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Arbitration Helps Tip the Scale
FTI Journal Article
Arbitration Helps Tip the Scale in Latin America’s Investment Market
In 2007, Goldman Sachs took a pass on many investments in Latin America. Today, just 10 years later, the investment bank has jumped in with both feet. In 2016, its Latin American revenue soared 50 percent compared to the previous year’s results.
What is behind Goldman’s change of heart? Major improvements in Latin American financial market regulations and regional tax stability certainly played major roles. But another factor was equally important and provides a thermometer of investment safety in developing markets: The stability of the legal system as evidenced by foreign companies turning confidently to local arbitration when disputes arise. Businesses must be confident in the prospects of an investment, but they also need to know that should a contract dispute arise, it can be resolved in a fair and transparent manner.
Several Latin American governments are building that confidence, fairness and transparency by bolstering the effectiveness of local arbitration. Confidence in arbitration is crucial for Latin American governments, as they realize they must attract global investment banks and hedge funds to underwrite the increasingly large infrastructure projects essential to economic growth. Goldman Sachs’ 2016 Latin American bonanza, for example, came mainly from a large infrastructure-financing deal and the sale of hedging strategies.
Latin American infrastructure projects are often very large and, consequently, governments can’t fund them on their own. For example:
In the wake of a massive earthquake in 2010, Chile is planning some $28 billion in infrastructure improvements, including new highways, reservoirs and airports.
Brazil’s National Energy Agency is earmarking $9.2 billion to build a hydroelectric power plant.
Colombia is devoting about $7.5 billion to expand Bogota’s subway system and is in the process of spending more than $8 billion to build highways across the country.
Peru is spending more than $5 billion to develop a new subway system in Lima.
Changes in Attitude
Although governments in developing economies have often resisted business transparency to shield questionable practices in which government officers can enrich themselves, officials in several Latin American countries increasingly are getting behind the concept of fairness and transparency in arbitration proceedings. Not surprisingly, government officials in these nations are finding themselves on much more solid professional and legal footing.
An all-too-common scenario in Latin America is now becoming a thing of the past. Previously, when a contract dispute rose between a foreign company and a government agency, an agency official would typically be instructed by a superior to pay damages (determined by the government) to the foreign company. The official charged with making the payment could then become the subject of onerous audits and investigations to determine if the payment was aboveboard. If the payment’s legitimacy came into question, the official who made it could be tarred with the same brush as the superior who ordered it. If, on the other hand, trusted arbitrators grant the award, the government official making the payment is on safe ground, judged to be simply following the law.
As Latin American arbitration tribunals develop reputations for being transparent and fair, word spreads. As it does, private entities increasingly become willing to settle disputes in-country. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) reports that locally seated arbitrations in Latin America jumped by 230 percent between 2005 and 2015. Many of these cases are against governments; now the disputes are being adjudicated by local arbitration tribunals, whereas not long ago they would have been brought to international courts, such as the ICC’s International Court of Arbitration in Paris or the International Center for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) in New York.
In a pending case filed in Colombia in 2016, U.S.-based mining enterprise Cosigo Resources is turning to local arbitration in a $16.5 billion claim against the Colombian government. Cosigo alleges that the Colombian government passed a resolution in 2009 that designated a large region in the country’s southeast as a natural park, prohibiting mining and excavation. Cosigo had signed an exploration and exploitation agreement to mine gold in the area… which was now essentially worthless.
In another case in Colombia, the country’s national infrastructure agency, ANI, is using local arbitration to take Brazilian construction conglomerate Odebrecht to task for corruption, in an attempt to oust it from the country. After Odebrecht admitted to paying more than $11 million in bribes to Colombian officials, ANI wants to annul a toll-road concession contract granted to the company.
Gramercy Funds Management, based in the United States, is in arbitration with the Peruvian government because of changes the government made in the repayment scheme for Peruvian Agrarian Land Reform Bonds. The bonds were issued during the 1960s to Peruvian citizens whose land was expropriated for agricultural purposes. Gramercy had acquired some 10,000 of the bonds and says that the new scheme reduces their value from $1.6 billion to $1.1 million.
A major construction company has turned to arbitration against the Peruvian government over the construction of a new metro system in the capital city of Lima. The contract with the company calls for the digging of tunnels and construction of subway stations. However, after a year and a half, the government has not yet made all the necessary land available to the company. The company wants to finish the project or be compensated for its sunk costs.
Safe and Stormy Harbors
Not every Latin American country offers the same degree of sophistication in local arbitration, and things can change and improve quickly. The ICC International Court of Arbitration announced in 2017 that it will open offices and handle cases in Brazil. Despite the country’s many government corruption scandals, the ICC believes Brazil is ready for the transparent dispute resolution process provided by local arbitration.
Colombia, Peru and Chile have been leading the charge for robust local arbitration processes. Not coincidentally, these three countries are among the largest spenders on infrastructure in Latin America. They also have lower levels of corruption than many other Latin American countries, according to InSight Crime. [See Figure 1, “2015 Corruption Perceptions Index Rankings for Latin America.”] Lower levels of corruption go hand-in-hand with sophisticated arbitration capabilities as governments seek to gain the confidence of business leaders.
Figure 1. Source: Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index 2015
The efforts on the part of these three countries to be stable destinations for investments include developing respected local arbitration capabilities. In Colombia, almost all arbitration, even cases with large claims, takes place at the Bogota Chamber of Commerce. In Chile, the Santiago Chamber of Arbitration follows ICC rules and has become a prominent venue for alternative dispute resolution. Similarly, the Lima Chamber of Commerce has established new rules to improve the efficiency of arbitration proceedings in Peru based on international standards.
A Tale of Two Disputes
When it comes to resolving disputes in Latin America, the difference between the past and the present can be striking. Before the advent of transparent and trustworthy arbitration, it was very difficult for arbitrators and experts to gain access to information and potential evidence, making the true nature and details of disputes nearly impossible to discover. Legal and financial experts had to answer questions without being allowed to investigate thoroughly. Making matters worse, experts were often hired by the arbitration tribunal, not the litigants. Consequently, both sides in the dispute saw the experts as outsiders, which severely curtailed the amount of information either side was willing to disclose.
A case brought by the Bogota Water and Wastewater Administration, a local government agency, against a private company in 2012 illustrates the problem. The government alleged the private entity didn’t perform what it had been contracted to do, including operating and maintaining the water utility network and installing new hydrants and meters. The company became illiquid and stopped paying salaries to its employees. The government wanted to recoup what it would cost to hire another company to complete the contract.
I served as the investigator for the arbitration tribunal. Since there was no formal process of discovery, each side revealed all the evidence it planned to use, and I had to request specific documents. But neither side had any real reason to provide them, especially if they felt the documents weakened their case. I requested 24 documents, including the minutes of meetings between the company and the agency and the records of the work schedules to which both parties had agreed.
Of the 24 documents I asked for, I received eight. The private entity invited me to go to a warehouse where I could go through thousands and thousands of files at my convenience and hunt for the proverbial needle in a very big haystack.
Although it was clear that the private company was likely at fault, it was nearly impossible to get the probative documents to establish its alleged actions. Eventually, I demonstrated that the company had neither paid its staff for about a year nor lived up to its contractual obligations. In addition, the arbitration process allowed the government to liquidate the private company’s assets to pay retroactive salaries and compensate the government for its losses.
Fast forward to 2017. In a pending case, a large construction company building bridges and roadways in Colombia is requesting additional payments because geo-technical issues were discovered that weren’t part of the original agreement. Instead of eight documents and an invitation to rummage through a warehouse, I received hundreds of folders of documents from one party, with a detailed table of contents for reference, making the analysis much easier, broader and more effective.
Colombia’s local arbitration tribunal has increasingly adopted international arbitration standards to match those of organizations such as the ICC. For example, each side of a dispute now hires an expert, not the arbitration court. Therefore, these experts have the trust of the parties that hired them. And most importantly, investigators get all the information they need while maintaining their independence – and objectivity – throughout the case.
Know the Arbitration System Where You Want to do Business
Developing economies in Latin America need foreign investors, especially major investment banks and hedge funds. To create confidence in foreign investors, many Latin American countries are stabilizing their tax systems and meeting international regulatory standards in capital markets. But the sophistication of local arbitration is a critical variable, and it is not always on the radar of Western business leaders. It should be. In addition to Colombia, Chile and Peru, Latin American countries Ecuador and Argentina are now building strong local arbitration capabilities and practices.
It is critical to be confident that when doing business in a country that there is a transparent and trustworthy way to resolve the disputes that will inevitably arise. The standards of local arbitration are an accurate thermometer of business stability and an important way to gauge the safety of investing in a country.
© Copyright 2017. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not necessarily the views of FTI Consulting, Inc., its management, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, or its other professionals.
Carlos Ortega
The FTI Journal publication offers deep and engaging insights to contextualize the issues that matter, and explores topics that will impact the risks your business faces and its reputation.
FTI Journal Article: Trends in International Arbitration
FTI Journal Article: 4 Things Japan Needs to Improve its Business Climate
FTI Journal Article: Business Etiquette in South Korea
Related Page
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Project description (570 KB)
Güntner goes green
The air-conditioning in Güntner’s new server room, which was completed at the end of last year, uses our own highly energy-efficient equipment. Since the company’s continual growth had already exhausted the capacity of their existing infrastructure, it had become necessary to set up a completely new data centre at the company’s headquarters in Fürstenfeldbruck. Alongside the new installations it was also planned to expand the existing capacity for emergency power supplies and air conditioning to meet Güntner’s growing demands.
The capacity of the existing server room urgently needed to be expanded. To be well prepared for the future, the company set up a completely new and larger server room in the converted basement of the administration building, but air-conditioning the new room was beyond the capacity of the existing air- cooling system. In implementing the new cooling concept, Güntner paid particular attention to finding a solution that was as energy-saving as possible: yet another reason to use our own products...
Newly-built basement server and utility rooms
Since the company did not wish to spoil the look of the existing administration building façade, the necessary refrigeration plant, pumps, piping, measuring devices, control and automation equipment, switch cabinets, etc. were distributed between different parts of the building.
For example, a new reinforced concrete basement utility room was constructed to house the pumps and storage tanks. The drycoolers selected from Güntner’s GFW series were placed on the roof of the production facility, with the refrigeration plant on a new steel platform inside the facility. The pipes connecting the production facility to the administration building were installed underground.
Cold water storage tank as backup
The cooling system for the server room is now protected in two ways: The cooling circuit is operated using R134a, and, in case that the system should ever fail, waste heat from the servers can be dissipated in an orderly fashion via two cold water storage tanks. Other safety equipment includes an automatic gas fire extinguishing system, UPS systems to cover possible power failures, and redundant provision of the cooling systems’ principal components.
Energy-efficient control system
To maximise its energy efficiency, the entire installation is controlled automatically, naturally also using Güntner’s own products. Here the choice of equipment focused on its facilities for monitoring the systems’ energy data, plus transparent functions and operating procedures. The quiet, energy-efficient EC fans are therefore operated using Güntner’s GMM EC motor management system. Energy-related system data is passed to the higher-level control unit via Modbus. There the data is evaluated and visualised in the higher-level web-based operating system, thus facilitating impeccable energy management.
The system automatically switches to free cooling in winter if the outdoor temperature drops to 10 °C or lower. This further reduces operating costs and protects the environment. At a later date, it is also planned to use the waste heat to heat the production building.
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Peki'in / Nowhere to Shelter
Send me email alerts for new articles by Jack Khoury
19.07.2006 00:00 Updated: 2:28 AM
The Dib family of Peki'in was hard at work yesterday clearing out their house's bomb shelter. The Dibs live in a relatively new neighborhood, and many of the houses have their own bomb shelters or security rooms, since they were built after the 1991 Gulf War, when this became mandatory. But, as in most other Arab towns, these shelters have turned into packed storerooms.
Rajah Dib, the family matriarch, made the decision to clear out the shelter over the weekend, when a Katyusha rocket fell on a neighbor's house, causing serious damage to the house next door as well. "I'm not willing to take additional unnecessary risks," she said. "At first, we were indifferent, but today, after all the Katyushas that have fallen here, there is no doubt that we are in the line of fire, and the danger is real."
Rajah and her policeman husband, Assef, are both helping to repair the damage caused by the rocket strikes. "Like everyone, we thought it wouldn't happen here," said Assef.
Fida, Rajah's sister-in-law, was standing nearby with her 10-year-old son. "At night, we are very restless," she said, adding that most of the women and children in the neighborhood had gone to stay with relatives for fear of the Katyushas. "Even a shelter or a security room doesn't reassure me," she said.
Peki'in, a popular tourist village, has suffered several Katyusha hits over the last few days. Three rockets hit houses, causing considerable damage; others hit the village's olive groves.
For residents, this is a completely new experience. Even during the Lebanon War or Operation Grapes of Wrath, rockets never fell on Peki'in. The town has one public bomb shelter, which normally serves as a clubhouse for the local youth. Yesterday, however, while the Katyushas were falling, the shelter was closed, and the children were playing outside it.
"We have nowhere to go, so we wander around," explained Shadi, a ninth-grader. "There aren't enough shelters."
Some families have moved into their security rooms, he added, but "most of them don't care."
Peki'in typifies what is happening in most Arab communities in the north. Even in those that have public shelters, people are not rushing to enter them. Sometimes, this is because the shelters are not ready to accommodate people, but most of the time, the reason is simple indifference.
"Indifference and lack of information," added Salah Dib, whose house was damaged by a Katyusha. "Over the weekend, when a Katyusha hit the neighbor's house, my wife fainted and needed medical attention. Meanwhile, the entire street was filled with cars and rubber-neckers, and it took the ambulance two hours to arrive. One of the things that most upsets me is when a grown man with a child comes and asks me to take him and show him where the [rockets] landed. It's simply crazy."
Salah Zinadine and his wife, Nazha, run a restaurant in Peki'in. What worries them is not just the rocket attacks and the lack of shelters, but the fact that for a week, not a single patron has eaten at their restaurant. Normally, he said, Peki'in is packed with tourists from both Israel and abroad at this season. "Now, it's desolate. I understand this, and I'm not blaming anyone, since the danger exists," he said. "But I very much hope that this is over soon."
Alif Sabag, an employee of the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, is mainly angry at the media. "It's good that you remembered us," he said. "There have been [rocket] strikes on the village, and casualties, but no one notices ... It's as if we didn't exist."
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U.S. Bancorp to Speak at the RBC Capital Markets Financial Institutions Conference
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) announced today that Terry Dolan, vice chairman and chief financial officer, and Tim Welsh, vice chairman, Consumer and Business Banking, will present at the RBC Capital Markets Financial Institutions Conference. The presentation will begin at 9:20 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 in New York City.
To access a live audio webcast of the presentation, visit U.S. Bancorps website at usbank.com and click on About Us, Investor Relations and Webcasts & Presentations. A replay of the webcast will be available after the live event at the same location on the website and will remain posted for 90 days.
About U.S. Bancorp U.S. Bancorp, with 74,000 employees and $467 billion in assets as of December 31, 2018, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The Minneapolis-based bank blends its relationship teams, branches and ATM network with mobile and online tools that allow customers to bank how, when and where they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial and corporate, and investment services customers across the country and around the world as a trusted financial partner, a commitment recognized by the Ethisphere Institute naming the bank a 2019 Worlds Most Ethical Company. Visit U.S. Bank at www.usbank.com or follow on social media to stay up to date with company news.
Investor contact: Jennifer Thompson, U.S. Bancorp Investor Relations
(612) 303-0778, @usbank_news
Media contact: Rebekah Fawcett, U.S. Bancorp Corporate Communications
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Home :: Military :: Agencies :: DOD :: SOUTHCOM ::
JIATF East
JIATF South
NAF Key West
Joint Interagency Task Force
The JIATF's mission within the U.S. Southern Command AOR is to plan, conduct, and direct interagency detection, monitoring, and sorting operations of air and maritime drug smuggling activities; plan and conduct flexible operations to detect, monitor, disrupt and deter the cultivation, production and transportation of illicit narcotics; utilize and integrate C4I systems to efficiently coordinate operations and intelligence information with other counterdrug centers, law enforcement agencies, and domestic and international counterdrug partners; and collect, fuse, and disseminate counterdrug information from all participating agencies to the detection and monitoring forces for tactical action.
Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) East was created as a result of Presidential Decision Directive 14 which ordered a review of the nation's command and control and intelligence centers involved in international counternarcotics operations. On 7 April 1994, Dr. Lee Brown, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, signed the National Interdiction Command and Control Plan which directed establishment of three national interagency task forces (JIATF East in Key West, Florida; JIATF South in Panama; and JIATF West in Alameda, California) and the Domestic Air Interdiction Coordination Center at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California.
JIATF East was formed by integrating additional law enforcement personnel into the former Joint Task Force Four (JTF-4) organization which was officially formed 22 February 1989 under the direction of the U. S. Commander in Chief Atlantic. On 1 June 1997, the Commander in Chief U. S. Southern Command expanded his area of responsibility to include the Caribbean and the waters bordering South America, and assumed command and control of JIATF East. In compliance with the 1979 Panama Canal Treaty and the necessity to complete the military drawdown in Panama by the end of 1999, the decision was made to merge JIATF South and JIATF East into one organization. Transfer of the JIATF South mission to the merged JIATF was completed 1 May 1999.
The interagency concept of the task force is illustrated by the leadership composed primarily of representatives from the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation (U. S. Coast Guard) and the Department of the Treasury (U. S. Customs Service). Other assigned agencies include Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Defense Intelligence Agency; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; and the National Security Agency. Great Britain, France and the Netherlands provide ships, aircraft, and liaison officers to the task force; and the Flagofficer of the Netherlands Forces Caribbean commands one task group in the task force. Since the merger in 1999, the countries of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela also have assigned liaison officers to JIATF East. The result is a fully integrated, international task force organized to capitalize on the force multiplier effect of the various agencies and countries involved.
The focus of the command is a Joint Operations Command Center where intelligence and operations functions are fused in a state-of-the-art command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence facility. The task force coordinates the employment of USN and USCG ships and aircraft, USAF and USCS aircraft, and aircraft and ships from allied nations and law enforcement agencies -- a complete integration of sophisticated multi-agency forces committed to the cause of interdicting the flow of illicit drugs.
JIATF East is located at Naval Air Station Key West, Truman Annex, Key West, Florida, in facilities that originally housed the Fleet Sonar School and former JTF-4.
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Deutsche Bank calls staff to cafeteria, tells them they were being laid off
JP Morgan analysts called the plan “bold and for the first time not half-baked” but questioned the credibility of execution, revenue growth and employee motivation.
business Updated: Jul 09, 2019 13:08 IST
Frankfurt/Sydney/Hong Kong/New York
A logo of a branch of Germany's Deutsche Bank is seen in Cologne, Germany, July 18, 2016. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay/Files(Reuters File Photo )
Deutsche Bank laid off staff from Sydney to New York on Monday as it began to slash 18,000 jobs in a 7.4 billion euro ($8.3 billion) “reinvention” that will lead to yet another annual loss, a plan that knocked its already battered shares.
Germany’s largest lender said on Sunday it will scrap its global equities unit and cut some fixed-income operations in a retreat from a long-held ambition to make its struggling investment bank, with 38,000 staff, a force on Wall Street. Deutsche Bank has almost 91,500 staff around the world.
Its shares erased early gains and closed down 5.4% in Frankfurt after its finance chief flagged “significant uncertainty” over breaking even in 2020. Its bonds also fell. US-listed shares dropped 6.1%.
Some analysts were sceptical that the bank could grow future earnings quickly enough to reach a new target to achieve a return on tangible equity of 8% by 2022, compared with a negative return last year.
“The question of where the real earnings power will come from for Deutsche Bank going forward has not been answered,” said David Hendler, an independent analyst at New York-based Viola Risk Advisors. “It’s doubtful whether they will be able to build a better bank in just three years.”
Ratings agency Fitch said that the bank’s future credit rating will depend on how successfully it executes the plan. Fitch downgraded the bank to “BBB” status, the lowest investment-grade status, just last month.
“The restructuring measures involve large staff cuts and significant leadership changes, which could disrupt the aim to improve core earnings,” it said in a note published Monday.
Rating agency Moody’s said there were “significant challenges” to executing the plan swiftly, adding it would keep its negative outlook.
“It’s a risky manoeuvre, but if it succeeds, it has the potential to bring the bank back on course,” said a person close to one of the top 10 shareholders.
The bank said on Sunday that it would not need to raise capital to initiate the cuts, which will result in it making a loss of 2.8 billion euros in the second quarter. It will not pay a dividend either this year or next.
Hundreds of employees at the bank’s Wall Street office were summoned to the building’s cafeteria on Monday morning to learn their fates, sources within the bank told Reuters. During one-to-one meetings with management and human resources, they were told they were being laid off and informed of their severance terms, the sources said.
Deutsche Bank had been one of the few European banks to maintain a significant presence in the United States after the 2007-2009 financial crisis. However, it has struggled to compete with US rivals, hampered by regulatory investigations and litigation.
REINVENTING THE BANK
The United States had been seen as a likely focus of the cuts although the bank maintained it wants to keep a significant presence, in part to service European corporate clients doing business in the country. However, some shareholders have pushed for a full U.S. retreat.
Deutsche Bank said it remained committed to the United States, its second-biggest market.
“We will retain a significant presence here and remain a close partner to our US clients and to international institutions that want to access the US market,” it said in a statement.
In London, where hundreds of job cuts were expected, Chief Executive Officer Christian Sewing said he was “reinventing” the bank, which is expected to post a loss this year. That would put it in the red for four of the past five years after a series of damaging setbacks.
Founded in 1870, Deutsche Bank has long been a major source of finance and advice for German companies seeking to expand abroad or raise money through the bond or equity markets.
Big cuts to its investment bank reverse a decades-long expansion that began with its purchase of Morgan Grenfell in London in 1989 and continued a decade later with a takeover of Bankers Trust in the United States.
The investment bank generated about one-half of Deutsche Bank’s revenues but is also volatile. CEO Sewing, who flagged the restructuring in May after a failed merger attempt with Commerzbank, wants to focus on more stable sources of revenue.
“We are creating a bank that will be more profitable, leaner, more innovative and more resilient,” Sewing wrote in a note to staff on Sunday.
As part of the overhaul, Deutsche Bank will set up a so-called “bad bank” to wind down unwanted assets, with 74 billion euros ($83 billion) of risk-weighted assets.
‘PRETTY GLOOMY’
Deutsche Bank did not give details on the job cuts, but said they would be spread around the globe, including in Germany.
In Sydney, Hong Kong and elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region, where Deutsche Bank used to rank among the top 10 in league tables for equity capital market (ECM) deals, several bankers said entire teams in sales and trading were going.
Deutsche Bank’s Asia-Pacific head of ECM, Jason Cox, left, and ECM teams were disbanded in Japan, Australia and most of Asia, people with direct knowledge of matter said, adding that only a few syndicate bankers, including those working on current deals, will remain.
Deutsche Bank had slipped in recent years in Asia, hitting 17th last year and 18th in 2019, Refinitiv data showed. So far this year, it ranks 8th regionally for merger-and-acquisition activity.
“The new investment bank will be smaller but more resilient, with a focus on our financing, capital markets, advisory services and sales and trading businesses,” Asia-Pacific CEO Werner Steinmueller said in a staff memo.
One laid-off equities trader in Hong Kong said the mood was “pretty gloomy” as people were called into meetings. “They give you this packet and you are out of the building,” he said.
Several workers left offices holding envelopes with the bank’s logo. Three employees took a picture of themselves beside a Deutsche Bank sign outside, hugged and then hailed a taxi.
“If you have a job for me, please let me know. But do not ask questions,” said one Deutsche employee.
One senior banker, still with a job, questioned how well the slimmed-down franchise in Asia would compete.
“Will clients stick with us, or is the game over?”
Kulbhushan Jadhav Verdict Live Updates
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Home / Article: IKEA wins 3 Red Dots
IKEA wins 3 Red Dots
5 July 2016 HGO Staff
BURLINGTON, Ontario – Three items that are or will soon be available on the floor at IKEA Canada including a nesting table, a bicycle and an induction cooktop have all been recognised in one of the world’s largest and oldest design competitions, the Red Dot Award for Product Design.
The SLADDA bicycle has even been awarded the Best of Best award in its category, the top prize reserved for ground-breaking product design. “We are very excited to offer Canadians a more sustainable mode of urban transportation this fall,” Anna Furtado, IKEA Canada sales leader said in a statement. “Our Family program customers will also be eligible for a discounted offer from $999 to $599.”
A jury consisting of 41 experts from the field of design selected the winners from around 5,200 entries.
“At IKEA, we’re not just making things – we’re using design to make things better. We work with what we call Democratic Design, where we make sure our products have great function, are beautifully designed and made to stand everyday life while being sustainable – all made accessible through low prices,” Marcus Engman, IKEA’s head of design said. “These awards show us that we’re on the right path. We’re happy that our colleagues in the design community appreciate our hard work to create products with lots of value.”
The winning entries will be showcased at the Red Dot Design Museum were honoured at the Red Dot Gala, which was held in Essen, Germany on 04 July 2016.
The Red Dot Award is an international competition organized by the Essen-based Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen. Its origins date back to the mid-1950s. This competition, held for the 2015 year, received more than 17,000 entries and is divided into three different disciplines: product design, communication design, and design concepts.
Available in its stores now, the Red Dot Award winner LISABO is a collection of tables that rewrites the rules of space, as well as design, sustainability and even time. Made of ash veneer, the pieces can easily be moved around the home, meeting many different needs. The central design aspect of LISABO is a small, nearly invisible solution that cuts down on assembly time by 80% called the wedge dowel. Simply insert and lock the wedge dowel, which comes attached to the table legs, into a hole on the table top and it’s done.
Set to be available across Canada next spring, the TILLREDA portable induction cooktop gives the user the flexibility to cook anywhere where there is a power supply. It features a wire-hook cable storage that doubles as a carrying handle. And it is designed with built-in keyholes so it can hang vertically along a kitchen rail to save precious counter space when not in use.
Meanwhile, SLADDA is an easy to maintain, unisex bicycle that supports a sustainable lifestyle for a broad range of people. The SLADDA bicycle is an urban transportation solution on two wheels with customizable accessories – like the rust and oil free belt drive that lasts for 15,000 kilometres, the automatic gears, and the click-in knob system for hooking on and off basket and racks.
The last IKEA product to receive a Red Dot was the IKEA PS 2014 Pendant lamp, designed by David Wahl, which received an Honorable Mention in 2015.
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Around Utrecht
Our third and final day trip from Amsterdam was to the city of Utrecht. Neither of us had any preconceptions about Utrecht and it ended up being a wonderful surprise only 20 minutes away. Utrecht is home to over a million people, but the beautiful historic center feels more like a small town than a city.
Following a friendly tip for places to visit in Amsterdam away from the tourist core we found ourselves in Amsterdam Noord, heading to a small pizza place called the Kebec Micro Bakery in a former warehouse canteen near the NDSM Wharf.
Delft Oude & Nieuwe Kerks
Delft is home to two major churches commonly referred to as the Oude Kerk (Old Church ) and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). From our perspective they are both quite old, however, with the old church built between 1246 and 1350 and the new church built between 1396 and 1496.
We visited the city of Haarlem, a former port town with a pleasant medieval character, beautiful canals, and a fully-restored traditional windmill located less than 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam.
Rembrandt House
We visited the former home and studio of the painter Rembrandt, located in the Nieuwmarkt district of Amsterdam. Rembrandt lived and worked in the home between 1639 and 1658. The house remains intact and has been refurnished with period furniture using a detailed inventory from the time.
Arrival in Amsterdam
We’ve arrived in Amsterdam, where we’ll be staying for about a week as we explore the city and some surrounding towns.
Zuider Amstelkanaal
Our hotel is in the Amsterdam Zuid (South) area, a little ways out of the city core, and it feels much more sane than the overcrowded areas near Dam Square. The immediate surroundings are a mix of upscale residential and modern office parks.
February 7, 2019 by Gary
Layover in Madrid
At the tail end of our trip to Valencia and Malta we enjoyed a brief layover in Madrid. Although we were tired from our flight and sad to be on our way home, we took full advantage of our two days to see some great art and get a small taste of the huge city.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral
We didn’t visit many churches on this trip — Europe is stuffed with them, and no matter how impressive they are, they tend to blur together after a while. But we did visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, partially lured by the famous Caravaggio painting hanging in its oratory.
We took a bus to the town of Mdina, located about 30 minutes from Valletta in the Northern Region of Malta. A picturesque fortified city on a hill, Mdina served as Malta’s capital until 1530. When government business moved elsewhere Mdina earned the nickname of “Silent City,” a description that remains accurate today.
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NYPD reps at Monday's hearing (photo: @NYCCouncil)
At a tense oversight hearing examining the NYPD's response to sex crimes on Monday, the NYPD opposed all four bills introduced by the City Council in response to a Department of Investigation report released two weeks earlier.
The bills seek to require evidence-based models to determine staffing levels for the Special Victims Division, more training for sex crimes detectives, and a digital, searchable case management system for the SVD.
On March 27, following a year-long investigation, the DOI released a report stating that the NYPD's Special Victims Division has been chronically understaffed for years, with only 67 detectives available to investigate roughly 5,600 sex crimes per year (ranging from rape to groping).
As a result, “a full exhaustive work effort [for every sex crime investigation] has not been possible," wrote Michael Osgood, Deputy Chief of the Special Victims Division, in one of the many internal correspondences Osgood sent to NYPD higher-ups asking for more investigators and included in the DOI report.
Osgood did not testify at the hearing.
Advocates, sexual assault survivors, a former Special Victims sergeant, and other members of the NYPD testified before the City Council regarding the NYPD's handling of sex crimes. While survivors, advocates, and the former Special Victims sergeant say the NYPD needs to act to improve the experience of victims who report their assaults, the NYPD claims no need for improvement.
The hearing was led by Council Members Donovan Richards, chair of the Committee on Public Safety, and Helen Rosenthal, chair of the Committee on Women.
Officially, the NYPD has 90 days to respond to the DOI's findings, which NYPD officials repeated several times at the hearing when asked specific questions.
But in an informal response issued on its website, the NYPD rebutted the DOI's findings, calling its report "an investigation in name only" and stating there are 85 detectives available to investigate adult sex crimes, not 67.
"The number of detectives assigned to actively investigate adult sex crimes is 67 (not 85) and the NYPD did not dispute that number last Friday when we discussed the report with NYPD officials," the DOI said in a statement issued in response.
By Monday morning, the NYPD had added another 20 detectives to the Special Victims Division, 15 from patrol, five from detectives squads. Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said that brought the total number of detectives assigned to investigate adult sex crimes to 100 (but did not account for the 100 being less than the 20 he said they added and the 85 the NYPD previously asserted).
Boyce’s testimony indicates the city now has 100 detectives to investigate 5,600 sex crimes annually.
For comparison, homicide investigations are similar in length and complexity to sexual assault investigations, and the city's homicide squads had 101 detectives to investigate 282 homicides in 2017, according to the DOI report.
The DOI made 12 recommendations, including that the NYPD hire 73 additional detectives "to meet the minimum investigative capacity required by an evidence-backed and nationally-accepted staffing analysis model" known as the Prummel model.
The DOI also said the NYPD should increase training for adult sex crimes detectives, invest in a new case management system, and renovate or relocate the facilities of all the special victims units that handle adult sex crimes.
"Investigators are not properly trained, facilities are not suitable, and wait times are extensive. It is no wonder that victims don’t report more often," said Council Member Richards at Monday’s hearing. "And it seems that NYPD leadership is just fine with victims of sex crimes being ignored."
Chief of Patrol Terrence Monahan, Deputy Commissioner of Collaborative Policing Susan Herman, and Director of Legislative Affairs Oleg Chernyavsky testified before the Council. Chief of Detectives Boyce, who is on the verge of retirement from the NYPD, was also seated at the table and fielded questions. Though Council members said they wanted to hear from Chief Osgood as head of the Special Victims Division, the four NYPD officials seated at the table took virtually all of the questions, along with some terse interjections from Deputy Commissioner for Legal Matters Larry Byrne.
By and large, NYPD officials asserted that the department takes rape seriously, that both staffing and training are adequate, and that their electronic case management system is sufficient.
Chernyavsky said that the bills requiring additional training would "dilute the police commissioner’s authority by dictating a particular method and duration of training."
In response to Council Member Debi Rose's bill requiring the NYPD to use evidence-based models to determine appropriate staffing levels for the Special Victims Division, Chernyavsky said, "The requirements of this bill, however, erode and encroach upon the most basic responsibilities of the police commissioner to manage this agency and its personnel."
However, Chernyavsky's response ignores the fact that the head of the Special Victims Division requested additional staffing from multiple commissioners over the course of years. The DOI report includes dozens of pages of internal NYPD communications wherein Osgood repeatedly requests additional investigators to be added to the division.
As the DOI report notes, the caseload of the city's adult sex crimes detectives has increased by 65.3 percent since 2009, when there were 72 detectives.
"I cannot understand how anyone can argue with these recommendations," said retired Special Victims Sergeant Michael Bock, who worked with the division for years. "None will be detrimental to investigations. What are we afraid of?"
Bock appeared before the Council after the NYPD representatives, none of whom stayed to hear his testimony. The department left behind two people to monitor the rest of the hearing.
Despite assurances from the NYPD that the SVD is adequately staffed, that training is sufficient, and that the division's electronic case management system is adequate, the testimonies of many sexual assault victims and advocates indicate otherwise.
As one woman, Desdemona Meck, testified, "Two months after moving to New York City, two men attempted to rape me in the Bronx." A few hours after the assault, she received a rape kit and reported the rape to the precinct.
"The detective told me I have to learn to be smarter in New York City, that I should toughen up, and in the future not be so nice to strangers. She went on to ask me if I was positive I hadn't somehow made it seem as though the sex was something I had wanted."
Meck said the detective's reaction made her feel "shameful." Meck went on to identify both of the assailants through mugshots. The detective deterred Meck from bringing the case to trial. "She seemed confident in her belief that spending more time on the case would be a waste."
Advocates who testified at the hearing like Mary Haviland, Jane Manning, Christopher Bromson, and Angela Fernandez have worked very closely with both the NYPD and sexual assault victims for years. Some attend private meetings with NYPD officials, have attended trainings for Special Victims detectives and have likewise had those detectives attend their advocate trainings.
Haviland, executive director of the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, is currently involved in an audit of closed sex crimes cases. Bromson, the executive director of the Crime Victims Treatment Center, and Manning, head of Women's Justice NOW, have assisted many sexual assault victims who have come to their organizations for help, often after reporting their rape to the NYPD goes awry.
"The fact that Chief Boyce could sit without a smile on his face and say that the SVD could follow up with victims is just not the reality," Haviland said. "They are not able to follow up with victims who come in. They are not able to give explanations for dropped cases or the results of rape kits."
"This issue of inadequate staff and inadequate training is something that advocates have been bringing up to the NYPD for years, we've been pleading for those things for years," said Manning.
Fernandez represents a different group of advocates who were largely not present at the hearing -- ones who work in hospitals running programs for sexual assault survivors. As the DOI report notes, sexual assault victims often have to wait hours to see a detective after reporting their assault and getting a rape kit done in a hospital. Detectives are supposed to come to the victim in the hospital, but that doesn't always happen.
"One service provider described how a client spent the entire night at a hospital waiting for an SVD detective to arrive," DOI investigators wrote in their report. "When no detective showed up, the victim, thoroughly discouraged, decided against reporting the crime to the police and went home."
Over the weekend, the NYPD rolled out a public awareness campaign aimed at increasing reporting of sex crimes.
Yet without more detectives assigned to investigate reported sex crimes, some victims who report their assaults will continue to suffer in the ways advocates and victims described at the hearing.
Both Council Members Rosenthal and Rose expressed concern over the NYPD's mixed messages -- at the same time they have put out a public awareness campaign to get more people to report their sexual assault, they have also been reluctant to add more staff to the division responsible for investigating those sexual assaults.
"With the increase in reporting, will there be enough personnel to handle these cases?" Rose asked. "It is imperative that they have enough staff to investigate these cases, to avoid the re-victimization of the people who step forward."
The NYPD's refusal to allocate adequate resources to the Special Victims Division has far-reaching consequences for victims of sexual assault and discourages victims of sexual assault from coming forward to report what happened to them. NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill did say recently that when he names a replacement for the retiring Boyce as chief of detectives, that person will do a full review of the SVD.
While the NYPD currently maintains that they have an adequate number of investigators staffing the SVD, Bock, the recently retired Special Victims sergeant, says otherwise.
"I really believe the DOI report nailed it. The NYPD's denial is upsetting," Bock said. "For a long time, the running joke in the [Special Victims] office was, 'Can I have another cinder block as I'm swimming in the pool?'...Having 20 open cases on your screen doesn't feel good."
by Meg O'Connor, Gotham Gazette
@megoconnor13 @GothamGazette
Read more by this writer.
]]> NYPD Pushes Back Against Calls to Reform Special Victims Division Mon, 09 Apr 2018 04:00:00 +0000 De Blasio Holds Town Hall as Week on Staten Island Nears Conclusion https://www.gothamgazette.com/city/6872-de-blasio-holds-town-hall-as-week-on-staten-island-concludes https://www.gothamgazette.com/city/6872-de-blasio-holds-town-hall-as-week-on-staten-island-concludes
De Blasio & Oddo on Staten Island (photo: Michael Appleton/Mayor's Office)
As Mayor Bill de Blasio’s week on Staten Island neared a close Thursday evening, City Council Member Debi Rose told a north shore town hall audience that “Staten Island can no longer use the moniker that we are ‘The Forgotten Borough.’” In opening remarks before introducing de Blasio at I.S. 27, Rose said that the mayor’s attention to the borough had negated that longtime, self-given nickname of neglect.
From Monday through Friday, de Blasio and his top aides are working out of Staten Island borough hall and holding events around the island, in what is the first of five such weeks in the mayor’s new “City Hall in Your Borough” initiative.
The week has included announcements of an expansion of neighborhood policing on the south shore; the proliferation of an electronics recycling pilot program that started mid-Island; and increased boarding options for the Staten Island Ferry. De Blasio held constituent office hours, participated in evening road repaving, visited a senior center, talked with a local family about their water bill, celebrated Passover at a synagogue, visited several top borough restaurants, and took in a concert.
“The mayor has shared our concerns and interests,” Rose said, calling de Blasio “responsive” and noting that people are apt to criticize but don’t give credit enough. Rose listed major concerns for her constituents: education, transportation, traffic, safety, recreation facilities, job creation, protecting the environment, and managing development and growth while maintaining Staten Island character -- most of which came up in the two-plus hours that de Blasio took more than 50 audience questions at Thursday’s town hall.
Rose, a Democrat, spoke just after Borough President James Oddo, a Republican, and state Senator Diane Savino, a member of the Independent Democratic Conference, who both stressed that Staten Islanders focus less on political party and more on getting things done. Oddo and de Blasio share a particularly close relationship going back to their days on the City Council, and they have appeared at a number of events together during the week. In his opening remarks the borough president briefly recounted how productive a week it has been and his appreciation that de Blasio immersed city government in Staten Island issues for the five days.
When he took the microphone, de Blasio noted his positive relationships with the borough’s elected officials and touted reductions in crime on Staten Island, thanking the NYPD, as well as a drop in traffic fatalities this year compared to the same period last year. He announced that a new Staten Island Ferry boat would be named after Sandy Ground, which was an African-American settlement dating back to the 1830s and a stop on the Underground Railroad. The mayor explained that his administration recently announced a new plan to combat the opioid epidemic and his ongoing focus on repaving streets, two very different but particular concerns for Staten Islanders.
Over the course of the town hall, de Blasio took a few general questions about city policy, but largely heard constituents’ local, specific concerns, from problems at a nearby elementary school to development along the north shore, a lack of transportation options, and police-community relations. He heard from constituents of diverse backgrounds and of all ages, including a high school student worried about protections for LGBT students and an elderly woman concerned about broken sidewalks.
The mayor, who at times was short and cranky with audience members who he wanted to ask their questions more quickly, gave frank answers, even when he disagreed with the questioner, and often called over different commissioners, NYPD representatives, and other aides to give more detailed answers after his general one. It was a similar scene to the dozens of prior town halls de Blasio has held all over the city during the past year and a half.
Thursday’s was de Blasio’s second Staten Island town hall -- he previously held one mid-Island with Republican Council Member Steven Matteo. De Blasio has promised to hold a town hall in all 51 City Council districts, leaving him one more on Staten Island, that of Republican Joe Borelli, who appeared with the mayor for the policing announcement on Monday.
Two themes among the wide variety of questions Thursday night were opportunity for community youth and development along the north shore. There were also a number of education and school-related questions. “[T]he youth, give them something to do,” one attendee said to de Blasio, and was met with applause from the audience. “I share that view so much so that...every middle school kid has free after-school,” de Blasio responded, touting one of his key education investments, though he told the audience that not enough families are taking advantage of the program.
“I can’t make a commitment to you tonight,” de Blasio said about a new community center for youth. “We’re making a benefit available exactly for that reason,” he added regarding young people not having enough to do. The mayor mentioned tutoring, homework help, recreation, and enrichment, but he encouraged audience members to spread the word about the program.
The north shore of Staten Island is home to much development -- as de Blasio decamped on borough hall, he was a stone's throw from ongoing construction of a new outlet mall, one of several changes that will remake the area. De Blasio insisted that the city will hold developers to their commitments and also previewed a rezoning of part of the north shore district that Rose represents, explaining that a ”rezoning offers the opportunity for a massive infusion of resources into a community,” including the types of amenities that some town hall participants were asking for, such as a new community center. He referenced the only community rezoning that has occurred during his administration, that of part of East New York, Brooklyn. It was not clear if the mayor was able to assuage the concerns of those who worry about new development and the loss of community "character."
Multiple attendees asked de Blasio about policing or police-community relations and de Blasio gave similar answers each time: explaining that he has worked to improve those relations through the implementation of the neighborhood policing model while also reaffirming his commitment to "quality-of-life policing," which is also known as Broken Windows policing, though the mayor rarely uses that term unprovoked. He stressed that crime is down while arrests and negative interactions between officers and New Yorkers are also down.
One constituent asked de Blasio what, if re-elected, his top three second-term priorities for Staten Island would be. De Blasio declined to make the answer local, instead explaining his goals for the city: continuing to drive crime down and improve police-community relations; improving schools through his “Equity and Excellence” agenda; and making the city more affordable though more rent-regulated housing and better-paying jobs.
The mayor will conclude his five days on Staten Island Friday with one public event: a tour of the community center at Mariner’s Harbor Houses, a NYCHA property, where he will also "make an announcement about the Cornerstone Program," according to his public schedule. Prior to that, he'll make his weekly appearance on WNYC radio's The Brian Lehrer Show, as he did his Monday evening spot on NY1's Road to City Hall television program.
Still, de Blasio has been very limited in dealing the media this week. The mayor took press questions at his Monday mid-day event in conjunction with his policing announcement on the south shore, but held no other question-and-answer session with reporters all week. He held several events open to the press, but did not allow questions, ignoring any that were asked by members of the media who attended.
by Ben Max, Gotham Gazette
@tweetBenMax @GothamGazette
]]> De Blasio Holds Town Hall as Week on Staten Island Nears Conclusion Thu, 13 Apr 2017 04:00:00 +0000 Legislation Aimed at Holding City Accountable for Rezoning Commitments https://www.gothamgazette.com/city/6314-legislation-aimed-at-holding-city-accountable-for-rezoning-commitments https://www.gothamgazette.com/city/6314-legislation-aimed-at-holding-city-accountable-for-rezoning-commitments
Announcement at City Hall (photo: Demetrius Freeman/Mayor's Office)
With the recent passage of the East New York rezoning and community development plan, the city committed to revitalizing the neglected Brooklyn neighborhood by creating affordable housing, investing in community infrastructure, and promoting economic development. The first among 15 neighborhood rezonings planned by Mayor Bill de Blasio, East New York ushers in a new era of planned change and city promises.
As these rezoning and development plans progress, a parallel effort is moving through the City Council to ensure that the city is held to its word in making commitments to communities when modifying land-use rules and upzoning neighborhoods for development.
Last month, a bill was introduced in the City Council -- sponsored by Public Advocate Letitia James, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and Council Members Rafael Espinal and Deborah Rose -- that would create a publicly accessible database of commitments made by the administration in any city-sponsored Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) application. The database and an accompanying annual report would allow elected officials and, perhaps more importantly, the general public to track the promises to communities made by the Mayor and city agencies.
The database and reports would provide regular updates on the progress of initiated projects and track projects left unfulfilled. Following the final passage of any city-sponsored land-use application, the commitments would be recorded on the database within 30 days.
“It will not only record commitments,” said Public Advocate James, “It’s an ongoing reminder of the commitment made by the city to the general public.”
James recognizes the need to push this bill at a time when the city is gearing up to rezone and redevelop those 15 neighborhoods across the city, starting with East New York, as part of an ambitious plan by Mayor Bill de Blasio to harness gentrification and create affordable housing in neighborhoods under strain from market forces.
The public advocate, formerly a Brooklyn City Council member, says she has seen a pattern in similar neighborhood rezonings in the past where guarantees made by the city routinely fell through the cracks. She cited Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint as a few areas where the city reneged on its pledges to provide ample community benefits while allowing real estate development. “I see all of these luxury condos that have gone up and no public benefits and amenities,” James said.
James’ vocal opposition to the Atlantic Yards redevelopment in Brooklyn was in part because of the city’s failure to ensure adequate community benefits particularly affordable housing.
“The bill is a transparency and accountability effort ensuring that promised benefits are delivered,” she added. James said the bill would be prospective and would not apply retroactively to any land use deals.
City Council Member Brad Lander is a “big fan of planning” and he gives the administration credit for the broad community development plan created for East New York. “There’s a lot of important parts to getting planning right,” he said.
One of those important parts, he believes, is tracking community commitments and the public advocate’s bill would make those commitments “visible, public, and online, and ensure regular tracking and reporting,” Lander said in support.
Of course, tracking does not necessarily mean that promises will definitely be kept, he said. “It’s very hard to mandate keeping of promises,” he said, pointing out that the Council can only make budget decisions for a one-year period and cannot control decisions made in later years by new elected officials. But he added that it provides people with a strong tool to hold the city publicly accountable.
If there’s any elected official now facing this, it’s Espinal, the Council member who represents a majority of the East New York area under the new rezoning plan. He was front and center in the negotiations with the de Blasio administration and managed to secure $267 million in capital funds for East New York under the plan (plus other investments through school and sewer construction that comes from other funding sources).
Ensuring that the capital projects outlined in the East New York deal are carried out is “one of the most important parts of the plan,” Espinal told Gotham Gazette shortly after it was voted through by the Council land use committee. “We want to make sure that the commitments that are made by the administration are kept, that the community residents are able to track this easily online so that we won’t be kept guessing on when these projects will start and when they’ll be completed.”
Espinal is hoping, and trying to see, that the bill passes before the East New York commitments are set in stone -- which he said would be 30 days after the full Council vote of April 20.
“We’re currently working with the administration in creating the template of what that (database) will look like so the bill is actually being worked on and it’s something that we hope to pass very soon,” Espinal said. “It’s gonna happen within a month or so.”
In a letter that listed the various capital commitments in the East New York plan, Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen said her office was working with the Mayor’s Office of Operations and city agencies to “develop a tool that will track the progress made against each commitment and make this information available online for the public.” These commitments, the letter states, will be posted on the city’s website within 30 days of the council’s full vote. MOO will also post an annual progress report online.
“Our goal from the beginning of the process has been to ensure that we create a clear set of commitments, which can be tracked by the community and the Council Member to ensure that we are honoring our commitments made as a part of rezoning,” the letter reads.
These efforts would become mandatory if James and the Speaker’s bill passes. Currently, there is no hearing set for the bill, which would go before the land use committee, but a spokesperson for Speaker Mark-Viverito said they expect to find a date soon. The bill will require one committee hearing to garner feedback from the de Blasio administration and the public, followed by another committee meeting for a vote and then a vote through the full Council.
“Obviously my interest would be to put this in place as quickly as possible,” Mark-Viverito told Gotham Gazette after a recent news conference at City Hall. “We want to be able to track whatever commitments are made on any new development deals or land use deals.”
Both James and Mark-Viverito said that they were having conversations with the administration on the bill. An aide for the speaker said there was a “a normal back and forth that the administration’s generally supported.”
And it appears the de Blasio administration is onboard. "We look forward to working closely with the City Council and Public Advocate on this important transparency measure," said Austin Finan, spokesperson for the mayor, in an email.
by Samar Khurshid, senior reporter, Gotham Gazette
@samarkhurshid @GothamGazette
]]> Legislation Aimed at Holding City Accountable for Rezoning Commitments Thu, 05 May 2016 04:00:00 +0000 All Aboard the BRT Express? https://www.gothamgazette.com/government/5991-all-aboard-the-brt-express https://www.gothamgazette.com/government/5991-all-aboard-the-brt-express
(photo: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit)
Google Maps estimated an hour-and-a-half for a trip from near City Hall to a location in Southeast Queens, leaving at 5:30 p.m. on a recent Tuesday. On the E train to its final stop and a bus crawling along jam-packed Merrick Boulevard, the trip took about an hour longer, two-and-a-half hours from door to door.
“Now you know what we go through every day,“ City Council Member I. Daneek Miller told Gotham Gazette following that night’s event, which he co-hosted with Council Member Donovan Richards and focused on, what else, transportation.
The commute to and from downtown Manhattan that the Council members and some of their constituents face was part of the motivation behind the town hall, set in the outer reaches of the city and called to examine the challenging state of public transit in St. Albans, Laurelton, and surrounding neighborhoods - often referred to as a “transportation desert.”
In a recent op-ed for Crain’s New York Business, Miller laid out the extent of the problem: people from Southeast Queens spend roughly 15 hours a week commuting, 238 percent more time than the average New Yorker.
The residents of the area share this plight with several other neighborhoods considered transportation deserts because of their lack of public transit options - places including the Rockaways, the North Bronx, and the South Shore of Staten Island.
With the subway map sure to stay mostly as it is, communities in greatest need of good transportation options that can get residents to the city’s main jobs centers are reliant on a bus system lacking in capacity and dependability. Even though 97 percent of the city‘s population lives within a quarter mile of a bus stop, the collective problems with the service--it is one of the slowest systems in the nation and the slowest among big cities--render residents far removed from subway lines and feeling helpless.
With increased scrutiny of transportation deserts and lengthy New York City commutes come increasing calls for creative bus solutions: with more selective bus service (SBS) and bus rapid transit (BRT) at the forefront.
[NYC "subway deserts" - map by Chris Whong)
According to an audit released by Comptroller Scott Stringer in April, buses are not just slow, they are also often late: Stringer‘s study revealed that more than 30 percent of the city’s express buses do not run on schedule. Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island are hit the hardest, the comptroller said. The report also found that the MTA had inconsistent inspection standards for wheelchair lifts across their bus fleet, which, in addition to failing disabled riders, also slows bus time.
“This is more than just a statistic,“ Stringer said at the press conference unveiling his audit, “a late bus could mean a missed job opportunity, missed wages, or missed time with children.“
One possible antidote for lagging buses and transit hungry commuters is Bus Rapid Transit, and the idea is gaining momentum, as the Miller-Richards town hall showed. The questions ahead are about political will and community buy-in toward expanding BRT in New York City. BRT was a piece of a recent City Council hearing on transportation deserts, but the city’s Department of Transportation has already been made to study BRT through a law passed in the Council and signed by Mayor de Blasio that will lead to a report on areas where BRT should be implemented.
Started in Curitiba, Brazil in 1974, BRT was originally formulated as a cheaper alternative for a city that didn‘t have the money to build a subway. In its fullest form BRT combines a variety of features to make it operate at a speed comparable to light rail (an option also talked about for Queens and Staten Island). Long accordion style buses--in Curitiba they hold up to 250 people--shoot up and down bus-only lanes of large streets, stopping at intervals akin to a subway line (rather than the shorter ones of typical bus service).
Traffic signals have sensors in order to hold green lights for buses approaching intersections. People pay their fare before they board the bus and stations often feature elevated platforms or curbsides that coincide with the floor of the bus, making it quick and easy for elderly or disabled people to board. All this amounts to more on time, reliable, and efficient bus service.
Since the turn of the century cities across the globe including Paris, Istanbul, Bogata, and Los Angeles have all adopted BRT to curb car use and improve public transit overall.
Now, Mayor Bill de Blasio wants to bring BRT to New York as part of his efforts to help the city’s lower and middle classes. The argument also goes, of course, that if workers have shorter and easier commutes they are more productive when they’re at work.
”Bus riders are the most neglected part of our transportation system,” de Blasio’s policy book from his 2013 mayoral campaign reads. “Bus Rapid Transit has the potential to save outer-borough commuters hours off their commute times every week and stimulate economic activity in neighborhoods the subway system doesn’t reach.”
While it’s been somewhat slow to materialize, de Blasio’s pledge to bring New York City a “world-class bus rapid transit system” has been gaining steam. When signing the BRT study bill in May, de Blasio reminded that, “We all know that mass transit is particularly critical for those New Yorkers for whom resources are very tight, whose incomes are very tight - mass transit is their lifeline. It connects them to jobs, schools, everything.”
In March the state-run MTA and the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the official plan for the city‘s first full-scale BRT route on Woodhaven Boulevard, in Queens. The project will stretch 14.4 miles, cost around $200 million, and be fully operational by 2017. (By contrast, the Second Avenue subway is supposed to cover 8.5 miles, cost upwards of $17 billion, and be done at a to-be-determined date.)
Previously the two organizations’ efforts to speed up bus time came in the form of Select Bus Service, a paired down version of BRT that also utilizes off-board fare collection, along with traffic signal priority, semi-exclusive bus lanes, and longer distances between stations. The first SBS route was launched in 2008 on the Bx12 on Fordham Road in the Bronx, and has enjoyed relative success. According to statistics collected by the MTA one year after the launch, running times increased up to 19 percent, ridership by 8 percent.
Over the past seven years the MTA and the DOT have added seven other SBS routes, including ones going up First Avenue and down Second Avenue in Manhattan. All routes have enjoyed faster service and a 2013 DOT report claimed that SBS had saved eight million hours of travel time.
Still, SBS is not BRT. The former appears more suited for the busier sections for the city, the latter for moving people from the city’s outer reaches to its transit and business hubs.
With the Woodhaven route, which will have exclusive lanes and robust, fully-outfitted stations with shelters, seats, and real-time information on bus arrivals (along with off-board fare collection and transit signal priority) the city is setting a new standard for its above-ground transportation. The fully exclusive bus lanes, which will also allow traffic signal priority to be more effective, are particularly exciting given that Kevin Ortiz, spokesperson for the MTA, told Gotham Gazette that traffic congestion and red lights are the top two causes for bus delays.
[Woodhaven BRT rendering, via NYC DOT]
The line, which will run north-south, perpendicular to the A, E, F, J, M, R, and 7 trains, is indicative of the type of improvements BRT could offer in the so-called “outer boroughs.” Joan Byron, Director of Policy at the Pratt Center for Community Development and a member of the advocacy group BRT for NYC, sees this improvement as imperative to the economic empowerment of New York’s outer-borough residents.
“We have a problem right now of people not being able to get to their jobs and employers not being able to get to their workforce. Work locations are shifting. Job growth is much faster in the boroughs than it is in Manhattan…and the subway system isn‘t set up to serve them. You can do things with BRT that would take decades to do with rail,“ Byron told Gotham Gazette.
As it stands, she explains, “if you live some place like Far Rockaway…the number of jobs that are within a reasonable commute range for you are much smaller than if you live someplace like Park Slope.”
The Woodhaven line plans to change that for its service area. BRT lines along the North Shore of Staten Island (something City Council Member Debbie Rose called “a necessity, not an amenity”) and Southern Brooklyn—two possible routes the MTA and DOT are investigating—would also serve similar purposes.
Council Member Donovan Richards, who represents part of the area the new BRT route will serve, sees this project as only the beginning. Ultimately, he wants a full-scale BRT network throughout the city, viewing the issue as one that is also key to environmental justice.
“[BRT] needs to become as natural as breathing air,“ he said to Gotham Gazette after the town hall. “We have got to remember that if we don’t get cars off the road, climate change is going to wipe out communities in New York City. Overall the city needs to adopt it,” he said, referring to BRT.
[Rates of car ownership, via NYC EDC]
Richards, along with city DOT officials, recently had lunch with and gave a tour of the planned Woodhaven route to a federal transportation secretary. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has promised to push for federal funding.
The excitement continued into May when the mayor signed into law the new BRT-related bill.
According to the City Council website, “Under the bill, DOT would work with the MTA and gather input with the public to develop a citywide BRT plan, due to the Council no later than September 1, 2017. The plan would consider areas of the City in need of additional rapid transit options, strategies for serving growing neighborhoods, potential intra-borough and inter-borough BRT corridors DOT plans to establish by 2027, strategies for integrating BRT with other transit routes, and the anticipated operating costs of additional BRT lines.”
SBS may continue to expand, and many note that it is a version of BRT, but the extent to which a strong BRT system will be implemented is unclear. In several other cities where the system has achieved success, says Joan Byron of Pratt, the build of these cities naturally accommodated the necessary BRT infrastructure.
“The places where that has been done, places like Bogota, Columbia, that model was implemented exactly in the parts of the city that have kind of a post-World War II physical fabric and development pattern. The street there for the main bus line, the Transmillenial, is twelve lanes wide. Pedestrians cross that street on over-passes. It wasn’t a big jump to put dedicated lanes in the center region and to have physical stations that are actually enclosed.”
Woodhaven Boulevard, eight lanes wide and notoriously hazardous for pedestrians (the station islands to be installed in the middle of the avenue also act as a safety measure), is at least somewhat similar.
Council Member Brad Lander, the lead sponsor of the BRT bill, sees Manhattan’s First and Second Avenues as streets also appropriate for the full BRT service, especially given the MTA‘s recent announcement to forgo $1 billion in funding for the Second Avenue Subway project.
Most buses, though, don‘t operate on streets the width of a small highway (even dedicating a full lane of First or Second Avenue could prove quite contentious). For these routes Lander and Byron see smaller BRT-like features being incorporated into bus operation citywide on a case-by-case basis.
“The simple idea of off-board fare payment, that’s something we want to get to on every city bus,” Lander told Gotham Gazette. After that, he said, what is doable will depend on infrastructure features and funding.
Lander cited the SBS M86 route, the MTA‘s latest SBS addition, as a prime example. Even though there is not enough room for a dedicated bus lane (the bus runs crosstown on 86th Street in Manhattan), the MTA has already installed off-board fare collection and plans to add bus bulbs - protruding, bulges of sidewalk in front of bus stops, constructed so that the bus doesn‘t have to pull over when it picks up passengers. Stations are also equipped with real-time bus arrival information. A similar approach could be effective on smaller streets in the outer boroughs as well.
[A bus bulb, via Streetsblog.org]
Council Member Daneek Miller is impatient, saying that his transit-starved constituents can’t wait a decade for BRT lines.
“There are 300,000 people in Southeast Queens who it’s talking an hour-and-a-half, an hour-and-forty-five minutes to get to their job in the city, who can’t wait 20 years for a change,” Miller said after his town hall.
Miller, who ran a transportation workers union before joining the Council, takes a slightly more cynical view of SBS. He says the recent buzz around BRT has led the city to overlook basic adaptations that could yield considerable results, like those he outlined in his op-ed, such as fare reform on the LIRR. For his constituents, Miller said, “BRT might be the second best answer. I can get to City Hall in 50 [minutes] on the LIRR; it takes me an hour-and-40-minutes using public transportation.”
Still, Miller certainly wants to see extended express bus service to Downtown Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. He acknowledges infrastructure challenges of implementing BRT in some places, saying “We don‘t want to put square pegs in a round hole,” and that it is essential to have all the components, otherwise it won’t be BRT, but a “glorified express bus service.”
With an eye toward communities like those represented by his colleagues Miller and Richards, Lander points to the need for more options for commuters. Citing “low-income New Yorkers and communities of color” that “have disproportionately long commute times,” Lander said at the May bill-signing that “New Yorkers across the city – especially in transit-starved, outer-borough neighborhoods – need more mass-transit options. This law, and subsequent exploration of a Bus Rapid Transit network, will significantly improve public transportation access in the parts of NYC that need it most, at a cost we can afford, and help insure a more sustainable future.”
BRT and SBS advocates, like Lander, stand confident that their plan will deliver, and sooner than projected.
“I think it’s going to accelerate,“ said Byron. “For every elected official that will stand up and say ‘I want BRT in my district now,’ which all the Council members along the Q52, Q53 routes have said, you’ll get others that say, ‘Forget it, my constituents ride the bus,‘” Byron said, referring to hesitant Council members who she thinks will acquiesce.
When asked about the twelve year timeline in his BRT bill, a charged Lander replied, “the city - the DOT with the MTA - is already rolling out BRT at a pretty rapid rate...we are not waiting.“
by Colin O’Connor
@GothamGazette
@colinqoconnor93
]]> All Aboard the BRT Express? Mon, 16 Nov 2015 19:06:12 +0000 Does Staten Island Get Its Fair Share? https://www.gothamgazette.com/government/5849-does-staten-island-get-its-fair-share https://www.gothamgazette.com/government/5849-does-staten-island-get-its-fair-share
Rendering of proposed New York Wheel on Staten Island. (Perkins Eastman via NY Times)
There may be no other borough that has the local pride and identity felt by Staten Islanders. To be a Staten Islander often means to be of New York City and to be disconnected from New York City. It often means to know your family, but wonder if you were switched at birth.
Since New York City adopted its outer boroughs in 1898, Staten Island has always been the odd child out. Even for a city of islands, Staten Island seems, and is, far away. It is the enigma of New York City in virtually every aspect - at least most of it is, as the stereotypes of Staten Island sometimes belie its diversity.
Stand Island sits apart, though. Even the island accent is a bit more bombastic — more expressive, even — than the standard New York intonation. It’s important to have your voice stand out when you’re struggling to be heard.
The Staten Island existence has been, and continues to be, in some part dominated by its uneasy relationship with the larger city it is a part of, and the ongoing struggle its residents and elected representatives engage in to ensure that “the forgotten borough” gets its fair share.
Perhaps it’s fitting that Staten Island is the size of a key at the bottom left of the MTA subway map, which, of course, shows few lines cutting through the borough. It is a borough geographically far from the others, and population-wise, nowhere near a fifth of New York, with just under 500,000 residents in a city of over eight million. While much of the city is chasing rent, Staten Island has higher home ownership than any other borough, and its residents rely heavily on cars. For the most part, Islanders are big supporters of law enforcement, and it is a suburbia to many current and retired uniforms.
This is not to say that Staten Island is homogenous, of course. It is not.
The Island, aka Richmond County, looks more like America than the rest of New York City. Or, as Joe Borelli, one of only four Staten Islanders who serve in the 150-seat New York State Assembly, told Gotham Gazette, “New York looks at Staten Island weird, but it’s the rest of the country who’s looking at New York weird.”
It is the only borough with a clear white majority, at 77 percent of the population, compared to 12 percent African-American and 18 percent Latino, according to recent census figures. And the racial divide is stark: the North Shore is far more ethnically diverse and less wealthy than the South Shore and much of Mid-Island, with a reliance on public housing and apartment complexes to accommodate booming immigration populations. Staten Island has more registered Democrats, but most of its elected officials are Republican. This ruling conservatism makes it an outlier.
There’s been a longstanding feeling of disconnect, both figuratively and literally, between the residents of Staten Island and City Hall — pleas unheard, problems ignored. There is an ongoing sense on Staten Island that things simply aren’t fair.
It is the only borough without a full-service public hospital. Its transportation system, as many residents will tell you, is abysmal: besides the ferry, there is no direct route to Manhattan. Commuters are left with the more expensive buses that route through Brooklyn, and the always congested, pricey Verrazano Bridge, whose toll now stands at $5.50 each way (at the resident discount). The only intra-borough train in existence is the SI Rail, while no train operates from east to west. And the borough has been left with spots of land that are widely inaccessible by public transit.
The discontent is about funding, for sure, but not just about the money. It’s simply often part of what it means to be a Staten Islander - a sense of otherness, of not being understood or served by the public servants who are supposed to represent the *entire* city. But the question is: has the borough really been shortchanged? Under Mayor de Blasio or anyone else. That’s up for debate.
