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Maryland O4P Team Skunks HBO’s ‘Game Change’ Party; Hanks Refuses Copy of ‘The Undefeated’ – Updated
Last night, HBO hosted a special screening of their new anti-Palin smear-u-drama ‘Game Change‘ at the Newseum in Washington, DC. To their surprise, Maryland O4P member were outside the event, handing out “showbills” with accurate information about the the movie, the people involved, and the book it was based on. O.P. Ditch of the Maryland O4P team writes:
Governor Palin Supporters handed out hundreds of brochures explaining the background for the false narrative that is the HBO movie Game Change. This was at the screening of the movie at the Newseum in Washington, DC on March 8, 2012.
We passed out a bunch of the brochures, several hundred. Tom Hanks wouldn’t take one from me. I had my AF hat on and my Vets4Sarah t-shirt on. We caught Hanks coming in the front door. His security detail was a little nervous when I tried to shove one of them in his hands. Laurie also tried to give him a copy of The Undefeated too, but he wouldn’t take it either.
That would explain why only people who had axes to grind, or those willing to say bad things about Governor Palin in return for a job, were used as “sources” for the film Mr. Hanks company produced for HBO. This is not a man willing to even hear or see information that he doesn’t want to hear or see. It’s pure cowardice.
Howard Kurtz tweeted:
Take that! Sarah Palin volunteers handing out “Showbill” flyers branding Game Change a “false narrative” outside DC premiere at Newseum.
As a Palin supporter and someone who has been trying to expose this movie for what it is, I want to thank the Maryland O4P crew for their efforts. Defending and spreading the truth with dignity, you are a fine example of who Palin supporters are. Well done!
Here’s a clip of the Maryland O4P crew handing out educational material to HBO’s guests:
Update: O.P. Ditch wrote up and submitted the following report to C4P on what took place last night, in DC at the Newseum:
I arrived about 5:45 pm on March 8 in front of the Newseum. I had never been there before, so I took a recon run around the building looking for all the entrances. I noticed there were some valet parking folks on the side street entrance and assumed that would be the VIP entrance. But it seemed later to be just the off of Pennsylvania Ave. spot to drop off people, including VIPs. I ended up at the front entrance facing Pennsylvania Ave. Laurie, O4PMD, soon arrived with the brochures. I’m not sure how she got them, but it turned out to be a 6 page double sided brochure with the bright yellow “SHOWBILL” title at the top and “GAME CHANGE/FALSE NARRATIVE” below, with a faded out depiction of the Game Change below that. There were a bunch of them. Another helper, Linda, arrived shortly thereafter and she went around the corner to handle the VIP entrance and the Valet drop-off point. I took charge of the front door where most of the guests were entering. Having passed out many brochures, I noticed through the class windows that many of the people inside were reading the brochures and carrying them around the crowd. What a coup! We had apparently created the impression that the brochures were part of the “show/screening” event… whoooo hooo!.
I kept a lookout for the Newseum Security folks because I knew they would enter the picture soon, we were getting just too much attention at the front door. One of the security ladies came out and asked me for one of the brochures. Later I saw her approaching a well dressed, apparently a security chief, to talk about us. Nothing happened then, but after we kept passing out the brochures the security chief finally approached me. He was insisting that I move farther away from the front door. I gave him a hard time for a bit, emphasizing my first amendment rights, etc. and that I had fought for my country to maintain those rights. He kept insisting that I move away from the door, but I argued with him, and asked to see the drawings for the building that showed where their property line was on the sidewalk. I figured if I gave him an unreasonable hard time, we would end up in at least an adequate space to continue our mission. It worked. As I backed off a bit, I could still catch many people coming in. We passed out every single brochure we had (except for the one I kept to take home).
At one point we were approached with some press, a couple of video camera crews, and a reporter from AFP “Agence France-Presse”. He took a lot of notes and quotes from Laurie and I.
All and all, we had a great night, as Michelle mentioned in an email to me: “we were covering Governor Palin’s back.” That made me feel great about what the team had accomplished!
Here is a copy of the Showbill they handed out:
Game Change Playbill-1
Stacy Drake
Commentary/Editorial
game change, HBO, Maryland O4P, Movie Screening, o.p. ditch, o4p, Showbills, Tom Hanks
Stacy Drake(636 Posts)
Washington Times | Obamanomics: Govt. Sets Record Deficit in February
“The Undefeated” Television Premiere This Sunday
“We Build The Wall” Border Town Hall • full video
iizthatiiz
Buchanan | Has Trump Found the Formula for 2020?
President Trump • State of the Union • full video and transcript
DeSantis announces executive order eliminating Common Core in Florida
Michelle Malkin | The MAGA-phobic manure-spreaders of media sensationalism
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Person of the Week: Kenneth Lay
By Frank Pellegrini Friday, Feb. 08, 2002
Rob Rich/Getty Images
Not talking: Kenneth Lay
Follow @TIME
Congressional hearings aren't about getting confessions so much as they are about introducing the voting public to the villains — with your public servants playing the heroes. There was only one man from Enron that we wanted to see on our TVs getting grilled by Congress this week, and he didn't show: Company CEO Ken Lay. And so our Person of the Week made his greatest impact by staying out of sight.
Andrew Fastow, Enron's financial wizard who set up those partnerships everyone's looking into, went before Congress Thursday, but he wasn't talking. Jeff Skilling, the company's hard-edged CEO until last August 14, was there too, but he claimed that as far as he knew everything was fine when he left. Lay was supposed to be there on Monday. He was the prime target of congressional investigators (particularly Democratic congressional investigators) from the very beginning. And he was going to vault these hearings into the must-see stratosphere.
Then, saying through his lawyer that he believed the congressmen he was to face had already made up their minds, he simply didn't show up.
What exactly did we want him to say? That he did it, of course. That he knew about the partnerships long before Watkins told him, knew that they were shady, dangerous and maybe even illegal, knew that they made Enron more a house of cards than a company. At the very least, we wanted to watch him squirm.
We will see him, eventually. Lay, staring at a subpoena, is now due in Washington next week — in the House Tuesday and the Senate Thursday. Skilling, his successor/predecessor, has already given him a crash course in how to walk into Congress with saying you're ready to tell all — and walk right out again without giving much away. Not only did Skilling not squirm under fire, he managed to spray the blame (if there is any) in nearly every direction except his and Lay's. Which strongly suggests that Lay will do the same for Skilling.
But the stakes for both men get a little higher next week. If it turns out that the partnerships that underlings like Fastow set up are judged to be illegal, those underlings are going to be bending over backwards to refer the Justice Department to their bosses in exchange for leniency.
None of that action will be seen on TV. But congressmen still hope that Lay will provide, if not entirely forthcoming testimony, then at least some nice images and sound bites.
Of course, he has to show up first.
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Institutional Provisions and Care for the Aged
Disease, Disability and Healthcare Utilization amo...
Print publication year: 2009
Online publication date: March 2012
3 - Disease, Disability and Healthcare Utilization among the Aged
By S Irudaya Rajan, Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala., Sreerupa, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Edited by Irudaya Rajan, Carla Risseeuw, Myrtle Perera
Publisher: Anthem Press
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7135/UPO9781843317777.005
pp 55-67
Decline in health and emergence of certain illnesses have been reported as the first category of cues or ‘body reminders’ of ageing in a study by Karp, 2000 (cited in Vincent, 2003) based on qualitative interviews with male and female professionals in America. Similar results have been found in studies on the aged in India, where decline in health status, restrictive activity pattern and being ‘inactive’ were associated with old age (Rajan et al., 1999). These perceptions of the aged are substantiated by empirical evidence which shows that a positive relation exists between age and morbidity among adults, i.e. at old age there is higher prevalence of morbidity implying that the risk of illness and morbidity is higher among the aged (Duraisamy, 2001). Further it has been found that as age advances the probability of disability also increases (Gupta and Sankar, 2003).
