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Reuse article
See in other languages: 3 See in other languages: 3 Languages: 3
Arabic (ar)عمال البناء المضربون ينظمون مسيرة عبر جنيف
Spanish (es)Huelga de trabajadores de la construcción
Portuguese (pt)Pedreiros em greve marcham pelas ruas de Genebra
Labour unrest Striking construction workers march through Geneva
This content was published on October 16, 2018 11:28 AM Oct 16, 2018 - 11:28
Striking workers took to the streets of Geneva on Tuesday morning, causing traffic jams in the city.
Some 1,800 striking construction workers have been marching through the streets of Geneva to protest against worsening working conditions.
This follows a similar protest by about 3,000 of their profession in canton Ticino on Monday.
The strike in Geneva was called by the Unia, Synia and SIT unions for one day that may be extended. Police organised traffic deviations for the march, causing some traffic jams in the city.
Placards carried by the marchers included “Stop wage dumping”, “We are fighting for a good collective agreement”, and “Yes, but not at any price”.
+Read about the Ticino strike
The strike, a relatively rare phenomenon in Switzerland, comes as negotiations have been ongoing for a new union agreement in the construction sector. The current agreement expires at the end of the year. The striking workers denounced an alleged upsurge in temporary working on building sites, precarious job situation of older workers and massive sub-contracting often leading to the use of cheap foreign labour.
There are some 1,400 construction businesses in the Geneva area, employing some 12,000 people.
SDA-ATS/jc
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Striking construction workers march through Geneva Oct 16, 2018 - 11:28 Some 1,800 striking construction workers have been marching through the streets of Geneva to protest against worsening working conditions. This follows a similar protest by about 3,000 of their profession in canton Ticino on Monday. The strike in Geneva was called by the Unia, Synia and SIT unions for one day that may be extended. Police organised traffic deviations for the march, causing some traffic jams in the city. Placards carried by the marchers included “Stop wage dumping”, “We are fighting for a good collective agreement”, and “Yes, but not at any price”. +Read about the Ticino strike The strike, a relatively rare phenomenon in Switzerland, comes as negotiations have been ongoing for a new union agreement in the construction sector. The current agreement expires at the end of the year. The striking workers denounced an alleged upsurge in temporary working on building sites, precarious job situation of older workers and massive sub-contracting often leading to the use of cheap foreign labour. There are some 1,400 construction businesses in the Geneva area, employing some 12,000 people.
Builders down tools in biggest strike for 50 years
In the biggest nationwide strike in 55 years, construction workers downed tools on Monday at more than 100 building sites across Switzerland. ...
Industrial action Over 18,000 construction workers demonstrate in Zurich
Unions on Friday threatened warning strikes this autumn if the current retirement age of 60 for construction workers is dropped.
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Chris Rock (yes, that one) will reboot the ‘Saw’ franchise with his ‘intense’ and ‘twisted’ new take
MICHAEL LOCCISANO/GETTY IMAGES
Well, here’s something we certainly didn’t see coming: Lionsgate revealed today that they’re partnering up with comedian Chris Rock to “spin-off and expand the world surrounding the hit billion-dollar Saw franchise,” with a new entry in the franchise scheduled to hit theaters next October.
Darren Lynn Bousman, who helmed the three most successful films in the Saw franchise, is set to return to the director’s chair and will work from a script written by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg, based on a story conceived by Rock.
“I’ve been a fan of Saw since the first film in 2004,” Rock said in a statement. “I am excited by the opportunity to take this to a really intense and twisted new place.”
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking; the news threw me off a bit at first too. However, when you consider Jordan Peele with Get Out and Us, Josh Krasinski with A Quiet Place, Danny McBride with Halloween, or, hell, even Bill Hader with Barry, a funnyman like Chris Rock wanting to dive into the world of horror/thriller doesn’t seem all that strange anymore.
Mark Burg and Oren Koules, who have produced each and every installment in the Saw trilogy to date, are also returning along with franchise creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell, who are executive producing with Daniel Heffner and Rock.
“Chris wants to put his own spin on the Saw franchise in the way Eddie Murphy put a completely fresh perspective on buddy-cop films with 48 Hours,” Burg and Koules said. This new Saw is going to be an event film in the making for horror fans. It will have all of the twists and turns and hardcore layers that our fans expect directed by one of the masters of the craft: Darren Lynn Bousman. We can’t wait to get started.”
Chris Rock’s Saw movie will hit theaters just in time for Halloween next year on October 23, 2020.
Related Topics:Chris RockDarren Lynn BousmanFeaturedJames WanJosh StolbergLeigh WhannellPete GoldfingerSaw
Keanu Reeves makes what is probably the best cameo ever in the ‘Always Be My Maybe’ trailer
Jemaine Clement will play marine biologist Dr. Ian Garvin in James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ sequels
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The Active Directory data store (directory) is the database that holds all directory information such as information on users, computer, groups, other objects, and the objects that users can access. It also includes other network components. The Active Directory data store is stored on the server’s hard disk by means of the Ntds.dit file. The file has to be stored on a drive that is formatted with the NTFS file system. The Ntds.dit file is placed in the Ntds folder in the systemroot. When changes are made to the directory, these changes are saved to the Ntds.dit file. Because all the data in Active Directory is stored in one distributed data store, data availability is improved. A centralized data store means less duplication and needs less administration.
Because domain controllers manage domains, each domain controller within the domain hosts a write copy of the Active Directory directory. This means that if one domain controller is unavailable, users, computers, and programs are still able to access the Active Directory data store hosted on a different domain controller in the particular domain. When changes are made to the data store on one domain controller, these changes are replicated to the remainder of the domain controllers within the domain. Because of Active Directory replication, domain controllers in a domain remain synchronized with one another. Active Directory replication occurs automatically. Only domain data, configuration data, and schema data are replicated.
Information stored in Active Directory is not all placed in the identical location. The different locations wherein data is stored is called directory partitions. The domain partition holds information about the domain such as users and resources in the domain. The configuration partition contains information on the Active Directory structure such as the configuration of the domains, domain trees, and forests. The schema partition stores information on object classes and attributes.
All information on users, groups, computers, servers, and security policies in Active Directory are organized and categorized into different Active Directory objects. An Active Directory object can be defined as a group of attributes that represent a resource in the network. Each object has a unique name or unique identifier called a distinguished name. Objects can also contain other objects. These objects are known as containers. In the Active Directory Users and Computers console, the default object types created in a new domain in Active Directory are:
Domain, Organizational Unit, User, Computer, Contact, Group, Shared Folder, and Shared Printer
Active Directory Components
Domains, organizational units (OUs), domain trees and forests are considered logical structures. Sites and domain controllers are considered physical structures.
Domains are the main logical structure in Active Directory because they contain Active Directory objects. Network objects such as users, printers, shared resources, and more are all stored in domains. Domains are also security boundaries. Access Control Lists (ACLs) control access to objects in the domain. The domain functional level enables additional Active Directory features. A user can do this by raising the domain controllers’ domain functional level within the domain. In Windows 2000, the domain mode concept was used and not the domain functional level. The domain functional levels that can be specified are Windows 2000 Mixed, Windows 2000 Native, Windows Server 2003 Interim, and Windows Server 2003.
Organizational Unit (OU): An OU is a container that enables users to organize objects such as users, computers, and even other OUs in a domain to form a logical administrative group. An OU is the smallest Active Directory component to which users can delegate administrative authority. A domain can have its own unique OU hierarchy.
Domain Trees: When multiple domains are grouped into a hierarchical structure by adding child domains to a parent domain, a domain tree is being created. Domains are regarded as being part of the same domain tree when they have a contiguous naming structure. A two-way transitive trust relationship is automatically created between the parent domain and child domains when the child domain is created.
Forests: A forest is the grouping of multiple domain trees into a hierarchical structure. Domain trees in a forest have a common schema, configuration, and global catalog. Domains within the forest are linked by two-way transitive trust. Through the forest functional level, users can enable additional forest wide Active Directory features. The forest functional levels that can be set are Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003 Interim, and Windows Server 2003.
Sites: In Active Directory, sites are formed through the grouping of multiple subnets. Sites are typically defined as locations in which network access is highly reliable, fast, and not very expensive.
Domain Controllers (DCs): A domain controller is a server that stores a write copy of Active Directory. They maintain the Active Directory data store. Certain master roles can be assigned to domain controllers within a domain and forest. Domain controllers that are assigned special master roles are called Operations Masters. These domain controllers host a master copy of particular data in Active Directory. They also copy data to the remainder of the domain controllers. There are five different types of master roles that can be defined for domain controllers. Two types of master roles, forest-wide master roles, are assigned to one domain controller in a forest. The other three master roles, domain-wide master roles, are applied to a domain controller in every domain.
The PDC Emulator is a domain-wide master role applied to a domain controller that operates like a Windows NT primary domain controller. This role is typically necessary when there are computers in one’s environment running pre-Windows 2000 and XP operating systems.
Active Directory Schema
The Active Directory schema defines what types of objects can be stored in Active Directory. It also defines what the attributes of these objects are. The following two types of schema objects or metadata define the schema:
Schema class objects (schema classes): Define the objects that can be created and stored in Active Directory. The schema attributes store information on the schema class object when a new class is created. A schema class is therefore merely a set of schema attribute objects.
Schema attribute objects (schema attributes): Schema attributes provide information on object classes. An object’s attributes are also called the object’ properties.
Although Active Directory includes a large number of object classes, additional object classes can be created if necessary. These additions are known as extensions to the schema. Extensions can only be performed on the domain controller acting the Schema Master role.
The object classes that can be used on access control lists (ACLs) to protect security objects are User, Computer, and Group. These object classes are called security principals. A security principal has a Security Identifier (SID), which is a unique number. A security Principal’s SID consists of the security Principal’s domain and a Relative ID (RID). The RID is a unique suffix.
A few other concepts associated with the Active Directory schema are:
Class Derivations: Set a way for forming new object classes with existing object classes.
Schema Rules: The Active Directory directory service implements a set of rules into the Active Directory schema that control the manner in which classes and attributes are utilized and what values, classes, and attributes can include. Schema rules are organized into Structure Rules, Syntax Rules, and Content Rules.
Structure Rules: The structure rule in Active Directory is that an object class can have only specific classes directly on top of it. These specific classes are called Possible Superiors. Structure rules prevent users from placing an object class in an inappropriate container.
Syntax Rules: These rules define the types of values and ranges allowed for attributes.
Content Rules dictate what attributes can be associated with a particular class.
The global catalog is a central information store on the objects in a forest and domain that improves performance when searching for objects in Active Directory. The first domain controller installed in a domain is designated as the global catalog server by default. The global catalog server stores a full replica of all objects in its host domain and a partial replica of objects for the remainder of the domains in the forest. The partial replica contains those objects that are frequently searched for. It is generally recommended to configure a global catalog server for each site in a domain. Active Directory Sites and Services console can be used to set up additional global catalog servers.
Group Policies and Active Directory
Active Directory enables users to perform policy based administration through Group Policy. Through group policies, users can deploy applications and configure scripts to execute at startup, shutdown, logon, or logoff. Users can also implement password security, control certain desktop settings, and redirect folders. When users create new group policies in Active Directory, the policy is stored as Group Policy Objects (GPOs). In Active directory, users can apply a GPO to a domain, site, or Organizational Unit.
Active Directory Object Naming Schemes
Each object in the Active Directory data store must have a unique name. Active Directory supports a number of object naming schemes for naming objects:
Distinguished name (DN): Each object has a DN. The DN uniquely identifies a particular object and where the object is stored. The components that make up an object’s DN are:
CN – common name
OU – organizational unit
DC – domain component
A canonical name is merely a different manner of depicting the object’s DN in a method that is simpler to interpret.
Relative distinguished name (RDN): The RDN identifies a particular object within a parent container or OU.
Globally unique identifier (GUID): A GUID is a unique hexadecimal number that is assigned to an object at the time that the object is created. The GUID of an object never changes.
User principal name (UPN): The UPN is made up of the user account name of the user and a domain name that identifies the domain that contains the user account.
In Active Directory, replication ensures that any changes made to a domain controller within a domain are replicated to all the other domain controllers in the domain. Active Directory utilizes multi-master replication to replicate changes in the Active Directory data store to the domain controllers. With multi-master replication, domains are considered peers to one another.
With Windows Server 2003, the Knowledge Consistency Checker (KCC) creates a replication topology of the forest to ensure that the changes are replicated efficiently to the domain controllers. A replication topology reflects the physical connections that domain controllers use to replicate the Active Directory directory to domain controllers in a site or in different sites. Intra-site replication occurs when the Active Directory directory is replicated within a site. When replication occurs between sites, it is known as inter-site replication. Since the bandwidth between sites is typically slow, information on site link objects identifies the most favorable link that should move replication data between sites in Active Directory.
Active Directory Trust Relationships
In Active Directory, when two domains trust each other or a trust relationship exists between the domains, the users and computers in one domain can access resources in the other domain. The trust relationships supported in Windows Server 2003 are summarized below:
Parent/Child trust: A parent/child trust relationship exists between two domains in Active Directory that have a common contiguous DNS namespace and belong to the identical forest. This trust relationship is established when a child domain is created in a domain tree.
Tree Root trust: A tree root trust relationship can be configured between root domains in the same forest. The root domains do not have a common DNS namespace. This trust relationship is established when a new tree root domain is added to a forest.
Shortcut trust: This trust relationship can be configured between two domains in different domain trees but within the same forest. Shortcut trust is typically utilized to improve user logon times.
External trust: External trust relationships are created between an Active Directory domain and a Windows NT4 domain.
Realm trust: A realm trust relationship exists between an Active Directory domain and a non-Windows Kerberos realm.
Forest trust: A forest trust can be created between two Active Directory forests.
Active Directory Terminology and Concepts, 4.38 / 5 (8 votes)
The two types of authentication are Mutual Authentication and NTLM. Mutual Authentication requires both the ...
Domains and Forests can also share resources available in active directory. These resources are searched ...
The Active Directory database is logically separated into directory partitions: Schema partition Configuration partition Domain ...
Leave a Reply to Khalid Cancel reply
Its a very clear understanding of AD
jivan
It is very nice information about Active Directory.
It was a good informative article….Thanks a lot….
Saahil Priya Kumar
Got a much broad view about AD. Thank you for the Information…….
Its Very clear to understand AD.
Thank you I deeply appreciate your efforts. Very clear to understand! I have a couple of questions if can be answered..
1. What is the Type of Relationship between Root Domain and Child Domain? Can it be changed?
2. How to back up the active directory? Steps..?
manish malik
The best one ot understande.
The best one to understande.
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Everton preview and transfer talk
All season we’ve been talking about our game in hand, and it seemed on Wednesday we could finally get it out of the way. Snow and ice intervened, however, so we’re still a game behind our rivals as we head into a busy period.
However, fate is allowing us to catch up, at least on Chelsea – their game at Hull is one of six Premiership matches already called off this weekend. Only two remain today, the visit of Everton to the Emirates and United’s trip to Birmingham. Given the forecast in the Midlands, the latter is still in danger.
To say it is brisk outside would be an understatement – not only are the temperatures stuck around freezing, but the wind has whipped up. It truly is one of those days where blocking a shot with your thigh will sting for the rest of the afternoon. Something tells me Vermaelen in particular will relish it, crazy fool that he is.
As for team news, Wilshere is out but it has been confirmed that Bendtner is only two weeks away from fitness, meaning he should be available for the crunch run of games that start at the end of the month. Rosicky is also available this afternoon, but is likely to be on the bench, with Ramsey getting the nod in midfield.
Being January, the papers are also filled with transfer rumours. Some have basis in reality, and some are dreamt up by reporters,desperate to fill column inches. Wenger was candid in yesterday’s press conference, dismissing links to Carlton Cole and Victor Moses, claiming Gignac was an interest but too expensive, while hinting that Campbell may yet sign a short term contract.
You can see why the media enjoy press conferences with the boss – he certainly feeds them plenty of information, which makes it even more unnecessary to pad out their papers with constant Cesc-leaving stories.
But a new signing is still a distance away, and while Wenger rules out a number of names, you have to imagine he has a private shortlist he keepsvery quiet. And there is every chance that the list contains defenders rather than the forwards the press seem so convinced we’re going for. With Senderos frozen out, the need for a centre back is paramount, and Wenger knows it – he likes to have four, and he knows even with a fit Djourou we are one short.
I think we’ll make a move by the end of the month, but I’d be willing to bet the player signed will not be one we’re currently hearing about.
Back to this afternoon, and Everton are a trickier proposition than on the opening day. Lescott was on his way out, the team was full of uncertainty, and we destroyed them. But there is no reason why we can’t pick up another three points today, moving to within one of Chelsea. It is a tantalising prospect.
Enjoy the game.
2 Responses to “Everton preview and transfer talk”
apiku(arsenal fan) says:
we need to win this game to stay in the tittle challenge.
aniruddh says:
all teams wait for the weekends to pass before making any deals and as we had a midweek game Wenger didn’t want to disturb our team’s concentration by adding unnecessary transfer speculation. lets hope that we can get a very positive result this week and also hope that the bolton game is not schedule during the coming midweek slot for us to step up our search for a striking force that we desperately need.
Stoke will be no pushovers in the cup Campbell’s return proves a lot of people wrong about Wenger
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S&P May Downgrade European Bailout Fund AAA Rating
Standard & Poor's is warning it may downgrade the European bailout fund's AAA long-term credit rating.
The move announced Tuesday follows S&P's notice on Monday that it may cut the credit rating of 15 eurozone countries, including Germany's, because the region's financial crisis is worsening without any imminent fix.
The agency says in a release that it is putting the AAA long-term credit rating for the European Financial Stability Facility on "CreditWatch with negative implications."
It says it could downgrade the rating by one or two notches.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
BERLIN (AP) — Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday downplayed Standard & Poor's warning that it might cut the credit rating of 15 eurozone countries, including Germany's, because the region's financial crisis is worsening without any imminent fix.
The timing of the warning was noteworthy. It came just hours after Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy urged changes to the European Union treaty that would centralize decision-making on spending and borrowing for the 17 countries that use the euro. Tighter political and economic coordination among euro countries is seen as a precursor to further financial aid from the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund, or some combination.
The threat to cut Germany's prized AAA rating was particularly surprising. Its bonds are considered among the safest in the world. A downgrade threatens to complicate the eurozone's bailout mechanism, since the region's rescue fund relies on AAA-rated bonds of Germany and France to cheaply raise money.
Investors nevertheless seemed to take the S&P warning in stride on Tuesday. European stocks and bonds mostly held onto the gains they made Monday.
"What a rating agency does is the responsibility of the rating agency," Merkel told reporters in Berlin, refusing to elaborate further.
She said, however, that she expected a meeting of European leaders later this week in Brussels would help restore markets' confidence.
"We will meet on Thursday and Friday as Europeans and take those decisions that we consider to be correct, and through them stabilize the eurozone and also regain confidence," she said.
She and Sarkozy on Monday outlined sweeping plans to change the EU treaty in an effort to keep tighter checks on overspending nations. The proposal is set to form the basis of discussions at an EU summit in Brussels on Friday.
The financial markets of Italy and Spain rallied after Merkel and Sarkozy unveiled their proposals, suggesting investor are more confident Europe can survive the crisis.
"I have always said this is a long process and an arduous one and it will continue, but we charted the course yesterday with the French president and we will continue to stay the course," Merkel said.
S&P said there was a 50 percent chance that the countries' ratings it put on review would be downgraded.
Late Monday night the euro fell from $1.3460 to $1.3330, unwinding much of the gains made after Merkel and Sarkozy's proposals. By Tuesday, however, it was back up to $1.3420 — buoyed in part by a report showing a massive rebound in German industrial orders due to a double-digit increase in demand from eurozone countries.
Stock and bond markets largely overlooked S&P's threat, remaining stable on Tuesday. The bond yields for countries like Italy and Spain remained at the one-month lows they hit on Monday.
"Although the S&P warning has not scared the markets as it was pretty much stating the obvious, it did color the market sentiment," said Anita Paluch, a trader with Gekko Global Markets.
Paluch said the warning does raise pressure on policymakers, however, to use the upcoming summit to produce a solution that will "put out the fire in the eurozone."
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said it appeared to him that S&P had made its decision before Merkel and Sarkozy released details of the new plan, so hadn't been able to factor that into its considerations.
The leaders' proposal is "exactly the response to one of the major questions from the ratings agency, which talks about insufficient European economic governance," Juppe said on RTL radio.
Sarkozy and Merkel are proposing several broad changes for the EU treaty, including the introduction of a penalty for any government that allows its deficit to exceed 3 percent of gross domestic product. The penalty would be automatic — unless a majority of nations opposed it, a loophole that drew sharp criticism from analysts.
Some analysts also feel the proposal, which demands strict austerity measures, misses the mark and will only worsen much-needed growth in already feeble economies.
Investors are hoping that the summit of European leaders on Thursday and Friday will produce concrete measures to prevent a messy breakup of the euro. Markets have been jittery because of fears that the euro might disintegrate, causing a sharp recession in Europe that would spread through the world economy.
EU spokesman Amadeu Altafaj Tardio said that the bloc needed to make "important decisions this week" but not because of any worries about the S&P ratings.
"The job was already partially done in October" at the last summit, he said. "We now have to complete the job. It is not because we want to please the rating agencies or market forces, it is important because it is the best (way) to ensure the prosperity of our citizens."
The S&P warning left out only two of 17 countries that use the euro: Cyprus, whose bonds have near-junk status, and Greece, whose low ratings already suggest it is likely to default soon anyway.
Kirsten Grieshaber in Berlin, David Stringer in London, Raf Casert in Brussels, and Sarah DiLorenzo in Paris contributed to this story.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
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LINDSEY GRAHAM SPEAKS ON TRUMP MENTAL FITNESS
Sen. Lindsey Graham
Sen. Lindsey Graham discusses fallout from Fire and Fury, Russia probe, Trump's mental fitness, DACA, North Korea and more.
On Trump's mental fitness
Graham reacted to Pres. Trump calling himself a "a very stable genius": "If he doesn't call himself a genius, nobody else will."
WATCH ABOVE
On investigation into Trump campaign's involvement with Russia
"I think Mr. Mueller should be able to do his job without being interfered with." Graham said. "There's no evidence of colluding yet — but I think Mueller should look." "Let Mr. Mueller do his job, and Mr. Trump, our president, should focus on his day job," Graham added.
On backing Mueller
"An attack on one party is an attack on all," Graham explained why people on both sides of the aisle should support Mueller's investigations: "In a democracy, if you don't have each other's backs in stuff like this, then you lose control of democracy."
On watching Meghan McCain grow up
Graham said McCain advised her father not to go after Barack Obama over Rev. Jeremiah Wright: "Meghan said, 'Dad, don't do it. It's not right.' And all the smart people shut up."
"She was brave enough to say something."
WATCH: https://youtu.be/KZI4US_k1QM
Lindsay Graham On The View
On his message to 'Dreamers'
"Help is on the way." Graham discussed the deal to preserve DACA, and shares his message to 'Dreamers': "This is the only country they know."
Additional Highlights From Yesterday's Show
Hot Topics: Women take center stage at the Golden Globes
"I'm thrilled!" Whoopi Goldberg weighed in on the solidarity shown at the Golden Globes: "I'm thrilled that the conversation is happening and that it is no longer the norm NOT to tell — we no longer accept that as the norm!"
Hot Topics: Oprah's stirring Golden Globes speech
Reports say the media mogul is thinking of running for office — Sunny Hostin said while she strongly admires and praises her work, she has some reservations: “Don't we already have someone in the White House who has no political experience — and it's not going that well." "I don't think you can just step into this role even if you're as beloved as Oprah."
WATCH: https://youtu.be/qiN7qEDiLz8
Photo And Video Courtesy Of: ABC / Disney
LINDSEY GRAHAM NEWS OPRAH THE VIEW TRUMP MENTAL FITNESS VIDEO
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< Prev Post [REVIEW] STAR TREK: SHORT TREKS “The Brightest Star”: What Are Little Kelpiens Made Of?
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WATCH: Latest Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 Trailer + New Poster
By TrekNews.net Staff December 14, 2018 // 12:33 pm
CBS has released a third trailer for the upcoming second season of Star Trek: Discovery. The latest trailer features tons of new footage that will be part of the series sophomore season, which premieres on January 17, 2019.
In addition to the trailer, new artwork has been released, which features Sonequa Martin-Green, along with Anson Mount, Mary Wiseman, Anthony Rapp, Doug Jones, Ethan Peck, and Michelle Yeoh.
Check out the latest Discovery trailer and artwork below.
Star Trek: Discovery – Season 2 Trailer
If you haven’t already seen them, catch up on the first and second trailers, which dropped in the last two months.
New Star Trek: Discovery Poster
Star Trek: Discovery – Season 2 Poster
This season, Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Tig Notaro and Rebecca Romijn will join Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Shazad Latif, Anthony Rapp, Mary Wiseman, Wilson Cruz, Mary Chieffo and James Frain on Star Trek: Discovery. The series premieres January 17th on CBS All Access in the US and on Netflix Internationally.
Stay tuned to TrekNews.net for all the latest news related to Star Trek: Discovery. Follow @TrekNewsNet on Twitter, @TrekNews on Facebook, and @TrekNews on Instagram.
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Star Trek Discovery: The Official Companion
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Posted on May 27, 2015 by Wendell Bell Posted in News
Wendell Bell, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Yale University, has received an Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Sociological Association Research Committee on Futures Research (ISA-‐RC07) for the Most Distinguished Contributions to Futures Research. Five inaugural awards were given to honor great living scholars from generations born before the end of World War II who have made, in quite different ways, most distinguished contributions to forward-‐oriented sociology. They have inspired us and shaped the way we conceive of futures.
Bell, the only awardee from the United States, received his award from the president of the research committee, Markus S. Schulz (University of Illinois/Urbana-‐Champaign), at a special dinner held in New Haven, CT in October 2014. The other awardees are Ulrich Beck from Germany who delivered his award speech in Yokohama during a special session of the World Congress; Fernando Henrique Cardoso, former president of Brazil, who will be the honoree at the futures symposium July 2015 in Rio de Janeiro; and Johan Galtung from Norway and Eleonora Barbieri Masini from Italy who will be honored at the International Sociological Association Forum in Vienna in 2016.
ISA-‐RC07 was founded in 1971 and is dedicated to the promotion of future-‐oriented social research (http://futures-‐research.org). The jury of this quadrennial award was composed of Reimon Bachika (Kyoto, Japan; former ISA-‐RC07 President), Jan Nederveen Pieterse (University of California at Santa Barbara, USA), Celi Scalon (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), and Markus S. Schulz (ISA-‐RC07 President and Jury Chair). In consultation with members of the ISA-‐RC07 Executive Board and distinguished scholars in the field, the jury has reviewed nominations from around the world and reached its conclusions after careful deliberation. The decisions were unanimous. The jury followed the Award Rules that called for making more than one award at this inaugural occasion to catch up with past accomplishments. Going forward, the ISA Research Committee on Futures Research plans to make this lifetime achievement award to one sociologist every four years.
ISA_RC07_awardsannouncement
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Album Calendar
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Cardinal Gate Conclusion
Album Title:
beatnation Records
Catalog No.:
LC-1581
Buy at Amazon.co.jp
Cardinal Gate Conclusion is a bonus disc that came with limited editions of the console release for beatmania IIDX 13 DistorteD. The disc contains extended versions of the five boss tracks from the special Extra Stage system of DistorteD, the Cardinal Gate, and each track is a different senior BEMANI artist under a new alias. There isn’t a ton of depth to the concept, but the imposition of the Cardinal Gate theme is a neat idea that allows the artists to explore their capabilities.
“Kachoufuusetsu” by Byakko (Tatsuya Shimizu) begins the album with a fast-paced “asian mixture”, laden with traditional instruments but a distinctly techno arrangement. The long version of the track has its share of cut-and-paste extensions, only having one short new segment midway through the piece. Thankfully, Tatsh’s composition already has enough going on so that it is not overly repetitive. It’s a shame that the ending of the extension follows the simpler [N] and [H] charts rather than the [A] chart, but it’s still a fine track.
“CONTRACT” by Suzaku (Yoshitaka Nishimura) is a “sublime techno” track, introducing some signature sounds for the alias that he would use in later songs. The long version has no new content, but rather just an extension of each section and a more gradual buildup. Given that there isn’t much substance to the track in the first place this is a bit of a disappointment. It’s arguably the weakest of the set, but the long version is not so repetitive as to be grating so anyone who enjoyed the original should be fine with this version.
“Ganymede” by Genbu (Jun Wakita) is described as “esoteric slowcore”, starting very slowly and quietly with a very gradual buildup which even at the grand dramatic peak does not lose its meditative feel. The long version of the track clocks in at a full seven minutes, and has the most new content of all of the tracks. The opening is now even more stripped down than its in-game counterpart, and is much more evocative now with each note and sound echoing into the cold atmosphere. A second break down introduces the nice touch of a tribal male vocal, and while the dramatic portions of the song remain largely unchanged, they are made more effective by the new added sections that precede them.
“waxing and wanding” by Seiryuu (Ryutaro Nakahara) is categorized under “dance speed”, a high energy dance track with a short, unintelligible high-pitched vocal sample (the words of which have been long debated) and short repeated melodies that are a Nakahara staple. He wisely extends the track with a fitting new introduction that brings the vocal sample gradually from a deep, slow crawl to the hyper chipmunk’d version that we’re familiar with, and then launches into the track as we know it. He also adds in a short piano interlude during the bridge that is tonally quite different from the rest of the track but works well enough. It is certainly one of Nakahara’s better tracks, and the extension here does a good job of making it feel more complete.
The final boss tack, “Nageki no Ki” by Kijinshi (Takayuki Ishikawa) is listed simply as a “contemporary” track, and is a dark orchestral-techno piece. Despite being the climax of the Cardinal Gate system, the extension unfortunately does not do the piece many favours. There are no new parts (other than a strange echoing sound effect that intrudes occasionally), and the techno elements are increased, taking away from some of the uniqueness of the original track. In particular, the opening piano sample is now set through a filter, lowering its impact. The song is still quite good, but changes made were unnecessary, and there is a whole missed opportunity to really develop a fantastic song.
Cardinal Gate Conclusion is a decent effort from the BEMANI team to celebrate the first conceptual Extra Stage system in beatmania IIDX. The songs themselves are fitting as boss tracks, and there is a good variety among them with distinctive influences from their respective artists. The extensions are largely superfluous with the notable exception of “Ganymede”, but they aren’t so bad as to be offensive as extensions often can be for BEMANI songs. Even if there isn’t much new stuff, it’s a nice album to have if just to be able to listen to these songs without having them fly by in a time of two short minutes.
Cardinal Gate Conclusion Christopher Huynh
Do you agree with the review and score? Let us know in the comments below!
Posted on February 17, 2015 by Christopher Huynh. Last modified on March 2, 2015.
Tags: beatmania, Bemani, Jun Wakita, Ryutaro Nakahara, Takayuki Ishikawa, Yoshitaka Nishimura
Christopher Huynh recently finished an undergraduate degree in Physics at McMaster University. He has some proficiency in singing, piano, organ, cello, and gaming. He hopes to continue exploring the vast world of music while sharing it with others however possible.
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ASUKA 120% ~BURNING Remixes~ July 17 by Don Kotowski
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Carolina Lozado
Carolina Lozado FAQs: Facts, Rumors, Birthdate, Net Worth, Sexual Orientation and much more!
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Who is Carolina Lozado? Biography, gossip, facts?
Carolina Lozado (born May 7 1971) is a Uruguayan pistol shooter. At age thirty-seven Lozado made her official debut for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing where she competed in the women's 10 m air pistol shooting. She finished only in forty-third place for the qualifying rounds with a total score of 367 points.
When is Carolina Lozado's birthday?
Carolina Lozado was born on the 7th of May 1971 , which was a Friday. Carolina Lozado will be turning 49 in only 294 days from today.
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Carolina Lozado is 48 years old. To be more precise (and nerdy), the current age as of right now is 17531 days or (even more geeky) 420744 hours. That's a lot of hours!
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What is Carolina Lozado's net worth in 2019? How much does Carolina Lozado earn?
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HOV LANES IN NORFOLK
VDOT News - Hampton Roads
Paula Miller 757-925-1660
Paula.Miller@vdot.virginia.gov
HRO-108290
HOV LANES IN NORFOLK TO BECOME HOT LANES
Conversion to occur in late 2017
ARLINGTON - The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) today voted to authorize VDOT to convert eight miles of Interstate 64 High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV-2) reversible lanes to High Occupancy Toll (HOT) or Express Lanes from the Interstate 264/64 Interchange to Interstate 564 in Fall 2017.
VDOT Hampton Roads District Administrator James Utterback said the conversion from HOV to HOT (Express) Lanes “will improve reliability, provide travel choices and reduce congestion in both the general purpose and HOV travel lanes.”
Operating hours for Express Lanes will be in effect for four hours in the morning, from 5 a.m.- 9 a.m. and afternoons from 2 p.m.- 6 p.m. and will operate Monday through Friday only. Vehicles with two or more people will continue to ride the lanes for free. For the first time, solo drivers will have the option to use the lanes any time during peak periods when paying a variable toll.
Use of Express Lanes is voluntary and tolls will vary depending on traffic volumes.
VDOT estimates conversion to Express Lanes will decrease use of general purposes lanes by approximately 17 percent.
The CTB also agreed to allow VDOT to use its current toll revolving account to begin constructing infrastructure needed to build the Express Lanes.
Virginia’s Secretary of Transportation, Aubrey Layne, called the conversion, “long overdue,” and said the HOT Lanes will be “a much better use of our assets.”
In January 2016 the CTB was briefed on the beginning of a feasibility study of HOV to HOT conversion on I-64. Last month, the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization passed a resolution in support of the conversion.
The current HOV lanes are underutilized and in 2008 the U.S. Secretary of Transportation encouraged the conversion to HOT lanes.
VDOT will immediately move forward with development plans for the conversion to HOT/Express Lanes.
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RC44 Valletta Cup
RC44 Championship Tour
Yacht Racing Forum
Yacht Racing Forum 2016 - First speakers and conference schedule announced
The Yacht Racing Forum is proud to disclose its initial list of speakers. The Yacht Racing Forum 2016 will take place in Malta, on November 28-29, at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, right after the RC44 Valletta Cup.
You can discover the conference schedule HERE
We’ve also created a Facebook Event for the Yacht Racing Forum, so that you can see who is attending; please make sure to register.
The Early Bird registration fee, valid for the first 80 registrants, is almost sold out.
tags: Yacht Racing Forum 2016, Yachting Events Malta, Yachting Malta, Yacht Racing Forum
Posted by Niki Travers Tauss
Yacht Racing Forum announces partnership with leading sailing publications
No less than fifteen international sailing publications, spanning nine countries and four continents, have signed media partnership agreements with the Yacht Racing Forum.
May 25, 2016 - The leading annual conference for the business of yacht racing is pleased to announce that fifteen media partnership agreements have been signed with leading international sailing publications spanning nine countries and four continents.
« This support from media worldwide is a great source of motivation for us; it proves that the hard work we have been putting into this event is being widely acknowledged », says Yacht Racing Forum CEO and owner Bernard Schopfer.
The Forum’s media partners are Seahorse Magazine, Skippers, The Sailing Black Book, Course au Large, Cuplegend, Yachts and Yachting, SailWorld.com, Baad Magasinet, marina.ch, Sailing Magazine, Scuttlebutt Europe, Yacht Russia, YachtFilm.TV, Nautical Channel and Wave Magazine.
The Yacht Racing Forum 2016 will take place onNovember 28 - 29 in Malta; it will be co-hosted by Yachting Malta and Yachting / Events. Preparations for the event continue at fast pace, with great interest from partners and exhibitors. The draft conference schedule is also nearing completion, and will be disclosed before the summer.
Book now in order to benefit from our Early Bird rate, valid for the top 80 registrants. Save € 100!
For more information and registration: www.yachtracingforum.com
tags: Yachting Events Malta, Yacht Racing Forum 2016, Yacht Racing Forum, Yachting Malta
Yachting Events to host RC44 Valletta Cup and Yacht Racing Forum in Malta in November
In line with its mission is to organise sailing and yachting events in the clean waters of the Mediterranean, Yachting Events Limited have today announced the launch of the RC44 Valletta Cup and the Yacht Racing Forum which will be hosted in Malta in November.
The RC44 Valletta Cup returns to our waters after having successfully debuted in 2015. The Cup, which forms part of the five location RC44 Championship Tour, is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious events which has left its mark in the world of international yacht racing. The Tour brings together the world of business and sport to a competition that sees top entrepreneurs and Olympians and America’s Cup veterans, the likes of Cameron Appleton, Michele Ivaldi and Ed Baird, battle it out on the water. Racing on one design boats, it is the skill and acumen of the RC44 boat crews which yields the final outcome of each race. The Tour, which is celebrating its tenth year, will close in Maltese waters.
“It is with great pride and satisfaction that today we are launching these two prestigious events, the RC44 Valletta Cup and the Yacht Racing Forum. The RC44 Class, together with their long list of passionate and highly decorated sailors will return next November. The second event which we are immensely proud to present is the Yacht Racing Forum” announced Mr. Niki Travers Tauss, Director, Yachting Events. “It is with pride and gratitude that we announce the support, for yet another year, from the Ministry for Economy, Investment and Small Business with whom we will be co-hosting the RC44 Valletta Cup”.
Within 24 hours of the end of the RC44 Valletta Cup the Yacht Racing Forum will take the limelight.
Co-hosted by Yachting Malta, the Yacht Racing Forum is the leading annual international conference for the business of sailing and yacht racing and is recognized by the international sailing body World Sailing, formerly known as ISAF. The Forum brings together key players from across the whole yacht racing industry, facilitating business development through quality networking opportunities with decision makers from all areas within the industry. The world's best sailors, yacht racing industry opinion leaders, the sport's most involved sponsors, prominent exhibitors and great networking opportunities are expected to attend this year’s Forum in Malta.
“The staging of these events shows the direction in which Malta is moving. We are branching out beyond traditional tourist activities, we are showcasing our superb natural harbour and we are developing facilities which will enable us to build a strong reputation as a place of high quality and added luxury” remarked Hon. Dr. Christian Cardona, Minister for the Economy, Industry and Small Business “Behind the glamour is something more solid -- a strong economy. We now have one of the highest growth records in Europe. Our economy is powering ahead, new businesses are being created, older businesses are expanding, more people are in work and fiscal structures are being tightened”.
The Press Conference was also addressed by Mr. Bertrand Favre, RC44 Class Manager, Mr. Bernard Shopfer, CEO – Yacht Racing Forum and Mr. Wilfred Buttigieg, CEO of Yachting Malta as co-hosts of the Yacht Racing Forum.
Yachting Events also announced a number of sponsorship tiers, offering varying degrees of benefits to corporate organisations who wish to take advantage of the exposure and networking opportunities such events have to offer.
More information on the 2016 RC44 Valletta Cup and Yacht Racing Forum can be obtained by contacting Mr. Niki Travers Tauss on [email protected] or Maria Vella-Galea on [email protected] or by visiting www.yachtingevents.com.mt
tags: RC44, RC44 Valletta Cup, Yachting Events Malta, Yacht Racing Forum 2016, Yachting Malta
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NEW AZERBAIJAN PARTY
New Azerbaijan Party is the party of past, present and future!
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Main page > Charter
THE CHARTER OF THE NEW AZERBAIJAN PARTY
The Charter of the New Azerbaijan Party adopted in the I Congress of the NAP on December 21, 1999
I. COMMON PROVISIONS
Article 1. The New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) is a parliament type political party uniting citizens carrying out joint activity within frames of the Republic of Azerbaijan Constitution and legislation, on the basis of its charter and program by the aim to create a legal state, civil society, stable and socially directed economy, national unity providing azerbaijanism.
II. PARTY'S AIM AND TASKS
Article 1. The supreme aim of the New Azerbaijan Party is the strengthening of Azerbaijan State independence and securing by it a worthy position in the system of contemporary international relations, creation of democratic, legal and civil state, development of stable and socially directed economy, guaranteeing of all - sided and reliable defense of the persons' rights and liberties irrespective to their race, nationality, social origin, language and religion, forming of civil society on the basis of legality, firm social guarantees, social solidarity and prosperous life and uniting of humans around the independent state system.
Article 2. The New Azerbaijan Party considers the following tasks as main ones in order to reach it's aim:
- to unite around itself and to attract to the party work of Azerbaijan citizens, striving to take common efforts for creation of independent, democratic, legal, civil and socially directed state;
- to develop the construction of the state system on the basis of professional management and democratic principles, to prepare well - grounded proposals, programs and platforms for deepening of legal, economic and social reforms;
- to carry out broad political activity by the aim of reaching common esteem for legality, persistent guarantee for implementation of law;
- to develop society gradually and dynamically on the basis of staged and sustainable political, economical and social reforms envisaging realities and features of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
- to reach increasing of production, guaranteeing of citizens` well - being, realization of an active social policy in the country by the development of the market economy and free ownership;
- to develop the state management and civil society based on multi - party system, democratic power and political pluralism;
- to carry out independent social expertise of projects of laws and other normative legal acts, to submit proposals on their modernization;
- to render assistance for all - sided defense of person's right and liberties, honor and dignity, for the development of mutual understanding, credit and humanitarian relations between citizens;
- to reach the free development of nations, ethnic groups, cultures and religions;
- to come out from the position of defending of Azerbaijan State independence, social security, to work for development of peace in the world and for cooperation between states and peoples and for worthy representation of Azerbaijan in the world community, to esteem the international norms, to use achievements of the world civilization widely.
Article 3. The New Azerbaijan Party is ready to cooperate with social and political organizations, agreed with its main program aims and tasks and to carry out an open and good- will dialogue with other sides.
Article 4. The New Azerbaijan Party participates in all levels the forming of state power. It brings forward candidates for presidency, parliament, local authorities and municipal organs, government and other executive structures' personnel.
Article 5. The New Azerbaijan Party comes out for creation of all-sided relations with all progressive parties and social organizations of foreign countries and for broad international cooperation.
Article 6. The party in the person of its authorities carries out the following activity envisaged in legislation:
- submits proposals for development of state power and municipal organs;
- participates in preparation of decisions of state power and municipal organs;
- represents its members in the state and municipal organs, social associations, defends their legal interests;
- uses other forms of activity envisaged in the national legislation and international legal norms in order to take part in the political life of society and state.
III. PARTY'S ORGANIZATIONAL RINCIPLES AND RULES OF MEMBERSHIP
Article 1. The organizational activity of the New Azerbaijan Party is formed on the basis of democratic principles. These principles are the following:
- unity of ideas and beliefs;
- equality of party members' rights;
- esteem for opinion of each member of the party;
- priority of discipline and responsibility;
- obligatory character of authorities' decisions for all subordinate organs and party members;
- fully independent usage by primary organizations of their rights;
- coordinating role of elective organs.
Article 2. Membership for the party is individual.
Article 3. Each citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan reached the age of 18, accepting the Party's Charter and Program, irrespective of their religion, language, social and ethnic origin, by except of persons the membership of whose in political party is prohibited by the Constitution, could be party's member. Adoption to the party is carried out on the basis of personal application and decision of a primary organization.
A membership certificate on the same pattern is to be submitted to NAP's member.
Article 4. The party's member has got following rights:
- to elect to party's authorities and to be elected to them;
- to participate freely in determination of the party's policy and in discussion of questions touching its activity;
- to take part in measures carried out by the party;
- to submit proposals for realization of party's aim and tasks;
- to use the party's support;
- to discuss and criticize freely all questions touching the party's policy and all practical activities of its organs;
- to express his/her own opinion before or after the adoption of a decision;
- to study in necessary cases all party documents, including financial documents;
- to suspend his/her membership in the party or to leave it.
Article 5. The case of leaving party by the NAP's member is to be considered on the basis of the member's personal application. The application should be discussed in the primary party organization and according to the written information should be submitted to higher organs.
Article 6. The party member's tasks are the following:
- to render assistance in realization of the party's policy by his/her practical activity;
- to carry out the main principles of the party;
- to observe the party program provisions and to carry out an activity according to its organizational principles;
- to participate an actively in the party's work, to implement the party's assignments;
- to take care for the party's authority, to propagate its ideas, to observe the party's discipline;
- to pay the membership fee in the determined order.
Article 7. The party's members are obliged to carry out all provisions of the present Charter and to fulfil resolutions of its authorities. If these requirements were not met, the primary party organization and other party's authorities could take disciplinary measures in their regard, including removal of them from party membership.
Article 8. Decision on removal of NAP's member from party membership is to be adopted by primary party organization. The decision of primary party organization is to be come to force after its confirmation by the Board of district (city) organization.
Members of the NAP elected to the higher party organs could be removed from the party membership only by consent of these organs.
Decision on removal of members of district (city) party organization's Council should be approved by the Board of the NAP. The person removed from the party membership can appeal to Central Control - Revision Commission (CCRC) during one month period. CCRC considers the application of the plaintiff during two months period and approves or cancels the decision on removal.
IV. PARTY'S ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
1. The NAP carries out an activity in all territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The primary party organization is the basis of the Party.
2. The primary party organization is created on the basis of territorial principle.
3. Decision on forming of the primary party organization is to be adopted by foundation meeting, where at last three members of the NAP participate and to be approved by the district (city) party organization's Board. A party member could be registered only in the one party organization.
4. The guiding organ of primary party organization is a general meeting. The general meeting should be held no less than one time in three months. The meeting is to be considered as competent if more then half of members registered in the primary party organization take part in its work. Decisions are to be adopted by simple majority of votes. An extraordinary meeting could be convened by the demand of one third of registered members or by the decision of chairman of primary party organization.
5. In order to guide the work of organization the chairman and the vice-chairman are to be elected in the general meeting of primary party organization. If the number of the primary organization's members is more than 30, the organization's Board, the chairman and the vice-chairman should be elected.
6. Primary party organizations unite with each other on administrative territorial division in district (city) organizations.
7. The supreme organ of district (city) organizations is conference, held one time in two years by the participation of representatives, elected from primary party organizations on the basis of determined quota. The conference should be considered as competent, if the majority of representatives takes part in its work.
8. A norm for representation of primary party organizations in the conference is determined in the meeting of Council of the NAP district (city) organization.
9. An extraordinary conference could be convened by the demand of one third part of registered members of district (city) organizations, or by the decision of district (city) Council.
10. The Chairman of district (city) organization, Council's members and control - revision group are to be elected in the conference for two years period.
11. The Council is a guiding organ of district (city) organizations during the period elapsed between held conferences. Its meetings should be held no less than one time in three months. The meetings of district (city) organizations Council are to be considered as competent, if more than half of the Council's members take part in its work.
In order to carry out current guidance on district (city) organization the Council elects the Board and the vice-chairman of district (city) organization. Meetings of the Board are to be held no less than one time in a month.
12. Chairman of the NAP district (city) organization organizes work on implementation of the party's program aims and tasks, resolutions of authorities, represents the party in the contacts with local social and political organizations, and government bodies.
If the Chairman of party's district (city) organization suspends his/her activity due to any reasons, authorities of the Chairman should be realized by one of vice-chairman's according to decision the of Board.
13. Two-third part of members of primary party organizations, district (city) Councils, representatives of district (city) conferences can re-elect their own elective organs and the Chairman expressing distrust to them.
The elective organs are responsible before meeting and conference, in which they are elected.
V. PARTY'S LEADING ORGANS
Article 1. Party's leading organs are the following:
- Congress
- Political Council
- Board
Article 2. Party's supreme organ is its congress, convened one time in four years. If necessary, an extraordinary congress could be convened by the Political Council or by the demand of one-third of party members.
The representation norm for the congress is determined by the Political Council.
The congress should be considered as competent, if the majority of representatives elected by district (city) conferences takes part in its work. Date, norm of representation and agenda of the congress should be announced by Political Council at least one month before the date of beginning of the congress.
Article 3. The Congress:
- hears reports of party's guiding organs and approves then;
- adopts party's Charter and Program, makes amendments and additions to them;
- elects the party's Chairman;
- determines directions of party's strategic activity;
- elects members of Political Council and Central Control-Revision Commission by number, determined by Congress;
- solves other issues, arising from party's Charter and Program.
Resolutions linked by Program and Charter should be adopted by two-third majority of votes of participating representatives, and resolutions on other issues are to be adopted by simple majority of votes.
Article 4. Political Council guides on party's activity during time period elapsed between held congresses. Meetings of Political Council are to be held in necessary cases, but no less than one time in six months.
Political Council:
- prepares the tactics of party's political activity;
- adopts resolution on convening of party's Congress;
- elects vice-chairman and executive Secretary by proposal of the Chairman;
- elects Party's Board, considers report on its activity and approves it;
- forms standing and provisional commissions, approves their regulations, co-ordinates their activities;
- forms Youth Union and Women Council, other inner-party structures and approves their regulations;
- approves party's regulations on district (city) and primary party organizations;
- determines main activity directions of the party in the sphere of international cooperation;
- suspends, if necessary, activity of local organs by submission of Board, dismisses and reorganizes them;
- solves other issues arisen from Party's Charter.
Article 5. Board guides on party activity during the period elapsed between the meetings of Political Council. Its meetings should be held no less than one time in a month.
Party's Board:
- considers urgent issues of party's internal life and policy;
- organizes meetings of Party's Political Council;
- comes out by Statements and Appeals;
- adopts decision linked by forming and usage of party budget;
- approves treaties, signed on behalf of Party;
- approves resolutions of foundation meetings on creation of territorial and other organizations and local branches;
- takes decisions on receiving of collective members to party;
- forms mutual contacts with government bodies and social-political organizations;
- approves structure of Executive Administration and its work plan;
- approves deputies of Executive Secretary by submission of Party's Chairman;
- solves other questions arisen from the party's Charter.
Article 6. Party's Chairman:
- carries out general guidance on party in accordance with aims and tasks of Party's Program and Charter;
- guides on Party's Political Council and Board;
- represents party in government bodies, local and international organizations, in republic and abroad;
- signs documents on behalf of the party;
- carries out cooperation of members to elective party organs in exceptional cases;
- if necessary, commission provisionally authorities to one of its deputies, or to executive secretary;
- fulfils other tasks, according to the party's Charter.
Article 7. Executive Secretary:
- guides on Central Administration of the party;
- organizes meetings of Party's Board, determines their agendas and guides on meetings if the party chairman is absent;
- carries out operative guidance on the party on the basis of work plan approved by Board;
- forms an executive administration of the party, which consists of paid staff workers, and also persons, working on the basis of contract;
- coordinates the activity of local organizations' executive administrations;
- solves party's current financial issues within the frame of approved budget.
Article 8. Central Control-Revision Commission carries out an activity on the basis of "Regulations on Central Control-Revision Commission" approved by Political Council.
VI. PARTY'S LEGAL STATUS
Article 1. The party is a legal entity. The party has got a round seal and stamp, where its name is written, its own symbol, other requisites, settlement account in the Banks and other accounts.
Article 2. The party's property could include buildings, installations, transport means, shares, securities and other property, which is necessary for the material guarantee of its activity.
Article 3. The Party's budget is formed in manats and foreign currency in account of membership dues, donations, subsidies, income gained from expositions and other measures, publishing activity, other incomes, non-prohibited by the law.
Amount of membership is determined by Political Council.
Article 4. According to legislation, party can possess its publishing house, printing houses, printed organs and other mass media means.
Article 5. Party's activity could be suspended by resolution of its congress, on the basis of at least two - third votes of participated representatives or in other cases envisaged in legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Article 6. If the activity of the party is suspended, questions on its property should be solved on the basis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Law "On political parties".
© 2014 The New Azerbaijan Party
AZ1025, Azerbaijan Republic, Baku
Telephone: (+99412) 490 80 33, 490 80 43, 496 80 60, 490 80 47
Fax: (+99412) 490 80 41
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AKILATHIRATTU AMMANAI PDF
Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: Not illustrated. Chapters: . 23 Oct Free Essay: Akilathirattu Ammanai Akilathirattu Ammanai, also called Thiru Edu ( venerable book), is the primary scripture of the South Indian.
Author: Voodoozahn Mikabei
Country: Gabon
Published (Last): 3 February 2010
Uploader: Samulmaran
All the release versions except the Palaramachandran version organize the contents into seventeen sections as per the Thiru Eadu-vasippu partition.
Because of this Lord Vishnu got angry and advised Neesan to stop torturing the Santror. In some of the Thangals there will be inner corridors as pathis to circumambulate the Palliyarai, a hall is attached to this palliyarai for the worshippers. Smarta tradition is a movement in Hinduism that developed and expanded with the Puranas genre of literature. Inter-faith Ayyavazhi and mainstream Hinduism Ayyavazhi in Christian reports.
AKILATHIRATTU AMMANAI
He is the supreme God within Shaivism, one of the three most influential denominations in contemporary Hinduism, Shiva is the transformer within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. It symbolises two things: It contains more than lines. Akilatjirattu reference ammwnai in Akilam about Jesus is more direct than indirect. Then there found a Paal Kinaru, in the extreme east, Vatakku Vasal in the north and Sivaye Medai, then all these were surrounded by outer corridors. In other languages Add links.
The first eight chapters of the book narrate the events starting from the creation of the Universe to the time exactly before the incarnation of Vaikundar. The theological teachings revolves around the supremacy of Vaikundar while the sociological teachings mainly focus on breaking up the inequalities prevalent in the society. So the entire book focuses on social equality and strictly against Jati or the Indian caste system.
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It is presented as if Vishnu is narrating the whole story to his consort Lakshmi. It is also said that he will take all righteous people with him into the Vaikundam in the eighth yuga called as Dharma Yukam.
Though the Citar Hari Gopalan wrote the book Akilam, he claimed that he did not know anything about the contents of the book.
Advaita Vedanta — Advaita Vedanta is a school of Hindu philosophy and religious practice, and one of the classic Indian paths to spiritual realization.
Ayyavazhi and Hinduism are two belief systems in India. Inter-faith Ayyavazhi and mainstream Hinduism Ayyavazhi in Christian reports.
Part of the series on. And in north of flagmast there is a Akilathirathu, here, they cook the food and distribute it to the devotees. This Pashupati seal has been interpreted by scholars as a prototype of Shiva.
Shiva literally means kind, friendly, gracious, or auspicious, as a proper name, it means The Auspicious One. All these deities also have separate sects dedicated to them.
There are seventeen sections: Meanwhile, the Payyan dynasty started administrating the Swamithoppe pathi, while other Pathis came under the administration of the followers of Ayya, following the instructions of Akilattirattu Ammanai, the Nizhal Thangals have been established across the country for worship and the study of scripture. It considers both the Vedas and the Agama texts as important sources of theology, Shaivism has ancient roots, traceable in the Vedic literature of 2nd millennium BCE, but this is in the form of the Vedic deity Rudra.
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Author Hari Gopalan Citar states in the text that he wrote this book on a Friday, the twenty-seventh day of the Tamil month of Karthikai 13 December in the year CE.
Ayyavazhi/Akilattirattu Ammanai
It is cited as an independent monistic religion by several newspapers, government reports, in Indian censuses, however, the majority of its followers declare themselves as Hindus. There are three versions, which were copied from the first version:. Kali Yugathe seventh Yuga begins when the evil spirit called Kali not to akilathiratth confused with Kaali, the mother goddess was born.
As per the instructions found there in Akilam, Ayyavazhi was preached by the Citars far and wide. Accordingly, Vaikundar was the Purna avatar of Narayana, Ayyavazhi shares many ideas with Hinduism in its beliefs and practice, but differs considerably in its concepts of good and evil and dharma.
Second, how did cit Brahman create material world, third, if ananda Brahman is pure bliss, why did the empirical world of sufferings arise. But it also says that the ‘Varnashrama Dharma’ system was perfect until the end of Dvapara Yuga.
The theological teachings revolves around the supremacy of Vaikundar while the sociological teachings alilathirattu focus on breaking akilathurattu the inequalities prevalent in the society. The texts written by Akilathiraftu Gopalan Citar are damaged and thus it is difficult to read the contents.
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. The festival of lights, Diwaliis celebrated by Hindus all over the world.
DHARMASINDHU PDF
TALKS ON THE GITA VINOBA BHAVE PDF
JNANA SANKALINI TANTRA PDF
GANAPATHI DHYANAM PDF
SIVAPURANAM LYRICS PDF
SIVAPURANAM STORY IN MALAYALAM PDF
HARIVAMSA PURANA PDF
THIRUPALLANDU PDF
ABIRAMI ANDHADHI LYRICS IN TAMIL PDF
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Redbirds’ boys look to keep winning, progressing on court
By WAYNE WITKOWSKI
Tristan Millett is the only returning starter from the Allentown High School boys’ basketball team that finished 16-10 last winter. Despite heavy losses to graduation in June, the Redbirds are off to a 3-1 start. MATT DENTON Allentown High School’s boys’ basketball team a year ago went 16-10 and had a welcome rebound from the previous season when the Redbirds did not break through with their first victory until the season was about half over.
With a 3-1 start on the current season, fans are hoping that winning will become more a part of the team’s fabric despite rebuilding after four starters graduated.
“I think the first game we came out strong and in the second game, we were out of character a bit and struggled,” coach Jay Graber said, as Allentown opened with a 79-41 victory over Lawrence High School Dec. 18 and then lost to the Hun School, 67-40, Dec. 19. “We have to pass the ball a little more and be a little more patient. Against teams like [Hun], you can’t make mistakes like we did last year, and you have to be a little more disciplined.”
It showed in the victory over Nottingham High School, 63-52, Dec. 22 in the getaway game before the holiday break. Nahshon Taylor led three players in double-figures, scoring 17 points. Bekim Nikovic scored 15, while Tristan Millett dropped in another dozen. Allentown led, 36-21, at halftime. “I think their playing together for a long time helps. No one on the team is selfish,” Graber said. “They know how to get it done and to build on it.”
Last year’s team developed that knack, but Dan Bascara, Hal Shaw, Austin Moy and Xavier Roldan are graduated. Millett is the only returning starter.
But Taylor, a junior guard, and senior forwards Nikovic, Hunter Gerling and Luke Newman, the tallest starter at 6 feet 4 inches tall, gained some experience last year to fit well into this year’s starting lineup. Four other players are ready to contribute through the season: senior swingman Peyton Jackson, senior guard Matt Blazier, 6- foot-1 junior forward Anthony Alexander and freshman guard Elijah Kelly.
They showed the chemistry that goes with years of playing together in the latest game of their four-game, season-opening stretch Dec. 27 in the 33rd annual Primetime/ ESCIT Tournament hosted by Trenton Catholic Academy. The Redbirds demolished two-time defending NJSIAA Group II champion Newark Tech High School, 54- 33. Millet, with a game-high 14 points, led four players in double-figures in a balanced attack typical of last season’s success. Gerling and Blazier each scored 11 points, and Nikovic had 10. The win moved Allentown into the championship game Dec. 28 against Archbishop John Carroll High School of Wayne, Pennsylvania, which beat New Hope-Solebury High School (Pennsylvania) in the other semifinal.
Allentown took an 11-0 lead to start the game against Newark Tech and led, 34-11, at halftime. Newark Tech slipped to 0-3.
Graber is more concerned with progress for the moment and then competing in the Colonial Valley Conference Patriot Division.
“I’m not worried about [the division race], but taking it one game at a time,” Graber said. “They have to work hard and produce and not look back. They’re progressing well, I think. They have to keep working together.”
Along with passing the ball a bit better, Graber said his team must play tough on defense. Each player has a role to fill.
For Millett, Graber said it’s his leadership and controlling the ball at the point. Newman has been playing well, according to Graber, and plays hard, especially on defense, where he has rebounded strongly. Nikovic needs to continue to be versatile scoring from outside and inside, the coach said. Graber said Gerling needs to continue to shoot with confidence as a good, pure scorer, and Taylor also shoots well and has a lot of energy.
Blazier also has been providing a lot of energy coming off the bench and has limited the team’s turnovers.
Graber said last year’s team, the first group he had coached for all four years, showed signs of turning things around that he hopes will carry over to this season.
“They took it personal and put in a lot of time and effort. They won tough games,” Graber said.
The team reached the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals, where it lost to Hamilton High School West and lost early in the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group III state tournament to Nottingham.
This year’s team is looking to make the postseason and perhaps go a little farther. For now, Graber is taking things slowly, as many new starters and new varsity players get accustomed to their new roles.
Allentown’s girls basketball team went on a 21-9, second-quarter surge for a 30-18 halftime lead, and it rolled past Nottingham, 63-41, Dec. 22.
Sophomore guard Ryan Weise led the way with 21 points for Allentown (2-1), while seniors Bianca Santos at forward and Kali Hartshorn at guard added 12 and 10 points, respectively.
CategoriesExaminer Sports
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Wanting to learn from the best, aspiring boxer Maggie Fitzgerald wants Frankie Dunn to train her. At the outset he flatly refuses saying he has ...
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Country: Spain, Italy, West Germany
Genres: Action, Drama, Western
Actors: Clint Eastwood, Marianne Koch, Gian Maria Volontè, Wolfgang Lukschy, Sieghardt Rupp, Joseph Egger, Antonio Prieto, José Calvo, Margarita Lozano, Daniel MartÃn, Benito Stefanelli, Mario Brega, Bruno Carotenuto, Aldo Sambrell
Based on the novel by David Baldacci, Absolute Power is about the ruthlessness of people in power. The President believes that everything he does is ...
Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Actors: Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Scott Glenn, Dennis Haysbert, Judy Davis, E.G. Marshall, Melora Hardin, Kenneth Welsh, Penny Johnson Jerald, Richard Jenkins, Mark Margolis, Elaine Kagan, Alison Eastwood
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Home / News / Professional Course for Probationary Dy Collectors launched
Professional Course for Probationary Dy Collectors launched
HYM Staff July 2, 2018 News
Hyderabad: Dr. MCR HRD Institute of Telangana launched a Professional Course for Group-I Officers, including Probationary Deputy Collectors, Assistant Treasury Officers, and Assistant Audit Officers. Principal Secretary to Government (Finance) K Ramakrishna Rao inaugurated the training program.
Ramakrishna Rao, in his inaugural address, said that Group-I officers, though small in numbers, have a rare opportunity to provide leadership aimed at improving the contribution of over three-and-a-half lakh employees at different levels, and thereby enriching quality of governance for about three-and-a-half crores people of Telangana State.
He advised them to learn and perfect the art of leadership by developing a positive vision of future, acquiring ability to get the things done, spotting leaders at lower levels and grooming them, and finding time for their own overall development.
Continuing his address, he said that the level of awareness of people, politicians, employees, and other stakeholders is mind-boggling and added that in this contemporary world of work, the Group-I Officers can survive and succeed only when they are thoroughly familiar with the Acts,
Rules, and Manuals relating their respective jobs and their application at the ground level. “Continuously learning in the contemporary fast-changing scenario is a big challenge”, he said and added that there is no growth in comfort zone and there is no comfort in the growth zone.
Vakati Karuna, Director, Land Revenue said that Group-I Officers have the rare privilege of not only interacting with a large number of people, especially their underprivileged and rural counterparts, but also bringing about a positive change in their lives.
Continuing her address, she called upon the Group-I Officers to be the champions of poor and vulnerable sections of society and endeavor to use their positions to deliver maximum justice, instead of blocking it.
Considering the spectacular performance of Government during the last four years, she advised the Group-I Officers to possess positive perspective and continue to deliver their optimum best to their jobs and organizations.
M Venkateshwar Rao, Director of State Audit Department said that continuous improvement in the quality of audit is the need of the hour. “The audit should focus on trying to understand whether the goals for which Government money was spent have been achieved or not”, he added.
K S R C Murty, Director of Treasuries & Accounts said than an officer should possess not only the knowledge of subject but also be familiar with the relevant technology. “The training programs must identify the gaps in the knowledge of subject and technology and address them appropriately”, he added.
B Venkateswara Rao, ADG, Dr. MCR HRD Institute said that the content of the training program is current and up-to-date. “Thorough brainstorming sessions were held with senior practitioners in order to ensure that the program covers all the latest themes and the relevant softwares”, he added.
E Narasimhan, Jt. Dierctor proposed a vote of thanks. K Jagan Mohan Goud, Head, Centre for Financial Management conducted proceedings of the function. (INN)
Telangana 2018-07-02
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PlayStation Insider Interview with Aaron Webber (@RubyEclipse) – Sonic Mania Information
Motwera September 22, 2016 Gaming Leave a Comment
Arron Webber, the voice behind the blue blur’s social media, had a interview recently with PlayStation Insider and it was a very interesting read. The interview covers a lot of ground about Sonic Mania, Aaron’s view of the game and more, so will be quoting the most interesting parts of the interview below.
With a planned release in spring of next year, Sega is releasing a homage to the 2D Sonic franchise named Sonic Mania. It’s exactly what you would expect from a Sonic game. A 2D side-scrolling platform game developed in the exact same fashion as the originals, bringing back levels with extras and twists for the 25th anniversary of Sonic. The game is coming to PS4, so be sure to keep updated on news for the exact release date.
At PAX West this year we were able to interview the official Sonic Twitter public representative Aaron Webber, about the game and what it has to show for the coming future.
The following is an interview conducted by Dan Thompson of PlayStation Insider.
Dan: What’s up PlayStation Insiders! My name is Dan, here, with the one-and-only runner of the Sonic Twitter.
Aaron Webber: Hi my name is Aaron Webber from Sega.
Dan: Awesome, so Sonic Mania was shown at that Sonic party at Comic-con that was really fun. What’s the difference between making Sonic Mania and Sonic 4? What makes you guys want to go back to hand-drawn sprites of the original Sonic games?
Aaron Webber: Great question. Internally in Sega there was a lot of discussion about ways to kinda go back to what was that really made Sonic so great in the old days. One of the interesting things with Mania is that we had the chance to bring in some of the developers who were fans of the old days that are now professionals. One of those guys, his name is Christian Whitehead (Taxman) , he did the mobile ports for Sonic 1 and 2 and Sonic CD along with a guy named Stealth or Simon Thomley. So we actually brought them on along with a group called PagodaWest and in collaboration with Sonic Team those guys are making Sonic Mania. The reason I think this is really cool and special is because the first times we’ve ever done that. The amount of passion and the dedication these guys have with their craft into making this game as good as it can be is pretty spectacular and it really does show as you look at the game and even play through it.
Dan: I’ve been following Taxman ever since he’s been making those fan games, he really has an eye for quality with his animations and gameplay. I’m really excited for Sonic Mania. So are these all entirely new levels or is this like a mixtape of Sonic’s greatest levels from the 2D era?
Aaron Webber: It’s a mixtape but the mixtape has a lot of remixes you’ve never heard before so you’re like “oh I know this one!” Then you get to a part and you’re like “oh wait a minute this is brand new.” Green Hill Zone is a great example, it starts exactly how you would expect it to minus the original was 30 FPS now it’s 60 FPS. We have new animations, there are loads of new stuff. And as you go through Green Hill Zone you get to that loop-de-loop moment and you realize at the top of the loop there is an electric shield from Sonic 3 and you think, “wait a minute that’s not supposed to be there.” And then you realize that there’s a whole upper path that didn’t exist before, and you realize there’s a lower path where you actually go into the caverns below Green Hill Zone. Then there’s a whole new background for the sprites and everything. You get to the end and there is a mini-boss Sonic 3 style and you go “oh my gosh this is completely different from the Green Hill Zone I used to know.”
That’s Act 1 just so you know. Just Act 1 of Green Hill Mania is — Act 1 and Act 2 and more– from the original Sonic. Which is kinda amazing they put so much in there. And we have Studiopolis. So Studiopolis is a whole new level — all the background stuff is new — there are tons of references to Sega and Sonic easter eggs. There is the Sega Sonic popcorn shop, Daytona USA, Streets of Rage, there”s an ATV signal in the back, there are tons of stuff. That level it is pretty amazing to play it the first time because you have never seen it before and never experienced it.
Source: PlayStation Insider
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When it was announced last week that Anne Golden had been approached by the Ontario government to head up a panel to look at revenue generation to go toward building transit in the GTHA, I joked that we should all be very excited as Queen’s Park has a history of listening to recommendations made by a panel chaired by Ms. Golden. Listening perhaps, then ignoring.
OK, joke may be too strong a word for it. That would suggest the statement was funny. More sagging, really. Under the weight of bitter, disillusioned sarcasm.
But it did get me thinking about the old Golden Report on the governance, competitiveness blah, blah, blah of the GTA, commissioned back in the twilight of the Bob Rae government. Delivered up to the Mike Harris crew in the early days of that government, it was greeted largely with a shrug. It wasn’t something they’d asked for.
That’s not exactly true either. The Harris Tories did use the report as a little bit of cover in the next couple years as they descended into an amalgamation frenzy including the one here in Toronto. Reading through Andrew Sancton’s account of what happened, Amalgamations, Service Realignment, and Property Taxes: Did the Harris Government Have a Plan for Ontario’s Municipalities?, the immediate impression is of the ad hoc nature of it all.
To begin with, the idea of amalgamation wasn’t really on the party’s radar when it sat on the opposition benches at Queen’s Park. It certainly wasn’t a key part of the Common Sense Revolution. Here’s Mike Harris speaking in 1994, less than a year before he took over the reins of power.
There is no cost to a municipality to maintain its name and identity. Why destroy our roots and pride? I disagree with restructuring because it believes that bigger is better. Services always cost more in larger communities. The issue is to find out how to distribute services fairly and equally without duplicating services.
Bigger isn’t better? “Services always cost more in larger communities”? This was the exact opposite of what we were being told by the provincial government when they were ramming the megacity down our throats. How times changed.
Sixteen years on, water under the bridge aside from pointing out that the 1994 Mike Harris was right about amalgamations while Premier Mike Harris was wrong. The change of heart might be easier to accept if there’d been a straight forward reason why he did what he did but there really didn’t seem to be.
Sure, there was the desire to bury the dissenting voice of the old city of Toronto’s council under the more friendly voices of the suburban municipalities but that seems to be just a small part of it. The Tories also wanted to remove the taxation power of school boards and put them on a tight fiscal leash. Plus, the whole matter of updating the property tax system was also in play.
Perhaps as important as any of these, the provincial government needed to keep a campaign promise of reducing government. Any ol’ government would do, regardless of the consequences. Six municipalities into one, plus Metro council? A double fucking trifecta.
Keeping up appearances, in other words. This anti-government government eliminating levels of government. It would make for good re-election campaign literature.
There are echoes of this jumbled miasma of reasoning currently going on with our whole heave-ho debate on transit. Everybody knows that the region’s public transit system is substandard. Everybody knows that we’re going to have to pay substantially for the necessarily substantial expansion.
That seems to be where the agreement ends. Who pays? Who knows. What gets built where? Another head shaker. There are metrics to quantify the debate just like there were during the era of amalgamation. Unfortunately, few are very politically palatable.
Adding Anne Golden to the mix only serves to fuel the feeling that the provincial government is doing little more than throwing up more obstacles. Decisions aren’t the desirable outcome here. The appearance of process is, due diligence.
What’s weird about the way the Liberals are going about things here is, unlike how the Harris government did an about face on amalgamation, the Liberals are subverting a plan they themselves put into place. The Big Move. A breakdown of transit needs and priorities throughout the region and a smorgasbord of possible revenue tools to access in order to implement the plan.
Already the Eglinton crosstown construction is underway. The Master Agreement with Toronto has been signed for 3 other LRT lines, one being the Scarborough LRT extension of the Bloor-Danforth subway line that the government seems determined to undermine at this point, ably assisted by a majority of city council. The motivation behind such a move is hard to discern.
You could just write it off to pure political pandering, to keep those Scarborough seats red in any upcoming provincial election. Pretty straightforward. But if it’s just that, why not go all in and build an actual subway? You know, at least all the way up to Sheppard? That way, you can put pressure on the proposed Sheppard LRT too. A subway to the west. A subway to the east. Complete the line from Yonge to Kipling with a Sheppard subway loop.
This two stop proposal just seems like a half-measure. How could this government be that invested and find themselves at this point of time so indecisive? To give the Harris government its due, they did a 180 on amalgamation and in the face of fierce political opposition pushed it through, damn the torpedoes. These Liberals appear to have little inclination to be as bold even when they have the good cause on their side.
Instead of having to pull some clarity (misguided and malevolent as it was in the case of amalgamation) out of a stew of conflicting policy initiatives, the McGuinty-Wynne government seem bound and determined to reduce transit planning in the region to a chaotic mix of parochialism and unfinished business. If you are able to find a coherent narrative as to why, you have much better eyes for this kind of thing than I do. I just see a glaring lacking of leadership and a desperate desire for expediency coalescing into an all familiar puddle of incompetence that has plagued this city and region in transit building for a generation now.
— disheartenedly submitted by Cityslikr
1 Comment | City Building, City Council, Metrolinx, Municipal Politics, Newspapers, Provincial Politics, The Big Move, The Globe and Mail | Tagged: Amalgamation, Andrew Sancton, Anne Golden, City Hall, Dalton McGuinty, Marcus Gee, Mike Harris, Oliver Moore, Politics, Premier Kathleen Wynne, Queen's Park, Scarborough LRT, Scarborough subway, Sheppard subway, The Big Move, Toronto, Transit City, TTC | Permalink
Posted by cityslikr
Ask And Ye Shall Receive
Late Tuesday afternoon, we were told that the provincial Minister of Transportation, Glen Murray, would be holding a press conference the following day with important news regarding a certain Scarborough subway. Eyebrows raised. Oh really? I honestly thought they’d let that die after having survived the by-election, relatively unscathed. No federal funding forthcoming. The mayor hasn’t so much as lifted a finger to find some additional financing. It was a great idea. The Liberal government really want to get it up and going but… alas, it was just not meant to be.
Oh well. That ol’ LRT is just gonna have to do, I guess…
Then came word yesterday morning before the minister’s press conference that, no, in fact, subway plans were still alive and kicking. Minister Murray and some faceless folks over at Metrolinx had been hard at it, busily revisiting and revising, ahead of the city council imposed September 30th drop deadline to deliver up a Scarborough subway. No siree, bob. Queen’s Park wasn’t playing politics with this. They said they were the subway champions. They will be the subway champions.
And boom!
The Scarborough subway, running from Kennedy station all the way up to… Scarborough Town Centre?
What kind of holy fuckery is this?!
The good Minister of Transportation couldn’t be serious, could he?
This story must be some sort of feint, a PR exercise to lower expectations, lower than low, so that the real plan they’ve been concocting throughout the summer will emerge, smelling all fresh and rosy. There is no way in fucking hell the minister, this Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto Centre can step up with anything even close to a straight face and announce a $1.4 billion expenditure on a subway that runs an even shorter distance than the much reviled RT now runs. He can’t possibly re-route the fucking the thing along the RT route when much heated debate had been expended at city council in June about interrupting that service and using a shitload of buses in its place while the subway was being built.
It. Just. Couldn’t. Be.
“We are announcing that we are putting $1.4 billion into extending the subway to Scarborough Town Centre.”
Apparently, I was wrong. Hardly the first time I’ve missed the mark, predicting which way a political wind will blow. Probably not the last. [Note to self: stop predicting things.]
I must not be seeing the bigger picture on all this. The one beyond the first blush of pure political brinkmanship, of simply some demented bumper car ride initiated back in 2010, on his very first official day of work when Mayor Ford unilaterally declared Transit City ‘dead’. This can’t be the end point. The Scarborough subway people have been clamoring for, Gollum-like, as some sort of symbol of equality.
“Today is a great day, they’re getting subways in Scarborough,” Mayor Ford pronounced. “We’re getting subways for Scarborough. I campaigned on it. Promise made, promise kept.”
That’s it? Subway Supporters of Scarborough (SSS™©®) are that easily appeased? No new extension further into subway-less regions of Scarborough. Simply a re-jigging of a pre-existing line. Burying (maybe) what is now elevated, with fewer stops and a terminus ending before the current one does.
If we’re going to insist on being pandered to, we might want to extract a little more from the arrangement.
As it stands right now, this proposed subway does nothing to help the transit weary in Scarborough. In fact, as a line drawn on a map, it can only exacerbate what problems there are already. Looking at it and listening to its most ardent defenders, it’s hard not to think the only purpose this serves is to mollify those with their noses out of joint over the perceived slight of being subway deprived.
You wanted subways, Scarborough? We gave you subways. Enjoy!
When this discussion first got started, there were grand plans to extend the Sheppard subway east until it met Eglinton where the LRT would all be underground. Once that was in place, we could close the loop, bringing a subway all the way down to meet the Bloor-Danforth subway.
When that idea foundered on the rocks of Where the Fuck Would the Money Come From?, a more modest proposal emerged. Replace the proposed Scarborough LRT with a 3 stop subway, from Kennedy station up to what would be the Sheppard LRT. Not as all encompassing as the previous plan, and not without its serious concerns but a Scarborough subway nonetheless.
This is what it comes down to? This Sheppard subway redux is the measly result of all the fuss, all the indignation, all the foot-stomping and petulant screaming? We need a comprehensive transit network plan for a woefully under-served quarter or so of this city but we’ll settle for two lousy subway stops in the one spot in Scarborough that isn’t faring too badly when it comes transit service already?
We all can roll our eyes, shake our heads and mutter about the uselessness and self-serving of our politicians of every stripe and at all three levels of government. In this story alone, there is plenty of villainy to go around. But if our demands are so easily met, if our expectations and understanding of an issue as fundamental to the proper functioning of this city as public transit is are so superficial and little more than slogan thin that we can be assuaged with a token gesture which qualifies as nothing more than in name only, well, come on, folks. There’s nobody else but ourselves to blame.
The people wanted subways. The people got a subway. If all we ask of our elected representatives is for them to pander to us, we will be pandered to. That’s one prediction I’m fairly confident I’m right on.
— postulatingly submitted by Cityslikr
5 Comments | By-Elections 2013, City Building, City Council, Metrolinx, Municipal Politics, Newspapers, Press coverage, Provincial Politics, The Toronto Sun, TTC | Tagged: City Hall, Don Peat, Ev Delen, Glen Murray, Global News, James Armstrong, mayor, Politics, Queen's Park, Rob Ford, Scarborough subway, Sheppard subway, Toronto, Transit City | Permalink
Subways It Is
Hats off to Toronto city council’s subway warriors, for they won the hearts and minds of a majority of their colleagues and have earned the right to finally deliver more subways to our Scarborough brethren. Let us take a break in the seemingly never-ending transit battles and allow them room to manoeuvre, to bring their subway dreams to fruition. This is, after all, a democracy, and that’s how democracy works.
After 3 years or so of Sisyphean struggles, Mayor Rob Ford can now claim to have delivered on his campaign promise of subways, subways, subways. On paper, at least. The devil, as they say, is in the details and having watched the mayor this week during the transit debate we were reminded that he is not really a details kind of guy.
It’ll also be interesting to see how the mayor attempts to square the circle of higher than promised dedicated property tax increases to pay for his Scarborough subway. Or, to put ‘skin in the game’ as he liked to say over and over and over again. Since the city manager’s report on the LRT-to-subway conversion came out last week, Mayor Ford has held firm on his no more than a .25% increase. Well, yesterday he wound up voting in favour of the city manager’s recommendation of anywhere between 1.1 – 2.4% over 3 years, beginning with .5% in next year’s budget.
But as we have seen in the past, the mayor seems unperturbed by logical inconsistencies and operates under the assumption that normal rules of reasoning and accountability don’t really apply to him.
It’s a knack the TTC chair appears to want to hone and develop.
Councillor Karen Stintz, having a Scarborough subway road to Damascus moment sometime during the course of the past year, loved LRTs (after she didn’t) when she pulled the carpet from under the mayor’s bid to build a subway extension on Sheppard Avenue. She thought they were just great running along Sheppard, east of the subway. And along Eglinton and Finch avenues.
But apparently not as an extension of the Bloor-Danforth subway line. Why the change of heart? Some chalk it up to mayoral ambitions but there’s no way of knowing that for sure. Until next year’s campaign, at any rate. For now, let’s just take her at her word that there’s a funding plan in place, based on a whole lot of contingencies and variables which, if they don’t all fall neatly into place, we will simply revert back to the original LRT plan.
But no one will be able to accuse Councillor Karen Stintz of denying Scarborough residents their long overdue subway. Especially not Mayor Ford if it just so happens they meet on the 2014 campaign trail.
Ditto Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, another late convert to the need for a subway in Scarborough. Like the TTC chair, he extolled the beauty and sleekness of LRTs during last year’s Sheppard subway debate but now finds them something less than perfect when proposed to run through his neighbourhood. He expertly tapped into the vein of entitlement, resentment and divisiveness in Mayor Ford-like style this week in demanding his residents in Scarborough get the respect and subway they deserve. LRTs may be just fine for other Torontonians but his tribe, well, they actually vote in Councillor De Baeremaeker’s ward.
As a confirmed and noted tax-and-spender, the councillor won’t have to contort and convulse having to explain the billion dollar+ extra expense for building the subway. Unlike some of his more “fiscally conservative” colleagues who gave the project a thumbs-up. Take Councillor Mike Del Grande, for instance. During his time as budget chief in the first few years of the Ford Administration, no one was more vocal about the profligacy of the David Miller regime and its love of taking on debt to buy cupcakes for the widows and orphans.
But for a subway in Scarborough that will actually have little effect for transit users in his ward? Completely different story. Our debt is better than their debt, I guess.
But at least such naked parochial pandering on the part of the mayor, the TTC chair, Councillor De Baeremaeker and a bevy of council fiscal hawks that supported the subway plan could be visible to the jaded eye that chose to look at things through that sort of lens.
How the likes of councillors Joe Mihevc and Paula Fletcher got all caught up in these proceedings is more of a mystery, their motivations more opaque. Was it just to come to the rescue of their fellow leftie colleague from Scarborough? It’s one thing to compromise and juggle your integrity for the sake of your own political career but for another councillor? The nice word for that is loyalty. I’m sure the good people of Scarborough will find that devotion commendable if it amounts to any sort of delay in expanding rapid transit for them.
We have been assured no such thing will happen. Many of the amendments brought to the motion yesterday were safeguards against things like unforeseen delays, lack of funding from other levels of government and a multitude of variables, any of which could amount to an actual decrease in rapid transit expansion throughout the city. There’s even a drop-dead deadline, we’re told, September 30th, for the provincial and federal governments to shit or get off the pot. If this isn’t sorted out in full, all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed, well, then an LRT it would be. No harm, no foul.
I will take them at their word on all that.
I will believe that city council is in full control of the situation, able to negotiate multiple competing agendum and put the brakes on any situation that arises that in any way threatens the plans we already had in place or risks any sort of significant delays in building rapid transit. This is what we were told. At this point, I have no reason to not believe it and only my healthy skepticism whispering negatively in my ear.
I’ll try my best to ignore my concerns and take the next few months to think of other things than dismal transit arguments and dubious transit plans. It’s a big city, our Toronto. Plenty of stuff to focus on. Subway advocates won the day. They’ve earned the right to step forward and see this through.
That’ll be me, quietly standing on the sidelines, enjoying the sultry summer.
— chill-ly submitted by Cityslikr
6 Comments | City Building, City Council, Elections 2010, Municipal Politics, Newspapers, Press coverage, The Toronto Sun, TTC | Tagged: City Hall, Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, Councillor Joe Mihevc, Councillor Josh Matlow, Councillor Karen Stintz, Councillor Mike Del Grande, Councillor Paula Fletcher, Don Peat, mayor, National Post, Peter Kuitenbrouwer, Politics, Rob Ford, Scarborough subway, Sheppard subway, Toronto, Transit City | Permalink
Try And Try Again
It may come as something of a surprise to many of you but this week’s city council meeting – the last one of the summer – is not a hastily convened, special transit session, called specifically on the eternal question of a Scarborough subway. No. It is a regularly scheduled meeting, in place to deal with the entirety of the city’s business. An agenda that, according to Councillor Janet Davis, is the biggest she’s seen in her 10 years at City Hall.
But you’ll be forgiven if you thought otherwise. The talk’s been almost exclusively about the brewing Scarborough LRT-versus-subway brouhaha leading up to today’s start of council meeting. It’s as if there’s nothing else really going on.
I’m not going to contribute to this transit talk overload. My views are well documented. You’re probably as sick and tired reading about them as I am writing about them.
If you’re a glutton for punishment on this issue, however, and you really want to get down to the nub of this never-ending debate, I highly suggest reading John Lorinc’s take on it yesterday and Steve Munro’s over the weekend. I’d happily link to any persuasive pro-subway articles but the problem seems to be THERE AREN’T ANY! To see the sorry state of the subway proponents’ case, take a leisurely scroll through the Twitter timelines of councillors Michelle Berardinetti and James Pasternak.
I will say a couple things on the topic though.
Any councillor ultimately voting in favour of re-opening the Master Agreement between the city and Metrolinx in the hopes of building a subway extension rather than an LRT at the current eastern terminus of the Bloor-Danforth line loses any claim to being fiscally prudent or conservative. There is no viable economic argument to make the switch. None. It is nothing less than tossing out an already funded plan (by another level of government, no less) and replacing it with a much riskier, numbers still on a cocktail napkin pipe dream. In no way do any possible benefits outweigh the very considerable costs to the city and city’s taxpayers, both current and future.
Secondly, absolute credit has to go to Mayor Rob Ford for keeping the dream of MOAR SCARBOROUGH SUBWAYS alive through his dogged, single-minded determination (Forditude? Did someone already coined that word? If not, dibs. See? I am getting punchy.) to pander to a bloc of voters he absolutely needs if he has any hope of being re-elected next year. Failing spectacularly earlier this term to get a Sheppard subway extension up and going, he’s hopped aboard the Bloor-Danforth version, looking for sellable talking points to take to the voters taxpayers and his devoted radio listeners. He promised you subways, Scarborough, and he’s delivering you subways. Years late and for billions more but the mayor’s never really been about the fine print.
That’s doing him some disservice. The fact that he’s got a seeming majority of council ready to take this senseless leap, along with a handful of Scarborough Liberal MPPs and two successive Liberal governments at Queen’s Park, is a testimony to the power of his retail politicking. Any sort of subway extension for Scarborough is nothing more than politics for him. So much so that he’s abandoned his core political principle, revenue tools are just taxes and he’s against taxes, for it. In order to build his Scarborough subway, Mayor Rob Ford has had to go on record saying that taxes used to build a subway should be seen as an investment. An investment. Not some onerous reach around into the taxpayers’ pocket.
Yeah, that Rob Ford.
Such naked, hypocritical pandering, rather than being toxic as you might think, seems to be infectious. Everybody’s in on it now, willing to bend over backwards to feed the apparent sense of entitlement felt by Scarborough commuters, generated by the mayor’s constant divisive drum beating. Once more, transit planning has become a game of chicken, intended only to assist political aspirations at both the provincial and municipal levels of government.
All the key players have descended to the mayor’s level, catering to his ill-thought out and ill-advised transit views instead of challenging them on their merit and feasibility. Despite losing control of the transit file over a year ago now, he’s still dictating the terms of the conversation. Regardless of what happens this week, Mayor Ford’s already won.
— tiredly submitted by Cityslikr
6 Comments | City Building, City Council, Metrolinx, Municipal Politics, Newspapers, Press coverage, Provincial Politics, The Big Move, TTC | Tagged: City Hall, Councillor James Pasternak, Councillor Michelle Berardinetti, John Lorinc, mayor, Politics, Queen's Park, Rob Ford, Scarborough subway, Sheppard subway, Spacing, Steve Munro, Toronto, Transit City | Permalink
Transit Talk And Talk And Talk
It’s kind of like living in a time lapse photography sequence these days, following along with the twists and turns of the city’s ongoing and perpetual transit debate. In three years, we‘ve been able to catch a glimpse of decades after decades after decades of toil and strife, where talk almost always trumps action. Weren’t paying attention first time around? Fear not. There’s always another kick at the can. Always.
Word emerged yesterday that the dreams of more Scarborough subways weren’t dead. Such rumours were apparently exaggerated. The province’s Transportation and Infrastructure Minister, Glen Murray, and the city’s TTC chair chatted openly about the possibility the door hadn’t yet closed and that there just might be some way to work out the details of finding the extra cash necessary to convert the proposed Bloor-Danforth LRT extension at Kennedy to a subway. What’s another half billion to 900 million dollars generated by as of yet agreed upon revenue tools when there’s by-election outcomes and mayoral aspirations at stake?
Look, at this point, I almost (almost) couldn’t give a fuck what kind of transit gets built in Scarborough as long as it leads to the How You Going To Pay For It conversation. There’s never been any logical reason to build further subways either along Sheppard or as an extension to the existing line there. Lord knows, there’s certainly no compelling economic reason to do so. It’s always been about divisive political posturing, pure and simple. Subways, subways, subways. The people want subways.
Or the latest idiocy to tumble out of a councillor’s mouth about the issue. “The province needs to step up to the plate, otherwise they will be letting down the people of Scarborough,” mewled Councillor Michelle Berardinetti. “You can’t go to residents with revenue tools and not even deliver a subway.” You see, Scarborough deserves subways because, well, subways. Subways, subways, subways.
But if you think the province is acting any more sensibly, get a load of Minister Murray’s thoughts on the matter. “We’ve certainly been flexible in the past and will continue to be when it comes to accommodating a municipality,” the Globe and Mail quotes him saying. “It will be over my dead body that Scarborough goes wanting for high speed, rapid transit. I’m not prepared for people in Scarborough to miss this round…”
Flexible. Isn’t it adorable how the minister positively frames being politically craven and calculating. If this Liberal government at Queen’s Park hadn’t proven to be so ‘flexible’ at the outset, if they hadn’t immediately caved to our new mayor’s 2010 unilateral decision to junk Transit City, we wouldn’t still be having this conversation three years on.
And what the fuck is he talking about with the Scarborough ‘wanting for high speed, rapid transit’ and the ‘miss this round’ business? This kind of bullshit only serves to further unfairly diminish LRTs in the already dim view of some and continues to put the notion of subways on this entirely unwarranted 1st class pedestal. It’s technology porn and completely warps the conversation.
Every time you think (no, hope and pray) you see a little ray of sunshine on transit – hey, maybe this time, maybe this time, maybe, maybe, maybe – the dark clouds of naked ambition roll in. It’s enough to make you think we get transit built only when it’s expedient for a critical mass of politicians. The most cost conscious of mayors has been joined by elected officials covering the entire ideological spectrum essentially telling voters in Scarborough that when it comes to getting them their subway, money is no object. In this, they are all tax-and-spenders minus the taxing part.
You’d think that after the scandals that continue to plague them, the Liberal government might shy away from such obvious pandering and willingness to throw money around in order to shore up support for ridings that are in play. Change of leader, change in approach. It most certainly is not business as usual.
But maybe their calculus factors in one other variable. If, as a voter, public transit in Toronto is your big issue and you find the Liberals’ ‘flexibility’ on the subway versus LRT question counter-productive, where do you turn for a better solution? Both Hudak’s Conservatives and the NDP have been content to stand on the sidelines, with fingers crossed, hoping the government self-immolates, occasionally shouting BOONDOGGLE as their sole contribution to the conversation.
You don’t like how we’re going about building transit, the Liberals might ask. Ask them how they’re going to do it. And, of course, neither opposition party will provide a satisfactory answer. They’ll shrug and yell BOONDOGGLE again.
Who could blame them really? There doesn’t seem to be any negative consequences to not building transit. Posturing will suffice. It doesn’t really cost much out of pocket. The problems will get worse but after many of the politicians have moved on to other careers. This city’s history is filled with characters dedicated to inaction on the transit file, so the current players including our mayor, TTC chair, premier, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Queen’s Park opposition parties aren’t going to stand out as exemplary villains in this story.
They’ll just be joining the ranks of murderers’ row. The long line of politicians who put their own self-interest before the city’s. It’s not a particularly exclusive club.
— fit to be tideingly submitted by Cityslikr
2 Comments | City Building, City Council, Municipal Politics, Newspapers, Press coverage, Provincial Politics, The Big Move, The Globe and Mail, TTC | Tagged: Adrian Morrow, Andrea Horwath, Bloor-Danforth subway line, City Hall, Councillor Karen Stintz, Councillor Michelle Berardinetti, Elizabeth Church, Glen Murray, mayor, Minister of Transportation, Politics, Premier Kathleen Wynne, Queen's Park, Rob Ford, Sheppard subway, Tim Hudak, Toronto, Transit City | Permalink
Double Down On Blue
If nothing else, this $150 million latest Mayor Rob Ford-Queen’s Park brouhaha should lay wide open the very essence of our mayor’s fundamentally terminal approach to governing. A dullard’s populism that contradicts itself with every policy utterance and eats its own tail without so much a burp of self-awareness. He’s mad as hell but probably only because of who’s making the proposed cuts and the colour of their team’s jackets.
Don’t get me wrong here. I don’t trust the province’s numbers one little bit and I’d like to see the work behind Royson James’ math or, at least, some context. It’s particularly galling to read the shiny remembrances of gold-standard fiscal management by the previous administration at City Hall from a guy who had few positive things to say about that matter in real time.
Even if the province is simply playing politics with this announcement, Mayor Ford has put himself in no position to fight back without looking like a massive hypocrite. That may be of no consequence to him – he seems quite comfortable wearing that – but it does undercut his legitimacy and, by extension, the city’s.
You can’t claim the government you lead doesn’t have a revenue problem and then cry foul when some of that revenue is cut. Earlier this month the mayor was beating his chest about the $248 million surplus in 2012. So hey. You should be able to take a $50 million hit (the $150 rollback would be over a three year period) and accept a smaller surplus. Mayor Ford is on record hating those one time savings anyway.
You can’t go around cutting your own revenue stream (the VRT), threatening to reduce another (LTT) and keeping the main source impractically low (property taxes) and then stamp your feet and pop off when Queen’s Park does likewise. When the mayor came to power under the banner of getting the city’s financial house in order, he set about to cut spending. He demanded the same from the province. Get their fiscal house in order. Cut spending.
So they cut spending. To the city. Now he’s got a problem with that?
You can’t continually pick fights with your provincial overlords and not expect some pushback. Some pushback that is detrimental to the city you were elected to serve. Oh, it’s on, Mayor Ford declared, when he killed Transit City and demanded the province give him all the money to build his Sheppard subway or else he would unleash the electoral power of Ford Nation on them. They complied. The mayor reneged and got all partisan in the subsequent provincial election. There was no Ford Nation.
Like Junior Soprano told his nephew Tony, if he was going to come at him, he better come at him hard. Our mayor is all bluff, no bite to his bark. By now, everybody but the mayor and his brother realize that fact. His threatening gestures ring hollow.
You might actually feel for the guy if he was taking the fight to the province looking out for the best interests of Toronto. Increasingly however, it looks like anything but. Fuck, it isn’t even ideological with him. If it were, there might be some sense to it all, some straight line you could draw from intent to action.
More and more it just seems like nothing but a branding battle. The mayor and his brother are Conservative blue to the bone. Anything to do with Liberal red or NDP orange is automatically bad and must be fought. Both Fords, elected to represent the residents of Toronto, seem far more interested in changing the government at Queen’s Park than they do effectively running City Hall. I think they’d happily sacrifice the best interests of the city if it meant the Tim Hudak Conservatives became the next government of Ontario.
In his unflagging support of local sports team, the Argos, the Leafs, the Jays, you might think he’s just doing his job as mayor acting the local booster. I think he just likes the colour blue. As both a sports fan and as the mayor of Toronto.
— me-too-bluely submitted by Cityslikr
2 Comments | Budget, City Building, City Council, Municipal Politics, Newspapers, Press coverage, Provincial Politics, Toronto Star | Tagged: City Hall, Ford Nation, Keith Leslie, Land transfer tax, mayor, National Post, Politics, Queen's Park, Rob Ford, Royson James, Sheppard subway, Toronto, Transit City, Vehicle registration tax | Permalink
The Winning Formula
Unless they don’t already know that Mayor Ford is out on the campaign trail, anyone who decides to throw down and challenge him for his job next year will not have to battle with the element of surprise. He is nothing if not predictable, our mayor. Puts it all out there for everyone to see. TO poli’s very own George Chuvalo.
Fresh from squeaking by on a split decision at the Compliance Audit Committee last week and escaping any further examination of his 2010 campaign financing, the mayor did a media round with Sun News. Touting all the accomplishments from his first year in office, he then outlined what he’d be pushing for throughout the remainder of his term in office. “We’ve got the casino, we’ve got the Gardiner (Expressway) and we’ve got the election,” he said, counting on his fingers. “I think a lot of people are already in that election mode and just wrapping up a few loose ends and we’re going to be on the campaign trail.”
Oh, and don’t forget subways… err, ‘a long term transportation strategy’. No, OK. Just kidding. Subways.
“We’re going to be getting, guaranteed getting, subways,” the mayor said on his TV interview with David Menzies. Or ‘The Menzoid’. As most grown men who aren’t professional athletes or musicians prefer to go by their nickname.
“Everyone is doing polling in their area. We’re doing polling. I see the numbers and they see the numbers and when you ask about subways and why so and so didn’t support them, they’re not going to win the next election.”
“They realize that they have to support subways to get re-elected, it’s huge. That’s what people want especially out in Scarborough – they need a subway and I’m going to get subways for them.”
So heads-up all you would-be mayors and councillors. If the mayor has his way, 2014 is going to be all about subways. Subways, subways, subways. Deny the people subways at your political peril.
If that all sounds too one-track to sustain a campaign for 18 months or so, Team Ford has drawn up another line of attack. Flouting rules and then thumbing their noses at anyone who protests. Don’t like it? Sue me. Seriously. Sue me. I double dog dare you.
With the mayor away down in Florida, it came to light that his office was still soliciting funds from registered lobbyists for donations to his football foundation. Remember that, just a couple months weeks ago? Essentially the root cause of what lead to his near booting from office due to a conflict of interest over using office letterhead to solicit donations…from lobbyists….
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
According to Daniel Dale and David Rider of the Toronto Star, it appears the mayor (minus his office logo) sent out a donation request to one lobbyist on January 28th of this year. Three days after a winning appeal got him out from under his conflict of interest conviction. Three days, folks. Municipal Code of Conduct rules? What Municipal Code of Conduct rules?
The mayor’s brother-councillor Doug didn’t see the problem, saying the paper might want to focus on “something more interesting”. Although, why would he want them to do that? Toronto Star generated controversy seems to help Mayor Ford, says the conventional wisdom. “You guys are killing yourselves,” the councillor pointed out, “you can write whatever you want; the more you write, the more his (poll) numbers go up. It’s fact.”
Not just a Ford ‘fact’ either. But an actual fact.
According to a recent poll put out by Forum Research, despite all the time spent in court and the lack of any serious goals in governance since late-2011 or thereabouts, Mayor Ford’s numbers have ticked upwards, from a 42% approval rating in mid-December to 48% last week. The more people attempt to hold the mayor accountable for his actions, the more popular he seems to become. So instead of learning any sort of lesson about flying right and keeping their noses clean, they’re just keepin’ on keepin’ on.
So solicit lobbyists away! Bring another conflict of interest case against him. It’ll practically guarantee his re-election, we’re told. Hell, they’ll even further help your cause by having the mayor’s chief of staff respond to the allegations of lobbyist soliciting for a private foundation while on city time. There’s another conflict of interest case for you to take to the Integrity Commissioner.
And we all wring our hands, wondering how on earth to stop this seeming defier of common sense and political reckoning. Is there no way to counter his supernatural ability to fail to success?
Let me offer a word of advice in an attempt to soothe our troubled souls.
I know Rob Ford and his mayoralty is something of a conundrum and anomaly. But it’s still worthwhile to look at things from a historical perspective, to the same juncture of time in their first terms in office, his predecessors in amalgamated Toronto. With 18 months to go before re-election both Mel Lastman and David Miller were flying significantly higher than Rob Ford is. Neither man would face a serious contender in the subsequent campaigns. Lastman was re-elected with about 80% of the vote, Miller with 57%.
In the last full year of his second term, before the MFP scandal broke wide and after his handshake with a Hell’s Angel, Mel Lastman’s poll numbers dropped to 47%. While some City Hall watchers marvelled at his lingering popularity, others took it as a sign Mel’s days were numbered. Qualified candidates began lining up to challenge him the following year.
That should be the familiar scenario for us currently.
I’m not writing Mayor Ford’s political obituary here but the idea he can continue to blunder and bluster his way to a second term shouldn’t necessarily vex anyone. There’s some hard rain coming his way over the next few months. The expanding transit debate with the accompanying taxes and tolls. A casino, yes or no. Some tough, city defining slogging. It’s been some time since the mayor’s had a major political victory outside of a courtroom and his roster of council allies to help him out looks mighty thin and ragged at this point.
This is not a scenario that screams winning to me. Don’t give in to the spin. Viewed through a rational lens, this is a troubled administration with the barest of accomplishments to show for itself and a leader disinterested in almost everything else but campaigning. Team Ford might like those long shot odds. That doesn’t mean they’re still not long shot odds.
— realistically submitted by Cityslikr
2 Comments | CBC, City Building, City Council, Municipal Politics, Newspapers, Press coverage, Race 4 Mayor, The Toronto Sun, Toronto Star, TTC | Tagged: City Hall, Councillor Doug Ford, Daniel Dale, David Menzies, David Miller, David Rider, Don Peat, Forum Research, Mark Towhey, mayor, Mel Lastman, Natalie Alcoba, National Post, Politics, Rob Ford, Sheppard subway, Sun News, Toronto, Transit City | Permalink
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Zona Jones
Zona Jones (born 1963 in Corpus Christi, Texas; raised in Valentine, Texas) is an American country music singer and attorney. Signed to D/Quarterback Records in 2004, he released his debut album Harleys & Horses and charted three singles from it, including the #47 "Two Hearts." In 2008, he signed to Rocky Comfort Records, a label owned by Tra… Read More
Biography from Wikipedia
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AI Is Good (Perhaps Too Good) at Predicting Who Will Die Prematurely
Mar-29-2019, 05:02:30 GMT –#artificialintelligence
Medical researchers have unlocked an unsettling ability in artificial intelligence (AI): predicting a person's early death. Scientists recently trained an AI system to evaluate a decade of general health data submitted by more than half a million people in the United Kingdom. Then, they tasked the AI with predicting if individuals were at risk of dying prematurely -- in other words, sooner than the average life expectancy -- from chronic disease, they reported in a new study. The predictions of early death that were made by AI algorithms were "significantly more accurate" than predictions delivered by a model that did not use machine learning, lead study author Dr. Stephen Weng, an assistant professor of epidemiology and data science at the University of Nottingham (UN) in the U.K., said in a statement. To evaluate the likelihood of subjects' premature mortality, the researchers tested two types of AI: "deep learning," in which layered information-processing networks help a computer to learn from examples; and "random forest," a simpler type of AI that combines multiple, tree-like models to consider possible outcomes.
deep learning, neural network, prematurely, (16 more...)
Mar-29-2019, 05:02:30 GMT
News Web Page
Country: Europe > United Kingdom (0.37)
Industry: Health & Medicine > Therapeutic Area > Neurology > Alzheimer's Disease (0.75)
Technology: Information Technology > Artificial Intelligence > Machine Learning > Neural Networks > Deep Learning (0.55)
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Center housing director faces felony charges
By: Staff Report - Updated: 1 year ago
CENTER — Center Housing Authority Director Theresa (Audrey) Chavez, 61, appeared for a Saguache County Court hearing last week to answer charges of second degree burglary, a class three felony and criminal mischief, a class one misdemeanor, for allegedly failing to use the proper eviction procedure to eject a tenant.
Theresa Chavez’s case was bound over to district court Feb. 28. Her first appearance in district court will be on March 20 at 10 a.m. Ruben Chavez, also charged in the case by Center police, currently has a dispositional hearing in county court set for April 11 at 9 a.m.
Theresa Chavez owns property separate from the public housing she directs for the federal government (HUD) in Center. The incident in question happened Aug. 14 and 15, 2017 on her private rental property, a mobile home at 162 West First St., no. 3, in Center. District Attorney Crista Newmyer-Olsen filed charges against Chavez with the court on Sept. 14, 2017. Chavez was served with a summons and complaint by the Saguache Sheriff’s Office Sept. 23, 2017.
Center Police Chief James Gowin says additional charges against Chavez, one of them a felony, are pending with the district attorney’s office.
Chief Gowin report
According to a report issued Aug. 14, 2017 by Chief Gowin, Officer Moses Heredia was summoned to the trailer by Ruben Chavez because he wanted the tenants in that space to move out. Chavez told Heredia and Gowin, when he later arrived on scene, he’d had a verbal agreement with several tenants in the unit to pay $50 per tenant per week when they first moved in. Because only two tenants remained, Harvey Zomsa and his sister Gisell Mendez, the amount of rent was reduced contrary to the initial agreement.
Zomsa said he had paid rent for previous weeks he stayed at the trailer. He and his sister would be moving out soon when she came home from work, he added.
Gowin carefully explained to Chavez that if the tenants did not wish to leave right away they did not have to. In order for the tenants to leave, Gowin told Chavez in general terms, he and Theresa would need to need to follow the steps in an eviction process for the action to be legal. Chavez then left the scene.
Gowin returned to the police station at Center Town Hall and happened to overhear office staff receive a call from Theresa Chavez requesting the utilities be turned off for one of her rentals. After determining it was the trailer he had just left, Gowin told the person taking the call that Chavez could not turn off the utilities unless and until she legally evicted the residents. But because Chavez owns the property and demanded they be turned off, the electrical service to the trailer was ended.
The next day, Aug. 15, Gowin was dispatched to the trailer after receiving a call to contact a party regarding the removal of their personal belongings from the residence. Gisell Mendez said that a demand for compliance notice was posted on her trailer door Aug. 14, 2017. Mendez said she found her belongings had been removed from the residence and the locks were changed when she came home from work Aug. 15. Several of her items were missing or damaged, she told Gowin.
State statutes say that the tenants have three days to vacate after the posting is placed on the door. Zomsa and Mendez were given one day.
Mendez said Chavez was upset because when Mendez moved into the trailer in July she had several other family members with her who each paid weekly rent. When the only ones left in the trailer were Mendez and her brother Harvey, Chavez told them to move.
After contacting Theresa Chavez at home, Gowin discovered that she had two men, Charles Dominguez and Fidel Arredondo, help remove the items from the trailer. He told both Ruben and Theresa they did not have the right to enter the residence and remove property without the proper eviction process. Gowin says Theresa became argumentative over the phone and said the tenants had no lease and did not even receive bills there.
Gowin then went to speak to Theresa and Ruben Chavez in person at their residence. He told the couple that in light of their conduct, he would be filing charges with the district attorney’s office against them since they chose not to follow the legal eviction process.
Sgt. Arellano report
Two hours later, according to a second report by Sgt. Tim Arellano, Arellano was dispatched to the trailer regarding a dispute between landlord and tenants. He was later joined by Officer Aaron Fresquez. Theresa Chavez began shouting and pointing to broken windows on her trailer, saying she wanted to pursue Zomsa and Mendez for damages. Chavez claimed the two tenants caused the damage trying to enter the trailer after the locks were changed, saying they broke into the trailer.
Arellano said he was aware of the situation and the fact Chavez had not followed the proper eviction process. He informed Chavez that Mendez and Zomsa were still tenants and she could not restrict or prevent them from staying in the trailer. Chavez became enraged and called the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office complaining that two evicted tenants refused to leave her property and requested they send a deputy. Arellano told the dispatcher things were under control and a deputy was not needed because Chavez had already been instructed what to do.
Chavez then began shouting it was a standoff, she wanted a standoff, it was her property and she was not going to leave. Arellano told Chavez to get in her truck and leave immediately or she would be arrested for harassment. Ruben Chavez then instructed his wife to get in the truck and leave. Before leaving Chavez told Arellano she wanted an officer to witness the condition of the trailer.
Arellano said no one was going into the trailer until the eviction process was completed. Chavez said she had already been in the trailer to fix the bathroom and Ruben Chavez said he had materials in the trailer he wanted to remove. Arellano repeated they were forbidden to enter the trailer and requested again that they leave. Theresa Chavez was once again informed to follow the proper eviction process and to stay away from Zomsa and Mendez to avoid harassment charges.
Based on Arellano’s report Chief Gowin requested an additional charge of criminal trespassing, a Felony 5, be added to the charges against Chavez.
Body cam videos confirm reports
The police reports are backed up by several very clear body cam videos with sound, recorded during each visit to the trailer park by Center Police. The events detailed in the written reports occur just as they are described. In the videos Chavez offers three or four explanations of the renters’ status on the property.
First she says they have already left and guides one unwitting police officer through the trailer. Toiletries are still on the vanity in the bathroom and personal items on beds in the bedroom. A white SUV is parked in front of the trailer, but Chavez says she does not know who it belongs to. Later Zomsa and Mendez appear and say they will eventually leave, but have not left yet. Chavez then says they need to leave, and at one point calls them squatters.
The video shows both Ruben and Theresa Chavez as angry and argumentative. Chavez seems to have no regard for the belongings laying scattered on the ground.
A spokesperson for the Saguache Sheriff’s Office says Theresa Chavez has requested assistance with several eviction notices in the past that appear to have been properly filed with the courts, but commented Chavez “never goes to the third step,” meaning tenants are assumed to have vacated before having to be physically evicted. The spokesperson added that they did not know the circumstances or what actually took place between the second and third steps, but said they were never called to assist further and no charges were filed by tenants.
Several unconfirmed reports have been received over the years by the Center Post-Dispatch regarding Chavez’s improper eviction of clients from both the HUD housing and her private rentals. Other questionably lawful actions also have been alleged, but those reporting cite their fear of retaliation from Chavez and the Town of Center for not pursuing the matters with police or the sheriff’s office.
Chief Gowin said that during the hearing for Theresa Chavez Feb. 28, three notable Center town officials — Center Trustees Adeline Sanchez and Mary McClure, also longtime political activist Jenny Sanchez — came to support Chavez. “It’s pretty good when the town supports the [person charged] and not their police force,” he commented.
Caption: Audrey Chavez is shown at the trailer last August where Center police are telling her she cannot evict tenants without following the eviction law. Ruben Chavez stands in the background and Center police officer Tim Arellano is on the right.
Center Housing Authority Director Theresa (Audrey) Chavez, 61, appeared for a Saguache County Court hearing last week to answer charges of second degree burglary, a class three felony and criminal mischief, a class one misdemeanor, for allegedly failing to use the proper eviction procedure to eject a tenant.
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Shoot the Messenger (film)
First episode date August 30, 2006
Writer Sharon Foster
7/10 IMDb
Director Ngozi Onwurah
Running time 1h 30m
Network BBC Two
Release date 30 August 2006
Cast David Oyelowo, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Feyi Babalola, Ariyon Bakare, Jay Byrd, Sharon Duncan-Brewster
Similar movies Go Now (1995)
Shoot the messenger trailer cbc
Shoot the Messenger is a television play first broadcast on BBC Two on 30 August 2006.
Style and themes
After reading a report that black pupils from inner city schools are being failed by the education system, IT consultant Joe (David Oyelowo) decides to become a teacher. Having secured himself a job at a school in South London, Joe uses a series of discriminatory methods to ensure black students are given extra tuition than their white contemporaries (targeting them for detention being one such method). When he is falsely accused of assaulting one of the pupils in his care (Charles Mnene), Joe is suspended from work pending an investigation. He appears on local radio where he defends himself against black rights activist Councillor Watts (Brian Bovell) who denounces Joe as "the embodiment of 21st century Britain [...] a Ku Klux Klanman with a black face". As a result of the broadcast, the community begins to turn against Joe and he loses his job. Slipping into a deep depression, Joe's marriage breaks up and he finds himself homeless.
Following these events, Joe begins exhibiting apparent racism towards other black people. He soon, however, finds himself being taken in by the members of a local gospel church. He observes black society as a detached onlooker at first, mocking the apparent cultural differences he perceives from the perspective of his new 'white' persona. Through the charity he receives he manages to find gainful employment as a handyman and meets Heather (Nikki Amuka-Bird) who helps in his eventual rehabilitation into black society. As the play reaches its conclusion Joe's innocence in the mistreatment of the pupil is revealed. Having rediscovered his heritage, Joe comes to the realisation that race and cultural identity are merely a state of mind.
The play's title derives from the phrase shooting the messenger; it is told entirely from the perspective of the central character who frequently addresses the audience. His asides to camera do not serve a strict narrative function, but allow him to deliver his ruminations on black culture and society.
Shoot the Messenger (film) Wikipedia
Shoot the Messenger (film) IMDb Shoot the Messenger (film) themoviedb.org
Ariyon Bakare
Nikki Amuka Bird
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J.K. Rowling to participate in British press inquiry
Filed under: scandal — Leave a comment
Harry Potter novelist J.K. Rowling, the parents of absent girl Madeleine McCann in addition to actor Hugh Grant have been settled special status in a British inquest into media ethics with practices, the investigate said lying on Wednesday. They are in the midst of 46 “core participants” who will be able toward give evidence in addition to seek to question witnesses in the query, launched after a phone hacking scandal required the closure of the Rupert Murdoch-owned News of the World during July.
They include supposed victims of hacking, such as Grant, Hollywood actress Sienna Miller in addition to the parents of murdered adolescent Milly Dowler, whose voicemail was allegedly under fire when she went missing within 2002.
Other participants have complained on the subject of harassment by the British press, as well as Rowling and Kate as well as Gerry McCann, whose toddler Madeleine moved out on holiday within Portugal in 2007, sparking a international campaign near locate her.
Former modus operandi 1 boss Max Mosley and concerned ex-England footballer Paul Gascoigne are in addition on the list, released by inquiry chairman Lord Justice Brian Leveson, because is former second-in-command prime preacher John Prescott.
News International, the close relative company of the News of the World, in addition to the owners of the Guardian, the each day Mail, the Daily Express and extra papers will also be central part participants.
They will acquire part in stage single of the inquiry, which concerns media morals with practices, including press associates with politicians along with the police.
Stage two will come across specifically at hacking at the News of the World furthermore in other newspapers save for this will not begin awaiting the police investigation hooked on the scandal is absolute, which may obtain years.
Tags: Disappearance of Madeleine McCann, Hugh Grant, J.K. Rowling, Max Mosley, News International, News of the World, Rupert Murdoch, Sienna Miller
« Does sexual equality change porn?
Hollywood’s top earning men »
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Home ENTERTAINMENT Rapper, Offset arrested for Gun and Drug Possession in Georgia (Photos)
Rapper, Offset arrested for Gun and Drug Possession in Georgia (Photos)
Hip-Hop rapper, Offset of the popular trio, Migos and the husband of hip-hop star Cardi B, was arrested on Friday afternoon, July 20th on gun and drug charges after he and his bodyguard were pulled over outside of Atlanta.
The rapper, with real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, and his bodyguard, Senay Gezahgn, were pulled over in Jonesboro, Georgia, for the illegal lane change when Clayton County police searched his 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera and found three guns and less than one ounce of marijuana and over $107,000 in cash, according to Atlanta ABC affiliate WSB.
The 26-year-old who is already on probation for a 2015 arrest on drugs and weapons charges, was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a weapon during a crime. He also faces misdemeanor charges for marijuana possession and making an improper lane change.
His bodyguard, Gezahgn, 27, was also charged with possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and possession of a weapon during a crime, records show.
According to the report, both men are still being held at Clayton County jail. Their bail was set at $17k.
The news comes days after Offset and Cardi B welcomed their daughter, Kulture Kiari Cephus. Offset has three more children from previous relationships.