And Gotham Gazette is not the only entity looking for answers. Last week, the College of Staten Island announced that a $20,000 study will be conducted into whether or not the “forgotten borough” is truly forgotten. Pushed by City Council Member Steven Matteo and his predecessor as Minority Leader, Vincent Ignizio, the Council-funded research will essentially evaluate city services to see if Staten Island is getting its fair share. So, next time its delegates negotiate the city budget or other upcoming policy, the island will have a better idea of where it stands.
Well before that study gets underway, we set out to assess how much of its due Staten Island receives.
As is the case with the current mayor, Bill de Blasio, Staten Island often votes against the city grain — it was the only borough de Blasio lost in his landslide 2013 victory over Republican Joe Lhota. In the City Council, Staten Island has three seats of the 51, which are allotted by population. Brooklyn has 16. “We have less representatives in the Council and Albany, which puts us at a disadvantage,” Borelli argued.
So, in late July, the small City Council delegation from Staten Island — Council Members Debi Rose, former Council Minority Leader Vincent Ignizio, and Steven Matteo — held a press conference alongside elected officials to announce big news for the borough: $30 million of Council funding in the Fiscal Year 2016 budget for capital and expense projects across the island.
The new infusion of cash would be pooled by Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito’s office, the Staten Island council member delegation, and the Borough President’s office. Causes from libraries and school lunches to the Snug Harbor Cultural Center were getting a financial boost. A Council spokesperson also pointed out efforts in last year’s budget to increase ferry service and establish business improvement districts.
“This Council recognizes the important contributions of Staten Island and is thrilled to invest back into the borough in order to strengthen New York City as a whole,” Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito noted.
“I thank Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and my colleagues in the Staten Island delegation for being partners in crafting a budget that responds to the real needs of Staten Islanders,” Council Member Rose added. Rose is the lone Democrat representing Staten Island in the Council, she is African-American and hails from the North Shore.
In the grand scheme of things, though, the $30 million jackpot is due more nuanced analysis. The new city budget includes a total of $78.6 billion for expenses. Then there’s $13.9 billion for capital projects across the city. Much of the full picture of what Staten Island receives is buried deep in those amounts, through mayoral agencies and city operations. This fogs up how the $30 million factors into a larger total, and what it means on the local level.
Take, for example, the funds for the borough presidents. James Oddo, Staten Island borough president and former member of the City Council, received the smallest BP allotment, $4.2 million, while Eric Adams, of Brooklyn, has $5.8 million to work with. Yet, per capita, Oddo has more money than any other BP. Adams has $5.8 million to spend on 2.6 million people, about five times the population of its somewhat distant neighbor.
(former SI Council Members Ignizio, foreground, & Oddo)
Generally, it’s quite difficult to break the city budget down borough-by-borough, so much so that the College of Staten Island needs a well-resourced study to get to the bottom of this. You cannot flip open city budget documents to see a full accounting of what resources are devoted to each borough - it’s just not so easy to decipher how much of FDNY or Department of Health expenses are going to serve Staten Islanders, though estimates are surely possible.
Still, there’s the concept of insurance, that as part of the larger city, Staten Islanders can believe that there are virtually unlimited resources available were they to need them. Though, one need not look further than Superstorm Sandy to see the complicated nature of such a point.
There are many complicating factors to really trying to suss out how the city allocates resources.
“Let’s say a nonprofit agency based in Manhattan provides some of its services in the Bronx. The value of the contract for the work in the Bronx would show up in the Manhattan district where the agency is located,” Doug Turetsky, a spokesperson for the Independent Budget Office, told Gotham Gazette. “Another problem with these statements, or assigning dollars to a particular location, comes up with NYPD. An officer may be assigned to a particular precinct and that’s where he or she gets paid from, but on any given day that officer may be working in any part of the city.”
Turetsky was referring to what are known as District Resource Statements, which are provided by the Office of Management and Budget. These show analyses of the funds dedicated to the districts in every borough by each agency - but, as Turetsky explained, they don’t necessarily give the full picture of what Staten Island is getting, or, perhaps, not getting from the city.
Instead, Turetsky pointed to Community Board Geographic Reports, which are also OMB documents. This is a fuller borough-by-borough breakdown of the major agencies in the city (e.g. Parks and Recreation, Sanitation, NYPD). So, to get an idea of how Staten Island stacks up, looking at an agency like Parks and Recreation can be helpful.
According to the latest Community Board Geographic Report, for FY 2016, which began July 1, the funds for Staten Island borough-wide parks and rec total upwards of $1.8 million, with 27 full-time park employee positions. Queens, meanwhile, has $3.9 million allocated for borough-wide recreation, with 47 full-time positions. Around the same budget increase is set to occur next year for both boroughs: $55,000.
Staten Island parks see about half the funding of Queens’ while the borough has more park land, but many fewer residents. The island boasts the title of “Greenest Borough,” having 113 city parks, which, with state parks included, constitute a third of the island’s land mass, 12,400 acres in total. Queens has more parks, but covering fewer total acres: 284 parks, 7,000 acres. Queens, though, has 2.3 million residents, while Staten Island has just over 500,000.
It is no surprise that in every category for the Department of Sanitation, meanwhile, Staten Island ranks lowest out of the boroughs — less people, less garbage.
That’s the main obstacle in comparing Staten Island, in general, with the rest of the city: the demands are completely different. Brooklyn, for comparison, serves nearly 300,000 students in its public schools, while Staten Island has 60,000 students. Speaking with Joseph Viteritti, the chair of the Urban Affairs and Planning Department at CUNY Hunter, about this, Gotham Gazette asked him how to sort through this reality and analyze any discrepancies. “It’s very hard to answer that,” he responded. “You can’t do a straight budget analysis, because the budget is driven by demand.”
And it’s not all about population, of course. Yes, Staten Island police districts may have smaller budgets, but if areas in Brooklyn have higher concentrations of violent crime, then it makes sense that Brooklyn precincts receive a bigger piece of the pie. The same applies to schools, sanitation, parks, and so on. Think about Manhattan, Viteritti said. Even with the smallest land mass of the five boroughs, it is home to Wall Street, countless skyscrapers, Central Park, and 1.6 million people; not to mention the hordes upon hordes of tourists.
“Of course Manhattan gets more money from the city [than Staten Island],” he explained. “How can you even compare the two?”
Joe Borelli, the Assembly member set to soon replace Ignizio in the City Council, says Staten Island’s blues arise from its uniqueness. He says the problems faced by residents are unlike those anywhere else in New York. “Since as far back as the American Revolution,” Borelli muses, “Station Island was different, and disconnected.”
And though there are sections of Queens and other boroughs that resemble large swaths of Staten Island, there’s nowhere in the city with the combination of characteristics of the island, including its remoteness, limited public transportation, and more.
As a result of “the failures of urban liberalism” in the 1960s and 1970s, Borelli argues, his home island served as a refuge for white flight as crime skyrocketed elsewhere. This is why on the island, “everyone you know is related to a cop,” Borelli added. Yet, after Manhattan and other parts of the city regained social stability, many of the developments achieved over the past decade-plus have failed to make it across the Verrazano.
For example, the ferries that now ride up and down the East River, servicing the re-emergence of neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Long Island City. Albeit suspended until 2017, even Rockaway Beach, at the far southeast corner of Queens, had some sort of ferry service (in addition to the A train). Residents on the South Shore of Staten Island, on the other hand, are still waiting to be picked up.
Then there’s bikes. While Mayor Michael Bloomberg peppered the city with bike lanes and pedestrian plazas throughout the 2000s, Staten Island watched from the sidelines: the borough is more car-dependent than any other, with a far distance between the North and South shores. Hylan Boulevard, which is arguably the busiest thoroughfare in the whole borough, has rows of perpetually empty bike racks, which the city spent $60,000 to build, because a solid portion of the avenue has no lane dedicated to cyclists.
Whether Staten Islanders wanted bike racks—or lanes, for that matter—is up for debate. But the situation, Borelli explained, demonstrates this “general distaste” of residents towards the city’s larger urban planning ideas, of which they’ve been largely left out of. It is this uneven growth that has driven Borelli’s current (and unopposed) campaign to fill the empty seat left by Ignizio, who recently became the CEO of Catholic Charities on Staten Island. "Somebody has to speak for the millions of outer-borough, middle class homeowners that are lately placed on the back burner of city policy,” Borelli told DNAinfo, referring to more than just Staten Island woes.
When asked about the stark differences — population, size, demand — between Staten Island and the other boroughs, Borelli said that, yes, those things are true, but shouldn’t be the reasoning behind neglect. He then listed conundrums that could happen few places in the city but Staten Island. Parks built without sidewalks leading to them. Bike lanes delayed because of too much brush blocking them. Nearly $5 million spent on replacing trees.
“We have a lot of resources, but they’re left vacant or without funding,” Borelli argued. “We have more parkland than any other borough, and somehow have less of the Parks budget than everyone else. Where else can you ride an ATV in the city?”
“Find me a property anywhere else where the city builds a park but doesn’t put sidewalks in,” he continued. “It just doesn’t make any sense.”
This frustration, as expressed by Borelli, is part of the Staten Island id. In 1993, it came to a boiling point when Staten Island attempted to secede from New York City. The referendum effort, led by State Senator John Marchi, was, of course, a culmination of built-up emotions, but the immediate catalyst was the approval of a new City Charter in 1989, which did away with the Board of Estimate. Instead of having one vote of five, like every other borough, Staten Island now had just three City Council members to represent its interests across the Narrows. The borough arose in protest.
At the time, Joe Viteritti was the staff director of a commission that looked into the economic self-sustainability of Staten Island, or if an island with the population of a small city could manage alone without the help of sister boroughs and City Hall. The studies showed that it was feasible, Viteritto says, but his team also found that, in 1993, the cost of Staten Island to the city outpaced the revenue it generated by about $200 million. In other words, the city was putting more into Staten Island than it was receiving.
“These analyses point to the surprising conclusion that separation of Staten Island from New York would actually provide budget relief for the city,” he wrote then, in City Journal. “From a strictly economic perspective, the other four boroughs would come out ahead.”
This didn’t convince either Mayor Ed Koch or Mayor David Dinkins, both of whom strongly opposed the referendum. When Governor Mario Cuomo let the legislation proceed in Albany, Koch said the Democratic leader was “plunging a dagger into the city’s heart.” But it wasn’t up to him.
“Honestly, the only reason secession didn’t go through is that the legislation needed approval in the State Assembly, and it didn’t get it,” Viteritti told Gotham Gazette. “Cuomo, and then Pataki, were ready to sign it. [Former Assembly Speaker from Manhattan] Sheldon Silver bears sole responsibility for why Staten Island is not its own independent city right now.”
Now, over twenty years later, Viteritti doesn’t know if things are the same on Staten Island. The most immediate demands of the secession movement were met, and, in many ways, that’s why everyone Gotham Gazette spoke with for this article said Rudy Giuliani is still the most popular mayor on the island, by far.
Giuliani, a Republican, had a 1994 platform aimed at addressing the island’s two main grievances: making the Staten Island ferry free and closing the Fresh Kills dump (both were eventually accomplished). “To think, what was more symbolic to Staten Islanders than a place where the city can leave all of its garbage?” Doug Muzzio quipped.
At the time, Muzzio, a political scientist at CUNY Baruch and longtime city expert, was tasked with polling Staten Island residents. He said a “victim narrative” existed, in which residents felt their input surpassed the output (later found to be untrue) and, in return, they got the city’s garbage. While their transportation issues are “legitimate” reasons to be angry, Muzzio added, “Staten Islanders have always thought they were forgotten, and if they did get city services, they were ill-timed,” he said. This is part of the island’s “mythology” - too little, too late.
Yet, to Muzzio, Giuliani fit the Staten Island mold. His last name sounded like it was cut from the borough’s fabric. He was close with the renowned Borough President then, Guy Molinari. He was incredibly pro-NYPD, and he was a Republican. Staten Islanders still reminisce about the Giuliani days as a time when the island was truly a part of the city. In a recent tweet, James Oddo, the current BP, named the Giuliani Years as one of the few times in its history when “Staten Island was treated better than fairly.”
The same can almost be said about Bloomberg. Once again, a Republican, if only in his early mayoral years, and very close with the law enforcement base. To Staten Islanders, Bloomberg’s reign was praised for lower crime rates, much-needed rezoning and development, and finally, a focus on fixing their vast parkland. His property tax hike wasn’t received well, but, like with the rest of New Yorkers, maybe it will be down the line.
"I think his legacy is not fully baked,” now former Council Member Ignizio said when Bloomberg left office. “I think coming from Rudy Giuliani, who was wildly popular on Staten Island...following that act was tough.”
More controversially, Bloomberg was mayor during Superstorm Sandy, a storm that devastated Staten Island, perhaps more so than any other borough. It left millions of dollars worth of damages, and still, to this day, has residents rebuilding their homes. Bloomberg’s attention to the disaster was received well, but his funding program — Build It Back — was not. The initiative, which was meant to siphon federal funds to those not insured, hadn’t issued a single check or broke ground on any related construction programs when he left office.
It was an utter failure in Staten Islanders’ eyes. And one that was saved by an unlikely, if quite unpopular, new figure who Islanders did not want elected and are still coming to terms with.
There were all the ingredients for Staten Island scorn: a persecuted policeman, a progressive mayor the borough didn’t vote for, and a publicly drawn-out war that put the hometown base and new city leader on opposite sides. Not to mention that it happened just minutes from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, and for all the world to see. The death of Eric Garner at the hands of Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo set off what had already been a begrudged populace. Within a year of his mayoralty, de Blasio had lost any goodwill many Staten Islanders had extended him, largely because of his comments in the aftermath of the grand jury’s decision not to indict Pantaleo.
Since then, his administration has made efforts to make it clear that City Hall does care about the mid-Island and South Shore constituency, with more visits, more funds for extensive capital projects, and a continued overhaul of Build it Back that finally has the program up and running - though many still find the pace too slow. Even with a 19 percent approval rating amongst Islanders, de Blasio seems set on establishing some island credentials, even against all odds. A progressive Democrat, from Brooklyn; at least he has the Italian last name.
"Mayor de Blasio has invested nearly $5 million a year to deliver 24/7 half-hour Staten Island ferry service, added over $240 million to improve road conditions, brought faster [snow] plowing to Staten Island residential streets, and improved the Build it Back program so residents are finally receiving checks and rebuilding their homes,” Monica Klein, a deputy press secretary for de Blasio, said in a statement to Gotham Gazette, “showing time and again that he is committed to improving the lives of Staten Islanders and giving the borough the attention it deserves.”
For the announcement on the repaving efforts, de Blasio made a trip to Staten Island after mounting criticism that he had zigzagged the country while spending little time in the “forgotten borough.” But praise was in the air from Staten Island officials. “Mayor de Blasio heard our pleas for help and delivered, and we are thankful for his commitment to improving our roads,” BP Oddo said, alongside the mayor, and a large "pave baby pave" sign from the borough president's office.
(via BP Oddo)
Still, many car-owning Islanders happy about new investments in roads may continue to point to de Blasio’s handling of the Eric Garner saga and a perceived lack of support for the NYPD. They are likely to pin any upticks in crime or perceived quality-of-life issues to the mayor’s legacy; a sentiment that is true across the city, but most acute on Staten Island. But regardless of what happens between the mayor and Islanders, there are strong forces at work that could drastically change just about everything on and about the island.
In April, the New York Times beat the gentrification drum with a headline that read, “Staten Island’s Turning Point?” The writer, C.J. Hughes, pointed out major developments that will mark the island coast in the near future: the New York Wheel (a massive London-Eye-esque ferris wheel), Empire Outlets (a huge mall complex), and numerous stores, coffee shops, and breweries. Not to mention a condo complex called Lighthouse Point and another called URL Staten Island, which, along with the Wheel and outlets, have been deemed the “core four” by The Real Deal, a development-focused publication.
While some are excited and see jobs afoot, others are skeptical. One resident remarked, “I like the small-town vibe, and I don’t mind that there’s a little bit of grit.”
Linda Baran, the director of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, says that the impending development is a conversation that the borough has yet to have. What will it do if thousands of New Yorkers start to move in, once again escaping the mainland, this time because of high rents, not crime? The spike in prices is something that “resonates through every conversation,” she said. Is Staten Island really ready for that?
“There is no dialogue about how the borough should receive the people coming in,” Baran told Gotham Gazette. “Now the idea is to bring new businesses here so people don’t have to leave.”
Baran argued that development could solve one of the main issues the island faces, and has always faced: vacancy. The shore, she said, is lined with empty industrial lots, which are not only a blight on the islandscape, but bad for business. She’s hoping that development will bring more attention to major borough-wide concerns, like infrastructure and healthcare, as it has in Brooklyn and Queens.
She added that the de Blasio administration has done a fine job of cutting red tape for small businesses, but other City Council-backed measures, like paid sick leave and ‘ban the box’ legislation disallowing background checks, are “good initiatives,” but have left Staten Island owners weary of City Hall intrusion. “I think the city has talked about fixing the business community here,” she told me. “But the businesses aren’t seeing that just yet.”
Still, Baran touched upon what could be a new chapter in the Staten Island mystique. After feeling forgotten for decades, this could be the future the island has longed for; one where it is on an equal playing field, both economically and culturally, with its borough brethren. There is a fear — or irony — that the borough could be on its way to getting more than it bargained for, with high-rise condos and public attractions threatening the Staten Island way of life, causing more traffic. Be careful what you ask for, some seem to be saying.
“We were always used to being last on the totem pole,” Baran said. “We were an escape for everyone. And now, the boroughs are saturated, and growth is a good thing.”
She paused, then said, “Things are changing.”
John Surico is a freelance metro reporter. His reporting has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and here, on Gotham Gazette. He lives in Queens. Find him on Twitter @JohnSurico
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Public Relations Office, Government of Japan
Home > Highlighting JAPAN > Highlighting Japan June 2018 > Regional Revitalization through Sports
Highlighting JAPAN
World’s First Wheelchair International Marathon
Almost two hundred and fifty athletes from fifteen countries including Japan will roll at high speed during the 38th Oita International Wheelchair Marathon—the biggest event of its kind in the world—assisted by roughly two thousand volunteers.
At the Rio Paralympics two years ago, people got the chance to observe not just the athletes in action but also how their racing equipment has evolved. Wheelchairs for daily use and those for racing are radically different, with the racing versions measuring 180 centimeters in length and having three tires as narrow as competitive cycling tires. As of 31 January 2018, the top times recorded at the Oita International Wheelchair Marathon for the full marathon are 1 hour, 20 minutes, 14 seconds for men and 1 hour, 38 minutes, 7 seconds for women.
Oita staged the world’s first wheelchair-only marathon in 1981 to commemorate the International Year of Disabled Persons. The organizer was the late Dr. Yutaka Nakamura, the director of Oita Nakamura Hospital, known as the father of the Japanese Paralympics. After studying at the Stoke Mandeville Hospital’s National Spinal Injuries Centre in the United Kingdom, Nakamura began to incorporate sports into rehabilitation to strengthen disabled patients’ bodies and help mend their mental state. He called for sports competitions for disabled people in Oita long before the rest of the country did, and advocated for the Tokyo Paralympics as well.
While about fifty people participate in the wheelchair marathon at the Paralympics, between two hundred to two hundred and fifty athletes that include invited racers from inside Japan and out—and representing fifteen countries—gather at the Oita marathon. Athletes with serious upper-body disabilities such as paralyzed torsos and elbows that cannot bend are also allowed to participate, contributing to the surge in numbers.
Two thousand volunteers support these athletes, led by the local interpreters’ organization, Can-do, which provides an active base throughout the competition. The organization assists with wheelchair repairs, transports the athletes, and accompanies them to the doctor and on errands during the competition. Many others—such as local high school students and employees of sponsored companies who have undergone training—also assist. Most volunteers do the same type of job every year as they have gained expertise at both the work and assisting the athletes, and look forward to volunteering.
The residents of Oita also pick up roadside trash, cheer for the athletes, and welcome them warmly in all kinds of ways. If they find cracks in the road used for the racecourse, residents will even contact the city and prefecture because they know the wheelchair tires used on the racers puncture easily.
This race is considered a gateway to success. The oldest competitor is 92 years old, and will be participating for the 37th time this year alongside three other senior athletes who have also raced every year. The event has raised a great deal of interest, to the point of being broadcast across all of Oita Prefecture since the year before last, as well as being featured on a Japan-wide BS channel. There are plans for TV drama depicting Dr. Nakamura’s efforts to be broadcast this summer.
The maximum speed of these racing wheelchairs is 40 kilometers per hour, with the top athlete speeding through the 42.195-kilometer course in 1 hour and 20 minutes. The moment when the competitors sprint from the starting line on November 18 of this year will be one of unmatched intensity. Scenes of athletes struggling uphill as spectators cheer encouragingly until the athletes rally and go on will be equally uplifting.
Local people consider the race “Oita’s treasure.” In 2020, they will celebrate the event’s fortieth anniversary. In this place that pioneered sports for disabled athletes in Japan, the history, pride and hospitality of the people will live on.
By Tomoko Nagata
No article or any part there of may be reproduced without the express permission of the Cabinet Office. Copyright inquiries should be made through this form.
Copyright © 2009 Cabinet Office, Government of Japan All rights Reserved.
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Prisoners support Isle of Man...
Prisoners support Isle of Man Poppy Appeal
Fundraising efforts for this year’s Poppy Appeal have received welcome support from the Isle of Man Prison and Probation Service.
Phil McCarthy and Frankie Thompson of the Isle of Man Prison have helped to refurbish more than one thousand of the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) familiar red collection boxes.
The boxes will be on shop counters around the Island, as well as being used by the charity’s volunteers to accept donations during the 2018 period of Remembrance.
The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign and helps to support its work on behalf of the Armed Forces Community.
Phil and Frankie spent six weeks stripping down and relabeling the boxes to ensure they were ready for distribution in Douglas, Ramsey, Castletown, Braddan, Marown, Port Erin, Port St Mary, Laxey and Lonan.
The assistance of the two prisoners was offered by Prison Governor Bob McColm following an approach by Senior Officer Bob Quilliam who is a former committee member of the Douglas branch of the RBL.
The collection boxes were handed over at the prison to Hilary Cleverley, Isle of Man Poppy Appeal Coordinator, Peter Chadney of the RBL Ramsey branch and Veronica Fairhurst of the RBL Douglas branch.
Hilary said:
‘The Isle of Man has a proud record of fundraising for the Poppy Appeal and the help provided by Phil and Frankie has been invaluable ahead of this year’s campaign. I refurbished a handful of collection boxes myself, so know from personal experience the work required to ensure they are ready for use. On behalf of the Royal British Legion, I’d like to express my gratitude to the Isle of Man Prison for its support.’
Michael Coleman MLC, Member of the Department of Home Affairs with political responsibility for the Prison and Probation Service, added:
‘It is encouraging to see prisoners making a positive contribution to the local community through their charitable efforts.’
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School Reform, the Texas Way
by Herbert J. Walberg
Phil Ostroff
Increases in wealth among countries are strongly linked to student achievement, as my Stanford University Hoover Institution colleague Eric Hanushek has shown. But in the most recent international achievement survey, American students ranked 27th in mathematics and 21st in science. Seventy percent of our eighth graders can't read proficiently, and most never catch up. About 1.2 million students drop out of high school each year and 44 percent of the dropouts who are under 24 years old are jobless.
Yet the United States ranks among the highest countries in the world in per-student spending on public schools, and American spending has increased steadily and substantially in the last few decades with little to show for it. With poor performance and high spending, American public schools are grossly inefficient. They are also grossly inegalitarian in that poor families are typically confined to the worst schools in big cities, and their children drop out at higher rates than others in their age cohort before graduating. These children receive both fewer years of schooling and those they get are substandard.
Photo credit: Phil Ostroff
What accounts for poor American school standings? Though no longer an agrarian society requiring a long summer break for fieldwork, the United States has the shortest school year in the industrialized world, typically 180 six-hour days. In contrast, Asia’s high achieving, economically fast growing countries have up to 260 school days a year plus large amounts of homework and private tutoring after the regular school day. Examination success in these countries usually guarantees admissions to top universities, highly paid careers, and the best choice of marital partners.
Compounding the problem, as my Hoover colleague Terry Moe has shown, are the teachers unions. They have maintained slack standard and their members generally work about 30 hours per week for only nine months, in contrast to the typical American workweek of 40 hours for a minimum of 11 months. Teachers union leaders have succeeded in representing the interests of their members. Most public school teachers have tenure and are rarely held accountable for performance by administrators or by state and local school boards. In fact, state and local district boards have failed mightily in their responsibility to represent the public, parents’, and students’ best interests in learning.
The Public School Monopoly
Most public schools are local monopolies since parents must send their children to the school decided on by the school boards. The best student performance is concentrated in private schools, both independent and parochial, and, more recently, in charter schools, which are publicly funded but privately governed. Since private schools compete for students, they must serve them well or face declining enrollments and possible closure.
My 2007 book School Choice: The Evidence and subsequent research show that private schools eclipse public schools in many relevant measures. On average, their students achieve more than those in nearby public schools, the private schools are more attractive to parents, and their tuition costs are typically about, on average, half of the annual $15,000 public schools spend per student.
Publicly funded, privately governed and operated schools are common in most countries but are relatively rare in the United States. Most American private schools must charge tuition, which limits poor and middle class parents from sending their children to them, even though many desire to do so. Privately funded vouchers or scholarships for private school attendance are greatly oversubscribed, usually limited to poor families, and relatively rare. Funded by the philanthropist Rex Sinquefield, one of the largest voucher programs in the nation has served only about 2,000 students in St. Louis, less than 10 percent of the 22,500 students in the public schools in that city
Newer forms of privatization have also been limited. Eleven states, for example, allow income tax deductions for private tuition, but the allowances typically do not cover the full costs of tuition. Besides, poor families, especially those in big cities most in need of good schools, gain little from such tuition deductions since they pay little income tax.
The Future of Charter School
Charter schools are also limited despite their achievement success and attractiveness to parents. Their numbers grew rapidly from none in 1991 to about 5,700 schools in 39 states recently, but many states and cities put limits on their numbers, forcing typical charter schools to turn away students. Only about three percent of all students in publicly funded schools attend charter schools.
Parents who succeed in getting their children into charter schools are less likely to campaign for more charter schools and for reform of the entire public school system. Since charter schools require no tuition, there is less demand for private tuition schools, and many have closed in recent years.
Poor parents are less likely to know about the complex process of getting spots for their children in charter schools, which contributes further to inequality in the the public school system. Many poor and middle class parents cannot afford to move to suburbs where, typically, the schools are better than in they are in the urban centers.
Charter schools are increasingly threatened by unionization, which means their teachers may soon become less accountable. Public school boards may be less likely to provide financial and other support for charter schools in their geographical areas because charter schools make them look bad; charter schools often perform better and are more attractive to parents than schools for which the boards and their administrators have governing and operational responsibility.
Charter schools are further limited or threatened by unproductive federal, state, and local regulations. Conflicting regulations and curriculum requirements curtail successful charter organizations from expanding the number of their campuses beyond a single city or state.
Parent Trigger and its Discontents
The Parent Trigger, a promising new reform effort, further shows the obstacles standing in the way of substantial improvement in the K-12 system. Initially introduced in California, it is now being considered in 20 states. Seven other states have actually passed it into law. The Parent Trigger applies to schools that states designate as failing and for which the majority of parents sign a petition (though there are variations) to replace the school staff, issue a charter to a private organization to operate the school, or close the school and allow the students to attend other public or private schools.
Among the problems with Parent Trigger is that states rely on their own slack achievement standards in determining which schools are failing, notwithstanding extensive cheating on examinations by students and educators. The Obama administration, moreover, has issued waivers to 33 states enabling them to further slacken their standards, leading to fewer schools being designated as failing, which further denies parents their ability to exercise choice under Parent Trigger legislation.
School boards and unions, moreover, have instituted lawsuits against Parent Triggers, even where they have been passed into law. Because of the struggles involved in designing and passing Parent Trigger legislation, and the difficulties in gaining a majority of signatures on the parent petition—not to mention the expense, delay, and hardships of such lawsuits—parents have “pulled the trigger,” on apparently less than ten schools in the nation
The Texas Solution
Compared with privately provided goods and services, perhaps the most fundamental market problem with publicly funded schools is to provide a uniform education that is satisfying to all families. How difficult would it be for automobile manufacturers, restaurants, hairdressers, and barbers to satisfy the majority, let alone all, of their clients with a single, uniform product or service?
And costs don’t seem to be the problem. Despite its well-known failings, a public school K-12 education currently costs, on average, about $195,000 per student. Neither families nor states can continue to afford such a large and failed investment in students’ futures and the nation’s future.
Given the continuing failure and high and rising costs of public K-12 education, how might more poor and middle class families be given the school choice they greatly desire? How might private schools be expanded to compete with public schools? As my Heartland Institute colleague Joseph Bast has pointed out, the Savings Grant Program before the Texas legislature might provide the best model. It is scheduled for consideration during the next legislative session, and it overcomes most of the past failings of privatizing schools to offer school choice to substantially more families.
The Texas governor and lieutenant governor have urged radical school reforms, and legislative leaders have endorsed the Savings Grant Program for several reasons. The legislation would reimburse parents for the tuition costs of the private schools they choose or 60 percent of the Texas average per-pupil public school expenditure, whichever amount is smaller. Thus, each participating student would save the state at least 40 percent of the usual public school per-student cost. Presented as a budget proposal rather than yet another “education reform,” it consists of only five sentences.
The plan is so simple that the state Comptroller’s office, rather than the Texas Education Agency, would administer it. It would avoid the usual lengthy and complex school legislation requiring interpretations, additional administrators at the state, school district, and school levels, and possible lawsuits.
The Texas plan differs from charter, voucher, and tax deduction plans in key ways that will give parents substantially more choice. Unlike voucher and charter school plans, enrollment isn’t capped, there are no family poverty requirements, and no new regulations on participating schools. Oversubscribed schools could enlarge or multiply the number of their campuses. Unlike tax credit plans, participation is not limited to people who pay state income taxes; every child receives the same sized grant, and no bureaucratic agencies nor regulations stand between parents and the schools they choose. For these reasons, it appears that the Texas plan may be the last, best hope for American K-12 education.
The failures and high costs of American public schools have remained a threat since publication of A Nation at Risk: The Imperative For Educational Reform, the 1983 report of President Ronald Reagan’s National Commission on Excellence in Education. The subsequent reforms and rising expenditures have accomplished little in three decades. The future of our children and this nation requires a bold new vision for school reform. The Savings Grant Program embodies that vision.
Herbert J. Walberg
More from Defining Ideas
Drug Pricing Made Easy
by Richard A. Epstein
Gifted Education Faces “Clear And Present” Problems
by Chester E. Finn Jr.
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Home / Tech / LG creates streams of TV channels
LG creates streams of TV channels
Tech December 22, 2015 15:21
- Electronics giant LG brings in 2016 a new version of its TV operating system WebOS. In version three must be, among other things easier to organize the Internet video streams.
LG is working with a relatively new company called Xumo. The software allows users to browse web streams like they are TV channels. In addition, there is a so-called IoTV-app with which it is possible to control of, among other things LG smart devices.
Also new is the ability to display with Multi-view not only several channels, as well as multiple inputs. For example it is possible to display both a TV channel as the image of a connected game console. Finally, there is Mobile Connection, which allows the user image of supported mobile apps to show on the big screen.
WebOS comes at LG new TVs that come out in 2016.
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Call for Expressions of Interest to Host the WDS International Technology Office
ICSU-WDS developed a vision in its Strategic Plan 2014–2018 that involves significant contributions to the Global Research Data Infrastructure (GRDI), including to support elements of such GRDI on its own. Over the last 6 years, we made significant advances to establish an internationally recognized core certification for data repositories and build a community of excellence for scientific data stewardship. WDS plays also a leading role in establishing key initiatives; for example, in the field of Data Publication. Some of these activities are producing nascent elements of the GRDI such as the Scholix Framework, which supports data–literature interlinking.
However, the technical capabilities required by ICSU-WDS to date have been provided pro bono by WDS Member Organizations, by Scientific Committee members, or by our key partners. This model is not sustainable, and leads to possible disruption of operational environments. These considerations lead us to propose the formation of a WDS International Technology Office (WDS-ITO) and to invite Expressions of Interest from interested parties.
The establishment, funding model, and governance of the WDS-ITO will follow the successful example of the WDS International Programme Office hosted in Japan by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, and is explained in more detail in the Call for Expressions of Interest and WDS-ITO Concept Note.
Expressions of Interest can be completed using this online form or by sending the editable PDF form in the Call for Expressions of Interest (page 4–5) to ipo@icsu-wds.org, in either case no later than 10 September 2017.
Do not hesitate to contact us (ipo@icsu-wds.org) for any questions or if you need clarifications.
Feel free to disseminate this Call to other interested parties, as appropriate:
Call for Expressions of Interest
WDS-ITO Concept Note.
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Opinion Analysis
David Quinn: TDs, make it your mission to challenge the consensus
David Quinn
March 4 2011 5:00 AM
THIS column is addressed first and foremost to the 76 Fine Gaels TDs who will be taking up their seats in the new Dail next week, especially the new TDs.
https://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/david-quinn-tds-make-it-your-mission-to-challenge-the-consensus-26710281.html
As they already know, their main task in the Dail will be to vote for whatever the government decides. The over-use of the whip in Irish politics means their personal influence on policy will be minimal.
However, a handful of them will have an opportunity to shape policy over time, but only if they have well-worked-out ideas and know how to defend them in their constituencies, in the media, in the parliamentary party, in the Dail chamber and in the committee rooms.
Unfortunately, most politicians don't think much about policy. They leave that to their party's policy-makers and too much of it is really made up on the hoof. This being so, TDs can only blame themselves when they look back on a possibly long career and wonder what they have actually achieved.
Most politicians follow the consensus, or what the media pretend is the consensus. Few challenge it, even in small ways. The consensus, after all, is where most of the votes are, and if you're in either Fine Gael, or even the newly chastened and much-diminished Fianna Fail, you're not going to be too inclined to take it on for fear of losing votes.
And this is really the first point to be made, and to the new TDs in particular. The consensus is what helped to land us in the current economic mess. Therefore, always, always seek out voices that dissent from the consensus on any issue under discussion.
So, if you're on committees, either in the Dail or in your party, at all costs invite in critics to offer a different point of view.
Sometimes that will mean inviting in people from outside the country because Ireland is so consensus-driven. Academia is a particular disaster area. Try finding someone in any of the country's sociology departments, for example, who is not on the left and you will be doing extremely well.
Be prepared to challenge the equality lobby. This lobby is challenged on economic policy but almost never on any of the social issues.
Just one of many effects of this is that the vast majority of our politicians imagine the pay gap between men and women exists only because of discrimination, or because it's still too hard for mothers to pursue full-time careers. You will be told that the answer is universal, state-subsidised day care, like in Sweden.
What you won't be told is that the main reason for the pay gap is that an awful lot of women, especially mothers, are in part-time work and are perfectly happy to be in part-time work.
You also won't be told that despite universal day care in Sweden the pay gap there is pretty much the same as here.
Don't be intimidated by accusations of 'discrimination'. It's not discrimination to treat different situations in different ways. A refusal to recognise this very basic point led to the absurd ruling by the EU the other day that men and women drivers can't be charged different rates for insurance even though, on average, women are safer drivers.
On family policy you will be told that all families must be treated exactly the same and that it is 'discrimination' to give special status to traditional marriage.
And, of course, all families in need must be helped. But you won't be told that all the evidence shows that, on average, the best outcomes for children are achieved when they are raised by their two biological parents in a low-conflict marriage.
Therefore, there is very good reason to promote traditional marriage. Needless to say, you'll be condemned as a bigot if you do so. Lucinda Creighton found this out last week when she publicly supported traditional marriage. But she still topped the poll in Dublin South East. Her stance didn't harm her.
And the Greens' stance on the family, which couldn't possibly be more PC, didn't help them. Take careful note of that.
You will also be told that separation of church and State means politicians can't let their religious values influence their policy-making. This is rubbish, and undemocratic rubbish at that. If your religious values can be rationally defended, they have as much right to influence public policy as any other set of values.
But, to repeat, if you do only one thing, don't accept the consensus on any of the current issues without question.
Often the consensus will be right, but some of the time it will be wrong and, occasionally, it will be absolutely spectacularly wrong, as it was in the case of the property boom.
Therefore, make it a point of principle to ensure the consensus on any given issue is stress-tested. And, who knows, by doing so, you might even save this country from some future disaster -- and that would be some political legacy.
Philip Ryan: 'New Irish forced to fight their way on to the ballot'
Philip Ryan Leinster House is easily one of the least diverse working environments in the entire country. The corridors of power are stuffed to the brim with white Irish people rubbing their chins...
Eoghan Harris: 'Let us praise the men who made peace 20 years ago'
Eoghan Harris As we approach the end of 2018, I don't want to let the year die without marking the achievements of the eight men who negotiated the Good Friday Agreement 20 years ago.
Dr Theresa Reidy explains the role of Irish President: Pretty powerless but six important...
Dr Theresa Reidy President of Ireland is a pretty powerless position, but it is not wise to write it off as entirely ineffectual.
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The Husband (Hardcover)
Bantam, 9780553804799, 416pp.
Hardcover, Large Print, Large Print (6/6/2006)
Audio Cassette (5/30/2006)
With each and every new novel, Dean Koontz raises the stakes—and the pulse rate—higher than any other author. Now, in what may be his most suspenseful and heartfelt novel ever, he brings us the story of an ordinary man whose extraordinary commitment to his wife will take him on a harrowing journey of adventure, sacrifice, and redemption to the mystery of love itself—and to a showdown with the darkness that would destroy it forever.
What would you do for love? Would you die? Would you kill?
We have your wife. You can get her back for two million cash. Landscaper Mitchell Rafferty thinks it must be some kind of joke. He was in the middle of planting impatiens in the yard of one of his clients when his cell phone rang. Now he’s standing in a normal suburban neighborhood on a bright summer day, having a phone conversation out of his darkest nightmare.
Whoever is on the other end of the line is dead serious. He has Mitch’s wife and he’s named the price for her safe return. The caller doesn’t care that Mitch runs a small two-man landscaping operation and has no way of raising such a vast sum. He’s confident that Mitch will find a way.
If he loves his wife enough. . . Mitch does love her enough. He loves her more than life itself. He’s got seventy-two hours to prove it. He has to find the two million by then. But he’ll pay a lot more. He’ll pay anything.
From its tense opening to its shattering climax, The Husband is a thriller that will hold you in its relentless grip for every twist, every shock, every revelation…until it lets you go, unmistakably changed. This is a Dean Koontz novel, after all. And there’s no other experience quite like it.
Dean Koontz the author of many #1" New York Times" bestsellers, lives with his wife, Gerda, and the enduring spirit of their golden retriever, Trixie, in southern California.
Praise For The Husband…
"The Husband moves like a roller coaster without brakes….Without a doubt, Koontz is America's No. 1 author of thrillers today … The Husband is one of his finest novels."—The Denver Post
"Dean Koontz thrillers are the perfect way to chill out on a hot summer day."—The Chicago Tribune
"Fast-paced.... Koontz often pulls the rug out from under his readers' assumptions about his characters and their motives."—Associated Press, Book Reveiw
"Koontz ratchets up the tension.... [A] pulse-pounding thriller with echoes of Hitchcock and Cornell Woolrich."—Publishers Weekly
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The Kindness Advantage (Paperback)
Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children
By Dale Atkins, Amanda Salzhauer
Health Communications Inc, 9780757320996, 168pp.
In homes and school communities nationwide, there is re-energized interest in the values of community, compassion, and tolerance, and in finding our way to a kinder culture—a culture that starts with our families. Headlines speak of hate crimes, intolerance, and us-versus-them divisiveness.
Recent political events have left many Americans yearning for unity, respect, and compassion in our national discourse. In our schools, bullying continues to be a pervasive problem, and in our homes, "screen-time" poses a constant threat to 'family time.' Research shows that connection and social engagement are key to successful, fulfilling lives, and yet we have never been less connected than we are now.
Perhaps more than any other group, parents recognize the potential damage of this trend. Children who are raised in a culture where giving and compassion are valued become happier and more positively engaged with those around them. They are less likely to treat others disrespectfully. With increased concern about meanness and bullying, you may be among the many parents who see the need for more civil, respectful, and considerate behavior among our children.
The Kindness Advantage is a practical and concrete guide for you to equip your child with the skills they need to have a positive influence on the world. We all benefit when children are raised with the understanding that they can have an impact by making conscious choices. It's never too early to start your child on a path of fulfillment through meaningful connection with others. Designed to be read with children as young as four, the book presents ten fundamental concepts to weave into your family's daily life. Using text, quotes, questions and real life stories, The Kindness Advantage is the first book parents need to think about and teach the necessary skills to be a kind, compassionate person. Each idea on its own is simple and unintimidating, yet together they form the powerful foundation parents need to go beyond teaching "please" and "thank-you" to form kindness habits that will last a lifetime. In a world where kindness is so greatly needed,
The Kindness Advantage offers inspiration and activities to teach kids empathy, inspire a culture of compassion and connection, and empower children to make a difference in their community and the world.
Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer's book, The Kindness Advantage, can serve as a partial antidote to these turbulent times. They remind us that kindness is both a moral behavior that can improve the status of the world, but also be advantageous to the individual who practices kindness. The book's blend of significant and relevant issues in psychology, education, and humanism provides a myriad of practical suggestions to help us raise kind children. The book will serve as a resource to parents and educators. By teaching the components underlying kindness children can be provided a framework where we can both teach and weave these crucial lessons into the lives of children. Amanda R. Salzhauer, MSW, has worked as a social worker in clinics and private practice. She has been a member of several nonprofit boards, including Riverdale Neighborhood House and the Board of Overseers for the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact. She has three children and lives in New York City.
Praise For The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children…
"The Kindness Advantage is an inspiring and informative read for any parent who wants to help their children harness their inner kindness. In The Kindness Advantage we learn that children innately have kindness and compassion ingrained in them. Dr. Atkins and Ms. Salzhauer provide parents practical advice for how to cultivate and nurture that in their children. Parents are offered a myriad of tools to help them talk to their children about being kind, as well as ways to get them involved in activities that can help cultivate compassion for others and a sense that they can make a difference in the world. This book is exactly what we need right now to help us shape the next generation into compassionate and caring individuals who will have a desire to change the world for the better." Joan Lunden, Award-Winning Journalist, Best Selling Author
"The Kindness Advantage by Dale Atkins, PhD, and Amanda Salzhauer, MSW is exactly what we need more of right now. With empowering examples and science-based truths, Dale and Amanda share what it takes to foster kindness, empathy, compassion, and heart in our families. Parents will learn how to take on social questions and connect in a way that will improve the lives of their children and help create a more nurturing world. Highly recommended!" Amy McCready, Author and Founder, Positive Parenting Solutions
"The Kindness Advantage is the perfect book. Building on scientific evidence about developing aspects of kindness, such as empathy, it gives clear, practical advice to parents and suggests engaging activities and stories for children. Nothing could be more important today than increasing compassion and decreasing polarization and acrimony. I am going to give this book to my son who has a young daughter." Dr. Susan Fuhrman, President Emerita, Teachers College Columbia University
"The Kindness Advantage is the ray of hope that we all need in this harsh, heavy, world. It is a blueprint of how to partner with the next generation to live our inherent values, to tap our organic ability to love, and to create a kinder culture. Many thanks to Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer for bringing this much-needed gift to the world!" Rev. Susan Sparks, Pastor, Comedian, and Author of Laugh Your Way to Grace
"A moving, profound story about the love between mothers and daughter and what they share, even after death. You definitely don't have to have even stepped foot in a yoga studio to appreciate this story. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish and make you want to hold the people you love even closer." Mandy Stadtmiller, Author of Unwifeable
"As a physician who uses mindfulness practices extensively in working with patients, health care professionals, and people dealing with all varieties of stress, I love that this book incorporates those practices into a guide for parents who are teaching their children to be kind. The authors wisely lead with the evidence that kindness leads to greater happiness, meaning, and wellbeing, and then provide a myriad of inspirational examples and ideas for children and parents. Grandparents, who are often crucial inspirational figures in children's lives, may particularly benefit from ideas for intergenerational collaborations in kindness." Patricia A. Bloom, MD, Certified Teacher of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Clinical Associate Professor of Geriatrics, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY
"Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer's book, The Kindness Advantage, can serve as a partial antidote to these turbulent times. They remind us that kindness is both a moral behavior that can improve the status of the world, but also be advantageous to the individual who practices kindness. The book's blend of significant and relevant issues in psychology, education, and humanism provides a myriad of practical suggestions to help us raise kind children. The book will serve as a resource to parents and educators. By teaching the components underlying kindness children can be provided a framework where we can both teach and weave these crucial lessons into the lives of children." Norma D. Feshbach, Ph.D. Professor, Chair, Interim Dean Emeritus UCLA
"In this day and age, kindness and connection are especially important. An accessible and informative guide, The Kindness Advantage is a must read for parents of all ages." Judson Brewer MD PhD, author of The Craving Mind: From Cigarettes to Smartphones to Love – Why We Get Hooked and How We Can Break Bad Habits
"In times of discord and polarization, kindness is a family value that can often be overlooked and underestimated. But, in truth, few parental responsibilities carry more weight—and bring more joy—than teaching children the power of flexing their own kindness muscles. Steeped in research and brimming with practical tips, The Kindness Advantage provides parents with a blueprint for nurturing empathy in young children, while offering real-life stories that both instruct and inspire. This is a thoughtful guidebook for parents, caregivers, and any adults looking to help build happiness, raise good citizens, and create harmonious communities." Myung Lee, Executive Director of Fund for Cities of Service
"Just like we see in kids who have the empathy advantage, children who are raised with the kindness advantage are happier, connected, compassionate, and will have what they need to become changemakers in their world. The Kindness Advantage offers parents the tools to teach these skills and more to their young children. With the extensive examples of activities provided in the The Kindness Advantage, parents can pick and choose what resonates with them to create a personalized approach to bringing kindness into their everyday lives." Michele Borba, Ed.D., author of UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World
"Rather than abstractly teaching children to be kind, this book is a guide to help parents discover and nurture the qualities of kindness already hardwired in us at infancy. With their parent(s)' help children can discover for themselves the many expressions of kindness that can ensure their current and future well being." Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Love
"The section on relaxation, breathing, visualization and mediation is a gift to the children in our lives and ourselves. We cannot impart the lessons of kindness when we ourselves are agitated and distressed by the tumult in our lives and in our worlds. Likewise, children have difficulty being kind when they are in the grip of negative emotions. This section provides children and adults the tools to master negative emotions. We highly recommend this book to be read, saved and used as a long term resource in your child rearing library." Norma D. Feshbach, Ph.D. Professor, Chair, Interim Dean Emeritus UCLA Laura E. Feshbach, Ph.D. in Child Clinical Psychology from University of Washington
"The section on relaxation,breathing, visualization and mediation is a gift to the children in our lives and ourselves. We cannot impart the lessons of kindness when we ourselves are agitated and distressed by the tumult in our lives and in our worlds. Likewise, children have difficulty being kind when they are in the grip of negative emotions.This section provides children and adults the tools to master negative emotions. We highly recommend this book to be read, saved and used as a long term resource in your child rearing library." Laura E. Feshbach, Ph.D. in Child Clinical Psychology from University of Washington
"This enormously insightful book provides an inspiring and fundamental blueprint on how kindness can and should be taught to children. It provides essential ways to have conversations with your children on how to be kind. The Kindness Advantage reinforces how considerate and kind behavior can be life-changing and life lasting for children to help make the world a better place." Laura Schroff, #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of An Invisible Thread
"With optimism and compassion, The Kindness Advantage offers practical tips and real-world examples parents and educators need to teach empathy, compassion, and kindness to our children. Along the way, it also provides opportunities to reflect on our values and experiences as adults. This book speaks to the innate desire of every child to be good to themselves and those around them. Dale Atkins and Amanda Salzhauer make the case for kindness as the tool to radically transform our children's lives, and our own." Naila Bolus, President & CEO, Jumpstart
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New technology reveals how dangerous vapors may be entering Franklin homes
Another round of testing kicked off in Franklin last week, but this time with cutting-edge technology that has not been used in the city before.
New technology reveals how dangerous vapors may be entering Franklin homes Another round of testing kicked off in Franklin last week, but this time with cutting-edge technology that has not been used in the city before. Check out this story on IndyStar.com: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2019/03/04/new-technology-tests-levels-dangerous-chemicals-franklin/2951953002/
Sarah Bowman, Indianapolis Star Published 6:00 a.m. ET March 4, 2019 | Updated 11:36 a.m. ET March 5, 2019
Scientists use real time testing in Franklin Ind. to find answers after childhood cancer cluster, 2/27/2019. Michelle Pemberton, michelle.pemberton@indystar.com
To anyone driving by, the RV parked outside the home on Forsythe Street in Franklin wasn't anything out of the ordinary. But for those who looked closely, they might have noticed the tubing that was running from the house through a hole cut in the window screen and into the RV.
That tubing was carrying air samples from various places in the house — including the basement and bathroom — to a mobile lab set up in the RV, equipped with a machine resembling something out of a television crime drama.
What it was testing: dangerous cancer-causing chemicals that may be entering the air in homes and putting the residents at risk.
After a year of testing, families in Franklin are used to scientists coming into their homes with pieces of equipment that are perplexing to the untrained eye. But this time was different — this time researchers completed advanced testing that has never been used in Franklin before.
‘Clearly they haven’t cleaned up the source’: New test results confirm contamination
'EPA failed Franklin': Families, environmental group demand investigation
'Chemical bloodhounds'
Over the last week, the nonprofit Edison Wetlands Association, which has been working with Franklin parent group If It Was Your Child, returned to the suburb south of Indianapolis to conduct the largest round of sampling to date with a machine that allowed them to be "chemical bloodhounds."
"Our first goal was to prove that there was contamination and see if there was something to be worried about, and we've done that," said Kari Rhinehart, a co-founder of If It Was Your Child. "Now the focus is to widen the scope to see how much contamination exists and how it's impacting people."
The Edison Wetlands Association and Groundswell Technologies, Inc. use a gas chromatograph in their mobile lab to continuously monitor air samples for hazardous vapors from the soil at home in Franklin Indiana which is part of an at-risk water plume on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. (Photo: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
The gas chromatography machine is meant to bring them one step closer to that goal, according to Edison Executive Director Shannon Lisa.
Nearly three dozen homes across the community were tested, particularly in an area just south of a site with a documented history of contamination that has migrated under residences. The main contaminants are trichloroethylene, or TCE, and tetrachloroethylene, or PCE — both of which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say cause cancer in humans.
New testing can show spikes during the day
Previous testing methods in Franklin — by both EWA and government agencies — largely used Summa cans, which collect a 24-hour average and must be sent to a lab for results. It can take several weeks.
The technology used this round, on the other hand, gives real-time results and can show spikes in exposure or changes based on temperature and pressure, according to Mark Kram, founder and chief technology officer of Groundswell Technologies, the testing company.
Mark L. Kram, of Groundswell Technologies, Inc. works with The Edison Wetlands Association to test in real time, for hazardous vapors from the soil at home in Franklin Indiana which is part of an at-risk water plume on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. (Photo: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
Kram heard about the situation in Franklin from recent national reports, and reached out to Rhinehart and co-founder Stacie Davidson. He has been a vocal critic of traditional sampling methods, arguing that they often do not account for how environmental changes can impact exposure to chemicals.
That is evident by the testing they completed in Franklin. Some homes that previously showed low levels of chemicals were found to have spikes when tested throughout the day, according to Lisa.
The testing showed that as the barometric pressure dropped, she said, the concentrations of chemicals rose — which Kram likens to the earth breathing.
"Of course this is raw data," Lisa told IndyStar, "but this means that there are likely vulnerabilities to vapor intrusion that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may be missing."
The Edison Wetlands Association and Groundswell Technologies, Inc. use their mobile lab to continuously monitor air samples for hazardous vapors from the soil at home in Franklin Indiana which is part of an at-risk water plume on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. (Photo: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
She said that especially is the case in locations that may have not exceeded screening levels with the Summa can data alone, but could have spikes through the day at levels that are above health-based thresholds.
The EPA was not able to respond to requests for comment.
The agency has a site in Indianapolis where it conducts agency-wide research on vapor intrusion, the exact concern in Franklin. According to 2017 report from that site, the EPA used gas chromatography and identified sewers as a viable pathway for dangerous vapors to enter a home.
A history of contamination
In Franklin, it is known that Bendix Corporation — which was purchased by Amphenol and operated in the location now known as the Amphenol site — directly dumped all of its chemical discharge into Franklin's sewers from the 1960s to '80s.
A November 2018 report from EnviroForensics, a consultant hired by the city of Franklin, confirmed that contamination still lingers. It found sewer vapors of TCE and PCE at levels hundreds of times the safe limits set by Indiana's environmental agency.
So it comes as no surprise, Lisa said, that many of the homes with the more troubling results are in the homes just south of the Amphenol site and many of the higher readings were recorded in bathrooms and other areas linked to the sewer system.
The former Bendix Corp./Amphenol Corp./Franklin Power Products Inc. site, located along Hurricane Creek, near Hamilton Avenue and Hurricane Road in Franklin, Ind. remains under scrutiny as a polluter, with decades of old U.S. Environmental Protection Agency documents revealing that federal and state environmental regulators knew about site contamination for more than 30 years, Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. (Photo: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
Given the history of contamination at the site and EPA's research findings, Lisa said it is both perplexing and frustrating that the agency has not deployed this type of machine and testing — which has been used at other EPA sites.
That said, EPA and Amphenol, as of Feb. 22, have identified 40 homes that require indoor air sampling for volatile organic compounds, which include TCE and PCE. The potentially impacted homes are located near the former Amphenol site.
Amphenol also is completing some remediation by installing sub-slab depressurization systems at homes where chemical vapor concentrations exceed the safety levels, according to an EPA update.
Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett said plans are progressing to remediate the areas closest to the Amphenol site.
How the new testing can help
Rhinehart, Davidson and Lisa said they hope this latest round of testing — which they plan to share with EPA and the state's environmental agency — will continue to help the agencies work toward a clean-up solution.
"TCE and PCE are like a bacterial infection," said Davidson, who works in the medical field. "It’s like the worst of the worst, but you can fix it and there are medications that can make it subside."
Belinda Velasquez, who's daughter Athena Velasquez is in remission after battling leukemia, lives in one of thirty some homes being tested for hazardous vapors rising from the soil due to decades-old contamination in the area on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Decades of old U.S. Environmental Protection Agency documents reveal that federal and state environmental regulators knew about site contamination for more than 30 years. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. (Photo: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar)
Belinda Velasquez said there is only one word to describe the feeling of the testing and waiting for the results: anxiety. The test results of her home, which is north of Amphenol and near other industrial sites, are not yet finalized.
Velasquez, whose daughter Athena was diagnosed three years ago with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, said she fears every day what her three daughters are being exposed to. Will Athena, who is a freshman in high school and in remission, relapse? Will her two younger sisters, approaching the age Athena's cancer was found, have diagnoses of their own?
"It's like having a bomb and just waiting to see whether it's going to explode or if it's deactive," she told IndyStar.
"As a parent, I don't know how to get rid of the fear and the anxiety," she added. "But I hope this will help."
Cancer cases in Franklin
Velasquez is among dozens of families who have felt the blow of childhood cancer in the last 10 years. If It Was Your Child has documented at least 58 cases — often rare forms of blood and brain cancer — in Franklin and surrounding towns since 2008.
Those families and community residents are asking whether the cancer cases are related to the contamination. It is unknown what is causing children in Johnson County and Franklin to get cancer, or if any specific environmental cause can be identified at all.
Real-time testing for hazardous vapors in Franklin Ind.
Executive Director of the Edison Wetlands Association, Shanon Lisa explains how she and her team are using a mobile lab to continuously monitor air samples for hazardous vapors from the soil at home in Franklin Indiana which is part of an at-risk water plume on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
The Edison Wetlands Association and Groundswell Technologies, Inc. use a gas chromatograph in their mobile lab to continuously monitor air samples for hazardous vapors from the soil at home in Franklin Indiana which is part of an at-risk water plume on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
The Edison Wetlands Association and Groundswell Technologies, Inc. use their mobile lab to continuously monitor air samples for hazardous vapors from the soil at home in Franklin Indiana which is part of an at-risk water plume on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Belinda Velasquez, who's daughter Athena Velasquez is in remission after battling leukemia, lives in one of thirty some homes being tested for hazardous vapors rising from the soil due to decades-old contamination in the area on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Decades of old U.S. Environmental Protection Agency documents reveal that federal and state environmental regulators knew about site contamination for more than 30 years. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Athena Velasquez of Franklin, Ind. undergoes her last chemotherapy treatment during her more than two year battle with leukemia. Velasquez was diagnosed when she was 11, but entered into remission in May and began her freshman year of high school on Wednesday. Many in the community have raised concerns if the high rates of childhood cancer in Johnson County are being cause by contamination in the community. Belinda Velasquez
Sewers near the intersection of Glendale Dr. and Hamilton Ave. in Franklin Ind., Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. The neighborhood sits near a variety of industrial sites, some of which are known to have dumped volatile organic compounds and chemicals into into on-site sewers prior to 1983. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Belinda Velasquez and her daughter Athena, who is in remission after two years battling leukemia. Courtesy of Velasquez family
A stone pillar greets walkers near the intersection of Glendale Dr. and Hamilton Ave. in Franklin Ind. on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Mark L. Kram, of Groundswell Technologies, Inc. works with The Edison Wetlands Association to test in real time, for hazardous vapors from the soil at home in Franklin Indiana which is part of an at-risk water plume on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
The Hurricane Creek, shown here, runs between Webb Elementary School, 1400 Webb Ct, Franklin, Ind., Needham Elementary School and the former Bendix Corp./Amphenol Corp./Franklin Power Products Inc. site, located along Hurricane Creek, near Hamilton Avenue and Hurricane Road, which remains under scrutiny as a polluted site, with decades old U.S. Environmental Protection Agency documents revealing that federal and state environmental regulators known about site contamination for more than 30 years, Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
The Edison Wetlands Association and Groundswell Technologies, Inc. use air sampling syringes and a gas chromatograph in their mobile lab to monitor air samples in real time for hazardous vapors from the soil at home in Franklin Indiana which is part of an at-risk water plume on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Webb Elementary School, 1400 Webb Ct, Franklin, Ind., and Needham Elementary School sit less than a mile from the former Bendix Corp./Amphenol Corp./Franklin Power Products Inc. site, located along Hurricane Creek, near Hamilton Avenue and Hurricane Road which remains under scrutiny as a polluted site, with decades-old U.S. Environmental Protection Agency documents revealing that federal and state environmental regulators known about site contamination for more than 30 years, Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Athena Velasquez of Franklin, Ind. undergoes her first chemotherapy treatment for leukemia. Velasquez was diagnosed when she was 11, but entered into remission in May and began her freshman year of high school on Wednesday. Many in the community have raised concerns if the high rates of childhood cancer in Johnson County are being cause by contamination in the community. Belinda Velasquez
The Edison Wetlands Association and Groundswell Technologies, Inc. use computers for real time air sampling in their mobile lab for hazardous vapors from the soil at home in Franklin Indiana which is part of an at-risk water plume on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
The former Bendix Corp./Amphenol Corp./Franklin Power Products Inc. site, located along Hurricane Creek, near Hamilton Avenue and Hurricane Road in Franklin, Ind. remains under scrutiny as a polluter, with decades of old U.S. Environmental Protection Agency documents revealing that federal and state environmental regulators knew about site contamination for more than 30 years, Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
The Edison Wetlands Association uses their mobile lab to continuously monitor air samples for hazardous vapors from the soil at home in Franklin Indiana which is part of an at-risk water plume on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
The Hurricane Creek, shown here, runs between Webb Elementary School, 1400 Webb Ct, Franklin, Ind., Needham Elementary School and the former Bendix Corp./Amphenol Corp./Franklin Power Products Inc. site, near Hamilton Avenue and Hurricane Road, Monday, Feb. 25, 2019. The Bendix Corp./Amphenol Corp./Franklin Power Products Inc. site remains under scrutiny as a polluter, with decades-old U.S. Environmental Protection Agency documents revealing that federal and state environmental regulators have known about site contamination for more than 30 years. Nearly 60 children in Johnson County have been diagnosed with rare forms of blood and brain cancer in the last 10 years, and almost half are in Franklin. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Regardless, it is the risk to those children that causes the parents to keep pushing for answers, Davidson and Rhinehart said. Both have had children with cancer — Davidson's stepson Zane, 14, is now in remission after a three-year battle with a rare form of leukemia. Rhinehart lost her 13-year-old daughter, Emma Grace Findley, in 2014 from a rare brain tumor.
"Sometimes you have to bark so loud about the bureaucratic nonsense, but this is all about our kids and they are our fuel," Rhinehart said. "When Mark reached out to us with technology that could help, that's the spirit of Emma and all the ones who we've lost and all the ones who are still fighting."
Call IndyStar reporter Sarah Bowman at 317-444-6129 or email at sarah.bowman@indystar.com. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @IndyStarSarah. Connect with IndyStar’s environmental reporters: Join The Scrub on Facebook.
Read or Share this story: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2019/03/04/new-technology-tests-levels-dangerous-chemicals-franklin/2951953002/
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About us[−][+]
Tweet to @infinityfoodsw
Follow @Infinityfoodsw
Home - About us - Our History
Infinity Foods began in 1971 with a small shop in Brighton, England.
In 1985, as a result of the increasing demand for bulk wholefood orders a group of members set up a separate wholesale branch of the business. Run initially from a site in Saltdean, with the eventual move to a warehouse in Shoreham-by-sea where it remains to this day.
Over the years, as the wholefood market has grown so too has the wholesale division of Infinity Foods. What started as a small outlet at the rear of the shop is today one of the UK's leading national and international distributors of high quality, organic, fairtrade and natural products.
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Infor Retail Momentum Builds with Pilot Flying J
United States – December 02, 2015, 12:30 PM
Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, has chosen Infor to drive its digital strategy. Pilot Flying J, one of the ten largest private companies in the United States, will implement a suite of Infor software for financial and human capital management in the cloud.
"Technology is a critical component of Pilot Flying J's driver and team member-first strategy to maintain our position as the No. 1 provider of goods and services for travelers across North America," said Mark Rowan, chief people officer for Pilot Flying J. "We chose to partner with Infor because of its financial and HR suite, the cultural alignment between our two organizations, and the vision that we share for changing the retail experience."
Infor will deploy a cloud-based suite of software for Pilot Flying J to help automate financial management, human capital management (HCM), facilities management, expense management, and performance management (d/EPM). The company will also deploy Infor ION®, a lightweight middleware, and Infor Ming.le™ for enterprise-wide social collaboration and mobility. This extensive suite will provide visibility across the enterprise and flexibility to accommodate future growth, including Infor CloudSuite Retail, to be delivered next year.
"Expanding our relationship with Infor was an easy choice as we strive to provide our teams with innovative, modern tools to make day-to-day tasks more efficient," said Mike Rodgers, Pilot Flying J senior vice president of digital and technology solutions. "We will retire more than a dozen mission critical systems into a single, cloud-based offering from Infor that will drive the digital transformation critical to our business."
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Solar Bones
June 24, 2018 Barbara Clinton
Solar Bones by Irish writer Mike McCormack is the winner of the 2018 International Dublin Literary Award, which was announced in Dublin on June 13. The novel was one of the 10 titles shortlisted for the lucrative and prestigious €100,000 prize.
Tags IMPAC, International Dublin Literary Award 2018, Mike McCormack, Tramp Press, Solar Bones, Novel, Winner, Ireland, Dublin, Mayo
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Deirdre Somers talks about leadership to Executive MBA students in UCC
Deirdre Somers, the CEO of the Irish Stock Exchange (ISE), has today returned to her alma mater, University College Cork (UCC), to deliver a guest lecture on leadership to students of UCC’s Executive MBA programme.
In her lecture Deirdre covered her reflections on leadership in the exchange sector and offered practical advice from her seven years’ experience as CEO of the ISE.
Ms Somers graduated from UCC with a Bachelor of Commerce and is a former Governor of the university.
