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Category Archives: Maori King
1law4all > Maori King
Twenty Two Mendacious Modern (part-)Maori Myths
maori, new zealand, racial privilege, racism, Treaty of Waitangi, Waitangi Tribunal Maori, Maori King, Maori Privilege, New Zealand, New Zealand History, Propaganda, Racism, The Maori Party, Treaty of Waitangi 11
A useful reference when challenged on your stance of 1Law4All:
The Maoris are indigenous to NZ.
Wrong. Unlike the Indians in North America and the Aborigines in Australia, who have been on their land for tens of thousands of years, gaggles of Maoris arrived in New Zealand about 1250 A.D. a mere 400 years before Abel Tasman. At Cape Reinga there is a hillock that, according to Maori lore and the accompanying sign, the spirits of dead Maoris leave from on their journey home to Hawaiki, thus showing that even the modern part-Maoris don’t believe that they are indigenous.
The Maoris enjoyed an idyllic life before the arrival of the white man.
Before the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 New Zealand was divided among numerous warring tribes. Since 1820 about one third of their population (43,500) had been killed as a result of tribal warfare and all lived in constant fear of being attacked by a stronger tribe with better weapons. Cannibalism, ritual human sacrifice, slavery, female infanticide, witch-doctory and a lack of any form of law and order were features of their Stone Age existence.
The Maoris did not cede full sovereignty at Waitangi in 1840.
This lie has recently been put out by the Waitangi Tribunal at the behest of part-Maori radicals. By Article One of the Treaty the chiefs ceded full sovereignty of these violent and anarchic islands to Queen Victoria forever as the speeches of Rewa, Te Kemara, Kawiti and other chiefs of the time show. Twenty years later at the Kohimarama (Auckland) conference, the largest gathering of chiefs in New Zealand history, they declared that full sovereignty had been ceded in 1840. If the chiefs did not cede sovereignty, they would have continued their cannibalism, which meant a lot to some of them.
Those tribes, like Tuhoe and Tainui, whose chiefs did not sign the Treaty, are not bound by it.
The obvious answer to this is that Tuhoe, Tainui, etc. should return to the taxpayer all their substantial Treaty settlements. For how do those tribes take a settlement from a Treaty that their tribal forebears did not sign? However, as is so often the case, the obvious is not the truth. By living peacefully under the law for several generations – paying taxes, receiving welfare benefits, fighting in the armed services, etc. – these and other tribes have, by their actions, accepted the sovereignty of the Crown. Whether or not their forebears signed the Treaty is irrelevant. End of story.
The Treaty of Waitangi was a “partnership” between the Crown and Maori.
No. Full sovereignty was ceded to Britain in 1840 as Britain, at the time the greatest empire in the history of the world, did not go in for “partnership” agreements with Stone Age chiefs who had been unable to bring peace and order to their own lands. Indeed, one of the instructions of Colonial Secretary, Lord Normanby, to Captain Hobson, was to walk away if full sovereignty could not be ceded as, without it, Britain would have no legal basis for bringing order and peace to the islands. No special concessions or “partnership” were mentioned in the Treaty for the simple reason that there was no partnership.
This was clearly understood by all parties until the Maori radical movement got off the ground in the 1980s. Realising that by the words of the Treaty they could not get superior rights over other New Zealanders, they invented the “partnership” concept for that very purpose. For reasons of cowardice, treason or self-interest, others, politicians, judges, bureaucrats – have bought into this lie. It is also being taught in our schools in an effort to soften up the next generation for a whole new tranche of tribal demands.
There are principles of the Treaty.
No, the Treaty was a very simple document of only three Articles, none of which mentions “principles” or “partnership.” Since the Treaty gave equality for the first time to all the people of New Zealand, the grievance industry of the late twentieth century knew that they could not get special race based privileges from the Treaty itself and so, 150 years after the event, they invented for the first time the fictions of “principles” and “partnership” to give them what the Treaty does not.
There are two conflicting versions of the Treaty one in English and the other in Maori.
There is only one Treaty and it’s in Maori – (Te Tiriti). It was signed by around 500 chiefs. It was translated from the English draft, known as the Littlewood document. Hobson’s secretary, James Freeman, later made some English replica versions of the Treaty, adding his own phrases here and there. Those were neither drafts of the Treaty nor translations of it. But one of these replica versions in English was signed by some chiefs at Waikato Heads because the genuine manuscript copy intended for signing had not arrived in time for the meeting. By the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 the government has adopted this illegitimate version, signed by a mere 49 chiefs in the abovementioned circumstances, as the “official” English Treaty, displacing Te Tiriti that was signed by nearly 500 chiefs!!!!
The Treaty of Waitangi is a “living document.”
Wrong. The Treaty was merely the pre-condition for establishing British rule, which Governor Hobson did by proclamation later in 1840. By the end of 1840, the Treaty was regarded as having performed its function, viz. acceptance by the chiefs of British sovereignty in exchange for full British citizenship for all Maoris.
It’s only become a “living document” for those who want to expand its meaning so as to give ever more spurious rights to the tribal elite - including people like former Labour Deputy Prime Minister, Michael Cullen, who, since his retirement from Parliament has become the highly paid chief Treaty negotiator for the Tuwharetoa tribe for which, interestingly, if not worse, he used his ministerial position to grant a generous part of the nation’s forests under the Treelords deal a short time earlier.
Colonisation was bad for Maoris.
In one bold stroke the Treaty of Waitangi freed all the chiefs’ slaves (about 10,000 of them). They were then free to take work on things like road building contracts, thus earning money and being able to spend it how they liked.
The Treaty brought an end to tribal warfare and cannibalism, thus giving individual Maoris a right to life that they had not had before. For a society that had not even invented the wheel or writing, colonisation brought all the advanced inventions, comforts and contemporary medicine of the Western world. In 1840 the average life expectancy of a Maori was less than 30 years. In 2012 it was 72.8 years for men and 76.5 years for women.
Maori had to wait 27 years after 1840 before being granted the vote in 1867.
Not so. Maoris had the same representation as all other New Zealanders from the very beginning. The Treaty had given them the full rights of British subjects. In 1853 all men over twenty-one who owned property (with no distinction for race) could vote. At the time about 100 Maoris (mainly leaders) were enrolled to vote and by 1860 some 17% of the electorate were Maoris. The special Maori seats in Parliament were introduced in 1867 when all Maori men over twenty-one (with no property provision) could vote. By contrast, a property qualification still applied to Europeans so that many remained excluded. Those Maoris with freehold land could vote in general seats until 1893. In 1893 all women, including Maori, were granted the vote.
In the 1850s and 1860s Maoris paid most of the country’s taxes.
In the financial year ended June, 1859, for example, the great majority of government income (£150,471 out of £175,310) was from customs revenue. This is manifestly not from Maori as any separate entity.
Confiscation of lands from rebellious tribes during and after the Maori Wars was a breach of the Treaty.
In the words of Sir Apirana Ngata, the first Maori to graduate from a university and probably the greatest thinker that Maoridom has yet produced, “The chiefs placed in the hands of the Queen of England the sovereignty and authority to make laws. Some sections of the Maori people violated that authority. War arose from this and blood was spilled. The law came into operation and land was taken in payment. This itself is a Maori custom revenge, plunder to avenge a wrong. It was their own chiefs who ceded that right to the Queen. The confiscations can not therefore be objected to in the light of the Treaty.”
In 1863, during the Maori War, Governor Grey “invaded” the Waikato.
This misrepresentation has been bandied about for several years, usually by so-called “professional historians” with an axe to grind. The word “invade” suggests a hostile entry by a foreign power e.g. Hitler invading Poland in 1939 and Argentina invading the Falkland Islands in 1981. Since Grey was the Governor of New Zealand, holding legal jurisdiction over the whole country, it was not possible for him to “invade” any part of it. What he did was to lawfully send troops into the Waikato to suppress a rebellion against the sovereign power – something that every state is entitled to do. That is not an “invasion.”
There’s no harm in “co-governance agreements” between Crown and part-Maori.
Wrong. Co-governance agreements are a violation of both democracy and national sovereignty. Co-governance undermines the power of our democracy to make decisions for the general good since unelected tribes have effective veto powers and see things only from their own narrow interests. By his co-governance agreements with Tuhoe and other favoured tribes, Treaty Minister, Christopher Whinlayson, is driving a racist, separatist sword through the nation’s sovereignty and undermining our hard-won democracy.
The Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa.
Pre-1840 the Maoris did not have a name for the whole of New Zealand as they had no sense of a Maori nation – they were just separate warring-with-one-another tribes.
In 1643 the country was named New Zealand by the States-General (Parliament) of Holland and this has been its name for 370 years. Aotearoa as a fanciful name for New Zealand invented only in 1890 when S. Percy Smith used it as a make-up name for the whole country in his fictional story of Kupe. Nu Tirani appears in the Treaty of Waitangi. “Aotearoa” does not.
Tuheitia of the Waikato is the Maori king.
Like all other New Zealanders Tuheitia is a subject of Queen Elizabeth II and no monarch can be the subject of another. It is legally impossible. He might be a chief – even a high chief, but a king he is not.
Maoris (“tangata whenua”) have a greater claim to New Zealand than other New Zealanders.
There is no such thing as an ethnic Maori and there may not even be any half-castes as a result of several generations of Maoris cross-breeding with other races. We now have a race of part-Maoris with more European blood in them than Maori. So “tangata whenua” (people of the land) is therefore meaningless. The Treaty specifies 1840 Maori as tangata Maori.
Furthermore, in a modern democracy that is committed to equal rights for all citizens it is both absurd and offensive that any racial group should have superior rights to other New Zealanders. The mere chance of whose canoes or boats arrived first is irrelevant.
Maoris deserve special grants and privileges because they are at the bottom of the socio-economic heap.
Yes, a number of part-Maoris are not doing well; more than for other ethnic groups. But struggling citizens of all races should be helped on the basis of need, not race.
Far too much of the taxpayer-funded Treaty settlement and other race-based payouts from NZ taxpayers have gone into the pockets of the pale-faced tribal elite people like the multi-millionaire Irish New Zealander, Stephen (alias Tipene) O’Regan.
The high imprisonment rate of part-Maoris is the result of the Crown not honouring the Treaty of Waitangi.
No. People are imprisoned for things they have chosen to do. Those who are brought up in a good moral environment are less likely to commit crimes.
Most New Zealanders see nothing wrong with Maori privileges; it is only a few fuddy-duddies who object.
Wrong. Some poll results:
* 79% No to special Maori seats in parliament (Submitters to the Constitutional Advisory Panel)
* 82% No to compulsory Maori language in schools (yahoo Xtra poll)
* 96% of non-Maori students of Year 9 and above do NOT learn Maori despite it being an available option in many schools (NZ Herald, 23 July, 2014)
* 85% No to special Maori housing (Bay of Plenty Times, 20 April, 2013)
81% No to “Maori are special” (Close Up poll, July, 2011)
* 81% No to Maori names for North Island and South Island (Stuff poll, 2/4/13)
* 82% No to “h” in Wanganui (Referendum conducted by Wanganui District Council, 2006)
* 79% No to a special Maori voice on the committees of Rotorua Council (Rotorua Daily Post, 9/5/14)
* 82% No to special Maori wards on New Plymouth Council (Taranaki Daily News, 15/5/15)
* 79% No to Maori wards, Waikato District Council, April, 2012
* 80% No to Maori wards, Hauraki District Council, May 2013
* 79% No to Maori wards, Nelson District Council, May, 2012
* 52% No to Maori wards, Wairoa District Council, March, 2012
* 68% No to Maori wards, Far North District Council, March, 2015
* 70% want Maori wards in local government abolished (Consumerlink, Colmar Brunton poll, March, 2012)
* 68% want the Waitangi Tribunal abolished
In the 1800s Maoris “lost” most of their lands.
Apart from the relatively small percentage of land confiscated as a punishment for rebellion in the 1860s (See Myth No. 12) Maoris did not “lose” their lands; they sold them for valuable consideration at a mutually agreed price. Whether they spent the proceeds wisely or not was their own choice. There is a world of difference between “losing” something and selling it.
Those who oppose special rights and privileges for part-Maoris are “racists”.
This is a contradiction in terms and is propagated by people who are either mischievous or just plain dumb. Special rights/privileges for one race are a violation of the democratic principle that we should all be treated equally. To demand equality is not being “racist.” The real racists are those of the radical tribal elite who are trying to subvert our democracy with their endless racist demands.
These false claims by the tribal elite, aided and abetted by certain academics, judges and politicians acting for their own dubious motives, are trying to overturn a way of life in which we are all New Zealanders, equal before the law and with equal representation in government.
A purpose of 1Law4All is to reinforce the values that have made New Zealand what it is and for which our servicemen have died on the battlefield, and to expose the lies and racism which – in the twenty-first century – are tearing our nation apart. The continuing transfer of what were once public assets like forests and the foreshore and seabed and even state houses – to small, private tribal groups and the racist institutionalisation of a privileged status for those who happen to have been born part-Maori amount to the most radical change in our recent history and the most disastrous in its long term effects.
Citizens have a responsibility to be informed and, if sufficiently concerned, to cease voting from ancient habit rather than clear thought and an intelligent assessment of what is going on. Both National and Labour have been responsible for creating the mess that we are in and they are hardly the types to get us out of it.
Click the ‘download’ button below to save a copy of these myths for your use and reference. Perhaps print a copy to have on hand, too? (Four A4 pages)
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MFI Profile
For March 31, 2019
Monthly Financial Statements
Myanmar Key Economic Indicators
Chairman's Report
Managing Director & CEO's Report
Environmental and Social Sustainability Report
ACLEDA MFI Songs
Public Holidays in Myanmar
» Financial Information » Chairman's Report
Dr. IN Channy, Chairman
Myanmar's Economy
Myanmar is on track to post high economic growth in Fiscal Year 2017 (ending March 31, 2018). With the return of normal weather during the year, agriculture is recovering from flooding the previous year. Crop production is benefiting as well from higher demand and strong international prices for agricultural commodities. Industrial growth continues to accelerate with higher investment, both public and private, in garments and other light manufacturing, while services are getting a boost from buoyant tourism and expansion in the nascent telecommunications industry.
On the demand side, investment remains strong on higher inflows of external development assistance for infrastructure and buoyant private capital investment. Strong growth and rising incomes support private consumption. Foreign trade continues to grow at a brisk pace. In the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2017, the US dollar value of merchandise exports grew by 17%, and merchandise imports accelerated even faster, by 22%.
Although annual inflation halved to 3.9% in the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2017 from 7.6% in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2016, inflation for the year as a whole is still forecast at a higher rate because the first quarter decline came largely from a onetime drop in food prices. Slightly higher inflation is still forecast for Fiscal Year 2018. Continued demand pressure from strong growth and rising incomes will keep inflation elevated.
In the budget for Fiscal Year 2017, the government pursued a prudent fiscal policy. In response to a declining ratio of revenue to GDP, it recently passed a new tax law with significant changes to commodity and commercial tax rates. In tandem with prudent management of public expenditures, such revenue reform should help the government contain the fiscal deficit for Fiscal Year 2017 within the budget target, equal to 4.4% of GDP. The government plans to pass an investment law to attract more foreign direct investment and a new company law to allow foreign investors to operate in the stock market. While these initiatives could help achieve steady growth in the near term, inclusive and sustainable development require national peace and stability. An international risk to this outlook is possible volatility in financial markets [1].
Key Players in the Financial Sector in Myanmar
There are four State Owned Banks, 29 Private Banks, 13 Foreign Bank Branches, and 48 Representative Bank Offices, as well as 176 Licensed Microfinance Institutions which includes five INGOs, 22 NGOs, 39 Foreign Companies, three Partnership Firms, and 107 Local Companies. ACLEDA MFI Myanmar Co. Ltd. (AMM) with its operational network in three branch offices and five sub-branches is amongst the 176 Licensed MFIs.
ACLEDA MFI Myanmar Co., Ltd.'s Governance
The Board met face-to-face four times in June, September and December of 2017 and in March of 2018. Eleven resolutions were approved by e-mail during the course of 2017/18. Each meeting normally lasts one whole day.
During 2017/18 there were a number of changes to the governance of the Group. Mr. Sebastien Nahon has been appointed as a Director, and I whole-heartedly welcome him to the Board. In addition, the Board of Directors have approved the appointment of Mr. Min Aung as Company Secretary and approved the resignation of Mr. Vincent Gros as the Representative of our shareholder COFIBRED S.A.
ACLEDA MFI Myanmar Co., Ltd.'s Achievement in year 2017/18
From a performance perspective, we are pleased to report that ACLEDA MFI Myanmar Co., Ltd. has achieved a strong performance. Profit before income tax for the year-end 2017/18 was US$3,024,233; Loans outstanding were US$24,735,217 with 68,564 active borrowers and balance on savings amounted to US$2,360,317 with 98,374 savings accounts. In 2017/18 the net profit after tax was US$2,240,037. Our Head Office in Yangon and all our branches are using in-house Information Technology Systems developed by our parent company, ACLEDA.
In closing, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to our Shareholders for their confidence, support and encouragement for our on-going activities; and to our management and staff for their efforts that have contributed to more than four years of growth. The Board remains committed to building ACLEDA MFI Myanmar Co., Ltd. as a leading MFI in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to all Myanmar authorities, the general public, and all of our customers for their continued support and confidence in ACLEDA MFI Myanmar Co., Ltd.
Dr. IN Channy
Chairman of the Board of Directors
[1]. Page 199-200 of Asian Development Outlook 2017 (https://www.adb.org/sites/default/fi les/publication/365701/ado2017-update.pdf)
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The Birth and Government
BEFORE THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, also known as the Articles of Confederation, was the first official governing document of the newly created Unites States of America. After the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 by the Continental Congress, the brand new nation needed a document that bound the thirteen colonies into a union. On November 15, 1777 the Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation that combined the thirteen colonies into a loose confederation. The articles were ratified by the colonies and took effect March 1, 1781. The Second Continental Congress at that time evolved a new a name for itself to go with the new constitution: Congress of the Confederation.
The Articles of Confederation would fail to provide for decisive leadership and did not create the position of a chief executive or president of the country. Instead, the articles created a position for a person to serve as the presiding officer of Congress under the Articles of Confederation. This post was called President of the United States in Congress Assembled. By failing to provide for a strong national chief executive the Articles of Confederation fell out of favor with members of Congress and the people.
Eventually, the Articles of Confederation would be replaced by the United States Constitution on June 21, 1788, when the ninth state, New Hampshire, ratified the Constitution.
United States of America - Official Name
Though brief in its existence, the Articles did leave its mark. The document contained thirteen articles, a conclusion, and signatures. The first article established the name of the confederation as “The United States of America”. The second article explained the rights possessed by any state and the power to which the state is entitled. Other articles dealt with freedom of movement, state representation in the Congress of the Confederation (each state had one vote), and limited the power of states to conduct foreign relations independent of Congress and limited the right of a state to declare war. It also provided that the Congress have a unicameral legislature (one chamber).
The Articles of Confederation also outlined the right of the central government to declare war, set weights and measures including coins, and to be the final arbiter of arguments between states.
Another weakness of the Articles of Confederation was its failure to empower congress to compel states to provide its share of revenue or troops for war for independence from Great Britain, the American Revolution, that was still raging. The inefficiency of weak central government led to Gen. George Washington’s frustration as he often lacked needed funds and troops to fight the war. The Articles endorsed Congressional control of the Continental Army and allowed for the show of colonial unity but lacked the teeth to enforce its own laws.
A decisive blow to the life of the Articles of Confederation lay in its failure to provide for a national means of collecting taxes from the various states. Without a consistent flow of income from all the states the central government was ineffective.
Finally, after several failed attempts to address the issue of the weaknesses of the Articles, leaders from several states first met at the Annapolis Convention of 1786 and then in Philadelphia to debate improvements to the federal government. On February 21, 1787 Congress endorsed the plan by state leaders to revise the Articles of Confederation.
The endorsement for changes by Congress led to the Constitutional Convention. Secretly, and at great risk to their freedom, instead of simply revising the Articles, delegates from the various states created a plan to completely replace the Articles with a new governing document that would come to be the United States Constitution, the same Constitution in effect today. The Constitutional Convention, as the assembly came to be known, endorsed the new Constitution on September 17, 1787.
On September 28, 1787 Congress sends the newly written Constitution to the states for ratification. The document states it will become effective upon ratification by the ninth state. This happened on June 21, 1788 when New Hampshire ratified it. Rhode Island became the thirteenth and last state to ratify it on May 29, 1790.
On July 2, 1788 the ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America was officially announced by Congress. On November 1, 1788 the last Congress under the Articles of Confederation adjournsed.
On March 4, 1789 the new government created by the U.S. Constitution came into existence when the U.S. Congress met for the first time.
NEXT PAGE - Constitutional Convention
Return to - TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Bert's Blog
The Web Presence Scale
I think a lot about how organizations exist on the internet. I’m not thinking so much about web companies, but rather the organizations that exist regardless of the internet or computers. These groups and businesses almost always exist in some form on the internet, and are often concerned with having either “more” presence or a “better” presence on the internet. I think we have an understanding of the quality of a presence, but I’ve been thinking that I don’t really have a good way of expressing quantity of web presence. I think, as a starting point, the quantity scale can be divided into certain layers.
Level 0: Non-Existant
The group may be real, but the internet is unaware. This can be fairly hard to achieve for organizations tied to physical locations, but for those that are more transient, is more easily possible.
Level 1: Existant
The group has been noticed by Google, foursquare, Yelp, etc. It doesn’t really matter how the information got out there, but now it’s out and in use. Users are able to find out information about the organization, though the org doesn’t necessarily control it.
Level 2: Intentional
The group has created their own space on the internet. This can take many forms, like a web page, a facebook page, or anything else that lets them collect information and organize it. It also provides them something to point other people and services to. The key distinction here is that they are now in control of their own data.
Level 3: Integrated
This is probably the vaguest stage, but that’s because it’s different for every organization. At this point, some level of core operation has moved to the web. Whether it’s sales, customer support / interaction, marketing, or something else.
Obviously, this doesn’t apply to internet based organizations, or people, who generally exist in different ways. It’s interesting to note that individuals tend to move through the levels in the order of something like 0, 3, 2, 1. Starting off with interactive accounts, then creating some place to organize their digital existance before it gets picked up by other services.
This also, isn’t a checklist or plan for anyone. One level isn’t necessarily better than another. Many organizations exist well at Level 1, and shouldn’t move to Level 2, as doing that poorly can be quite damaging. Also, my local pizza place doesn’t need a website.
I think it means something to transition between these levels. Forcing yourself into Level 1 from non-existance is a big step, as is declaring your own space on the internet, or integrating your business with it. I think it’s important at each step to figure out what this means for the organization. What statement are they making by progressing?
I also wonder what we can do as an industry to not require organizations to have to push to higher levels. If every organization could get by as Level 1, without having to build a custom website, without having to build custom integration, wouldn’t that be better? Does going to a higher level mean that there’s some service that they are missing at the lower ones? If we can figure that out and provide it, wouldn’t that make their lives easier?
Lessons From the Postal Service
Nov 22nd, 2011
With the Post Office having financial troubles, they’re closing many locations. What this means for Hoboken is that we’re losing 3 out of 4 of ours.
What’s interesting about the closing of these offices is the process. Roughly, the process involves surveying the public, having a public hearing, and then a decision is made, and then there’s a waiting period before the office closes.
Having gotten 3 of these surveys, with identical explanitory letters attached, I’ve had time to ponder the inefficiencies of it. Hoboken has 4 post offices for 1.3 square miles. It’s clearly unnecessary. Several people I’ve talked to didn’t even know there was more than one, and these are people who’ve lived less than a block from one of the closing ones.
Reading the letter and survey, it’s clearly not designed for this sort of situation. It’s asking things like how often I visit, what I buy there, and what I use the office for, all of which could be answered by tracking at the office. It also asks if I’m able to make it to my next nearest post office should they close this one. My next nearest being half a mile away (closer than most of the ones being closed). After all this, it explains the process, how long it would be until the decision, and then that there’d be another 2 months or more until the actual closing.
This is all so wasteful. I realize there are good reasons for it, and that the surveys serve a good purpose especially in more rural areas, but there must be some allowance for flexability and reason.
My apologies to those who are truly inconvienienced by the closings because we in Hoboken are so wasteful as to have 4.
What’s the Point of HTML?
I’m a big fan of code separation and the MVC pattern. As we slowly move towards a world where everything is a web app, I think forcing the model of MVC on most frameworks has been the greatest move towards clean code that we’ll see for a while.
But lets look at the View portion of MVC. What is the View for a web app? Most people would say it’s the html file that gets sent back to the browser. This is close to the truth, but clearly breaks down once you start considering javascript. A View shouldn’t be self modifying, able to handle events, etc.
The truth is that web apps don’t run on servers, they run in the browser. The cases are few and far between of useful web apps that don’t require javascript. Once you consider javascript, our MVC paradigm breaks.
The truth is, in the browser, we have our own MVC. In an ideal world, the Model is HTML, the View is CSS, and the Controller is Javascript. In practice, HTML is so ingrained into browser rendering, that it’s impossible to separate from the View. As a Model, HTML documents are rather lacking. No one wants to store anything that’s not being rendered in the HTML structure, as it’s not easy to work with.
Perhaps it’s time to give up on HTML being a source of clean data, and to accept it’s role as part of the view. How then do we achieve proper code separation in our web pages? How do we enable the semantic web when our fundamental form of document is rendering information and not data? The answer is to pull your data from an API. Look at Twitter; Loading up their webpage gives an HTML page with no data. Javascript on the page consumes an API, and passes it into HTML for rendering. If you’re interested in a clean form of the data itself (the Model from which the page is built), you can grab it from the API(In my case: http://api.twitter.com/1/statuses/user_timeline.json?include_entities=1&include_available_features=1&contributor_details=true&pc=false&include_rts=true&user_id=243506131).
Looking at HTML this way allows us to not feel guilty about non-semantic divs, and not knowing the right microformat for calendar events.
What we do need to make sure of is that our new html pages don’t lock up data, that there is an API for everything, and that it is publically accessible. After all, people only are scraping your HTML for information if it’s not available in a better form.
In Defense of the Back Button
Nov 1st, 2011
Christoffer Du Rietz recently took a jab at the Android hardware buttons. Much has been said on the topic, and I won’t try to contribute more on the subject of Android vs. iOS or whether or not hardware buttons are a good idea. Let’s just leave it at that I’m a nexus one user who likes his phone and I’m excited at what I’ve seen of Ice Cream Sandwich so far.
What I do want to address is a comment he made regarding the back button that “The problem is, that Android hasn’t decided what that it wants the back button to do.” . That statement seems ridiculous to me. I’ll try to explain my reasoning, but first we need to go down a little tangent.
Information Architecture is hard. This is not news to anyone who’s been responsible for laying out the content and navigation of a sizable website, or dealt with making sane and simple user workflows, or even struggled with finding the best outline for a paper they were writing.
Life used to be simpler. You struggled with your mass of information for a while, picked your favorite organizational structure and went with it, for better or worse. This is how we got the Dewey Decimal system, the standard layout for clothing stores (divided men’s / women’s / children, again in each of those sections by style of clothing, and so on). Of course, everything can only be in one place though, so your book that’s a mix of Computer Science and Literature? Someone’s going to have make a choice as to which section of the library it will be in.
Computers solved that problem, right? Now ebooks can exist in both classifications, since they’re digital. Being able to link around the web means we don’t have to follow anyone else’s established hierarchy. I mean, books still have to be on a certain shelf and a shirt on a particular rack, but we can search and shop unlike and find what we’re looking for.
Unfortunately, this is only partly true. We still have two forms of going through content as humans, searching and browsing. Linking and searching work for the searching behavior, but for browsing we still need to have a hierarchy and feel like we know where we are (even when “where we are” exists only as bits on the screen). You’ll notice all the clothing store websites haven’t abandoned their hierarchies. People still like to be able to go “up” from what they’re looking at to all Men’s clothing, or “down” to a particular shirt, or “over” to look at pants instead. What has changed though, is that we now have somethings that can function without hierarchy at all.
Twitter has no strict information hierarchy. It’s not unique in this, but it’s who I’m going to pick on right now. If we were to assign Twitter a hierarchy, it would probably be a very flat and wide one where the user would pick one of a million users, and they would have their tweets and their profile. Not great usability. Twitter works because they can break this model, throw it out the window, and have navigation based on aggregation of a hundred different things. This means there is no “up” or “down” in Twitter. There’s only “back” (and then sometimes “forward”), which are new directions based on the user’s flow instead of the information architecture.
This is what your browser does to allow you some affordance of navigation through the web. Each site (usually) has their hierarchy, but once you break that, it’s back to the browser back button.
So now let’s get back to the point.
Android, tasked with building an OS for a smartphone, has to figure out navigation among many other issues. Apps are much worse than websites when it comes to navigation. Between the myriad of chat programs, things like dropbox, tuners, and other utilities, and other programs on my phone, I’d be hard pressed to figure out a sane hierarchical navigation for half of them. To add to this, Android has a wonderful way to call into different parts of applications using intents, which act as the equivalent of linking to different webpages online.
So, we’re in a model where there’s no guaranteed hierarchy within apps, and a user is able and probable to wander through applications anyway. This means we have to throw out the browsing model (at least from an os perspective, inside apps it may still work) and stick with our navigational concession, the back button.
If understood this way, the back button is entirely consistent. Even in cases where hierarchical navigation still makes sense, I think you’ll find that most of them are similar to something like a mail program. Click one email to view, and then people tend to choose “back” over “up”. How often do you hit the inbox link in gmail?
At this point I feel compelled to call out Facebook on their recent app design, which is the only one I know that willfully breaks this model. Android allows you to override the back button behavior, but recommends against it for consistency reasons (and, hey, why write the code when the os gives it for free?). Facebook launches a user into the newsfeed when they open the app, and hitting the back button takes them to some sort of menu. Back again behaves as expected. I’m not sure what the thought process was here towards breaking the expecation. Unfortunately, there’s discussions as to how to treat the back button in ajax applications as there’s no browser reload between actions for them, so I imagine as that we’ll see more abuses of this type as the tools evolve to change browser behavior.
Thanks to @okayrene for helping me refine this.
Making a Useful Business
I saw a post on Hacker News recently about a recent batch of graduates from TechStars. There was a comment there lamenting the lack of businesses attacking new problems. Unfortunately, I can’t find the post or comment now, unfortunately, but it’s a thought I’ve heard and shared before, and it’s not unique to any program or group of people.
A lot is said in the startup world about “scratching your own itch”. That is, find a problem that affects you so you’ll be inspired to solve it. A lot of great ideas and businesses have come out of this, but it’s almost come to a point where people don’t know what to solve because a lot of the problems in the life of a typical startup founder have been solved.
A comparison to our lives 10 years ago shows that. We now have much better internet access, more blogging, email sending, hosting, and social media solutions than you can shake a fist at. We even have smartphones so we never need to be without a computer. I’m not arguing that there aren’t improvements to be made in these fields, but rather that a lot of them have been attacked and are 85% solved. Yes, you may be able to do better and make it 90%, but it’s going to be a hard sell.
When I expand my itch scratching to family and friends, I find problems that are screaming for good teams of people to provide any help at all. If you look at any small (or even large) business, you’ll find tons of processes that are annoyingly manual, time consuming, and generally wasteful.
When we started Mom n Pops, we were scratching our own itch. We found it hard to find things in our neighborhood. What we found was that not only was the consumer side lacking, but that there were no tools on the store side either. Store owners keeping track of things on post-it notes, distributors going store to store taking inventory by hand on paper, and what tools exist are expensive and bad. Theres definitely work to be done here.
My new rule of thumb when I hear ideas is “Who’s life is significantly better because of this?” and, if I’m uninspired with ideas for what I should do, I talk to other people about their jobs. They always know something that can be fixed.
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Event Resume
ABRSC
Asheville Spartan Race puts 77-year-old runner closer to his lofty goal
BLACK MOUNTAIN - Thousands of runners will breathe a sigh of relief when they cross the finish line of the Asheville Super, one of two Spartan Races returning for the fourth year to the quarry at Grove Stone & Sand on Aug. 4 and 5. Paul Lachance will take a few breaths, head to his hotel and get ready to do it all again the next day.
That’s because the 77-year-old cancer survivor will be back on the course the next day to run the Asheville Sprint, putting him one race closer to his goal of completing 15 Spartan Races in 2018.
Just four years ago competing in even a single Spartan Race would’ve seemed impossible for the Grand Junction, Colorado resident, who will travel to Western North Carolina for the first time to participate in the Asheville Super and Sprint Weekend, which takes place in Black Mountain, just outside the city from which it borrows its name.
“It started in 2014, after my heart attack, when I was looking on the internet for exercises and things of that nature,” Lachance said in a phone interview a few days before the race. “I came across a Spartan Race video and said to myself ‘I can do that.’”
He signed up for the shortest of the Spartan Races. The Sprint is over three miles and consists of over 20 obstacles, including flaming logs and towering walls.
“Sometimes they have a bucket-carry,” Lachance said. “What they like to do is find these hills, and you have a five gallon bucket filled with rocks, and you have to carry that bucket up the hill like 100 yards or so. It gets heavy.”
For obstacles that runners can’t complete there’s a penalty of burpees, or squat thrust, that must be performed within a designated area before returning to the course.
Lachance was quickly hooked on the races and began staying in shape to run more. In 2016 he completed what the Spartan website (spartan.com) calls the “ultimate Spartan achievement.” A Trifecta requires runners to complete three Spartan races of different distances within a calendar year, a feat Lachance accomplished three time in 2016 and four last year.
"My goal is to add one Trifecta a year until I reach the age of 80," he said. "That will be eight Trifectas at 80."
But much like a Spartan Race, life placed an obstacle directly in Lachance's path at the end of last year.
"I was diagnosed with a lump in my jaw last December," he said. "It came back positive for skin cancer and I had surgery to remove it after Christmas."
Not only did the radiation and chemotherapy treatment, which Lachance started undergoing in January, cause him to lose around 50 pounds, it also kept him from running Spartan Races.
"I kept bugging the oncologist about letting me run," he said. "But he wouldn't let me."
While the treatment took its toll on Lachance physically, he gained strength in other ways,
"I know I'm a little slower this year than in past years," he said. "But mentally I think I'm stronger than I've ever been. I'm more resolved now to get these five Trifectas done this year."
Doing so will be no easy task.
Lachance completed a Super (eight-10 miles with 24-29 obstacles) and Sprint in Jacksonville, Florida in April and followed those up with another Super and Sprint weekend at Fort Carson in Colorado. He picked up another Super in Austin, Texas in May before a thunderstorm forced the cancellation of the subsequent Sprint.
The races at Grove Stone & Sand will get him almost halfway to his goal.
"My body will let me finish strong," he said. "I'm in the best shape of my life right now. I've been training with a Spartan coach the last few weeks and I can feel my body mending itself."
In fact, Lachance has seen a significant reduction in the amount of medication he needs in the wake of his quadruple bypass surgery following his heart attack.
"Doing these races has given me a whole new outlook on life," he said. "In a lot of ways I feel like I'm a better person than I was before."
His experience makes Lachance want to encourage others to try one of the races.
"I had a guy tell me 'I need to do one of those one day,'" Lachance said. "I told him he only needed two feet to get out there and try."
It's not about your time, Lachance added, it's about the sense of accomplishment.
"I'm a very slow runner, but at least I'm out there," he said. "At the end of the race I get the same medal and banana that everyone else gets, but there's no better feeling than crossing that fire line at the end."
Fred McCormick, Black Mountain News
Newer PostBreakdown of the World Equestrian Games events
Older PostBeyond the Scoreboard: Tourists become 'Asheville Hippies' for Thirsty Thursday
Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, 27 College Place, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States(828)-398-0295
27 College Place, Suite 200
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Faculty of ForestryAdaptation of Asia-Pacific Forests to Climate Change
Climate models
Ecological models
Pilot site experiments
John Innes
Guangyu Wang
Tongli Wang
Haijun Kang
Futao Guo
Lin Cao
Yuhao Lu
Qinglin Li
Craig Nitschke
Xiaoming Chen
Nicholas Coops
Judi Krzyzanowski
Liguo Wang
Ma Xiangqing
Yongyuan Yin
Fuliang Cao
Inception meeting
Training workshop in Kunming
World Forestry Congress
Asia-Pacific Forestry Week
IUFRO Regional Congress for Asia and Oceania
Siti Nurhidayu Abu Bakar "Ayu"
Huan-Yu Lin
Tze-Ying Chen
Thein Saung
Professor and Dean, B.A. (1979), M.A. (1983), Ph.D. (1983) University of Cambridge
Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Resources Management,
Office of the Dean, #2045 – 2424 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
Phone: 1-604–822–3542
Email: john.innes@ubc.ca
The graduate students that make up the Sustainable Forest Management Laboratory, which I lead, are interested in all aspects of sustainable forest management, but particularly the application of the principles of sustainable forest management to real world situations. We have been looking at how internationally agreed criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management can be improved and what this means for forestry practices on the ground. Our research group has developed some novel web-based approaches to enable these indicators to be continuously improved: see http://www.sfmindicators.org.
The design of suitable monitoring systems is an important part of forest management: a manager must be able to see whether a particular change in management is having the desired effect on the ground. To do this, an appropriate system of indicators and measurements is required. There is also a need to better understand what constitutes a “success”, since different people have different ideas about this. As a result, we are looking at the success of co-management agreements for both forests and national parks.
We are working with a number of indigenous peoples looking at how they are implementing sustainable forest management. Our work in the Yukon involves an examination of how the impacts of climate change are affecting forest-dependent communities and how those communities are adapting to their changing environment. This ties in with our work in northeast British Columbia, where we have been looking at the cumulative impacts of development on aboriginal communities. Elsewhere in British Columbia, we are looking at what influences the capacity of First Nations to implement sustainable forestry and at some of the barriers influencing this.
I am closely involved with a number of international projects in China and elsewhere. Having worked in Britain and Switzerland in the past, I am interested in how management practices are changing in different countries in response to international issues such as the conservation of biodiversity and climate change. As a past member of the Sustainable Forestry Board, I am particularly interested in certification and how it is promoting sustainable forest management.
Current Research:
Application of sustainable forest management to the Min River Watershed, China
Development of a national forest certification standard for China
Factors influencing the capacity of aboriginal groups to practice sustainable forest management
Effectiveness of co-management agreements for national parks and community forests
Adaptation of northern communities in the Yukon Territory to climate change
Impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems in the Yukon Territory, Canada
Socio-economic indicators of sustainable forest management
IUFRO Scientific Achievement Award (1995), BC Premier’s Award – Innovation (2005/2006 finalist), Nobel Peace Prize (as a contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) (2007), International Forestry Achievement Award, Canadian Institute of Forestry (2015)
FRST 439 International Forestry
Guo, F., Wang, G., Ma, Z., Innes, J.L., and Ma, X. (2015). Comparison of six generalized linear models for modeling the occurrence of lightning-induced fires in Northern Daxing’an Mountains, China. Journal of Forestry Research, in press.
Guo, F., Innes, J.L., Wang, G., Ma, X., Sun, L., Hu, H. and Su, Z. (2015). Historic distribution and driving factors of human-caused fires in the Chinese boreal forest between 1972 and 2005. Journal of Plant Ecology, in press.
Lim, S.S., Innes, J.L. and Meitner, M. (2015). Public awareness of aesthetic and other forest values associated with sustainable forest management: A cross-cultural comparison among the public in four countries. Journal of Environmental Management 150, 243-249.
Lim, S.S., Innes, J.L. and Meitner, M. (2015). Awareness of aesthetic and forest values: a comparison between the general public and forestry experts. Society and Natural Resources, in press.
Paudel, S., Simard, S., Nitschke, C., and Innes, J.L. (2015). Climate variation and disturbance regime affect stand composition and structure of the boreal forests in Southwest Yukon of Canada. Open Journal of Forestry 5, 337-352.
Liu, J. and Innes, J.L. (2015). Participatory forest management in China: Key challenges and ways forward. International Forestry Review 17(2)
Paudel, S., Nitschke, C. and Innes, J.L. (2015). Assessing natural regeneration of white spruce, trembling aspen and balsam poplar in response to bio-geoclimatic and disturbance factors in Southwest Yukon of Canada. Journal of Forestry
Che, M., Chen, B., Innes, J.L., Wang, G. D, Dou, X., Zhou, T., Zhang, H., Yan, J., Xu, G., Zhao, H. (2014). Spatial and temporal variations in the end dates of the vegetation growing season throughout the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau from 1982 to 2011. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 189, 81-90
Chen, B., Xu, G., Coops, N.C., Ciais, P., Innes, J.L., Wang, G., Myneni, R.B., Wang, T., Krzyzanowski, J., Li, Q., Cao, L (2014). Changes in vegetation photosynthesis activity trends across the Asia-Pacific region over the last three decades Remote Sensing of Environment, 144, 28-41
Cao, L., Coops, N.C., Innes, J.L., Dai, J. and She, G. (2014). Mapping Above- and Below-Ground Biomass Components in Subtropical Forests Using Small-Footprint LiDAR Forests 5, 1356-1373; doi:10.3390/f5061356.
Cao, L., Coops, N.C., Hermosilla, T., Innes, J.L., Dai, J. and She, G. (2014). Using Small-Footprint Discreet and Full-Waveform Airborne LiDAR Metrics to EstimateTotal Biomass and Biomass Components in Subtropical Forests Remote Sensing 6(8), 7110-7135; doi:10.3390/rs6087110
Chandran, A. and Innes, J.L. (2014). The state of the forest: reporting and communicating the state of forests by Montreal Process countries. International Forestry Review, 16(1), 103-111.
Guo, F., Wang, G., Innes, J.L., Ma, K., Sun, L., and Hu, H. (2014). Gamma generalized linear model to investigate the effects of climate variables on the area burned by forest fire in northeast China Journal of Forestry Research, in press
Xu, G., Zhang, H., Chen, B., Zhang, H., Innes, J.L., Wang, G., Yan, J., Zheng, Y., Myneni, R.B. (2014). Changes in Vegetation Growth Dynamics and Relations with Climate over China’s Landmass from 1982 to 2011 Remote Sensing 6(4), 3263-3283, doi:10.3390/rs6043263
Cao, L., Coops, N.C., Hermosilla, T., Innes, J.L., Dai, J., Sha, G. (2014). Using Small-Footprint Discrete and Full-Waveform Airborne LiDAR Metrics to Estimate Total Biomass and Biomass Components in Subtropical Forests Remote Sensing 2014, 6(8), 7110-7135, doi: 10.3390/rs6087110
Liu, S., Innes, J.L., Wei, X. (2013). Shaping forest management to climate change Forest Ecology and Management 300, 1-3.
Chen, J., Chen, B., Black, T.A, Innes, J.L, Wang, G., Kiely, G., Hirano, T., Wohlfahrt, G. (2013). Comparison of terrestrial evapotranspiration estimates using the mass transfer and Penman-Monteith equations in land surface models Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences 118:1-17, doi:10.1002/2013JG002446, 2013
Chen, J., Innes, J.L. (2013). The implications of new forest tenure reforms and forestry property markets for sustainable forest management and forest certification in China Elsevier Journal of Environmental Management 129 (2013): 206-215
Yan, J., Chen, B., Feng, M., Innes, J.L., Wang, G., Fang, S., Xu, G., Zhang, H., Fu., D., Wang, H., Yu, G., Xun, X. (2013). Research on Land Surface Thermal-Hydrologic Exchange in Southern China under Future Climateand Land Cover Scenarios Hindawi Publishing Corporation Advances in Meteorology 2013. 12 pp. http://dx.doi.org/10.155/2013/969145
Nitschke, C.R., Innes, J.L. (2013). Potential effect of climate change on observed fire regimes in the Cordilleran forests of South-Cnetral Interior, British Columbia Climate change, 116, 479-591
Waeber, P.O., Nitschke, C.R., Le Ferrec, A., Harshaw, H., Innes, J.L. (2013). Evaluating alternative forest management strategies for the Champagne and Aishihik Traditional Territory, southwest Yukon Elsevier Journal of Environmental Management 120 (2013): 148-156
Liu, S., Innes, J.L., Wei, X. (2013). Shaping forest mangement to climate change. (Editorial) Elsevier Forest Ecology and Management 300 (2013) 1-3
Innes, JL (2013). What will we use the forests for? Journal of Tropical Forest Science 25 (2), 151-153.
Hajjar, R., Kozak, R.A., El-Lakany, H., Innes, J.L. (2013). Community Forests for Forest Communities: Integrating Community-Defined Goals and Practices in the Design of Forestry Initiatives. Land Use Policy 34(2013):158-167.
Chavardes, R.D., Daniels, L.D., Waeber, P.O., Innes, J.L., Nitschke, C.R. (2013). Unstable climate-growth relations for white spruce in southwest Yukon, Canada Climatic Change 116: 593-611.
Wang, G., Innes, J.L., Zhang, X., Wang, J. (2013). Public awareness and perceptions of watershed management in the Min River area, Fujian, China Society and Natural Resources, DOI:10.1080/089412920.2012.718411
Wang, G., Innes, J.L., Wu, S.W., Krzyzanowski, J., Yin, Y., Dai, S., Zhang, X., Liu, S. (2012). National Park Development in China: Conservation or Commercialization? Ambio 2012, 41:247-261
Wang, G.Y., Innes, J.L., Yang, Y., Chen, S., Krzyzanowski, J., Xie, J., Lin, W. (2012). Extent of soil erosion and surface runoff associated with large-scale infrastructure development in Fujian Province, China Catena, 89(1), 22-30.
Chavardès, R.D., Daniels, L.D., Waeber, P.O., Innes, J.L., Nitschke, C.R. (2012). Did the 1976-77 switch in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation make white spruce in the southwest Yukon more susceptible to spruce bark beetle? The Forestry Chronicle 88: 513-518
Hajjar, R., Kozak, R.A., Innes, J.L. (2012). Is Decentralization Leading to “Real” Decision-Making Power for Forest-Dependent Communities? Case Studies from Mexico and Brazil. Ecology and Society 17(1):12.
Tikina, A., Kozak, R.A., Innes, J.L., Duinker, P., Larson, B. (2012). Forest Certification in Canada: Perceptions of Provincial and Territorial Government Employees. The Forestry Chronicle 88(1):40-48.
Strimbu, B.M., Innes, J.L. (2012). Framework for assessing the impact of human activities on the environment: the impact of forest harvesting and retroleum drilling on habitat of moose (Alces alces) and martin (Martens americana) -Biodiversity and Conservation, (2012)21:933-955 DOI 10.1007/s10531-012-0228-z
Chen, J., Innes, J.L., Kozak, R.A. (2011). An Exploratory Assessment of the Attitudes of Chinese Wood Products Manufacturers towards Forest Certification. Journal of Environmental Management 92(11):2984-2992.
Klenk N., B. Adams, G.Q. Bull, J. Innes, S. Cohen and B. Larson. (2011). Climate change adaptation and sustainable forest management: a proposed reflexive research agenda. Forestry Chronicle. 87(3):351-357.
Strimbu, B. and Innes, J.L. (2011). An analytical platform for cumulative impact assessment in northeastern British Columbia Journal of Environmental Management, in press.
Chen, J., A. Tikina, A, R.A. Kozak, J.L. Innes and B. Larson (2011). The Efficacy of Forest Certification: Perceptions of Canadian Forest Products Retailers. The Forestry Chronicle 87(5):636-643.
Hajjar, R., McGrath, D.G., Kozak, R.A., Innes, J.L. (2011). Framing Community Forestry Challenges with a Broader Lens: Case Studies from the Brazilian Amazon. Journal of Environmental Management 92(2011):2159-2169.
Renaud, V., Innes, J.l., Dobbertin, M. and Rebetez, M. (2010). Comparison between open-site and below-canopy climatic conditions in Switzerland for different types of forests over 10 years (1998-2007) Theoretical and Applied Climatology, DOI 10.1007/s00704-010-0361-0
Innes, J.L. (2010). Madagascar rosewood, illegal logging and the tropical timber trade Madagascar Conservation and Development 5 (1), 6-10.
Timko, J.A., R.A. Kozak and J.L. Innes (2010). HIV/AIDS and Forests in Sub-Saharan Africa: Exploring the Links Between Morbidity, Mortality, and Dependence on Biodiversity. Biodiversity 11(1&2):45-48.
Krzyzanowski, J. and J.L. Innes (2010). Back to the basics – estimating the sensitivity of freshwater to acidification using traditional approaches. Journal of Environmental Management 91, 1227-1236.
Tikina, A.V., J.L. Innes, R.L. Trosper, and B.C. Larson (2010). Aboriginal people and forest certification: a review of the Canadian situation. Ecology and Society, vol 15 (3), article 33
Chen, J., Innes, J.L., Tikina, A. (2010). Private cost-benefits of voluntary forest product certification. International Forestry Review 12 (1), 1-12.
Strimbu, B.M., J.L. Innes, V.F. Strimbu (2010). A deterministic harvest scheduler using perfect bin-packing theorem. European Journal of Forest Research 129, 961-974.
nnes, J.L. (2009). Book Review: Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe 2007. State of Europe’s forests 2007. The MCPFE Report on Sustainable Forest Management in Europe. Forest Policy and Economics 11: 149-150.
Hajjar, R., J.L. Innes (2009). The evolution of the World Bank’s policy towards forestry: Push or pull? International Forestry Review 11, 27-37.
Innes, J.L. (2009). The promotion of ‘innovation’ in forestry: the role of government or others? Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences 6(3): 201-215.
Strimbu, B., Hickey, G.M., Strimbu, V.G. and Innes, J.L. (2009). On the use of statistical tests with non-normally distributed data in landscape change detection Forest Science 55, 72-83.
Timko, J. and Innes, J.L. (2009). Evaluating the effectiveness of national parks: case studies from Canada and South Africa Biological Conservation 142: 676-688.
Ogden, A.E. and Innes, J.L. (2009). Boreal forest renewal under climate change: an assessment of alternative adaptation strategies Ecology and Society, in press
Ogden, A.E. and Innes, J.L. (2009). Adapting to climate change in the boreal forest: locally identified research and monitoring needs to support decision-making on sustainable forest management Arctic 62 (2), 159-174.
Murray, S. and Innes, J.L. (2009). The effects of environment on fish assemblage structure in the MacKenzie River drainage basin in Northeast British Columbia Ecology of Freshwater Fish 18, 183-196.
Greskiw, G. and Innes, J.L. (2009). Respecting the oral and literate in co-management communication Forestry Chronicle 85, 719-724.
Innes, J.L., Joyce, L.A., Kellomaki, S., Louman, B., Ogden, A., Parrotta, J. and Thompson, I. (2009). Management for adaptation. IUFRO World Series, Volume 22. International Union of Forest Research Organizations, Vienna. pp. 135-169. In: Seppala, R. (ed.) Adaptation of Forests and People to Climate Change.
Innes, J.L. and 37 others (2009). Vital Forest Graphics – Stopping the Downswing? United Nations Environment Program, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and United Nations Forum on Forests
Nitschke, C.R. and Innes, J.L. (2009). Climate-smart management: A paradigm for integrating climatic change into forest management and planning. -Forest Ecology and Management, in press
Innes, J.L. (2008). Forest sciences in the world of tomorrow iForest – Biogeosciences and Forestry 1, 140.
Ogden, A.E. and J.L. Innes (2008). Climate change adaptation and regional forest planning in southern Yukon, Canada. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 13, 833-861.
Wang, G.Y., Innes, J.L., Wu, S. and Dai, S.Y. (2008). Towards a new paradigm: development and implications of China’s forestry in the 21st century International Forestry Review 10: 619-631
Nitschke, C.R. and J.L. Innes (2008). A tree and climate assessment tool for modelling ecosystem response to climate change Ecological Modelling 210 (3), 263-277.
Wang, G.Y., Innes, J.L., Wu, S.W., Dai, S.Y. and Lei, J.F. (2008). The need to cut China’s illegal timber imports – Response Science 319, 1184-1185
Gough, A.D., J.L. Innes and S.D. Allen (2008). Development of common indicators of sustainable forest management. Ecological Indicators 8: 425-430.
Nitschke, C.R. and J.L. Innes (2008). Climate change and fire potential in south-central British Columbia, Canada Global Change Biology 14(4), 841-855.
Wang, G.-Y., J.L. Innes, S.-Y. Dai, and G.-H. He (2008). Achieving sustainable rural development in Southern China: the contribution of bamboo forestry. The International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, 15, 484-495.
Greskiw, G., and J.L. Innes (2008). Co-managing communication crises and opportunities between the Northern Secwepemc First Nations and the Province of British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 38, 1935-1946.
Tikina, A., and J.L. Innes (2008). A framework for assessing the effectiveness of forest certification. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 38, 1357-1365.
Nitschke, C.R., and J.L. Innes (2008). Integrating climate change into forest management in south-central British Columbia: An assessment of landscape vulnerability and the development of a climate smart framework. Forest Ecology and Management 256(3), 313-327
Innes, J.L. (2008). Book Review: Carol J. Pierce Colfer (editor) 2008. Human health and forests. A global overview of issues, practice and policy. International Forestry Review 10: 700-701.
Innes, J.L. (2008). Book Review: Kangas, A., Kangas, J. and Kurttila, M. 2008. Decision support for forest management. International Forestry Review 10: 701-702.
Innes, J.L. (2008). Book Review: FAO 2007 The world’s mangroves 1980-2005. International Forestry Review 10: 703-704.
Hickey, G.M., J.L. Innes and R.A. Kozak (2007). Monitoring and Information Reporting for Sustainable Forest Management: A Regional Comparison of Stakeholder Perceptions. Journal of Environmental Management 84(4):572-585.
Hickey, G.M. and Innes, J.L. (2007). Indicators for demonstrating sustainable forest management in British Columbia, Canada: An international review. Ecological Indicators 8(2), 131-140.
Mathey, A.-H., E. Krcmar, J.L. Innes, I. Vertinsky (2007). Opportunities and costs of intensification and clustering of forest management activities. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 38(4), 711-720.
Ogden, A.E. and J.L. Innes (2007). Incorporating climate change adaptation considerations into forest management planning in the boreal forest International Forestry Review 9(3), 713-733
Ogden, A.E. and J.L. Innes (2007). Perspectives of forest practitioners on climate change adaptation in the northern forest sector, Canada Forestry Chronicle 83(4), 557-569
Wang, G.Y., Innes, J.L., Lei, J.F., Dai, S.Y., Wu, S.W. (2007). China’s forestry reforms Science 318, 1556-1557
Mathey, A.-H., Krcmar, E., Tait, D., Vertinksy, I., Innes, J.L. (2007). Forest planning using coevolutionary cellular automata Forest Ecology and Management, 239 (2007) 45-56
Innes, J.L. and D.M. Ward (2007). Training at professional and technical levels. Commonwealth Forestry Association in Commonwealth Forestry Association (ed.), Commonwealth Forests. An overview of the Commonwealth’s forest resources. pp. 42-53.
Nitschke, C.R. and Innes, J.L. (2007). Impact of climate change on landscape level fire severity ratings in the North Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, OR In: Joyce, L., Haynes, R., and Barbour, J. (tech. coords.) Bringing climate change into natural resources management: proceedings, pp. 144-145.
Nitschke, C.R., G.M. Hickey, J.L. Innes (2007). Effectiveness monitoring of biodiversity in dynamic environments: Is it possible? In: Innes, J.L., Timko, J.A. (eds.) Monitoring the effectiveness of biological conservation: proceedings, pp. 33-45. Available at: http://www.forrex.org/events/mebc/papers.html
Innes, J.L., J.A. Timko (2007). Monitoring the effectiveness of biological conservation: proceedings Available at: http://www.forrex.org/events/mebc/papers.html
Innes, J.L. (2006). Forest management and indigenous peoples in western Canada CABI International, Wallingford. In: Vogt, K.A., Honea, J.M., Vogt, D.J., Edmonds, R.L., Patel-Weynand, T., Sigurdardottir, R. and Andreu, M.G. (eds.) Forests and society: Sustainability and life cycles of forests and human landscapes pp. 109-110.
Innes, J.L. (2006). Acid rain, air pollution and forest decline CABI International, Wallingford. In: Vogt, K.A., Honea, J.M., Vogt, D.J., Edmonds, R.L., Patel-Weynand, T., Sigurdardottir, R. and Andreu, M.G. (eds.) Forests and society: Sustainability and life cycles of forests and human landscapes. pp. 177-179.
Nitschke, C.R. and J.L. Innes (2006). Interactions between fire, climate change and forest biodiversity: a review. Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources 1 (60), 1-9.
Innes, J.L., G.M. Hickey (2006). The importance of climate change in considering the role of forests in the alleviation of poverty. International Forestry Review 8 (4), 406-416.
Morford, S., R.A. Kozak, M. Suvedi and J.L. Innes (2006). Factors Affecting Program Evaluation Behaviours of Natural Resource Extension Practitioners – Motivation and Capacity Building. Journal of Extension 44(3), Article No. 3FEA7.
Hickey, G.M., J.L. Innes, R.A. Kozak, G.Q. Bull and I. Vertinsky (2006). Monitoring and Information Reporting for Sustainable Forest Management: An Inter-Jurisdictional Comparison of Soft Law Standards. Forest Policy and Economics 9(4):297-315.
Hickey, G.M. and J.L. Innes (2006). Monitoring and information reporting through regulation: An inter-jurisdictional comparison of forestry-related hard laws Silva Fennica 40(2), 365-387
Krzyzanowski, J., I.G. McKendry, and J.L. Innes (2006). Evidence of elevated ozone concentrations in the Lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 173, 273-287
Sakals, M.E., J.L. Innes, D.J. Wilford, R.C. Sidle, and G.E. Grant (2006). The role of forests in reducing hydrogeomorphic hazards Forest, Snow and Landscape Research 80(1), 11-22
Wilford, D.J., Innes, J.L., Hogan, D.L. (2006). Protection Forests: Recognizing and maintaining the forest influence with regard to hydrogeomorphic processes Forest, Snow and Landscape Research 80(1), 7-10
Innes, J.L. (2005). Driving changes in the focus of natural resources research FORREX BC Journal of Ecosystems and Management 6(2), 87-90
Angelstam, P., J.L. Innes, P. Niemela and J. Spence (2005). BorNet – a boreal network for sustainable forest management. Ecological Bulletins 51: 25-27
Angelstam, P., S. Boutin, F. Schmiegelow, M.-A. Villard, P. Drapeau, G. Host, J.L. Innes, G. Isachenko, M. Kuuluvainen, M. Moenkkoenen, P. Niemela, G. Niemi, J.-M. Roberge, J. Spence, and D. Stone (2005). Targets for boreal forest biodiversity conservation – a rationale for macroecological research and adaptive management Ecological Bulletins 51: 487-509
Whittaker, C., K. Squires, and J.L. Innes (2005). Biodiversity research in the boreal forests of Canada: protection, management and monitoring Ecological Bulletins 51: 59-76
Wilford, D., M.E. Sakals, and J.L. Innes (2005). Fans with forests: contemporary hydrogeomorphic processes on fans with forests in west central British Columbia, Canada. Geological Society of London, London. In: Harvey, A.M, A. Mather, and M. Stokes (eds.). Alluvial Fans. Geological Society of London Special Publications 251, 25–40.
Hickey, G.M., J.L. Innes, R.A. Kozak, G.Q. Bull and I. Vertinsky (2005). Monitoring and Information Reporting for Sustainable Forest Management: An International Multiple Case Study Analysis. Forest Ecology and Management 209(2005):237-259.
Hickey, G.M. and J.L Innes (2005). Monitoring sustainable forest management in different jurisdictions Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 108, 241-260.
Innes, J.L. (2005). Multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity and training in forestry and forest research Forestry Chronicle 81 (3), 324-329.
Wang, G.Y. and J.L. Innes (2005). Watershed sustainability: Strategic and tactical level assessments in the Min River Watershed, China Environmental Informatics Archives 3, 76-83
Innes, J.L., and H.F. Hoen (2005). The changing context of forestry. CABI Publishing, Wallingford. In: Innes, J.L., G.M. Hickey and H.F. Hoen (eds.) Forestry and Environmental Change: Socioeconomic and political dimensions. pp. 1-14.
Innes, J.L. (2005). Long-term forst experiments: the need to convert data into knowledge USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station In: Peterson, C.E. and D.A. Maguire (eds.) Balancing ecosystem values: innovative experiments for sutainable forestry. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-635, pp. 25-31.
Innes, J.L. and H.F. Hoen (2005). The importance for forestry of changes in the socio-economic environment. CABI Publishing, Wallingford In: Innes, J.L., G.M. Hickey and H.F. Hoen (eds) Forestry and Environmental Change: Socioeconomic and Political Dimensions.
Nitschke, C.R. and J.L. Innes (2005). The application of forest zoning as alternative to multiple use forestry. CABI Publishing, Wallingford In: Innes, J.L., G.M. Hickey and H.F. Hoen (eds) Forestry and Environmental Change: Socioeconomic and Political Dimensions. pp. 97-124.
Innes, J.L. and Hickey, G.M. (2005). Certification of forest management and wood products CABI Publishing, Wallingford In: Innes, J.L., G.M. Hickey and H.F. Hoen (eds) Forestry and Environmental Change: Socioeconomic and Political Dimensions. pp. 143-168.
Innes, J.L., G.M. Hickey and H.F. Hoen (2005). Forestry and Environmental Change: socioeconomic and political dimensions CABI Publishing, Wallingford.
Wilford, D.J., M.E. Sakals, and J.L. Innes (2005). Forest management on fans: Hydrogeomorphic hazards and general prescriptions. BC Ministry of Forests, Victoria, BC BC Ministry of Forests, Land Management Handbook
Hickey, G.M., and Innes, J.L. (2005). Scientific Review and Gap Analysis of Sustainable Forest Management Criteria and Indicators Initiatives FORREX, Kamloops FORREX Series No. 17. 54 pp.
Innes, J.L. and A.H. Mathey (2005). Recent developments in silviculture. Canadian Silviculture, Spring 2005, pp. 23-26.
Wilford, D.J., M.E. Sakals, J.L. Innes, and D. Ripmeester (2004). Kitsequecla fan case study: specific risk analysis. In: VanDine, D., M. Wise, and G. Moore (eds.). Landslide hazard and risk case studies in forest planning and operations. Ministry of Forests, Victoria, BC. Land Management Handbook No. 56. pp. 83-89.
Innes, J.L., B. Wilson and G.M. Hickey (2004). Streamlining planning and reporting for sustainable forest management Natural Resources Canada, Victoria In: Innes, J.L., G.M. Hickey and B. Wilson (eds.) International perspectives on streamlining local-level information for sustainable forest management. A selection of papers from a conference held in Vancouver, Canada, August 28 and 29, 2000. pp. 104-109.
Innes, J.L. (2004). Challenges facing forestry educators in North America. Seoul National University, Seoul Proceedings of the International Symposium on Forest Research and Education for the 21st Century, pp. 136-150.
Innes, J.L., G.M. Hickey and B. Wilson (eds.) (2004). International perspectives on streamlining local-level information for sustainable forest management. A selection of papers from a conference held in Vancouver, Canada, August 28 and 29, 2000. Natural Resources Canada, Victoria Natural Resources Canada – Canadian Forest Service – Pacific Forestry Centre. Information Report BC-X-400. 109 pp.
Hickey, G, and J.L. Innes (2004). The Battle of Evermore? Global lessons from hard versus soft laws for monitoring forestry. XXI World Forestry Congress Proceedings 3, 283.
Peterson, D.L. J.L. Innes, and K. O”Brian (2004). Climate change, carbon and forestry in Northwestern North America: Proceedings of a workshop. November 14-15, 2001, Orcas Island, Washington United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Proceedings PNW-GTR-614. Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, Oregon (USA).
Innes, J.L., and D.L. Peterson (2004). Proceedings introduction: Managing forests in a greenhouse world – context and challenges In: Climate change, carbon and forestry in Northwestern North America: Proceedings of a workshop. November 14-15, 2001, Orcas Island, Washington. USDA Forest Service Proceedings PNW-GTR-614. Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, Oregon (USA). Peterson, D.L., J.L. Innes, and K. O”Brian (editors). pp. 1-9.
Innes, J.L. (2004). Carbon cycle Elsevier Ltd. pp. 139-144. Encyclopedia of Forest Sciences. Edited by J. Evans and J. Burley
Wilford, D.J., M.E. Sakals, J.L. Innes, R.C. Sidle, and W.A. Bergerud (2004). Recognition of debris flow, debris flood and flood hazard through watershed morphometrics Landslides 1:61-66.
Er, K.B.H., J.L. Innes, and A. Kozak (2003). Effects of census duration on estimates of winter bird abundance and species richness along line transects in coastal coniferous forest fragments. Journal of Field Ornithology 74, 119-124
Work, T.T., J.R. Spence, W.J.A. Volney, L.E. Morgantini, and J.L. Innes (2003). Integrating biodiversity and forestry practices in western Canada Forestry Chronicle 79(5):906-916
Fontana, G., P. Cherubini, D. Rigling, M. Dobbertin, P. Brang, and J.L. Innes (2003). Ricostruzione della storia di un popolamento di pino montano (Pinus mugo Turra) nel Parco Nazionale Svizzero: gli anelli annuali testimoni di azioni di disturbo antropiche e naturali. Monti e Boschi 54:34-40
Er, K.B.H., and J.L. Innes (2003). The presence of old-growth characteristics as a criterion for identifying forests of high conservation value. International Forestry Review 5:1-8.
Wilford, D., M.E. Sakals, and J.L. Innes (2003). Forestry on fans: a problem analysis. Forestry Chronicle 79(2):291-296
Ferretti, M., J.L. Innes, R. Jalkanen, M. Saurer, J. Schäffer, H. Spiecker, and K. von Wilpert (2003). Air pollution and environmental chemistry – what role for tree-ring studies? Dendrochonologia 20, 159-174.
Cherubini, P., Gartner, B.L., Tognetti, R., Braeker, O.U., Schoch, W. and Innes, J.L. (2003). Identification, measurement and interpretation of tree rings in woody species from Mediterranean climates. Biological Review 78, 119-148.
Innes, J.L. (2003). The Global Forest Information System. FORREX – Forest Research and Extension Partnership, Kamloops In: Innes, T. (ed.) Proceedings of the Natural Resources Information Management Forum.
Whittaker, C., and J.L. Innes (2002). Workshop Proceedings. BorNet Canadian Regional Workshop, October 13-14, 2001, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. BorNet Canada, Vancouver.
Whittaker, C., and J.L. Innes (2002). Workshop Proceedings. BorNet Canadian Regional Workshop, November 17-18, 2001, Edmonton, Alberta. BorNet Canada, Vancouver.
Whittaker, C., and J.L. Innes (2002). Workshop Proceedings. BorNet Canadian Regional Workshop, November 23-24, 2001, Prince George, British Columbia. BorNet Canada, Vancouver.
Innes, J.L. (2002). Social science and research in forestry: Are we incorporating the human dimension? Forest Research and Extension Partnership, Kamloops pp. 4-8, in: Morford, S. and James, J. (eds.) Incorporating the Human Dimension: The role of social science in natural resource management in British Columbia. FORREX Series 5.
Innes, J.L., and J.M. Skelly (2002). Forest decline and air pollution: an assessment of ‘forest health’ in the forests of Europe, the Northeastern United States, and Southeastern Canada. John Wiley, London pp. 273-294, In: Air pollution and plant life. 2nd edition. Ed. Bell, J.N.B. and Treshow, M.
Cherubini, P., Fontana, G., Rigling, D., Dobbertin, M., Brnag, P., Innes, J.L. (2002). Tree-life history prior to death: two fungal root pathogens affect tree-growth differently. Journal of Ecology 90, 839-850.
Cherubini, P., Innes, J.L., Skelly, J.M., Hug, C., Schaub, M., and Kräuchi, N. (2002). La divulgazione dei risultati di dieci anni di ricerca sui danni da ozono troposferico nei boschi in Svizzera. Informatore Fitopatologico 52, March 2002, 48-51.
Innes, J.L., and B.H. Er (2002). Global forest regulation in the ten years after Rio. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 17(9): 445.
Innes, J.L. and K.B.H. Er (2002). Questionable utility of the frontier forest concept. BioScience 52, 1095-1109
Wilford, D., M.E. Sakals, and J.L. Innes (2001). Forest management and restoration on fans. Watershed Restoration Technical Bulletin – Streamline 6(3):1-8.
Innes, J.L., J.M. Skelly, and M. Schaub (2001). Ozone and broad-leaved species. A guide to the identification of ozone-induced foliar injury. Haupt, Bern
Larsson, T.-B., P. Angelstam, G. Balent, A. Barbati, R,-J. Bijlsma, A. Boncina, R. Bradshaw, W. Bücking, O. Ciancio, P. Corona, J. Diaci, S. Dias, H. Ellenberg, F.M. Fernandes, F. Fernández-Gonzalez, R. Ferris, G. Frank, P. Friis Møller, P.S. Giller, L. Gustafsson, K. Halbritter, S. Hall, L. Hansson, J.L. Innes, H. Jactel, M. Kaennel et al. (2001). Biodiversity evaluation tools for European forests. Ecological Bulletins 50, 1-237.
Innes, J.L., and D.F. Karnosky (2001). Impacts of environmental stress on forest health: The need for more accurate indicators. CABI Publishing, Wallingford. Pp. 215-230 in R.J. Raison, A.G. Brown, and D.W. Flinn (eds.) Criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management.
Innes, J.L., G. Schneiter, P. Waldner, and O.-U. Bräker (2000). Latitudinal variations in tree growth in southern Chile. Red Latinoamericana de Botánica, Mendoza, Argentina. Pp. 177-192 in F. Roig, (ed.), South American Dendrochronology Handbook.
Innes, J.L., and G.Q. Bull (2000). Forestry management and production Nature Publishing Group Nature Encyclopedia of Life Sciences
Innes J.L., G.Q. Bull, and J. Williams (2000). A Review of Forest Tenure Policy, Legislation and Regulation in Selected International Jurisdictions. BC Ministry of Forest, Forest Practises Branch. Victoria. BC. 191pp.
Bull G. Q. and J.L. Innes (2000). A Review of Forest Practices Legislation, Regulation and Guidelines in Selected International Jurisdictions. BC Ministry of Forest, Forest Practices Branch. Victoria. BC. 178pp.
Cherubini, P., and J.L. Innes (2000). Switzerland: The Swiss long-term forest ecosystem research programme. Pp. 56-59 in J.R. Gosz, C. French, P. Sprott, and M. White (eds.), The International Long-Term Ecological Research Network 2000. US LTER Network Office, University of New Mexico.
Cozzi, A., M. Ferretti and J.L. Innes. (2000). Sintomi fogliari attribuibili ad ozono sulla vegetazione spontanea in Valtellina. Monti e Boschi 51(3/4):42-49.
Haron, A.H. and J.L. Innes. (2000). Conclusions. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, U.K. Pp. 241-244 in J.L. Innes and A.H. Haron (eds.), Air Pollution and the Forests of Developing and Rapidly Industrializing Regions. Report No. 4 of the IUFRO Task Force on Environmental Change. 262 pp.
Innes, J.L. (2000). It’s time to look at forestry developments beyond Canada. Logging and Sawmilling Journal, p. 105.
Innes, J.L. (2000). Forest condition and damage to forests and other wooded land. United Nations, New York. Pp. 297-336 in Temperate and Boreal Forest Resource Assessment.
Innes, J.L. (2000). Forest decline, air pollution and other anthropogenic and natural factors. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, U.K. Pp. 76-81 in M. Price (ed.), Forests in Sustainable Mountain Development: A State-of-Knowledge Report for 2000.
Innes, J.L. (2000). Task force on environmental change. Status Report. IUFRO News 29(4):9.
Innes, J.L. (2000). The importance of woodfuels as a source of pollution in developing and rapidly industrializing countries. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, U.K. Pp. 189-198 in J.L. Innes and A.H. Haron (eds.), Air Pollution and the Forests of Developming and Rapidly Industrializing Regions. Report No. 4 of the IUFRO Task Force on Environmental Change. 262 pp.
Innes, J.L., M. Beniston and M. Verstraete (2000). Effects of Biomass Burning on Climate. Kluwer Academic Press, Dordrecht. 358 pp.
Innes, J.L. and A.H. Haron (2000). Air Pollution and the Forests of Developing and Rapidly Industrializing Regions. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, U.K. 262 pp. Report No. 4 of the IUFRO Task Force on Environmental Change.
Innes, J.L. and A.H. Haron. (2000). Air pollution and forestry in rapidly industrializing countries: An introduction. CABI Publishing, Wallingford, U.K. Pp. 1-14 in J.L. Innes and A.H. Haron (eds.), Air Pollution and the Forests of Developming and Rapidly Industrializing Regions. Report No. 4 of the IUFRO Task Force on Environmental Change. 262 pp.
Innes, J.L. and J. Oleksyn (2000). Forest Dynamics in Heavily Polluted Regions. CABI Publishing, Oxford. 248 pp.
Innes, J.L., and M.N. Salleh. (2000). Forests and Society. Alfred Toepfer Akademie fuer Naturschutz, Germany. NIA Reports, Vol. 12, Special Issue 5, (Proceedings of the Welt Foum Wald ‘Forests and Society’, 26-28 November 1999), pp. 3-7.
Tognetti, R., P. Cherubini and J.L. Innes. (2000). Comparative stem-growth rates of Mediterranean trees under background and naturally enhanced ambient CO2 concentrations. New Phytologist 146:59-74.
Mattysek, R. and J.L. Innes. (1999). Ozone – a risk factor for trees and forests in Europe? Water, Air and Soil Pollution 116:199-226.
Skelly, J.M., J.L. Innes and M.J. Sanz. (1999). Observation and confirmation of ozone symptoms of native plant species of Switzerland and southern Spain. Water, Air and Soil Pollution 116:227-234.
Adaptation of Asia-Pacific Forests to Climate Change
2424 Main Mall
Email guangyu.wang@ubc.ca
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Nom d'utilisateur S’inscrire My Account Log Out Region
IRONMAN Lanzarote
Canarias, Spain mai 23, 2020
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Lanzarote offers a variety of cultural and artistic tourist attractions, many of which were created and promoted by local artist César Manrique. The artist had a passion to maintain the natural beauty and habitat of the island, while also creating tourism centres where guests to the island could discover more about it's origins and appreciate its natural aesthetics. Many of his works of art have become representative emblems of the island.
Timanfaya National Park, also known as Fire Mountains.
Athletes will pass through the park as part of the Ironman bike course.
The Fire Mountains were created between 1730 and 1736 when more than 100 volcanoes rose up and devastated this part of the island, covering over 50 km². Although the last eruptions were in 1824, due to the low rainfall and therefore lack of erosion, this area looks much the same as it did just after the eruptions.
No visit to Lanzarote is complete without a trip to this unique Lunar landscape. Even today the heat just below the surface reaches between 400°C and 600°C. Demonstrations are held every fifteen minutes or so with dry brush being thrown into a hole in the ground to catch on fire immediately, while water poured into a bore hole erupts seconds later in the form of steam, like a mini-geyser.
To preserve the park, it is not possible to wander freely around the Volcanoes, but a coach trip around the park is included in the entry fee. It is also possible to take a camel ride across the volcanic landscape (not included in the entry fee).
The word 'Jameo' translates to a volcanic cave with a collapsed roof, of which there are many in this part of the island. The Lanzarote born artist César Manrique worked in these natural caves to create an auditorium, swimming pool, gardens and restaurants, while still maintaining the volcanic landscape. A species of blind albino crab, found nowhere else in the world, lives in the underground salt water lagoon here.
The recently re-opened natural Auditorium has seating for 600 and is renowned for its excellent acoustics. The premier of the Pedro Almodóvar film, Los Abrazos rotos, starring Penelope Cruz was held there in March 2009.
The caves, named after a family with the surname of 'Green' rather than the colour, are one of Lanzarote's most popular tourist sites. If the molten wax-like rock isn't enough to impress you, the secret of 'Cueva de los Verdes' will be!
The Green Caves were formed over 3000 years ago during the eruptions of the Corona Volcano in the north of Lanzarote. The tunnel is over 6 km long with an additional 1.6 km under the sea and is one of the longest Volcanic Tunnels in the World (the underwater section has not been fully explored), although only about 2 km are open to the public. The cave measures more than 15 meters wide and 15 m high. The lowest part of the cave is used occasionally as a concert hall and is an impressive sight in itself.
Mirador del Río
The viewpoint, constructed by César Manrique, provides a breath taking view of the island of La Graciosa, allowing you to look vertically down the dramatic cliffs as well as out to sea and the surrounding landscape.
The early inhabitants of the island used this site as a lookout point as Lanzarote was often attacked by pirates. In 1898 the 'Bateria del Rio' was built as an Artillery base where the Canons now resting at the Castillo de San Gabriel once resided.
Jardín de Cactus
Designed by the late Lanzarote artist Cesar Manrique, the garden features over 1000 species of Cactus, which were selected by the Botanist Estanislao Gonzales Ferrer.
The restored windmill and strange metal sculptures make for an impressive contrast against the dry volcanic landscape.
Monumento al Campesino
In previous years we have held the Awards Ceremony and Gala for Ironman Lanzarote Spain at the Monument, built as a tribute to the local farmers and their way of life.
Over the centuries the farmers of Lanzarote have developed a unique method of cultivation in an arid environment.