READ “It Is Time To Turn Offset Off” — Fans Beg Cardi B Following Yet Another X Tape Scandal
Previous article“How my pant got torn while twerking on a movie set” – Actress, Pat Ugwu
Next article”He hasn’t called or spoken to me in 5 years” – Mikel Obi’s father reveals
Rapper ‘Lucky Gee’ Unveils Official Release Date For His Mixtape ‘D.O.T’
Veteran Kaduna Based Artist ‘Dan Zaki’ Bags Merit Award
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August 2016 Alpha News Update
August Alpha News Update
Brothers, it is with a heavy heart that we find ourselves at another moment where Louisiana suffers another tragedy of major flooding. We appreciate the offers of support and ongoing concern for the brothers of Louisiana.There have been many reports of displaced brothers made to the southwestern region vice president, but thankfully no deaths. However, we will continue to maintain contact with the Louisiana district director, Brother Keith Dillon, as well as the Baton Rouge area director, Brother Alvin Cavalier to determine the type of response or outreach needed. At this time, there have been no requests made for supplies as they are still assessing the damage. Our general president has also made contact with the local brothers to offer support.
Additionally, as this weather continues to make its way across this country into other regions, we will reach out to our regional vice presidents to decide whether our assistance is needed in a greater capacity. Please continue to be safe and remember that we are our brothers’ keepers.
Click Here to Donate to Red Cross
GENERAL OFFICE CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Alpha’s General Office will be closed for the Labor Day weekend on Friday, September 2nd. The General Office will reopen Tuesday, September 6th. Thank you for your understanding.
ALPHA ELECTS A NEW LEADER
The brothers have spoken and these two candidates ran an exemplary campaign. Both Brother Ward and Brother Crutison have shown that they are men of integrity and sustenance while representing Alpha as general presidential candidates,” General President Tillman said after the results were reported. “Now that we have counted the ballots, it’s time for Alpha men to move forward.
BROTHER BROWN NAMED POLICE CHIEF
Brother Gregory Brown, a captain with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), has been selected as the new town of Leesburg chief of police, according to an announcement by Town Manager Kaj Dentler. Brown will begin his duties on October 3, 2016 after a swearing in ceremony expected for late September.
Currently commander of the LCSO’s Eastern Loudoun Station, Brown has been with the…
#MILWAUKEE
BROTHERS OF NU OMICRON LAMBDA GIVE SCHOLARSHIPS
Smart. Intelligent. Articulate. Talented. Gifted. Confident. These are just a few of the adjectives used to describe recent graduates and college-bound 2016 Nu Omicron Lambda Foundation scholarship recipients: Makayla Hawkes, a graduate of Matoaca High School, who will be attending North Carolyn A&T University; Andrea Johnson, a graduate of Prince George High School, who will be attending
BROTHERS AT UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON TAKE STAND FOR #BLACKLIVESMATTER
From there, a social media campaign in #RemoveRohini began, calling for her ouster from the SGA over the post. It picked up steam as a letter from the university’s Alpha Phi Alpha chapter published on July 13 championed her removal stating, “When SGA allows its members to spew out thoughts and ideas rooted in bigotry, this divides and alienates our diverse Tier 1 University
Alpha South Leadership Institute Develops Area Youth
Henderson’s Rho Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity sponsored 21 area youths as they participated in the 2016 Alpha South Leadership Institute at Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia.
The purpose of Leadership Development Citizenship Education Institute is rooted in the mission of Alpha Phi Alpha to “develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.” For more than 38 years, the institute has served as an incubator for future scholars, accomplished professionals, and community leaders. More than 150 student essays were submitted as part of the application process
Brother Pickard Joins WMU Board of Trustees
Brother Dr. William F. Pickard has over thirty years of experience as an entrepreneur. He is the CEO for the Regal Plastics Company, which manufactures the plastic parts for automotive companies, the owner/operator of several McDonald’s franchises, and the CEO of six other companies in the automotive industry
Remembering Brother Stuart Scott on His 51st Birthday
His unique style of blending hip hop with sports broadcasting changed the sports landscape forever.
Scott grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, although he was born in Chicago, Illinois. He lived in Chicago until he was 8 years old. In high school, Scott was captain of his football team, ran track, was student body vice president and was a part of the Key Club.
In 1987, Scott graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Bachelors of Arts degree in speech communication. Scott was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Early in Scott’s career, he worked as a news reporter and sports anchors for.
Brother Motley Enters Omega Chapter
Raymond Motley, [Gamma Phi ’60] 80 years old, died July 5.
There are hundreds and hundreds of people who owe their stature in life to Motley, fellow educator Steve Hand commented earlier this week. At one point in their careers both Hand and Motley served at the St. Augustine Technical Center, now First Coast Technical College
Brother Gibson Enters Omega Chapter
Rev. Malachi Gibson [Gamma Psi ’71], 65, husband of Sandra Scott Gibson of Charleston, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at Palmetto Health Tuomey.
Dr. Holmes was dedicated to service, leadership, and excellence. A recipient of numerous local, regional and national awards, he began his transformation of the Jacksonville landscape as the
NPHC Get Out The VOTE
A VOTELESS PEOPLE IS A HOPELESS PEOPLE
GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 8, 2016
Brothers,
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s A Voteless People is a Hopeless People (VPHP) Committee, in conjunction with the National Pan-Hellenic Council’s (NPHC) Get Out the Vote Social Action Task Force, has been working with the NAACP to focus on the 2016 election. The task force has created an events strategy, deliverables, reporting tool, and a way to submit photos of your election event(s). The following items will allow you to create your own individualized 2016 election strategy based on your state’s voter registration and Election Day requirements.
2016 Election View by State Spreadsheet
NAACP Civic Engagement Resources
NPHC Social Action Task Force Getting Started Document
NPHC PowerPoint Supporting Documents Overview with Talking Points
Please review the NPHC Getting Starting document and then use the link to the reporting tool and the photo submission site once the event has ended to properly document your activity in our communities. In using this reporting tool, we will be able to consolidate all of our activities and provide a single report to our communities of the combined efforts of the NPHC for this critical election.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2016, which is right around the corner, so please follow your state’s voter registration deadline requirements as they vary by state. We are asking every college and alumni chapter to work with your local NPHC counterparts from now until Election Day to be engaged in our communities to register voters, host candidate forums, and help get people to the polls.
Brothers, please also view our VPHP information on our General Office’s websiteas we have now added VPHP logos and have also included a sample display board as a Word document, which is easily customizable for your chapter’s future VPHP community programs and events.
Moving forward, we must continue to educate our communities and encourage them to participate in every election so that their votes and voices are heard. As a community, we have better turnout during the presidential election but we have a noticeably smaller turnout for the mid-term and local elections in off-year presidential elections. Engaging our communities now during a high-turnout election helps us maintain momentum leading into the next few years of local and state elections.
Should you have any additional questions, please send them to the VPHP committee at vphp@apa1906.net.
Fraternally,
Mark S. Tillman
Omega Chapter Notice: Dr. Thomas Pawley
Past National Historian Dr. Thomas Pawley III [Beta Gamma, ‘34] has transitioned into Omega Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha’s chapter of sweet rest.
Brother Pawley, 98, a noted playwright, author, actor, poet, university professor and community leader, born on August 5, 1917. In addition to his undergraduate fraternity service, Pawley served as vice president of the Jefferson City chapter from 1975-79, and as the national fraternity’s historian from 1993-96. As a Lincoln University professor, Pawley also served the university in various positions including English department head, Humanities and Fine Arts division chairman and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Omega Service
The Campus of Lincoln University
Richardson Fine Arts Center
Robert and Charlene Mitchell Auditorium
710 E. Dunklin Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Saturday, August 6, 2016 | 10:00 am
Grace Episcopal Church
217 Adams St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Saturday, August 6, 2016 | 2:00 pm
*In Leu of flowers, please support the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.
Please pray for the family of Brother Dr. Thomas Pawley. It is because of brothers like him advocating for our communities that we are in fact the College of Friendship, the University of Brotherly Love and the School for the Better Making of Men.
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r/europe2.1m subscribers
u/MarktpLatz • Jul 4, 2018
On the EU copyright reform III - First parliamentary vote on July 5th
The first vote on the EU copyright directive in the european parliament will happen tomorrow, on July 5th. This is not the final vote that will happen on the proposal, however the vote has significant implications for it. If the proposal is accepted, the parliament will enter negotiations with the European Council to work out a joint proposal that would be put to a final parliamentary vote at the end of the year. If the proposal is rejected, everything would be put on hold until september, when the EU copyright reform would be debated in parliament again, giving more time to the lobby groups opposing parts of the directive.
There is no vote on the individual articles of the directive, so any vote is on the whole proposal.
This is a Megathread on the issue. Please refrain from posting individual post asking users to call MEPs as well as campaign posts, which are banned under our rules. If you feel that you have something to add, be it a campaign or something else, please write me a PM, I will include it in the megathread.
Meme posts about the issue are banned (like meme posts in general).
What is the EU Copyright Directive?
The Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market 2016/0280(COD) is a proposed European Union directive with the stated goal to harmonise aspects of copyright law in the Digital Single Market of the European Union. It is an attempt to adjust copyright law for the Internet by providing additional protection to rightsholders. The European Parliament Committee on Legal Affairs approved the proposal on 20 June 2018, with further voting by the entire parliament required before it becomes law.
You can read the full proposal here. It is the proposal by the Commission and this is the proposal the Council agreed on. You can find links to official documents and proposed amendments here
Also check out this AMA by several renown professors on the EU Copyright reform!
Why is it controversial?
Two articles stirred up some controversy:
This article is meant to extend provisions that so far exist to protect creatives to news publishers. Under the proposal, using a 'snippet' with headline, thumbnail picture and short excerpt would require a (paid) license - as would media monitoring services, fact-checking services and bloggers. This is directed at Google and Facebook which are generating a lot of traffic with these links "for free". It is very likely that Reddit would be affected by this, however it is unclear to which extent since Reddit does not have a European legal entity. Some people fear that it could lead to European courts ordering the European ISPs to block Reddit just like they are doing with ThePirateBay in several EU member states.
This article says that Internet platforms hosting “large amounts” of user-uploaded content should take measures, such as the use of "effective content recognition technologies", to prevent copyright infringement. Those technologies should be "appropriate and proportionate".
Activists fear that these content recognition technologies, which they dub "censorship machines", will often overshoot and automatically remove lawful adaptations such as memes (oh no, not the memes!), limit freedom of speech, and will create extra barriers for start-ups using user-uploaded content.
EDIT: See u/Worldgnasher's comment for an update and nuance
EDIT2: While the words "upload filtering" have been removed, “ensure the non-availability” basically means the same in practice.
The vote on June
On June 20, the 25 members of the European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee voted on this matter. Article 13 passed 15-10, Article 11 passed 13-12
Due to this approval, the Parliament and the Council will hold closed door negotiations. Eventually, the final compromise will be put to a vote for the entire European Parliament.
June 20 (passed): Vote of the Legal council
July 5 (rejected): Parliament votes on the negotiation mandate
July-September: Possible amendments and changes to the proposal
September 10-14: The Parliament gets a debate and yet another vote on the issue
Further votes on the issue could be influenced by public pressure.
Julia Reda, MEP for the Pirate Party and Vice-President of the Greens/EFA group, did an AMA with us which we would highly recommend to check out
If you would want to contact a MEP on this issue, you can use any of the following tools
SaveYourInternet
ChangeCopyright
SaveTheLink
More activism:
/r/SaveOurMemes
Change.org petition
Organized Protests:
Relevant Reddit Thread
Pro Proposal
EPP Group Position Paper on Copyright - European People's Party
Paul McCartney, James Blunt Back New European Copyright Law
EU Moves Closer To Introducing 'Link Tax' - No Exceptions Allowed - Forbes
The EU's Copyright Proposal is Extremely Bad News for Everyone, Even (Especially!) Wikipedia - EFF
EU copyright reforms draw fire from scientists - Nature
Following the Vote on June 20
BBC: 'Disastrous' copyright bill vote approved
The Guardian: EU votes for copyright law that would make internet a 'tool for control'
The Independent: EU committee approves new rules that could "destroy the internet as we know it"
The Verge: EU takes first step in passing controversial copyright law that could ‘censor the internet’
Copyright law could put end to net memes - BBC
Memes 'will be banned' under new EU copyright law, warn campaigners - Sky News
Revamped EU copyright law could mean the death of memes - New York Post
What do think? Do you find the proposals balanced and needed or are they rather excessive? Did you call an MEP and how did it go? Are you familiar with EU law and want to share your expert opinion? Did we get something wrong in this post? Leave your comments below!
1.9k180 Comments
jimmywales1•Jul 4, 2018
Hi Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia here. It would be really great to get this thread to the front page, as time is growing quite short.
It's amazing the amount of misinformation out there. I was saddened to see a statement today by Paul McCartney that "Today some user upload content platforms refuse to compensate artists and all music creators fairly for their work”... it is not clear who he is talking about there, since YouTube, Spotify, Apple, etc. are paying literally billions into an industry that is booming (revenues up by double digits in the past year). And the controversial parts of the EU bill have nothing to do with getting them to pay more, etc. They are about giving astonishing and sweeping new powers to the content industry to force mandatory upload filters on platforms.
It won't hurt Google and Facebook, at least not much. They can afford to pay for it. But innovation in Europe will suffer greatly, as smaller players will struggle. Europe is about to hand out a significant amount of monopoly power in the form to barriers to entry for new players. And that's just not OK.
1.1k30 more replies
d1rtyd0nut•Jul 4, 2018
Hi I just wanted to say nice website
Thanks, Germany! I didn't do much of it myself. It belongs to everyone.
Kuppontay•Jul 4, 2018
I don't think that was all of Germany you were talking to there, Jimmy.
But seriously, good on you for talking about this.
Haha, yes. But I do thank all of Germany, as they have a great Wikipedia. :)
[deleted]•Jul 4, 2018
Great to see you speaking out on such an important issue Jimmy!
There seems to be a huge lack of media exposure on this (at least in the United Kingdom), to an extent that its quite worrying.
I think it is because Article 11, the so-called "link tax" has news publishers salivating at the thought of charging people to link to them with a snippet of text.
Mainzerize•Jul 4, 2018
u/jimmywales1 can you please shut down de.wikipedia as well to join in on other countries? Thank you in advance :)
And while you're at it, shut down the English one too.
samwalton9•Jul 4, 2018
It's not his decision to make - each Wikipedia has a community that can make a decision on whether it wants to do something like this. I don't know about the German Wikipedia, but the English Wikipedia voted against doing a blackout (though they're doing a banner).
Such a shame. Shutting down famous pages like this would leave an impact. Not to the politicians, maybe, but the people to understand and, to a certain degree, educate.
fyen•Jul 5, 2018
Sure, but for a neutral organization, or a non- or for-profit business in general, to take a stance on a political issue may sacrifice reputation making your future actions irrelevant.
It makes much sense to let the English Wikipedia only act in September if it becomes necessary.
razormt•Jul 5, 2018
What a legend! Thanks for giving us the Wikipedia platform.
Gatanui•Jul 4, 2018
I just want to say, by founding Wikipedia you've done an immeasurable service to society. Thank you very much sir.
Let me add a small thing, since you mention the amount of misinformation - I don't approve the proposed copyright directive but I'm also encountering a fair amount of misinformation on the other side of the argument, i.e. from the activists opposing it. I think this could hurt the cause more than help it, as it makes it harder for MEPs to take the concerns seriously. Fortunately I have not seen this from Wikipedia, so I hope it stays that way. Keep doing your best, billions of people are very grateful.
Pasan90•Jul 4, 2018
Pretty sure your webside has done more to futher the general human knowledge on earth than any single other entity over the last 20 years. Would be a true shame if some lobbyists could screw it all up.
Tetizeraz•Jul 4, 2018
Hey Jimbo, good to know you see our subreddit! I checked en-wiki today and I noticed people are voting for a banner (option 1 and option 3). If you don't mind me asking, why the English Wikipedia decided to not have a shut down, like other versions of Wikipedia? I couldn't find anything on meta-wiki or on the Proposals page in the Village Pump.
We only started discussing it a bit too late. We are slow and deliberative, which is a good thing. Decisions like this aren't up to just me (thank goodness!) but are the result of a community process.
I think if we don't win the vote tomorrow, the community will very likely gear up for a much bigger protest in September. I hope that isn't necessary!
FieelChannel•Jul 4, 2018
Man, you are a legend
Thanks, that's a very kind thing to say. I'm just a really fast typist, tbh. :)
What's your WPM?
scenetastic•Jul 4, 2018
I actually had to implement the first large-scale copyright filtering system.
You're absolutely right. Smaller and mid-sized players will be harmed by this - especially if they are held up to the standards of behemoths that have unlimited budgets like Google.
This will kill fair use.
The technology doesn't exist to determine if something meets the legal standard of a parody, if an excerpt from an original work is "substantial" under the law, if it is commercially competitive under UK law or even if it meets the criteria of a creative work.
This is an attempt to try to force companies to, in effect, automate the judicial process, but if copyright law was that clear-cut, we wouldn't need judges or juries. We do though, because determinations of copyright law are subjective.
0ffliner•Jul 4, 2018
I loved your website since elementary school!
Hugs from Romania and Moldova <3
tartufex•Jul 4, 2018
Thanks for lending your voice to our cause. Lets hope that good sense prevails tomorrow.
v2345•Jul 4, 2018
"Today some user upload content platforms refuse to compensate artists and all music creators fairly for their work”
That sentence doesnt make sense.
The idea that because the copyright term is so long, their work has some kind of moral right to be compensated after 20-30 years is just insane. What exactly is "fair" compensation for something that has zero marginal cost?
Their entire argument is basically fantasyland at this point.
Hey sir, thanks for the site! Probably the best general archive of Human History!
frenchfries_lover•Jul 4, 2018
Hi, I'm from Chile and today when I wanted to read an article in the Spanish Wikipedia I found the message that it would be off by x hours. I read the statement and I must say that it is very good what you're doing and I want you to know that you have my whole support from this part of the world and from people from all around the globe. Stay strong. (Love your website)
sirnoggin•Jul 4, 2018
Thanks for everything you do Jimmy you're the man. What do you believe the best way to lobby our MEP's is please? Everyone could do with some actionable insight into this.
For example, I lobbied all the British MEP's I knew and not a single one of them returned either a phone call or an email to me.
I'm also the owner of a platform albeit tiny compared to the godliness that is Wikipedia, and was surprised that I was completely ignored outright. I even rang their offices on the provided numbers 3 or 4 times with no responses.
If MEP's aren't responding to our emails and phonecalls, what do we do?
Will there be a position where we can take them to court? Isn't blanket detection for example in breach of Privacy laws like GDPR? And a great deal of human rights abuse in terms of the censorship of Free Speech which is against the European Charter.
There is so much wrong with this law. I appreciate every second knowing that you're involved. I hope you are rallying the heads of the big socialmedia firms around this one.
akerro•Jul 4, 2018
It won't hurt Google and Facebook, at least not much. They can afford to pay for it.
They will also create paid API where services will be able to upload multimedia to check if that content is IPed, so at the end they win.
Why did Wikipedia wake up today? All EU-national wikis should be black-outed a week ago.
InsignificantIbex•Jul 5, 2018
I've been writing my MEPs, but given the distribution of votes that is skewing strongly economically right I don't have that much hope that it'll change anything. The only MEPs I expect to vote against the negotiation mandate would do so regardless of my commentary.
Oh and stop spamming me about donations. I donate to wikipedia every few months when I have spare cash, I don't want or can donate more regularly.
TheRogueRecon•Jul 4, 2018
What the hell will we do if it passes this vote though? I’m Canadian, and I’m fucking furious that they loopholed a law to effect the entire world. It shouldn’t be legal
Your government will not necessarily accept the law. It will be hard to enforce if not impossible outside of Europe. And you should raise it with your MP's to put pressure on MEP's to oppose it.
That’s not the issue. They loopholed it so every website that has a physical presence in Europe has to comply to the rules for absolutely everyone. For example, because Twitter has a European office, it means that Twitter has to comply to the law and it has to be for everyone so Europeans can’t see the “copyrighted content” (which, let’s be real, is everything).This is a serious problem, the EU should NOT be able to enforce their law onto our people. It’s disgusting
I don't disagree with you. It's disgusting.
But you also have the power of your Parliament to lobby the EU Parliament not to implement it at all if you don't like it.
This is your power in this situation.
Yeah, I’m definitely going to try that even if it does go nowhere (which it probably won’t), this law really shows my problem with the EU, super countries shouldn’t exist like this, it has WAY too much power and article 13 makes me feel almost like they want to own the whole world and not just Europe...
Its real horseshite. Simply oppression for the country's in the EU.
The-Goat-Soup-Eater•Jul 4, 2018
My country tried to ban foreign languages from schools.
TheSholvaJaffa•Jul 5, 2018
Which country?
Latvia. The government was mainly trying to ban Russian.
Worldgnasher•Jul 4, 2018
They are about giving astonishing and sweeping new powers to the content industry to force mandatory upload filters on platforms.
As far as I understand, the content industry isn’t getting any new rights or powers, they’re already allowed to filter uploads as they like and I believe that YouTube already does this to a certain extent. The law just makes it mandatory to have very strict (and probably ineffective) filters.
The amount of misinformation that’s going around is making it hard for me to take the opposition seriously
If you don't understand the economic implicatino of every small player on earth with a website having to install some manditory unstated ID filter for copyrighted content and you don't understand that every statement and word from every publication on earth needs to be included in that ID and that this law asks that all ALL content be treated as the copyright owners to the letter WITHOUT exception that you are either unbelievably naive as to the sweeping censorship that will occur or the rubber band litigation that will shutdown anyone with a blog who happened to tweet an article, post some text in quotes, or link to an image on another website.
You are utterly naive as to the human impact that this could have, the loss in human knowledge, connection and wisdom that could occur and the censorship of free thinking and flowing ideas that our planet is now priviledged to is UTTERLY under threat by this legislation.
It spits in the face of human rights, free speech, free expression and freedom of thought, and penalized every small independant free thinker in the world should they "dare" to post a piece of hyperlinked or quoted copyrighted content without the consent of the owner, but even worse, your average wordpress page will be expected to have a content ID system, what, custom made of all the content on earth?
Utter garbage, a totally idiotic and stupid law that stink of a pervasive form of blanket censorship.
You need to educate yourself on the subject, and you need to read the proposed legislation, it is terrifying stuff. It will break modern society.
SpellCheck_Privilege•Jul 4, 2018
priviledged
Check your privilege.
BEEP BOOP I'm a bot. PM me to contact my author.
Youre the best bot.
Aren't non-profit sites explicitly excluded from this, though? So that wouldn't include "your average WordPress page", at least as far as upload filters are concerned. The upload filters only apply to content upload platforms anyway, so that's another reason a WordPress blog wouldn't be affected. Article 11 may be a different story, but posting copyrighted content without the consent of the owner is illegal already anyway, isn't it?
Did I ever say I liked the proposal or that it would have no impact?
I’m simply pointing out that there is a lot of misinformation and that making something mandatory doesn’t increase anybody’s power -if anything it decreases it.
There’s no need for overreactions and personal attacks.
But there IS need of a reaction, and your reaction is in danger of normalizing an extremely self destructive piece of legislation.
And if I grabbed your attention by your belief that my statement was personal, all the better. Although I could try and convince you that it is not - It is not my intention to offend.
It is my intention to draw you attention to how offensive your ignorance really is.
Hi Jimmy, what do you think about Italian and Spanish Wikipedia protest?
GreatDario•Jul 4, 2018
Hi just wanted to say you're a legend, you will go down in history for adding to man kind's collective knowledge, while these idiots want to restrict it in a continent with more than 700 million people.
tim_20•Jul 4, 2018
I tried to call my mep but it wouldn't connect guess that a good sine of what is coming.
Exactly, I had the same treatment. They do not care about you or I.
I think its more that the phone lines were down.
Jelphine•Jul 6, 2018
Who'd you call?
true one of the linking sites.
zerodoctor123•Jul 4, 2018
shut down the whole wikipedia now
Hironymus•Jul 4, 2018
Hey Jimmy, thanks for getting me through school!
XtremeGaming7000•Jul 5, 2018
lil hello from pole in ireland
MirceaKitsune•Jul 5, 2018
Thank you as well Jimmy Wales for being an internet hero! We couldn't have stopped this sheer insanity without all of your help. It's good to know that people like you also exist out there, and that you can help us fight against tyranny and abuse.
-YaQ-•Jul 5, 2018
Lol founder of wikipedia holy cow
GamingMunster•Jul 5, 2018
Hey man just to say i fucking love your website for ww2 battles.
DamnLace•Jul 6, 2018
Hi Jimmy, I post this a couple of days later, but I wanted to know your opinion. Now that it seems the automated aspect of the article 13 is gone, what do you think about the law? As far as I understand, the article 11 gives to the autors the right of their articles, and the article 13 makes the webpage responsible of the content it publish. Would you support the law if Wikipedia, or pages like yours, would be considered "free of charge" by the fact they are non lucrative?
I think the problem of this law is that it mixes lot of strates of internet's world, maybe being more clear and precise on the rights of copyright use and distribution, it could help small creators and investigation while limiting big corporation benefits. What do you think?
lzap•Jul 9, 2018
Thank you for what you're doing. All I want to say. Oh yeah - I've sent my letter already.
Artfunkel•Jul 4, 2018
Hi Jimmy. I am also very concerned by the level of disinformation about. I note, for example, that you group YouTube (unlicensed user uploads) with Spotify and Apple (licensed by creators) without explaining to your impressionable readers that one of those websites is an order of magnitude large than the others and yet pays a pittance to Mr. McCartney and his peers. Hint: it's the one owned by Google.
You then go on to claim that the "content industry" will receive "astonishing and sweeping new powers" to "force mandatory upload filters", all of which is a gross distortion of the truth intended to appeal to people's fear and anger. I suspect that you know this.
You also claim that it won't hurt Google much, which is odd, because they are the ones lobbying the hardest against it with a multi-million Euro budget. Your concerns about barriers to entry are at least sensible, although your description of "monopoly power" is another exaggeration.
When I saw the banner you have added to the English Wikipedia yesterday, I clicked on the link and was appalled by the low quality of the laughably biased article on the reforms that your website was promoting. You'll be pleased to know that I have been among the contributors cleaning it up over the last two days, and it is now looks like something worthy of Wikipedia rather than a PR piece for Google and Facebook.
Please don't mistake me as a supporter of these reforms. I couldn't care less. I just hate bullshit.
Nonsense.
vokegaf•Jul 4, 2018
What do socialism or globalism have to do with EU copyright policy reform?
BSBoertje•Jul 4, 2018
Obviously neo-imperialism /s
creesch•Jul 4, 2018
I don't think that the way you describe the potential impact of article 13 by focussing on just memes is fair. If anything there is already a clear example of such algorithms overshooting their intended usage in how they are applied on YouTube on videos with a wide variety of content not just memes.
In short, there is a very real change that such mechanisms in an attempt to follow legislation will result in a high amount false positives on any content, also legitimate new creations.
Hunter_Orion•Jul 5, 2018
The results are in, and the vote has just been REJECTED! I'm so fucking happy.
NekoJonez•Jul 5, 2018
Me too my man. This makes me as a small blogger who writes gaming reviews as a hobby so happy. I dont have to worry about having to pay extremely high fees just to reference an article from another site and things like that.
unistata•Jul 5, 2018
REALLY?! Source pls!
I watched the livestream on www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/home.html. It has just ended and there's no rewinding so you can't watch it back
Heh. I was able to go back on my Android phone... weird.
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ep-live/en/plenary/video?date=05-07-2018
The vote, around 12:04 they start talking about it.
finjeta•Jul 4, 2018
I'd just like to give a big thanks to all the mods who take their time making these stickys for current issues. These threads are always high-quality and informative so thank you.
That's very useful. I wonder if we can find a proper subreddit for it and then I can help you publicize it. I'd love to share this on twitter for example.
rocxjo•Jul 4, 2018
r/saveourmemes has been used to organise protests and it would fit well there.
Mods refused to sticky it
tbf, it isn’t particularly informative with the number of ? that are in it. You could sort MEPs by party lines, indicating how that party will probably vote and then mark those who might vote against party lines/abstain
Please help get this to the top next to Jimmys comment guys!
nightmaar•Jul 4, 2018
Looks like Law and Justice from Poland is playing "good cop" this time and will vote against it.
https://twitter.com/KosmaZlotowski/status/1014513778086510592
even a broken clock is right twice a day
goldenfolding•Jul 4, 2018
They're doing the right thing then.
vironian_•Jul 5, 2018
intermarium gang vindicated
HackPlack•Jul 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/tomaszporeba/status/1014814084175417345
Memes won’t die today!
Titowam•Jul 5, 2018
All parties in Sweden are voting no for Article 11 and 13 to pass. This was posted an hour ago on SVT's website, which is a public service news provider. Let's hope they all stick to it!
https://www.svt.se/kultur/svensk-enighet-infor-omstridda-eu-forslaget-alla-partier-sager-nej
kundvagnar•Jul 5, 2018
I'll wait for the results, it would not be the first time swedish MEPs has opposed something publically and then voted yes anyway.
bistrus•Jul 5, 2018
It was REJECTED.
https://twitter.com/Senficon/status/1014814460488413185
we're so fucked lol
TensaiSaru•Jul 4, 2018
Well, I'm sad to see, that it seems like the Danish government supports the reform, as said in this podcast(Danish).
Edit: Morten Løkkegaard member of the current ruling party, is saying that there is support for the copyright reform in the Danish parliament.
Kiki_ka•Jul 5, 2018
Mandate rejected:
Parliament’s plenary voted by 318 votes to 278 and 31 abstentions to reject the negotiating mandate, proposed by the Legal Affairs Committee on 20 June.
As a result, Parliament’s position will now be up for debate, amendment, and a vote during the next plenary session, in September.
BlackSabbathFanatic1•Jul 4, 2018
I think we should get Avaaz to oppose the directive as well. They have stopped ACTA six years ago.
kenny1997•Jul 4, 2018
I was lucky enough to be granted a meeting with one of my local MEPs about the Copyright Directive, however sadly it's going to be about a week after this vote. I can only hope he actually read my email and understood it.
JarJarDidNuffinWong•Jul 4, 2018
I've heard that you get reimbursed for the travel costs if you meet your MEP, is that true? That's really cool btw, hope you have a good meeting.
(The vote is in no way final, by the way; even if they do decide to fast track it, there will regardless be a second vote).
No idea about reimbursement, but by chance I live close to his office (about an hours drive) so it's not out of the way for me.
Thanks! Hopefully I can sway him to our side since in the previous vote he voted for the changes
c3o•Jul 4, 2018
If they invite you as part of a visitors group, then you are reimbursed travel costs up to a moderate limit. Each MEP has 110 spots per year for this purpose, but groups need to consist of at least 10 people each. It's not really meant for reimbursing single activist constituents.
Urben1680•Jul 4, 2018
Will a 'yes' tomorrow result in upload filters and linktax in one way or the other, or will there still be a final vote which is able to get rid of it?
A "no" vote tomorrow will lead to a debate in the full EU Parliament in September. To date this has only gone through a small committee. Hence why it was so easy for the lobbyists to screw the public.
A "yes" vote tomorrow will fast track it, so that in September there will be no further debate, just a straight yes or no vote on the whole thing. Much of it is apparently quite sensible stuff, other than 11 and 13. So it will firstly be harder to defeat at that time, because there are a lot of vested interests pushing for it. And secondly, it will be shame to defeat it at that time, because there is an opportunity to vote no now and defeat it.
Ask yourself what it might look like for the EU Parliament if the Wikipedians and the Redditors and meme sites and and so on all have the time to get ourselves organized by September. I'd prefer to avoid that by seeing a NO vote tomorrow so that the MEPs can amend this into something more sensible.
vexingparse•Jul 4, 2018
Much of it is apparently quite sensible stuff, other than 11 and 13
The restrictions on text and data mining are almost worse for European startups. It's frankly ridiculous that you are allowed to read a particular text for commercial purposes (e.g. financial analysts, lawyers, journalists), but you're not allowed to compute some statistics over the same text without acquiring additional rights.
AI needs data. If Europe makes data much more expensive and complicated to acquire than everywhere else then AI startups will move elsewhere. Europe will be exporting entrepreneurs and researchers, subsidising Google, Microsoft and Facebook. It's already happening and it will become much worse.
Absolutely. I am an American, but I would rather see competition from small players to keep the giants from stagnation. I think that the internet should be as free as possible from restrictions, as that is what has enabled all these magical services to arise in the first place. Who knows what we will be missing out on 20-30 years from now if we cripple startups?
Xvalidation•Jul 5, 2018
Which articles limit text and data mining?
I think it's 8 and 8a. It's a clarification of the previously existing disastrous regulation that left some grey areas. The new text explicitly exempts research and thereby reinforces the restrictions put on commercial users such as startups, SMEs, journalists, etc.
The damage was already done in 2001 and this "reform" makes it worse for startups and SMEs instead of fixing it. It's plain to see where Europe stands in terms of AI, especially where AI is developed commercially and not just by academics that are later hired by Google et al.
And what happened in 2001?
The original EU copyright directive that is now being "reformed" was orignally passed in 2001. Sorry for the confusion.
vriska1•Jul 4, 2018
How many MEP do you think we vote against it and have you seen many change there vote?
Unfortunately, it's really hard to know. Most MEPs haven't paid much attention to this so far - it's been in a relatively small committee. The negative press coverage and the pressure from the public is bringing it to the forefront.
No surprise that someone forwarded me an email that was sent by a lobbyist to MEPs complaining about Wikipedia running a banner. Lobbyists are sometimes astonished to find out that money isn't the only thing that matters - there is a public out there who sometimes care about things.
I remember when Chris Dodd, then the head of the MPAA, called the SOPA/PIPA protests an "abuse of power". Meanwhile, he also said, to Congress, "Don't ask me to write a check for you when you think your job is at risk and then don't pay any attention to me when my job is at stake."
That's lobbyist thinking - laws are for sale. But making rational arguments and asking the public to make their voice known actually isn't an abuse of power. It's democracy.
You mean our protest would look weaker because we had more time to organize it?
No, I don't mean that so let me clarify.
Articles 11 and 13 are nightmares, but the rest of the proposal is pretty sensible. A lot of people quite rightly want to see that stuff passed. So if we protest in September then the MEPs voting on it will know that it isn't just a vote to have a further debate in the European Parliament, but a vote to reject the entire thing, which means starting all over with a whole new process to get through some of the reforms and modernizations that are needed. So they'll be harder to convince - they'll think "Isn't throwing out the whole thing for 1 or 2 problem things too extreme"?
However, I actually do think we could do that. When Wikipedia went dark in English before the SOPA/PIPA vote, it was absolutely killed dead and hasn't come back yet. (It will, zombie bad laws have 9 lives at least!) What I'm trying to communicate to MEPs now is - hey, stop, have a further debate, and let's work this out sensible. Don't make us rile the whole world up about this. But, I think we will if we have to.
(It isn't up to me, I should add. I'm just one community member. But I think a lot of us feel this way.)
Thanks Wales. I am onto this whole matter since ACTA, always after the weirdest national bills conflicting with the Internet. It is good to know after all the defeats we could stop this one. Thanks for helping!
anon58588•Jul 4, 2018
Τhe most anti-european law I remember. But I don't worry that they will succeed anything. The Internet has its way to bypass idiotic cencorship laws.
kreton1•Jul 4, 2018
And the EU will find its way around those bypasses.
Some people might but the majority will comply. I think that's the problem with censorship. You don't have to get everyone. You can go after the small group of people who circumvent it "by hand" and make their lives hell.
And we don't give a fuck. Blind obedience to authority leads to fascism as you might know from your history.
And always ignoring authority is not a good Idea either.
jasoba•Jul 5, 2018
Its probably gonna end up just to be annoying. Like with the pirate bay - sure its blocked - but I can go to tpbmirror...
But im only using tpb like once in 2 months, if they make reddit annoying would be a big deal for me :(
Acceleratio•Jul 5, 2018
It won't be that easy this time since it's nothing you can bypass if the change is forced upon the source itself
Reddit does not have a European legal entity... to block Reddit just like they are doing with ThePirateBay
Es geht hier um wesentlich mehr als reddit. Viele große Plattformen wären betroffen. Außerdem würde möglicherweise ein Durchsetzen einen Präzedenzfall schaffen und die USA könnten nachziehen. Wir sind noch lange nicht aus dem Schneider
Kimeey•Jul 4, 2018
In the very end we have to hope that our representatives decide correctly and that our petitions will be noticed.
Well, who am I kidding. Most of these politicians are corrupt as hell.
Langernama•Jul 5, 2018
BowelMan•Jul 4, 2018
What time is the vote?
Will there be a direct transmission from the voting?
About 12:15 CET on Thursday (tomorrow).
Stream will be here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/home.html
It's 2018 and they can't even set up a 720p stream...
Do we know at around what time they’ll start voting on this? Is there a link to follow the vote or will I have to check my local news site for updates? I’m seeing no news whatsoever about this in Sweden :/
EDIT: Turns out the vote begins at 12AM CEST!
deliosenvy•Jul 5, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcNUbkp0c90
RatherBWriting•Jul 4, 2018
I'm proud to say that I took 20sec out of my life by clicking that link to protect our internet!
Benitocamelia•Jul 4, 2018
In the great Spanish forums we are doing the same.
NombreGracioso•Jul 5, 2018
I was hoping with all my soul it would be a Forocoches link. What a waste...
Stebbie•Jul 5, 2018
This is a victory guys! Proud of y'all!
Vidmizz•Jul 5, 2018
IT WAS REJECTED! FUCK YEAH!
Thank you so much, Julia Reda and EFF and all others who helped stop this madness! As a content creator, artist, programmer, and mere internet user... I am grateful for the work you've done to defend my and millions of other peoples access to a free and open internet. Today we've made it clear that Europe is not Communist China!
None of the MEP's who voted for this insidious and authoritarian proposal shall ever see forgiveness from the citizens of Europe, or get another vote for as long as they run in any election. We want the names of those who supported Article11 and Article13 on a list of shame, just as we want the names of those who voted against it on a list of heroes!
Seifer574•Jul 4, 2018
Hey Europeans how has this law affected your view of the EU? Like I don't mean do you wanna leave the Eu but just your general opinion
jaykhunter•Jul 4, 2018
I've lost a tremendous amount of respect for the EU over this. It's clear to me this is a law-for-sale vote (ie music industry and news corp lobbying) and seeing how it's gotten pushed through so quickly (despite being terrifyingly over-broad) means wow, we are for sale. I was v proud of the GDPR forcing companies to come clean but only to lower the boom here, dear God.
I honestly think that to a certain extent this justifies Brexit like I don't support Brexit myself but this is the type of shit they warned about it's fucking dumb to do this
Meh, seeing the things the UK government itself is thinking about doing (mass Internet censorship, speaking fast and broadly), I don't think they are much better off.
Governnents do dumb things all the time, both for good and bad reasons, and all are more or less sensitive to corporate lobbying... So I don't think this is a "evil EU" thing...
TheRealDynamitri•Jul 5, 2018
I honestly think that to a certain extent this justifies Brexit
Dude, the Internet in the UK is already censored much more than on the Continent, and there is no signs of stopping. It's not like UK is/will be some kind of safe harbour for free speech and unrestricted Internet in the future. If anything - just the exact opposite.
Ealt•Jul 4, 2018
I've lost more respect for the right wing and conservative parties than for the EU.
Izeinwinter•Jul 4, 2018
t has negatively affected my opinion of eurosceptic parties. Their fingerprints are all over this. General rule - If someone says the organization they wish to be given power in is the problem, *do not vote them in What they are saying is that they intend to make it the problem.
how is this Euroscpetic parties fault? It was the Eu itself that decided to do this
siquerty•Jul 4, 2018
The comittee that passed the law had most eurosceptic parties and conservatives votihg for it
lietuvis10LTU•Jul 5, 2018
This law was pushed primaraly by eurosceptics and conservatives
Mostly I am just pissed of they claim to be all about limiting eu overreach, then proceed to vote for and work on things like this - and they did vote for this in the relevant subcommittee. Not that I am very happy with anyone involved with this, this is astonishingly badly written law.
Extreme contrast with the personal data directive which was much better designed.
expthedev•Jul 4, 2018
I'm confused:
Probably November: Parliament position and Commission position are combined to a unified proposal
Is it the Commission or is it the Council that will hold negotiations with the Parliament?
The Parliament and the Council first negotiate the "final compromise", which is the same thing as the "Parliament position" in the second part. So first negotiations with the Council, then the Commission.
All EU laws need to be accepted by all three bodies: Parliament (represents the people collectively), a supermajority in the Council (represents the positions of the national governments), and the Commission (executive, elected by the Parliament). There are some parallels to the US system; Parliament ~ House, Council ~ Senate, Commission ~ executive/White House.
Thanks, that's clear
The Commission proposes laws, but then it's up to Council and Parliament to amend and approve (or reject) them. The Commission plays only a moderating role at this point:
Trilogues are informal tripartite meetings on legislative proposals between representatives of the Parliament, the Council and the Commission. Their purpose is to reach a provisional agreement on a text acceptable to both the Council and the Parliament.
During trilogue meetings, which are chaired by the co-legislator hosting the meeting (i.e. either Parliament or the Council), the two institutions explain their position and a debate develops. The Commission acts as a mediator with a view to facilitating an agreement between the co-legislators.
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/ordinary-legislative-procedure/en/interinstitutional-negotiations.html
DarkCrawler_901•Jul 5, 2018
Well, my MEP, whom I voted for, and the parlamentiary group she is in, will vote no. So if this passes at least I am not going to feel guilty about it.
akashisenpai•Jul 4, 2018
as would media monitoring services, fact-checking services and bloggers
"The rights granted to the publishers of press publications under this Directive [...] should also be subject to the same provisions on exceptions and limitations as those applicable to the rights provided for in Directive 2001/29/EC, including the exception on quotation for purposes such as criticism or review laid down in Article 5(3)(d) of that Directive."
It is very likely that Reddit would be affected by this
"The rights referred to in the first subparagraph shall not apply in respect of uses of insubstantial parts of a press publication. Member States shall be free to determine the insubstantial nature of parts of press publications taking into account whether these parts are the expression of the intellectual creation of their authors, or whether these parts are individual words or very short excerpts, or both criteria."
Keep in mind that the Directive only aims at expanding enforcement of existing copyright regulations to the digital platform. Do you think that, under existing copyright law, a company could sue based on someone posting a link?
Indeed, a recent Parliamentary amendment (21b) actually expands the protection generated by exceptions to copyright:
"It is therefore necessary to complement the existing exceptions provided for in Directive 2001/29/EC, in particular those related to quotation and parody, by providing for a new specific exception to authorise the short, proportionate and non-commercial uses of extracts or quotations from protected works or other subject-matter within content uploaded by a user."
This amendment has resulted in the addition of Article 5a, the "Use of short extracts and quotations from copyright- protected works or other subject matter in content uploaded by users" for the purpose of "criticism, review, illustration, caricature, parody or pastiche", which among others ties directly into the application of Article 11.
Another recent addition from the Parliamentary version is Article 5b, titled "User-generated content exception":
"Member States shall provide for an exception or limitation to the rights provided for in Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Directive 2001/29/EC, point (a) of Article 5 and Article 7(1) of Directive 96/9/EC, point (a) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2009/24/EC and Article 13 of this Directive in order to allow for the digital use of quotations or extracts of works and other subject-matter comprised within user-generated content for purposes such as criticism, review, entertainment, illustration, caricature, parody or pastiche provided that the quotations or extracts relate to works or other subject-matter that have already been lawfully made available to the public, are accompanied by the indication of the source, including the author's name, unless this turns out to be impossible, and are used in accordance with fair practice and in a manner that does not extend beyond the specific purpose for which they are being used."
The above is withdrawn; the cited part did not make it into the final version but was an Opinion included in the document.
Instead, I'll point to the following:
"Where content generated or made available by a user involves the short and proportionate use of a quotation or of an extract of a protected work or other subject-matter for a legitimate purpose, such use should be protected by the exception provided for in this Directive. This exception should only be applied in certain special cases which do not conflict with normal exploitation of the work or other subject-matter concerned and do not unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the rightholder. For the purpose of assessing such prejudice, it is essential that the degree of originality of the content concerned, the length/extent of the quotation or extract used, the professional nature of the content concerned or the degree of economic harm be examined, where relevant, while not precluding the legitimate enjoyment of the exception. This exception should be without prejudice to the moral rights of the authors of the work or other subject-matter."
Less specific than the suggested Articles 5a/5b, but still.
fuchsiamatter•Jul 5, 2018
Do you think that, under existing copyright law, a company could sue based on someone posting a link?
There have already been three cases that made it all the way to the CJEU alone concerning copyright infringement through posting a link: Svensson, Bestwater and GS Media. According to the CJEU, posting a link to infringing content while knowing that the content is infringing absolutely does amount to a copyright infringement. Indeed, if the person posting the link is operating for profit there is a presumption of such knowledge.
So yes, I definitely do think that under existing copyright law, a company could sue based on someone posting a link - and they have a good chance of winning.
And the ECJ slammed down that lawsuit, thus establishing a precedent and clarifying the copyright Directive.
But I apologize, I should have been more clear and said "sued successfully".
They did sue successfully. I just explained that in my previous comment: if you are a profit-making company and you post a link to copyright infringing material, this is a copyright infringement. If you are a regular person and you post such a link knowing it is to copyright infringing material, again this is an infringement.
There was no 'slamming' by the CJEU. In GS Media, the relevant decision, the claimant won.
Users in the context of our debate are not for-profit companies, though. I hope you're not arguing that a for-profit company facilitating piracy should not be liable to legal consequences? Or even a private person doing the same.
The important part is the linking of freely available material, and here, the Svensson case has shown that we're safe.
Also, I don't know if you're clueless or lying, but there is no Article 5b in the JURI report. Article 5b was proposed by the IMCO committee, led by MEP Catherine Stihler, one of the people that has been fighting tooth and nail against the damaging proposals. The IMCO report was entirely ignored by MEP Axel Voss in his JURI report.
It's all right here. As you can see the second heading is Opinion of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (i.e. the IMCO Committee). If you click on that you'll see that the rapporteur is Catherine Stihler and there is where Article 5b can be found.
I'm about as clueless as the majority of people posting in these threads, I just like browsing through the actual documents themselves (and recommending as such to others) instead of reading only activist websites on the subject, as some do.
In doing so, however, I have indeed missed that the relevant part was in a section on Opinions, rather than the final draft itself, so -- thanks for pointing that out, have an upvote. I shall retract this part of my post and keep it in mind for the future. Over the past week, I only read and used the Council version for debating the Directive, only really starting to disseminate the Parliamentary one yesterday as it was not yet voted on.
It's a bit disappointing, but I guess the suggested amendment was just too broadly defined.
That said, what about Amendment 20? It's not as specific, but essentially covers the same area.
I'm about as clueless as the majority of people posting in these threads
I'm glad to hear its ignorance, not malice. In that case however, why do you keep making definitive statements with such confidence? ('slammed down', rhetorical questions, italics, 'expands the protection for exceptions' etc)
I just like browsing through the actual documents themselves (and recommending as such to others) instead of reading only activist websites on the subject, as some do.
That's admirable, but there is a reason people go to law school to study law. The activists are not trying to mislead you, they are trying to explain in language the average person can understand what is going actually going on. I know a lot of activists working in this area. They don't do it for the money (there is none) or the fame (again, zilch). They are simply passionate about defending citizens' rights.
Anyway, as somebody who works in copyright myself, I can tell you this: you definitely have to read the text itself if you want to understand a legal provision, but it's not usually the best place to start. To orient yourself in a complicated debate, analysis is necessary. Textbooks are good for more established issues, but for newer ones blog posts are a goldmine. If you're too suspicious of policians and activists, academic blogs are a good place to go. The Kluwer copyright blog is great. You could also try the Conversation.
There is already a quotation exception in Art. 5 of the InfoSoc Directive, so I'm not entirely sure what this provision is all about - especially since it is much narrower, being limited to only 'short and proportionate' quotations that take place within a new work. I don't know what purpose this serves at all, especially since the quotation exception is obligatory under the Berne Convention.
In any case, this doesn't save us from the effects of Art. 11 and 13. Recital 21c makes it clear the this new exception would not benefit providers affected by Art. 13 (so they would still need to filter all uploads). Art. 11 introduces a new neighbouring right, not a copyright, so the copyright exceptions don't apply.
In that case however, why do you keep making definitive statements with such confidence?
Because just like everyone else in this thread, I'm convinced of my interpretation, of course. Specifically because, unlike most people, I am using citations instead of just claiming something.
You've pointed out one mistake I have made and immediately proceed to try and dismantle any claims of credibility I might have based on other arguments. That's understandable, I suppose, but I hope you do not deny me the right to apply similar skepticism to various outspoken opponents to the Directive whose claims I regard as hyperbole when they ignore amendments made to recent versions of either draft.
The activists are not trying to mislead you, they are trying to explain in language the average person can understand what is going actually going on.
I could say the same for the proponents of the Directive who have worked on it as part of their ordinary profession. Unfortunately, with the amount of lobbying going on (and recent revelations have made me highly skeptical of Google's activitites), it's become hard to truly assess everyone's agenda. And I'm sorry, but when some people scream about "censorship" or "meme bans" when the Directive is about the application of existing copyright, I have to say that over the past week or so, I have heavily swung towards perceiving much of the outcry as scaremongering rather than a calm, professional explanation the likes of which you attempt to deliver here.
The recent AMA didn't really help with this perception, either, as it aimed to only present one side of the story rather than, as I would have hoped, feature a debate between professional/experienced proponents and opponents other redditors could have followed. Instead, we got a ralley where posts not adhering to the narrative - even those by a user introducing themselves as a negotiator who participated in shaping the Directive - got downvoted.
If the activists were not trying to mislead anyone, in my opinion the best way to dispel any such notion would have been to seek a direct, public confrontation with their opponents instead of focusing only on whipping up the populace and using a corporate-funded tool to steer public opinion.
Side note: I'd like to clarify that I certainly don't think all or even most of them have ulterior motives. Indeed, I think they have made important indirect contributions to the amendments of the Directive, whose early versions were much worse than the recent drafts. I just have a suspicion that many of these activists are now so committed to their cause that they'd like to dismantle Article 11 and 13 altogether and regardless of amendments, rather than acknowledging that we as a society have a certain need for this kind of legislation, and that improvements have been made.
Recital 21c makes it clear the this new exception would not benefit providers affected by Art. 13 (so they would still need to filter all uploads). Art. 11 introduces a new neighbouring right, not a copyright, so the copyright exceptions don't apply.
Obviously, filtering would remain mandatory (on for-profit platforms and excepting small and micro-businesses); that's the whole point of the Directive. If uploads would automatically get exempted from a check just because they come from a user rather than the platform, copyright could never be sufficiently enforced. Just to clarify: this automatic investigation is where you see the problem?
Personally, I would not agree, as long as legitimate use of copyrighted content is not hampered -- meaning, as long as the relevant content, upon passing through the filter, is not actually blocked.
Art. 5 of 2001/29/EC provides exceptions to copyright, and these continue to be respected for the application of Articles 11 and 13 of this Directive. This is, or so we are told, about enforcing copyright on the digital space, after all, not dismantling various exemptions thereof and limiting freedom of expression. I'd oppose the latter, of course, but I am in favour of the former.
You've pointed out one mistake I have made
I pointed out three mistakes you made. On hyperlinks, Article 5b and exceptions. I think that covered pretty much all of your initial points.
The recent AMA didn't really help with this perception, either, as it aimed to only present one side of the story rather than, as I would have hoped, feature a debate between professional/experienced proponents and opponents other redditors could have followed.
If we mean the same AMA that was not by activists, but by academics. If you don't trust even them, I don't know what to tell you. As for why there weren't proponents from both sides, well, tbh, it's kinda like Brexit and climate change: not very many academics support Art. 11 and 13. Indeed, numerous open letters signed by hundreds of them have been released calling for the deletion of both articles.
as long as legitimate use of copyrighted content is not hampered -- meaning, as long as the relevant content, upon passing through the filter, is not actually blocked.
But that is not an option that is technically possible. Filters are not capable of identifying parodies - or for that matter 'short and proportionate' quotation given in the context of another work. So it's a moot point.
Art. 5 of 2001/29/EC provides exceptions to copyright, and these continue to be respected for the application of Articles 11 and 13 of this Directive.
Again: Art. 11 introduces a new neighbouring right, meaning that the exceptions of Art. 5 of the InfoSoc Directive are not applicable to it. Instead, the proposal explicitly suggests that Member States may adopt any of them as exceptions to the new right, but are not obliged to. If they want to they can introduce no exceptions at all. As for Art. 13, as already explained, it makes exceptions technically irrelevant.
So no, in neither case, is it accurate to say that the exceptions will "continue to be respected". "Continue" is wrong for Art. 11 and "respected" is wrong for Art. 13.
excepting small and micro-businesses
There is no exception in the Voss proposal for small and micro-businesses.
Look, continuously correcting you is actually kinda fun, but I can't have a serious debate in half-digesed facts and constant misunderstandings, while also trying to stoke my interlocutor's ego. You clearly think you're too well-informed to learn from even the leading copyright professors in Europe - the people who literally write the textbook on these areas of law! - so I'm not sure there's any hope in me trying to change your mind. I urge you consider however that your resistance to those trying to fight for your rights is not the sign of sophistication you seem to think it is. Excessive suspicion is its own kind of naivite.
I guess that means we'll just have to agree to disagree on the relevance of the Svensson case. For the exceptions, see below.
If we mean the same AMA that was not by activists, but by academics. If you don't trust even them, I don't know what to tell you.
Usually I'd agree, but not in this particular case, simply due to who the big players are. Being an academic does not preclude you from engaging in political activism. More importantly, academics can become entangled in lobbyism as well, as we have been shown.
Similarly, just because someone claims they are "fighting for my rights" does not make me any more amenable to their cause, so I'm not sure what you were trying to achieve with an appeal like that. I choose for myself whoever I shall perceive as "fighting for my rights", and I have made good experiences with EU law so far.
As for why there weren't proponents from both sides, well, tbh, it's kinda like Brexit and climate change: not very many academics support Art. 11 and 13.
I mean, one of the negotiators was in the same thread, so arguably the potential was there -- it was just suppressed by a public opinion that had already taken sides, just like I have a feeling that no attempt at reaching out for a collaboration was ever made. This kind of polarization taints the entire debate.
That depends on the setting of the filter and how much of your parody relies on copyrighted content. You're arguing as if YouTube with its already implemented filter is devoid of parodies -- this is most certainly not the case. Similarly, I'm sure it would be technically feasible to calibrate a filter to block content based on how many seconds of identified copyrighted content a video contains, or the size and ratio of original vs copyrighted content in images a rightholder has submitted for protection.
Again: Art. 11 introduces a new neighbouring right, meaning that the exceptions of Art. 5 of the InfoSoc Directive are not applicable to it. Instead, the proposal explicitly suggests that Member States may adopt any of them as exceptions to the new right, but are not obliged to. If they want to they can introduce no exceptions at all.
This is not how I understand Annex 34 of the Council version:
"The rights granted to the publishers of press publications under this Directive should have the same scope as the rights of reproduction and making available to the public provided for in Directive 2001/29/EC, insofar as digital uses are concerned. They should also be subject to the same provisions on exceptions and limitations as those applicable to the rights provided for in Directive 2001/29/EC including the exception on quotation for purposes such as criticism or review laid down in Article 5(3)(d) of that Directive."
The latest Parliamentary draft does not have a similar clause, so one would have to rely on the trialogue to not see it stripped. Then again, there is Article 1.2:
"Except in the cases referred to in Article 6, this Directive shall leave intact and shall in no way affect existing rules laid down in the Directives currently in force in this area, in particular Directives 96/9/EC, 2000/31/EC, 2001/29/EC, 2006/115/EC, 2009/24/EC, 2012/28/EU and 2014/26/EU."
Furthermore, the important exceptions to copyright outlined in Directive 2001/29/EC are only voluntary for each Member State already (the only mandatory one being Article 5.1 for which the Directive has its own similarly vague wording in Amendment 20). As such, I don't see why a Member State which is utilizing Articles 5.2 and 5.3 of 2001/29/EC should suddenly decide to act differently when it comes to the digital market.
There is in the Council version that has already passed the vote.
But I agree we are moving in circles. It is well possible that, by now, I have simply witnessed too much hyperbole and exaggeration or outright misinformation to make an accurate, unbiased judgement based only on more factual depictions. It is even possible that, by now, I am in some way contributing to this confusion. On the other hand, the mere fact that we are talking about these details at all instead of just ranting about how evil Brussels is could be regarded as having value in itself, in that it may cause more people to stop and assess the situation for themselves rather than just jumping on the bandwagon.
I'm sure that both of us have better things to do, though, and after the recent vote the discussion is kind of moot anyways, so I'm fine with leaving it be. Feel free to post some final rebuttal if you wish; I wouldn't want to give the impression of just slamming the door shut whilst trying to have the last word.
JimSteak•Jul 4, 2018
Can we sticky this somewhere?
MarktpLatz•Jul 5, 2018
This... is stickied already?
Does anybody know when this vote is going to happen today? I looked at the schedule on the EU parliment website and didnt see any mention of this?
uelkamewrybady•Jul 5, 2018
It should be happening around noon CET, so possibly right now. You can find the approximate schedule of the session on Parliament's website: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/pl/agenda/weekly-agenda
EqualStorm•Jul 5, 2018
It just happened.
MalcolmtSpruce•Jul 5, 2018
Well there ya go, it was rejected because of articles 11 and 13.
blvsh•Jul 5, 2018
Who voted in favour?
Jerthy•Jul 5, 2018
This is way too close, what the fuck is going on with Europe lately? How did this garbage even made it that far??? This is the kind of bs we used to tease Americans for....
Well, if this keeps going in the wrong direction we better start building a new internet or on top of the existing Dark Net because the current one isn't going to be suffice.
Zofia-Bosak•Jul 5, 2018
Glad this didn't get the votes that it needed, I was going along with what "Open Rights Group" here in the UK have been doing, they have been very active.
*MOD notice, I hope that shoutout to ORG is ok?
VinSkeemz•Jul 5, 2018
Does anybody know what this would mean for Switzerland ? Would it still keep its laws regarding copyright or would it follow its neighbors?
I know that the law didn't pass, for know, but in the eventuality something similar was to pass (in September ?), how would it go for Switzerland ?
drinksilpop•Jul 6, 2018
Reddit does not have a European entity, but has European members. Wasn't the huge privacy update this year because companies had to follow even if they didn't do business there but people had signed up from Europe?
Elementaryfan•Jul 4, 2018
Does anyone think there's still hope that this won't pass?
JohnKlositz•Jul 4, 2018
I would certainly hope so. But to me (and I don't have any more insight than the next guy) it seems that there's uncertainty as to the outcome wherever you look. That's what I find extremely terrifying. How can it be that even for people more involved in the process, the overall stance on this is not known?
Also, since there was plenty of time to give your MEP a call, one would expect that each of them should have at least received one call from someone who has the capacity of explaining the issue to them in a highly elaborate manner, as in a real expert on the subject (unlike most of us). So each of them must at some point have been informed on the highly dubious nature of what is going to be voted on tomorrow. The real question is: How many of them have understood, and how many of them care.
Guess we have no choice but to wait and see. It certainly won't be a good night sleep for me tonight. :/
Edit: grammar
I really doubt, there seems to be a lot of lobbying behind it. Huge push from the publishers, the rightsholders, the music and movie industries.
They're spreading misinformation as well, saying "This won't ban memes" - well it won't "ban memes" per se, but you will not be able to make memes out of things that are copyrighted (e.g. stills or GIFs from movies, music videos, TV shows etc.), which to be fair is what the whole "meme" thing is about.
So yeah, I doubt that, unless there's some major push against it over the coming 2 months before it gets a final vote in September.
Mr8sen•Jul 4, 2018
This just reminds me of the song "internet rebellion" by Arion. Which was created in protest against SOPA.
Thanks to the flood of badly informed anti Art. 13 posts we had here, I am at a point where I want this law to pass, not because I actually like this law but just so that we are rid of these posts.
You do know that you can always just hit the Unsubscribe button?
I'm actually not subscribed at all. It just annoyed if that when I visitied this subreddit everything was full with those posts.
I agree there is some misinformation against the directive, but that is just stupid, come on.
adxfanboy•Jul 5, 2018
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AIR | TREES | WATER | ANIMALS |
REV.O.LU.TION: “a moving in a circular or curving course, as about a central point.” One to A.T.W.A. | Earth to Sun.
NIKOLAS SCHRECK | “MY SHIFT FROM DARKNESS”
by Haze
Roosevelt Hotel Lobby
I had the pleasure of officially meeting Nikolas in December of 2012, after maintaining a long distance relationship since our initial meeting on 08.08.08. via telephone communication
(Charles thought he and I should meet, and so he gave me his phone number while I was visiting him in the hole, 2008).
A prior post here-
ATWA– an excerpt about “ATWA” and it’s inception prior to the terms “deep ecology” and “revolutionary environmentalism” (and prior to “Earth First!“), from Nikolas Schreck’s huge contribution debunking the “myth” of Charles Manson, “The Manson File – Myth and Reality of an Outlaw Shaman”– provides much needed insight into one of the many pieces of the whole, that is Charles Manson. Truths that hitherto had been mostly non-existent to not only myself, but to the public at large, Nikolas has illuminated through many years of insight. This work that Nikolas has shared with the world is a clear light- a warm wind which counters the cold winds of this dark age.
I hold the highest Regard and Respect for Nikolas, his teachings, his work, and his spiritual evolution over the years (Zeena’s as well).
I consider him a brother, comrade, and teacher.
And so, For All Beings, I wanted to share “Mehr Licht” (More Light) with a couple excerpts from Nikolas’ latest interview for the occult magazine, “Secret Knowledge”, with Nik’s permission of course.
“MY SHIFT FROM DARKNESS”: AN INTERVIEW WITH NIKOLAS SCHRECK,
BY GUS BRESLAUER
Excerpts used with permission from Nikolas Schreck
“Secret Knowledge” Vol. I
When asked how Nikolas feels “about the Westernization of Buddhism in our modern society”,
he answers, in part-
“…In the largely secular, materialist, individualist, “rationalist” West, Buddhist teachers have to start from scratch, teaching Westerners the ABC’s of what spirituality is, which wastes a lot of time and energy. And in order to appeal to minds programmed to believe that only what can be scientifically proven is valid, much of the magical supernatural aspect of Tantric Buddhism is downplayed in the West. Another thing that bugs me about Western Buddhism is how it caters almost exclusively to the privileged, spoiled and well-educated elite who can afford the time and money required to take a nice little spiritual vacation by attending the teachings held at ornate dharma centers in a comfortable atmosphere of snobbish self-congratulation. I’d like to see a more socially engaged and classless Buddhism made accessible to the street, to the disadvantaged and despised, to prisoners, the homeless, the terminally ill, where the antidote the Dharma offers is desperately needed. There are 84,000 Buddhist teachings for all types of temperament and lifestyle, but it seems to me that sort of approach would be more in keeping with the wild yogic Mahasiddhas who were the founders and masters of Tantric Buddhism in India and Tibet. If Tantric Buddhism in the West really seeks to free all sentient beings from suffering, it has to develop the skillful means to speak to areas of society it currently ignores. Another factor is that this is the Kali Yuga, the cyclical phase of spiritual degeneracy. The Buddha predicted that in the Kali Yuga, the Dharma would become increasingly less comprehensible to humans until it died out altogether for many thousands of years. It may be that the West’s embrace of egoic individualism, hypercapitalist materialism, non-stop digital entertainment via information overload, and atheist reductionism has sped up the Kali Yugic tendencies to such a toxic degree that only a very few can even truly grasp the Buddhist teaching at all, let alone practice it…”
When asked about Nikolas’ spiritual evolution, and whether his political stance has had a similar evolution, Nikolas answers, in part-
“… To the minimal degree that my political stance was ever understood by the public at large, yes, of course, that’s evolved over the years too. I’m still a monarchist who believes rulership must be guided by divine and spiritual authority rather than corporate-sponsored election by a mob or a dictatorship of the proletariat. But I no longer believe any kind of political system can address the deeper spiritual dilemma facing humanity. All efforts should be directed to ultimate liberation by spiritual practice rather than the futile Samsaric ups and downs of politics. What some mistakenly interpret as a mundane and political agenda on my part was actually an intrinsic facet of my spiritual quest in my exploration of how to change human behavior through magic. You mentioned the counterculture and that’s a good key to this quandary. My understanding that a truly comprehensive politics must be informed by a spiritual perspective, and isn’t simply a pragmatic matter of economics and social policy, comes from my upbringing in the late 60s and early 70s counter-culture. Back then, it was a common utopian belief in radical factions that a total revolution on every level was imminent, and that the entire social, spiritual, sexual framework of human existence would be drastically transformed by mass insurrection against the prevailing establishment values. I expected to be on the front lines of that civil war that unfortunately never happened. If you weren’t there, you can’t imagine how intensely this expectation of revolution was in the air. That revolutionary ideal was imbued with the 1960s magical revival and the sudden awareness of mystical experience mass use of psychedelics revealed. The best example of this magical politics was the ritual banishing and exorcism a collective of pacifist radicals performed on the Pentagon in October 1967. When Squeaky Fromme was accused of trying to assassinate President Ford in 1975, I thought, “Oh, good, here’s that revolution I’d been waiting for.” Now, I know you were expecting me to get into Hitler, not hippies, but there’s a strong similarity between the 1960s American counter-culture revolt against “The Establishment”, and the 1930s German counter-culture rebellion against what was called “The System”. They were both concerned with changing humanity at the root, making a new world, a sharp break with politics as usual, and they were both greatly focused on pioneering radical ecology and getting back to nature and the soil. And more importantly, they were both informed by magical, pagan, and spiritual ideals that few other political movements have ever been concerned with. What interested me about the history of the Third Reich wasn’t the political aspects, but the fact that several National Socialist leader’s planned to bring about a new religion in Europe once the war was won. While in Germany to research my first book in 1983, a study of Nazi occultism which I ultimately decided not to publish, I investigated this subject exhaustively…”
Support independent publishing & purchase your copy now from:
http://www.lulu.com/shop/stephen-bower/secret-knowledge-volume-one/paperback/product-21015040.html
Filed Under: A.T.W.A., A.T.W.A.R., DIVINE, STRENGTH, TRUTH, ULTIMATE, Uncategorized, WILL
Tags: A.T.W.A. : A.T.W.A.R. : animal rights : ATWA : ATWAR : Charles Manson : Deep Ecology : ecology : Feminine Wisdom : KALI YUGA : LEFT HAND PATH : Lynette Fromme : NATIONAL SOCIALISM : NATURAL ORDER : NATURE : Nikolas Schreck : OCCULTISM : REVOLUTION : REVOLUTIONARY ENVIRONMENTALISM : SECRET KNOWLEDGE : TANTRIC BUDDHISM : The Manson File : truth
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"Mother Tree knows my feelings for I can feel her branches and I know my own life in and out, around, up and down, through with, and with out. Yes, Sister Sea feels me as I feel her waves and I hear the cries of the wildlife. A perfect mother knows I feel the wood being cut and I hurt and die with trees falling. How much a beast must I be to defeat the beast that destroys my mother?"
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Philippines' wireless leader pushes on with Huawei 5G launch
Manila embraces Chinese telecoms gear maker despite security warnings from US
CLIFF VENZON, Nikkei staff writer February 12, 2019 23:06 JST
The Philippines, Thailand and Singapore are preparing to test or launch 5G services using Huawei technology. © Reuters
MANILA -- The Philippines' leading wireless provider Globe Telecom is on track to launch its Huawei Technologies-backed 5G service in the next quarter, despite growing security concerns related to the Chinese telecom equipment supplier.
The U.S. has accused Huawei of acts including stealing trade secrets and espionage. On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned allies at a speech in Hungary that deploying equipment manufactured by the world's largest telecom apparatus vendor could complicate relationships with Washington.
However, the Philippines, a treaty ally of the U.S., has shrugged off those warnings and joined its Southeast Asian neighbors that are open to tapping Huawei for 5G.
Thailand and Singapore are preparing to test 5G services using the Chinese technology, according to media reports.
For Globe, which has over 60 million subscribers, using Huawei technology for the 5G rollout will give it an edge at time when competition in the Philippines telecoms sector is intensifying, with China Telecom preparing to enter the market.
Globe Telecom's CEO Ernest Cu told reporters on Tuesday that Huawei's technology was more than a year ahead than that of its competitors. © Reuters
"What we are seeing is that [Huawei's] technology is more than a year ahead of their competitors," Globe Chief Executive Ernest Cu told reporters on Tuesday.
"It enables us to have an advantage out there. With the upcoming launch late in the second quarter, it will definitely be Huawei equipment [that we use]."
Last week, the Philippine Senate cleared the entry of China Telecom and its local partners as the third major telecom player. They will be on a mission to fulfill President Rodrigo Duterte's aim of breaking the duopoly held by Globe and PLDT.
Amid mounting pressure from Western countries and Japan, which has also shunned the use of Chinese telecom equipment, Huawei has reassured its clients that it will be business as usual.
Cu said Globe had been assured by Huawei that the accusations lobbied against them would be found to be baseless and that, whatever happened, they would continue with their business.
Globe said its 5G rollout would not rely entirely on Huawei, however. The company, a joint venture between the Ayala conglomerate and Singapore Telecommunications, is also in talks with Nokia. Parts of Globe's 4G services already run on the infrastructure of Alacatel-Lucent, which was acquired by Nokia in 2016.
Meanwhile, PLDT is teaming up with Huawei and Swedish firm Ericsson for its 5G service.
Cu said: "Given the pervasiveness of Huawei equipment globally on different routes, I expect it to be very challenging to try to isolate [them]."
"[Even] if our network went through a Huawei-free enterprise here in the Philippines, what about the landing on the other side? It [would be] very difficult, but it's something that we are looking into," he added.
Globe services U.S. companies in the Philippines, including business process outsourcing companies and financial institutions. None of them have expressed concerns about the move, Cu said.
Gil Genio, Globe's chief technology officer, said keeping the network secure was the service provider's responsibility.
"Many of the concerns related to 5G are on security," Genio said. "It is not the responsibility of the vendor to assure security... so it is Globe who will make sure that we have the correct security in our network regardless [of the] vendor."
Lucio Tan tightens control over Philippine Airlines amid succession talks
Philippines-focused private equity firm ready to invest $87.1m fund
The top 100 Asia300 Power Performers
Southeast Asian aerospace takes off on back of budget carriers
China tech
Pompeo sounds alarm on Huawei's Eastern Europe stronghold
Huawei joins Thailand's first 5G trial
Germany caught in dilemma over Huawei 5G rollout
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Mary Oliver on Love, Work & the Power of Books to Save Lives
On May 12, 2019 June 24, 2019 By Asia LenaeIn Books1 Comment
For British philosopher Alain De Botton, “Books are friends waiting for us any time we want them, and they will always speak honestly to us about what really matters. They are the perfect cure for loneliness. They can be our very closest friends.” Ralph Waldo Emerson shared the belief that books could console and offer companionship. For him, a library was “a company of the wisest and the most deserving people from all the civilized countries of the world” who could miraculously make “the results of their studies and their wisdom available to us.” Whereas for esteemed literary critic Matthew Arnold, a well-stocked library was an invaluable collection of “the best that’s been thought and said.”
For Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver— our era’s luminous, large-hearted champion of silence, solitude, and devoted attention— books are a way to disappear into the life of someone else. In her spirit-consoling essay collection Upstream, Oliver recalls that in her lonely childhood, she found solace in two parallel worlds: nature and books. In nature, she uncovered a gateway to God, an entry to the sublime and sacred; in books, the profound relief that comes from sloughing off the skin of the self.
Because a novel is a map tracing the topography of another person’s consciousness, reading is a masterclass in being someone else, a kind of magic portal to another realm. Between the wrinkled pages of a book, we can be suburban housewives, glamorous debutantes, poor 19th century factory girls. Though these characters lead vastly different lives from our own, immersed in their stories— their loves, their longings, their plights, their predicaments, their nightmares, their hells— we realize, in the lovely words of Ms. Oliver, there’s an “unbreakable cord” that unites us all; in other words, we find a powerful remedy to “it’s just me” syndrome. By reminding us of our common humanity, books not only alleviate our loneliness— they widen our circle of empathy and enlarge our hearts:
“The second world— the world of literature— offered me, besides the pleasures of form, the sustentation of empathy (the first step of what Keats called negative capability) and I ran for it. I relaxed in it. I stood willingly and gladly in the characters of everything— other people, trees, clouds. And this is what I learned: that the world’s otherness is antidote to confusion, that standing within this otherness— the beauty and the mystery of the world, out in the fields or deep inside books— can re-dignify the worst-stung heart.”
In the same way a crush often begins with slight intrigue but ends in infatuation, Oliver’s interest in books began as a passing preoccupation but became an all-absorbing obsession. For her, reading wasn’t a mere past time— it was a matter of life or death. In the storm-tossed sea of her dysfunctional childhood, books were an indispensable life raft:
“I learned to build bookshelves and brought books to my room, gathering them around me thickly. I read by day and into the night. I thought about perfectibility, and deism, and adjectives, and clouds, and the foxes. I locked my door, from the inside, and leaped from the roof and went to the woods, by day or darkness.
I read my books with diligence, and mounting skill, and gathering certainty. I read the way a person might swim, to save his or her life. I wrote that way too.”
Why does Oliver love language? Much like Rebecca Solnit, a staunch advocate of calling things by their true names in our post-truth world, Oliver loves language because it’s an empowering way to make life mean. To compose a graceful sentence where— as T.S. Eliot once said— “every word is at home,” to be able to sort airy abstractions into solid semantic compartments of comprehensible meaning is a power unparalleled. In his compelling argument against cliche, endlessly erudite Alain De Botton wrote that how we describe the world must at some level reflect how we first experience it. Indeed, when we possess the words to more fully name things, we can more fully participate in our experience:
“I did not think of language as the means to self-description. I thought of it as the door— a thousand opening doors!— past myself. I thought of it as the means to notice, to contemplate, to praise, and, thus, to come into power.”
In his groundbreaking Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, positive psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi claimed work is essential to happiness. Though as a culture we view work as the antithesis of play, work— when it’s a calling, a vocation— can be a labor of love. Because Oliver loved writing and wasn’t simply writing to attain some result, her long hours at the typewriter were bliss rather than an interminable hell. And because she took such delight in composing beautiful arrangements of words, she was able to commit the endless years needed to become a master:
“I saw what skill was needed, and persistence— how one must bend one’s spine, like a hoop, over the page— the long labor. I saw the difference between doing nothing, or doing a little, and the redemptive act of true effort. Reading, then writing, then desiring to write well, shaped in me that most joyful of circumstances — a passion for work.”
In a lovely line, Oliver outlines the life-affirming commandments of her own personal credo:
“You must not ever stop being whimsical.
And you must not, ever, give anyone else the responsibility for your life.”
What makes a life worthwhile? Poets and philosophers have pondered this existential puzzle for millennia. But for Oliver, the answer is simple: love and work.
“I don’t mean it’s easy or assured; there are the stubborn stumps of shame, grief that remains unsolvable after all the years, a bag of stones that goes with one wherever one goes and however the hour may call for dancing and for light feet. But there is, also, the summoning world, the admirable energies of the world, better than anger, better than bitterness and, because more interesting, more alleviating. And there is the thing that one does, the needle one plies, the work, and within that work a chance to take thoughts that are hot and formless and to place them slowly and with meticulous effort into some shapely heat-retaining form, even as the gods, or nature, or the soundless wheels of time have made forms all across the soft, curved universe — that is to say, having chosen to claim my life, I have made for myself, out of work and love, a handsome life.”
On March 15, 2019 May 10, 2019 By Asia LenaeIn Books3 Comments
“Who, being loved, is poor?” witty master of aphorisms Oscar Wilde once wondered. Though it might be an overstatement to say “all you need is love,” ancient philosophers and contemporary science agree that satisfying relationships are a crucial component, if not the crucial component, of human happiness. In one of the longest studies of its kind, the Harvard Study of Adult Development followed 724 men in hopes of discovering the secrets to a good life. Over the course of nearly 80 years, they observed their defeats and triumphs, their careers and love lives. What they found was astonishing: more than IQ, social class, or genetics, quality relationships, particularly marriages, were the number one determiner of a fulfilling existence. Not only did a harmonious matrimony dictate their overall life satisfaction— it had a far-reaching impact on their health. Those in loving marriages, not those who had achieved wealth or prestige or our societal ideal of social status, were found to live longer than both their unmarried and unhappily married counterparts. In fact, those who were most satisfied in their relationships at age fifty were the healthiest group at eighty. Marital contentment was even a better predictor of later health than cholesterol.
Because meaningful relationships are so critical to our emotional and physical health, we should be alarmed by the current state of romantic love. In the U.S. alone, nearly half of marriages end in divorce. My generation is more reluctant to get married and often postpones, if not completely forgoes, tying the knot. Though the rise of casual hookup apps like Tinder give the impression that millennials at least have red-hot sex lives, they’re actually having less sex than young people a generation ago. Experts attribute the “sex recession” to everything from the widespread availability of porn to increasing psychological fragility and fear of intimacy (after all, masturbating to a cold blue computer screen requires a lot less vulnerability than being intimate with someone). Still others argue the advent of online dating has made approaching the opposite sex in public socially awkward, even taboo. The result? Loneliness is at an all-time high with nearly 20% of Americans reporting they’re dissatisfied with their lives because they don’t have close confidantes.
To say we in the modern era are suffering a crisis of love would be a gross understatement. If nothing is more essential to human happiness than having a partner who can act as a lifeboat amid the sea of life’s misfortunes, it’s vital we learn how to sustain gratifying long-term relationships. Based on our staggering divorce rates and dwindling number of sex partners, we clearly need a teacher to instruct us. In his ever-enlightening self-help manual How Proust Can Change Your Life, British philosopher Alain De Botton argues we can find no better mentor than Marcel Proust, the fine French novelist who also taught us how to suffer successfully, reawaken to the beauty of ordinary things, remember the benefits and limitations of reading, and avoid the lure of platitudes and cliches. At the beginning of the chapter “How to Be Happy in Love,” the example of the telephone illustrates the difficulty of keeping a long-term relationship alive. When first invented, we stood before the telephone astounded at its ability to allow us to communicate across once unsurpassable distances. Now, with just the dial of a few numbers, we could speak to someone over seven thousand miles away in Mumbai from the comfort of our studio apartment in New York. But within a span of only a few decades, this technological wonder became just another staple of the average household, as commonplace as cutlery and toasters:
“Take the unemotive example of the telephone. Bell invented it in 1876. By 1900, there were thirty thousand phones in France. Proust acquired one and particularly liked a service called the “theater-phone,” which allowed him to listen to live opera and theater in Paris venues.
He might have appreciated his phone, but he noted how quickly everyone else began taking theirs for granted. As early as 1907, he wrote that the machine was
a supernatural instrument whose miracle we used to stand amazed, and which we now employ without giving it a thought, to summon our tailor or to order an ice cream.
Moreover, if the confiserie had a busy line or the connection to the tailor a hum, instead of admiring the technological advances that had frustrated our sophisticated desires, we tended to act with childish ingratitude.
Since we are children who play with divine forces without shuddering before their mystery, we only find the telephone “convenient,” or rather, as we are spoilt children, we find that “it isn’t convenient,” we fill Le Figaro with our complaints.
A mere thirty-one years separated Bell’s invention from Proust’s sad observations on the state of French telephone-appreciation. It had taken little more than three decades for a technological marvel to cease attracting admiring glances and turn into a household object that we wouldn’t hesitate to condemn were we to suffer at its hands the minor inconvenience of a delayed glace au chocolate.”
Just as we take even the most miraculous technological innovations for granted once they become part of our day-to-day, we ungrateful mortals struggle to appreciate our significant others once we’ve committed to lifelong monogamy. Recalling the narrator of Proust’s masterpiece In Search of Lost Time, Botton suggests our capacity for appreciation diminishes as something becomes more familiar:
“As a boy, Proust’s narrator longs to befriend the beautiful, vivacious Gilberte, whom he has met playing in the Champs-Elysees. Eventually, his wish comes true. Gilberte becomes his friend, and invites him regularly to tea at her house. There she cuts him slices of cake, ministers to his needs, and treats him with great affection.
He is happy, but, soon enough, not as happy as he should be. For so long, the idea of having tea at Gilberte’s house was like a vague, chimerical dream, but after quarter of an hour in her drawing room, it is the time before he knew her, before she was cutting him cake and showering him with affection, that starts to grow chimerical and vague.
The outcome can only be a certain blindness to the favors he is enjoying. He will soon forget what there is to be grateful for because the memory of a Gilberte-less life will fade, and with it, evidence of what there is to savor. The smile on Gilberte’s face, the luxury of her tea, and the warmth of her manners will eventually become such a familiar part of his life that there will be as much incentive to notice them as there is to notice omnipresent elements like trees, clouds, and telephones.”
At the cornerstone of both Botton and Proust’s conception of a fulfilling life is the ability to see clearly— and not just in the literal sense of visually discerning an object in physical reality, but in the deeper sense of seeing the world in all its miraculous grandeur and beauty. While artists are experts at looking closely, we in regular life often fail to exercise our perceptive faculties. We might “see” a night sky but never notice the way charcoal clouds blot out an erie moon, the way the silhouettes of bare branches form a sinister backdrop to a still autumn night. We might “see” our husband or wife but never notice, truly notice, their rare ability to listen or the sweetness of their dimples or the innocence of their eyes. It is a tragic irony that the more we see an object, the more we become blind:
“Though we usually assume that seeing an object requires us to have visual contact with it, and that seeing a mountain involves visiting the Alps and opening our eyes, this may only be the first and in a sense the inferior part of seeing, for appreciating an object properly may also require us to re-create it in our mind’s eye.
After looking at a mountain, if we shut our lids and dwell on the scene internally, we are led to seize on its important details. The mass of visual information is interpreted and the mountain’s salient features identified: its granite peaks, its glacial indentations, the mist hovering above the tree line— details that we would previously have seen but not for that matter noticed.
Having something physically present sets up far from ideal circumstances in which to notice it. Presence may in fact be the very element that encourages us to ignore or neglect it, because we feel we have done all the work simply in securing visual contact.”
So how, exactly, can we apply these insights to be happier in love and cultivate more satisfying bonds? In the Proustian worldview, the key to marital bliss, in fact any bliss, is looking anew: in other words, noticing, not just seeing, our partners. Rather than regard our husbands with the blasé indifference that extinguishes the flames of millions of marriages (“How was your day?” we ask more out of obligation than genuine interest only to half pay attention when he replies), we can reignite passion by pretending we’re first getting to know each other. As Yiyun Li so beautifully articulates, the people closest to us are as unfamiliar as strangers in a subway car. Because the institution of marriage requires we live with the same person day after day, we begin to think we’ve charted the entire map of our lover’s heart; after all, after so much time together, how could any territory of his nature possibly remain unplumbed? But this sense of familiarity is a mirage: though physical proximity ensures we literally see our partners, we rarely notice the many facets that comprise who they are. As Mary Gaitskill observes, man is as multi-dimensional as a Russian nesting doll: he projects an outward public persona that conceals countless other selves. The routine nature of matrimony convinces us there’s no land of our lover left to explore when in actuality there’s still many new worlds and many new shores:
“Deprivation quickly drives us into the process of appreciation, which is not to say that we have to be deprived in order to appreciate things, but rather that we should learn a lesson from what we naturally do when we lack something, and apply it to conditions where we don’t.
If long acquaintance with a lover so often breeds boredom, breeds a sense of knowing the person too well, the problem may ironically be that we do not know him or her well enough. Whereas the initial novelty of the relationship could leave us in no doubt as to our ignorance, the subsequent reliable physical presence of the lover and the routines of communal life can delude us into thinking that we have achieved genuine, and dull, familiarity; whereas it may be no more than a fake sense of familiarity that physical presence fosters.”
It is a rule of human nature that desire begins with denial, infatuation with inaccessibility. After all, who consumes us with the most ardent longing: our husbands whom we’ve managed to acquire or the sharply-dressed guy in the break room we barely converse with but see once in awhile? In high school, who was our helpless obsession: our sweetest, most considerate guy friend or the hot punk we only observed from afar? What lies just beyond our grasp is what most tantalizes us. Proust was well aware of this fact. “There is no doubt that a person’s charms are less frequently a cause of love than a remark such as: ‘No, this evening I shan’t be free,'” he once said. Why is it that the rebuff of a dinner invitation makes a love interest all the more attractive? For Proust, the answer once again rests in this idea of seeing vs. noticing: because our capacity for appreciation is gradually dulled by the habitual nature of domesticity, we merely see our long-term partners instead of notice them. If couples don’t make a conscious and consistent effort to stoke the flames of romance, the intensity of desire they once felt will most certainly wane until what was once a lustful blaze will be smothered by the monotony of routine. Our lovers will no longer hold interest for us because we know them too intimately (or, that is, we think we know them too intimately).
The man in the break room, on the other hand, will continue to allure us because he carries an aura of mystery. Because our desire for him has not been fulfilled, he remains enticing. The fact that he’s a distant crush and not a husband explains why he’s a source of fascination: the moment a lust is gratified, the moment when what we desperately yearn for is finally possessed is almost always unsatisfying— at least, not as satisfying as we imagined. Attainment is ultimately disenchanting. It is the delay of gratification, it is the not having that makes everything from a potential lover to a pair of shoes appealing. In Search for Lost Time demonstrates this lesson through the characters of the Duchess and Albertine:
“Both Albertine and the Duchess de Guermantes are interested in fashion. However, Albertine has very little money and the Duchess owns half of France. The Duchesse’s wardrobes are therefore overflowing; as soon as she sees something she wants, she can send for her dressmaker and her desire is fulfilled as rapidly as hands can sew. Albertine, on the other hand, can hardly buy anything, and has to think at length before she does so. She spends hours studying clothes, dreaming of a particular coat or hat or dressing gown. The result is that though Albertine has far fewer clothes than the Duchesse, her understanding, appreciation, and love of them is far greater.
Proust compares Albertine to a student who visits Dresden after cultivating a desire to see a particular painting, whereas the Duchesse is likely a wealthy tourist who travels without any desire or knowledge, and experiences nothing but bewilderment, boredom and exhaustion when she arrives.
Which emphasizes the extent to which physical possession is only one component of appreciation. If the rich are fortunate in being able to travel to Dresden as soon as the desire to do so arises, or buy a dress after they have just seen it in a catalog, they are cursed because the speed with which their wealth fulfills their desires. No sooner have they thought of Dresden than they can be on a train there; no sooner have they seen a dress than it can be in their wardrobe. They therefore have no opportunity to suffer the interval between desire and gratification which the less privileged endure, and which, for all its apparent unpleasantness, has the incalculable benefit of allowing people to know and fall deeply in love with paintings in Dresden, hats, dressing gowns, and someone who isn’t free that evening.”
Now let’s turn to a more controversial topic: sex. What did the legendary French author have to say about getting busy between the sheets? Throughout time, women were told chastity was a requisite for finding a husband. Even after the feminist and sexual liberation movements of the 1960s, our mothers still clung to the conservative belief that we should wait as long as possible before engaging in the ultimate act of intimacy. “Why would a man buy the whole ice cream truck if you’re giving away the popsicles for free?” they cautioned. In other words, why would a man ever exchange vows to remain faithful in “sickness and health” if he already achieved his ultimate aim?
Though as a culture we no longer hold the outdated belief that a woman needs to remain “pure” to be attractive, Proust might say our mothers— for all their antiquated ideas of gender roles and offensive double standards— were in some ways correct. “Women who are to some extent resistant, whom one cannot possess at once, whom one does not even know at first whether one will ever possess are the only interesting ones,” he once wrote. Now, before we condemn Proust as an unforgivable misogynist, he believed this principle equally applied to men. If love is three quarters curiosity as quintessential lady’s man Casanova once said, love wilts as familiarity grows. Compare your attitude toward where you live to an exotic locale. What do you look at with more longing: the cobblestone streets and sparkling waters of Venice, Italy or the well-trotted roads of your daily route? Obviously, the former. However, if you could too easily secure the object of your desire, if because of an overflowing bank account or an abundance of frequent flier miles, you could fly halfway across the world to gaze upon St. Mark’s Basilica with little difficulty, the experience would be less satisfying. Within an hour of suffering the impossibly long lines of Italy in summer, you’d be dreaming of yet another faraway destination: the idyllic English countryside, perhaps, or a breathtaking beach in the Caribbean.
This elucidates the basis of Proust’s theory of desire: we are incapable of appreciating what can be obtained with little effort. If we sleep with someone on the first date (or even the second or third), there’s no more mystery, curiosity: the once exciting possibility of traversing the societal boundaries of clothes and exploring the forbidden territory of another’s body becomes as boring and predictable as our well-trodden route to work. For Proust, this was the fundamental problem with the prostitute: “because she both wishes to entice a man and yet is commercially prevented from doing what is most likely to encourage love— namely, tell him that she is not free tonight…the outcome is clear, and therefore real, lasting desire unlikely.” So if we want to captivate our lovers, we must maintain the mystery.
Edna St. Vincent Millay’s “Love is Not All”
On April 6, 2016 March 12, 2018 By Asia LenaeIn PoetryLeave a comment
LOVE IS NOT ALL (SONNET XXX)
By Edna St. Vincent Millay
Love is not all: it is not meat nor drink
Nor slumber nor a roof against the rain;
Nor yet a floating spar to men that sink
And rise and sink and rise and sink again;
Love can not fill the thickened lung with breath,
Nor clean the blood, nor set the fractured bone;
Yet many a man is making friends with death
Even as I speak, for lack of love alone.
It well may be that in a difficult hour,
Pinned down by pain and moaning for release,
Or nagged by want past resolution’s power,
I might be driven to sell your love for peace,
Or trade the memory of this night for food.
It well may be. I do not think I would.
One of my guilty pleasures is Chris Brown and Jordan Spark’s “No Air.” I have many an embarrassing memory of my best friend and I blasting this cheesy, over-the-top love song during senior year. Devastated that she lost the “love of her life,” Sparks opens the song with crooning melodrama: “Losing you,” she insists, “is like living in a world with no air.”
19th century poetry and sappy top 40 love songs tend to exaggerate the role of love in our lives. This idealized vision of love is just what modernist poet Edna St. Vincent Millay is rallying against in her lovely, understated poem “Love is Not All.” Though Millay uses none of the unorthodox pyrotechnics of her modernist contemporaries, she still manages to undermine convention, albeit in a more traditional style. In this Shakespearean-style sonnet, Millay resorts to none of the time-worn cliches about love and instead subverts such familiar platitudes:
“…it is not meat or drink
Nor slumber, nor roof from rain;
Nor a floating spar to men that sink
Love cannot fill the thickened lung with breath,
Nor clean the blood nor set the fractured bone” (Millay 1-6).
Here, the profusion of negation suggests Millay is more interested in revealing what love is not than in defining exactly what love is. The poem’s very title- “Love is Not All”- refuses to offer a concrete definition, only explaining love in terms of what it is not.
For Millay, love is not adequately described by the banalities of cheesy Hallmark cards and rom-coms. The objects Millay chooses to name in her illumination of what love is not- “meat”/“drink”/“slumber”/“roof”-represent necessities essential for physical survival. Though gushy love songs may proclaim that “love lifts us up where we belong,” Millay reveals such hyperbolic language a farce: however giddy and exciting the experience of love, it can never, she argues, sustain us. And despite popular claims to the contrary, love is not redemptive: it cannot reawaken our “breath” or heal a “fractured” bone. We can be pretty certain that Millay would disagree with the Beatles’ sweet-if naïve-assertion that “all you need is love.”
So is Millay just a coldly rational, love-bashing cynic? Interestingly, no. In the tradition of the Petrarchian sonnet, “Love is Not All” sees a major shift at its 8th line:
Even as I speak, for lack of love alone” (Millay 7-8).
So though Millay aims to refute the prevailing misconception that love is “all”, she is not negating its importance all together. Sure, love might not bring a drowning man to shore but it can still provide solace in a lonely world.
Millay’s problem, then, is not with love itself but its exaggerated importance in our minds. You can profess genuine, profound love for another, she’d say, but please, for the love of god, don’t claim that living without them is like “living in a world with no air.”
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Father Of Two Hangs Self In Osun
The residents of Okinin in the Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State were thrown into confusion on Monday following the discovery of the body of a commercial motorcyclist, identified as Gafar, dangling from the ceiling of his apartment.
The lifeless body of the motorcycle rider was said to have been discovered by his son about 8.40pm.
He was said to have raised the alarm, attracting the attention of neighbours and passersby. The wife of the deceased was said to have travelled out of the town earlier in the day and she had yet to return as of the time the incident happened.
A resident of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there was confusion following the discovery of the corpse, adding that the man left behind a wife and two children.
He said, “Recently, Gafar sold his motorcycle which was his only source of income. Since he took that decision, he had been finding things very difficult.
“One of the children of the deceased told sympathisers that feeding had been difficult for the family after his father sold the motorcycle.
The child said he did not know if the motorcycle was giving his father any problem, adding that nobpody in the family knew why he sold the motorcycle.”
Another resident of the area, Bolu Adedeji, who spoke with Punch correspondent on Tuesday, said the death of the man came to his neighbours as “a huge shock.”
He also said the son of the late motorcyclist had stated that things had been difficult for the family since the nation’s economy nosedived.
Adedeji said, “The boy told the sympathisers that the family did not eat on Sunday, the day before the man decided to end it all.
Another resident, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, told Punch correspondent that some eleders of the community repored the incident to the policemen from the Dada Estate Police Station.
He added that some law enforcement officers from the stattion came to the scene to remove the body.
He said the residents belived that the body was taken to a mortuary in the area.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Mrs. Folashade Odoro, confirmed the incident when was contacted on the telephone.
Odoro said, “We have started investigation into the case.”
» Father Of Two Hangs Self In Osun
» Osun Permanent Secretary’s Son Hangs Self Over Downturn
» 12-Year Old Boy Hangs Self After He Forgot To Take His Satchel To School
» 13-Year Old School Girl Hangs Self After Row With Mom
» Morrisons Supermarket Manager Hangs Self Over Addiction To Gambling
» Top Chinese General Under Investigation For Corruption Hangs Self
» Photos: Man Hangs Self Along Airport Road Ikeja
Posted By cheatmaster On 04:55 Wed, 22 Nov 2017
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Tag Archives: Robert Dziekanski
by b2tw | January 30, 2013 · 11:23 AM
Bob Wiseman, “mothface@yahoo.ca” and other titles on Giulietta Masina at the Oscars Crying (2013)
by Carl Wilson
Bob Wiseman, Tracy Wright & Sky Gilbert.
Bob Wiseman’s new album, Giulietta Masina at the Oscars Crying, sets a series of challenges like crossword-puzzle clues. Each title is syntactically structured “[Subject] at [Location/Activity],” almost as if in an index. Together they ask: What difference does it make whether we get exactly what a song is about?
The subjects can be anything from cultural or political figures to personal friends: Neil Young at the Junos, The Reform Party at Burning Man, Aristide at the Press Conference, or Portrait of Phil at Various Times in a Closet. The one cover song both fits and breaks the mold, Sam Larkin’s Children at Play. (Here’s the original on Rdio.)
And one title plays on the fact that this is also the syntax of email: mothface@yahoo.ca, the address of the Toronto actor Tracy Wright (previously discussed here), who broke many of our hearts when she died at age 50 in 2010 of pancreatic cancer.
The song tells the story of a time in the 1980s* when Wiseman agreed to act in a play Wright wrote “that made no sense” because he figured no one “in their right mind” would put it on, but then theatre artist Sky Gilbert signed on to produce it in his Rhubarb experimental-theatre festival. As a result, Wiseman sings, “I always knew that I had nothing in common with Sky Gilbert.” The line is repeated over and over, anthemically, in harmony.
Hearing it first at last week’s launch concert at the Tranzac Club in Toronto, it started annoying me: Who outside a small Toronto arts circle gives a shit how Bob Wiseman feels about Sky Gilbert? Why write a song picking on Gilbert anyway?
Then the lyrics cross-cut to Wright’s memorial, when Gilbert got up and said just what Wiseman was feeling and thinking about her, and moved him to tears. It turned out the two had something in common after all: “the love of you.” And I came close to tears myself.
I wondered whether other people, who hadn’t known Wright or who Gilbert is, would be so touched. Would they even keep listening up to the final twist? It made me ask, too, if the electricity of the launch, where many members of the local music community were renewing frayed connections, would come across to an outsider, and whether that mattered.
These are questions Wiseman’s album prods: the effects of reference, and specificity versus so-called universality.
The particularity of Wiseman’s subjects is part of his modus operandi as an artist engagé, a creative activist: the naming of names, the preservation of place, the marking of dates and times. Early in his solo career, he wrote songs that gave a blow-by-blow account of the Union Carbide disaster (live, starts about 0:55) or implicated the president of Pepsi Cola by name in the assassination of Salvador Allende. (A move that infamously got the first thousand copies of his first major-label album destroyed.) You could describe it as a Brechtian gesture of counter-propaganda, or as keeping shit real.
But it’s never solely political. It’s in Wiseman’s voice, a harmonica-like needling without a hint of false gravitas. It’s in the way he’ll often interrupt a catchy melody with a dissonant solo or silly backup vocal, recklessly undermining what might have been some kind of “hit.” It’s in the cranky energy and nearly painful innocence of his writing, which attest that these aren’t positions struck but art made by following the tracks of his preoccupations.
He sounds like a regular person who’s ruefully aware that his complaints can’t reroute the flows of power, but can at least take satisfaction in sharing and laughing or weeping over them. If some personal situations won’t be transparent, perhaps listeners will connect anyway with having relationships and experiences that are exactly that, obscure and opaque in the supposed big picture of news and celebrity. Just like our own. And no less crucial to us for being so.
I do have affection for certain email addresses. Maybe your loved ones’ familiar @’s also set off a warm and quiet hum.
Purposefully or not, the variations Giulietta Masina plays on the “X at Y” formula work through a range of possibilities about how we’ll relate to the subject of a song. Neil Young at the Junos, for instance, treats a figure Wiseman can rely on his audience feeling like it knows well, then tries to say something unexpected – neither hagiographic nor cheaply skeptical – about him.
The title track unfolds most like a riddle: When Wiseman started playing it at the launch, my friend and I said to each other, “Do you have any idea who that is?” Then partway through I said, “For some reason I’m thinking about Fellini.” And just as I was looking her up on my phone, Wiseman sang the final words, “8½.” Giulietta Masina was Fellini’s actress spouse.
I only later discovered that Ruby Bates at Grad School, one of my favourites, is about a woman who’d been an accuser in the racist 1930s Scottsboro Boys rape case, but later recanted her story and was vilified for it. I haven’t identified the second woman, more contemporary, described as dying in an ambulance in the last verse, and am glad I haven’t.
I knew right off who the protagonist of Robert Dziekanski at the Airport was – the Polish immigrant the RCMP mistakenly tased & killed at the Vancouver airport in 2007, and then whitewashed. A straight protest song, a bit obvious. Then I read a college student’s review of the album who was startled to find out or be reminded of this event six long-to-him years ago.
Finally there’s this guy Phil in the closet, along with someone named Rob Noyes who apparently dies, and “the campers of B.B. you’ve heard so much about.” No clue. But I’m stirred by its final plaintive lines about wanting to repay Phil, “it’s awful,” for “being there at the airport or hospital.” Would listening to the song about Tracy feel like this to others, like an emotional mystery?
My misgiving about Wiseman’s songwriting is that he often is too literal for my tastes, even if I see why. This album, more than any since his now-storied debut In Her Dream, when he pretended to be singing songs by someone named “Wrench Tuttle,” unsettles that directness fruitfully.
In his new book Missing Out: In Praise of the Unlived Life, the psychoanalyst and critic Adam Phillips has a chapter called “On Not Getting It.” He investigates how our drive to get the point, to nail down the meaning of a joke or a poem, to understand ourselves, to truly “know” other people (especially our lovers, our families), may become an evasion of other ways of existing and of allowing others to exist with and apart from us.
In Bob Wiseman’s more literal songs he gets at things worth knowing for certain and stating clearly, most often how an injustice has been perpetrated or excused. But there are things worth being clueless about, worth never knowing – such as not knowing what we do and don’t have in common, so we can be surprised when perhaps we need to be. Such as not knowing how to repay certain debts when all that really can be done is to acknowledge them.
Music has an unusual capacity to say a lot without knowing everything or even much at all. We can “get” a song’s texture and its atmosphere without wanting to “get” all its content. We can hear it many times and only “get” something like “blah blah blah Gilbert, blah blah blah Gilbert … the love of you,” and yet treasure the song.
Phillips quotes the notoriously elusive poet John Ashbery as saying that he writes as he does because if all you do is tell people things, they stop listening. But if they only overhear, they will be curious. On this album Bob Wiseman has things he wants to tell, but also lets us eavesdrop on him talking to himself or to others, about things we might not know or even need to know. The sites from which he sings can be nearby or at a distance, his phrases sharp or indistinct.
By ranging this way, by not always demanding we understand him, he implies that it is okay if we, his listeners, aren’t utterly knowable too. By extension the people he sings about, at his best, cannot be captured and summed up, not reduced only to political subjects but allowed to be humans like the one who is singing about them.
At the least, a cop and an immigrant, Neil Young and Jean Bertrand Aristide, the Oscars and the airport, the halls of parliament and an ambulance all are, and acknowledging that may be to admit they share something unnameably more than everything that isn’t** – including so-called universals such as patriotism, duty, righteousness.
In this sense, being specific, if you are specific about a great many things, might be a different program than we at first thought: less like itemizing a legal brief, and more like giving up on coercion.
* This section originally said Wiseman and Wright were dating at the time; Wiseman writes to tell me I misread his use of the word “girlfriend” – they were just friends.
** The basic idea about things that exist having existence in common is someone else’s that I heard, read or was told about recently. I don’t remember the source. My elaboration on it is my own (mis)interpretation.
Filed under carl wilson, music, poetry
Tagged as Adam Phillips, Bertolt Brecht, bob wiseman, false gravitas, getting it, Giulietta Masina, Jean Bertrand Aristide, John Ashbery, literalism, Neil Young, psychoanalysis, reference, Robert Dziekanski, Ruby Bates, Scottsboro Boys, Sky Gilbert, Specifics and universals, this politics thing, tracy wright, Tranzac, who cares, Wrench Tuttle
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Boy (17) appears at Ballymena Court accused of sexual offences against five teenage girls
Ballymena Court.
A 17-year-old from County Antrim is charged with a large number of sexual offences regarding five teenage girls, including two aged just 13.
The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court on Thursday via video link from Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre where he was remanded previously on 21 charges.
The charges include rape, engaging in sexual activity with a child, blackmail, distributing indecent photos of children, possessing such photos, inciting children to take incident photos, disclosing private sexual photos, harassment and unauthorised access to computer material.
It is alleged that after a girl (16) had taken a pregnancy test the youth grabbed her by the throat before raping her in a bathroom.
A prosecutor said bail was opposed and a police officer told the court of other incidents including one were a girl (13) had been sent an indecent image by the defendant via Snapchat showing his private parts and when he told her she knew where she lived she felt pressured to sent a photo which the boy then sent to the girl’s mum via Facebook.
The court was told the defendant had been in a relationship with a girl (17) and uploaded images to social media saying: “I have ruined your life”.
In another incident, a girl (13), with a learning disability was contacted on Snapchat and sent a photo of the defendant naked and he later contacted her when she was playing the online game ‘Fortnite’ and told her he knew she slept with her “blinds open”.
It is alleged the youth then tried to blackmail the girl by asking for £500 or else he would send her mother indecent images.
The police officer said: “This young man’s live is basically lived online”.
The officer said the defendant had a level of knowledge of the internet and knew how to access software.
During an interview, the officer said the boy had told police: “All young girls nowadays are sl*ts.”
The policewoman said there were at least two other potential complainants.
A defence barrister said his client denied rape and had insisted any sexual contact was consensual.
The lawyer said exchanging explicit photos was becoming “more prevalent” and added that as regards his client allegedly contacting mothers that was what was “rather crudely termed ‘revenge porn’.”
The lawyer said the defendant had autism and ADHD.
Refusing bail, District Judge Nigel Broderick said the defendant faced 21 serious charges involving a number of complainants under the age of 18.
Two of the complainants were 13 and at least one had a learning disability and would be categorised as being “particularly vulnerable”, the judge added.
Judge Broderick said the defendant had made certain admissions, accepting in interviews, that he had exchanged indecent images and that he had contacted, on at least two occasions, mothers of girls in what had been described by the defence as ‘revenge porn’.
The judge said the case was aggravated by an allegation of blackmail and there was also a rape charge.
Judge Broderick said that after the defendant was interviewed and previously released on police bail it was believed he then made contact with friends of a complainant even though he was barred from accessing the internet.
The judge said the boy had an “obsession” with the internet “and not for good purposes” and had also made concerning remarks about girls.
Judge Broderick was concerned the youth would commit further offences and contact witnesses and remanded him in custody to December 27.
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Armenian PM introduces new justice minister to staff | ARMENPRESS Armenian News Agency
Armenian PM introduces new justice minister to staff
YEREVAN, JUNE 20, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan introduced new justice minister Rustam Badasyan to the ministry staff.
Welcoming the staff members, the PM said he knows Rustam Badasyan as an intellectual, punctual person who also possesses high professional abilities.
“In the past one year Mr. Badasyan has worked as deputy chairman of the State Revenue Committee and during this period he demonstrated himself from the best sides, showing high organizational abilities. I consider very important that at this decisive stage Mr. Badasyan should lead the reforms of the justice system. You know, there is no secret, we are at a turning stage in this sense and the government, the political majority have a will in order to have a really independent judiciary in Armenia. In this sense it’s very important for the justice minister to fully know the situation and implement the political messages sent by the government with productive steps”, Pashinyan said.
The PM thanked former justice minister Artak Zeynalyan for his works. He stated that Artak Zeynalyan is not in Armenia and that’s why he is not attending this meeting. Pashinyan is confident that there will be a chance to serve Zeynalyan’s potential and experience for Armenia’s state –building process.
“I attach great importance to the fact that a positive working environment is established in the ministry. I am confident that Mr. Badasyan is able to create such an atmosphere and motivate the justice ministry to a positive, creative and innovative work. I wish success to you and the ministry staff”, the Armenian PM said.
In his turn the new justice minister thanked for the trust.
“After such a professional like Artak Zeynalyan quite a difficult job is expected, I am confident that together with a professional staff we will be able to justify your expectations”, the new minister said.
On June 19 Armenian President Armen Sarkissian signed a decree on appointing Rustam Badasyan new justice minister.
Previously, Badasyan was serving as deputy chairman of the State Revenue Committee.
15:01 Garo Paylan comments on sentence of 9 people in prison over Dink’s murder case
14:58 Speaker of Parliament meets representatives of US-Armenian organizations in Washington D.C.
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jailbreak goes directly to jail —
Apple will give popular jailbreak tool the banhammer with next iOS update
The evasi0n jailbreak uses exploits that will disappear in iOS 6.1.3.
Casey Johnston - Feb 25, 2013 11:20 pm UTC
Apple’s next minor point iOS update will fix the exploits that allow iPhones to be jailbroken with a very popular tool, according to a report from MacRumors. The 6.1.3 update, which was seeded to developers as a beta one week ago, will break the functionality of the jailbreaking tool known as “evasi0n,” meaning its creators will have to find a new way around or through the OS.
6.1.3 will already be an important security update, as it purports to fix a zombie passcode bypass bug that cropped up in iOS 6.1. When 6.1.3 is pushed out, phones with that version installed will be unable to use the evasi0n jailbreak, which had relieved almost 7 million phones of Apple’s pesky walled-garden strictures since early February in only three weeks of availability.
While that’s a lot of reach for a jailbreak in such a short time, three weeks is actually a long time for Apple to leave a jailbreak exploit open: MacRumors points out that Apple shut down Jailbreakme 3.0 for the iPhone 4 after only nine days.
Forbes reported that one of evasi0n’s handlers, David Wang, said it might be a month or more before Apple releases 6.1.3 to the general public. Wang noted to Forbes that if Apple manages to patch most of the bugs used for the jailbreaking tool, evasi0n would be “starting from scratch.”
Casey Johnston Casey Johnston is the former Culture Editor at Ars Technica, and now does the occasional freelance story. She graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Applied Physics.
Twitter @caseyjohnston
abhi_beckert Ars Tribunus Militum
Isn't this what they've been doing for every single update to iOS?
No, there are several updates to iOS every year and only one or two jail break exploits.
There was even an iOS update a few weeks ago which did not stop this jail break from working.
Jail breaking and DRM and piracy have never been a priority to Apple, they just care about the security hole — and if nobody is being exploited (a jail break is not malware) they take their time to get it right.
cromination Ars Centurion
The jail broken phone market isn't really that big. Apple patching security holes on their phones is in the best interest of their user base. If people hate it, get an Android phone. Or don't update your phone and stick with the old version.
Gary Patterson Ars Praefectus et Subscriptor
crash.harddrive wrote:
@heinousjay:
I'm not sure exactly what you mean by this, are you sure you're responding to my post? What does this have to do with moving to Android when we're talking about Apple?
Probably this:
I was an Apple fanboy from 2002-2006, and I bailed because I was seeing one after another "security updates" that were nothing more than a way for Apple to push out controls. It's not a market, but it's my choice, so I chose with my wallet, I moved to Linux and Android.
combined with common knowledge of these:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone - "Release date Original: June 29, 2007"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_%2 ... _system%29 - "Android ... was unveiled in 2007"
I'm sure you just got your dates wrong, but it reads like you were an iPhone user before Apple released it, managed to become unhappy about the software updates that Apple had not done yet (and wouldn't have for a few years) and bailed to Android before that was even unveiled.
Still, a bit of light relief, which is always welcome.
LiquidSolstice Ars Scholae Palatinae
danaris wrote:
Calling it a "banhammer" is very misleading.
Apple is closing a security hole in iOS. If this happens to inconvenience jailbreakers, that's not Apple's problem. Nor should it be seen by any reasonable person as a deliberate attack by Apple on the jailbreakers.
If they know about a security hole, whether or not it is being used for jailbreaking, they should absolutely fix it as soon as they can.
Dan Aris
This is the only comment here that really captures the "true" story here. People want to be upset and place malicious intent with Apple but they're just plugging a security hole that can be utilized for both good and bad.
I note with interest that my fellow Android users here think this 'locking down" business is all bad, but to be honest, as a die hard Android user, I wouldn't mind if Google took a bit more of an iron fist approach to Android. It's been 3 years since I started using Android phones, and I still feel extremely weary and uncomfortable just app-browising in the Play Store and downloading apps.
Sure, they say that it's for "techie" users and people need to be smart enough to decide what's safe, but come on, it's my phone. It's not my computer, I don't want to have to do the extra work of investigating each app I use.
If anything, I'd love if the Play Store (when presenting you with the permissions an app wants) forced the developers to state exactly why they need and use said permission, and to make that a binding contract; if you say you're using a permission for something and it turns out you were lying, you get banned from publishing again.
At the end of the day, I envy iOS users because when they hear about iOS updates, almost all of them can be sure that they'll be getting it. My phone is still on 4.1.1. Although I'm rooted and using a customized stock ROM, I don't use Cyanogen because several things work significantly better with the stock ROM (which I completely understand why, not bashing their hard work). and I don't think HTC will ever send even a 4.1.2 update my way, much less a 4.2.2 update.
Nineteen11 Seniorius Lurkius
I switched to Linux in 2006, but didn't want to give up my iPod. However, every update seemed designed to do nothing more than break functionality with anything but Windows/Apple:iTunes, none of which Linux supports. An iPod isn't worth that to me, if Apple wants to lock me in, I'm gone. Interesting how nothing ever changes, now it's control of your firmware rather than your hardware that's the issue, but it's still all about control.
From the verb tense in your comment I assume you are using a 2006 or earlier model iPod (IE: Pre-iPod Touch). If so, you may want to check out Rockbox. Rockbox is a free and opensource alternative firmware for a variety of MP3 players out there and works on most iPods before the iOS based touch iPods. I am currently using it on my iPod Classic (and running Debian Sid GNU/Linux on my home computer). Rockbox will add additional features such as custom skins, additional file format support (OGG, FLAC, WMA, ... hell, even Monkey's Audio), plugins, custom scripting, and about a thousand other things that iPods can't normally do. Best of all, NO ITUNES NEEDED. Rockbox gives your iPod a fully accessable drag-and-drop filesystem. You have full access to every system file and can add media simply by dropping it on your iPod just like any other removable media.
Solomonoff's Secret Ars Legatus Legionis
LiquidSolstice wrote:
Unfortunately, Apple has put iPhone owners in the awkward position of needing a security phone to control their own hardware. Thus by Apple's choice, closing a security hole removes functionality. So Apple should both be praised and criticized for closing the hole.
danaris Ars Centurion
Solomonoff's Secret wrote:
Unfortunately, Apple has put iPhone owners in the awkward position of needing a security phone to control their own hardware.
I don't know what a "security phone" is, or why I should need it to control some other piece of hardware. I own multiple Macs and an iPhone, and I don't need any of them to use the others, though there are things I can do better because I have both, rather than a non-Mac computer or a non-iPhone smartphone.
Thus by Apple's choice, closing a security hole removes functionality.
What functionality does closing this security hole remove? Anything besides jailbreaking (which will be enabled again within days, at most, through a new hole, and isn't something Apple has ever advertised or encouraged)?
So Apple should both be praised and criticized for closing the hole.
No, actually, neither is true. This is just Apple doing their jobs. I don't think that's particularly worthy of praise—and it's certainly not especially worthy of criticism, unless you want to nitpick about how long they've known about the security hole but not fixed it.
gmerrick Ars Praefectus
beebee wrote:
Smart phone newbies (basically anyone that didn't own a Blackberry) need to realize that the "appstore" is a recent invention. When all you had was Blackberry, you bought from 3rd party companies that were professional (Handigo), downloaded from getjar, sourceforce, or even personal websites. It wasn't a big deal because the granularity of the security functions on a blackberry made it likely you could wall off the app.
The iphone appstore makes money for Apple. (Most iphone app developers are lucky to net minimum wage.) Apple will never give up the noose it has around the sheeple's collective necks.
Apple could make a secure iphone and allow side-loading if they wanted. Everyone else can.
Lets clear up a few things. In the "old days" when I had my variety of Palm devices, Palm 3, V and Tx, there were app stores. Palm itself as part of their website hosted Palm applications for sale and download as well as applications from other developers. Additionally there were also several other popular sites that sold applications for Palm devices and other devices that were around at the time.
So no. the app store is not a recent invention.
gmerrick wrote:
Pretty sure you completely missed the mark on what he meant by "recent invention". What you have described is not an appstore, it's just a bunch of websites that independently sold applications.
Somehow I have the faint feeling you're one of those people who does not want to acknowledge any of the trends that Apple set off in the mobile industry...
janellenur Seniorius Lurkius
Apple's current iPhone 5 models have the identifiers "iPhone5,1" and "iPhone5,2", which are based on the LTE model and the 4G LTE bands on which they operate.Read More Here.....
stormbeta Ars Praetorian et Subscriptor
Shiimiish wrote:
I really don't get the vibe in so many comment threads about jailbreaking, that is all about "Apple is holding my device hostage and without a Jailbreak it is useless".
I do own iPods since 2004, and and iPhone and iPad since 2011. I have yet to come into a situation where these devices could not perform a task because of Apples walled garden. Everything I did want to do with one of the devices could be done fine without Jailbreak.
I do respect everybody coming from the direction of Richard Stallman who rejects closed software for principal reasons, that is not my line of argument here. I just want to know, which use cases do need a jailbroken device as I have yet to encounter one (pirating software would be such a use case obviously, but this does not appeal to me).
But then I just can see my side of the things and I would like to know what are the use cases that drive people to jailbreak their iDevice or drive them away from the iOS platform entirely.