More information on UCC’s Executive MBA programme
Sign up for press releases and other news
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Paul Ben-Haim's works for Violin and Orchestra
A recording of Paul Ben-Haim's works for violin and Orchestra, with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and conductor Phillipe Bach, under the BIS label
Imagine a German Ravel, living in the middle east. If I were asked to describe Ben-Haim's music in one sentence, that would be my answer. In a true synthesis of eastern and western cultures, Ben-Haim combines the musical language of the middle east which he heard all around him, such as Arabic songs and Yemenite Jewish prayers, with the German classical tradition. The result is sincere, impeccably written music, and also touching thanks to Ben-Haim's ability to choose exactly the right notes for the write moment, to pick the chord that is painful just enough, without being obvious or melodramatic. I am particularly excited to release the first ever commercial recording of Ben-Haim's Evocation for violin and Orchestra. Written in 1942 in the romantic tradition of Poemes for violin and orchestra, this moving work echoes the tragic events in the world at that time, and attracted the interest of the legendary Jascha Heifetz, who wrote its cadenza.
Clip from Evocation with the Israel Philharmonic and conductor Uri Segal:
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The IWC story continues
Roaring masses of water plunge over the gigantic rocks that are the world-famous Rhine Falls. A few kilometres upstream, in Schaffhausen, the Rhine glides at a more leisurely pace past the workshop windows at IWC. Here, more than 150 years ago, a company began a story that is still being written today.
THE ERNST JAKOB HOMBERGER ERA
ALBERT PELLATON JOINS IWC
HANS ERNST HOMBERGER TAKES OVER
THE VDO ADOLF SCHWINDLING ERA
THE RICHEMONT ERA
At the tender age of 27, American engineer and watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones had been deputy director and manager with the E. Howard Watch and Clock Co. in Boston, then a leading American watchmaker. At a time when most young men were trying their luck in the west, Jones went in the opposite direction. True to his adventurous pioneering spirit, he planned to combine the outstanding craftsmanship of the Swiss with modern engineering technology from overseas. Unfortunately, his business plan met with unconcealed scepticism from the skilled workers in the Geneva region and the remote valleys of western Switzerland.
The heritage of IWC is deeply rooted in American pioneering spirit and entrepreneurship. Florentine Ariosto Jones, a watchmaker from Boston, founds the International Watch Company in 1868. He draws on the help of eminently qualified Swiss watchmakers, modern technology, and hydropower sourced from the nearby River Rhine to manufacture pocket watch movements of the highest possible quality. The Rauschenbachs, an industrialist family from Schaffhausen, take over the company following Jones’ return to the United States. During its early years, IWC produces pocket watches with a digital “Pallweber” display, as well as wristwatches for women and men.
Florentine Ariosto Jones (1841-1916), a watchmaker from Boston, Massachusetts, founds the International Watch Company in Schaffhausen. His aim: to produce high- quality pocket watches for the American market.
Construction of new premises and the current headquarters of IWC on the banks of the River Rhine. IWC has 196 employees.
Schaffhausen engine manufacturer Johannes Rauschenbach-Vogel (1815-1881) acquires IWC.
Following the death of his father, Johannes Rauschenbach-Schenk (1856-1905) takes over the helm at IWC.
Innovation: the first watches with a digital hours and minutes display (Pallweber system) leave the workshops in Schaffhausen.
Manufacture of the Magique, a pocket watch in a cabriolet case with a 24-hour display that can be used either as a hunter or an open-face pocket watch.
One of the first known wristwatches leaves Schaffhausen destined for the market. The company's small 64-calibre ladies' pocket watch movement is housed in a dainty case fitted with lugs for the wristband. The 63-calibre ladies' pocket watch movement is used for other wristwatches.
Emma Marie Rauschenbach (1882-1955), daughter of Johannes Rauschenbach, marries psychologist and psychiatrist Dr. Carl Gustav (C. G.) Jung (1875-1961). Her younger sister Bertha Margaretha marries Schaffhausen industrialist Ernst Jakob Homberger (1869-1955) the same year.
Following the death of Johannes Rauschenbach-Schenk, Schaffhausen industrialist Ernst Jakob Homberger takes over the company. This era sees the birth of two watch families which are still true icons to this day. The first “Spezialuhr für Flieger” establishes the tradition of producing Pilot’s Watches in Schaffhausen, which, thanks to their unmistakable design, are still popular across the world today. As Portuguese importers order a series of large wristwatches with high-precision pocket watch calibres, the first Portugieser model leaves IWC’s workshops.
Following the death of Johannes Rauschenbach, Ernst Jakob Homberger takes over the management of IWC on behalf of Rauschenbach's heirs.
Two newly developed calibres, the 75 (without seconds) and the 76 calibre (with small seconds), are the first movements designed by IWC specifically for wristwatches.
Ernst Jakob Homberger acquires the holding of his brother-in-law C.G. Jung and becomes the sole owner of IWC.
IWC creates elegant, rectangular watches that contain the newly designed, tonneau-shaped 87 calibre.
IWC's first “Special Pilot's Watch“ is launched. It features a rotating bezel with an arrowhead index that can be used to register take-off times. It is also fitted with an antimagnetic escapement.
The birth of the Portuguese watch: two importers from Portugal order a series of large wristwatches with high-precision pocket watch calibres.
In response to demand, IWC develops the Big Pilot's Watch 52 T. S. C. with a central seconds hand.
The post-war years are characterized by the increased use of technology in people’s everyday lives. More and more appliances create magnetic fields which can negatively impact the accuracy of mechanical watches. It is during this time that Albert Pellaton becomes Technical Director at IWC Schaffhausen. Among his inventions are the extremely accurate 89 calibre, or the soft-iron inner case, which protects watch movements against magnetic fields. He also develops a particularly efficient bidirectional pawl-winding system, which shoots to fame as the Pellaton winding system.
The appearance of IWC's first W. W. W.: a new wristwatch for military use by the British Army. The letters W. W. W. engraved on the back of the case stand for “Watch, Wrist, Waterproof”, and the royal arrowhead insignia is used as a mark of ownership. Albert Pellaton, born in 1898, takes up his post as Technical Director at IWC.
Pellaton's first design, the 89-calibre movement, has a central seconds hand and is extremely accurate.
Appearance of the Pilot's Watch Mark 11 from IWC with the 89 calibre. Its soft-iron inner case provides unusually high protection against magnetic fields.
The 85 calibre, designed by Albert Pellaton, features IWC's first automatic winding mechanism. The innovative pawl-winding system replaces the traditional reciprocal gearing and, at this time, is a patented proprietary development by IWC.
In the same year that Hans Ernst Homberger takes over at IWC, the first Ingenieur is launched. Its simple round design has since returned and become a distinctive feature of this sporty and elegant watch family. A few years later, IWC launches the first Aquatimer, and with it writes the first chapter in a success story of diver’s watches from Schaffhausen that continues to this day. The company also plays a key role in developing the first ever Swiss-made quartz movement “Beta 21”, which premieres in the first Da Vinci with a distinctive hexagonal gold case.
Hans Ernst Homberger becomes the company's last private owner. The launch of the Ingenieur with automatic winding.
Design of the 44 calibre, the first automatic women's movement from IWC.
With the Aquatimer, IWC marks the beginning of a successful series of diver's watches. Water-resistant to an unprecedented 20 bar, it is the watch of choice for professional use underwater. The Yacht Club Automatic is unveiled at the Basel Watch Show.
IWC is involved in the development of the Beta 21 quartz movement, a wristwatch calibre with quartz control (frequency 8192 hertz). It marks a watch-making revolution. The Da Vinci is the first IWC wristwatch to feature the Beta 21 quartz movement.
With the new Ingenieur SL, IWC takes the Ingenieur tradition a step further.
The unveiling of the 9721 calibre, the first pocket watch from IWC with a calendar and moon phase display. IWC embarks on the construction of its complications. These include a series of complicated pocket watches, some of which are also skeletonized.
At the peak of the quartz crisis, IWC deliberately focuses on creating masterpieces of watchmaking art. With the world’s first watch case made from titanium, IWC lays the foundation for its unparalleled expertise in the area of materials. In the mid-1980s, the perpetual calendar from Kurt Klaus makes its debut in the Da Vinci family. Following seven years of development, IWC launches its first Grande Complication, and reaches the pinnacle of haute horlogerie. To mark its 125th anniversary, IWC unveils what is then the world’s most complicated mechanical wristwatch: Il Destriero Scafusia.
Cooperation with designer F.A. Porsche results in the first wristwatch with a built-in compass. The same year, German instrument manufacturer VDO Adolf Schindling AG takes over IWC.
IWC produces the world's first chronograph in a titanium case, designed by F. A. Porsche. IWC procures its expertise in the machining of titanium through an exchange of ideas with Aérospatiale and other leading technology specialists.
IWC launches the ultra-rugged Ocean 2000 diver's watch, made of titanium and pressure-resistant to 200 bar.
The Da Vinci from IWC is the first chronograph to feature a perpetual calendar that is mechanically programmed for the next 500 years and can be set merely by turning the crown. Another exclusive feature is the four-digit year display.
IWC begins to use zirconium oxide, a scratch-resistant and virtually unbreakable ceramic, as a new case material.
With its Novecento (Italian for “20th century”), the Schaffhausen manufacturer presents the first rectangular, water-resistant and automatic IWC watch with a perpetual calendar.
A quantum leap in precision watchmaking: the wristwatch-size Grande Complication appears with a wealth of functions: a chronograph with a perpetual calendar, minute repeater and moon phase display. It is a masterpiece that was seven years in the making.
Watchmaking's ultimate achievement goes by the name II Destriero Scafusia, “The Warhorse of Schaffhausen”. To mark its 125th anniversary, the company produces what was then the world's most complicated mechanical wristwatch in a one-off limited edition of 125 pieces. The exclusive timepiece features several complications, including a tourbillon, split-seconds, minute repeater and perpetual calendar. Likewise, to celebrate its 125th anniversary, IWC launches a limited series of its Portuguese watch, and in doing so revives the tradition of high-precision, large-calibre wristwatches.
The Pilot's Watch Mark XII maintains the tradition of the legendary Mark 11.
To commemorate the tenth birthday of the automatic Da Vinci Chronograph, the Da Vinci appears as a split-seconds chronograph with a tenth hand. Another new model is the Portuguese Chrono-Rattrapante, a large-calibre chronograph with split-seconds hand. There is also no mistaking the third new product: the Portuguese Minute Repeater.
The new GST sports watch line makes its debut.
IWC's designers launch the Pilot's Watch UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) featuring an hour hand that can be adjusted in one-hour steps and a 24-hour display.
The GST Deep One is a demonstration of IWC's creativity when it comes to diver's watches. The GST Deep One is the first IWC watch with a mechanical depth gauge.
After IWC becomes a part of Richemont, the company continuously expands its six watch families with precision engineering and exclusive design. In the Portugieser line, a double moon display is added to the perpetual calendar, while this mechanism features a digital display for the date and month for the first time in the Da Vinci family. IWC introduces the external/internal rotating bezel for the Aquatimer and launches its first watch with a bronze case. The Annual Calendar complication shows the month, date and day in the format used in the U.S. – a tribute to the company’s American founder.
With the extra-large 5000 calibre, which runs for seven days non-stop and features a power reserve display and a Pellaton automatic winding system, IWC's designers develop the company's own movement for large wristwatches. IWC is taken over by Richemont.
Günter Blümlein (1943-2001), amongst other things Chairman of the Board of Directors at IWC, was an outstanding personality who had a decisive influence on the company's development.
At the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in Geneva, IWC presents the Big Pilot's Watch with its 7-day movement, automatic winding, power reserve display and date display, and revives the company's tradition of the Big Pilot's Watch.
The Portuguese Perpetual Calendar with its newly designed perpetual calendar and exclusive hemisphere moon phase display is yet another demonstration of IWC's innovative tradition. A second highlight is the new Spitfire range of pilot's watches.
IWC relaunches the Aquatimer family. At the same time, the Portuguese family is extended to include the Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère, the Portuguese Minute Repeater Squelette and the Portuguese Automatic. New models are also added to the Da Vinci and Portofino lines.
Ten IWC premieres in a single year. There are some exquisite new additions to the Portuguese and Da Vinci families and, after 50 years, the Ingenieur makes a spectacular comeback in three versions. The new East Annexe of the company's premises in Schaffhausen is inaugurated.
IWC unveils five classic pilot's watches in a modified design, including the Big Pilot's Watch and the Pilot's Watch Chronograph. The watches in the Spitfire collection, such as a larger version of the Spitfire Chronograph, are given a facelift.
IWC presents the tonneau-shaped Da Vinci line. This includes the Da Vinci Chronograph with a completely new IWC-manufactured movement and the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Edition Kurt Klaus, named after the man who invented the calendar, commemorating his golden jubilee with IWC. Other new products include the Big Ingenieur and the Spitfire Double Chronograph. In the summer, the newly designed watch museum opens its doors. A modern, light-flooded space with many attractive exhibits now occupies the area where cases and movement parts were once made, and a multimedia presentation relates the company's history.
On the 140th anniversary of its foundation, IWC pays homage to the legendary founders of its six watch families with an exclusive IWC Vintage Collection. The West Annexe, built for the company's watchmakers in the same style as the East Annexe, is completed.
IWC presents a new generation of technically improved Aquatimer watches together with new models. A much-publicized premiere: the Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Digital Date- Month arrives on the scene with a big digital display for the date and month in large numerals.
IWC launches several new models in the Portuguese watch collection. For the first time ever, the Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère Rétrograde combines the flying tourbillon with a retrograde date display. While the Grande Complication makes its debut in a Portuguese case, the Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph brings an unmistakably sporty touch to the watch family. And the Da Vinci Chronograph Ceramic, with a case made of extremely durable high-tech ceramic and titanium, features a fascinating three-dimensional chapter ring that appears to hover above the dial.
In its new guise, the classically elegant Portofino watch family combines Swiss precision with Italian joie de vivre. The flagship is the Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days with its new IWC-manufactured 59210-calibre movement. With its combination of titanium case, rubber strap and split-seconds hand, the Ingenieur Double Chronograph Titanium is a worthy addition to the Ingenieur watch family. In August, at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) on Cerro Paranal, Chile, IWC presents the most complex and exclusive mechanical wristwatch ever built in Schaffhausen: the Portugieser Sidérale Scafusia. It features a patented constant-force tourbillon together with numerous complications and individually calculated astronomical displays. Every watch is unmistakably unique and made specifically to order.
The year of the high-flyers: IWC takes off with five new TOP GUN models. The TOP GUN Miramar line, with its military style design, references IWC’s longstanding tradition in the manufacture of deck watches. Taking pride of place in the elegant Spitfire line, which comes in a more luxurious look with new features, is the Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month. And in the Classics collection with its authentic cockpit-style design, the Pilot’s Watch Worldtimer sustains the success of the UTC Pilot’s Watches.
The completely overhauled Ingenieur collection is inspired by IWC’s new cooperation with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team. Two of the spectacular watches that underscore IWC’s aspirations to lead the constructors’ championship in haute horlogerie include the Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon featuring the patented mechanism responsible for its name and the Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month with its quick-action switch. Case materials such as titanium aluminide, carbon, ceramic and titanium are inspired by the range of materials used in FORMULA ONE.
Roll-out of the new Aquatimer generation, with an innovative external/internal rotating bezel. It combines the advantages of an internal rotating bezel with the ease of use of an external rotating bezel. With the new digital perpetual calendar, the mechanical depth gauge and pressure-resistance to 200 bar, the watch family confirms its arrival at the highest level in haute horlogerie. It is also the first time IWC has used bronze, a material with a charisma of its own, for a watch case.
In 2015, IWC Schaffhausen celebrates the 75th birthday of the Portugieser watch family. The newly designed IWC-manufactured 52000-calibre family, which is used in the Portugieser collection, sets new technical and aesthetic standards. The annual calendar and the digital calendar are adopted for use in the Portugieser line.
In 2016, watch lovers all over the world can look forward to a wide range of IWC Pilot's Watches that seem set to create a furore with innovative designs, sophisticated complications and top-quality materials.
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Classic fiction (pre c 1945)
Fiction / Classics
Literature: Texts
Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945)
Based on 43,691 Ratings and 2,321 Reviews
"Heart of Darkness" has been considered for most of this century as a literary classic, and also as a powerful indictment of the evils of imperialism. It reflects the savage repressions carried out in the Congo by the Belgians in one of the largest acts of genocide committed up to that time. Conrad's narrator encounters at the end of the story a man named Kurtz, dying, insane, and guilty of unspea... More
"Heart of Darkness" has been considered for most of this century as a literary classic, and also as a powerful indictment of the evils of imperialism. It reflects the savage repressions carried out in the Congo by the Belgians in one of the largest acts of genocide committed up to that time. Conrad's narrator encounters at the end of the story a man named Kurtz, dying, insane, and guilty of unspeakable atrocities.
Publisher Penguin Young Readers Group
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About JBHE
Theodore Lamont Cross (1924-2010)
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The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
JBHE is dedicated to the conscientious investigation of the status and prospects for African Americans in higher education.
Racial Gap
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Recent Books of Interest to African American Scholars
Filed in Books on May 15, 2019
The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education regularly publishes a list of new books that may be of interest to our readers. The books included are on a wide variety of subjects and present many different points of view. The opinions expressed in these books do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board of JBHE. Here are the latest selections.
Cimarron:
Freedom and Masquerade
by Charles Freger
(Thames & Hudson)
Clarence Thomas and the Lost Constitution
by Myron Magnet
(Encounter Books)
Fearing the Black Body:
The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia
by Sabrina Strings
(New York University Press)
Hollywood Black:
(Running Press)
Neo-Race Realities in the Obama Era
by Heather E. Harris
(State University of New York Press)
New Daughters of Africa:
An International Anthology of Writing by Women of African Descent
edited by Margaret Busby
(Amistad)
Southern Communities:
Identity, Conflict, and Memory in the American South
edited by Steven E. Nash and Bruce E. Stewart
(University of Georgia Press)
The World’s Fastest Man:
The Extraordinary Life of Cyclist Major Taylor, America’s First Black Sports Hero
by Michael Kranish
(Scribner)
Your Sister in the Gospel:
The Life of Jane Manning James, a Nineteenth-Century Black Mormon
by Quincy D. Newell
(Oxford University Press)
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Note Sale: Does It Accelerate Related-Party Interest Deductions?
BY CHARLES J. REICHERT
A n accrual-basis taxpayer normally takes deductions for expenses in the year the item accrues. But when the expense accrued by the taxpayer is owed to a related party who uses the cash basis of accounting, IRC section 267(a)(2) delays the deduction for the accrual-basis taxpayer to the year in which the related party includes the amount in gross income, the year of payment. Related parties include certain family members, such as spouses, children, parents and siblings, as well as individuals and corporations in which an individual owns directly or indirectly more than 50% of the stock.
Ronald Moran Cadillac (RMC) was a car dealer franchise operating in California. Prior to 1994 it had borrowed $2,339,929 from its 100% shareholder. The amount of the loans and all accrued interest were recorded on a note on January 1, 1994. The pre-1994 interest of $787,994 had not been deducted by the taxpayer due to the restrictions of IRC section 267(a)(2). On September 20, 1994, the shareholder sold the note and all accrued but unpaid interest to an unrelated third party, resulting in a capital loss of $500,000. On its 1994 federal income tax return, RMC deducted interest of $1,049,657, creating an $810,267 net operating loss (NOL). The IRS disallowed the pre-1994 interest of $787,994, thereby eliminating the NOL. RMC filed a claim for a refund with the U.S. District Court of California, arguing that once the note was sold by its shareholder to an unrelated third party, the restrictions of section 267(a)(2) were no longer in effect. Therefore, it now could deduct the previously disallowed interest of $787,994.
The IRS argued that once section 267(a)(2) disallowed a deduction for an accrued expense for a given tax year, the expense could not be deducted until it was paid. The replacement of the former creditor who was a related party with a new creditor who was not did not accelerate the deduction of the previously disallowed accrued interest. The district court agreed, saying the IRS’s interpretation was supported by the language of the statute, Treasury regulations and congressional intent. RMC appealed the decision to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Result. For the IRS. The 9th Circuit agreed section 267(a)(2) disallowed a deduction by an accrual basis payor until the tax year in which the payee included the amount as income. RMC acknowledged it had not paid any of the pre-1994 interest of $787,994 to the new creditor; the court ruled RMC, therefore, could deduct that interest only in the year it was paid. RMC argued the IRS had taken an inconsistent position since, in 1994, it had allowed the franchise to deduct the accrued interest for the first eight months of that year when the 100% shareholder held the note, but it had not allowed RMC to deduct the accrued interest for pre-1994 years. The court rejected this argument as well, saying section 267(a)(2) required determination of related-party status be made at the end of the tax year. Since RMC and the new creditor were not related parties at the end of 1994, section 267(a)(2) did not apply to any interest for that year. However, because RMC and its 100% shareholder were related parties at the end of the tax years prior to 1994, section 267(a)(2) did control when the interest for those years should be deducted.
RMC further argued that the sale of the note by its 100% shareholder to the unrelated third party converted the accrued interest prior to 1994 into a new liability, thus permitting the taxpayer to accrue and deduct the entire amount in 1994. The court also rejected this argument. It said once the restrictions of section 267 applied to an accrued expense, they continued to apply until the expense was paid. Therefore, no deduction was allowed until the interest was actually paid. Any acceleration of the deductions of the interest due to the sale of the note would have been contrary to the purpose of section 267.
Ronald Moran Cadillac, Inc. v. United States 385 F3d 1230 (CA-9).
Prepared by Charles J. Reichert, CPA, MS, professor of accounting, University of Wisconsin, Superior.
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White House press secretary Sarah Sanders talks with reporters outside the White House, Thursday, April 4, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Sarah Sanders leaving White House job; governor run ahead?
U.S. President Donald Trump described Sanders as a ‘warrior’
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders, whose tenure was marked by a breakdown in regular press briefings and questions about the administration’s credibility, as well as her own, will leave her post at the end of the month, President Donald Trump announced Thursday.
Trump said he’s encouraging her to run for governor when she returns home to Arkansas, where her father once held the governor’s seat.
Sanders is one of Trump’s closest and most trusted White House aides and one of the few remaining who worked on his campaign, taking on the job of advocating for and defending a president who had his own unconventional ideas about how to conduct the people’s business.
At an unrelated White House event, Trump described Sanders as a “warrior” as he called her to the stage. Sanders, appearing emotional, said serving Trump has been “the honour of a lifetime” and pledged to remain one of his “most outspoken and loyal supporters.”
Sanders, who is married and has three young children, later told reporters she wanted to spend more time with her family, but did not rule out running for public office.
“I learned a long time ago never to rule anything out,” said Sanders, 36. She was the first working mother and just the third woman to be named White House press secretary.
Under her roughly two-year tenure as chief spokeswoman for the White House, daily televised briefings led by the press secretary became a relic of the past after Sanders repeatedly sparred with reporters who aggressively questioned her about administration policy, the investigation into possible co-ordination between Trump’s campaign and Russia or any number of controversies involving the White House.
ALSO READ: Former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer developing TV show
Sanders has not held a formal briefing since March 11 — more than three months ago — and said she does not regret the decision to scale them back. Instead, reporters were left to catch her and other administration officials on the White House driveway after their interviews with Fox News Channel and other networks.
Trump also has made it a habit to regularly answer reporters’ questions in a variety of settings, most notably on the South Lawn before boarding the Marine One helicopter. Sanders often sought to justify the lack of formal briefings by saying they were unnecessary when journalists could hear from Trump directly.
Her credibility has also come under question since she succeeded Sean Spicer, Trump’s first press secretary, in mid-2017.
The Russia report released by special counsel Robert Mueller in April revealed that Sanders admitted to investigators that she had made an unfounded claim about “countless” FBI agents reaching out to express support for Trump’s decision to fire FBI Director James Comey in May 2017.
Sanders characterized the comment as a “slip of the tongue” uttered in the “heat of the moment.”
She faced similar questions last year after Rudy Giuliani, one of Trump’s personal attorneys, surprised the White House by saying on national TV that Trump had reimbursed his then-fixer Michael Cohen for the $130,000 Cohen had paid porn actress Stormy Daniels to keep quiet during the campaign about an alleged past sexual encounter with Trump. Trump has denied Daniels’ claim.
The White House had failed to disclose the reimbursement. Sanders said she didn’t know anything about the repayment until Giuliani disclosed it.
Sanders told reporters Thursday that she had informed Trump earlier in the day of her decision to step down. Her staff learned the news shortly before Trump tweeted, “After 3 1/2 years, our wonderful Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be leaving the White House at the end of the month and going home to the Great State of Arkansas.”
Trump added that “she would be fantastic” as Arkansas governor. Sanders said she’s had people “begging” her to run for governor for more than a year.
Her father is former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a two-time GOP presidential candidate. She managed his second White House bid.
Asa Hutchinson, the current governor of Arkansas, was re-elected in 2018 and is limited to two terms.
Sanders said she hasn’t discussed possible replacements with Trump. She said she saw no reason to delay informing the president once she had made her decision, saying her departure should give Trump time to put someone else in place before the 2020 presidential campaign heats up.
Darlene Superville, The Associated Press
$10,000 reward offered for information on missing Shuswap woman
So, ‘Dave from Vancouver Island’ has reunited with his travelling pals after 50 years
Car accident slows southbound traffic on Kelowna’s Hwy. 97
Two-car accident slows traffic to a crawl
Luxury home auction takes place today
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Ketchikan man sentenced 40 years for attempted murder
Posted by Elizabeth Gabriel | Jul 10, 2019
Jeffrey Craig confides in Alaska Public Defender Katrina Larsen. (KRBD photo by Elizabeth Gabriel)
Wednesday morning, Jeffrey Craig was sentenced to 40 years for attempted murder in the first-degree after shooting another man nine months ago while under the influence of alcohol.
On October 2, 2018, the 53-year-old engaged in an altercation at a house on Edmonds Street at about 3:45 a.m. after being told his daughter wasn’t at the residence. The victim told Craig his daughter was not at the home, resulting in Craig striking the victim. Craig was then pushed off a balcony onto a patio, and proceeded to shoot the victim in the arm. According to police, they found the victim sitting in the living room with a blood-soaked towel wrapped around his arm.
Craig was later found at a residence on the North End, where he was arrested and brought to the local jail.
This was not Craig’s first offense. He has a previous history including burglary and substance abuse, which led to DUIs. He also has past charges of child sex abuse. District Attorney Timothy McGillicuddy says the concern for Craig’s children is why he should not receive a light sentence.
“It appears that the probation officers that described the defendant were very perceptive,” said McGillicuddy. “They described him as manipulative, defensive, controlling, narcissistic, impulsive, and immature. That’s what he was then, that’s what he is now. The defendant has a career of committing crimes—if he is out in the community again, there is no doubt that he will victimize, he will manipulate, he will threaten, he will cause harm.“
McGillicuddy says Craig’s past history is relevant to this case because it’s relevant to Craig’s motive and impacts how the court should view the offense.
Craig’s attorney, Alaska Public Defender Katrina Larsen, says he has completed programs through the justice system to provide healthy interactions. She reminded the judge of which crimes were currently being evaluated for that sentencing.
“I understand that the background circumstances…are relevant and important, but he’s not being sentenced for things he’s already been sentenced for in the past,” Larsen said.
Judge Trevor Stephens says there was no reason for Craig to be in possession of the gun, or injure anyone to be charged with attempted murder. That combined with his previous offenses were taken into consideration for the sentencing.
“He’s had a good opportunity to see the inside of a jail on a number of occasions and that hasn’t moderated his behavior when he’s out,” said Stephens.
According to Judge Stephens, Craig was on probation for misdemeanor assault when he attempted first-degree murder. Stephens agrees with the state’s assessment that Craig is a danger to the community.
Ketchikan Police Department Lieutenant Andy Berntson was one of the responding officers, and the case officer in the trial. He says the day of the incident was pretty memorable and is glad the case has concluded.
“As the prosecutor referenced, he’s been somebody that we’ve had to pay a certain amount of attention to, he’s done some things in the community that haven’t gone so well,” said Berntson. “So, it’s good to have a resolution to that case.”
Craig was sentenced to 40 years, with 10 suspended. He will be on probation for a 10 year period, which is the maximum Judge Trevor Stephens can assign.
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Find parking near Stratford (London) Station
Choose from thousands of spaces near Stratford (London) Station - including on-street parking, off-street car parks and 372 reservable spaces.
Information about parking near Stratford (London) Station
Stratford Station is located in East London near the London 2012 Olympic Park. The station can be easily reached from the A11 via Stratford High Street, or from the North Circular Road via Romford Road.
There are limited on-street options in the immediate vicinity to the station, as it is located amongst a major bus terminal and shopping centre. There are some off-street parking options, however, including a multi-storey car park located across the road.
JustPark provides information on a useful number parking options nearby, many of which are reservable – including spaces on-street and off-street, from driveways to car parks.
On-street parking around Stratford station can be quite difficult, as this large complex is surrounded by major roads which prevent parking much of the time. There are some streets that have pay-and-display spaces, but most have a 2 hour maximum stay in operation. The spaces that are available are reasonably affordable for their limited time, but make sure you are parked in a non-restricted spot as some spaces are reserved solely for residents.
You can use our parking map to find information on available on-street parking spaces near Stratford station.
Chapman Road/Hackney London Borough of Hackney £0.30 / 10 minutes 4 hours
Kingsmead Way/Hackney London Borough of Hackney £0.43 / 10 minutes 4 hours
Eastway/Hackney London Borough of Hackney £0.30 / 10 minutes 4 hours
Cadogan Terrace/Hackney London Borough of Hackney £0.30 / 10 minutes 4 hours
There are not many car parks surrounding the station, and the few that are generally charge quite an expensive hourly and daily rate. Stratford multi-storey car park (Great Eastern Road, Stratford, E15 1BB) is located just across the road from the station and is open 24 hours a day, Monday-Sunday, providing many spaces. However, tariffs here can be quite expensive.
JustPark offers a wide choice of reservable off-street parking near Stratford station – from public car parks to private driveways. You can browse these options and book a guaranteed space via our website or app.
Shaftesbury Road Car Park Newham Council £2.00 / hour
Stratford MSCP London Borough of Newham £2.00 / hour
Stratford is a major transport terminal in East London – providing London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and National Rail services. This modern and expansive station is the 6th busiest by passenger volume in the UK, helping you get to just about wherever you may need to go.
As well as this, Stratford bus station (located just outside) and Stratford International (a short walk away) provide further transport links to the surrounding area.
Disabled drivers displaying their Blue Badge can park in many of London Borough of Newham’s car parks free of charge, and for an unlimited amount of time – with the exception of the Stratford multi-storey car park opposite the station.
You can filter when searching on JustPark to show all our parking spaces with disabled access around Stratford station (select this option by clicking ‘Filters’ on the search results page).
Parking restrictions & event days
Many of the roads surrounding the station are busy bus route roads, meaning that parking is prohibited for much of the day. The majority of the pay-and-display spaces in the London Borough of Newham have a maximum stay of 2 hours. There are spaces available, but many of those on-street are reserved for resident permit holders only – so be careful where you park.
On the JustPark map, we’ll only show you spaces which you’re allowed to park in and are not restricted – so you can find your best option.
Overnight, weekends & bank holidays
The majority of parking restrictions in off-street car parks and pay-and-display spaces around the station (and across the London Borough of Newham) still apply on Bank Holidays and weekends.
Stratford multi-storey car park (Great Eastern Road, Stratford, E15 1BB) is open 24 hours a day and offers a special overnight rate – and with its close proximity to the station, this serves as a handy option.
Enter your dates and times on our search results page to see what else is available overnight.
There is no specific drop off and pick up point, but there are a couple of options for drivers. The front entrance is on a busy road which also acts as a bus route from the on-site bus terminal, so dropping off here can be problematic. However, stopping on other streets surrounding the station – like Jupp Road and Station Street to the south – can prove easier, but parking charges do apply so you mustn’t stop for too long.
Stratford Station acts as the principal station for the nearby Olympic Park. The London 2012 Olympic games brought with it an East End regeneration, of which this park and station are certainly evidence of. The whole area was transformed into a modern and vibrant setting for people to enjoy long after the Olympics finished. From wandering through greens in the shadow of the London Stadium to shopping in the wonderful Stratford Centre, you’ll have all you need to make your day worthwhile.
Stratford (London) Station
Stratford Station
Water Polo Arena
Maryland Station
Pudding Mill Lane Station
Basketball Arena
Copper Box
Rated 5 stars with an average satisfaction rating of 96%, JustPark is the UK’s favourite parking service. But don’t just take our word for it – check out some of the latest customer reviews below for our Stratford (London) Station parking spaces.
Don’t just take our word for it – check out some of the latest customer reviews for our Stratford (London) Station parking spaces
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Mars Avalanche Captured on Film
Author: Prakash Sheila
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has taken the first-ever image of an active avalanche on Mars. An image of the phenomenon was unintentionally captured by NASA's HiRISE camera on February 19, 2008. The image shows clouds of smoke (some 590 feet, or half the length of a cruise ship, across) billowing near the near the bottom of the ice-capped mountain.
The avalanche occurred near the North Pole, an icy region of Mars that sometimes experiences snowfall. The image marks the first time Mars has been seen in a observable dynamic state.
"It really surprised me," said Daubar Spitale, a member of the HiRISE team at the University of Arizona in Tuscon, in a press release."It's great to see something so dynamic on Mars. A lot of what we see there hasn't changed for millions of years."
Closer inspection of the photograph reveals that at least four distinct avalanches are present. The avalaches were most likely caused by cascades of dust and ice falling from the top of a scarp to the bottom. Scientists speculate that the bulk of the debris was ice.
"If blocks of ice broke loose and fell, we expect the water in them will be changing from solid to gas," said Patrick Russell a collaborator of the HiRISE team.
"We'll be watching to see if blocks and other debris shrink [sic] in size. What we learn could give us a better understanding of one part of the water cycle on Mars."
The cause of the Martian avalanches is still unknown. Avalanches on Mars could be seasonal a possibility that would require a closer inspection of the scarp's behavior through various Martian weather cycles.
"We don't know what set off these landslides," said Russell. "We plan to take more images of the site through the changing Martian seasons to see if this kind of avalanche happens all year or is restricted to early spring."
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/03/04/mars-zoom.html (DiscoveryChannel.com)
http://tinyurl.com/2p79o4(Space.com)
Written by Sheila Prakash
Reviewed by Yangguang Ou, Pooja Ghatalia
Published by Pooja Ghatalia.
Newer PostMumps Makes a Comeback to the U.S.
Older PostA Peek into Psychopharmacology: Rats on Drugs
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"As he has been over the past few months, Jason is deciding how he can best serve," said Abe Rakov, Kander's former campaign manager and executive director of his nonprofit, Let America Vote.
Kander is an Army veteran and a former Missouri secretary of state who served two terms in the Missouri House. In 2016, he narrowly lost a senate race against Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., in an election year that strongly favored Republicans. He has spent the last two years out of office building his profile as a voting rights advocate and rising star on the national Democratic scene.
In Democratic circles, buzz increased this year that Kander might make a run for the presidency, speculation stoked by staff hirings in Iowa — the state that traditionally hosts the first presidential caucus — and Kander's continued public appearances across the county. This month he was in New Hampshire, where the first presidential primary is usually held.
Most Democrats never considered Kander a top-tier contender, pointing instead to sitting U.S. senators like Kamala Harris or former Vice President Joe Biden. But in a crowded field — dozens of Democrats are said to be eyeing a 2020 candidacy — Kander allies said they thought his charisma and youth gave him a chance despite his relatively thin resume.
Bob Mulholland, a California-based Democratic strategist, said Kander may have realized a successful White House bid in 2020 wasn’t very realistic.
"It’s very easy to get halfway up Mt. Everest," Mulholland said. "To get to the top — i.e. the White House — you need a lot of oxygen tanks, and most candidates find the tanks are empty for them."
Presidential hopefuls often find it more difficult than anticipated to raise the massive amounts of money, support and name ID necessary to win their party’s nomination, much less the presidency itself, Mulholland said.
“And most people running for president are governor or former governors,” he pointed out. The highest office Kander held was secretary of state, Missouri’s top election official. "For people to break through is tough."
Josh Earnest, a former press secretary for President Barack Obama, said Kander's interest in running for mayor is consistent with the message Kander has been sending to young people in his travels around the country: Seize the opportunity to make changes in your own communities.
"Sometimes when think about wanting to make an impact on the world, it can be overwhelming because you're not sure where to start, and the case he's made when talking to groups of young people is start in your own back yard," he said. "So a move like this seems consistent when you look at some of what he's been saying publicly."
Earnest, a Kansas City native, was a founding member of the advisory board for Kander's voting rights nonprofit, Let America Vote. He told The Star he had not spoken to Kander about his decision to run for mayor, but noted the Democratic presidential field in 2020 will be a crowded one.
"There can only be one Democratic nominee so from that perspective that's a risk," Earnest said.
Serving as mayor, Earnest said, would put Kander closest to where the problems are.
"And the upside of that is you're often in the best position to solve problems that people experience in their everyday life," he said. "The downside of that is mayors often get blamed for problems that's outside their power to solve."
For that reason, running for mayor of any city primarily as a political stepping stone is a bad political strategy, Earnest said. "So that's why I doubt (a stepping stone) is what he had in mind," Earnest said.
But Douglas Heye, a former communications director for the Republican National Committee, said running for mayor would be a smart move if Kander does have White House aspirations down the road. Heye served as senior adviser to the Iowa Republican Party in 2012.
If Kander wins and can serve successfully as mayor, “it can give him a platform to talk about the things he wants to talk about," Heye said.
"I tend to be very biased towards mayors," he said. "They’re doers. Trash collection isn’t partisan. Potholes aren’t partisan. Mayors are there to fix problems. That’s a smart place to occupy as you’re trying to build a national profile."
There will be people who are skeptical of Kander's intentions, Heye said, and accuse him of using the mayor's office as a stepping stone to higher office. He said it's important that Kander "remain vigilant and focus on the community."
So far, eight candidates have declared their intention to run for mayor, five of whom are existing Kansas City Council members. None are clear leaders so far ahead of an April 2019 primary election.
Kander was a popular representative of a Missouri House District that covered much of Brookside before winning a statewide office in 2012. He would have instant name recognition among the current field.
"People in Kansas City know Jason to be a hard worker with a lot of energy and a passion for service," said Jeremy LaFaver, a Kansas City Democrat who previously held the same seat in the Missouri House that Kander represented for four years. "If he decides to get in the race, I'd think he would likely be the early front runner."
Mayoral candidates reached by The Star on Thursday morning questioned Kander's intentions.
Scott Wagner, mayor pro tem who is running for mayor after two terms on the Kansas City Council, said he had no intentions of leaving the race after hearing the Kander news.
"Why would I?" Wagner said. "When I decided to run, I wasn't worried about who was going to be in the race. It was because I have a plan for the city."
Wagner hit on themes that will likely emerge in a mayoral race that includes Kander: Name identification and national profile are all well and good, but that's different from having fluency and vision for municipal government.
"The reality is that being mayor is not about being state rep, it's not about being a candidate for the Senate," Wagner said. "It's about how you fill potholes and pick up the trash."
Wagner faces term limits and cannot run for another term on the Kansas City Council. That also holds true for Scott Taylor and Jermaine Reed, both mayoral candidates.
Alissa Canady, a 5th District council member who two weeks ago announced a run for mayor, is in her first term and could run to keep her seat if she wished. That is also the case for Jolie Justus, a 4th District councilwoman running for mayor.
Canady said she had no intention of leaving the mayor's race.
"I stated why I am running," Canady said. "I think those things exist whether Kander gets in or not."
Canady said she was running to support basic services and social services like mental health care, rather than catering to developers and other powerful influences at City Hall.
Canady did point out, however, one implication of having a high-profile candidate like Kander in the race.
"I've got to raise more money," Canady said. "That's about it. I think as far as my message, that doesn't change."
Justus has been considered a top contender to succeed James, with whom she has had a good working relationship since she was elected to the city council in 2015. As a first-term councilwoman, she can stick with the mayor's race or could look to keep her council seat, where she's been a popular council member since leaving the Missouri Senate.
If Justus decided to run to keep her 4th District seat, that would affect a race that is filling up with candidates who had anticipated that Justus was running for mayor. Candidates in the 4th District include Jared Campbell, Geoffrey Jolley and Matt Staub.
"I am a huge Jason fan, but this seems like a move for the highest-profile office he thinks he can grab," Staub wrote on Twitter on Thursday morning. "He's not been a real presence in the KC community for awhile while other candidates have been focused on city issues for years. Not sure what to think of this."
Kander did not respond to a message seeking comment, and he has not formed an official campaign committee with the Missouri Ethics Commission.
"Just go out and make your argument and tell people why you believe what you believe." - Missouri 2016 U.S. Senate candidate Jason Kander speaks to Melinda Henneberger at the Democratic Party's "Winning Back the Heartland" seminar Oct. 13.
Kris Kobach announces candidacy for U.S. Senate
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Home/ News and Publications/ Arbitration Award Obtained in Favor of Film Production Company
Arbitration Award Obtained in Favor of Film Production Company
News | May 22, 2014
Bradley Boyer and Yasmin Coffey of the Los Angeles office recently represented the production company Morgan Creek International, Inc. in an Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) arbitration matter. In the arbitration, Morgan Creek claimed a Greek distributor breached an international distribution agreement in connection with a feature film. Kutak Rock obtained an award in favor of Morgan Creek in excess of $250,000, along with a declaration that all rights in the film at issue reverted to Morgan Creek.
Boyer is a partner in Kutak Rock’s Los Angeles office, where he focuses his practice on business litigation. A significant portion of his practice includes representing Hollywood personalities and assisting them in resolving and litigating various disputes. Boyer has represented production companies, actors, musicians, writers, managers, directors, producers, reporters, radio personalities, models and others. He has been involved in matters such as profit participation disputes, unauthorized use of name and likeness, copyright and trademark registration and disputes, defamation, production disputes, corporate restructuring, contract negotiation and revision and various others.
Coffey is a litigation associate in the firm’s Los Angeles office. She has experience in commercial, construction, real estate and securities litigation and arbitration.
Bradley P. Boyer
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1985 Porsche 928S Automatic
Model: Other
Trim: 928 S
Exterior Color: Guards Red
Stock Number: 2133482C
Guards Red with Black Leather interior and an Automatic transmission. Previously sold and serviced by Weissach, this 928 S is looking pretty sweet for a 28 year old! The 928 was envisioned by Porsche in the 70s as a new range which would be the best possible combination of a sports coupe and a luxury sedan. Something that was well equipped and comfortable enough to be easily driven over long distances and that also had the power, poise and handling prowess necessary to be driven like a sports car. The “ahead of its time” aluminum body 928 was introduced to the world in 1977 and were soon the flagship car for Porsche. Many of us will remember the 928 in the movie “Risky Business.” Porsche updated the North American 928 S for 1985, replacing the 4.7 L SOHC engine with a new 5.0 L DOHC unit sporting four valves per cylinder and producing 288 hp (215 kW/292 PS). Seats were also updated to a new style. These cars are sometimes unofficially called S3 to distinguish them from 16-valve ROW “S” models. 928 cars were built till 1995 albeit a handful of GT cars .
From 1983 through 1986, front and rear spoilers were present on “S” models, rear spoilers being integrated into the hatch. The car also features 16 x 7 928 S wheels and an Aftermarket Stereo upgrade with CD Player.
The gorgeous BC Car was sold originally in Vancouver by the Porsche dealer and it’s been in our family for over 18 years. We sold it last 11 years ago and has been serviced with us regularly since then. The last 8 years the car has been sparingly used. It’s had a fresh timing belt service and had a check over with a massive detail that really has transformed the cosmetics. We are delighted to offer it again for sale as it is ready for a new home.
Hard to believe but these cars were in excess of $160K when new! Priced sharply, here is an opportunity to enjoy style and power.
See an original Porsche 928 ad here: Porsche 928 Ad
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The Spread of Survival Spanish for Police Officers and Firefighters
From online Spanish courses in Illinois to mandatory classroom sessions in Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and California, police officers and firefighters in largely Spanish speaking areas are learning the second most widely spoken language in the US. Controversy arose when last month the Jackson Mississippi Police Department announced mandatory Spanish language classes four times a year as a condition of employment. Police Chief Lee Vance told Fox News Latino, “The purpose of this program is for our officers to learn basic commands. We’re not looking to make anybody fluent.”
The Department of Justice has been working towards the implementation of Language Access Plans in order to better deal with unexpected language barriers and minimize the potential for bad outcomes. Nearly 18% of the US population speaks a language other than English at home, and of that group, over 30% classified themselves as “limited English proficient” (LEP). There are federal laws obligating that police departments ensure that LEP people can access their services and a Language Access Plan would do that as well as save money in the long run. Although teachers, interpreters, and translators come at a cost, failing to accommodate LEP individuals can make the justice department vulnerable to civil suits with potentially more expensive consequences.
Dr. Sam Slick, president and CEO of Command Spanish, Inc. responded to criticism of legally enforced Spanish classes for cops and firefighters in Texas, saying, “We teach firefighters how to control fires and crowds and save people’s lives at a fire scene, but we don’t teach them fruits and vegetables,” Slick said. “We don’t teach [firemen] how to arrest people, because firemen don’t arrest people. We teach them only what they need to know.” Slick says that survival Spanish is a very important need and through a workplace specific curriculum those who are sworn to serve and protect can do so with greater ease.
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Disney Teases Four Songs from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
by Laughing Place Disney Newsdesk | Oct 10, 2017 10:15 AM Pacific Time
Tags: Disney Animation, Disney Music, Frozen, Olaf's Frozen Adventure
The soundtrack from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 21-minute featurette Olaf’s Frozen Adventure will be released by Walt Disney Records on November 3, 2017, ahead of the featurette, which opens in front of Coco in U.S. theaters on November 22, 2017. Olaf’s Frozen Adventure introduces four all-new original songs written by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson (“Between the Lines”), and a score by Christophe Beck, who was behind the score for Frozen
Emmy-winning filmmakers Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters said that the music helped shape the story in unexpected ways. “Music has always been a hallmark of Disney Animation, especially the world of ‘Frozen,’” said Deters. “So we’re thrilled to include four new songs to help tell our story.”
“Kate and Elyssa have such a sense of fun and enthusiasm,” added Wermers-Skelton. “The songs really capture the spirit of Olaf and his holiday endeavor.”
The featurette/soundtrack’s original songs include “Ring in the Season,” “The Battle of Flemmingrad,” “That Time of Year” and “When We’re Together. The soundtrack also includes “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” Score Suite by Beck, the traditional version of “The Ballad of Flemmingrad,” plus bonus tracks with instrumental/karaoke versions of each new song.
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Soundtrack Track List:
“Ring in the Season” – Performed by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel and Josh Gad
“The Ballad of Flemmingrad” – Performed by Jonathan Groff
“Ring in the Season” (Reprise) – Performed by Idina Menzel
“That Time of Year” – Performed by Josh Gad and Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell and Cast
“That Time of Year” (Reprise) – Performed by Josh Gad
“When We’re Together” – Performed by Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell and Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff
“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” Score Suite – Composed by Christophe Beck and Jeff Morrow
“The Ballad of Flemmingrad” (Traditional Version) – Performed by Jonathan Groff
“Ring in the Season” – [Instrumental Karaoke Mix]
“That Time of Year” – [InstrumentalKaraoke Mix]
“When We’re Together” – [Instrumental Karaoke Mix]
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure soundtrack will be released in physical and digital formats by Walt Disney Records on Nov. 3, 2017. The CD can be pre-ordered HERE. Audio snippets of 3 tracks can be heard here: “That Time of Year,” “When We’re Together” and “Ring In The Season.”
Review: “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure”
ABC to Air “Olaf’s Frozen…
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure Gets “As Told By…
Olaf Balloon to Appear in Macy’s Thanksgiving…
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Court of Appeal rejects Uber's worker status appeal
The Court of Appeal (“CA”) has upheld, by a 2:1 majority, the ruling of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) that drivers engaged by Uber are “workers” rather than independent contractors. The majority also upheld the finding of the Employment Tribunal (“ET”) that drivers are working when they are signed into the Uber app and ready to work.
In 2016, various drivers brought claims against Uber for the national minimum wage, holiday pay and detrimental treatment for whistleblowing. To succeed, the drivers had to be “workers” rather than independent contractors (as Uber argued).
A “worker” is either: (a) an employee (i.e. employed under a contract of employment); or (b) someone who works under a contract through which they undertake to perform work personally, for someone who is not by virtue of that contract their client or customer. In other words, workers agree to work personally and are not running their own business.
This definition has been considered in a series of “gig economy” cases, with Uber being one of the most high-profile. Gig economy businesses typically rely on technology such as apps and smartphones, with many of the people working for them paid for individual jobs or assignments.
Key facts of the case
People using Uber’s taxi service hail cabs via a smartphone app. Uber locates the nearest driver and informs them of the request and, once the booking is confirmed, the driver and passenger can contact one another through the app. A route is plotted by the app and at the end of the trip the fare is calculated by Uber, based on GPS data from the driver’s smartphone.
Uber’s terms (with both passengers and drivers) stated that it did not provide transportation services but acted as agent for third-party providers, i.e. the drivers. Uber contended that it was providing “lead-generation” opportunities for self-employed drivers. It did, however, impose certain requirements as to how the drivers provided the services. For instance, it would deactivate a driver’s access to the app if customer ratings fell below an acceptable level. It also told drivers they should log out of the app if they did not wish to carry passengers.
The ET and EAT decisions
The ET concluded the drivers were workers, finding that Uber was in the business of providing taxi services rather than generating leads for drivers to grow their own businesses. It took into account various factors, including the significant control Uber exercised over the drivers – such as disconnection if sufficient trips were not accepted, and action taken in relation to drivers who did not have sufficiently high customer ratings.
The ET concluded that drivers were engaged as workers for so long as they were in the territory in which they were authorised to work, signed into the Uber app and ready and willing to accept bookings.
Dismissing Uber’s appeal, the EAT agreed with the ET that drivers were in reality incorporated into the Uber business of providing transportation services, under arrangements which pointed away from their working in business on their own account in a direct contractual relationship with passengers each time they accepted a trip.
The EAT nonetheless expressed difficulty with the issue of at what times the drivers could be treated as Uber’s “workers”. They were clearly workers when they had accepted trips, but the EAT was less sure the same applied in between accepting assignments. This issue is important because it is relevant to a determination of the drivers’ “working time” and their entitlement to the national minimum wage.
Uber pursued a further appeal to the CA.
What has the Court of Appeal decided?
The two judges in the CA majority concluded that:
The ET was correct to find that the drivers were workers.
The drivers were workers at all times when they had the relevant app switched on.
On the first point, although the written contractual terms said that Uber only acted as an intermediary, this did not reflect the practical reality of the relationship. A court or tribunal can disregard the terms of any documents generated by the employer if they do not reflect the reality of what is occurring on the ground. The facts found by the ET were not consistent with Uber’s arguments. For example, the requirement to accept a high number of trips, the enforced logging-off of drivers who did not comply, and the way in which the ratings system operated as a performance/disciplinary procedure were all significant in showing Uber’s control of the drivers.
On the second point, the majority found this issue difficult (like the EAT) but decided the ET had been entitled to reach the conclusion it did. The judges relied in particular on the high level of trip acceptances required from drivers, and the penalty of being logged off if three consecutive requests were not accepted within a ten-second time frame. Doubt arose from the fact that a driver could have other rival apps switched on at the same time, in which case it was arguable that he/she was not at Uber’s disposal until having accepted a trip. Nonetheless, the majority upheld the ET’s decision on this point.
Dissenting judgment
The other judge (Lord Justice Underhill) disagreed with these conclusions. By analogy with minicab businesses, he said that the ET’s findings were not inconsistent with Uber’s position (as stated in the relevant written agreement) that it simply acted as an intermediary between drivers and customers. The terms of the agreement, which could not be disregarded by the ET, made it clear that the drivers were not Uber’s workers. An agreement needed to be inconsistent with the reality in order to be a sham, which was not the case here
If he was wrong about this, Underhill LJ said that in any case the drivers were only workers when they had accepted a trip. There was no obligation to accept a trip when offered, and the threat of being disconnected for a specified period if trips were rejected or cancelled did not mean drivers had a positive contractual obligation to accept a minimum number of trips offered. He was troubled by the possibility that a driver could have multiple apps open simultaneously - was he/she then entitled to a minimum wage from all the app providers?
The CA’s decision in this case has been eagerly awaited by HR and employment practitioners seeking guidance on how the test for “worker” status properly applies in gig economy businesses. Like other recent status cases, however, the judgment is very fact-specific. Other cases concerning people working for gig economy businesses – and even in other taxi firms – will not necessarily be decided in the same way. The majority relied on the ET’s specific findings of fact on how the relationship between Uber and the drivers operated in practice to justify setting aside the terms of the written agreements between the parties.
It is worth noting that there was no suggestion in this case that drivers could be replaced by a substitute. “Personal service” is one of the necessary elements of the test for worker status. As shown by the claims involving Deliveroo, a genuine right to appoint a substitute which is actually used in practice can mean that an individual is not a worker.
The majority judgment emphasises that written terms cannot be used to avoid statutory protection of workers, especially where the relevant terms are standard and non-negotiable and the parties are in an unequal bargaining position. All of the circumstances must be examined, and Tribunals should take a “realistic and worldly-wise”, “sensible and robust”approach to the determination of what the true position is. Underhill LJ is more cautious on this issue, saying that agreements should only be disregarded by the courts if they are a false portrayal of the relationship between the parties, rather than simply disadvantageous to one of the parties who lacks bargaining power.
The CA has given Uber permission to appeal to the Supreme Court (“SC”). The disagreement between the CA judges suggests that there are still arguments to be had in this case, and the result is not a foregone conclusion. This could also provide a useful opportunity for the SC to provide clarity on the circumstances in which ETs are entitled to disregard contractual provisions.
The Government’s Good Work Plan in response to the Taylor Review is looking at legislation to improve the clarity of the employment status tests, although there are no specific proposals at present. Underhill LJ spends some time at the end of his dissenting judgment discussing the protection of those who provide personal services through internet platforms, stating his view that it is for legislation rather than the courts to address these policy issues. It will be interesting to see whether the SC takes a similar view.
Uber BV v Aslam and others - judgment available here
Employment issues in Technology
Hazel Oliver
Managing Practice Development Lawyer
As a Managing Practice Development Lawyer and Consultant Trainer, I work as part of our client training service, coordinating client ...
hazel.oliver@lewissilkin.com
Richard Lister
I am part of a team of practice development lawyers which supports the work of Lewis Silkin's employment practice in different ways. A ...
richard.lister@lewissilkin.com
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Not for Long: The Life and Career of the NFL Athlete (Hardcover)
By Robert W. Turner II
(Sports and Fitness)
The NFL is the most popular professional sports league in the United States. Its athletes receive multimillion-dollar contracts and almost endless media attention. The league's most important game, the Super Bowl, is practically a national holiday. Making it to the NFL, however, is not about the promised land of fame and fortune. Robert W. Turner II draws on his personal experience as a former professional football player as well as interviews with more than 140 current and former NFL players to reveal what it means to be an athlete in the NFL and explain why so many players struggle with life after football.
Without guaranteed contracts, the majority of players are forced out of the league after a few seasons. Over three-quarters of retirees experience bankruptcy or financial ruin, two-thirds live with chronic pain, and too many find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Robert W. Turner II argues that the fall from grace of so many players is no accident. The NFL, he contends, powerfully determines their experiences in and out of the league. The labor agreement provides little job security and few health and retirement benefits, and the owners refuse to share power with the players, making change difficult. And the process of becoming an elite football player--from high school to college and through the pros--leaves athletes with few marketable skills and little preparation for their first Sunday off the field.
With compassion and objectivity, Not for Long reveals the life and mind of high school, college, and NFL athletes, shedding light on what might best help players transition successfully out of the sport.
Robert W. Turner II earned his Ph.D. in sociology at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He is Assistant Professor of Clinical Research and Leadership at George Washington University. Dr. Turner played football professionally in the now defunct United States Football League, the Canadian Football League, and briefly in the National Football League.
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Publication Date: August 3rd, 2018
Ethnic Studies - African American Studies
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Back Henry James, “Miss Gunton of Poughkeepsie” Print
Story of the Week April 14, 2017
Henry James, “Miss Gunton of Poughkeepsie”
Henry James (1843–1916)
From Henry James: Complete Stories 1898–1910
Detail from On the Threshold (of a Proposal), 1900, oil on canvas by English painter Edmund Blair Leighton (1852–1922). (Wikimedia Commons)
Born 174 years ago, on April 15, 1843, Henry James was the author of 20 novels, 112 stories, and too many other books, essays, and reviews to even begin to count.
At the dawn of the twentieth century, he published the comic story “Miss Gunton of Poughkeepsie.” About an American woman who tests the love of the Italian prince who courts her, the story packs in just fourteen pages a veritable checklist of the conflicts that dominate James’s fiction: between America and Europe, women and men, the young and the old, brashness and stodginess, democracy and nobility, capitalists and aristocrats, modernity and tradition. It also is one of several stories by James featuring a young American woman testing the limits of her freedom and individuality in Europe—even when, as is the case with Lily Gunton, she’s mostly there to find a husband.
Read “Miss Gunton of Poughkeepsie” by Henry James
Story of the Week: Theodora Bosanquet, “Henry James at Work”
Lightness v. pungency: Michael Gorra on Henry James’s two versions of The Portrait of a Lady
Henry James, Theodore Roosevelt, and the search for “Americanism”
Related Writers: Henry James
Related Volumes: The Complete Stories of Henry James (five volumes) Henry James: Complete Stories 1898–1910
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Home>Research>Former Research Groups>Weih/Haenold>Projects
NF-κB-Induced Autoimmunity as Reason for Inflammatory Aging
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are important for t-cells to develop a self-tolerance. As of now, it was assumed that only the alternative NF-κB signaling pathway is necessary to generate these cells. However, the group's research with mice showed that for this important molecular mechanism both pathways are needed: they have to intercommunicate to create mTEC cells. If this communication is somehow disturbed, mice develop an autoimmunity characterized by a chronic hepatitis. The group hypothesized that autoimmunity is a relevant trigger for so-called inflammatory aging in mice.
Immune Cells in Brain
In cooperation projects with neurobiologists, the group wanted to elucidate the reasons for autoimmune inflammatory processes in the nervous system (neuroinflammation). The scientists could show that several types of myeloid cells display a high expression of RelB, a transcription factor activated by the alternative signaling pathway of NF-κB. Among these cells are microglia cells, the “immune cells of brain”. With new genetic tools, the group was able to switch off RelB in myeloid dendritic and microglia cells. By this, they could analyze the role of the alternative NF-κB signaling pathway for neuroinflammation.
The Aging Brain
Further, the group layed a strong research focus on neuro-immunological studies of NF-κB’s role in the injured and aged brain. Both NF-κB signaling pathways have important regulatory functions in nerve and glial cells. Together with researchers from Heidelberg, the group's scientists could show that after stroke the activation of the classical NF-κB signaling pathway in mice leads to loss of nerve cells. Moreover, injured nerve cells can regenerate worse if NF-κB-subunit RelA is active (activated by the classical NF-κB signaling pathway). In contrast, subunit p50 (activated classically as well) is essential for the survival and the regeneration of injured nerve fibers. The group aimed at elucidating how the manipulation of RelA and p50 affect the brain’s plasticity – a research project granted by Swizz Velux Foundation. Eventually, they wanted to come up with findings that help to improve the brain functionality in older age and to slow down degeneration processes like senile dementia.
Ronny Hänold
Senior Scientist in Englert Lab
ronny.haenold@leibniz-fli.de
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Charita Goshay: Different disasters, different responses
Charita Goshay
Watching as the Southern California wildfires drive more than 1 million people from their homes, it’s hard not to think of the mess that remains in New Orleans.
What a difference a disaster makes.
As clowns entertain children and masseurs and deejays offer their services at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, fire evacuees are telling reporters that they have more food and water than they need. All the toilets work, and even pets have their own shelter.
No corpses in wheelchairs this time.
Stung by FEMA’s colossal incompetence and mismanagement in the Gulf, President Bush has responded with the zeal of a convert. His decisiveness, and an early warning system, have helped to avert what could have been an unmitigated loss of life.
Is Bush’s newfound decisiveness a matter of compassionate conservatism, or just good politics? Well, both. California is a Big Kahuna, politically and economically. A disaster of such scale is always rife with political overtones, which is why Kathleen Blanco no longer is governor of Louisiana.
The re-election of Ray Nagin -- courtesy of his playing the race card – is part of the reason why New Orleans, unlike some other parts of the Gulf, remains in a ditch.
But let’s not be naive. Even in disaster, cash, class, and yes, even race, influences how people are treated. In San Diego County, 66 percent of its 520,000 residents are white, and one in four households earns more than $100,000 a year. In New Orleans, 72 percent of its 500,000 residents are minorities, with more than 50 percent earning less than $30,000 a year.
If you think those numbers don’t matter, you’re kidding yourself.
Equally Deserving
Locally, when a tornado pancaked a neighborhood in Jackson Township, a home-improvement retailer dispatched trucks bearing building supplies, and armies of volunteers, including high school football players and Amish roofers, pitched in to make repairs and clear debris. Even Gov. Bob Taft made a guest appearance.
But a year later, when the Nimishillen Creek vaulted its banks, flooding the Cook Park neighborhood in northeast Canton, there were no retail convoys, no army of volunteers, no Taft. The residents, many elderly, almost all poor, were left more or less to fend for themselves. Some never fully recovered.
All were Stark Countians, equally deserving of help. Why such a difference?
That’s not to diminish this current disaster, which is monstrous. Thousands of people have lost everything, and at least seven are dead. Most are middle-class families who worked hard for what they have. However, the disparity in how people are treated speaks to how much work there is to be done.
Reach Canton Repository Writer Charita M. Goshay at (330) 580-8313 or e-mail:
charita.goshay@cantonrep.com
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Preston and Chorley hospitals' Chair leaving for new job in Liverpool
The trust which runs the Royal Preston will soon start the search for a new Chair
Published: 15:58 Monday 24 June 2019
The Chair of the trust which runs the Royal Preston and Chorley and South Ribble hospitals is to step down at the end of the summer to take up a new job on Merseyside.
Sue Musson will next week become interim chair of the embryonic Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the organisation formed from the planned merger of two trusts in Liverpool. But she will also continue in her role at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals (LTH) until September.
Speaking about her departure, Ms Musson said it had been “a privilege” to serve as LTH chair and added that overseeing a merger was the only thing which could have “tempted” her away from her current position. She arrived at the Trust in January 2017 and her term was due to last until Januray 2020.
Ms. Musson will still be in post at LTH during a forthcoming inspection by regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in August. The last time the Trust was inspected twelve months ago, it was rated as “requires improvement” – for the third time in four years.
Two other executive board members are also set to make long-planned departures over the summer, with deputy chief executive Paul Havey and director of nursing and midwifery Gail Naylor both retiring.
A source within the Trust has told the local democracy reporting service that their “mind boggles” that the changes are being made within weeks of the next CQC inspection.
“It’s an extraordinary time for these departures when one of the questions the CQC will be asking is whether the trust is ‘well-led’. You just wouldn’t do it within a few weeks of an inspection,” the source said.
“In fairness, there have been some improvements at the Trust and you can see that a concerted effort has been made to make things better.
“But the outcome of the latest inspection will probably determine the futures of others.”
Ms. Naylor’s replacement – her current deputy, Sarah Cullen – has been shadowing her boss for the past six months ahead of her imminent departure.
The new deputy chief executive, Jonathan Wood – currently holding an equivalent post at East Lancashire Hospitals Trust – will arrive at LTH in August in time for a handover period with Paul Havey before he leaves.
A separate source at the Trust described the arrangements as representing the “gold standard for continuity” which the CQC will be looking for.
The local democracy reporting service has also been told that some of the Trust’s governors - elected to represent the interests of the local community - had privately expressed “a loss of confidence” in Ms. Musson, following the introduction of controversial changes to the car parking system at the two hospitals late last year.
The bravery and courage of youngsters with life limiting conditions were honoured at Rainbow House's annual awards
At the time, it was reported that there was a “mutinous” atmosphere amongst governors over how the introduction of the new system – which was dogged with teething troubles – had been handled.
However, Karen Partington, LTH chief executive, paid tribute to the work which Ms. Musson had done during her tenure at the Trust.
“Sue has been an extremely valuable member of the Board and will be greatly missed. Over the past two and a half years, she has demonstrated her wealth of knowledge and her passion for the NHS, our patients and our staff and we want to thank her for all that she has done during her time with us.”