As men and women live longer there will be an increase in aged persons with chronic illness and disability which is a matter of concern for ageing individuals as well as health care planners of the society. Chronic morbidities and disabling conditions adversely affect the quality of life of the elderly. Poor health is a cause for concern among the aged as illness episodes have the potential to cause economic shock (Crystal et al., 2000), lead to financial dependency (Pal, 2004), loss of autonomy, reduced social contact and loneliness.
Recommend this book
Email your librarian or administrator to recommend adding this book to your organisation's collection.
Online ISBN: 9781843317777
Book DOI: https://doi.org/10.7135/UPO9781843317777
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Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom (3)
MBA Online Only Members (3)
Linkage between fish functional groups and coral reef benthic habitat composition in the Western Indian Ocean
Kennedy Osuka, Marc Kochzius, Ann Vanreusel, David Obura, Melita Samoilys
Journal: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom / Volume 98 / Issue 2 / March 2018
Print publication: March 2018
Benthic habitat composition is a key factor that structures assemblages of coral reef fishes. However, natural and anthropogenic induced disturbances impact this relationship. This study investigates the link between benthic habitat composition and fish functional groups in four countries in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Benthic composition of 32 sites was quantified visually from percentage cover of hard and soft corals, rubble, turf, fleshy and crustose coralline algae. At each site, abundance of 12 coral-associated fish functional groups in 50 × 5 m transects was determined. Cluster analysis characterized reefs based on benthic cover and revealed five habitat types (A, B, C, D and E) typified by decreasing cover of hard corals, increasing cover of turf and/or fleshy algae and differences in benthic diversity. Habitat type A was present in all four countries. Other habitats types showed geographic affiliations: notably Comoros sites clustered in either habitats B or E, northern Madagascar had B, C and D type habitats, whereas sites in central Tanzania and northern Mozambique had habitats D and E. Fish functional groups showed significant linkages with some habitat types. The abundances of corallivores, invertivores, detritivores and grazers were higher in habitat B, whereas planktivores and small excavators showed lower abundances in the same habitat. These linkages between benthic habitat types and fish functional groups are important in informing priority reefs that require conservation and management planning.
The mangrove forests as nursery habitats for the ichthyofauna of Mida Creek (Kenya, East Africa)
Laura Gajdzik, Ann Vanreusel, Nico Koedam, Jan Reubens, Agnes Wangui N. Muthumbi
Journal: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom / Volume 94 / Issue 5 / August 2014
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 March 2014, pp. 865-877
This study investigated the presumed nursery function of mangroves for the ichthyofauna in East African swamp forests, Mida Creek. The species and size composition of the fish fauna and their trophic interactions were studied for five stations. Samples were collected during 5–6 consecutive days close to spring tide in mid-July 2011. Fish were caught using different types of passive fishing gear, such as large and small fyke nets, gill nets and, additionally, beach seines. All individuals were identified to species level, measured and preserved for further analyses. Stomach content analysis was applied to provide information about their diet. Stable isotope analysis was used to detect whether the source of primary production for the higher trophic levels is mangrove-related or not. A total of 27 fish species was recorded in a catch of 938 teleost specimens. Our analyses showed that a majority of fish belonged to the zoobenthivorous/omnivorous trophic mode, since they were partially feeding on invertebrates and on various other food sources. Two species (Sphyraena barracuda and Synodus variegatus) exhibited a mixed diet, with a piscivorous preference. Results concerning the population structure suggested that the fish community of Mida mainly consists of transient species. Juveniles were numerically more abundant in the whole Creek than adults. These findings support the hypothesis of a nursery function of the mangrove forests, Mida Creek.
Taxonomy and biogeography of Molgolaimus Ditlevsen, 1921 (Nematoda: Chromadoria) with reference to the origins of deep sea nematodes
Gustavo Fonseca, Ann Vanreusel, Wilfrieda Decraemer
Journal: Antarctic Science / Volume 18 / Issue 1 / March 2006
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 March 2006, pp. 23-50
Molgolaimus is a genus of free-living marine nematodes which is found in high densities (10–35% of the total community) up to 2000 m depth. Its occurrence is often associated with organically enriched and recently disturbed areas. Currently, only 16 species have been described, mainly from shallow waters. The present study contributes 17 new species mainly from the Weddell Sea but also from the Pacific Ocean, and provides an illustrated polytomous identification key to species level. The 33 Molgolaimus species described can be identified based on just a few morphometric features: spicule length, body length, anal body diameter, tail length and pharynx length. A first insight into the biogeography of this deep sea genus at species level is presented. A comparison of morphometric characteristics between species suggests that the most similar species co-occur in the same geographical region, rather than within the same bathymetric zones or similar ecosystems separated over long distances. These observations suggest that deep sea nematodes may not have a common origin but might have derived “recently” from shallow water taxa. Therefore, global distribution of nematodes could be explained by means of palaeogeographical events.
Mesacanthion Diplechma (Nematoda: Thoracostomopsidae), a Link to Higher Trophic Levels?
Olivier Hamerlynck, Ann Vanreusel
Journal: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom / Volume 73 / Issue 2 / May 1993
The nematode Mesacanthion diplechma Southern is relatively rare in sediments of the Southern Bight of the North Sea and the Dutch Delta. Strangely, it is about the only free-living nematode found in the stomachs of the sand goby Pomatoschistus minutus Pallas from the same general area and even more peculiarly several hundred animals were found in sand gobies from the central part of the Oosterschelde. The large size of the nematode and its preference for the superficial sediment layers are probable causes for the first observation. For the second observation there is at present no explanation that can be substantiated. Some nematodes are known to aggregate on dead animals and possibly the Oosterschelde gobies may have been feeding on such an aggregation.
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« What's Going on Here
Want to Increase Infrastructure Money for Highways Immediately by 31%? Stop Diverting Highway Money to Transit »
Good God, is There No Indignity Too Trivial For Government Officials to Regulate?
The Business Secretary of the UK is desperately worried that when travelling to other countries, Brits will encounter a different selection of Netflix programming from what they are used to at home. This trivial issue seems to demand a whole new regulatory and copyright regime:
Vince Cable will risk a clash with the film and music industries on Tuesday by calling for the creation of a single EU market for digital services such as Netflix.
The Business Secretary will say in a speech in Brussels that such services should offer the same content in all EU member states, for services paid for in one country to be available in the same form in all countries and for pricing offers to be replicated across the continent.
At present Netflix and Spotify, which operates a subscription streaming service for music, offers different catalogues at different prices depending on where the customer is located.
Harmonising such services across the EU would require copyright holders to change the way they license their material, which is currently carefully segmented for different geographic markets to maximise sales
Whenever Euro-regulators suggest harmonization across countries, they always assume that harmonization will lead to everyone adopting whatever the lowest current rate and broadest service offering that exists in any one country. But why? That pretty much never happens. It is at least as likely that anyone getting harmonized will get worse service at a higher price.
Tags: Business Secretary, EU, Euro, Good God, Government, pricing, risk, UK, Vince Cable, Whenever Euro-regulators
Category: Regulation
disqus_00YDCZxqDV:
It's just hot air. Nobody in the UK and especially not Europe listens to Vince Cable
jdgalt:
Most (all?) European countries have rules requiring such services (as well as radio and TV channels) to carry a certain percentage of locally produced content, often 30 or 40%. Before Netflix could offer services (or content) that are the same in every country, it would have to be exempted from those local-content rules -- because it's not possible to be in compliance with more than one or two of them at the same time.
LoneSnark:
I am curious. Is there any such restriction in the U.S.?
greg:
as an answer to the title of the post.....No, there is nothing too small.
Exhibit A: I found myself in a dispute yesterday with the local ski slope here in connecticut. Seems the state legislature have passed a law that you now MUST use the safety bar on the chair lift. I came away thinking that exact thought. Is there really nothing too small and trivial for a government to pass a law over?
mesocyclone:
If Europe had admitted Turkey into the EU, as they hoped, this whole discussion would cause their pointy little heads to explode.
randian:
Harmonization pretty much guarantees the highest price is what everybody gets. EU regulators are big on tax harmonization too, which prevents "harmful tax competition" between member countries.
