for them to maybe think ‘it was crazy for my great grandmother to take on this idea 100 years ago’, and I hope they think about that and what it means. Because it’s about building bridges between now and the future – but to turn it around, it’s also going to be about the present in the future and the past.
A book review by other means: Politics of the Asylum, by Adam Steiner
April 23, 2018 / professorwu / 1 Comment
When it comes to reviewing new works of fiction, the Nothing in the Rulebook team are always keen to jump at the opportunity. So, when we were offered the opportunity to review Politics of the Asylum, the debut novel by poet, publisher, short story writer and concept artist Adam Steiner, we leapt (both figuratively and literally) at the chance. What’s more, when we heard that Steiner’s book would draw on his own personal experiences working in the NHS, examining some of the tragic effects of recent neoliberal politics on our treasured healthcare service, we were filled with a genuine excitement (this may be expected; after all, our biggest creative project last year involved the publication and distribution of thousands of haikus in support of the NHS).
So, first thing’s first, what’s the plot?
Politics of the Asylum follows Nathan Finewax – a cleaner in a hospital steadily falling apart. He’s working on a ward where staff cheat, lie and steal to get ahead, where targets, death tolls and finance overrule patient care, and every day the same mistakes are repeated in a seemingly unstoppable wave of failures. Nathan is sucked deeper into the hospital routine as he dreams of escape, trying to avoid one day becoming a patient himself in this house of horrors.
Sounds great, right? Well, that’s where things get a little more nuanced. You see, this is a novel that, while startlingly original, is also almost as challenging as it is unique. In fact, to call it a novel, in the traditional sense of the word, is perhaps somewhat misleading. So much so, that we are somewhat bemused to say that Politics of the Asylum is perhaps the first novel we have reviewed that has split the opinions of our creative collective firmly down the middle. A little bit like marmite, there are those here at Nothing in the Rulebook towers who love the book; and those who found it more difficult.
As we are nothing if not a democracy, we decided that the best way to approach the review of this book, therefore, was to turn it less into a review, and more into a transcribed conversation between our two reviewers.
Without further ado, therefore, we hereby introduce you to a colossal debate of expert opinion between Professor Wu – amphibious philosophical mastermind and all-round fan of Steiner’s work; and Tom Andrews – NITRB’s resident book reviewer and human being, and some may say a ‘Steiner-sceptic’ (at least, for now…).
Bang the gong: aka – reviewers, fight (verbally, of course)!
Professor Wu (PW):
Okay, so this is powerful prose if ever I saw it. Though you can tell Steiner is a poet. The language he uses in the book vividly depicts a broken system – an institution where madness abounds and insanity reigns supreme. It would have been easy to say “the NHS is falling apart because of systematic government cuts, bonkers private finance initiatives and underhanded privatisation” – because all that has been said a thousand times before. It’s all true of course; neoliberalism is destroying one of Britain’s most sacred institutions. But what Steiner does so brilliantly is to make the reader not just see what is happening – but to feel what is happening to the NHS. His lyric essays – which is how I’d describe them – capture the frustrations and rage of those people caught within the tangled bureaucracy in a way I’ve personally not seen or experienced before. If we ever needed proof that we find new ways of looking at the world through stories; this is it. Totally unique – and an important work for our times!
Tom Andrews (TA):
Can I just start by quoting the first line of this book?
‘I intensify atoms. With every step, every breath between pause, a rushing haze of red water flicks – to remind me – there’s that ugly taste on the lips.’
It’s a long way from ‘Once upon a time..’ I fear that the language rather tends to obscure the message and the author is too concerned with being poetic to be clear. Some may struggle to get beyond the early pages – it’s not a book concerned with telling a story or being accessible. Steiner should be praised for his ability to find inspiration in the most unlikely and mundane places (he is currently producing a series of poetry films about the Coventry ring road). He captures well the dullness, the numbing and futile nature of a dead end job.
I understand where you’re coming from with the first line – there’s an element of obscurity that may not be to everyone’s taste. I think in part you almost have two options here – analyse it line by line, word by word, on a granular detail – or take it more in swathes, read each piece of the jigsaw and try and see what images or feelings it stirs within you, as a reader.
For the general reader I think the second approach is best. No writer wants (or should want) to turn their work into a classroom exercise where you have to find meaning in a rose thorn. But in the same way I can happily go to a modern art or traditional art gallery and stare at artworks without any schooling in the medium, I think readers can take this book and find emotions and themes without necessarily having to have them laid out in a traditional narrative model. In a way, the point may even be the obscurity – working within a bureaucratic behemoth like the NHS is bound to make one feel not only obscure; but confused, alienated; disoriented.
This, for me, speaks to an even bigger theme and question at the heart of the book. You rightly raise the point about accessibility. You’re talking about accessibility of language, but within the context of the NHS, we should be talking about accessibility of healthcare. Increasingly what we are seeing is that the founding principles of the NHS are slowly being corrupted under this Tory government, and that healthcare is increasingly restricted, and less accessible. The recent case of Albert Thompson is an extreme example, but we are now at the point where UK citizens are being denied access to life saving treatment because of their background. And that’s before we even start to think about increased waiting times, and certain services being removed from NHS provision. In this way, you could say that some of the inaccessibility is a way of holding a mirror up to a system that is being turned into such a mess of procedures and process that restricts access to patients – just as we as readers are restricted from an ‘easy’ or accessible route into the narrative.
I appreciate this may be a bit of a cheap argument – and I think it’s important to note that this book perhaps isn’t for anyone looking for just a bit of light reading before bed. But for me, part of the narrative comes from the way the reader has to find meaning and explore the language of the book in the same way the principle protagonist/narrator has to explore the tangled web of work within the NHS.
I also think you’re dead right about the way this doesn’t just have to be about the NHS – it could, as you say, be about any ‘dead end’ job. For workers and people living in a world in which it so often seems the only purpose of your life is to go out and get things for yourself and gratify yourself and buy things and own more and more and more – finding meaning within your existence (and poetic meaning at that) is something we could all with having more of.
“You do have a point about this book resembling it’s subject matter: it’s chaotic and overstretched, much like the service itself.” – Tom Andrews
TA:
I don’t want to dismiss the work as dead end – it keeps the NHS going.
However, there is a certain air of futility, of fighting against a tide of mess just to create a fleeting cleanliness that is quickly destroyed.
The text itself certainly experimental and full of ideas. As the novel progresses, bold type, page layouts and single use onomatopoeia make an appearance. A later chapter is written in the form of a patient’s medical notes, including this delightful couplet.
‘This Pepto gives no cure to the fire/with haunting sounds of Orpheus’s lyre.’
I’m not saying a journalistic expose would be better and as you said there is no lack of statistics and first hand testimony to illustrate the problems facing the NHS, but I feel that by putting across his experiences in such a form, Steiner is in danger of preaching to the converted like you and me.
There’s a certain incoherence as if it is a collection of poems or lyric essays which want to be a novel rather than a novel in the strictest sense. The description as a novel is perhaps unhelpful as I was expecting something rather more conventional from the blurb. You do have a point about this book resembling its subject matter: it’s chaotic and overstretched like the service itself.
“I think Steiner’s work can act as a clarion call to all those who are invested in the continued existence of the NHS.” – Professor Wu
Your question of whether this book has an air of preaching to the converted is an interesting one – you’re certainly right that there’s an element that supporters of our healthcare system may approach this work and others like it with an air of intrinsic bias. We want to support the NHS by any means necessary, so any project that strives to do that may be one we inherently think positively of.
So the question here I suppose is whether the more superficial aspects of the work – the changes in form, structure, the poetic lyrics, etc – are unhelpful to reaching new audiences and convincing them of the value of the NHS (as well as the current challenges the system is facing).
My concern is that by arguing that such aspects hinder the accessibility of the work, one could use a similar thought pattern to dismiss poetry and lyricism more generally. Should readers be essentially pandered to? If someone expects to read a novel and suddenly finds they have accidentally read a poem or lyric essay, have they somehow been wronged? Do they deserve compensation? Do they require a warning label on the cover of any book along the lines of “warning, may contain poetry”?
Poetry has long been a vital form of art as a form of protest. Since Percy Bysshe Shelley was moved to pen poetic verse in protest at the Peterloo massacre. The Masque of Anarchy advocates radical social action and non-violent resistance: “Shake your chains to earth like dew / Which in sleep had fallen on you- / Ye are many — they are few”.
In the same way, I think Steiner’s work can act as a clarion call to all those who are invested in the continued existence of the NHS. Not only rallying the troops but gaining new supporters from those who appreciate writing that is attempting to do new things.
Conformity with formal structures of writing and the status quo may not have the same impact as a work that challenges its readers’ assumptions.
The difficulty in reviewing experimental and out of the ordinary writing is that I might dismiss something just because it isn’t what I am accustomed to. I’m not sure that I have the tools to find the merits in this, lacking as I do the literary background of an amphibian professor like yourself. Certainly, I would not have chosen this book for my personal reading.
Lyrical makes it sound like this is going to be a pleasant, beauty in the details, kind of book. It’s more of a warts-and-blood-and-pus-and-death kind of book – imaginative but not necessarily beautiful.
It could well rouse opinions among people who are more vaguely angry about the NHS than specifically engaged, although it would be a distinctly avant-garde bit of clarion playing.
Intrigued? Perturbed? Baffled? Read the first chapter here –
https://adamsteiner.uk/2018/02/08/politics-of-the-asylum-one-month-to-launch/
Read the book and want to get involved in the conversation? Leave a comment below!
Haven’t read the book and want to get involved? Buy the book from publisher’s Urbane Piblications via Amazon here https://urbanepublications.com/books/politics-of-the-asylum/
The power of language: Toni Morrison’s Nobel prize acceptance speech
April 23, 2018 / professorwu / Leave a comment
“If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought,” George Orwell wrote in Power of the English Language. Much has been written on the power of language, which can be appear through political rhetoric and bedazzlement, as seduction through words, as “persuasion” – in order to change the way we perceive the world. This power can be used to coral, dictate to and control entire swathes of the population; by the media, through dictators and elected politicians alike; through to influencing the minutiae of everyday life; the arts of seduction of advertising, the sales tricks of telephone marketing, or the menacing undertones we may encounter in the workplace or our personal relationships.
Yet language is also the hallmark of our species. Our ability to communicate with one another through words, through grammar and syntax, either written down or spoken aloud, is perhaps the defining feature of what we may term ‘civilisation’. Language has the power to corrupt – and to be corrupted – yet it also has the power to convey meaning across generations, it has the ability to record histories and ideas that lead to advancements in our society once thought impossible.
When it comes to the great power of language and the responsibility we have when using it, we may turn to the Nobel Prize acceptance speech of one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, Tony Morrison.
Morrison received the Nobel Prize in literature for being a writer “who in novels characterized by visionary force and poetic import, gives life to an essential aspect of American reality.” On taking to the podium to accept the award in December 1993, she provided us with a spectacular speech on the power of language to oppress and to liberate, to scar and to sanctify, to plunder and to redeem.
Morrison opines:
““Once upon a time there was an old woman. Blind but wise.” Or was it an old man? A guru, perhaps. Or a griot soothing restless children. I have heard this story, or one exactly like it, in the lore of several cultures.
“Once upon a time there was an old woman. Blind. Wise.”
In the version I know the woman is the daughter of slaves, black, American, and lives alone in a small house outside of town. Her reputation for wisdom is without peer and without question. Among her people she is both the law and its transgression. The honor she is paid and the awe in which she is held reach beyond her neighborhood to places far away; to the city where the intelligence of rural prophets is the source of much amusement.
One day the woman is visited by some young people who seem to be bent on disproving her clairvoyance and showing her up for the fraud they believe she is. Their plan is simple: they enter her house and ask the one question the answer to which rides solely on her difference from them, a difference they regard as a profound disability: her blindness. They stand before her, and one of them says, “Old woman, I hold in my hand a bird. Tell me whether it is living or dead.”
She does not answer, and the question is repeated. “Is the bird I am holding living or dead?”
Still she doesn’t answer. She is blind and cannot see her visitors, let alone what is in their hands. She does not know their color, gender or homeland. She only knows their motive.
The old woman’s silence is so long, the young people have trouble holding their laughter.
Finally she speaks and her voice is soft but stern. “I don’t know,” she says. “I don’t know whether the bird you are holding is dead or alive, but what I do know is that it is in your hands. It is in your hands.”
Her answer can be taken to mean: if it is dead, you have either found it that way or you have killed it. If it is alive, you can still kill it. Whether it is to stay alive, it is your decision. Whatever the case, it is your responsibility.
For parading their power and her helplessness, the young visitors are reprimanded, told they are responsible not only for the act of mockery but also for the small bundle of life sacrificed to achieve its aims. The blind woman shifts attention away from assertions of power to the instrument through which that power is exercised.
Speculation on what (other than its own frail body) that bird-in-the-hand might signify has always been attractive to me, but especially so now thinking, as I have been, about the work I do that has brought me to this company. So I choose to read the bird as language and the woman as a practiced writer. She is worried about how the language she dreams in, given to her at birth, is handled, put into service, even withheld from her for certain nefarious purposes. Being a writer she thinks of language partly as a system, partly as a living thing over which one has control, but mostly as agency — as an act with consequences. So the question the children put to her: “Is it living or dead?” is not unreal because she thinks of language as susceptible to death, erasure; certainly imperiled and salvageable only by an effort of the will. She believes that if the bird in the hands of her visitors is dead the custodians are responsible for the corpse. For her a dead language is not only one no longer spoken or written, it is unyielding language content to admire its own paralysis. Like statist language, censored and censoring. Ruthless in its policing duties, it has no desire or purpose other than maintaining the free range of its own narcotic narcissism, its own exclusivity and dominance. However moribund, it is not without effect for it actively thwarts the intellect, stalls conscience, suppresses human potential.
The vitality of language lies in its ability to limn the actual, imagined and possible lives of its speakers, readers, writers. Although its poise is sometimes in displacing experience it is not a substitute for it. It arcs toward the place where meaning may lie. When a President of the United States thought about the graveyard his country had become, and said, “The world will little note nor long remember what we say here. But it will never forget what they did here,” his simple words are exhilarating in their life-sustaining properties because they refused to encapsulate the reality of 600, 000 dead men in a cataclysmic race war. Refusing to monumentalize, disdaining the “final word,” the precise “summing up,” acknowledging their “poor power to add or detract,” his words signal deference to the uncapturability of the life it mourns. It is the deference that moves her, that recognition that language can never live up to life once and for all. Nor should it. Language can never “pin down” slavery, genocide, war. Nor should it yearn for the arrogance to be able to do so. Its force, its felicity is in its reach toward the ineffable.
Be it grand or slender, burrowing, blasting, or refusing to sanctify; whether it laughs out loud or is a cry without an alphabet, the choice word, the chosen silence, unmolested language surges toward knowledge, not its destruction.
Word-work is sublime … because it is generative; it makes meaning that secures our difference, our human difference — the way in which we are like no other life.
We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives.”
Listen to Toni Morrison’s dazzling speech here below
Creatives in profile: interview with Wundor Editions
April 9, 2018 April 9, 2018 / professorwu / 3 Comments
Matthew Smith, founder of independent publishing house, Wunder Editions.
It seems old hat to say that mainstream publishing has been facing an existential crisis in recent years. As profit margins thin, the industry has been forced to seek new and innovative ways to survive.
One fantastic – and relatively new – player within the sector is Wundor Editions, a London-based publishing house committed to producing innovative and challenging literature and images, while working with new and established writers and photographers.
It is an honour to bring you this detailed interview with the founder of Wundor Editions, the author, photographer and designer Matthew Smith.
I’m a writer of fiction and poetry, a photographer and a designer. I read English Literature at Oxford, but part of me had wanted to go to art school in London. Both the literary and the visual have always been key for me. In my own creativity and in the work of the artists I am inspired by I like to be surprised by the work of the imagination. A ‘wundor’ is an Old English word for something unimaginable, perhaps a miracle, perhaps a monster. This is the stuff of storytelling, so I named my publishing house after it.
Nas, Billy Corgan, Pep Guardiola, Marilynne Robinson, Bjork, Warren Buffet. All people with a singular vision who have managed to bring it out of themselves.
Can you tell us a bit about Wundor Editions – how was it borne into existence?
I wanted to make compelling books and present them to readers in new and engaging ways. By fusing together the worlds of striking photography, illustration and design with original, new works of literature, I felt we could make a world of creativity that people would want to be part of.
It’s no easy feat to bring a new independent publishing house into existence – the sector is so dominated by the established ‘big five’. What are some of the main challenges you faced in establishing Wundor Editions?
The main challenges are to do with becoming known to readers. First you have to become known to bookshop owners. Before that you have to become known to reviewers, a distributor and a sales team. You have to take the vision out to these people first, and convince a lot of people that your vision will come to fruition with perhaps only one book in print form that you can use to demonstrate this.
What, do you think, are the biggest opportunities for independent publishers within the publishing sector?
There are lots of artistic works out there that are not given the time of day but they could find an audience. There is no shortage of this stuff, that’s a myth. You just have to know what you’re looking for, and be grateful that it’s not what someone else is looking for.
What do you think a publishing house or printing press should be for? Why are they important?
They give artists a platform and inspire their readers.
Julian Barnes has stated that the problem with the big publishing companies is that they are too risk averse: they are only willing to “publish novels that are copies of other successful novels”. Do you think that independent publishers have a duty to champion independent voices of authors and artists whose books may never be given a chance by the bigger companies in the sector?
Great books are great books – big companies publish them, small companies publish them. Independent publishers should be careful not to define themselves by their differences to bigger companies, thereby limiting their own potential unnecessarily. And independent publishers do fall into the same trap Julian Barnes rightly mentions. But hopefully more often than not their independence allows for a more nimble and agile approach to creativity, and the courage to take risks on original works of art. The challenge is to build this ethos into a growing company that continues to take risks as it grows.
The future of literature; of writing – and indeed the future of publishing – are all frequently discussed at great lengths. What are your thoughts on current industry trends – where are we heading?
I’m just looking for exciting new authors and photographers who have unique visions and who have taken the time to develop their technique so they can express their ideas brilliantly. The future will look after itself.
Obviously, the rise of the internet has seen a big culture shift in the way we communicate. What role do you see traditional presses playing in this new “digital era”?
The same role they’ve always played. The internet is great for seeking out specific pieces of information and for communication, but after prolonged periods it wears away at your concentration and offers little in the way of sustenance. Traditional presses can make books we can treasure and that have meaning – both in their physical form and as vehicles for stories and poems. There is a power that a book lying on a table has that is magnetic. The internet can’t compete with it.
The ability to imagine something and then to make it accessible to others.
What advice would you give to authors thinking of submitting their work to Wundor Editions?
Go for it! It doesn’t have to be perfect – we will work with writers to develop their stories and their poetry. But you do need to have an original voice.
What’s next for Wundor Editions? What should we look out for?
We’ll be publishing an Australian literary heavyweight for the first time in the UK later this year, and we’ll be launching our first photobooks too.
Oh no. Wait. That’s it! Hmmm.
What are your 5 – 10 top tips for aspiring writers and artists?
Trust your own instincts completely but be open to other people’s ideas.
The only thing worse than refusing to take advice is taking advice you’re not comfortable with. Take advice from a number of sources and pick and choose what resonates with you. Be your own executive editor.
Know that you might have to put your work out there before it’s perfect, and perfect it along the way.
There’s no such thing as writer’s block, only fallow periods. If you don’t have any ideas, don’t write anything. Wait for the urge to come back. You’ll save yourself a lot of hours of editing.
There’s always time to write a novel if you really want to. Be ingenious in your scheduling.
Minimise all engagement with digital stuff if you want to rediscover deep concentration.
Don’t buy into the dream of a life where you only have to write. You wouldn’t find it fulfilling because there are other kinds of work which can provide things that writing can’t. And if you can earn money from another source, you’re free to pursue your vision unimpeded by commercial concerns. Ironically, if your work is good, there’s a good chance it will sell.
Grammar rules and how to break them: the run-on sentence
April 5, 2018 / professorwu / 1 Comment
Breaking rules are what all the cool cats are doing these days (and have been doing for years, to be honest with you – it isn’t something that goes out of fashion). Even though new writers may find themselves drawn to the myriad number of ‘rules’ for writing that exist on the internet, there are a lot of writing ‘Dos and Don’ts’ that were made to be ignored – so long as you do it right, of course.
Chief among these are often rules of grammar, syntax and punctuation. Not least because attempts to standardise language and the written word often leads to the suppression or marginalisation of communities and peoples.
Grammar rules do exist for a reason; yet learning when and how to ignore certain rules can enhance your writing.
To give you an example, in this article we’ll look at the run-on sentence – and show you how you can throw all conventional wisdom out of the proverbial window in order to write one hell’uva good story.
Cool runnings – an introduction to the run-on sentence
First things first; the basics: run-on sentences, also known as fused sentences, occur when two complete sentences are squashed together without using a coordinating conjunction or proper punctuation, such as a period or a semicolon. Run-on sentences can be short or long. A long sentence isn’t necessarily a run-on sentence.
What’s the problem with using a run-on sentence?
A run-on sentence lacks the correct punctuation to tell the reader where to pause or to signal that a new idea is being expressed. The reader may be confused about the meaning of the sentence or have to make their own decision about where to pause.
Correcting a run-on sentence can help your sentences read more smoothly and should help your reader understand what you’re trying to say more easily. The independent clauses help the sentences make sense and they are much tighter and concise by comparison to the run-on sentence structures.
Breaking the grammar rule
Now, we’re not advocating ignoring the rules around run-on sentences completely: you can’t use them for everything you write, constantly. But if you understand how to conveniently forget about the grammar rule around them from time to time, you can help bring some new-found life and variation to your stories that will leave your readers gasping for breath – and gasping for more of your writing.
In the spirit of one of the most frequently touted rules of writing – we aren’t going to tell you how to do this; but rather show you, by using examples from some of the greatest writers who didn’t think twice about what grammatical rules they may or may not have been breaking.
First up – and perhaps not surprisingly – we have James Joyce’s Ulysses, which famously concludes with Penelope, or Molly Bloom’s Soliloquy, which has 24,048 words punctuated by two periods and one comma. Here’s a part of the final episode:
“…I suppose he was thinking of his father I wonder is he awake thinking of me or dreaming am I in it who gave him that flower he said he bought he smelt of some kind of drink not whisky or stout or perhaps the sweety kind of paste they stick their bills up with some liquor Id like to sip those richlooking green and yellow expensive drinks those stagedoor johnnies drink with the opera hats I tasted one with my finger dipped out of that American that had the squirrel talking stamps with father he had all he could do to keep himself from falling asleep after the last time we took the port and potted meat it had a fine salty taste yes because I felt lovely and tired myself and fell asleep as sound as a top the moment I popped straight into bed till that thunder woke me up as if the world was coming to an end God be merciful to us I thought the heavens were coming down about us to punish when I blessed myself and said a Hail Mary like those awful thunderbolts in Gibraltar and they come and tell you theres no God what could you do if it was running and rushing about nothing only make an act of contrition the candle I lit that evening in Whitefriars street chapel for the month of May see it brought its luck though hed scoff if he heard because he never goes to church mass or meeting he says your soul you have no soul inside only grey matter because he doesnt know what it is to have one yes when I lit the lamp yes…”
If you find this difficult to follow, you’re not alone. At the time of writing, this soliloquy contained the longest sentence ever written at 4,391 words, which made it the master of all run on sentences.
Nonetheless, while you might not want to go quite as far as Joyce, you can see how ignoring conventional grammatical wisdom can enhance the intensity, voice, and style of your writing. It helps your words to flow freely, adding life and vigour to your writing.
For our second example, we’re turning to another literary great, David Foster Wallace. His short story Incarnations of burned children was first published in Esquire magazine and you can read it online for free (do it now). The story consists of only nine sentences, and yet is 1100 words. The breathless run-on sentences intentionally lend to a panicked, anxious reading, a messy and somewhat incoherent babble as neither the narrator nor the Daddy nor the Mommy can slow down and think rationally.
Here are the first three sentences of the story, to give you a flavour of how Wallace breaks traditional grammatical rules to such devastating effect:
“The Daddy was around the side of the house hanging a door for the tenant when he heard the child’s screams and the Mommy’s voice gone high between them. He could move fast, and the back porch gave onto the kitchen, and before the screen door had banged shut behind him the Daddy had taken the scene in whole, the overturned pot on the floortile before the stove and the burner’s blue jet and the floor’s pool of water still steaming as its many arms extended, the toddler in his baggy diaper standing rigid with steam coming off his hair and his chest and shoulders scarlet and his eyes rolled up and mouth open very wide and seeming somehow separate from the sounds that issued, the Mommy down on one knee with the dishrag dabbing pointlessly at him and matching the screams with cries of her own, hysterical so she was almost frozen. Her one knee and the bare little soft feet were still in the steaming pool, and the Daddy’s first act was to take the child under the arms and lift him away from it and take him to the sink, where he threw out plates and struck the tap to let cold wellwater run over the boy’s feet while with his cupped hand he gathered and poured or flung more cold water over his head and shoulders and chest, wanting first to see the steam stop coming off him, the Mommy over his shoulder invoking God until he sent her for towels and gauze if they had it, the Daddy moving quickly and well and his man’s mind empty of everything but purpose, not yet aware of how smoothly he moved or that he’d ceased to hear the high screams because to hear them would freeze him and make impossible what had to be done to help his child, whose screams were regular as breath and went on so long they’d become already a thing in the kitchen, something else to move quickly around.”
Protect your voice
If we were to ‘correct’ the work of Joyce and Wallace (to name just two authors who ignore the run-on sentence rule), we may make them conform more closely with standardised English language; but both works would lose something fundamental in doing so. They would lose their energy; they would lose their voice.
Since a writer’s voice has more to do with what meaning is or isn’t conveyed to the reader than the grammatical rules and syntactical structures we place upon our written language, these stories would have their fundamental essence rearranged and, ultimately diminished.
So, if you find yourself locked in a burst of frenzied writing energy and wake the next morning covered in raw coffee beans and ink (we’ve all been there) to find that your prose is riddled with run-on sentences; don’t worry. Sit back, re-read what you’ve written, and remember the timeless (though slightly paraphrased) words of Doc Brown from Back to the Future: “Rules? Where we’re going, we don’t need rules…”
Creatives in profile: interview with The Ultra
April 3, 2018 April 3, 2018 / professorwu / 1 Comment
The Ultra. Photography by Mike Dodson/Vagabond Images.
In the latest of our ‘Creatives in profile’ interview series, it is an honour to introduce you to Joel Alexander and Paul Dogra – the duo behind independent rock/electronic band, The Ultra.
First founded in East London, The Ultra is a band that likes to experiment and create interesting emotive music that captures memorable hooks and melodies. To date, The Ultra have two EP’s and two videos out, as well as a write up in in the popular local magazine The E-list. They also have their debut EP ‘When The World Turns Out Its Lights’ signed to Platform Records and recently had their track ‘Universe In Two’ used on a trailer for a new computer game called ‘Die Young’.
You can check their music out here and follow them on Twitter @UltrabandUK. We hope you enjoy this detailed interview…
Tell me about yourselves, where you live and your background/lifestyle?
THE ULTRA
Joel:
We are Paul and Joel Aka ‘The Ultra’, and we met and started creating music after meeting through a musician’s site in London.
I am originally from all over the south of England as my parents liked to move around. Later I was actually living round the corner from Paul when we met, which was convenient. I now live with my partner in Copenhagen, Denmark and fly back regularly to work with Paul. My background has always involved singing in bands and writing lyrics.
I am originally from London and studied in Brighton. I currently reside in East London to be near my 5 yr old daughter who delightfully absorbs my time when I am not writing music. My life revolves around my daughter and music – these are both what make me content and purposeful in life.
I have been in various bands over the years that were more guitar based and played many gigs in the late 90s and early 00s in London. I have worked with other musicians over the years on a variety of projects, but more in the background. There came a point in 2014 when I rediscovered dance and electro based music again, and so I started to write with this in mind, with the primary focus of forming a duo with a co-writer/singer.
Is music your first love, or do you have another passion?
I would probably say yes, as I have grown up listening and being very passionate about music, probably also due to my parents playing a wide range of music when I was a kid. I also enjoy travelling very much and – of course – spending time with my partner, Ida.
Music has always been my passion and it is how I express my emotions and inner most thoughts. I use music almost as a form of meditation – to help forget my worries and concerns. My other passion would of course be my daughter, Orla, who I adore and is my absolute world!
I have been inspired by great bands from Depeche Mode to Pearl Jam, Peter Gabriel and Dire Straits. I am also inspired by people who have overcome great hardship.
The main artist that inspires me musically and spiritually is Depeche Mode, also the U2 period 1991 – 2005. I am also inspired to write music to enable my daughter in years to come to admire my creative side and be proud of what I achieved. I guess its about wanting to leave a legacy of music for her.
Who were your early teachers?
I guess it was the music I listened to as a kid, Eddie Vedder was a great teacher from afar. I have worked with vocal coaches over the years too, some good, some not so good. When you find your true real voice it gets more straight forward.
I am fan of U2 musically and lyrically. Their songs taught me how to approach writing a song in terms of dynamics, textures, and creating atmosphere. I was heavily influenced by the guitar style of The Edge to play a minimalist yet effective guitar sound. Depeche Mode obviously too.
How would you describe your current sound?
I would say electronic with rock elements, experimental and atmospheric.
I would say it is electro/alternative and experimental. We like to challenge ourselves to create emotive and interesting music that hopefully captures people.
As primarily a community of writers, we’re keen to learn about your creative songwriting process. How does a song usually develop – do you first start with the lyrics, melody, chord progression, or something else?
Paul will normally send me over a melody idea and then I will start writing to that, after we have the rough lyrics and a guide vocal we will then build the track around that.
It starts in various ways – sometimes a drum loop or beat I have found, or playing around with synth sounds – this then creates a mood with which to build upon. I’ll then put down a basic template of chord progression and sounds. Then I will send this to Joel who will work on melody and lyrics. When Joel feels he has a basic idea, we will record vocals and work out what does and doesn’t work. That will then provide a template to build upon with more sounds and instruments.
The exciting thing is that I wouldn’t have heard Joel’s ideas until he records a draft vocal – I always look forward to this. As always, Joel will complement the music ideas I have so well.
Do you have a favourite place or time that you like to write?
Not really – when I sit down and decide to write. I generally get lost in the track so anytime works.
I am at my most creative at night and like to write and lay ideas down then – usually with a glass or two of red wine!
Where do your ideas for songs originate from?
Current feelings I guess, also what may be happening in the world at the time or something I have seen recently that sticks with me.
From a certain emotion, thought or mood I am in at that time – that could be about my personal life or something I have heard or read in the news.
