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High school student charged with distributing laced candy after 8 sickened in Va.
The 16-year-old girl suspect appeared in juvenile court Monday and was charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics and distribution of drugs on school grounds.
June 18, 2019 at 12:55 PM EDT - Updated June 18 at 12:55 PM
COURTLAND, Va. (AP) — A Virginia high school student has surrendered to authorities over accusations she distributed candy laced with an unknown substance to fellow students, sending up to eight to the hospital.
News outlets report the 16-year-old girl at Southampton County High School surrendered to the sheriff's office Sunday. The suspect appeared in juvenile court Monday and was charged with possession with intent to distribute narcotics and distribution of drugs on school grounds.
Last week, police arrested 18-year-old Jaden Phillips, another Southampton student. Phillips was charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution to someone under 18, as well as contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
News outlets report students fell ill after ingesting the candy. The students were in stable condition at the hospital afterward.
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Wibu-Systems
Product Liability and the IoT
19/04/2018 Terry Gaul
Historically, software developers have been free of liability if their software fails thanks to End User License Agreements that essentially grant them immunity from lawsuits. Over the years, U.S. courts have upheld those agreements. As far back as 1986, Apple was let off the hook by a federal court and ruled that they could not be sued for bugs in its software, pointing to the disclaimer that no claim was made that the code was bug free. Since then, there have been several class action suits brought against software makers for buggy software that were similarly ruled against.
But, ISVs beware, that scenario may be changing. In late 2016, The Christian Science Monitor reported that “leading digital security experts are calling on U.S. policymakers to hold manufacturers liable for software vulnerabilities in their products in an effort to prevent the bugs commonly found in smartphones and desktops from pervading the emerging IoT space.”
Just recently, the Washington Examiner reported that U.S. Senator Mark Warner told the audience at the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, that “a fulsome debate is needed about whether the software sector's legal immunity has outlived its usefulness, especially in an age of relentless cyberattacks that frequently exploit software vulnerabilities.”
Warner, who is also a leader on the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, also believes that “subjecting the software industry to legal exposure for flaws in their products is one way to get the private sector to improve their cybersecurity.”
With the global spotlight on cybersecurity, it’s not hard to understand why the software industry and product liability issues are under heavy scrutiny. The discussion is now well beyond the inconvenience caused by buggy software. Unprotected and vulnerable software in the cyberworld can have grim and even life-threatening consequences – an autonomous vehicle could crash, a lifesaving medical device could fail, or a power grid could be attacked and put national security at risk.
Product liability in the cyberworld opens up a whole new area of potential litigation, as the ISV is not only responsible for its own software, but also responsible if people exploit it for malicious actions. So, for example, if a hacker finds a vulnerability in the code and manipulates it to cause damage, the developer conceivably could be held responsible for it. And when life and death are at issue, the focus will surely shift to accountability and liability.
A key takeaway here is that developers need to take action now to design security into their products. If they don’t have the expertise (and many don’t), they need to work with security partners who can help them eliminate potential vulnerabilities and protect against nefarious hackers. Two good reference points are the Industrial Internet Consortium’s Industrial Internet Security Framework and the on-demand Webinar, IIoT Endpoint Security – The Model in Practice.
Terry Gaul
Vice President Sales USA
Terry Gaul is a sales and business development professional with extensive experience in the software and technology sectors. He has been involved with software protection and licensing technologies for more than 20 years and currently serves as Vice President of Sales at Wibu-Systems USA. When he is not helping customers with software licensing, Terry typically can be found coaching his daughters' soccer teams or camping with his family on the Maine coast.
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Facebook contest guidelines
1. Organiser of the contest
This competition is organized by:
Wickey GmbH & Co. KG
Franz-Savels-Straße 69
2. Participation
Participation in Wickey Facebook contests is free of charge. Participation is done through the Wickey Facebook page. Requirements for participation is to like the Wickey Facebook page and to like the contest post. By participating in the contest there is no obligation connected to take certain benefits in claim or consent to advertising. By participating the participant declares his or her acceptance of these terms and conditions.
3. Eligibility and Exclusion
Eligible for participation are all fans of the Wickey Facebook page, which are 18 years or older and who are residents of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark or Poland. A fan is an individual who has liked the Wickey Facebook page. Excluded from participation are employees, relatives and distributors of Wickey. Participation through the lottery service and participation through automated lottery software or other manipulations are not permitted. Wickey has the right to exclude participants from the contest that violate the rules of the contest, by manipulating the contest or attempt to do so. Only one entry per person is possible.
4. Product and closing date
In this contest the product of the current Facebook post is given away. A detailed list of all supplied components of the product are listed in the Wickey webshop under „And it includes all of this“ section of the corresponding product.
The competition ends at the given date and time which is published in the current Facebook contest post.
5. No cash payout and no legal action
The prize can not be exchanged for cash. The decision is final.
6. Contest post and profit calculations
For the competition, group specific posts per country will be created. The winner is determined among all participants, of all countries, and that have declared their participation in the sweepstake and are entitled to participate. The winner is determined within 1-2 business days after the end of the contest.
7. Notification and shipping
The winner will be announced in a post on the Wickey Facebook page or in the Wickey webshop and again through a private Facebook message. If the winner does not respond within 7 working days, they forfeit the competition and a new participant is chosen. The price will be shipped by freight carrier within 7 working days to the winner. There are commonly used shipping days in the Wickey webshop for each country.
8. Publication
The winner gives his/her express consent that Wickey may publish him/her first and last name as winner of the competition on the Wickey Facebook page or in the Wickey webshop.
This promotion is not affiliated with Facebook and is in no way sponsored, endorsed or organized by Facebook. All questions, comments or complaints regarding the competition are to be directed to Wickey and not sent to Facebook. Facebook is not responsible for all damages, losses and expenses (including legal fees and costs to a reasonable extent) resulting from claims related to the raffle (in particular the publication and organisation.
Collected personal data within the competition are subject to the Federal Data Protection Act and will be stored, processed and used only for internal purposes. Any disclosure to third parties will only be in context to the organization of the contest. The participant agrees through participating his or her express consent to the storage and use of the personal data to the above mentioned purpose.
The competition is subject to the law of the Federal Republic of Germany.
12. Terms and conditions
The existing Terms and Conditions apply, listed by Wickey GmbH & Co. KG.
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Coming in February
New Halo Wars 2 video featurette previews its story and main characters
John Callaham
Microsoft has released a new video featurette for the upcoming RTS game Halo Wars 2 for the Xbox One and Windows 10. It takes a behind-the-scenes look at the game's main plot and some of its major characters.
The video shows that the game takes place 28 years after the end of the first Halo Wars title. The crew of the ship Spirit of Fire are awakened from cryo-sleep to discover they are over a massive Forerunner structure that is, in fact, the place where all of the Halos in the galaxy were made. The video also offers quick looks at characters like the ship's AI Isabel, its leader Captain James Cutter, and the game's main villain, an intelligent Brute called Atriox that can take out a group of Spartans with little effort.
Developed by 343 Industries and The Creative Assembly, Halo Wars 2 is due for release on Feb. 21, 2017
Check out our hands-on impressions of Halo Wars 2
See at Microsoft Store
ViewClose Comments (4)
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Xconomy Bookclub: Village Capital CEO Tackles Innovation’s “Blind Spot”
@angelashah
Xconomy Texas —
Silicon Valley has written the playbook for building innovative companies that have transformed the global economy.
But it doesn’t hold the exclusive patent on the only path to innovation. That’s the view of Ross Baird, the co-founder and CEO of Village Capital, a Washington, DC-based social impact venture firm, and author of the new book “The Innovation Blind Spot.”
“The American dream has been replaced by the Silicon Valley dream, and that dream is only accessible to a tiny percentage of the population,” Baird told me in an interview.
In essence, he says that dream has increasingly become the exclusive realm of a narrow group of people—think Mark Zuckerberg-esque, Ivy League education, young, and connected.
“We must find—and promote—entrepreneurs and innovators everywhere, not just those who went to the best schools, know the right people, and live in the most developed innovation cities,” writes AOL founder Steve Case in the forward to “Blind Spot.” “We need everybody on the playing field if we’re going to remain the most innovative, entrepreneurial nation in the world.”
Take venture capital as a proxy for who are America’s innovators. Today, Baird points out that an overwhelming majority of funding goes to founders in three states: California, New York, and Massachusetts. Women founders only receive 5 percent of funding, while just 1 percent goes to African-Americans.
Money is the lifeblood of an innovation ecosystem. Without it, young companies die. But if that key ingredient fails to reach large parts of the population, Baird writes in his book, “the idea of entrepreneurship as a meritocracy is wrong.”
The problem is the practice of pattern recognition, which causes investors to make future investment decisions based on what they’ve seen succeed in the past. “There’s been very little innovation in how we find ideas,” Baird writes. The “two and twenty” compensation model for investors that is used by most venture firms hails from the need to raise capital to fund whaling expeditions in the 1830s. “The term ‘carry’ is still widely used,” he writes. “But today it’s being used to chase unicorns rather than whales.” “Carry,” or “carried interest,” is the investor’s share of profits from a venture.
Today, that system values short-term profits over the long-term success of businesses, leading to quick exits rather than building up corporate institutions that will provide solid … Next Page »
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Angela Shah is the editor of Xconomy Texas. She can be reached at ashah@xconomy.com or (214) 793-5763. Follow @angelashah
Regional Innovators Start Work to Promote Texas Ecosystem as a Whole
Texas Startups Use AI, Fintech to Help Customers Find, Pay Workers
Houston Tech Leaders Start Site to Connect Startups With Talent
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Death by careless driving verdict on Cambridgeshire man, 21, who caused the death of passenger after his Land Rover left the road and rolled into ditch
PUBLISHED: 15:25 12 July 2019 | UPDATED: 15:46 12 July 2019
John Elworthy
A fund raising effort raised £4,500 for the funeral costs of Kieran Carrington- Walker aged 19, who died in a car accident on May 24, 2017. He was a keen rugby player. The driver of the car in in which he was travelling appeared today in court for sentencing. Picture: GO FUND ME
A man, who lost control of his car on a Cambridgeshire road, killing one of his passengers and injuring another, has been sentenced.
Kieren Shepperson, 21, of Old North Road, Stilton, was driving around a series of bends on the B660, Glatton Lane, on May 24, 2017, when he lost control and rolled his Land Rover Discovery into a ditch.
His front seat passenger, promising young rugby player Kieran Carrington-Walker, 19, of Bruces Close, Conington was thrown from the car and died as a result of his injuries.
A second passenger, who was travelling in the back of the vehicle, which had no proper seats or restraints for back seat passengers, was also injured.
Shepperson was found guilty of causing death by careless driving on 2 July following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court.
Today (Friday) at the same court he was sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for 18 months, disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
PC Simon Burgin, who investigated, said: "It's so sad when we have to attend incidents where young and inexperienced drivers have made a mistake, resulting in tragedy.
"This is such a waste of a young life. I would urge all drivers, particularly new drivers, to always drive according to the rules and conditions of the road and be vigilant.
"We attend these kinds of incidents far too often and, as in this case, many are completely avoidable."
After his death one friend posted that "I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of being his friend and I'm so gutted that his life has ended so soon. RIP Keiran Carrington"
Megan Seabroook-Mead said: "He was a good friend of ours and we had some good times working together at Parkside pools and gym and good laughs together, we will miss him dearly. We send our love to his family and friends."
Carrington-Walker was a member of Peterborough Rugby Club, described by chairman Dick Clark as a "much liked and respected member of our rugby family".
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David Behrens: The 50th anniversary of Yorkshire Television – or ‘proper’ TV
David Behrens
THIS weekend marks the 50th anniversary of “proper” TV in Yorkshire, by which I mean its birth as a self-contained region.
July 29, 1968, was when Yorkshire Television went on the air, from Europe’s first purpose-built colour studio. It was an inspired use for what had been a council slum clearance site; the drama, comedy and documentaries it turned out were among the best in Britain and, in many cases, the world.
Employees of Yorkshire Television line up outside their studios in 1986.
The first transmissions came at the end of a bizarre scramble between ITV and the BBC to get on air first. The corporation had spent the better part of the 1960s insisting that Yorkshire didn’t need its own service, but performed a volte-face when the Independent Television Authority decided that it did. It took over a church hall a mile and a half across town from YTV, and moved heaven and earth to get Look North on to the region’s screens before Calendar.
But its studio was unfinished and had no proper soundproofing. One of the BBC film editors recalled that barking dogs outside in Leeds could be heard by viewers in Sheffield.
All of this springs to mind because a similar race is going on in Leeds as we speak. This week saw the city placed on the final shortlist of locations for Channel Four’s new headquarters, along with Manchester and Birmingham.
The councils in all three centres are falling over themselves to be accommodating. The channel is not planning to build a studio or to produce programmes in its new home on any scale, but its presence would nevertheless be a beacon.
So in this weekend of industry nostalgia, let’s rewind and remember how the politics played out previously.
In 1968, the BBC beat Yorkshire TV on air by several weeks, but it wasn’t a level playing field: the corporation’s base here was tiny in comparison. If we can learn from history, it is more likely from the episode in 1956 when the first ITV service in the North was created.
It went on air from Manchester, but it could just as easily have been Leeds.
A potential studio site in the city had been identified by Granada, the first of the region’s programme contractors. But they also found one beside the Irwell, and the council in Manchester was apparently more pliant. Let’s hope history doesn’t repeat itself this time.
If I were a betting man, I would say the odds for Channel Four were stacked against Birmingham. No-one has ever been truly enthusiastic about making programmes there; the first Midlands ITV companies made do with one converted theatre between them.
In Yorkshire, the enthusiasm for television was genuine and joyful. I was privileged to work at YTV for 12 years, on and off, and can bear witness to what now seems to be a golden age of programmes made in, and for, Yorkshire.
The studios are still there but they have been turned over largely to a single production – Emmerdale. Welcome as that is, it is an operation vastly scaled down from the original one. That is a consequence of the contraction that has taken place within ITV – and the cost to the region can be seen by a casual glance at the current TV schedules.
The only Chesterfield Canal Boat in existence will be running horse boating displays in Worksop
Two hours of prime network time on BBC Four this week was occupied by daily coverage of the Royal Welsh Show. Two weeks earlier, there was almost none from the Great Yorkshire Show. Yet in its heyday, YTV provided an almost identical service for viewers here – a daily half-hour transmission from the Harrogate showground. Its regional audience alone would have matched anything on BBC Four.
And Yorkshire’s output had a distinct quality not found elsewhere. The late writer David Nobbs, who made his home here, summed it up when he recalled popping into a newsagent’s for a packet of cigarettes in the early 1970s, while a crew filmed in the street.
“Is that really Les Dawson outside my shop?” asked the lady at the counter.
“Yes, it really is,” said Nobbs.
“Les Dawson, outside my shop, on the telly?” she repeated, scarcely able to comprehend the enormity of what she was seeing.
She finally gathered herself. “Ooh, I don’t like him.”
So much for glamour. Let that be a lesson, said Nobbs, to anyone who thought they were above themselves.
I hope the southerners at Channel Four know what they might be letting themselves in for.
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Home/Games/How to Play Super Mario Bros 2
How to Play Super Mario Bros 2
Super Mario 2 is the sequel to the original game Super Mario Bros. It was made in 1988, and was first released for the NES, but has been re-released for many other consoles since that date. It is the black sheep of the first Mario games, because it had different controls, and in fact, it has almost nothing in common with its predecessor. Super Mario 2 is still considered a classic, and its unique gameplay will leave you hooked. Here is a guide on how to play it.
Learn the controls. Being a retro game, the Super Mario Bros 2 has very simple controls. You move with the arrows, and press A to jump and B to remove plants and other objects from the earth. The controls may vary depending on the version of the game you have, here you can find Mario games unblocked.
Learn to play it. It’s not like the other Super Mario games. You can not eliminate enemies by jumping on them. You have to kill them using plants that you take off the floor. You throw those plants to eliminate them. Also, you can jump over the enemy’s head and press B as if you were going to take out a plant, and then throw the enemy to another opponent to get rid of both.
Choose the appropriate character. Each character has its strengths and weaknesses. Mario is good for beginners because he is average in everything. Luigi can jump very high and very far, but it is difficult to control (due to its lack of traction). Luigi is also average in speed and strength (example: How fast can a plant get off the ground, or an enemy). Toad is the fastest, strongest and has the best traction, but it is terrible jumping. Peach (known as the Princess in the versions before the GBA) is the slowest and weakest, but she can hover in the air as far as Luigi’s jump, giving her that unique advantage. Some characters are better than others in different areas. For example, in the world of ice/snow Toad and Mario have advantages because of their superior traction. In areas where control is not a problem, Luigi may be better, due to his jumps.
Defeat the bosses. You will not get anywhere in this game if you do not know how to face the bosses of each level. The most common leaders are the Birdos, who throw eggs through their mouths. To defeat him you must jump on his egg and throw it three times. At higher levels, in addition to throwing eggs, they also fire, so be careful! In addition, after defeating Birdo at the end of the level, each world has its own boss. Each of these is unique, so be careful and look for ways to defeat them. Often there are weapons or accessories nearby that you can use (for example, Mouser throws you bombs.) To defeat it you have to throw your own bombs before they explode.
Consider the new versions before buying the original game. The version of the Super Nintendo (in the Super Mario All-Stars game of 1993) had better graphics and better way to play it, compared to the NES version. That game also includes three retro games (Super Mario Bros, Lost Levels, and Super Mario Bros 3). The new version for the Game Boy Advance was also released in 2001 called Super Mario Advance, with the addition of voices to the game. The game in its original version can be purchased in the virtual console of the Nintendo Wii.
Choose the character that best fits the level.
Mario is good for beginners.
Super Mario All-Stars is a good game if you consider playing a retro game (including Super Mario 2) because it contains four Super Mario games of the NES in a single cartridge for the SNES.
Some Birdos fire.
Each world boss is unique and must be defeated in a special way.
The Game Boy Advance version has been criticized as being “very easy” compared to its older versions.
Things you will need
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Optional, to play the original version.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Optional, to play in “Super Mario All-Stars”
Game Boy Advance (GBA) Optional, to play the re-launch of Super Mario Advance.
The Nintendo Wii console (optional, to buy the game online).
Control of Nintendo Wii (to play the Nintendo Wii version).
new super mario new super mario bros 2 super mario super mario bros super mario bros 2
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Alfred Brendel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner - Mozart: Piano Concerto No.24 in C minor, K.491 - 3. (Allegretto)
Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 20 & 24; Concert Rondo, K.382
от Alfred Brendel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
1987 • Классическая • Decca Music Group Ltd.
Alfred Brendel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner — Mozart: Piano Concerto No.24 in C minor, K.491 - 3. (Allegretto)
Популярные треки Alfred Brendel
Alfred Brendel — Mozart: Piano Sonata No.15 In F, K.533/494 - 3. Rondo (Allegretto), K.494 (2002 Recording)
Alfred Brendel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner — Mozart: Piano Concerto No.20 in D minor, K.466 - 2. Romance
Alfred Brendel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner — Mozart: Concert Rondo for Piano and Orchestra in D. K.382 - 1. Allegretto grazioso
Alfred Brendel — Beethoven: Piano Sonata No.17 in D minor, Op.31 No.2 -"Tempest" - 3. Allegretto
Alfred Brendel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner — Mozart: Piano Concerto No.12 in A, K.414 - 1. Allegro
Alfred Brendel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner — Mozart: Piano Concerto No.21 in C, K.467 - 1. Allegro
Alfred Brendel, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner — Mozart: Piano Concerto No.20 in D minor, K.466 - 1. Allegro
Alfred Brendel, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Charles Mackerras — Mozart: Piano Concerto No.9 in E flat, K.271 - "Jeunehomme" - 1. Allegro (Live)
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Philippine Defense Today (Adroth.ph)
In Defense of the Republic of the Philippines
Node Operations Manual
Traveling to Pag-asa: 2014
Friday , 27, June 2014 adroth92 #pagasaKIG Leave a comment
In light of the increasing number of concerned Filipinos organizing themselves for expeditions to the Municipality of Kalayaan, the original “Traveling to Pag-asa” article (available here) has been updated to incorporate fresh information. It includes an updated travel planning flowchart, updates on private initiatives to reach the islands, as well as a few minor edits.
How far away is it?
At over 300 kilometers west of Palawan, the islands of the Municipality of Kalayaan are among the most remote communities in the Republic of the Philippines. In terms of distance from major population centers, it is in the same league as Basco in Batanes, Mapun (formerly Cagayan de Sulu) and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi. What sets this municipality apart, however, are the a unique combination of barriers-to-access that have greatly retarded its development. This article explores those challenges.
Travel to the island is only advisable within a narrow window each year. As per reports from the office of the municipal mayor, the interval between April of May presents the best weather conditions for both sea and air travel. As will be described later in this article, optimal sea conditions are essential for travel by boat.
While weather information specifically for Pag-asa is unavailable on various online weather Websites, Weather.com publishes weather information for nearby Song Tu Tay island — formerly Pugad Island.
http://www.weather.com/weather/5-day/Song+Tu+Tay+South+West+Cay+VMXX0030:1:VM
Travel by air
From the air, Pag-asa’s defining feature is its 1.3 kilometer runway: Rancudo airfield. It is an unpaved coral airstrip, covered for the most part, by grass, named after a forward-thinking Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force who had it constructed in the early 70s.
As per a Memorandum of Agreement between the Armed Force of the Philippines and the Municipality of Kalayaan, signed in October 5, 2005, the airfield is open for joint civilian and military use. However, no regular commercial flights visit the island.
To date, Rancudo does not appear on the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ (CAAP) official list of airports and has not been rated as a civilian aerodrome. The latter reportedly presents aircraft charter companies with potential aircraft insurance issues, thus serving as a deterrent to service. As per the above agreement, responsibility for having Rancudo rated as an aerodrome rests with the municipality — whose attempts to initiate the rating process, thus far, have been unsuccessful. Rejuvenated efforts to pursue certification are currently underway by way of the KIG development forum FB group and on Timawa.net
Despite the lack of a civilian rating, on July 20, 2011, a Dornier DO-228 became one of the first chartered commercial flights to land on Pag-asa island. The passengers (which consisted of a congressional delegation and other government dignitaries) chartered the plane at a cost of PhP65,000 per flying-hour and PhP7,000 per hour on stand-by time, for a total price tag of P1.8M. The rates quoted were a function of the aircraft type and cheaper alternatives would have reportedly been available. The impact of the unrated airstrip on overall cost is unclear at this point.
Travel time to Pag-asa by air is approximately two to three hours by propeller-driven aircraft. The following civilian and military fixed-wing aircraft are known to have landed on the island. They are listed according to size, in reverse order, to highlight the lowest-cost aircraft options:
Cessna 182 (Adventist World Aviation)
Norman Britten Island (Philippine Navy)
Dornier DO-228 (Islands Aviation)
GAF Nomad (Philippine Air Force)
Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules (Philippine Air Force)
Travel by sea
As of writing Pag-asa island does not have port facilities. Ships, therefore, have to weigh anchor off-shore — exposed to the waves of the West Philippine Sea — and transfer cargo to shore via small boats. This greatly limits the times of year when the island is accessible by sea, as well complicates disembarkation of potential investors and tourists. The struggle to build this port is chronicled in the following article: Timeline: Kalayaan Sheltered Port Project.
In addition to passage on-board Philippine Navy transports that reach Pag-asa on a quarterly basis, Pag-asa residents also travel to and from the Palawan via the MARINA-rated municipal service boat: M/L Queen Seagull. This is a 200-ton-capacity wooden boat that can get underway at 9 knots. From Puerto Princessa, via the Balabac strait, it can reach Pag-asa in 56 hours under favorable weather conditions. When sailing from Ulungan Bay on the western side of Palawan, total travel time is 32 hours. This is clearly not a destination for weekend get-aways.
Of the nine occupied islands and above-water outposts that make up the municipality, only Pag-asa island — the seat of the municipal government — is currently open for civilian occupation. The rest of the municipality is restricted to military use. In addition to military personnel, Pag-asa hosts a community of fishing families and municipal workers that have established a variety of livelihood activities on the island and have even setup a municipal health center and an elementary school for the 20 children that call the island home.
The heavy military presence, and the international controversy over sovereignty over the islands and the waters around them, mean that anyone who seeks to travel to Pag-asa must obtain clearances from various Philippine government offices.
The Kalayaan Extension Office (KEO) in Puerto Princessa is available to assist potential travelers wade through a clearance system. As of June 30, 2014, the KEO can be found at the following location:
Kalayaan Extension Office
TELECOM Compound
Burgos St., Puerto Princesa City
The following flowchart lays out the clearances required for the various modes of transportation. This critical information for any group seeking to organize a trip to Pag-asa. Note that individuals who possess their own boat require the least assistance. Filipino fishermen reportedly visit Pag-asa periodically with little or no advance notification beyond the obligatory radio communication with the Philippine Coast Guard personnel on the island.
The municipality maintains excellent rapport with the Western Philippine Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which has jurisdiction over the islands, and is therefore familiar with clearance requirements at that level — which until a few years ago had largely been issued for domestic travelers.
The system’s complexities are particularly pronounced when dealing with foreign tourists. The KEO discovered this to its dismay in 2011 when an Australian-led international group of ham radio enthusiasts attempted to organize an expedition on Pag-asa. An all-Filipino group had already mounted a similar expedition in 2007 without difficulty (see DXJP 2007 here). But the international composition this particular group created complications. As related by the incumbent mayor, The Civil Aviation Administration of the Philippines (CAAP) would not approve a flight plan to the Pag-asa without clearance from the AFP. The AFP wouldn’t grant such clearance without approval of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The DFA, in turn, did not appear to have a clear policy about granting foreigner-access to the island. The resulting delays eventually scuttled the expedition.
As of writing another group, this time led by Fil-Am enthusiasts, is gearing up for an ham radio expedition in 2015. With two years of advanced preparation time, the KEO, in cooperation with volunteers from various sectors, hopes to sort out all relevant procedures before the targeted expedition date. In April 2014, this group sent an advance party to Pag-asa to survey the expedition site. The advanced party used a combination of Philippine Navy transport and the Queen Seagull. This allowed them to stay on Pag-asa for five days (relevant Facebook discussion here).
Of the four key hurdles: weather, air access, sea access, and red tape — the latter is both the principal show-stopper, as well as the issue that should be the easiest to address. It is, after all, merely procedural and can resolved if all relevant agencies simply get together and work out a process. The reward for such inter-agency cooperation, is best exemplified by the Malaysian Spratlys outpost on Layang-Layang, which boasts of a thriving international diving destination with regular air transportation to its concrete runway — despite being co-located with a Malaysian Navy base.
Today, travel to Pag-asa Island is exceedingly difficult. Only the hardiest, logistically organized, travelers — often with professional interest — would dare to visit the island. But with the build up of attention towards the territory thanks to the power of social media and the efforts of ordinary Filipinos who were willing to take action beyond mouse-clicks and keyboard strokes, those difficulties are expected to diminish over time.
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Police Brutality against Nigerian Women: An Interview with Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi
Interviews, Nigeria
by adebisi24
Violence is a horrifying reality for many Nigerian women, from sexual to physical assault to economic. Nearly 3 in 10 Nigerian women have experienced physical violence by age 15, while a significant proportion of Nigerian women are assaulted by intimate partners. A 2018 report by Amnesty International showed that Nigerian police officers also assault women. This police violence was recently put on the spotlight when in April this year, 70 Nigerian women were arrested by police in Abuja on the grounds of prostitution and reportedly assaulted during the arrests that took place at night. Months after the incident, I speak to Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, the founder of Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER) and a prominent voice in the campaign against gender-based violence in Nigeria to find out if justice has been served and other issues relating the safety of women.
African Feminism: Would you tell us about the Abuja Police raid and what happened to women?
Oluwaseun: The raid quote and unquote was to eradicate prostitution or sex work in Abuja and so they went to a particular club and raided women in those spaces: classifying them as prostitutes and taking them into police custody requesting that they either pay a fine to get their freedom or lay down their bodies in form of rape to get their freedom. So it’s about the Abuja Environmental Protection Board and they have a mandate to eradicate prostitution in Abuja. However, there is a court injunction seizing their powers and mandate. So the Abuja raid is in contradiction to the law.
African Feminism: Was this a one-off or was the raid and assault in line with a trend of physical and sexual harassment against women at the hands of the Nigerian Police?
Oluwaseun: Oh it’s very common. From the way they catcall you on the street to when you go to the police station to make a report. And they begin to objectify you and speak to you in such a manner that is disrespectful. This is not the first raid, there was an earlier raid that affected one of my friends, Dorothy Njenmanze. She actually took the Nigerian government to the ECOWAS court and got a court ruling in her favor. The Nigerian government has refused to uphold the ruling. So it’s not the first time. Sexual harassment, physical harassment by police officers is prevalent. People don’t want to talk about it because the police are meant to be your safe space to report such cases. So when it’s coming from them, who do you then turn to.
African Feminism: What has led to the entrenchment of abuses such as illegal detention, and sexual exploitation of women by the police?
Oluwaseun: Because our society allows it. They are a representation of our society. Every man in the police force is representing his or her own community or family. And within the family front look at how women are treated. Look at how issues of women and girls are thrown to the backseat. There’s no regard for our education, for our rights to sexual reproductive health. There’s just no regard disregard for us. So whether we are at home, whether we are in public spaces, it cuts across. It’s the same mentality. The Nigerian policemen and women are a representation of our society. And until our society begins to push back, against their violence and saying no more will you disrespect our women and girls then, of course, our society’s silence emboldens the culture of abuse against women.
African Feminism: What has been done to ensure these women get justice?
Oluwaseun: Civil society organizations including Stand to End Rape, Amnesty International, Through the Eyes of African Women and other organizations have been at the forefront with the protest demanding action. There is also dialogue with the national human rights, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the Inspector General of Police-who we wrote a petition to. So there has been a lot of push from the civil society angle and well-meaning Nigerians. We just need the Government to take action on that and we will not relent on the pressure until something is done.
Campaign poster. Nigerian women have held protests against police violence. Courtesy Photo.
African Feminism: Looking at what happened in Abuja, would you say there is state-sponsored violence against women on the grounds of ’curbing immorality and prostitution’?
Oluwaseun: Yes, there is. Because if the state itself is now using violence against women to curb immorality, -what exactly is the state curbing. Because the state is also going against the law by abusing innocent people. Because whether I’m a sex worker or not, I shouldn’t be sexually violated by anyone. So yes, there is state violence against women and this is manifested through so many means and one of such means is this police raid.
African Feminism: Abayomi Shogunle, one of the country’s top police commissioners, justified the raid because they were prostitutes. How do we change the culture of tolerance of sexual harassment and violence against women?
Oluwaseun: I remember him. And it’s a representation of our society and our government. What we need to do as individuals is to continue to educate people on the importance of respecting women’s rights. We need to hold people accountable. Which is what has been the weaker part of the Nigerian legal system. While the education aspect is promoting prevention and when it does occur we need to punitive measures that help people understand that this is not just a law in paper-it’s a law in practice. That when you harass or abused a woman you will face the consequences. So until we get to that space, we just have to keep talking, advocating and hoping that it will reduce the prevalence and the incidence of sexual harassment. But it has to be education, side by side punitive measures.
Courtesy Photo. A poster from a protest held by Nigerian women against police brutality.
African Feminism: What kind of remedies can Nigerian women seek if they experience harassment by the police? Any organizations they can seek help from?
Oluwaseun: You can report to organizations. You can report to Stand to End Rape, you can report to The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Amnesty International. There are many civil society organizations you can report to and they will help you to institute a case against the accuser.
African Feminism: What other issues stand from that night of the raid?
Oluwaseun: I feel like there is a nonchalant attitude by the Nigerian Police Force. When we were organizing the protest in Abuja, we had gotten a directive not to go ahead with the protest by the Nigerian Police or else whatever we face will be at our own detriment. But as young people, we understand that it’s within our right to protest that any injustice against us or any other Nigerian and we took to the streets. There seems to be a nonchalant attitude by the police to fish out the bad eggs representing the Nigerian Police Force. And there also seems to be a lack of understanding of what the law on women’s right actually is and how it should be interpreted. By now it’s not difficult to know the officers who actually went on that raid on that particular day. It’s not rocket science. By now they should have been arrested, they should have been charged to court. It’s not rocket science. But then if it’s taken them this long for them to even identify the perpetrators it means that there is no desire in them for justice. Whether is justice for women, justice for survivors. They are not just bothered about justice in general.
African Feminism: Share with us what you’re working on presently.
Oluwaseun: STER’s focus at the moment is working on sexual harassment in universities. We’ve been are doing a lot of work since last year on this issue and sometime this year we will be coming forward with our work. So besides the normal support services and advocacy that we do, we’re focusing our energy on sexual harassment in universities and also training of healthcare workers on how to identify and respond to issues on sexual violence.
We’re grateful to Oluwaseun for speaking to us. You can find out more about Stand to End Rape, and their activities on their website.
Via: Nigeria women protest via @JustDerby
Tags: Gender based-Violence in Nigeria, Nigeria, Nigeria police brutality, Nigerian women, VAW, Violence against women in Nigeria
adebisi24
Adebisi Adewusi is a writer and photographer
Identity, Erasure, and African Feminism
What Feminist Peace Means in Changing Contexts of Conflicts
adebisi24 June 26, 2019
The Violence of Erasing Feminist Labour
Nancy Houston Ouya June 21, 2019
African Sisterhood and the Push for Accountability in the #MeToo Era
Rosebell Kagumire May 30, 2019
Nigerian Women Protest Against Abuja Police Raid and Rape
Nightmares that Eat You Alive
africanfeminism November 28, 2014
An Open Letter to H.E. Tedros Adhanom
Saying NO to VAW – Follow-up on Aberash Haileay's Case
africanfeminism September 22, 2011
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About the National Domestic Workers Alliance:
The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) is the nation’s leading voice for dignity and fairness for the millions of domestic workers in the United States.
Founded in 2007, NDWA works for respect, recognition, and inclusion in labor protections for domestic workers, the majority of whom are immigrants and women of color.
NDWA is powered by over 60 affiliate organizations and local chapters and by thousands of members. Domestic workers in all 50 states can join NDWA and gain access to member benefits, connection with other workers, and opportunities to get involved in the domestic worker movement.
NDWA is winning improved working conditions while building a powerful movement rooted in the rights and dignity of domestic workers, immigrants, women, and their families by:
Some people think domestic work is easy and they do not value our labor, but work is work — no matter what kind of job it is.
Domestic worker from California
Working with a broad range of groups and individuals—including supporters like you—to change how we value care, women, families, and our communities.
Developing women of color leaders and investing in grassroots organizations to realize their potential.
Building powerful state, regional, and national campaigns for concrete change.
About Domestic Work
Everyday, over 2.5 million nannies, house cleaners, and care workers do the work of caring and cleaning in our homes. Domestic workers are the nannies that take care of our children, the house cleaners that bring order to our home, and the care workers that ensure that our loved ones can live with dignity and independently. Domestic workers are majority women, mostly immigrant and women of color.
Domestic work is real work.
Domestic workers are skilled professionals, yet the work can be physically and emotionally demanding. Many domestic workers often work in isolation, behind closed doors and can log long hours to provide quality care for employers.
Domestic Workers are denied basic labor rights.
When most of our country’s labor laws, like the Fair Labor Standards Act, were drafted, domestic workers were deliberately left out. Workplace standards like a minimum wage, overtime pay, or protections against sexual harassment in the workplace are rarely extended to domestic workers, if at all. Many domestic workers do not earn a living wage and work without access to health care, paid sick days or paid time off. Because of domestic workers' unique workplaces — inside other people’s homes — the struggles domestic workers face are largely out of the public spotlight. Domestic workers take care of what is most important to us, yet they are often the least valued and the most vulnerable.
Domestic work is the work that makes all other work possible.
Care jobs are on track for being one of the fastest growing jobs in the next decade. While we can now access many services online, care and cleaning jobs can’t be outsourced or automated. We have an opportunity to make care jobs good jobs.
Together, we can win the protections and recognition that this vital American workforce needs!
When I work with my clients I say to myself: I am going to make a difference.
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Raising awareness - Energy
- Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
The Importance of Transportation and Fuel Sources
By: Georgina Steel
As I have become more environmentally conscious I subsequently became more aware of how dependent Massachusetts and especially people of my generation are on cars. We don’t tend to use public transportation very often. This is partially the fault of The MBTA, because its condition does not compel us to use it. Also, particularly in the United States, we have made driving a personal car a luxury. It is a sign of status to have a car and drive yourself around. So, when people get enough money they will buy a car and show everyone they have the advantage of independence. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have been drastically increasing over the past few years and the car industry has a lot to do with that. The United States have built their transportation systems around roads and put public transportation on the back burner, so it is squeezed in randomly at the end.
I go to Buckingham Browne & Nichols in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I sent out a survey to my high school and got about 100 responses from a range of 9th-12th graders and teachers. This made my data pool be a good mix of my school. Cambridge is a quite liberal and progressive town, but I was still surprised at some of the responses. However, the answer to one question that came as no surprise were was I asked people their gender in the survey and the females lead with 60%. From what I have seen, the environmentally proactive people tend to be mostly women.
Now it’s time for you to take a survey too:
What kind of car do you or your family drive?
Poll Maker
Do you carpool?
With 1 person
With 2 people
With 4 or more people
If you don’t carpool, could you?
Do you take public transportation? (you can select multiple answers)
The Effect of CO2 From Cars on the Earth
The US Energy Information Agency estimates that, in 2015, transportation emissions for U.S. motor gasoline added up to about 1,105 million metric tons of CO2 and emissions from diesel fuel added up to 440 million metric tons of CO2. This totaled to 1,545 million metric tons of CO2 being released into the atmosphere in one year by cars in the US. This was equivalent to 83% of total U.S. transportation sector CO2 emissions, showing how cars are a primary mode of transportation in the US. It is also equivalent to 29% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in 2015, which is almost one third of the US’s emissions coming from cars, even with things like factories. Cars are just such a huge part of our life. We also all seem to drive gas cars with too little concern for what affect it has on the environment. “About 19.64 pounds of carbon dioxide are produced from burning a gallon of gasoline that does not contain ethanol. About 22.38 pounds of CO2 are produced from burning a gallon of diesel fuel.” “It seems impossible that a gallon of gasoline, which weighs about 6.3 pounds, could produce almost 20 pounds of carbon dioxide when burned. However, most of the weight of the CO2 doesn’t come from the gasoline itself, but the oxygen in the air.” (https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=307&t=11)
Through my survey, I wanted to estimate how much CO2 the varied group of 98 gas car users gave off. Cars travel about 20 miles per gallon. 61 people travel 5 miles, 27 travel 15 miles, 9 travel 25 miles, 1 travels 45 miles. For the sake of my calculation let’s say that 20 pounds of CO2 is released into the atmosphere when one gallon of gas is used. 305+405+225+45=980 pounds of CO2 for one trip to school. 1960 pounds of CO2 for a round trip, so for one day. The average amount of school days in a year is 180 so 180 x 1960 = 352,800. The control group of 98 people in my survey who drive gas cars produce 352,800 pounds of CO2 every school year, which is outrageous.
Alternative Modes of Transportation
Buses reduce greenhouse gas emissions, because the more people that take public transportation, the more people that are out of personal cars. Buses are already running, so why not use them. It is like a massive carpool and runs on a timed schedule so you can plan your day around it, so that it is no inconvenience to you. With more people taking the bus, there is less traffic on the road and everyone can get to their destination faster. Many argue that a bus requires more gas so there for emits more CO2 in order to run, however, since it is already running, it is more efficient to use the transportation that is there rather than adding to the emissions by driving your own car.
Trains are great alternative to cars because there is no traffic at all. Sure they might get busy during rush hour, but they run on their own track, making your morning and night commute much faster and very predictable as far as timing goes. There never is a traffic jam in the tunnels underground. Trains also come relatively frequently, so you don’t have to wait for too long. Many people including my friends and I, take the train in Boston, because parking is so limited and it covers a lot of the inner city.
CARPOOLING:
To reduce your carbon footprint you should carpool more! The more people in the car, the less CO2 emissions and traffic there will be, because it takes other cars off the road. Also, everyone can share the cost of gas in order to save money.
I thought it was a shame that even though a lot of people at BB&N could have carpooled to school together and they knew it too, they chose not to. I took the chance to educate my school about carbon emissions from cars and their affect on the environment through my school newspaper. I am sure many more people will decide to carpool now. I also brought up the idea on carpool parking spots in order to encourage carpooling. However, my school is already low on parking, because we are right next to a big intersection and a river, so my school was hesitant to make these parking spots. I hope that they will keep it in their mind and maybe create them later.
ELECTRIC CARS:
Electric cars don’t use any gas, so they don’t have CO2 emissions while they are driving. However, they need to be charged up overnight, which uses electricity from the grid that is mostly produced using coal. So electric cars do have CO2 emissions, just not as much as a normal gas car. They are also usually cheaper than a normal gas fueled car, so they are really worth it. Governments also usually subsidize electric cars, which helpful because money is always a big incentive. The one draw back is they can’t drive super long distances without being plugged in again. Since they charge so slowly you also really should keep it charging all night.
In my survey I asked people if they wanted an electric car charging station. I realized that building a charging station and getting all the planning permission for it was a little out of my reach in such a short time frame. I also did not get enough people interested according to my principal. However, it was great that 67% or 2/3rds of the survey group wanted one. I have started the ball rolling and I hope the Eco Reps at my school will continue my project. Many people think it is ridiculous getting an electric car charger at school though, because not enough people have electric cars. However, I believe that “if we build it they will come.” So basically if we put in an electric car charger at school more people would buy them. It would give you good parking as well, which is important in a city school, like mine, with limited parking options.
How are you going to change your mode of transportation in order to reduce your carbon footprint? What did the initial survey reveal about you? Tell me in the comments below.
This video summarizes what I have stated in my presentation. It is almost 30 mins and is great to watch when you have the time!
http://www.icosystem.com/boston-public-transportation-blues/
http://insideevs.com/how-much-do-public-and-home-ev-charging-stations-really-cost/
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric_emissions.php
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGQTlM9dwUE
https://steelguru.com/auto/governments-delayed-new-rules-on-car-emissions-eu-parliament/474872
https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=307&t=11
http://autocraft1.com
http://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/car-emissions-and-global-warming
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/greener-travel-car-or-rail
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Blair Kamin on ‘Terror and Wonder’
General / People / Places / Products / October 15, 2010
Where Ada Louise Huxtable of The Wall Street Journal once asked if we’d kicked a building lately, Blair Kamin of the Chicago Tribune now urges us to grasp fully the state of design since 9/11.
In his new book, “Terror and Wonder: Architecture in a Tumultuous Age,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning critic strives mightily to define architecture during an epoch bracketed by “two great thunderclaps in the sky” – the destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001 and the completion of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, in 2010.
Using 51 of his columns from the Trib, broken into five sections, he analyzes the good and the bad of the last decade’s architecture, as revealed by its impact on the people who use it.
“It’s like curating your own show,” he said. “You have to figure out what to leave in and what to leave out. You have to decide which pieces speak to the broader themes and to the arc of the story.”
Kamin is a graduate of Amherst College with a master’s from Yale University’s School of Architecture. But he was educated, he said, in the newsroom of The Des Moines Register and in the streets of Chicago. “Chicago’s got the best buildings in the world, and it’s the perfect place for learning the lessons of architecture, rather than looking through the polemical lens at Yale.”
Nearly a decade after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, he believes the timing is right to examine the full effect of that day on our built environment, and on the profession.
“The terrorists turned the institutions of modern culture against us,” he said. “It was fully thought out – turning jets into missiles, buildings into infernos and the media into a means of broadcasting their message.”
From that day came two wars abroad and a ratcheting up of security at home, followed by Hurricane Katrina and the collapse of Lehman Brothers. But, as Kamin notes, there were also moments of great joy and optimism, like the opening of Chicago’s Millennium Park in 2004, and the completion of the Burj Khalifa– “an Eiffel Tower that people will live in” – in January of this year.
“This is an appropriate time to reflect on the era,” the critic said. “The point is to put it all in perspective.”
He has done so masterfully, in language that is at once understandable and gracefully written.
For more on “Terror and Wonder: Architecture in a Tumultuous Age,” go to
http: www.press.uchicago.edu/presssite/metadata.epl?isbn=9780226423111
Monday: A Look at the Forces at Work in Architecture, Post 9/11
Kamin_Terror+Wonder_IFT
blairkamin
Tags: Blair Kamin, featured
Turning Chestnut and Pine into Homes
Learning to Value a Livable City
Zac Guy got his start in the recycled antique wood business when he took down a barn while still in high school. “A...
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Julia Tonconogy Pfeiffer studied art in Buenos Aires and at Parsons in New York. Then three years ago, she started her own line of carpets at Jt. Pfeiffer. They're not just for floors....
The Punta Caliza Hotel in Quintana Roo
On the island of Isla Holbox, where the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is 26 miles long and almost a mile wide, is a new hotel. It’s in the state of Quintana Roo, where fishing...
Drawing for Landscape Architecture
Edward Hutchison is an alumnus of the Royal College of Art in Great Britain, a 1984 graduate of the Architectural Association in London and for a time, the only landscape architect...
Revisiting a 1968 Arne Jacobson Design
If only Arne Jacobson were alive to see the newest iteration of his VOLA brand of minimalist fixtures. They’re an understated matte white – a finish that he and Verner Overgard,...
McKim, Mead & White: The Monograph
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Revitalizing Regional Vernacular in France
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In the Bronx, Ice Scream by Asthetíque
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Joe Ginsberg's Marmara Park Avenue Hotel
The coolly beating heart of New York's Marmara Park Avenue boutique hotel is its lobby, handcrafted by Joe Ginsberg's atelier. There's the terrazzo floor created with resins poured...
Motel Vegas: A Book by Fred Sigman
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From New Ravenna, Bright Young Things
For her newest collection at New Ravenna, Cean Irminger is channeling the likes of T. S. Eliot and Cecil Beaton. They were part of one of the first media-savvy café societies in Western...
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The Merkel Cooper Residence by in situ studio is designed first to conceal and then to reveal. The architects from Raleigh nestled the home into a hillside 100 feet up, to preside...
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At U.Va., a Memorial to Enslaved LaborersJuly 15, 2019
A House for Privacy, by Arielle SchechterJuly 12, 2019
Patrick Dougherty: 'A Passing Fancy'July 10, 2019
Master Architect Philip Freelon (1953-2019)July 9, 2019
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Oscars 2015: reflecting on love at first sight and what makes a film ‘Jewish’
Click photo to download. Caption: A poster for “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” the film that made Cindy Sher fall in love with the movies. Credit: Amblin Entertainment.
By Cindy Sher/JNS.org
I’m in love, and have been for a long time.
It’s a relationship filled with laughter, tears, intrigue, and surprise. It was love at first sight, back when I was a little girl—with an extra-terrestrial that longed to go home.
From then on, that love has never wavered, and isn’t reserved for one, but for oh so many—Ferris Bueller, Annie Hall, Tootsie, Harry and Sally, Marty McFly, Atticus Finch, Danny Zuko, Yentl, that little dog Toto, Mrs. Doubtfire, and so many others.
Yes, I’m in love with the movies.
What’s better than settling into a crowded movie theater on opening weekend, $14 buttered popcorn wafting through the air, the larger-than-life screen, booming sound, and darkness enveloping us? Our daily worries melt away, and we’re swept into another world for two-plus hours.
Sometimes movies are meant purely for escape, and other times their stories change the way we think about our own lives—our real-life dramas and comedies. At best, movies make us think, feel, connect, love, and even reach for greatness.
Every winter—culminating with the Oscars, which took place last Sunday night—I cram in as many movie nominees as I can. In the last three months, I’ve watched a British mathematician break the Nazi code, witnessed peril through the eyes of a Navy SEAL sniper in Iraq, seen a boy blossom into a man over 12 actual years, marched on Selma, climbed inside the genius brain of Steven Hawking, hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, meandered “into the woods,” and more.
We Jews, as a people, tend to love the movies, and we’re represented in so many interesting ways on film and behind the scenes.
In 2011, Tablet Magazine compiled its list of the top 100 Greatest Jewish Films of all time. For the magazine’s staff to pick their favorites, they first asked themselves one crucial question: What the heck is a Jewish film? And since there’s really no formula for defining a “Jewish film,” they decided to think about their picks in terms of a broad definition of Jewishness—movies based on the identity of its creators, overarching Jewish themes, films that have a big influence on pop culture, and movies that simply possess a Jewish sensibility about them. Their list was eclectic, and included everything from “The Jazz Singer” to “The Wedding Singer.”
But their top choice for the best Jewish film might surprise you. They picked—drumroll please—“E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” the story of the little alien who made me fall in love with movies all those years ago.
Cindy Sher. Credit: Provided photo.
Of course, the movie, one of the highest-grossing films ever, was directed by one of our greatest Jewish filmmakers, Steven Spielberg. But there’s more to it: “E.T.,” Tablet said, tells the story of a bewildered alien in a strange land, a metaphor for an immigrant’s tale. The film’s themes of home, love, family, friendship, and enchantment, according to the magazine, make it a beautiful choice for the quintessential Jewish movie.
Of course, any film school professor worth her salt would find it great food for thought to think about what makes a film Jewish or even what makes a decent film in general.
But the joy of movies, to me, doesn’t have to be proven like a mathematical equation. It’s really that je ne sais quoi quality that moves us to an almost transcendent place—that mystical, magical feeling that lingers with us long after the last frame ends.
No, we can’t always define what it is about movies that speak to us. All we know is—just like that sweet little Reese’s Pieces-eating alien—we love them.
Cindy Sher is the Executive Editor of Chicago’s JUF News.
Download this story in Microsoft Word format here.
Posted on February 19, 2015 by JNS.org and filed under Arts, Opinion.
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Conditions of residence and required documents
The student should be a non-resident of Greater Cairo, knowing that the centers of Touk - Kafr Shukr - Banha - Shebin El-kanater - [Qalioubia] - Al-Saff - Atfih - Hawamdiyah - Al Wahat - Al Badrasheen" are outside Greater Cairo.
The student shall be a high school graduate from outside Greater Cairo.
The student must be a regular student in the bachelor departments with a certificate of success, estimation, and the percentage of the student's total scores.
The student shall not be punished by one of the disciplinary penalties stipulated in the executive regulations of the law of organizing universities and its amendments or the list of university cities.
The student should not have any financial entitlements for university cities.
Complete the application electronically and after the announcement of the result of acceptance, all documents, declarations and paper signatures are submitted by the city administration.
The applicant girl shall be unmarried and never married with an administrative certificate.
Provide a copy of the national ID card (for the boys / girls), the guardian and the guarantor, provided that the date of issuance of these cards is from a previous year.
The guarantor may be replaced by a repayment of 200 pounds as a replacement for the guarantor to be recovered in the absence of damages.
Pass the medical examination and conduct the required medical tests.
A confirmation from the guarantor approved by the employer (there is a form on the site).
(16) Photographs (4 × 6).
Important instructions
Be sure to read the admission requirements and the required documents carefully.
Coordination shall be made based on the percentage of the total and taking into account the distance between Cairo and the Governorate of residence as a preferential factor, specifying the number of places per faculty based on statistics of previous years.
Commitment of new students to submit applications for conversion to reduce alienation in the legal period specified for that and obtain a letter of rejection during the same period.
The opening will be from 16/8 to 30/8/2014 and the result will be announced electronically.
In the case of the newly issued national ID cards, a recent receipt of an invoice of electricity, gas or water shall be attached to the housing.
All data will be requested when all university papers are submitted.
Ain Shams University has the right to accept or reject the application to reside in its university cities, in accordance with its absorptive capacity and the priorities of acceptance in accordance with its internal regulations and regulations.
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New Park "Vendor" Rules Won't Affect Performers - City. Commish Lies Over Responsibility For 2011 Crack-Down
"Although those rules are written, you're saying that none of those rules is going to be enforced on us. Excuse me but that's a contradiction and that confuses the entire room."
- Joe Mangrum to Manhattan Borough Parks Commissioner William Castro.
Colin Huggins playing in the Washington Square Park over the weekend. In 2011 he received numerous summonses from Park Enforcement Patrol officers in a crackdown on performers carried out by the Parks Department. Under new rules adopted by the agency, the city classifies "entertainers" who solicit donations in parks as "vendors," requiring licenses and special permits. Yet at a Community Board 2 meeting last week, Manhattan Borough Parks Commissioner William Castro said the new rules won't be enforced, leaving many people scratching their heads in confusion. (Photos: Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Adovocates) Click on images to enlarge
Castro blamed the 2011 summons crackdown against performers and musicians on a single PEP officer, an assertion vehemently denied by those involved. The ticket blitz generated a public outcry and considerable media attention.
The revised park rules for performers and musicians go into effect on May 8th. There are two PEP officers and one supervisor assigned to cover 59th Street to the Battery in Manhattan.
The Parks Department spent last week backpedaling from its 2011 ticket-blitz on musicians and performers in Washington Square Park, pinning the blame on one overzealous Parks Enforcement Patrol officer – yet it refused to reverse the rule changes that led to the crackdown, and in fact added more restrictive language.
Confusion and disbelief reigned at a meeting of Manhattan Community Board 2’s Parks Committee, as a senior Parks official vowed the new rules, which go into effect May 8, won’t stop musicians and other performers from playing in Washington Square Park.
The City is attempting to classify performers and musicians "providing entertainment" who solicit donations in parks as "vendors" under new rules adopted by the agency.
On April 2, the department quietly held a public meeting that finalized the changes.
The new rule is aimed at controlling revenue production in parks, and cracking down on long-protected rights critics say, and violators face fines of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $1,000 thereafter.
According to Parks however, the purpose of the new rules is to "clarify the Department’s original intent that individuals providing entertainment, such as musical performances, juggling, dance, or other performance arts in exchange for a fee or for a donation are considered vendors.”
§ 2. Section 1-05(b) of Title 56 of the Official Compilation of the Rules of the City of New York has now been amended to read as follows: "No person in or on any property under the jurisdiction of the Department shall sell, offer for sale, hire, lease or let anything whatsoever, including, but not limited to goods, services, or entertainment, or provide or offer to provide services or items, or entertainment in exchange for a donation (hereinafter ‘vend’), except under and within the terms of a permit, or except as otherwise provided by law.”
Steven Goulden, acting corporation counsel in the city's Law Department, signed this amendment dated December 28, 2012. On January 29, 2013 Hunter Gradie from the Mayor’s Office of Operations, analyzed the proposed rule Pursuant to Charter section 1043(d).
In 2011, street performers were aggressively targeted by the Bloomberg administration under the new rule’s prohibition against collecting donations near landmarks or monuments in parks under the Parks Department's Expressive Matter vending rules. PEP officers were instructed to ticket performers and musicians for unlawful vending and unlawful assembly. Several performers were threatened with arrest.
Joe Mangrum making one of his signature sand creations in Washington Square Park on Friday. During the initiative in 2011 he received six tickets over several weeks, five in Washington Square Park and one in Union Square Park totaling $4,750 in fines.
On Thursday April 25th, DEP employees accompanied by a captain and plain clothes officers from the 6th Pct, and Parks Department personnel surveyed the noise conditions created by musicians playing in Union Square Park. It was was quiet according to city sources.
"The park is for everyone, for the general public, not for (a performer) whose sole purpose is making money," William Castro told the Daily News in 2011. He was referring to the street performance group Tic & Tac, who had been doing shows in Washington Square Park for more than 25 years.
Public outcry forced the city to eventually back down. Legal action was threatened but not before PEP officers wrote dozens of tickets. Within weeks of a December 2011 press conference held in Washington Square Park to denounce the crackdown, the city agreed to dismiss all summonses. Many of the performers and musicians who attended the news conference, organized by NYC Park Advocates with attorneys Norman Siegel and Ron Kuby, spoke of being harassed, some since the spring.
In a highly controversial move earlier that year, the city had attempted to prohibit performing near Central Park's Bethesda fountain as well. A legally blind a cappella singer was threatened with arrest after the singer received multiple summonses.
However in a 180-degree turn at last week’s meeting Manhattan Borough Parks Commissioner Castro claimed performers would in fact be allowed to do many of the things they had previously been ticketed for in 2011.
Castro insisted nothing will change. This "slight adjustment to the rules," he said, “is not going to affect the musicians to come to the park to play."
Most people at Wednesday's meeting understood Mr. Castro's explanation as the city was not going to enforce the rules that the Parks Department just passed. And Mr. Castro's assurances did little to allay the fears of many in the audience.
"It can be confusing, I understand that," he said.
"It's gotten some attention through confusion, which we understand."
"If you come to play music, the guys and gals who sit on the benches who play, they sit on the grass, wherever, they stand right by the Garibaldi statue and play – all those places, the piano – you can play under the arch, you're fine," Castro explained.
"You don’t need a permit. You are not going to be told to leave the park. You're not going to get a ticket. You're fine. You can do that – that's not going to change. You don't have to be x feet away from this or that or any of that jazz – you don't have to do that.
If you're putting the hat out and your case is open and people traditionally put money into it, you're fine. That's not a problem at all," Castro said.
He also stressed that performers were allowed to sell CDs without a permit, as long as they didn't have a display stand that people could trip over.
Castro said the rule change had nothing to do with Washington Square Park in mind though the distance restrictions would effectively put the park off-limits. "It's not because Washington Square was a problem, and we wrote this change or something," he said.
On December 19, 2011, Community Board 2 had convened a very well attended meeting where not a single person spoke in favor of the Parks Department's crackdown on performers, except for Castro. At the time he claimed the new rules were not meant to ban performers from soliciting donations.
So why have the new rule then? On Wednesday Community Board members asked Castro to explain why the 2011 crackdown occurred and who was responsible.
Following the well-worn path created by his ex-boss, former Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Castro would not accept responsibility for the screw-up and instead offered an elaborate explanation that obfuscated the reality.
"I think it would be helpful to clarify what happened then," said former Parks Committee chair – and former Parks Department employee – Tobi Bergman.
"Someone went off basically and enforced the strict letter of the law or whatever – it's not even clear to me. It's been a few years, and I'd have to go back and take a look at it," Castro replied.
"Who was this somebody?" another board member asked. "Was it a PEP officer or . . . "
"A PEP officer, a PEP officer, yes, that's right," he said.
Instead of answering the question honestly, Castro portrayed the campaign by several city agencies against “expressive matter vendors" as the actions of a lone rogue PEP officer. Yet at the time, the most senior Parks Department officials were involved on this issue and included coordinating with the NYPD's 6th Precinct, according to several Parks employees intimately aware of the operation.
They say the crackdown had been sanctioned by then Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe with the department’s General Counsel, Alessandro Olivieri, and it was implemented by multiple Parks officials, including Castro and senior Park Enforcement Patrol personel Mike Docket and Raymond Brown as well as PEP Inspector Robert Reeves, Deputy Inspector Edwin Rodriguez, and others – all of whom personally went down to Washington Square Park to supervise and survey the situation at various times during the initiative.
"Those orders came from them, not from us," said a PEP officer familiar with the plan who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. "They tried everything to get these guys, but nothing would stick. (The tickets) kept getting thrown out in court."
Another option discussed in meetings with the NYPD would use the city’s noise ordinance against performers. "They talked about getting an audio meter to measure the noise levels, but they never came through with it,” said the PEP officer.
"It's much easier to throw green shifts under the bus than to take responsibly yourself,” said another officer, referring to the uniform worn by PEP officers.
Other sources point out the crackdown came during Occupy Wall Street, when the city was operating on heightened security and responded in a knee-jerk reaction.
"Our officers had absolutely nothing to do with initiating this," said Joe Puleo, vice president of DC37's Local 987, which represents PEP officers. "They did what they were instructed to do and did so reluctantly. They were uncomfortable. Many felt they were violating these people's rights."
Instead of directing resources to prevent crime at a time when PEP head count was at record lows and crime in parks was rising Puleo said, the Bloomberg administration choose to make stopping performers a priority. "These orders came through management and the administration," he said. "They thought they were in Giuliani mode."
During the 2011 crackdown, pianist Colin Huggins was issued nine tickets by several different officers for playing classical music in Washington Square Park. "It felt like he was trying to cover something up," Huggins said, contesting Castro's version of events. "Did he think anyone would believe that this was done by one officer?"
Huggins was one of the musicians threatened with arrest. He was approached near the park's fountain by Ray Brown, whom he described as supervising the initiative.
"He was calling my piano my 'art stand.' He showed me an illustration of a foldout table for vending and said the piano was the same thing. It was ridiculous. We went back and forth, and finally he said, 'You know the rules.’ He said, ‘If you don't leave now, we're going to arrest you, and no one likes to get arrested.’"
Huggins said that after a while the issuing of summonses was so routine "it got to the point where it was like, ‘Here's your ticket for the day.’ They would slip it under my sheet music so as not to interrupt my playing. The officers giving the tickets themselves were very nice."
Ray Brown was upset to see Huggins playing under the Washington Square Park arch. "He didn't like that," according to a Parks Department source.
Artist Joe Mangrum has been working in the park for years.
"The rules that I saw that were passed on April 2nd include any exchange of money is considered vending and that no vending can be done within fifty-feet of a monument, no vending can be done within so many feet (5 feet) of a bench, which basically makes it impossible to do any of what you just said in Washington Square," Mr. Mangrum said addressing Castro at the Community Board meeting.
"Then you're confusing the issue because that's what is written, that's what's written in the rules, and you just contradicted everything in that in what you just said," he said.
Mangrum, who lugs 60 pounds of sand from Brooklyn to create his brightly colored designs on the ground, said he had been issued six summonses by at least three different PEP officers over two months in 2011. Five tickets were issued in Washington Square Park and one in Union Square Park, totaling $4,750 in fines.
"It was an Oscar-worthy performance," Mangrum said afterwards, noting Castro's lack of candor. "He threw PEP under the bus and took no responsibly for who was behind it."
In December, 2011, Kareen Barnes, a member of the group Tic & Tac, said he had been slapped with nearly $10,000 in summonses in two months -- but an Environmental Control Board judge dismissed all the fines after he argued his Constitutional rights had been violated. He said they city has given him and his brother dozens of tickets over the years, and all of the tickets have been thrown out in court.
State Assembly member Deborah Glick's chief of staff, Matt Borden, echoed the feeling of the crowd when he said that relying on one commissioner’s word wasn't in the best interest of the public, when the rules say something very different.
“The next Parks Commissioner, if they don’t have the same ethos as you folks, you might have to fight this fight again.”
He said something more binding and concrete should be adopted to reflect what Castro was representing. Several members of the Community Board recommended the same thing.
Amidst Confusion, Community and Performers to City’s Parks Department: Commit in Writing — No “Performance Crackdown” at Washington Square, and all NYC Parks
Washington Square Blog - May 2, 2013
City Backs Down On Artists & Musicians In Washington Square Park
A Walk In The Park - May 14, 2012 - By Geoffrey Croft
Parks Dept. Performance Summonses Put On Hold In Washington Square Park
A Walk In The Park - January 2, 2012
Crowd Denounces Parks Dept. Washington Square Park Performer Crack Down
A Walk In The Park - December 22, 2011
Don’t Ban The Washington Square Park Buskers - Editorial
The Vilager - December 17, 2011
Washington Square Park Performer Crackdown Community Board Meeting
Walk In The Park - December 7, 201
Bloomberg $ Cracks Down On Performers In Washington Square Park Ticket Blitz
A Walk In The Park - December 4, 2011 - By Geoffrey Croft
Labels: Adrian Benepe, Bill Castro, Deborah Glick, PEP, Washington Square Park
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Anne Cormier awarded Margolese National Design for Living Prize
By Banggiagoldmark On Dec 14, 2017
The UBC Faculty of Applied Science, through the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, awards the 2017 Margolese National Design for Living Prize to Anne Cormier.
An architect and educator, Anne’s impact spans the fields of practice, education, research, and leadership. She is the co-founder of the award-winning Montreal-based firm . She is also an Associate Professor at the School of Architecture at the Université de Montréal, where she served as Director between 2007 and 2015. Anne’s research has led to roles with the World Design Summit, and the Laboratoire d’étude de l’architecture potentielle (LEAP).
“When Randy Cohen, Howard Davies and myself founded our firm, Atelier Big City, we adopted the motto Make Architecture a Public Policy,” Anne said. “We firmly believed then that Architecture has a major role to play in the quality of everyday life. We still do. The Margolese Prize acknowledges the social importance of design. I am deeply grateful to the late Leonard Herbert Margolese for this.”
In their decision, the selection committee noted Anne’s exemplary use of her wide-ranging abilities in making Canada a better place to live. In particular, her interdisciplinary work in the social end of design led the committee to their unanimous decision. More about the selection committee’s decision can be found in the December issue of Canadian Architect.
“Excellence in design and architecture is too often considered superfluous. It is not,” Anne said. “Design is part of what makes life vibrant! Design is part of what gives a pulse to life!”
Anne Cormier. Photo via UDM
Anne holds a Bachelor of Science (Architecture) and a Bachelor of Architecture from McGill University, as well as a Certificat d’études approfondies en architecture urbaine from the Paris-Villemin school of architecture. She is a member of l’Ordres des architectes du Quebec. Her firm, Atelier Big City, were the recipients of the Prix de Rome in architecture from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Governor General’s medal and the grand prize in architecture from the Ordre des architectes du Québec.
Anne will be presented with the award at a public event in the Spring of 2018, which will take place in Vancouver. Details are forthcoming, and can be found on the SALA website when available.
About the Margolese National Design for Living Prize
Created by a generous estate gift to the University of British Columbia by Leonard Herbert Margolese, the each year awards $50,000 to one Canadian who has made and continues to make outstanding contributions to the development or improvement of living environments for Canadians of all economic classes.
ArchitectureAwardsInterior DesignMargolese
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center for surrogate parenting
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Christian Life Magazine /Cover Story/July 2016
Sid Gautreaux’s Leadership is Rooted in His Faith in the Lord and a Passion for Public Service
Cover StoryJuly 2016
by Trapper S. Kinchen
For nine years, Sid J. Gautreaux III has served East Baton Rouge Parish as the embodiment of law and order. He has – with devotion, humility and resolve – worked to hedge the relentless flow of crime in the metropolitan area.
Under his direction, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office opened its first ever Public Affairs Division, which allows citizens greater access to law enforcement resources on an individual level. His office has also worked toward diversifying its staff in order to better represent the parish populace. Perhaps most importantly, Gautreaux has begun offering optional faith-based initiatives for the members of his staff and prison inmates who are interested in growing their relationship with the Lord.
Gautreaux’s journey from the boisterous son of a Baton Rouge contractor to the parish’s highest-ranking law enforcement official is remarkable. Through principle, guidance and determination, he has learned how to be a successful leader. His life is a keen example of how rewarding personal surrender and absolute faithfulness can be.
“When I was growing up, everybody was your mentor, and everybody was a good mentor,” he said. Gautreaux’s childhood, although stable and loving, was by no means charmed. He was born in Baton Rouge and raised, until fourth grade, on the “poor side” of Park Boulevard. There, in a little house on Olive Street, Gautreaux began to learn about the power of God’s faithfulness.
While still very small, he was stricken with polio. His condition became so severe that his father – serving in the Korean War at the time – was called home. The worst was expected, but young Gautreaux survived, and through his recovery, he discovered the potency of prayer.
His family relocated to Baker when Gautreaux was in fourth grade. Eventually, he graduated from Baker High School and spent a year studying at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.
He described his childhood as being framed like a triangle. “The base of the triangle was my home, one side was my church, and the other was school. No matter where I was in that triangle, I got the same message: do no evil, do the right thing no matter the cost, and I knew I had consequences no matter where I was. But, I also knew I was getting the support I needed,” Gautreaux said.
After school, he spent some time working for his father’s construction business until joining the EBRSO in 1976. He spent his first year on the force serving at the parish jail. Then, he took to the roads as a patrolman, where he gladly remained for three years.
“If I had gone in the other direction, I wouldn’t be where I am, today,” he said. In 1980, Gautreaux left the sheriff’s office. He decided to run for Chief of the Baker Police Department. “That was an adventure in and of itself. My wife and I were both 29, we had four little children, and I’d never run for public office before,” he added.
Gautreaux’s first attempt at politics was a leap into the unknown — one that might have had any number of life-altering effects. “We [his wife and he] prayed about it. God said go for it, and we did!” Gautreaux said.
He won and served the City of Baker for 27 years until in 2007, he became the Sheriff of East Baton Rouge Parish. The rest, of course, is history.
Truthfully, sheriff seems like a thankless job. Gautreaux is forced to make personal sacrifices, his salary will never make him rich, and he shoulders an enormous responsibility for the public good. But, in spite of all that, he loves his work.
“To be able to help somebody through troubled times, that’s the satisfaction you get from this job. It’s about knowing you made a difference. I thank God everyday when I wake up and when I go to bed for putting me in this position,” he said.
The value of a leader is ultimately determined by the quality of the people he leads, and in the case of the EBRSO, that value is clear.
“Being sheriff is just like coaching. If you don’t have good assistants and good players, you don’t win,” Gautreaux said. “I’m blessed in that regard. There are some wonderful men and women who serve in the EBRSO.”
But, productive employees and industrious colleagues do not materialize on their own. Gautreaux carefully vets each applicant in order to see which people will best carry out the public interest.
“I look for three things when I hire somebody: I look at their physical stature, because that tells you how they feel about themselves. I look at their mental capacity, because they have to have that in today’s law enforcement, and I look at their heart. Because, you can have every bit of the first two and none of the heart, but I don’t want that,” he said. “What’s in your heart is your character and motivation, and the only reason to be in law enforcement is to serve. You have to have a servant’s heart and servant mentality. Just treat people the way you’d want them to treat you.”
Not everyone is ordained to lay his life down for the broader social good. It is a calling—one that requires a steely combination of grit and faith.
The Motivation
“My faith is in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. If it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t be where I am, today,” Gautreaux said. The fact that Gautreaux is 67 is mystifying. He possesses the enthusiasm, lightness of step and un-jadedness of a much younger man. Speaking with him is like sitting down with a friend. His charm is genuine, and it would be unlikely for anyone who has met him to doubt his sincerity.
His refreshing personality – although uniquely his own – is influenced by two outside forces: the Lord and his wife, Suzi. His devotion to God is unquestionable. Gautreaux is proud to say, “Jesus is my Lord and Savior.”
Then, there is his marriage. He said of the bond he shares with his wife, “It’s a partnership. She’s a great woman, a woman of God, and a strong woman.” Their relationship has been, like all successful ones, about give and take. “When we got married, she made me promise her three things: I wouldn’t hunt, I wouldn’t go into law enforcement, and I would join her at the Presbyterian Church,” he said.
Looking around his office – decorated in animal trophies remarkable enough to make Teddy Roosevelt resentful, and the badge of justice sitting on his desk – the answer is clear, “She got one of the three! I started going with her to a Presbyterian church.”
These days, he and his wife often attend Sunday services with their daughter’s family at St. John’s in Zachary. But, on any given Sunday, Gautreaux is hard to find. He is invited to visit churches across the parish, which he does whenever he can, and he gets the chance to speak to many of our local congregations.
He and Suzi currently live in the extreme north of the parish, where they head a large clan of four grown children, and 10 very much adored grandchildren. “We’re like every other family. We’ve dealt with sickness, abuse, etc., but through the power of prayer and God’s grace, we’re all here,” he said.
Sid’s hunting trophies.
True, he is an exceptionally blessed man, but he has no trouble acknowledging reality. “I’ve had my fair share of adversity,” he said. “But I know what has gotten me through everything and put me here today: God and his grace.”
It is a quiet blend of faith and family that pushes Gautreaux forward. His motivation lies in devotion: the love of the Lord, the affection of his wife, and a passion for public service.
“I’ve never, through all the trials and tribulations, questioned my decision to serve,” Gautreaux said. Sheriff is a job that does not stop at the end of the business day. It is the sort of work that requires hourly availability to the public. The same is true of all law enforcement. The men and women who serve our parish and our communities make powerful personal, professional and spiritual concessions to accommodate our needs.
Those sacrifices can be incredibly burdensome, but with faith, anything is endurable. “You struggle at times, when you see the pain and anguish and death in this profession. But I still come back to my faith in God. He gets me through it,” Gautreaux said.
Our men and women in uniform should not have to solitarily combat the destructive forces that threaten the parish. Sadly, too often we ignore the problems that face our communities. It is easier to saddle someone else with the responsibility of public welfare.
Gautreaux said that this indifference has to change. “Until the public as a whole comes together and realizes that drugs and crime and these other things are all our problems, things can’t improve,” he said. “I see so much apathy in people. People say, ‘I can’t do anything about it.’ Well, no you can’t if you have that attitude. People have to realize we’re all in this together.”
If anyone knows how best to ebb the escalating tide of crime, it is Gautreaux. In 2014, The Advocate reported that the parish-wide homicide rate had dropped by 20 percent in just two years. This and other similar accomplishments, were due, in large part, to the efforts enacted by the EBRSO to halt offenses before they occur.
We can endorse positive change in our communities by simply reaching out to one another. “Be a mentor. One of the biggest problems I see, today, is a lack of any direction with our youth,” Gautreaux said. “Everybody can be a mentor. It doesn’t take a lot of money or time. It takes all of us working together, on a daily basis, doing whatever we can.”
Sheriff Gautreaux speaking to children as part of the DARE Program.
It is as easy as letting your neighbor know you are available to him when he is in need. Or, telling the kids on your street that they are special and the Lord loves them. An individual gesture of good will and God’s devotion makes an enormous difference in people’s lives.
Gautreaux has seen people mobilize to address our region’s most pressing social dilemmas. “One good thing about Baton Rouge is that there are some people who really care and want to step up to the plate,” he said. Positive change comes when each of us stands up, makes a commitment and begins leading.
We are all responsible for bolstering our local law enforcement. Change comes through a joint effort. Our police force and our communities are most successful when each of us takes initiative.
The Wisdom
“Follow your dreams,” Gautreaux said. It takes effort and perseverance to be an effective leader. Whether you want to encourage positive change in your workplace, community or home, it starts with enthusiasm.
“You have to do two things: be at peace with yourself and be at peace with God’s calling on your life. But, realize there’s good and bad in everything. You just have to put your faith where it needs to be,” he said.
To the parents who have forgotten their purpose, Gautreaux said, “You’ve got to turn it over to God. Be involved with your children and spouse. Be involved with a church. It doesn’t matter what denomination you are, just so long as you’re there. Lead by example.”
No matter your age, remember there is always room to grow. Mimic the people you admire and brush off other people’s bitterness. “There’s good and bad in everything. I’ve tried to emulate people I knew were good men and women,” he said.
The key to success in life and leadership is faith. When you take the time to seek the Lord’s counsel and pay attention to his answers, you are bound to thrive. “When we pray and ask God for guidance, we have to sit back, be quiet, and listen. The times when I didn’t listen to God, I wound up doing the wrong thing,” Gautreaux said.
When Gautreaux thanks the Lord for the many blessings in his life, near the top of the list is his career. “I thank Him everyday for putting me where I am, and allowing me to help people,” he said.
Few people are born leaders. Each of us is responsible for uncovering our unique calling and putting our gifts to good use. It all starts with learning empathy, practicing patience and making the decision to serve.
Our paths will not always be painless. We are all responsible, with the Lord’s help, for conquering the hurdles that box us in. It is much like Gautreaux said, “Life’s not easy. But it’s a lot easier when you have faith in God and trust in Him.”
EBRSO Law Enforcement Leadership Sid Gautreaux
A Review of: Battle Scars of the Mind
Debi Sharkey: Defining Life by God’s Love
Would you still lead if…..?
WHY ARE YOU IN LEADERSHIP? So, you’re a leader. Great!…
Integrity in Leadership, Part 3, Walking with God
ANOTHER MARK OF INTEGRITY: Walking with God, By Fred Campbell…
ANOTHER MARK OF INTEGRITY: Walking with God (Part 2).
ANOTHER MARK OF INTEGRITY: Walking with God By: Fred Campbell…
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RONALD (RONNIE) WILLIS JONES
Mr. Ronald (Ronnie) Willis Jones, age 61, of Bartow, died Monday morning April 16, 2018, at his residence.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 21, 2018, in the Louisville First Baptist Church with Mr. Joe Cheeks and Mr. Mitchell McGraw officiating. Burial will follow in the Jefferson County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Sonny Harrison, Charles Irby, Joe Cox, L. C. Clark, Jr., William Hadden, Lamar Baxley, and Jimmy Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be active and retired members of the Louisville Fire Department.
A native of Louisville, Ronnie was the son of the late Dorothy McGahee Bishop. He was a 1976 graduate of Appling County High School in Baxley. Ronnie retired as the Superintendent of Utilities for the City of Louisville. He was a First Responder and Volunteer Fireman with the Louisville Fire Department where he served as Captain. Ronnie loved the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, but his greatest love was his family.
Survivors include his loving wife Susan F. Jones of Bartow, son David & Samantha Frost of Denver, CO, daughters Tiffany & Nick Gauthier of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Kelley Frost of Bartow, foster parents Bob & Stella Griffith of Statesboro, granddaughters Marina Gauthier and Lyla Gauthier of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and a brother Donnie Jones of Louisville.
The Jones Family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, April 20, 2018, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorials to Georgia Baptist Children’s Home & Family Ministries, 9420 Blackshear Hwy, Baxley, GA 31513 or at www.gbchfm.org in memory of Ronnie Jones.
You may sign the family’s personal guestbook online at www.taylorfhlouisville.com.
Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Louisville is in charge of arrangements.
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"The swing to digital reading could establish a lucrative software industry on the North Shore."
The Aucklander: 30 March, 2012
Booktrack deepens the plot
The swing to digital reading could establish a lucrative software industry on the North Shore.
That's the hope of the founders of Booktrack, brothers Mark and Paul Cameron, who have devised a much talked about application to complement the experience of reading a digital book.
Booktrack plays a cinematic soundtrack while you read your digital story - synchronising music, ambient noises and sound effects to match the storyline, and your reading speed. Tests show Booktrack improves the comprehension of what is read, meaning there could be educational benefits as well.
Milford resident Paul Cameron hopes the development of Booktrack will be done on the North Shore.
"But much work remains to make this a reality, not least the challenge of sourcing additional development capital," he admits, pointing out that he's already doing a lot of travelling to promote the software to overseas investors.
With around $3 billion in ebook sales annually, there's plenty of potential to add Booktrack soundtracks to more books. E-reader applications are hot, and Booktrack has attracted big publicity. There have been articles in the New York Times, The Guardian, The Los Angeles Times and the Times of London. The Huffington Post called it "revolutionary".
Investors include Facebook director Mark D'Arcy, also a Kiwi, who believes Booktrack is the future of reading. He says Booktrack enhances the imagination by improving a person's ability to visualise the story described in the text.
"Booktrack gets you there quicker and keeps you there longer. It brings another immersive element to the experience - it doesn't detract from it."
Critics say it invades the sacred silence of the reading experience. But Paul points out: "When the 'talkies' were just getting started, theatre orchestras protested because they said they'd be put out of work and one of the Warner brothers said, 'Why the hell do we want actors to talk?'."
Paul, 35, came to the project already used to the challenges of marketing high-tech electronics; he'd been director of a successful North Shore-based defence company. The former RNZAF navigator and father of two, says business was booming when he astonished his partners by pulling out a few years ago.That decision was sparked by the 2010 release of Apple's iPad - something Paul and Mark had been waiting for.
"All of a sudden we had a platform which was going to be adopted on a large scale and it had about 1000 times the processing power we needed."
Mark, 39, who lives in Hong Kong, had the "Eureka moment" while reading a book on the ferry, back in 2008. As he read, a song regularly came up on his music player that seemed to complement the passage he was reading. Mark looked up and saw almost everyone on the ferry was reading while they listened to music and realised the potential for an app that could meld music with text to provide a deeper way for readers to experience their books.
Soon the brothers were working on the challenge in their spare time. So far, there are limited Booktrack books - another reason development capital is sought - but they include popular titles and classics out of copyright. There's an edition of Sherlock Holmes which has been downloaded through iTunes more than 100,000 times, and children's books like The Selfish Giant. Kiwi composer John Psathas has scored a Salman Rushdie book, recorded by the NZ Symphony Orchestra. You pay for the titles, but can try them free first and the app is free.
Paul says Booktrack creates opportunities for authors to write for a new group of readers, and for musicians to score republished books.
"Booktrack is so effective in education; it really helps to get young people reading," he says. "We're getting positive feedback from many parts of the world, and that's what my brother and I love to hear."
URL: http://www.theaucklander.co.nz/news/booktrack-software-adds-sound-ebooks/1323347/
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The World Literacy Summit 2014
Posted on June 10, 2014 by Jedd Bartlett
The second World Literacy Summit was held in Oxford in April, 2014. The Summit aims to build awareness of the global literacy crisis and provide opportunities for participants to develop strategic plans, exchange information, find solutions and build partnerships to improve literacy standards worldwide. As mediascape partners, CORE Education provided digital media services at the Summit, and Michael and I were fortunate to spend a week in Oxford capturing delegates’ contributions in the form of interviews, keynotes, panel discussions and presentations.
The overarching Summit theme was Literacies: the Power to Change — the role of both new and traditional literacy tools and techniques in the worldwide fight to eradicate illiteracy.
Issues and underlying theme
Delegates at the Summit discussed key issues impacting literacy around the world, and analysed the latest literacy delivery methods and teaching approaches, with the goal of increasing awareness of the global literacy crisis, and creating opportunities for collaboration in support of literacy development.
An underpinning theme was the widening of the notion of literacy from the classic reading and writing to include multi-literacies — health, financial, and emotional, for example. At one of the panel sessions, speakers spoke to these new literacies, outlining the challenges and possible areas for action. For example, by 2015 more than 50% of the total population in extreme poverty will reside in places affected by conflict and chronic violence. People in these countries could benefit from greater levels of emotional literacy including an ability to recognise, understand, and appropriately express their emotions to assist them to contribute to more peaceful and stable societies.
Signing of the 2014 Oxford Declaration
The concluding act of the Summit was the signing of the 2014 Oxford Declaration document, which outlines the key action points delegates believe are required to improve global literacy standards. Delegates had contributed to the content of the declaration in panels and discussion groups throughout the conference, and the document was signed by all of those attending the final keynote.
Video interviews with key delegates
There were over 70 international speakers at the Summit, and a key element in the dissemination of knowledge and experience from the Summit will be the video record. Michael Lintott and I were able to interview many delegates, including Dr Jean-Pierre Ezin, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Culture for the Economic Community of West African States, Dr Temechegn Engida, the Programme Officer for ICT use in Education at the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa, and Ms Farida Lambay, the Founder Trustee and Executive Secretary of Pratham Council for Vulnerable Children in India.
Dr Jean-Pierre Ezin, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Culture for the Economic Community of west African States,
These interviews are now being released on the Global EDtalks channel and on the World Literacy Summit website.
Jedd Bartlett
Jedd Bartlett manages the production of digital media for CORE. Jedd began with CORE in 2004 as one of the national ICT PD secondary schools facilitators. He has since been involved in several major roles including managing a programme of teacher professional development in Malaysia, and the development of CORE's research programme. Jedd is one of the team that produces CORE's popular Ten Trends. He has his own blog: Jedd
Latest posts by Jedd Bartlett (see all)
ARMed for the Internet of Things - September 16, 2016
Eight years, 800 videos and 8 million page views - August 4, 2016
A musical metaphor for personal professional learning - February 22, 2016
Mutukaroa – a fresh approach to home-school partnership and engaging parents
Pasifika identities — more diverse than you think
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Don Feder: Godless Churches Curse Israel
By Don Feder - FrontPageMagazine.com October 25, 2004
http://www.frontpagemag.com
A leader of the Presbyterian Church, USA (which, appropriately enough, abbreviates “PC-USA”) Ronald Stone is nobody’s candidate for the annual brotherhood award of the National Council of Christians and Jews. At a meeting with representatives of Hezbollah in Lebanon last week, Elder Stone fawned on the terrorists while observing that people of the jihad persuasion are far more congenial than those horrible Hebrews.
“We treasure the precious words of Hezbollah and your expression of good will toward the American people,” the Presbyterian poobah simpered to his terrorist hosts. Hezbollah demonstrated its good will toward the American people in 1982, when it slaughtered 240 of our Marines in the Beirut barracks bombing.
In the same meeting, Stone confessed, “As an elder of our church, I’d like to say that according to my recent experience, relations and conversations with Islamic leaders are a lot easier than dealings and dialogue with Jewish leaders.”
One can see why the mainline-church honcho would be vexed with the Chosen People.
After all, Jews in Pakistan periodically shoot churchgoers. Jews in Sudan are waging genocidal warfare against Christian tribesmen. In Nigeria’s northern provinces, there’s a concerted effort to impose Jewish law on Christians.
In Saudi Arabia, Jews have banned Christian worship services, even in private homes. Jews in the Balkans are committing ethnic cleansing of Orthodox Christians, as well as demolishing their churches, monasteries and shrines. And all over the world, radical synagogues and Jewish day schools teach hatred of Christians and the religious imperative to wage holy war against them.
Oops, I forgot, it’s Muslims who are the perps in all of these cases. Still, Stone finds Jews difficult and Muslims easy. To a liberal Protestant, the persecution of Christians in the Third World is irrelevant – compared with the opportunity to declare his solidarity with so-called victims of Western imperialism.
The PCUSA promptly disavowed Stone’s comments, which, it maintained, “do not reflect the official position of the Presbyterian Church.”
Stone’s obscene groveling to Islamo-fascists may not be his church’s “official position,” but certainly reflects its mind-set.
In July, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted 413-62 to divest itself of companies doing business in or with Israel – thereby equating the Jewish state with apartheid South Africa.
Explaining the PC action, Rev. Nile Harper, head of the Presbyterian delegation to the Middle East, declared, “The occupation by Israel in the West Bank and Gaza must end because it is oppressive and destructive for the Palestinian people.”
Israelis are the only people who get to occupy their own territory. In the time of Jesus, land designated the West Bank was occupied by -- guess who? (Hint, it wasn’t Arabs.) Having been born and Bethlehem and residing in Nazareth, Jesus would fit the PC definition of a “Jewish settler.”
It’s appropriate to speak of the German occupation of France during World War II. Prior to the Nazi conquest of 1940, France was a sovereign state, and had been for centuries. When was “Palestine” last a sovereign state? Where was its capital? Who was its ruler? The Welsh have a better claim to statehood than the Palestinians.
The Presbyterian position reflects the zealous anti-Zionism of mainline Protestant churches – whose leaders are on the verge of allowing suicide bombers to join their restricted country clubs.
On September 27th, the Institute on Religion and Democracy released an extensive report on human-rights criticism by mainline denominations. Of 197 such statements issued between 2000 and 2003 (by the Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church and their umbrella groups – including the National Council of Churches) 37 percent of the condemnations were directed at Israel, while 31% targeted the United States.
The IRD study observed that China, North Korea and Saudi Arabia – among the worst human rights abusers in the world (in China, Christians are regularly imprisoned, and tortured) – “weren’t criticized even once.” I’m waiting for the Presbyterians to notice the Syrian occupation of Lebanon.
Outside of the Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, you’ll find less love for Israel among the mainline churches than anywhere on earth.
In June 2001, Churches for Middle East Peace – composed of the usual suspects – declared, “Few things have done more to destroy the hope and pursuit of peace through negotiations than Israel’s unrelenting settlement activity.” Those relentless Jewish settlements comprise roughly 2 percent of the land on the West Bank.
Strangely, 250,000 Jews living in the midst of 2 million Palestinians on the West Bank is an insurmountable obstacle to peace, in the opinion of Churches for Middle East Peace. But 1 million Arabs living among 5 million Jews in pre-1967 Israel present no problem whatsoever.
In October 2000, the United Methodist Church called the current Intifada, “an expression of deep Palestinian frustration over ongoing disrespect, dehumanization and denial of their basic human and national rights by an unjust political system.”
That “unjust political system,” the only democracy in the Middle East, has had four peaceful changes of government in the past 10 years. Arabs sit in the Knesset with Orthodox rabbis, socialists and sundry nationalists. It’s the only political system in the region that even comes close to protecting the rights of all.
Would the average Methodist leader rather be arrested in Tel Aviv or Tehran, in Jerusalem or Damascus? Those are rhetorical questions.
And in a March 2002 letter to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, the Presbyterian Church, USA , blathered, “While we do not condone the acts of violence by certain Palestinian extremists (Note: not terrorists, not butchers, not cold-blooded killers of women and children, but “extremists” – DF) we are appalled that Israel, in response, has continued to punish the entire Palestinian population and its leaders who have been your government’s partners in the peace process.”
And at Munich, the Nazi regime and German people were Britain’s partners in peace. A few years later, that beastly, old warmonger Winston Churchill was punishing the entire German population and its leaders – England’s erstwhile peace partners – by dropping bombs on Berlin and Dresden.
Earth to Presbyterians: The Palestinian population sends its sons and daughters into Israel to blow up grandmothers and toddlers. The Palestinian population is rabidly anti-Semitic. The Palestinian population wants to wipe Israel off the map. The Palestinian population worshipped Saddam Hussein when he was in power. After 9/11, the Palestinian population hailed Osama bin Laden as a conquering hero.
The anti-Zionism of the mainline churches is a logical consequence of the terminal liberalism to which they have succumbed.
In the 19th century, the Church of England was described as the Tory Party at prayer. Today, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Methodists, etc., could be called Hillary and Howard at prayer – with the Rev. Al Sharpton conducting the service.
These churches spent most of the Cold War whining about how America was responsible for East-West tensions. Wherever we stood up to communist aggression – Vietnam, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Afghanistan – liberal churches blasted us as insane warmongers. Whenever we deployed advanced weapons, they claimed that we were taking the world to the brink of nuclear annihilation.
They eagerly embraced Liberation Theology – an attempt to reconcile Christianity and Marxism – which suggested that communist thugs attempting to murder their way to power were the equivalent of Jesus confronting the establishment of his day.
Gulags, the Red Army permanently encamped in Eastern Europe, atrocities and the bitter persecution of Christians were ignored. In 1993, Joan Brown Campbell (former general secretary of the National Council of Churches) confessed: “We did not understand the depth of the suffering of Christians under communism. And we failed to really cry out under the communist oppression.”
When liberal Protestants finally figure it out, the realization comes decades too late.
As the cheese-eating surrender monkeys say: The more things change, the more they remain the same. In an article in The Weekly Standard (5/23/03) Rachel DiCarlo notes that under Bob Edgar (who became general secretary of the National Council of Churches in 2000) in the post-Cold War era, knees are still jerking spasmodically..
In the Elian Gonzalez affair, Edgar helped the Castro regime secure the return of Fidel’s little runaway slave. DiCarlo, “At every turn, Edgar’s positions were identical to those of the Cuban government – right down to demanding that the boy be denied U.S. citizenship.”
Naturally, Edgar opposed the U.S. war on Saddam Hussein, predicted that civilians would be deliberately targeted by U.S. forces, and signed an antiwar ad in The New York Times which insisted that Jesus would have opposed “this proposed attack.” This from the same folks who scream “Separation of Church and State” whenever Christian conservatives suggest that gay marriage and abortion aren’t compatible with the teachings of Jesus.
In 2001, a group of influential mainline churchwomen called Women in Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea called for immediate talks on reunification, without specifying if the Korean people should be ruled by democracy (as they are in the South) or by a savage, sadistic Stalinist state (as they are in the North). They also opposed a proposed missile shield for South Korea – as an impenetrable barrier to their attempts to bring peace and justice to the Korean Peninsula.
Increasingly, the mainline churches are devolving to self-parody. Take an article in the January/February 2001 issue of Christian Social Action, published by the United Methodist Church. The article called for the liberation from U.S. “colonialism” of Guam, Puerto Rico – and Hawaii! Ah, those poor, oppressed Hawaiians, subjugated by a tourist industry which brings billions to the islands annually.
Evangelical Christians support Israel because of the Biblical mandate. Mainline churches long ago abandoned the Bible for the gospel of social action. They’ve betrayed the God of Sinai for the gods of the Left: income redistribution, ecology, feminism and liberation theology.
In light of the foregoing, the mainline churches’ hate-Israel campaign was foreordained.
But even here, one can see the Bible’s promises coming to pass. God told the Children of Israel, “I will bless the people who bless you. And curse the people who curse you.” Or, as Bea Arthur used to say to her husband on “Maude” – “God’s gonna get you for that, Walter.”
The mainline churches are in steady decline. Between 1983 and 2003, the Presbyterian Church’s membership plummeted from 4.2 million to 2.4 million. (Guess the social gospel isn’t that inspiring to people in the pews.) At the same time, the Southern Baptists and other evangelicals – Christian Zionists, one and all – experienced a boom.
Israel should wear the ill will of the mainline churches as a badge of honor. Given liberal Protestants’ history as communist apologists – and the fact that they’re usually oblivious to the suffering of Christians under Third World despotisms – I’d hate to have them on my side.
Don Feder is a former Boston Herald writer who is now a political/communications consultant. He also maintains his own website, DonFeder.com.
Labels: Christianity, Middle East
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Endangered prairie butterfly released in Minnesota
Endangered Species Act, True Conservation, Wildlife
An endangered butterfly known as the Dakota skipper is once again making its home on the Minnesota prairie.
Minnesota Zoo biologists have been working four years to revive the native butterfly population with a breeding program. The first Dakota skippers were released near Lake Benton in southwestern Minnesota June 29, at the Nature Conservancy’s Hole-in-the-Mountain Prairie preserve.
The once widespread species has nearly vanished from Minnesota and is now listed as threatened on the national Endangered Species Act list and as endangered by the state of Minnesota.
Butterflies were collected for the zoo’s breeding program from Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribal lands in South Dakota. Females were collected and released there after 48 hours, but the eggs they laid were brought back to the zoo and raised.
In 2014, the Minnesota Zoo became the first institution to successfully breed multiple generations of Dakota skippers entirely in human care. The program has since expanded to include butterflies from Minnesota.