Ms. Musson, who came to LTH from Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, said she was looking forward to her new job in Liverpool – and thanked her colleagues in Lancashire for their support.
“It has been an enormous privilege to serve as chair of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for the past two and a half years, and I am very grateful to have held this role.
“Being offered the opportunity to deliver the planned merger of two major Trusts was the only opportunity that could have tempted me away from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.
“Whoever succeeds me as Chair will be very fortunate to work with our exceptionally talented and caring staff and a fantastic Board and Council of Governors. I thank them all for their support and wish them the very best for the future,” Ms. Musson added.
A recruitment process is set to begin for a new chair at LTH, but if nobody has been appointed by the time of Ms. Musson’s departure in on 1st September, deputy chair Tim Watkinson will take over on an interim basis.
‘STAFF ARE KEEPING TRUST AFLOAT’
Chorley MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle, an arch critic of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals over the uncertain future of the town’s Accident and Emergency department, said he hoped a new chair would “get a grip” of the issues which the Trust faces.
“I’m very concerned that people who have been overseeing the way the Trust has been operating are now leaving the ship,” Sir Lindsay said.
“It’s the loyal staff, as ever, who are keeping things afloat.
“You see this merry-go-round of appointments within the NHS, where senior people move from one trust to another – meaning new people cannot find a way in,” he added.
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Hit-and-Run Driver Kills Man on 405 Freeway in Carson Sunday
A 31-year-old man was struck and killed on the right shoulder of the 405 Freeway in Carson early Sunday.
The accident happened just before 2:30 a.m. The victim, 31-year-old Buena Park resident William Sulpacio, had parked his disabled car, a black BMW, on the right shoulder, near the Wilmington Ave. exit. He exited his car and was possibly checking on a mechanical problem when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver, then possibly two other vehicles. According to California Highway Patrol officer Sergeant Tim Hall, the first driver who hit Sulpacio fled the scene. The driver of only one of the vehicles which subsequently hit him remained at the scene of the accident.
CHP investigators combed the scene looking for evidence and debris from the hit-and-run driver's car. The South Los Angeles CHP Office is asking for the public's help in identifying the driver of the hit-and-run vehicle. A witness informed the CHP that the fleeing car appeared to be a white or tan older model Ford sedan, with major damage to its right side. There may be black paint transfered to its right side.
Sulpacio was coming home from a post-Thanksgiving party when he was struck and killed.
It is not known if drugs or alcohol played a part in the accident.
If you or a loved one has suffered injury or death as the result of a hit-and-run accident or a freeway accident, you should speak with a personal injury attorney to find out about your rights. Even if the hit-and-run vehicle is never identified, you can make an injury claim under your own auto insurance if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Read more about hit-and-run accidents here.
McGee, Lerer & Associates is a Long Beach personal injury law firm. Our lawyers handle only personal injury cases and specialize in serious injury and death accidents. A lawyer at our firm is available 24/7 for a free consultation. Contact us for an evaluation of your case.
Freeway accident
Hit-and-run accident
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McDonalds Nutrition Chart, Calories in Mcdonalds McCafe Coffees
We provide McDonalds nutrition chart for the McDonalds McCafe Coffees, along with Shakes and Frappe's to help you balance your McDonald's meal with other foods you eat. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make sensible decisions about balance, variety and moderation in your diet.
If you look carefully through the chart, you'll notice that Frappe's and drinks using whole milk are especially high in calories. If you are on a calorie controlled diet, you should consider other more nutritious ideas to replace drinks with high calories. Consider a coffee with either no milk or non-fat. Even better have just water. Then replace those calories with healthy fruit or vegetables.
McCafe Coffees - Nonfat Milk
McCafe Coffees - Whole Milk
McCafe Frappes
McCafe Smoothies
McDonalds Nutrition Facts
McDonalds Nutritional Information for Happy Meals
McDonalds Nutrition Information for Mighty Kids Meals
McDonalds Nutrition Chart for McCafe Coffees
McDonalds Nutrition Chart % Daily Value
McDonalds Nutrition Chart: McCafe Coffees - Nonfat Milk
Iced Mocha with Nonfat Milk (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 240 45 5 8 3 16 0 20 7 125 5 41 14 1 4 35 8 10 0 25 4
Iced Mocha with Nonfat Milk (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 290 45 5 8 3.5 17 0 20 7 150 6 50 17 1 5 43 10 15 0 30 6
Iced Mocha with Nonfat Milk (Large)§ 22 fl oz cup 390 50 6 9 3.5 18 0 25 8 220 9 71 24 2 8 62 14 20 0 45 8
Mocha with Nonfat Milk (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 270 30 3.5 5 2 11 0 15 5 150 6 49 16 2 6 43 11 10 0 35 6
Mocha with Nonfat Milk (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 330 30 3.5 6 2 11 0 15 5 190 8 60 20 2 8 53 13 15 0 40 6
Mocha with Nonfat Milk (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 390 35 4 6 2.5 12 0 20 6 240 10 73 24 2 10 64 17 20 0 50 8
Nonfat Caramel Mocha (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 250 30 3.5 5 2 10 0 15 5 170 7 45 15 1 3 41 10 10 0 35 2
Nonfat Caramel Mocha (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 310 30 3.5 5 2 11 0 15 5 210 9 56 19 1 4 51 13 15 0 40 2
Nonfat Caramel Mocha (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 370 35 3.5 6 2.5 11 0 20 6 270 11 67 22 1 5 61 17 20 0 50 4
Nonfat Latte (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 110 5 15 5 1 3 13 10 10 0 30 0
Nonfat Latte (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 130 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 135 6 19 6 1 4 16 12 15 0 40 0
Nonfat Latte (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 170 0 0.5 1 0 0 0 10 3 180 7 25 8 1 6 21 16 15 0 50 2
Nonfat Caramel Latte (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 110 5 41 14 1 3 39 10 10 0 30 0
Nonfat Caramel Latte (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 135 6 51 17 1 4 48 12 15 0 40 0
Nonfat Caramel Latte (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 310 0 0.5 1 0 0 0 10 3 180 7 63 21 1 6 59 16 15 0 50 2
Nonfat Hazelnut Latte (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 110 5 40 13 1 3 38 10 10 0 30 0
Nonfat Hazelnut Latte (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 135 6 51 17 1 4 48 12 15 0 40 0
Nonfat Hazelnut Latte (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 310 0 0.5 1 0 0 0 10 3 180 7 63 21 1 6 59 16 15 0 50 2
Nonfat French Vanilla Latte (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 190 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 115 5 39 13 1 3 37 10 10 0 30 0
Nonfat French Vanilla Latte (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 240 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 140 6 49 16 1 4 46 12 15 0 40 2
Nonfat French Vanilla Latte (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 300 0 0.5 0 1 0 0 10 3 180 8 60 20 1 6 56 16 15 0 50 2
Nonfat Latte with Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 140 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 150 6 24 8 1 4 13 10 10 0 30 0
Nonfat Latte with Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 170 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 180 8 30 10 1 5 16 12 15 0 40 0
Nonfat Latte with Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 220 0 0.5 1 0 0 0 10 3 240 10 38 13 2 7 21 16 15 0 50 2
Hot Chocolate with Nonfat Milk (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 280 30 3.5 5 2 11 0 15 5 180 7 50 17 1 3 46 12 15 0 40 6
Hot Chocolate with Nonfat Milk (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 340 30 3.5 5 2 11 0 15 6 220 9 61 20 1 4 57 14 20 0 50 6
Hot Chocolate with Nonfat Milk (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 400 35 3.5 6 2.5 12 0 20 7 280 12 74 25 1 5 69 19 25 0 60 8
McCafé Caramel Hot Chocolate with Nonfat Milk(Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 260 30 3.5 5 2 10 0 15 5 200 8 46 15 0 0 44 11 15 0 40 2
McCafé Caramel Hot Chocolate with Nonfat Milk(Medium)§ 12 fl oz cup 310 30 3.5 5 2 11 0 20 6 240 10 57 19 0 0 54 14 20 0 50 2
McCafé Caramel Hot Chocolate with Nonfat Milk(Large)§ 12 fl oz cup 380 30 3.5 6 2.5 11 0 20 7 300 13 68 23 0 0 66 18 25 0 60 4
Iced Nonfat Caramel Mocha (Small)§ 16 fl oz cup 230 45 5 8 3 16 0 20 7 140 6 38 13 0 0 33 8 10 0 25 2
Iced Nonfat Caramel Mocha (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 270 45 5 8 3 16 0 20 7 170 7 47 16 1 2 41 10 15 0 30 2
Iced Nonfat Caramel Mocha (Large)§ 22 fl oz cup 370 50 6 8 3.5 17 0 25 8 250 10 65 22 1 3 59 14 20 0 45 4
McDonalds Nutrition Chart: McCafe Coffees - Whole Milk
Mocha (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 340 100 11 18 7 34 0 35 12 150 6 49 16 2 6 42 10 10 0 30 6
Mocha (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 410 120 14 21 8 40 0 40 14 190 8 60 20 2 8 53 13 10 0 40 6
Mocha (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 500 150 17 26 10 49 0.5 50 17 240 10 72 24 2 10 63 16 15 0 50 8
Caramel Mocha (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 320 100 11 17 7 33 0 35 12 170 7 45 15 1 3 40 10 10 0 30 2
Caramel Mocha (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 390 120 14 21 8 40 0.5 40 14 220 9 55 18 1 4 50 12 15 0 40 2
Caramel Mocha (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 480 150 17 26 10 49 0.5 50 17 270 11 66 22 1 5 60 16 15 0 50 4
Latte (Small) § 12 fl oz cup 170 80 9 13 5 24 0 25 9 115 5 15 5 1 3 12 9 8 0 30 0
Latte (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 210 90 10 16 6 30 0 30 11 140 6 18 6 1 4 15 11 10 0 35 0
Latte (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 280 120 14 21 8 39 0 40 14 180 8 24 8 1 6 20 15 15 0 50 2
Caramel Latte (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 270 80 9 13 5 24 0 25 9 115 5 40 13 1 3 38 9 8 0 30 0
Caramel Latte (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 340 90 10 16 6 30 0 30 11 140 6 50 17 1 4 48 11 10 0 35 0
Caramel Latte (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 430 120 14 21 8 39 0 40 14 180 8 62 21 1 6 59 15 15 0 50 2
Hazelnut Latte (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 270 80 9 13 5 24 0 25 9 115 5 40 13 1 3 38 9 8 0 30 0
Hazelnut Latte (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 330 90 10 16 6 30 0 30 11 140 6 50 17 1 4 47 11 10 0 35 0
Hazelnut Latte (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 430 120 14 21 8 39 0 40 14 180 8 62 21 1 6 58 15 15 0 50 2
Vanilla Latte (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 260 80 9 13 5 24 0 25 9 115 5 38 13 1 3 36 9 8 0 30 0
Vanilla Latte (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 330 90 10 16 6 30 0 30 11 140 6 48 16 1 4 45 11 10 0 35 2
Vanilla Latte (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 420 120 14 21 8 39 0 40 14 190 8 60 20 1 6 56 15 15 0 50 2
Latte with Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 210 80 9 13 5 24 0 25 9 150 6 24 8 1 4 12 9 8 0 30 0
Latte with Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 260 90 10 16 6 30 0 30 11 190 8 29 10 1 5 15 12 10 0 35 0
Latte with Sugar Free French Vanilla Syrup (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 330 120 14 21 8 39 0 40 14 240 10 37 12 2 7 20 15 15 0 50 2
Hot Chocolate (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 360 120 13 21 8 39 0 40 14 180 8 50 17 1 3 45 11 10 0 40 6
Hot Chocolate (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 440 140 16 25 9 47 0.5 50 16 220 9 61 20 1 4 56 14 15 0 45 6
Hot Chocolate (Large)§ 20 fl oz cup 540 180 20 31 12 58 0.5 60 20 280 12 73 24 1 5 68 17 20 0 60 8
Iced Mocha (Small)§ N/A 290 100 11 17 7 33 0 35 12 125 5 41 14 1 4 34 8 10 0 25 4
Iced Mocha (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 350 110 13 19 8 38 0 40 13 150 6 50 17 1 5 43 9 10 0 30 6
Iced Mocha (Large)§ 22 fl oz cup 480 150 16 25 10 49 0.5 50 17 220 9 70 23 2 8 62 14 15 0 40 8
Iced Caramel Mocha (Small)§ N/A 280 100 11 17 7 33 0 35 12 140 6 38 13 0 0 33 8 10 0 25 2
Iced Caramel Mocha (Medium)§ 16 fl oz cup 340 110 13 19 7 37 0 40 13 170 7 46 15 1 2 41 9 10 0 30 2
Iced Caramel Mocha (Large)§ 22 fl oz cup 460 150 16 25 10 48 0.5 50 17 250 10 65 22 1 3 59 13 15 0 40 4
McDonalds Nutrition Chart: McCafe Frappes
Frappe Mocha (Small) 12 fl oz cup 450 160 18 28 12 59 1 65 21 125 5 65 22 1 3 57 7 15 0 20 4
Frappe Mocha (Medium) 16 fl oz cup 550 200 22 34 14 71 1 75 25 160 7 80 27 1 4 71 9 15 0 25 4
Frappe Mocha (Large) 22 fl oz cup 670 240 26 41 17 85 1 90 30 190 8 98 33 1 4 88 11 20 0 35 4
Frappe Caramel (Small) 12 fl oz cup 450 170 19 29 12 60 1 65 22 125 5 64 21 0 0 57 7 15 0 25 2
Frappe Caramel (Medium) 16 fl oz cup 550 200 23 35 15 73 1 80 27 160 7 79 26 0 0 71 9 20 0 30 2
Frappe Caramel (Large) 22 fl oz cup 670 250 27 42 17 87 1.5 95 32 190 8 96 32 0 0 88 11 20 0 35 2
Frappe Chocolate Chip (Small) 12 fl oz cup 530 200 23 35 14 72 1 65 22 135 6 76 25 1 5 67 8 15 0 25 4
Frappe Chocolate Chip (Medium) 16 fl oz cup 630 240 26 41 17 85 1 80 26 160 7 91 30 1 5 81 9 15 0 30 4
Frappe Chocolate Chip (Large) 22 fl oz cup 760 280 31 48 20 101 1.5 95 32 200 8 111 37 1 5 99 12 20 0 35 6
Frappe Chocolate Covered Strawberry (Medium) 16 fl oz cup 690 230 26 40 17 83 1 75 26 160 7 107 36 2 7 98 10 15 0 30 6
Frappe Chocolate Covered Strawberry (Large) 22 fl oz cup 830 270 30 47 19 97 1.5 90 31 200 8 133 44 2 8 122 12 20 0 35 8
McDonalds Nutrition Chart: McCafe Smoothies
Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 220 5 0.5 1 0 0 0 5 1 40 2 50 17 3 12 44 2 0 2 6 2
Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie (Medium) 16 fl oz cup 260 5 1 1 0 0 0 5 1 50 2 62 21 4 15 54 3 0 4 8 2
Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie (Large) 22 fl oz cup 340 10 1 2 0.5 3 0 5 2 65 3 79 26 5 19 70 4 0 4 10 2
Strawberry Banana Smoothie (Small)§ 12 fl oz cup 210 5 0.5 1 0 0 0 5 1 50 2 47 16 3 10 44 3 0 30 8 2
Strawberry Banana Smoothie (Medium) 16 fl oz cup (428 g) 250 5 1 1 0 0 0 5 1 60 2 58 19 3 13 54 4 0 35 8 4
Strawberry Banana Smoothie (Large) 22 fl oz cup 330 10 1 2 0.5 3 0 5 2 80 3 74 25 4 16 70 5 0 45 10 4
Mango Pineapple Smoothie (Small)§** 12 fl oz cup 220 10 1 2 0.5 3 0 5 1 45 2 49 16 2 9 47 3 35 30 8 2
Mango Pineapple Smoothie (Medium)§** 16 fl oz 270 10 1 2 1 4 0 5 1 55 2 61 20 3 11 58 3 45 35 8 2
Mango Pineapple Smoothie (Large)§** 22 fl oz cup 340 15 1.5 2 1 6 0 5 2 70 3 78 26 4 14 74 5 50 45 10 2
Note: Nutrient contributions from individual components may not equal the total due to federal rounding regulations. Percent Daily Values (DV) and RDIs are based on unrounded values.
This list is effective 04-22-2014.
* Contains less than 2% of the Daily Value of these nutrients
† Available at participating McDonald's
+ Based on the weight before cooking 4 oz. (113.4g)
++ Based on the weight before cooking 8 oz. (226.8g)
++ Based on the weight before cooking 5.33 oz. (151.1g)
§ The values represent the sodium derived from ingredients plus water. Sodium content of the water is based on the value listed for municipal water in the USDA National Nutrient Database. The actual amount of sodium may be higher or lower depending upon the sodium content of the water where the beverage is dispensed.
** Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The nutrition information on this website is derived from testing conducted in accredited laboratories, published resources, or from information provided from McDonald's suppliers. The nutrition information is based on standard product formulations and serving sizes. All nutrition information is based on average values for ingredients from McDonald's suppliers throughout the U.S. and is rounded to meet current US FDA NLEA guidelines. Variation in serving sizes, preparation techniques, product testing and sources of supply, as well as regional and seasonal differences may affect the nutrition values for each product. In addition, product formulations change periodically. You should expect some variation in the nutrient content of the products purchased in our restaurants. None of our products is certified as vegetarian. This information is correct as of January 2007, unless stated otherwise.
SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener is the registered trademark of McNeil Nutritionals, LLC
EQUAL® 0 Calorie Sweetener is a registered trademark of Merisant Company
Source: www.mcdonalds.com
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Majorca signs up to Smart Borders
2015-03-17 00:00:00 By Humphrey Carter
On the eve of the new fast track airport security system coming in to operation at Palma airport, the government has signed up to the EU’s Smart border project.Spanish Interior Minister, Francisco Martínez, was in Palma yesterday to sign the agreement with the Balearic government and also explained what the thinking is behind the smart border programme.
Devised by the European Commission, the idea is to use new technologies to simplify life for foreigners frequently travelling to the EU and to better monitor third-country nationals crossing the borders.
Enabling smooth and fast border crossing for travellers, while ensuring an adequate level of security, is a challenge for many member states.
Every year more than 700 million EU citizens and third country nationals cross the EU’s external borders. This number is expected to rise significantly in the future. By 2030 the number of people at European airports could increase by 80%, which will result in longer delays and queues for travellers if border checking procedures are not modernised in time.
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VisitBritain criticises the Government after budget cut
By Marketing Week 25 Oct 2007 9:25 am
VisitBritain has slammed the Government after it ignored the national tourism agency’s plea for more funds to launch a £20m global TV campaign and instead slashed its budget for the next three years.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is reducing Visit Britain’s subsidy from £49.6m to £47.6m for next year. This will be followed by further cuts to £45.1m in 2009 and £40.6m in 2010.
Chairman of Visit Britain Christopher Rodrigues expressed “real disappointment” at the decision, particularly as it follows ten years of static funding and what he claims was the most challenging summer for tourism since 2001.
Rodrigues says: “Global tourism is increasingly competitive and the tourism industry will have to fight hard if Britain is to retain its place in the global tourism league.”
He adds that VisitBritain’s marketing partnerships with the travel industry and regions will have to be more efficient to plug the gap the cuts have created.
The tourism board asked the government to provide financial support to fund its marketing plans and promote the brand as a tourism destination last week (MW October 18). The last time it launched a global TV campaign was five years ago with its £40m “Only in Britain. Only in 2002” advertising push.
News Consumer Goods Travel & Leisure
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The High Price of BASE Jumping the World Trade Center
The three friends who leapt from the Freedom Tower may find themselves behind bars.
Jimmy sprinted for the edge and went airborne. As he dropped, the illuminated tower raced along at his feet as if he were surfing on a ribbon of lights. He deployed his chute. For a flash, he could see Andrew drifting alongside him. Andrew felt a completeness he’d never experienced before. More than a thrill, jumping the Freedom Tower felt like the most American quest of all. “That’s the greatest thing about our country,” he says. “You can pursue your dreams, even if they are illegal.”
"Turn on the tv.”
It was Monday morning, mere hours after the jump, and Andrew was telling his mom, who lived with him, to check out the news. “At 3:07 this morning, two individuals apparently parachuted to the front of the Goldman Sachs building,” Police Commissioner Ray Kelly told the press. Security cameras had captured their descent but not their launch point.
“We’re not 100 percent sure of the location, if they came out of an aircraft,” Kelly went on, “but they were seen walking away with the parachutes. What they came out of, we don’t know. They were wearing black suits and helmets, and they are believed to be men.”
Andrew’s mother already knew her son was one of them. He had not only spoken about jumping from the tower for years, but he’d also told her he’d succeeded when he’d returned home a few hours before. “We just sat around the kitchen giggling,” she recalls. She had long since stopped trying to talk her son out of his pastime because she knew he wouldn’t listen to her anyway. And because she had come to think it was pretty cool.
There are plenty of ways to jump off a building. But for Andrew Rossig, there was only one way to do it from the top of One World Trade Center.
Backflip.
It was 3 a.m. on September 30, 2013. Andrew, a wiry 33-year-old carpenter with dark curly hair, puffed a Camel as he gazed 105 stories down from the roof. Lower Manhattan sparkled in a blanket of darkness far below.
“Thank the fucking dear Lord that we made it here this far,” he told the two guys standing beside him. “He’s going to watch out for us. He likes drunks and stupid people.”
Everything felt so peaceful up there, the air quiet and cool. As he leaned over the edge, Andrew could see that the West Side Highway barely had any cars. The Hudson River, to the left, flowed in a long ribbon of black. The tip of the Empire State Building glowed uptown. Andrew had waited a lifetime for this moment, and now all he had to do was jump.
He and his buddies—32-year-old ironworker Jimmy Brady and 27-year-old skydiving instructor Marko Markovich—are BASE jumpers. Nicknamed for the four types of platform from which to hurl oneself—building, antenna, span, and Earth—the sport is known as the world’s deadliest for a reason. Adventure doesn’t get more extreme than this. Compared to skydiving, BASE jumping gives you way less time to properly deploy a parachute, and there’s also the risk of smashing against the object you’re jumping from on the way down. No wonder the sport has its own online database of fatalities and is banned in most parks and cities.
“Certain people are designed in certain ways,” says BASE-jumping legend Jeb Corliss, “and there’s a small group of people who just want to fly.”
Andrew, Jimmy, and Marko thrived in this outlaw underworld. They had logged more than 1,000 jumps among them. But on this autumn night, they had chosen the riskiest BASE of all, and not just because it was 1,776 feet high. They were about to plunge from the Freedom Tower—not yet completed but standing in the shadow of the two buildings destroyed, and 2,753 lives lost, on 9/11—a structure Jimmy himself had been working on for the past decade and had always imagined jumping off.
“It was a dream from day one,” he says.
Now the three friends had to survive not only the fall but also the punishment potentially to follow for having snuck into the biggest terrorist target in America. But at the moment Andrew, who spent his days building movie sets in Manhattan, wasn’t worried about any of that. He was finally living his ultimate fantasy.
The time had come to begin the countdown: “Three, two, one.” And then he flew backward into the night. Andrew wanted to jump off the World Trade Center long before the Twin Towers fell.
“I saw those buildings,” he says, “and it pushed me to be a BASE jumper.” A scrappy only child from Warwick, New York, he’d been a thrill seeker since he was a baby, his mother, Linda, recalls—flipping himself over his crib rail and bounding off his bike as it careened down the driveway.
“Amazingly, he’s never been hurt,” she says.
He had been skydiving since he was 18 but craved a greater thrill—and there seemed to be no greater rush than leaping from the WTC. He wouldn’t be the first to do it. In 1975, a World Trade Center construction worker, Owen Quinn, hit national fame when he parachuted off the Twin Towers—and was charged with trespassing, reckless endangerment, and disorderly conduct. Though the Towers fell on September 11, 2001, that didn’t end Andrew’s dream.
Three years later, he snuck out with a buddy to a 1,000-foot transmitter tower in New Jersey for his first BASE jump. As he climbed the tower in the dead of night, he went over the procedures in his mind: how to get air off a fixed object so that he’d clear any obstacles, when to deploy his chute, what kind of glide ratio he was facing. There was science to BASE jumping: using a laser range finder to determine the height of an object; dropping a rock from the top, and counting the seconds until it hit the ground. But the moment he hit the air, he felt something spiritual, too.
“For me,” Andrew says, “it’s just an acknowledgment to the universe that my time is not guaranteed here and I’m going to live it the way I want to live it. And faith is an action, and belief is an action.” After hundreds of jumps around the country, he knew religion when he found it. “Jumping,” he says, “that’s my church.”
It wasn’t easy finding a place to worship in New York City, which passed a misdemeanor law against parachuting off buildings more than 50 feet tall in 2008 after attempts at the Empire State Building and the New York Times offices. But last year, a friend introduced Andrew to someone who shared the same dream: Jimmy Brady. “He works on the Freedom Tower,” the friend said. “He’s an ironworker, and he’s a BASE jumper.”
The son of a sanitation worker on Long Island, Jimmy was a tough kid with a neck as thick as his accent. A high school track star, he dropped out of college to become an ironworker and spend his days scaling heights. When he was assigned to work on the new Freedom Tower in 2002, Jimmy, who describes himself as a “patriotic dude,” felt honored. Beam by beam, the tower rose, and the higher it went, the prouder he felt. On June 14, 2012, he was among the workers selected to meet President Obama, who came to sign a beam that Jimmy himself later installed on the building.
“We remember,” the president wrote on the steel. “We rebuild. We come back stronger!”
And, as Jimmy thought at the time, we jump. Like Andrew, Jimmy had been BASE jumping for years. Though he’d never leaped from a building, the prospect of tackling the Freedom Tower felt like the ultimate. “I thought about it every day,” Jimmy says. So when Andrew popped the question about the challenge, Jimmy didn’t flinch. “Yeah,” he later recalled, “I was cool with it.”
When jimmy asked his old friend and fellow BASE jumper Marko if he, too, wanted to take on the Freedom Tower, Marko’s palms broke into a sweat. For the skydiving instructor, it wasn’t the height that was scary; it was the risk of getting busted. “I didn’t want to go to jail,” he says. “I didn’t think it was worth it.” But in May 2013, after Jimmy helped erect the spire on top of the building, there was finally a roof from which to jump—and Marko couldn’t resist joining the team.
Photo Courtesy of Marko Markovich
Before packing their gear, the three men had to do their research. This wasn’t just about the jump—it was about breaking into a national landmark, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
First they had to make sure the weather would permit such a leap. Andrew had a reputation for being a stickler and calling off jumps if the wind was blowing more than five miles per hour. “I don’t want to be left scraping up somebody’s corpse because they made a stupid decision,” he says. To get the most up-to-date reports on downtown Manhattan, he began making daily calls to the automated weather-observation systems from the New York metro airports and cross-referencing them with weather Web sites. “As BASE jumpers and skydivers, we always watch the weather,” he explains. “It’s just like brushing your teeth.” Winds were in the sweet spot between three and five miles per hour, and the conditions were calm and cool. All the team had to do was keep checking to make sure nothing changed.
Next they had to assess the potential landing sites. According to their calculations, they would travel roughly one block if they deployed their parachutes after about six seconds of free fall. Booting up the satellite view on Google Maps, they could see that their options were limited. There were buildings just to the north and, to the south, the 9/11 Memorial reflecting pools—and the Homeland Security police trailer. Scratch that. The only suitable direction was west, right onto the West Side Highway—one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. They had to make sure to go when traffic was at its lightest. How twisted would it be to survive the 105-story fall only to get run over by a cab? They would jump in the wee hours of a Monday morning.
The last thing they had to figure out was how to get into the tower. Construction sites, they knew from experience, often change as work progresses, and so do the potential points of entry. “A lot of building jumping is kind of free form,” Andrew says. “You make it up as you go.” Of course, for this jump they had an inside man. But while Jimmy knew the building’s layout, he had no sway with the security guards. The trio would still have to sneak into the structure on their own.
So they cased the joint. Fences and large barriers surrounded the building, along with the surveillance cameras craning down from every street corner. The New York Police Department was said to have more than 200 officers protecting the area, along with cops and security guards from the Port Authority. But there seemed to be open spaces between the fence partitions here and there, and the building had no doors. Though the elevator was completed, they would take the stairs.
By the end of September, they had everything in place. When they searched the construction site, they found a tall barrier on the north side of the building with a gap between two parts of the fence—a gap just big enough for someone to squeeze through. Bingo. The weather forecast looked good, too. The time, at last, had come. Though Marko had been waffling, he made up his mind.
“Let’s just go do it,” he told Andrew and Jimmy, “as a team.”
At around 10:30 p.m. on September 29, Jimmy, Marko, and Andrew flipped the hoods on their matching black RAB jackets over their black helmets and walked, faces down, the last 10 blocks to the Freedom Tower. The three had met for pizza a couple of hours earlier and hydrated with water, and they were now making the final approach.
Authorities believe a friend of Jimmy’s, Kyle Hartwell, was also present as a lookout to check for cops and pedestrians—and to film the jump from below. The group had no intention of publicly releasing the video. Given the outlaw nature of the sport, they didn’t do that for any BASE jumps. But they wanted to record the moment for themselves, and so they had GoPro cameras affixed to their helmets, too.
As they neared the fence, they kept their heads down, concealing their faces from the surveillance cameras. A few cops were milling around in the distance. The Homeland Security trailer sat across the way, in the light of the reflecting pools. As Marko began waffling yet again, Andrew and Jimmy ribbed him, half-jokingly. “Shut up,” Andrew said. “Stop being a pussy.” Privately, though, they shared his trepidation. They weren’t idiots. They knew they were risking more than arrest: They were breaching the security of the World Trade Center site. If the men guarding it saw them, who knows how they might respond?
“We didn’t know if cops would shoot us in the back when we landed,” Jimmy says. For all security knew, the three men might have been packing explosives.
“Is there going to be an overreaction to this if we do get caught?” Andrew thought. “Are they going to just go, ‘Oh, my God, they’re terrorists’?”
If there was one thing that pushed the men through their fears, it was the jump. They wanted more than anything to complete it. And they weren’t about to turn back now.
“We made a decision to go ahead with something, and we felt good about it,” Jimmy says. “And that was it. That’s a powerful thing; that’s how bad we wanted to do this.”
They waited in the pedestrian walkway near the fence, as people passed in both directions. Andrew bent down to tie his shoe. Marko rifled through his backpack. Jimmy pretended he was taking a piss. And then, in a flash, they slipped through the gap. They quickly took cover behind a construction trailer, scoping the area for guards. The only ones in sight were huddled in the security booth on the corner. “It’s fucked up,” Marko whispered to the others. “We could have walked in here with bombs and taken the building down tonight.”
On three, they sprinted the 20 feet to the stairwell at the base of the building and, just like that, they were in. One by one, they dashed up the steps, SWAT team–style, each taking a turn running up a flight, peeking around the corner, then signaling to the others to follow. Twenty minutes later, they were on the roof, gazing upon the most outlawed vista in America. The city sparkled below—the arches of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, the Empire State Building, the patch of black where Central Park began. They sat in silence, the red dots from the GoPro cameras flickering in the darkness. “We were just sitting there on the edge,” Marko says, “taking it all in.”
After a few blissful hours, though, he found something new to worry about. Around 2 a.m., as he was getting ready to jump, Marko pulled the rig out of his bag and examined the pilot chute, the one that pulls the main chute out during a jump. That’s when he noticed the gash. The nylon must have ripped on the fence as he was bolting through the gap. He could still make the jump, but he would have to quickly deploy his main chute by hand—cutting into the free-fall time he had assigned himself.
The sudden change of plans brought back all his anxiety. As he leaned over the edge, the fear hit him like a bolt of lightning.
But the time had come. Andrew said God was watching over them. Marko quoted a favorite line from Talladega Nights: “Thank you, baby Jesus.” They exchanged bro hugs. “Well,” Marko went on, “hopefully we won’t be in the fucking Fifth Precinct tonight with a fucking felony charge.” He looked down at the distant highway below and exhaled deeply. “This is some fucking shit right here,” he said, puffing again. “Oh, man. Fuck me.”
“Go ahead, man,” Jimmy said, “you got this.”
“This is so fucked,” Marko replied, staring down at the pavement until, at last, he got the nerve to leap. “Fuck it,” he said. “Three, two, one.” And he jumped. Almost instantly, he tossed out his chute, which puffed open with air. He drifted down as the wind rustled around him, glancing back at the radiant tower he’d left behind. Floating over the highway, he fearfully scanned for cops.
Andrew and Jimmy felt relief the moment they saw Marko’s chute open. “Beautiful,” Andrew said. About 10 seconds later, it was Jimmy’s turn.
“You ready?” he said.
“Yep. Have a good one, brother.”
“You too, man.”
But while Andrew tried to keep calm, Marko got a knock on his door. It was a detective from the NYPD. The guy must have come to him, he guessed, because he’d recently been busted jumping off a building uptown. According to court documents, Marko denied being one of the Freedom Tower jumpers. “I was not in New York City when the jump occurred,” he stated. “I don’t know anything about the jump.”
“I was just being a smart-ass to them for an hour,” he later said. “I didn’t really give them anything.”
Jimmy? He was back at work within hours of the jump, standing on the Freedom Tower’s roof—trying to soak in what he’d done. “It was out of this world,” he says.
And that, it seemed, was that. Life resumed its course: work, home, a little BASE jumping outside the city. But then Andrew was on his way to a carpentry job on February 17 when his mom called. “There are detectives at the front door,” she told him, “and they have a warrant.”
“Well,” he replied, “I guess you’d better let them in.” He came home to find eight NYPD officers and four state troopers inside. “Why don’t you just tell us what’s going on and make it easier on yourself?” one said.
“I’m going to call my attorney,” he replied, “and that’s my answer.”
Photo: AP Images
On that same day, the authorities served search warrants to Marko and Jimmy (who, like Marko, denied involvement) and left with their computers. But with the story not yet public, the three men and their lawyers couldn’t help wondering: Why would the city want to call attention to the fact that the biggest terrorist target in America could be so easily breached? So easily, it turned out, that even a 16-year-old boy could do it. On March 16 at 4 a.m., Justin Casquejo slipped through another opening in the fence around the Freedom Tower, climbed the scaffolding, and took the elevator to the 88th floor. He had no connection to Andrew, Marko, or Jimmy. He took the steps the rest of the way, slipping past a snoozing guard to the roof, and shimmied to the top of the antenna. He soaked up the view of the most killer sunrise in town—only to be caught on the way out.
As news of the daredevil boy hit the press, the public reacted with outrage over the vulnerability of the Freedom Tower. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio called Casquejo’s break-in feat “shocking and troubling.” The boy faced misdemeanor trespassing charges. If the city was willing to make an example of him, just imagine what it might do to three grown men.
According to Corliss, jumpers have a long, distinguished history in New York City. “The Statue of liberty was BASE-jumped in, like, 1912, and people didn’t arrest the guy—they applauded,” he says. “Then he jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge. Times sure have changed.”
When the cops found the GoPro footage on the BASE jumpers’ computers, they weren’t amused. On March 24, on the advice of their lawyers, Andrew, Marko, and Jimmy went back downtown—this time to turn themselves in. “These arrests should send a message to anyone thinking about misusing a landmark this way,” New York’s new police commissioner, William Bratton, said. “Being a thrill seeker does not give immunity from the law.”
"Where we going?” the cab driver asks.
“Freedom Tower,” Andrew replies.
One month after the arrests, Andrew, Marko, Jimmy, and I are heading to the scene of the crime. The three haven’t returned to the site together since the morning they jumped, but in keeping with their decision to share their full story with me for the first time, they’ve agreed to take a trip down memory lane.
Charged with burglary, reckless endangerment, and jumping from a structure, they face up to seven years in prison (along with Hartwell, whose lawyers did not return calls for this story). Though it’s not uncommon for BASE jumpers to get arrested, a sentence that severe would be unprecedented. When Corliss got busted trying to leap off the Empire State Building in 2006, he ended up with a few years’ probation and 100 hours of community service.
Already, Andrew, Marko, and Jimmy have become the most notorious BASE jumpers in the world. The videos of their feat, which they decided to release on YouTube, have racked up more than three million views and summoned calls from Hollywood filmmakers. The clips are in fact helping to raise money for the trio’s defense. In addition, they’re fueling a heated debate over what the New York Daily News has lambasted as the “glaring security breach” of the site.
Among those who have voiced their concern is the leadership of the 9/11 Parents and Families of Firefighters and WTC Victims, which has come to the jumpers’ support.
Photographed by William + Hirakawa
“If these men were able to easily slip through a hole in the fence and encounter no security,” the group’s vice chair, Sally Regenhard, wrote to the New York Supreme Court judge, “then there is a huge problem at the WTC site, and no lessons were learned from the nearly 3,000 people who perished on 9/11, including our heroic sons. They should not be made scapegoats and, in our opinion, should be treated leniently.”
Whether the courts agree remains to be seen. Some in the BASE-jumping community fear the three men will pay a steep price because of the intense interest the case has generated. The jumpers, for their part, have pleaded not guilty.
Despite promises by the city, it looks like the security at the Freedom Tower hasn’t improved much, although it was recently announced that the same firm that guards New York’s airports will now patrol the site. Still, when we arrive at the building, we find yet another gap between the fences.
“If we wanted to, we could get in there right now,” Andrew says, as he takes a drag on a cigarette and shakes his head in disbelief.
If anything, he seems frustrated that he can’t take another run at the leap.
“To me, BASE jumping is a celebration of life and a celebration of freedom,” he says, gazing up at the tower. “I wish I could go again, during the day, and just watch it as I’m coming down.”
EntertainmentTravelextreme sportsactiondaredevil
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Rainbow > Down to Earth > Reviews > Ritchie Black Iommi
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Eyes of the World, That's What I Want - 78%
Ritchie Black Iommi, May 21st, 2012
Forgetting about historical and revolutionary aspects of developing music, Ritchie Blackmore decides that he wants to be commercial... but not so commercial. That's why he intends, maybe under the effects of a weird substance, to enlist his love-hate-tragedy friend Ian Gillan to lead the vocals. Anyway, the thing is that, after a bit of auditions, Grahan Bonnet, a nice vocalist with unique tone, maybe not as gifted as Dio, but with that distinctive touch in his throat, took the role and with the priorly-astonishing additions of Roger Glover in the bass, Don Airey, one of the most talented keyboarders in metal and always powerful Cozy in the drumms, the thing was promising, in one way or another, to say the least.
But (and as previous reviews by members of the Metal Archives cleverly noted) the thing about this record is the unshaped or undefined idea for it. It was like doing something like "we love your attention and we are looking for that so anxiously, but we are not a commercial rock band" and this is precisely why all the potential of this formation gets lost. That's why in here we can find very good (though not brilliant) pieces like "Eyes of the World" (by far, the best and the most metal-oriented track of the album, with Ritchie and Airey stealing the show with their progressive-neoclassical soloing) or "Lost in Hollywood" (a remanent spirit of Dio's hard-rocker tunes in previous albums, specially Ritche Blackmore's Rainbow or Long Live Rock n Roll, with Bonnet taking the high pitch) with excellent commercial songs like "All Night Long" and "Since You Been Gone" (both catchy and with a little touch of hard rock, being the album opener track a nice fusion of "trying to be popular while trying to look heavy" stuff. The riff does the thing, Bonnet's singing suites perfectly for the duty and the rest of the team, from backwards, fill the line with total correction. The latter one, well, that's almost pop-rock and stuff. But somehow, the lyrics enter your head and stay there for long time) with crappy and totally forgettable pieces like "Makin' Love" or "Danger Zone", totally unworthy for such a group of talented guys and a guitar god, as Blackmore is. The lyrics are goofy, stupid, without any sense and there isn't anything remarkable in the musical aspect. "No Time to Lose" and "Love's No Friend" are fillers with a more straightforward feeling and they have one or two things to be rescued, maybe some solo's by Ritchie, Bonnet's singing and Airey's work on the keyboards. Maybe not blasters, but they contribute to make those songs a little bit more enjoyable.
For fans of early and modern heavy metal, this album could enter in the in-between line of deception and the famous phrase "it could have been worse". And actually, it isn't totally crappy, au contraire, there are some worthy pieces here. We can find embryonary Don Airey doing his thing, Bonnet is at one of his higher points and Blackmore, as usual, even when he does shit, he does it with style and unique talent. That's why we can find here a couple of powerful and mindstrucker solos and riffs. And if we are going to judge this thing according to the success it had, well, the singles "All Night Long" and "Since You Been Gone" both reached the Top-5 in the UK and the rest of Europe, so, we can't say other thing but "hey, Ritchie, you did it again".
If you are a total metalhead, well, this is, maybe, the last "standable" album by Rainbow until their total downfall with Joe Lynn Turner. A little resurrection would be found with Doogie White. Enjoy it carefully if you think you are tough enough to play it. Otherwise, you better stay away from it and leave this only for Rainbow fans (not even Blackmore fans, the Turner era and Blackmore's Night are for those ones).
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Brazile: Obama has passed the test
Donna Brazile/Syndicated columnist
Sen. John McCain said the following about Sen. Barack Obama back in the fall of 2008:
"The next president won't have time to get used to the office. We face many challenges here at home, and many enemies abroad in this dangerous world. ... We don't want a president who invites testing from the world at a time when our economy is in crisis and Americans are already fighting in two wars."
On Oct. 20, 2011, when networks reported a NATO drone had just struck Moammar Gadhafi's convoy fleeing Sirte, Tom Gara, a journalist in Dubai, wrote this on Twitter:
"Seriously, Obama doesn't care where you are, he'll just straight up kill you. The dude sees to the death of (U.S.) enemies."
I'm reminded of then-Sen. Joe Biden's off-the-record comments in the 2008 campaign that leaked and made headlines: "Those who test Obama will quickly find out he has 'a spine of steel.'"
In three years as president, Obama has removed or helped to remove four serious threats to the United States: Osama bin Laden; Anwar al-Awlaki, an American-born terrorist in Yemen; Samir Khan, a key propagandist for al-Qaida; and Gadhafi, 42-year dictator of Libya. Not to mention the multiple terrorist acts Obama's administration stopped from being committed on American soil.
With an economy still in recovery, President Obama is not getting much credit for anything these days. To his vociferous critics, he's a do-nothing president - not capable of getting the job done. But they're just flat-out wrong. Obama has shown over and over - except in dealing with the gridlock in Washington - that he knows how to keep America safe from her enemies.
First, consider Libya and the end of the war in Iraq, along with the other foreign policy successes. They demonstrate how much the president can achieve when he doesn't have the Republican Party spending all of its time and political capital obstructing everything he does.
America's biggest short-term economic obstacle is the constant chorus of "no" from Congress - reluctant to work with Obama because they are afraid the American people might just reward him for helping to save us from the "Great Depression 2.0."
When voters decide whether they want to keep Obama as president next year, they will have to evaluate his performance more fully on a range of issues - from federal spending to saving most of the auto industry to averting a massive economic crisis that stems in large part to the failed policies of the previous administration.
The president deserves to have his record touted - not because he's a partisan, but because he's the only person we elect who will represent all of us. At a time when most voters are searching for bipartisan leadership on the economy, Obama should not be blamed for failing to bring most Republicans and a few Senate Democrats to the table to help create jobs for Americans who are eager to get back to work.
This is a president who rose, and continues to rise, to the moment. A president who continues to handle North Korea and Iran with unremitting, unrelenting diplomatic pressure. He has developed a new model of collective military security, where allies at long last share the burdens of leadership, as in Libya. Obama's insistence that the Arab League take a stand, and that other countries of NATO step up, allowed us to finish the job without the loss of one American soldier's life.
Obama deserves credit for dealing with our problems - and for making the world a less dangerous place for Americans and everyone else who wants to live in peace and freedom. But, while he wins victories, he doesn't take victory laps - no "Mission Accomplished" signs for this president.
So it's time we hear fewer snarky comments from his persistent critics about Obama supposedly "leading from behind." They should remember another president, one with roots in Kansas - a great Republican and a great military leader named Dwight Eisenhower. Historians credit him with "the hidden-hand presidency" - getting things done without needing to be the star of every scene.
Looks like Mr. Obama knows how to do the same thing.
Donna Brazile is a Democratic strategist and a political commentator on CNN, ABC and NPR, as well as a contributing columnist to Roll Call, the newspaper of Capitol Hill.
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Strafaci, 16, limped his way to a 9-under-par 63 to lead after the first round and then ended up finishing ninth in one of the world’s most prestigious junior tournaments.
“It was a good tournament for me,” Strafaci said. “Actually, everything is good right now.”
That would be an understatement, particularly because he hardly played any golf because of that irritating heel injury the four weeks before the Future Masters.
The history of the Future Masters reveals a lot. In the past, players who have gone on to win majors have cluttered the field.
Larry Mize competed in the event as a junior golfer and went on to win the Masters. U.S. Open champions Hubert Green and Jerry Pate played in the event. PGA Championship winners Bob Tway, Mark Brooks and Shawn Michel all were participants. British Open champion Ben Curtis also competed in it.
The event is a staging ground for the best junior golfers.
Now, Strafaci, with the Future Masters completed, is off to compete in the Florida Junior Championship at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto this week. A year ago he won the 13-15 division.
Lately, Strafaci has been on a cautious walk — the heel is still too tender to make that a sprint — toward his golf future. He has already qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, shooting 69-69 to earn medalist honors in the qualifier in North Carolina by a comfortable four strokes.
From a well-known South Florida golf family, Strafaci helped Plantation American Heritage High School win state championships in two of the past three years.
Now, with the graduation of Jorge Garcia (he will play for the University of Florida in the fall) and Kristian Caparros (orally committed to UF but decided to turn pro instead), it will be Strafaci’s job to help make it three titles in four years for Heritage.
Of the high school team, considered a national power, Strafaci said, “We’re going to be good, and we should have a good shot at winning state again.”
What will Strafaci’s role be in that quest?
“I definitely need to be a leader,” he said. “Last year, I was the younger kid on the team, and now I’m the older kid.”
He is comfortable with both that status and with his game at this point.
And, as for the injured heel, he said, “I’m nearly back to 100 percent. I am ready to go.”
THAT’S A FACT, JACK
Chad Pfeifer will make history this week when he plays in the Web.com Tour’s Albertsons Boise Open.
Pfeifer, who lost his left leg above the knee while in Iraq, will be the first amputee to ever play in a Web.com tournament. The Web.com Tour is a major stepping-stone for getting onto the PGA Tour, which Pfeifer assures everyone is his intent.
“Golf saved my life,” Pfeifer said.
Helicopter brought in to dry PGA Tour Champions golf course
911 call by Krista Glover and her husband, PGA golfer Lucas Glover
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer
Back at Royal Portrush, British Open delivers a celebration of golf and some rough starts by McIlroy and Woods.
Key hole in first round of British Open
Under-the-radar Lowry moves into spotlight at British Open
British Open: David Duval has highest score on one hole in at least 36 years
The Latest: Woods ‘sore’ and not moving well at British Open
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https://www.middletownpress.com/mlb/article/Loss-of-PawSox-will-devastate-Pawtucket-11788319.php
Loss of PawSox will devastate Pawtucket, officials say
Aamy Anthony The Associated Press
Published 3:13 pm EST, Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien said Monday that the Triple-A baseball club has been sold and is leaving the city.
Photo: Steven Senne — The Associated Press File Photo
PAWTUCKET, R.I. >> For 40 years, Pawtucket resident Mike Shloul has lived within walking distance of McCoy Stadium, where the PawSox have played home games since 1973.
“I felt like somebody died,” Shloul said of hearing the news that the Pawtucket Red Sox are leaving and might be headed to the neighboring capital city of Providence. The team, he said, is “part of the culture in Pawtucket.”
The expected departure of the Triple-A baseball club takes away one of few bright spots from an old mill town that has never fully recovered from the Great Depression, officials in the Rhode Island city said Tuesday.
“To take the economic activity out of the city’s income stream is a severe blow,” said Robert Billington, a local tourism official who said he was shocked to learn the team’s new owners want to leave.
Boston Red Sox president Larry Lucchino and a group of Rhode Island businessmen announced Monday they had purchased the franchise for an undisclosed amount from the widow of its longtime owner and are planning to move the team. Investor James Skeffington confirmed the new owners are eyeing a piece of land along the Providence River for a new ballpark but said nothing is final.
The new owners said making improvements to McCoy Stadium would be too expensive. The stadium was built in 1942 and renovated in the late 90s.
But Billington, president of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, said he thinks McCoy Stadium could be maintained the way Fenway Park in Boston has been.
“If they can make it in Fenway, I think they can make it here,” he said. “I think there’s a desire not to.”
Billington said he had hoped the new owners would want to reinvest in Pawtucket. The city was a major manufacturer during the American Industrial Revolution, but has struggled to improve its economy since the 1930s. It’s now one of the poorest cities in the state, with a median household income of $40,379.
The team brought fame and fun to the city, he said, along with about 750,000 visitors a year.
“There are a lot of businesses that are supported by the PawSox,” Billington said.
That includes the Right Spot Diner, which overlooks the stadium. Owner Julia Tsimikas said Tuesday she is worried about how losing the team will affect the business she and her family opened in 1975.
“It’s going to be a loss for the whole city,” Tsimikas said.
Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebian said there is both an economic and psychological impact to the departure of the team. He said he tried to keep the team in Pawtucket but the city wasn’t “on the radar” of the new owners.
The new owners said if they built a ballpark in Providence they would use their own funds but would ask the city and the state for support.
Billington said any state help should focus on keeping the team in Pawtucket.
“We’re not fighting against anyone,” Billington said. “It’s for Pawtucket. Let’s figure out how to do it here.”
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Miles Brundage
I research the societal impacts of artificial intelligence and how to make sure they go well. I recently joined OpenAI, where I work as a Research Scientist on the policy team. Previously, I was a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute (where I remain a Research Associate). I'm also a PhD candidate in Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology at Arizona State University and a member of Axon's AI and Policing Technology Ethics Board.
Prior to graduate school, I worked at the Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) for two years, and interned for the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). Before that, I completed various internships related to energy policy while getting a BA in Political Science at George Washington University.
My dissertation committee consists of David Guston (chair), Erik Fisher, Joanna Bryson, and Lauren Keeler.
My academic research has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Bipartisan Policy Center, and the Future of Life Institute.
Image credits for banner picture: Dylan Cole.
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LGBTI equality charity welcomes launch of Liaison Officers
Chief Constable Phil Gormley.
National lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality charity the Equality Network has welcomed the launch of Police Scotland’s LGBTI Liaison Officers at the start of Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Earlier this year the Equality Network delivered a training programme for police at locations around the country.
Tim Hopkins, Equality Network Director said: “We were happy to provide training on LGBTI hate crime issues to nearly 100 police officers across Scotland earlier this year, and it’s great to see that Police Scotland have now set up a national network of Liaison Officers. This will help LGBTI people have the confidence to report hate incidents to the police, and will mean that there should always be a police officer they can make contact with who has an understanding of LGBTI issues.”
The Equality Network is currently surveying LGBTI people’s experiences of hate crime in Scotland, with interim results from over 1000 respondents showing that 61% of LGBTI people have been the target of a hate crime, the majority of which happened in the last year. 70% of LGBTI people who have experienced a hate crime however, did not report the incident(s) to the police.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Phil Gormley said: “Tackling all forms of Hate Crime remains an absolute priority for Police Scotland. Every incident has a significant impact on the victim, their family and wider communities.
“Hate Crime can manifest itself in lots of different ways, for example, offensive graffiti, having your property vandalised, having your belongings stolen, people swearing or making abusive remarks making you feel intimidated or harassed, through online abuse, being threatened or being physically attacked. All of this behaviour is completely unacceptable, and whether criminal or not, Police Scotland wants to know about in order to avoid behaviour escalating and being unchallenged.
“Examples of Police Scotland’s commitment to tackling Hate Crime include work with the ‘I Am Me’ charity to provide support for people with disabilities through our ‘Keep Safe’ scheme in partnership with the public and private sectors; and the recently developed training for more than 90 officers to work with the country’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) communities to help prevent Hate Crime.”
Cathleen Lauder, a transgender woman from Edinburgh, said: “In April 2015 I was the victim of transphobic abuse while using public transport. Soon afterwards, I reported what happened to the police. I was in a state of shock, despite managing to keep a cool head during the incident. When I reported the incident my nerves gradually kicked-in. I had to wait around for an hour to give my statement, but when I did the two officers were ever so nice. The following day I went back to the station and handed in some evidence.
“A week or two after, I had to give my statement again to another officer who visited me at my home. This officer visited and called me several times to keep me updated on the situation over the following few months. I did feel confused that I had to give my statement twice, but overall I felt I was being taken care of by the police.”
Referring to the new LGBT Liaison Officers, Cathleen also said: “I do think most people in the LGBTI community would feel safe talking to them.”
The Equality Network’s hate crime survey of LGBTI people in Scotland is still open for responses, and can be found here: www.lgbtihatecrime.org
More information on hate crime and how to report it can be found on the Police Scotland website: http://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/hate-crime-and-third-party-reporting/
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The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Police Department’s Traffic Division.
Witnesses said the driver appeared to be slumped over and the passenger was seen reaching for the steering wheel. They estimated the car hit the house at 35 to 40 mph.
Investigators have not confirmed the cause of the crash.
Sgt. Jay Struble said investigators are waiting for the final coroner’s report to determine the exact cause of death.
“We’ll look at that and look at the driver’s medical history to establish whether there were any contributing factors in the death,” Struble said.
The vehicle sheared off a Pacific Gas and Electric Co. gas meter and struck the home’s electrical panel, which sparked a fire that spread inside the car and the home. Utility workers struggled to cut off the gas line and the fire burned for nearly three hours with the bodies of the men inside the the car.
The car was heading north on Alexander Avenue when it left the road and crashed into several trash cans before going through the intersection with Rambler Road and into the house, witnesses said.
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Home > Report
Presidential Commission on Diverse Community Report
The ad hoc Presidential Commission on Diverse Community was established in December, 2003 as a joint presidential commission and subcommittee of the Multicultural Community and College Life Committee. Made up of faculty, students, and staff, it was charged with assessing and enhancing the role diversity plays in our work environment, our community, and especially in the curricular and co-curricular dimensions of our students’ education. President Creighton further asked the commission to take as its mandate our mission to educate “a diverse community of women at the highest level of academic excellence” and to address both how to make diversity more educationally productive for all students and how to ameliorate those conditions that inhibit or prevent some students from achieving their full academic potential. (See Appendix A for the president’s charge to the commission.)
The impetus for its formation grew out of a meeting the President, Dean of the College, and Dean of Students had with a group of African American, Latin American, Asian American and Native American (ALANA) students in October, 2003. Students articulated a range of issues having to do with their sense of disconnection from “the college experience,” including the faculty and the administration; their need for better mentorship; their sense that there were too few faculty and administrators of color, especially following the recent departures of some administrators of color; their sense that few of them succeed in the sciences although many start out with the idea that they would go to medical school; their experience of stereotyping and unconscious racism; their feeling of the need to represent their cultural heritage and to plan cultural events without sufficient support from the administration.
In the spring of 2004, while the Commission’s work was under way, a campus incident raised tensions and accelerated community-wide concern about the racial climate of the College. President Creighton called a community forum in which she issued four imperatives, and steps that would be taken to implement them. (See Appendix D for full statement.)
Root out Stereotyping and Insensitivity.
Create a Climate of Achievement for All Students.
Celebrate Cultural Diversity.
Demonstrate Institutional Commitment.
Considerable progress that has been made on these imperatives. Nearly all the actions proposed by the President have been undertaken, and the issues they addressed have moved to the center of our shared community agenda. (See Appendix E for a partial list) The President has created the positions of Coördinator of Multicultural Affairs, of Director of Academic Development, and of Director of Diversity and Inclusion, and supported the establishment of a new five College minority recruitment officer.
In taking up the four imperatives, the Commission noted that the issues that ALANA students brought to us were not new. During the late 1960s Mount Holyoke had begun actively recruiting African American students. But as early as 1967 Black students formed the Afro-American Society in an effort at “combating the common problems of individual black students.” Throughout the last thirty-five years the College has seen cycles of expressions of its ongoing commitment to make Mount Holyoke more diverse, more inclusive, more hospitable, and to ensure that all students thrive here. But often prompted by protests from racial and other minority groups, the College has also seen reminders that our efforts at reaching these lofty goals have not been enough, and have not succeeded.
Within this context it would have been easy to assume that we had lagged on our commitments to diversity and to our ALANA students. However it quickly became clear that to the contrary, Mount Holyoke has become a national leader in creating and sustaining diversity. ALANA students, while raising concerns about how few faculty of color we had, were surprised to hear that Mount Holyoke is second in the nation among top liberal arts colleges in both the percentage of Black tenured faculty and the percentage of all Black faculty. And in the most recent year studied (2003) we rank second in the nation among a handful of top colleges and universities that have a higher graduation rate for Black students than for White students.
But despite impressive efforts and achievements, many ALANA students feel alienated and undersupported. In this context, the cyclical re-emergence of similar concerns made clear to the Commission that dusting off familiar responses would not sufficiently address the issues that students have raised. Particularly because it is painfully aware of the oppression and racism that characterize our society, the Commission aspires to break the grip of those structures on our own shared aspirations and sense of community. In order to bring about the long-range effects that we aspire to, we need to create fundamental change. The fact that we are working from a position of strength – the strength of our historical efforts and achievements – and not in a climate of crisis suggests that we can afford to seek solutions that address underlying causes and not just their symptoms. To this purpose the Commission returned to the College’s fundamental mission of educating “a diverse community of women at the highest level of academic excellence.” and a conclusion that President Creighton’s second imperative, Create a Climate of Academic Achievement for All Students, must be the keystone of our efforts. Many of the concerns brought to us by ALANA students were expressions of a disjuncture between their academic aspirations and their experience here. Many of their other concerns could be connected to a climate that made it difficult to engage fully their academic aspirations, and to students’ consequent responses.
The focus on academic achievement was reinforced by conversations sponsored by the Commission with Claude Steele and his colleagues about stereotype threat. By identifying the performance differences that emerge reliably under conditions of stereotype threat, Steele enabled the Commission to see those differences as a measure of “institutional inhospitability” to students of color, and by extension to all students who work under the dynamics of stereotype threat (students who represent the first generation in their family to attend college, for example). Identifying the scope of this inhospitability and the structures that support and maintain it even in the face of our mutual efforts at inclusiveness, led us to place students’ academic experience at the center of their experience of Mount Holyoke.
The Commission has a clear sense that at the core of ALANA student concerns is the belief that Mount Holyoke is not serving some fundamental academic needs. Students described at times feeling alienated, unwelcome, or inadequately prepared in certain academic classes, fields, or majors. Students articulated a failure on the part of the College to create an academically hospitable environment. Research conducted by Beverly Daniel Tatum and Janice Gifford pointed to divides between Black and Latina students on one hand, and white students on the other, in achievement, engagement, and satisfaction. Further research, conducted through the summer of 2004 under the auspices of the Office of Academic Development, showed that nationally, liberal arts colleges have found it challenging to facilitate the high academic performance of students of color, especially black and Latino students. Scholars identified this phenomenon as a "racial achievement gap," and studies go back and forth between, on the one hand, ascribing the factors that lead to this phenomenon to the K-12 preparation or readiness for college of the students concerned (this phenomenon is itself a product of a variety of environmental factors) and, on the other, to negative features of the climate that students of color enter into when they attend predominantly white institutions of higher learning.
To realize the Four Imperatives fully, the needs and concerns of students of color must be addressed at multiple levels and in different areas of the institution. The Commission urges the whole college community to recognize that the issues ALANA students raised are problems for all of members of the College community. Diversity is an important and valued resource at Mount Holyoke. Education thrives in a climate of civil but engaged difference – difference among views, cultures, epistemological standpoints, interests and values. We learn when, in the face of difference, we either change or need to justify not changing. We will all learn more deeply when we can engage our differences more effectively.
We hope and expect that the findings and recommendations that follow in this report will lead to dramatically new prospects for a genuinely engaged multi-cultural community of learners. Although we have focused on academic achievement as both an end in itself and as a lever for changing the dynamics of our community, we do not suppose that all of the concerns that students brought to us will best be addressed in this way. For that reason, we ask the Multi-Cultural and College Life Committee (MCCL) to continue and accelerate its work on improving the climate of diversity on campus. In reaffirming the necessity for a multi-cultural community of learners, we affirm that issues of race are issues for each of us. This does not mean simply that the concerns of a few are concerns for many. Rather it means that either we all have race – or none does.
The conclusion of the members of the Commission, resulting from our wide-ranging discussions of this research, is that in the face of larger social structures of racism and bias that will not be eradicated with the speed that we would hope, our task must be to engage in an honest investigation of factors that we have control over here at Mount Holyoke. We believe that Mount Holyoke's academic mission challenges us to see ourselves as taking the lead nationally in reversing forms of institutional inhospitability increasingly identified as part of a national trend among liberal arts colleges. We believe that all students will benefit from a thorough discussion, evaluation, and renewal of our vision of creating diverse communities of learning in which all students feel full and equal partners.
While the "racial achievement gap" remains the primary touchstone and lens for our discussions – a way for us to test the thoroughness of any of our proposed initiatives in terms of the depth of their reach among our diverse student population–the Commission firmly believes that this is only one well-articulated measure for affirming students' social identities. Because each of us has multiple identities, the Commission’s work requires attention to academic concerns deriving from other social identities like gender, ethnicity, class, nationality, age, ability, sexual preference and orientation, political and religious views, just to name a few. Race is a focus of our work, but other identities matter as well. Indeed, the improvements in the learning environment we envision will benefit all students at Mount Holyoke College.
The Commission’s recommendations toward that end fall into three categories, each of which depends crucially on the others. They are:
Mentoring, Advising, Teaching
Creating Multiple Opportunities for All to Learn
Implementing the Goals of this Report: through Institutional Leadership, Focused Resources, and Multiple Sites of Engagement across the Community.
I. Mentoring, Advising, and Teaching
Goal: To realize the benefits of diversity in educational processes, and to improve the overall climate of achievement for all students.
Student diversity enriches the intellectual community on campus and potentially contributes to a culture of high achievement. When all students are genuinely engaged with faculty and staff in fruitful academic work, the overall climate of achievement becomes palpable and self-sustaining. To reach their greatest potential students must be challenged, led, and inspired. The Commission believes that early and full engagement with inspiring role-models is likely the single most important factor in instilling a climate of achievement. This is particularly true for students of color, for whom there have historically been fewer such models. We need to offer strong and engaged mentoring, advising, and teaching throughout the College.
Specific Recommendations:
A. Faculty, Staff, and Alumnae advising and mentoring of students
Strengthen student connections with faculty. A strong and early connection with faculty helps students engage with the liberal arts and represents the distinctive promise of small colleges. The Commission believes that enhancing the value of these connections creates a climate of achievement in which each student can take effective charge of her own education.
Create and support advising and mentoring workshops for faculty and for students. Institute January and May/June workshops for faculty, and develop hands-on resources for them.
Consider mentoring and advising as part of tenure, reappointment, and post-tenure reviews. Good advising engages a student in a dialogue with her future self. It is a form of teaching, and should be conceptualized as such. Develop methods for evaluation of advising, and factor advising into deliberations over faculty reviews. (Cf. III,4,c).
Assign instructors of first-year seminars advisees who are enrolled in the seminar.
Connect academic and career counseling. To help students connect their educational and career goals, the Commission encourages the Career Development Center and department or program chairs to collaborate more comprehensively to achieve reciprocity and coördination of information and planning between academic departments and the CDC. Alumni networks, “how to interview” workshops, internship opportunities, summer research opportunities, and job searches are most effectively accessed through consultation between departments and the CDC.
Encourage high achieving or “late-blooming” students, especially students from underrepresented backgrounds (e.g., ALANA, first-generation college) to pursue postgraduate degrees and careers in higher education. To do its share in opening this pipeline for ALANA students to careers in higher education, Mount Holyoke faculty must take the lead in modeling for students the requirements and benefits of becoming a professor or teacher. Mentoring workshops organized around personal narratives were successful this year. Find ways to make available additional research opportunities through MHC Summer Research Fellowships, and Weed Fellowships, and the CDC. Seek ways to generate greater involvement of all faculty in these mentoring opportunities.