Does a certain emotion trigger your songwriting impulse?
Often feeling reflective, full of questions or if I really feel I need to get some words/emotions out.
Yes, usually an emotion of sadness, hurt or doubt. Certainly I know that Joel’s lyrics complement the basic mood I try to write from a music perspective.
What do you think is the relationship between lyrics and poetry?
Yes, I would say there is a relationship, but I do not know if Joel approaches his lyrics in this way. My favourite lyricists are Bono and Martin Gore, who I feel have a sense of poetry in their writing.
Lyrics are poetry to music.
When putting together a new song, do you tend to work in long stretches, or short bursts?
It depends on how creative I get when writing. This can mean long bursts because I am determined to get a basic idea down.
We spend a long time crafting the songs once we have the idea down, it is a nice process.
When creating a new song, how do you maintain motivation through the whole process – from the initial idea, to writing the lyrics and music, playing, rehearsing, practising, editing, finally recording and then releasing to the public?
This can depend on song the song(s) we are working on. From my point of view, when I have an initial idea (and if it is really inspiring) then this will increase the motivation and workflow. If I have an idea that I think is really good, I will want to get a very basic template down and then send to Joel for his thoughts and suggestions. Joel will then work on his melodies and lyrics for the song.
When Joel feels that he has good ideas we will co-ordinate dates to record draft vocals in London. Once these are completed this will motivate me to work more crafting the song with layers and sounds based on Joel’s melodies. Once we are both satisfied, then we set a date for final recording of vocals. We have a very dedicated and intense recording workflow.
I then spend much time editing the song which involves more dynamics and textures. I know at times Joel can get frustrated as to why a song takes so long to have a final mix! I guess I am in my element when I am mixing and editing away on a song – sometimes I do need Joel to say “come on mate, don’t over do the song now!”. Setting deadlines is how we tend to motivate ourselves, which we discuss in detail.
The belief in the songs and the excitement I get as they develop keeps me motivated for sure! But, yes, as Paul says I think it is important to set deadlines as to not let the song stagnate.
A number of songwriters have spoken about the power of music to change the world. In these turbulent political times, what role do you think music has to play in putting forward new ideas, or challenging existing ones?
Certainly I would suggest that music is an ‘escapism’ from the reality of the turbulent times that surround us. I guess music and lyrics can help define a mood, thought, or worry a person has and ‘hide away’ from the worries at that time. Lyrics most definitely make a statement about the times we are in.
Yes, I think you can get a strong message across through music and this has been done many times over the years. Whether the people who can actually do something listen is a different story.
In Capitalist Realism, Mark Fisher speaks about the catch-22 situation some musicians find themselves in, where “a protest against MTV is the only thing guaranteed to get you airtime on MTV”. How do you perceive the relationship between new or independent music artists and the corporate music studio corporations and power structures?
This really resonates with us, because we are independent and self-financing musicians. The corporate music studios and power structures hold immense sway in getting music heard on radio stations and promoting artists. I think that there is a ‘battle’ against the independent artist and the big corporations for exposure and to make an impact. Unfortunately, the independent artist does not have the same money or influence as the corporates, so this is so frustrating when all we want to do is ‘get our music heard’ and play decent music venues.
It is difficult as an independent artist trying to get your work out there; but I think when things happen for you it is all the more rewarding. It is a shame there seems to be such a big divide these days. I can’t remember last time I heard a new experimental song in the charts. But then again I don’t listen to the charts often anymore.
Do you feel any ethical responsibility as musicians and artists?
Yes, in terms of honesty. In my personal life, I would like to think I am ethically responsible in my everyday life of how I treat people. I am aware that I have a young daughter who will be on this planet for years to come and so from an environmental point of view and how to behave, I like to think I am ethical.
Yes I do, I think how we as artists come across is very important and it is also important to stick to one’s beliefs.
What are your thoughts on some of the general trends within the music industry? Is there anything in particular you see as being potentially future-defining?
Certainly it is much easier to be able to ‘put your music out there’ for people to hear and watch, and the power of social media is clearly evident. However, there unfortunately is still an element that the big-label players have the connections to elevate your music and contacts for air/video play.
I think a shake up needs to happen sometime. Spotify is a big one where the artist has control of their music and can get it out there and earn money from it without needing support from a label.
Could you tell us a little about some of the future projects you’re working on?
We have a live performance video of our song Incognito in final editing at the moment, which we will then promote. We are also working on new ideas and hoping to look towards targeted live performances with a drummer later in the year.
Exactly what Paul said, we have loads of stuff coming up!
Could you write us a story in 6 words?
The world spun then went numb.
This is impossible!
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Children's & Education
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Arts & Performance
Human Stories
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Einstein's Brain Unlocked
1 x 52 min.
Clean, M/E + English
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© NHK
The curious fate of a genius's mind
The genius of Albert Einstein never ceases to allure. Following his autopsy in 1955, Einstein's brain is said to have been sliced and scattered among researchers around the world. Where are the pieces now? NHK goes in pursuit of remnants in Japan, the US, Canada, and Argentina, rediscovering hundreds of photos taken during the autopsy as well as an individual in possession of over 100 fragments. The data set is then brought together to build a 3D CGI, successfully "recreating" Einstein's brain as it would have been in his 20s, when he proposed the theory of relativity. An extraordinary journey and the latest in neuroscience turn a new page in the story of the genius's brain.
© NHK Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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UN-European Parliament: The Israel-Bashing Club (a year ago)
Source: WSJ, article by Daniel Schwammenthal
""Israel is an apartheid state," was the most often-heard charge, closely followed by calls for a boycott. The West should cut its economic ties with the Jewish state, the speakers urged, and engage the "democratically elected" Islamists now running Gaza.
No, this was not a Hamas rally somewhere in the Palestinian territories. This was Brussels, where the European Parliament last week played host to the "United Nations International Conference of Civil Society in Support of Israeli-Palestinian Peace."
If the conference title's inversion of the truth is reminiscent of Communist-style propaganda, this is no coincidence. The meeting was organized by the U.N. Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, a Soviet-era body founded around the time of the 1975 U.N. "Zionism is racism" resolution. That anti-Semitic resolution was revoked in 1991 but the committee continued its activities in the resolution's original spirit.
Speaker after speaker at the European Parliament on Thursday and Friday presented the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from an exclusively Palestinian perspective. Israel was accused of human rights violations while Palestinian terrorism and incitement went unmentioned. The delegates invoked the Israeli occupation as the underlying cause for the conflict without mentioning the Palestinian rejectionism and violence that prevent further Israeli withdrawals. The "right of return" of millions of Palestinians, which would lead to the demographic destruction of Israel as a Jewish state, was upheld despite the official claim to favor a two-state solution.
Amid this standard-Israel-bashing, a few delegates managed to come up with a few innovative charges against the Jewish state.
There was Clare Short, a member of the British Parliament and Secretary for International Development under Prime Minister Tony Blair until she resigned in 2003 over the Iraq war. Claiming that Israel is actually "much worse than the original apartheid state" and accusing it of "killing (Palestinian) political leaders," Ms. Short charged the Jewish state with the ultimate crime: Israel "undermines the international community's reaction to global warming." According to Ms. Short, the Middle East conflict distracts the world from the real problem: man-made climate change. If extreme weather will lead to the "end of the human race," as Ms. Short warned it could, add this to the list of the crimes of Israel.
The U.S. also came in for criticism. Pierre Galand, chairman of the European Coordination of Committees and Associations for Palestine, admonished Washington for increasing its military aid to Israel. What really worried Mr. Galand was that this aid would allow Israel to build a missile defense system. In Mr. Galand's view, Israel's ability to protect itself against possible nuclear-tipped Iranian missiles doesn't serve the "cause of peace."
Speaking at the conference's opening session, Edward McMillan-Scott, British vice president of the European Parliament, told the audience that, "It is also worth noting that I am related to Colonel T. E. Lawrence of Arabia." Having thus established his noble pedigree, he later told me that Hamas was "not a terrorist organization." Perhaps Mr. McMillan-Scott is aspiring to the title of Edward of Hamastan?
The only attempt among the dozens of speakers to present the other side came from an Arab-Israeli. Nadia Hilou, a member of the Israeli Parliament (so much for the "apartheid" charge) explained why her countrymen are pessimistic about the prospects for peace. "It's the disappointment that the withdrawals from Gaza and Lebanon, which were seen as gestures of good will, have worsened not improved Israel's security situation." Having failed to stick to her assigned role as witness for the prosecution, Ms. Hilou is unlikely to be invited back.
One is tempted to dismiss the conference as of little practical consequence. Another U.N. conference bashing Israel -- what else is new? Bronislaw Geremek [1932-2008], a former Polish foreign minister and current member of the European Parliament, disagrees. That his house has played host to this "revolting" meeting, he told me, will further diminish Europe's credibility as an even-handed peace broker in Israeli eyes. Mr. Geremek, together with a group of like-minded lawmakers, many also Polish, tried in vain to stop the conference from taking place.
The U.N. gathering in Brussels, though, did more than just sow distrust between Europe and Israel. It was a further step in the growing campaign to delegitimize and demonize Israel. The calls for a boycott, championed first by radical Palestinians, have already been adopted by some mainstream organizations, such as various British unions. Similarly, the idea of establishing contacts with Hamas has been echoed recently by high-profile politicians. Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi, a former EU Commission President, suggested talking to Hamas last month to help it "develop." (He later backtracked.) The British Parliament's foreign affairs committee also recommended last month to engage with Hamas. The U.K. lawmakers even added Hezbollah and Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood to their wish list of dialogue partners -- all in the interest of peace, of course.
By hosting this conference, the European Parliament has lent its good name to propaganda and helped to make radical anti-Israeli claims more mainstream. It's a huge disservice to the search for Mideast peace, which must be based on compromise and dialogue."
- UN panel conference at EU Parliament despite Israeli protests
- European Parliamentarians denounce anti-Israel conference
- European Parliament to host controversial anti-Israeli conference
Labels: Europe, European Union, Pierre Galand
France: complaint lodged against Euro-Palestine for defending killing of French soldiers in Afghanistan
A French army defense association has lodged a complaint with the Doyen des juges d’instruction of Paris against EuroPalestine for issuing a statement on their website, on August 20, making an apology for the killing of ten French soldiers by Afghan insurgents, and for defamation of the French army.
EuroPalestine indicated that the soldiers' killing was part of "the risk involved in the dirty job" they were doing in Afghanistan, and jeered at the "whining" that followed their death.
EuroPalestine also stated that only the multiplication of well-planned ambushes against French troops engaged in the fight against the Taleban would force the Government to reconsider its position and bring them back home.
EuroPalestine is one of the countless anti-Western/anti-Israeli/anti-Jewish propaganda organizations in Europe posing as defenders of the Palestinian people.
With their hateful words about the death of ten valorous French soldiers, EuroPalestine have once again shown their true colours.
Background on EuroPalestine here
Uruguay-Israel friendship: Bienvenido, Presidente Vázquez
Source: TJP
"Some true friendships, between countries as much as between individuals, are no less charming because they are minor.
This year, Uruguay's President Tabaré Vázquez will be celebrating his country's independence day, August 25, in Israel. Vázquez, an oncologist, has been here before. He studied for half a year at the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, and visited in 1992 as mayor of Montevideo. But yesterday he arrived for his first state visit, a five-day trip during which he will meet Prime Minister Olmert, President Peres, and Foreign Minister Livni.
Elected to a five-year term in 2004, Vázquez is Uruguay's first left-wing president. His Frente Amplio (Broad Front) government is based on a coalition that includes Communists, social democrats and former Tupamaro guerrillas. His country, wedged between Brazil and Argentina, is not large. Slightly smaller than Oklahoma, its population is half that of New York City.
But it is also South America's most solid democracy - and one that happens to bear a long and rich relationship with Israel. At the 1920 San Remo conference, Uruguay strongly supported the Balfour Declaration. Before World War II, thousands of European Jews - from Germany and Hungary in particular - found refuge in Uruguay; in 1939 alone, some 2,200 Jews entered the country. (...)
In 1947, Uruguay's pro-Zionist UN delegate, Rodriguez Fabregat, was instrumental in getting the partition plan passed. Three days before it did, he posed a question to the General Assembly at Flushing Meadow, New York: "Why is it necessary that there should be a Jewish State? Precisely to put an end to that form of discrimination and alienation, [and] persecution of a section of humanity." The decision to create that state, he said, "will go down to history as the first great moral victory of the United Nations." The next year, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to recognize the State of Israel, and it later became one of the few countries to recognize Jerusalem as the capital. Uruguay's capital, for its part, boasts a Golda Meir Square. (...)
After his election, Vázquez reiterated that his country's friendship with Israel stands regardless of which party holds power. Welcome to Israel, Mr. President, and Happy Independence Day!"
- Acuerdos y sorpresas para Vázquez en su visita a Israel, Espectador
- Israel signs free trade agreement with MERCOSUR, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Lucas Catherine conference at Brussels Catholic school: Israel is an apartheid State
Anti-Israeli propaganda has reached a peak in some Belgian French-speaking quarters. Hardly does a week go by without the holding of some sort of public event demonizing Israel.
One recent such event was the summer university course organised by ... Belgian Marxists on the subject of "A world in crisis(crises)". The event was hosted, of all places, at the very posh Catholic Berlaymont boarding school in Waterloo, near Brussels.
Venue details here, for the programme click on programme détaillé des cours (in French).
Lucas Catherine reveals the real nature of Israel:
intolerant nationalism, colonialism, apartheid
Lucas Catherine, a well-known Israel-basher, was scheduled to give a talk on the history of Israel at 60 along the following lines :
"The anniversary of a State based on intolerant nationalism, colonialism and apartheid. Apartheid began in South Africa, in 1950, when the majority of land was given to the white minority. In Palestine, for the last two years, Israel has confiscated and turned the major part of the land into an exclusively Jewish territory. Lucas Catherine will apprise us of the real nature of the Jewish State."
The message is deliberately simple and explicit. No need to attend the "course" to understand that Israel is a criminal and evil state.
Lucas Catherine seems to ignore that the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights working definition of anti-Semitism states that it is anti-Semitic to deny : "the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g. by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavour."
The Flemish magazine, Joods Actueel, revealed a while ago that Lucas Catherine drew some of the facts in his book "Palestina" (EPO, 2002) from the work of a pro-Nazi writer, Gert Winsch, who wrote: "England's regime in Palestine: England unmasked", see Nazi propaganda literature).
Logically another pet subject was George Bush's "Middle-East domination plans".
Other than equating Israel with apartheid South Africa, Africa is nowhere to be seen on the agenda of these self-styled progressives. Neither Darfur, nor any of the former Belgian colonies in Africa (Congo, Rwanda and Burundi) feature on the "course" programme. .
Labels: Belgium, Hostility against Israel, Pet Conspiracies
Mahmoud Darwish, the Palestinian "murdered" poet, writes French newspaper
Source: Le Figaro (25 August)
"The Former Foreign Affairs Minister [Dominique de Villepin] indicated that he had met with the President again "in June to discuss Europe and the world situation". Full of emotion, he explained that he had been "touched" when Nicholas Sarkozy entrusted him with an "assignment": to represent France at the funeral of murdered Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish."
Intriguingly, the paper does not specify the circumstances of the supposed murder of Mahmoud Darwish. It is unclear who is responsible for the misprint/error: Mr. de Villepin or Le Figaro's journalist.
To put the record straight, Mahmoud Darwish was not murdered, he died earlier this month at the age of 67 of natural causes after undergoing open-heart surgery in a hospital in Houston, Texas.
Alghouth the "misinformation" was picked up by several readers and by Menahem Macina, here, it has not been corrected.
"L'ancien ministre des Affaires étrangères a confié qu'il avait revu le président "en juin, pour parler de l'Europe et de la situation du monde". Sur un ton vibrant d'émotion, il a raconté que Nicolas Sarkozy lui avait confié une "mission" qui l'avait "touché" : représenter la France aux obsèques d'un poète palestinien assassiné, Mahmoud Darwich."
Labels: France, Media bias
Joseph Biden is a strong supporter of Israel
Source: EJP
"Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama choose Delaware Senator Joseph Biden, a politician considered as well-versed in foreign and defense issues, as his running mate.
The choice is widely seen in Washington as shoring up the Democratic Party ticket's foreign policy credentials in the battle against Republican John McCain.
The 65-year-old Biden is currently in his sixth term in the US Senate and is Delaware's longest-serving senator. He is the chairman of the foreign relations committee in the Congress.
He is considered a strong supporter of Israel. In a march 2007 interview with the US-based Jewish cable television network Shalom TV he declared: "I am a Zionist."
He described Israel as "the single greatest strength America has in the Middle East."
He travelled with Barack Obama to Israel in late July, when Obama promised strong support for Israel against the threat from Iran, and said he would strongly support the Mideast peace process soon after he takes office.
In the same interview, Biden revealed that his son is married to a Jewish woman, of the Berger family from Delaware, and that he had participated in a Passover Seder at their house.
He added that "probably my most poignant Seder memory is not with the Bergers, but what happened right after I came back from meeting Golda Meir (in 1973). I had predicted that something was going on in Egypt. And I remember people talking about what it meant to them if Israel were actually defeated."
Like Obama, Biden supports direct talks with Iran. "I believe the United States should agree to directly engage Iran, first in the context of the 'P-5 plus 1', and ultimately country-to-country, just as we did with North Korea," Biden said in an early July press statement.
The 'P-5 plus 1' refers to the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany.
"The net effect of demanding preconditions that Iran rejects is this: We get no results and Iran gets closer to the bomb," he said."
Labels: Israel, U.S., Zionism
Anti-semitic assault in Marseille
Source: Bureau for Vigilance Against Anti-Semitism
A Jewish man was stabbed in front of his shop in Marseille on 19 August.
In a press release, the Bureau for Vigilance Against Anti-Semitism indicated that the victim was approached by two men of North African appearance, aged around 18 and 25, who asked for a pen.
The victim, who is 62 and has a heart condition, ignored the request. After shouting abuse and calling him "a dirty Jew", one of the man stabbed him twice in the arm.
The assault was reported to the police.
Labels: Anti-Semitism, France
The ghetto is a myth of Jewish victimisation propaganda says Portuguese blogger Pedro Arroja
I have translated this extraordinary piece by a Portuguese blogger, Pedro Arroja, posted on the Portugal Contemporâneo blog.
The author believes in all sorts of Jewish plots and conspiracies and always refers to Jews as being aliens in the societies which "welcome" them, i.e. they are eternal guests, who inevitably cause trouble wherever they live (this is developed in another of Arroja's posts). For him, Jews do not qualify as true Europeans even though they have lived on European soil for many centuries. He believes he has the power to play God and decide who is a genuine European and who is not. Sounds very familiar, doesn't it ?
What is amazing is not so much that such blatantly anti-Semitic ravings are still being published, but that well respected Portuguese fellow bloggers have added Portugal Contemporâneo to their blog-rolls.
"The ghetto is probably one of the greatest myths of Jewish propaganda (...). The ghetto is commonly held to be the ultimate form of anti-Jewish discrimination devised by host societies- and an efficient but ethically reprehensible means to segregate Jews in various places and at different times in history.
This represents a considerable historical distortion. The ghetto is a Jewish creation and one willed by the Jews. It was not a segregation measure devised by host societies. In reality, the ghetto was a powerful and essential institution which enabled Jewish culture to survive for thousands of years.
Jews have always constituted a very small minority in their host societies - and, even today, they only account for 0.25% of world population. [Without the ghetto ...], throughout their long history in host societies, they would not have stood the remotest chance of retaining their culture, practising their religion, educating their children in their famous oral tradition, lending money at interest, and applying the mosaic law - because they would have been absorbed into the main population.
Contrary to what the propaganda says a host society inimical to Jews - be it Christian, Muslim or other - would not have created ghettos where to confine them. (...) a hostile society would have banned ghettoes.
Since the creation of Israel, the ghetto has become an obsolete institution - but was retained as a historical relic often used for victimisation propaganda purposes by Jews (...)."
Labels: Anti-Semitism, Pet Conspiracies, Portugal
Chris Blackhurst mirrors antisemitic conspiracy theory in the Standard
Source: Engage (post by David Hirsh)
"Chris Blackhurst is the City Editor of the London Evening Standard. In his 11 August column in the paper he praises the British government's efforts to attract Islamic investors to the City of London by constructing financial schemes which are compatible with Muslim religious law. Blackhurst goes on:
"So it's disappointing to hear that the Government is being subjected to enormous pressure by those who believe Islamic banking is the thin edge of the wedge, a precursor to the UK becoming a Muslim nation. The pro-Israel lobby especially is very worried and consequently vociferous in opposing it."
1......The term "pro-Israel" is being used here as a synonym for "Islamophobic".
2......The "pro-Israel lobby" is assumed to be capable of subjecting the British government to "enormous pressure".
3......The "pro-Israel lobby" is held to believe that "Islamic banking is the thin end of the wedge, a precursor to the UK becoming a Muslim nation."
4......Blackhurst offers no evidence to link the "pro-Israel lobby" to those who oppose Islamic finance.
This paragraph casually mirrors the themes of antisemitic conspiracy theory."
It is often said that anti-Zionism is a manifestation of left wing antisemitism. This paragraph, however, is an example of anti-Zionist rhetoric which is entirely mainstream politically and is not at all of the left."
Labels: Conspiracy theories, U.K.
Boycott Durban II, by Pascal Bruckner
From Sight and Sound (via Augean Stables)
"In September 2001 the South African city of Durban played host to the third United Nations World Conference against Racism, which was aimed at achieving recognition for crimes related to slavery and colonialism. The event's organisers hoped that the whole of mankind would use this ceremonious occasion to face up to its history and chronicle events with equanimity.
These good intentions rapidly degenerated into one-upmanship among victims and bloodlust directed at Israeli organisations and anyone else suspected of being Jewish. The original intent, which was to heal the wounds of the past through a sort of collective therapy and arrive at new standards for human rights, twisted into an outburst of hatred which, in the wake of the September 11 attacks that followed only days later, disappeared from the public eye.
It's time we had another look. Against the wishes of the organisers, Durban became an arena where people screamed and hurled insults at each other in a re-enactment of the comedy of damned, in the face of the white exploiter. "The pain and anger are still felt. The dead, through their descendants, cry out for justice", Kofi Annan said on August 31 of the same year – an astounding choice of words for a UN secretary general and more a call for revenge than reconciliation. The delegates at the conference, particularly those from the Arab-Muslim states, also understood it as such and, together with the African group, they transformed the conference into a stage for anti-colonialist revenge. The West, which is genocidal by nature, should recognise its crimes, beg for forgiveness and pay symbolic and financial reparations to the victims of its oppression. Emotions ran high and anger was brought to the boil by coverage of the second antifada which was being violently quashed by the Israeli army.
Zionism was condemned outright as the contemporary form of Nazism and apartheid, but so was "white viciousness", which had caused "one Holocaust after the other in Africa" through human trafficking, slavery and colonialism. Israel should disappear, its politicians should be brought before an international tribunal similar to the one in Nuremberg. Anti-Semitic cartoons were circulated, copies of "Mein Kampf" and the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" were handed out. Beneath a photo of Hitler were the words that Israel would never have existed and the Palestinians would never have had to spill their blood if he had been victorious. A number of delegates were physically threatened, there were calls of "Death to Jews". This farce came to a head when the Sudanese Minister of Justice, Ali Mohamed Osman Yasin, demanded reparations for historical slavery, while in his own country, people were being shamelessly thrown into slavery as he spoke. It was like a cannibal suddenly calling for vegetarianism.
One might think that this sinister comedy would give the UN second thoughts about repeating its mistake. But there is no underestimating the extraordinary determination of dictators and fundamentalists, who have transformed the UN Human Rights Commission into a platform for their demands. A Durban II (The Durban Review Conference) is due to take place in Geneva 20 to 24 April 2009, and it promises to be a repeat of Durban 1 (more information here).
The reports and projects which have been mounting up over the past six years reports do not encourage optimism. On September 14, 2007, Doudou Diene, UN Special Rapporteur for racism, xenophobia and discrimination held a speech in front of the United Nations in Geneva (available on this site under the nummer A/HRC/6/6 as pdf). ) In it he repeatedly blames Western countries for using September 11 to encourage the most perfidious forms of Islamophobia. He defines this Islamophobia as a form of racism which has its roots in the first contact between Islam and Christianity, notably the Crusades and the Spanish Reconquista. He does make mention of anti-Semitism, anti-Christian sentiment and other forms of religious suppression, but his main focus is "anti-Muslim racism". Throughout Europe and the United States intellectuals and politicians of all stripes are guilty of a wide array of offences against the religion of the prophet.
These include the principle of laicism, as championed by the French, the "ban on religious symbols in public schools", the "threatened ban on the burqa in England's public buildings" and stigmatisation of the veil and the headscarf: all signs of a resurgence of intolerance. Diene regrets that laicism has lead "to a general suspicion of religious belief" and he believes that "dogmatic secularism" is being used to "manipulate the freedom of religion". So it comes as no surprise to him that the West, as a "pillar of slavery and colonialism", is leading the way in a "systematic denigration of Muslim intellectuals" (here he is thinking particularly of Tariq Ramadan) and the idea of a "clash of civilisations" à la Samuel Huntington.
By contrast, as he sees it, the persecution of Christian minorities in the Middle East, Africa and India is the unfortunate consequence of the missionary work of Evangelical groups from North America, who are letting their religious brothers suffer for their own bigotry. All criticism of dogma, every questioning of religious belief is, Diene says, a form of racist insult and should be punished. Jesus, Moses, Mohammed, Buddha, Confucius have become untouchable icons, who must be protected against criminal attacks. Should we reintroduce blasphemy as a criminal offence like the fundamentalists of the three monotheistic religions are suggesting – in a return to the Ancien Regime?
Unsurprisingly, Diene's report has the ardent support of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and the majority of the Non-Aligned Movement where you can count the democracies on one hand. Because Doudou Diene makes it his policy to refrain from all criticism of authoritarian regimes in Asia, Africa and Latin America and reserves his munition for the States of Europe and North America, whom he accuses of fomenting pogroms against their minorities. It will also come as no surprise that in April 2007 Iran was nominated as vice president and Syria as rapporteur for the Disarmament Commission. This might be hilarious if it weren't so tragic!
In a nutshell: Anti-racism in the UN has become the ideology of totalitarian regimes who use it in their own interests. Dictatorships or notorious half-dictatorships (Libya, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Cuba etc.) co-opt democratic language and instrumentalise legal standards, to position themselves against democracies without ever putting turning the questions on themselves. A new Inquisition is establishing itself, which brandishes "defamation of religion" to quash any impulses of doubt, particularly in Islamic countries. And this at a time when millions of Muslims, particularly in Europe, want to distance themselves from bigotry and fundamentalism. In a reversal of values, anti-racism is being propagated by despots in the service of obscurantism and the suppression of women! It is being used to justify precisely the things which it was formulated to fight: suppression, prejudice, inequality.
In the hands of these powerful and organised lobbies, the UN is becoming an instrument of retrogression in the world, when it was created to promote justice, peace, and human dignity.
Europe must take a firm stand against this buffoonery: boycott it, plain and simple. Just as Canada has done. Perhaps we should also think about dissolving the Human Rights Commission or only letting truly democratic countries in. It is intolerable that in the year 2008 - like in the thirties - nations which recognise justice, the multi-party state and freedom of expression are being brought before the tribunal of history by the lobbies of fanatics and tyrants."
Pascal Bruckner, born in 1948, is one of the best known French "nouveaux philosophes". He studied philosophy at the Sorbonne under Roland Barthes. His works include The Temptation of Innocence - Living in the Age of Entitlement (Algora Publishing, 2000), The Tears of the White Man: Compassion As Contempt (The Free Press, 1986), The Divine Child: A Novel of Prenatal Rebellion (Little Brown & Co, 1994) , Evil Angels (Grove Press, 1987)
- Durban redux? Vitriol may follow Israel to Geneva
- Say No to Human Rights: the U.N. Versus Human Rights
- Israel on trial in Brussels - a prelude to Durban II?
Labels: Anti-Semitism, Anti-Zionism, Durban II, Europe, United Nations
Swedish teachers fail Holocaust test
"Swedish school teachers display glaring inadequacies in their knowledge of Holocaust history, according to a study carried out by the country's Living History Forum.
Seven out of ten teachers failed a Holocaust history test set by the agency.
The Living History Forum is a Swedish government agency which has been commissioned with the task of promoting issues relating to tolerance, democracy and human rights – with the Holocaust as its point of reference.
5,081 teachers took part in the Living History Forum's Holocaust questionnaire, but only two teachers answered all the questions correctly.
Only every 20th teacher was aware, for example, that between 81 and 100 percent of all European Jewish children alive during the Nazi regime were killed in the Holocaust."
Continue reading here (Source: The Local)
Photo: Hungarian Jews being led to gas chambers (Auschwitz extermination camp, Poland, May 1944)
Labels: Holocaust, Sweden
Former Italian President: We Signed Pact With Terrorists
Here we have Aldo Moro, a highly respected European politician, secretly signing a "non-belligerence pact" with terrorist groups intent on the destruction of Israel, while cynically blaming Israel all along for the violence. Democratic countries' past engagement with terrorists helps explain present-day European attitudes towards Israel.
Source: Arutz Sheva
"In a letter appearing in the weekend edition of the respected Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, former Italian President Francesco Cossiga revealed that the government of Italy agreed to allow Arab terrorist groups freedom of movement in the country in exchange for immunity from attacks in Italy.
Cossiga wrote that the government of the late Prime Minister Aldo Moro reached a "secret non-belligerence pact between the Italian state and Palestinian resistance organizations, including terrorist groups," in the 1970s. According to the former president, it was Moro himself who designed the terms of the agreement with the foreign Arab terrorists. Ironically, Moro later met his death at the hands of homegrown Italian terrorists, the Red Brigades, in 1978.
"The terms of the agreement were that the Palestinian organizations could even maintain armed bases of operation in the country, and they had freedom of entry and exit without being subject to normal police controls, because they were 'handled' by the secret services," Cossiga explained.
As Interior Minister, Cossiga said that he learned PLO members in Italy had diplomatic immunity as representatives of the Arab League. When he became alarmed by the heavy weapons defenses installed around the homes of PLO members living in Rome, the guards were persuaded to switch to light arms.
Cossiga was later elected president of Italy from 1985-1992 and is today a senator-for-life in the Italian legislature.
In his letter, the former Italian president also linked the Arab terrorist groups of the 1970s with the Italian far-left. According to Cossiga, he received a telegram from the head of an anti-Israel terrorist group headquartered at the time in Beirut requesting the return of one of their surface-to-air missiles that had gone missing. The missile was intercepted by Italian police while being "driven on the streets by a well-known ideologue of the extra-parliamentary left!" Cossiga wrote.