There is still much more to learn and do to re-introduce Dakota skippers to sites where they were once found, according to Dr. Erik Runquist, Minnesota Zoo’s butterfly conservation biologist. “There is still a long road ahead for these butterflies before they’re in the clear,” he said.
The Dakota skipper is native to central North America and needs a prairie habitat to survive. Minnesota’s original tallgrass prairie has dwindled, and only 1 percent of the original landscape remains, much of it in small, isolated remnants.
Dakota skipper caterpillars feed solely on grasses and adults feed on nectar from a variety of prairie flowers, such as the narrow-leaf purple coneflower. Its average lifespan is one year, but the butterfly lives about two weeks as an adult.
The species was once common at the Hole-in-the-Mountain Prairie but has not been seen there in eight years.
“What’s happened to these little butterflies tells us that something is wrong with the overall health of our prairies,” said Marissa Ahlering, the conservancy’s prairie ecologist in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. “Healthy grasslands cleanse our water, help prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for birds, butterflies and thousands of other plants and animals.
“We’re hoping we can better protect, manage and restore prairies by reintroducing the Dakota skipper to Hole-in-the-Mountain Prairie and other sites where they were once found and studying why they succeed or fail.”
ESA Bureaucrats Are Playing Word Games That Cost Billions Of Dollars
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewing Yellowstone grizzly delisting
The Cavalry Group Team December 8, 2017
Is this picture of a falcon illegal?
Wyoming governor to testify on ESA in Washington
The Cavalry Group Team July 14, 2018
Polar Bears Are Doing Just Fine
The Cavalry Group Team March 3, 2018
Bill To Lift Obama Admin. Regulations On Aerial Hunting Backed By Congress
The Cavalry Group Team March 23, 2017
Tags: Dakota Skipper, endangered species, Endangered Species Act, endangered species recovery, ESA recovery research, Minnesota Zoo, prairie butterfly
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Ministerial Staff (click for bios)
Antoinette Ellis-Williams, PhD
Dr. Antoinette Ellis-Williams serves as a minister at Bethany. Dr. Ellis-Williams is a graduate of Seton Hall, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She earned a Master’s of Public Administration (M.P.A.) from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Dr. Ellis-Williams earned her doctorate degree in Public Policy from the School of Human Ecology at Cornell University.
Minister Karlos Nichols
Karlos Nichols is a young, multi-talented preacher, singer, director, musician, songwriter, educator and clinician. Born in Memphis, TN, Karlos is an Alumnus of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City where he received certification in Musical Theatre Performance Technique. He also holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree from The New School University of New York City and a Masters of Science Degree in Education from Walden University. Karlos is currently pursuing a Masters of Arts Degree in Preaching, Arts, and Worship from Union Theological Seminary in NY.
“My goal is to present complete authenticity and boldness for who I am as an artist, preacher, educator. I think too often we box ourselves into trends and force ourselves to evolve in someone that we no longer know, which can cause us to hit a creative block. As I studied that character of God, I realized that God is a multi-faceted, creative God. And we are made in his image. I want to present that to others through the Gospel via singing, songwriting, and preaching. Every part of me is valuable to God and able to be used."
Alice M. Turner
Since the inception of her career in 1986, Ms. Alice Person-Turner has proven to be an altruist, committed to serving Bethany Baptist Church and the greater Newark community. Ms. Person-Turner joined the BBC team under the leadership of Dr. James A. Scott.
Ms. Person-Turner has enjoyed serving in many capacities during her tenure. From Data Entry Clerk, Administrative Assistant/ Pastor’s Secretary, to Wedding Coordinator and Liaison, Ms. Person-Turner has been a witness and participant in Bethany’s growth and feels blessed to be a part of the Bethany Baptist Church family.
Suzette Jones
Suzette Jones has served as controller of Bethany Baptist Church since August 7, 2000. She received her Masters Degree in Accounting and Financial Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management. In her role, she works with the Board of Trustees, providing assistance and recommendations on all financial matters of the church. Suzette’s principal responsibilities include the following:
• Development of monthly and quarterly financial statements, forecasts, and budgets.
• Oversight of general accounting functions, including AR/AP, account reconciliation, and cash management.
• Administration and integration of all financial management systems.
• Compilation of periodic financial reports for the church boards and ministries.
• Execution of internal audits to ensure operational efficiency, accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Preparation and process coordination of the annual financial audit.
Brenda Galarza
Secretary to Staff
Brenda Galarza started in 2006 as an assistant program coordinator for Bethany Cares, helping to facilitate Freedom School, Uth Turn and Newark Service Corps. In 2009, she was hired by the church to handle administrative office tasks related to office communication, management and scheduling.
Born and raised in Newark, Brenda attended Technology High School, and is currently attending Kaplan University for Business Administration. Mother of 2, Brenda enjoys experiencing the appreciation of those with whom she has a chance to work and offer assistance.
Willie Prescott
Head of Building Maintenance
Willie Prescott was born one of nine children in Sylvania, Georgia. He graduated high school in May of 1974, and in 1978 he married and moved to Newark, New Jersey. He is the father of ten girls and one son. Willie enlisted in the US Army Reserve in 1979 and in 2003 his company was activated and Willie served ten & a half months in Afghanistan. He started working at Bethany Baptist Church under the supervision of Cardy Cleasant in April 2005. Nearly ten years later, he is now Maintenance Supervisor. His military training prepared him well for the types of duties required at Bethany. He works with a large group of people throughout the church, and encounters many challenging situations while tasked with maintaining the Bethany campus.
Greg Butler
Sexton
Raised in Harlem, Gregory Butler came to Newark in the early 90’s. He started working as a church sexton under the supervision of Cardy Cleasant in 2004. In Greg’s words, his primary duty is “to keep it clean!” With the many events happening regularly at Bethany, this is a tall challenge. Greg enjoys the music ministries of Bethany and especially loves “working with all the people.”
Quincy Wright
Quincy Wright, a Newark native, came to Bethany in the summer of 2013 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Cardy Cleasant. Trained at the Essex County Career Center, he became accustomed with working with large groups of busy people as the head of maintenance at a local Pathmark. Under the supervision of Willie Prescott, Quincy is a valuable member of the maintenance team, providing help with repairs, cleaning, and general improvements around the Bethany campus.
Torrey Bryant
Renee Brown-Johnson
Minister Renee Brown-Johnson responded to the call to Ministry two decades ago under the guidance of Rev. Dr. Glenmore Bembry Jr., former Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church in East Orange. From a foundation of church service and Bible Study, she was recommended to attend the NY Theological Seminary Certificate Program, where she graduated with honors in 2002. A lifelong learner, Minister Johnson continued her theological education in Chaplaincy, Domestic Violence, et.al. Minister Johnson has matriculated at Cornell University, Rutgers University and the College of New Rochelle. She is a Union Organizer/Shop Steward and has enjoyed a 37-year Career with the Social Security Administration.
Minister Johnson was licensed for Ministry in 2003 by Rev. Dr .M. William Howard Jr. and currently serves as Pastoral Associate to Rev. Timothy L. Jones. Her Guiding scriptures of Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 8:28, Matthew 19:26 and 2 Cor.6:4.
Ross Upshaw
For the past 16 years Ross Upshaw has been a licensed minister and pastoral assistant at Bethany Baptist Church. Ross has also been an ordained deacon at Bethany for 32 years, and was the secretary of the Board of Deacons for some 16 years. In 2016 Minister Upshaw earned the degree of Master of Arts in Religious Education from New York Theological Seminary.
As the Chief Court Reporter of the Supreme Court of the State of New York from 1998 to 2010, Ross supervised a staff of 65. Ross was also the co-chair of the New York State Supreme Court Anti-Bias Committee, and in that capacity helped make the court system more accessible to all people, particularly minorities. Because of his tireless work he received the distinguished Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission on Minorities 2005 Diversity Award. With his ministerial training and professional experience Minister Upshaw seeks to merge his Christian faith with social justice initiatives as he teaches and preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Elizabeth Tracey Perry Tisdale
Rev. Elizabeth Tracey Perry Tisdale is a native of New Jersey. She is the daughter of Virginia and the late Orlando K. Perry. She attended Virginia Union and American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, and currently holds a degree in Mortuary Science. Rev. Tisdale is the second generation owner and licensed director of the Perry Funeral Home, Newark, N.J. In 2008, Rev Tisdale was licensed for ministry under the leadership of Rev. Anthony Wilcots of Liberty Baptist Church, Elizabeth, NJ. She later served as youth minister at the Franklin St. John UM Church in Newark, NJ under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Lloyd P. Terrell. Rev. Tisdale was ordained in 2010. She is married to Dorian Tisdale and has six wonderful children: George, Chris, Brianna, Alicia, Trè and Kylin.
Rev. Porsha Williams
Rev. Porsha D. Williams is the Associate Pastor to Youth and Children at the Bethany Baptist Church. She is a 2012 graduate of Spelman College with a BA in English, and a distinguished 2015 graduate of Yale Divinity School with a Master of Divinity Degree (Henry Hallam Tweedy Prize Recipient).
Hailing from Bridgeport, CT, Rev. Williams was licensed and ordained at the Mount Aery Baptist Church of Bridgeport, CT, where the Rev. Dr. Anthony L. Bennett is the Senior Pastor. While at Mount Aery, Rev. Williams served as an associate minister and the Pastor in Residence, in partnership with the Lily Foundation Transition into Ministry Residency Program. There, Rev. Williams' assignment was to lead as the pastoral assistant, co-leader of the strategic plan, worship coordinator, and lead curriculum developer.
Rev. Williams has a sincere love and joy for words. As an extension of her work as a parish ministry, she is a published essayist, poet, playwright, writing consultant, blogger, and podcaster.
Jamal Barnes
Youth Choir Director
Jamal S. Barnes serves as Director of the Youth Choir. Jamal has extensive experience leading youth choirs, having served in the following capacities:
• Founder and Director of the Voices Of The New Generation (VOTNG), a professional recording ensemble composed of youth and young adults. Since its founding in 2015, the group has sung extensively in the region, is a two-time McDonald’s Gospelfest finalist, and is a 2017 Gospel Image Awards nominee for Choir of the Year. The group currently has released a single entitled “That Matchless Name” through Sony Music, and is currently working to record its first full length CD.
• Director of the Teen Choir for Christ Church of Montclair and Rockaway, NJ, under Pastors David and Marlinda Ireland (10 years), as well as Youth Choir director at several other churches.
• Director of the BattleCry mass youth choir, held at the IZOD Center, hosted by TeenMania.
• Leader of the annual summer Youth Workshop of the Bethel Community Baptist Church, of St. Petersburg, FL.
• Director of the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools Choir, Knoxville, TN, under Rev. Joan Parrott and Dr. Marion Wright Edelman.
Find Our Church
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White Publishing Company
Profound Questions
Headliner of State
Nerdcations
Chris and Allyson vs.
Classics Commentated
In honor of Presidents Day, I wrote up two more presidential sites in the District. You can read about James Monroe's DC rental (and temporary White House) in the posting for the Arts Club of Washington.
Lincoln fans can get some new pictures and info about the Ford's Theater Historic Site, which I re-visited on February 17.
Tags: James Monroe, Abraham Lincoln
I used to make a lot of stuff, and I'd like to make a lot of stuff again. This new website is mostly so I feel like I have a place to stash the stuff I'm making. But if you want to enjoy it, go nuts!
We all make mistakes in our 20s, whether it's sleeping with the wrong person, taking the wrong job or clinging to our teenage selves. George Washington started a world war. He probably also made out with some uggos, but the world war is what we're focusing on right now.
The year was 1754, and the French and British had been arguing about who controlled the land around the Ohio River. The French had recently built a fort near modern-day Pittsburgh, which meant that brunch places and topless cabaret theaters were on the horizon -- and under international law, any country establishing such institutions would have a morally superior claim to a region. So Washington was put on road-building detail, to help Virginians populate the savage hinterlands of Pennsylvania as quickly as possible. Riding ahead of the bulk of his troops, he heard rumors of a small French force in the vicinity of the "Great Meadows" region. A helpful Seneca chief led him to the Frenchmen, who were resting peacefully at the time.
George did exactly what you'd expect of a man with his noble character. Since the French and British were not at war, he gathered his men, surrounded the French position, and tried to slaughter them all where they lie.
Ah, youth!
You were probably expecting more from a man with so many mattress sales in his honor, but sometimes the natural order of things can't be denied: not even George Washington could overcome the biological impulse to be a huge d-bag in his early 20s. Sure, he had his reasons for attacking, in the same way that you might have your reasons for ending a four-year relationship via text message. They weren't particularly great reasons.
Even so, murder ended up being a great career move for George, in a roundabout way. Among the French dead was their commander, Joseph Coulon de Villiers, Sieur de Jumonville. Jumonville's officer brother was stationed nearby, and within a few days he was cranked up for revenge. Washington, who was extended way past any significant reinforcements, came to the logical conclusion that some s*** was about to go down. He had his troops build a palisade at Great Meadows, dubbed it Fort Necessity, and hoped for the best.
You can now visit a replica of that fort, which is a great reminder of how ridiculously small America used to be. It's a circular structure, which isn't much more than a bunch of unfinished logs driven into the dirt; there's a small cabin in the middle which was meant to hold food, booze and weaponry. There were a few trenches nearby which held the bulk of Washington's 400 or so troops. When the French showed up with 700 guys on July 3, they set up in the trees around the fort (Washington built it too close to the edge of the woods) and sniped at the British all day in a steady rain.
George surrendered late that night and, unwittingly, signed a document where he admitted to assassinating Jumonville -- apparently he didn't have a good translator on hand. Under the terms of the surrender he had to take his remaining men and march them back to Virginia. This is often considered the precipitating event of the Seven Years' War, a conflict that spanned a whole bunch of continents. England and France had been pissy with each other a few years, and something was going to set them off; Washington's backwoods massacre seemed to do the trick.
And it all worked out for Washington. About a year later, he was the Virginia militia officer riding along with Gen. James Braddock, who was supposed to be capturing Fort Duquesne. Braddock got ahead of his reinforcements, was ambushed by the French and took a bullet. Washington took over on the battlefield and kept his troops organized throughout the retreat, and his bravery that day became the foundation for his future military career. He had Braddock buried in the middle of the road that he had started the year before, in an unmarked grave. The remains were eventually moved to the side of the road (which is the modern-day U.S. 40) and topped with a nice marker; it's about a mile away from the rebuilt Fort Necessity.
The moral: Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Washington was looking to make a name for himself, and to do it, he was willing to gun down a bunch of guys in the woods. That made his overwhelming defeat at Great Meadows possible and started the world war that would allow him to become a military hero -- by leading a retreat from another awful loss. And as a military hero, he was able to lead the American Revolution and enter our national folklore as the kind of guy who would never, ever gun down a bunch of guys in the woods. Fortune favores the bold. Put another way:
I don't know about you
But I'm feeling 22
Let's massacre some Frenchies
Make them say sacrebleu
Tags: nerdcation, presidents
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Send comments or questions to chris@dcstandup.com.
Copyright ©2018-2019, Chris White. All rights reserved.
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Category Archives: Athletics and CRC News
Evergreen Launches New Athletics Website
Posted on June 19, 2014 by thompsoc
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Entering a new digital era, the Evergreen Geoducks are proud to announce the launch of www.gogeoducks.com. The site launched Thursday and will be the new home for Geoduck fans to follow their favorite teams.
“Our fans and student-athletes have been asking for a more dynamic presence on the website for years and we are excited to finally be able to provide that,” said sports information director Chris Thompson.
Evergreen teamed up with Sidearm Sports to design the site, which will feature new photo and video content. The site also features an easy to easy adaptive site for tablets and phones.
The Geoducks are the ninth of 10 schools in the Cascade Conference to launch a site with Sidearm, who also hosts the site for the CCC. A total of 742 schools across North America currently work with Sidearm to host their athletic website.
While the site is launched and ready to go for the fall, fans should check in often as new content is expected to be added on a regular basis.
Posted in Athletics and CRC News | Leave a reply
Class of 2014 Inducted into Evergreen Hall of Fame
Posted on May 29, 2014 by thompsoc
OLYMPIA, Wash. – On a night that honored all the achievements within The Evergreen State College Department of Recreation and Athletics, the Geoducks inducted the second class of the Recreation and Athletics Hall of Fame.
Joining the inaugural class of 2012 were US Soccer paralympian Josh Blue, former men’s basketball player Troy Torbert and former men’s soccer coach Arno Zoske.
Josh Blue ‘01
A member of the 2004 U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team that competed in Athens, Greece, Josh is a 2001 graduate of The Evergreen State College. He was voted the Last Comic Standing on NBC’s reality show Last Comic Standing during its fourth season.
Troy Torbert ‘99
The first All-American in Evergreen basketball history, Troy transferred to Evergreen prior to the 1997-98 season from Cornell University. In his first season with the Geoducks, he was named First Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-America. He remained at Evergreen as an assistant coach for the 1998-99 season, graduating that spring.
Arno Zoske
The second head coach in Evergreen men’s soccer history, Arno arrived on campus following a journey that should be on the big screen. Born in 1939, his family escaped Eastern Germany and eventually immigrated to the United State in 1956. He served as athletic trainer for the University of Notre Dame basketball team under Digger Phelps before moving to Washington to start a soccer coaching career. After stints at Tacoma CC and Pacific Lutheran, he arrived at Evergreen in 1983, earning 93 wins in 12 seasons at the helm of the Geoducks.
In addition to the hall of fame inductions, the Geoducks also handed out a number of awards, including Male and Female Athletes of the Year.
Sophomore high jumper Anthony Johnson (Seattle, Wash./Garfield HS) was named Male Athlete of the Year after earning a pair of All-American honors. He placed fifth at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships before earning a runner-up finish last week at the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He also became the first individual Cascade Conference champion in school history, winning both the high jump and long jump at the CCC Championships in Nampa, Idaho.
Senior women’s basketball player Sammi Clark (Monroe, Wash./Monroe HS) earned Female Athlete of the Year honors after earning First Team All-CCC honors. Clark led the Geoducks in scoring with 15.0 points per game and added 115 assists to her now-school record total of 290. She finished her three-year career at Evergreen with 969 points.
Posted in Athletics and CRC News, Basketball, Cross Country, Men's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Soccer, Track and Field, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Women's Soccer | Leave a reply
Evergreen Dedicates Costantino Recreation Center
Posted on October 19, 2013 by thompsoc
OLYMPIA, Wash. – As part of Return to Evergreen festivities and in honor of a tenure that lasted over 20 years, The Evergreen State College officially dedicated the Costantino Recreation Center on Saturday evening in honor of retired Vice President for Student Affairs Art Costantino.
On hand to help dedicate the building was Vice President for Finance and Administration John Hurley, current Vice President for Student Affairs Wendy Endress, Director of Recreation and Athletics Matt Newman, Assistant Athletic Director Monica Heuer and former student-athlete Jackie Robinson.
The building, which was officially renamed the Costantino Recreation Center on June 13, 2013 by the Board of Trustees, is home to Geoduck intercollegiate athletics, wellness/recreation classes, club sports, The Outdoor Program (TOP), camps, clinics and general recreation use by student, faculty and members of the community.
Costantino served as Vice President for Student Affairs from July 13, 1992 until June 30, 2013, making him the longest-serving vice president in the history of The Evergreen State College. His tenure was marked by a record of accomplishment that has transformed the student experience at Evergreen, including the expansion of intercollegiate athletics. Under his leaderships, Evergreen began men’s and women’s basketball in 1997 and women’s volleyball in 2001.
Geoducks Honor Own at Annual Recreation and Athletics Banquet
OLYMPIA, Wash. – With the 2012-13 year nearly behind us, the Evergreen Geoducks took an opportunity to look back and honor extraordinary achievements at the annual Recreation and Athletics Banquet on May 30 at the CRC Gymnasium.
Following a catered dinner, Evergreen Director of Recreation and Athletics Matt Newman took an opportunity to honor retiring Vice President for Student Affairs Art Costantino, presenting him with a lifetime season ticket, as well as a lifetime pass to work out at the CRC.
Each of the Geoducks varsity sports, as well as aquatics, The Outdoor Program, Challenge Course and CRC Operations and Event Staff, had the opportunity to reflect on the last year and hand out awards for outstanding achievement.
Evergreen Student-Athletic Advisory Committee handed out an inaugural Contributor Award, which allowed Geoduck student-athletes to recognize an individual for all their support of Evergreen athletics. The initial award went to Chris Balske, Director of Sports Medicine, for his endless support of Geoduck athletes.
The Geoducks also handed out participation awards to all the student-athletes. First year varsity athletes received a felt letter while second year letter winners were awarded a Speedy Q. Geoduck pin. Third year letter winners received a scarf while five four year letter winners were awarded an embroidered blanket.
Graduating seniors from across Recreation and Athletics were also honored for their academic achievement, receiving a portfolio that can be used as they enter the professional world.
The final awards presented were the Student-Athlete of the Year awards, which were presented by Assistant Athletic Director Monica Heuer. Senior Danielle Swain (Rainier, Wash./Black Hills HS) was named Female Student-Athlete of the Year after a record-breaking career as a member of the women’s basketball team. Sophomore Les Jones (Tacoma, Wash./Mt. Tahoma HS) was named Male Student-Athlete of the Year after setting three school records during the indoor and outdoor track and field season.
Posted in Athletics and CRC News, Cross Country, Men's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Track and Field, Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Women's Soccer | Leave a reply
Purce Leads Peers at NAIA Convention
Posted on April 22, 2013 by thompsoc
When Dr. Les Purce traveled to Kansas City last weekend for the 2013 NAIA Convention, he do so not just as President of The Evergreen State College but as the Chair of the NAIA Presidents Council.
“The NAIA provides those of us who share common values with an opportunity to work together in a community with like-minded institutions that value autonomy, student-athlete welfare, character, and athletics competition as a component of our institutions’ missions to build better citizens of the world,” said Purce in his opening remarks at the convention.
His term officially began on January 1 and shortly after that, NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr made the trip to Olympia and Evergreen to spend two days with Purce, as well as learn more about Evergreen and the Cascade Conference. The visit also allowed Evergreen staff to meet with Carr, who was able to share his goals as head of the NAIA.
It also allowed Carr to experience the uniqueness of Evergreen and to understand the distinct challenges faced by the liberal-arts college in Olympia, Wash. He shared his vision for the future of the NAIA and allowed the Geoducks an opportunity to understand the inner-workings of the national office.
The appointment of Purce to the position by his peers brings considerable pride not just to Evergreen but the Cascade Collegiate Conference as well.
“The Cascade Conference is very excited that President Purce has been elected by his peers to serve as the NAIA Council of Presidents Chair,” said CCC commissioner Rob Cashell. “His passion for the overall student-athlete experience in academics, as well as athletics, along with his considerable leadership capabilities will no doubt serve the association well.”
Joining Purce in Kansas City will be Evergreen Director of Recreation and Athletics Dr. Matt Newman. Newman, who is in his second year at Evergreen, understands the significance of having such an important role filled on campus.
“Having President Purce serve as Chair of the NAIA Presidents Council is a feather in Evergreen’s cap, for sure, as well as being quite beneficial for the Association overall,” said Newman. “Les was a student-athlete himself, and throughout his career in higher education he has been an advocate for all the positives that college athletics can represent and the NAIA provides the proper structure for those types of institutions and programs.”
In addition to Purce meeting with his fellow presidents to discuss the future of the NAIA, the convention has a number of legislative proposals that will be voted upon by the membership. Among them is the creation of a national program for recognition of institutional and conference letters of intent as well as a number of amendments dealing with the eligibility process.
“I’m excited to be here, and I’m excited about the role intercollegiate athletics plays, not just in our Association but in the democracy of our nation,” Purce said. “And I’m excited about the role our student-athletes play, not just in the future of our institutions but in the future of our country.”
While his term only lasts until the end of 2013, Evergreen is very proud to have President Purce in such a high profile position.
“At Evergreen, we continue to appreciate his ongoing support of student-athletes, and we’re very proud that he’s chosen to take the time to serve the NAIA in this important role.” added Newman.
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Claims of heresy over ‘Amoris Laetitia’ are out of place, cardinal says
German Cardinal Walter Kasper is pictured before Pope Francis’ celebration of vespers on New Year’s Eve in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 31, 2017. In a March 5 interview, Cardinal Kasper said that the indissolubility of marriage has not been called into question by Pope Francis. PAUL HARING/CNS
By Cindy Wooden
Pope Francis’ exhortation on the family should prompt discussion and even debate, but accusing him and others of heresy is completely out of place, said German Cardinal Walter Kasper.
“A heresy is a tenacious disagreement with formal dogma. The doctrine of the indissolubility of marriage has not been called into question on Pope Francis’ part,” the cardinal, a theologian, told Vatican News March 5.
Cardinal Kasper was interviewed about his new book, “The Message of ‘Amoris Laetitia’: A Fraternal Discussion.” The interview was published just a few days after Italian Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano and Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington issued detailed guidelines for accompanying couples, including those who are divorced and civilly remarried.
In his book, Cardinal Kasper describes “Amoris Laetitia” as “a creative renewal of traditional teaching.”
Vatican News asked Cardinal Kasper specifically about the path of discernment Pope Francis sees for some divorced and civilly remarried to return to the sacraments, including Communion, in some circumstances.
“Sin is a complex term. It not only includes an objective principle, but there is also the intention, the person’s conscience. And this needs to be examined in the internal forum — in the sacrament of reconciliation — if there is truly a grave sin, or perhaps a venial sin, or perhaps nothing,” the cardinal responded. “The Council of Trent says that in the case in which there is no grave sin, but venial, the Eucharist removes that sin.”
“If it is only a venial sin, the person can be absolved and admitted to the sacrament of the Eucharist,” the cardinal said. “This already corresponds with the doctrine of Pope John Paul II and, in this sense, Pope Francis is in complete continuity with the direction opened by preceding popes. I do not see any reason, then, to say that this is a heresy.”
Catholic tradition, he insisted, “is not a stagnant lake, but is like a spring, or a river: it is something alive. The church is a living organism and thus it always needs to validly translate the Catholic tradition into present situations.”
Speaking more generally about “Amoris Laetitia,” Cardinal Kasper said that reading the document has helped many engaged and married couples come to a deeper appreciation of the church’s teaching on marriage and family life and about the joys and challenges facing families today.
“It is not high theology incomprehensible to people,” he said. “The people of God are very content and happy with this document because it gives space to freedom, but it also interprets the substance of the Christian message in an understandable language.”
In a world where there is so much violence, the cardinal said, “many people are wounded. Even in marriages there are many who are wounded. People need mercy, empathy, the sympathy of the church in these difficult times in which we are living today. I think that mercy is the response to the signs of our times.”
Also in early March, Bishop Semeraro, secretary of Pope Francis’ international Council of Cardinals, released a pastoral instruction on “welcoming, discerning, accompanying and integrating into the ecclesial community the faithful who are divorced and civilly remarried.”
The guidelines for the Diocese of Albano, Italy, were published after every meeting of the diocesan presbyteral council in 2016-17 was dedicated to discussing the pastoral care of such couples.
The discussions made it clear that welcoming and integrating into parish life “those who approach us with the desire to be readmitted to participation in ecclesial life requires an appropriate amount of time for accompaniment and discernment that will vary from situation to situation,” Bishop Semeraro wrote. “Therefore, expecting a new general, canonical-type norm, the same for everyone, is absolutely inappropriate.”
No “right” to the Eucharist exists, the bishop said, but there is a right to be welcomed and to be heard. Couples who have remarried civilly without an annulment of their sacramental marriage and who have started a new family will be asked “to make a journey of faith starting from becoming conscious of their situation before God” and looking at the obstacles that would prevent their full participation in the life of the church.
Couples who have recently divorced and remarried, those who “repeatedly fail” to uphold responsibilities toward their children and original spouse and those who pretend that there is nothing wrong with divorce and remarriage should be encouraged to spend time studying and praying before trying to begin the process, the guidelines said.
“Amoris Laetitia,” Bishop Semeraro wrote, “never speaks of a generalized ‘permission’ for all divorced and civilly remarried to access the sacraments; nor does it say that the path of conversion initiated with those who want them must necessarily lead to access to the sacraments.”
At the same time, he said, priests must recognize that “it is no longer possible to say that all those who find themselves in a so-called ‘irregular’ situation are living in a state of mortal sin, deprived of sanctifying grace,” precisely because, as “Amoris Laetitia” taught, a host of factors are involved in determining the degree of guilt of the individuals involved.
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Traditionalist society elects new superior general
Conversion is a journey of action, Pope says
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It’s Not Always Easy Being Bisexual
Both heterosexual and homosexual individuals are sometimes judgmental toward those who identify themselves as bisexual and would feel more comfortable if bisexuals adhered to a single orientation (Baumgardner, 2008). In addition, gay men and lesbians sometimes view a bisexual person as someone who is really homosexual but lacks the courage to identify himself or herself as such. These views can be difficult for bisexual individuals. A bisexual woman says,
"I don’t feel like I fit anywhere. I don’t feel ‘straight’ enough in the straight world, and I don’t feel gay’ enough in the gay world. I can’t be all of who I am anywhere." (Levy, 2010, p. 66)
One study compared male and female heterosexuals’ attitudes toward bisexuality. The researchers found that straight women equally accepted bisexual men and women, but straight men were less accepting of bisexual men than of bisexual women. Heterosexuals of both sexes doubted the validity of bisexuality. However, their beliefs about bisexual men were the opposite of their beliefs about bisexual women. They maintained that the male bisexual individuals were "really gay," but the female bisexuals were "really heterosexual" (Yost & Thomas, 2012).
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Creed World
Welcome to (the ”Site”).We understand that privacy online is important to users of our Site, especially when conducting business.This statement governs our privacy policies with respect to those users of the Site (”Visitors”) who visit without transacting business and Visitors who register to transact business on the Site and make use of the various services offered by (collectively, ”Services”) (”Authorized Customers”).
Personally Identifiable Information collected by is securely stored and is not accessible to third parties or employees of except for use as indicated above.
Visitors and Authorized Customers may opt out of receiving unsolicited information from or being contacted by us and/or our vendors and affiliated agencies by responding to emails as instructed, or by contacting us at
How does use login information?
uses login information, including, but not limited to, IP addresses, ISPs, and browser types, to analyze trends, administer the Site, track a user’s movement and use, and gather broad demographic information.
has entered into and will continue to enter into partnerships and other affiliations with a number of vendors.Such vendors may have access to certain Personally Identifiable Information on a need to know basis for evaluating Authorized Customers for service eligibility. Our privacy policy does not cover their collection or use of this information. Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information to comply with law. We will disclose Personally Identifiable Information in order to comply with a court order or subpoena or a request from a law enforcement agency to release information. We will also disclose Personally Identifiable Information when reasonably necessary to protect the safety of our Visitors and Authorized Customers.
Visitors and Authorized Customers may contact us to update Personally Identifiable Information about them or to correct any inaccuracies by emailing us at
contains links to other web sites. Please note that when you click on one of these links, you are moving to another web site. We encourage you to read the privacy statements of these linked sites as their privacy policies may differ from ours.
Nelson Steward is a 23-year-old health centre receptionist who enjoys walking, social media and badminton. She is intelligent and creative, but can also be very cowardly and a bit untidy.
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A new Customer Relationship Management system (called CRM) will be the technology centerpiece of the new Service Saskatoon model and will help us manage citizen requests and inquiries more effectively.
For citizens, the service experience doesn't always end after they send an email or hang up the phone. They want to know about the progress we're making on a service request and when it has been resolved. Our work to develop the CRM will support this interaction into the future.
We will streamline the information and systems our Customer Service Representatives use to serve citizens.
We will work towards serving citizens as "One City" whether it's online, in person or over the phone.
Make the time to try out our online services as we develop new ones, and let us know how you like them, and how we could improve them.
Last updated: Summer 2019
Customer Relationship Management System (CRM)
We've learned that success is achieved through tackling a CRM in manageable pieces – so we started a pilot project with 5 Utility Services. Water outages, Hydrant issues, Water Connections, Water & Sewer Locates, and Sewer Backups. The pilot was expanded to include 18 services. In the future, we will have a permanent CRM solution that will be available for all services.
During the pilot, citizens who submit issues on some services are receiving a tracking number. Citizens will be limited to following up on service status updates by phoning the Customer Service Centre.
In the short-term, we are re-purposing an existing software solution – similar to the “Report a Pothole” application. The temporary CRM is only available to Transportation & Utilities customer service staff to start.
We want to thank the customer service team. Let’s face it – being first can be a little stressful but we are all in this together and that is why it is a pilot. The services in the pilot project provide an opportunity to get started, and also an opportunity to learn what works and what can improve.
We are evaluating and collecting feedback from the customer service team to determine next steps, including the need for any additional resources as we add new services into the CRM.
In the long-term we will have a corporate-wide enterprise based CRM and not just a temporary solution. Our knowledge base will be centralized and it will contain complete and consistent information, and frequently asked questions for all types of inquiries. Citizens will also be able to track progress online once we move to a permanent CRM solution.
The Service Saskatoon team is excited about Fusion, a project to implement an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system at the City. The ERP will support our work to build a future CRM system and will provide the foundation to ensure it can be used to its fullest ability.
Watch a demo video of the temporary CRM
New Online Service Page Developed
You can now find all City of Saskatoon online service in one convenient location at saskatoon.ca/onlineservices
Complimentary Public WiFi in Civic Facilities
In 2015, a Request for an Expression of Interest and a Request for Proposal were issued for providing free public WiFi service in City of Saskatoon customer-serving facilities.
Shaw Communications was awarded the agreement and are providing complimentary WiFi at no cost to the City in transit terminals, recreation and sport facilities, and City Hall.
This complimentary WiFi project is helping us leverage technology and emerging trends to reach our goal to provide great citizen experiences by providing access to the internet.
Watch our video on complimentary WiFi
Learn more about complimentary WiFi
Like many Canadian municipalities, Saskatoon is becoming involved in the open data movement and are actively engaged with interested parties in providing information and data files using a web-based open data catalogue.
Interested parties can browse the catalogue and download information and data files in a way that allows them to easily view the information or develop a mobile application using the information and data files provided.
In 2016 the City of Saskatoon is working to introduce new data sets into the open data catalogue, including real time bus data from Saskatoon Transit.
Service Saskatoon has submitted a request to City Council in the 2019 business plan and budget process requesting a permanent operating budget for an open data program.
Visit the open data beta site
Open Data Community Engagement
If you're new to the idea of open data, it's not just for app developers and data scientists. Open data can benefit everyone in the community.
Open data programs are about offering public data in a way that is accessible and usable for citizens, businesses and community organizations. When you add open data to the creative talent in our community, the potential for innovation is very exciting!
In 2017, Service Saskatoon conducted a community engagement project to help provide insight into what the community’s priorities are for engaging with government using open data.
A summary report and recommendations were presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services in September, 2017.
Fusion (Enterprise Resource Planning) System
Following the lead of other complex organizations and municipalities, the City began exploring an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system in 2016.
The city undertook an extensive procurement and preparation process, including a comprehensive requirements gathering and request for proposals (RFP), to ensure the City gets an ERP system that fits our needs.
On June 24, 2019, City Council approved the final funding required to move the Fusion project forward and, pending final negotiations with PwC and SAP, implementation will begin in September 2019.
Once the core ERP functionality is in place, Service Saskatoon will be able to implement a CRM to provide citizens with a 311-type experience.
What does this mean for citizens? In the future, you can contact Service Saskatoon and our systems will automatically execute the actions required and close the loop by providing information back to the citizen.
Highlight sidebar:
Online Services Page
Service Saskatoon recently launched a new online services page that provides easy access to all of the City’s online forms and services by consolidating them all into one location.
See all online services
Better Services Start with You
Sign up and join our Citizen Advisory Panel to shape the design and delivery of City services into the future. It’s quick, easy and a great way to help us understand how we can serve you better.
Join the Panel
Complimentary WiFi Now Available
Through Service Saskatoon, we're making it easier for citizens to access information and services related to City programs and services. To support this goal we've partnered with Shaw Communications to provide complimentary WiFi access at a variety of City-owned facilities.
Find out where it’s available
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Airlines Struggle with Rules Created to Minimize “Flightmares”
With the uptick in domestic air travel, airlines are facing ever-increasing lawsuits and being deemed liable for actions against passengers. The challenge in each occurrence is determining who is at fault.
By Mary Anne Medina
U.S. domestic passenger travel has been trending upward for the past two years, with 630 million departures in 2010 according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. With the uptick, airlines are facing ever-increasing lawsuits and being deemed liable for actions against passengers. Passenger complaints cover a wide range including lost luggage, cancelled flights, passenger discrimination, food poisoning, inhumane treatment, excessive flight delays, and rude treatment by flight attendants. The challenge in each occurrence is determining who is at fault.
The Federal Aviation Regulations, or FARs, are rules prescribed by the FAA that govern all U.S. aviation activity, including pilot training, airplane design, hot-air ballooning, ultra-light aircraft, and model rocket launches. The rules are designed to promote aviation safety for airline personnel, passengers, and the general public. They also serve to protect the national security of the U.S.
The Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights, developed in response to several high-profile events in which passengers were held on flights for exorbitant amounts of time, places a limit on tarmac delays for domestic flights. As of April 29, 2010, airlines are subject to a $27,500 per-passenger fine for delays that are longer than three hours. In 2011, international flights were added to the list for delays of four hours or more.
The tarmac rule came into focus recently when a potent storm system hit the U.S. Northeast on Oct. 29, 2011, causing 23 flights to be diverted to Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Conn., including six New York-bound JetBlue Airways flights. Despite warnings issued up and down the seaboard preceding the storm, airlines continued flying as scheduled until the storm hit. Passengers became stranded in their planes on the tarmac and were alleged to have been subjected to deplorable conditions for more than seven hours. In this scenario, who is to blame and what duty is owed to the passengers?
A lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York seeking class-action status on behalf of the U.S. residents onboard the JetBlue flights that day. It alleges that passengers were subjected to intolerable and inhumane conditions including rolling blackouts; malfunctioning toilets that backed up and would not flush; and a lack of potable water and food. The lawsuit also alleges violations of New York’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act; false imprisonment; negligence and negligence per se; and negligent infliction of emotional distress. It seeks declaratory and injunctive relief on behalf of the plaintiffs and all members of the proposed class.
The lawsuit was filed by the firm Parker Waichman LLP. Jordan L. Chaikin, a partner at the firm and the lawyer who filed the suit, stated that there are about 500-800 in the class who are identifiable to get certified with class-action status.
“While the fines levied upon the airlines for this egregious behavior are a step in the right direction in holding the airlines responsible for their actions and treatment of passengers, the passengers are not receiving any compensation for the damages suffered from the airline’s breach of duties owed or their breach of the implied covenant or breach of the good faith covenant,” says Chaikin.
While JetBlue has filed a motion to dismiss by citing that federal regulations and laws pre-empt state laws, Chaikin states that federal regulations only apply to “rates, routes, or services.” Chaikin’s firm is in the process of amending the complaint to exclude any allegations that may be pre-empted by federal regulations or the FAA. “The damages that those represented by the lawsuit sustained must be compensated by JetBlue,” says Chaikin. “Jetblue is the only responsible party for these damages.”
Michael Carbone, director of litigation for JetBlue, was unable to comment or provide any information regarding JetBlue or the lawsuit involving the alleged delays of Oct. 29, 2011. However, Cozen O’Connor’s James. E. Robinson offered a defense attorney’s point of view.
“Overall, since the enactment of the tarmac rule, excessive ground delays have fallen drastically without disruption of the system,” says Robinson, who also serves as editor of Aviation Law Advisor, an online source of insights and information for the aviation industry. “Unfortunately, airlines operate subject to often-unpredictable weather and must sometimes inconvenience passengers in the interests of safety. Should such decisions run afoul of the tarmac rule, the FAA has demonstrated its willingness to take action against the offending airline when necessary. Such decisions should not be left to the states, which could lead to multiple and inconsistent regulation of the airlines.”
While delays on the tarmac make the news, lost or damaged luggage claims are far more frequent and should not be taken lightly. Delta Airlines is currently facing legal action due to the way they have chosen to handle claims of lost luggage.
On Dec. 23, 2011, a class-action lawsuit was filed in U.S. district court in Miami, Fla., which states that “Delta uniformly ignores its contractual obligations to reimburse passengers for expenses while their bags are delayed. Such tactics allow Delta to pocket millions and millions that it would have had to pay out if it had abided by its contract with passengers.”
First, let‘s examine the duty owed by Delta and other airlines to passengers with regard to their luggage. Once a passenger checks his bag and pays the fees for his seat and baggage transport, it would be reasonable to assume that both he and his luggage would arrive at the same destination. If the luggage is lost, the duty owed to the passenger is then breached. But are there damages?
I would consider reimbursement for the loss of luggage to include not only the actual cost of replacement but also the expense and inconvenience incurred in procuring necessary items during the trip. Other costs could include damages owed due to breach of contract by the airline. It’s fair to assume that the cause of those costs would not be attributable to the traveler.
According to federal regulations, passengers are allowed to claim up to $3,300 in reasonable expenses for their lost or delayed luggage. The lawsuit alleges that Delta would only reimburse passengers for a portion of their claim. The airline was fined $100,000 by the USDOT for advising passengers in a pamphlet that they would only be reimbursed $25.00 a day, $125 total.
Approximately 130,000 bags are mishandled by the domestic airlines per month, according to the USDOT, and Delta reported a total of about 328,000 in 2010. In these cases, the duty owed by the airlines is breached. However, the sticky issue seems to be in the payment and assessment of the damages owed.
When assigning fault in complex cases such as these, there are many more questions to address. Are others at fault, such as air traffic controllers, service employees, and independent contractors? When assessing damages, how do you assign a value on the anguish caused by the incident?
The bottom line: If the duty is owed by the airlines and the duty is breached by the airlines and associated entities, they are responsible for the resulting damages.
Mary Anne Medina is an instructor and course developer for Vale Training Solutions. She has extensive experience in claims process redesign and claims handling training, with an emphasis on liability loss adjusting. She has been a CLM fellow since 2010 and can be reached at MMedina@vale-ts.com.
Lie Strong
Who’s at Fault When Jingle Bells Crash Down?
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Social Media and Liability
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Wetmore, Jameson. 2010. "Lessons of Engagement: Learning from Policymakers and the Public." Presentation. Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). San Diego, CA.
Wetmore, Jameson. March 26-28, 2010. "Nanodays-Student Presentations of Basic Science and Nanotechnology Applications." Presentation. Tempe Festival of the Arts. Tempe, AZ.
Wetmore, Jameson. April 3, 2010. "Nanodays-Student Presentations of Basic Science and Nanotechnology Applications." Presentation. Arizona Science Center. Phoenix, AZ.
Wetmore, Jameson. March 25, 2010. "Opportunities for Engaging with the Public." Presentation. Asilomar International Conference on Climate Intervention Technologies. Pacific Grove, CA.
Wetmore, Jameson. February 12, 2010. "Powering Down on Valentines Day." CSPO Soapbox.
Wetmore, Jameson. 2010. "Religion." Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Society, ed(s). David H. Guston, p. 665-667. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Wetmore, Jameson. 2010. "Science's Influence: Response to Science's Uncertain Authority in Policy by John Marburger." Issues in Science and Technology. 27(1):10-12.
Wetmore, Jameson. 2010. "Series of Five Informational Sheets on the Social Implications of Nanotechnology (with other Collaborators)." Distributed by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network to Museums Across the Country for Nanodays and Other Programs.
Wetmore, Jameson. 2010. "Series of Five Posters on the Social Implications of Nanotechnology (with other Collaborators)." Distributed by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network to Museums Across the Country for Nanodays and Other Programs.
Wetmore, Jameson. 2010. "Society, Religion and Technology Project, Church of Scotland." Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Society, ed(s). David H. Guston, p. 729. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Wetmore, Jameson and Ira Bennett. February 22, 2010. "Lessons of Engagement: Learning from Policymakers and the Public." Presentation. Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). San Diego, CA.
Williams, Berea. 2010. "Designing Recognition Elements Based on DNA Scaffolds." Doctoral Dissertation. Chemistry. Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
Wolbring, Gregor. 2010. "Abel-Ism." Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Society, ed(s). David H. Guston, p. 2-3. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Wolbring, Gregor. 2010. "Cancer Treatment, Nanoenabled." Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Society, ed(s). David H. Guston, p. 72-74. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Wolbring, Gregor. 2010. "Design and Construction." Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Society, ed(s). David H. Guston, p. 157-160. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Wolbring, Gregor. 2010. "Disability and Nanoscience." Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Society, ed(s). David H. Guston, p. 165-166. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Wolbring, Gregor. 2010. "International Risk Governance Council." Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Society, ed(s). David H. Guston, p. 358-360. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Wolbring, Gregor. 2010. "Nano Hazard Symbol Contest." Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Society, ed(s). David H. Guston, p. 486-487. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Wolbring, Gregor. 2010. "Nanoparticle Occupational Safety and Health Consortium." Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Society, ed(s). David H. Guston, p. 514. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Wolbring, Gregor. 2010. "Nanophotovoltaics." Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Society, ed(s). David H. Guston, p. 516-518. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Wolbring, Gregor. 2010. "Zinc Oxide." Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Society, ed(s). David H. Guston, p. 801-802. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Woodbury, Neal and David H. Guston. November 2, 2010. "Life Saver or Privacy Invasion? Identifying Disease before Symptoms." Presentation. Spirit of the Senses Salon. Tempe, AZ.
Wu, Ke. 2010. "Pedagogical Approach Towards Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Children: An Analysis of Education-Based Non-Governmental Organizations Around the World." Undergraduate Thesis. Barrett Honors College. Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ.
Youtie, Jan. December 3, 2010. "Anticipating Developments in Nanotechnology Commercialization: The Potential Economic Impacts of Nanoelectronics." Presentation. Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and the Semiconductor Industry. Austin, TX.
Youtie, Jan. October 2, 2010. "Silos or Systems in Emerging Science Domains." Presentation. Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Nanoscience and Emerging Technologies (S.NET). Darmstadt, Germany.
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Complete DHS Report for September 1, 2016
• Magellan Midstream Partners L.P. issued a recall August 31 for approximately 449,400 gallons of gasoline delivered to retailers in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area after it was discovered the gasoline contained as much as 30 percent ethanol. – KOKI 23 Tulsa
1. August 31, KOKI 23 Tulsa – (Oklahoma) Company recalls thousands of barrels of high-ethanol gasoline in Oklahoma. Magellan Midstream Partners L.P. issued a recall August 31 for approximately 449,400 gallons of its gasoline delivered to retailers across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area August 23 – August 29 after it was discovered the gasoline contained as much as 30 percent ethanol, which can cause engines to run poorly or fail. Officials are working to notify impacted retailers. Source: http://www.fox23.com/news/company-recalls-thousands-of-barrels-of-high-ethanol-gasoline-in-oklahoma/432947099
• General Motors issued a recall August 30 for 367,808 of its model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles due to a problem in the windshield wiper modules that could result in poor visibility while driving. – TheCarConnection.com
2. August 30, TheCarConnection.com – (National) 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain recalled for windshield wiper woes. General Motors issued a recall August 30 for 367,808 of its model year 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles sold in the U.S. due to a problem in the windshield wiper modules where the ball joints may be prone to corrosion and wear, which could cause the modules to slip out of their sockets and the windshield wipers to stop working, thereby reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Source: http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1105862_2013-chevrolet-equinox-and-gmc-terrain-recalled-for-windshield-wiper-woes
• SCAN Health Plan announced August 30 it is notifying about 87,000 members of a data breach after remote attackers accessed the names, addresses, and Social Security numbers of members between March 2016 and June 2016. – SC Magazine
17. August 30, SC Magazine – (National) 87K affected in SCAN Health Plan breach. SCAN Health Plan announced August 30 it is notifying approximately 87,000 members of a data breach after remote attackers, using legitimate employee credentials gained access to the contact sheets system and accessed the names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, among other personal information, of previous and current members between March 2016 and June 2016. Officials believe the stolen information was used for client development for an outside insurance agency. Source:
http://www.scmagazine.com/87k-affected-in-scan-health-plan-breach/article/519407/
• Dropbox, Inc. began prompting password resets for more than 68 million users potentially exposed in a July 2012 data breach where user email addresses and passwords may have been improperly accessed. – SecurityWeek See item 22 below in the Information Technology Sector
3. August 31, Orange County Register; Southern California City News Service – (California) ‘Baggy Eyes Bandit,’ suspected in Anaheim Hills, Placentia bank robberies, has been arrested. A man dubbed the “Baggy Eyes Bandit” was charged August 30 in connection with 2 bank robberies after he allegedly robbed 6 banks in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties and attempted to rob a Citibank branch in Anaheim Hills, California, August 27. Source: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/fbi-727492-bank-stepanyan.html
4. August 30, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia – (Georgia) Investment advisor pleads guilty to stealing from clients. A former investment adviser and operator of Gist, Kennedy & Associates pleaded guilty August 30 to defrauding more than 30 clients out of $5 million by falsely informing investors that he would make conservative investments for investors in corporate bonds and other securities, while he used the funds for personal expenses, to fund ENCAP Technologies operations, and to pay other clients proceeds and dividends from the fraudulent investments. Officials stated the adviser also prepared and mailed false account statements to the investors that showed false investment returns in order to continue the fraud scheme. Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/investment-advisor-pleads-guilty-stealing-clients
22. August 31, SecurityWeek – (International) 68 million exposed in old Dropbox hack. Dropbox, Inc. began prompting password resets for more than 68 million users potentially exposed in a July 2012 data breach where user email addresses and hashed and salted passwords for Dropbox accounts may have been improperly accessed after a Dropbox employee’s password was stolen and used to access an employee account that contained a document containing the user information. Dropbox officials do not believe any account was improperly accessed during the breach.
Source: http://www.securityweek.com/68-million-exposed-old-dropbox-hack
23. August 31, SecurityWeek – (International) Vulnerabilities found in CryptWare BitLocker enhancement tool. CryptWare released CryptoPro Secure Disk 5.2.1 for BitLocker addressing two serious vulnerabilities, one of which can be exploited to access a root shell at boot and execute arbitrary commands, as CryptoPro Secure Disk improperly blocks terminal access, and a second serious flaw that can be exploited to modify files on the system and bypass the verification process, which can be leveraged to backdoor the system and steal sensitive information such as domain credentials and BitLocker, among other information, due to inadequate verification mechanisms.
Source: http://www.securityweek.com/vulnerabilities-found-cryptware-bitlocker-enhancement-tool
24. August 31, Softpedia – (International) Unsophisticated Revenge RAT released online for free. Security researchers discovered a malware coder named Napoleon released a new remote access trojan/tool (RAT), dubbed Revenge v0.2 online for free via underground hacking forums. Researchers found the RAT is able to access the user’s Webcam, open a remote shell, initiate remote desktop sessions, interact with the victim’s file manager, and manage operating system (OS) services, among other malicious actions. Source: http://news.softpedia.com/news/unsophisticated-revenge-rat-released-for-free-online-507776.shtml
25. August 30, SecurityWeek – (International) Site of BitTorrent app “Transmission” again used to deliver OS X malware. Security researchers from ESET reported that the official Website for the BitTorrent client, Transmission was being exploited to distribute an Apple Mac operating system (OS) X malware, dubbed OSX/Keydnap that steals the content of the OS X keychain and maintains a permanent backdoor on an infected system after finding that cybercriminals compromised the Transmission site and replaced the legitimate app with a malicious version, which was available for download as Transmission v2.92 between August 28 and August 29. Researchers stated users can determine if their systems are infected by checking if files associated with the malware are present on their system. Source: http://www.securityweek.com/site-bittorrent-app-transmission-again-used-deliver-os-x-malware
26. August 30, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida – (International) Miami Gardens resident pleads guilty to participating in sophisticated international cellphone fraud scheme. A Miami Gardens, Florida resident pleaded guilty August 29 for his role in an international cellphone fraud scheme where he and co-conspirators stole access to and fraudulently opened new cellphone accounts with the personal information of various U.S. residents, trafficked in nearly 11,000 cellphone customers’ telecommunication identifying information, and reprogrammed the cellphones to transmit thousands of international calls to countries with high calling rates, which were billed to the victims’ compromised accounts. Officials reported that the scheme caused at least $1 million dollars in losses. Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/miami-gardens-resident-pleads-guilty-participating-sophisticated-international
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Garwulf’s Corner – What is Robert B. Marks Doing Nowadays?
Written by medievaldragon on February 3, 2015 . Posted in Diablo 3 News
Fans of Robert B. Marks may be wondering what’s up with him. He wrote the first Blizzard Entertainment eBook… Diablo: Demonsbane. What’s he doing nowadays? Well, he launched a publisher company named Legacy Books Press based on Kingston, Ontario. Recently, he published a compilation of all the Garwulf’s Corner articles titled Garwulf’s Corner:An Odyssey into Diablo and the World Beyond the Video Game .
Robert emailed me today to inform he joined forces with (legendary Canadian-born fantasy writer and the original creator of the Forgotten Realms game world) Ed Greenwood to publish The Eternity Quartet: An Evil Wind (eBook). Those interested in supporting Robert, go ahead and read this new production for $2.99.
THE ETERNITY QUARTET: AN EVIL WIND
“It is the Spring of the World. The Great Ice has retreated, leaving verdant fields and fledgling new civilizations. It is a time of wild and terrifying magic, wondrous opportunity, and great danger. Ed Greenwood, creator of the Forgotten Realms® and New York Times-bestselling author of Spellfire and Elminster: The Making Of A Mage, and Robert B. Marks, author of Diablo: Demonsbane, welcome you to the first movement of The Eternity Quartet.
Millennia have passed since the ice left the world. New and hungry civilizations have arisen, eager for land and conquest. In the valley of the Godsblood, Lord Emgrar and his people face a terrible ultimatum: surrender or death. Lord Kutharl has come to conquer and enslave, and the price of survival will be very high indeed.”
Ed Greenwood and Robert B. Marks launch The Eternity Quartet
Ed Greenwood, New York Times bestselling author of Spellfire and Elminster: The Making Of A Mage, and the creator of the Forgotten Realms®, and Robert B. Marks, author of Diablo: Demonsbane, The EverQuest Companion, and Garwulf’s Corner, have teamed up for an groundbreaking new project launching on February 15, 2015: The Eternity Quartet.
Consisting of 16 separate yet linked stories, each providing a snapshot of a time and place, The Eternity Quartet tells the tale of a fantasy world from one ice age to the next, covering around 25,000 years. Structured like a symphony, The Eternity Quartet is divided into four movements representing the four seasons, each containing four stories.
The first story – Seizing the Torch, by Robert B. Marks – takes place as the glaciers recede and a tribe of hunter gatherers face a previously unknown challenge. The second – An Evil Wind, by Ed Greenwood – sees the leaders of an early civilization confront overwhelming odds and make a terrible sacrifice for survival.
The plan is to release one story per month. The first 14 stories will be released on Amazon Kindle for $2.99 each. The final two stories will be published along with the rest of The Eternity Quartet in an anthology in paperback and e-book format in mid-late 2016.
“We have wanted to work together for over a decade,” said Marks. “To be able to work with an author of Ed’s caliber on a project like this is a dream come true.”
“As a veteran gamer and game writer, Rob understands the fun in storytelling,” said Greenwood, “and this is a great chance for us to have fun together that should come through to the reader loud and clear. I love collaborating with talented, creative, nice people – and Rob is talented, creative, nice people!”
Seizing the Torch, by Robert B. Marks, will be released on February 15, 2015, and is now available for pre-order at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T3GG9W0
An Evil Wind, by Ed Greenwood, will be released on March 15, 2015, and is now available for pre-order at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T3MNSYQ
Robert B. Marks is an author, editor, publisher, and researcher. He is the author of Diablo: Demonsbane, The EverQuest Companion, Garwulf’s Corner, and co-author of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Agora.
Ed Greenwood is the creator of The Forgotten Realms® fantasy world, and an award-winning writer or co-writer of almost 300 books that have sold millions of copies worldwide in more than three dozen languages. He hangs out on the Internet at: http://theedverse.com
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Air Force Language Enabled Airmen Program in Action
The Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) is designed and managed by the Air Force Culture and Language Center (AFCLC) to sustain, enhance and utilize the existing language skills and talents of Airmen. The goal of LEAP is to develop a core group of general-purpose force (GPF) Airmen across specialties and careers possessing the capability to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
TRADOC Commanding Generals Says DLIFLC is an Example for Army University, Discusses Importance of Culture Training
Gen. David Perkins visited the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, where he discussed the role of language and cultural training in the military.
U.S. ROTC Cadets Explore Cambodian Culture
Check out this post about ROTC cadet Blake Engle's participation in the Cultural Understanding Language Program (CULP ) program in Cambodia.
Ever Wonder What the Importance of Foreign Language Is, Even in the Heartland?
A local news report from Missouri highlights the importance of language training and fluency in today's increasingly globalized economy.
EHLS 2015 Open Source Analysis Project
The English for Heritage Language Speakers (EHLS) Program offers a unique opportunity to U.S. citizens who are native speakers of critical languages.
TRADOC Commander Visits DLIFLC, Stresses Culture Training
Lt. Gen. Kevin W. Mangum, the deputy commanding general and chief of staff of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), stressed the importance of cultural understanding and culture training during a visit to DLIFLC's Command Language Program Managers Conference.
Advising the Command: Best Practices from the Special Operations Advisory Experience in Afghanistan
The purpose of this report is to identify best practices in operational-level advising from the special operations advisory mission in Afghanistan. The report also identifies key recommendations that are intended to help address key challenges in operational-level partnering.
LEARN Workshop: Integrating Language Training and Regional/Transnational Studies
The Foreign Language Program Office of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the National Cryptologic School (NCS) recently hosted a LEARN conference regarding Integrating Regional Expertise and Culture in Language Training for the Intel and Military.
Cultural Diplomacy Supporting American Military Objectives
Marissa Cruz writes about the Army's Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP) Program, where cadets spend up to three weeks immersed in foreign cultures, learning more about how others around the world view the United States, and in the process, learn more about themselves.
For American Students Studying Abroad in China, Cultural Flexibility is Key
Foreign Policy magazine published an article discussing the over 14,000 American students who studied abroad in China in the 2012-13 academic year.
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Home » The Shaping of China's Postdoctoral Community
The Shaping of China's Postdoctoral Community
Stith, Andrea Lynn; Li Liu; Yibin Xu
Chinese Education & Society;Jan/Feb2011, Vol. 44 Issue 1, p58
During its brief twenty-five-year history, and under the close management of the central government, the postdoctoral training system in China has grown rapidly into a permanent element of the Chinese science and technology research system. Although designed to be attractive to elite Chinese Ph.D. talent both living abroad and in China, it turned out not to be. Over the years, Chinese students have demonstrated their preferences for foreign doctoral degrees, and return rates have been low. All the while, continued investment in science and technology has fed steady demand for postdoctoral researchers. Those who opt to return have commanded generous compensation packages for prestigious permanent positions, rather than settling for meagerly paid and temporary postdoctoral positions. For those who remain, a postdoctoral stint has evolved into a requirement for progressing along a research career path; however, their careers are often stymied by institutional preferences to hire returnees. As a result, the effectiveness of the postdoctoral system to boost the development of domestically trained talent is also not fully manifest. Although it is likely that the continued return of foreign talent will indeed ultimately boost the quality of research at Chinese institutions, the problem is the possible evolution of the cohort of domestically trained scientists into a subclass of highly trained scientists. In light of this, the continuing growth of the postdoctoral community in China is of concern, and significant change must be considered. To examine this question, we review the origins, structure, and governance of the postdoctoral system and examine the diversity and employability of postdoctoral scholars.
Click here to go to the full text on EBSCOhost.
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Navigation Favs Experience Product Graphic Video Art Design Music Michael Design Studio Contact
I am an experience designer and strategist
fostering dialogue between technology and people.
Eames - The Information Machine (1958)
Written, produced, filmed, directed and narrated by Charles and Ray Eames in 1957, The Information Machine: Creative Man and the Data Processor was the first film The Eames Office made for IBM. It was commissioned by IBM’s then consultant director of design Eliot Noyes for screening at the IBM pavilion at the 1958 Brussels World Fair.
IBM Pavilion - Brussels World Fair (1958)
Noyes, an accomplished architect and designer in his own right, had been instrumental in promoting Eames’ earliest furniture work while serving as curator of MoMA’s industrial design collection from 1939 – 1946. In fact, Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen won the MoMA Organic Design Competition in 1940, sparking the meteoric rise of their careers.
MoMA – Organic Design in Home Furnishings (1941)
The Information Machine is a 10-minute (mostly) animated film detailing the need for and use of computers as decision making tools. Consistent with all of Eames’ work, The Information Machine presents its subject in a deeply humanistic light, leaving the viewer with the impression that computers are a natural product of human ingenuity and ultimately useful in society. It is, therefore, a wonderfully effective piece of corporate communication that promotes the computer as an accessible piece of technology that empowers man to make better decisions. Apple anyone?
Still 1: The Information Machine (1958)
Published on February 03, 2013 by Michael Turri.
Tags: IBM, Eames, Worlds Fairs.
Categories: Inspiration, Film.
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Emily Yates Does Everything*
*depending on your definition of "everything"
The Global Try Not To Be A Dick Movement
TNTBAD Stickers!
TNTBAD Koozies!
Category: Writings
New Op-Ed: Afghan, Iraqi Interpreters Rebuild Lives With Help of US Vets
Afghan, Iraqi Interpreters Left Behind by the US Government, Rebuild Lives With Help of US Vets
http://www.truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/afghan-iraqi-interpreters-left-behind-by-the-us-government-rebuild-lives-with-help-of-us-vets
EMILY YATES FOR BUZZFLASH AT TRUTHOUT
If you value news and commentary handpicked for quality and importance, then chip in a few bucks to support BuzzFlash: Click here to make a tax-deductible donation.
Imagine you’re being forced to flee your home. Not just your home, but your country, and not just for now, but forever.
Imagine you can only pack one carry-on sized bag, weighing no more than 50 pounds, from which you must rebuild your entire life. Everything else stays behind.
Imagine getting to your new, foreign home, only to discover that your funds are nowhere near enough to live on, your education and work skills don’t translate into a local job, and you’re immediately in debt to the government for the flight that brought you to safety. You have no health care, the culture you’re now immersed in is entirely unfamiliar to you and every day is a struggle to adjust to a life you never thought you’d be living.
Now imagine the reason you must do this is because the United States military … Read More
Now you can support my work on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/emilyyates
Patreon is a relatively new way for artists to get ongoing support from those who appreciate us most. If you want to see me get extra-productive, sign up to support my music & writing for as little as $1/month, and I’ll lay a bunch of songs and words on ya. WE ALL WIN. Thanks!!
Photo: Julie Stanley
Reflection | #CommunicationFail: Talking Politics In The Trump Era
I kind of can’t believe I’m saying this, but … the post-election development that bothers me most isn’t the threat of an authoritarian regime. I mean, that is deeply troubling, and I’m definitely freaked right the hell out about the rise of fascism in this country, but even so, there’s a problem that worries me more – these days, when Americans talk about politics, we only seem to have two settings: Agree and Asshole.
It’s one thing for us to disagree with each other about the way this country should run. It’s another thing entirely to write each other off before the conversation even begins, as most of us have been guilty of doing at some time or other. Rather than acting as vehicles for finding common ground and mutual understanding, nearly all political discussions in the deeply-polarized Trump era are a fast train to Angrytown. It’s like we’ve forgotten that we all have the same basic needs, and that if we can express them without spewing douchery all over the place, we can potentially meet those needs and coexist without wanting to ”accidentally” drive over each other. Of course, the irony is that when we’re fighting over whose needs should be met first or better, we’re really taking care of nobody.
It’s no surprise that now, to an extreme degree, unbridled hostility has become the new normal for political disagreements, seeing as how our sitting president spent a year and a half running a campaign fueled entirely by rage, hate and fear. I mean, I would need at least an entire ream of paper to list all the ways our current administration has encouraged Americans to be shittier to each other. By suggesting, for example, that refugees are all dangerous, Mexicans are all drug-dealing rapists, Muslims are all potential terrorists, immigrants are taking all the jobs, and lies are the new truth, our government leaders are ensuring constant conflict among the most vulnerable members of society.
When we’re all in conflict with one another, we’re much easier to control. Naturally it wouldn’t bode well for the power-junkies in charge if all the poor people in the country acknowledged that not only are they all getting screwed by the same wealthy people, but also that there are many, many more poor people than wealthy ones, and with some basic cooperation the option of, say, collectively gathering up all those greedy bastards and tossing them straight into jail, would be totally viable.
Unfortunately though, no greedy bastards get victoriously tossed behind bars when the rest of us can’t even agree that all people deserve clean water, food, healthcare and housing. Their greedy-bastard faces stay free as long as we’re all viciously arguing about whether or not it’s okay for the police to shoot unarmed people to protect oil companies, whether women should be allowed to make decisions about our own bodies, whether science is real or the news is fake. If instead we started asking one another how we arrived at our opinions and actually listened to each other’s answers, it wouldn’t be so scary to step out of our trusty comfort bubbles and social-media echo chambers to engage with ideas that don’t already align with our established world view. Before long, we might even find ways to relate to each other, and from there it’s really just a matter of time till we’re all coming together for a good old-fashioned greedy-bastard toss.
It’s all easier said than done, obviously, as long as our nation’s elite are invested in keeping the rest of us at odds with one another to increase their own wealth and power. When somebody is forcefully asserting a stance I find offensive, using the same abusive language as the powers-that-be, it takes a hefty amount of effort to push past my initial, visceral reactions to that person and get to the core of our differing perspectives. If I’m able to successfully make that effort, I usually get to learn something about the other person that helps me at least understand where they’re coming from, regardless of whether I come around to their point of view, or they to mine. I might not like what I’m hearing, but at least I’m hearing it.
In these days of rampant suspicion over which information is true and which is fabricated, it doesn’t make sense to argue various points with one another, each referring to sources that the other mistrusts. We’re all in the process of getting profoundly mindfucked by the complete overload of information the internet provides. At this late stage in the game, after years of cutting off communication or unfriending people, I’ve come to understand that the only way to keep a political conversation moving forward is to ask the other person why they feel the way they do and how they came to their conclusions, and then (here comes the hard part) … listen to their answer.
I’m not suggesting that this is some kind of guaranteed solution to conflict, or that simply listening to one another will inevitably lead to some kind of kumbayah-we-are-the-world love fest. But as one of many people who are frankly horrified by the hate parade getting thrust upon us by our government, I’m convinced it’s our last hope for keeping full-scale violence from becoming our go-to method of communication. We don’t have to agree with everyone. We don’t have to like everyone, and we don’t have to pretend to be convinced that any old batshit-crazy idea is sane. But for my part, I know that if I can get even a tiny bit closer to understanding where someone is coming from, it helps me feel like there’s the slightest possibility that all hope for a brighter future is not lost.
With that in mind, I’m going to do my best to resist the urge to judge or argue with anybody without first looking for a way to understand their perspective. I might not agree with their perspective once I understand it, but at the very least, it’ll keep me from switching my political-conversation setting all the way over to Asshole. That may not lead straight to victorious bastard-tossing, but it just might keep the conversation going. And as far as I’m concerned, that’s a good start.
Reflection | The Dark Side of Red Rocks
Like any devout fan of live music, I’ve spent time at beautiful outdoor concert venues all around the country, dancing in the breeze to the songs of my favorite bands, soaking up the mountains, deserts and oceans that stretch out for miles in every direction. And like many of the people who surround me in the crowd, I’ve been able to enjoy these panoramic views and natural amphitheaters without having much of a clue about their history. After all, as a third-generation Jewtalian-American, my limited knowledge of these places comes from books, rather than stories passed down by ancestors who lived in this land for generations before Europeans arrived here. Because my personal connection to these once-wild expanses of nature goes only as far as the music I’ve heard there (and a few memorable hikes), it can be a harsh wake-up call when I’m reminded that this isn’t the case for all Americans.
One of those reminders came yesterday on the steps of the Denver Capitol, where I’d gathered with a hundred or so others to voice our opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline in solidarity with the Native American Water Protectors at Standing Rock. We’d returned to the Capitol after rallying there, then marching down to the Wells Fargo Center and parading around its lobby, chanting “Divest from DAPL” and “Water is Life” to bewildered security guards. There had been no arrests, and the energy in the air was full of determination and hope. Several of the indigenous activists who’d organized the rally took time to speak, and it was then that I was jolted out of my comfort zone.
“Look over there toward Red Rocks!” one of the Native elders instructed, and we all turned to face west. “This was one of the last places of Native resistance in Colorado. Every time I hear that damn rock and roll music, I think of how this land was taken from us.”
“That damn rock and roll music.” I had to check myself and the immediate stab of defensiveness I felt when I heard those words. How many shows have I seen at the Red Rocks amphitheater? How many of my friends have played music on that stage, and how many more aspire to do so? After all, we know it as the home of the most glorious natural acoustics in the country. We know it as a place of music, art and community, not as a site of oppression and genocide. But isn’t that the point? We’re privileged to lap up the visual and sonic beauty of Red Rocks, without having to acknowledge or even be aware of the pain that many Native people associate with it. This understanding sank into my heart like a stone as I reminded myself not to be surprised – this is the reality of living in the place we now call America.
How many Native ceremonies took place where that stage now stands? How many lives and homes were destroyed to eventually make room for bleachers, concession stands and a visitor center? How many solemn or celebratory processions were made up those rock formations before there were friendly little trails leading to the top? These are the questions now bouncing around my mind as I’m reminded that this place I love is only available to me because of the suffering of those who were there first, those who were cleared out of the way. The same is true of the United States as a whole – we of non-Native ancestry are only here because the Natives who lived here first were forcibly removed.
The same force used by the United States government to violently remove indigenous tribes from Red Rocks is being used by modern-day colonists to remove them from everywhere else in this country, including the Cannonball River in Standing Rock, North Dakota – where instead of a stage, they’re building the Dakota Access Pipeline. White Americans have a tendency to be defensive about the history of the places we love, to claim that it wasn’t us who displaced and destroyed their inhabitants. We hate being reminded of that shameful past because it makes us feel a whole range of unpleasant emotions, from guilt to anger to depression. But giving in to that defensiveness is what makes it easy for us to ignore all the ways we can be working against the same kind of atrocities in the present and future. Within a water-poisoning pipeline, a Muslim ban, a surge of deportations and indiscriminate drone strikes are echoes of the same entitlement and aggression that wiped out massive populations of indigenous people in this country. The difference is that now, I can’t say “it wasn’t me” unless I’m actively working to end that aggression.
I can choose to be defensive about my identity as the descendant of European immigrants who settled in territory originally occupied by Natives. I can choose to be paralyzed by guilt over my perceived role in perpetuating colonialism as a white American. Or I can choose to participate in decolonization whenever possible – whether that means showing up to protest injustice against people of color, putting my body on the line against aggressive law enforcement trying to maintain the status quo, or simply living my life with the awareness that there’s a hell of a lot I still don’t know about the dark history of this nation. And the next time I hear “that damn rock and roll music” reverberating off of those red rocks, I can choose to listen even closer, until I hear the sound of Native drums still beating – faintly at first, but growing louder every day, until they can no longer be drowned out.
Posted on December 9, 2016 February 28, 2017
Reflection | Standing Rock: We Are Not At War
“Fall in!” came the command from the front of the Sitting Bull College auditorium Saturday night, and as hundreds of my fellow veterans and I took our places in formation, I fervently hoped that we weren’t about to witness the end of a peaceful movement.
When I first saw the news that thousands of veterans were being called to “deploy” to Standing Rock, North Dakota, my heart began to beat faster for two conflicting reasons: first, the call to duty, which elicits a visceral reaction from any current or former member of the military; and second, the belief that a militarized response to the indigenous tribes’ call for help was the wrong response. The fact that the media seemed all too eager to cover a group of uniformed soldiers marching into battle, while consistently ignoring all the veterans who’d already been selflessly working at Standing Rock for months, made me wonder if the real motivation for covering this “deployment” was not to promote the ongoing peaceful demonstrations against the Dakota Access Pipeline, but to beat the drums of war.
Like the Standing Rock leaders, and many of my veteran friends, I saw no use for violence in this mission, and was hesitant to join the ranks of those who might be looking for a fight. But after consulting with fellow members of Iraq Veterans Against the War, who’d been working on the ground with the Indigenous Youth Council and Indigenous Peoples Power Project for several weeks, I decided to be present at the encampment, not as a militarized veteran, but as one who has seen war and wishes it on no other person. This, I was told, was the best way to serve the Water Protectors. Peace and life, not war and death, was our purpose. How this would be communicated to thousands of incoming veterans, though, I had no clue.
One of the first things told to a newcomer at Oceti Sakowin Camp is that this is a ceremonial camp – a sacred place of peace and prayer. This idea of ceremony was vastly different from the one I’d known in the military, where I witnessed and participated in countless ceremonies for a plethora of purposes: promotions, awards, changes of command, retirements, deployments, homecomings, commemorations – basically, any occasion that required more than a casual nod or pat on the back. Each one was tedious, and although each contained its own symbolic gestures, most were primarily rote affairs requiring long speeches written by the presiding officers’ public relations staff. By contrast, every action taken in the Water Protectors’ camp was considered to be an act of ceremony in which all were invited to participate and find meaning. I couldn’t help but wonder how these two cultures could possibly combine. Saturday night in the auditorium, my questions began to be answered.
The Native woman who called us to formation introduced herself as the sergeant major of the Veterans Stand for Standing Rock contingency. She told us we’d be taking our orders from her – and that she was taking her orders from the elders. She had my attention.
“We thank you for answering the call to come here and support Mni Wiconi,” she said, referring to the Lakota phrase meaning “Water Is Life,” the rallying cry for the Water Protectors. “Now I’m going to tell you how you’re going to do that. Here are your orders.” I braced myself. Would we be storming the hill and taking the bridge? Would we be human shields? I took a deep breath and prepared myself for the worst.
“There will be no direct actions this weekend,” the sergeant major announced, and my heart skipped a beat as the crowd began to murmur. What was that she’d said? “I repeat, there will be no direct actions this weekend. Your orders are to remain peaceful and prayerful.”
As she introduced the next speakers – not the white male leaders of the veterans’ contingency, but first the tribal elders, primarily women – I felt a sense of deep relief sweeping over me, along with an understanding of what was taking place: We weren’t called here to be soldiers. We were called here to be warriors. And warriors, according to the elders, sought not to go to war, but to avoid it at all costs. By cloaking the request for peace and prayer in a top-down command, the elders had found a way to effectively communicate this message. And as we soon discovered, there was still much more to be said.
“The veterans think they’re coming to protect us,” said Faith Spotted Eagle, one of the elders, speaking to a group of volunteers before the arrival of the masses. “But they’re not coming to protect us. They’re coming to be healed.”
Healing was the next item of business. Before leaving this place, we were told, all the veterans would be invited to take part in a Forgiveness Ceremony, during which we would have the opportunity to acknowledge war crimes and wrong actions taken against Native tribes by the United States military, and realign our loyalty to the First Nations. We would be given the chance to make our mission one of service, not of violence, and in this way, we’d be taking an historic step to combine forces in the most powerful way – by uniting in peace.
There were a few veterans, I noticed, who balked at this notion, muttering that this wasn’t why they’d come to Standing Rock, but they were a small minority. There was one who tried to rally dissenters and storm the hill on his own later that night, and he was immediately stopped. For the most part, I could tell my sense of relief was shared by my sisters- and brothers-in-arms. We didn’t want to go back to war. The next day, when the announcement came that the easement for continued drilling had been denied to Energy Transfer Partners, we celebrated this small, temporary victory having been achieved without violent resistance.
Two days later, the time came to ceremonially ask forgiveness, and we embraced it, along with the accepting arms of our Native hosts. Lined up in formation beside hundreds of veterans, I was blown away by the generosity of the indigenous people of this land as they moved through our ranks, offering handshakes and hugs to each and every one of us who’d made the journey to Standing Rock. They thanked us for being there, and all I could say in response was, “No … thank YOU.” One of the Native women who embraced me, looked into my eyes before moving along and said, “I hope you find peace.” This, after all, was why we’d come.
As the Forgiveness Ceremony ended, the winter storm that had been brewing kicked up into a full-bodied blizzard. We had all gathered for the event indoors at the reservation’s casino pavilion, and most had intended to head back to the camp or leave for home afterward. But it quickly became clear that driving even a short distance would be unsafe, so nearly a thousand of us veterans (both Native and non-Native), along with the elders and many of the other Water Protectors, found ourselves snowed in. There were nowhere near enough rooms for everyone, so people camped out in the hallways and pavilion, with many opting to stake out places in the smoky bar – solidarity drinking, I told myself after a few whiskeys, as we all made friends and many hugs were exchanged.
By the next day, the casino’s food supplies began to run low, and the bar had been depleted of alcohol. The weather hadn’t cleared, and those who’d remained at the camp in dangerous conditions had begun to make their way to the casino for safety, moving the camp’s supplies to the pavilion. The elders sat at the front of the room, and Native drumming circles were set up to continue the ceremonial spirit of the Oceti Sakowin camp, while people milled around the pavilion, chatting with each other and members of the media who’d also been stranded. Periodically, the elders would quiet the room and address all of us gathered there, and instead of wandering aimlessly around the casino, I hunkered down to listen.
“There is a difference between a soldier and a warrior,” one of the elders said. “A soldier follows orders, but a warrior follows the heart. A warrior sees war only as a last resort.”
“We are not at war here,” Faith Spotted Eagle emphasized to us. “They are at war. We are in ceremony.”
If there’s one thing I’ve taken away from nearly two weeks with the Standing Rock Sioux, it’s that forgiveness and compassion have more power to heal than war and militarism have power to harm. A soldier seeks war, but a warrior seeks peace, and I may have been a soldier once, but now I have a responsibility to be a warrior. If the DAPL doesn’t succeed, another threat will arise to take its place. Standing beside the Natives of this country, along with so many others who answered the Water Protectors’ call, I know that the struggle we’re in will continue, but it won’t be a war. It will be – as it always has been – a ceremony.
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APU-NEXT Lecture Series, 5 lectures
From Wednesday, October 5th, 2016, APU will hold the APU-NEXT: World's Leading Companies - The Management Strategies of Global Niche Top Companies lecture series in cooperation with Oita City Industrial Development Plaza. There will be five lectures, including special lectures from invited speakers.
Seminar Report "RCAPS 20th Anniversary Special Seminar Translation Language and Poetics"
Established in 1996, the Ritsumeikan Center for Asia Pacific Studies (RCAPS) is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year. President KORENAGA Shun gave a special lecture on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, to commemorate this anniversary.
Seminar Report "The Politics of Yasukuni Shrine”
On Wednesday, July 6, 2016, RCAPS welcomed Professor Mark Mullins (University of Auckland) to deliver an RCAPS seminar entitled, "The Politics of Yasukuni Shrine ". The seminar was held in English.
Seminar Report " Asia's Changing Security Environment and the Dilemmas for Vietnam and Southeast Asia”
On Monday, June 27, 2016, RCAPS welcomed Professor Prof. Tuong Vu (University of Oregon) to deliver an RCAPS seminar entitled, " Asia's Changing Security Environment and the Dilemmas for Vietnam and Southeast Asia ". The seminar was held in English.
Seminar Report "Development of the Automotive Industry in Southeast Asia and Central Europe”
On Wednesday, June 8, 2016, RCAPS welcomed Professor Kaoru Natsuda (APM, APU) to deliver an RCAPS current research seminar entitled, "Development of the Automotive Industry in Southeast Asia and Central Europe". The seminar was held in English.
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Home Arminianism “The Prodigal Son” and Arminian Theology
“The Prodigal Son” and Arminian Theology
March 31, 2011 , posted by Kevin Jackson
One of Jesus’ best known parables is the story of “The Prodigal Son” (Luke 15:11-32). The parable is particularly relevant to Arminian theology. It shows the extent of freedom that God gives to his children. It illustrates the nature of his love. And it shows how He goes about reconciliation.
The parable presents a picture that is in harmony with the Arminian understanding of God. Restored relationship is what is important to God. It is so important that he will set aside his rights and his honor in order to be reconciled with his children. Let’s take a look at the parable:
The Father gives the younger son what he requests.
“The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.” (Luke 15:12) The younger son demanded his inheritance from the father. In effect, the son wishes that his father was dead. The father would have been well within his rights to deny this demand, but instead he gives the son what he asks for.
The Father doesn’t worry about his glory.
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.” (Luke 15:13) In the culture of the time, the father had the ability to prevent the son from leaving. The son’s freedom was more important to the father than the fact that the son’s actions would shame the father. The father permitted the son’s behavior out of love.
The Father did not force the son home, the son chooses to go home.
I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father. (Luke 15:18-20). The father did not effectually cause the son to go back home, rather the son made the decision to return on his own. The son’s ability to make this decision did not make him proud. The son was instead humbled because he knew he had wronged his father. Even though the son made the decision to return, he was still at the complete mercy of the father. The son could not restore the relationship, only the father could.
The Father RUNS to the son.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20) In the culture of the time it was unthinkable for a father to run to a son, particularly in a situation where he had been wronged. It was undignified. The father would stand and wait, and the son would walk to him and beg. But we see in this parable the father runs to his son. Reconciliation was more important to the father than appearance or position.
Death means separation. Alive means reconciliation.
For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:24, also see 15:32) The father throws a party for his son who was dead. Twice in the parable we are given the scriptural definition of “dead”. Dead does not mean inability. The son was able to able to make decisions, including the decision to go home to his father. What the son was not able to do was to unilaterally restore his relationship with his father. So he was dead in relationship to his father. In order to be alive again, he was dependent on the mercy of his father. Thankfully, the father valued relationship over personal glory.
The Father shows genuine love to the older son too.
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.” (Luke 15:28). The father shows that he desires genuine relationship with both of his sons. Again we see that the father is unconcerned with appearances. He leaves the celebration and seeks out his older son.
The older son misunderstands the Father.
“[The older son] answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.'” (Luke 15:29). The older son misunderstands two things about his relationship with his father. First, he views himself as a slave to the master rather than as a son of the father. Second, he fails to recognize the love and generosity of his father.
The older son wants exclusive treatment.
“But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!” (Luke 15:30). Perhaps the older son was a Calvinist. He was not glad for the return of his brother, or for the generosity of his father. Yet he fails to recognize that he too is in the wrong. How so? First by devaluing his relationship to his brother. “This son of yours” he calls him. And second by ignoring his father’s wishes and pouting instead of celebrating. A paraphrase of Romans 9:20 is relevant here. “Who are you, oh son to talk back to your father?” The father valued both of his sons and desired relationship with both of them. It was not the place of the older son to demand exclusive treatment.
The father corrects the older brother regarding the value of the younger son.
“My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ” (Luke 15:31-32). The older son would not recognize the value of his brother. His father corrects him. “This brother of yours was dead and is alive again.”Both sons are valuable to the father.
In conclusion, we have a father who loves us all. We have a father who desires reconciliation so much that he is willing to become vulnerable and to make himself look bad. We do not have a father who stands by and watches us suffer. We have a father who runs to us. We are made alive again by being in relationship with Him.
[Comments to original post may be made here.]
Posted in Arminianism, Character of God, Dead. Spiritually/in sin, Free Will, God's Love, History, Jackson. Kevin, Luke 15:11-32.
A Minor Change to Our Statement of Faith
The Fallacies of Calvinist Apologetics
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A Chronicle of the first Concert held by the Staatskapelle Dresden - 4th September
Friday, 4 September 2015 , ora 10.09
Don't count your chickens before they hatch - here you have a slightly wrong proverb, if we compared it to what happened on 4th September, 2015 at the Great Palace Hall.
Thus, I will start with the full half of the glass, the last two works from the programme. The Concerto No. 3 by Beethoven with Yefim Bronfman - the signature of a pianist with an impeccable mastery of the clavier, but who often suffers from a lack of need to escape from normality, by resigning into the arms of the common places. The exceptions were the slow and lyrical moments, such as the second part, the ending of the cadenza of the first part, but also the work that he oferred as an encore, Sonata No.11 in C minor K. 11 by Scarlatti, where Bronfman offered us the possibility to see his deep-reflective side. Otherwise, speaking from the pianistic point of view, the rendition was irreprochable.
The dynamic and incisive associate, Staatskapelle Dresden, which it is also capable of doing sophisticated vocal pirouettes, is the perfect partner in the performance metrics that were established by the charismatic Christian Thielemann.
The culminating moment was offered by the Symphony No. 6 by Bruckner - a citadel full of brightness, but also shady volutes, which was played with a flawless construction and persuasion force, the work of a a conductor who honours his reputation as a specialist in the Austro-German repertoire.
I left the empty half of the glass for the ending: the Chamber Symphony by George Enescu, his last creation to have an opus number, a work that is considered to be a masterpiece by most critics. It is complicated and surely sad to explain why Thielemann consiredered that it was proper to delegate an assistant, Johannes Wulff-Woesten, as a conductor of Enescu's work in Bucharest. Leaving the reasons for his decision aside, the result was only a correct and clear rendition, but the French tempo fluctuations that define Enescu's style and the feeling of polyphonic accumulations and their falling into nothingness were completely lost during the performance. Such a shame!
Ştefan Costache
Translated by Diaconu Oana and Ioana Săbău
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Empty promises shrink BN's votes [ARTICLE]
The Straits Times 13 June 2000 Microfilm Reel NL20402
Empty promises shrink BN's votes BRENDAN PEREIRA By Its smaller win against the opposition in Saturday's by-election shows the voters' anger at unfulfilled promises and help that came too late KUALA LUMPUR Ask any Umno politician, what is the best antidote against the anti-government sentiment sweeping through the electorate and
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Kauffer, Edward McKnight, born 1890 - died 1954
Kauffer, Edward McKnight
Theatre & Performance, Room 106
New York (probably, printed)
1942 (printed)
Kauffer, Edward McKnight, born 1890 - died 1954 (artist)
Theatre & Performance, Room 106, case WE, shelf EXP
This poster advertised Holidays, the theme of the grand procession which opened the 1942 Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey's Circus. The procession, featuring floats representing aspects of the year including Easter and Thanksgiving, paraded around the three-ring circus in New York's Madison Square Garden building, where Barnum's circus had performed since 1881, and was presented when the circus toured throughout the USA.
After they acquired Barnum's Circus in 1907, the Ringlings ran the Ringling and the Barnum and Bailey shows as two separate units - Barnum & Bailey Greatest Show on Earth, and Ringling Brothers World's Greatest Show and Spectacle - but combined them in 1919. Despite losing control of the syndicate in 1932 during the Depression, and the death of the last Ringling brother John in 1936, his nephews John Ringling North and Henry Ringling North regained control of the circus in 1938 and kept it tenting until 1956, and then playing indoor arenas into the 1960s.
John Ringling North first employed the Broadway set designer Norman Bel Geddes and the Broadway musical revue director John Murray Anderson for the 1941 season. By 1942 they were joined by George Balanchine, and the modernist composer Igor Stravinsky who produced the elephant ballet Circus Polka, a popular act in the 1942 show.
Poster attached to a rigid support and framed, unglazed, in a wooden frame. The poster has a black background and features a central image of the head of a white-faced clown wearing a conical white hat and yellow and blue neck ruff, with a stars and stripes motif on the blue part. Along the top is written: 'RINGLING BROS AND BARNUM AND BAILEY PRESENT' in yellow and white upper-case lettering. Around the image of the clown is written in upper-case lettering: 'A RADIANT NEW SPECTACLE OF COLOUR BEAUTY FUN AND LAUGHTER "HOLIDAYS". Below this in white, yellow and green lettering: 'FESTIVE GAYETY [sic] FROM NEW YEAR TO CHRISTMAS IN GLORIOUS PROCESSIONAL PAGEANTRY PRODUCED BY JOHN RINGLING NORTH DESIGNED BY NORMAN BEL GEDDES STAGED BY JOHN MURAY ANDERSON.
In much smaller lettering, lower right, within a red and blue line: 'BUY DEFENSE BONDS'. The signature of the artist E. McKnight Kauffer is integral to the printing, lower left.
Height: 77.0 cm including frame, Width: 108.8 cm including frame
Framed poster advertising Holidays, the Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey circus, staged by John Murray Anderson with designs by Norman Bel Geddes, Madison Square Garden and tenting, 1942. Designed by Edward McKnight Kauffer
Bandwagon, Vol. 48, No. 1 (Jan-Feb), 2004, pp. 3-21.
Labels and date
Circuses were utilised to increase morale throughout the Second World War, and an eye-catching poster was essential to promote public excitement and anticipation. The aesthetic frivolity of this design is sobered by the reminder to ‘buy defence bonds’ in the bottom right-hand corner. [18/08/2016]
Printing ink; Paper
Printing; Lithography
Entertainment & Leisure; Posters; Circus; Advertising
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HBO Greenlights SILICON VALLEY, a Comedy Pilot from Mike Judge and KING OF THE HILL Producers
by Brendan Bettinger December 5, 2012
HBO has ordered a pilot for Silicon Valley, a single-camera comedy developed by King of the Hill producers Mike Judge, John Altschuler, and Dave Krinsky. According to Deadline, the series is set in “the high tech gold rush of modern Silicon Valley, where the people most qualified to succeed are the least capable of handling success.” Judge is set to direct the pilot in the spring. Scott Rudin (The Newsroom) will also produce as part of his overall deal with HBO.
King of the Hill signed off the air after 13 seasons in 2010, then Judge revived his breakout hit, Beavis and Butt-head. The last episode of Beavis aired in 2011, and to my knowledge MTV has not ordered a ninth season. So Judge may have the time to focus his full attention on Silicon Valley, his first live-action television comedy. Judge is one of the sharpest satirists in the business, so I look forward to what he can do with HBO resources.
Charlie Hunnam Talks DEADFALL, SONS OF ANARCHY Season 5, PACIFIC RIM, and…
Limited Paper: Mondo Dropping Their Two Latest LOONEY TUNES Posters Tomorrow Morning!
• Entertainment • HBO • John Altshuler • Mike Judge • Scott Rudin • Silicon Valley • Dave Krinsky
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Baumann, Glenn was born in 1952 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 25481 Golden Gate Canyon RD, GOLDEN, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4156809.
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Baumann, Marlena Dawn was born in 1986 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 574 E 23Rd ST # 55, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. Her voter ID number is 1661103.
Baumann, Mary Elizabeth was born in 1943 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2990 Regis DR, BOULDER, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2931233.
Baumann, Matt D was born in 1965 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2721 Sunset WAY, ERIE, Weld County, CO. His voter ID number is 6378760.
Baumann, Matthew Ernest was born in 1987 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 7344 Bay Tree ST, WELLINGTON, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 1485833.
Baumann, Matthew J was born in 1980 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 7346 W 83Rd WAY, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4066684.
Baumann, Meghan Donn was born in 1979 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 9089 Smoke Signal WAY, WELLINGTON, Larimer County, CO. Her voter ID number is 1589749.
Baumann, Meghan Kylie was born in 1995 and registered to vote, giving the address as 515 Yucca DR, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. Baumann voter ID number is 601999051.
Baumann, Melissa was born in 1965 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2939 Stonehaven DR, FORT COLLINS, Larimer County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200187168.
Baumann, Melissa Grace was born in 1988 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2616 Davos TRL, VAIL, Eagle County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200260486.
Baumann, Melissa Leigh was born in 1977 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 106 Alpine DR UNIT A, FRISCO, Summit County, CO. Her voter ID number is 7214665.
Baumann, Melissa Lynn was born in 1968 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 5832 E 123Rd DR, BRIGHTON, Adams County, CO. Her voter ID number is 7006653.
Baumann, Micaela Marie was born in 1993 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 29107 Fleming RD, EVERGREEN, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600516739.
Baumann, Michael Everett was born in 1973 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 496 Muirfield CIR, LOUISVILLE, Boulder County, CO. His voter ID number is 5828175.
Baumann, Michael James was born in 1961 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2939 Stonehaven DR, FORT COLLINS, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 1464634.
Baumann, Michael Jon was born in 1953 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 620 Mckinley ST, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Routt County, CO. His voter ID number is 6584332.
Baumann, Michael Joseph was born in 1966 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 3612 E 1/4 RD, PALISADE, Mesa County, CO. His voter ID number is 2353432.
Baumann, Michael Scott was born in 1991 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 3612 E 1/4 RD, PALISADE, Mesa County, CO. His voter ID number is 600439193.
Baumann, Mindy Carol was born in 1962 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 3725 Wonder DR, CASTLE ROCK, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5756003.
Baumann, Montana Chanel was born in 1993 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1975 19Th ST APT 3010, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600583622.
Baumann, Naomi Eileen was born in 1987 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 16397 Ledge Rock DR, PARKER, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 6879424.
Baumann, Natalia Duque was born in 1985 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 8405 E 49Th DR, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601770132.
Baumann, Nathan Lawrence was born in 1989 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1107 N Walnut ST, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. His voter ID number is 601341277.
Baumann, Nichelle M was born in 1982 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 3102 D RD, GRAND JUNCTION, Mesa County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2343739.
Baumann, Nicole Rachelle was born in 1988 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 648 26 RD, GRAND JUNCTION, Mesa County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600231497.
Baumann, Nicole Rhae was born in 1970 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 9117 Ute HWY, LONGMONT, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 7908394.
Baumann, Nicolette Joy was born in 1985 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 12733 Leyden ST UNIT E, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. Her voter ID number is 1458230.
Baumann, Nita E was born in 1974 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 10348 E 28Th AVE, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2747139.
Baumann, Patricia Philomena was born in 1941 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 400 E Lake AVE, WOODLAND PARK, Teller County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4160682.
Baumann, Patty A was born in 1946 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 6205 E Ohio AVE APT B, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2418809.
Baumann, Paul B was born in 1951 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 8661 W 95Th DR, WESTMINSTER, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4182927.