Expand and enhance pre-health advising. The high ratio of students interested in health professions to students who enter them creates a heightened need for effective advising. The Commission encourages the Health Professions Advisory Committee to eliminate the nearly two-year advising gap for students interested in health careers, between the time they get some advice in Orientation week and the time they are assigned a pre-health advisor in the spring of their sophomore year; to use this period to provide resources to students to help them assess and acquire the skills they need; and to work with the students to ensure that they know the full variety of careers in health so that they can focus on a best fit for their ambitions, desires, and abilities.
Engage alumnae more comprehensively with aspiring students. The Commission encourages department and program chairs, the Alumnae Association, and the CDC to collaborate in building alumnae sisters’ networks that will bring alumnae in the professions into productive mentoring relationships with students. These networks can operate online, on campus, and on-site at alumnae workplaces. The Alumnae Association and departments should collaborate to develop alumnae liaisons with departments and programs. These could help current majors more effectively to connect their academic aspirations with career aspirations.
Find ways to support appropriate advisory roles for staff. Staff play an often underappreciated role in the creation and maintenance of academic climate. Academic administrative assistants, in particular, play an important role in administering academic policies and serving as intermediaries for faculty and students. We encourage departments to bring administrative assistants and academic staff more deliberatively into the advising and mentoring processes as coaches and well-informed resource persons who team supportively with students and faculty around academic achievement.
B. Peer mentoring and networks
Build more peer mentoring structures and collaborative study networks. Peer-led supplementary instruction, like the Speaking, Arguing, and Writing (SAW) mentors’ program and the chemistry department’s Peer Led Undergraduate Mentoring (PLUM) program build skills among both students and their mentors, and strengthen students’ engagement with their coursework. Course-based study groups are another proven strategy for increasing student performance and persistence, especially in the sciences. A third model is Sistahs in Science, a program for women of color in the sciences founded by Professor Sheila Browne. The Commission encourages expansion of programs like this. These programs normalize the acquisition of field-specific study skills, keep students engaged with courses, provide excellent training for peer leaders and cascading benefits, and put students in charge of their own academic achievement. We encourage faculty to continue to find ways to engage students in peer mentoring, and to draw more students of color to become peer mentors.
Expand the fledgling Peer Academic Advisors (PAAs) program and the Undergraduate Academic Advisors (UAAs) program. PAAs provide an important bridge between residential and academic life, a source of academic information, and a stimulus for critical reflection. PAA’s and UAAs expand the overall climate of achievement by guiding students into active construction of their own education. We should expand the PAA program, and re-define and strengthen the UAA system for majors. Departments and programs should redefine the UAA program and encourage UAAs to organize events that will increase students’ academic engagement.
Peer mentoring and the value of diversity. Not all students arrive knowing how to think rigorously and creatively. The Commission suggests that the SGA, student organizations, and the student organizations coalitions like the ALANA co-chairs be used to help orient new students to the possibilities of a diverse academic community. To broaden the culture of achievement and to use student-to-student relations as a site for building the value of diversity, the Commission recommends that much of this work be done in cultural houses and in partnership with the cultural organizations. In collaboration with SAW and with help from faculty, plan year-long workshops that focus on acquiring and maintaining the social and academic tools for success, including time management, study skills, buddy networks, Five College opportunities, choosing a faculty mentor, choosing a major, leadership and volunteering in the community.
Encourage and prepare students to take a more active role in their advising. Educate students about the role they can take in preparing for and building their mentoring/ advising relationships with faculty and others; encourage faculty to see advising as engaging students in dialogue, not as conveying “advice.” Encourage students to develop and regularly revisit their “big picture” or map of study. Encourage students to seek opportunities to integrate the learning that occurs throughout the semester. Encourage each student to assemble an advising team for herself.
Build clubs and honor societies within departments. The Commission encourages all departments and programs to have or revive vital student clubs and groups (on- and offline) that can be enlisted to provide tutors for pivotal classes, establish study tables at dining halls, organize mini-conferences, host career days and panels, etc. The UAAs could play a greater role in this area, working with department and program chairs, and with faculty advisors.
C. Teaching and Learning
Identify pedagogical strategies for diverse learners. Some groups of faculty, for example in the languages and the sciences, have undertaken conversations about creating a climate of achievement in their areas. We encourage all faculty to have similar conversations in faculty seminars, departmental retreats, workshops, and the like. Consider expanding the pedagogical palette to make ideas more accessible to diverse learners, and taking advantage of the rich resource that diversity may offer to strengthen academic engagement and excellence for all.
Restructure introductory curricula to try to decrease achievement gaps. Science departments have begun to discuss ways to restructure introductory curricula whereby students with achievement gaps – undeveloped quantitative skills, weak high school background, unhoned study skills – are given more opportunities to succeed. A number of approaches emphasize skill-building, intensify contact with faculty, and reduce class size. We strongly encourage all departments and programs to take up this work.
Investigate the feasibility of a Named Scholars Program. This could be a donor opportunity for the next capital campaign, an endowed program designed to attract and retain a promising group of incoming students. It would be open to all students but be particularly seeking high potential students of color. These students might enter as a cohort and be assigned to a cohort of faculty tutors. They might have special opportunities – first-year tutorials, summer internships, study abroad opportunities, and research opportunities and might meet periodically as a group with the goal of engendering shared community, good study habits, and high expectations. The participants could begin in a pre-college summer program that provides intensive workshops that cover analytic content and learning skills.
Continue rebuilding January Term. The Commission recommends that the revitalization of January term continue, but with a sharper focus on intensive three-week skill-building courses that allow students to fill gaps in areas such as math, technology, critical thinking, and writing.
Continue to create research opportunities for students. The new online process for identifying funding opportunities for summer research, including funding available specifically for ALANA students, has streamlined the application process for students. Faculty should continue to report new sources of funding for students to encourage and facilitate entry onto trajectories that will lead to graduate work.
Review and support ethnic studies programs. Students have expressed a strong interest in having more robust ethnic studies programs such as African and African American studies, Latin American studies, and Asian American studies. Especially in light of recent administrative reassignments, some faculty who currently teach in these programs are less available for teaching and mentoring. In addition to addressing this shortage, the Commission recommends that the College review these programs with an eye to identifying ways to provide them with greater support.
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What a difference straight teeth can make! A great-looking smile can boost your self-confidence and have a positive impact on social and professional opportunities. Orthodontic treatment is the original smile makeover tool — and you will be happy to know that you're never too old to take advantage of it. But it isn't all about looks: Properly aligned teeth help you to bite, chew and even speak more effectively. They are also easier to clean, which helps keep your mouth free of tooth decay and gum disease.
The amazing thing about orthodontics is that it harnesses the body's natural ability to remodel its own tissue. With the application of light, constant force, orthodontic appliances gently reshape bone and move teeth into better positions. Some examples of these appliances are traditional metal braces, inconspicuous clear or tooth-colored braces, and clear aligners, a relatively new option for adults and teens.
Bite Problems and How to Fix Them
Orthodontic treatment can resolve a number of bite problems, which often become evident by around age 7. These include underbite, crossbite or excessive overbite, where upper and lower teeth don't close in the proper position; open bite, where a space remains between top and bottom teeth when the jaws are closed; and crowding or excessive spacing, where teeth are spaced too close together or too far apart.
To correct bite problems, teeth need to be moved — but doing that isn't as hard as you might think! Teeth aren't fixed rigidly in their supporting bone; instead, they're held in place by a hammock-like structure called the periodontal ligament, which is very responsive to forces placed on the teeth. Orthodontic appliances move teeth by careful application of light, constant pressure. This force can be applied via metal wires that run through small brackets attached to the teeth (braces), or via the semi-rigid plastic of clear aligners.
Orthodontics is for Children — and Adults
Having orthodontic treatment in childhood is ideal in order to take advantage of a youngster's natural growth processes to help move the teeth into proper alignment. Like the rest of the body, the teeth and jaws are now changing rapidly. So at this time it's possible (for example) to create more room for teeth in a crowded mouth by using a “palatal expander” to rapidly widen the upper jaw. This phase of growth modification can shorten overall treatment time and ensure the best result if additional orthodontic appliances are needed.
But remember, healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so you've never “missed the boat” for orthodontic treatment. In fact, about one in five of today's orthodontic patients is an adult. Several new technological developments — including tooth-colored ceramic braces, clear aligners and invisible lingual braces — have made orthodontic appliances less evident, and enhanced the treatment experience for grown-ups. Before treatment, adults are carefully examined for signs of periodontal (gum) disease, which will be brought under control before treatment begins.
When you imagine someone wearing braces, you probably picture small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth, with a thin wire running through them. This time-tested style remains very popular — but it's no longer the only option. Clear braces use brackets made of ceramic or plastic which, except for the slim archwire, are hardly visible. Lingual braces are just like traditional metal braces — except they're bonded to the back of your teeth (the tongue side) so that no one can see them.
Removable clear aligners are an alternative to fixed orthodontic appliances. They consist of a series of clear plastic “trays” that fit over your teeth exactly; each one moves your teeth a little bit, until they are in the proper position. Whether fixed or removable, each type of appliance may have advantages or disadvantages in particular situations. After a complete examination, the best treatment options for you will be discussed.
Retention & Post Orthodontic Care
Once your orthodontic treatment is completed, it's extremely important to wear a retainer as directed. That's because teeth naturally tend to drift back to their original locations — which is the last thing you want after you've gone to the trouble of straightening them! Wearing a retainer holds your teeth in their new position long enough for new bone and ligament to re-form around them, and helps keep your gorgeous new smile looking good for a lifetime.
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Eastern District hosts “Hope in Hard Times: Prisoner’s Art for Social Justice”
March 1-April 7, 2019
ArtsQuest’s Banana Factory Arts Center 23 W. 3rd St., Bethlehem
Mondays – Fridays 8:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m
. Saturdays & Sundays 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Incarcerated individuals tell their stories through art in the thought-provoking exhibition Hope in Hard Times: Prisoners’ Art for Social Justice, an installation at that seeks to shed light on important questions about humanity and generate discussion about criminal justice system. The exhibition, which is presented by Art for Justice, The Moravian Church’s Eastern District, Moravian Seminary and ArtsQuest, runs March 1–April 7 in the Crayola Gallery of the Banana Factory, 25 W. Third St., Bethlehem.
“The Moravian Church’s Eastern District Church In Society Ministry Team was called by the 2016 District Synod to raise awareness about those who are imprisoned, per our Lord’s call in Matthew 25,” says the Rev. Janel Rice, pastor of Calvary Moravian Church in Allentown. “We identified engagement with art as a transformative way to see the humanity of the incarcerated and engage the church in recognizing and working toward the need for reform as illustrated by their art and stories.
“Art for Social Justice seemed to be the perfect partner and a way to share the gift of art of the incarcerated with not only just the 14 Moravian churches in the Lehigh Valley, but the entire community,” Rice says. “We hope that this exhibit will begin or continue a conversation between our faith and our practices of love and justice in the lives of the incarcerated and in the movements for criminal justice reform. This exhibit will remind us of our shared humanity, incarcerated and free, while asking where our own struggles for reform and justice can be found.”
Art for Justice (www.artforjustice.org), a local non-profit committed to using art from local prisoners to promote dialogue and find ways to reform the criminal justice system, made an ideal partner to accomplish these goals.
“Art can tell stories about the human experience through the lens of an individual deep within the criminal justice system – or prison. Viewing the art can open conversations about collective justice and individual worth in our times,” says Ann Marie Kirk, co-founder of Art for Justice, a nonprofit that brings awareness to challenges in the criminal justice system through the art of prisoners. “I understand that fairness for all people is made possible – or not possible – through the criminal justice system and other structures and institutions of society.
“The criminal justice system, as acknowledged by many in our country, is broken. My hope is that those who behold this exhibit will be enriched personally by the experience and will also look for ways to engage constructively in their communities and the issues of our times.”
The Moravian Church Eastern District is proud to partner with ArtQuest’s Banana Factory and the Moravian Seminary to bring this exhibit to the Banana Factory for free viewing anytime the Banana Factory is open (www.bananafactory.org).
You are also invited to attend the following special events:
March 1 and April 5, 6:30 – 9 p.m., First Fridays at the Banana Factory. Special speakers, projects, and engagements.
March 19, 7 p.m., Lecture at Moravian College’s Prosser Auditorium
Speaker: Tyrone Werts, Soros Fellow, PA Lifer commuted by Gov. Rendell.
We encourage you to register for this free event at the following site: www.moravianseminary.edu/academics/continuingeducation
March 24, 2 – 4 p.m., Vigil for Hope in the Criminal Justice System at the Banana Factory. Our keynote speaker, Chester Hollman, Jr. tells the story of his son Chester Hollman III’s wrongful conviction and sentence of life without parole in PA.
For more information, or if you are interested in special curriculum for your small group, youth group or congregation as a way to engage further in the art, please contact the Rev. Janel Rice at [email protected], 610-435-6881.
February 17, 2019: Plain Words for Plain People
February 10, 2019: Net-Ripping Worthy
News • Texts
Introducing the Moravian Daily Texts 2019 Mobile App
On the Air: The Legacy of the Moravians in Bethlehem
2018: A look back at a significant year
Moravian.org gets a new look
Northern Province elects new leadership for coming...
Northern Province, United Methodist Church enter full...
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Drake releases Tracklist for his Double Sided album ‘Scorpion’
Rapper Drake has released the tracklist for his forthcoming album ‘Scorpion‘.
The album which is set to be released on Friday, 29th of June, is said to be a double album and will have an RnB side and a rap side.
Drake released the tracklist on his Instagram page and it consists of 25 songs; 12 on the A side and 13 on the B side.
See photos below!
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COUNTDOWN: Track the nail-biting moon mission to the unexplored south pole
If successful, India will be the fourth country after the US, Russia and China to perform a 'soft' landing on moon.
Google's new self-driving cars cruising Silicon Valley roads
Google's new self-driving prototype car is presented during a demonstration at the Google campus in Mountain View, California. (Tony Avelar, AP)
How Google got states to legalise driverless cars
Google: Driverless cars are mastering city streets
California mulls how to regulate driverless cars
San Francisco - The latest models of Google's self-driving cars are now cruising the streets near the Internet company's Silicon Valley headquarters as an ambitious project to transform the way people get around shifts into its next phase.
This marks the first time that the pod-like, two-seat vehicles have been allowed on public roads since Google unveiled the next generation of its self-driving fleet more than a year ago. The cars had previously been confined to a private track on a former Air Force base located about 120 miles southeast of San Francisco.
Google announced last month that it would begin testing the curious-looking cars last month, but hadn't specified the timing until Tuesday when it disclosed the vehicles are driving up to 25 miles per hour on the roads around its Mountain View, California, office.
Google had installed its robotic driving technology in Lexus sports utility vehicles and Toyota Priuses during the first few years of testing before developing the smaller prototype. The new models are designed to work without a steering wheel or brake pedal, although the vehicles will be equipped with those features during the initial runs on public roads.
A human will also ride in the cars to take control in emergencies, just as has been the case with the self-driving Lexus vehicles during the past six years.
The debut of the pod-like car will help Google get a better understanding on how well its technology works around other vehicles steered by people.
Last year, Google Inc told reporters it hoped to have a 100 of the self-driving prototypes in its fleet by now, but the company said it has only built 25 of them so far. All 25 have received permission from California's Department of Motor Vehicles to drive neighbourhood roads.
If all goes well, Google hopes to gain regulatory clearance to remove the steering wheel, brake pedal and emergency driver from the prototype. Company executives have expressed hope that self-driving cars using its technology will be joining the flow of daily traffic by the end of this decade.
The earlier models of Google's self-driving cars had been involved in 13 minor accidents through more than 1.8 million miles on the roads, according to the company. Google blamed the collisions on other vehicles in every instance except one when the company says one of its own employees was steering.
Motorists who encounter Google's latest self-driving car while they are in Mountain can share their experience with the company here.
Read more on: google | us
WATCH | Black postmaster honoured 121 years after lynching
Free State Jobs
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This Week in Self-Publishing: Catch-Up Thoughts
Money earned (total): $6,917.37
Money spent (total): $1,545
Money earned (this week): $0
Money spent (this week): $0
I’m catching up after a week of being on the JoCo Cruise, so here are some catch-up thoughts.
First, I paid $75.24 a few weeks ago to get 200 promotional cards to distribute on the JoCo Cruise. On all the JCCs I’ve previously been on—which is to say five—there was a big central space for everyone to deposit and share their promo and swag.
This year, there wasn’t. Which means I am very much regretting having printed the words “pre-order” on these cards, because they’ll become obsolete in a few months. Why didn’t I just print “order?” Or just leave it at the tagline and the website? (Because I was going to be on a boat with 1,400 people and I thought for sure I could give away 200 cards.)
It is interesting to think of how much money I’ve “wasted” on stuff I didn’t fully understand, like the fact that there wouldn’t be a promo table on JCC, or that deal with the ISBNs. It’s all tax-deductible, so that’s fine, but still. Learning costs. (Which currently total $350.24.)
One thing I didn’t learning-cost myself into was subscribing to Adobe InDesign for $19.99 a month. I did a free trial instead, and quickly decided that I’ll probably need to outsource the print layout. I can do it myself if I need to, but it might look better if someone else does it. I’m working on getting all of that sorted right now.
On the “things I’m doing right” column; we’re one month from the pre-order launch and I have sold between 75–100 copies, based on the data I’ve gotten from Pronoun and Amazon. I’m telling myself it’s very definitely 75, that I shouldn’t hope for more, but I’m also telling myself that selling 300 copies before the launch date in May equals SUCCESS (selling 500 copies equals HUGE SUCCESS) and I am a third of the way there.
I can’t really start checking my email for my Kirkus, BlueInk, and Foreword Clarion reviews until next week, but I’m already getting antsy because I want a few stamps of approval—first to have them and second so I can leverage them as part of my media strategy. (“Why yes, you absolutely should read my brilliantly-reviewed novel and interview me on your thing.”)
I mean, maybe the reviews won’t be good. There is always that possibility.
I’m reading Jane Smiley’s Last Hundred Years trilogy, which I put off until I had drafted both volumes of The Biographies of Ordinary People because I didn’t want to be influenced inappropriately.
It was a good choice, because the two novels share both content and style similarities, although they’re so vastly different that no one’s going to say I’m copying Smiley. The way the books are the same has to do with the way the narrative progresses through time (which is the obvious comparison) and the use of a really tight, third-person limited point of view that alternates between characters’ perspectives.
It’s the tight part that’s similar, and it’s something I’ve only seen in a handful of other books, and there’s probably a word for it that I don’t know.
But some books, especially ones that span decades of story, have narration that kind of swoops up and gives you an overhead view of three or four years flying by before barreling down and settling in a particular character’s POV. (I’ll call this the corvid method, because that’s how they fly. Including the part where they like to get really close to people’s heads for five seconds before taking off again.)
Smiley’s trilogy, and my… duology… never rise up to the overhead view. We stick to short, intimate moments in our characters’ lives, and then we share another moment that happens a few months or a few years later, and we trust that our readers will get it; that the single, focused scenes share more about the characters, and how they’re changing, than would a bird’s-eye view of the passing years.
(Also, the bird’s-eye view thing often makes me feel like I’m eating food too fast. To mix multiple metaphors.)
The other really interesting thing about Smiley’s trilogy is that her second volume has the same problem as my second volume. Book 1 takes place within a single town and a few fixed locations (home, school, best friend’s house) and Book 2 takes place when all of the children have left home and are moving to new colleges, towns, jobs, etc. every year or so.
So I’d be reading her second book and thinking “wait, where are we? DC or San Francisco?” and then having to backtrack, my brain doing extra work that it doesn’t normally do when the entirety of a book is set in a single town (and when a character walks into a living room, it’s the same living room as it was 20 pages ago).
It’s good to know that the problem isn’t in the writing, or even necessarily in the reading—it’s in the way we’ve been trained to read books, which aren’t usually about people who live the way real people do, moving apartments and changing jobs every few years. (Smiley’s trilogy also doesn’t have a “plot” in the way Biographies doesn’t have a “plot.” I love this. It’s proof that it works.)
I want to send Jane Smiley a copy of The Biographies of Ordinary People and say “look, we both wrote these stories, and they are different and good and important,” but that would take a level of presumption that I do not have, and also I’ve heard authors hate that kind of thing.
So those are all of the catch-up thoughts I’ve had this week. See you next Friday. ❤
self-publishing this week in self-publishing
Hi! I’m Nicole.
I’ve been a full-time freelance writer since 2012. My work regularly appears on Lifehacker, Bankrate, Haven Life, and numerous other sites. I spent five years as a writer and editor for The Billfold, a personal finance blog where people had honest conversations about money.
I also teach writing, freelancing, and publishing classes (including online classes), and work one-on-one with authors as a developmental editor and copyeditor.
My debut novel, The Biographies of Ordinary People: Volume 1: 1989–2000, published in May 2017; The Biographies of Ordinary People: Volume 2: 2004–2016 followed in May 2018. The two books are a Millennial-era Little Women that follow three sisters from childhood to adulthood.
If I link to a book in a blog post, it’s an IndieBound affiliate link. Support indie bookstores!
Book Review: On the Clock: What Low‑Wage Work Did to Me and How It Drives America Insane by Emily Guendelsberger
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Thoughts From the Progress Iowa Corn Feed
A Fresh Haircut Open Thread
June and July Financial Update
Everything You Need to Know About My Investments
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NNH Celebrates 95 Years!
Northside Neighborhood House celebrated its 95th anniversary of serving the community on February 14th. The NNH started as a small settlement house, but has grown to serve over 6,000 neighbors in need each year through programs focused on supporting basic needs and education for all ages.
The NNH was founded in 1924 by a group of women who saw their neighbors living in poverty on the banks of the Tennessee River. They were living in shacks and needed bedding during the cold winter months.
Instead of just bringing blankets from their homes, the women taught those in need to quilt and opened a settlement house to meet other needs. Ninety-five years later, the NNH is still a safe space for neighbors to turn to when they are in a difficult place.
“We are excited to celebrate this milestone anniversary and continue to carry on the vision of a dedicated group of ladies determined to provide a better tomorrow for their neighbors,” says Rachel Gammon, chief executive officer of the NNH. “We are so grateful for our community's continued support of the NNH as we work to provide a hand up to our neighbors.”
Today, the NNH is comprised of two offices and three thrift stores. Service is provided to the community through three programs: Emergency Direct Assistance (help with food, utility bills, prescriptions and supplemental programs like Cooking Classes and Family Dinner Nights), Education for Children and Adults and three Thrift Stores.
The NNH’s main office is located on the Northshore and they have a second office in Soddy Daisy for neighbors living in North Hamilton County. The NNH also oversees two Community Schools, one at Hixson Middle and one at Red Bank High School. Community Schools are designed to provide wrap around support services to meet the physical, social and emotional needs of students, and also the community where the school is located.
To help celebrate the agency’s birthday, community members can make a donation to the NNH by visiting www.nnhouse.org/donate. To learn more about NNH’s thrift stores, visit www.nnhouse.org/thrifts.
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Home » Issues » July 16-August 15, 2011
Church May Force Termination Of Trust for its Sole Benefit
Bank loses effort to retain trusteeship and its annual trustee fees
July 16-August 15, 2011
When Ruth Soper died in 1973, she left a will directing her bank trustee to pay annuities to three individuals for their lifetime and then hold the remainder in trust to pay the income to the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C. Following the death of the last income beneficiary, the Diocese petitioned to terminate the trust and transfer the assets to it outright. Over the bank’s objection, the federal District Court in Maryland has said the trust should be terminated. (Convention of Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Washington, v. PNC Bank, No. 10-2793, 6/7/11.)
Mrs. Soper’s will was originally drafted in 1967 and, because of the tax law changes in 1969 requiring specific provisions to qualify charitable remainder trusts for favorable tax treatment, had to be reformed after her death to obtain the charitable estate tax deduction. The new provisions included a provision that the trustee should distribute to an alternate charitable beneficiary if the Diocese ever lost its tax-exempt status, and a “spendthrift” clause to protect the beneficiaries from claims of creditors.
The value of the trust had grown to about $23 million and PNC Bank took trustee fees, including fees for outside investment managers, of $143,000 in 2008 and $98,000 in 2009.
The Diocese argued (1) that it was the sole beneficiary and therefore had the consent of all beneficiaries for the termination, (2) termination would not be inconsistent with the settlor’s intent, (3) the continued payment of fees burdened the trust, and (4) the spendthrift provision did not prevent termination.
The Bank argued (1) the Diocese did not have the consent of all contingent beneficiaries or the Attorney General, (2) the Diocese failed to join the Attorney General, and (3) the spendthrift clause prevented termination.
The Court recognized the role of the Attorney General, but said the issue was moot because, in a letter received from the AG following oral argument of the case, the AG had said he “does not regard himself as a necessary party … and does not intend to participate as a party.”
The Court noted that the Diocese was the only beneficiary mentioned in Mrs. Soper’s will and that the provision about a possible successor was executed solely for tax purposes after her death. “Moreover, the possibility that the Protestant Episcopal Church, which the Court judicially notices dates back to pre-Revolutionary War times in America and previously as part of the Church of England to centuries before that, might cease its existence or lose its eligibility as a charity is unlikely in the extreme.”
On the spendthrift clause, the Court said the standard for determining whether the presence of a spendthrift clause would preclude the termination of the trust depended on whether the settlor had “a material purpose that would be inconsistent with allowing the beneficiaries to terminate the trust.” In this case, the clause was added only after Mrs. Soper’s death as part of the reformation and “does not suffice to establish that terminating the trust would be inconsistent with a material purpose of the trust.”
The bank trustee is fighting a losing battle in a case like this, especially where the trust has lost classification as a supporting organization and has become classified as a private foundation, which requires to pay the excise taxes on investment income in addition to the administration costs of a separate entity. We can expect to see more cases such as this in the future, particularly since many trusts will lost their supporting organization status under the new rules of the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and will become private foundations, with the attendant higher costs. (See Ready Reference Page: "Supporting Organizations Qualify as Public Charities")
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2.1 Photographs as documentary evidence
As the discussion of context makes clear, we can begin to ask many questions about the role that images may play in the social sciences. Photographs are documents and like other documentary records they are a physical trace of an actual event. However, as with all documentary evidence, their meaning is not fixed. Other examples of documents used by the social sciences can demonstrate this point.
Documentary evidence can come from official records such as a marriage certificate, a census
Arber, S. and Ginn, J. (1995) Connecting Gender and Ageing, Buckingham, Open University Press.
Bardasi, E. and Jenkins, S. (2002) Income in Later Life: Work History Matters, Bristol, Policy Press and Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
Blackburn, R. (2002) Banking on Death or, Investing in Life: The History and Future of Pensions, London, Verso.
As we have seen, pensions are both inherently personal and political. Pensions and other social policies are heavily implicated in shaping the way older people experience their personal lives, and the way in which these personal lives have become constructed as ‘other’. Providing a means by which older lives could be ‘divided up’ and divided out of the domain of paid employment, and reconstituted through the arena of public and private welfare, this process is also informed by differe
3.2 The 1908 Pensions Act and the inter-war years: counting age and discounting older workers
The 1908 Pensions Act represented the first time welfare interventions in older age were based on chronological age. It set the pension age at 70 years. Prior to this, although chronological age was often noted in Poor Law records, it did not constitute the basis of eligibility. Rather, age, and older age specifically, was constructed in terms of particular forms of embodiment, with older people being defined as those whose bodies were ‘past’ work, ‘worn out’ by work or ‘too frail�
2.3 Older lives and elder care homes: care and control
The de facto constitution of workhouses as ‘older’ spaces can be viewed as representing a precursor to public elder care homes as these developed later in the twentieth century. Indeed, the numbers of older people in such care homes today remains consistent with the 5 per cent of older people inhabiting workhouses at the end of the nineteenth century (Midwinter, 1997). Constituted as sites of care rather than control, these homes have nonetheless been subject to considerable critical scru
3.6 Population policy
The period of fertility decline in Britain coincided with a time when anxieties about population control came to dominate a wide range of debates about social policy. These debates originated in two different theories of population: Malthusian ideas about overpopulation and eugenics – the ‘science’ of selective breeding.
An Essay on the Principle of Population by Reverend Thomas Malthus, published in 1798, argued that populations would inevitably increase more rapidl
The idea of the double whammy brings together the two driving forces behind changes in industrial structure, with which this course opened and now closes. The use of a new technology causes a decline in the costs of production, which in turn encourages a rapid take-up by consumers of products embodying the new technology. This course has explored the factors affecting consumer demand. While the price of the product was found to be of crucial importance, socio-economic influences such as cultu
After studying this course, you should be able to:
appreciate the importance of technological change, costs of production and consumer preferences to the changing organisation of production
understand the relation between the quantity demanded of a good and its price as represented by the demand curve
understand economic models of the relation between firms’ costs and output
analyse the role of technology and costs in influencing in
Questions for review and discussion
Suppose a firm uses 200 hours of labour per day and produces 4000 mobile phones. It then reduces its labour inputs to 100 hours per day and finds it can produce 3000 phones. Which one of the following is a c
This chapter has enabled you to think about the essential role of technological change in determining economy-wide growth and the growth of firms and industries. We have seen that many issues surrounding the new economy are really issues around the dynamics of technological change: rapid increases in productivity, the emergence of many small firms, new products and new processes, and so on. The main lesson of the course has been to provide a historical perspective to the introduction of new t
4.7 The future?
In the USA, the automobile reached the 50 per cent household penetration rate in 1923, about 23 years into the industry's development. The PC reached that threshold rate in 1999, also about 23 years into its development. Given the discussion in Section 3, this suggests that the economy-wide effects of the PC have yet to
4.6 Changes in industry structure
How did the turbulence caused by new firms entering and leaving the industry, radical technological change and falling prices affect the overall industry structure? The term ‘industry structure’ refers mainly to the way in which power is distributed among firms. This can be described by factors such as the number of firms in the industry and the distribution of market shares (the market share of a firm is its share of total industry production expressed as a percentage).
An i
This course will help you understand the expressions social construction and social constructionism. These terms are used in the study of the Social Sciences and, in particular, in relation to Social Policy. The materials are primarily an audio file, originally 28 minutes in length and recorded in 2001.
This OpenLearn course provides a sample of Level 1 study in Author(s): The Open University
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2.3 Activity 1: Discussion
Responding to the way in which the content and style of photographs are so often limited by the production and distribution processes of the mass media, Owen Logan uses digital technology to produce a new way of seeing the oil industry. As you can see, many of his pictures are made by digitally splicing separate photographs together. The effects of these montages are in part about the relationship between what is put together. For example, to me Logan's use of a photograph of an oil platform
2.3 Activity 1: Flora Macdonald
temp – ground stewardess – office manager – accountant
© Owen Logan Author(s): The Open University
The material presented here focuses on the politics of racial violence in Britain. The material is an audio file, originally 30 minutes in length, and examines the issues around this subject. It was recorded in 1995.
This OpenLearn course provides a sample of Level 2 study in Sociology.
Successful IT systems
Information technology (IT) systems are a critical part of our world, in business and the public and voluntary sectors. They are often highly complex and interconnected combinations of technology, organisations and people. Success and failure of IT systems can be seen in many different settings. Many are highly successful; others fail, sometimes spectacularly. This free course focuses on success, to help you understand what is meant by a successful IT system.Author(s): Creator not set
Presenting information
Tables and charts are a great way to present numerical information in a clear and concise form. This free course, Presenting information, explains how to use the Windows calculator to carry out basic operations and calculate percentages. You will then learn how to use charts and tables to represent and interpret information. Author(s): Creator not set
2.3 Truth values
We will want to distinguish between statements that are true and statements that are false. Another fundamental form of data allows us to do this. This form of data consists of just two values, which we shall write as true and false.
Not all texts use the same notation: some use T and F; others may use 0 for false and 1 for true (or the reverse!).
We may refer to true and false as truth values, or Boolean values
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By: Brianna Nightingale
Megan Linville, a young Nashville native, has been singing and performing throughout her life but has only been entirely focused on a record deal since she graduated high school in 2006. Despite the overwhelming pressure to do “the right thing” and continue her education after high school, Linville decided at the beginning of her senior year to turn music into a career for herself.
This 20-year-old singer/songwriter knows how tough the music business can be, but she definitely has the mindset and self-determination to thrive. “My inner voice was always telling me that I was going to choose this, even from a very early age,” she said. Linville believes that music is in her blood, personality and genetic make up. Her grandfather, Jerry McBee, is one who greatly influenced her love for music; he wrote for many country stars including Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis. Linville is determined to continue what her grandfather has so powerfully started for her family. She has taken private lessons on the piano for about 10 years and recently took up guitar to help write songs. She recorded a few tunes with John Carter Cash in August, hoping to move closer to earning a record deal.
While watching concerts over the years, Linville has learned the importance of incorporating great stage presence with extraordinary vocals. She admires entertainers who she says “are more than just vocalists, but rather those who have intense, energetic stage shows.”
Throughout her music career, Linville hopes to stay true to her country roots and keep her audiences entertained, no matter how many or few people are present. This country girl, who is proud of her heritage, has a powerful voice that she will use to “deliver a power-packed performance” every time.
www.meganlinville.com
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Nicola Dove
Volunteer Service Abroad
A group of Masai in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area take a break from pastoral duties. VSA launched its Tanzanian programme in 1987 and has since placed some 63 volunteers in the country, working on everything from agriculture to health and local government. Over the last 42 years, VSA has mounted programmes in 32 countries. As VSA’s manager for Africa (1988–1996) and external relations (1999–2003), Trevor Richards is well placed to examine the changing face of VSA, aid and development.
Written by Trevor Richards Photographed by Nicola Dove, Bruce Connew and Terry O'Connor
When the philandering husband in TVNZ’s 1987 cult drama Gloss tells his long-suffering wife to pack her bags, her pathetic question “What am I supposed to do?” brings the response: “From now on I don’t care what you do. You can wear sensible shoes and a man’s watch. You can join Volunteer Service Abroad or take up china painting. Anything so long as you do not interfere with me.”
Pushed to explain his reference to VSA, he would probably have derided the organisation for being filled with do-gooders. In my 15-year association with VSA, the strongest critical comment made directly to me came from a retired businessman: “They [whoever “they” were] just breed like rabbits. It doesn’t matter what you do, so why do you bother?” The question was definitely rhetorical.
Which is a pity, because, ignoring the premise on which it was based, it’s a good one. What do organisations like VSA do and what do they achieve? Is a good conscience the only reward?
Development agencies are a phenomenon of the second half of the 20th century—so much so that the last 50 years could be called the age of development. One political commentator has written: “Like a towering lighthouse guiding sailors towards the coast, ‘development’ stood as the idea which orientated emerging nations in their journeys through post-war history.”
Sue Baker and Tom Lacey, advisers on human resource management, enjoy the hospitality of the Bulilimamangwe Rural District Council in Plumtree, western Zimbabwe.
However, the journeys undertaken by emerging nations have not always been journeys of triumph. Today, the accusing finger is pointed at Zimbabwe. A few years ago it was Rwanda and Burundi, and before that Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda. Asian, Latin American and Pacific nations have also undertaken their share of “failed” journeys.
Development agencies work in a complex world. They are just one of a host of forces capable of changing people’s lives. Development assistance is no cure-all. It is not a wand that can be waved to eradicate the effects of harmful trade and investment, of military oppression and human rights abuses. It cannot turn history on its head. VSA’s new CEO Deborah Snelson knows better than most about the fine balance that goes into effective development. For 16 years, she worked in Africa, pioneering approaches that enabled villagers to benefit from the wildlife they lived alongside.
She saw plenty of examples of outstanding change brought about by meeting local needs. She also witnessed heart-breaking waste where projects weren’t focussed and good opportunities lost. She says VSA has evolved through a time of huge change in the development world and she is proud to be leading an organisation that has responded well to that change.
[Chapter Break]
When VSA was formed in 1962, it was very much an organisation of its time. A mood of confidence and optimism prevailed. In his inaugural address in January 1961, United States President John F. Kennedy had held out exciting prospects for those who wanted life to be about more than just getting and spending.
He told the world that for the first time “man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of poverty.” The challenge was exciting, noble, inspiring.
VSA, in common with many similar volunteer agencies established in the 1960s, started life with an uncomplicated goal. Neville Peat, author of The VSA Way, writes that in the organisation’s early days, its purpose was “to develop friendship between New Zealanders and the people of the countries to which the volunteers were sent. Mutual goodwill and understanding underpinned the whole effort. The social and economic good that might eventuate from the volunteers’ work was implied rather than stated.”
Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world. Half of the land is still forested and many rural Laotians rely on wildlife for food and something to sell.
During its first decade, volunteers were sent to Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and South Vietnam.
But change was not far away. Returning volunteers began speaking what for VSA was a new language. Friendship, goodwill and understanding, while still important, were no longer enough. The word “development” entered the VSA lexicon:
“One can’t understand development until one understands oppression”; “Aid without development is not on.”
In 1974 a new course was set. VSA’s objectives were expanded to emphasise a developmental role.
Not long after I had joined the staff of VSA in 1988, an activist friend cynically observed that such organisations were little more than “well-meaning international temping agencies. The rhetoric of development is there, but that’s as far as it goes.” At the time I regarded the comment as unfair, too slick—and still do—but I could also see where my friend was coming from. I don’t know what he thinks of VSA now, but his position would be much more difficult to defend today.
Since 1962, and particularly since 1990, the changes in VSA have been substantial. Whom VSA sends abroad, where it sends them and what it sends them to do are all very different today from 40 years ago. This is hardly surprising. As noted already, development agencies are a post-World War II phenomenon, and they have found much to learn during the period in question.
VSA has been involved in a joint ecotourism venture in the north, designed to bring money to local people without harming the environment.
One obvious change in VSA is the age of its volunteers. In the early years they were mostly much younger than they are today. For instance, between 1964 and 1974, VSA sent 318 17-and 18-year-old school-leavers on one-year assignments (adult assignments were for two years) in South-east Asia and the Pacific. These youngsters became media darlings, working such PR magic that many New Zealanders still believe VSA volunteers are young people. In fact, although VSA continues to appeal to the young, older people have increasingly swelled the ranks of volunteers. Those currently in the field range from their mid-20s to their early 70s, and the average age is approaching 50.
The location of VSA’s programmes has also undergone major change. In the early ’60s, the Pacific region and Asian countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Indonesia received most support. Come 1990, with the end of the Cold War, the crumbling of apartheid and altered relationships within many regions, programmes were launched in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania, South Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. A reconstruction programme in Bougainville was established in 1998. A similar programme in East Timor followed in 2001.
Of the 147 assignments in which VSA volunteers were engaged in the 2003–2004 financial year, 25 were in Africa (Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe), 42 in Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan and East Timor) and 80 in the Pacific (Samoa, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea—including Bougainville—Niue, Kiribati and Tokelau). Forty-four per cent involved education and training, 11 per cent economic development, 14 per cent health improvement, 7 per cent community development, 13 per cent building infrastructure, 5 per cent agricultural work, and 6 per cent the harnessing of natural resources.
Programmes in the early 1990s reflected a major shift in VSA’s approach to development issues. No longer was it simply a case of schoolteachers teaching and hospital nurses nursing. In VSA’s 40th anniversary publication, New Zealand Abroad, Margot Schwass wrote: “A VSA nurse today is more likely to be running a workshop or advising health department officials than weighing babies in a village clinic. Classroom teachers have made way for education volunteers whose role is to share new methodologies with local teachers.”
Although the philosophical adjustments underlying these changes have been invisible, they have been crucial.
Ingenuity to quicken a Kiwi heart. Toys fashioned from wire and tin cans are popular with children throughout southern Africa. These boy racers are burning up the tar seal near Bonda, in Zimbabwe’s Eastern Highlands.
During the Cold War, most development theorists belonged to one of two camps. US economic historian Walt Rostow’s modernisation theory argued that what was needed to develop and build the economic strength of poor countries was a massive injection of new technologies and development capital. According to Rostow, the cause of the social and economic problems countries faced was located within their own national boundaries.
Others believed that the obstacles faced by the “underdeveloped” world were caused in substantial part by the economic policies of rich and powerful industrialised nations. They promoted the dependency theory, which argued that for development to occur, the nature of the relationship between rich and poor countries needed to change. According to this view, the causes of social and economic problems facing poor nations were largely external.
The causes of global, regional and national inequalities continue to be argued over. A new school of theorists is elevating the importance of civil society in the development process, and integral to this approach is a rethink of what constitutes progress. Poverty alleviation, social equality, gender equity and environmental sustainability are advanced as important goals.
Today, VSA’s view of development centres on partnership, the interaction between volunteers and locals from which both learn and benefit. At the heart of VSA’s philosophy lies the belief that development assistance works best when local communities and organisations set their own goals and determine the type of help required to achieve them.
In many cases, what is needed most is neither money nor physical resources but skills, human enterprise and organisational capability. VSA volunteers can contribute expertise, experience and energy to strengthen local capacity to solve local problems. Development is most effective when it encourages and enables people to participate fully in the decisions and processes that shape their lives, promotes the equitable distribution and use of resources, and strengthens local organisations and initiatives.
Reading retreat on the roof of the world – a young Bhutanese boy prepares for afternoon school. VSA helped develop the Himalayan kingdom’s education system; now volunteers are working in urban planning to improve building design and construction.
In Tanzania, where considerable stigma attaches to physical disability, occupational therapist Katie Hindle engages children at a rehabilitation centre in activities designed to improve mobility, encourage social interaction and stimulate young minds.
In adopting this approach, VSA has, since the early 1990s, acknowledged the importance of such concerns as gender and the environment. It has also placed growing emphasis on community development, human rights and governance issues. These have become increasingly important as conflicts have arisen within the Pacific region and in East Timor.
Given all of this, it could be argued that only two things about VSA have remained the same over the past 40 years. The first is that the word “volunteer” has always been something of a misnomer. VSA’s volunteers have never been such in any literal sense of the term. They are paid a monthly living allowance and small set-up and resettlement allowances, and provided with airfares and accommodation.
The second constant relates to funding. Since 1962 VSA has enjoyed bipartisan political support, and successive governments have matched rhetoric with funding. In the 2003–2004 financial year, VSA’s grant from the New Zealand Agency for International Development (NZAID) was $5.6 million—substantially more than its first, a princely £2500. However, since the early 1980s, governments have required VSA to raise 10–15 per cent of its income—around $500,000—from the private sector. This can be a real struggle.
Komiti Tumama, in Apia, Samoa, is the sort of non-governmental organisation (NGO) VSA is increasingly being asked to assist. Comprising 460 village women’s committees representing over 6000 members, it seeks to improve the lot of Samoan women with respect to their economic, educational and health needs and to enhance the status of women while still operating within the local cultural milieu. In 1997, the group had a framework, a purpose and plenty of enthusiasm, but lacked the institutional strength to make much headway. When VSA volunteer Su’emalo Tonu’u was appointed to help give it greater impact, it had neither an established office, ongoing funding, nor an adequate focus for its activities. Now it has all three.
The art of making siapo (the Samoan name for tapa) had all but died out, and Samoans were importing tapa from Tonga to meet traditional obligations. With Su’emalo’s help, Komite Tumama organised the planting of paper mulberry trees and held workshops to teach women how to harvest the bark and beat it into cloth. People are selling it now and earning money.
A group of Masai boys in Olduvai, Tanzania, undergo a three-month period of preparation for their circumcision.
The sporting links between New Zealand and South Africa, which so many people in both countries once sought to cut, are now stronger than ever. In 1997, New Zealand’s Hillary Commission and the Eastern Cape’s Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture signed an agreement to develop rural and junior sports programmes.
VSA volunteer Rose Tuhiwai, a former Maori sports coordinator with Sport Hawke’s Bay, worked with the department from 2001 to 2003 to establish the Eastern Cape Village Sport and Cultural Council (VSCC). This was a sport and community driven initiative that brought clusters of rural settlements together for sporting and cultural activities. These clusters, each made up of 10–14 villages, were modelled on the Hillary Commission’s marae-based programmes.
This is a new concept in South Africa. Rose sees the combination of sports and arts as having “huge potential”: “This is community development with a strong cultural influence.”
VSA’s South Africa field officer, Murray Benbow, says that the benefits of Rose’s assignment are highly visible. “It has motivated and generated a healthy competition amongst people. Sport helps build confidence and pride, and that is really important in an area where unemployment is around 65 per cent. I can see the programme uplifting people, and that’s a real stepping stone to a change in life.”
Since the early 1990s VSA has been increasingly involved in post-conflict work. Significant in this respect are its programmes in Bougainville and East Timor and,12 months after the evacuation of volunteers on the Australian troop-carrier Tobruk, its re-establishment in the Solomon Islands.
A family in Daulo Pass, in the forest of Papua New Guinea’s Eastern Highlands, ekes out a subsistence living using ancient slash-and-burn techniques. Development programmes can bring more sustainable agricultural practices that yield a better living for local people.
Terry Butt, VSA’s outgoing CEO, says that VSA’s experience in Bougainville enabled it to build its capabilities in post-conflict work, which has quite specific requirements. He believes New Zealanders have much to offer as volunteers in post-conflict situations.
“They have a reputation for being able to function without regard to the environment. A lot of other nationalities spend the first six months trying to change the environment so they can work in it. Our people tend to be happy to live like locals, without a lot of support. They just get on with it.”
In Bougainville, VSA was invited by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to explore the possibility of establishing a programme. When VSA visited the devastated islands in May 1998 to assess needs, the rehabilitation of ex-combatants was clearly a priority. The keys to integration were seen as reconciliation, education and income generation. The centrepiece of VSA’s programme became the Arawa Carpentry and Social Development Association (ACSDA), established to give local people marketable skills while also rebuilding public facilities devastated in the bitter nine-year civil war (see New Zealand Geographic, Issue 46). Over a four-year period, five VSA volunteers helped build the association’s organisational capacity and taught building skills to more than 40 former combatants. The ACSDA’s contribution to reconstruction is now visible everywhere—in the refurbished Arawa Public Library, the TB ward at the hospital, the new classrooms at Keuru School.
In the Solomon Islands, where violent civil unrest erupted in 2000, VSA works in two provinces, both hard-hit by the conflict. Three volunteers are advisers to small businesses, helping stimulate economic development and create income-generating opportunities for local people. Two lawyers are serving as legal advisers to their respective provincial governments, supporting improvements in local governance and legal systems and thereby helping build a sound platform for future peace and stability. One is now closely involved in rewriting the Solomon Islands’ constitution.
What motivates people to volunteer with VSA? Carolyn Mark, VSA’s recruitment and training manager, has been asked the question a thousand times. She joined the VSA staff in 1984, and has seen close to 1000 volunteers come and go and interviewed well over twice that number. She says there are three broad reasons people want to volunteer with VSA: they wish to do something of value—“to give something back”; they want to learn about themselves and another culture; and they’re keen to extend themselves by taking on a challenge.
Neil Bellingham, one of VSA’s first volunteers, worked in north-east Thailand from 1964 to 1966. He was motivated by the mood for change that infected the ’60s. “Internationalism was part of the climate of the times,” he recalls. “Many of us felt that in New Zealand we were well off and had obligations to less fortunate parts of the world. We felt change in the world was possible… Small things—small organisations, small countries, ordinary people—could make a difference.”
The air of neglect at this village graveyard is typical of rural East Timor, devastated by years of conflict. Yet the countryside, in the shape of agriculture, represents the country’s biggest hope for a prosperous future.
For Monika Fry, it was initially a sense of adventure that drew her to VSA. She taught in Vanuatu in 1977 and in Papua New Guinea in 1978. “When I was at high school, working each holiday in a Wellington fur shop, a nurse who had been a Red Cross nurse in trouble spots all over the world regularly brought her sealskin coat in for summer storage. She told fascinating stories of exotic locations. I remember hanging on every word and deciding I was going to do that too.”
Beth Allardice was a volunteer in Zimbabwe (1986–88) and field representative in Tanzania (1989–93). “The thought of volunteering had been ‘lurking’ for decades, along with an intense desire to travel in a way that would give me some knowledge of the reality of other people’s lives and a meaningful involvement with them.”
What do volunteers get out of it? Tony Browne was one of the 318 in the school-leavers programme. He taught for a year at Vureas School in Vanuatu (at that time known as the New Hebrides). “It is a truism that a volunteer learns more, particularly about himself or herself, than he or she can ever give a host community. For an 18-year-old, that imbalance was particularly marked… I learned both the richness and the hardship of a subsistence existence. And I prepared myself for university with an appreciation of the privilege of tertiary study that nothing in a New Zealand school could have given me.”
Today, Browne is director of the north Asian division of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. “More importantly,” he says, “VSA set me on the path that led to my making a career as a diplomat. At [Vanuatuan] independence in 1980, I was sent back for a few months to help set up their foreign ministry, and seven years later was appointed New Zealand’s first resident high commissioner in Vila. I knew a number of the cabinet ministers and officials throughout all parts of the government. One of the Vanuatu teachers with whom I shared a house at Vureas 21 years earlier was director-general of education, the other the head of a provincial administration. My Bislama, the local lingua franca, was still fluent.”
In isolated Tokelau, by comparison—three tiny coral atolls 500 km north of Samoa—soil is thin, infertile and scarce. New Zealand funding is essential for economic survival, and most food and materials must be shipped in.
Monika Fry can relate to Tony Browne’s story. “My experiences living in Papua New Guinea and other overseas countries have provided a reference point for many things I have done. Last year I helped conduct a review of a health-education and sanitation programme undertaken in Eastern Highland schools. This was made successful with my previous knowledge of Papua New Guinea pidgin and understanding of the country.”
Bev Wickham, previously a VSA public health nurse in Cambodia (1992–94) and VSA primary healthcare advisor in the Solomon Islands (1996–98), thinks that she “became much more patient and less judgemental with people. I gained a realisation that it does not matter where you were born and what culture you belong to: people the world over have the same fundamental hopes, desires and dreams in their lives.”
Matthew Hall and Paula Barry have recently completed assignments with VSA in East Timor, Matthew as a forestry officer and Paula as a nutritionist. Before they left they spoke of how they felt their time in Cova Lima would benefit them. As Paula summed it up: “Working in a country where the culture is significantly different will give us a new perspective, and enable us to learn other ways of operating in our professions. It will also test our abilities to cope in difficult situations with no easy escape. And we’re hopeful there will be some really cool stories to tell on our return.”
How does VSA go about setting up a new programme? While many aspects of the process are country-specific, others are common to all.
When I joined the staff of VSA, programmes in Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Botswana had already been established. The initiative to launch VSA’s South Africa programme had come from the ANC, in the first instance from Makhenkesi Stofile, now premier of the Eastern Cape provincial government, and a resolute opponent of New Zealand’s sporting ties with the old regime. Visiting New Zealand in 1991, he had suggested that VSA investigate the establishment of a volunteer-based development programme: “The regime is busy getting its friends into the country—why shouldn’t we get some of ours in?’”
Peddling geese in Vietnam. Fresh poultry is the preferred meat throughout much of southeast Asia.
VSA was initially dubious. Wasn’t South Africa rich? Didn’t other countries have greater need? Who would VSA work with? How safe would volunteers be? Kwa Zulu Natal and the East Rand were on fire. Besides, there was no guarantee that the talks taking place between the old regime and the ANC and others would lead anywhere positive. How realistic was the establishment of any VSA programme in the near future? In late 1992, together with VSA’s field representative in Zimbabwe, I made the first of several assessment visits to South Africa.
Before my departure, Peter Harris, who had emigrated from South Africa to New Zealand in 1974, suggested that VSA work in the Eastern Cape, one of the poorest regions of the country. Three-quarters of the population were unemployed or underemployed, and over 60 per cent were functionally illiterate.
The community organisations that had developed under apartheid to address basic human needs were potential project partners. New Zealand enjoyed some standing among those in the disadvantaged communities, the role of many of its citizens in the anti-apartheid struggle offering a bridge between VSA and local groups. The Eastern Cape was relatively free from political violence, and was not as likely to attract the development assistance that it was anticipated would flood into Durban and Cape Town.
Harris’s advice proved sound. The message with which I returned was clear: South Africa may be prosperous in comparison with many African states, but large parts of the country were every bit as desperate as elsewhere on the continent. I strongly believed that VSA could play a useful role.
VSA was one of the first agencies to launch a programme in the new South Africa, with volunteers starting assignments in voter education in East London in 1993. Since late 1994, VSA has worked in both urban and rural parts of the Eastern Cape’s border region, and more recently in the Transkei. During that time, volunteers have helped to build more than a thousand new houses in the former coloured township of Buffalo Flats; to provide water in remote rural areas of the former Ciskei Bantustan (one of the Black African “homelands” abolished in 1993); and to bolster indigenous NGOs and local government. More recently, they have worked with the provincial Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
Although short on elbow room, these boys from the sprawling slums of Eikenhof, in Soweto, receive a basic school education thanks to a local community trust and development assistance from New Zealand.
While in every country history needs to be considered before such projects are embarked upon, this is especially true in South Africa. When whites and blacks interact, 350 years of history have first to be negotiated. As William Faulkner wrote of the American South: “The past isn’t dead—it isn’t even past.” This makes for very tense relationships. At a shebeen in Mdantsane, a sprawling black township outside East London, an elegantly dressed black banker sighs when asked about the future: “Our patience is being met with white defiance. Too many of them just don’t care. They act as if very little has changed. They certainly haven’t.”
Rose Tuhiwai, Camille Kirtlan and other volunteers working in the former Ciskei Bantustan know what he’s talking about. As Rose, who is Maori, says: “If Camille and I are together and I ask a question of a group of whites, they will reply to Camille. Whites talk openly to Camille in front of me, often disparagingly, about blacks and coloureds.” Such people are not exceptional; they can be found throughout South Africa. They live in electronically guarded fortresses, have maids whose surnames they haven’t managed to remember, and drive BMWs, Mercedes and Audis. VSA volunteers in South Africa may enjoy better living conditions than those in some other assignment posts, but the society in which they operate is very complicated.
Shortly after Tanzania gained its independence in 1961, the East African state’s first president, Julius Nyerere, observed that “whilst other people can aim at reaching the moon… our present aim must be directed at reaching the villages.” Over the five decades since, for many people in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific much has changed—and much has stayed the same.
Sir Edmund Hillary, VSA’s founder president, wrote in the foreword of New Zealand Abroad that while the world can aptly be described as a global village for some, for others “their village is their globe, and it is a tough place… More than one person in five alive in the world today lives on less than US$1 a day. They didn’t ask to live in poverty, any more than we are responsible for living in affluence. The fact that we do is a blessing, and with it comes responsibilities.”
How does New Zealand face up to its responsibilities? What it spends on development assistance is only one consideration—which is probably just as well, as its record in this regard is not great. In the heady, pre–oil-shock days of the early 1970s, the Labour government declared a development-assistance target of 1 per cent of gross national income. It reached 0.52 per cent in 1975, the highest the country has ever achieved. In the 2002–03 financial year, the current Labour-led government spent 0.24 per cent (around $300 million), significantly below the OECD average and less than half of the 1975 figure. Only six countries in the 22-member OECD spent a lower percentage.
The jaunty demeanour of these children at the Chiremba balancing rocks, near Harare, belies the many young lives blighted by malnutrition, poor healthcare and unaffordable school fees in the poorer parts of Zimbabwe.
Another, more encouraging measure of New Zealand’s willingness to shoulder responsibility is its volunteer record. Since the formation of VSA, 2000-plus volunteers have worked in 32 countries. Collectively, they have served in Africa, Asia and the Pacific for more than 4000 years. It is a record of which Sir Edmund Hillary says “not only VSA, but all New Zealanders should feel proud.”
VSA’s volunteers seem to find particular favour in their host countries. Ten years ago in Tanzania we were investigating the requirements for a particular assignment, and it seemed to me that it might make more sense if an agency other than VSA was approached. I felt sure that some of the wealthy European agencies would be able to supply more by way of vehicles and other project equipment than was within VSA’s capacity.
“No,” I was told by a project partner, “we would rather have VSA. Your volunteers might not have the same access to funding and equipment as those from some other agencies, but the people you send are hard working, practical, and very happy to work with local people. We would like a lot more like them.”
VSA’s work with the ACSDA in Bougainville has earned enthusiastic plaudits. The project was unique in that VSA established it from scratch but with a view to eventually handing it over to local management and ownership. This took place at a ceremony on June 28, 2001. Michael Bankini, supervisor of the workshop, commented, “We have almost all the skills we need now,” and thought that within a year Bougainvilleans would be able to operate independently of VSA. He likes the VSA approach of providing people, not money. “It’s not good for us to ask for money all the time. Donors giving us money cause too many problems.”
In recent years corporations as well as governments—including the Coca-Cola Company—have increased support for education, HIV/Aids prevention and treatment programmes.
Within developed countries, New Zealand included, attitudes to aid and development differ markedly. To some, their practitioners are the new missionaries; to others, they offer an important, and sometimes the only, avenue to overcoming global and regional inequalities.
Although development assistance is no panacea, it is one of the few means available for tackling poverty directly and has achieved much. A recent United Nations Human Development Report states that “the progress in reducing poverty over the 20th century is remarkable and unprecedented.”
To state just some of the more significant strides made in developing countries since 1960: life expectancy has risen by more than 20 years, from 41 to 62; child death rates have more than halved; those with access to clean water have doubled, from 35 per cent to 70 per cent; adult literacy has risen from less than 50 per cent to well over 60 per cent; the proportion of children out of primary school has fallen from more than 50 per cent to less than 25 per cent. But while it is exciting that such change can be achieved, VSA’s CEO Deborah Snelson says it’s no reason to relax.
“Change for the better is not irreversible,” she says, “and the widening gap developing once again between rich and poor nations threatens hard-won gains.” Regional variations are also huge. She mentions Papua New Guinea’s East Sepik province, where VSA is working alongside local health service providers and Save the Children. “Life expectancy is under 50 and infant mortality is one of the highest in the southern hemisphere.”
Luveve cemetery, Bulawayo, tells of the calamitous effect of HIV/Aids in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries. Of the approximately 40 million people infected worldwide, 30 per cent live in southern Africa, home to less than two per cent of the human population.
After a decade of bloody civil war, Bougainville is now benefiting from VSA projects aimed at rehabilitating former combatants and improving medical and dental services. Although the needs of the world remain great, since 1960 life expectancy in developing countries has risen from 41 to 62 years, and fewer than 25 per cent of children are not in primary education. Aid and development agencies like VSA are making a difference!
Bev Wickham holds dear two comments made at the end of her two VSA assignments in Cambodia and the Solomon Islands. “When I was farewelled from Cambodia, I was told that I had taught people to care about each other. When I was leaving the Solomon Islands, I was told that I had taught people that nothing is impossible.”
Trish Moriarty, until recently a general and obstetrics nurse, worked with PASADA, a Catholic agency supporting the poorest people living with HIV in Dar es Salaam. She says that a recent survey of people using the agency’s services asked what they liked about PASADA. “Fewer than five per cent gave the expected answers—‘the free food’ or ‘the free medicine’. Most responded: ‘They care about us here.’ For too many Tanzanians, hard times make compassion an unaffordable luxury.”
New Zealand Foreign Minister Phil Goff has described VSA as “one of the best investments and value for money we can possibly get.” And it isn’t only those living in Africa, Asia and the small nation states of the Pacific who are benefiting. Back home in New Zealand, the benefits are also very real.
More by Trevor Richards
More by Nicola Dove,Bruce Connew and Terry O'Connor
Maniototo
Sea surface
John Morton
Volunteer firefighters
Turning over a new leaf
Daily fix, broken
Heroes in a (Pacific) half-shell
The murder house
Missing targets
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Cartoon: Nick Smith faces the music
Supermarket shut down for poor hygiene
Kerre Woodham: Crumbs ... it's Marmageddon
Marmite is in short supply. Photo / Doug Sherring
By: Kerre McIvor
It's marmageddon and the fear of dwindling Marmite supplies has seen panic-buying across the country.
The shortage is because the country's only Marmite factory in Christchurch has been closed due to the quake since November and, although the production team has relocated to Sanitarium's Auckland factory, the jars won't be rolling off the conveyor belt until July.
Some people, like the Prime Minister, are sanguine about switching to Vegemite - the Australian-made (and vastly superior) alternative yeast extract spread.
John Key confessed that he's a consumer who can move between the brands and doesn't mind which spread covers his toast.
Unlike the Prime Minister, I don't swing both ways. I'm a Vegemite girl through and through. That said, I can understand the grizzles from Marmite fans who say the spreads taste different.
Of course they do. Marmite is sweeter - it's made for a less refined palate. Vegemite is more savoury and salty - more sophisticated, if you will. Marmite is for people who like factory-made fish fingers. Vegemite is for those who appreciate oysters fresh from the shell.
Despite the fact that I'm enjoying smearing my Vegemite on my Vogels with liberal abandon each morning, Marmite-lovers have my sympathy.
Accept no substitutions. Stay true to your extract. And those who are bi-Mites should offer their jars of Marmite to those who are mono-Mites as a gesture of support until the crisis has abated.
"Please explain" sends a chill
Although I work in the media - perhaps it's because I work in the media - it's a hell of a shock getting a please-explain call.
Kerre Woodham: Rip-off merchant sad little nobody
4 Mar, 2012 5:30am
Kerre Woodham: I've lost the iPad rat race
Kerre Woodham: Fatties and smokers get medical bum's rush
Kerre Woodham: Ports blow a sad sign of times
The editor phoned me this week and said my name was linked to a story the paper was working on about people receiving free hospitality from SkyCity in return for being one of their "brand ambassadors".
The benefits were substantial - supposedly cash and credit for meals and drinks.
I went hot and cold; equal parts mystified and furious that I'd been implicated in what I was sure the Herald on Sunday would turn into a significant story.
For the record, I was once given a debit card for $1000 as a thank you for MC-ing numerous charity functions.
I was offered a free weekend at the hotel but could never take it up because the Irishman saw no point in staying in a hotel when we had a perfectly good house down the road, and there's absolutely no fun in bouncing round a hotel room on your own.
It's not uncommon for charities and their main sponsors to offer a thank-you gift when you've MC'd for free, even though you tell them it's not necessary. I suppose it makes them feel better about hitting you up the next year. So, after turning down a couple of offers of nights at the Grand, a card arrived in my name with $1000 on it.
About the same time, I was asked if I'd be one of their brand ambassadors, but I didn't see how that could work. I told the SkyCity person that I would always be happy to MC their charity functions but there'd be a conflict of interest if I was working in the media and being paid, in effect, to promote SkyCity.
While I have no problem with them - I think they're good corporate citizens - I'm only free to say that because I'm not on the take. It was a conversation at the end of a fundraiser some years ago, it was never put as a formal request and that was the end of that. Apart from the one-off thank you, that was it.
I've continued to MC charity functions but I've paid my way at the hotel for meals ever since.
At the time of writing this, I have no idea how my name has been connected to a story on brand ambassadors. But I tell you what - even though you're blameless, there's nothing like a call from one of your own kind to chill your blood.
I can't imagine what it must feel like to be sitting on a secret and getting the call.
Smith's honour intact
Nick Smith did the right thing this week. Falling on his sword was the honourable thing to do. Indeed, throughout this sorry affair, the Honourable Doctor Nick Smith has earned his honorific.
Sure, it took him 24 hours to resign from Cabinet, but that's a blink of an eye when you consider the drawn-out resignations of other ministers.
He was obviously very sorry to be leaving his portfolios but he was dignified in his resignation speech.
He declared his love for, and fidelity to, his wife and did not, at any stage, embark on a mud-slinging retaliation against the "friend" who was the catalyst for his downfall.
With friends like Bronwyn Pullar, who needs enemies?
It was her constant badgering of her "friend" that resulted in him writing a reference to support her claim against ACC when he was the minister for that government department.
Simply not good enough for a minister in a New Zealand government, and he knew that.
He should have resigned when his letter was revealed - if only because we would have been spared hearing Winston Peters utter the word "sex" in Parliament.
He said it with such distaste he could have been Rick Santorum's running mate in the US presidential race.
But it's over now. Nick Smith has done the right thing and he should be left to get on with his life.