In an article in Corriere della Sera the week before Cossiga's admission, a former leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) also claimed that his terror group and the Italian leadership had reached an accord protecting Italy from attack in exchange for Italian non-interference in PFLP activities in Italy. The former PFLP boss, Bassam Abu Sharif, later became a senior member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and personal advisor to the late terrorist leader Yasser Arafat.
While there were several terrorist attacks on targets in Italy in the years following the alleged "protection" deal, most of them could be traced to Abu Nidal's terrorist organization. Abu Nidal rejected the authority of the PLO leadership and many of his attacks, including those in Rome, were assassinations of PLO figures and other Arab diplomats."
Italy's ex-president admits terror deal
Labels: Italy, Terrorism
Alternative Jews' anti-Semitism in Germany
Alternative Jews, from the French "Alterjuifs", i.e. self-hating, self-important, media hungry, hyper-critical of Israel etc. Jews.
'Kosher anti-Semitism' in Germany, by Benjamin Weinthal, TJP
"The bell has rung for the first round of a legal fight between renowned German-Jewish columnist Henryk M. Broder and Evelyn Hecht-Galinski, a hardcore anti-Zionist critic of Israel who happens to be a German Jew herself.
At issue is whether Broder may write that statements made by Hecht-Galinski are anti-Semitic.
In an open letter to Monika Piel, director of Westdeutsche Rundfunk (Western German Broadcasting), Broder referred to Hecht-Galinski and wrote that "anti-Semitic, anti-Zionist statements are her specialty."
The Westdeutsche Rundfunk radio program Hallo Ü-Wagen had invited Hecht-Galinski to talk about Israel's 60th anniversary, and Broder questioned the soundness of Hecht-Galinski's credentials as an Israel expert who in the past has equated the Israeli government with Nazi Germany.
While Hecht-Galinski did not legally object to his characterization of her as anti-Zionist, she wants Broder to withdraw the anti-Semitic label. (…)
As reported in the Aachener Zeitung newspaper on Thursday, Hecht-Galinski's attorney, Gernot Lehr, favors a settlement to resolve the dispute.
However, Broder told The Jerusalem Post that he opposes a deal "allowing anti-Semites to decide what anti-Semitism is. It is as if pedophiles can decide what real love toward children is."
A settlement would "muzzle" his free-speech rights and set an unacceptable legal precedent for future criticism of Jews who voiced anti-Semitic remarks and demonized Israel, he said. (…)
Hecht-Galinski has applauded parallels drawn between Israeli policies and Nazism, and raged against a world-wide Israel lobby that seeks to prevent criticism of the Jewish state. (…)
After his legal victory last year in which a court of appeals in Frankfurt affirmed Der Spiegel magazine journalist Broder's claim that Jews are just as capable of voicing anti-Zionist and anti-Semitic statements as non-Jews, Broder said, "There are nurses who kill their patients, attorneys who commit insurance fraud. Why can't there not therefore be Jews who are anti-Semites?" (…)
Broder, who is considered a leading expert on anti-Semitism in Germany, testified before the Bundestag's Domestic Affairs Committee in June. The "modern anti-Semite does not believe in The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. But instead he fantasizes about an 'Israel lobby' that is supposed to control American foreign policy," he told the legislators.
And in reference to the "memory culture" in Germany, which is consumed with the Holocaust and the period between 1933 and 1945, yet fails to see Iran's genocidal policy as a real threat to Jews, Broder said, "For the modern anti-Semite, it goes without saying that every year on January 27 he will commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz. But at the same time he militates for the right of Iran to have atomic weapons. Or he inverts the causal relationship and claims that it is Israel that is threatening Iran and not vice versa."
Broder cited lawmaker Norman Paech, the foreign policy spokesman of Germany's third largest party, The Left, as an example of contemporary anti-Semitism in Germany. Paech favors nuclear weapons for Iran and employs Nazi terminology when discussing Israel in the media.
"Devote your attention to the modern anti-Semitism that wears the disguise of anti-Zionism, and to its representatives. You will find some of the latter among your own ranks," Broder told the politicians from across the spectrum present at the Domestic Affairs Committee hearing."
Cover of "Les Alterjuifs", Controverses magazine, February 2004
Labels: Anti-Semitism, Anti-Zionism, Germany
Belgian newspaper journalist held by Hezbollah in Beirut
Imagine the uproar that such a blatant act of intimidation against a journalist would have caused had it happened in Israel.
French freelance journalist David Hury tells in an article in the Belgian daily Le Soir how he was detained and intimidated by Hezbollah supporters. Hury was taking photographs at the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold, when he was stopped. He was questioned about his private life, professional activities and was forced to disclose his e-mail box password. His ordeal lasted six hours.
Both Reporters Without Borders and Le Soir issued statements about the incident.
As an aside, it is ironic that Hezbollah treated this badly a journalist on assignment for Le Soir whose coverage of Israel is notoriously hostile... but maybe not enough to Hezbollah's liking.
- Belgian newspaper Le Soir claims that Israel prefers Western immigrants
- Belgian newspaper Le Soir shows picture of bodies of Palestinian children
Labels: Belgium, Lebanon, Terrorism
EU determined to develop a closer partnership with Israel, says Commissioner
"The European Union is determined to develop a closer partnership with Israel. This process needs to be seen in the context of the broad range of our common interests," European Commissioner Jan Figel said on the occasion of the signing of a joint EU-Israel declaration to reinforce cooperation and dialogue in education and training.
"I strongly believe that enhancing cooperation and dialogue on education and training is instrumental for improving our mutual understanding and for strengthening our position with regard to the challenges facing us in an ever-globalising knowledge-based society and economy," Figel, who is in charge of education, training, culture and youth, said last month during an official visit to Israel.
"Our education and training systems are adapting to this new reality and we can learn a lot from each other," the Slovakian Commissioner added.
Figel signed the declaration with Israeli Education Minister Yuli Tamir.
The joint declaration will be an effective tool to contribute to the objectives of the 2005 Action Plan under the European Neighbourhood Policy, namely to gradually integrate Israel into European policies and programmes.
For this purpose, the Commission and the Israeli government want to launch an enhanced policy dialogue on greater compatibility of education systems and to increase educational mobility and exchanges through the EU's Erasmus Mundus and Tempus programmes.
The declaration marks the starting point for a sectoral policy–oriented dialogue between the EU and Israel.
The regular exchanges will cover jointly identified issues of common interest, such as the modernisation agenda for higher education, including the Bologna process, and vocational training aspects covered by the Copenhagen process, lifelong learning policies, school twinning, language learning, means of promoting the transferability and recognition of qualifications, as well as of non-formal and informal learning outcomes.
The EU Commission and Israel also expressed their intention to increase inter-university cooperation between European and Israeli universities for further mobility and exchange of academic staff and students, notably through the new generations of the Erasmus Mundus and Tempus programmes.
Israel now fully participates in both programmes and the Commissioner's visit was also marked by the opening of the first National Tempus Office in Jerusalem. (...)
Labels: Europe, European Union
European NGO Amnesty International: relentless and disproportionate focus on Israeli “violations”
More allegations of a powerful European NGO (Amnesty International) anti-Israeli bias. Unfortunately, just routine: a hugely powerful and rich NGO devotes funds and resources to tar Israel's reputation.
Source: NGO Monitor
On August 12, 2008, Amnesty International released a statement headlined “Trapped – collective punishment in Gaza.” This is one of numerous misleading Amnesty statements focusing on this contentious and highly politicized issue, including a July 4 “briefing.” The deficiencies in this report include:
Evidence and Credibility: The evidence presented is entirely unverifiable and un-sourced. Numbers and percentages are included without the citation of independent verifiable references. The opening quote from an anonymous Gaza resident is meant to provide authenticity to the “facts” and figures that follow. The lack of credibility is further highlighted by the failure to include any mention of the daily transfer of truckloads of basic supplies from Israel, or of reports regarding the confiscation of basic goods by the Hamas leadership. In the allegations regarding students, the claims are distorted (see below) and lack sources, suggesting that they Amnesty simply copied them from reports by other NGOs, which also lack credibility.
Context of terrorism: The context of terrorism from Hamas-controlled Gaza is almost entirely erased. When this key dimension is mentioned in a single sentence, Amnesty immorally equates Palestinian terror attacks targeting Israeli civilians with justifiable Israeli responses aimed at ending these attacks (Amnesty’s casualty comparison fails to distinguish between Israeli civilian deaths and Palestinians involved in the attacks.) The demand that Israel “immediately lift the blockade” also entirely ignores Israel’s legitimate security concerns.
Exploitation of international humanitarian legal terms: As NGO Monitor has demonstrated, Amnesty and other NGOs grossly misrepresent international humanitarian law by labeling the Gaza blockade “collective punishment.”
Selective use of data: Amnesty refers to “students who have scholarships in universities abroad are likewise trapped in Gaza, denied the opportunity to build a future” as one of the consequences of Israel’s “collective punishment.” This is a very selective and distorted version that erases many of the facts, including the US government decision to deny visas to the students following security checks. Amnesty also refers to “the ceasefire holding…” without documenting continuing attacks, including on the day before the update, August 11, 2008, when Palestinians in Gaza fired rockets at Sderot.
Distinct focus on Israel: Egypt, which denies passage through its border crossing with Gaza, remains unmentioned in the update. Similarly, Amnesty’s stated reason for issuing an update, “Gaza has fallen off the international news agenda,” while war crimes are likely being committed in the Russia-Georgia conflict, indicates a relentless and disproportionate focus on Israeli “violations.”
Labels: Europe, Hostility against Israel, NGOs
War on Want, another European NGO hostile to Israel
War on Want: Chasing Demons,
by Jeremy Newmark
"When War on Want director John Hilary talks about a recent investigation by the Charity Commission, he characterises it as "part of an ongoing strategy by an organised pro-Israel lobby and the Jewish press". Interviewed in Third Sector magazine, he accuses "ill-meaning journalists" of deliberately misrepresenting the investigation, and cites "abusive calls from Zionists".
The complaints against War on Want were well-grounded. The charity was one of the founders of the anti-Israel Enough Coalition, hosting the campaign’s website. It also endorsed and distributed a "Guide for Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions" of Israel. They distribute anti-Israel material at trade union and party conferences. It is reasonable to ask whether these anti-Israel campaigns advance War on Want’s charitable aims of relieving poverty and providing mental care for the poor."
Via Harry's Place
Labels: Europe, NGOs, U.K.
Pro-Israel views get NGO in Iraq defunded by Catholic charity
The Swiss section of Caritas has stopped funding Wadi, a successful German aid organisation operating in Irak, because it is too pro-Israel. Yet another example of double standards by a European NGO hostile to Israel. It is good to see that such prejudice is being exposed and denounced. Pajamas Media has the story.
See position paper on Palestinian refugees on Caritas website (in English). The Awareness Raising in Switzerland section is worth reading.
"(...) According to the account given by Caritas, the termination notice was provoked by a series of blog entries by Thomas von der Osten-Sacken, the managing director of Wadi and the driving force behind the organization. According to Caritas, Osten-Sacken is supposed to have advocated a military strike against Iran in the event that the Iranian regime could not otherwise be prevented from building a nuclear weapon. Osten-Sacken claims, on the contrary, that he precisely warned against a military intervention. What is true, however, is that the Wadi managing director has persistently condemned the rule of the mullahs in Iran and warned that the regime has long been engaged in a "war" against the West that cannot simply be ignored.
Osten-Sacken has also criticized the idea of a "right of return" for Palestinian refugees and opposed calls for a boycott of Israel. According to Norbert Kieliger, the head of the "international cooperation" division of Caritas Switzerland, Osten-Sacken thereby took positions that are incompatible with continued support from the aid agency. "We reject all forms of violence," he says. "Political partisanship puts our mission at risk."
The Swiss division of Caritas likes to present itself as an apolitical organization, which helps refugees, feeds children, and takes a principled stand in support of the needy and disadvantaged. In reality, Osten-Sacken charges in a written response to the termination letter, Caritas is anything but neutral. Vis-à-vis Palestinian groups that deny Israel’s right to exist and justify terrorist attacks, for example, Caritas displays none of the scruples that it has shown toward Wadi. (The exchange of letters is available in German here.)
Osten-Sacken points, in particular, to the involvement of Caritas in the "Forum on Human Rights in Israel and Palestine," a Swiss umbrella group that also includes Amnesty International, the Protestant aid agency HEKS, and several Swiss-based Palestinian organizations. Officially, the "Forum" pursues strictly humanitarian aims. In reality, however, the aims are eminently political. Thus, a core item on its agenda is the "right of return": namely, of Palestinians whose ancestors were expelled from their homes sixty years ago. In light of demographic developments in the meanwhile, what in theory may appear a just demand would in practice represent the end of Israel as a Jewish state.
The most important local partner of the Swiss "Forum" is the Palestinian organization Badil, which also receives financing from the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs. Watchdog groups sympathetic to Israel, like the NGO-Monitor, accuse Badil of harboring thinly-veiled extremist tendencies. On their account, Badil has defended suicide bombings and demanded a complete boycott of Israel - a boycott that is supposed to extend even to cultural exchanges. EU states have thus declined to work with Badil.
Up to now, Caritas has not taken any official position on calls for a boycott of Israel. But in light of the historical precedent represented by the "Don’t Buy from Jews" slogan, this silence is itself a kind of statement. Officially, Caritas - like most NGOs - condemns all forms of violence. But - as in the case of Colombia and the FARC - in practice the NGOs place a democratically-elected Israeli government on the same level as terrorist organizations. And when it is a mater of condemning concrete human rights violations, it is always the western-oriented governments that get pilloried. (...)".
Labels: Christian hostility against Israel, Europe, Germany, NGOs, Switzerland
Haveil Havalim #177 - Tisha B'Av Edition by Simply Jews
This is a result of another mental meltdown. That or I am getting addicted to HH hosting as a form of... doesn't matter.
In place of introduction: no post with BO was accepted. With one exception. Please be civil about it.
So let's go!
A reminder from Dzeni.
The text at the back of the image is a translation of the book of Lamentations. This book is traditionally read in shul on Tisha B'Av.
On this occasion, shouldn't we all be reminded again of the need for unity - the lack of which caused some of the events we think about during this day?
Poetry at the time of mourning.
So, will we ever learn the lessons of this day? I am not too sure.
Oy vey Israel.
We are definitely a nation blessed (oh well) by abundance of prophets. Here is more about prophets and losses.
Touring the past in our country is never a way to forget the present. And what would we be without our memories? She lives davka in Shiloh, she invites women there for prayer, and she is not Elkana. Well, maybe a virtual one. Er... why invite women only?
Our neighbors on the west side are busy teaching their children to hate, and our northern neighbors are going to ratify the next war. Quite a sad situation. More in this moving er... movie by colleague Elder.
On the trivial and gray mentality of a murderer.
Continued here.
Norm blog profile of Snoopy The Goon
Labels: HH
And where will they bury Mahmoud Darwish?
Mahmoud Darwich considered that America was guilty of "universal despotism".
Many Arabs never tire of criticizing and loathing America, but reflexively knock at her door when they face a problem. How ironic to think that Mahmoud Darwich, the celebrated and emblematic poet and intellectual, who was thought to represent the Palestinian resistance and conscience, chose precisely to go to Texas to have cardiac surgery and died there.
From My Right Word blog:
"Arab poet Mahmoud Darwish has died after surgery at the age of 67, hospital and Palestinian Arab officials say. He suffered complications after undergoing open-heart surgery in Houston Texas.
Here are some of his thoughts in June 1982:
Shortly after noon, the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish comes by the Commodore. He has written no poems about the war. "I write my silence," he says. "I need distance to be a witness, not a victim." Since words are powerless against tanks, he feels that his silence is stronger than words. Still, a poem has power. Is Palestine itself a poem? "Yes," he says. "Because a poem is an unachieved desire."
Yet, at the moment, he is "fed up with poetry and refugee camps and walls." He believes that "Beirut is our last stand. From here to the grave, or to the homeland." Then he relents a bit. "We have to save the idea before we save Beirut. Beirut is not the capital of our idea." Darwish is 40. He has been a refugee four times and has been thrown in jail. "If the Palestinians find a homeland, they may discover the same dilemma as the Jews. The Jews were great creators in the abstract. Now only their army is great. Israel is the grave of Jewish greatness."
Darwish had published a poem during the first Intifada, one which I read in an English-language Arab periodical named Al-Awdah (The Return). It's theme was:
"Leave our land and take your dead bones with you".
I guess he'll not want the same treatment for his bones, eh?"
Labels: Palestinian territories, U.S.
Anti-Semitic T-shirt on sale in Paris shop
The EJP reports:
"A sleeveless t-shirt with anti-Semitic inscriptions was found on sale in a northern Paris shop last weekend.
The inscriptions on the t-shirt read in German "Juden Eintritt in die parkanlagen verboten" (No Entry for Jews in the Park) and in Polish "Zydome wstep do parku wzbroniony," reproducing a ban to Jews in the Lodz ghetto in 1940.
It was found and bought for 18 euros last weekend in Belleville, in Paris's 19th district, by the French National Bureau of Vigilance against anti-Semitism (BNVCA), a group monitoring anti-Semitic incidents in France.
An AFP reporter found five of the grey, sleeveless woollen tops -- labelled with the brand "Introfancy IF" -- on sale early Tuesday, but when he returned shortly afterwards they had been withdrawn.
The sales assistant said they had just been bought by a single customer.
She added that she did not know the meaning of the inscriptions."
Labels: Anti-Semitism, France, Poland
The 'halo effect' shields NGOs from media scrutiny
Article by Naftali Balanson, managing editor of NGO Monitor in The Jerusalem Post
"A familiar scenario: A non-governmental organization (NGO) issues a report on alleged Israeli human rights violations, and it's instantly and automatically newsworthy. The Israeli and foreign media uncritically, even eagerly, promote the NGO's politicized agenda, regardless of the NGO's credibility or the veracity of the allegations.
This "halo effect," whereby the claims of human rights groups are accepted without a modicum of scrutiny, often results in Israel's vilification on the international stage for violating "international humanitarian law" or demonized as an "apartheid state" to be shunned and boycotted. By publishing these stories, the media reinforces the halo effect and becomes partner to the damage done.
The typical article on Israeli "violations" has a number of common denominators. Beyond the ubiquitous headline championing a human rights NGO and condemning Israel, the NGO's "evidence" and sensational accusations are repeated, left unchallenged by the reporter. By dint of its presumed independence and stated lofty goals, the NGO is considered more truthful than the government. The media pits universal human rights against Israel, leaving it to respond on the defensive. This might make for "good" journalism, but does it tell the whole story?
In recent weeks, local, highly political rights groups - funded by the EU and by European governments - have received worldwide coverage for their attacks on Israel. Consider the publicity afforded to Physicians for Human Rights - Israel (PHR-I) when it accused the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) of denying Gazans life-saving health care in Israel unless the patients informed on family and friends. PHR-I's report was published in hundreds of major media outlets, and Israel was portrayed as cruel and inhumane, as opposed to genuinely concerned for the security of its citizens.
Yet, despite the importance of this story, did reporters question PHR-I's reliability? Rather, the halo effect shielded it from past mistakes. Three months ago, PHR-I reported that a cancer patient in Gaza died while awaiting a permit to receive treatment in Israel, only to admit days later that the "deceased" was still alive. The patient was attempting to evade a security check.
Even if we give PHR-I the benefit of the doubt, that it was unknowingly misled by the patient's family, surely similar self-serving "evidence" from Palestinians and provided by PHR-I should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism. But it was not."
Labels: Europe, European Union, Media bias, NGOs
Belgian newspaper Le Soir claims that Israel prefers Western immigrants
Reporting on the latest airlift of 65 Ethiopian Jewish families, Belgian newspaper Le Soir (paper edition of August 7) claims that "there are still tens of thousands of black Jews in Ethiopia, but Israel is not in a hurry to welcome them". Where the paper got such high figures remains a mystery.
Serge Dumont, the author of the article, further claims that Israeli authorities have a preference for Western immigrants, i.e. white immigrants ("les responsables privilégient désormais les immigrants occidentaux"). The journalist does not bother to substantiate this claim either but the implications are clear.
To emphasize the "racist" character of Israeli society, the newspaper goes on to quote a female Ethiopian management student, identified as Imanut B., who is said to have arrived in Israel in 1989 (note the irony she is "a student" and not a "street sweeper"):
"We would be treated much better if we were white and rich. In any case, we wouldn't be accused of spreading AIDS and of being parasites just fit to sweep the streets."
And she adds :
"Maybe white Israelis view us as better than Palestinians, but for them we remain poor negroes who are trying to be civilized."
It is also stated that Ethiopian Jews have not integrated well because they are poorly educated and find it difficult to integrate into Israeli "americanized society". Whatever that means is for anyone to decide, but is in keeping with the whole tone of the article: negative.
In a recent article, Le Soir - whose reporting on Israel is invariably hostile - made light of Barack Obama's positive remarks about Israel putting them down to his need to "court" Jewish American voters.
To find out more about the Falash Mura still living in Egypt:
-Major phase of Ethiopian aliyah ends, but advocates want more
-Bringing Falash Mura impugns the real Ethiopian Jews
-'Last' Falash Mura arrive, group slams gov't for leaving behind thousands of Jews
Labels: Belgium, Media bias
The irony of inviting Ahmadinejad to Turkey, Fresno Zionism blog
An little irony for the Turks, from Fresno Zionism blog
"Ha’aretz reports:
"Israel has officially protested against the planned visit of Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Turkey next week.
Israel’s ambassador to Turkey, Gabi Levy, presented the protest to officials in Ankara, and the Turkish ambassador to Israel was summoned to Jerusalem."
"Israel is disappointed that Turkey has invited for an official visit a leader who denies publicly the Holocaust, and thus grants him legitimacy," was the message given to the Turkish ambassador to relay to his government."
Will the Turks will see the irony in being asked to shun a Holocaust denier, when they themselves officially deny that their predecessors committed genocide against the Armenians?
Israel and American Jews have been caught between a rock and a hard place in regard to the Armenian Genocide. I’ve written a number of posts on the subject.
The Turkish government has its reasons for not admitting that the Young Turks, and later the Turkish Nationalists, murdered about a million and a half Armenians during and after World War I. The Israeli government also has its reasons for not wanting to irritate the Turks. Even the US administration seems to feel that Turkey is too strategically important to annoy by using the word ‘genocide’ to describe the events. But the truth is the truth. (...)
Survivors sometimes feel that denial is the final stage of extermination. First the physical forms of the victims were destroyed, and then their memories are erased. Most Jews are familiar with the rage that comes over them when confronted with Holocaust denial. But — at least in the West, if not in Iran or the Arab world — deniers are marginal. After all, the present government of Germany has officially accepted responsibility for the Holocaust.
One can imagine how Armenians feel — actually, you don’t need to imagine, they will tell you — when, almost 100 years after the fact, the Turkish government still insists — against the huge preponderance of historical evidence — that while something happened to the Armenians, it wasn’t genocide, the Turks were not responsible, and it might even have been the Armenians’ fault.
Turkey wants to join the EU. It would only be fair to ask them to follow the example of Germany."
Labels: Genocide, Iran, Turkey
Israel battles Spanish arrest warrants, by Ksenia Svetlova
Terrorists never let up and use any opportunity - in this case the legal system of a Western democracy - to advance their cause. What is happening in Spain confirms that Europe has become their favourite ground to wage opportunistic "legal combats". In this instance, the Spanish Government seems to be taking steps to avoid a Spanish re-play of the shambles caused in Belgium by the ludicrously unlimited law of universal jurisdiction. It is nonetheless worrying that they have been able to get this far.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
"Israel is battling hard to overturn a Spanish court's decision to issue arrest warrants against six current and former politicians and senior military officials, a source in the Attorney-General's Office told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday.
Late last month, Audiencia Nacional, the National Court of Spain (the highest Spanish judicial council), issued arrest warrants against the six - Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, Doron Almog, Moshe Ya'alon, Dan Halutz, Giora Eiland and Mike Herzog - accepting a petition from the Palestinian Center for Human Rights that suggested they were guilty of war crimes in the Gaza Strip during the summer of 2002.
At that time, Ben-Eliezer was serving as a defense minister; Ya'alon was IDF chief of General Staff; Eiland headed the National Security Council; Halutz was commander of the IAF, Almog was OC Southern Command and Herzog was a senior Defense Ministry official.
The plaintiffs claimed that Ben-Eliezer personally oversaw the killing of Hamas commander Salah Shehadeh, a Palestinian terror chief who was responsible for killing of dozens of Israelis, in which 14 civilians also died. Israel subsequently apologized for the civilian deaths.
The Foreign Ministry has said only that the matter is being taken care of. However, the Post has learned from a source in the Attorney-General's Office that active negotiations between Madrid and Jerusalem are taking place to overturn the warrants.
This is not the first time that PCHR has filed suit against high-ranking Israeli military commanders, but if the court's decision is not reversed it will set a disturbing precedent in international law, said Ofer Zalzberg, co-chairman of YIFC (Young Israeli Forum for Cooperation), an organization that promotes relations between Israel and the European Union.
Zalzberg recalled a 2005 incident in which Almog, travelling to London to raise funds for handicapped children, stayed in his plane upon arrival in London rather than risk arrest. Shortly thereafter, a British warrant for his arrest was revoked. (...)
Almog told the Post that he believes the warrants issued against him, first by the British and now by Spanish courts, are not directed at him personally, but at Israel and its right to defend itself.
"Some elements with very clear motives and intentions use these lawsuits as a weapon against Israel. The combat between Israel and terrorists continues on different scenes, and the legal scene is just one of them," he said. "I don't think the decision of the Spanish court indicates a crisis in Israel-EU relations, but it seems that these elements exploit the law in these countries to act against the State of Israel.""
Labels: Europe, Spain, Terrorism
Late film director Youssef Chahine declared that Israel is "built on terrorism"
Praise has been heaped by the media on Youssef Chahine, the Egyptian film director who died on July 27, aged 82. The Guardian gushed:
"Youssef Chahine was the leading voice of the Arab cinema for over half a century – and as prolific, versatile and accomplished as many a more famous western auteur – but his abiding worth, inside Egypt and out, has been in his outspoken expression of the conscience of his country. He took on imperialism and fundamentalism alike, celebrated the liberty of body and soul, and offered himself warts and all as an emblem of his nation. Egypt's modern history is etched in his life's work."
Youssef Chahine, "the conscience of his country", was no innovator in one respect: he shared the rabid anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiment of the Arab world and with his films and pronouncements he contributed to its entrenchment. Blaming America and Israel is the unfortunate way the Arab world has devised to rationalise its failures.
In his film on 9/11, Chahine showed a suicide attack in Israel, laying the blame on U.S. foreign policy. The father of the Palestinian terrorist says:
"Israel fools everyone. Bush lets them decide who the terrorists are, but imagine your house or the olive trees your ancestors planted being bulldozed."
So what do you do if your olive trees are bulldozed to prevent terrorist activity you engage in? Simple. If you are a Palestinian, you blow yourself up and in the process kill as many innocent people as possible. Your dad praises you and an acclaimed film director makes a film about you, thus explaining, if not justifying, a major terrorist attack that left 3,000 people dead.
Guysen News quotes Chahine's comments on 9/11:
"Bush had the cheeck to tell who is a terrorist. But who is he to speak? He helps Israel which is a country built on terrorism. The occupation of Palestine is violent and it necessarily triggers resistance."
Labels: Egypt, Media bias
Media critic suing French news outlets, by Paul Lungen
Source: The Canadian Jewish News (via UPJF)
"After successfully defending a defamation case brought by one of France’s premier television networks, Philippe Karsenty is going on the offensive.
Karsenty, who runs an online media watchdog organization, has launched two suits against some of France's most prominent news outlets, alleging they have libelled him by comparing him to a "nut case."
The first suit names Canal+, a pay TV company owned by Vivendi SA, and alleges the network aired a documentary "depicting me as a manipulative liar. They said I was the same as those who say 9/11 was an inside job."
The second suit charges L’Express, a weekly magazine, with running an article that described him as a "obsessive nut case and manipulative," Karsenty said.
"We defended against the al-Dura lie. Now it’s time to go on the offensive and get the French media to pay the price for supporting an anti-Semitic lie," Karsenty said in a telephone interview from Paris.
Karsenty, a financial consultant who operates Media Ratings (http://www.m-r.fr/), won a historic legal victory in May when a French court dismissed a charge of defamation against him. Karsenty had repeatedly asserted that France 2, which has been dubbed "a flagship and establishment channel," aired a news report in September 2000 that was a hoax and an anti-Semitic lie. The TV report claimed Israeli soldiers shot 12-year-old Mohammad al-Dura while he and his father crouched behind a concrete barrel at the Netzarim junction in Gaza. Karsenty questioned whether al-Dura was shot at all and said the false report had vilified Israel and led to attacks against Jews. Al-Dura, moreover, became an international symbol of Israeli ruthlessness and the boy’s poster was visible behind Daniel Pearl when the American Jewish journalist was murdered by al-Qaeda.
Karsenty was sued by Charles Enderlin, France 2’s Jerusalem correspondent, who broadcast the report based on footage and information supplied by a Palestinian stringer, Talal Abu Rahma. Karsenty lost at trial but was vindicated on appeal when a French court ruled his claims were a legitimate criticism of the network and its reporter. Most revealing was that footage shown in court showed Palestinians at Netzarim faking injuries. U.S. Prof. Richard Landes, who had monitored the case, dubbed the news manipulation, "Pallywood."
Karsenty said the French media have lined up behind Enderlin, who they want to protect as a fellow member of France’s intellectual establishment. A petition has been launched in Le Nouvel Observateur that supports Enderlin and paints him as some sort of victim, Karsenty said. The petition supports Enderlin’s integrity and states, "Seven years. For seven years a despicable campaign of hate has been trying to stain the professional honour of Charles Enderlin. For seven years, there have been those who have tried to present as 'fabricated' and as a 'staged scene' his report that shows how a 12-year-old boy was killed by shots fired from an Israeli position."
Karsenty said supporters of the petition are "personalities who are worried by the fact I was not found guilty. They say there is no right to defame and the justice system is allowing me to defame him. That’s not true. The judge found there was no defamation.""
The Daniel Pearl Standard - a responsible journalism
Labels: Al-Durah Affair, France, Media bias
TV proof that the Iranian regime is antisemitic
Source: Point of no return
"Until now the Iranian authorities have been careful to insist that they are not anti-Jewish, just anti-Zionist. Jews in Iran have all the rights other communities enjoy, and the government affords them security and protection.