Right off the top of my head: keyboard.
I *hate* Apple's iOS keyboard. The autocorrect is marginal, and there's no way to customize/improve symbol/number entry (and long press functionality isn't customizable either). There's no way to install a third party keyboard short of jailbreaking.
Whereas on my Android device, I can use SwiftKey without issue and it works great. Of course, some people may not like SwiftKey, and that's fine too: you can install whichever input software works best for you and that's the point.
The keyboard is one of the most glaring examples, but it's hardly the only one.
I want my phone to automatically go into tether mode for my morning and evening commute (I take the bus). With Android (via Tasker), this is trivial to accomplish, and when I get home it goes back to using wifi.
I like being able to play movies and music off of USB drives (USB OTG cables allow my device to act as a USB host). This also applies to playing games with a USB controller.
I actually have access to the phone's filesystem, so I can use things like Dropbox much more effectively (no need for dedicated handlers in the Dropbox app; any app capable of reading the file can be used just fine).
I can customize my launcher to fit my needs, and can use widgets to display information that I need readily available (especially useful on my tablet, where I have a whole screen dedicated to work, with widgets for tasks, email, and meetings all nicely arranged).
I can use SSH tunnels to reach my work or home networks whenever needed, I don't have to rely on VPNs or third-party services.
My phone can automatically set itself to vibrate based on pattern matching with calendar events.
My phone can automatically set itself to vibrate just based on the physical orientation of the phone (I have "face-down" set to vibrate).
My carrier can't restrict which devices are allowed to use my data connection.
When I plug my headphones in, I can have a popup of different media apps to launch.
I could keep going, but I hope I've made my point. None of these are things you can do with iOS short of jailbreaking (edit: other than tethering on Verizon if you have an LTE device).
This isn't about some Stallman-eque matter of principle; there are very real things that I do with my devices on a regular basis that would be flat out impossible on an iOS device without jailbreaking.
Last edited by stormbeta on Tue Feb 26, 2013 12:38 am
microlith Ars Tribunus Militum et Subscriptor
as a die hard Android user, I wouldn't mind if Google took a bit more of an iron fist approach to Android. It's been 3 years since I started using Android phones, and I still feel extremely weary and uncomfortable just app-browising in the Play Store and downloading apps.
This is neither here nor there. The store itself is not the matter at issue. It has been and continues to be that on iOS devices there is no equivalent of Google's "Unknown sources" checkbox, which I don't believe has ever been a source of problems. Same for everything else you wrote.
Flashlight Ars Scholae Palatinae
Jeremy W wrote:
If Apple doesn't wake up and at least start loosening the restrictions when they release iOS 7, I fear there will be nowhere to go but down for their marketshare numbers. Even non-techies are beginning to see the advantages of Android's more open system.
Nonsense. "Non-techies" have no awareness or need for the supposed "advantages of Android's more open system." You are thinking from the detached geeks point of view.
cheesecake23 wrote:
Can someone explain exactly WHY Apple is so tough on jailbreaking? Personally I would never buy a phone or tablet I couldn't root, and I suspect many of the millions who have downloaded evasi0n would concur.
I understand that Apple needed to fix the previous security holes where you could root your phone by visiting a website, but evasi0n requires so much user interaction it can't really be a problem. So why is Apple killing off such a big market?
It's not a "big market."
zogus Ars Tribunus Militum
OldMacGuy wrote:
Apple will never be able to secure any software they make.
The factors involved are too numerous to go into detail here about without sounding trollish.
The only thing saving them is their BSD Unix core, which has been designed from the ground up to be secure, but only so much as the crap on top they use for frosting is.
Oh come, you are trolling now. BSD designed from the ground up to be secure?? This is supposed to be funny, right?
There is nothing secure-by-design about an OS that made everybody's hashed password world-readable; handled privilege escalation on a per-binary-file basis; expected many programs to share a world-writable /tmp directory, enabling all sorts of race conditions, never mind a disk-filling DNS attack; and written in C with a standard library that never seems to have heard of the term "buffer overflow." gets() indeed! sheesh.
Yes, many of the problems listed above have been (mostly) fixed today, including in OS X, but that isn't because the OS was inherently secure by design; it's thanks to a lot of patchwork hacks by people who had to work on Unixen because everything else was too expensive (VMS, mainframes), too toyish (Mac, Amiga), or out of the question (MS-DOS).
whquaint Ars Tribunus Militum
For God's sake, will all the whiners please just go to Android already? Although, I guess there's no guarantee you won't continue to whine against Apple even after you've dumped all Apple products. But we can hope.
Engelsstaub Ars Centurion
@tylerwayne:
...I'm 55...Let Apple have the "I don't want to know how it works, I just want to push buttons" crowd. My grandma's been dead for 40 years, but she could run an iDevice. Me, I like to be able to configure things my way, not let Apple tell me what I want.
First of all you don't sound like any fifty-five year old I know talking that stupid shit about your grandmother. That sounds like some punk-kid to me...the type that wants to complain about a product he is not being forced to buy. It sounds like you made the right decision by switching to Linux and Android. Apple's not telling you what you want now, are they? I don't think they were before...there's always been a choice.
At 38 I'm no spring chicken either. I hope if and when I see 55 I have more important things to boo-fucking-hoo about than some tech product I no longer use. I mean Android is a worthy alternative. Use it and enjoy the rest of your life FFS.
Shiimiish Ars Centurion
stormbeta wrote:
Thank you for your good explanations, you really seem to enjoy to customize your phone much more than I would do and I can see how this is only possible with a Jailbreak. Out of your list I only need access to Dropbox/Skydrive/ftp-servers, which I centralized with a third party app that lets me access all of these services from one point. But as I said in my initial post, I was interested in hearing of different use cases which you provided a plenty. Thanks again for sharing.
Engelsstaub wrote:
Oh hush now, didn't you know that as Android users, we're all automatically admitted to the "Hate Apple" club? Obviously by choosing Android we must unequivocally hate Apple and insult Apple users at every turn, because that's what King Google wants.
I actually don't even own an iOS device at the moment. My current phone is an older Samsung. My next one could be an iPhone. Or it could be that new upcoming GS4 with the 13 MP camera and other awesome specs.
...haven't decided yet. Either way I'll get a phone that does what I want it to do. For some people the choice is clearer...especially Linux-users and people that want to customize. I respect that. But someone (not you) saying that iOS is for "idiots" or "dead grandmothers" due to ease of use, closed platform, or more security isn't going to dissuade people that would rather have such an experience from getting an iPhone. It's going to solidify their opinion and make the nerd-raging antis look like the hard-ons they really are though.
W01f Seniorius Lurkius
I read a lot of comments with criticisms that are very broad on both platforms, even related to platforms that have no link to the article.
I work a lot with mobile devices from all brands, and studied the impact/likelyness of malwares infection for Android, IOS and BB;
There is a lot of misconsception about malwares, android security and IOS security.
Android and IOS both have a very good security and rights isolation / permissions.
I can safely state this because : NbOfInfections/NbOfDevices < 0.00000000....1
I have never seen a practical threat, that would be worth mentioning and that is actively exploited currently. Yes there is a threat, and with every device ever connected to the internet, especialy if you download apps from untrusted sources and/or custom roms for android, you have to take care about what you do. (not to say custom android roms are a problem, I use one, but you have to trust the guy who cooked it, and trust he relied on safe sources for all the patches he added to the apps/kernel used to cook the rom. Xda is usually a safe place but I wouldn't trust any obscure chinese website to provide me the latest hacked MIUI)
A couple apps have been detected on the play store that could lead to security problems, but only a couple thousands installations have been reported as malware, and quiclky removed / fixed, so the threat is not really, should not be platform security argument.
Rooting and jailbreaking increase risks, but not so much on android because of the SU mechanism. (you can basically allow an app requesting it, to bypass any security mechanism on the phone, but no other app can use the permission.)
However, on IOS, jailbreaking really breaks the core security mechanism, except now, the hackers have added new security layers, that seems efficient.
For my own preference, Android is my choice for phones and IOS for tablets because of some exclusive apps.
I hope they catch up soon on tablet apps on android because the Nexus 10 is just awesome. And yes I will root it.
Last edited by W01f on Tue Feb 26, 2013 6:25 am
1 post | registered Feb 26, 2013
Precisely. Although I am an Android user, I am not naive.
Many, many people see their phones as appliances, in the same way they see their dishwashers as appliances. Just as they purchase their dishwashers on the basis of whether or not they perform their job, they do that with their phone. Just as they are not interested in customizing and having choice with the software that runs on their dishwashers, they aren't concerned about their phones. This is extremely difficult for most Android users to understand; most just shut it out and blindly say that Apple users are "stupid".
The only reason I don't own an iPhone right now (for at least the sake of trying it) is because I'm too used to the UI operation of Android. Maybe at some point I'll get over it and try, I don't know.
jrguk Seniorius Lurkius
ryanf323 wrote:
The sad thing is that some people like me only jailbreak to have easy access to APN settings (straight talk)... The things I do for family...
But to correct things like APN settings shouldn't require compromising the security of the phone (especially if you're doing it for family members that don't fully grok the implications, or can't manage them.)
Report the requirement to Apple via bugreporter.apple.com! (You can manage the data APN, but not the MMS or tethering ones, via iPhone Configurator or a downloaded configuration file.)
AngryChris Ars Scholae Palatinae et Subscriptor
@Matt Wallis:
There may be more malware in Android - do you have statistics or urban legends on that? And no, Google is not a reliable source - but I'd rather deal with a platform that leaves me choice rather than a nanny platform that tells me how I can use my device in every way. I'm a grown-up adult (55 yrs old and probably more experienced than you) and I dumped Apple because it's not about choice, it's about doing it "the Apple way".
People like you are why younger people don't respect older people.
1037 posts | registered Jul 5, 2011
Bicentennial Douche Ars Legatus Legionis et Subscriptor
Blakflag wrote:
I ditched Apple's garden for android a while ago. But I had thought they came to a "gentleman's agreement" with the jailbreakers, where they didn't work "too" hard to prevent the jailbreaking.
I don't see an upside for Apple in frustrating the techie community too much with this stuff. Is piracy really that big an issue that they need to make it so hard to jailbreak?
The jailbreaks rely on exploits. Those exploits can be used for nefarious purposes, so of course plugging those holes is a good thing.
soulsabr Ars Praefectus
Well, this is the least amount of down voting I've seen in any Apple related topic in quite a while.
As far as I'm concerned this is a "meh" topic. Apple fixes security holes pissing off their techie customers. Tomorrow it'll be Apple pisses off their techie customers for not fixing security holes. I'll stick with Android and be happy where I am.
Tyler X. Durden Ars Tribunus Angusticlavius
The sad thing is that some people like me only jailbreak to have easy access to APN settings (straight talk)... The things I do for family…
A major issue with digging in mess with the settings (and UI tweaks and so on) is that it becomes a support nightmare. Support is a big deal for Apple, both its own of iPhone owners and also support by 3rd party of stuff sold off the AppStore as well as carriers.
Want a jailbroken phone? There's a phone for that, and its called Nexus.
AngryChris wrote:
And being mindless iCattle who don't think something through before rattling off standard Apple FUD is why older people think you have no grip on reality.
kbutler Wise, Aged Ars Veteran
Doesn't 7 million votes for a jailbroken iOS suggest Apple should just make a "jailbreak" option for iOS?
noobhax Seniorius Lurkius
Apple's path: Release a major update with stupid flows like Zombie pass code --->>> wait to the jailbreak ---> figure out how jailbreak is done ---> fix jailbreak flow and the dumb security flow.
The first thing I do with an iOS upgrade is jailbreak. I hate the Home-Settings-scrolldown-Brightness-slider-Home-readingApp cycle to adjust brightness for reading in the dark. I've also started using a short press on the Home button as "Play/Pause" so I can do it without looking. I have a non-techie friend who has me jailbreak his phone because his power button is flaky, so he has a good way to shut it down.
There are many reasons for people who accept the iOS ecosystem to still want a little bit more flexibility.
Jordan Orlando Ars Tribunus Militum
People evangelize the "need" for jailbreaking (or "no walled garden") the same way they evangelize the "need" for handguns or the "need" for negating patent law: not because it makes any sense, but because of a misplaced adherence to an abstract idea of "freedom" that has nothing but destructive real-world consequences.
Constructor Ars Tribunus Militum
kbutler wrote:
No. Among over 500 million devices in total that is still just a tiny minority of 1.4%.
Jeopardizing device security for 98.6% of all users just to accomodate such a tiny minority would be a very bad decision, not least because this compromised security would cause a lot more than just 1.4% of the other users to leave the platform (most notably many business customers).
I very rarely touch the brightness setting since automatic brightness control works too well to fiddle with it all the time. For the remaining rare cases changing the brightness on the iPhone is easy enough; Various reader apps also have a built-in brightness control as well. On the iPad brightness control is also reachable to the left of the app switcher (together with volume and music control).
Yanking out most of the system's security measures just for trivial stuff like that is simply reckless.
siliconaddict wrote:
Ah, siliconaddict, you and your insightful and intelligent comments.
And by "insightful" and "intelligent" I mean the exact opposite. Comments like yours make others think that hatred for all things Apple has clouded your mind.
terminatahx Seniorius Lurkius
If Apple thought it's customers were smart enough to know and act on what they want, they would be selling Android devices.
On the iPad you could just make a four-finger swipe up and bring up the app switcher, one swipe left and you can control brightness and music.
On the iPhone you only get the music control that way, though.
Edit: to account for differences in iPad and iPhona
DonGateley Ars Centurion
Imagine a scenario where Apple builds in vulnerabilities that are well nigh impossible to find until they announce one which can then be exploited in order to force an upgrade past the current Jailbreak level. Of course I'm not saying they are this nefarious but just imagine.
Hrmmm Ars Praetorian
Anyone who really cares about keeping their device jailbroken does not update without thinking.
I haven't bothered to jailbreak my device since the days when it was the only way to develop for the iPhone.
To me, phones are just another gadget. While it's admirable that people act according to their ideologies about software and hardware, it would be nice if they did so without demeaning and attacking others that don't have the same notions or strength of philosophy.
DonGateley wrote:
Now imagine a perfectly spherical horse on a frictionless surface in a vacuum.
Hrmmm wrote:
I logged in again specifically to up-vote this comment. Wiser words have never been spoken in any of these Android vs. iOS threads. Kudos to you, sir!
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And they didn't even need to use Craigslist —
AMD sells its Austin HQ for $164 million to raise some quick cash
After really rough 2012, chipmaker faces ever-increasing challenges.
The perpetually struggling AMD announced Tuesday that it would sell and lease back its corporate campus in Austin, Texas to generate $164 million in cash. It’s a quick way to make a buck, but it could raise questions about the long-term viability of the company.
Nokia pulled the same trick with its Helsinki headquarters back in December 2012, raising $220 million—and Nokia is another struggling company.
In January 2013, AMD announced it had hired new executives to focus the company in the mobile CPU sector, which came after a lawsuit accusing former employees of stealing company secrets. The company suffered a net loss of $1.18 billion in 2012 and has noticeably reduced its chip manufacturing capability.
Last fall, a Wall Street analyst called AMD “un-investable,” following the announcement of its terrible Q3 2012 numbers and the sudden loss of its CFO.
“We have no further confidence that any aspect of our prior structural thesis (margin accretion, cash flow, and balance sheet deleveraging) will play out in the foreseeable future,” Bernstein Research‘s Stacy Rasgon wrote in an investor’s note in October 2012.
Ars will have a lengthy feature later this month that will detail the company’s past and present challenges (the article includes interviews with the former CEO, Hector Ruiz, and other high-level former executives).
UPDATE 1:30pm CT: Michael Silverman, an AMD spokesperson, wrote to Ars with the following comment:
Seems like you included what may be one of the very worst things said about AMD from a financial analyst from last fall (“un-investable”) without any balance of mentioning the progress that has been made in the following six months, e.g., the recently announced Sony Playstation 4 APU semi-custom part win, today’s newly announced Richland mobile APU part and the related APU and GPU/Radeon announcements on new products we made at CES, which also included a new customer for us: VIZIO. Of course, talk is cheap—we need to deliver not just on the product front but also show progress in our financials. But it would be fair to say that the roadmap is largely well-received and the new products look good to our partners and customers.
JedakiahSmack-Fu Master, in training
Fortunately I am not sure we still need a second x86 manufacturer to keep Intel innovating in performance/power. ARM is also doing more than AMD ever could at driving processor costs down, with ARM processors costing less than $20.
I really want AMD to survive and thrive. Especially with their top-notch graphics cards and push to bring GPUs to low end machines. But, they appear to have completely lost the ability to compete with Intel. Intel has consistently made good calls and long term bets that payed off. AMD has not. I am not sure if Intel is just lucky, or if AMD is just bad at planning. Either way I am not holding my breath for that company. Hopefully the addition of an ARM line will help them out.
C Boy Ars Scholae Palatinae
AMD has been responsible for a lot of Intel's innovation over the past couple of decades.
I hope they stick around a while longer.
Schmads Ars Scholae Palatinae
I would think that the announcement of their chips being used in the PS4 would have helped foster more confidence in the company, but perhaps that's not as big a deal as it appears to me. Either way, it would be a shame to see AMD go away. The competition that they encourage in the CPU and GPU markets is important!
Desverger Ars Scholae Palatinae
I get the feeling that if the next gen consoles do well this year, so will AMD.
mrpaco Ars Scholae Palatinae
C Boy wrote:
I do as well (mostly for nostalgic reasons), but ARM seems to be far more poised to keep Intel on its heels in the near future.
Sufinsil Ars Tribunus Angusticlavius
Sony has done the same lately:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/ ... 9L20130228
They sold their buildings then leased out the space in Tokyo and New York.
Last edited by Sufinsil on Tue Mar 12, 2013 11:37 am
9399 posts | registered Apr 7, 2009
AMD began gasping for air the moment it sold off its fab facility "for some quick cash". That was the beginning of the end. Selling off even HQ office space real estate is almost inconsequential by comparison to jettisoning the fab. It's the equivalent of a human selling a few pints of blood to help make the rent, while dumping the fab was more akin to selling a lung or kidney... or ovaries.
To those critics who say that AMD's fabs were an "enormous boat anchor" requiring too much capital to maintain and "keep them competitive", well... how competitive is AMD now, since the spun-off Global Foundries still isn't competitive on its own and can't allow AMD to produce 22nm process parts to actually compete directly with Intel? As an independent, for-profit, publicly traded corporation, Global Foundries has or can have motives and goals that, not only might not align with AMD's own goals, might even be contrary or hostile to AMD's; Global Foundries has other customers and its own shareholders to answer to. Intel has no such worry because it still controls its own means of production.
So having sold its "ovaries", AMD can no longer (re)produce without the aid of a surrogate mother, who will expect to get rewarded and may have other motives. Intel is still "fertile".
Again I say: beginning of the end.
Last edited by VulcanTourist on Tue Mar 12, 2013 4:15 pm
Why don't they go private, restructure and come back? They still have the talent and there still are many opportunities to earn money from chips. This whole thing with the investors, etc. looks like bickering to me.
timw4mail Smack-Fu Master, in training
VulcanTourist wrote:
AMD began gasping for air the moment it sold off its fab facility "for some quick cash". That was the beginning of the end. Selling off even HQ office space real estate is almost inconsequential by comparison to jettisoning the fab.
While not ideal, I don't think that's entirely the case. The fab was, as I understand, the biggest single liability to AMD.
Tijger Ars Tribunus Angusticlavius et Subscriptor
rex86 wrote:
Because no one is willing to pony up the cash to do that, probably. Whether they have the skills and talent is also debatable, if they did you'd expect them not to be behind the curve as much as they are currently.
Demani Ars Praefectus et Subscriptor
Looking forward to the followup article. An old friend was one of the engineers on the original Athlon, and I've always had a soft spot in my heart for AMD because of it. And the market certainly needs AMD to help intel push the low end chips (though maybe they need that market to be able to hit the volume they need). And poor ATI- they were at least functional before, now they seem to be anchored in a less than manageable way.
And while the consoles are good wins, they aren't high margin, high profit items. The console manufacturers beat them up pretty well over the pricing since they need the consoles to be as cheap as possible.
But selling something just so you can rent it is never a good move. It's also commonly used by governments to make up for today's budget shortfalls (at the expense of future payments).
Dave Cattran Ars Praetorian et Subscriptor
Maybe they can sell off ATI to someone who will advance the Radeon graphics line. I would think that's still a profitable/leadership area vs. making CPUs.
Last edited by Dave Cattran on Tue Mar 12, 2013 11:22 am
Slipgatex Ars Scholae Palatinae
I've been using AMD since the Athlon series came out, I have a Thuban 1090 X6 in my PC right now and absolutely love it. I really don't want to see AMD go away because I've always been happy with their products. I know a lot of other people can't say the same, but I like em.
940 posts | registered Oct 8, 2009
Meathim Ars Tribunus Militum
I thought they did this months ago, or was that just an announcement they were planning to do it? Anyway, anything to keep them floating. It was a good thing Sony based the PS4 on AMD chips. Doesn't the new Xbox have AMD stuff in it as well? We wouldn't know for sure, but I think that is what the rumors say.. They also have some new APU's out and they look better and better so I think this will be a better year for them. I hope anyway.
asdf25 Ars Centurion
What I wonder is how both Intel and AMD missed mobile/tablets so completely. It was a tremendous opportunity for both of them and they blew it. Unfortunately for AMD they probably don't have the cash to catch back up.
Lex-Man Ars Centurion
I don't think the chip deal with Sony and MS for the PS4 & Xbox 720 will help a lot they were already making graphics cards for the Wii and 360. Also MIPS went bust even though they had the deal to make PS1 CPU's. Didn't the PS3 Ram manufacturer go bankrupt as well?
JSawyer Ars Scholae Palatinae
Ars headline wrote:
AMD has already sold its "chip-making" facilities three years ago, so I'm not sure if it qualifies as a "chipmaker". Chip designer, sure.
UWSalt Ars Tribunus Angusticlavius et Subscriptor
Meathim wrote:
It was announced in November 2012 and expected to close (as it just did) this quarter.
Sale-leaseback deals like this are fairly commonplace capital financing arrangements. Economically, it's not so different from issuing debt and securing it with the building (like a home mortgage) which, again, is not an uncommon practice, particularly at companies that are having cash flow problems.
Such arrangements are also commonplace in LBOs (i.e. an acquisition to take the company private) as one poster suggested above. Were a group of investors to take AMD private, it is likely that they would use a combination of new debt secured by all of the company's assets and sale-leasebacks like this.
Jedakiah Ars Centurion
ramos.45 Ars Centurion
I don't think the PS4 contract is especially lucrative for AMD. The PS3 sold something like 70 million units worldwide from launch through now. That sounds like a lot, but the iPhone is selling 30-50 million units per month. If they made further inroads in supplying chips for the mobile market then I think investors would see their long-term viability as improving as opposed to creeping along.
Callahanium Seniorius Lurkius
I love the financial analysis from people that have never read a single page of AMD's 10Qs
Bad Monkey! Ars Legatus Legionis et Subscriptor
AMD began gasping for air the moment it sold off its fab facility "for some quick cash". That was the beginning of the end. Selling off even HQ office space real estate is almost inconsequential by comparison to jettisoning the fab. It's the equivalent of a human selling a few pints of blood to help make the rent, while dumping the fab was more akin to selling a lung or kidney.
Their fabs were an enormous boat anchor, as they required far too much investment to keep them competitive.
Zarsus Ars Scholae Palatinae et Subscriptor
*Sigh* as much I want AMD to survive, I just don't see how they could. They have not invested much in their future for a while now, and they seem to be in a painful death spiral like Sun experienced.
redtomato Ars Tribunus Militum
What are the regulatory implications for Intel and Nvidia if AMD/ATI go under?
A few years ago, it was clear: 'Not Good'. Intel faced being the sole supplier for x86 and consequently a huge global regulatory burden. I wouldn't be suprised if Intel had thrown a few million AMD's way to keep it going - similar to how Microsoft gave Apple some support when Apple almost closed down - to keep their sole OS 'competitor' in the market, no matter how tiny Apple was at the time.
Now, the situation is less clearcut. Desktop OSes are on the decline, x86 is declining, tablets and phones are powering ahead.
However, from a corporate / military viewpoint, there are still severe consequences if AMD closes down and they find themselves solely reliant on Intel for x86, so the regulatory implications still remain. I would argue that Intel is looking for ways to support AMD right now, and consulting their lawyers on the implications - if they haven't already worked out this end-game strategy several years ago.
WaltC Ars Praefectus
My bet is that this "analyst" will go broke before AMD does. Right now, it's a nVidia-AMD ballgame in the international gpu marketplace, with Intel being so far behind AMD's IGP technology that Intel doesn't even place in the contest.
More importantly--your story doesn't highlight that it is AMD as opposed to Intel or nVidia who got the PS4 contract, and if it's credible, rumor has it AMD is getting the next xBox contract as well. I'd bet on AMD before I'd bet on that analyst, no doubt about it. I recall many analysts saying much the same thing in 1998--the year before AMD launched the K7. If only I had a dollar for every time I've read a prediction that AMD is not long for this world...and to think that analyst is probably recommending a buy on Apple stock @~$400+...talk about "overvalued"--that's an understatement.
Also, it isn't as if AMD is abandoning the building--they're staying put and leasing it from the new owner. Evidently the purchaser of the building isn't concerned with its tenant's prospects. I think it's poor analysis to take micro events and make macro molehills out of them.
Last edited by WaltC on Tue Mar 12, 2013 12:27 pm
asH9.58 Seniorius Lurkius
AMD has been restructuring since Oct.
On Feb 26, CEO expressed ultra positive outlook for 2013
http://cc.talkpoint.com/morg007/022513a ... 26_6W1Y5HO
AMD is nearing their ultimate plan of ubiquitous computing through HSA, OpenCompute, and the GPU as a viable agnostic core in an APU package. Microsoft, and ARM play parts in this plan too, Microsoft developed the bridge from software to hardware as the base 'compiler' for HSA (HSA is agnostic to ISA's), while ARM played big brother. Microsoft ultimately introduced ARM devices through Qualcomm, NewGen (ability to use GPU compute cores)software in Win8 (highly secure for BYOD), and new server software while no one was looking, and an AMD XBOX. ARM added its security in Trustzone ARM/AMD server APU's and mentorship, and of course its ties to the ARM group Qual, TXN, Nokia and others in HSA camp. It is my own opinion a buyout of AMD as a subsidiary is highly probable due to AMD's moves in the last few months. This sale is not surprising being ARM also has an offices in Austin too.
kbhola Ars Scholae Palatinae
as an almost 30yr old, id have to say AMD literally burned its way into my heart in my teenage years. i remember touching a AXP 3200+ to see how hot the heatsink really got. to its credit, i doubt ill ever be able to be fingerprinted in the future. it'd be sad to see AMD go, although they need to do some catching up as even their current gen products have trouble competing with Intel's last gen. good luck boys and girls. im rooting for ya.
davolfman Ars Praetorian
WaltC wrote:
I've got a laptop with HD4000, it's performance is acceptable. I never got it for gaming but quad-core Ivy Bridge is such a CPU monster, even on mobile, that I can play a surprising number of older games that still look great. Sure the OpenGL support is crap, I wouldn't want to run Crysis, and I should probably avoid Skyrim on it, but Minecraft runs well in a window, and Bioshock and Just Cause 2 are beautiful (with the film grain filter removed in the latter). Even Civ 5 plays on it with only the occasional vanishing road.
Yes, the AMD IGPs may be twice as good but with current Intel graphics it's actually reasonable for companies to develop games toward systems without independent graphics again (after what, 15 years?).
dawesdust_12 Ars Praetorian
Well, we know that AMD can't make processors... at least they know how to do fairly well in Real Estate.
bagok Ars Centurion et Subscriptor
And they stand poised to do the same thing again with HSA.
Andrewcw Ars Legatus Legionis et Subscriptor
AMD can't sell off ATI.
Without looking at financial sheets. I would take a stab at their ATI side is making money or at least breaking even. Selling it off for a quick buck will backfire quickly in the longrun. Stockholders will love it because it'll bring in some money. Raise the price just a little. And stockholders will dumb and run for the hills. But for a long term play, they can't.
And selling their HQ is an accounting move. If their CFO is smart. They see the writing on the wall. Filing for Chapter 11 might be in the future. So selling off the building now. Takes that asset off the books. So you're able to file for bankruptcy and restructure faster. Eg. screwing someone over and claiming you have no assets to sell.
SinclairZX81 Ars Tribunus Militum
A shame. I remember building up a K7-powered system back in the day, and have been with them ever since. I've just had a great experience with their processors. But with the missteps they've taken of late, I can't say any of this is really surprising.
And sorry, however "common" it may be, selling your property for a (desperately needed, or you wouldn't do it) cash injection, only to rent that same property back... Not a good thing. At. All.
Stickmansam Ars Praetorian
AMD cannot sell out or merge becuse if they do that all the x86 cross-lisencing with intel will end.
The end of the year looks good for AMD. They have steamroller cores coming out that are rumored to be at least 30% higher IPC (due to elimination of architectural fault) making themselves conpetitive in high end as well as low end (lots of potential power savings). They also have the new APU based on GCN and steamroller which will be a potent combination.
The company has to last long enough for those projects to come to fruition and start making them money.
MonkeyPaw Ars Scholae Palatinae
Lex-Man wrote:
Yeah, and console sales are all good and fine, but I doubt they see much revenue from it. AMD could probably fold and those designs would live on.
Seems like AMD needs a rich uncle to step in and save them. They still have value tied up in IP. Sadly, they just couldn't keep pace with a very powerful Intel in the long term, and now powerful desktop hardware is on the decline. They really needed a better mobile strategy than they had.
Andrewcw wrote:
Selling it off for a quick buck will backfire quickly in the longrun.
Your exactly right. AMD sold/leased back its HDQ in Sunnyvale back in 1998 and now look where they are.
Hinton Ars Legatus Legionis et Subscriptor
Slipgatex wrote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoXRHexGIok
I had an Athlon XP, which was arguably the best CPU of it'´s time.
Build Duron systems for my friends, pencil unlocking trick and all.
None of mine ever exploded.
The socket 754 Newcastle was great as well, but I hadn't understood that it was a dead road. The dual cores never came to it.
gijames1225 Ars Tribunus Militum
I have so far used AMD processors exclusively solely for the cost-effectiveness (although EVGA amazing costumer service has shifted me to Nvidia for GPUs). I hope they can turn around somehow and get back in the fight like the Athlon 64 days of being serious competition and cause for innovation.
Edit: It's also wonderful being able to buy a $400 laptop that can run Skyrim decently, courtesy of their APUs so they need to keep at it for all us budget gamers out here.
Last edited by gijames1225 on Tue Mar 12, 2013 2:00 pm
Sarad Ars Tribunus Militum
Sufinsil wrote:
I tend lto ook at this the same way, I am sure the cash is helpful, but its too little to make a long term difference for AMD. They had a $157 million net loss in 3rd quarter 2012 so this would only get them 90 days.
I see is one big flaw: in 1998, everyone knew that something big code-named as "K7" was around the corner scheduled sometimes in 1999 and there were rumours aplenty about how well it would perform. So there was serious reasons to keep hope.
Now, I'm not aware of anything like this for AMD. That would have been serious in the late 90s when PC were the pinnacle of computing devices. That's even worse now when they are slowly surrendering to smartphones and tablets and everything that it entails concerning the way to make chips for those devices.
I think the worse business decision they've ever made was to sell their Imageon division to Qualcomm sometime after having bought ATI. Now, Imageon is known as Adreno and it provide GPU for every Snapdargon SoC, which in turns in probably lots of money that's not going to AMD.
tachistoscope Smack-Fu Master, in training
kbhola wrote:
to its credit, i doubt ill ever be able to be fingerprinted in the future
they grow back - check your digits
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The ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense Rejected In This High-Profile Shooting
Posted at 4:20 pm on March 10, 2017 by Bob Owens
Curtis Reeves, Jr, the former police captain who shot a man to death in a theater in January of 2014 during the previews before a showing of “Lone Survivor,” has just has his attempt to justify the death of Chad Oulson using Florida’s “stand your ground” law rejected.
A retired Florida police captain who is accused of shooting and killing another man during an argument over texting in a movie theater will face a trial after a judge rejected his “stand your ground” defense.
Judge Susan Barthle ruled Friday the “stand your ground” law in Florida does not apply in the case of Curtis Reeves because he was not in any imminent danger of death when he shot 43-year-old Chad Oulson before a January 2014 movie screening, FOX 13 reported.
“The physical evidence contradicts the defendant’s version of events,” Barthle wrote in her ruling.
The ruling clears the way for Reeves to face jury trial and a second-degree murder charge.
Reeves apparently instigated the conflict with Oulson over his texting during the previews to a movie, and it went downhill from there.
There are no known witnesses to support Reeves’s claim that Oulson struck him with his hands or any other weapon-like object, just a bucket of popcorn Ouson smacked from Reeves hands, then threw back at him. Even his wife doesn’t agree with his claim. No physical evidence supports the claim that he was struck, either.
Reeves allegedly fired immediately after Oulson threw the popcorn.
Reeves is essentially attempting to claim that since Oulson was younger and bigger and using foul language, that he was justified in using deadly force. While Florida’s “stand your ground” law has been used successfully in many instances, the available evidence in this incident did support Reeves’s claim that Oulson constituted an imminent deadly force threat at the time he was shot. It in fact suggests that Reeves played a role in both instigating the initial confrontation, and he then re-instigated it after he returned from speaking to the theater manager.
His trial for second-degree murder will now proceed.
Tags: CrimeCurtis Reeves Jr.Floridastand your ground
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Forum Activity Feeds
NORD Honors Industry, Patient Advocates at Rare Impact Awards Gala
In Pulmonary Fibrosis News.
A violinist with vasculitis, two Texas politicians and a pharmaceutical company whose marijuana-derived therapy helps kids with Dravet syndrome were among winners of the 2019 Rare Impact Awards.
Officials of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) presented the awards during a June 22 dinner attended by 550 guests at the NASA Space Center in Houston. Retired astronaut Kenneth Cameron inaugurated the event, which was emceed by celebrated gymnast Mary Lou Retton and held in conjunction with the NORD Patient & Family Forum.
Donna Appell accepts her 2019 Rare Impact Award at NORD’s June 22 gala in Houston. (Photos by Larry Luxner)
“Some things may seem impossible, like winning a gold medal or exploring outer space,” said Retton, who won five gold medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics. “But tonight, we honor the hard work of everyone in this room, people who beat the odds to live their best lives every single day. If there was a gold medal for selfless service, it would certainly go to them.”
In all, 17 individuals, nonprofit groups and pharmaceutical companies ranging from Agios to Ultragenyx took home sleek glass trophies. The event took place against a backdrop of space-themed artifacts such as Apollo 11 art and lunar rocks that celebrate the upcoming 50thanniversary of NASA’s first manned mission to the moon.
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, who represents the 10thCongressional District, and State Rep. Sarah Davis, representing Texas House District 134, were honored for their efforts to improve the lives of patients with rare diseases.
Shortly after his election, McCaul, a Republican, founded the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus, and was key to passage of the 2018 Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access and Research (STAR) Act. Davis, now serving her fifth term, spearheaded legislation to improve oversight of the Texas Medicaid program and remove prior authorization requirements from early child intervention services.
“As a current Houstonian but a native West Virginian, I offer a special ‘thank you’ to Mary Lou Retton [who was born and raised in Fairmont, West Virginia],” said Davis, also a Republican. “You are all on the front lines every day fighting for your loved ones, and it’s your personal experiences that inspire me as a Texas legislator to want to fight for your community. I look forward to a strong and impactful relationship with NORD.”
FDA rare-disease breakthroughs
GW Pharmaceuticals made history in June 2018 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the British company’s cannabinoid therapy, Epidiolex, to treat two rare and severe forms of epilepsy.
“Epidiolex will make an incredible difference in the lives of people struggling with lifelong seizures,” said GW’s U.S. chief commercial officer, Darren Cline. “When the FDA approved Epidiolex one year ago this month, it was a culmination of our company’s efforts to bring forward a new option for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.”
NORD’s chairman of the board, Marshall Summar, MD, and CEO Peter Saltonstall.
Cline added: “Fulfilling this mission required steadfast determination in cannabinoid research and breaking through the barriers that stood in the way of progress. Approval of the first cannabis-derived medication opened the door to treatments for patients with other rare diseases.”
Jayne Gershkowitz, chief patient advocate at Amicus Therapeutics, accepted her company’s award for developing Galafold (migalastat), the first FDA-approved pill for Fabry disease. Galafold, which retails for $315,000 a year, provides an alternative to lengthy infusions and is now approved for reimbursement in 24 countries.
“On behalf of everybody at Team Amicus, I share our deep appreciation for this Rare Impact Award,” she said. “Throughout the 16 years it took to bring Galafold forward in the largest trials ever conducted in Fabry, we doubled down on persistence. But it was the urging of those individuals and families directly affected by Fabry — and the relentless collaboration of the many nurses and counselors at 50 study sites around the world — that kept us going.”
From HLH to HPS
In addition to Amicus and GW, other companies winning Rare Impact Awards for therapies approved by the FDA during 2018 were:
Agios Pharmaceuticals, for Tibsovo (ivosidenib) to treat adults with relapsed or refractory or acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, for Onpattro (patisiran) to treat the polyneuropathy of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR) in adults.
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, for Palynziq (pegvaliase-pqpz) for adults with phenylketonuria (PKU).
Dompé, for Oxervate (cenegermin) eyedrops to treat neurotrophic keratitis, a rare disease affecting the cornea.
Loxo Oncology, for Vitrakvi (larotrectinib), a treatment for patients whose cancers have a specific genetic biomarker.
Novimmune and Sobi, for Gamifant (emapalumab-lzsg) to treat patients with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) who have refractory, recurrent or progressive disease or intolerance to conventional HLH therapy.
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, for Crysvita (burosumab-twza), the first therapy approved to treat patients one year and older with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), a rare, inherited form of rickets.
Violinist and patient advocate Allison Lint entertains guests with classical music.
Other winners included clinical and molecular biologist Wendy Chung, MD; Debra Regier, MD, director of genetic and genomic education at Children’s National Medical Center; Madison Shaw, whose charity, Maddie’s Herd, helps people affected by primary immune deficiency disorders; Deborah Skolaski, an advocate with NORD’s Texas Rare Action Network; and the Platelet Disorder Support Association, which won the 2019 Abbey S. Meyers Leadership Award for its work on behalf of people with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
Allison Lint, a Kansas City violinist with Missouri’s St. Joseph Symphony Orchestra, provided classical music for the gala. Lint is the founder of the nonprofit group Violin for Vasculitis. Lint’s mission is to travel to all 50 states to raise awareness about her rare autoimmune disease.
Also honored was registered nurse Donna Appell, whose 1-year-old daughter, Ashley, was diagnosed with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS), a rare and potentially fatal bleeding disorder associated with albinism. In 1992, she established the New York-based HPS Network, which now has more than 1,300 members.
Jayne Gershkowitz accepts an award on behalf of Amicus Therapeutics.
“NORD has been a source of guidance for over two decades. I feel especially close to those organizations with ridiculous names,” Appell said to much laughter. “In 1992, we engaged our patients in clinical research by gathering two 24-hour urine buckets. It had to be held in January because they had to be refrigerated outside. That was patient engagement!”
Appell has also launched Dare to be Rare, a clothing line that helps to raise awareness of HPS and other rare diseases. Her organization also recently helped establish the first clinic to treat HPS in Puerto Rico, where the disorder is particularly prevalent.
“NORD understands our sadness that we still don’t have a treatment for HPS,” said Appell, whose mission started with Ashley, who’s now 31, but continues with the thousands of families she’s connected with over the years. “I will never stop trying to cure this disease for her.”
The post NORD Honors Industry, Patient Advocates at Rare Impact Awards Gala appeared first on Pulmonary Fibrosis News.
Chris Comish serves as the Publisher of the website, and is responsible for directing the editorial focus as well as putting the finishing touches on many featured articles.
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Heermann's Gull Ring-billed Gull
Mew Gull
Larus canus
Version: 2.0 — Published January 1, 2002
William Moskoff and Louis R. Bevier
Figure 1. Distribution of the Mew Gull in North America.
This species winters locally inland and also breeds in Europe and Asia. See text for details.
Adult Mew Gull giving Long-call display; Alaska, June
Anchorage, AK; June. Long calls are given for territorial defense and during agonistic encounters at feeding areas. ; photographer Rick and Nora Bowers
Adult Mew Gull, non-breeding plumage; California, February
Salton Sea, CA, February.; photographer Brian L. Sullivan
The Mew Gull is a characteristic bird of beaches and river estuaries along the Pacific coast in winter and is the smallest of the “white-headed” gulls in North America, where it was formerly known as the Short-billed Gull. Its breeding range on this continent is confined to northwestern portions, but it has a nearly circumpolar distribution, occurring across a substantial stretch of Eurasia, where it is also called the Common Gull. Because of its extensive range with rather marked differences among European, northeast Asian (known as Kamchatka Gull), and North American populations, taxonomic treatment of this species has varied, with 2 to 3 species sometimes recognized. Its world population is probably in excess of 1 million pairs.
This gull is remarkable for the plasticity of its habitat selection and for its reproductive and feeding behaviors. It is facultatively colonial, and colony size can range from a few to several hundred pairs. It breeds in both marine and freshwater habitats and is both a ground and tree nester, being the only “white-headed” gull that regularly uses trees for nesting. It occupies a wide variety of habitats, several of which are used in both summer and winter, including lakes, rivers, and rocky shores. In addition, during the breeding season, it uses tundra, marshes, streams, and islands. In winter, North American breeders chiefly forage over inshore and near-offshore marine waters, lagoons, and river estuaries; they are mainly coastal, being rare far offshore. Onshore, Mew Gulls may frequent flooded fields and short-grass pastures and are common, and perhaps best known, around sewage-treatment ponds and outfalls in coastal communities. This bird eats fish in coastal waters and insects and other invertebrates both along the coast and inland; occasionally, it will feed on grains and berries, depending on the availability of the main items in its diet. It employs a variety of foraging techniques, including kleptoparasitism. Nest sites depend on what is available locally, but are typically selected because they offer protection against predators and inclement weather. Because the Mew Gull has been studied in Europe as well as North America, its life history is well known.
In North America, significant research has been done on Mew Gull breeding biology in British Columbia ( Vermeer, K. and K. Devito. (1986). The nesting biology of Mew Gulls (Larus canus) on Kennedy Lake, British Columbia, Canada: comparison with Mew Gulls in northern Europe. Colonial Waterbirds 9:95-103.
Vermeer and Devito 1986) and Alaska (south-central region by Burger and Gochfeld [ Burger, J. and M. Gochfeld. (1987). Nest-site selection by Mew Gulls (Larus canus): a comparison of marsh and dry-land colonies. Wilson Bulletin 99:673-687.
Burger and Gochfeld 1987] and the Anchorage area by Adamson [ Adamson, C. I. (1988). The breeding biology and food habits of Mew Gulls (Larus canus) nesting in Anchorage, Alaska. Master's Thesis, Humboldt State Univ., Arcata, CA.
Adamson 1988]). Habitat selection has been studied in British Columbia ( Vermeer, K. and K. Devito. (1987). Habitat and nest-site selection of Mew and Glaucous-winged gulls in coastal British Columbia. Studies in Avian Biology 10:105-110.
Vermeer and Devito 1987) and south-central Alaska ( Burger, J. and M. Gochfeld. (1988b). Habitat selection in Mew Gulls: small colonies and site plasticity. Wilson Bulletin 100:395-410.
Burger and Gochfeld 1988b) and foraging behavior on Puget Sound ( Tangren, G. V. (1982). Feeding behavior of crows and gulls on a Puget Sound beach. Western Birds 13:1-12.
Tangren 1982), in Anchorage ( Adamson, C. I. (1988). The breeding biology and food habits of Mew Gulls (Larus canus) nesting in Anchorage, Alaska. Master's Thesis, Humboldt State Univ., Arcata, CA.
Adamson 1988), and in British Columbia ( Vermeer, K., I. Szabo and P. Greisman. (1987c). The relationship between plankton-feeding Bonaparte's and Mew gulls and tidal upwelling at Arctic Pass, British Columbia. Journal of Plankton Research 9:483-501.
Vermeer et al. 1987c). In Europe, extensive work has been done on the relationship between sexual and agonistic behavior ( Weidmann, U. (1955). Some reproductive activities of the Common Gull, Larus canus L. Ardea 43:85-132.
Weidmann 1955), breeding behavior in Ireland ( Whilde, A. (1984). Some aspects of the ecology of a colony of Common Gulls. Irish Birds 2:466-481.
Whilde 1984), growth energetics ( Kahru, M. and J. Kespaik. (1983). Growth energetics of the Common Gull. Communications of the Baltic Comm. for the Study of Bird Migr. 15:93-104.
Kahru and Kespaik 1983), habitat selection in Poland ( Wesolowski, T., E. Glanewska, L. Glanewska, E. Hejnowicz, B. Nawrocka, P. Nawrocki and K. Okonska. (1985). Size, habitat distribution and site turnover of gull and tern colonies on the middle Vistuala. Acta Ornithologica 21:45-67.
Wesolowski et al. 1985), nest-site selection in Finland ( Von Haartman, L. (1980). Nest sites of the Common Gull Larus canus in relation to ice age geology and other factors. Ornis Fennica 57:11-16.
Von Haartman 1980), population ecology in Estonia ( Rattiste, K. and V. Lilleleht. (1987). Population ecology of the Common Gull Larus canus in Estonia. Ornis Fennica 64:25-26.
Rattiste and Lilleleht 1987), and nest-defense behavior in Finland ( Kilpi, M. (1988). Offspring-defence behaviour towards a human intruder in three species of gulls: Larus marinus, L. argentatus, and L. canus. Ornis Fennica 65:156-162.
Kilpi 1988).
Moskoff, W. and L. R. Bevier (2002). Mew Gull (Larus canus), version 2.0. In The Birds of North America (A. F. Poole and F. B. Gill, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bna.687
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The BISP, in its efforts to identify poor households through a multi-dimensional measure, has conducted a country-wide Poverty census using Poverty Score Card (PSC), which collects information on the various characteristics of the household as well as its assets. The Nationwide Poverty Scorecard Survey, the first of its kind in South Asia, enables the BISP to identify eligible households through the application of a Proxy Means Test (PMT) that determines welfare status of the household on a scale between 0-100. The survey was started in October 2010 and has been completed across Pakistan except in two Agencies of FATA. Significant empirical evidence and international practical experience also supports use of PMT for successfully identifying households below a poverty cut-off score. The PSC based on PMT was developed using the PSLM 2005-06, later updated using PSLM 2007-08. BISP is the repository of this PSC data that provides not only poverty profile of each household but also provides data on 12 key indicators that include among others household size, type of housing and toilet facilities, education, child status, household assets, agricultural landholding, and livestock ownership. The poverty survey has the following features:
It identifies 7.7 million households who are living below cut-off score of 16.17
It creates a large and reliable national registry of the socio-economic status of around 27 million households across Pakistan
It uses GPS to map the data of the entire country for informed decision making (for example, to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies)
It validates the targeting process through third party evaluation
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Django Reinhardt: Accommodating Ingenuity
October 27, 2017 WDAV Blog@WDAV, News & Features, UncategorizedDavidson College, National Disability Employment Awareness MonthComments Off on Django Reinhardt: Accommodating Ingenuity
By Ellis Coan
In 1928 French guitarist Django Reinhardt suffered severe burns during a fire, resulting in the loss of function in two of his left fingers. Consequently, he devised new techniques and idiosyncrasies that allowed him to continue playing.
A confluence of factors, the foremost being his own commitment and talent, led to Reinhardt’s continuation as a musical performer. But Reinhardt’s preference for jazz over classical music also played a role in his success. As classical guitarists require extensive use of the ring finger, Reinhardt would have faced greater obstacles had he not been a jazz artist.
The existing classical repertoire did no favors for Reinhardt. According to jazz scholar Benjamin Givan, Reinhardt’s impairment prevented him “playing chords which require considerable wrist supination” and “precludes many fingerings which are merely run-of-the-mill for non-disabled guitarists.” Classical music and its strict adherence to prescribed fingerings, chord voicing, and other technical aspects would have been unfeasible.
Jazz, however, was far more accommodating of Reinhardt’s impairment both in terms of technique and repertoire.
Alex Lubet explains Reinhardt’s achievement in Music, Disability, and Society:
“The interpretive latitudes of jazz – to arrange, improvise, and compose one’s one parts – enabled a technical and stylistic transformation that gave Reinhardt access to the entire repertoire, played in his unique and idiosyncratic style.”
Limited in playing close intervals, Reinhardt would instead employ alternate chord voicings that could result in unique sonorities. Rapid runs up the guitar neck, often associated with Reinhardt, were likely resultant from his difficulty with shifting strings.
These idiosyncrasies, among others, borne from Reinhardt’s disability help form his distinctive style. Reinhardt’s success in jazz exposes the extent to which disability in music is constructed. Instead of framing his success as solely an individual feat we should hone in on the factors that necessitated Reinhardt’s invention and how they may influence or limit other disabled persons.
A Little Love, A Little Kiss by Django Reinhardt:
A Little Love, A Little Kiss (Original) by Eddie Lang:
Featured Above: Two versions of the same song, “A Little Love, A Little Kiss.” The first performed by Reinhardt, the second by Eddie Lang. Note the two different uses of chords — Reinhardt’s consists of two notes, spanning large intervals, while Lang uses many notes and close intervals.
Ellis Coan is a senior at Davidson College.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the U.S., established more than 70 years ago to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. WDAV partnered with Davidson College students in Professor Neil Lerner’s seminar on music and disability studies to produce a blog series highlighting composers and performers with disabilities. This post is a part of that series. Be sure to check WDAV: Of Note for additional blog posts focusing on different artist.
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Release Day for The Handmaid’s Secret!
Today is finally the day Starstruck fans have been waiting for! Molly’s long-awaited book, The Handmaid’s Secret is now available at all vendors!
Now available at all vendors!
Molly has always felt like a Martian misfit, never really fitting in anywhere. Her one claim to importance was being appointed Handmaid to the Martian Sovereign, Emileia. But now that they’re back on Earth, she feels useless even there. That changes when an obnoxious, annoyingly handsome Royal boy arrives in Jewel to steal M away from her soulmate Rigel. Finally, Molly has a job to do!
I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks of Molly’s story! I’ve been wanting to tell it for a long time and I’m so, so happy I can finally share it with you all!
Be watching for some more fun stuff over the next week or two, like a quiz to find out which Martian fine you belong to! (Those of you who subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on Facebook may have already seen this. It’s fun!) I’m also doing a series of Facebook Live videos with giveaways, so I hope to see you there, too!
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New doll hospital opens in downtown Muscatine
March 12, 2012 March 12, 2012 Chris Steinbach
Owner Cindy Fargo works at Doc Cindy’s Doll Hospital & Shop, which she opened Monday at 207 W. Second St.
MUSCATINE, Iowa — Well hello, dolly, it’s so nice to have you in a new downtown shop where you belong.
Cindy Fargo, 63, of Illinois City, Ill., opened Doc Cindy’s Doll Hospital & Shop Monday at 207 W. Second St. The 400-square-foot shop is in a storefront owned by Tom and Ann Meeker of Muscatine. It is next door to Grandma’s Lost Button, an alterations shop where Fargo had worked since September.
“She insists I go have lunch with her every day,” Fargo said of Claire Martin, her former boss and shop-owner neighbor.
Claire Martin
Martin opened her shop at 209 W. Second St. in November 2010 so the building where she had been located at 103 Walnut St. could be torn down by its new owners.
Fargo said she was certified as a doll doctor last year after completing an intensive week-long program at G&M Doll Restoration in Virginia Beach, Va. She decided to open her doll shop after running the business out of her home. She has also previously worked as a seamstress at Costumes By Patti Jo in Moline, Ill., and for her sister, Sue Spenner, and Bruce Brown at the Orange Street Theatre in Muscatine.
Doc Cindy’s will be open Tuesday through Saturday. The business will repair broken dolls from antique to new, including the 18-inch dolls that are normally known by the American Girl brand name and are popular with many girls.
“I also create and make dolls,” Fargo said, adding she will sell one-of-a-kind dolls made by artists who are well known in the region and beyond.
Those dolls will be sold for $100 and up, she said, depending on how big they are and how long they took to make.
“They’re very labor intensive,” she said of the dolls made by the artists.
What: Doc Cindy’s Doll Hospital & Shop
Where: 207 W. Second St.
Owner: Cindy Fargo
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Contact: 309-716-8069 or cfargo@qconline.com
What: Grandma’s Lost Button
Owner: Claire Martin
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Appointment only on Saturdays.
Have a question or feedback? Post it here or contact me at cs.iowaboy@yahoo.com or on Twitter @CSteinbach
Muscatine, News & Current Events, Work Cindy Fargo, Claire Martin, Muscatine 1 Comment
← More news — especially for those who read the obits
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One thought on “New doll hospital opens in downtown Muscatine”
Muscatine Community College says:
Hey nice post! I hope it’s alright that I shared this on my Facebook,
if not, no worries just tell me and I’ll delete it.
Regardless keep up the great work.
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What are the three poisons?
You will often hear reference to the three poisons in Buddhism, What are they referring to exactly when they talk about the three poisons?
hellyalehellyale
Three Poisons/Defilements (Kilesas – lit. torments of the mind):
Greed (lobha) – mindfulness transforms this into Faith
Aversion/hatred (dosa) – mindfulness transforms this into discriminating Wisdom
Delusion (moha) – mindfulness transforms this into Equanimity
Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi treats these poisons/kilesas on a deeper level in his book The Noble Eightfold Path, p. 8, 80-81:
The most basic defilements are the triad of greed, aversion, and delusion.
Greed (lobha) is self-centered desire: the desire for pleasure and possessions, the drive for survival, the urge to bolster the sense of ego with power, status, and prestige.
Aversion (dosa) signifies the response of negation, expressed as rejection, irritation, condemnation, hatred, enmity, anger, and violence.
Delusion (moha) means mental darkness: the thick coat of insensitivity which blocks out clear understanding.
From these three roots emerge the various other defilements — conceit, jealousy, ambition, lethargy, arrogance, and the rest — and from all these defilements together, the roots and the branches, comes dukkha in its diverse forms: as pain and sorrow, as fear and discontent, as the aimless drifting through the round of birth and death. To gain freedom from suffering, therefore, we have to eliminate the defilements. But the work of removing the defilements has to proceed in a methodical way. It cannot be accomplished simply by an act of will, by wanting them to go away. The work must be guided by investigation. We have to find out what the defilements depend upon and then see how it lies within our power to remove their support.
And also very importantly how to deal with the defilements:
"...the root defilements is conditioned by a particular kind of feeling: greed by pleasant feeling, aversion by painful feeling, delusion by neutral feeling. But the link between feelings and the defilements is not a necessary one. Pleasure does not always have to lead to greed, pain to aversion, neutral feeling to delusion. The tie between them can be snapped, and one essential means for snapping it is mindfulness. Feeling will stir up a defilement only when it is not noticed, when it is indulged rather than observed. By turning it into an object of observation, mindfulness defuses the feeling so that it cannot provoke an unwholesome response..."
Lanka♦Lanka
The three poisons (Sanskrit: triviṣa; Tibetan: dug gsum) or the three unwholesome roots (Sanskrit: akuśala-mūla; Pāli: akusala-mūla), in Buddhism, refer to the three root kleshas of ignorance, attachment, and aversion. These three poisons are considered to be the cause of suffering (Sanskrit: dukkha).
Source: Three poisons (Buddhism) - Wikipedia
They are commonly circumvented by contemplating on the three characteristics or marks of all existence - anicca, anatta and dukkha. See this talk in the Burmese vipassana tradition.
See also, kleshas
BuddhoBuddho
Curiously on page 66 (page 87 of the PDF) of How Buddhism Began – The conditioned genesis of the early teachings, the author suggests that the "three poisons" are the result of people misinterpreting (i.e. taking literally) a metaphor that the Buddha used.
I don't know (maybe didn't understand) but maybe that's reflected in the comments below this answer, where Andrei (whose tradition is I think Tibetan Buddhism, compared with yuttadhammo's Theravada) ascribes more importance to three poisons e.g. by including aversion as one of the causes of suffering in the second noble truth (that's maybe also visible in Buddho's answer to this question).
Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged tibetan-buddhism or ask your own question.
Could Lobha(craving) and Dosa(aversion) be working in tandem?
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Role of suicide in the context of Dalai Lama's birthday and inevitable deathday
What are the rotating cylinders in monastries, and why are they there?
Buddhism views on Ancestor Worship
What does Diamond Way Buddhism say about obstacles at times of becoming more conscious?
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Restaurant bites back when customer video shows worm in fish
PMN Business
ASBURY PARK, N.J. — A New Jersey shore restaurant is fighting back against a customer who posted a video of a worm crawling out of a piece of fish.
The video was shot over the weekend at Stella Marina Bar & Restaurant in Asbury Park and shows the thin, pale worm crawling out of a piece of cod.
In a Facebook post, people at the restaurant criticize customer Jim Guinee for trying to “destroy” their “reputation and possible livelihoods” and say they stopped serving the cod dish after the worms were discovered.
Guinee tells NJ.com he is an attorney but hasn’t taken any legal action against the restaurant.
The restaurant writes parasitic roundworms “are frequently found in the guts and in the flesh of fish” and occasionally are missed by inspectors.
Information from: NJ.com, http://www.nj.com
‘We had no idea this was coming:’ Windsor auto parts plant to close, putting 270 out of work, after losing Chinese customer
Two years ago city waived the manufacturers’ $1.3 million tax bill to keep plant open
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Should Your Firm Have a Chief Privacy Officer?
November 13, 2015 October 27, 2015 / Julie Brook, Esq.
Following the trend in big business, a Pennsylvania law firm has just appointed its first Chief Privacy Officer (CPO). Should your firm consider having such a position?
The short answer is: Yes!
Any organization—including law firms—that collects, processes, or uses personal information must implement information security plans to ensure that the personal data in its control is adequately protected. See CC §1798.81.5. It may not be necessary or economically feasible to create a separate CPO position, but organizations should designate and empower an employee or employees to be responsible for setting security strategy and policy, conducting ongoing regulatory analysis, and overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the security program.
As the new CPO at Pennsylvania’s Fox Rothschild explained it to the Legal Intelligencer, his position will provide “a centralized location for client questions on data privacy, review of firm technology contracts and reviews of data privacy questions on RFPs or engagement letters.” His job will also include “reviewing and revising firm policies on data security and educating attorneys and staff on the issue.”
So if law firms have to protect personal information and data they’ve been entrusted with and should have someone in charge of that effort, how vigorous do those security measures have to be? The various laws, regulations, and enforcement actions aren’t specific; they require that security be “reasonable,” “appropriate,” or “adequate.” See CC §1798.81.5(b).
One thing we do know is that an integral part of any security plan is encryption. For example, California’s statute on protecting personal information applies only to such information that is not encrypted or redacted. See CC §1798.81.5(d)(1). But even that statute doesn’t give hints as to what might be sufficiently strong encryption, probably because of the need to keep the legislation technology-neutral and thus enable it to withstand the passage of time; what’s considered strong encryption today will likely be viewed as weak in a few years.
Smaller law firms may be hard-pressed to find the resources to implement information security, but ready or not, it’s now part of the legal business as it is with all businesses. CEB is here to help with guidance on handling information security and security breach in Privacy Compliance and Litigation in California, chap 3.
Other CEBblog™ posts you may find useful:
Make These 4 Assumptions about Cybersecurity
Cyberattacks 101
Huge Settlement in Massive Data Breach, But Will It Help?
Business Law, Legal Topics, Practice of Law
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From Microcredit to Livelihoods – New Roles for UnitedProsperity
The Malegam committee that was constituted to look into the state of microcredit in India presented its report a few days back. The report has been greeted with cautious optimism by several experts including N Srinivasan and Ramesh Arunachalam (Note: One USD is equal to Indian Rs. 45. One lakh is 100,000 and one crore is 10 million). The regulator, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has now requested comments from the general public and the RBI will finalize its guidelines in March-April 2011.
Meanwhile, the repayments in the state of Andhra Pradesh are still severely affected. Following the Malegam committee report, banks have started restructuring the loans for microfinance organizations (MFIs) that have made a lot of loans in Andhra Pradesh (i.e. MFIs get more time to repay the bank). In the rest of the country repayments continue to be high in the order of 99%. Loans are also being paid back to our MFI partner, Ajiwika, as per usual levels and we do not foresee any problems. Bank lending to MFIs has slowed down considerably and it seems that banks will start lending in a serious manner only after April 2011 when they have greater clarity on the nature of regulations.
These events are profound with a couple of important take-home messages:
Supporting MFIs with the right social DNA is very important: This crisis highlights the fact that a few MFIs lost the way and started profiteering from the poor rather than helping them. In India alone there are perhaps more than 100 MFIs that are very committed to supporting the poor and are not indulging in any profiteering. However many of them do not get the needed support. Thus we clearly recognize that we need to support these socially oriented organizations and we will continue to support such socially oriented organizations. Conversely we also need to consciously avoid organizations that could potentially one day start profiteering. In this regard, an MFI in Kenya had got a bank loan approval based on a 50% guarantee from UnitedProsperity. On further due diligence we found that the MFI’s effective interest rate was high and the pricing to its borrowers was non-transparent. We therefore decided to not support this MFI.
Beyond microfinance, focus on livelihoods is essential: A typical MFI would provide credit and in some cases provide other financial services. The clients would in most cases be engaged in different businesses, and beyond assessing the capacity of the borrower to repay the loan, the MFI does not directly help the borrower with her business. Thus if a client of an MFI finds that she cannot get the raw material for her business on time or if the costs go up suddenly or if the market for the product is affected then the client could get severely affected. In some cases these clients may borrow from multiple MFIs or money lenders to tide over what would seem to be a short term crisis and then eventually get enmeshed in a debt trap. An organization that is involved in livelihoods will do much more such as getting together clients who perform a similar business together in a co-operative or a producer company. The organization may pool the raw material requirements of its clients and buy the raw material in bulk from wholesalers or manufacturers cutting out the middlemen. The organization may provide training to its clients in their business. The organization may also aggregate their produce and sell it to end customers cutting out the middlemen. Thus, well run livelihood initiatives reduce input costs, get better prices for their products, reduce risks, allow clients to slowly graduate to larger loans without getting enmeshed in a debt trap, generate higher income and help clients get better control of their businesses and lives.
In my next post I will be writing about a new livelihood initiative that we are working on. And thank you very much for your patience and understanding over the last few months when we have had no loans online.
Tags: India, Kenya, livelihoods, Malegam committee, Microfinance, N Srinivasan, Ramesh Arunachalam
Categories Countries, India, livelihoods, Microfinance
What is the right way to help the poor?
Microfinance as it started in Bangladesh is a social business. i.e. The microfinance institution (MFI) is either a non-profit or is owned by its borrowers in case it is a for-profit institution (e.g. Grameen Bank). This ensured that most of these organizations in Bangladesh are single bottom-line, pro-poor organizations whose primary and only mission is helping the poor in a sustainable manner. While most MFIs are non-profits, there is an emerging trend of commercializing microfinance by establishing for-profit MFIs.
In India, a few MFIs have raised equity from socially minded investors and also commercially oriented venture capitalists and private equity firms.Some of these for-profit MFIs also had plans of going public and SKS Microfinance became the first MFI from India to go public in August 2010. This was not appreciated by Prof. Muhammad Yunus who said that this is not the right direction. For those interested in knowing more, the two debates at Clinton Global Initiative and at Asia Society offer a fascinating perspective.
The last few days have been pretty unprecedented for microfinance in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India.Here is a summary of what has happened and some of its potential implications:
In the state of Andhra Pradesh in India, which is the home of several for-profit MFIs, several borrowers were facing extreme stress from excessive debt due to excessive borrowing from multiple MFIs and also from local money-lenders. There were also some reported cases of suicides due to debt-stress.
Extreme debt-stress amongst borrowers forced the Andhra Pradesh state government to implement several measures to protect the interests of the borrowers. The Principal Secretary of rural development at Andhra Pradesh clearly stated certain aspects that are non-negotiable in the operations of MFIs:
“We are very clear that certain fundamentals are non-negotiable for example, there cannot be any coercive mechanism, second thing is that there cannot be any multiple lending and third thing is that there cannot be lending without due diligence. I think these are fundamentals, beyond that certainly we are prepared to discuss and then we are prepared to look at it with open mind as far as the modalities are concerned, we are with open mind and we can certainly look at any difficulties that are arising and then dissolve it.”
Since then, Vijay Mahajan, the CEO of Basix which is a large MFI in India, and one of the most respected microfinance leaders summarized the problem and stated that these events will serve as a course correction:
“So it was basically situation where the sector’s incentive structures had gone wrong and I think that corrective has happened. We will rebuild the sector along the right lines and I am sure we will contribute to financial inclusion in the country but all over the country not just Andhra Pradesh.”
Elisabeth Rhyne, Managing Director, Center for Financial Inclusion also writes on similar lines:
“The blame for this unfortunate situation falls most squarely on the MFIs that failed to restrain aggressive growth even as the market became increasingly saturated. Investors must also swallow a big spoonful of blame. Because they paid dearly for shares in the MFIs, they need fast growth to make their investments pay off.”
I believe that the path of course correction has just started and if correctly done with the help of regulators it will be of great benefit to the poor. But the next few months are likely to be turbulent in Andhra Pradesh. MFIs in Andhra Pradesh are not reporting their usual level of collections from borrowers and as a result the finances of the MFIs who are operating in Andhra Pradesh are likely to be strained.
Banks have also slowed down their lending to MFIs and several loans that were to be disbursed to MFIs located all over India have been put on hold over the last few weeks. Banks are slowly resuming lending, but their approach is likely to be cautious for several months to come.
Ajiwika, our microfinance partner works in the states of Jharkhand and Bihar. Unlike Andhra Pradesh, these two states have low levels of penetration of microfinance and Ajiwika is not having any difficulty collecting repayments from borrowers. However, we are waiting on our partner bank to disburse the loan to Ajiwika for profiles for which we have already raised the guarantee (See for profiles by Raised status on http://www.unitedprosperity.org/us/featured_loan_listings).
Although this situation happened in Andhra Pradesh, it is going to affect poor families all over India over the next few months. With banks becoming more cautious in lending to microfinance, it is going to slow down the availability of microcredit in regions like Jharkhand, Bihar, Kutch and others that have low levels of microcredit.
At a broader level, this raises a bigger question. Is the external investor driven profit-maximizing approach appropriate for solving complex problems such as poverty? Can it create unintended consequences especially for those who have so little, as we saw in the case of Andhra Pradesh?
A desire to help fellow humans is the primary motivation for United Prosperity and our loan guarantors. Social Businesses, that carry a single bottom-line of only helping the poor in a sustainable manner, as enunciated by Prof. Yunus, are certainly the need of the hour.
Tags: Andhra Pradesh, Microfinance, Muhammad Yunus, Social Business
Categories Countries, India, Microfinance, Social Business
Creating a shared prosperity
Last month we visited Ajiwika, our first partner microfinance institution based out of Jharkhand, India. We were very keen to meet some of the entrepreneurs from Ajiwika. We were joined by Tanay Chakravarty, the CEO of Ajiwika and some of his staff.
Our first visit was to Chakri Pahar which is around 10 miles from Deoghar where Ajiwika’s main office is located. We were greeted by several entrepreneurs and their families including Barki Devi and group, and Bandana Devi and group. Many of the entrepreneurs belonged to the Santhal tribe and we received a traditional Santhal welcome where they offer a pot of water with flowers to their guests, which was a wonderful experience. Shortly thereafter we started talking to the entrepreneurs on how the microloans had helped them – Barki Devi bought a bullock with the loan, Bandana Devi increased the inventory in her shop, Juba Hembram and a few others bought a cow.
Most of the stories showed signs of incremental progress, but we were impressed how Shaila Devi and her husband Naresh Murmu had quickly grown their business of making ventilators for houses. Naresh Murmu had been working as a mason for sixteen years. He had the skills but he did not have the money to start his own business. On getting the microloan, he started his business and now he has also employed two other people.
We were also delighted to learn that all the children in the neighborhood were going to school. In some cases, some families who were now enjoying a higher income after taking the microloan were enrolling their children in private schools instead of the government run schools which offer free education. While most of the women could only sign their name but could not read and write, their determination to make sure that their children have a good education was truly noteworthy.
As we were about to leave, Barki Devi sang a Santhal song to mark the occasion. The song was about coming together to create a shared prosperity for everyone. The experience was truly overwhelming and I still cannot fathom how she could choose a song so apt and profound on that occasion.
We visited more entrepreneurs at Nilkothi. Nilkothi is in the neighboring state of Bihar, which has recently experienced very good economic growth. The entrepreneurs here including Shanti Devi, Savitri Devi and other members were mainly involved in agriculture. All the entrepreneurs were highly appreciative of the fact that the microloans are disbursed quickly at their door step. They were excited to see pictures of guarantors coming from all over the world to support them.
We also visited Ajiwika’s branch offices and their head office. The branch offices are very functional and consist of two rooms with a kitchen and an attached bath. One of the rooms serves as an office and has a computer, two desks, a few chairs, a cupboard and a white board for keeping a scorecard of the loans. The staff involved in running the branch sleeps in the office at night.
The impact of the guarantee on Ajiwika has been remarkable. Six months back most of the smaller microfinance institutions like Ajiwika were struggling to raise funds because of the financial crisis. While development lenders such as FWWB and SIDBI were making some loans to smaller microfinance institutions, most of the banks had become extremely conservative in their lending. Banks often tend to work in an informal syndicate. If one bank lends then other banks are more inclined to follow. The converse also holds true, if the more development oriented banks become conservative, then the rest of the banks follow suit.
UnitedProsperity.org’s guarantee enabled one bank to lend to Ajiwika. Now that a mainstream bank was lending to Ajiwika, over the next six months several other banks have approved loans to Ajiwika.
The guarantee has had a catalytic effect. Not only did we directly support the entrepreneurs on our website, but we also provided the spark for freeing up funds locked with other banks to support many more entrepreneurs who are not listed on our website.
Barki Devi’s song of coming together to create a shared prosperity is apt indeed!!
Tags: Ajiwika, India, Jharkhand, Microfinance, prosperity, UnitedProsperity.org
Categories Countries, Field visit, India, Microfinance
Microfinance agenda for the new government: Open letter to the new Finance Minister of India – guest post by Mr. N Srinivasan
Readers may recollect, the previous interview with Mr. N.Srinivasan on microfinance in India. In the interview he had also suggested policy measures for the new government..
I am delighted to share with you, Mr. N Srinivasan’s ‘ Microfinance agenda for the new government: Open letter to the new Finance Minister of India’.
Mr. Srinivasan will be participating in the discussion on this blog so please feel free to comment, critique and add your suggestions. Also please tell your friends and people involved in Microfinance in India and other parts of the world.
Microfinance agenda for the new government: Open letter to the new Finance Minister of India
Dear Honourable Finance Minister,
The Indian electorate has returned a stable government to power which should facilitate the smooth passage of important policies and legislation. As one of the most versatile and experienced ministers in India, you have in front of you an enormous opportunity to empower more than 75 million microfinance clients(1) who also voted during the elections. With suitable policies you can enable banks, Microfinance
N Srinivasan
Institutions (MFIs), Non Government Organizations, Self Help Groups and thousands of people who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of our people to meet the aspirations of livelihood development and viable financial services of the served and yet to be served microfinance clients.
The microfinance sector seeks the continued support from the new government. With the growth of microcredit and the increasing aspirations of the people it is now time to look deeply into certain aspects which have now acquired an even greater importance.
1) First on the microfinance agenda is the microfinance law. With great hope the microfinance sector approached the previous government which suitably responded with a microfinance bill after consulting the sector at different levels. But the bill lapsed with the dissolution of parliament after its term was over. Now a new microfinance bill has to be brought in to ensure vibrant growth and effective regulation of the sector. You have the opportunity of doing the exercise de novo as the earlier bill had scope for several refinments. The new law should focus on functional regulation of those in microfinance – not form of institution based regulation as was attempted earlier. Customer protection is a critical issue that should be addressed in the law.
2. A clearer articulation of the stance towards Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) mobilising savings would be timely. You would be aware that the banks are still not in a position to provide savings services despite a few million “no frills accounts” (2). Allowing MFIs to mobilise savings on their own account or as correspondents of banks would improve availability of savings services to the remote and poor populations. Some of the limitations in the existing guidelines on banking correspondents need a review to accelerate availability of savings services.
3. A deposit insurance facility could secure savings of people in MFIs (e.g. Vietnam has a facility for this). This would increase regulatory comfort in allowing MFIs to mobilise savings. The Deposit Insurance Corporation could extend its existing cover to MFIs as well.
4. The refinance facility(3) available to banks from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other sources should also be available to MFIs. The MFIs’ needs are smaller, but are dire and funding them satisfies a critical segment of vulnerable population. The facility could be set up in the public sector and made merit based without discretionary allocations. This would go a long way in ensuring funds flow to the sector even during periods of recession and financial meltdown.
5. The Centre should have an urgent dialogue with the States on issues relating to legitimacy and relevance of MFIs. Currently State governments also run their own independent microfinance programs. State governments could multiply the impact of the resources they deploy towards microfinance if they partner with microfinance institutions. Hence they should be actively encouraged to support microfinance operations by partnering with MFIs and the current microfinance infrastructure. This measure will not only put an end to intrusive and at times abrasive interference of local state officials in microfinance which is not healthy for the sector. The current state run programs can be gradually transitioned to MFIs so that the poor clients are not impacted.
6. The governments (centre and states) have several schemes that offer capital and interest subsidies to borrowers from banks(4). Such selective application of subsidies through select banks distorts the market, influences borrowers in their choice of banks and increases transactions costs of the customers. If the government has to pass on subsidies or transfer other benefits to people, the MFIs should also be eligible to participate in such schemes. This would ensure that the government is not a party to setting an uneven playing field.
7. The financial inclusion drive should undergo a qualitative change. The focus on numbers should give way to real access to financial services and including clients. The present efforts by and large start and end with opening of an account to meet mandates set by the RBI and as a result most banks end up doing the bare minimum. Doing business with included clients should become a valid objective in the drive towards total financial inclusion. This needs to become the corporate philosophy of banks engaged in inclusion. Perhaps, you may want to consider giving financial incentives to banks to work with low income clients so that the goals of shareholders, officers and employees of banks are aligned to making low income clients a significant source of revenue.
8. Lastly, financial inclusion measures have ignored MFIs and Primary financial cooperatives. These are the institutions that have the network and human capacity in the hinterland to provide financial services. Measures to strengthen and incentivise these structures to play a major role in financial inclusion would help the excluded population more than the other efforts targeting commercial banks.
Most of these require policy responses. Given the right policy environment, I am confident that the microfinance sector will perform and surpass your expectations. The perceived complexity and high costs (of designing financial sector policies that improve livelihoods of poor) should not deter the government nor make it defer the policy response to a future date. A large sector with more than 75 million poor but eager clients awaits your response; please help the clients empower themselves towards a better future.
Yours inclusively,
N.Srinivasan
Author – State of the Sector report – Microfinance India 2008
Shrin54[at]yahoo[dot]co[dot]in
(1)Revised estimates for 2009 made on the basis of the data provided in the State of Sector Report on Indian Microfinance 2008, Access Development Services
(2)Simple savings accounts introduced that required no minimum balance and no service charges to facilitate poor open and operate bank accounts – introduced by Reserve Bank of India
(3)RBI offers a lender of the last resort facility; NABARD, SIDBI, National Housing Bank also offer refinance facilities to banks; some limited facilities are also available to MFIs
(4)Mostly public sector banks handle such schemes
Tags: Finance Minister, India, Microfinance, microfinance law, N Srinivasan, policy, savings
Categories Countries, India, Microfinance, Uncategorized
Everything you wanted to know about microfinance in India but did not know whom to ask – Interview with Mr. N Srinivasan
Bhalchander: It is my great pleasure to have with us on email Mr. N Srinivasan, author of the ‘Microfinance in India: State of the Sector Report 2008’. The unabridged report is also available in several bookstores including amazon. Mr. N Srinivasan is a development economist and a career development banker. A postgraduate in economics from Madurai Kamaraj University, he also has a certificate in training and development from the University of Manchester. He served National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for about 25 years of which last six years were in the capacity of Chief General Manager.
After leaving the bank, he is pursuing a career as a freelancer and has been a consultant to World Bank, IFAD, UNDP, UNOPS, GTZ, Frankfurt School, Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Access Development Services and Government of India.
And thank you very much for taking time from your busy schedule to be with us.
Bhalchander: The Microfinance in India: State of the Sector Report 2008 is a very comprehensive report. Could you tell us in brief about the methodology you used for the survey?
N Srinivasan: It is difficult to fit in the preparation of the report to a defined methodology given the size, complexity and multiplicity of stakeholders in the sector. Interviews, surveys, dip stick studies, focus group discussions and literature reviews were all used. Mostly secondary information made available by NABARD, Sa dhan, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Insurance Regulatory and Develoment Authority (IRDA) and others were used to analyse macro trends. Study and research outputs of several individuals and organisations were also examined and used to validate the voices from the field. Primary information and client/practitioner views were gathered during field visits – I was on the road for more than eight weeks. About ten seminars and conferences gave insights in to certain aspects of the sector. UN Solutions Exchange ran two questions on their web platform which produced information from different sources. Weaving all the information from different levels and sources in to a cogent report was the tricky part.
Bhalchander: The title slide of your presentation is very interesting. It says “In Search of a ‘mission beyond growth’”. Could you please elaborate on that?
N Srinivasan: The last two years saw vigorous growth. But growth cannot be not an objective; it is a path to somewhere. Where- is the question that the sector needed to ask. With all the efforts and resources are we serving “our customers” well and effectively is the question. Most growth has been planned in pursuit of institutional aspirations – not necessarily for improving quality and effectiveness of services to the clients. Hence the need for “mission beyond growth”.
Bhalchander: You state that the intensifying competition is not entirely leading to positive results. Could you please elaborate on that?
N Srinivasan: Competition has pressurized MFIs in to cutting corners in client acquisition, servicing and monitoring processes. Offering higher loan sizes just as a competitive response without an appropriate appraisal, financing of existing clients of other MFIs without considering their repayment capacity, poaching clients from others by making enticing offers thereby introducing clients to shopping and MFI hopping and a focus on increasing client and loan base without adequate risk management systems are some of the consequences of escalating competition. Competition is good for the customer as it improves product quality and reduces costs in the short term. But these improvements may be temporary, if unfair competition destroys some of the competing institutions. The customer would tend to suffer in the long run.
Bhalchander: The presence of MFIs is concentrated in regions which are well endowed and where the entrepreneurs (clients) are relatively better off, while the less endowed regions and the poorer clients do not have access to microfinance. Do you think increasing competition will eventually make sure that all regions and all entrepreneurs are reached or would we need additional incentives or policy measures to make that happen?
N Srinivasan: Competition is limited – almost non-existent- in the less endowed regions. Poorer people are last choice clients and do not gain easy access to finance. Competition would fill in gaps in well endowed areas and among better off clients. For the less endowed areas policy interventions and financial incentives are needed. The financial inclusion campaign with the support of two funds can play a very significant role in extending frontiers of microfinance to remote and underserved areas. But policy push should result in banking system and MFIs making inclusion a “ business prospect” rather than a CSR obligation.
Bhalchander: India is perhaps unique in having two major models of microcredit. One is the traditional Bank- Self Help Group (SHG) model and the Grameen replicator model followed by most MFIs. Based on your experience and recent observations which model is proving more effective in lifting people out of poverty?
N Srinivasan: Studies show that SHG model where it has been in existence for a long time (five years or more) has an impact on poverty. The NCAER study finds evidence that savings income, expenditure on education and health have all increased. I would believe that MFIs would also have a similar effect where they have provided loans to same clients over a period of time. But given the present small size of loans in both the models, it is difficult to envisage a rapid decline in poverty. The loans are not sufficient to cover investment in livelihood assets that can produce a poverty mitigating income. In fact the loan sizes need to be about ten times the present average to provide a base for poverty alleviating income for a family. Credit, we are reminded is not a solution to poverty. There are other enablers necessary such as access to markets, appropriate technology, skill sets, input availability and infrastructure. Institutions that have managed to provide/ensure these linkages in addition to finance have been more successful in addressing poverty.
Bhalchander: There has been huge and rapid growth of the larger for-profit MFIs. Many of them seem to have adopted a strategy of touch and move. i.e. They make microloans to a few people in a locality and then move on to another locality, rather than truly get involved and penetrate a given locality. What is the impact of this strategy on the clients and the MFI?
N Srinivasan: The “touch and move” models result in high transaction costs, low revenues per client, low ability to manage risks, render monitoring and supervision of operations difficult due to the expanded span of control and impose higher costs on the customer. Small loans leave the customer open to poaching by other lenders. While widening is necessary for inclusion, deepening of services would lead to greater customer loyalty, higher revenues per client and lower transaction and risk costs. Consolidation of business in each location before moving to new locations would better serve the interests of MFIs.
Bhalchander: Most of the funds go to a select few for-profit MFIs who are on a rapid expansion path. They get equity more easily from investors as they have the potential to go IPO. Since they have access to equity, they are also able to access bank loans on favorable terms and grow very rapidly. On the other hand, smaller MFIs that are more localized find it very hard to raise funds. Given that capital is limited, is there any reason why smaller, more localized MFIs should be supported rather than only support the larger ones as seems to be the trend today?
N Srinivasan: A good question. First of all the notion that an MFI needs to be very large to be effective has to be dispelled. The paradigm relevant in banks that have multi-location, multi-business clients is not relevant to MFIs where clients are small and ticket sizes are also small. Most pan-Indian MFIs would tend to increase their costs of management and control on account of extended spans and large complement of staff. The standardization that takes place to make the business manageable would leave little scope for innovation and no flexibility to respond to client specific requirements. In many ways such large organizations would be software driven and not by local human intellect. Microfinance is relationship banking to the core. Hence I would venture to say that small MFIs should be supported to find the right size. Equity, quasi-equity, long term loans and guarantees are tenable ways of financing such institutions.
Equity as the dominant option requires large MFIs so that the investor gets a viable exit strategy; hence there is a mutuality of interests among those wanting to grow huge and those wanting to invest in equity with a ‘return’ consideration.
Finding the right size is the challenge – one of the issues is sustainability, another risk management across clients and activities in the loan portfolio, a third is the absolute cost of regulatory/supervisory compliance which is the same regardless of size. But a critical consideration should be at what size the MFI could still be sensitive to the client’s needs. The short answer is that we should prioritise small localized MFIs for all support.
Bhalchander: What strategies should smaller MFIs which are either NGOs, societies, S.25 companies or cooperatives adopt given that they are likely to find it very difficult to transform into for-profit Non Banking Finance Companies(NBFCs) with the financial crisis and still continue to serve their clients? Is member owned co-operative which can also mobilize its own savings a feasible option?
N Srinivasan: Member owned forms are feasible, but slightly difficult option. There are member owned and managed for profit companies, Mutually Aided Credit Societies, conventional cooperative societies that are successful. There are a dozen examples of member-owned MFIs that work successfully. These could be the models that other transformation candidates could emulate. An important caveat is that such institutions take three to five years to stabilize; so the threshold of patience should be high to give such institutions the space to grow and psopper.
If transformation is to ensure continuity and sustainability of access to finance, the NGOs could also think of becoming Banking correspondents of banks. With more technology entering microfinance space, banks are willing to use NGOs to service microfinance clients.
Bhalchander: Some of the large MFIs in India have reached sizes which are not common in other parts of the world. Moreover they are purely microcredit institutions with no access to internal funds unlike Grameen Bank for example. And further they are for-profit entities with investors which also include Private Equity funds and Venture Capital apart from a few socially responsible investors. Such scale and structure is not found anywhere else in the world. What do you think are the emerging risks to banks which lend to them, their clients and to the organizations themselves because of this aspect which is so unique to India?
N Srinivasan: We might find a few large MFIs in other countries too. Some MFIs have targeted growth and size and have moved ahead. They have the appropriate models for expansion of business. But customer comfort may not always be a priority. They offer uniform products regardless of clients’ livelihood investments and cash flows. Sustainability of fast paced growth and retaining clients after three or four cycles of lending with the same loan product are concerns that would have to be addressed. The high profits come out of an ability to price the loan – poor clients pay out from their capital or a new loan. Whether borrower would be sustainable at any level of interest rates? – the long term future of the MFIs depends on a study of interest rates on loans taken out of desperation and loans taken for livelihood activities.
Bhalchander: What can the microfinance sector in India learn from other countries?
N Srinivasan: Capacity building approaches, induction of relevant technology, regulatory practices and building the profile of microfinance are some of the areas where we can learn from others.
Bhalchander: If you were to suggest 5 policy measures to the new government which have to be implemented in the next five years to improve the lives of the poor through microfinance, what would those be?
N Srinivasan:
Targeting livelihoods and incomes among the poor so that financial services can offer relevant services that address poverty.
A new microfinance bill that would focus on sector regulation – not institutional/model regulation.
Enabling savings mobilization by the sector either on own account or as correspondents, with the backing of deposit insurance through Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Funding for investment in new customer acquisition for MFIs and banks to achieve financial inclusion objectives
A low cost bulk funding facility that would finance MFIs for on-lending to defined microfinance clients so that interest rates to the borrower could be kept affordable and MFIs themselves would remain sustainable.
Bhalchander: Mr. Srinivasan, thank you very much for being with us. We wish you success in your efforts to educate all stakeholders in microfinance and in the process building a vibrant microfinance sector which offers a hand up to the poor.
Mr. Srinivasan will be taking additional questions from readers posted in the comments, so please feel free to pose your comments and questions.
Tags: India, interview, Microfinance, Srinivasan
Categories India, Interviews, Microfinance
Microfinance in India and the Global Financial Crisis
My visit to India last month gave me a great opportunity to talk to people and get a first hand assessment of the impact of the global financial crisis on microcredit programs. Yesterday I also happened to read a recent Fitch ratings report on microfinance and it gave me an opportunity to compare its findings with my own observations.
Fitch ratings believes that there is growing evidence that the larger, more integrated players in this sector are experiencing increased pressures. Given the concentrated nature of the industry, with the 100 largest microfinance institutions (MFIs) estimated to account for 80% of sector assets and 70% of sector borrowers, Fitch’s view is that it will be difficult for the microfinance sector to be immune to the global financial crisis.
Talking to banks and some of the MFIs, I did not get an impression that the ability of the larger for-profit MFIs to raise debt (loans) in the short term from local commercial banks was severely affected. Perhaps this may be because banks in India are required to allocate a certain portion of their lending to priority sectors like microfinance. Since most commercials banks do not lend to smaller MFIs, I think the larger for-profit MFIs have multiple banks to shop around for their debt and thus are able to raise commercial debt to a reasonable extent despite the global financial crisis.
I also met with people at AccessDev, an MFI network in India. Through its AmFa initiative, Access supports 110 MFIs, most of which are smaller MFIs working in remote and under-served regions. As per Access and some of the MFIs I spoke to, smaller MFIs are finding it increasingly difficult to get fresh loan approvals. This problem is compounded because only a few banks and development institutions such as SIDBI, FWWB, HDFC Bank and Axis Bank lend to smaller MFIs.
Thus my assessment of the impact of the financial crisis at least in the Indian context is that Microfinance as a whole is likely to see lower growth and smaller MFIs will get impacted more severely than the larger MFIs.
On a separate note while in India, I also attended a Panel discussion where Vijay Mahajan the founder of Basix, India was a panelist. One of the points he mentioned was that MFIs are increasingly finding it difficult to raise equity. Discussions with the team at IFMR trust also gave me the same impression. MFIs need to raise equity because most banks typically lend to MFIs only if their capital adequacy ratio exceeds a certain threshold. Greater equity leads to a greater capital adequacy ratio. (Check http://www.themanagementor.com/enlightenmentorareas/finance/FIFS/CapiAdeq.htm for a more detailed discussion on capital adequacy).
Typical investors in equity include microfinance focused funds like Unitus, foundations like the Michael and Susan Dell foundation, private equity and venture capital firms. I think equity investors are increasingly finding it difficult to raise funds from their investors because of the global financial crisis. If MFIs are unable to raise equity then in due course they will find it increasingly difficult to raise debt from commercial banks and serve their clients.
Given these trying times, I think it is all the more reason that the community at large should increase the support for microfinance and help MFIs and poor entrepreneurs tide over this crisis.
Tags: Accessdev, Axis Bank, Basix, Dell, Fitch, FWWB, Global financial crisis, HDFC, IFMR, India, SIDBI, Unitus, Vijay Mahajan
Categories Countries, India, Microfinance
Helping Microcredit Programs Succeed
Continued from ‘The First Break-through’.
By February, we had gathered additional momentum. Chiradeep Vittal joined the team and soon after Amar Singh, Ramkumar, Ramya and Vinay started building the system at a fast pace. We would have quick two week development iterations followed by testing done by Suriya Prabha and Supraja.
There was a ton of legal work to be done and we initially had a very hard time getting any law firms to help us. But after a little bit of struggle, things fell into place – Hanson Bridgett, UC Berkeley and O’Melveney and Myers started helping us with the legal work.
Meanwhile Natasha Ramarathnam joined us in India and we started talking to various Microfinance institutions (MFIs) who may need guarantees and also to the large banks who lend to these MFIs.
As we started talking to MFIs and MFI networks, we were soon struck by the enormity of demand and the amount of ground we had to cover. Rajkamal Mukherjee, a microfinance veteran and VP at Accessdev (a Microfinance network working with emerging MFIs in India), wrote to us:
“The AmFA partnership presently has 110 partners aggregating to outreach of 2.4 million clients and gross loan portfolio of over a USD 250 million. These institutions represent a major chunk of the 40-50% annual growth segment in the sector. Our assessment of the immediate demand for additional credit among the AmFA partners is of USD 600 million.”
This bottom up assessment of the demand was quite stunning. One would expect that banks would quickly step in and lend to microfinance institutions adequately at a market determined interest rate. But that clearly does not seem to happen, despite the fact that banks in most developing countries have enough capital to lend. One outcome of this has been that bank lending has been heavily skewed to the larger MFIs while smaller MFIs have struggled to raise adequate bank loans to meet demand.
Prof. Mohammad Yunus summarizes the problem beautifully ‘The biggest problem we face in trying to expand the reach of microcredit is not the lack of capacity. Instead, it is the lack of availability of money to help microcredit programs get through their initial years until they reach break-even level.’ He further adds ‘Local banks cannot lend to MFIs because MFIs cannot provide collateral. However, if an international or domestic organization steps forward to act as a guarantor, local banks are happy to provide the money’ (Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus with Karl Weber, Public affairs books, Creating a world without poverty : Social business and the future of capitalism, page 70, 2007).
I would take Prof. Yunus’s argument one step further. To make bank loans available to microcredit programs through their initial years, we need to make guarantees easily available. And to make guarantees easily available we need a scalable way to raise funds from socially responsible investors. I believe that our internet-centric model has the potential to raise socially responsible funds in a scalable manner and make it available to MFIs when they need it the most. Implementing it calls for a lot of hard work from a lot of people. I will write more on that topic in another post.
Tags: Accessdev, guarantee, MFI nework, Microcredit, Mohammad Yunus, Socially responsible investing
Categories Guarantees, Microfinance, Socially responsible investing, starting up
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The Community Coordinators for Renew Wales at their training event to use VocalEyes.
Renew Wales – an organisation funded by the Welsh Government that provides 200 local community groups across Wales to develop sustainable policies that address climate change – is also utilising VocalEyes to communicate with its team of 25 community coordinators across the country.
Renew Wales director Robert Proctor said:
“Ever since Renew Wales was first formulated, we have been seeking ways for our members to communicate and develop their ideas. In VocalEyes, we have found a tool that may be able to support community decision making and action. VocalEyes could help groups to gauge how people feel towards certain ideas with a simple rating system, but can also learn how they might develop their projects via ideas and comments submitted from other users of VocalEyes.
“We feel that this could be useful to the Renew Wales programme and we are looking to trial it with some of our willing community groups and through the Renew Wales programme itself. We also hope to use it as a way of getting constructive feedback from those working on Renew Wales as a transparent way of helping to improve the delivery of Renew Wales as a programme”.
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Pediatric Radiologist
Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, Jacksonville, is currently seeking diagnostic Pediatric Radiologist to join nine Pediatric Radiologists including three Interventional Pediatric Radiologists. Nemours is a pediatric tertiary care subspecialty clinic located in Jacksonville, Florida. The position involves full-time responsibilities as an attending diagnostic Pediatric Radiologist at our freestanding outpatient facility and at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Wolfson is a 216-bed pediatric hospital where all imaging modalities are utilized. An opportunity for academic appointment to the Mayo Medical School is available.
Nemours Radiology provides full pediatric imaging services (diagnostic and interventional) for the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE, Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, FL, Nemours Children’s Specialty Care in Jacksonville, FL, Nemours Children’s Clinic in Pensacola, FL, as well as staffs pediatric radiology at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, FL.
Nemours radiology services are integrated within a single PACS with faculty working from common work-lists. In 2017, over 250,000 imaging examinations were performed in the system. Faculty are licensed in both Delaware and Florida and credentialed throughout the system. By creating an integrated Nemours-wide Radiology department, there is now a critical mass of more than 30 pediatric radiologists, making it one of the largest pediatric radiology faculty in the nation. This critical mass has enabled marked improvement in report turn-around times, increased sub-specialization, dramatic increase in academic productivity, and work on system-wide quality improvement and safety initiatives. The Division of Interventional Radiology with 5 full time and 5 part time FTE’s spans three integrated campuses and will soon be among the largest divisions in the country. The Division runs vascular anomaly, musculoskeletal, liver, diagnostic neuro, oncology and trauma services within the enterprise which will encompass over 7000 procedures this year. Most interventional physicians have licenses and credentialing at separate campuses with integration which allows real time cross campus consulting in the suite and North and South region call coverage. The Division also runs clinic and inpatient services and has proudly earned the top Division Press Ganey customer satisfaction scores in the hospital.
The preferred candidate will have strong skills and experience in the interpretation of diagnostic pediatric radiology exams, excellent clinical and interpersonal skills, and the desire to collaborate with clinicians to deliver the best in imaging care.
Interested candidates should forward their formal CV and references to:
Chetan C Shah, M.D., Interim Chairman, Department of Medical Imaging
Chetan.shah@nemours.org
Jacksonville is Florida’s River City by the Sea. With 840 square miles, it is the largest city in the United States. It is a city that still has a small town atmosphere, but has grown to become a sophisticated business city with a penchant for culture, sports and exceptional quality of life. Jacksonville is blessed with natural beauty, located on the northeast tip of Florida. Tucked in and around boundless acres of water, this is Florida’s First Coast.
The area is home to over 35 miles of sandy, white beaches; more than 55 world-class golf courses, including the Stadium Course at Sawgrass, beautiful state parks, luxurious spas and resorts, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cultural attractions include the Jacksonville Symphony, the Florida Theatre, which offers national performers on stage nearly every night of the year, touring Broadway shows, and the Museum of Science and History. With a mild year-round climate, Jacksonville offers a wide array of leisure activities for everyone to enjoy, including golf, tennis, boating, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, and shopping.
Inpatient care is delivered at Wolfson Children's Hospital, connected directly to our clinic with a walkway connector. The 216 bed facility includes a new patient tower, a 20 bed PICU, a 12 bed CVICU and 48 Level 2 and 3 NICU beds, with 24 hour critical care coverage. All pediatric surgery specialties are represented including in-house pediatric hospitalist coverage and 18 pediatric anesthesiologists.
With three clinic locations in the Jacksonville area, Nemours is a leading provider of pediatric specialty care in north Florida with many of our pediatric specialists regularly recognized as the "Best Doctors in America®." We offer comprehensive, family-centered care in many pediatric specialties. Several of those specialties, offered in collaboration with Wolfson Children's Hospital, have been named among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Nemours also has two satellite clinics to support patients closer in their respective communities. Full telemedicine opportunities and support is available as many divisions are utilizing this technology currently throughout our clinics.
As one of the nation’s premier pediatric health care systems, Nemours provides world-class clinical care in four states – Delaware, Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nemours is nationally known for leadership in prevention, quality and safety, family-centered care, continuous improvement (lean), and informatics.
Nemours offers a competitive salary and a robust benefits package that includes productivity and quality based financial incentives, relocation, health, life, dental, CME, 403B Retirement Plan with matching, 457-retirement savings plan, licensure and dues allowance. Florida has no state income tax, and Nemours is a not-for-profit; full-time employed physicians qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
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How Much Do Tow Truck Owners Make?
Karen Gardner
Hand Laborers and ... $25,300/year /> 2012-2016 +5.7%
Delivery Truck ... $28,020/year /> 2012-2016 +6.9%
Salary Insights •
More Salary Information
Tow truck driver owners are very valuable people. They rescue you when your car breaks down, or tow your broken down car from your driveway to the shop so it can get repaired. A tow truck owner salary, while not on the higher end of the spectrum, can earn you as the driver a decent living. So if you want to become a tow truck owner and driver, you will be performing a service that will save many people from inconvenience, at the very least.
A tow truck owner is very likely a one-person business. Once you’ve invested in your tow truck, you are ready to start your business and start earning your tow truck business income. This is a job that has a lot of variety. You’ll get to drive to many locations in your general locale, so you should be familiar with the area you serve. You’ll also need to invest in a good, up-to-date GPS system, and you'll need to be able to get around traffic congestion. As a tow truck owner driver, you’ll wear lots of hats. You’ll be a salesperson, mechanic, driver, accountant and computer operator.
As a tow truck owner and driver, you'll want to have an understanding of, and even a passion for, auto and truck mechanics. You’ll be the first line of response for people who are stuck on the road, and sometimes, also for those who are involved in crashes. Some tow truck drivers perform simple mechanical repairs for clients; this can be advantageous to the two truck driver, as he can bill the motorist on the spot, and then send the driver on her way. More likely, you’ll be loading up the car, and sometimes also the car’s occupants, to transport the vehicle to an auto mechanic's shop to be fixed. You’ll probably need to be set up to take credit cards, and you’ll need to be able to calculate the proper payment so that you’re charging a fair rate for your service but not overcharging the motorist. You will need to be calm and reassuring, since many of your clients will be distraught. You must load the car onto the tow truck with care, after making certain that the vehicle’s occupants are not in your tow truck.
A tow truck driver owner doesn’t need formal education beyond a high school diploma, but you will need training. The Towing and And Recovery Association of America has a certification process with three training levels. A commercial driver’s license is usually required, and training courses are available. Training courses put drivers through courses that teach you math, including geometry and algebra, which is needed to calculate angles used to retrieve vehicles. You'll also be taught to identify proper equipment for the job, how to clear highway accident scenes quickly and safely, and how to do jobs from a large school bus to a small car. A tow truck driver should also be familiar with auto mechanics.
Many tow truck driver owners start out as mechanics, and save money to buy their own trucks. Business courses are also helpful, because a tow truck driver owner is likely to be self-employed. Some tow truck driver owners start out with one truck, and eventually buy more trucks and hire employees. So training in employee relations is helpful. You may be able to hire an accountant, but basic bookkeeping skills are also important to calculate your tow truck business revenue.
You will also need sales skills. You’ll need to build up relationships with auto mechanics and service stations who will send you clients. You may build relationships with local first responders and insurance agents.
Tow Truck Industry
A tow truck driver must be prepared to work in all kinds of weather. You will be called out in snow, ice, rain and heat. Your hours will vary. You may work early mornings, late evenings, even the middle of the night. As the owner of a tow truck, you can set your hours, but if you want to keep your clients happy, your hours may not be typical weekday hours. Tow truck driver owners work for themselves, but it helps to partner with other drivers and auto shops to coordinate coverage of geographical areas if you need to be off at a certain time.
A tow truck driver earns an average of $57,500 per year. Entry-level positions start at $26,000 per year, while experienced workers average $97,750 per year. Tow truck drivers in the West and Northeast tend to make more than drivers in the South and Midwest. Tow truck owners must earn enough to cover the costs of their truck, their insurance and other business costs.
There is a need for heavy truck drivers, which includes tow truck drivers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment is expected to grow 6 percent a year through 2026, according to the BLS. Revenue in the U.S. towing industry, about $6.3 million in 2018, is expected to grow to $6.5 million in 2022.
Nuevoo: Tow Truck Driver Salary in USA
Stauffer's Towing and Transport: What Training is Required for Tow Truck Drivers?
Statista: Motor Vehicle Towing Revenue in the U.S. 2010-2022
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Heavy and Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers
Peoria Journal Star: The Good, the Bad and the Weird: Tow Truck Drivers See it All
Tow Professional: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Civic Center Auto Care: Tow Operator/ERS Tech
Karen Gardner is a writer and editor who spent many years in community journalism. Her worklife began as a Library Page, shelving books in a local library, and selling children's clothing in a department store. Those early customer service experiences gave her the foundation she needed to navigate through tricky office situations in later jobs.
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Continue Reading in Salary Insights
Gardner, Karen. "How Much Do Tow Truck Owners Make?" , https://careertrend.com/much-tow-truck-owners-make-34971.html. 22 December 2018.
Gardner, Karen. (2018, December 22). How Much Do Tow Truck Owners Make? . Retrieved from https://careertrend.com/much-tow-truck-owners-make-34971.html
Gardner, Karen. "How Much Do Tow Truck Owners Make?" last modified December 22, 2018. https://careertrend.com/much-tow-truck-owners-make-34971.html
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Diesel Service ... $45,170/year /> 2012-2016 +5.6%
Taxi Drivers and ... $24,300/year /> 2012-2016 +30.6%
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This Week In Music (V.35): Florence + The Machine, King Kylie, & More
Published on June 14, 2015 September 26, 2016 by ChaoticCritic
Welcome to another edition of This Week In Music. Be on the lookout for MAJOR changes coming to the blog. I’ll save that for another post. Check out what’s been posted this week below:
New Music: The Weeknd, ‘Can’t Feel My Face’
Fashion Forward Friday [V.25]: Thrift Finds
Etsy Sticker Haul #2
As always, let’s start the week of with chart news. Over on the Hot 100, the standings are the same as last week with Wiz Khalifa’s ‘See You Again’ still in at #1 followed by ‘Bad Blood’ and ‘Trap Queen’ in at #2 and #3 respectively. Over on the Billboard 200, Florence + The Machine are back with a new album, How Big How Blue How Beautiful. Last weeks #1 spot, At. Long. Last A$AP drops to #3 as Taylor Swift’s 1989 holds tight at #2.
Moving on to songs worth mentioning, I’m really enjoying T-Pain’s track with Juicy J, ‘Make That Sh*t Work.’ I really hope to hear more of T-Pain on the radio. I remember my high school days with ‘I’m Sprung, ‘Buy You A Drank,’ and more. Lately he hasn’t had quite the success of his previous tracks, but if T-Pain could do one thing he could make a club banger. Club bangers are typically radio smashes. This one doesn’t “smash” like the others, but it’s a nice segue to get some buzz. Listen below:
Another song worth mentioning this week is Nicki Minaj’s ex, Safaree Samuels’, ‘Love The Most.’ This track is a quick look into his relationship with Nicki Minaj as she penned her thoughts all over her latest album, The Pink Print. So Safaree raps about how he was her number 1 supporter for 12 years, yet lived in the shadows. Like their breakup is more notable than their entire relationship to the public, simply because it was a little messy. Back to the track, so he raps about everything they’ve been through and even plugged her track ‘Bed of Lies.’ Well, Nicki took to Twitter, as usual, and tweeted a number of tweets. The most noteworthy:
Making a 12 yr relationship work at such young ages? We’re BOTH the real MVP. things got rocky at the end but we had a GREAT run. #B4Ujudge
Enough of the pity party. Just live your life.
And just for the record, I’m in love with meek.
I’ll have to save the dynamic, well previous dynamic, between these two for another post coming very soon. They each have their own stories about what happened to their relationship and they’re really the only two that need to know. Then again breakups make for great music. Now The Pink Print wasn’t a classic album, in my book, but ‘Crying Game’ breaks down a lot of their relationship. Listen to Safaree’s track below:
In other music news, Lil Wayne announced at KMEL Summer Jam that he had signed a deal with his “mother f***ing idol” Jay Z. Now for those wondering what kind of deal, it’s been clarified that he was just reiterating his stake in Tidal. Nothing spectacular.
Lastly, Kylie Jenner has an album on the way. Now her siblings Brandon Jenner and Kim K have both released music. Brandon had a bit more quality than Kim’s, but hey, the studio is a magical place that can amp up anyones sound. Especially with the resources the Kardashians have and with a super producer brother-in-law like Kanye, who knows what Kylie will put out. It has been said that she’s taking vocal lessons, her mom says she sounds great, but Tyga is going to be producing? I mean KANYE IS HER BROTHER-IN-LAW, yet she’s going with Tyga? I mean Tyga does know DJ Mustard who could give her a dope beat. I still would consult with Kanye over Tyga any day when it comes to music. Rumor has it she has a ‘Tinashe’ sound. Interesting to see what she’ll put out and when.
Categories Music•Tags asap rocky, bad blood, fetty wap, juicy j, kanye west, kim kardashian, kylie jenner, meek mill, music, music blogger, music news, new music, Nicki Minaj, safaree, see you again, t-pain, taylor swift, tinashe, trap queen, tyga, Wiz Khalifa
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How to Pick a Great Tequila at Any Price Point
© AskMen
The Best Tequilas Money Can Buy
Kaitlyn McInnis
The history of tequila and the history of Mexico have been intertwined from the beginning. The indigenous people of Mexico worshipped the agave plant; they would use it to make paper, they would use it as medicine and they would even make a fermented beverage from the heart of the plant. This fermented beverage is largely regarded as the very first, undistilled version of tequila, and it was very precious to them – they would only enjoy it during special ceremonies and only with the highest members of society.
RELATED: How to Taste Tequila
These days, tequila has gotten a reputation of being a drink to shoot rather than to sip – and while we’re always down for an over-the-top night of shots, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by dismissing tequila as a party-exclusive spirit. Contrary to popular culture, fine tequila goes just as well neat or on the rocks as a whiskey or cognac would – and a quality tequila is easier to find than you may think.
According to Daphne Renée Castro, production host at Tequila Patrón in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, this party-first reputation is largely due to the rampant rise in popularity that the tequila industry saw in the seventies and eighties, where Mexico simply could not meet the demands from the US market. “The truth is, we weren’t prepared,” Castro tells AskMen. “So what ended up happening was that we created two different types of tequila. The first one, you may know as “mixto” – an agave spirit that is 51% sugars from Weber Blue Agave, 49% from a different source, that we would export to the US. Then we have the second category, which is 100% Weber Blue Agave and was only available in Mexico.”
It wasn’t until the early nineties that 100% tequila started making its way into the US, and by then, we were pretty accustomed to “mixto.” Even today, Castro urges US consumers to ensure their bottle says 100% tequila, 100% agave or 100% Weber Blue, to ensure it’s the highest quality agave – and legally tequila.
“Pay attention to the CRT (Consejo Regulador Del Tequila),” Castro tells AskMen. “The CRT is a tequila regulatory council. The rules for producing tequila may be set up by the government, but these are the guys who are going to make sure everybody’s following them. The CRT grants distilleries a license – what we call a ‘Nom number’ – and you’re going to find this number on every single tequila or 100% bottle. What it means is that the bottle of tequila comes from a registered or a verified distillery.”
If you come across a brand that does not have a Nom number on the label, then it’s not actually tequila – this is an easy way to ensure what you’re shopping for is the real deal, something to sip and enjoy, rather than something to shoot. Castro also suggests using Know Your Nom, where you can put in any Nom number that you come across and it will tell you what distillery it comes from and what other brands you might find there. This can be a great way to find a similar brand of tequila from the same distillery as a given a bottle you may have particularly enjoyed.
Things to Keep in Mind While Shopping:
Know Your Nom: No matter what your budget is, this handy tool from the CRT will ensure what you’re buying is legally tequila. Locate the Nom number on the label before you even think about buying the bottle. Use the “Know Your Nom” tool to cross reference the distilleries you like and browse other brands you may come to love just as much.
100%, 100%, 100%: Look for 100%, 100% tequila or 100% Weber Blue on your bottle before making your purchase. This means that the tequila you’re about to enjoy is entirely made of high quality agave and is not a low quality “mixto.”
Skip Gold: You may think a gold tequila is just another way of flexing to your friends, and it may be, but for the wrong reasons. Gold tequila is simply unaged tequila with added coloring to make it look aged. Avoid this.
Budget: $
Patrón Silver
When the founders of Patrón tried tequila in Mexico for the first time, they quickly realized all that they were missing back in the United States. So they met with the master distiller, Francisco Alcaraz, and he designed a 100% tequila recipe for them. Together, they blended “the tahona process” of extracting sugar, and the “roller mill process.” Once they had tequila from both, they blended them together, and they still use that process for Patrón Silver to this day. Considered the world’s first ultra-premium tequila, it’s an easy-drinking spirit with notes of baked agave, light pepper, and citrus fruits. A great, affordable introduction to the world of premium tequila.
From $31 at Drizly.com
Don Julio is located in Jalisco – The Highlands – where, like Patrón, the agave is grown in much rougher conditions, which results in a much sweeter tequila due to the extra sugar production in the plant. Don Julio Blanco uses the roller mill process to extract the sugars of the agave and is then double distilled for an extra pure taste.
From $32.99 at Drizly.com
Budget: $$
Milagro Tequila Barrel Select Reserve Reposado
Most distilleries that export to the US are no longer able to sustain their agave production on-site, so they work with local farmers to ensure they have enough of the plant to meet their production needs. This bottle from Milagro Tequila, however, is made from 100% estate-grown weber blue agave, which means extra care was taken and only the most premium agave plants were selected. It’s also triple distilled for an extra smooth texture and taste.
Clase Azul Reposado Tequila
We’ll get to the taste and production in a second, but can we just talk about the bottle really quickly? Most spirit connoisseurs will tell you never to select your drink based on the bottle alone but just look at this piece of art – literally. Each one is carefully hand-crafted and painted individually, so no bottle is like any other. The tequila itself is slowly cooked, steamed, distilled and then aged in previously used American oak barrels for eight months. This ensures a consistent taste and quality – expect a caramelized agave taste with notes of warm spices like cider, cinnamon and honey.
Budget: $$$
Herradura Seleccion Suprema Tequila
Most tequila is aged for a few months at most, but Herradura Seleccion Suprema Tequila is aged for 49 months in American White Oak barrels. The “ultra-rested” tequila boasts an extremely rich, dark amber color with an almost smoky taste with notes of spice and florals.
From $300 at Drizly.com
Gran Patrón Burdeos
Here’s where Patrón gets its reputation as a beverage for the rich and successful! This luxury añejo tequila is carefully crafted and distilled with care, but what gives it an edge is how it’s aged. Gran Patrón Burdeos is finished in Bordeaux (Burdeos) wine barrels, which gives it a rich Bordeaux taste aroma with notes of oak, wood, vanilla and dried fruit.
From $349.98 at Drizly.com
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20 Distinguished Sipping Tequilas You Should Try at Least Once
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August 30, 2013 / 12:54 AM / 6 years ago
Indian rupee resumes slide as fears grow for slowing economy
Subhadip Sircar, Rafael Nam
MUMBAI (Reuters) - The rupee slid back towards a record low on Friday, with investors braced for a statement on the state of economy from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the release of data that was expected to show India in the grip of a protracted slowdown.
A shopkeeper writes currency exchange rates on a board inside a currency exchange shop in Kolkata August 29, 2013. REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri
Weak economic growth, a record high current account deficit and concerns about the government’s finances are proving a toxic mix for the rupee, which hit a record low of 68.85 on Wednesday after falling around 20 percent since May.
The Reserve Bank of India had prompted the rupee’s largest single-day rally since January 1998 on Thursday by saying it would provide dollars directly to state oil companies to pay for imports, but the recovery proved short-lived.
By late morning, the partially convertible rupee was trading at 67.36 per dollar, down from Thursday’s close of 66.55. Having tumbled 10.4 percent against the dollar so far this month, the rupee was set to record its largest monthly depreciation ever, according to Thomson Reuters data.
The fall has been so fast that is now firmly in territory that is uncharted, leaving analysts unsure how far it can go.
Gross domestic product data, due to be released after the markets close, is expected to show the economy grew 4.7 percent in the April-June quarter, marking a third consecutive quarter of sub-5 percent growth.
India suffered decade-low growth of 5 percent in the fiscal year that ended in March, and many analysts surveyed by Reuters during the past week expect this year to be worse.
“The lack of affirmative action by the government on improving the investment cycle in rest of the year risks reviving a downward spiral, which might pave the way for slip below 4 percent mark, as a worst case scenario,” said Radhika Rao, an economist at DBS in Singapore, in an email to clients.
With a national election due by May, Singh’s minority government is under fire from all quarters to come up with meaningful reforms, including a possible increase in diesel prices, that would lower the subsidy burden.
While the government gropes for game-changing policies to revive investment, while containing its fiscal deficit and reducing the current account gap, the central bank has led the defense of the currency.
A radical plan is being considered by the central bank, a source familiar with the RBI’s thinking told Reuters, to cut gold imports, the second biggest item after oil on the import bill, a source familiar with the RBI’s thinking told Reuters.
The proposal, which has met with skepticism in some quarters, would see commercial banks buy gold from ordinary citizens and sell to precious metal refiners.
Another suggestion came from Trade Minister Anand Sharma, who on Thursday said the RBI could monetize its gold reserves in order to reduce imports, while adding that it was up to the central bank to decide.
The RBI’s main defense of the rupee has rested on draining cash from domestic money markets and raising short-term interest rates, but that has made it more costly for struggling corporates to raise money, putting another brake on growth.
RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao, whose tenure ends next week, said on Thursday that those actions were necessary to stabilize markets, and urged the government to find longer-term solutions to the country’s current account deficit.
Although global factors such as the potential end to U.S. stimulus and most recently tensions over Syria have contributed to the rupee’s falls, Subbarao said domestic factors were at the root cause, an assessment shared by most analysts.
On Thursday, India’s lower house of parliament approved a land acquisition act, that is meant to help investment in industry and infrastructure, while protecting farmers interests by letting them get up to four times the market rate for their land. Critics say the new law will hardly help revive the floundering economy.
Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore
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Kate Middleton Says Prince Louis Is Practicing His Royal Wave
Erica Gonzales
Town & Country December 6, 2018
Photo credit: Jack Taylor - Getty Images
From Town & Country
Prince William and Kate Middleton visited Cyprus yesterday to spend time with military personnel ahead of the holidays, and although their children didn't tag along, the couple was sure to share stories about them during the trip.
During a walkabout in Akrotiri, Cyrpus, the Duchess of Cambridge met a fan named Rhian Davis, 32, who was carrying her 10-week-old daughter in a sling. Kate, who just welcomed baby Prince Louis in April, bonded with her over having young children.
"She asked whether [the baby] was sleeping through the night and she told me that Louis is starting to wave," Davis told reporters.
Photo credit: WPA Pool - Getty Images
Prince Louis, who is now seven months old, has only made two public appearances since he was born: outside the hospital on the day of his birth, and at his christening in July. Although he made an adorable cameo in Prince Charles' birthday portraits last month, he hasn't been out and about with his family since this summer.
It's unclear when we'll see the royal baby in public next, but when we do, we'll be on the lookout for a little royal wave. Perhaps Louis is taking notes from his big sister (and royal wave pro), Princes Charlotte.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also shared anecdotes about their other two children during today's visit to Cyprus. Kate recalled trying to show Prince George and Princess Charlotte the Christmas decorations from the Kensington Palace Christmas party the royals hosted earlier this week after they arrived home from school, but it was all gone by the time they got there. "They were so disappointed!" the Duchess said.