Of course you forget the maxim of the marxist crowd. Equality for all, without regard for quality. Better to bring down everyone's content and pay a higher price than to have one sad area that does not have as good of service as another. that would be just wrong.
Jeff Bishop:
This does not seem like a bad thing to me. Just as we have federal copyright law between the states of the US, they would have a unified copyright status between the EU states. It might not be in the best interests of the large content publishers but it seems to be clearly within the scope of EU lawmaking, and follows along with the desired result of border-less EU commerce. Physical goods are already tariff-free between EU states, if I read the laws correctly.
Penkville:
While I agree with the general criticism of government micromanagement I'm not sure this is the greatest example. I can see what has driven it, because as we now have freedom of movement around the EU etc., your average Brit businessman sitting in a hotel room in Amsterdam and wanting to continue with catching up on Justified can't because it isn't on the Dutch version of Netflix for whatever reason, and he doesn't understand why that should be. I know what some of the reasons for that are, it's just that we have all the crap parts of the EU super state already, so where are the benefits... I imagine most people in the US would find this situation a bit frustrating if it happened when they crossed the state line.
There is a very easy and cost effective solution. It involves no Governments, no bureaucracies, no taxpayer money, no regulation, no difficulties with licences, allows 100% consumer choice, only affects those who consider it a problem.
Because 'digital services' has already provided a solution.
Get a VPN which prevents location being recognised.
These are abundant and either free or low cost and would permit the odysseying class to log onto their domestic Netflix account and watch whatever pleases them, where ever they are. In fact I suspect many of such already will have a VPN for a variety of reaons, some we should not explore
The true problem here is politicians (and Cable really is a useless, old fart) simply do not understand the Internet and the technology around it. There is little they do seem to understand.
It is in fact slowly making them redundant, but they just cannot see it coming.
Well you are an American so I shall make allowances. Unified copyright status between 26 Countries... sure, how long can that take?
Has the US Government tried to do something like that with say, Mexico, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, etc? No, What's stopping them?
So just so you understand what you are saying, you want the EU to tell the likes of NBC and CBS, Sony, Universal and other US media to rip up the contracts they have with BBC, TF1, RA1, Sky, CanalPlus and all the other TV, satellite, cable, cinema companies and the EU will tell them how they can do business, with whom, and how much they can charge?
How well will that play in DC do you ya think?
In DC that would play pretty well. They don't care much about constitutional limits these days, that's why they're taking "net neutrality" seriously, which is basically the government telling companies how, with whom, and how much. In the boardrooms of the respective companies, of course, that wouldn't play at all.
I'm disappointed in you for opening your response with an insult.
Unifying copyright law does not mean that the EU will tell the US media companies how much they can charge. It would mean that they could contract with one or more companies throughout the EU without concern for geographical subdivision. The new EU copyright laws might allow for some geographical limitations, just as sports broadcasts in the US are subject to geographical limitations, but it would eliminate the default limitations, and allow for the creation of one contract for the EU instead of 26.
If EU copyright consolidation is a bad thing, then do you believe that the US should have 50 different copyright markets, with Netflix being forced to contract with 50 different entities to deliver content across the US?
As to how easy or hard it is, I was not addressing that question. I was simply questioning the premise that a unified EU copyright regime was an inherently bad thing. It will be as easy or as hard as the politicians wish it to be.
It is not an issue of copyright, it is an issue of contract.
If BBC sells a show to CBS it will be contract bound not to sell it to anyone else until the show has aired on CBS... unless the contract includes repeats when further restriction might apply.
If say, BBC has already aired the show in UK, BBC could sell rights to Netflix with stipulation it could broadcast it in the UK, but not the USA, as this would breach its contract with CBS which you can be sure will say BBC will not sell the show to another for broadcast in the USA whilst the BBC/CBS contract is in force.
So in Europe.
For example: Sky TV, a satellite broadcaster, may have bought the rights to all seasons of Mentalist for broadcast in the UK. It would be a breach of contract for the show maker to sell the same rights to the BBC. Sky would sue them.
The thing is show-maker's contract with Sky in the UK for the Mentalist may have expired, so showmaker is now free to sell rights to Netflix for broadcast in the UK. But show-maker has a current contract running with TF1 in France, so is not free to sell rights to Netflix for broadcast in France.
I live in France and last two seasons of Mentalist are not available on Netflix, because they are currently in the schedules of a French TV company.
Now multiply that by 26 for all the States of the EU.
It is not clear how legislation in the EU can make it so that, for example, CBS can make identical contracts for the same shows during the same time scales in all Countries of the EU, so that they would subsequently be able to make the shows available for pan-European availability on Netflix.
It is an example of politicians not understanding much about the real World.
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Check out Reeves
From Reeves on Facebook. Photo by Kan Lailey. A new look for Reeves? :) And another shot on Instagram.
Vote for 'Just Like Heaven'
From Carlos: "I need help from fans of The Cure. I'm trying to get Just Like Heaven song to become the official anthem of the exhibition Pop idols in my city, Valencia (Spain), to achieve this I have to add more LIKES than Depeche Mode, Nirvana, and Soft Cell, if you want to participate in the election opens the link I put at the end, after the publication of the video search called THE CURE - JUST LIKE HEAVEN, and click LIKE."
Go here and click like. Voting closes at noon on March 24th. At the moment, Depeche Mode have the lead. Let's change that. :)
Well done! The Cure have taken the lead, but it's still very close. If you haven't clicked LIKE yet, make sure you do before tomorrow.
Update (03/24/14): Final results - The Cure: 468 Depeche Mode: 466. The Cure wins. But due to just how close the vote was, they have decided to make both songs the official anthem. Fair enough. But let the record show that The Cure beat DM. :)
Win RAH tickets
Who’s excited about next week’s 3-hour long @TheCure #teenagecancergigs! We’ve got 2 pairs of tickets to give away https://t.co/DTCYwkjXG9
— Teenage Cancer Trust (@TeenageCancer) March 21, 2014
Record Collector (March 2014)
Photo of Robert's Boy I Never Knew guitar from the Amaze Brighton auction in the March 2014 issue of Record Collector. (Thanks Perfect.Murder)
"I find your lack of 'Faith' disturbing"
Love this Cure Star Wars comic posted by Andy Anderson on Facebook. It's from the Brevity comic strip by Dan Thompson. (Thanks birdmad69)
Posted by Craig at 12:53 PM 4 comments
XFM giving away RAH tickets and a box
From XFM: Suede are playing, there’s a comedy night featuring Micky Flanagan, Jason Manford and John Bishop and The Cure will be performing two very special shows. You'll be able to win tickets to these shows, plus help us raise money for XFM's Fund For Teenage Cancer Trust all this week on XFM.
PLUS... We're giving one lucky winner the chance to WIN A BOX at The Cure's show on Saturday 29 March - that's tickets for you and four mates to watch this mammoth three-hour gig from some of the best seats in the house.
We've taken TEN Cure album covers and cropped a tiny detail from each one and stuck them in a very special gallery. All you have to do is name the album.
Think you know which albums they are? Pick your answers from the multiple choice selections below, input your details and hope for the best. Good luck!"
And listen all week for your chance to win tickets to the show. 104.9FM in London, 97.7FM in Manchester, on digital radio around the UK, via the apps or via XFM.co.uk. Good luck!
(Thanks Martin)
The secret of the blue hat
Many people asked me where I got my blue hat - that aside, this is Lima, Peru. pic.twitter.com/ppLkPTgjBg
— Tim Pope (@timpopedirector) March 17, 2014
Notice how Tim, master of subterfuge, distracts everyone with a photo of Robert, while avoiding giving up the secret source of the blue hat.