The Restaurant serves traditional Canarian food and the gift shop sells local crafts including local pottery still made using traditional techniques, no potter's wheel and fired in an open fire.
La Fundación de César Manrique – the former home of the artist Manrique found the site for his unique house when out walking across the lava fields that surround Tahiche with friends back in the 1960´s.
He caught a glimpse of a fig tree poking out of the top of a volcanic chamber and then discovered there were a number of bubbles in the same vicinity. The home is built to incorporate these bubbles and houses an impressive collection of art from both the Lanzarote artist himself and other well renowned European artists.
Other popular family activities include the following:
· Aqua park (water slides and pools)
· Boat and fishing trips
· Fuerteventura island visits
· Go-karting
· Golf: The island currently has two courses to offer.
· Guinate Tropical Park (45000 square meters of nature with more than 1300 exotic birds)
· Horse back riding
· La Graciosa Island visits
· Surfing
Voir tous les partenaires ▻
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BEING INDEPENDENT IN TODAY'S WORLD
The U.S adventure in Afghanistan after twelve years has resulted in some very tawdry statistics -- results if you will -- and counted among these will be the thousands that have died and the billions that the war has cost the American people. The U.S is now in negotiations with the Taliban which is something previous U.S administrations could have done twelve years ago, but didn't.
So, Afghanistan has turned out to be Obama's Vietnam, but then that doesn't mean that there is an end to the drone attacks and the continued folly on the part of the U.S troops that now are poised they say to stay on in the country till 2014.
Elsewhere in the world the Arab Springs that have been ushered in with much fanfare in global television channels run by the U.S and her proxies, have turned out to be Arab nightmares. In Egypt, it is government by musical chairs.
Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim brotherhood was deposed barely before he could end his honeymoon. In Turkey, the people have been wise enough to stave off a Twitter tsunami of a 'Turkish Spring', and they are the better for that.
Despite all this madness, in Europe they are still in thrall to U.S hegemony and U.S adventurism, which is why they disallowed the aircraft of Bolivian President Eva Morales over the airspace of four European countries including Spain. The allegation was that he may be spiriting away with him the US whistleblower Edward Snowden.
The U.S is the world's most rabid warmongering nation, of course perennially sloganeering for peace. In this context, it is interesting to note that Bolivian President Morales held a press conference the other day and said that Bolivia was willing to grant asylum to Edward Snowden.
It appears that the U.S and her allies are determined to drive home the message to all world leaders that it doesn't pay to ally with either Russia or China because the U.S government enjoys the monopoly on violence around the globe -- or at least thinks it does.
However, it's been long since the U.S government lost the moral high ground, and interestingly, there was a slogan that was painted on a wall in a Southern coastal town of this country which said it all - 'Obama in the nude.'!
In Bolivia, there is collective national outrage over what Bolivians say was the insult offered up to the country's President, Eva Morales when his aircraft was denied European airspace access. Russia may not war-monger -- certainly not in the way the U.S does -- and neither does China but Vladimir Putin is able to offer the kind of platform for bolder leaders such as Morales to thumb their noses at the latest brand of American foreign policy, which is of course different only in the packaging from what was U.S foreign policy during past administrations.
Sri Lanka has for long been a non-aligned nation but that doesn't mean that in everyday terms it translates as a policy of appeasing the U.S and having courteous relations with Russia and China.
In fact for the first time in decades, if not a century, our foreign policy has a spine now. Sri Lanka has been able to ally with a strong Russian President and a strong leader of China who in the way that they gave Morales the strength to defy the U.S, will give Sri Lanka the strength to defy the diktat of nations that want us to conform to their idea of reconciliation for instance.
Reconciliation is a much bandied about word. For instance, they are already talking about 'reconciliation' in Egypt amid the turmoil of the recent events that led to the removal of Morsi and the installation of an interim President! Seems like reconciliation is the vogue word -- it is another new 'benchmark' that certain nations have created virtually from thin air so that they can try to make nations measure upto some yardstick of their own making. If there is one thing the people are reconciled to in Sri Lanka, it's that we have to be wary of all the foreign adventurism coming our way in the guise of good portends for reconciliation, and regime change!
That edge, in diplomacy
Effective trade diplomacy is perhaps quite a need of the hour to meet the present government plans to address economic needs of the people and to serve as a mechanism to help the government reach its development objectives in partnership with friendly States,
Marxists are like Indians:both have failed
I am happy to bounce back from the hospital bed and browse the multitudinous vistas of the world that filter through the sheen of the polar-white glow of the cyber screen without which I will be lost in an infinite Sahara. Through the instant magic which provides most of my necessities for mental sustenance
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canon zachARY Ullery, director of Music
Zachary Ullery, Canon for Music, joined the music staff of the American Cathedral in September 2008. Canon Ullery manages the Cathedral’s extensive music program, which includes conducting the Cathedral Choir, the Choirs for Youth and Children, and the music education programs. He also serves as the Artistic Director of Les Arts George V, the American Cathedral’s arts organization which hosts over one hundred concerts a year and nurtures the creative impulse of the cathedral community. In addition to his duties at the Cathedral, he is also the Musical Director of the Paris Choral Society. Prior to his appointment at the Cathedral, he served as Assistant Organist and Choirmaster at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lexington, Kentucky and the Director of Choral Activities at George Rogers Clark High School.
Zachary graduated summa cum laude from the University of Kentucky in 2004 and in 2008, he received dual Masters Degrees from the University of Kentucky in Choral Conducting and Music Education. In addition, he has completed advanced studies in Orff-Schulwerk, a developmental approach to music education for children. During his graduate studies at the University of Kentucky, he studied choral conducting with Dr. Jefferson Johnson and Dr. Lori Hetzel and organ with Dr. Schuyler Robinson. He served as Conductor of the University of Kentucky Choristers, the Assistant Conductor of the University Chorale and as the Assistant Conductor and Accompanist for the renowned Men's Chorus.
During his conducting career he has conducted many major works from the choral/orchestral repertoire including the Bach St. John Passion and Mass in B Minor, Beethoven Missa Solemnis, Mozart Requiem, Duruflé Requiem, Fauré Requiem, Brahms Requiem, Haydn Creation, Handel Messiah, Lauridsen Lux aeterna, Orff Carmina Burana, Rachmaninov Vespers, the masses of Haydn, Schubert, Vierne, and Langlais, and in 2012, conducted the world premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Yehudi Wyner’s The Lord is close to the heartbroken. In 2017, he conducted several world premieres of compositions by Richard Burchard and the European premiere of Burchard’s Seven Last Words of Christ. In addition to his conducting career, Zachary is an accomplished organist and has accompanied choirs and played solo recitals in numerous cathedrals throughout the United States, the Bahamas, and Europe.
Canon Ullery is a member of the American Choral Director’s Association, the American Guild of Organists, and serves on the board of the Royal School of Church Music (France).
Andrew dewar, organist
The musical career of Andrew Dewar (PCS accompanist and piano/organ) started at an early age: he began playing the Organ at his local church in Yeovil (Somerset) at the age of nine. With a scholarship to Wells Cathedral School in 1996, he studied the organ with Rupert Gough, David Sanger, and David Briggs (improvisation), and harpsichord with Dr. David Ponsford. From 1999-2000 he was Organ Scholar at Wells Cathedral before moving to Germany, where he studied at the Musikhochschule, Stuttgart, with Prof. Dr. Ludger Lohmann.
He won the First Prize and the Audience Prize at St. Alban’s International Organ Festival, one of the most prestigious of all organ competitions, in 2005, but has also won a host of other international Organ Competitions, including those of Dublin, Wiesbaden, Berlin, Landau an der Isar, as well as prizes in Montreal and Schramberg and the Julius Reubke Prize at Erfurt.
Andrew’s extensive concert diary has taken him on tours to Russia and Northern America, and he has frequent engagements throughout Europe. In addition to his solo recital work, he both takes masterclasses and sits on adjudication panels, most recently as jury member at the International BACH/LISZT Competition in Weimar/Erfurt. Over 160 live recordings from recent concerts can be found under the following link: http://www.youtube.com/user/ardinsel33.
Andrew has been Organist at the American Cathedral, Paris since 2010. In addition to his position in Paris, Andrew is Assistant Professor of Organ at the Royal College of Music in London.
First Prizes –
Pipeworks International Organ Competion, Dublin 2014
St Albans International Organ Competition 2005 (Including Audience Prize)
Bach prize, Wiesbaden 2005
Mendelssohn Competition, Berlin 2003
International Organ Competition, Landau an der Isar 2002 (Plus the Arthur Piechler Interpretation Prize)
Plymouth National Young Organists’ Competition 2001
Second Prizes –
Canadian International Organ Competition, Montreal 2014 (Plus the Bach Prize)
Canadian International Organ Competition, Montreal 2008 (Plus the Olivier Messiaen Prize)
International Bach/Liszt Competion, Erfurt 2008 (Plus the Julius Reubke Interpretation Prize)
International E. F. Walcker Competition, Schramberg 2004
Organ ART Museum, Rhein-Nahe 2003
St Albans International Organ Competition 2003
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Related Bios Sarah Bernson Ahen Kim
Barry Goldberg
Previous College: Pittsburgh '84
Position: Head Coach
Barry Goldberg, the coach who has built a Patriot League dynasty by winning the league championship 15 of the last 17 years, didn’t begin his volleyball career with a bang. He was cut from his team as a freshman both in high school and as a player at the University of Pittsburgh, and before his senior season the program was dropped entirely by the Panthers. Luckily for American, Goldberg has always thrived on challenges.
The seven-time Patriot League (2001, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016), three-time Colonial Athletic Association (1990, 1997, 2000) and 2013 AVCA East Region Coach of the Year’s record speaks for itself:
• 234-14 (.944) Patriot League record over 17 years
• 730 career wins, 14th active D1 coach to earn 700 wins with a single program
• .740 career winning percentage (730-257 to begin 2018)
• 17 NCAA Tournament appearances in the last 21 years
• Conference championships in 18 of the last 20 years
• Two NCAA Tournament victories in 2013, first in program and Patriot League history, en route to the Sweet Sixteen
Indeed, in the past 17 years of league play, the Eagles have lost only 14 matches. Yet the man who has come to epitomize American volleyball was not recruited as a player out of Peabody High School in Pittsburgh, Pa. In college, he joined the team at Pitt as a walk-on, and after getting cut as a freshman, he thought his playing days were over. But a call from the coach, inviting him to join the team as its 10th man, brought him back to the court. Goldberg worked hard in practice but rode the bench until the season was nearly over. Then he got his chance. Faced with player absences because of final exams, Goldberg’s coach had no choice. He was forced to use the 10th man.
Goldberg outplayed the other starters and earned a spot on the team. From then on he started at middle blocker for the Panthers. His junior year, the team he captained was ranked No. 13 in the nation. As it turned out, though, 13 was an unlucky number: At the end of the season, Pitt cut the varsity men’s volleyball program.
Undeterred, as a senior Goldberg worked as a player/coach for the club team. After graduating from Pitt with a bachelor’s degree in communication and rhetoric, and while pursuing his master’s in counseling education, he became assistant coach for the Pitt women’s varsity team.
Goldberg begins the 2018 season among the top Division I coaches nationally, both on active and all-time lists.
• All-Divisions (Active Coaches) - 16th with 730 victories.
• Division I (All-Time) - 19th with .740 winning pct., 23rd with 730 victories
• Division I (Active) - 12th with .740 winning pct., 9th with 730 victories
The same determination that drove him to persevere at Pitt continues today. The 2017 Eagles went 15-1 in the Patriot League and finished 26-8 overall. The Eagles, led by Patriot League Player of the Year Aleksandra Kazala, went to the NCAA Tournament, where they lost in the first round at 7th-ranked Brigham Young. A home sweep of the PL Tournament gave Goldberg a 32-2 record in the PL postseason.
In the 2016 season, Goldberg guided the team to a 27-8 overall record, with a 15-1 record in conference play. The team went on to clinch their 14th Patriot League Tournament title and 16th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, led by Patriot League Player of the Year, Aleksandra Kazala.
Goldberg’s 2014 squad posted a 26-7 overall record and won the Patriot League regular-season title with a 15-1 mark. The Eagles went on to claim their 12th PL Tournament title, led by Patriot League Player of the Year Monika Smidova, who also repeated as the PL Setter of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Smidova, who went on to earn AVCA All-Region honors, was joined on the All-Patriot League first team by Allison Cappellino and Kelly McCaddin. Also earning all-league recognition was Kristyna Lindovska, who was selected to the second team.
In 2013, Goldberg led the Eagles to a historic run which saw the team match program records for wins (34) and losses (3), dropping just 22 sets all year. American opened the campaign with its best start in program history, registering 10 straight wins, and carried the momentum into the Patriot League season, winning the regular season with a 15-1 mark. The Eagles swept through the conference tournament to win its 11th Patriot League title and advance to the NCAA Tournament for the 13th time in 17 years. American headed to Durham, N.C., to take on Georgia and No. 14 Duke, winning both matches 3-0 for its first NCAA Tournament wins in program history. The Eagles advanced to the round of 16 in Lincoln, Neb., and faced top-seeded Texas. American won the first set, 26-24, but was unable to take down the Longhorns as it fell, 3-1. The year was capped off with the team's first ranking in program history as the Eagles finished out the season at No. 19 in the AVCA Coaches Poll.
Lindovska was honored as an AVCA All-Region Team selection as Smidova was named the Patriot League Setter and Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Lindovska and senior Julie Crum joined Smidova on the All-Patriot League First Team and senior Morgan Hendrix and McCaddin earned second-team accolades.
The 2011 season saw Goldberg take a team with just three returning players to its 10th conference championship and 12th NCAA Tournament appearance. He led the team to a 13-1 record in the Patriot League and a 23-11 overall record, earning him his second straight Coach of the Year award. Sara Rishell was just the second player in Patriot League history to be named the Player and Rookie of the Year in the same season, also being recognized as an AVCA All-Region Honorable Mention.
In 2010 he led the team to a perfect 14-0 record in the Patriot League, and a 29-3 overall record, earning him his third Coach of the Year honor. The Eagles held a 2-1 lead over No. 9 UCLA during their 11th NCAA tournament match, but couldn’t hold on to the lead and fell 3-2 to the Bruins. All of Goldberg’s seniors earned awards during the season, with Angelina Waterman being named to the AVCA All-Region Team and Magdalena Tekiel earning Patriot League Player of the Year honors.
During the 2008 season, Goldberg led the Eagles to their eighth-consecutive Patriot League Championship and finished the year with a 24-9 overall record, 13-1 in conference play, and a 12-1 mark at home. American’s performance was so impressive throughout the year that the team was honored with four PL major awards. Senior Rubena Sukaj was named the Player of the Year for the third straight season while classmate Christina Nash earned her second Setter of the Year honor, junior Ivana Cebakova was named Defensive Player of the Year for the second time and freshman Rebecca Heath garnered Rookie of the Year plaudits.
In 2006, Goldberg coached his way to a second Patriot League Coach of the Year award and his team won its sixth-consecutive league regular season and tournament titles. Despite being a young squad, with just one senior and three juniors, the Eagles were heavy on talent and determination. Led by Sukaj, American recorded a 14-1 record at home in Bender Arena and a 14-0 record against conference opponents. The Eagles played so masterfully during the second half of the season that none of their opponents could manage to win more than one game in any match, a record that stood until they fell to top-ranked Nebraska, 3-1, in the NCAA Tournament.
Because his teams have achieved so much since his arrival, it’s hard to remember what American volleyball was like before Goldberg. Since the day he came on as head coach in 1989, the Eagles have accumulated a 336-64 (.840) record in Bender Arena. He has produced 67 All-Patriot League selections in 17 years and 13 Player of the Year awards among 29 major award winners. The Eagles' dominance in the PL Tournament is witnessed by 15 student-athletes who have been voted the Most Valuable Player in the tournament.
Throughout the years his players have excelled both on and off the court. Since 1995, Goldberg’s teams have averaged above a 3.30 combined grade point average per semester. American volleyball has had six Academic All-America selections, including Smidova, a third-team pick in 2014, and Karla Kucerkova, the CoSIDA Volleyball Academic All-American of the Year in 2002 and 2003. In 2003, American graduate Natalie Hand was awarded a prestigious Marshall Scholarship, which pays for American students to study in Great Britain. Additionally, the Eagles have earned a total of 134 selections to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, achieving an in-season GPA above 3.2.
In 12 seasons in the Colonial Athletic Association, before American joined the Patriot League, Goldberg coached 36 players to All-CAA teams, including 20 All-CAA First Team selections, two CAA Championships MVP accolades, and a CAA Rookie of the Year winner. Goldberg has also coached three GTE/Academic All-Americans and three American University Student-Athletes of the Year. Five of his student-athletes were also earned Google Cloud Academic All-District recognition from the College Sports Information Directors of America.
A Tradition of Winning
A look back at the Goldberg era of American volleyball shows the same pattern of consistent success:
• In 2004, the Goldberg-led Eagles compiled a 24-7 overall record while staying undefeated in league competition. The Eagles made their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance, and junior Cutrina Biddulph was named the Patriot League Co-Player of the Year and Honorable Mention All-America. Freshman Chelsa Brooks was named the league’s Rookie of the Year. In addition, American was the best-represented school on the All-Patriot League Team with six athletes selected.
• From 2001 to 2003, Karla Kucerkova earned three straight Patriot League Player of the Year and Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards. Nationally, she was named Academic All-America Player of the Year twice. The team’s success was almost as brilliant, with victories in 48 straight league matches and trips to three straight NCAA Tournaments.
• In 2000, American competed in its final season in the Colonial Athletic Association before moving to the Patriot League in 2001. Although the switch made the team ineligible for the NCAA Tournament, the Eagles finished 26-4 and had an 11-1 conference record. In its final season in the CAA, the team received many honors, including Goldberg’s third CAA Coach of the Year award. Ajola Berisha, the CAA Player of the Year, was selected as an AVCA Regional All-American, and Judit Szekelyhidi joined her on the CAA First Team.
• In 1999 the Eagles faced six NCAA Championship participants en route to a then American record .288 hitting percentage, placing the Eagles among the top-10 hitting teams in the country. American garnered five postseason awards on its way to a third consecutive CAA Championship match appearance and finished the season ranked regionally for the fourth time in the previous five seasons. The Eagles finished the regular season with a 14-match win streak and posted a school-record 14-1 CAA mark.
• In 1997 the Eagles went 30-4, earning the school’s first NCAA Tournament berth.
• The 1994 season, when the Eagles compiled a 34-8 record that included an unprecedented 23-match winning streak, saw the team’s first postseason competition, at the National Invitational Volleyball Championship. While in Kansas City, American commanded national attention by winning two of its four matches.
The Road to the Top
Such accomplishments would have seemed unlikely, to say the least, when Goldberg graduated from Pitt. He traveled next to Washington, where he coached the Capital Junior Volleyball Club in the District of Columbia and led the Under-18 team to a top-20 finish at the Junior National Championships. All 10 of the players he coached that year went on to receive NCAA Division I scholarships. Seeing his success at that level, Georgetown University hired him as an assistant, where he coached until joining American University to take its program to the next level.
Along the way to the top, Goldberg has worked with several prestigious volleyball camps and committees. In 1997, he was the United States representative, along with the Tampa Bay Juniors Volleyball Club, at a four-nation international camp in Europe. Elite junior national teams from Switzerland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic hosted the camp. During his summers, Goldberg conducts individual and team volleyball camps at American and other locations in the Mid-Atlantic region. He has also held seminars in the National Mizuno Coaching Clinic Series. Goldberg now serves as a voting member of the national AVCA Top 25 Coaches Poll and is also a voting member of the All-America committee.
Goldberg lives in Maryland with his wife, Bonnie. The two have three children, Arielle, who played volleyball at the University of the Pacific, Jared, who played volleyball at Grand Canyon University, and Mitchell, who plays lacrosse at Richmond.
Updated: August, 2018
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First Women Appointed to CICLSAL
In a significant announcement, Pope Francis has named six leaders of women’s religious orders, a consecrated laywoman and the superior of the De La Salle Christian Brothers as full members of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (CICLSAL). This is the Vatican department that oversees religious life.
Previously, the members of CICLSAL were all men, ie cardinals, bishops and several priests who were superiors of large religious orders of men.
A result of these appointments means that now, for the first time, women will have a say over directions of this Vatican department which has influence in the life of women and men religious around the world.
Given that more than half of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics are women and the membership of female religious orders is about three times larger than that of male orders this announcement is far from too soon and offers women some glimmer of hope.
To read more about this news, including the names of the women appointed, go to:
https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/11848/first-women-members-of-vatican-department-that-oversees-religious-orders-appointed
Pope Francis meeting women religious – members of RENATE at the Vatican.
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Send A Message ...
No, literally: Send a message.
At AlGore.com, you can create a postcard that he will deliver to your representative in Washington in March.
Go here to create your card.
Stumped for what to say? Just speak from your heart. Or, hell, cut and paste what I wrote: "I know that in Washington, change is typically made slowly. On this issue, we do not have the luxury of time. No one is asking that we shun electricity and cars and return to candles and horse-drawn carriages. There are many small things each of us can do that will have an enormous, positive impact. The United States is the biggest producer of CO2 on the planet. Therefore, it is, very simply, our responsibility to lead the charge for change. Mr. Gore has shown us the way. It's time to act."
But lend your voice. Please. There is no bigger issue facing mankind.
Lip Balm Junkie ...
This stuff is like crack. (I tried linking to the Mode de Vie web site, but none of the links would work, so fine, buy it from Amazon! It's cheaper anyway!)
I'm actually not a compulsive lip-balmer, but I do put it on every night before bed and in the winter, it's quite the necessity.
Yes, it's crazy expensive compared to cherry Chapstick, though I'm sure it was cheaper when I bought it at Whole Foods - and how often do you get to say *that*?
Words To Live By ...
Oprah is always good for a message. Not a light-tap-on-the-shoulder message, but a core-shaking-stop-you-dead-in-your-tracks-make-you-see-your-life-in-a-new-way message.
Last night, curled up on the couch, unsure if I was truly getting sick or if I was just feeling slightly blah, I watched "Building a Dream," Oprah's special about the creation of her Academy in South Africa.
Her producers are the best in the business, so it's no surprise that it's insanely well put together. And Oprah (I just typed "Orpah" by mistake, which isn't really a mistake, as that's her actual name) simply emanates greatness and goodness. But the girls are the real story, of course.
All of their stories tugged - hard - at my heartstrings. I've lived a very middle-class life. I never wanted for anything. Which isn't to say that my parents spoiled me outrageously, though looking back, I did get pretty much everything I ever wanted. I just didn't want extravagant things.
But the basics were always there: Not only did I have enough to eat, I ate well. When mom was stumped for what to make for dinner, we had steak. Not only did I have a place to sleep, I had my own room. In sixth grade, my birthday gift was a new bedroom set. And I still use most of the pieces today.
These girls, though. These gorgeous, sweet, smart, funny girls, walking home from school, hoping they don't become the next rape victim in their crime-ridden neighborhoods, carrying on after witnessing the murder-suicide of their father and mother, studying by candlelight in a tin shack and cherishing a sparkly pink pen.
All of their stories are inspiring. But one girl in particular said something that I heard deep inside of me. Lesego, whose mother left her when she was four to be raised by her father, who does the best he can, said to her classmates, "You are an individual. Act like an individual. Don't try to blend in. Blend out."
Blend out.
Blend. Out.
I was flattened by that.
I've printed them out, Lesego's wise words, and put them on my wall of quotes. The quotes go on my wall as they come to me, so the order is random, but today Lesego, who can be no more than 11 years old, joined the ranks of Einstein, Sophocles, Dostoevesky, Dickens, Goethe, Tolstoy, and Twain.
Moody Movies That Start With 'The' ...
You can order your Netflix queue however you want, but it's really up to the Netflix gods what movies you get when. Last week, "The Illusionist" arrived followed by "The Prestige."
I watched "The Illusionist" first. I totally dig Edward Norton. Whether by choice or by circumstance, he doesn't make enough movies for my taste. And Paul Giamatti should be in more movies, too.
Being a heterosexual female, I don't quite get all the fawning over Jessica Biel. Men drool over her because she's got a hot body, right?, not because she's a great actress? OK, I guess I get that. There are women I find attractive, but she's not one of them. Then again, I wasn't watching the movie to see her.
It's a beautiful film. If I wore a hat, it'd be off to great cinematographers and set designers.
But it doesn't matter how pretty a film is if the story doesn't hold up, and the story of "The Illusionist" holds up well.
Ditto "The Prestige." In fact, I think the story is even better than its eerie cousin. Or maybe I dozed off during a crucial moment, but I found it necesssary to watch the last part of the movie again to figure out the story.
And "The Prestige" boats a bevy of star power: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, everyone's favorite Gollum, Andy Serkis, and David Bowie as Nikola Tesla, to whom, I've mentioned before, I'm related.
The cool thing about the Tesla role in this movie is that his electrical creations aren't fictions for the film. The work he was doing in Colorado Springs is documented, and it was woven into the movie. You gotta love a guy who could create lightning in a lab, bolts up to 135 feet in length, though one wonders how you measure the length of a bolt of lightning. They're not straight lines. Do you measure from Point A to Point B, or do you try to factor in the jagged aspects of the bolts and determine the length as if the bolt was stretched taut? Then again, what's the relevance of the lengths? Or do men just feel the need to measure everything?
I don't know much about electricity, but I'd figure it's not the size of the lightning bolt, it's what you do with it.
'Man of the Year' ...
Holy mismarketed movie, Batman!
Robin Williams could truly just read the phone book and I'd pay money to see it, but this was a terrific movie, quite the social commentary on the election process in this country.
What's that? You say you had no idea? Neither did I.
Whomever was in charge of marketing this movie totally missed the boat. From trailers, you thought this was just a goofy political send-up, didn't you? Yup, me too. But there's much more to this film than Williams in a powdered wig, cracking wise about making Bruce Springsteen his secretary of State.
Do yourself a favor and add it to your Netflix queue. Not a Netflix user? Go here. You can try it for free. (Psst! This has worked for friends in the past: When your free trial ends, tell Netflix you don't want to become a member. They'll give you a deal, either an extension to your free trial or a break on the subscription price.)
My Favorite Chef ...
Kristen writes gezellig-girl.com, one of my daily must-read blogs. (She writes regularly, as - ahem! - all good bloggers should.) Today's post, "5 facts about me," ended with a reference to Jacques Pepin. Ah, Kristen and I are Jacques Pepin soulmates. (I headed over to his site to grab a picture and am charmed by the selection of press photos. His site also features video demonstrations for lots of kitchen basics. Learn from a master.)
I've always had a thing for Jacques: maybe it's his accent or the way he finishes most of his sentences with "you know" or his insane level of skill in the kitchen. Women, after all, really dig men who cook. For that matter, women really dig men who try to cook. You don't have to be a professional chef, you just have to try. It's endearing. But I digress.
He can be a perfectionist in the kitchen, but that's one of the things I like about him. Sometimes, "good enough" just isn't good enough, and when it comes to preparing food for people I love, they deserve my best effort.
Poking around the cookbook section of Borders one day, I ran across Jacques' memoir. I usually read the first page of a book to decide whether I'd like to read it. Standing there in the store, I must have read 10 pages. It's captivating. He's a terrific writer. I didn't buy the book then, but it's on my list for "someday." Why is it that someone who can do one thing really well can usually do a lot of things really well?
McDonald's Latest ...
I was hungry.
But I'm trying to eat better, which pretty much rules out many of the offerings at fast-food joints. And I don't cotton to paying upwards of $6 for a grilled chicken sandwich, a side salad, and a drink at Wendy's, especially since its swapped out the slightly spicy sauce it was using for something that tastes like watered-down honey mustard.
So as I was tooling along in my car, steering in the direction of food options, I remembered the new McDonald's Grilled Honey Mustard Snack Wrap. Yeah, that's it, I thought. That and a side salad. Fast food but not.
I ordered, I payed, I received, I drove home. I took my Snack Wrap out of the bag. It felt pretty light. Not that it was supposed to feel like a shotput, but shouldn't it, oh, feel like there was something in it? I unwrapped my Snack Wrap and then unfolded it to inspect the contents. And gee, there was a piece of chicken in it, I kid you not, about the size of my index finger. A few shreds of lettuce. A few shreds of cheese. Seriously? This cost $1.29. A McChicken sandwich is $1. A less-healthy option, yet it has something resembling a very small chicken breast on its bun.
And so, I've dubbed the McDonald's Snack Wrap the Snack Crap and cut out yet another fast-food option for myself. Which, really, is a good thing, as I shouldn't be eating that stuff anyway.
L.A. Dave suggested the TenderRoast sandwich at KFC. Ooh, yeah, that sounded like a good idea. Until I checked the nutrition information online.
McDonald's McChicken: 360 calories
KFC TenderRoast: 430 calories
McDonald's Double Cheeseburger: 440 calories
As Jack Bauer would say, "Dammit!"
On a somewhat-related topic, Ethan and I have become treadmill buddies. We report on our progress (speed, duration, etc.) on a semi-regular basis, if by semi-regular you mean "whenever we think to ask each other." During an IM convo the other day, he mentioned that he found an online calculator to figure out his daily caloric intake, figuring he should be eating the body he wants, not the body he has. Smart guy, that Ethan.
So I found this tool and plugged in my stats, both what I think might be my current weight (I don't own a scale) and what I think I might like to weigh, and was really startled by the numbers. Even to maintain my goal weight, I'd need to consume nearly 2,700 calories a day? That's madness. Isn't it?
That's 10.4 Snack Craps.
The Price Of Fame ...
All this Britney tabloid-and-beyond feeding frenzy has set me to thinking about the nature of fame.
Ten years ago, give or take, when Brit donned her sweetly sexy schoolgirl get-up and pranced through her first video, the world was a different place.
Sure, there were the weekly gossip rags, but you could count them on one hand. And Entertainment Tonight was the only nightly entertainment "news" show. There weren't a hundred cable outlets. And the "Internets" were still, technologically speaking, toddlers.
Today, the paparazzi are out of control. With a bazillion outlets for their photos, they'll shoot anything. I saw a picture today of Kirsten Dunst in her car trying to shield herself from photographers by holding a hat in front of her face. Turns out, she ran her car into a curb, you know, because she couldn't see where the hell she was going. But the bigger question is, why is Kirsten Dunst driving her car a photo anyone should care about seeing? Kirsten Dunst DRIVES?! What's the world coming to?
So I feel for Britney. It's insane that celebrities shouldn't be able to walk down the street without a throng of photograhers blocking their every move. Or walk out of their house, for that matter. Or drive down the street.
That said, in Britney's case, my sympathy for her is tempered by the fact that she's actively courted the media attention throughout her career. Anyone who produces her own reality show about life with her new husband, splashing her newlywedness all over television week after week, can't really bitch when people demand more and more minutiae about her life.
The pursuit of fame comes at a price these days, and those who chase the dream know what they're in for if they manage to grab the brass ring.
But I don't see an end to the madness. Every print and video outlet feels the need to glom onto all of these stories because we - sadly - have an insatiable appetite for this voyuerism and we'll find it wherever it airs. At the risk of losing viewership or market share, everyone carries everything and the circus never ends.
I hope Britney slays her demons. For the sake of her children. She has a responsibility to those two lil' guys.
Whither Stars? ...
So the new crop of "Dancing with the Stars" contestants have been announced, but the announcement begs the question: Do these people count as "stars"?
Shouldn't it be titled "Dancing with People You've Heard Of"?
What defines a "star"?
If this show featured George Clooney and Justin Timberlake, hell, even Britney if she had her act together, I'd call them stars, but some of these people? If the news reports didn't tell me who they were, I wouldn't have known, which seems like a pretty good litmus test for stardom: If you're not a household name, you're not a star.
Heather Mills: She's famous for being married to Sir Paul. Sure, she's done good charity work, but if she hadn't married Paul, you wouldn't know about her.
Laila Ali: She kicks ass in the boxing ring, but her name recognition comes from her dad.
Billy Ray Cyrus: He had a big country hit and a stint as a TV doctor and his daughter is on the Disney Channel.
Clyde Drexler: Great basketball player, but he's not Michael Jordan. MJ counts as a star.
Joey Fatone: 'NSync is 'nover.
Shandi Finnessey: Former beauty queen. I'd never heard of her until today, but then, I don't follow the beauty queen circuit much.
Leeza Gibbons: Talk-show and infomercial host.
Apolo Ono: Olympian.
Vincent Pastore: Actor on The Sopranos.
Paulina Porizkova: '80s supermodel and, so L.A. Dave tells me, actress in idependent films.
Ian Ziering: Beverly Hills 90210 dude.
Vice ...
I don't smoke. I tried smoking when I was younger, but - at the risk of sounding like Bill Clinton - I didn't inhale. I tried to, but I could never fill my lungs without smoke without hacking up said lungs.
I drink, but not often. When I worked at the Tribune, I was much more impressive in a bar. These days, a couple of drinks has me teetering on the brink of tipsy.
I've never done a drug. Nothing. Never. Not a hit of pot, not a line of coke, no mushrooms, no Ecstasy, nothing.
But I have a vice, a vice I very rarely indulge, but a vice just the same.
I love cheap disgusting cookies.
You know the kind, the kind you buy for next to nothing. I call them cheap disgusting cookies as an inside joke between me and my mom. They're cheap, to be sure, but they're not disgusting. If they were disgusting, I wouldn't eat them. And I don't eat them often. I picked up a package tonight and it was the first time in I don't even know how many years. And I came home, and I ate 9 of them (they're smaller than Oreos) with a glass of milk, and then I took the rest of them outside and threw them in the snow. For squirrels. For dogs. For passersby. They're there for the snacking, sprinkled on the snow.
I've had my fill. I won't want them again for a long, long time. But damn, they were good.
Seriously. I Mean, It's Toilet Paper ...
Yesterday, I went to Target. I am firmly a Target girl. I won't set foot in a Wal-Mart. KMart just feels sad, like a slightly older uncle trying hard to be hip. Meijer is just too flippin' big. Does anybody really need one store at which to buy propane grills and picture frames and windshield washer solvent and plants and yarn and boots and jeans and shampoo and potholders and greeting cards and soup, and get shoes repaired and do banking? Maybe if I was a working mom, I'd appreciate the one-stop-shoppedness of it all, but the mere thought of walking into Meijer exhausts me because God help me if I go in on the "wrong side." If I go in the non-food side and then think, "Well, as long as I'm here, I might as well pick up some Triscuits," I have a quarter-mile trek in front of me. Screw the Triscuits. (That is the first time I've ever had occasion to write that sentence. And I suspect it will be the last. But it was fun while I wrote it.)
So I went to Target. Ah, Target. Home of affordability and good design. Even the television commercials are cool. The parking lot was crowded, being a Saturday afternoon, but I was unprepared for what awaited me - or didn't await me - on the shelves. Everywhere I looked, gaps. A lone item here, a couple of items there. Had I, somewhere between the two automatic doors, entered a wormhole that spat me out in Soviet-era Russia? There was no line outside the store. No babushka-d women hunkering down against the cold waiting for their turn at ill-sized men's shoes. No suspiciously parked black Mercedes sedans. What the hell?
I wheeled my cart to the paper-products aisle. When did Puffs decide that all tissue boxes should be designed to coordinate with prison cells? Dear God, they're depressing. Not that it matters much to me. I have a tissue cozy (as cozy as stainless steel can be), but I carry the tissue torch for my non-cozy brothers and sisters of the world. What are they supposed to do? Endure the hideousness? Isn't there enough strife in the world? Must we gaze upon an ugly tissue box as we evacuate our sinuses?
I needed toilet paper. I'm a Charmin girl. The six-pack bundle of four-roll packs. Or so I thought. I stood before the Charmin like a tourist trying to decipher a map in a foreign subway. When did it become this difficult to buy toilet paper? Why are there so many classifications? In other parts of the world, toilet paper is a luxury. Here, we have an embarrassment of choices, but why? I'm not talking about one-ply versus two-ply. Everyone knows one-ply is for suckers. I'm not talking about quilting. If your ass is that chafed, you might wanna have that looked at.
No, I'm just talking about how many sheets can be crammed onto a roll before said roll no longer fits in your bathroom. I stood before the Charmin, searching in vain for my usual pack o' 24 rolls, and tried to crack the code. Big, Giant, or Mega. Regular was out of the question. There were no Regular rolls to be had. No, I had to choose between Big, Giant, and Mega, all in various roll combinations, all designed to last longer so I needn't spend precious milliseconds of my life changing rolls.
OK. Raise your hands if you've ever found yourself cursing at your toilet paper for eating up too much of your life. Do you keep your toilet paper in a safety-deposit box? Do you have to drive to the bank and find an officer with a matching key to help you access your stash?
Thankfully, Charmin supplies a chart on its web site to take the guesswork out of it all. You might want to print it out and tuck it into your wallet for the next time you're faced with this newly monumental decision.
I ended up buying the 12-pack of Big rolls, which, as the chart below demonstrates, does in fact equal the 24 Regular rolls I'd been buying in the past.
But the package doesn't fit neatly on my closet shelf.
Where's an old Sears Roebuck catalog when you need it?
'How Not To Talk To Your Kids' ...
Po Bronson has a fascinating article in New York magazine.
I Know Why I'm Here ...
The question is, why are you?
I blog because it forces me to write every day, more or less.
I marvel that people stop by to read what I have to say, but it's nice that they do. I don't write for an audience. I write for myself. Thinking on paper, so to speak, virtual paper. And a daily writing exercise.
Would I still write if my site counter never moved? Sure. This is kind of like my online journal. Of course, in a real journal, I'd write more-private things. But then, if I was only journaling, you'd have to wait until I died to read anything. Blog posts may be less juicy, but you get them every day.
So today, I received a comment to my Snowy post that read (let's give this self-proclaimed new Anon his 15 minutes, shall we?):
Begin quote:
Sorry but "clever" is not the word that comes to mind.
Try "woefully self-absorbed" or "trying a little too hard for some external validation."
I just landed on this blog by mistake,read a few entries and i have to say there's a lot of blogs that are boondoggles but this one is the mother of all boondoggles.
Too much time on your hands??
End quote.
I suspect that because Anon "landed on this blog by mistake" and was so displeased with what he found that he won't be back.
But as I replied to him in the comments, "Uh, it's my blog. Who should it be about?"
And then Ethan fed me this line from Mark Pilgrim: "I must have missed the part where I was put under any sort of obligation towards you whatsoever."
The funny thing is, today's earlier blog entry mused about the fact that I don't write about my own experiences so much as I comment on things: politics, movies, music, events of the day. People seem to respond the most (favorably) when I write personal stories, like my reminiscences of Charles.
Anon would find those "woefully self-absorbed," I suppose.
So why do you read this blog?
Why do I read the blogs I do? Some of the blogs are written by people I know and blogs are our way of keeping current on each other's lives. Other blogs are written by people I don't know and may never meet, but I've gotten to know them through their sites. Some of the stories are happy. Others are sad. My comments cheer the writers in their happy moments and commiserate with them when times are tough. It's a connection to other people. In "Shadowlands," C.S. Lewis says, "We read to know we are not alone." I've referenced that quote before.
The same goes for blogs. Writers allow a window into their lives, a door, even, and invite others inside. But we're not standing on the sidewalk, pulling passersby into our kitchens and forcing them to sit at the table and listen to our tales.
If you don't like what you read at one blog, you can walk on by to the next. Maybe there, you'll find someone you can relate to.
I'm pleased for all of my regular readers. I presume you return on a regular basis because what I write or the way I write it seems worthwhile to you.
As for the Anons of the world, there are millions of blogs out there. I'm sure you'll find something else to read.
Boring. Boring Like '60 Minutes' To A 7-Year-Old ...
College Boyfriend David called last week to check in. Phone calls from David are more shocking than good behavior in Washington. But he truly has the craziest schedule of any of my friends. So he was calling from his car. What was new in my life, he wanted to know.
I thought for a moment, cradling the phone in my shoulder, washing dishes. “Nothing, really,” I said. “I'm boring. Oh, I’m going to New York in April!”
“Well, I guess I’ll call back in April,” he said, with a smile in his voice that I could see. David has the best smile ever.
Lately I've been reading my Bloglines blogs and thinking to myself, "Huh. I don't write much about stuff that happens to me. Maybe nothing happens to me. Maybe I don't do anything."
It's my blog, sure. But I tend to comment on things rather than write about personal experiences. So when I find myself without anything to write about, maybe that means that I'm not living enough.
Maybe it's seasonal-affective disorder. Or maybe it's the cold weather. Or maybe it's me being lazy. Or maybe it's the dearth of cash in my wallet.
Maybe it's all of the above. I'm pretty sure I'd be doing more stuff if I was a millionaire living in California.
I can't remember the last time I've been to a movie in a theater. Granted, the theatrical-to-DVD cycle has been shortened to about 30 minutes, but I like movies on the big screen, especially in them there new-fangled stadium theaters. And there's been plenty out that I've been meaning to see, so what's my damage?
There's a lot of decent TV on these days. That might have something to do with it. But Friday and Saturdays still kinda suck when it comes to TV, which is intentional because the networks know that most people are at the movies on those nights. The movies. Where I should be.
Maybe I don't like crowds. Yes, that might be part of it. I'm too passive-aggressive. If people behind me in a theater make noise, I don't turn around and ask them to be quiet. I turn my head as if to acknowledge their noise and expect them to shut up. As if they're noticing my subtlety. Of course they're not. They're too busy yammering.
But when I do go out, I like it. It's not as though I'm itching to flee to my home and pull the curtains.
Clearly, I need to make my own fun. Not that I've been expecting others to do all the planning. I'm very much a plannner. Maybe I plan too much. But I've gotta come up with different things to do, new experiences, new perspectives. I'm going to more theater. That's good. And concerts. But that can get pricey. Tickets, parking, dinner before. Suddenly I've dropped a couple hundred bucks.
Yes, I need free fun. Or nearly free fun. Fun on a budget. Ooh, I need to go to the ATM and extract a single $20 (Yuppie Food Coupon, as my friend Drew calls 'em) and see what I can do with it. It'll be like Rachel Ray's $40 a Day, except less annoying. And it won't be all about food. And I won't have to pretend that everything I put in my mouth is bringing me to the brink of orgasm.
But first, I will take a nap. Or lie on the couch and watch "Network."
I'm bored as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!
: o )
'Beauty and the Geek' ...
I don't watch reality television. I've never seen an entire episode of Survivor. I've seen one episode of American Idol, and that's because I was with friends who watch the show. The Bachelor? The Bachelorette? Fear Factor? The Amazing Race? No, no, no, no.
Oh, wait, I did get kind of sucked into America's Next Top Model this fall. And right now, on the telly, is the season finale of "Beauty and the Geek." So let me amend my first sentence to "I don't watch much reality television." As reality shows go, I think the premise of this is brilliant. I wonder if Ashton Kutcher was a bit of a geek in high school and one day he thought, "Damn, who ever thought a geek like me would be married to Demi Moore?" and the idea of the show was born.
SPOILER ALERT (for all my readers who TiVoed the show - I have no idea if that applies to any of you):
I happened to see an early episode of the show, so I'm familiar with the contestants. Megan (Playboy model) and Scooter (graduate of Harvard in social anthropology) and Cecille (bikini model) and Nate (studying anthropology at Harvard) were the final couples. And all the eliminated couples decided the winning team based on who had made the biggest transformation during the course of the show.
Reality shows are popularity contests to a large degree, but there's strategy involved, too. Pitting members against each other, forming alliances, may seem sound at the time, but oooh, when those you plotted against return to decide your fate, suddenly your scheming returns to bite you in the ass.
Such was the case tonight. (The show is over now; I've moved on to a repeat of last week's "Lost.")
Cece (or is it Ceci?), her head as full of herself as her bikini was full of her breasts, made a lot of enemies over the course of the show. In the last 24 hours, she had the opportunity to make nice with her former competitors to try and salvage the competition for herself and Nate.
But Cece wasn't about to start kissing ass. She remained as self-centered and defiant as she'd been throughout the course of the show. Contestants who didn't like her then didn't like her in the end.
Which just goes to show you that it pays to always treat people with respect, because you never know when those people will re-enter your life in impactful ways.
One of the geek contestants asked the well-liked Nate why he should vote for Nate's team. And Nate, displaying a staggering amount of maturity, replied, "I'm not so sure you should." And then proceeded to campaign against his own win.
In the end, he decided it was more important for Cece to learn a lesson - that it's not OK to treat people the way she does, that such behavior does indeed have consequences - than for him to walk away with half of the $250,000 prize.
And contestant after contestant lined up behind Megan and Scooter, but not before telling Nate that he's a great guy but that Cece didn't deserve their vote. And Cece pursed her lips and copped yet another attitude and was ungracious to the, literally, bitter end.
Next week is the "reunion" show. It was Nate's hope that Cece would someday realize the reason why she didn't win. It'll be interesting to see if it's sunk in or whether she's the kind of person who never learns.
Snowy ...
And this, kids, is a picture of a snowdrift on my deck, taken through my French doors.
(The bars you see are the result of taping out a design and spraying a frosted medium onto the glass. Not that you can tell, but the pattern is the reverse of the design of my deck railings. Damn, I'm clever.)
'The Last Kiss' ...
On a snowy, blowy day, I curled up on the couch and watched "The Last Kiss," a remake of an Italian film.
The well of ideas in Hollywood may be running dry, but remaking films from other countries seems to me a much better solution than a sequel to "The Dukes of Hazzard." Honestly, if the first television show-cum-movie sucks, do we really need a sequel? Or a prequel?
I saw a trailer for "The Last Kiss" on another recent rental and added it to my queue.
Have you heard of it? I hadn't until a month ago. Kelley mentioned that she rented it, and then I saw the trailer, and decided to give it a whirl.
Two words: Uh oh.
It's a good movie.
It's well cast.
It's well written.
It's well acted.
It is, in many ways, very much like the movie I'm writing.
That's not the reason for the "uh oh." They're not exactly the same movie, no one beat me to the punch.
I'm not writing my film with the sole goal of making my life's fortune, but it gives me pause that a smart, character-driven movie flew under the radar while the world focused on "Employee of the Month" or, God help us, "Jackass: Number Two." Heh, heh, look, Beavis, the title is like an inside joke about poo.
Wait. What's that I hear? Why it's the collective lowering of the country's IQ.
Roger Ebert gave the Italian version of the film two stars.
Rottentomatoes.com gave the Italian version a 73 percent rating, while the American remake only garnered a 46 percent. Ooh, Ty Burr from the Boston Globe called it "... an iPod playlist in search of a movie."
Ouch. Though, the soundtrack is pretty great.
It's a plateful of food for thought. Is any relationship really secure? Are we humans simply too flawed? Can we count on others not to stray, or is straying the only thing we can count on?
College Boyfriend David once said, "Why can't we just accept that we're not meant to be with one person forever?"
He said that, incidentally, long after we'd broken up. It wasn't a justification.
I was much younger at the time and I balked at the sentiment. I still clung to the notion that there's one perfect person out there for me and that it was my job to find him and his to find me.
I've grown up. I no longer think there's one perfect person. I'd like to share my life with someone, but I don't believe marriage has to be part of the arrangement. Marriage isn't any kind of guarantee. And a divorce is just a protracted, expensive break-up.
Of course, marriage is what you make it, but the only person you can control is yourself. No matter how much you love the other person, it's up to them to love you back.
Some relationships last forever. Some don't.
You might have a last kiss, but that doesn't mean you'll never have another first.
Dissonant Notes II ...
♪ A couple weeks ago, I read "Running with Scissors," Augusten Burrough's memoir of his dysfunctional childhood, and I was happy that the DVD of the movie adaptation was due out February 6. In a rare moment of Netflix benevolence, I received the movie right away. My cousin Patty stayed with me for the weekend and we popped it in. The movie is not like the book, but then, it turns out that the book is not like Augusten's life. Not entirely. It's greatly embellished, exaggerated, erroneous. Pick a word that starts with "e." Patty is the one who informed me that the family portrayed in the book filed a lawsuit against Burroughs. Turns out, it's not enough to simply change someone's name. It's a good thing Oprah didn't select this book for her Club. Then again, James Frey would probably have appreciated some company in his exclusive club. I was irked by the dramatic license. The parts of the book that were changed for the screen weren't necessary tweaks. I love forming pictures in my head, but film adaptations rarely match the movie I see when I read.
♪ Ethan, pal that he is, was nice enough to burn a DVD of a special he watched about "The Electric Company," one of the shows of my youth. It was a total trip to see Morgan Freeman so early in his career. And it was another total trip to realize the star power behind some of the skits. One fond memory was "The Adventures of Letterman." I totally remembered it, but didn't realize when I was a kid that the characters were voiced by Gene Wilder, Zero Mostel, and Joan Rivers. Check it out! (I tried embedding the YouTube clip here, but YouTube isn't cooperating with me tonight.)
♪ The Police have pulled the trigger on a 2007 World Tour! (Yeah, I know, I'll stop with the police puns.) Chicago dates will be announced in the coming weeks, but there's a rumor swirling that the dates will be at Wrigley Field. And according to stories I've read today, the top ticket will only be $225. I expected top tix to go for more. But $225 to see The Police is a steal. (Ooh, there I go again.)
♪ I was telling Patty about buying seasons 4 and 5 score for "24" for Dave for his birthday. Patty's reply: "There's music on '24'?" And I realized that composers and editors have a lot in common: if we do our jobs well, people don't really notice our work. Of course, composing is way cooler and gets you listed in IMDb.
♪ Out shopping yesterday, Patty spied a restaurant in a strip mall and asked, "What's Old Country Buffet?" We nearly wet ourselves considering the duplicity, if "Old" modified "Country Buffet" or if "Old Country" modified "Buffet." One way, you get homey, feel-good fried chicken and biscuits. The other way, you get sturdy women with chin hair in knee-high stockings and babushkas serving borscht.
♪ Watching the terrorist dudes on "24," both the bad guy and the bad-guy-who's-trying-to-reach-a-compromise guy, I realize all over again how much of a thing I have for swarthy men. Come to think of it, Hamri Al-Assad is like the Middle Eastern version of House. And we all know how much I dig Dr. Gregory House.
Vapors ...
First of all: THE POLICE ARE BACK!
Second of all: STING'S ARMS.
Holy mother of God, that man. He's 55 years old and he looks better than ever.
David Bauder from the AP wrote, "Wearing a punk-short haircut and displaying biceps that most 55-year-olds would kill for, Sting sang the rock trio's first hit, 'Roxanne.' " I ain't the only one takin' note of those guns. Biceps and triceps and delts, oh my.
There's talk that The Police will hold two concerts at Wrigley Field this summer. I will pay any amount of money to see that show.
The funny thing about watching their performace tonight - and how the hell can "Roxanne" be 30 years old?! - is that the band is still all about Sting. The bass player is rarely the lead singer. Right this minute, I can't think of any other bands with a bass-playing frontman. And I'm sure Stewart and Andy are still well aware of the fact that it's still Sting's show. Sting has been playing Police tunes on tour all through is solo career, but hey, he wrote 'em.
Still, I'm elated that they're back together. I stood in my TV room screaming at the screen, like I was at a concert. I can hit a pretty high-pitched, loud "Wooooooooooo!"
The Police are back!
I'm a bit of a junkie. The Police are a vice. (Vice. Police. Clever, Beth.) I just did a quick count of my Sting and Police CDs: 38. If you include discs/soundtracks on which Sting appears with one song, I have more than 40. (I'm counting actual CDs, not albums, so for these purposes, Message in a Box counts as 4, Bring on the Night counts as 2, etc.)
My all-time favorite Police tune is "Don't Stand So Close to Me" with "Every Breath You Take" a very close second.
And yours?
Due Process ...
I'm pretty smart. My math skills aren't the greatest, but most of us don't need calculus in our daily lives. I can balance my checkbook and make change in my head. Not that I ever need to make change for anyone. I'm pretty good at presenting an argument and making people see my side of a story. My grades weren't always the greatest, but that's because I'm lazy. My friend Qusai used to harp on me in college (and I mean "harp" in a nice way), "Do you realize that if you just applied yourself a little, you'd be a straight-A student?"
"Yeah," I'd reply. "But I can not apply myself and be and A and B student." Who looks at college transcripts anyway?
And Mensa keeps bugging me to pay my dues and join in all its cerebral fun.
So this computer in my head is running on a pretty spiffy processor, though my RAM isn't what it used to be. Why can I remember the names of most of my kindergarten classmates, but I can't remember if I opened the garage door before I walk outside?
All that said, the one thing my brain really struggles with is death. And maybe that's true for everyone. It's not something you use to strike up a conversation: "So, do you have a hard time contemplating death? Not just your own, but everyone's?" Maybe it's the finality of it. But finality is an easy-enough concept to grasp. Things begin and end all the time. My brain really hurts if I try to contemplate infinity - What do you mean the universe has no end? - but death is well defined.
Or is there simply an assimiliation process that takes time? Or are there two layers of understanding? When the twin towers fell, part of me understood that the buildings were coming down, but part of me couldn't grasp that what I was seeing was real.
Mind you, I don't dwell on the idea of death. I'm not Harry Burns in "When Harry Met Sally ...": I don't read the last page of a book first so I'll know how it ends in case I die before I finish it. I don't spend hours, days contemplating death.
But when people pass away unexpectedly, it's jarring. And obituaries for younger people are always more surprising than obituaries for older people.
So while the coverage of Anna Nicole Smith's death seems excessive to some, I figure, she lived her life in the media, so it's only natural that her death would be of great interest to those same outlets. Couple that with the recent tragic death of her son, the pending paternity suit, the newly announed lawsuit, her general kooky persona, and top it all off with the comparisons between her and Marilyn Monroe, and you've got a towering story sundae.
But it's not Smith's death that startled me the most yesterday. The woman who does my taxes wrote to me about a number of things, including the fact that she lost her son in December. He was 44. And she saw him just hours before he died. She said he had a strange, serene smile on his face when he kissed her goodbye.
Did he know he was dying? Could he already see the light? Was he still fully here?
I suspect most people don't know on any given day that they're waking up to their last day on the planet. And yet, we might be. Odds teach us differently, I suppose. For every day that we wake up and go to bed, we have one more reason to think that the same will be true tomorrow. But eventually, we all wake up for the last time.
And so someone's death sets us to pondering about how we should live each day more fully, and maybe we do, for a time or two, but we lapse back into our complacency, confident in another day.
It seems morose to wake up every day and think about dying, but maybe that's a good way to inform our lives, a little daily reminder not to dawdle. But is it realistic to strive to make every day extraordinary? Or do we need to adjust our defintion of extraordinary? Maybe it's just enough to wake up and be grateful and kind and make the right choices.
Hmm. My processor's feeling a bit bogged down. Maybe I just need to play Tetris.
'A Clockwork Orange' ...
(Before I talk about the movie, allow me to revel in the fact that the temperature in these parts is forecasted to climb into double digits today, though it is presently -4.)
OK, so I struggled to get through the rest of Stanley Kubrick's early-'70s psychotic episode last night. I've seen bits and pieces of "A Clockwork Orange" over the years, but I've never put them in order in my head.
Now I have.
And you know what I think? I think Kurbrick must have failed a philosophy class somewhere along the line.
When I was in college, I took an intro philosophy class. I remember syllogisms. That's about it.
But then there was Senior Honors, a year of study with three professors, a program for which you had to apply and be accepted. I applied for my junior year with what I thought was a very clever one-page essay. It did the trick.
And so I took a class with an English professor with roots in philosophy, a man who clearly was used to dealing with grad students. One day, as class took a break, I mentioned to him that I was going to get something to drink and asked if I could get him anything. He seemed somewhat stymied by the question. Perhaps he was unaccustomed to basic kindness. I seem to remember him agreeing to a Sprite. Maybe it was a Coke.
What I do remember, though, was when it came time to write that quarter's paper, I had no idea what I was talking about. But based on past philosophy experiences, my own and those of my friend Brian who was double-majoring in philosophy and architecture, I proceeded to write the most convoluted paper I could craft.
(I just flipped through my college-paper folder, the few that I culled from all the files from all the classes. Not surprisingly, I didn't save the paper I wrote for Ned. It was likely relegated to a landfill long ago. Too bad. It would be entertaining to read it today.)
Anyway, watching "A Clockwork Orange" felt like writing that paper. Many have raved about its social commentary. Roger Ebert wasn't buying it. His review begins, "Stanley Kubrick's 'A Clockwork Orange' is an ideological mess, a paranoid right-wing fantasy masquerading as an Orwellian warning. It pretends to oppose the police state and forced mind control, but all it really does is celebrate the nastiness of its hero, Alex." Ebert's entire review is here.
Yup. Alex, with his false eyelashes, phallic prosthetic nose, and exaggerated codpiece, is quite the son of a bitch. In Alex's world, beating up drunks and raping women are ways to pass time between visits to his gang's milk-bar hangout. Of course, it's not just regular milk. And it's not dispensed in a regular way.
Eventually, all his nasty behavior catches up with him, which brings on the second half of the movie, which I didn't like any more than the first.
It felt contrived and indulgent, a way for Kubrick to flail about a lot of penises and undress a lot of women. Maybe he was trying to make some kind of statement about man's basest motivations. I think he just figured that if he made it all really weird and slapped some Beethoven over the whole mess, people would think it was genius.
The same way I tried to write the most absurd paper I could for the Senior Honors class, figuring that if it didn't really make sense, it would probably pass for philosophy.
Many hailed Kubrick's film as a masterpiece.
My professor gave me a B.
Close enough.
Two-fer Tuesday ...
It is cold.
I know this because my Mac weather widget tells me that it's 9 outside.
I also know this because I just came in from shoveling show. Pushing, snow, really. It's the fluffy, Hollywood snow, but there's plenty of it, so the pushing took some time.
Planning for the cold, I put on two of everything: my stretchy leggings as well as my heavier-weight walking pants (a yoga pant/sweatpant hybrid: drawstring waist but straight, loose legs), a long-sleeve thermal T-shirt as well as a sweatshirt, my cashmere-lined leather gloves as well as my ridiculously floppy magenta fleece mittens, a scarf wound around my neck as well as one worn over my head. (I don't own a hat.)
I was outside perhaps 20 minutes. My fingertips have finally warmed enough for me to type without missing letters.
I didn't think it could snow when it was so cold. I figured the atmosphere was too dry. I was wrong. My driveway had four inches of snow on it. Maybe five. Thank God it was fluffy. I'd still be out there if it was wet, heavy snow.
No, actually, my neighbors would have fired up the snowblower and cleared my snow for me. They're great about that kind of thing.
When it's fluffy, I try to clear theirs as well as my own. Fair's fair. But William had already gotten to his (he uses his leaf blower to clear this kind of snow), and I would have frozen in place if I tried to do more than my own surfaces.
I fondly remember snow days as a kid: WGN radio the soundtrack of my mother's mornings. She'd listen to the weather and school closings and would come into my room and tell me that I could stay snuggled in, that school was canceled for the day.
Of course, nothing makes a kid get out of bed faster than the news that they don't have to get out of bed. When we got a day off for snow, we were damn well going to make the most of it. There were snowball fights to be fought, snowforts to be built, snowmen to make, snow angels, snow hills, snow, snow, snow.
In those days, we wore snowsuits or snow pants and jackets. Unlike Ralphie's little brother in "A Christmas Story," we could always put our arms down. I loved the zip-zop-zip-zop sound we'd make while walking, the nylon rubbing against itself. My mom used to put my feet in Baggies before slipping them into my boots, partly to aid in getting my feet into the boots, but also, I suspect, to keep my feet drier.
Today, I managed just fine with athletic socks and a beat-up old pair of New Balance. My pants didn't zip-zop, but the snow was squeaky.
I have earned a cup of cocoa.
And me without any marshmallows.
What Is Love?, Part Deux ...
Whew.
I just read my pal Steff's post about love.
Steff's posts are always good for inspiring a "Hmm ... ." I wrote about love before, here, but it's not like it's a topic that one can exhaust.
In Steff's post, she mentions that she's only ever used the L-word with one man. Ever.
As coincidence would have it (not that I believe in coincidence), he called this afternoon.
We dated briefly in college (his name is David, of course, because all men in my life are named David, except the ones who aren't) but, unlike every other man I've ever dated, we've stayed in touch for all these years.
Not regularly, necessarily. It's been years since I've seen him, but we pop up in each other's lives from time to time, and always, it's like no time has passed.
I should clarify my comment about only ever telling one man that I loved him. I've said it to male friends, of course. And I once said it to a guy because he said it to me (far too soon) and I was young and felt the need to say it back. But I didn't mean it. And when we split up, I learned the power of those three little words. It was the only relationship I've ever actively ended (as opposed to those dating scenarios in which you both stop calling each other, absurd as they are, or situations in which I've been the break-upee, not the break-uper) and he was hurt. How could I break up with him if I just told him that I loved him?, he wanted to know. Ouch.
So I'm very judicious with my use of the word "love." If I say it, I mean it. Which means I don't say it much.
To my family, all the time. Friends, not often enough.
But David's the only man I've ever said it to in *that* way.
David has a magnetic personality. He's a force of nature. More charming than anyone I've ever met, but in a very real way. There's charming charming and there's smarmy charming. David is charming charming. A boundless heart. Unfathomable generosity. A true love for humankind. An insatiable curiosity about the world. And a father's limitless pride.
There are certain people - very few, sadly, though we're lucky if we have even those - with whom you identify in a mystical way, a connection deep and profound that belies understanding. You inherently respond to something in their soul. It defies explanation. It just is. Words to describe it don't exist. You just know it and feel it and I don't believe it ever goes away.
Soulmate is a word that seems cheapened from overuse, but that's as close as I can come to a label.
Finding a soulmate is a quest for many. David is one, surely. So why aren't we together? Well, technically, we are. We always will be. But he's not here and I'm not there. Maybe we were physically together in another life and we've met up again in this incarnation. Or maybe we'll be together down the road. Or maybe we won't.
But it's nice to know he's there.
Doofus, Party Of One? ...
Yeah, yeah, I know, politics is nasty blog fodder in these parts. I have readers who don't like it when I pipe up about politics, and everyone who reads me on any kind of regular basis knows where I stand on Fearless Leader.
Of course, part of what I don't like about the current administration is the "us vs. them" mentality, not just abroad but in our own backyards. Civil discourse has been ground into the carpet like a half-smoked Marlboro under a dusty boot. "Hell no, you can't have an opinion," everyone seems to say, "unless it matches mine."
But on this topic, I will speak: Dude admits that global warming is an issue, even wants to save the polar bears that are teetering on the brink of extinction, but refuses to implement CO2 caps because doing so might be bad for the economy.
Um, how about we take a step back from the books and look at the bigger picture: If the planet's destroyed, the U.S. economy is gonna be pretty far down on the list of things to care about. As sea levels rise, large portions of the continents will end up under water and millions of people will be displaced. Finally, Malibu beachfront for cheap.
Even before I watched "An Inconvenient Truth," I blogged about the film's list of simple things we can do to make a difference. And then I watched the movie, and blogged about it here.
I've become much more aware of my energy consumption. I admit that I still drive too fast and therefore realize less fuel efficiency, but I recycle more than ever (and I recycled a lot before) and keep things not only turned off but unplugged. I use my treadmill less than an hour a day. Why leave it plugged in and turned on when I'm not using it? (No, smart ass, I'm not talking about leaving the belt running all day.) I don't necessarily make coffee every morning. Why leave the coffee pot plugged in all the time? It takes two seconds to plug it in when I want to use it. Many little things add up to a big difference.
El Presidente flies around on a big airplane which, on any given flight, is mostly empty. And hey, he'll be dead by the time this global-warming business really comes home to roost.
The United States is home to approximately 5 percent of the world's population, yet we dump nearly 25 percent of the world's CO2 in to the atmosphere.
So it frosts my ass when Georgie Boy refuses to play ball because he can't dictate all the rules. Last I checked, we didn't own the planet.
Some might say that we throw a lot of money toward global-warming initiatives, more than anyone else in the world. Yup, we're mighty good at throwing money at situations. Iraq comes to mind. There's a well-oiled machine for you. Oops, did I say "oil"?
Al Gore, back in the days of Bill and Al's Presidentialpalooza, signed the Kyoto Protocol, but we've never ratified it, so as far as we're concerned, it truly isn't worth the paper it's written on.
So it's not just George's problem, but the problem keeps getting worse. Al, for his part, is out there trying to shake people by their collective shoulders. (And good for him and his Nobel Peace Prize nomination.)
But The Big G is in the Oval Office these days. A lot of smart scientist types just released a report that we're the cause of the problem and it's a problem that won't go away for generations to come.
So how about we put some of that good ol' American ingenuity to work in figuring out how to make the economy work while protecting the planet instead of whining that we don't like the new rules?
We made the mess. It's up to us to do what we can to clean it up, not continue to trash the place and let someone else worry about it later.
Because later will be here sooner than we think.
Dream Come True ...
Sometime, last week perhaps, I was watching Oprah.
One of her guests, not a movie star or a recording star or a politician but just an everyday gal, sat across from Oprah on the set, talking about whatever it was she was talking about. Teary-eyed, at the end of the segment, she told Oprah that it was her life's dream to meet her.
Oprah, of course, is accustomed to hearing that, as much as any mere mortal can be accustomed to being worshipped so. But without skipping a beat, she said, "Now you'll get a bigger dream."
Because there's always a bigger dream.
Today, I received the most miraculous e-mail.
One of my very dear friends sent word (and pictures) that her daughter has arrived from Korea. She and her husband had been waiting and waiting. In November, many of us gathered for a baby shower. I've been excited the entire time, but it didn't yet feel quite real. Their daughter was on the other side of the world, waiting to be granted a passport. A few weeks ago, they got word that she would be arriving a little sooner than anticipated. Today, the e-mail came.
She's here.
I, being a sap, started to cry.
Becoming a parent: There is no bigger dream.
For me, anyway. And for them. And for many.
So what are the dreams after the arrival of the bundle of joy? The dream of her health and happiness? The dream of a life full of love? The dream of a future filled with family and friends?
Good dreams for her. Good dreams for all of us.
A few years ago, I reconnected with the brother of a friend from my Tribune days. It was only briefly, just one conversation. But it was one of those conversations that resonated loud and clear, just the right message at just the right moment. And it all boiled down to a simple question: "In this moment, are you OK?"
His point was, no matter what may lie in wait for us outside our doors - issues with money or relationships or careers - the answer to the question "In this moment, am I OK?" is almost always "Yes." And since all we really have is right this minute, we're more OK than we realize.
My friends, of course, are more OK than OK.
And I couldn't be happier for them. It's not every day you get word of a dream come true.
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To see all content, you will need the current version of Adobe Flash Player.
TITANIC Home All about Titanic News and Reviews Photo Gallery Send an Email About the Author
TITANIC Home
WHO WAS TITANIC?
Legendary gambler Alvin “Titanic” Thompson (1892-1974) traveled with his golf clubs, a .45 revolver and a suitcase full of cash. He won and lost millions playing cards, dice, golf, pool and dangerous games of his own invention. He also killed five men. “But they’d all tell you they had it coming,” he said. And he married five women, each one a teenager on her wedding day. Titanic ruled New York’s underground craps games in the 1920s—he was the model for Sky Masterson, the gambler-hero of Guys and Dolls. He traded card tricks with Houdini, conned Al Capone, hustled golf with Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and Lee Trevino. He lost a million playing pool with Minnesota Fats, then teamed up with Fats and won it all back. As dramatic as a blockbuster movie, full of amazing true stories and tips every bettor should heed, Titanic Thompson is an epic story from award-winning author Kevin Cook—the rags-to-riches life of the greatest gambler who ever lived.
“Even money you’re going to read this book in a night, maybe two. Five to one you’re going to practice shuffling cards or throwing quarters against a wall or chipping golf balls into a shot glass when you’re finished. Ten to one you’re going to claim you can throw a peanut over a three-story building. Hundred to one you’re going to get married a bunch of times, kill a few people, make and lose a fortune and...oh, read the book and find out. You won’t be disappointed.” — best-selling author Leigh Montville
http://www.amazon.com/Titanic-Thompson-Man-Who-Everything/dp/0393071154/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1286644280&sr=1-1 http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Titanic-Thompson/Kevin-Cook/e/9780393071153/?itm=1&USRI=titanic+thompson http://books.wwnorton.com/books/Titanic-Thompson/
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Pop culture October 31, 2016
Five facts about women’s health that should REALLY scare you this Halloween
birth control, education, women in politics
It’s difficult to say what’s scarier: the trove of Stranger Things demogorgon Halloween costumes we’ll see this Halloween or the state of women’s health legislation in the United States. Here are five terrifying actualities that could give even the spookiest haunted house a run for its money.
The US is the only industrialized nation without ANY paid family leave
American women are not guaranteed any paid leave when they have children. None. Compare that to the UK, which offers 40 weeks. Or Singapore, which offers 16 weeks. Or Iran, which offers 12. And American men? None for them either. The UK, Denmark, Australia, Kenya, and Venezuela all offer two weeks to new dads.
“Our policies are stuck in the Mad Men era,” Kirsten Gillibrand said during the Democratic National Convention. “We are the only industrialized nation that does not guarantee workers paid family leave. Many women can’t even get a paid day off to give birth.”
This topic has been a hot one during the 2016 election cycle, with both parties showcasing a plan that would improve the current state of affairs. Ideally, no matter who’s elected, this issue should become a thing of the past.
That Twix bar is tax-free, but your tampons aren’t
Menstrual products are currently taxed in 37 states. Of those states without a tax, only eight have specifically nixed the tax — Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and New Jersey — while the remaining five don’t have any sales tax at all.
Sales tax laws are determined at the state level and applied to what the state governments deem ‘luxuries.’’ In the case of these 37 states, included in those luxuries: tampons and pads. Seriously. It makes little sense, considering groceries and some medications are not taxed (including, ahem, Viagra).
“Basically we are being taxed for being women,” Cristina Garcia, an assemblymember in California said in a press release in January. Garcia’s bill to end the tax passed in California’s Congress, but was vetoed by Governor Jerry Brown back in September.
There’s no federal requirement for schools to offer sex ed (or that it be medically accurate, for that matter)
Teen pregnancies have dropped to historic lows in recent years, but America still has the highest rate of unintended teen pregnancy of all developed countries, according to Planned Parenthood.
A root cause could be sexual education, or lack thereof. Data shows that states with abstinence-only sexual education programs have the highest rate of teen pregnancy. Nearly $2 billion has been spent by Congress over the past 25 years to initiate abstinence-based sex ed programs, with no tangible research backing their effectiveness.
There’s good news and meh news about this. The good news: the Obama administration cut the $10 million that’s historically funded abstinence-only education from the 2017 federal budget. The meh news: Every state still decides how it educates teens. You can use this tool from the National Conference of State Legislature to see what your state is doing about it.
Your employer can opt out of birth control coverage
The media circus around the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision may seem like old news, but it’s still affecting women across the country. To rewind: In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled that (despite the Affordable Care Act requiring insurance to cover contraception without a copay), “corporations with religious owners cannot be required to pay for insurance coverage of contraception.”
It’s still unclear how many women are affected by their employees’ decision to forego birth control coverage, but according to POLITICO, “advocates of the birth control coverage requirement argue that if even one woman is barred from coverage because of her employer’s religious views, that’s too many.”
There is a law in place meant specifically to deny poor minority women from being able to get an abortion
It’s no secret that various politicians (many of them male) have made it difficult for women to access safe, affordable abortions. But despite various victories for abortion access — like the Texas Supreme Court striking down a proposed bill that would have required abortion clinics strict regulations that would have made it increasingly more difficult for women to access abortion in the state — there’s one law that bars many women from abortion coverage.
The Hyde Amendment, which was passed in 1976 and implemented in 1977, prohibits federal funding for abortion procedures and care. So that means what, exactly? That Medicaid, which is funded by the government, won’t fund an abortion.
However, there have been limited exceptions since 1994, with Medicaid covering the procedure in cases of rape, incest, or a health threat to a woman’s life. And various states will still cover the procedure under certain circumstances, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.
In 1980, Justice Thurgood Marshall said that the amendment was “designed to deprive poor and minority women of the constitutional right to choose abortion.” This still holds true, considering, women of color are more likely to be uninsured or covered by Medicaid.
Ashley Ross is a freelance writer in New York City who has written for The New York Times, TIME, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, SHAPE, Glamour.com and more. She's a former gymnast and a graduate of the University of Florida.
How hormonal birth control affected my mental heal...
How the way you talk about sex could improve your ...
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Mobile Esports
How To Become A Professional Esports Player
Gaming has come a long way from only being limited to local arcades, to a whole community of people globally. It has evolved so much that there is an entire industry based around. The professional version of it is known as Electronic Sports, Esports for short.
There are many career options available such as game developer, host, player, referee, and agents. In this article, we look at how you can become a professional player. Below are the basics to get you started in this ever-growing and lucrative industry which is Esports:
1. Choose a platform
Games are now available on three platforms, namely PC, Console, and Mobile, each offering online capability. For you to become a professional, you need to choose which platform best suits you and stick to it. Mobile is the most recent and is rapidly growing as more people now own smartphones. This growth has resulted in the development of a new sub-industry known as mobile esports.
2. Invest in the hardware
Once you identify which platform you are going to pursue, it is necessary to invest in the correct equipment. Different games require specific hardware for them to work seamlessly. You have to make sure that the device you have is capable of handling the hardware requirements for the game. If you opt for mobile, make sure it has sufficient ram, proper display size, and resolution. You can also have a dedicated device only for gaming.
3. Choose a genre
Games come in different genres that cater to individual tastes. You have simulation games, arcade games, sports and so on. For you to become a professional, you need to choose a genre that is suitable for you and does not have a steep learning curve. You can always look at past esports tournaments to see which type has the most following. For mobile, it is much simpler as you can choose between Multiplayer Online Battle Arena or Multiplayer Massive Online.
4. Practice regularly
Every professional regardless of the career choice can only become good at it with regular practice. Dedicate appropriate time to improve your skills and technique in the game. You can start by hosting games online for you and your close friends and challenge each other in the game. Another way to develop your gaming skills is to enroll yourself on an esports tournament platform. Here you will find vast amounts of information on gameplay, techniques, and tutorials on how to approach different aspects of the game. You can also watch videos on YouTube that feature elite players demonstrating various ways in how they tackle challenging areas of the game.
5. Get known
As you continue gaming, it is advisable to let people know your existence. You can do this by reaching out to other pros in the game of your choice and interact with them regularly. Another great way to increase your exposure is by joining a team or creating one. Here you will be able to increase your profile and grow your brand. Every professional gamer has a personal brand and a team to match. The advantage of this is that you can get valuable experience from other players, as well as support on all matters of gaming. You can share resources and even widen your exposure in the gaming community through each other's networks.
6. Enter your first competition
Now that you have garnered experience, it is time for you to put your skills to the test. You can start with your local tournament and see how you stack up amongst other players. For PC and Console there exist games whereby you can compete as an individual such as sports games and fighting games. Most of the games that people play in mobile esports tournaments require team participation. So always make sure that you have a team at your disposal, to be able to compete against others.
Competitions are a great way to judge the level of skill that you have. The experience will help you in identifying where you need to improve. Always remember the first tournament is a learning experience. The results do not matter at this point. They are a benchmark to push you further in your quest to become a pro. Keep on participating regularly, and you will soon find yourself among the elite.
Esports is open to everyone. It does not matter how old you are. So long as you have the right equipment and passion, you can excel in becoming a professional gamer.
by Capsl Entertainment
Virtual reality, augmented reality and the growth of esports
Our world is constantly being re-shaped by advancements in technology – from PCs to the internet, to mobiles, to tablets. With every new technological transformation, our lives have become a little bit easier and the world has become a lot more accessible. Today, all eyes are on the new-yet-not-so-new kids on the block: augmented reality and virtual reality.
Virtual reality refers to an immersive digital world completely cut off from the physical one. It is built on ideas that go as far back as the 1800s, but the term was first used in the 1930s by Jaron Lanier. Today, after nearly a century, it has gained massive traction, with people scrambling to get a taste of the complete immersive VR experience. Leading the way is the gaming industry, which has proven to be the first-adopter of all things visual and tech, and has already created products that leverage the potential of AR and VR technology. Additionally, as an industry, it is not satisfied with just the basic offering, and is striving to push the envelope to achieve richer, more immersive, personal experiences.
According to statista.com,
“The VR industry is growing at a fast pace, with the market size of virtual reality hardware and software projected to increase from 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2017 to more than 19 billion U.S. dollars by 2020. Another forecast projects revenues from the global virtual reality market to reach 21.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.”
Currently, competitive gamers have an average PC spend of USD 1500 – 50% more than users who do not game. Keeping this in mind, a full gaming rig with premium VR, estimated at around USD 800, with VR headset and games, is well within the budgets of competitive gamers. Cost of hardware is predicted to fall further. The cost of an Oculus Rift is now USD 399, while the new Oculus Go is even more affordable, with a USD 199 retail price having launched in May 2018. In fact, 200 million+ consumer VR head-mounted displays are expected to be sold worldwide by 2020, implying that more and more people will be turning to these technologies and making them a staple for entertainment, be it esports, films, or music.
Unlike virtual reality, which is completely cut off from the real world, augmented reality blends the virtual and physical worlds. Due to its easy accessibility (via mobile or tablet), AR has caught on faster than VR amongst the masses. Augmented reality has been growing in popularity amongst the developer community since 2006. However, it was only in 2017 that the industry received a significant boost, when AR exploded into the mainstream with the release of Pokemon Go and AR development kits by Apple and Google.