However, Prince George was still excited over his parents' visit to a military base today. Prince William told a group of pilots, "I told George this morning we were going to see the pilots today, and he said, ‘If you see a helicopter can you take a picture?'"
Could they get any cuter?
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Viewing 0 current events matching “nptech” by Date.
Viewing 24 past events matching “nptech” by Date.
Oct 1, 2008 PDX 501 Tech Club: Putting Your Web Site to Work – Strategies for Acquiring and Cultivating Donors
5:30am – 7:30pm Old Town Pizza, 226 NW Davis
Please note the recent location change
For as long as there has been fundraising, there have been two cornerstone strategies: acquisition and cultivation. Join us to take a look at some of the ways – including email marketing, online events, and social media – that nonprofits are using the Web to acquire new supporters and reinforce relationships with those already supporting.
SCHEDULE: 5:30 Networking 6:00 Presentation 6:30 More networking
Chad Norman and Allison Van Diest from BlackBaud will give us top ten tactics organizations are deploying over the web to support their goals.
Chad Norman is the Internet Marketing Manager for Blackbaud, where he is responsible for corporate website content, social web strategy, email marketing, community management, and search engine optimization. Chad is editor-in-chief of Blackbaud Blogs, where he also writes his own blog "Webby Things". As host and producer of The Baudcast, he brings together industry experts from around the world to discuss nonprofit technology issues on this biweekly podcast. In 2007, Chad founded Go Green Charleston, a technology-focused nonprofit that helps Charleston-area residents connect, stay informed, and mobilize around local environmental issues. Chad has spoken for groups like AMA, PRSA, and NAYDO, and his work has been featured by The Nonprofit Times, Fundraising Well, Treehugger.com, and Neatorama.com.
The Portland 501 Tech Club is growing with your participation and turning into one of the hottest new places to learn, connect, and CHANGE within the Portland community! This is a fantastic way to keep conversations, learning opportunities and networking going throughout the community.
If you haven't already, please join the Portland 501 Tech Club at http://groups.nten.org. Please email Anna at [email protected] or Donna at [email protected] with any questions
Nov 19, 2008 PDX 501 Tech Club/Net Tuesday: Nonprofit Tech Extravaganza
5:30 – 7:30pm Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
Join us to talk nonprofit technology and how 2 organizations working for your better good want to collaborate to create more useful events for you in 2009.
The idea is to provide a fuller, more in-depth series of events. Our main goal is to provide a two monthly meetups that directly relate to each other, providing introductory information and hands-on engagement. But we want to see if that aligns with your goals!
We're going to dedicate our November meetup to a party of sorts to help us determine what it is you would like to know and learn... and how much you're willing to learn.
Come for this pre-holiday party with food, fun, good folks and conversation!
Email questions to Anna at [email protected]. Hope you can make it!
Portland Net Tuesday at http://netsquared.meetup.com/13/
Net Squared, a product of Tech Soup, works to spur responsible adoption of social web tools by social benefit organizations. There's a whole new generation of online tools available ? tools that make it easier than ever before to collaborate, share information and mobilize support. These tools include blogs, wikis, RSS feeds, podcasting, and more. Some people describe them as "Web 2.0"; we call them the social web, because their power comes from the relationships they enable.
Portland 501 Tech Club - http://groups.nten.org/group.htm?mode=gvb&igid=5273
The 501 Tech Club is a monthly gathering of people working on or interested in nonprofit technology in the Portland, OR Area. Our meetings are opportunities for anyone interested in helping nonprofits use technology to get together and talk shop in a fun, informal setting, and our name refers to the fact that most of us work primarily with and for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
Jan 27, 2009 Tech Strategy 2009: More for Less
If one of your New Year's resolutions is to use technology to work smarter, look no further! We are working off a fabulous brainstorming session that occurred last November to bring you topics relevant to your work and give you a chance to network with your peers.
This meeting will be talking overall tech strategy. Do you have a technology plan in place? What types of things should you be thinking of? We're going to take a look at the big picture and help you see what ways you can be using technology to make your nonprofit's work more efficient.
This will be a joint meetup with the Nonprofit Technology Network's, Portland 501 Tech Club. Speaker details are still being finalized but be sure it will be some great local tech talent!
Feb 24, 2009 Tech MeetUp: Diagnose Your Website's Issues
Does your site scream out, "I haven't changed my image since 1995!" Or maybe, your pages are plagued by lengthy copy that just keeps going and going… Perhaps your web presence just doesn't really reflect all the great work your organization does.
Get at the heart of web issues and head in an effective direction to achieve your website goals. At this meetup, we'll delve into website hang-ups and problem-solve cures for the "common" website. Fodder for website problem-solving could include: - browser compatibility - unique identity and online presence - easy navigation - web-optimized images - color scheme and text/background contrast - title tags - any other number of web issues that get under your skin
Leading the discussion at this month's joint NTEN 501Tech Club and Net Squared MeetUp will be Eve Simon, Creative Director at Beaconfire Consulting. Eve brings 14 years of online visual design, user experience and creative management in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
With Eve leading the discussion, we'll delve into the web design process. And if you’re game, we'll jump into a discussion on the inherent or perceived conflict between IA and Design. Understand why Eve might tell you, "A wireframe is not a coloring book."
May 20, 2009 PDX 501 Tech Club/Net Tuesday: Online Storytelling
5:30 – 7:30pm AboutUs
Action is at the heart of what our organizations do. But how do you convince that anonymous person behind a computer screen to make a commitment? You make them think, feel and care. And the best way to do that is to connect them your organization by telling them a story. Roger Burks, Senior Writer, Mercy Corps. will explore how to write compelling, memorable stories that get people to take action and keep them engaged.
Roger, originally, presented this material at the 2009 Nonprofit Technology Conference (http://nten.org/ntc) in April. We extend a special invite to other folks who attended the NTC to share their stories from the conference. We invite all to join us for this important discussion on a crucial part of nonprofits' online strategies.
Roger Burks is senior writer for Mercy Corps, a global relief and development agency. Over the course of a 15-year career - which includes stints with CARE USA and the U.S. Peace Corps - Burks has traveled to more than 25 countries to research vulnerable populations, conduct field interviews and write stories for a variety of audiences. He is committed to helping foster a new movement in journalism that focuses on human dignity and solutions to global challenges.
We will be following up this strategy meeting, with a hands-on meeting on online tools to use to get your story out. Date TBD.
Connect Online:
Portland 501 Tech Club Online at http://groups.nten.org/group.htm?mode=home&igid=5273 (Start at http://groups.nten.org/login.htm?mode=register if you're new to the NTEN online community).
Please email Anna at [email protected] or Donna Arriaga at [email protected] with any questions.
Jun 25, 2009 PDX 501 Tech Club: eNonprofit Benchmarks Study Discussion
5:30 – 7:30pm Lucky Labrador Brew Pub
Ever wonder how your email list stacks up against other nonprofits?
M+R Strategic Services and NTEN released a new eNonprofit Benchmarks Study for 2009 (Download the report at http://www.e-benchmarksstudy.com/2009.html). We've analyzed online messaging, fundraising, and advocacy data from 32 leading nonprofit organizations to provide you with reliable new data, answering questions like:
* How is the financial crisis affecting online fundraising?
* How do my targeted emails, appeals to non-donors, phone call alerts, and more compare to those of other nonprofits?
* For state-based or local groups, what's a good email response rate
Karen Matheson, M+R Strategic Services will cover key findings on fundraising and advocacy metrics, explore what the data tells us about industry-wide changes, provide key metrics to analyze your organization's online program and take questions about the study and nonprofit online metrics.
She will also offer up real-world advice and research-based best practices for communicating effectively with your membership, helping maintain and develop supporters, build relationships, and sharing your story.
Agenda: 5:30 Networking
6:00 Presentation with Q/A
7:00 More Networking
Karen Matheson is the Manager of Quantitative Research and Analysis at M+R Strategic Services and provides strategic data analysis for a range of M+R's eCampaigns clients, including the Human Rights Campaign, Oxfam America, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. With a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Oregon and graduate coursework in statistics and analysis, Karen has a strong quantitative research background. In addition to co-authoring M+R and NTEN's eNonprofit Benchmarks Study (www.e-benchmarksstudy.com), Karen regularly researches and co-authors articles about best online communications strategies using data from several national nonprofits.
Oct 13, 2009 Demystifying Social Media Tools and Techniques
Let's take the mystery out of social media!
Dawn Foster will demystify some of the social media tools that are all the buzz. She'll talk about guiding principles & strategy for participation.
Tools to be touched on:
Monitoring your organization in the social media world is essential to your strategy. The following will be discussed:
Monitoring Twitter
We'll break out into smaller groups based on tools after Dawn's presentation to talk specific strategy and tactics to getting set-up to successful use.
5:30-6:00p Networking
6:00-6:30p Presentation
6:30-7:30p Tool breakout sessions
Hope you can join us!
Dawn Foster is a Portland-based Consultant, Community Manager, Event Organizer, Blogger, Podcaster, Vegan, and Technology Enthusiast.
Dawn Foster is the Senior Executive and Practice Manager of the Olliance Group Online Community Practice. The Online Community Practice is focused on helping companies derive business value from building and participating in online communities. Dawn has more than 13 years of experience in business and technology with expertise in strategic planning, management, community building, community management, open source software, market research, social media, and RSS. See http://fastwonderblog.com/about/.
Portland 501 Tech Club at http://groups.nten.org
Connect with us on FaceBook at PDXTech4Good
Questions? Please email Anna at [email protected] or Donna at [email protected].
Nov 24, 2009 TweetsGivingPDX: A Celebration of Gratitude to Portland Social Changemakers
Are you part of an organization that uses technology for good (i.e. using social media, innovative website, video, mobile tech)? Do you know of an organization that uses tech for good? Then this event is for you!
It's the time of year to give thanks, and this year, we want to extend thanks to all the nonprofits and social good entities in Portland that do amazing - yet often unrecognized - work with technology all year long. Join us at the Lucky Lab to celebrate our collaborative gratitude to Portland organizations. Share your organization's story and hear how others in the community are using technology to help make Portland a better place for us all.
You can help kick-start this year's TweetsGivingPDX by nominating your organization or one that impresses you through it's remarkable use of technology for good. Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=t4p98cYbnkSe0mpX9E4Zyg_3d_3d to nominate an organization. Nominations will be posted to a wiki so we can all acknowledge the wonderful good our PDX organizations are achieving with technology.
Follow our local TweetsGiving activity at #TweetsGivingPDX.
TweetsGivingPDX is part of the national gratitude effort - Tweetsgiving. For more information on TweetsGiving visit tweetsgiving.epicchange.org.
Dec 8, 2009 Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission
Join us for a Happy Hour Holiday Celebration with your fellow nonprofits using technology for good. We'll have a short discussion of IT Planning based on the NTEN Book - Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission (http://www.meetyourmission.org/) with editor, Holly Ross.
5:30 Networking 6:00 Presentation 6:30 - 7:30 Networking
Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission is a practical resource that will help nonprofit leaders make smart, strategic decisions about technology. The book shows how to effectively manage technology and offers advice for decision makers and staff alike, including those who often have little or no experience with technology. With contributions from the top experts in the nonprofit technology field , this must-have guide addresses technology planning and people. It includes the tools you need to get the work done, and the knowledge that will help you communicate better, evaluate technology investments, raise money, and more. Written in nontechnical language the book covers a broad spectrum of topics.
About Holly:
Holly has spent more than five years at NTEN, combing through all the technology fads and listening to the NTEN community to line up the webinars, conferences, and research that will help members use technology to make the world a better place. From ubiquitous access to technology leadership to social media trends, Holly brings the wisdom of the NTEN crowd to the nonprofit sector. Holly is also editor of "Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission: A Strategic Guide for Nonprofit Leaders," available from Jossey-Bass.
Jan 12, 2010 NPO/NGO Online Mapping Workshop
3 – 5pm TACS Conference Room
NPOs and NGOs are using modern mapping technologies for a variety of purposes and projects from tracking endangered species to visualizing inter-agency response to an earthquake in Indonesia.
Join PDXTech4Good at a special workshop with mapping expert Jim Craner and Humaninet.
At this workshop, we'll take a deeper dive into mapping strategy and how you can integrate mapping and help use GIS technology to further your mission and cause. This will be divided into 2 groups: Beginner and Intermediate. More details to come but please RSVP if you're interested in getting those details.
......................................................................................................................... And after the workshop, kick off 2010 with PDXTech4Good, a cold beer, and more maps!
PDXTech4Good will feature a "showcase" of nonprofit and community projects that use online mapping and GIS (geographic information systems). We'll hear how organizations are using maps and GIS to gather information from their community, improve service and program delivery and effectiveness, and tell stories about themselves and their community members.
PDXTech4Good Meeting: 5:30 - 7:30p Location: Lucky Labrador Brew Pub 915 SE Hawthorne Boulevard Portland, Oregon 97214 .........................................................................................................................
Nonprofit Mapping Showcase
Start 2010 off with PDXTech4Good, a good map, and a cold beer!
NPOs and NGOs are using modern mapping technologies for a variety of purposes and projects from tracking endangered species to visualizing inter-agency response to an earthquake in Indonesia. PDXTech4Good will feature a "showcase" of nonprofit and community projects that use online mapping and GIS (geographic information systems). We'll hear how organizations are using maps and GIS to gather information from their community, improve service and program delivery and effectiveness, and tell stories about themselves and their community members.
PDXTech4Good Meeting: 5:30 - 7:30p
......................................................................................................................... And prior to the meeting, we'll have a special workshop with mapping expert Jim Craner and Humaninet.
Time: 3:00 - 5:00p Place: TACS Office, 1001 SE Water Ave, Suite 490, Portland OR 97214
At this workshop, we'll take a deeper dive into mapping strategy and how you can integrate mapping and help use GIS technology to further your mission and cause. This will be divided into 2 groups: Beginner and Intermediate. More details to come but please RSVP if you're interested in getting those details. .........................................................................................................................
Feb 22, 2010 Managing Social Media Campaigns
While setting up a Twitter account may only take a few minutes knowing what to do with it and how to manage it is another story. Simply “doing” is no longer working. It is important we finds way to do it more efficiently and find ways to measure the value. This month’s meeting will focus on looking at some of the available tools and how we can use them to manage and monitor social media campaigns. We will be specifically focusing on tools related to Twitter and Facebook fan pages.
Bring your questions, your war stories and creative ideas.
5:30 Networking 6:00 Presentation 6:30 More Networking
Apr 27, 2010 2010 Nonprofit Technology Conference: Session Takeaways from Attendees
5:30 – 7pm Lucky Labrador Brew Pub
The 2010 Nonprofit Technology Conference took place April 8-10, 2010 in Atlanta, GA. Nearly 1,450 nptechies came together to learn & connect about using technology to create more social change in our jobs and in the world.
Join us for our April meetup when Portland attendees will share resources and takeaways from the sessions they attended. More details to come with specific sessions to be covered but please mark your calenders now as it will be a lively discussion with lots of tips and tricks learned from the top nonprofit technologists in the county.
In the meanwhile, you can find 2010 NTC Session Materials on Slideshare.
May 25, 2010 PDXTech4Good May Meetup
At last, we have confirmed a May Meetup topic!
Constituent Relationship Management Systems or Databases!
A good system for managing your clients, constituents, donors, and/or volunteers will ease your troubles away! Well...we're not sure that any database can be completely pain-free, there are some good solutions available for nonprofits but before a tool is decided upon, some essential questions must be asked. Join us on May 25, when Tompkins Spann will talk unbiased on how to determine your nonprofits' needs for data management and what you need to evaluate when choosing a CRM or database.
Then, you will have the opportunity to talk to Tompkins and others (we invite you to attend if you have a CRM solution to talk up!) about specific solutions and how they might integrate into your nonprofit's work flow.
We are proud to be bringing you this meetup in collaboration with the Portland Nonprofit Salesforce Users Group and Convio.
Tompkins is the Sr. Market Strategist for Convio focused exclusively on the Common Ground product, Convio’s CRM solution for nonprofits. He has worked for Convio (and formerly) GetActive for more than 5 years in various roles, from account services to product marketing. His experience working with nonprofits began when he exited the Peace Corps in 2000 to create his own 501c3. He then began working for a large advocacy-based organization in DC serving as the lead on all technology projects ranging from website strategy to database development. Tompkins has a passion for nonprofit-tech and truly enjoys helping organizations pick the right solutions and apply the right strategies to help further their mission.
Jun 25, 2010 PDX Net2 Camp
9:30am – 3pm Jupiter Hotel
About PDX Net2 Camp PDX Net2 Camp is an event focused on intersecting technology and social impact -- right here in Portland. It's a gathering for participants to learn, share insights and build sustainable collaborations in an open environment. Participant-driven topics will will explore how technology can advance...
Program Delivery
Who should attend this camp? This camp is for nonprofit/ngo leaders, designers, developers, advocacy groups, fundraising professionals, communications specialists, and entrepreneurs. ...and anyone else who wants to contribute, brainstorm and discover ideas for creating social change through the use of technology.
Event Details When: Friday, June 25th, 9:30am - 3:00pm Where: DreamBOX @ the Jupiter Hotel, 800 East Burnside Street, Portland, OR Cost: Free!!!
Register at http://pdxnet2camp.eventbrite.com/
Stay Tuned for More Details... Details will be posted on PDX Net2 Camp wiki at http://pdxnet2camp.pbworks.com/.
Jul 7, 2010 IT & Communications Harmony
Do technology and communications work in silos in your nonprofit? Or do they clash in conflict when you're sitting in meetings? Maybe your communications department has become the default tech department, or vice versa? When the IT and communications work well together, nonprofits have a huge opportunity to increase their productivity.
Join us for our July Meetup when Nancy Schwartz will share her marketing and communications expertise helping you to find harmony between tech and communications in your nonprofit. We'll have an open conversation so come ready to share your experience and learn from Nancy and other PDXTech4Gooders!
5:30: Networking 6:00: Presentation and Group Discussion 6:45: Networking
About Nancy:
Nancy E. Schwartz is the primary author of the Getting Attention.org blog and e-newsletter. Nancy also founded and runs Nancy Schwartz & Company, providing results-driven marketing and communications services to nonprofit organization and foundation clients. Specialties include communications planning, message development, online communications innovations (she stays way ahead of the curve to put these tools to work for clients asap), and developing revenue streams for nonprofits.
Aug 24, 2010 PDXTech4Good August Meetup
This gathering of PDXTech4Good focuses on the smooth integration of social media into your organization. We've heard all the excuses for putting off a social media presence a thousand times: the ED thinks you'll spend way too much time on Facebook, the Board doesn't think it's going to give any results, your demographic is not represented on social media, etc. This session will be all about how to address these issues and bring ...your nonprofit all the benefits of social media.
Todd Pitt of Zero Strategist will be with us to help us navigate the complex world of social media and change management. Join us for a great evening of networking and problem solving!
Agenda: 5:30 - Networking 6:00 - Presentation by Todd 6:30 - 7:15 Group discussion 7:15-7:30 Networking
About Todd: Todd Pitt is Chief Social Media Strategist and Founder of Zero Strategist. Zero Strategist is an independent / freelancing social media consulting duo based out of Portland. Their goal is "to create holistic social media services that continuously evolve with the web & the world." Check them out at http://zerostrategist.com/
Sep 21, 2010 Facebook for Nonprofit Organizations
Maybe your organization has already taken the Facebook plunge. Or, perhaps it's about to. Either way, building a Facebook presence for your nonprofit requires a whole lot more than the simple "build it and they will come" approach.
Join us for this month's PDXTech4Good meetup where we'll delve into the details of cultivating, managing and growing your organization's Facebook presence. Together, we'll explore topics ranging from engagement strategies and metrics to page administration and policies.
Barbara Baugnon, with the Oregon Humane Society, will open the discussion with a case study of the Oregon Human Society's Facebook page and their engagement strategies.
Agenda: 5:30 - Networking 6:00 - Facebook Page Case Study by Barbara Baugnon 6:30 - 7:15 Group Discussion 7:15-7:30 Networking
About Barbara: After working in advertising agencies in Los Angles, New York and Portland for 15 years, Barbara took a job as a Marketing Communications Director at the Oregon Humane Society (OHS). For the last nine years she has overseen the Volunteer, Education and Public Relations programs of OHS as well as executed all advertising efforts for the pets of OHS.
Oct 13, 2010 Tweet, Tag, Post, & Friend: New Research on Nonprofit Use of Social Media
5:30 – 7:30pm Mercy Corps NW
Are social media channels working to help nonprofits engage their current audience? Recruit new supporters? Raise money? Idealware’s Andrea Berry will talk through the results of six months of social media research. She will cover what tools nonprofits are using, how well they think they work, and what specific goals each can help nonprofits accomplish. Talking through tools including Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, blogs, photo sharing, and video sharing sites, Andrea will discuss ways to help nonprofits decide which channels are right for them.
Agenda: 5:30 - Networking 6:00 - Presentation by Andrea Berry 6:30 - 7:15 Group Discussion 7:15-7:30 Networking
Andrea Berry, Idealware’s Director of Partnership and Learning, oversees Idealware’s fundraising and training activities, including the Field Guide to Nonprofit Software, training and online seminars. Prior to joining Idealware, Andrea held fundraising positions in education, health research and at museums, and has taught math, performing arts and history in traditional and non-traditional educational settings.
Oct 1, 2014 PDXTech4Good October Meetup
6 – 8pm ThinkShout
Discover a whole ecosystem of open source software for accomplishing just about any task on your computer for free! Attending this workshop could save your nonprofit agency thousands of dollars.
Noah Kleiman of Secret Knowledge will take you on a whirlwind software safari focusing on applications useful to nonprofit staff. Including, but not limited to: Photo Editors (think "free Photoshop"), Desktop Publishing (think "free Indesign"), Vector Graphics (think "free Illustrator"), Word processing, and spreadsheet applications (free "Office"). Noah will invite attendee requests, perform impromptu demonstrations, and offer relentlessly practical advice.
Nov 5, 2014 PDXTech4Good: Thanks4Good Celebration
6 – 8pm Idealist
Let’s give Thanks4Good and celebrate local nonprofits and social change groups that do amazing — yet often unrecognized — work with technology.
For this event, we have some amazing groups lined up to speak about their nonproft tech successes, their learning moments, and more. We hope these stories spark new ideas and conversations about how to do more with technology in your own organization.
To get an idea of what's to come: You'll hear about how to mobilize a 1,000+ member volunteer group with CiviCRM, hear the pros and cons of choosing open source software for a nonprofit's IT infrastructure, and more.
Come learn and celebrate the good work your nonprofit or social change organization does for our community!
Apr 1, 2015 PDXTech4Good April Meetup: 15NTC Round-up
6 – 8pm Idealist.org
Unable to attend the Nonprofit Technology Conference? That's OK! This month, hear short mini-presentations from locals who spoke at the 2015 NTC.
• How Progressive Nerds are Changing the Future of Political Data and Integration with Lev Tsypin
• Content Strategy 101 with Brett Meyer
• Demographic Data Collection Implications and Opportunities with Yee Won Chong
• Why I Don't Use Volunteers with Liza Dyer
Lev Tsypin (@levelos) is the CTO and co-owner of ThinkShout. Lev leads a diverse team of forward-thinking engineers, helping ThinkShout's clients achieve their goals through innovation and technical excellence.
Brett Meyer (@brett_meyer) is the Director of Strategy at ThinkShout. He helps nonprofits craft compelling messages and measure the success of their digital campaigns.
Yee Won Chong (@yeewon) has over 18 years of experience working on racial, gender and economic justice. As a trainer and strategist, he helps nonprofit organizations to improve their diversity and ability to fulfill their mission by embodying an inclusive culture that empowers everyone to thrive. As a public speaker, he presented on "Beyond the Gender Binary" at TEDx Rainier in Seattle.
Liza Dyer (@lizaface)
Networking and refreshments 6pm-6:15pm/6:30pm Presentations 6:15pm/6:30pm-8pm
What you'll get out of PDXTech4Good events:
Nonprofit staffers will find a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for those not experienced with technology, and many chances to ask questions of tech-experienced nonprofits and experts.
Techies will find opportunities to hear the real-world stories of nonprofit clients, and put their own expertise to social good — as well as the potential for lasting relationships (be they paid or volunteer) with leading organizations in our community.
Activists and community organizers will see and be given the chance to present on successful uses of technology for social change. We'll explore how technology can help support activism and where activism can push it forward.
May 6, 2015 Diversity, technology, nonprofits and more (PDXTech4Good)
We'll be talking about issues of diversity, accountability and representation in nonprofit technology and technology in general. Presenters will cover topics like:
• Building diversity in tech teams, and why diversity is critical to success whether you're for-profit or nonprofit.
• Local and national projects by nonprofits to broaden the types of people who get involved in technology and programming as young people.
• Local and national efforts by nonprofits to address sexism and racism that often plays out within "tech culture."
• The state of the Portland tech community when it comes to inclusion and accountability, especially as it relates to sexism and racism.
Melissa Chavez is a digital and physical space UX designer who organizes events for tech and nonprofit communities. Open Source Bridge, the Pacific Northwest Software Quality Conference, PyDX, and Portland VegFest are some of the events she helps run. Reading YA novels helps keep her sane. Twitter: @capnleela
Jennifer Davidson works at Intel as a User Experience Researcher and Software Interaction Designer. She recently completed her PhD in Computer Science at Oregon State University, where she researched human-computer interaction, specifically involving older adults in the design and development of open source software. She is Interim Board President of ChickTeck. She strongly believes that everyone should have a say in our technology revolution. Twitter: @jewifer
Robert Raleigh is helping underserved youth build successful careers as technology professionals in the software/IT industries. Robert is a front-end web developer, and the executive director of Log Camp, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) providing technology-focused career-and-technical education for low-income youth, and youth from communities of color. Log Camp's Tech Works Youth Developer Academy and after-school enrichment programming have created a diverse youth talent pipeline. Log Camp works with corporate, nonprofit, government, and educational partners to increase diversity and equitable access to technology, coding, and computer science education for youth in the Portland metro region. Robert is an Alaskan Native (Tlingit), a first-generation college graduate, and a former foster-child. In the past, Robert has worked for the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce, Technology Association of Oregon, and Oregon Health Sciences University. Robert is an active member of the NAYA Family Center Community Leaders Council, and the Portland City Club. Twitter: @RobertGRaleigh
Jennifer Cazares, better known as "Yenni," identifies as a vessel for social change. As a non-binary Queer [email protected], Yenni began the journey in activism at the ripe age of 15 when after taking over the high school Key Club was able to enlist over 70 active volunteers in community events. Despite leaving high school on the suspicion of a queer identity and experiencing fear of coming out due to a [email protected] upbringing, Yenni made it to engineering school in Oregon where due to the lack of support for diversity Yenni was pushed out. Having dedicated the last decade to positive youth development in various arenas of the youth empowerment movement with organizations such as Altamed, Six Rivers Planned Parenthood, ChickTech, Northwest Youth Corps, and currently with LULAC Vancouver. Yenni looks forward to creating change through the power of education and technology. Lover of the outdoors and all things living. "Dropping knowledge and love everywhere I go." (Pronouns: Yenni)
Event: Use the #pdxt4g hashtag, and/or mention @PDXTech4Good
Presenters: @capnleela @jewifer @RobertGRaleigh
Venue host: @idealist
Sponsors: @NTENorg and @NetSquared
Networking and refreshments: 6pm-6:30pm
Presentation: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Q&A: 7:30pm-8pm
WHAT YOU'LL GET OUT OF PDXTECH4GOOD EVENTS
Feb 3, 2016 Portland Startup Week: Investing in Justice
There's been a recent shift in how activists are trying to bring about social change, and SJF is at the forefront of this shift.
Come find out how you can get involved!
This article has a great breakdown on this new trend of entrepreneurial activism:
For some activists, being entrepreneurial has meant the following things: treating their activist work like a business, turning to popular social media platforms to put out their own press releases and looking for people to invest in their initiative with money and not just good faith.
More about the hosting organizations:
Social Justice Fund Northwest is a foundation working at the frontlines of social change. They leverage the resources of their members to foster significant, long-term social justice solutions throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana & Wyoming.
PDXNALTA is a networking group for underrepresented people of color in tech.
Idealist is all about connecting idealists - people who want to do good - with opportunities for action and collaboration. With more than 100,000 organizations and 1.4 million monthly visitors to our English, Spanish & French sites, Idealist helps people move from intention to action all over the world.
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Becoming the Goddess You Already Are
by Anne Sussman
∙ Jun 14 ∙ 4 Min Read
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I’ve changed slowly over the past 10 years. I’ve gained some weight, my hair has gotten more grey. I have more rainbow feathers in my hair. But I realized me at 50 and me at 60 were two different me’s, in one defining moment.
When I saw an invitation to a trip that has been on my bucket list for many years — a trip based on my favorite book “The Mists of Avalon” by Marion Zimmer Bradley, which tells the story of King Arthur but all told through the eyes of the women in the story who were Druid priestesses— I jumped at the chance to go. Not only did I jump, but I ran into our den and announced to my husband that I was “going to England, to Stonehenge, to trace the trail of Avalon and to recapture my Divine feminine wisdom!”
This trip was lead by a Shaman and my meditation mentor. We traveled to ancient sacred sites in the countryside of England, visiting Stonehenge and other standing stone circles of lost cultures, The mythical Isle of Avalon, and shared meditation and guided inner journeying amidst powerful sites to reclaim the Goddess within that has been lost in our male dominated world.
I knew it the minute I saw the trip. I began to vibrate, my whole body wanted to say yes. So I did, just like that.
That vibration probably would have happened at 50, too, but, then, after getting excited I would have thought of ALL the reasons why I could never make it happen. I couldn’t leave my husband for a pleasure trip for 10 days. I couldn’t “ask” to spend the money on something expensive, just for me, that we didn’t NEED. I couldn’t give up those days of work, and the list would drag on.
So what changed? What happened in those 10 years?
I think it was a combination of becoming aligned with my Soul through meditation, practicing self-compassion with loving-kindness meditation, and learning from my fellow experts that surround me at Campowerment. Through those paths and practices, I came to know, to love and to honor ME — the real one, the one inside who would move to action on the outside.
Even though I was teaching this self-love to others, it was hard to embrace that same self-worth for myself. But now, at 60, I’m getting pretty good at it! I am writing this on the 5th night of my sacred journey. I have been to the sacred stones; I have met the spirit of my maternal grandmother; I have climbed to the top of a mountain on a steep trail that before I had done the leap of faith at Campowerment, I likely would have skipped because of my fear of heights!
Becoming a ‘Goddess’ isn’t as hard as I thought; it’s truly about embracing all of who you were, are and will be in your lifetime! What is holding you back from becoming the star of your own story rather than being the entire supporting cast of someone else’s? Reclaim your power. Honor your ancestors, Be part of a sisterhood to support your becoming. Learn how to be still so you can quiet the loud chatter of your mind and hear the small voice of your soul. Say yes to making a Campowerment retreat happen! Say yes to making anything that’s in service of what you actually WANT to do — anything that causes a vibration within you — anything that makes your heart beat faster and Soul feel more alive. Don’t wait for slow changes when you know you can make fast ones happen just by saying yes.
Happy 60th birthday to ME, and happy re-birthday to all of YOU who are brave enough to leap into new beginnings!
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Anne Sussman is an expert at Campowerment.
Expert Profile
Grandy says, “readers are leaders,” so keep on!
New, Old + Epic
Tammi Leader Fuller
Jun 6 ∙ 4 Min Read
Alli Romanski
Our team’s powered by 3 generations of women in the Leader family, whose wisdom, savvy + tenacity bring this movement to life.
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lanai_sea - Sea Level Hazard Intensity Level in the coastal zone of Lanai, Hawaii
Sea Level Hazard Intensity Level in the coastal zone of Lanai, Hawaii
Data included here were derived from the technical hazard maps published in the 'Atlas of Natural Hazards in the Hawaiian Coastal Zone' (Fletcher etal. 2002) The atlas reports on a program of research that assigns a relative ranking scale to seven natural coastal hazards. The ranking is based on the historical trends and natural factors influencing site vulnerability and hazard intensity in the Hawaiian coastal zone. Information contained within the Atlas is largely based on previous investigations by scientific and engineering researchers and county, state, and federal offices and agencies. The unique aspect of this report is that, to the extent possible, it assimilates prior efforts in documenting Hawaiian coastal hazards and combines existing knowledge into a single comprehensive coastal hazard data set. It is by no means the final word on coastal hazards in Hawaii. Every hazardous phenomenon described, and others such as slope failure and rocky shoreline collapse, need to be more carefully quantified, forecast, and mitigated. The technical hazard maps were constructed for the entire shorelines of the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii at a scale of 1:50,000 (1 inch on the map equals approximately 0.8 miles). The technical map series displays the nominal relative intensity (on a ranked scale of 1 to 4, where 4 is most intense; overall hazard assessment is on a ranked scale of 1 to 7, where 7 is most intense) of each of the seven hazards following a set of specific definitions.
US Geological Survey, CMG, 2002, lanai_sea - Sea Level Hazard Intensity Level in the coastal zone of Lanai, Hawaii: US Geological Survey, CMG, Menlo Park, California.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/i2761/lanai.html
Other_Citation_Details: none
Fletcher, C.H., Grossman, E.E., Richmond, B.M., and Gibbs, A.E., 2002, Atlas of Natural Hazards in the Hawaiian Coastal Zone: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Investigations Series I-2761, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, California.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/i2761/
UTM_Zone_Number: 4
Planar coordinates are specified using distance and bearing values. Resolution of distance values: 0.1
Resolution of bearing values: 0.1
Bearing is specified in units of Decimal seconds
Bearing is measured North
Bearing is measured from the Assumed meridian
The ellipsoid used is Geodetic Reference System 80 (GRS 80).
The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0000000.
.dbf (table)
attribute information for shapefiles are contained in tables, or spreadsheets, in .dbf format (Source: operator)
the type of shapefile (Source: Arcview)
Formal codeset
Codeset Name:
PolylineM
Codeset Source:
point where measured polyline begins (Source: dynamic segmentation extention)
point where measured polyline ends (Source: dynamic segmentation extention)
the numerical value associated with the sea level hazard intensity level (Source: 'Atlas of Natural Hazards in the Hawaiian Coastal Zone' (Fletcher etal. 2002))
indicates the island being assessed (Source: operator)
A measured polyline (PolylineM), containing the Sea Level Hazard Intensity Level attribute information for the coastline of Lanai.
US Geological Survey, CMG
Attn: Bruce M. Richmond
345 Middlefield Road MS 999
brichmond@usgs.gov
The purpose of this dataset is to provide, in digital format, the information included in the technical hazard maps published in the 'Atlas of Natural Hazards in the Hawaiian Coastal Zone' (Fletcher etal. 2002) for use by citizens, scientists, and regulatory agencies.
none (source 1 of 1)
State of Hawaii, Office of Planning, 199706, Coastline: State of Hawaii, Office of Planning, Honolulu, Hawaii.
http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/gis/
Type_of_Source_Media: downloaded "ARC/INFO (.e00)" via web
Source_Contribution: na
The original data used to create this shapefile was converted to an ARCVIEW polyline shapefile from an ARC/INFO .e00 coverage of the Hawaiin islands distributed by the State of Hawaii via the web. The line file was subset into seperate lines for each island,and the topology was then "cleaned up" using an ESRI sample script. The line was then dynamically segmented according to the exisiting coastal hazard atlas. Person who carried out this activity:
Metadata changes: updated online linkages in Citation Information; added Standard Order Process to Distribution Information. Person who carried out this activity:
Metadata changes: Originator name (Richmond, B.M.) corrected in Citation Information; Keywords section optimized for discovery in USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Data Catalog. Person who carried out this activity:
All attributes created during the creation process were verified by displaying the lines in both the database and the spatial coverage, but no formal tests were performed.
These data are believed to be logically consistent, though no tests were performed. Line geometry is topologically clean.
Please recognize the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), University of Hawaii School of Ocean, Earth Science, and Technology (UH-SOEST), State of Hawaii Office of Planning, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the collective sources of this information. Although these data have been used by the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior, no warranty expressed or implied is made by the U.S. Geological Survey as to the accuracy of the data. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the U.S. Geological Survey in the use of this data, software, or related materials. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology
Attn: Bruce Richmond
What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? downloadable over the internet
Although these data have been used by the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior, no warranty expressed or implied is made by the U.S. Geological Survey as to the accuracy of the data. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the U.S. Geological Survey in the use of this data, software, or related materials. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
sea-level rise hazards in format Shapefile (version 1.0)
http://pubs.usgs.gov/imap/i2761/lanai/lanai_sea.zip
USGS, CMG
FGDC CSDGM (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/pcmsc/pacific_islands/lanai/lanai_sea.faq.html>
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February 4, 2019 / Brooklyn news / Transit Issues / Coney Island
Ferry uneasy: City named Coney Creek as site for nabe’s new ferry before solving critical logistical, environmental issues, locals say
Unsure: Coney Islanders recently cheered the city's decision to expand ferry service to the neighborhood, but now some locals are worried about logistical, environmental, and other yet-to-be-addressed issues concerning officials' proposed dock site within Coney Island Creek.
By Julianne McShane
Coney Island: Dock hunt: City studying 10-block stretch along Coney Creek for new ferry landing
Bay Ridge: City replaces, but doesn’t erase, squiggly yellow lines dividing stretch of Neptune Ave.
Coney Island: Dock block: Locals raise concerns about putting a ferry landing in Coney Island Creek
Bay Ridge: Straight shooter: Coney pol blasts city for painting squiggly yellow lines to divide stretch of Neptune Ave.
Cleaning Our Waterways: The Superfund countdown — tell the feds what to do
Gowanus: The Superfund countdown — tell the feds what to do
The city must address unanswered logistical and environmental questions about its plan to create a ferry stop in Coney Island Creek, according to some locals, who blasted officials for failing to include solutions to such concerns in their formal location study before selecting the site.
“Just because you have water, it doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to put a boat on it,” said Ida Sanoff, who lives in Brighton Beach. “This is a problematic location.”
Honchos at the Economic Development Corporation — the agency that oversees the NYC Ferry Service — released their feasibility study of the proposed site at Bayview Avenue and W. 33rd Street last month, days after Mayor DeBlasio announced that a boat would regularly set sail from the People’s Playground on less than 40-minute rides to Manhattan as soon as 2021.
The study notes that creating a dock in the creek at Bayview Avenue and W. 33rd Street poses “operational risks” and challenges, including the width of the waterway’s entry point, shallow waters, shifting sands, and the need for regular dredging at the site — all of which could hinder reliable service.
A ferry landing at that location would also be “a challenge to design, likely requiring higher maintenance costs due to the dynamic coastal environment,” according to the study, which did not note how officials plan to deal with the many issues it outlines — an omission that should worry Coney Islanders who are counting down the days until boats set sail, according to another local who lives blocks from the proposed dock site.
“We’re generally excited about the ferry coming to Coney Island, but there are too many questions surrounding the selection process that weren’t adequately answered in the whole study that they issued,” said Orlando Mendez, who lives on Surf Avenue and W. 33rd Street.
The city is prepared to dredge the creek to ensure the municipal boats can easily sail in and out of it, according to an Economic Development Corporation spokeswoman, who said agency leaders would regularly monitor the water’s depths to determine if further dredging is needed, and work with officials at the state Department of Environmental Conservation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers “to ensure passenger vessels can safely navigate through this environment.”
“Some mitigation measures may be required depending on the final landing location and landing design,” said Stephanie Báez.
But the city could have better planned for such logistical issues — and could have conducted a more informed site-selection process — if it included locals in the conversation from the get-go, according to Sanoff, who said residents would have happily shared concerns about a creek dock had officials not reneged on their alleged promise to keep Coney Islanders in the loop.
“It is absolutely outrageous after we’ve gotten so much lip service about how the community should have a seat at the table, nobody knew there was a table to have a seat at,” she said. “They just said, ‘This is where it’s going to be.’ ”
Officials briefed community-board leaders and pols on their general plan to expand ferry service after announcing the scheme last year, according to Báez, who said no locals took part in specific site-selection processes for new docks or routes.
Residents, however, will have a chance to share their thoughts during the year-long environmental-review process required before they can break ground on a landing in Coney Island Creek, which will begin this spring and include public-comment periods as well as a public-scoping hearing.
But environmental and logistical concerns aren’t the only unresolved issues with launching ferry service in the waterway — some local pols are still divided over the best spot on the creek to build a dock.
Coney Island Councilman Mark Treyger cheered the proposed site at Bayview Avenue and W. 33rd Street following the mayor’s announcement, but Borough President Adams argued the location should be further up the creek at W. 21st Street and Neptune Ave., a spot he first endorsed back in December 2017, in part because it would force the city to clean out more of the creek to than it likely would otherwise to make way for the service.
Still, Adams promised to work with Treyger and other colleagues in order to determine the best landing location.
“I think it’s the whole opportunity to do the environmental cleanup — we should take a holistic approach,” Adams told this newspaper. “But [Councilman] Mark Treyger’s the representative out here, and I’ll coordinate with him and we’ll find the right spot.”
And some locals want to know why officials did not add another Manhattan stop as part of the new express route that will shuttle straphangers between Wall Street on the distant isle, Bay Ridge, and Coney once service sets sail in the neighborhood, according to Sanoff and Mendez, who noted most Coney Islanders, including the alleged 4,000 residents whom officials claim live in public housing roughly a half-mile from of the proposed landing, travel further into the city than Wall Street to go to work.
“Did anybody ask how many people living in Nycha are working on Wall Street?” Sanoff asked.
Báez did not specifically respond to an inquiry about whether or not the agency considered adding another Manhattan stop to the Coney route, but noted ferry riders can freely transfer to other routes at the Wall Street stop in order to reach more destinations in Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx.
Reach reporter Julianne McShane at (718) 260–2523 or by e-mail at jmcshane@schnepsmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @juliannemcshane.
Updated 4:06 pm, February 4, 2019
►Video Bushwick: Police hunt suspect in connection with shooting of teen in Bushwick
MJ from Bay Ridge says:
if the Coney Island route did not work out, please replace it with Staten Island to/from Bay Ridge
Feb. 4, 4:24 pm
Bike Mike from Coney says:
Easy transportation route would be some East-West bike lanes. Bike lanes are lacking in this area of Brooklyn. Cant ride on the boardwalk legally and aside from Ocean Parkway- None.
Brian from West Brighton says:
There’s a bike lane in neptune Ave
The Hunkster from Bed-Stuy says:
So much for de Blasio carrying about the environment for the wellbeing of his constituents. Public health and safety is the major priority for all of its ferry riders.
Feb. 5, 8:09 am
Bestovsky from West Brighton says:
“Did anybody ask how many people living in Nycha are working on Wall Street?” Sanoff asked Funny they think it's for Nycha residence..open your eyes it's for the luxury developments coming in and the new crowd to go along with it :)
Feb. 5, 10:38 am
Bunita from Ocean Parkway says:
This is a horrible spot to have a ferry. With the continually drifting sands, they will destroy the creek and shoreline. trying to turn this sand into something it is not. Mother Nature will win in the end and it will be a huge waste of money. Why not a ferry stop where there is already access to a pier? And a shuttle bus to the ferry from the housing? I'm disabled and this is the only beach I can access in Brooklyn. because the road is so close to the water. Look at the beach at Coney Island Park. Remember how much that has changed in the past twenty years even with billions of tons of sand moved in. This is a continuation of the same shoreline and will be just as unstable and unpredictable.
Alex from Brighton says:
Yei put it anywhere, can't wait to see the changes this will bring due to the increased accessibility to coney island. More cute cafes, more foot traffic, a bar or 2...maybe 6? We need a club like Output in coney island..perfect area!!!
Wunder says:
You don't need a ferry to get more cafes, clubs and foot traffic. Just open them up and everyone who already lives here will run to them.
Of course it's for the new crowd coming to the luxury developments. But they are going to be stuck in the same awful traffic mess that everyone else is stuck in and they will be trapped in the summer just like everyone else. Add to that more dollar vans, ubers and jitneys going to/from the ferry stop and more people on bikes. Ask anyone who has tried to sell their house or apartment recently. Once people see the traffic, they are not interested in buying.
Henry Ford from Bay Ridge says:
We all need to work together to improve our borough.
As for people not wanting to buy, please go to zillow...filter by year of purchase and see how many apt/attached houses/properties were sold in 18' alone...not sure it's deterring anyone from buying knowing where CI is going in the next 5-10 years :) If only i had more income to purchase land and sit on it in deep CI
As for the traffic, once the area improves and wealthy complain...traffic rerouting..prevention of turns (ex. ocean parkway) will be put in place.
Wunder, unfortunately, the current population either doesn't care for such amenities (seniors) or cant afford them (lower working class).
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Сoalition For A Safer Washington
Examples of critical analysis
“The the study of God and religious beliefs.
“The quality of knowledge produced by an academic discipline is directly proportional to the duration of historical development of that discipline.”
If we look at the history of ideas
in the West we can see that one discipline gives birth to other disciplines.
Disciplines are like a family tree. Disciplines are a branch of knowledge. (Oxford Dictionary , 2017). The earliest
disciplines are such things as philosophy, theology and the arts. From these
disciplines we see other disciplines grow, such as the natural sciences and
social sciences. Therefore, to say that the older ones are better than the
newer ones, is not an easy statement to make. The reason for this is that they
are related to each other. Older ones give birth to newer ones. The areas of
knowledge, contain religious knowledge systems, and holds the discipline of
theology. In theology you have an ancient idea of the first mover. And the
focus is the study of God and religious beliefs. Social sciences consist of the
discipline of astrophysics. In astrophysics The Big Bang Theory is regarded as
the explanation for the creation of the universe. Both theologians and astrophysicists believe in the creation of the
world. Interestingly enough, the
Big Bang was first introduced by Georges Lemaitre, a physicist and catholic
priest. Even though social science is dependent on the physical reality, and
theology is dependent on faith. In order for Georges Lemaitre, to have reached
a conclusion that the Universe was indeed expanding 14 billion years ago, he
must have had faith in his own theory. This is where science and theology
merge. The thesis statement of the essay is: Older disciplines such as theology
give birth to newer disciplines such as social science. In this essay I will
talk about theology and the idea of the first mover, and compare it to astrophysics
and the Big Bang Theory.
Social sciences as an academic
discipline is relatively new, beginning in the 18th century.
Big Bang Theory was introduced by Georges Lemaitre in 1927. He was a professor of physics and a catholic
priest. According to Georges Lemaitre 14 billion years ago the universe
expanded, from matter that was packed together in a dense state. This theory believes
that the universe was created from a single atom, meaning there is a certain
beginning to everything we know today. Georges Lemaitre’s theory, involves the
method of induction. Which meant he went from the specific to the general. Everything
is made of atoms, therefore the atom must have created everything, and this
applies to the Big Bang Theory. Georges Lemaitre could only obtain evidence for
his theory, would be through empirical research and reasoning/logic. This is
crucial in social science, and for Georges Lemaitre to have reached a
scientific explanation as to how the universe expanded from atoms. (win, Big Bang Theory:
Explanation in simple words., 2014). Theology as an
academic discipline is one of the oldest disciplines. Which includes the study
of God and religious beliefs. Thomas Aquinas a theologian and Italian priest,
from the 13th century, mentioned in one of his logical arguments for
the existence of God, that something cannot come from nothing. This is a mix of
reasoning but also faith. This is one of Thomas Aquinas’s famous explanations
for the existence of God, or that a creation cannot from nothing, which
supports the idea of a creation coming from a creator. Theology believes in the
beginning of the first mover. This is seen as a cosmological argument, because
the universe exists, there must exist a creator. In contrary to induction, this
is deductive reasoning. Which is reasoning from general to specific. (Lagemaat, 2015). This is reasoning
seen as more certain, but less informative. As it is solely based on faith and
reasoning, but leaves out empirical research. The belief in God’s existence,
making it unable to use empirical reasoning, is dependent on faith, emotions
and deductive reasoning.
Although,
the two disciplines: theology and social sciences, are two very different
disciplines, and theology is older than social sciences, there are certain
areas they have in common. Theology has in some way given birth to social
sciences. As both believe in the beginning of the universe, and that something
gave life to it, is already the first comparison between them. Theology is very
much build on faith, emotions but also reasoning. God is not something that can
be touched, it can be felt, but also explained with reasoning using deductive
reasoning. Social sciences, in particular The Big Bang has managed to become a
piece of evidence due to empirical reasoning and inductive reasoning. However,
in order for this theory to have come into existence, Georges Lemaitre, must
have had faith in his theory. This is crucial, and one of the major comparisons
between social sciences and theology. Theology has given birth to some of the
ways of knowing, that are today also seen in social sciences. Including
reasoning, which is seen in theology in the form of deductive reasoning. Even
though most theologians and scientists would like to keep theology and science
separated, a new discipline could have not been created without using certain
beliefs from older disciplines. Religious books such as the Bible, is said to
be send by the God, therefore the teachings are sealed and not meant to changed,
but to be lived by. The Bible was send approximately 1200 and 165 BC, and was
the explanation for the universe. It still manages to live through newer
disciplines such as social science, which is producing new knowledge about the
existence of the universe to this day, however keeping in mind theologian
ideas. The physicist, Georges Lemaitre is a good example of how ideas in
theology and social sciences have merged. He was both a priest and physicist,
and his belief in God, must have driven some of his ideas about the scientific
explanation of the universe. Therefore, older disciplines are not necessarily
better than newer disciplines. Newer disciplines uses ways of knowing seen in
older disciplines. In this case it is faith and reasoning.
thesis statement of the essay is: Older disciplines such as theology give birth
to newer disciplines such as social science. This statement challenged the
prescribed title, which was “The quality of
knowledge produced by an academic discipline is directly proportional to the
duration of historical development of that discipline.” Throughout the essay it
was seen that while theology and social sciences are seen as different
disciplines driven on different beliefs, they cannot work without reasoning nor
faith. Older disciplines are not better than newer ones. The teachings in
theology themselves do not change, but people change it to make it fit into
their lives and way of living. Theology can be explained easily, in the sense
that a creator exists, because the universe has been created, but science keeps
releasing new theories to explain how the universe works and when it was
created. However, keeping in mind one of the older disciplines which includes
reasoning and faith.
It is important to know as this might
eliminate misconceptions about older disciplines being better than newer ones.
From older disciplines new ones are born, therefore, newer disciplines make us
of certain teachings and or whatever in their disciplines, as seen with
theology and social sciences. And in order for new disciplines to have come
into existence, they must have obtained certain ideas from older disciplines.
It Von Ammon (2000) hypothesized that children born
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FoCoToBoCo
Joined: 9/29/18 Posts: 219
I mean the owner played for CU...
Obvs he's going to be biased, but I don't think it's a $$$ thing
Just my imagination, or do GOOD things just keep popping for Rams?? -- ramdom 07/06/2019 5:08PM
I need some positivity regarding the OL... -- SB05 07/07/2019 2:57PM
Some things you can count on, some potential upsides, some ?'s -- ramdom 07/08/2019 12:38PM
I appreciate the well thought out post, Ramdom. -- SB05 07/12/2019 03:34AM
What are the good things? -- PikesPeakRam 07/07/2019 11:03AM
New DC's 2nd season, young D, lots of Talent across the board, Toby/King -- ramdom 07/08/2019 3:54PM
I really think 60 strength anti CSU bias is impacting instate recruiting??? ** -- Economicstats 07/07/2019 8:53PM
Who or what is "60" ?? ** -- ramdom 07/08/2019 3:41PM
6 0 Strength is a specialized training center, that has many of CO top 20 -- Economicstats 07/08/2019 6:27PM
No more than mediocre-to-poor CSU football. -- Stalwart Ram 07/08/2019 11:11AM
And CU has been mediocre to poor, but the do beat us mostly. The state of -- Economicstats 07/08/2019 12:36PM
We've had some great OL from the Denver area including the Call and Pears -- MontanaRam 07/08/2019 3:56PM
Probably. It's a shame that parents would put that much trust in clearly -- Headbutt 07/08/2019 12:02AM
I saw they visited 60 last year, wonder if he wants “paid” to promote teams -- Economicstats 07/08/2019 10:51AM
I mean the owner played for CU... -- FoCoToBoCo 07/08/2019 11:56AM
Some coaches reach out better than others to high school coaches. -- ram-o-litous 07/07/2019 8:38PM
That being said, we have more players on our roster from -- Big Horned Sheep 07/07/2019 6:43PM
This Denver recruiting thing really pisses me off ** -- Irish40backer 07/07/2019 2:37PM
Well, things could be worse. We could have a "Let's Go Rammin" song -- A Very Stable Genius At Work 07/07/2019 1:20PM
LOL! The best of the worst slogans.😀 ** -- PikesPeakRam 07/07/2019 3:24PM
I assure you its your imagination.. -- Lubick Field 07/07/2019 10:39AM
Extend Bobo Now !! -- A Very Stable Genius At Work 07/07/2019 09:47AM
At this point I really dont care about your outlook -- 92YankeeRam 07/07/2019 01:29AM
Ugh, has bobo reduced us to just wanting a close game? Is 5 in a row ok???? ** -- 95ramfan 07/07/2019 2:57PM
No, I think 92YankeeRam just did that. I've never heard Bobo state -- Headbutt 07/07/2019 10:52PM
Obviously... My 60 day positivity goal prevents me from replying further. ** -- 95ramfan 07/07/2019 11:29PM
Uhh... #3 was STOLEN from Rams by Pee12 Refs. (its not 5 in a row) -- ramdom 07/07/2019 3:33PM
CU didn't deserve to win, but that doesn't mean bobo pulls it out. ** -- 95ramfan 07/07/2019 11:20PM
Like hell... Rams would have won easily. ** -- ramdom 07/08/2019 01:30AM
Probably. Doesn't matter. They didn't. -- Headbutt 07/08/2019 02:29AM
Ramdom with his standard npc response. -- HooYahBUFF 07/07/2019 4:32PM
What is new and popping up? -- Zig88 07/06/2019 5:21PM
Well, I dunno. But I do think -- A Very Stable Genius At Work 07/07/2019 1:28PM
I reckon the post by Irish about McBride, and now Colin Hill -- ramdom 07/07/2019 10:22AM
I reckon you’re about done polishing your turd. ** -- RamQuixote 07/07/2019 1:06PM
Aug 30 is the deadline for good news reports -- RamFan99 07/07/2019 1:02PM
92% wrong... there's 12 games in 2019 season, not just 1. -- ramdom 07/07/2019 3:23PM
I think game 1 performance is -- RamFan99 07/07/2019 3:27PM
Naw. Just that no 1 game is do or die. ** -- ramdom 07/07/2019 7:23PM
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A Cornucopia of Sociological Goodness
by Syed Ali and Philip N. Cohen | September 15, 2016 | Summer 2016
Dateline: Seattle. Sitting together at the American Sociological Association’s annual conference, we’re reminded (not that we really needed reminding) that sociologists do a really good job of documenting and analyzing so many different facets of our social world. While the last issue was themed “Good News,” this issue is a cornucopia of sociological goodness.
At these ASA meetings, we held a workshop on writing for Contexts—and the world. It kinda forced us to think about what we think sociological writing is or what it could be. We bring new information to light, we’re analytical. We bring in theory where it’s useful, but we avoid articles that are needlessly complicated—that is, there’s complexity, but not for complexity’s sake. Contexts wants to see writers swing for the fences with their ideas and write in bold, clear, concise, and unqualified prose.
In this multifaceted issue, we bring you a conversation between The Nation’s sports editor Dave Zirin and sociologist Ben Carrington and six Viewpoints on diversity in sport. Felicia Song tells us about the burgeoning and bourgeois-ifying business of mommy bloggers, and Jooyoung Lee dances his way into ethnographic understanding in Compton, CA. And we have three pieces on the entertainment world: Philip Kasinitz and Cory Albertson give us sociological reviews of the stage play “Hamilton” and the new Wonder Woman, while Rachel King tells us about why more diversity in the Oscars won’t solve Hollywood’s Whiteness problem.
As always, read and enjoy. Studying society’s many performances is nothing less than entertaining.
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„She shone for me like the Evening Star. I loved her dearly — but at a distance.“
— Winston Churchill, On his mother, Lady Randolph Churchill, Chapter 1 (Childhood).
Winston Churchill100
„Maybe she, like me, would have loved the tiny details and inconveniences even more dearly than the wonders, because they are the things that prove you belong.“
— Tana French, In the Woods
„I think her flaws make me love her even more. She's not perfect, but she's perfect to me“
— Jodi Picoult, Between the Lines
„To Sorrow
I bade good morrow,
And thought to leave her far away behind;
But cheerly, cheerly,
She loves me dearly;
She is so constant to me, and so kind.“
— John Keats, The Complete Poems
Context: To Sorrow I bade good-morrow, And thought to leave her far away behind; But cheerly, cheerly, She loves me dearly; She is so constant to me, and so kind: I would deceive her And so leave her, But ah! she is so constant and so kind. Bk. IV, l. 173
„The truth is that I wasn't there with her when she needed me. Now she see's how I love Nanhoï and she believes that I can't love her as much as I love my son. That I've never loved her like this. I try to tell her that she's distorting everything in her pain and not seeing the truth. That I've painfully missed her since our separation and that I've never stopped loving her. But even though she gradually calms down, I have a feeling she doesn't believe me.“
— Klaus Kinski German actor 1926 - 1991
On his daughter, Nastassja. p. 286
„She moves like and angel
And seven evening stars
Dance through the window
Of her universal house“
— Cat Stevens British singer-songwriter 1948
Angelsea
„I met Courtney Love and she said she'd like to sleep with me, but she couldn't cos of my "pop-star thing"… so I said to her I couldn't sleep with her either - cos of her 'ugly thing'...“
— Robbie Williams British singer and entertainer 1974
Interview with Chris Moyles, Radio One (2005)
„She even touches Jimmy's face on the photos, and I see what it is to love someone like Milla loved that man. Her fingertips are made of love.“
— Markus Zusak, I Am the Messenger
„At the base of her ankle is a deep, ugly scar she got when a car ran over her foot when she was six years old. That was in a small town in Bangladesh. Thus, even today, she hesitates superstitiously before crossing the road, and is painfully shy of walking distances. Her fears make her laughable. The scar is printed on her skin like a radiant star.“
— Amit Chaudhuri contemporary Indian-English novelist 1962
„I love my mom. And this time, I told her I loved her. And she told me she loved me, too. And things were okay for a little while.“
— Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
„Safe were those evenings of the pre-war world
When firelight shone on green linoleum,
I heard the church bells hollowing out the sky,
Deep beyond deep, like never-ending stars.“
— John Betjeman English poet, writer and broadcaster 1906 - 1984
Summoned By Bells (1960).
„My mother, as much as I can remember from my early boyhood, and from what I heard of her after her death, was of a most lively temper, and possessed of a good and noble heart, but a little inclined to sensibility; her greatest pleasure was to see everyone happy about her. She loved me dearly and spoilt me. I adored her. Alas, I lost her when only a little boy, and never shall I efface from my memory the day of her death and funeral.“
— Albrecht Thaer German agronomist and an avid supporter of the humus theory for plant nutrition 1752 - 1828
„I love Halle. She's so sweet. I connected with her immediately and, even though we only worked together for a few days, it was the best connection I've ever had with an actress. She made me feel like I could trust her.“
— Halle Berry American actress 1966
Penelope Cruz, on working with Berry in Gothika — reported in Los Angeles Daily News staff (November 20, 2003) "American Gothika; Halle Berry overcomes her career fear to take first marquee role in horror film", The Guelph Mercury, p. F12.
„Cass gained a lot of strength from her public. Once she was a star, she wasn't afraid of anybody, and certainly not me.“
— Michelle Phillips Singer, actress 1944
On Cass Elliot, Regis Philbin's Lifestyles (1986)
„The dreamer in her
Had fallen in love with me and she did not know it.
That moment the dreamer in me
Fell in love with her and I knew it“
— Ted Hughes, Birthday Letters
„I know her body's softness
but not her love.
I draw figures in sand
to measure great distances
through the sky.“
— Tsangyang Gyatso, 6th Dalai Lama sixth Dalai Lama of Tibet 1683 - 1706
„Sometimes girls write me. One girl in Yugoslavia sent me a whole slew of love letters. I don't know how she got my address. She was in a crowd watching me play. She says when I left there the stars fell out of the sky over Yugoslavia, or something like that.“
— Роберт Фишер American chess prodigy, chess player, and chess writer 1943 - 2008
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Why E-Planes May be Closer than You Think
Uber Air taxis for 4 within 5 years.
Filed in Crock of the Week
24 Responses to “Why E-Planes May be Closer than You Think”
dumboldguy Says:
It’s sing-along time, folks. Be a Bluebird in your FlyCart (within 5 years)—the mockup in the clip was even painted like a bluebird)
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There’s a land that I heard of, once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true
Someday I’ll wish upon a star, and wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow, bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow, why then, oh why can’t I
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why, oh why can’t I?
I love TED—often inspirational and educational, and sometimes good for a laugh. Josh Portlock is a believer (and an “entrepreneur”), and his talk was informative and good for a sardonic laugh. Not inspirational but depressing because it is just another “fluff” piece about a technology for rich folks that is going to distract us from the real “need”—–the need to stop burning fossil fuels.
Yes, Josh is a good BS-er. I knew that when he started talking about “EXPONENTIAL improvements” in drones. I enjoyed the flight of the “slapped together in one day” machine that hovered three feet above the ground and had a seat for a human—-did no one have the courage to sit in it at that nosebleed height? Or, more likely, couldn’t it lift a human off the ground?. And then BOOM—-we’re into a jazzy streamlined Blue Bird model Fly Cart and a freaking “transitional motor cycle”. While you’ve got their attention, pile it high and deep! Get those “big players” to send you $$$$ (remember Solar Roadway?)
(And in an aside, many of us are already so tired of the A-hole car drivers on this planet that, once they get into their FlyCarts and start zooming around and crashing into one another while texting on their cell phones, we may start to shoot them down. If any crash into my house, they better hope the crash kills them before I get to them with my 12 gauge “first aid” kit.)
Josh’s closing words—-“Not if, but when!”, followed by much applause from admiring Aussies (who all looked to be white). Lord love a duck! The real WHEN is “when is AUS and the rest of the world going to stop playing with toys and stop burning COAL?”. A reminder:
“About 75% of coal mined in Australia is exported, mostly to eastern Asia, and of the balance most is used in electricity generation. Coal production in Australia increased 13.6% between 2005 and 2010 and 5.3% between 2009 and 2010. In 2016, Australia was the biggest net exporter of coal, with 32% of global exports (389 Mt out of 1,213 Mt total), and was the fourth-highest producer with 6.9% of global production (503 Mt out of 7,269 Mt total). 77% of production was exported (389 Mt out of 503 Mt total).”
Although those white Aussies that LOVED the thought of air taxis are going to get hurt big time when the AGW SHTF, it’s the “brown, black and yellow folk” all around the world that are going to die by the hundreds of millions or billions. Josh is the modern-day equivalent of the colonizer/capitalist that has already done so much damage—-but coming with BS rather than the gun and whip (or is that too Jeffy4Z-ish?). Come talk to us about electric planes when the electricity used to make them and power them does NOT come from COAL.
Brent Jensen-Schmidt Says:
Still waiting for commuter hover craft and whats wrong with white people. Aside. Federal election due in about a month and the right wing is expected to be dumped. The fact that the PM is a coal lover is a significant part of that.
Sir Charles Says:
Nothing wrong with white people (I’m one) except that we are the ones who are largely responsible for the looming CAGW and sixth extinction. Don’t take it personally, Brent—-you and I are not the “white people” that have made the mess starting a hundred fifty years ago or so—-the robber barons and the capitalists (and don’t forget the carriers of the Wetiko ~530 years ago). We just got here, and at least know we’re responsible even if we can’t do much about it.
Yep, and it’s ‘What to DO about it’ that’s the problem. My local candidates will be receiving polite but ‘firm’ letters and deniers will still be yelled at (actually turned a couple, felt like Xmas). Not enough and suggestions welcome.
These new E-planes will only add to air traffic. And since it’s taking way more energy to fly than rolling on the ground they will most likely accelerate global warming.
Flying in an aeroplane = 4 to 5 litres of fuel per 100km per passenger
Going by bus = 0.5 litres of fuel per 100km per passenger
Gingerbaker Says:
Flying cars not so far-fetched and not so terrible:
https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/we-may-see-flying-cars-yet/
Tell that to the hundreds of millions of people on this planet who have to WALK everywhere (or ride a bike or bus if they’re lucky). Much of that walking is done to fetch water or gather firewood or animal dung to burn. Wake TF up, GB, and come back to the real world from that land of bright-sidedness that you and too many others find so attractive.
Had to laugh at Novella even thinking that a flying car could be made to be as easy to fly as it was to drive without the help of computers. I’ve tried flying (in a glider), and it’s far harder than driving a car (which I’ve done on a race track and on the open road at well over 100 mph). And again, I will reiterate my belief that if we ever do have flying cars, that the occupants thereof should be executed on the spot if and when they crash into some “real persons'” home.
“Had to laugh at Novella even thinking that a flying car could be made to be as easy to fly as it was to drive without the help of computers.”
You laugh easily, because he said exactly the opposite.
” Much of that walking is done to fetch water or gather firewood or animal dung to burn. Wake TF up, GB”
Sheesh. So, according to you, progress can not or should not be made because somewhere there are people in poverty. Good to know. I’ll keep it in the front of my mind whenever you bring up nuclear power again.
That’s not what he said and you misinterpret what I said, but it’s not worth arguing abut because electric planes are not worth even talking about. We built cars that could fly and cars that could swim decades ago—-they never went anywhere then and they wont now (except as toys for the rich) Had to laugh at Novella even thinking that a flying car could be made to be as easy to fly as it was to drive without the help of computers.”
I thought you were a better man and human being than to say something like “…progress can not or should not be made because somewhere there are people in poverty” (your words, not mine). Are you an Ugly American?
BTW, I’m glad to here that you want to use the “front” of your mind for a change (the ACC—anterior cingulate cortex). You’ve been spending too much time in your amygdala lately, especially where nuclear power is concerned, and that’s where cognitive bias and Republicans live.
Sorry for exposing all to that again —forgot to delete “Had to laugh at Novella even thinking that a flying car could be made to be as easy to fly as it was to drive without the help of computers.”
“BTW, I’m glad to here”
Yeah, I’m glad that you’re not here but there, super teacher.
Here’s Chucky, our resident pro-fossil fuel and anti-nuke troll with nothing to say, actually wasting our time commenting about a TYPO! GFYS, Chucky—-come back when you have a real contribution to make.
As I’ve said elsewhere, it’s hard to get motivated to proofread responses to crap like Chucky always posts and that one message from GB. I just whip them out and send them.
That’s the libellous dumb old guy again. I rest my case here.
LMAO! You have no “case” to rest, Chucky. As usual, you’re strutting around in the barnyard in your Demented Rooster Suit clucking about your imagined victories (and my, does it look good on you!).
Since you apparently have no training or experience in the law as I do, I will go into “teacher” mode and give you a very brief lesson. DO remember that the general category is defamation—-written is libel, spoken is slander—you’ve had trouble with that simple distinction before.
“Truth is an absolute defense to libel claims, because one of the elements that must be proven in a defamation suit is falsity of the statement. If a statement is true, it cannot be false, and therefore, there is no prima facie case of defamation”.
Do you understand that? When what I write about you is TRUE, it is NOT libel, when what I say about you is TRUE, it is not libel. Stop looking like a moron, and more importantly give up this stupid “fight” you think you’re having with me, and go back to discussing climate change.
DOG: ““Had to laugh at Novella even thinking that a flying car could be made to be as easy to fly as it was to drive without the help of computers.”
Me: You laugh easily, because he said exactly the opposite.”
DOG: “That’s not what he said”
It’s really time to have your meds checked by a professional, DOG. This is exactly what he said:
” This nut has essentially been cracked. Computer algorithms can handle the difficult aspects of maintaining stability, and can even mostly fly themselves. Fifty years ago this was an issue, it no longer is.”
And he, again, is talking about electric cars not electric planes.
And I still do not understand what the heck global poverty has to do with this, except as a marker for some semipathological obsession of the moment for you.
“And he, again, is talking about electric CARS not electric PLANES” you now say because your cognitive bias is overwhelming your rationality?
I said “Had to laugh at Novella even thinking that a flying car could be made to be as easy to fly as it was to drive without the help of computers.”
You countered with ” This nut has essentially been cracked. Computer algorithms can handle the difficult aspects of maintaining stability, and can even mostly fly themselves. Fifty years ago this was an issue, it no longer is.” Did you not see the talk of “mostly FLYING themselves” there —-FLYING, which is done with PLANES, not CARS. YOU are the one who is confused, not me.
Perhaps if you had been more honest, you would have quoted what Novella said just before the “cracked nut” statement, which was “There have essentially been two hurdles to the development of the flying car. The first is safety – designing something that the average person can “operate” (FLY) with moderate training and with minimal accidents, at the level of driving a regular car OR LOWER”.
And I stand corrected—Novella actually said that he thinks it’s now not “as easy” but actually EASIER to FLY than to DRIVE, and anyone with even the slightest common sense and an understanding of the laws of physics knows that’s TOTAL horseshit. Gravity and the third dimension are why that’s so. You look even more biased now.
And I don’t understand why you have to talk about “It’s really time to have your meds checked by a professional, DOG”. That’s a big step beyond the jibes I aim at you about drinking too much VT maple syrup vodka and is uncalled for, especially when YOU are the one who’s so blatantly wrong here.
The only “semipathological obsession of the moment” visible here is your ongoing love of anything that smacks of RE, even something as useless as fling electric toys for the rich.
And as to the connection with “global poverty”?
“Be patient, grasshopper—-knowledge comes to those who seek inner calmness and open their minds to eternal truths”. Don’t remember whether that quote was attributed to some old Chinese monk or a drunken Irishman in a bar at a ski resort in VT—no matter, it’s the truth. Reread Jeffy’s excellent rant and connect the dots with what has been said about human overpopulation on other threads—-try hard, it’s important.
Yes, DOG, electric effing flying CARS, not electric planes, which would have a somewhat different mission.
You are becoming incorrigible – first mistakenly claiming that Novella made the mistake of not including computer control of the flight, and then denying that YOU were wrong about it, and then moving the goalpost once again, by saying his computer control point wasn’t valid. It’s a pattern repeatedly evident. It’s losing its charm.
There is a line between lovable curmudgeon and personally-nasty sophistic troll and it is my considered opinion as someone who has never played a psychiatrist on TV that you need to move toward the more gracious side of the spectrum with those of us who are on the same team.
Otherwise, carry on.
I’m surprised at you, GB—-you sound like one of the ignorant denier morons here with your continued insistence that you are right and I am wrong while you ignore Physics. At best, the only point you have on your side is a small semantic one. I said earlier that it was a waste of time discussing this with you because your confirmation bias blinds you—-it truly does, and the time I spent on the comment you just rejected WAS wasted on you (although perhaps not for the others who may have read it and DID get my points).
I will waste a bit more time by saying—read my “mistaken” comment as many times as you need to in order to understand it—-and stop playing word games in your
head with yourself. It doesn’t matter whether it has wheels and a steering apparatus that allows it to operate on roads as a “car”—-when it’s in the air and “flying”, it’s functioning as an “airplane”, i.e., a machine that generates lift by moving air over an airfoil (wing) by its motion. It’s one thing to control a wheeled vehicle in contact with the ground and stabilized by gravity and friction, it’s quite another to add the third dimension and ‘fly” it.
I did NOT “mistakenly claim that Novella made the mistake of not including computer control of the flight”, nor did I say “his computer control point wasn’t valid”. Again, it’s YOUR problem if you don’t understand the language or filter it through perceptual screens that are clogged with confirmation bias. Reread how I used Novella’s quotes—you misinterpret what I said.
A recurring chuckle that I keep having here while writing is the thought of what happens when the computer fails or sever weather is encountered, or a mechanical failure occurs. Novella said “Computer algorithms can handle the difficult aspects of maintaining stability, and can even mostly fly themselves”. Yep, until they can’t, and the poor pilot (likely undertrained) then “drives” the flying car into the ground (see earlier comment about what happens if he hits my house). On the other hand, the “car” whether it can also “fly” or not or has a computer and can “drive” itself, can just be parked when any of the above occurs—then you can take a freaking BUS.
Give up the “goalpost” BS too—you don’t even know what game we’re playing here, and as for a ” pattern repeatedly evident”, that’s true—Once a teacher, always a teacher, (same goes for sheepdogs) and I’m never going to stop trying to dispel ignorance or fight confirmation bias. CB is the “pattern repeatedly evident” in your blind and incorrigible love of all things RE no matter what science or common sense says, and one that NEVER had any charm to lose.
You’ve got a helluva nerve talking to me about being “personally nasty”. That’s all you’ve been here—-take my meds, curmudgeon (which are not lovable, and I’m not one—I’m just a guy who happens to be old and I’ve been ripping new assholes for fools with “nasty” vigor since I was a teenager). BTW “sophistic troll” in the context of Crock is NOT an insult but a compliment—thank you.
“It is my considered opinion as someone who has never played a psychiatrist on TV that you need to move toward the more gracious side of the spectrum with those of us who are on the same team”, you say?
Why can you not accept that you are moving away from us who are on the “same team” when you mindlessly support idiotic toys for the rich and therefore don’t deserve graciousness? And why do you bring “psychiatry” in, except as another insult?. I’ve never played a psychiatrist on TV either, but I DID take a lot of psych and used it in the school business—-it is my EDUCATED opinion (“considered” opinions often derive from feelings and associated confirmation bias), developed via my schooling and on-the-job experience, that you need to drop this this little war you think you’re having with me and “carry on” back to those many subjects where we DO agree.
Otherwise, I hope all your snow piles have finally melted.
jimbills Says:
So, a guy wants to bring his wife to a remote island to appreciate nature, as he can’t get it in his congested city, and he invents a device that will ultimately clog the airspace, increase congestion, and reduce the serenity of nature in both the city and the remote island? Gotcha.
The other thing this makes me think of is Jevons Paradox. Make a power source more efficient, and instead of lowering its usage, it actually increases. This is because people find a way to use it more than they had originally been using it. Another example would be the prevalent uses of LED screens on billboards and signs. What had just been paper and ink is now millions (billions?) of screens consuming power that didn’t exist before TV screens became so cheap and efficient. In total, it has the reverse effect than it intended by making it that much harder to fight total emissions and resource use.
And finally, this is about a rich guy building a tech for other rich people so they can have more personal time and not feel guilty about their carbon emissions. And we wonder why the masses who struggle to afford groceries think climate change is just a hoax by the wealthy, and they elect people like Trump.
I do think this is a likely tech to happen, but then I also think the future is a world of increased economic disparity, energy use, and populist anger.
Well said. i will again push a terrific book—only 200 very readable pages by a Pulitzer-winning business/finance columnist for the WashPost who “gets it” better than almost everyone—has terrific graphic data as well.
CAN AMERICAN CAPITALISM SURVIVE? WHY GREED IS NOT GOOD, OPPORTUNITY IS NOT EQUAL, AND FAIRNESS WONT MAKE US POOR by Steven Pearlstein, St. Martin’s Press, 2018
(And does anyone ever read the books I recommend? Do any of us even read books any more?)
J4Zonian Says:
Gosh, being more mobile and thus being able to live outside cities.
Isn’t that the thinking that created our current global commuter hell and a landscape to match?
At 9:50 in the video about a dozen ghost trails hop over a city in which it looks like millions of people live, apparently not flying—iow, an image of a privileged white person’s mad delusion.
Try instead high speed rail, light rail, EV buses and chutneys, all connected, 7public and free, and David Roberts’ series on Barcelona at Vox. It’s just one idea about how to do cities better, and not even my favorite, but it’s so much better than finding another way to lick the boots of the rich and right trying desperately to get them to go along with admitting the existence of climate change hoping they’ll let us do some fun and completely inadequate things we can pretend are helping while we pretend we’re not causing the end of civilization and nature.
The world cannot afford rich people any more. If we want to survive they have to be made not rich. There is no other way to either politically get the changes we need in energy, agriculture, forestry, or industry, or to actually reduce emissions fast enough to save our sorry asses–since rich people emit almost all of them. Of course it sounds ridiculously impossible; but whatever it is, surviving another century as a cohesive civilization will almost certainly be impossible with the inequality-caused extravagance, devastating poverty, and mental illness we have now.
Dang, Jeffy—-that was excellent! Perhaps your best rant ever, and I can’t find a thing to disagree with in it.
I can only say that IMO, what is “ridiculously impossible” is our ability to get the changes we need to survive (and don’t tell me to do away with myself because I KNOW that impossibility to be 99% true).
BTW, just watched a great movie—“Downsizing”—about an Earth where some humans choose to be shrunk down to around ~1/2744th full size to cut their “footprint” and save the planet. A movie that is both fun and with some real messages related to your rant—one being that once you shrink, you become “rich”, since what you use costs so little—i.e., a fifty dollar full size Cohiba converts into many cigars that cost only pennies each.
PS A story related to “Isn’t that the thinking that created our current global commuter hell and a landscape to match?”
Had to drive 20 miles “closer in” for a doctor visit Thursday—took me 1-1/2 hours. There were accidents on the Interstate and on both of the only two state highways that parallel it. I took one of them, one that I hadn’t traveled in maybe 6-8 years, and was surprised to see MANY five and six story condo and apartment complexes being built or newly built along the way. Whole forests cut down. Traffic lights everywhere. The punch line to this joke is that VA is proudly adding ONE lane to I-66 to “relieve congestion” while the towns along the route are adding thousands of dwellings on every side street.
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Hero Nation Index
Writer-Director Taika Waititi Back For More ‘Thor’ With Chris Hemsworth
Prentice Penny Joins HBO’s ‘The Untamed’ As EP And Co-Writer
Seth MacFarlane Will Bring ‘The Orville Experience’ To San Diego Comic-Con
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Tag Archives: Proactive Weekly NHS Performance Reviews
Annual Reviews of Avoidable Harm in Hospitals / Weekly NHS Reviews (BBC News / Department of Health)
Summary Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced a programme of annual reviews into avoidable deaths in English hospitals. The plan is to improve patient safety and promote the culture of openness and honesty in the NHS. Full Text Link Reference … Continue reading →
Posted in Acute Hospitals, BBC News, Department of Health, For Doctors (mostly), For Nurses and Therapists (mostly), For Researchers (mostly), For Social Workers (mostly), In the News, Integrated Care, Management of Condition, National, NHS, Person-Centred Care, Quick Insights, Standards, Statistics, UK, Universal Interest | Tagged Accountability in Health and Social Care, Action Against Medical Accidents, Acute Care, Acute Hospital Care, Acute Hospitals, Alignment of Services Across Health and Social Care Sectors, Annual Reviews of Avoidable Harm in Hospitals, Avoidable Harm, Avoidable Hospital Mortality, Avoidable Mortality, Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bernard Jenkin: Chair of House of Commons Public Administration Select Committee, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Buddying, Buddying Schemes, Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Care in General Hospitals, Chief Medical Examiners, Clinical Incidents in the NHS, Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, Commons Public Administration Select Committee (PASC), County Hospital Louth, Dame Julie Mellor: Parliamentary and Health Ombudsman Service, Deaths Associated with Hospitalisation, Delayed Discharges, Dr Foster, Dr Foster Intelligence, Dr Katherine Rake OBE, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Eric Pickles: Communities Secretary, Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, General Hospital Care, General Hospitals, General Medical Wards, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust, Governance, Governance and Accountability, Grantham and District Hospital, Health and Social Care, Health and Social Care Integration, Health and Social Care Leaders, Hospital Standardised Mortality Ratios (HSMRs), House of Commons Public Administration Select Committee, House of Commons Public Administration Select Committee (PASC), Imperial College (Dr Foster Unit), Integration of Health and Social Care, Investigative Capacity for NHS Patient Safety, Joined-Up Care, Keogh Mortality Review, Keogh Review, Lincoln County Hospital, Medical Accidents, Medical Accidents: Investigation, Medway NHS Foundation Trust, Never Events, Never Events Data, NHS England's Sign Up to Safety Campaign, NHS Medical Accidents Investigation Unit (Proposal), NHS Trusts and Foundation Trusts in Special Measures: 18 Months On, North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, Oliver Letwin: Cabinet Office Minister, Openness and Transparency, Openness. Transparency, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), Patient and Public Participation, Patient Care, Patient Safety, Patient Satisfaction, Patient-Safety-Related Hospital Deaths in England, Pilgrim Hospital Boston, Preventable Hospital Deaths, Preventable Hospital Mortality, Proactive Weekly NHS Performance Reviews, Professor Nick Black, Providers, Public Administration Select Committee (PASC), Quality Improvement, Quality of Care, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP: Former Secretary of State for Health, Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sign up to Safety, Sign Up to Safety Campaign, Simon Stevens: Chief Executive of NHS England, Sir Jeremy Heywood, Summary Hospital-level Mortality indicator (SHMI), Surgical Never Events, Tameside NHS Foundation Trust, Transitions Between Health and Social Care, Transparency and Accountability, Troubleshooting Reviews of NHS Performance, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Weekly Ministerial-Level Troubleshooting Reviews of NHS Performance, Weekly NHS Reviews: De-Weaponising the NHS | Leave a comment
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Tag Archives: COMMANDANT
DARK TOURISM HERE IN THE UK THE EVIL HORRORS AND ATROCITIES OF THE WW2 NAZI HOLOCAUST YEARS AND BEYOND. IT’S ALL HERE & SO MUCH MORE AT THE CRIME THROUGH TIME COLLECTION, LITTLEDEAN JAIL, UK. ” LEST WE FORGET “
Posted on April 26, 2018 by CRIME THROUGH TIME COLLECTION
Here below is a very brief look and insight into our Nazi Holocaust Years Exhibition here at The Crime Through Time Collection , Littledean Jail, UK
Original painting by Gloucestershire artist Paul Bridgman of Adolf Hitler here on display at The Crime Through Time Collection , Littledean Jail , UK .
ABOVE : Original handwritten, inscribed and signed Adolf Hitler photo dated 9 November 1943 here on display at the Jail .
HERE IS A PICTURE OF SOME OF THE EMPTY ZYKLON B CANISTERS USED AT VARIOUS NAZI DEATH CAMP GAS CHAMBERS , AS CAN BE SEEN HERE ON DISPLAY . ( LEST WE FORGET )
POLITE WARNING … THE CRIME THROUGH TIME COLLECTION AT LITTLEDEAN JAIL (WHERE UPON THIS EXHIBITION IS HOUSED ) IS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN OR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE EASILY OFFENDED , DISTURBED OR OF A SENSITIVE NATURE
Original painting by Gloucestershire artist Paul Bridgman on display at The Crime Through Time Collection, Littledean Jail ,UK.
THE CONTENT HERE ON DISPLAY BOTH ONLINE AND WITHIN THE JAIL IS IN THE MAIN HARD HITTING , GRAPHIC, EXPLICIT , IN YOUR FACE , TONGUE IN CHEEK , CONTROVERSIAL AND TO MANY … VERY DISTURBING .
WITH THIS IN MIND AND FOR YOUR BENEFIT AND COMFORT … PLEASE DO TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF OUR FACEBOOK POSTS , READ OUR TOURISM LEAFLETS AND DO TAKE NOTICE OF ALL OUR WARNING SIGNAGE PRIOR TO ENTERING THE JAIL .
Above : Original painting by Gloucestershire Artist Paul Bridgman on display here at Littledean Jail, of the sadistic Irma Grese …. deemed to be “The Angel of Death ” , who was subsequently arrested and later hanged by British Hangman Albert Pierrepoint
Irma Ida Ilse Grese (7 October 1923 – 13 December 1945) was a female SS guard at the Nazi concentration camps of Ravensbrück and Auschwitz, and served as warden of the women’s section of Bergen-Belsen.
Grese was convicted for crimes against humanity committed at Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, and sentenced to death at the Belsen trial. Executed at 22 years of age, Grese was the youngest woman to die judicially under British law in the 20th century. She was nicknamed by the camps’ inmates “the Hyena of Auschwitz Above : Original painting by Gloucestershire Artist Paul Bridgman on display here at Littledean Jail, of the sadistic Irma Grese ….
Josef Kramer (10 November 1906 – 13 December 1945) was the Commandant of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Dubbed The Beast of Belsen by camp inmates, he was a notorious German Nazi war criminal, directly responsible for the deaths of thousands of people. He was detained by the British army after the Second World War, convicted of war crimes and hanged on the gallows in Hamelin prison by British executioner Albert Pierrepoint.
Above : Original oil painting by Gloucestershire Artist Paul Bridgman of Josef Kramer , The Beast of Belsen , on display here at Littledean Jail,
Below: Original painting by Gloucestershire Artist Paul Bridgman on display here at Littledean Jail, of the evil and sadistic Josef Kramer …. better known as “The Beast of Belsen “
Used original Zyklon B 100gram sized canisters from one of the first Nazi gas chambers situated at Grafeneck Euthanasia Center, housed in Grafeneck Castle, Germany . It had officially opened in January 1940 and was closed on the orders of Nazi warlord Himmler in December 1940 . This facility was mainly used to exterminate mentally Handicapped and retarded victims as part of the Nazi euthanasia program. These canisters are exceptionally rare find from what was one of the earliest gas chambers and crematorium facilities . There is evidence that exists to the effect that a minimum 10, 654 were gassed there, though inevitably many more victims were murdered there before its closure . these canisters are now on public display at the Crime Through Time Collection, Littledean Jail
Here is some more interactive, historical and hopefully educational background footage and insight into the horrors of the Nazi Holocaust years. The photo gallery below the first video also provides a brief pictorial glimpse into our own disturbing Nazi Holocaust exhibition here at the jail .
We also feature a great many interactive pieces in relation to UK World War 2 Special Forces, including the SOE (Special Operations Executive) and the SAS (Special Air Service) …. whom were both actively involved in a great many operations against the Nazi’s during this period .
Original painting by Gloucestershire artist Paul Bridgman on display at The Crime Through Time Collection, Littledean Jail , UK
BELOW IS A BRIEF PICTORIAL GLIMPSE INTO SOME OF THE EXHIBIT ITEMS HERE ON DISPLAY AT LITTLEDEAN JAILS NAZI HOLOCAUST EXHIBITION .
Srbosjek (literally “Serb cutter” in Croatian and Serbian, often referred to as “cutthroat”) is the colloquial serbo-Croatian term for a type of knife used for killing …
Witness drawing of the sboskek wrist knife used to quickly dispatch prisoners at Jasenovac
The Holocaust was the systematic, bureaucratic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of approximately six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. “Holocaust” is a word of Greek origin meaning “sacrifice by fire.” The Nazis, who came to power in Germany in January 1933, believed that Germans were “racially superior” and that the Jews, deemed “inferior,” were an alien threat to the so-called German racial community.
During the era of the Holocaust, German authorities also targeted other groups because of their perceived “racial inferiority”: Roma (Gypsies), the disabled, and some of the Slavic peoples (Poles, Russians, and others). Other groups were persecuted on political, ideological, and behavioral grounds, among them Communists, Socialists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and homosexuals.
WHAT WAS THE HOLOCAUST?
In 1933, the Jewish population of Europestood at over nine million. Most European Jews lived in countries that Nazi Germany would occupy or influence during World War II. By 1945, the Germans and theircollaborators killed nearly two out of every three European Jews as part of the “Final Solution,” the Nazi policy to murder the Jews of Europe. Although Jews, whom the Nazis deemed a priority danger to Germany, were the primary victims of Nazi racism, other victims included some 200,000 Roma (Gypsies). At least 200,000 mentally or physically disabled patients, mainly Germans, living in institutional settings, were murdered in the so-called Euthanasia Program.
As Nazi tyranny spread across Europe, the Germans and their collaborators persecuted and murdered millions of other people. Between two and three million Soviet prisoners of warwere murdered or died of starvation, disease, neglect, or maltreatment. The Germans targeted the non-Jewish Polish intelligentsia for killing, and deported millions of Polish and Soviet civilians for forced labor in Germany or in occupiedPoland, where these individuals worked and often died under deplorable conditions. From the earliest years of the Nazi regime, German authorities persecuted homosexuals and others whose behavior did not match prescribed social norms. German police officials targeted thousands of political opponents (including Communists, Socialists, and trade unionists) and religious dissidents (such as Jehovah’s Witnesses). Many of these individuals died as a result of incarceration and maltreatment.
ADMINISTRATION OF THE “FINAL SOLUTION”
In the early years of the Nazi regime, the National Socialist government established concentration camps to detain real and imagined political and ideological opponents. Increasingly in the years before the outbreak of war, SS and police officials incarcerated Jews, Roma, and other victims of ethnic and racial hatred in these camps. To concentrate and monitor the Jewish population as well as to facilitate later deportation of the Jews, the Germans and their collaborators created ghettos, transit camps, and forced-labor camps for Jews during the war years. The German authorities also established numerous forced-labor camps, both in the so-called Greater German Reich and in German-occupied territory, for non-Jews whose labor the Germans sought to exploit.
Following the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941,Einsatzgruppen (mobile killing units) and, later, militarized battalions of Order Police officials, moved behind German lines to carry out mass-murder operations against Jews, Roma, and Soviet state and Communist Party officials. German SS and police units, supported by units of the Wehrmacht and the Waffen SS, murdered more than a million Jewish men, women, and children, and hundreds of thousands of others. Between 1941 and 1944, Nazi German authorities deported millions of Jews from Germany, from occupied territories, and from the countries of many of its Axis allies to ghettos and to killing centers, often called extermination camps, where they were murdered in specially developed gassing facilities.
THE END OF THE HOLOCAUST
In the final months of the war, SS guards moved camp inmates by train or on forced marches, often called “death marches,” in an attempt to prevent the Allied liberation of large numbers of prisoners. As Allied forces moved across Europe in a series of offensives against Germany, they began to encounter andliberate concentration camp prisoners, as well as prisoners en route by forced march from one camp to another. The marches continued until May 7, 1945, the day the German armed forces surrendered unconditionally to the Allies. For the western Allies, World War II officially ended in Europe on the next day, May 8 (V-E Day), while Soviet forces announced their “Victory Day” on May 9, 1945.
In the aftermath of the Holocaust, many of the survivors found shelter in displaced persons (DP) camps administered by the Allied powers. Between 1948 and 1951, almost 700,000 Jews emigrated to Israel, including 136,000 Jewish displaced persons from Europe. Other Jewish DPs emigrated to the United States and other nations. The last DP camp closed in 1957. The crimes committed during the Holocaust devastated most European Jewish communities and eliminated hundreds of Jewish communities in occupied eastern Europe entirely
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THE HORRORS AND EVIL ATROCITIES OF RELIGIOUS WARFARE DURING THE WW2 NAZI HOLOCAUST YEARS WITH THE BLOODTHIRSTY CROATIAN PRO-NAZI, “USTASHA BLACK LEGION MILITIA” ,
Posted on May 4, 2017 by CRIME THROUGH TIME COLLECTION
JASENOVAC CONCENTRATION CAMP …. ONE OF THE CRUELEST AND MOST EVIL OF THEM ALL … AS FEATURED HERE AT THE CRIME THROUGH TIME COLLECTION , LITTLEDEAN JAIL , UK … “LEST WE FORGET”
BELOW ARE TWO INTERACTIVE DOCUMENTARY INSIGHT FOOTAGE VIDEOS OF THE HORRORS WITHIN THE CAMP . NO WORDS THOUGH WE ARE SURE YOU WILL AGREE, THESE IMAGES TELL A THOUSAND OR MORE UNTOLD STORIES .
The Ustaše (pronounced [ûstaʃe]), also known as “Ustashe”, “Ustashas”, and “Ustashi”, were members of the Ustaša – Croatian Revolutionary Movement (Croatian: Ustaša – Hrvatski revolucionarni pokret), a Croatian fascist and terrorist organization active, in its original form, between 1929 until 1945. Its members murdered hundreds of thousands of Serbs, Jews, and Roma during World War II in Yugoslavia
ORIGINAL “SRBOSJEK” SERB THROAT CUTTER AS WAS USED BY THE USTASHA BLACK LEGION AT JASENOVAC CONCENTRATION CAMP DURING THE WW2 NAZI HOLOCAUST YEARS NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE CRIME THROUGH TIME COLLECTION, LITTLEDEAN JAIL
HEAVY DUTY LONG HANDLED MALLET/HAMMER OF THE KIND THAT WAS USED BY THE USTASHA BLACK LEGION AS A PREFFERED FORM OF KILLING INMATES AT THE WW2 CROATIAN CONCENTRATION CAMPS …RATHER THAN GASSING THEIR VICTIMS
Heavy long handled wooden-mallet/club-used-to-crush-the-skulls-of-prisoners-at-jasenovac
GROUND DUG ORIGINAL USTASHA BLACK LEGION UNIFORM INSIGNIA
GROUND DUG ORIGINAL USTASHA BLACK LEGION BELT BUCKLE REMNANT AND UNIFORM CAP BADGE
GROUND DUG ORIGINAL USTASHA BLACK LEGION UNIFORM CAP BADGE
GROUND DUG ORIGINAL USTASHA BLACK LEGION BELT BUCKLE REMNANT
ORIGINAL “GROUND DUG ” FROM A USTASHA EXECUTION SITE … LEATHER BELT COMPLETE WITH IT’S ORIGINAL BUCKLE , ALONG THE TOP RIM ARE HAND SCRATCHED NOTCH MARKS PURPORTING TO BE NUMBERS OF KILLS BY THE OWNER OF THE BELT
ORIGINAL “GROUND DUG ” FROM A USTASHA EXECUTION SITE … HANDMADE LADY SIZED USTASHA DECORATIVE RING WITH THE LETTERS A.M. ETCHED TO THE SIDE
ORIGINAL “GROUND DUG ” FROM A USTASHA EXECUTION SITE … A USTASHA CAP BADGE
ORIGINAL “GROUND DUG ” FROM A USTASHA EXECUTION SITE … A USTASHA SOLDIER’S HANDMADE DECORATIVE RING MADE FROM THE REMNANTS OF A PIECE OF KRUPP BERNDORF CUTLERY WITH AN ADDED USTASHA EMBLEM .
During the Holocaust, one group of killers stood out as more vicious, murderous, and bloodthirsty than all others. The Ustasha of Yugoslavia was a Muslim-Catholic alliance of Nazi killers so beastly that even Nazi officials in Berlin were horrified. The Ustasha and three related crack divisions of Arab-Nazi Waffen SS comprised of tens of thousands of Muslim volunteers and terrorized people of all faiths in Yugoslavia. In large measure, these murder machines emerged through the efforts of the grand mufti of Jerusalem, Hajj Amin al-Husseini. The grand mufti was on a mission to accelerate the extermination of all Jews everywhere. His partner was Adolf Hitler. The epic story of this alliance is one that began in Jerusalem, traveled to Baghdad, culminated in the Balkans, and ultimately spread across all Europe. In many ways, the scene was set centuries ago by the Medina Extermination of 627. Medina was a largely Jewish city. When its 600 or so Jews refused to convert to the new Muslim religion, the Prophet Muhammad murdered them in a protracted ceremony, beheading the Jewish faithful one by one. This massacre became a glorious iconic event in Islamic history. After Medina, the Islamic Conquest swept across the Middle East and North Africa. In about 700, the Pact of Umar declared that Jews and Christians under Muslim control could continue as non-Muslims, but only as dhimmis – that is, second-class citizens reviled for their existence and denied many ordinary rights. Throughout the ages while dwelling in the various realms of the Muslim world, Jews and Christians were either allowed to excel and thrive or were brutally repressed and persecuted, depending on the decade and territory. But the context of their existence – whether successful or subjugated – was always as second-class citizens. Islam’s many anti-Jewish mandates were not just ancient textual relics but were often quoted by Islamic leaders throughout the centuries. When the League of Nations, Britain, France, the United States, Germany, and finally Turkey endorsed a Jewish homeland, each with a formal resolution resembling that of the Balfour Declaration, it ignited a seismic outrage among Arabs. The very thought of Jews living as equals was anathema to Palestinian Arabs. From 1920, their regular rallying call was Itbach al Yahood! – Slaughter the Jews. With knives and rifles, in small spontaneous groups and organized mobs, Arabs murdered Palestinian Jews, burned their Torahs and laid waste to their synagogues as Jews tried to rebuild a homeland. Indeed, in 1929, when Jews sat down while they prayed at the Western Wall, violating Islamic prohibitions against Jews sitting there – a mob of Arabs swarmed over Hebron sadistically killing dozens. The Jewish baker was baked in his own oven. A Jewish scholar’s brain was extricated and used as a ball. In 1937, the Peel Report concluded that two states should be created, one Arab and one Jewish, living side by side. But the Muslim world would not tolerate the notion of coexistence with Jews as equals. “Our hatred for the Jews dates from God’s condemnation of them for their persecution and rejection of Isa [Jesus], and their subsequent rejection later of His chosen Prophet [Muhammad] . Verily the word of God teaches us, and we implicitly believe this for a Muslim to kill a Jew ensures him an immediate entry into Heaven and into the august presence of God Almighty. What more then can a Muslim want in this hard world?” These were the words of the king of Saudi Arabia during a lecture to the British Foreign Ministry in 1937. The grand mufti of Jerusalem was the leader of the Palestinians. The Nazi-Arab alliance had been aggressively sought by the Arabs of Palestine since the Third Reich’s first moments in 1933. After the Peel Report, the mufti and his loyal followers launched a murderous, non-stop insurrection known as the Arab Revolt. When the British tried to arrest him, the mufti fled to Iraq where he helped foment a coup. In Iraq, the mufti found a virulent and widely embraced Arab-Nazi movement. Mein Kampf had been serialized in Arabic. Hitler Youth-style Arab regiments were well organized. On June 1-2, 1941 – after a failed Nazi-Arab attempt to exterminate the Jews of Iraq – Baghdad Nazis, the police and national military units went on a two-day murder spree. Once the British finally restored order, the mufti fled again, this time to Iran where another failed Nazi takeover was thwarted. From Iran, the mufti and his cohorts escaped to Berlin to meet Hitler personally. In Berlin, a pact was sealed to provide Arab oil and battlefield military assistance sufficient to help the Nazi push into Russia in exchange for recognizing an Arab national state and exterminating the Jews. Arab military units formed from Paris to Palestine. Arabs and Muslims worldwide, on the radio and in newspapers, incessantly and openly called for the extermination of the Jews. The rallying cry was: “In Heaven, Allah is your master; on Earth, Adolf Hitler.” When Heinrich Himmler needed to fight the partisans of Yugoslavia to protect German supply lines, the mufti visited the region and helped organize tens of thousands of Muslims and Arabs into three Waffen SSdivisions. Those three divisions – the Handschar, the Skandebeg, and the Kama – formed artillery brigades, transport battalions, infantry companies, and fought a bloody trench and mountain warfare against the partisans in Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, and the other Balkan territories. * * * * * Concomitantly, a Nazi murder militia known as Ustasha was created from a legion of Catholic and Muslim killers. The history is complex. In the Croatian maelstrom of ethnic and religious hatred, steered by Nazi mentors and puppet masters, Catholic Croats ironically decreed that all Muslims were Croats. This enabled the Catholic Croats to establish a majority in their enlarged territorial domain. That enlarged Independent State of Croatia was known in the dialect as Nezavisna Država Hrvatska, or the NDH. The Independent State of Croatia was in fact a bi-ethnic murder regime sworn to exterminate the millions of Yugoslavians who were neither Catholic nor Muslim through the Ustasha. Although Muslims were a minority in the NDH, the Bosniak Muslim faction and the Croatian Catholics jointly ruled and jointly murdered. The NDH’s fascist extremist president was a staunch Hitler ally and former Jesuit seminarian, Ante Pavelić. His official title was poglavnik, a Croatian word that approximates der Führer.The vice president was Muslim Džafer-beg Kulenović, previously president of the Yugoslav Moslem Organization, a Bosniak nationalist organization. The Croatian minister of culture and education was Mile Budak, a rabid Catholic-Nazi who propagated the axiom of killing one-third, converting one-third and expelling one-third of all Serbs. Budak and other Catholic Croats believed Muslims were actually descendants of the ancient Bogomil people who had inhabited the Croatian lands centuries earlier. As a leader in forging the Muslim-Catholic alliance, Budak enthusiastically proclaimed in 1941, “We Croats are happy and proud of our [Christian] faith, but we must be conscious of the fact that our Muslim brothers are the purest ofCroats.” He elaborated in a speech that the NDH was “Christian. [But] it is also a Muslim state where our people are of the Muslim religion.” In July 1941, Budak openly declared that the new state must exterminate “foreign elements,” that is, Jews and Gypsies as well as the larger enemy, Orthodox Serbs. Budak hid nothing about his plans. “The basis for the Ustasha movement is religion,” announced Budak. “For minorities such as Serbs, Jews, and Gypsies, we have 3 million bullets.” To cement the Muslim and Catholic killing coalition, NDH president Pavelić converted a local Zagreb museum to a huge and impressive mosque, adding surrounding minarets to its modern architecture, and naming the mosque after himself. Numerous NDH ministries were controlled or headed by Muslims. Pavelić even donned a Muslim fez to show his solidarity. Muslims were invited to join the barbaric Croatian Peasant Party and did so in significant numbers. When Muslims served in the Ustasha First Regiment, known as Black Legion, their black uniforms were the same as their Catholic co-killers. Senior officers were dressed in identical garb. Ibrahim Pirić-Pjanić and Memesaga Dzubur led their own local Ustasha-affiliated contingents. Muslim Ustasha Muhamed Hadžiefendić led his own militia in Tuzla. Hadžiefendić’s militia became so strong that Bosniaks wanted it to operate autonomously in Muslim areas of Bosnia. The Diet legislature, which passed a sequence of genocidal decrees, included 11 Muslims specifically appointed for that purpose. These decrees included outlawing Serbian and Jewish existence in Croatia, the looting of Serbian and Jewish property, and the systematic transfer to Serbian and Jewish citizens into death camps and merciless killing fields. Catholic priests commonly operated the concentration camps, enforcing the most degrading of slaughter rituals. In Sarajevo, most of the looted and confiscated property of victims went to Muslims, who raced to grab Jewish and Serbian assets before their Catholic partners. Under Croatian decrees, Jews were compelled to wear yellow Star-of-David armbands and back patches marked with a “Z” for Zidov, the Croatian word for Jew. Muslims plundered and decimated the Great Sephardic Synagogue in Sarajevo and the centuries-old synagogue in Dubrovnik. When Muslim families were moved out of their villages near the battle lines, the Ustasha evicted Jews from their homes so the Croatian Muslims could take their place. When Jews fled the November 1941 mass roundups in Sarajevo, preparatory to planned extermination, a number of them escaped only by disguising themselves under Muslim veils. At the same time, many of the Jews who did survive the Jew-hunts did so by appealing to merciful neighbors in the Muslim quarter that took them in and hid them until they could escape safely. Many Muslims in Sarajevo rejected the Bosniak Ustasha horror and tried – in vain – to protest to their co-religionists. Serbs suffered enormously. As Serbs were being forcibly converted to Catholicism, some 450 Serbian Orthodox churches were demolished and their religious icons defiled. Orthodox priests were gruesomely tortured and their families shipped to concentration camps where they were subjected to every inhumanity. * * * * * Pavelić declared early on, “This is now the Ustasha and Independent State of Croatia. It must be cleansed of all Serbs and Jews. There is no room for any of them here. Not a stone upon a stone will remain of what once belonged to them.” He later said, “The Jews will be liquidated within a very short time.” To this end, more than 20 Ustasha concentration camps were established for the killing process, manned by combined Catholic and Muslim forces. The most notorious of these camps was the hellish complex known as Jasenovac, considered by many to be more sadistic than Auschwitz. The Ustasha’s barbaric methods for exterminating Jews and Serbs included sadistic group killing by cracking heads open with hammers until the cranial cavity was exposed. That was for adults. Children were commonly marched into the forest where their heads were crushed with long mallets. Sometimes children were thrown live into flaming furnaces. Decapitation or dismemberment with giant lumber saws was frequent. All too often, these Ustasha atrocities were not committed in fits of mad rage, but for sport, with the gleeful perpetrators smiling for the camera over the helpless victim waiting to be brutalized. Mass throat-slittings at great velocity were achieved with a small hand blade wrapped tight to the wrist and dubbed the Serbcutter. One night, guards at Jasenovac wagered among themselves to see who could cut the most throats with their Serbcutters. Guard Petar Brzica, a Franciscan priest, was determined to prove his skill, which he did by slicing the throats of an estimated 1,360 inmates. Guard Mile Friganović was close behind the winner, murdering about 1,100 Serbs that night. But Friganović was also known for an unspeakable incident in which an old man was asked to shout a salute to Croat president Ante Pavelić. When the old man hesitated, Friganović systematically and gleefully cut off his ears first, then his nose and tongue, after which he gouged out his eyes and then extracted the victim’s heart – and only after all that did Friganović end it all by slitting the prisoner’s throat. Friganović called the experience one of “ecstasy.” Groups of shivering Jewish children were brought into a camp one day. For sport, one guard began spinning a child above his head as the other guards slashed at him with their bayonets. Eventually, the guard was left with nothing but the child’s hand as a trophy. Other Ustasha trophies included eyeball collections, stored in wicker baskets for show and sometimes worn strung up in necklaces. NDH president Pavelić himself once showed a journalist a wicker basket filled with some 40 pounds of eyeballs. Pavelić joked that he could make an oyster stew with them. “A good Ustasha,” Pavelić told his troops, “is he who can use his knife to cut a child from the womb of its mother.” Cruel and inhumane as the Nazis were, they retreated in wide-eyed astonishment when they learned of the joint Catholic-Muslim Ustasha atrocities. German General Edmund Glaise von Horstenau, commanding officer of the region headquartered in Zagreb, reported back to Berlin, “According to reliable reports from countless German military and civil observers during the last few weeks, the Ustasha have gone raging mad.” He added: “The most wicked [concentration camp] of all must be Jasenovac, where no ordinary mortal is allowed to peer in.” Hermann Naubacher, Hitler’s personal assistant for the Balkans, called the Ustasha exterminations “a crusade that belongs among the most brutal mass-murder undertakings in the entire history of the world.” Naubacher somberly added, “According to the reports that have reached me, my estimate is that the number of those defenseless slaughtered is some three-quarters of a million.” Eventually, the Nazis fell. Their allies in the Ustasha and the three Waffen SS divisions faced postwar justice in many cases. But too many melted into the turbulent history of the Cold War. The mufti escaped and became a revered icon of the Palestinian people. The legacy of Islamic and Arab hate that spurred the Farhud burned broad enough to help Hitler get ever closer to his goal of exterminating all Jews. But the Third Reich fell. And those in the Arab-Nazi movement went on to form the post-war geopolitical Middle East that prevails in the current century. Edwin Black is the author of “IBM and the Holocaust.” This article is adapted from his just-released book “The Farhud: Roots of the Arab-Nazi Alliance During the Holocaust” (Dialog, 2010). He will lecture on the topic on January 31 for the American Sephardi Federation at the Center for Jewish History in New York City.
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ORIGINAL 100 GRAM SIZED…. ZYKLON B CANISTERS FROM THE NAZI HOLOCAUST ERA USED AT GRAFENECK EUTHANASIA CENTRE HOUSED AT GRAFENECK CASTLE , GERMANY NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE CRIME THROUGH TIME COLLECTION , LITTLEDEAN JAIL .
THE CONTENT HERE ON DISPLAY BOTH ONLINE AND WITHIN THE JAIL IS IN THE MAIN HARD HITTING , GRAPHIC, EXPLICIT , IN YOUR FACE , TONGUE IN CHEEK , CONTROVERSIAL AND TO MANY … VERY DISTURBING
GRAFENECK GAS CHAMBER AT GRAFENECK CASTLE
Grafeneck Castle
The former medieval castle Grafeneck was built on a hill near Marbach.
On 24 May 1939, members of Aktion T4 visited the buildings in order to find out if it could be used for their killing programme. On 14 OctoberGrafeneck Castle was duly confiscated. Between 10 and 15 manual labourers from nearby villages started to convert the castle into a killing centre.
300 m away from the castle several barracks were built, fenced in with a hoarding up to 4 m high. On the first floor of the castle the following facilities were installed: accomodations and offices for the doctors, a registry office, a police office, the office for the comfort letters and others. On the second floor, small living- and sleeping rooms for the personnel were installed. The main building of the killing facility was a barrack (68 m long and 7 m wide), which included several rooms. In one of them 100 beds were placed, covered with straw-bags. Three big buses for transportation of the victims and an ambulance car stood in a wooden garage. Two mobile cremation ovens were located in another wooden barrack. Because of the immense heat, generated by the round-the-clock cremation, the roof of the barrack was removed and after a short time the surrounding trees even blackened. The gas chamber, resembling a shower bath, could hold 75 persons.
A former horse stable (round, and 15 m in diameter) probably served as storage room for the corpses. At the bottom of the hill, at the access road, a high hoarding and a guardhouse were built. Fences with barbed wire surrounded the whole castle whilst armed guards with dogs patrolled these perimeters.
In mid-November 1939, SS men, typists and other personnel arrived and were supplemented during early January 1940 by approximately 25 nurses, some being male. In mid-January the cremation ovens were delivered. On 18 January 1940 the first transport of 25 handicapped men arrived fromEglfing-Haar near Munich, managed by the Grafeneck chief Dr Horst Schumann. He joined T4 since early October 1939, after a meeting with Viktor Brack in Hitler‘s chancellery. In early summer of 1940 he was ordered to the Sonnenstein euthanasia centre. Successors in Grafeneck: Dr Ernst Baumhardt and finally Dr Günther Hennecke.
Chief of administration became Christian Wirth, a detective superintendent and SS-Obersturmführer. He supervised the first gassings. Later he became inspector of all Aktion Reinhard extermination camps.
The killing continued until 13 December 1940. Then Grafeneck was no longer part of the euthanasia programme because, according to the plan, all handicapped persons from the Grafeneck operational area had been killed. Some of the personnel went on holiday while some were ordered to theHadamar euthanasia centre. A few remained at the castle to cover up all tracks of the actions that happened there.
10,824 victims were gassed and cremated at this facility.
WHAT IS ZYKLON B?
Zyklon B (German pronunciation: [tsykloːn ˈbeː]; also spelled Cyclon B or Cyclone B) was the trade name of a cyanide-based pesticideinvented in the early 1920s, and manufactured by German chemical conglomerate IG Farben. Zyklon B consisted of hydrogen cyanide(prussic acid), a stabilizer, a warning odorant (ethyl bromoacetate), and one of several adsorbents. Zyklon A was a previously produced liquid pesticide, which released hydrogen cyanide in a chemical reaction with water. After the invention of Zyklon B, Zyklon A production ceased.
The product is infamous for its use by Nazi Germany to murder an estimated 1.2 million people, including approximately 960,000 Jews, ingas chambers installed in several extermination camps during the Holocaust. One of the co-inventors of Zyklon B, chemist and businessman Bruno Tesch, was executed by the British in 1946 for his role in this operation.
The containers above hold Zyklon-B pellets (hydrocyanic acid) that vaporize when exposed to air. Originally intended for commercial use as a disinfectant and an insecticide, the Nazis discovered through experimentation the gas could be used to kill humans.
The brand of Zyklon-B used by the Nazis contained substances which gave the pellets a blue appearance and left blue stains inside gas chambers which can still be seen today in chambers that were left intact.
During the killing process, prisoners at Auschwitz and other killing centers were forced into the air-tight chambers that had been disguised by the Nazis to look like shower rooms. The Zyklon pellets were then dumped into the chambers via special air shafts or openings in the ceiling.
The pellets would then vaporize, giving off a noticeable bitter almond odor. Upon being breathed in, the vapors combined with red blood cells, depriving the human body of vital oxygen, causing unconsciousness, and then death through oxygen starvation.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 7.65 CALIBRE, 7.65 CALIBRE ADOLF HITLER AJ ALBERT PIERREPOINT Amber Beattie ANDY JONES ANGEL OF DEATH ANTI NAZI ANTI NAZI LEAGUE Antisemitism ARKAN Asa Butterfield AUSCHWITZ Auschwitz II (Auschwitz-Birkenau) BELSEN, ADOLF HITLER, AJ, ALBERT PIERREPOINT, Amber Beattie, ANDY JONES, ANGEL OF DEATH, ANTI NAZI, ANTI NAZI LEAGUE, Antisemitism, ARKAN, Asa Butterfield, AUSCHWITZ, Auschwitz II (Auschwitz-Birkenau), BANKSY, BEAST OF BELSEN, BELSEN, Belzec, BEST IMAGES, BEST WORLD CRIME MUSEUM, BIGGEST CRIME MUSEUM IN EUROPE, BLACK LEGION, BLACK MUSEUM, BLACK SHIRTS, BLACKSHIRTS, BLOOD THIRSTY, BOY IN STRIPE PYJAMAS, BOY IN STRIPED PYJAMAS, BRITISH FASCISM, BRITISH FASCIST, CAMP BROTHELS, CARVE HER NAME WITH PRIDE, Chełmno, CHRISTOPHER LEE, COLLECTION, COMMANDANT, CONCENTRATION CAMPS, COULNCIL, COUNCIL, CRIME, CRIME AND PUNISHMENT, CRIME COLLECTIONS, CRIME MUSEUM, CRIME MUSUEM, CRIME THROUGH TIME, CRIME THROUGH TIME COLLECTION, CRIME THROUGH TIME MUSEUM, CRIME THROUGH TIME MUSUEM, CRIMINALS, CROAT, CROATIAN, CROATIAN CONCENTRATION CAMP, CROATION, crush-the-skulls-, CRW, DACHAU, DAMIEN HIRST, DAVID IRVING, DAVID STIRLING SAS, DAVID THEWLIS, DEATH CAMP, DEATH CAMP UNIFORM, DEATH CAMP UNIFORMS, DEATH CAMPS, DEATH MILLS, DISMAL, DISMALABILIA, DISMALAND, DISORDER, DISORDERLY, DISPLAY, DISTURBED, DOG HANDLER, DR MENGELE, ENGLANDS BEST TRUE CRIME MUSEUM, ENIGMA, EUROPE'S LARGEST TRUE CRIME MUSEUM, EUROPES BEST THE TRUE CRIME MUSEUM, EUROPES BEST TRUE CRIME MUSEUM, EXECUTIONS, EXHIBITION, EXPLOITATION, EXTERMINATION, FASCISM, FASCIST, FIELD-HURE, FIELD-WHORE, FINAL SOLUTION, FOREST OF DEAN, FOREST OF DEAN COUNCIL, FOREST OF DEAN STOCKS, GAS CHAMBER, GAS CHAMBERS, GENOCIDE, GERMAN, GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG, GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG MUZZLE, GESTAPO, GHETTO, giftgas, GLOUCESTER, GLOUCESTER MENTAL HOSPITAL, GLOUCESTER PRISON, GLOUCESTER TOURISM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, GLOUCESTERSHIRE MUSEUMS, GLOUCESTERSHIRE TOURISM, GOERING #, GROUND DUG HUMAN REMAINS, GUILLOTINE, GYPSIES, HANGING, HEIDRICH, HIMMLER, HITLER, HOLOCAUST, HOLOCAUST COLLECTION, HOLOCAUST EXHIBITION, HOLOCAUST MEMORABILIA, HOLOCAUST MUSEUM, HUMAN SKULL, IMAGES, IRANIAN EMBASSY SIEGE MUSEUM, Irma Grese, IVAN SOVIC, IVO SOVIC, JASENOVAC CONCENTRATION CAMP, JEHOVAH WITNESS, JEW, JEW HATERS, JEWISH, JEWISH INMATE, JEWISH MUSEUM, JEWS, JOSEF KRAMER, KKK MUSEUM, KL UNIFORMS, KOMMANDANT, LITTLEDEAN, LITTLEDEAN JAIL, LORD HAW HAW, LORD HAWHAW, LYNCHING, MAIMERABILIA, Majdanek, mallet, MASS, MEMORABILIA, MENGELE, METAL DETECTOR, MUDERABILIA, MURDER, MURDERABILIA, MUSEUM, MUSEUM OF YOUTH CULTURE, MUSUEM, NATIONAL FRONT, NAZI, NAZI BROTHAL, NAZI BROTHEL, NAZI CHILDREN, NAZI CONCENTRATION CAMPS, NAZI DEATH CAMP, NAZI DEATH CAMP UNIFORM, NAZI DEATHCAMP, NAZI DOG MUZZLE, NAZI EXECUTIONS, NAZI EXPLOITATION, NAZI GAS CHAMBERS, NAZI GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG, NAZI GESTAPO, NAZI GUILLOTINE, NAZI HOLOCAUST, NAZI HOLOCAUST YEARS, NAZI MEMORABILIA, NAZI RAPES, NAZI SEX CAMP, NAZI SEXPLOITATION, NAZI SEXPLOITATION POSTERS, nazi ss, NAZI WAR CRIMINALS, NEO-NAZIISM, NUREMBERG TRIALS, often referred to as "cutthroat") is the colloquial serbo-Croatian term for a type of knife used for killing ..., OSWALD MOSELY, OSWALD MOSLEY, OSWOLD MOSLEY BLACKSHIRTS, PADDY MAYNE SAS, POLISH, PRISON MUSEUM, PRO NAZI, PROSTITUTES, PYJAMAS, RACISM, RACIST, RAPEMABILIA, Ravensbrück concentration camp, RAVENSBRUCK DEATH CAMP, roma gypsies, RUDOLF HESS, SAS, SAS BLACK KIT, SAS EXECUTIONS, SAS KILLING SQUAD, SAS MUSEUM, SAS MUSEUM UK, SAS OPERATION NIMROD TRIBUTE, SAS WW2, SCHINDLERS LIST, SERB, serb cut throat knife, serb cuthroat, serb cuthroat knife, SERB CUTTER, SERBIA, SERBIAN, serbs, SERIAL KILLER, SERIAL KILLER LETTERS, SERIAL KILLERS ART, SEXPLOITATION, SLAVENIA, SLOVENIA, Sobibor, SOE, SPECIAL AIR SERVICE, SPECIAL OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE, Srbosjek, Srbosjek (literally "Serb cutter" in Croatian and Serbian, SS, STRIPED, TANIA SZABO, THE BEST TRUE CRIME MUSEUM, THE GUV, THE ORIGINAL 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JOSEF MENGELE – THE ANGEL OF DEATH
NAZI HOLOCAUST YEARS EXHIBITION AT LITTLEDEAN JAIL (LEST WE FORGET)
Here is more interactive and hopefully educational, historical background footage and insight into the horrors of the Nazi holocaust years.