This TV programme, however, crosses a red line into out-and-out anti-Jewish antisemitism and demonisation. Note the 'Jewish plan for the genocide of humanity', not the Zionist plan. It lashes out in all directions: even Hollywood is a vulgar Jewish conspiracy. Pseudo-experts, one of whom disparagingly refers to 'Jew-boys', trot out the usual theories based on the notorious Tsarist forgery Protocols of the Elders of Zion. This time, they suggest that the Jews, with their accolytes the Baha'is (seven have now been arrested as Israeli spies) and evangelical Christians, have a long-term plan to dominate Islam and conquer Iran.
You may laugh at the suggestion that peddlars of Harry Potter in dark alleys are spreading moral degeneration. You may comfort yourself that Iranian viewers are far too sophisticated to believe this rubbish. But that's what they said about Nazi propaganda in the 1930s."
Memri: 'The Secret of Armageddon' - An Iranian TV "Documentary" Claims That "a Jewish Plan for the Genocide of Humanity," Includes a Conspiracy for the Takeover of Iran by Local Jewish and Bahai Communities
Illustration: cover of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, contemporary Portuguese edition.
Labels: Iran
Drawing together - the first Israeli-Polish comic book
Article by Asi Gal in The Jerusalem Post:
If you didn't know, 2008-2009 is Israel-Poland year. One of the many events taking place in this framework is the launching of Polisra, the first Israeli-Polish comic book - to be featured at an exhibition at Holon's Israeli Cartoon Museum and at the Tel Aviv comic books festival. The Polish Mickiewicz Institute, which initiated the book, hopes it will be a channel in creating dialogue on topics considered taboo in the two nations' histories.
On the Polish end of things, the obvious taboo is that period that began in the late 30s - and the never fully resolved questions of complicity with the Nazis.
"Polish people feel a lot of hatred from Israelis visiting Poland," says Amitai Sandy, publisher, art director and editor of the comic book. Sandy, along with four other Israeli comics writers, including Ze'ev Engelmayer and Noa Abarbanel, worked with five Polish comics writers [Krzysztof Ostrowski, Michał "Śledziu" Śledziński, Joanna Karpowicz, Łukasz Mieszkowski and Jakub Szczęsny].
"When Israelis come to visit the camps, they always have security around them and are not allowed to talk with the Poles." The Poles, he says, "feel that all Israelis view them as anti-Semites."
For their part, he asserts, many Poles "view Israelis as militant extremists who have brought Russians to Israel to use as war machines against Arabs."
Sandy views Polisra as an opportunity to deal with history and the stereotypes connected to it. One story in the book, for instance, portrays a Polish woman who buys a picture of a Jew counting money for her new house. According to Polish tradition, such a picture brings prosperity to a new home. When no such prosperity arrives, the woman complains of the picture's failure to the salesman. The next frame depicts the salesman in his villa, surrounded by such pictures, exclaiming that, "It works for me!"
"Humor is a great method to examine our values. It takes a situation, flips it upside down, and gives the viewer a whole new perspective on it," Sandy says.
Regarding the potential offense viewers might experience from the application of humor to these most controversial of topics, he states: "There is always the fear that people will get hurt. However, after exhibiting my anti-Semitic caricatures" - Sandy participated in an Israeli anti-Semitic cartoon contest two years ago open to Jews only, in an intended ironic riposte to Iran's official international Holocaust cartoon competition - "I have learned that there are enough people out there who can take a joke.""
Labels: Art, Poland
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Care Partnering—A Love Story
John and Margot
Milford Sound, South Island, New Zealand
“I wish you could meet my wife, Margot. We’ve been married for 34 years and—I know I’m biased—she’s the most wonderful woman I’ve ever met.”
John Parkhurst knows all too well what it means to be a care partner. His wife, Margot Bartlett, has lived with Parkinson’s for over 30 years. As a registered nurse, Margot thought she may have Parkinson’s. Still, the day they heard the diagnosis was gut-wrenching. It felt like a loss that could never be replaced. Margot was just 42 then. Their daughter was only four years old.
Parkinson’s doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it changes the lives of all those around them—spouses, children, friends, and their caregivers.
Margot is the kind of person who’d get up bright and early, work all day as a Registered Nurse, then teach piano until 9 or 10 at night. Her energy was boundless!
But as her Parkinson’s progressed it took all of that away – and more.
John became her primary caregiver. It shattered the hopes and dreams they shared for a life together. It set them on a different path, and yet it never tore them apart.
“For me, being a caregiver is as rewarding as it is challenging.”
From the day they met, Margot and John have been a team. Since her diagnosis he has helped her have the best life she can. Margot worked for 12 years after she was diagnosed. She’d often be tired so John supported her, however he could. He ran the household and when she travelled for work, John went with her. There were high out-of-pocket expenses and his career certainly was affected. John often says it’s like switching over to “alternate programming.” It’s not what he expected and it is still an adventure.
“We are a pretty good pair, but we wanted to grow our ‘care team.’ We began a Parkinson’s Support Group, which continues to this day. As a caregiver it’s really important that you have a network of people you can call upon for practical help and moral support. Sometimes, when Margot isn’t doing well, I just need someone else to talk to so I can find my hope again,” says John.
Their lives were enriched when they found Parkinson Canada. Both Margot and John have served on the Parkinson Canada Board of Directors. Drawing on their lived experience, John has been a strong advocate for caregivers, and that’s why he is delighted with the release of the new publication, Care Partnering: Managing Parkinson’s Disease Together, a book made possible through the generous support of donors across Canada.
This practical, insightful book is an invaluable resource. It delivers supportive, accurate information to caregivers, and references to other resources that are a big help when navigating a Parkinson’s journey. John sincerely wishes there was something like it back when Margot was first diagnosed.
Life as a caregiver can be gratifying, and it’s very important to take care of you, too.
“I’m lucky. Margot is very supportive and makes sure I have a life outside caregiving. In the summer I sail with our daughter. I also love photography and music—even if I spend just five minutes a day playing guitar or ukulele I find it improves my mindset.”
John knows every day is a gift, and with it comes new research, new treatments and therapies that are making life better for people living with Parkinson’s. Donor generosity helps Parkinson Canada fund incredible research so one day, there will be a cure and no one will have to switch to “alternate programming.”
For your complimentary copy of Care Partnering: Managing Parkinson’s Disease Together, email info@parkinson.ca or call 1 800 565 3000.
To watch video clips from the Care Partner Summit held in May 2019, read Parkinson Canada Hosts Care Partner Summit
We are here to help—no matter what.
What’s Happening in 2019?
Sleep pattern points the way to Parkinson’s
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Delegation for investigating fake Identity cards: we will observe this case with impartiality
By Admin - September 19, 2018
Kabul-Afghanistan (PMG):
Report: Qudratullah Lashkari
Photo: Mortaza Haidari
The Mixed Committee of Investigating Fake ID cards, which was formed on the basis of the presidential decree for the investigation of fake identity documents, explained the purpose of their mission to the media and its activities. Recently, the presidency, in its 1,100 mandate, comprised a panel of the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of the Interior, the National Directorate of Security, the Population Register and Central Statistics Bureau, charged with representing the Attorney General’s office, who is in charge of the investigation. They say: their mandate is to Provide their investigation result about fake birth certificates to the presidential palace.
Noorhadi Hadi, general director of supervision and review of corruption crimes at the Attorney General’s Office and chairman of the delegation said that the registration of fake identity cards, the discovery of officials and individuals and the verdict in forging these documents, investigating the complaints of individuals and the judgement, and making proposals to the government for purposes The foundation of this board. According to Mr. Hadi, this delegation has already had two news conferences and sent letters to the following organs: The National Assembly, the National coalition, the Natural Persons and the Verdict, to assist them in examining the facts and hand over their documents with this Share board.
The head of the delegation further added that we would assure the Afghan people that the Attorney General’s Office, which is leading the delegation, acts independently and unconventionally, and the results of the delegation’s investigation would be shared with the media and the people of Afghanistan.
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Smaller parties: Mebyon Kernow – ‘progressive left-of-centre’
In an earlier post, there was a reference to the possibility of a coalition of the left involving Labour, the Liberal Democrats and possibly other smaller parties as the most likely outcome of the 2015 election, according to Citibank’s analysts.
Having covered the Greens and NHAP, we now turn to Mebyon Kernow, a progressive left-of-centre party in Cornwall.
MK has a good presence in local politics and is putting up an able candidate in the general election: Councillor Richard (Dick) Cole – below. MK is working to build a confident and outward-looking Cornwall with the power to take decisions which direct affect the people of Cornwall, locally.
Its policies are founded on three core values:
Prosperity for all
Read more here: https://www.mebyonkernow.org/policies/
Policies include:
working to restore faith in local government
protecting public services
winning fair funding for Cornwall
protecting the less well-off and vulnerable
safeguarding the Cornish economy
delivering pro-Cornwall planning policies
delivering proper local-needs housing
protecting the Cornish environment
making Cornwall council democratic
winning greater recognition for Cornwall
A poll undertaken by Survation for a research and film documentary project at the University of Exeter (Penryn) sampled 500 voters in the Camborne and Redruth seat.
It found that voters in the constituency supported the devolution of more power from Westminster to Cornwall, with 60% in favour and only 19% opposed. It also found that 49% of respondents supported the creation of a Cornish Assembly (similar to that in Wales) with 31% against.
Cllr Cole (right) told conference delegates: “The First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond described the whole process as a ‘triumph for democracy,’ while even the Better Together campaign acknowledged that there was a ‘cry for change,’ which was likely to be ‘echoed in every part of the UK.’ “Friends, it is up to us to ensure that the echo from Cornwall reverberates across the length and breadth of the whole United Kingdom, and we must – with confidence – put our case for Cornwall into the political spotlight, and build the momentum to bring home significant political and economic powers to our local communities.”
Posted in Admirable politician, Democracy, Environment
Tags: Alex Salmond, Cornwall, Devolution
Corporate-political alliance: “the British Establishment can be a thoroughly unpleasant bunch when cornered”
Steve Beauchampe writes – as the British establishment attempts to bludgeon Scottish voters into submission:
“Right now they feel cornered, horrified, terrified, panicking that the sureties of power and control that they have held for several centuries, and which they complacently expected to hold on to after the referendum on Scottish independence, might be less certain than they believed . . . several arms of government, supported by their pro-Unionist cheerleaders in the media, financial sector and business world, rapidly up the ante by threatening the Scots with all manner of grief if they dare to break with Britain”
A Sassenach conspiracy? Robert Peston reports:
“For what its worth, some bankers have seen the invisible hand of 10 Downing Street corralling these bankers to make announcements that have been embarrassing for Alex Salmond and those campaigning for independence.
” ‘There was someone in Number 10 trying to get the banks to co-ordinate on this’ a senior banker told me. But Downing Street says this isn’t true”.
Defending oil and nuclear weapons via ‘Project Fear’?
Posted in Banking, Conflict of interest, Corporate political nexus, Democracy undermined, Finance, Government, Lobbying, Media, Vested interests
Tags: Alex Salmond, Downing Street, Nuclear weapons, Number 10, Oil, Robert Peston
Media 34: study finds BBC favours campaign opposing Scottish devolution
Media Lens’ ‘Amazing Litany’ Of BBC Bias summarised:
Coverage of the Scottish independence referendum, due to be held on September 18 this year, is a compelling example of the deep establishment bias of the corporate media. Some critics have characterised the BBC’s coverage, in particular, as though Scotland is merely a region or a county of the United Kingdom called ‘Scotlandshire‘.
Findings of a year-long study conducted by a small team led by Professor John Robertson (University of West Scotland) summarised:
Professor Robertson told Media Lens that there was also: ‘undue deference and the pretence of apolitical wisdom in [official] reports coming from London – the Office for Budget Responsibility and Institute for Fiscal Studies, for example; but, also, Treasury officials [were] presented as detached academic figures to be trusted.’ (Email, March 18, 2014) . . .
He added that: ‘the conflation of the First Minister’s wishes with the YES campaign seems a classic case of undermining ideas by association with clownish portrayal of leading actors [in the campaign]’.
This media performance was, he said, reminiscent of past corporate media demonisation of former miners’ leader Arthur Scargill and Labour leaders Neil Kinnock and Michael Foot. The Scotsman also wrote an article in this vein.
Finally, Professor Robertson noted that there was a strong ‘tendency to begin [news] reports with bad economic news for the Yes campaign […]. Reports leading off with bad news or warnings against voting Yes were more common than the opposite by a ratio of 22:4 on Reporting Scotland (BBC) and a ratio of 20:7 on STV.’
So how did BBC Scotland respond to Professor Robertson’s documented evidence of clear bias in its coverage of the Scottish independence referendum?
Amazingly, BBC Scotland sent a 6,000-word letter to Professor Robertson in an attempt to demolish his study and undermine his credibility, copying it to the professor’s principal at the University of West Scotland. This unprecedented move seemed deliberately calculated to intimidate the researcher. In a careful and detailed response, Robertson rebutted the BBC criticism of his one-year study, and he concluded:
‘I think I’ve answered all the questions needed to contest these conclusions. […] The BBC response is a remarkably heavy-handed reaction. Why did they not report the research, let their experts critique it on air and then ask me to defend it? Instead we see a bullying email to my employer and a blanket suppression across the mainstream media in the UK. I’m shocked.’
Following Prof. Robertson’s solo appearance before the Parliamentary Committee, BBC Scotland put up a four-man panel to counter him. Prof. Robertson hailed the Committee Chairman’s ‘dogged extraction of the fact that the BBC had never mounted such a campaign against a piece of research before, ever.’ Prof. Robertson also noted that the Committee had exposed the BBC’s ‘failure to record and organise criticism of their performance’.
We asked Prof. Robertson to expand on what had been the response to his study from academia, including his own colleagues and management. He told us that at his institution, the University of West Scotland, there had been: ‘strong support for me at all levels, including the Principal, for my right to expression of intellectual ideas. Otherwise, a disturbing silence with no leading academic in politics, history, media theory prepared to protest the suppression of my report.
The Telegraph reports that a BBC spokesman said: “The BBC’s coverage of the Scottish referendum debate has been fair and balanced and we will continue to report on the story without fear or favour.”
Posted in Corporate political nexus, Democracy undermined, Government, Media, Vested interests
Tags: Alex Salmond, Arthur Scargill, BBC Scotland, by Professor John Robertson, Institute for Fiscal Studies, Media Lens, Michael Foot, Neil Kinnock, Office for Budget Responsibility, Scottish independence referendum, Treasury officials, University of West Scotland
The military-industrial complex rules OK!
As Cameron and Sarkozy delight in proposing collaboration on military and nuclear ventures, Rae Street writes in The Guardian:
” . . . In my town, society as we knew it is being broken down. Because of the reduction of money from government, the local authority has had to make swingeing cuts in social and welfare services. Last week it was announced that grants would be withdrawn from at least 10 groups which support the homeless and most vulnerable in society. Because of this the Salvation Army will have to close its doors to those who have no shelter and food.
“The Salvation Army’s officers are the people David Cameron said we needed: those who take “responsibility”. He also said local authorities can make choices. No, they cannot. They have nowhere to go. There is no money. But there is money in other budgets.
“This same prime minister, his coalition colleagues and the Labour party leadership are quite prepared to spend public money on the UK’s four nuclear-armed Trident submarines. These cost us £2bn a year to “maintain”, and their replacement will cost upwards of £100bn in total. In the same speech, Cameron was very keen on “a culture change”. So here is a fine example. We show our young people that money is no object when it comes to threatening the whole world with genocide, but if it is health and welfare in our own town then the most vulnerable in society have to bear the brunt of the cuts.”
PCU: Salmond for prime minister?
Posted in Corporate political nexus, Democracy undermined, Vested interests
Tags: Alex Salmond, David Cameron, Rae Street, Salvation Army
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Stormy Daniels reveals how President Trump talked her into bed on the night they had unprotected sex
Posted by admin | Mar 26, 2018 | LATEST NEWS | 0
Stormy Daniels in a new interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper says she had unprotected sex with Donald Trump and spanked him with a magazine that had his face on the cover, even though she wasn’t physically attracted to him.
The porn star also claims a mystery man threatened her and her infant daughter in 2011 after she tried to expose her 2006 affair with the president in a lucrative magazine interview, and kept silent until now out of fear.
The 39-year-old adult actress made the bombshell statements on Sunday night after dodging questions about her relationship with the president for months.
See the full transcript of the bombshell interview below…
Anderson Cooper: For sitting here talking to me today you could be fined a million dollars I mean aren’t you taking a big risk?
Stormy Daniels: I am.
Anderson Cooper: I guess I’m not 100% sure on why you’re doing this.
Stormy Daniels: Because it was very important to me to be able to defend myself
Anderson Cooper: Is part of talking w– wanting to set the record straight?
Stormy Daniels: 100%.
Anderson Cooper: Why does the record need to be set straight?
Stormy Daniels: Because people are just saying whatever they wanted to say about me, I was perfectly fine saying nothing at all, but I’m not okay with being made out to be a liar, or people thinking that I did this for money and people are like, “Oh, you’re an opportunist. You’re taking advantage of this. Yes, I’m getting more job offers now, but tell me one person who would turn down a job offer making more than they’ve been making, doing the same thing that they’ve always done?
Anderson Cooper: A lotta people are using you for a lotta different agendas.
Stormy Daniels: They’re trying to. Like, oh, you know, Stormy Daniels comes out #MeToo. This is not a ‘Me Too.’ I was not a victim. I’ve never said I was a victim. I think trying to use me to– to further someone else’s agenda, does horrible damage to people who are true victims.
Stormy Daniels’ real name is Stephanie Clifford. She’s 39 years old, from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and has been acting in, directing, and writing adult films for nearly 20 years. She was one of the most popular actresses in the adult industry when she was introduced to Mr. Trump at a celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe in July, 2006. She says he invited her to dinner, and she met him at his hotel suite.
Anderson Cooper: How was the conversation?
Stormy Daniels: Ummm (LAUGH) it started off– all about him just talking about himself. And he’s like– “Have you seen my new magazine?
Anderson Cooper: He was showing you his own picture on the cover of a magazine.
Stormy Daniels: Right, right. And so I was like, “Does this– does this normally work for you?” And he looked very taken– taken back, like, he didn’t really understand what I was saying. Like, I was– does, just, you know, talking about yourself normally work?” And I was like, “Someone should take that magazine and spank you with it.” (LAUGH) And I’ll never forget the look on his face. He was like–
Anderson Cooper: What– what was his look?
Stormy Daniels: Just, I don’t think anyone’s ever spoken to him like that, especially, you know, a young woman who looked like me. And I said, you know, “Give me that,” and I just remember him going, “You wouldn’t.” “Hand it over.” And– so he did, and I was like, turn around, drop ’em.”
Anderson Cooper: You– you told Donald Trump to turn around and take off his pants.
Stormy Daniels: Yes.
Anderson Cooper: And did he?
Stormy Daniels: Yes. So he turned around and pulled his pants down a little — you know had underwear on and stuff and I just gave him a couple swats.
Anderson Cooper: This was done in a joking manner.
Stormy Daniels: Yes. and– from that moment on, he was a completely different person.
Anderson Cooper: How so?
Stormy Daniels: He quit talking about himself and he asked me things and I asked him things and it just became like more appropriate.
Anderson Cooper: It became more comfortable.
Stormy Daniels: Yeah. He was like, “Wow, you– you are special. You remind me of my daughter.” You know– he was like, “You’re smart and beautiful, and a woman to be reckoned with, and I like you. I like you.”
Anderson Cooper: At this point was he doing The Apprentice?
Stormy Daniels: Yes. And he goes, “Got an idea, honeybunch. Would you ever consider going on and– and being a contestant?” And I laughed and– and said, “NBC’s never gonna let, you know, an adult film star be on.” It’s, you know, he goes, “No, no,” he goes, “That’s why I want you. You’re gonna shock a lotta people, you’re smart and they won’t know what to expect”
Anderson Cooper: Did you think he was serious, or did you think he was kind of dangling to get you to wanna be involved him?
Stormy Daniels: Both.
Anderson Cooper: Melania Trump had recently given birth to– to a son, just a few months before. Did that– did he mention his wife or child at all in this?
Stormy Daniels: I asked. And he brushed it aside, said, “Oh yeah, yeah, you know, don’t worry about that. We don’t even we have separate rooms and stuff.”
Anderson Cooper: Did you two go out for dinner that night?
Stormy Daniels: No.
Anderson Cooper: You had dinner in the room?
Anderson Cooper: What happened next?
Stormy Daniels: I asked him if I could use his restroom and he said, “Yes, you know, it’s through those– through the bedroom, you’ll see it.” So I– I excused myself and I went to the– the restroom. You know, I was in there for a little bit and came out and he was sitting, you know, on the edge of the bed when I walked out, perched.
Anderson Cooper: And when you saw that, what went through your mind?
Stormy Daniels: I realized exactly what I’d gotten myself into. And I was like, “Ugh, here we go.” (LAUGH) And I just felt like maybe– (LAUGH) it was sort of– I had it coming for making a bad decision for going to someone’s room alone and I just heard the voice in my head, “well, you put yourself in a bad situation and bad things happen, so you deserve this.”
Anderson Cooper: And you had sex with him.
Anderson Cooper: You were 27, he was 60. Were you physically attracted to him?
Anderson Cooper: Not at all?
Anderson Cooper: Did you want to have sex with him?
Stormy Daniels: No. But I didn’t– I didn’t say no. I’m not a victim, I’m not–
Anderson Cooper: It was entirely consensual.
Stormy Daniels: Oh, yes, yes.
Anderson Cooper: You work in an industry where condom use is– is an issue. Did– did he use a condom?
Anderson Cooper: Did you ask him to?
Stormy Daniels: No. I honestly didn’t say anything.
Anderson Cooper: After you had sex, what happened?
Stormy Daniels: He said that it was great, he had– a great evening, and it was nothing like he expected, that I really surprised him, that a lotta people must underestimate me– that he hoped that I would be willing to see him again and that we would discuss the things we had talked about earlier in the evening.
Anderson Cooper: Being on The Apprentice.
Stormy Daniels: Right.
Daniels says she and Mr. Trump stayed in touch. She says he invited her to a Trump Vodka launch party in California, as well as to his office in Trump Tower in New York.
Anderson Cooper: So he definitely wanted to continue to see you.
Stormy Daniels: Oh, for sure. Yes.
Stormy Daniels: And this was not a secret. He never asked me not to tell anyone he called several times when I was in front of many people and I would be like, “Oh my God, he’s calling.” They were like, “Shut up, the Donald?” And I’d put him on speakerphone, and he wanted to know what I was up to and “When can we get together again? I just wanted to give you a quick update, we had a meeting, it went great. There’s– it’s gonna be spectacular, they’re totally into the idea,” and I was like mhmm that part I never believed.
Anderson Cooper: Did you still get the sense that he was kind of dangling it in front of you–
Stormy Daniels: Oh, for sure, oh yeah.
Anderson Cooper: To keep you interested, to keep you coming back.
Stormy Daniels: Of course, of course. I mean, I’m not blind. But at the same time, maybe it’ll work out, you know?
Anderson Cooper: Did you view it as this is a potential opportunity. “I’m gonna see where it goes?”
Stormy Daniels: I thought of it as a business deal.
In July 2007 — a year after they met — Daniels says Mr. Trump asked to meet with her privately at his bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles to discuss a development regarding her possible appearance on Celebrity Apprentice.
Stormy Daniels: I remember arriving, and he was watching Shark Week. He made me sit and watch an entire documentary about shark attacks.
Anderson Cooper: It wasn’t at that point a business meeting, it was just watching Shark Week.
Stormy Daniels: Yeah.
Anderson Cooper: Did you have sex with him again?
Anderson Cooper: Did he want to?
Anderson Cooper: How do you know he wanted to?
Stormy Daniels: Because he came and sat next to me and, you know, touched my hair, and put his hand on my leg, and r– referenced back to how great it was the last time.
Anderson Cooper: How did you get out of it?
Stormy Daniels: Well, I’d been there for, like, four hours. And so I then was like, “Well, before, you know, can we talk about what’s the development?” And he was like, “I’m almost there. I’ll have an answer for you next week.” And I was like, “Okay, cool. Well– I guess call me next week.” And I just took my purse and left.
According to Daniels, Mr. Trump called her the following month to say he’d not been able to get her a spot on Celebrity Apprentice. She says they never met again and only had sex in that first meeting in 2006. In May 2011, Daniels agreed to tell her story to a sister publication of In Touch magazine for $15,000 dollars. Two former employees of the magazine told us the story never ran because after the magazine called Mr. Trump seeking comment, his attorney Michael Cohen threatened to sue. Daniels says she was never paid, and says a few weeks later, she was threatened by a man who approached her in Las Vegas.
Stormy Daniels: I was in a parking lot, going to a fitness class with my infant daughter. T– taking, you know, the seats facing backwards in the backseat, diaper bag, you know, gettin’ all the stuff out. And a guy walked up on me and said to me, “Leave Trump alone. Forget the story.” And then he leaned around and looked at my daughter and said, “That’s a beautiful little girl. It’d be a shame if something happened to her mom.” And then he was gone.
Anderson Cooper: You took it as a direct threat?
Stormy Daniels: Absolutely.
Stormy Daniels: I was rattled. I remember going into the workout class. And my hands are shaking so much, I was afraid I was gonna– drop her.
Anderson Cooper: Did you ever see that person again?
Stormy Daniels: No. But I– if I did, I would know it right away.
Anderson Cooper: You’d be able to– you’d be able to recognize that person?
Stormy Daniels: 100%. Even now, all these years later. If he walked in this door right now, I would instantly know.
Anderson Cooper: Did you go to the police?
Anderson Cooper: Why?
Stormy Daniels: Because I was scared.
When a gossip website reported a few months later that she’d had an affair with Mr. Trump, Stormy Daniels publically denied it. Five years later, Donald Trump won the Republican nomination for president.
Stormy Daniels: Suddenly people are reaching out to me again, offering me money. Large amounts of money. Was I tempted? Yes– I struggle with it. And then I get the call. “I think I have the best deal for you.”
Anderson Cooper: From your lawyer?
The deal was an offer not to tell her story. It came from Mr. Trump’s attorney Michael Cohen. In return for signing this non-disclosure agreement, Cohen would pay her $130,000 dollars through a Delaware-based limited liability corporation he had established in mid-October 2016 called essential consultants. Daniels says the agreement was appealing because it meant she would receive some money but also not have to worry about the effect the revelation of the affair would have on her child who was now old enough to watch the news. She signed the agreement eleven days before the election.
Anderson Cooper: Was it hush money to stay silent?
Stormy Daniels: Yes. The story was coming out again. I was concerned for my family and their safety.
Anderson Cooper: I think some people watching this are going to doubt that you entered into this negotiation– because you feared for your safety. They’re gonna think y– that you saw an opportunity.
Stormy Daniels: I think the fact that I didn’t even negotiate, I just quickly said yes to this v– very, you know, strict contract. And what most people will agree with me extremely low number. It’s all the proof I need.
Anderson Cooper: you feel like if you had wanted to go public, you could have gotten paid a lot of money to go public–
Stormy Daniels: Without a doubt. I know for a fact. I believe, without a shadow of a doubt, in my heart, and some people argue that I don’t have one of those, but whatever, that I was doing the right thing. I turned down a large payday multiple times because one, I didn’t wanna kiss and tell and be labeled all the things that I’m being labeled now. I didn’t wanna take away from the legitimate and legal, I’d like to point out, career that I’ve worked very hard to establish. And most importantly, I did not want my family and my child exposed to all the things that she’s being exposed to right now. because everything that I was afraid of coming out has come out anyway, and guess what? I don’t have a million dollars. (LAUGH) You didn’t even buy me breakfast.
15 months after she signed the non-disclosure agreement, in January 2018, the Wall Street Journal published this story, quoting anonymous sources, saying that Mr. Trump’s attorney Michael Cohen had paid her for her silence. Daniels says she was not the source of the story. But once it was published, she says she was pressured by her former attorney and former business manager to sign statements that Michael Cohen released publically, denying she’d had an affair with Mr. Trump.
Anderson Cooper: So you signed and released– a statement that said I am not denying this affair because I was paid in hush money I’m denying it because it never happened. That’s a lie?
Anderson Cooper: If it was untruthful, why did you sign it?
Stormy Daniels: Because they made it sound like I had no choice.
Anderson Cooper: I mean, no one was putting a gun to your head?
Stormy Daniels: Not physical violence, no.
Anderson Cooper: you thought that there would be some sort of legal repercussion if you didn’t sign it?
Stormy Daniels: Correct. As a matter of fact, the exact sentence used was, “They can make your life hell in many different ways.”
Anderson Cooper: They being…
Stormy Daniels: I’m not exactly sure who they were. I believe it to be Michael Cohen.
President Trump’s attorney Michael Cohen has denied ever threatening Stormy Daniels. The payment Cohen made to her is now the subject of complaints to the Justice Department and the Federal Election Commission, alleging that it was an illegal campaign contribution.
What makes the dispute between Stormy Daniels and the president more than a high-profile tabloid scandal is that her silence was purchased eleven days before the presidential election, which may run afoul of campaign finance laws. The president’s long-time lawyer Michael Cohen says he used $130,000 of his own money to pay Stormy Daniels. Cohen has said the money was not a campaign contribution. But Trevor Potter, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission appointed by President George H.W. Bush, told us he doesn’t agree.
Trevor Potter: The payment of the money just creates an enormous legal mess for I think Trump, for Cohen and anyone else who was involved in this in the campaign.
Anderson Cooper: Are you saying that can be seen as a contribution to benefit a campaign?
Trevor Potter: I am. it’s a $130,000 in-kind contribution by Cohen to the Trump campaign, which is about $126,500 above what he’s allowed to give. And if he does this on behalf of his client, the candidate, that is a coordinated, illegal, in-kind contribution by Cohen for the purpose of influencing the election, of benefiting the candidate by keeping this secret.
The payment Stormy Daniels received is the subject of complaints by watchdog groups to the Department of Justice and the Federal Election Commission, which Trevor Potter used to be chairman of. He’s now president of the non-partisan Campaign Legal Center, which supports the enforcement of campaign finance laws.
Anderson Cooper: If the president paid Michael Cohen back, is that an in-kind campaign contribution that the president should’ve then reported?
Trevor Potter: It is. If he was then reimbursed by the president, that doesn’t remove the fact that the initial payment violated Cohen’s contribution limits. I guess it mitigates it if he’s paid back by the candidate because the candidate could have paid for it without limit.
Anderson Cooper: What if the president never reimbursed Michael Cohen?
Trevor Potter: Then he is still out on the line, having made a illegal in-kind contribution to the campaign.
Anderson Cooper: You’re saying this is more serious for Michael Cohen if the president did not pay him back?