Pokémon Go was the first memorable instance of mass AR consumption. A location-based AR game, it had more than 100 million downloads in its first month of launch, reportedly earning $10m per day at the height of its popularity. Due to its mass appeal, it attracted more attention and investment. But why did it work? First, it brought our favourite Pokemon to the real world, in a sense; secondly, it promoted a sense of community by bringing people together. Most of the break-through technologies have done much the same.
The best part about AR games is that they introduce elements in our otherwise ordinary world. In Pokemon GO, a pokemon could be hiding behind a chair or a dustbin on a street that you pass daily. It gives us an opportunity to build a new world on the foundations of our current one.
According to insightssuccess, “With the new advancements in AR, players can scan a room with their devices and create a 3D map of the walls and furniture. Gamers can place their virtual characters and objects on real tables and shelves, while other players can view the scene and join via their own devices.”
The proof of the popularity is in the numbers. There are approximately 200 million AR-compatible devices on the market, with this number expected to increase 10-fold, to 2 billion, by end-2019. In addition, billion-dollar investments in wearable technology firms such as Mirror Labs and Magic Leap are forecast to bolster the size of the AR addressable market, in addition to taking immersion to the next level. Add to that the Hololens initiative from Microsoft coupled with Apple’s acquisition of Vrvana (a VR/AR eye-tracking “crossover” company) and Akonia Holographics (which develops lenses for AR glasses), and the future of augmented reality looks exceptionally bright.
Advertisers are already engaging with AR to disrupt traditional digital marketing with immersive, interactive AR content. A case in point is the Jaguar Land Rover AR experience that created a simulated driver cockpit experience for potential customers.
Needless to say, AR has significant potential to serve not only as a vital acquisition funnel for VR game technology and content, but also as a brand new stream of views and revenue for game streamers who are struggling to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.
The market for both realities
Augmented reality and virtual reality will be most widely used in the gaming industry and, with the increase in number of both casual and professional gamers, their future seems to have an abundance of lucrative opportunities. The two technologies add a fantastical element to gaming, making it seem both ethereal and personal. VR and AR provide opportunities for people who are both gamers and athletes. A case in point is HADO, a Japanese firm that has been hosting an annual VR/AR competition for the past few years. In 2017, it expanded into other SEA countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Its second official international tournament, the HADO World Cup, saw 12 teams from three different countries competing for the championship title. You can check the promo here.
Thus, undeniably, the convergence of these two technologies will help make the future of esports brighter than it already is.
Esports and its impact on existing careers
The establishment of new industries, like esports, helps diversify common careers by creating specializations for the upcoming industry. Esports has much the same requirements as traditional sports. There are, however a few differences. Esports has ample options for gamers and for people in technology, and in creative fields like animation, design, writing or storytelling, none of which are required in the traditional sports industry. But does it have room to help other career categories expand? Let’s look at some of the roles that are essential to the world of esports today. These do not include the core categories already mentioned above.
Agents: Like most celebrities, professional gamers need agents to help them get brand deals and sponsorships. In the case of up-and-coming gamers, they might need agents to get noticed on a larger scale.
Business Managers: These might be the same as agents, with additional responsibilities. Gaming assets appreciate and depreciate over time. Trading is a part of the gaming world and who better to manage this than a business manager? This leaves the players more time to practice. Gamers need to make informed decisions to grow their revenue and their brand. Business managers can help gamers understand the pros and cons of going with different teams, endorsing certain brands, making certain trades etc.
Lawyers: The legal world of esports, with respect to gamers’ rights and contracts, is quite unorganized. There is still no standard contract to which the legalese-challenged gamer can refer. With the growth of esports, lawyers specializing in the industry will be more in demand, overseeing player acquisitions and trading, gamer rights, breaches of contract, and more. They would have to be well-versed with the industry and how the esports world works to help with in-game or tournament disputes as well. This website gives an idea of what to expect in esports contracts.
Doctors, including Psychologists: Gamers suffer from both mental and physical problems during their career and before it, while training. Neurological impacts of gaming are still being researched, but there is an urgent need for psychologists who understand gamer behavior, fears, and lifestyle. Video games, like many things, have both positive and negative effects on our minds.
Accountants: Esports gamers don’t just own common currency, they also own game tokens or game currencies that need to be accounted for. This may not be relevant now but it shows promise in the near future, especially with the advent of blockchain, upon which esports platforms are being built. They would also be key in recommending financial actions to be taken to fill the gamer’s coffers.
Virtual reality on esports tournaments spectatorship
The football players enter the field. There are loud cheers. Someone next to you accidentally spills some of their drink on you. But you don’t care. You’re too busy cheering for the team, adding to the already thunderous applause and hooting that has engulfed the stadium. At this moment, until the next 90 minutes or so, you are part of a movement, alongside strangers who feel like family.
Watching sports in a stadium is different from watching it on one’s laptop, alone. Typing to connect with friends while the game is on could result in you missing some action. Talking to friends is much easier. This is why, when going on-ground to see a match is not possible, people have viewing parties. Sports spectating is essentially about coming together and enjoying the game. Unfortunately, esports, which has around 500 million fans with ⅔ being spectators, doesn't essentially provide a stadium-style experience and friends aren’t always free to travel.
Virtual reality helps bring the feeling of camaraderie and oneness back in not just esports, but any game. It enables us to experience “stadium-style” viewing from the comfort of wherever-we-are. As we don our VR headsets or glasses, we are transported into a world full of action and fellow fans, seated across us, next to us, behind us. We can turn to them and talk without missing the game. We can see our players in action just a few feet away. Our cheers become part of the crowd again.
However, VR brings more than just stadium-style spectating to our homes. It enables us to switch between multiple stadiums. Since games are being viewed on a platform we control, we can easily “switch the channel”, without losing out on the viewing experience. Another interesting capability of this technology is allowing us to experience the game from the athlete’s point of view. Virtual reality heightens the immersive spectating experience by letting us see what a player sees at any given point of time in the game.
Lastly, since it brings ‘stadium-style’ viewing back, it also helps us make new, genuine friends. How do we know they’re the friends we want? Mostly, because you can see exactly how they behave during the game.
Esports spectating in VR is a treasure-trove of psycho-graphic data. Since VR mirrors our real-life actions, researchers or gaming studios can see exactly when people start losing interest, the number of times they get distracted, their fidgeting habits, their preferred ‘look’, the angle of their most-held gaze, their body movements and so on.
The above, peppered with the spectator’s involuntary verbal cues, gives researchers valuable insights into an individual’s as well as a community’s behavioral and linguistic patterns.
The presence of rich psycho-graphic data provides earning opportunities for spectators and game creators. The Facebook-Cambridge Analytical scandal has raised awareness regarding privacy breaches. People want to know where their data goes. In a VR world, spectators can allow brands to document their experiences in a given game or situation, for a certain time, at a certain cost. The game takes a cut of the spectator’s earnings, but the spectator keeps a bulk of the revenue. This way, people have direct control over which brands have what information and are able to benefit financially in the process.
While spectators get paid for data, gaming or esports stadiums get paid for targeted ad distribution. Think of an on-ground, physical stadium. There will always be a few (sponsoring) brands that stand out because of their logo placement along the base of the stands. Brands in stadiums have greater recall value for the spectators because their ads are not constantly moving and there is no scope of ‘scrolling’ through them or dismissing them. This is primarily due to the static nature of the ads and the fact that they appear to be non-intrusive, while simultaneously making an impression on the spectator’s mind. Ad distribution or display is further enhanced with the help of psycho-graphic targeting. Since the game already has its own set of psycho-graphic data, it can show different ads to different people at the same time, in the same spot. For example: A gadget-loving person who is sitting across Hoarding A might see an ad for the latest mobile, while a person sitting right next to him/her might see an ad for a new item in a different game because they just earned a massive amount in that game. The ad on the hoardings can also change based on the mood of the individual spectator.
Virtual reality, undeniably, opens doors for rich, immersive spectating. The question is – how good can we make this experience?
Esports: Is it worthy of being a career?
Nearly 300 million spectators. 500 million fans. A future valued at more than a billion dollars in 2020. Esports may have started out as an additional means of making some extra pocket money back in the ‘70s but, by the 2000s, professional gamers had made their mark. Increase in spectatorship re-affirmed the undeniably bright future of esports.
Present Professionals
Today, there are instances of professional gamers making millions from tournaments. The richest player, Kuro “KuroKy” Takhasomi, DotA player and part of Team Liquid, has made $3,549,039.35 over a decade. The team is known for its “silent and deadly” gameplay. Saahil “UNiVeRsE” Arora has raked in $2,953,956.27 and is ranked #3 worldwide, #1 in the US. He has already won $168,000 this year from 2 tournaments. Sumail Hassan moved to the US to further his DotA 2 career at the age of 15. Featured in Time Magazine 2016 as one of the most influential teenagers, Sumail is the youngest player to have earned $1,000,000 gaming. His total earnings to date are $2,676,991.94. Sasha Hostyn, with $200,693.82, is the highest earning female esports player in the world.
These gamers and their stories have inspired a whole generation to look at esports as a viable career option. It is – if you’re willing to put in the work and effort required.
Current Landscape
Like any career, professional gaming requires persistence and dedication. Currently, the hurdles to enter the industry as a gamer are a little higher, with people vying for the same top titles, as seen in the graph below – League of Legends (which averages around a 100 million players), Starcraft II (with 2.4M players competing), DotA 2 and so on. This doesn’t allow newcomers to make their mark as easily as the early professionals of the early 2000s. To add to their woes, the world of esports is largely unstructured.
Fortunately, with blockchain-based esports entities cropping up, there are now more opportunities for new gamers and small studios to compete and showcase games, respectively, with greater security. Additionally, with technology becoming cheaper and more accessible, the number of professional gamers and esports tournaments is set to increase. Perhaps the most telling change, however, is the blurring of lines between esports and traditional gaming. The adoption of esports by traditional sports organisations has been one of the main reasons for the spike in competitive gaming popularity.
Traditional Organisations x Esports
Marcus “ExpectSporting” Jorgensen was signed by Manchester City to represent the club in FIFA in PlayStation 4 competitions; Google has added a livescore feature for esports; the States’ Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Houston Rockets are backing 3 of 10 top teams competing in the North American League Championship series this year.
Even Disney has acquired 21st Century Fox, owns 75% stake in BAMTech, and chose 3 esports-centric entities for its Accelerator programme - aXiomatic, an esports ownership group and Epic Games, developer/publisher of Gears of War and Fortnite. This is of some import primarily due to the massive size of Disney and its existing, loyal audience - in Gen Y and Gen Z. Collaborating with or owning esports entities gives Disney the opportunity to expand its already popular products (films, entertainment, merchandise) into an up-and-coming, potentially viral medium. For esports, this translates into a definitive vote of confidence, securing its present and reinforcing its future potential.
The International Market
China, having gained more than US $37,945M (data below) in esports revenue, as of June 2018, has towns that are building stadiums specifically for esports tournaments. This provides increased opportunities for esports aspirants to enter the market in Asia. However, with increase in access, competition is also bound to increase. Asia, particularly China, is driving the thriving esports market. According to article in Forbes:
“...there are 100 million eSports fans in China now. They watch professional competitions, either live or online, on many video sites that are China's answer to Twitch...ESPN and Tencent, the largest online games company in China, and one of the largest Internet companies in the world by market cap, have recently teamed up to cover sports in China.”
Esports: Here to stay
Esports has expanded to the extent that it now has subsets, the most common being real-time strategy (RTS), fighting, first-person shooter (FPS), multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA). There is some debate regarding MOBA’s status as a stand-alone genre.
The increasing number of opportunities, the support of major players in traditional industries, and the ever-expanding nature of esports has established competitive video gaming as a phenomenon that is here to stay.
All said and done, is esports a worthy career option?
The simple answer is ‘Yes’. However, the world of esports isn’t just for competitive gamers, of course. It has created inexhaustible opportunities for writers, developers, media managers, coaches, designers – art and fashion, player psychologists, and commentators. If you want a piece of the action but can’t game, you can always consider the aforementioned subsets of a career in gaming. Alternatively, you could don the cap of a spectator and cheer your favourite players on during tournaments.
So, what do you think? Planning on dipping your professional toes in esports waters?
Why Esports Tournaments needs Blockchain
From outdoor games to arcade games to games on PCs and consoles to mobile game, gaming ‘platforms’ have come a long way. With each new platform comes a new style and visual of gaming. However, one thing remains the same – the competition. Be it the group of students who first competed in Spacewar! at Stanford University in 1972 or the teams facing off against each other at esports tournaments worldwide today, all of them are in it for two reasons – the love of gaming and the prize.
Esports today: A lucrative opportunity?
Esports, essentially, means video gaming competitions. Today, it comprises competitive gaming, spectating, gambling or wagers, and entertainment. It has grown into a multi-million-dollar business, poised to reach a revenue of a $1.5 billion in 2020. It accounts for 500 million fans worldwide, out of which 300 are spectators. Its popularity is such that some believe it might make it as an Olympic sport. As per an article by Steve Menary,
“Esports will be a demonstration event at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, then a medal event four years later in China, leading to discussions over its admission at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.”
Great! The future looks bright. But how does one become a competitive gamer? The answer is not as simple as one would like it to be. First, it requires hours and hours of practice – not 3 or 4, but 7 to 8 hours, daily. Players have to find a balance between taking care of their health and training for the game. Young people passionate about reaching the top tend to forget about their health – mental and physical. This is true of any career-centric or skill-centric pursuit. Next, every aspiring gamer needs to have a backup plan until they have at “least some indication that they can make money and support themselves with gaming.” Then there’s the research. It is absolutely essential to understand the methods and tactics of those who came before you – and succeeded. In addition, playing against those better than you can help improve your skill. Lastly, you need to be able to lose gracefully. Even the best players lose 30-50% of their games.
Okay, so now you’ve won a few tournaments, your health is fine, you’ve been reading up on your predecessors, and you’re a pretty humble competitor. It’s an easy in to the highest rung of esports gaming now, right?
Expectedly, the answer is: wrong.
You shall not pass: The barriers
The world of esports is greatly unstructured. It is heavily influenced by popularity and availability of the necessary finances. It is only a handful of games like DOTA, League of Legends, Starcraft, and Fortnite that attract most professional players and spectators. Lack of knowledge amongst gamers, regarding other titles, greatly reduces their chances to get a foot in the door. The games mentioned above account for some of the most coveted titles in esports.
To add to gamers’ woes, pro-gaming requires investment in specialized hardware – it’s going to be very difficult to win on a standard PC. Let’s draw a parallel with another sport dependent on machines – F1 Racing. According to Michael Schumacher,
“I hate to take compromises with a racing car. The more standard a car is, the more compromises you have to take.”
You don’t have to have the best machine out there, but it needs to be above average to help complement your skills. Esports is dependent on two things: the machine and the (wo)man.
Next, the industry has been unable to effectively protect gamers against fraudulent activities like scamming or smurfing. There are also innumerable cases regarding pending payments and identity theft. Says Diarmuid Thoma, Director of Fraud at TransUnion:
“What happens when they (hackers/scammers) gain access to your account? One of the things I have learned about gaming specifically is, it’s not all about the credit card. The account itself is worth money”.
Needless to say, things look bleak for new gamers looking to go pro – there are competition scams, unfulfilled payments, phishing, identity theft, increased cost, and lack of adequate knowledge. These problems are exacerbated by the fact that gaming is still not considered a prospective career by society. So, good luck fighting your family.
It’s not just gamers who are affected. Cost of marketing inhibits up-and-coming game studios from getting any air-time for their games, further inhibiting gamers’ knowledge of available titles. It also impacts their capabilities to create good storylines & gameplay, and to invest in spectatorship services. As you will recall, spectators account for 2/3 of esports fans.
Knight in shining armour: Blockchain
The advent of blockchain technology brought with it an opportunity. Blockchain technology has gained ground because of its decentralised approach, increased transparency, increased security, and the popularity of Bitcoin. A blockchain is, in layman’s terms, a public ledger of information that cannot be fundamentally tampered with. So, how does it play into esports?
Security and transparency: Creating a profile on the blockchain helps protect gamers from identity theft as their information, including the tokens and titles earned, is stored in a multi-branched public ledger. If we look at blockchain as a string of blocks, each block has the same information as the previous one plus new data. Hence, to edit the profile, any person would have to change the data in each and every block. This is difficult because no single person has control over a single blockchain. The threat of identity theft is thus alleviated. Security is further enhanced with a cryptographic set of keys.
The presence of a gamer’s profile on the blockchain would help scouts discover potential esports athletes faster. It also ensures that the information shared is accurate, thus benefiting both scout and gamer.
Smart Contracts: Additionally, smart contract templates can help gamers easily navigate the legalese of the esports world. As of now, there are no standard contracts in the world of gaming.
Monetisation: Increased esports spectator ship is a reality. Amazon’s Twitch has redefined the esports space by allowing streaming and recording of game play. This has enabled gamers to reach our homes and offices – any place that has any device. Additionally, this creates increased income opportunities for gamers as well. For example, Singapore’s Bountie, a blockchain-based esports initiative, features seasonal weekly tournaments for professional gamers, allowing them to earn coins or tokens, thus monetizing the space. There is also scope to bring about in-app purchases during spectating.
Decentralization and speed: Gamers are not new to the technology of blockchain, nor are they unfamiliar with the use of digital tokens that define most of the blockchain transactions. Some might argue that digital currency first became popular with digital games. The problem gamers face here is pending payments. Sometimes, they are not paid at all. At other times, the payment takes three to six months to come through. Blockchain expedites this process to a matter of seconds or, worst case scenario, in minutes. The transactions are verified by the decentralised (peer-to-peer) blockchain system and are irreversible.
Mass awareness: Any given blockchain also provides opportunities to gaming studios to build on top of the main chain. These respective studios can then have their own DApps, keeping the token of the main chain as the primary token. This increases the visibility of their games, which was a problem earlier, and helps reduce transaction costs due to the absence of a middleman on blockchains.
The VR/AR factor: Immersive gaming is fast becoming the preferred means of playing and spectating. AR/VR has already made inroads into the blockchain world with Decentraland. As VR/AR hardware becomes more affordable, more people will have access to it. According to statista.com, “In 2022, the augmented and virtual reality market is expected to reach a market size of 209.2 billion U.S. dollars.”
Gaming fans have always been early adopters and the existence of VR/AR on blockchain will help bring immersive technology to the masses faster and more efficiently. This in turn will give a sense of “stadium-style” viewing where spectators would be able to see who is sitting next to them and tickets could also be sold to monetise on the experience.
Healthcare: With blockchain, players can keep count of the number of hours they have been playing, injuries sustained, and amount spent on healthcare. Additionally, a player’s profile with the above statistics and his/her popularity will help healthcare professionals tailor advice to the individual. It also makes it difficult for players to lie to doctors - something that everyone is guilty of doing. Gamers will also be able to assess their skills at different points in time - pre-meal, post meal, after sleep, during stress or anxiety, during exuberance and so on.
Unsurprisingly, some have already hopped aboard the esports-blockchain train. Bountie ensures quick payments to players and weekly tournaments; DreamTeam is paving the way for efficient use of smart contract by players, in addition to opening esports up to sponsors and advertisers; and Unikrn offers “team ownership, skill and spectator betting applications, a casino group and multimedia content for esports fans.”
A Quick Recap
Undoubtedly, blockchain technology has much to offer to the expanding realm of esports. It makes it easier for newcomers to enter the competitive arena, sans fraudsters, scams, and pending payments; game studios building their apps or games on top of any main chain benefit in terms of reach; gamers are exposed to more than just the popular titles in tournaments, expanding their scope of winnings and competition; ease of entry and access provides more opportunities for all stakeholders - gamers, studios, advertisers - to monetise; lastly, the decentralized approach ensures quicker, cheaper transactions, greater efficiency, smart contracts, and increased transparency.
Thus, sustainable and engaging esports content and opportunities, coupled with the countless economic and structural benefits of blockchain, ensure that the world of esports becomes a way of life and not just a trend.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewrossow/2018/05/15/its-time-to-wake-up-the-esports-space-with-blockchain/#27198bbb4ff9
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https://www.technologyreview.com/s/404233/the-start-of-computer-games/
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https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/03/30/the-10-steps-to-becoming-a-pro-gamer/#686cb4ce7839
History of Esports: From PC to Mobile Tournaments
Today, esports is projected to become a multi-billion dollar market and commands the attention of half a billion fans worldwide, two-thirds of whom are spectators. The rapid growth of the industry in the past few years has transcended the digital realm and created demand for merchandise from fans, with advertising opportunities from brands. Its popularity and impact, even in the traditional sports world, is undeniable. But how did it all start? Who amplified the potential of esports? Who decided which games would be popular? For a better understanding, let’s dive into the 20th century history of esports
1940s - 1960s: Writing the script
There was a time when games were things we played outdoors. Then came the computer, paving the way for digital gaming. 1947 saw the first attempt at a video game and in 1958, we had a moderately recognizable game - Tennis for Two. Finally, 1962 saw the first game designed specifically for computers. The pioneers were a group of young MIT graduates, led by Steven Russell, while the computer was a new $120,000 machine that had just arrived at MIT. This machine was faster than the other gigantic machines on campus and naturally caught the fancy of the young programmers. They created the first non-commercial computer game – Spacewar! This would later inspire an arcade game with the same name
1970s and 1980s: Setting the stage
Early arcade games started being developed in 1971. This was a massive turning point as it took digital gaming to a wider audience. The first commercial arcade video game, inspired by Spacewar!, was developed in 1971 by Bushnell and was a cosmic failure. The following year, Bushnell founded Atari and that in itself is a major milestone in the gaming industry.
Gaming, at that point, was about receiving the highest score – it didn’t matter whether you were playing alone or against someone.
Then, the PC brought gaming home. Games became a way to pass time or escape from reality. They took the place of books and outdoor games for many. What was then considered “obsessive” gaming would soon lead to a whole new brand of competition – esports.
The first competition that may be considered an esports event took place at Stanford University, in October 1972. Students competed to be the best at Spacewar!, in the hopes of getting a year-long subscription to Rolling Stone magazine. It was in the 1980s, however, that the first video game competition was held – The Space Invaders Championship. Considering that Space Invaders was a household name at this point, the competition attracted approximately 10,000 participants and widespread media coverage.
Video game competition had made its first indelible mark on mass consciousness
In 1981, Walter Aldo Day Jr. founded Twin Galaxies to promote video games and publish its records through publications like the Guinness Book of World Records. In 1983, Twin Galaxies created the U.S. National Video Game Team. He was the captain and the rest of the team was composed of Billy Mitchell (held record high scores for games like Pac-man and Donkey Kong at the time.), Steve Harris, Jay Kim, Ben Gold and Tim McVey. They would later become part of a celebrity culture that defines esports even today. The team was took part in competitions, ran the Video Game Masters Tournament for Guinness World Records, and sponsored the North American Video Game Challenge Tournament.
Since the internet wasn’t a thing yet, people learnt about competitions and scores through word-of-mouth and trade magazines.
With interest growing rapidly, TV became a means of spectating. Starcade (1981-84), a popular TV show, aired arcade game competitions. There was immense entertainment and spectator potential in esports and, as a result, it found its way into mainstream media.
1990s: Tournaments and the internet
Tournaments continued to be moderately popular and sprang up in different locations and at varying times. These were primarily based on fighting games like the 90s’ Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. But games of a different genre were creeping up on these games. First-person shooter games were taking the stage. As per an article by FoxSports:
“...first-person shooters such as Goldeneye would take advantage of more powerful computers and pave the way for games like Halo and the new Overwatch. Yet for all the competition brewing, there was no actual way to link players with each other on a day-to-day basis.”
The internet changed everything. People were able keep scores, online on message boards, visible by people who didn’t even live in their town or state. Sharing strategies became easier and this growing community would eventually lead to the transition of video game competition into esports.
The 1988 game, Netrek, which was a ‘multiplayer team combat and real-time strategy’ gained ground only in the 90s, primarily due to the improvement in internet connectivity.
According to dotesports.com, “the 1997’s Red Annihilation tournament for the First Person Shooter game" “Quake” is considered to be the first real instance of esports”. It attracted over 2,000 participants and the prize was the lead developer, John Carmack’s Ferrari. Subsequent weeks saw the establishment of Cyberathelete Professional League, the leading major gaming league. It was founded by Angel by Angel Munoz and held its first tournament later in the year. The following year, it had increased its prize to $15000.
This was an era of FPS (first person shooter), sports, and arcade games. But then came StarCraft: Brood War. A Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game, it relied on the gamer’s long-term planning capabilities, much like chess. This genre was vastly different from FPS, which relied on reflexes. Sadly, it would only reach peak popularity at the turn of the millennium.
The Nintendo World Championships were another milestone of the 90s esports journey. The tournament toured 29 American cities and the finals took place at Universal Studios Hollywood, California. Their second appearance as Nintendo PowerFest ’94 saw 132 finalists. Blockbuster Video’s World Game Championships was co-hosted by GamePro magazine. People from the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and Chile were all able to compete.
Esports were covered in some form or the other on television during this time.
Unsurprisingly, the 90s were witness to the establishment and growth of large-scale esports tournaments - Nintendo World Championships (US, 1990), Nintendo PowerFest ’94 (US, 1994), Cyberathlete Professional League (US, 1997), QuakeCon (US, 1996), and Professional Gamers League (Eastern Europe, 1997).
A phenomenon worth noting here is that the players, not the publishers, would decide which games would be given the status of sport.
2000s: Real-time strategy, the professionals, and viewing woes.
2000s saw the rapid rise of professional gamers. There was now a marked difference between amateurs and the ‘pros’. This was particularly noticeable in Starcraft. The gap in skills between players of the game made the title a formidable one and it boomed in South Korea, where it was covered on TV with much gusto.
Around this time, the world video- game consoles were being released with internet connections that allowed players to challenge their friends across the country — and the world. Video game titles got a rewarding system in place, offering in-game perks to winners. Ranking "ladders" were introduced to encourage players to compete for alpha status.
However, video games that focused on RTS needed to retain its appeal in order to attract new players. The genre’s steep learning curve did not help. Publishers needed to find a way to maintain the intrigue of the game, without alienating potential players. The answer came from a player. As per FoxSports, “A player-created modification of Warcraft III, Defense of the Ancients, hit that sweet spot and gave rise to a genre of games, called MOBAs.”
These were free-to-play, which made them easier to adopt as a new gamer. Expectedly, the player base skyrocketed in the 2000s.
But gaming as a sport was still niche. To promote video gaming as a sport, Major League Gaming was born. Its initial focus was on Starcraft and first-person shooters, particularly Halo 2. Soon, it moved into the tournament space - hosting them on-ground and online. Their ranking system, the MLG Pro Points Ranking System, is now a benchmark “for determining the best competitive players around the globe.” (dotesports.com).
In 2006 and 2007, The USA Network partnered with MLG to broadcast Halo 2, an FPS game on television. It did not make for great viewing and their attempt to attract audiences failed. That is when the industry realised that new sports needed new broadcast media. Enter Twitch.
2010s: Twitch, streaming, and spectators
Twitch, born out of Justin.tv, and now a part of Amazon, came into prominence in 2011. Considered to be the ‘ESPN of esports’, the purpose of its existence was to promote viewership of esports tournaments. An online streaming service, it allows anyone to become their own broadcast network and provides a platform for engagement between the audience and the broadcaster. This is something that was not possible with TV. Almost immediately after its launch, popular video game players commenced streaming, via Twitch, to the internet.
Within a year of its launch, Twitch.tv had achieved an incredible number of over 20 million monthly visitors. Less than a year later, August 2013, the number more than doubled, reaching a mark of over 45 million. Interestingly, the most popular game streamed during this period was League of Legends.
Twitch’s success and the growing spectator market for esports led Amazon to acquire it in 2014. As Twitch went mainstream, so did video games, its ‘most popular broadcast category’.
The 2010s didn’t just see an exponential growth in Esports spectating, but also in third-party corporate sponsorships. Developers were already contributing to prize pools, but tournaments were now receiving sponsorships from ‘PC retailers, energy drinks companies, and computer software’. This made it possible for game titles to a award large sums of money. League of Legends, for example, awarded around USD 30 million over 1749 registered tournaments.
Today, League of Legends has become so popular as an esport that the United States Government recognizes its Pro Players as professional athletes “and award(s) visas to essentially work in the United States under that title”. They are able to procure a non-immigrant P-14 visa to visit the States and compete. It is also of some note that these are the same visas used in NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL to bring players from foreign countries to America for an event/match.
To add further structure to the world of esports, ESL and competitive teams across the globe founded WESA (World Esports Association) in 2016. The objective was to “become the global benchmark for industry-wide standards”.
Today, the best esports athletes make millions and the industry is backed by big names in traditional sports. Teams like Manchester City have already signed esports players - Marcus 'ExpectSporting' Jorgensen and Kai 'Deto' Wollin for FIFA competitions on PlayStation. They have also signed their first esports sponsorship deal with Turtle Beach. While some are embracing this new and thriving culture, others are still skeptical of esports’ “sport” status. There are efforts to get esports included in the Olympics, but whether they will be remains to be seen.
Irrespective of the viability of the Olympic dreams, esports has made its mark and it is quite clear, with the ever-growing number of fans and the expanding business & employment opportunities, that it is here to stay.
Bonus: The art, storyline, and technology.
As technology improved and became more affordable, investment in it grew. More people were able to buy computers, tablets, and mobile phones. The improvement in technological capabilities brought with it an opportunity to create games that had stronger plots, better story lines, and appealing visuals. This created not just jobs, but also a desire to back games with something substantial. This opening for better art and stories appealed to the masses - games, even fantasy-centric ones, became relatable to people. It was, and still is, like living a storybook - and there is no way to look at the last page, especially when it comes to RTS games. Esports, like traditional sports, has become thrilling, competitive, and lucrative. And honestly, it might not have been possible had we neglected technology.
This article has been reprised from articles by FoxSports, WUWO Media, and dotesports.com.
Capsl becomes new naming sponsor for GrowUP PUBG Team
Recently, the Grow uP eSports association PUBG team has qualified for the PGI Global Invitational European Final. In recognition of the talent and the excellent performance that attracted the glances, not only at the national level, but also internationally, CAPSL Entertainment has partnered with Grow uP to support its team.
Headquartered in Hong Kong and formed up by ex-Zynga and Konami executives, CAPSL Entertainment recognizes the opportunity to enter the world of Esports, yet reinforces that all of its expertise will be important not only to the team, but also for the Portuguese association.
One of the first steps was the rebranding of the team name, which in future will be named as “Grow uP CAPSL“.
In response to the trust placed in the team and with the goal of continuing to improve the quality of play and teamwork we announce Alexandre “adHoc‘ Neves as a new coach of team.
Grow uP CAPSL team composition.
David ‘Kronix’ Caldeira – Captain/IGL – @Twitter
Frederico ‘FredyEZ’ Camurça – @Twitter
Humberto ‘iSimplusqt’ Alves – @Twitter
Timothy ‘Fleikez’ Carmo – @Twitter
Alexandre ‘adHoc’ Neves – Coach/Analyst – @Twitter
Carlos ‘MGZ’ Teixeira – Manager – @Twitter
“We would like to extend a special thanks to CAPSL Entertainment for believing in the work we have been developing and in particular the entire PUBG team for keeping wearing our colours. We believe in the potential of the team, which with the continuity of hard work and dedication of all involved, we will always compete for victories nationally and internationally. Let’s Grow uP together” – Telmo ‘Armag3ddon’ Silva – CEO and founder of Grow uP eSports.
“First of all, I would like to thank Grow uP eSports for all the commitment and dedication they have put in our team, when the team has formed our goal from the beginning was to conquer our place in the international scene as a 100% Portuguese team, to have Grow uP supporting us in the way they have been supporting, and being a Portuguese organization, gives a special taste, knowing that we are representing our country with a 100% Portuguese identity. I would also like to thank CAPSL for seeing us as a gateway to the Esports scene. And finally, I would also like to thank all those who support us, Portuguese and foreign, from the scene of PUBG and other scenes that daily lose 2 minutes of their time to show their support to our team! A big hug!” – David ‘Kronix’ Caldeira – Grow uP CAPSL IGL/Captain
From CAPSL:
“CAPSL Entertainment are proud to support one of Europe’s most promising new era esports teams. Having demonstrated multiple exemplary performances at the competitive level in the global phenomena PUBG, CAPSL is continuing to drive it’s mission powering the future of competitive gaming. We were blown away by the Grow uP team’s ability to win under intense pressure.” “I can’t wait to see them rack up their next big win as Grow uP CAPSL, and help inspire a new era of esports athletes!” – Paddy Markham, CEO and founder of CAPSL Entertainment.
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After the Amnesty Law: Pursuing Justice in El Salvador
This article was originally published in the December 2016 issue of El Salvador Watch
Following July's Supreme Court ruling to overturn the 1993 Amnesty Law, which prohibited criminal charges for crimes committed during El Salvador's twelve-year Civil War, a court has re-opened a previously shelved case against perpetrators of the El Mozote massacre. On December 11, 1981, US-trained Salvadoran soldiers murdered approximately 900 civilians, including women, children, and infants in El Mozote, Morazán.
The decision to re-open the case comes in response to a request filed in August by family members of the victims. Thus far, eleven high-ranking military officers are accused of crimes ranging from murder, kidnapping, and rape to acts of terrorism. The highest-ranking officials facing prosecution include former Minister of Defense and Public Security, General José Guillermo García, former head of the Armed Forces’ Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Rafael Flores Lima, and former Air Force Commander, General Juan Rafael Bustillo.
The court also requested that the current government provide information in order to locate and notify the accused, as well as to provide official records pertaining to military actions that took place in and around El Mozote at the time the massacre was carried out. The case will resume at the investigatory stage, which is where it was when stayed indefinitely due to the passage of the Amnesty Law. According to their lawyers, the families’ ultimate goal is to know the full truth of what occurred in El Mozote in December 1981; rather than be sentenced to prison, they want the perpetrators to recognize their actions and request forgiveness.
Another case has also been initiated since the Amnesty Law was overturned, one which appears to justify concerns voiced by El Salvador’s social movement that the right-wing would use this opening to attack the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) government, including President Salvador Sánchez Cerén.
Businessman Armando Durán became the first individual to officially request that the Attorney General open an investigation into a war-era crime when he accused the five members of the FMLN’s wartime General Command, including Sánchez Cerén, of responsibility for his 1986 kidnapping by guerrilla combatants who belonged to one of the FMLN’s member organizations, the People’s Revolutionary Army (ERP).
In interviews with investigative journalists, former guerrilla combatants from the Jiquilisco Bay region where Durán was held for 37 days, report that these types of kidnappings were common and often ordered by local leaders. It is extremely unlikely the upper leadership of the ERP, much less the FMLN's General Command, was even aware of this specific kidnapping. The Attorney General, who has faced criticism from Salvadoran social movement groups over apparent political bias and his close relationship with the US Embassy, has nonetheless initiated an investigation.
In October, the Human Rights Institute at the University of Central America (IDHUCA) presented five more cases for investigation: the murder of Roberto Antonio Miranda López during the 1975 student massacre, the 1980 forced disappearance of María Florentina Escobar, the 1983 capture and torture of Rafael Segura, the 1983 forced disappearance of Dr. Alejandro Mira Zetino, and the 1989 murder of teacher and ANDES-21 union activist María Cristina Gómez. The Attorney General has yet to announce whether he will open investigations into these cases
Judge Orders Attorney General to Reopen Jesuit Massacre Case
Social Movement Leaders Denounce Supreme Court and Attorney General Actions that “Promote Corruption and Impunity”
Human Rights Court finds El Salvador guilty of El Mozote massacre
Following Extradition of Colonel Montano, Human Rights Defenders Pressure Officials To Re-open 1989 Jesuit Priest Massacre Case
Ex-president Funes targeted in corruption case as Attorney General bids for re-election
Social Organizations Question Even Handedness of Attorney General’s Anti-corruption Efforts
The Long Road to Justice: Survivors of the Massacre at El Mozote Continue the Fight
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Welcome to the City of Florence, "A City of Character!" Florence is a city brimming with history, character, and Southern charm. Chartered in 1871 and incorporated December 24, 1890, the original township formed as a railroad terminal. The town was named after Florence Henning Harllee, the daughter of William Wallace Harllee, the first president of the Wilmington & Manchester Railroad. Today, Florence is a community with a population of approximately 33,000 residents.
The City of Florence is a fine example of a genteel, Southern city. This mid-sized Southern city is large enough to boast a performance theater, symphony orchestra, many ballet companies, museums, festivals, the Pee Dee Cyclones in the Southern Professional Hockey league, and the world-class recreation complex Freedom Florence. Still, the City is small enough to preserve a small-town feeling with a number of tree-lined streets and parks, all of which add to the pleasant lifestyle that citizens enjoy. Residents exude a strong sense of community pride and Southern hospitality.
Check out the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce Community Calendar.
The City of Florence is the largest city in the Northeastern portion of South Carolina in the heart of
eight counties between the Piedmont and Coastal regions of South Carolina. The City is approximately 80 miles Northeast of Columbia, SC; 100 miles North of Charleston, SC; 90 miles South of Fayetteville, NC; and about 70 miles West of Myrtle Beach, SC. Florence is the largest city in Florence County and serves as the county seat.
Florence is located at the intersection of I-95, the major north/south artery on the East Coast, and I-20 that begins in Florence and runs through Atlanta to the western United States. U.S. Highways 52, 301, and 76 also meet in Florence, providing access to Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and a direct connection via U.S. 76 with Chicago. In addition, Florence is accessible by a recently expanded regional airport, twenty trucking terminals, and both Amtrak and CSX railway services.
The climate of Florence is temperate. Winters are usually mild although temperatures may dip into the teens. The warm season begins in April and extends into September. The annual average daytime temperature is 63.2 degrees.
We hope you enjoy your visit to the City of Florence, whether it is in person or via our web site.
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CS Global
The global site of freedom
Manchester City given Liverpool the initiative at the title race having an abysmal defeat
Online betting kerupuk July 11, 2019
When Newcastle came from behind to document a significant success in their bid to stay in the Premier League. That gap will extend to seven when the leaders beat Leicester in Anfield on Wednesday. “Liverpool’s benefit isn’t enormous but it’s there — we need to win a good deal of games today. However, if we wish to keep going up as a team we must take the challenge. We’re in January and we’re supporting the leaders but there are a great deal of decorations and things to play .” If this was a struggle to his group there was likewise sympathy. “I understand how my players are feeling at this time and I am near them and from these,” City’s manager stated. “I really like these players, they’re an amazing group of men, they handed me all of the prestige that I have in England. “Our match was slow, we did not commit. It wasn’t our very best night. We dropped instant chunks, we were not competitive enough, that is the reason why we couldn’t win. We did not have the rhythm we all had to impose our match. “We did not play our usual way but it happens occasionally. They played great — they have an excellent manager.” judi bola
Rafael Benítez’s family house stays on the Wirral and he smiled widely when reminded he’d completed his former team a favour. “My players have soul and they struggle for one another,” he explained. “We have beaten among the top sides in Europe and they’ll feel that they could beat anyone today.” Manchester City have shifted the English soccer landscape in the previous five years, according to the club’s most up-to-date record registering, Rodrigo Hernández. “I speak with a number of the men back home and they tell me that the town of Manchester could be getting more grim,” that the 23-year-old said. “I believe in the past couple of years City have shifted the narrative in England, not only in Manchester, but I am not here to the competition, I’m here for the soccer challenge” Bayern Munich were willing to satisfy the 70m buyout clause Atlético placed on the Spain worldwide, though he stated he had a simple choice to make when he understood City were curious. “This really is among the best teams around right now. I’d say City are at the top two or three from the planet, in order from the minute I discovered City were curious there wasn’t any doubt in my own mind. For me personally it is an excellent measure, not simply due to the staff but due to Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain. “I’m still quite young and I understand I’ve a whole lot to the master, but gamers that have played Pep told me that this are the ideal spot to further my career. Sergio Busquets, a participant I have always admired, told me Pep Guardiola would not just enhance my match, but he wouldn’t quit trying to enhance it.”
Rodri was described as similar in fashion to Busquets, although the player he’s been purchased to substitute in Manchester is Fernandinho, that had been among the club’s crucial performers last year but in 34 is coming into the finish of his profession and getting more prone to injury. “I know it’ll be challenging to set myself because there are fantastic players in each section of the group. I would not say I’m exactly the same as Busquets — I’ve got other abilities and aptitudes of my very own — but we perform at precisely the exact same place and attempt to do things for your group.” “They’ve become among their most feared teams in Europe, and not merely because they pass the ball around well but since they could harm opponents in the last third. They dominate English football and I believe that they are just a little step from doing exactly the exact same at the Champions League.” Rodri’s coming at City since the successor to Fernandinho since the holding participant means Guardiola will concentrate on landing the moment of his two big transfer goals. The supervisor also needs a centre-back after Vincent Kompany’s passing. Guardiola’s initial alternative is Harry Maguire however Leicester’s evaluation of this 26-year-old — believed to be approximately #80m — isn’t matched by City. Manchester United have created a #70m deal for the England international. Guardiola will be very likely to move to fortify different regions only if a participant needs to leave. The right-back Danilo can do this, because he’s second option behind Kyle Walker. If the Brazilian request a move, Juventus’s João Cancelo will be evaluated as a potential replacement.
West Ham striker failed to induce through a movement to Guangzhou Evergrande
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US to Deport Undocumented Father Whose 5-Year-Old Son is Battling Cancer
Written by Telesur
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, is planning to deport an undocumented Mexican immigrant whose five-year-old son is currently undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia.
Jesus Berrones, 30, who lives in Arizona with his pregnant wife and five children, is the sole breadwinner of his family. He was first granted an extension to continue his stay in 2016 to tend to his family and son who was undergoing chemotherapy treatment. He re-filed for an extension under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, but was told that he was no longer a deportation priority.
Last month, he received a deportation notice.
"He’s a hard-working man," Sonia, Berrones' wife, told HuffPost on Friday in tears. “We’re scared. The kids will ask me: ‘Where’s Daddy?’"
Sonia is a registered U.S. citizen.
Berrones has been living in the United States since 1989. He was brought to the country when he was just a year and a half old.
In 2016, Berrones was deported to Mexico after he was caught driving using a fake license. Since then, he has re-entered the U.S. twice to join his family.
Berrones has been asked to appear in court on Monday to hear his deportation sentence, according to Berrones' lawyer, Garrett Wilkes.
Berrones is currently taking shelter at Shadow Rock United Church of Christ in Phoenix.
There's also a growing concern that the immigrants' rights groups are being targeted by ICE in an effort to stifle political dissent.
Ravi Ragbir, an immigration rights activist along with several community organizations, have filed a First Amendment lawsuit against ICE to stop targeting immigrant rights activists.
"Like so many people who are living in this country under the threat of deportation, I know how important it is to raise our voices against the injustices in the system," Ragbir said in a statement.
"This lawsuit is not just about me, it is about all of the members of our community who are speaking out in our struggle for immigrant rights."
Ragbir was recently granted a temporary stay of deportation.
Read 492
More in this category: « Russian Airline Plane Crashes Killing All 71 on Board No mothers, no Muslims: The new US immigration system »
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CathNews >
That’s right, number of left-leaning Christians on the rise
The religious Left may not wield the same political power as the Christian Right, but it is emerging as a diverse, passionate and active voting bloc in Australia. Source: ABC News.
Unlike conservative Christians on the Right, who rally around a distinct set of issues — including same-sex marriage, euthanasia, and abortion — on the Left, things are more complex.
While there’s a clear commitment to social justice among the progressive and pious on the religious Left, they’re not wholly subscribed to the Left’s full agenda.
Jonathan Cole, from the Centre for Public and Contextual Theology at Charles Sturt University, argues the Bible is ambiguous about political ideology, in spite of what both sides claim.
“Christians always cut both ways,” he said.
There are several reasons why Christians are viewed as politically conservative, and there’s some evidence that most Christians do land on the Right.
The Christian Right has prominent champions in Parliament, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who referred to his faith at his maiden speech to Parliament, and former prime minister Tony Abbott.
The ABC’s Vote Compass survey data shows Catholic and Protestant respondents rate Mr Morrison above Bill Shorten on competency and trustworthiness.
The way the Christian Right votes may be more certain, but it’s not clear if the religious Left would ultimately vote for progressive parties.
Overall, voting patterns of regular churchgoers in Australia consistently favour the Coalition, according to the National Church Life survey.
In 2016, 41 per cent of church-attending Christians voted for the Liberal-National Party, and 24 per cent voted for Labor.
The biggest difference for the religious Left is that it does not have the same numbers as the Right – at least not yet.
Common Grace is the largest left-leaning and faith-based political movement in Australia with 42,500 members and 200 individual donors. But its reach pales compared with the Australian Christian Lobby, with 135,000 members.
Federal election 2019: Why Christians on the left are a growing voting bloc (ABC News)
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O’Callaghan steps down as Caritas chief
Paul O’Callaghan, the chief executive officer of Caritas Australia, the Church’s international aid and development agency, tendered his resignation yesterday. Source: ACBC Media Blog.
Mr O’Callaghan’s decision to step down comes shortly after the successful conclusion of Project Compassion, Caritas Australia’s major annual fundraising and community education project.
Bishop Christopher Saunders, chair of the National Council of Caritas Australia, in accepting Mr O’Callaghan’s resignation after five-and-a-half years in the position, thanked him for his dedicated service and for his earlier contribution to the Church in other roles.
Prior to joining Caritas, Mr O’Callaghan held senior roles in the not‐for‐profit sector and in the Department of Foreign Affairs, including time as high commissioner in Samoa and Australian representative to the South Pacific Regional Environment Program.
Mr O’Callaghan served as executive director of Catholic Social Services Australia between 2011 and 2013, and as a member of Australia’s Major Church Social Service Provider group which includes CSSA, UnitingCare Australia, Anglicare and the Salvation Army.
He has also worked for the Australian Council for International Development, the Australian Disability and Development Consortium, National Disability Services and the World Bank’s Asia‐Pacific civil society consultation group.
Caritas Australia will announce interim arrangements to replace Mr O’Callaghan in the near future.
Paul O’Callaghan steps down as Caritas CEO (ACBC Media Blog)
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Hear & Now
Jazz/Standards
Music Discovery: SiriusXM’s Class of 2016 + 2017 Future Five artists to watch
2016 might go down in history as “the year the music died.” But as we mourn the loss of countless legends, we also look ahead to those artists who will one day fill their shoes. This year, we discovered quite a few of these up-and-comers. The “Class of 2016” is comprised of artists that were played first on SiriusXM and subsequently went on to have a major breakthrough year in 2016, and the “Future Five” for 2017 consists of five new artists we predict will breakthrough in 2017.
Take a look at who stood out among the rest, and keep coming back to us for more music discoveries!
SiriusXM’s Class of 2016
Bishop Briggs
Alt Nation (Ch. 36) became the first radio outlet in America to play Bishop Briggs in a regular rotation when it started playing Wild Horses in January 2016. Alt Nation then added River into rotation in February of 2016. Soon after, the unsigned Los Angeles-based Briggs was signed to Island Records. The River became a top 5 song on Billboard’s Alternative chart, has sold over 250,000 digital tracks and has been streamed over 23 million times.
In November of 2014, eight months following their viral hit Selfie, SiriusXM hired The Chainsmokers as hosts of the YouTube EDM15, a weekly show co-produced by SiriusXM and YouTube. The Chainsmokers continued to make their own songs, and in March of 2016, their music careers surged with their first ever Top 5 pop hit, Roses. The charismatic EDM DJs and SiriusXM hosts followed up in 2016 with two more massive Billboard #1 hits, Don’t Let Me Down and Closer. The Chainsmokers are also nominated for Best New Artist at the upcoming Grammy Awards.
In April of 2015, SiriusXM’s Venus (Ch. 3) channel was the first radio outlet in America to add the song Hideaway to regular rotation from the independently signed Daya. When the song was added to rotation on SiriusXM Hits 1 in June of 2015 it started to sell over 3,000 digital tracks a week. In December of 2015 Daya was selected by SiriusXM as one of the five artists to watch in 2016. Hideway went on to become a Top 10 Pop hit in February of 2016. The song has sold over 1 million tracks and has been streamed over 178 million times. Daya also performed lead vocals on the song Don’t Let Me Down from The Chainsmokers, which was a #1 pop song in July of 2016.
SiriusXM named Kaleo a Spectrum Certified new artist in January 2015 when The Spectrum became the first radio outlet in America to play the Icelandic band in regular rotation. In December of 2015, The Spectrum was also the first to add the band’s breakthrough hit Way Down We Go to regular rotation. The song went on to become a #1 hit on Billboard’s Adult Alternative and Alternative charts, has sold over 300,000 digital tracks and has been streamed over 300 million times.
SiriusXM named Lanez a Future Fire artist in August of 2015 when The Heat became the first radio outlet in America to regularly play Say It. In December of 2015 Tory Lanez was selected by SiriusXM as one of the five artists to watch in 2016. The song went on to reach #1 on Billboard’s Rhythmic chart in February 2016 and has been streamed over 450 million times.
SiriusXM named Morris a Highway Find in November of 2015 when The Highway became the first radio outlet in America to regularly play My Church. In December of 2015, Morris was selected by SiriusXM as one of the five artists to watch in 2016. Since then Morris won the CMA Award for New Artist Of The Year and has received five nominations for the upcoming Grammy Awards.
In July of 2015 Alt Nation was the first radio outlet in America to play Trip Switch from the unsigned Nothing But Thieves in a regular rotation. The UK-based band was subsequently picked up by RCA Records in North America. In December of 2015 Nothing But Thieves was selected by SiriusXM as one of the five artists to watch in 2016. The band’s Trip Switch reached #1 on Billboard’s Alternative chart in May of 2016.
SiriusXM named the unsigned Rector a Pulse First artist in September of 2015 when The Pulse was the first radio outlet in America to play Brand New. Rector was subsequently picked up by Capitol Records and had a Top 5 hit on Billboard’s Adult Pop chart in July 2016. The song went on to sell over 200,000 digital tracks and has been streamed over 25 million times.
SiriusXM’s Future Five for 2017
Seth Ennis
The Highway (Ch. 56) premiered Woke Up In Nashville from Ennis in mid-September, when he was named a Highway Find — the channel’s ongoing initiative to introduce new country artists to SiriusXM listeners. The 24-year old Ennis, who was signed to Sony Music Nashville in the same month, saw his digital track sales rocket to over 2,000 a week and he has now accumulated over 2 million streams to date.
Alt Nation (Ch. 36) featured Blood In The Cut on its Advanced Placement new music show in August, 2016 and added the song into regular rotation in October. The Chicago native and graduate of Stanford University was played as an independent artist on the company’s Faction channel starting in 2014. Blood in The Cut has been streamed over 2.8 million times and has sold over 30,000 digital tracks to date. K. Flay is now signed to Interscope Records.
Eminem’s Shade 45 (Ch. 45) channel was the first radio outlet in America to regularly play Lil Uzi Vert when his song Money Longer debuted on the channel in March of 2016. Lil Uzi Vert was introduced to Shade 45 listeners by DJ Drama, who hosts his own weekly mix show on the channel. Lil Uzi Vert is signed to Atlantic Records.
Carly Pearce
Every Little Thing from the “unsigned” 26-year-old Kentucky native was added as a Highway Find in early November. The song is currently selling over 4,000 digital tracks a week without any other regular radio support.
Rag N Bone Man’s Human debuted in mid-October on The Spectrum (Ch. 28), which was the first radio outlet in America to regularly play this British singer-songwriter. The Spectrum Certified artist has reached #1 on The Spectrum’s Short List countdown, and has been streamed over 2 million times since its first airplay on the channel. Rag N Bone Man was first signed to Sony UK and subsequently picked up by Columbia Records in the U.S.
For a free 30-day trial, check out http://www.siriusxm.com/freetrial/blog
Country, Music
CMA Fest Week 2019: The Highway brings country fans closer to the artists they love
WATCH: Jake Owen performs ‘Down To The Honkytonk’ LIVE
The Highway takes you backstage during Academy of Country Music Awards rehearsals
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Forum | EnterTheSoulAsylum.com :: View topic - Candy From A Stranger - 10 Year Anniversary
Forum | EnterTheSoulAsylum.com
http://enterthesoulasylum.com/forum/
Candy From A Stranger - 10 Year Anniversary
http://enterthesoulasylum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=292 Page 1 of 5
Author: Monolith Maniac [ Mon May 12, 2008 1:03 am ]
Post subject: Candy From A Stranger - 10 Year Anniversary
Today (May 12th) marks the 10 year anniversary of the release of Soul Asylum's 9th studio album, .
What felt like an eternity waiting for SA's next album (TSL); to me it only seems like 6 or 7 years at the most since Candy was released. It holds the spot for being the first Soul Asylum album that was released since I had become a fan of SA's. It was the third album of theirs I had purchased (the first 2 being GDU and LYDLS). It also is probably the first album I ever really looked forward to being released, since the majority of the music I had listened to at the time was released 20 years earlier.
I can clearly see/understand where many fans are coming from when they say Candy is a lot different and/or not as good as many of their prior albums, but in my opinion Candy is a great overall album as well as a very good follow up album to LYDLS. One of the reasons why I really like it is probably because it is a lot different than their prior albums, and might not be the norm that they had been cranking out in the past.
The album was definitely in heavy rotation in my CD player during the end of my freshman year in high school and throughout the summer. Cradle Chain still remains my favorite track from the album, where I still occasionally sing the incorrect lyrics, "why don't youse, bake a cake".
Author: Judgmental Patient [ Mon May 12, 2008 2:04 am ]
Post subject: Re: Candy From A Stranger - 10 Year Anniversary
I can't believe it's been that long. That is easily the second-most anticipated album of my life (right after The Silver Lining, and a bit ahead of Let Your Dim Light Shine). It was all I listened to that summer, and it was definitely a trying summer. I remember being very confused as to why I wasn't hearing any of the songs when I listened to the radio.
Author: philipgar [ Mon May 12, 2008 5:23 am ]
This is definitely one of the most under-appreciated albums that SA released. A lot had to do with the way it sounded. The songs off it are so much better live, more so than their other albums. I can't believe it's been 10 years now. This album was definitely the most anticipated album of my life. I remember listening to the live shows before hand (the 97 era shows were great), and just dieing to have the album released.
I had never seen the band live before CFAS was released, but at the time I loved the band. I had all their albums, and just couldn't wait for more. Particularly after hearing tapes of a lot of the live material. It really seemed like it took forever for the album to be released.
While in reality TSL took longer to come out and what not, it never seemed as long for me. I guess it just has to do with where I am in my life. When CFAS was released I didn't listen to as many different bands as I do now. Also, I was in high school and had lots of free time. I didn't really do much besides listen to music and play with computers back then. Plus I was a lot younger... I was 16 when CFAS came out . . .
By the time TSL came out I was already familiar with the new material, and had accepted that I wouldn't hear the album for a while. I was a lot busier at the time, having just finished my first year working on my PhD, living on my own, and just busier in general. Of course my cd collection was also much bigger by this time, and I really didn't have the kind of free time to listen to music like before. I mean I'd listen to it in lab, and at home sometimes, but I avoided spending too much time at home by this point, tending to hang out with friends much more often. Just a very different time in life.
I guess that's my justification there, but candy is definitely the one album that I was literally waiting for a year or so to have, and I wanted that album a lot. I remember picking it up the day it came out, I just couldn't wait (of course now I regularly pick up albums the day they come out, but I now have a cd store in walking distance of lab).
Author: lune ellise [ Mon May 12, 2008 10:44 am ]
Author: Closer [ Mon May 12, 2008 5:42 pm ]
I love this album. It might even be one of my favourites. (I'm not good at picking favourites) It's just the sound, that has been mentioned in this thread, that I don't like on every song. I can't help but feel that some songs could have sounded a whole lot better.
I like the lyrics of a couple of songs a lot because they are not the most positive lyrics and I always prefer it that way, and those songs seem to be very personal songs. More so than on other albums for some reason. Maybe because I can relate to these songs more so than on other SA albums.
Author: sayeeda [ Mon May 12, 2008 8:24 pm ]
First time I'd heard any of the songs off Candy was "I Will Still be Laughing" on the radio. I don't even remember if I started hearing it before or after the album came out but it definitely received a lot of play that summer, and the rest of that year.
Candy was the first Soul Asylum album I owned, though it was in pieces some time later...freak accident involving a swinging fist...don't ask. Recently, though, while starting to build up a collection, I ordered another copy, so it should arrive any day now.
Author: mystic_spiral_3 [ Mon May 12, 2008 8:54 pm ]
I remember being really excited for Candy, because by then I'd found the AOL Soul Asylum board and found all these cool new friends who were as excited about the band as I was. Most of my other friends weren't really into SA. I'd heard several Candy songs off bootlegs and really liked them, and I'd seen my first SA show about a year before Candy came out. I remember the first time I heard "Laughing" on the radio; I was eating lunch in this little alcove in University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning, and jumped out of my seat, distracting the other students who were studying or eating lunch there. The song was on the radio for awhile; it got stuck in my head during several of my finals. Then I went home for summer. I bought the cd the day it came out, and I do remember being disappointed initially...it didn't have the same magic as the bootleg versions. However, it did grow on me throughout the summer.
I also remember being angry that I had to go to something at my sisters' school that night, and thus was missing the chat room where we were all going to discuss the new cd. Heh.
Author: sheryl [ Tue May 13, 2008 12:44 pm ]
I waited for Candy, too. And I snapped it up the minute it hit the stores. And then I listened to it. Once.
Then I put it in the microwave.
And I didn't speak to Soul Asylum again until TSL came out.
For the record, I love most of the outtakes from Candy..in my opinion they left the best songs off of it, and I love the songs live.
Author: RadioGuy [ Tue May 13, 2008 2:08 pm ]
I really like this ablum. I was really baffled by the lack of "push" the CD received from radio. There are 6 songs that easily could've been in "heavy rotation" on FM radio. Yet, I only remember hearing "Laughing".
I really think the following songs would've done really well on radio
and in video.
See You Later
Draggin' the Lake
Cradle Chain
I Will Still Be Laughing -
No Time for Waiting
Author: sayeeda [ Tue May 13, 2008 7:21 pm ]
Ten years later (technically nine, but meh).... back in my possession. I'm a happy gal.
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Natural Landscapes of the World: Nature by Ecologist Eye
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HOME >>> WORLD NATURE LANDSCAPES >>> ASIA >>> BAIKAL LAKE
Mountain motley grass meadows (Chelidonium, Lamium, Aquilegia) on the forest clearing (glade)
Alexander Bogolyubov, June 2007
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After three years of occupation, life has deteriorated for the vast majority of Iraqis. A recent report by the IMF and United Nations said that living standards have declined since the invasion in 2003. A fifth of the population subsists below the poverty line, on less than a dollar a day. Half the population is unemployed and 60 per cent are dependent on government subsidised rations.
Meanwhile, a Corporate Watch (www.corporatewatch.org) survey reckons that British firms have made a £1.1 billion killing out of the three year occupation. Of course, the UK is just a junior partner; the latest Halliburton/KBR military contract alone is worth about £2.85 billion. But that’s what you get with close links to US Vice-President Dick “Potshot” Cheney.
And this is before the most lucrative oil contracts are signed.
Death squads have been operating out of the Iraqi interior ministry for more than a year now, carrying out a wave of sectarian killings aimed dividing Shia and Sunni Iraqis, and weakening the resistance against the occupation and plunder of Iraq.
Bush recently said, “Iraqis have shown the world they want a future of freedom and peace and they will oppose a violent minority that seeks to take future away from them by tearing their country apart."
How true – but the violent minority trying to “take future away from them by tearing their country apart” is the US/UK occupation forces, who drafted the new constitution, designed to foster divisions. And the majority of Iraqis want to see them leave now!
That is why, in the elections last December, all the gains were made by those who were against the occupation of Iraq, and who believe that the withdrawal of foreign forces should be “the priority of the future Iraqi government".
This outcome was not to the imperialists’ liking. The US and Britain are cynically using threats of civil war to ensure the new government continues to allow the plunder of Iraq’s natural resources to line the pockets of the western companies.
As with the elections in Palestine, the US reserves the right to decide on the government, whoever the electorate votes for.
In January Hamas, the Islamist party, won a surprise landside victory in the Palestinian elections, gaining 76 out of 132 seats, in its first election campaign for the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). As soon as the results were announced, the US and Israel began to do all they could to isolate Hamas and bring down the government.
The US and the EU want Hamas to do what the PLO did at the end of the 1980s: acknowledge the state of Israel and settle for a “two-state solution". It must in short do what the Palestinian electorate has just voted for it not to do. But, hey! That’s democracy western style.
If they fail to do so in short order, then it is clear the Palestinians in the occupied territories will be subjected to what are, in effect, sanctions. US and European Union funds, which totally sustain the PNA and indeed the Palestinian economy, will be withdrawn. Israeli troops will continue their punitive raids on the West Bank and Gaza. And this is just what they did in Jericho.
Britain and the US, in collusion with the Israeli defence forces, withdrew their international monitors from Jericho prison. Almost immediately, Israeli soldiers took up positions around the prison. Helicopter gunships blew apart the outer walls, and tanks and armoured bulldozers did the rest.
The Israeli Defence Forces came to arrest Ahmad Sa’adat, leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Sa’adat, who has been in prison since 2002, is accused by Israel of ordering the killing of Rehavam Ze’evi, an Israeli cabinet minister in 2001.
The PFLP killed Ze’evi in retaliation for Israel’s murder of its leader Abu Ali Mustafa (Mustafa al-Zibri) in August 2001, a political assassination, which contravenes international law, but for which no one has ever been charged.
Indeed, no charges have ever been brought against Sa’adat either, suggesting that he was targeted for yet another case of “collective punishment”, a policy the Israeli state is infamous for. When the Palestinian Supreme Court ordered Sa’adat’s release, this was the only excuse the Israelis needed to snatch their man.
Colonel Ronnie Blekin, who led the raid, gave the game away, when he told reporters, “I was ready for four years for someone to break the agreement. Today they broke the agreement. I was ready.” In other words, there was never going to be any attempt to charge Sa’adat in a Palestinian court. He was to be held in legal limbo until a time when the Israeli government could benefit from springing him.
While on one hand Israel demands Hamas renounce the armed conflict, on the other it continues to assassinate leaders of the Palestinian resistance and declares war on the whole population by enforcing economic sanctions and blockades on Palestinian lands.
Israel smashed its way into Jericho, not because the newly elected Hamas government had announced it was going to release Sa’adat, but because we are two weeks away from an Israeli election.
Ehud Olmert’s Kadima party, which he has led since Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke in January, is ahead in the polls and is set to become the largest party in the next parliament. Olmert’s biggest political problem is that his security credentials can never match those of Ariel Sharon. The assault on the Jericho prison was an attempt to boost them.
Israel is an apartheid state, which acts not only with impunity but also with the active support of British and US imperialism. Because of its refusal to recognise the democratic choice of a Palestinian government, and the US-sponsored attempt to bring it down, Israel must be isolated.
Trade unionists must respond to the imperialist sanctions on the PNA, by isolating Israel, with an international boycott of its goods and services. And break the US and Zionist siege on the Palestinians and the attempt to overthrow their elected government.
Not content with trying to install a puppet regime in Iraq, or undermine an elected government in Palestine, the US is also planning an attack on Iran.
The US is currently engaged in a propaganda war, aimed at isolating Iran, and similar to the one it conducted against Iraq in the lead up to the invasion in 2003.
John Bolton, US ambassador to the United Nations said the US would use “all the tools” at its disposal to stop Iran’s nuclear programme. He threatened “tangible and painful consequences” against the country, if it continues to resist Bush’s diktats.
Just like three years ago, lurid headlines, distorted intelligence, allegations of weapons programmes, and a diplomatic charade at the UN are being orchestrated to create the climate and excuses for a US-led attack on an oil-rich Middle Eastern country.
In every hot spot in the Middle East, it is the intervention of the imperialists, either directly or indirectly through their ally Israel, that is the root cause of the poverty and oppression of millions of workers and youth. 18-19th March global antiwar demonstration
That is why the anti-war movement must get out on the streets across the world this weekend and demand:
The withdrawal of all imperialist troops from the Middle East
Solidarity with all those forces resisting imperialist domination of the Middle East
An end to the occupations of Afghanistan, Iraq and Palestine
No attack on Iran
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Home All posts Hernán Cortés
Hernán Cortés : biography
1485 – 02 December 1547
Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro, 1st Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca ( 1485 – December 2, 1547) was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century. Cortés was part of the generation of Spanish colonizers that began the first phase of the Spanish colonization of the Americas.
Born in Medellín, Spain, to a family of lesser nobility, Cortés chose to pursue a livelihood in the New World. He went to Hispaniola and later to Cuba, where he received an encomienda and, for a short time, became alcalde (magistrate) of the second Spanish town founded on the island. In 1519, he was elected captain of the third expedition to the mainland, an expedition which he partly funded. His enmity with the Governor of Cuba, Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar, resulted in the recall of the expedition at the last moment, an order which Cortés ignored. Arriving on the continent, Cortés executed a successful strategy of allying with some indigenous people against others. He also used a native woman, Doña Marina, as an interpreter; she would later bear Cortés a son. When the Governor of Cuba sent emissaries to arrest Cortés, he fought them and won, using the extra troops as reinforcements. Cortés wrote letters directly to the king asking to be acknowledged for his successes instead of punished for mutiny. After he overthrew the Aztec Empire, Cortés was awarded the title of Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca, while the more prestigious title of Viceroy was given to a high-ranking nobleman, Antonio de Mendoza. In 1541 Cortés returned to Spain, where he died peacefully but embittered, six years later.
Because of the controversial undertakings of Cortés and the scarcity of reliable sources of information about him, it has become difficult to assert anything definitive about his personality and motivations. Early lionizing of the conquistadors did not encourage deep examination of Cortés. Later reconsideration of the conquistadors’ character in the context of modern anti-colonial sentiment also did little to expand understanding of Cortés as an individual. As a result of these historical trends, descriptions of Cortés tend to be simplistic, and either damning or idealizing.
While he is often now referred to as Hernán or Hernando Cortés (), in his time, he called himself Hernando or Fernando Cortés (). The names Hernán, Hernando, and Fernando are all equally correct. The latter two were most commonly used during his lifetime, but the former shortened form has become common in both the Spanish and English languages in modern times, and is the name by which many people know him today.For example, the English language version of his letters is called "Hernán Cortés: Letters from Mexico", etc. Although his paternal surname is sometimes spelled in the Anglo-Saxon world with a final "z" as Cortéz, this is incorrect. Cortéz is a Spanish surname, but in the official Spanish of Spain, the letters "z" and "s" represent different sounds, and the names also have different etymologies. Cortés’ family was distinct from the families using the spelling with "z", and he did not use this spelling.
Disputed interpretation of his life
There are relatively few sources to the early life of Cortés; his fame arose from his participation in the conquest of Mexico and it was only after this that people became interested in reading and writing about him.
Probably the best source is his letters to the king which he wrote during the campaign in Mexico, but they are written with the specific purpose of putting his efforts in a favourable light and so must be read critically. Another main source is the biography written by Cortés’s private chaplain Lopez de Gómara, which was written in Spain several years after the conquest. Gómara never set foot in the Americas and knew only what Cortés had told him, and he had an affinity for knightly romantic stories which he incorporated richly in the biography. The third major source is written as a reaction to what its author calls "the lies of Gomara", the eyewitness account written by the Conquistador Bernal Díaz del Castillo does not paint Cortés as a romantic hero but rather tries to emphasize that Cortés’s men should also be remembered as important participants in the undertakings in Mexico.
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by Craig Lieberman
Hero 3: World’s “Best Fast and Furious Supra Replica”
Best Fast and Furious Supra Replica In The World Have you ever wondered what happened to Brian's (Paul Walker's) orange Supra? Well, It was sold by Craig Lieberman and shipped out of America years ago. Since then, many replicas of this famous Supra have been built by fans all over the world. Some of them are close to the real thing, others are really better described as "tribute" cars. There's a place for both in society, but I wanted mine to stand out. I knew it would be an expensive and complex undertaking. In 2015 or so, a screen-used stunt Supra fetched $185,000 USD. That's a hefty some for a stunt car that Paul never even touched, but that car cannot be confused with Craig Lieberman's original Supra which served as the "Hero 1" car (aka "1st Unit Principle") Hero1 is the primary, completely finished and accessorized movie car used by Paul Walker. All of the detail shots and beauty shots of the Supra in the movie are done using the Hero 1 car. While it would be great to have the original car on American soil, that car now resides in The Netherlands and has been there since 2003. It's not likely
Behind the Scenes – 2 Fast 2 Furious
Dom’s Charger from The Fast and The Furious
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The Fast and The Furious: Original Script $4.95
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By Gwendolyn Beetham • @gwendolynb • 5 years ago
The Academic Feminist: Leah DeVun on feminist art and womyn’s lands
Welcome back, Academic Feminists. This edition features an interview with artist and historian Leah DeVun. Leah lives in New York and teaches women’s and gender history at Rutgers University. Her artwork has been featured in Artforum, Capricious, and LA Weekly and her scholarly work has appeared in Radical History Review and GLQ. “The L Word” fans may recognize her from her work as a commentator on the DVD of the Showtime series. Here, Leah discusses the connections between her scholarly work and her art, for example, by looking at the history of the womyn’s land movement and asking what it can tell us about current efforts to imagine communal ways of living. Leah concludes by discussing the legacy of feminist art and invites us to check out a host of contemporary artists who are working from a variety of feminist perspectives.
How do you see your work as an historian being shaped by feminism? Who have been some of your main feminist influences?
I’ve been strongly influenced by feminism ever since I was a teenage riot grrrl growing up in Seattle, Washington, and learning about feminism for the first time from musicians like Kathleen Hanna, Lynnee Breedlove, and Donna Dresch. My influences tend to span the disciplines, from scholars like Caroline Walker Bynum, Joan Scott, Londa Schiebinger, Gayle Rubin, bell hooks, Donna Haraway, Audre Lorde, Griselda Pollock, and Peggy Phelan, to artists like Dorothy Allison, Ana Mendieta, Valie Export, Kiki Smith, Catherine Opie, Carrie Mae Weems, and Tee Corinne, to name a few. For me, queer feminism is about challenging fixed boundaries and identities, so it makes sense to draw on as many ways of approaching gender and the body as possible, both inside and outside history and academia.
Some of your photographic work, especially your work on womyn’s lands is marked by a connection with the historical nature of these spaces – for example, a lot of people think about womyn’s lands as being specific to a particular era; they don’t know these spaces still exist! What did your visits to these places tell you about the construction of women’s spaces today?
My photographs often explore the continuing impact of history on the present. Womyn’s lands, for those who don’t know the term, are radical all-female communes, usually located in rural areas. Many of them started up in the 1970s, at a time when people were going “back to the land” to create revolutionary, utopian communities that rejected patriarchy and capitalism. But the lands haven’t disappeared, and the people who live on them have fascinating stories to tell, as well as opinions about contemporary issues that we don’t always get to hear, often because we don’t take the time to move past stereotypes about what previous generations of feminists think. Even though people tend to dismiss them as part of the past, womyn’s lands are especially relevant now, when conversations about development, gentrification, consumerism, and sustainability seem to be everywhere. I hear a lot of young people talking about creating non-traditional households through intentional communities, collectives, land trusts. But we don’t hear much about the history of womyn’s lands, and the ways that they’ve already wrestled with some of the thorny problems of communal living, as well as what it means to reject mainstream society and try to build an alternative outside of it (and whether or not that’s even possible). Beyond that, questions about women’s space and who can, or should, occupy it – and even what it means to be a “woman” – are debates that we’re still having, especially in the midst of creating trans- and racially inclusive politics and institutions – and I might add that those are conversations that the womyn’s lands’ inhabitants are fully aware of and still engaged in. We often view the problems of our own time as completely new, but if we look at history we can usually find continuities across time that can help us to think critically about our ideas, and maybe even imagine different ways of living.
For my photographic series about womyn’s lands, I was interested in documenting the lands as they exist now, but also in recreating scenes from their origins using young queers/feminists as models, and emphasizing this resonance between past and present. I was especially inspired by the independent feminist magazines that were circulating at that time, like Sinister Wisdom, Dyke, Country Women, and Womanspirit. They reminded me of the queer-punk zines that were a part of my youth network, and I can see a connection to the feminist blogs and websites – like Feministing – that are performing some of the same functions today.
You are going to be speaking on a panel at the Brooklyn Museum on the impact of feminism on contemporary art. I hope that our readers living in and around New York will attend, but for those who can’t, describe some of those connections. And who are some other artists that folks interested in feminist art should be on the look out for?
“The Future is History: Feminist Legacies in Contemporary Art” is an intergenerational dialogue about the continuing impact of feminism on emerging artists, and also about established feminist artists and the institutions they’ve created. The participants (and hopefully the audience) will discuss what the “legacy” of feminism is, why we should care about it, and what might be gained by talking about it across generations. Several of the artists involved use intergenerational feminist and queer histories to ground their work, like Reina Gossett’s documentary film project about the collective STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) House on the Lower East Side, or Katherine Hubbard’s multimedia performances about unsung feminist artists. Other presenters, including Daria Dorosh (co-founder of the feminist arts space A.I.R. Gallery), will talk about the preservation of landmark buildings significant to the history of feminism, and they’ll also address the ways in which even conventionally successful female artists still face historical erasure. There are of course so many other amazing artists working today, but Xaviera Simmons, Melanie Bonajo, Lorna Williams, Allyson Mitchell, Petra Collins, A.L. Steiner, Leslie Hewitt, Elle Pérez, Jeanine Oleson, Pinar Yolacan, Heather Cassils, Katarzyna Majak, LaToya Ruby Frazier, and Fastwurms are some of my current favorites.
Extra Credit!
In addition to the above linked materials, you can find more information on the topics discussed below. If you’re in Brooklyn, you can see some of Leah’s photography and hear her speak on the connections between art and feminism at the Brooklyn Museum on Thursday, March 27. Add additional links in comments and, as always, please send suggestions for future Academic Feminist interviewees here.
Anthea Black, No Quaint Past: An Interview with Leah DeVun on Photography, Land Dykes, and their Architectures
Lisa L. Moore, Sister Arts: On Adrienne Rich, Audre Lorde, and Others
Latent Images, ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at the USC Library
Ariel Levy, Lesbian Nation: When gay women took to the road
Scott Herring, Another Country: Queer Anti-Urbanism
Feminist Art Calendar (national), The Feminist Art Project
Gwendolyn Beetham is lucky enough to live within walking distance of the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art.
Gwendolyn Beetham
Scholarly queer feminist working to bridge the academic/online divide.
Read more about Gwendolyn
Gwendolyn Beetham Gwendolyn Beetham
This Latina’s Art Showcases the Pain of Spending Holidays in an Immigrant Prison
“I Wish There Was a World For Us”
Día de los Muertos Is Political
The holidays are a difficult time for immigrants. Separated from our families by borders and restrictive immigration policies, we are reminded of all the memories and moments we’re missing out on: the parties, presents, and posadas that continue in our absence.
This year, many families are fighting deportations and celebrating their last Christmas together. Others of us are spending the holidays with our families the only way we can: with calling cards, through Facetime, and by imagining that next year we’ll be together again. For mothers at Berks County Family Detention Center, a prison for migrant families outside of ...
The holidays are a difficult time for immigrants. Separated from our families by borders and restrictive immigration policies, we are reminded of all the memories and moments we’re missing out on: the parties, presents, and ...
By Jess Fournier • 1 year ago
I’m feeling ill from betrayals within and outside the LGBTQ community.
I’m tempted to rehash my argument from last week about the centrality of queer and trans survivors. I’m tempted to scream from the rooftops every story I know in an attempt to “prove” the necessity of an approach to sexual violence that doesn’t leave anyone behind. I want a world where we don’t have to open our guts, again and again, for an audience ready to tear us to shreds. A world where we do not have to weigh the costs of our safety and survival if we name abusers publicly ...
I’m tempted to rehash my argument from last ...
Some deaths aren’t considered grievable because they were never considered lives worthy of protection in the first place.
Over 10,000 people have died since the 1990s trying to cross the Mexico-U.S. border as a result of inhumane and unjust government policies. Police brutality and violence claims the lives of Black people in this country every day. Puerto Rico’s Hurricane Maria death toll continues to rise. We may never know how many people state apathy killed, as the bodies of hurricane victims are being burned.
For immigrants and Latinx people viewed as disposable in the eyes of the state, Día de los Muertos — a traditional Mexican holiday that’s underway this week ...
Over 10,000 people have died since the 1990s trying to cross the Mexico-U.S. border ...
Art▪The Academic Feminist
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2018 PATA Face of the Future: MATATO President Abdulla Ghiyas
eTurboNews -
Abdulla Ghiyas, President of the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) – one of the most active NGOs in the Maldives dedicated to fostering and promoting the sub industry of local travel agents, is today named as the 2018 PATA Face of the Future. This is the most prestigious honour open to young tourism professionals in the Asia Pacific region.
Dr Mario Hardy, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), said, “I would like to congratulate Abdulla on winning the 2018 PATA Face of the Future award. His clear commitment to the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region is highlighted by his more than 10 years of service with MATATO and his many other activities and partnerships in the industry. In addition, his unique experience and insights will be a welcome addition to the Executive Board.”