Josef Rudolf Mengele was a German SS officer and a physician in the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz. He earned doctorates in anthropology from Munich University and in medicine from Frankfurt University
Josef Rudolf Mengele (German: [ˈjoːzɛf ˈʁuːdɔlf ˈmɛŋələ] ( listen); 16 March 1911 – 7 February 1979) was a German SS officer and a physician in the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz. He earned doctorates in anthropology from Munich University and in medicine from Frankfurt University. He initially gained notoriety for being one of the SS physicians who supervised the selection of arriving transports of prisoners, determining who was to be killed and who was to become a forced laborer, but is far more infamous for performing human experiments on camp inmates, including children, for which Mengele was called the “Angel of Death”.
In 1940, he was placed in the reserve medical corps, after which he served with the 5th SS Panzergrenadier Division Wiking in the Eastern Front. In 1942, he was wounded at the Soviet front and was pronounced medically unfit for combat. He was then promoted to the rank ofSS-Hauptsturmführer (Captain) for saving the lives of three German soldiers. He survived the war and, after a period of living incognito in Germany, he fled to South America, where he evaded capture for the rest of his life, despite being hunted as a Nazi war criminal.
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Texas Bar Sued For Serving Alcohol To Mass Shooter
A bar in Plano, Texas is being sued for its alleged role in a mass shooting that claimed the lives of 8 people on September 10, 2017.
Plano Mass Shooting Lawsuit Filed By Victims’ Families
On that day, 32-year-old Spencer Hight walked into his estranged wife’s home and opened fire with an AR-15 rifle. 7 of his wife’s friends, who had gathered for a Dallas Cowboys watching party, died instantly. Two others were severely wounded; one of them died later at the hospital. And Hight was shot to death by a police officer shortly after completing his massacre.
Investigators believe that Hight’s rampage was triggered by his divorce proceedings. Meredith Hight, 27-years-old at the time of her murder, had filed for divorce after six years of marriage. But Spencer Hight was also an alcoholic who had begun to display increasingly erratic behavior in the months leading up to the shooting.
He had also been violent in the past; Meredith’s parents told CBS News that their daughter had confided in them about Spencer’s brushes with aggression. On one night, he slammed her face into the wall.
Alcohol Control Board Report Finds Legal Violations At Bar
In a new lawsuit, the families of three of Hight’s victims say he was also drunk when he stepped into the Plano home with his rifle, a handgun and a knife. Hight visited the Local Public House twice on September 10, 2017. He visited the bar at 2:57 p.m., drinking two gin and tonics, then returned around 5:30 to drink two beers and a shot of vodka, the Star-Telegram reports.
These details come from a report drafted by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and released on June 7, 2018, the same day the lawsuit against the Local Public House was filed.
The alcohol control board’s report is damning; its findings form the basis of the newly-filed lawsuit against the Local Public House. In their complaint, the families say Hight was illegally served alcohol during his two visits that day to the Local Public House, a bar in Plano.
Bartenders Failed To Notify Police Of Weapons, Lawsuit Claims
At the time of the shooting, Hight’s blood alcohol concentration was at least 0.33%, more than 4 times the legal limit of 0.08%. The grieving families accuse Local Public House, along with bartender Lindsey Glass, of knowingly serving Hight alcohol, despite his obvious intoxication and erratic behavior.
Again picking up on the report’s findings, the families’ lawsuit accuses Glass and her employer of ignoring the fact that Hight openly displayed his knife and gun at the bar. It’s against the law in Texas to have a knife or gun at a bar.
There is little doubt that Lindsey Glass picked up on Hight’s disturbing behavior. Text messages from Glass’ phone to another bartender, Timothy Brandt Banks, show that Hight told her he had some “dirty work” to do that night.
Report: Bar Owner Discouraged Bartenders From Calling Police
In fact, reports suggest that, when Banks called their boss, Jerry Owen, for guidance on handling Hight’s behavior, the employer instructed the two bartenders not to call the police. Hight left the bar and continued on to his estranged wife’s home, where he murdered 8 people. Glass and Banks followed shortly after in their car, calling 911 when they saw Hight at Meredith’s home.
Violations Of Texas Dram Shop Laws
If the lawsuit’s allegations are true, serving Hight despite visible intoxication would constitute a violation of Texas’ dram shop law, which prohibits bars, restaurants and other licensed establishments from serving patrons who are visibly intoxicated.
The law also creates a legal cause of action, allowing victims and their loved ones to file suit when a dram shop violation leads to harm. The four families seek $1 million in damages, which they say would go to cover funeral expenses and other losses.
Surveillance Video Shows Killer’s Intoxicated State
Barroom surveillance tapes show Hight in a highly-intoxicated state; “Hight was unsteady on his feet and staggered around the bar, running into tables and walking sideways,” the Texas liquor control board’s report says. And, in text messages, Glass described Hight as “drunk” just five minutes after she served him a Miller Lite and a shot of lemon vodka.
Even so, during an interview with Texas liquor board investigator Richard Legg, Lindsey Glass said she at no point believed that Hight was intoxicated during the shooter’s time at the bar. Glass “refused” to review the bar surveillance video with investigator Legg.
Bartenders Conflicted On Patron’s Intoxication
Timothy Brandt Banks, on the other hand, says Hight appeared drunk. In a subsequent interview with police, the second bartender said that Hight was highly-intoxicated at the bar.
Hight and Banks conversed for 20 minutes outside on the establishment’s patio. At one point, Banks says, Hight told him that he wouldn’t be able to do the things he wanted to that night without being intoxicated.
Banks found out almost immediately that, by not calling the police, he had made a terrible mistake. The bartender followed Spencer Hight to Meredith Hight’s home, flagging down a responding police officer outside. The officer, Detective Scott Epperson, said that Hight had murdered at least 8 people, maybe more.
During the police interview, Banks admitted his momentous error, saying, “so I, by not making that call early enough, by not intervening, by not doing what everything in my heart told me to do, I let the worst murder in the case of Plano ever happened.”
Employee Changes Statement In Two Interviews
Banks’ statement changed, though, when he was interviewed by Richard Legg, the official from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. In this second interview, Banks contradicted his previous admissions on several counts. Asked whether or not he thought Hight was intoxicated at the bar, Banks said no.
He also denied having any knowledge that Hight was armed at the time, even though, during his first interview, Banks said he had seen Hight’s knife and an ammunition clip. He also told Legg that he couldn’t remember asking his employer, Jerry Owen, about calling the police.
And, when Legg asked him whether or not he should have called the police after seeing Hight’s weapons, Banks said no. In his interview with police, Banks had told detectives that “everything in his heart” had told him to call the authorities to stop Hight from doing something terrible.
By crimevictim|2018-06-25T15:13:01-04:00July 10th, 2018|Mass Shootings|
About the Author: crimevictim
Connecticut Supreme Court Affirms Sandy Hook School Shooting Lawsuit Against Remington
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MGM Sues Las Vegas Shooting Victims, Says It Has “No Liability” For Attack
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/DC
Star Wars' Mark Hamill Pays Tribute to MAD Magazine
By JK Schmidt - July 6, 2019 12:08 am EDT
Earlier this week, many people were shocked with the news that MAD Magazine was suffering some major changes that would drastically affect its publication, with early rumors indicating that the satire serial would be cancelled outright. And while ComicBook learned this isn't the case, the setbacks have made it clear that its the end of an era for DC Comics' long-running humor magazine.
Star Wars actor Mark Hamill has long been the subject of parody on behalf of the magazine. Hamill took to social media to praise the legacy of MAD Magazine, hoping that it will endure beyond this major setback.
Hard to imagine a world without @MADmagazine- My older brother's collection helped me learn to read. It taught a generation how to question & mock the status-quo. An honor & a career highlight to be ridiculed mercilessly by that "usual gang of idiots" ❤️You Madly, Lube Skystalker pic.twitter.com/GvKpQszL7A
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) July 4, 2019
Rumors started swirling earlier this week when cartoonist Ruben Bolling took to social media to report the magazine's demise.
"I just heard from a friend of mine who is in a Facebook group with MAD writer Stan Stinberg that, after the next two issues, MAD will no longer be publishing original material," Bolling wrote. "Instead, it’ll publish reprinted material until it’s subscription responsibilities are fulfilled and then the magazine will cease publication."
ComicBook's Russ Burlingame got in contact with someone with knowledge of the situation who confirmed that MAD Magazine was sticking around, but that it would be drastically cut back on new content.
"MAD will be leaving the newsstand after issue #9, which will land on newsstands in early August with all-new content," our report reads. "MAD #10 will also contain new content, but will be available only via direct market comic book retailers and subscriptions. Rather than closing up shop, the plan at present is to continue publishing issues that will feature reprinted classic MAD pieces, wrapped with new covers art. Further, MAD will continue to publish its end of year specials, as well as books and special collections, capitalizing on the value of the MAD brand in spite of the loss of new content in the magazine."
Hopefully we find out more about the future of MAD Magazine in the near future.
In this latest episode do a full on San Diego Comic Con 2019 preview with our predictions for Marvel Studios' next movies (including the recently announced Thor 4), what Netflix will bring with The Witcher and we go over the record breaking number of Emmy nominations Game of Thrones got! Make sure to subscribe now to never miss an episode!
Ernie Hudson Expects To Return to Arrow In Final Season
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Krypton EP Confirms Adam Strange Gets His Jetpack in Season 2
The Flash's Season 6 Big Bad Has Not Been Referenced on the Show Before
Supergirl Makes Andrea Brooks a Series Regular for Season 5
Stephen Amell Teases an Unexpected Return for Arrow's Final Season
Arrow: Ben Lewis Promoted to Series Regular in Final Season
Young Justice: Outsiders Has Been Hiding a Secret Message in Its Episode Titles
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Home > studentprojectsandresearch > etd > etd-theses > 248
Masters Theses (All Theses, All Years)
Development of a parameter-insensitive artificial immune system for structural health monitoring
Jiachen Zhang, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Faculty Advisor or Committee Member
Mikhail F. Dimentberg, Committee Member
Zhikun Hou, Advisor
Stephen S. Nestinger, Committee Member
John R. Hall, Committee Member
etd-042314-105427
An innovative artificial immune system (AIS) is proposed herein for structural health monitoring (SHM) to ensure the structural integrity and functionality. While satisfactory results were obtained by previous AIS schemes, their performance is strongly structural-parameter-value (SPV) dependent and deviations of SPVs in testing from training due to modeling errors and measurement noises significantly deteriorates the AIS' performance. This thesis presents a less SPV-dependent AIS with a three-phase architecture, including damage-existence-detection, damage-location-determination, and damage-severity-estimation, using specially designed feature vectors (FVs) based on structural modal parameters. The maximum-relative-modal-parameter-change is used to detect the damage's existence and estimate its severity, and the pattern in normalized-modal-parameter-change is used to determinate the damage's location. Comparisons between the proposed FVs and their existing counterparts were conducted for 2/3/4-degree-of-freedom structures to illustrate the superior performance and less SPV-dependence of the proposed method, particularly in determining damage location. The proposed AIS was tested on a 4-degree-of-freedom model using 440 randomly generated damage conditions with a different SPV set per condition. A success rate of 95.23% in the determination of damage's existence and its location was obtained. The trained AIS for the 4-degree-of-freedom model was further evaluated by a four-story and two-bay by two-bay prototype structure used in the benchmark problem proposed by the IASC-ASCE Structural Health Monitoring Task Group. Results have shown great potentials of the proposed approach in its real-world applications.
All authors have granted to WPI a nonexclusive royalty-free license to distribute copies of the work. Copyright is held by the author or authors, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise noted. If you have any questions, please contact wpi-etd@wpi.edu.
Zhang, Jiachen, "Development of a parameter-insensitive artificial immune system for structural health monitoring" (2014). Masters Theses (All Theses, All Years). 248.
https://digitalcommons.wpi.edu/etd-theses/248
artificial immune system, structural health monitoring, structural parameter value
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Ebook Review: Glossolalia
Monday, September 19, 2016 by Sabrina Ricci
Glossolalia by Tantra Bensko is a thriller about Nancy, a mild-mannered woman who suffers from regular blackouts where she wakes up with bruises and the scent of men’s cologne. She has no idea what goes on during these blackouts, but she does manage to uncover a crime at her uncle’s pesticide company, where she works. The deeper she digs into it though, the more she learns … [Read more...] about Ebook Review: Glossolalia
Ebook Review: Two Wrongs
Monday, May 23, 2016 by Sabrina Ricci
As someone unfamiliar with the Jean-Jacques (JJ) Stoner series, Two Wrongs by Frank Westworth seemed to start a little too fast. Granted, it is a short story so I expected the plot to be condensed, but the story felt a bit unfinished at the end. Two Wrongs starts in the past with a married woman and a Navy man about to embark on a sizzling affair. The first few pages are … [Read more...] about Ebook Review: Two Wrongs
Ebook Review: Flash Crash
Poor David Belov. He grew up in a rough neighborhood in New York, lost his father at an early age due to suspicious circumstances, and now has to work long hours and weekends to keep his job as a programmer at Montgomery Noyes, an investment bank in Manhattan. But even though he works so hard, he still is only paid a fraction of what his co-workers earn. Yet somehow David … [Read more...] about Ebook Review: Flash Crash
Ebook Review: The Perfectionist
Monday, February 15, 2016 by Sabrina Ricci
If you like crime fiction, then The Perfectionist by Simon Duke is for you. The story spans more than twenty years, and it begins with a mysterious, horrific murder in a small town in Iowa in 1988. At the time, a young reporter named Gerry Stokes gets involved, and is told to help cover up the murder. Frustrated, he tells no one about the murder or the cover up, and ends up … [Read more...] about Ebook Review: The Perfectionist
Ebook Review: Aquarius Rising
Monday, October 19, 2015 by Sabrina Ricci
Aquarius Rising by Christopher John Chater is a captivating thriller. The story revolves around Nick Fellows, a man who is recently recovering from a mid-life crisis, triggered by the death of his mother. In the last year, he quits his job at a large architecture firm, divorces his wife, and gives up all his possessions to live with his dad while he finds himself. He … [Read more...] about Ebook Review: Aquarius Rising
Ebook Review: The Vanishing
I read David J. Delaney’s The Vanishing, and I had nightmares. But that is a good thing. I could not put this fast-paced crime thriller down. It’s one of those books where you don’t even realize you’re turning the page (or swiping your phone), and before you know it, it’s over. And though the ending was satisfying, I really wished it would just keep going. In this story, … [Read more...] about Ebook Review: The Vanishing
Ebook Review: Free Money
Barry Vass’s Free Money is, for the most part, a fast-paced, action-packed thriller, adventure type story. The story revolves around Jimmy Spencer, a floorman at a casino in Las Vegas, which means he watches over the gaming tables in the casino and makes sure that no one is cheating. Spencer visits a friend and learns about a very lucrative secret, one that people are … [Read more...] about Ebook Review: Free Money
Ebook Review: Imago
Thursday, August 28, 2014 by Sabrina Ricci
Imago is a gripping, complex thriller. Although I'm not particularly religious and tend not to gravitate towards fiction that revolves around religion, Imago was fast-paced, and had a great underlying message. The story involves two groups of people: the rationalists and the religionists. Both sides have extremists, and both sides also have moderates who have interesting … [Read more...] about Ebook Review: Imago
Ebook Review: The Memory Box
Thursday, August 7, 2014 by Sabrina Ricci
I could not put The Memory Box down. Though the first few pages sound like a typical story about a bored housewife who never wanted to end up in the suburbs, a big mystery is soon revealed that leaves the reader constantly questioning what happens next, all the way until the end of the book. The Memory Box is a great thriller. The pacing is fast, especially with so many … [Read more...] about Ebook Review: The Memory Box
Ebook Review: Kill With a Borrowed Knife
Friday, June 13, 2014 by Sabrina Ricci
Kill with a Borrowed Knife: or Agent Ai is an action packed, fast paced story with several twists and a lot of adventure. The characters are complicated and have multiple motivations, which are fun to try and figure out. Told from the first-person perspective of Agent Ai, also known as George Quant, Kill with a Borrowed Knife is about his experiences working as an undercover … [Read more...] about Ebook Review: Kill With a Borrowed Knife
An Interview with Daryl Gregory, author of Afterparty
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 by Sabrina Ricci
Daryl Gregory is the author of Afterparty, a sci-fi thriller about neuroscience, drugs, crime, and God that has been highly rated by Publisher's Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. You can purchase your copy here. See below for the official description: It begins in Toronto, in the years after the smart drug revolution. Any high school student with a chemjet and internet connection … [Read more...] about An Interview with Daryl Gregory, author of Afterparty
Ebook Review: Terror at Mirror Lake
Friday, April 4, 2014 by Sabrina Ricci
Terror at Mirror Lake has some great twists, and delves deep into the backgrounds and psyche of all the main characters. The plot is intriguing. Two men go to the middle of nowhere up north every year for a relaxing fishing trip. However, a death on their most recent trip changes both men forever. With heavy consciences due to the part they played, they decide to tell their … [Read more...] about Ebook Review: Terror at Mirror Lake
An Interview with Khaled Talib, author of Smokescreen
Friday, March 14, 2014 by Sabrina Ricci
Khaled Talib is the author of Smokescreen, a suspense thriller published by Typhoon Media about a journalist being set up as an assassin as part of an evil political plot. Purchase your copy at either Amazon or Smashwords. See below for the official book description: At an ancient café in Cairo, two veteran spies plot a covert mission to resolve — once and for all — the … [Read more...] about An Interview with Khaled Talib, author of Smokescreen
E-Book Review: A Dangerous Low
Thursday, January 9, 2014 by Sabrina Ricci
I liked A Dangerous Low, I really did. The prologue started out strong, with a tense, high-stakes action, life-or-death scene. And then I read on and found out that everything happens in seven days, which I knew meant the story would be exciting and impressive. The story is set in Atlanta, GA, and the protagonist is Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Howard, who is set to … [Read more...] about E-Book Review: A Dangerous Low
An Interview with Chris Allen, author of Hunter: Intrepid 2
Tuesday, August 6, 2013 by Sabrina Ricci
Some days I really love blogging! Recently I had the good fortune of meeting people from Pan Macmillan Australia, and they put me in touch with Chris Allen, author of the Intrepid series. Chris Allen is known for writing "escapist action thrillers for realists," and he has served in three Commonwealth armies over the span of two decades and in four countries. According to … [Read more...] about An Interview with Chris Allen, author of Hunter: Intrepid 2
POD – What does it really mean?
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Boston Sports Media Watch
Joining The Forum
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August 26, 2016 Bruce Allen Morning Links
I remain as baffled as anyone by the results of the annual New England sports and media poll as presented by Channel Media and Market Research.
It discourages me to see how Boston sports fans apparently enjoy being trolled by their sports media. It really would interest me to see the demographics of the fans polled.
(Entire Survey Here)
As Steve Buckley notes, the survey was especially hard on the Bruins.
I mentioned last week about the WBZ preseason telecasts. Watching other preseason telecasts around the league, it’s striking to me how different the Patriots’ broadcasts are. Most teams seem to hire an established NFL announcer and analyst for the preseason, the Patriots sort of used to do this when they used Don Criqui and Randy Cross – who weren’t exactly at the top of their game.
I applaud the Patriots for trying something different. But when I see some of the other preseason broadcast teams, I realize the gap in quality.
All that said, the overwhelmingly negative atmosphere of Boston sports radio and television has made me appreciate guys like Steve Burton and Dan Roche more than I have in the past. They may be awkward at times, but I know I’m not going to be trolled, and that they’re good people who enjoy what they’re doing.
I can’t believe I wrote that, but there it is.
By the way, they’re on tonight:
Start your weekend with the #Patriots on WBZ! @RochieWBZ has the call of Pats-Panthers, w/ pregame starting at 7p! pic.twitter.com/9PRbm4YUaI
— WBZ Boston Sports (@wbzsports) August 26, 2016
The Red Sox must have the most gut-punch losses of any playoff contending team. It is astounding, it really is, yet there they sit, tied with the Blue Jays atop the AL East.
Imagine where they’d be with someone other than John Farrell as the manager. At least that’s the hot take of this season. Some minor (and a few major) sports media members in town have made crucifying Farrell for every loss into a personal mantra.
Second-guessing the manager is a time-honored tradition, especially in Boston, but the constant criticism here by some sound more like efforts to establish hottake bona fides.
Speaking of hottakes, the half-hearted effort to generate some sort of quarterback controversy, or rift between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick and Jimmy Garoppolo are nonsensical. The alleged evidence being that Brady has been distant, grouchy, generally a little less genial than we’re used to.
Why shouldn’t he be? Isn’t being pissed off and angry exactly how we want him to be right now? The guy just got railroaded by the NFL, suspended for a quarter of the season, while guys like Le’Veon Bell get their suspensions reduced, and serial wife beaters like Josh Brown can get suspended for just a game.
The Brown case is especially infuriating as the pious John Mara who apparently is one of the puppet masters behind Roger Goodell and the case against Brady, hypocritically brushed off the allegations against Brown because of not having sufficient evidence.
John Mara, 9/10/14, and this week. This guy led the charge in making sure Goodell nailed Brady despite no evidence. pic.twitter.com/bNc5Y6HVoi
— Bruce Allen (@bruceallen) August 26, 2016
Published by Bruce Allen
Automattician. View all posts by Bruce Allen
30 thoughts on “Who Are These People?”
Derek Gentile says:
I think the Mara situation really reeks. He was pounding the drum against Brady. At the time, I understood (to a point); the guy owns a rival team and anything bad that happens to NE is good for the Giants. I don’t agree with the sentiment, but I get it. But I thought his casual dismissal of the allegations was really cringe-worrty. You have to wonder how he’d feel were it his daughter
Boston Dan says:
In April, every radio host, columnist and sycophant fan of these trolls agreed that the “Red Sox had to get off to a fast start” or Farrell would be fired in May. There were segments on the radio shows, the entire purpose of which was for the hosts and callers to give their predictions of the date that JF would be fired. If this isn’t rooting against the home team in order to satisfy a pathological, personal agenda, then I don’t know what is.
bsmfan says:
On the “2016 Favorite Local TV Sports Personality” section, which they called an unaided write-in, the 5th most popular with 6% and tied with Bob Neumeier, is Charlie Moore. What?
Doesn’t an email survey mean they used the emails of subscribers to WEEI, CSSNE, etc., and wouldn’t that explain some of these results? For example, as a rabid Bruins fan, I wouldn’t be caught dead going to Joe Haggerty for Bruins news, and WEEI mostly ignores them.
If that’s not their method, I’d be interested know how they find random Boston sports fans.
dryheaveone says:
“the half-hearted effort to generate some sort of quarterback controversy, or rift between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick and Jimmy Garoppolo…”
I had no idea about this “half-hearted effort”… why? because I pay no attention whatsoever to the local sports clowns anymore (other than to check in here once in awhile) Best decision I ever made. I see I’m not missing anything…. same old crap
markmass says:
The hot takes about Farrell come from folks who would wet their pants if they ever had to fill out a line up card, manage a game or set a tone in a club house. Easy to be brave when you can shoot your mouth off from behind a microphone. A lot harder to actually be in the arena.
James Donovan says:
Yet Farrell has single handily lost at least 5 games this year because of his dumb decisions. So not sure why you’re railing on people with microphones who are only stating the obvious to those who think rationally and not because they dislike those behind the mikes. The survey said it all about what fans think of Farrell. You my man are in a small, small minority because Farrell is a terrible field manager and has cost the Red Sox too much already. His record stands for itself too. He’s been a loser and last place finisher his entire career except for one miracle season where the team did it all despite his managing.
The Red Sox are flawed, especially in their bull pen, yet the team plays hard and has to this point avoided distraction or a meltdown. They remain in contention despite their shortcomings, and every time the media has projected their demise they have regrouped and bounced back. Farrell’s leadership plays a role here, whether you want to admit it or not. But maybe not, in the all-the-blame-none-of-the-credit sphere in which you live.
The month ahead promises to be very challenging, and if they don’t make the postseason then Dombrowski – whose moves so far have not panned out, and who has escaped serious criticism – will make a change. The fact that he hasn’t so far, based on his deep inside view of the team, is telling.
I have significant issues with how Farrell manages during games. However, it’s clear that he has the respect of his players, which is why they keep fighting to the very end in every game, even if they’re down by 8 runs.
It’s a tough call for me. I would love to see them hire a field manager who makes the “logical” moves all the time, rather than some of the head-scratcher decisions that Farrell makes (in case anyone has forgotten, this is the guy who brought the little-used, and very awful, Franklin Morales into Game 6 of the 2013 LCS at Fenway, with men on base…..didn’t work; Victorino bailed him out in the bottom of the 6th with his game-breaking grand slam).
With that said, the stuff that goes on behind the scenes is important, and Farrell seems to have a pretty good handle on that.
Sox management is in a tough position. The team almost has to miss the playoffs in order to have an excuse to fire Farrell, I think, and nobody wants that. He’s like the Marty Schottenheimer of MLB, with the exception being that one of Farrell’s teams, inexplicably, managed to win a championship, and Marty’s teams could never even get to a Super Bowl.
HighWireNickEsasky says:
I think that Dombrowski’s moves have fared better of late. Zeigler only gave up an earned run in one outing in the past month (granted it was 3 run to Yankees that led to loss; and he’s allowed inherited runners to score) and probably would have been – or should have been – pitching on Buchholz’ spot last night. Pomeranz has had 6 pretty good starts in row after a rough beginning. Chris Young has been better than expected. Kimbrell’s been fine when healthy, although not by his previous standards (this could still be a very poor trade long term if prospects blossom and Kimbrell continues downward career trend). Abad has pitched better or late, albeit in low-pressure situations. He clearly doesn’t have Farrell’s trust.
Overall, I’d grade him a B-. I like Pomeranz for beyond this year. They don’t have a reliable lefty specialist, and i think Kimbrell and Ziegler will be solid down the stretch. If they make the playoffs – and i think they will – Dombrowski will have done his job.
APNDaveR says:
I have a lot of issues with Farrell and his management. But then I think of Bobby Valentine, and Farrell looks like freaking Walt Alston by comparison.
Be careful thinking about that greener grass on the other side of the fence.
And Walter Alston had his detractors, too! The Bobby V season may have been the most bizarre in Sox history, one of the many reasons that made 2013 so satisfying.
Am sure Dombrowski has a short list of folks he’s identified to succeed Farrell if Sox fail in the next month, but I do hope they are playing deep into October.
Farrell may be less like Schottenheimer – Showalter is probably the better parallel – and more like Joe Altobelli, who had a championship tucked inside a mostly undistinguished won/lost record.
Tony C. says:
I know what you’re saying, believe me. And I do understand that the guy who succeeds Farrell could end up being worse.
Still, take last night’s infuriating loss, for example.
Using Buchholz in the 8th inning of a tie game, in just his second relief appearance since making three or four starts in a row, and on the night after he’d been used for mop-up duty and had thrown a lot of pitches in a rather ineffective inning, made absolutely no sense. Ziegler was brought in by the GM for exactly that type of situation: tie game, at home, 8th inning. Yet Farrell seems to only use Ziegler when the other team already has a huge threat brewing in an inning, or earlier in the game (6th or 7th inning), which is not why Dombrowki brought him here. He was brought in to set-up for Kimbrel, to pitch the 8th or 9th in a tie game, or to close for Kimbrel if the latter is not available.
It was a no-brainer that Tampa was going to score against Buchholz. My buddies and me were texting back and forth the entire inning about it….predicting it. And then….Longoria went BOOM.
I’m putting last night’s loss on Farrell, even though I recognize that Pomeranz needs to be taken to the woodshed for hanging a two-out, two-strike curveball to the #9 hitter and allowing a game-tying 2-run homer in the 7th. That was inexcusable.
This has been one of the more frustrating Sox seasons in recent memory, and, at my age, I’ve been through a LOT of frustrating Sox seasons.
I hate replying to my own posts, but in the series finale against the Rays, Farrell just used gas-can Junichi Tazawa in the biggest spot of the game. Predictably, he allowed a game-tying 2-run single. He (Farrell) has a closer who throws 98 MPH out in the bullpen, and there are four outs to get in order to secure a very important win. But Farrell, for some reason, has yet to be convinced of the fact that Tazawa is done. He can’t pitch anymore. He’s no longer effective. The fans can see this. The media can see this. The manager cannot, apparently.
THIS is the type of game that drives me crazy about Farrell!
I realize that Ziegler apparently is not available due to illness, but with four outs to go, with the bases loaded, clinging to a two-run lead, Tazawa is NOT the move to make there. Go with Kimbrel. At least you can say you went with your best guy if the move doesn’t work out.
BSMCommenter says:
why does WBZ’s screen zoom in so much during the games? I can barely see the box score chyron
Love Roachie, but have to say that Kraft Productions who produces the Pats’ telecasts is brutal.I guess I expect nothing less from an outfit more worried about their bottom line then actually producing an NFL worthy telecast. I was wondering if they have still in college interns running the show. The camera men in all the games have been off way too much too many times. The director has no clue about timing screen shots or instant replay. Too busy focusing in on Jimmy G’s face behind center before each snap and holding onto that view way too long while missing the typical side view of all the players in enough time to see offsides or where players are lined up prior to snap, etc. Don’t need to see Jimmy’s face before a snap morons. Replays are just as bad. Many delayed or running into live plays so they’re cut because it took too long to show OR sometimes they’re never shown at all on plays you want to see a replay on. And how many times will Andy Hart but sometimes Fauria and even Roachie talk over the ref on the field making a call on his mike on the fieldl. Or bow they’re so quick to go to an ad (remember it’s $$$$$)meanwhile a flag is down and the ref is talking but they’re already queuing the music for the break. This has happened in all 3 games so far, Absolutely a second rate broadcast compared to what I’ve seen of other local broadcasts. But I bet those other local broadcasts aren’t being produced by the home team’s owners. Like I said, I love Dan Roache but how many times will he say it’s 2nd and a bunch or 3rd and a ways instead of telling us the exact down and distance? Is it too much to ask for a first rate production? I guess not as long as those advertisers are paying the $$$$$ that we know is all that really matters to those in charge!
Jason Coyote says:
In defense of the Pats’ preseason game productions, I don’t think they care that the announcers talk over refs’ calls because they changed up the production a few years back so it would be less like a regular season NFL game broadcast and more like a bunch of guys talking in a bar about the game going on in front of them, only with perhaps a little more player information. I think the folks at Kraft Productions feel that fans tuning in to watch preseason football aren’t the same hardcore fans who watch on Sundays in the fall, and wanted to make these ultimately meaningless game broadcasts feel a little different.
johnwaldron8 says:
Re: The Josh Brown domestic violence case, I guess I shouldn’t be, but I’m surprised the media has largely let this story pass without comment. It’s teed up perfectly to blast Goodell and the league for vowing to “own the domestic violence space” and to “get things right.” They make a big show of setting up new guidelines, hiring Lisa Friel (a former NY prosecutor) to be a special counsel for investigating domestic violence cases, and producing the “No more” ad campaign, which prominently featured Eli Manning. When the Josh Brown incident became public, the Giants didn’t do anything and the league opted to suspend him 1 game instead of the 6 game minimum, per the new guidelines that were such a big deal 2 years ago. It seems pretty obvious to want answers for why Brown’s case was handled differently, or, if someone wanted to be provocative, ask why Friel, a Giants fan, was lenient when punishing a Giants player.
Aside from people like Florio and Curran, that hasn’t happened. Peter King has ignored the story. Bart Hubbuch, who had plenty to say about deflategate, hasn’t written anything about a story happening in his city. Even Deadspin, who were all over the Greg Hardy story, hasn’t paid attention to this story. I’m not sure if the media is afraid of upsetting the NFL, can’t get worked up about this because it involves a kicker, is just being lazy, or a combination of all three.
Voteforpedro says:
Tune in and listen to Boomer on FAN, you’ll get the ‘other’ side. RIP ‘EEI (hiccup JD)
I’m done with the NFL. They insulted my intelligence, so they can go fark themselves.
Are you sure you’re not auditioning for a sportsradio host job, Dave? You’ve got the trolling part down perfect because I’m responding to what looks like an outlandish statement.
What do you mean by saying you’re ‘done’? You’re going to stop watching entirely? You’re now going to spend your fall Sundays doing yard work or picking apples? No fantasy football in your future? Going for an extra slice or two of turkey on Thanksgiving so the tryptophan kicks in even faster and you won’t have to watch the Cowboys game? No Super Bowl squares or remarking on how bad the commercials have gotten?
While I appreciate what the comment represents, none of us will ever be ‘done’ with this league, and that Ozz-wee-pay of a commissioner knows that. He knows he can water down the product and destroy all its credibility and we’ll keep coming back in droves every Sunday.
Let them continue to insult our intelligence, because they’ve got us by the you-know-whats.
For the record, I have not watched a second of a single NFL game not involving the Patriots since the azzholes on Park Avenue perpetrated that criminal fraud against Brady and the entire organization last year. That includes Super Bowl 50. For the first time in my life I didn’t watch a single down of the Super Bowl (and my first was Super Bowl 8, Dolphins/Vikings at Rice Stadium in Houston; long freakin’ time ago).
I won’t watch it next February either, unless the local NFL franchise is the AFC’s representative.
So, while I’m not boycotting it completely, I’m certainly boycotting the “other 31,” and will continue to do so indefinitely. Yes, I know Goodell works for the other owners and that a handful of them drove the entire De-FAME-gate nonsense, but he’s also got several ex-Jets working for him as underlings in the league office, and they ALL have anti-BB agendas/anti-Patriots agendas, even all the way down to the idiot millennial Jets fan who runs the league’s Pats-trolling Twitter account.
Also, the pussification of the game, which began prior to Goodell’s arrival on the scene but has been accelerated since he took over — more likely to please the Fantasy Football cottage industry by creating more offense, rather than for the stated goal of improving player safety — was reason enough to tune in less and less, but the anti-Patriots agenda, for me, is the final straw.
You can’t have a league with one set of rules for 31 teams, and another set of rules for 1.
Enough is enough. I’m a Pats fan, but not an NFL fan.
latetodinner says:
Holy Crap are you old…said the older guy 😛
I’m also “done” with the NFL as a whole because of the past year. If you had to categorize, I went from “fan” to whatever sits between really casual to don’t care.
Once you try to stop caring, it’s not too hard–at least for me. Ditching cable/TV 1.5 years ago helped. I started to spend more time on hobbies. It is nice to be outside. Having other hobbies, which now get more time spent on, is a good thing.
There’s the initial “shock”, and after a month-or-two, you start thinking less and less. Sports talk is still my work background noise, but that’s not a requirement anymore. There’s no shortage of content.
IIRC, 50% of America doesn’t consume any sports. I recall a figure of 10% being in the “really care” (consume ESPN). These non-sports people have figured out something to keep their time busy, right?
I won’t be able to do the watercooler talk at work, or “talk about the game” with friends, but that’s not a big loss. I’d only guess that if all/most of your social circle is heavy into sports, this won’t be as easy. I couldn’t participate at all in these, but it’s not like you can’t talk about something else.
The only thing I can’t say for sure is if the Patriots were in the Superbowl if I’d attend a gathering. Most people who go just are there for the party and want “their team” to win, but go right back to not really caring for the other 364 days, no? I’d fall into that group, now.
I can think of a thousand things to do on a Sunday that aren’t watching a bunch of sanctimonious meathead idiots pay a bunch of dumb jocks to give themselves brain damage. I’m done. Finito. When Bob Kraft kneeled down and fellated Rog “for the good of the Shield,” that was the last straw.
I haven’t watched college football in a decade, and don’t miss it in the least. Won’t be any different with the pro game. I don’t need to watch a football game to continue enjoying my life. And football will be dead in 25 years anyhow, as high school and college programs become prohibitively expensive to insure as the head injury risks become more and more obvious.
archstanton543 says:
Okay, so what were Bob’s options vis a vis Deflategate? Appeal the punishment to the man who meted it out? Sue the league? His hands were tied. Bob Kraft isn’t Al Davis and I’m glad he isn’t.
I have given a lot of thought to this. He should have sued the league. They took $1 mill and 2 picks from him for what the rule book says is a $25K offense. Kraft ate that rather than standing up for the principle of fairness. His hands were not tied…his ego was too big for him to do what was right. It was easy for him to cave…it would have been harder to do the right thing and fight. Unlike Dave I will watch…but like Dave…I have a lot less emotional attachment than I had before.
I went from planning around Sundays to planning nothing. It’s nice having them open to do random things or nothing.
But, on the media stuff. Same as above from what you said:
When Bob Kraft kneeled down and fellated Rog “for the good of the Shield,” that was the last straw.
Curran put it best: 31 > 12. I’ll support BB/12 until that time is over. Best of luck on the rest.
Hat tip for using “Ozz-wee-pay.”
Maybe you heard it someplace else, but, for some reason, that line from a Nicholas Cage SNL skit has stuck with me. There aren’t too many opportunities to use it, so nice job.
Except it’s “osh wee pay”…..
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« #182: So What Is The Winning Formula?
#184: Sorting Through Fact &Fiction »
#183: Still, So Many Questions
Published March 18, 2019 Atlanta Braves 495 Comments
Gil Elliott
With a little under two weeks before the Braves begin their defense of their National League East title, there are several very huge question marks for this team. Every team not named the Marlins appears to have improved during the off-season with big ticket additions via both trades and signing free agents. I am not sure who won the off season but both Phillie and New York both potentially look to be beasts and the Nats did not really hurt themselves by not retaining Bryce Harper. While Harper is recognized as a talent, his appearance of not always trying very hard all the time can be demoralizing to a team.
So, wither the Braves. The acquisition of “The Bringer of Rain”, Josh Donaldson, was the Braves only big ticket signing this winter. The Braves other significant signings were bringing back Nick Markakis and home town favorite Brian McCann. Both may well work out to be solid additions but they gave the appearance of someone searching the thrift stores for treasure. Sure, you can pick up some real gems that someone else did not know they were valuable but it is a very rare occurrence. In other words, not everyone feels the need to clip coupons.
Two of the Braves recognized needs this winter were:
A) a front line starter to lead the staff of promising youngsters and
B) a solid vet to add to the relief corps.
Well, as of this writing, neither of those two positions were filled. Not surprisingly, there still two players who would fill those needs are still available as free agents. There is no question that “Dirty” Craig Kimbrel would be a very significant addition to the back end of the bull pen. The only real hangup appears to be the loss of a high value draft pick but let’s be realistic, the loss of a draft pick would probably not be felt for 5 or 6 years.
The same goes for Dallas Keuchel. No, he is not the same level as a Jacob DeGrome or Max Scherzer but he is a proven innings eater on a team that is desperately short on that commodity. Again, I don’t think the dollar amount for Keuchel is prohibitive but having to give up a draft pick seems to be a sticking point. Now, as it stands, we are so late into spring training neither pitcher would likely be able to join the team as they ramp up to being ready to go.
So Braves fans, let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope this opine becomes completely irrelevant by March 28th.
495 Responses to “#183: Still, So Many Questions”
1 Carolina Lady March 18, 2019 at 8:14 pm
Thanks, Gil! You da man. I sure wouldn’t mind having both of those guys on the team.
2 Gil in Mechanicsville March 19, 2019 at 7:14 am
Thanks Margie for the face lift. Yes, I fear now that no matter, the pitching staff will not be a full strength when the season opens and even if the Braves were to sign a pitcher, they would not now be ready until the end of April.
3 Vox O'Reasoñ March 19, 2019 at 8:36 am
days until Opening Day 2019!
if the Braves were to sign a pitcher, they would not now be ready until the end of April.
According to various reports, both Kimbrel and Keuchel are participating in a simulated Spring Training, doing most of the things they would do in a pro camp. Not sure about the live batters, who they might be, or what level they might equate to. And obviously they are not pitching in any games. But the more important point is that these pitchers are getting stretched out and building strength. If they are close to the same conditioning point as the other pitchers, each would still have the opportunity to make a couple of game appearances before the team heads north… but it has to happen now.
5 Vox O'Reasoñ March 19, 2019 at 10:24 am
BREAKING: Star center fielder Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels are finalizing a record-breaking 12-year contract worth more than $430 million, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN. Details: https://t.co/bROnnC11Uh
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 19, 2019
Ay caramba!!
6 Gil in Mechanicsville March 19, 2019 at 11:06 am
Of course by the time you figure all the taxes and the cost of living in California, it works out to about the same if he had signed a deal for $150 a game in Florida… 🙂 But good for him, Bryce’s stay at the top of the food chain was pretty short lived…
#Braves manager, Brian Snitker announced to The Front Row this morning that Acuña will bat clean up to start the season. Everyone has been wondering where Acuña would hit in the line-up and now we know! pic.twitter.com/VV9xelymd0
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) March 19, 2019
Today’s #BravesST lineup vs. the Nationals! pic.twitter.com/xvdqxgz4Gz
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 19, 2019
Duvall better make the most of it. It’s that time of the spring when opt-outs will start being exercised and 4th OF types will begin hitting the open market.
So, getting a little late winter reading in before baseball watching begins in earnest for me. I am currently about 3/4 of the way through The Phenomenon by Rick Ankiel. It is really terrific read. Rick was with the Braves only a short while but his is a fascinating story. It also give a bit of insight to some of the trials and tribulations of being someone who suddenly develop the “yips”…
10 Vox O'Reasoñ March 19, 2019 at 11:56 am
Reporters were summoned to interview Noah Syndergaard in a press conference room. When they arrived, he wasn't there — or so it seemed. Syndergaard was hiding behind the podium, trying to scare people.
"I'm pretty good at hide and seek," said the 6-foot-6, 240-lb Syndergaard.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 18, 2019
I think I like that guy.
-Noah Ninjagaard https://t.co/dkJcI4JS9r
— Noah Syndergaard (@Noahsyndergaard) March 18, 2019
12 Vox O'Reasoñ March 19, 2019 at 6:25 pm
Max Fried had another solid day today, this time in a start vs. the Nats, where he pitched 5 innings giving up 5 hits, 0 runs, and rung up 7 K’s against just 1 walk. He has easily done enough this spring to earn a rotation spot… as has Kyle Wright and Bryse Wilson and Touki Toussaint.
I think we are seeing why AA isn’t seriously talking to Dallas Keuchel despite the slow starts of Folty and Gausy.
But the bullpen…
Meanwhile Adam Duvall is doing virtually nothing to change anyone’s mind about his ability to hit a baseball. Kinda sux for him as Austin Riley continues to tear the cover off the ball. Could Riles sneak onto the ML roster in a reserve role?
I believe he can… and just might.
14 Gil in Mechanicsville March 19, 2019 at 7:08 pm
Yep.as much as we would all like for Adam Duvall to succeed, sometimes it just isn’t in the cards. I feel fairly confident a fourth outfielder type will be cut from among the 29 other teams who would be be a better fit, even Frenchy could do better, sadly…
15 Gil in Mechanicsville March 20, 2019 at 7:27 am
Watching the un-official, official opening game of the season between the Mariners and the Athletics. The back telling my brain, you don’t need no stinking sleep, get up… Lots of hits (both by the batterers and by the pitchers bopping hitters) Hey, it is early for everyone.
Basically it’s a spring training game that counts.
Uh, did I mention they are playing in Japan? That is one longggg bus ride.
17 Vox O'Reasoñ March 20, 2019 at 8:46 am
Well, just 1 week plus 1 day away from Opening Day. Still no new additions to the 2019 version of Los Bravos despite 3 confirmed subtractions due to injury, all pitchers, with a possible 4th still looming.
So what does that mean for the Opening Day roster?
First, we need to qualify it to note that even though Folty, Minter, O’Day, and possibly (assumably for this exercise) Gausy will not be on the roster on March 28, they should all be added back on some time in April.
But for the purposes of this exercise, let’s take a stab at what the Opening Day roster might look like, based on Spring performances alone… and nothing else. I believe it would look something like this:
Ender (CF)
JD (3B)
Freddie (1B)
Beast (LF)
Kakes (RF)
McFlowers (C)
Dansby (SS)
— Duh.
Bench:
Camargo (IF/OF)
Culby (IF/OF)
Austin Riley (IF/OF)
— Riles has quite simply outplayed Duvall, and the versatility of Johan, Culby and RAJ allows Riley to take that last spot. And in fairness, he also has demonstrated this spring that he can play other positions other than 3B, getting quality time in LF, RF and even 1B… which might be the important one. He’s the closest thing to a true backup 1B this team has had in many years.
Julio (R)
Newk (L)
Kyle Wright (R)
Max Fried (L)
Touki Toussaint (R)
— Gausy could be ready by the 5th start, but the team would be best served not activating him until he is ready to contribute. Wright has clearly won a starting job, but Fried is barely a step behind him. He has quietly had as good a spring as any pitcher. Touki has also looked good and can come out of the bullpen once Gausy is activated.
Bullpen:
Viz (R)
Winkler (R)
Venters (L)
Carle (R)
Biddle (L)
Sam Freeman (L)
Bryse Wilson (R)
Wes Parsons (R)
— Wes Parsons has been a nice surprise, while Chad Sobotka has struggled badly with is control. At least in the early going, I think Parsons gets the nod. Each is already on the 40-man roster and each has options left, so it’s not a difficult chance to take. And when Minter and O’Day return, they’ll both be back in AAA anyway. And if AntMan would just go ahead and sign Craig Kimbrel, it wouldn’t even matter. 😉
Caveat #1: As I mentioned, the above is based on players’ performances this spring. The organization may opt to keep Wilson stretched out as a starter in AAA, which is probably the wise thing to do.
Caveat #2: This is the time of year when teams begin to release veterans that they know will not make their roster, giving them a few days to catch on elsewhere. A final bench bat and/or final bullpen arm could still be added from the outside.
Caveat #3: Sign Craig Kimbrel!! Sign him now!!
How did I miss Ozzie in the lineup? I got in a hurry…
Ozzie (2B)
Did I mention that if the Braves release Adam Duvall before Opening Day, they save $2M? They could use that to help pay Craig’s salary, couldn’t they?
Why wait? Let’s get it done before MIL snatches Craig out from under us.
Here’s today’s #BravesST lineup vs. the Blue Jays! pic.twitter.com/gqUt5PMTb3
Neither Duvall nor Riley in today’s lineup, but Dansby is getting plenty of time… presumably making up for lost time early. As for Riley, he has the most AB’s of any player in camp.
Mac is also in today’s lineup. Has anyone noticed that he’s slashed an otherworldly .368/.455/.421 this spring? And by all accounts (from the many beat writers), he has looked better than Flow behind the dish. Perhaps Mac is having a post-surgery career resurgence. I hope he carries it well into to the regular season.
22 berigan2electricboogaloo March 20, 2019 at 10:17 am
(Hmmm, blocked pop up blockers, and now I cannot post via firefox , went back to chrome 😦 )
Oh thank you Gil!!!!!
Nothing like that new lead smell! 🙂
just caught up on the previous lead via chrome (now back on firefox, and took ad blockers off, still can’t “like” this lead, but perhaps the page will load faster?)
but, when you read 40+ posts…uhh…umm…what was I gonna say? Go braves????
I bet Thoppy had NO clue that while Toronto drew quite a number of fans annually, the fans that both go to braves games and those that do not…are much more intense in braves country, than in kindly ol’ Canada 😉
seriously though…I recall reading that fans there were always wondering when they would make moves there to get to the next level, and…..it didn’t happen that often. And when it did, it was trading Thor….which I am sure still burns some britches there. But, Thoppy didn’t seem too scared to trade off any pitcher for the Marlins former catcher.
Do I have a point…no, it appears not. 😛
Somewhere buried in there is that I bet Thoppy thought the team AND to a lesser extent, the fans would be tickled pink with BOR (God help him and us if he gets hurt early on) , re-upping with Kakes, and bringing McCann back…and to a degree, IF BOR tears the cover off the wall, and everyone else is healthy and productive, then the offense should be just fine….but, it just doesn’t feel like the moves the other teams in the east made.
However, if the team stays in contention, midway thru the season, I have no doubt they will trade some prospects away for someone…IF “someone” is still available. Seems wrong to hope the Indians stink this year (and they have no real competition it appears save the Twins) but they may be willing to trade a rotation guy mid season if that happened.
The one good thing about giving kids a few real starts is other teams will see how they perform against the best of the best…and may wet some appetites …I know, it’s not the most exciting thing in the world to think about, but, if a few guys are truly ready now, it may be we will be happy Thoppy held back…cliche time, time….will tell!!!!
23 Gil in Mechanicsville March 20, 2019 at 10:52 am
Welcome back Ber…
On Alex: I don’t know what is going on with him and the Braves and Liberty. I get it, Liberty is not really in the baseball business, they are in the real estate business. For them, you do not need to have a team that can win the World Series, you only need a team which can tease the fan base into believing they might be able to win.
Maybe Thoppy is concerned he is going to wind up short of quality minor leaguers because of the restrictions place upon International signings. Maybe he has seen what real A-list talent is going for. Any idea of keeping Acuna around for a home town discount went up in smoke with Mike Trout signing for 12 years for $430 million.
There are still a few years left for Freddie to play in Atlanta but does anyone really think he is going to pull a Chipper Jones and leave hundreds of million dollars on the table?
No, Atlanta is going to have to get past the sticker shock and understand if you want quality, you are now going to have to pay thru the nose for it. At least the Braves have a couple of good prospects to look forward to in Pache and Riley who will be with the big club sooner than later but while teams my not want to pay Craig Kimbrel’s asking price, someone will.
I have this question, has Atlanta ever beat Craig Kimbrel? Now, imagine if any of the NL East teams sign him. 3 games can easily be the difference between 1st and 4th place in the NL East this year.
I agree with you Vee, SIGN CRAIG KIMBREL NOW!
24 Carolina Lady March 20, 2019 at 11:15 am
Drive a VW or a Ford? BMW? Ferrari? All depends on what you’re willing to pay. Or, there’s me and my gorgeous 25-year-old Mercury! LOL (I love that car! Paid $12,500 for it brand new. $500 per year. Not bad. Did I ever mention that most of ancestors came from Scotland and Ireland?) 😀 😀
25 Vox O'Reasoñ March 20, 2019 at 12:15 pm
Soroka was sent to Minor League camp today. His shoulder has not given him any problems over the past couple weeks. He could begin throwing in Minor League games within the next few days.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 20, 2019
Good nees.
Nees?
27 Carolina Lady March 20, 2019 at 12:24 pm
Good nees are very important!
28 berigan2electricboogaloo March 20, 2019 at 1:22 pm
no nees is good nees
AJC: Braves manager Brian Snitker will be away from the team for several days following the death of his mother, Catherine. Snitker is expected to leave spring training following today’s exhibition game to travel to Illinois for the funeral. He also is expected to return to the team as soon as Saturday.
30 Carolina Lady March 20, 2019 at 2:20 pm
Wow, I’m sorry to hear that. The loss of a parent is so very tough.
The team is set to play in their new spring training facility in North Port on Sunday, so I imagine he’ll be back by then.
Sounds like Duvall's status is tenuous at best. If another outfielder gets released or otherwise becomes available in the next few days, wouldn't be a surprise if the #Braves replace Duvall.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 20, 2019
It was Duvall’s job to lose, and he’s managed to lose it.
Or at the very least, he didn’t win it.
Braves hang on for a 8-7 victory over the Jays. I am beginning to worry about Newcome and the high number of walks being issued.
#Braves' Newcomb has 15 walks w/ nine strikeouts in 17 innings over five starts, including 12 walks in 12 innings over his past three starts.— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) March 20, 2019
Okay folks, getting closer to the starting bell. Still huge holes in the pitching situation.
Questions: 1) After nearly 8 weeks plus the off season, how can the Braves be this unprepared to begin the season?
2) After assuring the Braves fan base the organization was prepared to shop on any aisle, did they think we would believe they are suddenly “poor” again and not just cheap?
3) Do the Braves really think they will increase the attendance and viewership when they blow save after save because they did not want to lose a draft pick?
The Atlanta Braves today signed RHP Josh Tomlin to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.
Tomlin had opted out of his minor league deal yesterday, per contract stipulations, and was expected to re-sign a new minor league deal with the Brewers. Apparently he threw the organization a curve.
That said, he’s certainly not a great starting option. Per MLBTR: He has allowed eight earned runs with nine strikeouts and two walks in his 15 spring innings. Since the start of the 2016 season, Tomlin has managed only a 4.93 ERA with 6.4 K/9 and 1.1 BB/9 in 385 1/3 innings.
It’s unclear if the Braves signed him as starting depth or as a potential bullpen piece. I imagine we’ll get more clarity on that as the day goes forward.
It’s possible that they simply felt they needed some AAA starting depth given that as many as 4 of their young starters could open the season in Atlanta while Folty, Gausy, Minter and O’Day mend.
Tomlin, 34, was released Wednesday by Brewers. He had a 6.14 ERA in 32 games (9 starts) for Cleveland in 2018, and is 25-23 with 4.93 ERA in 88 games (64 starts) over last three seasons. https://t.co/iOrCkTg8ez
More MLBTR: He’s a quintessential soft-tosser, averaging 88.7 mph on his fastball in his career (87.8 mph over the past three seasons) but also demonstrating pinpoint control throughout his MLB career. Tomlin has averaged just 1.3 walks per nine innings pitched and has never allowed an average of more than 2.3 BB/9 in any single season.
Ah yes… the deep dive in the bargain bin has started. Sadly, I remember the years when the Braves waited until the final week of spring training to fill out their outfield. Sad….
C’Mon Alex, make me love you again, SIGN CRAIG KIMBREL…
ps, when the Braves said they would be able to shop any aisle, I honestly didn’t think they would return to this one…
Before we all lose our minds here, let’s remember he’s here on a minor league deal, and doesn’t gain a 40-man roster spot. At te moment there’s absolutely nothing to lose with this signing. And as I mentioned earlier, our starting pitching depth has taken a hit with Folty and Gausy out, and with Wright, Fried, Touki, and Wilson loking good for the major league roster.
The Braves signed Josh Tomlin to a Minor League deal. He’ll start Saturday’s game. The Braves will then decide whether to carry him as a long reliever or send him to Gwinnett
And there ya go. That actually makes sense to me. If you carry him as a long reliever, you can allow Wilson to return to AAA and stay stretched out as a starter. If you keep Wilson on the roster, you maintain depth at AAA. I actually like the signing in that respect.
And it doesn’t impede any other possible signings yet to come… [cough –Kimbrel– cough]
Okay, sorry, my frustration is starting to bubble up and reveal itself. Must be the rain….
I have been trying to fill my idle time with college basketball. The NIT has had some terrific match ups. Close games, few one side blow outs. Also nice to not feel like I have to root for one team over another.
Also the majority of the teams are mid majors so there is less hanky panky as far as recruiting.
Alot of guys with ML experience are being released this week as their minor league deals stipulate. Basically, they signed minor league deals with opt-out clauses that allow them to walk if not added to 40-man rosters by a certain date, typically a few days before camp ends giving them a chance to hook on with a team that has a hole to fill. That’s how Josh Tomlin became free to sign with the Braves.
This may well be how Thoppy fills that last bench spot.
Duvall is in today’s lineup. One has to wonder if this is his last shot to impress. The team can save $2M by releasing him before they head north.
Today’s #BravesST lineup vs. the Rays! pic.twitter.com/y5fTFReQQq
Ender is leading off again. I am just not loving this. I acknowledge that having RAJ bat cleanup gives him alot more RBI opportunities, but it also means there will be alot of games he doesn’t come to the plate until the 2nd inning. And I just cannot get on board with that… especially in favor of Ender Inciarte, who is known for his glove first.
Now if you can tell me Ozzie is going to leadoff, then I might feel a little better. But I still cant get past that one nagging truth: The numbers show that on average, the game’s leadoff hitter will come to the plate +/- 600 times over the course of 162 games, whereas the #4 hitter steps to the plate on average +/- 558 times… or 42 fewer opportunities. Do we really want Ender to have 42 more AB’s than RAJ?
And let’s even break it down to a more simple example. The leadoff hitter is almost always going to get 5 AB’s per game. The cleanup hitter is not nearly as likely to get that luxury. Do you want Ender coming to the plate with the game on the line late in the game? Or at best, do you want the last guy on the bench coming up because Ender is a terrible option in that spot?
Ricky Henderson had plenty of power ending his career with an OPS of .820, including .845 in his heydays with OAK and NYY. I think the fact that he was a lock to make the HOF is proof enough that a guy with power is well suited to leadoff the lineup.
C’mon Snit. Close that venerable old “book” and move RAJ back to the top of the lineup.
And while I’m at it… AA, sign Craig Kimbrel!! Sign him now!!
Ichiro announced his retirement this morning following the Mariners’ game in Japan vs. the A’s.
His statement:
“I have achieved so many of my dreams in baseball, both in my career in Japan and, since 2001, in Major League Baseball. I am honored to end my big league career where it started, with Seattle, and think it is fitting that my last games as a professional were played in my home country of Japan. I want to thank not only the Mariners, but the Yankees and Marlins, for the opportunity to play in MLB, and I want to thank the fans in both the U.S. and Japan for all the support they have always given me.”
Something to note…
If Tomlin indeed earns a spot on the ML roster as a long reliever, somebody loses a roster spot as the 40-man is currently full. Thus any addition to the roster at this point endangers someone. If Tomlin or any other pitcher is added [cough –Kimbrel– cough], Luke Jackson is most likely the odd man out. He’s out of minor league options, so he either makes the team or gets DFA’d/released.
If a position player is added to the bench, he would obviously directly replace Adam Duvall. Easy swap, right? Well, it actually brings up an interesting topic. Duvall has 1 minor league option remaining. Would you consider keeping him at AAA, paying the full freight on his $2.875M arb awarded salary and hoping he remembers how to hit the way he did in CIN? Or do you just cut ties and save the $2M? And if you choose to keep him around, who loses their 40-man roster spot? Something to think about… the Braves currently have 3 catchers slated for AAA, Raffy Lopez, Alex Jackson and Jonathan Morales. Lopez is 31 with ML experience, but is all glove and no bat. AJax showed this spring that he’s still a legit pro prospect with a bit of seasoning still needed. Morales is a career minor leaguer that’s not on the 40-man roster and is more minor league depth than actual prospect. Is Lopez in danger of losing his roster spot? I think he could be. I think AJax proved over the last few weeks that he could be called upon in an emergency and at least hold down a backup spot. All that said, I imagine that if the Braves decide they cannot keep Duvall around for the bench, they’ll just make a clean break and release him.
Or with William Contreras on the near horizon, could AJax be trade bait?
51 Gil in Mechanicsville March 21, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Just setting here pondering some of the worse trades made by the Braves, after all, not all of the returns for a player like Shelby Miller can be winners. I know some of the obvious ones like the gosh awful trade with Texas for Mark Texeria. The one that I rue most other than Brook Jacoby and Brett Butler to the Indians, one that often flies under the radar was Jermain Dye.
Dye was traded to the Royals along with LHP Jamie Walker for Michael Tucker and Kieth Lockhart. Lockhart was Bobby’s guy at 2nd base. Dye had future All star written all over him, He played for Oakland as well as Kansas City. why do I mention him? Because I fear the Braves will trade away Pache for some 2nd stringer that someone in the front office falls in love with. Just saying…
Austin Riley…oppo bomb. Again.
Kid has some serious power. #Braves @680TheFan
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) March 21, 2019
Making it tough on AntMan to start him in AAA. Love it!
Alex Anthopoulos on #Braves rotation "we're gonna surprise people the way we break camp,we're taking the best guys, we don't care how much time you have..if you throw strikes & have stuff you'll get the ball"
Followed up off air,wouldn't add 2 comments👀@steakshapiro @BFinn86
— Sandra Golden (@sportsandra) March 21, 2019
Who does this affect most? Newk? Luke Jackson? Jesse Biddle?
Or is it rotation specifically? Newk has stunk up Spring Training. Is that a direct shot at Newk? It’s gotta give a shot in the arm to Bryse Wilson, who has really taken a step forward. So had Kyle Wright… until today. We won’t talk too much about today yet. 😐
#Braves prospect Kyle Wright gave up 4 hits, 6 runs, 2 walks and 2 home runs in 2/3rds of an inning today vs. Rays, after allowing just 11 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks and no homers in 12 innings over his previous 4 spring starts.
It was just said on the radio that the Braves failed to turn a double play that would have gotten Wright out of the 1st inning with no runs allowed. Just hearsay at the moment though; not sure how accurate.
The #Braves today outrighted LHP Sam Freeman to Triple-A @GoStripers. The Braves have 38 players in major league camp.
Being “outrighted” means he’s now off the 40-man roster. I believe he would have had to go through waivers untouched, but I’m not 100% sure. Hard to believe he wouldn’t have been claimed by someone, being a lefty and all.
Don’t miss that we have a 40-man roster spot available now. That’s the key result here.
#Brewers reliever Corey Knebel will have elbow examination today. Manager Craig Counsell said "it is a concern. "
— Tom (@Haudricourt) March 21, 2019
First, and of course most important, this really sux for him.
But also, this explains their recent interest in Craig Kimbrel. Thoppy better get off the stick and take Craig off the market.
V, this is the minutia (wait, is that how the word is spelled? or is it a different word than I meant?I should know better than use $3 words) that makes baseball so interesting…of course, if JD batted cleanup, well, that would be the best thing, right? A rightie after FF?? but, he thinks he’s still in the AL, he won’t have a lot of RBI opportunities 2nd. I know, RBI’s don’t matter, but what does the average pitcher “hit”? .138? (pulled that out of my…hat, can’t find the average….average of pitchers) lets say that’s true, basically 9 times out of 10 they make an out. So, Josh could hit 30 HR’s and drive in…60, 70 RBI’s. Is that the best use of his power bat???
Would it be the best use of Acuna if he hits 30,40 HR’s?
I think Acuna protecting FF is a huge deal. Ender could be the weak link at the top of the order, but…if he hits well, early…that would be an amazing 1 to 4, perhaps 1 to 5 if Nick is forever coming up with runners on….
if JD batted cleanup, well, that would be the best thing, right?
Maybe, of you are going by “the book”. But the new baseball protocol actually has the best hitter in the lineup batting #2. Mike Trout bats #2. Nolen Arenado bats #2. Aaron Judge bats #2. The logic is similar to what I mentioned above. He’ll get the most AB’s aside from the leadoff guy, yet he’ll still possibly have someone on base when he launches his prodigious dingers. It’s the best of both worlds.
Anyway, for this year, with a nod to his great career, I’ll give JD #2. Next year? Next year RAJ will bat #2, with Freddie in his comfy spot at #3 and Austin Riley as the natural cleanup hitter. But for this year, I’ll give the nod to the respected vet.
I think Acuna protecting FF is a huge deal.
I can buy that. But it does bring up an interesting if premature question: Who is the better hitter? Freddie or RAJ? And if you have RAJ at cleanup, who protects him? Nick? Yuck.
As I mentioned above, the ideal order is #2 RAJ, #3 Freddie, #4 Riles. And hopefully, prayerfully, Ozzie will put together a full season in 2019 of what he did over the first half of 2018 and cement himself atop that threesome in 2020.
If Ender struggles at the plate, I’d love to see them promote Riles to play LF and get his bat in the lineup. Remember when Chipper was ready for promotion in 1994 with TP entrenched at 3B? They penciled him for LF until he tore up his knee in spring. That put the kibosh on an OF debut.
#STLCards close on an extension with 1B Paul Goldschmidt, sources tell The Athletic. Deal will be for at least five years and at least $110M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 21, 2019
‘Tis the season. Clubs want the cost certainty and players are wary of the owners’ current attitudes toward veterans and FA, as well as being a little afraid of what might happen with FA under the next CBA. Security and certainty goes a long way with both sides.
63 berigan2electricboogaloo March 22, 2019 at 1:36 am
V, we will just have to agree to disagree on this point. There is a book cuz…it’s worked. best hitters batting 2nd works swell in the AL with 9 hitters, as I mentioned above, pitchers are not hitters 😛
Is JD the best hitter on the team? I really don’t think so. FF and Acuna are better hitters. I am gonna go ancient school at talk B.A.’s. .284, 270, .246. JD’s last 3 B.A’s over the last 3 years. No fair he was injured! True. He walked a lot too. swell. in 2017, he got on base at least 190 times between hits, walks, and HBP (not sure how many times with errors. Hit 33 HR’s. How many runs did he score? 65 total. Subtrack 33 HR’s , 32 times he scored via someone else. Granted, he probably wasn’t always running full speed, but do you really want a slow footed guy batting 2nd? He is a stereotypical cleanup hitter. He should be batting 4th, protecting FF and with Acuna batting 2nd. Left/right/left/right/left. I know, by the book. We had Nick protect FF last year, and it worked swell, well, for 4 months, Nick M was the best hitter on the team. Will he be this year? Kinda doubt it…
It’s cool to disagree. That’s what makes the world go ’round. If we all agreed on everything it would be very boring.
and I think some of the “boutique” moves like openers, and best hitters batting 2nd, having EVERY prospect play 3, 4, 5 different positions (Jack of all trades, master of none) etc only work for some teams/players and won’t become the way of the game. Oh sure, like lemmings, “they” will try it,(don’t wanna be thought of old fashioned, we are hip!) and then it will fail for many teams, and they will start saying, ya know….perhaps those old timers weren’t exactly wrong , the way they played the game.
remember how all the “Experts” were trying to say that closers weren’t all that and a bag of chips? And teams started having any old reliever close…and then found out what the silly old folks said about the last 3 outs being the hardest to get, was true?
I am going to laugh myself silly when the Red Sox are 8 games back my June 1st to the Yankees, cuz their bullpen by committee has given up homers game after game in the 9th to the Yankees, Rays, Astros, etc. and their lackadaisical attitude, that they can just get some closer by the deadline will prove to be way too late. At least to win the division.
But, if I know Red Sox fans, they will certainly be forgiving to wasting a season cuz they didn’t want to pay Kimbrel to close
Thank goodness we don’t have a blase viewpoint on the braves toward a closer 😕
I hate “openers”… think it’s dumb. I think it’s overthinking.
I think closers are important, but sometimes they might be more critical in the 8th inning than in the 9th. “The book” would say you can’t use them in the 8th. “The book” might see the lead slip away in the 8th and render the closer unnecessary in the 9th.
I like loading up the top of my order so that my best guys get the most possible AB’s in a game. I just do. Having a classic “leadoff” guy makes sense only in the 1st inning, because chances are that’s the only time he actually leads off. Yes, I know it means he leads off the lineup, but why does he have to be a certain stereotype? Why can’t he just be a guy the pitcher doesn’t want to face? Wouldn’t you want that guy staring down the pitcher to open the game? I would.
I respect “the book”, but it was written in an era when the players were not as overall athletic as you see today. “The book” was written in a day when you wanted a SS that could play like a Hoover, and anything you got from his bat was a bonus. “The book” was written in an era when 2B’s were all about 5’8″ and covered in dirt all the time. “The book” was written when your corner IF’s were stiff as a board but could hit the ball a country mile.
I think managers that manage solely on analytics are trendy, but temporary because they are stupid. Gabe Kapler anyone? He’ll manage a team that is arguably the most talented to about a 3rd place finish this year… bank it.
As for those infamous analytics, I think they are a tool. No more or less useful than any of the other tools including the eye test. But they also shouldn’t be discounted. There is value in knowing a batter’s tendencies. It allows pitchers to pitch away from them. (And it’s the same thing Greg Maddux did for his whole career, we just called it “studying video”.)
I say all that to say this… I am an old dog. I don’t care much for new tricks. But my game that I love has changed, and changed alot. And I can’t ignore those changes or I’ll be left out in the weeds and not understand a thing that’s going on anymore. I’m at least trying to learn a couple of new tricks, but I’m choosy as to what they are.
One of my new tricks is a seemingly new stat that many are using now to gauge hitters. It’s called OPS. You hear it being tossed around all the time. But it’s not really anything new. In fact, it’s as old as On Base Percentage or Slugging Percentage… because it’s both. It’s OBP + SLG. That simple. And it may be the most accurate way to measure a batter’s ability to generate runs since RBI is completely dependent on other guys being on base.
And I suppose I have more respect for Josh Donaldson than most around here. I’ve followed his career, and I don’t think his calf injury has derailed his talent. I believe he is still capable of putting together a (another) MVP type year. His career OPS is .874, and that includes his past 2 injured years. Freddie’s is .875. Pretty cool, huh? RAJ had a blistering .917 last season, which of course is his career line. How about Nick? .782 for his career, but a resurgent .806 last season. (Don’t get me started on the anemic Ender Inciarte.)
How about for comparison, gazillionaire Bryce Harper? Career .900; .889 last season. Here’s an interesting one… JT Realmuto: .768 career; .825 last year.
I like our hitters, and I respect the crap out of Josh Donaldson. Give me his career line of .275/.367/.507 with his career average of 33 HRs out of the 2 hole, and I’ll kiss his feet… or his calf. Well, I’d probably get arrested if I tried either. But you get the idea.
Ah, just a touch of sarcasm slipping thru there Ber… 🙂
Uh, have the Braves signed Kimbrel yet? No? RATS!
⚾️ SPRING TRAINING BASEBALL ⚾️
🗓️ @Tigers at @Braves
⏰ 6 p.m. ET
📺 FOX Sports South
📲 FOX Sports GO
🎙️ Chip Caray & @JeffFrancoeur
👉 Julio Teheran pic.twitter.com/1pfiCvpHTE
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) March 22, 2019
TV tonight!!
Adam Duvall was 2 for 3 yesterday trying desperately to hold on to a job.
With that performance he improved to .175/.298/.325 for spring. Any new OF’s hit the open market yesterday? Brad Miller?
Braves No. 8 prospect Drew Waters: “I think my best tool is probably my bat. My worst tool I have? In my mind, I don’t have a bad tool.”
Is it wrong that I love that?
A handful of elite prospects come along at the same time, all competing for a few jobs, pushing each other, but all pulling for each other openly. That's about as good a scenario as you can get as a pitching prospect. https://t.co/fiiGLZcnhN
Mike Soroka, Kyle Wright, Max Fried, Touki Toussaint, Bryse Wilson, Luiz Gohara, followed closely by Patrick Weigel, Kolby Allard, Ian Anderson, Joey Wentz, and Kyle Muller.
Holy Ja-moly!
I think everyone of them knows that even if they don’t play for Atlanta, they will play somewhere. That is just the way it works now. I think they also realize that if they don’t make the big club, it will be die to their own short comings. No one is out to sabotage them. One things folks should bare in mind, young arms cannot pitch 200 innings. That is simple physics. So, get strong and be ready…
Drew Waters: Yep, a little cockiness goes a long way in my book. I wonder what Adam Duvall’s answer to the same question would be?
Anyone call Kelly Johnson yet?
What is Cameron Maybin up to these days?
He’s sucking in San Fran, and sadly was arrested on DUI charges earlier this month.
ok guys, silly question…do we really need a 4th outfielder? Have/can Culberson (sp) and Camargo play there? Have they been getting reps in CF this ST??? Cuz, Camargo needs AB’s and I still don’t see how he will get more than 2 games a week as it stands now. plus he will pinch hit of course….maybe 3 games if Nick sits say, once a week? but, why do we need a 4th outfielder? Unless we just have to have a CF’er backup…but, chances are, it’s going to be a weak hitting guy who was released, cuz…he sucked 😛
do we really need a 4th outfielder?
IMO, no we don’t. We have guys that can play OF. We even have a young 3B power hitter that is ready to hit ML pitching with no place to play that can give serviceable time in the OF. I feel we just need a good bat that we can count on late in the game when that tying run is on 2B.
Unless we just have to have a CF’er backup
We have one. His name is Ronald Acuña, Jr., and he may be a better CF’er than our current starter there.
Here’s how the #Braves will line up tonight vs. the Tigers! #BravesST | #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/vz24GzVuyz
Maybe the Opening Day lineup. I still cringe seeing Ender atop it. Dansby Swanson has a higher average and OBP this spring than Ender. Austin Riley has outhit both of them. But there Ender is. Ugh.
That will be my singular gripe with Snit this season unless Ender makes me shut up or Snit makes a change.
Kyle Wright’s poor outing yesterday notwithstanding, I think we’ll see this 4 man rotation (open day) for the first time through, with Gausman joining in the fun the second time around:
I think Bryse Wilson has earned a spot, and Newk will need to right the ship in his final tuneup this week or face a surprising consequence. I also think Touki has earned a spot. It’s deep and talented, just what you want. But it sure makes it hard to predict who will break camp with the big boys.
It should not be a given that Sean Newcomb makes this team. He has been pretty bad this spring, walking the park over and over. He has minor league options left, and Fried, Wright and Touki all seem ready to make a big step forward. It might be best for Newk to work on his command in AAA where the games don’t affect the big league standings.
Don’t be surprised if Max Fried has the most surprising season of any starter this year. He’s better as a starter, and given the opportunity to prepare that way he may well be the breakout pitcher of the rotation this season. He has been repeatedly compared to Cole Hamels, and the comp is fairly made.
#Braves’ MINTER will throw live batting practice today. Plan is to get in a game in a few days, open season on injured list at Gwinnett, and said he aims to be activated 7-10 days into the season.
Good neWs. 😀
Craig Kimbrel (lefty) and AJ Minter, Mechanics/Overlay. pic.twitter.com/ZuSw6jhWjd
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 3, 2018
I’d love to have both in my bullpen.
Sign Craig Kimbrel …. !
The Braves announced they released left-hander Sam Freeman.
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) March 22, 2019
Sam is a free man. (See what I did there?) 😉
Eric Young, Jr. just got released by the O’s. He had a good spring slashing .323/.462/.452 with 1 HR, 1 2B and 2 SB’s. He’d be pretty valuable off the bench IMO and still has speed in the wheels.
Oh, and his daddy is our 1B coach. Why not? Because of Adam Duvall?
If it were me — and I don't know that #Braves would do this — I would start the season with Newcomb at Triple-A and Toussaint, Fried, Wright and Wilson all in majors, 3 of them in rotation and 1 in bullpen. When Folty is ready, you decide who gets bumped from rotation.
Didn’t I say essentially the same thing earlier?
V, Ha! I forgot all about Acuna! funny, sometimes I don’t see the forest for the trees!
Chris Sale re-ups with the Bosox of 5 more years and $145M. Meanwhile Justin Verlander is on the verge of an extension to stay in HOU. Many extensions this month from some big names. These high profile players, especially the ones on the other side of 30, want no part of the new world of Free Agency.
Now, Craig… lower your expectations back to the real world and get a deal done with ATL. C’mon dude. Do it pronto! We need each other.
I know, I repeat myself but… SIGN CRAIG KIMBREL! sigh!!!
#Braves are still in on Kimbrel. From what I hear, it's between Milwaukee and Atlanta barring a late entry. If Braves could get him, their bullpen would from major question mark to solid in a hurry.
Gil, looks like they’re at least trying.
Okay, brackets are officially busted….
Watched with sleepy eyes the Julio’s final tune-up… Scary…
It is all winding down and gearing up at the same time.. 🙂
Sign Greg Kimbrel… Free the bullpen….
A couple of observations.
Markakis looks ready as does Dansby. Solid singles….
Sobotka looks shaky….
If Julio is able to hold Bryce Harper to 4 singles, he should consider it a moral victory.
WS, here we come! The braves have signed……Matt Joyce! 😛 😛 😛
Guys, I don’t know why, I just have a feeling the braves aren’t gonna sign Kimbrel (trying some reverse psychology here, lets see if it works?) my feelings are often right, when it’s bad/not so good news…
a gift 🙂 I read something else that I am betting you all did too, that the braves have made not a one offer to him, as of yet….
We do have a ton of arms that could close….not a big fan of that, usually it’s failed starters that are turned into closers, right? Or guys that were closers all the way up, like Kimbrel. I don’t know. you need 7 legit starters, we have what, 12? gonna trade 5 of them away?
So, do y’all think Touki ans Wink did anything to boost their chances of breaking camp with the big club today? Whew… stinky…
I think we are past the point of “working” on stuff…
Well, I’m looking for some good crow recipes if anybody had one…
Touki is a lock. Wink probably is too.
Matt Joyce on a minor league deal? Why not? Better question may be “Why?”, to which the answer comes in 2 words: Adan Duvall.
The #Braves today made three roster moves, optioning OF Adam Duvall, RHP Touki Toussaint and RHP Dan Winkler to Triple-A @GoStripers. Atlanta has 35 players remaining on its spring training roster.
100 Vox O'Reasoñ March 23, 2019 at 8:06 pm
BTW- the word is that the hang up with Kimbrel is NOT the draft pick, nor is it the money. It comes down to length of contract. Neither side is willing to budge. Yet
101 Gil in Mechanicsville March 23, 2019 at 9:11 pm
“Toussaint also had his worst outing in his latest spring appearance Saturday when he came on in relief against the Mets and was charged with six hits, seven runs (six earned) and one walk while recording just five outs in a 12-2 loss. That was his second bad outing in five this spring and inflated his ERA to 8.62, after Toussaint had given up just six hits and three runs (two earned) in 11 innings in three games since his previous rough outing Feb. 28.
“Just one of them days where he was all out of whack,” said Snitker, who didn’t think a hard-hit ball off Toussaint’s foot early in the appearance had any effect on his pitching.” DOB The Athletic
Length of contract… Give him what he wants, you can always flip him in 3 years if the Braves have a better option.
Having said that, I don’t think they will ever have a better option….
103 Vox O'Reasoñ March 24, 2019 at 11:37 am
Mmmmm… crow casserole…
104 Gordon Lawrence March 24, 2019 at 11:48 am
I see the pitching thoughts of management as being:
1 – We cannot afford to lose a draft pick with the penalties now being imposed for the COPPY/HART debacle.
2 – money is a secondary consideration.
3 – Let the season start and see who amongst the young arms survives.
4 – after the draft, we won’t have to forfeit a draft pick.
5 – if the season is going reasonably well, we pick up pitching as needed before the trade deadline.
I really do believe the loss of a draft pick is more important than money at this point.
105 Gil in Mechanicsville March 24, 2019 at 12:29 pm
Good morning Gordon… Yep, a lot of things to consider, I’ll bet the Braves hate it when the Brewers bring in Kimbrel to save games against the Braves 5 times this summer…
From what I have read, they aren’t hung up on the draft pick or the money. It’s all about the length of contract. Kimbrel is still hanging tight to 5 years, and the Braves are still desiring a shorter commitment.
107 Carolina Lady March 24, 2019 at 5:04 pm
4 with 1 optional? Something to break the deadlock. Just how badly does Kimbrel want to come back to the Braves, I wonder. I’m sorta thinking not all that much. Millions are more important. I wonder how many millions are enough? How many mansions are enough? Cars? Jewels? I know. I’m on my soapbox again. Mea culpa. :-p
108 Gil in Mechanicsville March 25, 2019 at 4:27 am
Ha, I guess I will never know the answer to that question CL. Still making do on my pension. So far so good, however, having blow money might be fun for a change. The Lord is good though, most folks can plainly see I am not starving and I don’t get any annoying calls from bill collectors. I could not always say that by the way… So, I guess Craig feels he is worth it, principal of the thing and all. Must be pretty cool to be able to retire at age 36. Gets boring after awhile though…
Do you trust everything the BRAVES say?
When they sign KIMBREL to a team friendly, relatively short-term deal, I’ll be right with you.
Right now, I have serious doubts.
So, the Marlins release Dan Strailly, think he is worth a look?
111 Vox O'Reasoñ March 25, 2019 at 8:41 am
I think the Braves have made it very clear that their course is set on the use of our wealth of young arms.
So in case anyone missed it yesterday, the pitching rotation for the first couple of turns has been laid out.
In Philly:
Thurs: Julio Teheran
Fri: OFF DAY
Sat: Bryse Wilson
Sun: Kyle Wright
Vs. Cubs:
Mon: Sean Newcomb
Tue: OFF DAY
Wed: Julio on 6 days rest
Thurs: Max Fried, if he hasn’t been used as a long reliever in the first 5 games. The plan is to have him in the rotation and use him out of the bullpen in those first 5 games only in an emergency.
Vs. Marlins:
Then the plan is for Kevin Gausman to join the rotation and start the first game vs. the Fish on Fri., April 5. He threw 77 pitches in a minor league start yesterday and will make one more in effort to ramp up to 90 pitches before being activated from the IL for that start, picking up with Wilson after.
According to Bowman, the reasoning behind tossing Wilson and Wright in Philly is that they wanted the RH starters against Phillies righty heavy lineup, and wanted their 2 lefties vs. CHI’s lefty heavy lineup. Makes sense to me.
Folty is making progress in his return, and Bowman noted he might be ready as early as the latter part of the team’s 2nd homestand, April 11-18. The team will make a decision at that point as to which youngster leaves the rotation, and how that pitcher is used afterward.
Barring any last minute acquisitions [cough –Kimbrel– cough], the bullpen also looks to be mostly set. They are, in no particular order:
Viz, Sobotka, Venters, Carle, Biddle, Parsons, Jackson, and possibly Josh Tomlin. And as we mentioned above, Max Fried will hang out there for the first 5 games.
And in case I haven’t mentioned it lately…
… sign Craig Kimbrel! Sign him now!!
So the only real question remaining aside from Josh Tomlin/Craig Kimbrel (cant help it) is the last bench spot.
Adam Duvall was optioned to Gwinnett on Saturday, but that doesn’t mean he still can’t be released before Opening Day to save that $2M. After all, there is only one 40-man roster spot remaining, and you can’t give it to both Matt Joyce and Josh Tomlin… and to Kimbrel too. 😉
In all seriousness, Joyce will get a very quick look over these last 2 exhibition games at STP to see if he’s a viable candidate for the last bench spot. And in all honesty, there are still players hitting the open market today and tomorrow, so who knows who else we might find?
Both Tomlin and Joyce are on minor league deals and could open the season in Gwinnett awaiting the opportunity to move up. Both have said they are willing to let the numbers game grind out to clear a path. All things being equal, the Braves could choose to keep Joyce and release Duvall if for no other reason than the $2M savings on Duvall, thus simply swapping that roster spot and leaving the open spot for the last bullpen piece.
For my money, I’d rather keep Austin Riley in Atlanta, send Joyce to AAA, and send Duvall packing.
… and sign Craig Kimbrel. Have I mentioned that?
What??? Sign Craig Kimbrel??? What a radical idea… Well, I guess it would shore up the bullpen, wasn’t that one of Alex’s off season goals? Asking for a friend… 🙂
One would have to ask if it is more beneficial for Riley to play every day and see live pitching everyday or if he could stay proficient enough with limited at bats and subbing for Donaldson once a week? Tis why bench players are usually vets.
I was also of the mind that Camargo would be the primary back up for third base this season.
One would have to ask if it is more beneficial for Riley to play every day and see live pitching everyday
Possibly, yes. But I think Riles has proven he’s capable of handling ML pitching, and our bench is in need of a RH bopper. He checks that box.
Could be, but I think Riles could also play LF in the same type role that Thoppy envisioned for Duvall late last year… when Ender is totally overmatched by a tough lefty. Start RAJ in CF and give Riles the start in LF.
NOTE: Matt Joyce is a lefty hitter with extreme splits between LH/RH pitching. He does NOT check the box.
Here’s the deal.. in case no one has picked up on it yet…
I like Ender Inciarte, but I do not love Ender Inciarte. I do love his glove, but Acuña could well be a better CF’er. He also strikes me a little as a sulker, but that’s just hearsay.
If Ender can start quickly this season and prove he can hit consistently, I’ll eat more crow. (I’m getting used to it anyway.) But I’ll go out on a limb and say he’ll be the weak bat in the starting 8… and that includes Dansby. I hope it doesn’t take Snit long to realize leading off with Ender is a bad call.
BTW- I am “buying” on Dansby putting together a solid year at the plate if he can stay healthy. I think we’ll finally see in 2019 why he was the #1 overall pick in his draft class.
I do know that if I am Dansby, I am wearing a “wrist guard” this season. ML Pitchers would likely figure he would be a tad bit gun shy on inside pitches on his hands. Not saying ML pitchers are unethical or anything but well, you know….
It would not hurt for Freddie Freee to up armor a little bit too. Pitchers just can’t seem to help themselves in that regard. Something like a free safety being a head hunter… It is in their nature.
Dansby knows he is not a homerun hitter kind of guy, it is not his role but he does have enough pop in his bat to put one over the fence 15 to 20 time a season and that is just fine with me.
One thing I do hope we see is guys understanding situational hitting. Yes, 3 run homers are sexy but when you only need one run, cut down on that swing and drive it up the middle…. I think that is what got Ozzie out of sorts last year. He saw all the accolades being heaped upon his buddy Acuna and got a little envious. He does not have to be a run producer as much as he needs to be a run scorer.
124 Vox O'Reasoñ March 25, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Minter will throw an inning in a Minor League game today. Both he and Gausman will be placed on the IL retroactive to today, making both eligible to return April 4. Gausman is targeted to debut April 6. Minter's ETA hasn't been set, but he shouldn't be too far behind.
Reporter today asked Donaldson what he can bring to the Braves. “Have you ever seen the back of my baseball card?" he said. "That's what I can bring."#swagger
Swagger indeed… and I love it.
126 berigan2electricboogaloo March 25, 2019 at 6:07 pm
V, I honestly think that would be terrible for the kid. Only 22 in a week or so….has a top prospect ever come up to warm the bench, at his age? He just won’t play. Camargo is already being punished in spite of a good season. Without a DH, he will be lucky to get 250 AB’s unless Dansby tanks, Ozzie, or JD get hurt for an extended time. Keeping Austin here will mean less AB’s for both of them….who is our LH’ed bat off the bench anyways?
Man, I pray this doesn’t happen….can’t imagine what it would mean if some thugs(and some non thugs of course) bought the “Fox” sports networks. Am I missing something here? the article mentions Liberty bidding too. This would include Fox Sports south?
I could see Disney going for a lower offer to show they are all for diversity in the sports business world….
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-03-25/ice-cube-said-to-recruit-serena-williams-for-sports-network-bid?utm_content=business&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&utm_medium=social
Okay folks. fun gm last night. Poor Jonny Venters, looked like he was throwing nothing but center cut fast balls. Fried looked good, small strike zone.
Flowers catches like he is the second coming of Javy Lopez…
If Dansby keeps playing and hitting like he has, he will cinch the All-star team. Looks really stellar as does Markakis…
Fried looked good, small strike zone.
He’s good… really good. And as a 25-year-old, he’s practically a grizzled veteran now. He’s almost as cool as a certain former Braves pitcher of whom I will not name so as not to be mistaken to be comparing Fried to a HOF’er. But said HOF’er had ice water in his veins and is a LH’er. Similarly, Fried’s demeanor never changes. And when you consider he can drop that big ol’ hammer whenever and wherever he wants, then follow it up with mid-90’s heat, the kid… er, I mean old man is posed for success.
If Dansby keeps playing and hitting like he has, he will cinch the All-star team.
He’s fully healthy and no longer carries the burden of being the face of the team (as a rookie). I believe an All-Star appearance is certainly within reach.
And how about Wes Parsons? He looks legit, folks. He simply throws strikes on the edges without nibbling. He obviously trusts his stuff. A certain Braves LH starter whom I won’t name, but whose initials are Sean Newcomb, could learn alot from Parsons.
Poor Jonny Venters, looked like he was throwing nothing but center cut fast balls.
Have we signed Craig yet?
When you consider how much of a dogfight the NL East looks to be, and realize that just 1 or 2 games could separate #1 from #4, wouldn’t you want to insure that you don’t let any leads melt away in the late innings?
Sign Craig Kimbrel! Sign him now!!
Extension season continues…
Jacob deGrom and the Mutts have an agreement on 5 years / $137.5M that includes a full no-trade clause and an opt-out after 2022. (Hat tip to Ken Rosenthal’s sources.)
According to Rosey, deGrom “gets opt-out after ‘22, same as [Chris] Sale, even though he is a year further from free agency. Will earn $107M between now and opt-out, Sale, $105M” because you have to have the distinction of having the highest dollar amount. 🙄
As an aside, I think that’s one of Craig’s biggest problems… he wants a bigger deal than Aroldis Chapman got, which was 5 years / $86M. It would appear from this angle that pride will not let him budge on that desire. HE needs to take his focus off his own pride and take a hard look at the current landscape of deals for players – pitchers especially – over the age of 30. If he really wants to earn more than $87M over the next 5 years, he should sign now for 2 or 3 and dominate. If that happens, he’ll get his.
Max Fried, Nasty 84mph Back Foot Slider. 🤢🍔 pic.twitter.com/tayfBHFCQ8
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 26, 2019
Slider… Fried’s 3rd pitch… nasty.
Max Fried, Slider/Curveball Shapes (overlay). pic.twitter.com/Haghehsvex
Rob Friedman does a great job of showing you pitches. That curve and that slider… with mid-90’s heat in his pocket. I love Max Fried.
Notice the arm angle and action are identical. That’s the key to selling pitches.
–Thanks Barry Bonnell!!
137 Gil in Mechanicsville March 26, 2019 at 10:04 am
And no TACO with the glove…. AKA… knowing when you are tipping pitchers…
For sure, I know there are guys sequestered away in some dark windowless room who does nothing but look at hours of video trying to pick up on some hint of what is coming next for every pitcher. Knowing what is coming does not guarantee success for a hitter but it does improve his chances of getting a hit.
1 o’clockish game today. Game is free to watch on MLB TV.
Must say, while I like Frenchy as a commentator, I preferred Joe Simpson.
Also, the game is on MLB TV if you have cable TV
Joe is the very definition of “old school” while Frenchy is fresh and energetic. I like both. As for me personally, Joe has gotten a bit slow and trite over the last few years. If I hear him tell me one more time that a hitter is “using his hands to get out in front of the ball”, I think I’ll scream. that’s just me though.
#Braves and #Reds lineups, Newcomb followed by Wright on the bump for Bravos. pic.twitter.com/Zn7rsKGXMF
Newcomb especially needs a good outing to cap his spring. Trust your stuff Newk! Quit trying to paint the corners on RH’s and just pitch!
And I really really like RAJ batting #2. (I just wish Ozzie was leading off.) Unless Snit moves RAJ back to leadoff, I imagine RAJ’ll hit 2nd when JDon gives way to Johan. [Say that phonetically… JDon to Johan. Just rolls off the tongue…]
The Matt Joyce audition continues. He was the beneficiary of RISP yesterday. I need to see more substance. If I have to choose between him and Duvall right now, I choose someone else. 😉
144 berigan2electricboogaloo March 26, 2019 at 11:08 am
I get the feeling you guys are on the fence about Kimbrel, please don’t hold back, tell us how you feel!
One thing I believe is all relievers wear down as they approach the end of a season. How does signing Kimbrel not make the Braves a deeper and stronger team in 2019? Is it just money? Did Craig run over Alex’s dog? Saving money is great as long as it is being penny wise and pound foolish.
Okay, time to take a pre game nap…
OK… admittedly there is a bit of sentiment over reason here, but also a bit of an eye toward next season when MLB will surely slip the DH into the NL game…
Would it be crazy to consider signing the still unemployed Even Gattis to be the last man on the roster? With Johan and Culby, they pretty much cover all the defensive positions. And it sure would be cool to see El Oso Blanco stride to the plate late in a tight game with RISP. His standing in the batter’s box would also likely tighten up a pitcher’s butt quicker than Johan or Culby. Just a random thought on a late March morning.
Also, if MLB and the MLBPA truly wanted to see all the unsigned veterans gain a ML job, they’d have accelerated the roster expansion to 26 in 2019, not 2020. I see no real advantage to delaying that change one more year… unless of course it’s the grease they’ll use to slide the DH in on us. (Which it almost certainly is.)
Truth is, our own Alex Jackson might be the best DH candidate we have. The guy can rake, and has made progress behind the plate. My money says Tyler Flowers is gone after this season and Mac comes back to work behind William Contreras, as backup and mentor. Having AJax also around adds the ability to allow Mac to DH occasionally as well.
This is obviously a potentially awful development for Souza and the Diamondbacks. In related news, I'm told Socrates Brito already has been placed on waivers. https://t.co/f722S6H4MT
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) March 26, 2019
OK.. this is very intriguing to me. Brito is a 26-year-old LH hitting OF with unimpressive numbers in just 82 games of ML experience, but a fairly impressive AAA resume slashing .303/.352/.484 with 28 HRs and 28 steals in 265 AAA games spread over 3 seasons. He also plays all 3 OF positions. If he makes it to ATL in the waiver order, could he be claimed by the bargain hunting Thoppy? Hmmm…
#Reds set their 25-man roster. Robert Stephenson and Wandy Peralta in bullpen. Matt Wisler is out of minor league options, so he will he placed on waivers.
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) March 26, 2019
Matt Wisler, Preston Tucker, Adam Duvall… all released or on the verge of release. Only 1 remaining minor league option saved Lucas Sims (and maybe Duvall, but unlikely) from the same outcome. Is there such a thing as a lose/lose trade?
Speaking of Matt Wisler, I wonder what Aaron Blair is up to? I’ve heard no news on him after his release by ATL last year after his shoulder surgery.
Never understood the grind til I’ve been through it pic.twitter.com/JDiFVosOWD
— Aaron Blair (@Blair_Force1) March 10, 2019
Looks like he’s working his way back… but it appears to be an “uphill” battle. 😆 😆 😆
#Braves might not announce Opening Day roster until Wednesday or even Thursday, only because they continue looking for better bench bat and bullpen help. Otherwise, there are no real questions about remaining roster spots if they don't make additions.
Socrates Brito and Craig Kimbrel? Asking for a friend…
So far they've not been willing to go three years guaranteed, which is why I'm told he's waiting for. Not my money, but if I'm #Braves I do that, especially given their pitching injuries. Not like they're blocking a young closer who's knocking at the MLB door in next year or two. https://t.co/E4EIl0a1JE
Three years guaranteed? That’s it? [They gon’ make me cuss up in here!]
— in best Mom voice
Alexander Anthopolous! Don’t make me come up there after you! Get down here and do your job, and do it now!
If that report’s accurate, and Kimbrel wants just 3 years and Braves won’t go 3..?
OK… I’m gonna have to go and repent. The things I’m thinking right now…
Before I exit the room (to go and repent), let me finish my rant.
What are the Braves holding onto for the next 3 years? It’s not like there is going to be a premium Free Agent on the market between now and 2022. They’ve all signed extensions this month.
Aaaaggghhhh…. it frustrates me so badly!!!
3 flippin’ years!!!
[Leaving the room now, tossing items in my wake and slamming the door…]
[… from afar]
Aaaaaagggggghhhhhh!!!!!!
I’m back now… and breathing normally again. I am very grateful for ibuprofen, though.
Newk had a nice 1st inning. Got ahead of hitters and put them away. Hopefully Kranny got in his ear and he’s listening.
I am sure y’all probably heard Chip just reveal Snit’s plan for the leadoff position (as Ender gets a hit)…
Chip confirms the plan is to use Ender to leadoff against RH pitchers, and Ozzie against LH pitchers.
OK, that’s semi-reasonable. Maybe I can live with that. I would imagine it’s fluid… as long as people are producing, they’ll stay put.
No walks for Newk today over 4 innings. He was listening to somebody, obviously.
And Dansby definitely looks ready. Another CF dinger today.
Ah me. Pedro looks to be headed to the bushes, he has made several bad throws this spring.
Wright having one of his “bad” games… Oh well, it is get away day of spring training.
Only three years???? Good grief… Alex, have you not seen the holes in your bull pen?
Well, I would say that a walk-off Grand Slam is a good way to cap off the spring schedule, wouldn’t you?
Wes Parsons, Josh Tomlin and Matt Joyce (barring another move) made Braves’ 25, as expected.
It must be noted that both Tomlin and Joyce must be added to the 40-man roster, which currently stands at 39. My math says that 41 > 40. That means someone is outta here. Duvall? I’m guessing yes.
Wow…”they” can say whatever they want (AA is from up north right? Likely a lib, right) money may very well be tight, but…if you say that…fans don’t like it. fans will still be P.O.ed that players aren’t signed up, but…they can always say they couldn’t work things out, vs we can’t pay for anyone, liberty is cheap
I just think it is more than a little frustrating to have the Braves say, we can shop any aisle and turn around and cry poor mouth. How much is really too much for a shut down closer? Having more guys who can close games is an asset, not a liability.
Okay, something different. A couple of Brave alum to get their chance in the Show, Rio Ruiz to be the starting 3rd baseman for the Orioles and Dustin Peterson going north with Detroit. Good for them.
day until Opening Day 2019!
Wooooooooooo!!!
On the eve of Opening Day in 1995, the Braves traded away Craig Kimbrel. Today is the eve of Opening Day 2019. Why not complete the circle and bring him home today? Perfect symmetry.
On the subject of the Opening Day roster…
The Braves have until some time today (cannot find the exact time anywhere) to set their Opening Day active 25-man roster. Snit told one of the many beat writers yesterday (cannot find the exact quote or the exact reporter this morning, but remember reading it) that they would wait until the last minute to make the Opening Day roster official as they could still add a reliever or a bench bat.
As for the reliever part, I cannot help but think that he’s referring to Kimbrel. There are not enough quality relievers to go around the league as it is, so it’s unlikely an impact arm will be released back onto the open market at this point. Maybe I’m just reading my own optimism into his statement, but I cannot help but think he’s lobbying Thoppy as hard as we are. Nobody knows better than Snit what an arm like Kimbrel’s would do for our ‘pen.
Who is on the chopping block (pun fully intended) if Kimbrel were to be added? Luke Jackson is out of options, but Wes Parsons is not. That might not make a difference, though, as Kimbrel would also need a 40-man spot. Thus Jackson could be released to make room. That’s a tough call. Another guy on the 40-man that could be in danger is Grant Dayton. Who? Exactly…
As for the bench bat, I heard Matt Joyce in an interview yesterday say that was told he would be on the flight to Philly, but that a late addition was still possible. He said he understood the possibilities and was hopeful to stick around here. At this point, it’s fairly obvious he’s the guy over the other in-house options, though.
And of course there is still some 40-man roster adjustments to be made since adding Josh Tomlin and Matt Joyce requires 2 spots and the roster sits at 39. Unless another addition creates a different need, I expect Joyce to take Duvall’s 40-man spot also, and for the Braves to pocket the $2M savings by releasing the under-performing Duvall prior to Opening Day.
Clarity will certainly come at some point today.
man, Kimbrel is older than I realized! perhaps even 3 years is too long. 😛 Sorry V, had to do it! 😉
But, on a more serious note….we have signed him, right? I just haven’t heard it yet on the news for some reason???
Not that I am aware of, but I did take a peek and saw that there are multiple flights from Orlando to Philadelphia hourly. 😀
The Padres claimed Socrates Brito off waivers from the D’backs. What makes this interesting is that the Pads already have a crowded OF. I suspect there is another show to drop.
At any rate, he was claimed before ATL had a shot at him making the chances of Matt Joyce being officially added a bit stronger.
Here’s what bothers me here… I don’t like that we are clamoring around the junk heap looking for a 4th bench member. With a short bench, each person needs to be high quality. I love Mac, Johan and Culby, but 3 guys can’t do 4 jobs. I realize that’s what we have, but I don’t like it alot.
I also don’t like that our best closer candidate is hurt and the next guy was hurt. I fear this will come home to roost. Perhaps I am looking at this from a slanted point of view, but the need and fit for Craig Kimbrel is sooooo clear and obvious.
I’m telling you, if we lose games early because the bullpen blew up, the wailing and gnashing of teeth will be of historic proportions. And deservedly so. Even Stevie Wonder can see this team’s Achilles’ heel. I just hate to see it exploited because we weren’t willing to go 3 years to bring back home the best closer of this generation.
I suspect there is another shoe to drop.
I hate autocorrect.
Should have kept Lane Adams around.
Cameron Maybin is still available isn’t he?
Cameron Maybin had a miserable spring both off and on the field for the GIants, being arrested for DUI early in March and being released from the team for sucking late in March after he hit just .163 in 43 ABs.
Lane Adams will start the 2019 season with the Phillies’ AAA affiliate after signing a minor league deal back in January. He is not on their 40-man roster and does not have a clear path to their ML team. He had a decent spring slashing .289/.341/.395 in 38 AB’s, but he did strike out an alarmingly high 14 times.
I just heard a radio interview with Thoppy. He was asked directly about a “free agent closer”, to which he answered, of course, that he cannot comment specifically about any free agent players, but that under the interviewer’s criteria he continues to “monitor the market”, hinting that the 2 sides are still in contact and hinting further that both sides could still move toward an agreement. He was called out by the interviewer on an “intriguing tone” to his comment, to which Thoppy answered with, “I don’t want to create any unfounded expectations,” and then followed with, “I do not anticipate any signings over the next few days.”
To this listener it almost sounded like Thoppy feared he said too much and tried to walk it back quickly. But I easily could have misread that.
Well, today is the day we have all been waiting for in Braves Country… Aside from not having signed Craig Kimbrel to a contract but I digress. Even the weather appears to be cooperating. I am about 200 miles south of Philly but eons away from their weather patterns because bad weather out of the mid west hit the mountains and slides northeast but even that should not be a problem this afternoon.
So, again, who has the over/under on Bryce taking Julio deep this afternoon in 10 pitches?
Finally!!!!
In case anyone needs this:
Well, today is the day we have all been waiting for in Braves Country… Aside from not having signed Craig Kimbrel to a contract but I digress.
It should be noted that neither Matt Joyce nor Josh Tomlin has been officially added to the 40-man roster yet.
The Atlanta Braves released on social media a graphic of their official Opening Day 25-man roster, but I still have not seen any announcement made of any corresponding move with the 40-man to accommodate both Matt Joyce and Josh Tomlin.
And finally, after a long 6 months, I get to do this:
2day’s lineup @ Philly:
Ender, CF
JDon, 3B
Freddie, 1B
Beast, LF
Kakes, RF
Ozzie, 2B
Mac, C
Dans, SS
Julio Teheran, RHP
And it is now official, Joyce and Tomlin have been added. C Raffy Lopez was DFA’d to make room. I think the strong spring of Alex Jackson made that move possible as he will be the primary catcher at AAA with Jonathan Morales (2015 draftee, 15th round) also on the AAA roster. I believe it shows the confidence the organization has regained in AJax.
As for Lopez, there is a strong chance he’ll go unclaimed through waivers and be outrighted to AAA. Even though he’s already 31 years old, he still has a minor league option remaining, so he can be outrighted without the option of free agency.
Folty, Gausy, Minter, and O’Day all officially open the season on the DL, er… I mean IL.
Jon Heyman picks the NL thus:
wild cards: Mets, Cardinals
Jon Heyman is an idiot, I need to unfollow his Twitter. I don’t need that lack of intelligence clogging up my feed.
It’s time!!!
Somebody get V’s pills, please. He’ll never get to sleep tonight.
especially if Julio gives up too many homers! 😛
Who ends up with more K’s? Julio pitching or Ender batting? #leadoffhitter
Julio pitched well I thought. Shane Carle, not so much. When everybody knows the only pitch you are capable of throwing over the plate is a fastball, well, you get tagged for a 3 run homer…
Sign Craig Kimbrel….
See? I told you Matt Joyce was a great addition!
Surprisingly, Julio had Harper’s number today. Julio’s fastball is once again in the 91-93 mph range. The ump must have money on this game, a pitch down the middle called a ball.
Okay, Braves making it respectable.
I think BMac is really going to help the pitching staff….well, at least the guys in the rotation….
Julio made Harper look bad…but, with his stuff (and that slider really was good today) , it’s going to be tough for him to beat the Phils at home…
Matt Joyce looks like a good signing….
the bullpen…Kimbrel wouldn’t help right now…Mercy….
Kimbrel would mean Luke Jackson would not be in the pen…
tru dat
just one game…
tip your hat….
get’em next time…
and…so forth….
tip your hat
I don’t want to tip my hat today. I was pissed after yesterday, and I’m still a little pissed today. I didn’t want Ender leading off, and he proved why yesterday. I didn’t want Luke Jackson in a professional bullpen, and he showed why yesterday. Each is easily solvable, but neither will be addressed quickly because no one wants to be accused of overreacting. But when is an appropriate time period before reacting is no longer overreacting? Do we have to wait a series? Two series? Two weeks?
There is only one reason to compete, and that’s to win. I’ll never be satisfied with a loss, especially if we don’t learn something from it. Jake Arrieta is a RH’er, so don’t expect to see a change at the top of the lineup tomorrow.
And is there anyone on the planet that thinks Craig Kimbrel saw the result of yesterday’s game and thought, “I’ll soften my contract demands now”? @#$%^&, he just might add another year on the back end now.
Did we get beaten by a better team yesterday? I think the answer to that is a clear “Yes” as long as we continue with a flawed lineup and flawed bullpen.
Freddie gave us a nice little sound bite saying, “You can’t go 162-0”. Thanks Fred. That’s true. You can’t. But you don’t have to give any of them away… especially to your division rival. And as long as Ender Inciarte bats at the top of the lineup, and as long as Luke Jackson stays in our bullpen, we’ll give away games.
Like yesterday.
Oh… and nice new counters, CL.
By the way, I called both of the Phillies homeruns yesterday. It was just so evident neither Carle nor Jackson had anything he could throw for a strike but one pitch. You can not give a professional hitters like the Phillies employ that much latitude.
It’s going to be a rough couple of weeks…
Would the bullpen be better if Minter and O’Day were healthy? Of course it would. But you cannot guarantee the health of any pitcher. That’s why you must have depth. And that’s what Thoppy failed to build over the offseason, is bullpen depth. The prevailing thought was that he’d open with some of the young exceptional arms in the bullpen. Well, he didn’t. He gave us Shane Carle, Josh Tomlin and Luke Jackson… none of whom are young or exceptional.
Part of that was due to starters being hurt as well. With Folty and Gausman being out, some of those young exceptional arms penciled in for the bullpen are still starting… Bryse Wilson in Atlanta and Touki in Gwinnett.
Yeah, yeah… you can’t predict injuries. But you can prepare for them as they are inevitable. You combat them with depth. We didn’t do that. Craig Kimbrel would have been a nice beginning point.
I can live with the lateral move in RF as I believe in this offense… well, the participants at least, even if they are out of order. But that’s a separate rant.
We should have addressed the bullpen. Everyone knew it. Everyone still knows it. And every other ML team will exploit it.
We can start fixing it today. We can acquire the one remaining available option… who now holds all the negotiating leverage. Our need is now more glaring than ever.
I have little patience for a MLB reliever who can’t throw strikes. Youth league, HS/College I can understand, but not a pro. Carle & Jackson would be waking up in AAA, if I were Snit. @680TheFan
— buck belue (@buckbelue8) March 29, 2019
Well said, Buck. Well said.
BTW- Carle has 2 minor league options remaining. Jackson has 0. But no team would claim him on waivers (and if they do, who cares?), so he can be outrighted in a few days. No harm no foul. We need his 40-man roster spot for Kimbrel anyway. Right?
My bullpen on March 30 would be:
Viz, Sobotka, Venters, Biddle, Parsons, Tomlin, Dan Winkler, and Touki. Fried would be there until he’s needed in the rotation.
Carle would be in AAA and Jackson would be in DFA limbo. Kimbrel would be signed ASAP and sent to extended spring training to ramp up his workouts.
When Kimbrel is ready, Tomlin would be demoted. When O’Day and Minter are healthy, Winkler and Parsons would go back to AAA, in that order.
Then my bullpen in 2 weeks would be:
Kimbrel, Minter, Viz, O’Day, Sobotka, Venters, Biddle, and Touki. That looks like a real professional bullpen.
And when my starters are healthy, I decide between Newk, Touki, Wilson and Fried as to whom keeps the 5th starter spot, who goes to the bullpen, and who goes back to AAA. Those would be hard choices to make, but the kind of choices that are required when you have depth.
And when you don’t have depth, you have no choices. You have Shane Carle and Luke Jackson.
Yesterday’s game reminded me of when the Braves acquired Texeria. They could not hold down the opposing teams’ offense. They could score lots of runs but they habitually gave up more.
I think we can all agree that scoring runs is not going to be this team’s problem. Keeping the other team off the board is.
I know, it is early but did we not see this as a potential problem all during spring training?
So, game #2 Saturday. A chance for a bit of redemption but …..
Yes… yes we did.
funny, Gil’s “still so many questions” lead title seems more prescient (blog first? did I spell it right?) than ever….
My tip your cap post was dripping with sarcasm at first, then I decided, well it is just one game…but, we looked like a team that wasn’t going to have much luck against the Phils this year, as constructed…
as for Ender…I think the issue is he always starts slow…and that IS an issue. Last year, thru 91 games, he was hitting .242. After the all star break, .302. Well, 2017 he had a slow April, .230…but, .330 in May, and hit .302 for the year. and of course 2016 was the really dramatic year. .227 first half, .341 2nd half!
So, where do you bat a really good CF’er (likely better overall than Acuna, at least at this point) with little power, and while not speedy, can steal 25+ bases? How about Dansby? Or Ozzie leading off? well, that might make sense, at least to start off the season, right? til the bat gets going? But, what do we know about managers, especially braves managers? Patience….sometimes to a fault. Ender should bat 8th for April, and put Dansby at the top of the order to get him as many AB’s as possible to become the hitter we all think he can be.
as for Ender…I think the issue is he always starts slow…and that IS an issue
Exactly. And it’s a well known and documented issue. So why again he is he the leadoff hitter in March?
So, where do you bat a really good CF’er with little power
How about Dansby?
Anywhere ahead of Ender.
Or Ozzie leading off?
Or Ronald Acuña,Jr., who was highly successful in that role last season when the Braves sealed their first division title in years.
And if the reasoning for batting RAJ at cleanup is to get him AB’s with runners on base, why did Freddie attempt to steal a base (unsuccessfully), strategically counter to said reasoning?
Where are my blood pressure pills..?
so…I found out I have sleep apnea…and not the garden variety, but severe sleep apnea. the number is 40…but, still waiting on the equipment. I think not waking up 40 times an hour is gonna help me think better…like above..
I forgot to mention 2 things….one, Ender’s last strike out…man, that pitch was really inside, tough to get a bat on it, and hard to call a strike. Phils new catcher is going to get a few borderline calls his teams way, no doubt…
also, I really do think AA was slooooow to make moves in Toronto, in spite of having the Yankees and Red Sox being good/great every year….I don’t know that he truly realizes how good the Phils, Nats and Mutts are this year….who knows, perhaps GM’s think, well, if not this year, we’ll be “competitive” for several years to come, and we will add someone in the offseason, or add someone come trade deadline this year, if we are not too far behind….sounds horrible, I know….a different way of thinking from us fans….but, like you all have mentioned before, it’s a different era now…players are a bit scared of the future/or really do want to stay with the team they came up with…it may be a bit different with closers, but you have to have both a really good closer, on a really bad team, and said bad team wanting to trade their closer….
honestly, I can’t believe the Brewers didn’t sign Kimbrel….a blown save or two by either the braves or Brewers, and yeah, Kimbrel can as for more years…
What’s really odd to me is that there is not ONE team that is willing to give Craig 3 years guaranteed. It almost makes you wonder if they know something we don’t.
I just looked and both Luke Jackson and Shane Carle are still on the major league roster.
Shane has a couple of options left. Send his butt down until he can learn to throw strikes. Luke… well, he’s wearing jersey number 77. That ought to tell you something already. He’s supposed to be a pitcher, not a tackle.
It’s nothing personal. I’m just funny about wanting my major league pitchers to throw strikes. Shocker.
And I find myself already being characterized as overreacting after just 1 game.
Baloney.
Is waiting until next week going to change the fact that our bullpen is insufficient and that Ender Inciarte can’t hit his weight before the ASB? Not it isn’t. My reaction is not an overreaction. It’s open recognition of something we all saw coming… at least those who were paying attention saw it coming.
I agree with The Ringer’s Michael Baumann, who says of the modern bullpen, “It’s not enough to just have one or even two relief aces whose primary purpose is to protect a lead late in the game; key bullpen roles and assignments are becoming more fluid and numerous, requiring as many as half a dozen hard-throwing relievers to fill them. Stacking high-quality relievers isn’t about shortening the game anymore. It is the game.”
No longer do you have a closer, a setup man, and a handful of middle relievers. In the modern bullpen, you better have at least 3 lock-down late inning relievers, plus at least one more guy that is capable of doing it for more than one inning. With today’s pitchers averaging about 6 innings a start, the demand on the bullpen is more focused than ever before. And with teams’ abilities to gather information quickly on tendencies, it’s no longer possible to sneak an ineffective reliever through an inning against a good team.
Need proof? All 4 teams that made it to each League Championship Series last season had top-5 bullpens in their respective leagues. Duh. It ain’t rocket surgery.