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"Partie de la Carte du Capitaine Cluny Auteur d'un ouvrage anglois intitule American Traveller", Robert de Vaugondy, Didier
Subject: Canada & Alaska
Publication: Diderot's Encyclopedie (Supplement)
19 x 11.5 inches
When Charles Joseph Panckoucke took over publication of Diderot's Encyclopedie in 1768, he promised to correct the cursory treatment of geography for which the first seventeen volumes had been criticized, with emphasis on the discoveries of the last 25 years. He employed Samuel Engel, a Swiss geographer, to write a series of articles about the northern regions and Didier Robert de Vaugondy to prepare ten maps to illustrate them. Engel rejected the De la Fonte Northwest Passage discoveries and believed the most sensible route from the Atlantic to the Pacific was along the north coast of Siberia. These maps illustrate the discoveries and various cartographic theories concerning the Pacific Northwest, East Asia and the North Pacific Ocean and include some of the most interesting comparative cartography of the eighteenth century
While this fascinating map covers the Arctic from Asia through Europe, the focus of the map is the Arctic region of North America. The most important feature of the map is the early depiction of what is present-day Alaska, patterned after Muller's epic map of 1750 that was the first to show the Russian discoveries, also noted here. A very interesting Northwest Passage is shown going from Repulse Bay in the north part of Hudson's Bay into the Arctic Ocean at Cape Fowler.
Faint toning along folds, else fine.
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Party Monster
Lindsey Stirling Electric Daisy Vio... Zayn Good Years Camila Cabello Never Be the Same Alesso Is That For Me Lana Del Rey Lust for Life
The Weeknd - Party Monster Piano Tutorial
"Party Monster" is a song from The Weeknd's third studio album, Starboy, and was released as its third single in December 2016 (after the album's title track "Starboy" and "I Feel It Coming" ft. Daft Punk). If you listen carefully, you can hear background vocals from Lana Del Rey!
Ho gogoc
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Columbia University PhD Wins 2009 Heinz Dissertation Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2009
CONTACT: Pamela Larson at plarson@nasi.org
WASHINGTON, DC—The National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) is pleased to announce Lauren Hersch Nicholas as winner of the 16th Annual John Heinz Dissertation Award. Nicholas, currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Michigan, wrote her dissertation, “Medicare Advantage? Managed Care and Medicare Quality, Cost and Enrollment” while she was a doctoral student in Department of Social Policy and Policy Analysis at Columbia University. The dissertation was nominated for the award by Irwin Garfinkel, Mitchell I. Ginsberg Professor of Contemporary Urban Problems at Columbia University School of Social Work.
The award, which includes a $2,500 prize, will be presented during the National Academy of Social Insurance’s 21st Annual Conference on January 29, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Teresa and John Heinz Fund of the Heinz Family Foundation supports the award.
The John Heinz Dissertation Award is issued in honor of Senator John Heinz. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, he helped chart the Social Security rescue effort in 1983 and worked tirelessly to insulate the Social Security Trust Funds from the rest of the Federal budget. John Heinz was a leading expert in the Senate on private pensions and health care and aging policy. He was a member of the Academy’s Board of Advisors from the organization’s inception in 1986. Robert M. Ball, Founding Chair, said, “John Heinz was a leading proponent of Social Security with a true appreciation of the value of social insurance principles in developing public policy. He was a true supporter of the National Academy of Social Insurance and contributed importantly to its objectives.” The National Academy of Social Insurance is privileged to award this prize in his honor.
The award selection committee is chaired by Robert Hudson, Department of Social Welfare Policy, of Boston University, with members: Christine Bishop, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Rashi Fein, Department of Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and James Morone, Department of Politics, Brown University.
NASI will soon be accepting nominations for the 2010 Heinz Award. To obtain application forms and additional information visit www.nasi.org or contact Pamela Larson (202) 452-8097, or by email at plarson@nasi.org.
Nicholas - Dissertation Abstract
News About NASI
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Green tea cholesterol
Benefits and Side Effects of Green Tea
January 5, 2016 by Marius Lixandru
Green tea is a favorite hot beverage among health enthusiasts around the world. Its proven health benefits include antioxidant protection, anticancer properties, improved metabolism, antimicrobial action, promotion of weight loss and increased alertness as well as several other quite impressive properties. Nevertheless, drinking too much green tea can have its downside as the beloved infusion can negatively affect one’s health by driving certain health effects to the extreme.
For instance, while it is great it increases alertness, green tea drank in great amounts can cause insomnia, restlessness, agitation. In more sensitive people, green tea may produce side effects such as arrhythmia, palpitations, extrasystoles etc. The same goes for other types of herbal infusion from Camellia sinensis leaves, namely white and black tea, yellow tea, kukicha (made from twigs), etc.
When it comes to eating certain foods or drinking certain beverages, we must keep in mind that we are not all the same and that our bodies have different reactions to various elements in food and drinks. While some of us could use a good cup of green tea to perk us up, others might feel the infusion is too much for them because it makes them feel agitated or irritated. Some people have to avoid stimulants such as coffee, soda drinks, black or green tea because they might have irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. Those struggling with insomnia are also advised to avoid coffee and green tea.
Pregnant women have to consider how everything they eat and drink affects their baby, including drinking tea, while other people may have no medical restrictions towards drinking green tea, for example. The decision to either drink or not drink green tea should be made only after accounting for our current health status, existent health issues and individual response to the biologically active components in the tea. This being said, there are several things you should know about the herbal brew.
Why is green tea good for you?
1) Scientifically proved anticancer properties. According to research, green tea contains catechins and theaflavins, two constituents with potent anticancer properties (Tea and health: studies in humans). Catechins have been shown to possess free radical-scavenging properties and prevent extensive oxidative damage that may lead to cancerous formations. Lung, bladder, colon, esophagus and skin cancer are several forms against which the infusion is believed to protect.
The catechin epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate in particular has been shown to increase the efficacy of an anticancer medicine called Herceptin, used for stomach cancer treatment, according to the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Singapore, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School in the US. This compound in green tea basically helps the medicine better target cancer cells and increases its lifespan in the circulatory system.
In addition to this, green tea is rich in polyphenols, natural compounds with strong antioxidant activity. Research suggests that a diet rich in antioxidants may contribute to better health and offer protection against chronic illnesses such as cancer.
2) Anti-aging properties. Antioxidants in green tea are known to reduce oxidative stress brought upon by free radicals, reactive oxygen molecules. By scavenging free radicals and reducing the stress they put on cells and DNA, foods and beverages rich in antioxidants such as green tea are believed to contribute to better health, including skin health.
3) Promotes weight loss. One of the first and most famous properties of green tea is that of promoting weight loss. According to various studies, green tea and green tea extract in particular can boost metabolism and stimulate the body to burn fats, encouraging weight loss. These health effects are believed to result from the stimulating effects of caffeine in the herb.
4) Antimicrobial properties. Green tea boasts antimicrobial activity and can protect the liver against hepatitis caused by a viral infection. Moreover, the antioxidant polyphenols in the infused leaves are believed to exert a protective action against alcohol damage to the liver. However, the best resolution for a healthy liver is to eat and drink right, alcohol excluded. Green tea is also believed to protect against dental cavities similar to conventional dental care products as a result of its antimicrobial properties. However, more research is needed on the subject.
5) Anti-inflammatory action. Compounds in green tea exert an anti-inflammatory effect and, as a result, the infusion is used to reduce inflammation at the level of the stomach and intestines. Moreover, due to its refreshing or stimulating effect, green tea is often drank to treat nausea, vomiting, headaches etc.
6) Natural stimulant. Green tea is known to increase alertness, boost metabolism and energy levels as well as improve stamina. All of the stimulant effects of the infusion result from its caffeine content, hence the preference for drinking the tea early in the day. Though with short term effects, green tea can help combat fatigue
7) Promotes cardiovascular health. Green tea is believed to contribute to cardiovascular health because of its antioxidant content which maintains healthy blood vessels. Because of its stimulating effects, green tea is also consumed in view of raising low blood pressure. Moreover, preliminary studies suggest it helps clean cholesterol buildup on blood vessel walls, reduce bad cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis risks (Green tea intake lowers fasting serum total and LDL cholesterol in adults: a meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials).
What are the side effects?
However, green tea should be consumed with moderation as it can elicit moderate to severe side effects in some people, particularly those who are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and those with medical conditions that are directly and negatively impacted by specific compounds in the tea leaves.
1) Insomnia and disturbed sleep. The caffeine in green tea can alter normal sleep patterns in certain individuals and cause insomnia. The lack of rest will, in turn, lead to fatigue, irritability and anxiety or magnify existing anxiety symptoms.
2) Allergic reactions. Particularly sensitive individuals may experience an allergic reaction to certain components of green tea. Children, expecting mothers and new mothers should avoid green tea as its health effects on newborns and children have not been researched.
3) Fast heartbeats, palpitations, extrasystoles, arrhythmia, tremors. All of these symptoms are side effects of often excessive caffeine intake and may appear following green tea consumption. Also see what are extrasystoles.
4) High blood pressure. Green tea can cause mild hypertension or exacerbate and existing condition as a result of its usually high caffeine content, especially when consumed in great amounts. Also, the infusion interacts with hypertension medication with the potential for diminishing its effects.
5) Increase of medication action. According to research, green tea interacts with anticoagulant medication such as warfarin, potentiating its effect and increasing the risk of bleeding. Extracts or infusions may also increase the effectiveness of antibiotics as a result of their antimicrobial action.
6) Medication interactions. Green tea may interacts with depression or anxiety medication as a result of its caffeine content which stimulates alertness, counteracting the sedative properties of certain medicines.
7) Ulcer sufferers and people suffering from mental health conditions. Despite its anti-inflammatory properties, green tea may also irritate the stomach lining as a result of its caffeine content. For this reason it is not recommended for gastritis or ulcer sufferers. Learn more about what foods to eat and to avoid for gastritis. People suffering from emotional problems (anxiety, depression, mood swings) are advised to avoid green tea while on medication because of potential interactions between the tea and the medication.
Overall, green tea is a great option for keeping healthy, unless you are either allergic to it or on certain medications that could interact with compounds in the tea (examples may include: anticoagulants, hypertension medication, antidepressants etc). Except for medication interactions and allergic reactions, which may be severe in nature, it is not recommended for pregnant women. Other than this, the herbal infusion generally does not elicit other serious side effects. However, if you feel worse after having green tea than before, whether it’s just agitation or palpitations or something else, then maybe you should consider other options to enjoy in its place.
At the same time, green tea is believed to be a better choice than white or black tea and related varieties. Although they are all made from the leaves and leaf buds of the same tree species, green tea is said to be the least processed and oxidized (unfermented) which entails a higher antioxidant value, hence its acclaimed health effects and benefits. Unfortunately, it can be a bit bitter which may discourage some consumers.
When and why is green tea too bitter? One reason why it may taste too bitter is you steep it too long. One minute is enough time to infuse green tea leaves and get a mildly bitter flavor as well as some wonderful health benefits. The hotter the water you steep it in and the longer you leave the leaves there, the more bitter the tea will become.
Categories Health Tags Green tea anti-inflammatory, Green tea anticancer, Green tea antioxidants, Green tea arrhythmia, Green tea cholesterol, Green tea dangers, Green tea depression, Green tea energy, Green tea fatigue, Green tea hypertension, Green tea insomnia, Green tea low blood pressure, Green tea medication interactions, Green tea nausea, Green tea properties, Green tea ulcer, Green tea weight loss, How to make green tea less bitter 4 Comments
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Dirk Nowitzki 'will likely' come off of the bench in his final season with the Dallas Mavericks
From NBA Twitter and media reports
Sep 21, 2018 2:26 PM ET
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle addresses how the Mavericks will proceed with season at media day.
After starting during his first 20 seasons, Dirk Nowitzki 'will likely come off' of the Dallas Mavericks' bench.
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle revealed during the team's media day that the future Hall of Famer will come off of the bench this season. Carlisle also revealed Nowitzki will be limited in training camp after surgery on his ankle.
Carlisle explains rationale for @swish41 not starting. In part, “It’s about our franchise moving forward.” pic.twitter.com/pZtbwasc7X
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) September 21, 2018
"At this point, and Dirk knows this, we talked about it, we have to move the franchise forward the right way," Carlisle said.
Nowitzki believes its the right thing to do during his final season in the NBA.
Dirk Nowitzki on likely coming off the bench: "It's all about winning at the end of the day. Whatever puts us in the best position to win is the way we're going to go. ... If I'm coming off the bench, we better keep a bike ready and a few massage therapists in the back, and...
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) September 21, 2018
"It's all about winning at the end of the day," Nowitzki said. "Whatever puts us in the best position to win is the way we're going to go. ... If I'm coming off the bench, we better keep a bike ready and a few massage therapists in the back."
The 40-year-old forward averaged 12.0 points (on 40.9 percent shooting from 3-point), 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists during 77 games this season -- his 20th in the NBA. The 12-time All-Star sits 232 points behind Wilt Chamberlain for No. 5 on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Nowitzki is set to become the first player in NBA history to play 21 consecutive seasons for the same franchise. The 7-foot German is one of six players overall, and the only international player, with more than 30,000 career points.
Blogtable
DA's Morning Tip
Shaqtin' A Fool
Kia Race to the MVP
Kia Rookie Ladder
Kia Top Plays Theatre
Writer Archive
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Gary Coleman's Parents Demand Answers from Widow
"We're not angry. We're just concerned. Did our son fall down the stairs? Did he fall in the bathtub? We need to have some closure on our son's life"
By Tim Persinko
Published May 31, 2010 at 12:19 PM | Updated at 1:06 PM EDT on May 31, 2010
Actor Gary Coleman's estranged parents have been kept out of the loop over the details of his death.
Actor Gary Coleman's estranged parents said the ex-child star's widow and hospital officials have kept them out of the loop with details of Coleman's sudden and shocking death -- and are demanding answers.
Before the "Diff'rent Strokes" actor was taken off of life support last week, parents Sue and Willie Coleman had not spoken to the ex-child star in over ten years, People reported.
"We're not pointing fingers at anyone, but we need to know exactly what happened," Sue Coleman, 67, told People. "We're not angry. We're just concerned. Did our son fall down the stairs? Did he fall in the bathtub? We need to have some closure on our son's life."
In 1989, Coleman accused his parents and his business manager of swindling him out of his acting earnings in a lawsuit that won him $1.3 million. His parents claimed their working class lifestyle as proof of their innocence.
The couple told People they have received no more information about the events leading up to their son's death other than what has been reported by the news media.
A spokesman from the hospital where Coleman received treatment and later died has said only that an "accident" occurred at the actor's home in Santaquin, Utah, resulting in an intracranial hemorrhage.
Hospital officials told People the official cause of death is under investigation and they are with withholding further details at the request of Coleman's wife, 24-year-old Shannon Price.
Shocking Celebrity Deaths: Remembering Princess Diana
Coleman's parents said they have tried many times to reach Price since he entered the hospital. Their efforts to find out about their son's condition from his wife have been met with silence, they said.
"We respect the relationship our son had with Shannon," Sue Coleman told People. "When we found out he got married, we thought, 'Well, at least he has someone in his life who he cares about and who cares about him.' We were happy about that. But it's frustrating that we haven't heard from the Price family. But it's possible they didn't even know we existed. Gary may have told her that he didn't have any family."
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Dr. James Overdahl
Affiliated Industry Expert
Email: joverdahl@deltastrat.com
vCard: Download
PhD in economics, Iowa State University
BA in economics, St. Olaf College
Dr. Overdahl participates in the firm's Securities and Finance Practice. He is a Partner at Delta Strategy Group (DSG), a full-service government affairs firm providing advisory services on regulatory matters for clients that include exchanges, energy and agribusiness companies, trade groups, financial services firms, investment funds, and Fortune 500 companies.
Prior to joining NERA, Dr. Overdahl was Chief Economist and Director of the Office of Economic Analysis for the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He served as principal economic advisor on policy, rulemaking, and litigation support and supervised the SEC's economics program. From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Overdahl served as Chief Economist and Director of the Office of the Chief Economist for the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). In his positions at the SEC and CFTC, Dr. Overdahl testified before each Commission. He also testified before Congress on behalf of the SEC and CFTC, and provided staff support and briefings for members of the President's Working Group on Financial Markets.
While serving as Chief Economist of the SEC, Dr. Overdahl advised the Commission on a wide range of policy matters, including credit default swaps and other OTC derivatives, OTC clearing, high-frequency trading and related market structure issues, securities lending, short selling, market data fees, credit rating agencies, structured financial products, Sarbanes-Oxley provisions regarding internal controls, and new products. In addition, he advised the Commission and other government agencies on several matters related to the financial crisis of 2008. He also advised the Commission on investigation matters, enforcement proceedings, civil monetary penalties, disgorgement, and fair-funds distribution plans.
While serving as Chief Economist of the CFTC, Dr. Overdahl advised the Commission on policy matters related to exchange-traded futures and options, OTC derivatives (particularly energy derivatives), commodity price speculation, risk management and hedging, new products and markets, algorithmic trading, position limits, clearing, commodity index investing, hedge funds, and error trades. He also advised the Commission of enforcement matters related to commodity price manipulation and the alleged false reporting of natural gas transactions by several entities. In addition, he advised the Commission on restitution and civil monetary penalties.
Dr. Overdahl has also served as a Senior Financial Economist for the Risk Analysis Division of the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). He performed on-site assessments of risk measurement models employed by Tier 1 dealer banks, and assessments of model validation procedures within the risk management units of money center banks, of compliance with the Value-at-Risk requirements of the Basel Market Risk Capital Rule, and of the effectiveness of hedging and risk measurement techniques used to manage market risk in securitization conduits.
Prior to joining the OCC, Dr. Overdahl served as a Financial Economist in the CFTC's Division of Economic Analysis and the SEC's Office of Economic Analysis. He has taught as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at George Washington University, the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University, Virginia Tech, and George Mason University. Dr. Overdahl also served as Assistant Professor of Finance at the University of Texas at Dallas School of Management.
Dr. Overdahl has published extensively in leading economics and finance journals, including the Journal of Business, Journal of Law and Economics, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Journal of Futures Markets, Journal of Derivatives, and Journal of Alternative Investments, and has contributed numerous chapters to published volumes on finance and economics. In addition, he has co-edited and co-authored, with Robert Kolb, four books in multiple editions, including Financial Derivatives: Pricing and Risk Management and Futures, Options, and Swaps.
SEC's Emphasis on Individual Accountability Drives Settlement Pace Toward Seven-Year ... Published Article By Dr. James Overdahl with former NERA economist Dr. Elaine Buckberg
Implied Matching Functionality in Futures Markets Published Article By Dr. James Overdahl
ETFs: Overview and Recent Issues Brief By Dr. Patrick Conroy, Dr. James Overdahl, and Robert Patton, et al.
Will Court Short-Circuit Dodd-Frank? Published Article By Dr. James Overdahl with Dr. Jonathan Macey, Sam Harris Professor of Corporate Law at Yale University, and former NERA economist Dr. Elaine Buckberg
Economic Analysis in the Federal Rule-Making Process to Implement the Dodd-Frank Wall... Working Paper By Dr. James Overdahl
Dodd-Frank and the Future of Finance 13 June 2013
The Best of NERA 2012 24 July 2012
Commodities Day Conference 2012 26 June 2012
Buying and Selling at the Speed of Light: Taking Stock of High Frequency Trading 18 June 2012
2012 Conference on Current Topics in Financial Regulation 07 June 2012
An Update on the Implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act 24 May 2012
National Organization of Investment Professionals Spring Conference 16 April 2012
How I Became a Quant: Financial Engineers Give a Personal View of their Careers in Qu... 13 February 2012
17th Annual Capital Markets Conference: The New Age of Capital Markets Supervision 07 November 2011
27th Annual Futures & Options Expo 10 October 2011
NERA Securities and Financial Regulatory Expert Named Industry Affiliate 19 August 2013 Press Release
High-Frequency Traders Seen Profiting at Small-Firm Expense 04 December 2012 Media Coverage
High speed traders jolt U.S. grain trade 19 November 2012 Media Coverage
US court throws out landmark commodity trading crackdown 28 September 2012 Media Coverage
Opposing view: Fast trades aid market quality 26 September 2012 Media Coverage
Government regulations choking U.S. manufacturing output, report 21 August 2012 Media Coverage
NERA Conducts Analysis of the Macroeconomic Impact of US Federal Regulations; Study C... 21 August 2012 Press Release
Rules Reduce U.S. Manufacturing by $500 Billion: Study 21 August 2012 Media Coverage
The Cost of Federal Rules on Manufacturing 21 August 2012 Media Coverage
Regulations a rising economic burden to manufacturers, report says 20 August 2012 Media Coverage
Download Profile: US Letter | a4
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In This Article Lev Vygotsky and His Cultural-historical Approach to Development
Vygotsky’s Basic Works
Vygotsky’s Theoretical Legacy
Studies of Early Language Acquisition
Private Speech, Written Speech
Language, Literacy, and Schooling
Play and Creativity
Critical Voices
Jerome Bruner
Pedagogic Theories
Socialization and Child Rearing
Children and Sustainable Cities
Children and Young People in Africa
Lev Vygotsky and His Cultural-historical Approach to Development
Vera John-Steiner
The impact of the Russian psychologist L. S. Vygotsky on the study of children’s development happened only very slowly because cultural and political events interfered with an exchange of ideas between Russian and Western theorists. After his untimely death, his worldwide impact was aided by the publication of his writings in English and other languages. He is increasingly cited as a key figure of the 20th century in developmental psychology and related disciplines. Vygotsky was born in 1896 and spent his childhood in Gomel as a much loved son of a large nonreligious Russian Jewish family. As a young man he experienced World War I and various occupations occasioned by the world war and the Russian civil war. He possibly witnessed pogroms and, at the end of his life, political repression. These traumatic events affected Vygotsky deeply. During his university studies, he became increasingly interested in psychology. Subsequently, he taught in a public school in Gomel and began to think systematically about a new approach to the field of psychology. In 1924, he and his wife moved to Moscow. During the following decade Vygotsky worked closely with a group of young psychologists who shared his interests. His theoretical focus included human cognitive processes and the construction of social artifacts, such as language. In his voluminous writings, Vygotsky explored the active nature of young learners, their play and creativity, the importance of the distinction between lower (biologically rooted) functions and higher (meaning-oriented) activities, the relationships between learning and development and between thought and language. Vygotsky distinguished himself in constructing a system of cultural-historical concepts (CHAT) that are still being developed. The CHAT approach is but one of many interpretations of Vygotsky’s legacy, which has taken somewhat different forms in Western and non-Western scholarly communities. Some of his work was schematic due to his recurrent illness of tuberculosis. His best-known books are Thought and Language, the edited volume Mind in Society, and his Collected Works (six volumes). He died on 11 June 1934 in Moscow. The contemporary impact of his work is due, in part, to his focus on the development of processes rather than the measurement of maturational-driven outcomes. This dynamic approach to learning has been of particular importance to educators, who have used his ideas to create programs that support children’s active construction of knowledge and in which language plays a central role in educational growth.
The most authoritative and complete set of Vygotsky’s writings are in his Collected Works, which include a republication of Thought and Language (renamed Thinking and Speech) in the first volume of the series (see Vygotsky 1987). The volumes are not chronologically presented. R. W. Rieber, the general editor, did not strictly follow the dates of the original Russian publications. The series was published in English by Plenum Press, New York. The contents of some of these volumes were drawn from different manuscripts, a number of them unpublished during Vygotsky’s life. The editors were guided by their goal to present a complete and cohesive collection of Vygotsky’s varied works. Each of the volumes is introduced by a specialist, who places the work into a more contemporary context. Jerome Bruner’s introduction to Volume 1 (Vygotsky 1987) in which he analyzes Vygotsky’s experimental and analytic approach is a good example. Most readers focus on particular topics within the collected volumes, which include both short and manuscript-length text, and rely upon secondary sources to clarify a particularly complex theoretical analysis. In Volume 2 (Vygotsky 1993), Vygotsky presents issues of special education that were of particular importance in the former Soviet Union in the 1920s. Vygotsky aimed to draft a general theory of psychology by bringing together a field that was fragmented into specific areas in Volume 3 (Vygotsky 1997a). He addresses this crisis in psychology as well as a number of topics, i.e., the problem of consciousness. He also introduces the works of Western psychologists to a Russian audience in Volume 3. The most predominant topic in Vygotsky’s broad scholarship is language. He approaches this subject in Volume 4 (Vygotsky 1997b) by focusing on the differences between the more basic functions (involuntary attention, concrete memory) and those that are constructed throughout the lifespan with the help of culturally developed artifacts. Volume 5 (Vygotsky 1998) is divided into a section on childhood and a section on adolescence. The former explores the various crises, or turning points, that children experience in infancy, preschool, and school years. In the section on adolescence, thinking and creativity are among the topics covered by the author. In the last volume (Vygotsky 1999), the topics range from tools and science in child development to emotions, including an interesting essay on the emotions of actors. Important themes cut across many of these volumes, which are challenging for the novice but essential for the specialist. The publication of Vygotsky’s selected writings, coedited by contemporary Vygotskian scholars—Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes (Vygotsky 1978), provides a useful introduction to many of Vygotsky’s central ideas, including the zone of proximal development, his emphasis on methodology, and his essay on pre-writing, among others. It has been translated into many languages while also criticized for its partial presentation of Vygotsky’s rich legacy. Because he places strong emphasis on development, most of his work has implications for the study of children. Volume 5 is focused most specifically on child development.
Vygotsky, L. S. Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Edited by Michael Cole, Vera John-Steiner, Silvia Scribner, and Ellen Souberman. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1978.
This collection is a useful introduction of Vygotsky’s ideas to beginning scholars. Content ranges between his major theoretical writings on learning and development to play and the early mastery of writing. The book has been widely read in a number of translations, but it has also been criticized for its extensive editing aimed at making it accessible to contemporary Western readers.
Vygotsky, Lev S. Problems of General Psychology: Including the Volume Thinking and Speech (1934). Vol. 1 of The Collected Works of L. S. Vygotsky. Edited by Robert W. Rieber and Aaron S. Carton. Translated by Norris Minick. New York: Plenum, 1987.
This book includes Vygotsky’s classic study, Thought and Language, that first established his reputation. In addition, Volume 1 includes Lectures on Psychology. The topics range from perception to imagination in children. Originally published in Russian in 1932.
Vygotsky, Lev S. The Fundamentals of Defectology (Abnormal Psychology and Learning Disabilities). Vol. 2 of The Collected Works of L. S. Vygotsky. Edited by Robert W. Rieber and Aaron S. Carton. Translated by Jane E. Knox and Carol B. Stevens. New York: Plenum, 1993.
In this book, Vygotsky argues that a child whose development is impeded by a defect is not simply a child who is less developed than his peers but is a child who has developed differently. His orientation has become increasingly influential in the last several decades. Originally published in Russian in 1928.
Vygotsky, Lev S. Problems of the Theory and History of Psychology: Including the Chapter on the Crisis in Psychology. Vol.3 of The Collected Works of L. S. Vygotsky. Edited by Robert W. Rieber and Jeffrey Wollock. Translated by Rene van der Veer. New York: Plenum, 1997a.
In this volume, Vygotsky proposes that out of the fragmentation of psychology a unified field needs to be developed. This volume is less relevant to child studies than the previous two. Originally published in Russian in 1930.
Vygotsky, Lev S. The History of the Development of the Higher Mental Functions. Vol. 4 of The Collected Works of L. S. Vygotsky. Edited by Robert W. Rieber. Translated by Mary J. Hall. New York: Plenum, 1997b.
The development and structure of higher mental functions, including speech, literacy, and voluntary attention, are carefully explored in this volume. Vygotsky’s description of the prehistory of written language has been a particularly influential part of this set of essays. Originally published in Russian in 1931.
Vygotsky, Lev S. Child Psychology. Vol. 5 of The Collected Works of L. S. Vygotsky. Edited by Robert W. Rieber. Translated by Mary J. Hall. New York: Plenum, 1998.
The focus on the different phases of children’s development is presented in this volume together with Vygotsky’s emphasis on the crucial role of social relations. In the part on adolescence he includes discussions on concept formation, personality, and creativity. Originally published in Russian in 1930–1931.
Vygotsky, Lev S. Scientific Legacy: Including Tool and Sign in the Development of the Child (1930) and Teaching about Emotions (1933). Vol. 6 of The Collected Works of L. S. Vygotsky. Edited by Robert W. Rieber. Translated by Mary J. Hall. Historical Psychological Studies. New York: Plenum, 1999.
Vygotsky develops his theory about language and consciousness and the role of internalization. Ideas that first appear here are fully expanded in Thinking and Speech (Vygotsky 1987). There is an extensive discussion of the James-Lange theory of emotion and of Spinoza’s ideas, but Vygotsky died before he was able to present his own contributions to the subject. Originally published in Russian in 1930.
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World Class team seek Glasgow gold
A group of 28 athletes will lead a world class IPC World Championship team set for Glasgow from July 13-19.
“We have selected a strong team with a variety of both experience and developing swimmers,” Paralympic Performance Manager Adam Pine said.
“I’m very confident with the way we have picked our team. The high selection standards from Trials in April has ensured we’ve selected a strong group of swimmers heading into Glasgow next week.”
Paralympian’s Blake Cochrane, Ellie Cole and Brenden Hall all recorded times at the Australian Championships in Sydney in April in their respective events that rank them number one in the world and will headline for the Australian team.
After double shoulder surgery and being told she may never be able to swim competitively again, Ellie Cole made a triumphant return to the pool at the 2015 Hancock Prospecting Australian Swimming Championships taking gold in the women’s 100m backstroke and 50m freestyle and recording the number one ranked time in the world for her classification.
This will be Cole’s third World Championship team after also representing Australia in Eindhoven 2006 and Durban in 2010.
Swimming his way onto his fourth world championship team, Cochrane produced the swim of the meet back in April when he set a new world record for his classification (S8) in the men’s Multi Class 100m breaststroke.
Hall who swims all distances from the 50m to 400m freestyle, as well as the 100m butterfly and backstroke in the S9 classification, will be a force to be reckoned with in the men’s 400m freestyle in Glasgow. He won the Australian Championship crown clocking a world class time of 4:10.90 in Sydney in April.
Cochrane alongside Hall, Lakeisha Patterson, Maddison Elliott, Madeleine Scott, Jesse Aungles and Daniel Fox will be returning to Glasgow’s Tollcross international swimming centre for the second year in a row after winning a selection of medals at the 2014 commonwealth games.
The team also contains six rookies in Guy Harrison Murray (WA, 18), Timothy Hodge (NSW, 14), Braedan Jason (QLD, 16), Ashleigh McConnell (VIC), Monique Murphy (VIC, 20) and Tiffany Thomas-Cane (NSW, 13).
Thomas-Cane at 13 and Hodge at 14 are the youngest members of the team.
The seven-day World Championships gets underway on Monday 13 July and runs through until Sunday 19 July.
By Swimming Australia
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Information on the Destruction of Youth Criminal Records in Canada
Home » Information on the Destruction of Youth Criminal Records in Canada
The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) refers to the law that guides the youth justice system in Canada. The Act applies to people who are at least 12 years of age, but younger than 18, and have committed a criminal offence. Once a youth is convicted of a criminal offence, they have a youth record that contains information related to their offence(s). Here is some information on the destruction of youth criminal records in Canada.
What’s Included in a Youth Record?
Typically, a youth record includes the person’s name, date of birth, details about their charges, the arrest and the sentence that was given. Any pertinent information provided by the youth’s victims, family members, teachers or school authorities and neighbours may also be included. This information is collected and kept as part of the YCJA, but that doesn’t mean just anyone can access it.
Limited Access to Youth Criminal Records
Unlike the records of adults in the justice system, youth records can only be accessed by a select few people, and in specific situations. A youth’s privacy is protected throughout the arrest, verdict and sentencing stages of the process, and all personal information is strictly confidential. Some of the people that may be granted access to a youth criminal record include the youth and his or her family members or lawyer, judges and review boards, crown prosecutors, officials at the correctional facility the youth is serving a sentence in, police involved in the case or the victim.
The Destruction of Youth Criminal Records
In keeping with the idea of rehabilitation and second chances, youth criminal records in Canada can be sealed or destroyed if certain conditions are met. Some of the factors that dictate how long a record remains open include the severity of the crime or crimes, the length and severity of the sentence imposed and whether the youth commits secondary offences while the first record is still open.
The period of time while the record is open is called the “access period” and it is after this period officially ends that the record is destroyed. However, if a person has an open youth record and they turn 18 and commit another crime, their youth record will become part of the adult record, so it is very important for youth with open records to stay on the right side of the law once they reach their 18th birthday.
Access Periods Based on Offence & Sentence
Here is more specific information regarding access periods, offences and sentences for crimes committed that are contrary to the Youth Criminal Justice Act:
Acquittal – If a youth is acquitted of the crime (not including being found not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder) the record is sealed or destroyed 2 months after the time allowed to file an appeal. If an appeal has been filed, the record is sealed or destroyed 3 months after all proceedings are completed that relate to the appeal.
Dismissal or Withdrawal of Charges – In this case, the record is sealed or destroyed after 2 months.
Guilty Verdict with Reprimand – record is sealed or destroyed after 2 months.
Stayed Charge – If the charge is stayed in court, the record is sealed or destroyed after 1 year, as long as no further court proceedings have been taken in the matter.
Extrajudicial Sanction Imposed – record is sealed or destroyed 2 years after the youth has given consent for the extrajudicial sanction.
Guilty Verdict with Absolute Discharge – record is sealed or destroyed 1 year after the guilty verdict.
Guilty Verdict with Conditional Discharge – record is sealed or destroyed 3 years after the guilty verdict.
Guilty Verdict with Sentence for Summary Conviction Offence – record is sealed or destroyed 3 years after the sentence is completed, but additional offences will result in an extension.
Guilty Verdict with Sentence for Indictable Offence – record is sealed or destroyed 5 years after the sentence is completed, but additional offences will result in an extension.
Guilty Verdict with Adult Sentence – record is treated the same as an adult record, and the same rule apply.
Various Scheduled Offences – record is retained for 5 more years.
Murder, Manslaughter, Attempted Murder or Aggravated Sexual Assault – record can be retained indefinitely.
A Word About Record Suspensions
It’s worthy to note that what used to be called a “parole pardon” is now called a “record suspension” by the Canadian government. This action allows people formerly convicted of a criminal offence to have their record kept separate from other criminal records if they have completed their sentence and demonstrated their ability to be law abiding citizens for a prescribed number of years.
While a record suspension does not erase the fact that someone has committed a crime, it does remove all of the information pertaining to the conviction from the Canadian Police Information Centre and may help when seeking employment or other activities where the applicant wouldn’t want this information revealed.
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Pardons Canada – Removing a Criminal Record For Employment
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Start your Pardon or U.S. Waiver
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New England trail race series to kick off in Hingham
Amy McKeever amckeever@wickedlocal.com @McKeeverJournal
Sep 6, 2018 at 6:14 PM Sep 6, 2018 at 6:34 PM
HINGHAM — A local farm will be showcased in a new series of New England trail races starting Sept. 16.
The Barn to Run Series, a collection of farm trail races in partnership with local farms, will kick off at Weir River Farm in Hingham. A percentage of each race entry will be donated to the farm by going to the Trustees of the Reservation, a non-profit land conservation and historic preservation organization, which manages each farm.
“We always have people who have never been to these locations,” said Mark Walter, owner of Sun Multisport Events, the company hosting the race series. “A lot of people see it and are impressed and want to get more involved and that’s ideal.”
The company also supports the farms by purchasing produce to be given as race awards. In the Weir River race, Walter said he plans to integrate ground beef raised on the farm as an award for the first place male and female runners, and fresh eggs to be awarded to the second and third place male and female runners.
The Weir River Farm race was established in September 2017. The trail offers three different race options that will take runners past the farm’s animals and into Whitney and Thayer Woods. The 9.3 and 6 mile races will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the 3.4 mile race will begin at 9:45.
Last year, the run raised over $1,000 for the farm Walter said.
“What we’re trying to do is create a first class trail race for runners and in the process showcase the farm and farm property,” Walter said.
This fall is the first time the race is in conjunction with two other races, the Chestnut Hill Farm run in Southborough and Powisset Farm trail run in Dover. Walter said he plans to add more races to the series next year.
The Southborough extension of the run will be Sept. 22 and the Dover run Oct. 28.
Individuals can save up to 15 percent on registration fees and receive a t-shirt when they sign up for the series season pass. The first 30 runners who sign up for a Season Pass will also receive one dozen free eggs from Pete & Gerry’s Organic Eggs.
Post-race festivities include beer courtesy of the Zelus Beer Company, activities for kids, barnyard visits, a food truck, awards and giveaways. To register visit Barntorun.com.
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PLMR Boosts Senior Team Further with Hire of Top Health Journalist Ploy Radford
news, article
Leading communications agency PLMR has strengthened its health and social care and animal welfare practices with the appointment of former journalist Ploy Radford.
Ploy has joined the firm from specialist business title HealthInvestor UK where she held senior roles, including the post of editor, for the last six years.
HealthInvestor UK focuses on mergers and acquisitions activity, company strategy and government policy in the health, social care and veterinary sectors, meaning Ploy has a wide knowledge of the key issues in these markets, and a strong contacts book, all of which she will bring to the benefit of clients.
Ploy’s appointment will strengthen further PLMR’s health, social care and animal welfare practices. The agency already represents a number of prominent health and care organisations and animal health and welfare bodies. Clients in health and social care include HC-One, Push Doctor and Accomplish, while PLMR also supports the Royal Veterinary College and the British Horse Society, and acts as the Secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Farming. Professor Tim Morris, a former veterinary surgeon who is a is a non-executive member the UK Government’s Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, is a non-executive director at PLMR, while Neil Carmichael, the former Conservative MP who was a member of the Environment Audit Committee, is a senior adviser.
Ploy has also written for The Guardian, The New Statesman, CityMetric, Horse & Hound, Third Sector and The Vagenda, and advised Historic Royal Palaces on its membership magazine. Prior to HealthInvestor UK, Ploy worked for PA Life.
She holds an MA (Cantab) in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
Kevin Craig, Chief Executive & Founder of PLMR, said:
“As leaders in the health, social care and animal sectors, we are really thrilled to have the editor of a top publication for many of our clients join our team. Ploy’s journalistic experience and her understanding of some of our key sectors make her a perfect fit. Her experience of areas where PLMR is expanding will help us to further grow our footprint in those sectors too. She was very professional to work with in her previous incarnation and so we are really pleased to have someone of her calibre join our super team.”
Commenting on her new post, Ploy said:
“I am thrilled to have joined the PLMR team. While at HealthInvestor UK, I was always impressed by PLMR’s professionalism and depth of knowledge of the markets their clients operate in. I look forward to working with PLMR to deliver the best results for clients.”
PLMR achieved 34% growth in revenue in the last calendar year, reaching £4.2million, making it one of the UK’s fastest growing agencies. Revenue of £5million is anticipated for financial year 2018/ 2019. It has offices in London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Cambridge and founded the Global Communications Network – an informal worldwide network of like minded agencies.
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NYPD Detective Killed by "Friendly Fire" Responding to Robbery
February 13, 2019 • by Staff Writer
Detective Brian Simonsen of the NYPD was shot and killed Tuesday responding to a robbery in Queens. (Photo: NYPD)
An NYPD detective was killed and a fellow officer wounded by friendly fire as they responded to the scene of a robbery in Queens Tuesday night, police say.
The New York Post reports Detective Brian Simonsen, 42, a 19-year veteran, was fatally shot by a fellow officer in a T-Mobile store at Atlantic Avenue and 121st Street in Richmond Hill at about 6 p.m.
Sgt. Matthew Gorman was shot in the leg.
The suspected robber Christopher Ransom, 27, was brandishing what turned out to be a firearm replica and was shot by police.
“At this hour, I will tell you that this appears to be an absolutely tragic case of friendly fire,” Police Commissioner James O’Neill said at a press conference.
“Make no mistake about it, friendly fire aside, it is because of the actions of the suspect that Detective Simonsen is dead,” O'Neill said.
The NYPD released the following statement from Commissioner O'Neill: "This evening at 6:10 p.m., two separate 911 callers reported a robbery in progress at a T-Mobile cell phone store located at 91-62 120th Street in Queens. The callers described the suspect as a male armed with a firearm. At least one of the callers said two employees of the store had been forced at gunpoint to the rear of the store.
"Detective Simonsen and his sergeant were in the area — working an unrelated case at the time — when they heard the call come over the radio. They did not hesitate. They responded immediately and pulled up as Patrol units arrived. Through the windows of the store, the officers did not see anyone inside. The officers then entered the store and immediately saw a man fitting the description of the suspect emerge from the back, pointing at them what appeared to be a handgun. With the suspect advancing toward them, the officers discharged their weapons and retreated out of the store. That was when Detective Simonsen was shot.
"His fellow officers put him in a marked police car and transported him [to a hospital], where the trauma staff did their best to try to save him. We thank them for that. They were unable to do so, however. The sergeant, who has 8 1/2 years with the NYPD, was shot one time in the leg. A passerby in a civilian vehicle stopped and helped him into the car and transported him [to the same hospital]. He is listed in stable condition."
Read more about Duty Deaths NYPD New York agencies New York The Northeast Friendly Fire
Deputy Mike Stephens, 56, was shot and killed on a call Thursday morning. The suspected shooter is dead.
A suspect was fatally shot Thursday at a Fort Worth, TX, apartment complex after he used a child as a shield while he fired at police, authorities said.
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Says Gov. Rick Scott "cut nearly $1 million from mosquito control and closed down the state’s mosquito research lab a few years ago."
— Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Monday, August 8th, 2016 in a town hall in Broward County
Debbie Wasserman Schultz misleads in attack on Rick Scott about mosquito funding
By Amy Sherman on Tuesday, August 9th, 2016 at 5:25 p.m.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz misleadingly says Gov. Rick Scott "cut nearly $1 million from mosquito control and closed down the state’s mosquito research lab a few years ago."
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz pointed blame at Republicans -- namely Gov. Rick Scott -- for not doing more to dish out dollars to prevent the spread of the Zika virus.
"While he seems to be saying out loud that he wants Congress and the president to provide more funding, he conveniently leaves out that he cut nearly $1 million dollars from mosquito control and closed down the state’s mosquito research lab a few years ago," Wasserman Schultz said at a town hall in Broward County on Aug. 8.
Wasserman Schultz is running for re-election in the Aug. 30 Democratic primary against first-time candidate Tim Canova.
Did Scott cut funding and close the state’s mosquito research lab? There’s a lot more nuance to this story than Wasserman Schultz lets on.
Mosquito control budget
The current Zika pandemic took off in May 2015, when Brazil reported cases in connection with more babies being born with abnormally small heads, a condition called microcephaly.
When Wasserman Schultz spoke, there had been a total of 422 Zika cases in South Florida, the majority acquired while traveling and 16 locally acquired.
Wasserman Schultz told reporters that she was referring to Scott’s budget decisions in 2011. Her spokesman pointed to an article in Politico that explained cuts to state aid to local mosquito control programs. That was Scott’s first budget year after he ran on a platform to slash spending amid the recession.
State budget records show that while Florida under Scott cut money to mosquito control his first two years, the state later raised it substantially:
2010-11: $2.2 million (Gov. Charlie Crist's last budget)
2011-12: $1.3 million (Scott’s first budget)
2012-13: $1 million
2013-14: $2.7 million
Jackie Schutz, a spokeswoman for Scott, said that he has invested more than $13.2 million in funding for mosquito prevention and control.
Separately, "Gov. Scott has allocated more than $26 million to combat Zika and will continue to allocate more if necessary," she said.
Mosquito lab
Wasserman Schultz’s claim about the closed lab relates to the Florida A&M University Public Health Entomology Research and Education Center in Panama City Beach. In 2011, Scott vetoed a one-time $500,000 appropriation for the center intended to keep it open after it had faced threats of closure.
The center, first opened in 1964, was referred to as the "mosquito lab" or PHEREC, and came up with ways to combat mosquitoes. It was once a part of a state department, but in the 1990s it became part of Florida A&M while still receiving state health department dollars and other grants.
In 2010 as Florida A&M was cutting millions of dollars from the university amid state cuts, it announced that PHEREC was on the chopping block.
Provost Cynthia Hughes Harris said at the time that the university decided to eliminate non-teaching units such as the mosquito lab.
In a last-ditch attempt to save the lab, researchers sought a one-time appropriation from the 2011 Legislature for $500,000 late in the budget process. Florida TaxWatch labeled it a "turkey," and Scott vetoed it as part of his $615 million in vetoes as the state was climbing out of the recession.
The lab still had $1.4 million -- enough to keep it open -- but the university chose to shutter it anyway, wrote Dr. John Smith, the center’s former director, in a Florida Mosquito Control Association newsletter.
"In fact, there were sufficient reserve funds to continue PHEREC for as much as two or three years without the legislative appropriation," Smith wrote. "Why FAMU did not allow this remains unclear."
Walter J. Tabachnick, at the time director of the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory at the University of Florida’s site near Vero Beach, warned about the loss of dollars in a blog after the cuts.
"How can one quantify the loss of future opportunities to make progress and improvements in Florida mosquito control?" he wrote. "There will be future problems for which we will not have solutions, there will be lost opportunities to make mosquito control more effective, efficient, and environmentally proper."
However, Tabachnick who remains a professor at UF, told PolitiFact Florida that the decision to close the lab wasn’t by Scott.
"The decision to close PHEREC, to withdraw all funding, was made by Florida A&M, not the governor," he said.
Meanwhile, the state has funded research at a different university center. The Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory at UF has received $500,000 annually from the state since 2013-14.
That money is for research to develop and test formulations, application techniques, and procedures of pesticides and biological control agents to control mosquitoes that can cause public health or a nuisance.
Speaking to reporters after her town hall, Wasserman Schultz pointed the finger at Scott for the spread of Zika.
"He bears some responsibility in this problem that we are facing now since we are not as fully prepared as we could be if those cuts had not come down," she said.
But Tabachnick says it’s not so simple.
"There are no promises in investment in research," he said. "I don’t know what information we may have had or not. It’s like saying if we had more money in cancer, we would find a cure. I can’t say that."
Wasserman Schultz said that Scott "cut nearly $1 million dollars from mosquito control and closed down the state’s mosquito research lab a few years ago."
In 2011, the Legislature under Scott did cut about $1 million for mosquito control dropping the total to about $1.3 million and cut it again by about $300,000 the following year. But the state then increased the budget to about $2.7 million the next year and it has remained in that ballpark for four years.
Scott also vetoed a one-time appropriation of $500,000 in 2011 for a mosquito lab at FAMU, and the university then shut it down. But the center was already on the university’s chopping block, and the state has since funded another university’s lab.
We rate this claim Mostly False.
https://www.sharethefacts.co/share/dc020bc4-ac97-44c4-942a-89399198ed1e
Published: Tuesday, August 9th, 2016 at 5:25 p.m.
Subjects: State Budget
Florida Fiscal Portal, 2010-2016
Gov. Rick Scott, Veto list, 2011
Florida Mosquito Control Association, BuzzWords, July/August 2011
Florida TaxWatch, Turkey list, 2011
University of Florida, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Accessed Aug. 9, 2016
Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, "Florida's Future is at Stake: The Status of the Florida Mosquito Control Research Program," July/August 2011
Tampa Tribune, "Lawmakers spare pet university projects," May 17, 2011
Herald Tribune, "Gov. Scott cuts funding for Bay's mosquito research center," (Accessed in Nexis) May 28, 2011
Tallahassee Democrat, "FAMU researchers hit by budget cuts," (Accessed in Nexis) July 21, 2009
Tallahassee Democrat, "FAMU may close mosquito center," (Accessed in Nexis) July 16, 2010
Politico, "Scott bashes feds over Zika funding, but slashed mosquito control money," Aug. 5, 2016
Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times, "For Gov. Rick Scott, Zika proves a hurricane-like test," Aug. 7, 2016
PolitiFact Florida, "Surprise! Faced with Zika, South Florida fosters a mess of mosquitoes," Aug. 5, 2016
Miami Herald Naked Politics blog, "Debbie Wasserman Schultz bashes Rick Scott, Paul Ryan at Zika town hall," Aug. 8, 2016
Interview, Michael Liquerman, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz spokesman, Aug. 8, 2016
Interview, Jackie Schutz, Gov. Rick Scott spokeswoman, Aug. 8, 2016
Interview Walter J. Tabachnick, Professor, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory Department of Entomology and Nematology University of Florida, Aug. 9, 2016
Interview, Shelly Redovan, Florida Mosquito Control Association executive director, Aug. 9, 2016
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Home / News / Children tell their stories through photography book
Children tell their stories through photography book
A group of 14 to 16-year-olds have been given the opportunity to tell their own story through a photography book.
The 53 young people are from north-east Somerset and have been chosen to tell their personal stories through digital photographs as part of a project called ‘Our Side of the Story’, which is being run by a charity called North East Somerset Arts (NESA).
The book’s editor, Andrew Henon, says the project allowed young people with interesting stories to tell, to do so through the medium of digital photography. He says, "We worked with four groups of young people including young carers, those at risk of exclusion from school or at risk of offending and those who have been accessing counselling services - so these youngsters have got lots of challenges in their lives. This was an opportunity for them to explore important issues that affect their lives through photography, drawings and writing."
The book’s design has been influenced by a steering group of young people, who continue to meet up to consider the next steps for the project. NESA aims to provide quality creative projects that enable positive change.
If you have a budding photographer on your hands, take a look at our Ultimate Beginners Course.
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IMF governance reforms to go ahead following approval by US Congress
Emma Rumney
The United States Congress has approved reforms to the International Monetary Fund’s governance that will give China and other emerging economies greater clout within the institution after stalling the proposals for five years.
The changes, which had been approved by the fund’s board of governors in 2010, had been delayed by the legislature due to concerns they would diminish US influence within the IMF.
However, the alterations will now go ahead. The overhaul will see a doubling of all IMF member states’ contributions and a reallocation of voting shares to developing countries. This will increase their representation within the fund and is intended to address concerns that emerging market were under-represented in the fund’s decision making.
IMF managing director Christine Lagarde welcomed the congressional approval as a “crucial step forward” in strengthening the IMF’s role of supporting global financial stability.
“A more representative, modern IMF will be even better equipped to meet the needs of all of its 188 member countries in the 21st century,” she said.
In particular, the reforms will see four emerging markets – Brazil, China, India and Russia – become among the top ten largest members of the IMF, which already includes the US, UK, Germany and Japan. China will become the third largest shareholder.
It will see the quota shares of such countries increase to 6%. China’s voting power previously stood at 3.7%. The quota shares and voting power of the fund’s poorest members will also be protected.
The US’ share will be shaved slightly, although its veto power will remain intact, while European economies will see their voting rights diminish the most.
Other changes include a doubling of contributions from member states, which will increase the fund’s resources from approximately $329.83bn to $659.67bn.
The IMF’s board will now exist entirely of elected directors, rather than those appointed by the five largest members.
The fund said that the reforms mark a significant step forward in overhauling its governance, but some have noted that the delays from Congress have already hampered the IMF’s effectiveness, disenfranchised many industrial nations and hurt the US’s credibility and global leadership.
The five-year delay is seen by many as accelerating a shift towards alternative institutions where the US has no presence, such as the recently established, China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and strengthening their position by helping Beijing secure backing from many US-allies such as Europe.
The IMF also recently announced the Chinese renminbi will be included in its currency basket, which determines the value of the body’s Special Drawing Rights reserve asset.
Emma is a reporter at Public Finance International. She also writes for Public Finance in the UK.
Read her tweets: @emma_pfi
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AfDB funds for Tanzania and Seychelles country strategies
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NatWest language partnership to support written Welsh
/ July
NatWest has unveiled a new partnership which sees it sponsoring the free translation service promoted by the Welsh Language Board.
The 'Linkline to Welsh', or 'Llinell Gyswllt', offers a quick turnaround service on short translations of up to 30 words, or proofing of up to 75 words. The service also provides a free translation service for catering businesses wanting to offer their customers bilingual menus.
Mark Douglas, NatWest's regional retail director for Wales, said: "We have built up a very productive relationship with the Board over many years, since we first established our Welsh language policy in 2002. We are very proud to be associated with a service that promotes the use of the Welsh language. With around 19,000 users of the service last year, the LinkLine is already benefiting a lot of people. Having used this fast and reliable service ourselves many times, and at no cost, we are very happy to recommend the service to other organisations and businesses in Wales."
Meri Huws, Chair of the Welsh Language Board, said: "We are very grateful to NatWest for sponsoring the LinkLine to Welsh. It is a very valuable tool for businesses and organisations who need to translate or proof a handful of words with the assurance that it will be done free of charge and to a high standard."
Haf Elgard of Friends of the Earth Cymru said: "As we work in a field where technical language and terms change often, we tend to use vocabulary which is not that familiar to the public. The LinkLine is invaluable in helping our Welsh-speaking staff to prepare for media interviews and so on. Those staff who don't speak Welsh also use the service regularly and we always keep the LinkLine number handy on the office notice board to encourage everyone to use it."
The free LinkLine service can be accessed online, via email at linkline@byig-wlb.org.uk, or by phone on 0845 607 6070.
NatWest Sponsorship
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International business environment
International business environment refers to any business type that involves crossing of national borders. It involves the buying and selling of products and services across national borders. One of the most significant and dramatic global trends in the recent decades, has been a sustained, rapid growth in international business. Markets have tremendously turned to be global for goods and services. World trading has increasingly expanded. The International Monetary Fund data on international trading suggests that the trading has been expanded by 6 percent annually since the early 1950s (Armando, 2001). The financial markets are the most dramatic of the globalization trends in the world. The growth of the world Forex markets is seeing billions of dollars transacted daily all over the world. Advancement in technologies is key to speeding at which many regions and countries fit themselves in the external events. Most countries and regional blocs gave up the autonomy of economies because they are influenced by international economists. Economic powerhouses such as the USA and China are also affected by the international economy therefore the need to have an international economic stimulus.
Contemporary technological and scientific advancements have led to coming up of corporate empires that drive the changes in the international business environment through global production (Juan, 2000). These corporations have found the whole world has the place of their production and source for their market. The main objective of international business is for sales expansion, diversification, acquisition of more resources and minimizing of competitive risk.
The country that would best explain the international business transaction and environment is Brazil. Brazil is well known to the globe for its evergreen amazon forests and to some extend the Rio carnival. This resource acts as a symbol of the rich nutritional wealth and cultural diversity of this economic powerhouse of South America. The further showcase the vibrancy of population and resources that continue to make the country’s economy, one of the largest in the whole world.
Overview of history and development profile
The country has been a base for different races and cultures dating back to the time they gained independence from the Portuguese (John, 2007). The European nations had brought the Indians and Africans to meet the labor demands in the country since the locals could not satisfy the demand. The country has the largest African population outside the African continent. The natures’ plenty research has influenced the growth of the economy of Brazil over the years. This has been achieved through supplying of fresh farm produce and minerals in the world market. Brazil is the worlds largest producer and supplier of farm products such as sugar, soya beans, beef, cashew nuts, bananas, tobacco, coffee, oranges and iron minerals.
Political environment profile
The economy of Brazil was affected greatly by the political instability that characterized Brazil in the recent past. The military rule that governed the state for the better part of the century deteriorated the economy of the country since no democracy was expressed. The was no freedom of the citizens thus hindering any development. The coming of democracy in the country in the early 80s did little to revamp the economy and the lives of the people since the regime was guided by rampant corruption and total disregard to law. Institutions were mismanaged thus resulting to slow economic growth and inequality in income. The country has of the recent years gained strength in its economy, due to effective political stability that provided an enabling environment for development in all sectors. The government came up with a real plan that was comprehensive on the economy stabilizing (Don, 2010).
The future scenario in political factors
The Brazilian government has on many occasions intervened in the national economic conditions to improve the trade ties with the international community. The government does this through making and implementing drastic changes in the regulations and policies related to the economy. This is projected to be the same scenario in the near future. No economy in the world is perfect and therefore it is prone to attack from both external and internal forces. The future political class is expected to complement the economy during economic crisis like the one experienced in the 2008-2009. The government will continue to control inflation rates to cushion the people.
The measures that are to be changed in the future include regulations and policies on interest rates, taxing mechanisms, currency devaluation and trading blocs. The political and diplomatic issues that are uncertain in the future in Brazil will influence the way the Brazilian government implements the changes in regulation or policy. In addition the federal and state laws in Brazil may also contribute to uncertainty in international trading. This is because the economy of a country determines the way it trades with other nations. Other countries will be safe making trading ties with stable governments.
Development in technology, coupled with higher international commodity prices has further strengthened the economy of Brazil and it is also expected to counitnue with the same trend. More reforms are expected to be formulated under the future leadership of the country. These reforms will be implemented and it will lead to improved efficiency in economic operation in the country. The better economic , management has led to many multi-nationals opening up in Brazil and investing heavily a trend that will be maintained. This is mainly attributed to the stability in the political scenario. The Brazilian government is supportive of the economy.
The recent elections in Brazil clearly depict a political situation that is stable in the near future going by the current scenarios. The current regime and the political class have continued with the policies set by the previous administrations which was a success. However, it is always difficult to predict the way the future governments may influence the country’s economy. In the past the politics of the country have defined the economic policies that influence the performance of the country in international business. Political instability and crisis have affected the investment and the public, but this is no longer a factor since the country is politically stable. This is expected to continue in the future thereby increasing investor confidentiality.
The government should be committed to displaying international business in relation to global business to attract foreign investment and capital contributions from external sources. The political class of the country should in the future focus on reducing inflation and improving the living standards of the people in the country to create an enabling business environment. This in turn will increase the income of the people and also increase the country’s buying power, effectively attracting multinational companies. This will be enhanced by the fact that there would be a ready market in the country for services and products. The government should continue stabilizing the economy of the country through exemplary political leadership and sustainability. The autonomy of the central bank of Brazil given by the political class will facilitate the banking sector to make and implement policies that are in the interest of the economy hence appeasing investors.
The stability and other future expected developments in government policies will definitely affect the way the country relates to the world in trade. The stable government will benefit the country in international economics in the following ways: there will be large scale economies due to the new multinational, provision of wider market as international business will increase and improve market opportunities (John, 2010). The other benefits in the future will be technological advancement brought by the multinationals which in turn increases the opportunity of domestic organizations.
Social cultural profile
The Brazilian cultural showpiece, the Rio Carnival traces its origin to the Christianity introduction by the Portuguese. The Brazilian people later transformed it into an exuberant celebration that dazzles many in the world. The celebration is part of Brazil culture. The modern Brazilian culture is a combination of cultures. The cross cultural dimensions can be felt in music performing arts and literature.
The cultures have been amalgamated into one rich culture that is full of African and European tastes colors and sounds. The ease with which the cultures are intertwined and expressed is a source of economic strength. International business thrives where there is cohesion in cultures. The culture showcasing does not only attract foreigners to the country but gives a memorable experience that spurs tourism therefore economic growth. Every heritage in the country is shared by the people, something that is cherished by foreign investor who throng to Brazil on annual basis. The predominant cultures in the country are of European and African ancestry, but the country has fought hard to preserve the indigenous and original cultures of the Amazon basin. The unique indigenous languages are still spoken in the country, a celebration that inspires tourism growth.
Future scenario in social cultural dynamics
The future of Brazil looks bright . This is because the country has a domestic ; population of around 200 million people which is projected to grow at the rate of 0.8 percent per year. The middle class is going to grow significantly due to the favorable economic conditions and the improved wages introduced by the government. Stimulus social programs put in place by the government have helped many citizens to success and avoid poverty. This includes educational improvement and attendance. This implies that the future of the country is to be a strong economic powerhouse due to the increased living standards.
The social indicators in the country that attract international trade in the country will countinue being favorable. This includes the population growth rate which stands at an average of 0.8 percent annually and is expected to countinue with this trend. The urban population growth rate stands at 1.1 percent and it is projected to go up in the coming years. This will be a good indicator to investors because the customer base is expected to rise significantly in the future. The social parameters of the country like life expectancy is high at around 70, while fertility rates are 1.7 and they show trends of improvement (Jonathan, 2011). This will be favorable to the country socially for a thriving business environment on the global scene and this is expected to improve.
Social progress of the country is projected to continue being impressive. There has been a remarkable reduction in poverty level in the country and inequality indicating a sustained trend in the future. The government is oexpected to the fight against poverty at the forefront. A sharp decline in inequality in the country will be shown by good labor market and effective redistribution policy. The country is also expected to device more ways of further reducing poverty and inequality especially in the rural areas (Carlos, 2011). The government is further expected to extend the scope of cash transfer which should relieve people from poverty providing a conducive environment for international trade in the future.
The buying behavior of the population is to be predictable as many more people move out of poverty. The communications service industry is to be effective and expanded as more investment in the country continue to trickle in. The social literacy level is expected to improve thus increasing and cementing the social ties and bilateral agreements with other states. The rising rates in the education sector and improved social services such as health, especially in the poorest regions of the population points to a sustained economic growth and therefore conducive environment for international business. The broken poverty cycle in the country means that the future in the business, signals a customer base that is able to consume domestic products and international products and services.
Economic scenario
The strategy that was started in desperation following the economic shock in early 70s has worked to position Brazil on the global map economically. Today the economy boasts of significant gains to a point that the GDP has expanded to reaching$ 2.2 trillion the largest in South America region. The income per capita has risen to $ 11000 by the year 2010. The GDP growth rate is 4.5% annually (Amanda, 2009). This is a record in the Latin America region. the Brazil stock exchange is the largest in the South America region with a record share of $ 1.167 trillion . This makes the exchange the fourth largest in the world. All this facilitates investment and improved capital markets.
The country utilizes ethanol in their operation and nearly all new motor vehicles sold in Brazil are environmentally flexible-fuel. The engines are able to blend both the fuel gasoline and ethanol. This is the new trend that is driving the economy of Brazil to grow and compete with major world economies such as that of the USA (Anthony, 1994). The world is now becoming increasingly cautious of the environment which means that the country has a ready market for its ethanol both domestically and on the international business market. The fact that 40% of the population in Brazil use ethanol shows how effective the growth of Brazil is driven by economic innovations (Jim, 2001). Brazil today is the world’s producer of ethanol and exporter. The economy is boosted by this new technique and innovation.
Business thriving and booming consumption
The transformation of the consumer and financial sectors in the domestic market. This was experienced in the recent credit offer of IPOs where an overwhelming $10 billion was realized. This is something that was unimaginable in the recent past. In addition to this the subsequent IPOs have increased the share of money involved. Today the Brazilian market value is ranked with the Europeans’ largest banks. The income levels of the country have greatly improved hence supporting the economic growth. This is due to the stabilized economy and the expansion policies that are initiated. As of 2008 the monthly household income has risen steadily to a point of reaching $584 on average (Albert, 2001). Other macro factors such as availability of credit facilities easily and lower interest rates have contributed to the rise in domestic consumption. The changes have ultimately provided an opportunity for the economy of Brazil to be a broad-based one.
Growth opportunity and future scenario
Brazil as a country and its people have an appetite to grow. The country has seen large companies set up their operation in the country outlining the extend to which the economy of the country has developed. The government has been specifically contributing to research and innovation so that efficiency and new products have evolved over time to boost the growing economy. This offers a chance for investment both from domestic investors and international companies in the present and in the future. The recent tackle of the economic crisis of 2008 shows the maturity with which the economy has reached and can sustain itself in any turbulent economic crisis. This is also expected to be maintained in the future as the country has all this potential. Better product diversification and geographic positioning make the country less vulnerable in the international business market. The drastic increase in domestic consumption coupled with self sufficiency in energy make the country a world of opportunities for trade and investment.
The future scenario of economic dimensions
The government of Brazil will have a plan to increase its spending up to a trillion dollars in the future. They intend to do this through an acceleration plan in the growth of the economy. They intend to boost the energy productivity and infrastructure advancement . Reforms in the judiciary, security and federal services are required in the future for efficient trade operations.
The reforms and their implementation will be crucial in the comparison of the business environment that Brazil offers and the other competitors in the region such as Mexico. The region of South America is seemingly being drawn into an economic block of the pacific coast. This bloc is trying to make it easier for free market , increased investment especially foreign and increased trade ties.
The financial capability of the country is the other contributor of the economic prowess of Brazil (Joe & Samantha, 2011). This has ensured that the interest rates are lower and affordable by the population, all external debts accrued over the years have been significantly controlled and reduced, and inflation manageable. This is expected to countinue in the future especially with the new reforms being implemented.
Immense potential that lies within the country is the other strong drive of the international business ties. A perfect example is the way in which the country’s capital was able to outbid the capital giants such as Chicago to be given the status of holding the 2016 Olympic. This potential is yet to be fully exploited therefore implying that the country will countinue with its economic growth. The cost was high and the scope of operation required is immense but this wil change in the favor of the country. The world is now acknowledging the potential of the country with its new economic clout and this is expected to grow (FRANCISCO, 2004). Infrastructure development in the country has easened the operation of business in the country as distribution and production of goods and services improve a scenario that is expected to improve even further in the future. The government continues to develop major projects to open up the country to international trade.