Trevor Potter: Yes. I think that’s correct.
We wanted to speak with Mr. Trump’s attorney Michael Cohen about this, but he did not respond to our calls and written request for comment. Cohen told The New York Times last month he used his own personal funds to facilitate a payment of $130,000 to Stormy Daniels and said, “Neither the Trump Organization nor the Trump Campaign… reimbursed me for the payment.” this past week, Cohen told Vanity Fair magazine, “What I did defensively for my personal client, and my friend, is what attorneys do for their high-profile clients. I would have done it in 2006. I would have done it in 2011. I truly care about him and the family — more than just as an employee and an attorney.”
Michael Avenatti: It’s laughable. It’s ludicrous. It’s preposterous.
Anderson Cooper: Lawyers don’t do that, you’re saying. You– you–
Michael Avenatti: Ever.
Michael Avenatti is Stormy Daniels’ attorney. He’s a Los Angeles trial lawyer who is suing the president in a California court, seeking to have Stormy Daniels’ non-disclosure agreement — or “NDA” — declared invalid, in part because the president never signed it on the lines provided for his alias — “D.D.,” David Dennison.
Anderson Cooper: Michael Cohen has said, “Look, this had nothing to do with the election.” He would’ve made this agreement months before.
Michael Avenatti: So why didn’t he? It just slipped his mind? It’s just a coincidence that, in the waning days of the campaign, he thought to himself, “Oh, you know, I know I’ve been thinkin’ about this for years. Perhaps now is a good time to get that NDA executed with Stormy Daniels.”
Avenatti disputes the notion that Cohen was working in a purely personal capacity when he arranged the hush money for Stormy Daniels. He’s found documents that show Michael Cohen used his Trump Organization email address in setting up the payment. He also says the non-disclosure agreement Stormy Daniels signed in 2016, when she was represented by a different lawyer, was FedExed to Cohen at his Trump Organization office in Trump Tower in New York.
Michael Avenatti: That is a copy of the Federal Express confirmation
The cover letter from Daniels’ previous attorney also identifies who he thought Michael Cohen was working for.
Michael Avenatti: To Mr. Cohen as executive vice president and special counsel to Donald J. Trump, the Trump Organization, again– listing the 5th Avenue address. this idea that there’s a separation now between Mr. Cohen, individually, and the Trump Organization or Mr. Cohen, individually, and Donald Trump, it– it– it’s nonsense.
Anderson Cooper: There are people who argue that this much ado about nothing, that if this was not a story about, an adult film actress and the President of the United States, no one would pay attention.
Michael Avenatti: This is about the cover-up. This is about the extent that Mr. Cohen and the president have gone to intimidate this woman, to silence her, to threaten her, and to put her under their thumb. It is thuggish behavior from people in power. And it has no place in American democracy.
Avenatti points to this recent court filing in which the president’s lawyers claim Daniels is already liable for damages “in excess of $20 million” for unspecified violations of her non-disclosure agreement. And in that article in Vanity Fair this past week, Michael Cohen said that when he wins damages from Stormy Daniels, “I might even take an extended vacation on her dime.”
Anderson Cooper: You’re saying they’re tryin’ to intimidate her.
Michael Avenatti: There’s no question. You threaten someone– with a $20 million lawsuit, it’s a thuggish tactic. It’s no different than what happened in the parking lot in Las Vegas.
Anderson Cooper: People make threats in lawsuits all the time. People, you know, say, “You’re gonna have to pay a lot of money when you lose this– this case.”
Michael Avenatti: People don’t threaten people with $20 million lawsuits, that they’re gonna take their home and take an extended vacation on the money they receive. People don’t conduct themselves like this. They don’t. And they shouldn’t.
Anderson Cooper: Stormy Daniels did sign the agreement. She got $130,000. Isn’t she welching on a deal?
Michael Avenatti: No, she’s not welching on a deal, ’cause there never was a deal.
Anderson Cooper: But she still took the money.
Michael Avenatti: She took the money. But the fact of the matter is Mr. Trump never signed the agreement. He was obligated to sign the agreement in order for the agreement to spring into effect.
That’s not true, according to Michael Cohen, who has said only his signature was required. What was also required under the non-disclosure agreement was for Stormy Daniels to turn over all “video images, still images, email messages, and text messages,” she had regarding Mr. Trump.
Anderson Cooper: Did you do that?
Stormy Daniels: I can’t answer that right now.
Anderson Cooper: You don’t want to say one way or the other if you have text messages or other items?
Stormy Daniels: My attorney has recommended that I don’t discuss those things.
Anderson Cooper: You seem to be saying that she has some sort of text message, or video, or– or photographs. Or you could just be bluffing.
Michael Avenatti: You should ask some of the other people in my career when they’ve bet on me bluffing.
Anderson Cooper: In college and law school, you did opposition research for Democratic political operative Rahm Emanuel. Some people looking at that would say you’re politically motivated,
Michael Avenatti: I haven’t done anything in politics in over 20 years.
Anderson Cooper: But this is not the usual case you take on. You were a former Democratic operative. And you’re talking about deposing the president. That sounds political.”
Michael Avenatti: No, it sounds righteous.
Michael Avenatti: Because my client is credible. She’s tellin’ the truth.
Trevor Potter, the former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, says the agency’s investigations often take a long time and usually result only in monetary penalties. But there is another scenario that could present a problem for the president: special counsel Robert Mueller’s inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 election. In March, the Washington Post reported that the “special counsel has examined episodes involving Michael Cohen,” including his efforts to launch a Trump-branded project in Moscow in the fall of 2015 when Mr. Trump was seeking the Republican nomination.
Anderson Cooper: is there any way that special counsel Robert Mueller could investigate the Stormy Daniels payment?
Trevor Potter: Yeah that’s the wildcard here.
Anderson Cooper: As a prosecutor, you wanna get leverage over somebody that you could then use to get them to give you other information on which–
Trevor Potter: Correct.
Anderson Cooper: –you’re really interested in?
That’s what special counsel Mueller appears to be doing with Paul Manafort, Mr. Trump’s former campaign chairman, who faces multiple charges including tax and bank fraud.
Anderson Cooper: Paul Manafort has been charged with crimes that don’t have anything to do with Russia in some cases.
Trevor Potter: Well, and that certainly preceded the campaign. And so– clearly, the Justice Department, the deputy attorney general who is ultimately in charge of this, has determined that looking at what Manafort did in other contexts– is relevant to the investigation. And I think you can say exactly the same thing about Cohen. He was– involved– indisputably with Trump Organization activities with Russia and negotiations with the Russians. Mr. Cohen is in the middle of a place that’s of great interest to the Special Counsel.
Anderson Cooper: Is there any recent precedent for p– prosecuting somebody for an undisclosed campaign contribution?
Trevor Potter: As it happens, there is. There’s sort of a pretty spectacular one.
Former Senator John Edwards was prosecuted, but never convicted, for payments a supporter and his campaign finance chairman made a year before the 2008 election to a woman who’d had Edwards’ child.
Trevor Potter: I think the Edwards case is not as strong as the facts we have so far in the Trump case.
Anderson Cooper: Why do you think the potential case against Cohen or Trump is a stronger case than the Edwards case?
Trevor Potter: The timing of it. It wasn’t the year before the election. It’s right in the middle of the run-up to Election Day. When– Trump’s conduct with women was a prime campaign issue. In fact, it was what everyone was focused on.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders did not respond to our request for comment from the president. But we did receive a letter from Mr. Trump’s attorney Charles Harder, who asked that we show on camera and read on air one of the statements Stormy Daniels signed in January, denying reports she’d had an affair with Mr. Trump. It says, in part:
“My involvement with Donald Trump was limited to a few public appearances and nothing more.”
Anderson Cooper: If Stormy Daniels denied the affair in 2011, which you say is a lie, denied the affair in early January 2018, denied the affair in late January of 2018, doesn’t that hurt her credibility? I mean, she’s lying, she’s lying, she’s lying.
Michael Avenatti: I think there’s no question that it calls into question her credibility. I also think that there’s no question that when the American people take all of the facts and evidence into consideration, that they are going to conclude that this woman is telling the truth. And Anderson, to the extent that Mr. Cohen and the president have an alternative version of the facts let them come forward and state it unequivocally.
Anderson Cooper: But come on. You would not sign statements one, two, three times about something which you knew to be a lie.
Michael Avenatti: If the President of the United States’ fixer made it clear to me, either directly or indirectly, that I needed to sign it, and I was in the position of Stormy Daniels, I might sign those statements
Stormy Daniels: I felt intimidated and s– honestly bullied. And I didn’t know what to do. And so I signed it. Even though I had repeatedly expressed that I wouldn’t break the agreement, but I was not comfortable lying.
Anderson Cooper: How do we know you’re telling the truth?
Stormy Daniels: ‘Cause I have no reason to lie. I’m opening myself up for, you know, possible danger and definitely a whole lot of s***.
Anderson Cooper: But, you know, there is a potential ups– financial upside maybe somebody will want you to write a book. Maybe, you know, you can go on a bigger tour and make more money–
Stormy Daniels: That’s–
Anderson Cooper: –dancing?
Stormy Daniels: That’s a lot of ifs. I could also get shunned. I mean, I could automatically be alienating half of my fanbase right at this very moment.
Anderson Cooper: Jenna Jameson– another well-known– adult film actress said recently about you, “The left looks at her as a whore and just uses her to try to discredit the president. The right looks at her like a treacherous rat. It’s a lose-lose. Should’ve kept her trap shut.”
Stormy Daniels: I think that she has a lotta wisdom in those words.
Anderson Cooper: The president watches 60 Minutes, if he’s watching tonight, what would you say to him?
Stormy Daniels: he knows I’m telling the truth.
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Impressionism and Post-Impressionism Art Movements
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Imagination, Values, and Emotions
Impressionism as an art movement began in the 19th century courtesy of coming together of Paris-based artists who rose to fame in the 1870s and 1890s as a consequence of their independent exhibitions. Impressionism in art and music might be characterized as a precursor to today's discipline of scientific fuzzy thinking. The impressionism movement took place primarily in France at the end of the 19th century (Clancy, 2003). One of the characteristics employed by impressionism painters was asymmetrical balance. Impressionist painters had their minds set on bringing forth a sense of immediacy. They stressed on new components such as cropped forms, asymmetrical balancing of components as well as perspective plunging.
Painters who preceded impressionists mainly used neutral tones, some grays and black to capture shadows. However, impressionists used color instead. Some of the major colors used included yellows, purples and others to suggest reflected light and shadows. This involved application of pure colors, fresh and unmixed directly on to the palette. Though each color was applied separately, the human eye upon closer inspection was able to fuse them together and bring out a sense of vibrating atmosphere and shining light. Initially, the term impressionism meant a piece of art that looked unfinished and a bit of a sketch diagram. It involves the application of paint in such a way as to create an irregular surface. The paint is applied to bring out mosaic-like patches on the canvas on which paintings were done then. In addition, the paintings seems to have smooth surfaces and it is achieved by applying the paint in thick raised strokes (impasto). Through this, a painter can achieve a roughened texture that resembles that of the subjects and at the same time reflects and captures light.
For impressionists, the subject matter is usually a casual one that captures everyday life. Many of the impressionist artists found inspiration in old homes, bridges constructed from timber and natural scenes from the rural areas. In order to achieve a plunging perspective, artists employed various compositions one of which was a high horizon line. For example, in Matilda Browne's painting (in voorhees' garden, 1914), the house is well captured and seen to sit at the top of the canvas whereas the bottom half is filled with gardens and pathway.
Many social conditions may have contributed to the advent of impressionism in the 19th century. Many art movementssprung up during the time of Britain's industrialization and were attributed to the then feelings coupled with the art movements that preceded them. By the time industrial revolution established itself, some artists were at longer ends with what it brought along with it. Instead of painting their arts in real beauty, they painted what they saw physically at any one given time and place and in the process captured the fresh and original version of their arts. They at most times did their paintings outdoors so that they could capture the diversity of nature more directly and this helped them bring out its most fascinating aspects.
Immediately after impression, another art came forth; post-impressionism. Post-impressionism is an art movement which is an extension of impressionism but goes against the many limitations present in impressionism. The term post-impressionism was brought forth by Roger Fry as he got himself ready for an exhibition in London in the year 1910. Fry coined the umbrella term "post-impressionism" to describe the works featured in the 1910 and 1912 shows he organized at the Grafton Galleries in London (Lewis, 2007). Post-impressionism as a movement began in the early mid 1880s up to early 1900s. The term post-impressionism serves two roles in that it shows their connection to the original ideas of impressionists as well as the break away and departure from such ideas.
Just like their predecessors, post-impressionists had their own characteristics. They were merely a diverse group and therefore there wasn't a broad range of common characteristics that could have unified them. Each post-impressionist took up a certain characteristic of impressionism and exaggerated it. For example, the artist Vincent Van Gogh exaggerated the already vibrant colors characteristic of impressionism and put them thickly on canvas. These brushstrokes portrayed brought forth feelings of emotion. He is therefore seen as against impressionism but a great advocate of expressionism, an art movement characterized by use of extreme emotional content. In other cases, the broken brushwork characteristic of impressionist artists was changed and developed into the thousands of dots that bring about a texture of pointillism. This was developed by Georges Seurat while Paul Cezanne improvised the impressionists color separations and modified them into whole plane color separations.
Most of the post-impressionism artists began as impressionists but deviated from this style later each to follow his own highly conserved art. Impressionism was based on a very strict note, on thhe coverage of nature with special emphasis on the effects brought out by color and light. However, post-impressionists were not comfortable with this limited aim and did away with it in favor of a more elegant expression. The post-impressionists organized their exhibitions together contrary to their impressionist counterparts. Differences between impressionism and post-impressionism were widely evident through out these two movements. Some of the major differences between these two art movements included;
Impressionists derived pleasure from painting what they saw, retinal experiences and empirical form of data. The post-impressionists on the other hand relied on perpetual experiences as the sole source of material which they transformed through imagination, use of intellectual knowledge and memory.
Impressionists brought out their works objectively whereas the post-impressionists transformed their objective experiences gained from the outside or exterior world into statements of subject which described a more conserved and interior world. In addition, impressionists concerned themselves with arts of specific time and their techniques were more or less similar while the post-impressionists were not concerned with the temporally nature characteristic of the world.
Impressionists were confined within the conventions of illusionism which had been advanced during the time of aerial and linear perspectives. To the contrary, the post-impressionists did not like the idea of been confined to illusionism and instead sought other logics of picturing which did not depend on the position of a spectator at any one given time and place. Now these post-impressionist artists have discovered empirically that to make the allusion to a natural object of any kind vivid to the imagination, it is not only necessary to give it illusive likeness, but that such illusion of actuality really spoils its imaginative reality (Lewer, 2006).
The impressionists produced paintings which were described as "slices of life". The post-impressionists pictures were autonomous and were identified as surfaces vertically arranged and covered with different pigment colorings. Post impressionism is thought to have gave birth to early the modern art as described by one of the earliest art historians who did his paintings professionally, John Rewald. Rewald saw it as a continuation of his impressionist arts and even went further to say that a second edition of the transformation of impressionism was to follow and would extent to the 19th and the 20th century.
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Mike Brown Vontaze Burfict Antonio Brown Zac Taylor Marvin Lewis Sports Sports governance Athlete contracts Sports transactions Sports business Athlete injuries Athlete health NFL football Professional football Football
Cincinnati Bengals Pittsburgh Steelers
Bengals release oft-suspended LB Vontaze Burfict
By JOE KAY - Apr. 11, 2019 08:55 AM EDT
FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2018, file photo, Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict walks the field during practice before an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Cincinnati. The Bengals terminated the contract of Burfict on Monday, March 18, 2019, releasing him to free agency. (AP Photo/Frank Victores, File)
The Bengals stuck with linebacker Vontaze Burfict through all his troubles, including a hit to Antonio Brown's head that led to a playoff loss. They finally released him on Monday after a season of below-average performance.
During seven seasons with Cincinnati, Burfict was repeatedly suspended by the NFL for egregious hits and violating its policy on performance-enhancers. He was fined regularly for hits that crossed the line, most notably the one to Brown's head that helped the Steelers rally for an 18-16 playoff win in the 2015 season.
Through it all, the Bengals stood solidly behind the linebacker and gave him contract extensions. His significant fall-off in performance last season led them to finally cut ties.
"As we continue to build our roster for the 2019 season, we felt it best to give both the team and Vontaze a fresh start," new Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. "Vontaze has been a good player here — the team appreciates that, and I know a lot of fans appreciate that — but our focus is on the future."
Burfict, 28, was suspended for the first four games last season for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancers, his third straight season with a suspension. A hip injury and concussions limited him to seven games with only 33 tackles, no sacks and no interceptions, by far the worst performance of his career.
Owner Mike Brown and former coach Marvin Lewis had defended Burfict through all his misdeeds, while he still made an impact on the field. Lewis was fired after a 6-10 finish last season, the Bengals' third straight losing season, and now Burfict is gone, too.
Nobody was willing to draft him out of Arizona State, where he repeatedly drew personal foul penalties. Burfict wrote a letter to NFL teams, and the Bengals — known for giving troubled players extra chances — brought him aboard for the 2012 season.
He was their best defensive player and one of the league's most controversial players, often in the middle of scrums and shoving matches.
In 2015, he missed the first six games while recovering from knee surgery and, in his return, led the Bengals to a 16-10 win in Pittsburgh. His tackle on Le'Veon Bell resulted in the running back tearing a knee ligament, adding fuel to the rivalry.
During their first-round playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium, Burfict's hit on Brown moved the Steelers in range for the winning field goal in the final seconds. Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones also got a 15-yard penalty after the play, making it an easy kick.
The NFL suspended Burfict for the first three games in 2016 as a result of his numerous egregious hits, including the one on Brown. The Bengals defended him and stuck with him.
Burfict was suspended again for the first three games in 2017 for an egregious hit during a preseason game. He got a three-year contract extension during the suspension, a sign of the Bengals' attachment to him.
During his career in Cincinnati, Burfict had 8½ sacks and five interceptions. He made the Pro Bowl in 2013.
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Woman wins child support from her ex-husband for her 50-year-old daughter
Posted 3:10 PM, March 24, 2019, by CNN Wire
Carlsbad, CA (KGTV) — A North San Diego County woman was awarded child support from her ex-husband nearly 50 years after she says he left her with a young daughter.
Toni Anderson makes no apologies for going after the man she calls her “deadbeat ex” some 50 years after he left her with their 3-year-old daughter.
Anderson says her ex-husband chose to go to Canada rather than pay court ordered child support in the early 1970s.
“I kind of put it on the back burner and just kind of forgot about it over the years,” said Anderson. She supported her daughter while working as an interior designer in Los Angeles at a firm her daughter now runs.
“I’m not negating the fact I was able to send my daughter to college, Paris. We traveled and had a good time. But the money runs out.”
Anderson admits she rents her part of the house. And now that she’s retired money is tight. Then it dawned on her.
“I realized in the middle of the night one night last year, ‘Hey, there’s no statute of limitations on child support.'”
Anderson looked up old court papers and last month notified her ex-husband, who’s now living in Oregon: she wanted him to pay up. But the amount she was seeking now was way beyond what he was asked to pay nearly a half-century ago.
“He was only supposed to give me like a 160 dollars a month. Well, that was 50 years ago. That today is a lot more money.”
With accrued interest of 10 percent a year, what would have been a total payment of some $30,000 is now more than $170,000.
“I don’t think enough women get this. And I think they’re afraid.”
Along with getting what she’s due, Anderson wants to the spread the word to other single parents in California: You can still collect. And to those who skipped out, her message is for them to watch out.
“I think he’s a little bit panicked.,” said Anderson of her husband’s reaction to her pursuit. “And I’m very happy because I was panicked all these years. Now, it’s his turn.”
Toni Anderson’s lawyer, Sara Yunus, Esq., an Associate Attorney for Antonyan Miranda, LLP, tells 10News a private hearing in Vista Court Wednesday resulted in a settlement of $150,000.
10News also reached out to her ex-husband’s attorney. There has been no response
Woman, 102, forced out of home so landlord’s daughter can move in
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Mom who stabbed her daughter at least 50 times gets life in prison
She FaceTimed her mom after a night out and then vanished. Her remains were found naked, bound 6 months later
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United States v. Kundo, 10th Cir. (2017)
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Filed: 2017-07-20 Precedential Status: Non-Precedential Docket: 16-4128
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United States Court of Appeals
Tenth Circuit
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS July 20, 2017
Elisabeth A. Shumaker
TENTH CIRCUIT Clerk of Court
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,
Plaintiff - Appellee,
No. 16-4128
v. (D.C. Nos. 2:16-CV-00436-DAK and
2:07-CR-00571-DAK-1)
MALCO KIYABO KUNDO, (D. Utah)
Defendant - Appellant.
DENYING CERTIFICATE OF APPEALABILITY
Before KELLY, HOLMES, and MORITZ, Circuit Judges.
Defendant-Appellant Malco Kiyabo Kundo, a federal inmate, seeks a
certificate of appealability (COA) to appeal from the district courts denial and
dismissal of his motion to vacate, set aside, or correct his sentence under 28
U.S.C. 2255. See Kundo v. United States, No. 2:16-CV-436-DAK, 2016 WL
3079755 (D. Utah May 31, 2016). Because we conclude his motion is time
barred, we deny a COA and dismiss the appeal. 28 U.S.C. 2255(f)(3).
In January 2008, Mr. Kundo pled guilty to (1) armed carjacking in violation
of 18 U.S.C. 2119; (2) brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence in
violation of 18 U.S.C. 924(c); and (3) obstruction of commerce by robbery in
violation of 18 U.S.C. 1951. 2 R. 914; 4 R. 317. On April 8, 2008, he was
sentenced to 147 months imprisonment and 60 months supervised release. 2 R.
Mr. Kundo chose not to directly appeal his sentence. Thus, the judgment
entered on April 8, 2008, became final 14 days later on April 22, 2008, and his
normal time to file a habeas motion expired on April 22, 2009. 28 U.S.C.
2255(f)(1); Fed. R. App. P. 4(b)(1)(A). Mr. Kundo, however, filed his 2255
motion with the district court on May 23, 2016. 1 R. 4. He contended that his
motion was timely under 2255(f)(3), which states that the one-year limitation
period shall run from the date on which the right asserted was initially
recognized by the Supreme Court, if that right has been newly recognized by the
Supreme Court and made retroactively applicable to cases on collateral review.
The district court agreed that the Supreme Court recognized a new rule in Johnson
v. United States, 135 S. Ct. 2551 (2015), which was then made retroactive in
Welch v. United States, 136 S. Ct. 1257 (2016), and thus that Mr. Kundos motion
was timely. See Kundo, 2016 WL 3079755, at *2.
The district court then rejected Mr. Kundos arguments on the merits. Id.
at *3. Mr. Kundo argued that the residual clause of the definition of violent
felony in 18 U.S.C. 924(e)(2)(B)(ii), which was struck down by the Supreme
Court in Johnson as unconstitutionally vague, is indistinguishable from the risk-
of-force clause of the definition of crime of violence in 924(c)(3)(B). Thus,
according to Mr. Kundo, his enhanced sentence for brandishing a firearm during a
crime of violence carjacking was therefore imposed in violation of the
Constitution. The district court disagreed, finding that because the clause in
924(c) is applied to real-world conduct, it did not suffer from the constitutional
deficiencies recognized in Johnson. Kundo, 2016 WL 3079755, at *3. The court
then denied Mr. Kundo a COA, which he now seeks from this court.
To obtain a COA, Mr. Kundo must make a substantial showing of the
denial of a constitutional right. 28 U.S.C. 2253(c)(2). Where a district court
has rejected the constitutional claims on the merits, the showing required to
[obtain a COA] is straightforward: The petitioner must demonstrate that
reasonable jurists would find the district courts assessment of the constitutional
claims debatable or wrong. Slack v. McDaniel, 529 U.S. 473, 484 (2000).
However, we need not follow the course set out by the district court; instead, we
may deny a COA on any ground supported by the record, even one not relied on
by the district court. See Davis v. Roberts, 425 F.3d 830, 834 (10th Cir. 2005).
Accordingly, we may deny a COA if there is a plain procedural bar to habeas
relief, even though the district court did not rely on that bar. Id. The timeliness
of a 2255 motion is reviewed de novo. United States v. Denny, 694 F.3d 1185,
1189 (10th Cir. 2012). 1
Under 28 U.S.C. 2255(f)(3), Mr. Kundos motion for relief would be
timely only if the right on which he relies was initially recognized by the
Supreme Court. Because Mr. Kundo relies on the right recognized by the
Supreme Court in Johnson, the timeliness question boils down to whether Johnson
directly controls or whether Mr. Kundo is actually seeking a new right not yet
recognized by the Supreme Court. A right is considered new if it is not
dictated by precedent. Chaidez v. United States, 568 U.S. 342, 347 (2013)
(quoting Teague v. Lane, 489 U.S. 288, 301 (1989)). And a right is dictated by
precedent only if it is apparent to all reasonable jurists. Id. (quoting Lambrix
v. Singletary, 520 U.S. 518, 52728 (1997)).
The new rule the Supreme Court announced in Johnson was that the
The Supreme Court has recognized that a court of appeals can sua sponte
raise the issue of timeliness, even if the government has forfeited (though not
waived) the defense. See Wood v. Milyard, 566 U.S. 463, 473 (2012). Here, the
government did not file a response, either before the district court or before this
court. See 10th Cir. R. 22.1(B). Thus, since the government did not plead
untimeliness as an affirmative defense, it must be clear from the face of the
[motion] itself. Kilgore v. Atty Gen., 519 F.3d 1084, 1089 (10th Cir. 2008).
We think that is the case here. See 1 R. 89 (contending that the motion was
timely because [t]he issue was not ripe for argument until Johnson II was
decided). Moreover, because the timeliness issue was clearly presented to and
ruled on by the district court, and since the statute of limitations question under
2255(f)(3) is so closely intertwined with the underlying merits argument the
district court confronted and which Mr. Kundo presents in his application for a
COA, we think the issue is ripe for our consideration without additional briefing.
Cf. United States v. Warner, 23 F.3d 287, 291 (10th Cir. 1994) (holding it was
error for district court to rule sua sponte on procedural defense which had not
been briefed at all without giving defendant an opportunity to respond).
residual clause of the Armed Career Criminal Act was unconstitutionally vague.
135 S. Ct. at 2563. The residual clause at issue defined violent felony as any
offense that otherwise involves conduct that presents a serious potential risk of
physical injury to another. 18 U.S.C. 924(e)(2)(B)(ii). The Court explained
that there were two features of the clause that made its application
unconstitutionally vague. Johnson, 135 S. Ct. at 2557. First, by tying the judicial
assessment of risk to a judicially imagined ordinary case of a crime, not to
real-world facts or statutory elements, the provision resulted in grave
uncertainty about how to estimate the risk posed by a crime. Id. Second, by
apply[ing] an imprecise serious potential risk standard . . . to a judge-imagined
abstraction, it left too much uncertainty about how much risk is required for a
crime to be classified as violent. Id. at 2558.
The statute at issue in Mr. Kundos case is similar, but not the same. Its
risk-of-force clause defines a crime of violence as a felony that by its nature,
involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of
another may be used in the course of committing the offense. 18 U.S.C.
924(c)(3)(B). We have recently applied Johnson to invalidate the application of
an identically-worded definition of crime of violence in 18 U.S.C. 16(b). See
Golicov v. Lynch, 837 F.3d 1065, 1075 (10th Cir. 2016).
Relying on our decision in Golicov, Mr. Kundo contends that the result
here must be the same. Aplt. Br. at 7. But the threshold timeliness question is
not whether this court should (or one day will) extend its ruling in Golicov to
924(c)(3)(B), but whether the Supreme Court itself has recognized the right on
which Mr. Kundo relies. We do not think the Supreme Courts decision in
Johnson dictates the answer here.
Indeed, when confronted with the same question on direct appeal, the
majority of our sister circuits have expressly held that 924(c)(3)(B) is not
unconstitutionally vague following Johnson. See Ovalles v. United States,
F.3d , No. 17-10172, 2017 WL 2829371, at *1 (11th Cir. June 30, 2017);
United States v. Prickett, 839 F.3d 697, 699700 (8th Cir. 2016) (per curiam);
United States v. Hill, 832 F.3d 135, 14550 (2d Cir. 2016); United States v.
Taylor, 814 F.3d 340, 37579 (6th Cir. 2016); see also United States v. Davis,
F. Appx , No. 16-10330, 2017 WL 436037, at *2 (5th Cir. Jan. 31, 2017) (per
curiam) (unpublished); United States v. Graham, 824 F.3d 421, 424 n.1 (4th Cir.
2016) (en banc) (rejecting vagueness challenge under plain error review). But see
United States v. Cardena, 842 F.3d 959, 99596 (7th Cir. 2016) (holding
924(c)(3)(B) unconstitutionally vague). They did so because 924(c)(3)(B) is
considerably narrower than the statute invalidated by the Court in Johnson, and
because much of Johnsons analysis does not apply to 924(c)(3)(B). Taylor,
814 F.3d at 37576; see also United States v. Serafin, 562 F.3d 1105, 110809
(10th Cir. 2009) (recognizing that 924(c) is narrower in scope than the ACCAs
residual clause). Moreover, in striking down 16(b) as unconstitutionally vague,
the Sixth Circuit distinguished 924(c)(3)(B) from the Johnson orbit because,
[a]s the Johnson Court determined, no doubt should be cast upon laws [like
924(c)(3)(B)] that apply a qualitative risk standard to real-world facts or
statutory elements. Shuti v. Lynch, 828 F.3d 440, 449 (6th Cir. 2016)
(emphasis omitted) (quoting Johnson, 135 S. Ct. at 2557).
Whether or not this court ultimately decides to follow the majority of our
sister circuits and directly uphold the constitutionality of 924(c)(3)(B) is a
question we may one day answer on direct appeal. But because it is not apparent
to all reasonable jurists that Johnson requires a contrary result, we decline to
reach that question today. Mr. Kundo relies on a new right the Supreme Court
has not yet recognized, and accordingly the re-starting of the one-year limitation
period provided by 28 U.S.C. 2255(f)(3) does not apply.
We DENY a COA and DISMISS the appeal.
Entered for the Court
Paul J. Kelly, Jr.
Circuit Judge
Government Of The United States
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The Peerless Prognosticator is ON THE AIR!!! -- Game 22: Flames at Capitals, November 20th
The Washington Capitals will skate the second game of their four-game home stand on Monday night when the Calgary Flames visit Capital One Arena. For the Caps, it is a chance to extend their home winning streak to six games. The Flames will be looking to build on a road win against the Philadelphia Flyers last Saturday that evened their record on their current six-game road trip at 1-1.