Baumann, Paul Joseph was born in 1973 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 5707 S Galena ST, GREENWOOD VLG, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 200305131.
Baumann, Paul Karl was born in 1977 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 3070 18Th ST, BOULDER, Boulder County, CO. His voter ID number is 7908396.
Baumann, Peter Gregory was born in 1987 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1836 Boulder ST APT 509, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 2905927.
Baumann, Rachael Lynn was born in 1991 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1845 S Jackson ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600438329.
Baumann, Ramona R was born in 1953 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 617 E Cache La Poudre ST, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. Her voter ID number is 387439.
Baumann, Randy Allen was born in 1978 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2164 Tulip ST, LONGMONT, Boulder County, CO. His voter ID number is 601601902.
Baumann, Raymond Donald was born in 1942 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 61 Breamore CT, CASTLE PINES, Douglas County, CO. His voter ID number is 5724619.
Baumann, Rick J was born in 1966 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 779 Ptarmigan RUN, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 1637792.
Baumann, Roberta Jean was born in 1956 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 775 Ridgeglen WAY, HIGHLANDS RANCH, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600347038.
Baumann, Robert Eric was born in 1962 and registered to vote, giving the address as 44 S Pennsylvania ST APT 2, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Baumann voter ID number is 601852543.
Baumann, Robert G was born in 1954 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1985 S Cape WAY, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4007648.
Baumann, Robert Scott was born in 1969 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 5685 E Monument DR, CASTLE ROCK, Douglas County, CO. His voter ID number is 5802342.
Baumann, Ronald J was born in 1960 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 11220 Garrett RD, PEYTON, El Paso County, CO. His voter ID number is 283584.
Baumann, Ross was born in 1984 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 6608 Kiem RD, EVERGREEN, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 601454959.
Baumann, Rudi D was born in 1934 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 276 Baker LN, ERIE, Weld County, CO. His voter ID number is 6381142.
Baumann, Russell Allen was born in 1964 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 3112 Eagle DR, FORT COLLINS, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 601761441.
Baumann, Ruth Elizabeth was born in 1923 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 555 S Pierce ST # 212, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 3968449.
Baumann, Ryan W was born in 1987 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 16397 Ledge Rock DR, PARKER, Douglas County, CO. His voter ID number is 209479.
Baumann, Sally Ruth was born in 1973 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 11227 Fowler DR, NORTHGLENN, Adams County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2835647.
Baumann, Samantha was born in 1993 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 9117 Ute HWY, LONGMONT, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600686102.
Baumann, Samantha Marie was born in 1999 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 405 Ford ST, GOLDEN, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601855198.
Baumann, Sandra Jean was born in 1946 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 44 Lizard Head DR, DURANGO, La Plata County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4902105.
Baumann, Sarah Elizabeth was born in 1989 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1 Olympic PLZ, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. Her voter ID number is 602009239.
Baumann, Sarah Macy was born in 1948 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 63216 Newport DR, MONTROSE, Montrose County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5385784.
Baumann, Sarah Pearl was born in 1993 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 3009 Madison AVE APT L423, BOULDER, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601671519.
Baumann, Sara Kate was born in 1985 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 901 N Clarkson ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600370052.
Baumann, Scot Christopher was born in 1970 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 6624 S Little River WAY, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 200228082.
Baumann, Sean Andrew was born in 1993 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 14843 Orchard PKWY APT L205, WESTMINSTER, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 602016284.
Baumann, Sharon L was born in 1940 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 276 Baker LN, ERIE, Weld County, CO. Her voter ID number is 6381140.
Baumann, Stephen C was born in 1950 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 4170 N Julian ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 2381424.
Baumann, Stephen Eugene Ii was born in 1984 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 8405 E 49Th DR, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 3928334.
Baumann, Steven Paul was born in 1965 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 712 Park AVE, GRAND LAKE, Grand County, CO. His voter ID number is 600457989.
Baumann, Stormy Rhae was born in 1997 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 9117 Ute HWY, LONGMONT, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601379736.
Baumann, Susan Jo was born in 1949 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 612 E Hahns Peak AVE, PUEBLO WEST, Pueblo County, CO. Her voter ID number is 3049192.
Baumann, Sydney Virginia was born in 1975 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 6624 S Little River WAY, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 728446.
Baumann, Thomas B was born in 1955 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 10250 W 17Th PL, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4045291.
Baumann, Thomas Roy was born in 1953 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 775 Ridgeglen WAY, HIGHLANDS RANCH, Douglas County, CO. His voter ID number is 600347076.
Baumann, Tiffany Anne was born in 1993 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 38330 Highway 94, YODER, El Paso County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600524648.
Baumann, Timothy George was born in 1951 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 156 Mesa DR, EVERGREEN, Clear Creek County, CO. His voter ID number is 5008942.
Baumann, Timothy John was born in 1971 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 17982 E Idaho PL, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 601582956.
Baumann, Todd David was born in 1954 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 4616 Meining RD, BERTHOUD, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 1575696.
Baumann, Tracy Ann was born in 1972 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 496 Muirfield CIR, LOUISVILLE, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5674252.
Baumann, Tracy Marie was born in 1957 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 4947 Lucerne AVE # 301, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. Her voter ID number is 1407694.
Baumann, Victoria Valentina was born in 1979 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1129 S 1St ST UNIT B, MONTROSE, Montrose County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5966592.
Baumann, Wayne Darvin was born in 1966 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 9117 Ute HWY, LONGMONT, Boulder County, CO. His voter ID number is 7908519.
Baumann, Wayne Leroy was born in 1948 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 4036 Plum Creek DR, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 1483546.
Baumann, Wendy Walton was born in 1953 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 620 Mckinley ST, STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Routt County, CO. Her voter ID number is 6584333.
Baumann, William A was born in 1942 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2934 Buttermilk CIR, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. His voter ID number is 118982.
Baumann, William Bradley was born in 1963 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 790 Dayton ST # 203, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 2560550.
Baumann, William Gardner was born in 1959 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 44387 Shenandoah CT, ELIZABETH, Elbert County, CO. His voter ID number is 600215358.
Baumann, William Lenhart was born in 1957 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1604 Rosemary CT, CASTLE ROCK, Douglas County, CO. His voter ID number is 929800.
Baumann, Zachariah Brandon was born in 1990 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 10250 W 17Th PL, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 200352328.
Baumann-Rough, Patsy was born in 1949 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1338 Minnesota, CANON CITY, Fremont County, CO. Her voter ID number is 3025631.
Bauman Smith, Deborah Ann was born in 1950 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2225 N Emerson ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 758264.
Baumbach, Abigail L was born in 1983 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 4056 S Quince ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2736397.
Baumbach, Alan J was born in 1948 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 5121 E Yale AVE APT 434, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 2477212.
Baumbach, Alice Christina was born in 1956 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 12663 Third ST, PARKER, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5943110.
Baumbach, Alvin Harold was born in 1925 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 3029 S Monroe ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 2421431.
Baumbach, Angelika Siddartha was born in 1977 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2335 Forest AVE, DURANGO, La Plata County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600712740.
Baumbach, Austin James was born in 1985 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 6004 S Lima ST, ENGLEWOOD, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 766487.
Baumbach, Bradley Owen was born in 1971 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2323 Curtis ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 4214019.
Baumbach, Brian David was born in 1955 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 12663 Third ST, PARKER, Douglas County, CO. His voter ID number is 5823049.
Baumbach, Cheryl D was born in 1951 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 5121 E Yale AVE APT 434, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2504673.
Baumbach, C Sue was born in 1948 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 6004 S Lima ST, ENGLEWOOD, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 768118.
Baumbach, Daniel Paul was born in 1948 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1551 Norwood AVE, BOULDER, Boulder County, CO. His voter ID number is 200282046.
Baumbach, David Michael was born in 1983 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 12147 W Cooper DR, LITTLETON, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4140467.
Baumbach, Debra A was born in 1954 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 6562 S Xenophon ST, LITTLETON, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4141008.
Baumbach, Denise Lynn was born in 1956 and registered to vote, giving the address as 9731 Bay Hill DR, LONE TREE, Douglas County, CO. Baumbach voter ID number is 601235776.
Baumbach, Dora A was born in 1963 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1535 N High ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2693424.
Baumbach, Emily Jean was born in 1948 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1551 Norwood AVE, BOULDER, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600282076.
Baumbach, George A was born in 1954 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 6562 S Xenophon ST, LITTLETON, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4141007.
Baumbach, Hari Jackowski Godoy was born in 1986 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 3240 Iris AVE APT 403, BOULDER, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600267619.
Baumbach, Jeff John was born in 1971 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 12760 Ventana ST, PARKER, Douglas County, CO. His voter ID number is 200065706.
Baumbach, Jerry C was born in 1952 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 6004 S Lima ST, ENGLEWOOD, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 768115.
Baumbach, Jessica Jade was born in 1998 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 12760 Ventana ST, PARKER, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601337808.
Baumbach, Kim Louise was born in 1969 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1601 84Th AVE, GREELEY, Weld County, CO. Her voter ID number is 6339323.
Baumbach, Linda Ann was born in 1952 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2796 S Moline CT, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 690092.
Baumbach, Margaret Lorraine was born in 1939 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 950 52Nd Avenue CT # P-2, GREELEY, Weld County, CO. Her voter ID number is 6401070.
Baumbach, Michael John was born in 1961 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1601 84Th AVE, GREELEY, Weld County, CO. His voter ID number is 6339264.
Baumbach, Nancy Mae was born in 1965 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 9617 W Chatfield AVE # D, LITTLETON, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4002503.
Baumbach, Nicholas Rudolf was born in 1978 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 6210 S Marion WAY, CENTENNIAL, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 2951031.
Baumbach, Rachelle Sablano was born in 1981 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 190 Carina CIR # 102, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601693891.
Baumbach, Ryan Keith was born in 1981 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 190 Carina CIR # 102, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 601693892.
Baumbach, Sarah Ann was born in 1987 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2068 Avery WAY, CASTLE ROCK, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200239469.
Baumbach, Sarah Emily was born in 1986 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 5975 Dudley CT, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600443962.
Baumbach, Sara Justine was born in 1980 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 6210 S Marion WAY, CENTENNIAL, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2891522.
Baumbach, Scott Michael was born in 1999 and registered to vote, giving the address as 925 Columbia RD # 632, FORT COLLINS, Larimer County, CO. Baumbach voter ID number is 601326829.
Baumbach, Ted L was born in 1960 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 9617 W Chatfield AVE # D, LITTLETON, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4002043.
Baumbach, Tiffany Marie was born in 1972 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 12760 Ventana ST, PARKER, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600057041.
Baumbach, Tyler Randolph was born in 1991 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1620 N Grant ST APT 204, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 601265359.
Baumbach, Virginia Lee was born in 1938 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 5085 Willow Creek RD, CASTLE ROCK, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5808543.
Baumback, Janet D was born in 1975 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 334 Mount View LN, FOUNTAIN, El Paso County, CO. Her voter ID number is 491189.
Baumbarger, Daniel Edward was born in 1989 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2851 Kansas DR # I, FORT COLLINS, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 600917967.
Baumbarger, Jared Wesley was born in 1998 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 8860 Hunter WAY, WESTMINSTER, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 601477297.
Baumbarger, Joanne B was born in 1960 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 5457 W 115Th LOOP, WESTMINSTER, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4175113.
Baumbarger, Maria Elena was born in 1963 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 433 Delta AVE APT 5, AKRON, Washington County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2194988.
Baumbarger, Paul Scott was born in 1961 and registered to vote, giving the address as 5457 W 115Th LOOP, WESTMINSTER, Jefferson County, CO. Baumbarger voter ID number is 600177620.
Baumber, Jennifer L was born in 1973 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 45 Crockett TRL, WARD, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 6381690.
Baumberger, Amy G was born in 1976 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 10942 W 45Th AVE, WHEAT RIDGE, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2855289.
Baumberger, Amy Leigh was born in 1992 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7468 W 73Rd CIR, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600537049.
Baumberger, Brent Alan was born in 1970 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 6398 Moccasin Pass CT, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. His voter ID number is 147720.
Baumberger, Irma P was born in 1959 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 21486 County Rd T.5, FORT MORGAN, Morgan County, CO. Her voter ID number is 3583684.
Baumberger, Janet R was born in 1957 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7468 W 73Rd CIR, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4073487.
Baumberger, Jesse David was born in 1993 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2 Illinois Creek, ALMONT, Gunnison County, CO. His voter ID number is 601434370.
Baumberger, Joni L was born in 1958 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 62344 Silver Springs LN, MONTROSE, Montrose County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4149223.
Baumberger, Joseph G was born in 1952 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 21486 County Rd T.5, FORT MORGAN, Morgan County, CO. His voter ID number is 3583679.
Baumberger, Joseph Nathaniel was born in 1988 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1425 N Washington ST APT 200, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 601585113.
Baumberger, Kami Kristina was born in 1979 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 5707 Mark Twain LN, PUEBLO, Pueblo County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200240610.
Baumberger, Kathie Elizabeth was born in 1961 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 9716 Hwy 34, GRAND LAKE, Grand County, CO. Her voter ID number is 8527867.
Baumberger, Misti Dawn was born in 1972 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 6398 Moccasin Pass CT, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. Her voter ID number is 147313.
Baumberger, Robert Dennis was born in 1979 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 5707 Mark Twain LN, PUEBLO, Pueblo County, CO. His voter ID number is 200161079.
Baumberger, Roger Joseph was born in 1952 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 7468 W 73Rd CIR, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4073305.
Baumberger, Tanja J was born in 1968 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 10769 W Warren DR, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4005978.
Baumberger, Thomas N George was born in 1965 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 62334 Silver Springs LN, MONTROSE, Montrose County, CO. His voter ID number is 4218242.
Baumblatt, Juli Ann was born in 1972 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 116 N Delaware ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2947576.
Baumbusch, Andrew Paul was born in 1974 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 29 Cherry Hills Farm DR, ENGLEWOOD, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 5722135.
Baumbusch, Carole A was born in 1949 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 333 S Monroe ST UNIT 508, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5944906.
Baumbusch, Nanette Stillinger was born in 1973 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 29 Cherry Hills Farm DR, ENGLEWOOD, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5879826.
Baumbusch, Richard A was born in 1948 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 333 S Monroe ST UNIT 508, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 5776257.
Baumchen, Colin Pendleton was born in 1981 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1375 N High ST APT 904, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 1544377.
Baumchen, George Herman was born in 1966 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 370 W 23Rd ST, DURANGO, La Plata County, CO. His voter ID number is 4912498.
Baumchen, John Gerard was born in 1959 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 731 Whipple AVE, CANON CITY, Fremont County, CO. His voter ID number is 601008293.
Baumchen, John Herbert was born in 1955 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 4888 Crow DR, LARKSPUR, Douglas County, CO. His voter ID number is 674195.
Baumchen, Libby Johanna was born in 1973 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 370 W 23Rd ST, DURANGO, La Plata County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4912499.
Baumchen, Natalie Marie was born in 1982 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1781 N York ST UNIT 222, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 7908532.
Baumchen, William John was born in 2000 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 731 Whipple AVE, CANON CITY, Fremont County, CO. His voter ID number is 601683084.
Baumea-Plomondon, Donna Jean was born in 1954 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 844 Briarwood CT, LONGMONT, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 7908535.
Baumeister, Aaron Bryan was born in 1981 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 11676 Milwaukee ST, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 7908538.
Baumeister, Adam Kyle was born in 1981 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2259 N High ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 2941829.
Baumeister, Alex Joseph was born in 1940 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 8836 E 151St CT, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 200292392.
Baumeister, Amanda Nicole was born in 1985 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7531 Knox CT, WESTMINSTER, Adams County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4011054.
Baumeister, Bret Alan David was born in 1992 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1303 N Wilson AVE # 203, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 601154844.
Baumeister, Christine Ruth was born in 1954 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 390 Lilac ST, SANFORD, Conejos County, CO. Her voter ID number is 649994.
Baumeister, Chrystal Rose was born in 1987 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 8015 W Eastman PL # 105, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601843324.
Baumeister, Haden Michael was born in 1994 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1601 35Th ST, EVANS, Weld County, CO. His voter ID number is 600662128.
Baumeister, Jason Bernard was born in 1973 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1518 Covered Wagon CT, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 1662901.
Baumeister, Jayne Marie was born in 1958 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 3907 Ash AVE, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. Her voter ID number is 1562992.
Baumeister, Jodi Lynn was born in 1961 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1601 35Th ST, EVANS, Weld County, CO. Her voter ID number is 6337013.
Baumeister, Joshua Louis was born in 1978 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 26733 Hwy 101, LAS ANIMAS, Bent County, CO. His voter ID number is 601579202.
Baumeister, Leroy Gene was born in 1978 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 8440 High Country TRL, ELIZABETH, Elbert County, CO. His voter ID number is 600220771.
Baumeister, Lynn L was born in 1951 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 26364 E Otero DR, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 736232.
Baumeister, Rebecca Jean was born in 1975 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1518 Covered Wagon CT, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. Her voter ID number is 1662904.
Baumeister, Richard was born in 1951 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 26364 E Otero DR, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 736231.
Baumeister, Richard Lee was born in 1957 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 3907 Ash AVE, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 1564161.
Baumeister, Richard Michael was born in 1984 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1708 Abeyta CT, LOVELAND, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 200216331.
Baumeister, Sara Karolene was born in 1988 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 301 Malley DR APT 139, NORTHGLENN, Adams County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200315584.
Baumeister, Shelbi Lynn was born in 1996 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1017 16Th ST, GREELEY, Weld County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601542444.
Baumel, Molly Margaret was born in 1978 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 113 Mill Loft # A101, EDWARDS, Eagle County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2916360.
Baumel, Rachel K was born in 1974 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2681 N Willow ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2879737.
Baumer, Amanda J was born in 1985 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 5320 S Greenwood ST, LITTLETON, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601107564.
Baumer, Amie Lynne was born in 1977 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 13364 Olive ST, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. Her voter ID number is 3934789.
Baumer, Anthony Stephen was born in 1976 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 10126 Forest CT, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 7166924.
Baumer, Benjamin Joseph was born in 1986 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 7440 S Blackhawk ST # 2304, ENGLEWOOD, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 887974.
Baumer, Berlinnetta was born in 1983 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 854 Santa Clara AVE APT B, GRAND JUNCTION, Mesa County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5387357.
Baumer, Branden James was born in 1987 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 8199 Welby RD APT 3403, DENVER, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 200058689.
Baumer, Brian George was born in 1959 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2666 Beech CIR, LONGMONT, Boulder County, CO. His voter ID number is 7908545.
Baumer, Bridget Suzanne was born in 1994 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 9768 W Cornell PL, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600415691.
Baumer, Cecily Elise was born in 1993 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7435 S Alkire ST # 209, LITTLETON, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600370214.
Baumer, Chad James was born in 1993 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 4780 S Pierson CT, LITTLETON, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 600675216.
Baumer, Chian Marie was born in 1996 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 212 Newsom Hall, FORT COLLINS, Larimer County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601090657.
Baumer, Christopher Charles was born in 1978 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 12254 W Stanford DR, MORRISON, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4007781.
Baumer, Clifton Dwayne was born in 1958 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 24094 Running Deer RD, CONIFER, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4138137.
Baumer, David Charles was born in 1957 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 3388 S Fellet CT, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 200298284.
Baumer, Douglas James was born in 1962 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 28510 County Road 64, GILL, Weld County, CO. His voter ID number is 1591229.
Baumer, Elke Michelle was born in 1990 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2551 S Jersey ST, DENVER, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600165218.
Baumer, Emily Marie was born in 1992 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2185 Eagle Cliff RD, ESTES PARK, Larimer County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601245127.
Baumer, Eric Christopher was born in 1965 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 9747 Cypress Point CIR, LONE TREE, Douglas County, CO. His voter ID number is 5812917.
Baumer, Gregory James was born in 1983 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 433 Chestnut WAY, BROOMFIELD, Broomfield County, CO. His voter ID number is 4187765.
Baumer, Jason M was born in 1972 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 150 Howard DR, EDWARDS, Eagle County, CO. His voter ID number is 6695286.
Baumer, Jeffery Dwayne was born in 1986 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 24094 Running Deer RD, CONIFER, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 600190113.
Baumer, Jeffrey Allen was born in 1957 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1 N Holly ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 200136819.
Baumer, Jillian was born in 1991 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7655 S Olive CIR, CENTENNIAL, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600623115.
Baumer, John Lee was born in 1969 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 9701 E Iliff AVE # 2203, DENVER, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 601961072.
Baumer, Justin Michael was born in 1985 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2666 Beech CIR, LONGMONT, Boulder County, CO. His voter ID number is 7908547.
Baumer, Kacy Ducote was born in 1988 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7440 S Blackhawk ST # 2304, ENGLEWOOD, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5854178.
Baumer, Kristina Lee was born in 1971 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 6035 Everett ST, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4209175.
Baumer, Laurie Lynne was born in 1965 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 24094 Running Deer RD, CONIFER, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4287838.
Baumer, Leanna Joy was born in 1979 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 12254 W Stanford DR, MORRISON, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4127078.
Baumer, Luther Wayne was born in 1963 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 6035 Everett ST, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 3994461.
Baumer, Margaret Ellen was born in 1946 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 8225 E Fairmount DR BLDG 5-106, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2600735.
Baumer, Mary Hornsby was born in 1968 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 150 Howard DR, EDWARDS, Eagle County, CO. Her voter ID number is 6688518.
Baumer, Maureen was born in 1953 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 9736 Jellison ST, WESTMINSTER, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4188136.
Baumer, Melony Sue was born in 1985 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 8199 Welby RD APT 3403, DENVER, Adams County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4211931.
Baumer, Mindy Kolina was born in 1977 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 10126 Forest CT, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. Her voter ID number is 6881485.
Baumer, Mitchell Arthur was born in 1995 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 4780 S Pierson CT, LITTLETON, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 601293361.
Baumer, Nancy S was born in 1943 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 75 Muirfield WAY, EDWARDS, Eagle County, CO. Her voter ID number is 6684096.
Baumer, Nicole Erin was born in 1989 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7655 S Olive CIR, CENTENNIAL, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200056089.
Baumer, Nicole Marie was born in 1986 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 9312 W 92Nd AVE, WESTMINSTER, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4180117.
Baumer, Ralph B Jr was born in 1934 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 964 S Coral PL, PUEBLO WEST, Pueblo County, CO. His voter ID number is 3076139.
Baumer, Rhonda Louise was born in 1957 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 3388 S Fellet CT, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200298238.
Baumer, Richard J was born in 1952 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 7655 S Olive CIR, CENTENNIAL, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 795082.
Baumer, Roberta June was born in 1938 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 964 S Coral PL, PUEBLO WEST, Pueblo County, CO. Her voter ID number is 3015518.
Baumer, Robert F was born in 1941 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 3339 County Road 311, IGNACIO, La Plata County, CO. His voter ID number is 200301985.
Baumer, Robert F was born in 1952 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 9736 Jellison ST, WESTMINSTER, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4187960.
Baumer, Samantha was born in 1985 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 61928 David RD, OLATHE, Montrose County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5386271.
Baumer, Sarah Virginia was born in 1994 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2527 N Hooker ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601877190.
Baumer, Shari Anne was born in 1960 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2666 Beech CIR, LONGMONT, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 7908549.
Baumer, Sharlene Louise was born in 1965 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 4780 S Pierson CT, LITTLETON, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4283578.
Baumer, Stacy V was born in 1960 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7655 S Olive CIR, CENTENNIAL, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 795083.
Baumer, Stephen Anthony was born in 1945 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 8225 E Fairmount DR APT 5106, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 2759472.
Baumer, Stephen Anthony Jr was born in 1968 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 13364 Olive ST, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 3934676.
Baumer, Steven James was born in 1962 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 4780 S Pierson CT, LITTLETON, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4155799.
Baumer, Susan Carol was born in 1957 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1 N Holly ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200136832.
Baumer, Susan Marcia was born in 1950 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 719 E Madison ST, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. Her voter ID number is 72221.
Baumer, Synthia May was born in 1969 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 6439 S Potomac ST, CENTENNIAL, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600189852.
Baumer, Thomas Garth was born in 1989 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 401 Circle DR, FORT MORGAN, Morgan County, CO. His voter ID number is 601313791.
Baumer, Tyler Brent was born in 1992 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 222 Harold Ross CT, ASPEN, Pitkin County, CO. His voter ID number is 600378932.
Baumer, Vernon Charles was born in 1936 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 454 S Marshall ST, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 3973711.
Baumer, Virginia Ann was born in 1970 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 17098 Knollside AVE, PARKER, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601029552.
Baumert, Aaron Patrick was born in 1973 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 13693 Dexter ST, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 7164210.
Baumert, Adrienne Anne was born in 1970 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 935 Flaming Tree WAY, MONUMENT, El Paso County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600566337.
Baumert, Allison Marie was born in 1984 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7400 W Oregon DR, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601078162.
Baumert, Amy Nicole was born in 1985 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7241 Palisade DR, HIGHLANDS RANCH, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600266044.
Baumert, Andrea Marie was born in 1976 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 5491 Eldorado DR, FREDERICK, Weld County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2243333.
Baumert, Andrew Francis was born in 1978 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1101 E 19Th ST, RIFLE, Garfield County, CO. His voter ID number is 5519732.
Baumert, Anna Catharine was born in 1992 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 9100 E Florida AVE # 5-304, DENVER, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200331784.
Baumert, Anthony Philip was born in 1978 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 3905 W 127Th AVE, BROOMFIELD, Broomfield County, CO. His voter ID number is 7159642.
Baumert, Birdie Lenore was born in 1929 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 10001 S Oswego ST # 159, PARKER, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5719917.
Baumert, Cameron Rose was born in 1999 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 366 Parmelee Hall, FORT COLLINS, Larimer County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601905094.
Baumert, Charles Reid was born in 1934 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 7546 E 148Th PL, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 6809829.
Baumert, Charles Tyler was born in 1990 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 9100 E Florida AVE # 5304, DENVER, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 200369381.
Baumert, Christopher David was born in 1990 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 4757 S Versailles ST, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 200213427.
Baumert, Craig Warren was born in 1953 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 11435 Grassland RD, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. His voter ID number is 489064.
Baumert, Donna A was born in 1936 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 15911 E Dakota PL # 203, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 1206179.
Baumert, Durand William was born in 1959 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1420 N Logan ST APT 200, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 2485633.
Baumert, Glen Alan was born in 1969 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 574 County Road 250 # G, DURANGO, La Plata County, CO. His voter ID number is 4965251.
Baumert, Heidi Noel was born in 1970 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 13693 Dexter ST, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2465541.
Baumert, Jared Michael was born in 2000 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 898 Ithaca DR, BOULDER, Boulder County, CO. His voter ID number is 601816429.
Baumert, Jeffrey Brian was born in 1985 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 4601 E Girard AVE, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 601084785.
Baumert, Jennifer Susan was born in 1966 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1709 Venice LN, LONGMONT, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601816424.
Baumert, Joseph Jon was born in 1964 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 200 N Rampart WAY APT 125, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 2416173.
Baumert, Katherine Devan was born in 1988 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 4757 S Versailles ST, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 8250802.
Baumert, Kevin Alan was born in 1972 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 745 Wildrose WAY, LOUISVILLE, Boulder County, CO. His voter ID number is 600929673.
Baumert, Kimberly Renae was born in 1966 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 4888 S Rome WAY, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 5926760.
Baumert, Lori Nicole was born in 1984 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 5332 Waddell AVE, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200025482.
Baumert, Marjorie Frances was born in 1954 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 363 N Cook ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2739554.
Baumert, Mark James was born in 1967 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1709 Venice LN, LONGMONT, Boulder County, CO. His voter ID number is 601832826.
Baumert, Matthew Warren was born in 1980 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 5332 Waddell AVE, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. His voter ID number is 488637.
Baumert, Michael Dwayne was born in 1984 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 7241 Palisade DR, HIGHLANDS RANCH, Douglas County, CO. His voter ID number is 600654939.
Baumert, Mikaela Renae was born in 1994 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 4888 S Rome WAY, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600672510.
Baumert, Rickie James was born in 1994 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 404 Dakota AVE, SIMLA, Elbert County, CO. His voter ID number is 600786792.
Baumert, Ronald August was born in 1969 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 935 Flaming Tree WAY, MONUMENT, El Paso County, CO. His voter ID number is 600555495.
Baumert, Shawna Marie was born in 1977 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 3905 W 127Th AVE, BROOMFIELD, Broomfield County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200198464.
Baumert, Wendy Scranton was born in 1973 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 745 Wildrose WAY, LOUISVILLE, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600929798.
Baumert-Frese, Susan M was born in 1950 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2509 N Royer ST, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. Her voter ID number is 351669.
Baumer Woody, Patricia Alice was born in 1953 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 385 1St ST, FIRESTONE, Weld County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601851303.
Baumeyer, Cassandra Larae was born in 1991 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 18424 N St Vrain DR, LYONS, Boulder County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601640577.
Baumeyer, Jordan Phillip was born in 1991 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 18424 N St Vrain DR, LYONS, Boulder County, CO. His voter ID number is 600751378.
Baumeyer, Matthew S was born in 1969 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1801 S Forest ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 2788915.
Baumfalk, Dennis L was born in 1952 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 13834 W 58Th PL, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4071574.
Baumfalk, Joshua Ray was born in 1979 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2777 W 104Th LN, WESTMINSTER, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 600289847.
Baumfalk, Kathleen M was born in 1951 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 13834 W 58Th PL, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 4072298.
Baumfalk, Nancy J was born in 1944 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 12146 E Exposition AVE, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 659777.
Baumfalk, Ronald R was born in 1941 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 12146 E Exposition AVE, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. His voter ID number is 659776.
Baumfalk, Scott Allen was born in 1966 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 7700 E Academy BLVD UNIT 802, DENVER, Denver County, CO. His voter ID number is 601047296.
Baumgaertel, Michael Ray was born in 1954 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 16561 Kimball Creek RD, COLLBRAN, Mesa County, CO. His voter ID number is 602004489.
Baumgaertner, Katy Amber was born in 1977 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 3124 Longhorn CT, FORT COLLINS, Larimer County, CO. Her voter ID number is 200365288.
Baumgaertner, Steven Andrew was born in 1976 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 3124 Longhorn CT, FORT COLLINS, Larimer County, CO. His voter ID number is 200365296.
Baumgard, Amber Dorothy was born in 1990 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7732 Webster WAY, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601065511.
Baumgard, Chantel Marie was born in 1994 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1074 S Dahlia ST # G437, GLENDALE, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601207617.
Baumgard, Cheryl Ann was born in 1955 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2535 Estes ST, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 7012032.
Baumgard, Debra K was born in 1956 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 3401 S Ammons ST # 19-1, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 3999824.
Baumgard, Edward Mark was born in 1964 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 17190 Mt Vernon RD # 74, GOLDEN, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 4182780.
Baumgard, Emily Catherine was born in 1985 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1210 N Downing ST, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600254953.
Baumgard, Kirk Gerard was born in 1969 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 6233 E 116Th AVE, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 7009753.
Baumgard, Mariah Kendra was born in 1991 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 2996 W 134Th CT, BROOMFIELD, Broomfield County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600259406.
Baumgard, Nicole Ann was born in 1974 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1036 Palacio VW APT 203, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600288206.
Baumgard, Patrick James was born in 1950 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2535 Estes ST, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 200111508.
Baumgard, Roberta L was born in 1951 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 6874 S Buchanan CT, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601233243.
Baumgard, Sharron Ann was born in 1947 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 5330 Allison ST # 214, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600462829.
Baumgard, Tina Renee was born in 1970 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 6233 E 116Th AVE, THORNTON, Adams County, CO. Her voter ID number is 1147420.
Baumgard, Zachary Van Allen was born in 1991 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 7732 Webster WAY, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 601075979.
Baumgardner, Abigail Leaann was born in 1993 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1253 Straight Creek DR UNIT C103, DILLON, Summit County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601681346.
Baumgardner, Alexa Gabrielle was born in 1997 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7966 Chase CIR # 94, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601124388.
Baumgardner, Alyssa Lee was born in 1997 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 3859 Range DR, COLO SPRINGS, El Paso County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601431153.
Baumgardner, Anne Ursula was born in 1967 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1000 23Rd Street RD, GREELEY, Weld County, CO. Her voter ID number is 6515137.
Baumgardner, Austin James was born in 1992 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 6965 W 56Th AVE # 308, ARVADA, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 602011066.
Baumgardner, Barbara Gail was born in 1942 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 1334 Bighorn ST, MONTROSE, Montrose County, CO. Her voter ID number is 3540669.
Baumgardner, Boise Jay was born in 1974 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 33 Batterson ST, MONTE VISTA, Rio Grande County, CO. His voter ID number is 3744347.
Baumgardner, Brian Keith was born in 1979 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 2380 Galena ST, AURORA, Adams County, CO. His voter ID number is 200007142.
Baumgardner, Cameron Marie was born in 1995 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 828 N Broadway ST APT 720, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600961715.
Baumgardner, Camryn Lee was born in 1998 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 25 Chico DR, DEL NORTE, Rio Grande County, CO. His voter ID number is 601541835.
Baumgardner, Candice Ronan was born in 1976 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 3577 N Akron CT, DENVER, Denver County, CO. Her voter ID number is 2609080.
Baumgardner, Cara Joy was born in 1990 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 18830 E Berry PL, AURORA, Arapahoe County, CO. Her voter ID number is 600302975.
Baumgardner, Carroll Gregory was born in 1936 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 262 Trimble Crossing DR, DURANGO, La Plata County, CO. His voter ID number is 4942149.
Baumgardner, Chad Andrew was born in 1988 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1620 Lewis ST, LAKEWOOD, Jefferson County, CO. His voter ID number is 600163570.
Baumgardner, Chaz Cortis-Ray was born in 1993 and he registered to vote, giving his address as 1000 23Rd Street RD, GREELEY, Weld County, CO. His voter ID number is 600363875.
Baumgardner, Cheryl Kintner was born in 1955 and she registered to vote, giving her address as 7840 Windcrest Row, PARKER, Douglas County, CO. Her voter ID number is 601702341.
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French ultra-Nationalist arrested for allegedly plotting to assassinate Macron wanted to kill “Blacks, Arabs, Jews and homosexuals”
danitselentakis
Last week, an individual who described himself as a, “right-wing nationalist” was arrested on charges relating to an alleged planned assassination of President Emmanuel Macaron during the Bastille Day parade in Paris on July 14th.
The suspect was reported convicted in 2016 of inciting terrorism.
RMC, a French radio station reported that the individual who is a resident of Argenteuil, a small town near to Paris was charged with terrorist offences. The individual in question was traced based on inflammatory comments made on an online chat he had participated in. The man described himself as a ‘nationalist’, and a proponent of extreme right ideology now commonly described as the “alt-right”.
In RMC’s report, it is stated that the detainee had used the online chat room to express his desire to obtain an AK 47. He was reported to the authorities by other online users. When the police arrived to arrest him, he allegedly threatened them with a knife.
The radio station further reported that during his interrogation, the detainee admitted to wanting to kill, “Blacks, Arabs, Jews and homosexuals” in a shocking confession of blatant racism and anti-Semitism. Police sources confirmed the radio’s statement, affirming that “His plot was vague, but he made it clear that he wanted to attack minorities.” It is speculated that the individual was inspired by previous mass shootings, such as the Columbine High School massacre, a tragic event which took place in 1999.
Allegedly the detainee described himself as “mentally unstable”, although this has yet to be confirmed by a medical body.
SOURCEYnet
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History of the APGAR FAMILY in America
(Apgar Family Association, Inc.)
Click on the Tree above to return to the General Section Main Page
Matches 1 to 50 of 766
Notes Linked to
1 Family F02888
2 "Aunt Nell", as she was called, was very important to her family because she helped all her sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews. The Scotts had no children of their own. Family F01637
3 "In Memoriam" by Christianna Smith '15'Mount Holyoke Alumnae Quarterly
Dr. Virginia Apgar, concerned about the health of newborn babies, gathered data from 1949-1951 to establish criteria for prognoses at the earliest possible moment. This study was believed to be the first extensive program in neonatal research ever undertaken in the US. The data was finally reduced to five signs, now known as “The Apgar Score”. The score is to be read within 60 seconds after a baby's head and feet were visible. Someone made Apgar the acronym for the test. A appearance (color), P pulse, G grimace (reflect irritability), A activity (muscle tone), R respiration. Each sign is worth 0, 1 or 2 and 10 is the best score. Virginia graduated from Mount Holyoke College, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1933, Wisconsin Medical School of Anesthesiology. Since much of her work was in the delivery room, she organized in 1949 and was head of obstetrical anesthesiology. She estimated that she had helped to deliver about 17,000 babies. Apgar, Dr. Virginia M.D. (I007280)
4 "Peg" died of cancer. Williams, Margaret (I012391)
5 At least one living or private individual is linked to this note - Details withheld. Living (I023190)
6 13 September 1926 or 8 November 1936 Apgar, Anna Belle (I006021)
7 14 December 1855 or 14 December 1858 Family F00991
8 At least one living or private individual is linked to this note - Details withheld. Family F05042
9 16 September 1865 or 16 September 1867 Family F00859
10 1850 Census for Clinton Twp., NJ, lists these children, in addition to Sarah Apgar Beavers, living in the household in 1850. Family F00586
11 19 January 1864 or 19 August 1864 Family F00860
12 1907 or 1906 Family F03982
13 1927 or 1928 Kelly, Edwin Lawrence (I018162)
14 1947 or 1949 Apgar, William Ulysses (I006317)
15 1962 or 1963 Apgar, Walter Martin (I010686)
16 At least one living or private individual is linked to this note - Details withheld. Family F05475
17 2 November 1839 or 1 March 1839 Apgar, Conrad (I000033)
18 21 February 1807 or 26 February 1807 Family F00132
19 22 November 1900 or 28 November 1900 Family F01135
20 25 December 1923 or 24 December 1923 Family F03691
21 26 August 1837 or 26 October 1837 Family F00567
22 28 November 1830 or 1862 at 49 years McKagin, Charles (I000229)
23 4 April 1871 or 11 April 1871 Kagen, Eugene B. (I006239)
24 6 June 1945 or 27 June 1945 Family F03750
25 7 May 1842 or 5 July 1842 Family F00599
27 A baptismal entry dated July 11, 1763, in the records of the German Reformed Church at Mount Pleasant, Hunterdon County, NJ, for "Christ’n (or Christ’r) Wagner", born June 10, 1763, lists his parents as Ad’m (or Jo’n) Wagner and Maria Soph’ Apgar (or Apger). This intriguing record, one of the earliest preserved from the Alexandria (log) Church, came to the attention of Helen S. Apgar in 1984. Helen hypothesized that Maria Sophia Apgar must have been a member of the first American-born Apgar generation, an otherwise unmentioned and previously unknown daughter of Johannes Peter Apgard. It was that she must have either died or moved with her family from Hunterdon County, perhaps to Pennsylvania. Additional information gathered since then suggests that the second guess may have been correct! Apgar, Maria Sophia (I000023)
28 A bell with this inscription was presented to the First Constitutional Presbyterian Church of Alexandria, Mt. Pleasant, NJ: To the glory of God, and in loving memory of ETHEL Apgar by Her Mother February 3, 1907. "A lovely being scarcely formed or molded A rose with all its sweetest leaves yet folded." "For such is the kingdom of heaven." Apgar, Ethel (I006964)
29 A double funeral was held for them as they died within hours of each other. They had been married 60 years. Family F02915
30 A newspaper article, now lost, told of George and Stanley dying the very same day, one in Maine, NY and the other in Rochester, NY. Family F02335
31 At least one living or private individual is linked to this note - Details withheld. Living (I016028)
32 Aaron lived on the homestead farm while his family was growing up. Since all four of his sons went elsewhere to make their living, he eventually sold the farm to his cousin, John Wilson Apgar I, and went to live in a house on Cokesbury-Califon Road, later occupied by the Jones family. Apgar, Aaron A. (I001700)
33 Aaron lived on the homestead farm. By this time, it was referred to as the Aaron Apgar farm. There was a wooden house built close to the main highway. This gave more room for his growing family, because the homestead had the majority of his father's family still living there. Besides, by building close to the highway, it saved the task of shoveling out the long lane to the stone house as the winter snows came. However, the house did not last as long as the first house. There is scarcely a trace of the wooden house remaining. Family F00619
34 Aaron was seventy nine years old at the time of his second marriage. He was married in the Philhower homestead, where his nephew, Aaron A. Philhower, lived. Aaron Philhower's granddaughter, Phyllis York, was flower girl at this wedding. Family F01812
35 According to 1880 Census in Chester Twp, Morris County, Daniel was listed as living with his father. The 1900 Colorado Census showed that Daniel was a blacksmith, as his father, Daniel P., had been. Apgar, Daniel D. (I002490)
36 According to her obituary in the Hunterdon Republican, Emaline had three sons: William, George, and Howard, and two daughters: Mrs. Lewis Harrington and Mrs. Martha Fleming. The only two that can be placed are listed. Apgar, Emaline (I000653)
38 According to the 1830 Census, there were two daughters under five years of age at that time. These would be older than Archibald. They may have left home by 1850 or died young. A Floretta, aged 5 mos., was in this household in 1860, a daughter of their son Archibald. Family F00284
39 According to the 1840 Census, there were two sons and three daughters, all surviving their sister, Maria. Their names are presently unknown. 1850 Census lists Jacob C. as 54, Maria Schureman as 52, and Mary E. as 18. No other children listed. Family F00087
40 According to the 1880 Census, Frederick was a constable. Frederick was bondsman for his deceased brother's (Winegarner's) minor children in 1861. Bond was for $4,000.00. Frederick and Sarah were buried in the Old Lebanon Reformed Church Cemetery in Lebanon, NJ Apgar, Frederick A. (I000676)
41 According to the Crownover Families USA, published 1999, Sarah married Thomas Crownover, b. 1811, d. 1886, in Huntington Twp., PA. Further research is needed to validate this information. Family F01215
42 According to the NJ 1850 Federal Census for Tewksbury Township, Hunterdon County, Conrad and his wife, Mary Sutten and two children were living with his parents, William Alpaugh and Charity H. Record #:344-368. Family F00604
43 Adam was a farmer and served in a Maryland regiment during the Revolutionary War and may have died as a result of the hardship of soldiering in 1779. Wagner, Johann Adam (I000040)
44 Adam went West and worked as a cowboy. He had a silver plate in his back due to a train wreck and lost a hand due to an accident with a saw. Apgar, Adam H. (I003083)
45 Additional children added and order of birth changed based on information from birth certificates of Frank Leslie and daughter born in 1919. Family F03329
46 After a career as supervisor of ground services for American Airlines in Newark and LaGuardia, John Alfred returned to his homestead, which had been farmed by the Rineharts since 1785. Rinehart, John Alfred (I009885)
47 After Catherine's death, Peter came back to NJ and remarried. Family F01443
48 After Helen and Dick married, they moved to the new Oklahoma Territory, which had just been opened for settlement. They bought a covered wagon, a team of oxen, and made the long, slow trip in 1895. They found the land they wanted a year later in Lahoma and traded $250 cash, a team of mules and a horse for the land. They began their farm with a "sod" farmhouse, built into the side of a hill with a ceiling made of unbleached muslin, so dirt could not fall into the house area. Eventually the farm grew to include a two story, three bedroom house, two large barns, lots of stock shelters, and a good sized cattle herd, work houses, a good bank account and the most prized family possession of all: a 1917 Ford Touring Automobile.
Lahoma did not have a high school in the early years, so the first three children stayed at Enid while they completed their high school studies. S. Dick was a valued member of his community and headed a group of citizens supporting the building of schools and other projects. After his death, Helen sold the farm and moved her family to Enid. All the children had been born on the farm. Family F02093
49 After her children had grown, Dorothy received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Trenton State College and worked in that field for many at Warren Glen, Warren County, and Franklin Township, Hunterdon County, schools. In 1981, she retired while assistant principal of Franklin Twp. School, NJ.
She was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church in Lake Placid and played in their Bell Choir. One of her many pleasures was her garden and especially her orchids. She was an avid reader, an opera lover and enjoyed quilting for family and friends.
Dorothy was a Trustee of the Apgar Family Association from 1986-1990 and served as Historian for close to 25 years. She was the writer of the Jacob line and book editor of “Johannes Peter Apgard and his descendants, Volume II”. She traveled through the United States and Europe in pursuit of family history. Young, Dorothy E. (I017349)
She was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church in Lake Placid and played in their Bell Choir. One of her many pleasures was her garden and especially her orchids. She was an avid reader, an opera lover and enjoyed quilting for family and friends. Young, Dorothy Elizabeth (I012895)
History of the Apgar Family in America©, Apgar Family Association, Inc., 2006-2019. All rights reserved.
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Another Islesboro mansion tops Maine’s house market
May 1, 2016 Island Life, Millionaires, People, Real Estate
For the second time in as many years — and at least the third time in the past 15 years — an Islesboro mansion has been identified as the most expensive house for sale in Maine.
But it’s not just the same house that keeps going back on the market. Each time, it has been a different house on the 14-mile long Penobscot Bay island.
Last year, it was the Grace Estate on the island’s Keller Point that, according to Business Insider, was considered “a steal” at only $9.5 million. The lavish 17-room mansion, built in 1918 for the daughter of the late New York City mayor and businessman William Russell Grace, includes eight bedrooms, a library, a billiards room, two laundry rooms, a pool, gardens and even a putting green.
Fifteen years ago, Mitchell Cottage topped the list of pricey properties being offered for sale. The 18,000 square-foot mansion with 15 fireplaces had been owned by Hollywood couple Kirstie Alley and Parker Stevenson from 1991 until their divorce seven years later, at which point Stevenson became the sole owner. In 2001, it was on the market for $7.8 million.
This year, it is an 8,000 square-foot home on 15 acres of land near Hewes Point that carries the heaviest residential price tag in all of Maine, according to Forbes magazine. The mansion at 180 Abrams Mountain Road, built in 2006, has been listed furnishings and all — including two Steinway pianos — for $10.9 million.
But it might not go for that much. The property, which includes expansive Japanese garden-style landscaping and a separate tea house on the grounds, is being put up for auction on Saturday, June 25th. You can find more information on the property and auction by visiting the DeCaro Luxury Auctions website, or by watching this slick video:
Part of Waldo County, Islesboro has a year-round population of more than 600 residents but for the past century also has been known (as have many coastal communities in Maine) for attracting well-heeled summer visitors. Among them are another Hollywood couple, John Travolta and Kelly Preston, who in 1991 bought Gripsholm Manor, George W. C. Drexel’s former estate near Decker Point.
Want to learn more about these Islesboro mansions and other multi-million dollar homes in Maine? Check out this custom Google map I made:
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Services Up
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Hanuman Films has been at the forefront of film and television production in Southeast Asia for 15 years. We have worked on productions in countries as varied as Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. We have an unrivalled network throughout the region to ensure a successful shoot in this incredibly diverse region.
Knowledge is power in the world of film and television in Asia and no-one knows the region better than Hanuman Films. We have covered every corner of our backyard to bring you the best locations from this fast-emerging region. Whether you are looking for a modern Asian cityscape, ancient temples, a timeless rural scene, a brooding volcano, colonial-era architecture or a tropical beach, Southeast Asia offers all this at a competitive price.
Hanuman Films has more than a decade of experience looking after major international feature films in Cambodia. Selected as the local servicing company for Tomb Raider by Paramount Pictures, Hanuman has since worked on a range of feature films including Jean-Jacques Annaud’s Two Brothers, starring Guy Pearce and a family of tigers, and Wish You Were Here, starring Joel Edgerton and Teresa Palmer, which opened the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. More recently Hanuman Films has moved into feature film production itself and credits include a co-production on the award-winning Ruin and a first full feature length production, The Last Reel, which enjoyed its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival 2014.
Hanuman Films has worked on dozens of documentaries over the past decade and a half including stories about the Khmer Rouge and their legacy, the revival of the arts in Cambodia, drama-documentaries about compelling events in the kingdom, and travel shows with renowned celebrities such as Gordon Ramsay, Charley Boorman, Samantha Brown and Jeremy Clarkson. Hanuman Films is an official vendor for the BBC and has worked on more than a dozen shoots for the BBC, including Around the World in 80 Treasures (Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand), Top Gear Vietnam, By Any Means, Timewatch: Pol Pot, Horizon Pandemic, How Earth Made Us, The Human Planet, How Plants Made the World, Who Cares About Art, The Lost World of Albert Kahn, The Really Wild Show, Holiday Show, and, most recently the new flagship Mekong series presented by Sue Perkins. Other television channels and production companies that we regularly work with include National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, Tiger Aspect, Tigress Productions, Darlow Smithson, ABC, NBC, ZDF, RTF, Fox, Sky, Optomen, JWM, Raw Television, MTV and more.
Hanuman Films worked on the first major international commercial to be shot at Angkor Wat for Dragonair, the regional wing of Hong Kong’s national carrier Cathay Pacific. Hanuman has since gone on to work on many important commercials for UK and US partners, including Radical Media. Our portfolio of clients includes some major global players such as Pepsi, Cisco, TUI Travel and TOMS Shoes. We have worked with some major international commercial directors such as Tarsem Singh, the award-winning director of REM’s Losing My Religion video. More recently in 2012, we collaborated with TOMS for their 2013 Catalogue, shot entirely on location in Cambodia. In 2013, we once again teamed up with Radical Media to shoot a jewellery TVC for leading Hong Kong company Chai Tai Fook. We also worked with leading international beer Heineken on their cutting edge ‘Dropped’ commercial in Cambodia that saw a blindfolded contestant dropped in the Cambodian jungle and have to navigate his way back to Phnom Penh on a giant yellow duck.
Our team is a who’s who of travel and film in Southeast Asia. Producer and Director Kulikar Sotho has nearly 20 years of experience in film and television, including line producing dozens of international productions, co-producing the award-winning ‘Ruin’ and directing ‘The Last Reel’. She has worked with countless film-makers and television stars such as Gordon Ramsay and Angelina Jolie. Lonely Planet author Nick Ray is a Producer and Location Manager at Hanuman Films and has spent nearly two decades exploring the region for guidebooks, travel companies and film and television productions. He has chosen locations for productions large and small, including Tomb Raider, Two Brothers, Wish You Were Here and Top Gear Vietnam.
More recently Hanuman Films was excited to welcome Lloyd Levin onboard, one of the most experienced Producers in Hollywood. Lloyd’s credit list includes a rollcall of blockbusters and household names in the past two decades, including Green Zone, United 93, Boogie Nights, Hellboy 1 & 2, Tomb Raider 1 & 2 and Watchmen, as well as many other films.
If you think we’re just another production house, then think again. Hanuman Films is something completely different.
Why Hanuman Films?
1, Reliable reputation: tried and trusted by iconic names such as the BBC, Paramount, National Geographic, Radical Media and more.
2, Trustworthy track record: we tell it how it is with no bullshit and a transparent approach to each and every shoot.
3, Unrivalled knowledge: a team of experienced international and local experts who know their countries inside out.
4, Competitive prices: attractive rates for such exceptional service and a flexible approach to budgeting.
5, Speed of communication: a sharp turnaround on all projects ensuring you can compete with global rivals on budgets and TVC quotes.
6, The right connections: we have some useful contacts in high places and we travel widely to meet key players in person.
7, Special services: Our team will go out their way to ensure your every whim is catered for during the shoot.
8, Safety is a priority: We use experienced crew to ensure a high standard of on-location safety for everyone.
9, Responsible film-making: doing things the right way helps the region and Hanuman Films supports many local projects.
10, Locally-owned and operated: the money generated stays within the region and is reinvested in further jobs and training.
Stills/Hotels
F: +855 (0) 23 218 398
E: info@hanumanfilms.com
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613: OK, I’ll Do It
Da-Do-Run-Guns-Mum-Da-Do-Run-Guns
Reya El-Salahi
Journalist Reya El-Salahi tells the story of learning something very surprising about her mother’s past, involving a fake marriage, guns and guerrillas. (19 minutes)
“Rebel Without A Pause” by Public Enemy & “I Don't Want Nobody to Give Me Nothing (Open Up the Door I'll Get It Myself” by James Brown
More in Family
673: Left Behind
Act One: The Sudden Departure
When a small town loses 100 people in just a few hours, kids come home to find their parents missing.
648: Unteachable Moment
Act Three: Those Who Can’t Play
Daniel Alarcón’s dad was obsessed with soccer when he was growing up, but he was only average at soccer.
639: In Dog We Trust (2018)
Act Four: Resurrection
Writer Brady Udall with another story about what animals can take the place of, in our lives and in our homes—this one involving an armadillo.
Abdi and the Golden Ticket
A story about someone who's desperately trying – against long odds – to make it to the United States and become an American.
Harper High School - Part One
We spent five months at a high school in Chicago where in the last year 29 current and recent students were shot.
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A Conversation with Ruth Hogan
Photo courtesy of Ben Croker
Ruth Hogan was born in Bedford. Like many authors she has been an avid reader since childhood and went on to study English and Drama at Goldsmith’s College, University of London. She then took a job in Human Resources for a government department.
Although Ruth enjoyed writing it was only when a car accident left her unable to work full-time that she began to write more seriously. It was all going well until 2012 when Ruth got Cancer – which she describes as ‘bloody inconvenient’. When chemo kept her up all night she passed the time writing and the result was her debut novel.
The Keeper of Lost Things was published in January 2017.
Once a celebrated author of short stories now in his twilight years, Anthony Peardew has spent half his life collecting lost objects, trying to atone for a promise broken many years before.
Realising he is running out of time, he leaves his house and all its lost treasures to his assistant Laura, the one person he can trust to fulfil his legacy and reunite the thousands of objects with their rightful owners.
But the final wishes of the 'Keeper of Lost Things' have unforeseen repercussions which trigger a most serendipitous series of encounters...
“Heartwarming and engaging from the start.a mysterious, ghostly, magical love story with some really wonderful characters and a brilliant premise” - The Bookbag
We wish to thank Ruth for taking part in our Conversation and wish her a huge success with her first novel and all the best in her future writing career.
Tell us of your journey as a writer
If you’d asked me when I was about six what I wanted to be, I would have said a vet. I had no talent for or interest in the sciences that were required, and no understanding of the years of study it would take. I just loved animals and wanted to make them better. As I grew older and wiser and developed an intense dislike for my chemistry teacher, I moved on to plan b. I’d always loved books, and my parents taught me to read before I started school. From my love of reading, came a love of writing and I decided that I would do something with English. I would be creative and mysterious, henna my hair, and wear strange and exotic outfits. And I did. For the whole three years that I was at Goldsmiths College studying English and Drama. Then I came home, married and got a ‘proper’ job. My career in local government took off and I was rapidly promoted. But then, in my early thirties, I had a car accident that left me with chronic back problems and unable to work full-time. But eventually I came to realise that the accident had given me the opportunity to resurrect the dream I’d had at university of ‘doing something with English’. I got a part-time job to pay the bills and I began to write.
How do you see your role as a writer and what do you like most about it?
As a writer, I see my role as a story-teller. But I don’t just want to tell the stories, I want to draw the reader completely into the world where my characters live. One of the things I love most about it is finding fresh and original ways of saying things. English is such a rich language, but it is easy to become lazy and use the same tired descriptions and clichés. I can while away hours poring over words in a dictionary!
Have you ever created a character who you dislike but find yourself empathising with?
Portia in Keeper is a detestable little madam, but when I was writing about her reaction to her father’s Alzheimer’s, I did empathise with her fear and the way that she tries to cover it with anger.
What has been your experience of writing about diverse characters?
I enjoy writing about people who are different or flawed in some way. I genuinely find it more interesting and challenging than writing about so-called ‘normal’ people. But it isn’t always easy. My portrayal of Sunshine (a character who happens to have Down’s Syndrome) in Keeper has been soundly criticised by a small minority of readers, who felt that her portrayal was ‘insensitive’ and ‘patronising’. Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I developed Sunshine’s character on the back of considerable research and personal experience and so I’m very happy to stand by what I wrote.
Who is your favourite literary character from childhood and why?
I couldn’t possibly choose just one! I loved the Moomintrolls and the magical world they inhabited, Winnie the Pooh because he’s adorable in a morose kind of way, and I wanted to be Lucy in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. I was also an avid fan of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five stories, but could never decide whether I wanted to be Anne (she could be a bit wet) or George (I didn’t like her short hair).
If you could be transported instantly, anywhere in the world, where would you most like to spend your time writing? And why?
I’ve thought about this. A lot! My ideal writing room would be on the second floor of an isolated house right on the beach. My writing room would face the sea and have huge windows. It would also have a balcony where I could sit and write when it’s warm enough. I like to be alone when I’m writing – I’m very happy with my own company (and a dog or three!) and I love the sound and sight of the sea.
What is the one book you wish you had written?
Morning's at Seven by Eric Malpass. It’s the book that made me want to be a writer.
What advice do you have for would be novelists/writers?
It’s a tough game. You can write a brilliant novel, but if it’s not seen by the right people at the right time it might never get published. As well as talent and determination you need a bit of luck. If you don’t love writing, if your story doesn’t wake you in the middle of the night demanding your attention and if you’re easily disheartened, it probably isn’t the career for you. Rejections can be very hard to take, and the chances are you’ll get them. In spades. The thing that kept me going was that I found it impossible not to write. It’s what makes me happy and you need that passion to get you through the bad times.
What are you currently working on? What can we look forward to reading?
My next novel is called The Particular Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes, and will be published by Two Roads in spring 2018. It focuses on Masha, an intelligent, independent woman in her early forties whose life has been irremediably changed by a tragic event. Unable to share her grief, she finds solace in the local Victorian cemetery and in her town's lido, where she seeks refuge underwater, safe from the noise and the pain. But a chance encounter with two extraordinary women – the fabulous Kitty Muriel, a convent girl-turned-magician's wife-turned-seventy-something roller disco fanatic, and the mysterious Sally Red Shoes, a bag lady with a prodigious voice – opens up a new world of possibilities, and the chance to start living again.
Follow Ruth on Twitter: @ruthmariehogan
Don't say a Word by A L Bird
A Conversation with Nuala Ellwood
A New Map of Love by Abi Oliver
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Radisson execs see Chinese inroads with owner Jin Jiang
Not yet six months after being acquired by Jin Jiang International, Radisson Hotel Group is beginning to recognize and realize the long-term benefits of the relationship, executives shared at Radisson’s Americas Business Conference.
By Robert McCune
rmccune@hotelnewsnow.com
@HNN_Robert
MIAMI BEACH, Florida—Radisson Hotel Group is looking to leverage its new Chinese ownership to establish and grow the footprints of all of its seven brands in China, and draw millions of outbound Chinese tourists to its hotels in the Americas, executives said at the company’s Americas Business Conference.
The hotel company has been owned by two different Chinese firms in about as many years, and yet its executives refuse to “make any assumption that we know what Chinese guests want,” CEO and COO John Kidd said.
Kidd himself has some experience with China, as do many on his team, he noted. He was brought on by Haikou, China-based HNA Group to lead Radisson when HNA Group bought what was then Carlson Hotels in December 2016; and stayed on when the company was bought in November 2018 by current owner Jin Jiang International Holdings. Prior to that, he spent more than 20 years with Hilton, largely in Asia, including China.
But the CEO said he doesn’t consider himself the expert on Chinese hotel guests.
Rather, to bring some of the 140 million and growing outbound Chinese tourists to Radisson hotels in the Americas, Kidd said Radisson will look to its Chinese owner for guidance and insight.
“We’re going straight to the source; we’re going to the Chinese market … really drilling into what Chinese customers want, at the different segment levels; what are they looking for and what are their expectations,” Kidd said. “And in that regard, we have tremendous support and help from our owner, Jin Jiang. They are experts in this field.
“We have a plethora of information available to us … so that it becomes a whole complete approach instead of little bits and pieces. There is a strategy behind it.”
Loyalty alliance
Jin Jiang’s loyalty program boasts 150 million members, many of whom are based in China, which Kidd said will aid Radisson’s efforts to attract Chinese travelers.
Radisson is working out a plan to recognize the status of Jin Jiang’s J-Club rewards members at all Radisson properties in a “global loyalty alliance,” which it hopes will be ready by summer 2019, said Eric De Neef, EVP and global chief commercial officer at Radisson.
“One of the biggest objectives is to unlock China for us,” he said. “On the rewards side, we are together building a strategy to create what we call a global loyalty alliance in between Jin Jiang and us, where you have the 150 million members of Jin Jiang plus the 22 million on the RHG side. … You can imagine, from a system compatibility, this is a huge exercise.”
Radisson Hotel Group EVP and Global Chief Commercial Officer Eric De Neef talks about the importance of converting guests to loyalty members during the opening general session of the Americas Business Conference in Miami Beach. (Photo: Robert McCune)
Efrem Berman, Radisson’s head of global loyalty and engagement, said that “concept of recognition” is what’s important at this stage, noting there are no plans to fully integrate or merge the rewards programs into a new entity.
“The partnership has been wonderful, and we’re working together very closely to expand how we work together,” he said. “We have a huge unlocking of distribution opportunity … and how we bring that to bear for our owners is going to be key.”
The loyalty side is a “huge component … and of fundamental importance to our company,” Kidd said.
“Loyalty is a science, and it’s very technical. Everybody has their own ideas of how a program should be developed and operated,” he said. “Right now, we’re in the process of discussing very deeply how we can marry the programs together in a very efficient way so that our customers, our members enjoy all the benefits of that alliance and it works for the hotels, for the staff, so that it becomes seamless. That takes time and effort and a lot of thought.”
Berman said the loyalty piece is a “long-term initiative, but it’s moving very much in the right direction.”
In addition to Radisson, Jin Jiang’s hotel brands and assets include its own Jin Jiang brand, J.Hotel and Jin Jin Jiang Inn, as well as Louvre Hotels, Vienna Hotel Group and Plateno Group. With Radisson, its brand landscape grows to include the core Radisson brand, Country Inn & Suites, Radisson Red, Radisson Blu, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza and the boutique soft brand Radisson Collection.
Berman said ultimately the goal will be to have Radisson Rewards members recognized at hotels under Jin Jiang’s other brands, as well.
Brands in China
Also key to tapping into that lucrative Chinese travel market will be creating and growing awareness for Radisson brands in China, which Radisson plans to do by developing each of its seven brands in the country.
Katerina Giannouka, Radisson’s president for the Asia/Pacific region, said the company has been “operating in China for 20 years … and has gotten along pretty well, even without the support of Jin Jiang.”
“The main drive now is to get all of our brands into China,” she said. “There’s about 5.5 billion domestic trips in China each year. People are traveling domestically like crazy, so we need our hotels everywhere to be able to catch our fair share.”
From a global perspective, “the quicker we can put more properties in China, the better off we are, because then there’s more brand familiarity,” said Ken Greene, president of the Americas for Radisson.
“There’s a lot of growth opportunity there. … You’ve got today, 140 million outbound travelers from China,” Greene said. “That number goes to 450 million in the next 10 years, double-digit growth every year. We’ve never seen that type of outbound or inbound travel growth into the Americas like that in the history of this industry.”
Greene said it’s time to increase development of Radisson properties to grow awareness among Chinese travelers who are so familiar with Jin Jiang.
“We’re so well-positioned to capture a point of origin of people, Chinese and Asian travelers, who are predisposed to our brands, and capture them over here,” he said. “And what we need are more hotels, as fast as we possibly can. So those developers and owners who are doing business with us, folks who have been with us a long time and new ones who are being attracted to us, they sort of see that vision, and they say, ‘five years, 10 years from now, we’re going to reap the benefits of this,’ and it’s really quite exciting.”
De Neef said the strategy in China is two-tiered: “Targeting the tier-one and tier-two cities for the upscale and upper-upscale brands … and then working our midscale brands, Country and Park Inn, into what we call tier-three and tier-four markets.”
He noted that “the purity of the brands and the swim lanes being well-defined for brands is something that Jin Jiang wants to implement in China because it is missing in China, being totally over-swamped by Chinese brands.”
Synergistic value
With Jin Jiang, Radisson has an owner “who has deep roots in hospitality … shares our vision for this company and will help us to realize it,” Kidd said.
“Jin Jiang is a tremendous company, very stable, really fascinated by the world of hospitality, fully engaged and entrenched in that business. It’s a business that they really do understand, but at the same time, they are open-minded. They want to learn from us as well. That was one of the attractions of acquiring our company—our knowledge, particularly in the upper- and upper-upscale segments of the market,” he said.
“They’re very high-energy. It’s not unusual for us to get phone calls at 4 o’clock in the morning or on Saturday nights, Sunday morning, whatever. But that’s all good, because it’s all very positive. The other strong point is they are very responsive. … They’re fully engaged and fully supportive of our company, our five-year plan, what we want to do going forward. And of course, we are very interested in how they want to shape things as well, because it’s not just a one-way street.”
Radisson also has quickly meshed with its sister hotel companies and brands under Jin Jiang, capitalizing on “the synergistic value we are able to extract” from that relationship, Kidd said.
That could include partnering with Jin Jiang’s other non-Radisson brands on a hotel development in a key market, he said.
“We have a tremendous communication line already. … We’ve had very intensive discussions since we got together in November last year, in Shanghai, in Brussels, in Minneapolis; and that’s been fostered very much by Jin Jiang. They’ve been very forward-looking,” Kidd said.
“All of the CEOs and several of our support teams are mingling with each other and picking up a lot of ideas from each other. There have been discussions about hotels that we could work on together in different parts of the world. In Latin America, for example, our sister companies are not there, so we’re working with them on that side of things.”
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CPEC power projects expected to up GDP by 2 percent
December 27,2017 1comments
The enhanced power generation capacity, resulting from China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, is expected to add two percentage points to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the medium to long-term, an official said on Tuesday.
“All the energy projects are aimed at adding 17,045 Megawatts (MW) to mitigate chronic electricity shortfall and provide a reliable support for domestic economic activities and exports,” an official at Planning, Development and Reforms Division told.
The sources added that out of $47 billion CPEC portfolio, the bulk, around $35 billion, would go into energy projects, whereas $12 billion was to be spent on roads and other infrastructure projects.
“The CPEC transport infrastructure projects -roads, railways, port facility upgrade- will allow easier and low-cost access to domestic and overseas markets, promoting inter-regional and international trade,” the official said.
The services exports, the source informed, would also benefit from increased trade traffic from China, while the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) alongside the CPEC routes would also facilitate domestic and foreign investment.
“These SEZs will have a multiplier effect on growth via connectivity to other regions, accessibility to markets, job creation, etc,” the source said and added this will also help in integrating less developed areas into folds of active development.
china Pakistan economic corridorCPECGwadar Free Economic ZoneGwadar Power Projectsinvest in gwadar
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Europe in the time of Charles V
The Renaissance, a cultural movement that started in Italy in the fifteenth century, spread through Europe in the following century. It was characterized by the renovation of artistic language and the dissemination of the Classics. The main philosophical theory was the so-called Humanism, a cultural movement that aimed to revive the Classics and considered mankind to be the centre of everything and main character of History, exalting the idea of individuality. Humanist anthropocentrism was opposed to mediaeval theocentricism. A critical approach spread and a great number of scientific and technical advances were achieved, based on observation and experimentation. Great progress was made in the understanding of the world, with important geographical discoveries, such as America or the first voyage around the world. The discovery and propagation of the printing press was very important, as it was essential for the rapid dissemination of ideas and technical innovations.
Industrial activities increased during the sixteenth century and cities and trade rapidly developed, setting the grounds for capitalism. The growth of industry was one of the reasons behind the search for new territories, aiming to obtain raw materials and open new markets for the industrial products. With Mediterranean trade being controlled by the Turks and the advances in navigation, overseas explorations were encouraged.
Polítics
The new ideals of Humanism led to changes in political ideas, which aimed to reinforce the power of monarchs over the Church and the nobility. Political philosophers separated politics from theology and believed that princes were sovereign within their lands and did not owe obedience to anyone, not even the Pope. The most influential philosophers were Machiavelli, Thomas More and Bodin. For Machiavelli the ends justify the means, meaning that monarchs could carry out immoral actions as long as they were aimed at the benefit of the kingdom. More advocated religious freedom, communal property, divorce and the right to a dignified death, while Bodin maintained the need to create a strong power, answerable only to God.
It was in the sixteenth century when absolute monarchies appeared, setting the grounds for the modern state, when the monarch held all the power to rule, as opposed to medieval monarchies, when power was restricted by the nobility, the guilds and the cities.
Territories were unified with the execution of politics based on marriages and wars, the development of diplomacy and the army mostly mercenaries, the establishment of the court in a specific city (the palace becomes the centre of political life) and with taxes that did not have to be approved by the court and an increasingly professional bureaucracy.
Three monarchies were established in Western Europe: the Spanish, the French and the English. In addition, the first one became a hegemonic power. In Spain, the monarchy had consolidated its administration, treasury and army, although the different territories kept their traditional institutions: the Cortes. Together with Portugal, Spain explored and colonised many American lands and its Empire reached from California to the south of Chile. It also held wars in different European regions and in the north of Africa.
France achieved the unification of its territories with a carefully developed administration and a permanent army. Great economic and cultural development was also achieved.
Monaco was a Spanish protectorate between 1525 and 1612; the Emperor visited this Principality in 1529.
In England, King Henry VIII became an absolute monarch, and based his reign on a very efficient administration and streamlined treasury, independent from the Parliament.
The Ottoman Empire became a great power, disputing the supremacy of the western powers, especially Spain. It reached its greatest territorial expansion with the conquest of part of North Africa and south-east Europe, where they even besieged Vienna (1529). Their decline started with their defeat at the Battle of Lepanto (1571).
The situation in other European regions was different. In the north we could find the Kalmar Union, formed by Denmark, Norway and Sweden. This lasted until 1523, when Sweden became independent with the Vasa monarchy. Sweden adopted the Protestant Reform and all church properties were seized by the Crown. It held wars against its old allies although it did not achieve the control over the Baltic Sea until the next century.
Most of Eastern Europe, Hungary and Bohemia included, was part of the Poland-Lithuania kingdom, of the Jagiellonian dynasty. In 1569 it became known as the Republic of the Two Nations, although it maintained the administrative structures inherited from the Middle Ages.
Russia surfaced then as a power in the north-east of Europe. King Ivan IV (the Terrible) introduced important political and administrative reforms, in addition to his territorial expansion policies, conquering the khanates of Kazan (1552) and Astrakhan (1556).
By the end of the sixteenth century, the Christian Church was definitively divided between Catholics and Protestants. This division was caused by several reasons. On the one hand, the Church controlled extensive territories where they collected taxes, so the states tried to disassociate themselves from these tax obligations and annex the lands. On the other hand, the Church was undergoing a severe moral crisis, with abuse of authority, sale of indulgences, breach of the holy vows, etc.
Another of the causes was the dissemination of the Bible thanks to the printing press, making the Gospel available to the majority of the faithful. The Gospel, source of the Christian doctrine, stated the need to give up all worldly possessions and live in humility and poverty, instead of a Church that displayed its wealth, with very rich hierarchies that enjoyed many privileges. This encouraged the need for a reformation of the Church, which had to return to its primitive simplicity. It had to abide by the Gospel and each individual could interpret God's words according to their own judgment.
The Reformation was initiated by the German monk Martin Luther (1483-1546). He had travelled to Rome in 1511, where he witnessed the decline of the Roman Catholic Church. In 1514 he rebelled against Pope Leo X for the sale of indulgences aimed at finishing St. Peter's Basilica. He criticised the ecclesiastical structure and attacked its dogmas, defending that salvation was achieved by faith in Jesus and that the Gospel had to be the only law. His excommunication in 1520 led to a definite separation with Rome.
In 1521, Emperor Charles V called the Diet of Worms aiming for reconciliation, but Luther kept his views and was condemned. Prince Frederic of Saxony kept him safe for a year, when Luther translated the Bible to German. Luther wrote to the German princes stating how the Church had to return to its primitive purity and therefore the need to seize its riches and lands. With this he obtained the support of many German princes who then kept said lands.
Hoping to reconcile both beliefs, the Emperor convened the Diet of Speyer in 1529. This Diet conceded that the new doctrine would be tolerated in those places where it had already been established, but it could not extend to new areas. Several cities and princes protested against this decision and from then onwards were called protestants. In 1530, the Emperor convened the Diet of Augsburg and tried to attract protestant princes to Catholicism by conciliation, although he failed and Luther was again condemned.
After that, Protestants found they had to define their doctrines and Luther asked Melanchthon, in favour of reconciliation with Catholics, to draft the instructions for the profession of the Protestant faith. Some sacraments were discarded leaving only two, Latin was removed as language of the church, the adoration of the saints was rejected and the papal authority over the church was refuted.
In 1531 the Lutheran princes created a political party called the Schmalkaldic League to defend their interests, which had its own army and joint finances. When Luther died in 1546, the Emperor attacked them and the Lutherans were defeated at the Battle of Mühlberg (1547), although they soon regrouped and formed an alliance with Henry II of France, defeating the Emperor at Innsbruck. The war ended in 1555 with the Diet of Augsburg, by which the Emperor gave religious freedom to the Lutheran princes, recognizing the ownership of the lands they had seized from the Church, although new secularizations were prohibited. Another important figure of the Reformation was the French theologian John Calvin (1509-1564). Influenced by Luther, he wrote a new theory of Reformation, based on predestination, by which God had chosen some men for salvation. He supressed mass, the altar, etc. In Geneva he led a theocracy, establishing a very repressive government. Many missionaries left from Geneva to different parts of Europe: France, Flanders and Scotland.
In England the Reformation was led by King Henry VIII. This reform was caused by the refusal of the Pope to grant him the divorce from Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn. In 1534, with the Act of Supremacy, Henry VIII proclaimed that the king was the supreme and only head of the church in England. Although Catholicism was restored by his daughter Mary I, the English Protestant Church was definitively established by his other daughter Elizabeth I, although she introduced some Calvinist ideas.
Since the Lutheran dissent began, both Catholics and Lutherans had requested a Council that would perform a comprehensive internal revision of the Church. The Council was convened in Trent in 1545, when the positions were irreconcilable, and lasted until 1563.
The Counter-Reformation was initiated by this Council, by which the doctrine of the Church was redefined and the Lutheran proposals were rejected. This doctrine ratified the validity of the sacraments and the pope's authority, as successor of St Peter and Vicar of Christ. In addition, it established that the only authentic Bible was the Vulgate translated by Saint Jerome in the fourth century, the validity of ecclesiastic celibacy and the real presence of Christ during mass. The Church kept its traditional structure, the use of Latin and the accumulation of ecclesiastical positions was prohibited. The creation of theological seminaries for the priests was also recommended. The reformation of the Church was completed with other measures such as the creation of a committee in charge of creating an index of books contrary to it which were prohibited and the Tribunal of the Holy Office to fight heresy.
New religious orders were created to fight Protestant doctrines: Capuchins, Theatines, Jesuits, Ursulines, etc. These consolidated the parishes, achieved popular piety through example and served to contain the corruption at the heart of the Church. Among all these orders, one of the most important was the Society of Jesus founded by Ignatius of Loyola in 1540. This order was organized as an army, with absolute subjugation to the Pope. This order worked for education, confession and preaching. They fought in name of the Universal Church, retaking the south of Germany from the Protestants, mainly Austria and Bavaria, in addition to Belgium.
CHARLES V - EMPEROR
Charles of Habsburg: Brief biography
Charles V, his European vision
Charles V and Sixteenth Century art
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91. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if a person (details supplied) will be included in the next conferring ceremony. [41307/18]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Charles Flanagan): I am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that an application for a certificate of naturalisation has been received on behalf of the person referred to by the Deputy. This application has entered the final stage of processing.
The prescribed fee and documentation have been received. However the GNIB card received indicates that the person's permission to reside in the State expired on 17 June 2018. All non-EEA nationals are required to keep their permission to remain in the State up to date at all times, and to have such permission registered. Failure to do so may adversely affect an application for a certificate of naturalisation.
A letter issued on 8 October 2018 requesting a GNIB card showing an up to date permission to remain. Once this is received the certificate of naturalisation will issue by registered post. As the person referred to by the Deputy is a minor there is no requirement to attend a citizenship ceremony.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
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Mccaffery for the phillies, an early yet defining series electricity office near me
10.09.2018 Gas supply
#electricity off
That may or may not have been a reference to the 1993 Phillies and how they prepared. But if Kapler was motivated to prepare for a three-game series in May as if determined to attack, then he had no reason to apologize. That’s because it shouldn’t take a baseball-analytics computer program to reveal that some series can be more vital than others.
“It’s certainly important, right?” Kapler said before the Phils moved within a half game of the division lead with a 3-0 victory. “We identify and acknowledge that the Braves are in first place. We identify and acknowledge that we are going to do everything in our power to win the next three games.”
Not that the National League East order of relevance has been solidified before Memorial Day, for it remains the Washington Nationals’ race to control, but more than a quarter of the season had been played by the time the Phils returned Monday from a satisfying 3-2 road trip. And those were the Braves in first place, a game and a half ahead of the second-place Phils. With that, the series would have the chance to redefine the division as it nosed into its second quarter. Even at 26-18 and as winners of seven of their previous 10, the Phillies wouldn’t want to slide too far behind Atlanta, which they face only once again at home this season, and won’t play at all until Sept. 20.
“Every game is important to win,” Kapler said. “Doesn’t matter who the opponent is. Doesn’t matter where it’s played. And we treat every game like it’s important to win. But we also don’t look at every game in a vacuum. We have to look it as a three-game series. And we have to look at it over the course of 10 games so that we are managing our bullpens effectively, giving our personnel a chance to perform.”
They had to look at it the way managers have begun to look at so much else: Differently. Just as many have come to realize that it is better to use a closer in something other than a ninth inning, it should be clear that one series in May can have the same heightened value that one might have after Labor Day. To ignore that it would be the last chance to earn a three-game standings swing against the Braves until it otherwise may be too late would be as other-era thinking as allowing a pitch-count to balloon to 101. Due to the odd scheduling, the Phils had already played the Braves nine times, winning just three. That made it time for the numbers to level out.
That’s the way he operates. He rejects shallow sample spaces, convinced that, over time, baseball will reveal everything from where to position a third baseman against a left-handed hitter to which teams are the most championship-ready. But the Phillies entered the series having played 44 times, not nine. And they’d shown they had the pitching, the hitting, and the depth to remain an N.L. East pest into the fall.
“I take pride in the way a lot of our players have played,” Kapler said. “I take pride in the way they have worked. I take pride in their preparation. I really love our players. I love coming to work every day. I ride the emotion that they ride, so the guys that are struggling a little bit, I really feel the pain of that. And the guys that are having a lot of success, I’m feeling like celebrating with them.”
Few celebrate like the Phils, who will not allow a home victory to pass without turning their clubhouse into a disco, complete with a laser show and a smoke machine. But they have yet to take a West Coast tour, still have to face the Red Sox and Yankees, and must add a left-handed starter before they can claim to have a serious, pennant-contending rotation.
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Sean shaw gets the support of florida democrat leaders over ryan torrens in ag race electricity 2pm live
19.09.2018 Gas bills
#attorney general
Currently wrapping up his first term in the Florida House, Shaw has worked as a private insurance attorney and previously served as Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate under former state CFO Alex Sink. Shaw is the son of Leander Shaw, the first African-American to lead the Florida Supreme Court.
“During my time as attorney general, Florida was known as a national leader in protecting the rights of our state and its people,” Butterworth insisted. “Whether it was consumer protection, keeping our residents safe from violent criminals, or taking on Big Tobacco to win more than $11 billion for Floridians, our office never rested when it came to protecting Floridians. So when it comes to candidates for attorney general, I need to be sure they’ll have the same active approach towards the office that I did. That’s why I’m endorsing Sean Shaw to be our next attorney general.
“Florida’s next attorney general will face many important challenges,” Butterworth continued. “Whether it is taking on the pharmaceutical industry, protecting consumers from scammers, holding the Legislature accountable, or standing up to the Trump administration’s ongoing attacks on our rights, we need an attorney general willing to fight for us. There’s no one I’d rather have fighting for me – and for Florida – than Sean Shaw.”
“I’m endorsing Sean Shaw to be our next attorney general because he has a proven track record as a fearless advocate for consumers and a financial watchdog for Florida taxpayers,” said Aronberg, who served in the state Senate and who ran for attorney general himself in 2010, on Wednesday. “I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact the opioid epidemic is inflicting on our communities, and I know that Sean Shaw will target those responsible for this epidemic and will help local prosecutors keep our streets safe.”
Shaw does not have an open shot at the Democratic nomination as Central Florida attorney Ryan Torrens is also running in the primary. This week, as he tries to catch Shaw, Torrens promised, if elected, to launch a criminal investigation into Tampa Electric Company (TECO) executives over an incident last year at a power plant in Apollo Beach which resulted in the deaths of five employees.
“Five workers died, and another was injured due to TECO’s willful disregard for worker safety,” said Torrens this week. “So far TECO has only received a slap on the wrist in the form of a fine! This is not enough and will not cause TECO to take worker safety seriously. A criminal investigation must be launched into TECO for this and perhaps when some of the TECO executives are hauled off in handcuffs, they will start to take worker safety seriously.”
“TECO uses money from the bills its customers pay to buy political influence and has been making significant contributions to candidates for Florida attorney general. As the only candidate in this race refusing even a penny in campaign contributions from TECO, when attorney general, I will launch a criminal investigation into TECO’s epic failure to take worker safety seriously,” Torrens added.
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Indiana's civil forfeiture law ruled unconstitutional
Federal Judge Rules Indiana Seizing Cars With Civil Forfeiture Is Unconstitutional - Nick Sibilla, Institute for Justice - Forbes:
August 31, 2017 - "In a major win for private property rights, a federal judge ruled that Indiana can no longer seize vehicles under its controversial civil forfeiture laws, which allow police to confiscate property without filing criminal charges. Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson ruled that Indiana's laws were unconstitutional because they failed to provide a timely hearing for the property owner to contest the seizure.
"The decision comes just days after Hoosier lawmakers held a summer study committee to discuss forfeiture reform, and less than a month after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a new policy to expand police seizures nationwide.
"The case began last September when an officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department pulled over Leroy Washington and found a small amount of cannabis. Police charged Washington with dealing marijuana and seized his car.... Washington ... filed a federal class-action lawsuit last November on behalf of other owners whose cars were held by law enforcement in Indianapolis. Between November 2016 and February 2017, those agencies seized at least 169 vehicles, or 11 cars per week on average.
"The lawsuit claimed that Indiana’s forfeiture laws violated the car owners’ right to due process, as guaranteed by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. In Indiana, once property is seized, law enforcement can take up to 180 days to file a forfeiture complaint [and] the property owner cannot challenge the seizure during that months-long hold period. That is because, under state law, seized property is 'not subject to replevin,' a process that would allow the owners to regain wrongfully taken property while awaiting trial....
"As Judge Magnus-Stinson noted, losing one’s car for months on end 'could cause significant hardship'.... In order to prevent 'erroneous deprivation' and to safeguard due process, property owners must be 'provided with some sort of mechanism through which to challenge whether continued deprivation is justifiable.' But Indiana’s forfeiture laws ban replevin and do not allow any other 'opportunity for interim relief'....
"'Allowing for the seizure and retention of vehicles,' she wrote, 'without providing an opportunity for an individual to challenge the pre-forfeiture deprivation [is] unconstitutional.'"
Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/instituteforjustice/2017/08/31/federal-judges-rules-indiana-seizing-cars-with-civil-forfeiture-is-unconstitutional/#4b4cfc723da5
Labels: asset forfeiture, automobiles, civil forfeiture, Indiana, Institute for Justice
Herpes vaccine trials go offshore to avoid FDA
Offshore Human Testing Of Herpes Vaccine Stokes Debate Over U.S. Safety Rules - Marisa Taylor, Kaiser Health News:
August 28, 2017 - "Defying U.S. safety protections for human trials, an American university and a group of wealthy libertarians ... are backing the offshore testing of an experimental herpes vaccine.
"The American businessmen, including Trump adviser Peter Thiel, invested $7 million in the ongoing vaccine research, according to the U.S. company behind it. Southern Illinois University also trumpeted the research and the study’s lead researcher, even though he did not rely on traditional U.S. safety oversight in the first trial, held on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.
"Neither the Food and Drug Administration nor a safety panel known as an institutional review board, or an 'IRB,' monitored the testing of a vaccine its creators say prevents herpes outbreaks. Most of the 20 participants were Americans with herpes who were flown to the island several times to be vaccinated, according to Rational Vaccines, the company that oversaw the trial....
"'This is a test case,' said Bartley Madden, a retired Credit Suisse banker and policy adviser to the conservative Heartland Institute, who is another investor in the vaccine. 'The FDA is standing in the way, and Americans are going to hear about this and demand action'....
"Agustín Fernández III co-founded Rational Vaccines with tenured SIU professor William Halford. He said Halford, the lead investigator, took the necessary precautions during the trial conducted from April to August in 2016. Halford died of cancer in June....
"Fernández, a former Hollywood filmmaker, said he and his investors plan to submit the trial data to the FDA in hopes of getting the vaccine approved for treatment. If the FDA does not respond favorably, he said, the company will continue its trials in Mexico and Australia. Fernández said he hopes to set up an IRB for these next trials. No matter what, he plans to manufacture the vaccine offshore....
"Fernández said he hoped the trials would put political pressure on the FDA to give the vaccine a closer look. He said his vaccine would be initially aimed at helping patients who experience the 'worst of the worst' symptoms. He believed the vaccine eventually would be shown to be effective in preventing the spread of the disease. According to the CDC, about 1 in 6 people ages 14 to 49 have genital herpes....
"Before the trial, Halford tested the vaccine on himself and Fernández. After he failed to secure federal funding and an IRB, Halford moved ahead with the trial offshore....
"The results have not been published in a peer-reviewed journal and Halford’s previous attempt to publish was rejected.... Yet some herpes patients, who are part of a tight-knit online community, have followed the project with hope and enthusiasm. One American participant ... Richard Mancuso said ... the vaccine has stopped his severe outbreaks. 'This has saved my life,' he said."
Read more: http://khn.org/news/offshore-rush-for-herpes-vaccine-roils-debate-over-u-s-safety-rules/
Labels: Food and Drug Administration, health, Peter Thiel
How "anti-fascist" violence enables fascism
Using Violence Against Fascists Plays Right into Their Hands - Foundation for Economic Education - Working for a free and prosperous world - Laurie Maurhofer:
August 28, 2017 - "After the murder of Heather Heyer in Charlottesville, many people are asking themselves what they should do if Nazis rally in their city. Should they put their bodies on the line in counter demonstrations? Some say yes. History says no. Take it from me: I study the original Nazis....
"Charlottesville was right out of the Nazi playbook. In the 1920s, the Nazi Party was just one political party among many.... It was in 1927, while still on the political fringes, that the Nazi Party scheduled a rally in a decidedly hostile location – the Berlin district of Wedding. Wedding was so left-of-center that the neighborhood had the nickname “Red Wedding,” red being the color of the Communist Party....
"The people of Wedding were determined to fight back against fascism in their neighborhood. On the day of the rally, hundreds of Nazis descended on Wedding. Hundreds of their opponents showed up too, organized by the local Communist Party. The anti-fascists tried to disrupt the rally, heckling the speakers. Nazi thugs retaliated. There was a massive brawl. Almost 100 people were injured.
"I imagine the people of Wedding felt they ... had courageously sent a message: Fascism was not welcome. But historians believe events like the rally in Wedding helped the Nazis build a dictatorship. Yes, the brawl got them media attention. But what was far, far more important was how it fed an escalating spiral of street violence. That violence helped the fascists enormously....
"We know now that many Germans supported the fascists because they were terrified of leftist violence in the streets. Germans opened their morning newspapers and saw reports of clashes like the one in Wedding. It looked like a bloody tide of civil war was rising in their cities. Voters and opposition politicians alike came to believe the government needed special police powers to stop violent leftists. Dictatorship grew attractive. The fact that the Nazis themselves were fomenting the violence didn’t seem to matter.
"One of Hitler’s biggest steps to dictatorial power was to gain emergency police powers, which he claimed he needed to suppress leftist violence....
"Today, right extremists are going around the country staging rallies just like the one in 1927 in Wedding. According to the civil rights advocacy organization the Southern Poverty Law Center, they pick places where they know antifascists are present, like university campuses. They come spoiling for a physical confrontation. Then they and their allies spin it to their advantage....
"There’s an additional wrinkle: the Antifa. When Nazis and white supremacists rally, the Antifa are likely to show up, too. 'Antifa' is short for anti-fascists, though the name by no means includes everyone who opposes fascism. The Antifa is a relatively small movement of the far left, with ties to anarchism. It arose in Europe’s punk scene in the 1980s to fight neo-Nazism. The Antifa says that because Nazism and white supremacy are violent, we must use any means necessary to stop them. This includes physical means.... The Antifa's tactics often backfire, just like those of Germany’s communist opposition to Nazism did in the 1920s....
"The cause Heather Heyer died for is best defended by avoiding the physical confrontation that the people who are responsible for her death want."
Read more: https://fee.org/articles/using-violence-against-fascists-plays-right-into-their-hands/
Labels: 20th century, antifa, fascism, Foundation for Economic Education, History, Nazism
Anti-cannabis group uses RICO against industry
How Anti-Mafia Laws Could Bring Down Legal Pot - Rolling Stone - Amanda Chicago Lewis:
August 28, 2017 - "Earlier this summer, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Colorado decided that the 'noxious odors' from a pot farm could be lowering nearby property values and creating a nuisance. The decision came out of a civil suit by the farm's neighbors under federal racketeering law, and could set a landmark precedent. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, and this decision makes clear that private citizens can now circumvent state law and do what Attorney General Jeff Sessions wants but has yet to do: challenge the legitimacy of states and businesses participating in legalization....
"The whole thing is being paid for by a D.C.-based nonprofit called the Safe Streets Alliance – an obscure anti-drug organization that the opposing side's lawyer has called 'a fake organization' and 'a sham.' No one knows who exactly belongs to the Safe Streets Alliance, or where their money comes from. The attorney representing Safe Streets Alliance, Brian Barnes, says he can't provide any details about the group's funding and membership, citing attorney-client confidentiality, but ... [t]hose affiliated with the group have legitimate public health and cultural concerns about legalization ... and don't think that states should be allowed to so flagrantly violate federal law....
"[T]he Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly referred to as RICO... has helped the Department of Justice go after top people in the mafia, say, or in the bribe-infested soccer organization FIFA, for crimes committed by their affiliates. RICO also allows private citizens to bring civil suits against anyone who assists in the committing of a crime that harms their property or business.
"RICO's whole notion of 'racketeering' creates a useful but alarming tautology, depending on the case and your point of view. To accuse someone of racketeering, or to seek damages under racketeering, is to go after them for the crime of committing a crime. Because marijuana remains federally illegal, literally everyone involved in state-legal pot markets is vulnerable under RICO....
"A handful of major RICO lawsuits could be enough to scare many legal cannabis operators out of existence – not to mention the potential financial consequences: RICO plaintiffs are entitled to receive triple damages, as well as attorneys' fees.
"'Things like this sort of take on a life of their own, and somebody who is obviously anti-cannabis has decided to push it. They think that this is the Achilles' heel," says influential California attorney Henry Wykowski, who has argued on behalf of cannabis operators in federal court several times. "It is scary stuff. I just hope that the defendants get really good lawyers, because this could have an effect on the entire industry."
Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/how-anti-mafia-laws-could-bring-down-legal-pot-w499585
Labels: cannabis, Marijuana
TIME on post-millennials: "they're libertarians"
Millennials and the iGen Are Not as Progressive as You Think | Time.com - Jean M. Twenge:
August 22, 2017 - "Twenge is a Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University and the author of iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids are Growing up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy — and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood.
"Today’s young Americans, who include both Millennials (born 1980–‘94) and iGen (1995–2012), represent the future of the political landscape: 18- to 29-year-olds are now an equal or a larger percentage of voters than those over 65. Given that, it’s crucial to understand why nearly two out of five iGen’ers and young Millennials voted for not just a Republican candidate but a candidate affiliated with a white nationalism many thought had died out long before iGen was born.
"First, young voters — especially iGen — are more conservative than is often assumed. In my analyses of the nationally representative yearly survey Monitoring the Future, the percentage of high school seniors who identified as conservative rose from 23% in 2000 to 29% in 2015, creating a group more conservative than the Reagan-era GenX teens of the 1980s.... Nor is iGen the post-racial, post-prejudice group some have assumed. Although iGen and the Millennials stand apart from older generations in their support for LGBT issues, at the moment they are not much more supportive of gender or racial equality than Boomers and GenX’ers are....
"iGen’s other social and political beliefs also defy expectations. Compared to previous generations when they were young in these national surveys, iGen is more likely to support abortion rights, same-sex marriage and legalizing marijuana and less likely to support the death penalty — usually considered liberal beliefs. But they are also less likely to support gun control, national health care and government environmental regulation....
"How can iGen hold these seemingly contradictory beliefs? In short, because they’re libertarians (or at least more libertarian than their elders). iGen was raised in a highly individualistic culture favoring the self over the group; phrases such as 'do what’s right for you' and 'believe in yourself and anything is possible' echoed through their childhood. Libertarianism is as close to cultural individualism as can be found in the political arena, favoring individual rights and fighting against government regulation. Liberals tend to be individualistic about equal rights issues (say, same-sex marriage) but collectivistic about social programs (government-sponsored health care). Conservatives are individualistic about social programs (thinking people should help themselves) but collectivistic about equal rights issues (thinking traditional roles are more productive). But libertarians are individualistic about both....
"Individualism has also led iGen and Millennials to favor one thing above all else in politicians: Authenticity. Individualism promotes 'come as you are' and 'just be yourself,' and iGen’ers want their candidates to be — or at least seem — unwavering in their personal beliefs.... Donald Trump fit this as well: For all his prevaricating, many said they voted for him because he says exactly what he thinks.