The energy prices are always high, however this is expected to change in favor of the country since the use ethanol is projected to rise unlike many countries in the world. The country makes ethanol from sugar cane which is more efficient than ethanol made from other sources and this will rise as the country . This is expected to make the country to have a competitive advantage in the international market. The monetary benefits acquired from this are expected to be pumped into the economy to stimulate growth. The country only provided a small package of around 1.5% of the GDP to sustain the economic growth, but this will lvel and help the country in the case of a recession scenario in the future. This represents a minimal package compared to other countries who had to dig deeper to put their economy on track. Japan for instance, had to stimulate their economy by 15% of their GDP and the USA 7% (Alexei, 2008).
The economy of Brazil did not suffer much from the world recession, this is because of its low unemployment rate and less dependence to trading with economic powerhouses. This scenario might change depending on the prevailing future economic conditions. Countries like Spain and Greece were affected by the meltdown due to their reliance on trading with European large economies that suffered a recession (Andre, & Diana, 2009). The employed population is expected to grow thus offering a ready domestic market for the products thereby stabilizing the economy. The diversification of customer base by the political class in the country can be expected to further increase therefore cushioning the economy from meltdown. This will ensure that the country do not depend solely on developed world for consumption of its products.
The new economic growth will be boosted by the new finding in the oil exploration. The government is expected to use the money and earnings received from oil and fuel exports to fund development projects in the country. The economic growth rate of Brazil made it to be included in the BRICs region of emerging power economies of the world and this will countinue for several years to come. The country has grown considerably to a point of performing fare than other countries such as Rusia and this trend is expected to be maintained(Fabiola, 2009). The population of the country will countinue being the major contributor of the economy.
Trade and industrial policies and regulations will influence the way trade is conducted in the future (Keith, 2006). Economic trajectories and productivity of the country are expected to be affected in the future by reforming policies. Great care has to be taken and measures at all levels of government should be undertaken to ensure that Brazil becomes a vibrant economy in the world business and economies rather than be a sick or sleeping giant in the world (Gustavo, 2011). The values and realization of dream 2030 of the world are there to act as a reminder to world governments that the trends being experienced now and conditions might change in the future. Improved mechanisms should be put in place in the country to avoid any unforeseen circumstances in the economy.
The country should figure out how well it can deal with any future recession (Benedict, 1997). The government of Brazil was able to beat the recession of 2009 due to its massive production of farm produce and the boost from domestic market growth. The Chinese have in the recent past a growing appetite for Brazilian primary goods, which has helped the economic growth and foreign investment (HAL, 2009). This implies that the relation of China will affect the country, directly in the future. A sustainable economic growth in China will mean a favorable economy and market for Brazil, while on the other hand, a slump in the political and economic factors in China would spell doom to the economy of Brazil. The country should be aware of the future challenges and crisis and learn to deal with it early if it intends to continue with growth (Gary, 2009). The preparedness of the country on its expenditure in the future remains uncertain and how well they will be able to make difficult decisions on investment is key to economic control.
The demographic dimensions are expected to change in the future. The statistics show that the fertility and life expectancy are high implying that the population is expected to grow steadily. Brazil is a country which is supported by high population advantage. The working people compared to those not working is expected to reduce significantly in the future as more investment sets in the country. The population demography projects that by the year 2030, the middle a is expected to be 37.4 which means that at this stage in the future the country will face high demand for pension (Bolsa, 2011). This will lead to a shrunk labor population thus putting pressure on the economy resulting decline in economic growth. This is evident as it has happened to more industrialized countries such as Spain. The economy under pressure, will certainly increase the pressure on the political side in the distribution of resources and public delivery of services. In case Europe and China experience slowed growth in the economy, together with that of the USA the government of Brazil will face difficulties in , their economy.
The international influence of a country on the business environment is not determined by growth in economy alone (Carmen, &Miguel, 2003). Brazil has a competitive advantage in the world economy in two significant fields and they include a vast of mineral resources and the technologies of advancing the minerals into required products. The country is blessed with all kinds of mineral including gas, oil, biodiversity, and fertile land and fresh water for farming. States like India and China have polluted their environment and global warming is expected to affect adversely their food production (Jim, 2005). This will give Brazill an opportunity to offer them with food products.
Recommendations, the critical factors of success
Infrastructure is key to achieving economic, social political development. Improved infrastructure means that productions of the products and services is not only efficient but faster. This will ensure that the channels of distribution are effective and faster thereby increasing international trade. The returns on investment have always been substantial for countries that have invested heavily. Brazil could utilize this opportunity to increase their market share. The government should ensure that the infrastructure development is in line with environmental requirements so that they do not create another crisis in the process.
A strict focus should be put on the development projects to facilitate international business ties. This kind of projects bring success to the country as they form a platform for a conducive environment to perform trading. The use of technology in such projects in the infrastructure sector is inevitable since it determines the competitiveness of the country when it comes to the world market. Efficient airport would hasten delivery of products to the international world. It will go a long way to facilitate the introduction of large multinationals that attract more investment in the country. More confidentiality on the part of the investors will be crucial to economic sustainability enhanced by quality infrastructure. The private and public partnership will be crucial in the implementation of this project. The government should streamline the public sector to make services required to implement these projects faster. The policies regarding licensing and compensation of population affected by infrastructure improvement need to be addressed and done in the interest of investors and citizens. It is critical that sanitation and hygienic standards are upheld to avoid collapse of the economy.
No economy whoever strong it is can function without the infrastructure at its highest capacity (Alexei & Ginger, 2010). Poor roads inadequate technology advancements, and deficient sea ports and airports create radiance at all levels of production. The government, as said earlier has put its efforts in building and rehabilitating the infrastructure using the new found wealth. This should continue and quality improved so that faster production and distribution is ensured. The projects that are under construction need to be hastened.
The main aim of the political dispensation should be to improve the infrastructure so that the potential of the Brazilian economy is realized (Alexander, 2011). The government thus has a task to expand the development especially areas that are traditionally neglected. This will also help the population living in these remote areas to be independent and earn a living. Recent researches pointed out to poor infrastructure being the major contributor of poverty and thus lack of these peoples’ participation in the building of the Brazilian economy. The poor live in areas that are prone to poor roads, inadequate distribution mechanism, unemployment and ineffective communication channels. The best the government can do in the Growth plan is to address these issues and curb the poverty level so that these people benefit the state. This could in away offer job opportunities to the people of these poor regions by offering them work in the building process. This can be the best result that the planned acceleration growth could achieve. The impact will double one where the country improves infrastructure that sustain economic growth and offers employment at the same time.
The country has come up with a Growth Acceleration Plan which has had a total of 880 billion dollars being invested in the infrastructure sector to spur growth. The plan also intends to construct a high speed railway system and make the country ready for the coming world cups thus expanding the economy of Brazil for longer period.
Reduction of poverty
Poverty remains to be the impediment to economic growth of Brazil. Reduction of poverty can cause enamors changes in the economy. This is because the people who are affected by poverty can be major players in the economic development of the country. Poverty could be reduced through many reforms. First, the government can reduce poverty through education. Education is power and it has helped many families across the world to get out of poverty. The education system should be restructured in such a way that it encompasses poverty eradication. Education enlightens people and makes them to think critically and contribute to the economy. The breaking poverty cycle, will reduce the government burden. Currently the government spends around $ 35 million on the families languishing in poverty. Reduced poverty would change the money and channel them to other economic activities to generate more money. Another way of poverty eradication is provision of job opportunities for the poor. This job provision can be through working on infrastructure projects stimulated by the government.
Removal of investment obstacles
The current situation in Brazil, on domestic investment is alarming. The public does not have a culture of saving and this is the major barrier to economic growth. The government can act to help save the situation by reforming the systems of pension in the country so that it restores the sustainability. The government should reduce pension provision so that they nurture a culture of saving. This would force the population to seek for investment opportunities thus increasing the capital base of the nation.
The federal government should lower the reserve requirements in the bank, lending obligation need to be removed, and liberalism in savings of personal accounts could be a game changer in investment. A comprehensive tax system that is simplified will boost the investment of resources in the country. Other countries that have utilized this scenario have seen an improved investment system the other countries that have had this efficiency include China and Mexico. The countries ensured that there was an equal playing field for the banks and the whole financial sector. The reform should further make [provisions for tax credits that are explicit and independent. The private sector and lending institutions have a chance to exploit in the country in the future to be done in provided they utilize the financial markets . This is has worked to give incentives to the investors but the they could be phased out once the investment has taken root.
Institutional reforms
Brazil has grown over the recent past, in the process, it has made strides in institutional reforms in an effort to make them more effective for the citizens and the investors. The judicial reform was the landmark of all reforms as it increased investor confidentiality and encouraged them to invest in the country, but more need to be done in the overall government and private policies.
A slow legal system is a risk to the economy as it pushes away investment. The country should then reform the institutions that are currently not performing optimally to realize the economic potential of this giant country. A strict adherent of the judicial system is the force behind the economic powerhouses such as the USA and the UK. The reforms especially in the education sector are needed to give the much needed skilled labor and innovation all economic sectors. The education that is growth centered will help provide jobs or the students will come up with new ways of creating job opportunities thus not only helping themselves but to greater extend the county’s economy. Tax reforms can also help eliminate poverty, the government need to pass laws and regulations in the financial institutions that are intended at eradicating poverty.
Increased openness
The country should increase its openness to the world of international business. This could be through the provision of new international trading partners and bilateral agreements. Foreign investment policies should be designed to favor the investors. The import tariffs need to be lowered and the import system advanced in technology to improve efficiency and make it cheaper for multinationals to trade in Brazil. The government should in the future treat all the investors equally may it be domestic or foreign investors.
In conclusion the Brazilian economy has grown tremendously to become a major player in the world economy. The country should provide favorable and enabling environment for business so that the economy is sustained and improved.
Albert, F. (2011). Brazil: What’s Next?, Americas Society. America society article, 23 , 223
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Alexei, B. (2008). Strong Economy Propels Brazil to World Stage, N.Y. TIMES.
Amanda, R. (2009). A Look at the World’s Largest Stimulus Packages Outside the United States. New York: U.S. NEWS & WORLD REP.
Anthony, G. (1994) .International Monetary Fund Response to the Brazilian Debt Crisis: Whether the Effects of Conditionality Have Undermined Brazil’s National Sovereignty, PACE INT’L L. REV. 323
Andre, S. & Diana, K. (2009). Brazil’s Unemployment Rate Rises to a 10-Month High, BLOOMBERG.
Armando, C. (2001). Brazilian Economic Growth, 1900–2000: Lessons and Policy Implications, GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT NETWORK CONFERENCE.
Benedict, C. (1997). The Real Plan, Poverty, and Income Distribution in Brazil. FIN. & DEV. 44.
Bolsa, F. (2011). Changing the Lives of Millions in Brazil, WORLD BANK, (3) 23
Carlos, P. (2011). Obama’s Visit to Latin America: Redefining U. S. -Brazil Relations, BROOKINGS INSTITUTE.
Carmen, M. &Miguel, A. (2003). The Realities of Modern Hyperinflation, 40 FIN. & DEV. 20.
Don, S. (2010). Brazil: Why it was the Country of the Future that Always Would Be. FIN. TIMES,
Fabiola, M. (2009). Brazil’s Lula Says World Bank, IMF Both Need Reforms, BLOOMBERG.
FRANCISCO, H. (2004). INEQUALITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN BRAZIL. BLOOMBERG.
Gary, D. (2009). Brazil Pushes for Bigger G20 Role, BBC NEWS.
Gary, D. (2009). G20 to be New Global Economy Coordinator, REUTERS,.
Gustavo, F. (2011). Brazilian President’s Promises Crumble under Weight of Belo Monte Dam, GUARDIAN,
HAL, S. (2009). INTERNATIONAL FINANCE: TRANSACTIONS, POLICY, AND REGULATION. HUMAN DEVE.
Jim, O. (2001). Building Better Global Economic BRICs. GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL ECONOMIC PAPER NO: 66
Jim, O. (2005). How Solid are the BRICs?, GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL ECONOMIC PAPER NO: 134
Joe, L. & Samantha, P. (2011). Brazil Bares Budget Crisis to Damp Inflation, FIN. TIMES,
John, H. (2007). Why is Brazil “Underdeveloped” and What Can Be Done About It?, 6 HARV. REV. LATIN AM. 7
John, P. (2010). UK Backs Brazil Bid for UN Security Council Seat, Fin. Times,
Jonathan, W. (2011). Brazilian Growth: 7.5 = 4.5, FIN. TIMES.
Juan, O. (2000), Brazil’s New Capitalism, 79 FOREIGN AFF. 107
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Fascinating Facts and Statistics on Informal In Home Assisted Living
by Adam RNO1/ May 22, 2018
As a society, our elderly are making up an increasingly larger percentage of our growing population and that number will only continue to rise exponentially. For example, according to the AOA (Administration on Aging):
The 65 and older crowd has increased from 35 million in 2000 to 40 million in 2010, a growth of 15%From 2010 to 2020, it’s estimated to grow by 36% to 55 millionBy 2030, there will be over 72 million senior citizens, over twice their number in 2000.
People over the age of sixty-five represented 13% of the population in the year 2010, but their numbers are expected to grow to almost 20% of the population by 2030. The 85 and older group is projected to rise from 5.5 million in 2010 to 6.6 million in 2020, a 19% increase for that decade.
Along with their tremendous growth, the number of informal in home caregivers, friends and family members who look after this aging population has also continued to rise. Already in the United States, almost 66 million caregivers make up over 29% of the adult population. Around 43% of these adult caregivers are looking after someone who is over the age of fifty and almost 15% of those are caring for someone suffering with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT
Almost half of these caregivers reported using outside forms of assistance for at least one of these specific types of help on the behalf of their care recipient:
Paid in home care assistance = 35%Transportation services = 29%Resources for financial assistance = 28%Respite care = 12%. The top three topics of concern to caregivers are keeping their loved one safe (37%); managing their own stress (34%); finding easy activities to do with their care recipient (34%); and finding more time for themselves.
COMPARATIVE COSTS
The value given to informal caregivers, those unpaid family and friends who look after aging loved ones, was reported at $450 billion in 2011. Compare that to the annual sales of Walmart at $408 billion in 2009 and nearing the total expenditures for the Medicaid program at $509 billion in the same period. The value of those caring for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia was reported at over $202 billion in 2009.
TOLL ON CAREGIVERS
While 8% of caregivers report they feel their overall health is improved by looking after a loved one, many guardians report mental and emotional issues associated with their duties.
Somewhere between 40% to 70% of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression with about a quarter to half of these caregivers meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression.20% of caregiving women over the age of fifty show signs of depression.Caregivers who look after a person with mental or health issues are more likely to suffer a decline in their own health.Caring for people with dementia has been shown to affect the caregiver’s immune system for up to three years after care has stopped, increasing their risk of developing a chronic condition themselves.
If you need help caring for your aging loved one, please contact us and we can discuss the many affordable options available. Everything from a weekly one hour visit to complete round-the-clock care. Let our qualified professionals lift some of the burden from your caregiving duties.
Call us any time and we'll help in any way we can.
info@presidiohomecare.com
© 2017 by Presidio Home Care
Site by RNO1
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Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka conjures up the exotic and the mysterious. Once known as Ceylon, the island boasts a fantastic landscape that ranges from primeval rain forest to the bustling modern streets of Colombo, the capital. A visitor to Sri Lanka has a wealth of options. Relax on some of the world's finest beaches. Explore the temples, halls and palaces of the last Sinhalese kingdom at Kandy. Or take a guided tour of an elephant orphanage. Colombo also offers an array of charms, from the Royal Botanic Gardens, once a royal pleasure garden, to the Pettah Bazaar, where vendors hawk everything under the sun.
Colombo and Sri Lanka were shaped by Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and European influences. Colombo also serves as a gateway for Overland Adventures to India.
This 25-acre coconut grove has sheltered orphaned and endangered elephants since 1975. Visitors may watch and enjoy feedings and bathing sessions at this home to the greatest herd in captivity.
Colombo National Museum
Thousands of antiquities as well as cultural and historical exhibits, paintings and manuscripts are on display in the galleries of this grand, Italian-architectural-style building opened in 1877.
Asokaramaya Buddist Temple
Don't be fooled by the modest exterior of this temple, originally built in the 1870s. Step inside and behold some of the most exquisite and lavish murals depicting early 20th century Buddhist art.
Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha
Believed to house the upper canine tooth of Lord Buddha, this 17thcentury red-roofed building attracts pilgrims bearing lotus flowers. Richly decorated, the inner shrine is guarded by two elephant tusks.
Pettah Market
This colorful and lively open-air market in the heart of Colombo is anchored by the striped Red Mosque and is a wonderful place to stroll, sample local delicacies and purchase handmade souvenirs.
Ingiriya Tea Plantation
See firsthand the intricate process of creating some of the world's most renowned gourmet tea products. Learn the steps from grading to packaging and bagging then sample some of the exotic blends.
Explore the unspoiled shores of this lagoon which was once a trading port, and visit attractions including a 1672 Dutch fort gate, quaint churches and an ancient temple believed to have been visited by Buddha.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Originally reserved for royalty, the gardens were established by the British in 1821 and are renowned for their orchid collection, manicured grounds and over 300 species of exotic plants and blooms.
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Click to join in praying the St. Philip Neri Novena
St. Philip Neri Novena
Saint Philip Neri, also known as the Apostle of Rome, was an Italian priest in the 16th century. He is especially noted for founding a society of secular priests called the Congregation of the Oratory.
Saint Philip Neri is also especially known for showing the humorous side of holiness, as well as for being extremely humble — as humility was one of the most important virtues he tried to teach others.
When asked how to pray, Saint Philip Neri would respond, “Be humble and obedient, and the Holy Spirit will teach you.”
His feast day is on May 26th, but you can pray through his intercession any time!
This Novena prayer is by John Henry Newman
St. Philip Neri Novena Prayers
St. Philip Neri Novena - Day 1
Join in praying the St. Philip Neri Novena
Philip’s Humility
If Philip heard of anyone having committed a crime, he would say, “Thank God that I have not done worse.”
At confession he would shed abundance of tears, and say, “I have never done a good action.”
When a penitent showed that she could not bear the rudeness shown towards him by certain persons who were under great obligations to him, he answered her, “If I were humble, God would not send this to me.”
When one of his spiritual children said to him, “Father, I wish to have something of yours for devotion, for I know you are a Saint,” he turned to her with a face full of anger, and broke out into these words: “Begone with you! I am a devil, and not a saint.”
To another who said to him, “Father, a temptation has come to me to think that you are not what the world takes you for,” he made answer: “Be sure of this, that I am a man like my neighbours, and nothing more.”
If he heard of any who had a good opinion of him, he used to say, “O poor me! how many poor girls will be greater in Paradise than I shall be!”
He avoided all marks of honour. He could not bear to receive any signs of respect. When people wished to touch his clothes, and knelt as he passed by, he used to say, “Get up! get out of my way!” He did not like people to kiss his hand; though he sometimes let them do so, lest he should hurt their feelings.
He was an enemy to all rivalry and contention. He always took in good part everything that was said to him. He had a particular dislike of affectation, whether in speaking, or in dressing, or in anything else.
He could not bear two-faced persons; as for liars, he could not endure them, and was continually reminding his spiritual children to avoid them as they would a pestilence.
He always asked advice, even on affairs of minor importance. His constant counsel to his penitents was, that they should not trust in themselves, but always take the advice of others, and get as many prayers as they could.
He took great pleasure in being lightly esteemed, nay, even despised.
He had a most pleasant manner of transacting business with others, great sweetness in conversation, and was full of compassion and consideration.
He had always a dislike to speak of himself. The phrases “I said,” “I did,” were rarely in his mouth. He exhorted others never to make a display of themselves, especially in those things which tended to their credit, whether in earnest or in joke.
As St. John the Evangelist, when old, was continually saying, “Little children, love one another,” so Philip was ever repeating his favourite lesson, “Be humble; think little of yourselves.”
He said that if we did a good work, and another took the credit of it to himself, we ought to rejoice and thank God.
He said no one ought to say, “Oh! I shall not fall, I shall not commit sin,” for it was a clear sign that he would fall. He was greatly displeased with those who made excuses for themselves, and called such persons. “My Lady Eve,” because Eve defended herself instead of being humble.
Philip, my glorious patron, who didst count as dross the praise, and even the good esteem of men, obtain for me also, from my Lord and Saviour, this fair virtue by thy prayers. How haughty are my thoughts, how contemptuous are my words, how ambitious are my works. Gain for me that low esteem of self with which thou wast gifted; obtain for me a knowledge of my own nothingness, that I may rejoice when I am despised, and ever seek to be great only in the eyes of my God and Judge.
Philip’s Devotion
The inward flame of devotion in Philip was so intense that he sometimes fainted in consequence of it, or was forced to throw himself upon his bed, under the sickness of divine love.
When he was young he sometimes felt this divine fervour so vehemently as to be unable to contain himself, throwing himself as if in agony on the ground and crying out, “No more, Lord, no more.”
What St. Paul says of himself seemed to be fulfilled in Philip: “I am filled with consolation – I over-abound with joy.”
Yet, though he enjoyed sweetnesses, he used to say that he wished to serve God, not out of interest – that is, because there was pleasure in it – but out of pure love, even though he felt no gratification in loving Him.
When he was a layman, he communicated every morning. When he was old, he had frequent ecstacies during his Mass.
Hence it is customary in pictures of Philip to paint him in red vestments, to record his ardent desire to shed his blood for the love of Christ.
He was so devoted to his Lord and Saviour that he was always pronouncing the name of Jesus with unspeakable sweetness. He had also an extraordinary pleasure in saying the Creed, and he was so fond of the “Our Father” that he lingered on each petition in such a way that it seemed as if he never would get through them.
He had such a devotion to the Blessed Sacrament that, when he was ill, he could not sleep till he had communicated.
When he was reading or meditating on the Passion he was seen to turn as pale as ashes, and his eyes filled with tears.
Once when he was ill, they brought him something to drink. He took the glass in his hand, and when he was putting it to his mouth stopped, and began to weep most bitterly. He cried out, “Thou, my Christ, Thou upon the Cross wast thirsty, and they gave Thee nothing but gall and vinegar to drink; and I am in bed, with so many comforts around me, and so many persons to attend to me.”
Yet Philip did not make much account of this warmth and acuteness of feeling; for he said that Emotion was not Devotion, that tears were no sign that a man was in the grace of God, neither must we suppose a man holy merely because he weeps when he speaks of religion.
Philip was so devoted to the Blessed Virgin that he had her name continually in his mouth. He had two ejaculations in her honour. One, “Virgin Mary, Mother of God, pray to Jesus for me.” The other, simply “Virgin Mother,” for he said that in those two words all possible praises of Mary are contained.
He had also a singular devotion to St. Mary Magdalen, on whose vigil he was born, and for the Apostles St. James and St. Philip; also for St. Paul the Apostle, and for St. Thomas of Aquinum, Doctor of the Church.
Philip, my glorious Patron, gain for me a portion of that gift which thou hadst so abundantly. Alas! thy heart was burning with love; mine is all frozen towards God, and alive only for creatures. I love the world, which can never make me happy; my highest desire is to be well off here below. O my God, when shall I learn to love nothing else but Thee? Gain for me, O Philip, a pure love, a strong love, and an efficacious love, that, loving God here upon earth, I may enjoy the sight of Him, together with thee and all saints, hereafter in heaven.
Philip’s Exercise of Prayer
From very boyhood the servant of God gave himself up to prayer, until he acquired such a habit of it, that, wherever he was, his mind was always lifted up to heavenly things.
Sometimes he forgot to eat; sometimes, when he was dressing, he left off, being carried away in his thought to heaven, with his eyes open, yet abstracted from all things around him.
It was easier for Philip to think upon God, than for men of the world to think of the world.
If anyone entered his room suddenly, he would most probably find him so rapt in prayer, that, when spoken to, he did not give the right answer, and had to take a turn or two up and down the room before he fully came to himself.
If he gave way to his habit of prayer in the most trifling degree, he immediately became lost in contemplation.
It was necessary to distract him lest this continual stretch of mind should be prejudicial to his health.
Before transacting business, however trivial, he always prayed; when asked a question, he never answered till he had recollected himself.
He began praying when he went to bed, and as soon as he awoke, and he did not usually sleep more than four, or at the most five hours.
Sometimes, if anyone showed that he had observed that Philip went to bed late or rose early in order to pray, he would answer, “Paradise is not made for sluggards.”
He was more than ordinarily intent on prayer at the more solemn feasts, or at a time of urgent spiritual necessities; above all, in Holy Week.
Those who could not make long meditations he advised to lift up their minds repeatedly to God in ejaculatory prayers, as “Jesus, increase my faith,” “Jesus, grant that I may never offend Thee.”
Philip introduced family prayer into many of the principal houses of Rome.
When one of his penitents asked him to teach him how to pray, he answered, “Be humble and obedient, and the Holy Ghost will teach you.”
He had a special devotion for the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, and daily poured out before Him most fervent prayers for gifts and graces.
Once, when he was passing the night in prayer in the Catacombs, that great miracle took place of the Divine presence of the Holy Ghost descending upon him under the appearance of a ball of fire, entering into his mouth and lodging in his breast, from which time he had a supernatural palpitation of the heart.
He used to say that when our prayers are in the way of being granted, we must not leave off, but pray as fervently as before.
He especially recommended beginners to meditate on the four last things, and used to say that he who does not in his thoughts and fears go down to hell in his lifetime, runs a great risk of going there when he dies.
When he wished to show the necessity of prayer, he said that a man without prayer was an animal without reason.
Many of his disciples improved greatly in this exercise – not religious only, but secular persons, artisans, merchants, physicians, lawyers, and courtiers – and became such men of prayer as to receive extraordinary favours from God.
Philip, my holy Patron, teach me by thy example, and gain for me by thy intercessions, to seek my Lord and God at all times and in all places, and to live in His presence and in sacred intercourse with Him. As the children of this world look up to rich men or men in station for the favour which they desire, so may I ever lift up my eyes and hands and heart towards heaven, and betake myself to the Source of all good for those goods which I need. As the children of this world converse with their friends and find their pleasure in them, so may I ever hold communion with Saints and Angels, and with the Blessed Virgin, the Mother of my Lord. Pray with me, O Philip, as thou didst pray with thy penitents here below, and then prayer will become sweet to me, as it did to them.
Philip’s Purity
Philip well knowing the pleasure which God takes in cleanness of heart, had no sooner come to years of discretion, and to the power of distinguishing between good and evil, than he set himself to wage war against the evils and suggestions of his enemy, and never rested till he had gained the victory. Thus, notwithstanding he lived in the world when young, and met with all kinds of persons, he preserved his virginity spotless in those dangerous years of his life.
No word was ever heard from his lips which would offend the most severe modesty, and in his dress, his carriage, and countenance, he manifested the same beautiful virtue.
One day, while he was yet a layman, some profligate persons impudently tempted him to commit sin. When he saw that flight was impossible, he began to speak to them of the hideousness of sin and the awful presence of God. This he did with such manifest distress, such earnestness, and such fervour, that his words pierced their abandoned hearts as a sword, and not only persuaded them to give up their horrible thought, but even reclaimed them from their evil ways.
At another time some bad men, who are accustomed to think no one better than themselves, invited him on some pretext into their house, under the belief that he was not what the world took him to be; and then, having got possession of him, thrust him into a great temptation. Philip, in this strait, finding the doors locked, knelt down and began to pray to God with such astonishing fervour and heartfelt heavenly eloquence, that the two poor wretches who were in the room did not dare to speak to him, and at last themselves left him and gave him a way to escape.
His virginal purity shone out of his countenance. His eyes were so clear and bright, even to the last years of his life, that no painter ever succeeded in giving the expression of them, and it was not easy for anyone to keep looking on him for any length of time, for he dazzled them like an Angel of Paradise.
Moreover, his body, even in his old age, emitted a fragrance which, even in his decrepit old age, refreshed those who came near him; and many said that they felt devotion infused into them by the mere smell of his hands.
As to the opposite vice. The ill odour of it was not to the Saint a mere figure of speech, but a reality, so that he could detect those whose souls were blackened by it; and he used to say that it was so horrible that nothing in the world could equal it, nothing, in short, but the Evil Spirit himself. Before his penitents began their confession he sometimes said, “O my son, I know your sins already.”
Many confessed that they were at once delivered from temptations by his merely laying his hands on their heads. The very mention of his name had a power of shielding from Satan those who were assailed by his fiery darts.
He exhorted men never to trust themselves, whatever experience they might have of themselves, or however long their habits of virtue.
He used to say that humility was the true guard of chastity; and that not to have pity for another in such cases was a forerunner of a speedy fall in ourselves; and that when he found a man censorious, and secure of himself, and without fear, he gave him up for lost.
Philip, my glorious Patron, who didst ever keep unsullied the white lily of thy purity, with such jealous care that the majesty of this fair virtue beamed from thine eyes, shone in thy hands, and was fragrant in thy breath, obtain for me that gift from the Holy Ghost, that neither the words nor the example of sinners may ever make any impression on my soul. And, since it is by avoiding occasions of sin, by prayer, by keeping myself employed, and by the frequent use of the Sacraments that my dread enemy must be subdued, gain for me the grace to persevere in these necessary observances.
Philip’s Tenderness of Heart
Philip could not endure the very sight of suffering; and though he abhorred riches, he always wished to have money to give in alms.
He could not bear to see children scantily clothed, and did all he could to get new clothes for them.
Oppressed and suffering innocence troubled him especially; when a Roman gentleman was falsely accused of having been the death of a man, and was imprisoned, he went so far as to put his cause before the Pope, and obtained his liberation.
A priest was accused by some powerful persons, and was likely to suffer in consequence. Philip took up his cause with such warmth that he established his innocence before the public.
Another time, hearing of some gipsies who had been unjustly condemned to hard labour, he went to the Pope, and procured their freedom. His love of justice was as great as his tenderness and compassion.
Soon after he became a Priest there was a severe famine in Rome, and six loaves were sent to him as a present. Knowing that there was in the same house a poor foreigner suffering from want of food, he gave them all to him, and had for the first day nothing but olives to eat.
Philip had a special tenderness towards artisans, and those who had a difficulty of selling their goods. There were two watchmakers, skilful artists, but old and burdened with large families. He gave them a large order for watches, and contrived to sell them among his friends.
His zeal and liberality specially shone forth towards poor girls. He provided for them when they had no other means of provision. He found marriage dowries for some of them; to others he gave what was sufficient to gain their admittance into convents.
He was particularly good to prisoners, to whom he sent money several times in the week.
He set no limits to his affection for the shrinking and bashful poor, and was more liberal in his alms towards them.
Poor students were another object of his special compassion; he provided them not only with food and clothing, but also with books for their studies. To aid one of them he sold all his own books.
He felt most keenly any kindness done to him, so that one of his friends said: “You could not make Philip a present without receiving another from him of double value.”
He was very tender towards brute animals. Seeing someone put his foot on a lizard, he cried out, “Cruel fellow! what has that poor animal done to you?”
Seeing a butcher wound a dog with one of his knives, he could not contain himself, and had great difficulty in keeping himself cool.
He could not bear the slightest cruelty to be shown to brute animals under any pretext whatever. If a bird came into the room, he would have the window opened that it might not be caught.
Philip, my glorious Advocate, teach me to look at all I see around me after thy pattern as the creatures of God. Let me never forget that the same God who made me made the whole world, and all men and all animals that are in it. Gain me the grace to love all God’s works for God’s sake, and all men for the sake of my Lord and Saviour who has redeemed them by the Cross. And especially let me be tender and compassionate and loving towards all Christians, as my brethren in grace. And do thou, who on earth was so tender to all, be especially tender to us, and feel for us, bear with us in all our troubles, and gain for us from God, with whom thou dwellest in beatific light, all the aids necessary for bringing us safely to Him and to thee.
Philip’s Cheerfulness
Philip welcomed those who consulted him with singular benignity, and received them, though strangers, with as much affection as if he had been a long time expecting them. When he was called upon to be merry, he was merry; when he was called upon to feel sympathy with the distressed, he was equally ready.
Sometimes he left his prayers and went down to sport and banter with young men, and by this sweetness and condescension and playful conversation gained their souls.
He could not bear anyone to be downcast or pensive, because spirituality is always injured by it; but when he saw anyone grave and gloomy, he used to say, “Be merry.” He had a particular and marked leaning to cheerful persons.
At the same time he was a great enemy to anything like rudeness or foolery; for a buffooning spirit not only does not advance in religion, but roots out even what is already there.
One day he restored cheerfulness to Father Francesco Bernardi, of the Congregation, by simply asking him to run with him, saying, “Come now, let us have a run together.”
His penitents felt that joy at being in his room that they used to say, Philip’s room is not a room, but an earthly Paradise.
To others, to merely stand at the door of his room, without going in, was a release from all their troubles. Others recovered their lost peace of mind by simply looking Philip in the face. To dream of him was enough to comfort many. In a word, Philip was a perpetual refreshment to all those who were in perplexity and sadness.
No one ever saw Philip melancholy; those who went to him always found him with a cheerful and smiling countenance, yet mixed with gravity.
When he was ill he did not so much receive as impart consolation. He was never heard to change his voice, as invalids generally do, but spoke in the same sonorous tone as when he was well. Once, when the physicians had given him over, he said, with the Psalmist, “Paratus sum et non sum turbatus” (“I am ready, and am not troubled”). He received Extreme Unction four times, but with the same calm and joyous countenance.
Philip, my glorious Advocate, who didst ever follow the precepts and example of the Apostle St. Paul in rejoicing always in all things, gain for me the grace of perfect resignation to God’s will, of indifference to matters of this world, and a constant sight of Heaven; so that I may never be disappointed at the Divine providences, never desponding, never sad, never fretful; that my countenance may always be open and cheerful, and my words kind and pleasant, as becomes those who, in whatever state of life they are, have the greatest of all goods, the favour of God and the prospect of eternal bliss.
Philip’s Patience
Philip was for years and years the butt and laughing-stock of all the hangers-on of the great palaces of the nobility at Rome, who said all the bad of him that came into their heads, because they did not like to see a virtuous and conscientious man.
This sarcastic talk against him lasted for years and years; so that Rome was full of it, and through all the shops and counting-houses the idlers and evil livers did nothing but ridicule Philip.
When they fixed some calumny upon him, he did not take it in the least amiss, but with the greatest calmness contented himself with a simple smile.
Once a gentleman’s servant began to abuse him so insolently that a person of consideration, who witnessed the insult, was about to lay hands on him; but, when he saw with what gentleness and cheerfulness Philip took it, he restrained himself, and ever after counted Philip as a saint.
Sometimes his own spiritual children, and even those who lay under the greatest obligations to him, treated him as if he were a rude and foolish person; but he did not show any resentment.
Once, when he was Superior of the Congregation, one of his subjects snatched a letter out of his hand; but the saint took the affront with incomparable meekness, and neither in look, nor word, nor in gesture betrayed the slightest emotion.
Patience had so completely become a habit with him, that he was never seen in a passion. He checked the first movement of resentful feeling; his countenance calmed instantly, and he reassumed his usual modest smile.
Philip, my holy Advocate, who didst bear persecution and calumny, pain and sickness, with so admirable a patience, gain for me the grace of true fortitude under all the trials of this life. Alas! how do I need patience! I shrink from every small inconvenience; I sicken under every light affliction; I fire up at every trifling contradiction; I fret and am cross at every little suffering of body. Gain for me the grace to enter with hearty good-will into all such crosses as I may receive day by day from my Heavenly Father. Let me imitate thee, as thou didst imitate my Lord and Saviour, that so, as thou hast attained heaven by thy calm endurance of bodily and mental pain, I too may attain the merit of patience, and the reward of life everlasting.
Philip’s Care for the Salvation of Souls
When he was a young priest, and had gathered about him a number of spiritual persons, his first wish was to go with them all to preach the gospel to the heathen of India, where St. Francis Xavier was engaged in his wonderful career – and he only gave up the idea in obedience to the holy men whom he consulted.
As to bad Christians at home, such extreme desire had he for their conversion, that even when he was old he took severe disciplines in their behalf, and wept for their sins as if they had been his own.
While a layman, he converted by one sermon thirty dissolute youths.
He was successful, under the grace of God, in bringing back almost an infinite number of sinners to the paths of holiness. Many at the hour of death cried out, “Blessed be the day when first I came to know Father Philip!” Others, “Father Philip draws souls to him as the magnet draws iron.”
With a view to the fulfilment of what he considered his special mission, he gave himself up entirely to hearing confessions, exclusive of every other employment. Before sunrise he had generally confessed a good number of penitents in his own room. He went down into the church at daybreak, and never left it till noon, except to say Mass. If no penitents came, he remained near his confessional, reading, saying office, or telling his beads. If he was at prayer, if at his meals, he at once broke off when his penitents came.
He never intermitted his hearing of confessions for any illness, unless the physician forbade it.
For the same reason he kept his room-door open, so that he was exposed to the view of everyone who passed it.
He had a particular anxiety about boys and young men. He was most anxious to have them always occupied, for he knew that idleness was the parent of every evil. Sometimes he made work for them, when he could not find any.
He let them make what noise they pleased about him, if in so doing he was keeping them from temptation. When a friend remonstrated with him for letting them so interfere with him, he made answer: “So long as they do not sin, they may chop wood upon my back.”
He was allowed by the Dominican Fathers to take out their novices for recreation. He used to delight to see them at their holiday meal. He used to say, “Eat, my sons, and do not scruple about it, for it makes me fat to watch you;” and then, when dinner was over, he made them sit in a ring around him, and told them the secrets of their hearts, and gave them good advice, and exhorted them to virtue.
He had a remarkable power of consoling the sick, and of delivering them from the temptations with which the devil assails them.
To his zeal for the conversion of souls, Philip always joined the exercise of corporal acts of mercy. He visited the sick in the hospitals, served them in all their necessities, made their beds, swept the floor round them, and gave them their meals.
Philip, my holy Patron, who wast so careful for the souls of thy brethren, and especially of thy own people, when on earth, slack not thy care of them now, when thou art in heaven. Be with us, who are thy children and thy clients; and, with thy greater power with God, and with thy more intimate insight into our needs and our dangers, guide us along the path which leads to God and to thee. Be to us a good father; make our priests blameless and beyond reproach or scandal; make our children obedient, our youth prudent and chaste, our heads of families wise and gentle, our old people cheerful and fervent, and build us up, by thy powerful intercessions, in faith, hope, charity, and all virtues.
Philip’s Miraculous Gifts
Philip’s great and solid virtues were crowned and adorned by the divine Majesty with various and extraordinary favours, which he in vain used every artifice, if possible, to hide.
It was the good-pleasure of God to enable him to penetrate His ineffable mysteries and to know His marvellous providences by means of ecstasies, raptures, and visions, which were of frequent occurrence during the whole of his life.
A friend going one morning to confession to him, on opening the door of his room softly, saw the Saint in the act of prayer, raised upon his feet, his eyes looking to heaven, his hands extended. He stood for a while watching him, and then going close to him spoke to him – but the saint did not perceive him at all. This state of abstraction continued about eight minutes longer; then he came to himself.
He had the consolation of seeing in vision the souls of many, especially of his friends and penitents, go to heaven. Indeed, those who were intimate with him held it for certain, that none of his spiritual children died without his being certified of the state of their souls.
Philip, both by his sanctity and experience, was able to discriminate between true and false visions. He was earnest in warning men against being deluded, which is very easy and probable.
Philip was especially eminent, even among saints, for his gifts of foretelling the future and reading the heart. The examples of these gifts which might be produced would fill volumes. He foretold the deaths of some; he foretold the recovery of others; he foretold the future course of others; he foretold the births of children to those who were childless; he foretold who would be the Popes before their election; he had the gift of seeing things at a distance; and he knew what was going on in the minds of his penitents and others around him.
He knew whether his penitents had said their prayers, and for how long they were praying. Many of them when talking together, if led into any conversation which was dangerous or wrong, would say: “We must stop, for St. Philip will find it out.”
Once a woman came to him to confession, when in reality she wished to get an alms. He said to her: “In God’s name, good woman, go away; there is no bread for you” – and nothing could induce him to hear her confession.
A man who went to confess to him did not speak, but began to tremble, and when asked, said, “I am ashamed,” for he had committed a most grievous sin. Philip said gently: “Do not be afraid; I will tell you what it was” – and, to the penitent’s great astonishment, he told him.
Such instances are innumerable. There was not one person intimate with Philip who did not affirm that he knew the secrets of the heart most marvellously.
He was almost equally marvellous in his power of healing and restoring to health. He relieved pain by the touch of his hand and the sign of the Cross. And in the same way he cured diseases instantaneously – at other times by his prayers – at other times he commanded the diseases to depart.
This gift was so well known that sick persons got possession of his clothes, his shoes, the cuttings of his hair, and God wrought cures by means of them.
Philip, my holy Patron, the wounds and diseases of my soul are greater than bodily ones, and are beyond thy curing, even with thy supernatural power. I know that my Almighty Lord reserves in His own hands the recovery of the soul from death, and the healing of all its maladies. But thou canst do more for our souls by thy prayers now, my dear Saint, than thou didst for the bodies of those who applied to thee when thou wast upon earth. Pray for me, that the Divine Physician of the soul, Who alone reads my heart thoroughly, may cleanse it thoroughly, and that I and all who are dear to me may be cleansed from all our sins; and, since we must die, one and all, that we may die, as thou didst, in the grace and love of God, and with the assurance, like thee, of eternal life.
More on St. Philip Neri
Saint Philip Neri was born in 1515 in Florence, Italy. He was spontaneous, a little impulsive, and very cheerful.
He’s quoted as saying, “Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life. Therefore the servant of God ought always to be in good spirits.”
He was born into a family that was not successful financially, and when St. Philip was eighteen, he was sent to work with a successful businessman.
During that time, he spent hours praying, which led to his decision to dedicate his life to God, leaving worldly success behind.
It’s noted that Saint Philip Neri liked to pray during the evenings, and that he received energy during his prayer that enlivened him to serve God throughout the day. He established a confraternity before being ordained as a Priest in 1551.
Saint Philip loved to hear confessions, but he knew that the young people he administered to needed more than absolution. He created a group that would do just that, which was called the Oratory. That soon led to the creation of a church called Congregation of the Oratory.
Saint Philip Neri died in 1959 after battling a long illness. He was eighty years old.
Saint Philip Neri is the patron saint of….
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After the Elections, how Turkey is Heading towards an Authoritarian Regime
July/July 2019
On 24 June 2018, both parliamentary and presidential elections were held in Turkey. With the elections, the constitutional amendments of 2017 came into force leading to a fundamental change in the nature of the political regime in Turkey towards even more authoritarian lines. Focusing on the last constitutional amendments and the recent elections, in this dossier, our contributors address a variety of issues that are critical to understanding different aspects of today’s Turkey.
Turkey, the Constitutional Amendment of April 2017 as a Transition to a “State-Presidential System” Ece Göztepe
Why Faltering Democracies Need Strong Opposition Parties: Lessons from Turkey Gülay Türkmen , Shai M. Dromi
Voting from Abroad: A Question of Loyalty? Sinem Adar
Turkey’s Currency Crisis Shows the Bumpy Road Ahead Ali Rıza Güngen
Iran Nuclear Deal after US withdrawal: new challenges and balance
Is the Iran nuclear deal dead? Perhaps not, after all, in spite of president Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as it is formally known.
Indonesia: Between Pluralism and Advances of Radical Islam
Indonesia has been able to emerge from years of difficult dictatorship and from the grip of the financial crisis of the late 90s, persisting with the development of its coexistence model.
The Rise of Illiberal Trends
From India to Russia, the world is experiencing a new rise of illiberal trends and the return of strongmen. Reset DOC ‘s articles try to analyze this ongoing process and its actors.
Turkey: after a failed coup a new authoritarian grip, what comes next?
After the coup, the two principal actors in Turkey have been the current President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the multi-billionaire and Islamic ideologue, Fetullah Gülen, who has been in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1998. Much of what one has to know about Gülen’s media empire is in this monograph from 2015. Reset DoC’s articles try to analyze this ongoing process and its actors: Erdogan with his new authoritarian tendencies and Gülen with his global media network. The international academic, intellectual community ask the US government and the European Union to stop Erdogan’s authoritarian and violent grip on the country.
State, Religion and Political Legitimacy in the Muslim World
The uprisings that led to the downfall of regimes in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya in 2011 initially seemed to herald the end of a state system introduced into the MENA region by imperialist powers after WWI. Characterized by an authoritarian model of modernization and secularization from above, the fall of these XX Century regimes opened the door to the rise of political Islam. But when Islamist parties that have come to power in Egypt and Tunisia, although with remarkable differences, they have proven unsuccessful in stabilizing governments and writing new constitutions. Are democracy and a religious revival compatible? What will replace the spent legitimacy of these regimes across the region? What kind of state could now take shape in Muslim contexts overturned by revolts and civil war? And what place will religion have in these states?
The Political Culture of Today’s Russia Is the Power State Back?
Can we say that what is under way in Today’s Russia is a process of “Re-composition” of a Moscow-dominated political space, twenty-five years after the collapse of the Soviet Union? Reset-DoC publishes the edited transcripts of the conference talks given in Berlin last June by Marlene Laruelle, Giuliano Amato, Toomas Hendrik Ilves and Karel von Schwarzenberg. The aim of Reset-DOC’s conference was to analyse the political culture of today’s Russia as well as Russia’s ideological trajectory over the last twenty-five years, when Russia seems to have developed a new version of the “power state” that dominated European history until the end of the 20th Century. Other speakers at the roundtable included Jörg Lau and Manuel Sarrazin, the Director of Reset-DOC Giancarlo Bosetti chaired the meeting.
A Turkish model for Morocco?
The expected spectacular victory of the Moroccan Islamic Party of Justice and Development did not happen. But in the parliamentary elections of September 7th , the PJD proved itself to be an authoritative and responsible protagonist in a Morocco which is increasingly open and modern, despite the low turnout at the ballot box. Opening up the system to Islamic parties is a decision that cannot now be reversed for a country which wishes to call itself democratic. The people therefore have the freedom to choose, and the Islamic parties in turn are encouraged to open up, to engage in dialogue with secularists, and to come face to face with reality. Just as has happened in Turkey with Tayyip Erdogan’s AKP. But can Ankara serve as a model for Rabat? After Turkey, might Morocco also have the right to a claim for EU membership?
Intercultural lexicon
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Rinde Eckert
#ToyBoxMind
Rinde's Notebook
Erika Barbee
Review: My Lai massacre, 50 years later: Jonathan Berger's opera captures the madness
BY MARK SWED
MUSIC CRITIC
"Where in God's name is the medic?" the dying hospital patient demands. He's not asking for help for himself. He's frantically trying to save a boy's life. It's a scream, one of the important screams in American history, that has haunted him for 38 years.
Jonathan Berger's opera "My Lai" — written for the Kronos Quartet, tenor Rinde Eckert and Vân-Ánh Võ, a virtuoso player of traditional Vietnamese instruments — takes place during the last hallucinatory days of Hugh Thompson Jr. He was the U.S. Army helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War who flew over the massacre in My Lai. Above the fray, he could see the mass hysteria below that warped the minds of Charlie Company. Those men were infamously commanded to wipe out everything walking, crawling or growing. More than 500 civilians, mostly women, children and the elderly, were slaughtered. There was no evidence of Viet Cong activity.
Tagged: My Lai
Review: ‘Iron & Coal’ at Strathmore
Review: Kronos Quartet Revisits Vietnam Horror in ‘My Lai’
Designed by More Canvas Consulting
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Reading: Identity and Deprovincialization: Identity Complexity and Inclusiveness Encourage EU-Wide Be...
Special Collection: Immigration: how minority and majority members deal with cultural diversity
Identity and Deprovincialization: Identity Complexity and Inclusiveness Encourage EU-Wide Behavioural Intentions via Reduced Intergroup Concerns and Increased Optimism
Samineh Sanatkar ,
The University of Newcastle, AU
Profiles:
Stefania Paolini,
Daniela Damigella,
University of Catania, IT
Orazio Licciardello
This research aimed at identifying social psychological processes contributing to deprovincialising behaviours (Pettigrew, 1997), which support social integration in Europe. We tested whether EU residents’ sense of identity, defined as complex (Linville, 1982; Brewer & Pierce, 2005) and inclusive (Dovidio, Gaertner, & Saguy, 2009), orient them toward EU-wide behaviours by mitigating intergroup concerns toward crime, immigration, and terrorism – and by improving optimism about their future within the EU. European adults (N = 28,004; females 54.3%; age M = 50.05, SD = 18.34) residing in one of the 28 EU member states completed the 2014 Eurobarometer survey (Standard EB 81, 2014) and contributed to our key analyses. Mediation analyses confirmed that reduced intergroup concerns and general optimism acted as pathways to pro-Europe integration orientations associated with complex and inclusive identities. This work highlights the promising value of deprovincialization as a concept that imbues both a behavioural and a time dimension.
Keywords: EU integration , deprovincialization , identity complexity , identity inclusiveness , intergroup concerns , optimism
How to Cite: Sanatkar, S., Paolini, S., Damigella, D., & Licciardello, O. (2018). Identity and Deprovincialization: Identity Complexity and Inclusiveness Encourage EU-Wide Behavioural Intentions via Reduced Intergroup Concerns and Increased Optimism. International Review of Social Psychology, 31(1), 23. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/irsp.151
Université de Lausanne, CH
Published on 29 Aug 2018
In the present article, we aim at contributing to a social psychological body of research on identity processes in Europe (see Abrams & Vasiljevic, 2014), some of which have used public opinion Eurobarometer data (e.g. Bruter, 2003; Duchesne & Frognier, 1995; Kohli, 2000). In particular, we examine ways to boost Europeans’ willingness to engage in cross-border, EU-wide behaviours (e.g. living and working in other EU countries) as an individual-level proxy of European integration. We focused on identity complexity (Linville, 1982; Brewer & Pierce, 2005) and identity inclusiveness (Dovidio, Gaertner, & Saguy, 2009) as predictors of these trans-national behavioural intentions because we expected these personality dimensions to be the ‘engine room’ of a dynamic process of deprovincialization of the self (Pettigrew, 1997) within contemporary Europe. This assumption aligns with King and Ruiz-Gelices’ (2003) findings, indicating that having a European identity predisposes British students to prospective transnational behaviours.
In the following, we discuss key concepts in a mediation model at the centre of this investigation. We start with an analysis of the predictors (identity complexity and inclusiveness), and then proceed to the outcome (interest in EU-wide behaviours). Finally, we discuss proposed mediators (intergroup concerns and general life optimism).
Nurturing Complex and Inclusive Identities to Encourage Deprovincialization via EU-wide Behavioural Intentions
The way individuals represent groups to which they and others belong exerts considerable influence on the way individuals think, feel and behave (see Crisp & Hewstone, 2006). These influences should extend to the way individuals respond to immigrants and intergroup dynamics in their social reality, to how they feel about their life and future, and to their readiness to engage with their broader social context.
Examining identification processes across multiple group memberships, Roccas and Brewer (2002) first introduced the concept of social identity complexity to encompass considerations of both identity complexity and identity inclusiveness. These scholars conceptualized social identity complexity as a bipolar dimension, ranging from simple to complex. On the complex end of the spectrum, individuals would recognize that their ingroups differ in important ways, making those social representations simultaneously more complex and more inclusive. In a similar vein, bicultural identities (i.e. seeing oneself as French and European) have often been conceived as the complex and nonlinear co-existence of distinguishable identities and cultural frames (see Gaertner & Dovidio, 2014).
Within the research tradition of the dual identity and common ingroup identity models (see Dovidio, Gaertner, & Saguy, 2009 for a review), Gaertner et al. (1996) pointed out that the psychological process of identity integration does not require the representation of smaller, less inclusive identities to be dismissed. Hence, European residents may hold a dual identity structure if they develop an identity representation of being European, as well as maintain their national identity (see Dovidio, Gaertner, & Saguy, 2009).
Previous research has already shown that identity complexity and inclusiveness predict acceptance of multiculturalism and positive host communities-immigrants interactions (Brewer & Pierce, 2005; Schmid, Hewstone, & Tausch, 2014). Brewer and Pierce (2005), for instance, found that majority members’ identity complexity was associated with more positive attitudes towards multiculturalism and ethnic diversity. In a series of experiments, inclusive group categorizations were found to explain the link between intergroup cooperation and reduced intergroup bias (Gaertner, Mann, Dovidio, Murrell, & Pomare, 1990). More recently, Schmid et al. (2014) showed that social identity complexity was implicated in explaining covariations between intergroup contact and positive attitudes towards outgroups uninvolved in the contact experience. From the immigrant’s perspective, identity complexity predicted higher acceptance of national liberal practices among Turkish immigrants living in the Netherlands (Verkuyten & Martinovic, 2012).
Drawing from this evidence, we predict that identity complexity and inclusiveness should influence the way individuals perceive and evaluate themselves and others as part of a national or greater (e.g. European) whole. With this research, however, we wanted to take our investigation beyond predicting overall attitudinal responses to transnational identities (i.e. Europe or Europeans). Our main aim was to ascertain whether individual differences in identity complexity and inclusiveness are implicated in a more dynamic identity process, with potentially more far-reaching consequences for host-immigrant relations and broader European integration. Hence, we turned our attention to the process of deprovincialization of the self.
Pettigrew (1997) introduced the notion of deprovincialization of the self within the intergroup contact literature (Dovidio, Gaertner, & Kawakami, 2003). He argued that positive interactions between members of distinct groups, like host country citizens and immigrants, have the potential to produce a broad reconfiguration of attitudes and behaviours which reflects a progressive re-positioning of the self away from narrow and partisan allegiances to the ingroup (e.g. national or majority identities and perspectives) and closer to the outgroup (e.g. immigrants) and more inclusive views and engagement with the world (e.g. European identity and perspectives). From this dynamic view of intergroup relations, psychological self-deprovincialization can be seen both as an outcome of positive intergroup relationships, as well as positive propellers of future integration efforts.
In an effort to gauge situational deprovincialization, we chose self-deprovincialization as our focal outcome variable. We measured European residents’ interest in EU-wide behaviours, like living and working abroad, to assess their context-dependent willingness to psychologically move towards more inclusive, transnational and deprovincialising behaviours. Hence, rather than regarding deprovincialization as a relatively stable attitudinal response, we treated it as a temporary and malleable end-state. To ensure we isolated situated (vs. chronic) interests and behavioural readiness, we controlled for attitudinal indicators and habitual experiences with EU-wide behaviours in our main analyses. We expected interest in EU-wide behaviours to function as a key psychological springboard to a broad range of attitudes and behaviours that, over time, support wider and inclusive EU-level group memberships.
Identity complexity and identity inclusiveness were operationalised in this work as two distinct independent variables in our models. However, we expected them to be related and exert similar influences on deprovincialising behavioural intentions. We also expected the two identity predictors to share some psychological underpinnings. In this study, we focused on intergroup concerns and general life optimism. Next, we discuss the basis for our mediational hypotheses.
Testing the Mediational Role of Intergroup Threats and General Optimism
In our investigation, we assessed whether the complexity and inclusiveness of identities boost individuals’ willingness to engage in deprovincialising behaviours by increasing individuals’ general optimism about life in Europe, and by mitigating the salience of immigration and intergroup threats.
There is evidence to suggest that positive affect facilitates more inclusive self-schemata, which in turn reduces intergroup bias (Crisp & Hewstone, 2000; see also Dovidio, Gaertner, Isen, Rust, & Guerra, 1998; Isen, Niedenthal, & Cantor, 1992). Additionally, self-complexity has been shown to coincide with reduced levels of psychological distress and frustration (Gramzow, Sedikes, Panter, & Insko, 2000; Kalthoff & Neimeyer, 1993). Based on these studies demonstrating positive relations between identity inclusiveness, self-complexity, and positive affect, we hypothesise that more inclusive and complex identities are also associated with a positive outlook in life in the European context.
Research shows that optimistic people engage in more prosocial behaviour – most of which is typically intergroup in nature (Stürmer & Snyder, 2010) – such as donating money to charity or volunteering, as a meta-analysis shows (Lyubomirsky, King, & Diener, 2005). Optimists should therefore be more prone to engage in behaviours that transcend their specific ingroup and consider broader, trans-national perspectives and opportunities as desirable for themselves and their families.
Abundant social psychological research demonstrates, on the other hand, that intergroup anxiety, intergroup concerns, and threats surrounding relationships with those we perceive as others contribute to intergroup bias, anti-immigrant attitudes, and dis-endorsement of multi-culturalism (see Paolini, Harris, & Griffin, 2016; Stephan, 2014 for reviews). Previous research indicated that anti-immigrant attitudes further predict opposition to EU-wide behaviours; research conducted found that anti-immigrant attitudes foster opposition to the EU and to European integration (Boomgaarden, Schuck, Elenbaas, & de Vreese, 2011; de Vreese & Boomgarden, 2005). From this body of evidence, we expected intergroup threats to be detrimental and compromise European respondents’ interest in EU-wide behaviours.
We considered several kinds of intergroup concerns, namely threats posed by immigration, terrorism, and crime. Our use of a composite intergroup concerns variable implies that we expect our respondents to treat these different types of intergroup concerns as psychologically equivalent. We assume that threat appraisals that are constructed around outgroups commonly discussed in the public discourse as posing a threat would negatively impact dynamics of planned deprovincialising behaviours.
Summary of Key Hypotheses and the Eurobarometer Survey
Based on the aforementioned conceptualisations, we hypothesised that the integration of both a national and a European identity in European respondents’ self-descriptors to be more complex than the maintenance of either a national or a European identity alone (for a similar approach, see Gaertner & Dovidio, 2014). We further assumed that identities become more inclusive as they move from a subordinate, national framing further towards a purely superordinate representation (i.e. a European identity).
In the current article, we linked complex and inclusive identities with positive and negative affective appraisals in a novel way. We expected identity complexity and inclusiveness to encourage European respondents’ interest in trans-national, EU-wide behaviours – at least partly – through the lessening of intergroup threats and through the boosting of general life optimism. Therefore, we tested whether decreased intergroup concerns and increased life optimism acted as pathways (i.e. mediators) to the relation between more complex and inclusive identities (i.e. independent variables) and more deprovincialising behavioural intentions (i.e. dependent variable). To our knowledge, this process model in its entirety has not been tested previously.
We tested our hypothesis on cross-sectional correlational data. As such, we were unable to provide a firm basis for a temporal sequence of events. While it is likely that the relationships between variables reflect interrelated bidirectional or circular processes, we selected the order of variables based on a structural logic moving from stable (predictors) to more context-dependent (mediators) to situational (outcome) variables. Specifically, we organised identity inclusiveness and complexity as independent variables because we expected these variables to be individual differences and thus function as psychological ‘antecedents’. With this, we theorised the identity variables to influence more context-dependent processes (i.e. appraisals of threat and a positive future), and in turn shape situation-specific behavioural planning (i.e. interest in EU-wide behaviour as a behavioural intention). These research hypotheses were put to empirical test via secondary data analysis of Eurobarometer data.
The Eurobarometer is a collection of public opinion surveys regularly carried out for the European Commission; various European consortia draw representative samples through EU-wide interviews with adults residing in the European Union. These include citizens of the respective countries and immigrants holding citizenship of other countries. The number of interviews conducted per country is typically quite large (about 1,000 interviews per country), allowing for cross-country comparisons with sufficient statistical power to detect even small effects. The 2014 Eurobarometer survey data was collected between May and June 2014 (European Commission, 2014). For this investigation, we focused on the 28 EU countries (see list on Table 1).1
Number of Interviews in the 2014 Eurobarometer Survey as a Function of EU Country.
1 Belgium 1,012 15 Finland 1,012
2 Denmark 1,006 16 Cyprus 500
3 Germany 1,576 17 Czech Republic 1,011
4 France 1,004 18 Estonia 1,031
5 Ireland 1,003 19 Hungary 1,087
6 Italy 1,036 20 Latvia 1,012
7 Luxembourg 506 21 Lithuania 1,015
8 Netherlands 1,016 22 Malta 504
9 UK 1,373 23 Poland 1,001
10 Greece 1,017 24 Slovakia 1,024
11 Spain 1,033 25 Slovenia 1,043
12 Portugal 1,075 26 Bulgaria 1,074
13 Austria 1,000 27 Romania 1,022
14 Sweden 1,008 28 Croatia 1,003
Note. n = sample size per country. Total N = 28,004. Eurobarometer interviews took place in all 28 EU member states.
Past EU-related behaviours and attitudes towards the EU were treated as controls to ensure that our dependent variable captured situated behavioural intentions towards transnational activities, rather than chronic or habitual EU behaviours or mere EU attitudes. We further selected perceived quality of life in the EU as a control for our mediator (life optimism) to ensure it reflected a broader (non-EU specific) positive outlook to life. Thus, this approach increases the conceptual precision of our constructs of interest and, in so doing, adds to the body of extant research in this area that has used correlational data to examine relationships between variables that sit on the same (i.e. chronic) levels of analysis.
Twenty-eight thousand European adults (N = 28,004; females 54.3%; age M = 50.05, SD = 18.34) residing in one of the 28 EU member states completed the 2014 Eurobarometer survey (Standard EB 81, 2014) and contributed to our secondary data analyses. Respondents were predominately EU citizens (n = 26,831, 96% of total N) with a smaller number of immigrant residents not holding citizenship of their host country (n = 695, 2.5% of total N)
Multi-nationals holding citizenship of their residing country and other citizenships were also included (n = 478, 1.7% of total N).
Due to the nature of the Eurobarometer questionnaire items, all our indices were created using responses to single interview questions.
Identity complexity and inclusiveness as predictors. The independent variables’ indices were both derived from the same item asking participants about their national and European identity (“Do you see yourself as…?”) and requiring respondents to choose among five options (0 = none, 1 = national identity, 2 = national first then EU, 3 = EU first then national, 4 = EU identity); the actual response options provided to respondents replaced ‘national’ with the specific country in which the interview was conducted. We computed an index of identity complexity counting the number of identities in the chosen response option; this index could thus vary between 0 and 2 (0 = none, 1 = national or European, 2 = national first, then European or European first, then national). Further, an index of identity inclusiveness was computed, with higher scores indicating purer superordinate or inclusive (EU) identities (0 = none, 1 = national only, 2 = national first then EU, 3 = EU first then national, 4 = European only). Because the two independent variables were highly correlated (r = .77, see Table 3), we controlled for the effect of the other IV when testing for mediation effects. By doing so, we were able to isolate the unique effects of each independent variable on the dependent variable and mediators, over and above the IVs’ shared variance.
Intergroup concerns and general optimism as mediators. To identify whether participants felt threatened by intergroup-relevant issues, we inspected their responses to the item: “What do you think are the two most important issues facing our country at the moment?” Response options were crime, economic situation, rising prices/inflation, taxation, unemployment, terrorism, housing, financial situations of your household, immigration, health and social security, education system, environment, climate and energy issues, and pensions. Crime, terrorism, and immigration were identified as intergroup in nature due to their centrality in discussions about intergroup dynamics by experts and the media (e.g. Cohrs & Stelzl, 2010; Dancygier, 2010; Das, Bushman, Bezemer, Kerkhof, & Vermeulen 2009; Hewstone, Rubin, & Willis, 2002). The intergroup concern index was calculated by counting the number of intergroup issues selected as the “two most important issues” and therefore could vary between 0 and a maximum of 2.
Respondents also indicated their general optimism: “What are your expectations for the next twelve months when it comes to your life in general?” Respondents indicated their prospects by selecting one of three response options (1 = worse, 2 = same, 3 = better).
Interest in EU-wide behaviours as outcome. Deprovincialising orientations were indexed with a measure of interest in EU-wide behaviours. The interview question: “About which rights as a citizen of the EU would you like to know more?” allowed respondents to express their interest (if any) in a maximum of two EU citizens’ rights, such as buying goods or receiving medical assistance in another EU country. The eight options available were weighted based on the degree of active engagement with trans-national entities required by the behaviour; by doing so, we created an index by which greater values signify greater active engagement with people from other EU countries. For example, buying services received a low weight of 1, as it refers to a relatively formalized process that does not require high levels of effort or engagement, whereas living abroad received the highest weight of 8, as it requires intensive and lasting personal involvement with EU citizens and their customs. The eight options were scored as follows, 0 = none chosen, 1 = buying services in another EU country, 2 = buying goods in another EU country, 3 = benefitting from a consular protection of any EU country, 4 = receiving medical assistance in another EU country; other, 5 = voting in elections in another EU country, 6 = studying in another EU country, 7 = working in another EU country, 8 = living in another EU country. The individual score was created averaging the weight of the two chosen options; as a result, this index could vary between 0 and 7.5.