Calgary has been rather leaky of defense as of late, allowing four or more goals in five of their last six games overall and averaging 4.67 goals allowed overall in that span. And that means the goalies have been shelled. It has been especially difficult for Mike Smith, who in five appearances over that span does have three wins in four decisions, but has a goals against average of 4.09 and a save percentage of .872. It is quite a turnaround for Smith, who over his first 12 appearances this season had a goals against average of 2.19 and a save percentage of .936. As it is, his .919 save percentage overall is still his best since he was .930 for the Phoenix (now Arizona) Coyotes in 2011-2012 and is his second best career mark in his 12-year career. Smith has been an effective performer on the road this season, going 5-1-0, 2.13, .943 in six appearances. In 13 career appearances against the Caps, he is 3-8-1, 3.42, .889.
As leaky as the Flames’ defense has been in their last six games, their offense has been productive, recording 27 goals in those six games (4.50 per game). Johnny Gaudreau leads the Flames in goals (6) and points (13) over that six-game span. In fact, he leads the league in points over that span. Gaudreau might be one of the most prolific fourth round draft picks in the recent history of the league. He certainly has been since he played his first NHL game in the 2013-2014 season. Since then, no fourth round draft pick has more points than does Gaudreau (233). And despite being a fourth-round pick in 2011,m he is sixth in his draft class in points and tied for eighth in goals (82, with Philadelphia’s Sean Couturier). He brings a nine-game points streak into this contest (7-10-17, plus-5). What he does not have against the Caps in his career is a goal. He is 0-5-5, minus-1, in seven career games against Washington.
T.J. Brodie has not had a goal of his own in this six-game offensive explosion for the Flames, but he has spread things around enough to lead the defense in points in that span (0-5-5). Brodie has been one of those below-the-radar players who suffer perhaps, reputation-wise, from playing out west for a franchise with modest success in recent years. As it is, since he became a full-time player with the Flames in 2012-2013, he is in the top-30 in points among defensemen (27th, ranked between Ryan McDonagh and Justin Faulk). Another example of a successful fourth-round draft pick for the Flames (114th overall in 2008). Brodie is 0-4-4, minus-2, in nine career games against the Caps.
1. Only twice in 19 games have the Flames taken a lead into the first intermission, fewest in the league. They won both games.
2. Only two teams have fewer first period goals this season than Calgary (13) – Nashville and Buffalo (12 apiece), and only three teams have allowed more third period goals than the Flames (25) – Dallas (26), Montreal (26), and Arizona (31).
3. If Calgary holds the Caps without a power play goal, chances are they will win. The Flames are 6-1-0 in games this season when they shut out an opponent on their power play.
4. Looking at another threshold, this is a team that has to score to win, because they can be scored upon. While the Flames are 7-0-0 in games in which they scored four or more goals, they are 4-8-0 in games in which they are held to fewer than four goals.
5. Calgary is one of three teams without a loss in extra time this season (Toronto and San Jose are the others). The Flames are 5-0-0 in extra time decisions.
1. The Caps are similar to the Flames in one respect, their threshold for wins by goals scored. Washington is 7-0-0 when scoring four or more goals, 4-9-1 when scoring fewer than four goals.
2. Stay out of the box would be a good rule to live by. The Caps are 9-4-0 when facing four or fewer shorthanded situations, 2-5-1 when facing five or more such situations.
3. Only Calgary and Pittsburgh have allowed more power play goals this season (20 apiece) than the Caps (19).
4. The Caps have nine losses this season when allowing the game’s first goal, tied with Edmonton for most in the league. Part of the problem there is allowing the first goal 14 times in 21 games.
5. The Caps are tied for third in the league in one-goal wins (6) but tied for third-worst in losses by three or more goals (5).
Calgary: Troy Brouwer
The former Capital is struggling to put puck in the net these days. In fact, struggling might be too weak a term. In 19 games, having recorded 32 shots on goal, Brouwer has yet to find the back of the net. He has been a player of diminishing returns in terms of goal scoring in recent years. Since posting a career-best 25 goals with the Caps in 82 games of the 2013-2014 season, his goal totals have been 21, 18, and 13, before his current year struggles. It has started to affect his ice time. When he skated 15:11 in Calgary’s last contest, a 5-4 overtime win over Philadelphia on Saturday, it was the first time he logged more than 13 minutes in seven games. Three of the four instances in which Brouwer recorded fewer than 12 minutes this season have come in November. In seven career games against the Caps, Brouwer is 1-0-1, minus-4.
Washington: John Carlson
No defenseman in the league has more points or power play points than does John Carlson in November (through Saturday’s games). Carlson is the only defenseman in the league with ten points for the month (2-8-10), and his six power play points (1-5-6) tops the league as well. He is one of four defensemen this month to record an overtime goal. Overall, he ranks second in the league in ice time per game (27:00), and the heavy workload does not seem to bother him, at least in terms of the team’s wins and losses. In 13 games in which he skated more than 27 minutes, the Caps are 9-4-0, and he is 2-8-10. The odd part of his production is that he has points in six of the eight games in which he skated less than 27 minutes (0-7-7), but the Caps are just 2-5-1 in those games. Carlson has an odd statistical quirk in his career splits. He is a plus-55 in 397 career games against teams in the Eastern Conference, but he is a minus-4 in 150 career games against teams in the West. He is 0-2-2, minus-2, in 12 career games against the Flames.
In the previous meeting of these teams this season, the Caps were frustrated into scoring just one goal in what was the last of their three-game road trip through western Canada and a loss in what is a frustrating season for backup goalie Philipp Grubauer. The skate is on the other foot for this game, the Flames coming to Washington for the third of six-game road trip and third of four straight against Eastern Conference opponents.
Meanwhile the Caps are looking to extend their five-game home winning streak using basic ingredients – defense and goaltending. Over their five-game streak they have held opponents to a total of eight goals, the last three to a single goal apiece. It sounds like a recipe for success.
Capitals 3 – Flames 1
Labels: 2017-2018 nhl season, 2017-2018 pregame, calgary flames, NHL, the peerless prognosticator, Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals: That Was The Week That Was - Week 7
Week 7 was a lesson in the kinds of games the Washington Capitals need to play to win and the kinds of games that can ruin their season. In the first and last games they played opponents close, were opportunistic on offense, and got fine goaltending. Both ended in wins. In the middle games of the week, the Caps were done in with speed and their own sluggish starts, fell into multiple-goal deficits in the first period, got less inspired goaltending, and lost without putting up much of a fight.
The best that could be said about Week 7, record-wise, is that it was the fourth straight non-losing week for the Capitals. The next best thing is that the Caps won both home games, extending their home winning streak to five games after dropping three of their first four home games this season. It might not seem like a lot, but after the franchise record 15-game home winning streak the Caps had to start the 2017 portion of last season, a four-game streak was their longest on home ice.
On the disappointing side, the Caps played four teams out of the Western Conference in Week 7, three of which were out of the playoff eligibility group. Washington eked out a 2-1 Gimmick win against the Edmonton Oilers and held off a tough Minnesota Wild team playing their backup goaltender in a 3-1 win. But the Caps were run over by the Colorado Avalanche in Denver, a surprise even if the Avalanche were a far better team on home ice (6-1-1 at week’s end) than on the road (3-7-0). And when the Caps had a benchmark game, against the Nashville Predators (fourth-best record in the West at week’s end), the Caps came up short…very short, in a 6-3 loss.
Offense: 2.25 /game (season: 2.81 /game, 22nd)
The Caps had a double-whammy – well, “whammy” might not be the right term here – against them on offense in Week 7. They managed only nine goals in four games, and only five of those came at even strength. On top of that, seven of the nine goals were recorded by only three players: T.J. Oshie (3), Dmitry Orlov (2), and Evgeny Kuznetsov (2). Missing on the goal register was Alex Ovechkin, who has been in a bit of a slump. He has just three goals in his last 13 games and had his current streak without a goal extended to five games by the end of Week 7. Nicklas Backstrom also had a goalless week, his streak without one reaching 14 games. Backstrom finished the week having yet to score a goal on home ice this season.
The Caps did get points from 12 skaters in Week 7, led by Oshie (3-2-5). Kuznetsov had four (2-2-4), as did John Carlson (0-4-4), who led the team in assists.
Defense: 3.50 /game (season: 3.14 /game, 21st)
By the standards of this season, holding four opponents to a total of 120 shots (30.0 per game) was not a bad week. It brought down their season average to 32.5 shots per game (20th in the league). What might have stood out most in Week 7 was that the Caps improved on shot attempts allowed over all four games. They allowed Edmonton 64 attempts, 58 for Nashville, 54 for Colorado, and 52 to the Wild. That might be something of a mirage, though. On the other hand, Nashville lit the Caps up for 18 shots (two goals) in the first period of their 6-3 win over the Caps, and Colorado had two goals on ten shots in the first period of the Caps’ 6-2 loss to the Avalanche.
Goaltending: 3.43 / .883 (season: 2.98 / .907)
Uneven would be one way to describe the week in goaltending for the Caps. One could say that against the speed and depth of Nashville, and the speed and skill of Colorado, that Braden Holtby and Philipp Grubauer were left on a deserted island too often to make saves, but it wasn’t a good week for the netminding tandem, either.
This is the same tandem that finished last season with a combined goals against average of 2.06 and a combined save percentage of .925. With numbers in Week 7 that were among the worst they put up this season, their combined GAA is up almost an entire goal per game than that with which they finished last season, and their combined save percentage is almost 20 points lower.
It was a generally poor week for both Holtby and Grubauer.As a pair their save percentage was under .900 in each of the three regulation periods for the week. Holtby fared a bit better individually with a .914 save percentage in the first period of games and a .955 save percentage in the third periods of the two games in which he played a third period (he was pulled after 40 minutes in the loss to Nashville). Holtby had an off night against Nashville (six goals allowed on 25 shots), but he came back against Minnesota to finish the week, stopping 30 of 31 shots, giving him a 7-1-0, 2.31, .928 record over his last eight appearances.
For Grubauer, the week was another in a difficult start to the season for him. He was under .900 in each of the combined three periods for the week and was .824 in save percentage overall (28 saves on 34 shots). He finished the week with a 3.86 GAA for the season (47th of 49 goalies with at least 250 minutes in ice time) and a .876 save percentage (47th) to go with an 0-5-1 record in eight appearances.
Power Play: 4-for-16 / 25.0 percent (season: 20.8 percent / 12th)
The Caps were shut out on the power play to open the week, but they recorded power play goals in each of their last three games in their best week since Week 2 (33.3 percent). The week built on the success of Week 6 (3-for-13) to give the Caps a 24.1 percent power play (7-for-29) over the last two weeks.
The scoring was divided evenly between T.J. Oshie and Evgeny Kuznetsov, who had a pair of power play goals apiece in Week 7. What they did not get was a power play goal from Alex Ovechkin, who went 0-for-7 shooting (leading the team in power play shots on goal). He has gone six straight games without a power play goal and has just one in his last 13 games.
As a team, the Caps were efficient to a point, putting 24 shots on goal in 23:47 of power play ice time. They were better late in the week (18 shots in 16:11 in the two games against Colorado and Minnesota) than they were early in the week (six shots in 7:36 against Edmonton and Nashville).
Penalty Killing: 11-for-15 / 73.3 percent (season: 77.6 percent / 25th)
The penalty killing is falling into a disturbing pattern for the Caps. If they aren’t perfect (Weeks 1 and 6), they are bad (below 80 percent in the other five weeks). Week 7 qualifies in the latter category. And it might have been worse but for the fact that in the opening game of the week, the Edmonton Oilers did not have a single power play (the best penalty killing being the penalty you don’t have to kill).
As it was, the shots per minute were not bad (18 shots in 23:20 of shorthanded ice time), but allowing four goals on 18 shots (.778 save percentage) is an item in need of improvement. Here is a disturbing fact about the penalty killers. The 77.6 percent penalty kill is, at the moment, the worst number for the Caps since the 2004-2005 lockout. It is the worst for the Caps since the 1994-1995 lockout that shortened that season, in fact. It is the worst since the 1984-1985 season (77.1 percent; numbers form NHL.com).
Faceoffs: 130-for-252 / 51.6 percent (season: 51.3 percent / 12th)
The Caps had a decent week in the circle, finishing over 50 percent. It was not quite as good as it looked, though, as the Caps were most dominant in the neutral zone (46-for-84/54.8 percent). They did finish over 50 percent in the offensive zone (51-for-96/53.1 percent), but they were underwater in the defensive zone 33-for-72/45.8 percent).
In the “faceoff don’t matter” category, the Caps had their best game, in total (64.2 percent) and in each zone (offensive: 63.2 percent; defensive: 61.9 percent; neutral: 66.7 percent) against Colorado in a game they lost by four goals. It happened to be the only game they “won” for the week, splitting 60 draws with Minnesota and under 50 percent against Edmonton and Nashville.
Individually, it was an odd week, Evgeny Kuznetsov winning 60 percent of his faceoffs and Jay Beagle with an uncharacteristic 47.2 percent wins. T.J. Oshie (11-for-18/61.1 percent) and Nicklas Backstrom (34-for-60/56.7 percent) were on the good side of 50 percent, while Lars Eller was the fifth Cap with ten or more draws, but won just 42.6 percent of those faceoffs.
Goals by Period:
First periods killed the Caps in Week 7, the team getting out-scored by a 5-2 margin. They allowed first period goals in three of the four games, allowing two first period scores in each of the two losses. Those five goals allowed in the first period of the games of Week 7 make up more than 25 percent of the total they allowed in the opening 20 minutes this season (19). They just about held their own in the last 40 minutes, in the aggregate, but falling behind was too much of a hole to dig out of to make this a successful week. Those first period goals allowed left the Caps with a negative goal differently in all three regulation periods for the season. And at the end of it, only two teams – Edmonton (6) and Montreal (8) – have more losses by three or more goals than the Caps.
Week 7 showed the Caps at their best and at their worst, at least within the confines of this season. A one-goal/Gimmick win and another win that was a one-goal game 57 minutes into the contest. They have as many or more one-goal wins (6) than all but two teams – Pittsburgh (8) and Tampa Bay (7). But they had two losses by three or more goals that left them with that disturbing ranking in such losses. Having hit the 20-game mark, it is becoming clear that this team, until such time that the young guys become more consistent contributors and until they are fully healthy again, is going to be successful in 2-1 and 3-2 games. In 5-2 games and 6-3 games, chances are they will be on the wrong side of those scores.
But now, the focus switches not to margin, but venue. The win over the Wild to end the week was the Caps’ fifth straight at home and was the first game in a stretch in which the Caps play nine of ten games on home ice. There is no more important stretch of the season so far, and perhaps none that will come later, than this ten-game stretch on which the Caps just embarked.
First Star: T. J. Oshie (3-2-5, even, 7 shots on goal, 12 shot attempts, 14 hits, 61.1 percent faceoff wins, game-deciding Gimmick goal)
Second Star: Evgeny Kuznetsov (2-2-4 (all points on power play), minus-1, 14 shots on goal, 18 shot attempts, 60.0 percent faceoff wins)
Third Star: Dmitry Orlov (2-0-2, plus-1, 10 shots on goal, 17 shot attempts, game-winning goal, 24:23 in average ice time)
Posted by The Peerless at 11:00 AM No comments:
Labels: 2017-2018 season, NHL, that was the week that was, the peerless prognosticator, Washington Capitals
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Financial Stability Review – March 2012 The Australian Financial System
In FSR March 2012
The Global Financial Environment
The Australian Financial System
Box A: Foreign-owned Bank Activity in Australia
Household and Business Balance Sheets
Box B: Home Mortgage Debt: Recent Insights from the HILDA Survey
Developments in the Financial System Architecture
Box C: Global Systemically Important Banks
Box D: A Closer Look at the Shadow Banking System in Australia
Copyright and Disclaimer Notices
A challenge for the Australian banking system during the past six months was dealing with the market volatility and associated drying up of some credit markets in late 2011 related to the European sovereign debt problems. Compared with the pre-crisis period, Australian banks were in a better position to cope with this disruption given the improvements they had made to their capital and funding positions in recent years. Deposits have also been continuing to grow faster than credit, reducing the size of banks' wholesale funding task. As outlined in ‘The Global Financial Environment’ chapter, global market sentiment has improved since late 2011 and long-term unsecured funding markets have reopened. The Australian banks have taken advantage of this by issuing a sizeable amount of bonds since the beginning of the year, including covered bonds. While spreads are still relatively high, the banks have been able to make significant inroads into their expected wholesale funding requirements for the year, and thereby put themselves in a better position to cope with any renewed funding strains, should they occur. In response to higher funding costs, banks have recently been lifting the interest rates on some loans relative to the cash rate.
While the banks continued to record robust profits in their latest half-year reporting periods, the slow credit growth environment is likely to limit the pace of future profit growth, particularly as the reductions in bad and doubtful debts that had boosted profitability in recent years appear largely to have run their course. In this environment, banks have been looking to bolster their profitability through cost cutting and productivity improvements, with a number of them recently announcing plans to reduce staff numbers. To the extent that these job cuts are in lending and sales, they align with the weaker activity in these areas. If they were to be in risk management or operational areas, however, the performance of these areas could be compromised.
Banks' asset performance improved a little over the second half of 2011, but remains weaker than in the years leading up to the crisis. If economic conditions were to deteriorate materially, this would mean that banks are in a less favourable starting position in terms of their asset quality than a few years ago. That said, Australian banks' overall loan impairment rates are relatively low, and exposures to the euro area, particularly to the countries experiencing the greatest financial stress, remain very low.
Profitability in the Australian general insurance industry was somewhat subdued in the second half of 2011 following further natural disasters, even though the claims from these events were not on the same scale as the natural disasters in late 2010 and early 2011. The negative impact of these catastrophe events on insurers' underwriting results was also partly offset by stronger investment income. The costs of renewing property reinsurance programs have gone up significantly after the spike in catastrophe claims last year, and insurers have been passing these costs on to policyholders through higher premiums.
Banking System Profits
The four major banks reported aggregate headline profits after tax and minority interests of $12.1 billion in their latest available half-yearly results (Graph 2.1 and Table 2.1). This result was around $1 billion (8 per cent) higher than in the same period a year earlier but a little below the result from the previous half year. In annualised terms, the average return on equity in the latest half year was about 16 per cent, slightly higher than in the same period a year earlier, and broadly in line with the pre-crisis average (Graph 2.2).
The increase in profitability over the year was driven by a 6 per cent rise in net interest income, which was a stronger rate of growth than in recent years, together with broadly flat operating expenses. The growth in net interest income reflected a slightly wider average net interest margin over the year, combined with modest growth in interest-earning assets (Graph 2.3). More recently, the banks' net interest margins have come under pressure from a rise in funding costs relative to the cash rate and increased holdings of liquid assets. In February, three major banks reported their December quarter 2011 trading updates, which all showed contractions in their group margins recently of between 5 and 10 basis points.
Over the year to the latest half-year reporting period, the major banks' non-interest income fell by 4 per cent, as volatility in financial markets reduced earnings from their trading and wealth management operations. Partly offsetting this, these banks recorded a 5 per cent rise in their fee and commission income, the largest component of non-interest income. Overall, underlying revenue growth was steady at around 3 per cent over the year.
Also supporting the increase in the major banks' profits over the year was a further reduction in bad and doubtful debt charges. These charges totalled around $2.5 billion in the latest half-year results, down about 20 per cent over the same period a year earlier but broadly in line with the previous half year. Equity market analysts expect that bad debt charges have now troughed and that they will drift up a little over the coming year. Given that banks' non-performing assets remain elevated, their future profit growth could be reduced if the current stock of provisions is insufficient for future losses.
In an environment of slow loan growth, banks are increasingly looking at ways to raise productivity and reduce costs in order to maintain profit growth. As staff-related expenses represent the largest component of their cost base, some of the major banks have recently announced job cuts and plans to move more technology and back-office processing to lower-cost locations, often offshore. The major banks' cost-to-income ratios have already declined significantly over the past decade and are fairly low by international standards Graph 2.4).
In aggregate, the regional Australian banks' latest half-yearly profits were similar to the same period a year earlier. Compared with the previous half year though, profits fell slightly, mainly due to a large write-off by one bank. The outlook for regional banks' bad and doubtful debt charges is mixed, and accordingly, their profit outlooks differ over 2012. The foreign-owned banks operating in Australia recorded an increase in aggregate profits in their latest half-yearly results compared with a year earlier. This was driven by a fall in the charge for bad and doubtful debts at a few foreign bank branches, although this was partially offset by a rise at several other banks. In aggregate, the profits of the credit unions and building societies (CUBS) declined in their latest half-yearly results, although individual results were mixed. The composition of the CUBS sector is changing as a few of the larger ones have recently received APRA approval to call themselves mutual banks.
Banks' asset performance improved slightly over the second half of 2011 but remains worse than in the years leading up to the 2008–2009 crisis. On a consolidated group basis, the ratio of non-performing assets to total on-balance sheet assets fell to 1.5 per cent over the December half, after hovering around 1.7 per cent over 2010 and much of 2011 (Graph 2.5). The recent improvement was driven by a fall in the share of loans classified as past due (in arrears but well secured), while the share of loans classified as impaired (not well secured and where repayment is doubtful) was broadly unchanged at around 1.1 per cent. While the banks' total non-performing assets ratio remains nearly 90 basis points above its average over the decade prior to the crisis, it is still well below the early 1990s peak of over 6 per cent, and it also compares favourably with the ratios of some North Atlantic banking systems (see Graph 1.19 in ‘The Global Financial Environment’ chapter).
It is notable that quarterly inflows of newly impaired assets have been relatively constant over the past two years, at a much higher level than prior to the crisis (Graph 2.6). During 2011, the rate at which loans were moving out of impairment due to write-offs or ‘curing’ was similar to the inflows of newly impaired assets, resulting in little change in the level of impaired assets. The apparent stickiness in banks' impaired assets over the past few years could reflect a number of factors, including the pressures some business borrowers are facing from the high exchange rate and subdued domestic retail spending, and recent weakness in house prices making it harder for mortgage borrowers in difficulty to refinance. Were impaired assets to stay at their current level, it would mean that, if economic conditions deteriorated, banks' asset performance would be starting from a weaker position than before the crisis.
In the banks' domestic portfolio, the ratio of non-performing loans to total on-balance sheet loans fell slightly over the second half of 2011, to 1.7 per cent, about 20 basis points below its 2010 peak (Graph 2.7). The decline in this ratio since 2010 has partly been due to the business loan portfolio, where the non-performing share has fallen from a peak of 3.7 per cent in late 2010 to 3.2 per cent in December 2011. Even so, the share of business assets that is non-performing is still significantly higher than in the banks' housing and personal loan portfolios. For housing loans, the non-performing share has trended up over the past few years, though it did come down a little in the second half of 2011, to around 0.7 per cent in December, driven by a fall in past due loans. Though they still account for only a small share of banks' total non-performing housing loans, impaired housing loans have drifted up in recent years, consistent with the weakness in housing prices in many parts of the country (Graph 2.8). According to industry liaison, past due housing loans have declined partly because some banks have implemented more concerted collections processes. Allowing borrowers to stay in arrears when house prices are falling is not in the long-term interests of the of the borrowers or the bank.
Troubled commercial property exposures continue to be the key contributor to the high impairment rate in the banks' domestic business loan portfolio. The value of banks' commercial property loans that are impaired has declined by about 20 per cent since peaking in September 2010, although it remains high at around $9 billion (compared with total impaired business loans of around $20 billion) (Graph 2.9). Reflecting banks' continued caution towards commercial property lending, the stock of their commercial property exposures has been broadly unchanged over the past year, and is around 15 per cent below its early 2009 peak.
The major banks' Basel II Pillar 3 disclosures provide more detail on the industry breakdown of impaired business loans and write-offs. Impairment rates declined across most industries during the six months to September 2011, but particularly for the accommodation, cafes and restaurants; agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining; and construction sectors (Graph 2.10). Loans to the property and business services sector (incorporating commercial property) still have the highest impairment rate. This sector continued to have an above-average write-off rate during the six months to 2011, along with the construction and accommodation, cafes and restaurants sectors.
The major banks and smaller Australian-owned banks were behind the improvement in banks' domestic asset performance in the second half of 2011 (Graph 2.11). By contrast, the share of non-performing assets on foreign banks' books increased, although this was largely attributable to one foreign banking group. The non-performing loan ratio for CUBS was broadly unchanged over this period and remains much lower than that for the banks, loans to households account for a larger share of CUBS' loans.
The performance of the banks' overseas assets improved over the past year. After peaking in mid 2010, the value of non-performing overseas assets declined by 16 per cent to around $9 billion in December 2011 (around 0.3 per cent of the banks' consolidated assets). For the major banks' New Zealand operations, which account for about 40 per cent of their foreign exposures, asset performance has been improving over recent quarters in line with better economic conditions in New Zealand. Asset performance at the banks' UK operations, per cent of their foreign exposures, remains weaker.
With the recent focus on the problems in Europe, it is useful to note that Australian-owned banks continue to have very limited direct exposure to the sovereign debt of the euro area countries regarded as being most at risk (Table 2.2). Their exposures to euro area banks are also quite low, at around 1 per cent of their total consolidated assets as at September 2011. Most of these exposures are to banks in the larger euro area countries. Australian-owned banks'exposures to banks in the euro area countries that have faced the most acute fiscal problems remain very limited.
Lending Growth and Credit Conditions
Banks continued to record fairly modest growth in their domestic loan books over the past six months. In annualised terms, bank credit grew by about 5 per cent over the six months to January, broadly in line with the average growth rate over the previous three years. As noted in the chapter on ‘Household and Business Balance Sheets’, the household and business sectors have been cautious in their borrowing behaviour. According to industry liaison, lending growth is expected to remain at similar levels for some time due to subdued demand for credit.
Bank lending to households grew by about 6 per cent in annualised terms over the six months to January 2012, broadly similar to growth in the previous six months (Graph 2.12). The foreign-owned and smaller Australian-owned banks have continued to see much slower growth in their household lending than the major banks. After contracting over most of 2009 and 2010, bank lending to businesses recovered a little in 2011, rising by about 3 per cent in annualised terms over the six months to January 2012. The major banks drove this overall rise in business lending; the foreign-owned banks' business credit was broadly unchanged over this period, while it continued to contract for the smaller Australian-owned banks. For further information about the activities of foreign-owned banks in Australia, see ‘Box A: Foreign-owned Bank Activity in Australia’.
Housing lending standards appear to have been largely unchanged over the past six months. Some banks have recently responded to higher relative funding costs by reducing the interest rate discounts they offer on new housing loans and, in early 2012, most raised their standard variable housing loan rates by around 10 basis points, relative to the cash rate. Mortgage refinancing activity was particularly strong during most of 2011, but has declined in recent months, perhaps reflecting some changes in competitive pressures. In business lending, competitive pressures to loosen lending standards have generally been less intense than in housing lending. In industry liaison, most banks reported only modest interest in lending for commercial property, with credit standards generally remaining tight.
Funding Conditions and Liquidity
The Australian banks faced a tougher funding environment in the second half of 2011, but conditions have improved since the start of this year. Conditions in global wholesale funding markets deteriorated towards the end of 2011, associated with the sovereign debt and banking sector problems in the euro area. During this time, banks were reluctant to issue into such volatile markets, due to price and non-price concerns, and thus issued only about $20 billion in bonds over the second half of 2011, less than half the amount issued in the previous six months (Graph 2.13). Short-term wholesale funding markets remained open to them, and indeed they benefited from the reallocation of US money market funds' investments away from Europe, though there was some shortening of maturities in late 2011 and wider spreads.
As discussed in ‘The Global Financial Environment’ chapter, funding conditions have improved since late 2011. The Australian banks have taken advantage of this by significantly increasing their bond issuance, raising over $45 billion since the start of the year. Covered bonds issued by the major banks accounted for around $20 billion of this issuance, about 40 per cent of which were issued in the domestic market. The covered bonds have generally been at longer tenors than had previously been the case with unsecured bonds, partly reflecting access to a wider investor base.
The recent pick-up in banks' gross bond issuance was in part a response to the large amount of bond maturities over the early part of this year, particularly government-guaranteed bonds: close to $20 billion were due to mature in the first quarter of 2012. Since December 2011, some banks have also continued to repurchase their guaranteed bonds that had around one year or less left before maturity, although at a slower pace than earlier in 2011. Reflecting these repurchases and maturities, banks' guaranteed wholesale liabilities outstanding have declined to just under $100 billion, down from around $120 billion in August 2011 and $170 billion at their peak in February 2010.
Issuance costs, relative to benchmark rates, generally increased over the second half of 2011, though they have since narrowed. In net terms, spreads on 3-year unsecured bank bonds have increased over the past six months as investors were drawn to Commonwealth Government securities as a safe-haven asset; spreads are now around 55 basis points higher than those on equivalent unsecured bonds in mid 2011, despite narrowing recently (Graph 2.14).
The banks' recent covered bond issuance has been considered to be a relatively expensive source of funds, being only slightly cheaper than senior unsecured bond funding, although spreads were similar to those of many peer banks overseas (Graph 2.15). Secondary market spreads on covered bonds priced in US dollars tightened in early February as market sentiment improved. In the domestic secondary market, spreads on 5-year covered bonds have been trading around 40 basis points tighter than senior unsecured bonds with a similar tenor. Despite the recent narrowing in spreads, the funding costs of both senior unsecured and covered bonds remain elevated. This is partly due to the higher cost of swapping offshore issuance into Australian dollars as well as ongoing concerns about the euro area.
Given the tensions in wholesale funding markets, banks continued to compete actively for deposits, particularly for term deposits and other types of deposits that are likely to attract a more favourable treatment under the Basel III liquidity rules. Spreads between term deposit rates and market rates have increased over the past six months, and are around historically high levels. Growth in deposits has remained strong, at an annualised rate of 12 per cent during the past six months, and continues to exceed credit growth by a wide margin (Graph 2.16). There has been strong growth in both household and business deposits, and across most types of deposit-taking institutions. Reflecting the intense competition for term deposits, their share of bank deposits has increased from 30 per cent to about 45 per cent since mid 2007, at the expense of transaction and savings account deposits. The reduction in the deposit guarantee limit under the Financial Claims Scheme from 1 February has had no discernible effect on the deposit market.
The strong growth in deposits has allowed banks to reduce their use of short-term wholesale funding further over the past six months (Graph 2.17). In early 2012, the deposit share of bank funding reached its highest level since 1998, at 52 per cent. In contrast, the share of short-term wholesale funding has declined to 20 per cent, compared with 33 per cent at the end of 2007.