Saffron picks 'Head on the Door' in her Top 10
Saffron from Republica placed 'The Head on the Door' at #5 on her top 10 favorite albums list. From Louder Than War:
"Very hard to choose I Love so many Cure albums especially Faith, Pornography, Boys Don’t Cry and Bloodflowers but Head on the Door has 2 of my favourite songs ‘Inbetween Days’ and ‘A Night Like This’
I was honoured to sing a duet with Robert Smith on the track ‘ Just Say Yes’ which is on The Cure’s Greatest Hits Album.we did a video and I performed with them in Paris."
(Thanks @greyhairpink)
5) The Cure ‘Head On The Door’
Very hard to choose I Love so many Cure albums especially Faith,Pornography,Boys Don’t Cry and Bloodflowers but Head on the Door has 2 of my favourite songs ‘Inbetween Days’and ‘A Night Like This’
I was honoured to sing a duet with Robert Smith on the track ‘ Just Say Yes’ which is on The Cure’s Greatest Hits Album.we did a video and I performed with them in Paris.
- See more at: http://louderthanwar.com/saffron-from-republica-my-top-10-favourite-albums-6/#sthash.5H590rCX.dpuf
Posted by Craig at 11:56 AM 1 comments
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Elle Hill
Ruminations and fulminations about -isms, animals, and writing.
My Media Diet
I don’t usually traffic with that “diet” thingy. Weight loss dieting has a 95% failure rate (Chastain, 2011), often results in a net weight gain (HuffPo, 2013), and valorizes self-imposed starvation, a disgusting concept that couldn’t exist anywhere but an industrialized nation. However, for the past decade or more, I’ve put myself on a pretty strict media diet. My recipe? No TV aside from the occasional series I snag via Netflix, maybe one movie per year, no non-political magazines, and aggressive ad blocking on the Internet. That said, I’m an Internet fiend, and I listen every day to NPR in part because it has no commercials but also because, you know, listening to the news while driving kinda rocks.
I say “diet” because it’s a concept with which we’re all-too-familiar in the U.S. However, my diet isn’t about deprivation but release. Honestly, you have no idea how relieved I felt when I gave myself permission several years ago to disengage from popular culture. Prior to that, I’d ha…
Review: The Freedman and the Pharaoh's Staff by Lane Heymont
The Freedman and the Pharaoh’s Staff by Lane Heymont
A KKK Grand Dragon, a pit bull, and Hitler walk into a bar… Sounds like the beginning of the world’s most bizarre joke, right? Yet you may be surprised and fascinated to know this book contains all those elements and more. Well, minus the bar.
The plot: It’s 1871, six years after the end of the American Civil War and five or so years before Jim Crow Laws spread like rot throughout the U.S. Freedman Jeb breaks out of jail his brother-in-law, Crispus, who has stolen a map to a buried Egyptian treasure that will give its possessor the power to unite or annihilate the masses. The breakout ignites the KKK’s anger, and they destroy Jeb and Crispus’ small Louisiana hometown in retaliation. Jeb and Crispus, who are soon joined by a Jewish defector from the local KKK mob, seek assistance from voodoo priests, the sheriff, and others as they flee for their lives and eventually seize the Pharaoh’s Staff. The rabid, local KKK den, led by a truly …
Virtual Book Tour: One Bite by Jennifer Blackstream
I'm thrilled to feature One Bite by Jennifer Blackstream. Traditional fairy tale meets paranormal romance? Sign me up!
Please show Jennifer Blackstream some love, all. Not only does her work sound incredible, but you can benefit from your perusal and comments. Jennifer will be awarding one eCopy of Before Midnight (book one in the series) to a randomly drawn commenter at each stop and a grand prize of a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble GC to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
And hey, the more you follow her and comment, the better your chances of scoring loot. Woot! For more info on the tour, visit here. For info on Ms. Blackstream's website and her wares, see the end of this post. Good luck!
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One Bite by Jennifer Blackstream
Seven dwarves. A poison apple. A glass coffin. It's a strange and terrifying world when events can take a turn for better or for worse with just...One Bite.
Irina is determined to continue …
Thursday Threads: Unconquerable Callie by DeAnn Smallwood
Unconquerable Callie by DeAnn Smallwood
Heat Level: Sweet
Callie Collins, a proud woman in the late 1800’s, is a liar and a darned good one, a master of the dubious art. She is also a dreamer. Her greatest hope is to reach a new life in South Pass City Wyoming, where she can open a bakery and live an independent life. To be successful, she will need her greatest gifts of deception to date. As a woman alone, she has to prove to Seth McCalister, the wagon master, that she has the wherewithal (a wagon and a set of oxen), the stamina to survive months of drought, dust, hardships and even risk of death, and a mythical fiancé who waits at the end of the line. McCallister is uneasy, but also mystified by the audacity and determination of the young woman. He allows her to join the train west. What he doesn’t realize is there is no fiancé. To make matters worse, Callie is in love with Seth McCallister, too. For the first time, the lies that have brought her so far…
Thursday Threads: The Viscount's Vow by Collette Cameron
The Viscount’s Vow by Collette Cameron
Genre: Historical Romance/Regency
Heat Level: Sensual
Amidst murder and betrayal, destiny and hearts collide when scandal forces a viscount and a gypsy noblewoman to marry in this Regency romance sprinkled with suspense and humor.
Part Romani, part English noblewoman, Evangeline Caruthers is the last woman in England Ian Hamilton, the Viscount Warrick, could ever love—an immoral wanton responsible for his brother’s and father’s deaths. She thinks he’s a foul-tempered blackguard, who after setting out to cause her downfall, finds himself forced to marry her—snared in the trap of his own making.
When Vangie learns the marriage ceremony itself may have been a ruse, she flees to her gypsy relatives, declaring herself divorced from Ian under Romani law. He pursues her to the gypsy encampment, and when the handsome gypsy king offers to take Ian’s place in Vangie’s bed, jealousy stirs hot and dangerous.
At last, under a balmy starlit sky, Ian and Vangie bre…
Review: Echo Prophecy by Lindsey Fairleigh
I’m going to say something very, very odd. Okay, here it goes: I liked Echo Prophecy. (This is not the bizarre part). I thought it was an interesting and creative blend of the Kane Chronicles,The Matrix, and the Twilight series. (Yeah, that’s the weirdness.)
First things first: I love Egyptian mythology. Heck, I have a black cat named Bast and several pieces of (totally cheap and awesomely fake) Egyptian art. I’m also a huge, unrepentant, nerdy fan of The Matrix. When the first Matrix movie occupied the theaters, so did I. Twelve times. I even, although don’t tell anyone I said so, kinda liked the Twilight series, especially the last two. Oddly enough, all of these loves collide in this book, in which the main character, Alexandra Larson, archaeologist and Egyptologist, stumbles across a race of beings on whom the ancient Egyptian divine mythologies were based. More, Lex learns she is not only one of them, but, like Neo, is The One. I’m a shameless fan of “The One” trope. How cool is i…
Christmas Anthology Featuring a Story by Your Favorite Agnostic
The holidays are upon us. Luckily for you, so is Soul Mate’s holiday anthology. You like sci-fi? High fantasy? Inspirational? Contemporary? Paranormal? Girl, boy, and everyone in-between, we got your back.
Soul Mate just published a holiday anthology, appropriately titled All I Want for Christmas is a Soul Mate. Cute and catchy, right? The anthology features twenty short stories, all clocking in around 4000 words. It’s like a fun-sized chocolate bar. Times twenty.
To address the elephant in my head (I doubt few but me really care), the title does include the word “Christmas,” and the anthology includes some Christian themes and stories; however, I think many of us used it as a time of year rather than a nod to the ostensibly Christian holiday. The anthology is inclusive of many religious identities. I happen to know of one story, for random example, that features a sexy, biracial, Agnostic protagonist and her Jewish love interest. Ahem.
Totally coincidentally, here's the hook for …
Happy 30th to a Fat Pride Staple
I’ve identified as a feminist since I was twenty-three and took my first women’s studies course. Shortly thereafter, my oldest sister, Lauri J Owen, and I developed a PowerPoint presentation that highlighted ads' pernicious effects on women’s body image and senses of self. We presented it everywhere anyone let us in hopes of encouraging women to regain their right to define themselves.