Simply stated, the Braves may technically have a 9 man bullpen at the moment (with 5th starter Max Fried taking up an inning last night), but only about 4 of them (including Fried) are fairly reliable, and one of those 4 is coming off a shoulder injury that knocked him out of most of 2018. Once you get past Viz, Fried, rookie Wes Parsons, and rookie Chad Sobotka, you have a handful of question marks. I almost counted Jonny Venters as being in the reliable camp, but that elbow is held together with duct tape and chewing gum. Whatever we get out of him, be it for 1 or 2 batters at a time, is a bonus. But it also magnifies the need for the rest to pick up the slack.
Touki and Thomas Burrows are immediate answers. Dan Winkler can’t be any worse than Luke Jackson. What about Grant Dayton? Jacob Webb? At least these guys have good arms even if not alot of experience. Can they throw strikes? Can they not walk the park? I don’t care anymore about experience. We blew our offseason opportunity to add experience. At this point I’ll take talent over experience. We saw yesterday what Carle’s and LuJack’s experience got us. It got us slobberknocked.
And need I repeat anything about a certain bearded Free Agent? Nah. It’s too obvious.
I think you’re spot on, V. I’m definitely not happy with what I see. Tired of hoping, but usually watching a slow sink to the basement.
For some reason, I don’t really check out Mark Bowman…can’t give you an answer why, just don’t. Anyways, I came across a link to the Angels beat writer (Justin Upton has turf toe, but will be out up to 3 months) and noticed the guy only had 19K followers…so, went to Mark’s page and saw 76 K, then clicked on a link to his MLB stories…thought he made some good points on the bullpen, Julio, and Acuna batting 4th…
https://www.mlb.com/news/inbox-could-braves-add-more-bullpen-depth
215 Gordon Lawrence March 30, 2019 at 4:31 pm
Do you think the assembled at Braves and Stuff would like minor’s reports occasionaly like I used to provide over on the DOB blog? Late seventies is not early sixties. So I can’t get after it like I did fifteen years ago, but i still have my moments.
Definitely yes, Gordon! And thanks!
Yes, any contributions are always appreciated. after all, knowledge is power… Make us all powerful. 🙂
I split time this afternoon between NASCAR and the Mets vs Nats game. I will spare the details on the Xfinity race other that Kyle Bush won. The ball game was interesting. A couple of observations, 1) Soto and Robles are special ball players. 2) The Nats have the same problem as the Braves, their bullpen sucks… Final score Mutts 11 Nits 4.
If Dansby stays healthy, he is going to have a huge year.
Well, no wall scrapers today. Every bomb has been legit.
Hey, the good news, the Braves are tied with the Nationals… The bad news, both are win less in last place…
222 berigan2electricboogaloo March 31, 2019 at 8:47 am
yeah….even the Marlins(glad to see something like 5K in the stands for their 2nd game) are ahead of Nats and Bravos…though I think that’s only going to be for a few days…
I don’t know….doesn’t help to be without Folty….but the way the Phils are hitting, I think even he would have been down 3 runs after 5, 6 innings…we need to get out of Philly but quick…hopefully we will get a win today….
Ber, just ugly to give up homers after walking the park. Professional hitters live for a struggling rookie who only has one pitch to throw for a strike.
I needn’t remind that we rode the PHILLIES train to last season’s division championship.
0-2 is not a good look, and the arms are letting us down. Not particularly surprising. I;m sure the management has decided this is the season to winnow the grain from the chaff. AA and the front office should be careful however lest the winnow-basket comes up empty after all the sifting is through.
Meanwhile……..
Eleven players currently on the STRIPER roster and ATLANTA’s 40-man.
Thursday April 4 first pitch GWINNETT-NORFOLK.
Time to see what the O’s and BRAVES have waiting in the wings.
Starters;
LHSP KOLBY ALLARD
LHSP LUIZ GOHARA
RHSP MIKE SOROKA
RHSP TOUKI TOUSSAINT
RHSP HUASCAR YNOA
Reliefers;
LHRP GRANT DAYTON
RHRP JACOB WEBB
RHRP PATRICK WEIGEL
RHRP DAN WINKLER
Bullpen prospects not on 40-man:
LHRP CORBIN CLOUSE
LHRP PHILLIP PFEIFFER
RHRP CALEB DIRKS
Braves and Stuff turns it’s lonely eyes to bullpen prospects in Lawrenceville.
I believe three have potential to help the BRAVES this season, CLOUSE in particular, and in his case, soon.
C ALEX JACKSON
OF ADAM DUVALL
Not on the 40-man;
3B AUSTIN RILEY
SS PEDRO FLORIMAN
We all hope for a blockbuster April from RILEY, and a call-up if DONALDSON continues his tepid start.
The biggest surprise for me is YNOA at this point.
Some more positioning of players may be in the offing as two pitchers were added since March 29.
There are no members of the 40-man on the PEARL RIVER roster.
PACHE starts his season in AA?
I would not count on him being in PEARL very long unless his bat busts out, and he has a flat tire.
Two starting pitchers of note, and a slew of relief.
Notable players on the roster at present.
LHSP KYLE MULLER
RHSP IAN ANDERSON
LHRP THOMAS BURROWS
et.al.
CF CRISTIAN PACHE
2B/SS ALEJANDRO SALAZAR
SS LUIS VALENZUELA
SS RAY-PATRICK DIDDER
LF TRAVIS DEMERITTE
Without PACHE, I see a weak offensive team in PEARL RIVER at this point, but FLORIDA has some excellent position prospects to fill in as the season gets going.
SALAZAR is a solid singles hitter, and may be destined for ATLANTA’s bench.
Catching MORALES [.268] BA, MARITNEZ [.248 BA] in AA last year. Little power.
LHSP TUCKER DAVIDSON
LHSP JOEY WENTZ
RHRP BRANDON S. WHITE
C WILLIE CONTRERAS
3B C.J. ALEXANDER
2B/SS RILEY DELGADO
RF GREYSON JENISTA
CF DREW WATERS
LF IZZY WILSON
Only catcher currently on the roster is CONTRERAS.
A little thin on pitching, but a bunch of up-and-coming bats.
A loaded outfield.
ROME:
This squad is loaded with pitching.
Most of the best position players have already moved up.
RHSP WALTER BORKOVICH
RHSP JASSEEL de la CRUZ
RHSP FREDDY TARNOK
LHRP HAYDEN DEAL
RHRP TROY BACON
RHRP CUTTER DYALS
C DREW LUGBAUER
2B DERIAN CRUZ
SS A.J. GRAFFANINO
CF JUSTIN DEAN
RF TREY HARRIS
LF JEFREY RAMOS
A solid outfield, and some potential in the squat and up the middle of the infield.
Remains to be seen if any move up.
A good, solid squad.
DANVILLE:
Pitchers:
LHSP JAKE HIGGENBOTHAM
LHSP TANNER LAWSON
RHSP NOLAN KINGHAM
RHSP JOSE MONTILLA
RHRP TREY RILEY
C RUSBAR ESTRADA
3B BRETT LANGHORNE
2B GREG CULLEN
RF ANDY MORITZ
In rookie ball some progress, some don’t. These are some players who showed some promise last year.
Great update Gordon, thanks..
man, the ESPN/MLB team on ESPN tonight….I wonder if they know the season has started…..
228 Vox O'Reasoñ April 1, 2019 at 8:46 am
They were horrible.
And Kyle Wright having to throw 11 pitches to Jake Arrieta, means his night will be less than 5 innings…sigh…
230 Gil in Mechanicsville April 1, 2019 at 6:51 am
So, the same problem that Braves pitching exhibited last season (walks) has not appeared to have corrected itself. Maybe their is only so much a pitching coach can do says former pitching coach Chuck Hernandez. If only the Braves had known of this problem last season, they might have been able to fix it during the winter…
231 Gordon Lawrence April 1, 2019 at 8:06 am
CRAIG KIMBREL will not fill all arm ills. But it’s a great start.
232 berigan2electricboogaloo April 1, 2019 at 8:09 am
Man, did that series ever leave a bad taste in my mouth! And I bet y’alls too…
Jon Heyman is looking to be exactly right, sad to say. There was a playoff atmosphere in Philly, and I really hope the braves were just caught off-guard a bit by it. (but don’t the braves look smart for saving ALL that money by not getting Harper?)
where to start? braves didn’t look particularly impressive , well…anywhere.
JD is getting on my nerves now…23 million and he tells the club where he feels comfortable batting? He’s NOT and 2 hole hitter! I think I forgot briefly in a post above about Dansby eventually batting 2nd…Nope…we need a lumbering 33 YO 3rd baseman batting there.
Gee, for 7 mil more, we could have had Charlie Morton for 2 years, but nope…we HAD to get JD cuz…we needed more power, and we weren’t going to sign or trade for a power hitting right fielder…and he deserves 23 mil, even though , well…ok, have to expect him to get off to a slow start, new league and all…he’s not why we are 0-3, that’s because of the weak bullpen, the injured/very young rotation, and…because the Phils are MUCH improved.
McCutch is going to LOVE playing 81 games in a tiny park….
I really wish J.T. Realmuto had been in the A.L. or NL west…someplace we wouldn’t have traded 2 guys that would have hurt us 18 games a year, cuz…yes, he’s the real deal..all that and a bag of chips….Ozzie had a great jump, a sure steal , it would take a perfect throw to get him..oh, a perfect throw…drat….
and Bryce Harper…gee, I think he is going to pay off in spades for the Phils, don’t you too?
but, think about ALL the money the braves saved getting Nick M for so little….huge crowds all year long because of Nick and McCann, and JD!!!
I know, only 3 games (hard to be 3 games out of 1st after 3 games, eh?) but we truly didn’t look like a team that could compete let alone win against the March Phillies….and of course you add the never ending promotion of the phils by the terrible espn crew…of course, why wouldn’t they? they were the team with all the exciting moves, getting a guy that loves the limelight….doesn’t mean they will win the W.S. or even the division, but…they are an exciting team….I hope the braves seem exciting once we see 3 games here…..
Have been traveling a bit for the last few days. Still paying attention though…
We’re down 2 starting pitchers (arguably the top 2) and 2 core relievers (arguably the top 2). Did we really think we’d get by on leftovers?
V, I don’t know what I expected…but I do know if I heard you and Gil ranting about a series I missed…I just didn’t feel the same level of angst …not seeing = not feeling the same desperation….I really hope the cold, the huge crowds, the uber youth of much of the pitching staff….and of course the injuries, were more of the issue, than a pure talent on the field situation…
I believe there were 20 walks in 3 games by the braves pitching staff…you just knew yesterday that the phils were missing opportunities , it wasn’t as close as the 5-1 score indicated….
I would love to eat some crow after tonight’s game…what sucky team do we play tonight? Cubs…oh….
and since I am in such a foul mood about baseball….what group of angry drunks made the braves schedule anyways???? We play the Cubs, Colorado, Cleveland, AZ, and SD all in April….those would be fun teams to play during the dog days of summer…
and 2nd half? in late August, we play 2 games in Toronto, then 4 here against SOX, 2 more against Toronto, then save 5 games against KC and San Fran, about 20 games against the NL East to round out Sept (and even though we opened on the road, last 5 games are on the road as well) guess it could be good news for the braves trying to catch up against the teams ahead of us, or for any team trying to catch the braves…..gonna get sick of seeing NL east teams though…
http://www.espn.com/mlb/team/schedule/_/name/atl/seasontype/2/half/1
237 Gil in Mechanicsville April 1, 2019 at 12:18 pm
Okay, no use flogging this dead horse any longer, we all know what the problem is, therefore, I am certain the Braves know their weaknesses too.
Just one more comment. Anyone remember the last guy to reference the numbers on the back of his baseball card? Hint, he played 2nd base and lived in Nashville…
238 berigan2electricboogaloo April 1, 2019 at 5:41 pm
hmmm, so he did have elbow trouble loat year too…
https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bs-sp-orioles-oday-notes-20180521-story.html
239 Gil in Mechanicsville April 1, 2019 at 6:15 pm
Prediction, Darren O’Day will not pitch for Atlanta this season…
240 Vox O'Reasoñ April 1, 2019 at 6:26 pm
Too bad there’s not a really good late inning reliever available out there… 🙄
241 Gordon Lawrence April 1, 2019 at 8:26 pm
Looks a lot like our poor showing in PHILA. had more to do with PHILLIES arms than our own ineptitude..
guys, guys, guys…see? I told ya you were worrying too much! Just a slow start, now they are cooking with gas….you folks just need to……relax…not get caught up in the day to day grind, so to speak…it’s a 162 game season after all…
Boy, talk about your bi-polar ball club. What in the world has happened to the Cubs. They are playing like the Cubs of old and I don’t mean that in a good way. Wowser…
So, why did the Cubs start swinging at the same stuff they were drawing walks on early in the game? Sean sure was have a time throwing strikes and it was frustrating for me to watch but the baseball gods shined upon the Braves last night, scoring runs while shutting out the other side….
For sure, looked like a totally different team last night, even the errors turned into gold with a 6-5-3 put out when a ground ball didn’t stick in Dansby’s glove.
And just like that, we don’t suck anymore.
Well Vee, the jury is still out on that but they indeed looked less sucky. 6 unearned runs can do that for you.
246 Vox O'Reasoñ April 2, 2019 at 12:59 pm
I just figured I could overreact to a victory also, being an equal opportunity reactor and all…
Brave extend Acuna 8 years.
BREAKING: Outfielder Ronald Acuña and the Atlanta Braves are finalizing an eight-year, $100 million contract extension, league sources tell ESPN. The deal includes two club options.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 2, 2019
All in all, the Braves get Ronald Acuña Jr. for the next 10 years at a maximum of $124 million. It is the sort of deal teams dream of.
250 Gordon Lawrence April 2, 2019 at 10:58 pm
It’s the kind of deal championship clubs are built on.
Unbelievable deal for the Braves. For all the cussing we’ve done at Thoppy for this or for that, he really hit this one out of the park… pun fully intended.
My opinion: When you save as much future $ as #Braves seemingly did today with Acuna, it should compel to spend more today on something badly need — like Craig Kimbrel.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) April 2, 2019
Yes. If AA were to pull that off as well, I might just faint. Good thing I’m not driving today.
253 Carolina Lady April 2, 2019 at 2:47 pm
Let’s just hope yesterday wasn’t an April Fools Day joke…..
Note to AA:
Will you just go ahead and sign Kimbrel now??? mumble, grumble, mutter…..
Official:
I am reminded of an old NASCAR car builder and team owner Junnie Donleavy who operated on a shoestring his entire time in the sport (#90 team). He got a huge boost with sponsership from Heliege Myers who said if he could do so well without sponsorship, think how well he could do with money behind him. It did not work, Junnie was so use to pinching pennies, he could not make the transtion and still sucked.
The moral, there is a reason some CEOs specialize in taking over bankrupt stores.
Anyway, congratulations to both the Braves and Acuna. Now, get his family out of Valenzuela…
BREAKING: Bobby Cox has been hospitalized after suffering a possible stroke. They are not sharing details about his condition.
Not good folks. Not good at all.
258 Carolina Lady April 2, 2019 at 10:48 pm
Oh, NO!!! NoNoNoNoNo
I used to see BOBBY playing for the YANKEE farm team here in RICHMOND back in the 50’s. Prayer going up.
Going to be on the road on opening day in the minor’s. Will put in a farm report as soon as I get back.
I am saddened on the reports of Bobby’s possible stroke. I will refrain from making a lot of comments until we know more but praying for you Bobby C.
Have fun Gordon, bring us luck.
Well, at least the Braves are not the only team the Phillies are making look bad this season. I guess Bruce wasn’t so enamored with D.C. after all. I mean, how could he not love beautiful downtown Philly?
Watched the Mets hang on against the Marlins last night. It was a wild 9th inning, the Fish crushed the ball but it was right at the Mets gloves. Zero swing and misses. The Marlins are better than we might all being led to believe. They are playing like a school of hungry piranha.
Pretty big deal for the Braves to lock up Acuna, A good move for him too. $17MM in the hands is better than $34MM in the bush. Now, he needs to be smart and get his family out of Venezuela.
262 berigan2electricboogaloo April 3, 2019 at 12:48 pm
no news of late about Bobby Cox….hopefully he was gotten to quickly enough to keep damage down to a minimum. Amazing that he was just at the home opener Monday….
Bobby Cox remains hospitalized after suffering a stroke Tuesday & having surgery. He’s been seeing visitors. GM Alex Anthopoulos said on MLB Network that he saw Bobby today & he was “in as good a spirits as can be.” He’s as tough as they come. So many folks pulling for you, Bobby
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 3, 2019
Here's how the #Braves will line up tonight vs. the Cubs. pic.twitter.com/tcIw7C5Rc8
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 3, 2019
Ozzie leads off, RAJ is in CF, and Johan gets the start in CF batting 6th. Can’t say I hate this. 🙂
Bryse Wilson was packing his bags. So, it looks like he could be the counter move if Minter is activated tomorrow.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 4, 2019
Well, that certainly was an entertaining game last night. Anyone else worried about Jonny V? It was nice to see Camargo come thru in the eight with the bases clearing double. I was even more surprised that he replaced Josh Donaldson at third for defense in the ninth. verrrry interrresting….
Failing to score after having your lead off man on third with no one out is concerning. Oppo home runs by both Dansby and Ozzie was nice however. I thought the hope plate umpire was quite creative with his strike zone last night. Hey, I don’t mind if you have a wide or narrow strike zone, just call it the same for both teams.
“hope” plate…. what catchers on both teams thought about the balls and strikes being called…
The #Braves today reinstated LHP A.J. Minter from the 10-day injured list and optioned RHP Bryse Wilson to Triple-A Gwinnett.
RHP Mike Foltynewicz will also begin a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett tonight.
https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-embody-cox-s-fighting-spirit-in-win
GWINNETT (1-0)
STRIPERS over the TIDES and old buddy middle relief SEAN GILMARTIN 3-1.
STRIPERS and MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ [0.00 era] get their first respective wins of the season.
FOLTY in mid-season form, hurling five no-hit, shutout innings, k’ing 2 and walking 2 on 56 pitches, 34 strikes.
RH CORBIN CLOUSE [H1, 0.00 era] 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 4 SO, 37 pitches, 24 strikes.
RH ELIAN LEYVA [H1, 0.00 era] 1.1 IP, zeros, 2 K’s, 17 pitches, 14 strikes.
LH THOMAS BURROWS [S1, 9.00 era] 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 1 BB, 0 SO. Walks will kill ya’. 19 pitches, 11 strikes.
CF RAFAEL ORTEGA [.750 BA/2.500 OPS] 3-4, 2 R, 1 2B [1], 1 HR [1], 1 RBI [1], 0 BB, 1 SO.
LF ADAM DUVALL [.250 BA/.750 OPS] 1-4, 1 RBI.
One hit apiece for C ALEX JACKSON, DH PEDRO FLORIMON, SS LUIS MARTE and a run scored.
MISSISSIPPI (0-1)
The PEARL RIVER crew are “smoked” on the road by TENNESSEE 7-5.
IAN ANDERSON doesn’t have a bad start, but each of four reliefers that follow are touched for at least one run apiece.
RH IAN ANDERSON [2.25 ERA] 4.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R/ER, 3 BB, 7 SO.
MIKE MADER, JASON HURSH, PHILLIP PFEIFFER, and JOSH GRAHAM meh…..
Bats did their part.
RF DREW WATERS [.750 BA/1.800 OPS] 3-4, 1 R, 1 2B [1], 1 BB, 1 SO.
CF CRISTIAN PACHE [.200 BA/.800 OPS] 1-5, 1 R, 1 3B [1], 1 RBI [1], 1 SO, 2 SB [2].
1B C.J. ALEXANDER [.250 BA/.650 OPS] 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI [1], 1 BB, 2 SO.
2B ALEJANDRO SALAZAR [.500 BA/1.000 OPS] 2-4, 1 R.
3B LUIS VALENZUELA [.250 BA/.500 OPS] 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI [1], 1 SO.
C JON MORALES [.250 BA/ .750 OPS] 1-4, 1 2B [1], 2 RBI
LF CONNER LIEN [.250 BA/.750 OPS] 1-4, 1 2B [1], 2 SO.
FLORIDA (1-0)
FIRE FROGS bats come up big 5-1 behind the stingy pitching of HUASCAR YNOA.
No pitch counts in this box.
RH HUASCAR YNOA [ND, 0.00 era] 4.0 IP, no-hits, 3 BB, 6 SO. Watch this kid. He’s gonna’ be a good one.
RH WALT BORKOVICH [1-0, BS 1, 4.50 era] 2.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R/ER, 2 BB, 2 SO.
3B RILEY DELGADO [.200 BA/.400 OPS] 1-5.
PH/SS RILEY UNROE [.333 BA/.833 OPS] 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SO.
LF JEFREY RAMOS [.250 BA/.500 OPS] 1-4, 1 SO.
1B DREW LUGBAUER [.333 BA/1.167 OPS] 1-3, 1 R, 1 2B [1], 1 RBI [1], 1 BB, 1 SO.
DH RUSBER ESTRADA [.500 BA/1.000 OPS] 2-4, 1 R, 1 SO.
RF RAYSHEANDALL MICHAEL [.250 BA/1.000 OPS] 1-4, 3 RBI [3], 1 SO.
ROME (1-0)
The R-Braves crush the INTIMIDATORS 9-1 on 14 hits.
KINGHAM gets his first win in his first start after promo from rookie ball.
HOEKSTRA is successful in his first attempt on the bump after conversion from a position player.
RH NOLAN KINGHAM [1-0, 0.00 era] 5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 65/39 strikes
RH ALAN RANGEL [0.00 era] 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO, 49/32 strikes.
LH KURT HOEKSTRA [0.00 era] 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 4 SO, 28/17 strikes.
CF JUSTIN DEAN [.500 BA/1.850 OPS] 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI [1], 1 BB, 0 SO.
LF ANDY MORITZ [.400 BA/1.000 OPS] 2-5, 2 R.
2B GREG CULLEN [.333 BA/.933 OPS] 1-3, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 SO.
1B GRIFF BENSON [.250 BA/.900 OPS] 1-4, 2 R, 1 2B [1], 1 RBI [1], 1 BB, 2 SO.
RF TREY HARRIS [.600 BA/1.800 OPS] 3-5, 2 R, 1 HR [1], 2 RBI [2], 0 BB, 1 SO.
3B BRENDAN VENTER [.800 BA/2.400 OPS] 4-5, 1 R, 1 2B [1], 1 HR [1], 5 RBI [5], 0 BB, 1 SO.
Great to see hitters excel especially VENTER a South African who played at Auburn.
Thank you for the excellent report Gordon. Always good when a pitcher can throw strikes.
So, Nick the Stick put on an awesome display with the bat last night going 5-5 with 3 doubles and a pair of singles. Max Fried looked truly outstanding too. I know it is early but the Cubs look really sad right now. And inept. I did think Madden pulled Yu Darvish too soon last night but it is not my call to make.
Nick did what Nick does… and sadly it doesn’t garner alot of praise or attention, but it does push runs across the plate. We all manage to characterize Nick as a less-than-attractive “backup plan”, but he just continues to do what he’s always done, and that’s to put in “professional’ at-bats and to papercut a pitcher to death.
So while Thoppy said he had the ability to shop in any aisle, but picked Nick off the Clearance rack, it doesn’t mean he didn’t still get a good product.
275 Vox O'Reasoñ April 5, 2019 at 11:33 am
Max Fried looked truly outstanding too.
As good a performance from any Braves pitcher thus far in 2019… and really as good as we’ve seen in recent history. The dude was perfect through 5 2/3 on a night when the ball was wet, the mound was slippery, and the down time between innings was inconsistent due to the grounds crew (who deserve a ton of props too).
So now what? Kevin Gausman is due to come off the IL today to make his first 2019 start tonight. Bryse Wilson went down to make room for Minter yesterday, so that rotation spot is already open. Folty looked sharp in his 5 innings last night during his rehab start at Gwinnett, throwing 56 pitches (34 strikes), giving up 8 hits, walking 2 and whiffing 2. He’ll likely get one more rehab start to increase his pitch count into the 70-80’s then be ready to return to the ATL rotation in about 10 days. This is all predicated, of course, on his not experiencing any unusual pain or other setbacks.
So who loses their rotation spot upon Folty’s return?
Julio isn’t going anywhere. Gausy isn’t either as long as he’s healthy. A healthy Folty is the defacto ace. That leaves 2 spots for Sean Newcomb, Kyle Wright, and Max Fried.
I posit that Max Fried is the most ready of those 3 at this point. Newk has more ML experience, but not better control. Wright probably has the highest ceiling of the 3, but not the maturity yet.
IMO, Fried showed last night why he belongs in the rotation for good. He has great control, locates his fastball for strikes, and keeps hitters completely off balance with that big ol’ hammer curve. And he may be the most efficient pitcher on the roster.
It’s a good problem to have, but I believe Fried has earned a spot in the rotation. And I believe Brian McCann agrees with me: “He’s ready for this. He’s got great stuff and he’s got great poise. I thought tonight, he threw the ball as well as you can possibly throw it.”
What else did Mac have to say? “I told him he looks like a young Cole Hamels. He’s got the same build and the same sort of look. The stuff is off the charts.”
We’ve heard that comparison before, but now the performance is matching the projection.
Max is my boy. I hope he’s in the rotation to stay.
BTW- Fried has a 2.54 ERA over 10 career ML starts, so last night was not a fluke.
Now… when Gausy is activated today, who goes down?
First, we need to identify the guys that have minor league options remaining, as those guys can simply be sent down and stashed for future need.
AJ Minter is just back from the IL and sorely needed. Chad Sobotka stunk up the joint last night, but you can’t demote a guy on a knee jerk reaction. Shane Carle has had trouble throwing strikes, walking 5 and plunking 1 in his 2.2 IP. Wes Parsons has been the best of this crop thus far.
Then there are the vets. Jonny Venters hasn’t been great, but he’s not likely to just be released. Jesse Biddle has been fairly solid, and has not given up any free passes. Luke Jackson is about as “meh” as meh gets. Josh Tomlin has been in 1 game, last Saturday, threw 16 pitches, and gave up 2 hits, 1 run, and got 1 out before being lifted. Then there’s Viz. Snit won’t use Viz on back-to-back nights because of his shoulder, although they keep saying he’s healthy. Is he healthy? He’s only made 2 appearances thus far, and Snit is still steering clear of him?
This is a tough one to me. If Viz is truly only available every other night, then the Braves cannot afford to hang onto any other dead weight. But I think I think it also means the team should keep as many options available as possible, so that might be the overriding criteria.
Weighing all that, sending Carle to AAA seems the best move to me, even above sending LuJack packing. Maybe Carle can get some meaningful work on his command in consistent appearances. We’ll see if Thoppy agrees with me later today.
I’m saying Sobotka will get sent down given his recent body of work and his available options. All of the relievers have lacked control however. A scary thing.
Oh… and is anyone was wondering is José Urinal, er… I mean Ureña would be making a start against the Braves in this series, he is not. Is that even a big deal anymore? Has everyone already forgotten his cowardice when he drilled RAJ last year?
I haven’t.
The #Braves today reinstated RHP Kevin Gausman from the 10-day injured list and optioned RHP Shane Carle to Triple-A Gwinnett.
I think it likely came down to Carle’s inability to throw strikes. 5 walks and a hit batsman in less than 3 innings is tough to justify. He needs some work in games that won’t hurt the NL East standings.
#Braves will keep Fried in rotation, Snitker not sure which day yet…. Gausman tonight no restrictions.
So. first two batters for the Marlins seeing a shaky Gas Man.
284 berigan2electricboogaloo April 6, 2019 at 12:59 am
As good a performance from any Braves pitcher thus far in 2019… and really as good as we’ve seen in recent history.
Agree…..and did you see him come out of the bullpen the other night? the 31st against the phils? 2 outs, 2 walks…
I am soooo glad they did let him start after that….he looked very Meh….that’s why I wish most of the young starters would be allowed to start, even if it’s something goofy like I mentioned before, 4 innings, then a “new” starter with a clean inning like they are truly starting a game….
remember, Folty was a lousy reliever….
So, hot shot down the 3rd base line resulting in a twin killing and Gausman turned into a new pitcher. Impressive… 7 innings of shut out ball. the only scary part was watching Viz struggle to find the strike zone with his fastball.
Their may be hope for this team after all but I still would feel better if Kimbrel was signed.
Chad Sobotka can’t throw a strike to open the 8th inning in a tie game.
Sure would be nice to see AJ in this spot with Craig warming up for the 9th.
The good news, if you can call it that, is that both the Phils and Nats are also experiencing bullpen woes. I predict Craig will wind up with one of these 3 teams.
Prediction: Mac goes on the IL and Alex Jackson makes his ML debut tomorrow.
We’re really fortunate we didn’t lose both catchers early tonight.
V, for real! Was having dinner with a friend, and really couldn’t figure how BMac did that sliding, that’s a first. A real shame, he was looking to be the main catcher…then TFlow getting hit on the hand, lordy!!!
According to Mac, it tightened on the earlier run to 2b, then grabbed on the hunt over to 3b. Fortunately, it looks like Flow will not have to be on the shelf long…
Flowers says the latest X-ray results also showed no fracture. He is hopeful to be available within the next couple days. Culberson said he doesn’t think he’s been used as a catcher since he was 10-years-old
Good morning folks, well, one got away yesterday that should have been a win but that’s baseball. The Braves can try to hide it all they want but they are very thin in late inning relief. Of course, so is everyone else.
But, be that as it may, I came down with something and slept through most of it. I was only awake for the bad stuff….
Yes, Flo really toughed it out last night, it would be the IL if not for Mac beating him to it. I’ll bet Alex was on the phone to the Stripers who were in Norfolk before the games was over getting Alex on a plane to Atlanta. At least it is a regular flight.
Fortunately the Gwinnett team was at home. In fact, yesterday was their night to honor Bobby Cox. Too bad Bobby couldn’t be there. Still praying for him.
Its should be noted that they team is having a second round of x-rays done on Flow’s wrist. We still haven’t dodged this bullet yet.
Also, remember when Mac got his first callup? He came up when starter Johhny Estrada was mowed by Darin Erstad at the plate. Mac came directly from low-A Rome and was not considered a top prospect. But he never went back down. Who knows what we really have in AJax? We’re about to find out.
Sure would be nice to have a real lock-down closer right now. #freecraig
Dangit! Like I said… we don’t have a closer. #freecraig
How many more games will we allow this current bullpen to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory? #freecraig
Hey! I have an idea! Why don’t we sign Craig Kimbrel??? He’s available, I think. Yes? ( 😛 ) lol
Sean looked much better today. Not spectacular but better. They are the Marlins so there is that. I just don’t have any confidence in the late innings stuff. Like the Nationals but not so ugly. Speaking of whom, they are really struggling too.
STRIPERS buck the TIDE(s) and win 4-3.
RF RAFAEL ORTEGA [.400 BA/1.138 OPS] 1-3,1 BB, 1 SO.
DH ADAM DUVALL [.250 BA/.607 OPS] 2-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 SO.
1B PEDRO FLORIMON [.385 BA/.929 OPS] 3-4, 1 RBI [1].
PEDRO seems determined to make ATLANTA’s brass look his way.
LF TRAVIS DEMERITTE [.400 BA/1.300 OPS] 2-4, 1 R, 1 HR [1], 2 RBI [4].
TRAVIS continues a slow, steady climb toward ATLANTA’s bench.
CF RYAN LaMARRE [.250 BA/.750 OPS] 2-3, 1 R, 1 3B [1], 1 BB, 0 SO, 1 SB [1].
C SAL GIARDINA [.250 BA/.500 OPS] 1-4, 1 RBI [1], 0 BB, 2 SO.
RHSP TOUKI TOUSSAINT [ND, 3.00 ERA] 3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R/ER, 4 BB, 1 SO.
Walks……….the bane of an arm’s existance.
LHRP THOMAS BURROWS [W 1-0, 3.00 ERA] 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 1 SO.
RHRP SHANE CARLE [H1, 0.00 ERA] 2.0 IP, perfection.
RHRP CORBIN CLOUSE [H1, 3.38 ERA] 1.0 IP, 2 R, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 0 SO.
RHRP JACOB WEBB [Sv1, 4.50 ERA] 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 0 SO.
PEARL RIVER Crew fall to the SMOKIES 4-3 on three errors.
RF DREW WATERS [.316 BA/.802 OPS] 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B [2], 1 BB, 0 SO.
CF CRISTIAN PACHE [.211 BA/.632 OPS] 1-4, 1 2B [2], 0 BB, 0 SO.
2B ALEJANDRO SALAZAR [.313 BA/.728 OPS] 2-3, 1 R, 1 2B [1], 1 RBI [1], 1 BB, 2 SB [2].
C JON MORALES [.324 BA/.969 OPS] 2-4, 2 2B [3], 2 RBI [5].
RHSP PATRICK WEIGEL [ND, 0.00 ERA] 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 3 BB, 0 SO.
RHRP JEREMY WALKER [1.69 ERA] 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 4 SO.
RHRP MIKE MADER [L 0-1, BS 1, 9.00 ERA] 2.0 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 SO, 2 E [throws]
MADER seems determined to play his way out of the BRAVES organization.
BULLS win 5-3. Magnificent start wasted.
RF IZZY WILSON [.308 BA/.895 OPS] 1-4, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 SO, 1 CS [1], 1 E [2, fielding].
SS RILEY DELGADO [.389 BA/.950 ERA] 2-5, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SO.
C WILLIE CONTRERAS [.214 BA/.527 OPS] 1-3, 1 R, 1 RBI [1], 1 BB, 1 SO.
LF JEFREY RAMOS [.250 BA/.563 OPS] 1-4, 1 RBI [3], 0 BB, 2 SO.
2B BRETT LANGHORNE [.143 BA/.393 OPS] 1-3, 1 BB, 2 SO.
CF RAYSHEANDALL MICHAEL [.250 BA/.625 OPS] 1-4, 0 BB, 1 SO.
LHSP HAYDEN DEAL [ND, 0.00 ERA] 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R/ER, 0 BB, 5 SO.
RHRP CUTTER DYALS [L 0-1, 36.00 ERA] 1.0 IP, 3 H, 4 R/ER, 2 BB, 0 SO.
INTIMIDATORS squeak past the R-Braves 2-1 in a tightly-pitched contest.
RF JUSTIN DEAN [.294 BA/.869 OPS] 1-5, 0 BB, 3 SO, 1 SB [1].
3B DARLING FLORINTINO [.250 BA/.583 OPS] 2-4, 0 BB, 1 SO.
2B GREG CULLEN [.313 BA/.889 OPS] 1-5, 1 R, 1 HR [1], 1 RBI [2].
1B BRENDAN VENTER [.417 BA/1.167 OPS] 1-4, 0 BB, 1 SO.
RHSP TREY RILEY [L 0-1, 3.60 ERA] 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2R/ER, 1 BB, 2 SO.
RHRP JOSE MONTILLA [0.00 ERA] 3.0 IP, clean, 2 SO.
THANKS, Gordon! Great info!
301 Carolina Lady April 11, 2019 at 3:01 pm
I’ve just read through this again, Gordon. It is excellent! THANK YOU!
well, if the braves keep winning, then the pressures not on the braves….at least at this point….teams can really be…stupid….the brewers brought out newly minted closer Josh Hader out for a 2 and 2/3rd inning save in early April. Oh sure, they want to kill off the Cubs chances, but, they are already down a closer, do they want to be down 2? Shocked they didn’t sign Kimbrel, just like I am shocked the Braves haven’t, if it’s only 3 years he wants. Some team will make a deal, then what? I think a lot of teams that have gotten off to fast starts, think they are just fine now, can make a move in July. well…what if no one is available this year? I mean, crazy as that sounds, so many teams may be within a stone’s throw, that they are not going to have their team tank to make another team better….
And Gil, about the Nats….just read that Trevor Rosenthal has not gotten a single out against 9 hitters!!!! Guessing he’s come back too soon from TJ….
if it’s only 3 years [Kimbrel] wants. Some team will make a deal
about the Nats….just read that Trevor Rosenthal has not gotten a single out against 9 hitters!!!!
I am very afraid those two facts will add up to a bad sum for the Braves. I really wish that Thoppy and Terry McGuirk would call Greg Maffei or John Malone and convince them that Craig Kimbrel would be a positive asset for Liberty Media. Right now the only reliever we have that can throw strikes is Wes Parsons.
… or more likely the brass of another team in greater need of IF depth.
Hummm, quiet around here this morning, still too stunned for words?
Yes, it appears the Braves have Wes Parsons and little else in the pen. Sobotka has lost the release point on his fast ball. Biddle is mixing his pitches but too many are getting hit. Viz…. well, y’ll can see for yourselves and A.J. Minter missed a lot of spring training and thus his accuracy.
Of course the Nats are faring little better. The managed to turn a 12-2 laughter into a 12-9 squeaker. Rosenthal still has not recorded and out but he has adopted “To Infinity & Beyond” as his new mantra…
Austin Riley will have a 40 HR season in The Show. You heard it here first.
— Lane Adams (@LA_Swiftness) April 8, 2019
The present is pretty good, and the future is very bright. A healthy Mike Soroka is a potential ace. A real one.
On this day in Braves history…@HenryLouisAaron became THE KING 👑 #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/XdYVmo16Pw
The Hammer.
40 home runs in the Show… providing he gets the opportunity.
While the Bringer of Rain is acting more like the bringer of clouds, he defense has been stellar. However, I get the feeling that Alex remembers the guys he had in Toronto a bit misguidedly. Sometimes a GM gets so focused on the future, he forgets the present. I can see why he would be loath to cede a draft pick but a draft pick is just a prospect.
If a person doesn’t act and take care of the here-and-now to prepare for the future, there isn’t going to be a future.
(Gil, get well real quick, dear friend! You’re worrying Josie something awful. Praying for both of you.)
Feeling a little bit better today, Josie said the dog has been acting depressed so maybe it is time to get up and about again. It has been a weird week.
While the Bringer of Rain is acting more like the bringer of clouds
I hate to sound like a blind optimist, but he is hitting the ball very hard… just right at people. I think I’d rather see that than him pump up his numbers with bloops and dribblers. Eventually those balls he’s barreling will find the right spots.
And even with that, if at the end of April he’s still brought little more than a drizzle, I’ll change my tune.
OK… back to the team venture…
I missed last night’s game, but kept up a little on Twitter and have looked at the box score this morning. (Old fashioned I know, but that’s the first place I go when I don’t get to see it with my own eyes.)
I see there were ZERO walks from the bullpen… that’s a huge victory itself. I also observe that Luke Jackson continues to roll after his opening day stinker. It would appear that Chad Sobotka redeemed himself with a tough performance as well. Minter got the save?
I did see the highlight of RAJ’s prodigious blast. That dude generates some serious bat speed. In Denver, that moon shot might have been a bringer of snow.
Folty makes his next rehab start tonight, and if all goes well, he’s lined up to make his season debut Sunday night at home vs. the Mets and Jacob deGrom on national TV (EPSN).
Max Fried makes his next start tonight, and Kyle Wright makes his next start Thursday. IMO, each are auditioning to remain in ATL. Looking at my crystal ball, I’m seeing Fried sticking around and Wright being demoted to AAA to remain on a regular schedule and provide starting depth.
The bigger question will come when Mike Soroka is ready to make his 2019 debut. At that point, some real hard decisions will have to be made. Who does he replace? It won’t be Folty, Julio or Gausy. (Are we sure Julio is a lock?) And if Sean Newcomb pitches again like he did after the 2nd inning yesterday, it won’t be him. And all Fried did in his last start was be perfect against the Cubs for 5.2 innings. For him, there is much to be gained or lost in tonight’s start beyond a spot in the standings.
Hard decisions are coming. The ol’ proverbial “good” problems, I suppose. Are we sure we can’t use a 6 man rotation?
I tuned in after the third inning. One has to wonder about Julio. He seemed to roll along and suddenly BOOM! The wheels fall off. Well, as long as he can hold them off, that’s okay. Luke Jackson did this same Jeckell and Hyde act last year. At least Jonny V and Sobotka looked good last night.
In fact, the entire Braves relief corp redeemed themselves splendidly.
Dansby has become a man on fire. Clutch hits and great defense. Whooohoo…
Dansby has become a man on fire.
25-year-old Dansby is fully healthy and finally mature (remember, he played only 139 games in the minor leagues). He is poised to validate being the #1 overall pick in 2015.
The bigger question will come when Mike Soroka is ready to make his 2019 debut. At that point, some real hard decisions will have to be made. Who does he replace? It won’t be Folty, Julio or Gausy. (Are we sure Julio is a lock?)
sadly, I think there are 10,000,000 reasons to keep running him out there….I truly don’t get it…he looks “fine” for 3,4, sometimes 5 innings then, the other team lays off the sliders, and that below league average fastball is pounded…but….he can really look like he’s turned a corner for the first few innings…
Obviously Fried and/or Wright can turn in a real stinker in the next few days and change everyone’s mind on a dime. I suppose Newk is in that same boat. And there is always the possibility of the “I” word, which I will not even type here.
At any rate, I hope that when everyone is back and healthy, Thoppy and Snit will put the best 5 in the rotation regardless of age, experience and salary. And if those that are on the outside looking in can help us out of the bullpen, then thank you Lord for the bounty.
Or – and I type this with much trepidation – if Mac’s hammy is a (God forbid) long term concern, someone may have to go away to bring back a catcher.
Folty’s rehab start today for Gwinnett was interrupted by about a 45 minute rain delay after the 1st inning. Not sure how that will impact his progress. I suppose we’ll see, right?
The five best power bats in the minors:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., @BlueJays
Austin Riley, @Braves
Nolan Gorman, @Cardinals
Jo Adell, @Angels
DJ Peters, @Dodgers https://t.co/FFKWRBjXze
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) April 9, 2019
Hey… one of those guys looks familiar. 😉
#Braves' Foltynewicz left after 3 2/3 innings and 61 pitches in his rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett. Allowed 4 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk with 5 strikeouts. Snitker said yesterday that Folty would throw 75-80 pitches today. Will let you know when I hear something.
As I understand it, he went to the bullpen and threw during the 45 minute rain delay, so the pitch count of the outing might be deceiving.
Confirmed from Braves that he exited after 3 2/3 innings only because he threw additional pitches in bullpen during rain delay.
Another late night game…. YUK!
So, Fried tonight, Gausman tomorrow.
Expected to join #Braves rotation for his next turn, barring any next-day soreness, etc. https://t.co/mFffaI2Kcy
So it’s 80 degrees in Denver today, and there is a blizzard warning for game-time tomorrow. The big concern, of course, is that this is the only Braves trip into Coors Field and that if they can’t get tomorrow’s game in, they’ll have to schedule a 1 game fly-in on a mutual off day. That would be a horrible option for the Braves, who are not exactly just around the corner from Denver. Plus, what does it mean for the team trying to fly out of Denver tomorrow with a potential blizzard afoot? Then there’s the chance they end up actually playing the game in Siberian conditions, virtually assuring that someone will get hurt.
I’ve been reading for the last 2-3 days that the weather would turn on Wednesday. If I have known it since the Braves arrived, all the suits have known it too. Why would the powers that be not have just been proactive and made today’s offering a day/night double-header under perfect baseball weather conditions and gotten the Braves out of town before snow blankets the airport?
326 berigan2electricboogaloo April 10, 2019 at 7:22 am
Cuz V, that would make entirely too much sense.
sorta like you would think most of the country would get that unregulated mass migration is a bad thing, and we need to do something about it…..
327 Gil in Mechanicsville April 10, 2019 at 8:31 am
It makes too much sense Vee.
328 Vox O'Reasoñ April 10, 2019 at 8:31 am
OK… I’ll try to sum up last night’s game in brief:
Ender = not a leadoff hitter
Bringer = starting to sprinkle
Freddie = big stud
Acuña = beast
Nick = best bargain in baseball
Dansby = All-Star
Ozzie = small stud
Flow = whew
Fried = bona fide starter
LuJack = shockingly good
Sobotka = settling in well
Biddle = good enough
Rockies = beaten soundly
weather = good enough for 2
Dansby Swanson has looked like a legitimate All-Star player thus far. Lots of good at-bats, the obvious power surge, gold glove-worthy defense.
It has been two weeks, mind you, but it's OK if you're excited.
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) April 10, 2019
… and I am. I’m also very happy for him personally. He’s had alot to overcome, not just physically.
I’m pretty sure the Rockies won’t mind delaying the final game too a later date where they are close to home and it won’t be any huge inconvenience for them.
Highlight #1: Fried has a knee-buckling curve…
🎶 Fried and easy down the road I go 🎶#BuiltFordTough pic.twitter.com/H6uIBWULYw
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 10, 2019
Highlight #2: How does he take an inside pitch and launch it over the moon to right-center 427 feet?
The bomb cyclone has arrived.#ChopOn pic.twitter.com/EXntyw3pCz
Highlight #3: Is there anyone in baseball hotter right now? I believe those sessions with Chipper have paid off big time.
That Dansby. SO hot right now.#ChopOn pic.twitter.com/0BEoos94c8
BTW- I absolutely LOVE the socks.
Is it even worth questioning why the weak spot in the lineup is batting leadoff? Heck, maybe if JDon has a runner on base when he comes to bat he might see a pitch to hit. After all, despite his lack of hits, he’s walked 4 times in front of Freddie.
Yet the offense doesn’t really seem to be a problem, so I’ll leave it alone for now.
For now.
Gotta give props to the much maligned (mostly by me) bullpen last night: 3 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 6 K’s… 3 by LuJack in the 7th inning and 2 by Bot in the 8th.
BTW- that’s how they draw it up in today’s baseball. The starter gives you 6 strong innings, and 3 “closers” shut down the 7th, 8th, and 9th respectively.
Denver public alert:
…STRONG WINTER STORM WITH BLIZZARD CONDITIONS LATER TODAY
THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING…
A powerful winter storm will bring heavy snow and blizzard
conditions to north central and northeast Colorado today through
Thursday morning. Rain and snow showers will increase this morning
with widespread rain expected by noon across the Front Range. As
temperatures fall, rain will change to snow early to mid afternoon
along the I-25 corridor. Conditions will deteriorate very quickly
when the rain changes to snow. Roads will become snow and slush
covered leading to slippery conditions this afternoon and
evening. Blowing snow will reduce visibilities to near zero this
afternoon and tonight. The evening commute will be very difficult
if not impossible. Road closures will be likely.
…BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO NOON MDT
THURSDAY… [Game time today is 12:10pm MDT; 3:10pm EDT]
WHAT…Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations
of 5 to 10 inches expected. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.
WHERE…Portions of east central, north central and northeast
WHEN…From noon today to noon MDT Thursday.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Travel is expected to become very
difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing snow could
significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will
impact the commute for this evening and Thursday morning. Strong
winds and heavy snow could cause tree damage.
Sounds like a great day for baseball… and getaway day.
338 Vox O'Reasoñ April 10, 2019 at 10:08 am
Blizzard warning for Denver. I can’t see any scenario where they’d be able to get this thing in. Stay tuned. https://t.co/DWJ4lxcqva
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) April 10, 2019
Today’s game has been rescheduled for August 26 on Fox Sports Southeast and @BravesRadioNet at 3:10 ET. https://t.co/fTc2dtIarc
340 Vox O'Reasoñ April 10, 2019 at 12:14 pm
The Aug. 26 makeup date was a previously open date for the #Braves between a 3-game road series against the Mets and a two-game series at Toronto. So they’ll take the long way from NYC to Canada. https://t.co/6rnJx0MP9V
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 10, 2019
You have got to be kidding me. A 1.5 hour flight with an off day turns into a 4.5 hour flight, a game, and a 3 hour flight in 2 days. I do not expect that 1st game in Toronto to look very crisp.
This was completely avoidable. I hate stupidity. 😡
In other news, half the team got stuck on an elevator after the game last night.
No Brave was hurt in the making of this video. #Braves@FOXSportsBraves @Braves pic.twitter.com/AzYLP5grLY
— Kelsey Wingert (@KelsWingert) April 10, 2019
Reminds me of watching the clown car empty out at the circus… An omen maybe…
343 Vox O'Reasoñ April 10, 2019 at 5:21 pm
We totally could’ve played today. pic.twitter.com/Qax6AjLQCf
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 10, 2019
Well, with yesterday’s game postponed, the pitching order gets scrambled a bit. Folty will no longer face deGrom on Sunday night vs. the Mets on ESPN. Now it will be youngster Max Fried. To be perfectly honest, I like the matchup. I have loved the potential of this kid since we got him from the Pads, and now he’s bearing fruit. Gausy opens the home series tonight. For Julio’s sake, I hope he fares well in the game on Saturday, also a national game on FS1 (Fox Sports 1).
As for Folty, there is no official debut game set. With most of yesterday’s Braves news focused on the weather, and with the multitude of beat writers trying to escape the Bomb Cyclone out of Denver, and granted a sudden day off, we didn’t get a whisper about Folty’s morning after. Hopefully we’ll get some clarification today.
I like Fried, he has swing and miss stuff but he does not try to strike everyone out.
The Padres have a heck of a scouting department. Lots of talented kids coming out of that organization. What they don’t have is patience. Reminds me a lot of the Expos…
So, let the dog fight begin, there is a three way tie for first in the NL East with the Philles, Braves and Mets all with 7-4 records and the Nats at 6-5. The Nats did to the Philles the last two night what the Phillies did to the Braves to open the season. Hang on guys, this could take a while to sort itself out…
#TBThursday @RealCJ10 @Braves #Damage 3823R 902HR 2912RBI pic.twitter.com/AAKza6MUxU
— Andruw Jones (@andruwjones25) April 11, 2019
Thought to ponder as we drift out of a slow morning into a slow afternoon…
It is more and more obvious that Thoppy isn’t going to cave into Craig Kimbrel’s demands. And I suppose I am beginning to see what he’s been saying… that we don’t need to tie up a large chunk of payroll into future years when the young arms are ready now. Because they are ready… and they’ve proven it. The youngsters are not only performing, they are excelling to the point that we are running out of spots on the active roster to put them. Which brings me to a point.
As we’ve discussed, once Folty and Mike Soroka are healthy, we are looking at a glut of pitchers for the rotation that currently counts Julio, Gausy, Newk, Max Fried and Kyle Wright. Demoting Wright for Folty isn’t that hard to deduce, but fitting Soroka in starts to get tough. And that doesn’t even take into account 2 more arms of note: Bryse Wilson and Touki Toussaint.
Wilson can easily spend more time at AAA getting “seasoned”, or more truthfully staying ready in case he’s needed in ATL. But what about Touki? Where does he fit in all this?
Bear with me for a minute… Touki features a power sinker that sits in the mid-90’s and a plus 4-seam fastball that also sits in the mid-90’s but can rise to the upper 90’s when he reaches back for a little extra. He also has a big old fashioned slow curve that comes in at about 76. His best pitch might be his splitter that is his swing-and-miss pitch. When he’s mixing all those pitches well and hitting his spots, he’s really hard to hit because hitters simply cannot sit on any particular pitch. But controlling all those pitches has been his hurdle all through the minors.
What if… what if you had him concentrate on 2, say the 4-seamer and splitter, and only on rare occasions tossing the sinker or curve just to keep batters honest? Wouldn’t he make a heckuva closer? Concentrating on 1 inning at a time might also enable him to throw that 4-seamer in the upper 90’s more often too. But the real hammer would still be the splitter.
I think it could give him a clearer shot to the roster, and give the Braves 1 more late inning door-slammer that they could really use right now.
What say ye?
Certainly worth some serious consideration, V. From my standpoint of vast experience, I’d give it a go!
#Braves in agreement on extension with 2B Ozzie Albies, sources tell The Athletic. Terms not yet known.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 11, 2019
Yeah baby! Locking up the kids. I love it!
Ozzie extension will be announced shortly, press conference today
Who’s next? Folty? Dansby? Would you believe that Freddie hits FA the same year as Folty and a year ahead of Dansby?
And now we see why the Braves clung so desperately to their precious “payroll flexibility”. With the extensions to Ronald and Ozzie, not to mention any other possible ones, the 2019 payroll continues to climb even after the season has begun. Perhaps we can no longer demean the organization as being cheap…
Home Sweet Home! Braves are back at @SunTrustPark, take the field at 7:20!
#ChopOn pic.twitter.com/rp9vnpfqKn
Albies deal is 7 yrs, $35M with 2 option years beginning this season, 2019 #Braves
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) April 11, 2019
What? $35M? Holy cow… is Thoppy ever getting bargains or what? How in the world is he pulling this off?
Secret video of Thoppy after the deal was signed:
LOL LOL LOL
So the total deal is 7 years @ $5M per year, plus 2 additional team option years also at $5M per year. So the total potential deal would buy out 4 of Ozzie’s FA years for a total payout of $45M.
I’m stumped at the way the Braves are getting these deals done for such a low $$ commitment. Just shocked.
It’s mind-boggling to me to read the national pundits ripping AA for securing Ozzie for “less than market value”. The accusation basically says that he “used the team’s leverage to its maximum advantage”. It’s as if he held a gun to Ozzie’s head and forced him, apparently behind the agent’s back, to sign the contract.
Damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Ozzie looked pretty darn happy at his press conference. And as far as I could tell, his arm wasn’t broken from any extraordinary twisting.
Isn’t using your leverage to its maximum advantage what Scott Boras does year after year?
I don’t get it…
No Fried on Sunday…
Wright, Newcomb and Teheran scheduled to start Friday through Sunday for #Braves. Folty will make another rehab start Monday, not join Braves rotation until after that one.
Obviously the rain and such in Gwinnett during his last start affected Folty’s progression. The Braves can afford to slow play his rehab, and I applaud them for not rushing it.
Just talked to Folty. He will make one more rehab start with Gwinnett on Monday. Said his elbow feels great, breaking ball coming out well, but wants to run the pitch count up a bit higher. #Braves @680TheFan
That may be the worst inning by a home plate umpire since Eric Gregg.
Well… you can’t win ’em all. Gausy and Jonny showed very plainly that walks will most definitely come back to haunt you.
So will gopher balls over the middle of the plate.
Acuna on his 462 foot homer: "it obviously feels good. As a hitter, you want to hit homers whenever you get the chance so obviously it felt good. I feel like I could've hit it a little better" #Braves
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) April 12, 2019
Hit it better..? 😆
Did y’all see that one? It was jaw dropping. I’ll hunt for a highlight…
This ball was literally just a few feet from flying out of the stadium.
.@ronaldacunajr24 just went MAMMO 😱 pic.twitter.com/llYJhoHzYq
One more takeaway from last night…
Josh Tomlin looked pretty good in his first appearance since Philly. He stopped the bleeding from Jonny (who was not very good), got us out of that inning, and gave us another. Good for him.
Oh, and the suddenly dominant Luke Jackson added another scoreless inning.
Now… home plate umpire Dan Bellino.
What the #3!! was he doing in that 8th inning?
If you missed it, Charlie Culberson was pinch hitting in the 8th with 1 out. Jeurys Familia threw a low and away slider that Culby appeared to check his swing on. In all fairness, it was hard to tell from the replay. Bellino called it a swing. Snit asked from the dugout for an appeal to the 1B umpire and Bellino refused. Snit felt the appeal was justified and obviously said a magic word that got him ejected. Then he got his money’s worth, as he should. Bellino looked like a whipped puppy and his whole demeanor changed.
Bellino then stepped back behind the plate and called strike 3 on Charlie on a pitch that was clearly inside. Not even close.
Now with 2 outs, and Dansby in scoring position, Johan was batting. Bellino rang up Johan on a pitch that was a good 8 inched outside. Horrible call. And rally completely snuffed.
Was it Eric Gregg bad? Nothing is Eric Gregg bad. But it sure did smack of a guy that suddenly had a chip on his shoulder.
I watched it Vee, you are right, it was a chicken s**t call. Even the guys from New York said it was a bad call, Then when Luke Jackson bounce off the mound the following inning after calling the same exact pitch a ball… Well, it was game on.
I try to respect umpires, it is a tough enough job without taking everything personal but Bellino did. Maybe he went to the Angel Henadaz school of umpiring.
The best games are always those where umpires are NPCs.
This is an unacceptable @mlb. This umpire took 2 at-bats away from the #Braves in that inning because of his pride. He must be held accountable. pic.twitter.com/nw2UwALZxU
— TomahawkTake (@TomahawkTakeFS) April 12, 2019
Hmmm… maybe it was Eric Gregg bad after all…
But this was a ball. And the next pitch was even closer and was called a ball. @MLB pic.twitter.com/FrHhwX5XJn
Welcome @PeterMoylan to our @Braves LIVE crew.
He’ll make his Braves LIVE debut Tuesday 4/16 @ 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports Southeast.#BravesLIVENewGuy pic.twitter.com/VTOA6EB4eh
— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) April 12, 2019
This is perfect. He will be an amazing analyst, and an even better personality. Great move Braves!
#Braves issued 7 walks tonight, three of those runners coming around to score.
Braves lost 6-3. That math’s not hard to do…
I am starting to see a pattern developing with Atlanta. Able to beat the weak teams but not they good ones… Uh Oh..
The #Braves today recalled RHP Touki Toussaint from Triple-A Gwinnett and optioned RHP Kyle Wright to @GoStripers.
Smart move. Touki will help the pen. Wright’s place in the rotation will be taken by Folty next time around anyway.
Boy did that move pay off or what?
Chatter says Newk’s next start could be in jeopardy. Touki might make it instead. Watch for a possible move to bring up another reliever tomorrow. Newk needs to work out some kinks.
An understatement if there ever was one. Newk has got to learn to throw strikes or he may well be plying his trade in Cincinnati or some such place. We all know he has done it in the past but since the post all star game in New York, he has been wilder than a March Hare.
377 Gordon Lawrence April 14, 2019 at 9:40 am
Offense leads off with a home run by RAFAEL ORTEGA, but ANDRES SANTIAGO doesn’t have it out of the gate in his first start of the season and the home team forges a 3-1 lead. Relief shuts BATS down, but the offense can’t catch up late [8th] in a tight pitching duel going forward, and the good guys come up just short in a 3-2 loss.
RHSP ANDRES SANTIAGO [L 0-1, 3.38 ERA, 1.25 WHIP] 2.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO, 65p/38s
RHRP ELIAN LEYVA [0.00 ERA, 0.27 WHIP] 2.1 IP, zeros, 1 BB, 2 SO, 29p/20s.
RHRP SHANE CARLE [0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP] 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 2 SO, 34p/21s.
RHRP JACOB WEBB [2.25 ERA, 0.75 WHIP] 1.0 IP, clean, 2 SO, 11p/7s.
Lead-off CF RAFAEL ORTEGA [.368 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 HR [3], 1 RBI [3], 1 SO.
2B ANDRES BLANCO [.360 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B [2], 1 SO.
3B AUSTIN RILEY [.194 BA] 1-4, 1 RBI [4], 1 SO.
An abysmal start to this campaign, but he comes thru yesterday with an RBI single.
RF ADAM DUVALL [.303 BA] 1-2, 1 BB.
1B PEDRO FLORIMON [.240 BA] 1-4, 1 SO.
C SAL GIARDINA [.286 BA] 1-3, 1 2B [1], 1 BB, 1 SO.
SS JACK LOPEZ [.143 BA] 1-4, 1 2B [1].
Bad weather, reschedule.
F-F-FROGS are crushed by St. LUCIE METS 11-1. Ugly…..ugly loss. FROGS were out of this one early [down five after three] and it just kept snowballing downhill as the game went on. A real old fashioned butt-whipping.
RHSP KEITH WEISENBERG [6.75 ERA, 1.63 WHIP] 3.0 IP, 6 H, 1 HR, 5 R/ER, 2 BB, 1 SO, 68p/38s.
RHRP TROY BACON [3.38 ERA, 1.25 WHIP] 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO, 47p/29s.
RHRP DAYSBEL HERNANDEZ [0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP] 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO.
The Cuban is having a good season so far.
LHRP JON KENNEDY [7.50 ERA, 1.83 WHIP] 1.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R/ER, 2 BB, 1 SO.
Aussie JON is struggling this season.
Lead-off SS RILEY UNROE [.323 BA] 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B [3], 1 SO.
3B RILEY DELGADO [.359 BA] 1-4.
RF GREYSON JENISTA [.219 BA] 1-4, 1 2B [2], 1 SO, 1 Outfield Assist [Home Plate].
1B DREW LUGBAUER [.133 BA] 1-4, 1 E [3, missed catch].
R-Braves rally late [8th] but come up just short to the GREENVILLE DRIVE 6-5. 12 hits go aglimmering.
RHSP TREY RILEY [L 0-2, 7.27 ERA, 1.38 WHIP] 3.2 IP, 3 H, 5 R/ER, 3 BB, 4 SO, 74p/46s.
RHRP ALAN RANGEL [5.14 ERA, 1.43 WHIP] 2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 3 SO, 41p/29s.
LHRP JAKE HIGGENBOTHAM [0.00 ERA, 0.94 WHIP] 2.0 IP, 2 H, zeros, 5 SO, 33p/21s.
RHRP KURT HOEKSTRA [0.00 ERA, 1.50 WHIP] 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 1 SO, 15p/10s.
Third time out for our former RF. His arm seems fine at this point. No sense in sending him back to the OF.
Lead-off CF JUSTIN DEAN [.333 BA] 1-4, 1 2B [5], 1 RBI [4], 1 BB, 2 SO, 1 SB [2].
1B GRIFF BENSON [.167 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 HR [3], 2 RBI [6], 1 SO.
C LOGAN BROWN [.474 BA] 3-4, 1 R, 1 2B [2], 1 SO.
DH DARLING FLORENTINO [.207 BA] 1-3, 1 RBI [4].
LF TREY HARRIS [.375 BA] 3-4, 1 R, 1 3B [1].
RF JOSE BERMUDEZ [.214 BA] 2-4, 1 RBI [1], 1 SB [1].
SS CARLOS PARAGUETE [.160 BA] 1-4, 1 R.
Overall, a rough night in the minors though two of three losses were competitive.
378 Carolina Lady April 14, 2019 at 11:58 am
Gordon, I love reading these! Thank you!
379 Gordon Lawrence April 14, 2019 at 10:30 pm
So GIL, how do you feel about NEWCOMB going forward?
Personally, I think the BRAVES have a problem.
381 berigan2electricboogaloo April 14, 2019 at 10:43 am
Glad I missed the horrific ump the other night…glad that I caught the braves tie up the game, then put the pedal to the metal, offensively…can you believe the homer by J.D. was also his first RBI??? Meanwhile, Dansby has 18 RBI’s. I know, who cares, RBI’s are meaningless! 😛
Yep, Touki should have a spot in the rotation for at least a little while. I wonder how A.Z. fans feel about the braves buying him to help save their billionaire owner some moola?
funny, Newcomb has a 4.38 ERA, and seems like the guy to lose his spot, meanwhile, Julio T, in 3 starts, has gone 15 innings, walked 8, and has a 6.00 ERA. More worried about him longterm….would hate to lose the division, or W.C. by 2, 3 games cuz they wanted to give him dozens of starts to earn that 10 Mil….
382 Carolina Lady April 14, 2019 at 12:12 pm
We've watched this play 73 times (and counting) and it's still the most ridiculous thing we've ever seen. pic.twitter.com/BUFtVTfeUI
— Cut4 (@Cut4) April 13, 2019
The #Braves today recalled RHP Jacob Webb & RHP Dan Winkler from @GoStripers & placed RHP Arodys Vizcaíno on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to April 11, with right shoulder inflammation. The club also optioned LHP Sean Newcomb to the Stripers following last night’s game.
Not surprised about Newk, but a little surprised about Viz. Need I even state the obvious? Craig Kimbrel is needed on this roster. Period.
Bringer
Braves win, 7-3. Julio Teheran outdid Jacob deGrom. They salvaged a series split and won't see the Mets again until mid-June. They're off tomorrow and host the D-Backs beginning Tuesday. 9-6.
Nice job by the Braves to not fold after dropping the first 2. And major props to Julio for bearing down in a big game when the team really needed him. Is there such a thing as a “big” game in April?
pic.twitter.com/ZiDgtRijwW
I gotta say, I like this a little.
OK… alot.
Rain is coming. #GameofThrones x #SundayNightBaseball pic.twitter.com/OWUwIt1vMA
— MLB (@MLB) April 15, 2019
The forecast is favorable.
Now that Snit has ended the silly “Ender leading off” notion, and that Ozzie is doing the things Ozzie does – getting on base, stealing bases, creating havoc, etc. – the batting order is getting long and very dangerous.
Ozzie, JDon, Freddie and The Beast at the top? Then the eternally young Kakes, the resurgent Dansby, McFlowers, and Ender, with a sprinkling of the always potent Johan Camargo sprinkled in? I gotta tell ya, I like this lineup, and I like it alot.
And when the talented young pitching matures… well, we owe alot of thanks to Coppy even if he did screw the team internationally.
a sprinkling of the always potent Johan Camargo sprinkled in
That’s from the Department of Redundancy Department.
Well, the bright spot with Coppy is their will always be a new phenom coming out somewhere. Maybe the Braves and their time in purgatory will coincide.
Solid game last night. 7-3 against DeGrome? who’ld have thunk it? Julio looks like he is pitching with a purpose and the “Bringer of Rain” is beginning to live up to his hype. And Nick is amazing plus Dansby being all Jetterish… Now, if only they could find a reliable closer somewhere…
Now, if only they could find a reliable closer somewhere…
Wonder where one might be?
And I must also “go there”…
Has Jonny finally reached the end? He has sadly not been effective at all this season. Even last season he was only good about 1 batter at a time. I applaud him from coming back from 24 elbow surgeries, but at some point the standings will have to take priority over the “feel good” story.
Happy Birthday Gil. Born on tax day. The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away. 😉
Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s… all except what you think he doesn’t want… I prefer my Mom’s version that it was on Good Friday… 🙂 Thanks..
Now, a few post-game notes from Mr. O’B:
Teheran gave up 6 runs in one inning at Colorado. He has a 2.25 ERA in his other 20 innings this season with 5 runs allowed.
Braves’ Markakis started the season 1-for-12; he’s 17-for-43 (.395) since then and has homered in consecutive games for the first time since last May 3-4.
Braves’ Freeman walked twice tonight and has reached base in all 15 games. He’s hitting .375 with a .478 OBP.
Josh Donaldson is now tied with Ronald Acuña Jr. for the Braves’ extra-base hits lead with 7. Donaldson has homered in consecutive games and also walked twice tonight to raise his OBP to .400.
Now, turning the attention forward…
The team is off today, likely all getting their taxes done 😉 , but Folty makes what should be his final rehab start for Gwinnett tonight before finally joining the rotation next weekend. I imagine the otherwise idle Atlanta media will give this game plenty of attention… or at least the first 6 or 7 innings anyway.
The projected pitching order for tomorrow through Saturday is now Fried, Gausy, Touki, Julio and Folty on Saturday. Young Max then gets the marquis start on Sunday night ESPN vs. Tribe starter Justin Bieber. Oh wait… what? I’m sorry. That’s Tribe starter Shane Bieber. No relation. (Another note from this inter-league Native American series, Julio once again draws the opponent’s “ace” squaring off against Corey Kluber in the series opener on Friday night, right after facing Jacob deGrom. Lucky Julio.)
398 Carolina Lady April 15, 2019 at 9:15 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHIEF! Cheers!!
399 Gil in Mechanicsville April 15, 2019 at 4:26 pm
Thanks CL 🙂
You know, I think it is good to always draw top gun match ups, it keeps him focused.
Okay, we are off to the Bay for our last season. After this year we may give the old place a “Viking” funeral… later today guys…
Just for grins and giggles:
Michael Brantley thus far: .295/.348/.443, 2 HR, 3 2B, 11 RBI, 0.2 WAR, $16M salary.
Nick Markakis thus far: .327/.387/.509, 2 HR, 4 2B, 13 RBI, 0.4 WAR, $4M salary.
402 berigan2electricboogaloo April 15, 2019 at 12:22 pm
and V, during the pretty terrible broadcast last night (How come FOX Sports South can get it right, interview someone , and keep up with the game? was getting annoyed with Hank interview, but finally just went with the flow, and he did have some good stories the more he talked) A-Rod made a good point, a few actually. He said 33 is the new 43, and it’s true. Nick M would have helped a ton of teams, but all they looked at was his age. Hope the Dh comes around in 2020, so he can play some RF, and DH half the time….
and A-Rod and Hank talked about what their goals were after the announcer mentioned how many RBI’s Dansby had, already an ATL SS record for April, and how it’s only the middle of the month. Well in case folks mentioned it, Mr Aaron said his goals for the year were to score 100 runs, drive in 100, and hit 30, 40 HR’s.
A-Rod said same here, mainly 100 RBI’s 100 Runs….
Happy Birthday Gil! Hope you have some fun (just don’t overdue it! 😉 )
Thanks Ber, it takes very little for me to over do it but I am busy watching Ms Josie work getting the camper opened for the season. I feel bad not being able to do much more than be a spectator but well, you know…
So today is an off day…
The last time the team had an off day, they worked out a long term extension with a young player. Maybe this time they can work out a 3 year deal with a veteran player. 😉
In all seriousness, you have to think that Thoppy is still working on locking up more core players. So who’s next? Don’t you think Folty is lined up for a long term deal? Or maybe they work on extending Freddie’s current deal… making him a Brave for life. You have to think both sides have interest in that, right?
Congratulations to @ronaldacunajr24 for being named National League Player of the Week! #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/FLg7rzf0AM
The Beast is the best.
I get the feeling this season is going to be a real roller coaster ride with all the NL East clubs getting beat up but none getting very far ahead of the others. Still going to come down to pitching me thinks.
Still going to come down to pitching me thinks.
Still going to come down to relief pitching.
The #Braves today placed LHP Jonny Venters on the 10-day injured list with a right calf strain. A corresponding move will be made tomorrow.
“Calf strain”. OK, whatever it takes. Corresponding move? Please?
Shane Carle recalled from Triple A as the corresponding roster move for Jonny Venters. #Braves https://t.co/TtA6LQ4yNh
In fairness, Carle has done what the Braves asked him to do when he was sent down… he cut down on the walks. In 2 appearances in Gwinnett (4.0 IP), he’s walked 1, given up 1 hit, 0 runs, and has a 0.50 WHIP. THus he’s earned his way back.
But here’s the bigger picture here: Braves players are no longer allowed to struggle and work out their ills on the big league roster. It has been made very clear that if you d not produce, you do not remain. Wilson: gone. Carle: gone. Wright: gone. Newk: gone. Venters: gone. Yes, I know Jonny’s a stint on the “Injured List”. But if you think he’s really injured, I’ve got some swamp front property I’d like to talk to you about. This is the Braves way of handling a veteran pitcher who cannot just be sent to AAA. And I choose to focus on the team handling Jonny with some well earned dignity over the fact that the designation might be slightly misleading.
It is a little baffling to see that the powers that be are now managing the roster in a “Win Now” manner, yet are still reluctant to do the one singular act that would make the biggest impact on the field this season, which is to bring in a real closer to stabilize the back end of the bullpen. I am not gonna beat that dead horse again. No need to.
Also, another item that cannot be overlooked is Ender Inciarte. The pitchers have all been given fairly short rope, but have the hitters? Thus far Ender had mustered a very anemic .167/.259/.292 slash line in 54 PA’s. It has cost him the leadoff spot (thank God!) already. How safe is he on this roster? Or at the very least, how safe is his starting job, especially when Johan Camargo has shown he can be a very good LF?
One has to wonder if Ender will be trade bait as the season gets a little older. Perhaps the fact that he is traditionally a slow starter will give management a reason to stick with him a little longer. Of course, that’s the same management that made a trade for a platoon partner for him last season, so it’s not like this is something new. I think the real issue here is that the Braves would love for him to produce long enough for Cristian Pache to earn a callup. Thus, the question becomes, how long?
As Gordon has no doubt related, through the first 9 games in Mississippi, Pache is slashing .333/.359/.556 with 4 stolen bases. unfortunately, it’s also with 11 K’s. One might assume that if he can cut down on those K’s, he’ll be moved on up to AAA… hopefully mid-season.
I say all that to say this: We need Ender to get it going. Because of he doesn’t, he might find himself with his own calf ailment. Actually, he does have 2 minor league options remaining. But Ender strikes me as the kind of guy that might not take that very well… kind of like the way he sulked a bit when a platoon partner was acquired last season. Bottom line for him, though, is that he holds his own destiny in his hands. Or a bat. Or both.
Blake Swihart DFA’d? Hmmm…
Tonight's #Braves lineup as we celebrate the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson.#Jackie42 pic.twitter.com/WR7NKVzWsQ
Bullpen.
‘Nuff said.
There were "We want Kimbrel" chants serenading certain sections of SunTrust Park tonight.
I was eating a late dinner with my friend David(only real baseball friend in the “real” world) and saw the braves get the lead, then give it up, (but thought the Diamondbacks missed a big opportunity, Luke stopped the blood letting nicely) then Ozzie tie it back up….assumed the braves would end up winning, but by time I went to the store and got home (no radio in 77 Regal, can’t listen on phone without paying) and found out…bullpen blew it…
gee, I guess we are lucky the Nats won’t go higher cuz…luxury tax, and that the Mets , like the braves are too cheap to win, and will keep running out their terrible lefty starter because of contract…
so that’s 3 teams that will lose several more games than they would with win first GM and more likely their bosses won’t let them do what is necessary to win …gosh, I wonder if there is one team in the NL east that will benefit from other teams cheapness????
A tale of two ball games last night. Braves win the heat, lose the race…
Gabe Burns, ajc.com:
Mike Foltynewicz will make another rehab start before rejoining the Braves rotation, manager Brian Snitker said Tuesday.
Foltynewicz showed some rust in his third rehab outing with Triple-A Gwinnett. The righty went 3-2/3, allowing six hits, five runs (four earned), walking four and striking out five. That was expected to be Foltynewicz’s final rehab outing.Instead he’ll make one more appearance to develop a rhythm. Foltynewicz, who threw 85 pitches Monday, would’ve been inserted into the rotation this weekend in Cleveland.“We’re going to give him one more start,” Snitker said. “I don’t know that it was where he wanted it to be (Monday). But I think probably one more and let him max it out. He went 85, we’ll have him do that again and maybe a little more. But it wasn’t real sharp. He’s missed a lot, all through spring training.”
(I accidentally hit reply above, so in case some missed my….brilliance 😛 ) I was eating a late dinner with my friend David(only real baseball friend in the “real” world) and saw the braves get the lead, then give it up, (but thought the Diamondbacks missed a big opportunity, Luke stopped the blood letting nicely) then Ozzie tie it back up….assumed the braves would end up winning, but by time I went to the store and got home (no radio in 77 Regal, can’t listen on phone without paying) and found out…bullpen blew it…
420 Gil in Mechanicsville April 17, 2019 at 11:57 am
Ha! Ber you hit the nail on the head… CHEAPNESS!!!! By the time the Braves decide they finally need Kimbrel, he will be long gone… So Alex does not want to give up a draft pick but is evidently is willing to give up a couple of high level prospects for a reliever someone else no longer wants when they finally become available from the Marlins or Royals etc.
Do they think every other contender won’t be looking for the same players?
The #Braves today reinstated C Brian McCann from the 10-day injured list and optioned C Alex Jackson to Triple-A @GoStripers.
I wish AJax could have gotten his 1st ML hit before going back. Oh well… motivation to make it back, right?
Mike Soroka was scheduled to make another start for AAA Gwinnett tonight, but has now been scratched and Kyle Wright is starting. The speculation is that Soroka will start tomorrow afternoon in Atlanta vs. the Snakes.
423 berigan2electricboogaloo April 17, 2019 at 4:27 pm
Oh crap!!!! well, if they don’t sign Kimbrel now, they never will……
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/04/arodys-vizcaino-undergoes-season-ending-shoulder-surgery.html
Arodys Vizcaíno Undergoes Right Shoulder Surgery: pic.twitter.com/WczMKkbM0X
And then there’s this. #bringcraighome
No injury is ever good, and I don’t want to be misconstrued as being happy about this. I’m not. I’m only trying to find a silver lining…
The Braves can now at least place Viz on the 60-day IL and open up the necessary 40-man roster spot for Craig.
2 comments In saw on mlbtr after the link…
When you spend 23 million bucks on a position of strength and zero on a glaring weakness you leave yourself open for criticism. Like it or not.
I have to agree, while it’s absolutely true that TBOR Is getting hot, and could very well be a key cog come crunch time….it was odd to say, more offense, but look at the bullpen , the division and say, eh….we’re good enough….
Hey, someone stole my idea!!!! And of course, everyone there likes it!!!! Grrr….
Forget relievers
Just use two starters each game. New rotation design:
Folty and Fried
Gausman and Teheran
Touki and Newcomb
Soroka and Wright
Wilson and Allard or Gohara
Rays eliminated the starter, I say Atlanta eliminates the bullpen
Mike Soroka is set to start tomorrow (though it’s not official), Anthopoulos conformed.
Well, maybe he’ll also confirm it…
The Braves will consider external options to improve their bullpen, Anthopoulos said. “We’ll try to do some things there.”
Gee. If only there was a decent external option somewhere…
Eric O’Flaherty, a guy who knows a thing or two about bullpens:
The goal of the bullpen is to stabilize as many innings as possible. You start with the 9th and work backwards. Every inning you stabilize pushes another reliever back an inning into an easier role. Easier role = more success = more confidence = better performance.
What we none professional GMs have been screaming about for a month but Damn Yankee still looking for a cheap alternative. I guess the next move will be to fire Snit… it is the way the pros work these days.
He’s waiting.
And just in case anyone wondered, there currently is no #46 on the Braves roster.
And it cost them dearly last time the left him standing on the sidelines.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2019/04/braves-rumors-craig-kimbrel-arodys-vizcaino.html#respond
April 17, 2019 at 11:34pm CDT
After losing closer Arodys Vizcaino to season-ending shoulder surgery Wednesday, Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos unsurprisingly acknowledged that his club will consider multiple avenues to improving what was already a struggling relief corps (links via MLB.com’s Mark Bowman and Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Atlanta, per Anthopoulos, is going to look to “do what we can … both internally and externally.”
Vague as the comment may be, the minds of all Braves fans are zeroed in on one name: free-agent Craig Kimbrel. However, both Bowman and Burns suggest that a match between Kimbrel and the Braves remains unlikely, as the team isn’t keen on inking its former closer to a multi-year pact. Cognizant of upcoming restrictions on their international spending abilities, the Braves are apparently also placing an extra emphasis on the draft pick they’d forfeit to sign Kimbrel. It’d be a surprise if that were a primary factor in their thinking, though. Atlanta already has a deep farm, and they recently ensured that their two brightest young stars will be on the roster for upwards of a decade. Stockpiling depth and trade capital is an ever-important endeavor, but draft forfeitures shouldn’t be the primary roadblock if the two sides eventually land in the same ballpark in terms of years and dollars.
It seems there’s still a gap, although Kimbrel’s precise asking price isn’t clear. A weekend report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal pegged Kimbrel’s price point at something in the vicinity of the three-year deals received by Wade Davis ($52MM) and Zack Britton ($39MM) over the past two offseasons, but even those contracts have a fairly notable range between them. For Atlanta, the annual value isn’t a sticking point so much as the length. A three-year deal, per Burns, “is a commitment the Braves won’t make.”
ok I will try to keep my language family friendly…but, this really P.O.’s me, as I am sure it does everyone else here.
The braves lied to us, flat out lied…Liberty and AA no doubt vote Democratic, so lying is like breathing to them…
shop in any aisle, my…..aunt Fannie.
Kurt Suzuki signed with the nats for 2 years, 10 mil.
Brian McCann, was given a fairly insulting (by baseball standards ) 2 mil deal for 1 year.
Nick Markakis , last year was in the last year of a 3 year, 11 Mil deal. I am sure someone could find out the stats he had, the WAR transferred into dollar thingy that would show, even with the slump at the end of the year, the 11 mil was a steal last year…so, how did they reward him? Like McCann, hey…if we can’t sign, or trade for someone better, we will give you around a 60% pay cut, cuz…we don’t really think you will be that good this year.
Take it or leave it…like McCann, wanted to play more than anything else (gotta love that aspect of their similar situations, as a lot of guys quit first)
Ronald Acuna, I can honestly see both sides, but, it will more than likely be a great deal for the braves, so-so for Acuna….the Ozzie deal…honestly I cannot believe his agent let him sign it. He gets a tiny bit more in 2020 (1 mil) and 2021, 3 mil than he could get in Arbitration (couldn’t go next year) but, he will never earn more than 7 mil thru his age 28 season, and then the braves have the option of signing him for the next 2 years for the same 7 mil!!! So, unless there is some sort of re-negotiation if he hitting 25-30 HR’s every year, always an all-star, he has shot himself in the foot, cuz no one will give a big contract for a hitter on the wrong side of 30…but, no one put a gun to his head…
so, saved 3 mil on Suzuki , 7 mil on Nick M, a savings of 10 million this year on the catchers spot and RF .
2020 thru 2022,(heck, if they signed Kimbrel for 3 years, it would end in 2021, right?) they only have to pay Ozzie 8 million!!! 6 million will go to Acuna thru 2021 (he does get a raise to 15 mil in 2022)
so, do you see what I see? a ton of money saved at 2nd base, Catcher, LF, RF, a 3rd baseman that we assume won’t be getting 23 mil in 2020….so, who gets paid anything???? FF? He’s only signed thru 2021…
Congrats Thoppy…you played hardball with a few vets, somehow got 2 budding superstars to give the team crazy good deals they can’t opt out of it appears….you have a dirt cheap team, that is quite competitive, no thanks to your drafting. You have been handed the keys to a Ferrari, and it feels like the ownership has told you in private, hey…no sense putting in the premium gas , it’ll still run on regular….
are they trying to make us the next Pirates? the Rays of the NL East? We are not that cheap, but come on….a clear need is a real closer, IF you want to go deep in the playoffs…but, you won’t even get the W.C. if your bullpen blows games on back to back nights, on a regular basis. Can one of the many starters be turned into a closer? Sure, it could happen. but, it’s kinda hard to turn kids into closers in late April, and what if they get screwed up like Neftali Feliz did? or Joba Chamberlain? I mean, if there was no Kimbrel, of course you would go with a plan b, or make a trade once someone was willing to trade a closer in June/July…but, let me beat this dead horse again. the whole NL east, save for the Florida team, are good, very good…hey, a team that lost their All world 1st baseman to the Cards, their best starter to the Nats, and their CF’er to the Dodgers, is 8-9 after beating the braves 2 in a row. The NL east Division champs of 2018 are 9-9. It’s getting late early and I fear A.A. et al don’t really care…..
I will only say this…
You are responding to a media report that is speculative at best. The current narrative surrounding the Braves – deserved or not – is that they are cheap, especially from MLBTR. In fact, I guessed that the commentary was written by Steve Adams before I even clicked over to look at it directly. That guy simply doesn’t like the Braves and has never even tried to hide his disdain. I’ve seen it time and time again, especially in his chats. He was the first to suggest that AA “used the team’s leverage to its maximum effect” to screw over Ozzie Albies on the recent contract extension, a notion that is completely absurd. Yet it has been picked up and echoed by media across the nation. Now this same media, recognizing that it is a very hot topic for Braves fans right now, are ginning it up to their own maximum benefit. Reality drawn from perception… the way news is created in 2019.
Notice that he doesn’t even give specific evidence, rather the opinion piece is rife with words such as “apparently”, “seems”, and “isn’t clear”. Adams simply has a point to make and he’s taking whatever pieces he can get from Burns and Bowman and piecing them together to make a “hot take”. Again, no specific evidence, just speculation. And hype.
Another case in point: Regarding Craig Kimbrel, I have seen in print from a guy who has a pay-to-read site – no names, but a guy who loves to cite his own sources – that the Braves aren’t afraid to lose the associated draft pick, but won’t commit the dollars. The same guy said a week later that the Braves would consider signing only after the draft so that they wouldn’t lose the draft pick. Which is correct? Does it matter to the writer?
Now I’m not one to make broad accusations, but it’s not hard to see that this guy, who stands to make more money off increased readership, seems to echo on his web site the “outrage of the day”. Coincidence?
Maybe I’m just a cynical old coot, but I no longer trust any news source that stands to gain from swaying public opinion. And that’s most of them, including sports sites.
For me personally, I’ll allow this to play out. I recognize that each of the Mets, Phils and Nats have the same bullpen deficiencies. All have lost key pieces to the pens and had others struggle mightily. This is a common theme across MLB, not just Atlanta. Yet none of them are rushing to get Craig’s signature either. Are they shying away because the “Braves are cheap”? No, the common denominator is the other side of the equation – Craig Kimbrel.
I don’t like being lied to either, Ber. But I think I hate worse being manipulated by my emotions. It’s low hanging fruit. And it’s sadly the playbook of most media in 2019.
V, that may very well be true about Adams, but Gabe Burns(linked in that MLBTR post) seems to think there is little chance of a reunion . And I hate hearing Thoppy’s and Burns excuses about how they didn’t think they would be down 5 guys from the bullpen. Well…they thought Sam Freeman was going to turn it around? 36 year old Darren O’Day was going to be a super stud after missing most of last year? Vizcaino was 100% lock to be healthy? fact is bullpens always have turnover from year to year,(injuries and stuff disappearing ) and as we know from watching other teams that want to go deep in the playoffs, you have to get more quality arms during the off season. The fact is, AA is not some guy with a long history of building championship caliber teams…he’s just a GM, who made good moves and terrible moves….
But Gabe acts like Kimbrel is not really the answer…well, Eric O is a bit more on the ball than young Gabe on what teams need….nothing, NOTHING deflates a team more than a bullpen that blows leads….won’t happen in April, but if this is happening in June/July…
https://www.ajc.com/sports/baseball/braves-need-bullpen-help-but-the-answer-isn-clear/ay2oNBwuE31BBrK72M57LM/
Well, we can only deal with what is here and now. Until Kimbrel signs with somebody, we can’t point to any single GM as having an agenda outside of winning. Thus far, none of the other 29 GM’s has done anything different than Thoppy with regard to Kimbrel. As I opined earlier, Kimbrel (and his agent) is the common denominator. Thus, it makes more sense to point to his own demands as his biggest impediment to his finding a job.
Or Russian collusion. Have we investigated that yet?
Now… the current Braves.
Mike Soroka is officially scheduled to start today’s game, but is not officially on the ML roster yet. Obviously a corresponding move must be made, and it’s not likely to be the sucking Jesse Biddle as he has no minor league options remaining. Plus, Biddle and Minter are the only LH in the pen, and with Minter being the only “closer” we have Biddle stands alone as the LH specialist. Houston, we have a problem. (Not that Houston cares.)
Young Jacob Webb is likeliest to go back to AAA.
Perhaps when Folty rejoins the rotation, Touki might be considered for some high leverage late inning relief. I think he could be really tough 1 inning at a time. At least the Braves have some young arms to consider for relief options. The Phils, Nats and Mets have no such resources.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Mike Soroka from Triple-A Gwinnett after optioning RHP Shane Carle to @GoStripers following last night’s game.
A little surprised it’s Carle, but not greatly. After all, he came in Tuesday and issued walks again. Webb lives to prove himself further.
Too bad Luiz Gohara is more scarce than Bigfoot. He sure would be a nice bullpen option if he were actually pitching.
At this point, I’m ready to bring up Bryse Wilson and insert him in the bullpen, with him, Touki and Minter handling the 7th-9th innings… in no specific order.
… and thus far the only thing Chad Sobotka is an answer to is the question, “Who is the tallest pitcher in the Braves organization?”
Utilizing only our in-house options, and after the current turn of the rotation, GM VO’R would set up his pitching staff as follows…
Rotation: Folty, Julio, Fried, Gausy, Soroka
Bullpen: Minter (L), Touki, Wilson, Parsons, Biddle (L), Jackson, Winkler, Tomlin
And not far behind is 24-year-old LH Grant Dayton, who is being brought along slowly after recovering from TJ. He has been very good in 2.0 IP at AAA Gwinnett striking out 3, walking 0, and allowing 0 hits. He will be a viable option soon.
GAME ALERT: 12:10pm start time today. Don’t miss it!
Soroka totaled 49 and 70 pitches in his first two starts for Gwinnett. So, he'll be available for at least 90 pitches this afternoon. Both lefties (Minter and Biddle) are likely unavailable. Sobotka, Winkler, Jackson and Parsons will be today's high-leverage options
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 18, 2019
Let’s hope Soroka can go 6+ strong. Nope, let’s pray Soroka can go 6+ strong.
On a side note, I think Peter Moylan is terrific as an analyst. Very sharp and great delivery.
Hmmm… wonder if he can still pitch? We might need him today.
Well, Soroka went just 5, but looked great over those 5. Definitely a great sign of things to come. Now how will we cover the final 4 with Minter and Biddle both out (rest day)?
Chad Friggin’ Sobotka… 😡
Straight as an arrow fastball belt high in the fat of the plate. I think I could have popped that one.
Chad Sobotka was about as effective as a screen door on a submarine…
Now how will we cover the final 4 with Minter and Biddle both out (rest day)?
Um, not very well?????
from the comments at MLBTR…
Why? Because they agree with Every Other Team that Kimbrel is not worth what he is asking for?
No because this entire offseason we were promised that the resources are there to get what’s needed and we didn’t do one move to address the weakest area on the team. If we made 2 bullpen upgrades this offseason in a bullpen rich market, we could have come away spending way less than what Kimbrel is asking and dramatically improve the bullpen. That’s why they are cheap af. They refused to even make reasonable smart moves. Now kimbrel is all that appears left and of course we don’t want to spend that cash on him and as great as he is, he’s only 1 guy. That entire bullpen minus Parson is a train wreck right now </i>
I think that is a good point too….all the dead money that came off the books, all the moola saved by going cheap with McCann and Nick M, and Thoppy thought a good enough bullpen(if no one got hurt, no one started to stink) would get the job done, put us in the playoffs????
all Thoppy is good at it appears is saving Liberty money….prove me wrong Thoppy, prove me wrong…
gah!!!!
what disappeared…..well
No because this entire offseason we were promised that the resources are there to get what’s needed and we didn’t do one move to address the weakest area on the team.
If we made 2 bullpen upgrades this offseason in a bullpen rich market, we could have come away spending way less than what Kimbrel is asking and dramatically improve the bullpen.
That’s why they are cheap af. They refused to even make reasonable smart moves.
Now kimbrel is all that appears left and of course we don’t want to spend that cash on him and as great as he is, he’s only 1 guy.
That entire bullpen minus Parson is a train wreck right now
son of a sea captain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No because this entire offseason we were promised that the resources are there to get what’s needed and we didn’t do one move to address the weakest area on the team.If we made 2 bullpen upgrades this offseason in a bullpen rich market, we could have come away spending way less than what Kimbrel is asking and dramatically improve the bullpen.That’s why they are cheap af. They refused to even make reasonable smart moves.Now kimbrel is all that appears left and of course we don’t want to spend that cash on him and as great as he is, he’s only 1 guy.That entire bullpen minus Parson is a train wreck right now
3rd times the charm!!! It was totally worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😛
Rules for a stress free life:
Do not read replies to Tweets.
Do not read replies on sports blogs.
Do not read replies to ANYTHING related to social media (the Ol’ B&S specifically excluded).
We live in a society that no longer listens/reads to understand, but rather to react. No one carefully thinks before they post anymore. It’s all about the emotion of the situation.
There are exceptions, of course. The ol’ B&S being a good example of such.
Good afternoon all, interesting reading the opinions of both Vee and Ber. Excellent points made. I concur, along with a large majority of Braves fans that we all hate being lied to. And we were that, lied too. Great, the Braves saved a ton of money… To what end? To what purpose?
The Braves bull pen is a disaster area. It didn’t have to be that way…
Just a quick point I would like to make, every issue we see now on the field was evident in spring training and not one issue was resolved.
The Braves will be lucky to come home from their next road trip at .500
re-reading my comically screwed up posts above, I realized it was clear as mud that this part was my part…if I sound like an angry blogger..it’s cuz I am! 😉
now…anger aside…what if anything will the braves do NOW???? (ok, a wee bit of anger there still) has anyone heard? Just keep running out the same guys hoping they will now find their control? I mean, it’s true, it’s still only April, but say the Phils got Kimbrel…game over, forget the division, we’d have to fight for the W.C. We all know how well that 1 game goes for the bravos…..
Is Soroka going down to AAA to become a closer? What is the plan???
Soroka will not be a closer. Fact is, at just 21 years old, he may already be the best starter we have. He will be a rotation mainstay for years to come.
now…anger aside…what if anything will the braves do NOW???? (ok, a wee bit of anger there still)
Let it go, Bro. Life is too short. This is just a game.
Now, anger aside, Chad Sobotka might become the focus of our derision. No… check that. He is the focus of our derision.
Hopefully he did not make the flight to Cleveland. He is not helping at all right now.
@cristianpache25 just went deep @DOBrienATL @mlbbowman pic.twitter.com/dP6DUhxg5w
— Corey Lingerfelt (@C_Linger1) April 19, 2019
He is living large against AA pitchers. I expect him to be bumped up by mid-season. He’s currently slashing .333/.377/.688 with 2 HR’s over the last 2 nights while catching everything within the same Zip Code.
Must lay low for a little while. Tornado warning… back in a bit…
Vee, y’all realize that you folks in Georgia are the early warning system for eastern North Carolina?
Ah well, our bad weather is expected late Friday night. Moister out of the south and a cold front from the northwest.
The weather does not look all that promising in Cleveland.
All is well here, just a ton of rain. Oh, and my dog is a complete wreck. But he’ll get over it.
well, that sure got ugly in a hurry.
Touki…..hold my beer….
https://usa.life/post/135455
so, out for dinner and it was 7-0…so, awhile later checked the score online….hmmm, 7-5, 2 outs in the 9th…well, I guess I can flip by for the last out, at least they came back a bit….the walk bug bit the Indians this game. Bases loaded, and FF walked…Flowers scored, 7-6! Acuna up, and…..a double drives in 2, braves up 8-7!!! Holy Toledo! Turned out, the braves scored 5 runs, after 2 were out!!! Minter came in, and didn’t screw up, pitched like, dare I say it? A closer!
Wasn’t that something Ber? I mumbled and grumbled for the better part of 6 or so hours yesterday. I would have never of guessed to final outcome of yesterday’s twin bill. Woohoo… It left me exhausted.
There doesn’t appear to be much down here that could help the big club’s misery especially in the arm department.
Most likely trade bait. San Fran is getting ready to sell off pieces.
Bringer.
Of.
Rain.
476 Gordon Lawrence April 21, 2019 at 9:42 pm
Only two games today, AAA and AA.
Both tight tilts.
STRIPERS [8-9] win in nine 7-6 while the M-Braves [9-7] win in 10 by the same score.
C ALEX JACKSON [.176 BA/.616 OPS] 1-4, 1 R, 1 HR [1], 2 RBI [2], 0 BB, 1 SO. Firsr dinger and RBI’s.
LF ADAM DUVALL [.290 BA/.875 OPS] 1-4, 1 R, 2 RBI [8], 0 BB, 1 SO. Proving to be a solid AAA player.
RHSP MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ [6.11 ERA] 5.1 IP, 7 H, 1 HR, 6 R/ER, 2 BB, 2 SO.
Ouch! Nothing to write home about.
LHRP THOMAS BURROWS [Sv 3, 5.40 ERA] 1.1 IP, clean, 2 SO.
If lefty Tommy does this for a month, he will be in ATLANTA before June.
PEARL RIVER’s CF DREW WATERS [.333 BA/.904 OPS] has a night 3-5, 2 R, 2 2B [9], and a homer [1], RBI [3], 1 BB, 1 SO, 1 [Outfield Assist, 3B].
PACHE nowhere to be found. Maybe he’s on the way to GWINNETT?
RHRP JOSH GRAHAM [W 2-0, 1.93 ERA] gets the win with 2.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO.
Not a stellar outing, but the error [Schwartz] was costly.
Stellar, Gordon! Love reading these reports. Folty doesn’t seem to be doing too well with that ERA. Love watching the moves and progress or lack thereof.
Okay, raise your hand if you are like me and could do without the phony sound effects of glove popping and bat hitting the ball on ESPN. Also would be beneficial if they actually had someone who could call a game as announcers.
While I expected a good game from Fried last night, I was shocked at how easily the Braves handled the Tribe. Wow…
Truly awful.
While I expected a good game from Fried last night
Best pitcher on the roster right now. Easily. He has not only established himself as a fixture in the rotation, he has elevated himself to the current stopper. Ace? Well, no. That term is tossed around too liberally. But potential ace? I don’t see why not. He’s legit. His stuff is legit, and his head seems to be legit. If he can continue his consistency, he can be the staff ace if not more.
In case you missed it, over the weekend, Touki was demoted back to AAA and Bryce Wilson was brought back. Unless I’m off base here [pun fully intended], Wilson will work out of the bullpen and Folty will fill in the vacated rotation spot, possibly Friday at home vs. the Rockies. It’s possible for Saturday if Snit opts to keep Fried on 5 days rest. But the typical MO for this administration is to take advantage of extra days off. That plus the fact that they are surely mindful to manage Fried’s innings adds up to a Friday Folty start.
Much as I hate to point this out, Fried has only topped 100 IP twice as a pro, first in 2013 with 118.2, followed by TJ surgery and a couple of years of recovery and rehab. He threw 103.0 with low-A Rome in 2016. Since then, he’s been up and down with the ATL team and working out of the pen such that he hasn’t been stretched out for an entire season.
All that said, I don’t think 150-160 innings is an unreasonable target for him this season.
Anthopoulos said last week that they're not going on the hard innings limit w/ pitchers, the next-year 20-30 inn. increase limit and all that. Said it's not proven to be effective in preventing injuries. They're going case-by-case basis, checking with guys as the season goes on. https://t.co/yizboMWEBl
Or there’s this.
And speaking of Folty, I’m not too concerned with his fairly pedestrian numbers against a AAA team yesterday. The only number I really care about is 89, the number of pitches he threw without pain or discomfort.
https://www.mlb.com/news/craig-kimbrel-rumors-c297610312
Thanx for the vine CL
V, I wouldn’t be that worried about Fried jumping up inningswise as he is 25, and should be truly a grown man, set in place physically, so to speak….I do worry about 20,21, 22, 23 year olds though, unlike A.A….no reason to risk their health cuz, no proof in his eyes….
Some rival evaluators watched Max Fried’s performance Sunday night and were extremely impressed; see him as a frontline talent, No.1/No.2 type starter.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) April 23, 2019
Off-day
PEARL CREW have BISCUITS for dinner in a tightly pitched 2-1 win.
RF DREW WATERS [.314 BA/.854 OPS] 0-4, 1 E [4, fielding] has an o’fer after a notable Easter game.
CF CRISTIAN PACHE [.322 BA/ .979 OPS] 2-4, 2 CS [3]. Evidently, CP had yesterday’s game off.
I dream of an outfield left to right of ACUNA Jr., PACHE, and WATERS with JENISTA as the fourth OF’er.
SS RAY-PATRICK DIDDER [.146 BA/ .560 OPS] 1-4, 1 RBI [4], 0 BB, 2 SO.
1B RYAN CASTEEL [.231 BA/ .950 OPS] 1-4, 1 R, 1 HR [1], 1 RBI [1], 0 BB, 2 SO.
LHSP TUCKER DAVIDSON [ND, 0.64 ERA/1.14 WHIP] 5.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 3 SO, 86p/47s.
Our 23 year-old 2016 19th rounder is showing definite progress in his development. Solid first three starts.
RHRP CONNER JOHNSTONE [1.08 ERA/0.84 WHIP] 4.0 IP, 1 H, zeros, 1 BB, 1 SO, 51p/33s.
Great middle relief performance. CONNER progresses toward GWINNETT’s good graces once again.
LHRP MIKE MADER [W 2-2, 8.49 ERA/1.38 WHIP] 1.0 IP, totally clean, 5p/3s.
FLORIDA (7-11)
F-F-FROGS thrash THRESHERS 7-1 behind 12 hits and tight pitching.
SS RILEY UNROE [.268 BA/.765 OPS] 2-5, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 SO, 1 SB [2].
LF JEFREY RAMOS [.265 BA/.697 OPS] 1-5, 1 R, 1 HR [2], 3 RBI [12], 0 BB, 1 SO.
CF IZZY WILSON [.190 BA/ .663 OPS] 1-5, 1 R, 1 HR [1], 1 RBI [5], 1 BB, 1 SO.
RF GREYSON JENISTA [.232 BA/.606 OPS] 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B [4], 0 BB, 1 SO.
DH RUSBAR ESTRADA [.192 BA/.509 OPS] 3-4, 1 R, 2 RBI [6], 0 BB, 1 SO.
C WILLIE CONTRERAS [.263 BA/.691 OPS] 1-5, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 SO.
RHSP FREDDY TARNOK [ND, 4.00 ERA/1.28 WHIP] 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 3 BB, 4 SO, 88p/51s.
Great things are expected from our 20 year-old 2017 third round prospect. He was lights out as a reliefer, and i think he will conquer starting as well. Management continues pushing him along.
LHRP JUSTIN KELLY [W 1-0, 2.92 ERA/1.22 WHIP] 2.1 IP, 2 H, zeros, 3 SO, 30p/19s.
Excellent middle relief stint from the former Angel.
LHRP JON KENNEDY [4.09 ERA/1.27 WHIP] 2.0 IP, zeros, 1 BB, 3 SO, 30p/19s.
Excellent close by Aussie JON.
ROME (6-11)
Alas and alack, R-Braves are savagely mauled by BLUE CLAWS 10-5.
LF ANDY MORITZ [.271 BA/.583 OPS] 3-5, 1 RBI [5], 0 BB, 0 SO.
RF TREY HARRIS [.361 BA/.983 OPS] 1-4, 1 R, 1 BB, 0 SO.
DH BRENDEN VENTER [.262 BA/.755 OPS] 2-4, 2 R, 2 2B [2], 1 RBI [8], 1 BB, 1 SO., 1 E [1, throw].
Our 20 year-old 2018 13th rounder is coming along nicely.
SS CARLOS PARAGUETE [.205 BA/.518 OPS] 1-2, 1 SF, 1 RBI [3], 1 BB, 0 SO.
This 18 year-old DSL grad has bypassed rookie ball, and been thrown by management into deep water to sink or swim. They see something in the kid they like.
RHSP JASSEEL DeLa CRUZ [ND, 2.50 ERA/1.33 WHIP] 6.0 IP, 7 H, 1 HR, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 4 SO.
21 year-old fifth-year arm has advanced steadily from the DSL. Another youngster to keep an eye on.
Terrific report Gordon
490 Gordon Lawrence April 23, 2019 at 10:08 am
GIL:
We’re suffering from the rookie-arm blues. This will go on for several more years I think.
I’m amazed JULIO has been as consistently effective as he has so far this season. Good for him….and us!
Great to get KEVIN GAUSMAN back and effective.
MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ has been struggling to get into baseball shape down in LAWRENCEVILLE.
I guess NEWCOMB needs time to reflect on his future. Hopefully, he returns with a will to succeed.
TOUKI TOUSSAINT has passed his first rookie test I think. Should be in the rotation as a regular by 2021.
KYLE WRIGHT is much the same, and on that timeline also I believe.
Whither LUIZ GOHARA? Haven’t heard much, have you?
I’m wondering if DARREN O’DAY will ever toe the slab in ATLANTA.
Mention of these last two brings me around to the bullpen, I’m sorry to say.
Good to see A.J. MINTER coming around.
AROLDYS VIZCAINO may be gone except for a last hurrah. I think his arm has turned to…..what pitchers’ arms turn to when grossly overused.
JONNY VENTERS days are numbered. He’s done ala PETE MOYLAN.
DAN WINKLER? Will he ever amount to anything?
SHANE CARLE doesn’t look too good either long-term.
LHRP THOMAS BURROWS is trying to get some traction in AAA, but he’s a season removed from ATLANTA.
RHRP CORBIN CLOUSE has blown a tire on his trip to ATLANTA.
Both these guys are less advanced than I had hoped over the winter.
I sincerely hope AA has the where with all to bring CRAIG KIMBREL back come June.
And SP DALLAS KUECHEL as well on a short-term make-good contract.
I’m in, but only on terms that are consistent with the team’s goals. There is a reason that all 30 teams are loathe to guarantee 3 years on these pitchers. (Foreshadowing something to come. Stay tuned.)
This is where we disagree. Whether or not Folty’s numbers at AAA were especially sparkling, he’s still an All-Star starter and will return healthy to the rotation this week. Kevin Gausman has proven to be an effective starter. Max Fried is the best starter we currently have, and Mike Soroka may be #2 by mid-season. That leaves one open spot, which Julio occupies. Personally, I am not a big Julio fan, but he may be at least as good an option as Dallas Keuchel, and at a cheaper rate on a short term. Problem is, we don’t know what DK offers. Nobody does. And despite the fact that DK has been throwing simulate games every 5 days, it’s not the same as being in a major league environment against major league batters. I read yesterday that most execs estimate it’ll take DK up to a month to be ready to face major league batters. At that point, lesser teams will begin to make their players available for mid-season trade, further diminishing DK’s market. But I’ve gotten off on a rabbit trail…
The point is, DK won’t significantly improve this team, especially at the contract terms he’s demanding. The Braves have enough starting options in-house now that we’re back to full health.
As for Julio specifically, he’s short timing it with the Braves anyway. There’s a better chance that AOC earns a degree in Economics than there is of the Braves picking up Julio’s 2020 option.
I purposely did not mention Sean Newcomb in the previous post about the rotation. Newcomb is at a crossroads in his career in Atlanta. He arguably has the best “stuff” of all the young arms, but has never been able to consistently control it. That has been the knock on the kid his entire pro career. Would he benefit from a change in environment? Well, he came to the Braves from the Angels’ organization with the same rap – great stuff, poor control, and nothing changed. Newk must grow from thrower to pitcher if he ever wants to gain some traction in a ML rotation. I’m not sure that will be in Atlanta.
Which also brings to mind another option. Do you take a kid with 4 good to plus pitches and pare them down to 2, and make him a reliever? He relies primarily on a good 4-seam fastball, and works a changeup off of that, while also mixing in a curve and a slider. According to Brooks Baseball, who tracks such things, his slider generates an extremely high number of swings & misses compared to other pitchers’ sliders. His curve, to the contrary, generates very few swings-and-misses but does generate alot of fly balls… many of which fly far. The same is said of his changeup.
So why not take the kid and concentrate on that 4-seamer and that plus slider, and make him a late inning reliever? It’s a time tested formula. It might also be his best chance to remain with the Braves, where he has already been passed by Fried and Soroka, with Kyle Wright and Ian Anderson approaching quickly.
Atlanta certainly has their share of “beat writers”, from the ajc’s youngster Gabe Burns to the guy he replaced, David O’Brien, now of The Athletic. In there also is Mark Bowman, who works for MLB, but is the local guy here in Atlanta. But sometimes I wonder if Bow is really plugged in. I’ve noticed a number of occasions lately when the information he was “hearing” was in conflict with things the others were hearing, and in conflict with what the team eventually did.
Today, though, he’s straying into some really weird territory. He makes the following observation: “Later this week, the Braves might be deciding between Soroka and Newcomb. They’ll evaluate tomorrow’s start and then decide whether he or Newcomb would be a better option next Tuesday against the Padres.”
Mark might want to start paying more attention to what’s going on inside the lines and less attention to the team’s buffet tables. As long as Mike Soroka remains healthy, he isn’t leaving the Braves rotation.
Hey, guys! New lead is up!
https://bravesandstuff.wordpress.com/2019/04/23/184-sorting-through-fact-fiction/
Tonight's lineup for Game 1 in Cincinnati!#ChopOn pic.twitter.com/aEU0BXPTGJ
Note the slightly early start time.
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Posts in Snippet
The sun is beating down on her back, blue sky, cirrus clouds, hurrying footsteps, random shouts, faint music, catcalls, birds screeching (not chirping), muttered curses. Ordinary day, ordinary sounds. “Idiot! Put me down.”
“Miss, wait a minute.”
“How many times do I have to say that the strawberries are kept in this container?”
“Don’t you dare.”
“Miss! You left your change!”
“Lady in the red top!”
“Aika!”
Ordinary day; ordinary words.
“Woman! You!” Isn’t that in the wrong order?
”Aika!” Her name finally registers and the sound of gravel crunching underfoot stops. Sunlight glints off her glasses as she turns to face her cousin, Miles. She glares and he rolls his eyes. “She’s been running after you for a while.” Her eyes follow the direction of his finger and lands on a pair of huge breasts. She reacts by rapidly looking away and back, looking up into brown eyes, producing an embarrassed smile and scowling immediately after. Miles reacts by laughing. ‘Top-heavy’ dumps a $500.00 in her hand and winks at her. She shudders and Miles laughs... again. “What did you buy?”
She ignores him and continues her long trek home. “You could’ve invited me. I didn’t even know you left the house.” Her rhythm falters momentarily as she glances at a flute in a music store. The light shone down on the display, lending it a magical aura and her thoughts wander as her leg muscles start moving. She misses her sister so much. Her fist clenches as memories flood her consciousness. Music was Danni’s thing. From way back, she could remember her shouts to tell her sister to go practice somewhere else, the notes of sorrow at their parents’ funeral, her battle screams punctuated with bursts of shrill whistles from the damn instrument and the happy tune as she sung along at her school auditions, right before Danni fell and began hyperventilating, heart attack. Danni was too young for that, too precious, but that never stopped her from going away. It never stopped her at all. Aika hadn’t cried yet. Danni used to cry for everything, from watching soap operas to getting an ant bite, the girl was annoying, but it was Danni who had raised her, Danni who helped her with frustrating homework, gave her her first paintbrush, taught her about her body, boys, life. Danni who was now dead.
A month had passed since she’d last heard her sister’s voice and her Aunt Michelle and her son were living with her. She resolves to buy the flute on her next trip to the mall.
“Aika, you’re not even listening to me?” Miles was like a fly: ugly, annoying and persistent. Well, scratch the ugly part. He had commendable locks and eyes. However, he was still a pain, all the time. They made their way home, and she continued to grapple with her thoughts.
Snippet, WritingDesi-Rae November 12, 2015 Comment
From ever since, he had looked toward a different time, a different life, hoping it would blend into the now that he knew. He mused on it frequently, on where it would be, on how long it would take, and etceteras. He acted too, tried the little things that promised to pull his new life closer. He kept burrowing for comfort, unable to find a place where his limbs fit.
Eventually, he grew tired of playing with his dreams. Every time he met them in the sandbox, they pushed him to ground with their enthusiasm, and then laughed when the grit got in his eyes. So, he held a requiem for them one night, bringing a bottle along for the ride. Because he hated what he had made of his thoughts, the visions he had created in his head. They scarred his retina every time he chanced a look at them. They were too bright, too full of hope.
He thought up silly fantasies to take their place. He wanted to be an English man with an English name and have an English wife. He wanted two dogs and lots of plants in the backyard. He wasn't sure about kids. Kids messed things up. But he wanted a yacht too, a vessel to sail on and remember days gone by when what he had achieved was all just wishful thinking. And as for work: he wanted to start at the top. His skin wasn't too tough after constantly being rubbed between the ground and the shoes of his superiors. He wanted a sweet life, sweet like candy, and pretty like money. He’d seen the futility of his desires and refused to put them within his reach. If they dangled too far, there was no point in making the effort to reach them. Maybe, they would drop from the sky and hit him in the eye, without him ever noticing them while they were too far to touch.
Sometimes he would get lost in these thoughts. Then he would remember where he was and how things really were, the heat whipping against his face, the sounds of the city and murmurs of gossipers, all carried along by a silent wind, a wind that just wouldn’t bring him what he wanted.
Sweaty bodies lurched against each other as the vehicle moved. Dust, plastic wrappers and bits of paper repeatedly jumped up and returned to the surface of the bus floor. They maintained a gentle rhythm, dancing with the flaws of the road. Kamal absent-mindedly watched this. Every night when he reached home, it seemed as if his mother were even angrier than the night before. She constantly nagged him to go find work, pressuring him to do something about his state of limbo. The pitch and persistence of her words stung his ears and fueled his reluctance to try. His friends looked at him through slit eyes, accusing him of laziness in an effort to urge him on. He didn't see the point. Experience had perfected his fatalistic expectations. Besides, he had told Ashlee that he was going to call her tonight.
He came off the bus at his stop, the clinking of coins being exchanged familiar. As he continued the journey to his house, he watched his neighbours kicking ball under a street light's yellow glow. He pushed his gate open. The air had cooled the metal. It unfortunately did nothing to stop the horrible creaking that always sounded as the gate opened. Yes, this was home.
Prose, Snippet, WritingDesi-Rae April 7, 2010 Comment
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Darienite (https://darienite.com/walk-to-end-epilepsy-on-saturday-may-19-in-stamford-45353)
Walk to End Epilepsy on Saturday, May 19 in Stamford
By: DARIENITE.COM | May 17, 2019
Fairfield County residents will be out in force on Sunday, May 19, 2019, as they show their support for epilepsy awareness and the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut (EFCT) by participating in the Walk to End Epilepsy, which will be held at the Cove Island Park in Stamford.
— an announcement from the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut
Registration for the Walk begins at 9 a.m. and the event starts at 10 a.m. Registration is $35 per person and includes a t-shirt, lunch and a purple bandana for dogs; children ten and under are free.
Note: dogs are welcome on-leash on the walk path at this family-friendly event. Registration is available online at epilepsyct.com/walk or on-site at the event.
Stamford Mayor David Martin will be there to kick off the walk and guest speakers include motivational speaker Beth Usher and Emma Borys, teen ambassador for the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut.
More than 60,000 children and adults in the state of Connecticut suffer from epilepsy and one out of 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime.
Photo from the Epilepsy Foundation of CT
A previous walk
Epilepsy affects more Americans than autism, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s diseases combined.
Photo from the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut
Beth Usher
Sadly, one out of three will have uncontrollable seizures even while on medication.
Events like the Walk to End Epilepsy raise important funds for school education services, teaching proper seizure first aid, building community awareness of this common condition and busting myths, government lobbying to protect epilepsy patients and their right to life maintaining medications, and support programs that help lift patients to a fulfilling life.
Speaker: Beth Usher
This year’s honored speaker is Beth Usher, motivational speaker and Connecticut resident who lives a full life despite having half her brain removed. Her wisdom and humor help others overcome their obstacles too.
Beth was also a long-time friend of Mister Rogers and credits his early support as one of the reasons for her “choosing happy.”
Teen Ambassador Emma Borys
Westport resident Emma Borys was selected as the teen ambassador for the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut. She is part of a program called Teens Speak Up! which provides an opportunity for teens with epilepsy and their parents to visit the nation’s capital, receive advocacy training, meet with their legislators, and tell their personal stories.
Emma Borys, teen ambassador for the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut
Teens Speak Up! is part of the Public Policy Institute. Teens from across the country are nominated by affiliates and selected by the Foundation to participate in the program. After receiving training, each teen is asked to turn that training into action in their respective home districts through our Year of Service program.
Emma’s epilepsy story began at the age of 11 when she started experiencing staring spells and eyelid fluttering. She sometimes stumbled or had myoclonic jerking of her hands. As the symptoms progressed, Emma’s mom made an appointment with the neurologist. Before they were able to see the neurologist, Emma had a tonic clonic, or grand mal seizure in the front seat of the car.
“I was driving on the Merritt Parkway on the way to the orthodontist, Emma began having eyelid flutters in rapid succession. She than began having full body convulsions. Finally, she slumped over and lost consciousness. It was the scariest moment of my life,” remembers Emma’s mom Amee.
Emma Borys in Washington
Since then Emma has never had complete seizure control and she has faced many challenges with her medication. These challenges have greatly impacted her life. During the last semester of tenth grade, Emma was homebound because her seizures were not controlled and her medication had a very sedating effect on her making it very difficult for her to learn even though she is extremely bright.