As the 2018 PATA Face of the Future, Abdulla will have extensive exposure at the PATA Annual Summit 2018 from May 17-20 in Gangneung, Korea (ROK). He will be one of the speakers at the PATA Youth Symposium, be interviewed by BBC World News Presenter & Producer Sharanjit Leyl at the one-day conference and be one of the debaters at the UNWTO/PATA Leaders Debate. Abdulla will also be invited to join the 2018/2019 PATA Executive Board as a non-voting member and observer.
“I am truly overwhelmed and humbled to have been recognised with the prestigious PATA Face of the Future award. This award is for the hard-working team at MATATO and Inner Maldives Holidays, and every dreamer out there for believing that there is always room for thinking bigger, pushing limits and imagining the impossible,” said Abdulla. “Today we are living in an era of ever evolving challenges and changes. The role of youth and students across the globe is being redefined and I believe younger generations can play a vital role in travel and tourism. I look forward to working together with PATA and other travel industry stakeholders to further the role of youth and inspire them in joining this movement.”
Abdulla is a young energetic disrupter in the Maldivian tourism industry, who has changed the tourism landscape in the last few years by giving a voice to all Small Medium Enterprises in the industry.
MATATO is today considered the leading NGO in the Maldives with the association engaged in various activities such as advocacy and lobbying, training and workshops, fam trips, loan schemes via different financial institutions, recognition programs such as Awards, travel conferences and forums, publications and much more. The association last year organised destination stands and road shows, exhibiting brand Maldives in 14 countries around the world.
Abdulla is also a serial entrepreneur engaged in leading travel businesses and startups. He is the Deputy Managing Director of Inner Maldives Holidays, one of the largest inbound and outbound travel agency in Maldives. He is also a Director for Ace Travels Maldives and Spence Maldives, which are joint ventures with Sri Lankan blue chip conglomerate Aitken Spence PLC. Having 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, Abdulla was the youngest Board Director of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) from 2014 to 2017. He was also named by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Maldives as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons in Maldives in 2010 for his role in business turnaround in Inner Maldives Holiday. Abdulla also contributes to the Consulate of the Republic of Seychelles to the Maldives as the Deputy.
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The 'Reset' At One Year: The View From Moscow
By Brian Whitmore
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, were all smiles when she presented him with a mock "reset button" in Geneva early last year.
Vladimir Putin was in favor of Barack Obama's reconfigured missile defense plan before he was against it.
When the new U.S. president announced in September that he was scrapping plans to install an advanced radar in the Czech Republic and defensive missiles in Poland in favor of a new approach relying on sea-based interceptors in southern Europe, the Russian premier hailed the move as "correct and brave."
But just months later, Putin caused more than a little bit of head scratching in Washington when he abruptly reversed course in December and slammed Obama's new approach, saying it would fundamentally disrupt the balance of power in Europe and force Russia to develop new offensive weapons in response.
That on-again, off-again quality has characterized much of Russia's relations with the United States in the year since U.S. Vice President Joe Biden announced at the Munich Security Conference that it was time to "press the reset button" in Russian-American relations.
That fateful phrase, uttered one year ago, was followed by a jokey presentation of a plastic red-and-yellow "reset" button by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to her Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. But substantive changes resulted as well, including a marked improvement in the rhetoric, tone, and atmosphere between Washington and Moscow. But while the barbs, bluster, and confrontation that marked much of the past decade have subsided, they have yet to be replaced by a true spirit of cooperation.
Untrustworthy Competitor
Analysts say this is partially because a significant portion of the current Russian elite, most notably the security service veterans surrounding Putin, continue to view the United States as a competitor that cannot be trusted.
"The main problem, of course, is very serious differences in strategic objectives between the United States and Russia," says Moscow-based defense analyst Pavel Felgenhauer. "There is a gap in objectives and a gap in ideology, which makes cooperation uneasy and very limited."
Fyodor Lukyanov, editor in chief of the influential Moscow-based journal "Russia In Global Affairs," says the problem runs even deeper. Two decades after the end of the Cold War, the two former superpower rivals still don't really know how to deal with each other.
"There is a clear desire to improve relations, which had reached a dead end before Obama took office," Lukyanov says. "But what do Russia and America want from each other in today's world? This is not clear."
The idea behind Obama's reset with Russia was to shift the focus away from contentious issues like NATO expansion and missile defense and concentrate instead on areas where interests overlap, like arms control, the war in Afghanistan, and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
A year down the road, however, the record is mixed. A new Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (START) was supposed to be completed by the end of 2008 when the existing Cold War-era pact expired. But negotiations have dragged on longer than expected and analysts say a new treaty could still be months away.
The United States sought, and received, permission from Moscow to transport military hardware to Afghanistan across Russian territory. But the implementation of this agreement has been spotty.
Russia has also sent mixed signals about supporting Washington's drive to impose tough sanctions on Iran in order to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions. In late September, President Dmitry Medvedev indicated support for the U.S. policy, saying "in some cases, sanctions are inevitable." But weeks later, Lavrov appeared to retreat, saying "sanctions and threats of pressure in the current situation, we are convinced, would be counterproductive."
Lukyanov says many in the Russian elite think the United States is asking for a lot from Russia and offering little in return.
"There is just a desire on the part of the United States to solve problems that are important to them, and to get Russia's support for this," he says. "This, so far, hasn't worked."
The United States has stopped pressing hard for NATO membership for Georgia and Ukraine, a serious point of conflict during the administration of George W. Bush. Obama and other administration officials, however, have stressed repeatedly that the alliance's door is open and Moscow will not have a veto over this decision.
Russia, however, wants the United States to agree to grant it a sphere of influence in the former Soviet space as part of a new "security architecture" for Europe -- something the administration has said it will not agree to.
Felgenhauer says Russia is seeking something similar in the former Soviet space to the tacit deal Moscow got at the Yalta conference in February 1945 as World War II was winding down, when they won a free hand in Eastern Europe.
"Some kind of agreement is seen as possible in Russia, but the terms are unacceptable in the West," Felgenhauer says. "Russia is thinking in terms of a new Yalta and carving up Eurasia."
What Form Relations?
One effect the reset has had in Russia is to spark, for the first time in nearly a decade, a debate about what form Russia's relations with the United States and the West should take.
In a recent article published in Lukyanov's journal, for example, Yevgeny Savostyanov, a former Kremlin deputy chief of staff, wrote that "there are no insurmountable obstacles against building a full-scale partnership" between Washington and Moscow.
"Recent developments in the world make it necessary to focus on a dramatic revision of Russian-U.S. relations on a scope not seen before," Savostyanov wrote. "Russia, the world's largest country, with immense resources, and the U.S., the richest, most powerful and advanced country in the world, have no imminent contradictions."
Lukyanov says a debate is going on inside the elite, but says views advocating an alliance with Washington are "marginal" at this point.
"A minority thinks Russia needs to form an alliance with the United States," he says. "And there are some who think Russia needs to take advantage of this moment, when America appears to not know what it wants."
For the time being, analysts say the predominant opinion in the foreign policy elite is that the Untied States has been weakened by a combination of the economic crisis and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan -- and that Russia should push its advantage.
"Russia sees the West and the United States as its main enemy -- politically, ideologically, economically, and militarily. That is how it is seen from Russia, but not from the West," Felgenhauer says. "These are very serious differences that cannot be overcome just by brandishing small yellow boxes with red buttons."
That, of course, can change. And one area strategists in Moscow are keeping a close eye on is how the United States' relationship with China develops. If the Russia-U.S. reset was the theme of last year's Munich conference, this year's gathering, which kicks off today, opens with a speech by the Chinese foreign minister, Yang Jiechi, and is expected to highlight Beijing's growing influence.
Like with Russia, Obama initially reached out to China in hopes of persuading Beijing to support sanctions on Iran, agree to curbs on greenhouse-gas emissions, and to revalue its currency, which Washington believes is kept at an artificially low level to boost exports.
Now Obama is taking a tougher line with China, and Lukyanov says Moscow is watching very closely.
"An interesting period is starting in which the United States is trying to demonstrate to China that America remains a powerful world leader," Lukyanov says. "The result of this attempt will seriously influence Russian-American relations.
"If China holds its ground and demonstrate political strength vis-a-vis the United States, then this will strengthen the position of those in Russia who believe that the period of American dominance is over and Russia must act accordingly. But if it goes the other way, then the belief that you need to take American strength into account will grow."
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Karmamoi — Silence between Sounds
(Bandcamp no#, 2016, DL)
The last time we touched bases with Karmamoi was their 2013 album Odd Trip, and at that time they were a full five-piece band with a dedicated singer. The album at hand under review is not their “new” album which is tentatively due out in November 2018, but instead their most recent, Silence between Sounds from 2016, and for this one the band is down to a duo of founding member Daniele Giovannoni (drums and keyboards, all but one of the compositions), and guitarist Alex Massari, and one has to presume that everone else featured herein are merely guests – including different outstanding female vocalists on the final four tracks, and a bassist who appears to play on most of the cuts, as well as flute and cello on some cuts, but in order to find this information,one needs to travel to an obscure corner of their website. The bassist is Alessandro Cefalì, Luca Uggias plays piano on the first two cuts, Emilio Merone plays piano on three others, and no less than four female vocalists (original singer Serena Ciacci sings on “Lost Days,” Hellena sings a multo-layered part on “Atma,” Sara Rinaldi sings on four different pieces including “Nishira” which was not included on the promo that we were sent, and Irene Morelli on “Sirio and “Martes.”) Now that album credits are all straightened out, one has to wonder who is there when they do a live show? The album begins with the title track, a solid piano piece only a minute and a half in length, then morphs into “Atma” which continues in a similar vein, slowly building until mid-way through after voices and other instruments join the mix morphing into a somewhat Floydian rock epic, with instrumental emphasis. “Sirio” seems to be going through a darker corridor, until it bursts into a heavy rock piece, but the ethereal voices give it an altogether other-worldly feel. “Plato’s Cave” is the album’s longest track at close to nine minutes, and by far the proggiest epic on the disc, with Sara Rinaldi’s delivery of the lyrics being the high point of the entire set. In summary, this is a great set of tunes that should please the most discerning fans of progressive rock.
Filed under: New releases, 2016 releases
Related artist(s): Karmamoi
http://karmamoi.bandcamp.com/album/silence-between-sounds
Glass Hammer - The Inconsolable Secret – One could arguably claim that this release finds American prog band Glass Hammer at the top of their game, which probably explains the scope of this effort. First of all, it s a two-disk set in a... (2006) » Read more
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The DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform – Executive Director
Posted on October 31, 2018 October 31, 2018 by Diana Argueta
Overview: The DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform is a key convener of diverse human services agencies serving the population of Chicagoland’s DuPage County and leverages the power of that community to address human services systems issues in the county.
Post Description: The Federation is seeking an accomplished and innovative Executive Director to steer the organization into the next level of community leadership and pursue a new strategic plan to ensure that the programs remain vibrant, relevant, and that the core value of collaboration continues to meet the community need.
Key Responsibilities: The next Executive Director of the Federation will partner with the Board of Directors, Council of Community Leaders, local civic and community leaders, funders and other external stakeholders to develop a clear vision and mission for the organization’s next decade. This is an opportunity for a passionate, dedicated professional to have a direct, deep impact on the human services sector in DuPage County and to serve as a key resource and thought leader.
Please take a look at the OPPORTUNITY GUIDE AND ONLINE APPLICATION and think of who you might refer for this position. Potential candidates must apply online and include a current resume and cover letter.
Posted in Environmental Job Board, Uncategorized
WGN Radio: ELPC’s Susan Mudd Talks VW Settlement Fund & IL EPA on Earth Day Show
Posted on April 23, 2018 April 23, 2018 by Judith Nemes
Amy Guth’s Earth Day Extravaganza
In honor of Earth Day, ELPC Senior Policy Advocate Susan Mudd was invited on-air to discuss how ELPC and other environmental and public health organizations are calling on Illinois EPA to use $108 million in Volkswagen settlement funds for electric vehicles and EV charging infrastucture. Not everyone — including IEPA — agrees that’s the best use of those dollars.
LISTEN HERE begining at minute 35:00.
Posted in CLEAN AIR, Diesel, ELPC in the News, Illinois, ISSUES, NEWSROOM, STATES, Uncategorized Tagged electric vehicles, Illinois EPA, Volkswagen Dieselgate, Volkswagen Settlement
ELPC Statement on the FirstEnergy Solutions Bankruptcy
Posted on April 1, 2018 by Sarah Eddy
Contact: David Jakubiak
STATEMENT BY HOWARD A. LEARNER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CENTER
Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center, said in response to FirstEnergy Solutions filing for bankruptcy and the company’s plans to close three nuclear plants:
“FirstEnergy executives made misguided business decisions, which failed in the competitive electricity market. The costs of FirstEnergy’s mistakes shouldn’t be shifted to consumers or taxpayers by asking them to pay more for nuclear plant decommissioning costs,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
“The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has already allowed FirstEnergy to charge consumers for a $600 million bailout for its failing coal and nuclear plants. This bankruptcy shows that’s throwing consumers’ good money after bad,” Learner added.
“ELPC will work to ensure that FirstEnergy assumes responsibility for the costs of its business mistakes, and that coal plant clean up and nuclear plant decommissioning costs are not shifted to consumers or taxpayers,” said Learner.
Posted in ELPC in the News, NEWSROOM, Press Releases, Uncategorized
Toledo Blade: What Will Lake Erie’s Impairment Mean for Northwest Ohio?
Posted on March 24, 2018 March 26, 2018 by Brittany Rivera
What Will Lake Erie’s Impairment Mean for Northwest Ohio?
By Tom Henry
Though hailed as a rare victory for environmentalists, the Kasich administration’s reversal on the western Lake Erie impairment issue is only a “key first step” in litigation that may keep the state of Ohio tied up in court for years over cleanup strategies, according to the Chicago-based legal advocacy group that forced the administration’s hand on the issue.
Howard Learner, Environmental Law & Policy Center executive director, told The Blade less than five hours after the governor’s dramatic change of-heart was made public Thursday that his group’s U.S. District Court lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is anything but over. The ELPC brought the case on behalf of Toledo-based Advocates for a Clean Lake Erie, which was founded in response to the city’s 2014 water crisis by activist and former city councilman Mike Ferner.
Mr. Learner said he wants the court to retain jurisdiction over the case, and that his group will seek remedies and enforceable timelines for western Lake Erie from Judge James Carr, who is hearing arguments.
Judge Carr, he said, is still expected to issue a ruling over the U.S. EPA’s role in the impairment controversy this April or May. He said the judge will be asked to address the ELPC’s claim that the federal EPA’s original actions as a regulator were “arbitrary and capricious” when it allowed Ohio to go without an impairment designation while, at the same time, approving Michigan’s plan. Unlike Ohio’s, Michigan’s plan had an impairment designation for the same body of water.
“This [impairment designation by the state of Ohio] is a key first step by the Ohio EPA in recognizing the reality that western Lake Erie is impaired by pollution. Next, clear steps must be taken by the U.S. EPA and the Ohio EPA to address it,” Mr. Learner said.
Western Lake Erie — the warmest, shallowest, and most biologically diverse and dynamic part of the Great Lakes region — has been plagued by various species of algae for decades. Blade archives show some forms of it existed at least as far back as the 1930s.
Much of the problem before the federal Clean Water Act was enacted in 1972 came from point sources, especially sewage treatment plants. That problem has largely been addressed by the modern era of sewage treatment, which came after the CWA took effect.
In recent years, the main culprit has been nonpoint sources, mostly agricultural runoff that is much more diffuse and harder to track than what comes out of a sewage pipe.
Experts once thought the improvements made in the 1970s would keep algae suppressed for good. But since 1995, the lake’s open water has been chronically plagued by a type of algae known as microcystis, which — at 3.5 billion years old — is one of Earth’s oldest-living organisms but was often a runner-up to other types of algae until 23 years ago.
An impairment designation for a lake that has been plagued by algae outbreaks on and off throughout modern times may sound like over-the-top government minutia.
But it’s important in legal circles because it now means the full powers of the federal Clean Water Act must be used to restore western Lake Erie to health. That includes a requirement for Ohio and Michigan to set up what’s known as a “total maximum daily load,” or TMDL. In short, that will put a cap on how much fertilizer can enter the western basin’s rivers and streams, and will be used to better pinpoint sources of pollution on an individual basis.
The U.S. EPA and the Ohio EPA have thus far engaged in a “shell game” by passing responsibility for the lake back and forth, Mr. Learner said.
“The state of Ohio needs to do a TMDL for the Maumee River basin area and enforce protection standards,” he said. “That’s the next critical step.”
Though the Ohio EPA is not the target of the ELPC’s lawsuit, it has felt heat from it because of how it works in tandem with the U.S. EPA, the prime defendant. Other defendants include U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, and acting U.S. EPA Region 5 chief Robert Kaplan, who has since been replaced by Cathy Stepp, Region 5’s new administrator. In her role, Ms. Stepp manages the U.S. EPA’s Great Lakes National Program. Region 5 oversees the Great Lakes states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, as well as 35 federally recognized tribal governments.
A turning point in the case came in January, when the U.S. EPA reversed course and said it had erred by approving a list of impaired bodies of water the Ohio EPA submitted on Oct. 20, 2016, an exercise done once every two years. The federal EPA said that, upon further examination, Ohio’s list was “incomplete and thus not fully consistent with the requirements” of the federal Clean Water Act and U.S. EPA regulations in general.
The Kasich administration steadfastly held tight to its policy of favoring agricultural programs with voluntary incentives over stronger regulations. But several people interviewed said at that point it was clear Ohio wasn’t picking up on the federal government’s signals.
“Clearly, the ELPC lawsuit has spurred the U.S. EPA and the Ohio EPA has responded,” Mr. Learner said.
He said the ELPC wants the court to retain jurisdiction so that Ohio’s program for addressing western Lake Erie becomes more meaningful and enforceable.
“We are entitled to the certainty going forward. We don’t want to be in the middle of a procedural shell game,” Mr. Learner said. “We’re not dealing with a theoretical issue here. We’re dealing with a practical problem.”
He said his group will seek a court order that addresses phosphorus and nitrogen. Both are common fertilizers. But most of the programs to date — including the non-binding goal of a 40 percent nutrient reduction by 2025 embraced by Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario — were written for phosphorus.
Phosphorus is most closely linked to algae growth, but nitrogen is more closely linked to its toxicity. Nitrogen also is the driver behind the dominant species of algae in Lake Erie’s Sandusky Bay, planktothrix. Both it and microcystis produce the same toxin, microcystin.
“It’s not that pollution has to be reduced to zero,” Mr. Learner said. “The purpose is to reduce it to the point in which the water isn’t impaired.”
He said it’s “pretty clear the litigation forced the hand of the U.S. EPA and the Kasich administration.”
“Do I think they would have done what they’re doing without a lawsuit being filed?” Mr. Learner asked. “No.”
Lucas County Commission President Pete Gerken agreed.
“I think they were about to lose in federal court,” Mr. Gerken said. “They wanted to make the designation before they were told to do that.”
He and the other two county commissioners — Tina Skeldon Wozniak and Carol Contrada — were among the first government officials calling for an impairment designation.
Former Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson resisted until last September, about six weeks before the election last November in which she lost to Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz. She declined despite heckling and protesting by Mr. Ferner and his group members, including a high-profile incident outside One Government Center in which Mr. Ferner put algae-infested water and dead fish into the government building’s public fountain.
Mr. Kapszukiewicz supported an impairment designation throughout his campaign, and said the day before he announced his candidacy that he would consider joining the ELPC in its lawsuit if elected.
Ms. Hicks-Hudson said her change of heart came after seeing an unusual bloom in the Maumee River anchored off Promenade Park, just as a major regatta sponsored by ProMedica was about to begin. She said she was disheartened by the sight of the scum, especially in a part of downtown that is to symbolize the city’s rebirth.
For Ms. Skeldon Wozniak, the impairment designation will mean more accountability.
She said Ohio can take its lead from the Chesapeake Bay, the largest ecosystem operating under a TMDL program. It involves multiple states.
“This plan has accountability and teeth,” Ms. Skeldon Wozniak said.
Ms. Contrada, a lawyer, said the Clean Water Act “acts for the people,” and that the writing was on the wall for the Kasich administration once the U.S. EPA changed course in January.
“It gave a road map to the Ohio EPA to follow,” she said. “It really takes a multitude of voices to move a bureaucracy.”
Posted in CLEAN WATER, ELPC in the News, Great Lakes, NEWSROOM, Ohio, Uncategorized Tagged Clean Water, Lake erie impairment, Ohio, Ohio EPA
Traverse Magazine: Howard Learner Guest Column: Protecting the Great Lakes & the Thunder Bay Nat’l Marine Sanctuary
Posted on December 5, 2017 by Judith Nemes
Protecting the Great Lakes and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
By Howard A. Learner
The Great Lakes are our great natural treasure. This is where Midwesterners live, work and play. Protecting the Great Lakes has strong bipartisan support. Safe clean drinking water is not partisan at all. We all care—a lot.
President Trump won the 2016 election in the Great Lakes states, but his policies are puzzling in light of Michiganders’ clean water priorities. His administration is proposing to allow offshore oil drilling and cut down the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron along the Alpena-to-Mackinaw City shoreline. His proposed budget slashes the sensible Great Lakes Restoration Initiative from $300 million to zero. The EPA is rolling back common sense Clean Water Act standards that protect safe clean drinking water.
These are headscratchers, criticized by both Republican and Democratic leaders and by business, civic and environmental groups alike.
The Great Lakes are a global gem. They contain 21 percent of the world’s fresh water supply, provide drinking water for 42 million people, provide a rich aquatic habitat for many species, support the $7 billion fishing industry, and offer recreational opportunities for millions of people.
Military analysts say future wars will be fought over water. Fresh water availability is our region’s competitive advantage. Michiganders recognize this remarkable value. We can’t afford to spoil the Great Lakes.
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a review for reducing the size of, and allowing offshore oil drilling in, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron.
Thunder Bay protects a treasure trove of 100 significant shipwrecks. Following participatory stakeholder processes in 2014, this National Marine Sanctuary was expanded from 448 to 4,300 square miles.
The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary draws visitors to explore Shipwreck Alley and offers a window into Great Lakes maritime history. The sanctuary is not controversial. It’s America’s only fresh water Marine Sanctuary.
Federal law and Michigan law prohibit offshore oil drilling in the Great Lakes. The Commerce Department’s review is puzzling.
The Environmental Law & Policy Center is leading the charge to protect the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Our joint comments submitted with 14 Great Lakes groups explained why this popular National Marine Sanctuary must not be chopped.
Michigan Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and bipartisan Representatives Jack Bergman, Debbie Dingell, Daniel Kildee, Brenda Lawrence, Dave Trott and Fred Upton sent a joint letter to the Commerce Department expressing …
“[S]trong opposition to reducing the boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary … The expansion of this sanctuary in Lake Huron in 2014, which was the result of a rigorous approval process with extensive public input, is critical to Michigan’s economy and heritage. The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary has helped revitalize local economies in our state.”
Let’s protect the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and preserve this historical maritime site today and for future generations. That’s good for jobs, economic growth and the environment.
Posted in CLEAN WATER, ELPC in the News, Great Lakes, ISSUES, Michigan, NEWSROOM, STATES, Uncategorized Tagged Great Lakes, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Howard’s Columbus Dispatch Letter: Cities Step Up on Climate Change Solutions
Posted on November 21, 2017 December 12, 2017 by David Jakubiak
Cities Step Up To Cut Emissions
While President Trump steps back by withdrawing the United States from the landmark Paris Climate Accord, mayors in Ohio have committed to step up and fill the void. Now is the time for these municipal declarations of support for the Paris Accord to become real solutions to climate-change problems. Athens, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Shaker Heights, Toledo-Lucas County and other Ohio municipalities have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas-pollution.
Growing local solar energy, storage and energy efficiency creates jobs, saves money, attracts investment and avoids carbon pollution. Clean electric vehicles and buses in municipal fleets reduce fuel and maintenance costs and avoid pollution. Improving energy efficiency in city buildings saves taxpayer money, reduces pollution and lessens maintenance costs. The Environmental Law & Policy Center is proud that many Ohio cities are saying they want to be part of global climate-change solutions. We will work with cities to adopt high-value actions to reduce carbon pollution in ways that are tailored to Bob and Betty Buckeye.
Here are three ways that all of our cities can transform their public commitments into meaningful climate actions:
Achieve 100 percent renewable energy for municipal electricity needs by 2022. The Midwest has abundant wind power, and solar energy and energy storage capacity is accelerating as prices fall while technologies improve. Ohio cities can achieve 100 percent renewable energy by using locally produced solar energy plus storage and wind power, purchasing clean renewable energy from third parties, and securing renewable-energy credits from new solar and wind projects.
Clean up municipal fleets: New purchases should be electric vehicles (except in special cases). Our nation’s transportation sector now produces more greenhouse-gas pollution than the electric-power sector. Ohio cities should buy electric vehicles (EV) or other zero-emission vehicles for nonemergency fleets. Cities can create demand to drive the EV market forward while reducing pollution. EVs have fewer moving parts and lower maintenance costs than internal-combustion-engine vehicles. EV operating costs are lower and more predictable. Using wind and solar energy to power EV charging stations accelerates a cleaner transportation system. Columbus is buying EVs, and 30 other cities are exploring a joint purchase of 114,000 EVs.
Rapidly improve municipal-building energy efficiency. Smart energy-efficiency investments produce cost savings and less pollution. Why wait? Many payback periods are short and the savings come fast. Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs is a no-brainer cost-saver and pollution-reducer. Antiquated HVAC systems and old appliances waste money and allow more pollution. Smart energy-efficiency products, technologies and controls are available. The time has never been better for cities to reduce their energy bills and cut pollution through energy-efficiency improvements.
Ohio cities are leading by saying that they’ll step up with climate actions. Cities can seize climate action opportunities by moving forward with these three specific initiatives for clean energy, clean transportation and energy efficiency that will produce significant pollution-reduction results. Let’s work together to turn words into deeds.
The Toledo Blade: Great Lakes conference discusses Lake Erie impairment
Posted on November 6, 2017 by Vanessa Bonilla
Great Lakes conference discusses Lake Erie impairment
One of the Kasich administration’s key players in the fight against algal blooms said Friday the future health of western Lake Erie is tied to the state’s commitment to do more aggressive edge-of-field research in each of the lake’s watersheds, not a federal Clean Water Act impairment designation that would subject farmers to more regulations.
Karl Gebhardt, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s deputy director for water resources, told attendees of the University of Toledo College of Law’s 17th annual Great Lakes Water Conference a major research project underway by Ohio State University’s Kevin King “will be critical to finding out what’s happening in each of the watersheds.”
“We will fix Lake Erie by fixing the watersheds,” Mr. Gebhardt, who also is Ohio Lake Erie Commission executive director and the man Gov. John Kasich has put in charge of Lake Erie programs, said.
Mr. Gebhardt was one of three speakers on the afternoon panel inside McQuade Law Auditorium. It focused on the impairment controversy.
He has come under fire by groups such as Advocates for a Clean Lake Erie for his many years as an agricultural industry lobbyist prior to joining the Kasich administration.
One of his fiercest critics has been ACLE’s founder, Mike Ferner, a former Toledo city councilman and two-time mayoral candidate who claims Mr. Gebhardt’s role with the administration helps explain why it is sticking to the industry’s wishes for more voluntary incentives to reduce algae-forming farm runoff instead of imposing tougher regulations through an impairment designation. Mr. Ferner’s group had about a dozen members demonstrating outside the law school auditorium before the conference began, and he handed out flyers mocking Mr. Gebhardt before his presentation.
But during his talk, Mr. Gebhardt said he wants Ohio to revitalize its Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, also known as CREP, which has lain dormant for several years. It provides incentives to farmers to create buffer strips that reduce runoff.
More importantly, though, he wants more information about whether better farming practices the state has been promoting are actually yielding the results it wants.
Several people attending the conference questioned if they are now that this summer’s algal bloom appears likely to go down as the third largest since 2002.
Mr. King’s edge-of-field research project attempts to quantify how many nutrients are leaving each of about three dozen test sites around the state. One of the preliminary results that has surprised scientists, announced months ago, is that far more phosphorus is escaping fields through underground farm tiles than surface runoff.
The state also wants to make more grants and low-interest loans available to communities such as Toledo that are reducing combined sewer overflows and modernizing their water-treatment facilities, Mr. Gebhardt said.
“We want to get money out into the communties,” he said.
He also said it is continuing to make plans for rebuilding more wetlands, and is working with Columbus-based Batelle – one of the world’s top research and development corporations – on more innovative technologies that might be used to combat algae in the future.
“We’re not going to get rid of algae in Lake Erie,” Mr. Gebhardt said. “And we want to keep the good algae in Lake Erie, because that’s what makes it the walleye capital of the world.”
He and the other two panel speakers, including Madeline Fleisher, a former U.S. Department of Justice attorney now working for the Chicago-based Environmental Law & Policy Center, agreed there’s no guarantee an impairment designation will bring more federal money – only the hope it might. ELPC has sued the U.S. EPA in federal court over the impairment issue, with Mr. Ferner’s group a partner in that litigation.
Mr. Gebhardt, in fact, said he believes the U.S. EPA has “been generous” with money it has provided to Ohio fighting algal blooms.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of not having enough money,” he said. “Sure, you’d always like to have more. It’s a matter of what we’re doing with it [and] if programs are working.”
Michigan declared its much smaller portion of western Lake Erie impaired a year ago this month, a move that proponents hoped would inspire Governor Kasich to do likewise in Ohio.
Kevin Goodwin, a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality senior aquatic biologist who spoke on the panel, said that while there’s been no influx of federal dollars the impairment designation there raised the profile of the problem within state government and likely helped generate more funding at the state level.
“The mere impairment listing within the state already elevates it [within the state] for more funding,” Mr. Goodwin said. “It starts internal wheels moving.”
Ms. Fleisher said the lawsuit filed against the U.S. EPA pertains to the agency’s obligations under the federal Clean Water Act’s “rule of law.”
“Any administration, regardless of its politics, is supposed to follow the rule of law,” she said.
Posted in CLEAN WATER, ELPC in the News, Great Lakes, ISSUES, NEWSROOM, Ohio, Uncategorized Tagged algae bloom, EPA, Great Lakes, Madeline Fleisher, Ohio
New York Times: Advocacy Groups Say EPA Not Doing Enough to Protect Lake Erie
Posted on October 30, 2017 October 30, 2017 by Judith Nemes
TOLEDO, Ohio — Environmental advocates who sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency because they believe not enough is being done to address the toxic algae problem in Lake Erie said they think the agency’s response to the suit only bolsters their argument.
The groups want the EPA to declare that the western end of the lake is impaired by the algae that’s a threat to drinking water and fish. Such a designation could lead to stricter pollution controls.
The federal agency last spring sided with Ohio’s environmental regulators who recommended not listing the lake’s open waters as impaired under the federal Clean Water Act.
Algae blooms have turned the lake unsightly shades of green most summers over the past decade. An outbreak in 2014 contaminated the tap water for two days for more than 400,000 people around Toledo.
While steps have been taken to reduce the farm fertilizer runoff and municipal sewage overflows that feed the algae, environmental groups and some political leaders have become frustrated by the pace and depth of those efforts and have called for the impairment listing.
The EPA in court documents filed last week said Ohio’s environmental regulators didn’t look at whether the lake’s open waters were meeting the state’s water quality standards.
“They’re owning up to the fact that Ohio didn’t do this,” said Madeline Fleisher, an attorney for the Chicago-based Environmental Law and Policy Center.
She said the EPA’s acceptance of Ohio’s decision not to seek the impairment designation shows that the federal agency isn’t willing to address the algae problem in the shallowest of the Great Lakes.
“We expect better from the agencies that are supposed to be leading the way on protecting people and the environment,” Fleisher said.
Posted in CLEAN WATER, ELPC in the News, Great Lakes, NEWSROOM, Ohio, STATES, Uncategorized Tagged Clean Water Act, Lake Erie, Ohio EPA, Toxic algae blooms, US EPA
Crain’s Chicago Business: House Panel Rejects Trump’s Great Lakes Cuts
Posted on July 13, 2017 July 13, 2017 by Judith Nemes
House Panel Rejects Trump’s Great Lakes Cuts
By Greg Hinz
With a big assist from a bipartisan pair of lawmakers from Ohio, it looks like plans by the Trump administration to slash funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative are on the way to being derailed.
As previously reported, Trump proposed cutting the program—which pays for everything from sewage treatment plants in Milwaukee and water-permeable concrete in Uptown to electronic barriers to keep Asian carp out of Lake Michigan—a whopping 97 percent. Trump aides said that and other kinds of spending have to go to make room for tax cuts to stimulate the economy.
But yesterday, GOP Rep. David Joyce and Democratic colleague Marie Kaptur, both from the Toledo area, convinced the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies to include the normal $300 million in the pending fiscal 2018 federal budget.
The action is only “a first step,” said Howard Learner, head of the Environmental Law & Policy Center here. But the full appropriations committee likely will go along with the subcommittee, and traditionally so does the full House. It’s worth noting that House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin comes from a lakefront district.
Posted in CLEAN WATER, ELPC in the News, Great Lakes, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, NEWSROOM, Ohio, STATES, Uncategorized Tagged Great Lakes, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
PRESS RELEASE: ELPC Pushing Back Against Trump Administration’s Executive Order “Review” of Marine Sanctuary Expansions in Lake Huron & Elsewhere
Posted on June 30, 2017 June 30, 2017 by Judith Nemes
Environmental Law & Policy Center Pushing Back Against Trump Administration’s Executive Order “Review” of Marine Sanctuary Expansions in Lake Huron and Elsewhere
“Efforts to Scale Back Only Fresh Water Marine Sanctuary is Misguided”
ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner said in response to the Trump Administration’s America-First Offshore Energy Strategy Executive Order that directs the U.S. Commerce Department to “review” the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and other designations and expansions of National Marine Sanctuaries:
“The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron had broad Michigan public stakeholder and bipartisan support when it was expanded in 2014,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “Scaling back the Thunder Bay Sanctuary is misguided and counterproductive.
“Shrinking the protected area of the Thunder Bay Sanctuary is yet another Trump Administration attack in its War on the Great Lakes and should be stopped in its tracks.
“ELPC will work with bipartisan partners across the region to oppose the White House’s War on the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes is a national treasure that provides fresh drinking water to 42 million people and represents 21% of the world’s fresh water supply.“
Posted in CLEAN WATER, Great Lakes, ISSUES, Michigan, NEWSROOM, Press Releases, STATES, Uncategorized Tagged Lake Huron, Michigan, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
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Venezuela slams ＂criminal impact＂ of U.S. sanctions
CARACAS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Venezuelan government on Sunday denounced the U.S. sanctions targeting its state-owned oil company PDVSA for the "criminal impact" on the Venezuelan people.
The sanctions blocked the country's access to oil revenues and its ability to pay for key social and health programs, the government said in a statement.
The sanctions "prevent the implementation of humanitarian aid programs for particularly difficult health cases," such as cancer, Parkinson's, epilepsy, and liver and bone marrow transplants, according to the statement.
These "types of sanctions, promoted by Venezuelan political players and dictated by the U.S. government, constitute a flagrant violation of the human rights of the patients affected," the government said.
The sanctions are also "diametrically opposed" to Washington's alleged concern for the welfare of Venezuelans and insistence on delivering humanitarian aid, it added.
Currently, some 25 patients are in Italy awaiting bone marrow transplants, but the government has been unable to access the funds to pay for the procedures, putting them at "grave risk."
Washington, which backs Venezuela's right-wing opposition and its campaign to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the ruling socialist party from power, stepped up financial and economic sanctions against Venezuela and its state-owned oil company at the beginning of the year.
The United States on Friday imposed additional sanctions on two companies and 24 ships linked to PDVSA. Earlier, it also announced sanctions on 34 freighters of PDVSA and transport companies.
Venezuela's Maduro names new electricity minister
Trump tells Russia to pull back from Venezuela
Venezuelan schools, offices closed after second blackout
U.S. to withdraw remaining personnel from embassy in Venezuela
Venezuelans call for dialogue as political crisis drags on
More sanctions to be imposed on Venezuela: Pompeo
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Timely | Article about timely by The Free Dictionary
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/timely
(redirected from timely)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Financial, Acronyms, Wikipedia.
sequential arrangement of all events, or the interval between two events in such a sequence. The concept of time may be discussed on several different levels: physical, psychological, philosophical and scientific, and biological.
Physical Time and Its Measurement
The accurate measurement of time by establishing accurate time standards poses difficult technological problems. In prehistory, humans recognized the alternation of day and night, the phases of the moon, and the succession of the seasons; from these cycles, they developed the day, month, and year as the corresponding units of time. With the development of primitive clocksclock,
instrument for measuring and indicating time. Predecessors of the clock were the sundial, the hourglass, and the clepsydra. See also watch. The Evolution of Mechanical Clocks
..... Click the link for more information. and systematic astronomical observations, the day was divided into hours, minutes, and seconds.
Any measurement of time is ultimately based on counting the cycles of some regularly recurring phenomenon and accurately measuring fractions of that cycle. The earth rotates on its axis at a very nearly constant rate, and the angular positions of celestial bodies can be determined with great precision. Therefore, astronomical observations provide an almost ideal method of measuring time. The true period of rotation of the earth, that with respect to the fixed stars, defines the sidereal day, which is the basis of sidereal timesidereal time
(ST), time measured relative to the fixed stars; thus, the sidereal day is the period during which the earth completes one rotation on its axis so that some chosen star appears twice on the observer's celestial meridian.
..... Click the link for more information. . All sidereal days are equal. The period of rotation of the earth with respect to the sun (i.e., the interval between successive high noons) is the solar day, which is the basis for solar timesolar time,
time defined by the position of the sun. The solar day is the time it takes for the sun to return to the same meridian in the sky. Local solar time is measured by a sundial.
..... Click the link for more information. . Because of the earth's motion in its orbit around the sun, the sun appears to move eastward against the fixed stars, and the earth must make slightly more than one complete rotation to bring the sun back to the observer's meridian. (The meridian is the great circle on the celestial sphere running through the north celestial pole and the observer's zenith; the passage of the sun across the meridian marks high noon.) But the earth's orbital motion is not uniform, and the plane of the orbit is inclined to the celestial equator by 23 1-2°. Hence the eastward motion of the sun against the stars is not uniform and the length of the true solar day varies seasonally, but on the average is four minutes longer than the sidereal day. True solar time, as measured by a sundial, does not move at a constant rate. Therefore the mean solar day, with a length equal to the annual average of the actual solar day, was introduced as the basis of mean solar time.
Mean solar time does move at a constant rate and is the basis for the civil time kept by clocks. Actually, the earth's rotation is being slightly braked by tidal and other effects so that even mean solar time is not strictly uniform. The law of gravitation allows prediction of the moon's position in its orbit at a given time; inversely, the exact position of the moon provides a kind of clock that is not running down. Time calculated from the moon's position is called ephemeris timeephemeris time
(ET), astronomical time defined by the orbital motions of the earth, moon, and planets. The earth does not rotate with uniform speed, so the solar day is an imprecise unit of time.
..... Click the link for more information. and moves at a truly uniform rate. The accumulated difference between mean solar and ephemeris time since 1900 amounts to more than half a minute. However, the ultimate standard for time is provided by the natural frequencies of vibration of atoms and molecules. Atomic clocksatomic clock,
electric or electronic timekeeping device that is controlled by atomic or molecular oscillations. A timekeeping device must contain or be connected to some apparatus that oscillates at a uniform rate to control the rate of movement of its hands or the rate of
..... Click the link for more information. , based on masersmaser
, device for creation, amplification, and transmission of an intense, highly focused beam of high-frequency radio waves. The name maser is an acronym for microwave amplification by stimulated emission of r
..... Click the link for more information. and laserslaser
[acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation], device for the creation, amplification, and transmission of a narrow, intense beam of coherent light. The laser is sometimes referred to as an optical maser.
..... Click the link for more information. , lose only about three milliseconds over a thousand years. See standard timestandard time,
civil time used within a given time zone. The earth is divided into 24 time zones, each of which is about 15° of longitude wide and corresponds to one hour of time. Within a zone all civil clocks are set to the same local solar time.
..... Click the link for more information. ; universal timeuniversal time
(UT), the international time standard common to every place in the world, it nominally reflects the mean solar time along the earth's prime meridian (renumbered to equate to civil time).
Psychology of Time
As a practical matter, clocksclock,
..... Click the link for more information. and calendarscalendar
[Lat., from Kalends], system of reckoning time for the practical purpose of recording past events and calculating dates for future plans. The calendar is based on noting ordinary and easily observable natural events, the cycle of the sun through the seasons with equinox
..... Click the link for more information. regulate everyday life. Yet at the most primitive level, human awareness of time is simply the ability to distinguish which of any two events is earlier and which later, combined with a consciousness of an instantaneous present that is continually being transformed into a remembered past as it is replaced with an anticipated future. From these common human experiences evolved the view that time has an independent existence apart from physical reality.
Philosophy and Science of Time
The belief in time as an absolute has a long tradition in philosophy and science. It still underlies the common sense notion of time. Isaac Newton, in formulating the basic concepts of classical physics, compared absolute time to a stream flowing at a uniform rate of its own accord. In everyday life, we likewise regard each instant of time as somehow possessing a unique existence apart from any particular observer or system of timekeeping. Inherent in the concept of absolute time is the assumption that the simultaneity of two given events is also absolute. In other words, if two events are simultaneous for one observer, they are simultaneous for all observers.
Relativistic Time
Developments of modern physics have forced a modification of the concept of simultaneity. As Albert Einstein demonstrated in his theory of relativityrelativity,
physical theory, introduced by Albert Einstein, that discards the concept of absolute motion and instead treats only relative motion between two systems or frames of reference.
..... Click the link for more information. , when two observers are in relative motion, they will necessarily arrange events in a somewhat different time sequence. As a result, events that are simultaneous in one observer's time sequence will not be simultaneous in some other observer's sequence. In the theory of relativity, the intuitive notion of time as an independent entity is replaced by the concept that space and time are intertwined and inseparable aspects of a four-dimensional universe, which is given the name space-timespace-time,
central concept in the theory of relativity that replaces the earlier concepts of space and time as separate absolute entities. In relativity one cannot uniquely distinguish space and time as elements in descriptions of events.
One of the most curious aspects of the relativistic theory is that all events appear to take place at a slower rate in a moving system when judged by a viewer in a stationary system. For example, a moving clock will appear to run slower than a stationary clock of identical construction. This effect, known as time dilation, depends on the relative velocities of the two clocks and is significant only for speeds comparable to the speed of light. Time dilation has been confirmed by observing the decay of rapidly moving subatomic particles that spontaneously decay into other particles. Stated naively, particles in motion decay more slowly than stationary particles.
Time Reversal Invariance
In addition to relative time, another aspect of time relevant to physics is how one can distinguish the forward direction in time. This problem is apart from one's purely subjective awareness of time moving from past into future. According to classical physics, if all particles in a simple system are instantaneously reversed in their velocities, the system will proceed to retrace its entire past history. This property of the laws of classical physics is called time reversal invariance (see symmetrysymmetry,
generally speaking, a balance or correspondence between various parts of an object; the term symmetry is used both in the arts and in the sciences. In art and design, it is often used in a somewhat loose sense, to mean a kind of balance in which the
..... Click the link for more information. ); it means that when all microscopic motions of individual particles are precisely defined, there is no fundamental distinction between forward and backward in time. If the motions of very large collections of particles are treated statistically as in thermodynamicsthermodynamics,
branch of science concerned with the nature of heat and its conversion to mechanical, electric, and chemical energy. Historically, it grew out of efforts to construct more efficient heat engines—devices for extracting useful work from expanding hot gases.
..... Click the link for more information. , then the forward direction of time is distinguished by the increase of entropyentropy
, quantity specifying the amount of disorder or randomness in a system bearing energy or information. Originally defined in thermodynamics in terms of heat and temperature, entropy indicates the degree to which a given quantity of thermal energy is available for doing
..... Click the link for more information. , or disorder, in the system. However, recent discoveries in particle physics have shown that time reversal invariance is not valid even on the microscopic scale for certain phenomena governed by the weak force of nuclear physics.
Biological Time
In the life sciences, evidence has been found that many living organisms incorporate biological clocks that govern the rhythms of their behavior (see rhythm, biologicalrhythm, biological,
or biorhythm,
cyclic pattern of physiological changes or changes in activity in living organisms, most often synchronized with daily, monthly, or annual cyclical changes in the environment.
..... Click the link for more information. ). Animals and even plants often exhibit a circadian (approximately daily) cycle in, for instance, temperature and metabolic rate that may have a genetic basis. Efforts to localize time sense in specialized areas within the brain have been largely unsuccessful. In humans, the time sense may be connected to certain electrical rhythms in the brain, the most prominent of which is known as the alpha rhythm at about ten cycles per second.
See S. V. Toulmin and J. Goodfield, Discovery of Time (1965); S. Hawking, A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes (1988).
in music: see tempotempo
[Ital.,=time], in music, the speed of a composition. The composer's intentions as to tempo are conventionally indicated by a set of Italian terms, of which the principal ones are presto (very fast), vivace (lively), allegro (fast), moderato
..... Click the link for more information. ; metermeter,
abbr. m, fundamental unit of length in the metric system. The meter was originally defined as 1/10,000,000 of the distance between the equator and either pole; however, the original survey was inaccurate and the meter was later defined simply as the distance between two
..... Click the link for more information. ; rhythmrhythm,
the basic temporal element of music, concerned with duration and with stresses or accents whether irregular or organized into regular patternings. The formulation in the late 12th cent.
..... Click the link for more information. ; syncopationsyncopation
[New Gr.,=cut off ], in music, the accentuation of a beat that normally would be weak according to the rhythmic division of the measure. Although the normally strong beat is not usually effaced by the process, there are occasions (e.g.
..... Click the link for more information. ; metronomemetronome
, in music, originally pyramid-shaped clockwork mechanism to indicate the exact tempo in which a work is to be performed. It has a double pendulum whose pace can be altered by sliding the upper weight up or down.
..... Click the link for more information. and musical notationmusical notation,
symbols used to make a written record of musical sounds.
Two different systems of letters were used to write down the instrumental and the vocal music of ancient Greece. In his five textbooks on music theory Boethius (c.A.D. 470–A.D.
The dimension of the physical universe which orders the sequence of events at a given place; also, a designated instant in this sequence, such as the time of day, technically known as an epoch, or sometimes as an instant.
Time measurement consists of counting the repetitions of any recurring phenomenon and possibly subdividing the interval between repetitions. Two aspects to be considered in the measurement of time are frequency, or the rate at which the recurring phenomena occur, and epoch, or the designation to be applied to each instant.
Time units are the intervals between successive recurrences of phenomena, such as the period of rotation of the Earth or a specified number of periods of radiation derived from an atomic energy-level transition. Other units are arbitrary multiples and subdivisions of these intervals, such as the hour being 1/24 of a day, and the minute being 1/60 of an hour. See Time-interval measurement
Time bases
Several phenomena are used as bases with which to determine time. The phenomenon traditionally used has been the rotation of the Earth, where the counting is by days. Days are measured by observing the meridian passages of stars and are subdivided with the aid of precision clocks. The day, however, is subject to variations in duration. Thus, when a more uniform time scale is required, other bases for time must be used.
The angle measured along the celestial equator between the observer's local meridian and the vernal equinox, known as the hour angle of the vernal equinox, is the measure of sidereal time. It is reckoned from 0 to 24 hours, each hour being subdivided into 60 sidereal minutes and the minutes into 60 sidereal seconds. Sidereal clocks are used for convenience in most astronomical observatories because a star or other object outside the solar system comes to the same place in the sky at virtually the same sidereal time.
The hour angle of the Sun is the apparent solar time. The only true indicator of local apparent solar time is a sundial. Mean solar time has been devised to eliminate the irregularities in apparent solar time that arise from the obliquity of the ecliptic and the varying speed of the Earth in its orbit around the Sun. It is the hour angle of a fictitious point moving uniformly along the celestial equator at the same rate as the average rate of the Sun along the ecliptic. Both sidereal and solar time depend on the rotation of the Earth for their time base.
The mean solar time determined for the meridian of 0° longitude from the rotation of the Earth by using astronomical observations is referred to as UT1. Observations are made at a number of observatories around the world. The International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) receives these data and maintains a UT1 time scale.
Because the Earth has a nonuniform rate of rotation and since a uniform time scale is required for many timing applications, a different definition of a second was adopted in 1967. The international agreement calls for the second to be defined as 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation derived from an energy-level transition in the cesium atom. This second is referred to as the international or SI (International System) second and is independent of astronomical observations. International Atomic Time (TAI) is maintained by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) from data contributed by time-keeping laboratories around the world.
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) uses the SI second as its time base. However, the designation of the epoch may be changed at certain times so that UTC does not differ from UT1 by more than 0.9 s. UTC forms the basis for civil time in most countries and may sometimes be referred to as Greenwich mean time. The adjustments to UTC to bring this time scale into closer accord with UT1 consist of the insertion or deletion of integral seconds. These “leap seconds” may be applied at 23 h 59 m 59 s of June 30 or December 31 of each year according to decisions made by the IERS. UTC differs from TAI by an integral number of atomic seconds.
Civil and standard times
Because rotational time scales are defined as hour angles, at any instant they vary from place to place on the Earth. Persons traveling westward around the Earth must advance their time 1 day, and those traveling eastward must retard their time 1 day in order to be in agreement with their neighbors when they return home. The International Date Line is the name given to a line where the change of date is made. It follows approximately the 180th meridian but avoids inhabited land. To avoid the inconvenience of the continuous change of mean solar time with longitude, zone time or civil time is generally used. The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, each approximately 15° wide and centered on standard longitudes of 0°, 15°, 30°, and so on. Within each of these zones the time kept is the mean solar time of the standard meridian.
Many countries, including the United States, advance their time 1 hour, particularly during the summer months, into “daylight saving time.”
The continuous and nonreversible passage of existence, or some interval in this continuum. It is also a quantity measuring the duration of such an interval or of some process, etc. The unit of time in the SI system is the second. The astronomical unit of time is often the interval of one day of 86 400 seconds. The time systems used in astronomy are International Atomic Time, universal time, sidereal time, and dynamical time (which has replaced ephemeris time). See also spacetime.
the continuous passage of existence. Time may be measured with reference to any stable or periodic physical or social process. In the latter case, ‘time’ will often be stated with reference to clear physical periodicies that determine the units of social division, as for example, ‘days’ and ‘years’. In many other respects, however, the divisions of’time’ (though still stated partly in terms of physical periodicies) depend on a patterning of social events which is relatively independent of such natural periodicies, as is so for ‘weeks’ or ‘hours’. Various forms of generic ‘social time’ may also be identified, as for example, in the distinctions drawn by GIDDENS between:
the repeated day-to-day durée - or ‘reversible time’ – of everyday social life;
the longue durée involved in the persistence, as against the rise and fall, of social institutions and societies;
the ‘life span’ of the individual -‘irreversible time’.
As well as this, in social life and in sociological and historical accounts an almost infinite number of more specific ‘periodizations’ can also be noticed, e.g. ‘Victorian times’, ‘the Age of Reason’. See also CLOCK-TIME, TIME – SPACE DISTANCIATION.
Since time always exists as a fourth coordinate of time-space in specifying any event, it must obviously be an important component in any sociological account. A number of sociologists recently, however, have suggested that time has been relatively neglected in sociology, in that sociology has often been concerned with static structural models and has tended to neglect the great variety of ways in which social life is both temporally structured and, as the result of social processes occurring in time, socially transformed – see MANN (1986) and GIDDENS (1984). A resurgence of interest in time has been a feature of recent sociology and is also evident in other disciplines (e.g. see TIME-GEOGRAPHY), from which sociology has also drawn.
See also HISTORY, DUALITY OF STRUCTURE, TIME-SPACE EDGES, TIME-SPACE DISTANCIATION, HEIDEGGER.
a basic form (together with space) of the existence of matter; it consists of the regular coordination of phenomena that are occurring one after another. It exists objectively and is inseparably associated with moving matter.
Measurement. Various branches of science and technology deal with the problem of measuring time, independent of the means and system by which it is recorded. Chronometers— technical means for measuring time and reproducing its units and subdivisions (clocks and other instruments)—are. developed in chronometry. With the aid of special observations of celestial bodies, astronomy makes it possible to monitor the performance of time-recording devices and to determine corrections in time scales.
Even in earliest times, measurements of large and small time intervals were based on astronomical phenomena dependent on the motions of celestial bodies, especially the earth and moon. The year, which was defined by the period of the earth’s orbit around the sun, began to be used as the unit for measuring large time intervals. The cycle of changes in nature is associated with this unit. The cycle of changing phases of the moon (the synodic month) began to be used as a smaller unit of time and, with slight changes, became what is now our month. The day is based on the cycle of light and dark periods and is determined by the earth’s rotation. In order to record smaller intervals, the day was divided into hours; originally the daylight period was divided into 12 day-time hours, and the period of darkness into 12 nighttime hours, which differed in length and whose duration throughout the year was not constant. Later, division of the day into 24 equal hours was introduced. The development of human economic activity led to greater demands on time measurement. Instruments for measuring time—clocks—were perfected, which permitted the introduction of more and more accurate systems for recording time for practical and scientific purposes. In modern clocks, the system of recording time is based on various artificial periodic processes: the oscillation of a balance wheel (marine chronometers and household clocks), a pendulum (astronomical clocks), or a quartz plate (quartz clocks). In the most accurate quartz clocks, the stability of the oscillations is governed by quantum generators, whose operation is based on periodic processes occurring in atoms and molecules (atomic clocks).
The rotation of the earth about its axis relative to the stars determines sidereal time. Since the stars have motion of their own, which has been insufficiently studied, sidereal time is measured relative to the vernal equinox, whose motion among the stars is well known. The moment of its upper culmination is taken as the beginning of the sidereal day. The sidereal day is subdivided into sidereal hours, minutes, and seconds. Sidereal time is determined directly from astronomical observations and serves to coordinate the readings of clocks and chronometers with the astronomical system of recording time. Knowledge of sidereal time is essential in various astronomical observations, as well as in geodetic measurements, navigation, and other work involving observations of celestial bodies. It is impractical in everyday life, since it does not coincide with the change from day to night. For this reason, solar time is used in everyday life.
True solar time is determined by the apparent daily motion of the sun, whose upper and lower culminations are accordingly called true noon and true midnight. The interval of time between two consecutive like culminations of the center of the sun is called a true solar day. However, because of the uneven motion of the earth in its orbit and, consequently, the apparent annual motion of the sun along the ecliptic, as well as the fact that the earth’s axis is not perpendicular to the plane of its orbit, the true solar day is not constant in its duration—that is, the system for recording true solar time is irregular. The system of solar time that is uniform throughout the year is called mean solar time and is based on the daily motion of the so-called mean sun, an imaginary point that moves evenly along the equator with a speed such that in its annual motion it always crosses the vernal equinox simultaneously with the true sun. The moments of upper and lower culmination of the mean sun are correspondingly called mean noon and mean midnight. The time interval between two consecutive like culminations of the mean sun is called a mean solar day, and it begins from the mean sun’s lower culmination. The mean solar day is divided into mean solar hours, minutes, and seconds.
The discrepancy between mean and true solar time is called the time equation, and this varies during the year between -14 min, 22 sec, and 16 min, 24 sec. Mean solar time is checked against sidereal time by the following relationship, based on numerous observations:
(1) 365.2422 mean solar days = 366.2422 sidereal days, from which it follows that
(2) 24 hr of sidereal time = 23 hr, 56 min, 4.091 sec of mean solar time, and
(3) 24 hr of mean solar time = 24 hr, 3 min, 56.666 sec of sidereal time.
Clocks operating on mean solar time and on sidereal time are used to keep time determined by astronomical observations.
At different meridians of the earth, the moments of culmi-nation of both the vernal equinox and the true and mean sun do not occur at the same physical moment. Therefore, the time at different meridians is also different: a 15° eastward change in longitude corresponds to an increase of one hour in sidereal time, as well as in true and mean solar time. The time determined for a particular longitude is called local time (sometimes the zone time used at various points on the earth is erroneously called local time). Local mean solar time at the zero or Greenwich meridian reckoned from midnight is called universal or world time (Greenwich time). Universal time, which is the same worldwide, is extensively used in astronomy.
Local time, which is different at points with different geo-graphic longitude, causes inconvenience in its practical use in intercity and international communications. To eliminate these inconveniences, a system of zone time was adopted at the end of the 19th century in many countries of the world, whereby the entire surface of the earth was divided into 24 time zones, each 15° of longitude wide, extending along the meridians. Zone time was introduced in the USSR on July 1, 1919. To make practical use of daylight hours, clocks in some countries are advanced one hour in relation to zone time in summer. In the USSR clocks were moved ahead one hour in 1930 (so-called daylight saving time). Daylight saving time in the second time zone of the USSR is called Moscow time and is three hours ahead of universal time.
Exacting research has shown that the system for astronomical recording of time based on observations of the culminations of celestial bodies is not uniform (universal time in this system is designated UTO); this is due first to the migration of the earth’s poles, which alters the longitude of observation sites, and second to unevenness in the rotation of the earth, which was discovered by using highly stable quartz and atomic clocks. The introduction of corrections in UTO to take into account the shifting of the poles results in UT1 universal time, and further corrections to account for mean seasonal changes in the period of the earth’s rotation result in UT2 universal time. Even after the above corrections have been made, however, the uniform systems for recording time based on the period of the earth’s rotation are not adequate for certain branches of modern science and technology.
A uniform system for recording time—ephemeris time—is being introduced as an independent argument in the laws of celestial mechanics and is checked by observations of the rotation of the moon about the earth. Astronomical year-books are compiled on the basis of ephemeris time. This system is defined in terms of the difference between ephemeris time and mean solar time on the basis of the empirical relationship
Δt sec = + 24.349 + 72.318T + 29.950T2 + 1.821B
where T is calculated in Julian centuries of 36,525 mean solar days from the date Jan. 0, 1900, at 12 o’clock universal time, and B is the deviation of the longitude of the moon computed by Braun’s theory from the longitude observed at a given moment. Because of irregularities in the earth’s rotation, the magnitude of a mean solar day has increased over a period of 100 years by 1.640 msec; it fluctuates because of the existence of a factor dependent on B (over the past 120 years it has reached -4.8 msec in 1870 and 1.9 msec in 1911). Therefore the definition of a second in physical systems of units has now begun to be based not on the period of the earth’s rotation but on the period of its orbit about the sun, which is called the tropical year and is equal to the time interval between two consecutive passages of the sun through the vernal equinox. This interval is slowly changing over the course of time and equals 365.24219879 -0.00000614(7 - 1900) mean solar days. The General Conference on Weights and Measures (Paris, 1954) gave the following definition of a second of time in the centimeter-gram-second system: “A second is 1/31,556,925.9747 of a tropical year for the moment Jan. 0, 1900, at 12 o’clock ephemeris time.” Ephemeris time defined by this second for recording large time intervals is expressed in Julian centuries of 36,525 ephemeris days from the moment Jan. 0, 1900, at 12 o’clock ephemeris time.
The development of electronics in the 1960’s made it possible to obtain a system for recording time that is new in principle and independent of astronomical observations. It is based on the use of high-accuracy quartz clocks controlled by quantum generators (atomic clocks). This system of calculating time has been given the name atomic time and is designated TA1. An atomic second serves as a standard unit, and its magnitude is determined by the resonance frequency of one of the energy transitions in an atom of cesium 133.
Radio signals for exact time are broadcast by time services by means of atomic clocks in a special system for calculating TA atomic time that is coordinated with astronomical systems of timekeeping: the duration of a second of TA time is defined annually from astronomical observations. Thus, the TA time system provides a connection between universal time obtained by astronomical observations and TA1 atomic time.
All systems for calculating time are regularly compared with each other so that a shift can be made for any moment from one system to another. The results of the comparisons are published in the Bulletins of the International Time Bureau in Paris, and in the USSR also in the bulletin Etalonnoe vremia (Standard Time), published by the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Physical Technology and Radio Measurement.
Kulikov, K. A.Kurs sfericheskoi astronomii, 2nded. Moscow, 1969.
K. A. KULIKOV and V. V. PODOBED
a weekly US magazine. Time, founded in 1923, is published in New York. Owned by the publishing trust of Time, Inc., it publishes articles on US domestic and foreign policy issues and scientific and cultural topics. Time also publishes many international editions. Circulation, about 4 million (1975).
What does it mean when you dream about time?
An emphasis on time in a dream may indicate a great deal of stress in the dreamer’s life, perhaps the feeling that time is running out in either a business or a personal matter.
[tīm]
(physics)
The dimension of the physical universe which, at a given place, orders the sequence of events.
A designated instant in this sequence, as the time of day. Also known as epoch.
Time limits or periods stated in the contract. A provision in a construction contract that “time is of the essence of the contract” signifies that the parties consider that punctual performance within the time limits or periods in the contract is a vital part of the performance and that failure to perform on time is a breach for which the injured party is entitled to damages in the amount of loss sustained, or is excused from any obligation of further performance, or both.
Timelessness (See AGELESSNESS, IMMORTALITY.)
Antevorta
goddess of the future. [Rom. Myth.: Kravitz, 24]
(Rom. Saturn) Titan; god of the world and time. [Gk. and Rom. Myth.: Kravitz, 69]
dance of Shiva
symbolizes the passage of time. [Hindu Tradition: Cirlot, 76]
classic personification of time with scythe and hourglass. [Art: Hall, 119]
the fast ebbing of time impels him to devote his life to recording it. [Fr. Lit.: Proust Remembrance of Things Past]
represents the cyclical nature of time. [Pop. Culture: Cirlot, 273–274]
represents the irreversible passage of time. [Pop. Culture: Cirlot, 274]
Skulda
Norn of future time. [Norse Myth.: Wheeler, 260]
Norn of time past. [Norse Myth.: Wheeler, 260]
Verdandi
Norn of time present. [Norse Myth.: Wheeler, 260]
white poplar
traditional symbol of time. [Flower Symbolism: Flora Symbolica, 178]
Years, The
the seven decades of Eleanor Pargiter’s life. [Br. Lit.: Benét, 1109]
1. Physics a quantity measuring duration, usually with reference to a periodic process such as the rotation of the earth or the vibration of electromagnetic radiation emitted from certain atoms (see caesium clock, second (sense 1)). In classical mechanics, time is absolute in the sense that the time of an event is independent of the observer. According to the theory of relativity it depends on the observer's frame of reference. Time is considered as a fourth coordinate required, along with three spatial coordinates, to specify an event
2. indicating a degree or amount calculated by multiplication with the number specified
a. the system of combining beats or pulses in music into successive groupings by which the rhythm of the music is established
b. a specific system having a specific number of beats in each grouping or bar
4. Music short for time value
5. Prosody a unit of duration used in the measurement of poetic metre; mora
6. beat time (of a conductor, etc.) to indicate the tempo or pulse of a piece of music by waving a baton or a hand, tapping out the beats, etc.
7. in time
a. Music at a correct metrical or rhythmic pulse
8. keep time to observe correctly the accent or rhythmic pulse of a piece of music in relation to tempo
access time
Accrued Operating Time
actual calculated landing time
apparent solar time
Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic
Balance of Time Utilization of Transport Equipment
Budget, Time
Camera, Medium-Format
Cathode-Ray Oscillograph
civil time
common time
Coordinated Universal Time
delay time
distributive law
Throughout the various revenue acts, no timely filing requirement was in effect.
Tax Court strikes down timely filing requirement for foreign taxpayers
If a corporation has not filed a timely S election and the due date for the tax return (including extensions) for the first tax year the corporation intended to be an S corporation has not passed, it may apply for a waiver of the late S election.
Fixing late S elections
Borrowers must recognize that false promises to provide timely and adequate information create a major problem for lenders, who, in turn, respond to the lack of credibility by assuming litigation posture.
Negotiations more complicated in 90's
85-18, which states that it will not grant Section 530(a)(1) relief if the taxpayer has not timely filed a Form 1099 for each worker for any period after 1978.
Late information returns do not preclude employee classification relief
Generally, it provides that certain eligible entities may be granted relief for failing to file these elections timely if they file the request for relief within 24 months of the election due date.
Revised procedures for relief from late S elections
76-511, even if there is no timely filed return, taxpayers still have three years from the time they paid the tax or the tax was deemed paid (typically, on the return's due date) to file a valid refund claim.
Ninth Circuit overturns earlier holding on refund limits
Of interest to practitioners is that the notice also indicates that the settlement initiative is available to employers who now file timely refund claims.
Targeted jobs tax credit settlement offer
The applicable life expectancy for a particular year is either (1) the joint life expectancy of the IRA owner and a timely named designated beneficiary (i.
IRA-designated beneficiary not bound by owner's pre-death withdrawal calculations
02 provides for automatic approval when a taxpayer intended to become an S corporation for a year beginning before 1997 and did not timely file Form 2553.
Late election relief under Rev. Procs. 97-48 and 98-55
For 1995, X made timely estimated tax payments of $100.
Subsequently Determined Deficiency
time-current characteristics
Time-Cycling Device
time-delay circuit
time-delay fuse
Time-Delay Relay
time-derived channel
time-distance graph
time-division
time-division data links
time-division multiple access
time-division multiplexing
time-division multiplier
time-division sound
time-division switching system
time-domain reflectometer
Time-Frequency-Division Multiplexing
time-geography
time-height section
time-interval measurement
time-interval radiosonde
time-invariant system
timelike path
timelike surface
timelike vector
time-mark generator
time-motion study
time-multiplexing
time-of-day clock
time-of-flight mass spectrometer
time-of-flight spectrometer
time-projection chamber
time-pulse distributor
Time-Pulse Transmitter
timer interrupt
time-resolved laser spectroscopy
time-reversal invariance
time-reversal reflection
time-reversal test
Timerevo Kurgans
Timerman, Jacobo
time-rock unit
times sign
Timeline (disambiguation)
Timeline Analysis System
Timeline Followback Method
Timeline Graphical User Interface
Timeline of Alcibiades' life
Timeline of Art History
Timeline of events related to the disc jockey
Timeline of Jefferson Davis
Timeline of Linux development
Timeline of prenatal development
Timeline, Inc.
Timelines of Liberty
Timeling
timely care
Timely Discharge Information System
Timely Information for All Relevant and Affordable
Timely Initiation of Breastfeeding
Timely Spares Provisioning
Timely Topics in Medicine
Timenoguy
Timentin
timeous
timeously
Timeout Decrease Factor
Timeout Detection and Recovery
Timeout Entry
timepass
Timepleaser
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Three scenarios expected for Egypt's parliamentary elections
Gamal Essam El-Din, , Monday 16 Mar 2015
A committee is expected to meet Tuesday to amend two laws necessary for paving the way for Egypt's long-delayed parliamentary elections
Egypt's parliamentary elections, which were put on hold after the Supreme Constitutional Court ruled early March that two election laws were unconstitutional, are now faced withthree scenarios.
Egypt's parliamentary affairs minister Ibrahim Al-Heneidy told parliamentary reporters on Monday that the government-affiliated committee is currently busy amending the two laws regulating the division of the country's electoral constituencies.
He also said that it is figuring out the workings of the House of Representatives in order to be in line with the constitution and as required by the rulings of the Supreme Constitutional Court (SCC).
"We have been holding meetings since 9 March to discuss SCC's two rulings on these two laws and to see how to put them into effect," said Heneidy.
Salah Fawzi, a member of the eleven-member committee, told Ahram Online that "the amendment of the House law is not a big challenge for the committee. As Article 8 of this law bans citizens with dual nationality from running for parliament, it will be simply amended to abolish this ban."
In its ruling on 7 March, the SCC argued that "an Egyptian with another nationality does not mean that he is a citizen with dual loyalty because loyalty is measured by heart feelings rather than by strict laws."
The House's Article 8 in its current form stipulates that those who wish to run for parliament must hold Egyptian nationality only. The same applies to those wishing to run for president or who hold the post of prime minister.
SCC's ruling stated that while articles 141 and 146 of the new constitution stipulated that the president and prime minister hold Egyptian nationality only, article 102 of the same constitution abstained from imposing this stipulation on those who aim to run for parliament.
Fawzi indicated that "amending Article 8 of the House law in line with this SCC's 7 March ruling will allow Egyptians with dual nationality to register in parliamentary elections as independents when the door opens again and after all constitutional challenges are settled.
It also allows political parties to review their lists of candidates to add Egyptians with dual nationality to these lists," said Fawzi.
Egypt's parliamentary elections were originally scheduled to be held in two rounds between 21-22 March and 6-7 May, but after SCC's rulings, they were put on hold. As many as 7,416 candidates had been able to register between 8 and 19 February.
Fawzi said "the amendment of the law on the division of the electoral districts represents the biggest challenge for the committee. We are currently in the process of collecting up-to-date statistics and information about the number of voters in Egypt's constituencies," said Fawzi, adding that "as far as we understand SCC's ruling on this issue, it recommended that there must be equality among constituencies in Egypt's 27 governorates."
In its ruling on the first of March, SCC said it does not recommend strict equality among constituencies in terms of the number of voters because it would not be possible but the difference inthe number of voters between one constituency and anothermust not exceed 25 per cent.
The SCC recommended that the government-affiliated committee set an average of 168,000 voters in each constituency, given that "the population of Egypt stands at 86.8 million, the number of registered voters is 54.7 million and the number of seats allocated to independents is 420."
Fawzi said "concerning the above ruling, the committee will mainly focus on forcing a change in the total number of constituencies reserved for independents."
In light of the above, explained Fawzi, "we have three scenarios: the first is to widen the size of some constituencies to scale down the difference among them in terms of the number of voters. This will only lead to widening the geographical scope of some constituencies but without increasing the number of seats up for competition among independents, which is 420," said Fawzi.
The second scenario, Fawzi said, "is to change the size of some constituencies in a way that will also lead to an increase in the number of seats reserved to competition among independents. In this case, Egypt's new parliament's total number of seats will be slated to increase from its current 567 (540 elected MPs plus 27 appointed ones)."
Fawzi added that "if things went this way, the number could be increased by 15 or 20 seats to overcome the big difference in the number of voters among some constituencies and ensure that a balance be struck."
But this increase, said Fawzi, will lead to an automatic increase in the number of polling stations and judges in charge of supervising them.
The third scenario, Fawzi concluded, is that "we make a review of the number of voters in all governorates hoping that we could find it just enough to merge constituencies together without increasing the number of independent seats or making significant changes in the size of each constituency."
Fawzi said SCC's ruling noted that the big differences among constituencies in the number of voters are concentrated in 13 governorates only, out of a total 27. "So it is possible that changes lead to equality in these governorates without any increase in number of seats allocated to independents," said Fawzi.
Fawzi stated that the committee began meeting on 9 March and it has 21 days to finish its job or by the end of this month as required by president Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/125390.aspx
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Agatha Christie’s Séances
Given enough time, all novels become historical novels. When Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice 200 years ago, she was writing about the present, not the past. 1813 is the past now, but it’s a little window of the past that everyone knows about thanks to Pride and Prejudice. And what Jane Austen did for the Regency period, Agatha Christie did for the 1920s and 30s. As those decades fade from living memory, Christie’s novels increasingly read like historical fiction – though of course they were never meant that way when they were written. While her books are escapist mysteries and not great literature, Agatha Christie does have one thing in common with Jane Austen – a fascination with the fads and preoccupations of the upper-class society of her time.
From a Fortean point of view, the most interesting of these fads and preoccupations is the recurring theme of spiritualism. By this, I mean the belief that spirits of the dead can be contacted through séances involving things like Ouija boards, table-turning and automatic writing. Nowadays such a belief may come across as “mediaeval”, but it’s not. It was essentially a craze that arose during the latter half of the 19th century and peaked between the First and Second World Wars. It’s distinct from traditional beliefs like ghostly hauntings and necromancy (raising spirits of the dead through occult rituals) – both of which were around long before spiritualism, and are still in a healthy state today.
What I find so fascinating about Christie’s treatment of spiritualism is how widespread it seems to have been. A practice that was in blatant opposition to the scientific and religious doctrine of its day might reasonably be expected to be confined to the fringes of society. Yet it comes across as something everyone dabbled in – or at least, everyone in the “idle rich” world of Agatha Christie’s novels.
Several of Christie’s earliest short stories, subsequently reprinted in The Hound of Death , deal with supernatural (or seemingly supernatural) situations. Several of these, such as “The Red Signal” (1924) and “The Last Séance” (1927), deal with spiritualism in one form or another. In these stories, the spiritualist element is central to the plot. But just as interesting are those stories where spiritualism merely forms part of the cultural background, without any serious suggestion of supernatural goings on. In one story the characters might play a game of bridge in the evening, in another they may hold a séance. From a social point of view, there often seems to be little difference between the two activities!
The action in The Sittaford Mystery (1931) is set in motion by a séance that is presented as little more than an amusing social pastime (There were all the usual laughs, whispers, stereotyped remarks. “The spirits are a long time” ... “Got a long way to come” ... “Hush – nothing will happen unless we are serious”). In Peril at End House (1932), the séance comes at the end of the novel – and is staged by Hercule Poirot as a ruse to trap the killer. A similar thing happens in an earlier short story, “The Tragedy of Marsdon Manor” (1923). In Dumb Witness (1937), a séance takes place immediately prior to the murder.
By the end of the 1930s, it’s clear that spiritualism was fading as a popular fad – increasingly relegated to a fringe belief alongside older superstitions. The folklore of ghosts is mentioned in Murder Is Easy (1939), and a form of witchcraft or sympathetic magic features in Evil Under the Sun (1941). Nowadays, all these beliefs would be lumped together under the heading “New Age”, and you can see the germs of this subculture emerging in Agatha Christie’s later novels.
The essence of the New Age is an eclectic belief in more or less anything that is rejected by mainstream society. This sort of attitude is already apparent in Dumb Witness, mentioned a moment ago, where the two spiritualist sisters are also described as being vegetarians, theosophists, British Israelites and Christian Scientists. Like modern New Agers, they have a profound respect for anything to do with the East – “the home of mysticism and the occult”.
Another proto-New Ager appears in the novella “Dead Man's Mirror” (1937), in the form of Lady Chevenix-Gore (“...quite a handsome woman. Frightfully vague, though. She’s got a leaning towards the occult... Wears amulets and scarabs and gives out that she’s the reincarnation of an Egyptian Queen...”). None of this has any direct bearing on the story – it’s purely social background. A similar character appears in Taken at the Flood (1948) – a prospective client who consults Hercule Poirot on the strength of cryptic messages received from the spirit world. Again she is adorned with Egyptian beads, and again she is the idle wife of a successful husband. In this case, the husband is a doctor. But her husband is blind to The Truth: “Doctors, I find, have a very materialistic outlook. The spiritual seems to be strangely hidden from them. They pin their faith on Science... but what is Science – what can it do?”
Poirot wisely recognizes that, when delivered by such a person, there is no come-back to this question. It would be a waste of breath to embark on “a meticulous and painstaking description embracing Pasteur, Lister, Humphrey Davy’s safety lamp, the convenience of electricity in the home and several hundred other kindred items”.
I was prompted to write this post by a novel I’ve just read called The Pale Horse. This is later than any of the other works I’ve mentioned, dating from 1961 – by which time Agatha Christie was over seventy. This really does bring us into New Age territory, with the convergence of almost every wacky belief you can think of. The Pale Horse of the title is an old converted inn occupied by three eccentric middle-aged women. One of them is a spiritualist medium adorned yet again in Egyptian beads – and, in this case, an Indian sari. The second is a traditional practitioner of witchcraft, as handed down over countless generations from mother to daughter. The third is a pseudo-academic occultist with a library of grimoires and a mysterious electronic device that may or may not be a death ray!
Labels: Agatha Christie, New Age, spiritualism, witchcraft
Richmal Crompton also touched on the subject on a few occasions (if I recall correctly) in her 'William' books. Her spiritualists, mediums and new-agers were always portrayed as a bit on the dotty side and used for comic effect.
That's interesting - thanks. I was an avid reader of the William books when I was 9 or 10, but references like that would have gone over my head at the time!
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Uyghur American Association forum > Omomiy Munazire (General Discussion) > Omomiy Munazire > Harvard Scholar Is Elected Prime Minister of Tibet’s Government-in-Exile
View Full Version : Harvard Scholar Is Elected Prime Minister of Tibet’s Government-in-Exile
Harvard Scholar Is Elected Prime Minister of Tibet’s Government-in-Exile
A legal scholar from Harvard University was elected the next prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, assuming control of political leadership from the Dalai Lama, reports the Associated Press. Lobsang Sangay, a senior fellow at Harvard Law School, has studied international law and conflict resolution and has organized conferences between Tibetan and Chinese scholars. The Dalai Lama will remain the spiritual leader of Tibet but said he prefers political leaders to be elected.
http://chronicle.com/blogs/global/harvard-scholar-is-elected-prime-minister-of-tibets-government-in-exile/29441
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Location: Main Index
Welcome them to our community!
Monopoly Events
getielts020
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forums.animecons.com
Most of Vic Mignogna's Convention Appearances Cancelled
Posted on: 02-19-19 09:58 PM
Posted by: PatrickD
In light of multiple recent allegations of "unwanted physical advances", "rude behavior", and "unsolicited physical affection", almost all convention appearances for Vic Mignogna were cancelled.