"Individualism has brought both equality and reactions against it, both support for individual rights and a dislike of group solutions. With 54% of young voters identifying as political independents, conventional politicians face an uphill battle trying to attract them. Yet the candidate who does — likely authentic, casual and libertarian in her positions — will hold the key to the next political era."
Read more: http://time.com/4909722/trump-millennials-igen-republicans-voters/
Labels: Donald Trump, individualism, Libertarian, libertarian moment, youth
Ron Paul: Oppose right and left authoritarianism
Ron Paul: We Must Oppose Fascism Of the Right and Left | News and views from a different angle - Market Slant:
August 22, 2017 - "Following the recent clashes between the alt-right and the group antifa, some libertarians have debated which group they should support. The answer is simple: neither. The alt-right and its leftist opponents are two sides of the same authoritarian coin.
"The alt-right elevates racial identity over individual identity. The obsession with race leads them to support massive government interference in the economy in order to benefit members of the favored race. They also favor massive welfare and entitlement spending, as long as it functions as a racial spoils system.... No one who sincerely supports individual liberty, property rights, or the right to life can have any sympathy for this type of racial collectivism.
"Antifa, like all Marxists, elevates class identity over individual identity. Antifa supporters believe government must run the economy because otherwise workers will be exploited by greedy capitalists. This faith in central planning ignores economic reality, as well as the reality that in a free market employers and workers voluntarily work together for their mutual benefit. It is only when government intervenes in the economy that crony capitalists have the opportunity to exploit workers, consumers, and taxpayers....
"Ironically, the failure of the Keynesian model of economic authoritarianism, promoted by establishment economists like Paul Krugman, is responsible for the rise of the alt-right and antifa.... [M]any Americans continue to struggle with unemployment and a Federal Reserve-caused eroding standard of living. History shows that economic hardship causes many to follow demagogues offering easy solutions and convenient scapegoats....
"As the Keynesian-Krugman empire of big government and fiat currency collapses, more people will be attracted to authoritarianism, leading to an increase in violence. The only way to ensure the current system is not replaced with something even worse is for those of us who know the truth to work harder to spread the ideas of liberty.
"While we should be willing to form coalitions with individuals of good will across the political spectrum, we must never align with anyone promoting violence as a solution to social and economic problems. We must also oppose any attempts to use the violence committed by extremists as a justification for expanding the police state or infringing on free speech....
"Libertarians have several advantages in the ideological battle... First, we do not need to resort to scapegoating and demagoguing, as we have the truth about the welfare-warfare state and the Federal Reserve on our side. We also offer a realistic way to restore prosperity. But our greatest advantage is that, while authoritarianism divides people by race, class, religion, or other differences, the cause of liberty unites all who seek peace and prosperity."
Read more: https://www.marketslant.com/article/ron-paul-we-must-oppose-fascism-right-and-left
Copyright © 2017 by Ron Paul Institute. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is gladly granted, provided full credit and a live link are given.
Labels: alt.right, antifa, currency, Federal Reserve, individualism, Paul Krugman, racism, Ron Paul
Venezuelans turn to bitcoin as currency collapses
Why Venezuelans Are Turning to Bitcoin Mining - The Atlantic - Rene Chun:
September 2017 issue - "In Venezuela, home to some of the worst hyperinflation since the Weimar Republic, a Big Mac costs about half a month’s wages. Or rather, it did, until a bread shortage forced the burger off the menu. The annual inflation rate is expected to hit 1,600 percent. Life resembles an old newsreel: long lines, empty shelves, cashiers weighing stacks of bills.
"To survive, thousands of Venezuelans have taken to minería bitcoin — mining bitcoin, the cryptocurrency. Lend computer processing power to the blockchain (the bitcoin network’s immense, decentralized ledger) and you will be rewarded with bitcoin. To contribute more data-crunching power, and earn more bitcoin, people operate racks of specialized computers known as 'miners.' Whether a mining operation is profitable hinges on two main factors: bitcoin’s market value — which has hit record highs this year — and the price of electricity, needed to run the powerful hardware.
"Electricity, it so happens, is one thing most Venezuelans can afford: Under the socialist regime of President Nicolás Maduro, power is so heavily subsidized that it is practically free. A person running several bitcoin miners can clear $500 a month. That’s a small fortune in Venezuela today, enough to feed a family of four and purchase vital goods — baby diapers, say, or insulin — online....
"But recently, Maduro has begun cracking down on mining operations, apparently finding in them a convenient political scapegoat — much as he calls those who seek to profit off inflation “capitalist parasites.” Yet trading bitcoin is still condoned. It’s as if Maduro realizes that cryptocurrency is one of the few things holding the country together.
"Because Venezuela has no cryptocurrency laws, police have arrested mine operators on spurious charges. Their first target, Joel Padrón, who owns a courier service and started mining to supplement his income, was charged with energy theft and possession of contraband and detained for 14 weeks. Since then, other bitcoin rigs have been seized — and, in many cases, rebooted by corrupt police for personal profit....
"Venezuela’s most resourceful miners ... are moving on to a new inflation-buster: the cryptocurrency ether (ETH). The profit margins are higher and, more important, the risk factor is much lower. 'Mining ETH or bitcoin is pretty much the same principle: using free electricity to generate cash,' one Venezuelan miner told me. 'But ETH mining is more affordable — all you need is free software and a PC with a video card. Any police officer is easily fooled into thinking your ETH miner is just a regular computer.'"
Read more: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/big-in-venezuela/534177/
Labels: Bitcoin, blockchain, cryptocurrency, currency, encryption, inflation, Latin America, police, socialism, Venezuela
Freedom of speech mauled in Boston
A free-speech rally, minus the free speech - The Boston Globe - Jeff Jacoby:
Ausust 21, 2017 - "Participants in the 'Boston Free Speech Rally' had been demonized as a troupe of neo-Nazis prepared to reprise the horror that had erupted in Charlottesville. They turned out to be a couple dozen courteous people linked by little more than a commitment to — surprise! — free speech....
"Indeed, nothing about the tiny rally seemed in any way connected with bigotry or hatred. One of the speakers was Shiva Ayyadurai, an immigrant from India who is seeking the Republican nomination in next year’s US Senate race. As Ayyadurai spoke, his supporters held signs proclaiming 'Black Lives Do Matter.'
"But he and the others who gathered at the Parkman Bandstand had never stood a chance of competing with the rumor that neo-Nazis were coming to Boston. That toxic claim was irresponsibly fueled by Mayor Marty Walsh, who denounced the planned rally — 'Boston does not want you here'....
"A massive counterprotest, 40,000 strong, showed up to denounce a nonexistent cohort of racists. Boston deployed hundreds of police officers, who did an admirable job of maintaining order. Some of the counterprotesters screamed, cursed, or acted like thugs — at one point the Boston Police Department warned protesters 'to refrain from throwing urine, bottles, and other harmful projectiles' — but most behaved appropriately....
"The speakers on the Common bandstand were kept from being heard. They were blocked off with a 225-foot buffer zone, segregated beyond earshot. Police barred anyone from approaching to hear what the rally speakers had to say. Reporters were excluded, too.... The free-speech rally took place in a virtual cone of silence....
"Even some of the rally’s own would-be attendees were kept from the bandstand. Yet when Police Commissioner Bill Evans was asked at a press conference Saturday afternoon whether it was right to treat them that way, he was unapologetic. 'You know what,' he said, 'if they didn’t get in, that’s a good thing, because their message isn’t what we want to hear.'
"No, Commissioner Evans. It was not a 'good thing' that people with a right to speak were effectively silenced by the operations of the police. The ralliers did nothing wrong.... They absorbed the slanders flung at them by the mayor and others. They didn’t try to shut their critics down, and they weren’t the ones hurling 'urine, bottles, and other harmful projectiles.'
"All they were guilty of was attempting to defend the importance of free speech. For that, they were unjustly smeared as Nazis and their own freedom of speech was mauled."
Read more: https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2017/08/21/free-speech-rally-minus-free-speech/vymrZBl1NLtz04oW2IBpKK/story.html
This column is adapted from the current issue of Arguable, Jeff Jacoby’s weekly email newsletter.
Labels: antifa, cities, Freedom of speech, Massachusetts, police, racism
CBC equates 'radical libertarianism' with racism
Does Canada take the threat of far-right extremism seriously? - Montreal - CBC News - Jonathan Montpetit:
August 16, 2017 - "Despite the recent racist violence in the U.S., and an increase in right-wing extremist activity here in Canada, experts disagree about whether Ottawa should make such groups a national security priority.
"Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Canada's intelligence community has devoted much of its attention to preventing Islamist terrorism.
"While right-wing extremism, including the activities of neo-Nazi and other racist groups, is monitored by CSIS and the RCMP, it doesn't receive the same amount of resources as threats from ISIS or al-Qaeda.
"Yet the outburst of deadly racist violence in Charlottesville, Va., last weekend is not without parallels in Canada. Recent estimates suggest there are dozens of active white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups across the country.
"They advocate everything from biological racism to anti-Semitism to radical libertarianism."
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/canada-far-right-extremism-csis-1.4248183
Labels: Canada, CBC, racism, television
Rand Paul: Bring troops home from Afghanistan
OPINION | Sen. Rand Paul: 16 years on, it's past time to bring our troops home from Afghanistan | TheHill:
August 21, 2017 - "The Trump administration is increasing the number of troops in Afghanistan and, by doing so, keeping us involved even longer in a 16-year-old war that has long since gone past its time.
"The mission in Afghanistan has lost its purpose, and I think it is a terrible idea to send any more troops into that war. It’s time to come home now.
"Our war in Afghanistan began in a proper fashion. We were attacked on 9/11. The Taliban, who then controlled Afghanistan, were harboring al Qaeda, and after being warned, and after an authorization from Congress, our military executed a plan to strike back. Had I been in Congress then, I would have voted to authorize this military action.
"But as is typical, there was significant mission creep in Afghanistan. We went from striking back against those who attacked us, to regime change, to nation-building, to policing their country for them. And we do it all now with an authorization that is flimsy at best, with the reason blurred, and the costs now known. We do it with an authorization that was debated and passed before some of our newest military personnel were out of diapers. This isn’t fair to them, to the American people, or to a rational foreign policy.
"The Afghanistan war going beyond its original mission has an enormous cost. First and most important is the cost to our troops. Deaths, injuries and unnecessary deployments causing harm to families are certainly the most important reason as to why you don’t go to wars that aren’t necessary.
"Then comes the taxpayer. We have spent over $1 trillion in Afghanistan, and nearly $5 trillion on Middle East wars in the past 15 years. Would we not be better off with $5 trillion less in debt or using these funds in other, more productive ways?...
"I’ve spoken to the president, and I know he wants to end this war. We’ve all heard him say it. But talk won’t get it done.... He knows this war is over, and he – unlike the last two presidents – should have the guts to end it for real, on his watch."
Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/347393-16-years-on-its-past-time-to-bring-our-troops-home-from
Labels: Afghanistan, Middle East, non-intervention, Rand Paul, war
Buchman runs on tax reform in UT special election
Op-ed: Why you should consider the Libertarian candidate for the 3rd District | Deseret News - Joe Buchman:
August 18, 2017 - "On Aug. 16, Republicans in the 3rd District finally chose a candidate to fill the empty seat formerly held by Jason Chaffetz. Because this was a three-way race with no run-off, the fiscally responsible voters of the 3rd District were divided, and as a result, the GOP candidate for this fall will be the least fiscally responsible, least free market oriented of the three. And this is in Utah’s most fiscally responsible congressional district.
"On the Democratic side, we have a candidate advocating an even more aggressive federal government micromanaging of health care from D.C., raising the tax and debt burden on every American....
"[T]he records and statements of the Democrat and the Republican in this race present two candidates with only slight differences in their tax and spending policies. With Congress discussing the critical issue of tax reform in the coming year, it is critical that the fiscally responsible people of Utah are represented by a true voice for substantive tax reform....
"Despite what you are hearing from the media and the political elite, there is another option, a reasonable option that will give the 3rd District a determined and knowledgeable voice on tax reform for one year.... If you vote for the Libertarian candidate in this election, you will be voting for principled tax reform you can trust that no matter what happens, your representative will represent your interests and not be beholden to the Democrats and Republicans who keep their freshman members on a tight leash.
"If you vote for the Libertarian, you will have a representative for one year who will not be forced to focus on re-election, and who will instead work every day to provide real reform in Washington....
"Here is the bottom line, this candidate will only hold office for one year before a new election is held. By sending the Libertarian to Washington, you will have the time to focus on finding a candidate for the 3rd District that truly represents Utah values. You have an opportunity to vote for the only candidate who was nominated at a convention rather than in a well-funded primary. A candidate with an MBA in finance, a career in education and a principled stand. A candidate who will enjoy the support of the leaders of the national Liberty Movement. There are so many reasons to vote for the Libertarian this November, take a risk and vote for Dr. Joe Buchman."
Read more: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865687017/Op-ed-Why-you-should-consider-the-Libertarian-candidate-for-the-3rd-District.html
Labels: Libertarian party (U.S.), taxes, Utah
Cards Against Humanity introduces Weed Pack to fund cannabis legalization efforts
Cards Against Humanity is Trying to Help Legalize Recreational Marijuana in Illinois | Inc.com - Will Yackowitz, Inc.:
August 7, 2017 - "Cards Against Humanity, the maker of the 'party game for horrible people,' is donating money to the Marijuana Policy Project to help the nonprofit's efforts to legalize adult-use marijuana in Illinois, the card-game company announced.
"The Chicago-based company raised the money from sales of its 'Weed Pack,' a special edition of cannabis-themed cards. The proceeds of the Weed Pack, which sells for $5, will be donated to the organization until Illinois legalizes adult-use marijuana in the state, the company said. In March, two bills were introduced in Illinois to regulate and tax the sale of cannabis for people age 21 and older.
"Cards Against Humanity co-creator Max Temkin said the company views the U.S.'s federal marijuana policy as a failure.
"'For us, this is a common-sense issue of racial justice, health justice and criminal justice. State and national politics are incredibly screwed up right now, but it gives us hope to think that we can make progress on these kind of common-sense issues that everyone supports,' said Temkin.
"A recent poll found that 66 percent of Illinois voters support regulating marijuana for recreational use for adults, similar to alcohol regulation....
"In the past two years, Cards Against Humanity donated about $4 million to different charities, and more than $1 million to internet privacy foundations."
Read more: https://www.inc.com/will-yakowicz/cards-against-humanity-legalize-marijuana-illinois.html
Labels: cannabis, gaming, Illinois, Marijuana
Paleolibertarianism's appeal to the alt.right
The Rhetoric of Libertarians and the Unfortunate Appeal to the Alt-Right - Bleeding Heart Libertarians - Steve Horwitz:
August 4, 2017 - "The paleo-libertarian seed that Ron Paul, Murray Rothbard, and Lew Rockwell planted in the 1990s has come to bear some really ugly fruit in the last couple of years as elements of the alt-right have made appearances in various libertarian organizations and venues. Back in February, alt-right hero Richard Spencer stirred up a fuss at the International Students for Liberty Conference in DC after being invited to hang out by a group of students calling themselves the “Hoppe Caucus.” Hans-Hermann Hoppe, long associated with the Ludwig von Mises Institute as well as a panoply of racists and anti-Semites, is perhaps the most popular gateway drug for the alt-right incursion into libertarianism.
"And within the last couple of weeks, Jeff Deist, president of the Mises Institute delivered a talk to students at Mises University entitled “For a New Libertarian.” In that talk, he knocks down an extended strawman of what he thinks constitutes the libertarianism he wants them to reject – what many might call “left-libertarianism'.... Most controversially, Deist, after continuing to argue that family, faith, and the like are the cultural glue that humans need and that libertarians should focus on, decided to end with:
In other words, blood and soil and God and nation still matter to people. Libertarians ignore this at the risk of irrelevance.
"For those who know something about the history of the 20th century, the invocation of 'blood and soil' as something that libertarians should recognize as a valid concern and should appeal to should be chilling. That phrase, which has a history going back at least to the 19th century, was central to the Nazi movement and was at the core of their justification for eliminating those people who did not have connections to the German homeland. It remains a watchword of the nastiest elements on the right, as a quick visit to bloodandsoil.org will demonstrate....
"Perhaps Deist didn’t know all of that. If so, one would expect a decent person to immediately apologize for using that phrase that way in that context. To my knowledge, no such apology has appeared. On the assumption that he is not, in fact, a Nazi, the explanation left standing is that he and his defenders have no problem using rhetoric that will attract those sympathetic to Nazi-like views about nativism and Jews. It’s that lack of concern about engaging in that sort of rhetoric, if not a positive willingness to do so, that is so troubling here, and it is eating away at the liberal roots of libertarianism.....
As I pointed out with the Paul newsletters, all of this appeal to nativism, racism, and anti-Semitism and the like is in deep conflict with libertarianism’s liberalism. It’s particularly in conflict with the liberal cosmopolitanism of someone like Mises. And the use of Nazi language is especially galling as it was the very 'blood and soil' crowd who drove the Jewish Mises out of Vienna....
"Our history is one of liberal tolerance, universalism, and cosmopolitanism, putting the freedom and harmony of all people ahead of the supposed interests of any parochial sub-group, and especially ones defined by the artificial boundaries of nation-states and their subsets. Libertarians ignore this at the risk of irrelevance."
Read more: http://bleedingheartlibertarians.com/2017/08/rhetoric-libertarians-unfortunate-appeal-alt-right/
Labels: alt.right, classic liberals, fascism, Hans-Hermann Hoppe, jewry, Lew Rockwell, Ludwig von Mises, Ludwig von Mises Institute, Murray Rothbard, Nazism, Paleolibertarianism, racism, Ron Paul
SCOTUS rejects joint forfeiture liability
SCOTUS Limits Criminal Forfeiture in 'Honeycutt' | New York Law Journal - Steven Kessler:
August 17, 2017 - "With the enactment of the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000 (CAFRA), Congress sought to steer federal prosecutors to criminal forfeiture.... Congress believed that the risk of abuse would be reduced because a criminal conviction is required before a defendant's property can be forfeited in a criminal proceeding.
"Unfortunately, it turned out that greater reliance on criminal forfeiture increased abuses in that area as well. Examples include plea agreements where the criminal defendant purportedly consents to forfeit property that does not belong to him ... and so-called 'money judgment forfeitures,' a judge-made loophole that allows the government to forfeit property without ... the government trac[ing] the property sought to be forfeited to the defendant's criminal activity. Another form of criminal forfeiture abuse is the imposition of joint and several liability ... the government could simply 'pick a number' and then enforce it against every defendant alleged to have been involved in the criminal activity....
"The Roberts-led Supreme Court hinted at some dissatisfaction with the state of criminal forfeiture law in recent decisions, but the rifle shot came in its June 5, 2017 decision in Honeycutt v. United States. Unconcerned with the fact that virtually every circuit court that has addressed the issue had ruled otherwise, the Supreme Court unanimously and unequivocally rejected the application of joint and several liability in criminal forfeiture cases.
"The Honeycutt brothers were prosecuted under the federal drug laws for selling suspiciously large quantities of a legal product that they knew or should have known would likely have been used to manufacture methamphetamine.... Tony Honeycutt owned the store while Terry Honeycutt managed sales and inventory as an employee with no ownership interest in the business.
"The government sought a money judgment against each brother in the total of $269,751.98, which it asserted was the store's profits from the sale of the product.... Tony, the store owner, pled guilty and agreed to forfeit $200,000. Terry went to trial and was convicted on 11 of 14 counts.... Although it conceded that Terry ... did not benefit personally from the sales ...the government ... sought a money judgment of $69,751.98 against Terry....
"The [Supreme Court] found that the statute 'defines forfeitable property solely in terms of personal possession or use'.... Further, the court found, criminal forfeiture statutes consistently separate the treatment of tainted property from that of untainted property.... This provision, the court held, demonstrates that 'Congress did not authorize the Government to confiscate substitute property from other defendants or co-conspirators; it authorized the Government to confiscate assets only from the defendant who initially acquired the property and who bears responsibility for its dissipation'.... ....
"As Honeycutt makes clear, the standard is not whether Congress has forbidden a remedy, but whether it has specifically authorized it. That is a test — now the law of the land — that applies to any forfeiture sanctions or remedies, civil or criminal. Forfeiture is purely statutory, without any basis in civil law or equity."
Read more: http://www.newyorklawjournal.com/home/id=1202795826407/SCOTUS-Limits-Criminal-Forfeiture-in-Honeycutt?mcode=1202615326010&curindex=2
Labels: asset forfeiture, SCOTUS
Libertarian Party wants "racists and bigots" out
Libertarian Party to White nationalists: Get out - Christie Zizo, Central Florida News 13:
August 15, 2017 - The National Libertarian Party says it stands for freedom for all, but it won't stand for white nationalists.
"The party, considered the fastest growing third party in the country, issued a statement Tuesday asking any white nationalists who belong to the party to leave.
"'There is no room for racists and bigots in the Libertarian Party,' said Libertarian National Committee executive director Wes Benedict. 'If there are white nationalists who — inappropriately — are members of the Libertarian Party, I ask them to submit their resignations today. We don’t want them to associate with the Libertarian Party, and we don’t want their money. I’m not expecting many resignations, because our membership already knows this well.'
"Benedict says the Libertarian Party supports civil liberties, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation. The party also believes in open borders, racial diversity and free trade -- things he says white nationalists abhor.
"The statement comes in the wake of a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville that turned violent as protesters engaged with some counterprotesters and one suspected white nationalist drove his car into a crowd of counterprotesters, killing one and injuring 19.
"Among the headliners of that 'Unite the Right' Rally was Augustus Invictus, who ran for U.S. Senate as a Libertarian in 2016. At the time his candidacy caused a stir. Florida Libertarian Party Chairman Adrian Wyllie resigned his post because he believed Invictus was a white nationalist who believed in eugenics [and] wanted to start a civil war. Invictus denied the charge....
"Invictus announced he was leaving the Libertarians in July for the Republican Party. He announced Tuesday he is running as a Republican candidate for Senate in Florida in 2018."
Read more: http://www.mynews13.com/content/news/cfnews13/news/article.html/content/news/articles/cfn/2017/8/15/libertarian_party_wh.html
Posted by George J. Dance at 12:52 PM 1 comment: Links to this post
Labels: Adrian Wyllie, Augustus Sol Invictus, Libertarian party (U.S.), race, racism, Wes Benedict
Antony Fisher, libertarian think-tank pioneer
Sphere of Influence: How American Libertarians Are Remaking Latin American Politics - Lee Fang, The Intercept:
August 9, 2017 - "Antony Fisher, a British entrepreneur and the founder of the Atlas Network, pioneered the sale of libertarian economics to the broader public.... Fisher made it his mission to, in the words of an associate, 'litter the world with free-market think tanks.'
"The basis for Fisher’s ideals came from Friedrich Hayek, a forbearer of modern thought on limited government. In 1946, after reading the Reader’s Digest version of Hayek’s seminal book, The Road to Serfdom,” Fisher sought a meeting with the Austrian economist in London....
"Fisher was propelled forward by a fateful visit to [Leonard] Read’s newly formed nonprofit, the Foundation for Economic Education [FEE], in New York, which was founded to help sponsor and promote the ideas of free-market intellectuals. There, libertarian economist F.A. Harper, at the time working at FEE, advised Fisher on methods for creating his own nonprofit in the U.K....
"In 1955, Fisher founded the Institute of Economic Affairs [IEA].... The institute was a place to showcase opposition to British society’s growing welfare state, connecting journalists to free-market academics and disseminating critiques on a regular basis through opinion columns, radio interviews, and conferences. Businesses provided the bulk of funding to IEA, as leading British industrial and banking giants — from Barclays to BP — pitched in with annual contributions....
"As the economic slowdown and rising inflation of the 1970s shook the foundations of British society, Tory politicians gravitated more and more to the IEA to provide an alternative vision — and IEA obliged with accessible issue briefs and talking points politicians could use to bring free-market concepts to the public. The Atlas Network proudly proclaims that the IEA 'laid the intellectual groundwork for what later became the Thatcher Revolution of the 1980s.' IEA staff provided speechwriting for Margaret Thatcher; supplemented her campaign with policy papers on topics as varied as labor unions and price controls; and provided a response to her critics in the mass media. In a letter to Fisher after her 1979 victory, Thatcher wrote that the IEA created 'the climate of opinion which made our victory possible'....
"Hayek [had] set up an invitation-only group of free-market economists called the Mont Pelerin Society. One of its members, Ed Feulner, helped found the conservative Washington think tank the Heritage Foundation, drawing on IEA’s work for inspiration. Another Mont Pelerin member, Ed Crane, founded the Cato Institute, the most prominent libertarian think tank....
In 1981, Fisher, who had settled in San Francisco, set out to develop the Atlas Economic Research Foundation at the urging of Hayek. Fisher had used his success with IEA to court corporate donors to help establish a string of smaller, sometimes regional think tanks in New York, Canada, California, and Texas, among other places. With Atlas, though, the scale for Fisher’s free-market think tank project would now be global: a nonprofit dedicated to continuing his work of establishing libertarian beachheads in every country of the world. 'The more institutes established throughout the world,” Fisher declared, “the more opportunity to tackle diverse problems begging for resolution.'"
Read more: https://theintercept.com/2017/08/09/atlas-network-alejandro-chafuen-libertarian-think-tank-latin-america-brazil/
Labels: 1970's, 20th century, Antony Fisher, Atlas Network, biography, Britain, Cato Institute, Ed Crane, F.A. Hayek, Foundation for Economic Education, foundations, History, Leonard Read, Margaret Thatcher, Mont Pelerin Society
Atlas Network spreads liberty in Latin America
August 9, 2017 - "Alejandro Chafuen ... was among friends at the 2017 Latin America Liberty Forum. The international meeting of libertarian activists was sponsored by the Atlas Economic Research Foundation, a leadership-training nonprofit now known simply as the Atlas Network, which Chafuen has led since 1991....
"Chafuen pointed to numerous Atlas-affiliated leaders now in the spotlight: ministers in the new conservative government in Argentina, senators in Bolivia, and the leaders of the Free Brazil Movement that took down Dilma Rousseff’s presidency, where Chafuen’s network sprang to life before his very eyes.... A rightward shift is afoot in Latin American politics [and] the Atlas Network seems ever-present, a common thread nudging political developments along......
"[T]he Atlas Network, which receives funding from Koch foundations, has recreated methods honed in the Western world for developing countries. The network is expansive, currently boasting loose partnerships with 450 think tanks around the world. Atlas says it dispensed over $5 million to its partners in 2016 alone.
"Over the years, Atlas and its affiliated charitable foundations have provided hundreds of grants to conservative and free-market think tanks in Latin America, including the libertarian network that supported the Free Brazil Movement and organizations behind a libertarian push in Argentina, including Fundación Pensar, the Atlas think tank that merged with the political party formed by Mauricio Macri, a businessman who now leads the country. The leaders of the Free Brazil Movement and the founder of Fundación Eléutera in Honduras, an influential post-coup neoliberal think tank, have received financial support from Atlas, and are among the next generation of political operatives that have gone through Atlas’s training seminars.
"The Atlas Network spans dozens of other think tanks across the region.... It gives grants for new think tanks, provides courses on political management and public relations, sponsors networking events around the world, and, in recent years, has devoted special resources to prodding libertarians to influence public opinion through social media and online videos. An annual competition encourages Atlas’s network to produce viral YouTube videos promoting laissez-faire ideas and ridiculing proponents of the welfare state....
"Chafuen intimated that there was more to come: more think tanks, more efforts to overturn leftist governments, and more Atlas devotees and alumni elevated to the highest levels of government the world over. 'The work is ongoing,' he said."
Labels: Argentina, Atlas Network, Bolivia, Brazil, Koch machine, Latin America
Cory Booker introduces Marijuana Justice Act
Marijuana politics emerge as 2020 flash point - POLITICO - Carla Marinucci:
August 13, 2017 - "Between a sweeping new package of legislation introduced last week by one of the top Democratic presidential prospects and, on the other end of the spectrum, Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ vigorous opposition to recreational use of marijuana, the debate over legalization of cannabis is about to receive a full airing on the presidential campaign trail.
"Tom Angell, chairman of Marijuana Majority, a bipartisan nonprofit advocacy group, said New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker’s introduction of 'the farthest-reaching bill ever proposed' will have a catalytic effect on the politics of legalized marijuana and the myriad criminal justice issues related to it....
"Booker’s rollout of the Marijuana Justice Act — introduced to a wide audience via Facebook Live — was more than just a call for legalizing marijuana at the federal level. The measure also addresses withholding federal funds for the construction of jails and prisons from states whose pot laws are shown to disproportionately incarcerate minorities; expunging federal convictions for cannabis use; and mandating sentencing hearings for prisoners now serving time for pot offenses....
"With Republicans in control of the House and Senate, the ambitious legislation is viewed as unlikely to pass. But its attachment to a top prospective 2020 candidate — and the growing action on marijuana legalization at the state level — all but guarantees presidential contenders will need a fully formed position.
"Several possible Democratic presidential candidates — including Booker and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand — have already signed on to a separate bipartisan medical marijuana bill. In Massachusetts, where voters approved a ballot measure last year legalizing recreational marijuana, Sen. Elizabeth Warren has addressed the issues of creating legal and secure banking for the cannabis industry.
"On the Republican side, Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has called for a repeal on the pot prohibition — making him popular with young libertarians — and won some conservative backing with his strong stand for states’ rights on the issue.
"That’s the same stance that was endorsed repeatedly by President Donald Trump, who also enthusiastically backed medical marijuana legalization on the campaign trail — though many cannabis advocates now worry about Sessions’ hard-line opposition....
"A recent CBS News poll tracked 61 percent support for legal cannabis — a 5-percentage-point bump up from last year and the highest percentage ever recorded in the poll. And nearly three-quarters of Americans now support a states rights approach — that states should be allowed to make the decision on legal pot sales — and oppose government moves to crack down in states that have legalized cannabis, the poll showed."
Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2017/08/13/marijuana-legalization-2020-elections-241576
Labels: cannabis, Cory Booker, Marijuana, polls, Rand Paul
Libertarians should support climate action, iff...
Should Natural Rights Libertarians Support Carbon Mitigation? The Answer May Surprise You - Niskanen Center - Kevin Vallier:
July 18,2017 - "Here are the conditions under which natural rights libertarians should support a carbon mitigation policy.
The actions of human beings generate carbon emissions significant enough to pose a non-trivial risk of violating property rights (in one’s body or external objects) of persons whom the state has a duty to protect.
A carbon mitigation policy (CMP) will provide an effective protection against the risk.
The CMP will not in itself violate property rights, or take an excessive risk of violating them, because it will generally be targeted at persons or groups that generate problematic carbon emissions (and persons don’t have rights against restraints upon their rights-violating actions), where: a. The CMP coerces the smallest number of people sufficient to deter the emissions; b. The CMP is the least coercive means of deterring the emissions.
No non-governmental, non-rights violating alternative to CMP is socially or politically feasible....
"A complication with condition 1 is that no one person or small group produces enough carbon emissions to pose a non-trivial risk to legitimate property holdings. But this did not prevent Murray Rothbard from arguing that ... these threats should be handled through class-action lawsuits. But appeals to Rothbard aside, it’s clear enough that libertarians should be prepared to hold large, diffuse collectives accountable for property damages....
"Condition 2 is critical because the coercion involved in imposing a CMP can only be justified if it actually protects property rights. Condition 3 is critical because natural rights libertarians are not consequentialists. You cannot justify violating John’s property rights in order to protect Reba’s property rights more effectively.... Condition 4 is critical because if there is a non-coercive, non-governmental solution to a negative externality, the natural rights libertarian will hold that this solution is morally superior to a CMP.... .
"But how can ... anarchist natural rights libertarians, support governmental action to do anything? Well, in lieu of abolishing the state, presumably libertarians ... will insist that states be as just as possible. So if justice requires protecting people from negative externalities, then states should act to protect people from negative externalities....
"I fully acknowledge that a CMP will be imperfect. But the mere fact that it will be imperfect doesn’t mean we should forgo our libertarian duty to support policies that protect property rights, a duty we have even if the costs of protection are large....
"[A] CMP has to impose no greater burden on people, and on no more people, than is required to prevent the rights violation. And it is a virtual certainty that the CMP will be either too stringent or too lax. But that again is not a reason to not have a CMP, any more than the fact that the police are usually too stringent or too lax is a reason not to have them stop thieves and killers....
"However, there is an alternative to a CMP: geo-engineering, such as cloud-seeding with sulfuric compounds, diamond dust, or calcium carbonate, which can prevent rising sea levels by reflecting more sunlight from the Earth. These solutions are in principle far less economically costly than any proposed CMP and are much easier to coordinate (the US could do enough cloud seeding for the whole world all by itself). Moreover, while many climate change activists don’t take geo-engineering seriously and few support it, it is not obviously infeasible that the way in which Rothbardian mass-class-action lawsuits are. Most importantly, geo-engineering solutions appear to violate property rights less in comparison with CMPs....
"Geo-engineering is seriously problematic for lots of reasons. But there is nonetheless still some case for qualifying support for a CMP by making it conditional on the infeasibility or excessive risk of geo-engineering solutions that violate property rights less (if there are any)."
Read more: https://niskanencenter.org/blog/natural-rights-libertarians-support-carbon-mitigation-answer-may-surprise/
Labels: climate change, environment, environmentalism, human rights, Murray Rothbard, Niskanen Center, philosophy
The idiocy behind the Paris Climate Accord
Global Village Idiots | Liberty Unbound - Steve Murphy:
August 8, 2017 - "Blunderdale, a fictitious village located on a river bank, decided to build a levee to save its people (and their homes and businesses) from the devastation of flooding.... [S]cientists informed the flood task force ... that a 4’ levee would be required for protection against most floods, but that an 8’ levee would be required to ensure village safety against all floods. Armed with this sobering advice, the village leaders ... decided that a 2’ levee would be their goal [and] hammered out a plan to construct one from costly and unreliable materials instead of much cheaper and much more available proven materials.... When completed, the exorbitantly expensive structure would be 0.17’ high. Having bamboozled the credulous villagers, they celebrated their victory.
"Most of us would call such leaders despicable morons; in Blunderdale, the village leaders are the village idiots. After all, they are almost as underhanded and scandalously stupid as the world leaders (from 195 of the world’s 196 countries) who concocted the Paris Climate Accord....
"Climate experts (particularly those who support the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change [IPCC]) ... informed them that, on its present course, the earth’s temperature is expected to rise to something in the range of 4.0°C by the end of this century. Some authors insist that an increase of 8.0°C is possible. Even a 2.0°C rise, which many believe is already baked into the climate cake, will soon inundate low-lying population centers (cities such as Miami and nations such as Bangladesh) and create tens of millions of climate refugees....
"But let’s say that mankind implemented ... the Paris Accord. And let’s say that it was scrupulously executed — that is, the emissions reductions pledges of all 195 nations were fully met, annually, through the end of the century. What would be the cost? According to Bjorn Lomborg, it would be somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 trillion. This staggering amount includes lost GDP growth, increased taxes (e.g., $3 trillion to pay for subsidies over the next 25 years), and higher household electricity expenses. A Heritage Foundation study of the effects of the Paris agreement on only the US economy, and only through 2035, found that there would be an overall annual average shortfall of nearly 400,000 jobs (200,000 manufacturing jobs), a total income loss of more than $20,000 for a family of four, an aggregate GDP loss of over $2.5 trillion, and increases in household electricity expenditures of between 13% and 20%.
"What is the expected effectiveness of the plan?... An analysis by Lomborg found that fastidious adherence to the agreement, maintained throughout the century, would reduce the global temperature rise by 0.17°C. An MIT analysis found a similar result, 0.2°C. Thus, if the end-of-century temperature rise is the mass extinction-causing 4°C that the signatories believe will occur without the Paris accord , then, with the Paris accord, the end-of-century temperature rise will shrink to only, well, a mass extinction-causing 4°C.
"With full knowledge that their plan would have absolutely no influence on diminishing catastrophic global warming, the leaders from 195 countries signed the Paris accord. Having surreptitiously united the world behind a $100 trillion scheme that would be of no help to Mother Earth, if she even notices, they celebrated their achievement."
Read more: http://www.libertyunbound.com/node/1744
Labels: climate change, electricity, energy, environment, environmentalism, Liberty magazine, science, taxes
DDoS attack crashes libertarian site after gender differences article posted
Site Suffers DDoS Attack After Supporting James Damore - Toni Airaksinen, PJ Media:
August 9, 2017 - "Quillette Magazine, a small but respected libertarian publication based in Australia, suffered a DDoS attack Tuesday after publishing an article supportive of James Damore, the fired Google memo writer.
"The attack, which crashed the site for a day, came after Quillette published the opinion of four scientists on the Google memo. The scientists found that the conservative Google employee’s views on gender differences were supported by substantial scientific evidence.
"The Google memo’s 'key claims about sex differences are especially well-supported by large volumes of research across species, culture,' wrote Geoffrey Miller, a professor of evolutionary psychology at the University of New Mexico, explaining that the memo 'is consistent with the scientific state of the art on sex differences'....
"Deborah Soh, who has a PhD in sexual neuroscience and works as a Toronto-based science writer, concurred with Miller. 'Sex differences between women and men — when it comes to brain structure and function and associated differences in personality and occupational preferences — are understood to be true, because the evidence for them (thousands of studies) is strong.'
"'This is not information that’s considered controversial or up for debate; if you tried to argue otherwise, or for purely social influences, you’d be laughed at,' Soh said....
"Claire Lehmann, the founder of Quillette, told PJ Media that her website was especially susceptible to attack. While there are many programs that can be used to protect against DDoS attacks (which are when hackers flood websites with traffic to crash it), Claire said she didn’t have any....
"Her site, which has received endorsements from well-known figures such as Charles Murray and Richard Dawkins, ... has been dedicated to supporting alternative viewpoints since it launched in 2016.... [She] said her work is crucial to helping people see the truth behind things. 'It’s important to hear alternative viewpoints so that we can work out what is the truth, and not merely consensus,' Lehmann said."
Read more: https://pjmedia.com/trending/2017/08/09/libertarian-site-suffers-ddos-attack-after-supporting-google-worker/
Labels: sex, web
U.S. Senate unanimously passes Right to Try bill
Senate passes ‘right to try’ bill to help terminally ill patients get experimental drugs - The Washington Post - Laurie McGinley:
August 2, 2017 - "The Senate on Thursday passed by unanimous consent a measure designed to make it easier for terminally ill patients to get access to experimental treatments without oversight from the Food and Drug Administration.
"The 'right-to-try' legislation has been championed by the libertarian Goldwater Institute, which has worked to pass similar legislation in 37 states. The federal version, now headed to the House, would bar the government from blocking patients from getting access to medications that have undergone only preliminary testing in humans. Patients first would have to try all other available treatments and be unable to participate in clinical trials.
"The bill would provide drug companies some legal protection if a treatment results in harm.
"'Patients with terminal diseases ought to have a right to access treatments that have demonstrated a level of safety and could potentially save their lives,' Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who wrote the bill, said in a statement after the vote....
"A previous version of the measure barred the FDA from considering any information on safety problems as part of its approval process for a drug used under right to try. The latest version was modified to allow the agency to consider such information if it is critical to determining whether the drug meets the agency's safety standards.
"The Senate's action on the right-to-try bill was part of a deal struck between Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Johnson, who had threatened to hold up a must-pass FDA funding reauthorization bill unless a vote on his legislation took place."
Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/08/03/senate-passes-right-to-try-bill-to-help-terminally-ill-patients-get-experimental-drugs/?utm_term=.d90cbd0fab84
Labels: Food and Drug Administration, Goldwater Institute, Health care, Washington Post
Don Boudreaux's challenge to Nancy MacLean
Don Boudreaux’s Open Letter to Nancy MacLean | The American Spectator - Wlady Pleszcynski:
August 1, 2017 - "Duke history professor Nancy MacLean ... in her widely noticed recent book lambastes the great free-market economist James Buchanan as the logical successor of slave-owning segregationist John C. Calhoun. We had first read about her book, Democracy in Chains, in Don Boudreaux’s indispensable blog, CafeHayek.com. Now Don has issued an open letter to Prof. MacLean, challenging her to offer a hint of proof to support the smearing she has done of the late Professor Buchanan....
Prof. MacLean:
"On page 151 of your book Democracy in Chains you write that my late Nobel laureate colleague James Buchanan (in his 1975 book, The Limits of Liberty) 'was outlining a world in which the chronic domination of the wealthiest and most powerful over all others appeared the ultimate desideratum, a state of affairs to be enabled by his understanding of the ideal constitution.' Yet you supply no quotation from Buchanan’s book to support this harsh accusation.
"So I challenge you to find in any of Buchanan’s writings a single passage that you are willing to offer to the public as evidence that Buchanan had as an ultimate desideratum a political system in which 'the wealthiest and most powerful” exercise “chronic domination … over all others.' If you find such a passage I will post it on my blog and offer to you a public apology for having accused you, on my blog, of falsely portraying Buchanan on this score....
"I am not asking for evidence that Buchanan proposed policies that you believe will lead to the domination of the many by the wealthy few. Buchanan certainly did endorse much greater freedom than you would accord to individuals to interact as they choose in markets. But being a scholar, surely you understand that even if you are correct that Buchanan was wrong not to see that the free markets and limits on government that he endorsed would lead to the domination of the many by the wealthy few, his different assessment of the likely consequences of free markets and limited government does not imply what you accuse him of desiring, namely, the domination of the many by the wealthy few.
"If you fail to offer to me (or to post in some other public venue) – by, say, the end of September – evidence from Buchanan’s own writings that his goal was the domination of the many by the wealthy few, I will interpret this failure as proof that you in fact have no such evidence. And the conclusion that I, and others, will reasonably draw is that you simply fabricated this offensive charge."
Read more: https://spectator.org/don-boudreauxs-open-letter-to-nancy-maclean/
Labels: James Buchanan, Nancy MacLean
Appeals court approves concealed-carry in DC
In Major Win for 2nd Amendment Advocates, Federal Court Blocks D.C. from Enforcing Conceal-Carry Restriction - Hit & Run : Reason.com - Damon Root:
July 25, 2017 - "Second Amendment advocates scored a significant legal victory today when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit blocked Washington, D.C., from enforcing a law that effectively bars most D.C. residents from lawfully carrying handguns in public. 'The Second Amendment,' the court declared, 'erects some absolute barriers that no gun law may breach.'
"At issue was a District of Columbia regulation that limited conceal-carry licenses only to those individuals who can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the chief of police, that they have a "good reason" to carry a handgun in public. According to the District, applicants for a conceal-carry license must show a 'special need for self-protection distinguishable from the general community as supported by evidence of specific threats or previous attacks that demonstrate a special danger to the applicant's life.' Living or working 'in a high crime area shall not by itself establish a good reason'....
"'At the Second Amendment's core lies the right of responsible citizens to carry firearms for personal self-defense beyond the home, subject to longstanding restrictions,' the D.C. Circuit held.... 'The Amendment's core at a minimum shields the typically situated citizen's ability to carry common arms generally. The District's good-reason law is necessarily a total ban on exercises of that constitutional right for most D.C. residents. That's enough to sink this law under' District of Columbia v. Heller, the 2008 case that struck down D.C.'s total ban on handguns.
"Today's decision by the D.C. Circuit widens an already gaping split among the federal courts on this issue. According to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, 'the Second Amendment does not protect in any degree the right to carry concealed firearms in public.' By contrast, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit says that 'one doesn't need to be a historian to realize that a right to keep and bear arms in the eighteenth century could not rationally have been limited to the home.'
"In Heller, the U.S. Supreme Court did not rule definitively on the scope of the Second Amendment outside the home. In the nine years since that landmark ruling was issued, the Court has declined several ripe opportunities to settle the matter once and for all."
Read more: http://reason.com/blog/2017/07/25/in-major-win-for-2nd-amendment-advocates
Labels: Damon Root, Guns, Reason, SCOTUS
Civil forfeiture without a conviction banned in CT
Connecticut Banned Civil Forfeiture Without A Criminal Conviction - Nick Sibilla, Institute for Justice - Forbes:
July 11, 2017 - "Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy signed HB 7146 on Monday, which curbs the state’s civil forfeiture laws. Not only did the bill earn endorsements from the Yankee Institute for the Public Policy and the state chapter of the ACLU, HB 7146 even passed both the House and the Senate without a single no vote.
"Under the new law, in order to permanently confiscate property with civil forfeiture, the property must be first seized in connection to either a lawful arrest or a lawful search that results in an arrest. If prosecutors do not secure a guilty verdict, a plea bargain or a dismissal from finishing a pretrial diversion program, the government must return the property to its rightful owner.... Connecticut now becomes the 14th state to require a criminal conviction for most or all forfeiture cases.
“'Civil forfeiture is one of the most serious assaults on Americans’ private property rights,' Institute for Justice Senior Legislative Counsel Lee McGrath said. 'The bill is a solid first step to ensure that innocent people do not lose their property to this use of 17th Century admiralty law applied to the 21st Century war on drugs'....
"According to data obtained by the Institute for Justice and the Reason Foundation, police and prosecutors generated more than $17.8 million in forfeiture revenue from 2009 to 2016. Nearly two-thirds of those proceeds came from civil forfeiture cases, where the owner did not have to be convicted....
"Although civil forfeiture is often defended as a way to stop large-scale drug cartels and criminal enterprises, in Connecticut, half of all civil forfeitures were under $570 in 2016. These small amounts suggest that many victims don’t have the means to fight back against a seizure in court. The state’s conviction requirement should protect many innocent Connecticutians."
Read more: https://www.forbes.com/sites/instituteforjustice/2017/07/11/connecticut-just-banned-civil-forfeiture-without-a-criminal-conviction/#16bafd6452e7
Labels: American Civil Liberties Union, asset forfeiture, civil forfeiture, Connecticut, Institute for Justice, Reason Foundation
Guatemala's free-market university
The Bond villain libertarians of Guatemala - Don Hannan, Washington Examiner:
December 19, 2016 - "Hidden away in Guatemala, surrounded by tall jungle trees, ... Francisco Marroquin University has been turning out free-marketeers for 45 years....
"The buildings are named after F.A. Hayek, Ludwig von Mises and other Austrian School economists. There is a Plaza Adam Smith... One of the buildings is adorned with a massive sculpture of Atlas holding the world aloft — a homage to that vinegary anti-collectivist Ayn Rand. She would have approved of the way that lecturers must bid for teaching aids according to an internal market, with prices rising at popular times.
"Francisco Marroquin — named after the first Bishop of Guatemala, who translated several of the indigenous languages — is one of the best universities in Latin America. Its fees are at the upper end of the range, and it sets stiff entrance criteria, including a required fluency in English. All its undergraduates, whether they are studying law, medicine or architecture, are given a basic grounding in the principles of personal liberty and limited government....
"What makes Francisco Marroquin unusual is not that it seeks to inculcate values. Rather, it's that those values are not the leftist ones prevalent in almost every other institution of higher education. Instead of promoting anti-racism as the supreme political value, Francisco Marroquin promotes freedom. Safe spaces, micro-aggressions and trigger warnings have no place in these handsome buildings. Students are constantly exhorted to think for themselves....
"The free-market liberalism taught here has a samizdat feel. Most undergraduates are as opposed to the big-government paternalism that passes for conservatism in Latin America as they are to the Left.
"Which is why the best hope for the region lies in these young people. With the partial exceptions of Chile and Colombia, open markets have never really been tried in Latin America.... Latin America's underlying problem remains unaddressed.
"Governments are simultaneously too large and too small. Too large in the sense that they aim to control industries, dictate wages, set prices. Too small in the sense that they fail to operate impartial legal systems through which private citizens can claim redress....
"Just as the London School of Economics educated a generation of post-colonial leaders in Asia and Africa, with dire consequences, so there is now a crying need in Latin America for leaders who understand the difference between being pro-business and being pro-market. Every alternative has failed."
Read more: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/the-bond-villain-libertarians-of-guatemala/article/2609902
Labels: Adam Smith, Ayn Rand, Education, F.A. Hayek, Francisco Marroquin University, Guatemala, Latin America, Ludwig von Mises, universities
Governments waging unwinnable war on darknet
The AlphaBay Shutdown Will Be as Futile as the Drug War Itself - Foundation for Economic Education - Working for a free and prosperous world - Nils Biedermann:
July 27, 2017 - "Recently, two major darknet markets, AlphaBay and Hansa Market, were seized by the FBI, DEA, EUROPOL and European Union member states. AlphaBay was the largest darknet market totaling about 40,000 vendors and 200,000 customers. For comparison, AlphaBay was about ten times bigger than Silk Road, another darknet market seized in 2013.
"Shortly after his arrest, AlphaBay founder Alexandre Cazes killed himself ... while [in] custody.
"On these websites, consumers are able to purchase drugs, weapons or counterfeit products of all kinds ... around 250,000 drug and chemical listings were online by the time of the shutdown (compared to about 100,000 for everything else). A conservative estimate of the total transactions since its creation in 2014 is one billion USD....
"These darknet markets work very much like any ... legal regular online market giving you the freedom to choose from a variety of products. They have a feedback system where a customer can voice his opinion about the drug as well. Vendors try to avoid bad reviews in fear of losing their good reputation, just as Yelp operates for 'above board' businesses....
"While there are a lot of similarities between darknet markets and street markets, there are huge differences as well. Darknet markets do not involve physical contact, confrontation or violence.... While the proliferation of Darknet Markets is unlikely to have an impact on systemic drug crime, the security for the consumer while buying the drug is significantly increased. The direct public feedback system ... rewards vendors and ensures the quality of the drugs. Drugs with high purity and without added substances allow consumers to properly dose the drug, reduce side effects through unwanted substances and therefore enhance security.
"History tells us that simply taking down these sites will not work.... The takedown of AlphaBay will by no means stop internet drug trafficking. It will give room to a lot of smaller sites to appear. The encryption is going to get stronger and better.... The only thing this operation has achieved is a momentary stop....
"In our efforts to reduce the drug supply we have wasted huge amounts of money, disregarded human rights, supported authoritarian structures and promoted violence and corruption. It is time to stop."
Read more: https://fee.org/articles/the-alphabay-shutdown-will-be-as-futile-as-the-drug-war-itself/?utm_medium=push&utm_source=push_notification
Labels: darknet, Drugs, FBI, Foundation for Economic Education, web
57% think legalizing cannabis will benefit society
Make America Great Again by Legalizing Weed, Majority of Voters Say - Janice Williams, Newsweek:
August 3, 2017 - "U.S. voters have an idea of what might actually improve society and make America great again: legalizing weed.
"A Harvard-Harris Poll survey released Monday found a majority of voters — some 57 percent — thought making marijuana legal across all 50 states would make society better, and 69 percent of people said they wouldn’t be bothered by pot being legal in their state....
"Only 37 percent of Americans said cannabis should be legalized only for medical purposes, while 49 percent of voters said marijuana should be legal for both medical and recreational use. Meanwhile, only 14 percent of voters said marijuana should be completely illegal....
"'Voters point to drugs as the major source of crime and support tough sentences for drug dealers but view marijuana in a wholly different light,' Harvard-Harris Poll co-director Mark Penn said in a statement. 'Most think legalization of marijuana would probably be helpful in reducing crime, and almost half support legalization.'
"Even if marijuana is illegal, 72 percent said people caught possessing small amounts of pot shouldn’t be prosecuted or face jail time because of it....
"The Harvard-Harris Poll survey was conducted between July 19 and 24 and involved 2,051 registered voters."
Read more: http://www.newsweek.com/marijuana-legalization-laws-states-voters-645976
Labels: cannabis, Marijuana, polls
How Nancy MacLean misrepresented David Boaz
Another Misleading Quotation in Nancy MacLean's "Democracy in Chains" | Cato @ Liberty - David Boaz:
July 5, 2017 - "Everybody’s finding errors in Duke historian Nancy MacLean’s 'work of speculative historical fiction' on Nobel laureate James Buchanan and the libertarian movement, Democracy in Chains. I’d feel left out if I weren’t misquoted, so I’m relieved to find my name on page 211. Here’s what MacLean says about me and some of my purported allies:
'If you tell a great lie and repeat it often enough, people will eventually believe it," Joseph Gobbels, a particularly ruthless, yet shrewd, propagandist, is said to have remarked. Today the big lie of the Koch-sponsored radical right is that society can be split between makers and takers, justifying on the part of the makers a Manichean struggle to disarm and defeat those who would take from them. Attend a Tea Party gathering, and you will hear endless cries about the "moocher class." Read the output of the libertarian writers subsidized by wealthy donors and you will encounter endless variations. David Boaz of the Cato Institute, to choose just one, speaks of the "parasite economy" that divides us into "the predators and the prey"....
Is there any evidence to suggest that close to half of American society is intent on exploiting the rich through the tax system? That they contribute nothing, while using government to gang up on a defenseless minority that somehow, all on its own, generates wealth? ...
"Now: Did I actually say that the poor and working class are 'intent on exploiting the rich'? Or 'that they contribute nothing'? Well, here’s what I wrote on pp. 252-53 of The Libertarian Mind, which is the source MacLean footnotes:
Economists call this process rent-seeking, or transfer-seeking. It’s another illustration of Oppenheimer’s distinction between the economic and the political means. Some individuals and businesses produce wealth. They grow food or build things people want to buy or perform useful services. Others find it easier to go to Washington, a state capital, or a city hall and get a subsidy, tariff, quota, or restriction on their competitors. That’s the political means to wealth, and, sadly, it’s been growing faster than the economic means.
Of course, in the modern world of trillion-dollar governments handing out favors like Santa Claus, it becomes harder to distinguish between the producers and the transfer-seekers, the predators and the prey. The state tries to confuse us, like the three-card monte dealer, by taking our money as quietly as possible and then handing some of it back to us with great ceremony. We all end up railing against taxes but then demanding our Medicare, our subsidized mass transit, our farm programs, our free national parks, and on and on and on. Frederic Bastiat explained it in the nineteenth century: “The State is that great fiction by which everyone tries to live at the expense of everyone else.” In the aggregate, we all lose, but it’s hard to know who is a net loser and who is a net winner in the immediate circumstance"....
"I also wrote on page 253 about the 'parasite economy,' in which
every group in society comes up with a way for the government to help it or penalize its competitors: businesses seek tariffs, unions call for minimum-wage laws (which make high-priced skilled workers more economical than cheaper, low-skilled workers), postal workers get Congress to outlaw private competition, businesses seek subtle twists in regulations that hurt their competitors more than themselves.
"Let’s be clear: when public choice economists and I talk about 'rent seeking' and 'concentrated benefits,' and we point to 'subsidy, tariff, quota, or restriction on their competitors,' we’re not trying to protect the rich. We’re talking about ways that businesses, unions, and other organized interest groups seek to use government to gain advantages that they couldn’t gain in the marketplace. And when we suggest limiting the power of government to hand out such favors, we are arguing in the interests of workers and consumers.
"I do not believe that MacLean’s two very short quotations from The Libertarian Mind and the paragraphs in which she situates them fairly depict my argument in the book. One might even say that she reversed the meaning of 'the predators and the prey.' Unfortunately, selective quotation and misrepresentation seem to be MacLean’s M.O., as Steve Horwitz, Phil Magness, Russ Roberts, David Henderson, David Bernstein, Bernstein again, Nick Gillespie, Michael Munger, and others have pointed out."
Read more: https://www.cato.org/blog/another-misleading-quotation-nancy-macleans-democracy-chains
This work by Cato Institute is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Labels: Cato Institute, David Boaz, Frederic Bastiat, Nancy MacLean
Libertarian-bashing historian Nancy MacLean accused of "getting nearly everything wrong"
To Duke Historian Nancy MacLean, Advocating Free Markets Is Something 'The World Has Never Seen Anything Like...Before' - Hit & Run : Reason.com - Brian Doherty:
August 2, 2017 - "Duke University historian Nancy MacLean recently issued Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America, an alas quite hot book that purports to expose the dark secrets of Nobel Prize-winning economist James Buchanan and the 'radical right'/libertarian movement he's allegedly the brains behind.
"MacLean has been convincingly accused by many who understand his work and the libertarian movement with both less built-in hostility and more actual knowledge than she has (including me here at Reason) of getting nearly everything wrong, from fact to interpretation. She recently took to the Chronicle of Higher Education to allegedly reply to her critics.
"A quick wrap up of many specific problems found in her book by her critics — by no means all — that MacLean ignores even while allegedly "respond[ing] to her critics," and which the editors at the Chronicle let her ignore:
Her claim of meaningful similarity between John Calhoun's constitutional vision and that of Buchanan and his public choice school cannot be reasonably maintained.
Her assertion that the modern public choice/libertarian constitutionalist vision has nothing to do with James Madison is not true.
Buchanan did not, contra MacLean, believe that all taxation above voluntary giving is theft akin to a mugger in the park.
She attributed to Buchanan the belief that those receiving government aid "are to be treated as subordinate members of the species, akin to… animals who are dependent" though he used that phrase to describe the attitude that was the opposite of his.
Her attribution of Buchanan's use of the Hobbesian term "Leviathan" to (racist, uncoincidentally for her rhetorical smear purposes) Southern Agrarian poet Donald Davidson rather than, well, Hobbes, falls apart with study of when and how Buchanan began using the term in his work.
She regularly cites libertarian thinkers as saying nasty things implying a contempt for the poor or for democracy that are not supported by the full context of the quotes; victims of her malicious misinterpretation including David Boaz and Tyler Cowen....
"MacLean speaks to none of the above specific critiques of her book in the Chronicle, merely generically complaining about being attacked and insisting that people who critique her work clearly hadn't read or understood it ... she reached instead for sympathy by complaining these specific critiques on her methods and understanding as a historian made her 'feel vulnerable and exposed' and interpreting an intellectual metaphor for a physical threat...
"She certainly does not address a core problem with her book I detailed in my review: the 'historical fact' upon which her entire thesis depends, her book's distinguishing selling point, which she claims to have uniquely discovered through diligent archival work, that James Buchanan was the secret influence behind the political funding machine of Charles Koch and that that machine is deliberately and conspiratorially disguising its libertarian goals, is completely invented. She creates an illusion of proof by citing documents that do not support the thesis in any way, shape, or form."
Read more: http://reason.com/blog/2017/08/02/to-duke-historian-nancy-maclean-advocati
Labels: Books, Brian Doherty, David Boaz, James Buchanan, Nancy MacLean, Reason
Indiana's civil forfeiture law ruled unconstitutio...
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Libertarians should support climate action, iff......
DDoS attack crashes libertarian site after gender ...
Civil forfeiture without a conviction banned in CT...
57% think legalizing cannabis will benefit society...
Libertarian-bashing historian Nancy MacLean accuse...
Sen. Jeff Flake's Conscience of a Conservative
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Pivotal Tracker 1 (2nd Gen) fitness tracker review
June 13, 2015 JarvisWearablesfitness, health, Review, tracker, wearable, wearable reviews
We all know the big names in fitness and sleep trackers. Just about everywhere you look you can find someone wearing a Jawbone wristband or a FitBit tracker. Those trackers are on the pricier side of things, however, and not everyone is willing to spend that much on tech that might — like their last gym membership — end up going unused. Enter the budget tracker market where Xiaomi’s Mi Band largely goes unchallenged. Late last year a company called Pivotal Living based out of Seattle, Washington introduced an even more budget-friendly option, at least for the short term: its Pivotal Tracker 1 wearable, which is free if you sign up for a year’s membership at $12.
The deal was too good for many to pass up, and Pivotal was slammed with sign-ups, so much so that its servers had trouble dealing with it all. Users experienced trouble syncing their device and more, and an issue with the hardware compounded the problem by causing the wearable to shutdown when exposed to static electricity. It turned into a big mess for the company, and that original tracker has only managed to crawl to a 2-star rating on Amazon (arising from its previous single star).
Pivotal recently launched a second-generation version of the band, one promised to have better quality, and they called it simply the Pivotal Tracker 1 2nd-Gen. Half a year has passed since the company’s big flop, and one would be fair in giving Pivotal Living a second shot. Have all the issues been worked out, though, or is this latest wearable more of the same? Read our review to find out!
The Pivotal Tracker 1 has been updated from its original iteration, and this second-generation version brings with it the promise of better build quality (something that was a big complaint with the first generation), as well as improvements to the mobile app. The end result is a cheap tracker that does not feel cheap, and that’s a good thing.
The design is similar to what you get with the Microsoft Band, though it’s not quite as rigid. The similarities mostly end there, at least as far as design goes. While the Band has a quality display, the Pivotal Tracker 1 has an inconsequential and impossible-to-see-outdoors OLED display. This is, of all things, one of the tracker’s biggest weak points. It is fair to point out, though, that the OLED display is a better alternative than the Xiaomi Mi Band’s three LED indicators, though it has the same price.
The tracker itself is very comfortable to wear. A pair of studs in the band press into the related holes on the other end of the band, fixing it in place. It has generous sizing options, so unless you’ve an atypically small or large wrist, it should fit fine.
All in all, the design is very attractive, and when comparing the tracker — visually, at least, and by feel — to other big-name offerings, it in no way feels like something that costs a few dollars more than your monthly Netflix subscription. That’s a good thing, though. The tracker is similar enough to competing models that if you don’t like it, you’ll know trackers aren’t for you and you’ll be out less than twenty bucks.
The Pivotal Tracker 1 features a small OLED display that provides snippets of information, such as the number of steps you’ve walked for the day, battery life, and the current time. There’s a single button on the display for toggling between screens. The design is described as unisex, which is accurate. The band is soft and the clasp is made of a brushed alloy. It has, says the maker, a “3-Axis sensor” (it appears to be an accelerometer), and a rechargeable battery that only takes an hour or so to charge (the charing cable is proprietary, so don’t lose it).
Setting up the wearable is as straight forward as the slides below show: charge it, turn it on, and press the button so the Bluetooth icon shows up.
The app will search and find it, and automatically take the user to the registration page.
The brunt of the features lie in the mobile app, which is surprisingly robust in terms of features. If you’ve used other fitness trackers, you’ll be familiar with the mobile offering from the start. It is available for Android 4.3 and higher, and iOS 8 and higher. There’s the standard data aggregation such as showing the number of steps you’ve taken in a day and a graph plotting out the frequency of those steps during certain blocks of time (whether you’ve taken more in the afternoon than evening, for example). It’ll also show the estimated number of calories you’ve burned based on those steps (there’s no heart rate monitor, so that’s the extent of the calorie counting), your weight, and hydration levels.
The app takes it a bit farther, still, with more advanced functionality like the ability to create goals and monitor the progress toward them. Likewise, users can create Teams so that others with the tracker can participate in some joint activity or fitness challenge. In addition, the mobile app uses sensor data from the smartphone itself to “reconcile the data returned from” the wearable, doing so frequently to — hopefully — improve the accuracy.
Finally, there’s sleep tracking, which is the same as the sleep tracking offered by other trackers; it monitors when you’re asleep, the movements you make during your sleep, and when you wake up, collecting the data to show patterns over long periods of time. Users are also able to turn on an alarm that causes the wearable to vibrate for a less-than-startling alarm in the morning.
The first Pivotal Tracker 1 received a lot of hate, and it deserved most of it. The product, by all accounts, wasn’t ready to ship out and though the price point was very low, customers grew quickly frustrated. The second generation is not perfect, and we’ll cover why in the next section. There is, however, a lot to like about it:
• The band is cheap and comfortable; you’ll forget you’re wearing it
• The app has many features, including goals and teams
• Battery lasts nearly a week on a single charge
• Zero issues with it shutting off like the 1st gen experienced
• OLED display is convenient, simple with single-button function
The wearable is lightweight and you’ll forget you’re wearing it. Though you won’t get notifications from it on from your phone, it is easy to see your current progress without pulling out your handset, as well as the time (don’t expect it to be visible in direct sunlight, though).
The Cons
Unfortunately, the band was not without its problems. When I tried to sign up, the app kept giving me errors when trying to register an account, then when trying to connect to Bluetooth. It eventually worked, but then at times syncing was a similar problem — I’d try to sync the band and it would not work, and I’d have to try two or three times before it would work. Once it did work, the band functioned as it should — never restarted on its own, the battery lasted five or so days like promised, and it could hold a couple days of data. Still, there are some cons:
• Steps aren’t registered accurately
• App is buggy and sometimes syncing takes several tries
• Had trouble signing up; took five tries, multiple system errors
• Display isn’t visible in sunlight
• Band isn’t waterproof
• No support for other fitness apps
The problems are infrequent and minor enough at this point that they can be tolerated, and mostly ignored — $12 is really cheap for a fitness and sleep tracker, even one with some bugs. The steps, though, are a bigger problem: they are not accurately tracked, and so while over time you can see step trends (times of the day with higher registered numbers and day with lower numbers), you won’t know the accurate number of steps you’ve taken. Walking 18 steps across the room might register as 32 steps. Likewise, driving is registered as steps if you wear the tracker while steering.
So, if you need an accurate step counter rather than a general idea of your patterns over time, the Pivotal Tracker 1 is definitely not a good choice.
Sleep tracking
If you’re more interested in a wearable tracker for sleep pattern tracking and for the silent alarm functionality (vibrating on your wrist) rather than the fitness tracking, the Pivotal Tracker 1’s usefulness jumps quite a bit. The sleep tracking feature on the app is akin to what you get with other sleep trackers, and the resulting data seems far more accurate than the step counting data.
The app records your sleep pattern in the form of a graph, as well as the time you go to sleep and the time you wake up and how many hours you spent in a deep sleep. Another welcomed feature is the “Alarm” feature, allowing users to set an alarm for for each day or a blanket alarm for the entire week. When the alarm goes off, the wearable will vibrate gently rather than making a shrill sound — a far more pleasant way to be woken up, one that won’t disturb anyone nearby.
The Pivotal Tracker 1 (2nd gen) is an improvement over the previous version, and for users who are willing to tolerate a buggy app it could be a good starting point. Some features are missing that you’ll find on competing models, a necessity to hit the small $12 price. There’s also the annual membership fee, which some may not like but that is small enough to be inconsequential for many.
The tracker does not feel cheap, and it appears the issue with rebooting has been corrected. The battery life is excellent, and the inclusion of an OLED display comes in handy more often than one might think. Step counting isn’t very accurate if the wrist band is on your wrist (put it in a pocket to improve its accuracy), but the sleep tracking functionality is on par with other trackers.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a fitness and sleep tracker and you don’t want to spend very much, it’s worth giving the Pivotal Tracker 1 a shot. Price is $12 from Pivotal and $15 from Amazon.
Denon AH-D9200 headphone review: Superb sound quality in a luxurious, closed-back, over-ear headphone
Teclast P80 Pro Tablet review- the budget tablet with spectacular specifications
Huawei Nova 5i Smartphone Review
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Divisions In Our World Are Not The Result of Religion
By Karen Armstrong & Andrea Bistrich
Karen Armstrong was a Catholic nun for seven years before leaving her order and going to Oxford. Today, she is amongst the most renowned theologians and has written numerous bestsellers on the great religions and their founders. She is one of the 18 leading group members of the Alliance of Civilizations, an initiative of the former UN General Secretary, Kofi Anan, whose purpose is to fight extremism and further dialogue between the western and Islamic worlds. She talks here to the German journalist, Andrea Bistrich, about politics, religion, extremism and commonalities.
ANDREA BISTRICH: 9/11 has become the symbol of major, insurmountable hostilities between Islam and the West. After the attacks many Americans asked: "Why do they hate us?" And experts in numerous round-table talks debated if Islam is an inherently violent religion. Is this so?
KAREN ARMSTRONG: Certainly not. There is far more violence in the Bible than in the Qur'an; the idea that Islam imposed itself by the sword is a Western fiction, fabricated during the time of the Crusades when, in fact, it was Western Christians who were fighting brutal holy wars against Islam. The Qur'an forbids aggressive warfare and permits war only in self-defence; the moment the enemy sues for peace, the Qur'an insists that Muslims must lay down their arms and accept whatever terms are offered, even if they are disadvantageous. Later, Muslim law forbade Muslims to attack a country where Muslims were permitted to practice their faith freely; the killing of civilians was prohibited, as were the destruction of property and the use of fire in warfare.
The sense of polarization has been sharpened by recent controversies — the Danish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad, over the Pope's remarks about Islam, over whether face-veils hinder integration. All these things have set relations between Islam and the West on edge. Harvard-Professor Samuel Huntington introduced the theory of a "clash of civilizations" we are witnessing today. Does such a fundamental incompatibility between the "Christian West" and the "Muslim World" indeed exist?
The divisions in our world are not the result of religion or of culture, but are politically based. There is an imbalance of power in the world, and the powerless are beginning to challenge the hegemony of the Great Powers, declaring their independence of them-often using religious language to do so. A lot of what we call "fundamentalism" can often be seen as a religious form of nationalism, an assertion of identity. The old 19th-century European nationalist ideal has become tarnished and has always been foreign to the Middle East. In the Muslim world people are redefining themselves according to their religion in an attempt to return to their roots after the great colonialist disruption.
What has made Fundamentalism, seemingly, so predominant today?
The militant piety that we call "fundamentalism" erupted in every single major world faith in the course of the twentieth century. There is fundamentalist Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Confucianism, as well as fundamentalist Islam. Of the three monotheistic religions-Judaism, Christianity and Islam-Islam was the last to develop a fundamentalist strain during the 1960s.
Fundamentalism represents a revolt against secular modern society, which separates religion and politics. Wherever a Western secularist government is established, a religious counterculturalist protest movement rises up alongside it in conscious rejection. Fundamentalists want to bring God/religion from the sidelines to which they have been relegated in modern culture and back to centre stage. All fundamentalism is rooted in a profound fear of annihilation: whether Jewish, Christian or Muslim, fundamentalists are convinced that secular or liberal society wants to wipe them out. This is not paranoia: Jewish fundamentalism took two major strides forward, one after the Nazi Holocaust, the second after the Yom Kippur War of 1973. In some parts of the Middle East, secularism was established so rapidly and aggressively that it was experienced as a lethal assault.
The fact that fundamentalism is also a phenomenon in politics was stressed only recently by former US president Jimmy Carter when he voiced his concerns over the increasing merging of religion and state in the Bush administration, and the element of fundamentalism in the White House. Carter sees that traits of religious fundamentalists are also applicable to neo-conservatives. There seems to be a major controversy between, on the one hand, so called hard-liners or conservatives and, on the other, the progressives. Is this a typical phenomenon of today's world?
The United States is not alone in this. Yes, there is a new intolerance and aggression in Europe too as well as in Muslim countries and the Middle East. Culture is always-and has always been-contested. There are always people who have a different view of their country and are ready to fight for it. American Christian fundamentalists are not in favour of democracy; and it is true that many of the Neo-Cons, many of whom incline towards this fundamentalism, have very hard-line, limited views. These are dangerous and difficult times and when people are frightened they tend to retreat into ideological ghettos and build new barriers against the "other". Democracy is really what religious people call "a state of grace." It is an ideal that is rarely achieved, that has constantly to be reaffirmed, lest it be lost. And it is very difficult to fulfil. We are all-Americans and Europeans-falling short of the democratic ideal during the so called "war against terror."
Could you specify the political reasons that you identified as the chief causes of the growing divide between Muslim and Western societies?
In the Middle East, modernization has been impeded by the Arab/Israeli conflict, which has become symbolic to Christian, Jewish and Muslim fundamentalists and is the bleeding heart of the problem. Unless a just political solution can be found that is satisfactory to everybody¸ there is no hope of peace. There is also the problem of oil, which has made some of these countries the target of Western greed. In the West, in order to preserve our strategic position and cheap oil supply, we have often supported rulers-such as the shahs of Iran, the Saudis and, initially, Saddam Hussein-who have established dictatorial regimes which suppressed any normal opposition. The only place where people felt free to express their distress has been the mosque.
The modern world has been very violent. Between 1914 and 1945, seventy million people died in Europe as a result of war. We should not be surprised that modern religion has become violent too; it often mimics the violence preached by secular politicians. Most of the violence and terror that concerns us in the Muslim world has grown up in regions where warfare, displacement and conflict have been traumatic and have even become chronic: the Middle East, Palestine, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir.
In regard to the Arab-Israeli-conflict you have said that for Muslims it has become, "a symbol of their impotence in the modern world." What does that really mean?
The Arab-Israeli conflict began, on both sides, as a purely secular conflict about a land. Zionism began as a rebellion against religious Judaism and at the outset most Orthodox rabbis condemned Zionism as a blasphemous secularization of the Land of Israel, one of the most sacred symbols of Judaism. Similarly the ideology of the PLO was secular-many of the Palestinians, of course, are Christian. But unfortunately the conflict was allowed to fester; on both sides the conflict became sacralized and, therefore, far more difficult to sort out.
In most fundamentalist movements, certain issues acquire symbolic value and come to represent everything that is wrong with modernity. In Judaism, the secular state of Israel has inspired every single fundamentalist movement, because it represents so graphically the penetration of the secular ethos into Jewish religious life. Some Jewish fundamentalists are passionately for the state of Israel and see it as sacred and holy; involvement in Israeli politics is a sacred act of tikkun, restoration of the world; making a settlement in the occupied territories is also an act of tikkun and some believe that it will hasten the coming of the Messiah. But the ultra-Orthodox Jews are often against the state of Israel: some see it as an evil abomination (Jews are supposed to wait for the Messiah to restore a religious state in the Holy Land) and others regard it as purely neutral and hold aloof from it as far as they can. Many Jews too see Israel as a phoenix rising out of the ashes of Auschwitz-and have found it a way of coping with the Shoah.
But for many Muslims the plight of the Palestinians represents everything that is wrong with the modern world. The fact that in 1948, 750,000 Palestinians could lose their homes with the apparent approval of the world symbolizes the impotence of Islam in the modern world vis-à-vis the West. The Qur'an teaches that if Muslims live justly and decently, their societies will prosper because they will be in tune with the fundamental laws of the universe. Islam was always a religion of success, going from one triumph to another, but Muslims have been able to make no headway against the secular West and the plight of the Palestinians epitomizes this impotence. Jerusalem is also the third holiest place in the Islamic world, and when Muslims see their sacred shrines on the Haram al-Sharif [the Noble Sanctuary, also known as Temple Mount]-surrounded by the towering Israeli settlements and feel that their holy city is slipping daily from their grasp, this symbolizes their beleaguered identity. However it is important to note that the Palestinians only adopted a religiously articulated ideology relatively late-long after Islamic fundamentalism had become a force in countries such as Egypt or Pakistan. Their resistance movement remained secular in ethos until the first intifada in 1987. And it is also important to note that Hamas, for example, is very different from a movement like al-Qaeda, which has global ambitions. Hamas is a resistance movement; it does not attack Americans or British but concentrates on attacking the occupying power. It is yet another instance of "fundamentalism" as a religious form of nationalism.
The Arab Israeli conflict has also become pivotal to Christian fundamentalists in the United States. The Christian Right believes that unless the Jews are in their land, fulfilling the ancient prophecies, Christ cannot return in glory in the Second Coming. So they are passionate Zionists; but this ideology is also anti-Semitic, because in the Last Days they believe that the Antichrist will massacre the Jews in the Holy Land if they do not accept baptism.
Do you think the West has some responsibility for what is happening in Palestine?
Western people have a responsibility for everybody who is suffering in the world. We are among the richest and most powerful countries and cannot morally or religiously stand by and witness poverty, dispossession or injustice, whether that is happening in Palestine, Kashmir, Chechnya or Africa. But Western people have a particular responsibility for the Arab-Israeli situation. In the Balfour Declaration (1917), Britain approved of a Jewish homeland in Palestine and ignored the aspirations and plight of the native Palestinians. And today the United States supports Israel economically and politically and also tends to ignore the plight of the Palestinians. This is dangerous, because the Palestinians are not going to go away, and unless a solution is found that promises security to the Israelis and gives political independence and security to the dispossessed Palestinians, there is no hope for world peace.
In addition, you have stressed the importance of a "triple vision"-the ability to view the conflict from the perspective of the Islamic, Jewish and Christian communities. Could you explain this view?
The three religions of Abraham -- Judaism, Christianity and Islam -- can and should be viewed as one religious tradition that went in three different directions. I have always tried to see them in this way; none is superior to any of the others. Each has its own particular genius; each its own particular flaws. Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the same God and share the same moral values. In the book A History of God, I tried to show that throughout their history, Jews, Christians and Muslims have asked the same kind of questions about God and have reached remarkably similar solutions-so that there are Jewish and Muslim versions of the incarnation, for example, and very similar notions of prophecy. In The Battle for God, I tried to show how similar the fundamentalist movements are in all three faiths.
Jews, however, have always found it difficult to accept the later faiths of Christianity and Islam; Christianity has always had an uneasy relationship with Judaism, the parent faith, and has seen Islam as a blasphemous imitation of revelation. The Qur'an, however, has a positive view of both Judaism and Christianity and constantly asserts that Muhammad did not come to cancel out the faiths of "the People of the Book": you cannot be a Muslim unless you also revere the prophets Abraham, David, Noah, Moses and Jesus-whom the Muslims regard as prophets-as in fact do many of the New Testament writers. Luke's gospel calls Jesus a prophet from start to finish; the idea that Jesus was divine was a later development, often misunderstood by Christians.
Unfortunately, however, religious people like to see themselves as having a monopoly on truth; they see that they alone are the one true faith. But this is egotism and has nothing to do with true religion, which is about the abandonment of the ego.
Too often it seems that religious people are not necessarily more compassionate, more tolerant, more peaceful or more spiritual than others. America, for example, is a very religious country, and at the same time it is the most unequal socially and economically. What does this say about the purpose of religion?
The world religions all insist that the one, single test of any type of religiosity is that it must issue in practical compassion. They have nearly all developed a version of the Golden Rule: "Do not do to others what you would not have done to you." This demands that we look into our own hearts, discover what it is that gives us pain and then refuse, under any circumstances, to inflict that pain on anybody else. Compassion demands that we "feel with" the other; that we dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there. This is the bedrock message of the Qur'an, of the New Testament ("I can have faith that moves mountains," says St. Paul, "but if I lack charity it profits me nothing."). Rabbi Hillel, the older contemporary of Jesus, defined the Golden Rule as the essence of Judaism: everything else, he said, was "commentary." We have exactly the same teaching in Confucianism, Daoism, Hinduism and Buddhism. I have tried to show this in one of my most recent books, The Great Transformation.
The traditions all insist that it is not enough simply to show compassion to your own group. You must have what the Chinese call jian ai, concern for everybody. Or as Jewish law puts it: "Honour the stranger." "Love your enemies," said Jesus: if you simply love your own kind, this is purely self-interest and a form of group egotism. The traditions also insist that it is the daily, hourly practice of compassion -not the adoption of the correct "beliefs" or the correct sexuality- that will bring us into the presence of what is called God, Nirvana, Brahman or the Dao. Religion is thus inseparable from altruism.
So why aren't religious people compassionate? What does that say about them? Compassion is not a popular virtue. Many religious people prefer to be right rather than compassionate. They don't want to give up their egos. They want religion to give them a little mild uplift once a week so that they can return to their ordinary selfish lives, unscathed by the demands of their tradition. Religion is hard work; not many people do it well. But are secularists any better? Many secularists would subscribe to the compassionate ideal but are just as selfish as religious people. The failure of religious people to be compassionate doesn't tell us something about religion, but about human nature. Religion is a method: you have to put it into practice to discover its truth. But, unfortunately, not many people do.
Discussing Western ideas of justice and democracy in the Middle East, British foreign correspondent of The Independent, Robert Fisk, says: "We keep on saying that Arabs ... would like some of our shiny, brittle democracy, that they'd like freedom from the secret police and freedom from the dictators-who we largely put there. But they would also like freedom from us. And they want justice, which is sometimes more important than 'democracy'". Does the West need to realize that Muslims can run a modern state, but it is perhaps not the kind of democracy we want to see?
As Muslim intellectuals made clear, Islam is quite compatible with democracy, but unfortunately democracy has acquired a bad name in many Muslim countries. It seems that the West has said consistently: we believe in freedom and democracy, but you have to be ruled by dictators like the shahs or Saddam Hussein. There seems to have been a double standard. Robert Fisk is right: when I was in Pakistan recently and quoted Mr Bush-"They hate our freedom!"-the whole audience roared with laughter.
Democracy cannot be imposed by armies and tanks and coercion. The modern spirit has two essential ingredients; if these are not present, no matter how many fighter jets, computers or sky scrapers you have, your country is not really "modern".
The first of these is independence. The modernization of Europe from 16th to the 20th century was punctuated by declarations of independence on all fronts: religious, intellectual, political, economic. People demanded freedom to think, invent, and create as they chose.
The second quality is innovation as we modernized in the West: we were always creating something new; there was a dynamism and excitement to the process, even though it was often traumatic.
But in the Muslim world, modernity did not come with independence but with colonial subjugation; and still Muslims are not free, because the Western powers are often controlling their politics behind the scenes to secure the oil supply etc. Instead of independence there has been an unhealthy dependence and loss of freedom. Unless people feel free, any "democracy" is going to be superficial and flawed. And modernity did not come with innovation to the Muslims: because we were so far ahead, they could only copy us. So instead of innovation you have imitation.
We also know in our own lives that it is difficult-even impossible-to be creative when we feel under attack. Muslims often feel on the defensive and that makes it difficult to modernize and democratize creatively-especially when there are troops, tanks and occupying forces on the streets.
Do you see any common ground between Western world and Islam?
This will only be possible if the political issues are resolved. There is great common ground between the ideals of Islam and the modern Western ideal, and many Muslims have long realized this. At the beginning of the twentieth century, almost every single Muslim intellectual was in love with the West and wanted their countries to look just like Britain and France. Some even said that the West was more "Islamic" than the unmodernized Muslim countries, because in their modern economies they were able to come closer to the essential teaching of the Koran, which preaches the importance of social justice and equity. At this time, Muslims recognized the modern, democratic West as deeply congenial. In 1906, Muslim clerics campaigned alongside secularist intellectuals in Iran for representational government and constitutional rule. When they achieved their goal, the grand ayatollah said that the new constitution was the next best thing to the coming of the Shiite Messiah, because it would limit the tyranny of the shah and that was a project worthy of every Muslim. Unfortunately the British then discovered oil in Iran and never let the new parliament function freely. Muslims became disenchanted with the West as a result of Western foreign policy: Suez, Israel/Palestine, Western support of corrupt regimes, and so on.
What is needed from a very practical point of view to bridge the gap? What would you advise our leaders-our politicians and governments?
A revised foreign policy. A solution in Israel/Palestine that gives security to the Israelis and justice and autonomy to the Palestinians. No more support of corrupt, dictatorial regimes. A just solution to the unfolding horror in Iraq, which has been a "wonderful" help to groups like Al-Qaeda, playing right into their hands. No more situations like Abu Ghraib or Guantanamo Bay. Money poured into Afghanistan and Palestine. A solution to Kashmir. No more short-term solutions for cheap oil. In Iraq and in Lebanon last summer we saw that our big armies are no longer viable against guerrilla and terror attacks. Diplomacy is essential. But suspicion of the West is now so entrenched that it may be too late.
ANDREA BISTRICH is a journalist based in Munich, Germany.
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Home » Timelines by Topic » Regions » Europe » Albania » Alleged Use of False Flag Attacks
Alleged Use of False Flag Attacks by Intelligence Agencies
Project: Alleged Use of False Flag Attacks by Intelligence Agencies
Open-Content project managed by matt, KJF, mtuck
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February 27, 1933: German Parliament’s Reichstag Building Set Ablaze Allegedly by Crazed Young Dutch Communist
Marinus van der Lubbe. [Source: Spartacus Educational]The German house of parliament, the Reichstag building, is set ablaze, allegedly by Marinus van der Lubbe, a Dutch communist. At 9:14 p.m., a fire station in Berlin receives an alarm that the Reichstag, assembly location of the German parliament, is on fire. The fire seems to have been started in several places, and by the time the police and firemen arrive, a huge explosion has set the main Chamber of Deputies in flames. Looking for clues, the police quickly find 24-year-old van der Lubbe, naked and cowering behind the building. Van der Lubbe is a Dutch insurrectionary council communist and unemployed bricklayer who recently arrived in Germany. Chancellor Adolf Hitler and political aide Hermann Göring arrive soon after, and, when they are shown van der Lubbe, Göring immediately declares the fire was set by the communists and has the party’s leaders arrested. [Shirer, 10/11/2011, pp. 191-192]
State of Emergency Will Be Declared in response to the Fire - Hitler will subsequently take advantage of the situation to declare a state of emergency and encourage aging President Paul von Hindenburg to sign the Reichstag Fire Decree, abolishing most of the human rights provisions of the 1919 Weimar Republic Constitution. The Nazis are running on a platform of hysterical anti-communism, insisting that Germany is on the verge of a communist revolution and the only way to stop this is to pass the Enabling Act. Hitler’s platform in the campaign will comprise of little more than demands that voters increase the Nazi share of seats so the Enabling Act can be passed. In order to decrease the number of opposition members who can vote against the Enabling Act, Hitler plans to ban the Communist Party of Germany (KPD), which holds 17 percent of the parliament’s seats, after the elections and before the new Reichstag convenes. [Chicago Tribune, 4/27/1942]
Nazis Will Claim that the Alleged Perpetrator Is Part of a Communist Conspiracy - The Reichstag fire will allow Hitler to accelerate the banning of the Communist Party and will be used to confirm Nazi claims of a pending communist revolution. The Nazis will argue that the fire was meant to serve as a signal to launch the revolution, and warn the German public about the grisly fate it will suffer under communist rule. The Nazis will allege that van der Lubbe was part of the communist conspiracy to burn down the Reichstag and seize power, while the communists will allege that van der Lubbe was part of a Nazi conspiracy to blame the crime on them. The resulting Leipzig War Crimes Trial will be widely publicized and broadcast on the radio. The public will assume that the court will find the communists guilty on all counts. However, Georgi Dimitrov, who will stand accused in the trial for involvement with the Reichstag fire, will give up his right to a court-appointed lawyer and defend himself successfully. He will prove his innocence and the innocence of his communist comrades (except van der Lubbe) and be set free. In addition, he will present evidence that the organizers of the fire were senior members of the Nazi Party. However, van der Lubbe will say that he set the Reichstag fire, and did so in an attempt to rally the German people against fascism. He will be sentenced to death and be executed by guillotine on January 10, 1934, three days before his 25th birthday. [Milwaukee Journal, 8/24/1942; Guardian, 1/12/2008]
Responsibility for the Fire Will Become a Subject of Controversy - Historians will generally agree that van der Lubbe was involved in the Reichstag fire. The extent of the damage, however, will lead to considerable debate over whether he acted alone. Considering the speed with which the fire engulfed the building, van der Lubbe’s reputation as a mentally disturbed arsonist hungry for fame, and cryptic comments by leading Nazi officials, it will be generally believed the Nazi hierarchy was involved in starting the fire in order to reap political gain. Journalist William L. Shirer will argue that van der Lubbe was goaded into starting the fire by someone else, while the Nazis set a more elaborate fire at the same time, thereby placing van der Lubbe at the scene of the crime and framing him for an attempted communist takeover. Despite the outcome of the event and the dubious claims by the Nazi Party of a takeover, the issue of responsibility for the fire will still be debated decades later. [Shirer, 10/11/2011, pp. 191-192; Oxford University Press, 12/14/2013] The Enabling Act will be passed by the Reichstag on March 23, 1933. It will be the second major step after the Reichstag Fire Decree through which the Nazis legally establish Nazi Germany by providing the government with legislative powers, effectively handing dictatorial powers to Hitler. [Daily Telegraph, 4/15/2001; Koonz, 11/30/2005, pp. 33; Guardian, 1/12/2008]
Entity Tags: Adolf Hitler, Georgi Dimitrov, Hermann Göring, Marinus van der Lubbe
Category Tags: Other Events
April 1950: Anti-Jewish Bombings in Iraq Are Attributed to Israelis
A series of bombings targets Jews in Iraq. These attacks are later attributed to Israeli agents to allegedly panic Jews into emigrating to Israel, starting a long-standing controversy that continues unresolved. [Ha'aretz, 6/4/2006]
Category Tags: Israel / the Mossad
1954-1970: CIA and the Muslim Brotherhood Ally to Oppose Egyptian President Nasser
In 1954, Egyptian President Gamal Abddul Nasser’s nationalist policies in Egypt come to be viewed as completely unacceptable by Britain and the US. MI6 and the CIA jointly hatch plans for his assassination. According to Miles Copeland, a CIA operative based in Egypt, the opposition to Nasser is driven by the commercial community—the oil companies and the banks. At the same time, the Muslim Brotherhood’s resentment of Nasser’s secular government also comes to a head. In one incident, Islamist militants attack pro-Nasser students at Cairo University. Following an attempt on his own life by the Brotherhood, Nasser responds immediately by outlawing the group, which he denounces as a tool of Britain. The following years see a long and complex struggle pitting Nasser against the Muslim Brotherhood, the US, and Britain. The CIA funnels support to the Muslim Brotherhood because of “the Brotherhood’s commendable capability to overthrow Nasser.” [Baer, 2003, pp. 99; Dreyfuss, 2005, pp. 101-108] The Islamist regime in Saudi Arabia becomes an ally of the United States in the conflict with Nasser. They offer financial backing and sanctuary to Muslim Brotherhood militants during Nasser’s crackdown. Nasser dies of natural causes in 1970. [Dreyfuss, 2005, pp. 90-91, 126-131, 150]
Entity Tags: UK Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), Saudi Arabia, Central Intelligence Agency, Gamal Abddul Nasser, Muslim Brotherhood
July 1954: Israel Commits Bombing Attacks in Egypt, Tries to Blame Muslim Brotherhood
Bombs explode in British and American cultural centers and libraries, and in post offices in Alexandria and Cairo. The campaign ends when a bomb explodes prematurely in the pocket of an Israeli agent who is about to plant it in a British-owned cinema. The plan is to damage the relations between Egypt and the US and Britain by placing the blame for the bombings on the Muslim Brotherhood, an Egyptian Islamic militant group. An initial inquiry places blame on the Minister of Defense, Pinhas Lavon, but a subsequent inquiry authorized by Sharett finds that Lavon was set up using forged documents, and that the true author of the false-flag attack was none other than David Ben Gurion, the “father of the Israeli State. (see March 2005)” [New York Times, 12/11/1954; New York Times, 3/30/1975; Hirst, 2003, pp. 290-296] These events, which later become known as the Lavon Affair, will be documented in the diaries of Israeli Prime Minister Moshe Sharett, who did not learn of the plot until after it was completed. [Rokach, 1986]
Entity Tags: Israel
March 9, 1962: Proposed ‘Operation Northwoods’: US Military Would Conduct Terrorist Attacks, Then Blame Them on Cuba to Build Support for War Against Cuba
In 2001, documents detailing a US military plan called Operation Northwoods will be declassified (see April 24, 2001). The plan suggests conducting terrorist attacks in the US and blame them on Castro’s government in order to create public support for a war against Cuba. The documents are dated March 9, 1962 and are written by the Department of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Representative on the Caribbean Survey Group for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The papers suggest several possible events that the US could fabricate, including the sinking of boats of Cuban refugees, hijacking planes, blowing up a US ship, and even orchestrating violent terrorism in US cities. One of the document’s authors notes, “casualty lists in US newspapers would cause a helpful wave of national indignation.” [US Department of Defense, 3/13/1962 ; ABC News, 5/1/2001; Bamford, 2002]
Timeline Tags: US-Cuba (1959-2005)
Category Tags: Alleged US False Flag Attacks
1967-2001: Israel Provides Support to Militant Islamic Groups in the West Bank and Gaza
Following the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel takes over the administration of the West Bank and Gaza. Whereas Egyptian President Gamal Abddul Nasser had been tough on Islamist militants (see 1954-1970), Israel is much more permissive. One of their first actions is to release Sheikh Ahmed Yassin from prison. Yassin, a charismatic radical Islamist and the future founder of Hamas had been jailed in 1965 during one of Nasser’s crackdowns. [Dreyfuss, 2005, pp. 195] David Shipler, a former New York Times reporter, later recounts that he was told by the military governor of the Gaza Strip, Brigadier General Yitzhak Segev, that the Israeli government had financed the Islamic movement to couteract the PLO and the communists. According to Martha Kessler, a senior analyst for the CIA, “we saw Israel cultivate Islam as a counterweight to Palestinian nationalism.” In the 1970s, Yassin is able to form some Islamic organizations (see 1973-1978). In the 1980s, he forms Hamas as the military arm of his organizations (see 1987). [Dreyfuss, 2005, pp. 195, 197, 198]
Entity Tags: Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Palestinian Liberation Organization, Hamas
September 6-12, 1970 and After: ’Black September’ Triggers Global Islamist Terrorism, Rise of PLO
Two of the airliners detonated by the hijackers at Dawson’s Field on September 12, 1970. [Source: Rolls Press / Popperfoto / Getty Images]The first major act of Middle East terrorism on a global scale plays out in Jordan. Militant Palestinian nationalists hijack four Western commercial airliners and fly the planes and their passengers—now hostages—to a desert airfield near Amman. After negotiations, they release the hostages and blow up the empty airliners for the news cameras. Jordan’s King Hussein responds by mobilizing his military for a showdown with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), a guerrilla organization based in his country. Hussein worries that Iraq or Syria might intervene on behalf of the PLO, and lets the US know that he would like US support in that event. Instead, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger makes the unlikely suggestion that Israel, not the US, step in to help Jordan if need be. President Nixon uses the incident to challenge the Soviet Union, warning the Soviets not to intervene if the US moves to prevent Syrian tanks from entering Jordan. Nixon often lets the Soviets and other adversaries think that he is capable of the most irrational acts—the “madman theory,” both Nixon and his critics call it—but Kissinger eventually convinces Nixon to support the idea of Israeli intervention. King Hussein secretly cables the British government to request an Israeli air strike, a cable routed to Washington via Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir. Nixon gives his approval and Israel moves in. 3,000 Palestinians and Jordanians die in the subsequent conflict, dubbed “Black September” in the Arab world. Hussein loses influence and prestige among his fellow Arab leaders, and the PLO, energized by the conflict, moves into Lebanon. PLO leader Yasser Arafat takes undisputed control of the organization. Oil-supplying nations rally behind the Palestinian cause, and international terrorist incidents begin to escalate. [Werth, 2006, pp. 90-91]
Entity Tags: Palestinian Liberation Organization, Golda Meir, Henry A. Kissinger, Hussein bin Talal, Richard M. Nixon, Yasser Arafat
Category Tags: Israel / the Mossad, Other Events
October 1970-1981: After Nasser’s Death, Egyptian President Sadat Brings Back the Muslim Brotherhood and the CIA
After Egyptian President Gamal Abddul Nasser dies in October 1970, he is succeded as president of Egypt by his former Vice President, Anwar Sadat. Sadat is also a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood, and he promptly reinstates the group as a legal organization and welcomes them back into Egypt. Sadat also has a very close relationship with the head of Saudi intelligence, Kamal Adham. Through Adham, Sadat also develops close working relationships not only with the Saudis, but with the CIA and Henry Kissinger. Sadat uses the power of the religious right, and the Muslim Brothers in particular to contain the Nasserites and their resistance to the radical changes he introduces. During Sadat’s tenure in the 1970’s Egypt becomes a hotbed of Islamic fundamentalism, and figures like Sheikh Omar Abdul-Rahman and Ayman al-Zawahiri gain great power in Egypt during this period. Ironically Sadat himself is assassinated in 1981 by Islamic Jihad, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood, in 1981, because of his accomodation with Israel. [Dreyfuss, 2005, pp. 147-162, 165]
Entity Tags: Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Central Intelligence Agency, Anwar Sadat, Henry A. Kissinger, Gamal Abddul Nasser
1973-1978: With Israel’s support, Ahmed Yassin Forms Islamist Organizations in the West Bank and Gaza
In 1973 Israeli military authorities in charge of the West Bank and Gaza allow Sheikh Ahmed Yassin to establish the Islamic Center, an Islamic fundamentalist organization. With Israel’s support, Yassin’s organization soon gains control of hundreds of mosques, charities, and schools which serve as recruiting centers for militant Islamic fundamentalism. In 1976 Yassin creates another organization called the Islamic Association that forms hundreds of branches in Gaza. In 1978 the Islamic Association is licensed by the government of Menachem Begin over the objections of moderate Palesinians including the Commissioner of the Muslim Waqf in the Gaza Strip, Rafat Abu Shaban. Yassin also recieves funding from business leaders in Saudi Arabia who are also hostile to the secular PLO for religious reasons. The Saudi government, however, steps in and attempts to halt the private funds going to Yassin, because they view him as a tool of Israel. [United Press International, 2/24/2001; CounterPunch, 1/18/2003; Dreyfuss, 2005, pp. 195 - 197] Yassin will go on to form Hamas in the 1980s, which is created with the help of Israeli intelligence (see 1987).