The school administration was supportive of Emma’s needs, however there were individual teachers who demonstrated a frustrating lack of understanding of Emma’s condition. The family then had Monica Anzelone from the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut do an in-service training for Emma’s teachers and administrators so that they would have a better understanding of how epilepsy affects her.
This past summer Emma improved and was able to work as a counselor at the Earthplace summer program, attended vocal camp and was a Harbor Watch intern. This year, she is a senior at Staples High School, attending full-time, and has been able to participate in programs such as being the crew head for the Players production of “Legally Blonde.”
“The EFCT has helped immensely,” said Emma’s Mom Amee. “They provided free training for Emma’s teachers. A lot of educators don’t know how epilepsy impacts kids. It’s hard for parents to do this on their own. Each child has different symptoms and reactions to medications. It’s helpful when the EFCT can describe each child’s case individually.”
WHEN: Sunday, May 19, 2019 — 9 a.m. registration; 10 a.m., walk begins
WHERE: Cove Island Park, Cove Island Road/Weed Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut
The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. The Walk to End Epilepsy helps raise funds for research, better treatment options and advocacy with schools and families.
Special thanks to the Walk to End Epilepsy sponsors: Greenwich Biosciences (Featured sponsor), Stamford Health (Strength sponsor) and Conair and Sherwin-Williams (Courage sponsors).
Charity Events and Opportunities
Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut
Walk to End Epilepsy 2019
Benefit for Two Area Nonprofits to Show Off New Nordstrom Store in Norwalk on Oct 10
A benefit for the Stamford-based Domestic Violence Crisis Center and Fairfield County's Community Foundation will be held at the Nordstrom's department store at the new Sono Collection mall in Norwalk on Thursday, Oct. 10.
'Farm to Gallery' Fundraiser at Rowayton Arts Center Celebrates All Things Culinary and the 'At the Table' Exhibit
Americares Readies for Tropical Storm Barry, Expected Late Friday or Early Saturday in Louisiana
View all Charity Events and Opportunities Articles →
New Canaan Officials Support Surveillance Cameras to Record Vehicles Entering Waveny Park
Following an online petition signed by more than 2,000 people, and acting on the advice of police, New Canaan officials said this week that they’re looking to install cameras to record motor vehicles entering and leaving Waveny Park, just north of the Darien border. — This article originally was published by NewCanaanite.com Parks and Public Works officials said during a subcommittee meeting Tuesday that the cost of installation might be around $25,000, for which they would likely request a special appropriation.
Photos from Saturday's Cleanup at Darien's Old Cemeteries
Showdown on the Sound Competition at Weed Beach from 1 to 6 PM, Saturday, June 8
View all Outdoors Articles →
Barret Naylor, 57, Executive, Kids' Football Coach, Loved the Beach, Golf
Op-Ed on Parenting: Setting Up Expectations, Enforcing Rules, Giving Rewards to Adolescents
wind: 3mph SSE
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VIDEO: 93-year-old Queen Elizabeth refuses help planting ceremonial tree with sassy retort
As the most reliable and balanced news aggregation service on the internet, DML News App offers the following information published by BBC:
The Queen has told onlookers she is “still perfectly capable of planting a tree” at the age of 93.
Her Majesty made the comment during a visit to the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in Cambridge.
She surprised people at the institute by taking a shovel and digging into the earth as she planted a tree.
The institute’s chief executive Dr Tina Barsby said: “On the rehearsal, the idea was that she would supervise the planting of a tree.
“But she gave her bag to someone to hold and said ‘I’m still perfectly capable of planting a tree’ and she put the soil in herself.”
The NAIB tweeted, “We’re so impressed with The Queen’s efforts with a spade, that there is always a job going for her with our trials team! 🙂 Queen of spades, anyone?”
The Queen plants a tree as part of the visit to @NIABTAG 🌳#RoyalVisitCambridge pic.twitter.com/UFMyyFZafo
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 9, 2019
King George V and Queen Mary, were the first members of the Royal Family to visit @NIABTAG in 1921 where Queen Mary planted a Mulberry tree.
Today The Queen also planted a Hornbeam Tree at NIAB.
📷 1 @NIABTAG pic.twitter.com/XB4g6nJBRm
We’re so impressed with The Queen’s efforts with a spade, that there is always a job going for her with our trials team! 🙂 Queen of spades, anyone?♠️#RoyalVisitCambridge #NIABCentenary https://t.co/iaPN2gtnVk
— NIAB (@NIABTAG) July 10, 2019
To get more information about this article, please visit BBC. To weigh in, leave a comment below.
DML News App offered you the above aggregated article preview as part of our ongoing effort to educate and inform people around the world about news, events, and politics. We encourage you to obtain additional information by visiting BBC
VIDEO: GOP senator tears into ‘The Squad’ with stunning description
Elizabeth Rhyne July 10th, 2019 at 6:54 pm
Unfortunately, I don’t care
James Bagwell July 10th, 2019 at 7:02 pm
She sounds so much like my Grandfather Boydstun. Both he and my Grandmother were motherless by age 8 both from large family with only there fathers to raise them. He was alway determine to work in his garden even though he could not get around without his walker. His legs were worn out due to walking a rural postal route for years, in the days of horse and buggy. He died in 1970 long before the age of modern medicine and knee surgery. These people come from different stock than the youth of today. Life was hard from the beginning and they learned early perseverance is the key to life. One of my favorite quotes, “There is no normal life, there is just life.” Doc Holliday 1851-1887
Still a strong woman
Too bad I don’t hear her speaking out on the muslim and immigration issues.
Cherie July 10th, 2019 at 7:11 pm
What a grand Lady.
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Le Tour de Tours
It’s not every day we get our hands on a best-seller. A recent trip to the Loire however, garnered DTW a Renault Clio. What did we make of it?
All images (c) Driven to Write
It’s close to half past seven in the evening as the TGV eases into la Gare de Tours, terminating its one hour and eighteen minute journey from Paris-Montparnasse. The station, a grand edifice dating from 1898, and a designated monument historique, feels as though it’s winding down for the evening, as indeed does the historic city of Tours itself.
The Avis car rental office certainly has, the Chef de Gare being called upon to process our documentation and release our pre-booked hire car. It has been a diverting past time during the train journey to embark upon a spot of car-rental bingo, but in this case our guesses are some way off the mark. While I had suggested a Citroen C3, my companion was equally certain of a Polo. We were both therefore surprised and somewhat relieved to have been handed the keycard for a Renault Clio.
The current generation Clio was (by a significant margin) last year’s top selling B-segment hatchback across Europe. Indeed, since its introduction, the current model’s year on year sales continue to grow exponentially, so the fact that a car no longer in its first flush of youth is capable of such a strong showing some five years into its lifespan is no small achievement in the current febrile trading environment.
For a model first launched in 2012, the Clio has maintained a visual freshness which often rather quickly fades from cars in this most hotly contested sector. In receipt of the most subtle of facelifts in 2016, there remains an essential rightness to its form which renders much in the way of plastic surgery both unwelcome and needless. Certainly, one must search carefully for obvious signs of the surgeon’s scalpel.
And while one could suggest an element of skewed priorities in the Clio’s style, one perhaps ought to applaud Renault’s designers for offering their customers something that little more visually indulgent. Because if one could criticise any aspect of the Clio IV’s shape, it would be to observe a certain essence of form over function; a sense that for Laurens van der Acker and his design team, matters of aesthetics over-rode the more tedious practicalities.
The car’s voluptuous shape, with its expressive and elaborate headlamp units, long wheelbase, teardrop (of sorts) shaped DLO and broad haunches is distinctly feminine in character, yet falls pleasantly short of being fey. There is a welcome lack of excess too, in the manner in which the car’s surfaces have been handled, and while the graphics are a little showy in places, they have not been allowed to overwhelm.
Like all the more successful of the van der Acker-inspired Renault designs, the Clio is more of a monospace in essence, if not quite in execution – a body style with which Renault’s current design chief appears to be at his happiest – if the current Scenic and Espace designs are any guide. With 2018 looking as though it will mark the Clio IV’s strongest sales year yet (if the second half performance equals the year to June), it’s clear that the car has plenty of life in it yet. Certainly, to these eyes, it still looks fresh.
Matters are slightly less successful within the cabin however, where style and substance are in places engaged in an somewhat uneasy state of mutual discomfiture. At first glance the Clio’s interior offers an inviting environment, but the profusion of unpleasantly tactile plastics in obvious and frequently encountered places (the tops of the door cards in particular) detracts from the pleasure. Stowage space isn’t a particular strong point either, there being little space for the detritus one tends to accumulate when travelling.
Also unpleasant to behold is the Clio’s infotainment ‘stack’, a curiously shaped and unpleasantly finished receptacle for the car’s sat-nav screen and (in our Clio at least) manual heating and ventilation controls. However, the more driving-focused controls accorded no comment at all, from which I can reliably conclude that they worked just fine.
However, one egregious consequence of car’s sinuous external forms is manifested by its severely compromised outward visibility, especially to the rear of the vehicle. Reversing was very much a matter of instinct, experience and some trepidation. Forward vision was also quite noticeably impeded by the vast A-pillars – a likely consequence of the Clio’s class-leading passive safety credentials. The feeling of grim confinement within the (otherwise decently spacious) rear of the vehicle was further underlined by the dreary all-black interior trim of our rental car.
Untidy finish, but cheap to repair…
Our Clio was powered by (we believe) the lower spec version of the Renault / Nissan 1.5 litre dCi turbodiesel, producing 89 bhp. It surprised by being a good deal livelier than such modest figures might suggest, with strong acceleration and impressive power within its narrow working band. But while Autocar described the power unit as being “so refined, you’d struggle to tell that it’s a diesel,” our impressions left little doubt. Not that the noises were altogether unpleasant, there being a rather amusing induction growl emitted under spirited acceleration.
The Clio handled and rode the largely rural French roads we traversed during our sojourn in the Loire with poise and decent compliance. The ride quality was firmish, well damped and body control was very well checked under most conditions. The electric power steering was direct, nicely weighted and while it offered no discernible feedback, (what does nowadays?), it was entirely acceptable.
While we didn’t quite corner the Renault on the doorhandles, the Clio was driven in a moderately spirited fashion (one of our party was a native) and acquitted itself well. Control weightings, while on the light side, were positive, linear and offered no unnerving surprises.
Luggage space for three lightly-travelling adults wasn’t particularly generous within the Clio’s boot, but nevertheless, we squeezed everything in without much compromise. The rear parcel shelf however, a cheap piece of moulded plastic appeared as though it would give up the uneven struggle within a matter of weeks in more hamfisted rental hands than ours.
The sweltering Sunday evening was no livelier at la Gare de Tours as it had been two days earlier, but as we awaited our return TGV to arrive from Paris, I reflected upon our rental steed. Having largely dismissed the Clio as being largely a style statement with little by way of depth or lasting appeal (apart from competitive pricing), it was with some surprise and no little contrition that I found myself considering a car of real ability and some palpable charm.
A far more pleasant car than I had imagined, the Clio carried within it a hint of the relaxed loping gait which has characterised the better products of Boulogne-Billancourt for decades. What let the side down were some minor interior material grumbles, and outward visibility which ran the gamut from poor to abysmal.
That the Clio Sports Tourer not only obviates this frankly unacceptable deficiency while being even better looking than the (admittedly cheaper) hatchback only places the later in an even less flattering light. If Renault saw fit to import it, this would be DTW’s recommendation.
The French press are already speculating upon the Clio’s replacement, said by them to be an evolutionary design slated for launch in about twelve to eighteen months time. And while there is clearly some work to do to improve the next generation car, the current Clio nevertheless seems, on the surface at least, to be ageing with some aplomb.
Author’s note: The article has been amended to reflect errors in the original text.
Author: Eóin Doyle
Founding Editor. Content Provider. View all posts by Eóin Doyle
Author Eóin DoylePosted on 15 Aug 2018 16 Aug 2018 Categories Design, Marques, Renault, Road Tests & ImpressionsTags 2015 Renault Clio dCi sports tourer road test, Fitt´s Law in automobile HVAC controls, Laurens van den Acker, Renault Clio, Renault HVAC ergonomics
28 thoughts on “Le Tour de Tours”
15 Aug 2018 at 06:37
Last year I had one of those as a rental car during holidays in Croatia. If anything, it’s definitely not an example of form following function because you can’t see out of the thing and you can only guess where its corners are, something that’s absolutely annoying in the tight environments of Mediterranean mountain villages and something absolutely unforgivable for a French manufacturer.
It’s also horrible to drive because you have to thrash the living daylight out of the engine (100 hp fuel in our case) that has no torque and is utterly unwilling to rev at the same time.
John Topley says:
The 1.5 turbodiesel is my driving instructor’s car and thus the car I have done most of my motoring in. At the moment I prefer the Clio’s clutch to my own Fiesta’s, but find the Renault’s handbrake to be worse than the Ford’s.
One thing that surprised me was that I really like the Clio’s large digital speedometer. I was expecting to prefer a dial because you don’t have to read it as such, but I haven’t found it to be an issue.
Other than sometimes having to crane my head to see around the A pillars I haven’t really noticed the poor visibility, but then again I had nothing to benchmark it against.
I didn’t much care for the shape of these when they first came out, what with their frontal aspect that is mainly headlights, but it’s really grown on me over the past few years. It must be a good design. It’s a shame they don’t make a three door, as it would avoid the absolutely pointless vestigial tiny windows behind the rear doors.
Laurent aka Sam the Eagle says:
On holidays in Sicily recently I was disappointed to be handed the keys to a Fiesta (MkVII, not even the latest version) when I could see there were a few brand new Nissan Micras on the rental company’s car park. I was really curious to try the Clio’s cousin but I doubt I would have enjoyed it as much as the Ford. I’ve always liked the Fiesta , which is more than I can say of the various Renaults (mostly Clios or Twingos) I’ve driven over the last twenty years.
Daniel O Callaghan says:
IMHO, the current Clio is a pleasant design that has aged well enough, only the now unfashionably large headlamps giving its age away. However, the visibility issue is inexcusable, particularly on a small hatchback destined to spend much of its time in an urban environment. The additional window in the C-pillar must hold some record for the smallest ever on a production car, particularly as most of the nominal glass area is actually blacked out:
(The photo is from a damaged car, hence the dent and poor door fit.)
Incidentally, I don’t understand why designers persist with the conceit of “hidden” rear door handles. Surely nobody is fooled into thinking that it makes the car look like a two-door coupé? The shut-line if the rear door is still obvious and the shortness of the front door is a all wrong for a genuine two-door car, putting me in mind of the long dead and unlamented Morris Marina Coupé:
Visibility is particularly bad through the rear window where there is more blacked out area than transparent glass. Without the front and rear cameras some situations on narrow mountain roads would have been pretty sweaty,something that should not happen in a car that small.
When I had my first Alfa 156, the car that started the whole hidden door handle fashion, I reguarly had passengers telling me they could see the door but no handle to open it. This Alfa was the only car that really looked better with these door handles.
richard herriott says:
Nice image. Where is it from?
The Clio has aged well – I like the Zoe, too, but I think that’s by a different designer. Re the door handles, I can see their problem – where would you put one on the back door? The handle’s natural place is taken up by curved metal. I agree with your point, though – I’d prefer it if they put the front door handle in the B-pillar and had no handles showing in the metal parts of the doors, assuming that regulations would allow that. One other thing – that bolted sill join (if that’s what it is) looks really odd.
“…as the TGV eases into le Gare de Tours”
LA Gare de Tours
Kris Kubrick says:
Je t’aime, Monsieur! Bisous!
Merci, ami teuton. Bises à toi aussi.
RichardF says:
For me, a further stylistic idiocy on this, and I think some other current Renaults is where, at the bottom of the doors, the panels have a random shape ‘scooped’ into them, with a black plastic insert – and then a piece of brightwork set into that, to draw further attention to this meaningless feature.
Have also seen more than one parking – scraped example, where the plastic bits have departed, leaving a row of square holes in the door panel, where the retaining clips were. From which, it might seem that the only functional effect of this feature, is to provide starting places for rust ?
Eóin Doyle says:
There is of course no question that the Clio is blighted by several instances of design over functionality, as outlined above, but surely Renault deserves some credit for producing an attractive looking car – in the case of the Sport Tourer, a very attractive looking car.
To underline the point I would direct you to the utter banality of the current VW Polo, a car which offends on more than one level. I would have been aghast to have been handed one of them by the good folk at Avis. (Other car rental agencies are available, although not after hours at LA Gare de Tours on a Friday)…
Hi Richard (Herriott), are you referring to the battered Clio or the Marina?
The Marina.
Hi Eóin, yes, the new Polo absolutely does not improve with familiarity. It manages to be utterly banal and hugely overwrought at the same time. This combination is quite an achievement in one design. What is it with VAG and trapezia and other irregular geometric shapes these days? These used to be the preserve of Lamborghini, but are now indiscriminately applied everywhere.
That double crease on the side of the Polo is there to force the panel to have a sharp boundary. It is rather overdone, in my view. It is very much pure styling and something of an unusual move from a car maker like VW.
The Clio´s appearance does not disturb me. Really, it is a rather spacey and individual design which does not look like anything else on the road.
Eoin didn´t like the interior – I seem to recall that I did like the very same trapezoid holding the central screen.
Richard, I found it via Google. Having re-run my search, I discovered that this fine image is your excellent work, first published on the DTW website on 28th June 2015. I should have recognised the streetscape by now!
Apologies for failing to credit you.
No problem. I thought it looked familiar! It has disappeared from my district.
S.V. Robinson says:
Like the pre-facelift Punto discussed recently, the Clio has aged well. It’s definitely form over function, but it’s a nice form and I always like looking at one. The estate is really lovely, like a mini 156 SW and it’s a big shame it never came to the UK.
I think I am in a minority here in being a fan of the 156 WITH the hidden rear door handle – it serves to highlight the single, chromed, elegant traditional item attached to the front door and the leaves elegantly clear and beautifully arced flanks.
I didn´t know the SportsTourer did not come to the UK. How odd.
The 156 door handle was a nice conceit which did not need to be repeated.
At least on my 156s the front door handles were anodised semi-matte aluminium which was much more pleasant haptically than the 147’s chromed items. I also liked the trad push button operation instead of the pull-out handles. They should not have repeated this door handle game nor should anybody else have copied it.
I though I would play with the Marina Coupé’s proportions:
It doesn’t take much to make it (almost) desirable.
Yes, it is a bit better. I´ve messed with the Lancia Kappa and Citroen XM. As I see it, a coupe is a lot more than new front doors. The whole car has to hang together and so all the panels need to be altered in comparison to the saloon. The only bits that can be retained are the drivetrains and suspension elements, the dashboard and maybe the front seats. Any coupe that is the saloon minus two doors will look odd.
Fun fact for you Daniel. The Marina Coupé’s rear three quarter glass was enlarged before final styling sign off under the auspices of none other than Sir William Lyons of Jaguar, who was acting as a design consultant for BLMC at the time. He also is believed to have taken a hand in attempts at making something vaguely marketable out of the ADO14 (Maxi). Not that he had all that much to work with in either case…
Hi Eóin, perhaps Sir William should have left well alone:
Original door, shortened rear side glass and enlarged vent.
I’ll stop now, before I give the impression of being obsessed with the Morris Marina. What? Too late? Doh!
C.Christodoulou says:
Was there not a 60’s or 70’s Lancia or Alfa Romeo with hidden door handles? I recall seeing such an image on DTW site but I can’t find the link any more. Something to do with Lincoln Continental perhaps?
Andrew Miles says:
The Clio is nice but the Loire is nicer. Did you manage to see any chateaux or take a river trip whilst in the area? I have many happy memories of chateau touring and in between tours seeing the battered Clio’s (and just about every other car) of about ten year ago.
The modern Clio makes a great touring car support series but they too seem to have difficulty seeing out of the front, side, rear….
Sadly, no. It was very much a ‘splash and dash’ kind of trip, so it was all a bit of a blur. The bits of the Loire I could see from the confines of the Clio’s cabin however looked very pleasant indeed. I ardently wished I had brought my bike.
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Come undone: A beginner’s guide to Traumatic Masturbatory Syndrome
I’m not quite sure where I first read about it, but Traumatic Masturbatory Syndrome (TMS) appears to be a controversial phenomenon that is not widely accepted in the medical and sexological communities. According to the Healthy Strokes website:
“[Traumatic Masturbatory Syndrome] is the habit of masturbating in a face-down position against a bed or floor, which puts excessive pressure on the penis, and can interfere with sexual relations. The most common problems TMS sufferers have are inorgasmia – inability to reach orgasm during intercourse – or delayed orgasm. Many TMS sufferers also experience erectile dysfunction”.
The term ‘Traumatic Masturbatory Syndrome’ originates from a 1998 paper in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy by Dr. Lawrence Sank. His paper described what he believed was “a previously unreported pattern of atypical masturbatory behavior, which presents as either an erectile or orgasmic disorder in men”. He outlined four case studies of men who masturbated daily in a prone position over many years. I wrote to Dr. Sank and he kindly sent me his paper. Sank’s paper began by outlining the fact that there are many texts and manuals for women on how to masturbate and how to overcome being non-orgasmic, but little for men. He pointed out that problems in erectile functioning and orgasm among males appears to result, not from their inability to masturbate but from the inability to masturbate correctly (Sank’s emphasis on the word ‘correctly’). The four cases that Sank reported on were all physically healthy and there were no problems urogenitally, neurologically, hormonally or vascularly. Here are brief summaries of the four cases Dr. Sank wrote about:
Case 1 [Mr. A]: A 62-year old heterosexual married Black male who was referred for impotence – “He had been married over two years but the couple had not had successful intercourse…He learned at age 8, from his local priest, that any pleasure from touching his penis was the equivalent of ‘re-crucifying Jesus’…The compromise that Mr. A reached was to not use his hand but to rub his penis against his bed clothes and/or pillow without manual guidance. He believed that this would mitigate the seriousness of his sin…This method of sexual expression lasted through several decades of almost daily practice….Mr. A pursued a series of relationships with women…He would rub extremely vigorously against his partner usually to a point where any erection was lost… Mr. A’s masturbatory history is significant for the unique prone position that he engaged in daily over many years”.
Case 2 [Mr. B]: A 35-year old gay single Asian male referred for an inability to attain or sustain any erection and an inability to achieve orgasm during intercourse – “Mr. B’s history was significant for the absence of what he called a ‘phallic oriented puberty’…He was not able to achieve orgasm until his early 20s. At that time all masturbation was accomplished by rubbing his penis against his mattress in a prone position while fantasizing about being penetrated by a male. He would do this on a daily basis, always eventuating in orgasm. In his late 20’s he found a male lover with whom he would characteristically engage in mutual, manual masturbation…Any stimulation by his partner eventuated in mutual exhaustion since no effort was sufficient, no matter how prodigious, to trigger Mr. B’s orgasm…Mr. B reported that masturbation, while in a prone position, felt ‘more natural’, was speedier, and required far less effort. Mr. B’s explanation was that he imagined his masturbatory preference to be a logical outgrowth of his shame at not having ‘good, working equipment’…Being face down allowed him to hide his embarrassment”.
Case 3 [Mr. C]: A 24-year old gay white male referred for inability to reach orgasm – “When, on rare occasions, Mr. C did achieve orgasm, it was always with a flaccid penis and never accompanied by any pleasurable sensation…Positionally, Mr. C would invariably masturbate while lying on his stomach, his hands made into fists with his penis between his thumbs. He would thrust downward creating intense friction between the lateral portion of his penile shaft and the knuckles of his thumbs. There would be no erection. The frequency of masturbation was 5-7 times per week. Before treatment, when Mr. C tried masturbating in a more typical fashion he was capable of obtaining an erection but never a strong one nor was there any subsequent orgasm”.
Case 4 [Mr. D]: A 35-year old heterosexual single white male referred for primary erectile dysfunction – “Mr. D masturbated on a daily basis since adolescence. The quality of the erection during masturbation was reported to be of ‘poor rigidity’…but always eventuated in orgasm. Positionally, Mr. D would be prone, lying on his face and chest, using both hands – one hand grasping his penis, the other hand placed over the first…Only subtle changes in pressure from his hand served to heighten his arousal to the point of obtaining a semi-rigid, non penetrable erection and then orgasm…He has never been able to sustain his erection beyond several seconds of intercourse nor has he achieved orgasm…When asked as to why he masturbated in this statistically unusual manner, Mr. D expressed surprise that it was so unusual and hypothesized that it must have arisen out of being a shameful activity at which he wouldn’t have wanted to be caught. In addition, the tight clutching of his penis during masturbation parallels Mr. C’s traumatizing handling of his penis during masturbation and Mr. A’s vigorous, exhaustive masturbatory rubbing against his bedding or partner”.
Dr. Sank duly acknowledged that the case material presented was anecdotal and he made it clear in his paper that he wasn’t suggesting the “distinguishing variables of position plus frequency or either, alone, are necessary or sufficient for causing the erectile or orgasmic dysfunctions described in these cases”. In the cases of A, C and D:
“The punishing handling of the penis might co-occur with these two variables because a prone position, due to its awkwardness and lack of freedom of motion, would seem to require a great deal of intensity if the subject is to derive the requisite pleasurable sensations associated with masturbatory activity. The daily regimen of masturbation might also have served to raise the threshold of sensation, thus requiring even more intense stimulatory activity to enable orgasm. Unfortunately this heightened intensity would likely raise the threshold for pleasurable sensation even higher…the proverbial vicious circle”
Dr. Sank reported that all his patients were successfully treated and overcame their presenting symptoms. Sank did not describe the treatment in any detail (saying it was beyond the scope of the paper) but involved the “re-sensitizing what the patient treats as a desensitized organ through both individualized behavioral exercises and psychotherapy when appropriate”.
On the basis of his admittedly anecdotal findings, Dr. Sank recommends that pubescent teenagers should be taught proper masturbatory techniques (either by parents, by teachers, and/or by paediatricians). However, as far as I am aware, no other academic or clinical paper has followed up the work of Sank. The Wikipedia entry relating to TMS was removed in 2009 (presumably because of lack of evidence). However, according to an article on masturbation on the Right Diagnosis website, some sources, still continue to give credence to the idea of TMS. The article cites the 1994 book by sex therapist Eva Margolies (Undressing The American Male) who condemned masturbation by rubbing against a pillow or mattress. The same article also quotes the work of and Dr. Josie Lipsith and her colleagues in a 2003 issue of Sexual and Relationship Therapy that suggests masturbation could play a part in male psychogenic sexual dysfunction (although this seems to be little more than citation of Dr. Sank’s original paper).
Go Ask Alice (2006). Traumatic Masturbatory Syndrome. November 17. Located at: http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/traumatic-masturbatory-syndrome-tms
Healthy Strokes (2013). Facts about prone masturbation. Located at: http://www.healthystrokes.com
Lipsith, J., McCann, D. & Goldmeier, D. (2003). Male Psychogenic Sexual Dysfunction: The Role of Masturbation. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 18, 448-471.
Margolies, E. (1994). Undressing the American Male: Men with Sexual Problems and What Women Can Do to Help Them. New York: Penguin.
Right Diagnosis (2013). Masturbation. Located at: http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/m/masturbation/wiki.htm
Sank, L.I. (1998). Traumatic masturbatory syndrome. Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 24, 37-42.
Posted in Case Studies, Gender differences, Physiological disorders, Sex
Tags: Atypical masturbatory behaviour, Inorgasmia, Masturbation, Non-orgasmic, Orgasm. Orgasm problems, Traumatic Masturbatory Syndome
My latest article for @PsychToday looks at whether VR will ever replace the need for hallucinogenic drugs:… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 1 hour ago
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HomeBacon and the art of livingChapter 4: Seeds of War
The quest to understand how great bacon is made takes me around the world and through epic adventures. I tell the story by changing the setting from the 2000s to the late 1800s when much of the technology behind bacon curing was unraveled. I weave into the mix beautiful stories of Cape Town and use mostly my family as the other characters besides me and Oscar and Uncle Jeppe from Denmark, a good friend and someone to whom I owe much gratitude! A man who knows bacon! Most other characters have a real basis in history and I describe actual events and personal experiences set in a different historical context.
The cast I use to mold the story into is letters I wrote home during my travels.
Seeds of War
Johannesburg, December 1889
My dad was a magistrate in the district of Woodstock in Cape Town. He was my best friend in the entire world and when I told him that I did not desire to study further, as he did after school, but rather choose to ride transport between Cape Town and Johannesburg, he did not like it, but he supported me. He saw why I had to do it.
I did not follow any particular passion other than a general quest for adventure. Ancient ways were disappearing and wanted to get up close and personal with it before it was gone. There was the almost wholesale slaughter by hunters for sport and food; the discovery of diamonds at Kimberley and gold on the Rand brought people from around the world with strange new customs with no regard for the land. Apart from the adventure, riding transport was a very lucrative undertaking. In those days there were only two ways to make money quickly. One was to join the diggings in Kimberley and take your chances there and the other was to ride transport between either the harbour cities of Cape Town and the interior or Durban to the interior. (1)
When I told my dad my plans he did not immediately reply. Not for days. I could tell he was thinking about it. At night I heard my bedroom door in the old house open. I knew he was standing in the doorway watching me as I lay half asleep. A few days later, when I came home from the mountain with Minette, he called me to the stables. There was a mare, light brown with a white mark on her forehead. I never saw her before. My dad handed me the rains. “Her name is Lady!” he said. “You will need a good horse. The road between the Colony and the Rand is long!” We never spoke about it again.
The morning of my first expedition to Johannesburg came. The three wagons left at 2:00 in the morning. The plan was that I would follow later and catch up with them outside town. I heard the driver call the name of the oxen and cracking the whip as they moved down the hill from our house towards the main road out of Cape Town, past the Shambles abattoir where David de Villiers Graaff now ran Combrink & Co. and the new city railway station was being constructed. I was too excited to go back to sleep. At 5:00 a.m. my mom called me. The coffee and rusks were ready.
The coal stove warmed the kitchen. My dad poured the coffee into the saucer and slurped it up. That’s how he drank it – every morning before the sun was up. He walked over to the hat rack where he fetched his felt hat and cravats and said to me, “Come, I ride with you till you catch up with the wagons.” When we got to the wagons my dad stopped and I rode up next to him. We shook hands. Firm and warm. As if we would never see each other again. “Look after yourself! Be careful! Be vigilant! Bring back great stories and when you are back – tell me everything!”
This became our routine. My dad would ride out with me till I get to the wagons. He would greet me in almost the exact same way every time. Months later upon my return, my dad would be waiting for me at the Durbanville hills and we would ride back together the last few hours. He would tell me about my brothers and how their studies are progressing and the health of my mom. He would have me recount in the greatest detail every event of my trip, always spurring me on to “leave out nothing!” Even though he did not formally approve of how I chose to occupy myself, I knew that he was vicariously living every moment through me. When I heard him re-tell my stories to Uncle Jacobus, sitting under the big trees next to his enormous home by large wooden tables, eating the finest bacon imported from C & T Harris in Wiltshire, England, I knew that he was proud of me and did not care that people frowned upon the choices I made.
We all knew that Johannesburg would soon be reached from Cape Town by a two-day train ride. (3) The advantage for the businessman and the material development of the continent was clear, but a deep sadness came over me every time I think of it, knowing that I was part of the last generation to see this land unspoiled. My dad also knew this and when I told him one day how few elephants I saw between Cape Town and Worcester, he remarked that we came to build a new land but in reality, we are destroying it. “Soon”, he said, “the great beasts of the field who made the roads we travel on and who sustained life here for untold generations would be gone and having destroyed nature – on what will we pray then?”
My dad was a great fan of Alexander von Humboldt, the Prussian naturalist who explored South America. He learned many of Von Humboldt’s books off by heart. Von Humboldt wrote eloquently on the destruction of South America by colonization and my dad loved pointing out the same progression in our land.
It was indeed the giant elephants who created the network of connecting roads across Africa. No other animal has the ability to clear a road through rugged terrain like a herd of them. Ancient elephant migration paths across Africa have been used by other animals since the dawn of time. They were the arteries that distributed humanity across this vast land acting as human migration routes. African tribes traveled it to trade salt and copper. European settlers with their ox wagons used these paths to connect territories. Dutch farmers, disgruntled by the abolition of slavery and in general revolt against the Cape Government trecked along them out of the Colony into the interior to form a new people, the Boers. Along these ancient roads, I now transport material and supplies to small rural settlements.
Besides disappearing nature, I was hungry to meet “real people.” Take Daniel Jacobs as a good example. One night at a dry riverbed outside Kimberly, a slightly older Boer asked if we could camp together for the night. He was traveling alone and our transport party provided him with the security in numbers for the night which lone travelers lack. He was on his way to Johannesburg on government business. No sooner did he introduce himself when I realised that he was one of those “real people” I always hoped to meet on my travels.
Daniel Jacobs was an impressive man. His stature was tall and imposing and his mannerism was enduring and kind. His mind was keen and alert. He had a love for history and a keen intellect. I liked him and I liked what he likes! We spoke till late in the night. Despite his energy, Daniel had a sadness about him which I did not fully understand. Was it a sadness or a realism about life? I was unsure.
I told him stories of our adventures on Table Mountain. He knew Cape Town well but has not been on Table Mountain as often as Minette, Achmat, Taahir, and I. Despite this, we had the same experience that in nature we meet God. In the simplest interaction with animals; the witnessing of grand vistas; breathtaking sunsets; stormy highfelt afternoons; Cape winter winds – for us, these were the heavenly choruses praising the Creator.
We spoke about all these matters. Later that night he took out a notebook from the pocket of his black jacket. He opens it and angled it against the fire to read. Of course he knew his words and as he read he dropped his hands holding his notebook and reciting it from memory. A poem. He penned it one of his many travels to Johannesburg from the Colony. In Afrikaans. The simple words and phrases mixed and precipitated a word image that I later often recalled when I would see vasts herds of game on the Highveld or feel the rain in my face as I crossed the salt lakes on the other side of Kimberly. Of spiritual barnes – the reservoir of the words of God contained in our experience of nature.
He titled it GEESTESKUUR – Spiritual Barn
Kom kinders van Suid-Afrika –Come, Children of South Africa,
Kom luister na die stem van God – Come and listen to the voice of God
Wat die wind daar buite dra – Carried by the wind out there
Die sang van die duif in die dennebos – The song of the dove in the pine grove
Die geskarrel van die veldmuis op soek na kos – The felt mouse running and looking for food
O Here u natuur – Oh, Lord, your nature
Is vir ons ‘n geesteskuur. – For us, it is a spiritual barn
Kom kinders van Suid-Afrika – Come, Children of South Africa,
Die breek van die branders teen die kus – The breaking of the waves against the coast
Die gekras van die seemeeu op soek na vis – Noisy seagulls looking for food
O Here u natuur – Oh LORD, your nature
Is vir ons ‘n geesteskuur – For us, it is a spiritual barn (2)
We parted the next day and I knew that a friendship was struck for life. It is these encounters with real people that inspire me.
I dont just marvel when it happens – no, I actively seek out those who will make an impact on me. To me, people like Daniel Jacobs are like wild animals and nature. They define this land and yet, people like them are disappearing.
The rugged Boers of the interior with their stubbornness, coffee, beskuit and biltong. They farm this desolate land and live semi-pastoral, semi-hunter existences. For all their striving for independence, they are becoming completely subjected to European laws and customs. Soon, the only features that will set them apart from European trends will be their almost universal disdain for the English, their strict Calvinist religion, and their language (and of course moerkoffie, beskuit, and biltong).
I heard stories, no doubt exaggerated, as these tales are, of Englishmen who lost their way and when they happen upon a Boer homestead, being turned away without food or water only to die in the wilderness. I wonder if these stories were fact or fables intended as a warning for English would-be travelers to these lands.
Theologically, they remained isolated and free from the softening that took place in Europe and England of the harsh positions following the reformation. In a way, it was much on account of their faith that they were able to endure the hardships of the frontier, as was the case in countries like America.
In any event, I wanted to travel through their lands and experience their warm culture, their openness to strangers (as long as you don’t speak English), their perseverance of their faith and their dedication to their own family and kind, before their way of life as frontiersmen change forever.
What is true for the Boer, was true for the indigenous African tribes. Their cultures have been in decline since the Dutch, German, French and the English arrived at the Cape of Good Hope and ventured into their lands. I grew up with the boys from all the different peoples of this land but often wondered about their beliefs and stories and language before they came to the Cape. Now they are Christian and Muslim and they speak English or Dutch, as I do. I wondered what was their language was in Malaysia or India, in Madagascar and in Mozambique. What was the names of their gods and what stories did their parents tell them of their ancestors? What games did their people play which they don’t even know?
I have seen the Khoi burial sites at the foot of Signal Hill. I heard the stories of how they danced when the full moon appeared and how the mountain was sacred to them. It saddened me that I could not find a single Khoi boy who could teach me their songs or who knew their legends of Table Mountain. Did their worriers and hunters ever climb to the top? What did they call this breathtaking rock planted at the tip of the great African land?
I knew the caves where escaped slave hid out on the Mountain; I heard from the old people how one could see their fires burn at night against the mountain slopes from town but these were sad stories, testimony to the cruelty of humans. Even as a child when I first heard these accounts, I wondered who they were and what stories they could tell. Likewise, I wondered about the stories of the Khoi. Lost stories. Of a spirit world which existed in the dreams and trances of their Sharma’s and old people. These spurred me on to find and tell the stories of Africa which I still hear before they disappear forever.
This was not to say that riding transport was not financially rewarding. Some years I was able to come home with as much as GBP4000 ($20 000) in my pocket, every 6 months. Without knowing it, I was receiving a better education than any university could offer and that while I was building up cash reserves for a much bigger adventure. Still, my repertoire of remarkable stories grew ever larger.
I once stayed over on a farm in the district of Potchefstroom, owned by Petrus Jordaan. His father knew the legendary Boer leader after whom Pretoria was named, Andries Pretorius, personally. The Jordaan family was a traditional Boer family who lived exactly the kind of life that I wanted to observe up-close. The immediate and extended family all lived together. There was strength in numbers, something that was very useful in a frontier situation.
Everybody had their work for each day. There was no time to be idle, except on a Sunday, which was the Lords Day. Meal times were very important. Everybody gathered for breakfast, lunch, and supper around Petrus Jordaan’s big dining room table. A bowl of water was poured and passed from one person to the next and everybody washed their hands in it. The water was never changed during the washing and the visitor always washed last. Only then was the water thrown out.
Each meal was an elaborate affair with food that people from the city could only dream of. At night, after supper, one of the kids would run to fetch the big family bible. It was handed down from generation to generation, translated into old Dutch. Petrus would read a passage and pray. After bible reading, the family lingered at the table and shared stories from the day until either Petrus or his dad, Stefanus, would get up and announce that it was a hard day and time to retire to bed.
One such evening, Petrus’ father, Oom Stefanus Jordaan told me about Andries Pretorius. Under his leadership, a group of Boers tried to set up a republic south of the Vaal River. A struggle for independence followed lasting seven or eight years until the British won a decisive battle at Boomplaats and Pretorius fled across the Vaal with a group of his followers to set up the Republic of the Transvaal (“Trans,” as in “across” and “Vaal,” as in “the Vaal river”)
The Khoi and the San had their beliefs which shaped their actions. I had mine and Pretorius had his. I wanted to understand why a faction of the Boers seemed so preoccupied with enslaving the people of this land. Oom Stefanus did not mind when I asked him about it. He explained that for Pretorius and some of his follower’s slavery is an inherent right and duty of the white man in this savage land. One of Pretorius’ favourite scriptures was from the Old Testament where Israel is commanded to either slay or enslave the surrounding nations. To him, the natives were the people of the cities who were “far off” and he had the Divine command to enslave them. His was the nation of God, the chosen, who would bring Gods light into a savage, godless land. The Boer had a God-given right to occupy the lands of these people. They were to him the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites whom the Lord had commanded to destroy. (4)
The policy has been carried out in a cruel and relentless way. Entire tribes were sometimes massacred. Adults were killed and children carried off and indentured on farms. Indenture was a savage replacement for slavery where the indentured person could be sold as a tradable commodity. They sometimes received a small allowance for their labour and sometimes not. The big supposed advantage over slavery was that the period of indenture had a definite end-date when they would be freed and when they would sometimes receive additional compensation for their labour, or sometimes, not. They would, sometimes, be given land from the farmer to settle permanently on at the end of the indenture, and, sometimes, nothing. Oom Stefanus told me how even leaders like Paul Kruger participated in these schemes and that the policy was almost universal in the Transvaal Republic. (5)
The English, despite their own atrocities against the indigenous tribes of Southern Africa, were fierce opponents of slavery and Oom Stefanus told me bluntly that the continuation of the practice of slavery in the Transvaal was the spiritual motivation for the English to annex it and for the Anglo-Boer war of 1880 and 1881. (5)
Visiting Boer farms in the Transvaal left me with a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth. On the one hand, these people were the warmest and heartiest people I knew. Rugged, industrious and hard working with a faith that almost moved mountains. On the other hand, I was angry to see the little black kids, indentured by people like the Jordaan’s on account of the fact that they were caught on his farm or captured when the Boers raided native villages or bought as “black ivory” on auctions like you would trade cattle.
An indignation rose up in my heart against this cruelest of practices when I hear things like Petrus Jordaan’s wife says that after a few years, these young ones accept their fate and become accustomed to their new life, as the memories of their parents fade. They become so loyal to the Boer family that they are prepared to fight against the English with the Boers. When I hear stories like these, my mind wonders back to the Cape and the many black friends I grew up with and call my friends to this day.
These are however not the only stories I heard on my many travels through the interior of this vast land. I can honestly say that I have heard similar stories of regular, unspeakable cruelty perpetrated by almost every people in Southern Africa against neighbours. Khoe who raided San villages and killed the adults and carried away the children. The British, waging war against the native tribes, dispossessing their lands without giving them anything in return.
I learned on these rides that not all people think with one heart and mind. Among the English, there are people who support the Boer and have compassion for his course and there are those who oppose it. There are Boers who support slavery and those who are as fiercely opposed to it as some of the Brittish. Not all people are the same.
Of all the peoples of the interior, I feel closest to the Boers of the Orange Free State. Not only on account of the fact that they do not practice the indenture of native people but a family member on my mother’s side, Oom Piet Rademan, moved to the Northern Free State and now farms very near the point where I cross the Vaal River on my way to Johannesburg. I made it a habit to set up camp at Viljoensdrift and then to undertake the 12-hour horse ride to their farm, Rooiwal, in the Vredefort district to spend a few days there before I return to my camp and cross the Vaal River on my way to Johannesburg
Oom Pieter Jacobus Rademan (born on 13 September 1838) grew up in Swellendam in the Cape Colony and moved North to the Orange Free State where he met and married Susanna Maria Geldenhuys from Kroonstad. He settled at Rooiwal in 1872 where they now live with their 10 children.
When I started the transport company, I used to camp on his farm and would bring him building material from the Cape. These days, his barns and homestead are all built and I carry only tobacco for Oom Piet that my dad sends him and spices for Aunt Santjie in my saddle bag. The trip to Rooiwal is a short and a pleasant detour. Sometimes I will take Aunt Santjie thread from my mom or recipe books from a dealer in Adderley Street. (6)
Oom Piet lived to the ripe old age of 99. I was, in later years, told the story that when Oom Piet was advanced in years, he thought that his dominie (pastor) did not visit him often enough (home visitation by the pastor was very important to the Boers). He instructed his workers to harness the horses and prepare the carriage. He rode to Vredefort where he stopped in front of the pastor’s house. Ds. Van Vuuren invited him to get down and come in, but he refused. He told Ds. Van Vuuren that he is an old man and may pass away any day now. He is scared that he will die and when he gets to heaven, the Lord will ask him how it’s going with his servant in Vredefort and that he will have to tell the Lord that he does not know because Ds. Van Vuuren no longer visits him at his home! (7)
Oom Piet Rademan at his horse buggy which he rode till his death at 99.
Oom Piet’s faith is of a milder nature than some of the extreme positions of the Transvaal Boers. He was a kind and gentle man. His is a sincere faith similar to that of my Uncle, Dominie Jan (my mother’s brother), Oom Sybrand and Oom Giel. These are all family members who became dominies in the NG Kerk.
Oom Piet was a simple man who tended his Afrikaner cattle and planted his corn on the rocky hills surrounding his simple but functional home. His children are the backbone of his workforce and the small number of natives who work for them are treated in fairness and allowed to live in the way that they have been accustomed to for hundreds of years, receiving a wage at the end of every week. (5) There are, for sure, stories doing the rounds in the family of him and his wife who could he hard taskmasters if the workers did not perform their duties up to standard but of the practice of indenture there was no sign and they desired nothing else but the peaceful existence of all peoples.
Oom Piet’s farm became a place where I would have some of my happiest times in the interior. I visited there as often as I could. In later years my grandfather, Oupa Eben, and grandmother, Ouma Susan, obtained the farm next to him, Stillehoogte. (7) The northern Free State became my second home and from their farm, I could see the herds of wild animals starting to dwindle, even during the short time I rode transport.
In a few short years, I would turn my back on riding transport and embark on an entirely different adventure. In the ebb and flow of human affairs, I soon had to determine my own place. I saw clearly that the seeds sown by the Anglo-Boer War of 1880 and 1881 were still germinating in the soil of Southern Africa. Despite the fact that the Boers were victorious against England, I could not see the pressure groups in London relenting on the issue of slavery. On the other hand, the Transvaal Boers’ view of the native was a matter of religion to them and I could not see this change easily. The powerful British Empire was dealt a bloody nose by a small group of Boers and this would certainly be redressed, especially in light of the discovery of gold at the Rand and the influx of English people (immigrants) lusting after it.
I saw many competing nations with many diametrically opposing goals and desires and many scores to settle. I could not see powerful black tribes ever exist in South Africa, independently, alongside the powerful British empire or the Boer republic of the Transvaal. The British would not allow this. The native tribes, on the other hand, were humiliated, their men killed, their women and children carried off and their land taken. The resentment that is festering in such peoples cannot be ignored or suppressed forever before it turns into war.
Whichever way I think about it, peace was not something I saw for this land for the near future and I had to think deeply about what I wanted to dedicate my life to and how to make a living. In any event, it would be foolish to think that one would be able to ride transport through this land, uninterrupted while clouds of war gather.
As these things were becoming clear to me, I embarked on another trip to the Transvaal from Cape Town. Little did I know that this would be the trip where a most fortuitous event would occur. A problem that would lead to a meeting which would lead to a plan that would result in the rest of my life. On this trip, I met the most interesting Boer from Potchefstroom, Oscar Klynveld. This trip became the transition into the greatest adventure, ever, born from the seeds of war!
(c) eben van tonder
“Bacon & the art of living” in bookform
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(1) The exact same options were identified by the Moor brothers in the late 1800s living in Natal, sons of English (Irish?) immigrants. 1872, the oldest of the Moor brothers, FR Moor, went to Kimberly to make his fortune. His brother, JW Moor, later became important in the history of bacon in South Africa when he along with other farmers from the Estcourt area created the First Farmers Cooperative Bacon Company in 1917. JW was the chairman. This company later changed its name to Eskort, the iconic South African bacon producer.
(2) The railway linking Johannesburg and Cape Town was completed in 1892.
(3) Daniel Jacobs write: “Nadat ek my Nasionale Diensplig voltooi het, was ek nog vir ongeveer ag jaar betrokke by Stellenbosch Kommando met die hou van o.a. jeugkampe vir veral Kleurlingkinders. Ek dink dit was hier by die laat 1980’s toe ons vir ‘n week lank ‘n tipe Weerbaarheidskursus van die Weermag by die Voortrekkers se Wemmershoek-terrein naby Franscchoek bygewoon het. Ons moes elke oggend alleen iewers gaan sit en stiltetyd hou. Ek het toe die een oggend in ‘n denenbos gesit. Terwyl ek daar sit het ek baie bewus geraak van God se teenwoordigheid. Ek het toe die eerste strofe van die gediggie geskryf na aanleiding van wat ek daar beleef het. Alles wat ek hier skryf – geluid van die wind – duiwe se sang en die geskarrel van die veldmuis het ek waargeneem terwyl ek daar gesit het. As ek my oë toemaak kan ek nog in my geestesoog die veldmuis sien wegskarrel. Ek het later jare (seker so 4-5 jaar gelede) die tweede versie bygevoeg tydens ‘n Mannekamp by die Mooihawens Kampterrein in Bettiesbaai.
(4) Recorded by Trollop in his history of South Africa; cited in a newspaper article about slavery in the Transvaal. Chicago Daily Tribune (Chicago, Illinois), 30 December 1880, page 4, “The Revolt of the Pro-Slavery Boers.”
(5) From an article, setting out the case for the First Anglo-Boer war of 1880/ 1881 and the continued annexation of the Transvaal; published in The Times (London, Greater London, England), 22 Feb 1881, page 9.
(6) Information supplied by Nerine Rademan Leonard and Jan Kok.
(7) The story was told by Oom Jan Kok, my mothers oldest brother. Oom Pieter was their grandfather on their mother’s side, which makes him my great-grandfather. My grandmother, Ouma Susan, was taking care of Oom Piet till his death and was only allowed to marry my grandfather, Oupa Eben, after Oom Piet passed away. The day of his death, his pipe was still warm. He smoked till the day of his death.
(8) Stillehoogte was the farm of my grandparents, Oupa Eben and Ouma Susan. Every long-weekend and every school holiday we spent on the farm in the Northern Free State.
Stillehoogte belonged to Oom Piet Rademan and Ouma Santjie inherited it from her father. My Ouma Susan Kok inherited the farm since she had the Rademan (Geldenhuys name – Susanna Maria).
Aunt Meraai (Oom Sybrand and Oom Michiel Straus’s mom) had inherited the farm Leeuspruit because she had her Grandmom Uys’ name and Leeuspruit belonged to Oom Giel Uys.
As far as Oom Jan knows, the farm Stillehoogte was a farm on its own and not part of Rooiwal. The other Rademan children also inherited land in this area. Oom Jan is also not sure if this was part of Rooiwal. Oom Freek got the farm Rosebank. Oom Attie got the farm Goudinie , Oom Lourence the farm Windhoek. All these could have been one farm because they boarder each other.
The Cincinnati Enquirer (Cincinnati, Ohio), 1 November 1908, Page 31.
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The Sun Is Pissed Off
Run for your lives!
Massive solar flare hits Earth tonight
The biggest solar flare in four years has blasted out from the sun, and is expected to reach Earth late tonight.
The flare, or coronal mass ejection (CME), was emitted on Monday at 8:56pm EST. It’s been categorized as a Class X2.2 flare, the most severe type. It follows one Class M – medium-sized – flare the day before, and several low-grade Class C flares over the preceding week.
The coronal mass ejection associated with the flare is currently traveling about 900 Km/second and is expected to reach Earth’s orbit tonight at about 10pm EST. It’s the biggest flare yet in the current solar cycle.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the flare in the extreme ultraviolet wavelength of 193 Angstroms – although the SDO imager was for a moment overwhelmed by the bright flash.
It emanated from Active Region 1158, in the southern hemisphere; this has in the past trailed behind the north in activity but now leads in big flares.
A flare of this size could have noticeable effects on Earth when the cloud of charged particles reaches us. It’s possible that radio transmissions and GPS systems could be knocked out, and power grids could be affected.
Sun Erupts with Enormous X2 Solar Flare
Solar flare 2011: How a dazzling display can wreak electrical havoc
Here comes the sun: Solar flares make way to Earth
Biggest Solar Flares in 4 Years Heading Toward Earth
Scientists await arrival of solar flares
Planet awaits largest solar flare effects today
Giant Solar Blast Headed for Earth
Solar flares due to hit Earth
Sun has biggest solar flare of the year
Solar flare could light up night sky
Solar flare could cause Northern Lights over New England
Is Class X flash first warning of 2012 solar storm?
So, if your power goes out or your electronics go haywire, you’ll know why, the Earth is getting a solar spanking. And if a solar flare can disrupt the power grid, it kind of makes you wonder what kind of radiation dose humans are taking.
/in any case, don’t forget to duck
Filed under: Blog Entry | Tagged: Active Region 1158, Affected, Angstroms, Blasted Out, Bright Flash, Categorized, Charged Particles, Class C Flare, Class M Flare, Class X2.2 Flare, Cloud, CME, Coronal Mass Ejection, Current Solar Cycle, Earth, Earth’s Orbit, Emanated, Emitted, Extreme Ultraviolet Wavelength, GPS Systems, Knocked Out, Low-Grade, Massive, Medium-Sized, Most Severe, NASA, National Aeronautics And Space Administration, Noticeable Effects, Orbit, Overwhelmed, Power Grids, Radio Transmissions, SDO, SDO Imager, Solar Cycle, Solar Dynamics Observatory, Solar Flare, Southern Hemisphere, Sun | 1 Comment »
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Home News Boko Haram: 8,960 Vulnerable IDPs Receive Recovery kit’s in Damaturu
Boko Haram: 8,960 Vulnerable IDPs Receive Recovery kit’s in Damaturu
Victims and members of host communities of Boko Haram insurgency from Yobe State Thursday got a reprieve from FG/ World Bank Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), Yobe State project Coordination Unit (PCU).
The transitional support materials are expected to be distributed to 8,960 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) including host Communities, Returnees and the most vulnerable people across the State especially in the worse hit insurgency local governments areas which include, Gulani, Gujba,Damaturu, Tarmuwa, Potiskum, Fika, Gaidam and Yunusari
Flagging off of the distribution of the non-food items, the State Coordinator MCRP, Alhaji Musa Idi Jidawa said that MCRP North East is a government of Nigeria project funded by the World Bank and implemented in three States of the North East, Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states.
Jidawa explained further that the project is designed to Improve livelihoods of affected communities by facilitating fast recovery from the heinous effects of Boko Haram conflict, strengthen social cohesion and rehabilitation of infrastructure and restore service delivery to the people of North East region of Nigeria.
“We are aware that Boko Haram insurgency in the North East has affected nearly 15 million people since 2009 and due to the violence, more than 20,000 lives have been lost and over two million people have been displaced.
“It may therefore interest you to know that MCRP is a very comprehensive recovery project aimed at addressing humanitarian and development challenges posed by the insurgency which is also in line with the Yobe State Integrated Recovery Plan tailored on the principles of improving Community’s physical, Social and economic resilience”, Jidawa said.
The four components of the project he said will focus on strengthening peace building, stability and Social cohesion to provide basic necessity kits, restore access to productive assets by providing agricultural inputs and livestock for farming families and trading commodities for non Farmers, establishing peace groups in communities and implementing social cohesion activities.
Others are rehabilitation of physical and Social infrastructure in the areas of Health, Education, Water and Sanitation, Transport and Public Building.
“Technical assistance and capacity building and contingent Emergency response component to allow for rapid reallocation of project funds in the event of natural or man- made crisis in the future during the implementation of the project, to address such eligible Emergency needs,” Jidawa added.
Represented by his Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana, Governor Maimala Buni, commended the partnership between the Federal Government for mobilizing resources for the implementation of the $45 million program in the state.
“We therefore wish to thank the World Bank and federal government for this kind gesture and to reassure them of our administration’s resolute commitment to ensure successful implementation of the MCRP in the state,” Buni said.
He called on the beneficiaries to make the best use of the materials to better their lots.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the non food recovery items to beneficiaries.
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Emergency Digest - June 20, 2019
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Ambrosia beetle
Ambrosia beetles are beetles of the weevil subfamilies Scolytinae and Platypodinae (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), which live in nutritional symbiosis with ambrosia fungi. The beetles excavate tunnels in dead or stressed trees in which they cultivate fungal gardens, their sole source of nutrition. After landing on a suitable tree, an ambrosia beetle excavates a tunnel in which it releases spores of its fungal symbiont. The fungus penetrates the plant's xylem tissue, extracts nutrients from it, and concentrates the nutrients on and near the surface of the beetle gallery. Ambrosia fungi are typically poor wood degraders, and instead utilize less demanding nutrients.[1] The majority of ambrosia beetles colonize xylem (sapwood and/or heartwood) of recently dead trees, but some attack stressed trees that are still alive, and a few species attack healthy trees.[2] Species differ in their preference for different parts of trees, different stages of deterioration, and in the shape of their tunnels ("galleries"). However, the majority of ambrosia beetles are not specialized to any taxonomic group of hosts, unlike most phytophagous organisms including the closely related bark beetles. One species of ambrosia beetle, Austroplatypus incompertus exhibits eusociality, one of the few organisms outside of Hymenoptera and Isoptera to do so.
Classification and diversityEdit
Gallery of Xylosandrus crassiusculus split open, with pupae and black fungus
Until recently ambrosia beetles have been placed in independent families Scolytidae and Platypodidae, however, they are in fact some of the most highly derived weevils.[3] There are about 3,000 known beetle species employing the ambrosia strategy.[4]
Ambrosia beetles are an ecological guild, but not a phylogenetic clade. The ambrosia habit is an example of convergent evolution, as several groups evolved the same symbiotic relationship independently.[5] The highest diversity of ambrosia beetles is in the tropics. In the Paleotropical region, hundreds of species of Xyleborini and Platypodinae are the main agent initiating dead wood decomposition. In the Neotropics, Platypodinae and Xyleborini are joined by the scolytine tribe Cortylini. Compared to the diversity in the tropics, ambrosia beetle fauna in the temperate zone is rather limited. In the Nearctic region it is dominated by a few species from Cortylini, Xyleborini and Xyloterini. In the Palearctic ecozone, significant groups are Xyloterini and Xyleborini, joined by Scolytoplatypodini in the Far East.
Dinoplatypus chevrolati from Papua New Guinea, an example of Platypodinae, another species-rich group of ambrosia beetles
The symbiotic relationshipEdit
Beetles and their larvae graze on mycelium exposed on the gallery walls and on bodies called sporodochia, clusters of the fungus' spores. Most ambrosia beetle species don't ingest the wood tissue; instead, the sawdust resulting from the excavation is pushed out of the gallery. Following the larval and pupal stage, adult ambrosia beetles collect masses of fungal spores into their mycangia and leave the gallery to find their own tree.
A few dozen species of ambrosia fungi have been described, currently in the polyphyletic genera Ambrosiella (mostly Microascales), Raffaelea, Ceratocystiopsis and Dryadomyces (from Ophiostomatales), Ambrosiozyma (yeasts), and Entomocorticium (Basidiomycota). Many more species remain to be discovered. Little is known about the bionomy or specificity of ambrosia fungi. Ambrosia fungi are thought to be dependent on transport and inoculation provided by their beetle symbionts, as they have not been found in any other habitat. All ambrosia fungi are probably asexual and clonal.[6] Some beetles are known to acquire ("steal") fungal inoculum from fungal gardens of other ambrosia beetle species.[7]
Evolutionary originEdit
During their evolution, most scolytid and platypodid weevils became progressively more or less dependent on fungi regularly co-habiting dead trees. This evolution had various outcomes in different groups:
Some phloem-eating bark beetles (phloeophages) are vectors of phytopathogenic fungi, which in some cases contribute to tree death.[8] The extent to which fungal pathogenicity benefits the beetles themselves is not at all trivial and remains disputed.[9]
Many of phloem-feeding bark beetles use phloem-infesting fungi as an addition to their diet. Some phloeophages became dependent on such a mixed diet and evolved mycangia to transport their symbionts from maternal trees to newly infested trees.[10] These beetles are called mycophloeophages.
Ambrosia beetles and ambrosia fungi are thus only one end of the spectrum of the weevil-fungus association, where both the beetle and the fungus became completely dependent on each other.[11]
Impact on forestsEdit
The vast majority of ambrosia beetles colonize dead trees, and have minor or no economic effect. A few species are able to colonize living stressed trees (Xylosandrus).[12] A few species are able to attack live and healthy trees, and those can reach epidemic proportions in non-native, invaded regions (Xyleborus glabratus, Euwallacea fornicatus[13]).
Beetle species that readily colonize lumber, such as sawlogs, green lumber, and stave-bolts, often cause region-specific economic loss from the pinhole and stained-wood defects caused by their brood galleries. In Northern USA and Canada, conifer logs are attractive to Trypodendron lineatum (Oliv.) during the spring swarming flight (Dyer 1967).[14] Previous studies showed that short log sections become attractive more rapidly than corresponding long logs.
Laurel wilt disease
Forest pathology
Euwallacea fornicatus
^ Kasson, M.T., Wickert, K.L., Stauder, C.M., Macias, A.M., Berger, M.C., Simmons, D.R., Short, D.P., DeVallance, D.B. and Hulcr, J., 2016. Mutualism with aggressive wood-degrading Flavodon ambrosius (Polyporales) facilitates niche expansion and communal social structure in Ambrosiophilus ambrosia beetles. Fungal Ecology, 23, pp.86-96.
^ Hulcr, J. and Stelinski, L.L., 2017. The ambrosia symbiosis: From evolutionary ecology to practical management. Annual Review of Entomology, 62, pp.285-303.
^ Kuschel, G., R. A. B. Leschen, et al. (2000): Platypodidae under scrutiny. Invertebrate Taxonomy 14: 771-805.
Marvaldi, A. E., A. S. Sequeira, et al. (2002): Molecular and Morphological Phylogenetics of Weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionoidea): Do Niche Shifts Accompany Diversifcation? Systematic Biology 51(5): 761-785.
Duane D. McKenna, Andrea S. Sequeira, Adriana E. Marvaldi, and Brian D. Farrell. 2009. Temporal lags and overlap in the diversification of weevil and flowering plant. PNAS 106:7083-7088.
^ Hulcr, J., Atkinson, T.H., Cognato, A.I., Jordal, B.H. and McKenna, D.D., 2015. Morphology, taxonomy, and phylogenetics of bark beetles. Bark beetles: biology and ecology of native and invasive species, pp.41-84.
^ Farrell, B. D., A. S. O. Sequeira, et al. (2001): The evolution of agriculture in beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae). Evolution 55: 2011-2027.
^ Malloch, D., and M. Blackwell. 1993. Dispersal biology of ophiostomatoid fungi. p. 195-206. In: Ceratocystis and Ophiostoma: Taxonomy, Ecology and Pathology. Eds., Wingfield, M.J., K.A. Seifert, and J.F. Webber. APS, St. Paul.
^ Hulcr, J., Cognato, A. I. 2010. Repeated evolution of theft in fungus farming ambrosia beetles. Evolution, 64 (11): 3205-3212
^ Paine, T. D., K. F. Raffa, et al. (1997): Interactions between scolytid bark beetles, their associated fungi and live host conifers. Annual Review of Entomology 42: 179-206.
^ Six, D.L. and Wingfield, M.J., 2011. The role of phytopathogenicity in bark beetle–fungus symbioses: a challenge to the classic paradigm. Annual Review of Entomology, 56, pp.255-272.
^ Klepzik, K. D. and D. L. Six (2004): Bark Beetle – Fungal Symbiosis: Context Dependency in Complex Associations. Symbiosis 37: 189-205.
^ Beaver, R. A. (1989): Insect-Fungus Relationship in the Bark and Ambrosia Beetles. Insect-Fungus Interactions. N. Wilding, N. M. Collins, P. M. Hammond and J. F. Webber, Academic Press: 121-143.
^ Ranger, C.M., Reding, M.E., Persad, A.B. and Herms, D.A., 2010. Ability of stress‐related volatiles to attract and induce attacks by Xylosandrus germanus and other ambrosia beetles. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 12(2), pp.177-185.
^ Hulcr, J., Black, A., Prior, K., Chen, C.Y. and Li, H.F., 2017. Studies of ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in their native ranges help predict invasion impact. Florida Entomologist, 100(2), pp.257-261.
^ Dyer, E.D.A. 1967. Relation of attack by ambrosia beetle (Trypodendron lineatum (Oliv.)) to felling date of spruce in central British Columbia. For. Can., Can. For. Serv., Ottawa ON, Bi-mo. Res. Notes 23(2):11.
Wikispecies has information related to Platypodinae
Images and information on the Ambrosia Symbiosis at the University of Florida.
The MSU HISL database contains a worldwide species list of Xyleborini, a major group of ambrosia beetles, from the Catalog of Scolytidae and Platypodidae of S.L. Wood and D.E. Bright (1992)]
A USDA-sponsored information resource and key to the world genera of Xyleborini
American Bark and Ambrosia Beetles
More information on ambrosia beetle social behaviour and fungiculture on [1]
Farewell to taco topping? The effects of the Redbay ambrosia beetle and laurel wilt disease
Ambrosia beetles on the UF / IFAS Featured Creatures Web site
Platypus spp., ambrosia beetles
Xylosandrus crassiusculus, Asian (or granulate) ambrosia beetle
Xylosandrus compactus, black twig borer
van de Peppel, L. J. J., Aanen, D. K., & Biedermann, P. H. W. (2018). Low intraspecific genetic diversity indicates asexuality and vertical transmission in the fungal cultivars of ambrosia beetles. Fungal Ecology, 32, 57-64.
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On primary day, Florida lives up to its reputation
It's primary day in Florida, and you know what that means:
Sheneka McDonald spent 10 minutes trying to convince poll workers at the same precinct that she should have a Democratic ballot. She questioned poll workers when she was handed a Republican ballot but was told, "this is the only ballot we have."
"I said, 'How can this be the only ballot,'" McDonald recalled. "That's when the guy chimed in from the back and said the Democratic primary was in March."
The poll captain eventually apologized to McDonald and told her they had forgotten to unpack all the ballots. "It was a little unnerving this morning," she said. "I don't see how you forget to unpack ballots. This is what gives Florida its reputation."
Via Norwegianity; image appropriated from Wired.
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Family rejects police claim on Rayees’s killing
Home » News » Family rejects police claim on Rayees’s killing
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 17: Shakeela, the mother of slain Rayees of Fateh Kadal, said she was terrified and told the forces personnel that there is no one except her family members in the house.
The four-story house of Hanga’s owned by Habibullah Hanga, the father of Rayees Ahmad, has a bakery shop on the ground floor which was run by Rayees.Mother of slain Rayees Hanga Shakeela said she went upstairs to awake her husband and sons.
When her husband saw the force he collapsed.“He felt on the ground and my younger son shifted him to the hospital,” said Shakeela, adding “her elder son was asked by the forces to accompany them.”“They searched our house but found nothing,” said Shakeela.However, she said, after some time, they asked Rayees again to accompany them inside the house.“They went upstairs and started beating my son. He was crying and asking them not to beat him,” Sakeela recalls.
She said later, Rayees was taken into a vehicle and beaten again and whisked away.“I asked a policeman why they have taken my son,” said Shakeela, “he assured me that my son will be released after questioning.”Shakeela, her daughter and other female members of the family were asked to stay in the kitchen, which is in the rear side of the house.Forces told them to stay inside as they “will burst crackers outside”. “There were loud bangs, probably grenades. Our kids were crying and we were terrified,” she said adding that they were made to sit in the kitchen till sunrise.”
“At 6 am we were asked to come out and were shifted to another house” said Shakeela adding that “she saw forces firing a shell towards here house which later went into flames.”The family said there was no militant present in the house.“Had there been any militant the forces would not have been able to search,” she said.
Surrounded by women flock inside nearby marriage hall, Shakeela said, her son was innocent. “He was running the bakery and had no links with militants. Forces killed him by torture,” inconsolable Shakeela, said.(KNO)
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Stop celebration of sham elections, end bloodshed in Kashmir: Altaf Bukhari
Home » Kashmir » Stop celebration of sham elections, end bloodshed in Kashmir: Altaf Bukhari
By CNS on 22/10/2018.
Srinagar, Oct 22, CNS: Senior PDP leader and former finance minister Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari has said the central government and governor administration in Jammu and Kashmir must now come out from its election-related celebratory mode and focus on an immediate end to the bloodshed of innocent civilians in Kashmir.
Bukhari who is outside the country has said that unfortunately the political mainstream has now been restricted to issuing statements on these innocent and unwarranted civilian killings in Kashmir. “Mere condemnation and protest statements won’t do,” Bukhari emphasized.
He observed that time has come for the entire political spectrum in J&K to join their heads to take the state out of political quagmire which is bleeding its innocent citizens profusely.
“The killing of around seven civilians at Laroo in Kulgam district the other day has become more pathetic by the government’s lame excuses which are aimed at defending its unrestrained security forces,” the former finance minister observed.
The PDP senior leader said that the law enforcing agencies are not learning any lessons from previous such experiences. “Such reckless killings have in the past inflamed the situation and if such type of incidents are not stopped immediately, there is every likelihood that situation in the valley can take an ugly turn,” he cautioned.
Bukhari said it is heart-wrenching to learn about such incidents almost every day. “These incidents have now become a norm of the day. I appeal all political parties in J&K irrespective of their political ideologies to come together in the larger interest of humanity and facilitate cessation of hostilities and bloodshed,” he said.
He averred that in this hour of grief, all the words of condemnation and condolence sound very hollow at this human tragedy. Expressing heartfelt condolences with the bereaved families, Bukhari prayed for peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery for those who have sustained injuries in the incident.
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ARC Review: Dirty Pleasures (The Dirty Billionaire Trilogy #2) by Meghan March
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Published By: Meghan March LLC
Series: The Dirty Billionaire Trilogy #2
ASIN B016NH4JQY
Amazon * B&N * iBooks
Dirty Pleasures is the second book in The Dirty Billionaire Trilogy. Dirty Together, the conclusion of this filthy trilogy, will release on 1/12/2016.
I sit here writing this review just minutes after devouring Dirty Pleasures.
Yes. Devouring a book when I should have been working, but the Goddesses of self proclaimed reading whores had my back this morning and I gotta say that I think I fell even more in love with both Creighton and Holly in this installment of their story.
In Dirty Pleasures we really get to see Holly Wix, up and coming country music star and how tenacious she is when it comes to making her dreams a reality. The drive is there but she isn't a diva in anyway. She’s more than willing to tow the line and put the work into make it. Creighton is just a tad bit out of his element in Holly’s world, but it doesn't keep him from exercising his alpha tendencies where his business or Holly are concerned. And as we get to see different sides of them, they get to do the same and soon their relationship shifts.
I have to say that I liked the way their relationship changes and grows. It’s gradual, which is a bit of an understatement considering how quickly their marriage happened in the first book, and we start to see just how compatible they can be outside of the bedroom, or any other enclosed, private space. They find that while the explosive sexual chemistry between them still rages, admiration and respect starts to grow and they start to wonder if their marriage could actually be something solid and real, but neither has the ability to voice their thoughts and that failure to communicate costs them.
As far as writing style, voice and pace I swear I’m a broken record because as always it was done so well, but what I can comment on is how well Ms. March had Creighton and Holly’s relationship evolve. It never felt forced and it was fun to see how they reacted and interacted with each other. And that ending, I actually thought it would have been another issue that would drive a wedge into their fledgling marriage, but nope so I commend Ms. March on the twist and can’t wait to see how Creighton and Holly finally get their HEA in Dirty Together.
The Bottom Line: Must. Read. Period!
~ ARC provided by Rock Star PR LC in exchange for an honest review ~
Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.
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ARC Review: Mercury Striking (The Scorpius Syndrome #1) by Rebecca Zanetti
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Fantasy/Dystopian
Published By: Kensington Books - Zebra
Series: The Scorpius Syndrome #1
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With nothing but rumors to lead her, Lynne Harmony has trekked across a nightmare landscape to find one man—a mysterious, damaged legend who protects the weak and leads the strong. He’s more than muscle and firepower—and in post-plague L.A., he’s her only hope. As the one woman who could cure the disease, Lynne is the single most volatile—and vulnerable—creature in this new and ruthless world. But face to face with Jax Mercury…
Danger has never looked quite so delicious…
I’m a tad bit late on joining fun that are the Rebecca Zanetti books, but the ones that I have read I’ve thoroughly enjoyed, so when I heard that she was starting up a new series with a post apocalyptic / dystopian bent I knew I would be keeping an eye out for it. The novella, Scorpius Rising in the On The Hunt anthology, cranked up my interest in the series and I have to say that I really enjoyed Mercury Striking. It was filled with characters that you get attached to, great plot twists and a fully realized world that I could see myself being apart of, that is if I survived the Scorpius Syndrome.
I have to say that I was surprised that the first book would be focusing on Lynne because of what she had been through in the novella. I honestly thought she’d be more of a secondary character for awhile, considering the situation we last saw Lynne in, but after I started reading the book it made perfect sense to start with Lynne. Her intelligence is undeniable and that combined with her determination makes her a force to be reckoned with.
Jax Mercury is a man who has chosen to stand alone, even with those he trusts to watch his back he keeps himself apart, which turns him into something of an enigma amongst those he has sworn to protect. His rules with a proverbial iron fist and yet, despite it all, he does care. He does have a heart. It’s simply been hardened thanks to all that life has thrown at him.
I like the way that their relationship starts and progresses because it totally fits within the situation that they find themselves in. There is interest and attraction, but no insta love anywhere and though neither truly trusts the other, with good reason, they give in to the need of a physical connection. From there they try to not get attached but life, fate, karma takes over and they start to see beyond the walls that they’ve had to construct.
The writing was engaging and the world that has been created is quite believable and scary. My only issue was pacing, but I’m chalking it up to it being the first in series and the author wanted to give us a clear, unadulterated picture of what state it’s in. There were quite a few things I didn’t see coming, and some that fell into the WTF category, but all of the twists and turns were woven together really well and had me wanting to see how things would turn out. The secondary characters were all well written and I’m totally invested in seeing what fate aka Ms. Zanetti has in store for them. If you haven’t read the novella, Scorpius Rising, I highly suggest that you do. Ms. Zanettie does a great job at getting the reader caught up as to how everything went down, but I think that it will give you a more detailed understanding of the particulars of it all.
The Bottom Line: Great start to a new series and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
~ ARC provided by Kensington Books - Zebra via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.
ARC Review: Forgotten Promises by Jessica Lemmon
Published By: Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept
Morgan Young had a perfect upbringing, and now she’s got a perfect boyfriend and a perfect future—until her twenty-first birthday changes everything. First Morgan finds out, in the most painful way possible, that her relationship is a sham. But that’s nothing compared to the nightmare about to unfold.
It’s too late for Tucker Noscalo. A brutal childhood left him with a bad reputation and a criminal record. Fresh out of jail, Tucker has a score to settle with Baybrook’s crooked chief of police—his own father. Nobody will believe Tucker’s explosive accusations without proof and a good lawyer, neither of which he has on his side. Until he sees someone he used to know, someone who just so happens to be the daughter of the best lawyer in the county.
He needs Morgan to convince her father of the ugly truth. But first he has to convince her, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get her to listen. Confronted by the story of Tucker’s dark past, Morgan feels utterly compelled to help him. And as their connection grows into a fierce bond fueled by raw passion, Morgan finds herself falling for the wrong guy—but never has the promise of love felt so right.
This is one of those books that started out strong for me. My attention was peaked and I genuinely liked both of the main characters and was invested in their story, but in the end I find that I’m in that middle ground between like and really like when I look at the overall story. I didn’t love it, but I liked it more than just “liking” it. A conundrum for sure, but that’s where my brain has decided it will stay.
I really liked Morgan and I give that girl a lot of credit for how she handled the whole asshat of a boyfriend situation. She could have totally gone off the rails, but she held it together ~ for the most part ~ and showed that she knew what her self worth was and as the story progresses we see that she’s compassionate and when she’s set her mind to doing something, she does.
My heart broke for Tucker and all that he’d been through as well as what he put himself through to escape the hell he lived in. When going to juvi or prison was preferable over staying in your own home then you know it’s bad. And despite some questionable decisions in the beginning, he really had a good heart and a whole hell of a lot of demons to deal with.
Their relationship does move fast, no doubt about that, but after learning about a situation that happened in their past and how interested they’d been in each other though never acted upon it I found that the speed didn’t bother me so much and went more with the thought that they only had so much time on their side. It was sweet and I liked how Morgan took charge. Gotta love a girl who takes the lead.
As far as the how the issue with Tucker’s father played out, as well as Tucker and Morgan’s HEA I liked them and yet I found myself wishing we’d been able to spend a little more time on both of them. Not that they weren’t wrapped and resolved well or realistically, it just seemed rushed after all the time that had been spent with Tucker opening up to Morgan. I chalk this up to a “it’s not you, it’s me” thing because I the writing was engaging and I thought that Ms. Lemmon did a great job with the 1st person dual POV’s.
The Bottom Line: If you like tortured hero’s and strong heroine’s with good hearts then you should check this one out.
~ ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
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ARC Review: Witch’s Fate (Mythean Arcana #7) by Linsey Hall
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Published By: Bonnie Doon Press
Release Date: January 4th, 2016
Series: Mythean Arcana #7
Not Available at this Time
She’s vowed to forget him
Powerful witch Sofia Viera has loved warlock-werewolf half-blood Malcolm Brent for centuries, ever since they trained to become warlocks together. When Malcolm chose power over her and cast her aside, she vowed to forget him. For four hundred years, it worked. Until he forces her to return to him…
He’ll stop at nothing to have her back
Despite the fact that fate is prophesied to tear them apart, Malcolm refuses to be separated from Sofia any longer. After centuries alone, he wants everything from her. Her mind, body, soul. Her love. When he steals a dagger that she desperately needs in an attempt to draw her to him, he unwittingly unleashes a force of evil that will destroy everything she loves. He promises to help her save her village… For a price.
I find myself in a bit of a conundrum with Witch’s Fate. On the one hand it was an interesting and well written read with a great plot line and it added more depth to the Mythean Arcana world, and the prologue definitely peaked my interest, but I didn’t find myself falling down the rabbit hole like I have with the previous books in the series. I had the drive to finish it and find out what happened with Sofia and Malcolm, but that need to devour it was absent. But regardless of the lack of rabbit hole feeling, I did enjoy it.
I liked Sofia from the start. She’s strong, determined and sassy and her decision to follow her heart endeared her to me, though it did cause her pain. Her duty to Bruxa’s Eye is an inherited one and at times more of a burden than anything else, but she continues because she truly does care about the people within.
Malcolm took a lot long for me to like, not necessarily because of his decision in the beginning of the book, which didn’t endear me to him of course, but his arrogance just rubbed me raw. I understood what his end game was, but dear lord did he make some bad decisions, thankfully he does redeem himself and I found that he was almost as cuddly as his half brother Felix.
Their relationship gave me whiplash, but it was a necessary evil considering what fate would do to them should they even attempt to have one, though fate does end up having a damn good time with them. I’d love to go into detail but that would require to spoil some key points to their story, but in the end I liked how it all worked out.
Though I wasn’t as enthralled with this one as with the previous books, it is still a well written and thought out book. Ms. Hall’s world building skills are excellent and though the Mythean Arcana world is immense she does a great job of sticking with the issues at hand and not taking tangents when they aren’t necessary. This book can be read as a standalone, but considering that both Sofia and Malcolm make appearances in previous books and Malcolm is Felix’s half brother, I think it’s a good idea to read them if you haven’t already.
The Bottom Line: Though not my favorite of the series, Witch’s Fate is still an enjoyable read and a good addition to the series.
~ ARC provided by Bonnie Doon Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
Linsey Hall is the author of the Mythean Arcana, an adventurous paranormal romance series set in Scotland and other exotic locales. Before becoming a romance novelist, Linsey was a nautical archaeologist who studied shipwrecks from Hawaii and the Yukon to the UK and the Mediterranean. She credits the historical romances of the 70's, 80's, and 90's with her love of history and her decision to become an archaeologist. After a decade of tromping around the globe in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down and started penning her own romance novels. Her books draw upon her love of history, travel, and the paranormal elements that she can't help but include. Several of her books may or may not feature her cats
ARC Review: Outside the Lines (On the Run #1) by Lisa Desrochers
Published By: Penguin Group - InterMix
Series: On the Run #1
As the oldest son of a Chicago crime lord, Robert Delgado always knew how dangerous life could be. With his mother dead and his father in prison, he’s taking charge of his family’s safety—putting himself and his siblings in witness protection to hide out in a backwater Florida town.
Fourth grade teacher Adri Wilson is worried about the new boy in her class. Sherm is quiet and evasive, especially when he’s around his even cagier older brother. Adri can’t help her attraction to Rob, or the urge to help them both in whatever way she can.
But the Delgados have enemies on two sides of the mob—their father’s former crew and the rival family he helped take down. It’s only a matter of time before someone finds them. And if Rob isn’t careful, Adri could end up in the crossfire...
Having never read anything by Lisa Desrochers, I took a shot in the dark shot in the dark with Outside the Lines based on the cover, which really is eye catching, and the synopsis of the book. The mafia/organized crime has always peaked my interest so it makes perfect sense that I’d be drawn to it and overall I enjoyed it though it took awhile for things to really get going.
I find myself in a catch 22 situation with the beginning 40% or so of the story because as much as I enjoyed getting to know the Delgado/Davidson siblings, their initial reactions to their new home and situation as well as getting to know Adri and her life, I also felt as if the pacing of the story dragged because of it. I couldn’t help but wonder if all of the information we were given was necessary. I understand that this is a first in series and the author is definitely setting the stage for future books, and believe me when I say I did appreciate it, I just wish it hadn’t taken up as much time as it did. But at about the 40% mark, and maybe even a little earlier, the pace does quicken and things finally start happening on all fronts.
Rob and Adri I liked. Rob is carrying around a lot of guilt for not being able to keep the family business together, like he was groomed to, and therefore put his siblings in danger. His self loathing threatens to morph into full blown vengeance until he cross paths with Adri. Adri is a fixer and her need to make things better was a tad annoying, but her intentions are good and she did know when to back off and when not to. She is compassionate and determined, which I actually admired, especially when it came to Rob and Sherm, and though she may see the world through rose colored glasses at times, she’s not naive in anyway. Their relationship moves slowly and while there are quite a few ‘pulling one closer with one hand while pushing them away with the other’ moments going on, it made perfect sense considering the situation.
Though the beginning did drag a bit for me, the writing was still engaging and I liked how Sherm’s story was intertwined with Rob and Adri’s and how it was brought to its resolution. The plot twist that popped up at the end I definitely didn’t see coming and has me wanting to see how it will play out and evolve as the series progresses. I really liked Chuck, Adri’s best friend, and am quite curious to see what the author has in store for the rest of the Delgado/Davidson siblings.
The Bottom Line: A good start to a new series and one I’m looking forward to keeping up with.
~ ARC provided by Penguin Group - InterMix via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
Lisa Desrochers lives in northern California with her husband, two very busy daughters, and Shini the tarantula. If you'd told her five years ago she'd write a book, she'd have laughed in your face. As it turns out, she'd owe you an apology. Writing has become an addiction for Lisa and A Little Too Far, courtesy of HarperCollins, is her first novel for adults. She is also the author of the young adult Personal Demons trilogy from Macmillan. When she's not writing, she's reading, and she adores stories that take her to new places, and then take her by surprise.
ARC Review: Marrying Mr. English (The English Brothers #6.5) by Katy Regnery
Published By: Katharine Gilliam Regnery
Series: The English Brothers #6.5
You've all met the children and Eleanora and Tom English…but how exactly did down-on-her luck waitress,
Eleanora Watters, meet trust fund hottie, Tom English?
You won't want to miss this Christmas novel that tells the story of how Eleanora met Tom, while he was visiting Vail in the 1980s.
Purchase Links for Part 1
Part 1 is part of the 12 Christmas Romances To Melt Your Heart collection that benefits the Autism Society of America:
Amazon * B&N * Kobo iBooks
for Part 2
***This review is for both parts 1 & 2***
I’m seriously going to start calling the books in the Blueberry Lane series the Happy Sigh series instead from here on out because that’s what I’ve done every time I’ve finished one of the books. Now, I haven’t read all of them and this was the first of the English brothers series (I swear I’ll catch up...one day) but that’s besides the point because the ones I have read have left me with the same happy sigh dopey smile feeling and Marrying Mr. English was no different. It was filled with sweet, sexy and poignant moments with just the right amount of drama to make things interesting.
Having only read The Winslow Brothers series I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing the English family expect peripherally, but that in no way impacted my enjoyment of getting to know Tom and Eleanora. From the first time meeting both of them I liked them. Eleanor’s intelligence, heart and strong sense of self and self worth, despite her upbringing, was such a lure that it made it hard not to like her and want to see her gain all that she aspired to. Tom was something of a dichotomy in that he’d been raised with a silver spoon in his mouth and yet he never came off as being entitled. He’s smart, sexy and has an innate kindness that made him that made him simply a good man.
Their relationship was definitely not the norm but with each step it just felt right. From the start to the finish I could see that despite how polar opposite their backgrounds were they fit perfectly together. There was a synergy to them that despite not knowing each other well showed that if they worked at it, they could have the love of a lifetime and they did. While there was a fairytale element to the story there was also a realism to it that balanced everything out and had me cheering for them from start to finish, and very thankful that I was able to read both parts back to back.
The Bottom Line: A quick, fun and sweet read and a wonderful addition to The Blueberry Lane series.
~ ARC provided by Rock Star PR in exchange for an honest review ~
Katy Regnery, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author, started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract for a winter romance entitled By Proxy.
Now exclusively self-published, Katy claims authorship of the multi-titled Blueberry Lane Series which follows the English, Winslow, Rousseau, Story and Ambler families of Philadelphia, the four-book, bestselling a modern fairytale series, the standalone novel, Playing for Love at Deep Haven and a standalone novella, Frosted.
Katy’s first modern fairytale romance, The Vixen and the Vet, was nominated for a RITA® in 2015, and four of her books: The Vixen and the Vet (a modern fairytale), Never Let You Go (a modern fairytale), Falling for Fitz (The English Brothers #2) and By Proxy (Heart of Montana #1) have been #1 genre bestsellers on Amazon.
Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, and two dogs create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.
ARC Review: Dangerous Liaisons by T.C. Archer
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Military/Romance
Published By: Broken Arm Publishing LTD
ASIN B017ALTUM0
Purchase Link
Being an agent revoked her license to love . . . until she met the man sent to kill her.
Jesse Evans’ most recent mission turns deadly when Colombian mercenaries ambush her and her informant. She races across the jungle to warn the Special Ops team she sent to save an American Senator's young daughter, but arrives just as the team is slaughtered by drug runners.
Within the hour, branded as the traitor who leaked the mission intelligence, Jesse Evans is now the most wanted woman in the world. She must prove she didn’t sell out the team or her sister dies. Only one man can save them both, but that man isn’t who Jesse thinks he is…and she can't afford to fall in love with him.
The description intrigued me with it’s promise of action, adventure, intrigue and romance and since I’ve never read anything by the author I decided to give it a go and found that while I liked how I was immediately thrust into the action and enjoyed being along for the ride as Jesse worked to prove she wasn’t a traitor the romance element of the story was overshadowed by everything else going on in the story.
I liked Jesse from the start. She’s a badass and kickass recon specialist, highly intelligent if not a bit impetuous, and highly motivated to clear her name and bring down the man who labeled her a traitor. While it may seem that she is doing all of this for herself, the real reason is to protect her sister and ensure her well being. Cole is something of an enigma for the mass majority of the story. He is obviously a highly trained operative, but the question of who’s side he truly is on is always floating around him. But regardless of his motives, he does do quite a few things that paint him as a good guy no matter where his loyalties lay.
With all that was going on in the story and the constant trust issues between Jesse and Cole , the romance side of things just never manifested itself enough to really make an impact on me. I could see why they’d be attracted to each other based on the fact that they are both operatives and regardless of the situation that threw them together had a strong moral code, but since they never truly got to know each other outside of information they got off of each other files I never felt that there was a deep enough connection to push them out of the physical attraction realm to a steady relationship.
Though the romance was iffy for me the rest of the story had me on the edge of my seat. From the very start you are thrust into the thick of things with Jesse and that anxious feeling never dissipates, even when things slow down a bit. There was always a situation where things could go sideways or someone wasn’t all that they appeared to be. The action scenes were quite descriptive and though the twists and turns were numerous, there were well done and thought out so that at the end they were tied up nicely.
The Bottom Line: Though the romance between the characters didn’t get my temperature rising, the rest of the story definitely held my attention until the very end.
T. C. Archer is comprised of award winning authors Evan Trevane and Shawn M. Casey. They live in the Northeast. Evan has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, and Shawn is a small business owner. Their collaboration began on a lark with the post WWII film noir story The Pickle My Little Friend, and has evolved into nearly a dozen works, which includes their new series The Phenom League, and Daphne Du Maurier winner the romantic thriller For His Eyes Only.
Guest Review of A MacKenzie Clan Gathering (MacKenzies & McBrides #8.5) by Jennifer Ashley
Series: MacKenzies & McBrides #8.5
ASIN B00DGZKHPE
Google Play * iBooks
Ian Mackenzie is awakened at Kilmorgan Castle one night to find robbers stealing the priceless art collection of his oldest brother, Hart. Since Ian and Beth are the only ones in resident at Kilmorgan at the moment, Ian decides he must find the art and the culprits before the family shows up for Hart's birthday gathering. With Inspector Fellows and Beth, he investigates, though Ian is somewhat worried by Beth's late husband's brother, a retired missionary, who decides to visit. Does John Ackerley hold the "cure" to Ian's madness? And can Ian discover what has happened to Hart's treasures, and who is targeting the Mackenzies before the enemy strikes again?
Return to Kilmorgan Castle to visit the Victorian branch of the Mackenzie family, and catch up on the brothers and friends, their children, and their lives.
I admit to having a soft spot for Ian MacKenzie, and it irritates me like no other that he's referred to as mad. Yes I know there was the asylum stay and I get that his asperger's syndrome would make him seem mad given the time period. however, his love for his family, his high intelligence and even the idiosyncrasies that come with his condition make him interesting and lovable.
I adore how Beth and his children love him, understand him and accept him. it's truly lovely. The best part was that this novella was focused on Ian with a little hart thrown in. I wasn't sure how I felt about Ackerley and I'm still unsure. He was a well-meaning chatterbox that I was iffy on until the end.
Even with the mystery and action, the core of the story focused on Ian and his love of family and I found/find that really beautiful; what really worked for me was Ian's growth, and how Beth's love and his children grounded him. (Yes, I know O'm repeating myself, but it is worth it.) It was interesting to see how his children's growth, their understanding of their father, and the fact that Jamie is growing into a true MacKenzie.
I could go on, but I won't cause I'm afraid I'll let something slip. to end, this is a well written novella where the story is well developed. I don't often give 5 stars, but this deserved it.
If you haven't read the MacKenzie series, I highly recommend it for historical romance fans.
A little about Dri-G: She truly reads it ALL. Fiction, non-fiction (she went on a biography binge not too long ago) and practically everything in between, so it’s no surprise that Kahea’s TBR pile is ever increasing instead of decreasing. Their friendship began in high school and has only strengthened over the years thanks to their mutual love of good food, Irish whiskey and the New Zealand All Blacks.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley has lived and traveled all over the world, and now lives in the Southwest. She writes historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance as Jennifer Ashley; mysteries as Ashley Gardner; and paranormal romance and urban fantasy as Allyson James.
Jennifer’s/Allyson’s/Ashley’s more than 83 novels and novellas have won RWA’s RITA award, the Golden Quill, RT Reviewer’s Choice awards, and the Prism award, among others. Jennifer’s novels have been also been translated into French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Norwegian, Hungarian, Italian, Thai, and other languages.
Jennifer enjoys writing and reading above all else, but her hobbies include cooking, hiking, playing flute and guitar, painting, and building miniature rooms and dollhouses
ARC Review: Make Me Sin (Bad Habit #2) by J.T. Geissinger
Published By: Montlake Romance
Series: Bad Habit #2
ASIN B013WTKGZE
Amazon * B&N (Paperback)
Chloe Carmichael’s life feels pretty sweet—she’s both maid of honor and florist for her best friend’s A-list wedding, things are getting serious with her boyfriend, and her flower shop is about to get a spread in a national magazine. But it all quickly turns sour whenever the best man, Bad Habit drummer A.J. Edwards, shows his face...his handsome, unforgettable face. A.J. is everything Chloe doesn’t want: tattooed, selfish, and all-around bad news. So why can’t she stop thinking about him?
Goody two-shoes Chloe isn’t exactly A.J.’s type, either, but the chemistry between them is undeniable. A.J. will be the first to say he isn’t a saint, but there’s something he’s not saying—something that would devastate Chloe. The only way he can protect her is to push her away, but the drummer finds he needs her now more than ever. When a wedding-day confrontation reveals secrets they’re both hiding, will Chloe and A.J. ever find their rhythm again?
I'll come clean and admit that while I was totally excited for this book I was also a bit terrified as well. After the crazy of Sweet As Sin, which I totally loved by the way, and the hostile nature of A.J. and Chloe’s relationship I had to question if my sanity could handle what was coming because no matter which way I looked at things I knew this one would gut me one way or another and Holy. Fucking. Hell did it ever! Make Me Sin is that perfect mix of heartbreakingly beautiful and heartwarmingly sweet, with just enough crazy (both the good and the angsty) and smexy as sin in it that I had a hell of a time putting it down but I made myself do it. Yup, I actually found some self control and put it down because if I didn’t I knew I’d devour it and I wanted to savor every moment between A.J. and Chloe.
I remember growling at A.J. in the first book for his surly nature and treatment of Chloe and applauding Chloe for not just taking what he was dishing out for no good reason and that was my mindset going into this book, but from the first page things started to change. A.J. is surly and then some but as more of his backstory unfolds and I finally got to experience the world through his eyes I found that the huge Viking like sex god (and let me tell you A.J. is hot!) of a drummer had a beautiful yet battered soul and though there was still growling going on all I wanted to do was hug him and make the pain go away. What he’d been through, how he saw the world and people and expressed himself, when not being a surly ass, left my heart in a pile of sappy gooeyness.
Chloe totally surprised me. I had kind of thought of her as just way too peppy for her own good in the first book, not in a bad way, but her whole “but everyone likes me” thing did have me doing the sigh/rolling of the eyes thing, but as I finally got to know more about her and what drove her, the only way to describe her is to say she has a lot of moxie and gumption. She really is a good soul and worked really hard to achieve her dreams, despite what her parents wanted. Yes, she tended to stick to a certain way of looking at things ~ the world, her love life ~ but they weren’t rose colored in anyway, just what she’d always thought she wanted. She has a good soul and even when upset wanted the best for those around her.
To describe their courtship as an emotional rollercoaster feels like an understatement. It was simply intense. From the love triangle to A.J. and Chloe finally taking a chance on each other to the stupid things people do when they want to protect the one they love to the end where they finally figure out and accept that they are soulmates was crazy, but so damn worth the ride. I thought Nico and Kat’s story was crazy, but nope. This one definitely trumps theirs with all the heart wrenching landmines, both good and bad, throughout the story, I really was an emotional wreck after reading it.
Throughout all of this we do get to spend quite a bit of time with the gang from the first book as well as get introduced to some new faces. Nico and Kat are so in love and so happy it’s almost sickening, but so good to see after all they went through. We get to know a little more about Trina, Chloe’s assistant at the flower shop and part of me hopes she gets her own book as the series progresses. We get to meet Chloe’s parents and find out why she is as determined to live her life on her own terms, but I do have to say that I loved Jamie, her brother, instantly and ended up adoring her dad in the end. Grace is as observant and blunt as ever, which I loved. And then there is Kenji, who I seriously adore and would love as my BFF.
I loved all the little, well huge, twists and turns and how they all were woven together to create this beautiful romance and then there is THAT epilogue. THAT epilogue which I had to read twice because talk about major tease as to the crazy that the next book will wreak on my emotions because if this one left me wrung out, I have a feeling that one is going to slay me.
The Bottom Line: If you love a good ‘ole crazy angsty emotional rollercoaster romance with great characters then this one is a definite must read!
~ ARC provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
J.T. Geissinger is an award winning and #1 international best-selling author of smart, sexy romance.
She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and was a finalist for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.
Cat lover, wine enthusiast, and nap connoisseur, she lives in California with her husband, on whom all her heroes are based.
ARC Review: The Fractured Heart (Second Circle Tattoos #2) by Scarlett Cole
Book Summary
Published By: St. Martin’s Press
Series: Second Circle Tattoos #2
All things, when placed under pressure, eventually break or leave a mark.
Tattoo artist Brody "Cujo" Matthews knows how to keep things simple. In life and in love. Abandoned as a child by a mother who refused to stick around to raise three boys she didn't want, he's intent on staying clear of complicated women. The only things complicated in Cujo’s life are the killer tattoos he designs and inks. That all changes when he’s asked to help organize his best friend Trent's engagement party, which means working with Trent's fiancée's best friend, Drea, the definition of high maintenance and sizzling curves. And the one woman he doesn’t want to walk away from.
Andrea "Drea" Caron is broke and tired. After years of caring for her ailing mom, she's at the end of her rope trying to manage the piling medical bills, two jobs, and a life placed on hold. She certainly doesn’t need the added frustration of a sexy playboy tattoo artist messing up her best friend’s engagement party or her carefully balanced life. But when Drea witnesses the abduction of a woman from the café she works at, she can’t help but turn to Cujo who’s determined to prove to Drea that he’s someone she can count on forever…but as they attempt to bring the truth to light, someone is working to bring that forever to a sudden, deadly halt.
I absolutely loved everything about The Strongest Steel, from how well the plot flowed to the well developed, and extremely likeable characters and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book and I found The Fractured Heart to be just as amazing, if not better than the first in series. Once I started I was totally hooked and had an extremely difficult time putting it down.
Cujo aka Brody had been the guy that interested me the most in The Strongest Steel, he was charming, sexy had a wicked sense of humor and a protective streak a mile wide and I loved seeing all that more in this book. Learning about his past and what made him tick had me wanting to give him a hug, even as I wanted to Gibbs smack him, because of the cage he’d put himself in. Were his issues warranted and heartbreaking? Yes, but after witnessing him with his nieces I could see the man he could be if only he let himself.
Drea, spunky, sassy, determined and, outside of Cujo, I swear has the patience of a saint. Going into this I knew her life was not all wine and roses, though the woman put on a great front, but good God what she goes through with her mother truly has me wanting to nominate her for sainthood because while she wished her life had turned out differently, she never whined about it outloud. There may have been a pity party or two going on in her head, but she kept it there and did what was necessary to make ends meet, even when the floor gave out from under her.
There was no denying that sparks would fly, sexual or otherwise, when Cujo and Drea occupied the same space, nor that they’d face quite a few bumps in the road considering that they had both put themselves in their own forms of purgatory, so to be able to witness them coming to terms with not only how they felt about each other, but themselves through the process, was a true delight. Each step, whether it be heartwrenchingly painful or sweet and sexy, proved that they are definitely better together.
As with the first book, I felt that the writing was engaging and flowed well and I loved how the characters, both main and secondary, came to life on the page. These are all people that you can believe are a tight knit group of friends, and family, and I want to spend time with them and get to know better as the series progresses, but what I think was actually done better in this book than in the first is the whole mystery/suspense aspect of it. The abduction of the woman from the cafe and the various twists and turns that came out of it were tighter and really added another layer to Cujo and Drea’s story, both to show the kind of people they are as well as help their relationship evolve, because they were intimately involved in it from the beginning. Now, I have to admit that I figure a few things out, but I loved the anticipation of waiting to see when everyone else would and what their reactions were going to be.
The Bottom Line: This series is just getting better with each book and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Cole has in store for Dred and Pixie!
~ ARC provided by St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
Scarlett Cole is a contemporary romantic suspense / contemporary romance author (represented by Beth Phelan at The Bent Agency). Her debut novel, THE STRONGEST STEEL, book one in the Second Circle Tattoos series, will be published by St. Martin's Press on 07/07/15.
ARC Review of Sapient Salvation 1
Title: Sapient Salvation 1~ The Selection
Author: Jayne Faith with Christine Castle
Publisher: Amazon Digital
Genre: SciFi, Romance, Paranormal
Synopsis: Twice a year, the alien Lord Toric demands a selection of human women between the ages of 18 and 20 to compete for a place in his harem. Maya must get through just one more selection and then she can marry the man of her dreams. She should have been safe, but when a young woman who was supposed to compete dies the day of the selection, Maya is forced into the competition.
Thrown into the fight of her life with no preparation, Maya must shed her innocence and win Lord Toric’s favor. And there is only one winner in the competition. The losers will be sacrificed. Will she survive the first round, or will she pay the ultimate price for her inexperience?
This book was fun. I found myself very curious after the first few pages when Maya discusses the Obligate Elect and that she was looking forward to getting past the age that she would be in danger of being chosen during the selection. The breadcrumbs left along the way were enough to keep me reading. For instance, Maya worries about her sister, Lana and it isn't clear why Lana is so dependent on her at first. (Not telling you here, so you'll have to read!) Maya also hints at a relationship with a man she has strong feelings for named Court. She wants more time with him, but because of the quota they are responsible for reaching, she is denying herself. I was not sure what the quota was for and had to keep reading.
It soon becomes clear though that the Selection process is not going to go the way they'd all hoped and Maya is chosen to represent their area. She has to say good bye to her mother and sister, hope that someone will help them meet their quotas and that she will survive whatever waits for her on the other side. Maya and her family are from Earthenfeld, who's people are required to send several of their youngest and brightest as an offering to the leader of Calisto, Lord Toric. They think they know what happens to the Select, but none have ever returned home to tell of their fates.
Lord Toric is an interesting character as well and finds Maya fascinating from the moment he lays eyes on her. He has his own family issues to deal with however, and cannot show his hand too soon or it could mean the end of Maya before they even have a chance to see what could come of their relationship. Maya has to figure out how to win the contests and meet each obstacle that comes at her if she wants to survive and explore Lord Toric's world; especially since the connection she feels to him is overwhelming and confusing for someone so innocent.
The story is action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters are likable and relatable, though a few times I wondered if it was going to be another Hunger Games as it appears to be a dystopian society following a war over Earth. I was so wrapped up in the story, however, when I hit the last page, I was shocked. The end is a cliffhanger and I am anxiously waiting for the next installment. Well done!
Author's Page
ARC Review: Wicked Lust (The Wicked Horse #2) by Sawyer Bennett
Published By: Big Dog Books
Series: The Wicked Horse #2
ASIN B0172LVWUQ
Amazon * Google Play
Cain Murphy is as big and bad as they come. After serving in the Marines, he’s returned home to Wyoming and now works as head of security at the exclusive sex club, The Wicked Horse. His job is to protect not only the patrons, but to zealously guard the secret existence of the club itself.
Sloane Preston is all about discovering secrets. As an undercover reporter, she’s determined to reveal the truth behind the facade of The Wicked Horse and expose it for all the world to see. She just didn’t count on her pathway into the club coming at the hands of one gorgeously scarred and bad ass bouncer who manages to easily possess her body and soul.
While Cain’s not looking for anyone to catch his eye, Sloane did it all the same, and he’s not bemoaning the fact that she’s as wickedly kinky as he is. As both get caught up in the sinful fantasies that only The Wicked Horse can create, secrets and loyalties will be tested and hearts will risk being broken.
**Warning: this book has sex in it. Lots of sex. Dirty sex. The Wicked Horse Series is a bit different than what Sawyer Bennett normally writes. While you’ll still enjoy fabulous characters, a suspenseful story, some witty banter and an epic romance, there’s just… a lot of sex. You’ve been warned
Ever since finishing Wicked Fall I’ve been wanting Cain’s story, okay really I wanted Bridger’s and who wouldn’t? But after that epilogue I was more than happy to hear that I’d be getting up close and personal with The Wicked Horse’s and The Silo’s sexy head of security, and holy hell did this one have me needing to take more than one cold shower and had me going through all the feels as Cain and Sloane’s story played out.
I adored Sloane. Yes, she is in Wyoming for a story and isn’t entirely honest about it, but despite that aspect she actually has a lot of integrity and a good moral compass because while she is after a story, she wants hard facts not just hearsay and that I can get behind. She’s also sassy and witty and has a kindness to her that draws you in and makes you want to get to know her more.
Cain is my kind of alpha male dominant, determined, sexy as hell and yet has a hidden gentlemanly side that makes you swoon even as you’re begging him for more. He tends to be more crude than smooth but that was something that I actually found refreshing because he completely owned it. He was who he was and you either accepted or not. But what I found most interesting about the man was that for the most part he had a very cut and dry view of the world and didn’t spend too much time dwelling on the things he couldn’t change. He simply went with his gut and that was that.
In Wicked Fall my reaction to Woolf’s and Callie’s relationship had been rather tepid, but that is not the case with Cain and Sloane at all. The evolution of it was done beautifully and dear lord was the sexual chemistry between them explosive talk about doing erotic romance right! Despite the issue of Sloane’s true reason for being in Wyoming and Cain’s stance on relationships, they connected in every other way and watching as that connection grew without them even trying was a lot of fun, even when the road became extremely bumpy.
The writing, as always, was engaging and well paced and I enjoyed the way she resolved the one lingering issue from the first book, and if you haven’t read Wicked Fall (Which you really should just because) you don’t need to worry about feeling lost because Ms. Bennett does a great job at reminding/bringing the reader up to date with all that happened and led us to this point. Then there are the supporting cast of characters. We get to catch up a bit with Callie and Woolf, and I can still say that I really like the both. Rand and Logan get a little love, okay a lot of love, and I can’t wait for Rand’s book. And then there is Bridger *swoon/happy sigh* I swear to God the wait for that man’s book is painful because he just jumps off the page and makes you want to know more about him.
The Bottom Line: If you are a fan of erotic romance that isn’t only hot as hell, but has well developed characters and a storyline then this one needs to be put on your must read list!
~ ARC provided by Big Dog Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.
Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, the Last Call Series and the Carolina Cold Fury Hockey Series.
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Book Review: Across the Divide (Collector #3) by Stacey Marie Brown
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance
Published By: Stacey Marie Brown
Series: Collector #3
ASIN B0182P6QAM
Amazon * iBooks
The hunter is now the hunted.
Zoey Daniels is becoming the very thing she once despised. Fae.
After Zoey and Ryker finally found their way to each other they are torn apart by an ex-girlfriend, a stone, and mortality. Ryker’s powers have fully adapted to Zoey, slowly killing him.
Now the mysterious feared demon, Vadik, has discovered their location in Peru and has taken Ryker and sold Zoey back to DMG. The very place which gave her life now might take it away. Or someone she loves… Dr. Rapava is so obsessed with building an army against the fae he will do anything to control Zoey and her new found powers.
Zoey’s has to become an unfeeling brainwashed soldier to survive. But when her survival depends on torturing one to keep another alive, she is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice
My Review I gotta be honest and say that I was a little scared to start this one based on how The Barrier Between ended but once I started it I couldn’t put it down. Zoey is back at DMG and the last we saw of our Viking, Ryker, was him in the clutches of Vadik. So the questions start to pop up? What’s become of The Wanderer? Where’s my favorite narcoleptic-ADD-honey loving sprite, Sprig? Hell, I even wanted to know what the hell happened with Amara and Croygen and let me tell you all of these questions and a ton more get answered and then some! And let me tell you the “and then some” I didn’t even see coming.
So much happens in this one and most of it falls into the land of spoilers so you really, REALLY need to read it to experience it all, but what can be said is that both Zoey and Ryker go through hell in this one, both physically and emotionally but their stubborn natures and the need to see each other, as well as protect those they love, again trumps everything else. Their determination to do whatever it takes to survive has them making tough decisions and relying on people that they don’t necessarily trust but know that they need in order to survive. Through all of this I felt like Zoey finally came into her. She still has her stubborn streak and is a little reckless, but there is now a maturity to her that wasn’t fully there before. She finally sees the big picture and her place in it all. Ryker, is still the stubborn Viking, but even he has moments of enlightenment that have him taking a step back and re-evaluating his views.
Then there are the rest of the crazy cast of characters that inhabit this world. Dr. Rapava is one sick fuck. That is really the only way that I can truly describe him. His kind of crazy is off the charts. Amara still had me wondering just where she stood in the game with Vadik. Being a demon, Vadik has more leeway on the crazy than Rapava, but not by much. Croygen, I diidn’t know what to really think of the pirate before, but now I have to say that I kind of adore him. Then there is Sprig, who I seriously love and adore as he brings his own personal brand of sweet, yet crazy and snarky to the story.
This one was filled to the brim with emotional landmines and WTF moments that kept me turning the page to see what would happen next. And that ending?!? Talk about unexpected, but very well played as we prepare for the final installment of the series.
The Bottom Line: A great addition to the series and I can’t wait to see what Ms. Brown comes up with for the conclusion of the series!
Stacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.
She grew up in Northern California, where she ran around on her family's farm, raising animals, riding horses, playing flashlight tag, and turning hay bales into cool forts. She volunteers helping animals and is eco-friendly. She feels all animals, people, and environment should be treated kindly.
ARC Review: Kill Without Mercy (ARES Security #1) by Alexandra Ivy
Genre: Romantic Suspense Contemporary
Series: ARES Security #1
ASIN B00VQFKG4I
From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home—and they’re ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they’re intimidating. Together they’re invincible. They’re the men of ARES Security.
Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather’s small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he's eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can't just walk away—not when she’s clearly in danger…
There’s a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie’s dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe’s instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie’s courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won’t stop. Now it’s only a matter of time before Annie’s next—unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won’t be buried.
I’ve enjoyed the Bayou Heat series and have always wanted to read more books by Alexandra Ivy based on her contributions to the series, but never found the time. So when I saw that she was starting up a new series there was no way I could pass it up but while I liked the book I didn’t love it. Much of it has to do with the fact that while I thought the mystery/suspense side was done well, the romance side of things just fell flat for me.
I liked Annie. The poor girl has had to live with the stigma of her father being a serial killer and ramifications of that have caused her to keep herself somewhat secluded from the world, not that I blame her. But despite all of that she has an innate kindness surrounding her as well as a steely determination to do what she feels is right. Rafe is charming, protective and while has a good alpha streak rolling through him isn’t an asshat and has something of a hero complex, but comes by it honestly. My issue with Rafe though is that I honestly never felt as if I got to know him. I got bits and pieces of his life and how he felt about them, but it all felt as if it was only surface information.
This lack of connection with him made it difficult to really get into the romance that was developing between him and Annie. I got that they were attracted to each other and there was that gut level pull between them but much of it was because I was told that was what was going on, not really shown. There were a few moments that I caught a glimpse of why they’d be good together, and enjoyed the fact that Annie didn’t allow him to run rough shod on her, but I needed more.
Though the romance part didn’t really get me going, I did enjoy the hunt for the serial killer side of things. There were some twists and turns that I saw coming, but there were also some that I didn’t so I enjoyed being able to say “Ha! I knew it” as well as being surprised by the ones I didn’t see coming. I really liked Teagan, Hauk and Max, Rafe’s friends and business partners, didn’t get much time with Lucas but a bit of mystery is always good. They added a good bit of humor as well as gave a little more depth to Rafe and who he is through their bantering and their knowledge of his character.
The Bottom Line: Decent start to a new series and I’ll be keeping an eye out for the next one.
Alexandra Ivy is a New York Times and USA Todaybestselling author. From Alexandra: “I’m not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother’s knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library.
Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few. I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays. In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on.
Years later (no, I’m not admitting how many) I’m still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!
I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.
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ARC Review: My Kind of Wonderful (Cedar Ridge #2) by Jill Shalvis
Published By: Forever Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: December 22nd, 2015
Series: Cedar Ridge #2
ASIN B00W22IKD8
UNEXPECTED AND UNDENIABLE...
Bailey Moore has an agenda: skiing in the Rockies, exploring castles in Europe, ballroom dancing in Argentina. Now that she has a second lease on life, she's determined not to miss a thing. What she doesn't realize is that item #1 comes with a six-foot-one ski god hot enough to melt a polar ice cap. She doesn't want to miss out on him either, but Hudson Kincaid isn't the type of guy to love and let go. And as gorgeous as Cedar Ridge is, she's not planning to stick around.
As head of ski patrol at his family's resort, Hud thinks he's seen it all. But never has he run into someone like Bailey. She might look delicate, but her attitude is all firecracker. And her infectious joy touches something deep within him that he's been missing far too long. Now he'll just have to convince Bailey to take a chance on her biggest adventure yet . . . something rare and all kinds of wonderful.
I loved Second Chance Summer, the first book in the series, which also happened to be my first by Jill Shalvis, and this one ranks right up there with it. Everything about it just hit the right chords with me from Hudson and Bailey and their courtship to the Kincaid clan doing what they do best, being all up in each other’s business and has left me with that whole happy dopey smile feeling and wanting more.
Bailey is described as a firecracker in the synopsis and that is a very apt description of the woman. She’s fought against a disease that should have killed her and is now grabbing the bull by the horns and finally living her life because she can finally live. What I liked about her was that she never did the whole pity party thing about all that she couldn’t do because of her illness, instead accepted her past as her past and wanted to focus on her future and did it with such grace, and a little sassiness that made it easy to like her.
Hudson is that guy who feels the need to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders, whether he needs to or not. The guilt he carries from past transgressions has affected how he lives his life and his interactions with those not apart of his family. In some ways I understood why he felt the way he did, in others I was totally with his family about him needing to let it go. He’s the kind of guy that can look beyond a person’s past, accept their present and see their future, but is unable to do it with himself. But despite his issues, he’s the guy with a huge, patient heart and a sly sense of humor that makes him so damn loveable.
Their courtship/relationship is built on living in the moment. Bailey pushes Hudson to open up, while Hud sees Bailey as a woman, as normal, not an invalid who needs to be pitied. This dynamic creates a situation that ends up pushing them into an area that neither expected, though it’s pretty apparent to everyone that if they let go of what they think their lives should be they can have a future that neither thought they’d ever have and it could be pretty damn wonderful.
Then there is the Kincaid family that needs to be mentioned. I loved them in Second Chance Summer and I loved them in this book. I loved their bantering and how nosey they were and gave both Bailey and Hudson their two cents even then neither one was looking for or wanting it and that much of the time what they had to say was spot on. And being able to catch up with all of them and see just where they are at was one of the highlights for me.
The writing is engaging and there is just the right balance of humor and drama, sweet and sassy and a dose of sexy to keep things interesting. The issue of if the resort will stay in Kincaid hands is still looming over them, but plays second fiddle to everything else going on in their lives. But what really makes this book, and series so far, is the family dynamic. It’s so well done that it jumps off the page at you and any time they are together it’s a joy to read.
The Bottom Line: Another great read and I can’t wait to read Jacob’s book!
~ ARC provided by Forever Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras with her family and far too many assorted quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental.
Look for Jill's latest, ONE IN A MILLION, on shelves and e-readers now, and get all her bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold.
Visit Jill's website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
ARC Review: Dirty Billionaire (The Dirty Billionaire Trilogy #1) by Meghan March
ASIN B016NG7UDO
I've got a big dick and an even bigger bank account. That's pretty much where my bio ends.
Honestly, I don't need to say anything else. I've just sold 99% of women on going home with me.
She wouldn't tell me her name or her number when she disappeared from the hotel room after the hottest fucking night of my life.
Now I've had a taste of unicorn pussy—the sweetest, rarest of all pussy—and I need it again.
Dirty Billionaire is the first book in The Dirty Billionaire Trilogy and is not a standalone. The story continues in Dirty Pleasures, which will release 12/29/2015, and Dirty Together, which will release on 1/12/2016.
WARNING: If you can't handle a dirty-talking, dominant alpha male, The Dirty Billionaire Trilogy may not be for you. If you're looking for your newest filthy billionaire book boyfriend, I'd love to introduce you to Creighton Karas.
And Ms. March has done it again. Why I’m surprised I don’t know anymore. The woman has blown my mind, and had my lady bits screaming for more, on more than one occasion that I really shouldn’t ever doubt that she’ll put out a story that will not only have me adoring the characters but so hooked that putting it down, even while cooking, isn’t an option (Please note that I read this while cooking for Thanksgiving).
Though this is only one third of Creighton and Holly’s story it was a hell of a sexy and fun beginning and I find that I adore them both. Holly is spunky, driven and not afraid to speak her mind. She’s got her foot in the door to make her dreams come true, but finds that all that glitters isn’t gold, but is willing to put with the bs with the hope that it will lead to bigger and better things. Creighton is a true alpha male: arrogant, confident and sexy as hell, but though he’s arrogant it hasn’t frozen his heart or conscious, despite what he believes.