Mignogna, best known as the voice of Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist, has made more convention guest appearances than anyone else currently in the FanCons.com guest database. In 2018, he was a guest at 34 conventions. He had made two guest appearances in 2019 before the allegations were brought into the spotlight by an article on Anime News Network.
Days after his appearance at a number of future conventions had been cancelled, Mignogna made an appearance at Bak-Anime where he offered an apology in a panel which was recorded by fans. Following that convention appearance, several additional allegations came forward. It was announced by both Rooster Teeth and Funimation that Mignogna would not be cast in any future roles. His number of guest cancellations currently totals thirteen conventions. Only four conventions still have Mignogna on their guest list.
Tupelo Con, one of the remaining four, has stated, "We are currently reviewing the allegations and talking to fans through our page so that we can make the best decision for our fans and event. We will be making a final decision soon based on the information we have seen so far, and the fan base. We should have an announcement within the next couple of days regarding our findings and decision."
Anime Matsuri is the only remaining anime convention to list Vic Mignogna as a guest. The convention has been the subject of sexual harassment allegations itself (for which the convention organizer, John Leigh, has apologized). On Twitter, the convention posted several odd replies that imply they have no plans to cancel Mignogna's appearance.
The other two remaining conventions on Mignogna's schedule, Central PA Comic Con and Savannah Mega Comic Con, did not reply to our inquiries. Both conventions also appear to be deleting all inquiries related to Vic Mignogna which have been posted on their Facebook pages.
A-Kon Announces Convention Is Sold and Will Be Changing Dates and Venue
A-Kon, the longest-running anime convention in North America, announced today that the convention, previously organized by Phoenix Entertainment, will be run by a new, unnamed owner starting in 2019. The convention, previously scheduled for June 6-9 in Forth Worth, Texas, will now be held June 27-30 at an unnamed venue in Dallas Texas.
In addition to the ownership, date, and venue change, A-Kon announced that it will start mailing badges, but only for "A-Kon+" VIP badges. Anyone pre-registered before January 15, 2019 will received a complimentary upgrade to A-Kon+.
The announcement states that anyone who had previously made hotel reservations through Hotels for Hope will have their reservations transferred to "one of our host hotels for 2019." Hotels for Hope will contact those with reservations to confirm the location, rates, and details. There will be a cost difference, but A-Kon says, "this should help save a little money." Anyone who has reserved a room on their own and not using Hotels for Hope will be on their own to cancel their existing reservation and obtain a new one.
A-Kon says that they will be "rebooting" their web site soon and will disable room booking until it's updated to match the new location.
The announcement also references a price increase, but says that they have "decided to postpone any price changes while we complete our reboot and catch up on announcements."
We have no additional information about the new owners or new venue at this time. On A-Kon's Facebook page, attendees are not reacting well to the news. Many are questioning the move just five months before the event, the web site not being updated with the announcement, and the name of the venue or new owners not being mentioned at all. Some are pointing out that the date change also impacts those that have already booked airline travel that cannot change their dates without expensive change fees. Any questions being answered are mostly being answered by A-Kon with referrals to Hotels for Hope or quoted text from the announcement and no new information being offered.
Amazing Comic Con Aloha Cancelled Due to Hurricane
Amazing Comic Con Aloha announced at 9:44am HST today, what would have been the first day of the convention, that it would be rescheduled due to Hurricane Lane.
The announcement by Jimmy Jay, founder of Amazing Comic Con states, "We watched the weather closely and as hurricane lane weakened we made a decision to utilize the vendors, talent and media that had made it to Hawaii to still move forward with our show but due to circumstances beyond Amazing Comic Conventions Control the convention center became unavailable for use. The safety of our attendees and guests is paramount to us."
In response to those who have asked about refunds after flying in for the convention, they have been told, "Thank you for reaching out, I completely understand your concerns and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. We are currently working with the convention center to see what our options are with regards to the future of the event. As soon as we have a full assessment of what the situation is, we will be in contact with our attendees ASAP when more information becomes available. If you have additional concerns or questions please feel free to send us a message or email."
There has been no new date for the convention announced, but that doesn't help those who had already flown in for the convention who are upset that they likely won't be able to fly back for the re-scheduled convention due to travel costs. Had the convention, Hawai'i Convention Center, or Hawai'i Tourism Authority decided to cancel sooner, perhaps on Wednesday when a hurricane warning was issued, travelers who had not arrived would very likely have been able to reschedule or cancel flights with their airlines for no fee.
Izumicon Looks Like It's Cancelled...But They Haven't Said So
Posted on: 08-15-18 12:18 AM
For more than 24 hours, rumors have been circulating about Izumicon which is scheduled for August 31st through September 2nd in Midwest City, Oklahoma. It has all the appearances of a cancelled convention without anyone from staff specifically saying if it has been cancelled or not.
Sometime in the last week, the convention's web site had been modified to make every page look like the home page. The convention's Eventbrite page was also modified to no longer sell tickets even though it had previously stated an August 31st deadline. Nothing has been posted on Izumicon's Twitter since August 6th and there have been no staff posts on their Facebook page since an August 7th post encouraging people to book their hotel rooms by August 10th.
On an unofficial Izumicon Facebook group, there are multiple screenshots claiming that all the convention's directors have resigned. In the day since these first appeared, there have been no posts by staff members to dispute these claims or to communicate anything at all.
Guests are cancelling. Jād Saxton posted on Twitter that she would not be attending "because of some recent issues". Daman Mills had also tweeted he would have to cancel "due to some recent issues that are unfortunately out of my control". (Morgan Berry and J. Michael Tatum had previously cancelled, but were still listed on some pages of the Izumicon site.)
With no official word from staff yet, there is also no word on refunds if the convention is in fact cancelled. According to the Sheraton Midwest City Hotel's web site, cancellations of prepaid room reservations cannot be refunded but rooms that were not prepaid can be fully refunded if cancelled more than two days in advance.
Izumicon was founded in 2007. The convention name was sold to a new organizer for 2018. The previous organizers have no affiliation with the current convention.
We reached out to Izumicon staff for comment, but did not hear back. We will post an update if we do.
Otakon 2018 Attendance Numbers Rise Again
Washington, D.C. (August 12, 2018) - The official attendance for Otakon 2018 has bounced back up from a slower year, Otakorp Inc. has announced. The final number, including all departments, is 29,293.
The number is up roughly 5,000 from the 2017 final number of 24,894. The final attendance number includes total memberships/attendees, both pre-registered and at door, as well as staff, dealers, artists, industry, contractors, guests, and members of the registered press.
Significantly, the total number of paid registrations -- 26,590 -- exceeds last year's total attendance numbers, according to convention president Andrew Zerrlaut.
Zerrlaut said, "Thank you to everyone who attended or supported Otakon 2018! We are thrilled to be back in Washington, D.C. and are looking forward to next year. We are already hard at work planning the next, best Otakon yet. Please save the dates for July 26-28, 2019."
This was the second year the convention was held in Washington, D.C.
Otakon 2019 will be held from July 26 to 28 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
ABOUT OTAKON AND OTAKORP, INC.: Now entering its twenty-sixth year, Otakon is an annual celebration of Japanese and East Asian popular culture, and also one of the largest gatherings of fans in the United States. Otakon celebrates popular culture as a gateway to deeper understanding of Asian culture, and has grown along with the enthusiasm for anime, manga, video games, and music from the Far East. Historically, Otakon has drawn up to 34,000 people for three days each year (for a paid attendance of over 100,000 turnstile attendees). Otakon is a membership-based convention sponsored by Otakorp Inc., a Pennsylvania-based, 501(c)3 educational non-profit whose mission is to promote the appreciation of Asian culture, primarily through its media and entertainment. Otakorp, Inc. is directed by an all-volunteer, unpaid staff - we are run by fans, for fans.
For more information about Otakorp, Inc., see: http://www.otakorp.org/
For more information and the latest news on Otakon 2019, see http://www.otakon.com/
"You haven't really been to a con until you've paid too much for food you really don't want, but feel compelled to eat so you don't die."
~ Wil Wheaton
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School Survival Forums / Sticky / Best of School Survival
/ "good habits" and other worthlessness
"good habits" and other worthlessness
youvebeenthunderstruck
school, whether they (ie the teachers and administration ie the "higher" powers of school) realize it or not, IS brainwashing. it's clear to say that for something mainstream and enforced this is unacceptable, but that's not what i'm on about today.
school teaches you what they consider to be good habits. if you're going to answer with 'jack', don't just answer with 'jack', say 'jack is the one who fell down the hill with jill'. i don't know to what purpose they do this, but it's a hard habit to break, and they back it up with artificial rules "you get less marks if you just answer jack"
another thing which needs to be abolished is this concept of being polite. unless you've experienced truly terrible things, you're likely to be polite anyway. but if somebody is doing things to you which the teacher doesn't notice, and you respond with 'fuck off', they reprimand you and even punish you. you have the right to be human, it's only because they don't like it
what from school do you actually retain when you leave it? and, mind you, i'm talking about high school and elementary possibly, not college. college is actually a program that you more or less choose yourself, hence you actually care.
so what DO you retain? as a high school graduate, i've, in the strictest sense of the word, graduated, ie i've "met their standards" . and what do i have to show for it? how many times did they pound things into our heads about math, and other things? i don't remember 90% of what i learned in school.
but what about things besides subjects? let's run down the list, shall we?
in school, you aren't allow to wear a cap. this personally annoys me when i'm talking to somebody with a cap on irl, to be honest, but is this enforced? you see people with caps on all the time. if this is allowed to occur, why was it only temporarily disallowed in high school?
you aren't allowed to say 'fuck off'. but a police officer can hear you say 'fuck off' and not do anything. well, unless it's to him, but anyway,
you aren't allowed to wear t-shirts with offensive slogans in it. again, this is still legal outside of school.
those were only 3 things, but it's a long, long list.
my point? anything you do in school is supposed to train you for the "real, scary (as if) world". if there was anything you weren't supposed to do, they'd make it illegal, but they don't, because when you get outside of school nobody minds. school teaches you pointless shit, and we can see it's pointless shit simply from the fact that nobody uses it outside of school.
Here's the way I generally summarize what you're explaining: School teaches you how to do everything in some "proper" fashion even though they don't need teach this proper fashion of doing things. The teachers have to realize these methods are stupid and inefficient, but they teach them because they believe that they are supposed to teach them. (I actually think that the strictest teachers are trying to show how stupid these methods are by taking what they have been taught to the extreme and that nobody cares.)
And read this. I just re-read that, and the part about "bad habits" doesn't make sense to me right now. Maybe you should skip it and I should rewrite it.
I don't like the term brainwashing because it almost implies an unwillingness to be molded. Because school starts at such an early age there is no need to force students down the path they want. Students are taught that school is good so even in later years when school can become boring and unhelpful there isn't a recognition that school is the source of the problem. Almost all people are attacking the symptoms of ineffectiveness instead of seeing that the basic structure of current schooling is at fault.
I still like what wsgosset said, school is a behaviour correction facility. The difference between school and jail is what I pointed out before, we are told that it is good at such an early age that we do not see the problem with the basis tenets. The inmates/students that follow the rules, both written and unwritten, are left relatively alone. Those who make trouble are punished directly by guards/teachers, e.g. with detention, and indirectly by inmates/students, e.g. with social distancing.
I completely agree that we are taught stupid habits. Some things we are taught do make sense, e.g. be on time for things, but are grossly over exaggerated, e.g. detention for being a couple minutes late. Other things are really stupid though.
About Jack and Jill: in the Ontario curriculum it's more likely to be Yusuf and Sun Moon. That's the official doctrine of multiculturalism for ya'.
wsgosset Wrote: And read this. I just re-read that, and the part about "bad habits" doesn't make sense to me right now. Maybe you should skip it and I should rewrite it.
I disagree with that article. The simple fact is that we cannot live without habits; we would have to constantly think all of the time, non-stop. Driving on the right side of the road is a habit, writing in grammatically understandable sentences is a habit, just typing is a habit. We need good habits, especially the habit of introspection. The Alexander technique, and other methods, are very useful for establishing alternative and healthier habits.
Kirby Wrote: I don't like the term brainwashing because it almost implies an unwillingness to be molded.
i don't understand what you mean. of course the students have an unwillingness to be molded
wsgosset Wrote: Here's the way I generally summarize what you're explaining: School teaches you how to do everything in some "proper" fashion even though they don't need teach this proper fashion of doing things. The teachers have to realize these methods are stupid and inefficient, but they teach them because they believe that they are supposed to teach them. (I actually think that the strictest teachers are trying to show how stupid these methods are by taking what they have been taught to the extreme and that nobody cares.)
The terms I used were a bit strong as I wanted to keep this short.
Kirby: You don't have to think for that long about habits to notice them. Take an Alexander lesson if you can.
youvebeenthunderstruck Wrote: i don't understand what you mean. of course the students have an unwillingness to be molded
Not most students. We absorb a lot of what we are taught a young age so if we are taught not to rebel against the system there will be less of it later. We have an unwillingness to be molded but most students do not.
Quote: You don't have to think for that long about habits to notice them. Take an Alexander lesson if you can.
I was talking about living without any habits. You claimed that all habits are bad and I was saying that we must have habits.
Kirby Wrote:
youvebeenthunderstruck Wrote:
I have a feeling we'll have a really hard time determining whether we need habits at some level and that we'd need some very clear scientific definition of a habit.
But I don't think the side of the street on which you drive needs to be habitual. You don't need to think about the side of the street on which you drive constantly. but should think about which side to drive on when you're just getting on the road.
Also, there's some distinction, somehow, between muscle memory and habit, which explains part of the typing habit you mentioned. Another part of the typing habit is the posture, which is a very common reason for studying the Alexander Technique.
Quote: But I don't think the side of the street on which you drive needs to be habitual. You don't need to think about the side of the street on which you drive constantly. but should think about which side to drive on when you're just getting on the road.
That's basically what I meant. We need the habit of thinking before doing things, i.e. the habit of being rational, but we have to let some things run on auto-pilot or else we couldn't do some basic things.
Rule_BreakerXVIII
In school, I learnt a lot of things...my experience was far from pleasant, but I gained a lot of knowledge from it. So yeah, here's the list.
-MAD (manipulation and deception, also how people's words can trap themselves)
-prioritizing (figuring out what shit is useful and what isn't)
-how not to care what people think about you
-how to entertain myself for hours
-surviving in a hostile or indifferent environment
hardly anything ideal or what they would've wanted me to learn. In the end, their actions still contradict their words.
Don't play chess with pigeons-they'll just knock over the pieces, shit on the board and strut about like they won anyway.
-the Internet
Quote: May the days and months of flowing bitterness be rewarded...
To forget!?
Unforgivable!!
RE: "good habits" and other worthlessness
Quote: I don't like the term brainwashing because it almost implies an unwillingness to be molded. Because school starts at such an early age there is no need to force students down the path they want. Students are taught that school is good so even in later years when school can become boring and unhelpful there isn't a recognition that school is the source of the problem. Almost all people are attacking the symptoms of ineffectiveness instead of seeing that the basic structure of current schooling is at fault.
Agreed. On the other hand we are told jail is bad, and hence aren't school and jail different, since one is "good" and the other is "bad"?? In the end aren't we forcing children into jail for our own convenience?
Quote: I still like what wsgosset said, school is a behaviour correction facility. The difference between school and jail is what I pointed out before, we are told that it is good at such an early age that we do not see the problem with the basis tenets. The inmates/students that follow the rules, both written and unwritten, are left relatively alone. Those who make trouble are punished directly by guards/teachers, e.g. with detention, and indirectly by inmates/students, e.g. with social distancing.
Social distancing would be beneficial in some cases...after all, the people we hang out with still affect us.
Quote: I completely agree that we are taught stupid habits. Some things we are taught do make sense, e.g. be on time for things, but are grossly over exaggerated, e.g. detention for being a couple minutes late. Other things are really stupid though.
Intelligent people usually have a choice in learning or unlearning stupid habits.
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Section: Sports /Sunday 12th October 2014
* Taekwondo *
(Wikipedia) - Taekwondo
A World Taekwondo Federation sparring match
Focus Striking
Country of origin Korea
Creator A collaborate effort by representatives from the nine, original kwans. The name taekwondo was suggested by Choi Hong Hi of Oh Do Kwan.
Famous practitioners Hee Il Cho, Chang Keun Choi, Choi Hong Hi, Kwang Jo Choi, Young Il Kong, Han Cha Kyo, Nam Tae Hi, Jong Soo Park, Jung Tae Park, Yeon Hwan Park, Chong Chul Rhee, Steven López, Servet Tazegül, Jade Jones, Anthony Obame, Juan Antonio Ramos, Jhoon Rhee, Ki Ha Rhee, Tran Trieu Quan, S. Henry Cho, Bas Rutten, Chuck Norris, Dan Hardy, Mirko Filipović, Joe Rogan.
Parenthood shotokan karate , Taekkyeon, Subak, Okinawan Karate
Olympic sport Since 2000 (WTF regulations)
Hangul 태권도or발펜싱
Hanja 跆拳道
Revised Romanization Taegwondo
McCune–Reischauer T''aegwŏndo
This article contains Korean text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Hangul and hanja.
Taekwondo /ˌtaɪˌkwɒnˈdoʊ/ or /ˌteɪˌkwɒnˈdoʊ/ (Korean 태권도 (hangul) / 跆拳道 (hanja), ), also known as Taekwon-Do and Tae Kwon Do, is a Korean martial art. It combines combat and self-defense techniques with sport and exercise. Gyeorugi (pronounced ), a type of sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000. Taekwondo was developed by a variety of Korean masters during the 1940s as combination of Okinawan karate, Chinese martial arts, and the ancient Korean traditions taekkyeon and gwonbeop.
3.1 Theory of Power
3.2 Typical Curriculum
4 Main Techniques
4.1 Foot Techniques
5 Equipment and Facilities
6 Styles and Organizations
6.1 1946: Traditional Taekwondo
6.2 1966: ITF-style Taekwondo
6.3 1969: ATA/Songahm-style Taekwondo
6.4 1970s: Jhoon Rhee-style Taekwondo
6.5 1972: Kukkiwon/WTF-style Taekwondo
6.6 Other Styles
7 Ranks, belts, and promotion
8 Historical Influences
9 Philosophy
10.1 World Taekwondo Federation
10.2 International Taekwon-Do Federation
10.3 Other organizations
11 Safety
12 Korean commands
During the Japanese occupation of Korea the practice of traditional Korean martial arts was prohibited. Beginning in 1946, shortly after the conclusion of the occupation, new martial arts schools called kwans were opened in Seoul. These schools were established by Korean martial artists who had studied primarily in Okinawa and China during the Japanese occupation. Accordingly, the martial arts practiced in the kwans was heavily influenced by shotokan karate and Chinese martial arts, though elements of taekkyeon and gwonbeop were also incorporated. The umbrella term traditional taekwondo typically refers to the martial arts practiced by the kwans during the 1940s and 1950s, though in reality the term "taekwondo" had not yet been coined at that time, and indeed each kwan was practicing its own unique style of martial art. During this timeframe taekwondo was also adopted for use by the South Korean military, which only served to increase its popularity among civilian martial arts schools.
After witnessing a martial arts demonstration by the military in 1952, South Korea President Syngman Rhee urged that the martial arts styles of the kwans be merged. Beginning in 1955 the leaders of the kwans began discussing in earnest the possibility of creating a unified style of Korean martial art. The name Tae Soo Do was used to describe this notional unified style. In 1957, Choi Hong Hi advocated the use of the name Tae Kwon Do, though that name was slow to catch on among the leaders of the kwans. In 1959 the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) was established to facilitate the unification of Korean martial arts. Establishment of a unified style required several years of negotiation. Seven years later, in 1966, under the sponsorship of the KTA, the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was established as the governing body for the first unified style of taekwondo.
Cold War politics of the 1960s and 1970s complicated the adoption of ITF-style taekwondo as a unified style, however. The South Korean government wished to avoid North Korean influence on the martial art. Conversely, ITF president Choi Hong Hi sought support for the martial art from all quarters, including North Korea. In response, in 1973 the KTA withdrew its support for the ITF. The ITF continued to function as independent federation, then headquartered in Toronto, Canada, and Choi continued to develop the ITF-style, notably with the 1987 publication of his Encyclopedia of Taekwondo. After Choi''s retirement the ITF split in 2001 and then again in 2002 to create three separate federations each of which continues to operate today under the same name.
In 1973, after the withdrawal of KTA support of the ITF, the South Korean government''s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism established the Kukkiwon as the new national academy for taekwondo. Kukkiwon now served the function previously served by the ITF, in terms of defining a government-sponsored unified style of taekwondo. Kukkiwon-style taekwondo represents the second unified style of taekwondo. Kukkiwon-style taekwondo is less combat-oriented and more sport-oriented than either traditional taekwondo or ITF-style taekwondo. Indeed, in 1973 the KTA established the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) to promote taekwondo specifically as a sport. WTF competitions employ Kukkiwon-style taekwondo. For this reason, Kukkiwon-style taekwondo is often referred to as WTF-style taekwondo, though in reality the style is defined by the Kukkiwon, not the WTF.
Since 2000, taekwondo has been one of only two Asian martial arts (the other being judo) that are included in the Olympic Games. It became a demonstration event at the 1988 games in Seoul, and became an official medal event at the 2000 games in Sydney. In 2010, taekwondo was accepted as a Commonwealth Games sport.
The name taekwondo is generally credited to Choi Hong Hi. The World Taekwondo Federation claims that taekwondo development was a collaborative effort by a council consisting of members from the nine original kwans, while the International Taekwon-Do Federation credits Choi Hong Hi solely.
In Korean, tae (태, 跆) means "to stomp" or "to strike or break with the foot"; kwon (권, 拳) means "to strike or break with the fist"; and do (도, 道) means "way of life". Thus, taekwondo may be loosely translated as "the way of the foot and the hand." The name taekwondo is also written as taekwon-do, tae kwon-do, or tae kwon do by various organizations.
FeaturesFlying double side kickA jumping reverse hook kickSee also: List of Taekwondo techniques
Taekwondo is characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. In fact, World Taekwondo Federation sparring competitions award additional points for strikes that incorporate jumping and spinning kicks. To facilitate fast, turning kicks, taekwondo generally adopts stances that are narrower and hence less-stable that the broader, wide stances used by martial arts such as karate. The tradeoff of decreased stability is believed to be worth the commensurate increase in agility.
This emphasis on speed and agility is a defining characteristic of taekwondo and has its origins in analyses undertaken by Choi Hong Hi. The results of that analysis are known by ITF practitioners as Choi''s Theory of Power. Choi''s Theory of Power is based on biomechanics and Newtonian physics. For example, Choi observed that the power of a strike increases quadratically with the speed of the strike, but increases only linearly with the mass of the striking object. In other words, speed is more important than size in terms of generating power. This principle was incorporated into the early design of taekwondo and is still used.
Choi also advocated a relax / strike principle for taekwondo; in other words, between blocks, kicks, and strikes the practitioner should relax the body, then tense the muscles only while performing the technique. It is believed that this too increases the power of the technique, by conserving the body''s energy. He expanded on this principle with his advocacy of the sine wave technique. This involves raising one''s center of gravity between techniques, then lowering it as the technique is performed, producing the up-and-down movement from which the term "sine wave" is derived. The sine wave is generally practiced, however, only in some schools that follow ITF-style taekwondo. Kukkiwon-style taekwondo, for example, does not employ the sine wave and instead advocates a more uniform height during movements.
The components of the Theory of Power include:
Reaction Force - the principle that as the striking limb is brought forward, other parts of the body should be brought backward in order to provide more power to the striking limb. As an example, if the right leg is brought forward in a roundhouse kick, the right arm is brought backward to provide the reaction force.
Concentration - the principle of bringing as many muscles as possible to bear on a strike, concentrating the area of impact into as small an area as possible
Equilibrium - as previously mentioned, the relatively narrow stances of taekwondo require increased emphasis on maintaining a correct center-of-balance throughout a technique
Breath Control - the idea that during a strike one should exhale, with the exhalation concluding at the moment of impact
Mass - the principle of bringing as much of the body to bear on a strike as possible; again using the roundhouse kick as an example, the idea would be to rotate the hip as well as the leg during the kick in order to take advantage of the hip''s additional mass in terms of providing power to the kick
Speed - as previously mentioned however, speed is considered the most important component of developing power in taekwondo
Typical Curriculum
While organizations such as ITF or Kukkiwon define the general style of taekwondo, individual clubs and schools tend to the tailor their taekwondo practices. Although each taekwondo club or school is different, a student typically takes part in most or all of the following:
Patterns (also called forms, poomsae 품새/品勢 poom''-sy, teul 틀 toul, or hyeong 형/型 he-yung) - these serve the same function as kata in the study of karate, and indeed many of the early, traditional taekwondo forms are derived from Shotokan kata.
Sparring (called gyeorugi 겨루기 gyee-oh-roo''-gee, or matseogi 맞서기 mat-see-oh''-gee in the ITF) - sparring includes variations such as free-style sparring (in which competitors spar without interruption for several minutes); 7-, 3-, 2-, and 1-step sparring (in which students practiced pre-arranged sparring combinations); and point sparring (in which sparring is interrupted and then resumed after each point is scored)
Breaking (gyeokpa 격파 gyee-ohk''-pah or weerok) - the breaking of boards is used for testing, training, and martial arts demonstrations. Demonstrations often also incorporate bricks, tiles, and blocks of ice or other materials. These technique can be separated into three types:
Power breaking – using straightforward techniques to break as many boards as possible
Speed breaking – boards are held loosely by one edge, putting special focus on the speed required to perform the break
Special techniques – breaking fewer boards but using jumping or flying techniques to attain greater height, distance, or to clear obstacles
Self-defense techniques (hosinsool 호신술, hoh''-sin-sool)
Learning the fundamental techniques taekwondo; these generally include kicks, blocks, punches, and strikes, with somewhat less emphasis on grappling and holds
Throwing and/or falling techniques (deonjigi 던지기 dee-on-jee''-gee and ddeoreojigi 떨어지기 dee-oh-ree-oh-jee''-gee)
Both anaerobic and aerobic workout, including stretching
Relaxation and meditation exercises, as well as breathing control
A focus on mental and ethical discipline, etiquette, justice, respect, and self-confidence
Examinations to progress to the next rank
Development of personal success and leadership skills
Though weapons training is not a formal part of most taekwondo federation curriculums, individual schools will often incorporate additional training with staffs, knifes, sticks, etc.
Main Techniques Foot Techniques
Name Type Of Movement Striking Surface
Ap chagi (앞차기) Direct (Front) Foot bowl
Yeop chagi (옆차기) Lateral Heel
Dolryeo chagi (돌려차기) Circular (Front) Foot bowl
Bandal chagi (반달차기) Semi-circular (Front) Foot bowl
Dui chagi (뒤차기) Direct (Back) Heel
Naeryeo chagi (내려차기) Hammer Movement Heel
Equipment and FacilitiesA WTF-style dobokAn example of a dojang
A taekwondo student typically wears a uniform (dobok 도복/道服, doh''-bok), often white but sometimes black (or other colors), with a belt (ddi 띠, dee) tied around the waist. White uniforms are considered the traditional color and are encouraged for use at formal ceremonies such as belt tests and promotions. Colored uniforms are often reserved for special teams (such as demonstration teams or leadership teams) or higher-level instructors. There are at least three major styles of dobok, with the most obvious differences being in the style of jacket: (1) the cross-over front jacket, (2) the V-neck jacket (no cross-over) typically worn by Kukkiwon/WTF practitioners, and (3) the vertical-closing front jacket (no cross-over) typically worn by ITF practitioners. White uniforms in the Kukkiwon/WTF tradition will typically be white throughout the jacket, while ITF-style uniforms are trimmed with a black border along the bottom of the jacket.
The belt color and any insignia thereon indicate the student''s rank. Different clubs and schools use different color schemes for belts. In general, the darker the color, the higher the rank. Taekwondo is traditionally performed in bare feet, although martial arts training shoes may sometimes be worn.
When sparring, padded equipment is worn. In the ITF tradition, typically only the hands and feet are padded. For this reason, ITF sparring often employes only light-contact sparring. In the Kukkiwon/WTF tradition, full-contact sparring is facilitated by the employment of more extensive equipment: padded helmets called homyun are always worn, as are padded torso protectors called hogu; feet, shins, groins, hands, and forearms protectors are also worn.
The school or place where instruction is given is called the dojang (도장, doh''-jang). Specifically, the term dojang refers to the area within the school in which martial arts instruction takes place; the word dojang is sometimes translated as gymnasium. In common usage the term dojang is often used to refer to the school as a whole. Modern dojangs often incorporate padded flooring, often incorporating red-and-blue patterns in the flooring to reflect the colors of the taegeuk symbol. Some dojangs have wooden flooring instead. The dojang is usually decorated with items such as flags, banners, belts, instructional materials, and traditional Korean calligraphy.
The grandmaster of the dojang is called a gwanjangnim (관장님, gwon''-jong-nim); the master (senior instructor or head of dojang) is called sabeomnim (사범님, sah''-bum-nim); the instructor is called gyosannim (교사님, gyoh''-sah-nim); and the assistant instructor is called jogyonim (조교님, joh''-gyoh-nim).
Styles and Organizations
There are a number of major taekwondo styles as well as a few niche styles. Most styles are associated with a governing body or federation that defines the style. The major technical differences among taekwondo styles and organizations generally revolve around:
the patterns practiced by each style (called hyeong 형, poomsae 품새, or teul 틀, depending on the style); these are sets of prescribed formal sequences of movements that demonstrate mastery of posture, positioning, and technique
differences in the sparring rules for competition; specifically, WTF-style competition (the style used in the Olympics) is generally more sport-oriented and less combat-oriented than other styles
martial arts philosophy.
1946: Traditional Taekwondo
The term traditional taekwondo typically refers to martial arts practiced in Korea during the 1940s and 1950s by the nine original kwans after the conclusion of the Japanese occupation of Korea at the end of World War II. The term taekwondo had not yet been coined. In reality, each of the nine kwans practiced its own style of martial arts, so the term traditional taekwondo serves as an umbrella term for these various styles. Many of the founders of the nine kwans had studied Shotokan karate, so traditional taekwondo shares many of the same techniques, forms (hyeong), and names as Shotokan. Traditional taekwondo is still studied today in martial arts styles such as Tang Soo Do, Soo Bahk Do, and Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo.
The original schools (kwans) that formed the organization that would eventually become Kukkiwon continue to exist as independent fraternal membership organizations that support the World Taekwondo Federation and Kukkiwon. The official curriculum of the kwans is that of Kukkiwon. The kwans also function as a channel for the issuing of Kukkiwon dan and poom certification (black belt ranks) for their members.
1966: ITF-style Taekwondo
International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)-style taekwondo is defined by Choi Hong Hi''s Encyclopedia of Taekwon-do published in 1987. This is the first unified style of taekwondo, developed by incorporating martial arts elements from the original kwans under the sponsorship of the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) in 1966.
In 1990, the Global Taekwondo Federation (GTF) split from the ITF due to the political controversies surrounding the ITF; the GTF continues to practice ITF-style taekwondo, however, with additional elements incorporated into the style. Likewise, the ITF itself split in 2001 and again in 2002 into three separate federations, headquartered in Austria, the United Kingdom, and Spain respectively.
The GTF and all three ITFs practice Choi''s ITF-style taekwondo. In ITF-style taekwondo, the word used for "forms" is teul; the specific set of teul used by the ITF is called Chang Hon. Choi defined 24 Chang Hon teul. The names and symbolism of the Chang Hon teul refer to elements of Korean history, culture and religious philosophy. The GTF-variant of ITF practices an additional six teul.
Within the ITF taekwondo tradition there are two sub-styles:
The style of taekwondo practiced by the ITF before its 1973 split with the KTA is sometimes called by ITF practitioners "traditional taekwondo", though a more accurate term would be traditional ITF taekwondo.
After the 1973 split, Choi Hong Hi continued to develop and refine the style, ultimately publishing his work in his 1987 Encyclopedia of Taekwondo. Among the refinements incorporated into this new sub-style is the "sine wave"; one of Choi Hong Hi''s later principles of taekwondo is that the body''s center of gravity should be raised-and-lowered throughout a movement.
Some ITF schools adopt the sine wave style, while others do not. Essentially all ITF schools do, however, use the patterns (teul) defined in the Encyclopedia, with some exceptions related to the forms Juche and Ko-Dang.
1969: ATA/Songahm-style Taekwondo
In 1969, Haeng Ung Lee, a former taekwondo instructor in the South Korean military, relocated to Omaha, Nebraska and established a chain of martial arts schools in the United States under the banner of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). Like Jhoon Rhee taekwondo, ATA taekwondo has its roots in traditional taekwondo. The style of taekwondo practiced by the ATA is called Songahm taekwondo. The ATA went on to become one of the largest chains of taekwondo schools in the United States.
The ATA has established international spin-offs called the Songahm Taekwondo Federation (STF) and the World Traditional Taekwondo Union (WTTU) to promote the practice of Songahm-style taekwondo internationally.
1970s: Jhoon Rhee-style Taekwondo
In 1962 Jhoon Rhee relocated to the United States and established a chain of martial arts schools primarily in the Washington, D.C. area that practiced traditional taekwondo. In the 1970s, at the urging of Choi Hong Hi, Rhee adopted ITF-style taekwondo within his chain of schools, but like the GTF later departed from the ITF due to the political controversies surrounding Choi and the ITF. Rhee went on to develop his own style of taekwondo called Jhoon Rhee-style taekwondo, incorporating elements of both traditional and ITF-style taekwondo as well as original elements. (Note that Jhoon Rhee-style taekwondo is distinct from the similarly named Rhee Taekwon-Do.)
Jhoon Rhee-style taekwondo is still practiced primarily in the United States and eastern Europe.
1972: Kukkiwon/WTF-style Taekwondo
In 1972 the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) Central Dojang opened in Seoul in 1972; in 1973 the name was changed to Kukkiwon. Under the sponsorship of the South Korean government''s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism the Kukkiwon became the new national academy for taekwondo, thereby establishing a second "unified" style of taekwondo. This style being less combat-oriented and more sports-oriented than the first unified style, ITF-style taekwondo. In 1973 the KTA established the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) to promote taekwondo as a sport. The International Olympic Committee recognized the WTF and taekwondo sparring in 1980. For this reason, Kukkiwon-style taekwondo is sometimes referred to as Sport-style taekwondo, Olympic-style taekwondo, or WTF-style taekwondo, though technically the style itself is defined by the Kukkiwon, not the WTF.
In Kukkiwon/WTF-style taekwondo, the word used for "forms" is poomsae. In 1967 the KTA established a new set of forms called the Palgwae poomse, named after the eight trigrams of the I Ching. In 1971 however the KTA and Kukkiwon adopted a new set of color-belt forms instead, called the Taegeuk poomsae. Black belt forms are called yudanja poomsae. While ITF-style forms refer to key elements of Korean history, Kukkwon/WTF-style forms refer instead to elements of sino-Korean philosophy such as the I Ching and the taegeuk.
WTF-sanctioned tournaments allow any person, regardless of school affiliation or martial arts style, to compete in WTF events as long as he or she is a member of the WTF Member National Association in his or her nation; this allows essentially anyone to compete in WTF-sanctioned competitions.
As previously mentioned, in 1990 the Global Taekwondo Federation (GTF) split from the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) to form its own style of taekwondo based on ITF-style. Essentially this can be considered a variation of ITF-style.
Also in 1990, martial artist and actor Chuck Norris established a hybrid variant of traditional taekwondo called Chun Kuk Do. Chun Kuk Do shares many techniques, forms and names with Tang Soo Do and Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo, and so can be considered a variation of traditional taekwondo.
Ranks, belts, and promotionExhibition of taekwondo students at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, Mexico City.
Taekwondo ranks are typically separated into "junior" and "senior," or "student" and "instructor," sections. The junior section typically consists of ten ranks indicated by the Korean word geup 급 (also Romanized as gup or kup). The junior ranks are usually identified by belts of various colors, depending on the school, so these ranks are sometimes called "color belts". Geup rank may be indicated by stripes on belts rather than by colored belts. Students begin at tenth geup (often indicated by a white belt) and advance toward first geup (often indicated by a red belt with a white or black stripe).
The senior section is typically made up of nine ranks. Each rank is called a dan 단, also referred to as "black belt" or "degree" (as in "third dan" or "third-degree black belt"). Black belts begin at first degree and advance to second, third, and so on. The degree is often indicated on the belt itself with stripes, Roman numerals, or other methods, but sometimes black belts are plain and unadorned regardless of rank.
To advance from one rank to the next, students typically complete promotion tests in which they demonstrate their proficiency in the various aspects of the art before their teacher or a panel of judges. Promotion tests vary from school to school, but may include such elements as the execution of patterns, which combine various techniques in specific sequences; the breaking of boards to demonstrate the ability to use techniques with both power and control; sparring and self-defense to demonstrate the practical application and control of techniques; physical fitness usually with push-ups and sit-ups; and answering questions on terminology, concepts, and history to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the art. For higher dan tests, students are sometimes required to take a written test or submit a research paper in addition to taking the practical test.
Promotion from one geup to the next can proceed rapidly in some schools, since schools often allow geup promotions every two, three, or four months. Students of geup rank learn the most basic techniques first, and then move on to more advanced techniques as they approach first dan. Many of the older and more traditional schools often take longer to allow students to test for higher ranks than newer, more contemporary schools, as they may not have the required testing intervals.
In contrast, promotion from one dan to the next can take years. The general rule is that a black belt may advance from one rank to the next only after the number of years equivalent to their current rank. For example, a newly promoted third-degree black belt may not be allowed to advance to fourth-degree until three years have passed. Some organizations also have age requirements related to dan promotions, and may grant younger students poom 품 (junior black belt) ranks rather than dan ranks until they reach a certain age.
Black belt ranks may have titles associated with them, such as "master" and "instructor", but taekwondo organizations vary widely in rules and standards when it comes to ranks and titles. What holds true in one organization may not hold true in another, as is the case in many martial art systems. For example, achieving first dan ranking with three years'' training might be typical in one organization, but considered too quick in another organization, and likewise for other ranks. Similarly, the title for a given dan rank in one organization might not be the same as the title for that dan rank in another organization.
In the International Taekwon-Do Federation, instructors holding 1st to 3rd dan are called Boosabum (assistant instructor), those holding 4th to 6th dan are called Sabum (instructor), those holding 7th to 8th dan are called Sahyun (master), and those holding 9th dan are called Saseong (grandmaster). This system does not, however, necessarily apply to other taekwondo organizations.
In the World Taekwondo Federation, Students holding 1st-3rd dan are considered an Instructor, but generally have much to learn. Students who hold a 4th - 6th dan are considered Masters and must be at least 18 years old. Masters who hold a 7th - 9th dan are considered a Grand-Master. This rank also holds an age requirement of 40+ (age requirement for this belt is not 100% certain).
Historical Influences See also: Korean martial arts
The oldest Korean martial arts were an amalgamation of unarmed combat styles developed by the three rival Korean Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje, where young men were trained in unarmed combat techniques to develop strength, speed, and survival skills. The most popular of these techniques was ssireum and subak, with taekkyeon being the most popular of the components of subak. The Northern Goguryeo kingdom was a dominant force in Northern Korea and North Eastern China prior to the 1st century CE, and again from the 3rd century to the 6th century. Before the fall of the Goguryeo Dynasty in the 6th century, the Shilla Kingdom asked for help in training its people for defense against pirate invasions. During this time a few select Silla warriors were given training in taekkyeon by the early masters from Goguryeo. These Shilla warriors then became known as the Hwarang. The Hwarang set up a military academy for the sons of royalty in Silla called Hwarang-do, which means "the way of flowering manhood." The Hwarang studied taekkyeon, history, Confucian philosophy, ethics, Buddhist morality, social skills, and military tactics. The guiding principles of the Hwarang warriors were based on Won Gwang''s five codes of human conduct and included loyalty, filial duty, trustworthiness, valor, and justice.
In spite of Korea''s rich history of ancient and martial arts, Korean martial arts faded during the late Joseon Dynasty. Korean society became highly centralized under Korean Confucianism, and martial arts were poorly regarded in a society whose ideals were epitomized by its scholar-kings. Formal practices of traditional martial arts such as subak and taekkyeon were reserved for sanctioned military uses. However, taekkyeon persisted into the 19th century as a folk game during the May-Dano festival, and was still taught as the formal military martial art throughout the Joseon Dynasty.
Early progenitors of taekwondo - the founders of the nine original kwans - who were able to study in Japan were exposed to Japanese martial arts, including karate, judo, and kendo, while others were exposed to the martial arts of China and Manchuria, as well as to the indigenous Korean martial art of taekkyeon. Hwang Kee founder of Moo Duk Kwan, further incorporated elements of Korean Gwonbeop from the Muye Dobo Tongji into the style that eventually became Tang Soo Do.
Different styles of taekwondo adopt different philosophical underpinnings. Many of these underpinnings however refer back of the Five Commandments of the Hwarang as a historical referent. For example, Choi Hong Hi expressed his philosophical basis for taekwondo as the Five Tenets of Taekwondo:
Ye-Ui, courtesy
Yom-Chi, integrity
In-Nae, perseverance, patience
Guk-Gi, self-discipline
Beakjul-bool-gul, invincibility
These tenets are further articulated in a taekwondo oath, also authored by Choi:
I undertake to comply with the principles of Taekwondo
I undertake to respect my coaches and all superiors
I undertake to abuse Taekwondo never
I pledge to stand up for freedom and justice
I undertake to cooperate in the creation of a more peaceful world
Modern ITF organizations have continued to update and expand upon this philosophy.
The World Taekwondo Federation also refers to the commandments of the Hwarang in the articulation of its taekwondo philosophy. Like the ITF philosophy, it centers on the development of a peaceful society as one of the overarching goals for the practice of taekwondo. The WTF''s stated philosophy is that this goal can be furthered by adoption of the Hwarang spirit, by behaving rationally ("education in accordance with the reason of heaven"), and by recognition of the philosophies embodied in the taegeuk (the yin and the yang, i.e., "the unity of opposites") and the sam taegeuk (understanding change in the world as the interactions of the heavens, the Earth, and Man). The philosophical position articulated by the Kukkiwon is likewise based on the Hwarang tradition.
CompetitionSparring in a taekwondo class
Taekwondo competition typically involves sparring, breaking, patterns, and self-defense (hosinsul). In Olympic taekwondo competition, however, only sparring (using WTF competition rules) is performed.
There are two kinds of competition sparring: point sparring, in which all strikes are light contact and the clock is stopped when a point is scored; and Olympic sparring, where all strikes are full contact and the clock continues when points are scored.
World Taekwondo FederationOfficial WTF trunk protector (hogu), forearm guards and shin guards
Under World Taekwondo Federation and Olympic rules, sparring is a full-contact event and takes place between two competitors in an area measuring 8 meters square. A win can occur by points, or if one competitor is unable to continue (knockout) the other competitor wins. Each match consists of three semi-continuous rounds of contact, with one minute''s rest between rounds. There are two age categories: 14–17 years and 18 years and older. Depending on the type of tournament and club, competitors may also wear fist protectors, foot protectors, instep guards, helmets, or mouth guards.
Points are awarded for permitted, accurate, and powerful techniques delivered to the legal scoring areas; light contact does not score any points. The only techniques allowed are kicks (delivering a strike using an area of the foot below the ankle) and punches (delivering a strike using the closed fist). In most competitions, points are awarded by three corner judges using electronic scoring tallies. Several A-Class tournaments, however, are now experimenting with electronic scoring equipment contained within the competitors'' body protectors. This limits corner judges to scoring only attacks to the head. Some believe that the new electronic scoring system will help to reduce controversy concerning judging decisions, but this technology is still not universally accepted.
Beginning in 2009, a kick or punch that makes contact with the opponent''s hogu (the body guard that functions as a scoring target) scores one point. (The trunk protector is referred to as a momtong pohodae 몸통 보호대 or trunk guard in the WTF rules.) If a kick to the hogu involves a technique that includes fully turning the attacking competitor''s body, so that the back is fully exposed to the targeted competitor during execution of the technique (spinning kick), an additional point is awarded. A kick to the head scores three points; as of October 2010 an additional point is awarded if a turning kick was used to execute this attack. Punches to the head are not allowed. As of March 2010, no additional points are awarded for knocking down an opponent (beyond the normal points awarded for legal strikes).
The referee can give penalties at any time for rule-breaking, such as hitting an area not recognized as a target, usually the legs or neck. Penalties are divided into "Kyong-go" (warning penalty) and "Gam-jeom" (deduction penalty). Two "Kyong-go" are counted as an addition of one point for the opposing contestant. However, the final odd-numbered "Kyong-go" is not counted in the grand total.
At the end of three rounds, the competitor with most points wins the match. In the event of a tie, a fourth "sudden death" overtime round, sometimes called a "Golden Point", is held to determine the winner after a one-minute rest period. In this round, the first competitor to score a point wins the match. If there is no score in the additional round, the winner is decided by superiority, as determined by the refereeing officials.
Until 2008, if one competitor gained a 7 point lead over the other, or if one competitor reached a total of 12 points, then that competitor was immediately declared the winner and the match ended. These rules were abolished by the WTF at the start of 2009. In October 2010 the WTF reintroduced a point-gap rule, stating that if a competitor has a 12-point lead at the end of the second round or achieves a 12-point lead at any point in the third round, then the match is over and that competitor is declared the winner.
International Taekwon-Do FederationCommon styles of ITF point sparring equipment
The International Taekwon-Do Federation''s sparring rules are similar to the WTF''s rules, but differ in several aspects.
Hand and foot attacks to the head are allowed.
The scoring system is:
1 point for: Punch to the body or head.
2 points for: Jumping kick to the body or kick to the head
3 points for: Jumping kick to the head
The competition area may vary between 10×10 meters and 20×20 meters in international championships.
Competitors do not wear the hogu (although they are required to wear approved foot and hand protection equipment, as well as optional head guards). This scoring system varies between individual organisations within the ITF; for example, in the TAGB, punches to the head or body score 1 point, kicks to the body score 2 points, and kicks to the head score 3 points.
A continuous point system is utilized in ITF competition, where the fighters are allowed to continue after scoring a technique. Full-force blows are allowed, but judges penalize any competitor with disqualification if they injure their opponent and he can no longer continue (although these rules vary between ITF organizations). At the end of two minutes (or some other specified time), the competitor with more scoring techniques wins.
Fouls in ITF sparring include: attacking a fallen opponent, leg sweeping, holding/grabbing, or intentional attack to a target other than the opponent.
ITF competitions also feature performances of patterns, breaking, and ''special techniques'' (where competitors perform prescribed board breaks at great heights).
American Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) competitions are very similar, except that different styles of pads and gear are allowed.
Apart from WTF and ITF tournaments, major taekwondo competitions (all featuring WTF taekwondo only) include:
South East Asian Games
WTF taekwondo features in all multi-sport games except the Small Island Games. It was accepted as a Commonwealth Games sport in June 2010.
Although taekwondo competitors have an apparently substantial risk of injury, most injuries are minor. A 2009 meta-analysis reported that an average of about 8% of competitors are injured per exposure to competition. Age, gender, and level of play did not significantly affect the injury rate. The legs are the most common location for injuries, and bruising is the most common injury type.
Injuries may occur if students are taught to block punches in a formal manner (chamber position, perfect angles, etc.) even when sparring. When comparing the speed of a punch and the reaction time taken to block effectively, it is difficult to block a punch. Many taekwondo schools teach students blocking for grading and classwork, and dodging or parrying for sparring.
Korean commands
In taekwondo, Korean language commands are often used. Korean numerals may be used as prompts or commands, or for counting repetition exercises. Often, students count in Korean during their class, and during tests they are usually asked what certain Korean words mean. These words are fairly common amongst taekwondo dojos, but accuracy of pronunciation can vary widely.
Romanization Hangeul Hanja English
Charyeot (chah-ryuht'') 차렷 Come to attention
Gyeongnye (kyuhng-nyeh) 경례 敬禮 Bow
Baro (bah''-roh or pah''-roh) 바로 Return
Shwieo (shwee-uh) 쉬어 At ease (relax)
Hyushik (hyoo''-sheek) 휴식 休息 Rest period (break)
Gihap (kee''-hahp) 기합 氣合 Yell (shout)
Junbi (joon''-bee) 준비 準備 Ready
Shijak (shee-jahk'') 시작 始作 Begin (start)
Gallyeo (kahl''-lyuh) 갈려 Break (separate)
Gyesok (kyeh''-sohk) 계속 繼續 Continue
Geuman (geuh''-mahn) 그만 Finish (stop)
Dwiro dora (dwee''roh doh''-rah) 뒤로 돌아 About face (180 degrees)
Haesan (heh''-sahn) 해산 解散 Dismissed
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Iran Taekwondo Association : کانون تکواندوکاران ایران
Taekwondo Federation : فدراسیون تکواندو
Taekwondo-chae-brandenburg.de : Taekwondo-chae-brandenburg.de
Taekwondoacademy.com.au : Taekwondoacademy.com.au
Taekwondocalabria.it : Taekwondocalabria.it
Taekwondoka : تکواندوکا
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Thoughts on 50 Shades of Grey… Is It Empowering?
@LoveLynnGee February 14, 2015 Uncategorized
I have never been the type of woman who goes along with the crowd. I was always the one who stood up to bullies (even if it put my own safety at risk) and to question potentially oppressive theories about women (why does the woman always have to be the one to be submissive or compromise for her male counterpart?).
Which is why I must go against the grain and present what may be an unpopular view of the movie 50 Shades of Grey. Something’s not quite right that I can’t really put my finger on yet…
I have not read the books and have seen some long clips from the movie. From what I’ve observed, the story is about a young, naive, plain-jane woman who falls into the romantic "snares" of a rich, attractive man. He introduces her to BDSM, which is bondage, disciple and submission while having sex.
So beyond the obvious arousing elements that advertisers are using to promote the movie, I think it’ s important to take a step back and look at the (potentially dangerous) messages that this movie may be sending.
1) If you are a "less attractive" woman, you don’t say no — especially not to an attractive, wealthy man. The woman cast is an average "plain jane" type who would pretty much do whatever Mr. Grey says. Yet some say this movie is about woman empowerment… how is that dynamic *empowering* for the female character?
2) If you are a "good girl" and just do what you’re told, you’ll get married and live happily ever after (Spoiler: I’ve heard that this is how the story ends, I may be wrong on this point).
3) Some say that the movie plays on the line of violence, oppression and date rape being "ok." I’ve read that there is a scene where the female character says she’s not comfortable with what’s going on and uses a "safe word," but he pushes her to go along with it anyway.
4) A sex-centered relationship, dominated by the man, will eventually lead to love. Is this the rule, or the very rare exception? Unfortunately this movie will likely lead young, impressionable women to believe that this result (true love based mostly on sexscapades) is commonplace.
To sum up my thoughts, 50 Shades of Grey is as problematic as your standard Hollywood romantic comedy. It’s loaded with questionable ideas and finishes off with an unlikely fairy tale ending….
But if you enjoyed the book and look forward to the movie, I don’t want to rain on your parade. Have fun with it — just PLEASE be informed of the possible messages it could be sending that *could* have an impact on your future relationships with men.
The media messages that we absorb every day can step into our lives in the most unexpected ways.
Love Lynn
Lynn Gilliard is a writer and transformational blogger. She is the author of a book of life and love advice for women entitled Why Doesn’t He Love Me? and a popular relationship guide entitled Let Him Chase YOU.
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10 Notable Aspects of Solar Flares
To the unsuspecting person on Earth, the sun seems as permanent and unchanging as the land beneath our feet. It provides the light and warmth that makes life on this planet possible so steadily. It’s even been said that every hour, enough energy from the sun reaches the Earth to provide electrical power to all of humanity for one year.
And yet as a burning ball of gas with a radius 109 times that of planet Earth, the sun has numerous explosions on it of awe-inspiring size and power. While this has produced dazzling images, it’s not at all a safe spectacle. Indeed, as we’ll see in a moment, solar flares in the next few decades could be a horrible threat to civilization.
10. Their Immense Composition & Power
A solar flare is often accompanied by the release of a vast amount of gas, plasma, and irradiated particles called a coronal mass ejection. NASA has reported that the energy released in them would be the equivalent of a billion megatons of TNT (meanwhile, the largest nuclear explosion ever created by humans had the equivalent of 50 megatons). Despite being mostly gas, they are estimated to have millions of tons in mass as well.
A single instance that erupted from the sun in 1999 was estimated at being roughly 35 times the diameter of planet Earth. To be clear, that was by no means the largest recorded solar flare; that one came two years later. It possessed enough power that the Earth, 93 million miles away, had the number of electron-charged particles in its magnetosphere increased to ten thousand times its usual level.
9. Mistaken for a Miracle
In June 2012 there was a report from a team of researchers in Japan that studying the rings of ancient cedar trees on the islands had revealed a there was a spike in carbon-14 that could not be accounted for. It befell a Yale student named Jonathan Allen to find an account from Anglo-Saxon historical records of how, in 774 AD, one night an immense red crucifix appeared in the sunset sky, an event which was accompanied by sightings of “wondrous serpents” according to the 1847 book A Catholic History of England.
While at the time, surely no one thought of the red light in the sky in such terms as “coronal mass ejection,” we now know that the supposed divine vision was very likely exactly that. There was a competing theory that the red crucifix was actually a supernova, although given how relatively small those are in the night’s sky, it would have been a very unusual supernova indeed to have even a poorly-defined crucifix shape.
8. The Year of the Discovery (Sort of)
It might seem odd, considering that seemingly esoteric aspects of the solar systems such as four of the moons of Jupiter were discovered by Galileo as early as 1610, but the nature of solar flares was completely unknown until September 1, 1859. The circumstances of its discovery were quite modest until they became spectacular. Cambridge graduate/amateur astronomer Richard Carrington happened to notice black spots on the sun, then saw two massive patches of white light erupting from the black spots, which he considered worth a sketch during the five minutes they were visible. By the nighttime, the event he just witnessed would make its effect felt around the world.
The skies glowed so bright on September 2 that in some areas teams of workers went out under the assumption their day had begun. Elsewhere, the skies glowed such a bright red that reports of fires went around. As it happened, there were real fires. They happened to be at telegraph offices where the surge of electrical power from the Carrington flares would cause paper to burst into flame. At the American Telegraph Company in Boston, telegraph workers went through a process of finding their machines didn’t work, and then that they could get them to work without switching them on due to background energy. Then, by 10 a.m., their machines were working normally again. All told, Earth was hit with more than twice as much energy from the sun as it would be from any other recorded solar storm.
Even though the event came to be named after him, Carrington was rather unassuming about his findings. When he shared them, he didn’t make the connection himself between the coincidence of the solar display he’d witnessed and the bizarre auroras. He wasn’t even the only one to see the flares on the day, sharing that honor with astronomer Richard Hodgson, who also submitted a report on it. That’s posterity for you.
7. The Cold War Flare Scare
While the Carrington Event was naturally a wonder for its time, it didn’t really fully institutionalize the concept of “space weather.” That had to wait a little over a century. Until May 1967, to be more specific. Humanity almost coming to an end has a way of shifting priorities like that.
Although in those days, to the average person a series of solar flares didn’t really mean anything aside from some pretty auroras, documents that were declassified 50 years later revealed that the United States military was experiencing severe radar failures as a result of the largest bombardment electromagnetic energy that would hit Earth during the 20th Century. Their first reaction was to point the finger at the Soviet Union jamming their radar. Fortunately, a program that had been started by the Air Force only a handful of years before identified the real culprit. The notion that this would have led to nuclear war might seem far-fetched, consider that the Soviet Union nearly launched a nuclear attack on the US in 1983 as a result of satellite interference from high-altitude clouds (and was only dissuaded from it by the heroic disobedience of Stanislav Petrov).
6. The Halloween Storms
While the US armed forces were able to keep the danger of the 1967 solar flares under wraps, that simply wouldn’t have been possible for this 2003 incident, which was the most severe solar event of the 21st Century. Despite the name that implies the effects of the solar activity only altered the Earth’s magnetosphere for a day, the world was actually subjected to massively increased electromagnetic energy from October 19 to November 7 from 17 solar storms.
The impact included the rerouting of numerous flights that normally had to fly near the North Pole, and knocking out the electrical grid in Sweden for an hour. The Eastern Seaboard for the United States also nearly suffered an outage. Geophysical surveys and even maritime missions were canceled. The year-old Japanese satellite ADEOS-II was left completely out of commission, and even terrestrial radio networks were disrupted. The fact that auroras were seen in the skies of Florida and Texas, locations which are usually much too far south for such sights, doesn’t really seem like much of a consolation.
5. The 2012 Flare that Nearly Ruined Us
The harm caused by the Carrington Event and the Halloween Storms may seem minor for disruptions that became global events. However, by July 29, 2012 the world became much more dependent on a telecommunications network, leaving it much more vulnerable when a total of three massive flares (two within 10 minutes of each other), the largest recorded solar event since 1859, threatened to hit the Earth again.
Luckily, the circumference of the Earth’s orbit around the sun is 584 million miles, and even with an object about 25,000 miles in circumference that leaves a lot of room for misses. Still, these three potentially disastrous flares were only a week’s time from hitting the Earth, a near miss in astronomical terms. It’s understandable, then, that as in 1967, NASA didn’t make knowledge of the near miss public… though for only a relatively modest two years this time around.
4. The Threat to Astronauts
By this point, you might be wondering what would happen if, say, a shuttle of astronauts were caught outside the magnetosphere by the blast from a solar flare. Would they survive? Would they be debilitatingly irradiated? Well, in the case of the International Space Station, even a vehicle that’s left in an orbit 254 miles above the Earth has “storm shelters” on it. The Halloween Storms in particular compelled the personnel aboard to scramble for shelter. In there, fortunately, they were exposed to no more radiation than they’d have been in a trip through an x-ray.
Suppose, though, an astronaut had been caught out in the open in their spacesuit on the moon during a solar flare, as nearly happened during the Apollo 16 mission in 1972. According to NASA’s own reporting, they would have been subjected to roughly 50 times as much radiation as an x-ray, which certainly would have induced radiation sickness but wouldn’t have been fatal. However, in 1989 when astronauts on the space shuttle Atlantis were caught in a solar flare, analysis published in Storms from the Sun put forward that there was a 10% chance they would have died if they hadn’t been in a shelter.
It should be noted that, even in relative safety, a solar flare can still be a harrowing experience for an astronaut. In the case of the Atlantis the astronauts reported that they could still see flashes of light from their retinas burning. No matter how much the data might state that the radiation levels were not dangerous, that would be deeply convincing that something had gone deeply wrong with your body.
3. Solar Flares Set the Stage for Life on Earth
We’ve mostly talked about how harmful solar flares can be for humanity, and for the next entry we’re really going to crank that up. But for this entry let’s give solar flares some credit, for a change. Much as they might threaten the future of humanity, they are a significant part of a reason it exists in the first place. In fact, that holds true for all life on Earth.
Billions of years ago, the atmosphere of the planet was composed almost exclusively of nitrogen molecules and carbon dioxide. It was the intense energy of coronal mass ejections that caused the nitrogen molecules to split oxygen molecules from the carbon dioxide. It didn’t just provide the gas we breathe, it also caused the creation of large amounts of nitrous oxide that would become the greenhouse gases at the top of our atmosphere. Theoretically, on top of all that, bombarding the loose chemicals on the ground allowed for the combinations that resulted in the first DNA and RNA.
2. Real Chance of Solar Flare Disaster in Next Couple Decades
There are roughly 1,100 active satellites orbiting the Earth. Each of them has cost at least $10 million to install, and some have cost as much as $400 million. Imagine the financial damage it could do if they were all rendered defective by a massive coronal mass eruption, just in replacing them. Imagine the revenue lost from the downtime while waiting for repairs or replacements. The information and files that could be lost from the cloud forever. That’s not even considering the damage that could be done to the energy grids for any number of nations, for who knows how long. Considering all that, when the National Academy of Sciences put the cost of recovering from it at potentially two trillion dollars, it’s not hard to believe them.
What are the odds this will happen? In February 2012, Predictive Science senior member Pete Riley published in Space Weather that the chance of the Earth being hit by one of the numerous solar flares was roughly 10% in the next few years — the reason being that the sun is currently undergoing an 11-year cycle whereby it expands and contracts, and it’s currently undergoing a more intense period. Not that we’d be completely safe if it doesn’t happen during the intense periods. The aforementioned Halloween Storms, for example, were a bit of a fluke that happened during a period of less solar activity.
1. Countermeasures?
So how do we protect our current electric grids and communication networks from the coronal mass eruptions? The equipment is there, but frankly, it seems hard to imagine us even trying. To give an idea of the amount of resources that it would require, the Foundation for Resilient Societies estimated that just buying enough equipment to retrofit all the transformers that would protect electric grids in the event of a Carrington Event-level disaster would cost as much as $30 billion.
The same foundation testified before congress in 2016 that the US updating its energy grid would require roughly 5% of the US’s annual defense budget, or well over $35 billion a year just to update the infrastructure, and that’s without regard for telecommunications. While a 10% chance of an economically ruinous natural disaster is certainly higher than we’d like, it hardly means we’re doomed. So essentially, you’d be looking at selling the world’s leaders and population on making such a costly sacrifice for a potential disaster, without firsthand experience with one.
New Model Predicts That We’re Probably the Only Advanced Civilization in the Observable Universe
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Can We Now Predict When A Neutron Star Will Give Birth To A Black Hole?
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Irregular Jonathan Speaks - Bible Sneak
During the waning months of 1998, Arizona Governor Jane Dee Hull signed a declaration proclaiming Arizona Bible Week. The declaration states that the Bible is "a constant source of moral and spiritual guidance for Americans throughout our history." It urges "all of our citizens to participate in this observance by reading the Bible and discovering for themselves its values for personal and community life."
Governor Hull reacted huffily to critics who pointed out that the U.S. Constitution prohibits the endorsement of any religion. Her first line of defense: to insist that the proclamation had no religious intent. Reading the lines quotes above, the religious nature of the proclamation is clear.
Once Hull realized this initial defense wouldn't wash, she passed the buck, noting that every U.S. President since Franklin Roosevelt has lent their support to Bible Week. Our mothers would recognize that line anywhere, and we all know what they'd say: If every U.S. President since Franklin Roosevelt jumped off a cliff, would you jump off a cliff too? It's truly perplexing that a political leader who just endorsed a religious document with strong moral codes would retreat to the moral low ground of "everybody's doing it."
Besides, not everybody's doing it. At the same time that Governor Hull dug her heels in and prepared a lawsuit to shove the Bible into State Government, Tucson Mayor George Miller saw the error of that way. Mayor Miller declined to proclaim Bible Week, making specific reference to the Constitution and to the diversity of American religious and irreligious life.
This southwestern brouhaha is instructive in two ways: first, for those of us who support true religious liberty (and not the "liberty" of religions to push their way into our lives in an unwelcome manner), it is part of a wakeup call: arrogant religious zealots are using proclamations like this and legal provisions such as "Charitable Choice" to sneak their way into a theocracy. Second, the distinction between the actions of the Governor and those of the Mayor show that the advance of the theocracy is not inevitable: when citizens pay attention and spread the word, our liberties can be defended. It's up to those of us who hold freedom of and from religion dear to speak out and let it be known that (contrary to what George Bush has publicly stated) we are deserving of full citizenship in this nation and that we refuse to be shoved aside by clerical bullies.
Irregular Jonathan Speaks
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>Upset about NKOTBSB? Perspective and advice.
There has been a lot of serious hatred, screaming fits, tears and tantrums first about the New Kids on the Block merging with the Backstreet Boys for a worldwide tour, and then about the fact that the new website for NKOTB now charges a membership fee. I have seen a lot of comments about being bled for money and how they’re taking advantage of fans and so forth. Let me divulge a little something that might give a little perspective:
I am an author, which is not unlike being a musician in that you are creating a product for people. The average retail price of my published books is $22. When someone purchases one of my books, I as the author only receive between $2 and $4 of the $22, depending on which retailer sold the book. My publisher has to be repaid for the cost of printing among other things and I am the last person to get paid. If I had an agent, that person would get a percentage of my $2 to $4 profit per book. The music industry works in a very similar way with ticket sales, CD sales, merchandise, etc. When you add more people to it, the piece of the profit gets smaller and smaller.
In all of the anger I have seen lately, I would like to talk about a few other possibilities that might be factors in all of these changes. I am NOT saying these are the reasons why these things are happening. I’m saying they are possibilities that might have affected the way things are being operated right now.
Remember that the artist is always the last to get paid. We learned that from the TLC bankruptcy. The gross money earned has to pay for the tours, the traveling, the band, the crew, the dancers, the wardrobe, the videos, the studio time, the management team, etc., etc. Whatever is leftover goes to the artist. In this case, NKOTB was dividing it five ways. Now they’re dividing it nine ways. Like it or not, this is a business and the business has to pay for itself. People keep saying, “We were supposed to be a family!” The cold hard truth is, yes, they care about fans, but they have to pay for everything they do and make a profit to make it worth it for them too. TLC sold out tour, 20 mil records and only made about $70,000 each after everything was repaid to the record label, etc., for that year. It’s not as glamorous as we think. Do not mistake me. NKOTB isn’t hurting for money like TLC was, in my opinion, but this big merger has to pay for itself.
There is also another thing to consider. Think about when these dates go on sale. BSB has had paid membership to their website with presales to concerts and stuff for years. When things would have gone on sale and we all would have seen BSB fans getting presale tickets, I guarantee there would have been a huge uproar like there is right now. So it was either have an uproar over BSB getting presale without us to our collective shows or an uproar over making everything streamline between the two groups. I don’t think anybody would have been happy either way NKOTB went.
The bottom line is this new fan club thing has happened. You can join or not. I just encourage people to think about all sides of the argument before flipping out in a rage. Truthfully it’s naïve to think that this isn’t a business that has to make a profit. You can choose to be miserable or you can choose to go with the flow or not participate.
I don’t think this is the end of the world. Several people I know have had devastating news, lost loved ones and have been suffering a lot recently. When you face the deaths of people you love and you find your lives changed forever by cancer and other illnesses, as people I know have, little things like the choice to join a fan club or not really doesn’t matter. Music groups like NKOTB and BSB are around to inspire fun in people’s lives. If you’re not having fun with them anymore, then there is nothing that says you are required to be part of their scene. You can still be a fan and enjoy the music and the friends you’ve made without going bankrupt or feeling like you’re a bad fan for not doing every little thing. Nobody is holding a gun to your head. If you can’t do it or don’t want to do it anymore, then it’s perfectly okay to devote your time and energy to something else that makes you happy. In my view, devoting such negative time and energy to complaining, investing in anger, etc., is going to hurt you a lot more than anyone else. I advise finding another way to channel all of this energy that isn’t so negative.
3 responses to “>Upset about NKOTBSB? Perspective and advice.”
Zandra says:
>Can't disagree with you! The whole anger issue confuses me. I think you either take it or leave it. Like you said it's a business and they have to make money. And let's face it, they don't have to do a joint tour at all. 2 years ago they were all going on about their business & every day lives, it could go back to that. We should be happy they are willing to stick around.
>I totally agree with you! It's not that big a deal, lots of bands charge fees for their fan clubs. I think we should remember that they're doing this for us and it's supposed to be fun! I worry all the haters might make them go away again which would be really bad.
NerdHerdGirl says:
>it's not no big deal. who wants to pay the membership is free to do it… I refuse to do so … I am big fan, buy the discs or DVD's but that's enough for me. also, i don't think they come to South America so I will not have to worry about the price of concert tickets =)
Leave a Reply to Zandra Cancel reply
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Form 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) May 23, 2017
LANDSTAR SYSTEM, INC.
Delaware 021238 06-1313069
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
13410 Sutton Park Drive South, Jacksonville, Florida 32224
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 5.02(b) Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
As of May 23, 2017, the date of the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Landstar System, Inc. (the Company), consistent with disclosure set forth in the Companys Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 11, 2017, Michael A. Henning, formerly a Class III Director, retired from the Board upon the completion of his most recent three year term.
Item 5.07 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 23, 2017. A total of 40,103,746 shares, or approximately 96% of the common stock issued and outstanding as of the record date, was represented in person or by proxy. The matters voted upon by the stockholders of the Company (the Stockholders) at the meeting included: (i) the election of two Class III Directors whose terms will each expire at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; (ii) the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2017; (iii) an advisory vote on the Companys 2016 executive compensation; (iv) an advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on the Companys executive compensation; and (v) approval of the Companys Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.
(1) Election of Directors. At the meeting, the Stockholders elected David G. Bannister and George P. Scanlon, each to serve as a Class III Director, whose term will expire at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The votes cast with respect to Mr. Bannister and Mr. Scanlon were as follows:
Director Votes For Withheld Broker Non-Votes
David G. Bannister
37,296,853 975,537 1,831,356
George P. Scanlon
(2) Ratification of Appointment of KPMG LLP. At the meeting, the Stockholders ratified the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2017. This proposal received 39,331,854 affirmative votes and 770,510 negative votes. There were 1,382 abstentions with respect to this proposal.
(3) Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation. At the meeting, the Stockholders voted to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Companys stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Named Executives, as disclosed in the Companys Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the 2016 Summary Compensation Table and the other related tables and disclosure.
This proposal received 37,108,532 affirmative votes and 416,462 negative votes. There were 747,396 abstentions and 1,831,356 broker non-votes with respect to this proposal.
(4) Advisory Vote on the Frequency of the Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation. At the meeting, the Stockholders voted to approve an annual advisory vote on executive compensation.
This proposal received 33,551,650 in favor of a vote each year, 9,003 in favor of a vote every two years and 4,693,216 votes in favor of a vote every three years. There were 18,521 abstentions and 1,831,356 broker non-votes with respect to this proposal.
(5) Approval of the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan. At the meeting, the Stockholders voted to approve the Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.
This proposal received 37,745,458 affirmative votes and 501,316 negative votes. There were 25,616 abstentions and 1,831,356 broker non-votes with respect to this proposal.
The meeting was then adjourned.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Date: May 25, 2017 By:
/s/ L. Kevin Stout
Name: L. Kevin Stout
Title: Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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More US Catholics are showing support for same-sex marriage and birth control
By : DaniB
Tag: birth control, Catholics, same-sex marriage, U.S.
American Catholics have increasingly liberal views on social issues such as same-sex marriage and contraception, new polling released Wednesday by the Pew Research Center found.
According to Pew, 46 percent of U.S. Catholics believe a same-sex couple in a romantic relationship living together is acceptable and “as good as any other way of life,” while 24 percent say it is an acceptable way of life but “not as good as some others.” Only 25 percent say it is not acceptable. In 2001, 57 percent of U.S. Catholics opposed same-sex marriage. Today, only 39 percent do.
Furthermore, Pew found two-thirds of American Catholics believe it is acceptable for same-sex couples to raise children, and 43 percent say such an arrangement is just as good as any other. Meanwhile, 23 percent say such an arrangement is acceptable but not as good as some others, and 27 percent say it is not acceptable. However, most U.S. Catholics (90 percent) still view the traditional arrangement of a married mother and father raising children as ideal, like 92 percent of U.S. adults overall.
U.S. Catholics remain divided on whether engaging in homosexual behavior is a sin: 44 percent say it is, while 39 percent say it is not. On the issue of abortion, 57 percent of U.S. Catholics say it is sinful to have an abortion, while 23 percent say it is not. But a majority of U.S. Catholics disagree with the church on contraception; two-thirds say using birth control is not a sin.
In June, the pope released an encyclical titled “Laudato Si,” in which he said global warming is driven by human activity. But Francis has a long way to go to convince U.S. Catholics to make the environment a priority, Pew found. Most U.S Catholics, 61 percent, say using energy without considering its impact on the environment is not a sin, while only 23 percent say it is. Meanwhile, 73 percent of U.S. Catholics say it is not sinful to live in a much larger house than your family needs, while 12 percent say it is.
Francis will make his first visit to the U.S. in September for the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. He will also visit New York and Washington, D.C.
Culled from RawStory
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‘This victory truly belongs to the nation’: Same-sex marriage signed into law in Ireland
Trump vows to deport Syrian refugees if elected
Obama renews efforts to sell Mexico on ‘swift conclusion’ to Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement
CNN reports ‘by far the biggest audience a primary debate has had on the Internet’
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MGH and US Army Collaborate on Promising New Vital Sign Analysis System
RX: Fluids and Rest
Armin Mahabadi '19
In September of 2016, the UN General Assembly declared that the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presented a fundamental threat towards human health, development, and security. In response to this declaration, officials from member nations committed themselves to taking a coordinated and expanded approach towards addressing the root causes of AMR. This marked only the fourth time that the UN General Assembly had taken up a health issue (Ebola, HIV, and noncommunicable diseases being the other three times)1. Six months later, it is now time to retrogressively analyze some of the progress that the global community has made towards tackling what is currently classified as the most prevalent health threat facing the planet.
As part of the blueprint that was put forward to reduce the impact of AMR on global health by 2018, member countries agreed to put specific systems in place to ensure citizen access to clean water and sanitized living conditions. In addition, the UN renewed its commitment to educating doctors and patients about the appropriate use of antibiotics and immunizations. However, the plan also highlighted the failures that are often associated with bringing new drugs to the market and called for new incentives for investments made in developing new and affordable drugs that can replace those that have lost their effectiveness over time. Fortunately, the increase in support and urgency has led to several potential long term solutions which may curb the threat of AMR.
When it comes to countering antimicrobial resistance on a medicinal level, there are two basic approaches that scientists can choose to take. The first of these approaches involves the research and development of new treatments to replace the old ones that have become ineffective at fighting off pathogens. This includes taking existing, but underused antibiotics and repurposing them to succeed treatments that have become over-prescribed and over-utilized. The discovery of these new treatments is crucial in the continued fight against AMR, because it is important to avoid running out of viable options to treat a certain disease. Unfortunately, the rate at which promising antimicrobial agents continue to be developed is inconsistent at best, as the effectiveness of most new drugs remains uncertain until they can be approved by the FDA and other global drug administrations. As a result, most new drugs fail to reach the market in a timely manner, which makes finding new options that can be implemented immediately even more challenging.
One promising option in the treatment of gram-positive bacteria is Linezolid, an antimicrobial agent that acts by inhibiting protein synthesis in vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Linezolid has been approved by the FDA and has been available since the early 2000s. However, it has been largely ignored in favor of Vancomycin and Teicoplanin, both of which are commonly used to treat gram-positive bacterial infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and food poisoning. Unfortunately, the emergence of resistance to glycopeptides in gram-positives has reduced the effectiveness of both of these antibiotics.
Unlike Vancomycin and Teicoplanin, Linezolid resistance among gram-positive pathogens remains at less than 1%, making it an appealing alternative. Linezolid has also exhibited other notable advantages, such as lack of rapid in-vitro resistance and the absence of inherent cross-resistance to other classes of antimicrobial bacteria. In addition, the mechanism by which Linezolid acts is unique in and of itself, because it appears to inhibit the formation of the initiation complex during protein synthesis. This unique mechanism plays a large role in the absence of cross-resistance in Linezolid and is part of the reason why it is such an appealing alternative to glycopeptide antibiotics.2
The second basic approach towards countering antimicrobial resistance on a medicinal level involves reversing bacterial resistance towards existing treatments that are already ineffective or in danger of becoming so. This is inherently the more challenging of the two approaches, but also has the potential to be more effective. Therefore, while developing and repurposing new treatments serves as a Band-Aid for a continuously growing problem, the reversal of antibiotic resistance in existing medications can be seen as the key towards solving what has become a global health crisis.
Until recently, most of the progress made in directly reversing AMR has been minimal. However, the recent spike in urgency led by the UN Global Health Report has led to an increase in funding, support, and activity in this subfield. The most recent breakthrough was led by a team of US researchers that successfully constructed a peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO), which was able to inhibit the expression of the antibiotic resistance gene NDM-1, resulting in the restoration of antibiotic susceptibility in all bacteria carrying this gene. NDM-1 associated resistance has spread at a rapid rate in gram-negative bacterial species, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii, and has led to bacterial resistance to the carbapenems, which include some of the most powerful and widely used antibiotics such as Imipenem, Meropenem, Etrapenem.
PPMOs such as the one constructed by these researchers are synthetic nucleotides that are believed to prevent translation of a specific gene by selectively binding the mRNA. This has some of its own unique advantages, as just one of these synthesized PPMOs can target multiple species of bacteria that contain the NDM-1 gene3. However, an issue that the study did not address is whether or not bacterial species will end up developing a resistance towards the PPMOs that inhibit the resistance gene itself. While the effects of these potential complications remain to be seen, this still remains a notable breakthrough as it marks the first time that a gene-specific therapeutic targeted towards the NDM-1 resistance gene has been demonstrated to work in-vivo.
As was the case with the Ebola crisis, the United Nation’s plan to tackle AMR has brought increased attention in the form of funding, education, and research. While the effectiveness of this plan remains unclear after only six months, the strides that the global research community has taken during this short time appear to be promising. So in the end, while natural selection remains a powerful force, there is still hope that we can slow or reverse the effects of antimicrobial resistance through proper education, research, and an unwavering commitment towards solving this crisis.
High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance – General Assembly of the United Nations. http://www.un.org/pga/71/2016/09/21/press-release-hl-meeting-on-antimicrobial-resistance/.
Bialvaei, A. Z., Rahbar, M., Yousefi, M., Asgharzadeh, M. & Kafil, H. S. Linezolid: a promising option in the treatment of Gram-positives. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 72, 354–364 (2016).