Entity Tags: Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Saudi Arabia, Rafat Abu Shaban, Islamic Center, Islamic Association, Israel
1973-1982: Israel and Jordan Support Muslim Brotherhood Terrorism Against Syria
In 1973 Hafez Assad approves a new, secular constitution for Syria, and declares that the country is a “democratic, popular, socialist state,” creating a backlash of violent Islamist demonstrations. Beginning in 1976, the Muslim Brotherhood carries out hundreds of attacks in Syria in an attempt to bring down the secular government. Israel and Jordan provide generous support for these operations, for example establishing training camps for the Muslim Brotherhood in Lebanon and Jordan near the Syrian border. In one incident in 1979, a gang of Brotherhood militants murders 83 military cadets by locking them inside a buliding and attacking it with automatic weapons and firebombs. Newsweek reports in 1981 that “over the past five years the Brotherhood has assassinated hundreds of Alawite members of Assad’s ruling Baath Parthy along with their relatives, Assad’s personal doctor, and a number of Soviet advisers.” In 1982, the Syrian army brutally suppresses the Muslim Brotherhood and their supporters, massacring thousands in the city of Hama, a strong center of support for the Brotherhood. This puts an end to the wave of violence. [Dreyfuss, 2005, pp. 199-205]
Entity Tags: Muslim Brotherhood, Rafat Abu Shaban, Israel, Jordan, Syria
September 1980: Pro-American Military Coup Takes Place in Turkey
General Kenal Evren leads a military coup in Turkey. Richard Perle, in a 1999 article, will justify the pro-American coup as “a response by the Turkish armed forces to the breakdown of order and security and the rise of terrorism and widespread random violence in Turkey.” According to Perle, the wave of terrorism in Turkey “threatened to undermine American support, both popular and official, for Turkey and for close cooperation in security affairs between the United States and Turkey.” [Foreign Policy Research Institute, 9/1999] Perle says Turkey’s civilian government failed to maintain law and order. Conveniently, the clampdown that follows the coup enables the new government to begin implementing the pro-US strategic agenda that was laid out during the 1979 meeting arranged by Perle’s mentor, Albert Wohlstetter (see 1979). It is now known that the terrorism that destabilized Turkey in the late 1970s was predominately the work of secret groups run by the Turkish military in conjunction with the CIA and NATO. [Progressive, 4/1997; Covert Action Quarterly, 6/1997; Ganser, 12/17/2004]
Entity Tags: Kenal Evren, Richard Perle, Albert Wohlstetter
Category Tags: Other / Unknown
Early 1981: Mossad Initiates Bombing Campaign in Europe against A. Q. Khan Network
The Israeli intelligence service Mossad begins a bombing and intimidation campaign in Europe targeting people linked to A. Q. Khan’s nuclear proliferation network, which is helping Pakistan build a nuclear weapon. After Israel bombs an Iraqi nuclear reactor in Osirak in June 1981, the campaign intensifies. Attacks are carried out and warnings given in Europe against Khan’s suppliers and middlemen (see Early 1981, February 20, 1981, Early 1981, November 1981, and 1981). The bombings are investigated by the police forces in the countries in which they occur and are traced to a group of apparent fronts for Mossad: the Group for Non-Proliferation in South Asia, the Committee to Safeguard the Islamic Revolution, and the League for Protecting the Sub-Continent. European police realize that a state-backed group is probably behind the bombings and suspect Mossad, due to the problematic relations between Israel and the Islamic world. Authors Adrian Levy and Catherine Scott-Clark will also say that Mossad was behind the bombings, partly based on interviews of “senior intelligence sources” in Israel in 2006. [Levy and Scott-Clark, 2007, pp. 87-8, 476]
Entity Tags: Israel Institute for Intelligence and Special Tasks (Mossad)
February 1982: Article in Israeli Journal Says Israel Should Exploit Internal Tensions of Arab States
The winter issue of Kivunim, a “A Journal for Judaism and Zionism,” publishes “A Strategy for Israel in the Nineteen Eighties” by Oded Yinon. The paper, published in Hebrew, rejects the idea that Israel should carry through with the Camp David accords and seek peace. Instead, Yinon suggests that the Arab States should be destroyed from within by exploiting their internal religious and ethnic tensions: “Lebanon’s total dissolution into five provinces serves as a precedent for the entire Arab world including Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and the Arabian peninsula and is already following that track. The dissolution of Syria and Iraq later on into ethnically or religiously unique areas such as in Lebanon, is Israel’s primary target on the Eastern front in the long run, while the dissolution of the military power of those states serves as the primary short term target. Syria will fall apart, in accordance with its ethnic and religious structure, into several states such as in present day Lebanon.” [Kivunim, 2/1982]
Entity Tags: Oded Yinon
1984-1989: Israeli Intelligence Officer Supplies Arms to Iran; Some Profits Allegedly Used to Fund False Flag Attacks
By his own account, Israeli intelligence officer Ari Ben-Menashe runs a covert Israeli arms network, primarily supplying weapons to the Islamic fundamentalist regime in Iran for use in the Iran-Iraq War. Huge profits are made. “At various times the fund reached peaks of more than $1 billion,” he later explains in his book, Profits of War. “At its height it stood at $1.8 billion.… Between 1984 and 1989 no less than $160 million was funneled to [Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak] Shamir’s [Likud] faction.” He also says that the money helped finance the intelligence community’s “black” operations including “Israeli-controlled ‘Palestinian terrorists’ who would commit crimes in the name of the Palestinian revolution but were actually pulling them off, usually unwittingly, as part of the Israeli propaganda machine.” The Israeli government will later deny that Menashe had any association with their intelligence services. But faced with evidence, the government will change its story, alleging that he was only a low-level translator who had taken to freelancing arms deals. However, Ben-Menashe is able to produce strong evidence to support his version of events and his 1991 trial in New York will culminate in his acquittal on the grounds that the jury disbelieves the Israeli government’s denials. [Ben-Menashe, 1992, pp. 120; Consortium News, 1997; Coll, 2004, pp. 120]
Entity Tags: Yitzhak Shamir, Ari Ben Menashe
April 17, 1984: Libyan Diplomats Allegedly Shoot and Kill British Policewoman; Case Remains Unsolved and Controversial
Yvonne Fletcher. [Source: Public domain]Woman Police Constable Yvonne Fletcher is shot and killed in London’s St James’s Square during a protest outside the Libyan embassy. Eleven demonstrators protesting against Libyan ruler Mu’ammar al-Qadhafi are also injured in the volley of gun fire. The shooting is followed by a siege of the embassy, as well as the breakdown of diplomatic relations between Britain and Libya. After ten days, thirty Libyan diplomats are allowed to leave Britain. Because they are granted diplomatic immunity, there is effectively no police investigation in Fletcher’s murder. [BBC, 3/25/2004] Not everyone, however, is convinced that Libyans are to blame. In 1996, Channel Four shows a documentary entitled Dispatches: Murder at St James’s, in which several respected criminal and ballistic experts express doubts that the fatal shot could have come from the embassy. The program is praised by Tam Dalyell, a veteran Labour MP, who is also a critic of the governmental investigation of the Lockerbie crash. These arguments are dismissed by British authorities. [Guardian, 7/23/1997] Later, the Libyan government, eager to ease crippling diplomatic and economic sanctions, accepts “general responsibility” for the death and allows British investigators to come to Libya in search of the shooter, but Scotland Yard fails to find him. The case remains unsolved. [Observer, 6/24/2007]
Entity Tags: Yvonne Fletcher, Tam Dalyell
Timeline Tags: US confrontation with Iran, Complete 911 Timeline
April 5, 1986 and After: Berlin Discotheque Bombed by Islamic Militants; 3 Die in Blast
The La Belle discotheque after the bombing. [Source: Associated Press]The La Belle disco in West Berlin suffers a terrorist bombing when a two-kilogram bomb packed with plastic explosive and shrapnel detonates near the dance floor. A Turkish woman and two US soldiers are killed. Two hundred and thirty others are injured, including more than 50 US soldiers. The attack is widely blamed on the Libyan government; 10 days later, the US orders air strikes on Libyan targets. The strikes are widely perceived as an attempt to kill Libyan dictator Mu’ammar al-Qadhafi, who is not injured in the strikes, but whose adopted baby daughter is killed along with 15 civilians. Three employees at the Libyan embassy in Berlin are later found guilty of attempted murder, and the wife of one of them is found guilty of murder after she is proven to have planted the bomb. [BBC, 11/13/2001] In 1998, ZDF, the German television network, will air a documentary that claims that Libya was not behind the bombing. The program will claim that the main suspects worked for US and Israeli intelligence. [World Socialist Web Site, 8/27/1998] However, files maintained by East Germany’s intelligence agency, STASI, seem to prove that former embassy employee Musbah Eter and his three colleagues are responsible for the attack. The prosecution will not prove that al-Qadhafi or the Libyan government is responsible for the bombing. [BBC, 11/13/2001] In 2004, Libya will agree to pay $35 million in reparations to the families of some of the victims, an implicit admission of its involvement in the attack. [Associated Press, 8/10/2004]
Entity Tags: Musbah Eter, Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, Ministry for State Security (STASI), Mu’ammar al-Qadhafi
After Mid-April 1986: CIA Allegedly Sets Up Fake Bomb Plot to Influence European Opinion
The La Belle disco in Berlin after it was bombed. [Source: AFP]European public opinion begins to turn after the US launches a deadly strike against Libya, in retaliation for the bombing of a Berlin disco in which two American servicemen died (see April 5, 1986 and After). The CIA therefore works to spread the idea that the Libyans intend to plant another bomb in Berlin, a propaganda operation designed to reshape European public opinion. According to a CIA officer involved in the operation, the first step is “to convince German intelligence and police there was a terrorist cell.” To achieve this, a Lebanese CIA asset named Jamal Hamdan, who helps the US in various ways around this time, makes a series of phone calls from an apartment in Cyprus to suspected terrorists in Germany. Hamdan also tells a relative living in West Berlin that his brother Ali and a friend will enter the city carrying a package, which, it is implied, is a bomb. Ali Hamdan and the friend then enter West Berlin illegally from the east and are arrested by German police, who wrongly believe that they actually have a bomb and the plot is real. Word of the plot is leaked to the US press, enabling the Reagan administration to quell criticism of the attack on Libya. The CIA then steps in and has the two men held in Germany released. [Trento and Trento, 2006, pp. 89-90]
Entity Tags: Libya, Central Intelligence Agency, Ali Hamdan, Reagan administration, Jamal Hamdan
1987: Hamas Forms with the Support of Israeli Intelligence
Sheikh Ahmed Yassin forms Hamas as the military arm of his Islamic Association, which had been licensed by Israel ten years earlier (see 1973-1978). According to Charles Freeman, a former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, “Israel started Hamas. It was a project of Shin Bet, which had a feeling that they could use it to hem in the PLO.” [CounterPunch, 1/18/2003; Dreyfuss, 2005, pp. 191, 208] Anthony Cordesman, a Middle East analyst for the Center for Strategic Studies, states that Israel “aided Hamas directly—the Israelis wanted to use it as a counterbalance to the PLO.” A former senior CIA official speaking to UPI describes Israel’s support for Hamas as “a direct attempt to divide and dilute support for a strong, secular PLO by using a competing religious alternative.” Further, according to an unnamed US government official, “the thinking on the part of some of the right-wing Israeli establishment was that Hamas and the other groups, if they gained control, would refuse to have anything to do with the peace process and would torpedo any agreements put in place.” Larry Johnson, a counterterrorism official at the State Department, states: “The Israelis are their own worst enemies when it comes to fighting terrorism. They are like a guy who sets fire to his hair and then tries to put it out by hitting it with a hammer. They do more to incite and sustain terrorism than curb it.” [United Press International, 2/24/2001 Sources: Larry C. Johnson, Unnamed former CIA official]
Entity Tags: Israel, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Bin Laden Family
September 14, 1987-March 2005: Arrested Militant Not Asked by US about Various Crimes
Fawaz Younis, a Lebanese militant associated with the Amal militia, a Shiite organization that is influential in Lebanon at this time, is arrested in international waters near Cyprus on September 14, 1987, during a joint FBI-CIA operation. However, US authorities fail to ask him about activities in Lebanon, such as the murders of CIA officers, kidnappings of US citizens who will later be part of an arms-for-hostages deal with Iran (see Late May, 1986), and an attack on the US Marine barracks in Beirut, where over 200 people were killed (see April 18-October 23, 1983). Authors Joe and Susan Trento will write, “The key to all these unasked questions may be that those in charge did not want to know the answers.” For example, Younis is not asked about cooperation between the Amal group, which had a covert relationship with the CIA, and Hezbollah in the bombings. One possible reason for this is that Amal head Nabih Berri has “full knowledge of the arms-for-hostages deal,” an aspect of the Iran-Contra scandal. After Younis is released in 2005, the Trentos will interview him and he will say that Amal was co-responsible for the attacks: “Nothing happened in areas we controlled without Amal’s cooperation.” He will also say that Berri ordered some of the hijackings and that he cannot understand “why the United States allowed him to get away with it.” In addition, he will comment, “Privately, people in our government will say we cannot act [against Islamic militancy] in Lebanon because Nabih Berri is a valuable US intelligence asset,” and, “That lack of action is seen by the Hezbollah as evidence of America’s lack of seriousness and resolve in the war on terror.” Regarding 9/11, he will say, “I have no doubt that our experience in breaking through airport security, developing sources and help among airport staff, was information that Hezbollah passed on to al-Qaeda.” [Trento and Trento, 2006, pp. 213, 215-7]
Entity Tags: Susan Trento, Nabih Berri, Joseph Trento, Central Intelligence Agency, Fawaz Younis, Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Amal
Timeline Tags: Complete 911 Timeline, Iran-Contra Affair
Early 1990s and After: Mysterious Links Seen between Right Wing Westerners and Philippine Muslim Militants
In 2002, a Philippine newspaper article will claim that “Philippine police have long been aware of operational ties between local Islamic radicals and right-wing foreigners.” Apparently these ties become first noticeable in the early 1990s. The article is mainly about a 1996 recorded testimonial by Edwin Angeles, a Philippine undercover agent who had posed as a leader of the Philippine militant group Abu Sayyaf until 1995 (see 1991-Early February 1995). In his testimony, he claimed to have attended meetings between Muslim militants and Oklahoma City bomber Terry Nichols, plus another right-wing American named John Lepney (see Late 1992-Early 1993 and Late 1994). The article notes that Philippine officials believe such ties were not limited to these cases. “Why the strange alliance exists remains a puzzle to police and military intelligence agents. A senior counterterrorism expert says commerce and short-term goals could account for the unusual ties. ‘Eventually, they’ll be killing each other. But for now, they seem to be working together.’” Lepney had been seen in the rebellious areas of the southern Philippines since 1990 and occasionally boasted of his rebel ties. [Manila Times, 4/26/2002] Additionally, Michael Meiring, a US citizen who may have been a CIA operative with ties to Muslim militant leaders (see May 16, 2002) and December 2, 2004), periodically appeared in the same region beginning in 1992 (see 1992-1993). He sometimes stayed in Davao City, the same city where Lepney was based. Meiring claims to be a treasure hunter, but military officials note that there are “terrorists and intelligence operatives of all stripes about among treasure hunters’ circles.” Meiring also had ties to at least one neo-Nazi figure in the US. [Manila Times, 5/30/2002; Manila Times, 5/31/2002] Philippine officials will later identify a number of other suspicious right-wing Westerners living in the rebellious southern region of the country in the early 1990s. For instance, there is US citizen Nina North, whom acquaintances claim has CIA connections. From 1990 to 1992, she was reportedly working on business deals with bin Laden and other Middle East figures involving the transfer of gold bullion. In 2002, Philippine officials will claim that ties between right-wing Westerners and Muslim militants continue to the present day but they do not provide new information because of ongoing investigations. [Manila Times, 5/31/2002]
Entity Tags: Michael Meiring, John Lepney, Edwin Angeles, Nina North, Osama bin Laden
Category Tags: The Philippines, Alleged US False Flag Attacks
1991-Early February 1995: Al-Qaeda Linked Philippine Militant Group Deeply Penetrated by Government Operative
Edwin Angeles. [Source: Robin Moyer]Edwin Angeles helps found the new Muslim militant group Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines and becomes the group’s second in command and operations officer. But Angeles is actually a deep cover operative for the Philippine government and has already penetrated the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a much larger rebel group that Abu Sayyaf splintered from. Angeles is the first to suggest that Abu Sayyaf take part in kidnappings, and plans the group’s first kidnapping for ransom in 1992. He will be directly involved in numerous violent acts committed by Abu Sayyaf until his cover is blown in early 1995 (see Late 1994-January 1995 and Early February 1995). [Philippine Daily Inquirer, 7/10/2001] Colonel Rodolfo Mendoza, who will later lead the Philippine investigation in the Bojinka plot, is his main handler. Mendoza will later recall, “I received orders to handle him… I had the impression he was also being handled by somebody higher.” [Vitug and Gloria, 2000] In 2002, one of Angeles’ wives will claim in a deathbed confession that Angeles told her he was a “deep-penetration agent” working for “some very powerful men in the DND (Department of National Defense),” the Philippine national defense-intelligence agency. [Insight, 6/22/2002] During this time, Abu Sayyaf is very active. Philippine intelligence will later estimate that from 1991 to 1995 the group launches 67 kidnappings and violent attacks, killing around 136 people and injuring hundreds more. [Strategic Studies Institute of the US Army War College, 9/1/2005 ]
Entity Tags: Rodolfo Mendoza, Moro National Liberation Front, Abu Sayyaf, Edwin Angeles, Department of National Defense
Category Tags: The Philippines
December 1991-October 27, 1994: Islamist Militants Stage Numerous Attacks in Algeria
GIA logo. [Source: Public domain]The Groupe Islamique Armé (GIA), established in 1991, allegedly is an Islamist militant group linked to al-Qaeda, but there are allegations it was manipulated by the Algerian government from its inception (see 1991). Militants launch their first attack in December 1991, shortly before an Algerian army coup (see January 11, 1992), striking a military base, killing conscripts there and seizing weapons. The GIA competes with an existing militant group, the Armed Islamic Movement (MIA), which changes its name to the Islamic Salvation Army (AIS) in 1993 and becomes the armed wing of the banned FIS party. After the army coup, the GIA and AIS stage many attacks in Algeria. The GIA is more active, targeting many government employees, intellectuals, and foreigners for assassination, and attacking factories, railroads, bridges, banks, military garrisons, and much more. They generally try to minimize civilian casualties, but hope to create a state of fear that will lead to paralysis and the collapse of the government. The group goes through four leaders during this time. But in October 1994 a new leader will take over, dramatically changing the direction of the group (see October 27, 1994-July 16, 1996). [Crotty, 2005, pp. 291]
Entity Tags: Islamic Salvation Army, Groupe Islamique Armé
Category Tags: Algeria
1992: Al-Qaeda Southeast Asian Affiliate Is Founded; Founding Member Is Indonesian Government Mole
Fauzi Hasbi. [Source: SBS Dateline]In 1992, the Southeast Asian Islamist militant group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) is founded. It will eventually become known as al-Qaeda’s main affiliate in the region. Actually, many of its alleged founders, such as Abu Bakar Bashir, have been pressing Islamist militant causes for several decades, but with the creation of JI their efforts become more violent. Also in contrast to previous Islamist groups in the region, JI is deliberately set up as a military organization. One of the founding members of JI is Fauzi Hasbi, who has been an Indonesian government mole posing as a militant leader since the late 1970s (see 1979-February 22, 2003). Hasbi actually facilitates JI’s first major meeting, held in Bogor, Indonesia. For many years, he also lives in the same small Malaysian village as the top JI leaders, such as Bashir and Hambali (see April 1991-Late 2000). The Australian television program SBS Dateline will later comment: “The extraordinary story of Fauzi Hasbi raises many important questions about JI and the Indonesian authorities. Why didn’t they smash the terror group in its infancy?” Umar Abduh, an Indonesian Islamist convicted of terrorism and jailed for ten years, works with Hasbi. In 2005, he will claim that in retrospect he realizes that he and other militants were completely manipulated by the government. “[T]here is not a single Islamic group, either in the movement or the political groups that is not controlled by [Indonesian intelligence]. Everyone does what they say.” [New York Times, 8/27/2003; SBS Dateline, 10/12/2005]
Entity Tags: Jemaah Islamiyah, Fauzi Hasbi, Abu Bakar Bashir, Umar Abduh, Hambali
Category Tags: Indonesia
1992-1993: Suspected CIA Operative Has Ties to Philippine Militant Leaders
Michael Meiring, a suspected CIA operative connected to Philippine militant groups (see May 16, 2002), first comes to the Philippines and lives there for a year. According to a later report by the Manila Times, Meiring lives in the capital of Manila and is frequently seen with two agents of the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Yet at the same time he is believed to have ties with the top leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which, together with the Abu Sayyaf, are the main Muslim militant groups in the southern Philippines. “Meiring’s connections with rebel leaders made the military wary about him. He was under surveillance by more than one intelligence unit on more than one occasion.” One close US friend later claims that in 1992 Meiring said he had found and sold a box full of US Federal Reserve notes worth more than $500 million. It is believed that he spends millions of dollars while in the Philippines. [Manila Times, 5/29/2002] (There appear to have been frequent scams in the Philippines involving millions and even billions of dollars of fraudulent US Federal Reserve notes.) [Time, 2/26/2001] Meiring, a former citizen of South Africa, fled to the US when he became the subject of an investigation toward the end of South Africa’s apartheid regime. He then became a US citizen. Meiring is connected to a group of treasure hunters led by James Rowe, an American. Rowe connects with a group of right-wing white supremacists linked to the US neo-Nazi party. In 1993, Meiring and Rowe travel to the Philippines together. [Manila Times, 5/30/2002] Meiring will come and go between the US and the Philippines for the next ten years, claiming to be a treasure hunter. In 2002 he will be severely injured by a bomb he is trying to make and will be whisked out of the Philippines by US officials (see May 16, 2002) and December 2, 2004). Philippine officials have observed other right-wing Americans with ties to Muslim militants starting in the early 1990s (see Early 1990s and After). [Manila Times, 5/29/2002]
Entity Tags: National Bureau of Investigation, Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front, James Rowe, Michael Meiring
March 17, 1992: Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires Is Bombed, Hezbollah and Iran Accused Despite Lack of Evidence
Rescue workers in the wreckage of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires. [Source: Reuters / Corbis]Twenty-nine people are killed in the bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The bombing levels the three-story building. Argentina, the US, and Israel will later accuse Hezbollah and its backer Iran, but provide little evidence. According to most media accounts and the US State Department’s annual report on terrorism, the bombing was the work of a Hezbollah suicide bomber who drove a truck into the building. [Los Angeles Times, 5/8/1992; Patterns of Global Terrorism, 4/30/1993; Fox News, 10/5/2007] However, a technical report ordered by Argentina’s Supreme Court will find that the bomb was placed inside the building: “Court official Guillermo Lopez said that the investigation had ascertained that the explosives had been located on the first floor of the diplomatic headquarters. ‘The engineers established, with 99 percent certainty, the exact location where the explosives were and the quantity that was used.’” That conclusion is angrily rejected by Israel. [NotiSur, 8/16/1996] The case remains unsolved. [Ha'aretz, 3/17/2008]
Entity Tags: Hezbollah
Mid-September 1992: Bosnia Muslims Stage Attack from Sarajevo Hospital to Discredit Serbians
Lord David Owen arrives in Sarajevo as the new European Union peace negotiator. Owen is initially seen as anti-Serb and had recently advocated Western air strikes against the Bosnian Serbs. He is outraged that his arrival coincides with a Serb bombardment of the Kosevo Hospital in Sarajevo, Bosnia. But within hours, he learns that the incident was actually provoked by the Bosnian Muslims. He will later say, “The UN monitors actually saw the Muslim troops enter the hospital and, from the hospital grounds, firing at Serb positions. Then the mortar was packed up and removed as the television crew showed up. A few minutes later a retaliatory fire of course landed in or near the hospital and all was filmed for television.” UN Gen. Philippe Morillon immediately writes a letter to Bosnian President Izetbegovic: “I now have concrete evidence from witnesses of this cowardly and disreputable act and I must point out the harm such blatant disregard for the Geneva Convention does to your cause.” But the letter and information about the incident is not made public and the Serbs are the only ones blamed for the incident. Owen will later say, “I asked Morillon why didn’t he make this public, and he shrugged his shoulders [and said], ‘We have to live here.’” [Rothstein, 1999, pp. 176, 188]
Entity Tags: Alija Izetbegovic, Philippe Morillon, David Owen
Category Tags: The Balkans
December 8, 1992: UN and Senior Western Military Officials Claim Bosnian Muslims Are Attacking Their Own People to Gain International Sympathy
The Independent reports, “United Nations officials and senior Western military officers believe some of the worst recent killings in Sarajevo, including the massacre of at least 16 people in a bread queue, were carried out by the city’s mainly Muslim defenders - not Serb besiegers - as a propaganda ploy to win world sympathy and military intervention. The view has been expressed in confidential reports circulating at UN headquarters in New York, and in classified briefings to US policymakers in Washington. All suggest that Sarajevo’s defenders, mainly Muslims but including Croats and a number of Serb residents, staged several attacks on their own people in the hope of dramatizing the city’s plight in the face of insuperable Serbian odds. They emphasize, however, that these attacks, though bloody, were a tiny minority among regular city bombardments by Serbian forces.” The reports claim the following events were likely committed by the Bosnian Muslims:
The bombing of a bread line in Sarajevo on May 27, 1992.
A mortar attack on July 17, 1992, hitting a bunker where British minister Douglas Hurd was meeting with Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic. Ten bystanders were killed or wounded.
An August 4, 1992, explosion at a cemetery while two orphans were being buried.
The August 13, 1992, death of ABC News producer David Kaplan near Sarajevo. One UN military officer says it would have been impossible the bullet that killed him was fired by a sniper from distant Serbian positions. “That shot came in horizontal to the ground. Somebody was down at ground level.”
A Ukrainian soldier killed in Sarajevo on December 3, 1992, was similarly shot by small arms fire which would imply the Bosnian Muslims.
The UN officials behind these reports claim that are not trying to exonerate the Serbs, who also have been killing many in sniper attacks, mortar rounds, and so forth. “But they expressed fears that the ‘self-inflicted’ attacks may not augur well for existing UN forces or for additional Western troops, including Britons, who have to serve there.” [Independent, 8/22/1992]
Entity Tags: David Kaplan, United Nations
July 18, 1994: Anti-Jewish Bombing in Buenos Aires Is Blamed on Hezbollah and Iran Despite Lack of Proof
Wreckage of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, [Source: Reuters / Corbis]A Jewish community center called AMIA in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is destroyed in a blast. The seven-story building is reduced to rubble and eighty-five people are killed. [BBC, 8/25/2003] Argentinean authorities, as well as the United States and Israel, are quick to blame Hezbollah and its backer, Iran. They accuse an Iranian diplomat of having provided a van packed with explosives to a Hezbollah suicide bomber.
Problems with Investigation - But the investigation becomes the subject of intense controversy. Argentine President Nestor Kirchner will later call it “a national disgrace.” In 2003, it will be revealed that the investigative judge offered an apparent bribe to the man accused of selling the van used in the attack in exchange for his testimony against local police officers charged with complicity in the bombing. That judge will later be impeached and removed from office and the case will collapse. [BBC, 12/3/2003; BBC, 8/3/2005]
Forensic Evidence - Critics will also argue that the forensic evidence suggests that the bomb exploded inside the building, rather than in the street. This will be the conclusion reached by Charles Hunter, an explosives expert with the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) who was part of the investigation. Hunter will quickly identify “major discrepancies” between the car-bomb thesis and the blast pattern recorded in photos. A report drafted two weeks later will note that, in the wake of the bombing, merchandise in a store immediately to the right of AMIA was tightly packed against its front windows and merchandise in another shop had been blown out onto the street—suggesting that the blast came from inside rather than outside. Hunter will also say he does not understand how the building across the street could still be standing if the bomb had exploded in front of AMIA. Investigators will find no conclusive evidence against any Iranian diplomat. The US ambassador to Argentina at the time, James Cheek, will comment in a 2008 article: “To my knowledge, there was never any real evidence of [Iranian responsibility]. They never came up with anything.” [Nation, 1/18/2008] Nevertheless, in November 2007, Argentina, with strong support from the US and Israel, will successfully persuade Interpol to issue arrest warrants against several Iranian officials and one Lebanese Hezbollah militant. [Wall Street Journal, 1/15/2008]
Entity Tags: Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina, James Cheek, Hezbollah, Nestor Kirchner
October 27, 1994-July 16, 1996: Government Mole Takes Over Algerian GIA, Causes Group to Splinter and Lose Popularity
Djamel Zitouni. [Source: Fides Journal]Djamel Zitouni takes over the Groupe Islamique Armé (GIA). There are allegations that the Algerian government manipulated the GIA from its creation in 1991 (see 1991). After going through several leaders, it appears that the GIA’s new leader Zitouni is in fact an agent of the Algerian intelligence agency. For instance, in 2005 the Guardian will report that Algerian intelligence “managed to place Djamel Zitouni, one of the Islamists it controlled, at the head of the GIA.” [Guardian, 9/8/2005] And journalist Jonathan Randal will write in a 2005 book that according to Abdelkhader Tigha, a former Algerian security officer, “army intelligence controlled overall GIA leader Djamel Zitouni and used his men to massacre civilians to turn Algerian and French public opinion against the jihadis.” [Randal, 2005, pp. 170-171] Indeed, prior to Zitouni taking over, the GIA tried to limit civilian casualties in their many attacks (see December 1991-October 27, 1994). But Zitouni launches many attacks on civilian targets. He also attacks other Islamist militant groups, such as the rival Islamic Salvation Army (AIS). He also launches a series of attacks inside France. [Crotty, 2005, pp. 291-292] Zitouni also kills many of the genuine Islamists within the GIA. [New Zealand Listener, 2/14/2004] These controversial tactics cause the GIA to slowly lose popular support and the group also splits into many dissident factions. Some international militant leaders such as Ayman al-Zawahiri and Abu Qatada continue to support the GIA. He will finally be killed by a rival faction on July 16, 1996. [Crotty, 2005, pp. 291-292]
Entity Tags: Département du Renseignement et de la Sécurité, Abdelkhader Tigha, Groupe Islamique Armé, Islamic Salvation Army, Djamel Zitouni
January 13,1995: Algerian Government Responds to Peace Overtures by Plotting False Flag Attacks in France
The Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) logo. [Source: Public domain]The Italian government hosts a meeting in Rome of Algerian political parties, including the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), whose probable election win was halted by an army coup in 1992 (see January 11, 1992). Eight political parties representing 80 percent of the vote in the last multi-party election agree on a common platform brokered by the Catholic community of Sant’Egidio, Italy, known as the Sant’Egidio Platform. The militant Groupe Islamique Armé (GIA) is the only significant opposition force not to participate in the agreement. The parties agree to a national conference that would precede new multi-party elections. They call for an inquiry into the violence in Algeria, a return to constitutional rule, and the end of the army’s involvement in politics. The Independent notes the agreement “[does] much to bridge the enmity between religious and lay parties and, most significantly, pushe[s] the FIS for the first time into an unequivocal declaration of democratic values.” French President Francois Mitterrand soon proposes a European Union peace initiative to end the fighting in Algeria, but the Algerian government responds by recalling its ambassador to France. [Independent, 2/5/1995] The Washington Post notes that the agreement “demonstrate[s] a growing alliance between the Islamic militants [such as the GIA], waging a deadly underground war with government security forces, and the National Liberation Front,” Algeria’s ruling party, as both are opposed to peace with the FIS and other opposition parties. [Washington Post, 1/14/1995] The Guardian will later report that these peace overtures “left [Algeria’s] generals in an untenable position. In their desperation, and with the help of the DRS [Algeria’s intelligence agency], they hatched a plot to prevent French politicians from ever again withdrawing support for the military junta.” The GIA is heavily infilrated by Algerian government moles at this time and even the GIA’s top leader, Djamel Zitouni, is apparently working for Algerian intelligence (see October 27, 1994-July 16, 1996). Some GIA moles are turned into agent provocateurs. GIA leader Ali Touchent, who the Guardian will say is one of the Algerian moles, begins planning attacks in France in order to turn French public opinion against the Algerian opposition and in favor of the ruling Algerian government (see July-October 1995). The GIA also plots against some of the FIS’s leaders living in Europe. [Guardian, 9/8/2005]
Entity Tags: National Liberation Front, Islamic Salvation Front, Algerian army, Groupe Islamique Armé, Département du Renseignement et de la Sécurité, Francois Mitterrand, Ali Touchent
Early February 1995: Philippine Undercover Operative Exposed Shortly after Bojinka Plot Was Foiled
Edwin Angeles, a Philippine government operative so deeply embedded in the Muslim militant group Abu Sayyaf that he is actually the group’s second in command (see 1991-Early February 1995), surrenders to Philippine authorities. Angeles will later tell a reporter that he was not supposed to surrender yet and was surprised that his military handlers unmasked his cover. [Philippine Daily Inquirer, 7/10/2001] One report suggests a slightly different account: “In early February, rumors began to circulate that Angeles… was, in fact, a deep-penetration agent planted by the Philippine military; Angeles heard the rumors and knew he would be killed,” so he turned himself in. In any case, the timing may have something to do with the Bojinka plot, which he was involved in and was foiled just the month before (see January 6, 1995 and Late 1994-January 1995). Angeles is debriefed for weeks and reveals many details about the Bojinka plot and Abu Sayyaf generally. It is not known what he may have told Philippine intelligence about the Bojinka plot while the plot was still in motion, if anything. [Advertiser, 6/3/1995] Angeles leads the military in a number of operations against Abu Sayyaf and helps capture several top leaders, removing any doubt for the group that he was an undercover agent. Angeles then becomes a Philippine intelligence agent but, soon he has a falling out over what he believes are unethical methods and goes public with his complaints later in the year. He is then charged with multiple counts of kidnapping and murder for his actions when he was an Abu Sayyaf leader. However, he will be acquitted after the judge announces Angeles proved the crimes were all done as part of his job as an undercover operative. Hated by both the Philippine government and Abu Sayyaf, Angeles will disappear into the jungle and try to start his own rebel group. However, he will be shot and killed in early 1999. [Philippine Daily Inquirer, 7/10/2001]
Entity Tags: Abu Sayyaf, Edwin Angeles, Philippines
April 4, 1995: Philippine Militant Group Attacks Town; Government Alleged to Support the Attack
Devastation after the raid on Ipil. [Source: Romeo Gacad / Agence France-Presse / Getty Images]The Abu Sayyaf, a Muslim militant group, attacks the Christian town of Ipil in the Southern Philippines. About 200 militants burn, loot, and shoot inside the town for hours, killing 53 and withdrawing with 30 hostages. In 2001, the Independent calls this the group’s “bloodiest and most shocking attack.” [Washington Post, 5/25/1995; Independent, 3/4/2001] Edwin Angeles is an undercover operative for the Philippine government while also serving as Abu Sayyaf’s second in command (see 1991-Early February 1995). Although Angeles’ undercover status was exposed in February 1995 (see Early February 1995), he claims to still have been in the group when the raid was planned. He says the raid was to test a new group of recruits recently returned from training in Pakistan, and to rob several banks. [Washington Post, 5/25/1995] Aquilino Pimentel, president of the Philippines Senate, will later allege that Angeles told him later in 1995 that the Philippine government provided the Abu Sayyaf with military vehicles, mortars, and assorted firearms to assist them with the raid. [Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel website, 7/31/2000] At this time, the Philippine government is unpopular due to a recent scandal and is attempting to pass an anti-terrorism bill. The government has sometimes been accused of manipulating the Abu Sayyaf for Machiavellian purposes (see 1994, July 31, 2000, and July 27-28, 2003).
Entity Tags: Philippines, Aquilino Pimentel, Edwin Angeles, Abu Sayyaf
July-October 1995: Wave of Attacks in France Blamed on Algerian Islamist Militants Were Likely Masterminded by Algerian Government
A Paris subway car bombed in 1995. [Source: Associated Press]Ten French citizens die and more than two hundred are injured in a series of attacks in France from July to October 1995. Most of the attacks are caused by the explosion of rudimentary bombs in the Paris subway. The deaths are blamed on the Groupe Islamique Armé (GIA) Algerian militant group. Some members of the banned Algerian opposition Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) living in exile in France are killed as well. For instance, high-level FIS leader Abdelbaki Sahraoui is assassinated on July 11, 1995. The GIA takes credit for these acts. The attacks mobilize French public opinion against the Islamic opposition in Algerian and causes the French government to abandon its support for recent Algerian peace plans put forth by a united opposition front (see January 13,1995). [BBC, 10/30/2002; Randal, 2005, pp. 171, 316-317; Guardian, 9/8/2005] However, in September 1995, French Interior Minister Jean-Louis Debré says, “It cannot be excluded that Algerian intelligence may have been implicated” in the first bombing, which hit the Saint-Michel subway stop in Paris on July 25 and killed eight. [BBC, 10/31/2002; Randal, 2005, pp. 316-317] And as time goes on, Algerian officials defect and blame Algerian intelligence for sponsoring all the attacks. Ali Touchent is said to be the GIA leader organizing the attacks (see January 13,1995). But Mohammed Samraoui, former deputy chief of the Algerian army’s counterintelligence unit, will later claim that Touchent was an Algerian intelligence “agent tasked with infiltrating Islamist ranks abroad and the French knew it.” But he adds the French “probably did not suspect their Algerian counterparts were prepared to go so far.” [Randal, 2005, pp. 316-317] A long-time Algerian secret agent known only by the codename Yussuf-Joseph who defected to Britain will later claim that the bombings in France were supported by Algerian intelligence in order to turn French public opinion against the Islamic opposition in Algeria. He says that intelligence agents went sent to France by General Smain Lamari, head of the Algerian counterintelligence department, to directly organize at least two of the French bombings. The operational leader was actually Colonel Souames Mahmoud, head of the intelligence at the Algerian Embassy in Paris. [Observer, 11/9/1997] In 2002, a French television station will air a 90-minute documentary tying the bombings to Algerian intelligence. In the wake of the broadcast, Alain Marsaud, French counterintelligence coordinator in the 1980s, will say, “State terrorism uses screen organizations. In this case, [the GIA was] a screen organization in the hands of the Algerian security services… it was a screen to hold France hostage.” [New Zealand Listener, 2/14/2004]
Entity Tags: Ali Touchent, Islamic Salvation Front, Alain Marsaud, Mohammed Samraoui, Abdelbaki Sahraoui, Souames Mahmoud, Yussuf-Joseph, Smain Lamari, Jean-Louis Debré
March 26-May 21, 1996: French Monks in Algeria Kidnapped and Killed by Algerian Intelligence Working with Compromised Islamic Militants
A photo montage of the seven murdered monks from Tibhirine. [Source: Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance] (click image to enlarge)On March 26, 1996, a group of armed men break into a Trappist monastery in the remote mountain region of Tibhirine, Algeria, and kidnap seven of the nine monks living there. They are held hostage for two months and then Djamel Zitouni, head of the Groupe Islamique Armé (GIA), announces that they were all killed on May 21, 1996. The French government and the Roman Catholic church state the GIA is to blame. But years later, Abdelkhader Tigha, former head of Algeria’s military security, will claim the kidnapping was planned by Algerian officials to get the monks out of a highly contested area. He says government agents kidnapped the monks and then handed them to a double agent in the GIA. But the plan went awry and the militants assigned to carry it out killed the monks. Furthermore, it will later be alleged that Zitouni was a mole for Algerian intelligence (see October 27, 1994-July 16, 1996). [Independent, 12/24/2002; United Press International, 8/20/2004] In 2004, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will reopen the controversy when he says of the monks’ deaths, “Not all truth is good to say when [the issue is still] hot.” [United Press International, 8/20/2004] He will also say, “Don’t forget that the army saved Algeria. Whatever the deviations there may have been, and there were some, just because you have some rotten tomatoes you do not throw all of them away.” [Daily Telegraph, 4/7/2004]
Entity Tags: Abdelkhader Tigha, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Département du Renseignement et de la Sécurité, Ali Touchent, Groupe Islamique Armé, Djamel Zitouni
September, 1998: Kremlin Insider Predicts ‘Massive Unrest’ to Journalist
Elena Tregubova with Tales of a Kremlin Digger. [Source: Publicity photo]According to journalist Elena Tregubova, Valentin Yumashev, the head of Russia’s Presidential Administration, tells her that secret police reports indicate that the country is on the verge of widespread unrest. In her 2003 book, Tales of a Kremlin Digger, which recounts her years as a member of the Kremlin press pool with access to top officials, Yumashev says to her off-the-record: “The fact is that we have received secret information from the special services that the country finds itself on the eve of mass rebellions, in essence on the verge of revolution… Believe me, the information concerns… secret reports that have been made to the president!” But Tregubova says that when she later discussed this information with Vladimir Putin, the then-head of the FSB (Russia’s intelligence agency), he denies it. “Yumashev could not have imagined that a mere three months later the existence of such ‘secret information’ would be categorically denied in a confidential chat with me by future president of Russia Putin, heading at that period of crisis the chief special service of the country.” According to Russia scholar John Dunlop, Yumashev’s claims suggest that he and other Kremlin figures were already thinking of a destabilization plan. Yumashev’s warning “sounds like advanced advertising for the ‘Storm in Moscow’ scenario”, writes Dunlop (see July 22, 1999). [Dunlop, 10/5/2004, pp. 16 ] Tregubova’s book, which has not been translated in English, is notorious for a scene in which Putin seems to try to seduce her during lunch at an expensive restaurant. (“I couldn’t tell whether he was trying to recruit me, or chat me up.”) Trebugova will loose her job shortly after the book is published. In 2004, a small bomb will explode near her apartment building as she is about to take a taxi. Unhurt but frightened, she will seek political asylum in Britain in 2007. [New York Times, 2/3/2004; Radio Free Europe, 4/8/2008]
Entity Tags: Elena Tregubova, Valentin Yumashev, Vladimir Putin
Category Tags: Russia
January 16, 1999: US Diplomat Claims Massacre of Albanians; Foreign Press Disputes Allegation
The Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) invites foreign journalists to the scene of an alleged Serb massacre of some 45 Albanians in Raqak, Kosovo. Later, at 12 noon, the Kosovo Verification Mission leader, US diplomat William Walker, leads another group of news reporters to the scene. The story makes international headlines and is later used to justify NATO bombings. The New York Times will call this the “turning point” in NATO’s decision to wage war on Yugoslavia. But the claim that a massacre occurred is quickly called into question. It turns out that an Associated Press television crew—at the invitation of Yugoslav authorities—had filmed a shootout the day before between the Yugoslav police and fighters with the KLA at the location where the alleged massacre took place. They say that upon arriving in Raqak most of the villagers had already fled the expected gun battle between the KLA and the police. They also report that they did not witness any executions or massacres of civilians. Furthermore, after the firefight, at about 3:30 p.m., the Yugoslav police announced in a press conference that they had killed 15 KLA “terrorists” in Raqak. And then about an hour later, at 4:40 p.m., and then again at 6 p.m., a Le Monde reporter visited the scene and reported that he saw no indications that a massacre of civilians had occurred. Finally, the foreign journalists escorted to Raqak by the KLA found no shell casings lying around the scene. “What is disturbing,” correspondent Renaud Girard remarks, “is that the pictures filmed by the Associated Press journalists radically contradict Walker’s accusations.” Belarussian and Finnish forensic experts later investigate the claims but are unable to verify that a massacre actually took place. [Le Monde (Paris), 1/21/1999; Le Monde (Paris), 1/21/1999; Covert Action Quarterly, 6/1999]
Entity Tags: William Walker, Kosovo Liberation Army
Timeline Tags: Complete 911 Timeline, Kosovar Albanian Struggle
March 19, 1999: Bombing in Russian Market Near Chechnya Kills Fifty
In the deadliest terrorist attack in Russia since 1996, a powerful bombing in Vladikavkaz’s main outdoor market kills at least fifty people and injures more than a hundred. Vladikavkaz is the capital of North Ossetia, a region of Russia close to Chechnya. It is unclear who is responsible, but in the following days Russian authorities distribute composites of two individuals who left the market shortly before the explosions. Some press reports say that authorities suspect “Wahabbi” rebels in Chechnya, while others speculate on a possible connection to Osama Bin Laden but offer no evidence. The Jamestown Foundation’s Monitor later explains that “the term “Wahabbi” in the CIS [Commonwealth of Independent States] has become a catch-all phrase for any Muslim extremist, whether or not that person is actually an adherent of Wahabbi Islam. “Wahabbis” are now, generally without evidence, blamed for any terrorist act in the Muslim regions of the CIS.” [CNN, 3/19/1999; BBC, 3/19/1999; New York Times, 3/20/1999; New York Times, 3/21/1999; Monitor, 3/22/1999; Monitor, 3/24/1999] Several months later, an Italian journalist will claim this bombing was orchestrated by elements within the Russian government (see June 16, 1999).
May 16, 1999: Explosions Target Russian Military Housing near Chechnya; Fourteen Injured and One Killed
Three explosions take place at a military housing complex on the outskirts of Vladikavkaz, Russia. Vladikavkaz is the capital of North Ossetia, a region close to Chechnya. Fifteen people are injured, and one of them later dies. The blasts take place at dawn, around 6:00 am, apparently from the basements, destroying several apartment blocks. There are no clear indications of responsibility. [Monitor, 6/30/1999; GlobalSecurity.org, 2000] Two months earlier, a bombing in Vladikavkaz killed fifty. The responsibility for that bombing also remains unknown (see March 19, 1999).
June 6, 1999: Kremlin False Flag Terror Plot Rumors Surface in Swedish Newspaper
The Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet publishes a report by its Moscow correspondent Jan Blomgren claiming that a group of powerful Kremlin figures have drafted a plan to orchestrate bombings in Moscow that would then be blamed on Chechens. This is the first such predictive report in the media; two more will follow (see June 16, 1999 and July 22, 1999). [Independent, 1/29/2000]
Entity Tags: Jan Blomgren
June 16, 1999: Italian Journalist Publishes Warning Against State-instigated Terrorism in Russia
Giulietto Chiesa. [Source: www.giuliettochiesa.it]Giulietto Chiesa, the Moscow correspondent for the Italian newspaper Stampa, publishes an article in the Literaturnaya Gazeta weekly entitled “There Are Also Different Kinds of Terrorists” which tries to alert the public to the possibility that state-sponsored terrorism can be a tool of a “strategy of tension” pursued by secret services. The article comments on recent bombings in Russia, in particular the Vladikavkaz bombing that killed at least fifty in March 1999 (see March 19, 1999). “That criminal act,” he writes, “was conceived and carried out not simply by a group of criminals. As a rule the question here concerns broad-scale and multiple actions, the goal of which is to sow panic and fear among citizens. […] Actions of this type have a very powerful political and organizational base. Often, terrorist acts that stem from a ‘strategy of building up tension,’ are the work of a secret service, both foreign but also national […] Terrorism of this type (it is sometimes called ‘state terrorism’ since it involves simultaneously both state interests and structures acting in the secret labyrinths of contemporary states) is a comparatively new phenomenon… With a high degree of certitude, one can say that the explosions of bombs killing innocent people are always planned by people with political minds. They are not fanatics, rather they are killers pursuing political goals. One should look around and try to understand who is interested in destabilizing the situation in a country. It could be foreigners… but it could also be ‘our own people’ trying to frighten the country…” In the book Roulette Rossa, published later in 1999, Chiesa will write that he “received information concerning the preparation of a series of terrorist acts in Russia which had the goal of canceling the future elections” and had felt compelled to write the article containing “a somewhat veiled warning.” [Chiesa, 1999; Dunlop, 10/5/2004, pp. 9 ]
Entity Tags: Giulietto Chiesa
June 28, 1999: Bombing at Russian Train Station near Chechnya Injures 11
The Vladikavkaz train station is bombed. Vladikavkaz is the capital of North Ossetia, a Russian region close to Chechnya. Eleven people are reported injured. The Kommersant newspaper writes that “investigators are certain that the bombing was the work of Chechen rebel field commander [Ibn] Khattab”, according to the Jamestown Foundation’s Monitor, which summarizes Russian and East European publications. However, another major Russian newspaper, Izvestia, expresses doubts about Khattab’s culpability. “The paper asked why there have been no comments on the arrest of officers from the 58th army based in Vladikavkaz, who were caught with dozens of kilograms of explosives. It also asked why the 58th army’s commanders and the heads of the North Caucasus Military district reacted so harshly to indications that those officers arrested with explosives belonged to the GRU—military intelligence. [Monitor, 6/30/1999] It is unclear from available sources when this arrest was made or if any investigation was conducted. This is the third bombing in Vladikavkaz since March 1999 (see March 19, 1999 and May 16, 1999).
Entity Tags: Ibn Khattab, Russian Military Intelligence (GRU)
July 22, 1999: Russian Journalist Alleges Destabilization Plot by Kremlin Insiders
Aleksandr Zhilin, a prominent military journalist and retired Air Force colonel, publishes an article entitled “Storm in Moscow” in the Moskovskaya Pravda newspaper. According to unnamed sources, Zhilin reports that a group of government figures in President Yelstin’s administration are plotting to destabilize Russian politics by committing spectacular acts of terrorism and other crimes. This alleged plan aims to discredit Mayor of Moscow Yury Luzhkov, a possible candidate in the up-coming presidential elections of 2000. “From trustworthy sources in the Kremlin the following has become known. The administration of the president has drafted and adopted (individual points have been reported to Yeltsin) a broad plan for discrediting Luzhkov with the aid of provocations, intended to destabilize the socio-psychological situation in Moscow. In circles close to Tatyana Dyachenko [Yeltsin’s younger daughter], the given plan is being referred to as ‘Storm in Moscow.’ […] As is confirmed by our sources, the city awaits great shocks. The conducting of loud terrorist acts (or attempts at terrorist acts) is being planned in relation to a number of government establishments: the buildings of the FSB [the Russian intelligence agency], MVD [the Ministry of Internal Affairs], Council of Federation, Moscow City Court, Moscow Arbitration Court, and a number of editorial boards of anti-Luzhkov publications. Also foreseen is the kidnapping of a number of well-known people and average citizens by ‘Chechen rebels’ who with great pomp will then be ‘freed’ and brought to Moscow by Mr. [Vladimir] Rushailo [the newly appointed head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs].” Actions employing the use of force “will be conducted against structures and businessmen supporting Luzhkov.” Also, “a separate program has been worked out directed at setting organized crime groups in Moscow against one another and provoking a war among them.” The purpose of these actions is to create “the conviction that Luzhkov had lost control over the situation in the city.” In a subsequent article in Novaya Gazeta (November 18, 1999), Zhilin will report that the plan “Storm in Moscow” was dated June 29 and that he had obtained a copy on July 2. The article will go unnoticed immediately after publication, but will be much-discussed two months later after the September apartment bombings (see September 9, 1999, September 13, 1999, and September 22-24, 1999). The BBC will report on September 30, “Zhilin’s article is interesting because it was written before the bomb explosions. At the very least it says a lot about the fevered political atmosphere in Russia that some people take these theories [of a government conspiracy] seriously.” [BBC, 9/30/1999; Dunlop, 10/17/2001; RFE/RL Newsline, 3/27/2002; National Review Online, 4/30/2002; Dunlop, 10/5/2004, pp. 11 ]
Entity Tags: Yuri M. Luzhkov, Vladimir Rushailo, Tatyana Dyachenko, Boris Yeltsin, Aleksandr Zhilin
August 7-8, 1999: Chechen Militia Raids Neighboring Dagestan
Attack on Dagestan [Source: BBC]A group of Chechen rebels led by Shamil Basayev and Ibn Khattab cross into neighboring Russian region of Dagestan and seize two villages near the border with Chechnya. According to most Russian and international news accounts, the militia has about 2,000 fighters. They are Islamic militants aiming to unify Chechnya and Dagestan into a single Islamic state under Sharia (strict Islamic law). The Russian government reacts immediately by sending a large number of troops to drive them back into Chechnya. [BBC, 8/8/1999; New York Times, 8/8/1999; BBC, 8/9/1999; New York Times, 8/13/1999; BBC, 8/16/1999] Basayev and Khattab preceded the attack by building fortified bases in Dagestan. Russian intelligence officer Anton Surikov will later say that Russian officials had indications that something was being planned at the Dagestan border. “It was not being hidden. There was a certain panic here.” A senior Russian official will also say, “The dates [of the assault] were definitely known several days before.” But “the area is hilly and difficult to guard. There are hundreds of different paths, plenty of canyons, mountain paths. There is no border, actually.… That is why it is not possible just to line up soldiers to guard the border.” [Washington Post, 3/10/2000]
Entity Tags: Shamil Basayev, Ibn Khattab
August 9, 1999: Russian President Yeltsin Sacks Government, Nominates Vladimir Putin Acting Prime Minister
Yeltsin and Putin [Source: BBC]Russian President Boris Yeltsin dismisses his prime minister, Sergei Stepashin, and the entire Russian government, naming Vladimir Putin as acting prime minister. Putin is the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), which is the new name of the KGB. [BBC, 8/9/1999] For many observers, Stepashin was dismissed because he had been unable to become a politically viable heir to Yeltsin, who must step down in 2001. Putin, who is unknown to the public, seems to have been hand-picked mainly for his loyalty. [New York Times, 8/10/1999] The Russian news service Park.ru offers this fairly representative analysis: “Only a trusted person from one of the ‘power ministries’ can ensure the safety of Yeltsin’s entourage after his term in office, and the former FSB boss can prove indispensable.” [BBC, 8/9/1999]
Entity Tags: Boris Yeltsin, Russian Federal Security Service, Vladimir Putin, Sergei Stepashin, KGB
August 18, 1999: Yeltsin Opponents Join Forces
Yevgeny Primakov. [Source: BBC (2000)]Yevgeny Primakov, who was Russian prime minister until he was summarily dismissed by President Boris Yeltsin in May 1999, announces that he will lead Yuri Luzhkov’s Fatherland-All Russia party for the upcoming Duma elections in December. Polls indicate Primakov is the country’s most trusted politician. He has demonstrated his willingness to investigate corruption. The Primakov-Luzhkov alliance threatens the Kremlin’s plans for a political succession that would protect Yeltsin’s entourage after the next presidential elections, scheduled for June 2000. But in an attempt to re-assure the Kremlin, Primakov proposes a new law guaranteeing “full security and a worthy life” to presidents after they leave office. Reports the New York Times: “That last proposal was an obvious olive branch to Mr. Yeltsin and his presidential administration, whose increasingly desperate battle to influence the choice of a presidential successor is widely thought to be driven by concern for their own future.” [New York Times, 8/18/1999]
Entity Tags: Yuri M. Luzhkov, Boris Yeltsin, Yevgeny Primakov
August 25-September 22, 1999: Russia Begins Bombing Chechnya in Advance of Full-Scale Invasion
Following raids by Chechen forces into the neighboring Russian region of Dagestan earlier in the month (see August 7-8, 1999), the Russian military pushes the Chechens back into Chechnya. Then, on August 25, Russian planes bomb two villages just inside Chechnya, near the Dagestan border. [CNN, 8/26/1999] There is intermittent fighting and bombing for several weeks, and then, around September 22, a more intense Russian bombing campaign begins. This is to soften up the opposition so a full scale invasion can start at the end of September (see September 29, 1999). [CNN, 9/29/1999]
August 31, 1999: Moscow Shopping Mall Is Bombed
In the first instance of what will later become a series of bombings during the month of September 1999, the Manezh, a luxury underground shopping mall in Moscow and within walking distance of the Kremlin, is bombed. Forty people are injured; only one is killed. [BBC, 9/1/1999]
Fall 1999: Explosives Were Kept Disguised As Sugar in Military Base Near Ryazan, Soldier Later Says
In March 13, 2000, the Russian independent weekly Novaya Gazeta publishes a bombshell that re-ignites the Ryazan incident controversy (see September 22-24, 1999). A soldier named Alexei Pinyaev describes how during the autumn of 1999 he was stationed near Ryazan, a city about 100 miles south of Moscow, and given guard duty at a military warehouse. He says it contained large sacks marked “sugar” but when he and another soldier surreptitiously opened one of the bags to sweeten their tea, the powder tasted vile. They showed the powder to their commander who then turned it over to a bomb expert. The expert identified it as hexogen. Immediately afterwards, several high-ranking FSB officers arrived from Moscow and accused the soldiers of divulging state secrets. To the soldiers’ relief, they were not sent to prison but simply told to forget the whole matter and they were later sent to Chechnya. The story causes an uproar, finally forcing the government to respond to the Ryazan controversy (see March 23, 2000). [Satter, 2003, pp. 30]
Entity Tags: Alexei Pinyaev, Russian Federal Security Service, Novaya Gazeta
September 4, 1999: Bomb Targets Military Barracks in Dagestan, Next to Chechnya
Buinaksk Blast [Source: Terror99.ru]A powerful bomb hits military housing for Russian soldiers in Buinaksk, Dagestan, killing 64. A car bomb is also discovered near a military hospital and defused. The attack is believed to have been committed by Chechen rebels in retaliation for Russian operations in Chechnya and neighboring Dagestan. [BBC, 9/5/1999; Associated Press, 9/5/1999; New York Times, 9/6/1999; Daily Telegraph, 9/6/1999]
September 9, 1999: Apartment Blast in Moscow Kills 94; Chechen Rebels Blamed
The Guryanov Street bombing. [Source: NTV/Terror.ru]A powerful explosion levels the central portion of a block-long Moscow apartment building shortly after midnight, killing 94 people. The building is located on Guryanov Street in a working-class suburb, far from the heart of Moscow. Yuri Luzhkov, the mayor of Moscow, who has a degree in chemistry, identifies the probable explosive as hexagen, also called RDX. He says the attack was probably carried out by Chechen terrorists: “Visual signs suggest that it was a terrorist act similar to the one carried out in Buinaksk” (see September 4, 1999). Interfax reports that an anonymous caller declared that the explosion is “our response to air strikes against peaceful villages in Chechnya and Dagestan.” [New York Times, 9/10/1999; Moscow Times, 9/10/1999; BBC, 8/10/2000] Another Moscow apartment building is bombed on September 13, killing over 100 (see September 13, 1999). Later in the month, explosives will be found in an apartment building in the nearby city of Ryazan. The Russian government will initially declare it a foiled bombing until the suspects arrested turn out to be FSB agents. The government will then claim it was merely a training exercise (see September 22-24, 1999). This will lead some to suspect that all three apartment bomb incidents this month were false flag attacks by the FSB (see March 6, 2002, December 30, 2003 and January 2004).
Entity Tags: Yuri M. Luzhkov
September 13, 1999: Second Moscow Apartment Bombing Kills 118; Chechen Rebels Blamed
The Kashirskoye Street bombing. [Source: AP/Terror99.ru]A powerful early-morning blast levels an apartment building on Kashirskoye Street, Moscow, killing 118 people. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Moscow’s mayor Yuri M. Luzhkov blame Chechen terrorists. [New York Times, 9/13/1999; BBC, 9/13/1999] Another Moscow apartment building was bombed on September 9, killing nearly 100 (see September 9, 1999). Later in the month, explosives will be found in an apartment building in the nearby city of Ryazan. The Russian government will initially declare it a foiled bombing until the suspects arrested turn out to be FSB agents. The government will then claim it was merely a training exercise (see September 22-24, 1999). This will lead some to suspect that all three apartment bomb incidents this month were false flag attacks by the FSB (see March 6, 2002, December 30, 2003 and January 2004).
Entity Tags: Yuri M. Luzhkov, Russian Federal Security Service, Vladimir Putin
September 16, 1999: Truck Bomb in Southern Russia Kills 17
Apartment building in Volgondosk after blast [Source: BBC]A huge truck bomb outside an apartment block in Volgodonsk, Southern Russia, shears off the front of the building, killing 17 people. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin declares, “We must stamp out this vermin.” Putin has blamed Chechen separatists for previous attacks. [BBC, 9/16/1999]
Entity Tags: Vladimir Putin
September 22-24, 1999: FSB Agents Plant Large Bomb in Ryazan: ‘Security Exercise’ or Terror Plot?
Ryazan bomb detonator. [Source: Cryptome.org]On the evening of September 22, 1999, several residents of an apartment block in Ryazan, a city about a hundred miles south of Moscow, observe three strangers at the entrance of their building. The two young men and a woman are carrying large sacks into the basement. The residents notice that the car’s plate has been partially covered with paper, although they can still see a Moscow license plate number underneath. They decide to call the local police. After several bombings of apartment buildings in Moscow earlier in the month (see September 9, 1999 and September 13, 1999), their vigilance is understandable. When the police arrive, around 9:00 p.m., they uncover what appears to be huge bomb: three sacks of sugar filled with a granular powder, connected to a detonator and a timing device set for 5:30 a.m. The bomb squad uses a gas testing device to confirm that it is explosive material: it appears to be hexagen, the military explosive that is believed to have been used to blow up two Moscow blocks. The residents are evacuated. Then the bomb carted away and turned over to the FSB. (In an apparent oversight, the FSB fails to collect the detonator, which is photographed by the local police.) The following morning, September 23, the government announces that a terrorist attack has been averted. They praise the vigilance of the local people and the Ryazan police. Police comb the city and find the suspects’ car. A telephone operator for long-distance calls reports that she overheard a suspicious conversation: the caller said there were too many police to leave town undetected and was told, “Split up and each of you make your own way out.” To the police’s astonishment, the number called belongs to the FSB. Later this day, the massive manhunt succeeds: the suspects are arrested. But the police are again stunned when the suspects present FSB credentials. On Moscow’s orders, they are quietly released. On September 24, the government reverses itself and now says the bomb was a dummy and the whole operation an exercise to test local vigilance. The official announcement is met with disbelief and anger. Ryazan residents, thousands of whom have had to spend the previous night outdoors, are outraged; local authorities protest that they were not informed. However, the suspicion of a government provocation is not widely expressed and press coverage fades after a few days. It is only several months later that an investigation by the independent weekly Novaya Gazeta re-ignites the controversy (see February 20, 2000 and Fall 1999). The government’s explanations will fail to convince skeptics (see March 23, 2000). The Ryazan incident later becomes the main reason for suspecting the government of having orchestrated previous bombings. The controversy is then widely reported in the international press. [BBC, 9/24/1999; Moscow Times, 9/24/1999; CNN, 9/24/1999; Baltimore Sun, 1/14/2000; Los Angeles Times, 1/15/2000; Moscow Times, 1/18/2000; Independent, 1/27/2000; Observer, 3/12/2000; Newsweek, 4/3/2000; Insight, 4/17/2000; National Review Online, 4/30/2002; Le Monde (Paris), 11/17/2002; Satter, 2003; Moscow Times, 9/24/2004]
Entity Tags: Russian Federal Security Service, Novaya Gazeta
September 29, 1999: Russian Ground Invasion Begins Second Chechen War
By September 29, 1999, Russian ground forces begin invading Chechnya. Chechnya has been a de facto independent country since the end of the first Chechen war in 1996, but violence has been escalating. In early August, some Chechen fighters attacked the neighboring Russian region of Dagestan (see August 7-8, 1999). In late August, the Russian military began bombing parts of Chechnya (see August 25-September 22, 1999), and by late September that turned into a heavy aerial bombardment. [CNN, 9/29/1999] By October 5, Russia claims that its forces control about one-third of Chechnya. But this is only the flat terrain north of the capital of Grozny. [CNN, 10/5/1999] The battle for Grozny will take months and securing the mountainous terrain in the southern third of Chechnya will take years.
December 19, 1999: Pro-Kremlin Parties Win Parliamentary Elections
A coalition of pro-government parties unexpectedly wins elections to the Duma, the Russian parliament. The Chechnya War, according to all observers, was the main factor in turning the electorate in the Kremlin’s favor. “The Chechen war—loudly criticized in the West for its brutal bombardments of civilians—has galvanized Russian public opinion and, according to most political experts, turned the national debate away from a search for social stability toward an endorsement for a strong state, headed by a strong leader. That shift in the national mood has been answered by [Russian Prime Minister Vladimir] Putin”, says the New York Times. [New York Times, 12/20/1999] In addition, during the campaign, the opposition led by Yuri Luzhkov, the mayor of Moscow, and Yevgeny Primakov, a former prime minister removed from office by President Yeltsin in early 1999, was pummeled by hostile media reports from pro-Kremlin news organizations, in particular Boris Berezovsky’s ORT television network. [New York Times, 12/15/1999]
Entity Tags: Vladimir Putin, Boris Yeltsin, Yuri M. Luzhkov, Boris Berezovsky, Yevgeny Primakov
December 31, 1999: Yeltsin Resigns; Putin Now Acting President of Russia
In a New Year’s Eve televised speech that stuns Russians, President Boris Yeltsin announces his resignation and nominates Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as acting president. Yeltsin, who has spent much of the previous months in hospital for a heart condition and alcoholism, begs the Russian people for their forgiveness for his administration’s failings. He also praises Putin as the best man to replace him: “Why hold on to power for another six months, when the country has a strong person, fit to be president, with whom practically all Russians link their hopes for the future today? Why should I stand in his way? Why wait for another six months?” Putin later promises: “There will be no power vacuum even for a moment.” [BBC, 12/31/1999; BBC, 12/31/1999; CNN, 12/31/1999] The BBC’s correspondent later sums up a widespread belief concerning the change-over: “The theory goes that the Family [Yeltsin’s entourage] decided to push Mr. Yeltsin out of office early, in order to make it easier for their chosen successor, Vladimir Putin to take over. Some even believe the Family deliberately started the war in Chechnya, in order to give Mr. Putin a platform, and a cause which would boost his popularity. In return, Mr. Putin would guarantee that the Family has protection from nosy Swiss and Russian investigators.” [BBC, 1/8/2000] In fact, one of Putin’s first acts upon taking over is to sign a decree giving Yeltsin immunity from prosecution. [New York Times, 1/1/2000]
Entity Tags: Boris Yeltsin, Vladimir Putin
February 6, 2000: Apparent Mossad Attempt to Infiltrate Al-Qaeda Thwarted
India’s largest Newsweekly reports that it appears a recent Mossad attempt to infiltrate al-Qaeda failed when undercover agents were stopped on their way to Bangladesh by Indian customs officials. These 11 men appeared to be from Afghanistan, but had Israeli passports. One expert states, “It is not unlikely for Mossad to recruit 11 Afghans in Iran and grant them Israeli citizenship to penetrate a network such as bin Laden’s. They would begin by infiltrating them into an Islamic radical group in an unlikely place like Bangladesh.” [Week, 2/6/2000]
Entity Tags: Al-Qaeda, Israel Institute for Intelligence and Special Tasks (Mossad)
February 20, 2000: Ryazan Bomb Was Real, Local Police Tell Independent Newspaper
Yuri Tkachenko [Source: Terror99.ru]In its February 14-20, 2000, issue, the Russian newsweekly Novaya Gazeta reports that Ryazan police officers insist that the bomb they uncovered and defused was real. On September 22, 1999, a bomb was discovered in the city of Ryazan, about 100 miles south of Moscow. After the chief bomb suspects were discovered to be FSB agents, the government claimed the bomb was a dummy and the incident was a training exercise (see September 22-24, 1999). But the bomb-squad officer, Yuri Tkachenko, is adamant that it was a professionally-prepared, military-style bomb. He defends the accuracy of his sophisticated gas-testing device which identified the explosives as hexogen. The article provokes much comment in Russia but is ignored by the government. [Satter, 2003, pp. 29]
Entity Tags: Novaya Gazeta, Yuri Tkachenko
March 23, 2000: Broadcast on Ryazan Incident Fails to End Controversy
Alexander Zdanovich. [Source: Terror99.ru]A team of FSB officials, led by Alexander Zdanovich, agrees to a televised meeting with angry and suspicious residents of Ryazan, hoping to put down rumors of a government provocation and shore up the credibility of the official account. In September 1999 a bomb was found in the basement of a building in Ryazan and the people arrested for planting the bomb were discovered to be FSB agents. The government then claimed the incident was merely a training exercise, but residents suspect the FSB wanted to bomb the building to create a fake terrorist incident (see September 22-24, 1999). Zdavonich apologizes for the inconvenience suffered by Ryazan inhabitants but then suggests the renewed interest in the event is a campaign ploy: “For months, there was no interest and there were no publications. The theme was activated on the eve of the presidential election with the most fantastic details in order to accuse the FSB of planning a real explosion with the death of people. This is actively used in the political struggle.” (The presidential election is only one week away.) A soldier named Alexei Pinyaev has claimed that he worked at a nearby base where hexogen was reportedly kept in sacks marked “sugar” (see Fall 1999). The commander of the base denies that there was any soldier named Pinyaev, but the Novaya Gazeta reporter who had found Pinyaev then shows pictures of him and plays a recording of his interview. The FSB will not let its three agents appear in public or allow journalists to interview them. The broadcast does not allow any discussion of a possible connection between the Ryazan incident and the apartment bombings in Moscow earlier that month (see September 9, 1999 and September 13, 1999). The FSB officials did not have good explanations for the fact that local authorities, including its own FSB office in Ryazan, were not informed of the supposed exercise, or for the lack of medical resources for the thousands of people forced to spend the night outdoors. According to David Satter, a long-time correspondent in Moscow for the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times who believes the Ryazan incident was a failed provocation, the broadcast only serves to increase the public’s misgivings. [Satter, 2003, pp. 30, 261-264]
Entity Tags: Alexander Zdanovich, Russian Federal Security Service, Alexei Pinyaev
July 31, 2000: Politician Accuses Philippine Government and CIA of Manipulating Muslim Militant Group
Aquilino Pimentel. [Source: Publicity photo from Aquilino Pimentel website.]Senator Aquilino Pimentel, president of the Philippines Senate, accuses the Philippine government of collusion with the Muslim militant group Abu Sayyaf. He cites research that names two high police officers, Leandro Mendoza and Rodolfo Mendoza, as handlers for Abu Sayyaf informants. He also names Brig. Gen. Guillermo Ruiz, commanding general of the Filipino Marines in the early 1990s, as someone who colluded with the group, even splitting profits from illegal logging with them. Pimentel says, “My information is that the Abu Sayyaf partisans were given military intelligence services IDs, safe-houses, safe-conduct passes, firearms, cell phones and various sorts of financial support.” He accuses officials of manipulating the Abu Sayyaf “in the game of divide and rule as far as the Muslim insurgency is concerned.” He also accuses the CIA of helping to create the Abu Sayyaf, saying, “For what the Abu Sayyaf has become, the CIA must merit our people’s condemnation. The CIA has sired a monster that has caused a lot problems for the country…” He says Abu Sayyaf’s handlers “passed on military equipment and funds from the CIA and its support network…” He claims witnesses have come to him with evidence but are afraid of speaking out publicly. He concludes that “any Filipino who had a hand in the creation, training and equipping of the Abu Sayyaf should be held to account for high treason and other crimes.” [Senator Aquilino Q. Pimentel website, 7/31/2000]
Entity Tags: Guillermo Ruiz, Abu Sayyaf, Aquilino Pimentel, Central Intelligence Agency, Rodolfo Mendoza, Leandro Mendoza, Philippines
September 13, 2000: Indonesia Stock Exchange Bombing Blamed on Rebels Appears Linked to Indonesian Military Instead
Smoke rising from the bombed Jakarta stock exchange. [Source: RTV]A bombing at the stock exchange in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city, kills 15. It is the fourth bombing in Jakarta since July, and the most deadly. Later the same month, two Indonesian soldiers are arrested and the Indonesian government claims they were the ones who planted the bomb. One of the soldiers belongs to Kopassus, Indonesia’s notorious special forces unit, and the other belongs to a different elite unit. The two men will later be sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the bombing, but one will escape from prison before being sentenced. One of them will say his next targets include the US embassy and a Jakarta department store. The government says the two soldiers were rogues acting by themselves and hints that Islamist rebels from the province of Aceh are behind the bombing. However, little evidence of this is presented in court, and many analysts suspect elements in the military were involved as part of high-level political intrigues. The bombing takes place two days before the resumption of the corruption trial of Suharto, president of Indonesia until 1998, and there is strong speculation that the Suharto family is behind the bombing and the other recent Jakarta bombings to pressure the current Indonesian government not to act against Suharto. One of Suharto’s sons is arrested for an alleged role in a bombing earlier that year, and then released. [BBC, 9/13/2000; Asian Political News, 8/27/2001] In 2002, the Age, a major Australian newspaper, will comment about the stock exchange bombing, “Indonesian military elements were prepared to cause massive casualties and huge economic disruption in their own capital for the purposes of elite-level politics.” [Age (Melbourne), 10/17/2002]
Entity Tags: Tentara Nasional Indonesia
After October 12, 2000: Possible Links Between Cole Bombing and Yemeni Government Hinder US Investigation
Author Lawrence Wright will later write about the FBI’s investigation of the USS Cole bombing in Yemen (see October 12, 2000): “The FBI was convinced that the [Cole] bombers had been tipped off about the arrival of the Cole, and they wanted to expand the investigation to include a member of the president’s own family and a colonel in [the Yemeni equivalent of the FBI]. There was scant interest on the part of the Yemen authorities in pursuing such leads.” Wright will also point out: “Yemen was a particularly difficult place to start a terrorist investigation, as it was filled with active al-Qaeda cells and with sympathizers at very high levels of government. On television, Yemeni politicians called for jihad against America. Just getting permission from the Yemeni government to go to the crime scene—the wounded warship in the Aden harbor—required lengthy negotiations with hostile officials.” Cooperation from the Yemen government is erratic at best. For instance, the Yemenis eventually show the FBI a videotape taken by a harborside security camera, but it appears the moment of the explosion has been edited out. [Wright, 2006, pp. 325; New Yorker, 7/10/2006 ] Later, when the FBI is finally allowed to interview Fahad al-Quso, who the FBI believes is one of the main Cole plotters, a Yemeni colonel enters the room and kisses Quso on both cheeks. This is a recognized signal to everyone that al-Quso is protected. [Wright, 2006, pp. 330] Between Yemeni obstructions, infighting between US officials (see October 14-Late November, 2000), and security concerns hindering movement, there will never be the same kind of investigation and trial as there was with the 1998 embassy bombings (see 10:35-10:39 a.m., August 7, 1998 and February-July 2001).
Entity Tags: Yemen, Fahad al-Quso, Federal Bureau of Investigation
December 24-30, 2000: Al-Qaeda Linked Group Bombings Kill Dozens in Indonesia and Philippines
Damaged cars from the Christmas Eve bombings. [Source: SBS Dateline]Al-Qaeda affiliate Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) sets off two series of bombs, first in Indonesia, then in the Philippines. The Christmas Eve attacks in Indonesia comprise a series of 38 bombings in 11 cities and are directed against churches. Nineteen people are killed and over a hundred injured. [Asia Times, 10/8/2004] The attacks in the Philippines kill 22 and injure 120 in the country’s capital, Manila. The operation, involving attacks on a train, a bus, an abandoned petrol station, an airport car park, and a park, is apparently carried out by Indonesian JI operative Fathur Rohman Al-Ghozi. [BBC, 2/27/2002] Many militants are arrested after the attacks. The investigation leads to JI and al-Qaeda leader Hambali, a veteran Islamic fighter who was involved in the Bojinka plot (see January 6, 1995), is tied to 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed (see June 1994), and attended an al-Qaeda Malaysia summit in 2000, which was monitored by Malaysia intelligence and the CIA (see January 5-8, 2000). Although Hambali, an Indonesian, has lived in Malaysia since the mid-1990s, the authorities cannot find him and say that he has fled to Saudi Arabia (see January 2001 and after). [Jakarta Post, 2/7/2001] JI’s spiritual leader, Abu Bakar Bashir, is also arrested, but then released. [CNN, 2/26/2004] Hambali will finally be captured in August 2003 in Thailand (see August 12, 2003). In February 2001, evidence will come out suggesting links between some of the bombers and the Indonesian military (see February 20, 2001).
Entity Tags: Jemaah Islamiyah, Hambali, Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi, Abu Bakar Bashir
February 20, 2001: Evidence Suggests Indonesian Military Assisted Al-Qaeda Affiliate with Christmas Eve Bombings
Location of the Indonesian cities hit in the Christmas Eve bombings. [Source: SBS Dateline]A series of 38 church bombings on Christmas Eve, 2000, killed 19 people in 11 Indonesian cities. The al-Qaeda affiliate Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) is blamed (see December 24-30, 2000). However, in February 2001, the respected Indonesian newsweekly Tempo publishes a cover story suggesting links between the bombings and the Indonesian military, the TNI. The article points out that Edi Sugiarto, who was quickly arrested and confessed to assembling 15 of the bombs used in the town of Medan, has long run a car repair shop in the province of Aceh, where a separatist group named GAM has been fighting for many years. Members of TNI and Indonesia’s special forces, Kopassus, regularly went to his shop for repairs and just to hang out. As a result, GAM claimed he was a TNI lackey and burned down his shop and house in 1997. Phone records also indicate that Sugiarto called Fauzi Hasbi seven times before the bombings. Hasbi is a leader of JI, but Tempo outs him as an Indonesian government mole. In 2005, two years after Hasbi’s death, the Australian television program SBS Dateline will provide additional evidence of Hasbi’s long-time links to the TNI (see 1979-February 22, 2003). Fasbi also called Jacob Tanwijaya, a businessman well connected with the TNI, 35 times. That businessman in turn talked on the phone to Lt. Col. Iwan Prilianto, a Kopassus special forces intelligence officer, over 70 times. However, these potential military links are never investigated and only Sugiarto and other alleged JI figures are arrested and later convicted for a role in the bombings. SBS Dateline will later report that “reputable sources claim [Sugiarto] was so severely tortured before his trial he would have admitted to anything.” [Tempo, 2/20/2001; SBS Dateline, 10/12/2005] Fasbi also made at least one call to another key figure in the bombings. The International Crisis Group, an international think tank, will later comment, “[I]t is hard to avoid the suspicion that someone in the armed forces must have known that at least the Medan part [of the bombings] was in the works…” [International Crisis Group, 12/11/2002]
Entity Tags: Kopassus, Tentara Nasional Indonesia, Jemaah Islamiyah, Fauzi Hasbi, Iwan Prilianto, Jacob Tanwijaya, Edi Sugiarto
Between March 2001 and May 2001: Counterterrorism ‘Tsar’ Clarke: Bush Officials Discuss Creating Casus Belli for War with Iraq
Counterterrorism “tsar” Richard Clarke later says that sometime between March and May, Bush administration officials discussed creating a casus belli for war with Iraq. In a 2007 interview with radio show host Jon Elliot, Clarke says: “Prior to 9/11 a number of people in the White House were saying to me you know this—this administration, particularly Cheney, but also Bush [and] people like Wolfowitz in the Pentagon, are really intent on going to war with Iraq. And this was the whispered conversations in the National Security Council staff.… Early, early on in the administration people I knew and trusted in the administration were saying to me, ‘You know. They’re really going to do it. They are going to go to war with Iraq.’ And I was flabbergasted. Why would you want to do that of all the things in the world that one could choose to do?… And how are we going to do it? How are we going to cause that provocation? And there was some discussion of ‘Well maybe [we’ll] keep flying aircraft over Iraq and maybe one day one of them will be shot down.’… And some of the talk I was hearing—in the March, April, May timeframe—‘Maybe we’ll do something that is so provocative and do it in such a way that our aircraft will be shot down.’ And then we’ll have an excuse to go to war with Iraq.” [Jon Elliot Show, 1/11/2007 Sources: Richard A. Clarke]
Entity Tags: Richard (“Dick”) Cheney, Richard A. Clarke, George W. Bush
Timeline Tags: Complete 911 Timeline, Events Leading to Iraq Invasion, 9/11 Timeline
Category Tags: Anabasis Operation in Iraq
April 24, 2001: Declassified Documents Reveal US Military Planned for Attacks Against Americans in 1960s to Justify Attacking Cuba
The first lines of the declassified Northwoods document. [Source: Public domain] (click image to enlarge)James Bamford’s book, Body of Secrets, reveals a secret US government plan named Operation Northwoods. All details of the plan come from declassified military documents. [Associated Press, 4/24/2001; Baltimore Sun, 4/24/2001; Washington Post, 4/26/2001; ABC News, 5/1/2001] The heads of the US military, all five Joint Chiefs of Staff, proposed in a 1962 memo to stage attacks against Americans and blame Cuba to create a pretext for invasion. Says one document, “We could develop a Communist Cuban terror campaign in the Miami area, in other Florida cities and even in Washington.… We could blow up a US ship in Guantanamo Bay and blame Cuba. Casualty lists in US newspapers would cause a helpful wave of indignation.” In March 1962, Lyman L. Lemnitzer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented the Operation Northwoods plan to President John Kennedy and Defense Secretary Robert McNamara. The plan was rejected. Lemnitzer then sought to destroy all evidence of the plan. [Baltimore Sun, 4/24/2001; ABC News, 5/1/2001] Lemnitzer was replaced a few months later, but the Joint Chiefs continued to plan “pretext” operations at least through 1963. [ABC News, 5/1/2001] One suggestion in the plan was to create a remote-controlled drone duplicate of a real civilian aircraft. The real aircraft would be loaded with “selected passengers, all boarded under carefully prepared aliases,” and then take off with the drone duplicate simultaneously taking off near by. The aircraft with passengers would secretly land at a US military base while the drone continues along the other plane’s flight path. The drone would then be destroyed over Cuba in a way that places the blame on Cuban fighter aircraft. [Harper's, 7/1/2001] Bamford says, “Here we are, 40 years afterward, and it’s only now coming out. You just wonder what is going to be exposed 40 years from now.” [Insight, 7/30/2001] Some 9/11 skeptics will claim that the 9/11 attacks could have been orchestrated by elements of the US government, and see Northwoods as an example of how top US officials could hatch such a plot. [Oakland Tribune, 3/27/2004]
Entity Tags: John F. Kennedy, James Bamford, Lyman L. Lemnitzer, Robert McNamara
Late August 2001: NORAD Commander Fights to Keep Air Defense Plan Alive; Senior Officer Is Oblivious to Terror Threat
Major General Larry Arnold, the commander of the Continental United States NORAD Region (CONR), struggles to maintain funding for a plan to defend against a cruise missile attack by terrorists. Arnold has long been worried by the US’s vulnerability to an airborne attack by terrorists (see 1999 and February 2000). But, as he will later recount, not everyone shares his concern. He will say: “Just two weeks before September 11, 2001, I had met with Vice Admiral Martin Mayer, the deputy commander in chief of Joint Forces Command located in Norfolk, Virginia. He had informed me that he intended to kill all funding for a plan my command had been working on for two years, that would defend against a cruise missile attack by terrorists. While I convinced Admiral Mayer to continue his funding support, he told me in front of my chief of staff, Colonel Alan Scott; Navy Captain David Stewart, the lead on the project; and my executive officer, Lt. Col. Kelley Duckett, that our concern about Osama bin Laden as a possible threat to America was unfounded and that, to repeat, ‘If everyone would just turn off CNN, there wouldn’t be a threat from Osama bin Laden.’” [Spencer, 2008, pp. 289]
Entity Tags: David Stewart, Alan Scott, Kelley Duckett, Larry Arnold, Osama bin Laden, Martin Mayer
Category Tags: Other / Unknown, Other Events
September 10, 2001: Army School Peacekeeping Report Says Mossad Can Target US Forces with False Flag Attacks
A group of second-year students at the Army School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) produces a 68-page plan for sending peacekeepers to Israel in the event that the Israelis and Palestinians agree to a peace plan and the creation of a Palestinian state. Though the cover of the report indicates that the report has been written for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Maj. Chris Garver, a Fort Leavenworth spokesman, says that it was only an academic exercise. An article about the report appears in the Washington Times on September 10, 2001. The report refers to Israel’s armed forces as a “500-pound gorilla in Israel” that is “well armed and trained” and is “known to disregard international law to accomplish mission.” Of the Mossad, the report says: “Wildcard. Ruthless and cunning. Has capability to target US forces and make it look like a Palestinian/Arab act.” It describes Palestinian youths as “loose cannons; under no control, sometimes violent.” The SAMS officers write that US goals for the first 30 days of such a mission would be to “create conditions for development of Palestinian State and security of Israel”; ensure “equal distribution of contract value or equivalent aid” that would help legitimize the peacekeeping force and stimulate economic growth; “promote US investment in Palestine”; “encourage reconciliation between entities based on acceptance of new national identities”; and “build lasting relationship based on new legal borders and not religious-territorial claims.” [Washington Times, 9/10/2001]
Entity Tags: Chris Garver, Army School of Advanced Military Studies
September 12, 2001: Veteran CIA Operative Calls Exiled Iraqi General and Tells Him, ‘It’s Showtime’
Veteran CIA operative John Maguire calls long-time friend Mohammed Abdullah al-Shahwani, a former Iraqi general, and tells him, “It’s showtime.” Maguire and al-Shahwani worked together in the ‘90s on a covert plan to overthrow the Iraqi government, but the plan was never approved by the Clinton White House. Maguire believes the 9/11 attacks have provided the long awaited opportunity to remove Saddam Hussein. [Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 154]
Entity Tags: John Maguire, Mohammed Abdullah al-Shahwani
October 10, 2001: Two Israelis Are Detained in Mexican Legislature Building after Behaving Suspiciously and Found To Be Carrying Arms
Two Israelis, Salvador Gersson Smike, 34, and Sar Ben Zui, 27, are arrested in the Mexican Congress Building in Mexico City. Smike is carrying a plastic 9 mm sophisticated Glock 9 mm pistol tucked into his underwear in his lower back. Glock pistols are made with a special plastic material and are very easy to smuggle. [Correo, 10/11/2001; El Heraldo de Mexico (Mexico City), 10/11/2001; Cronica de Hoy (Mexico City), 10/12/2001] He also has with him a briefcase reported to contain 58 bullets, bomb-making materials, three detonators, and nine grenades. [El Heraldo de Mexico (Mexico City), 10/11/2001] The two were apprehended after ex-sugarcane workers, who were waiting for a congressional hearing, saw the two Israelis behaving strangely at around 4:00 p.m. They were reportedly photographing the workers below the belt. When the workers demanded that the two men identify themselves, the Israelis said they were press photographers. The workers dismissed their claims, overcame them, and then discovered they were armed with pistols and other high caliber arms. The two men had apparently also been seen the day before taking pictures. [Cronica de Hoy (Mexico City), 10/12/2001] Security guards soon arrived, disarmed the men, and took them to the security office. At around 6:00 p.m., it is learned that the two men are Israelis and that one of them, Salvador Gersson, is a former colonel of the Israeli Special Forces. [Correo, 10/11/2001; Diario de Mexico (Mexico City), 10/11/2001 ] Soon after, a man claiming to be a supervisor from the company, Desarrollo de Sistemas de Seguridad Privada (Private Security Systems Development), says the two men are employees at the firm and that they were taking pictures because they are “vacationing.” The journalists who are present scoff at the claim. [Correo, 10/11/2001; El Heraldo de Mexico (Mexico City), 10/11/2001] After October 13, no additional information is reported about the incident.
Entity Tags: Salvador Gersson Smike, Sar Ben Zui, Private Security Systems Development
October 11, 2001: Nuclear Bomb Squad Sent to New York Following Intelligence Report of Possible Al-Qaeda Device
According to Graham Allison, a Harvard professor and expert on national security issues, the Nuclear Emergency Search Team (NEST), the agency that investigates nuclear threats (see (September 10-15, 2001)), is sent to New York City following an intelligence report that al-Qaeda may have smuggled a nuclear device into that city. The CIA has received a report from a source code-named Dragonfire that the terrorist organization has obtained a 10-kiloton nuclear weapon from the former Soviet Union. During the search for the weapon, Vice President Dick Cheney and several hundred federal employees are relocated to a secure underground bunker. No weapon is found. [Los Angeles Times, 9/19/2004; Blueprint Magazine, 10/7/2004]
Entity Tags: Nuclear Emergency Search Team
Late November 2001 or December 2001: CIA Devises Covert Plan ‘Anabasis’ to Provide Pretext for Full-Scale War with Iraq
At the request of CIA director George Tenet, veteran CIA agents Luis (his full name has not been disclosed) and John Maguire devise a covert plan to overthrow the government of Saddam Hussein. Under the plan, code-named Anabasis, the CIA would send a team of paramilitary CIA officers to recruit disloyal Iraqi officers by offering them large chunks of cash. The CIA would conduct a disinformation campaign aimed at making Hussein believe that there was growing internal dissent. Hussein would become increasingly paranoid and eventually implement a repressive internal security policy, mostly likely involving the executions of suspected disloyal officers. In addition, the plan calls for “direct action operations” (understood to be a euphemism for the assassinations of key regime officials); disrupting the government’s finances and supply networks; and conducting sabotage operations, such as the blowing up of railroads and communications towers. Finally, the plan includes creating a casus belli for an open military confrontation between the US and Iraq. The US would transport a group of exiles to Iraq, where they would take over an Iraqi base close to the Saudi border. When Hussein flies his troops south to handle the insurrection, the US would shoot his aircraft down under the guise of enforcing the US-imposed “no-fly” zone. The confrontation would then be used as a pretext for full-scale war. “The idea was to create an incident in which Saddam lashes out,” Maguire later recalls. If the plan worked the US “would have a premise for war: we’ve been invited in.” Implementing the plan would cost an estimated $400 million. [Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 6-9, 154; Guardian, 9/7/2006] The plan will be canceled at the last minute by Gen. Tommy Franks (see After January 2003).
Entity Tags: George J. Tenet, Anabasis, John Maguire, Luis
Timeline Tags: Complete 911 Timeline, Events Leading to Iraq Invasion
December 2, 2001: British Newspaper Reveals Secret US Plan to Invade Iraq after ‘Stage-Managed Uprising’
The Observer publishes an article entitled, “Secret US Plan for Iraq War.” It states that the US is planning to remove Saddam Hussein from power by giving armed support to Iraqi opposition forces. It also says that President Bush has ordered the CIA and US military to prepare plans for a military operation that could start “within months.” The plan calls for “a combined operation with US bombers targeting key military installations while US forces assist opposition groups in the north and south of the country in a stage-managed uprising,” and one version of the plan would have US forces fighting on the ground. The trigger for the attack would be Iraq refusing to allow UN inspectors back in. The article notes that justification for a war based on alleged Iraqi links to the 9/11 attacks is fading, but US officials believe they can make a case based on Iraqi possession of WMDs instead. One European military source who recently returned from General Tommy Franks’s headquarters in Florida says: “The Americans are walking on water. They think they can do anything at the moment.” [Observer, 12/2/2001] The claim that the US is planning a “stage-managed uprising” will later be borne out. Right around this time, some CIA planners come up with a plan code-named Anabasis to create an uprising in Iraq (see Late November 2001 or December 2001).