During one presentation, a woman from the audience spoke up. “You’re right!” she exclaimed. “Advertisements are trying to sell us a sense of dissatisfaction with our bodies. They’re always telling me I’m too fat. But you know what? I’m not fat! I’m beautiful!”
Several murmurs and head nods splashed into the silence.
You don’t get it, I thought, but never said. You just don’t get it.
This may have been the first, but it wasn’t the last time that happened.
Did I mention I was (and still am) fat? I was that from which these women distanced themselves in order to reclaim their body esteem. My fat was thei…
Review: The Freedman and the Pharaoh's Staff by La...
Virtual Book Tour: One Bite by Jennifer Blackstrea...
Thursday Threads: Unconquerable Callie by DeAnn Sm...
Thursday Threads: The Viscount's Vow by Collette C...
Christmas Anthology Featuring a Story by Your Favo...
Thursday Threads: Unsafe Haven by Char Chaffin
Beauty: Skin and Soul Deep
abusing the system
fat camps
hunted dreams
size diversity
sizeism
welfare myths
welfare queen
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NB ⇝
A programming language designed by Dennis Ritchie at AT&T Bell Labs ca. 1972 for systems programming on the PDP-11 and immediately used to reimplement Unix.
It was called "C" because many features derived from an earlier compiler named "B". In fact, C was briefly named "NB". B was itself strongly influenced by BCPL. Before Bjarne Stroustrup settled the question by designing C++, there was a humorous debate over whether C's successor should be named "D" or "P" (following B and C in "BCPL").
C is terse, low-level and permissive. It has a macro preprocessor, cpp.
Partly due to its distribution with Unix, C became immensely popular outside Bell Labs after about 1980 and is now the dominant language in systems and microcomputer applications programming. It has grown popular due to its simplicity, efficiency, and flexibility. C programs are often easily adapted to new environments.
C is often described, with a mixture of fondness and disdain, as "a language that combines all the elegance and power of assembly language with all the readability and maintainability of assembly language".
Ritchie's original C is known as K&R C after Kernighan and Ritchie's book. A modified version has been standardised as ANSI C.
See also ACCU, ae, c68, c386, C-Interp, cxref, dbx, dsp56k-gcc, dsp56165-gcc, gc, GCT, GNU C, GNU superoptimiser, Harvest C, malloc, mpl, Pthreads, ups.
bytesexual ♦ Byzantine ♦ bz ♦ bzzzt, wrong ♦ C ♦ C# ♦ C* ♦ C++ ♦ C+- ♦ [email protected]
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The Distillers Announce North American Tour
The trek includes a pair of Toronto shows
By Brock Thiessen
The Distillers have been promising to return with a new album in 2019, and while we've yet to get any firm details on that, Brody Dalle and co. have just rolled out a North American tour.
The trek will kick off in May, hitting up a string of U.S. cities. Along the way, the band will also play not one but two Toronto shows on May 25 and 26.
You can see the full schedule down below.
As recently reported, the band broke a 15-year silence with the release of two new songs. Those tracks, "Man vs. Magnet" and "Blood in Gutters," will now be pressed as a 7-inch courtesy of Jack White's Third Man Records on Valentine's Day (yes, that's February 14).
You can pre-order the record here.
05/21 Milwaukee WI - Pabst Theatre
05/22 Chicago, IL - Metro
05/24 Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall
05/25 Toronto ON - The Phoenix Concert Theatre
05/28 Boston, MA - Royale Boston
05/29 Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Steel
06/01 Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
06/02 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
06/04 Nashville, TN - The Basement East
More Distillers
Related Concerts
Jan 20 @ 7:00PM - Alexisonfire Winnipeg @ Bell MTS Place (formerly MTS Centre)
Distillers | Alexisonfire | NOBRO
Jan 22 @ 7:00PM - Alexisonfire Edmonton @ Rogers Place
Jan 23 @ 7:00PM - Alexisonfire Calgary @ Scotiabank Saddledome
Jan 25 @ 7:00PM - Alexisonfire Vancouver @ Pacific Coliseum
More Related Concerts
Alexisonfire Plot Canadian Winter Tour
Legendary Canadian rock troupe Alexisonfire have announced plans for a handful of North American headlining shows coming in early 2020. The...
The Distillers Cancel U.S. Tour Dates Due to Drummer's Cycling Injuries
The Distillers have been forced to cancel five U.S. dates from their reunion tour due to an injury. Drummer Andy Granelli suffered a severe...
The Distillers Unveil Vancouver Concert
While the Distillers still haven't properly announced their promised new album, Brody Dalle and co. have been hitting the road hard in 2019....
Spider-Verses: A Playlist for Every Spider-Man in 'Into the Spider-Verse'
Promotional consideration provided by Sony Pictures Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse isn't a musical, but music is important to it. The...
The Distillers Are Releasing a 7-inch on Third Man Records
Brody Dalle recently promised that the Distillers would return with a new album in 2019. While time will tell just how long that release tak...
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Classic Failures
This Day in Failure
Or learn from these Classic Failures
Kitty Genovese, 50 Years Later
The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
Edsel: An Auto Biography
The Hindenburg
This Day in Failure — 2011: Women’s tennis pro Dinara Safina suffers the worst loss ever by a for... →
The Executioner Always Chops Twice
Ghastly Blunders on the Scaffold, Geoffrey Abbott, St. Martin's Press.
Jason ZaskyMay 04, 2004
It’s often said that progress is achieved through trial and error. In that respect execution is like any other human endeavor, except errors made by the executioner are quite literally a matter of life and death. “The Executioner Always Chops Twice: Ghastly Blunders On The Scaffold” is filled with gruesome and outlandish stories of unlucky souls who not only suffered the indignity of being condemned to die, but endured the horror of a botched execution. Most of the vignettes are from centuries past, presumably because man has now had ample opportunity to perfect the art of killing.
Written by Geoffrey Abbott—former Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London—the book begins with a quick one-chapter overview of a diverse array of torture and execution methods. But the overwhelming majority of “The Executioner Always Chops Twice” is devoted to the “unfortunate victims”—those who suffered above and beyond what one might expect when boiled in oil, burned at the stake, gassed, hanged, decapitated, etc.
While the subject matter sounds ghoulish the book maintains a surprisingly lighthearted tone. In fact, it seems many of those sentenced to die maintained their sense of humor, even in their final moments. For example, Abbott recounts the story of serial killer Paul Jaworski, who was disappointed that his execution would prevent him from reading the conclusion of a serial in a weekly magazine. “‘Gee,’ he exclaimed. ‘It's tough to not to know how it all ends!’” Hearing of Jaworski's predicament the publishers forwarded him an advance copy of the final installment. How’s that for famous last words?
The Faithful Executioner
Gruesome Spectacles
Crap Taxidermy—A Celebration of Crappy Taxidermy, Kat Su, Ten Speed Press.
Vietnam—A View from the Front Lines, Andrew Wiest, Osprey.
I Lick My Cheese—And Other Real Notes From the Roommate Frontlines, Oonagh O'Hagan, Abrams Image.
Confronting Collapse—The Crisis of Energy and Money in a Post Peak Oil World, Michael C. Ruppert, Chelsea Green.
Copyright © 2020 Failure Magazine LLC
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Site Map Calendar Login
ECNL Class of 2019
Over 1,100 College-Bound Athletes in the Girls ECNL Class of 2019
RICHMOND, VA (November 14, 2018) – Players across the country will be signing their National Letters of Intent (NLI) today and committing to the next stage of their soccer journey. This year’s graduating class of the Girls Elite Clubs National League (Girls ECNL) has once again set the national standard, showing why the Girls ECNL is the top youth female development platform in the world.
1,156 players in the Girls ECNL Class of 2019 will go on to play soccer at the collegiate level this fall, with 847 players committed to play in NCAA Division I programs.