Conditions in residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) markets improved during 2011, with issuance for the year as a whole, at $22 billion, the highest since 2007. However, these markets were also affected by the increase in global risk aversion in the second half of 2011, and only two small issues have taken place since the end of November. For the major banks, covered bond issuance could have crowded out RMBS to some extent.
Wholesale funding challenges could persist in 2012 if markets remain prone to bouts of uncertainty and volatility arising from developments in Europe and the slower global growth outlook. If that occurs, these challenges could restrain the scope to increase lending. However, banks can take steps to minimise the effect of further tensions in financial markets, including taking advantage of opportunities to issue debt, staying ahead on their funding requirements and maintaining a strong liquidity position.
After increasing over the past couple of years, the banks' liquid asset position continued to trend up in recent quarters. The major banks' holdings of cash and liquid assets increased to around 10 per cent of their total assets in January 2012. Banks' holdings of internal RMBS also increased slightly over the past six months and now total $150 billion. With the forthcoming Basel III liquidity rules, banks are continuing to assess their required liquid asset holdings and the appropriate mix of these assets.
The Australian banking system remains well capitalised: banks' aggregate Tier 1 capital ratio increased by a further 0.3 percentage points over the second half of 2011, to 10.3 per cent of risk-weighted assets (Graph 2.18). The increase was mostly due to dividend reinvestment plans and higher retained earnings (Graph 2.19). A few banks have issued hybrid securities totalling $2.7 billion over the past six months, which have a mandatory common equity conversion trigger, making them eligible as non-common equity Tier 1 capital under the Basel III framework. The increase in the banking system's Tier 1 capital was partly offset by the continued run-off of Tier 2 capital instruments (mainly subordinated debt) that will no longer qualify as capital under Basel III. CUBS have maintained their higher capital ratios: their aggregate Tier 1 capital ratio is around 15 per cent. As the Australian banking system is already well placed to III capital requirements, APRA has proposed to implement them ahead of the global timetable.
The Australian banking system's risk-weighted assets increased by about 3 per cent over the second half of 2011. That this is slower than overall balance-sheet growth reflects the ongoing shift in the composition of banks' portfolios towards housing and high-quality liquid assets, such as government bonds, which attract lower risk weights than other assets.
Financial Markets' Assessment
After a period of heightened volatility during the second half of 2011 associated with the turbulence in global financial markets, Australian bank share prices have largely moved sideways over the past few months and generally in line with the broader share market (Graph 2.20). The recent improvement in global market sentiment has also been reflected in Australian banks' credit default swap premia, which have declined from the elevated levels seen in late 2011.
The major Australian banks continue to be viewed relatively favourably by the international credit rating agencies (Graph 2.21). Standard & Poor's (S&P) completed its review of its global bank credit rating methodology in late 2011. The revised methodology places a greater emphasis on perceived economic and funding imbalances as well as the importance of investment banking to a bank's business model. Following the review, S&P changed Australia's ‘banking industry country risk assessment’, which feeds into individual bank credit ratings, from Group 1 (the least risky) to Group 2 (out of 10 rating groups). Other Group 2 countries include Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and Sweden; only Canada and Switzerland remain in Group 1. Mainly as a result of this change, S&P downgraded its ratings of the major Australian banks by one notch from AA to AA− in December 2011. The decision had minimal market impact as it was well anticipated. Around the same time, S&P also lowered its rating of Bank of Queensland by one notch to BBB (although more recently placed it on positive watch), raised Bendigo and Adelaide Bank's rating by one notch to A−, and retained its A rating for Macquarie Bank although it downgraded its rating for Macquarie Group. S&P's review also affected the ratings of many other banks globally.
The other major rating agencies have also announced some rating actions on Australian banks since the beginning of the year. As part of a broader review, Fitch reviewed the major banks' and Macquarie Bank's ratings: three of the majors were downgraded to AA−, matching its existing rating for ANZ; and Macquarie Bank was downgraded to A. Fitch based these decisions on its reassessment of the risks posed by the banks' reliance on offshore wholesale funding markets and for Macquarie Bank, its exposure to market-oriented income. Macquarie Bank was also downgraded by Moody's to A2 (equivalent to S&P's A rating) for similar reasons. Moody's downgraded Bank of &P's A− rating) citing concerns over the performance of a small number of large loans and challenges in wholesale funding markets.
The Australian general insurance industry remains in a sound financial position despite the claims impact of the natural catastrophe events over the past 18 months and weaker investment conditions. The return on equity for the industry was a little below average in the second half of 2011 (Graph 2.22). However, the industry remains well capitalised, holding capital equivalent to 1.8 times the minimum capital requirement as at December 2011. Reflecting their profitability and robust capital ratios, the major insurers continue to be rated A+ or higher by S&P.
While there were further natural disasters in the second half of 2011, the claims estimates from these events were lower than those in late 2010 and early 2011. The Insurance Council of Australia currently estimates the value of the claims arising from the storms in Victoria on Christmas Day and the recent flooding in south-west Queensland at nearly $800 million in total, which is well below the estimate of around $4 billion for the flooding events in 2010/11 and Cyclone Yasi. However, the accumulation of claims from a number of events meant that some insurers still exceeded their catastrophe allowances in the second half of 2011, and the industry's underwriting results were weak.
Financial market developments also affected the performance of the insurance industry over the second half of 2011. The value of ‘long-tail’ insurance liabilities increased because risk-free interest rates (used to discount these liabilities) declined, resulting in increased provisions for claims; this contributed to the small underwriting loss in the September quarter. On the other hand, the same decline in interest rates implied valuation gains, which boosted investment income. Consistent with the recent pressures on their earnings, insurers' share prices generally underperformed the broader market until recently, when they picked Graph 2.23).
Because reinsurers absorbed much of the large increase in natural disaster insurance claims over the past year or so, insurers have faced much higher prices when renegotiating their reinsurance arrangements; they have also been required to retain more risk in some cases. These higher reinsurance costs have contributed to insurers raising their premiums, particularly on home building and contents policies.
As noted in the previous Review, the Australian Government established the Natural Disaster Insurance Review to examine the availability of natural disaster insurance, and it released its final report in November 2011. The recommendations included that the industry should offer flood cover – using a common definition – as standard in home building and contents policies, and that the government establish an agency to coordinate national flood risk management, including flood mapping, to enhance the industry's understanding of and ability to price for flood risk. Even before the final recommendations were released, a number of insurers had already moved to provide flood cover as standard in their policies.
Conditions in the Australian economy and residential property market have supported the two largest providers of lenders' mortgage insurance (LMI), Genworth Australia and QBE LMI, in remaining profitable in the past year. QBE LMI continues to be rated AA− by S&P. Genworth Australia has also maintained its AA− credit rating from S&P even though its loss-making US parent was downgraded in January. Genworth has announced plans to sell up to 40 per cent of its Australian unit through an initial public offering of shares in the second quarter of 2012.
Unconsolidated assets of the managed funds industry fell by 6 per cent in annualised terms over the six months to December 2011, to $1.8 trillion (Table 2.3). This was well below the average annual growth of 7 per cent over the past decade, and reflects the difficult investment market conditions in the second half of 2011. All types of managed funds recorded falls in their funds under management over the half year to December 2011, with the largest falls occurring at public unit trusts. The assets of superannuation funds, which account for 70 per cent of the unconsolidated assets of managed funds, fell by almost 5 per cent in annualised terms over the half year.
Equity investments were the biggest contributor to the decrease in managed funds' assets, as equity prices declined amid financial market turbulence in the September quarter of 2011; some explicit shifting of portfolios might also have occurred. Across all managed funds, the allocation to equities and units in trusts fell to 40 per cent of assets under management, down from 43 per cent in early 2011 (Graph 2.24). Managed funds' holdings of cash and deposits increased over the period and now make up 14 per cent of assets under management, up 6 percentage points since 2007. The increased allocation to cash and deposits may partly reflect a desire to hold assets with less volatile returns and greater capital protection.
Over the half year to December 2011, superannuation funds' financial performance was mixed, recording negative returns in the September quarter, but positive returns in the December quarter. The relatively good performance of deposits and debt securities dampened the impact of equity market losses. Broadly steady net contribution inflows were not enough to offset the $44 billion loss of funds' investment value during the financial market turbulence in the September quarter (Graph 2.25).
Life insurers' investments mirrored the performance of superannuation funds: investment losses drove a 6 per cent decline in annualised terms over the second half of 2011 (Graph 2.26). The fall in the value of equities mainly affected life insurers' superannuation business, but only had a small impact on the profitability of the industry during the second half of 2011. Life insurers remain well capitalised, holding the equivalent of 1.4 times the minimum requirements as at December 2011.
Outside of superannuation funds and life insurers, public unit trusts account for the majority of the remaining managed fund assets, though their share of all funds' assets is declining. The financial turmoil in the second half of 2011 particularly affected equity trusts, which accounted for most of the decline in public unit trusts' assets over this period.
The Australian managed funds and banking sectors are interconnected, with one of the main linkages being managed funds' holdings of bank equity and liabilities. This interconnection is beneficial in that managed funds are a source of funding for banks, and banks provide investment opportunities for funds. On the other hand, it could also represent a concentrated exposure to each other. Managed funds' holdings of deposits, debt securities issued by banks, and bank equity have generally been increasing over the past few years, and now account for around 22 per cent of their financial assets (Graph 2.27). To the extent that banks are under market and regulatory pressure to lengthen the term of their funding and access funding from more reliable and stable sources, the increasing allocation of managed fund investments to bank liabilities has the potential to provide banks with a more stable source of funding compared with offshore wholesale investors.
The claims of superannuation funds on banks, which includes short-term and long-term debt securities, deposits and equity holdings, have increased by over $100 billion since 2007, representing a 6 percentage point increase in the share of superannuation funds' assets. Bank-issued bonds remain a small component of superannuation funds' claims on banks, but they have grown noticeably since 2007. Much of the overall growth has been in deposits, which may be due to a growing appetite of superannuation funds to hold less risky assets and to manage their own liquidity needs.
Settlement of high-value payments through the Reserve Bank's payment infrastructure continued to function smoothly over the past six months. The volume of transactions settled in Australia's high-value payment system, the Reserve Bank Information and Transfer System (RITS), continued its upward trend over 2011. However, the average value of transactions settled in RITS remains subdued, falling to $158 billion per day in the March quarter to date, which is about 22 per cent below the pre-crisis peak (Graph 2.28).
For low-value (generally retail) payments, the Reserve Bank has developed new services which will further enhance the efficient and stable operation of payments infrastructure. These are two complementary services to assist settlement of low-value payments systems (i.e. those for cheques, card payments and direct-entry transactions). These services aim to: reduce the risk associated with the settlement arrangements for low-value payments; improve timeliness and efficiency; and support ongoing industry innovation.
Financial institutions that participate in clearing arrangements for low-value payments systems process transactions throughout the day and, in some systems, exchange files periodically containing payment information. At the end of each day, each financial institution that settles directly sends a summary of its bilateral obligations to the Reserve Bank, which calculates each financial institution's multilateral net position. These multilateral net positions are then settled in RITS at around 9 am the next day.
The Reserve Bank introduced the Low Value Clearing Service (LVCS) in June 2010 to facilitate the transfer of files related to the clearing of low-value payments. The Reserve Bank acts as a central point through which clearing files can be routed from one participant to another regardless of the communication network used by an individual participant. The Reserve Bank has also developed the RITS Low Value Settlement Service (LVSS) to replace end-of-day advices of settlement obligations with individual settlement instructions sent to RITS at the time that payments clearing takes place. In the future, this will enable a move to more timely and frequent settlement of payment obligations through these systems. This reduces the credit exposure that arises when payments are posted to customer accounts ahead of interbank settlement. The first low-value system to migrate to the LVSS will be that for direct-entry transactions. This is targeted for May 2012. Other low-value systems are expected to migrate by the end of October 2012. Initially, settlement will continue to occur on a multilateral, next-day basis.
The Reserve Bank has responsibility for promoting an efficient and stable payments system, which includes promoting the operational reliability of payment systems. With continued rapid growth in the value of payments settled across electronic retail payment systems, and following a number of operational incidents, the Reserve Bank recently announced that it will be formalising its requirements for the reporting of major retail payments system incidents. ADIs that provide retail payments services and operate Exchange Settlement accounts with the Reserve Bank will be required to report significant incidents in their retail payments operations to the Reserve Bank. This will supplement the existing reporting of high-value payments incidents by RITS members. Operational resilience is primarily an issue for payments system efficiency. However, there could be implications for financial stability if material concerns about operational resilience occurred during a period of financial stress.
The two ASX central counterparties, ASX Clear and ASX Clear (Futures), centralise and manage counterparty risk in Australia's main exchange-traded equities and derivatives markets. Exposure from this activity is mitigated by margin from participants and mutualised participant contributions to a default fund. Currently, margin is collected on derivatives positions only, although ASX Clear is in the process of implementing margining of equities.
Margin rates are based on historical price volatility and accordingly, margin held at the central counterparties provides an indication of the aggregate risk of open positions held. At the start of the second half of 2011, margin held remained at low levels relative to recent years. It increased noticeably in August after heightened market volatility led the central counterparties to raise margin rates on a number of contracts (Graph 2.29). Increased volatility also led to a temporary increase in open positions, which were mostly closed out following the peak in volatility. Margin held by ASX Clear (Futures) picked up again after further margin rate increases in October.
In early November, ASX Clear and ASX Clear (Futures) declared three clearing participants in default; all were subsidiaries of MF Global, a US-based company specialising in brokerage services. The default declaration was a result of the parent company filing for bankruptcy in the United States, after its exposures to European sovereign debt generated critical funding problems. Of MF Global's Australian clearing participants, that with the largest position, MF Global UK, had a relatively small portfolio at ASX Clear (Futures) comprising financial and agricultural derivatives, which were mostly held on behalf of clients. Nevertheless, as it accounted for a large proportion of the relatively small wool and grain derivatives markets, ASX Clear (Futures) suspended trading in these markets on the day of the default, though these markets reopened the next day. The ASX central counterparties were well collateralised against MF Global exposures at all times, and these exposures were able to be closed out within two weeks.
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Pax Britannica
Pax Britannica pp 165-188 | Cite as
Anti-Slavery: West Africa and the Americas
Barry Gough
Part of the Britain and the World book series (BAW)
Pax brought the gift of peace in places that were accustomed to war but it itself called for the use of force. Africa, a continent of many societies and peoples, posed special problems in certain locales, for it was a place of warlords, and slaves were property captured in war. Whole kingdoms arose from the human pillage. Traffic in slaves by slave-hunters “fermented tribal warfare, destroyed native African culture and agriculture, dispersed peaceful communities, caused unimaginable suffering, destroyed natural immunity to disease and rendered refugees vulnerable to infections they had not previously encountered”.1 It fell to the Navy, as servant of the state, to quell the traffic at sea and on the coasts. This was a central feature of Pax. Pax was a latter-day consideration in the long history of the African continent, and it had a short life, for once the policing duties of the Navy and the diplomatic pressures brought by the Foreign Office, and even colonial governors ashore, came to an end, control of African societies and principalities passed to other hands. While it lasted, it was a gallant and altruistic attempt to establish freedoms, promote human liberty, and release thousands from bondage ashore and afloat.
Niger Delta Slave Trade Moral Suasion Naval Force Slave Ship
James Watt, “Sea Surgeons and Slave Ships: A Nineteenth Century Exercise in Life-Saving”, Transactions of the Medical Society of London, 104 (1987–1988), 130.Google Scholar
Quoted, E.A. Ayandele, The Missionary Impact on Modern Nigeria, 1842–1914 (London: Longmans, 1966), 28.Google Scholar
Niall Ferguson, Empire: The Rise and Demise of the British World Order and the Lessons for Global Power (New York: Basic Books, 2002), 98.Google Scholar
Eric Williams, Capitalism and Slavery (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1944).Google Scholar
Seymour Drescher, Econocide: British Slavery on the Eve of Abolition (Pittsburg: University of Pittsburg Press, 1977).Google Scholar
A review of the literature is in Selwyn Carrington, “The State of the Debate on the Role of Capitalism in the Ending of the Slave System”, Journal of Caribbean History, 22, 1–2 (1988), 20–41;Google Scholar
reprinted in Verene Shepherd and Hilary McD. Beckles, Caribbean Slavery in the Atlantic World: A Student Reader (Oxford: James Currie, 2000), 1031–1041.Google Scholar
Philip D. Curtin, The Atlantic Slave Trade, a Census (Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1969), 265.Google Scholar
Arnold W. Lawrence, Trade Castles and Forts of West Africa (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1964).Google Scholar
John Keegan, “The Ashanti Campaign 1873–1874”, in Brian Bond, ed., Victorian Military Campaigns (London: Hutchinson, 1967).Google Scholar
Christopher Fyfe, A History of Sierre Leone (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1962).Google Scholar
Georg Otto Trevelyan, The Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay (2 vols in one: New York: Harper & Brothers, 1874), 1: 74, where Stephen is quoted at length.Google Scholar
George Francis Dow, Slave Ships & Slaving (reprint, Toronto: Coles, 1980), 181. Additional details from Merseyside Museum, Liverpool.Google Scholar
Paul Mbaeyi, British Military and Naval Forces in West African History, 1907–1874 (New York: NOK Publishers, 1978), 16.Google Scholar
Alfred Burdon Ellis, History of the First West India Regiment (London: Chapman and Hall, 1885).Google Scholar
John Winton, An Illustrated History of the Royal Navy (London: Salamander, 2000), 106.Google Scholar
Reginald Coupland, in J. Holland Rose, A. P. Newton and E. A. Benians, eds, Cambridge History of the British Empire (8 vols. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1929–1959), 2: 216.Google Scholar
John Parry, Trade and Dominion: The European Overseas Empires in the Eighteenth Century (London: Cardinal, 1974), 431.Google Scholar
Howard I. Chapelle, The Search for Speed Under Sail (London: George Allen & Unwin, 1968), 299.Google Scholar
Among other sources, George M. Brooke, Jr., “The Role of the United States Navy in the Suppression of the African Slave Trade”, American Neptune, 21 (1961): 28–41; Alan R. Booth, “The United States African Squadron, 1843–1851”, Boston University Papers in African History (Boston, 1964);Google Scholar
Judd S. Harman, “Marriage of Convenience: the United States Navy in Africa, 1820–1847”, American Neptune, 32 (1972), 264–274;Google Scholar
and A. H. Foote, The African Squadron (1855).Google Scholar
Christopher Lloyd, The Navy and the Slave Trade: The Suppression of the African Slave Trade in the Nineteenth Century (London: Longmans Green, 1949), 57.Google Scholar
Ronald Robinson and John Gallagher with Alice Denny, Africa and the Victorians: the Climax of Imperialism (New York: Anchor, 1968), 34.Google Scholar
Conference on board Her Majesty’s ship Bonnetta, 11 March 1839, Parliamentary Papers, LXIV, “Papers Relating to Engagements Entered into by King Pepple and the Chiefs of the Bonny” [970], 2–3. Also, Jane Samson, ed., The British Empire (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001), 129–130.Google Scholar
Lloyd, The Navy and the Slave Trade: the Suppression of the African Slave Trade in the Nineteenth Century (London: Longmans Green, 1949).Google Scholar
Thomas Fowell Buxton, The African Slave Trade and Its Remedy ([1839] London: Dawsons, 1968), 512–513.Google Scholar
Howard Temperley, White Dreams, Black Africa: The Antislavery Expedition to the Niger, 1841–1842 (London: Yale University Press, 1991).Google Scholar
Palmerston’s instructions to Beecroft, 21 February 1851, F.O. 84/858. Also, Ronald Hyam, Britain’s Imperial Century, 1815–1914: A Study of Empire and Expansion (New York: Barnes and Noble, 1976), 23.Google Scholar
Grey to N.M. Macdonald, 7 November 1848, C.O. 268/4. See also Colin Newbury, ed., British Policy towards West Africa: Select Documents, 1786–1874 (Oxford: Clarendon, 1965).Google Scholar
K. Onwuka Dike, Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta, 1830–1885: An Introduction to the Economic and Political History of Nigeria (Oxford, 1956), 175; see also Newbury, British Policy towards West Africa, 120.Google Scholar
Quoted in John Darwin, Unfinished Empire: The Global Expansion of Britain (London: Penguin, 2013), 61.Google Scholar
Roger Anstey, The Atlantic Slave Trade and British Abolition, 1760–1810 (London: Macmillan, 1975).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Chapelle, Search for Speed Under Sail, 319. This lists four vessels. There were many such, with the ex-slaver Bella Josephina, renamed Adelaide; Henriquetta, renamed Black Joke; Dos Amigos, renamed Fair Rosamond; and Caroline, renamed Fawn among the principal ones. Black Joke and Fair Rosamond were built at Baltimore and had long naval service as slave-catchers. See further particulars in Howard I. Chapelle, The History of American Sailing Ships (New York: Bonanza Books, 1985), 156–164;Google Scholar
see David Lyon and Rif Winfield, The Sail & Steam Naval List: All the Ships of the Royal Navy 1815–1889 (London: Chatham, 2004), 134–135, notes at least eight schooners that were wrecked on reefs, keys, coasts of the West Indies and Caribbean, 1826–1835, and most of these were ex-pirate or ex-slave vessels taken into imperial service. More complete surveys were needed, sailing directions, buoys and lighthouses too; but these were stormy waters, subject to heavy weather (notably gales and hurricanes).Google Scholar
Hugh Thomas, The Slave Trade: The Story of the Atlantic Slave Trade, 1440–1870 (New York: Simon & Shuster, 1997), 749–785;Google Scholar
David R. Murray, Odious Commerce: Britain, Spain, and the Abolition of the Cuban Slave Trade (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1980) recounts the difficult diplomatic issues.Google Scholar
Leslie Bethell, The Abolition of the Brazilian Slave Trade: Britain, Brazil and the Slave Trade Question (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1970).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
For an epitome, see the same author’s account in Leslie Bethell, ed., The Cambridge History of Latin America, Volume III: From Independence to c. 1870 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985), 728–737.Google Scholar
See also, George Francis Dow, Slave Ships and Slaving (Salem, MA:: Marine Research Society, 1927), 250.Google Scholar
Bethell, Abolition of the Brazilian Slave Trade, 327–363; also, Robert Conrad, The Destruction of Brazilian Slave Trade, 1850–1888 (Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1972), 23.Google Scholar
David Eltis, Economic Growth and the Ending of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987), 82, 92–94, 101.Google Scholar
Bernard Semmel, Jamaican Blood and Victorian Conscience: The Governor Eyre Controversy (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1963).Google Scholar
© Barry Gough 2014
Gough B. (2014) Anti-Slavery: West Africa and the Americas. In: Pax Britannica. Britain and the World. Palgrave Macmillan, London
DOI https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137313157_10
eBook Packages Palgrave History Collection
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The Last Temptation of Faustus: Contested Rites and Eucharistic Representation in Doctor Faustus
Jay Zysk
Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (2013) 43 (2): 335-367.
Jay Zysk; The Last Temptation of Faustus: Contested Rites and Eucharistic Representation in Doctor Faustus. Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies 1 May 2013; 43 (2): 335–367. doi: https://doi.org/10.1215/10829636-2081996
Situating Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus within the contexts of liturgical history and sacramental theology, this essay argues that the Eucharist provided an influential aesthetic resource for English dramatists in the wake of the Reformation. Drawing on Eucharistic theology, liturgical books, and the ritual of the Mass, Marlowe’s play reveals the early modern theater as a venue for “contested rites” where liturgical and theological debates could be waged. The essay establishes connections between magic and the Mass by analyzing the “affective textuality” and liturgical rubrics in both necromantic books and liturgical books. It then proceeds to scenes in which Faustus draws on the efficacious language of sacraments, the doctrine of transubstantiation, as well as topoi like Eucharistic gazing and blood sacrifice. In this analysis, conventional oppositions such as parody and piety, medieval and early modern, Catholic and Protestant, and word and flesh are shown to be mutually constitutive at each of the drama’s captivating turns.
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Research Article|January 01 2011
Theodor De Bry's Voyages to the New and Old Worlds
Maureen Quilligan
Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (2011) 41 (1): 1-12.
https://doi.org/10.1215/10829636-2010-010
Maureen Quilligan; Theodor De Bry's Voyages to the New and Old Worlds. Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies 1 January 2011; 41 (1): 1–12. doi: https://doi.org/10.1215/10829636-2010-010
Illustrated by more than six hundred plates and comprising twenty-seven volumes published over a span of nearly half a century by Theodor de Bry and his family from 1590 to 1634, the India Occidentales and India Orientalis series comprise a collection of European travels to the rest of the world that has offered a goldmine to scholars seeking material for the study of Europe's attitudes toward foreign others. Only quite recently, however, has any study been devoted to the compilations' complicated history as a book in and of itself. Yet the India Occidentales or America was probably the single most important influence on European thinking about the Americas at the dawn of the seventeenth century. This special issue explores two fundamental questions about the collection as a very influential whole. First, the essays look at how the volumes on the voyages to the West have influenced European perceptions of the voyages to the East. Secondly, the essays examine the impact that the visualizations for which the collection was so famous had on other texts of the period, specifically on how racial difference was registered in terms of skin color, clothing,and writing itself. The essays keep the focus on De Bry's volumes as they form part of a series that builds a sense of the entire world from the point of view of its northern European readership. In this way, the essays underscore the global effect of the collection, a positioning of northern Europe not merely with respect to the New World but also to the entire globe.
figures&tables
Issue Editors
Volume 41 Index
Crossing Gazes and the Silence of the “Indians”: Theodor De Bry and Guaman Poma de Ayala
America Abridged: Matthaeus Merian, Johann Ludwig Gottfried, and the Apotheosis of the De Bry Collection of Voyages
Allegory and Difference in Ralegh and De Bry: Reading and Seeing the Discoverie
A Visit to the Cancha
Don Silvio
The Seminar
Security and Chaos
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China’s Military Base in Djibouti: The First of Many?
By John Park
China’s military and economic activity in East Africa display capabilities of a great power but also suggest greater ambitions for hegemony. When China opened its first military base in Djibouti, this was a significant shift from decades of noninterventionist Chinese foreign policy established by Deng Xiaoping’s “24-Character Strategy.” Djibouti’s location makes it a valuable strategic and political asset. Not only is the Horn of Africa a significant maritime chokepoint, the symbolic value of China building its base far from home and just miles from those of other great powers such as the United States, France, and Japan adds to Xi’s personal credibility among the populace and Chinese Communist Party (CCP). China’s signature Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has proven to have wider non-economic consequences. In Djibouti and several other countries, China was able to leverage debt from BRI projects to acquire favorable long-term assets such as ports, from the governments of debt-heavy countries as equity. The shift in Chinese foreign policy towards more expansionist and nationalistic goals, Djibouti’s strategic and political value, and China’s use of debt to gain geopolitical advantages indicate that China is likely to expand in other strategic locations of the world where it has the leverage to achieve greater influence. By doing so, Xi is bringing about a great “rejuvenation” to his country and restoring China’s imperial status that Western powers destroyed more than a century ago.
Xi Jinping is markedly different from his predecessors on many levels but nowhere is the divergence clearer than in China’s revised foreign policy. Under Deng Xiaoping, China adopted a set of principles to better protect its national interest in what is known as the “24-Character Strategy.” Roughly translated, it states that China should “observe calmly; secure our position; cope with affairs calmly; hide our capacities and bide our time; be good at maintaining a low profile; and never claim leadership.” Deng believed that China’s strength was insufficient, and the country needed to focus on its own development. His successors, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, both continued this policy under each of their presidencies and oversaw “China’s peaceful rise” – focusing on economic integration and growth. A Chinese defense white paper stated in 2000 that “China does not seek military expansion, nor does it station troops or set up military bases in any foreign country.” In 2010, China’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated that claims that China “will establish bases overseas” are groundless. A Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) report cites an article from the Study Times, a newspaper of the CCP’s Party School, that shows how Chinese perceptions of overseas military bases have often been equated with “American ‘hegemony’” and neo-colonialism.
However, under Xi, significant foreign policy changes have followed dramatic domestic ones. After his ascent to power, Xi outlined a much more nationalistic and expansive Chinese foreign policy. A 2015 Chinese defense white paper introduced a new strategy of “near seas defense” and “far seas protection” which expressed China’s goal to become a blue-water navy as well as expanding its responsibilities abroad. Xi also declared in the 19th Party Congress that after the “Century of Humiliation,” there is a “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” where “socialism with Chinese characteristics has ushered in a new era.” Mention of the BRI and the creation of “a world-class army by 2050” outlined specific goals that support China’s rise to great power status. This triumphant announcement of Chinese strength, of course, departs from decades of a low-profile strategy. Although China maintains a general principle of noninterference, it simultaneously searches for opportunities to put its grandiose vision into practice. Increasingly aggressive measures to secure the South China Sea for its national interest may be cited as one such example. However, this makes proximate sense for a rising power out to prove itself and can be explained as a matter of Chinese sovereignty in many ways. Building a military installation far from its backyard in the Horn of Africa, however, is different.
China’s military base in Djibouti offers strategic and political value in addition to securing its commercial interests. The strategic value is clear: situated between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti acts as a maritime chokepoint for ships passing between the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. China’s naval base would sit beside the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, a maritime traffic route where some 40 percent of Chinese imports passes through. In addition, the base would protect over a billion dollars’ worth of investments made in Djibouti. China has invested 1.34 billion dollars so far into infrastructure projects to build the Port of Doraleh, a railway linking Djibouti and Ethiopia, a water pipeline, and other commercial projects. For reference, Djibouti has a GDP of about 1.76 billion dollars. The base is also politically valuable for Xi at home. For one, a Chinese military presence shows that China is capable of protecting its interests along the BRI’s sea-based part known as the Maritime Silk Road (MSR) and follows through on Xi’s ambitions for China to become a great power. It also has the symbolic value of joining other great powers with bases in Djibouti such as the United States, France, Japan, and others. It confirms as much that China is not only able to aggressively secure the South China Sea but also a strategic chokepoint thousands of miles from home. Located just miles from the United States’ Camp Lemonnier and the Port of Doraleh, China’s base is the first connection point in the MSR which connects Asia, Africa, and Europe. In addition to the military installation, Doraleh Multipurpose Port is a significant asset for China since the port is an exchange point for incoming Chinese goods and outgoing natural resources. However, it has been reported that at least one of the port berths have been entirely dedicated for use by the Chinese navy. Instances like this display how the BRI – an infrastructure program – has effects that are not limited to economic or commercial gains.