Past EU behaviours, EU attitudes, and quality of life as covariates. We considered several other EU-relevant variables that could influence the deprovincialising EU-broad behavioural intentions.
Past EU behaviour was measured asking participants how much they had engaged in EU-broad behaviours (“For each of the following achievements of the EU, could you tell me whether you have benefited from it or not?”; e.g. no/less border controls when travelling abroad, living in another EU country; benefitted/not benefitted). Like for the interest in EU-wide behaviours index, we weighted the nine response options for degree of personal engagement and averaged participants’ responses across the nine response options, resulting in values ranging between one and nine (minor/major engagement in past EU behaviours). Attitudes towards the EU were measured by an item asking respondents to indicate whether they had a positive or a negative image of the EU (“In general, does the EU conjure up for you a positive image?”; 1 = very negative, 5 = very positive). As one of the proposed mediators gauged appraisals of a positive future in the EU, we considered also participants’ satisfaction with their EU residency (“How would you judge the current situation in each of the following? Quality of life in EU?”; 0 = very bad, 4 = very good).
Missing Data
As responses to the survey items were not mandatory, there was a substantial amount of missing data, especially on the responses to the outcome variable (>15,500) and the control variable past EU behaviours (>14,500). The other variables had far fewer missing values (between 500 & 5,300). A Little’s (1988) Missing Completely at Random test yielded a significant result (χ2 = 5033.102, df = 146, p = .000), indicating that the data was not missing completely at random. To account for the missing data, we employed the multiple imputation technique: Multiple imputation produces several imputed data sets (we chose 5), which account for the uncertainty of the missing data (for a review on missing data handling, see Kang, 2013). This technique can further handle large data sets, large amounts of missing data, and is robust against violations of the normality assumption (Kang, 2013).
Descriptive statistics for the main indices are shown in Table 2, including possible range. Means for identity complexity were high at 1.55 (SD = .52; 0 vs. 2), indicating that, on average, respondents reported complex identities with between one or two identities selected (national/European). The mean value for identity inclusiveness (M = 1.65, SD = .67, 0 vs. 4) indicated that respondents typically regarded their nation as their primary identity before considering their EU identity.
Descriptive Statistics of Eurobarometer Indices.
M (SD)
Range of values
Eurobarometer Assessment
Identity complexity 1.55 (.52) 0–2 0 = No national or EU identity selected, 1 = one (national or EU), 2 = two (national + EU) identities selected
Identity inclusiveness 1.65 (.67) 0–4 0 = No national or EU identity selected, 1 = national only, 2 = national followed by European, 3 = European followed by national, 4 = European identity only
Intergroup concerns .27 (.49) 0–2 Immigration, terrorism, or crime chosen as two most important issues facing the EU
General optimism 2.15 (.60) 1–3 General life expectations for the next 12 months (worse; same; better)
Interest in EU-wide behaviours 4.28 (2.05) 0–7.5 Interests weighted from most to least accessible (e.g. buying goods in another EU country vs. living in another EU country)
Past EU behaviours 4.33 (1.36) 1–9 Benefits experienced from EU membership weighted from small to major (e.g. cheaper calls vs. living in another EU country)
EU attitudes 3.11 (.94) 1–5 Image of EU ranging from very negative to very positive
Quality of life in the EU 2.33 (1.13) 0–4 Quality of Life in EU ranging from very bad to very good
Note. M = Mean; SD = Standard Deviation.
Intergroup concerns were rarely chosen as one or both of the two most pressing national issues by the respondents (M = .27, SD = .49, 0 vs. 2). Optimism, as measured by outlook in life, was moderate (M = 2.15, SD = .60, 1 vs. 3), indicating that respondents generally expected their future to be comparable or slightly better from their current state.
The mean for interest in EU-wide behaviours (M = 4.28, SD = 2.05, 0 vs. 7.5) suggested that there was generally a moderately high level of interest in EU-wide behaviours. Participants reported past EU benefits (see Past EU behaviours; M = 4.33, SD = 1.36, 1 vs. 9), relatively positive attitudes towards the EU (M = 3.11, SD = .94, 1 vs. 5) and moderate quality of life in the EU (M = 2.33, SD = 1.13, 0 vs. 4).
Table 3 reports zero-order Pearson correlations between all variables. In light of the large sample size, we focused on the magnitude of the relations rather than their significance. There was a robust (albeit not perfect) correlation between identity complexity and identity inclusiveness (r = .77), which partly reflects common method variance. Identity complexity and inclusiveness had small positive associations with interest in EU-wide behaviours (rs = .08), indicating that our individual differences predictors were coinciding to a small degree with our situated, behavioural intention outcome.
Pearson Correlations between Variables.
1. Identity complexity — — — — — — —
2. Identity inclusiveness .77 ** — — — — — —
3. Intergroup concerns –.07 ** –.06 ** — — — — —
4. General optimism .12 ** .11 ** .02 — — — —
5. Interest in EU-wide behaviours .08 ** .08 ** –.05 ** .08 ** — — —
6. Past EU behaviours –.04 ** –.01 –.02 –.06 ** –.00 — —
7. EU attitudes .30 ** .28 ** –.07 ** .18 ** .08 ** –.04 ** —
8. Quality of life in the EU .20 ** .18 ** –.05 ** .12 ** .11 ** –.01 .25 **
Note. Two-tailed correlations. * p < .05, ** p < .01, imputed N = 28,004; Correlations equal to or greater than .10 are highlighted in bold.
Identity complexity and identity inclusiveness further showed weak positive correlations with general optimism (rs = .12 & .11) and weak to moderate positive correlations with the EU attitudes (rs = .30 & .28) and quality of life in the EU (rs = .20 & .18). In contrast, identity complexity and identity inclusiveness were both negatively correlated with intergroup concerns, albeit weakly (rs = –.07 & –.06). Hence, more complex and inclusive identities were associated with more positive views of the EU, with life in general and in the EU, while reducing the likelihood of feeling threatened by intergroup issues.
Mediation Analyses
We performed Hayes’ (2016) bootstrapped mediation tests (Model 4, with mediators operating in parallel) using the SPSS PROCESS macro (v2.16.3). We tested the effects associated with each of the two focal identity indices in turn, while controlling for the other IV, so to isolate the unique effects of each identity index. We managed differences in metrics (see Table 2) by z-transforming all variables.
Explaining the identity complexity-interest in EU behaviours link. First, we examined whether general optimism and intergroup concerns mediated the relation between identity complexity and interest in EU-wide behaviours. A graphical representation of this model and key results is in Figure 1. The total effect of identity complexity on interest in EU-wide behaviours was significant, β = .073, SE = .009, t = 7.74, p < .001, 95% CI [.054, .091]. The direct effect controlling for identity inclusiveness was also significant, β = .062, SE = .009, t = 6.60, p < .001, 95% CI [.044, .080]. In addition, we found significant indirect (mediational) effects through general optimism (β = .008, SE = .001, 95% CI [.009, .013]) and intergroup concerns (β = .002, SE = .001, 95% CI [.002, .004]). These results indicate that identity complexity predicted interest in EU-wide behaviours through increased general optimism and reduced intergroup concerns.
Mediation Model of Identity Complexity on Interest in EU-wide Behaviours via General Optimism and Intergroup Concerns, Controlling for Identity Inclusiveness.
Explaining the identity inclusiveness-interest in EU behaviours link. For the independent variable of identity inclusiveness, only the mediation effect of intergroup concerns yielded statistical significance (see Figure 2). In this mediation analysis, the total effect of identity inclusiveness on interest in EU-wide behaviours was not significant, β = .013, SE = .009, t = 1.41, p = .159, 95% CI [–.005, .032]. In addition, the direct effect controlling for identity complexity was also not significant, β = .011, SE = .009, t = 1.17, p = .243, 95% CI [–.008, .029]. Yet, there was a significant indirect (mediational) effect of intergroup concerns (β = .001, SE = .000, 95% CI [.001, .002]); the indirect effect of general optimism was instead not significant (β = .001, SE = .001, 95% CI [–.000, .003]). Hence, in contrast to identity complexity, identity inclusiveness influenced interest in EU-wide behaviours only through the perceived salience of intergroup concerns and these effects were not a mere product of positive attitudes towards the EU or past EU-wide behaviours.
Mediation Model of Identity Inclusiveness on Interest in EU-wide Behaviours, via General Optimism and Intergroup Concerns, Controlling for Identity Complexity.
Both mediational patterns reported persisted when controlling for the other IV, past EU-related behaviours, attitudes towards the EU, perceived quality of life in the EU, and the sociodemographic variables of age and gender.
Respondents residing in countries that have a longer tradition of being part of the European Union might have more “tried-and-tested” self-concepts and thus may respond differently compared to residents of relatively newer EU member states. To test whether the mediation results hold across earlier and later established EU country groups, we created a dummy variable that distinguished between core EU9 member states (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Denmark, Ireland and the former Benelux states, see countries 1–9 in Table 1, N = 9,532), and the remaining member states (countries 10–28; N = 18,472). We then entered the dummy variable as a control into both mediation models. The mediational patterns remained unchanged, indicating that the basic models hold across older and newer EU country groups.
In these secondary analyses of the 2014 Eurobarometer data, we found that identity complexity and identity inclusiveness, while highly correlated, each had unique relations to EU residents’ interest in transnational, EU-wide behaviours. In line with our hypotheses, these relations were significantly mediated by reduced intergroup concerns (including concerns regarding immigration). When identity complexity was entered as the independent variable in our path model, increased general optimism was also a significant mediator. These mediational patterns held when accounting for past EU behaviour, general attitudes towards the EU, and quality of life in the EU, suggesting that they captured mechanisms of situated behavioural intentions, rather than mere behavioural habits or attitudes towards the EU. As such, they may be better placed to predict respondents’ actual behaviours in EU-relevant areas.
Identity Complexity and Inclusiveness as Residents’ Perspectives
Our results indicated that complexity and inclusiveness of the social self were each beneficial in terms of their associations with interest in trans-national behaviours even when controlling for each other’s influence. This means that the two identity variables are similar but not interchangeable. With our focus on the European context, we defined identity complexity as an identity structure potentially moving towards a dual identity representation (i.e. upholding both a national and an EU identity) and we defined identity inclusiveness as an identity structure moving towards a pure superordinate EU identity. While the theoretical and operational overlap between the two is clear, the key difference is that in our way of measuring complex identity (i.e. a dual identity), the national identity is also preserved. Our findings of unique effects by identity complexity and identity inclusiveness therefore support the notion that Roccas and Brewer’s (2002) construct of identity complexity and Gaertner et al.’s (1994, 1996) construct of identity inclusiveness are not synonymous, albeit their conceptualisations show considerable overlap.
It needs to be pointed out that most residents interviewed in the Eurobarometer sample were citizens of the country they were living in (95.8%). Therefore, our findings mainly captured the perspectives of citizens in their home country, rather than the perspective of immigrants to EU countries. When we tested the mediational pathways in a relatively small sample of immigrants (n = 695) taken from the same data collection, they did not yield statistical significance (CIs including 0). The effects were small and the operationalisation of who constituted an immigrant imprecise. It is therefore possible that these tests are simply underpowered and reflect a poorly defined immigration status variable, preventing meaningful mechanisms to present. Keeping these limitations in mind, the indirect effects found in the current majority-driven citizen sample may indeed reflect unique host perspectives.
Overall, the present results suggest that greater identity complexity and inclusiveness function as positive propellers for engaging in cross-border behaviours, including trading with or even living among fellow Europeans who do not share the same nationality as respondents. By being willing to engage in these cross-border behaviours, respondents expressed a readiness to relinquish, at least temporarily, a majoritarian focus that they hold within their respective nation state. Following previous research on the prejudice-alleviating effect of inclusive identities (Brewer & Pierce, 2005; Gaertner, et al., 1990; Schmid et al., 2014), anticipating beneficial exchanges with non-state members may evoke more positive views of other states’ nationals at large and thus affect also how social minorities (e.g. immigrants, refugees) are being perceived by majority members in general (for meta-analytical data, Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006).
Pathways to Deprovincialization
The present article suggests two pathways to greater interest in deprovincialising behaviours. These being through increased general optimism and reduction of intergroup concerns. Reduction of intergroup concerns explained why identity inclusiveness and complexity predicted interest in deprovincialised behaviours. Increased optimism also explained why identity complexity predicted deprovincialised behaviours. Therefore, reductions of intergroup concerns were a more general mediational pathway, while optimism seems more specific to complex identities. These findings resemble Velasco González, Verkuyten, Weesie, and Poppe’s (2008) showing that perceived Muslim threat mediate the relation between multi-ethnic sentiments and anti-Muslim attitudes in the Netherlands. Our findings were also in line with other research suggesting that decreased intergroup threats alleviate nationalistic tendencies (Paolini, Hewstone, Cairns, & Voci, 2004; Pettigrew & Tropp, 2008; Pettigrew, Tropp, Wagner, & Christ, 2011). We expected optimism to be a greater contributor, although it did manifest as a significant mediator for identity complexity.
Limitations and Future Research
The current article presented data from a survey poll that was not specifically designed to answer our research questions. This lead to a suboptimal match between the concepts we were interested in and the resulting operationalisations. For example, it is possible that our weighting of EU-related behavioural intentions did not match the underlying concept optimally. We ranked EU-related behaviours in order from requiring lowest to highest active involvement with another EU country but recognize that our respondents might see things differently (e.g. “Is living in another EU country indeed more involved than studying in another EU country?”).
Similarly, our decisions as to which issues facing the nation constitute intergroup issues is debatable. Our operationalisations focused on commonly discussed intergroup topics in the media and in the literature. However, it is possible that some respondents perceived other kinds of threat, such as economic issues or pensions, as mostly intergroup in nature. Further, while our operationalisation of identity complexity is in line with Dovidio and Gaertner’s conceptualisation of dual identities (e.g. Dovidio et al., 2009), it falls short of assessing more refined degrees of overlaps in identity contents, (e.g. as described in Van Dommelen, Schmid, Hewstone, Gonsalkorale, & Brewer, 2015). Finally, we expect the interest in EU-wide behaviours variable to be indicative of behavioural intention. However, this is not certain. While this large-scale data set was valuable in identifying potential avenues for social cohesion within the EU, the present findings need to be tested in future examinations that carefully operationalise and psychometrically validate the variables to be tested. Future research should also consider designs that afford confidence on the direction of causality. Longitudinal, multi-wave designs would be in the position to establish the temporal and causal order of constructs.
Due to the sample composition of the Eurobarometer survey, the present research mainly captured host citizens’ identities and perspectives. However, in previous research, complex dual identity structures have also been related to immigrants’ psychological and social adaptation in terms of wellbeing and harmonious host-immigrant relations (Berry, Phinney, Sam & Vedder, 2006). Therefore, it will be important to include minority and immigrants’ perspectives to understand consequences and mechanisms of minority and immigrants’ identity structures, cognitions, and behaviours which ultimately foster productive intergroup relations (see also Zagefka et al., 2014; Zagefka, González, & Brown, 2011).
In the current article, we looked at trans-national dynamics and touched on immigration processes through a multilevel lens (Tajfel & Turner, 1979). We investigated intergroup variables like intergroup concerns and intrapersonal variables like general optimism. It is fair to argue that our discipline is gaining from an increasing recognition of the interplay of processes that sit at different levels of analysis (e.g. Stürmer, Benbow, Siem, Barth, Bodansky, & Lotz-Schmitt, 2013; Turner & Feddes, 2011). This work makes a little contribution to these emerging trends.
Constrained by the archival nature of Eurobarometer data, we focused on majority members’ perspectives. The European Council (2004), however, recognises that integration is a two-way process involving immigrants and national citizens alike: While immigrants are asked to adapt to their host society, receiving societies are asked to provide the opportunity for full immigrant participation (Armbruster, 2011). Hence, host perspectives play an integral part of successful immigration policy which need to be investigated and understood. The present article contributed to this understanding by distilling social psychological processes implicated in how majority members develop interests in engaging in behaviours that transcend their national borders and that they (and we) regard as desirable. In light of the small effect sizes observed, it is imperative that these relations are tested and replicated in future research.
1Residents living in five non-EU/candidate countries were also interviewed but not included in our analyses.
This article includes data from the 2014 Eurobarometer survey made available through the Australian Data Archive.
This research project was supported by research grants from the Australian Research Council awarded to the second author (DP150102210) and the John and Daphne Keats Endowment Research Fund awarded to the second and forth author. We thank Nicholas Harris for assistance with data access.
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Van Dommelen, A., Schmid, K., Hewstone, M., Gonsalkorale, K., & Brewer, M. (2015). Construing multiple in-groups: Assessing social identity inclusiveness and structure in ethnic and religious minority group members. European Journal of Social Psychology, 45(3), 386–399. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2095
Velasco González, K., Verkuyten, M., Weesie, J., & Poppe, E. (2008). Prejudice towards Muslims in the Netherlands: Testing integrated threat theory. British Journal of Social Psychology, 47, 667–685. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1348/014466608X284443
Verkuyten, M., & Martinovic, B. (2012). Social identity complexity and immigrants’ attitude toward the host nation: The intersection of ethnic and religious group identification. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 38, 1165–1177. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167212446164
Zagefka, H., Binder, J., Brown, R., Kessler, T., Mummendey, A., Funke, F., Maquil, A., et al., (2014). The relationship between acculturation preferences and prejudice: Longitudinal evidence from majority and minority groups in three European countries. European Journal of Social Psychology, 44(6), 578–589. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2044
Zagefka, H., González, R., & Brown, R. (2011). How minority members’ perceptions of majority members’ acculturation preferences shape minority members’ own acculturation preferences: Evidence from Chile. British Journal of Social Psychology, 50(2), 216–233. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1348/014466610X512211
Sanatkar, S., Paolini, S., Damigella, D. and Licciardello, O., 2018. Identity and Deprovincialization: Identity Complexity and Inclusiveness Encourage EU-Wide Behavioural Intentions via Reduced Intergroup Concerns and Increased Optimism. International Review of Social Psychology, 31(1), p.23. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/irsp.151
Sanatkar S, Paolini S, Damigella D, Licciardello O. Identity and Deprovincialization: Identity Complexity and Inclusiveness Encourage EU-Wide Behavioural Intentions via Reduced Intergroup Concerns and Increased Optimism. International Review of Social Psychology. 2018;31(1):23. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/irsp.151
Sanatkar, S., Paolini, S., Damigella, D., & Licciardello, O. (2018). Identity and Deprovincialization: Identity Complexity and Inclusiveness Encourage EU-Wide Behavioural Intentions via Reduced Intergroup Concerns and Increased Optimism. International Review of Social Psychology, 31(1), 23. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/irsp.151
Sanatkar S and others, ‘Identity and Deprovincialization: Identity Complexity and Inclusiveness Encourage Eu-wide Behavioural Intentions via Reduced Intergroup Concerns and Increased Optimism’ (2018) 31 International Review of Social Psychology 23 DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/irsp.151
Sanatkar, Samineh, Stefania Paolini, Daniela Damigella, and Orazio Licciardello. 2018. “Identity and Deprovincialization: Identity Complexity and Inclusiveness Encourage Eu-wide Behavioural Intentions via Reduced Intergroup Concerns and Increased Optimism”. International Review of Social Psychology 31 (1): 23. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/irsp.151
Sanatkar, Samineh, Stefania Paolini, Daniela Damigella, and Orazio Licciardello. “Identity and Deprovincialization: Identity Complexity and Inclusiveness Encourage Eu-wide Behavioural Intentions via Reduced Intergroup Concerns and Increased Optimism”. International Review of Social Psychology 31, no. 1 (2018): 23. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/irsp.151
Sanatkar, S., et al.. “Identity and Deprovincialization: Identity Complexity and Inclusiveness Encourage Eu-wide Behavioural Intentions via Reduced Intergroup Concerns and Increased Optimism”. International Review of Social Psychology, vol. 31, no. 1, 2018, p. 23. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/irsp.151
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River of Blue Fire
(Otherland, #2)
by Tad Williams
Genres: science fiction
In OTHERLAND Volume One: City of Golden Shadow, best-selling author Tad Williams transported readers to a perilous and seductive realm of the imagination where any fantasy – whether cherished dream or dreaded nightmare – can be made shockingly real.
Otherland. In many ways it is humankind's most stunning achievement: a private, multi-dimensional universe built over two generations by the greatest minds of the twenty-first century. But this most exclusive of places is also one of the world's best kept secrets, created and controlled by an organization made up of the world's most powerful and ruthless individuals, a private cartel known – to those who know of their existence at all – as The Grail Brotherhood. Though their purpose in creating Otherland is still a mystery, it may not remain so for long. For they have exacted a terrible price from humanity in the process, and even their highly organized global conspiracy cannot hide the nature of their crimes forever.
And now a small band of adventurers have penetrated the veil of secrecy that prevents the uninitiated from entering Otherland. But having broken into the amazing worlds within worlds that make up this universe, they are trapped, unable to escape back to their own flesh-and-blood bodies in the real world. And as dangers and circumstances split their party into small, widely scattered groups, their only hope of reuniting lies in returning again and again to the River that flows – in one form or another – through all the worlds.
But the odds seem to be completely against them as they – and the one outsider with whom they might join forces – become hopelessly lost in realms where an Ice Age tribe's fears can only be quenched in blood... where insects are as large and deadly as dinosaurs... where they are caught in the war between a man made of straw and one made of tin... where cartoon ads take on a life of their own... where humans strive to survive in the aftermath of an alien invasion... and where one among their party is actually The Grail Brotherhood's most terrifying weapon – a sociopathic killer who has never failed and whose current mission is to make certain that not even one member of this little invasion force lives long enough to reveal the truth about Otherland to the people of Earth....
About the Author :: Tad Williams
Tad Williams (US, born 1957) has held more jobs than any sane person should admit to – singing in a band, selling shoes, managing a financial institution, throwing newspapers, and designing military manuals, to name just a few. He also hosted a syndicated radio show for ten years, worked in theater and television production, taught both grade-school and college classes, and worked in multimedia for a major computer firm. He is cofounder of an interactive television company, and is currently writing comic books and film and television scripts as well. Tad and his family live in London and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Tad Williams >
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1927 Walter Johnson Autographed Photo
Crisp, clear photograph of Walter Johnson, inscribed and dated in black fountain pen by the legendary "Big Train" in the lower right. Johnson's inscription reads "Best Wishes - Walter Johnson - June 13, 1927" and grades "8." This is a tremendous signed photo of Johnson. 1927 marked Johnson's final season in the Major Leagues and it ended on a painful note as he suffered a broken leg that limited him to just eighteen games and five wins. Although Johnson signed this photo in 1927 it was obviously taken a few years earlier, between the years 1918 and 1923, based upon the uniform style shown. Washington defeated Chicago 10-0 at Griffith Stadium on June 13, 1927, with General Crowder registering the win for the Senators. Johnson's signature was most likely obtained at the Stadium on that day. The photo (3.25 x 4.75 inches) displays a few minor creases (nearly all of which are only visible when viewed at certain angles) and a light semicircular area of discoloration in each corner as a result of the photo having once been tacked on a wall (of no consequence). While technically in Very Good condition, the flaws are very unobtrusive and the photo displays as Excellent. This is an outstanding original Walter Johnson photo autographed during his final season on the mound. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $400. Estimate $800/$1,200. SOLD FOR $1,528
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AAP Patient Education Library
Behavioral And Psychosocial Issues
Chronic Health Needs
Common Illnesses And Conditions
Newborns Infants And Toddlers
Nutrition And Healthy Living
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Search for Handouts and Resources:
Select A Topic To Learn More
ASDs Family Handout—Vaccines
Some parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may worry about a possible link between vaccines and ASDs. In fact, one recent survey said that 54% of parents of children with ASDs thought ASDs were caused by immunizations. The consensus of health professionals based on scientific research is that there is no evidence that vaccines cause ASDs. Despite these scientific data, parents continue to worry that vaccines may cause children at risk for ASDs to develop symptoms at the time many childhood vaccinations are given. Some common questions that parents have include
Chickenpox Vaccine, The
(Please see the related Vaccine Information Statement, The Chickenpox Vaccine: What You Need to Know)
DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Vaccine (VIS)
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds.
Haemophilus influenzae Type b
(Please see the related Vaccine Information Statement, Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine: What You Need to Know)
Hepatitis A Vaccine (VIS)
Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV is found in the stool of people with hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B Vaccine (VIS)
Hepatitis B is a serious infection that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis B Vaccine: What Parents Need to Know
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Lifelong HBV infection can lead to liver cancer or scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). More than 1 million people in the United States are living with lifelong HBV infection. Anyone can get infected with HBV, including your child.
About 4 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and many do not even know it. Anyone can get infected with HCV, including children.
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) Vaccine (VIS)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease is a serious disease caused by bacteria. It usually affects children under 5 years old. It can also affect adults with certain medical conditions.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine (VIS)
HPV vaccine prevents infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) types that are associated with many cancers.
Immunizations: What You Need To Know
Immunizations have helped children stay healthy for more than 50 years. They are safe and they work. In fact, serious side effects are no more common than those from other types of medication. Vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%! Yet many parents still question their safety because of misinformation they've received. That's why it's important to turn to a reliable and trusted source, including your child's doctor, for information. The following are answers to common questions parents have about immunizations.
Importance of Vaccines, The
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Immunizations are effective and safe, and have reduced the effects of many diseases in this part of the world. Please don't hesitate to immunize your child.
Influenza (Live, Intranasal) Vaccine (VIS)
Influenza (“flu”) is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May.
Influenza Vaccine (Inactivated or Recombinant) (VIS)
With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of reactions. These are usually mild and go away on their own, but serious reactions are also possible.
Meningococcal ACWY Vaccines (VIS)
Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial illness. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children 2 through 18 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and the spinal cord.
Meningococcal Disease: Information for Teens and College Students
Certain teens and young adults have a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease. College students, especially freshmen who live in dorms and military recruits, are at an increased risk compared with others in this age group. It's important to know how to protect yourself because meningococcal disease can be deadly. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about this serious illness, safe and effective vaccines, and how to stay healthy.
MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) Vaccine (VIS)
Measles, mumps, and rubella are serious diseases. Before vaccines they were very common, especially among children.
MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella) Vaccine (VIS)
Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella are viral diseases that can have serious consequences. Before vaccines, these diseases were very common in the United States, especially among children. They are still common in many parts of the world.
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: August is National Immunization Awareness Month and a good time to remind you to stay up to date on your child's immunizations. While many are given during the first two years of life, some require a booster dose in later years to remain effective and protect against many infectious diseases.
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (VIS)
Many Vaccine Information Statements are available in Spanish and other languages. See www.immunize.org/vis
Meningitis (brain), Bacteremia (bloodstream), Pneumonia (lungs), Sinusitis (sinus membranes), and Otitis media (ears). These infections can be dangerous to very young children, the elderly, and people with certain high-risk health conditions.
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (VIS)
Vaccination can protect older adults (and some children and younger adults) from pneumococcal disease.
Polio Vaccine (VIS)
Polio is a disease caused by a virus. It enters the body through the mouth. Usually it does not cause serious illness. But sometimes it causes paralysis (can't move arm or leg), and it can cause meningitis (irritation of the lining of the brain). It can kill people who get it, usually by paralyzing the muscles that help them breathe.
Protect Yourself and Help Protect Your Baby: Information for New Moms on the Tdap Vaccine
Congratulations on your new baby! Your baby is the greatest gift you will ever receive. One of your biggest jobs as a parent is to keep your child safe and healthy. One way do this is to make sure your children get all the immunizations they need to protect them from different diseases. But did you know that there is an immunization that you as a parent should get to keep your children safe?
Rotavirus Vaccine (VIS)
Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea, mostly in babies and young children. The diarrhea can be severe, and lead to dehydration. Vomiting and fever are also common in babies with rotavirus.
All flu viruses cause a respiratory illness that can last a week or more. Flu symptoms include
Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine (MenB) (VIS)
Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and infections of the blood. Meningococcal disease often occurs without warning — even among people who are otherwise healthy.
Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) VIS
Tetanus and diphtheria are very serious diseases. They are rare in the United States today, but people who do become infected often have severe complications. Td vaccine is used to protect adolescents and adults from both of these diseases.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine (VIS)
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are very serious diseases. Tdap vaccine can protect us from these diseases. And, Tdap vaccine given to pregnant women can protect newborn babies against pertussis.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine (VIS)
Chickenpox (also called varicella) is a common childhood disease. It is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially in young infants and adults.
Your Child’s First Vaccines (VIS)
The vaccines covered on this statement are those most likely to be given during the same visits during infancy and early childhood.
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Beirut (2018)
Jon Hamm as Mason Skiles
Rosamund Pike as Sandy Crowder
Mark Pellegrino as Cal
Dean Norris as Donald Gaines
Shea Whigham as Gary Ruzak
Larry Pine
Brad Anderson
Rated R for language, some violence and a brief nude image
| Brian Tallerico
In the opening scenes of “Beirut,” the suave Mason Skiles (Jon Hamm) describes the location that also gives Brad Anderson’s new film a title as a “boarding house without a landlord.” This kind of dismissive chatter about a tumultuous part of the world is likely going to inflame the recent controversy about the perception that “Beirut” is just another film that uses the Middle East for backdrops and bad guys. (And the fact that it filmed in Morocco and not Lebanon didn’t help that controversy.) So, the first question in your mind may be to the validity of these complaints. Yes, it’s true that the trailer doesn’t come close to capturing the intricacies of the plot here, one of those classic Tony Gilroy contraptions in which the American characters, especially those hiding under government orders, are complicit and arguably more truly evil than the people on the ground. And the fact that this is a period piece helps explain the change of filming venue as Beirut 35 years ago looked nothing like it looks today. However, it’s difficult to shake the sense that some of what’s happening here is that classic Middle Eastern villainous set dressing—bearded men, lit in shadows, with generic Arabic music playing in the background. Mason calls it a boarding house, but “Beirut” seems remarkably uninterested in the actual cultural identity of the people who live there. However, that may be part of the point.
To enjoy “Beirut,” one needs to look at it less as an examination of a place and more as a vehicle for a star. After the award-winning success of “Mad Men,” the world kept waiting for filmmakers to translate Jon Hamm’s star power to the big screen … and it never really happened. He’s been great in supporting roles in films like “The Town” and “Baby Driver,” but a lead role that took advantage of his charisma never really came. On paper, Tony Gilroy seems like the perfect writer for Jon Hamm. Gilroy loves handsome men forced into morally gray areas, writing such roles for George Clooney (“Michael Clayton”), Clive Owen (“Duplicity”), and Matt Damon (he wrote the original Bourne trilogy). He’s a great writer when it comes to dismantling traditional star power, and Hamm fits that model perfectly. As such, this is Hamm’s best leading role to date, a reminder of how good he can be when he’s given the right material.
Hamm plays Mason, who we meet in 1972 as a happy U.S. diplomat just before the worst night of his life. A friend and colleague of Mason’s named Cal (Mark Pellegrino) comes to him and gives him shattering news—their 13-year-old ward Karim is the younger brother of a known terrorist, the man responsible for orchestrating the Munich Olympics attack, and there’s reason to believe that Karim has been in contact with his sibling. As Mason is trying to negotiate a peaceful way to extricate Karim safely and not disrupt his party or his family, Karim’s brother’s people show up and everything goes to hell. Karim is taken; Mason's wife is shot.
Cut to roughly ten years later—Mason is an alcoholic, working labor disputes in Boston, when he’s contacted and told that he’s needed in Beirut. If the city was on the verge of chaos in 1972, it is a ruinous nightmare in the early ‘80s, torn at the seams by everyone in the area who seeks to control it, including both the PLO and the Israelis. Against this backdrop of crisis, Mason is informed that Cal has been kidnapped, and now-grown Karim (Idir Chender) is the man responsible. Mason encounters a trio of U.S. suited goons who order him around and scream “don’t trust that guy” from the minute they show up—Dean Norris, Shea Wigham, and Larry Pine—and is given a more-trustworthy confidant in a CIA handler played by the great Rosamund Pike.
It’s incredibly clichéd at this point, but “Beirut” really is the kind of movie they don’t make anymore. Films of international diplomacy and political gamesmanship in the Middle East aren’t exactly profitable, and television has become the new home for such storytelling. Heck, even Jack Ryan is going to TV. And so there’s something refreshing about seeing a film clearly made for adults instead of the teen-driven fare that dominates the market. I’m hopeful that the mid-budget movie for grown-ups doesn’t die (or just go to Netflix)—although I’m worried that it almost certainly will. And so there’s something invigorating about seeing a movie that reminds me of the political thrillers of the ‘70s and ‘80s, the kind of movie we see less and less of at the multiplex.
And there are times when “Beirut” really works like the films that clearly inspired it. Hamm’s best arcs on “Mad Men” were arguably when Don Draper was at his most self-destructively low, and he finds a bit of those rhythms in Mason Skiles, a man destroyed by unimaginable trauma and then asked to come back and dig through that trauma to avoid an international crisis. His body language never overplays the world-weary aspect of his character—he doesn’t just look tired like some actors do when asked to play alcoholic or traumatized. It’s something subtler, something in his eyes that indicates he has thought about giving up entirely, maybe as recently as yesterday. And the supporting cast here is uniformly strong. Pike, Wigham and Norris are always welcome cast additions. Gilroy's script also carefully refuses to call attention to itself, it's zippy without being overly self-aware.
In the end, it’s fair to say that “Beirut” treats its setting a bit two-dimensionally, but I think Gilroy and the consistently-strong director Brad Anderson would say that this treatment is part of the point. The Beirut of “Beirut” is a battlefield, a place where people fight to maintain control for a region of the country largely because of where it’s located and not because of the people who live there or the history they hold. It makes some sense that the city itself would be a bit of a cipher to the characters of “Beirut”—they don’t care about the people there as much as what they can do for them.
Home Entertainment Consumer Guide: July 5, 2018
by Brian Tallerico
There Are No Real Heroes: Brad Anderson on Beirut
by Nick Allen
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Redbridge councillors hold protest over Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS hospital trust's A&E performance
PUBLISHED: 12:00 27 November 2018
Matthew Clemenson
A group of Redbridge Labour councillors, including council leader Cllr Jas Athwal, protesting against the poor performance of local A&E services at Redbridge Town Hall. Photo: Redbridge Labour
Redbridge Council's Labour administration held a formal protest at the borough's town hall yesterday (Monday, November 26) over concerns about long waits at A&E departments in local hospitals.
A group of councillors, including Redbridge Council leader Jas Athwal and the borough’s cabinet member for health, Cllr Mark Santos, gathered on the steps of the building in Ilford High Road to mark the release of an open letter, calling for urgent action to be taken to improve services.
Penned by Cllr Neil Zammett, chairman of the council’s health scrutiny committee, the letter is addressed to Chris Bown, BHRUT’s chief executive, and highlights concerns regarding a downward trend in the hospitals’ A&E performance over the last two years.
Redbridge Labour claims these figures show it is likely that performance at the trust’s emergency departments will dip below 60pc over the coming winter months.
Cllr Zammett said “There is a serious downward trend in local NHS service provisions over the past three years and we had the worst September on record this year, some 10 percentage points lower than the previous two years.
“We have serious concerns that there will be further drops in performance over the winter period, and this would severely affect Redbridge residents.”
Cllr Athwal added: ““It is essential that our local hospital trust prepares adequately for the usual winter pressures hitting our hospitals over Christmas and the new year.”
The Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS University Hospital Trust (BHRUT), which runs Queen’s Hospital in Romford and King George Hospital in Goodmayes, insists that treating patients safely, to a high standard and as quickly as possible remains its focus, but pointed out that it was currently dealing with a record number of patients year-on-year.
It further reiterated that patients seen in emergency departments are treated in order of need, and that some patients who are brought in by ambulance may be recorded as waiting longer, as they are being treated while a bed is found for them, but during that time they still receive the same level of healthcare.
Shelagh Smith, chief operating officer, said: “We, along with the rest of the NHS, are under extreme pressure and have seen the number of patients attending our emergency departments rise significantly.
“Not only are we seeing a higher number of patients year on year, the patients coming to us are sicker and require more intensive treatment.
“This is demonstrated by the increased number of people coming to our emergency departments via ambulance.
“We already receive 50 per cent more ambulances than any other trust in London.
“Our priority is to provide our patients with safe, high quality care, as quickly as possible.
“To help us to improve our ambulance handover times, we are expanding our rapid assessment and focused treatment area at Queen’s Hospital, adding two additional cubicles as well as a dedicated seating area for those who are able to sit.
“This will give our patients a much better overall experience.
“We will also continue to work closely with all of our local healthcare partners throughout the winter and beyond to ensure local people are getting the care they need in the right place.
“Everyone in our community has a role to play.
“That’s why we urge people to think very carefully before coming to our emergency departments, and to only do so in a real emergency, such as choking, chest pain, blackouts or severe blood loss.”
Cllr Athwal and Cllr Santos will also be requesting an urgent meeting with Mr Bown to discuss the trust’s performance and plans the trust has in place to ensure the continued health and safety of vulnerable residents.
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First Pakistani to sue CIA over drones freed after kidnapping, torture
Published time: 15 Feb, 2014 01:37
Pakistani tribesman Kareem Khan (AFP Photo / Aamir Qureshi) © AFP
A Pakistani man known for his vocal opposition to the US drone program whose kidnapping outraged activists throughout the world last week has been returned home after being tortured and interrogated, his lawyer announced Friday.
Kareem Khan was last seen in the early morning hours of February 5th outside his home approximately nine miles from Islamabad. He is said to have been abducted by 15 – 20 men, some of whom were wearing police uniforms, and taken away.
The kidnapping, which happened as his wife and children were also at home, came just days before Khan was scheduled to testify to lawmakers in Europe about a drone strike that killed his father, brother, and a Taliban leader Khan is suspected of sheltering.
Khan was also the first man to sue both the Pakistan government and the Central Intelligence Agency over the deaths of his loved ones. Islamabad has publicly condemned the drone strikes yet has failed to convince much of the international community it is not complicit.
Shahzad Akbar, Khan’s lawyer, said his client has safely returned home after he was tired up and beaten on the soles of his feet. Akbar said Khan was first tortured by men wearing police uniforms and others wearing civilian clothing.
“He was questioned about so many people he had no idea about. He was also question about drone victims by name,” Akbar said Friday. “He was told not to go near media when he was released. If you speak with media, they said, we will come back for you.”
When Khan was first kidnapped the police denied any involvement, with a spokesman telling reporters that no raid had been scheduled. However Khan was freed less than two days after a Pakistani court ordered the authorities to release him by February 20 or provide a reason for his imprisonment.
Reprieve, the human rights organization that first organized Khan’s trip to various European parliaments, issued a statement Friday after his release detailing the harsh treatment.
“After being abducted in the early morning hours of 5 February by 15-20 men, 8 of whom were in police uniform, Mr. Khan was taken to a cell in an undisclosed location,” the agency noted. “Later in the day of 5 February, he was blindfolded and driven for approximately 2-3 hours to another undisclosed location where he remained until his released.
“While detained, Mr. Khan was interrogated, beaten and tortured. He was placed in chains and repeatedly questioned about his investigations into drone strikes, his knowledge of drone strike victims and his work advocating on their behalf.”
Akbar, a prominent activist in his own right, pulled no punches when he decried the incident as “nothing new in Pakistan,” where “the executive enjoys impunity.”
“The lesson learned through this experience is that we must always raises our voices,” he said. “We need to take this stand for each other and every person who disappears, it is the only way to force those in power to listen. That is why I am so thankful to all the local international activists who spoke out for Kareem.”
Pakistan asked US to downsize drone strikes amid Taliban peace talks - report
Use of NSA metadata to find drone targets kills civilians – Greenwald
Obama administration considering drone killing of US citizen
Anti-drone activist kidnapped in Pakistan before he was due to testify in Europe
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Russia launches new adoption plan
Almost 1 MLN Russian children live in orphanages. To change this dismal situation, the government is launching a new programme to encourage families to adopt children without parents.
In 2007, more than $US 200 MLN, the largest amount ever, will be allocated to assist adoptive parents.
The state hopes that, in 6 to 7 years, the majority of Russian orphans will be living with families.
Russia’s Minister for Social Development and Health, Mikhail Zurabov, is no stranger to adoption. Last year his family adopted a 2-year-old boy, and now he leads the campaign for more families to do the same.
“Raising children in orphanages is less effective in terms of their integration, education and other social factors. But it’s also more expensive than bringing them up in foster families,” said Mr Zurabov.
Moreover, since the beginning of this month, parenthood has been officially recognized as a profession in Russia. Foster families will receive monthly payments of around $US 250 per child. However, this has raised fears that people will adopt for money.
“Not all families who adopt are financially solid, and for some this monetary support will provide a motive,” remarked Alexandra Ochirova, a member of the Public Chamber.
Nevertheless, even critics agree that every child has a right to a family and the state should do its best to put this right into practice.
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Hammes Company names new president
May 7, 2019 | Staff Writer
Nancy Connolly
Hammes Company
Nancy Connolly has been named president of Milwaukee’s Hammes Company, a firm that specializes in healthcare building strategies.
Connolly joined Hammes in 2003 as a consultant. She then moved from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia to open and operate a new office for Hammes in that city.
In 2016, Connolly was promoted to senior vice president of oeprations for Hammes’ Eastern operation. During her 16 years with the company, Connolly has been involved in the planning and development of healthcare assets, including ambulatory network planning, business planning, site selection and project management for ambulatory facilities, hospital renovations and expansions and the development of hospitals in new markets.
WisconsinhealthcareMilwaukeeHammes CompanyNancy Connolly
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The 2020-2025 World Outlook for Archiving Services
January 2019 •
This study covers the world outlook for archiving services across more than 190 countries. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.), for the country in question (in millions of U.S. dollars), the percent share the country is of the region, and of the globe.
These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a country vis-à-vis others. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each country and across countries, latent demand estimates are created.
This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved. This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the countries of the world). This study gives, however, my estimates for the worldwide latent demand, or the P.I.E., for archiving services. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided across the world’s regional and national markets. For each country, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time (positive or negative growth). In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on international strategic planning at graduate schools of business.
This study covers the world outlook for archiving services across more than 190 countries. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings (P.I.E.), for the country in question (in millions of U.S. dollars), the percent share the country is of the region, and of the globe. These comparative benchmarks allow the reader to quickly gauge a country vis-à-vis others. Using econometric models which project fundamental economic dynamics within each country and across countries, latent demand estimates are created. This report does not discuss the specific players in the market serving the latent demand, nor specific details at the product level. The study also does not consider short-term cyclicalities that might affect realized sales. The study, therefore, is strategic in nature, taking an aggregate and long-run view, irrespective of the players or products involved. This study does not report actual sales data (which are simply unavailable, in a comparable or consistent manner in virtually all of the countries of the world). This study gives, however, my estimates for the worldwide latent demand, or the P.I.E., for archiving services. It also shows how the P.I.E. is divided across the world’s regional and national markets. For each country, I also show my estimates of how the P.I.E. grows over time (positive or negative growth). In order to make these estimates, a multi-stage methodology was employed that is often taught in courses on international strategic planning at graduate schools of business.
1.3 THE METHODOLOGY
In order to estimate the latent demand for archiving services on a worldwide basis, I used a multi-stage approach. Before applying the approach, one needs a basic theory from which such estimates are created.
In this case, I heavily rely on the use of certain basic economic assumptions. In particular, there is an assumption governing the shape and type of aggregate latent demand functions.
Latent demand functions relate the income of a country, city, state, household, or individual to realized consumption. Latent demand (often realized as consumption when an industry is efficient), at any level of the value chain, takes place if an equilibrium is realized.
For firms to serve a market, they must perceive a latent demand and be able to serve that demand at a minimal return. The single most important variable determining consumption, assuming latent demand exists, is income (or other financial resources at higher levels of the value chain). Other factors that can pivot or shape demand curves include external or exogenous shocks (i.e., business cycles), and or changes in utility for the product in question.
Ignoring, for the moment, exogenous shocks and variations in utility across countries, the aggregate relation between income and consumption has been a central theme in economics. The figure below concisely summarizes one aspect of problem.
In the 1930s, John Meynard Keynes conjectured that as incomes rise, the average propensity to consume would fall. The average propensity to consume is the level of consumption divided by the level of income, or the slope of the line from the origin to the consumption function.
He estimated this relationship empirically and found it to be true in the short-run (mostly based on cross-sectional data). The higher the income, the lower the average propensity to consume.
This type of consumption function is shown as "B" in the figure below (note the rather flat slope of the curve). In the 1940s, another macroeconomist, Simon Kuznets, estimated long-run consumption functions which indicated that the marginal propensity to consume was rather constant (using time series data across countries). This type of consumption function is show as "B" in the figure below (note the higher slope and zero-zero intercept).
The average propensity to consume is constant. For a general overview of this subject area, see Principles of Macroeconomics by N.
Gregory Mankiw, South-Western College Publishing; ISBN: 0030340594; 2nd edition (February 2002).
Is it declining or is it constant? A number of other economists, notably Franco Modigliani and Milton Friedman, in the 1950s (and Irving Fisher earlier), explained why the two functions were different using various assumptions on intertemporal budget constraints, savings, and wealth. The shorter the time horizon, the more consumption can depend on wealth (earned in previous years) and business cycles.
In the long-run, however, the propensity to consume is more constant. Similarly, in the long-run, households, industries, or countries with no income eventually have no consumption (wealth is depleted).
While the debate surrounding beliefs about how income and consumption are related and interesting, in this study a very particular school of thought is adopted. In particular, we are considering the latent demand for archiving services across some 190 countries.
The smallest have fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. I assume that all of these counties fall along a "long-run" aggregate consumption function. This long-run function applies despite some of these countries having wealth; current income dominates the latent demand for archiving services. So, latent demand in the long-run has a zero intercept. However, I allow firms to have different propensities to consume (including being on consumption functions with differing slopes, which can account for differences in industrial organization, and end-user preferences).
Given this overriding philosophy, I will now describe the methodology used to create the latent demand estimates for archiving services. Since ICON Group has asked me to apply this methodology to a large number of categories, the rather academic discussion below is general and can be applied to a wide variety of categories, not just archiving services.
1.3.1 STEP 1. PRODUCT DEFINITION AND DATA COLLECTION
Any study of latent demand across countries requires that some standard be established to define "efficiently served". Having implemented various alternatives and matched these with market outcomes, I have found that the optimal approach is to assume that certain key countries are more likely to be at or near efficiency than others.
These countries are given greater weight than others in the estimation of latent demand compared to other countries for which no known data are available. Of the many alternatives, I have found the assumption that the world’s highest aggregate income and highest income-per-capita markets reflect the best standards for "efficiency".
High aggregate income alone is not sufficient (i.e., China has high aggregate income, but low income per capita and cannot be assumed to be efficient). Aggregate income can be operationalized in a number of ways, including gross domestic product (for industrial categories), or total disposable income (for household categories; population times average income per capita, or number of households times average household income per capita). Brunei, Nauru, Kuwait, and Lichtenstein are examples of countries with high income per capita, but not assumed to be efficient, given low aggregate level of income (or gross domestic product); these countries have, however, high incomes per capita but may not benefit from the efficiencies derived from economies of scale associated with large economies. Only countries with high income per capita and large aggregate income are assumed efficient. This greatly restricts the pool of countries to those in the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), like the United States, or the United Kingdom (which were earlier than other large OECD economies to liberalize their markets).
The selection of countries is further reduced by the fact that not all countries in the OECD report have industry revenues at the category level. Countries that typically have ample data at the aggregate level that meet the efficiency criteria include the United States, the United Kingdom, and in some cases France and Germany.
Latent demand is therefore estimated using data collected for relatively efficient markets from independent data sources (e.g. Euromonitor, Mintel, Thomson Financial Services, the U.S. Industrial Outlook, the World Resources Institute, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, various agencies from the United Nations, industry trade associations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank). Depending on original data sources used, the definition of archiving services is established. In the case of this report, the data were reported at the aggregate level, with no further breakdown or definition. In other words, any potential services that might be incorporated within archiving services fall under this category. Public sources rarely report data at the disaggregated level in order to protect private information from individual firms that might dominate a specific product-market. These sources will therefore aggregate across components of a category and report only the aggregate to the public. While private data are certainly available, this report only relies on public data at the aggregate level without reliance on the summation of various category components. In other words, this report does not aggregate a number of components to arrive at the "whole". Rather, it starts with the "whole", and estimates the whole for all countries and the world at large (without needing to know the specific parts that went into the whole in the first place).
Given this caveat, in this report we define the sales of archiving services as including all commonly understood services falling within this broad category, such as licensed and subscription-based archiving and public cloud archiving services, irrespective of product packaging, formulation, size, or form. Companies participating in this industry include eFileCabinet, Box, Everteam, Ademero, FileHold, and Filestack.
In addition to the sources indicated below, additional information available to the public via news and/or press releases published by players in the industry was considered in defining and calibrating this category. All figures are in a common currency (U.S. dollars, millions) and are not adjusted for inflation (i.e., they are current values). Exchange rates used to convert to U.S. dollars are averages for the year in question. Future exchange rates are assumed to be constant in the future at the current level (the average of the year of this publication’s release in 2019).
This report was prepared from a variety of sources including excerpts from documents and official reports or databases published by the World Bank, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. State Department, various national agencies, the International Monetary Fund, the Central Intelligence Agency, various agencies from the United Nations (e.g. ILO, ITU, UNDP, etc.), and non-governmental sources, including ICON Group Ltd., Euromonitor, the World Resources Institute, Mintel, the U.S. Industrial Outlook, and various public sources cited in the trade press.
1.3.2 STEP 2. FILTERING AND SMOOTHING
Based on the aggregate view of archiving services as defined above, data were then collected for as many similar countries as possible for that same definition, at the same level of the value chain. This generates a convenience sample of countries from which comparable figures are available.
If the series in question do not reflect the same accounting period, then adjustments are made. In order to eliminate short-term effects of business cycles, the series are smoothed using a 2-year moving average weighting scheme (longer weighting schemes do not substantially change the results).
If data are available for a country, but these reflect short-run aberrations due to exogenous shocks (such as would be the case of beef sales in a country stricken with foot and mouth disease), these observations were dropped or "filtered" from the analysis.
1.3.3 STEP 3. FILLING IN MISSING VALUES
In some cases, data are available for countries on a sporadic basis. In other cases, data from a country may be available for only one year.
From a Bayesian perspective, these observations should be given the greatest weight in estimating missing years. Assuming that other factors are held constant, the missing years are extrapolated using changes and growth in aggregate national income.
Based on the overriding philosophy of a long-run consumption function (defined earlier), countries which have missing data for any given year are estimated based on historical dynamics of aggregate income for that country.
1.3.4 STEP 4. VARYING PARAMETER, NON-LINEAR ESTIMATION
Given the data available from the first three steps, the latent demand in additional countries is estimated using a "varying-parameter cross-sectionally pooled time series model".
The interested reader can find longer discussions of this type of modeling in Studies in Global Econometrics (Advanced Studies in Theoretical and Applied Econometrics V. 30), by Henri Theil, et al., Kluwer Academic Publishers; ISBN: 0792336607; (June 1996), and in Principles of Econometrics, by Henri Theil John Wiley & Sons; ISBN: 0471858455; (December 1971), and in Econometric Models and Economic Forecasts by Robert S. Pindyck, Daniel L. Rubinfeld McGraw Hill Text; ISBN: 0070500983; 3rd edition (December 1991). Simply stated, the effect of income on latent demand is assumed to be constant across countries unless there is empirical evidence to suggest that this effect varies (i.e., the slope of the income effect is not necessarily the same for all countries). This assumption applies across countries along the aggregate consumption function, but also over time (i.e., not all countries are perceived to have the same income growth prospects over time and this effect can vary from country to country as well). Another way of looking at this is to say that latent demand for archiving services is more likely to be similar across countries that have similar characteristics in terms of economic development (i.e., African countries will have similar latent demand structures controlling for the income variation across the pool of African countries). This approach is useful across countries for which some notion of non-linearity exists in the aggregate cross-country consumption function. For some categories, however, the reader must realize that the numbers will reflect a country’s contribution to global latent demand and may never be realized in the form of local sales. For certain country-category combinations this will result in what at first glance will be odd results. For example, the latent demand for the category "space vehicles" will exist for Togo even though they have no space program. The assumption is that if the economies in these countries did not exist, the world aggregate for these categories would be lower. The share attributed to these countries is based on a proportion of their income (however small) being used to consume the category in question (i.e., perhaps via resellers).
1.3.5 STEP 5. FIXED-PARAMETER LINEAR ESTIMATION
Nonlinearities are assumed in cases where filtered data exist along the aggregate consumption function. Because the world consists of more than 200 countries, there will always be those countries, especially toward the bottom of the consumption function, where non-linear estimation is simply not possible.
For these countries, equilibrium latent demand is assumed to be perfectly parametric and not a function of wealth (i.e., a country’s stock of income), but a function of current income (a country’s flow of income). In the long run, if a country has no current income, the latent demand for archiving services is assumed to approach zero. The assumption is that wealth stocks fall rapidly to zero if flow income falls to zero (i.e., countries which earn low levels of income will not use their savings, in the long run, to demand archiving services). In a graphical sense, for low-income countries, latent demand approaches zero in a parametric linear fashion with a zero-zero intercept. In this stage of the estimation procedure, low-income countries are assumed to have a latent demand proportional to their income, based on the country closest to it on the aggregate consumption function.
1.3.6 STEP 6. AGGREGATION AND BENCHMARKING
Based on the models described in Chapter 1, latent demand figures are estimated for all countries of the world, including for the smallest economies. These are then aggregated to get world totals and regional totals.
To make the numbers more meaningful, regional and global demand averages are presented. Figures are rounded, so minor inconsistencies may exist across tables.
1.3.7 STEP 7. LATENT DEMAND DENSITY: ALLOCATING ACROSS CITIES
With the advent of a "borderless world", cities become a more important criteria in prioritizing markets, as opposed to regions, continents, or countries. This report also covers the world’s top 2,000 cities.
The purpose is to understand the density of demand within a country and the extent to which a city might be used as a point of distribution within its region. From an economic perspective, however, a city does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries.
To an economist or strategic planner, a city represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another.
Similar to country-level data, the reader needs to realize that latent demand allocated to a city may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items.
Consider, again, the category "satellite launch vehicles." Clearly, there are no launch pads in most cities of the world. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by residents or industries within the world’s cities. Without certain cities, in other words, the world market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to regions, countries, and cities. This report takes the broader definition and considers, therefore, a city as a part of the global market. I allocate latent demand across areas of dominant influence based on the relative economic importance of cities within its home country, within its region, and across the world total. Not all cities are estimated within each country as demand may be allocated to adjacent areas of influence. Since some cities have higher economic wealth than others within the same country, a city’s population is not generally used to allocate latent demand. Rather, the level of economic activity of the city is used vis-à-vis others.
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"Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" (CBS)
From "A Royal Christmas" to "Merry Inkmas": Your guide to the hellscape of Christmas-themed programming
“Holiday special” is a phrase in the English language that covers all manner of sins
Check out this article! https://www.salon.com/2014/12/14/merry_holidays_or_whatever_your_guide_to_the_hellscape_of_christmas_programming/
Sonia Saraiya
December 15, 2014 2:30AM (UTC)
This holiday season, prepare to be deluged with a truly unconscionable amount of Christmas-themed programming. It's a yearly ritual: every single show on every single network contorts itself to broadcast something Christmassy in a crazed attempt to cash in on every trace of holiday spirit. So this year, we've prepared this handy guide to the yuletide TV madness:
The made-for-TV Christmas movies
It really wouldn’t be Christmas without a bunch of saccharine, low-budget original films that almost always seem to involve both death and a romance. “A Perfect Christmas List,” airing on Dec. 14 on Ion, promises tears and laughter as estranged daughter Sara is pulled back to her hometown by her grandmother’s illness, even though she and her mother never come together for Christmas anymore. Along the way there’s a handsome doctor and her dying grandmother’s last wish. I think you can guess how this one ends.
The narrative of a woman finding herself in a small town is also the story of Hallmark’s “The Christmas Parade,” airing on the same night. A morning show anchor goes off the deep end when her fiancé turns out to be dating someone else; somehow this ends up with her doing community service in a small town, where a handsome artist convinces her to help him make a Christmas float — for the Christmas parade — for the children. How does one part of this film even connect to each other? Does the small-town Christmas parade end up being the subject of her morning show’s special? Isn’t it odd that so many Christmas narratives place the small town and the city in opposition, when in all likelihood, the majority of Americans probably live in neither, given suburban sprawl? Anyway, who cares? We have a parade to put on!
If Hallmark’s script appears a little thin, that’s because the network has 12 new Christmas films. “One Starry Christmas,” about an aspiring astronomy professor; “The Nine Lives Of Christmas,” starring former Superman Brandon Routh, as a hard-hearted fireman who adopts a stray cat and opens himself up to love; “A Cookie Cutter Christmas,” about two rival teachers who cross swords over a handsome single dad and a cookie bake-off; “A Royal Christmas,” which is a Christmas knockoff of “The Prince & Me,” which is itself a knockoff of “The Princess Diaries,” but look, it stars Jane Seymour; “The Christmas Shepherd,” about a lonely woman and a single dad and daughter who all adopt the same dog; and at least four films with angels walking around on earth in some form, mostly to set white people up in small-town romances. Fortunately, most of Hallmark’s Christmas films have aired already: You don’t have to be scared anymore.
Not so for Lifetime’s Holiday programming, which is similarly extensive. But where Hallmark is focusing a lot of its efforts on recent originals, Lifetime’s got a huge back catalog of holiday films, having been in the business of B-movies since time immemorial. The upside of these is that amid the terrible scripts are forgotten performances from actors like Sarah Paulson, in “A Christmas Wedding,” Luke Perry in “A Very Merry Daughter of the Bride,” and Anna Chlumsky and Kristen Chenowith in “12 Men of Christmas.” Repeats of all are playing all month.
And Lifetime’s contribution to its holiday canon this year is “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” starring Molly Ringwald, Chevy Chase, Cheri Oteri and — seriously — Meat Loaf. Chase narrates the story of a 10-year-old boy’s Christmas pageant, where Ringwald shows up as a substitute teacher to a small town. Does it even matter what happens next? It can’t — Meat Loaf is in it. Meat Loaf is in it.
Yet it is unlikely that any film, past, present or future, will match the absurdity and wonder of “Christmas Icetastrophe,” on Syfy, in which “an asteroid strikes a small town preparing for Christmas, triggering an explosive wave of ice crystals that threatens to freeze all life on Earth.” That’s on Dec. 20, and you should probably set your DVRs immediately.
The British Christmas specials
The Brits sure do love their Christmas specials — existing shows that air a special, longer episode on Christmas, often about Christmas, with all the same beloved characters. PBS will have “Call the Midwife” and “Vicious”; BBC America will air the traditional “Doctor Who” Christmas episode. And DirecTV will be airing “Black Mirror’s" Christmas special, which, if the first two seasons are any indication, is bound to be very dark indeed.
Programs that involve live singing, sometimes by famous people, but sometimes just by whoever
Following up on the relative success of “Peter Pan Live!” will be two more productions just on NBC. First, on Dec. 16: “Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas,” where Jim Parsons will reprise the role popularized by Will Ferrell and add singing, because that is what it needed. It doesn’t appear to be live, at least; however, Jay Leno is in it, as are Matt Lauer and Mark Hamill. And on Dec. 17: “Michael Buble’s Christmas in New York,” featuring the pop singer joined with Barbara Streisand, Ariana Grande and Miss Piggy, followed by “The Sing-Off,” which is a special holiday-themed episode featuring people singing in competition (how original).
PBS offers up a far classier take on the live holiday music special on Dec. 19 with “Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Deborah Voight and John Rhys-Davies,” which is exactly what it sounds like it would be. And CBS ties its performances in with stories of adoption and foster care in “Home for the Holidays,” one of the more purely heartwarming programs of the Christmas season. That’s also on Dec. 19, and features Jennifer Hudson, Train, Katharine McPhee and Earth, Wind, & Fire.
All of this, naturally, pales in comparison to anything termed “Jingle Ball”; and so the CW enters the fray with “The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2014” on Dec. 18, featuring the vocal stylings of Taylor Swift, Iggy Azalea and Maroon 5. What is it with Christmas and generic pop music, hmm?
The spirit of Christmas is Guy Fieri
There’s always a bunch of food programming tied into any holiday, but a week of hour-long “Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives” is occasion for joy, naturally, as is holiday-themed episodes of “Guy’s Grocery Games,” including an episode called “Dashing Through the Aisles.” It’s a lot to take in, I know, but just go with it: Guy Fieri embodies everything essential about American Christmas. Right down to the Hawaiian shirts.
Holiday specials for shows that really don’t need holiday specials
Unscripted programming is trotting out an awful lot of holiday specials this year, each one a bit more cringeworthy than the last. Travel’s got two episodes of visiting the exotic locale “Christmastown, U.S.A.” on Dec. 14; “Storage Wars” is airing a Christmas special on Dec. 16. TLC has a “Secret Santa” special on Dec. 14 that is two hours long on a journalist uncovering the truth behind quote-unquote “Christmas miracles.” Oh dear.
Animal Planet, in particular, is committing numerous offenses against the phrase “holiday special” — creating holiday episodes in existing semi-narrative reality shows about subjects only tangentially related to animals or the planet. This includes: a holiday episode for “Monsters Inside Me," on Dec. 18, which is the least appropriate show to do a holiday special for; “Tanked,” a show about aquariums, on Dec. 19; “Pit Bulls & Parolees,” which actually could be really heartwarming, on Dec. 20; and “North Woods Law,” about cops in Maine, on Dec. 21. And on Christmas day, the network is airing a Very Special Episode of “Call of the Wildman,” “Turtleman Takes Manhattan,” a reprise of last year’s Christmas special. “Call of the Wildman” will be preceded by “Too Cute!: #MerryCuteness."
National Geographic is jumping the gun by taking an “unflinching” look at the war on drugs, specifically in New York City on New Year’s Eve, on Dec. 17, which is bound to be cheerful. That’s airing at the same time as USA’s two-hour-long special where WWE wrestlers visit deployed troops and bring them holiday spirit in the form of oiled muscly bodies, staged pratfalls and half-naked women.
But perhaps no unscripted television program is going to be as bizarre as Spike TV’s “Tattoo Nightmares” holiday special, “Merry Inkmas,” airing Dec. 23. That’s the show that live-action reenacts the ridiculous tattoo stories it unearths. So have fun with that. And in case, on the evening of Christmas day, you’re like, wait, this is terrible, check out TruTV’s “How to Be a Grown Up: Dressing, Lying, and Christmas Cheer,” where comics will tell you how to lie your way through both dressing yourself and "having a good time."
Scripted shows airing regrettably titled Christmas episodes
“2 Broke Girls”: “And a Loan for Christmas”
“The Librarians”: “And Santa’s Midnight Run”
“Mike And Molly”: “Tis the Season to Be Molly”
“Comedy Bang! Bang!”: “The Lonely Island Wear Holiday Sweaters and White Pants”
Programming that actually is about, like, the original Christmas
A few different networks will be airing multi-episode miniseries on the history of Jesus. Science has “Biblical Conspiracies”; the American Heroes Channel will be doing “The Bible’s Greatest Secrets.” PBS will air an installment of “Sacred Journeys: Jerusalem” on Dec. 23. That’s in addition to the literally dozens of animated and/or children’s programming that will tell some version of the story of Christmas, though whether those include talking snowmen and red-nosed reindeer depends on what you see as the spirit of Christmas.
The only Christmas show that gets to the heart of what really matters
ABC’s “The Great Light Fight.” Because, look, the only thing more American than Guy Fieri at Christmas is a bunch of suburban families duking it out over whose involved and expensive Christmas lights and related outdoor decorations are better. Go big or go home this holiday season, America.
MORE FROM Sonia Saraiya • FOLLOW soniasaraiya
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On "Being Mary Jane" and having it all
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