Sully, E. K. et al. Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO) restores carbapenem susceptibility to NDM-1-positive pathogens in vitro and in vivo. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (2016). doi:10.1093/jac/dkw476
The Aftermath of Ebola
The Search for Better Approaches to Combatting the Flu
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Advieh, Persian Spice Mix
Persian Grocery Stores
Art & Film
Books by Willem Floor
Kindle & iPad
Audio Visual Hafez
Bilingual Text
Contact Mage
Press Room – Mage Publishers
By Evliya Chelebi, translated by Hasan Javadi & Willem Floor In Biography & Memoir and History Tagged In 17th Century, Books by Hasan Javadi, Books by Willem Floor, Caucasus, Culture, Diplomacy, and Travel.
Travels in Iran and the Caucasus, 1647 & 1654
Published Date: May 1, 2014
Dimensions 8.3 x 11
ISBN No 1933823364
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Travels in Iran and the Caucasus is a stimulating and informative account of an Ottoman administrator’s missions to the region in the mid-seventeenth century. Evliya Chelebi’s travelogue is not simply a diplomatic report, but rather a fascinating exploration of the religious, ethnic, artistic, and even culinary peculiarities of the region. In addition, it offers a fresh perspective on relations between the Ottomans and the Safavids during a period of relative calm in an otherwise stormy relationship. For the first time, the Iranian and Caucus sections of Chelebi’s Siyahat-nameh have been translated from the original Turkish manuscript into English in their most complete form. As such, this book is a unique resource not only for scholars of Safavid Iran but also for those interested in the seventeenth century Middle East in general.
Evliya Chelebi was born in Istanbul in 1611. He was renowned for his recitations of the Koran and was invited by the Ottoman sultan to study calligraphy, poetry, and music at the palace school. Chelebi traveled extensively on behalf of various patrons. His travels took him throughout the Ottoman Empire, Iran, and Europe. After settling in Cairo in 1671/72, he began recording his travels in a total of ten volumes, which were still unfinished at the time of his death in 1684/85.
Hasan Javadi was born in Tabriz, Iran to a distinguished family of administrators and scholars. He has taught English and Persian literature at the University of Cambridge, Tehran University and the University of California at Berkeley. He is the author and translator of numerous books, including Satire in Persian Literature, and Persian Literary Influence on English Literature. For Mage he translated Obeyd-E Zakani: Ethics of the Aristocrats and Other Satirical Works. His translations include: Forough Farrokhzad’s Another Birth and Other Poems, and with Willem Floor, Abbas Qoli Aqa Bakikhanov’s The Heavenly Rose-Garden: A History of Shirvan & Daghestan; and Evliya Chelebi’s Travels in Iran and the Caucasus, 1647 and 1654. He edited Letters From Tabriz: The Russian Suppression of the Iranian Constitutional Movement.
Now retired, Dr. Javadi lives in the Washington DC area, where he is working on original scholarship and translations of Persian literature.
Willem Floor studied development economics and non-western sociology, as well as Persian, Arabic and Islamology from 1963-67 at the University of Utrecht (the Netherlands). He received his doctoral degree from the University of Leiden in 1971. Since 1983, Dr. Floor has been employed by the World Bank as an energy specialist. Throughout this time, he has published extensively on the socio-economic history of Iran. His books include: Public Health in Qajar Iran, Agriculture in Qajar Iran, and The History of Theater in Iran, as well as, The Persian Gulf: A Political and Economic History of 5 Port Cities, 1500-1730, its second volume, Persian Gulf: The Rise of the Gulf Arabs, 1747-1792, third volume, The Rise and Fall of Bandar-e Lengeh, the fourth volume, Bandar Abbas: The Natural Gateway of Southeast Iran, and the fifth volume, The Persian Gulf: Links with the Hinterland Bushehr, Borazjan, Kazerun, Banu Ka’b, & Bandar Abbas. He has also published, Travels Through Northern Persia, 1770-1774, Titles and Emoluments in Safavid Iran, and A Social History of Sexual Relations in Iran; Labor and Industry in Iran, 1850-1941; Guilds, Merchants and Ulama in 19th Century Iran; The Rise and Fall of Nader Shah; Games Persians Play. His translations include: Samuel Gottlieb Gmelin’s Travels Through Northern Persia 1770–1774 , and with Hasan Javadi, Abbas Qoli Aqa Bakikhanov’s The Heavenly Rose-Garden: A History of Shirvan & Daghestan; Evliya Chelebi’s Travels in Iran and the Caucasus, 1647 and 1654; A Man of Two Worlds: Pedros Bedik in Iran, 1670–1675, The Persian Gulf: The Hula Arabs of The Shibkuh Coast of Iran, and The Persian Gulf: Dutch-Omani Relations A Commercial & Political History 1651-1806.
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Persian Pleasures: How Iranian Relaxed Through the Centuries with Food, Drink and Drugs
By Willem Floor & Hasan Javadi $0
Karmanshah: City and Province, 1800-1945
By Willem Floor $0
Studies in the History of Medicine in Iran
Discovering Cyrus: The Persian Conqueror Astride the Ancient World
By Reza Zarghamee $0
Engelbert Kaempfer: Exotic Attractions in Persia, 1684–1688: Travels & Observations
By Engelbert Kaempfer, Translated & Annotated by Willem Floor & Colette Ouahes $0
Praise for Books by Mage
…Thanks to Davis’s magnificent translation, Ferdowsi and the Shahnameh live again in English.” - Michael Dirda in The Washington Post Bookworld "Divine cookbook...stunningly beautiful." - Alice Waters, Executive Chef & Owner, Chez Panisse ...Yes! at last we meet one of the greatest lyric poets in history fully alive in English." - Dana Gioia, former chairman of the NEA on "Faces of Love: Hafez & the Poets of Shiraz" Candid and revealing [offers] a wealth of insights into Iranian society and culture." - William Quandt, Foreign Affairs on "The Persian Sphinx" An engrossing chronicle of life in Persia-just-turned-Iran by Simin Daneshvar..." - USA Today on "Savushun" It is so surely told, so funny, true, and ultimately heart-rending, it's absolutely clear why My Uncle Napoleon is loved in its homeland." - The Baltimore Sun Winner of the World's Best Wine History Book for 2007" - Gourmand Prize for "From Persia to Napa" One of the most extraordinary and fascinating love narratives produced anywhere in the medieval world" - Times Literary Supplement on "Vis & Ramin" “Engaging, accessible, and well written.” - Nerina Rustomji, FIRES on "Discovering Cyrus"
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For some foods alternative ingredients can be used. Common oils and fats become rancid relatively quickly if not refrigerated; replacing them with hydrogenated oils delays the onset of rancidity, increasing shelf life. This is a common approach in industrial food production, but recent concerns about health hazards associated with trans fats have led to their strict control in several jurisdictions.[57] Even where trans fats are not prohibited, in many places there are new labeling laws (or rules), which require information to be printed on packages, or to be published elsewhere, about the amount of trans fat contained in certain products.
Saltiness is the taste of alkali metal ions such as sodium and potassium. It is found in almost every food in low to moderate proportions to enhance flavor, although to eat pure salt is regarded as highly unpleasant. There are many different types of salt, with each having a different degree of saltiness, including sea salt, fleur de sel, kosher salt, mined salt, and grey salt. Other than enhancing flavor, its significance is that the body needs and maintains a delicate electrolyte balance, which is the kidney's function. Salt may be iodized, meaning iodine has been added to it, a necessary nutrient that promotes thyroid function. Some canned foods, notably soups or packaged broths, tend to be high in salt as a means of preserving the food longer. Historically salt has long been used as a meat preservative as salt promotes water excretion. Similarly, dried foods also promote food safety.[76]
We all know whole grains are good for us, but we’ve collected the best whole-grain recipes to make them a regular part of your cooking routine. The fiber and nutrients associated with whole grains make them an essential part of a healthy diet, but it’s often difficult to work them into your everyday cooking. This collection of recipes uses whole grains—from brown rice to whole-wheat pasta—in a delicious variety of ways.
Texture plays a crucial role in the enjoyment of eating foods. Contrasts in textures, such as something crunchy in an otherwise smooth dish, may increase the appeal of eating it. Common examples include adding granola to yogurt, adding croutons to a salad or soup, and toasting bread to enhance its crunchiness for a smooth topping, such as jam or butter.[82]
In a human epidemiological analysis by Richard Doll and Richard Peto in 1981, diet was estimated to cause a large percentage of cancers.[31] Studies suggest that around 32% of cancer deaths may be avoidable by changes to the diet.[32] Some of these cancers may be caused by carcinogens in food generated during the cooking process, although it is often difficult to identify the specific components in diet that serve to increase cancer risk. Many foods, such as beef steak and broccoli, contain low concentrations of both carcinogens and anticarcinogens.[33]
Wine cellars, or wine rooms, if they are above-ground, are places designed specifically for the storage and aging of wine. Fine restaurants and some private homes have wine cellars. In an active wine cellar, temperature and humidity are maintained by a climate-control system. Passive wine cellars are not climate-controlled, and so must be carefully located. Because wine is a natural, perishable food product, all types—including red, white, sparkling, and fortified—can spoil when exposed to heat, light, vibration or fluctuations in temperature and humidity. When properly stored, wines can maintain their quality and in some cases improve in aroma, flavor, and complexity as they age. Some wine experts contend that the optimal temperature for aging wine is 13 °C (55 °F),[140] others 15 °C (59 °F).[141]
While some Christians consider the use of wine from the grape as essential for the validity of the sacrament, many Protestants also allow (or require) pasteurized grape juice as a substitute. Wine was used in Eucharistic rites by all Protestant groups until an alternative arose in the late 19th century. Methodist dentist and prohibitionist Thomas Bramwell Welch applied new pasteurization techniques to stop the natural fermentation process of grape juice. Some Christians who were part of the growing temperance movement pressed for a switch from wine to grape juice, and the substitution spread quickly over much of the United States, as well as to other countries to a lesser degree.[112] There remains an ongoing debate between some American Protestant denominations as to whether wine can and should be used for the Eucharist or allowed as an ordinary drink, with Catholics and some mainline Protestants allowing wine drinking in moderation, and some conservative Protestant groups opposing consumption of alcohol altogether.[citation needed]
The preparation of animal-based food usually involves slaughter, evisceration, hanging, portioning, and rendering. In developed countries, this is usually done outside the home in slaughterhouses, which are used to process animals en masse for meat production. Many countries regulate their slaughterhouses by law. For example, the United States has established the Humane Slaughter Act of 1958, which requires that an animal be stunned before killing. This act, like those in many countries, exempts slaughter in accordance to religious law, such as kosher, shechita, and dhabīḥah halal. Strict interpretations of kashrut require the animal to be fully aware when its carotid artery is cut.[84]
Some experts have said that speculation has merely aggravated other factors, such as climate change, competition with bio-fuels and overall rising demand.[122] However, some such as Jayati Ghosh, professor of economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, have pointed out that prices have increased irrespective of supply and demand issues: Ghosh points to world wheat prices, which doubled in the period from June to December 2010, despite there being no fall in global supply.[122]
In 2005, the population of the United States spent $496 billion on out-of-home dining. Expenditures by type of out-of-home dining were as follows: 40% in full-service restaurants, 37.2% in limited service restaurants (fast food), 6.6% in schools or colleges, 5.4% in bars and vending machines, 4.7% in hotels and motels, 4.0% in recreational places, and 2.2% in others, which includes military bases.[105][better source needed][relevant? – discuss]
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Maximiliano Braun
Greece: Social Stigma
United Kingdom: The Post Code Lottery
France: MS Centre in Riom-es-Montagne
Cast Off
Bio and Contact
Maximiliano Braun ©
The time I spent with Panagiota and Manolis made me see that: even if one was to understand medicine and know about MS, Greeks in general prefer to stay away from people with MS.
Showing me photographs when he was younger, Manolis tells me that at the time when he was diagnosed, his girlfriend decided to leave him. Manolis knows this is because he was diagnosed with MS. Panagiota has a similar story, with the addition that not only her then husband left her, but also most of her friends. I find it shocking to learn that Manolis' ex-girlfriend was a nurse-in-training and Panagiota's ex-husband was a medicine professional. Panagiota's husband also had the 'courtesy' to abandon her and take all their life's savings with him, leaving her with nothing. She had to go back and live with her 80 year old mother.
One would imagine that knowledge of MS should rather substantiate an objective outlook of life with MS and how important relationships are to a person with MS; or anyone with any long term condition for that matter. However, it appears that Greek society's pre-conceived notions of "something" happening to you, or to a member of your family, is the dictating factor in assessing any human relationship altogether.
With this in mind I found it amazing that Vasiliki has, pretty much, soldiered on through her career as a special needs PE teacher and lecturer. Lefteris, her partner, is amazingly supportive and loving. Vasiliki's experience of MS is a clear example of the opportunities that should be available to any person with MS in Greece: work, friends, life. As it stands, however, even if the government could solve the economic woes that affect the health services in Greece, the largest challenge I see facing people with MS in Greece today is the understanding and acceptance of their own society.
From the Under Pressure website:
http://www.underpressureproject.eu/web/country-profile/greece
MS has increased significantly in Greece, in recent years. Although the legal situation is favourable to MS patients on paper, the economic reality often prevents realisation of legal promises. Availability of free medicines is threatened by the economic austerity measures. As a consequence, life has become harder for people with MS. Disability benefits have been reduced; now only severely disabled people receive allowances. Despite the existing legislation, there is general lack of accessibility for people with disabilities in Greece, which leads to social exclusion.
On the positive side, any person who has worked for 15 years has the right to get an old age pension equivalent to a healthy person of 35 years of work, without having to wait until the age of 65.
While in 2011 the employment estimates for people with MS living in Greece were 35% employed full time, another 20% part time; in 2013 the situation is reported as unknown.
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • “Alone, alone, alone,” says Panagiota Tsinonis, describing her life since being forced to stop working because of MS. Previously an oncology surgeon with an active social life, she finds that friends drifted away and that the loss of balance limits her own movement through the few blocks around her apartment. Like many PwMS, Panagiota Tsinoni has found new friends within the local MS community. This network provides support in hard times and also celebrates successes: tonight, she and others will help fellow patient Manolis Tsatsiadis “warm up” his new apartment.
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • Manolis Tsatsiadis dances with Olga Emmanoulidou while Tatiana Lazou (back left) partners with Matina Georgaki during a theatre class designed to integrate both able-bodied and disabled people. This Sunday night outing, one of many theatre activities organised by Zina Kostelidou, is the highlight of Manolis’ week.
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • Aristidis Koutsoupias (left) visits Panagiota Tsinoni twice per week for personalised physiotherapy sessions. Now that Panagiota has lost feeling in her feet, they often focus on finding balance in the core of her body. For many PwMS, the decision to avoid going out to walk is less linked to their physical limitations than it is to the fear of falling or having a relapse in public.
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • Before the economic crisis hit, Manolis Tsatsiadis used swimming as a form of physiotherapy; after an hour in the water, he could walk comfortably for about 30 minutes. When the pool took measures to save money on heating, he had to stop: colder water worsens his tremors. Manolis’ meagre disability pension barely makes ends meet: his family provides financial help for physiotherapy and household essentials.
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • Living alone and being independent are hugely important to Manolis Tsatsiadis, but they carry a cost: everything takes much more time and effort. Boiling pasta, for example, may take as much as 40 minutes. “When I want to go out, I often know as soon as I see a bus coming that I will have to wait for the next one, because I can’t get to the bus stop fast enough.”
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • MS quickly took its toll on the body of Vasiliki Garopoulou. In just 3 months, she went from competing in international synchronised swimming events to walking with a cane. Ten years on, she cannot walk at all; but MS has no claim on her mind or spirit. She applies the champion mentality that carried her through five degrees to her role as scientific collaborator in Special Education at Aristotle University and in classrooms with 'special needs' children and adults.
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • (Left) Lefteris Dimitros and (Right) Vasiliki Garopoulou enjoying a coffee at the Aristotle Universtiy A.U.Th campus. Vasiliki comes here almost every Sunday.
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • “My life is close to what I would have wanted if I didn’t have MS,” says Vasiliki Garopoulou. “Growing up with a disabled twin and with parents who pushed me to set goals has helped me psychologically. My father always took the approach that even when you are down, you are still alive: all you need to think about is how to solve the next problem. That’s what I try to do, every day.”
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • Photos from just a few years ago show that Manolis Tsatsiadis was physically fit and socially active. Living with MS is having a substantial impact on both aspects of his life. He still swims when he can, but has given up other sports. Many of his old friends have faded away, although he’s made new friends within the MS community.
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • Finding an effective MS therapy has been a particular challenge for Vasiliki Garopoulou; every medication he tried has caused intolerable side effects. On average, she has a relapse once per month, many of which land her in hospital for cortisone treatment.
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • (Left) Zina Kostelidou helping Manolis Tsatsiadis reach a coffee shop at Aristotelus Square in Thessaloniki. Manolis has a hard time walking by himself, although he uses crutches, and so his friends are more than happy to give him a hand. Manolis, however, wishes to do as much as he can by himself to remain as independent as possible. Zina met Manolis at a theatre company project that she runs which endeavours to bring together able bodied actors and actresses with people with disabilities.
Thessaloniki, Greece, 10/2011 • Vasiliki Garopoulou getting ready to go to work. Each morning, Monday to Friday, Vasiliki goes to work to a school where children with different types of disabilities go. Her classes include sports or games and computer typing. She refers to her lifestyle as a person who determines her life instead of leaving MS do it for her.
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Weekly Forex Forecast for August 29 – September 2, 2016
First, a few words about the forecast for the previous week, which for all four pairs can be considered if not 100% , but at least 90% fulfilled:
All three variants of the forecast for the pair EUR / USD, which the experts gave last week, considered the level of 1.200 as the ultimate goal, which was reached on Friday evening with the “support” of the US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen that gave investors the hope for increasing the Fed rate before the end of 2016;
the forecast GBP / USD can also be considered as 100% fulfilled. As a reminder, the experts as well as technical analysis predicted the continuation of the sideways trend, formed after the referendum on the withdrawal of Great Britain from the EU. Considering smooth consolidation, resistance of 1.3280, which the pair reached last Wednesday, was named as the immediate target. After the reached level the pair retreated to the center of the channel, finishing the week at 1.3130;
Predicting the future of USD / JPY, experts and indicators could not reach a consensus. The only one that offered more or less agreed forecast, was the graphic analysis on H4 and D1, insisting on the growth of the pair to the resistance of 102.00, which happened on Friday when the pair reached the high of 101.94;
As a reminder, the outlook for USD / CHF said that for a while the pair would be moving sideways 0.9535-0.9640 with Pivot Point of 0.9590, after which it was expected the uptrend with the target of 0.9710 and then- 0.9800. Expect that the Pivot level became the channel’s lower boundary, this prediction turned out to be absolutely true. The first half of the week the pair was moving to the east, then it went to the north, and by the end of five days it had almost reached the ultimate goal, having risen to the level of 0.9792.
The forecast for the upcoming week:
Summarizing the views of several dozen analysts from the world’s leading banks and brokerage firms as well as the forecasts made on the basis of a wide variety of methods of technical and graphical analysis, we can say the following:
EUR / USD. After the speech of Janet Yellen “certain uncertainty” crossed the minds of both analysts and indicators’ readings. In other words, one half of the experts say about the return of the pair to the resistance of 1.1365, the second one insists on the fact that it will try to test the bottom in the area of 1.1200 once more. With regard to the indicators on H4, they point to the south, and D1 indicate the sideways trend.It seems that in this situation the economic data from the euro area, the publication of which is expected on Wednesday, will have the major impact on the movement of the pair, and, in particular, the release of the data on NFP – an important indicator of the state of the US economy, which will be published on Friday, 2 September. The forecast for NFP reminds the disappointing forecast a month ago and speaks about the reduction of this figure from 255K to 164K-188K;
we can see a variety of opinions similar to EUR/USD when we try to give a forecast for GBP/USD. However, the variety of opinions and statements can still be reduced to a common denominator, according to which we should expect the continuation of the summer sideways trend. The level of 1.3000 is called as the main support level, and 1.3320 – as the main resistance.Next resistance is at the level of 1.3385. Both graphical analysis on H4 and D1 warn that at first the pair may fall to the support area and only rebounding from it, the pair will go higher. The ultimate goal here is the third resistance at 1.3560. If we talk about the forecast of the autumn as a whole, 80% of the experts take the side of the bears and talk about a possible decline in the pair to the area of 1.2500-1.2800;
Giving a forecast for USD / JPY, we can talk about the consolidation of the pair near the pivot level of 100.80. Resistance is at the area of 102.20, the support – 099.90. With this, the graphical analysis on D1 indicates a desire of the pair to the area of 0.9840-0.9880, but in order to break through the support of 099.90 it can spend from one to two weeks. If we talk about the forecast for the coming months, about 70% of the experts, supported by graphical analysis, talk about the growth of the pair to the area of 105.00-107.00;
As for the last pair of our review – USD / CHF, then 100% of analysts supported by graphical analysis on H4 believe that it expects the sideways movement along the Pivot Point of 0.9680 with the predominance of bearish trends. The resistance is at 0.9800, the support – at 0.9640.
EUR / USDEUR/USDForexGBP / USDGreat BritainJanet YellenNFPUSD / CHFUSD / JPYWeekly Forex Forecast
Weekly Forex Forecast for 27 June -1 July 2016 0
Weekly Forex Forecast for 6 – 10 June 2016 0
Weekly Forex Forecast for 4 – 8 July 2016 0
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Everyone loves an exciting game of Ludo. It’s time to throw the dice and play a classic game of Ludo or discover something new with all the modern Ludo games. Ludo is played all over the world with different names. We all…
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Kagin’s Researcher Pinpoints 1783 Plain Nova Constellatio Quint as First Official USA Coin Struck
Historic Coin Will Be Exhibited at ANA Denver World’s Fair of Money, Aug. 1 – 5
Authorized by Congress, the unique 1783 plain obverse Nova Constellatio “Quint” silver coin had a value of 500 units in a proposed but later abandoned early American decimal monetary system that would have ranged from 5 to 1,000 units.
(Photo credit: Image courtesy of PCGS.com)
(Tiburon, California) August 1, 2017 – David McCarthy, senior numismatist at Kagin’s, Inc. of Tiburon, California (www.Kagins.com), has pinpointed the 1783 plain obverse Nova Constellatio Quint pattern (Breen-1102, W-1830) as the first coin officially struck by authority of the United States government, a finding hailed by another U.S. rare coin expert as “one of the most exciting developments in modern numismatics.”
Results of McCarthy’s research on the unique, early American experimental silver coin, that once was in the hands of one of the USA’s Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton, are in the August 2017 edition of “The Numismatist,” the official journal of the American Numismatic Association (www.money.org).
Now insured for $5 million, the historic ancestor of the dollar as well as every coin in the western world using a decimal monetary system, will be publicly displayed at the Kagin’s booth, #700, during the ANA 2017 World’s Fair of Money (www.WorldsFairofMoney.com) in Denver, Colorado, August 1- 5.
“It’s a national treasure that was hiding in plain sight until all the pieces of the puzzle recently came together,” said Donald H. Kagin, Ph.D., President of Kagin’s.
“Although the coin was discovered in 1870, it was misattributed. We now have compelling evidence that it is, ‘the first that has been struck as an American coin,’ as described in the April 2, 1783 diary entry of Robert Morris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. government’s first Superintendent of Finance,” explained McCarthy.
“The Quint and a subsequent set of coins were created in Philadelphia in April of 1783 under authority of the Treasury some nine years before the next coins would be struck by the U.S. government. It would have been valued at 500-units in a proposed system that would range from 5 to 1,000 units,” McCarthy said.
“This was the first use of the vital and enduring decimal system to be established in the western world,” stated Kagin.
During the 1770s and 1780s several states and private individuals manufactured coins, but this is the first coin that was struck and paid for by the U.S. government, according to McCarthy’s research, which a dozen other early American coin experts agreed with before he submitted it for publication.
After examining McCarthy’s research, early American coins researcher and writer John Dannreuther of Memphis, Tennessee, the American Numismatic Association’s 2007 Numismatist of the Year, summed up the findings:
“There is a first United States coin, as we have written evidence (in the April 2, 1783 diary entry of Robert Morris, U.S. Superintendent of Finance) that one was delivered:
‘I sent for (metallurgist) Mr. (Benjamin) Dudley who delivered me a Piece of Silver Coin being the first that has been struck as an American Coin.’
“The only coin that logically could be this coin is the Plain Obverse Quint.
“There are numerous things that bring us to this conclusion, the first being that “Nova Constellatio” is not found on the Plain Legend Quint. One does not remove legends, they are added,” explained Dannreuther.
“Secondly, the number of dies noted in the literature can be made to match only by having one die ground down and reengraved. After overlaying the two Quint types, it became obvious that the Plain Obverse die’s eye matched the with Legend eye. Since this is the highest point of the coin, it is the lowest part of the die, as well as the center, it would be logical to leave a small amount of this area as a starting point for the new die. The rest of the die’s detail was removed by the grinding process, of course.”
“Thirdly, the two Quint dies obviously were engraved by two different hands. Since, we know that the with Legend coins match the other denominations in style, as well as having the “Nova Constellatio” legend, the Plain Obverse has to be the first one – thus, it is the first United States coin,” stated Dannreuther.
American Numismatic Association President Jeff Garrett of Lexington, Kentucky also examined McCarthy’s study prior to publication and stated: “David McCarthy’s research makes a compelling case for the 1783 Nova Constellatio Quint being the ‘First American Coin.’ As such, the historical importance of his research, and the coin, is one of the most exciting developments in modern numismatics!”
Only two examples of the 500-unit coin are known, and each is distinctively different on the front. One has the words, NOVA CONSTELLATIO, Latin for “a new constellation,” while the other example does not have any words. The research demonstrates the coin without the words on the obverse was struck first.
After surfacing in New York City nearly 150 years ago, the coin was carefully preserved in several major collections including Lorin G. Parmelee, S.H. and H. Chapman and Wayte Raymond before becoming part of the Garrett Collection and into the possession of Johns Hopkins University where it resided for much of the 20th century. Only now, though, has numismatic research brought together evidence that it was the first federal coin made by authority of the U.S. government.
Kagin’s acquired the coin at an auction in 2013 where it was graded PCGS AU53 Secure. McCarthy began researching it through the writings of Morris and Thomas Jefferson, Continental Congress documents, and forensic evidence found on the coins themselves, and he consulted with other noted experts in early American numismatics.
“While the 1783 Plain Obverse Nova Constellatio Quint is among the most historically significant of all United States coins, it is also one of the most important artifacts in the world,” stated Kagin. “Nothing defines a nation and its society more than its coinage. Just like great documents such as The Magna Carta or The Declaration of Independence established fundamental principles and tenets for western society, so does coinage reflect a nation’s most important ideals, becoming a primary source of communication for a nation’s beliefs.”
“By examining the first coin of the United States and the new decimal monetary system that it ushered in, we gain significant insights to the thinking of America’s Founding Fathers concerning what kind of nation they wished to establish,” he continued.
Kagin said the coin’s inscriptions and symbols contain the most important aspects of our fledging nation:
On the Obverse the central devices are:
The Eye of Providence—symbolizing the creator’s approval of our nation.
A circle of 13 stars–a theme which has endured for 240 years—as an obvious reference to the new constellation formed by the original 13 colonies.
The Reverse central inscription includes:
“U.S.” as it proclaims the name of our country for all the world to acknowledge.
This is followed by the denomination—in this case, 500 units or a Quint. Along with the date, two of the most fundamental and defining issues for Americans then and today are prominently inscribed in Latin so all nations could understand: LIBERTAS (Liberty) and JUSTITIA (Justice).
“This coin, struck in the precious metal silver, was also the very first artifact to present our nation’s new decimal system—in fact, the first use of such a vital and enduring system to be established in the western world,” concluded Kagin.
Kagin and McCarthy made international headlines in 2014 when they assisted an anonymous California couple who discovered the “Saddle Ridge Hoard,” nearly $10 million of 19th century U.S. gold coins buried in rusting tin cans.
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Harlon Hill candidate at helm of Colorado Mines
Courtesy Photo / Colorado Mines' Sports Information Department Mines quarterback Clay Garcia, a 2010 Harlon Hill finalist, throws a pass
Garrett Pelican
Filed under Football, PageOne, Sports
When Grand Valley State University’s football team takes the field Saturday searching for a win against the Colorado School of Mines, it needs to look no further than behind the opposing center to locate the player it needs to stop.
One of 24 candidates for the 2010 Harlon Hill Trophy, Orediggers quarterback Clay Garcia has led his teammates to a 9-2 record this season en route to scores of individual accolades and the admiration of Colorado Mines head coach Bob Stitt.
“This team has really taken on his personality,” Stitt said. “He’s the most competitive player I’ve had in 25 years. I know Clay would say that he has a lot of supporting cast around him, but our team knew when he took the reins at quarterback that we’d be pretty good.”
The Harlon Hill trophy is annually awarded to the top player in Division II football. All Garcia has done to earn the nod as a candidate is lead the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in touchdown passes (38), passing yards (3,813), passing yards per game (346.64), passing efficiency (144.86) and total offense (351.55), all behind a completion percentage of 62.11 percent.
Those distinctions and others are what Stitt said makes him believe Garcia is the best quarterback in school history, even surpassing the talent of Oredigger great Chad Friehauf – the 2004 Harlon Hill Trophy winner and a Denver Broncos signee.
“It’s very humbling just to be mentioned with some of the other athletes that are in that category,” Garcia said. “It’s definitely a team nomination. I’ve got some great receivers and a good running back and (offensive) line behind me, and our defense gets us the ball. So the stats I put up really reflect them just as much as me.”
After losing their season opener to Washburn University, the Orediggers responded by rattling off eight consecutive wins before falling to Chadron State University on Nov. 6.
Despite the loss, Stitt said the game represented a turning point for his players as the Orediggers were down 28-0 when Garcia guided them back to tie the game at 31-31 with a minute remaining before losing 38-31.
“I’m not the most vocal person, but I’m not going to let our offense give up and I’m not going to let our offense lose,” Garcia said.
Following the loss to Chadron State, the Orediggers demonstrated their resilience once more in capping their regular season in a triple-overtime 55-53 win over University of Nebraska-Kearney. After leading by a pair of touchdowns heading into the second half, the Orediggers allowed their opponents to score a touchdown on one play and then turned the ball over on their next possession.
“We could have folded up shop and let it be over, but we came back and kept fighting and once we got into overtime we just had to execute,” Garcia said.
Stitt said while the marathon game supplied his team with momentum heading into the playoffs and provided the team’s seniors with another opportunity to play football, the team’s blue-collar approach has been its source of success on the season.
“It really doesn’t matter who you’re playing on a weekly basis, you’ve just got to go out there and play and see how you stack up,” Stitt said.
A unique quality to the Orediggers is that they are all engineering majors, a demanding area of study that Garcia said, when combined with all of the time spent watching film and practicing, can be daunting.
“Only about two out of three kids that come to school here graduate, and the average ACT score of students coming here is 29,” Stitt said. “So you’ve got to be a pretty good student to get here, but you’ve got to be a better student to stay.”
Managing a difficult area of study, Garcia has nonetheless excelled in both arenas as he was selected as a unanimous First-Team Academic All-RMAC pick in 2010 as well as the 2010 RMAC Football Academic Player of the Year. In addition, he has earned a spot on the Dean’s List each semester he has been enrolled at the school.
“It’s not easy, but we’ve wiped out excuses since we’ve gotten here,” said Stitt. “It’s just a way of life here, and I don’t think it affects us either way. Football is what motivates these kids to get through the week of school and they’re looking forward to playing another football game this weekend.”
The Orediggers will have their hands full Saturday against GVSU, whose program Garcia acknowledged is always expected to be standing at the end of the season.
“We’ve got to be on top of things, we have to be prepared and we have to execute,” he added. “We’re confident in our abilities as a team and individuals and I think once the whistle blows we’ve got to be ready to go.”
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Lenore Shirley Abbey
Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel was born September 8, 1927, in Zap, Mercer Co., ND. He is the son of Harry Elmer Wetzel of Canton, Lincoln Co., SD, and Frances W. Werner of Elmore, Faribault Co., MN.
Lenore Shirley Abbey was born April 29, 1930, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, and died February 26, 2003, at Sakakawea Medical Center, Hazen, Mercer Co., ND, at age 72. Buried in Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Mercer Co., ND. She is the daughter of Oran Ralph Abbey of Milladore, Wood Co., WI, and Alice Frances Herman of Glen Ullin, Mercer Co., ND.
Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel and Lenore Shirley Abbey were married August 13, 1949, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND.
Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel and Lenore Shirley (Abbey) Wetzel had five children:
Kay Donnette Wetzel: Born in Hazen, Mercer Co., ND. Married (1) November 25, 1977, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, to Arthur William Smith: Born in Unknown. Divorced about 2000 in Unknown. Married (2) December 27, 2003, in Brazoria, TX, to Bryce Bryan Koslan: Born in Harris Co., TX.
Barry David Wetzel: Born in Hazen, Mercer Co., ND. Married September 5, 1981, in or near Unakleet, AK, to Dee Dee Haugen: Born in Unknown.
Kim Donald Wetzel: Born in Hazen, Mercer Co., ND. Married October 30, 1981, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, to Vicki Lynn Quast: Born in Unknown.
Marsha Dion Wetzel: Born in Hazen, Mercer Co., ND. Married July 7, 1984, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, to Carey David Johnson: Born in Unknown.
Elizabeth Anne "Beth" Wetzel: Born in Hazen, Mercer Co., ND. Married December 26, 1984, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, to Jeri Jankowski: Born in Unknown.
Lenore Shirley (Abbey) Wetzel is buried in Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Mercer Co., ND. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.
Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel was born September 8, 1927, in Zap, Mercer Co., ND.
Lenore Shirley Abbey was born April 29, 1930, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND.
The 1930 U.S. Census taken on April 17, 1930, shows Harry Wetzel (age 29) born in South Dakota to Indiana and Illinois-born parents, and first married at age 24, is a Coal Mine Laborer, and who owns his home worth $500 and is living in Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: his wife, Frances Wetzel (age 30) born in Minnesota to Minnesota-born parents, and first married at age 25; his son, Dale A. Wetzel (age 4-6/12) born in North Dakota to South Dakota and Minnesota-born parents; and his son, Donald H. Wetzel (age 2-6/12) born in North Dakota to South Dakota and Minnesota-born parents.
The 1930 U.S. Census taken on April 30, 1930, shows Oran Abbey (age 29) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents, and first married at age 25, is a married General Farm Farmer, and who owns his own farm worth $500 and is living in T143, R88, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: his wife, Alice Abbey (age 28) born in North Dakota to German and West Virginia-born parents, and first married at age 24; his daughter, Lois Abbey (age 3) born in North Dakota to Wisconsin and North Dakota-born parents; and his daughter, June Abbey (age 1) born in North Dakota to Wisconsin and North Dakota-born parents.
The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 24, 1940, shows Harry Wetzel (age 38) born in South Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 7 years of School, is a married Steam Engine Runner in a Coal Mine, and who owns his home worth $800 and is living in Zap, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: his wife, Frances Wetzel (age 40) born in Minnesota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 2 years of High School; his son, Dale A. Wetzel (age 14) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 8 years of School; his son, Donald H. Wetzel (age 12) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 6 years of School; his son, Robert D. Wetzel (age 9) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 3 years of School; and his son, James F. Wetzel (age 7) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 1 year of School.
The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 9, 1940, shows Orran Abbey (age 39) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 1 year of College, and who married but has no occupation listed, is renting his home for $15/month, and is living in the Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: his wife, Alice Abbey (age 38) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 2 years of College; his daughter, Lois Abbey (age 13) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 7 years of School; his daughter, Lois Abbey (age 13) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 7 years of School; his daughter, June Abbey (age 11) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 5 years of School; his daughter, Lenore Abbey (age 10) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 3 years of School; his daughter, Marilyn Abbey (age 9) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 2 years of School; his son, Gale Abbey (age 7) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 0 years of School; his daughter, Dona Abbey (age 5) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 0 years of School; his son, James Abbey (age 2) born in North Dakota; his daughter, Colleen Abbey (age 5/12) born in North Dakota; and an unmarried Servant, Roger Endresson (age 21) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 4 years of High School, a Common Laborer in a Farming Mine.
Below is a link to the "Beulah, North Dakota Golden '50' Years Anniversary, 1914-1964":
http://www.odessa3.org/collections/towns/link/beulah64.txt
Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel's Zap High School graduation picture, 1945. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel's Merchant Marine picture, 1945. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Lenore Shirley Abbey's Beulah High School graduation picture, about 1949. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel and Lenore Shirley Abbey were married August 13, 1949, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel and Lenore Shirley (Abbey) Wetzel, 1950. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Alice (Herman) Abbey, Kay Wetzel, Charles Herman, Lenore (Abbey) Wetzel, and Barry Wetzel, October, 1953. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Wetzel was in the North Dakota State University Marching Band in 1970. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Wetzel was in the Kappa Delta Sorority at North Dakota State University in 1972. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Wetzel was in the Guidon Military Service Sorority at North Dakota State University in 1972. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Abbey brothers & sisters at their mother's, Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey, funeral, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, April 1, 1982.
Wetzel family picnic in the park, summer, 2001. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel celebrated his 85th birthday on September 8, 2012. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Lenore Shirley (Abbey) Wetzel died February 26, 2003, at Sakakawea Medical Center, Hazen, Mercer Co., ND, at age 72. Buried in Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Mercer Co., ND.
The Bismarck Tribune, Bismarck, Burleigh Co., ND, February 28, 2003
Lenore Wetzel
BEULAH -- Lenore Wetzel, 72, Beulah, died Feb. 26, 2003, at a Hazen medical center, following a long illness. Services will be held at 10 a.m. MST Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Beulah, with the Rev. Charles Zins officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. MST today at Seibel Funeral Home, Beulah. A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. MST today at the church. On Feb. 26, 2003, Lenore Shirley Abbey Wetzel entered into the glorious presence of the Lord. After a five-year battle with lung cancer, she is now healed from all disease. Throughout her life, Lenore was devoted to God, attending St. Joseph Catholic Church. Her life mirrored the woman of Proverbs 31:10-31. She was resourceful, hard working and of strong character. She was an ideal wife and mother. Lenore was born April 29, 1930, in Beulah to Oran Ralph Abbey and Alice Francis Herman Abbey. She was the third oldest of nine children, and spent her youth on a farm south of Beulah. On Aug. 13, 1949, she married Harry Donald Wetzel, of Zap, in Beulah. She remained in Beulah all of her life, raising five children, Kay Wetzel Smith, Barry Wetzel, Kim Wetzel, Marsha Wetzel Johnson and Beth Wetzel Jankowski. For several years she also helped raise three of her grandchildren, Tyson Jankowski and Sarah and Josh Smith. Most of Lenore's time was spent taking care of her household and raising her family. When she found the time, she used her God-given talents to enrich her home and families' lives by sewing, knitting, painting, ceramics and stitched the most intricate cross stitch patterns. She enjoyed bowling, participating in a league for many years. Later in life, when family time allowed, she began golfing and also joined the golf league. She was a good cook and spent many of her days feeding family and relatives. After meals, everyone enjoyed playing cards. She was very fun-loving and brought joy and laughter to those around her. Lenore loved playing practical jokes on her family and others she loved. She was known as "Whistler" by many in the community, because she was always cheerful and whistling. As a result, her mother, Alice Abbey was then called "Whistler's mother." She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Donald; her three daughters and two sons-in-law, Kay Smith, Lake Jackson, Texas, Marsha and Carey Johnson, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Beth and Jeri Jankowski, Beulah; two sons and daughters-in-law, Barry and Dee Dee, Beulah, and Kim and Vicki, Bismarck; 14 grandchildren, Josh and Sarah Smith, Lake Jackson, Briana, Ciara, Trevor and Amber Johnson, Scottsdale, Tyson and Haley Jankowski, Beulah, Michael, Cory and Erin Wetzel, Beulah, and Cole, Oran and Kara Wetzel, Bismarck; four sisters, June Dolce, Liberty Lake, Wash., Lois Land, Sidney, Mont., Marilyn Gustafson, Stanton, and Colleen Flemmer, Stevensville, Mont.; and three brothers, Gale Abbey, Glendive, Mont., Jim Abbey, Glendale, Ariz., and Alan Abbey, Beulah. She was preceded in death by her mother and father; and one sister, Donna Abbey Stasel. The family is so thankful to all of those who helped them during the last months of Lenore's illness. They would like to especially thank Inez Sommer, Marilyn Gustafson, the Sakakawea Hospice workers and Judy Erickson. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please send memorials to Sakakawea Hospice at 510 Eighth Ave. N.E., Hazen, N.D. 58545.
"For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you."
Lenore Wetzel, 72, of Beulah, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, at Sakakawea Medical Center, Hazen, following a long illness. Services were Saturday, March 1, 2003, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Beulah, with Fr. Charles Zins, officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Lenore was born April 29,1930, in Beulah to Oran Ralph Abbey and Alice Francis Herman Abbey. She was the third oldest of nine children and spent her youth on a farm south of Beulah. On August 13,1949, she married Harry Donald Wetzel of Zap, in Beulah. She remained in Beulah all of her life. Most of Lenore's time was spent taking care of her household and raising her family. When she found the time, she used her God given talents to enrich her home and families' lives by sewing, knitting, painting, ceramics and stitched the most intricate cross stitch patterns. She enjoyed bowling, participating in a league for many years. Later in life when family time allowed, she began golfing and also joined the golf league. She was a good cook and spent many of her days feeding family and relatives. She is survived by Donald, her husband of 53 years; her three daughters and two sons-in-law, Kay Smith, Lake Jackson, Texas, Marsha and Carey Johnson, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Beth and Jeri Jankowski, Beulah; two sons and two daughters-in-law, Barry and Dee Dee, Beulah, and Kim and Vicki, Bismarck; her 14 grandchildren, Josh and Sarah Smith, Lake Jackson, Texas, Briana, Clara, Trevor and Amber Johnson Scottsdale, Ariz., Tyson and Haley Jankowski, Beulah, Michael, Cory and Erin Wetzel, Beulah and Cole, Oran and Kara Wetzel, Bismarck; four sisters, June Dolce, Liberty Lake, Wash., Lois Lang, Sidney, Mont., Marilyn Gustafson, Stanton, and Colleen Flemmer, Stevensville, Mont.; and three brothers, Gale Abbey, Glendive, Mont., Jim Abbey, Glendale, Ariz., and Alan Abbey, Beulah. Lenore was preceded in death by her mother and father, and one sister, Donna Abbey Stasel. Arrangements conducted by Seibel Funeral Homes, Beulah and Hazen.
Robert Duane Wetzel died December 8, 2012, in Yuma, Yuma Co., AZ, at age 81.
The Yuma Sun, Yuma, Yuma Co., AZ, December 15, 2012
Robert Duane Wetzel
Robert Duane Wetzel passed on peacefully on December 8, 2012. He was born on June 16, 1930. Robert served in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War. Following his service in the Navy, he moved back to his home state of North Dakota. He worked in the Power Plant industry for his entire career beginning in North Dakota, later moving to Louisiana, then to Kansas, finally to Utah from whence he retired. He had many passions in his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed pheasant hunting and fishing. After moving to Utah, he became a rock hound and enjoyed digging for fossils. He had a continued zeal for service in the American Legion throughout his life, serving as an honor guard for many veterans' funerals. His father and mother (Harry and Frances Wetzel) and his brother (Dale Wetzel) preceded Robert in passing. His brothers (Donald and James), his three sons (Kyle, Ross, and Bradley Wetzel), and three grandchildren (Francine, Kevin, and Tyler) survive him. Service will be held for Robert on Tuesday, December 19, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. at Gila Mountain Methodist Church located at 12716 N. Frontage Rd. Yuma, AZ. A quiet ceremony will be held in the summer of 2013 in Beulah ND to bring his remains to where his parents are buried. Memorials may be given to the Disabled American Veterans or to the Gila Mountain Methodist Church of Yuma AZ.
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Home Latest Victim of Air Force’s worst crash remembered
Members of the local Squadron Air Training Corps pay their respects at Sholto Duncan’s grave. Photo: Tim Cuff.
Victim of Air Force’s worst crash remembered
Charles Anderson
The Nelson victim of the Royal New Zealand Airforce’s worst ever disaster has been remembered by the next generation of cadets – 65 years after it happened.
The crash at Wigram, which killed seven men near Christchurch in 1953, remains the worst RNZAF crash in New Zealand history.
Among the victims was Nelsonian Sholto Duncan, who was buried at Wakapuaka Cemetery.
Sholto Duncan was a decorated war veteran.
Sholto was the squadron leader and was a well-known and decorated war veteran, having flown fighter aircraft in the Pacific during World War II, from 1943 to 1945.
On Sunday members of the local Squadron Air Training Corps paid their respects at Sholto’s grave. There was a short speech, a calling of the roll of honour for those who had died and a rendition of the Last Post.
Armed forces veteran Brian Ramsay says it’s important that such occasions are marked.
“It’s about remembering these people who served their country. It’s saying to them that they will not be forgotten.”
The incident came after two Royal New Zealand Air Force De Havilland Devons, collided over Wigram Aerodrome. They had been part of the last section of a 27 aircraft flypast over Harewood International Airport marking the 1953 London to Christchurch Air Race Prize Giving Ceremony.
On Monday an official memorial was also unveiled at the crash site in Christchurch. It was the result of the work of retired engineer and Halswell community stalwart Ron Fensom who campaigned for years to get something to mark the incident.
John Duncan, formerly of Founders Brewery and Sholto’s son, made the trip south for the occasion.
“My whole life every time I see a plane fly over it reminds me of my dad, so it’s still a daily thing.”
The Press the next day described the crash sites as “piles of broken and tangled wreckage”. The engines were “deeply embedded in the earth under the wreckage”.
For John Duncan, the occasion was important to be there for.
“It was very good, quite poignant really and in some ways, it bought some sort of closure.”
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norfolk festival
Paul Bidanset
From Banjo to Bajo Sexto: Dan Margolies' International Roots Music Legacy and Free Concert Series
Dr. Dan Margolies is a history professor at Virginia Wesleyan College and though originally from Illinois, he currently calls Norfolk, Virginia his home. It might not surprise you to learn that someone whose profession is centered around the studying and teaching of yesteryear is so passionate about old time music. But before you typecast him, there are, however, many more interests, pursuits, and accomplishments of Dr. Margolies that likely will surprise you. To briefly mention a few:
He's the founder and Artistic Director of the Festival of Texas Fiddling, which "is the first and only festival dedicated to the full array of ethnic and regional styles of Texas fiddling, all held in a historic dance hall."
He's a clawhammering, banjo-wielding diplomat who's even performed traditional Korean music in Korea.
He's a bee man. In addition to raising bees, he's a past president of the Tidewater Beekeepers Association, as well as member of the Beekeepers Guild of Southeastern Virginia. He even created a short-film called Buddha in the Bee Yard for a Buddhist film festival. (He and his banjos provided the soundtrack.)
He's presented public shows with and is currently producing an album for conjunto and tejano music masters Lorenzo Martinez and Ramon “Rabbit” Sanchez.
And he even plays the bajo sexto himself:
He co-produced (with Charlie Lockwood) a cd titled “Traditional Music Of Texas, Volume 1: Fiddle Recordings From The Texas Folklife Archives” (2014).
With all of those extracurriculars, you wonder how he finds time to teach. One of his courses, “Music and Folk Culture of the Southern Appalachians,” actually sprouted a concert series. In support of the course, Dan founded the Virginia Wesleyan College Old Time Concert Series, now in its 11th year. The 2017 series will begin this week and continue through January. The lineup is as follows:
The Easy Winners (Seth Swingle's Full Band) | Wed., January 11th, 7:30 pm |
Banjo Virtuoso Seth Swingle | Thurs., January 12th, 7:30 pm |
Fiddler and Folklorist Joseph Decosimo | Wed., January 18th, 7:30 pm |
The Sunny Mountain Serenaders | Thurs., January 19th, 7:30 pm |
All concerts are free, open to the public, and held at Virginia Wesleyan College's Blocker Auditorium.
Dan was kind enough to share some background on his musical experiences, and what led to his current musical pursuits, including this concert series.
Paul Edward: How'd you first come into roots music?
Dan Margolies: I grew up in the listening to country and bluegrass, Hank Williams and Bill Monroe, going to bluegrass festivals, and that sort of stuff. So I was familiar with a good amount, but it wasn’t until I was 19 or 20 that I ran across real old hillbilly recordings from the 1920s of B.F. Shelton and Shortbuckle Roark recordings, those were the first two. And that just blew my mind. From there I just started getting as many old recordings as I could This was all pre-internet so it required a lot of digging and sending for things by mail. Got an old Tommy Jarrell LP, and that was it really. Then a boss of mine, who was a old timey blues player, told me that if I liked the old time stuff I should play it. He gave me a banjo to learn to play and that was that.
PE: What are your thoughts on roots music's importance and role within history and the community?
DM: There is an old saying that old time music is better than it sounds, which I think describes the vibe of the music perfectly. Kind of indicates how important and meaningful the whole community of old time musicians is, and how vital the associated and ineffable old timey stuff that goes with music is as well. The singularity and weirdness of it. It is a real diaspora of people in the middle of the homogenizing mass culture we find ourselves, not to mention the toxic environment mainstream society is descending into at the moment. On top of that, I am a big believer in regional distinctiveness and in fostering the sustainability of traditional cultures, especially distinctive music cultures. This is a handcrafted effort of people creating something real. Cultures get sustained because people make an effort and they participate and become involved. Playing music and joining a real community of people rather than just consuming or living one’s life in front of the internet or merely swiping at social media like a rodent. Also, I like the idea of bringing old time music to Tidewater since there is basically none of it and there needs to be.
PE: How did you become so involved in the Texas folk music scene, working with such prominent conjunto musicians?
DM: I spend a lot of time in Texas because it is the home of conjunto music, which I play and which I also write about. I have written several articles about it and am working on a book on conjunto music and cultural sustainability. I have been working with Santiago Jimenez, Jr., one of the great traditional accordionists, for a number of years on his memoir. I have done a number of projects as a consultant with Texas Folklife in Austin over the past few years. I started the Festival of Texas Fiddling in 2014, working initially under a partnership of two organizations, Texas Folklife and Texas Dance Hall Preservation, Inc. We ran the festival in that way for two years and now the Festival has become a stand alone non profit running independently. The Festival of Texas Fiddling is the only one in Texas dedicated to the full array of regional and ethnic fiddling styles in the state. It is a great time with some of the best music in the world, you should come down for it. Finally, I am also producing a cd of old school conjunto from two master musicians (also my mentors and friends) Lorenzo Martinez (accordion) and Rabbit Sanchez (bajo sexto) for Spring Fed Records in Tennessee. This is the first conjunto release for the label, which mostly has released old time music. This cd will be out in February. We are having release shows in Austin and San Antonio in February and in Nashville in March.
PE: Are there any common links you've noticed between old time, American folk, or Appalachian and that of Tejano and conjunto?
DM: Without any doubt Texas-Mexican conjunto music must be placed as one of the principal vernacular folk musics of the United States, alongside Appalachian old time music, Cajun and Zydeco music, blues, jazz, bluegrass, and western swing. Conjunto is the least known of the Southern music styles that also came to commercial prominence in the first decades of the twentieth century, and it is one which has never fully been incorporated into this canon either in the marketplace, in the U.S. popular mindset, or in the scholarly literature. I think the absence is mostly due to a combination of ethnocentrism and ignorance. Unlike those other genres, conjunto has remained very regional and it remains an extremely vibrant music and dance tradition.
Dan Margolies will be performing with his band Los Abejas del Norte at Brackish Water Jamboree's second annual NorFOLK Festival, Saturday, August 12th, on the grounds of O'Connor Brewing Co.
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Tagged: vwc, virginia wesleyan, old time, oldtime, music, series, norfolk folk festival, norfolk festival, roots music, folks music, tejano, lorenzo martinez, ramon sanchez, rabbit sanchez, conjunto, fest
Introducing: The NorFOLK Festival
Roots music is always found at the crossroads of music and culture - at the melting pots. The crossroads of Scots-Irish Appalachian settlers (fiddles and guitars) and African Americans (the African-native banjo) resulted oldtime music, with one of its many branches being bluegrass. The crossroads of bluegrass, ragtime, blues, and many other southern and western folk genres, led to country music. It's inherent in its very name: roots music - music that germinated and led to a new sound.
You could certainly make the case that "roots" is more of an adjective than a genre, but colloquially, "roots" music in today's American musical landscape more generally refers to music of a bygone era. It's a bit of an umbrella term referring to music that is ingrained with the style and instruments of an earlier, perhaps simpler time. It's a catchall that might refer to bands playing folk, Americana, honky-tonk - the list goes on. You might see more mandolins than electric guitars, and probably a few more banjos than drum sets. But, we're not here to define what roots music is or what roots music is not - just to give a bit of an "on average" stage setting.
Why the NorFOLK Festival?
Why not, say, Norfolk Roots Festival? Folk means people. Every aspect of this festival is for the people. We can attest firsthand to the amazing musicians in Tidewater and throughout Virginia, and to the high quality friendships and fellowship that come from knowing them . We aim to further bring the community together around this music so people will make memories, forge friendships, and hopefully discover new passions in bands they otherwise wouldn't have heard of, or an instrument they otherwise wouldn't have been motivated to learn ( we'd also be lying if we didn't mention that the wonderful pun of "NorFOLK" didn't play a role in the naming...). Also, because this festival is for the people, admission will be completely free.
Why Norfolk?
Hampton Roads isn't a big contender for many nationally touring roots music acts. The major corridors don't go through the area, and acts don't always make the trip all the way to our coastal corner. There are certainly some very talented national roots music acts coming to Hampton Roads, but not with the same frequency as to Richmond, Raleigh, or D.C. We'd like to create another reason to bring national talent to the area, and hopefully increase demand in and overall awareness of Hampton Roads as a tour stop for future acts.
The mission of Norfolk Folk Festival is threefold:
Help foster and facilitate the community of roots music and its fans within Hampton Roads
Recognize and celebrate local and regional roots music performers
Bring national roots music talent to the area
The festival, held July 2, 2016, is presented by Brackish Water Jamboree and hosted on the grounds of O'Connor Brewing. Stay tuned for the lineup. It's being finalized and should be announced within the coming weeks. We're all very excited. Thank you for reading and we hope to see you out there.
- Paul Edward, Founder
Be the first to get updates on the festival, lineup, and roots music concerts in Hampton Roads all year long.
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Tagged: norfolk folk festival, norfolk festival, roots music
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Queen Sofia Junior Research Fellowship, Exeter College, University of Oxford, UK
Bagi anda yang sedang mencari informasi tentang Queen Sofia Junior Research Fellowship, Exeter College, University of Oxford, UK maka di bawah ini Informasi Kuliah Indonesia kuliah-sabtu-minggu.com menyampaikan tentang Queen Sofia Junior Research Fellowship, Exeter College, University of Oxford, UK sebagai berikut:
Exeter College proposes to elect to the Queen Sofia Junior Research Fellowship in Modern and Contemporary Peninsular Spanish Literature from 1 October 2011. The Fellowship is open equally to men and women and is tenable for two years in the first instance, renewable for a further period of one year only. The College will normally consider applications both from persons well advanced in their work for a doctorate and from those engaged in post-doctoral research. The salary offered is £22,590 (inclusive of Housing Allowance; subject to deduction if accommodation in College is offered and accepted).
Further particulars may be obtained either from the website on http://www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/college/vacancies or the Academic Administrator, Exeter College, Oxford, OX1 3DP, e-mail: academic.administrator@exeter.ox.ac.uk to whom applications should be submitted.
Candidates are asked to submit a curriculum vitae and to ask three referees to write directly to the Academic Administrator by the closing date for applications which is noon on Wednesday 23rd February 2011. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 27th April 2011.
Exeter College is an Equal Opportunities Employer and values diversity.
Imam Bukhari & Imam Tirmizi Visiting Research Fellowships, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, UK Applications for the academic year 2012-2013 are invited for the Imam Bukhari and Imam Tirmizi Visiting Research Fellowships. Applicants should be citizens of countries in Asia or Africa. […]
Lord Crewe Junior Research Fellowship in Music, Lincoln College, University of Oxford, UK The Governing Body of Lincoln College invites applications for this Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Music, tenable for a fixed term of three years from 1st April 2011, or as soon as […]
Undergraduate Scholarships, University of Exeter Foundation, UK Announcing the creation of 10 scholarships valued at £11,940 each The University of Exeter and INTO University of Exeter invite applications for the University of Exeter Foundation […]
Shorenstein Fellowships in Contemporary Asia at Stanford University The Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center in the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies is pleased to announce its 2012–2013 Walter H. Shorenstein Fellowships. […]
Shorenstein Fellowships in Contemporary Asia, Stanford University, USA The Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center in the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies is pleased to announce its 2012–2013 Walter H. Shorenstein Fellowships. […]
Asian Graduate Student Fellowships, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore The Asia Research Institute of NUS invites applications from citizens of Asian countries enrolled for a fulltime advanced degree at a university in an Asian country (except Singapore) […]
Journalism Fellowship Programme, Reuters Institute, University of Oxford, UK The Journalism Fellowship Programme at Oxford offers a practical form of professional assistance to established and mid-career journalists. Its purpose is to allow journalists to tackle […]
Scholarships for International Students by University of Exeter Foundation University of Exeter Foundation Scholarships Announcing the creation of 10 scholarships valued at £11,940 each The University of Exeter and INTO University of Exeter invite applications […]
Nedlands (Secondary) Teachers College Memorial Award, Edith Cowan University, Australia The Nedlands (Secondary) Teachers College Memorial Award is aimed at supporting a rural/remote secondary teacher in building professional competence through study at ECU at masters […]
Queen Elizabeth II Scholarships, University of Birmingham, UK The University of Birmingham is delighted to offer the Queen Elizabeth II international scholarships worth £7,000 towards tuition fees for a one year masters course to graduates of the […]
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Mr. Kyung Youl Yoon, the Korean-American Artist, is very passionate about Abstract Painting. His great efforts and exploration in art has led to his outstanding achievements. When the delegation of our Gallery visited the United States for the Art Exchange Exhibition this year, the director of the Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson University, Professor Cong Zhiyuan, introduced us to Mr. Kyung Youl Yoon. When we met him, we were able to experience his phenomenal artwork. Following this encounter, we invited Professor Cong as the curator, and we selected 50 paintings from Mr. Yoon’s outstanding artworks to be exhibited in Shanghai Liu Haisu Art Museum.
As one of the modern mainstream painting art styles which has greatly changed the world of art, abstract art has influenced the entire art development from the early 20th century to the mid-20th century. There were a number of avant-garde artists that surfaced after Kandinsky and Malevich. They spread out the spirit of modern art, and constantly explored the possibility of different kinds of abstract arts. In particular, the “De Stijl” art movement which originated from the Dutch, and the European “Dadaism” art movement became very popular. During the World War II, there were a large number of European modern artists that moved to America. During this era, they developed the “Abstract Expression,” which was a new genre that focused on abstract form and subjective motive. Abstract Expression was very popular at that time, and became one of the most important art movements. Abstract Expression has made a great impact in the development of abstract art and abstract painting. Today, in this 21st century, art lives in a multi-polarized age, where the society needs projects that awaken the minds, or express historical themes of significance, and yet simultaneously provide tranquility, so that they can relax and escape from the fast-paced developments of cities. Mr. Kyung Youl Yoon’s artworks achieve these ends; they bring peace to people’s minds. “As I am chased by the busy realities of life, I experience things that are hidden under my subconsciousness,” he says. “And I have a moment to look away from the reality. I take a look at natural occurrences and the sky at night. I become lost in that cold silence and peace.” Mr. Yoon’s inner world brings into this noisy world a piece of quietness.
This exhibition displays the best works of Mr. Yoon, a collection of work from 1997 to 2013. It displays his artistic achievements of nearly 20 years. The rich inner world is the inspiration for Mr. Yoon’s creation, which makes his paintings really mystical. These paintings contain Western styles of art, but they also have a touch of Eastern symbols embedded in them. This results in a unique beauty that combines the Eastern and Western worlds of art. His paintings also depict a kind of moderation with ambulatory lines, and comely, beautiful colors, soft and subtle. He uses abstract to inspire people to find beauty and create beauty in their seemingly normal life, which is what we need nowadays in our society. The moon, the mountain, and the trees that he paints are simple and yet attractive. Isn’t that the best part of art?
I would like to give special thanks to Professor Cong Zhiyuan for his contribution to this exhibition, which will make this exchange exhibition very successful. I believe this exhibition will bring a completely different visual experience to the audience and strike a chord with them. We hope that Mr. Kyung Youl Yoon enjoys his trip in China!
I sincerely wish great success for the “Kyung Youl Yoon’s Art Exhibition”.
Shanghai Liu Haisu Art Museum
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What Would D. Parke Gibson Say?
by Debra Miller, Ed.D., APR, Fellow PRSA
In celebration of Black History Month in February, PRSA invited prominent black leaders in the public relations profession to offer their views on race and public relations and their ideas for achieving greater racial and ethnic diversity in the industry. This is the seventh and last in the series.
If D. Parke Gibson were alive today, what would he say about race and public relations? Would he be proud of what we have accomplished so far? Would he feel disappointed because we have not achieved enough?
D. Parke Gibson was a pioneer in the field of public relations, and his legacy paved the way for generations of African-Americans and other people of color who aspired to succeed in this profession. His accomplishments have inspired us to pursue a profession that did not initially welcome us with open arms, and he made it possible for many of us to have successful careers. In turn, the profession has benefited greatly from our contributions. In 2006, I received the coveted D. Parke Gibson Award honoring multicultural achievement in public relations. Only then did I begin to think about Gibson’s view of where we’ve come to date.
I do believe that he would be honored that an award for multiculturalism has been named for him. I think he would be proud that the ranks of professionals of color have grown over the past 30 years, as well as the number of public relations firms owned by people of color and of public relations undergraduate programs at colleges and universities with vibrant minority representation. I think he also would celebrate the fact that PRSA has had two African-Americans as national chair & CEO and one — soon to be two — of Hispanic heritage. Two winners of the Gold Anvil, our profession’s highest individual award, are persons of color. And the list goes on and on.
I know he also would view with esteem the presidency of Barack Obama and the fact that senior administration officials and White House communicators hail from diverse backgrounds. He would probably express gleeful surprise that the buying power of African-Americans has grown from the 30 billion he spoke of in his seminal work to 70 billion in his second book to nearly a trillion dollars today. That figure becomes several trillion dollars when you include all people of color.
With all of this progress, I think he’d give us a big fist bump, but then ask us what we plan to do next. Despite all of the milestones we have achieved as a nation, a profession and a people, there is still more that can be done. In fact, our work will never be done as long as we sustain the topic of race as an integral part of human discourse.
Finally, let me close with a forward-looking thought. If we want to increase the number of public relations professionals of color, we need to make sure young professionals are confident that the profession is a viable career option. Exposure and education, after all, are the great equalizers.
We need to take our message to the classrooms of graduate schools, as well as junior high schools across the country. If each of us commits to participating in one career day, or inviting one student to shadow us in the workplace, or mentoring a young professional who has a passion for writing, we could really make a difference. We also can engage social media and other new communications technologies to help us tell our story about what a public relations professional really does, the types of organizations we work for and what it takes to have a successful and lucrative career. We could even create a Bateman Case Study or Chapter project around it. Or, let’s think about creating a national Public Relations Day when we all commit to visit schools across the country and talk about the profession and what is has to offer. These are just a few ideas, and there are many others we can think of. Bottom line — we just need to get it done.
I know Mr. Gibson would approve of my giving a hearty shout out to my colleagues who have enriched our profession with diversity. If you happen to be one of those folks who benefited from doors kicked open by others in the past, please remember to hold the door open for the next person. Our survival as a dynamic and diverse profession depends on it.
Mr. Gibson, thank you for all you did for us. We will continue to make you proud.
BHM Black History Month Corporate Communications and Public Relations Diversity Diversity in Public Relations thought-leadership
Public Relations and Diversity: Momentum and Dialogue Are Building
Connecting Associations: Why “Sharing is Caring”
Debra Miller, Ed.D., APR, Fellow PRSA
Debra A. Miller, Ed.D., APR, Fellow PRSA, is the director of public relations and marketing at Quarles & Brady LLP. She is the recipient of both the Gold Anvil and the D. Parke Gibson Awards and became the first African-American president of PRSA in 1997.
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Beta Phi Chapter began its existence as a social club called the Emanon Club. With little formal organization at first, the Emanon Club was essentially the first generation of Pi Kappa Alpha at Purdue University. The members of the Emanon Club sought to become a national fraternity and after much research they chose Pi Kappa Alpha. Through strong leadership the Emanon Club grew into the Beta Phi chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha. At that time, the chapter house at 175 Littleton symbolized the common goal of establishing a permanent existence for the chapter and its members. As times changed and the chapter grew, Beta Phi moved into a larger house at 149 Andrew Place.
Today the chapter house stands on 629 University Street. On the edge of campus, where we still stand proud, Beta Phi is now in its third generation. Beta Phi continues its tradition of outstanding leadership, nationally, by winning Smythe chapter excellence awards, and locally by nurturing bright campus leaders into successful young men. Pi Kappa Alpha has established itself as a dominant Greek letter organization on campus.
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Home > Architecture > Alhambra- A Moorish Affair, Spain
Alhambra- A Moorish Affair, Spain
The ancient city of Granada is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in southern Spain, but the city gets is charm from the exquisite citadel and palace carrying along a celebrated history, the Alhambra. Belonging to the medieval ages, it is the only Muslim palace in the world that has survived till today. Perched on a hilltop, the grand palace was built by the Muslim ruler Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar to serve as their protection on the Iberian Peninsula, towards the end on the 13th century. The death of the prophet Mohammed in 632 AD led to the spread of the Islamic empire away from Arabia. At its peak, the empire stretched across continents, from India to Portugal.
The Moors were nomadic people from North African country of Morocco. They were Islamic converts who made it into the Iberian Peninsula by crossing the Strait of Gibraltar. From the 8th century onwards, they had established their rule throughout Spain. Alhambra was the highlight of their entire kingdom, a symbol of their glory. Spain had been reconquered by the Christian monarchs in 1492 by the time its construction was finished. The Christian rulers also began to use certain portions of the Alhambra, with Charles V building his own palace within the Alhambra. The Alhambra thus became the last Moorish refuge, managing to flourish for another 2 centuries through trade, commerce and diplomacy in full swing.
The Alhambra didn’t gain any more artistic Islamic influences from the rest of the world, it is safe to say, and it was largely sequestered and soon developed exotic and unique artwork that is still visible to the visitor today. Its name ‘Alhambra’ translates to the Arabic word which means “red fortress”. Being built from red clay, the name deemed to be most suitable for it. The picturesque whitewashed buildings nestled in a forest led a Moorish poet to describe it as “a pearl set in emeralds”. An oasis of decorative serenity along with its chambers and verdant gardens is tucked amidst its awe inspiring castle walls and towers. The European influences are evident on the Islamic structure. This happened after the Moors were expelled from Granada.
The square and bland exterior conceals a fine form of Islamic artwork. Courtyards with small fountains, magnificent palaces, and secret gardens that evoke the tranquillity in the region are enclosed with striking ramparts of the Alhambra. The over scale of the Alhambra is impressive with exquisite details. The effort of the workers put into minute details of these features is evident.
Inside, on every surface, one can observe geometric patterns of interlocking shapes. These decorative features represent God, as in those days, the depiction of the human form was forbidden by religion. The same is also represented in the ornate calligraphy used for quotations of the Koran. The massive honeycomb ceilings with elaborate mouldings are breathtaking and they were also inspired by geometry.
Most of the parts which seem nothing but ordinary in the daylight, are magnificent in the night. It is said that the Alhambra was built to be seen in the night, with its shining marble retaining its whiteness and undoing its weather stains of the daytime, unlike most constructions of the period. There are four gates to the Alhambra walls one of the tourist routes to enter is through the Gate of Justice, also known as Gate of the Esplanade. The gate was built in 1348 and stands as the largest gate out of the four. Make sure to pick up an English audio tour for information of the monument. The Alcazaba building is a must visit, it was used for military affairs. The renowned ‘Vela Tower’ is located here, from where one can witness some breathtaking views of Sierra Nevada. The ruins of baths and water tanks are still visible today.
Constructed in 1533, the Palace of Charles V is a beautiful piece of renaissance architecture, with Italian influences. The museum of Alhambra is situated on the ground floor of the palace. The Granada Music and Dance festival as well as exhibitions are known to take place in its courtyard. Alhamar, the founder of the dynasty, constructed this complex of palaces in the 13th century, known as the Palacios Nazaríes. It comprises of three strikingly beautiful palaces, namely: The Mexuar, The Comares and The Palace of the Lions.
While exploring the Alhambra, the visitor will enjoy a thrilling experience discovering space that filter light through ornate screens, a classic concept used in Islamic architecture. Wafting scents from the nearby garden, and the calm breeze will guide the visitors passing between rooms to explore more of the palace’s open plan. A pleasant combination of nature and pragmatism is evident in every corner of this majestic monument. Water has played a significant role in the concept of this monument, right from the running water flowing through hidden stone channels to exquisitely decorated fountains. The water required by the palace is satisfied the diversion of water from the Daro River from a channel cut through the Assabica hill on which the Alhambra stands.
Most of the striking Islamic artwork has been lost after the Christian monarchs extended their control over Granada. But, the vision and glory of the Moorish leaders outplays the trials and tribulations the Alhambra may have gone through, the monument today, stands as an architectural masterpiece they left behind in Spain.
This entry was posted in Architecture and tagged Alhambra, The Alhambra on 30.04.2014 by admin.
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Kennedy Leaves SDA Amid String of High-Level Defense Departures
June 22, 2019 Doug Messier News Leave a comment
Fred Kennedy
Well, that was fast.
Fred Kennedy has resigned his job as head of the Defense Department’s new Space Development Agency (SDA) after a mere months on the job. He returned to the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA), from which he had been detailed.
The new agency, whose purpose is to cut through the Pentagon’s red tape and quickly field new space systems, is under the authority of Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Mike Griffin.
Kennedy’s decision comes amid a series of high-level departures at the Department of Defense that will affect the Pentagon’s ability to modernize space acquisition and the Trump Administration’s drive to establish an independent space force as a sixth branch of the Armed Services.
Breaking Defense reports on the possible reasons for Kennedy’s departure:
Several sources say there has been turmoil in Griffin’s shop — which also oversees the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) — for some time. These sources say that Griffin’s management has been uneven, and that there are tensions with him, and his deputy Lisa Porter, that are transmitting down the chain as she tried to impose his orders.
Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, who had made the SDA one of his top priorities, also resigned this week. His bid to become confirmed by the Senate as defense secretary was torpedoed by reports of domestic violence incidents with his former wife.
SpaceNews reports that Shanahan’s departure, disagreements with Griffin, and weak support for SDA likely played a role in Kennedy’s departure:
It is not clear exactly what prompted Kennedy to resign. According to two sources, he and Griffin were not seeing eye to eye on how the SDA should be run.
Babb, the DoD spokeswoman, told SpaceNews that Shanahan’s departure is not expected to impact the SDA. “There is no change to the mission or activities of the Space Development Agency. SDA will drive the department’s future threat-driven space architecture and will accelerate the development and fielding of the new military space capabilities necessary to ensure our technological and military advantage in space for national defense.”
Several sources told SpaceNews that the agency might not get the same level of support it got from Shanahan and that there are still factions in the Pentagon that don’t see a real purpose for the SDA and view it as duplicative of what other organizations do in the Air Force.
Kennedy’s departure came on the heels of the departure of Chris Shank, who headed up the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO). Breaking Defense reports the departure came after Griffin decided to move the office to DARPA.
“My integrity and belief in SCO’s mission is more important to me than my friendship over many years with Mike (Griffin).” That is why the head of the Pentagon’s vaunted Strategic Capabilities Office, Chris Shank, has resigned rather than see his office transferred to DARPA.
Griffin called Shank into his office on Friday and told him the office would be transferred and asked for Shank’s resignation. He agreed and immediately resigned.
Griffin has pushed hard for the transfer of the SCO but Rep. Mac Thornberry, top HASC Republican, added language calling for more study of the move in the HASC National Defense Authorization Act markup last Wednesday. The Senate Armed Services Committee added similar language. They are not alone in opposing the transfer of SCO, which has been seen as the lead Pentagon office for taking advanced technologies and getting them into the hands of troops quickly, within two to five years. DARPA is not designed to do that.
Finally, John Stopher has submitted his resignation as the U.S. Air Force’s deputy secretary for space. Stopher had worked closely with Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson in addressing the Trump Administration’s goal of establishing a space force.
Wilson was generally opposed to an independent space force. She left the Pentagon for the private sector at the end of May.
The turmoil at the Pentagon comes as Congress has pushed back against Trump’s plan for a space force. House and Senate bills for fiscal year 2020 call for a reorganization of space capabilities under the U.S. Air Force.
NASA Selects Astrobotic for Two SBIR Awards
RockOn! and RockSat-C: Launching Student Experiments to Space
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How New York's Marijuana Legalization Effort Stumbled Near Finish Line
With the dust settled over New York’s failure to legalize adult-use marijuana, politicians, advocates, and opponents are speaking out on what went wrong and why.
It looked like 2019 was New York‘s year to legalize marijuana. With a commanding Democratic majority of both houses of the state legislature and a third-term governor who pledged to legalize the “adult use of recreational marijuana once and for all,” the bill still crumbled under the weight of its many complex issues and a governor who, in the end, wasn’t quite ready twist the necessary arms of his undecided colleagues.
“Although there was, and continues to be, wide support for cannabis legalization in New York state, the bill ultimately died due to some combination of fear, disagreement with respect to some of the finer points, and the last-minute emergence of a decriminalization bill,” said New York-based attorney Cristina Buccola, who is a cannabis and hemp business developer.
Although there was, and continues to be, wide support for cannabis legalization in New York state, the bill ultimately died due to some combination of fear, disagreement with respect to some of the finer points, and the last-minute emergence of a decriminalization bill.
The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) was introduced by a longtime advocate for drug policy reform, Democratic state Sen. Liz Krueger, along with Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, with the insistence that it must include reasonable reparations for communities affected by the drug war.
Dividing the Revenue
Kassandra Frederique, New York director for the pro-legalization Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), explained that one of the finer points was how proceeds from cannabis revenue would be allocated and who would be allowed to participate in the legal industry.
“We’ve worked long and hard to reform cannabis policy and the negative effect that prohibition has had on our communities,” Frederique told a gathering at a film screening of marijuana documentary “Grass is Greener.”
“We want our legislators and governor to be accountable to us and not to company shareholders,” Frederique said. “The powers that be were intending to create the structure for a giveaway and that’s unacceptable.”
Frederique noted that the booming cannabis industry, which put millions of African Americans and Latinos behind bars, is “barely accessible to people of color.”
The numbers show she’s right. Fewer than one-fifth of marijuana business owners are racial minorities, and only 4.3% are black, according to data collected by Marijuana Business Daily.
“The failure of the bill was less about legalization and more about how the industry was going to be regulated … who was going to control what we created through our effort,” Frederique said of her fellow legislators and legalization advocates. “And about what we demand for our communities, which have suffered under the war on drugs.”
The Governor’s Role
The legalization bill was dropped from the 2019 budget process in May when lawmakers ran up against determined pushback both from opponents concerned about such issues as stoned teen driving as well as supporters who were unhappy with some of its provisions.
Had the bill been included in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2019 budget, it could have been folded into a package of other priorities that would have made it more difficult for undecided lawmakers to turn down.
On June 2, 2019, when Cuomo told reporters that the bill was no longer “feasible at this point” and chided Democratic colleagues for not garnering enough votes to pass it, Krueger said the governor could have made a difference … if he’d wanted to.
“We realized that the governor had pulled away,” Krueger said in the New York Daily News on July 7, 2019. “For whatever reason, he decided he wasn’t ready to really try to get it done in the budget.”
Krueger said she was disappointed when the bill collapsed with the lack of support from nine democratic senators, six from Long Island and several from New York City and Westchester.
“Hopefully now that we have dipped our toes into reforming our outdated prohibition policies, we will soon be able to find the courage to dive into full legalization that is supported by a majority of voters in every region of the state,” Krueger said, as reported by the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
Sharing the Blame
DPA’s Frederique said Cuomo, Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, did not do enough to get the bill passed.
“All three are to blame,” said Frederique on WAMC/Northeast Public Radio Radio. “We know that we have a governor. If he wants something to happen he makes it happen.”
“The merits of the legalization bill were never in question,” said Frederique in an emailed statement. “Instead, we lost the game of politics — horse-trading around other bills and retribution for legislators’ votes on unrelated bills.”
The merits of the legalization bill were never in question. Instead, New York legislators lost the game of politics. Click To Tweet
Decriminalization Passes, Though
When the legalization bill was dropped, the Legislature on June 20, 2019, approved the decriminalization bill, which includes automatic expungement of up to 900,000 low-level marijuana convictions.
Frederique was among those unsatisfied with the decriminalization bill, which she said will do nothing to fix New York’s racial disparities in marijuana arrests but rather will expand the discretion of law enforcement agents who can continue making arrests as they see fit.