Entity Tags: US Military, George W. Bush, Central Intelligence Agency
2002-2003: Chertoff Advises CIA Can Use Waterboarding and ‘False Flag’ Trickery on Detainees
The New York Times will later report that in 2002 and 2003, Michael Chertoff repeatedly advises the CIA about legality of some aggressive interrogation procedures. Chertoff is head of the Justice Department’s criminal division at the time, and will later become the homeland security secretary. Chertoff advises that the CIA can use waterboarding. And the Times will claim he approves techniques “that did not involve the infliction of pain, like tricking a subject into believing he was being questioned by a member of a security service from another country.” [New York Times, 1/29/2005] It will later be reported that the CIA tricked al-Qaeda leader Abu Zubaida into believing he was in the custody of the Saudis when in fact several US officials were merely pretending to be Saudis (see Early April 2002). Furthermore, Chertoff seems to have been advising on the legality of techniques used against Zubaida, strengthening allegations that ‘false flag’ trickery was used on him. “In interviews, former senior intelligence officials said CIA lawyers went to extraordinary lengths beginning in March 2002 to get a clear answer from the Justice Department about which interrogation techniques were permissible in questioning Abu Zubaida and other important detainees. ‘Nothing that was done was not explicitly authorized,’ a former senior intelligence said. ‘These guys were extraordinarily careful.’” Chertoff also opposed one technique that “appeared to violate a ban in the law against using a ‘threat of imminent death.’” [New York Times, 1/29/2005] This appears to match claims that the CIA proposed but did not implement a plan to place Zubaida into a coffin to convince him he was about to die (see Between Mid-April and Mid-May 2002).
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency, Abu Zubaida, Michael Chertoff
Category Tags: Related US Policy
January 2002: Planners of Covert Operation Against Iraq Told, ‘Be Ready to Turn This Thing On by January 2003’
The CIA leadership informs the two veteran CIA agents working on Anabasis (see Late November 2001 or December 2001), CIA agents Luis (his full name has not been disclosed) and John Maguire, that the plan needs to be ready for implementation by January 2003. Maguire will later recall the message being: “Be ready to turn this thing on by January 2003. Be ready to go in a year. You got a year.” Maguire understands this to mean that the decision to invade Iraq has been made. [Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 12]
Entity Tags: John Maguire, Luis, Anabasis, Central Intelligence Agency
January 13, 2002: Former German Minister Believes CIA Is Responsible for 9/11
Andreas von Buelow. [Source: Public domain]Andreas von Bülow, former German Minister for Research and Technology and a long-time member of German parliament, suggests in an interview that the CIA could have been behind the 9/11 attacks. He states: “Whoever wants to understand the CIA’s methods, has to deal with its main task of covert operations: Below the level of war, and outside international law, foreign states are to be influenced by inciting insurrections or terrorist attacks, usually combined with drugs and weapons trade, and money laundering.… Since, however, it must not under any circumstances come out that there is an intelligence agency behind it, all traces are erased, with tremendous deployment of resources. I have the impression that this kind of intelligence agency spends 90 percent of its time this way: creating false leads. So that if anyone suspects the collaboration of the agencies, he is accused of paranoia. The truth often comes out only years later.” [Der Tagesspiegel (Berlin), 1/13/2002] In an example of covering tracks, Ephraim Halevy, head of Israel’s Mossad from 1998 until 2002, claims, “Not one big success of the Mossad has ever been made public” (see February 5, 2003). [CBS News, 2/5/2003]
Entity Tags: Andreas von Bulow, Israel Institute for Intelligence and Special Tasks (Mossad), Central Intelligence Agency, Ephraim Halevy
February 16, 2002: Bush Directs CIA to Conduct Operations in Iraq
Bush signs an intelligence finding directing the CIA to conduct some of the operations that have been proposed in the Anabasis plan devised by veteran CIA agents Luis (full-name not disclosed) and John Maguire (see Late November 2001 or December 2001). The plan called for conducting covert operations within Iraq as part of a larger effort to overthrow Hussein’s government. [Washington Post, 4/17/2004; Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 9 Sources: Top officials interviewed by Washington Post editor Bob Woodward]
Entity Tags: Anabasis, George W. Bush
March 2, 2002: Macedonian Police Stage the Murder of Seven Men, Falsely Claim They Were Islamist Militants Planning an Attack
Victims of the “Rastanski Lozja” action [Source: New York Times]Seven men are gunned down by Macedonian police near the country’s capital, Skopje. Authorities initially claim they were jihadists who took on the police in a gun battle. In an early report, “Interior Minister Ljube Boskovski said the dead men were ‘probably Pakistanis’ and had been planning attacks on vital installations and embassies.” [BBC, 3/2/2002] However, doubts quickly develop about the official story. The BBC reports, “Sources inside the government have briefed journalists saying they believe that the group were illegal immigrants attempting to cross Macedonia on the well trodden path into Europe.” [BBC, 3/20/2002] The full truth will emerge in April 2004 after a new government launches an investigation: it is revealed that the men, six from Pakistan and one from India, were innocent illegal immigrants who were lured over from Bulgaria, housed in Skopje for several days, and then shot in the middle of the night in an isolated spot. The conspiracy, which has become known as the “Rastanski Lozja” action, involved Boskovski and other politicians, as well as members of a special police unit. Their motive for the plot was to gain US support, in particular against rebellious ethnic Albanians. [Associated Press, 4/30/2004; BBC, 4/30/2004] According to the New York Times, “In late 2001, after a six-month guerrilla war with ethnic Albanian rebels, relations between Macedonia’s nationalist government and the outside world were at a low ebb. Diplomats, government officials and investigators here have suggested that the government hoped to use the post-Sept. 11 campaign against terror to give the government a free hand in its conflict with the mostly Muslim ethnic Albanians.” [New York Times, 5/17/2004]
Entity Tags: Ljube Boskovski
March 6, 2002: Russian Billionaire Berezovsky Accuses FSB, Putin of Terror Plot
Boris Berezovsky. [Source: BBC]At a well-publicized press conference in London, where he now lives in self-imposed exile, Russian billionaire Boris Berezovsky accuses President Putin of involvement in an alleged FSB plot behing the 1999 apartment bombings (see September 22-24, 1999, September 9, 1999 and September 13, 1999). After an overview of many well-known facts about the bombings and the controversial Ryazan security exercise, as well as a documentary called “The Assassination of Russia”, Berezovsky introduces the testimony of Nikita Chekulin. According to Chekulin, an explosive expert who says he was recruited by the FSB, large quantities of hexogen were purchased through his research institute, the Russian Conversion Explosives Center (Rosconversvzryvtsenter), and shipped under false labels in 1999-2000 out of military bases to cover organizations linked to the FSB. Chekulin says the FSB suppressed a governmental investigation into the scheme. “I am sure the bombings were organized by the FSB,” Berezovsky declares. “The FSB thought that [Russian President Vladimir] Putin would not be able to come to power through lawful democratic means.” [BBC, 3/6/2002; Guardian, 3/6/2002; Washington Post, 3/6/2002; Kommersant (Moscow), 3/6/2002; Monitor (Jamestown Foundation), 3/6/2002; SBS, 5/21/2003]
Entity Tags: Nikita Chekulin, Russian Federal Security Service, Boris Berezovsky, Vladimir Putin
April, 2002: Many Russians Believe Terror Plot Allegations, Poll Shows
A poll shows that suspicions of secret services involvement in the 1999 apartment bombings (see September 9, 1999 and September 13, 1999) are widespread in Russia. Following Russian billionaire Boris Berezovsky’s allegations made in in recent weeks (see March 6, 2002), six percent of Russians questioned in the poll say they believe the Russian FSB was behind the apartment bombings and another 37 percent believe it is a possibility. Most respondents say they would like Russian television to show a Berezovsky-sponsored documentary on the subject. [Agence France-Presse, 4/17/2002]
Entity Tags: Russian Federal Security Service, Boris Berezovsky
May 16, 2002: CIA Operative Hurt While Posing as Terrorist Bomber in Philippines?
US citizen Michael Meiring is suspected of being a CIA operative after injuring himself in an explosion in his own hotel room. Meiring claimed a grenade was thrown into his room, but a Philippine government investigation determined the center of the blast came from an assembled bomb kept in a metal box owned by Meiring. Hotel employees said Meiring told them for weeks not to touch the box while cleaning the room. Additionally, an ID card with his picture on it found in his room lists him as an officer in the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a Muslim rebel militant group. [KHOU-TV, 12/2/2004] One hour after the bombing in his room, a bomb explodes in a marketplace in the same region, injuring four people. [Agence France-Presse, 5/16/2002] In the two months prior to this explosion in his room, there were several other other explosions in the same region, killing 37 people and injuring 170 more. [Minda News, 5/30/2003] In 2003, a group of Philippine soldiers will mutiny, in part because they believe these bombings were done with the secret approval of the Philippine government, and not done by rebel groups as the government claims (see July 27-28, 2003). A number of Philippine officials speculate Meiring may have been a CIA agent. Those who knew him said that he referred to himself as a CIA agent, but said it stood for “Christ In Action.” He had frequently visited the Philippines for at least ten years. [Minda News, 5/30/2003] He claimed to be a treasure hunter, and had a company called Parousia International Trading (in Christian theology, Parousia is a term for the second coming of Christ). He also had ties to right wing extremists in the US (see 1992-1993). He was said to be very well connected in the Philippines, being visited in his hotel room prior to the explosion by congressmen, a governor, and military officials. He was also connected to militants in the MNLF, Abu Sayyaf, and other groups. He was said to have met with top leaders of these militant groups starting in 1992 (see 1992-1993). One source who knew him said that earlier in the year he had predicted a series of bombings and that his predictions “always came true.” [Minda News, 5/31/2003] Meiring was already a major suspect in the production and distribution of counterfeit US Treasury bills. Over the last few years, billions of dollars worth of fake US Treasury bills were confiscated in the region. [Time, 2/26/2001; BusinessWorld, 5/27/2002] Four days after the explosion, FBI agents take him out of the hospital where he was recovering from severe burns and amputations. According to the Philippine Immigration Deputy Commissioner, agents of the US National Security Council then take him to the capital of Manila. The Financial Times will later report that he returns to the US and is handed over to the CIA. [Manila Times, 5/30/2002; Financial Times, 7/12/2002; Guardian, 8/15/2003] The Guardian will later comment, “Local officials have demanded that Meiring return to face charges, to little effect. BusinessWorld, a leading Philippine newspaper, has published articles openly accusing Meiring of being a CIA agent involved in covert operations ‘to justify the [recent] stationing of American troops and bases in Mindanao.’ The Meiring affair has never been reported in the US press.” [Guardian, 8/15/2003] In 2004, a Houston TV station will trace Meiring back to the US, where he still lives, despite the Philippine government wanting him to be extradited to face a variety of charges related to the explosion (see December 2, 2004).
Entity Tags: Moro National Liberation Front, National Security Council, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Central Intelligence Agency, Abu Sayyaf, Michael Meiring
Summer 2002: CIA Begins Moving Iraqi Operatives into US to Train for Anabasis Plan
The CIA begins bringing exiled Iraqi fighters into the US to begin training for the Anabasis project (see Late November 2001 or December 2001). Some of the Iraqis are flown in on secret flights using the same planes that are involved in the CIA’s extraordinary renditions (see After September 11, 2001) Other exiles enter the US with CIA-provided passports. [Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 155]
Entity Tags: Central Intelligence Agency
August 16, 2002: US Military Plans New Strategies, Including Conducting Secret Operations Aimed at ‘Stimulating Reactions’ Among Terrorists and States
The Defense Science Board authors a report titled “Special Operations and Joint Forces in Countering Terrorism” recommending an increase of more than $7 billion in the Pentagon’s budget. It says the war on terrorism is a “real war” and describes the enemy as “committed, resourceful and globally dispersed… with strategic reach.” The US will have to wage “a long, at times violent, and borderless war” that “requires new strategies, postures and organization,” it adds. The report includes suggestions to develop the capability to tag key terrorist figures with special chemicals so they can be tracked by laser; a proposal to create a special SWAT team charged with secretly seeking and destroying chemical, biological and nuclear weapons anywhere in the world; and a plan to establish a “red team” known as the Proactive, Preemptive Operations Group, (P2OG), which would conduct secret operations aimed at “stimulating reactions” among terrorists and states suspected of possessing weapons of mass destruction. [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002; Los Angeles Times, 10/27/2002; Asia Times, 11/5/2002]
Proactive, Preemptive Operations Group, (P2OG) - The unit would provoke terrorist cells into action, perhaps by stealing their money or tricking them with fake communications, in order to expose them. The exposed cells would then be taken care of by “quick-response” teams. The US would use the revelation of such cells as an opportunity to hold “states/sub-state actors accountable” and “signal to harboring states that their sovereignty will be at risk.” The P2OG would require at least $100 million and about 100 people, including specialists in information operations, psychological operations, computer network attack, covert activities, signal intelligence, human intelligence, special operations forces and deception operations. According to the DSB, it should be headed by the Special Operations Executive in the White House’s National Security Council. But according to sources interviewed by United Press International (UPI), people in the Defense Department want to see the group under the Pentagon’s authority. [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002; Los Angeles Times, 10/27/2002; Asia Times, 11/5/2002]
Tagging terrorists - Intelligence operatives would penetrate terrorist cells and tag leaders’ clothes with chemicals that would make them trackable by a laser. The agents would also collect DNA samples from objects and papers that are handled by the targets. Information about the terrorist’s DNA would be kept in a database. The program would cost $1.7 billion over a 5-year period beginning in 2004. [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002]
Special SWAT team - The SWAT Team would consist of special forces soldiers whose specialty would be searching and destroying nuclear, chemical or biological weapons sites anywhere in the world. They would also be trained to offer protection to US soldiers operating nearby and be responsible for “consequence management,” like enacting quarantines. The program would cost about $500 million a year and would be headed by US Special Operations Command. To effectively detect the presence of such weapons, the DSB advocates allocating about $1 billion a year on the research and development of new sensor and “agent defeat” technologies. [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002]
Expanding US Special Forces - The panel recommends increasing the size of US Special Forces by about 2 percent a year. It also proposes that more special forces operations be conducted jointly with conventional forces. Its budget should be increased by “billions,” the report also says. [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002]
Panel to speculate on possible terrorist attack scenarios - A panel of roughly 24 creative, highly respected analysts would be convened to speculate on the nature of future terrorists attacks against the US. The report recommends allocating $20 million a year for the program. [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002]
Intelligence Reserve - A $100 million-a-year reserve program would be established that would put former intelligence retirees on call to assist with intelligence tasks and to participate in counterterrorism exercises when needed. [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002; Asia Times, 11/5/2002]
Addition of 500 people who would focus on identifying characteristics of potential adversaries - $800 million would be spent on the addition of over 500 people to existing military and intelligence agencies who would “focus on understanding effects of globalization, radicalism, cultures, religions, economics, etc., to better characterize potential adversaries.” [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002]
Increase budget of Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC) and Joint Forces Command's net assessment center - $200 million more would be allocated to the Joint Warfare Analysis Center and Joint Forces Command’s net assessment center. JWAC is a cell of about 500 planners and target analysts who work in Dahlgren, Va. [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002]
Increase surveillance and reconnaissance budgets - The panel envisions infusing $1.6 billion per year into intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance budgets over the next six years. Spending would be focused on tying together unmanned aerial vehicles, manned platforms, space-based sensors and databases. A portion of the funds would also be used to develop “a rich set of new ground sensor capabilities” aimed at the surveillance of small terrorist cells. [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002]
Urban Training Center - A dedicated urban training range would be constructed on the West Coast emphasizing “small unit action, leadership initiative and flexibility.” Relatively low-level soldiers would also be trained on how to determine the logistics of the back-up fire they need while they are in battle. The program would need $300 million a year for the next six years. [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002]
Database providing 3-d view of most of the cities of the world - The report recommends developing a detailed database of most of the cities in the world which would allow soldiers to view a three-dimensional display of the cities including “buildings [doors and windows included],… streets and alleys and underground passages, obstacles like power lines and key infrastructure like water and communications lines,” the UPI reports. [Board, 8/16/2002; United Press International, 9/26/2002] Critics warn that the changes proposed by the report would allow the military to engage in covert activities currently handled by the CIA. However unlike the CIA, the military would not be subject to Congressional oversight. But William Schneider Jr, the DSB chairman, downplays those concerns. “The CIA executes the plans but they use Department of Defense assets,” Schneider says, adding that his board’s recommendations do not advocate any changes to US policies banning assassinations, or requiring presidents to approve US covert operations in advance. He also insists that such changes would not preclude congressional oversight. [Asia Times, 11/5/2002]
Entity Tags: Defense Science Board, Donald Rumsfeld, William Schneider Jr.
Timeline Tags: US Military, Complete 911 Timeline
August 31, 2002: Indonesian Military Shoots US Teachers, Blames Attack on Rebel Group
Patsy Spier, an American teacher wounded in the attack. Her husband Rick Spier was killed. [Source: US Department of Justice]A group of US teachers traveling in the Indonesian province of Papua (also known as Irian Jaya) are ambushed on a jungle road. Two American teachers and one Indonesian teacher are killed, and eight American teachers are injured. The ambush takes place on a road owned by the company Freeport-McMoRan, which owns an extremely lucrative gold and copper mine nearby. The road is tightly controlled by the Indonesian military, the TNI, and a military check point is only 500 yards away. The TNI quickly blames the killings on the Free Papua Movement (OPM), a separatist group in the province. But a preliminary Indonesian police investigation finds that “there is a strong possibility” the ambush was carried out by members of the Indonesian military. Other classified reports presented to Congress by the CIA and FBI suggest the TNI was behind the ambush. [Washington Post, 6/22/2003] The weeks later, a US intelligence report suggests that senior Indonesian military officials discussed an operation against Freeport shortly before the ambush (see Mid-September 2002). [Washington Post, 11/3/2002] Matthew P. Daley, deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, later says: “The preponderance of evidence indicates to us that members of the Indonesian army were responsible for the murders in Papua. The question of what level and for what motive did these murders take place is of deep interest to the United States.” At the time, over 2,000 security personnel were guarding the Freeport mine, and this has been a lucrative business for the TNI. However, Freeport had made recent comments in the local media that they were planning on cutting the security forces. The Washington Post will report in 2003 that the FBI is investigating the possibility that the ambush was designed to make Freeport increase its payments to the TNI. The Post will additionally report US officials also believe that “elements of the military may have wanted to frame the [OPM] in the hope of prompting the State Department to add the group to the department’s terrorist list. If the separatists were listed as a terrorist group, it would almost guarantee an increase in US counterterrorism aid to the Indonesian military.” [Washington Post, 6/22/2003] In 2006, the New York Times will report that, despite all the evidence, “Bush administration officials [have] consistently sought to absolve the Indonesian military of any link to the killings.” In November 2005, the US officially restores ties to the TNI despite the unresolved nature of the killings. The ties had been cut for 12 years due to widespread human rights abuses by the TNI. Also in 2006, Anthonius Wamang, the main suspect in the killings who was recently arrested, will confess that he did shoot at the teachers, but so did three men in Indonesian military uniforms. Furthermore, he says he was given his bullets by a senior Indonesian soldier. Wamang is said to belong to the OPM, but a human rights group connects him to the TNI. [New York Times, 1/14/2006] After the Bali bombings less than two months later (see October 12, 2002), the Asia Times will point to the Papua ambush to suggest that elements in the TNI could have had a role in the Bali bombings as well. [Asia Times, 11/7/2002]
Entity Tags: Tentara Nasional Indonesia, Free Papua Movement, Freeport-McMoRan, Bush administration (43), Anthonius Wamang, Matthew P. Daley
Fall 2002: CIA Operation in Athens Frames Iraqi Security Officials in Arms Bust
In Athens, a number of Iraqi security officials get snagged in an arms bust arranged by the CIA. The CIA made it appear as though the Iraqis were buying guns for terrorists. The operation was part of an effort by the CIA’s Iraq Operations Group to exacerbate the tension between the US and Saddam Hussein in the lead-up to war with Iraq. [Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 161]
Entity Tags: Iraq Operations Group, Central Intelligence Agency
September 2002: Anabasis Team Begins Training in Nevada Desert
The CIA’s Anabasis operatives begin training in the Nevada Desert at the Energy Department’s nuclear test site. About 80 Iraqis take part in the training. They name their squad Scorpions 77 Alpha after a special forces unit Saddam had disbanded. A second team comprised of about 15 Arab fighters, mostly Egyptians and Lebanese, also train at the site. [Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 153-156]
Entity Tags: Anabasis, Central Intelligence Agency
Mid-September 2002: US and Australian Intelligence Learn Indonesian Military Likely behind False Flag Attack on US Teachers; No Action or Warnings Result
On August 31, 2002, a group mostly made up of American teachers near a mine owned by the US company Freeport-McMoRan are ambushed in the jungles of the Indonesian province of Papua; 3 teachers are killed and 12 injured (see August 31, 2002). According to a Washington Post article published on November 2, 2002, a US intelligence report two weeks later strongly suggests the Indonesian military is behind the killings. According to a US official and another US source, shortly before the ambush, a discussion involving the top ranks of Indonesia’s military (the TNI) take place. Influential commander-in-chief Endriartono Sutarto is involved. Sutarto and the other military leaders discuss discrediting a Papuan separatist group, the Free Papua Movement (OPM). This information is based on a “highly reliable” source said to be knowledgeable about the high-level military conversations, as well as communications intercepts by the Australian government. The discussions do not detail a specific attack nor do they call explicitly for the killing of foreigners, but they clearly target the Freeport company. Subordinates could understand the discussions as an implicit command to take violent action against Freeport. The report suggest the Indonesian military may have wanted to blame an attack on the OPM in order to prod the US to declare the OPM a terrorist group.
FBI Reaches Similar Conclusions - In early October, the FBI briefs State Department and US embassy officials in Indonesia and reveal that their investigation indicates the Indonesian military was behind the ambush, although the determination is not conclusive.
Later Reactions in US - Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt) will later say, “It should surprise no one that the Indonesian army may have been involved in this atrocity. It has a long history of human rights violations and obstruction of justice. The fact that the perpetrators apparently believed they could murder Americans without fear of being punished illustrates the extent of the impunity.” Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz will say he is concerned about the allegations, but suggests the US should nonetheless reestablish ties with the Indonesian military, which had been suspended due to human rights violations. The Indonesian military will later deny any involvement in the killings. [Washington Post, 11/3/2002]
Indonesian Police also Blame Military - However, the Washington Post also reports around the same time that the Indonesian police have concluded in a secret report that the Indonesian military is responsible. They blame Kopassus, the military’s special forces unit, for carrying out the ambush. [Washington Post, 10/27/2002]
No Warnings before Bali Bombings - But neither the US nor Australian governments give any kind of public warning that the Indonesian military could be targeting and killing Westerners, and no known action is taken against the Indonesian government. On October 12, 2002, over 200 people, mostly Westerners, will be killed in bombings on the island of Bali (see October 12, 2002). While the al-Qaeda affiliate group Jemaah Islamiyah will be blamed for the bombings, a retired Indonesian military officer will allegedly confess to having a role but not be charged (see October 16, 2002), and several top Indonesian military generals will also be suspected in media reports (see October 28, 2002).
Entity Tags: Tentara Nasional Indonesia, Freeport-McMoRan, Free Papua Movement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Endriartono Sutarto, Kopassus, Paul Wolfowitz, US intelligence, US Department of State, Patrick J. Leahy
September 27, 2002: French Court Ruling Backs Allegations of Widespread False Flag Attacks in Algeria
Habib Souaidia. [Source: Public domain]Algerian general Khaled Nezzar loses a libel suit in France against Habib Souaidia, a former lieutenant in the Algerian army. Souaidia claimed in a 2001 book that in the 1990s the Algerian army frequently massacred Algerian civilians and then blamed Islamic militants for the killings. The French court rules that the contents of Souaidia’s book are “legitimate.” The court declares that it could not judge Algeria’s history but Souaidia had acted in good faith in making his allegations. [Agence France-Presse, 9/27/2002; Inter Press Service, 9/30/2002] Souaidia served in the Algerian army until 1996 and took part in operations against Islamic militants. Nezzar is considered the real power in Algeria, still ruling behind a facade of civilian rule ever since the early 1990s. Several former Algerian officers living in exile testified in court and corroborated Souaidia’s statements. For instance:
Souaidia told the French court, “In the beginning we spoke about restoring order in the country. But very soon the generals made of us an army of wild murderers.… We had permission to kill whoever we wanted to for nothing at all.” He pointed to Nezzar in the courtroom and said that “at the same time they were counting the millions of dollars they had stolen from the people.”
Former colonel Mohammed Samraoui testified that “the Algerian army used all means to attack the Islamic rebellion: blackmail, corruption, threats, killings…we used terrorist methods to attack terrorism even before it had appeared.”
Former officer Ahmed Chouchene said that soldiers were told they could kill civilians as much as they liked as long as they could “produce a false explanation for the killings.” They were taught that “their role was not to apply law, but to circumvent it.” [Inter Press Service, 9/30/2002]
Entity Tags: Algerian army, Ahmed Chouchene, Habib Souaidia, Département du Renseignement et de la Sécurité, Mohammed Samraoui, Groupe Islamique Armé, Islamic Salvation Front, Khaled Nezzar
Late September 2002: CIA Strikes Deal with Iraqi Religious Leader to Exploit High-Level Contacts in Iraqi Government for Intelligence
The CIA flies the leader of Iraq’s Sufi movement (Sufism is a mystic tradition of Islam) to Washington to discuss his possible involvement in the Anabasis project. One night at Marrakesh, a popular Moroccan restaurant, the Sufi asks Luis and John Maguire, the two CIA operatives who are heading the project, if the US is certain that it will remove Saddam Hussein. “You’re not just going to come to Iraq, poke Saddam in the eye, and leave, are you?” Maguire assures him that the US is serious this time. The CIA agrees to pay him $1 million a month in exchange for information from high-level Iraqi officials. Soon after the agreement, CIA officers in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq begin receiving high-quality intelligence from Iraqi insiders, including information on the movements of Saddam Hussein. The sources include Iraqi military officials who are more loyal to the Sufi leader than to Hussein. [Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 157]
Entity Tags: Saddam Hussein, John Maguire, Luis, Anabasis
(October 2002): CIA Station Chief in Jordan Refuses Order to Engage in Sabotage against Iraqi Vehicles
The Iraqi Operations Group, headed by Luis (his full name has not been disclosed) and John Maguire, orders the CIA station chief in Annan Jordan to conduct a sabotage operation against a fleet of cars used by Iraqi officials in Jordan. They want the CIA in Annan to pour contaminants into the fuel tanks of the vehicles so as to destroy their the engines. But the station chief refuses, telling agency headquarters in a cable that he won’t participate in “juvenile college pranks.” Maguire is livid with anger. “We have a directive from the president of the United States to do this,” Maquire says. “So shut the f_ck up and do this! We’re not interested in your grousing as to whether or not this is a wise move or not. The president has made a decision!” The operation never takes place. [Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 160-161]
Entity Tags: Anabasis, John Maguire, George W. Bush
October 2-November 12, 2002: Mastermind of Series of Alleged Al-Qaeda Funded Bombings in Philippines Appears to Be Government Mole
Abdulmukim Edris, standing with his head bowed in the back, and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, sitting in the front in purple. [Source: Erik de Castro / Reuters / Corbis]Beginning on October 2, 2002, a series of bombings take place in and around Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines. This region is a center of Islamist militancy in a majority Christian country. During the month of October, bombs explode outside a restaurant near a military camp (killing four, including a US Green Beret commando), at the entrance to a Catholic shrine, at a bus terminal (killing seven), and inside two department stores (killing seven). A total of 21 are killed and more than 200 are injured.
Arrest of Alleged Mastermind - On November 14, Abdulmukim Edris is arrested and is said to have been the bomb-maker behind all the blasts. Edris is an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf, a militant group based in the region. Two days after his arrest, he is paraded in front of cameras and stands in handcuffs directly behind Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as she calls him “the No. 1 bomber of the Abu Sayyaf.” He admits that he and his team were already casing targets to be bombed later in the month, including the US embassy in Manila. The head of the military says that Edris was trained by two Yemeni “VIPs from al-Qaeda” in the southern Philippines in the month before the 9/11 attacks. It is later reported that another arrested Abu Sayyaf militant, Khair Mundus, received around $90,000 from al-Qaeda militants in Saudi Arabia to fund the bombings. [Associated Press, 11/14/2002; Associated Press, 5/14/2004]
Mastermind Appears to Be Mole - But in July 2003, Edris will escape from a high-security prison with two other militants (see July 14, 2003). One week after the escape, the Philippine Daily Inquirer will report that Edris has long-time links to the Philippine military and police. A police intelligence source says that he has been a government asset since 1994. [Philippine Daily Inquirer, 7/23/2003] Edris will be killed about two weeks after this report. He allegedly is killed hours after he was arrested while trying to wrestle a gun from a soldier. Some will allege that he was deliberately killed in order to prevent him from revealing what he knew (see October 12, 2003).
Another Dubious Mastermind - Another alleged mastermind of the Zamboanga bombings, Mohammed Amin al-Ghafari, is arrested on November 8, 2002, and then quickly deported, despite allegations that he helped fund the 1995 Bojinka plot and had major terrorist links. He is said to have links to Philippine intelligence and high-level government protection (see October 8-November 8, 2002).
Entity Tags: Abdulmukim Edris, Al-Qaeda, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Mohammed Amin al-Ghafari, Abu Sayyaf
October 16, 2002: Former Indonesian Military Officer Reportedly Confesses Role in Bali Bombings
The Washington Post reports that a former Indonesian military official has confessed to assembling the main bomb that blew up a nightclub in Bali, Indonesia, several days earlier (see October 12, 2002). According to an unnamed Indonesian security official, former Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Dedy Masrukhin says he regrets the loss of life, but will not disclose who ordered him to make the bomb. He was discharged from the military in September 2001 for involvement in a drug case. He received explosives training in the US while he was still in the military. However, less than 24 hours later, an Indonesian military spokesman acknowledges Masrukhin was intensively interrogated but denies that he confessed. [Jakarta Post, 10/16/2002; Washington Post, 10/16/2002] Several days later, the Jakarta Post, an English language newspaper in Indonesia, reports that their sources say “the police received orders to release [Masrukhin] although suspicions of his link to the Bali blasts remain strong.” [Jakarta Post, 10/21/2002] Interestingly, the London Times reports that the explosives used in the bombings were bought from the Indonesian military (see September-October 2002). [London Times, 10/20/2002]
Entity Tags: Tentara Nasional Indonesia, Dedy Masrukhin
November 2002: CIA Officials Discuss Plans for Sabotage in Iraq at Secret Meeting in London
CIA station chiefs from all over the Middle East meet at the United States Embassy in London for a secret conference. Deputy Director for Operations James Pavitt has called the meeting because certain people in the CIA are disappointed with a lack of action in the field on Iraq-related tasks. John Maquire of the Iraqi Operations Group has repeatedly criticized field operatives for being too timid (see, e.g., (October 2002)). [Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 161] “After several worldwide cables from IOG [Iraqi Operations Group], the Near East front office, and the DDO’s office, we found little movement in the field on the Iraq issue.… This lack of movement on the Iraq target triggered the call by the ADDO [the assistant deputy director of operations] for the London meeting,” an official from the CIA’s Iraqi Operations Group (IOG) later tells author James Risen. The problem is that many CIA officers, especially those in the Near East division, simply do not support the administration’s plan to invade Iraq. So one of the meeting’s objectives is to get everyone on board. The IOG official explains: “We kept saying that the president has decided we are going to war, and if you don’t like it, quit.” During the meeting, the officials say that the agency is interested in developing a plan for sabotage that will undermine the Iraqi regime. The chief of the IOG describes a plan to prevent the shipment of goods to Saddam Hussein and his family with the hope that it might cause Hussein to become paranoid and distrustful of those around him. One young station chief suggests sinking a ferry that imports these goods into Iraq from neighboring Arab countries. An IOG official present at the meeting will later tell Risen that this plan is dismissed because the vessel also transports passengers. But two station chiefs tell Risen that they left the meeting with the impression that IOG officials were open to the plan. Risen also reports in his book that another plan for sabotage was to equip “low-level Iraqi agents with special spring-loaded darts that they could use to destroy the windshields of cars owned by members of the Iraqi regime. Large supplies of the darts were later delivered to forward CIA stations, but nothing was ever done with them.” [Risen, 2006, pp. 183-184]
Entity Tags: Iraq Operations Group, James Pavitt
December 11, 2002: Indonesian Military Still Has Well-Connected Mole Inside Al-Qaeda Affiliate, Raising Questions about Bali Bombings
Syafrie Syamsuddin. [Source: Kuantanutama.com]The International Crisis Group (ICG), an international think tank, publishes a report that identifies a “curious link” between the al-Qaeda affiliate group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Indonesian military, the TNI. [International Crisis Group, 12/11/2002] PBS Frontline will later say that Sidney Jones, the author of the report, “is widely considered to know more about terrorism in Indonesia than anyone.” [PBS Frontline, 4/2007] The ICG says the connection is “strong enough to raise the question of how much the TNI knew about Jemaah Islamiah” before the October 2002 Bali bombings. The report outs Fauzi Hasbi, a long-time JI leader, as an Indonesian government mole. It says that Hasbi has maintained links with Major-General Syafrie Syamsuddin since the late 1970s. “Hasbi maintains regular communication with Major-General Syafrie Syamsuddin to this day and is known to be close to the National Intelligence Agency head Hendropriyono.” Furthermore, an army intelligence officer interviewed by ICG had Hasbi’s number programmed into his cell phone, and actually called Hasbi and spoke to him while in the presence of the ICG investigator. And remarkably, Hasbi himself has claimed that he has treated Hambali, a top JI and al-Qaeda leader believed to have masterminded the 2002 Bali bombings, like a son. Hasbi and Hambali lived next door to each other in a small Malaysian village until late 2000 (see April 1991-Late 2000). [International Crisis Group, 12/11/2002; Age (Melbourne), 12/12/2002] Hasbi is killed in mysterious circumstances two months later (see 1979-February 22, 2003).
Entity Tags: Syafrie Syamsuddin, Sidney Jones, Tentara Nasional Indonesia, International Crisis Group, Hambali, Fauzi Hasbi, Hendropriyono, Jemaah Islamiyah
January 2003: CIA Moves Anabasis Team to Jordan
The CIA’s Iraq Operations Group flies the Anabasis team from their Nevada training site to Jordan to wait for a green light from the White House. If the signal is given, the team—comprised of more than 100 members—will be flown to an isolated Iraqi military base near the Saudi border where they will announce a coup on the radio and call on other military units to join them. Then, when Hussein flies his troops south to quell the insurrection, the US Air Force will shoot them down for violating the no-fly zone. The confrontation will then be used as a pretext for full-scale war (see also Late November 2001 or December 2001). But the operation will be opposed by General Franks, and the Anabasis team will never receive the signal (see After January 2003). [Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 166]
After January 2003: Gen. Franks Rejects Anabasis Plan
Execution of the Anabasis project (see Late November 2001 or December 2001) is blocked by General Tommy Franks. Journalists Michael Isikoff and David Corn write in their book Hubris that Franks “didn’t want a sideshow interfering with his carefully designed invasion plans.” Instead the Anabasis team, which has been waiting in Jordan (see January 2003), will help US forces cut roads and establish ties with local mullahs when the invasion begins. [Isikoff and Corn, 2006, pp. 211 Sources: John Maguire]
Entity Tags: Anabasis, Thomas Franks
February 5, 2003: Recently Retired Head of Mossad Says His Agency Has Had Many Secret Big Successes
Ephraim Halevy, head of the Mossad from 1998 to 2002, is interviewed by 60 Minutes. He denies allegations that Israel was behind the 9/11 attacks, saying, “Needless to say, this is not just a big lie. I think this is really also a travesty of any vestige of truth.” He also suggests that some Arab governments may have been subtly promoting this allegation to hurt Israel. But at the same time, he hints that the Mossad has had great secret successes. He claims, “Not one big success of the Mossad has ever been made public.” Equally cryptically, when asked what moment he is most proud of, he replies, “This is something I can’t talk about unfortunately. I am sorry about that.” [CBS News, 2/5/2003]
Entity Tags: Ephraim Halevy, Israel Institute for Intelligence and Special Tasks (Mossad)
May 12, 2003: Saudi Arabia Bombing Hardens Saudi Government’s Stance Toward Al-Qaeda
Reconstruction begins after the Riyadh bombings. [Source: US Rewards for Justice] (click image to enlarge)Saudi Arabia is attacked by three suicide bombings in the capital of Riyadh. At least 34 people are killed. Some evidence suggests that elements within the Saudi government were complicit with or behind the attacks (see May 12, 2003). The Saudi government had taken very little action against al-Qaeda prior to this. However, it appears to more aggressively combat al-Qaeda afterward. [Los Angeles Times, 7/16/2004] In early 2006, it will be reported that the Saudis aggressively combat al-Qaeda within Saudi Arabia, but do next to nothing to stop al-Qaeda or its financing outside of the country (see January 15, 2006).
Entity Tags: Saudi Arabia, Al-Qaeda
May 12, 2003: Suspicious Circumstances in Riyadh Bombings Indicate Government Collusion with Al-Qaeda, American Contractors Say
The May 12, 2003, Riyadh suicide bombings, which left 35 dead, targeted several housing compounds for Westerners, include one for Vinnell Corporation employees (see May 12, 2003). (Vinnell had a large contract to train Saudi forces.) Some former Vinnell employees, who are predominantly former American servicemen, will later allege in interviews and court documents that the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG), the elite force which protects the royal family, colluded with the bombers to facilitate the attacks. They claim that an exercise organized by the National Guard removed most security staff for the day of the bombing, suggesting foreknowledge. They also claim that warnings were ignored and that security was inexplicably lax. [Independent, 5/16/2004] They will then sue Vinnell and Saudi Arabia for negligence. [Independent, 5/8/2005]
Entity Tags: Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG), Vinnell Corporation
Alleged False Flag Operations
Algeria (6)Indonesia (9)Israel / the Mossad (17)Other / Unknown (13)Russia (27)The Balkans (4)The Philippines (10)
Alleged US False Flag Operations
Alleged US False Flag Attacks (12)Anabasis Operation in Iraq (14)Related US Policy (3)
General Topic Areas
Other Events (6)
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Intravenous induction versus gaseous induction in paediatric patients
Operating department practitioner Arwinder Singh provides an overview of intravenous versus gaseous induction in paediatric patients to assist the anaesthetic team in practice
Paediatric anaesthesia takes into account the unique physiology and technical challenges associated with induction in the child compared with the adult. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of intravenous versus gaseous induction in paediatric patients to assist the anaesthetic team in practice.
Ideal induction characteristics
Induction agents need to fulfil a certain amount of criteria in order to be considered useful in the clinical setting, in addition to their ability to achieve clinical anaesthesia (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011). Ideally, induction should be a smooth, painless process that is rapid and easily accepted by the child, parent and operating room staff (Moore, et al., 2003). Above all, the induction process should be safe, in that it does not result in direct harm to the child nor interfere with metabolic or physiological processes in such a way that harm might ensue (Rappaport, et al., 2011). This includes an agent that does not alter haemodynamic or respiratory stability and one that is safe in the postoperative period (Rappaport, et al., 2011). Postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting and altered mental states are outcomes that should be avoided but can be precipitated by some induction agents (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011).
In addition to these concerns, the anaesthetist should select the correct induction agent based on the nature of the procedure and specific patient factors. For instance, difficult airways, stomach contents and the difficulty in establishing venous access may all influence the choice of agent – specifically gaseous or intravenous (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011). Therefore, a number of factors need to be considered when selecting the induction agent of choice in paediatric medicine. Furthermore, this choice should be based on the best available evidence for the patient and procedure being performed, where such evidence is available (Cravero and Blike, 2004).
The remainder of this review will focus on these specific ideals of an induction agent in order to determine how the most commonly used gaseous (sevoflurane) and intravenous (propofol) agents meet these criteria, in order to compare their importance for paediatric practice.
Relative advantages of gaseous and intravenous induction
Gaseous agents
The main advantages of gaseous induction include the ease with which the technique can be applied, the speed of induction and the avoidance of intravenous techniques in the child, which may be a source of anxiety and technically challenging (Mellon, Simone and Rappaport, 2007). Gaseous induction agents rely on a high level of solubility between air and blood and fat in order to produce their anaesthetic effect rapidly in the brain (Nolan, 2013). Consequently, agents such as sevoflurane act very rapidly due to their solubility characteristics, and are also relatively short-lived in the body, with unchanged exhalation after a matter of minutes (FRCA, 2004). This suggests that two major advantages to gaseous induction are apparent: firstly, the rapid onset and rapid clearance from tissues indicates that induction will be quick and recovery also quick, and secondly the lack of extensive metabolism of the gaseous agent, as it is exhaled unchanged, would suggest few metabolic side effects (FRCA, 2004).
The primary benefit of gaseous induction agents is considered to be in the administration of anaesthesia in children who are afraid of needles (Nolan, 2013). The process is pain-free and less stressful than needle use in children, particularly those who are agitated or who are moving during the induction process (Lonnqvist and Morton, 2006). Such movement can make intravenous access technically demanding and potentially painful (Beule, et al., 2007). Indeed, pain has been noted in up to 60 per cent of cases of intravenous induction (Mellon, Simone and Rappaport, 2007). Sevoflurane and associated compounds have been shown to reduce anxiety associated with anaesthesia in children and might therefore result in a more refined and effective clinical pathway for the patient and practitioners present (Beule, et al., 2007).
In addition, the use of ventilatory measurements to ascertain the effectiveness of anaesthesia induced by gaseous agents is considered a significant benefit (Breschan and Likar, 2006). The alveolar ventilation characteristics can be monitored during the procedure and constant adjustments made to ensure that the patient remains under anaesthesia throughout the operation (Ahn, et al., 2008). Furthermore, the responses to doses of gaseous induction agents are highly predictable, which is not often the case with propofol and other intravenous agents, where individual variation in response is common and may preclude optimal anaesthesia (Pieters, et al., 2010). Therefore, response to changes in physiology can be anticipated and, in principle, managed more effectively with gaseous agents.
Intravenous agents
Intravenous induction agents have the potential to produce a more stable anaesthesia, can be used in more complex scenarios (e.g. upper airway surgery), do not rely on alveolar ventilation to take effect and are relatively easy to monitor and adjust during the procedure, without producing operating room pollution (Eyres, 2004). Propofol in particular is commonly used in children and is able to produce anaesthesia as rapidly as gaseous agents, although distribution throughout the bodily compartments is more extensive (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011). Initially, the brain, kidneys, liver and heart receive the drug (due to the high blood flow in these regions) and then slow absorption is seen in muscles and fat tissue (Beule, et al., 2007). Liver-based metabolism of the drug is most common, with water-soluble products excreted in the urine (Mellon, Simone and Rappaport, 2007). Despite these processes, propofol metabolites are not associated with significant clinical effects in the majority of cases (see next section) and clearance from the body is relatively fast (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011).
It has been argued in the literature, that while gaseous agents are considered advantageous for induction, as they avoid the use of needles during waking periods, the use of masks during gaseous induction may also be associated with anxiety and stress in the child (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011). This is particularly evident when the mask is placed onto the child and held there against their will. In addition, the pungency of some inhalation agents is such that they can be upsetting to the child and may irritate the respiratory tract to some degree (Brown, 2013). These negative associations are avoided in intravenous induction and therefore may benefit the child who is upset by the mask or the smell of the volatile anaesthetic (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011).
Other advantages of intravenous induction are seen in the rapid induction produced compared with gaseous induction, which is particularly important in emergency anaesthesia situations (FRCA, 2004). Furthermore, a child with a full stomach or with a notable degree of gastro-oesophageal reflux may pose a relative contraindication to gaseous induction and this would preferentially support the use of agents such as propofol (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011). Similarly, in neurosurgical procedures, where the risk of central nervous system ischaemia is high, intravenous techniques may be more useful due to the enhanced benefits of neuroprotection (Engelhard, et al., 2004).
Potential complications
Several complications or side-effects have been consistently noted with both types of induction agent. In general, gaseous induction is more likely to be associated with movement during induction (though this is reduced with isoflurane and halothane compared with sevoflurane) (TerRiet, et al., 2000). This excitation movement may be problematic in larger patients, where restraint may be necessary (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011). Emergence agitation may be common in preschool age children (up to 80 per cent), and postoperative nausea and vomiting is also common (approximately 20 per cent of patients) (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011). Gaseous induction agents may also be associated with liver toxicity if used for prolonged periods, due to a small proportion of the agent being metabolised by the liver into harmful compounds (FRCA, 2004). While this is a rare complication, liver toxicity has been demonstrated in children and should be considered in paediatric patients with poor hepatic function (Zielinksa, Holtby and Wolf, 2011).
Malignant hyperthermia is a condition that affects one in 10,000 anaesthetic episodes in children, and is characterised by disordered skeletal muscle calcium regulation and is precipitated by volatile anaesthetics, including halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane and enflurane (Brady, Sun and Rosenburg, 2009). The condition is characterised by excessive muscle contracture, heat generation and metabolic disturbances that may lead to death (Hopkins, 2011). Where a family history of malignant hyperthermia is noted, gaseous induction is absolutely contraindicated and therefore intravenous induction (propofol) is advisable (Brislin and Theroux, 2013).
It has also been noted that during anaesthetic procedures where sevoflurane and associated agents are used there is a relatively high frequency of epileptiform changes noted on electroencephalography (EEG) (Constant, Seeman and Murat, 2005). Although it is prudent to assess for a history of epilepsy prior to the use of many anaesthetic agents, the significance of these EEG findings are not clear for patients with a history of epilepsy (Constant, Seeman and Murat, 2005). However, it is generally advisable to avoid the use of gaseous agents in children with severe epilepsy or in those with a history of adverse reactions or strange behaviour following the use of sevoflurane in other contexts (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011).
There are reports, predominantly based on animal models, that long-term use of gaseous agents, in particular sevoflurane, may be associated with neurodegeneration and therefore may present a risk to paediatric patients (Khan, Hayes and Buggy, 2013). While these findings have not been confirmed in practice in humans, there is compelling laboratory evidence to suggest these agents may have a detrimental effect on central nervous system function if used in high doses over long periods of time (Khan, Hayes and Buggy, 2013). Therefore, further research is advised to assess the risk to paediatric patients.
One of the main disadvantages of intravenous induction is the necessity of vein catheterisation, which can be painful in a number of cases and may be off-putting for children (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011). In addition, the pain associated with the injection can be present even where the skin is anaesthetised beforehand (Pieters, et al., 2010). Even when the skin is correctly anaesthetised in order to remove the pain of the injection, it may be the case that psychological fear of the needle results in patient discomfort regardless, emphasising the need for the anaesthetist to be aware of the anxiety levels of the patient prior to the procedure (Eyres, 2004). Finally, the actual agent may be responsible for a reduction in heart rate (bradycardia) and hypotension during the injection process, and therefore careful monitoring is needed at this early stage (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011).
Propofol infusion syndrome (PIS) is a potentially fatal complication of extended use of high doses of propofol in paediatric patients (Vasile, et al., 2003). The condition is characterised by cardiac failure, rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis and renal failure (Kam and Cardone, 2007). More than twenty-one paediatric cases have been described in the literature; but while the condition is relatively rare it may have a devastating effect on the child (Kam and Cardone, 2007); however, the association of PIS with propofol use for induction in short operations (under 6 hours) is unclear and therefore the risk to the child may be minimal in these circumstances (Vasile, et al., 2003).
There has been concern raised over the lack of data on propofol use in neonates during the induction process, particularly following the emergence of several cases of sudden cardiac arrest in the literature (Zielinksa, Holtby and Wolf, 2011). The precise mechanism underlying this reaction is not clear, although it was noted that no infants had underlying congenital anomalies and that the dosing protocols of propofol in each case were within reasonable limits (Veyckemans, 2001). Therefore, further exploration of this reaction is warranted in neonates (Zielinska, Holtby and Wolf, 2011).
Comparisons of agents: clinical data
The use of nitrous oxide with either halothane or propofol for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in children during day surgery was reviewed in one study, which found that the only relative advantage of propofol was a reduction in post-operative nausea and vomiting, otherwise the agents were comparable in their efficacy and side-effect profile (Ved et al., 1996). More recent data focused on comparing propofol induction with sevoflurane induction in 322 children attending for day surgery (Moore, et al., 2003). The authors found that excitatory movements were more commonly associated with sevoflurane induction, while the average time for induction with sevoflurane was five minutes, compared with 3.1 minutes in the propofol group. Recovery times were longer in the propofol group compared with the sevoflurane group (26.4 minutes versus 23.2 minutes; P < 0.002), although time spent in postoperative wards was the same. Delirium during recovery was greater in the sevoflurane group, while postoperative nausea and vomiting was also significantly higher than in patients managed with propofol (Moore, et al., 2003).
Additional data supports the observation that side-effects and postoperative nausea and vomiting may be increased when using gaseous induction in children, while it has also been reported that the relative cost of sevoflurane induction exceeds that of propofol due to the occurrence of these side effects (Elliott, et al., 2003); however, clinical outcomes in patient groups managed with either propofol or sevoflurane in this study did not differ at seven days following surgery (Elliott, et al., 2003).
While the increased risk of side-effects, including nausea and vomiting and induction-related excitatory movements would suggest that sevoflurane is a less suitable induction agent than propofol in this setting (paediatric day care), the differences between the two groups were small from a clinical perspective, despite exhibiting statistical significance. Therefore, further studies of this nature are warranted to extend recommendations on induction techniques beyond anecdotal observations and practitioner preferences based on experience (Mani and Morton, 2010).
Several larger studies, including several randomised trials, have been conducted, specifically focusing on the use of propofol versus sevoflurane, two common agents used in paediatric anaesthesia (Pieters, et al., 2010). A randomised, double-blind study was conducted in 42 patients following induction with either sevoflurane or propofol (including continued maintenance with that agent) during ear, nose and throat surgery to assess the impact of the drugs on emergence agitation (Pieters, et al., 2010). The results suggested that propofol did not have a superior effect on agitation compared with sevoflurane during adenotonsillectomy procedures, although propofol was associated with reduced nausea and vomiting, as well as reduced postoperative pain levels. Recovery time, nursing satisfaction and parental happiness were equal with both techniques.
The finding that pain may be enhanced in patients following sevoflurane use was also noted in a double-blind, randomised study of 88 children aged 3–6 years undergoing hernia repair surgery (Hasani, et al., 2013). Pain was more likely to be an issue when sevoflurane induction was used (24.3 per cent) compared with propofol induction (4.5 per cent), although recovery time was shorter in the sevoflurane group (10.1 minutes versus 16.5 minutes, P<0.001). Similarly, the incidence of emergence agitation or delirium and the incidence of postoperative pain was reduced following induction with propofol compared with sevoflurane in a randomised controlled trial of 112 children undergoing strabismus repair (Chandler, et al., 2013). In conclusion to the association of sevoflurane and associated gaseous anaesthetic induction agents with emergence agitation, a recent meta-analysis of 14 studies demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in agitation with propofol use in a variety of surgical contexts (P<0.0001) (Kanaya, et al., 2014).
A recent study has highlighted the importance of context during the surgical approach, as the authors explored the use of sevoflurane induction in children under three years of age undergoing spontaneous breathing rigid bronchoscopy (Liao, Li and Liu, 2010). Sixty-four children were included in the analysis, with random allocation to either sevoflurane or propofol. The results demonstrated that haemodynamic data and respiration were more stable in sevoflurane-managed patients, while induction speed, recovery rate and excitement were all increased with sevoflurane compared with propofol. The only negative feature is the increased level of excitement therefore, but otherwise in this context sevoflurane was superior to propofol from a technical and symptomatic perspective (Liao, Li and Liu, 2010).
A recent Cochrane summary provides an overview of the comparability of gaseous versus intravenous anaesthetic agents for use in paediatric anaesthesia (Ortiz, et al., 2014). A total of 16 studies were identified and evaluated in order to explore the impact of either type of agent on specific outcomes, including postoperative nausea and vomiting, pain, delirium and other mental disturbances. The authors found that propofol use was generally associated with lower rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting and the risk of behavioural problems resulting from postoperative pain or mental state disturbance compared with sevoflurane; data on other variables was weak due to the heterogeneous and methodologically variable approaches used by studies and therefore further research is recommended for other agents. However, as noted by Moore et al. (2003), this review also finds that hospital discharge and recovery time are comparable with both sevoflurane and propofol use (Ortiz, et al., 2014).
Overall, it is apparent that clinicians have specific preferences for either gaseous or intravenous induction techniques in practice, although the comparable efficacy of these agents limits constructive critical analysis. Consequently, both types of induction agent are in common use and may be selected on their basis of pre-operative child anxiety levels (favouring gaseous induction) or specific technical elements of the procedure (for instance, airway surgery may demand intravenous induction). While side-effects are noted for both types of induction agent, these are generally rare, although nausea and vomiting may be unpleasant for the child and disorientating confusion following the operation may persist with gaseous agents. In practice it may be useful to consider specific situations in which each type of anaesthetic induction method is most useful and base clinical decision on this data, rather than a predilection for one agent over the other.
Key practice points:
Gaseous induction agents may be best used in children with needle phobia.
Gaseous agents can be associated with post-operative adverse events, including nausea and vomiting, and delirium.
Intravenous agents (typically propofol) may be best for specific technical procedures, including airways or sinus surgery.
Specific contraindications to gaseous induction agents, including malignant hyperthermia, should be noted.
Gaseous induction followed by total intravenous anaesthesia for the procedure is an emerging trend maximising the advantages of both types of agent.
Ahn, H.J., Chung, S.K., Dhong, H.J., Kim, H.Y., Ahn, J.H., Lee, S.M. and Kim, J.K., 2008. Comparison of surgical conditions during propofol or sevoflurane anaesthesia for endoscopic sinus surgery. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 100(1), pp.50-54.
Beule, A.G., Wilhelmi, F., Kuhnel, T.S., Hansen, E., Lackner, K.J. and Hosemann, W., 2007. Propofol versus sevoflurane: bleeding in endoscopic surgery. Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, 136(1), pp.45-50.
Brady, J.E., Sun, L.S. and Rosenberg, H., 2009. Prevalence of malignant hyperthermia due to anesthesia in New York State, 2001–2005. Anesthesia & Analgesia 109, pp.1162–1166.
Breschan, C., Likar, R., 2006. Anaesthetic management of surgery in term and preterm infants. Anaesthetist, 55(10), pp.1087-1098.
Brislin, R.P. and Theroux, M.C., 2013. Core myopathies and malignant hyperthermia susceptibility: a review. Pediatric Anesthesia, 23(9), pp.834-841.
Brown, T.C.K., 2013. Farewell! Some halogenated inhalation anesthetics: chloroform, trichlorethylene, halothane and methoxyflurane. Pediatric Anesthesia, 23(11), pp.1097-1100.
Chandler, J.R., Myers, D., Mehta, D., Whyte, E., Groberman, M.K., Montgomery, C. J. and Ansermino, J.M., 2013. Emergence delirium in children: a randomized trial to compare total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil to inhalational sevoflurane anesthesia. Pediatric Anesthesia, 23(4), pp.309-315.
Constant, I., Seeman, R. and Murat, I., 2005. Sevoflurane and epileptiform EEG changes. Pediatric Anesthesia, 15(4), pp.266-274.
Cravero, J.P. and Blike, G.T., 2004. Review of pediatric sedation. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 99(5), pp.1355-1364.
Elliott, R.A., Payne, K., Moore, J.K., Harper, N.J.N., St Leger, A.S., Moore, E.W. and Davies, L.M., 2003. Clinical and economic choices in anaesthesia for day surgery: a prospective randomised controlled trial. Anaesthesia, 58(5), pp.412-421.
Engelhard, K., Werner, C., Eberspächer, E., Pape, M., Stegemann, U., Kellermann, K. and Kochs, E., 2004. Influence of propofol on neuronal damage and apoptotic factors after incomplete cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rats: a long-term observation. Anesthesiology, 101(4), pp.912-917.
Eyres, R., 2004. Update on TIVA. Pediatric Anesthesia 14(5), pp.374–379.
FRCA article, Anaesthesia UK, 2004. Sevoflurane. [online] London: Royal College of Anaesthetists. Available at: <http://www.frca.co.uk/article.aspx?articleid=280>
[Accessed 2nd June 2015].
Hasani, A., Gecaj Gashi, A., Llullaku, S. and Jashari, H., 2013. Postoperative Analgesia in Children After Propofol Versus Sevoflurane Anesthesia. Pain Medicine, 14(3), pp.442-446.
Hopkins, P.M., 2011. Malignant hyperthermia: pharmacology of triggering. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 107(1), pp.48-56.
Kam, P.C.A. and Cardone, D., 2007. Propofol infusion syndrome. Anaesthesia, 62(7), pp.690-701.
Kanaya, A., Kuratani, N., Satoh, D. and Kurosawa, S., 2014. Lower incidence of emergence agitation in children after propofol anesthesia compared with sevoflurane: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Anesthesia, 28(1), pp.4-11.
Khan, K.S., Hayes, I. and Buggy, D.J., 2013. Pharmacology of anaesthetics II: inhalation anaesthetic agents. Continuing Education in Anaesthesia, Critical Care & Pain, doi: 10.1093/bjaceaccp/mkt038.
Liao, R., Li, J.Y. and Liu, G.Y., 2010. Comparison of sevoflurane volatile induction/maintenance anaesthesia and propofol–remifentanil total intravenous anaesthesia for rigid bronchoscopy under spontaneous breathing for tracheal/bronchial foreign body removal in children. European Journal of Anaesthesiology, 27(11), pp.930-934.
Lonnqvist, P. A. and Morton, N.S., 2006. Paediatric day-case anaesthesia and pain control. Current Opinion in Anesthesiology, 19(6), pp.617-621.
Mani, V. and Morton, N.S., 2010. Overview of total intravenous anesthesia in children. Pediatric Anesthesia 20(3), pp.211-222.
Mellon, D.R., Simone, A.F. and Rappaport, B.A., 2007. Use of anesthetic agents in neonates and young children. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 104(3), pp.509-520.
Moore, J.K., Moore, E.W., Elliott, R.A., St Leger, A.S., Payne, K. and Kerr, J., 2003. Propofol and halothane versus sevoflurane in paediatric day case surgery: induction and recovery characteristics. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 90(4), pp.461-466.
Nolan, J. A., 2013. The principles of paediatric anaesthesia. Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, 14(6), pp.223-227.
Ortiz, A.C., Atallah, Á.N., Matos, D. and da Silva, E.M.K., 2014. Intravenous versus inhaled anaesthesia for children having day surgery procedures. [online] London: Cochrane. Available at: <http://summaries.cochrane.org/CD009015/intravenous-versus-inhaled-anaesthesia-for-children-having-day-surgery-procedures>
[Accessed 4th June 2015].
Pieters, B.J., Penn, E., Nicklaus, P., Bruegger, D., Mehta, B. and Weatherly, R., 2010. Emergence delirium and postoperative pain in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy: a comparison of propofol vs sevoflurane anesthesia. Pediatric Anesthesia, 20(10), pp.944-950.
Rappaport, B., Mellon, R.D., Simone, A. and Woodcock, J., 2011. Defining safe use of anesthesia in children. New England Journal of Medicine, 364(15), pp.1387-1390.
TerRiet, M.F., DeSouza, G.J. and Jacobs, G.J., 2000. Which is most pungent: Sevoflurane, or desflurane? British Journal of Anaesthesia, 85(2), pp.305-307.
Vasile, B., Rasulo, F., Candiani, A. and Latronico, N., 2003. The pathophysiology of propofol infusion syndrome: a simple name for a complex syndrome. Intensive Care Medicine, 29(9), pp.1417-1425.
Ved, S. A., Walden, T. L., Montana, J., Lea, D. E., Tefft, M. C., Kataria, B. K. and Milmoe, G.J., 1996. Vomiting and recovery after outpatient tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children: comparison of four anesthetic techniques using nitrous oxide with halothane or propofol. Anesthesiology, 85(1), pp.4-10.
Veyckemans, F., 2001. Propofol for intubation of the newborn?. Pediatric Anesthesia, 11(5), pp.630-631.
Zielinska, M., Holtby, H. and Wolf, A., 2011. Pro–con debate: intravenous vs inhalation induction of anesthesia in children. Pediatric Anesthesia, 21(2), pp.159-168.
Tags: anaesthesia, gaseous, induction, intravenous, paediatric
Case Report: ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a patient with a normal coronary angiogram
Leadership: How to get ahead in anaesthesia
Standards of conduct – General Medical Council (GMC)
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: recommendations for anaesthesia and perioperative management
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learning a lesson/lawyer
Learning a lesson
A prominent lawyer's son dreamed of following in his father's footsteps. After graduating from college and law school with honors, he returned home to join his father's firm, intent on proving himself to be a skilled and worthy attorney.
At the end of his first day at work he rushed into his father's office, and said, "Father, father! The Smith case, that you always said would go on forever -- the one you have been toiling on for ten years -- in one single day, I settled that case and saved the client a fortune!"
His father frowned, and scolded his son, "I did not say that it would go on forever, son. I said that it could go on forever. When you saw me toiling on that case for days and weeks at a time, didn't it ever occur to you that I was billing by the hour?"
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August 14, 2018 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment
Land Act of 1895
“From the time of the great division of 1848 to the present time the policy of the leasing lands for a term of years has been pursued, both in the case of the Government lands and of the Crown lands controlled by the commissioners for the same.”
“In 1876 the first law requiring sale of Government leases to be made at auction was enacted, but such law did not apply to the Crown lands, which were not put under this regulation until the passage of the land act of 1895.”
“Under the lease policy lands were freely leased both by the Government and by the Crown commissioners in large areas and for long terms…”
“… but in 1891 the Government, while continuing the policy of leasing land, improved upon former methods by reserving to itself the right to take up any portion of the leased land suitable for settlement, which reservation proved later of much value.”
“This policy was continued after the passage of the land act of 1895, but with stricter regard to amounts leased, terms of lease, and reservations necessary for public interest.” (USDA, Stubbs, 1901)
“The first homestead act to acquire small holdings was passed in 1884. It was amended several times, but remained in force until the passage of the land act of 1895.”
“It gave the privilege of acquiring lots not over 20 acres in extent, payable in ten years, and requiring the erection of a dwelling and a residence of three years on the land.”
“A substitute might reside on land with the consent of the minister of the interior, as amended in 1892. Under these homestead laws 527 persons took up 8,490.81 acres … of which patents have been granted to 377 persons for 5,820.76 acres … leaving the remainder yet to be patented.”
“Under the amendment ‘without residence’ there have been taken up 3,552.84 acres … of which 2,942.44 acres …have been patented.”
“The results of these homestead laws were beneficial in placing homes, which have been greatly improved, into the possession of numerous families of moderate means. They did not, however, meet all of the requirements, hence these laws were supplanted by the land act of 1895.” (USDA, Stubbs, 1901)
“The idea of the legislature in creating these leases was clearly to encourage settlement and residence upon the lands of the government. It was not for the purpose of allowing persons to obtain farming lands at easy rates, but for the purpose of creating small farm homesteads where the parties would engage in farming and agricultural pursuits and increase the number of thrifty citizens in the Territory.”
“If a settler prefers to take one of these leases, he must expect to live up to the terms of same as laid down in his lease, and any man who can read and write, can understand the conditions therein set forth.” (Hilo Tribune, September 27, 1904)
“In 1895, the Provisional Government of the Republic of Hawaii, passed the Land Act (Act of August 14, 1895, Act 26, [1895] Hawaii Laws Spec. Sess. 49-83). In this act, three types of homestead agreements were defined: (1) the Homestead lease; (2) the Right of Purchase Lease; and (3) the Cash Freehold Agreement.”
“The Homestead Lease was for a term of 999 years, and was issued after the applicants complied with terms and conditions of a Certificate of Occupation. “
“The Right of Purchase Lease was a lease for 21 years with the right of purchase at anytime after the end of the third year of full compliance with the stipulated conditions of residence, cultivation, fencing, payment of taxes, and payment of the purchase price.”
“The Cash Freehold Agreement was an agreement of sale in which the purchaser paid 25% of the purchase price in down payments, and 25% on the remainder for the next three years.”
“The Land Act of 1895 specifically noted that ‘The lessee shall from the end of the first year of said term to the end of the fifth year thereof continuously maintain his home on such premises.’” (Kumu Pono)
“To promote the settlement and improvement of the remaining Government land, under conditions favorable to the settler, but not to simulators, and to meet the needs of different classes desiring lands, the land act of 1895 was enacted as being specially adapted to the requirements of the case.”
“An important feature of this fact was the general requirement of cultivation and improvement of lands taken up, as well as residence thereon for a term of years.”
“There was authority, however, under the act for the sale of lands at auction under special conditions, as to payments for same and cultivation without residence, to meet the cases of persons who desired to improve and cultivate land, but having occupations elsewhere were unable to live on the same.”
Methods of acquiring land included: “General qualifications required of applicants.—Must be over 18 years of age, be a citizen by birth or naturalization, or have letters of denization, be under no civil disability nor delinquent in payment of taxes.”
“Homestead lease. Nine hundred and ninety-nine year lease, conditions upon maintaining a home upon the premises, paying taxes, and cultivating small percentage areas that might be required, 8 to 45 acres, dependent upon quality; no payments other than small application fees …”
“…husband and wife might not both be applicants; applicant must not be owner of other land (except taro or wet land); lease inalienable; not subject to attachment, levy or sale, or to any process of the courts, might not be mortgaged, assigned, or sublet.”
“Right of purchase lease. Lease for twenty-one years with right to purchase at original appraised value any time after two years’ residence and cultivation of 25 per cent; area that might be acquired, 100 to 1,200 acres, dependent on quality …”
“… husband and wife might not both the applicants; applicants could apply for only such amount as taken with any lands owned by them would come to the limits name; rental at 8 per cent on appraised value to be paid until purchase was made.”
“Cash freeholds. Lands sold at auction at an appraised value as upset price; purchase price due in four installments during three years; two years’ residence and 25 per cent of cultivation further required to perfect title; qualifications and areas that might be acquired same as under right of purchase lease.”
“Special agreement. Sale at auction under special conditions as to payment by installments, with requirements of cultivation, with or without residence limit of area that might be sold under special agreement, 600 acres. (Practically the area has been limited to 100 acres of first-class land, as under the other systems.)”
“Cash sales. Sales made unconditionally for cash at public auction. These sales usually made to meet cases where exceptionally costly improvements were contemplated, as buildings, reservoirs, pumping machinery, etc.”
“Ola‘a district sides. Special sales, at a value appraised in the act of 1895, of lands held under Crown leases in the district of Olaa, Hawaii.”
“Lessee could purchase his leasehold up to 200 acres when 15 per cent of same had been put under cultivation and further improvements to the value of $200 made; distinct from the general systems of the land act and applying only to the Olaa district.” (JF Brown, Commissioner of Public Lands)
“The land act of 1895 has proved well suited to the condition in the Hawaiian Islands. Under it the demand for public land has been active, and fair prices have been realized for the benefit of the public treasury.”
“Speculation and land grabbing has been minimized and a marked improvement and development of lands taken is evident. The success of the act would not be questioned by any impartial observer familiar with the facts.”
“The extremely varied quality of the lands, the intermingling of public and private lands, and the special needs of the people, together with the duty of best utilizing the limited public domain required land laws drawn to meet such special conditions, and these, in all essential points, have been met by the land act of 1895. USDA, Stubbs ,1901)
Map of Hawaiian Islands-Drpt Foreign Affairs-1896
Filed Under: General Tagged With: Farm, Farm Land, Farming, Great Mahele, Hawaii, Homesteading, Land Act of 1895, Provisional Government
September 23, 2015 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment
Student Farmers
On October 23, 1819, the Pioneer Company of missionaries from the northeast US, set sail on the Thaddeus for the Islands. There were seven couples sent by the ABCFM to convert the Hawaiians to Christianity.
These included two Ordained Preachers, Hiram Bingham and his wife Sybil and Asa Thurston and his wife Lucy; two Teachers, Mr. Samuel Whitney and his wife Mercy and Samuel Ruggles and his wife Mary; a Doctor, Thomas Holman and his wife Lucia; a Printer, Elisha Loomis and his wife Maria; a Farmer, Daniel Chamberlain, his wife and five children.
They quickly reduced the Hawaiian language to written form and established schools in which the native Hawaiians were taught to read and to write.
Their instruction was not confined, however, to the ‘three R’s.’ Included in the original band of missionaries was a New England farmer, Daniel Chamberlain, indicating the importance they attached to giving some instruction in western agriculture to the native Hawaiians.
Effectively, they were teaching to the Head, Heart and Hand. Let’s look at some examples.
In 1823, Kalākua Kaheiheimālie (ke Aliʻi Hoapili wahine, wife of Governor Hoapili) offered the American missionaries a tract of land on the slopes surrounding Puʻu Paʻupaʻu for the creation of a high school.
Betsey Stockton from the 2nd Company of Protestant missionaries initially started a school for makaʻāinana (common people) and their wives and children on the site.
Later, on September 5, 1831, classes at the Mission Seminary at Lahainaluna (later known as Lahainaluna (Upper Lāhainā)) began in thatched huts with 25 Hawaiian young men.
Each scholar was expected to furnish himself with food and clothing by his own industry. Accompanying the work in the fields, a small amount of organized instruction in western agriculture was given. (History of Agricultural Education)
In September 1836, thirty-two boys between the ages of 10 and 20 were admitted as the first boarding students, from the neighbor islands, as well as from the “other side of the island” thus, the beginning of the boarding school at Lahainaluna.
It soon was apparent to the missionaries that the future of the Congregational Mission in Hawaiʻi would be largely dependent upon the success of its schools. The Mission then established “feeder schools” that would transmit to their students’ fundamental reading, writing, and arithmetic skills, and religious training, before admission to the Lahainaluna.
In 1835, they constructed the Hilo Boarding School as part of an overall system of schools (with a girls boarding school in Wailuku and boarding at Lahainaluna.)
On January 6, 1835 “our children’s school commenced, eighty children present, sixty knew their letters. A number of the more forward children are employed as monitors to assist the less forward. (ie. advanced)” (Sarah Lyman)
The school was operated to an extent on a manual labor program and the boys cultivated the land to produce their own food. (The boys’ ages ranged from seven to fourteen.)
“Mr. Lyman who was brought up on a farm had an abiding faith in the value of manual labor; and his work in Hilo had convinced him that such activity in both primitive and introduced vocation was as necessary as book learning during the period of transition from one culture to another.” (Lorthian)
Rev. William Brewster Oleson had served as principal of the Hilo Boarding School for 8 years. Then, on November 4, 1887, Kamehameha School for Boys opened with 37 students and four teachers – Oleson was appointed its first principal and helped organize the school on a similar model.
Manual labor has a regular feature of the activities of the Kamehameha Boys’ School. Between 1889 and 1893 the school experimented with the raising of cows, pigs, chickens, and vegetables.
Later, the Kamehameha School flocks and herds were improved, and they began the production of forage crops, vegetables, and fruits on a larger scale, and strengthened the classroom work. (History of Agricultural Education)
Punahou, another boarding school, formed in 1841, required that “All students who entered the Boarding department were required to take part in the manual labor of the institution, under the direction of the faculty, not to exceed an average of two hours for each day.” (Punahou Catalogue, 1899)
“We had a dairy, the Punahou dairy, over on the other side of Rocky Hill. That was all pasture. We had beautiful, delicious milk, all the milk you wanted.” (Shaw, Punahou)
Later, in January 1925, Punahou bought the Honolulu Military Academy property – it had about 90-acres of land and a half-dozen buildings on the back side of Diamond Head. (The Honolulu Military Academy was originally founded by Col LG Blackman, in 1911.)
It served as the “Punahou Farm” to carry on the school’s work and courses in agriculture. “We were picked up and taken to the Punahou Farm School, which was also the boarding school for boys. The girls boarded at Castle Hall on campus.” (Kneubuhl, Punahou) The farm school was in Kaimuki between 18th and 22nd Avenues.
In addition to offices and living quarters, the Farm School supplied Punahou with most of its food supplies. The compound included a big pasture for milk cows, a large vegetable garden, pigs, chickens, beehives, and sorghum and alfalfa fields that provided feed for the cows. Hired hands who tended the farm pasteurized the milk in a small dairy, bottled the honey and crated the eggs. (Kneubuhl, Punahou)
While the programs of ‘manual labor’ and farming have been dropped by almost all of the respective school’s curriculums, a lasting legacy and reminder of the prior farming is seen in the Lahainaluna Time Clock.
Between 1941 and 1976, Lahainaluna boarders punched in their “in” and “out” times (according to their assigned student number) to keep track of their daily hours worked for their room and board. (It stopped when the only repairman familiar with the clock passed away.)
While Lahainaluna still has farming activity (raising pigs and cultivating dryland taro, corn, butter lettuce, beans, ti and other crops (Advertiser,)) they don’t punch in/out with the clock.
However, according to the Boarder’s Handbook (2014-2015,) every weekday afternoon and Saturday morning, boarders are to “Check in at the time clock” before they start their 3 ½ hours of work. Likewise, “All Boarders must report to the Time Clock every day and sign out with the Farm Manager when working Overtime until all hours are cleared.”
“Boarders will be evaluated on their dorm and farm work performances; farm and school attendance records; dorm, school, and farm discipline records; school academic effort and achievements; and their overall attitude and behavior in the Boarding Program.” (Lahainaluna High School Boarder’s Handbook, 2014-2015)
Lahainaluna_Time-Clock
Lahainaluna-Kahu Earl Kukahiko (right), teaches students about farming -1980s-(mauinews)
Lahainaluna boarding student Josh Arata, 16, a senior from Ha’iku, tends to the 5-month old pigs-(advertiser)
Lahainaluna-Chef Paris Nabavi-Sangrita Grill+Cantina-donated $1,200 to Lahainaluna High School’s Agriculture Program-(mauitime)
Hilo_Boarding_School_and_Gardens-from_Haili_Hill-(Lothian)-1856
Hilo_Boarding_School-(75-years)
Hilo_Boarding_School-garden-(75-years)
Kamehameha-Campus of the three historical schools-(KSBE)-1932
Kamehameha [Dormitory Row]-(KSBE)
Kamehameha School for Boys, 1890, (right) Rev. Wm. Oleson, Principal, (far left) Charles E. King-(WC)
Punahou-Gardens-1880
Punahou-Manual-Arts-Class–1924
Punahou-Campus-from-the-air-1939
Filed Under: Schools Tagged With: Farming, Hawaii, Hilo Boarding School, Kamehameha Schools, Lahainaluna, Punahou
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July 1, 2019 by Peter T Young 2 Comments
New Musical Tradition
“Music serves to enliven many an hour of sadness, or what would be sadness otherwise. It is an expression of the emotions of the heart, a disperser of gloomy clouds.” (Juliette Montague Cooke; Punahou)
Hawaiians devised various methods of recording information for the purpose of passing it on from one generation to the next. The chant (mele or oli) was one such method. Elaborate chants were composed to record important information, e.g. births, deaths, triumphs, losses, good times and bad.
In most ancient cultures, composing of poetry was confined to the privileged classes. What makes Hawai‘i unique is that poetry was composed by people of all walks of life, from the royal court chanters down to the common man.
“As the Hawaiian songs were unwritten, and adapted to chanting rather than metrical music, a line was measured by the breath; their hopuna, answering to our line, was as many words as could be easily cantilated at one breath.” (Bingham)
The Pioneer Company of missionaries (April, 1820) introduced new musical traditions to Hawai‘i – the Western choral tradition, hymns, gospel music, and Western composition traditions. It was one of strophic hymns and psalm tunes from the late-18th century in America.
The strophic form is one where different lyrics are put to the same melody in each verse. Later on, with the arrival of new missionaries, another hymn tradition was introduced was the gospel tune with verse-chorus alternation. (Smola)
The missionaries also introduced new instrumentation with their songs. Humehume (George Prince, son of Kauai’s King Kaumuali‘i) was given a bass viol or ‘Church Bass’ (like a large cello) and a flute that he have learned to play well. He returned to the Islands with the Pioneer Company. Later, church organs, pianos, melodeons, and other instruments were introduced to the Islands.
Bingham and others composed Hawaiian hymns from previous melodies, sometimes borrowing an entire tune, using Protestant hymn styles. In spite of the use of English throughout Hawaii, the Hawaiian language continues to be used in Bible reading and in the singing of hîmeni (hymns) in many Christian churches. Himeni still preserve the beauty of the Hawaiian language. (Smithsonian)
The first hymnal in the Hawaiian language was ‘Nā Hīmeni Hawaii; He Me Ori Ia Iehova, Ka Akua Mau,’ published in 1823. It contained 60 pages and 47 hymns. It was prepared by Rev. Hiram Bingham and Rev. William Ellis, a London Missionary Society missionary who was visiting.
On June 8, 1820, Rev. Hiram Bingham set up the first singing school at Kawaiaha‘o Church. He taught native Hawaiians Western music and hymnody. These ‘singing schools’ emphasized congregational singing with everyone actively participating, not just passively listening to a designated choir.
By 1826, there were 80 singing schools on Hawai‘i Island alone . By the mid-1830s, church choirs began to become part of the regular worship. This choral tradition partially grew out of the hō‘ike, or examination, when the students being examined would sing part of their lessons.
Hawai‘i Aloha
“For more than 100-years, love of the land and its natural beauty has been the poetry Hawaiian composers have used to speak of love. Hawaiian songs also speak to people’s passion for their homeland and their beliefs.” (Hawaiian Music Museum)
Next time you and others automatically stand, hold hands and sing this song together, you can thank an American Protestant missionary, Lorenzo Lyons, for writing Hawai‘i Aloha – and his expression of love for his home.
Na Lani Eha
In 1995, when the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame selected its first ten treasured composers, musicians and vocalists to be inducted, ‘Na Lani Eha’, (The Royal Four), were honored as the Patrons of Hawaiian music.
‘Na Lani Eha’ comprises four royal siblings who, in their lifetimes, demonstrated extraordinary talent as musicians and composers. They were, of course, our last king, Kalākaua, his sister, Hawai‘i’s last queen, Lili‘uokalani, their brother, the prince, Leleiōhoku, and their sister, the princess, Likelike, mother of princess Ka‘iulani.
In August 2000, ‘Ka Hīmeni Ana’, the RM Towill Corporation’s annual contest at Hawai‘i Theatre for musicians playing acoustic instruments and singing in the Hawaiian language, was dedicated to missionary Juliette Montague Cooke, the Chiefs’ Children’s teacher and mother.
John Montague Derby, Sr., who accepted this honor for the Cooke family, said. “(it is) with gratitude for the multitude of beautiful Hawaiian songs that we enjoy today which were composed by her many students.”
Above text is a summary – Click HERE for more on New Musical Tradition
Planning ahead … the Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial – Reflection and Rejuvenation – 1820 – 2020 – is approaching (it starts in about a year)
If you would like to get on a separate e-mail distribution on Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial activates, please use the following link:
Click HERE to Subscribe to Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial Updates
Filed Under: Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance, General, Missionaries / Churches / Religious Buildings Tagged With: Bingham, Chief's Children's School, Hawaii, Hawaii Aloha, Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial, Hawaiian Music, Himeni, Hiram Bingham, Lorenzo Lyons, Music, Na Lani Eha, New Musical Tradition
April 22, 2017 by Peter T Young 1 Comment
Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives
Hawaiian Mission Houses’ Strategic Plan themes note that the collaboration between Native Hawaiians and American Protestant missionaries resulted in the
introduction of Christianity
development of a written Hawaiian language and establishment of schools that resulted in widespread literacy
promulgation of the concept of constitutional government
combination of Hawaiian with Western medicine
evolution of a new and distinctive musical tradition with harmony and choral singing
Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives is on an acre of land in the middle of downtown Honolulu. It includes Hawai‘i’s two oldest houses, the 1821 Mission House (wood frame) and the 1831 Chamberlain House (coral block,) a 1841 bedroom annex interpreted as the Print Shop.
In addition, the site has the Mission Memorial Cemetery, and a building which houses collections and archives, a reading room, a visitors’ store, and staff offices.
A coral and grass stage, Kahua Ho‘okipa, was added in 2011; addition of a reconstructed grass dwelling is in permitting process. This was the headquarters for the American protestant Sandwich Island Mission. Across King Street is the red brick Mission Memorial Building 1915.
While now not part of the Mission Houses, the Memorial building was built by the Hawaiian Evangelical Association as a museum and archive to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Protestant Missionaries in Hawaii. The city took over the building during the 1940s and it has since been converted to the City Hall Annex.
On October 23, 1819, the Pioneer Company of American Protestant missionaries from the northeast US, led by Hiram Bingham, set sail on the Thaddeus for the Sandwich Islands (now known as Hawai‘i.)
Over the course of a little over 40-years (1820-1863 – the “Missionary Period”,) about 180-men and women in twelve Companies served in Hawaiʻi to carry out the mission of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) in the Hawaiian Islands.
In addition to the buildings which are part of the collection, the Mission Houses object collection contains over 7,500 artifacts, including furniture, quilts, bark cloth, paintings, ceramics, clothing, and jewelry.
The archival collections include more than 12,000 books, manuscripts, original letters, diaries, journals, illustrations, and Hawaiian church records. Mission Houses owns the largest collection of Hawaiian language books in the world, and the second largest collection of letters written by the ali‘i.
The size and scope of these collections make Hawaiian Mission Houses one of the foremost repositories for nineteenth century Hawaiian history.
Included in the archives are some of the original WO Smith Papers associated with the Provisional Government, including the original signed protest from Queen Lili‘uokalani, dated January 17, 1893.
Hawaiian Mission Children’s Society, a 501(c)3 non-profit educational institution, founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1907, acquired the 1821 Mission House in 1906, restored and opened it in 1908.
The organization developed a professional staff in 1970 and named the public program component Mission Houses Museum. In early 2012 they established a new name, Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives.
A National Historic Landmark, Mission Houses preserves and interprets the two oldest houses in Hawaiʻi through school programs, historic house tours, and special events.
The archives, English and Hawaiian, are available on site and online. Together, these activities enrich our community “by fostering thoughtful dialogue and greater understanding of the missionary role in the history of Hawaiʻi.” (Mission Houses’ Vision Statement)
The Mission Houses collections are critical to understanding the dramatic changes in the 19th-century Kingdom of Hawaiʻi that helped shape contemporary Hawaiʻi.
With one of the most significant collections of manuscripts and photos of 19th-century Hawaiʻi, and perhaps surprisingly, the largest collection of Hawaiian language books in the world, the collection includes results of the recent Letters from the Aliʻi translation project.
The site and its collection is a community resource that help us all understand who we are, where we came from, and how this place, this Hawaiʻi we know today came to be.
One cannot understand modern Hawaii without understanding the 19th century changes that occurred through the unlikely collaborative partnership between Native Hawaiians, their ali‘i, and the American Protestant missionaries.
Today, is the annual meeting of the Hawaiian Mission Houses, reminiscent of the annual General Meetings of the early missionaries.
We are preparing for the bicentennial of the arrival of the Pioneer Company of American Protestant missionaries, including my great-great-great grandparents, Hiram and Sybil Bingham.
As critical dates approach, I’ll be providing more on the bicentennial’s series of publication, programs and events, focusing on Reflection and Rejuvenation. (Most of the information here is from Mission Houses.)
Hawaiian Mission Houses
Mission Houses Layout
Mission Houses Interpretive Display
HawaiianMissionChildren’sSociety annual meeting at MissionMemorialBuildingComplex (next to HonoluluHale)-(honoluluadvertiser)-1918
Filed Under: General, Missionaries / Churches / Religious Buildings Tagged With: Hawaii, Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial, Hawaiian Mission Childrens Society, Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives, Missionaries
February 6, 2017 by Peter T Young Leave a Comment
‘Ōpūkaha‘ia – The Inspiration for the Hawaiian Mission
In 1808, a young Hawaiian boy, ʻŌpūkahaʻia, swam out to the ‘Triumph’, a trading ship anchored in Kealakekua Bay. Both of ʻŌpūkahaʻia’s parents and his younger brother had been slain during the battles on the island.
Also on board was Hopu, another young Hawaiian, as well as Russell Hubbard. They eventually headed for New York. “This Mr. Hubbard was a member of Yale College. He was a friend of Christ.… Mr. Hubbard was very kind to me on our passage, and taught me the letters in English spelling-book.” (ʻŌpūkahaʻia)
They landed at New York and remained there until the Captain sold out all the Chinese goods. Then, they made their way to New England.
ʻŌpūkahaʻia was eager to study and learn. He “was sitting on the steps of a Yale building, weeping. A solicitous student stopped to inquire what was wrong, and Obookiah (the spelling of his name, based on its sound) said, ‘No one will give me learning.’”
The student was Edwin Dwight. “(W)hen the question was put him, ‘Do you wish to learn?’ his countenance began to brighten. And when the proposal was made that he should come the next day to the college for that purpose, he served it with great eagerness.” (Dwight)
Later, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) formed the Foreign Mission School; ʻŌpūkahaʻia was one of its first students. He yearned “with great earnestness that he would (return to Hawaiʻi) and preach the Gospel to his poor countrymen.” Unfortunately, ʻŌpūkahaʻia died on February 17, 1818.
Dwight put together a book, ‘Memoirs of Henry Obookiah’ (the spelling of the name based on its pronunciation). It was an edited collection of ʻŌpūkahaʻia’s letters and journals/diaries. The book about his life was printed and circulated after his death.
ʻŌpūkahaʻia, inspired by many young men and women with proven sincerity and religious fervor of the missionary movement, had wanted to spread the word of Christianity back home in Hawaiʻi; his book inspired missionaries to volunteer to carry his message to the Hawaiian Islands.
In giving instructions to the first missionaries, the ABCFM, noted: “You will never forget ʻŌpūkahaʻia. You will never forget his fervent love, his affectionate counsels, his many prayers and tears for you, and for his and your nation.”
“You saw him die; saw how the Christian could triumph over death and the grave; saw the radient glory in which he left this world for heaven. You will remember it always, and you will tell it to your kindred and countrymen who are dying without hope.”
On October 23, 1819, the Pioneer Company of American Protestant missionaries from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) set sail on the ‘Thaddeus’ for the Hawaiian Islands. Their 164-day voyage ended They landed at Kailua-Kona April 4, 1820.
Over the course of a little over 40-years (1820-1863 – the “Missionary Period”), about 180-men and women in twelve Companies served in Hawaiʻi to carry out the mission of the ABCFM.
On August 15, 1993, ʻŌpūkahaʻia’s remains were returned to Hawai‘i from Cornwall and laid in a vault facing the ocean at Kahikolu Church, overlooking Kealakekua Bay.
Click HERE to view/download Background Information on ʻŌpūkahaʻia
Planning ahead … ʻŌpūkahaʻia Celebrations – the Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial is approaching; the following are some of the planned activities (it starts in about a year):
Hawaiian Mission Houses – February 17, 2018 – Free Open House marking the start of the Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial, Reflection and Rejuvenation 1820 – 2020 celebrations – activities follow services at adjoining Kawaiaha‘o Church commemorating ʻŌpūkahaʻia (details to follow).
Kahikolu Church (Napo‘opo‘o (Kealakekua Bay)) – 10 am, February 17, 2018
Kawaiaha‘o Church (Honolulu) – 10 am, February 17, 2018
Cornwall, Connecticut – 3 pm (EST) February 17, 2018
ʻAhahui O ʻŌpūkahaʻia is proposing three simultaneous services/celebrations at the above churches on February 17, 2018 (the bicentennial of his death) to honor ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia.
Anticipated activities at Kahikolu Church include a church service, gravesite commemoration and pa‘ina (food). ʻAhahui O ʻŌpūkahaʻia will be coordinating the activities at Kahikolu Church; Woman’s Board of Missions for the Pacific Islands will be coordinating services at Kawaiaha‘o Church.
This replicates the celebrations in 1968, when 3 events were held. The intent is to hold the Hawai‘i events at 10 am (HST), so the Connecticut event would be at 3 pm (EST). Related to this, each site would be on video, then combined into a single video.
Missionary Period
Over the course of a little over 40-years (1820-1863 – the “Missionary Period”), about 180-men and women in twelve Companies served in Hawaiʻi to carry out the mission of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) in the Hawaiian Islands.
Collaboration between Native Hawaiians and American Protestant missionaries resulted in, among other things, the
• Introduction of Christianity;
• Development of a written Hawaiian language and establishment of schools that resulted in widespread literacy;
• Promulgation of the concept of constitutional government;
• Combination of Hawaiian with Western medicine; and
• Evolution of a new and distinctive musical tradition (with harmony and choral singing)
If you would like to get on a separate e-mail distribution on Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial activities, please use the following link: Click HERE to Subscribe to Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial Updates
Henry_Opukahaia,_ca. 1810s
Filed Under: Ali'i / Chiefs / Governance, Economy, General, Hawaiian Traditions, Missionaries / Churches / Religious Buildings, Prominent People, Schools Tagged With: ABCFM, American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions, Foreign Mission School, Hawaii, Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial, Henry Opukahaia, Missionaries
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Doosan Infracore chairman's son to marry news presenter on Dec. 8
JTBC news presenter Jo Su-ae will tie the knot with Park Seo-won, the first son of Doosan Infracore's Chairman Park Yong-maan. Courtesy of JTBC and capture from Park Seo-won's Instagram
By Dong Sun-hwa
Park Seo-won, the first son of Doosan Infracore's Chairman Park Yong-maan, will marry a news presenter 13 years his junior at a hotel in Seoul on Dec. 8.
Park, 39, will reportedly tie the knot with JTBC news presenter Jo Su-ae, 26.
Jo reportedly also told the company that she would quit her job before news of her marriage was reported. She is currently resting.
Park is the senior vice president of the group's advertising affiliate Oricom and CEO of Doosan Magazine. He is well known for winning an international ad award thanks to his anti-war poster with the slogan "What goes around comes around. Stop the Iraq War."
He had his first marriage in 2005, but divorced five years later. He and his former wife have a daughter.
Jo joined JTBC in 2016 and has featured in diverse programs including JTBC's morning news.
sunhwadong@koreatimes.co.kr More articles by this reporter
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Insurance fraud crisis is costing jobs, says top judge
News // April 12, 2019 //
Former High Court president Nicholas Kearns has expressed frustration at the slow pace of insurance reform, saying the country risks reputational damage if the claims culture is not tackled.
He is baffled that a dedicated Garda unit has not been set up to prosecute fraudsters, and called on insurers to publicly commit to reducing premiums if award levels do come down.
Mr Justice Kearns headed up the Personal Injuries Commission, which found that awards for minor injuries in this country are almost five times those paid in England.
“It is staggering,” he said of award levels, in a hard-hitting speech that also criticised lawyers.
His report has recommended that judges be tasked with recalibrating award levels.
Speaking at a conference organised by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), Mr Justice Kearns said there was no constitutional difficulty to capping awards for minor injuries.
The issue of rising insurance costs and high compensation was referred to as a crisis and a market distortion.
“This crisis has spread across many small businesses, leisure facilities, shops, places of employment and is now causing people to lose their jobs in areas where, but for this market distortion, would be thriving and prosperous,” he said.
Mr Kearns said of the slow pace of insurance reforms: “Those in a position to do something about the current difficulties must finally get up and do something about it.”
He said only “flat earthers” would fail to see the urgency for immediate changes.
The Personal Injuries Commission report recommended that once a Judicial Council was legally set up, the judges on it would provide guidelines on the appropriate damages for personal injuries cases.
But the legislation, which has been on the way “forever”, could be an other two years before it becomes law, he said, referring to recent comments from Michael D’Arcy, the minister with responsibility for insurance reform.
As an interim measure, judges could agree on guidelines to recalibrate award levels. These would be advisory, rather than mandatory. But as they would come from the judges themselves the judiciary would likely follow them.
This would lead to more consistent award levels, and reduce delays and appeals.
He said that if this “soft solution” fails, then the Government could press on with capping damages.
Mr Kearns suggested a bill, aimed at capping award levels, that has passed its second stage in the Seanad, could be amended to deal with soft-tissue injuries alone.
The Civil Liability (Capping of General Damages) Bill 2019, is being promoted by Fine Gael Senator Tony Lawlor.
Lawyers have questioned if this is constitutional, with others claiming it would trespass on judicial functions.
“Compensation has been capped in the past without the heavens falling in,” Mr Kearns told the PIAB conference.
He referenced a number of court judgments where awards were capped.
It was his personal view that a statutory cap on awards for minor injuries could survive constitutional scrutiny.
This was “because it would be fair, proportionate and in the public interest if it cures our present difficulties”.
Judges would still be fixing the amounts, up to and including the cap set by legislation.
“If the alternative is that businesses continue to go under at an ever-increasing rate, throwing people out of work and diminishing Ireland’s reputation as a place where business can flourish in a post-Brexit world, then those considerations will have to be factored in to any balancing of rights and interests in any constitutional evaluation,” he said.
Mr Kearns said he was “baffled” a dedicated unit within the Garda had yet to be set up to tackle insurance fraud.
“Fraud is crime, and rampant fraud makes a mockery of our compensation system, and its legal practitioners,” he added.
“It is hardly surprising that such claims abound in a jurisdiction where compensation levels are among the highest in Europe – and where the risk of detecting a fraudulent or spurious claim is small and where the risk of prosecution is virtually nil.”
He referenced remarks by Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan pointing out that insurers are now profitable.
(Anti-Spam) What is bigger, 3 or 7?
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Laker Life
Laker Life Briefs
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Grand Valley Lanthorn
GVSU track and field takes gold in GLIAC
courtesy / gvsulakers.com
Jerod Fattal
Filed under Sports, Track and Field
The Grand Valley State University men’s and women’s track and field teams made history earlier this month, winning the GLIAC Championships in front of their home crowd Friday, May 3.
Both of the Laker teams entered the three-day meet with intentions of winning the conference, and after 27 podium finishes and 11 individual GLIAC champions, they accomplished their goal.