“Congratulations to all of the Girls ECNL players who will be continuing their playing careers at the collegiate level,” said ECNL Commissioner, Jen Winnagle. “These players have worked incredibly hard, proven themselves on the top stage of female youth soccer, and should be incredibly proud of their achievement. We are excited to see them compete collegiately next fall, joining more than 10,000 other ECNL alums who have transformed collegiate soccer over the past decade.”
The class of 2019 is comprised of Amazing Young Women who will be playing at multiple collegiate soccer levels:
Girls ECNL Class of 2019: 1,633
Total Players Playing Collegiate Soccer: 1,156
Division I: 847
Division II, III, NAIA + Other: 309
Undecided: 462
Even more players will join this list as final college decisions are made by undecided players in the class of 2019 in the coming months.
The ECNL College Impact tracks the number of Girls ECNL alums playing soccer in college, and shows an impressive increase year after year. The Girls ECNL’s impact on the NWSL professional league has also been significant, with 65% of the 2018 NWSL draftees being ECNL Alums.
To view the college-bound Girls ECNL Class of 2019 in full, click here.
*Information above is based on information as of November 13, 2018.
About Amazing Young WomenTM: The Amazing Young Women campaign is a dynamic platform of online and local market activations that showcase and celebrate female role models offering an aspirational focus for all female athletes and teens as they prepare to be our next generation of leaders. The ECNL is calling on all of the nation’s women to join the movement to celebrate the endless potential of today’s girls.
Women of all ages can share their personal moments of inspiration through elevated stories and social media. Every share and submission helps drive a movement that celebrates the power of what it is to be a girl today.
S’Heroes are a part of the Amazing Young WomenTM campaign designed to showcase strong, successful women who embody the fact that drive on the soccer field translates into life lessons. The ECNL is calling on all who love sports to join them in supporting youth female athletes as they recognize their own potential, define their individual paths to success, and prepare to be our next generation of leaders.
The Amazing Young Women campaign encourages young female athletes to embrace their competitive nature, and prove they cannot be shaken from the path to their dreams. Those recognized as S’Heroes have taken a spirit of leadership and inspiration from the field, and have demonstrated that it’s not just about a phase of your life, but a way of life.
www.AmazingYoungWomen.com
About Girls Elite Clubs National League®: The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of female youth soccer players in the United States through: (i) improving the competitive environment through creation of a true national competitive league; (ii) improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players through a systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) improving the daily training environment at top female youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs. The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and is sponsored by Nike Soccer.
www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com
Facebook: /theECNL | Twitter: @theECNL | Instagram: @theECNL
© Copyright 2018 FC Prime. All rights reserved.
© Copyright 2018 Demosphere International, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Matchdays with EFCHS
Tag: Everton
Everton FC’s 1909 pre-season tour of South America, Edwardian style – David Prentice
21/10/2019 21/10/2019 by David PrenticeNo Comments
Edwardian style Amazing story of Everton's pioneering 1909 tour of South America A contemporary cigarette card of Bert Freeman, the star of Everton's 1909 tour of South America. In the summer months of 1909 a 13-strong Everton FC playing staff led by two directors and a trainer, together with travelling companions Tottenham Hotspur, travelled 14,000 miles and spent more than six weeks at sea, visiting Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina – “to introduce and develop first class football.” Their story is a fascinating one – and thanks to the diligence of director E. Bainbridge and an exhaustive tour diary he produced for the Echo, the story of the ground-breaking tour can be retold a century later. So settle down with a cup of finest Brazilian and a corned beef sandwich, and enjoy the exploits of the Evertonian adventurers. Like many great Evertonian trips, the story began at Lime Street station. The Blues boarded a steam train to London Euston on Thursday...
David Prentice, History, Members Work, UncategorizedEverton, Tottenham Hotspur, tour of argentina
When The Toffees Outshone The Blades – Anfield Under Illumination – Richard Gillham
15/10/2019 05/11/2019 by Richie Gillham Comment Closed
1878 not only saw the foundation of the football team that would become Everton FC but, in October of that year, the first experiments in playing artificially-illuminated matches. At Sheffield United’s Bramhall Lane ground, dynamo-powered lamps were mounted on timber gantries to provide the light for a match contested by teams made up of representatives from local clubs. The ‘Blues’ ran out 2-0 winners. But it was here on Merseyside, on 8th January 1890, that one of the most significant trials of this nascent technology occurred. On this occasion Paraffin-fuelled lamps, manufactured by A. C. Wells & Co. of Manchester, and normally used for industrial use, were deployed. The Blades were the visitors to Everton’s Anfield ground for the 7pm kick-off. By why Anfield? According to the Liverpool Courier: ‘Anfield is perhaps the best arena in the county for such experiments as the high stands serve to contain the light within the required area.’ The novelty of this innovation...
History, Members Work, Richard Gillham, UncategorizedAnfield, Everton, Sheffield United
Everton – The Baseball Years – Richie Gillham & Rob Sawyer
The BATS British American Tobacco Team with John Moores (2nd from left in hat), circa 1935 Baseball may be a minority sport in the UK but 80 years ago Merseyside was a hotbed of this popular American pastime. Had it not been for the outbreak of War in 1939 perhaps it would have gained a proper foothold in our sporting life. Folklore has it that William Ralph ‘Dixie’ Dean was once introduced to the legendary Babe Ruth (of Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees fame) at a football match. Dean recalled to journalist John Roberts his encounter with Babe. The American introduced himself in typical style by booming: "You’re that Dixie Dean guy! Jeez, you’ll get some cash today." When Dean explained that his wages – capped at £8/wk – were not linked to the number of spectators through the turnstiles, Ruth reportedly exclaimed: "Jesus Christ! I’d demand two-thirds of this gate!" Dean, himself, would dabble in the American...
History, Members Work, Richard Gillham, Rob SawyerBritish Baseball League, Everton, Liverpool Trojans, MLB, Sir john moores
Searching For The Blues Baseballers – Dave Prentice , Richie Gillham & Rob Sawyer
07/10/2019 05/11/2019 by David Prentice Comment Closed
Everton baseball team circa 1945 Featuring Gordon Watson of EFC and Theo Kelly as trainer wearing hat The Everton team you've never heard of as Blues search for sporting pioneers Everton were once a leading name in trying to establish a popular American sport on Merseyside Because Everton have diversified into other sports in their long sporting history - and the Everton Heritage Society - the group of historians which seeks to research and chronicle all elements of the football club, is interested in discovering more about one particular diversion. Baseball. The Toffees have flirted with another sport with American roots, basketball, when the Toxteth based Tigers operated under the Everton brand between 2007-2010. However, six decades earlier Everton was a leading English name in another American sport – Baseball. Now, Richie Gillham of EFC Heritage Society is researching the rise of the sport on Merseyside and its connections to Everton. An Everton baseball team, with no...
David Prentice, History, Richard Gillham, Rob Sawyer, UncategorizedBritish Baseball League, Everton, John Moores
Everton remembers
Everton – Bridgetown Barbados – Richard Gillham
Programmed for Success – Ken Rogers
A Delve into the Everton Collection – Rob Sawyer
Brendan Connolly
Gavin buckland
Jamie Yates
John shearon
Ken Rogers
kjell hanssen
Mike Royden
Richard Gillham
Rob Sawyer
Simon Hart
Steve Zocek
Tony Onslow
EFCHS Counter
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To Older Adults
To School Children
Meet and Enroll More Foster Grandparents
Engage Your Local Businesses
Make a Tax-Deductible Contribution
Join Foster Grandparents
Locally, the Foster Grandparent Program serves 29 educational sites using 71 volunteers across Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, and Jennings County.
Beginning in 1973, our Foster Grandparents served at-risk children with special or exceptional needs at the Muscatatuck Center in Jennings County, Indiana. In 1993 the U.S. Congress approved and funded the National and Community Service Trust Act and re-focused our attention to school-based tutoring and mentoring for at-risk children. Nationally, the Foster Grandparent Program mobilizes 27,900 Foster Grandparents and serves 24 million children annually.