Their relationship is quite unconventional but it totally . From how they first meet to meeting again (which was absolutely brilliant!) to how they navigate being together is fun and actually makes sense in this little fairytale of a story. The chemistry between them is off the charts, and when it comes to Creighton taking charge, let’s just say Dirty is a huge understatement. But outside of melt your panties off sexual heat between them, they actually do start to get to know each other and work things out between them and I could start to feel that they were actually well matched despite their differences.
As always Ms. March knows just how to hook you and the first person dual POV is simply excellant. She knows how to bring the characters to life on the page and give the reader a great story without making things more complicated than they need to be. And as for that ending...that really was the perfect place to end the first book and have me counting down the days until Dirty Pleasures is in my greedy little hands.
The Bottom Line: If you like your men dirty and your women sassy then this one is a definite must read!
~ ARC provided by Rock Star PR in exchange for an honest review ~
Book Review: Believe (Oni Fighters #2) by Natalie Gayle
Published By: EBS
Release Date: December 1st, 2015
Series: Oni Fighters #2
ASIN: B018PJKHZA
Amazon: US * UK * AUS
B&N * Kobo * iBooks
Have you ever hit a point in your life where everything looks good from the outside but there’s this feeling deep in your gut that tells you something is wrong?
Dane Roberts was just an ordinary guy—so he thought. Best friend to MMA fight sensation Xander Todd, and all round decent guy. But now a restlessness surrounds him. Dare he reach for more? Could he too emulate his best friend’s results in the cage?
Arianne Le Flegg was a woman starting over, with her son. Running from a past littered with broken promises, manipulation and violent abuse at the hands of family. Violence terrified her on every level. She longed for an “ordinary life”—safety for herself and her son.
Can there ever be a future for two people who view violence so differently? One embraces it, the other dispels it. One is seeking the extraordinary, the other ordinary. She longs for the type of man he’s trying to leave behind.
For there to ever be a future together, they’ll need to dig deep and decide what really is important to each of them.
To do this, they must first accept—The hardest demons to defeat are the ones inside.
They’ll have to Believe
I loved Brave and based on the fact that I had a difficult time putting it down I should have waited to start Believe this weekend, but seeing as how I have a bit of an instant gratification problem when it comes to books I didn’t heed my own counsel and pretty much devoured the book when I should’ve been working (Oops?) But it was well worth it because Believe sucked me and hit all the feels in me and in the end left me with a happy sigh and dopey grin on my face.
At the end of Brave I thought Xander was all that and a bag of chips and didn’t know if he could be topped, but Dane found a way to maybe not topple him from the top, but definitely made his own spot right next to him. Dane is sweet, charming and damn sexy (talk about needing to take a cold shower) and is that guy who just steps up to do things because it’s the right thing to do, not because it’s expected of him. If he doesn’t think it’s right, whether it’s for himself or others, he doesn’t bother. He’s had a really good life, a loving family and great friends, and things have come relatively easy for him but he doesn’t take any of it for granted. His appreciation for it all shows in how he lives his life and treats those he comes into contact with.
Arianne is a character that I absolutely admired while at the same time frustrated me to no end. Her life has been anything but normal from the time she was a child to where we meet her in the book. Affection has come with a price and unfortunately that price is a psychotic ex husband. But she has one bright spot in her life and that’s Isaac, her son (who I absolutely adored.) Her only goal in life is to make his better and while I didn’t necessarily agree with some of her choices, I couldn’t deny that her heart was in the right place. But seeing how much love she lavished on him, even when she was at the end of her patience, showed what a great mother and person, she truly was.
I loved how Dane and Arianne’s relationship grew from being strangers to friends and then lovers and how each bump in the road, of which there were quite a few as well as a few potholes, ended up bringing them closer together. There were many times when they agreed to disagree but at least they communicated and tried worked through each issue instead of letting it fester and become . Then there was Isaac, whom I absolutely adored, and who had a special way of moving their relationship forward without even knowing it.
It’s pretty damn obvious that everything about this book worked for me from how Dane and Arianne’s relationship progressed as well as the two storylines that continued to intersect throughout the book everything just made sense from the twists and turns to the resolution of the various issues they created and kept me reading, even when I should’ve been working. Then there are the characters, both the MC’s and the supporting cast, that are so well written that they jump off the page and feel real. I wanted to spend more time with all of them, not just Dane and Arianne. I must note that a good portion of the book, maybe runs concurrent with Brave, so if you haven’t read Brave (though I must insist that you do) you won’t be lost. I actually liked revisiting the various moments and experiencing them through Dane’s eyes.
The Bottom Line: Believe is a beautifully written love story that will grab hold of you from the beginning and not let you go even after you’ve read the last line.
I recently discovered those school vocational assessments are really interesting and probably correct! Who would have thought, hey? You see, I clearly remember taking one of those in Year 11 (for my US friends, I think that equates to junior year in high school). Anyway, semantics. Well, the results came back indicating that I should pursue a career in writing and something else. What that something else was I can’t remember but the writing thing stuck in my mind.
Sure, I’d always liked English and had already developed a ravenous appetite for romance novels by the age of sixteen—but who becomes a writer straight out of school? So to cut a long story short, I went to Uni and studied Business and ended up managing large-scale IT projects shortly after.
I can’t complain: it’s been a great career. I’ve done some awesome projects and met some incredible people and I won’t be giving it up anytime soon. Anyway, I’ve messed around with a couple of “secret” novels over the years and I finally decided to get serious and finish one. Hence “Finding Trust” came about. And about twenty years later, I’ve finally proved a vocational assessment correct, because I love writing!
As to some other stuff about me: I live on the Gold Coast, Australia. I love spending time with my family and friends. When I’m not sitting behind a screen playing with IT or writing, you might find me down the beach playing in the waves on a Jet Ski or a bogey board (both are uber cool). When the weather turns a bit cooler (doesn’t really happen on the Gold Coast), we like to head for the snow. I’ve discovered I have two kids who are kamikaze skiers—they must take after their father. He’s always at me to “release the handbrake.” Apparently I’d ski so much better. I call it a healthy understanding of self-preservation and gravity!
I like to think I can fit in a few workouts and martial arts classes each week. This tends to be a figment of my imagination more than reality, unfortunately. I am trying to remedy this, but those damn characters just keep demanding to have their stories told and, well, there’s always another good book to read!
I hope you enjoy mine.
Please drop me a line. I’m active on Facebook, Twitter, and via email Natalie@nataliegayle.com.au. I’d love to know what you think of my books and well, let’s be truthful—I love talking about books, whether they’re mine or someone else’s. Fiction is just so much more fun than reality!!!
ARC Review of The Butterfly Code
Title: The Butterfly Code
Author: Sue Wyshynski
Publisher: Whitman Books
Genre: Thriller/Suspense/Mystery/Romance
My friends say Hunter's dangerous.
They say he's a threat to everyone in town.
I'm not so sure.
As he stands before me in this crowded club with the lights shining around us, I catch something good under Hunter's dark facade. Something decent and profound.
I don't know who or what to believe.
But I will find out the truth.
Aeris Thorne is expecting a restful vacation in the remote town of Deep Cove. But on a stormy night she meets the alluring and mysterious Hunter Cayman and her life takes an exhilarating turn. Aeris is both drawn to him and determined to find out what he's hiding. It's clear Hunter has found success with his mega-secure lab on the vast estate. But what Aeris doesn't know is that he's tormented by a secret: the truth behind his research. As he and Aeris are drawn together, the walls he's built to protect himself threaten to crumble. At the same time, she begins to wonder if she's found the key to unraveling her own tragic past. When Aeris's life is threatened, Hunter is forced to make an impossible decision about her future━one that could change everything.
Romantic and full of heart-racing twists and turns, The Butterfly Code will make you feel love's connections in a startling new way.
After starting out a little slow, the book began to take me on a page turning adventure that left me unable to put the book down. The main character, Aeris, is a curious, determined, talented violinist, and graduate of Juliard. She is vacationing and taking time to get some work done for school while she visits her father in a small coastal town. Reluctantly, she heads out with her friends for a night on the town, and finds herself drawn to a guy everyone says is trouble. Hunter, the guy in question, is mysterious, and Aeris feels an unexplainable pull to him. Her friends tell her to stay away from him because he is trouble, but her curiosity gets the best of her.
She devises a way to meet him and see what is behind the gates of the the mysterious research facility where Hunter lives. Once inside the gates, she gets more than she bargained for with Hunter. While there, she is determined to figure out the connection between her father and Hunter because there is something there, she is sure. In fact, all signs are pointing to her deceased mother having been involved with the research center, which makes her even more curious. Hunter is as perplexed as she is by the connection they feel, but he is determined to ignore it.
The suspense only amps up as she heads home to find her father's house being staked out by a strange man with lots of weapons and enough bad guys inside the house to keep her in hiding. Hunter is her only hope and she knows it, but getting back to him will be an adventure in and of itself; and then what? Who is going to answer her questions and give her straight answers~ Her father? Hunter? Her friends? All of them are hiding something and she doesn't know who to trust.
Great premise, strong characters, beautiful setting, and beautifully written. Can't wait for Part II. Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Oh! And I LOVE THE COVER ART!
Author's Site
Goodreads
ARC Review: Healing Eden (Eden #2) by Rhenna Morgan
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance
Published By: Kensington Books - Lyrical Press
Series: Eden #2
ASIN B00URQETZE
Google Play * iBooks
Nothing good grows in the shadow of secrets.
A reluctant warrior in a rebellion he abhors, Reese Theron has buckled beneath blackmail to keep the circumstances of his birth on lockdown. He’s lost everything that counts—the right to fight for his king, the trust of his best friend, and any hope for a family of his own. Death seems preferable, until Galena Shantos meets him at his fateful crossroads and saves his life.
Galena’s loyalty to her brother, the king, is absolute. Healing his warriors on the sidelines of war, she’s witnessed too many rebellion atrocities to be swayed for mercy. Yet something about Reese blurs the lines of allegiance, the call to her heart raw and primitive.
When Reese ends up a prisoner of war, he’s visited by a mysterious being of another race and learns he’s the linchpin in a battle between good and evil. The lovers will face choices—Galena between family loyalty and championing Reese’s cause, and Reese between keeping his shameful secret, and saving all races by leading the darkest of his kind to redemption—starting with his own confession.
After finishing Unexpected Eden I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I’d be waiting impatiently to get my greedy little hands on the next in the series because I loved the world that it was set in, Eden never looked like this in my head, and I really wanted to spend more time with the Myrens, especially Galena and Ludan. So to find out that Healing Eden was Galena and Reese’s story it totally up the ante on my impatience but the wait was totally worth it! Healing Eden was a fun, steamy read with a well thought out plot and filled with great characters.
Galena was one of my favorites from the first book and I really liked her in this one. She understands and accepts her role as the Malran’s (King’s) sister and all the pomp and circumstance that goes with it, but that doesn’t mean that she allows him, or her other brother, to control her every move. She follows her heart even when it doesn’t coincide with what others around her think is right.
Then there is Reese, half of me wanted to strangle him while the other half wanted to hug him. His reasons for being apart of the rebellion were understandable, though misguided.. Thankfully, he does redeem himself, though he does have quite a few mountains to traverse with Eryx and Ramsey, Galena’s brothers, and talk about total book boyfriend material. He’s got an alpha streak, but is still sweet, charming and talk about sexy, the man definitely has it going on!
As far as their courtship, I really liked how it played out. It could have been filled with a lot of angsty drama due to the fact that Reese had been apart of the rebellion, but that didn’t happen. There was drama, but it was from the outside, not between them. Yes they had doubts as to where they stood with each other, but met it head on instead of letting things get muddled in unnecessary worry. And with each step they took towards their HEA it not only brought them closer together, but they also brought out the best in each other and made them stronger in the end.
The issue of the rebellion and Maxis was ever present throughout the book and I found myself sitting on the the edge of my proverbial seat waiting to see what would happen next, especially at the 70% mark and beyond. I thought that the various twists and turns in the overall story arc were well thought out and executed, as well as the secondary ones that were woven into it. And that ending? So did not see it coming, but found it made perfect sense.
The writing was engaging and paced well. The multiple 3rd person POV worked very well for me. Being able to know what they were all thinking and feeling only added more depth to the story and the world. It also meant that I got to spend time with the characters that I’d come to really like from the first book, something that scored big brownie points with me. It was fun to see Lexi in full on malress mode and now I’m quite interested to see what the future holds for Ramsey, but Ludan is still my absolute favorite, though Jagger has peaked my interest.
The Bottom Line: A great addition to the series that only served to make me want more!
~ ARC provided by Kensington Books - Lyrical Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
Rhenna Morgan writes for the same reason she reads—to escape reality.
Yes, her life rocks—two beautiful little girls, a great husband, a steady job, and the kind of friends that would take you out back if you hurt her. But, like most women, she’s got obligations stacked tight from dusk to dawn. So, when the world gets her down, she slips into something…less realistic.
Romance is a must. So is a steamy romp (or four). Nothing thrills her more than the fantasy of new, exciting worlds, strong, intuitive men, and the sigh of, “Oh if only that could happen to me.”
So, if you’re picking up one of her books, expect portals into alternate realms and men who’ll fight to keep the women they want. Romantic escape for the women who need it.
ARC Review: Sweet Ruin (Immortals After Dark #16) by Kresley Cole
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Fantasy
Published By: Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books
Series: Immortals After Dark #16
ASIN B00X411574
A foundling raised in a world of humans
Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was “bad,” an outcast with strange powers. Her baby brother Thaddeus was as perfect as she was flawed; protecting him became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from angry girl…to would-be superhero…to enchanting, ruthless villain.
A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission
A threat to the Møriør has brought archer Rune the Baneblood to the mortal realm to slay the oldest living Valkyrie. Whether by bow or in bed, he never fails to eliminate his target. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty conceals a black heart. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, taking his forbidden blood—and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.
A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin…
Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? Rune knows he must not trust Josephine, yet he’s unable to turn her away. Despite his millennia of sexual conquests, he can’t ignore the unfamiliar longing she arouses deep within him. When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.
There is never any doubt that when you make the decision to read any of the books that make up the IAD world that you’ll be in for a wild ride filled with adventure, romance and characters you’ll end up adoring even though you may want to throttle them at times and Sweet Ruin does not disappoint.
Now there were some that were disappointed that Sweet Ruin would focus on brand new characters instead of one of the supporting cast of characters we’ve come to get to know as the series has progressed, but I wasn’t one and adored Jo from the beginning. She has no filter, is sassy and snarky and has no fear, but can back her attitude up much like most of the females that inhabit the world of IAD, and though she has an irreverent streak she protects and cares for those that are unable to. Rune is that large and in charge way too sexy for his own good alpha male who knows exactly how potent he is. He has a lot of scars and it has turned him cold, but he’s not as unfeeling as he’d like to be.
Their courtship was just as fun and sexy as previous couples, but what I actually liked the most was how Jo kept Rune on his toes. She rarely ever reacted in the way he expected her to. Rune is so set in his ways, partially because he is old, that Jo’s brazenness and honesty, at least about what she wants from him, throws him for a loop, as does the explosive sexual chemistry between them. There is a fair amount of angsty drama that happens between them due to Rune’s staunch belief that he will never have a mate and Jo’s belief that she’s his mate, but it does serve to make things quite interesting, especially as they figure out just what she is.
Then we have the Accession. I didn’t think things could get any crazier but it has. With the addition of the Møriør the world of IAD just got another layer of chaos to deal with but in true KC fashion it actually does make sense in the big scheme of things. And of course Nucking Futs Nix gets her own shout out because she, and Bertil, simply deserve it. The game she played in this one was absolutely brilliant.
The writing, as always, was witty and engaging, though I do have to admit that the middle of this one dragged a bit for me, but needing to know what Nix was up to as well as how Jo and Thad would be reunited kept me turning the pages, and their first meeting after all these years was definitely explosive.
The Bottom Line: Sweet Ruin was a fun and sexy ride and I can’t wait to see what’s up next!
~ ARC provided by Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
Kresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into twenty foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family and “far too many animals.”
Blog Tour & Review of BETTING ON FOREVER by Felice Stevens
Betting on Forever
The Breakfast Club, Book 2
Cover Designer: Reese Dante
Cover Photo: Stock Photo
Release Date: 11.17.15
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Px4utJ
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1X3tWG7
All Romance: http://bit.ly/1MykS7o
A weekend fling in Atlantic City couldn’t be more out of socially shy Zach Cohen’s comfort zone, but a bet with his best friends forces him to put aside the humiliation he’s hidden for years, stepping away from behind his computer screens and on line world. When he meets Sam Stein, despite their spark, Zach expects nothing more than a night of passion and a kiss goodbye. Yet weeks later, he can’t keep the man out of his head.
After a split second decision with tragic results ends his twenty year police career at the same time his relationship falls apart, Sam Stein is drifting through life. At his best friend’s urging he agrees to a trip to Atlantic City to clear his head. What Sam doesn’t plan on is meeting Zach Cohen, whose sweet nature and honesty has him thinking maybe he could move forward, until Zach leaves him without explanation, reinforcing Sam’s belief that people can’t be trusted.
Well-meaning friends refuse to let Zach and Sam hide from each other, forcing them to realize their weekend is much more than a one night stand. Before that can happen, Zach must come to terms with his past and stand up for his own independence, while Sam has to learn to take a chance and believe in himself and people again. All bets are off when dreams become reality and forever doesn’t seem to be long enough.
I could be a totally new Zach. Someone who wasn’t afraid to take risks; someone willing to have fun and be daring.” He looked down at his lap. “Someone people would notice.” None of this made sense to Sam. “But why? You’re a young, incredibly rich, good-looking guy. Why do you think you need to pretend? Any guy would be lucky to be with you.” The compliment didn’t bring a smile of thanks or even a blush of self-awareness. Zach’s expression grew gloomier, and he stood, then walked to the windows. “Perceptions rarely mirror truths. What you see isn’t how I see it, and it isn’t how most people have seen me all my life. I’ve never been confident about anything, except my abilities in school. And when you’re ten and never picked for sports or thirteen and never invited to any parties, a pattern is set for the adult you’ll be. The one on the sidelines; always there but never seen. When you’re an invisible kid, you tend to grow up to be an invisible adult.” How wrong he’d been about Zach from the beginning. And knowing how sweet and kind a soul he was, Sam hurt for the young boy Zach had been and the sad and lonely man who stood before him. “Is that how you see yourself—invisible?” Sam followed him to the window and placed a hand on his shoulder but made no other move. “It’s how I’ve always been. Marcus always tried to include me, but—” “You know what?” Sam slid his arm around Zach, turning him so that they faced each other. “You think too much about Marcus.” Sam took Zach’s glasses off and placed them carefully on the table. “You talk too much about him too. Want to know what I see?” Zach blinked and nodded. “I see a guy who’s kind, smart, and tenacious. A man who isn’t afraid to search out what he wants and go after it.” Sam leaned down and brushed Zach’s lips with his own, smiling at the sigh of pleasure from Zach. He pulled off his tee shirt and unbuttoned Zach’s shirt so their bare chests pressed against each other. Sam pushed Zach’s shirt off his shoulders so it fell to the floor, then slid his hand up Zach’s back, as warm and soft as he remembered. His fingers splayed out against skin, muscles, and bones, and he held Zach close. It was as if his hands were made to touch Zach. The feel of his skin was everything right and perfect. “Don’t ever pretend with me; there’s no reason to. I’m not interested in someone who hangs out at the clubs and parties all night.” He buried his lips in Zach’s hair, his hands smoothing down the curvature of Zach’s spine until he dipped his fingers to gently touch below the waistband of Zach’s jeans.
Felice Stevens has always been a romantic at heart. While life is tough, she believes there is a happy ending for everyone. She started reading traditional historical romances as a teenager, then life and law school got in the way. It wasn't until she picked up a copy of Bertrice Small and became swept away to Queen Elizabeth's court that her interest in romance novels was renewed.
But somewhere along the way, her reading shifted to stories of men falling in love. Once she picked up her first gay romance, she became so enamored of the character-driven stories and the overwhelming emotion there was no turning back.
Felice lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Her day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. Although she practices law, she daydreams of a time when she can sit by a beach and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be some angst along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.
Twitter:https://twitter.com/FeliceStevens1
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/felicestevens/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8432880.Felice_Stevens
Instagram: https://instagram.com/FeliceStevens
Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/felicestevensauthor?ref=hl
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OTHER BOOKS BY FELICE STEVENS
Home for the Holidays Anthology Pre-order
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1QJU4Gs Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1SA7SSg
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SVKAqS Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1SA8Bmx ARe: http://bit.ly/1WXekt8 B&N: http://bit.ly/YSu2df
The Breakfast Club Series
Beyond the Surface, Book 1
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1MPImrX Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1S1zUpD ARe: http://bit.ly/1PMdRUF
Memories Series
Memories of the Heart, Book 1
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1MSZed4 Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1PxZZPv ARe: http://bit.ly/1ReSjis B&N: http://bit.ly/1QJVUXS
One Step Further, Book 2
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1l2Fm0D Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1N95vb8
Through Hell and Back Series
A Walk Through Fire, Book 1
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1MzpSbM Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1NZpZlr ARe: http://bit.ly/1MT33io B&N: http://bit.ly/1Odz5sY
After the Fire, Book 2
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1WXcd8w Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1QsuF4J ARe: http://bit.ly/1j5pZDk B&N: http://bit.ly/1Odzcom
Embrace the Fire, Book 3
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1PMaflN Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1kCjZUr ARe: http://bit.ly/1SVQMz4 B&N: http://bit.ly/1j5ramu
Once in awhile I am surprised not only by a book, but by a series. So far, Felice Stevens has surprised me on both accounts. I have a small secret to tell with this one though, and I should probably just let the cat out of the bag now. When I first started reading, I was wondering if I was going to like the book. Okay, I said it. I will explain why, and then also tell why I changed my mind, totally.
One of the main characters, Zach almost seemed a little too timid for me. I am all about strong characters, and though I do like the underdog once in awhile and a tortured soul, something was bothering me a bit about his shyness and lack of self confidence. Then... as the book continued on and it was explained why he was the way he was, I found myself understanding him a little more and the feeling of accepting the book’s story just came naturally. So, thank you, Felice for a better look into Zach’s hangups and personality. (I won’t tell what they are, because that would be a spoiler and I am not into that.)
The story and relationship of Zach and Sam was great and engaged me enough to wonder if either man had hit his head as a small child because they both acted like idiots for a bit. I mean, if they were to stop jumping to conclusions, they might actually see the big picture.... oh, wait... that was almost a spoiler. Okay... next.
Let me just get to the part of the book that really got me! That would be the interaction between Zach and Sam and their mothers. I know you are thinking.. “wait, what?” Nope, not kidding. There is something to the fact that someone can be close to a parent and someone can be distanced from a parent and more times than often it is from lack of communication. That is true even in the fictional world and it certainly is in this book.
So, if you are looking for a great read that just might surprise you as well, I suggest you give “Betting on Forever” a try. I am just betting... that you will like it!
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''Survivor'': The beatings continue
On ''Survivor,'' the beatings continue: Koror maintains the most one-sided domination in the show's history; plus, macho Tom kills a shark
By Dalton Ross
March 31, 2005 at 05:00 AM EST
Ibrehem Rahman: Robert Voets/CBS
Survivor: Palau
”Survivor”: The beatings continue
I remember a few things about playing ice hockey as a kid. The first thing I remember is that . . . I sucked. The second thing is that it is never a good idea to leave your protective cup at home. Lastly, I remember that if you were ever losing by 10 goals, they would stop the game. The Sympathy Rule, we called it. Well, it might be time to invoke said Sympathy Rule for the folks — all two of them — left at Ulong. Just when they thought it couldn’t get any worse, it did! And once again in comical fashion.
It started with the reward challenge. . . . Okay, let’s amend that: It started with the dreaded-unbearable-boring-as-hell-please-put-me-out-of-my-misery-with-the-Sympathy-Rule reward challenge. Why so feisty on my part? My hatred of the SOS reward challenge has been well documented over the years. First off, it’s subjective. But even more so, it’s snooze inducing. Every season they do this challenge, it’s the same damn thing — get a few palm trees together, spell something out, light it on fire, and then dance around like a lunatic. As I said, I’ve made this point before, so I’ll stop it right there. . . . But no! I can’t! That’s how much I hate it! I can’t stop writing about it! Okay, let me go grab my medication real quick. . . .
There, I’m back now. Much better. Much calmer. In fact, I can even point out one thing I actually liked about the challenge — the fact that Ulong lost again. Now, look, I have nothing against these people, but let’s be honest — watching them get pummeled on a weekly basis has made for great drama. Personally, I didn’t see much of a difference in the two camps’ dumb beach messages, but I did get a kick out of watching Ibrehem gingerly waving the flag back and forth while the helicopter flew overhead. Dude, I know you’re mellow as a cello, but at least put a little something into it. How right on the money was Bobby Jon when he said, ”We worked hard. I guess they worked harder. Or I’m sure they worked smarter, knowing them.” (Hold that thought for the immunity challenge, B.J.)
So they lose the reward, and then show up at the immunity challenge and have to hear all about how Tom at Koror caught a freakin’ shark! Their faces were priceless upon being informed how the rich just got richer. Every genius reaction was the equivalent of a Survivor money shot. Now, about Tom and that shark. I thought Richard Hatch was a badass when he caught and killed that baby shark in All-Stars (although he didn’t really catch it so much as have the shark get its teeth caught in his skin). But that was nothing compared to this. Tom used a machete to cut this sucker in half! And did you see that madman casually take stock of the blood on his shoulder and go, ”Oh, is that mine?” like it was no big deal. Like I said — madman.
Then, of course, came the actual immunity challenge. Once again, I don’t understand for the life of me Koror’s strategy of sitting out their best players in immunity challenges. It’s like they feel so sorry for Ulong that they decide to spot them a few points by putting in their B team. Don’t get me wrong, Coby was a great choice as the spotter, but why the hell was broken-down Janu in there instead of Tom? Of course, it doesn’t matter when playing Ulong. Bobby Jon looked absolutely clueless up there trying to figure out the puzzle. Over half an hour later, Probst (can someone get this guy a lozenge?) was telling him, ”I’m not sure you’ve made any progress since we started.” Whether he meant the entire season or just that challenge is open to debate, but I’m pretty sure he was referring to the latter.
Bobby Jon eventually gave up and switched places with Stephenie, but by then it was way too little and way too late. You had to figure at that point Ibrehem was a goner, although for a while B.J. did his best wishy-washy Christy-Dolly impersonation in refusing to publicly take a side. It almost got his ass voted off, and truthfully, it probably should have. He’s lucky Ibrehem didn’t join up with Stephenie to send him packing.
Not like it matters. The last remnants of Ulong are toast once they merge with Koror, which I figure has to be next week. After all, there are only 10 players left, and that is the usual merge number. Plus, there’s no way to do a tribal council with only two players, unless they came up with some wacky 1-1 tiebreaker, and then what are they gonna do, show the last remaining member just hanging out by him or herself? You know, sort of like Cast Away, but without the stupid volleyball. Either way, Ulong, rest easy — you are sure to be out put of your misery soon enough.
What do you think? Do the two remaining Ulongers have a prayer? Are the Koror people’s scheming and backstabbing skills going to be too rusty to function? And what is your least favorite type of Survivor challenge?
Coby Archa,
Ashlee Ashby,
Gregg Carey,
Bobby Jon Drinkard,
Katie Gallagher,
Caryn Groedel,
Angie Jakusz,
Jolanda Jones,
Stephenie LaGrossa,
Jonathan Libby,
Jennifer Lyon,
James Miller (Actor),
Kim Mullen,
Ibrehem Rahman,
Ian Rosenberger,
Wanda Shirk,
Willard Smith,
Janu Tornell,
Tom Westman,
Jeff Wilson
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So Long, Ulong
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A Glasgow girl longs for country-music stardom in scrappy drama Wild Rose: EW review
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The power of films that tackle real-world issues
The power of films that tackle real-world issues -- EW asks if 'Blood Diamond,' 'Fast Food Nation,' and other conscience-clanging movies can truly affect audiences
November 10, 2006 at 05:00 AM EST
On the off chance you don’t already have enough on your plate, here’s another hot-button topic to worry about: conflict diamonds. The upcoming Leonardo DiCaprio thriller, Blood Diamond, tackles the issue of raw gems that were mined at gunpoint (or worse) to fuel the decimating guerrilla wars of Sierra Leone. Directed by Edward Zwick, the film, set in 1999, is a lavish big-scale production, with scenes of eye-opening carnage — young men getting their hands chopped off — as well as world-jewel-market lessons that tick across the screen with grim intrigue. And there is DiCaprio as a cucumber-cool South African mercenary who befriends a fisherman-turned-forced diamond worker (the enthralling Djimon Hounsou), plus Jennifer Connelly as a Vanity Fair reporter. ”You think you’re going to change the outcome?” barks DiCaprio to the swank, do-gooder journalist. ”You sell blood diamonds too!” An accusation she quickly dodges by declaring ”Not all American girls want a storybook wedding!”
In 2006, that’s a startling statement for a political drama to hang its case on. I mean, really, how many American girls don’t want a storybook wedding? (Enough to make this movie a hit?) Even prior to its release on Dec. 8, Blood Diamond has touched a nerve at De Beers, the international diamond conglomerate, which launched a PR campaign renouncing, and denying, the purchase of all conflict diamonds. Yet in today’s frazzled, fraught, nervously consumerist environment, it’s worth asking how much attention any moviegoer, overwhelmed by health care, the housing market, the techno-toys they have to buy their kids, not to mention such trivialities as the war in Iraq, is going to have left to devote to yet another issue: making sure they buy $10,000 jewels, if they can afford them, from enlightened mining zones.
I didn’t used to have these thoughts, this testy skepticism, about topical liberal message movies. Like a lot of people, I went to such high-minded and urgently timely rabble-rousers as Z or Norma Rae or All the President’s Men or Silkwood or Salvador or Erin Brockovich and got riled up, inspired, or simply entertained by them, taking in the gutbucket nobility of what they were saying — the protests against intolerance, greed, corporate malfeasance, political corruption, and so forth. Of course, many of these movies (like, say, The Killing Fields) deal with events that have already passed, and so they can scarcely be expected to change things. More and more, though, the films that arrive with a timely message — at least, the ones that aren’t documentaries — often seem to be released into a cultural vacuum of indifference.
Unless I’m forgetting something, I don’t recall The Interpreter, that Nicole Kidman United Nations thriller, stirring up a lot of overheated coffee-bar conversation about the role of the U.N. in the post-9/11 world, and ditto for North Country and the issue of sexual harassment. (I’m not even counting a camp fiasco like Beyond Borders, which was like a promo for Angelina Jolie’s Third World adoption campaign.) True, neither of those films was particularly good, but I’d pose the same question of effectiveness, of zeitgeist heat, in relation to The Constant Gardener, a splendidly made conspiracy thriller that did a scrupulous job of dramatizing the willingness of pharmaceutical companies to exploit AIDS in Africa for profit. Did it stimulate dialogue about, or alter the actions of, Big Pharma by one-tenth of a degree? And if not, did its message really mean anything? Was it all just hot air in a prestige Oscar bottle?
The question seems relevant as we enter another holiday movie season, with big-message pictures an inevitable part of the awards smorgasbord. The funny thing is, these movies now arrive with a wary, almost daunted sense of their potential irrelevance. In Richard Linklater’s Fast Food Nation, a brow-wrinkled muckraker adapted from Eric Schlosser’s nonfiction exposé of burger-world scandals (what’s next — Quentin Tarantino’s Consumer Reports?), a group of young folks, fed up with the corruption underlying the American fast-food industry, decide to get off their duffs and do something. One suggests writing a letter of protest, at which point the cool rebel guy, the one with the long hair and wool cap out of Dazed and Confused, steps forward. A letter, he scoffs? What’s needed, he says, is action. So the kids devise a plan to hit the corporation where it lives. Yet an overtone of awkwardness ripples through this mad-as-hell moment, since it raises an important question about the movie we’re watching. Is Fast Food Nation going to rouse anyone to action? Or is it just the cinematic equivalent of that woebegone letter, the one destined to have no effect at all?
You can see what the makers of these movies are going for, in their messianic Hollywood zeal. They must figure that if a book or a magazine article or a page-10 news story can spotlight an issue, how much more power might be derived from transforming that reportage into a vast ”important” drama with major marquee names. Yet it’s the transformation that may be the problem. It implies that the issues at stake are castor oil, that they need to be taken with a screenful of colorful-global-thriller sugar to make the medicine go down. Audiences, by now, are too aware of the clichés: the selfish heroes who wake up and learn how to care, the cover-ups that tilt into violence, the last-act triumph over the System.
Ironically, the Hollywood message movie may have revealed its weary bones in Erin Brockovich (2000), a good and popular film. In that toxic-waste corporate rouser, director Steven Soderbergh treated the message movie as a genre, pure and simple, as formatted as a Western. You could root for Julia Roberts, in her bustiers, to fight the power without worrying about what the power was. Tellingly, that same year, Soderbergh also made the brilliant Traffic, the rare topical film that spins the texture of an issue into drama, though in hindsight the question of whether that movie had even a ripple effect upon American drug-war policy remains in serious doubt.
To be fair, only a handful of topical dramas have ever had much resonant effect. The overlapping slew of cover-up thrillers that dotted the mid-1970s (Three Days of the Condor, The Parallax View, The Conversation) helped the public connect to the revelations of Watergate. The China Syndrome (1979), that nuclear hot potato, was the ironic beneficiary of the Three Mile Island disaster (it was released 12 days before the accident), and JFK generated headlines and more: Oliver Stone’s electric tapestry of conspiracy provoked dozens of articles in The New York Times, and the curiosity about the Kennedy assassination it rekindled was instrumental in getting Congress to open sealed files on the event. It’s worth noting that the first blockbuster, The Birth of a Nation (1915), was an incendiary message movie, and so, in its cornball-storybook way, was Casablanca (1942), released at the height of World War II, in which Humphrey Bogart’s Rick, conquering his apathy in the face of the war, learned that the problems of two people ”don’t amount to a hill of beans.”
Woodrow Wilson said The Birth of a Nation was ”writing history with lightning,” but has any scripted drama from the last three decades had as lightning an effect upon the national discourse as Fahrenheit 9/11? Whatever one’s opinion of Michael Moore, he has proven — in a way that Borat oddly echoes — that American moviegoers are hungry for confrontation, information, an immediate mirror of their times far more than they are for tidy liberal homilies served up in melodramatic form. Super Size Me proved that too — and so did Al Gore with the bracing, dialogue-in-coffee-bar-provoking An Inconvenient Truth. In general, the rise of documentaries as a mainstream entertainment form may turn out to be the single biggest nail in the topical-message-movie coffin.
It boils down to this: We now live in a reality-based media culture that bombards us with advocacy. Book-length exposés. Cable news. Talk radio. The 24/7 information stream that is the Internet. When something occurs like, say, the Enron scandal, it is reported on and dissected from every angle. But let’s imagine Hollywood decided to make a movie about Enron, embedding that scandal in a story, giving us a hero with a newly awakened conscience, a romance to make us ”care.” In doing so, a movie about the consequences of lying would itself be based on a lie: that those things matter as much as the scandal. And that they amount to more than a hill of beans.
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Exacerbations of asthma without sputum eosinophilia. Academic Article
BACKGROUND: Sputum analysis provides a non-invasive method of examining the airway secretions of subjects with asthma in order to better understand the inflammatory process. Increased proportions of eosinophils are generally seen in the sputum of subjects with asthma, especially when there is an exacerbation. An unexpected observation in the sputum of subjects with mild exacerbations of asthma is reported. METHODS: Thirty four consecutive subjects with symptoms consistent with a mild exacerbation of asthma were recruited for a treatment study. Inclusion criteria required persistent symptoms of chest tightness, dyspnoea, or wheezing for two weeks (without spontaneous improvement or alteration in dose of inhaled corticosteroid) and a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) that was reversible to more than 75% predicted or known best to ensure the exacerbation was mild. Sputum (spontaneous or induced with hypertonic saline) from all subjects was examined for differential cell counts. Eosinophilic sputum was defined as > or = 4% eosinophils on two occasions or > 10% eosinophils once. Clinical characteristics, sputum differential counts, and measurements of airways obstruction were compared between the subjects with and without sputum eosinophilia. RESULTS: Almost half of the subjects (16 of 34) considered to have mildly uncontrolled asthma had no sputum eosinophilia. In comparison with the subjects who had sputum eosinophilia the non-eosinophilic group had less airways obstruction (FEV1% predicted 88% v 70%) and less severe airways hyperresponsiveness (PC20 methacholine 0.45 mg/ml v 0.13 mg/ml). There was no difference between the groups in the type or prevalence of symptoms, history of recent infections, smoking, relevant allergen exposure, or use of inhaled corticosteroid. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of mildly uncontrolled asthma are not always associated with eosinophilic airways inflammation as measured by sputum analysis. The causes and treatment of the non-eosinophilic condition require further investigation.
Turner, MO
Hussack, P
Sears, Malcolm
Dolovich, J
Hargreave, FE
Aged (MeSH)
Asthma (MeSH)
Bronchial Hyperreactivity (MeSH)
Eosinophilia (MeSH)
Eosinophils (MeSH)
Forced Expiratory Volume (MeSH)
Leukocyte Count (MeSH)
Middle Aged (MeSH)
Respiratory System (Science Metrix)
Sputum (MeSH)
Thorax Journal
Bronchial Hyperreactivity
Forced Expiratory Volume
Leukocyte Count
10.1136/thx.50.10.1057
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Five Things, Wednesday 1st October
September 30, 2014 by martin colyer Leave a Comment
Steve Punt on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip
A programme where people drive around, tip up at various Antique Dealers, and drive down their prices by haggling – only to find that, when they auction what they’ve bought, they are worth just about what the Antique Dealer was selling them for. Why am I even mentioning this? Only because they were in Coventry and went to the recently opened Coventry Music Museum which has a recreation of Jerry Dammers’ bedroom! I’m a sucker for that kind of thing after the Abba Museum, so if I find myself in the Midlands, I’m there.
Aretha does Rolling In The Deep
I dreaded this, but it’s actually terrific to have Aretha singing again, over a pared-down arrangement, keeping the clever ‘offset’ chord changes, as she and her sisters take it back to church, finding a different way through the melody. Just check the way she sings “We could have had it all…”, or how she drags out h-a-a-yy-a-n-d, or the strangled second verse, just before the backing vox hit “Ain’t No Mountain”. The vocal sound is great, too, recorded hot and on the edge of distortion (unless it’s just lousy audio encoding, in which case I retract that comment).
Bruce Wagner, author of Maps to the Stars, The Guardian
“The kids who worked in showbiz would come late to middle school – just after lunch – straight from the set, still in makeup and wardrobe. Dean Paul Martin Jr revved his Ferrari past the playground on his way to Rexford, a private bastion of learning for the incorrigible offspring of the famous. I graduated to Beverly Hills High. Beverly’s swimming pool, beneath a retractable basketball court, had made its screen debut in It’s a Wonderful Life. Special lunchtime assemblies featured the Doors and Linda Ronstadt. (! – ed) I used to give rich out-of-towners fake tours of stars’ homes in Holmby Hills. I’d point to this house or that and say, “Sinatra. Lucille Ball. Jimmy Stewart.” The addresses were available from curbside vendors but most of us were too bored or lazy to bother with veracity. One day, on a fake tour of Bel‑Air, I saw a dishevelled man in a bathrobe in the middle of the street. I slowed and took a closer look and couldn’t believe my eyes: Brian Wilson. He asked if we had a light for his cigarette. The Texans were so thrilled they tipped me $100. I finally understood the cryptic, dadaist bumper stickers popular at the time: I BRAKE FOR BRIAN WILSON.”
The Tardis Church
All Saint’s Church in Margaret Street is astonishing. On a small London street, just north of Oxford Circus, it seems ridiculous that there’s a cathedral-sized space inside. But there is, beautifully restored, and featuring a four-manual Harrison and Harrison organ with 65 speaking stops, built in 1910. We were there to hear a challenging recital (it featured three Messiaen pieces) by Carl Bahoshy, in aid of Iraqi Christians in Need. Three was perhaps one too many Messiaen, but they showed off the bass notes of the organ impressively, and the depth of the registers used in Apparition de l’eglise eternelle actually caused your stomach to churn. My favourite piece was much calmer, Bach’s sublime Liebster Jesu, Wir Sind Hier.
Sam Amidon, Lily-O
Sam’s new album features his great live collaborators, Shahzad Ismaily and Chris Vatalaro, with the added gorgeousness of Bill Frisell’s electric guitar. In his note on the songs, Sam says, “At one point in Iceland we were at the end of a full day of recording. We had just finished listening through some of the takes just to see where everything was at. It was about 8pm, nighttime in Reykjavik, and we were all sitting there on the couch at the back of the main control room in Greenhouse studios. I put some music from my computer onto the big speakers. Music sounds so strong and clear through those big speakers! I put on “We’ll Be Together Again” by Pat Martino, recorded in 1976. Bill said it was the first time he was hearing it in ages. We listened. Then I put on “Jesus Maria” from Jimmy Giuffre Trio 1961 with Paul Bley and Steve Swallow. That is beautiful music. It lifts you up, doesn’t it. We just listened for a good while, before heading downstairs to dinner.”
On first listen the album sounds tremendous, strong songs and vivid performances. And I have to add that the Guiffre piece is just beautiful… For a taste of what Frisell brings to Amidon, here’s a video of “Saro” shot live at the Poisson Rouge. Sam essays the song’s chords on an old dustbowl-dull Martin, a professorial Frisell to his left as they take this beautiful ballad for a stroll down by a clear flowing stream. Frisell is such an inspirational guitarist, and, playing off Sam’s elegant and affecting plainsong, wraps his fearless, chiming lines around the vocal. It’s a wonderfully openhearted performance, and Bill’s smile at the end is treasurable.
Italian Paparazzi Elio Sorci – who was named “Highest paid photographer in the world in 1963” – featured in the Sunday Telegraph magazine. I loved this pic of Raquel Welch and Marcello Mastroianni in ’66. Remind anyone else of Amy Winehouse?
Filed Under: Weekly Roundup Tagged With: Aretha Franklin, Bill Frisell, Bruce Wagner, Carl Bahoshy, Elio Sorci, Liebster Jesu Wir Sind Hier, Lily-O, Maps to the Stars, Rolling in the Deep, Sam Amidon
Extra! Five Things I Loved This Year…
December 24, 2012 by martin colyer Leave a Comment
The Best Use Of An Unlikely Venue
Sam Amidon, Westminster Central Library. Turned into, variously, a New York avant-jazz Loft Space, a poetry workshop, a folk festival and a church.
This Table In Spain
Mark Ritter: Alter Muddy Water. Written by Lee Hazlewood. Heard once, thanks to YouTube, never forgotten (or, for that matter, ever want to hear again.)
This Guitar At The Christie’s Sale
Elvis’ Fender Jaguar, apparently.
Favourite Acrobatic Moment From My Favourite Concert
The Webb Sisters’ astonishing backflip in the “Charlie Manson” verse of The Future, Leonard Cohen concert, Paris Olympia, where he played his greatest works [songs you’ve loved so long they’re almost part of your DNA] with his greatest ever band.
And At The End Of The Year, A Present
A Hollie Cole album is always a welcome addition to our household, and this December, an early Christmas present, Night. Standout tracks are stunning versions of If You Could Read My Mind and Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues, with glorious support from her original Trio, David Piltch on bass and Aaron Davis on piano.There’s a sadness in her voice that can’t be denied, but music this great always uplifts.
Oh, And Something To Look Forward To For Next Year…
The outrageous trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s version of Gatsby, featuring, as its soundtrack, No Church in the Wild by Jay-Z and Kanye West, Florence and The Machine’s Bedroom Hymns and—for its final, most hysterical third—Filter’s industrial version of The Turtles’ Happy Together. Sensational.
Filed Under: Extra! Tagged With: Alter Muddy Water, Baz Luhrmann, Christie's Auction, Elvis Presley, Fender Jaguar, Great Gatsby, Holly Cole, Holly Cole Night, Leonard Cohen, Mark Ritter, Night, Sam Amidon
Five Things I Saw & Heard This Week: Wednesday 8th August
August 8, 2012 by martin colyer Leave a Comment
Killing Me Softly With Their Song
Now the second season of The Killing has come to an end I’ll hear no more the striking and enigmatic theme, my favourite piece of tv music. Some Great Detectiveness (© Bob Burden’s genius Flaming Carrot) leads me to find that it was written by a couple of London-based musicians (see Alabama 3/The Sopranos for similar US tv/London-based musician interface). Richard File and Wendy Rae Fowler perform as We Fell To Earth—name and logo influenced by the Nic Roeg/David Bowie film The Man Who Fell To Earth. I resolve to find out more…
Readers/Writers
Aditya Chakrabortty in The Guardian: This week Aditya read David Remnick’s profile of Bruce Springsteen. “Is it a sign of age when you read a music piece not because you like the singer, but the journalist?” I don’t think it is. My guide to the quality of writing in a magazine has always been the same—how many pieces have I read here that are about subjects that are of no, or little, interest to me. The higher the number, the better the writing.
Desert Island Discs 1; Saro by Sam Amidon.
In the performance with Bill Frisell live at the Poisson Rouge on Vimeo. Sam essays the song’s chords on an old dustbowl-dull Martin, a professorial Frisell to his left as they take this beautiful ballad for a stroll down by a clear flowing stream. Frisell is such an inspirational player, and, playing off Sam’s elegant and affecting plainsong, wraps his fearless, serpentine lines around the vocal. It’s a wonderfully openhearted performance, and Bill’s smile at the end treasurable.
The Musical Life, New Yorker, July 23
Watts said the difference between playing jazz in clubs and playing rock and roll with the Stones was the volume. “Also in jazz you’re closer,” he said. “In a football stadium, you can’t say you’re closely knit together. It’s difficult to know what Mick’s up to when you can’t even see him. He’s gone around the corner and he’s half a mile away.”—Alec Wilkinson
Olympic Music
The BBC have pulled out their Battles and xx mp3s with a vengeance for the Olympics, tracking short films about the rowers or cyclists with choice selections, but the overwhelming memory of music at the Games will be Vangelis’ bloody Chariots Of Fire. At first I thought the IOC and LOGOC had just done away with the National Anthems altogether in the Medal Ceremonies and gone with the uplifting, glorious and triumphant™ Britfilm classic, but it turns out that it just soundtracks most of it, before ending with the winners anthem. Ol’ Vangelis’ royalty cheque should make interesting reading…
Filed Under: Weekly Roundup Tagged With: Bill Frisell, Chariots Of Fire, Charlie Watts, David Remnick, New Yorker, Olympics Music, Sam Amidon, The Killing, Vangelis, We Fell To Earth
Five Things I Saw & Heard This Week: Wednesday 18th April
April 18, 2012 by martin colyer Leave a Comment
Newsnight v Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All
Oh dear. Old media fails again to report properly on new phenomena… From Stephen Smith’s bizarre “Is this the future of Rock ’n’ Roll?” opening line it was The Day Today all the way. After Brick Stowell explained that he made 300 t-shirts for the pop-up shop (OF are paying their way by selling stuff rather than music at this point), Smith’s supposedly snark aside was: “Are there any washing instructions in here?” How lame is that? A pointlessly combatative interview with OF followed by their manager having to insist they paid taxes, before Smith’s coup de grâce—“Some say the band are a case of new wine in old bottles, or is that a case of old dope in new bongs?” If that’s the level of discourse, if that’s how you’re going to attempt to impart information in the six minute time slot that Newsnight will allow—then why bother? As the kids would say: Jam Yo Hype, Newsnight!
Mystic Malvina
“There were some good things at the Monterey Folk Festival—you must have missed them, or they didn’t appeal to you anyway… A girl named Janis Joplin, square built, impassive, singing blues in a high, skin-prickling voice like a flamenco woman; Bob Dylan, and some others. When thousands of kids are doing something with diligence and devotion, there are going to be some geniuses amongst them—it figures mathematically. And something is coming of this. Bob Dylan is a sign.”
An excerpt from a wonderful letter that folksinger Malvina Reynolds (composer of Little Boxes) wrote to Ralph J Gleason, published by Jeff Gold on his Recordmecca blog. As Jeff says, “Boy, did she ever get that right.” Big Brother & The Holding Company three years in the future and Dylan’s first appearance on the West Coast. “He too was almost completely unknown, and for Reynolds to invoke the genius-word was pretty prescient—and daring, indeed.” Jeff follows this with a letter from a woman called Donna, about Dylan’s 1965 San Francisco Press Conference which is just as good. More and more, these primary sources ring with resonance—the resonance of a time and place, not with hindsight or a critical straightjacket to tie them up in.
Welcome To The Library, Friday evening, 13th April
As far from the jungle as could be—you’d think—the Westminster Reference Library, just off Leicester Square. I used to do my homework there. Tonight it’s the venue for the Sam Amidon Experience.
A power trio unlike any you’ve ever heard. Sam makes the melodies of these old, old folk songs a kind of plainsong—flattened out and dessicated, almost. By repeating and intensifying phrases, voice totally in sync with his unique guitar style, the tunes move forward and shift gears. Behind him, like mad scientists tiptoeing through the cables, his genius accompanyists moved from Slingerland drumkit to computer, from bass to prepared guitar. Take a bow Shahzad Ismaily and Chris Vatalaro. With these two beyond-talented collaborators the show swayed from free jazz to beat poetry to Appalachian ballads (one of which, Prodigal Son, Amidon dedicated to Rick Santorum: “When I left my father’s house, I was well supplied, I made a mistake and I did run, I’m dissatisfied… I believe I’ll go back home, I believe I’ll go back home, I believe I’ll go back home, Acknowledge I done wrong.”)
I took my mum. She found it equal parts beguiling and baffling. She loved the final medley of Climbing High Mountains with R. Kelly’s Relief, where the audience sang the refrain like a hymn. She’d liked to have heard more Beth Orton. Mothers, eh?
Post-Rock Careers: Nine Inch Nails
Literate Rockers Alert!
As Alex Kapranos is to food, so Charlie Fink may be to film, if an enterprising publisher snaps up the Noah & The Whale Film Companion. A really entertaining diary entry in ES Magazine made me warm to a frontman whose band had hardly set my pulses racing at a couple of festival appearances last year. I’ll have to listen anew.
Filed Under: Weekly Roundup Tagged With: Bob Dylan, Charlie Fink, Chris Vatalaro, Janis Joplin, Jeff Gold, malvina reynolds, Newsnight, Noah & The Whale, Odd Future, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, ralph j gleason, Rick Santorum, Sam Amidon, Shahzad Ismaily, Stephen Smith, The Day Today, Trent Rznor
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How Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson learned to play like an absolute baller
February 12, 2018 February 11, 2018 by alexhorlock
Manchester City fans have fallen in love.
Last summer, City added to the already-stellar squad with a couple of signings that appear to have added the finishing touches.
Kyle Walker, Danilo and Benjamin Mendy came in to add some much-needed pace in the full-back positions, while Bernardo Silva was drafted in to add another dimension to the club’s attack.
And while those players have all found success in Pep Guardiola’s side, one player brought in has been a revelation: Ederson.
The goalkeeper, who joined from Benfica last summer, plays like a sweeper behind John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi (and sometimes Vincent Kompany or Aymeric Laporte), and has shown impeccable calmness on the ball.
With the ability of a defensive midfielder with the ball at his feet, Ederson has proven instrumental in City’s sensational season so far. Never before has the Premier League seen a goalkeeper employ such an approach, and City fans are loving every minute of it.
But where did he get it from? Where do you get the gumption to play in such a composed manner with nippy opposition strikers breathing down your neck, knowing that the slightest mistake could be perilous?
“I think my footwork is influenced from having started as a full-back,” Ederson was quoted as saying in the Manchester Evening News. “Also I played futsal and that helped me a lot. I used to play as a goleiro-linha’ – it’s a goalkeeper that plays a lot with his feet.
“So we used to attack with five players and defend with five players. From that period, I had my shooting skills and good footwork.
🙆🏻♂️
A post shared by Ederson Moraes (@ederson93) on Jan 22, 2018 at 10:45am PST
“I started playing as a full-back, but it’s difficult to chase quick forwards, especially for me that I’m not particularly quick!
“I had lots of trouble running after the forwards. I asked my manager if I could switch my position to the goal. When I did my first training session, it was love at first sight.
“I liked it since minute one and then my career as a goalkeeper started.”
The Brazilian was a great fan of the eccentric and brilliant Rogerio Ceni, a goalkeeper who almost scored as many free-kicks as David Beckham.
In Saturday’s drubbing of Leicester, Ederson found himself closer to the half-way line than his goal-line with the ball at his feet and Jamie Vardy closing in on him. Wide on the left, Ederson kept his cool, lifted his head and sprayed the ball out to Kyle Walker. He then trotted back to his penalty area.
Ederson tells of Guardiola’s influence, which has helped mould him into one of the league’s best stoppers, saying: “He told me about the importance of the build-up, but also about the ‘mid-balls’ and with me he could also have ‘long-balls’, so our game was going to be more complete.
“So when I started training here, we worked a lot on that, the short, mid and long-balls. Training session after training session I got used to it and kept improving.”
Give us a follow on Instagram
Monday 😬
A post shared by Football Shirt Collective (@footballshirtcollective) on Feb 5, 2018 at 12:28am PST
Tags: ederson Flashback guardiola Kits manchester city premier league
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List of Donkey Kong characters
(Redirected from Kremling Krew)
Find sources: "List of Donkey Kong characters" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (March 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
From left to right: Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong, Dixie Kong, Funky Kong, Cranky Kong, Wrinkly Kong and Swanky Kong.
This page lists all the characters from the Donkey Kong franchise.
1 Kongs
1.1 Donkey Kong
1.2 Donkey Kong Jr.
1.3 Diddy Kong
1.4 Cranky Kong
1.5 Funky Kong
1.6 Candy Kong
1.7 Dixie Kong
1.8 Wrinkly Kong
1.9 Tiny Kong
1.10 Chunky Kong
1.11 Kiddy Kong
1.12 Lanky Kong
1.13 Swanky Kong
2 Kremlings
2.1 King K. Rool
2.2 Klump
2.2.2 Donkey Kong Country
2.2.3 Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest/Donkey Kong Land 2
2.2.4 Donkey Kong 64
2.2.5 Donkey Kong Barrel Blast
2.2.6 Donkey Kong Pilot (2003)
2.2.7 Other Media
2.3 Krusha
2.4 Kritter
2.5 Klaptrap
Kongs[edit]
Kongs[1] are a race of primates that live on the Donkey Kong Island.
Kong Family[2][3] (also known as the Kong Klan[4] and the DK Crew[5]) is a group led by Donkey Kong where he brings his family and friends. With the arrival of Kremling Krew in DK Island, this family became a resistance group to protect the island. To non-Kong are allies from family by have been helped in previous games, until K. Lumsy who is a Kremling (antagonistic race from series) became part from family. Already the rejects Kongs are enemy which were banned or exiled from family for their rebelliousness and betrayal.[6][7][8]
Donkey Kong[edit]
Main article: Donkey Kong (character)
Donkey Kong, also known as DK or D. Kong, is a male gorilla, the main protagonist of the Donkey Kong franchise and the leader of the DK crew. Donkey Kong first appears in the arcade game Donkey Kong, however, the modern incarnation of the character introduced in Donkey Kong Country is revealed to be the grandson of the arcade original character.[9]
Donkey Kong Jr.[edit]
For the video game of the same name, see Donkey Kong Jr.
Donkey Kong Jr.,[a] also known as DK Jr. or simply Junior, is the protagonist of the 1982 arcade game of the same name and the son of the original Donkey Kong. Junior wears a white singlet with a red letter "J" on it. His objective in the game is to save his father, who was locked by Mario in a cage. He returns in the 1994 Game Boy video game Donkey Kong, where he teams up with his father, who has kidnapped Pauline, against Mario. Junior also appeared as a playable character in Super Mario Kart, but he didn't return in any of the future installments, he also appeared in the Virtual Boy game Mario's Tennis, and as a hidden character in the Nintendo 64 version of the similarly named Mario Tennis. He also has his own educational video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System: Donkey Kong Jr. Math. Other appearances by Junior includes the Game & Watch games Donkey Kong Jr. (in wide-screen, tabletop and panorama versions) and Donkey Kong II, as well as the Game & Watch Gallery series compilations for Game Boy. He also appears as the physical appearance of the transformed king of World 4 in the Super NES and Game Boy Advance versions of Super Mario Bros. 3. Donkey Kong Junior had his own segment in the first season of Saturday Supercade and was voiced by Frank Welker.[10] Like his father, he had his own cereal brand in the 1980s.
According to Rare, the developers of Donkey Kong Country, there are multiple Donkey Kongs, shortly before the release of Donkey Kong 64 in 1999, Leigh Loveday claimed that "as far as he knew", the modern one who appears in Donkey Kong Country onward is theoretically a grown-up version of Junior himself.[11] However, the Donkey Kong Country manual, Donkey Kong Land, Donkey Kong Country 2, stated that Cranky the original Donkey Kong is the grandfather of the game's titular character. More recently, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Donkey Kong Country Returns, and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze have stated that the current Donkey Kong is the original Donkey Kong's grandson implying that Junior is actually the current Donkey Kong's father.[12]
The character Diddy Kong was going to be an updated version of Donkey Kong Junior. However, Nintendo did not like this idea, suggesting either to give him his old look or make him a new character. Rare chose the latter and Diddy Kong was made.[13]
Diddy Kong[edit]
Main article: Diddy Kong
Diddy Kong, also known as Diddy, is a young male monkey, the secondary main protagonist of the Donkey Kong franchise and Donkey Kong's sidekick. His first appearance was Donkey Kong Country. In the game's storyline, Donkey Kong requested for him to protect their Banana Hoard overnight, while he takes a nap. While guarding the bananas, Diddy was captured by the Kremlings and sealed afterwards. When Donkey Kong heard the news, he set off on his adventure, freed Diddy, and they both confronted King K. Rool. The duo managed to defeat him, and recover their stolen bananas along the way.
In Donkey Kong Country 2, Donkey Kong gets kidnapped by Kaptain K. Rool, and Diddy must team up with Dixie Kong to save him. After rescuing DK and defeating K. Rool, he retreats to his secret island, the Lost World. The Kongs defeat K. Rool a second time, and he gets stuck in Crocodile Isle's generator, which explodes. The Kongs escaped the island and witnessed its destruction.
Later on, both Diddy and DK get kidnapped in Donkey Kong Country 3, and the newly named Baron K. Roolenstein uses them as a power source for KAOS, a giant robot to spy on Dixie and Kiddy Kong's adventure in rescuing the apes. Diddy and Donkey Kong are eventually freed by Dixie and Kiddy.
Years after his defeat, King K. Rool returns in Donkey Kong 64; he gets his minions to imprison Donkey Kong's friends, with Diddy being one of them. He attempts to steal the Banana Hoard again. As soon as Diddy is freed from his imprisonment, he can collect red bananas, red coins, play his electric guitar, charge at foes or objects, fly in his barrel jet pack, and shoot peanuts from his guns.
Diddy Kong also appeared in Donkey Kong Country Returns, its 3DS remake and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. He is one of the main characters of the television series adaption. He has a lot of roles in the Mario games, including basketball, kart racing and more.
Cranky Kong[edit]
Cranky Kong[b] is an elderly grumpy gorilla, known for his scathing, fourth wall-breaking commentary. Introduced in Donkey Kong Country, he has appeared in a number of Donkey Kong games, primarily as a reluctant adviser to Donkey Kong and his various simian pals (in game and in the instruction manuals), as well as running minigames and tutorials. He is currently voiced by Takashi Nagasako.[14]
The Donkey Kong Country instruction manual states that Cranky is the original Donkey Kong character featured in the 1981 arcade game.[9]
The current Donkey Kong (introduced in Donkey Kong Country) was initially described as his grandson, making him Donkey Kong III.[15][16] However, in Donkey Kong 64, Cranky directly refers to the current Donkey Kong as his son in their first conversation. This was reverted to the original grandson relationship in subsequent games such as the Game Boy Advance versions of Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Country 2, Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Donkey Kong Country Returns.
As his name implies, Cranky is perpetually bitter about many things and complains about them to anyone who gives him even the slightest acknowledgment. He is mostly angry about the state of modern video games, once going so far as to complain about how many bits and bytes are used up to simply animate his swinging beard. Every time he sees any such thing he seems to fondly recall his heyday in which he was an 8-bit character with only three frames of animation.
In Donkey Kong Country on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Cranky's main purpose was to distribute helpful hints about the game's many stages to Donkey Kong and his sidekick Diddy Kong whenever they dropped by his cabin. Donkey Kong Country 2 saw him play a similar role, although this time the player would have to provide enough banana coins to buy specific hints. In Donkey Kong Country 3 he was the player's opponent in a throwing mini game at Swanky's Sideshow; in the Game Boy Advance versions of Donkey Kong Country 2 and Donkey Kong Country 3, he hosted several minigames, and was briefly playable in one of them.
Donkey Kong 64 saw Cranky deal out potions that granted each of the five playable Kongs special abilities and could be purchased at Cranky's Lab. He also hosted the Jetpac game, and would let one to play it after earning 15 Banana Medals. Achieving 5,000 points in Jetpac earns the Rareware Coin, which was required to beat the game.
Cranky also made cameo appearances in Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Jungle Japes stage, as well as appearing in Donkey Konga and its sequels. His most recent appearances have been dispensing tips in DK King of Swing and DK Jungle Climber, in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast where he served as a fully playable character for the first time (aside from the Dojo minigame of Donkey Kong Country 3's Game Boy Advance port), and in Donkey Kong Country Returns and its 3DS remake, where he runs various shops that sell items and helps the player by giving hints and tips when they leave his shop.
In Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Cranky becomes a playable character for the first time in a Donkey Kong platformer. His moveset is based around his cane.
Cranky was a regular on the Donkey Kong Country animated series. He was still as senile as in the games, but without his fourth wall-breaking comments. His cabin was where the Crystal Coconut, the mystical bauble that made DK the future ruler of Kongo Bongo Island (as DK Island was called on the show), was kept. Often, Cranky mixed potions, somewhat prefiguring his Donkey Kong 64 role. He was voiced by Aron Tager, and by Ryūsei Nakao in the Japanese dub of the TV series.[17]
Funky Kong[edit]
Funky Kong[c] is a gorilla who usually supplies services to the Kongs such as allowing them to go back to worlds they have previously completed in the game. However, in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, he took on a different role as a vehicle merchant, allowing Dixie Kong and Kiddy Kong to reach new areas of the game world. In Donkey Kong 64, Funky switched jobs yet again to become the ammunitions expert of the group, and his business seemed to suggest an army surplus store. He supplied various weapons and upgrades to the Kongs, and donned camouflage clothing, goggles and a large rocket on his back (which is revealed near the end of the game to contain a giant boot) in favor of his old board shorts and sunglasses. He took back on his "surfer" appearance in later games. He is also a playable character in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, as well as in multiplayer modes of DK King of Swing and DK Jungle Climber. He is currently voiced by Toshihide Tsuchiya.[18]
Funky was also a regular on the Donkey Kong Country cartoon, where he was voiced by Damon D'Oliveira. One difference is that the cartoon version of Funky had tan fur as opposed to the brown fur his video game counterpart had. He was also given a Jamaican accent. However, like his game counterpart, Funky is keen on surfing (he can be seen surfing in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest), and like in the first game, he runs his own airline service. He often talks about karma and is the best dancer on the island. Funky is obviously not fond of adventuring or fighting the Kremlings, nor is he keen on doing very much work; he often tries to take the easier way out of a situation, or just leave it up to DK and Diddy.
Funky also appears as an unlockable heavyweight character in Mario Kart Wii, his first appearance in a Mario game.
His next appearance in a Mario game was in Mario Super Sluggers for the Wii, where he was a playable character along with the other Donkey Kong characters. Funky uses his surfboard as a bat in the game.
Funky resurfaces in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze as the keeper of the Fly and Buy shops, thus taking over the role of shopkeeper from Cranky Kong, who instead becomes a playable character. In the Nintendo Switch enhanced port of Tropical Freeze, Funky also serves as a playable character, headlining the eponymous "Funky Mode" exclusive to that port. In Funky Mode, characters can play as Funky Kong, who has extra health and other perks such as double-jumping or standing on spikes without taking damage. Players can still switch back to traditional Donkey Kong and back to Funky again while playing in Funky Mode if they wish, but Donkey Kong and his partner will both have added health. A save file cannot be changed out of Funky Mode once it has been started.
Candy Kong[edit]
Candy Kong[d] is a female gorilla and Donkey Kong's girlfriend who performs various services for the Kongs throughout the different games. Candy Kong first appeared in Donkey Kong Country providing save point stations throughout the game. Her second appearance was in Donkey Kong 64; in this game, she provided instruments for DK and company to use against the Kremlings and gives the Kong family more watermelons which increase the player's life. She wore headphones, a pink short-sleeve top, pink short shorts, and some footwear. She also makes a brief appearance in DK King of Swing, and is seen cheering on the player's characters. She wore a pink bikini top and short shorts, and her torso was redesigned (this appearance has remained in subsequent games). She also makes a brief cameo appearance in the GBA remake of Donkey Kong Country 2 and Donkey Kong Country 3. She is currently voiced by Satsuki Tsuzumi.[19]
In the Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country 2 she appears as a model on Swanky Kong's quiz show, and she wore a purple dress.
She also made a brief appearance in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast in the mode Candy's Challenges and allowed the players to collect up to a total of 1,000 bananas and to win the tracks in first place. She, along with Swanky Kong are the only two Kongs who have yet to become playable. She was going to be one of the playable characters in Diddy Kong Pilot, but that game became cancelled after Microsoft Game Studios bought Rare from Nintendo.
Candy was also a regular on the Donkey Kong Country animated series as well. She was voiced by Joy Tanner. However, in the series, she looked completely different from the pink-clad blonde seen in the games. Also, on the show, she worked at the barrel factory run by Bluster Kong, her boss. This version of Candy also showed off a very quick temper.
In 2007, Games.net ranked Candy Kong #2 on their list of "Top Ten Disturbingly Sexual Game Characters".[20]
Dixie Kong[edit]
Dixie Kong[e] is a young female monkey[21] with a prehensile ponytail. She is Diddy Kong's girlfriend. Her first appearance is Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest as Diddy Kong's sidekick and girlfriend. Dixie later made the starring role of Donkey Kong Country 3, subtitled Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, with Kiddy Kong as her sidekick. She is currently voiced by Kahoru Sasajima.[22]
While she did not return in Donkey Kong 64, her sister, Tiny Kong, served as her replacement. Her next playable appearance was in Donkey Konga 2 on the Nintendo GameCube, a bongo rhythm game. She appeared once again in the Japan only Donkey Konga 3.
She is also a playable character in Diddy Kong Racing DS, DK Jungle Climber, and Mario Hoops 3-on-3 for the Nintendo DS, DK King of Swing for the Game Boy Advance, Mario Superstar Baseball for the Nintendo GameCube, Mario Super Sluggers and Donkey Kong Barrel Blast for the Wii, and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze for the Wii U and Nintendo Switch.
Dixie appears in the Donkey Kong Country TV series. Provided voiceover by actress Louise Vallance.
Wrinkly Kong[edit]
Wrinkly Kong[f] is an elderly gorilla, and the wife of Cranky Kong. Wrinkly first appeared in the game Donkey Kong Country 2 for the SNES, where she ran Kong Kollege. She gave the player advice and allowed the player to save his or her game. She appeared again in Donkey Kong Land 2, and again in Donkey Kong Country 3. This time, she resided in Wrinkly's Save Cave, where the player could both save their game and deposit Banana Birds, which were found throughout the game. This concept remained sans birds in Donkey Kong Land III, where she resided in Wrinkly's Refuge. In the Game Boy Advance version of Donkey Kong Country 3, Wrinkly was portrayed as a spiritual follower of the Banana Birds. She is currently voiced by Miho Yamada.[23]
Wrinkly next appeared in Donkey Kong 64. She had apparently died at some point after Donkey Kong Country 3 as she is now a ghost. Every world lobby in the game, with the exception of Hideout Helm, featured five doors with Wrinkly's face on them; each door presented a hint for the level that applied to the Kong that corresponded to the door color (yellow for Donkey Kong, red for Diddy Kong, blue for Lanky Kong, purple for Tiny Kong, and green for Chunky Kong). When the player begins meeting her in Donkey Kong 64, she says, "Don't be afraid of me, young ones! It's only me, Wrinkly Kong," and then she gives the player advice on how to win a Golden Banana on the corresponding level.
Her first playable appearance was in DK King of Swing and would later return for DK Jungle Climber, and as an unlockable character in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast. She also appears as a trophy in Super Smash Bros Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
Tiny Kong[edit]
Tiny Kong[g] is a young, female chimpanzee from the Donkey Kong games who first appeared in Donkey Kong 64. She has blonde hair with pigtails. She is Dixie Kong's younger sister and is a cousin to Chunky Kong and Kiddy Kong, as stated in the manual for Donkey Kong 64. She is currently voiced by Kahoru Sasajima.[24]
In Donkey Kong 64, her clothing was a beanie hat, blue overalls, a white T-Shirt, and white shoes. She was freed by Diddy Kong in the Angry Aztec level in the building near Candy's Music Shop. Her weapon is the Feather Crossbow, her instrument is the Saxophone Slam, the Potion enables her for Mini-Monkey, Pony-Tail Twirl, and Monkey-Port. She can shrink when she jumps into her special barrel, allowing her access to areas other Kongs cannot go. She can do a helicopter-spin, equivalent to Dixie's, to slow down her descent. And she can teleport virtually anywhere when standing on a blue pad.
Tiny was one of the confirmed characters in Donkey Kong Racing for the Nintendo GameCube with Donkey Kong, Diddy, Kiddy, and Taj, but the game was canceled as Microsoft purchased Rare in September 2002.
She makes a cameo appearance in the GBA port of the SNES games Donkey Kong Country 2 and Donkey Kong Country 3. In Donkey Kong Country 2, Diddy, Dixie, or both must rescue her from the Zingers in a mini-game called Kongnapped and the objective is to rescue six of her in order to win. In Donkey Kong Country 3, she appears in one of Funky's Motorboat challenges. These two games are the only games where she is not a playable character.
In her spin-off debut, Diddy Kong Racing DS, she seems to have grown more mature, making her both taller and more physically developed than her older sister, Dixie. Her clothing now consists of a beanie hat, sweat pants, a midriff revealing spaghetti-strap top, sandals and fur wristbands, as well as earrings that she did not wear in the previous games. She is one of the first eight playable characters. Her acceleration and handling are slightly below average, and she has a medium top speed.
In Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, Tiny is one of the Kongs in this game. It is the first game on the Wii she appears in. It is also the second racing game for her character. She is one of the unlockable characters in this game. She was unlocked by completing Sapphire Mode on a Rookie Setting as one of the Kongs.
Tiny Kong also appears as a playable character in Mario Super Sluggers, this was also Tiny Kong's debut in the Mario franchise.[25]
Chunky Kong[edit]
Chunky Kong[h] is a large ape weighing 2000 lbs and is one of the playable Kongs in the game Donkey Kong 64. Chunky is the older brother of Kiddy Kong and cousin of Dixie Kong and Tiny Kong. He was freed by Lanky in the level Frantic Factory. Before he was freed, he indicates that he does not like heights. Despite his brawny build, he acts somewhat cowardly and childish. He also seems slower on the ball than the other characters. During the attract mode to Donkey Kong 64, all the Kongs are displayed and their abilities shown in the manner of a hip hop video. Chunky Kong is dressed in a flare-legged disco outfit with an afro hairstyle, but immediately realizes this is out of style (or out of place for rap) and runs off, immediately returning wearing more appropriate clothes. One example of Chunky's fears yummy in the "select spotlight," he is shown to be more enthusiastic about being selected). His weapon is the Pineapple Launcher, his instrument is the Triangle Trample, and the potion enables him to do Hunky Chunky, turning gigantic, Primate Punch, unleashing a very powerful punch which can smash down some doors and walls, and Gorilla-Gone, turning temporarily invisible. He can carry boulders and other heavy items that the other Kongs cannot carry. It was Chunky, with a combination of the "Hunky Chunky" and "Primate Punch" abilities, who defeated K.Rool in the last boxing match in Donkey Kong 64.
He appears as a sticker in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. He also made a brief cameo appearance in the Game Boy Advance remake of Donkey Kong Country 3 in the third challenge of Funky's Rentals, where he was one of the Kongs that he had to be rescued from the Kremlings' kidnapping threat, along with other characters such as Candy, Tiny and Cranky Kong.
In Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, his weapon called the Pineapple Launcher is an item that can be obtained in an item balloon and follows the player ahead of you until it hits them.
Kiddy Kong[edit]
Kiddy Kong, known as Dinky Kong[i] in Japan,[26] is a large baby ape that was introduced in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! as Dixie's sidekick and toddler cousin as well as the younger brother of Chunky Kong. Their mission was to solve a series of mysteries in the Northern Kremisphere and find their missing friends Donkey and Diddy.
Kiddy Kong was also playable in Donkey Kong Land III where he joins Dixie in her quest to prove herself worthy by finding the fabled lost world before DK, Diddy, and the Kremlings. He did not appear in Donkey Kong 64, but was mentioned in the manual as being the baby brother of Chunky Kong. He was slated to appear in Donkey Kong Racing before it was cancelled and so far has yet to appear in any games since then. His abilities included water skipping, being able to roll farther to make longer than average jumps, and throwing Dixie high out of normal jump reach, with Dixie being able to throw him and guide his fall to break platforms and unveil hidden secrets.
Lanky Kong[edit]
Lanky Kong[j] is a goofy Orangutan who is a distant cousin to the Kong family. Lanky's first appearance was in Donkey Kong 64 as one of the game's five playable Kongs. He was freed by Donkey Kong in the Angry Aztec level in the Llama's Temple. His weapon is the Grape Shooter, his instrument is the Trombone Tremor, and the Potion enables him to do OrangStand, walking on his hands to climb steep slopes. Baboon Balloon allows him to inflate himself to reach higher areas, and OrangSprint allows him to run really fast on his hands. In the level, Gloomy Galleon, he can transform into Enguarde the Swordfish when he enters the Enguarde Crate. Lanky Kong is known for his lack of style or grace, as well as his goofy-looking face.[27] He is currently voice by Kentaro Tone.[28]
Lanky appears in his spin-off debut, Donkey Kong Barrel Blast as one the unlockable characters.
In Donkey Kong Country, enemy Orangutans known as Manky Kong appeared, but it is unknown if they have any relation to Lanky.
Lanky Kong make cameo appearances as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, as well as a collectable spirit Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Swanky Kong[edit]
Swanky Kong[k] is a Kong entrepreneur. He first appears as the game show hosts a TV show called "Swanky's Bonus Bonanza" in Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest in which Diddy and Dixie must answer questions about the game correctly to win extra lives. The questions would range from easy ones such as enemies you have seen and the world you're currently in to hard ones such as objects in the background.
After Crocodile Isle was destroyed in Donkey Kong Country 2, Swanky ran "Swanky's Sideshow" in the Northern Kremisphere of Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! where you had to face off against Cranky Kong. If you won, Swanky awarded you with Bear Coins and Banana Bunches. Even if you lost, Swanky would still give you some as a consolation prize. In Donkey Kong Country 2, he wears a blue oversized jacket and had an afro hair style. In DKC3, he wears a white long-sleeved shirt, a gold vest, a bowler hat, black pants, black and white shoes, and had a diamond-topped cane.
In the Game Boy Advance version of Donkey Kong Country 2, Swanky's role remained the same except that he now has Candy as his assistant. If you beat all of his quizzes, Swanky will reward you with a photo of himself to add to the scrapbook. In the Game Boy Advance version of Donkey Kong Country 3, Swanky sported his Donkey Kong Country 2 look and now runs "Swanky's Dash", a virtual reality game where you collect stars as Dixie (as Kiddy is too young to play). If you collect enough stars, Swanky will give you Bear Coins, Banana Bunches, and Extra Life Balloons. Swanky Kong has yet to appear in other games and become playable along with Candy Kong. His relationship to the Kong Family is currently unknown.
Kremlings[edit]
Kremlings[l] are a villainous group of Crocodilians and various other animals that are ruled by King K. Rool and antagonize the Kongs on a regular basis. They make their home on the Crocodile Isle, They come in many sizes, varieties and colors, and with many of the crocodilian enemies being anthropomorphic. Many of their names begin with the letter "K", with the exception of Skidda from Donkey Kong Country 3. In the first Donkey Kong Country, the Kremlings wore military attire, but with the sequel, they switched their gear to pirate-themed ones. In the third game, many of them are seen with no clothing of any sort.
The Kremling Krew is the name used for K. Rool's entire army, which not only consist of the Kremlings, but also of many different animal species (birds, mammals, insects, fish, other reptiles, etc.). Several machines and ghosts seem to be included in the Kremling Krew as well. Many of these enemies also appeared in Donkey Kong 64 and are playable in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast.
While almost all the Kremlings are enemies of the Kongs, one exception is K. Lumsy, who opens up levels for the Kongs in Donkey Kong 64.
The Kremlings were originally conceived for a game called Jonny Blastoff and the Kremling Armada, an unreleased point & click adventure game that predated Donkey Kong Country.[29]
King K. Rool[edit]
Main article: King K. Rool
King K. Rool is a hot-tempered, temperamental, aggressive, and baleful green Kremling who was the main antagonist of many Donkey Kong games and has been Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong's archenemy ever since his creation during the era of Rare development. The despotic king of Kremlings and master of Kremling Krew, he constantly antagonizes the Kongs, referring to them as "filthy apes," "monkey brains," and "ludicrous lemurs" as well as frequently robbing Donkey Kong's banana hoard. His most distinguishing features are the tic in his left eye, his red cape, his gold crown and wrist bands, and his yellow belly (originally a piece of golden armor[30]) with an outie navel, his tail seems to change size or disappear completely between appearances. While overweight, K. Rool has huge muscles in his arms and he has proven to have enormous brute strength that matches (perhaps surpasses) both Donkey Kong and Chunky Kong in power.
While K. Rool's crown-and-cape look has been his default appearance since Donkey Kong Country, he takes on alternate disguises and personalities to battle the Kongs in other games.
He is the pirate Kaptain K. Rool who kidnaps Donkey Kong and imprisoned him in Diddy's Kong Quest.
He later takes the alias of the mad scientist Baron K. Roolenstein who tries to take over the Northern Kremisphere in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!. While doing so, he creates a distraction of a machine called KAOS to observe the Kongs' progress throughout the game.
He becomes King "Krusha" K. Rool in Donkey Kong 64. This game also features Gloomy Galleon, which features a sunken ship bearing pictures of his previous alias, Kaptain K. Rool. It is unknown whether or not this is the ship in Donkey Kong Country 2.
In the TV series, he appears as a king and often feuds with Kaptain Skurvy (who is based on the Kremling enemy Kannon). Besides the Kritters and Klap Traps, King K. Rool's henchmen are Klump and Krusha. He is portrayed as somewhat pompous with a stereotypical English dialect.
He was voiced by Chris Sutherland in Donkey Kong 64, Benedict Campbell in the Donkey Kong Country TV show, Jūrōta Kosugi in the Japanese adaptation of the show, and currently by Toshihide Tsuchiya in the video games.[31] His name is a pun on the word cruel.
K. Rool also appeared in Mario Super Sluggers (his first appearance in a Mario game) as an unlockable character along with Donkey, Diddy, and Funky Kong as well as one of his Kritters. He uses his magical staff as a bat. A Mii Fighter costume based on K. Rool's design appears in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U as downloadable content, and as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Klump[edit]
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Klump[m] is a large, tough and obese Second-in-command of the Kremling Krew and K. Rool's loyal right hand man in the Donkey Kong franchise.[32][33]
Klump is a purple obese Kritter with yellow belly, purple eyes and tattooed with three yellow chevrons in arms.
His main outlift is a green military helmet with three yellow chevrons, green belt with five pockets and black boots with white shoelaces. As Kannon, he use earrings, a large belt, pirate boots, black eye patch and a large black hat with a white human skull and cross-bones on it. In Donkey Kong 64, he has the same appearance, but he use a yellow shirt. In Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, Klump use a wooden bucket on its head and wears green trousers.
In TV series, Klump has the same appearance, but his skin is green.
Donkey Kong Country[edit]
Leading the half from Kremling Krew army, Klump is ordered by K. Rool to steal the Banana Hoard in DK's Treehouse which was protected by Diddy Kong. After Diddy was defeated by Krusha, Klump commands to lock him in a barrel and take the bananas to his industrial base.[34][35]
As enemy, Klump is protected by his helmet that resists the Diddy's trampling attack. But he can be defeated by any method.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest/Donkey Kong Land 2[edit]
As most from members of Kremling Krew, Klump (going by the alias of Kannon[36] in the game) patrolled all corners of the Crocodile Isle to prevent Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong from saving the DK.
As enemy, Klump uses a medium-sized cannon where he shoot forward or downward. His projectiles are barrels or cannonballs. Without his helmet to protect himself, Klump can be easily defeated by several methods.
Donkey Kong 64[edit]
Klump together with Kasplat & chief technician is ordered by K. Rool to distract DK stealing the Golden Bananas and kidnap four Kongs to gain time repairing the Blast-O-Matic power source.
As enemy, Klump closely attacks the Kongs with underbelly and launches his Orange Grenades from far. He can be defeated with Orange Grenades, musical instrument or shockwave attack.
Donkey Kong Barrel Blast[edit]
Klump this time is unlockable playable character as seventh from Kremling team. He can be very high in speed, but poor agility and low boost rivaling Lanky Kong.
Donkey Kong Pilot (2003)[edit]
Klump was to be a playable character in the cancelled Diddy Kong Pilot, which later became Banjo Pilot.
Other Media[edit]
Klump appears in literature and the TV series under the name General Klump.
In the Donkey Kong Country television series, General Klump serves as King K. Rool's second-command and general and is one of the main characters. Originally described as a tough military-man like exterior, he actually has quite the soft side to his personality with him befriending Dixie Kong and helping her to find her pet lobster Thermidor in the aforementioned episode, "Klump's Lumps". It is also revealed in the episode "The Kongo Bongo Festival of Lights", that Klump is the older brother of Captain Skurvy. His skin color is also different compared to the games, with him sporting varying shades of green between seasons. He was voiced by Len Carlson, and by Keiichi Sonobe in the Japanese dub.
Krusha[edit]
Krusha[n] are blue Kremlings known for their supreme super-strength. Due to their strength, only Donkey Kong can defeat them in the original game and in Donkey Kong Land. They appear in the sequel in pirate gear as Krunchas. Like the previous game, they cannot be defeated with regular attacks, attempting to attack them will result in Krusha becoming enraged and red, they can only be defeated with an animal friend, a crate, a barrel or with Diddy and Dixie teaming-up. Krunchas also appear unchanged in DKC2's pseudo-sequel Donkey Kong Land 2. Krushas do not appear in "Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!". However, similar enemies known as Krumples appear in their place.
Krusha appears as a secret playable multiplayer character in Donkey Kong 64. He has an Oranges Gun, and he has a sliding ability, similar to Tiny Kong. Similar enemies known as Kasplats appear in the main game. While Krusha doesn't appear in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, a similar blue skinned character by the name Kludge does appear. In the US version of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Krunchas and Krumples are mentioned in Kludge's trophy description.
In the TV series, a singular Krusha appears as one of King K. Rool's henchmen. He along side Klump are considered the show's villainous comic relief. He was voiced by Adrian Truss in the show.
Kritter[edit]
Kritters[o] are common enemies in the Donkey Kong franchise and are the main foot soldiers of the Kremling Krew. In the first game they are usually seen either walking or jumping, Kritters known as Krashes appear riding minecarts in the eponymous minecart stages, as their name suggests, they are hazards that try to crash into the player.
As with most of the Kremlings in Diddy's Kong Quest, Kritters were dressed as pirates and are outfitted with peglegs. Those who walk are named Klomp and have one peg, while the jumpers are named Kaboing and have two. The Kritters in "Dixie Kong's Double Trouble" appear to be genetically altered, the walkers named Kobble have extra muscles added, while the jumpers named Re-Koil actually bounce on their spring-loaded tails.
A single leather jacket wearing kritter known as Krunch appears as a playable character in Diddy Kong Racing. In Donkey Kong 64, Kritters are redesigned and appear sporting similar leather jackets to Krunch, as well as belt buckles with skulls on them. Two specific Kritters are seen piloting K.Rool's Mechanical Island, chasing after one of the Kongs, and serving as referees during the final battle. Krashes also reappeared in Donkey Kong 64, however they were redesigned to be much more muscular, as well as wield clubs to smack the Kongs with. Skeletal and robotic variants of Kritters also appear in DK64.
In DK: King of Swing, Kritters appear as enemies in the main game mode and as a playable character in the game's multiplayer mode. King of Swing would mark the debut of their current muscular design. Kritters appear mostly unchanged in the game's sequel, DK: Jungle Climber. A single Kritter appears as racer in Donkey Kong Barrel Blast, sharing the same balanced stats as his rival Donkey Kong.
They would make their Mario franchise debut as spectators in Mario Power Tennis. In the Mario Strikers series, a Kritter serves as a goalie for each team. A Robo-Kritter serves as the goalie for a robotic team in Super Mario Strikers. In Mario Super Sluggers, Kritters appear as playable characters and members of the DK Wilds team.
Kritters appeared as trophies in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, as well as stickers in Brawl. They also appeared as enemies in the 3DS exclusive Smash Run mode, with Green Kritters attacking by biting three times in a row, while Blue Kritters attack by spinning around furiously with their claws.
They also appear in the Donkey Kong Country TV series as King K. Rool's henchmen. A recurring French accented Kritter by the name of Green Kroc appears in the TV series as one of Kaptain Skurvy's shipmates and is voiced by Len Carlson.
Klaptrap[edit]
Klaptraps[p] are recurring enemies in the Donkey Kong games. They closely resemble the enemy known as Snapjaw from the arcade game Donkey Kong Jr. They appear as small crocodiles with large mouths and come in a variety of colors, but most commonly blue. Similar enemies known as Klampons and Krimps appear in Diddy's Kong Quest and Dixie Kong's Double Trouble respectively.
Klaptraps would appear as stage hazards and as a collectable trophy in Super Smash Bros Melee, they would reprise their role as stage hazards in future games in the Super Smash Bros. series, as well as becoming Assist Trophies in Super Smash Bros Ultimate.[37] They would also appear as hazards and enemies in the certain Super Mario spin-offs, such as Mario Power Tennis, Mario Superstar Baseball and Mario Party 7.[38]
Klaptraps also appear in the TV series, a large Klaptrap known as Jr. Klap Trap or simply Junior appears as a minor character in the TV series and was voiced by Aron Tager.[39]
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^ Japanese: ドンキーコングJR., Hepburn: Donkī Kongu Junia?
^ Japanese: クランキーコング, Hepburn: Kurankī Kongu?
^ Japanese: ファンキーコング, Hepburn: Fankī Kongu?
^ Japanese: キャンディーコング, Hepburn: Kyandī Kongu?
^ Japanese: ディクシーコング, Hepburn: Dikushī Kongu?
^ Japanese: リンクリーコング, Hepburn: Rinkurī Kongu?
^ Japanese: タイニーコング, Hepburn: Tainī Kongu?
^ Japanese: チャンキーコング, Hepburn: Chankī Kongu?
^ Japanese: ディンキーコング, Hepburn: Dinkī Kongu?
^ Japanese: ランキーコング, Hepburn: Rankī Kongu?
^ Japanese: スワンキーコング, Hepburn: Suwankī Kongu?
^ Japanese: クレムリン, Hepburn: Kuremurin?
^ Japanese: クランプ, Hepburn: Kuranpu?
^ Japanese: クラッシャ, Hepburn: Kurassha?
^ Japanese: クリッター, Hepburn: Kurittā?
^ Japanese: クラップトラップ, Hepburn: Kurapputorappu?
'^ Diddy's words: "I am the king of Kong, the simian number one." - Kong for a Day from Donkey Kong Country TV series
^ Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong's Quest Instruction Booklet, Nintendo, 1995, p. 16
^ Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble Instruction Booklet, Nintendo, 1995, p. 14
^ Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! Player's Guide, Nintendo, 1996, p. 8
^ DK Rap singer: "He's the first member of the DK crew!" - Donkey Kong 64
^ Donkey Kong Country Instruction Booklet, Nintendo, 1994, p. 29
^ Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! Player's Guide, Nintendo, 1996, p. 13
^ http://oldgamemags.ukprintarchive.com/Nintendo%20Consoles/Nintendo%20Magazine%20System%20(UK)/NMS-UK-051.pdf/#page/22
^ a b "In his heyday, Cranky was the original Donkey Kong who battled Mario in several of his own games." - Donkey Kong Country instruction manual, pg. 6
^ https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Donkey-Kong-Jr/Donkey-Kong-Jr/
^ "Scribes - August 25, 1999". Part of Rareware.com's former "scribes" column. Archived from the original on 2002-08-05. Retrieved 2007-05-31.
^ "Super Mario Kart is the only Mario Kart game to feature Donkey Kong Jr. Due to the success of Donkey Kong Country, all future Mario Kart entries featured Donkey Kong, who is actually Donkey Kong Jr.’s son, with Cranky Kong, aka Donkey Kong Sr., canonically being the character featured in the original Donkey Kong game. Makes sense, right?" - Playing With Super Power: Nintendo Super NES Classics eGuide, Super Mario Kart 16 Bits Tab.
^ Retro Gamer, Vol. #43
^ https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Super-Mario-Bros/Cranky-Kong/
^ "Online Magazine".
^ Mentioned by Otacon in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
^ https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Donkey-Kong-Country/cast/
^ https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Super-Mario-Bros/Funky-Kong/
^ https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Super-Mario-Bros/Candy-Kong/
^ Karl, Ben; Rudden, Dave (2007-10-05). "Top Ten Disturbingly Sexual Game Characters". games.net. Archived from the original on 2008-08-30. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
^ "Dixie Kong: a heroic little monkey with a dangerous ponytail- Official Nintendo Website - Wii (US)
^ https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Super-Mario-Bros/Dixie-Kong/
^ https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Donkey-Kong-Barrel-Blast/Wrinkly-Kong/
^ https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Donkey-Kong-Barrel-Blast/Tiny-Kong/
^ Gonintendo.com https://web.archive.org/web/20120418232605/http://gonintendo.com/?p=45300. Archived from the original on 18 April 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2016. Missing or empty |title= (help)
^ "Introduction of Dinkey". Nintendo. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
^ ChangoDeGuerra (10 January 2007). "Donkey Kong Rap". Retrieved 18 June 2016 – via YouTube.
^ https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Donkey-Kong-Barrel-Blast/Lanky-Kong/
^ "Jonny Blastoff and the Kremling Armada (Rare) [PC – Cancelled]". Unseen64. December 27, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
^ https://twitter.com/WinkySteve/status/617951129406574593
^ https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Super-Mario-Bros/King-K-Rool/
^ Donkey Kong Country Player's Guide, Nintendo, 1994, p. 13
^ Donkey Kong 64 Instruction Booklet, Nintendo, 1999, p. 5
^ Donkey Kong Country Instruction Booklet, Nintendo, 1994, p. 5
^ Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest Instruction Booklet, Nintendo, 1995 p. 29
^ https://www.ssbwiki.com/Klaptrap
^ https://www.mariowiki.com/Klaptrap#Mario_franchise
^ https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/3fdfac_72b9d6c25c3940f8b3244bdea8528dd5.pdf
List of video games
Jr. Math
Donkey Kong (Game Boy)
Donkey Kong Country series
Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!
Country Returns
Country: Tropical Freeze
Land III
Country Returns 3D
Mario vs. Donkey Kong
March of the Minis
Minis March Again!
Mini-Land Mayhem!
Minis on the Move
Tipping Stars
Mini Mario & Friends: Amiibo Challenge
Diddy Kong Racing
Jungle Beat
New Play Control!
Donkey Konga series
Barrel Blast
DK King of Swing
DK Jungle Climber
Diddy Kong
King K. Rool
Donkey Kong Country TV series (Episodes)
Saturday Supercade
The King of Kong
Universal City Studios v. Nintendo
DK Rap
Lists of Nintendo characters
recurring enemies
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India's coal imports rise 8% to 134 million tonnes in the April-October
India's coal imports rose by 7.9 per cent to 134.46 million tonnes (MT) in the first seven months of the current fiscal, according to mjunction services.PTI | Updated: November 11, 2018, 14:05 IST
New Delhi: India's coal imports rose by 7.9 per cent to 134.46 million tonnes (MT) in the first seven months of the current fiscal, according to mjunction services.
The country imported 124.57 million tonnes of coal in the corresponding period of previous fiscal.
"During April-October 2018-19, India's coal and coke imports stood at 134.46 MT, about 7.9 per cent increase over 124.57 MT recorded for the same period last year," mjunction services, a joint venture e-commerce platform of Tata Steel and SAIL, said.
However, there was a 6.8 per cent drop in coal and coke imports in October as compared to 19.77 MT imported during the same month last financial year.
Commenting on the coal import trend, mjunction CEO Vinaya Varma said, "India's thermal coal demand remained buoyant due to the coal shortage in the power sector. However, there was an expectation of further corrections in spot coal prices, which might have delayed some procurement plans. In the met coal segment, a healthy growth in steel industry and expectation of a price rise led to higher volumes."
Coal and coke imports during October through 31 major and non-major ports are estimated to have increased by 3.55 per cent over September in the ongoing financial year.
The government had earlier said that during 2017-18, coal imports increased to 208.27 MT due to increase in demand by consuming sectors.
Tags : Coal, tonne, tata steel, Services, sail, India, coal import
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Judiciary in Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh go solar, ready to share power with states
Leading the march for self-sufficiency in power generation are two states—Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Justice Madan Lokur, heading the Supreme Court-mentored eCourts Project, told TOI that the district court complex in Khunti in Jharkhand met its entire demand for electricity, including running of air conditioners, from solar energy generated within the premises.March 26, 2016, 12:06 IST
Dhananjay.Mahapatra
New Delhi: Independence-sensitive judiciary never shares power with other organs of governance but when it came to electricity, the judiciary has taken a decision to become self-sufficient by generating power using solar panels and even started sharing power with state electricity boards.
Leading the march for self-sufficiency in power generation are two states—Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Justice Madan Lokur, heading the Supreme Court-mentored eCourts Project, told TOI that the district court complex in Khunti in Jharkhand met its entire demand for electricity, including running of air conditioners, from solar energy generated within the premises.
“In fact, there is some surplus electricity, which is being given to the state electricity boards. The district court expects to recover the cost of setting up the solar panels in the next eight to 10 years,” he said.
Success of the Khunti experiment made the Jharkhand high court repeat the project in three more district court complexes where demand for electricity is completely met through solar energy. Chhattisgarh high court at Bilaspur has also replicated the exercise of meeting power demands through clean energy.
The district court complex in Khunti in Jharkhand met its entire demand for electricity, including running of air conditioners, from solar energy generated within the premises
Tags : Renewable, solar energy, Khunti, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh
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Sophie Schmidt gives the Dash the midfield spine that they need
Chelsey Bush
Photo: Canada Soccer
The Houston Dash have signed Canadian midfielder Sophie Schmidt. A veteran of both Women’s Professional Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League (with magicJack and Sky Blue, respectively), she also played in Germany’s Frauen Bundesliga for three years and is approaching the 200-cap mark for her country. She’ll join Canadian teammates Allysha Chapman, Nichelle Prince and Lindsay Agnew in Houston.
While Schmidt is going to miss a chunk of the season — along with everyone else expected to head to the World Cup in France — the steadying presence she offers the Dash outweighs that absence.
Schmidt brings a wealth of experience that the Dash midfield have had infrequently, at best. She gives the team a spine. While past Dash squads have boasted excellent midfielders such as Andressinha, Becky Edwards, Carli Lloyd and Denise O’Sullivan, they’ve not often been able to pull all the pieces together into a truly cohesive unit in the middle of the park. As a result, the Dash have often been forced to play reactively, allowing other teams to control the tempo. Houston found what success they’ve had with last-ditch defending and an offense built on the counterattack.
That’s all well and good, but as the Dash results show, it can only take a team so far. Houston’s defense has never been among the best in the league, and part of that is because of the lack of support from their midfield. Last year’s Dash sat Haley Hanson in front of the back line. With the right development, Hanson could be a diamond in the rough, but she’s not quite ready to go it alone. If she still figures in James Clarkson’s plans and can form a good partnership with Schmidt, the combination should settle Houston down while allowing the defense some breathing room and the attack the freedom to push forward.
Schmidt is capable of playing as a No. 6 or a No. 8 and brings a calmness on the ball with excellent passing skills. Her distribution and vision will be essential to unleashing the Dash’s dynamic wingers like Kristie Mewis, Kealia Ohai and Sofia Huerta. Like most deep-lying midfielders, she doesn’t often make highlight reels and isn’t a frequent scorer, but when she does get up the pitch, she will occasionally bust out a really nice goal such as this half-volley from 2015.
It’s hard to know what to expect from the 2019 Dash, for two reasons. One is that history has shown that despite clear talent, Houston is usually underwhelming and hasn’t found the key to consistently unlocking their talent. Secondly, we don’t yet know what system Clarkson is going to implement and how the players will respond to him in his first season in charge. Vera Pauw, for all her rigidity, instilled a discipline in the Dash last season that they’ve never had before, one that can create a solid foundation for a better team to build on.
That said, on paper Houston’s roster is among the most talented they’ve had. If they do flourish under Clarkson and become a contender, Schmidt is likely to be a key piece in the transition, particularly after the World Cup break. Think of Julie Ertz for the United States, McCall Zerboni and Sam Mewis for the North Carolina Courage, Danielle Colaprico (and/or Ertz) for the Chicago Red Stars: when a team finds success, it often begins and ends in the center of the pitch.
Whether it’s scoring goals or keeping them out, midfield support is essential, and that has been Houston’s missing link, which Schmidt can solve.
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Premier League Press Conference Round-Up: Blank Gameweek 31
In the latest of our weekly series, I’ll be bringing you the news from every Premier League press conference that impacts your Fantasy Premier League team selection for the upcoming blank gameweek 31
Thanks for reading and all the best for blank gameweek 31!
Going into the fixture, Eddie Howe spoke about the fitness within his squad;
“We have a couple of injury doubts. Ryan Fraser has been nursing a back problem and he hasn’t trained as much as we’d have liked. Joshua King has an issue with his neck but looks like he’s going to be okay. We have a couple of other niggles but we’ll wait and see.”
In his press conference, the Cherries boss also spoke about midfielder Lewis Cook, who was called up to the England squad on Thursday;
“I’m very very pleased for him and his family. It’s a historic moment for him. We’re delighted, he’s such a level headed down-to-earth lad and he’s improved greatly since he’s been here, now he’s got the recognition he deserves.
Last year was difficult for him at times, we signed him and then there was a process of working with him behind the scenes and there was a lot of work from Lewis to stay with the project. He’s reaped the rewards this year and since he broke into the team he’s got better and better.”
Javi Gracia has been boosted recently by the return from injury of Kiko Femenía, Miguel Britos, Will Hughes and now Craig Cathcart in a sign that the team’s injury problems are gradually being resolved;
“Craig is now fully training. He wasn’t an option because he wasn’t in the best condition, but he is improving day by day in training with the team. He is now an option.
I am always very pleased when these players recover after a process of injury. They are able to help the team. I am happy for them first of all and I am happy because I have more options to choose.”
Nathaniel Chalobah, Tom Cleverley, Christian Kabasele, Gerard Deulofeu, Younès Kaboul and Molla Wagué remain sidelined;
“This week nobody new was training with the team. We need to wait more time for injured players. The rest are in a process of recovery.”
Heurelho Gomes also comes back into contention after missing the game against Arsenal;
“Heurelho had personal permission last week after the West Brom match and he didn’t train with the team. He did his first training with the team on Friday and I trained with Daniel [Bachmann] and Orestis [Karnezis] all week. And then on Saturday, when I prepare the list, I choose these options because I thought it was the best option for the team.
He knew the reasons why he was out of the team because I explained to him. He came back on Friday and then the next day I have to do the list. It’s clear to me to choose the players training all the week. There is no other reason.”
Wifried Zaha, who came into the side at half time last week, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Yohan Cabaye and Mama Sakho have all trained this week and are in the squad for Saturday’s match;
“It’s been good to get players back from injury. We’re looking at a fuller squad, if not a full squad. Very happy about that. Zaha, Sakho, Loftus-Cheek and Cabaye all fit.”
Hodgson appreciates though that the players length of absence from action will have an effect on their immediate performance when they return;
“It’s great to have them back but quite a few of them haven’t played football for quite a long period of time and I can’t necessarily expect that they are going to go back on the field without any match experience and reproduce the performances they did in the good spell that we have had.”
On the general state of his team’s fitness, the Stoke boss reported the following;
“There are one or two knocks from Monday. We will assess things tomorrow [Friday].”
Lambert revealed Mame Diouf has made good progress and has an outside chance of featuring against Everton this weekend;
“With regards to Mame, he has a slight chance, but we are going to have to have a look at him over the next day or so. We have other options though – Peter is fine, Saido is in my thinking too and we have players like Jese and Choupo who can play up there too.
There are a few decisions to be made before kick-off and there are a few areas of the pitch that we may need to shake things up in a little bit.”
Egyptian international Ramadan Sobhi could be the benefiter of those changes, with Lambert admitting that he was impressed with his cameo appearance against Manchester City;
“I thought Ramadan did well on Monday, and he is ready to play. He is enthusiastic and has really good attributes – he has good speed and he has a lot to learn, so he is really in my thinking for the game.”
Allardyce admits “it’s been tough all year with injuries” which he believes, has had an adverse effect on Everton’s performances and away results.
Gylfi Sigurdsson could miss between 6-8 weeks after damaging knee ligaments during the win over Brighton last weekend.
Theo Walcott, who was hooked off early as a precaution after suffering cramp, has been training this week and is expected to return.
Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin, who were both out through illness, are expected to be back in contention.
Funes Mori is fit and will come into Sam Allardyce’s thinking while Ashley Williams serves the second game of his 3-match ban.
David Wagner provides an update on Danny Williams;
“Everything went very well with Danny Williams’ surgery this morning, but this doesn’t change that he’s out for the rest of the season. Now we all carry the responsibility to make sure he is playing Premier League football for Huddersfield next season.”
Elias Kachunga and Phillip Billing make a return to training following their injuries;
“Elias [Kachunga] has been back in training since the end of last week and will be in contention for the squad. Phillip Billing is also in contention.”
Wagner reports that Terence Kongolo is making good progress;
“Terence [Kongolo] is back on the grass with the fitness coaches. He will be back in full training, if all goes to plan, ahead of the Newcastle match.”
Aaron Mooy is better placed in terms of his fitness following a return last weekend. The Aussie international missed the previous month due to a knee laceration which became infected.
Wagner reacts to the news that goalkeeper Jonas Lössl has signed on a permanent basis;
“We are delighted to make Jonas Lössl’s loan into a permanent; this was something we always had in our head. He’s really helped us be where we are at the minute.”
Jurgen Klopp confirms there are no new injuries for Liverpool ahead of their BGW31 clash with Watford.
However, Joe Gomez is struggling with a knock, meaning Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to keep his place in the side;
“Joe Gomez has had a little injury. The reason Trent is playing is not because he’s Trent or he’s a Scouser. It’s because of his quality. His strength is a little bit more in the offensive side.”
Despite being called up for England international duty, Klopp confirms Adam Lallana will still miss out;
“Adam’s injury was a really big injury. It needed time. I spoke to Gareth (Southgate) this week and told him it was a big challenge to have him around and not use him. But he needs more recovery time. I said he would be fit next week 100% – he’s welcome to play him (for England).”
WBA:
Updates have been provided on Gareth Barry, James Morrison, John Evans, Daniel Sturridge and Nacer Chadli by Alan Pardew;
“Gareth Barry won’t make it. Morrison is still struggling. Daniel Sturridge and Chadli will train next week which is good news for us. Jonny Evans is back and has trained all week.”
Pardew says the senior players “need to deliver” otherwise the Baggies won’t be in with a shout of staying up;
“We didn’t give ourselves a chance last weekend.”
Grzegorz Krychowiak has apologised following his reaction at being substituted last weekend;
“He’s been fined, but a line drawn underneath the issue now.”
Stat Corner: Blank Gameweek 31
Stat Corner: Gameweek 32
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Witcher 3 Developers Open Up A New Studio In Cracow
CD Projekt RED continues to grow.
Posted By Rashid Sayed | On 02nd, Aug. 2013 Under News | Follow This Author @GamingBoltTweet
CD Projekt RED, developers of the upcoming open world role playing game, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, have opened up a new studio in Cracow, Poland. The new studio will help speed up the development of The Witcher 3 and the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077.
“A new studio, new people and new energy – we’re growing and we’re extremely excited that we can tap into the potential that Cracow has to offer. We want to continue to make better and better RPGs and the new studio is another big step in that direction. Cracow, one of the cultural and scientific centers of Europe, is a really special place that will leave a significant mark on our games.” said Adam Badowski, Head of CD Projekt RED.
CD Projekt RED’s headquarter is based in Warsaw, Poland. The company also plans to open up a office in USA later this year.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Tagged With: CD Projekt RED, Cyberpunk 2077, pc, ps4, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Xbox One
Publisher: CD Projekt RED
Developer: CD Projekt RED
Platforms: PS4, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (North America); Bandai Namco (Europe)
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
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USTFCCCA
125 Foresters Named Academic All-MWC
The Midwest Conference released the list of 2018-19 Academic All-MWC honorees on Friday and 125 Forester student-athletes were recognized, the second-highest total in school history.
Foresters Experience Unprecedented Success in 2018-19
While Lake Forest fans are used to their teams performing at a high level, several Foresters took their accomplishments to new heights in 2018-19.
Yaneli Guajardo and Forester Teams Earn Academic Honors
The United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released its All-Academic Teams and Individuals for cross country on Thursday and Lake Forest College was well-represented.
Villanueva Places 176th at NCAA Division III Championships
Despite losing a shoe early in the race, Forester senior Jorge Villanueva placed 176th out of 280 runners at the 2018 NCAA Division III National Championship Meet on Saturday.
Jorge Villanueva Named Forester Athlete of the Week
Lake Forest College cross country runner Jorge Villanueva was named Forester Athlete of the Week on Thursday after making history at Saturday's NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Championships.
This Week in the Forest: Nov. 12-18
The season-opening Joe Ardito Contenders Handball Tournament is the only sporting event here at the College this week.
Jorge Villanueva Qualifies for NCAA Championship Meet
The field of competitors for the 2018 NCAA Division III Championship Meet was announced on Sunday and Lake Forest College's Jorge Villanueva is one of 56 runners who will compete as individuals.
Forester Men Place 14th, Women's 30th at NCAA Regional
Senior Jorge Villanueva may have earned a spot in the field at the NCAA Division III Championships after finishing 29th in the Midwest Regional on Saturday. He led the Lake Forest College men to a 14th-place finish, the best in program history, while the women were 30th.
This Week in the Forest: Nov. 5-11
Men's and women's basketball open the 2018-19 season at home this week, the fall season comes to an end, and three other winter sports continue.
Lake Forest College cross country runner Jorge Villanueva has been named Forester Athlete of the Week for his performance at the Midwest Conference Championship Meet on Saturday.
Lake Forest Fares Well at MWC Championships on Home Course
Four Foresters earned All-Midwest Conference Honors by finishing in the top 20 on Saturday at the 2018 MWC Championship Meet. The Lake Forest men placed third and the women fifth while hosting the event at Foss Park Golf Course in nearby North Chicago.
This Week in the Forest: Oct. 22-28
Lake Forest will host the 2018 Midwest Conference Cross Country Championship Meet this Saturday.
Foresters Take on Tough Competition at Oshkosh
Senior Jorge Villanueva added another entry on the program's top times list as the Lake Forest College cross country teams competed in the UW-Oshkosh Kollege Town Sports Invitational on Saturday.
Yaneli Guajardo Named MWC Performer of the Week
Lake Forest College cross country runner Yaneli Guajardo was named Midwest Conference Performer of the Week on Tuesday for her performance at Lawrence University's Gene Davis Invitational last Saturday.
This Week in the Forest: Oct. 8-14
The Forester football team hopes to celebrate a Homecoming victory over Cornell College on Saturday.
Forester Men Finish Fourth, Women Sixth at Gene Davis Invitational
Junior Philip Wilson increased his number of entries on the program's top-25 list to three and helped lead the Lake Forest men to a fourth-place finish at Lawrence University's Gene Davis Invitational on Saturday. The Forester women placed sixth in an 11-team field.
This Week in the Forest: Oct. 1-7
Lake Forest's women's tennis team could return from Wisconsin this weekend with a Midwest Conference title.
Lake Forest Runs Well at Brissman-Lundeen Inviitational
Sophomore Molly Gniady and junior Dillon Rice posted career-best times and finished among the Foresters' top five runners at Augustana College's Brissman-Lundeen Invitational on Friday.
This Week in the Forest: Sept. 17-23
The Forester soccer teams open Midwest Conference play this week.
Foresters Finish Third at Own Invitational
Senior Jorge Villanueva Posted the 13th-fastest 8-kilometer time in program history while finishing as the runner-up in Friday's Forester Invitational. The Lake Forest men and women each placed third out of five complete teams in the standings.
The annual Forester Invitational cross country meet will be held at nearby Foss Park Golf Course on Friday.
Lake Forest Opens 2018 at Tom Barry Invitational
Sophomore Yaneli Guajardo and senior Jorge Villanueva posted top-10 finishes on Saturday as the Forester cross country team began its season in Green Bay, Wisconsin, at St. Norbert College's Tom Barry Invitational.
This Week in the Forest: August 27-September 2
Four Forester teams will begin 2018-19 on Friday and four more on Saturday.
Foresters Third in MWC Preseason Coaches Poll
The Midwest Conference released its 2018 Men's Cross Country Coaches Poll on Tuesday and Lake Forest College was third in the rankings.
Foresters Rank Fifth in MWC Preseason Coaches Poll
The Midwest Conference released its 2018 Women's Cross Country Coaches Poll on Monday and Lake Forest College held the fifth-place spot in the rankings.
Foresters Once Again Set School Record for Academic All-MWC Honorees
The Midwest Conference released the list of 2017-18 Academic All-MWC honorees on Friday and Lake Forest College surpassed last year's record number of honorees with 131.
Ciara Kissane Elevated to Head Coach of Forester Cross Country and Track
Lake Forest College Director of Athletics Jackie Slaats announced Wednesday the promotion of Ciara Kissane to head men's and women's cross country and track coach. She replaces Dan Simpson, now the head cross country and assistant track and field coach at North Park University.
2017-18 Historic for the Foresters
Lake Forest teams combined to turn in the highest overall and conference winning percentage since joining the Midwest Conference, claimed three league/association titles, and competed in four NCAA Division III Championships in 2017-18.
Foresters Most Improved in MWC Canned Food Challenge
Over the past two months, Midwest Conference member institution Student Athlete Advisory Committees collected non-perishables and cash donations for local organizations in an effort to address food insecurity in their communities.
Foresters Finish 18th at NCAA Regional Championships
Seniors Cassie Lira and Jonathan Stern set program records in their final career meet and the Lake Forest College cross country teams each placed 18th at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Meet on Saturday.
Sat, 11/17 | Cross Country NCAA Div. III National Championship Meet (UW-Oshkosh) Villanueva 176th/280 (Final) RC | R
Sat, 11/10 | Cross Country NCAA Div. III Midwest Regional (UW-Eau Claire) W: 30th/36, M: 14th/35 (Final) RC | R
Sat, 10/27 | Cross Country MWC Championship Meet W: 5th/10, M: 3rd/10 (Final) RC | R
Sat, 10/13 | Cross Country UW-Oshkosh Kollege Town Sports Invitational W: 48th/50, M: 36th/50 (Final) RC | R
Sat, 10/06 | Cross Country Gene Davis Invitational (Lawrence) W: 6th/11, M: 4th/10 (Final) RC | R
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Ear-Opening Experience
tags: Radio Drama, Writing
by The Granted Actor
As I mentioned in a previous blog, one of my goals in 2012 is to write and perform in a radio drama. To that end, I’m taking a great radio drama writing course (online, through New Writing South, in the UK.) Along with getting some top-notch writing advice, and being forced, through class deadlines, to actually start to write my first radio play, I’m also getting immersed in different styles of radio drama as we are required to listen to several each week.
Can you tell I love the course?
I wanted to share it with the blog, because I think that listening to even a bit of radio drama can be an eye-opening (or should I say “ear-opening”) experience for the American actor or theatre pro, as our familiarity with the genre is so limited.
There are so many wonderful things about radio drama, but one that has really stood out for me is that the settings are limitless. You can take the story from a small thatched cottage to a spaceship to the middle of the Amazon, all in a matter of minutes, with no expensive costumes, props or set changes! And the coolest part about your limitless settings…they all look great to the audience. That’s because the listener creates their own perfect image of the set in their own imagination.
So anyway…….I know there are already a million and one things to do for research in your acting career, but I’m making a pitch for occasionally listening to radio drama (though I think you’ll find it can be addictive.) The best place to start is, the BBC (natch), at this link, where you can listen to previously broadcast dramas for up to 7 days. And if you are so inclined, have a look at some produced radio drama scripts here, at the BBC Writers Room. Try reading some out loud to get a feel for radio drama.
I’m still in the midst of a steep learning curve in this course and would love to read your thoughts on radio drama, especially as American actors and theatre professionals. Do you think radio drama still has a place in the American entertainment landscape? Why or why not? My ears are open…
from → General
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The Reflective Artist permalink
I LOVELOVELOVE that you are taking this course, and am so excited to see what your final product is. I think it’s only made better by the fact that you are so passionate about this style of entertainment.
There are a surprising number of radio plays and broadcasts from America that are available for purchase via Amazon, which was how I actually started listening to the Lux Radio Theater broadcasts, which are great for so many reasons I won’t get into here. And of course iTunes has a number of BBC Radio Dramas for purchase–that’s how I found the Mighty Boosh and Mitchell and Webb.
With the growing popularity of podcast interviews and dialogues (and that ever wonderful niche of NPR listeners out there), how can radio drama *not* have a place in American culture? I think, however, there’s a lot of work to be done to make this form **more visible in performance entertainment culture right now.** But with the currently HIGH marketability on nostalgia, perhaps this country is ready for a Radio Drama Revolution. 🙂
The Granted Actor permalink
Thank you both for the support and for the ideas on how to get more radio drama into our lives ! Lux Radio Theater is cool for sure.
I agree that there has to still be an audience for the genre in America, as you say, with NPR and podcasts. I am also wondering about satellite radio and how that could be a potentially great outlet for radio dramas… Stay tuned!
Mark permalink
Hey, Granted Actor, it’s Mark from the course! Just had to reach across the Atlantic and give you a writer-to-writer shake by the hand!
Hey Mark! Thanks for signing up for the blog. I can’t wait to read more of your intriguing play!
Patricia Flannagan permalink
Hello, Granted. Glad to hear you’re learning to write for radio and more importantly learning to listen to it. I advise you to get your head out of the BBC for awhile and listen to The Byron Chronicles at DarkerProjects.com site. The Pale Man of Portland has some wild adventures that will stretch out your imagination and also let you know the Beeb (love them as I do) is not always the cutting edge. Listen to the ” intro ” first, a little masterpiece in itself.Then I recommend you start with Episode 2 if you must listen to only one.
I tweet the radio dramas I listen to at Patfln2006.
Thank you for that info. I’ve shared the Darker Projects website with my class.
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