“I thought our student athletes and coaching staff really prepared well and came together as a team,” said coach Jerry Baltes. “We performed at a 99 percent success rate and didn’t have any mess-ups.”
The men’s team outscored the second place Ashland team 263-214 over the course of the meet, winning their second consecutive conference championship and 13th in program history. The women’s team also won their 20th consecutive conference title by doubling the score of the second place Ashland squad 282-140.
“We have been put in a very good situation by our university,” Baltes said. “From scholarships and facilities, even our everyday support. It allows us to recruit the type of student athletes we want, who are willing to work hard.”
Zach Panning led the way for the men’s team, winning the 5,000-meter and breaking the previous GLIAC record set by Ryan Toth in 2011 with a time of 14:07.05 seconds. Following his victory, Panning continued to add to his trophy collection after being awarded the GLIAC Men’s Track Athlete of the Year award.
“It’s been a great ride,” Baltes said. “We are excited for the last three weeks with him and certainly we will miss him when he is onto his professional career after the season.”
The Lakers’ championship was a complete team effort, with five different Lakers winning their events. Justin Scavarda and Hunter Weeks both won their events and carried the load off the track, with Scavarda throwing 52.42 meters in the discus and Weeks clearing 2.15 meters in the high jump.
Along with Panning, Dave Jones and Dennis Mbuta led the Lakers on the track, winning the 800-meter and the 1,500-meter runs with times of 1:51.87 and 3:52.83 seconds. However, the meet was not won only because of the first place finishers, but also because of podium finishers like John Groendyk, who was awarded the GLIAC Freshman Track Athlete of the Meet award following his third-place finish in the 1,500-meter (3:55.38).
“John’s performance was early in the meet and it really set the tone,” Baltes said. “He’s not flashy, he just does everything right day in and day out.”
On the women’s side, Rachel Walters headlined the dominant meet for the Lakers, running a 2:07.74 and winning her third straight GLIAC title in the 800-meter. However, Walters’ most impressive race of the day came in the 4×400 meter, where the team of Nicole Sreenan, Sarah Buella, Jessica Eby and Walters finished first and set a new GLIAC record with a time of 3:41.31, beating the previous record by over two seconds. Following Walters’ two gold medal finishes, she was awarded the GLIAC Women’s Track Athlete of the Year award.
“Rachel is one of the easiest people I have coached here at GVSU,” Baltes said. “She just bought right in from day one and knows what it takes to be a good team member.”
Angelica Floyd followed Walters’ lead, winning three different gold medals, including the long jump (5.82 meters), 100-meter dash (11.76 seconds) and one as a member of the 4×100 meter dash (46.32 seconds), along with Sreenan, Beulla and Willow Stuedemann. Buella also won the individual title in the 400-meter dash with a time of 55.54 seconds. In the 5,000-meter and the steeplechase, Gina Patterson and Hanna Groeber both won their events with times of 16:42.71 and 10:39.48 seconds.
Elli Kimes and Anna Obi were critical for the Lakers in the field events, with Kimes winning her second straight pole vault title with a provisional height of 3.90 meters and Obi winning the triple jump after a leap of 11.70 meters. Mary Hecksel was the lone gold medalist in the throwing events, winning the discus with a throw of 48.86 meters.
Over the past 20 years, the GVSU track and field programs have won a combined 33 GLIAC titles and countless individual titles, but that wouldn’t be possible without the coaching staff, which was awarded GLIAC Men’s and Women’s Coaching Staff of the Year at the conclusion of the meet.
“Our coaches are committed and willing to put in the time and energy to be successful,” Baltes said. “They put in the time so that our student athletes can be successful.”
The men’s and women’s teams will both be back in action and looking to claim more hardware Thursday, May 23 at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Kingsville, Texas.
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GVSU Quick Hits 7/15/2019
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Zach Panning: A Laker Legend
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GVSU loses against Lynn in NCAA Division ll Women’s Tennis Championship Sweet Sixteen
The Student News Site of Grand Valley State University
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On board: Detroit Mercy Law names Schroeck new director of clinical programs
By Sheila Pursglove
As University of Detroit Mercy School of Law embarks on the 2018-19 academic year, Nicholas Schroeck has come on board as the new director of clinical programs and associate professor of law.
Schroeck is excited about his new role with the downtown Detroit law school.
“The clinical program at Detroit Mercy Law is historic and was one of the first law clinics in the country—for instance, the clinic received an award from the ACLU back in 1968 for its work during the 1967 Detroit uprising,” he says.
“I love the sense of history here, the focus on service to people and our city, and the fact that Detroit Mercy Law continues to innovate with law clinics—including the requirement that all of our students participate in a clinic before graduation.”
Schroeck has developed a passion for teaching, particularly to those who are first-generation law students.
“I love working with students who, like me, aren’t from a family of lawyers, but who saw the practice of law as an opportunity for themselves and to serve their community,” he says. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great privilege to be able to work with all law students, but there is something special about seeing a student realize for the first time there is not only a place for them in the legal profession, but that they can thrive in their careers.”
Schroeck also appreciates the trans-border partnership Detroit Mercy Law has with the University of Windsor Faculty of Law through the Dual Degree program.
“We already have an international U.S. and Canada Intellectual Property Law Clinic and I’m excited to continue to grow our clinical program’s connection to Windsor and to provide more clinical opportunities for Canadian students,” he says.
In the coming year, the law school will roll out an Environmental Law Clinic, focusing on international U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes issues, working towards environmental justice for Detroit residents, and promoting public health through limiting air pollution and providing access to clean, affordable water.
“And related to all that work, I’m hoping to work more with indigenous communities on both sides of the border, and to work a little bit on historic preservation projects,” Schroeck says.
A graduate of Wayne State University Law School, Schroeck earned his undergrad degree, cum laude, in urban studies and political science from Elmhurst College in Illinois. His original goal was to work in local government, perhaps as a city manager, but his interest in government and policy was rivaled by his passion for the natural world.
A Sea Grant Fellowship at the Great Lakes Commission led him to meet many of the leaders in Great Lakes policy and management circles and he worked extensively on ballast water and invasive species issues, before landing a job in Ann Arbor as a regional representative for the National Wildlife Federation, working with conservation organizations around the Great Lakes region.
He previously served as director of Wayne Law School’s Transnational Environmental Law Clinic and was executive director of the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center. He continues to serve as co-director of community engagement at Wayne State University’s Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors.
Schroeck, who believes the greatest threat to the Great Lakes is climate change, has represented the Environmental Law and Policy Center, Michigan Environmental Council, National Wildlife Federation, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, among others. His proudest moments include working to stop new coal fired power plants in Michigan, while representing the Sierra Club and Natural Resources Defense Council.
A native of Rochester, Schroeck now calls Bloomfield Township home. A board member of East Michigan Environmental Action Council, he lists bird watching and gardening among his leisure-time pursuits, and he and his wife Liz, a teacher at Meadowbrook Elementary in Rochester, also enjoy hiking, reading, and cooking.
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Charles Thomas Munger (born January 1, 1924) is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist. He is vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway , the conglomerate controlled by Warren Buffett. Buffett has described Munger as partner.” Munger served as chairman of Wesco Financial Corporation from 1984 through 2011. He is also the chairman of the Daily Journal Corporation, based in Los Angeles, California, and a director of Costco Wholesale Corporation.
Munger was born in Omaha, Nebraska. As a teenager he worked at Buffett & Son, a grocery store owned by Warren Buffett’s grandfather. After enrolling in the University of Michigan, where he studied mathematics, he never returned to Omaha except to visit. In early 1943, a few days after his 19th birthday, he dropped out of college to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he became Second Lieutenant. He continued his studies in meteorology at Caltech in Pasadena, California, the town he was to make his home. Through the GI Bill he took a number of advanced courses through several universities; without an undergraduate degree, he entered Harvard Law School and graduated magna cum laude with a J.D. in 1948. At Harvard he was a member of the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. In college and the Army he developed “an important skill”: card playing. What you have to learn is to fold early when the odds are against you, or if you have a big edge, back it heavily because you don’t get a big edge often. Opportunity comes, but it doesn’t come often, so seize it when it does come.
Investment career
He moved with his family to California, where he joined the law ?rm Wright & Garrett (later Musick, Peeler & Garrett). In 1962 he founded and worked as a real estate attorney at Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP. He then gave up the practice of law to concentrate on managing investments and later partnered with Otis Booth in real estate development. He then partnered with Jack Wheeler to form Wheeler, Munger, and Company, an investment firm with a seat on the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange. He wound up Wheeler, Munger, and Co. in 1976, after losses of 32% in 1973 and 31% in 1974.
Although Munger is better known for his association with Buffett, he ran an investment partnership of his own from 1962 to 1975. According to Buffett’s essay, “The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville,” published in 1984, Munger’s investment partnership generated compound annual returns of 19.8% during the 196275 period compared to a 5.0% annual appreciation rate for the Dow.
Munger was previously the chairman of Wesco Financial Corporation, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. It began as a savings and loan association, but eventually grew to control Precision Steel Corp., CORT Furniture Leasing, Kansas Bankers Surety Company, and other ventures. Wesco Financial also held a concentrated equity portfolio of over US$1.5 billion in companies such as Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Procter & Gamble, Kraft Foods, US Bancorp, and Goldman Sachs. Munger believes that holding a concentrated number of stocks, that he knows extremely well, will in the long term produce superior returns.
Wesco is based in Pasadena, California, Munger’s adopted hometown. Pasadena was also the site of the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting, which were typically held on the Wednesday or Thursday after the more famous Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. Munger’s meetings were nearly as legendary in the investment community as those he co-hosts with Buffett in Omaha. Such meetings were often perfunctory, but Munger interacted with the other Wesco shareholders at considerable length, sometimes speculating about what his hero Benjamin Franklin would do in a given situation. Meeting notes have been posted on the Futile Finance? website, but no updates exist beyond 2011.
“Elementary, worldly wisdom”
In multiple speeches, and in the book Poor Charlie’s Almanack, Munger has introduced the concept of “elementary, worldly wisdom” as it relates to business and finance. Munger’s worldly wisdom consists of a set of mental models framed as a latticework to help solve critical business problems.
Munger, along with Buffett, is one of the main inspirations behind the book Seeking Wisdom: From Darwin to Munger. Author Peter Bevelin explained his key learnings from both Munger and Buffett in a 2007 interview: “How to think about businesses and investing, how to behave in life, the importance of ethics and honesty, how to approach problems but foremost how to reduce the chance of meeting problems.” Bevelin stated that previously, he “was lacking the Munger ability to un-learn my own best-loved ideas”.
High ethical standards are integral to Munger’s philosophy and, at the 2009 Wesco Financial Corporation annual meeting, he said, “Good businesses are ethical businesses. A business model that relies on trickery is doomed to fail.” During an interview and Q&A session at Harvard-Westlake School on January 19, 2010, Munger referred to American philosopher Charles Frankel in his discussion on the financial crisis of 200708 and the philosophy of responsibility. Munger explained that Frankel believed:
…the system is responsible in proportion to the degree that the people who make the decisions bear the consequences. So to Charlie Frankel, you dont create a loan system where all the people who make the loans promptly dump them on somebody else through lies and twaddle, and they dont bear the responsibility when the loans are good or bad. To Frankel, that is amoral, that is an irresponsible system.
Lollapalooza effect
Munger uses the term “Lollapalooza effect” for multiple biases, tendencies or mental models acting at the same time in the same direction. With the Lollapalooza effect, itself a mental model, the result is often extreme, due to the confluence of the mental models, biases or tendencies acting together, greatly increasing the likelihood of acting irrationally.
During a talk at Harvard in 1995 entitled The Psychology of Human Misjudgment, Munger mentions Tupperware parties and open outcry auctions, where he explained “three, four, five of these things work together and it turns human brains into mush,” meaning that normal people will be highly likely to succumb to the multiple irrational tendencies acting in the same direction. In the Tupperware party, you have reciprocation, consistency and commitment tendency, and social proof. (The hostess gave the party and the tendency is to reciprocate; you say you like certain products during the party so purchasing would be consistent with views you’ve committed to; other people are buying, which is the social proof.) In the open outcry auction, there is social proof of others bidding, reciprocation tendency, commitment to buying the item, and deprivation super-reaction syndrome, i.e. sense of loss. The latter is an individual’s sense of loss of what he believe should be or is his. These biases often occur at either conscious or subconscious level, and in both microeconomic and macroeconomic scale.
From his first marriage to Nancy Huggins, Munger is a father of 2 living children: Wendy Munger, a former corporate lawyer and trustee of Stanford University, and Molly Munger, a civil rights attorney and funder of a ballot initiative to raise California taxes for public education.
From his marriage to Nancy Barry, Munger is a father of four childrenphysicist and Republican activist Charles T. Munger, Jr., Emilie Munger Ogden, Barry A. Munger and Philip R. Mungerand two stepchildren: William Harold Borthwick and David Borthwick. Nancy Barry Munger died in 2010.
Munger enjoys architecture and has designed multiple buildings, including dormitories at Stanford University and University of Michigan as well as the house he currently inhabits.
Wealth and philanthropy
As of January 2017 Munger has an estimated net worth of $1.41 billion according to Forbes Magazine.
Munger Graduate Residence at Stanford University
Munger is a major benefactor of the University of Michigan. In 2007, Munger made a $3 million gift to the University of Michigan Law School for lighting improvements in Hutchins Hall and the William W. Cook Legal Research Building, including the noted Reading Room. In 2011, Munger made another gift to the Law School, contributing $20 million for renovations to the Lawyers Club housing complex, which will cover the majority of the $39 million cost. The renovated portion of the Lawyers Club will be renamed the Charles T. Munger Residences in the Lawyers Club in his honor. On December 28, 2011, Munger donated 10 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock (currently valued at $202,285 per share, or $2.02 million total) to the University of Michigan.
In addition to the University of Michigan, Munger and his late wife Nancy B. Munger have been major benefactors of Stanford University. Nancy Munger was an alumna of Stanford, and Wendy Munger, Charlie Munger’s daughter from a previous marriage, was also an alumna (A.B. 1972). Both Nancy and Wendy Munger served as members of the Stanford board of trustees. In 2004, the Mungers donated 500 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock, then valued at $43.5 million, to Stanford to build a graduate student housing complex. The Munger Graduate Residence opened in late 2009 and now houses 600 law and graduate students. The Mungers also gave a major gift to Stanford’s Green Library to fund the restoration of the Bing Wing as well as the construction of a rotunda on the library’s second floor, and endowed the Munger Chair in Nancy and Charles Munger Professorship of Business at Stanford Law School.
In 1997, the Mungers donated $1.8 million to the Marlborough School in Los Angeles, of which Nancy Munger was an alumna. The couple also donated to the Polytechnic School in Pasadena and the Los Angeles YMCA.
Munger has been a trustee of the Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles for more than 40 years, and previously served as chair of the board of trustees. His five sons and stepsons as well as at least one grandson graduated from the prep school. In 2009, Munger donated eight shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock, worth nearly $800,000, to Harvard-Westlake. In 2006, Munger donated 100 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Class A stock, then valued at $9.2 million, to the school toward a building campaign at Harvard-Westlake’s middle school campus. The Mungers had previously made a gift to build the $13 million Munger Science Center at the high school campus, a two-story classroom and laboratory building which opened in 1995 and has been described as “a science teacher’s dream”. The design of the Science Center was substantially influenced by Munger.
On April 18, 2013, the University of Michigan announced the single largest gift in its history: a US$110 million gift from Munger to fund a new “state of the art” residence designed to foster a community of scholars, where graduate students from multiple disciplines can live and exchange ideas. The gift includes US$10 million for graduate student fellowships.
In October 2014, Munger announced that he would donate $65 million to the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. This is the largest gift in the history of the school. The donation will go toward the construction of a residence building for visitors of the Kavli Institute in an effort to bring together physicists to exchange ideas as Munger stated,”to talk to one another, create new stuff, cross-fertilize ideas”.
In March 2016, Munger announced a further $200 million gift to UC Santa Barbara for state of the art student housing, tripling the record gift he gave for the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics.
Munger has not signed The Giving Pledge that was started by his partner Warren Buffett and Co-Director, Bill Gates.
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Islamists Rally in Support of Embattled Egyptian President
Leyland Cecco June 23, 2013
Tens of thousands of Egyptians took to the streets of Cairo Friday to show their support for the beleaguered President Mohamed Morsi.
The rally took place in the Cairo suburb of Nasr City outside Raba’a al A’adeweya Mosque, where the crowds gathered for Friday prayer amid growing voices in the opposition calling for Morsi to step down and for early elections. The rally, organized by the hardline group Gama'a Islamiya, was meant to denounce what many see as impending violence as Egypt plunges deeper into political and economic uncertainty. Chants in support of Morsi thundered throughout the square, with many calling for the implementation of full Islamic law and the establishment of an Islamic government. The rally was also meant to be an invigoration of support for the Muslim Brotherhood president, as an increasing number of Egyptians grow frustrated at what they see as a failure follow through with the January 25th Revolution’s goals.
Opposition groups have declared June 30th, the anniversary of Morsi’s election, as a day of protest, and have called on all Egyptians to return to Cairo’s infamous Tahrir Square in solidarity against the government. While there have been no direct appeals for violence on the 30th, many worry that clashes will break out between the secular opposition and supporters of the Islamist ruling government.
The ‘Tamarod’ (Rebel) campaign, which claims to have 15 million signatures, is demanding the resignation of President Morsi and calls for early elections. Leaders of the movement argue he has lost legitimacy as president, as the country’s economic situation continues to deteriorate alongside the crippling Egyptian pound. Rolling power blackouts frustrate many, and lines of trucks and vans clog the highways as they wait for diesel.
Ahmed Abdel Satar, a member of the conservative Al Watan party, suggested that while the ‘Rebel’ campaign had many supporters, it didn’t capture the general sentiment of the Egyptian public. “In Egypt, we are almost 90 million. They say they have 15 million [signatures]. That means there are more than 75 million against the ‘Rebel’ campaign.” The tens of thousands packing the square serve as a stark reminder that while Morsi faces a unifying opposition, he still commands the following of many Egyptians. The busloads shuttled in from neighboring villages shows the Brotherhood’s superb organizational abilities.
In the last week, Morsi has been forced to endure yet another political headache following his recent gubernatorial appointments. In a move that angered many, Morsi tapped Adel al-Khayat as the chief of Egypt’s most important tourist city. Al-Khayat’s party, Gama’a Islamiya, is considered to be a terrorist organization for the violence it waged against the Egyptian government in the 1990’s. The group renounced violence in 2006 became political party following the January 25th Revolution. Workers in Luxor, whose incomes depend on tourism, blocked roads in protest at the appointment. During a press conference on June 20th, Al-Khayat dismissed calls for his resignation.
“I am appointed by an elected government, by a government of an elected president,” he said.
The rally they led today was under the auspices of ‘No to Violence’ and showed the power of the Islamist parties to mobilize. Members from the Muslim Brotherhood, the Al Watan, and Gama’a Islamiya all were present. This pacifist approach is meant to temper the uncertainty in the streets as June 30th approaches.
The themes of democracy and legitimacy was present in today’s Islamist-led demonstration. Ahmed Mohsen, a 33 year-old graphic designer and member of the conservative Salafi party, attended in order to show his support for the president. “On June 30th [2011] he was elected. That is democracy. All parties wanted democracy, and Dr. Morsi was the winner.” One protestor held a sign that read “Legitimacy must be honored,” an idea echoed by Mohsen and many of those in attendance.
“When we elected President Morsi, we did so for four years, not two. That is not how democracy works,” said Mohamed Said, a 25 year-old English teacher and supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party.
On a day meant to show support for the president, small clashes also broke out at the mosque attended by Morsi in the suburb of New Cairo as he attended Friday prayer. Instead of these rallies and petitions showing a sense of solidarity, they only serve to highlight the deep divide plaguing Egyptian politics.
← From Battlefields to BouquetsThe Celebration of Sayeda Zeinab →
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For the English league, see Professional Development League.
Other club(s) from
Number of teams
Level on pyramid
4 (US) (unofficial)
4 (CAN) (unofficial)
Domestic cup(s)
Calgary Foothills FC
Most championships
Michigan Bucks (3 titles)
uslpdl.com
2018 PDL season
The Premier Development League (commonly known as the PDL) is a development soccer league sponsored by United Soccer Leagues in the United States and Canada, forming part of the United States soccer league system. The league has 74 teams competing in four conferences, split into eleven regional divisions. Unofficially, it is considered to be the fourth tier of competition, behind Major League Soccer, the United Soccer League, and the vacant third division. With USL Pro re-branding as the United Soccer League in February 2015, the PDL dropped the "USL" descriptor from their name, simply operating as the "Premier Development League". PDL is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.[1]
The Calgary Foothills FC are the current PDL champions, having defeated the Reading United AC 4–2 in extra time in the 2018 PDL Championship game on August 4, 2018.
The Premier Development League, as of the 2018 season, is divided into 4 conferences (Eastern, Southern, Central, and Western), comprising 11 divisions. The league season runs from May through July, with the playoffs decided through July and August. All teams play a balanced regular season schedule of 14 games, seven home and seven away, within their division. In conferences with two divisions, the division winner and runner-up advance to the conference semifinals, while in conferences with three divisions, the division winners and best second-place finisher advances to the conference semifinals.
The PDL Playoffs see all regular season division champions advance into the conference semifinals, with both runner-ups in two-division conferences and the lone best runner-up in three-division conferences also advancing to that round. All matches in the PDL Playoffs are played in single match elimination format, with the higher seeded team hosting the match, until a Champion is decided at a predetermined neutral location for a playoff weekend, in which both the semifinal and Championship matches are played.
In 1995 the United States Interregional Soccer League (USISL) changed its name to the United States International Soccer League, and split into two leagues, one professional (the 'Professional League', which ultimately became the USL Second Division) and one amateur (the 'Premier League'). The purpose for the split was to expand into and improve the soccer capabilities of many urban areas throughout the United States and Canada, while offering current college soccer players the opportunity to continue playing during the summer months without losing their college eligibility. The inaugural season of the new USISL Premier League featured 27 teams, and the Richmond Kickers won the first title, beating the Cocoa Expos 3–1 in the championship game.[2] Gabe Jones of the Austin Lone Stars was the league's top scorer and MVP.
The United States International Soccer League changed its name again in 1996, to the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues, and before the season, there was substantial movement of teams between the Pro League, the Premier League and the newly created Select League (which would later merge with the A-League, and eventually become the USL First Division). The Premier League grew to 34 teams in its second year, with the Central Coast Roadrunners from San Luis Obispo, California beating the San Francisco Bay Seals in the championship game to take the title.[3] Pasi Kinturi of the Nashville Metros was the league's top scorer and MVP.
The Premier League renamed itself the Premier Development Soccer League (PDSL) in 1997, and the Central Coast Roadrunners repeated as national champions, the first team to do so, beating the Cocoa Expos in the PDSL championship game.[4] Lester Felicia of the Jackson Chargers was the league's MVP, while Rodrigo Costa of the Detroit Dynamite was the leading scorer and the league's Rookie of the Year, tallying 21 goals and 2 assists for 44 points. In 1998 the PDSL took to the field with 33 teams, including four associate members from the Pacific Coast Soccer League who played shortened schedules after their PCSL season was over. In the championship game the San Gabriel Valley Highlanders upset regular season champions Jackson Chargers 3–2, taking the trophy to California for the third straight year. Rodrigo Costa of the Detroit Dynamite was the league MVP, Boniventure Manati of the Jackson Chargers was the league's top scorer, and a young striker by the name of Brian Ching from the Spokane Shadow was named Rookie of the Year.[5]
In 1999 the umbrella USISL changed its name to the United Soccer Leagues, and the Premier Development Soccer League dropped the 'soccer' part of its name and became known as the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League, or PDL. The league took in several teams from the D3Pro league, expanding to 42 teams in six divisions. Expansion franchise Chicago Sockers ultimately won the league, beating Spokane Shadow 3–1 for the title in a tight championship game. Fabio Eidenwein of the Sioux City Breeze was named League MVP and was the top scorer, with 20 goals.[6]
The PDL expanded by a further eight franchises in 2000, and the Chicago Sockers won their second straight title, beating the Mid-Michigan Bucks in a close 1–0 championship game. The single goal was scored by Rodrigo Costa who, having received a pass from teammate Hamid Mehreioskouei, chipped Bucks goalkeeper Eric Pogue from 18 yards through a crowded penalty area. Fernando Salazar of the Los Angeles-based San Fernando Valley Heroes was the league's MVP, while his teammate Arshak Abyanli took the honors as top goalscorer.[7]
The league grew from 41 to 44 teams in 2001 through the usual mix of relegation from D3Pro, teams folding and new franchises being added. In the semi-finals, the Westchester Flames defeated Sioux Falls Spitfire 5–1 and Calgary Storm defeated Des Moines Menace 2–1; in the final, Westchester defeated Calgary 3–1 to take their first league title.[8] Des Moines and Chicago Fire Reserves dominated the 2002 regular season, but both teams stuttered in the playoffs; the PDL final saw the Cape Cod Crusaders defeating the Boulder Rapids Reserve 2–1 to bring the title to the Northeast for the second year in a row. 2002 also saw the debut of the soon-to-be PDL legend, Tomas Boltnar of Des Moines Menace, who secured an unprecedented triple-crown of PDL MVP, Top Scorer and Rookie of the Year.[9]
The mid-2000s was a period of steady growth and consolidation for the PDL. A TV agreement with Fox Soccer Channel saw the PDL Championship game being broadcast live on national television in North America for the first time, and professional teams began investing in the league by adding U-23 development sides as an addition to their senior rosters. Cape Cod repeated as PDL champs in 2003, beating the Chicago Fire Reserves in the final[10] (and despite the presence of Jürgen Klinsmann playing for Orange County Blue Star), while 2004 saw the title head to Florida for the first time as the Central Florida Kraze overcame perennial bridesmaids Boulder Rapids Reserve.[11]
Des Moines Menace took the PDL Championship trophy back to Iowa in 2005 after beating the El Paso Patriots 6–5 on penalty kicks, following a 0–0 draw in the PDL Championship game.[12][13] 2006 saw the beginning of two seasons of dominance for two teams: the Michigan Bucks and the Laredo Heat. Both teams made the PDL Final in 2006 and 2007, with the Bucks emerging victorious in '06 with a 2–1 win thanks to goals by Kenny Uzoigwe and Ty Shipalane,[14][15] only for Laredo to get their revenge the following year with an epic penalty kicks win after a 0–0 tie in regulation time.
Laredo became the first team to make three consecutive PDL championship games in 2008, but fell at the final hurdle to Thunder Bay Chill, who became the first ever Canadian side to win the PDL following their 4–1 penalty shootout victory.[16] The PDL had grown to 68 teams by 2009, and to reflect their growing reputation, introduced a new scheme called PDL-Pro, whereby certain teams would be allowed to act as professional clubs, paying players, while still adhering to NCAA collegiate eligibility rules, and the USL's own age restriction policy. Ventura County Fusion returned the PDL title to Southern California for the first time in over a decade with a stoppage-time victory over Chicago Fire Premier, and in doing so became the lowest-seeded team to claim the national title.[17]
Locations of USL PDL franchises. Blue = Eastern Conference, Orange = Southern, Green = Central, Red = Western
The 2010s began with a record, as the Portland Timbers U23s ended the season as national champions, beating Thunder Bay Chill 4–1 in the 2010 PDL Championship game.[18] The Timbers also had the best regular season record, winning all their 16 games, scoring 53 goals and conceding just six along the way. In doing so the Timbers became the first team to post a perfect PDL regular season record since the Jackson Chargers in 1998,[19] the first regular season champion to win the playoffs since the Central Coast Roadrunners in 1996, and the first team in PDL history to go through an entire PDL regular season and playoff campaign without posting a loss or a tie. Portland Timbers U23s striker Brent Richards was named League MVP and Rookie of the Year for his stellar campaign with the national champions. Players from Canadian side Thunder Bay Chill led the majority of the statistical categories, with striker Brandon Swartzendruber leading the league with 15 goals, while his teammate Gustavo Oliveira led the league with 13 assists. Portland Timbers U23s goalkeeper Jake Gleeson enjoyed the best goalkeeping statistics, allowing just five goals in 15 games and earning with a 0.360 GAA average.[20]
Western Conference teams dominated the league in 2011 for the third year in a row, with the Kitsap Pumas ending the season as national champions, beating Laredo Heat 1–0 in the 2011 PDL Championship game. Kitsap, who lost just one game and conceded just ten goals all season, were the second team from the Northwest Division to win the national title in a row, while Laredo were contesting their fourth championship game in six years. Kitsap also were the first PDL-Pro team to win the championship, a milestone for the league. Kitsap's Western Conference rivals Fresno Fuego had the best regular-season record, posting an unbeaten 13–0–3 record. Fresno midfielder Milton Blanco was named League MVP, after leading the league in points (38) and assists (14) and helping his team to the Southwest Division title. Two Michigan Bucks players – Stewart Givens and Mitch Hildebrandt – were given end-of-season awards as Defender of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year respectively, while their coach Gary Parsons was named Coach of the Year. Jake Keegan of the Westchester Flames was named Rookie of the Year after tallying 16 goals in 16 games to take the league goal-scoring crown. Keegan accounted for 64 percent of Westchester's goals in 2011 and also finished third in the league in points with 34.[21]
The 2012 PDL season would see a resurgence of the Eastern Conference, as the Michigan Bucks would claim the regular season title, with Canadian rivals Forest City London winning their first ever PDL Championship in an East coast contest, defeating Carolina Dynamo 2–1.[22] Canadian clubs would also have another strong season in 2013, with four of eight Canadian clubs finishing in the final eight and two, the Victoria Highlanders and Thunder Bay Chill, advancing to the semi-finals.[23] After a final four finish in 2012, The Chill would repeat their strong season, winning the 2013 regular season title but falling to the Austin Aztex in the Championship final 3–1 in front of a crowd of 4,253 fans, the largest attendance for a final since 2007.[24][25]
In 2014, the Michigan Bucks would claim their second PDL Championship, defeating the Kitsap Pumas 1–0 on August 3, 2014, following a strong regular season campaign with a record of 9–2–3.[26]
With USL Pro re-branding as the United Soccer League in February 2015,[27] the PDL dropped the "USL" descriptor from their name, simply operating as the "Premier Development League".
The 2015 season would see league newcomers, New York Red Bulls U-23, put forth a very strong showing, finishing first in the Mid Atlantic Division and making it all the way to the Championship Final, before falling to the lower-seeded K-W United FC, who emerged from the very competitive Great Lakes Division, fending off perennial contenders and rivals Forest City London and the defending champions Michigan Bucks on their path to the final. United would come away winners 4–3 over the Red Bulls on August 3, 2015 at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Washington to claim their first ever Championship and the third for a Canadian club.[28][29]
As PDL seasons take place during the summer months, the player pool is drawn mainly from elite college soccer players seeking to continue playing high-level soccer during their summer break, which they can do while still maintaining their college eligibility, as the PDL is not considered a "professional" league.[30]
Formerly, teams such as Laredo Heat, New Orleans Jesters, Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23, Kitsap Pumas and the Hollywood United Hitmen have been embracing at least partial professionalism through a new program called PDL-Pro, whereby teams can choose to employ players who are paid for their performances,[31] but who still meet the age eligibility criteria. This does not contravene NCAA rules, which state that college players cannot play alongside professionals, but may play against them. What this also means, however, is that PDL-Pro teams cannot have any active NCAA players on their rosters, but may employ NAIA and community college players, ex-NCAA players who have already graduated, or other local players who do not play college soccer at all.
Currently, all PDL teams field amateur, U23 squads.
In addition, PDL squads often also include standout high school and junior club players, as well as former professionals seeking to continue competing at a high level, often having been forced to retire from top flight competition due to age or injury. PDL rules dictate that a maximum of eight players on each team's 26-man roster can be over 23 years old, while at least three players on each team's roster must be 18 or younger.
Increasingly, the PDL is seen as a 'shop window' for professional clubs looking to discover and identify aspiring professional players who may enter the MLS SuperDraft in future years. Many of the players currently playing in Major League Soccer and elsewhere began their careers in the PDL.
In May 2018, the league did not permit Calgary Foothills FC to sign Stephanie Labbé, a goalkeeper for the Canadian women's team, even though the team had offered her a position. The decision was made due to her gender.[32][33] Labbé filed a lawsuit against the league.[34]
Current clubs
City/area
Black Rock FC U.S. Great Barrington, MA Hotchkiss Athletic Fields 2013
Boston Bolts U.S. Boston, MA Alumni Field 2015 Brian Ainscough
AC Connecticut U.S. Danbury, CT Westside Athletic Complex 2011 Alex Harrison
GPS Portland Phoenix U.S. Portland, ME Memorial Stadium 2009 Craig Fannan
Seacoast United Phantoms U.S. Portsmouth, NH Amesbury Sports Park 1996 Alistair Bain
Westchester Flames U.S. New Rochelle, NY City Park Stadium 1999 Gus Skoufis
Western Mass Pioneers U.S. Ludlow, MA Lusitano Stadium 1998 Joe Calabrese
Mid Atlantic Division
Evergreen FC U.S. Leesburg, VA Evergreen Sportsplex 2015 Grady Renfrow
FA Euro New York U.S. Brooklyn, NY Belson Stadium 2012 Ferdinando De Matthaeis
Lehigh Valley United U.S. Allentown, PA J. Birney Crum Stadium 2009 Andy Adlard
Long Island Rough Riders U.S. South Huntington, NY Hofstra University Soccer Stadium 1994 Flavio Ferri
New York Red Bulls U-23 U.S. Harrison, NJ Red Bull Training Facility 2009 Rob Elliott
Ocean City Nor'easters U.S. Ocean City, NJ Carey Stadium 1996 John Thompson
Reading United AC U.S. Reading, PA Gurski Stadium 1996 Alan McCann
South Atlantic Division
Carolina Dynamo U.S. Greensboro, NC Macpherson Stadium 1993 Tony Falvino
Charlotte Eagles U.S. Charlotte, NC Sportsplex at Matthews 1991 Luke Helmuth
Lionsbridge FC U.S. Newport News, VA Pomoco Stadium 2017 Chris Whalley
Myrtle Beach Mutiny U.S. Myrtle Beach, SC North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex 2011 Kyle Timm
North Carolina FC U23[35] U.S. Cary, NC WakeMed Soccer Park 2017
Tobacco Road FC[36] U.S. Durham, NC Durham County Stadium 2013 Cedric Burke
Southern Conference
IMG Academy Bradenton U.S. Bradenton, FL IMG Academy 1998 Scott Dean
Lakeland Tropics[37] U.S. Lakeland, FL Thomas W. Bryant Stadium 2017 Eoghan Conlon
FC Miami City U.S. Miami, FL Tropical Park Stadium 2014 Wagneau Eloi
Next Academy Palm Beach U.S. Boca Raton, FL Corey Lewis Stadium 2015 Edson Leivinha
North County United U.S. Port St. Lucie, FL South County Regional Stadium 2017 Peter Fuller
SIMA Águilas[38] U.S. Montverde, FL Montverde Academy Center 2017
The Villages SC U.S. Wildwood, FL Millennium Park 2016 Anderson DaSilva
Weston FC U.S. Pembroke Pines, FL Broward College Soccer Field 2017
Deep South Division
Birmingham Hammers U.S. Birmingham, AL Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex 2013 Wolf Koch
Memphis City FC U.S. Memphis, TN Christian Brothers University 2015 Mark Franklin
Mississippi Brilla U.S. Clinton, MS Clinton High School 2006 Mark McKeever
Peachtree City MOBA U.S. Peachtree City, GA MOBA Soccer Academy 2016 Volker Harms
SC United Bantams U.S. Columbia, SC SC United Soccer Center at Monticello Road 2012 Lee Morris
South Georgia Tormenta FC U.S. Statesboro, GA Eagle Field 2016 John Miglarese
Tri-Cities Otters U.S. Johnson City, TN Kermit Tipton Stadium 2016 David Strickland
Mid South Division
AHFC Royals U.S. Houston, TX Campbell Road Sports Park 2017 Josh Gardner
Brazos Valley Cavalry F.C.[39] U.S. Bryan, TX Nutrabolt Stadium 2017 James Clarkson
FC Cleburne U.S. Cleburne, TX The Depot at Cleburne Station 2017 Paul Davenport[40]
Corpus Christi FC U.S. Corpus Christi, TX Dugan Stadium 2017 Sebastian Giraldo
Houston FC U.S. Houston, TX San Jacinto College 2017 Bruce Talbot
OKC Energy U23 U.S. Oklahoma City, OK Norman North High School 2015 Jon Pearlman
Texas United U.S. Grand Prairie, TX AirHogs Stadium 2017 Arez Ardalani
Central Conference
Great Lakes Division
Cincinnati Dutch Lions U.S. Cincinnati, OH NKU Soccer Stadium 2013 Paul Nicholson
Dayton Dutch Lions U.S. West Carrollton, OH DOC Stadium 2009 Dan Griest
Derby City Rovers U.S. Louisville, KY King Louie’s Sports Complex 2010 Lee Chalmers
Lansing United U.S. Lansing, MI Archer Stadium 2013 Nate Miller
Michigan Bucks U.S. Pontiac, MI Ultimate Soccer Arenas 1995 Gary Parsons
West Virginia Chaos U.S. Charleston, WV Schoenbaum Stadium 2003 Chris Grassie
Heartland Division
Chicago FC United U.S. Chicago, IL Loyola Soccer Park 2017 Jamie Smith
Des Moines Menace U.S. Des Moines, IA Valley Stadium 1994 Alen Marcina
Kaw Valley FC U.S. Lawrence, KS Rock Chalk Park 2017 István Urbányi
St. Louis Lions U.S. St. Louis, MO Tony Glavin Soccer Complex 2006 Tony Glavin
Thunder Bay Chill Canada Thunder Bay, ON Fort William Stadium 2000 Giovanni Petraglia
WSA Winnipeg Canada Winnipeg, MB Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex 2010 Eduardo Badescu
Calgary Foothills FC Canada Calgary, AB Foothills Composite High School 1972 Tommy Wheeldon
Lane United FC U.S. Eugene, OR Willamalane Center 2013 John Galas
Portland Timbers U23s U.S. Salem, OR McCulloch Stadium 2008 Aaron Lewis
Seattle Sounders FC U-23 U.S. Tacoma, WA Franklin Pierce High School 2006 Darren Sawatzky
TSS FC Rovers Canada Burnaby, BC Swangard Stadium 2017 Colin Elmes
Victoria Highlanders Canada Victoria, BC Royal Athletic Park 2008 David Dew
Albuquerque Sol FC U.S. Albuquerque, NM Ben Rios Field 2013 Matt Gordon
Colorado Pride Switchbacks U23 U.S. Colorado Springs, CO Washburn Field & Weidner Field 2018 Diego Zaltron
Colorado Rapids U-23 U.S. Commerce City, CO Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Field #20 2017 Erik Bushey
Ogden City SC U.S. Ogden, UT Spence Eccles Ogden Community Sports Complex 2017 Eric Landon
FC Tucson U.S. Tucson, AZ Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium 2010 David Cosgrove
Fresno FC U-23 U.S. Fresno, CA Fresno State Soccer & Lacrosse Stadium 2018 Andrew Donnery
FC Golden State Force U.S. Whittier, CA Rio Hondo College 2016 Jon Spencer
Orange County SC U-23 U.S. Costa Mesa, CA Vanguard University Stadium 2011 Chris Volk
San Diego Zest FC U.S. San Diego, CA Multiple[41] 2016 Cem Tont
San Francisco City FC U.S. San Francisco, CA Kezar Stadium 2001 Paddy Coyne[42]
San Francisco Glens SC[43] U.S. San Francisco, CA Boxer Stadium 1961 Javier Ayala-Hil
Santa Cruz Breakers FC[44] U.S. Santa Cruz, CA Cabrillo College Stadium 1992 Mike Runeare
Southern California Seahorses U.S. La Mirada, CA La Mirada High School 2001 Todd Elkins
Ventura County Fusion U.S. Ventura, CA Ventura College 2006 Rudy Ybarra
Future teams
Joining League
Discoveries SC Rock Hill, SC Manchester Meadows Soccer Complex 2,000 1986 2019[45]
Florida Elite Jacksonville, FL 2014 2019[46]
Wake FC Wake County, NC 2001 2019[47]
Playoff champions
2018 PDL – Calgary Foothills FC
2017 PDL – Charlotte Eagles
2016 PDL – Michigan Bucks
2015 PDL – K-W United FC
2013 PDL – Austin Aztex
2012 PDL – Forest City London
2011 PDL – Kitsap Pumas
2010 PDL – Portland Timbers U23s
2009 PDL – Ventura County Fusion
2008 PDL – Thunder Bay Chill
2007 PDL – Laredo Heat
2005 PDL – Des Moines Menace
2004 PDL – Central Florida Kraze
2003 PDL – Cape Cod Crusaders
2001 PDL – Westchester Flames
2000 PDL – Chicago Sockers
1998 PDSL – San Gabriel Valley Highlanders
1997 PDSL – Central Coast Roadrunners
1996 USISL Prem – Central Coast Roadrunners
1995 USISL Prem – Richmond Kickers
Regular season champions
2017 PDL – New York Red Bulls U-23
2011 PDL – Fresno Fuego
2009 PDL – Reading Rage
2007 PDL – Hampton Roads Piranhas
2006 PDL – Carolina Dynamo
2005 PDL – Orange County Blue Star
2004 PDL – Chicago Fire Reserves
2003 PDL – New Orleans Shell Shockers
2001 PDL – Calgary Storm
2000 PDL – Mid-Michigan Bucks
1999 PDL – Jackson Chargers
1998 PDSL – Jackson Chargers
1997 PDSL – Spokane Shadow
1995 USISL Prem – San Francisco All-Blacks United
(Defunct teams in italics)
Playoff championships by team
Michigan Bucks 3 2006, 2014, 2016
Central Coast Roadrunners 2 1996, 1997
Chicago Sockers 2 1999, 2000
Cape Cod Crusaders 2 2002, 2003
Richmond Kickers 1 1995
San Gabriel Valley Highlanders 1 1998
Westchester Flames 1 2001
Central Florida Kraze 1 2004
Des Moines Menace 1 2005
Laredo Heat 1 2007
Thunder Bay Chill 1 2008
Ventura County Fusion 1 2009
Portland Timbers U23s 1 2010
Kitsap Pumas 1 2011
Forest City London 1 2012
Austin Aztex 1 2013
K-W United FC 1 2015
Charlotte Eagles 1 2017
Calgary Foothills FC 1 2018
Regular season championships by team
Michigan Bucks 5 2000, 2008, 2012, 2015, 2016
Des Moines Menace 3 2002, 2014, 2018
Jackson Chargers 2 1998, 1999
San Francisco All-Blacks United 1 1995
Central Coast Roadrunners 1 1996
Spokane Shadow 1 1997
Calgary Storm 1 2001
New Orleans Shell Shockers 1 2003
Chicago Fire Reserves 1 2004
Orange County Blue Star 1 2005
Carolina Dynamo 1 2006
Hampton Roads Piranhas 1 2007
Reading Rage 1 2009
Fresno Fuego 1 2011
New York Red Bulls U-23 1 2017
Complete team list
See List of Premier Development League franchises
Notable professional players with PDL experience
Many senior international players had their first taste of competitive league experience playing in the PDL. This list includes players who, after playing in the PDL, have achieved some kind of significant success as a professional soccer player – playing internationally for their country, playing in one of the world's top leagues (such as the Premier League in England), being a No. 1 draft pick, or winning a major award such as the MLS Rookie of the Year award or the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is awarded to the best college soccer player of a given year and is American soccer's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
Tesho Akindele, Real Colorado Foxes (2013), 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year, Canadian international
Eric Alexander, Kalamazoo Kingdom/West Michigan Edge/Kalamazoo Outrage (2006–2009), U.S. international
Anthony Ampaipitakwong, Bradenton Academics (2006–2009), Thai international
Teteh Bangura, Cascade Surge, Sierra Leonean international
Steven Beitashour, San Jose Frogs (2007–2008), Iranian international
Tony Beltran, Los Angeles Storm (2007), U.S. international
Austin Berry, Chicago Fire Premier (2010), 2012 MLS Rookie of the Year
Nikolas Besagno, Tacoma Tide/Kitsap Pumas/Washington Crossfire (2009–present), No. 1 Pick in 2005 MLS Superdraft
Steve Birnbaum, Orange County Blue Star (2010–2011), U.S. international
Ian Bishop, New Orleans Shell Shockers (2004), English Premier League player
Nat Borchers, Boulder Rapids Reserve (2002), U.S. international
Henry Brauner, New Hampshire Phantoms/Ventura County Fusion (2008–2009), Philippines international
Deshorn Brown, Des Moines Menace/Reading United AC (2011–2012), Jamaican international
Teal Bunbury, Rochester Thunder (2009), U.S. international, 2009 Hermann Trophy winner
Geoff Cameron, Rhode Island Stingrays (2005–2007), U.S. international, English Premier League player
Chris Carrieri, New Brunswick Brigade (2000), No. 1 Pick in 2001 MLS SuperDraft
Derby Carrillo, Newark Ironbound Express/Kitsap Pumas (2009–2010), Salvadoran international
Brian Ching, Spokane Shadow (1998–1999), U.S. international
Colin Clark, Boulder Rapids Reserve (2005), U.S. international
Sam Cronin, Carolina Dynamo (2005–2008), U.S. international
Mamadou Danso, Cary RailHawks U23s (2008), Gambian international
Charlie Davies, Westchester Flames (2006), U.S. international, French Ligue 1 player
Chad Deering, DFW Tornados (2004), U.S. international, German Bundesliga player
Jay DeMerit, Chicago Fire Premier (2001–2002), U.S. international, English Premier League player
Bright Dike, Indiana Invaders (2006), Nigerian international
Todd Dunivant, Boulder Rapids Reserve (2002), U.S. international
Randy Edwini-Bonsu, Vancouver Whitecaps Residency (2008–2010), Canadian international
Brad Evans, Orange County Blue Star (2004–2006), U.S. international
Rodrigo Faria, Westchester Flames (2000), 2001 MLS Rookie of the Year
Andrew Farrell, Bradenton Academics/River City Rovers (2012), No. 1 Pick in 2013 MLS SuperDraft
Robbie Findley, Boulder Rapids Reserve (2005–2006), U.S. international
Sean Franklin, San Fernando Valley Quakes (2006–2007), 2008 MLS Rookie of the Year, U.S. international
Cory Gibbs, Palm Beach Pumas (2000), U.S. international, German Bundesliga player
Jake Gleeson, Portland Timbers U23s (2010), New Zealand international
Herculez Gomez, San Diego Gauchos (2003), U.S. international
Clarence Goodson, Boulder Rapids Reserve (2003), U.S. international
Sidney Govou, FC Miami City Champions (2015), French international, French Ligue 1 player
Henry Gutierrez, Cary RailHawks U23s (2008), U.S. international
Ryan Guy, Boulder Rapids Reserve (2005), Guam international
Brad Guzan, Chicago Fire Premier (2003–2004), U.S. international, English Premier League player
Matt Hedges, Reading United AC (2010–2011), U.S. international
Tyler Hemming, Ottawa Fury/Forest City London (2005–2006, 2011–present), Canadian international
Kamani Hill, Orange County Blue Star/San Fernando Valley Quakes (2005–2006), U.S. international, German Bundesliga player
Lars Hirschfeld, Calgary Storm (2001–2002), Canadian international
Miguel Ibarra, Lancaster Rattlers/Orange County Blue Star (2008–2011), U.S. international
Vedad Ibišević, St. Louis Strikers/Chicago Fire Premier (2003–2004), Bosnian international, French Ligue 1 player, German Bundesliga player
Evan James, Hamilton FC/K–W United FC (2011, 2013), Canadian international
Julius James, Westchester Flames (2006), Trinidadian international
Ryan Johnson, Cape Cod Crusaders/Boulder Rapids Reserve (2002, 2005), Jamaican international
Sean Johnson, Atlanta Blackhawks (2009), U.S. international
Frank Jonke, Toronto Lynx (2007), Canadian international
Kei Kamara, Orange County Blue Star (2004–2005), Sierra Leonean international, English Premier League player
Perry Kitchen, Chicago Fire Premier (2010), U.S. international
Jürgen Klinsmann, Orange County Blue Star (2003), German international, World Cup winner, English Premier League player, German Bundesliga player, former U.S. national team coach
Sacha Kljestan, Orange County Blue Star (2005), U.S. international
Michael Lahoud, Carolina Dynamo (2006–2008), Sierra Leonean international
Joseph Lapira, Louisiana Outlaws/Lafayette Swamp Cats/Baton Rouge Capitals (2003–2007), Irish international, 2006 Hermann Trophy winner
Roy Lassiter, Laredo Heat (2004), U.S. international
Patrick Leduc, Twin Cities Tornado (1998–1999), Canadian international
Eric Lichaj, Chicago Fire Premier (2006), U.S. international, English Premier League player
Nick Lima, Burlingame Dragons FC (2015–2016), U.S. international
Zach Loyd, Carolina Dynamo (2007–2009), U.S. international
Yohance Marshall, Vermont Voltage (2011), Trinidadian international
Gerson Mayen, Los Angeles Misioneros (2012), Salvadoran international
Dax McCarty, Ajax Orlando Prospects (2004–2005), U.S. international
Oscar Moens, Dayton Dutch Lions (2010), Dutch international
Drew Moor, Chicago Fire Premier (2004), U.S. international
Jordan Morris, Seattle Sounders FC U-23 (2014), 2015 Hermann Trophy Winner, 2016 MLS Rookie of the Year, U.S. international
Justin Morrow, Indiana Invaders/Cleveland Internationals/Chicago Fire Premier (2007–2009), U.S. international
Lexton Moy, Laredo Heat (2007), Philippines international
Patrick Mullins, Baton Rouge Capitals/New Orleans Jesters (2007, 2011–2012), Two-time Hermann Trophy winner (2012, 2013)
Chance Myers, Ventura County Fusion (2007), No. 1 Pick in 2008 MLS SuperDraft
Darlington Nagbe, Cleveland Internationals (2007–2010), 2010 Hermann Trophy winner, U.S. international
Gifton Noel-Williams, DFW Tornados (2010), English Premier League player
Pat Noonan, Mid Michigan Bucks (2002), U.S. international
Danny O'Rourke, Dayton Gemini/Chicago Fire Premier/Columbus Shooting Stars (2000–2004), 2004 Hermann Trophy winner
Olivier Occéan, Vermont Voltage (2002–2003), Canadian international, German Bundesliga player
Dominic Oduro, Richmond Kickers Future (2005), Ghanaian international
Demitrius Omphroy, San Francisco Seals (2008), Philippines international
Dever Orgill, Vancouver Whitecaps Residency (2009–2010), Jamaican international
David Oteo, Rio Grande Valley Grandes (2011), Mexican international
Michael Parkhurst, Bradenton Academics (2003), 2005 MLS Rookie of the Year, U.S. international, German Bundesliga player
Logan Pause, Raleigh CASL Elite (2002), U.S. international
Heath Pearce, Bradenton Academics (2004), U.S. international, German Bundesliga player
Troy Perkins, Cape Cod Crusaders (2002), U.S. international
Charley Pettys, Cincinnati Kings/Orange County Blue Star (2008, 2011–2012), Philippines international
Kyle Porter, Vancouver Whitecaps Residency (2008–2010), Canadian international
Dillon Powers, Austin Aztex (2012), 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year
Tim Ream, Chicago Fire Premier (2008–2009), U.S. international, English Premier League player
Luis Robles, Boulder Rapids Reserve (2003–2004), U.S. international
Robbie Rogers, Orange County Blue Star (2005), U.S. international
Chris Rolfe, Chicago Fire Premier (2004), U.S. international
C. J. Sapong, Fredericksburg Gunners/Reading United AC (2009–2010), 2011 MLS Rookie of the Year, U.S. international
Gonzalo Segares, Williamsburg Legacy (2003), Costa Rican international
Paris Simmons, New Orleans Jesters (2011), English Premier League player
Jonathan Spector, Chicago Fire Premier (2001), U.S. international, English Premier League player
Justin Springer, K-W United FC (2015-), Saint Kitts and Nevis international
Marcus Tracy, Carolina Dynamo (2008), 2008 Hermann Trophy winner
Mason Trafford, Vancouver Whitecaps Residency (2008), Canadian international
Matthew Uy, Westchester Flames/Long Island Rough Riders (2010–2011), Philippines international
Andrew Wenger, Reading United AC/Carolina Dynamo (2010–2011), 2011 Hermann Trophy winner, No. 1 Pick in 2012 MLS SuperDraft
Jeremiah White, Ocean City Barons (2003), U.S. international
Chris Wingert, Brooklyn Knights (2003), U.S. international, 2003 Hermann Trophy Winner
Eric Wynalda, Bakersfield Brigade (2007–2008), U.S. international, German Bundesliga player
DeAndre Yedlin, Seattle Sounders FC U-23 (2012), U.S. international, English Premier League player
Steve Zakuani, Cleveland Internationals (2008), No. 1 Pick in 2009 MLS SuperDraft, Dem. Rep. Congolese international
Gyasi Zardes, Ventura County Fusion (2011–2012), U.S. international
Sal Zizzo, Orange County Blue Star (2006–2007), U.S. international, German Bundesliga player
Graham Zusi, Central Florida Kraze (2005), U.S. international
Average attendance
Attendance stats are calculated by averaging each team's self-reported home attendances from the historical match archive at https://web.archive.org/web/20131208011525/http://www.uslsoccer.com/history/index_E.html, and then averaging this league-wide.
2008: not available
2010: 1146
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↑ "Florida Elite Soccer Academy to Join PDL in 2019". Premier Development League (PDL). April 5, 2018.
↑ "Wake FC to Join PDL in 2019". Premier Development League (PDL). April 30, 2018.
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YES - Relayer / T-shirt
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Yes are an English progressive rock band formed in London in 1968 by singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Bill Bruford. The band has undergone numerous formations throughout its history; nineteen musicians have been full-time members. Since June 2015, it has consisted of guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Alan White, keyboardist Geoff Downes, singer Jon Davison, and bassist Billy Sherwood, with no remaining founding members. Yes have explored several musical styles over the years, and are most notably regarded as progressive rock pioneers.
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← Contributors
Edmond Roy
Follow @eddroy
Edmond Roy began his journalism career in the southern Indian state of Kerala in the early 1980's with the government broadcaster, All India Radio. From there he made his way up to the eastern city of Hyderabad to work as a reporter for the now defunct newspaper Newstime. Hired as a local reporter by the ABC’s New Delhi office in 1988, he moved to Australia to work with Radio Australia in Melbourne. He returned to New Delhi as the ABC’s South Asia correspondent in 1996. Some of the networks he has worked for include, the BBC, CBC, NPR, CBS and Radio Austria.
He was presenter of the Asia-Focus program on ABC TV, reporter for Lateline and ABC Radio before taking on the role of Executive Producer of the PM program. He retired from the ABC last year.
A Woodrow Wilson scholar, Edmond is author of Australian Uranium and India: Ideology, Pragmatism & Politics. An avid South Asia watcher, these days Edmond can be spotted surfing somewhere on the New South Wales North coast.
Articles by Edmond Roy (3)
Edmond Roy 16 Jul 2019 08:30
India’s latest crisis: 600 million people struggle with drought
Cities have been forced to truck in drinking water, farms are failing, and the situation grows more desperate.
Edmond Roy 20 Mar 2019 16:00
Rahul Gandhi: a reluctant leader’s bid to topple India’s Modi
He’s hoping to pull off a miracle but the Congress Party’s promotion of Priyanka Gandhi could betray a weakness.
Edmond Roy 20 Feb 2019 06:00
India: another five years of Modi?
The tea-seller turned prime minister may see another term in office despite lacklustre domestic and foreign policy.
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A revolution in a sentence – the future of human spaceflight in America
A brief line in the State of the Union address hints at an exciting year for commercial spaceflight companies in the US. After an eight year lull, US rockets will again carry astronauts into space.
By John Horack Published on Feb 08, 2019.
“This year, American astronauts will go back to space in American rockets.”
This one sentence from the 2019 State of the Union address may have escaped your notice. It ended a paragraph in which the president paid tribute to astronaut Buzz Aldrin of the Apollo 11 mission to mark the the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. From that point, the speech transitioned to increasing the standard of living for Americans in the 21st century. A small sentence, perhaps. Maybe perceived by some as a throwaway line. But behind these 12 words lies a revolution in how Americans will get to space in the future.
Americans have not flown to orbit aboard an American rocket or from an American launch pad since July 8, 2011. This gap of nearly eight years and counting is the longest in our history, eclipsing the six-year gap between Apollo-Soyuz in 1975 and the Space Shuttle program in 1981. Since the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011, the United States has paid Russia approximately US$75 million per seat to launch U.S. astronauts to the International Space Station aboard Soyuz spacecraft from a launch site in Kazakhstan.
However, as noted in the State of the Union, things will change in 2019. American astronauts are scheduled to fly to space from U.S. soil this summer, aboard three separate launch systems, developed not by the U.S. government and its contractor workforce, but instead by commercial spaceflight companies. It is a change that heralds a new era in manned space travel.
A new era of American spaceflight
SpaceX, Boeing and Virgin Galactic are all planning to send American astronauts into space in 2019. For SpaceX and Boeing – if the schedule holds and near-term test flights go well – their voyages will be orbital flights to the ISS launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX will fly two NASA astronauts in their Dragon Capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket, and Boeing will fly a crew of three in its CST-100 Starliner aboard an Atlas-V booster.
Virgin Galactic has already put Americans into space with their most recent flight in December 2018. Although this rocket did not orbit the Earth, and did just a quick “up and down” trajectory, it demonstrates amazing progress.
Most revolutions do not happen overnight, and our revolution in commercial human spaceflight is no exception. All of this activity can be traced back to the George W. Bush 43 administration, when NASA Administrator Dr. Michael D. Griffin put $500 million of NASA money on the table to help spur industry to develop commercial systems from which NASA could purchase delivery services, for crew and cargo, just as one buys airline tickets.
If I wish to fly from New York to Los Angeles, for example, I can go to a website, make a reservation, and enter my credit card number. I don’t have to build the airplane, construct the airport, own and operate the air-traffic control system, refine the fuel from crude oil, train the pilot, and so forth. I buy it as a simple commercial transaction. This mode is what NASA was after when the first commercial launch programs were established in 2006.
Launches return to American soil
Development has occurred on a schedule much longer than anticipated, creating the record gap in American launches. However, it has led directly to the establishment of multiple independent systems of cargo supply to space, aboard the SpaceX Falcon-9 and Orbital Science’s Antares launch vehicle. All told, this arrangement has worked extremely well, safely and in a cost-effective manner.
In 2019, human launch capability will be added to the ongoing portfolio of cargo flights, returning American astronauts to American launch vehicles, and eliminating the requirement to launch to the ISS on a Russian system. After almost two decades at NASA, I can say that this is, indeed, a big deal.
This revolution is just getting started. In the not-too-distant future, you can also expect to see Blue Origin, the space company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Sierra Nevada Corporation begin similar flights to orbit. Bezos’ team is already flying suborbital cargo and science experiment flights to space on a reusable vehicle named New Shepard from their launch facility in Texas. Sierra Nevada will be flying their Dream Chaser vehicle, which looks much like a mini-space shuttle and lands on a runway, for cargo to ISS (first) and then people (later).
Revolutions – even those cloaked in a simple sentence – do not happen in an instant. It has been 13 years since NASA first worked to spur commercial development of launch capabilities. Eight years have elapsed since the retirement of the Space Shuttle. A revolution is in the making, totally transforming how we send American astronauts into space. Perhaps not overnight, but it is coming soon to a launch pad near you … and, yes, this revolution will be televised.
John Horack does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
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Home page > 1. IV Online magazine > 2019 > IV533 - June 2019 > The victories – and continuing struggles – of women in Sudan
The victories – and continuing struggles – of women in Sudan
Thursday 27 June 2019, by Nada Mustafa Ali
One of the most popular images from Sudan’s protests that led to the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir is that of Alaa Salah – a young, female university student. The image of her speaking to a crowd highlighted the presence and role women had in the uprising. [1]
While the video challenged narratives prevalent in global media – which sometimes portray African and Muslim women as victims who lack agency – Alaa Salah’s courage is but an extension of the roles that women have played throughout Sudan’s history.
Warrior queens and queen mothers had crucial power in Sudan’s ancient kingdom of Kush and its metropolis, Meroe (circa 1069 BCE to 350 CE). [3] Women, like the poet Mihera Bit Abboud, mobilised men against the Turko-Egyptian colonial invasion of Sudan in the 1920s and Anglo-Egyptian rule in the 1950s. [4]
Women were also major actors in the opposition to Bashir’s regime throughout its 30 years of rule, which began when he led a military coup against a democratically elected government in 1989. This resistance was not unusual given the regime’s discrimination against women, in both law and practice. [5] This included the use of rape in war and also violence against women activists in youth movements. [6]
Both locally and abroad, Sudanese women led organisations to help women challenge human rights violations, build leadership skills, protest and mobilise. [7] For example, when Bashir’s government imposed austerity measures in 2013 and 2016 – causing the prices of basic commodities and medicines to soar – women mobilised civil disobedience. [8]
There were hopes that the overthrow of Bashir would lead to change in the situation of women. But there are now worries under the Transitional Military Council, which assumed power and has since violently suppressed protesters. [9] The council has created an atmosphere where it is difficult to advocate for broader participation for women, commitment to women’s human rights, or gender equality.
These become less of a priority as the situation worsens.
Lessons - good and bad
Sudan must learn from the experiences of neighbouring countries. Take Egypt. The transition to civilian rule, following the Arab Spring in 2011, was accompanied by a backlash in women’s human rights and a rise in sexual violence and harassment. [10]
I started teaching about the Uprisings in North Africa (Arab Spring) as the protests were unfolding. As with Sudan, women played a key role in the 2010 and 2011 protests. Initially, Egyptian feminists described Tahrir Square, where Egyptians camped, as a “utopia” where sexual harassment against women in public spaces, for example, disappeared. [11] Unfortunately, women later faced various forms of sexual violence and harassment in the streets. The government also attacked women’s organisations. [12]
Leaders in Egypt’s women’s movement continue to face arrest and detainment. The director of Nazra for women’s studies, Mozan Hassan, was unable to travel to New York to attend the United Nations’ Commission on the Status of Women this year because of a government-imposed travel ban.
It is possible, however, to also learn from partial successes in post-conflict countries on the continent. These include Rwanda and Liberia.
Rwanda has one of the highest number of women legislators in the world. The country has also introduced several laws that promote women’s rights. [13]
In Liberia, a broad and vibrant women’s peace movement played a key role in resisting the oppressive government of Charles Taylor. [14] This ended war and paved the way for Liberia to elect the first woman president in an African country. Former president Ellen J Sirleaf introduced important laws and policies to safeguard women’s rights during her presidency.
As Sudan mourns for those who have lost their lives in recent crackdowns and massacres, there is an urgent need for immediate action – in the form of independent investigations – against human rights violations. [15] These are crucial for accountability.
Looking to the future, as I argue in my book “Gender, Race, and Sudan’s Exile Politics: Do We All Belong to this Country?”, Sudan needs to build a strong and independent women’s movement that reflects the diverse priorities, realities, and visions of Sudanese women. [16]
And as the country looks to a possible transition, the ruling transitional council must hand power over to a civilian-led government with at least 40% representation of women. It is crucial to ensure that women have meaningful participation at all levels, and that commitments to gender equality and women’s human rights permeate constitutional, legal and policy reform.
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[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj81G9u0Cho&feature=youtu.be.
[3] http://africanhistory.yolasite.com/resources/Nubian%20Queens.pdf.
[4] https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=WAs7lGNkVBkC&pg=PA294&lpg=PA294&dq=mihera+Sudan&source=bl&ots=cK4KsE01SM&sig=ACfU3U17-XafQmXpY9NRytfR4kyrIsCXeQ&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=mihera%20Sudan&f=false.
[5] https://www.peaceinsight.org/conflicts/sudan/peacebuilding-organisations/no-to-womens-oppression-initiative/.
[6] https://www.msf.org/crushing-burden-rape-sexual-violence-darfur https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qMQ22lLoCY.
[7] https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781498500517/Gender-Race-and-Sudan%27s-Exile-Politics-Do-We-All-Belong-to-This-Country.
[8] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/african-studies-review/article/sudanese-womens-groups-on-facebook-and-civildisobedience-nairat-or-thairatradiant-or-revolutionary/BC66DCA737353C5C6BB9154279E2A50A.
[9] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/06/sudan-violence-40-bodies-pulled-nile-190605180916444.html.
[10] https://www.nazra.org/en/2012/06/testimonies-recent-sexual-assaults-tahrir-square-vicinity.
[11] https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/egypt-protests-sexual-harrassment-women-drops-witnesses/story?id=12804636.
[13] http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2018/8/feature-rwanda-women-in-parliament.
[14] https://theconversation.com/how-women-bring-about-peace-and-change-in-liberia-86670.
[15] https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3012974/bloody-massacre-sudan-security-forces-crush-pro-democracy-camp.
[16] https://www.amazon.com/Gender-Race-Sudans-Exile-Politics-ebook-dp-B011ND7QVI/dp/B011ND7QVI/ref=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=.
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Nada Mustafa Ali
Nada Mustafa Ali is a Faculty Fellow, Center for Governance and Sustainability and Lecturer, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston
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Newspaper reprints controversial cartoon of Serena Williams
By ROD McGUIRK , Associated Press
See more of the story
MELBOURNE, Australia — A cartoon of Serena Williams that has been widely condemned as a racist depiction of the tennis great has been partially reprinted on the front page of the Melbourne-based newspaper that initially published it.
The Herald Sun newspaper printed an edited portion of the cartoon — featuring 23-time Grand Slam winner Williams jumping on a broken racket during her dispute with a chair umpire in the U.S. Open final — among caricatures of other famous people Wednesday under the headline "Welcome to the PC World."
The newspaper, which has Australia's largest circulation, has defended its cartoonist Mark Knight's depiction of Williams and is asserting that the condemnation, which has come from around the world, is driven by political correctness.
"If the self-appointed censors of Mark Knight get their way on his Serena Williams cartoon, our new politically correct life will be very dull indeed," the paper said on its front page.
Williams has won the Australian Open singles title seven times at Melbourne Park, including in 2017 when she was pregnant. She is a crowd favorite at the first tennis major of the year, which is held each January at a venue that is within sight of the Herald Sun's headquarters.
In comments published by News Corp., Knight said he created the cartoon after watching Williams' "tantrum" during her U.S. Open final loss to Naomi Osaka on Saturday and that it was designed to illustrate "her poor behavior on the day, not about race."
Knight reportedly has disabled his Twitter account after his post of the cartoon attracted tens of thousands of comments, mostly critical.
During the final against Osaka, Williams got a warning from the chair umpire for violating a rarely enforced rule against receiving coaching from the sidelines. An indignant Williams emphatically defended herself, denying she had cheated. A short time later, she smashed her racket in frustration and was docked a point. She protested and demanded an apology from the umpire, who penalized her a game.
Critics of Knight's cartoon described it as a clear example of a stereotype facing black women, depicting Williams as an irate, hulking, big-mouthed black woman jumping up and down on a broken racket. The umpire was shown telling a blond, slender woman — meant to be Osaka, who is Japanese and Haitian — "Can you just let her win?"
"I was deeply offended. This is not a joke," said Vanessa K. De Luca, former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, who wrote a column about the U.S. Open furor.
The cartoonist "completely missed the point of why she was upset," De Luca told The Associated Press. "It was about her integrity, and anybody who doesn't get that is perpetuating the erasure that so many black women feel when they are trying to speak up for themselves. It's like our opinions don't matter."
In a social media post, Peter Blunden, managing director of News Corp.'s operations in the state of Victoria, said: "Australia's finest cartoonist Mark Knight has the strongest support of his colleagues for his depiction of Serena Williams' petulance. It's about bad behavior, certainly not race. The PC brigade are way off the mark ... again."
This isn't the first time a cartoon in a News Corp. newspaper has drawn allegations of racism. In 2009, civil rights leaders and others criticized a New York Post cartoon that some interpreted as comparing President Barack Obama to a violent chimpanzee.
In Britain, where fiercely competitive tabloids often trade in sensationalism, Rupert Murdoch-owned newspapers have been accused of sexism, racism and xenophobia over the years. Last year a former editor of the Murdoch-owned Sun, Kelvin MacKenzie, quit as a contributor to the tabloid after writing a column comparing a soccer player with part-Nigerian heritage to a gorilla.
Many years of outrage over articles and cartoons did little to hurt Murdoch's power over British politics and media, though his papers' underhanded practices did. Murdoch was forced to shut down the 168-year-old tabloid News of the World in 2011 after the revelation that its employees had eavesdropped on the phone voice mails of celebrities, politicians and crime victims.
Australian indigenous playwright and actress Nakkiah Lui tweeted in response to the front page, saying the Herald Sun needed to "chill."
"Freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom above criticism," she said.
"What we have is a bunch of people who get paid to publicly exercise their implied freedom to speech then whining when people disagree with what they have had the privilege of being paid to say," she added.
Australian writer Maxine Beneba Clarke said she believed the front page demonstrated a "misunderstanding" of the criticism leveled at the cartoon.
"I think it's really interesting that the Herald Sun has not included really any other caricatures or cartoons of black people — either Aboriginal people or African-American people, black people of any descent," Clarke, who is of Afro-Caribbean descent, told Australian Broadcasting Corp.
Cartoonist Paul Zanetti, a friend of Knight, said cartooning was under threat from political correctness, and the Herald Sun front page "spelt out exactly where we are at this point."
"Political correctness is really all about censoring, it's about being bullied into conforming to a view of the world," he said.
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Will Israel Echo South Africa’s Apartheid?
At this point, the South Africa example is most instructive. Recall the state of that country as the campaign to abolish apartheid built up steam — a privileged white minority ruling a black majority in a violent and brutal system. Economic and trade sanctions gradually beginning to strangle this nation that had historically been Africa’s most prosperous. The arrival of worldwide consumer boycotts, campaigns to sell off stock of any company doing business with this pariah state.
David A. Andelman, CNN, December 29, 2016
David A. Andelman, editor emeritus of World Policy Journal and member of the board of contributors of USA Today, is the co-author, with the Count de Marenches, head of the DGSE, of “The Fourth World War: Diplomacy and Espionage the Age of Terrorism.” Follow him on Twitter @DavidAndelman. The views expressed in this commentary are his own.
(CNN) — Israel, and by extension the United States, are poised at the entrance to a dangerous path. The model democracy of the Middle East risks transforming into a global pariah on the scale of South Africa when it was in the depths of its apartheid nightmare.
After decades of Arab-Israeli diplomacy, the idea of a one-state solution looms anew, as conservative elements in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition see the arrival of Donald Trump and his new ambassador to Israel as an opportunity to push their agenda.
If it is realized, it would reduce Israel’s Palestinian population to a permanent underclass and mean, in the not-too-distant future, that a Jewish minority would be ruling a Muslim majority, with the world on the side of the oppressed majority.
The United States would be its only friend and ally — relegating Washington to a role equally isolated from mainstream opinion throughout the region and far beyond.
This seems to be the role that President-elect Trump is carving out for America, and the role that Netanyahu is skirting perilously close to for Israel.
Trump’s ambassador-designate, David Friedman, the President-elect’s longtime friend and bankruptcy lawyer, has spent much of his career advocating and raising money for the one-state concept. His arrival in Israel will only reinforce the dramatic shift toward the more extreme parties in Netanyahu’s ruling coalition that now seem to be calling the shots.
It was not always this way. Three months after taking office, on June 14, 2009, just 10 days after a recently inaugurated President Barack Obama gave his landmark Middle East speech at Cairo University, Netanyahu, in a televised speech to his people, embraced a two-state solution.
Over the next eight years, Israel has solidified its position as one of the world’s most technologically innovative countries, a bastion of democracy surrounded by an ocean of autocracies or theocracies.
Five years ago, World Policy Journal used a basket of indicators to identify Israel, alongside Finland and Singapore as the world’s three most innovative countries. At the time, Israel had the largest number of startups in the world outside the United States — 3,850, or one for every 1,844 Israelis, according to the Israel Venture Capital Research Center. It had more companies listed on America’s tech-heavy Nasdaq than the entire European continent.
The pace has only accelerated since then. More importantly, today Israel has more than 250 research units owned by or doing business for multinationals, the vast majority American companies such as IBM, Apple, Intel, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Cisco and HP.
All of which makes Israel uniquely vulnerable. If Israel pursues the one-state solution, integrating ever larger stretches of Palestinian territory and population, while disenfranchising the people who live there, demographic realities will all too quickly make Jewish people a minority in their own country. Already, Israel’s own census bureau shows a virtually equal number of Jewish and Arab people sharing the territory between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. And Arab people, largely Palestinians, are expected to outnumber Jewish people by 2020.
Neither choice of what would follow under a one-state scenario is particularly appealing. John Kerry described the alternatives in his Wednesday speech: “If the choice is one-state, Israel can either be Jewish or Democratic, it cannot be both. And it won’t ever really be at peace.”
But Kerry did not go far enough in painting the horrors that would result from Israel’s efforts to maintain a Jewish-ruled state, for this Jewish minority would be controlling an increasingly unruly and oppressed majority. The world, apart from the United States, will no longer be on its side.
Recall the list of American companies currently operating in Israel; they would find themselves vulnerable to boycotts and sanctions. Their departure would quickly back Israel into a corner even more isolated than South Africa.
Inevitably, a Palestinian Nelson Mandela would emerge — a symbolic freedom fighter who Israel would have to demonize or imprison. I served as speechwriter to Mandela during his first visit to the United States after his release from prison. He was lionized from New York to Los Angeles and confided in me that he had no doubt his suffering was key to the end of apartheid in his country.
But if apartheid was toxic merely to South Africa, a one-state solution and a globally blacklisted Israel threatens to be toxic to the entire Middle East. Already, the United States has been marginalized in the latest Syrian ceasefire and peace process — with Turkey and Russia taking the lead. An apartheid system in Israel would risk leaving Russia to assume its long-sought role of dominance across the region, a position as peacemaker that would leave it paramount.
On the outside, nose pressed against the glass, would stand a newly powerless United States, with only a single, deeply ostracized friend in the region.
The text of the latest Security Council resolution calls on all UN member states “to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967” — language that Netanyahu fears could lead to a surge in boycott and sanctions efforts. The resolution passed the UN Security Council 14 to 0 — with countries from Britain and France, to Russia, China, New Zealand, Egypt, even Ukraine, voting to approve.
Trump has set the US on this perilous path — hardly one that would seem calculated to end with the Middle East peace he hopes to broker. His initial statements in support of Netanyahu, along with a series of tweets, have been accompanied by the designation of Friedman as his new ambassador.
As it happens, Ronald Reagan, who dined with Friedman’s father, Rabbi Morris Friedman, in 1984 — his son, David seated at his side — was not seduced by the one-state solution. Today, most liberal Israelis also recognize this concept for what it is — an impossible dream.
The United States must seek to pull the region back from the brink and come to a similar realization.
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Anyone want to go up into the Wild Blue Yonder?
I'd love to have this woman as my personal pilot.
Meet Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran.
Her early childhood is a mystery. She said she was orphaned, and there is no exact record of her birth. However, there are some sources that say she was born as Bessie Lee Pittman, and raised in her family. (Same sources say she was married, and had a child, got divorced, and the child died tragically. She never substantiated this, though). She grew up, n poverty, in the rural Panhandle of Florida. At some point in her later childhood, she began working as a beautician at a local hairdressers. In 1929, she moved to New York City to work there, and try to realize her dream to become a cosmetics manufacturer. She got a job in a salon in Saks, Fifth Avenue, and her customers loved her. She had some that even paid for her to travel with them. In Miami, of 1932, she met a millionaire named Floyd Bostwick Odium. He was the one that first interested her in learning how to fly. He told her that if she were to have a successful business in cosmetics, she would need wings to cover her territory. She took his advice, and got her pilot's license after only three weeks of instruction. She also eventually married Floyd.
She then went to a flight school in California to obtain more skills, and from there entered a major aviation contest, the 1934 MacRobertson race from London, to Melborne, Australia. She and her co pilot had to abandon the race, however, due to wing flap problems. Not willing to let this stop her, she entered more contests. She also did manage to open her cosmetics company in 1935.
1937 was a banner year for her. She finished first in the women's division of the Bendix cross country race from Los Angeles to Cleveland, and third over all. She also set a national speed record from New York, to Miami, in 4 hours, 12 minutes, and 27 seconds. And she set yet another record (National Woman's record for speed) by flying at 203.895 mph. Because of all this, she received the Clifford Harmon Trophy for the most outstanding woman pilot of the year. By the end of her career, she would have 15 of those trophy's.
In 1938, she won the Bendix competition outright, beating the women, and the men. She also broke a multitude of altitude and speed records.
With the beginnings of WW II, Jackie went overseas to England to see how the female pilots were helping with the war effort. She'd been thinking about developing a fleet of women aviators who could fly support aircraft, freeing up the men to fly in the actual war. In 1942, she was asked to organize the "Woman's Flying Training Detachment" by the Army Air Force. The following year, she was appointed to lead the Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs). The WASPs were invaluable to the war effort. They transported planes overseas, tested various aircraft, taught aerial navigation, and towed targets. They grew to well over 1000 members. However, in 1944 congress disbanded them, because the male pilots were complaining that they were out of work. But during their existence, they delivered over 12,000 planes, and flew more than 60 million miles! In recognition for her leadership, Jackie received the U.S. Distinguished Service Medal, the first civilian woman to ever do so.
Since the war was over, she she returned to racing, and setting records. in 1953, she became the first woman to break the sound barrier. In the 1950's, she was among 13 women who lobbied to become a member of the space program. Their petition never came to fruition. She continued flying, and setting records. She spent the 60's as a test pilot for Northrop, and Lockheed. They provided her with many planes to set many speed records.
She had to slow down during the 1970's, as she was diagnosed with a severe heart condition which required her to get a pacemaker. She died in August of 1980, in Indio, California, where her and her husband had lived for many years. The airport out there is now named after her, and an airshow named in her honor, as well.
Labels: another fun woman to write about
another great post about another great woman!
daryl e said...
I see a book here!
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World's Smallest, Leadless Heart Pacemaker Implanted
Saturday, 03 May 2014 13:21
Published in Health
Columbus: It's about the size of a large vitamin pill and, for the first time in Ohio, the smallest heart pacemaker available is being tested at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Doctors at Ohio State’s Richard M Ross Heart Hospital recently implanted the tiny device in a Columbus woman as part of a global clinical trial to test its safety and effectiveness. Unlike conventional pacemakers, which require a chest incision and electrical leads that run through a vein to the heart, this device is wireless and is threaded through a catheter, then attached directly to the heart muscle.
"With this investigational device, the battery, the pacing electrodes, everything is in a little piece of metal sitting inside the heart. We believe that will eliminate a lot of risk for infection and complications," said Dr. John Hummel, a cardiologist and principal investigator of the trial at Ohio State.
If this transcatheter, leadless pacemaker technology works the way doctors hope, they say it could not only benefit patients, but the minimally invasive approach would be more efficient.
"I think this could be a significant development in pacing procedures. This could cut our procedure time by more than half," said Dr. Ralph Augostini, a cardiologist at Ohio State.
For now, the tiny pacemaker is being tested in people with bradycardia who need single chamber ventricular pacing. Bradycardia is a slow, irregular heart rhythm which prevents the heart from pumping enough blood into the body. This can cause fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath and fainting.
A former librarian, 77-year-old Mary Lou Trejo of Columbus, had been suffering from atrial fibrillation for years. Her heart had slowed, despite medication and other treatments to restore rhythm, so she was eager to be among the first in the United States to participate in this clinical trial.
"The new pacemaker sounded so simple, and I have always thought research is important, so I thought this is a way I could contribute," Trejo said.
The trial will enroll 780 patients in 50 centers worldwide. Investigators are expected to report initial results later this year, once the first 60 patients have been followed for three months.
More in this category: « Asthma Sufferers May Be Prone To Bone Loss Walking Improves Parkinson's Disease patients' Condition »
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Communicable Diseases Surveillance /
Communicable Diseases Intelligence (CDI) /
2001 issues /
Communicable Diseases Intelligence, Volume 25, Issue number 2 - April 2001 /
Communicable Diseases Surveillance - Highlights for 1st quarter, 2001
This report published in Communicable Diseases Intelligence Volume 25, No 2, April 2001 contains an analysis and tables of monthly notifiable diseases and laboratory data, and quarterly surveillance reports.
A print friendly PDF version is available from this Communicable Diseases Intelligence issue's table of contents.
Bloodborne diseases | Gastrointestinal illness | Quarantinable diseases | Sexually transmitted diseases | Vaccine preventable diseases | Vectorborne diseases | Zoonoses | Other diseases | LabVISE
Communicable Disease Surveillance Highlights report on data from various sources, including the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) and several disease specific surveillance systems that provide regular reports to Communicable Diseases Intelligence. These national data collections are complemented by intelligence provided by State and Territory communicable disease epidemiologists and/or data managers who have recently formed a Data Management Network. This additional information has enabled the reporting of more informative highlights each month.
The NNDSS is conducted under the auspices of the Communicable Diseases Network Australia, and the CDI Virology and Serology Laboratory Reporting Scheme (LabVISE) is a sentinel surveillance scheme. In this report, data from the NNDSS are referred to as 'notifications' or 'cases', whereas those from ASPREN are referred to as 'consultations' or 'encounters' while data from the LabVISE scheme are referred to as 'laboratory reports'.
Bloodborne diseases
There is a continuing increase in the numbers of incident cases of hepatitis B and C being reported to the NNDSS. This may reflect changes in surveillance procedures over the past 5 years, particularly with the introduction of enhanced surveillance for incident hepatitis C virus infections in some jurisdictions.
A case of infant botulism was reported from Victoria during the first quarter of 2001 (see National Polio Reference Laboratory report p.54, this issue). This is only the fourth case of botulism in Australia since 1996. All cases have been in infants aged less than one year. Infant (or intestinal) botulism cases arise from ingestion of Clostridium botulinum spores, which germinate in the intestine. Sources of spores are multiple and include foods such as honey and dust. In this case, a 5-month-old infant was hospitalised after a 3-day history of poor feeding, constipation, ptosis, difficulty in swallowing, weakness and loss of head control. Although there were various environmental exposures, including dust, no source for the child's infection could be determined.
There were significantly fewer hepatitis A notifications in the first quarter 2001, than for the same quarter last year and when compared with the 5-year mean for first quarters. This continues a steep decline in the notification rate of hepatitis A in Australia, from a peak of 16.6 per 100,000 in 1997 to a projected rate of 2.0 per 100,000 in 2001.
SLTEC
Increases in the notifications of Shiga-like- and verotoxin producing- E. coli infections from South Australia (12 of 16 notifications) increased the notifications of this disease above the 5-year mean. However, this needs to be interpreted with caution, as these infections have not been notifiable in all jurisdictions for all of the past 5 years.
Thirty-three cases of typhoid were reported, including 12 from New South Wales and 10 from Western Australia. Four of the typhoid cases in Western Australia were at a detention centre for unauthorised entrants. Typing data and epidemiological investigations of these cases suggested that all were acquired outside Australia.
Quarantinable diseases
No quarantinable diseases were reported in Australia in the first quarter of 2001.
STI data in Victoria is currently under review, therefore notifications of chlamydia and syphilis for the first quarter of 2001 should be interpreted with caution. For further information please contact the Communicable Diseases Section of the Victorian Department of Human Services.
Chlamydial infections
A total of 4,696 notifications in the first quarter gave a national notification rate of 98.1/100,000 population. Seventy-six per cent of all notifications were in the 15 to 29 year age range; 70 per cent of the notifications in the 15 to 24 year age range were women (Figure 1). The male to female ratio for chlamydial infections was 0.68:1.
Figure 1. Notification rates for chlamydial infections, first quarter 2001, by age group and sex
There were 278 notifications of syphilis reported (calculated incidence of 5.8/100,000). This is less than the 5-year mean and this quarter's results continue the decline in the notification of this disease in Australia.
Two cases of donovanosis were reported; one each from the Northern Territory and Queensland.
No chancroid or lymphogranuloma venereum cases were reported. Both these conditions have become very rare in Australia. The last reported case of chancroid was in 1998 and the last case of lymphogranuloma venereum was in 1995. The State and Territory health departments will no longer report these cases to the NNDSS with effect from 2001.
A single case of diphtheria in a 52-year-old man was reported from the Northern Territory. The infection was cutaneous and a toxigenic strain was isolated (Corynebacterium diphtheriae var. mitis). The patient acquired the disease in East Timor and had an uncertain vaccination history. This is the first case of toxigenic diphtheria reported in Australia since 1993.
Five cases of Haemophilus influenzae type b infection were reported in the first quarter 2001. Only 1 case was in an infant (1 month old), 2 cases were in children (4 years and 7 years) and 2 were adults. Vaccination information was not available for any case at a national level.
There were 70 cases of measles reported in the first quarter of 2001. Of these, 54 (77%) of the cases were reported from Victoria. A single outbreak involved 50 laboratory confirmed cases and one epidemiologically linked case, all of whom were associated with a single index case of laboratory con firmed measles. The index case appeared to have acquired measles in India. Four clear waves of transmission were identified. Among the secondary cases, 4 cases aged more than 14 years had a history of vaccination at 12 months. The trends in the incidence of measles is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Notification rate of measles, Australia, 1991 to 2001
The Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory and South Australia reported no measles cases in this quarter. Indigenous transmission of the disease is now rare in Australia and most cases are among overseas travellers. In this quarter, the number of notifications among young adults aged more than 20 years was greater than the number of notifications among children aged 0 to 4 years (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Notification rate of measles, first quarter 2001, by age group and sex
Reports of pertussis (1,212) were less than the 5-year mean. South Australia had the highest rate (43.8/100,000) and the national rate was 25.4/100,000. The notification rate was highest in the 10 to 14 year age group. The number of notifications of pertussis in children aged less than 10 years of age were similar to those in adults (Figure 4). This continues the trend seen since 1999 and is the probable result of the introduction of a fifth dose of pertussis vaccine in 1995.
Figure 4. Notification rate of pertussis, first quarter 2001, by age group and sex
A single case of tetanus was reported in an elderly man in Tasmania.
Vectorborne diseases
There was a small increase in the number of reports of Barmah Forest virus infection (n=324), particularly from Queensland. This may reflect increased transmission due to heavier than average rainfall in Queensland and northern New South Wales during this first quarter, which may increase vector numbers.
Ross River virus infections were increased in South Australia (n=100) in the lower Murray River and West coast regions in the latter part of 2000 and in the early part of the first quarter 2001. However, overall national notifications (n=1,577) were lower than previous years.
Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) and Kunjin virus infections became separately notifiable to the NNDSS with effect from January 2001. Prior to this, notifications were reported as 'Arboviruses (NEC)'. Data are not yet available from all States and Territories. A confirmed case of MVE in a 3-year-old male child was reported from Queensland and another in a 60-year-old male from Western Australia. There were no reports of Kunjin virus or Japanese encephalitis virus infection in this quarter.
There was an increased number of reports of Q fever, especially from Queensland, in the first quarter of 2001. The number of Q fever notifications (169 reports) received nationally was above the range of notifications for this disease in the past 5 years. This may be due to increased awareness and testing for this disease ahead of the implementation of the National Q fever Management Program.
Other bacterial diseases
An outbreak of legionellosis in Victoria contributed 38 of the 65 cases reported to the NNDSS in this reporting period. Five of these cases came from a small outbreak in the Melbourne Central Business District in February and March 2001. There were 2 deaths associated with this outbreak.
Correction: 20 September 2001
It was reported that an outbreak of legionellosis in Victoria contributed to 38 of the 65 cases reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System with an onset within the reporting period. While there were 38 cases of legionellosis with an onset date within this time period, the cases were not linked to a single outbreak.
There were 36 confirmed cases and one possible case of legionellosis in Victoria notified to the Department of Human Services between January and March 2001, of whom 30 (83%) were male. One case was in an overseas visitor who acquired his infection in Melbourne, 3 live and work in non-metropolitan areas, whilst 32 (89%) live and work in metropolitan Melbourne. Of the 36 cases, one case was confirmed as Legionella longbeachae, 32 (89%) as Legionella pneumophila 1 (Lp1), and the remaining 3 as unspecified Legionella pneumophilae. Diagnosis was confirmed by culture in 5 (14%) cases, by seroconversion in 5 (14%) cases, and by urinary antigen to Lp1 in 31 (86%) cases. Confirmation by multiple methods was made in 5 cases; one seroconversion to Lp1 and four Lp1 culture-positive cases were first identified by urinary antigen. The CBD outbreak involved 5 people, 2 of whom died, who worked or visited the same area of the city during their incubation times.
Of the 38 cases in Victoria, 89 per cent of the cases were confirmed as Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. Nationally, legionellosis was only reported in people aged 20 years or more with 65 per cent of the notifications from those aged 50 years or more. There was a preponderance of males in the reports with a male to female ratio of more than 4:1.
In the first quarter 2001, 128 cases of meningococcal disease were reported in Australia. This was more than the upper limit of the 5-year range for this disease. Of the total 128 cases, 61 (47%) were reported from New South Wales. Figure 5 shows there was a predominance of meningococcal cases among children under 5 years, with a secondary peak of notifications among 15 to 19 years olds. Serogroup typing was available for 54 cases: these were serogroup B (30 cases), serogroup C (23 cases) and 1 case of serotype W135.
Figure 5. Notification rate of meningococcal disease, first quarter, 2001, by age group and sex
Data from the National Neisseria Network indicate there have been 101 laboratory confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease in 2001 up to 11 April (Table 1). Of the 101 cases, 54 (53%) were diagnosed by culturing the organism while 47 (47%) cases were diagnosed using non-culture techniques. Of the culture negative diagnoses, 20 (43% of all culture negative cases and 20% of total diagnoses) were diagnosed using PCR, while the remaining 27 (57% of all culture negative cases and 27% of total diagnoses) were confirmed by serology. Subtyping was possible for the majority of culture and PCR confirmed cases, with serogroup B being the most common subtype. Approximately half of all cases were diagnosed in New South Wales (Table 1).
Table 1. Data on laboratory confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease, Australia, 2001
Australia (% of subtotal)
Culture positive
Serogroup B
Serogroup C
Serogroup W135
Serogroup Y
Serogroup to follow
Culture negative
Other/ND
Across Australia, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B was the dominant serogroup. The ratio of serogroup B to serogroup C disease was 1.8:1, 6:1, 2:1, 4:0 and 1:0 in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory respectively. Victoria recorded a preponderance of serogroup C disease with a serogroup B to serogroup C ratio of 8.8:1.
Tuberculosis notifications in the first quarter 2001 were significantly down compared with the 5-year mean and lower than the 5-year range (ratio 0.6:1).
LabVISE
The Laboratory Virology and Serology (LabVISE) reporting scheme is a passive surveillance scheme of voluntary reports of infectious agents contributed by sentinel laboratories around Australia, to the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.
LabVISE provides information on a number of notifiable and non-notifiable viruses and other infectious agents (bacteria, parasites and fungi) of potential public health importance. Data include the demographic characteristics of infected persons that are not reported by other surveillance schemes. The scheme currently holds over 500,000 records collected since 1982.
There has been a decline in the number of notifications and participating laboratories in LabVISE (Figure 6), since a peak in the early 1990s. Currently 11 laboratories reporting on samples from all States and Territories contribute data regularly to LabVISE.
Figure 6. Trends in reporting and participating laboratories, LabVISE, 1982-2000
LabVISE has an essential role in providing data for the certification of Australia as a wild polio-free country and in providing data on influenza and isolates for characterisation and formulation of vaccines.
LabVISE has the potential to provide essential subtyping and antibiotic susceptibility data on important pathogens and to monitor new notifiable diseases and exotic emerging pathogens in Australia. The scheme needs to develop a more comprehensive network of laboratories to be representative of the patterns of disease in Australia, to provide more timely and well-documented data to national surveillance systems and to focus data collection on pathogens of public health significance. These issues will be addressed in a review of LabVISE in 2001.
Comments on first quarter 2001 LabVISE data
In the first quarter of this year, 2,499 reports were received from 11 laboratories compared with 5,425 reports from 14 in first quarter of 2000. Table 5 shows the totals for the first quarter 2001 compared with the number of isolates in first quarter 2000. Species for which there were no isolates in 2001 were excluded from the list. Contributing laboratories are shown in Table 6.
As in previous years, the majority of pathogens reported to LabVISE were viruses (1,523, 61%, Figure 7). The majority of viral reports belonged to the Herpes virus family (42%), including cytomegalovirus, varicella-zoster virus and Epstein Barr virus. Arboviruses made up 19 per cent of virus reports (n=290). Significantly fewer cases of Ross River virus were reported in the first quarter 2001 (n=228) compared with the first quarter 2000 (n=573). This reflects a smaller number of total reports of Ross River virus to the NNDSS (Table 2) in this quarter (1,393) compared with 2,097 reports of Ross River virus in the first quarter of 2000. This may be due to no reports being received from PathCentre Virology, Perth, during the first quarter 2001 (Table 6).
Figure 7. Viral infections detected, first quarter 2001, LabVISE
Among the 976 non-viral pathogens (Figure 8), 454 (46%) were identified as Chlamydia. The most commonly identified species was Chlamydia trachomatis (442 isolates) accounting for 97 per cent of the total chlamydial reports. There were 163 Treponema pallidum reports to LabVISE in this quarter, representing 17 per cent of the non-viral results.
Top of pageFigure 8. Non-viral isolates, first quarter 2001, LabVISE
Figure 9 shows the changes in disease notifications compared with the 5-year first quarter mean. Disease notifications above or below the 5-year mean plus- or minus- two standard deviations are marked with an asterisk. These, and other disease trends are described below.