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is an independent, federal grant-making government agency whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic participation through service and volunteering. For almost 20 years, CNCS – through its programs: Senior Corps, Americorps, Volunteer Generation Fund and Social Innovation Fund – has helped to engage millions of citizens in meeting community and national challenges through service and volunteer action. To learn more see www.nationalservice.gov.
Under Sponsorship of Thrive-Alliance (a provider of Aging and In-Home Services, Gathering Place Cafes, programs for Wellness & Caregivers, First Steps, Housing for people with special circumstances or special needs) The Foster Grandparents Program is authorized as one of four Senior Corp Services and receivs federal grant funds under the Corporation for National and Community Service. We supplement our federal grant by raising 10% of our funding with community dollars and in-kind donations. Learn more about Thrive-Alliance at www.thrive-alliance.org.
Foster Grandparents serve in public and parochial schools, Head Start Centers and youth-serving agencies for children and families. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve American Act reauthorized and expanded the national service programs. It also lowered the adult age eligibility from 60 to 55 and increased eligibility to 200% of the poverty level. The Act also expanded and clarified its service mission to “children having special or exceptional needs or with conditions or circumstances identified as limiting their academic, social or economic development.”
Meet our Foster Grandparent Program Team
Marcia DeBock, Director
A 40-year veteran of nonprofit volunteer management and financial services.
mdebock@thrive-alliance.org
Jim Zeiger, Program Coordinator
A teacher, athletics coach, and youth program developer.
jezeiger@thrive-alliance.org
Carolyn Piechorowski, IT Coordinator
A Foster Grandparent with systems infrastructure experience.
cpiechorowski@yahoo.com
2018 © Foster Grandparent Program
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fredmcclimans.com
Tag Archives: InflenceChat
Articles, Business, Marketing, Social
Klout, Big Data and the Meaning of “Opt Out”
May 1, 2012 Fred McClimans 23 Comments
Is it possible to have a Klout Score of Zero (K = 0)?
Why, you might ask, would anybody want to have such a score in the gamified realm of influence measurement, where higher scores indicate a higher level of perceived online influence?
The answer may lie in the way that Klout profiles you, branding you a Specialist, an Observer, or a Broadcaster. The answer may also lie in how people relate to Big Data, vaguely defined ranking algorithms, and the increased tendency of offline organizations to make some big, and potentially misleading, assumptions about the role of online influence in an offline world.
“Klout calculates billions of data points across over 100 million influencers every day.” ~ Klout.com
Whatever the reason, there are people who simply want out. But opting out, and driving your score to a meaningless Zero, is apparently a bit more difficult in the Klout dimension than one might imagine.
I PRESENT TO YOU MR. SAM FIORELLA
Mr. Fiorella was recently referenced in a Wired.com article (What your Klout Score really means) that delved into an experience he had a while back with a potential employer, who eliminated Sam (and possibly others) from the list of candidates based on his perceived “sub-par” Klout Score. As listed on the Klout.com website…
It’s not the first time something in the online world has impacted a decision in the offline world, and it definitely won’t be the last (see Jeremiah Owyang’s post “How ‘Social Profiling’ Will Work In The Real World“).
Sam ultimately did improve his Klout Score (into the 70’s) but was never happy with the idea of being ranked (or branded) by an algorithm for online OR offline purposes. So when Klout offered an “opt out” option at the beginning of November, 2011, he promptly did just that. He opted out and initiated the deletion of his Klout profile, per the language on the Klout site:
As far as Sam was concerned, he was satisfied that after opting out nobody would be able to view his Klout Score moving forward and that only trace data would remain in the system (for 180 days, after which it would be removed).
He also understood that Klout would continue track his activities on the public broadcast social site Twitter.
Note: I wouldn’t be surprised if Klout NEEDS to track Sam privately in order to accurately determine the Klout Scores of others within his Twitter social graph. In essence, influencers who are not tracked become dark matter, or invisible thought leaders. They mess with what we perceive by influencing behavior in unseen ways.
But there was also a level of expectation that the information gathered on Twitter (and his resulting private Klout Score) would to be kept private and OFF the Klout.com site.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way.
I PRESENT TO YOU MR. SAM FIORELLA’S GHOST
In the name of full disclosure, I know Sam personally and I am a registered Klout user. I was also aware when he, and others, opted out of Klout last year. So when I read the Wired article, and the various other articles and posts that it spawned, the analyst in me was just a bit curious to see if Sam had in fact been removed from the site. So I search Klout.com and found no public profile or information on him.
But I did come across the profile of a friend of mine, and attached to that profile, in their Influencers list, was the smiling face of Sam Fiorella. On the site, exactly where it should not have been.
Apparently, the phrase “you will be removed from Klout.com within 24-48 hours” – as mentioned in the Klout opt out statement – may not mean what you think it means.
Sam opted out from Klout almost 6 months ago. Could this possibly be the “trace data” mentioned in the Klout “opt out” statement? I don’t believe so, as his current Twitter avatar is on display along with an assumingly current Klout Score of 52 (which sounds plausible since Klout appears to be pulling his data only from Twitter, not the complete list of social sites that Sam previously had linked to his Klout account, and it increased to 53 last night).
But wait, there’s more (thank you Ron Popeil). While I did pass on the option to invite Sam back to Klout (he wouldn’t have accepted anyway), I couldn’t resist the chance to test the software and see if it would allow me to give him a +K in Blogging. It did:
I’m not sure the +K stuck (even though it does now show me a greyed out +K button for Sam and Blogging, it apparently didn’t decrement my +K counter).
But the mere fact that it allowed me to go through the action, give me a success notification and offer the option to Tweet the +K out, was more than just a bit interesting – it was a challenge to figure out what had gone wrong, how it might be corrected and to think strategically a bit about some of the larger (beyond Klout) implications it might have.
From a social perspective, you cannot deny that influence exists – marketing, advertising and sales people have been trying to identify and target influential consumers for years. Nor can we deny that our online and offline lives are colliding extremely fast, and influence in one medium can, and will, transcend to another.
From an online influence measurement perspective, there is a defined need to look for insights in online behavior (served by Klout and other firms such as PeerIndex, Twitalyzer, TweetLevel, etc.), and the people at Klout have been very honest and open with me, and others, about how and why they are undertaking this task.
But there is a disconnect when a phrase like “removed” appears to mean “erased a bit” – not quite how I would interpret it.
CAN WE ACHIEVE ZERO?
When Sam opted out of Klout, he assumed that he would still have a Klout Score, but that his information would no longer be shared or visible to others – in essence giving him a public null Klout Score (K = 0) that he sought. While the data would still exist, and be interpreted by Klout, they would not share their interpretations with others.
So why is Sam Fiorella still appearing on Klout? Perhaps there is an issue that weaves around Klout’s interpretation of words, and the managing of expectations from a contractual Terms of Service (TOS) perspective. Or perhaps it has to do with the massive amounts of Big Data that we are crunching on an ongoing basis, with technology evolving at such a rapid pace that glitches and ghosts, while unacceptable, are going to occur. Either way, there is a flaw somewhere in the system, and Mr. Fiorella has become its poster child.
PRIVACY AND PERVASIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Sam’s issue with Klout is bigger than either Sam or Klout. Not to diminish what Sam is going through, neither Sam nor Klout are alone in facing issues regarding personal data, big data, privacy or changing technology. If anything, his dilemma is indicative of a much larger series of questions and issues that we face.
We live in an age of technology-enabled Pervasive Communications. Our ability to communicate with almost anyone, anywhere at any time, over a multitude of communications channels, is allowing us to unleash our DNA-driven need to create, share and consume content and information with others.
As we do this, our public actions are increasingly tracked, tagged, shared and mined by people and companies that we’ve never met. They’re sifting through piles of Big Data looking for patterns, for trends, for clues regarding what influences our decisions, and how our decisions influence – if at all – the decisions of others. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but when this activity lacks true transparency of both intent and use, the user is increasingly, and unknowingly, giving away far more than they are receiving in return.