“Anything short of full legalization keeps black and Latinx individuals disproportionately in the crosshairs of harmful enforcement practices,” Frederique told Weedmaps News.
When New York decriminalized possession of small amounts of cannabis in 1977, it did little to stop low-level cannabis arrests over the last 40-plus years that followed.
As recently as 2017, in New York City alone, 16,924 people were arrested for low-level marijuana possession and smoking in public; 86% of those arrests were men and women of color.
David Holland, executive and legal director for the New York branch of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), said encounters with police over marijuana possession can still have a negative effect on people’s lives.
“Anyone arrested with more than 2 ounces [of marijuana] can still end up in jail, which means separation from family, possible loss of employment, and in the case of immigrants, deportation.”
Holland added that formerly incarcerated individuals could still face parole or probation violations if found in possession of cannabis.
“The program’s system of fines will also weigh on those who can least afford it,” Holland added.
Schedule I Remains a Problem
The illicit market has not disappeared in legal marijuana states and probably won’t as long as weed remains categorized as a Schedule l substance.
“Legalizing marijuana on a federal level would make huge strides toward eliminating the black market,” Buccola said.
With further decriminalization of illicit marijuana, sales are likely to grow as the penalty for pot possession declines.
“Failure to implement regulated cannabis legalization programs just serves to further entrench the illicit market,” Buccola said.
Mike Vigil, former Chief of International Operations for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), told Weedmaps News that the illicit market for marijuana is going strong.
“Marijuana is still coming across the border from Mexico, mostly through the tunnels. No doubt about it, the cartels are undercutting U.S. growers and dispensaries,” said Vigil, who spent nearly two decades working undercover with the DEA in Mexico and Colombia.
“Marijuana shipments may have slowed down while other drugs have picked up,” Vigil said, “but it’s still moving across the U.S. border.”
Feature image: New York seemed ready to legalize marijuana, but legislators were challenged to find common ground. (Weedmaps file photo)
By Maureen Meehan| 2019-07-10T16:10:01-07:00 July 10th, 2019|Lifestyle, Medical Marijuana, Politics|
Audit: California Cannabis Regulators Struggle with Job Demands, Staffing
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Poway High's Voice
Atkinson’s on fashion
Youtube should take control
March 6, 2018 Powayiliad Entertainment, Iliad
HANNAH WILLIAMS / Editor-in-Chief
YouTube vlogger Logan Paul shocked his 15 million viewers after posting a vlog on Dec. 31 that took place in Japan’s Mount Fiji known as the “Suicide Forest” famous for the high number of self-inflicted deaths that occur there. Paul captured the group’s discovery of a dead body.
During the video, Paul and his friends were seen laughing and zooming in on the deceased man. Though the video has since been removed, his insensitive actions has caused quite a stir in the media, and is the most talked about YouTube controversy since the youtuber ‘PewDiePie’ was punished last year for inappropriate content. Many of Paul’s fellow YouTuber’s complained that “Suicide is not a joke, nor should it ever be a driving force for views.”
“Logan Paul is super insensitive and needs to think before he speaks especially when he has so many young viewers,” senior Mara Spivey said.
YouTube has grown to be such a large platform, that it should be more prepared when encountering these problems instead of taking nearly two weeks to take action. That video should have been removed from the platform within 24 hours of it being uploaded, but instead Paul had to take it down himself.
Eventually, they pulled Paul’s channel from Google Preferred and put on hold two other projects on YouTube Red he’s involved in. Paul recognized he has made a serious error, tweeting that he had been “misguided by shock and awe.” He has expressed remorse for them in an apology video, but that was seen as shallow. He later announced he’ll be taking a break from posting videos.
“Making comedy out of suicide is inconsiderate and offensive to not only the viewers of the video, but also the victims, family,” senior Rena Khodaverdi said.
After all the consequences are set in place, that doesn’t mean Paul’s career is over. With 15 million subscribers, he was the fourth highest paid YouTube star in 2016, and has a dedicated fan base who will still watch his videos and buy merchandise.
This incident has given YouTubers the insight of how far is too far, and have made it very clear that this does not represent YouTube culture for one’s actions. YouTube stated they are going to watch more carefully what is being posted. Youtubers should remember that they are influencers and role models for the young generation.
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Quotes about literature
Literature is an occupation in which you have to keep proving your talent to people who have none.
talent writing literature
Frederick William was deeply disappointed by his son, the future Frederick the Great, who in his youth seemed more interested in French culture, music, and literature than in the military virtues. The father's disaffection turned to actual hatred, and his treatment became so harsh that the young prince decided to run away, with the aid of two accomplices, Lieutenants Katte and Keith. The plan was discovered; Keith escaped, but the prince and Katte were captured and court-martialed. Katte was sentenced to life imprisonment, Frederick to solitary confinement. Frederick William, deciding that Katte's sentence was too lenient, had him beheaded in the presence of Prince Frederick. This drastic measure had the desired effect; Frederick asked the king's pardon and began to apply himself to acquiring the Prussian military philosophy.
—The Little, Brown Book of Anecdotes
history music escape art youth culture literature Prussia
The liveliness of literature lies in its exceptionality, in being the individual, idiosyncratic vision of one human being, in which, to our delight and great surprise, we may find our own vision reflected.
books art literature surprise delight liveliness
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Director Rebecca Stern talks about “Well Groomed”
March 11th, 2019 Posted by pamela Interviews, Review 0 thoughts on “Director Rebecca Stern talks about “Well Groomed””
Rebecca Stern’s production pedigree includes serious and timely documentaries such as “The Bomb” and “Netizens,” but now seated in the director’s chair, she turns over a new leaf to develop a vibrant film about creative dog grooming with “Well Groomed” premiering at the 2019 SXSW Film Festival. On the surface, the film is wonderful fluff (pun intended), but scratching just beneath the exterior, we find a story of women expressing their artistic skills, supporting one another, and developing friendships through this fiercely competitive sport.
I recently connected with Stern to discuss the making of “Well Groomed,” and as we discussed her background in production, she readily admitted that she “…never had an intent to become a producer…I always thought that I’d become a lawyer. Both my parents were lawyers and I’ve always had an affinity for language and I enjoy arguing…” A law degree was not in the cards for this Pasadena, CA native. She chuckled, agreeing with Greta Gerwig’s description of the town in “Ladybird,” and shared that while she had a family dog, a Lab Pitt Bull mix, she also had a lot of cats. In fact, these were feral cats. “I’m one of those rare people that go on both sides of the dog versus cat argument.” She continued to reminisce about her childhood, recalling she and her father spending time together gathering and adopting out feral kittens found nearby. But much to her mother’s chagrin, several of the kittens found a home with Stern and said, “That’s the way I grew up. Surrounded by animals and they were always a part of the family.”
Stern, like many of us, had never heard of creative dog grooming or the competitive sport of it. In fact, she joked, her childhood pup didn’t have a whole lot of grooming. “There was no grooming (pause) at all (pause) even though maybe there should have been!” After attending a Halloween dog parade in NYC, she began her research about the entire dog community, grooming, cultures, trends, and then she saw it on the internet—photos of wildly groomed and colorful canines and she had to know more. She had never seen anything like it, and as she said, “It’s pretty hard to have that reaction in this day and age!”
Stern actually began working on “Well Groomed” during her first job as assistant producer for “Cartel Land” directed by Matthew Heineman. As filming in Mexico City took Heineman away from their location in New York City for weeks at a time, Stern said, “I wanted an excuse to spend more time with dogs [and] it was a good way to marry an old passion which is of pets and animals and a new passion of documentary filmmaking.”
Stern was then connected to groomers on Facebook and attended a dog show in Pasadena. As she got to know several groomers and their dogs, she began filming more than 100 hours to create her 8-minute short. While this may seem excessive, Stern found that she had established a relationship with many of the groomers and when it was time to go back to set up production for the feature film, she knew exactly where to focus. In addition to the women she had already gotten to know in this arena, Stern wanted to additionally focus on someone who was just starting out in this field. She found a young artistic entrepreneur named Nicole from Ithaca, NY. With Adriane, Angela, and Cat, all seasoned groomers on the top of their creative game from various parts of the country, and now newcomer Nicole, Stern had the narrative arc to develop “characters” we care about and a story that is immediately engaging.
The women in the film couldn’t be any more different from one another, but they are all connected by their passion and artistry. Stern wanted to show, “How they were using this as a means to fulfill themselves in some way.” While all the women are fiercely competitive, wanting to win the Olympics of Creative Dog Grooming in Hershey, PA, they also support and help one another so they can all do their best. Stern said, “That’s so key.” She continued, “…they spend a lot of time supporting … and nurturing each other…” It’s this friendship and asking the question of what defines art that Stern found to be the goal of the film. While there are some critics of the skill, defining it as cruel to the animals, Stern said, “I never saw anything that I would think is bad for the dog. If anything, they’re incredibly well taken care of.” The film addresses this controversy using “…an archival montage of people asking the questions and their responses which I hope works well.”
I queried about working with kids and animals, two groups filmmakers always caution against and Stern laughed aloud and said, “I wish someone would have told me that adage!” Not every dog liked having a camera or crew there and Stern and her Director of Photography, Alexander W. Lewis had a zoom lens which enabled them to get the shots they needed without being too close to the dogs. “We had this one dog that loved to jump at anything that moved…so we had to film from the other side of the room,” she said with humor.
The final product is visually fun, educational, and affirming as you travel with these four women along their journey to not only compete at the highest level, but to see how their lives change. Stern found great fulfillment in making this film and shared that in her directing work, “I really wanted to find a way to bring more joy into my life and therefore into [viewers’] lives and to be able to smile with them.”
“Well Groomed” premiered at the SXSW Film Festival on Sunday, March 10 and will show on Monday, March 11 at 5 pm and Thursday, March 14 at 2:45 pm. For more information, go to SXSW Schedule
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Open Access Articles- Top Results for Caledonian Union
Caledonian Union
50x40px
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2009)
Daniel Goa
Separatism, Melanesian socialism, Christian democracy
National affiliation
None, close to the Socialist Party
European Parliament group
Politics of New Caledonia
The Caledonian Union (French: Union calédonienne, UC) is a pro-independence political party in New Caledonia. In the latest legislative elections of May 10, 2009, the party won around 11.65% of the popular vote, and 9 out of 54 seats in the Territorial Congress.[1]
The Caledonian Union was born as a cross-community (multi-ethnic) autonomist[further explanation needed] party led by Maurice Lenormand, who was the island's sole representative in the French National Assembly. There he sat with the Popular Republican Movement, or MRP, and other Christian democratic parties in France.
The party's first significant success was on February 8, 1953 with the election of 15 members of the Caledonian Union to the 25 seats General Council.[2][3]
However, the UC opposed to the arrival of Gaullist centralism in France, which undid most of the autonomist reforms of the French Fourth Republic (the Defferre laws). The UC grew more and more radical, and started flirting with independence, which eventually led to an outflow of Caldoches into new loyalist parties, such as the Rally for Caledonia in the Republic. Combined with corruption scandals, this weakened the party considerably.
In 1977 in Bourail, the UC adopted a nationalist platform, supported by Jean-Marie Tjibaou (and the rare European nationalists, such as Maurice Lenormand and Pierre Declercq). In 1979, the UC joined with the Party of Kanak Liberation (FLNKS) and other parties to form the Nationalist Front, which became the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) in 1984.
The UC was the largest faction in the FLNKS, led by Tjibaou. It was largely moderate, as opposed to the more radical Palika. Tjibaou was killed in 1989 by an extremist Kanak nationalist. In 2001, Roch Wamytan, the moderate leader of the UC, lost an election to Pascal Naouna, a radical. The UC has since broken with Palika within the FLNKS, which has no unitary president and is very divided. Charles Pidjot, Roch Pidjot's nephew, replaced Naouna in 2007. He died in 2012 and was then replaced himself by Daniel Goa
In the 2009 provincial elections, the party won 9 seats in the Congress of New Caledonia and around 11.65% of the vote. However, in the South Province, the UC ran on a common slate with Palika and won one of the four seats won by that list.
The UC controls the provincial presidency of the Loyalty Islands.
The UC favour the concept of independence-association similar to the Marshall Islands. However, the UC has taken a radical stance in favour of strict adherence to the terms of the Nouméa Accord, no talks with the loyalists. For example, the UC boycotted the visit of Jacques Chirac to the island in 2003.
32x28px New Caledonia portal
32x28px Politics portal
↑ In the legislative elections of May 9, 2004, the party won 11.9 % of the popular vote, and 7 out of 54 seats in the Territorial Congress.
↑ Pierre Bergès, Maurice Lenormand, Roch Pidjot, Matéo Aripoindi, Raphaël Bouanaoué, Kowi Bouillant, André Caron, Doui Matayo Wetta, Luther Enoka, Louis Eschembrenner, James Haeweng, Michel Kauma, Georges Newland, Elia Thidjine, Marc Tivollier
↑ Members of "Conseil General" from 1940 to 1957, The Congress of New Caledonia (in French), 2004
Political parties in New Caledonia 23x15px
Anti-independence
The Rally–UMP
Caledonia Together
Future Together
Rally for Caledonia
Movement for Diversity
National Front
Pro-independence
Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front
Party of Kanak Liberation
Melanesian Progressive Union
Federation of Pro-Independence Co-operation Committees
Kanak Socialist Liberation
Renewed Caledonian Union
List of political parties
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Open Access Articles- Top Results for Quincy, California
Quincy, California
census-designated place
</th></tr>
Motto: "Heart of the Feather River Country"[1]
Location in Plumas County and the state of California
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 371: attempt to index field 'ParserFunctions' (a nil value).Location in the United States
Coordinates: 39°56′11″N 120°56′53″W / 39.93639°N 120.94806°W / 39.93639; -120.94806Coordinates: 39°56′11″N 120°56′53″W / 39.93639°N 120.94806°W / 39.93639; -120.94806{{#coordinates:39|56|11|N|120|56|53|W|region:US_type:city |primary |name=
23x15px United States
23x15px California
Area[2]
4.239 sq mi (10.979 km2)
0 sq mi (0 km2) 0%
Elevation[3]
3,432 ft (1,046 m)
410/sq mi (160/km2)
Pacific (PST) (UTC-8)
PDT (UTC-7)
Quincy California Chamber of Commerce
Quincy (formerly, Quinsy)[4] is a census-designated place and the county seat of Plumas County, California.[5] The population was 1,728 during the 2010 census, down from 1,879 during the 2000 United States Census.
2 Geography and climate
4 Arts and culture
4.1 Annual cultural events
4.2 Museums and other points of interest
Quincy started as a Gold Rush community just outside of Elizabethtown, CA. Elizabethtown started in 1852 and slowly dissolved and moved a mile away into American Valley to form Quincy after 1858.
Quincy is named after the city of Quincy, Illinois, named in turn after John Quincy Adams (1767 - 1848), the sixth president of the United States (1825 - 1829).[6]
The Quincy post office opened in 1855.[4] James H. Bradley, one of the organizers of Plumas County, donated the land at Quincy for establishment of the county seat.[4] He then laid out the town and named it after his ranch in Illinois.[4]
Quincy is located at 39°56′11″N 120°56′53″W / 39.93639°N 120.94806°W / 39.93639; -120.94806{{#coordinates:39|56|11|N|120|56|53|W|type:city | |name= }} (39.936279, -120.947921).[7]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of Script error: No such module "convert"., all of it is land.
Quincy has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb) though its inland location and altitude makes it more continental and wetter than usual for this type, with very heavy snowfalls sometimes occurring in winter – the record being Script error: No such module "convert". in the very wet January 1916.[8][9] Although summer days are hot and only 1.4 days per winter fail to top Script error: No such module "convert"., nights can be very cold and frosts occur on 179 days per year and have been recorded even in July.
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This page is a soft redirect. Climate data for Quincy, California
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This page is a soft redirect.Source: WRCC (temperature normals 1895–2013),[10]
The 2010 United States Census[11] reported that Quincy had a population of 1,728. The population density was 407.6 people per square mile (157.4/km²). The racial makeup of Quincy was 1,500 (86.8%) White, Hispanic or Latino of any race were 132 persons (7.6%) 37 (2.1%) Black, 29 (1.7%) Native American, 19 (1.1%) Asian, 2 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 66 (3.8%) from other races, and 75 (4.3%) from two or more races.
The Census reported that 1,673 people (96.8% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 55 (3.2%) were institutionalized.
There were 798 households, out of which 183 (22.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 300 (37.6%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 85 (10.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 28 (3.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 63 (7.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 5 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 314 households (39.3%) were made up of individuals and 93 (11.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10. There were 413 families (51.8% of all households); the average family size was 2.77.
The population was spread out with 341 people (19.7%) under the age of 18, 163 people (9.4%) aged 18 to 24, 350 people (20.3%) aged 25 to 44, 556 people (32.2%) aged 45 to 64, and 318 people (18.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.5 years. For every 100 females there were 84.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.1 males.
There were 872 housing units at an average density of 205.7 per square mile (79.4/km²), of which 388 (48.6%) were owner-occupied, and 410 (51.4%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.5%. 872 people (50.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 801 people (46.4%) lived in rental housing units.
As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 1,879 people, 858 households, and 479 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 443.4 people per square mile (171.1/km²). There were 899 housing units at an average density of 212.2 per square mile (81.9/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.9% White, 1.5% African American, 2.2% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.8% of the population.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $30,508, and the median income for a family was $40,536. Males had a median income of $38,438 versus $27,411 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,944. About 5.1% of families and 11.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.
Annual cultural events
The town is noted as being the home of the High Sierra Music Festival since 1998, which celebrated its 22nd year in 2012.
Museums and other points of interest
Quincy contains the Plumas County Museum, which houses Maidu Indian and Gold Rush artifacts as well as many other items.
20px This section requires expansion. (June 2008)
In the California State Legislature, Quincy is in the 1st Senate District, represented by Republican Ted Gaines, and in the 1st Assembly District, represented by Republican Brian Dahle.[13]
Federally, Quincy is in California's 1st congressional district, represented by Republican Doug LaMalfa.[14]
Jason Ellison, former Major League Baseball outfielder; born in Quincy.[15]
^ "Quincy California Chamber of Commerce". Quincy California Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
^ "2010 Census U.S. Gazetteer Files – Places – California". United States Census Bureau.
^ "Quincy". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved December 30, 2014.
^ a b c d Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 410. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
^ "Profile for Quincy, California, CA". ePodunk. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
^ "Quincy, California Epodunk Database". 2006. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
^ QUINCY, CALIFORNIA (47195) – Monthly Total Snowfall
^ Precipitation Rankings – California Climate Division 2: January 1916
^ "Period of Record Monthly Climate Summary". Western Regional Climate Center. November 2013. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
^ "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Quincy CDP". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
^ "Statewide Database". UC Regents. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
^ "California's 1st Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
^ "Jason Ellison". Baseball-Reference.Com. Retrieved September 14, 2012.
40x40px Wikimedia Commons has media related to Quincy, California.
Quincy California Chamber of Commerce Portal style website, Government, Business, Library, Recreation and more
News from Quincy
Feather River Bulletin - Local newspaper
City-Data.com Comprehensive Statistical Data and more about Quincy
Municipalities and communities of Plumas County, California, United States
County seat: Quincy
Plumas County map
Beckwourth
Blairsden
C-Road
Canyondam
Chilcoot-Vinton
Crescent Mills
Cromberg
Delleker
East Quincy
Graeagle
Indian Falls
Johnsville
Keddie
Lake Almanor Country Club
Lake Almanor Peninsula
Lake Davis
Little Grass Valley
Mabie
Meadow Valley
Mohawk Vista
Plumas Eureka
Storrie
Warner Valley
Chilcoot
Drakesbad
Feather River Inn
Feather River Park
Grays Flat
Massack
Quincy Junction
Rock Creek Camp
Rock Crest
Rodgers Flat
Sloat
Spanish Ranch
Virgilia
Bells Bar
Bontes
China Gulch
Dentens
Edmanton
English Bar
Hopnomkoyo
Kerby
Kotasi
Little Jamison
Nakankoyo
Round Valley
Squirrel Creek
Tasikoyo
Walkermine
California county seats
Consolidated city-county
Downieville
This page is based on the copyrighted Wikipedia article Quincy, California; it is used under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License (CC-BY-SA). You may redistribute it, verbatim or modified, providing that you comply with the terms of the CC-BY-SA
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Matt D’Antuono
We Must Become What We Were Made To Be
We can choose what we think about, what our mind becomes, and we can constantly turn our hearts and minds back to God.
There is No Conflict Between Science and Religion
If there is a war, it is only between people who wield caricatures of science and religion.
This is My New Favorite Children’s Book
God uses beauty and allows tragedy to break through to our core and give us new life.
Our purpose is to become most fully ourselves, to reach our full potential and to thrive. The meaning of life is love, from God and through us.
“Spiritual But Not Religious” is a Prideful Thing to Say
The fashionable doctrine of “spiritual but not religious” condemns every religious doctrine but its own.
Narcissus and the Cellphone
Don’t lock yourself in a little chamber. Live a life of encounter.
What Does it Mean to Love Suffering?
The true love of God necessarily includes the love of suffering.
Christ is Risen, So Why is There a Crucifix in Every Church?
The Crucifixion shows us most clearly what true love looks like.
The Catholic Faith is Beautiful
Whether people like it or not, the Catholic Church is beautiful.
How Plato Helped Me to Become a Catholic
Even while I was still Protestant, I realized that Purgatory was possible — and even likely.
What I Said When I Saw the Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa is great, even if for no other reason, because it was made by a great man.
This is the Best Work on Prayer I Have Ever Read
This letter is a feast of inspiration and beauty. What else would you expect from St. Augustine?
How I Overcame My Objections to Mary and Became Catholic
I used to see the Blessed Virgin Mary as a problem. Now I see her as a problem solver, the untier of knots.
What a Parking Ticket Taught Me About Our Lord’s Passion
“In Christ's Passion we see the fulfillment of this mission when, before an unjust sentence, he bears witness to the truth, remaining faithful to the law of love.” —Pope Benedict XVI
A Cause of our Culture’s Current Body Confusion
The house of the human person has been divided against itself, soul against body
What It Means to Be a Person
It is as persons, with intellect and will, that we are created in the image of God.
The Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant Retold
The shocking claim of Christianity is that God Himself became one of us.
The Best Way to Read a Book
The great books are our primary means of encountering great people.
Sinners Who Think They’re Saints, Saints Who Know They’re Sinners
St. Francis de Sales and the Paradox of Loving God Enough
Pride is the Seed of Every Sin
“The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him.” (CCC 100)
Why I Was Willing to Lose My Job for the Catholic Faith
Nothing in life is more important than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Unity in Truth and the Interiority of God
When one man faces another, deep calls unto deep.
Three Analogies for a Skeleton Found in a Cell
It is a grave mistake to live only in the cramped space of a single idea or pleasure.
The Most Expensive Meal You Will Ever Eat
The Bread beyond price comes freely from the same source as every other good and perfect gift: the heart of God.
Why Do We Have Rights?
“Respect for the human person entails respect for the rights that flow from his dignity as a creature.” (CCC 1930)
St. Francis de Sales and the Love Heresy
“It is a heresy in sacred love to make choice among God’s commandments, which to observe, and which to violate.”
On What It Means to “Find Myself”
Don’t Be So Open-Minded That Your Brains Fall Out
“I would like to say that I have invented a new religion. In this religion I worship my big toe.”
Emmet: The Awesome Hebrew Word for Truth
Matt D'Antuono
Make God the beginning of truth, and everything else is illuminated.
The Missing Key Piece from Youth Catechesis? It’s Philosophy
“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.” —Pope St. John Paul II
Matt D’Antuono is a physics teacher in New Jersey, where he lives with his wife and seven children. He holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and philosophy, a master’s degree in special education, and is working on a master’s degree in philosophy at Holy Apostles in Cromwell, Connecticut. He returned to the Catholic Church in 2008. He is the author of A Fool’s Errand: A Brief, Informal Introduction to Philosophy for Young Catholics, The Wiseguy and the Fool and Philosophy Fridays. On YouTube you can find him at DonecRequiescat and his family at MisterD418.
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Home / Culture / Arts / Worldwide expansion for Man Booker Prize
Worldwide expansion for Man Booker Prize
By Roar Staff on October 25, 2013
What does the expansion of the eligibility of the Man Booker Prize to include the whole world mean for British authors?
In mid-September of this year, the decision was made for the Man Booker Prize to consider authors of English language novels from anywhere in the world for the award, as opposed to authors just in the Commonwealth, Ireland or Zimbabwe. For the first time in 44 years, the prize will be opened up to a whole host of international writers, which has been met, somewhat understandably, by mixed reactions.
The primary concern is that this widening of the net will, quite obviously, reduce the chances that British writers have of winning. This seems like a weak argument, however, as with a number of highly prestigious awards still existing that cater to only British writers, it’s not as if their chances of winning a literary prize are dramatically lessened.
What’s more, so many winners of the prize have not been British – take J. M. Coetzee, or Margaret Atwood, for example. Since the creation of the award in 1969, the authors from the entire Commonwealth have been eligible, meaning that British authors competing have always been met with a degree of competition from international authors. This expansion to the rest of the world is really nothing new.
Julian Barnes, winner of the 2011 Man Booker Prize for his novel The Sense of an Ending, has stated his opposition to the decision, stating that he thinks that “[literary] prizes thrive on having some restriction to them.” Yet we only have to consider the opinion of Ion Trewin, the Literary Director of the Booker Prize Foundation, who defines the criteria of the prize simply as “the best novel in the opinion of the judges”. It is clear that the novel’s country of origin is a superfluous detail; what remains to be the most important reason for winning the Man Booker Prize is purely the quality of the book in question.
Whether the timing of this announcement was deliberate or not, it has come at a good moment in the literary world. With the 2013 Man Booker Prize winner having just been decided, any attention the award has gained for its controversial choice to expand will soon be displaced by widespread interest in the recent winner: Eleanor Catton, with her novel The Luminaries.
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Home Life > Life Style
'Wizard of Oz,' Miyazaki to star in LA Motion Picture museum
Los Angeles — An immersive "Wizard of Oz" exhibit will greet visitors to the Motion Picture museum in Los Angeles when it opens after a long delay in late 2019, organizers said on Tuesday. A pair of the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the classic 1939 musical, along with costumes, props and exhibits about the behind the scenes making of "The Wizard of Oz", will be installed in the lobby of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. — Reuters
US prosecutors drop Kevin Spacey sex assault case
Eiffel Tower restaurant to reopen after collision of kitchen egos
Italian author Camilleri, creator of 'Inspector Montalbano', dies
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Sean's Music Factory
Book Sean
Campbell Reporter
Jasmine Leyva July 19, 2016
Campbell: Children's singer, musician making stops all over the county
By Jasmine Leyva, jleyva@community-newspapers.com
POSTED: 07/19/2016 06:01:25 PM PDT | UPDATED: 3 DAYS AGO
Campbell resident Sean Mendelson has a new album called 'Love and Music.' Mendelson will be performing at various locations around Santa Clara Valley, including the Sunnyvale Public Library on July 26, at Children's Discovery Museum on July 28 and the Cupertino Library on Aug. 30.
Sean Mendelson's experience from playing in various rock bands is evident in his music--never mind that his songs are geared toward a younger audience.
Since 2013, the Campbell resident has been writing and performing alternative-rock children's songs. In support of his third album, "Love and Music," Mendelson is preparing to perform at multiple locations in Santa Clara County this month and next. Most of his shows will be free.
"I wanted to make something that parents would want to listen to, too," Mendelson said, adding he aspires to be a 21st-century Raffi, a well-known children's musician.
Mendelson's debut album, "Crank Out the Music," was released in 2013, and the next one, "High Five," in 2014. Mendelson said songs in "Love and Music" were inspired by the November terrorist attacks in Paris.
"I thought, 'What could I do to bring love and happiness in the world?' " he said, noting the main theme of his new album is the importance of love and sharing love during tough times.
Though Mendelson has not reached rock-star heights, he says his kids view him as a local celebrity. Mendelson has two children, ages 6 and 8, who not only sing in his albums but also perform with him at shows.
"It's a fun experience," Mendelson said, adding that his family is like a smaller version of the Partridge Family. "I thought they'd be sick of me by now."
When he's not performing with his two children, Mendelson teaches for Music Together, which holds classes in community and recreation centers throughout the county. Mendelson's career in children's music developed at Music Together, where he's worked since graduating in 2002 from Santa Clara University. Music Together is a research-based program that stresses the importance of introducing music to children at an early age.
"I always had an affinity for children," Mendelson said. "Children are the most rewarding audience."
When Mendelson isn't performing for a live audience, he makes YouTube videos focusing on music education.
Sunnyvale Public Library: July 26, 11 a.m. 665 W. Olive Ave.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose: July 28, noon. 180 Woz Way. Admission is $13.
Hicklebee's Children's Books: Aug. 18, 3 p.m. 1378 Lincoln Ave., Willow Glen.
Cupertino Library: Aug. 30, 10:15 a.m. 10800 Torre Ave.
For more information about Sean Mendelson's music, visit seansmusicfactory.com andyoutube.com/c/seansmusicfactory.
Santa Clara Weekly
Cynthia Cheng June 01, 2016
“Up down side to side/Flap your wings/Do the dragonfly.” These are the lines of a new track found in the third album of Sean’s Music Factory’s “Love and Music,” produced by Terry Carleton at the Bones and Knives studio. The album was released on Thursday, May 12 on the Internet and is available for purchase at San Jose’s Hicklebee’s bookstore and at live performances. The music video for “Dragonfly,” found on “Sean’s Music Factory” YouTube Channel has been receiving plenty of positive responses. The chorus is easy for a child to sing along to, the educational lyrics tell about the complexities of dragonflies and the playful chords inspire movement.
“I was having a tough time naming the album. I threw out the track list with my sister-in-law and she suggested naming the album ‘Love and Music,’” says Sean Mendelson, the lead vocalist and musician behind Sean’s Music Factory. “The song ‘Love and Music’ is my way of inspiring future generations to combat any darkness that is in the world. When I was finishing the album, the attack on Paris occurred. So I decided to seize the souls of my listeners and introduce the idea of love, an idea that’s in a lot of music.”
Some of the album tracks have contrasts; some tunes speed up and slow down and some tunes move from loud to soft. For example, “Two Little Blackbirds” is a traditional song that Mendelson wrote a new melody for and rearranged so he could show a contrast between high and low notes. While teaching, Mendelson demonstrates these high and low notes by raising his hand high or dipping it low.
“I’ve discovered over the years teaching children that the biggest effect of drawing children in with music is with contrast,” Mendelson says. “Stretching the boundaries even further by stopping the music entirely or speeding up completely out of rhythm is also a fun way to keep children’s attention.”
Both of Mendelson’s children performed backup vocals on four of the eleven tracks on “Love and Music.” For example, Mendelson’s son, Logan, did a comedy bit on “Open and Shut Them.” Mendelson explains how the song “Kindergarten Shoes” came about.
“Literally, the day before kindergarten, my daughter Jillian started singing ‘I got my kindergarten shoes and I’m ready to move,’” Mendelson says. “I turned to my wife and I said ‘stop everything.’ I pulled out my guitar at the breakfast table. Then Jillian wrote the three verses that are in the song.”
Mendelson will be performing at San Jose State University’s King Library on May 21 at 3 p.m. in the children’s section. Follow Sean’s Music Factory on Facebook for details about other upcoming shows.
Cynthia Cheng
Children dance under a raised rainbow parachute to the song, “What Child is This.” They manage instruments to the piano tune of “Linus and Lucy.” And they let their parents cuddle with them in a dimmed room to “Silent Night.” These activities are part of Teacher Sean’s Holiday Jingle Jam. Santa Clara’s Parks and Recreation Department has offered this two-week holiday class for the last six years. This year’s classes run throughout December.
“I grew up in a school where there would always be holiday caroling around the class, and I think it’s important that kids experience that festive feeling,” says Sean Mendelson, who also teaches the department’s year-round Music Factory classes. “Also, because of the Park and Recreation Department’s schedule, there would be a two month void of my music classes if I didn’t offer the holiday class.”
In the holiday class, children and parents enjoy dancing, movement, and instrument play while singing songs to further engage them in cheery seasonal music. The lesson plans include dancing to the Nutcracker march and performing the traditional jingle bell rock.
“I try to have an eclectic mix of songs, much like what I do in the Music Together program and in my albums,” Mendelson says. “I have the standards, like ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.’ I also do a few Hanukkah songs, including the ‘Dreidel Song’ and ‘Rise Up Oh Flame.’ We also do one Kwanzaa song.” Mendelson feels that learning music from different cultures can help participants learn about people from other backgrounds.
“Although the majority of the songs are secular or mainstream holiday songs, the advantage of teaching the ‘Dreidel Song,’ for example, is that a child who celebrates Christmas can learn how people who celebrate Hanukkah have fun with their holidays as well,” he says.
Mendelson is enthusiastic about the song selection for his Jingle Jam classes. “Every song is upbeat,” he says. “They are all timeless melodies. And they’re easy to learn on the fly.” Irene Saranteas Bassalee’s two-year-old twin girls, Sophia and Eleni, are enrolled in the class.
“We’ve been attending Teacher Sean’s other class, and he mentioned this holiday music class,” Bassalee says. “So we decided to come here and practice our Christmas songs with other families. My kids are having fun.”
Allison Williams August 27, 2014
When Sean Mendelson, the singer-songwriter behind the music of Sean's Music Factory, graduated from Santa Clara University, he had aspirations. "Initially, the goal was to be a rock star," Mendelson said. After some years the goal changed, he said.
While he may not be rocking out in front of capacity crowds in arenas worldwide, Mendelson has a crowd of his own: infants to 6-year-olds and their families. "Working with kids was the right thing for me," he said.
Mendelson, a Campbell resident with a 4-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son, is releasing his second children's album, unnamed as of now, and is having an informal album release party at the Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival on Sept. 13.
The official release of the album is scheduled for October, he said, but those who attend the festival will get an early listen. Mendelson started his music career at the age of 9 when he picked up the guitar. He's been a songwriter for years, but there was someone else to sing the songs in the band he was in after graduation. Now he sings his songs himself.
"I write these songs in a child's range so they can sing along," Mendelson said.
Mendelson said he hopes to become the next Raffi, a singer-songwriter popular in the 1970s and '80s, or a "less cheesy" version of the modern-day Wiggles. Mendelson estimates he's taught between 3,000 and 4,000 kids in the last 12 years and was inspired by that to record and release both albums. He has performed at the Campbell Library, among other venues, and taught at the Campbell Community Center. He now runs his own Music Together Center in Santa Clara.
There isn't anything like the innocence and enjoyment on the kids' faces when they're at his performances, he said. And they're never too shy to hit the dance floor. "I'm child-like but not childish," Mendelson said of pursuing a career in children's music.
Interaction is a keystone for Mendelson's performances. He said almost half the show is spent dancing, but he stops sometimes to get audience feedback on song ideas--such as asking what animal is next during "Old McDonald"--having the audience echo lines or make up rhymes. "We're all making music together," he said of the kids and parents.
More information about Sean's Music Factory (his musical group) or Teacher Sean's Music Factory (his Music Together Center) can be found at seansmusicfactory.com or Teacher Sean's Music Factory page on Facebook.
Cynthia Cheng September 20, 2014
Imagine listening to an audio interpretation of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” where the playful song launches with primitive beats, veers into Native American rhythms, and then travels through the many different periods of American music. Such is “Time Travel Twinkle,” a new track in Sean’s Music Factory’s second children’s music album, “High Five.” Many pieces on this album mingle fresh, kid-friendly tunes with upbeat alternative rock.
On Saturday, September 13 at 1 p.m., Sean’s Music Factory’s lead vocalist Sean Mendelson will perform with a band at the Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival’s Kids Kingdom stage, where he’ll showcase music from his first and second albums. Mendelson is also the composer behind Sean’s Music Factory, and owner of Teacher Sean’s Music Factory. “Although my second album, ‘High Five,’ officially goes on sale October 1,” he says, “I plan to make my second album available at the festival performance.
“For my second album, I did a variety of different songs. I have several songs that are super simple with just two sections, an A section and B section, and these songs easily cater to the age 0 to 8 crowd,” continues Mendelson, covering album highlights. “The song I’m most excited about is the title track called ‘High Five.’ The way I say ‘hi’ and ‘goodbye’ to kids I’ve been teaching for the last 12 years has been with a high five. So I wrote this song that’s intended to be inclusive of people from all walks of life. I also have a song without words called ‘Roll, Pop, Click.’ This song uses a dozen different sounds you can make with your mouth to a simple melody, like the rolling of the tongue against your lip or the ‘burring’ of the lips together to make a helicopter sound.”
A Kickstarter campaign raising $4,000 helped finance “High Five.” Community contributions and some sales earned from Mendelson’s first album also went into the campaign.
“I can’t thank people enough,” Mendelson says. “The Silicon Valley community has helped me realize one of my dreams. Also, a gentleman who played piano in one of my songs is a dad in one of my Music Together classes. Another mom from one of my classes worked on the layout and design of the whole album.”
The release of Mendelson’s first album, “Crank Out the Music,” helped cultivate brand recognition for him and his music. When he performs at libraries and other public spaces, fans and audience members frequently sing along. Mendelson has been keeping his fingers crossed since he recently submitted his first album to be considered for a Grammy in the best children’s album category.
“Crank Out the Music” can be purchased at Hicklebees in San Jose, and both of Mendelson’s albums can be purchased through PayPal at www.seansmusicfactory.comand at all major Internet outlets.
Many local parents and children know Sean Mendelson as Teacher Sean, the smiling, guitar toting teacher who leads music classes offered through Santa Clara’s Parks & Recreation Department. Mendelson is also a recording artist who just finished producing his first children’s music album, titled "Crank Out the Music.” The music is vibrant and fresh with an engaging alternative vibe, a nod to Mendelson’s history of playing in rock bands.
“I played all the guitar and bass on 11 of the 14 tracks, and I did all the lead vocals,” says Mendelson, whose official artist name is Sean's Music Factory. Friends, family, and musical colleagues performed other instrumentals, such as the percussions, saxophone, violin, and backup vocals.
Mendelson, a Santa Clara University graduate, composed 12 songs in just three days.
“I wrote a song called ‘Crooked House’ based on the opening of a crooked house at Happy Hollow Zoo,” Mendelson says. ‘When I Grow Up’ is for my son, my daughter, and the kids of the world. ‘Shades’ was inspired by the adorable kids in my classes who wear glittery or oversized sunglasses to class.”
Mendelson approached his song writing by reflecting on what he likes about music and listening to his children’s favorite music. He also drew on his experiences as a music teacher.
“In the 12 years that I’ve been teaching, I learned a lot about how you can use music to interact with the listener,” Mendelson says. “[On the album], there are songs where I’d sing and then leave spaces for children to fill in the blanks with their own words.”
Mendelson is grateful to the 93 backers who helped him raise over $5,000 on Kickstarter to cover his album’s production and recording costs.
Mendelson will be performing at two CD release parties on Saturday, September 14th at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Kids Kingdom Stage during the Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival. CDs will be on sale for $12 each.
Morgan Hill Times
Debra Eskinazi July 19, 2018
More than 150 kids and parents rocked out with Sean’s Music Factory Thursday, July 12 at the Morgan Hill Library on Main Avenue.
The event, July Jams, says Jennifer Weeks, is part of the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCDL) summer programming for children.
Weeks, the SCCDL Library Services Manager said July Jams is focused on building family engagement and opportunities for kids to learn and “most certainly about having fun.”
Weeks said this kind of play allows for endless skill building from listening, which helps with learning new words and dancing, which works on their motor skills.
Weeks, who’s worked with Sean Mendelson of Sean’s Music Factory before, says his shows are fun and engaging.
“He is a music teacher by trade, and he gets everyone playing along,” she said. “They were actively listening to the cues in the music to control their actions and develop motor skills. And the fun and original songs helped children learn the rhythms and rhymes of spoken language.”
The simple games, said Weeks, prepare children for reading.
“Children need to sing, play, read, write and talk to build early literacy skills and the library provides space, resources and classes all for free,” Weeks adds.
Duncan Cook July 25, 2018
About 50 people were already filing into the downstairs meeting room of the Campbell library on Wednesday, July 25th for a musical celebration beginning at three o’clock. Parents and children sit in chairs and on the floor while Sean Mendelson gets ready to rock the house. Children’s librarian Lauren Wubbels booked him here for the 4th time (he has performed several times before that also), being very confident about his talent for engaging both parents and children alike during his musical performance. “He gets everyone moving, gives them some musical education and he is just so fun!” she says. She introduces him after reminding the gathered crowd about the End of Summer Reading Carnival coming up on August 1st at 3pm, and the vibe is high from the first Campbell Library hosts Sean’s Music Factory for final Summer Children’s Concert by Duncan Cook note! The show begins with “You Are What You Eat,” a lively survey of gustatory choices and their humorous ramifications (Sean likes almonds, so he is surely a “nut”!). He strums his guitar with glee, igniting the audience into joyful dance and smiles. A rousing rendition of “High Five” has everyone slapping hands and rocking out to the titular track from his 2014 album of the same name. Between songs, he greets some familiar faces by name, who know him from his role as a teacher at various classes across the Bay Area. Mendelson slides into some group participation material with “Two Little Blackbirds,” a song that explores opposites like cold/hot, near/far and off/on - which was supplied by audience member “Andy” when Mendelson asked the crowd for suggestions. A main part of his message becomes clear when he introduces a fan favorite song about Steph Curry, whose attributes are praised beyond his athletic prowess, instead focusing on his kindness and the value of paying it forward. Before launching into “A Pirate’s Expression,” he asks if anyone knows the significance of September 19th, which is the day that he will be dropping a video for the song. “Mexican Independence Day?” asks a tall bearded man in the back of the audience. International Talk Like a Pirate Day was the answer pertaining to the piece he was about to play, but after a humorous pause and much laughter, Mendelson acknowledges the new piece of information (his concerts are often as edifying as they are entertaining) and belts out the tune. Hidden in the little ditty are explorations on homophones - words that have different meanings but sound the Continued on page 5... same like new/knew, break/ brake and son/sun. Sean’s Music Factory is something of a family affair, his children often make up his band at performances and record and even sometimes write songs on his albums. Jillian (age 8) takes the stage to lend a voice to “Kindergarten Shoes,” a song that she wrote years ago but remembers fondly even though she is now going into the 3rd grade. Ten year old Logan joins the crew on a song from “The Marshmallow Incident,” which is from the book by the people responsible for Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. The creators endorse the musical he created from it, which premiered earlier this year and will debut an older kids/adults version later in October. Sean Mendelson is a busy guy with his teaching and music. He will be at the Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival on Sunday September 17th to celebrate his 10 years with his Music Together project as Teacher Sean’s Music Factory. He will be playing songs from that program exclusively and hopes to bring up alumni from his time teaching. It is all hard work and a ton of fun as he is ever in pursuit of lifetime goal- winning a Kids’ Grammy. He is currently in development on a TV and web based pilot for children's educational music programming as well. The show included an introduction to “mouth percussion,” giving Mendelson and his audience a Sean’s Music Factory... Continued from Front Page their hard work and recognition in the form of awards and prizes. Many graduates do continue on to a career involved with agriculture in some fashion - whether it be as a broker, farmhand, engineer, breeder, or in education; while others utilize the discipline, commitment and organizational skills to enter such diverse fields as tech research, public service and entrepreneurship. The Westmont High FFA program surely is part and parcel of the Campbell Community with the love and support flowing both ways. Former students, boosters and local businesses donate their time, goods or services to nourish the organization in its efforts to create and thrive as a positive force; in turn, they hold meals and events for the public to enjoy. Check out their calendar and get involved and inspired by this homegrown treasure via campbellffa. com. chance to express themselves with lively, silly sounds to pepper the tune to the delight of all in attendance. Later, a song about bees and “waggling” and flossing that included a lesson about insect communication before generating more of the stylized dancing that is abundant at his events. Another song about dragonflies incites the same excitement and characteristically different movements particular to illustrating the qualities of that other fascinating, flying bug. A crowd pleasing version of the Jackson’s “ABC” was a clear hit and had the whole room electrified and singing along. It is hard to believe that after such a full set, he has so much more to offer that was not presented on this day. According to his website, there is a particular “Tickle Monster” spiel that sounds like a blast; and puppets are a regular feature of these gigs. From his teaching, performances, several albums, videos and more, Sean Mendelson is making his mark in the Bay Area as a positive force and culture maker, giving children the type of inspiration and attention that cultivates the best in all of us. For more information, type seansmusicfactory. com in your web browser and sit with a young person to delve into the fantastical world he has created to share.
Gilroy, Ca.
Check out Sean's Music Factory on Yelp
© 2019 Sean's Music Factory. All Rights Reserved.
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sehepunkte 19 (2019), Nr. 5
Josiah Osgood: Rome and the Making of a World State, 150 BCE-20CE
Osgood's new book is a survey of the period of the late Republic and early principate aimed at a general readership. It thus includes helpful guides to further reading at the end of each chapter, lacks distracting footnotes (thus keeping the pace of the narrative brisk and bracing), keeps references to ancient sources to a minimum (confining them to a selective "Sources of Quotations" list, 259-64), and is furnished with a helpful index. This does not mean, however, that the book lacks a strong, central thesis; it most certainly does. Across its fourteen narrative and thematic chapters, Osgood argues that after 150 BCE, "a more ambitious provincial administration was being developed, along with a more coherent vision of empire" (3). This contrasts with much Roman historical scholarship, which adopts the dark vision of Sallust, Tacitus, and other ancient writers, that the Romans of the late Republic were "disreputable gangsters"; instead, Osgood sees them as "inspired innovators" (i).
Osgood's choice of chronological termini is unusual, but important. Instead of employing a standard end-point for a survey of late Republican history (the assassination of Julius Caesar, for example), Osgood elects to take his account down to the early years of the emperor Tiberius' administration - a period he calls the "long 'fall of the Roman Republic'" (3). He does this because he wants to highlight the positive developments that took place during this time - innovations in commerce, religion, and literature; the establishment of the pax Romana; fair and efficient provincial government; the spread of Roman citizenship; and the process of "becoming Roman" (the process formerly known as "Romanization") - instead of fixating on the negative aspects of Roman domination.
Osgood's introduction frames the narrative that follows in terms of Keith Hopkins' thesis that the influx of imperial wealth into Rome resulted in structural changes in society, such as the creation of a more politically engaged equestrian order. Roman society adjusted to the new reality with great difficulty: the Italian allies thought they deserved more recognition for their contribution to Roman power, and the urban poor of Rome thought they deserved a greater portion of the fruits of empire (in the form of grain at a fair price, for example). Meanwhile, the Roman failure to maintain international security generated crises overseas, allowing individual senators to fill the breach and establish virtual fiefdoms for themselves. Osgood's focus in the subsequent narrative is on how the Romans developed solutions to these problems.
Osgood begins with two snapshot chapters. Chapter Two is a comprehensive survey of the state of the empire, and its various crises, in the mid-second century. He rightly notes that Roman foreign policy was "often totally opportunistic, aiming for maximum power at minimum cost," by "demanding obedience" while "commit[ting] as few military or financial resources as possible" as well as by engaging in diplomatic sharp practice, such as favoring the boy-king Antiochus V over his cousin Demetrius, a vigorous young man of 22, as the successor to Antiochus IV on the Seleucid throne in 163 BCE. Osgood also notes Roman state interest in commerce, facilitated by sea, rivers, and roads, but highlights the perennial danger to trade - piracy - which was encouraged by Rome's "parsimonious administration" (22) of the empire. In the following chapter, Osgood surveys life in the Urbs during the mid-second century, including sections on the Roman census, the layout of the city, the organization and functions of the various popular assemblies, and the constitutional framework of magistrates, senate, and people, or SPQR (senatus populusque Romanus, "the senate and people of Rome"). Also stressed in this chapter is the dominance of the senatorial class, which advertised its prominence in triumphs, funeral processions, shows, games, public banquets, monumental building - all of it financed by the profits of empire.
Most of the remaining chapters are chronologically sequenced, but overlap significantly in order to bring out larger themes and bracket important phases in Rome's internal and external development. Chapter 3 treats the struggle between populist reformers and the political establishment from Tiberius Gracchus to the eve of Marius' second consulship. Here, Osgood highlights the "political creativity" shown by revolutionary tribunes in trying to solve Rome's social problems amid a lamentable shift from politics to violence as the means of getting things done. Chapters 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, and 14 are largely narrative accounts, respectively, of the Social and Civil Wars of the 90s and 80s, the rise of Pompey the Great between 80 and 60, the domination of the "first triumvirate" in the 50s, the Civil Wars of the 40s and 30s, the principate of Augustus, and the transfer of power to Tiberius. In Chapter 6, Osgood uses the material remains of Pompeii as a lens through which to chart Rome's impact on Italy (and vice-versa), and the role of the Italians in the empire between 150 and 50. Chapter 9 surveys the nature of Roman rule overseas, while Chapter 10 is an examination of Rome's internal culture in the late Republic. In Chapter 13, Osgood examines Augustus' thoroughgoing refashioning of the fabric of the city and the cultural changes he inspired in the areas of literature, religion and morality, art, and urban living across the empire.
Osgood's book is a succinct and very accessible narrative of this crucial period of Roman history that also hits the thematic high points we have come to expect in such surveys. But his thesis is often in tension with the content of his narrative. While there is some merit in accentuating the positive, there is simply no shaking the broader impression that the Roman state, in Osgood's telling, lurched depressingly from blood-soaked crisis to blood-soaked crisis across the period. With few exceptions, moreover, the major figures of the late Republic are still the ruthless, greedy gangsters that pervade both modern scholarship and popular culture. Marcus Brutus, that morally principled future assassin of Julius Caesar, "was really a usurer" (146), shaking down helpless provincials for repayment of loans at 48% interest, resulting in his use of Roman legionary cavalry to lay siege to his Cypriot senatorial creditors, five of whom died of starvation during the ordeal. The heroes who create the world state, moreover, seldom belong to the Roman ruling class but more often to the provincial aristocracy, the tax-collecting publicani, Greek scholars and teachers, and slaves. This emphasis occasionally leads to paradoxical conclusions. So, "the publicani ... increase[d] their own profits -lending money at high interest to communities in default of their tax payments, for example" - precisely the sort of behavior that precipitated the crisis on Cyprus, mentioned earlier - but "they deserve credit for the growth of the Roman Empire and its transformation into a stable fiscal entity" (151). Osgood also argues that "slavery, as loathsome as it seems to us, actually solved many of the problems" facing pre-modern small business, and "helped generate the sophistication the city of Rome achieved" (164). "The horrors of Roman slavery should not be minimized" (164), indeed, but this is precisely what Osgood does by not discussing them more fully.
Nevertheless, Osgood succeeds in the unique task he set for himself of demonstrating that the "new age" of Augustan peace "would not really have been possible without earlier developments like the massive spread of Roman citizenship after the Social War, the creation of a more stable provincial administration, the rising cultural ambitions of the city of Rome, and a growing appreciation for leisure" (240).
Josiah Osgood: Rome and the Making of a World State, 150 BCE-20CE, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 2018, X + 274 S., 38 s/w-Abb., 10 Kt., 6 Tbl., ISBN 978-1-108-41319-0, GBP 21,99
Paul Burton: Rezension von: Josiah Osgood: Rome and the Making of a World State, 150 BCE-20CE, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 2018, in: sehepunkte 19 (2019), Nr. 5 [15.05.2019], URL: http://www.sehepunkte.de/2019/05/32252.html
Bitte geben Sie beim Zitieren dieser Rezension die exakte URL und das Datum Ihres letzten Besuchs dieser Online-Adresse an.
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Department of English Language & Literature
Home Academics Department of English Language & Literature Overview
To develop, in the students, an awareness of the principles and strategies that underline effective academic and professional communication
To equip the students with all the required apparatus for the appreciation of various kinds of imaginative writing in English literature, and to train their critical taste and judgement so as to enable them to arrive at an estimate of a given work of art
To use the literary text as a pretext to unravel the deeper mysteries and meanings of the human condition and predicament
To relate 'art experiences' to 'life experiences', and to draw from theis exercise valuable moral lessons that would help the scholars to become morally empowered individuals
The Department of English offers a compulsory ‘General English’ Course for all the undergraduate students which comprises a study of English language, using prose/poetry and grammar exercises, to improve not only the students’ competence in writing but also in speaking skills. The Course is designed in a way that would enable students to apply their knowledge of the language to situations. The oral component of the Course seeks to ensure that the theoretical study of the language does not remain in cold storage, but is translated into an effective tool for communication at all levels. Given the deficiency in the system of imparting English language skills elsewhere, as also the influence of the regional languages on any English language learning exercise, a rigorous training is given, to equip the students to communicate efficiently and confidently in English. The Additional English Course – in lieu of another Language – is offered to those students who do not wish to opt for Sanskrit, Hindi or Telugu.
The Master’s Programme includes a chronological study of literature from Chaucer to the twentieth century. Apart from this, there are papers on Indian writing in English, Commonwealth/American Literature, Literary Criticism, Structure of Modern English, and Electives such as Comparative Literature, European Classics in Translation, Women’s Studies, TESL, World Drama.
To meet contemporary challenges, especially of media-related job requirements, the Department has introduced a paper, 'English for the Media', which helps the students in the acquisition of proficiency pertinent to journalistic writing. The paper includes chapters on the Print Media, Electronic Media, Internet/Web English, and the Language of Advertisements.
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Tag Archives: incel
Comment, News, Politics
Incel, Sexual Frustration and Male Violence
May 1, 2018 Jerry Barnett Leave a comment
The aftermath of the recent van attack in Toronto, which resulted in the deaths of 10 people, followed a now familiar pattern. Immediately after the attack, people divided into their rigid political tribes. Right-wingers expressed the belief (possibly even the hope) that the attacker was an Islamist. Even if he wasn’t, they said, this is surely the modus operandi of the Islamist terrorist. Similarly, left-wingers quietly hoped they could somehow pin this on the alt-right.
Such is the sad state of political discourse today: blaming the opposite side has become more important than respectfully remembering the individuals who died. The need for “our side” to be good and “their side” to be evil is now stronger than the need for compassion and human kindness. Politics is no longer politics: it has become religion.
The attacker, it turned out, was declared to be an Incel: an involuntarily celibate man. Incel is defined by Wikipedia as: “online communities whose members define themselves by being unable to find a romantic or sexual partner”.
This news was seized on with enthusiasm by the identitarian left. It perfectly fitted the “toxic masculinity” and “systemic misogyny” narratives of neo-feminism. And it gave a chance to mock those who had confidently pinned the attack on Muslims. Like most political narratives today, of left or right, it was sneering, hateful, triumphant, and an excuse to hate a broad group of people for the actions of one person. This is all so predictable now. If Owen Jones hasn’t yet penned a Guardian opinion piece on how all men need to take responsibility for this murderer, he will soon.
But there is a broad truth here, about humans as a species, and it’s about sex. If the mass media and the political establishment weren’t so tightly wed to social-construction theories of human behaviour, they might realise that evolutionary, genetic and psychological science has far better explanations for these occurrences than sociology can provide.
I have said, repeatedly, that a rise in violence is the inevitable outcome of attacks on sexual freedom. In my 2016 response to Ofcom’s consultation on porn regulation, I warned the regulator as follows:
“…the government’s own research suggests that restricting sexual imagery to teenagers may result in a rise in sexual violence…”
The government ignored such feedback, and has pressed ahead with censorship plans that will cause a rise in sexual and other violence: we must hold them to account for this.
Involuntary celibacy isn’t new: it is an ancient condition of mankind. Sexual relations between humans, in all societies, are defined by the fact that women, not men, choose mates. Given a free choice, women will opt for the genetically and socially fittest mate, even if he already has other mates. So polygyny (one man with multiple mates) is the predominant form of family unit in ancient societies. Recent genetic research has revealed the astounding fact that, 8,000 years ago, women were 17 times more successful at mating than men were. In other words, for every man that mated, there were at least 16 who never did. This gross inequality in the distribution of sex has defined the human state for most of our existence.
Women, past or present, have had no problem finding mates: the issue for women is to find the best available mate. For men, on the other hand, the issue has been simply one of mating at all. The rise of civilisation in the Middle East gave rise to new ideas, including egalitarianism. For the first time, societies recognised the unfair distribution of sex, and set out to balance this. This can be clearly seen in the writings of the Abrahamic religions: ancient Jewish law is inclined towards monogamy, and Christianity strongly so. Islam imposes a limit of four wives.
Although state-imposed rules on marriage are increasingly seen as outdated, the imposition of monogamy was radical and egalitarian. It recognised that most men were losers in the mating game, and that this situation created grave problems for society, including sexual violence.
Put simply, a truth about humanity is this: the more sexual frustration that exists, the more violent society will be. Anyone who has travelled in sexually repressed cultures will be aware of this: for example, while we travelled in Morocco, my partner was groped repeatedly, even in my company. When I attended a hip hop festival in Morocco, fist-fights broke out constantly around me, despite the almost complete absence of alcohol. Sexually frustrated men are more likely to be violent, it’s this simple.
The Incel phenomenon isn’t just confined to angry western men. The promise of “72 virgins in heaven” to Al Qaida terrorists was a strong motivation for their mass murder. The promise of sex slaves in Syria was a motivation to go and fight jihad there.
The rise in sexual freedom since the invention of the pill has created new problems to solve. Monogamy is declining, and the number of single men has increased, especially among those with autistic and other social disorders. There are remedies to this new sexual tension: free pornography, legal and destigmatised sex work, and (in the near future) realistic sex dolls. The easier and cheaper sex and relationships (even virtual relationships) are to find, the less sexual frustration we will have to deal with. And the less frustration, the more peaceful and safe society will be.
Later this year, the British authorities will attempt to block pornography from exactly that segment of the population that is most inclined towards violence: 15-18 year old teenage males. They are creating a tinder box. Please help me fight back.
evolutionfeaturedfeminismincelviolence
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Shakespearean Foodways: Feasting, Fasting, Playing and Digesting
Mutton on Fridays: Food, Sex and Puritanism in Vienna
by Enno Ruge
In Measure for Measure, Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna, while investigating in the disguise of a friar the supposed sex crime of a young gentleman named Claudio, encounters Lucio, a well-known libertine and friend of Claudio’s. Lucio enquires of the strange friar whether he has any news about the absent Duke. He does not hesitate to vent his anger about Vincentio’s mysterious disappearing act. According to the libertine, the Duke, had he been in Vienna, would certainly have handled the matter of Claudio’s offence differently from his deputy Angelo, who has sentenced Claudio to death for getting his bride with child. The reason why the Duke would not have condemned Claudio, Lucio assures the incredulous friar, is simply that he, in contrast to his ascetic deputy, once was one for the ladies himself:
Why, what a ruthless thing is this in [Angelo], for the rebellion of a codpiece to take away the life of a man! Would the Duke that is absent have done this? Ere he would have hanged a man for getting a hundred bastards, he would have paid for the nursing a thousand. He had some feeling of the sport; he knew the service, and that instructed him to mercy. […] The Duke—I say to thee again—would eat mutton on Fridays. (3.1.376–382, 438 f.)[1]
Throughout the whole dialogue Lucio uses the imagery of food and drink when he talks about sex. A little earlier he agrees with the friar/Duke that “lechery” is a “vice”, but objects that “it is impossible to extirp it quite, friar, till eating and drinking be put down” (3.1.360, 363, 365–6). When Lucio insinuates, however, that the Duke consumes mutton on Fridays, the point is not that the ruler, like most of his subjects, occasionally follows his basic instincts. Rather, Lucio’s choice of words signifies excess and transgression on the part of the Duke. (Significantly, Lucio adds that the duke “would be drunk too”, 3.1.389). As has frequently been pointed out, the phrase “mutton on Fridays” alludes to the traditional Catholic ban on eating meat on Fridays. As “mutton” could also mean “prostitute” in early modern English,[2] the meaning of the odd phrase seems clear: the seemingly virtuous ruler of Vienna is made out to be a regular visitor of the city’s brothels. Like someone who wilfully, perhaps even hypocritically, breaks a religious fast, “the old fantastical Duke of dark corners” (4.3.154–5) is said to have violated the official moral code of his realm. Critics generally agree that these accusations are totally unfounded, including those scholars who have questioned the traditional view that in Measure for Measure Shakespeare wanted to portray Vincentio as an exemplary, divine ruler. The accuracy of the insinuations appears questionable not least because their originator is himself a “fellow of much licence” (3.1.461) who cynically betrays his former underworld friends from the polluted suburbs when he sees fit (cf. 3.1.308–349; 455–5), Lucio simply lacks the moral authority to call the Duke “a very superficial, ignorant, and unweighing fellow” (3.1.400). Vincentio is clearly the victim of malicious slander, as he himself laments: “What king so strong / Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue?” (3.1.444–5)
It has been claimed, notably by Lindsay Kaplan, that the scene nonetheless reflects badly on the Duke in the end, because he himself employs slander in his machinations, albeit to achieve Claudio’s acquittal and thwart Angelo’s plan to abuse the pure Isabella.[3] In my view, however, critics like Kaplan do not fully grasp Shakespeare’s treatment of the issue of slander in this scene and in the whole play. Instead of once again discussing Lucio’s defamation of the Duke under the aspect of the “Slandering [of] a prince” (5.1.521) or sexual slander in early modern England,[4] I propose to take a closer look at what I consider the crucial phrase in the dialogue, the insinuation that the Duke eats “mutton on Fridays”. I would like to argue that the original purpose of the strange phrase was to refer contemporary audiences to anti-puritan polemics which habitually equated gluttony with sexual debauchery. The reference, I believe, could not have escaped the experienced theatre-goer of the day, as “flesh on Fridays” was a familiar term of abuse from anti-puritan satire frequently hurled at the stage-puritan. For example, in the city comedy The Puritan, or The Widow of Watling Street (1606), a play published anonymously but usually attributed to Thomas Middleton,[5] (about which more presently) two simpletons are abused as “Puritanicall Scrape-shoes, Flesh a good Fridayes”.[6] The insult had its origin in the allegation that the godly deliberately broke the Catholic law of fasting on Fridays to demonstrate their distaste for all Romish traditions and to emphasize that they belonged to the communion of the saints, that blessed minority of people who believed themselves predestined to eternal salvation. In the anonymous comedy The Family of Love (1604–6)—now no longer believed to be Middleton’s—the merchant Dryfat proudly announces: “I keep no holydays nor fasts, but eat most flesh o’ Fridays of all days i’ the week.”[7] The example of Dryfat, who is applying for membership in the Family of Love, an obscure sect, whose members allegedly practice group sex at their secret meetings, reminds us that in addition to the ludicrous religious taboo-breaking the slanderous insult frequently denotes sexual transgression as well.[8] In John Marston’s The Dutch Courtesan (1605) the bawd Mary Faugh informs her crony Cocledemoy that she is “none of the wicked that eat fish o’ Fridays.” Later in the same play, at her husband’s execution, the lecherous puritan Mistress Mulligrub whispers into Cocledemoy’s ear: “I have a piece of mutton, and a featherbed for you at all times.”[9] Considering that in Measure for Measure the Duke’s antagonist, the “precise” Angelo (1.3.50), can be (and has been) described as a hypocritical lecherous puritan,[10] the insinuation that the ruler “eats mutton on Fridays” like a stage-puritan renders the slander-scene deeply ironical and much more complex than critics like Kaplan imagined.
The association of the Duke with puritan hypocrisy and excess is all the more significant because the allegation of overindulgence in food and drink not only served as a metaphor of sexual abandon but also for political subversion. The fact that nonconformists regularly held their own collective private fasts whenever they wanted instead of observing the official fasting days of the liturgical calendar was considered socially disruptive and subversive to the established order.[11] The well-known anti-puritan satirist John Taylor, the “water-poet”, writes about such private fasting-practices:
I haue often noted, that if any superfluous feasting or gurmondizing, panch-cramming assembly doe meete, the disordered businesse is so ordered, that it must bee either in Lent, vpon a Friday, or a fasting day: for the meat doth not relish well, except it be sawc’d with disobedience and contempt of Authority. And though they eate Sprats on the Sunday, they care not, so they may be full gorg’d with flesh on the Friday night.
Then all the zealous Puritans will feast,
In detestation of the Romish beast.[12]
A corpulent stage-puritan like Ben Jonson’s Zeal-of-the-land Busy, who stuffs his face with roast pork in Bartholomew Fair, thus reflects the political transgression associated with the “obstinate, counter-cultural eating practices” of the godly. “As a representational category,” Kristen Poole concludes, “the puritan registers the anxieties surrounding socio-ecclesiastical structures in flux.”[13]
Therefore, it seems only logical that Poole does not include Shakespeare’s best known ‘puritans’, the equally dour and self-controlled Malvolio and Angelo, in her fine study on the grotesque puritan, but focusses instead on the fat, bragging knight Sir John Falstaff in Henry IV, whom she sees as an example of the “puritan bellygod”, a satirical stereotype which she traces back to the polemical anti-puritan literature of the 1580s and 90s.[14] Nevertheless, I would argue that she rejects Malvolio and Angelo partly because she underestimates the slanderous nature of anti-puritan discourse. It is precisely the defamatory strategies of this discourse, as employed by the theatre in particular, which are foregrounded by Shakespeare in Measure for Measure.[15]If we realize that Shakespeare aims at exploring puritanism primarily as a discursive phenomenon rather than at satirising his puritan neighbours, it even becomes significant that Malvolio and Angelo fail to match the stereotype of the grotesque puritan entirely. The fact that they are only “kinds of puritans” is part of the plays’ design.
It is widely assumed that anti-puritan satire and particularly satirical comedies were instrumental in official Elizabethan and especially Jacobean conformist politics. As John Aubrey reports about Ben Jonson, “King James made [Jonson] write against the Puritans, who began to be troublesome in his time”.[16] If the plays were indeed subject to this kind of pragmatization, it was frequently called into question by the theatre’s dramatic self-representation. A good example to illustrate this point is the anonymous satirical comedy The Puritan, or The Widow of Watling Street, which I have already mentioned. The city comedy’s villain-hero, George Pye-board, is not only the author of an elaborate (if unsuccessful) plot against a rich puritan family but also of plays which satirize London puritans as hypocrites. It is no surprise, therefore, that the local parson, either called “Maister Pigman” or “Maister Ful-bellie”, “railes againe Plaiers mightily” “because they brought him drunck vpp’oth Stage once, as hee will bee horribly druncke”.[17] As a man-about-town, Pye-board claims to have first-hand knowledge about all walks of life. In this, he is reminiscent of the so-called “urban pamphleteers” of the 1580s and 90s, like Robert Greene and Thomas Nashe, who emphatically based their authority on personal experience. As Barnabe Rich points out in 1614, the “ghosts” of this legendary generation of satiric writers were regularly conjured up in early Jacobean literature “to give the world new eyes to see into deformitie”.[18] Pye-board’s motivation for writing satirical comedies, however, is not moral instruction or the correction of vice, but profit. Despite the fact that the victims (both of his plays and his tricks) are hypocritical puritans, his moral authority is highly questionable. A classical trickster figure, he seeks his personal advantage in everything he does and is prepared to sacrifice his cronies when he no longer needs them. Pye-board can be seen as the “enfleshed ghost”[19] of one of the legendary university wits of the late 16th century. His name echoes that of the playwright George Peele, who managed to acquire the reputation of being “dishonorable, sensual, wild, dissipated, lascivious, immoral, wanton, disreputable, a drunkard, a brawler, an unredeemed scrapegrace, in short, a thoroughly bad man”.[20] All this makes George Pye-board the typical antagonist of the stage-puritan.
The question is, of course, why in a play which clearly intervenes in the current controversy between the puritans and the stage it is precisely the playwright who is such an ambivalent character. I believe that by making a man like Pye-board the representative of the theatre in a city comedy relentlessly ridiculing the London godly, The Puritan, or The Widow of Watling Street foregrounds the defamatory character, the sheer unfairness of much anti-puritan satire, including its own. This, however, should not be mistaken as a sign of self-conscious doubt “about the social as well as moral dubiousness of acting”, but rather as a manifestation of an “increasing confidence, even arrogance” towards the puritan antitheatricalists on the part of the theatre people, as Jeffrey Knapp observes with unconcealed disapproval.[21]
In Measure for Measure the equivalent character is Lucio. As someone who is equally at home in the sinful suburbs and the respectable city of Vienna/London[22] he claims to have first-hand knowledge about people from all walks of life. His discourse abounds with tags like “that I know to be true”, “that’s infallible” and “that let me inform you” (3.1.373–4, 390), while he does not seem to care whether what he tells the false friar confidentially about Angelo’s frigidity and the Duke’s incontinence is true or not. As a police informer he remorselessly betrays his former low life friends. If he is thereby instrumental in the official state action against the licentiousness in the suburbs, it is not because he—a notorious “fellow of much licence” (3.1.461)—hates vice. Rather, he appears to delight in denouncing others.
What follows from this? When Lucio insinuates that the Duke “eats mutton on Fridays” the ruler of Vienna is not merely charged with transgressive sexuality. He is—through the resonant phrase well known from anti-puritan satire—made out to be a nonconformist whose outward moral rigorism and inward corruption threaten to disrupt society and subvert order in the state and the church—a libertine in the double sense of the word: a debauchee who leads a life of reckless drinking, promiscuity, and self-indulgence and an antinomian, an enthusiastic follower of the spirit who no longer feels obliged to adhere to any moral law.[23] What is more, these slanderous charges are brought against Vincentio by a dubious character who can be seen as the representative of the anti-puritan stage. Instead of underlining the difference between the humane Duke and the “precise” Angelo, the scene stresses the similarity between the two statesmen. After all, both are moralists and dedicated fighters against the boiling and bubbling corruption in Vienna (cf. 5.1.320). Consequently, both are made out to be “seemers” (1.3.54). The Duke, moreover, is implicitly criticized for using and later disavowing his soul mate Angelo.
It has been claimed that Measure for Measure is a play for King James to make him feel good about himself.[24] It could, however, also contain a coded warning for the ruler not to regard the theatre as his willful instrument for anti-puritan propaganda. It is well known that King James disliked the puritans but nonetheless needed at least the moderate reformers for his project of religious unity and—at least at the beginning of his reign—found the godly preachers useful as enforcers of moral discipline in his realm. At the same time he allowed anti-puritan satire, slandering the godly as gluttons, drunkards, lechers and seditious radicals, to flourish. In the phrase “mutton on Fridays” anti-puritan slander is directed against a ruler. This may be a hint that anti-puritan slander may not only work for, but also against, the monarch. In Measure for Measure slander is a double-edged sword—an insight that rulers deplore but the theatre celebrates. The fact that in Measure for Measure the slanderer is punished in the end makes little difference here. As Lucio says: “I am a kind of burr. I shall stick” (4.3.174).
[1] William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure, ed. by N. W. Bawcutt, Oxford’s World Classics, The Oxford Shakespeare (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998).
[2] In his commentary on the phrase, N. W. Bawcutt, the editor of the Oxford-edition of Measure for Measure, refers to the fourth meaning of “mutton” in the OED. In Thomas Middleton’s A Chaste Maid in Cheapside (1613) the libertine Sir Walter Whorehound brings a prostitute from Wales to London about whom it is said that “there’s nothing tastes so sweet as your Welsh mutton”. Thomas Middleton, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside, ed. by Alan Brissenden, New Mermaids (London: A. & C. Black, 2nd. ed. 2002), 4.1.163–4.
[3] Cf. M. Lindsay Kaplan, The Culture of Slander in Early Modern England (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997), p. 92.
[4] Cf. Bawcutt, “General Introduction”, MM, p. 55.
[5] The play is included in Middleton’s Collected Works edited by Gary Taylor and John Lavagnino for Oxford University Press (2007) under the title The Puritan Widow. See also Paul Yachnin, “Reversal of Fortune: Shakespeare, Middleton, and the Puritans”, ELH 70 (2003), pp. 757–786.
[6] W. S.: The Puritaine or the Widdow of Watling-streete, London, 1607. The Tudor Facsimile Reprints (New York: AMS [1911] 1970), sig. B3.
[7] Thomas Middleton, The Family of Love, in The Works of Thomas Middleton, ed. by Arthur H. Bullen, vol. 3 (London: Nimmo, 1885), pp. 1–120, 3.3.73 f. On the question of Middleton’s authorship see Gary Taylor, Paul Mulholland and MacD. P. Jackson, “Thomas Middleton, Lording Barry, and The Family of Love”, Papers of the Bibliographical Society of America 93 (1999), pp. 213–241. The authors of the article attribute The Family of Love to Lording Barry. Consequently, it has not been included in the recent Collected Works of Middleton.
[8] It should be noted that the Family of Love, a spiritualist sect that flourished in England in the 16th century, must not be confused with the puritans. As an anonymous contemporary polemicist observed, the two religious groups were “mortall enemies” (A Supplication of the Family of Loue.Cambridge: Iohn Legate, 1606, sig. B2r). In the 1580s several puritan polemicists launched a defamatory campaign against the spiritualists aiming at discrediting the sect as much as possible in the eyes of the authorities. Under pressure to conform, the puritans needed a scapegoat. According to a familist apologist the puritans were “not ashamed to laie their owne, and all other mens disobedient, and wicked actes (of what profession soeuer they be) vpon our backes, to the ende cunningly to purchase favour, and credite to themselues, and to make vs seeme monstrous & detestable before the Magistrate, and the common people euerie where.” (A Supplication, 1606, sig. G1r) In my forthcoming study Stage-Puritans: Zum Verhältnis von Puritanern und Theater in der Frühen Neuzeit I argue that the anonymous comedy The Family of Love satirizes the puritan campaign against the Family by conflating puritan and familist traits in one stage figure. On the sect in England see Christopher Marsh, The Family of Love in English Society, 1550–1630 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994). On the Family as a subject of literature see William C. Johnson, “The Family of Love in Stuart Literature: A Chronology of Name-Crossed Lovers”, Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies 7 (1977), pp. 95–112.
[9] John Marston, The Dutch Courtesan, ed. by David Crane, The New Mermaids (London: A. & C. Black, 1997), 1.2.19–20, 5.3.93–4. On Marston’s satirical representation of puritans and the concept of the ‘companionate marriage’ see Enno Ruge, “Renaissance Sensuality vs. ‘Puritan’ Love Marriage in John Marston’s The Dutch Courtesan”, in Christoph Houswitschka, Gabriele Knappe, Anja Müller, eds., Anglistentag 2005 Bamberg: Proceedings. Proceedings of the Conference of University Teachers in English (Trier: WVT, 2006), 169–182.
[10] See for example Donald J. McGinn, “The Precise Angelo”, in James G. MacManaway, Giles E. Dawson, Edwin E. Willoughby, eds., Joseph Quincy Adams Memorial Studies (Washington, DC: Folger Library, 1948), 129–139; Victoria Hayne, “Performing Social Practice: The Example of Measure for Measure”, in Richard P. Wheeler, ed., Critical Essays on Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, Critical Essays on British Literature (New York: Hall, 1999), 145–176; Peter Lake, Michael Questier, The Antichrist’s Lewd Hat: Protestants, Papists and Players in Post-Reformation England (New Haven, CT, London: Yale University Press, 2002), ch. 15.
[11] Cf. Kristen Poole, Radical Religion from Shakespeare to Milton: Figures of Nonconformity in Early Modern England (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000), pp. 48–54. As Robert Greaves notes, the prohibition against eating meat on Fridays and during Lent was retained in Protestant England—partly to support the English fish trade. Robert Greaves, Society and Religion in Elizabethan England (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1981), p. 491. Other inofficial assemblies of the godly, such as the so-called “prophesyings”, “exercises”, or “conventicles”, as well as the “gadding” of believers to sermons of popular preachers, were eyed equally suspiciously by the authorities. Cf. Patrick Collinson, “The English Conventicle”, in William J. Sheils, Diana Wood, eds., Voluntary Religion. Papers Read at the 1985 Summer Meeting and the 1986 Winter Meeting of the Ecclesiastical Historical Society, Studies in Church History 5 (Oxford: Blackwell, 1986), 223–259.
[12] Quoted in Poole (2000), p. 51. In The Family of Love the lecherous gallant Lipsalve claims to have been converted from “two very notorious crimes: the first was from eating fish on Fridays, and the second from speaking reverently of the clergy.” Family (1885), 4.1.87–89.
[13] Poole (2000), pp. 5, 50.
[14] Ibid., p. 15. Poole sees Falstaff, who was originally named after the Lollard martyr Sir John Oldcastle, as a hybrid character, whose ‘puritan’ features are derived from satirical representations of the anonymous puritan pamphleteer who called himself Martin Marprelate. However, if Falstaff repeatedly speaks like a puritan in Shakespeare’s play, it does not mean that he is really meant to be one. Rather, as Tobias Döring has argued, Falstaff merely appropriates puritan discourse parodistically in order to render it meaningless. Personal communication.
[15] I discuss Twelfth Night in this respect in my forthcoming study on Stage-Puritans.
[16] Cited in Ian Donaldson, The World Upside-Down: Comedy from Jonson to Fielding (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1970), p. 73. There is no evidence, however, that Jonson or any other playwright acted on orders whenever they ridiculed the puritans. The dedication to Bartholomew Fair (1614) suggests that at least after 1614 anti-puritan satire was fully in accordance with James’s anti-sabbatarian politics. It was indeed around this time that the puritans began to be increasingly troublesome to the King. Cf. Leah Marcus, The Politics of Mirth: Jonson, Herrick, Milton, Marvell, and the Defence of Old Holiday Pastimes (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1986), p. 9.