Figure 9. Selected1 diseases from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, comparison of provisional totals for the period 1 January to 31 March 2001 with historical data2
1. Selected diseases are chosen each calendar month according to current activity
2. Ratio of current month total to mean of January to March data for the previous five years
* Notifications above or below the 5-year mean plus- or minus- two standard deviations
This article was published in Communicable Diseases Intelligence Volume 25, No 2, April 2001.
Communicable Diseases Intelligence, Volume 25, Issue number 2 - April 2001
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Radio broadcasting in Azerbaijan for the first time was started on November 6, 1926, but TV broadcasting - on February 14, 1956.
Currently, radio broadcast in the country is transmitted on medium (AM radio 526.5-1606.5 KHz) and ultra-short (FM radio 88MHz-108 MHz) waves, and television programs in the standard PAL, D / K and III, IV and V TV ranges. It should be noted that digital TV broadcasting network is based on the DVB-T standard.
On medium waves radio broadcast “Azerbaijan” and “Broadcasting to foreign countries” is broadcast in different languages. Reception of programs at these wavelengths, depending on the technical features, is provided not only in the country but also abroad.
In addition to the national TV programs in analog format, the regional TV programs are currently broadcast in the country.
National radio and TV programs, in addition to terrestrial broadcasting, are also broadcast via satellites (for example, satellite Azerspace) .
The introduction of new digital technologies in the field of radio and TV broadcasting, has led to the need to replace analog standard with more modern digital standards. As in other countries, relevant measures are being taken today for the transition to digital television broadcasting in the country by the Ministry of Communications and High Technologies .
According to Order № 274 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan Republic dated 13 September 2006, the introduction of the European digital TV standard DVB-T was considered expedient and “Program on Implementation and Development of digital broadcasting DVB-T in Azerbaijan Republic” was approved by the Resolution № 26 of the Cabinet of Ministers dated February 10, 2011. The main advantages of the transition to digital broadcasting is to improve the quality of television programs, create favorable conditions for more effective use of frequency resources of strategic importance and receive numerous TV programs via terrestrial broadcast. Test broadcasting in the new format was started in New Teletower for the first time in Baku in 2004 in connection with the transition to digital broadcasting in Azerbaijan. Standard DVB-T MPEG-4 was adopted in the republic for digital TV broadcast. Thus, all cities and regional centers of the country, as well as neighbouring settlements are provided with an open digital TV package.
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Paul Newman and Hotch filled empty wine
bottles in the basement with homemade salad
dressing to give as holiday gifts to friends and
neighbors. After a few weeks, they
came back asking for more.
Newman’s Own Salad Dressing officially
launched, generating over $300,000 in
first-year profits. Paul declared, “Let’s
give it all away to those who need it!”
The Newman’s Own product line
started expanding with the introduction
of pasta sauce. Newman’s Own entered
the Australia market.
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp opened
in Connecticut, serving 288 kids in its first year.
It was a place where children with life-threatening
conditions could “raise a little hell.”
Following the success of salad dressing,
pasta sauce, lemonade, and microwave
popcorn, Newman’s Own introduced
salsa — all from Paul’s recipes.
A significant milestone was reached:
over $50 million had been donated to
charity in the company’s first decade.
By this time, Newman’s Own products
had expanded globally, with distribution
to countries including the UK, Canada,
Australia, and New Zealand.
The Newman’s Own Awards were established
to recognize organizations with
inspiring initiatives to help improve quality
of life for military service members and
Newman’s Own Foundation was
established to carry on Paul
Newman’s philanthropic legacy.
By this time, Paul Newman had helped
establish the Committee Encouraging Corporate
Philanthropy, The Discovery Center, and Safe Water
Network, among other organizations.
On September 26, Paul Newman’s life and
legacy were recognized upon his passing,
honoring the actor and philanthropist who
helped make the world a better place.
Newman’s Own celebrated
$300 million in charitable
giving since 1982.
grew to include frozen pizza,
frozen skillet meals, and wine.
The new SeriousFun Children’s Network brand
was launched, uniting Paul Newman’s global
family of camps, which have served over
384,700 kids since 1988.
Newman’s Own made a major
commitment to support nutrition
education and fresh food access.
Newman’s Own committed $7 million
over 3 years to support military personnel,
veterans, and their families.
The Foundation has formed a Nutrition Cohort,
which consists of a group of 6 nonprofits, to work
together and help address the challenges around nutrition.
Newman’s Own Foundation reached
$450 million in charitable giving since 1982.
Newman’s celebrated 35 years
of giving it all away.
With the passage of the Philanthropic Enterprise Act,
Newman’s Own was able to continue Paul Newman’s
legacy to give it all away.
“Let's give it all away”
An Interactive Timeline 1980-Today
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World leaders say that the rebirth of the Jewish State of Israel is a Miracle
JD: Elwood, many people as we think about the 70th Birthday of the Jewish State of Israel. In fact, many world leaders have gone into Jerusalem and they have been quoted as saying it’s a miracle that these people scattered all over the four corners of the earth have come back and established the Jewish State. It is somewhat of a miracle is it not?
EM:Yes it is Jimmy and it’s what the world did not expect. Many of the Gentile nations of course stood firmly against but the Jewish people according to what the scripture said would happen. Once in the history of humanity an ancient nation scattered across the face of the earth would be re-born stepped out of antiquity and come back home.
It is a miracle by any standard of measurement. Now to think 70 years have passed and the Jewish people and the Jewish State is flourishing even though there are so many dark clouds on the horizon at the moment as we speak.
JD: You know for sure it is a fulfillment of Bible prophecy which makes it tangible evidence that God is real and still in control isn’t it?
EM: When you talk about something being against all odds it was and even among some of the chief rabbis in Germany and other places in Europe had discounted the prophetic scripture that the Jewish people would return. In spite of all of that there was in the light of the terror and horror of the Holocaust and the Zionist movement that began in the late 1800s men like Theodor Herzl was on the horizon. In concert with British people the British mandate who really fueled by a Christian believers who believed the scriptures. And they sanctioned the return and now we see this all going on and just before our eyes. It is a miracle, it can’t be denied.
JD: Dr. Elwood McQuaid with details behind the miracle of the rebirth of the Jewish State of Israel.
Indeed it was a miracle how the Lord re-gathered the Jewish people from the four corners of the earth, Ezekiel 34:11-16, and then restored a Jewish State to His chosen people, that’s Ezekiel 37:7-11.
The modern day state of Israel on its 70th Birthday is tangible evidence that God is real and will do what He said He will do. He will fulfill Bible prophecy.
Posted by Shofar Communications at Monday, May 14, 2018
It’s Israel’s 70th Birthday and history is made as...
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Wescott, Steven D.
A comprehensive bibliography of music for film and television
Compiled by Steven D. Wescott
Detroit: Information Coordinatores, 1985, 432 p.
Addinsell, Richard (b. 1904 d. 1977) composer
Addison, John Mervyn (b. 1920) bass guitar, composer
Alwyn, William (b. 1905 d. 1985) composer, flute
Amfiteatrov, Daniele Alexandrovich (b. 1901 d. 1983) composer, conductor
Antheil, George Johann Carl (b. 1900 d. 1959) composer, musicisti
Applebaum, Louis (b. 1918) composer
Arlen, Harold (b. 1905 d. 1986) cast, composer
Arnell, Richard Anthony Sayer (b. 1917) composer
Arnold, Malcolm (b. 1921) composer, conductor
Auric, Georges (b. 1899 d. 1983) composer, piano
Axt, William (b. 1888 d. 1959) composer
Barry, John (b. 1933) composer, drums
Baudrier, Yves Marie (b. 1906 d. 1988) composer
Bax, Arnold (Edward Trevor) (b. 1883 d. 1953) composer, musicisti
Baxter, Leslie (b. 1922 a. 1951) conductor, orchestra
Benjamin, Arthur (Leslie) (b. 1893 d. 1960) composer, musicisti
Bennett, Richard Rodney (b. 1936) composer, horn
Bernstein, Elmer (b. 1922) composer, incidental music
Bernstein, Leonard (b. 1918 d. 1990) composer, conductor
Bibergan, Vadim (b. 1937 a. 1983-1987) composer
Black, Stanley (b. 1913) piano, arranger
Bliss, Arthur (b. 1891 d. 1975) composer, professor
Blitzstein, Marc (b. 1905 d. 1964) author, cast
Bradley, Scott (a. 1946-1950) composer
Bredemeyer, Reiner (b. 1929) composer, Komposition
Breil, Joseph Carl (b. 1870 d. 1926) singer, conductor
Brel, Jacques (b. 1929 d. 1978) auteur, composer
Britten, Benjamin [Eduard Benjamin] (b. 1913) composer, Komponist
Budd, Roy (b. 1947 a. 1970) composer
Busch, Ernst (b. 1900 d. 1980) singer, cabaret artist
Castelnuovo-Tedesco, Mario (b. 1895) composer, compositore
Chaplin, Charlie [Charles Spencer] (b. 1889 d. 1977) actor, composer
Cicognini, Alessandro (b. 1906) composer
Conti, Bill (b. 1942) composer
Copland, Aaron (b. 1900) composer, Dirigent
Coppola, Carmine (Carmen) (b. 1910) composer, conductor
Corigliano, John (Paul) (b. 1938) arranger, composer
Cosma, Vladimir (b. 1940) composer, piano
Dankworth, John (Phillip William) (b. 1927) alto saxophone, clarinet
Darby, Kenneth Lorin (b. 1909) composer
Davis, Carl (b. 1936) composer, conductor
Delerue, Georges (b. 1925 d. 1992) composer
Dessau, Paul (b. 1894 d. 1979) composer, Komponist
Deutsch, Adolph (b. 1897 d. 1980) composer, music director
Duhamel, Antoine (b. 1925) composer, conductor
Duning, George William (b. 1908) composer
Easdale, Brian (b. 1909) composer
Eisler, Hanns (b. 1898 d. 1962) composer, Komposition
Ellington (b. 1899 d. 1974) composer, direttore d'orchestra
Fielding, Jerry (b. 1922 d. 1980) arranger, drums
Francaix, Jean (b. 1912) composer, conductor
Fried, Gerald (b. 1928) composer
Friedhofer, Hugo (William) (b. 1901 d. 1981) film composer, orchestrator
Fusco, Giovanni (b. 1906 d. 1968) composer
Genkov, Georgi (a. 1983) composer
Gershenson, Joseph (b. 1904 d. 1988) film conductor, orchestra
Gershwin, George (b. 1898) author, cast
Gold, Ernest (b. 1921) arranger, composer
Goldsmith, Jerry (b. 1929) composer
Green, Adolph (b. 1915) cast, librettist
Green, Johnny [John William] (b. 1908 d. 1989) composer, music director
Gremillon, Jean (b. 1902 d. 1959) composer
Gruenberg, Louis (b. 1884 d. 1964) composer, compositore
Hamlisch, Marvin (b. 1944) composer, dance arranger
Harline, Leigh (b. 1907 d. 1969) composer, vocals
Harling, William Frank (b. 1887 d. 1958) composer, piano
Hart, Scott Lee (a. 1975) composer
Heindorf, Ray (b. 1908 d. 1980) conductor, film composer
Henze, Hans Werner (b. 1926) composer, direttore d'orchestre
Herbert, Victor (August) (b. 1859 d. 1924) composer, conductor
Herrmann, Bernard (b. 1911 d. 1975) composer, conductor
Hindemith, Paul (b. 1895) composer, compositeur
Hollaender, Friedrich (b. 1896 d. 1976) piano, arranger
Honegger, Arthur (b. 1892) composer, compositore
Hopkins, Kenyon (b. 1912) arranger, composer
Ibert, Jacques (Francois Antoine) (b. 1890) composer, compositore
Jarre, Maurice (b. 1924) composer, musicisti
Jaubert, Maurice (b. 1900 d. 1940) composer
Jones, Quincy (Delight) (b. 1933) arranger, composer
Kabalevsky, Dmitry Borisovich (b. 1904 d. 1987) arranger, composer
Kagel, Mauricio (Raul) (b. 1931) composer, conductor
Kaper, Bronsilaw (b. 1902 d. 1983) film composer
Karadimchev, Boris (b. 1933) composer
Karas, Anton (b. 1906 d. 1985) musicisti, zither
Khachaturian, Aram Il'yich (b. 1903 d. 1978) composer
Khrennikov, Tikhon Nikolayevich (b. 1913) composer
Koechlin, Charles (Louis Eugene) (b. 1867 d. 1950) composer, musicisti
Korngold, Erich Wolfgang (b. 1897 d. 1957) arranger, composer
Kubik, Gail (Thompson) (b. 1914 d. 1984) composer
Lavagnino, Angelo Francisco (b. 1909) composer, direttore d'orchestra
Legrand, Michel (b. 1932 a. 1953) arranger, author
Leigh, Walter (b. 1905 d. 1942) composer
Levant, Oscar (b. 1906 d. 1972) cast, composer
Levy, Louis (b. 1893 d. 1957) conductor, composer of music for films
Liskou, Zdenkem composer
Lucenok, Igor (b. 1937) composer
Mancini, Henry (b. 1924) arranger, composer
Masetti, Enzo (b. 1893) composer, compositore
McLaren, Norman (b. 1914) film maker
Meisel, Edmund (b. 1874 d. 1930) composer, Dirigent
Meyer, Ernst Hermann (b. 1905 d. 1988) composer, musicologist
Michelet, Michel (b. 1894 a. 1941) composer, cello
Milhaud, Darius (b. 1892) composer, compositore
Moroder, Giorgio (b. 1944) composer, singer
Moross, Jerome (b. 1913 d. 1983) Broadway and film composer, composer
Morricone, Ennio (b. 1928) composer, musicisti
Nascimbene, Mario (b. 1913) composer
Neef, Wilhelm (b. 1916 d. 1990) composer
Newman, Alfred (b. 1901 d. 1970) composer, conductor
North, Alex (b. 1910 d. 1991) composer, film music composer
Parker, Clifton (b. 1905) composer
Parys, Georges (b. 1902 d. 1972) composer
Pellegrini, Glauco (a. 1967) composer
Penderecki, Krzysztof (b. 1933) composer, conductor
Pendergrass, Teddy [Theodore] (b. 1950) soul singer, songwriter
Petrov, Andrey Pavlovich (b. 1930) composer
Pizzetti, Ildebrando (b. 1880) composer, compositore
Previn, Andre (George) (b. 1929) composer, conductor
Prokofiev, Sergey (Sergeyevich) composer, compositore
Raksin, David (b. 1912) clarinet, composer
Rawsthorne, Alan (b. 1905 d. 1971) composer, conductor
Ray, Satyajit (b. 1921) composer
Riddle, Nelson (b. 1921 d. 1985) arranger, cast
Riesenfeld, Hugo (b. 1879 d. 1939) composer, music director
Ronell, Ann (b. 1903) composer, lyricist
Rosenman, Leonard (b. 1924) composer
Rota, Nino (b. 1911 d. 1979) composer, compositore
Rozsa, Miklos (b. 1907) composer, conductor
Rusticelli, Carlo (b. 1916) composer
Salter, Hans J. (b. 1896 a. 1939-1967) composer
Sarde, Philippe (b. 1945 a. 1966) composer
Sasse, Karl-Ernst (b. 1923) composer, conductor
Satie, Erik (Alfred Leslie) (b. 1866 d. 1925) composer, compositeur
Schifrin, Lalo [Boris] (b. 1932 a. 1958) composer, piano
Shire, David (b. 1937) composer, dance arranger
Shostakovich, Dmitriy (Dmitriyevich) (b. 1906 d. 1975) arrangiatore, composer
Skinner, Frank (b. 1897 d. 1968) arranger, composer
Srnka, Jiri (b. 1907 d. 1982) composer, conductor
Srnky, Jiriho composer
Stalling, Carl composer
Steiner, Max [Maximilian Raoul Walter] (b. 1888 d. 1971) film composer
Stevens, Leith (b. 1909 d. 1970) arranger, composer
Still, William Grant (b. 1895 d. 1978) arranger, composer
Stothart, Herbert (b. 1885 d. 1949) composer, director
Theodorakis, Mikis (b. 1925 a. 1955) composer, piano
Thiriet, Maurice (b. 1906) composer, musicisti
Thomson, Virgil (Garnett) (b. 1896 d. 1989) composer, musicisti
Tiomkin, Dimitri (b. 1894 d. 1979) composer, Klavier
Trojan, Vaclav (b. 1907 d. 1983) composer
Vaughan Williams, Ralph (b. 1872 d. 1958) composer, compositore
Vlad, Roman (b. 1919) composer, conductor
Walton, William (Turner) (b. 1902 d. 1983) composer, compositore
Waxman, Franz (b. 1906 d. 1967) composer, conductor
Webb, Roy (b. 1888 d. 1982) composer, lyricist
Werzlau, Joachim (b. 1913) composer
Whitney, John H. (a. 1960s) film maker, composer
Wiener, Jean (b. 1896 d. 1982) concert promoter, pianiste
Williams, John Towner (b. 1932) composer
Willson, Meredith (b. 1902 d. 1984) author, composer
Young, Victor (b. 1900 d. 1956) composer, violin
Zeller, Wolfgang (b. 1893 d. 1967) composer, conductor
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Cowboy Heroes!
The official blog-site of Jim Olson, author.
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Clay Carr - Second All Around Champion of the World
Clay Carr is not a household name (like many of his contemporaries) when discussions about old-time rodeo greats are held. However, this quite and unassuming man was a two-time World All Around Champion Cowboy (1930 and 1933), won World Championships in saddle bronc riding in 1930 and steer roper in 1931 and 1940, competed in six events (saddle bronc riding, single steer roping, steer wrestling, team roping, calf roping and wild cow milking) and was (in his day) called a throw-back from the old-time cowboys who came before him. Clay was the real deal.
He was born April 18, 1909 in Farmersville, California and grew up working on the Gill Ranch. He competed in his first rodeo at Visalia in 1928 and within two years, was the second man to win the honor of All Around Champion of the World (Earl Thode was first in 1929). Most of his adult life, he lived on his California ranch near Visalia, where he also rodeoed out of.
In spite of being such a versatile and accomplished cowboy, one of the reasons you may not hear as much about Clay is that he went about his business without much fanfare. Some men have the spotlight follow them wherever they go (even cultivating and craving it), while others go humbly about their business. Clay was the latter.
Author Clifford Westermeier wrote of Clay in 1947, “Clay Carr, holder of the Jo Mora Salinas Trophy, is a strange man, difficult to meet and extremely hard to get acquainted with. He is, without a question, one of the great cowboys of the age; a man of many complexes, one of which is inferiority; yet he is one of the smartest, shrewdest, and cleverest individuals is rodeo. He has an air of indifference toward the desires and opinions of others, and appears to lead a rather lonely life, perhaps because he has a very suspicious nature? In spite of this, Clay has the respect and admiration of everyone in the business and is regarded as a very tough customer in a business deal, fight, or a poker game.
“One does not try to figure out this man of moods, but rather accepts whatever friendship he offers; one is flattered by any politeness, consideration, interest, or attention he may show. He seldom goes east to contest, but in the West and particularly at the California shows, he is a master and can “take,” in his own inimitable way, most of the boys competing against him.”
Following his death in 1957, the Visalia Times-Delta wrote, “He was not a man for sentiment and cared little about his own personal aggrandizement.”
Roger Bean of San Francisco once said Clay, “...was not of the new breed, but was somewhat of a throwback to the old-time cowboy.”
Not one to worry much about the opinion others, Carr, at times, wore unusual hats for a cowboy of that era. One hat he wore for a while had a very wide brim and low crown (similar to that of a Quaker, or more recently might be thought of as a modern “buckaroo” style hat) and another he often sported was a fedora style—at the opposite end of the spectrum. It is thought he wore these simply because they were available and definitely not to make any sort of a statement. Little things like this only added to the strangeness and separateness of this great cowboy.
Although the Bowman brothers from Arizona have been credited with hauling the first horse trailer seen on the rodeo circuit in the 1920s, Clay was known as having one of the first “nice” ones. His was constructed of metal (unheard of at the time). It was a one-horse trailer that stood out from the few being hauled at the time and was reported to have been “neatly painted and stylish.” This was also out of the norm back then.
Although he was a full-time rancher and tough rodeo competitor in the West, Carr did take a few extended rodeo trips, most notably to Australia, England and back East where he won his All Around and World Championships. He was known as a versatile competitor (competing at both ends of the arena) and was counted to be “in the money” most anywhere he went.
The fledgeling Cowboy Turtles Association (organized in 1936), which is the predecessor of today’s Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, received Clay’s support. He signed up and was member number fifty-five. Clay wound up competing in rodeo for over twenty-five years.
Carr served in World War II as a Marine in the South Pacific. In 1948, he married Eleanora Curtis, from the well-known Curtis rodeo family. Sadly, on his birthday in 1957, Clay Carr, one of the best (and possibly most mis-understood) cowboys from the early days of rodeo passed away from a heart attack.
Because a he shied from the spotlight, may have been a little reserved and different, he never received the wide-spread recognition like many of similar accomplishment have. Sadly, his is not a name often talked about in discussions of rodeo history today. This does not mean however that a man of such great talent went completely unnoticed. As an All Around World Champion, Clay Carr was inducted in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.
Jim Olson (c) 2017
www.TotallyWestern.com
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System Offline March 10, 2016
We're Modernizing our system to better serve you.
Extended hours of operation this weekend at NIBs Jumbey Village Local Office
The National Insurance Board remains committed to continuous improvement of service delivery, and to meeting – indeed, exceeding – customers' expectations. In this regard, the public is advised that on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, NIB will extend its hours of operations at its Jumbey Village Local Office, located in the Clifford Darling Complex on Blue Hill Road. Persons who recently claimed and qualified for Unemployment Benefit, including those recently laid off from Bahamar, are encouraged to take advantage of these extended hours to collect their Unemployment Benefit payments. The extended hours of operation are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. this evening, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow.
IMPACT OF MINIMUM WAGE ON NATIONAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS
The Government of The Bahamas has announced that there will be an increase in the Minimum Wage effective August 15, 2015. In this regard, the National Insurance Board advises employers that for all workers impacted by the change in the minimum wage, there will be a corresponding increase in contribution payments for the month of August and thereafter.
Press Statement By Minister D Shane Gibson on Registrants Self-Service Facility
Press Statement by Chairman on Registrants Self Service Facility
Prime-Minister-Perry G. Christie Launches the 40th Anniversary Celebrations of The National Insurance Board
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Written in the Stars by Nancy Frederick
Thoughts and insights about the current skyscape and issues related to astrology.
Saturn and Neptune in the Mutable Signs
It’s so funny the things we remember. At my age, it’s a miracle to remember anything at all, but on beginning to think of the Saturn-Neptune square in the mutable signs, what popped into my head was an old Alka Seltzer commercial. Remember Terry Kiser from Weekend At Bernie’s? In the commercial he was the green-around-the-gills young groom, who paced in the bathroom as his bride lay in bed in a poufy blue peignoir, and they discussed the meal she’d just made, a frighteningly enormous dumpling, oversized to “impress” her new husband. As he gulped and tried to hide the evidence of his digestive discomfort while offering her loving praise and assurances, she made suggestions for tomorrow’s dinner from the cookbook clutched in her newly married hands. “Marshmallowed meatballs,” she said, and he winced, holding a towel over the glass to muffle the plop-plop-fizz-fizz.
Marshmallowed meatballs. All these years later it stays with me, the image of something much too horrendous to eat. Some things aren’t meant to go together. They just don’t fit. That’s pretty much how I feel about Saturn, the planet of Karma and earthly life lessons, and Neptune, the planet of illusion, delusion, and spirituality. They don’t understand each other, they have a hard time collaborating, and they just don’t belong on the same plate. Neptune is marshmallows and Saturn is meatballs.
And while we’re on the subject of disgusting foodstuffs, let me mention one word: cannibalism. Don’t get squeamish on me, please, because I promise this mention will be brief. And no recipes will be included. But just the other day, I saw an episode of Perception, the Eric McCormack crime drama in which he plays a schizophrenic brain expert who consults with the FBI and uses his hallucinations as insight into the case. In that episode, a robber was hospitalized, certain he had a disease contracted in an exotic island where he participated in ceremonial consumption of human flesh. Weird, I thought, never having heard of this before except in cartoons about cannibals. But then as I started looking at past transits of Saturn and Neptune in hard (clashing) aspects (square, opposition, and I also included conjunction) in the mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces), one of the events listed all the way back in 1809 was called the Boyd Massacre, in which natives of that same island killed and ate sixty-six crew members and passengers of the brigantine Boyd.
It’s mid-summer 2014 at this very moment, and obviously that episode was written before the current Saturn in Sagittarius-Neptune in Pisces square, which is precise on November 26, 2015, June 17, 2016, and September 10, 2016. But the thing about energy is it’s in the ether, a floating, formless vibration of sensation that lurks within reach of our sensors until it’s channeled in by some human who makes it a reality. If you think about it, that very process is the combination of Saturn and Neptune which actually works. Neptune is the vibration and Saturn the actualization. Obviously I’m not advocating eating humans as a means of internalizing their spirits, but I am saying that ideas float until someone grasps them. And in this case, the idea was in the ether before the transit and that writer used it to create a plot for a modern television show.
And this just in: here I am sitting writing, and a friend on Facebook just commented on a post I made about never having seen any of those Planet of the Apes movies, the newest of which opened this weekend, and were they the ones in which Charleton Heston commented that Soylent Green was made of people. Finally we realized that no, Soylent Green was the title of another science fiction movie, but it was about eating people. And guess what two planets were opposed in the mutable signs Gemini and Sagittarius in 1973 when the movie came out? Apparently eating human flesh is connected to Saturn-Neptune hard aspects. I’m not going to obsess about this idea too much longer, but you have to admit that it’s quite peculiar what comes up when you think about astrology. I do want to include a quote from Wikipedia about the movie, “The film combines the police procedural and science fiction genres, depicting the investigation into the murder of a wealthy businessman in a dystopian future suffering from pollution, overpopulation, depleted resources, poverty, dying oceans, and a hot climate due to the greenhouse effect. Much of the population survives on processed food rations, including ‘soylent green.’” What I think is interesting about this is the dystopian theme, something widely in use now in movies and TV shows. Saturn-Neptune in the ether already.
And while we’re mentioning dystopian realities, the climate issues are very interesting, partly because right now, forty years after Soylent Green’s cinematic reality of greenhouse effect, we’re experiencing it. If you think back to the winter of 2013, there were record temperatures, frightening cold on the U.S. East Coast, not much of a winter at all on the West Coast. One of the patterns I observed during Saturn-Neptune clashes in the past several centuries was record temperatures all across the globe. It went down to minus degrees in places like Florida, Louisiana and even California, and way down in the minus degrees in places more used to winter, although not winter as cold as what happened.
In addition to the strange merging of reality and fiction, right at this moment in the news is a story about a Malaysian jetliner which was shot from the sky by rebels in a Russian stronghold. While jets being shot down isn’t a pattern in my Saturn-Neptune research, jets crashing into each other is. I don’t think of these planets as airplane-oriented, but maybe they are. I also don’t think of them as energy-oriented, but they definitely are. Of course you know that Neptune rules the seas, the mist, drugs and drink, and fuels that fit into those categories do come to prominence during these transits. For example, the first steam propelled vessel crossed the Atlantic now. The Hoover Dam was completed and began transmitting energy to Los Angeles. In Kansas, the first alcohol power plant was formed. The same year an explosion caused by leaking gas ripped out part of a Cleveland Stadium. In further events involving the seas, a lighthouse was built on Alcatraz Island, and the Suez Canal was given a royal concession and linked the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea.
Another story in the news recently was a law passed in France forbidding women to appear in public in veils, which some felt was a slap in the face to those whose religion demands they wear them. During a Saturn-Neptune clash in the 1800’s, wearing masks at balls was forbidden in Boston. Religious freedom is another issue, as is slavery, during this transit.
Drugs are under the Neptune umbrella and during various Saturn-Neptune hits, many drug related issues arose. In Portland, Maine there was a Rum Riot. Along the lines of rum, it was during Saturn-Neptune that Javans first began to arrive in Suriname to work on sugar plantations. Rubber isn’t sugar, but Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was founded now. In the 70’s, America worked with the USSR and 70 other nations to agree to ban biological weapons. In the same year, the Kentucky Derby winner was dethroned because of drugs administered before the race. And most famously, Richard Pryor was badly burned while free basing cocaine. Also that year, the Supreme Court ruled that new forms of life created in labs could be patents, and in my mind, most shamefully this year, they truncated personal freedoms of workers by siding with Hobby Lobby whose claims of religious prohibitions allowed them to stop providing certain forms of birth control in health insurance policies.
I also think of Saturn-Neptune energies as bad for money, and in fact the first great financial panic of the 19th century occurred in 1819 during this connection. Also during this energy, diamond workers in Amsterdam went on strike and gold hit a record $400.20 an ounce in Hong Kong in 1979. The price today is about $1310, which if you think of it isn’t that much more considering it’s been thirty-five years.
As you can see, the energy we’re discussing produces events that are odd, quirky, strangely dangerous, and philosophically perplexing. Let’s take a moment to consider the vibrations of these two soon-to-be-warring planets.
Although many people consider Saturn their least favorite planet, it’s not difficult to understand. Saturn is the energy which allows you to work toward improvement on the things with which you have difficulty, even from lifetimes past. Saturn requires that you deal with our Karma, and if you’ve done something not so nice, chances are that will be returned to you in kind so you can see how awful it is. Sometimes this can represent weaknesses that can’t easily be overcome. A simple example might be tobacco. I know of a case of a high school boy who tried chewing tobacco for a short time and soon developed a fatal carcinoma in his mouth. He didn’t survive until college. Chances are this is a substance he can’t tolerate in any lifetime and he was learning how risky it is. Theoretically in the next lifetime he’ll be more like me, someone who despises tobacco in all its forms and speaks up to anyone smoking near me. I shouldn’t be so smug, though, because sugar is my drug of choice and maybe some Karma from that will be visited on me, in a form worse than my expanding waistline. One of the roles of Saturn is to help us all reject negative substances.
Saturn is also all about work, and it’s not easy work, but the kind where you plug away for a long, long time. Saturn shows that effort expended results in rewards attained. This can be a good thing for those impatient folks who like only instant gratification, because sometimes it feels more rewarding to build something over time. Doing so also gives structure to your life, and structure is another Saturn theme. As the ruler of Capricorn, the architect of the Zodiac, Saturn requires a sturdy foundation to support something, whether a building, or the decades of your life. A person who has spent many lifetimes floating from one thing to another without investing in anything might come in with a prominent Saturn in order to learn the value of discipline and commitment.
Learning the value is a good phrase to use when considering Saturn and its role in the universe, for that is what Saturn provides, a system whereby you can learn the value of something you might not naturally understand, but once learned you’ll be grateful you did. People who have difficult marriages but who stay in them and make it past the crises say they’re grateful for having weathered the bad times because ultimately there are good times and they like the shared continuity. Of course, people who have the courage to leave bad marriages are often also grateful when they find a better pairing with someone else. In either case, Saturn is usually involved. For Saturn can teach you to make what’s not working work better or to understand what never will work and to move on. The whole point being work, another Saturn theme. Saturn just wants things to work smoothly and move forward adroitly, like the hands of a fine Swiss watch. This makes sense because Saturn rules time.
Time is a very important Saturn concept, for we here on earth are all bound by its limits. For those of us who drift along, never focused on the fact that tempus fugit, eventually comes the realization that opportunities we thought were limitless are in fact limited. For everything there is a time, and eventually that time is gone. You can’t wait until you’re sixty to become pregnant, for by then your uterus will be a dried up raisin. You also can’t diddle your way through life and feel that you can start a career later. Law school won’t accept you at seventy. Saturn is here to help you with internal and external limitations so you can make the most of the short span of your life here on earth. Its goal is that by your death you can look back and feel you’ve made progress. Saturn is a planet whose energies function on the earth plane. Once you leave the earth plane, the rules change. And here we come to Neptune.
Unlike Saturn, Neptune works best on a different plane. Neptune is about the spirit world, the essence of reality that exists beyond our time-dominated earth plane. In spirit, a year can seem like a blink. Something can be true and yet untrue. Something that is far from concrete can make the best sense, even if no facts are there to support its veracity. With Neptune, there is a different way of knowing, a sensation rather than a fact, in a realm where two plus two is no sort of standard at all.
Neptune is experiential rather than goal oriented. It doesn’t care if something doesn’t work out, for having had the experience is all that matters. Fall madly in love with someone who turns out to be a bozo sleazebag? Why not. For even if it crashes and burns, you will have had the pleasure of feeling your heart soar, and that experience opens you up to other, more universal and more loving vibrations such that ultimately you will be a better person even if your heart is shattered and you can’t leave the bed for a year. It’s worth it to understand the nature of true love.
In life here on the earth plane, we are all grounded within the flesh, but Neptune seeks to unground, to soar, and to release. With Neptune you can sense the infinite, connect with spirit and with God, and its energy is pure and holy. But for those people whose drug use allows them to feel this abandon into the infinite, its energy is a scourge, for they are too weak to resist the lure of the drugs. It’s like being madly in love with someone, breaking up, and receiving that call to go out for a drink. Your heart leaps, you think this is it, we’re back, and you go. Maybe it’s a booty call. Maybe it’s a request for a loan. Sleazebags don’t change their stripes, but inside this person, you see something better, something magical, and you want to go for that drink. Such is Neptune, it allows you to see what might be, the best possibility, the dream rather than reality. And the fact is that what you’re seeing is genuine, but that still doesn’t mean it will supersede the crap and become the blissful vision your heart yearns for.
I’m writing about Neptune in reference to romance, for that is easiest to understand, but when you exchange romance for drugs, the metaphor is the same. When you exchange it for a career goal, you can wait tables for thirty years and keep going on acting auditions, waiting for your big break. The dreams Neptune brings are so magical and seductive, they’re hard to resist, hard to reject. They’re just that real. And the thing is, they are real. They show what could be in the best of all possible worlds. If you can truly believe without the doubts to say no way, that could never happen, I could never pull that off, then you can take a Neptunian dream and make it a reality. You can be a movie star, whether you have talent or not. The only thing that prevents it are your own doubts. Or sometimes it’s a desire for security, something Saturn knows all about. You might not want to be a vagabond on friends’ couches for decades while waiting for that break. So it might feel better to settle for something you know you can have.
This is the war that many people endure, the safe vs. the sorry. Aim lower, be assured of success. This is Saturn versus Neptune. Saturn doesn’t do it to be mean, for Saturn wants you to be safe, and the easier route is usually the safest. Neptune, which knows no fear, not even fear of death, just shrugs and figures the experience is worth it and after that comes another experience.
The question is, inside your own heart, which energy speaks most to you? Can you picture yourself being an actor, a ballerina, a writer, and can you picture your efforts being rewarded? Do you hate alarm clocks enough to risk being self-employed and all the vicissitudes that could come with that choice? Do you need to know you’ll have people around you and choose to reproduce with a so-so partner just because you see no other option, or are you willing to see what else could come.
Ultimately, push always comes to shove in our world, and it is our own choices that define where life takes us, even if we have no clue we’re making those choices. If you feel safe and secure, you easily take more risks. If you need money to feel safe, you might like a more secure job choice. Stop for a moment and consider your own life. What does it say about your genuine needs, about you and the choices you have made, for wherever you are, you made the choices to get where that is. And, it was Saturn and Neptune at work nudging you to that destination.
We have been in an interesting period of time, first with Uranus and Pluto breaking down lots of structures in the world. Now, with Saturn and Neptune, the question is where can dreams lead you and what can you do with them. That is always the aim when these two planets collude, even if the aspects are contentious as they are now. There will be a see-saw effect. “Should I go after that dream, can I make it happen, how can I make it happen, can I take a year off, living on savings and see it through?” Those are the sorts of questions we all will be asking as Saturn and Neptune hit our horoscopes. Don’t be mistaken, however, for with these challenging aspects, it’s far more likely that we will be giving up dreams that don’t work than working toward dreams that will. Maybe. In any case, whatever actions are taken during this period of time, personal life lessons will arise, and more clarity about the true nature of our own heart’s desires will result.
Neptune has been in Pisces, its own sign, for some time now, and will remain there until spring 2024. Saturn moves into Sagittarius in December, 2014, and will already be in aspect to the Saturn-Neptune square (90 degrees apart). In fact, if we want to be precise, the square will begin when Saturn is in Scorpio, for a 10 degree orb is normal for that aspect, and thus we will feel it in November, 2014. I hope you won’t be serving your neighbor for Thanksgiving instead of a turkey! In June of 2015, Saturn is back in Scorpio but still in aspect to Neptune. It returns to Sagittarius in September of 2015.
With Saturn in Sagittarius and Neptune in Pisces, obviously those two signs will strongly feel this energy. Both signs are known to be dreamers and to enjoy a lack of rigidity in their daily lives. Now this will change. Maybe you’ll have the idea to begin a new hobby, or even a career, and it will require training. Every craft requires the acquisition of skill, and that could be something as simple as learning to take better photos with your cell phone. You might feel the call to volunteer some of your time to a good cause, to work for the betterment of your world. Or you might sense that you’ve been dreaming too long, and that you should make those talents pay off. That’s assuming your Sun is what’s being hit by the Saturn-Neptune square. If other planets are aspected, you will deal with the issues of those planets. If it’s your Moon, you could decide to stop drinking, or to go on one of those liquid diets, or you could move, downsize, or take in a border, perhaps a relative. If Venus is involved, you might have to choose between suitors. If Mars gets hit, you might have to work on behalf of someone else, like those who join the Peace Corps. Those are direct hits in the two signs, but more than those signs will be affected.
There are four Mutable signs, and any planet in Virgo or Gemini will also be affected, perhaps even more strongly. Planets in Virgo will oppose Neptune, making a T-square out through Saturn, and that would tend to imply that dreams will be heeded but they won’t work out. This could be the point at which you decide that you’re not going to be a movie star and that you should put that accounting degree to good use. Planets in Gemini will oppose Saturn, making a T-square out through Neptune, and that could mean logical, solid efforts won’t exactly pay off, for unknown eventualities will present themselves. Or you could toss that accounting degree the day before you’re slated to slip into the three-piece suit and move to Hollywood to follow your bliss as a wanna-be actor.
Another thing to consider is transits by the other planets which will amplify this energy. The Sun, Venus, Mars, and even Jupiter will be in the Mutable signs at some point during the period of this transit. Some of the two years in which Saturn and Neptune are involved in their square will be more intense than others because the aspect will be more precise. In August, 2015, Jupiter enters Virgo and it will amplify this energy quite a bit.
Fall of 2015 features connections from Mars and then Venus in Virgo along with Jupiter. That will mean there will be a T-square focalized out through Saturn. People can ask for help that others don’t want to grant. During this period the first precise square will occur. It makes me wonder if there will be some sort of natural disaster in which people have to come together to volunteer to help the affected. In December, 2015 through January, 2016, the Sun in Sagittarius and then Pisces, Venus in Sagittarius, and Jupiter in Virgo will create another T-square.
Spring and summer, 2016 will be significant months. In March, the Sun and Venus are in Pisces, and Mars is in Sagittarius, while Jupiter is in Virgo, once again making a much-amplified T-square. By May and June the energy is more extreme because the Sun and Venus are in Gemini, and thus there is a Grand Cross. It sounds to me like there will be many attempts to create a workable solution to a difficult problem, perhaps caused by personal attachments on the individual level. Also in June, the Saturn-Neptune square is precise, so that increases the energy even more. It’s during these months that we will see the real power of the transit and what it truly means. Anyone with planets in any of the mutable signs, particularly in the middle of the sign will feel this energy profoundly.
So does this mean that if you don’t have planets in any of the Mutable signs that you’re getting away without being hit by the Saturn-Neptune square? Do you really think that could happen? Um, no! The two houses of your horoscope where Sagittarius and Pisces lie will be hit by this aspect, and because these are slow, repeating transits, they will affect you over a longer time period than just an aspect to your Sun. In short, we all will feel this energy, and must be ready to make the most of whatever life tosses us.
If you have Aries Rising, Saturn will transit your ninth house and Neptune your twelfth. Are you living according to personal deep truths? Are you honest with yourself and honorable with other people? Neptune lures you into some deep moments of introspection, where events from the past can play out again in your mind so that you can make better sense of your own past. Then Saturn asks you to reevaluate your system of morals and to find an inner justice that will become your credo for living.
If you have Taurus Rising, Saturn will transit your eighth house and Neptune your eleventh. The obvious caveat here is to avoid financial entanglements that could be disadvantageous involving friends. The issue goes deeper, however, for now it’s up to you to make sense of the role of money in your life and how other people figure into it. Did you give up a set of goals or expectations to ally yourself with a partner who is financially secure? Do you now regret that and wish you could be set free? Have you sold out? Are your dreams buried somewhere in favor of a life you now view as mundane? Once you ask and answer these questions, you can go forward to build something that matters to you, perhaps a smaller life with more meaning.
If you have Gemini Rising, Saturn is transiting your seventh house and Neptune is in your tenth. Are you with a partner whose company you no longer adore? Is your career working out or are you in the grips of someone else’s dream. This is your chance to evaluate your connections with other people and how everyone in the world views you. You need to find the path that truly matters to you and the companions who will enrich your life.
If you have Cancer Rising, Saturn is in your sixth house and Neptune your ninth. First of all, focus on your health. If you need to take better care of yourself, do so. This is not the best time to become involved with alternative health practices. Go get a check up. Make sure the meds you take regularly are properly prescribed at the correct dosage. Once you’ve done that, examine the day to day of your working life. Are you happy with your job or do you feel you’re surrounded by people who are not simpatico at all? You may want to begin meditating, particularly if you’re in a stressful work environment. Finding inner peace is essential now.
If you have Leo Rising, Saturn is in your fifth house and Neptune in your eighth. This could mean that you could be seduced by a partner who wants your cash, or you could mess up a relationship and also lose money as a result. Or you could feel that your relationship is crashing and burning emotionally and sexually. Clearly you have some questions to ask yourself about your romantic life. Children also may cost you money. Your creative side is another factor in this transit. Maybe you’re afraid to try to earn money doing something you love and wish your mate would carry the financial burden so you can shine. If you have a mate who expects this of you, that could be problematic.
If you have Virgo Rising, Saturn is in your fourth house and Neptune in your seventh. You must confront issues with family, such as your childhood background or even your mom in present day as well as a sense that you’re not getting what you need from a mate. Perhaps you’ll flee a strained home environment to run to the arms of someone who turns out to be other than what you initially believed. The real point here is to work on yourself. You need to look inside your own heart and uncover the falsehoods and equivocations you’ve been using to make it through the day. It might not be comforting to discover new truths, but it will be helpful.
If you have Libra Rising, Saturn is in your third house and Neptune your sixth. Don’t assume that everything you need to know about your health is right there on the Internet. Ask an actual doctor, but then do your own research to understand your health more completely. Be careful about the meds you take, and the negative substances you consume. You might decide that this is the perfect time to volunteer your services in a neighborhood program and although frustrating, such a choice can be very rewarding. You might also express yourself via writing.
If you have Scorpio Rising, Saturn is in your second house and Neptune in your fifth. You might have been on a creative path you loved but which was financially unrewarding. Now you reevaluate that choice. If it’s work, you should be paid for it. Or you may feel you’re on such a compelling journey with a creative project that a little belt tightening is well worth it, whether you make money immediately or not. You may thus reconsider some of your expensive hobbies in an effort to expend less of your resources. Children can cost you money now.
If you have Sagittarius Rising, Saturn is in your first house and Neptune in your fourth. Emotional issues come into play. You feel strained and over burdened and it seems that nobody loves you. Everyone who loved you before still loves you, however, and it helps to remind yourself of that. While it’s positive to examine the feelings emerging connected to your childhood, make sure you’re viewing them honestly and accurately, not through the lens of some hurt feelings. Insecurity is a big issue now, and it comes in handy if you’re working harder to prove yourself and become a success. If you find depression is a big issue now, get some help.
If you have Capricorn Rising, Saturn is in your twelfth house and Neptune your third. The past seems particularly compelling now, and you might feel like sitting around, snuggled under the covers, and daydreaming about whatever used to be. This can be useful if you have events and feelings which were long-buried and you need to confront them so you can move on to a happier present day. You might spend time connecting with a psychic on the phone, but make sure it’s a reputable one. This can be a creatively rich period, one in which you get many inspirations about projects, but not one in which you necessarily produce anything beyond thought.
If you have Aquarius Rising, Saturn is in your eleventh house and Neptune your second. This is another one of those situations in which you could get bilked by a friend’s pie in the sky ideas for huge success. Neptune in the second doesn’t always steal your money, however, because sometimes it brings the big dream that does pay off. The key is in understanding your own goals and desires and what you truly want as well as what you’re capable of doing. Another issue is keeping up with other people. Are you insecure and determined to impress your friends with your wealth and success? If so, you might learn that other things are more meaningful.
If you have Pisces Rising, Saturn is in your tenth house and Neptune your first. Obviously there’s a call here to actualize your dreams, but first you have to look after your physical self. Are you well? Do you eat right? Are you swallowing buckets of coffee and sugary beverages daily? Do you need a drink to get through the day at work? These are serious questions and they point to serious issues, for the temptation now is to say it’s all too hard and just to drift along in a fog of inactivity. Life is hard, yes, but discipline combined with good ideas can really pay off.
We are in a very interesting period of time, one in which we all can be transformed into much better versions of ourselves. This is happening on a societal level as well as an individual one. The key is in being willing to allow that to happen and knowing what your genuine best looks like. It’s a process—a worthwhile process. Good luck!
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For nine months two Jewish boys, Peter and Herman, were hiding under the floor in the Reformed Church of Nieuwlande. There they made a weekly illegal newspaper “de Duikelaar” and drew cartoons. The newspaper was circulated from hand to hand in the village and the cartoons were sold. The boys also falsified identity cards.
Nieuwlande is known for the many (Jewish) people who hid there. Johannes Post, Arnold Douwes and Max Léons, three members of the Dutch resistance during the German occupation, established a network of hiding addresses there. In the village and surrounding area, as well as the woods around the village, they established hiding places during the threat of raids. The Johannes Post postal centre in Havelte restored one of the hiding holes in 2014.
The former clergyman of the reformed church in Nieuwlande, Ds. Slomp, alias Fritz the Tramp, established a nationwide organisation known as the LO. When he complained about the difficulty of finding hiding places, Post replied “Just bring them to Nieuwlande.”
Nieuwlande was given, as a village, the Yad Vashem award. Only one other village in the world to receive this great honour, is the French Le Chambon sur Lignon.
Jo Schonewille had a private resistance museum on his farm which he called “Nieuwlande 1940-1945, a village that maintained silence”.
After his death in 2016 the Museum Nieuwlande Foundation made work of the preservation of this collection.
The many objects, photos, documents, wartime newspapers and identity cards that he had collected in the course of time are now displayed on loan at the museum de Duikelaar. The museum wishes to pass on to future generations the stories of people in hiding and war memories.
The village that maintained silence now has a lot to tell.
Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00 h
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The Wretched Beginning of Donald Trump’s Presidency
Punishing innocent immigrants, a disastrous Yemen raid, and coddling police
by Lucy Steigerwald Posted on February 16, 2017 February 15, 2017
Maybe Donald Trump is a different kind of politician. Maybe he will keep his promises. Unfortunately, since January 20, Trump has pursued a nasty collection of priorities. Any hope that the political newbie would be dazed and timid in his first 100 days went out the window after his clunky, legally-dubious executive order stopping immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries – all of which have been messed up by the US – turned airports across the US into chaotic scenes of protest, and brought about multiple lawsuits.
But Trump didn’t just declare his intention to deport and ban wide swaths of people. He also has a wall to build. There’s still time to stop that, and Trump won’t be bringing steel back to Pittsburgh, or any of the other time-traveling protectionist economic promises he made. Trump may well be able to stop the progress of criminal justice reform, however, and make our immigration system even more cruel. He’s made a hell of a start in his first few weeks in office, not just because innocent people are already being ripped away from their families (not that that is new US policy; President Obama in particular will never get the anti-humanitarian credit he earned for war and for immigration policy in his eight years).
During the election, building a wall and making Mexico pay for it was Trump’s most popular refrain. But one of his minor hits was the statement that police officers "are the most mistreated people in America." This is patently absurd. Every year, US police kill more people than can be reliably counted. During the last few years, people have finally started to attempt to get an accurate number, and it appears to be somewhere around 1000 people. Meanwhile, the number of cops being shot by assailants increased during the last two years. The increase was practically inevitable, however, because it was coming off of a historic low of 35 US police officers killed by homicide in 2013. The numbers were much higher in the past, especially during the ‘30s and ‘70s, back when the population of the US and the number of police officers was much lower.
Furthermore, based on decades of court decisions and societal respect for police ingrained by schools, parents, and government programs, law enforcement continues to be excessively trusted. When police are actually charged with murder or similar by a DA or grand jury, they are rarely convicted. Juries appear unwilling to hold police to the high standards that they claim to have for themselves. And the privileges cops have are not small; they are life and death, and theft and violations of privacy.
The militarized police force in America has been fed a line for decades that they are at war, be it against drugs, terrorism, or gang violence. They are told that they are brave and bold, but also that their lives are the top priority. A small amount of backlash against this, based on countless grim dashcam and citizen videos, and the killings of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, Eric Garner in New York City, Tamir Rice in Cleveland, and other high-profile incidents, and suddenly there’s a "war on cops" simply because a percentage of the public is upset. There were a handful of tragic ambush murders of officers in subsequent years, and that fed Trump, and fed his supporters as he happily pandered to them in their time of supposed need.
The crush wasn’t unrequited. The National Fraternal Order of Police, an organization that exists to defend police officers, no matter what, endorsed Trump for president. So did the Border Patrol. People who cheered for Trump, but remained unconcerned about domestic tyranny in the hands of Donald seemed to have ignored such things in favor of how satisfying it was when Trump ticked off neocon elites such as Bill Kristol, and sent the GOP into a tizzy.
Sadly, just because Trump has some of the right enemies, it doesn’t mean he is on the side of good. He recently okayed a disastrous raid in Yemen that lead to the death of an eight-year-old girl, and half a dozen other children. When people point this out, the president hides behind the Navy SEAL who died during the operation. Trump so far seems perfectly happy to continue to pal around with Saudi Arabia, and by extension help them with their brutal war in Yemen.
And earlier this month, in yet another spasm of executive power on behalf of law and order, Trump signed three orders relating to police. This was after Sen. Jeff Sessions was confirmed as attorney general, something that criminal justice reform advocates have been fearing ever since his name was suggested. In the ‘90s, Session was on that trendy bandwagon favored by Newt Gingrich types that said the death penalty for drug dealing was reasonable. Lately, Sessions has managed to be mostly horrible on criminal justice reform, as well as advocating for warmongering and spying.
But Trump himself is also bad on the issue. Not only did his executive orders contain vague threats that crimes against police could be punished more harshly than they are currently, but "if warranted, legislation defining new crimes of violence and establishing new mandatory minimum sentences for existing crimes of violence against Federal, State, tribal, and local law enforcement officers, as well as for related crimes."
Neither Trump nor his most ardent supporters seem to have gotten the message that crime, though on a slight uptick in the last few years, is still much, much lower than it was in the early ‘90s. The American people have a short attention span, but it would be discouraging if they had enough amnesia that they tired of criminal justice reform so long before it was finished being reformed.
Trump’s plan to build a fresh crop of immigration detention centers is another discouraging sign that his Nixonian law and order impulses have not been checked since his dour acceptance speech at the Republication National Convention; nor his apparent belief that the solution to cartels and drug dealers, and the violence that follows them, is to build a big wall, and that Border Patrol should be even more powerful than they already are.
America’s new president is all over the map on issues such as whether trusting Russia is good or bad. He has tetchy moods that blow with a wind only he can feel, and he hasn’t yet been worse on foreign policy than the last fellas. However, he is consistently in favor of law and order in the clunkiest, most archaic fashion. That and his multi-billion dollar plan to punish mostly peaceful, decent illegal immigrants are what he knows best, and what his fans seem to relish.
Every president that doesn’t invade Iran, or start a fresh boots on the ground war can be counted as a victory in the meanest, most miserly fashion. However, Trump’s first month in office, and his enthusiastic embrace of the worst policies he promised while running does not bode well for America, or for the rest of the world who may soon suffer from his whims.
Lucy Steigerwald is a contributing editor for Antiwar.com. She has also written for VICE, Playboy.com, the Washington Post.com, The American Conservative, and other outlets. Her blog is www.thestagblog.com. Follow her on twitter @lucystag.
Author: Lucy Steigerwald
Lucy Steigerwald is a contributing editor for Antiwar.com and an editor for Young Voices. She has also written for VICE, Playboy.com, the Washington Post.com, The American Conservative, and other outlets. Her blog is www.thestagblog.com. Follow her on twitter @lucystag. View all posts by Lucy Steigerwald
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Home World News Is Netanyahu Complicit with Skull & Bones’ Plan to transfer David’s Tomb...
Is Netanyahu Complicit with Skull & Bones’ Plan to transfer David’s Tomb to the Vatican?
Despite earlier denials (from February), persistent rumors have surfaced again that the Israeli PM Netanyahu is willing to go along with the Skull & Bones plan we reported back in December to illegally transfer parts of the Israeli capital city Jerusalem to the Vatican (which has invested large sums of money in purchasing real estate assets in the city in the recent years) thereby promoting the Vatican faction of the globalist agenda to “internationalize” the city – hence their support for the “2 state [final] solution”. It has nothing to do with the artificially spawned “Palestinian self determination” mythology. That was always just an excuse.
Is this recent development supposed to compensate for Bonesman John Kerry’s pathetic failure to promote the “Peace process”? Is this why “unnamed” State department officials related to the globalist Brookings institute have just leaked their intention to ramp up their pet “Palestinian cause” by hook or by crook? Does it prove what many in the Israeli patriot community have suspected for quite a while, that Netanyahu is merely an American puppet thinly disguised as a “right wing strongman”?
It needs to be noted that the Fundamental Agreement between Israel and the Holy See [Link to full text] dating from December 1993, included some vague paragraph about the Israeli government recognizing Catholic church property in the country and attempted to settle taxation issues and other disputes. However, granting direct sovereignty to a foreign entity like the Vatican would amount to no less than Roman imperialism returning to the country through the back door.
This follows Netanyahu’s shameful capitulation to the Muslim Brotherhood on the Temple Mount itself, which started already in 1996 during his first term in office when he agreed to allow the presence of the “Northern faction” of the movement (in Israel) in the holy site, and it continues today with his total collaboration with the Jordanian “Waqf” (The Islamic authority in charge of the Temple Mount) and its blatantly illegal discrimination and harassment of Jews who wish to visit the place.
It remains to be seen if the Patriot community will be able to put an end to the disgrace and force Netanyahu to fulfill his legal duties with regards to the state’s sovereignty over its most sacred sites.
Israel National News (Channel 7)
A Knesset Member said Thursday that Chief Sephardic Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef told him that the Prime Minister’s bureau contacted him and asked to grant halakhic permission for Israel to hand over the Tomb of David to the Vatican.
The startling news was revealed by the Knesset Member during a tour of the Tomb of David by four MKs – Yoni Chetboun of the Jewish Home, who initiated the tour, Moshe Feiglin (Likud-Beytenu), Nissim Ze’ev (Shas), and Meir Porush (United Torah Judaism – UTJ).
The MKs were unanimous in declaring that they intend to do everything within their power to forestall any attempt to hand over the Tomb to the Vatican. There are also reports that not just the Tomb, but the entire Mount Zion compound is up for transfer. The MKs made clear that the zone is under Israeli sovereignty and will remain so.
There have been reports, recently, of a secret negotiation channel between the Vatican and the Israeli government, regarding the Tomb – and especially its second floor, which the Vatican calls the “Room of the Last Supper” – and the Mount Zion compound.
Officially, this report was denied by the government, with Deputy Minister Ze’ev Elkin taking to the Knesset podium to state that it was untrue.
However, the government has decided to place the exclusive authority regarding the holy sites in the hands of the prime minister – fueling speculation that a secret deal is indeed in the works.
The Vatican’s attempts to gain a sovereign foothold on Mount Zion have been going on for year, but thus far unsuccessfully.
The visit to Israel by Pope Francis is less than a month away. This is a factor in the timing of the MKs’ tour of the compound. A representative of the Religions Ministry’s Department of Holy Sites was also present.
The MKs promised to pass a law making the Tomb of David an official holy site.
“For many years, the Vatican has been investing large sums in purchasing assets in Jerusalem, with the purpose of blurring the city’s Jewish character,” said Chetboun. “This trend must be blocked, and the Basic Law on Jerusalem, which forbids handing over sovereignty on parts of the city to foreign entities, must be enforced. Today’s tour is only the beginning of the struggle, and we will bring more MKs here. The Tomb of David is a cornerstone of the city’s Jewish history, we must safeguard it.”
MK Feiglin said after the tour, “The attempts to transfer sovereignty over the Tomb of David to the Vatican are a direct continuation of the transfer of sovereignty in the Temple Mount to the Jordanians. The government of Israel is buying a false calm at the price of forfeiting our most sacred sites, under cover of darkness and against the law.”
Skull & Bones plan gives Jerusalem Holy Sites to Vatican
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Editor's Note... While all eyes are focused on the straits of Hormuz in the Persian gulf, Iran has quietly...
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The last days of Kodachrome are at hand… but not film in general
Oct 18th, 2010 by Isaiah Beard
If you have any Kodachrome Film stashed away, the last days to get it developed are at hand. According to Dwayne’s Photo, the last commercial developer of the film format, they will be developing their last received rolls of Kodachrome film on December 31, 2010. After this date, their remaining equipment to handle this type of film will be shut down forever, and discarded. Per the statement on their website:
The last day of processing for all types of Kodachrome film will be December 30th, 2010. The last day Kodak will accept prepaid Kodachrome film in Europe is November 30th, 2010. Film that is not in our lab by noon on December 30th will not be processed.
analog, camera, film, format, Kodachrome, obsolete, photography
Another film format extinction: Kodachrome’s last run
Jul 22nd, 2009 by Isaiah Beard
Today, Kodak announced the final production run of Kodachrome film, after a 74-year run. Kodachrome is yet another casualty of the long march towards digital formats, as fewer and fewer sales of Kodachrome film have meant continuing to mass produce it is no longer viable.
“KODACHROME Film is an iconic product and a testament to Kodak’s long and continuing leadership in imaging technology,” said Mary Jane Hellyar, President of Kodak’s Film, Photofinishing and Entertainment Group. “It was certainly a difficult decision to retire it, given its rich history. However, the majority of today’s photographers have voiced their preference to capture images with newer technology – both film and digital. Kodak remains committed to providing the highest-performing products – both film and digital – to meet those needs.”
To be sure, Kodak acknowledges that there is only one professional film outlet in the US that processes Kodachrome film, that being Dwayne’s Photo located in Parsons, Kansas. They have announced that they will continue to sell the film until supplies run out (probably in the Fall of 2009), and will continue to process it until December, 2010:
This is a sad occasion for us, as we’re sure it is for many of you. While we understand the business realities driving Kodak’s decision, we are still sorry to see the film go.
Kodachrome has been hailed as being remarkably color accurate, unique in its characteristic deep color saturation unmatched by other film formats, and praised for its longevity in storage. Properly cared for, most Kodachrome film has managed to retain its color accuracy despite decades of aging. One case in point is this circa 1949 image. Some of us who are way too young to have lived in this era, find it incredibly striking to find such a vivid color photograph, when we’re used to seeing numerous faded black-and-whites depicting the era.
The rich color and depth of Kodachrome is owed to a unique and very complex film processing method, which differs substantially from the process in use for “modern” film formats. Dawyne’s is, at this point the only photofinisher up to the task, and Kodak is the only supplier of the chemicals needed to render photos from Kodachrome film. Thus, not only is Kodachrome’s days numbered, but the time runs short for those with unprocessed film to do something about it.
analog, film, Kodachrome, obsolete, photography
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Contemporary Performance's Online Video Festival
The Contemporary Performance blog continues to develop as an excellent resource for those interested in the international contemporary performance scene. Last week they concluded their two week "Online Video Festival" where they curated some of their favorite online video clips.
Romeo Castellucci
Born in 1960 in Cesena, Castellucci graduated in stage design and painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna. In 1981, he founded the Socìetas Raffaello Sanzio together with Claudia Castellucci and Chiara Guidi. In the beginning of the 80’s he focused his interest on theatre and painting, also giving some exhibitions.
Considered to be a trailblazer of avant-garde theater in Italy, Castellucci presented several performances as an author and director, also creating sets, lights, sounds and costumes. Known as an author of a theatre addressed to a “total” perception, he has written several books about dramaturgy. In 2005 he was appointed as the director of the Theatre Section of the 37th Venetian Biennale, and in 2008 he was an Associate Artist of the Avignon International Festival. Among his representative works are “Hamlet. The vehement exteriority of a mollusc’s death” (1992), “Oresteia (an organic comedy?)” (1995), “Julius Caesar” (1997), “Genesis. From the museum of sleep” (1999), “Voyage au bout de la nuit” (1999), “Il Combattimento” (2000), “Tragedia Endogonidia” (2001-04), “Hey Girl!” (2006), and Dante’s La Divina Commedia: “Inferno”, “Purgatorio” and “Paradiso”.
The clips are varying degrees of production and editing quality. Some are deliberately and beautifully shot for the camera, whereas some are clearly rehearsal footage or casual documentation. And having seen some of these artists, I would even argue that the clips poorly represent the work. But either way, there has always been a fear of documentation in the performing arts (especially the theater) so it's great that more clips from these impressive artists are making it online and freely accessible.
New York City Players
New York City Players is a theater company creating original work about people, relationships, and above all, feeling. New York City Players’ aim is to initiate a new dialogue with an ever-growing audience using original text and music. By rigorously stripping away the habitual identities that encumber work, we pursue the power of language, of story, of image, and what happens when people gather in a room.
Dialog and the sharing of ideas is essential to all forms of innovation, performance not withstanding. The sad truth of the matter is that, with such an anemic domestic and international touring network in the United States, YouTube and Vimeo are the few places where performers and performance lovers can actually discover new work.
Games are played: a dancer throws a stone in the air and remains under it until another dancer pulls or pushes him away, catching the stone. Every movement requires absolutely precise timing, and the dancers’ inexhaustible energy physically impacts viewers, setting them on the edge of their seats. Since his sensational 1987 debut, Belgian dancemaker Wim Vandekeybus and his company Ultima Vez (”The Last Time”) has stunned audiences and critics alike with risk-taking choreography. Now, 20 years later, with almost as many inspired creations to his credit, Vandekeybus presents Spiegel, a powerful, erotic work in which he looks in the mirror for inspiration from his entire oeuvre, pushing Ultima Vez to its limits in a fusion of live action, film, and music seething with emotion and sensuality. The score includes works by David Byrn.
Click here to visit the blog and view all the videos.
Tags: Contemporary Performance, Video Festival, dance, theater, Romeo Castellucci, New York City Players, Ultima Vez
ARTISTS: Featured Artists
ARTISTS: Promotion
Dance and Diversity Backstage
Culture is Focus of TCG's American Theatre Magazine
diversity artists advocacy
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ABOUT AZERBAIJAN
Message from of Ambassador
CONSULAR SERVICE AND VISA
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Heydər Əliyev: “Müstəqilliyimiz əbədidir, daimidir, dönməzdir”
Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led...
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PRESS - RELEASES
The tragedy of Khojaly was commemorated in Prague
The month of February is always a sad one for Azerbaijan, and amongst those around the world who support the rule of law and the sanctity of human life. This is because, 25 years ago, that month saw the single worst atrocity of the Armenian–Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The Khojaly Massacre took the lives of 613 civilians.
On 27 February, the multi-awardwinning independent documentary Endless Corridor – a US/Lithuanian co-production – was screened in the art nouveau-style Lucerna Cinema in Prague. Opened 110 years ago, this is the leading ‘art cinema’ in the Czech capital and is located just steps away from Wenceslas Square – an area that was central to demonstrations against Nazi and Soviet domination, and particularly the Velvet Revolution of 1989 that culminated in the attainment of Czech independence. The screening was organised within the Justice for Khojaly campaign and with the support of the Azerbaijani Embassy to the Czech Republic.
Endless Corridor received praise from international critics after being screened internationally throughout 2015–16. After receiving the Best of Show Award from the prestigious Accolade Global Film Competition in the US, it was awarded the Best Documentary and Best Director for a Documentary Prizes at the Tenerife International Film Festival in Madrid; and the Best Documentary Editing Prize at the Milano International Filmmakers Festival. It has also been screened on the pan-European Eurochannel, Israeli Channel 1, CNN Turk, Turkish TV 24, London Live and Al-Jazeera channels.
Speaking before the audience of 170 parliamentarians, journalists, humanitarians, friends of Azerbaijan and cinephiles, Roman Huna, Head, TEAS Benelux, welcomed the attendees. H.E. Farid Shafiyev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the Czech Republic, commented: “The Khojaly Massacre was the worst event in modern Azerbaijani history. Two days ago, fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces reignited in the region. The Khojaly Massacre does not belong to the past – and this violence reminds us that justice has not been done. We want to remind people in the Czech Republic that Azerbaijanis have suffered great losses.
“Speaking as someone who has roots in Karabakh, I can say that we want to return to our homeland and visit the graves of our ancestors, and to live in peace with our neighbours. I congratulate the journalist Ricardas Lapaitis, who had the courage to make this film amidst an international environment that can be hostile, or receptive to only one version of history.”
Vojtěch Filip, Vice-Speaker of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, stated: “Tonight we commemorate the Khojaly Massacre, one of the saddest occurrences during the Nagorno-Karabakh war. During the night of 25–26 February 1992, 613 civilians lost their lives, including 106 women, 63 children and 70 elderly people. We can and must not forget this atrocity. Unfortunately, Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are still unable to return to their homes and lands because of the illegal occupation of the Azerbaijani territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions by Armenia’s armed forces. Despite four UN Security Council Resolutions, there is still no progress.”
Lionel Zetter, Director, TEAS explained: “To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Khojaly, over the past week, TEAS has organised photographic exhibitions, concerts and documentary screenings like tonight in London, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Bern, Geneva, Athens, Vilnius and right across Europe.
“Last night we were in Paris for a peace concert in a church. Very angry, aggressive Armenians besieged the church and unsuccessfully tried to stop the concert from going ahead. I am pleased to say that it was a great success. Endless Corridor really brings alive the events of that terrible night of 25–26 February 1992. I join Ambassador Shafiyev in paying tribute to Ricardas Lapaitis for his work and participating in the film, which brings the massacre to the attention of the world, and Europe in particular.”
Lithuanian journalist Ricardas Lapaitis – an eyewitness to the massacre, whose return journey to Khojaly is central the film – vividly recalled: “Today we commemorate 25 years since the massacre that happened in the town of Khojaly during the night of 25–26 February 1992 when Armenian military forces, with the support of the 366th Motor-Rifle Regiment of the Soviet Army, attacked the town of Khojaly in Nagorno-Karabakh.
“Armenia itself has confirmed its responsibility for perpetrating the events in Khojaly because the order to attack was faxed on 25 February at 20.50hrs. The Armenian Defence Ministry then confirmed that its forces were ready for combat in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.
“Undertaken by Armenian nationalists, this was the worst atrocity to be undertaken on former Soviet territory. All participants in this act of aggression against the civilians of Khojaly, including Serzh Sargsyan, the current Armenian President, are guilty.
“I hope that, one day, justice will be done and that those guilty of this massacre will stand trial before the jury of the International Criminal Court in The Hague.”
Despite the passing of four UN Security Council resolutions against the invasion, Armenia continues to occupy Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts to this day. Currently nearly 20 per cent of Azerbaijani territory remains occupied, and nearly one million refugees and IDPs remain spread across Azerbaijan. The evening was dedicated to the memory of the Khojaly victims and those Azerbaijanis who have only one wish – to return home to live in peace with their neighbours.
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Home / Business & Money / Liberty Global Takes Over Cable And Wireless
LG Chief Executive Officer Michael Fries.
Liberty Global Takes Over Cable And Wireless
in Business & Money May 17, 2016 0
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, May 17, (CMC) – The British-based telecommunications giant, Liberty Global (LG), says it has completed the acquisition of the British telecommunications company, Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC), in a transaction worth an estimated US$7.4 billion.
Liberty Global is one of the largest cable companies in the world, with its principal operations in Europe. It currently has investments in about seven markets in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
LG Chief Executive Officer, Michael Fries, said there will be good opportunities for the region, given the track record and power of both companies.
Fries said he was confident it was the right time for the acquisition, describing CWC as a “very well run company” and “a perfect fit” for Liberty Global.
“We felt this was the right time to develop scale in our industry. It is very important given the competitive environment, to add great scale,” he told reporters.
“Just as importantly, it is a great management team and it is a part of the world that need investment and innovation. If we look at mobile data penetration, broadband penetration, telephony penetration or smart phone penetration in Latin America and the Caribbean and compare it to Europe or the US, it is clear that there is great opportunity to bring investment and innovation to this region of the world and we are excited to do that,” he said.
The deal was first announced last November, but at a value at US$5.3 billion, including CWC’s net debt, which was about US$2.7 billion as of September 30, 2015.
The acquisition came less than a year after CWC completed its acquisition of Columbus International Inc.
“We expect it to be business as usual. We have to give ourselves sufficient time to get better acquainted to make sure we have our strategies and our approaches to growth aligned. And so, for the time being, I would say, for months, you are not going to see much meaningful change. I think it is going to be business as usual,” Fries said.
“For employment and infrastructure I will simply say that we intend to look at each market independently, and try to figure out what the right technology solution is. In the case of Barbados, fibre to the home could that be the right solution? And I think that is something we will look at very closely, but we want to look at each market separately. It is not one size fits all in this business,” he added.
The Liberty Global executive added that, typically, his company would invest between 20 and 25 per cent of revenue into its network and technology aspect of the business.
However, he said that the majority of the investment was usually geared towards improving and upgrading networks and services, which would be no exception for the region.
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Suit: Mentally ill NC inmate often pepper sprayed
Central Prison, lawsuits, medical neglect, mental illness, NCPLS, North Carolina, pepper spray, prisoner abuse, solitary confinement
Questions have been raised about the treatment of inmates in Unit One, a special 192-bed section at Central Prison known as “The Hole.”
by Michael Biesecker/ from WNCN
Lawyers for an inmate who suffers from a serious mental illness say he was abused at North Carolina’s Central Prison by guards who repeatedly doused him with pepper spray while he was locked in a tiny cell.
Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and a victim of childhood sexual abuse, inmate Jerry C. Williams has spent much of his 57 years in state psychiatric hospitals and prisons. He was first arrested at age 10 for shoplifting and began hearing voices in his head in his late teens, according to his prison mental health evaluation.
He was most recently sentenced in 2002 by a judge in his native Wayne County to more than 28 years in prison for being a habitual felon, following a lengthy record of convictions for trespassing, assault and burglary. He has an IQ of 76 that provides him with “borderline Intellectual functioning,” according to prison records.
His case, filed by the state-supported North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services, raises more questions about the treatment of inmates in Unit One, a special 192-bed section at Central known as “The Hole.” It is there that those who violate prison rules are punished by being held in solitary confinement.
A federal lawsuit filed by PLS lawyers earlier this year on behalf of eight inmates alleges correctional officers used “blind spots” out of view of security cameras to dispense with beatings to handcuffed and shackled inmates, shattering bones and leaving one confined to a wheel chair.
Williams’ lawyers claim his treatment in Unit One amounts to cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It also violates the prison’s own policies and procedures for dealing with inmates with chronic mental illness, they say.
Pamela Walker, spokeswoman for the N.C. Division of Prisons, declined to provide any comment on the lawsuit.
When Williams’ mental disease is controlled with medication, he is described as “pleasant and appropriate.” When it is not, he can be “loud and disruptive,” according to his lawyers.
His prison record lists 142 infractions over the past 10 years, many of them for disobeying orders or throwing cups filled with his own bodily waste. He has also sometimes cut himself and swallowed razor blades, according to records.
“On the solitary confinement unit, some of the primary symptoms of Mr. Williams’s illness — agitation, yelling, kicking, and throwing things — are treated like pure behavior problems that must be punished with the intentional infliction of physical pain,” his lawyers wrote in a court motion filed earlier this month.
A generation ago, people such as Williams lived in a system of state-run psychiatric asylums. However, North Carolina and other states have closed or downsized such facilities in recent years in an effort to focus on short-term stays and save money.
“The prison system has really replaced the old state psychiatric hospitals as the place where mentally ill people end up,” said Dr. Stuart Grassian, a Boston psychiatrist who studied the effects of long-term seclusion on inmates with mental illness while on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. “It is not a good place for them, and obviously they get sicker. The prison system often responds to their increasingly bizarre behavior in ways that are very sadistic.”
Unit One cells are only 72 square feet, about the exterior dimensions of a small hatchback car. There is one narrow window, covered with a heavy steel grate that makes it difficult to see outside.
Inmates are supposed to be allowed out five times a week to spend one hour in a cramped “recreation cage” and three times a week for 10-minute showers. Whenever they leave their cells, inmates must wear handcuffs and shackles. Inmates complain they often don’t even get those brief excursions.
“The monotony of Unit One’s solitary regime is broken only by periodic inmate disturbances — flooding cells, setting fires, throwing liquids, and screaming, kicking, and banging on the doors,” Williams’ lawyers say in the lawsuit. “And the practice on Unit One is to deploy high-concentration Oleoresin Capsicum pepper spray as the first level response to any such disturbance — regardless of whether a real threat of bodily harm exists, and regardless of the mental health status of the disobedient inmate.”
Records show Williams has spent years cycling between cells in the prison mental ward and solitary confinement in Unit One.
“The first time you get locked up (in the Hole), it about drive you wild,” the lawsuit quotes Williams as saying. “You want to do anything to get out, even kill yourself.”
According to the lawsuit, Williams was locked in his cell on the evening of Sept. 17, 2009, when he became upset that his dinner tray did not include bread or a spoon. While in isolation, inmates often look forward to their meager meals as a highlight of the daily routine.
When a correctional officer returned to collect the tray, Williams initially refused orders to slip it back through a small slot in the cell door in protest. When he finally did, he jammed it through, causing the tray to land on the floor outside.
According to the lawsuit, the officer then blasted Williams with high-concentration pepper spray through the open slot.
That initiated a 3-hour standoff in which prison officials report pepper spraying Williams eight times. His lawyers say video of the incident shows more, including an officer using a large “MK21” canister similar in size to a fire extinguisher and designed for dispersing a large unruly crowd, not for use on an individual confined to a small indoor space with limited ventilation.
All of that high-test pepper spray, according to his lawyers, caused Williams “extreme pain.”
Eventually, an “Anticipated Use of Force” team of officers wearing body armor and wielding batons entered Williams’ cell to extract him with an electrified shield used to pin an inmate to the wall or floor while delivering a debilitating high-voltage shock. On the video footage of the incident, a voice is heard shouting, “Turn it off!” and the camera goes dead.
Williams’ lawyers contend the inmate was dragged from his cell, placed in handcuffs and shackles, and then taken to another section of Unit One where officers took turns punching and kicking him.
Medical records show that when Williams was examined by a nurse nearly two hours after he was last pepper sprayed, he had an abnormally rapid heart rate and low levels of oxygen in his blood — symptoms of overexposure to the chemical irritant. He also had abrasions and broken fingers.
Grassian said solitary confinement can be psychologically damaging even for healthy people. To subject an irrational and paranoid person such as Williams to years in isolation punctuated by violent confrontations only ensures his behavior will get worse and more difficult for the prison staff to control, Grassian said.
Rather than using pepper spray, the officer should simply have shut Williams’ food slot and walked away, the doctor said. Locked in his cell, Williams was incapable of harming anyone other than himself.
“A person like that doesn’t belong in solitary confinement,” Grassian said. “But to then take something as minor (as tossing a food tray) and to use it as a reason to physically punish the guy? That amounts to torture.”
moorbey October 28, 2013 at 10:33 pm
Reblogged this on Moorbey'z Blog.
aboriginalpress October 29, 2013 at 1:40 am
rainbowwarriorlizzie October 31, 2013 at 2:36 am
Reblogged this on HUMAN RIGHTS & THE SIEGE OF BRITAIN POLITICAL JOURNAL.
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Your Home Is Your Prison
Prison Books Collective January 20, 2015
drug testing, electronic monitoring, house arrest, Marissa Alexander, panopticon, predictive policing, prison society, probation, sex offender, sex offender registry, surveillance
From Truth Out/By Maya Schenwar
On January 27th, domestic violence survivor Marissa Alexander will walk out of Florida’s Duval County jail — but she won’t be free.
Alexander, whose case has gained some notoriety, endured three years of jail time and a year of house arrest while fighting off a prison sentence that would have seen her incarcerated for the rest of her life — all for firing a warning shot that injured no one to fend off her abusive husband. Like many black women before her, Alexander was framed as a perpetrator in a clear case of self-defense. In November, as her trial date drew close, Alexander accepted a plea deal that will likely give her credit for time served, requiring her to spend “just” 65 more days in jail. Media coverage of the development suggested that Alexander would soon have her “freedom,” that she would be “coming home.”
Many accounts of the plea deal, however, missed what Alexander will be coming home to: she’ll return to “home detention” — house arrest — for two years.
In other words, an electronic monitor, secured around her ankle at all times, will track her every movement. Alexander will also be paying $105 per week to the state in monitoring fees, as is the custom in Florida and more than a dozen other states.
Such a situation is certainly preferable to being caged in a prison cell. However, does Alexander’s release — and that of others in her shoes — mean freedom? In reality, an ever-growing number of cages are proliferating around us, even if they assume forms that look nothing like our standard idea of a cage.
As mass incarceration is falling out of fashion — it’s been denounced by figures across the political spectrum from Eric Holder to Newt Gingrich — a whole slate of “alternatives to incarceration” has arisen. From electronic monitoring and debilitating forms of probation to mandatory drug testing and the sort of “predictive policing” that turns communities of color into open-air prisons, these alternatives are regularly presented as necessary “reforms” for a broken system.
It’s worth remembering, however, that when the modern prison emerged in the late eighteenth century, it, too, was promoted as a “reform,” a positive replacement for corporal or capital punishment. Early prison reformers — many of them Quakers bent on repentance and redemption — suggested that cutting people off from the rest of the world would bring them closer to God. (The word “penitentiary” comes, of course, from “penitence.”)
An oppressive version of surveillance played a central role in this vision, as in British reformer Jeremy Bentham’s famed Panopticon, a model prison in which inspectors would be able to view prisoners at any moment, day or night, while themselves remaining invisible. If the ultimate Panopticon never quite came into existence, Bentham’s idea profoundly influenced the development of the prison as a place in which, for the prisoner, no time or space was inviolable and privacy was a fiction.
As an idea, the Panopticon remains embedded in our notion of state discipline. Now, it is spreading out of the prison and into the neighborhood and the home, which is hardly surprising in a society in which surveillance and monitoring are becoming the accepted norms of everyday life. Like the plans of the early reformers, many current prison “reforms” share a common element: they perpetuate the fantasy that new forms of confinement, isolation, and surveillance will somehow set us all free.
At first glance, these alternatives may seem like a “win-win.” Instead of taking place in a hellish institution, prison happens “in the comfort of your own home” (the ultimate American ad for anything). However, this change threatens to transform the very definition of “home” into one in which privacy, and possibly “comfort” as well, are subtracted from the equation. Perhaps the best example is the electronic monitor, an imprisonment device that is attached to the body at all times.
Electronic Monitoring
House arrest has long been used to quell political resistance. By confining people to their homes, repressive governments are able to weaken an oppositional figure’s ties to the world, while allowing the authorities to know where the confined person is at every moment. From St. Paul to the deposed pro-democracy Iranian president Mohammad Mosaddegh, Galileo to Burma’s Aung San Suu Kyi, dissidents and nonconformists have long watched their homes become their prisons.
However, the rise of new technologies — in particular, electronic monitoring — has allowed the practice of home confinement to become widespread. Nowadays, if you’re under house arrest, there are no longer armed guards circling the premises. Instead, the “guards” are satellites, their gaze always present, and they don’t even blink.
Appropriately enough, electronic monitoring was introduced in 1984. Since then, it has been used for an ever-expanding range of purposes, including pretrial confinement, parole, and probation, or simply as a punishment in and of itself. Monitoring has put new populations under state control, expanding the range of people who are confined in this country. According to an analysis in the Journal of Law and Policy, most of those placed on electronic monitors haven’t committed serious or violent offenses and, were it not for monitoring, “at least some of these populations would not in fact be incarcerated or otherwise under physical control.”
In prison, the loss of one’s civil liberties is glaringly apparent. The strip search, the cell sweep, and the surveillance of letters, phone calls, and visits are givens. For those whose homes have been “prisonized,” however, basic constitutional rights also crumble. Probationers and monitorees are subject to warrantless searches and drug tests; probation officers have ready access to their homes. In fact, though seldom thought of this way, the ankle monitor is essentially a constant, warrantless search.
As research scholar James Kilgore notes, for those being monitored, “the default position in most instances is house arrest” and therefore they’re often more restricted than their counterparts in jails and prisons. Incarcerated people have daily quotas for calories and are usually granted a certain amount of outdoor exercise time (however miserable the food or outdoor facilities may be). Under house arrest, neither of those protections apply. Similarly, prisoners are usually granted the right to access legal materials; this guarantee is not a given for monitored people.
Even probation officers have acknowledged how monitoring — both the actual physical confinement and the constant knowledge of being watched — seeps into each moment of a confined person’s daily life. A Department of Justice study, for example, found that, with the visible ankle monitor acting as a “scarlet letter,” those permitted to go to work had a difficult time finding or holding jobs. That’s a problem in itself, since it’s well known that gaining employment is a crucial step in avoiding future offenses. Full-scale house arrest, however, locks people into a life of stasis and boredom, inhibiting their ability to connect with loved ones or form new bonds — crucial factors in building a sustainable life.
Eighty-nine percent of probation officers surveyed by the Justice Department felt that “offenders’ relationships with their significant others changed because of being monitored.” Both officers and those monitored observed that the ankle band had a distinct impact on children. As one parent testified, “When it beeps, the kids worry about whether the probation officer is coming to take me to jail. The kids run for it when it beeps.” Another noted that his child repeatedly strapped a watch around his ankle “to be like Daddy.”
Beyond the physical and emotional burdens, those under monitoring often pay for their confinement in the most literal possible fashion. As Marissa Alexander discovered in Florida, private companies often exact fees from the people they’re imprisoning. They average around $10-$15 per day — in addition to installation costs and fees imposed for drug tests or other “services.” Those unable to pay may be re-incarcerated in a cycle that harkens back to debtor’s prison.
By the end of her sentence, Alexander will have spent $16,420 on her own imprisonment and constant surveillance.
Probation and Drug Testing
You don’t, however, have to be hooked up to a fancy monitoring device to find yourself paying for your confinement. As probation is increasingly contracted out to private companies — in Georgia, for example, 40% of probation services are privatized — many non-monitored probationers are subject to steep fees and failure to pay such probation costs might also result in jail time.
This phenomenon, dubbed “offender-funded probation” has recently become ever more popular. A 2014 report by Human Rights Watch revealed that 1,000 courts in at least 12 states now employ it in a twisted mix of budget-tightening, privatization, and corporatization. As author and organizer Kay Whitlock writes, “This industry is built upon disdain for poor and low-income people, and a determination that their wretchedly limited resources should not only support the illusion of administration of justice but simultaneously provide private business owners and courts with new revenue.”
With nearly four million people on probation in this country, what an increasingly “offender-funded” system would look like is coming into focus: state coffers would be filled with dollars from those with the most meager resources, while the threat of debtor’s prison would hang over the heads of those who don’t or simply can’t comply. In addition, despite their rhetoric about “correction” and “rehabilitation,” for-profit enterprises are actually driven by the distinctly for-profit urge to keep people in the system, while bringing in ever more of them.
In addition to monitoring and probation, mandated drug tests are another standard item that can be turned into a cash cow. Most people ensnared in the criminal justice system (whether incarcerated or on supervised release) are required to undergo regular drug testing, regardless of whether their offense is drug-related. Companies now charge about $25 per test, meaning that a person serving a year-long probation sentence is likely to be saddled with a $1,250 drug-testing bill.
Moreover, drug testing is helping to expand the criminal system into new areas of society. Thanks to decades of drug-war policies, the tests have entered schools, hospitals, workplaces, and the welfare system — and testing positive can result in serious punishment, including surveillance and confinement. One in five high schools now use drug tests and many punish a “dirty drop” with loss of extracurricular activities or even expulsion from school.
As the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals noted decades ago, “there are few activities in our society more personal or private than the passing of urine.” Yet in many circumstances, from workplaces to law enforcement probation visits, people being tested are not only listened to, but also watched as they urinate. The Minnesota Department of Corrections, for instance, gives these instructions to its probation and parole staff: “Staff must… position himself/herself in such a manner as to verify the specimen passes directly from the offender’s body into the specimen collection container.”
Such drug tests are also used by child protective services agencies during home visits to surveil parents, overwhelmingly mothers of color and particularly black mothers. A failed drug test may result in the removal of children from the home — regardless of whether the drug use is affecting the parenting abilities of the user.
During the drug-war years, unlike the other ways in which we relate to our bodies and our health, drug use has become fair game for policing and state surveillance. No state intervention can mandate that you stop eating gluten or quit smoking cigarettes or undergo chemotherapy, but we have come to accept the idea that outside authorities may monitor, control, and punish your choice to use certain drugs — and rampant drug testing is a graphic manifestation of that. Like any health-related blood or urine test, drug testing is not inherently bad, but its widespread, mandatory, and invasive deployment by the state is unique among health procedures. It is the only routine medical test that can land you in jail.
As public approval of drug-war-fueled mass incarceration ebbs, however, it’s important to remember that the drug “battlefield” now extends well beyond the prison and that privacy violations once reserved for jails and drug treatment centers are now common in places where privacy was once a given.
Predictive Policing
Perhaps the most prevalent prison-outside-of-prison version of incarceration happens before, not after, arrest. It’s what anti-police-violence activist Joseph “Jazz” Hayden calls “open-air prisons” — that is, the intensification of policing and surveillance in poor neighborhoods of color.
As a growing national movement has made clear recently, in many black and brown communities police are a feared source of violence, not an answer to it. A recent Pew survey showed that black Americans are much less likely than whites to believe that police protect them from crime. Only 31% of black respondents believed that the police were “good” or “excellent” at protecting their safety and for just 6% were they “good” at “using the right amount of force for each situation.”
Yet when right-wing advocates against mass incarceration opt for a new approach, they tend to support approaches that lead to identifying certain areas (homes, blocks, schools, neighborhoods) as “crime hotspots,” and cramming them with law enforcement and surveillance. Right on Crime, a Texas-based “prison reform” group which Newt Gingrich, Jeb Bush, and many other conservative luminaries promote, calls for using money saved from reducing prison populations to expand “data-driven policing” and, in the process, increase the use of electronic monitoring and private security firms.
Case in point: a method called “predictive policing” is increasingly gaining favor with right-wing “reformers.” Appropriately enough, as reporter Aaron Cantú documents, the very concept was birthed by a private company called PredPol. As the ACLU of Massachusetts notes, this technique “essentially applies the Total Information Awareness approach to policing.” That means drawing upon large pools of surveillance, arrest, and other data to develop “algorithms” to determine when and where a crime might happen in the future. The use of historical arrest data ensures, of course, that police presences will intensify in places that are already most heavily patrolled and where the most arrests occur: poor neighborhoods of color.
As that ACLU report observes:
“If police arrested lots of bankers and lawyers for cocaine use and for hiring expensive sex workers, we might see predictive policing algorithms sending cops to patrol rich suburbs or fancy hotels in downtown areas. Instead, the algorithms simply reproduce the unjust policing system we’ve got.”
In recent years, as the barriers between local law enforcement and the country’s intelligence agencies have broken down, opportunities for race-based targeting within communities have multiplied. For example, under the banner of counterterrorism, national and local outfits have colluded in intensifying the surveillance of Arabs and Muslims. The Electronic Frontier Foundation notes the dissemination of “suspicious activity reports” through national police and intelligence networks with titles like “Suspicious ME [Middle Eastern] Males Buy Several Large Pallets of Water.” In this way, “predicting” crime falls in line with racial and religious profiling.
Current applications of the “predictive policing” strategy usually involve expanding surveillance and data collection and increasing the number of police clustered in certain locations. However, the predictive software may be used in more aggressive ways in the future. In Albuquerque, for example, police have begun using the software to flag “bait” items, such as copper wire and cars, placing them in targeted neighborhoods. If the items are taken, arrests can be made on the spot or police can continue to track them (and the people who’ve taken them), enlarging the area that is directly surveilled.
Even some of the “reforms” being proposed in response to racist police violence carry the potential to be used against the public in ways that expand the bounds of who is watched and when. The body cameras that President Obama proposes all police wear face outward. As constitutional lawyer Shahid Buttar notes, they monitor anyone who crosses their path, including people suspected of no crime, “without the individual basis for suspicion constitutionally required to justify a police search.”
Buttar warns that this uptick in public surveillance could actually fuel incarceration. Constant video footage means more opportunities to convict people of the small “crimes” occurring all the time, from jaywalking to selling loose cigarettes to causing a public disturbance. The more convictions, the more potential for punishment — and the more opportunities for confinement.
Sex Offender Registries
Although the left-leaning among us may respond to secret data collection and hidden cameras with a visceral aversion, some other strategies that cage people are not so firmly installed on the list of liberal no-nos. Electronic monitoring, house arrest, and targeted policing number among these. Another such mechanism generally condoned or even championed by liberals is the sex offender registry. Yet placement on a registry is a sure ticket to imprisonment-outside-of-prison, sometimes for life. In most states, the minimum duration before you can get off a sex offender registry is at least a decade; in some states, it’s forever.
In 2013, Sable, an incarcerated Pennsylvania woman and mother of three young children, was gearing up for release. Three years earlier, when she was 24, she had been convicted of “statutory sexual assault” — carrying on a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old boy. In some ways, she was looking forward to leaving prison. In others, she was dreading it.
Release, she wrote me, would look nothing like freedom. She would, she explained, be required to avoid cell phones and the Internet. She’d be banned from contact with minors — including her own children. Beyond these tangible restrictions, she was terrified of a more amorphous kind of imprisonment, what she referred to as “the stigma I will live with for the next 22 years.” In Pennsylvania, anyone convicted of a sex offense spends the next quarter-century on a sex offender registry. She anticipated the fear, rejection, or even violence she might face from neighbors, prospective employers, and possible friends.
Sex offender registries are a relatively recent phenomenon. They became widespread in the 1990s in the wake of several high-profile abductions, rapes, and murders of children. Though there’s no evidence that the registries actually prevent sexual assault, they now exist in every state and have been codified into federal law.
To question their use is not to diminish the gravity of sexual violence. Rather, their lack of effectiveness in assault prevention, their grounding premise that ongoing punishment is appropriate long after imprisonment has ended, and their gathering up of those convicted of a wide range of offenses — from sex work (as outlined by scholar Erica Meiners) to the receipt of pornography — should give us pause, no matter how distasteful many of the registrants’ crimes may be.
In numerous states, the whole registry is available for search on the Internet, complete with mug shots and addresses. In some states, that includes juveniles.
Josh Gravens, a prison reform activist and Soros Justice Advocacy Fellow, was arrested at age 12 for having had sexual contact with his eight-year-old sister. He recently wrote in the Juvenile Justice Information Exchange that, despite three and a half years in juvenile prison and four years on parole, “by far the worst penalty I experienced was being placed on the Texas Sex Offender Registry.” As an adult, Gravens faced evictions, a near-impossible quest for employment, and a giant, pervasive stigma against him and his family. “As it stands today,” he writes, “the registry harms far more children than it protects.”
As monitoring and intrusion become more prevalent, they are normalized and become expectable, built into the fabric of how we relate to other human beings. If allowed to expand, sooner or later they also are likely to add categories of people who are not as easily dismissed by mainstream culture.
In a world of electronic monitors, predictive policing, interagency data sharing, hidden cameras, and registries, imprisonment extends not only beyond the walls of the jail or penitentiary, but beyond any contained space. In the new world of incarceration, your house is your prison. Your block is your prison. Your school is your prison. Your neighborhood… your city… your state… your country is your prison.
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Nick Fitzhugh
Edit Bays
Volunteer to join the filmmaking team behind THE WORLD IS ON FIRE
by Nick Fitzhugh
Today, one in just over a hundred people worldwide are living in forced displacement. That’s more than 65 million people total. We need the help of as many volunteers as possible directly connected to refugee communities to help us empower them to share their all-important stories.
THE WORLD IS ON FIRE is a redfitz original documentary film that will trace the personal stories of these refugees and migrants during this unprecedented moment in history by interweaving tens of thousands of video clips, photographs, phone calls, video calls and texts provided by thousands of the subjects themselves. At no other time in history has this been possible. But today, many refugees and migrants have phones to communicate with and a camera to capture pieces of their journey. In the style of National Geographic's ONE DAY ON EARTH, this subject-captured material will bring viewers so close to these journeys they'll feel it could easily have been them being forced to flee – because it could have been...
We're building a global team of volunteers passionate about and connected to the refugee and migrant crisis to help refugees and migrants share videos they've captured on their mobile phones at some stage of their migration (before, during, or after). If you're in touch with refugee communities or can be and want to help make this important film happen, sign up here and we'll welcome you to the team and get you the tools!
Refugee Community Connection *
Please indicate which refugee camp(s) or agency or community you're connecting with or if you're just connected to lots of refugees, why.
Thank you! We'll be in touch shortly with more details!
redfitz films
Human stories for a small world.
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