Debt has played a significant role in helping China acquire both soft and hard power assets through economic pressure. In a Harvard study examining China’s use of debt to achieve strategic aims – dubbed “debtbook diplomacy” – Djibouti is among several examined cases where poor but geostrategic countries ceded key ports or military bases to China in return for debt forgiveness. China’s acquiring of the Port of Doraleh was significantly aided by the fact that Djibouti incurred millions of dollars in debt because it used Chinese loans to help pay for the infrastructure project. The CNA reported that, “Most of the capital that China provides to Djibouti is in the form of loans from the Export-Import Bank of China (China Eximbank)…. China Eximbank is a wholly state owned institution…” and “the bank generally requires borrowers to buy goods and services from China.” In this case, the loan made out to fund the building of the Doraleh Port was 340 million dollars, or 20 percent of Djibouti’s GDP. Just four years after China’s initial “commercial” reasons for lending Djibouti credit, it leveraged the Doraleh Port and military base. While the BRI is not intentionally coercive, neither is it strictly an investment tool for China with only economic effects. It is difficulto ignore the possibility of a future trend among the sixteen cases where BRI loans have trapped poor countries in debt – several of which have already been pressured into yielding geopolitically valuable assets to China.
With the national desire for glory driving Chinese foreign policy, China’s military installation in Djibouti is not only valuable to Xi at home but it represents the model for which China could pursue its global ambitions base by base. Because Chinese foreign policy depends on the mandate set by the CCP (and, when he exists, the paramount leader), the intention of China’s activities in Djibouti or the South China Sea or anywhere else all serve to maintain the status quo power structure. For Xi, the pursuit of an aggressive Chinese foreign policy helps build legitimacy to his one-man rule at home. While consolidating power means Xi gets to decide how things will be, it also means no one else is as responsible for the national interest than he is. Consequently, no one feels more pressured than Xi for China to appear strong and successful. As a result, Djibouti is not likely to be an isolated experiment. China has the means and motivation to build other military bases as well. Even while China presently denies that it is building other military bases – like it did recently when reports surfaced that it was looking into Afghanistan – whether these denials are true or not, China has dismissed reports of overseas military bases before and reversed its decision later. The CNA has indicated that there is “already evidence that China continues to consider establishing additional military support facilities abroad.” Citing an article in the official journal of the CCP Party School, Xi reportedly instructed the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to “steadily advance overseas base construction.” Before choosing Djibouti, China’s Naval Research Institute identified seven possible locations in 2014 for the establishment of a military base: Bay of Bengal; Sittwe, Pakistan; Gwadar, Pakistan; Djibouti; Seychelles; Hambantota, Sri Lanka; and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. While it is unknown where or when China will build its next base, the CNA identified five factors that China’s base in Djibouti will serve as a guide for – further supporting the likelihood that Djibouti is the first of many bases to come.
In all, China’s nationalistic foreign policy per “great rejuvenation”, the successful establishment of China’s first military base in Djibouti, and the alarming number of debt-vulnerable geostrategic countries beholden to China indicate that Djibouti is likely to serve as a model for future military bases and confirm as much China’s global ambitions. China’s expansion should not be dismissed as simply growing pains for a rising power. Rather, the case of Djibouti and whichever country comes next should be considered as part of a grand and truly impressive desire to achieve hegemony of past. In Graham Allison’s Destined for War, Allison cites a quote by Lee Kuan Yew as someone who truly understood China, stating: “The size of China’s displacement of the world balance is such that the world must find a new balance. It is not possible to pretend that this is just another big player. This is the biggest player in the history of the world.”
John Park recently graduated from the University of Southern California with a BA in International Relations. He also holds a certificate in international security and intelligence at the University of Cambridge. Currently, he is studying at Yonsei University in South Korea as a visiting student.
Posted in Africa, East Asia
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The Big Four and the revolving door
Economics & Finance | Bookmark to dashboard
Finance should be a servant, but never a master. So when accountants and auditors become the story because of systemic failures and corporate malfeasance you know something has gone badly wrong. As big accountancy firms are increasingly embroiled in corporate scandals, how do we clearly define their role so they actually serve society instead of continually maximising profit for private and personal gain?
As if not to be outdone by banking crises, the accountancy profession has gone to extraordinary lengths to trash its reputation and industry. The big four used to be a hallmark of trusted reliability, yet now that term is synonymous with scandals and conflicts of interest.
Joining us to work out why bean counters are staring into the abyss are Oxford Business and Public Policy Professor Karthik Ramanna and Professor Atul Shah whose speciality is accounting and finance at the University of Suffolk.
Now our viewers are watching this thinking this lot are going to bang on for half an hour about accounting. How interesting can that be? Actually it’s incredibly interesting.
Professor Ramanna tells Renegade Inc. that accounting is like the plumbing in the capital markets.
“If it’s working well and it’s doing what it’s supposed to do, you really shouldn’t be noticing it,” he says. “But when it doesn’t work well it becomes so patently obvious and that’s why it’s interesting. And we’re living in a time now where it isn’t working so well.”
The seven deadly sins of accounting
Not a day goes by now without the newspapers covering one of the Big Four or an accounting firm, not doing what they should be doing.
“Indeed,” says Ramanna. “And this is a really serious issue for us as a society but it’s also obviously for people who are engaged in the study and the stewardship of capital markets a particularly salient concern.”
The professor has written about the seven deadly sins of accounting. When you think about the trouble with the big four, pick out your best three of the seven deadly sins of accounting.
“The seven deadly sins referred to those associated with the audit profession more broadly, some of which implicate the big four and some don’t,” he says. “I’d start by saying part of the problem here is what I call ‘a captured market’, in the sense of one has to buy the product, and that obviously has implications on the supply and the quality of the supply, which leads us into the second problem which is that it’s effectively a commodity product.
“Auditing shouldn’t be a commodity. In fact as you look at the world of artificial intelligence and how it’s going to change the nature of human productivity, auditing is one of those professions that can transcend and survive because it’s inherently about human judgment.
“For better or worse – mostly for worse – the nature of auditing today is largely a commodity.
“I’ve written about how the analogy here is a restaurant critic effectively writing restaurant reviews that say ‘the food here doesn’t suck’. That’s effectively what audit reports nowadays are about. They effectively say ‘well this company is not going to fail’. Of course, sometimes they’re quite wrong about that which is a serious source of concern.
“A third issue here is the fact that the people who actually need the audit, who actually use the audit: the shareholders, the wider constituents in the corporation, whether they’re customers or society at large, they’re not the ones who are commissioning the audit. Nominally, the audit is commissioned by the board of directors, by the audit committee of the board. But in practice that decision is largely influenced by management, in particular the CFO and the CEO. Again you’ve got a mismatch between the person or the people who are making the purchasing decision and the people who are using the decision.”
For instance if there’s an investment manager looking after a pension fund. The professor is saying that it’s possible that they’re not getting 20/20 vision on how good that company really is because of a weighted decision within that business of who to use to audit it.
“In fact, one of the things that one would really have hoped for in this market is that investment management firms and other asset management intermediaries would have taken a more important role in forcing boards and corporate management to take the audit function seriously,” he says. “For a number of reasons that hasn’t happened, and effectively this decision has vested in management. Of course, management has its own incentives in what an audit should look like.”
Vested interests and perverse incentives
With that in mind, why haven’t the investment community said no this is way too cozy? Because one of the points that the professor raises is that the Big Four are politically very powerful. They have a monopoly position. Why hasn’t the investment community said ‘enough’s enough. We actually need to break this up because we need greater transparency and greater insight to what’s really going on in these companies.’
“Part of the problem is the incentives in the investment management industry,” the professor says. “The way the investment management industry has been set up, a lot of the pay and the compensation depends on what’s called ‘relative performance evaluation’. So rather than being held for accountable for absolute returns, they’re just held accountable for returns over some sort of relative benchmark. That’s created all kinds of perverse incentives for asset managers.
“Again, a number of norms or rules are set in place where asset managers get very handsome rewards for effectively very little work.
“If you look at the empirical evidence on the act of Asset Management industry, most active asset managers don’t produce any value. They can’t do better than a broad based index fund over any long period of time.
“And yet, of course, they charge these ridiculously high fees that allow them to make out like bandits. Where is the incentive really for them to solve this problem?”
Professor Atul Shah tells Renegade Inc. that Britain is one of the countries that actually created the oldest accounting professional body starting from Scotland, then England and Wales.
“At that time, to be a professional and not a businessman was considered a matter of pride,” he says. “You were a gentleman when you’re a professional and if somebody called you a businessman you would see that as an insult,” he says. “Today the coin is completely flipped. So these professionals are first and foremost businessmen and they are very profit oriented and they use the professional title as a badge, as and when it suits them, but they do not carry with that title the kinds of values and culture and conscience that is required to be a good auditor and a good accountant.
“The Big Four are absolutely open about this, that they are profit oriented businesses. If you look at the figures the consultancy arm is much bigger than their auditing arm by far. It’s about two thirds, one third. Also they generate a lot of revenue from tax -what they call tax planning – but what you and I know is the tax avoidance industry. And actually the more fundamental thing is that, at least in the UK, my research shows that there is no single Big Four audit partner who is purely dedicated to auditing. They are being monitored as you rightly said incentives. They are being incentivised by the fees that they generate.
“So what happens during an audit, if you think of the mindset of an auditor, it has to be a skeptical mindset, it has to be a suspicious mindset. But instead it’s become a friendly mindset. And of course the audit allows them straight into the boardroom through which they can sell the other services, and that’s why they don’t want to give up auditing.”
Professor Ramanna says there is a very serious conflict of interest between the sale of so-called non audit services and auditing.
“Auditing as Atul mentioned requires a degree of skepticism and requires, in some sense, the person to be absolutely independent of the corporation,” he says. “But if you’re in the business of providing IT services, tax services, consulting services, business advisory then of course that’s going to compromise the level of scrutiny that you provide. This is a very serious issue that we’ve actually tried to address a couple of times through major regulatory change, but each time we thought we’d gotten close to this, the power of the Big Four, again they sort of engineer the rules of the game.
“The term regulation only makes sense if it’s actually working in this context. I think there is increasing evidence to suggest that it might not be and we need to look at other forms for which we can structure the rules of the game in this market.”
James Crosby, former chief executive of HBOS
A privilege license
In his study of the failure of HBOS, which is the largest corporate failure ever in British history, Professor Shah found throughout was that the board of directors never respected the regulator.
“If you think fundamentally a banking licence is not given to everyone, it’s only given to a certain organisation who fulfil certain criteria,” he says. “It’s a privilege license.
“HBOS took that privilege and basically ran the bank into the ground by maximising profits and risk at the same time.
“James Crosby, the first CEO, was a board member of the Financial Services Authority, the main regulator, whilst he was CEO of HBOS. He was widely known to be critical of regulation, and to prefer ‘light touch’ regulation. He was invited into the board. He later rose to become knighted and vice chairman of the Financial Services Authority. So when you talk about capture, when you talk about influence, it’s almost as if even the regulators actually invite these people right in. And then, of course, the moment he joined the board my research showed that the scrutiny of HBOS reduced.
“Prior to Crosby joining the HBOS board and the Financial Services Authority, the regulators were very worried. In fact they called it an ‘accident waiting to happen’.
“In 2004 there was a famous whistleblower called Paul Moore who cooperated fully with my research and he said this organisation is growing too fast, cannot manage its risks, it needs to be curtailed, its strategy needs to change. He was fired by the CEO, by the rules prevailing at that time, his sacking had to be independently verified.
“Guess what HBOS did? They called their own auditors, KPMG, to ‘objectively’ verify the firing of their head of risk, that this was not motivated by his challenge, but it was motivated by other reasons. And here’s how the story becomes exciting: He himself, Paul Moore, was a senior partner in KPMG before he joined HBOS. Talking about conflict of interest. The HBOS story was riddled with conflicts of interest and the regulator chose to rely on the KPMG report saying that he was fired because of his personality and not because of his challenge. The result of that is that we, the public, lost £52 billion of taxpayers money without actually signing the cheque for that amount.”
This hopelessness that people feel when they hear a story like that. How do you begin to say to people well, actually, there’s a way to solve this?
Professor Ramanna says it’s really incumbent on people who have invested the time and energy in understanding the issues to either step away from the positions that would compromise them if they’re going to take a role in providing public solutions, or we need a systematic rethink of the way we organise the regulations and capital markets more broadly.
“I’ve written about the role of experts in this issue and one of the things that is absolutely true about accounting and auditing is that it is, in fact, an expert driven profession,” he says. “But from time to time having a breath of fresh air in the boards, in the regulatory agencies that govern these markets, is probably not a bad idea. At the end of the day having someone who brings a healthy dose of skepticism and the capacity to just ask pragmatic commonsense questions is probably something that can be very valuable in these settings. So some of the most useful questions that you get in a classroom conversation for instance on things like ‘what caused a financial crisis’, or ‘why did Enron fail in 2001’ is a question from people who simply raise up their hand and say ‘I don’t understand’. Explain this to me, I have a PhD in physics and I simply don’t understand how this is a viable business model.
“Bringing in so-called non-experts but people who have the capability to and the credibility to ask those questions and the confidence quite frankly to ask those questions of experts can be refreshing and helpful.”
This week’s Renegade Inc. index
Before we talk more about accountancies epic fall from grace with Professor Karthick Ramanna and Professor Atul Shah. Let’s have a look at what you’ve been tweeting about in this week’s Renegade Inc. index. First up we got a tweet from SME alliance: “Seems like the Big Four audit firms are making the news headlines on a regular basis. PwC braced for record fine over audit of BHS.”
Why are we seeing these firms persistently splashed across the newspapers.
Professor Shah says a fine has become a cost of business.
“And the point about professionals and standards and ethics, out of the window.”
Next from journalist and author Ian Fraser: “The big four accountants earn billions from the public sector. Their incentive not to blow the whistle on flawed business models is obvious.”
Next up we have another tweet from Ian Fraser: “KPMG is now facing collapse in South Africa, raising serious questions about the role of Big Four firms in providing a veneer of legitimacy while enabling corruption.”
Professor Ramanna says there’s a serious question to be asked and answered about the culture that has been created at the big four.
“In particular the emphasis on their stewardship function in the economy and whether the corruption in terms of the conflicts of interest created by the non audit services is really sort of eroded away that sense of public responsibility and duty that they have to markets and society more broadly.”
Finally a tweet from Ayush Jain: “Just four major global firms audit 97% of US public companies and all of the UK’s Top 100 corporations. This is pure cartel. Who’s going to do the audits of these big four firms?”
Professor Shah says the actual answer is that the next level of four firms after that are actually auditing the Big Four firms. “So for example KPMG’s auditors are Grant Thornton.”
So it’s your big eight?
“Not only that it’s their friends auditing their friends essentially, right.”
Our Book of the week this week is Reinventing Accounting and Finance Education. It’s written by professor Atul Shah. Pitch it to us. Why should we buy it?
“Education and training of accounting and finance professionals is a multi billion dollar global industry,” says Professor Shah. “Yet it’s actually very formula driven. It’s very technical and in one sense it actually insults a culture and ethics of the students who consume it. Whilst we are talking about these serious accounting scandals that are happening and they are in the news everyday. One of the sources of the scandal is the way these professionals are being trained and educated in the universities, the business schools and the professional bodies of the world.”
His argument is that that’s too technical and there isn’t an ethical bent or there isn’t a philosophy.
“Oh yes absolutely,” he says. “Now with all these scandals they’ve started to put in some ethics as a kind of sideline into this education. But again if you look at how the ethics are being taught, it’s again formulaic, it’s rule based, it’s technical, and does not engage with the diversity of the student base. It doesn’t engage with their cultural upbringing. There is no scope for any religion or faith in any of that.
“Anthropologist, David Graeber has done a fantastic five thousand year study of global finance and he says faith has been at the heart of finance for five thousand years. Why? Because finance is primarily about trust and people who have faith are afraid to deceive others because they know they will be judged when they go up there. So they become self regulators.”
Why our co-founder, Megan Ashcroft left KPMG
Renegade Inc co-founder, Megan Ashcroft was selected to become part of the KPMG cadetship program after finishing school, quite a prestigious offer, because after four to six years of study she would come out the other end a chartered accountant, able to apply business principles and practices to a wide range of small to large institutions.
“That knowledge of business and accounting, I thought would then allow my entrepreneurial skills to shine and be, I guess, honed in that sense of accountancy,” she says. “The reality of being a chartered accountant coming through that process was really two main things: One is that you have to hit time sheets and chargeable hours. A lot of it is profit maximisation, as straight as you can charge. The second is that I was on a process within the organisation where I couldn’t set a precedent. I couldn’t ask questions outside of my trajectory. All this was set against a backdrop of performance appraisals which started after each client job, each quarter, and again annually. What it was there to do is to make sure that you fitted into four or five company values. If you excelled in something that wasn’t a company value, that was pretty discouraged because you needed to be in the box.
“What many people might not realise about finance and especially about a chartered accounting experience is that it’s a very prestigious profession to have. So you start in a Big Four house. Then if you choose not to progress to a partner level, which many people don’t, then you will then spin off into industry. Now, the main places that you go is to a client that you’ve worked for, because you have a relationship and they like you. So then you go and work for your client’s side, or you’ll go into the financial services institutions: big banks, insurance industries, etc. And so what you have is a lot of people who know each other working in the same industry but on different sides, all coming from a chartered background.
“I found myself part of that revolving door, working for investment banks in London, part of a group of risk assessment teams Sarbanes-Oxley, internal audit, external audit, risk departments, really rubber stamping processes that made sure people weren’t going to question the amount of risk and the exposure of risk in siloed departments within a whole institution.
“And on the eve of the 2008 financial crisis I had a big question about the whole industry, when, after all the uptick in the market where all the investments were marked to the market, happily taking the profit going up. When exposure was going to be questionable, the accounting profession said you can all mark back to the model. We’re not going to take any of the downside. Don’t worry about price discovery any more, you can mark to your models. I think, for me, that was the moment I said ‘I don’t want to do this anymore.’”
Toxic cultures & banking’s latent mental health crisis
Let’s talk about culture because when we look at finance we don’t get too far down the track when you’re thinking about these organisations when you think well actually there’s a toxicity. How do people behave in these ways? There are perverse incentives and that drives certain behaviours. But if we wind it back and just talk about the culture within the Big Four and wider. How do you perceive it at the moment?
“Professor Laura Empson of Cass has done a wonderful study on the culture of big law, accounting and consulting firms internationally,” says Professor Shah. “She’s interviewed 500 partners across the world on this and she’s summarised the findings by saying that they hire people who are insecure. They increase the insecurity whilst they’re in the firm, and then when they become partners they constantly feel they have to prove themselves. They have to work all the hours. And she’s saying that they are becoming drained out by all this pressure.
“There is a latent mental health crisis amongst the leadership of these firms. In some sense greed and insecurity are twins.
“The more we have increased greed, we know it’s a very basic science of wisdom, that the more we possess the more we become possessed. I think that basic science needs to be communicated in the world today and people need to see that security does not come from wealth or possessions, but from self confidence, family and self love.”
That is absolutely toxic. How can you make decent leadership decisions when you’re swimming amongst that tide, if you like?
Professor Ramanna says there is indeed a cultural problem in large professional service firms like the big four.
“But of course that problem, the problem around greed, is a much wider issue,” he says. “In some sense this was a shift in the public’s understanding of what capitalism is and how we engage in capitalism.
“It is a broader problem associated with economics as a profession, as an academic discipline and it’s a problem associated with how people engage with capitalism as a system for economic organisation. The famous 1980s movie Wall Street with the Gordon Gekko’s mantra: ‘Greed is good’. That really encapsulated the issue in the Big Four right now. Indeed there is a problem in the Big Four but I think we also have to take a step back and say it’s not just them. It’s a much wider societal problem that we’re dealing with.”
How do you begin pragmatically to work towards saying do you know what we’re better than this?
“I do it all the time in my classroom,” says Professor Shah. “I ask my students to bring in their own personal experiences and stories of finance whether through the family or them as individuals. Bring them into the classroom and you find that suddenly they become motivated to learn the subject. They find that their own experiences are not dismissed. Very often today’s young generation is being exploited by finance left right and centre. So very often they are sorry tales, but when we bring and then we discuss them they begin to see how culture and finance are deeply entwined and that to study finance without culture, without narrative, without bringing people’s personal experiences is actually fraudulent.”
Professor Ramanna says education plays a very important role in teaching but also in the production of new knowledge.
“Part of the reason why neoclassical economics has been so successful is that it has provided within the context of certain assumptions a coherent axiomatic framework to understand the macroeconomy. Those assumptions might have been valid at the time that this framework was first conceived shortly after WWII, but there is increasing evidence to suggest that the conditions, the political, economic social conditions we live in today, are quite different from those embedded in the assumptions and so the need for an alternative framework is clear.
“There’s a role here for advancing scholarship, building a new coherent intellectual framework that allows us to understand complex phenomena like the economy. There is also an important role for public leadership. One of my roles is to serve as the director of the Master of Public Policy Program at the University of Oxford, and we are in a fortunate position where we can convene 120 students from over 60 different countries. This is an incredibly committed group of individuals and working with these individuals as they are in positions of government to raise the issues with the population, to raise the issues with people who experience, in some sense, the dark side of capitalism so that they have a sense of how they might be able to navigate this.”
Professor Shah says one of the subjects which our film, Four Horsemen, covered so brilliantly was the environment in relation to these problems. “And today we haven’t spoken about the environment,” he says. “Once we bring environment into finance it teaches us a tremendous amount of humility. It teaches us how arrogant finance has become. Today finance is a prime cause of the destruction of nature, through the film The Corporation where Joel Bakan says that the modern corporation has actually become psychopathic and we are seeing all this evidence.
“In fact the Big Four firms are giant corporations in their own right. So we also must have a kind of holistic education which actually encourages students to see the human species as just one of the species on the planet. And if it has only one responsibility and duty it must be as a trustee of the planet and not as a master of the planet.”
Professor Ramanna says he does not agree that the large corporations or the big four even for that matter are psychopathic.
“I would argue that there are issues with the big four and with corporate behaviour more broadly but by you know by and large no other system of economic organisation has produced a level of prosperity than capitalism, whereas capitalism has,” he says. “I mean if you look at the introduction of free markets in places like China or India over the course of the last 30 years. I mean in China alone free markets has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. So audit firms, despite all of their deficiencies and I’ve written extensively about them, do create value in society just as corporations do create values in society. I hope the message from all of this isn’t that we throw out the audit firms, that we throw out corporations, because that’s certainly not something that I think would do… would serve us very well.”
Passion, pragmatism. What more do you want? You see it wasn’t a boring half hour on accountancy. Gentlemen thank you both very much.
Renegade Inc. is a new mainstream media platform which creates and broadcasts content aimed at those who think differently.Its mission is to inform, illuminate and inspire, focusing initially on three sectors: entrepreneurship, self-learning and the arts.
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Posted in Economics & FinanceTagged accounting, accounting firms, audit firms, Banking, Big Four, capital markets, chartered accountants, corporate malfeasance, Corruption, Four Horsemen, HBOS, James Crosby, KPMG, Professor Atul Shah, Professor Karthik Ramanna
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UN human rights chief calls on Pakistan to halt executions
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, has issued a sharp condemnation of Pakistan’s execution of more than 150 people this year – including that of Aftab Bahadur, who was hanged yesterday despite evidence of his innocence.
In a statement released moments ago, the UN’s human rights chief urged the Government of Pakistan to reintroduce its moratorium on the death penalty, saying “No justice system in the world is infallible… Yesterday’s execution of Aftab Bahadur, who was only 15 when he was convicted of a murder 23 years ago, and whose claims that he was tortured into confessing were unheeded, suggests a very troubling approach to the use of the death penalty in the country. Reports indicate that two witnesses who testified against Bahadur recanted their testimony, but were simply ignored”.
Over 150 people have been executed in Pakistan since December, human rights organization Reprieve revealed last week; a milestone that, Mr Al Hussein noted, makes Pakistan “the third most prolific executioner in the world.” The commissioner said he was “very disturbed” that the response of the Pakistani authorities to the shooting at a school in Peshawar in December had been “to execute just as many people in the six months that have passed since.”
He added: “The idea that mass executions would deter the kinds of heinous crimes committed in Peshawar in December is deeply flawed and misguided, and it risks compounding injustice.”
More than 8,000 people remain on death row in Pakistan, Mr Al Hussein noted. Research by Reprieve and Justice Project Pakistan has found that as many as 1000 may have been juveniles at the time of their arrest.
Commenting, Maya Foa, head of the death penalty team at Reprieve, said:
“Aftab Bahadur’s execution yesterday morning – despite his juvenility, the use of torture to secure his conviction, and strong evidence of his innocence – was a shameful moment for criminal justice everywhere, and one that should never be repeated. All the more shocking is there are many more potential Aftabs on death row in Pakistan, whose lives are at imminent risk. The Pakistani authorities should heed this call from the UN – the killing of yet more innocent people will only bring further injustice, and must be halted without delay.”
1. For further information, please contact Reprieve’s press office: alice.gillham [AT] reprieve.org.uk / +44 (0) 207 553 8160
2. The statement from Mr Al Hussain can be read at the website of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
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“Bats are really cool animals!” How a 7-year-old published a paper in a journal
Alexandre Martin
The scientific literature has seen its share of child prodigies – such as a nine-year-old who published a study in JAMA, and a group of eight-year-olds who reported on bumblebees in Biology Letters. But Alexandre Martin of the University of Kentucky sought to help his seven-year-old son get published in a non-traditional way – by submitting his school report to a journal on Jeffrey Beall’s predatory list, the (now-defunct) International Journal of Comprehensive Research in Biological Sciences. They recount the story in a recent paper in Learned Publishing, giving young Martin his first taste of academic publishing, and helping his father expose its flaws.
Retraction Watch: As part of your experiment, you reformatted a booklet written by your seven-year-old about bats. In an excerpt in your paper, one line says “Bats are really cool animals!” The entire paper was only 153 words, according to The Times Higher Education. Did you think the paper would be accepted by the journal?
Alexandre Martin: I was quite confident that it would get accepted, considering past “experiments,” such as the “Get me off Your Fucking Mailing List” paper. However, I thought that we would have to try a couple of different journals before it got in. I did not expect that it would get accepted on the first try!
RW: The paper was accepted after minor revisions, but you decided not to pay the $60 so as not to tarnish your son’s reputation by having him publish in a predatory journal. Many scientists have of course published in predatory journals — what might be the harm to a young person, who is decades away from a potential career in publishing?
AM: I was willing to pay the fee… but my wife, who has far better judgment than I, put a stop to it. She considered that the stigma that comes (or, that should come!) with publishing in such journal was not worth it, just to prove a point. She knew that these journals have bad reputation, and feared unforeseen negative outcomes. In retrospect, she was absolutely right since the editor replaced the entire text.
RW: As you note, this story has an interesting twist. After you declined to proceed with the article, the publisher sent you galley proofs of an entirely different paper, with only the title, author, and figures the same. (You soon realized all the new text had been plagiarized from two different sources.) How did you feel when you received these galley proofs?
AM: Initially, I felt bad as I thought the editor had spent a lot of time on this, wanting to make sure that he was still publishing a good quality paper. I was also disappointed that my son would not have his paper published as he written it… However, when I quickly realized that this was completely plagiarized, I was shocked and angry to see that somebody was willing to do such a thing, whatever the reason was.
RW: Since this journal is now defunct, does that suggest the system isn’t as broken as it may appear? In other words, so-called “bad” journals will be winnowed out.
AM: Yes and no. The scientific publishing/peer review process has, itself, never been a guarantee of quality. How a paper takes its place in science/history is more in the way it is cited and referenced. As you pointed out, the fact that the journal no longer exists is in-line with that. My problem is more with the short-term repercussions of publishing in these journals, such as “junk science” being quoted in the media as serious scientific research, or authors “buffing-up” their CV using this system. I think there is a need to expose this phenomenon. Not only to the journalists and the greater public, but also to academics themselves (for instance those on Promotion & Tenure committees) who are often not aware of the existence of these journals. This is one of the thing that Jeffrey Beall at University of Colorado has been advocating for a while now.
RW: What did this experience teach you about the problem of predatory journals?
AM: As mentioned earlier, I believe that these journals have a very negative and immediate impact on the scientific community, and everybody needs to be aware of them. A first good step would be to make universities aware of how serious this problem is, and make sure they impact negatively performance reviews.
RW: Your son is listed as a co-author on your Learned Publishing paper, with his picture and affiliation (elementary school). That must have been a thrill for the both of you.
AM: Indeed! Although he appears not as excited as I am… I definitively want to thank my colleagues who convinced me that this was a story worth telling on a bigger platform. And of course, we are very thankful to the Editor-in-Chief at Learned Publishing, Pippa Smart, who really helped us make this paper worthy of publication in such a reputable journal.
Posted on October 18, 2016 October 19, 2016 Author Alison McCookCategories Learned Publishing, studies about peer review, united states, wiley
7 thoughts on ““Bats are really cool animals!” How a 7-year-old published a paper in a journal”
Why would any parent want to expose their child to this? This sounds more like an experiment on the son than on predatory publishing.
It really doesn’t. The journal accepted an article by a 7 year old and its reputation is (rightly) damaged forever. The son (who remains anonymous) is 7 years old and will have forgotten about it by tomorrow.
Uhm, the son is co-author on the article in Learned Publishing, and thus not anonymous.
Bort says:
Right, but Learned Publishing is a legitimate Wiley journal.
If you Google for the son’s name, his legitimate journal article will be associated with his name. The article in the predatory journal will clearly not, since it was never published.
Nevertheless, I kind of agree. If you only want to test the waters of predatory publishing, just submit under a pseudonym.
“I was also disappointed that my son would not have his paper published as he had written it.” It’s a disappointment we all feel, Dr. Martin. Our papers are published as the reviewers want them written. But even reviewers cannot pooh-pooh the coolness of bats.
herr doktor bimler says:
the (now-defunct) International Journal of Comprehensive Research in Biological Sciences.
The scammer behind IJCRBS may have taken the money and closed down the site, but his “Darshan Publishers” site (the parent organisation) is still around, so there is an address and an email and a phone number available in the unlikely event of aggrieved authors wanting their publication charge refunded.
Darshan Publishers claims to have 12 journals within its stable at the present time (including IJCRBS), but only five of the 12 have actual websites and archives and the other impedimenta of existence.
http://darshanpublishers.com/journal.html
I was willing to pay the fee… but my wife, who has far better judgment than I, put a stop to it. She considered that the stigma that comes (or, that should come!) with publishing in such journal was not worth it, just to prove a point.
Non-payment is no safeguard. Jeffrey Beall’s commenters have reported cases where the predatory publisher reacts by putting the manuscript on-line anyway, and demanding a (higher) fee if the author wants to remove it.
Feminine sense prevails.
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Brokers of Empire: Japanese Settler Colonialism in Korea, 1876-1945 / Jun Uchida
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