[17] The Puritan (1970), sig. A3r, B3v, C2r.
[18] Barnabe Rich, The Honestie of this Age (1614), cited in Lawrence Manley, Literature and Culture in Early Modern London (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995), p. 330.
[19] Manley (1995), p. 331. Cf. ibid. pp. 314–326.
[20] David H. Horne, “The Life of George Peele”, in The Life and Works of George Peele, ed. by David H. Horne, vol. 1 The Life and Minor Works of George Peele (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1952), 1–146, p. 126. Peele also lends his name to the fictional trickster of a jestbook entitled The Merrie Conceited Jests of George Peele. According to Horne, Peele’s notoriety is the result of conflating the fictional and the real George Peele.
[21] Jeffrey Knapp, Shakespeare’s Tribe: Church, Nation and Theater in Renaissance England (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2002), p. 145. Knapp argues that aggressive anti-puritan satire like this, aimed at excluding the godly from society, ultimately worked against the theatre’s aim of being recognized as a respectable institution. “With their task of allying church and theatre simplified by the shared threat of puritanism […] later protheatricalists grew emboldened about the social as well as moral dubiousness of acting and presented that dubiousness itself, paradoxically, as both more palatable and more edifying than puritannical zeal.” Oddly enough, Knapp counts Bartholomew Fair among those plays which present a “inclusivist” Christian countervision (ibid., p. 72).
[22] On ‘Vienna’ as ‘London’ see Leah Marcus, Puzzling Shakespeare: Local Readings and Its Discontent (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1988), pp. 160–164.
[23] ‘Libertine’ was also used pejoratively for spiritualistic religious sectarians in early modern England, for example by the puritan polemicist George Gifford: “Now as Satan laid the foundation of this his deepe diuinitie in the Apostles times, which he afterward did further build up by the Valentinians and others, so in these last times […] he set it on foote againe by the Anabaptists, Libertines, Familie of Loue, and other such monsters: for they boast of such deepnesse of illuminated elders, and men deified, that looke whatsoeuer they committed, euen the foulest deed, yet they sinne not.” Sermon upon the whole booke of Revelation (London: Richard Field, 21599, sig. F8v). My emphasis.
[24] Lake, Questier (2002), p. 676.
In Shakespeares Maß für Maß begegnet der Herzog von Wien, Vincentio, der incognito in der Stadt unterwegs ist, dem Wüstling Lucio, welcher im Gespräch den Herzog als Mann mit Vergangenheit diffamiert. Bei Lucios Einlassung, der Herzog habe früher selbst gerne “Fleisch am Freitag” zu sich genommen, handelt es sich nicht nur um die Unterstellung, der als sittenstreng geltende Vincentio sei sexuellen Abenteuern nicht abgeneigt gewesen. Der Ausdruck “mutton on Fridays”, so die These des Beitrags, verweist vielmehr auf die Sprache der antipuritanischen Satire der Zeit, wie sie auch auf den Londoner Bühnen zu hören war. Sieht man Lucio als Repräsentanten des Theaters vor dem Hintergrund einer möglichen Instrumentalisierung des Theaters durch König Jakob I., dann lässt sich die üble Nachrede als codierte Botschaft an den Herrscher lesen.
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1839 ENGLISH POETRY 1579-1830: SPENSER AND THE TRADITION
Francis Davison
Robert Aris Willmott, in Lives of Sacred Poets (1834) 20-21.
Biography for
Francis Davison:
1675: Edward Phillips
1801: George Ellis
1839: Robert Aris Willmott
Biography by
Robert Aris Willmott:
1834: Barnabe Barnes
1834: Rev. Joseph Beaumont
1834: William Browne of Tavistock
1834: William Drummond
1834: Rev. Giles Fletcher
1834: William Habington
1834: Rev. Robert Herrick
1834: Thomas Heywood
1834: Rev. Henry More
1834: Henry Peacham
1834: Francis Quarles
1834: Joshua Sylvester
1834: George Wither
1839: Francis Davison
Francis Davison, well known as the editor of the Poetical Rhapsody, was the son of William Davison, the unfortunate secretary of Queen Elizabeth; a man whose probity and excellence appear to have been unquestioned, even by his enemies, and who may be considered the victim of the deceit of Elizabeth, and the treachery of her ministers. In 1593, Francis became a member of Gray's Inn, and, before the completion of his twentieth year, he wrote the speeches of the Gray's Inn Masque, printed in Nichols's Progresses of Queen Elizabeth. In 1595 he was on the Continent, and, on his return, appears to have relinquished his former pursuits, and devoted himself to poetry. Mr. John Chamberlain, writing to Sir Dudley Carleton, on the 8th of July, 1602, alludes to the circumstance: — "It seems young Davison means to take another course, and turn poet; for he has lately sent out certain sonnets and epigrams." The first edition of the Poetical Rhapsody was published in 1602. The fall of his father from his rank and dignities, and his subsequent imprisonment and poverty, must have blighted the prospects of the poet. After 1619 nothing has been discovered respecting him; and it has been supposed that he shared what has been called, with melancholy truth, the common lot of genius — "an obscure life and an early grave." It was, perhaps, during hours of sorrow and penury, that these beautiful versions of the Psalms were composed; and the reader may coincide with Sir Egerton Brydges in esteeming them more honourable to the author, than his lighter compositions, written, as he tells us, in his younger days, "at idle times," as he journeyed "up and down" in his travels.
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"With Montenegro in, Serbians could view NATO differently"
Montenegro's membership in NATO could change the way Serbians view the alliance, says Janusz Bugajski.
SOURCE: TANJUG MONDAY, MAY 15, 2017 | 14:55
According to this senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), this is possible "if Montenegro becomes more successful and attracts more investments."
"The NATO membership itself is another stepping stone towards EU membership – I think all those things serve as a potential example to Serbian citizens. I personally do not buy this idea that Serbia wants to be neutral, because remember, Yugoslavia under Tito was non-aligned, was neutral. But sooner or later, you have to choose. You are not Switzerland – you are not a rich country with a specific niche. Serbia is a country which will be surrounded by NATO countries and it will fall behind in its military reform, in its modernization programs, if it does not become a part of NATO," he told the European Western Balkans website, and added:
"I cannot imagine any Serbian officer wanting to be more closely aligned with the Russian military – a lot of it is obsolete, and the funding now is really going to go down, you are going to see real problems in Russia – rather than to be a part of the most modern military organization in the world. It does not make sense to me. You want to be part of the best, not second best. It is obviously a political decision in Serbia and it will take longer. In other countries in the region, I think, it will have a quicker process, and Serbia is going to be a challenge."
Bugajski, who was one of the speakers at the 2BS Forum in Budva, Montenegro, commented on that country being seen as "a game changer" and on the consequences of Montenegro's membership in NATO for itself and for the region:
"After eight years of hiatus, finally NATO has brought in a new member. Remember, there was no new member since the Bucharest Summit in 2008. This is actually an opportunity for NATO to regain momentum in terms of its mission. And remember, its mission is to bring in all European countries that fulfil the requirements for common defense, that are democracies, that have settled borders, that have conducted military reforms, that have civil-military relations accorded to NATO stipulations, and many other requirements, and Montenegro has met those."
Asked whether it was possible for Western Balkan countries to join the EU member without accession to NATO, the American analyst replied:
"Yes, it is possible, and it depends on the EU. Serbia could be an example of entering the EU before entering NATO. Then the question for Serbia will, of course, be Kosovo. Kosovo wants to be a member of both. And if Kosovo builds its military, I think they are going to invest a lot of resources in trying to become a NATO member, as soon as they are allowed to. That is going to create a problem in a way for Serbia because Serbia may even have Kosovo in NATO, and it will be outside the Alliance."
As for "the Russian influence in the Balkans" and "the consequences of Russian meddling in the interior matters of all the countries of the Western Balkans," Bugajski advised "looking at the big picture."
"I think it goes beyond meddling. I keep hearing the Russians are 'meddling'. I think it is more than meddling. The Russians are using this region to undermine, eventually to dismantle the West, to prevent further NATO enlargement, to prevent further EU enlargement, to create rifts within European – NATO countries on how to deal with these questions here, possibly at some point they may want to restart a war – maybe in Bosnia, maybe in Macedonia, maybe over between Kosovo and Serbia – in order to distract NATO attention, in order to inject themselves as mediators," he said.
"It is like the guy with the matches – sets fire to a house and then comes in as the fireman. In the Russian tradition is to start conflicts and then inject itself as a mediator, which enhances its role in the region. For all these reasons and the fact that the region is being neglected by the EU, it is not yet integrated into NATO, it gives more opportunity for Russia to pursue its strategy vis-a-vis the West. I call it “Europe’s soft underbelly”, in other words, where they can really punch and create problems for the alliance and for the West."
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SoA Prizes
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You are here: Home Games High King of Tara
The Society of Ancients is a long-established international amateur society for the promotion of the study of ancient and medieval military history and wargaming the period 3000 BC to 1500 AD. It is run by volunteers for the benefit of its worldwide membership.
The Society publishes a bi-monthly journal, Slingshot, containing a wide range of items related to Ancient and Medieval military history and wargaming contributed by Society members. It organises various events, including an annual games day and members' conference, and runs a wargames championship. The Society also publishes a number of games and booklets which are available from our web store.
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High King of Tara
Struggle to become the High King of Ireland by Nick Harbud.
High King of Tara is a card game that recreates the struggle to become High King of Ireland in the period following the death of Brian Boru at the battle of Clontarf in 1014 AD. It may be played with two or more participants, each player representing a regional high king who must weld together a sufficient number of the lesser kingdoms (tuatha) to be acclaimed as High King of Ireland.
High King of Tara at BoardGameGeek
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Aturan permainan
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MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo was all smiles but had no jokes.
The Milwaukee Bucks‘ All-Star forward was more business this time around: While he didn’t indulge reporters by opening his media day session on Monday with a gag, as he had done in previous years, Antetokounmpo still flashed an infectious grin.
Things are looking up for the Milwaukee Bucks as they move into a new arena this fall, with a new coach leading a team headlined by one of the NBA’s bright, young stars.
The organization once had billboards around the city that read “Own the Future.” That future is here.
“You could make an argument that we’re number 1, 2, 3, or 4” in the Eastern Conference, co-owner Marc Lasry said when asked about where the Bucks might fit in the conference picture. “I mean I think if we stay healthy and we play to our potential, we’d be one of the top two or three teams, so I think we’re there.”
The Bucks have made slow, steady progress since an ownership group including Lasry bought the team in 2014. They’ve made the playoffs three of the last four seasons. They’ve finished above .500 in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2000-01.
The Bucks hope they’ve positioned themselves to take another step forward in a more wide-open East, with LeBron James having left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Toronto Raptors sporting a new look.
Milwaukee didn’t re-sign forward Jabari Parker, who left for the Chicago Bulls. They added big man Brook Lopez, while sharpshooter Ersan Ilyasova is back for another stint with the team at forward.
The team also signed guard Pat Connaughton and drafted guard Donte DiVincenzo in the first round out of Villanova. Ilyasova, Connaughton and DiVincenzo could each with long-range shooting, a problem area last season for the team.
But the Bucks’ biggest change in the offseason was the hiring of Mike Budenholzer to take over as head coach. The relationship between Budenholzer and Antetokounmpo may be paramount to the success of the team.
It looks like they’re off to a good start.
“Coach (Budenholzer) has been amazing. He’s letting us play, He’s letting us be basketball players. What he’s putting out on offense and the way we’re going to play this year is going to be free,” Antetokounmpo said.
Having a 6-foot-11 forward with generational type-talent like Antetokounmpo can help bail out a team too when all else fails. Budenholzer has seen glimpses of Antetokounmpo’s work ethic while watching him at pickup games and having offseason conversations.
“One of the things you always hear about Giannis whenever you’re talking about him and fortunate enough to be put in this position, is his work ethic,” Budenholzer said. “I would say it’s met or exceeded all of my expectations. He wants to be great, he puts in the time and effort.”
Budenholzer had a winning record during a five-year head-coaching stint in Atlanta, including a 60-win season in 2014-15. He’s also a former assistant with the San Antonio Spurs, one of the league’s standard-bearers for long-term success.
The first practice is Tuesday at the Bucks’ state-of-the-art training facility, which just opened a year ago. It’s located across the street from the gleaming, new Fiserv Forum, which replaced the three decade-old Bradley Center.
“With Bud and with Giannis, I feel like we truly have a path. With Giannis you can pick a style of play, you know the type of players that fit, the type of culture you want to create in the locker room,” general manager Jon Horst said. “We have a direction and a path that we can follow and can take us to success.”
Fans fill Fiserv Forum seats for Bucks 1st Green & Cream Scrimmage
Milwaukee Bucks: The Jerryd Bayless game-winner
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Home | News Monday 25 March 2019
International envoys understand opposition’s stance on talks with government: Arman
March 24, 2019 (PARIS) - The international envoys to Sudan understand the position of Sudan Call from the negotiations with the Sudanese government, said Yasir Arman, the foreign relations official of the opposition alliance on Saturday.
SPLM-N Secretary General, Yasir Arman (File photo/Purtizler Center)
The Sudan Call decided last Wednesday to withdraw from the roadmap for peace and democratic reforms and the armed groups engaged in a peace process with the government also decided to end the political talks.
By doing so, the opposition alliance aligned its stance with the other forces of the Declaration of Freedom and Change that call for al-Bashir to step down.
Last Wednesday, following the final communiqué of their meeting in Paris and the cancellation of the African Union-brokered framework agreement of August 2016, the Troika countries envoys, including The U.S the UK and Norway, the French and EU special envoys for Sudan held a meeting with the opposition to brief them about the outcome of the meeting.
Asked by Sudan Tribune about their position from the shift registered by the alliance from the political process, the foreign relations official described the meeting as positive.
"They were understanding of our view on the need to find a new policy to deal with the Sudanese crisis, he said before to add they were interested in issues of violations of human rights and will hold further meetings in the future."
The decision of the Sudan Call to relinquish the roadmap agreement was welcomed by the Declaration Freedom and Changes forces including the National Consensus Forces, the Sudanese Professionals Association and the Unionists in Opposition.
Arman pointed to the importance of Troika countries, France, the European Union and others in the "future of building new transitional arrangements in Sudan and later after the success of the revolution."
"We have made clear to them that relations will not be based on ideology but Sudan’s real interests," he said. "Also, we have made it clear that the departure of al-Bashir and his regime provide a new opportunity to normalize with the international community.
"His departure, also, gives a chance to millions of internally displaced persons and refugees return to their areas," he stressed.
NEW ALTERNATIVE FRONT
Arman said the opposition forces are preparing to escalate the resistance in the coming days, with the establishment of a broad front that presents itself as an alternative to the regime of President Omer al-Bashir.
"There is no negotiation but its downfall and nothing to do with the regime. The opposition will prepare for further escalation and unity among its ranks," he said.
We will build a front for freedom, change and citizenship without discrimination that will be an alternative to the regime," he stressed.
The opposition official said the anniversary of the April 6 revolution would "see increased resistance" with the participation of thousands of Sudanese from the other states as they come to the capital to revive it.
He said that the Presidential Council of the appeal of Sudan is in the process of developing its initiative to expand the opposition front to political forces.
He asserted that the new front does not mean the cancellation of the existing alliances but its consolidation, as it takes into account the political changes and includes the widest spectrum of groups and individuals with the active participation of women and youth.
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Sexuality continues to change and develop well into adulthood – study
By The Caribbean Camera Inc. on May 8, 2019 Comments Off on Sexuality continues to change and develop well into adulthood – study
A new study has shown that traditional labels of ‘gay’, ‘bisexual’ and ‘straight’ do not capture the full range of human sexuality, and whether a person is attracted to the same, or opposite sex can change over time.
The study, published in the Journal of Sex Research, analysed surveys from around 12,000 students, and found that substantial changes in attractions, partners, and sexual identity are common from late adolescence to the early 20s, and from the early 20s to the late 20s—indicating that sexual orientation development continues long past adolescence into adulthood. The results also show distinct development pathways for men and women, with female sexuality being more fluid over time.
“Sexual orientation involves many aspects of life, such as who we feel attracted to, who we have sex with, and how we self-identify,” explains Christine Kaestle, a professor of developmental health at Virginia Tech. “Until recently, researchers have tended to focus on just one of these aspects, or dimensions, to measure and categorize people. However, that may oversimplify the situation. For example, someone may self-identify as heterosexual while also reporting relationships with same-sex partners.”
In order to take all of the dimensions of sexuality into account over time, Kaestle used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, which tracked American students from the ages of 16-18 into their late twenties and early thirties. At regular points in time, participants were questioned about what gender/s they were attracted to, the gender of their partners, and whether they identified as ‘straight’, ‘gay’ or ‘bisexual’.
The results showed that some people’s sexual orientation experiences vary over time, and the traditional three categories of ‘straight’, ‘bisexual’ and ‘gay’ are insufficient to describe the diverse patterns of attraction, partners, and identity over time. The results indicated that such developmental patterns are better described in nine categories—differing for both men and women.
For young men these patterns have been categorised as:
‘straight’ (87%),
‘mostly straight or bi'(3.8%),
’emerging gay’ (2.4%)
minimal sexual expression’ (6.5%).
Young women on the other hand were better described by five categories:
‘straight’ (73.8%),
‘mostly straight discontinuous’ (10.1%),
’emerging bi’ (7.5%),
’emerging lesbian’ (1.5%)
‘minimal sexual expression’ (7%).
Straight people made up the largest group and showed the least change in sexual preferences over time. Interestingly, men were more likely than women to be straight—almost nine out of 10 men, compared to less than three-quarters of women.
Men and women in the middle of the sexuality spectrum, as well as those in the ’emerging’ gay and lesbian groups showed the most changes over time.
For example, 67% of women in the ‘mostly straight discontinuous’ group were attracted to both sexes in their early 20s. However, this number dropped to almost zero by their late 20s, by which time the women reported only being attracted to the opposite sex.
Overall, women showed greater fluidity in sexual preference over time. They were more likely (one in six) to be located in the middle of the sexuality continuum and to be bisexual.
Fewer than one in 25 men fell in the middle of the spectrum; they were more likely to be at either end of the spectrum, as either ‘straight’ or ’emerging gay’. Relatively few women were classed as ’emerging lesbian’.
“In the emerging groups, those who have sex in their teens mostly start with other-sex partners and many report other-sex attractions during their teens,” Kaestle said of her findings.
“Then they gradually develop and progress through adjacent categories on the continuum through the early 20s to ultimately reach the point in the late 20s when almost all Emerging Bi females report both-sex attractions, almost all Emerging Gay males report male-only attractions, and almost all Emerging Lesbian females report female-only attractions.”
Kaestle explains that the study demonstrates young adulthood is still a very dynamic time for sexual orientation development,
“The early 20s are a time of increased independence and often include greater access to more liberal environments that can make the exploration, questioning, or acknowledging of same-sex attractions more acceptable and comfortable at that age.
“At the same time—as more people pair up in longer term committed relationships as young adulthood progresses—this could lead to fewer identities and attractions being expressed that do not match the sex of the long-term partner, leading to a kind of bi-invisibility.”
“We will always struggle with imposing categories onto sexual orientation,” Kaestle says.
“Because sexual orientation involves a set of various life experiences over time, categories will always feel artificial and static.”
Importantly, although the study found nine categories of sexual orientation development, limitations in the statistical methods used mean that more categories could exist.
The names of the categories are also in no way meant to replace or contradict any person’s current self-labelled identity. Rather, Kaestle hopes that these findings will help researchers in the future to better understand how a range of sexual orientation experiences and patterns over time can shape sexual minorities’ experience of distinct health disadvantages, and the effects of discrimination.
Sexuality continues to change and develop well into adulthood – study added by The Caribbean Camera Inc. on May 8, 2019
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Unique Courses
Vocational education still has an esteem problem: tweaking the system won’t solve that
May 26, 2016 5.46am EDT
Liz Atkins, Northumbria University, Newcastle
Liz Atkins
Reader in Education, Department of Education and Lifelong Learning, Northumbria University, Newcastle
Liz Atkins does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Northumbria University, Newcastle provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK.
Cooking up a good future. Kjetil Kolbjornsrud/www.shutterstock.com
If you are a 16-year-old today, once you have taken GCSEs you will have a number of possible routes open to you. If you have achieved a range of “good” GCSEs (grades A*-C) you can probably opt to take A-Levels. If you have not achieved the necessary number of high grades, you can progress to vocational education.
Yet vocational courses have traditionally been seen as of lower value and held in lower esteem than academic education. This is largely because the work opportunities they present are technical rather than professional and associated with lower income levels.
Over the last generation, governments in control of England’s skills policy have tried a number of initiatives to generate higher quality qualifications and so create greater esteem for the vocational curriculum.
Now a recent article in FE Week magazine, suggests that the delayed skills white paper – the government’s first in ten years – could propose the introduction of a two-tier system of post-16 education. If this happens, young people would have to choose between academic programmes – traditional A-Levels – and a new technical professional education route into work.
Despite government interventions, the nature of the vocational curriculum has changed little over time. In England, the current vocational education landscape is confused and confusing. Broadly speaking, it is split between occupational training – such as hairdressing and beauty therapy, or plumbing – and “broad vocational” classroom-based, work-related education, such as leisure and tourism, business, or health and social care.
Both types of vocational education are offered at three levels, and a 16-year-old would enter a programme at a level dictated by their GCSE outcomes. So for example, Level 3 is broadly equivalent to A-Level and represents a high level of training in occupational courses and in broad vocational courses that may offer access to university. Lower attaining young people would enter Level 2 (broadly equivalent to GCSE) or Level 1 (broadly equivalent to expected attainment of a 14-year-old).
Different tracks
Irrespective of the forthcoming white paper, there has always been a double or triple track system, albeit a hidden one. Currently, A-Level candidates progress to university, and then on to professional occupations. Vocational students make an often messy transition to either occupational or broad vocational programmes, some of which do lead to employment, while others – primarily low-level broad vocational education – do not, something which has been the case for at least a generation.
This “tracking” of young people into different types of education that produce very different work and life chances has been heavily criticised. It is heavily influenced by gender and is class-specific, with those from the lowest social classes having the poorest outcomes in terms of qualifications and future occupation, and the least incentive to learn.
Undervalued. amixstudio/www.shutterstock.com
Those left behind
Much of this policy has seen the young people who access vocational education described as disengaged, disaffected and non-academic, characteristics associated with social class, race and gender. Despite this rhetoric, there is scant attention paid to the reality of the lives of these young people, and the challenges many of them face.
It’s possible that the forthcoming white paper could clearly articulate a vocational and academic divide – rather than trying to obscure it. Whether this will result in a relatively coherent system with respected vocational and academic routes with bridges between them, as countries such as Germany have, remains to be seen.
If the government does introduce clear academic and vocational streams, it will be key to see what provision is made for the lowest attaining young people. One of the major flaws of further education and skills policy in recent decades has been its preoccupation with debates around “parity of esteem” between vocational and academic qualifications.
This has resulted in a focus on young people undertaking Level 3 programmes, causing the exclusion of the lowest attaining young people from many new initiatives. It might also be seen as one of the factors behind the very poor-quality broad vocational provision at the lower Levels 1 and 2, which received significant criticism in the 2011 Wolf Review of Vocational Education.
The government introduced a raft of initiatives in response to Wolf’s report, including supported internships for young people with special educational needs and “traineeships” for those “not yet ready” to progress to apprenticeships.
Amid all this, a group of the lowest attaining young people remain invisible in existing policy. These are people without identified special educational needs but not equipped for a traineeship, perhaps due to personal difficulties, difficulties in conforming to college requirements, or home circumstances. A recent report by the House of Lords select committee on social mobility did focus attention on some of the issues and barriers facing this group of young people, providing some grounds for cautious optimism.
All this means very little for those young people who will be entering post-16 education from 2017 and beyond. Unless something radical and unexpected is published in the forthcoming white paper, ordinary young people who don’t get top marks in school will continue to progress to low-quality, broad vocational programmes. Ultimately, each young person will have a particular range of work and life chances associated with the credentials they have acquired – less a revolution in skills, and more a status quo.
All 16-year-olds will now have to sit five academic subjects at GCSE. David Davies / PA Archive
The divide is growing between what employers and ministers want students to study
It’s high stakes when the education minister announces South Africa’s matric results. GovernmentZA
South Africa should scrap simple ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ exam results for school-leavers
Vocational training shouldn’t be dismissed as an easy, lazy alternative to completing formal schooling. From www.shutterstock.com
Vocational training is not an easy alternative to formal schooling
Vocational education is underfunded, understood by too few, and too specific to allow students to go on to further education. Shutterstock
Vocational training is too complex, too job-specific, too underfunded
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Tag Archives: Ray Charles
2016 Gift Guide, DVDs, Holiday Gift Guide, Movies
Holiday Gift Guide 2016: The Year’s Best DVDs and Box Sets (Part One)
Rock ‘n roll! Pin-up girls! Hot rods and hotter fashion! Welcome to the documentary It’s a Rockabilly World (Virgil Films). Directed by the award winning Brent Huff, the film focuses on the vibrant scene known as “rockabilly” and the people who follow this subculture religiously. The term dates back the mid-’50s, where it was coined to describe the rock ‘n roll played by hillbillies, by Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis. The flick details its humble beginnings to the global sensation it is today, not only in the United States but in Europe, South Africa and Japan. The colorful cast brings you right onto the rockabilly scene-describing how and why they fall in love with this cultural phenomenon.
The action of Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures: Complete Season One (Disney) begins after the events of The Empire Strikes Back and before Return of the Jedi and follows a family of scavengers who build and sell starships from battle debris strewn throughout the galaxy. Recycling runts! When their youngest discovers a natural connection with the Force through an ancient artifact—the Kyber Saber—his world is turned upside down, and he and his family are thrown into an epic struggle against the Empire to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy. The Freemakers explore new worlds, meet new and familiar characters and learn the meaning of family. Relive all 13 action-packed episodes in one nifty set. And no, you;re not hearing things: The voice of Lando Calrissian is that of Billy Dee Williams, reprising his role from the original film series.
RuPaul has his queens. And the Kingdom of Avalor has theirs. After saving her enchanted kingdom from an evil sorceress, Princess Elena must now reign as Crown Princess until she’s old enough to become Queen. She has help: With her sister Isabel, magical flying jaquins, and her friends Naomi, Royal Wizard Mateo and Royal Guard Gabe by her side, this empowered Princess will do her best to rule Avalor with bravery and compassion. Disney’s most inspiring new leader embarks on a heroic journey to restore her kingdom to greatness and prove she’s ready to rule. Such is the wonder of Elena of Avalor (Disney).
We know the story well: Ben-Hur is the epic story of Judah Ben-Hur, a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala, an officer in the Roman army. The story’s highlight still remains the chariot race: Both the 1925 silent film version, starring gay icon Ramon Navarro as Ben-Hur, and the 1959 blockbuster remain memorable with Biblical proportions. (Three were two other adaptations of the 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace: The 1907 silent film starring Herman Rottger and the 2003 animated film with Ben-Hur voiced by Heston.) A new version hit theaters earlier this year, starring Jack Huston in the title role. The breathtaking action-adventure,from Paramount Home Media Distribution, is a great adventures, especially on Blu-ray!
If you missed the critical acclaim (think applause, then more applause) director Andrew Neel’s gripping drama Goat received at its world premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, ask Santa for the Paramount Home Media Distribution DVD. Based on Brad Land’s memoir, the film follows a 19-year-old Brad (played by Ben Schnetzer), newly arrived to college and desperate to belong. Taking a cue from his older brother Brett (Nick Jonas), Brad decides to pledge a fraternity. At first, it’s all parties and girls, but as Brad enters into the final stretch of the pledging ritual—known as “hell week”—things take a violent, humiliating turn. What occurs in the name of ‘brotherhood’ tests both boys and their relationship in brutal ways.
True cinephiles crave everything Cohen Film Collection releases. Trust us and check out the wide array of flicks at cohenmedia.net. Santa will get a long list. One must-have: Merchant Ivory’s undisputed masterpieces Howards End, in a gorgeous new 4k restoration on Blu-ray and DVD. This adaptation of E.M. Forster’s classic novel won multiple prizes including three Academy Awards, with Emma Thompson picking up Best Actress. A saga of class relations and changing times in an Edwardian England on the brink of modernity, the film centers on the interwoven fates and misfortunes of these three families and the diverging trajectories of the two sisters’ lives are connected to the ownership of Howards End, the beloved country home. A compelling, brilliantly acted study of one woman’s struggle to maintain her ideals and integrity in the face of Edwardian society’s moribund conformist values.
Only producer Lorne Michaels could make our Saturday nights live with laughter. Witness: Brother Nature (Paramount Home Media Distribution), the outrageous new comedy about family, friendship and fish. Roger, a straight-laced politician, has big plans to propose to his dream girl at her family’s lake house. But everything goes awry when he meets his potential brother-in-law Todd: A full-time camp counselor with a heart of gold and a wild sense of fun, pining to be Roger’s best friend, and ultimately catapulting him into a series of unfortunate events.
As Roger tries to take a stand amidst outrageous fishing excursions, propulsive water jetpacks and American history-themed musicals, he realizes that being a part of a new family may be more difficult than he’d thought.
Perhaps the most touching and important film of the year: When two pregnant cows were trapped in an over-turned rig on the 210 Freeway in March, the City of Los Angeles’ SMART, a specialized mobile animal rescue team, was called in to save them. The team, the first of its kind in the United States, is a uniquely trained unit within the Animal Services division that risks life and limb to rescue domestic and wild animals in the most precarious situations. An award-winning documentary film, SMART: Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team (Cinema Libre Studio), captures the heart and soul of this team as they battle to save LA’s animals.
Since SMART’s formation in 2009, the self-trained team has saved nearly 1,000 animals . . . domestic, wild, and abused animals of all kinds. The team of 12 Animal Control Officers, represent the cultural melting pot that is this city, and has a 100% save rate. Due to SMART’s distinctive training, it can respond to calls that other emergency responders and Animal Control Officers are not equipped to handle, as seen in the film when they are called in to help Pee-Wee Herman (Paul Reubens) after a buck gets trapped in his backyard.
In the last seven years, team members have spent almost $80,000 dollars of their own money to assist with expenses not covered by the department’s budget. Says Animal Services General Manager Brenda Barnette, SMART’s role is “to show people that the impossible is possible.”
A truly remarkable team and their story.
Based on the phenomenal bestselling book series by acclaimed author James Patterson, Maximum Ride has landed on DVD
from Paramount Home Media Distribution. Patterson’s book series spent 144 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list, has sold more than 20 million books worldwide and has spawned 11 Manga comics. The film brings to life the extraordinary journey of six DNA-enhanced young orphans with the ability to fly who are on a mission to rescue the youngest of their flock while discovering the diabolical, scientific secrets of how they came to exist. Their leader is Max, wise beyond her years, who must summon all her courage and acumen to outmaneuver the brutal half-human/half-wolf creations known as “Erasers”, confront her own inner demons and ultimately face a stunning betrayal.
Time Life is releasing several new-to-retail collections of episodes from the first five years of her show with The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes–Classic Carol. This must-have series, unveiled by Time Life in 2015, features original, uncut broadcast episodes from Seasons 1-5 (1967-1972), unseen by the public in more than 40 years–no reruns, streaming video, DVDs or any other format. Until now. Fans will have the opportunity to restore their CB connections and tune in to rediscover what made the program tick and stick around as one of the best hours on TV.
The 6-disc set features 14 episodes, as they originally aired on television, and showcases some of the most acclaimed and beloved moments from “The Carol Burnett Show” including classic sketches “The Old Folks,” “Carol and Sis,” “The Ham Actors,” and “As the Stomach Turns;” TV spoofs including the ever-popular commercials; movie parody presentations from Tearjerker Theatre, Insomnia Theatre, and The Early Early Show; and guest stars including Lucille Ball, Ken Berry, George Carlin, Ray Charles, Cass Elliot, Robert Goulet, Bernadette Peters, Debbie Reynolds and Lana Turner. There’s also a 3-disc set (features seven episodes) and the single disc that includes three episodes.
Specially-created bonus features are also available on both the 6-disc and 3-disc sets and include “A Writers’ Roundtable: A Conversation with The Carol Burnett Show‘s Writers” and interviews with show dancer and choreographer Randy Doney and ballet dancer Edward Villella. The 6-disc collection also features several bonus shows, including “The Garry Moore Show” episodes featuring the original “Accidents” and “Princess of Morovia” sketches.
Your favorite pizza-loving heroes return in an epic new adventure loaded with wall-to-wall laughs. In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (Paramount Home Media Distribution), the Heroes in a Half-Shell also will be available in a limited edition two-movie Blu-ray giftset with collectible metal lunchbox. Raphael, Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo are back to battle bigger, badder villains, alongside April O’Neil and a newcomer: the hockey-masked vigilante Casey Jones. After supervillain Shredder escapes custody, he joins forces with two dimwitted henchmen, Bebop and Rocksteady, to unleash a diabolical plan to take over the world. As the Turtles prepare to take on Shredder and his new crew, they find themselves facing an even greater threat with similar intentions: the notorious Krang.
We cannot stand hip-hop or rap or any other such noise. But we did find the miniseries Streets of Compton (Lionsgate) fascinating as we witnessed the rise of West Coast hip-hop. Produced and narrated by rapper The Game, this miniseries brings unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to hip-hop’s origins, exploring the rise of music legends like NWA and Dr. Dre told through the eyes of its current and former residents. Compton is a place most people have never seen and the truth isn’t always pretty. Streets of Compton tells the story of how a city overrun by gangs and violence became a cultural powerhouse. Hip-hop superstar The Game takes us on a dark yet redemptive journey into the heart of his city.
We got out kicks from Kicks (Universal Studios Home Entertainment). In Justin Tipping’s feature debut, nothing is as simple as it seems. Fifteen-year-old Brandon longs for a pair of the freshest sneakers that money can buy; assuming that merely having them on his feet will help him escape the reality of being poor, neglected by the opposite sex and picked on by everyone — even his best friends. Working hard to get them, he soon finds that the titular shoes have instead made him a target after they are promptly snatched by local hood, Flaco. Seemingly the embodiment of menace, Flaco harbors complexities of his own that will be revealed when Brandon goes on a mission to retrieve his stolen sneakers with his two best friends in tow.
Andrew NeelBen SchnetzerBen-HurBernadette PetersBilly Dee WilliamsBrad LandBrenda BarnetteBrother NatureCarl PerkinsCass ElliotCharlton HestonCinema Libre StudioCohen Film CollectionDebbie ReynoldsDisneyDr. DreE.M. ForsterEdward VillellaElvis PresleyEmma ThompsonEmpire Strikes BackGeorge CarlinHowards EndIt's a Rockabilly WorldJack HustonJames PattersonJerry Lee LewisKen BerryKyber SaberLana TurnerLando CalrissianLionsgateLorne MichaelsLucille BallMaximum RideNick JonasParamount Home Media DistributionPaul ReubensPee-Wee HermanRamon NavarroRandy Doneyrapper The GameRay CharlesReturn of the JediRobert GouletSMARTSpecialized Mobile Animal Rescue TeamStar WarsStreets of ComptonSundance Film FestivalTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the ShadowsThe Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes--Classic CarolThe Garry Moore ShowTime-LifeUniversal Studios Home EntertainmentVirgil Films
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Home » Basketball » Mike Anderson named St. John’s head coach
Mike Anderson named St. John’s head coach
Former Arkansas coach Mike Anderson has been hired as the next head coach of St. John’s, the school announced Friday.
“My family and I are extremely excited to join the St. John’s University community,” Anderson said in a statement. “This basketball program is rooted with such great tradition and it has a history built by legendary coaches, so this is a humbling experience. I look forward to mentoring the young men who will represent St. John’s proudly on the court, in the classroom and in our community.”
Anderson will be introduced at a news conference at 1 p.m. ET Friday.
He takes a job that proved difficult to fill after Chris Mullin stepped down earlier in the month. The school’s first choice to replace Mullin, Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley, decided to stay in Tempe and signed a contract extension. St. John’s then pursued Loyola-Chicago’s Porter Moser, but Moser turned down the Red Storm after visiting the Queens campus and having an interview. Iona’s Tim Cluess withdrew his name from consideration Thursday morning.
Anderson was fired by Arkansas last month after eight seasons as Razorbacks coach. During his time in Fayetteville, Anderson led Arkansas to the NCAA tournament three times. Prior to taking over at Arkansas, Anderson spent five seasons at Missouri, taking the Tigers to three NCAA tournaments — including an Elite Eight run in 2009. Anderson also was the head coach at UAB for four seasons, winning at least 20 games every year and advancing to the NCAA tournament three times.
The Birmingham, Alabama, native began his coaching career as an assistant under Nolan Richardson, first at Tulsa, his alma mater, for three seasons, and then at Arkansas for 17 seasons in various roles.
Mullin, the greatest player in program history, was in charge of the Red Storm for four seasons. He led St. John’s to an NCAA tournament appearance this season, his first since taking over as head coach, but the Red Storm lost in the First Four to Arizona State.
After the season, Mullin had multiple contentious meetings with athletic director Mike Cragg, leading to speculation on his job status. Mullin announced his resignation the day after the national championship game.
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« Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp desperate to fulfil this promise he made to Reds fans
Smart Jordan Henderson has timed his run perfectly »
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Unite joins in refugees solidarity march
Rae Passfield, Tuesday, October 13th, 2015
On Saturday October 10, members of Unite Community South Yorkshire branch, charities and local activist groups took to the streets to send a clear message to the government: refugees are welcome here.
Despite there being more than 11m innocent people displaced from Syria, home secretary Theresa May announced last week that the UK would take in just 20,000 refugees over the next five years. This weekend Sheffield welcomed 50 of those refugees into the city, but the activists say more must be done to help.
“It’s a matter of humanity and a matter of solidarity,” said Unite community member Stuart Crosthwaite.
“They are people like us – trade unionists like us, people who fight for human rights like us. There should be no alternative but to help.”
More than 100 people joined the march through the bustling Saturday crowds in Sheffield City Centre and gathered outside the town hall.
The activists felt that the government’s offer is not sufficient for what is described as the worst humanitarian disaster of our time, and criticised the home secretary’s warnings of threats to social cohesion as an atrocious attempt to ‘divide and rule’.
Dehumanisation
In her speech at the demonstration, Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, condemned politicians for the dehumanisation of refugees.
“They’ve treated [migrants] as numbers, sometimes even as sub-human. Even our prime minister uses language that does not belong in a democracy.”
Sheffield Labour councillor Nasima Atker also criticised the PM’s reluctance to offer meaningful aid.
“David Cameron needs to open his arms as well as his brain; the world is suffering and refugee lives are just as important as his life,” Cllr Atker said.
The demonstration hoped to put pressure on the government to do more to ease the crisis, in both granting asylum and also in the process of resettling refugees into the community.
In July the government completely cut funding English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes as part of a wider attack on further education and adult skills programs.
Scrapping this provision significantly undermines a refugee’s ability to participate in civil society when resettling into British life. It reinforces divisions and makes it impossible for migrants to find employment and contribute to the economy.
To help refugees who could sink into destitution, Unite community in Yorkshire are now organising ESOL classes for refugees and migrants who are resettling in the area.
“I am very proud of what we’re doing on a practical level; the nuts and bolts that enable real social integration to come to fruition,” said John Coan, Unite community coordinator for Yorkshire & Humberside.
“We would argue it’s not migration that undermines the cohesion of communities – as the Tory home secretary would have you believe – but the cutting of provision that directly enables refugees and migrants integrate into society,” John said.
Unite Community’s work with refugees can also help them to fight back against migrant exploitation in the workplace.
“Quite often employers will exploit refugees because they may not know their rights, or they don’t know about unions, so our job is building solidarity with refugees, and giving them the best chance they can to get on in this country,” said Stuart Crosthwaite.
“But more needs to be done. We don’t want to end up an alternative state, propping up the country where the government falls short,” he said.
Action groups and charities in Sheffield have worked tirelessly to support asylum seekers who have left their homes in fear for their lives but are being failed by the system here in Britain.
Victor Mujakachi is a Zimbabwean asylum seeker who has been refused refugee status by home office three times. He came to England to study in 2003 but his criticisms of elections in Zimbabwe resulted in a warrant for his arrest and threats to his life should he return.
He has not seen his wife or son in five years and, without refugee status, has no right to study or work, to accommodation, benefits or any support from the state.
“My circumstances changed dramatically and I now have very little control over my life. When the home office refused to grant me refugee status, all support was withdrawn and I became destitute and homeless. I live really by the day and depend on charities to survive.”
Victor is trained in business and finance and has won charitable awards in the community for his volunteering work, but is still unrecognised by the state as a citizen in this country.
“I can’t do anything with my life, I feel like I’m wasting away. I volunteer with Assist Sheffield, to help other asylum seekers who face similar struggles. It keeps me sane but I do feel depressed. A lot of people in my situation deteriorate physically and mentally, it frightens me.”
Unite’s Sheffield Community offers an inspiring message of community spirit to the desperate families who risk everything to flee to our borders.
“Unite Community is committed to helping refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers integrate into communities,” John said.
“We’re proud to extend help and solidarity to people who have very little choice but to abandon their lives, and we will continue to fill in the gaps where the government fail to help them start new ones.”
View a short clip of the event in the video below:
‘Universal Credit has broken me’
More than just a packed lunch
Fight to keep school bus
← The end of co-working
Sports Direct chief in the dock →
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Home » OLYMPIC » Rising interest in Olympic Winter Games
Rising interest in Olympic Winter Games
Posted on November 16, 2013 by Abdul Rahim in OLYMPIC No Comments
Lausanne, Nov 15, 2013: There has been a significant increase in the number of cities bidding to host the Olympic Winter Games – with twice as many joining the contest for 2022 compared to four years earlier.
Six cities have bid this time, all meeting the application deadline of midnight on 14 November. Listed in alphabetical order, the cities are: Almaty (Kazakhstan), Beijing (China), Krakow (Poland), Lviv (Ukraine), Oslo (Norway), and Stockholm (Sweden).
The strength of the field, which includes a strong mix of both traditional and developing winter sports markets, highlights the keen interest cities around the world have in the Games and the lasting benefits and legacy they can bring to a region.
“I am delighted that six cities are bidding to host the 2022 Olympic Winter Games,” said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. “These cities and their supporters clearly understand the benefits that hosting the Games can have and the long lasting legacy that a Games can bring to a region. Indeed, while recent Games have left an array of sporting, social, economic and other legacies for the local population, many cities that did not go on to win the right to host the Games have also noted benefits as a result of their bids.”
As part of the assistance the IOC offers bid cities, the six Applicant Cities will be invited to attend a seminar in Lausanne from 4 to 6 December 2013 and to participate in an Observer Programme tailored to their needs during the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
National Olympic Committees had until midnight on 14 November 2013 to submit an application to the IOC that complied with prerequisite criteria (declarations concerning the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Court of Arbitration for Sport) established by the IOC Executive Board in 2010. Having fulfilled these requirements, the six Applicant Cities now enter Phase 1 of a two-step technical analysis that culminates in the election of the 2022 host city by the IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur on 31 July 2015.
At the end of Phase 1, and following a first assessment by an expert IOC Working Group, the IOC Executive Board will select the cities that will move forward to Phase 2 of the process as Candidate Cities.
Following the submission of their Candidature File – an in-depth blueprint of their Olympic project – an Evaluation Commission appointed by the IOC will visit each Candidate City to prepare a technical risk assessment to assist IOC members in electing the host city. This report will be made available to IOC members prior to a two-day briefing that provides the members with the opportunity to question the cities directly about their Olympic projects.
In line with the IOC’s commitment to transparency, all documents pertaining to the 2022 bid process are available to the public on www.olympic.org
A summary of the key 2022 timelines can be found below:
Phase 1:
• Deadline for NOCs to submit an Applicant City – 14 November 2013
• Applicant City Seminar – Lausanne – 4-6 December 2013
• Sochi Olympic Winter Games Observer Programme – 7-23 February 2014
• Submission of the Application File – 14 March 2014
• Selection of Candidate Cities by the IOC – Executive Board – 8-9 July 2014
• Submission of the Candidature File & Guarantees – January 2015
• IOC Evaluation Commission visits – February – March 2015
• Evaluation Commission report / Candidate City Briefing for IOC Members – May – June 2015
• Election of the 2022 Host City by the IOC Session – Kuala Lumpur – 31 July 2015
* The cities will be listed in alphabetical order until such time as the official drawing of lots is carried out by the IOC EB in December 2013. The order of drawing of lots will then be used until the election of the 2022 host city. —- IOC
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Home » OTHER SPORTS » Broadcast Coverage of CAR Africa Cup
Broadcast Coverage of CAR Africa Cup
Posted on July 15, 2012 by Abdul Rahim in OTHER SPORTS No Comments
Dublin – Ireland, July 13, 2012: CAR Africa Cup, In a major boost for the profile of Rugby across Africa, the Confédération Africaine de Rugby’s (CAR) showcase Africa Cup Division 1A tournament is being broadcast to an unprecedented number of countries in the region.
The Africa Cup 2012 champions will be crowned on Saturday when Uganda take on Zimbabwe at the Jemmel Stadium in Tunisia (1700 GMT) in a final that is set to enjoy record exposure thanks to the groundbreaking deal between CAR and newly-appointed media partner, LC2 Medias.
With Rugby participation in Africa having increased by 33 per cent since 2007 and more than 80 per cent of players under the age of 20, the deal is intended to broaden exposure of a sport that continues to capture the hearts and minds of African people by providing a direct feed to broadcasters and a free website stream.
LC2 Medias have committed to showing both the final and the third place play-off match between Tunisia and 2011 champions Kenya via the Tunisian National Broadcasting Corporation. The matches will be broadcast across 41 territories and streamed globally via the LC2 website at www.lc2international.tv.
“We are delighted the Africa Cup 2012 has already created some momentous matches and thrilling Rugby, and is capturing the emotions of all African Rugby fans, especially those with an eye on England 2015,” said CAR President Abdelaziz Bougja.
“With LC2 Medias now on board we can capitalize on the increasing levels of interest in Rugby across the continent and engage more fans than ever before in the journey for African nations to Rugby World Cup 2015 and in our other leading tournaments.”
IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Rugby in Africa continues to blossom and this exciting new deal will ensure that more people in Africa can engage with and enjoy a sport that is reaching out to record numbers of men, women and children across the region.”
“The IRB is committed to working in partnership with CAR to further the growth and profile of Rugby to enable African nations to be more competitive on the global stage and ultimately more competitive at Rugby World Cup.”
Earlier this month, Madascascar caused a huge upset by defeating Rugby World Cup 2011 participants Namibia in front of more than 40,000 fans to claim the Africa Cup Division 1B title, and with it the chance to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2015 in England.
Madagascar will replace the losing team from Tunisia v Kenya match (1500 GMT) in Division 1A next year. The winner of this Division in 2014 will qualify directly for Rugby World Cup 2015 as Africa 1, and the runner-up will enter the Répechage. —– IRB
Pools Announced for IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy
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China Becomes Team World Champions for 21st Time
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Sarah Newton is #10 on our Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25 list.
Photo from Sarah Newton.
As a child growing up near Vancouver, Sarah was struck by the contrast between the urbanized lifestyle of the city and the wilderness that surrounded her home. Now, she hopes that her work can repair the disconnect between the two.
“Building a stronger connection between people and nature has become my passion and life’s work,” she said. “It has been my spiritual connection to the Earth that has been the biggest driver in my choices and motivation to make the world a better place for all those that walk, crawl, fly or grow on the planet.”
As she grew older, she moved a province over to Alberta, where she witnessed the environmental toll of the oil and gas industry, as well as the motivations behind it. So she continued east, settling in Saskatchewan for a time to plant trees.
For her Northern Outdoor and Environmental Studies diploma from Yukon College, which she completed this year, Sarah was able to build upon knowledge she had gained from more southern universities. Through both laboratory and field experience, Sarah studied botany and ornithology, and she gained expertise in outdoor trip planning and vegetation.
Her recent projects have also been focused in the Yukon. Under climatologist Bob Sagar, Sarah has been studying historical weather data in the territory, searching for patterns in weather condition changes over the last 100 years. She has informed visitors on Yukon ecosystems through her work with the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, and worked to protect sensitive regions from urban development with the Yukon Conservation Society. Sarah has also been involved with the Executive Council of the Green Party of Canada.
Sarah has become part of community movements in the Yukon as well. Recognizing the environmental footprint that goes into supplying her territory’s residents with food, she became one of the youngest people involved with Growers of Organic Food Yukon.
Sarah has shown a particular interest in connecting the environment to the indigenous cultures that inhabit it. “She believes that protecting the natural world will come from people who are connected to it,” said Amanda Graham, Sarah’s nominator and instructor at Yukon College. “She sees ethnobotany as a key to leading people to understand that they are not separated from their environment and to learn to value the natural as Indigenous people have done for millennia.”
Now that she and her partner are raising a young son, Sarah has become especially sensitive to the responsibilities her generation has to future ones. “I completely believe that by building community and educating people, we can turn the juggernaut of fossil fuel dependence and create a better future and better communities for our children,” she said.
Making a Difference, Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25Sam Colbert August 6, 2012 environmental science, sarah netwon, vancouver, yukon college
Halifax Native James Hutt is #9 on our Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25 list.
Making a Difference, Top 25 Environmentalists Under 25Sujane Kandasamy August 7, 2012 Durban Climate Summit, canadian youth delegation, climate change, james hutt
Meat me on a healthier planet.
Food/Agriculture, Health/LifestyleSujane Kandasamy August 2, 2012
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Watch Live TV from Rwanda
Government-owned and operated Radio Rwanda has a national reach; 9 private radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available (2007). 0 AM, 8 FM, and 1 shortwave stations; two main FM programs are broadcast through a system of repeaters (2005).
The government owns and operates the only TV station, Television Rwandaise (2007). Two stations (2004). State TV and radio reach the largest audiences, radio is the main source of news, and the international radio stations BBC World Service, Voice of America (VOA), and Deutsche Welle (DW) are available. Most radio stations are accessible online, either through their own websites and blogs, or through social media. Radio, and in particular the "hate" station Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM), played a role in the 1994 genocide.
Watch TV1 Rwanda Live TV from Rwanda
Watch Family TV Recorded TV from Rwanda
Watch Rwanda Television Live TV from Rwanda
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Robots get knocked down
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Sun, 2018-Aug-19 02:06 UTC
With 556,607 views on Saturday, 18 August 2018 our article of the day is Nick Jonas.
Nicholas Jerry Jonas (born September 16, 1992) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. Jonas began acting in theater at the age of seven, and released his debut single in 2002. He released his eponymous debut album in 2004 to little success, though it did catch the attention of Columbia Records. Jonas opted to form a band with his older brothers, Joe and Kevin, known as the Jonas Brothers. The group released their debut studio album It's About Time through the Columbia label in 2006, which failed to achieve commercial success. After signing with Hollywood Records, the group released their self-titled second studio album in 2007, which became their breakthrough record. The band became prominent figures on the Disney Channel during this time, gaining a large following through the network: they appeared in the widely successful musical television film Camp Rock (2008) and its sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010) as well as two of their own series, Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream (2008–2010) and Jonas (2009–2010).
The band's third studio album, A Little Bit Longer (2008), saw continued commercial success for the group; the album's lead single "Burnin' Up" hit the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their fourth studio album, while still successful on the Billboard 200 chart, saw a decline in record sales. After the Jonas Brothers confirmed a hiatus, Nick formed a new band known as Nick Jonas & the Administration, who released the album Who I Am in 2010 to moderate commercial success. Thereafter, Jonas opted to focus on work in theater, and also had a recurring role on the television series Smash. The Jonas Brothers briefly reunited in 2013, though officially parted ways due to creative differences.
After the group's disbandment, Jonas returned to his solo career and began work on his second studio album, signing with Island Records and releasing Nick Jonas through the label in 2014. The album entered the top ten of the Billboard 200, while both of the album's singles entered the top twenty of the Billboard Hot 100. The project was re-released as Nick Jonas X2 in 2015. The release helped provide Jonas with a new public image, earning him the title of a sex symbol. Jonas later co-founded Safehouse Records, a record label in conjunction with Island Records and Hollywood Records. Jonas released his third studio album, Last Year Was Complicated (2016), through the label. The project became his highest peaking entry as a solo artist on the Billboard 200, while the lead single was a top twenty hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 02:06 UTC on Sunday, 19 August 2018.
For the full current version of the article, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Jonas.
This has been Amy. Thank you for listening to popular Wiki of the Day.
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LMS Route: Rugby to Wolverhampton
Marston Green Station: lnwrmg1291
Ex-LNER 4-6-0 B1 class No 61119 is seen at the head of the 7 am Norwich Thorpe to Birmingham New Street service on 31st July 1963. Built as LNER No 1119 by the North British Locomotive Company in January 1947 it remained in service until November 1963 when it was withdrawn from March shed to be scrapped at Doncaster Plant in January 1964. With Sir Nigel Gresley's death in 1941, Thompson became the LNER's Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME), and quickly initiated a plan of locomotive standardisation and modernisation. This was in stark contrast to Gresley's policy of creating new locomotive types only when required. This suited the LNER's economic restraints, but did lead to many different types of locomotive with few common parts. High on Thompson's standardisation plan, was a mixed traffic 4-6-0 type. Initially designated 'Class B', they had been reclassified to Class B1 by the time the first locomotive No. 8301 Springbok had been completed in 1942. The pre-existing Class B1 were reclassified as Class B18. The Thompson B1 would quickly become the most successful of Thompson's locomotive designs and a total of 410 were built by the LNER and British Railways. The standard 4-6-0 design was intended to replace all of the 4-6-0s (excluding those replaced by the Pacifics), all of the heavy 4-4-0s, the D11 4-4-0s, the D49 4-4-0s, the passenger Atlantics, the K2 2-6-0s, the K3 2-6-0s, the J6 0-6-0s, the J39 0-6-0s, and other high speed 0-6-0s. Most of these replacements were achieved in practice - a compliment to the standardisation process. For more information see the LNER website.
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Home » Reviews » Military Vehicles » Publications
T-34-85 After WW2-Camouflage & Markings 1946 - 2016
Author: Przemyslaw Skulski
Andrew Birkbeck, IPMS# 27087
Company: MMP Books
ISBN #: 978-83-65281-65-4
Other Publication Information: A4, 112 pages (112 in colour)
Product / Stock #: 4126
Web Site: MMP Books
Product provided by: MMP Books
The T-34 series of tanks together with the M4 Sherman series are THE most important tanks of the Second World War from the Allied point of view. The Panther tank, perhaps the most influential tank of WW2 from the German perspective was a direct result of German forces running smack bang into the T-34/76 on the Eastern Front, and the demand for German industry to provide a counter to it. In turn the T-34 needed to be upgraded once the Germans introduced more thickly armored tanks such as the Panther and the Tiger, and thus was born the T-34/85, an upgrading of the T-34 series from its original 76mm main gun, to a more lethal 85mm gun.
Production of the T-34/85 continued post war in the Soviet Union for a short time, and then for much longer periods licensed production took place in Czechoslovakia, Poland and Yugoslavia. Licensed production met the demands of the local armed forces of these nations as well as a massive export market. T-34/85s faced off against UN Forces in the Korean War, both in the hands of North Korean troops as well as Chinese troops. The Arab armies facing off against the Israelis in the Middle East utilized the T-34/85 in large quantities starting in the late 1950's with shipments of the tank firstly to the Egyptians, and later to the Syrians. In the 1970's and '80s, the T-34/85 found its way into various African conflicts involving the armed forces of Somalia, Ethiopia and Angola. U.S. backed forces ran into Cuban Army T-34/85s during the Bay of Pigs fiasco, while in Europe the T-34/85 took part in various "disputes" such as the 1956 Hungarian crisis (both sides fielded the tank), right up to the 10-year Yugoslav Civil Wars of the 1990s.
This new book from Mushroom Model Publications is a "must have" book for anyone interested in the history of the T-34/85, and its seminal place in the post-WW2 world's conflicts. It is a large format book, with the pages measuring 8.25 by 11.75 inches, and is 112 pages in length. The book is loaded down with over 150 black and white and color photos, plus 40 color profiles. These profiles are very large in size, and thus show lots of detail. The photos are for the most part very well produced. None of the photos or color artwork is marred by being across the spine fold of the book.
The title is nicely laid out, starting as it does with short chapters on the post-WW2 production of the T-34/85 in the Soviet Union, followed by licensed production in Czechoslovakia, Poland and Yugoslavia. Written descriptions are provided of the changes made on the production lines to improve the tank, compared to the earlier WW2 production T-34/85's. Following this information, we launch into mini chapters on the T-34/85s utilization in "Asian Conflicts": Korean War, Vietnam War and the conflicts in Afghanistan. "Middle East", covering use in the Arab/Israeli conflicts. "Africa" and "Post-War Europe" and "Bay of Pigs". It is a stretch to call all of these real chapters, as the "Africa" listing is only one page in length. But this isn't the meat of the book, that comes with the "Paint Schemes and Markings" section, which covers 70 of the book's 112 pages. One gets a listing of all the nations that used the T-34/85, from Albania to Zimbabwe, with nearly 30 nations covered. Each nation gets at least one color profile, with multiple profiles provide for the Soviet Union and Poland while China and Syria, for example, get two profiles each.
As with most late WW2 and Post WW2 Soviet tank programs, the T-34/85 was involved in various attempts to upgrade the vehicle to keep up with changes on the battlefields. The final 16 pages of this book is a photo essay covering modernization programs initiated by the Czechs, Yugoslavs, Poles, Bulgarians, Chinese, and Romanians. Once again, the photos on these pages are for the most part very well produced, and will provide lots of information to the modeler wishing to kit bash "modernized" T-34/85s.
Books covering post-WW2 tanks are few and far between in English, so when a great book comes along, it should be snapped up with enthusiasm by anyone interested in such tanks. This is one such book, and anyone interested in this important Soviet and "world tank" would do well to seek it out at their earliest opportunity before it becomes scarce. You won't be disappointed. My sincere thanks to Mushroom Model Publications for allowing me to review this superb book and share it with the Society's members.
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Economics of wind power
Cost of on-land wind power
Cost and investment structures
Trends influencing the costs of wind power
Operation and maintenance costs of wind generated power
The cost of energy generated by wind power
Development of the cost of wind-generated power
Future evolution of the costs of wind-generated power
Offshore developments
Development and investment costs of offshore wind power
The cost of energy generated by offshore wind power
Development of the cost of offshore wind power up to 2015
Traditional methods
Prices and support mechanisms
Introduction / Types of RES-E support mechanisms
Overview of the different RES-E support schemes in EU-27 countries
Evaluation of the different RES-E support schemes...
Policy recommendations for the design criteria of RES-E support instruments
Wind Power at the Spot Market
Power markets
The Impact of Wind Power on the Power Market: DK Case
Wind power compared to...
Employment in the wind energy sector
Employment prediction and methodology
Home » ECONOMICS » Employment » Employment prediction and methodology
Methodological approaches to employment quantification
The quantification of wind energy employment is a difficult task for several reasons. Firstly, it encompasses many company profiles, such as equipment manufacturing, electricity generation, consulting services, finance and insurance, which belong to different economic sectors. Secondly, we cannot rely on any existing statistics to estimate wind energy figures, as they do not distinguish between electricity or equipment manufacturing branches. Finally, the structure of the sector changes fast and historical data cannot be easily updated to reflect the current situation.
For these reasons, measurement initiatives must rely on a number of methodologies which, can largely be grouped under two headings:
Data collection based on surveys and complemented by other written evidence
Data collection based on estimated relationships between sectors, vectors of activity and input-output tables
are the best way to collect information on direct employment, especially when additional aspects - gender issues, employment profiles, length of contracts and other qualitative information - need to be incorporated. Surveys have significant limitations, notably the correct identification of the units that need to be studied and the low percentage of responses (see i.e. Rubio, M.J. and Varas, J., 1999; Schuman and Stanley, 1996; Weisberg et al 1996). When these problems arise, results need to be extrapolated and completed by other means.
Estimated relationships,
including input-output tables, can be used to estimate both direct and indirect employment impacts. These models require some initial information, collected by means of a questionnaire and/or expert interviews, but then work on the basis of technical coefficients (Leontief, 1986; Kulisic et al, 2007). The advantages of estimated models are based on the fact that they reflect net economic changes in the sector that is being studied, other related economic sectors and the whole of the economic system.
These models also constitute the basis for the formulation of forecasts. The disadvantages relate to the cost of carrying out such studies, and the need to obtain an appropriate model. In addition, they do not provide any details at sub-sector level and do not capture gender-related, qualification and shortage issues.
In the last six or seven years, coinciding with the boom of the wind energy sector, several studies have been conducted with the related employment repercussions. A list of the most relevant works can be found in Appendix J.
A careful revision of their methodology shows that many of them are, in reality, a meta-analysis (that is to say, a critical re-examination and comparison of earlier works), while research based on questionnaires and/or I-O tables is less common. Denmark, Germany and Spain, being the three world leaders in wind energy production and installation, display solid studies (AEE, 2007; DWIA, 2008; Lehr et al, 2008 and Federal Ministry of the Environment, BMU 2008), but the employment in the other EU markets remains largely unknown. In particular, there is a lack of information on some key features affecting the wind energy labour market, such as the profiles that are currently in demand, shortage and gender issues. These issues can best be dealt through ad hoc questionnaires sent to wind energy companies.
EWEA survey on direct employment
As a response to the gaps mentioned above, EWEA has sought to quantify the number of people directly employed by the wind energy sector in Europe by means of a questionnaire. As explained in Wind energy employment in Europe, direct jobs relate to employment within wind turbine manufacturing companies and sub-contractors whose main activity is the supply of wind turbine components. Also taken into account are wind energy promoters, utilities selling electricity from wind energy and major R&D, engineering and specialised wind energy services. Any other company producing intermediates, components, providing services or sporadically working in wind-related activities is deemed as providing indirect employment.
The analysts have attempted to minimise the main disadvantages linked to this type of methodology. Consequently, the questionnaire was drafted after careful analysis of previous research in this field, notably the questionnaires that had been used in the German, Danish and Spanish studies, and following a discussion with the researchers responsible for them. A draft was sent to a reduced number of respondents, who then commented on any difficulties understanding the questions and using the Excel spreadsheet, the length of the questionnaire and some other aspects. The document was modified accordingly.
The final version of the questionnaire was dispatched by e-mail on 19 February 2008 to around 1,100 organisations in 30 countries (the 27-EU Member States plus Croatia, Norway and Turkey). It reached all EWEA members and the members of the EU-27 national wind energy associations. The questionnaire was also distributed among participants of the last two European Wind Energy Conferences (EWEC 2006 and 2007). These included:
wind turbine and component manufacturers;
developers;
independent power producers and utilities;
installation, repair and O&M companies;
consultancies;
engineering and legal services;
R&D centres;
laboratories and universities;
financial institutions and insurers;
wind energy agencies and associations, and
other interest groups directly involved in wind energy matters.
The document was translated into five EU languages (English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese), and a number of national wind energy associations decided to write the introductory letter in their own languages. A reminder was sent out on 11 March, followed up by telephone calls during April, May, June, July and August.
The questionnaire consisted of 14 questions, divided into three blocks:
The first four questions collected information on the profile of the company, its field of activity and the year in which it started operating in the wind energy sector.
The next three questions aimed to obtain relevant employment figures. The questionnaire requested both the total number of employees and the number of employees in the wind energy sector, and gave some indication about how to calculate the second figure when a worker was not devoted to wind-related activities full time. The figures were divided up by country, since some companies are trans-national, and by sex. It would have been interesting to classify this data by age and level of qualification, but the draft sent to a sample of respondents showed us that this level of detail would be very difficult to obtain and that it would have had a negative impact on the number of replies.
The final four questions addressed the issue of labour force scarcity in the wind energy sector, and aimed to obtain information on the profiles that are in short supply and the prospects of wind energy companies in terms of future employment levels and profiles. Questions 9 and 10 were more speculative since it is difficult to quantify the exact employment demands in the next five years, but they gave an order of magnitude that could then be compared with the quantitative approaches used by other researchers that applied input-output tables.
The questionnaire was complemented by in-depth interviews with a selection of stakeholders that suitably reflected the main wind energy sub-sectors and EU countries. The interviews were carried out by phone, e-mail or face-to-face. They were aimed at verifying the data obtained from the questionnaires and at addressing some of the topics that could not be dealt with, notably a more thorough explanation of the job profiles demanded by the industry and the scarcity problem.
By the end of August 2008, 324 valid questionnaires had been received, implying a rate of responses of around 30%. When looking at the size of the companies that replied, it is clear that most large turbine and component manufacturers, as well as the major utilities answered the questionnaire, implying that the percentage of jobs they reported was higher (around 60%) than suggested by the analysis by number of replies.
Table 7.3: EWEA survey results , source EWEA:
Country Nr. of direct jobs
Czech Republic 52
Denmark 9,875
Germany 17,246
Greece 812
Hungary 11
Italy 1,048
The Netherlands 824
Romania 27
Slovakia 22
Spain 10,986
Sweden 1,234
Figure 7.2: Number of questionnaires received by type of company, source EWEA, 2008.
The figures are impressive for this type of survey, but supplementary sources need to be used to fill in the gaps and validate results. This has been done in several ways:
The use of thematic surveys and I-O analysis carried out in Denmark, France, Germany and Spain. The latter two countries base their numbers on questionnaires very similar to the ones used by EWEA, an exhaustive analysis of the governmental registers for tax-related purposes and the application of national input-output tables and other technical coefficients to estimate the indirect effects. The Danish Wind Industry Association, in turn, collects information about employment from all its members on an annual basis and then predicts indirect and induced jobs through technical coefficients and multipliers. ADEME bases its estimates on net production/ employment ratios (imports have been disregarded).
The review of the annual reports/websites of the main wind energy companies, notably the large wind energy manufacturers, component manufacturers, wind energy developers and utilities. As these companies are active in the stock market, they publish some information on their activities and structure that can be used to estimate wind energy figures.
The registers and the expertise gained by the national wind energy associations. France, the UK and Portugal are currently carrying out thematic studies covering, among other things, employment issues. Their preliminary conclusions have been incorporated into this report. In other cases, experts from the national associations and governments have been contacted.
Additionally, EWEA is engaged in an in-depth examination of the factors that are behind the repeatedly reported shortage of workers in the wind energy business and the profiles that are particularly difficult to find. This has been done through in-depth interviews (conducted face-to-face, by e-mail and by phone) with the Human Resources managers of a selection of wind energy companies from the different branches and geographical areas. The results were compared with those of the answers to questions 7 to 10 of the general questionnaire.
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CFIB says small businesses, farmers lack answers on carbon tax
After court upholds feds’ right to impose carbon tax
After the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal upheld the federal government’s right to impose the carbon tax Friday, the CFIB says there are still a lot of unanswered questions about the tax.
“As interveners in Saskatchewan’s court fight against the federal carbon tax, we are disappointed with the outcome, but we are encouraged by the split decision,” said CFIB director Aaron Wudrick.
“Carbon tax advocates had long argued this was a ‘slam dunk’ case but the robust dissent offered by two justices proves otherwise.
“The dissenting justices determined that the carbon tax is indeed a tax, that regulating emissions is provincial jurisdiction, and that Parliament cannot intrude upon it.
“Taxpayers are standing with Premier Scott Moe as Saskatchewan continues this fight by appealing to the Supreme Court of Canada. The CTF is committed to seeking intervener status in opposition to this tax.”
The Canadian Federation of Small Businesses says small business and farmers still don’t have all the answers on how the federal carbon tax will impact them, a month after it came into effect.
Nearly half of the revenues of the carbon tax will come from small businesses, but they can expect to receive just 7 per cent back in the form of yet-to-be-determined grants and rebates.
“Not only are we concerned that small firms have been given zero information on the rebates they have been promised, past programs targeted at small business have been incredibly poorly designed,” said Dan Kelly of the CFIB. “We hope the government doesn’t model the small business rebate program after the Low Carbon Economy Fund—the one that provided $12 million to Loblaws.”
“As things stand, small businesses are feeling like the cash cow helping to fund the rebates, exemptions and grants for everyone else,” said CFIB’s Marilyn Braun-Pollon, Vice-President, Prairie and Agri-business.
“We have always known the plan is patently unfair for small businesses which are not only being asked to absorb the majority of new costs, but also subsidize the larger rebates for households.
“It has also turned into a red tape nightmare for small firms,” said Braun-Pollon. “We have approached the government for clarification on dozens and dozens of questions we have been fielding from business owners, and we have been left with even more questions. Business owners already overwhelmingly oppose the carbon backstop plan. This is just adding to the frustration.
“What’s frustrating is households know right down to the cent what they’re getting in their rebate but business owners have been left in the dark. We’ve been asking for these details for months now without any answers.
“The government has had the time and money to allocate millions of dollars to big companies like Loblaws for retrofits but small businesses have heard nothing about the sliver of funding that was to be available to them. They’re asking business owners to pay 50 per cent of the carbon tax revenue and only get back seven per cent in the form of grants and rebates.
“Firms don’t know how to apply, which kind of projects will qualify, if they will have to pay the costs upfront and wait for reimbursement. It’s pretty hard for business owners to feel supported when these basic details are lacking.
“We’re also hoping this program isn’t modeled after the Low Carbon Economy Fund—the one that provided the $12 million to Loblaws. That fund is open to firms with as few as one employee, but they’re required to spend a minimum of $2 million to be eligible. That’s just ridiculous, to advertise a program for small businesses, and then require them to spend $2 million. That’s why we continue to ask the federal government to cancel the carbon tax and work with the provinces on a plan that will reduce emissions without negatively impacting not only businesses, but the overall economy. Businesses are frustrated. They feel like cash cows helping to fund the rebates and exemptions and grants for everyone else.”
Braun-Pollon said the carbon tax could affect the overall economy.
“We just released our small business outlook and some of the contributing factors to the lower optimism in April were this unfair and costly carbon tax and the trade uncertainty in agriculture, although we are pleased with the federal government announcement on help for canola producers.
“The carbon tax comes when business owners have been dealing with a barrage of significant cost increases including the federal government tax changes and the seven years of CPP hikes.”
She said the rules for farmers are still less than clear.
“When you look at the cardlock situation, where they finally decided at the 11th hour that yes, farm fuel purchased at cardlock locations will be exempt, but there was so much uncertainty around that, and then the exemption certificates, you have to fill it out, hand it on to your distributor who must be registered in order to pass down the exemption. There’s just a lot of unanswered questions about the types of businesses that are required to register. Distributors were asking if they are required to itemize the fuel charge on receipts and what sort of records they need to keep, and how would businesses prove how they used the fuel in the case of an audit.
“Farmers were promised their farming operations would be exempt. While we appreciate the fact that farm fuel is exempt from the carbon tax, we also know that farmers rely on natural gas and propane to heat their barns and dry their grain, and these are not exempt. We have recommended that the exemption be extended to natural gas and propane used for agriculture.
“The overall cost of the carbon tax is going to increase costs for the agriculture sector when their competitors don’t have this type of tax.
“It’s just going to make us that much less competitive. For agriculture, and for manufacturing, businesses that rely on exports, this makes them less competitive than the producers they are competing with for sales.”
Small business, meanwhile, faces an impact to the bottom line.
“The government says businesses can simply pass their added costs on to consumers, but 82 per cent of businesses in Saskatchewan say they can pass on only a quarter of the new costs. Half of businesses are going to have to eat all the new costs,” she said. “That’s on top of the CPP, on top of the federal tax changes. 81 per cent of businesses say this added cost of the carbon tax is going to make it harder for them to make further investments in reducing their emissions. At the end of the day it’s unfair, and it’s a red tape measure.
“The government has to look at just cancelling it, and working with the provinces instead.”
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Title: Small and Medium Enterprises
Subject: Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Big and Ugly Rendering Project, List of business and finance abbreviations
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are companies whose personnel numbers fall below certain limits. The abbreviation "SME" is used in the European Union and by international organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Small enterprises outnumber large companies by a wide margin and also employ many more people. SMEs are also said to be responsible for driving innovation and competition in many economic sectors.
10 Israel
In July 2011, the European Commission said it would open a consultation on the definition of SMEs in 2012. In Europe, there are three broad parameters which define SMEs:
micro-entities are companies with up to 10 employees
Small companies employ up to 50 workers
Medium-sized enterprises have up to 250 employees.[1]
The European definition of SME follows: "The category of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is made up of enterprises which employ fewer than 250 persons and which have an annual turnover not exceeding 50 million euro, and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million euro."[2]
EU member states have had individual definitions of what constitutes an SME. For example, the definition in Germany had a limit of 255 employees, while in Belgium it could have been 100. The result is that while a Belgian business of 249 employees would be taxed at full rate in Belgium, it would nevertheless be eligible for SME subsidy under a European-labelled programme.
According to German economist Hans-Heinrich Bass, "empirical research on SME as well as policies to promote SME have a long tradition in (West-)Germany, dating back into the 19th century. Until the mid-20th century most researchers considered SME as an impediment to further economic development and SME policies were thus designed in the framework of social policies. Only the ordo-liberal school, the founding fathers of Germany's social market economy, discovered their strengths, considered SME as a solution to mid-20th century economic problems (mass unemployment, abuse of economic power), and laid the foundations for non-selective (functional) industrial policies to promote SMEs."[3]
The SMEs sector in Poland generates almost 50% of the GDP, and out of that, for instance, in 2011 micro companies generated 29.6%, small companies 7.7%, and medium companies 10.4% (big companies 24.0%; other entities 16.5%, and revenues from customs duties and taxes generated 11.9%). In 2011 out of the total of 1,784,603 operating in Poland entities merely 3,189 were classified as ‘big’, so 1,781,414 were micro, small or medium. Companies of the SMEs sector employed 6.3 million people out of the total of 9.0 million of labour employed in the private sector. In Poland in 2011 was 36.2 SMEs per 1,000 of inhabitants.[4]
In the United States, the Small Business Administration sets small business criteria based on industry, ownership structure, revenue and number of employees (which in some circumstances may be as high as 1500, although the cap is typically 500).[5] Both the US and the EU generally use the same threshold of fewer than 10 employees for small offices (SOHO).
Micro-enterprise
A micro-enterprise is one where the investment in plant and machinery (their original cost excluding land, building and items specified by the Ministry of Small Scale Industries in its notification No. S.O. 1722(E) dated October 5, 2006) does not exceed Rs.25 lakh.
Small enterprise
A small enterprise is one where the investment in plant and machinery (see above) is more than Rs.25 lakh but does not exceed Rs.5 crore.
A medium enterprise is one where the investment in plant and machinery (see above) is more than Rs.5 crore but does not exceed Rs.10 crore.
The definition of MSMEs in the service sector is:
Micro-enterprise: Investment in equipment does not exceed Rs.10 lakh
Small enterprise: Investment in equipment is more than Rs.10 lakh but does not exceed Rs.2 crore
Medium enterprise: Investment in equipment is more than Rs.2 crore but does not exceed Rs.5 crore
The Indian micro- and small-enterprises (MSEs) sector plays a pivotal role in the country's industrial economy. It is estimated that in value, the sector accounts for about 45 percent of manufacturing output and about 40 percent of total exports. In recent years, the MSE sector has consistently registered a higher growth rate than the overall industrial sector. The major advantage of the MSE sector is its employment potential at a low capital cost. According to available statistics (4th Census of MSME Sector), the sector employs an estimated 59.7 million people in 26.1 million enterprises; labor intensity in the MSE sector is estimated to be nearly four times that of large enterprises.[6]
In Kenya, the term is SME (for "small, medium and micro enterprises"); elsewhere in Africa, MSME stands for "micro, small and medium enterprises". Maximum number of employees = 10000 maximum revenue or turnover
In Somalia, the term is SME (for "small, medium and micro enterprises"); elsewhere in Africa, MSME stands for "micro, small and medium enterprises". Maximum number of employees and maximum revenue it generates.
Industry Canada defines a small business as one with fewer than 100 employees (if the business is a goods-producing one) or fewer than 50 employees (if the business is service-based), and a medium-sized business as one with fewer than 500 employees. While Industry Canada may have screening criteria based on SME qualification, such as eligibility for subsidies, it is not the tax authority in Canada.
The Canada Revenue Agency is the tax authority, and these officials define an SME in a different fashion. Beware, though, that SME is not current argot in Canadian business circles. The SME criteria for CRA tax exemption is CAD$10m in taxable revenue, beyond which the full tax load applies. The CRA places no maximum on employees. Rental and or royalty income is considered ineligible for the tax authority to qualify an SME. The tax authority only considers up to CAD$0.5m to be SME-qualifiable; above that limit a full tax load applies even if the SME has only 5 employees.
In New Zealand, a SME has 19 or fewer employees.
In Australia, a SME has 200 or fewer employees. Micro Business 1-2 employees. Small Business 3-15. Medium 16-200. Large 201-500. Enterprise >500.
The Central Bank of Nigeria defines small and medium enterprises in Nigeria according to asset base and number of staff employed. The criteria are an asset base between N5 million and N500 million, and a staff strength between 11 and 300 employees.
In Israel, a business is considered small if it has no more than 50 employees. A medium business holds between 51 to 250 workers.
Small and medium enterprises in Mexico
adding to it. (April 2013)
List of business and finance abbreviations
American Depositary Receipt, Accounts payable, Average revenue per user, Average selling price, Business as usual (business)
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