“There is nothing in the dark that isn’t there when the lights are on.”
~ Rod Serling
The data is out there and it’s not going away. It may lose some of its relevance, but it will still be out there and is increasingly being linked with other data to create “new” data. The questions of who really owns our data (both pre and post-processing), how and when it can be shared and reused, and how much light (transparency) should be shined upon it, will likely be argued (and should be) for many years to come.
While many individuals may argue that they want their data out there (in an effort to achieve a richer, more engaging online experience), I do believe that there are different times and places for private and public, and, as individuals, businesses and governments, we need to continually ask ourselves:
What should the ground-rules be for how Terms of Service and ownership of data are defined?
How will we let these definitions and rules evolve and adapt to technology and human behavior patterns that don’t yet exist or have yet to be defined?
How can we provide true transparency (in simple terms) to online users regarding their data and its linkages with other data (there’s a business out there if you can create that infograph, BTW)? And,
How we are going play together in an ever shrinking sandbox where transparency has become a buzz-word and personal privacy continues to become increasingly elusive?
I also believe that when an “opt out” option is offered, as it was with Klout, it should be just that – a way for you to take yourself, and your data, OUT of the system. If not for your actions, the data wouldn’t exist in the first place.
Note: Images adapted from Klout.com
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Cocaine found in shrimps inside Suffolk rivers in England
A number of scientists have found cocaine in freshwater shrimp while testing rivers for chemicals in Suffolk County, east of England, on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.
Researchers at King's College London, in collaboration with the University of Suffolk, tested 15 different locations across Suffolk and cocaine was found in all samples tested, according to the BBC.
According to researchers, other illicit drugs, such as ketamine, were also widespread in the shrimp.
The researchers said it was a "surprising" finding.
Professor Nic Bury, from the University of Suffolk, said, "whether the presence of cocaine in aquatic animals is an issue for Suffolk, or more widespread an occurrence in the UK and abroad, awaits further research.
"Environmental health has attracted much attention from the public due to challenges associated with climate change and microplastic pollution.
"However, the impact of 'invisible' chemical pollution (such as drugs) on wildlife health needs more focus in the UK."
The study, published in Environment International, looked at the exposure of wildlife, such as the freshwater shrimp Gammarus pulex, to different micropollutants.
Researchers collected the samples from the rivers Alde, Box, Deben, Gipping and Waveney.
They said in addition to the drugs, banned pesticides and pharmaceuticals were also widespread in the shrimp that were collected.
The potential for any effect on the creatures was "likely to be low", they said.
Dr Leon Barron, from King's College London, said,"such regular occurrence of illicit drugs in wildlife was surprising."
"We might expect to see these in urban areas such as London, but not in smaller and more rural catchments.
"The presence of pesticides which have long been banned in the UK also poses a particular challenge as the sources of these remain unclear."
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Tag Archives: Pearl Harbor
Montana During World War II, World War II
April 24, 2018 Gary Glynn Leave a comment
The light cruiser USS Helena, named after Montana’s capital city, was sunk during the Battle of Kula Gulf in the Solomon Islands during the night of July 6, 1943 as it fired on several Japanese ships. The Helena, illuminated by the constant muzzle flashes of its’ guns, was an easy target, and was soon struck by three Japanese torpedoes, which broke the back of the ship. It sank in 860 meters of water. On March 23, 2018, nearly 75 years after the USS Helena was sunk, Microsoft founder Paul Allen announced that his R/V Petrel team had located the wreckage.
The wreck of the USS Helena with the bow number 50 clearly visible.
USS Helena – CL-50
• Commissioned – Sept. 18, 1939
• Propulsion – 8 steam turbines, 4 screws
• Speed – 32 knots
• Displacement – 13,000 tons (loaded)
• Length – 608 feet
• Complement – 888 men in peacetime, 1,200 wartime
• Aircraft – 4 Curtiss SOC-2 Seagulls
• Sensors – radar
• Armament
– 15 – 6-inch/47 guns (5 – triple mounts)
– 8 – 5-inch/38 guns (4 – twin-mounts)
– 8 – .50 caliber antiaircraft guns
The Helena was badly damaged during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It was towed to Mare Island California, where it underwent extensive repairs, including installation of a state-of-the-art radar. While it underwent repairs, the ship’s crew honed their gunnery skills. After the invasion of Guadalcanal, the Helena was sent to the Solomon Islands, where it participated in two major sea battles, the Battle of Cape Esperance and the Battle of Guadalcanal during the fall of 1942. The new radar and the gunnery skills of the crew made the Helena a fearsome adversary, and the Japanese Navy was fooled into believing that the Americans had developed fully automatic naval guns.
Read more about the USS Helena here.
USS Helena survivors after being rescued in the aftermath of the Battle of Kula Gulf.
The USS Helena monument in Helena, Montana
Battle of Cape EsperanceBattle of GuadalcanalBattle of Kula GulfPaul AllenPearl HarborRV/PetrelUSS Helena
The USS Helena
February 11, 2014 Gary Glynn 1 Comment
The USS Helena CL-50
Named after Montana’s Capital City, the light cruiser Helena was barely two years old when it was struck by a torpedo at Pearl Harbor.
At 7:57 on December 1941 Seaman C.A. Flood spotted five planes over Ford Island, and recognized them as Japanese. The officer of the deck sounded general quarters and called for live ammunition. Crewmen ran for their duty stations as a Japanese plane strafed the ship. Seconds later a second plane dove straight for the Helena, releasing its torpedo in mid-channel. The torpedo passed under the ancient USS Oglala, ripped a forty-foot hole in the Helena’s hull, and tore into the engine room. The blast roared through the open
passageways of the ship, incinerating sailors.
The USS Helena (left) and the capsized USS Oglala alongside dock 1010 at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7. Several other warships burn in the background. NA 80-G-474789
Of the Helena’s crew, 34 were killed in the attack, and 69 more were wounded. “There was guys on the docks stacked up like cordwood,” recalled Bill Sunderland of Darby, one of the Montana men aboard.
The USS Helena was patched back together and managed to limp under the power of a single engine to a shipyard at Mare Island, California, where the ship underwent months of repairs. The Helena was then sent to the Solomon Islands to help in the Guadalcanal campaign. On September 19, 1942 the Helena helped rescue 400 seamen from the torpedoed USS Wasp.
On the night of October 11, 1942 the Helena’s new radar picked up several oncoming Japanese ships, and the gunners opened fire. With modern guns that used brass cases instead of powder bags, the Helena could fire 150 rounds per minute, and within minutes had sunk a Japanese cruiser and a destroyer. Tokyo Rose would dub the Helena the “machine gun ship.”
Only a few weeks later the Helena repeated its performance at the Battle of Guadalcanal, which an American admiral would describe as the “the fiercest naval battle ever fought.” The crack gunners promptly set a Japanese cruiser ablaze and then opened fire on three other enemy ships, including a much larger battleship. The battleship was so close that it couldn’t depress its guns enough to hit the Helena. “The range was so close its fourteen inch shells were now passing over our heads: emitting a chugging sound from the compression waves,” remembered radarman Ray Casten.
On July 6, 1943 an American fleet steamed into Kula Gulf in the Solomon Islands, where ten Japanese ships were soon encountered. Once again the Helena sank a destroyer and crippled another. The speed of the gunners made the Helena an awesome sight in battle, but the constant muzzle flashes also made the cruiser a well-lit target. Nine minutes after opening fire, a Japanese “Long Lance” torpedo slammed into the bow of the Helena near the No. 6 turret, killing everyone in the forward engine room. Radio officer C.G. Morris picked himself off the deck, “in total bewilderment, unable to believe we had been hit.” Two more torpedoes struck the Helena, and the order was given to abandon the ship.
A second USS Helena (CA-75) was launched in April 1945, and participated in the Korean War.
Read more about the USS Helena (CL-50 and CA-75)
Kula GulfPearl HarborUSS HelenaWorld War II
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Friends of Debbie Key
My Eulogy to Debbie
A Letter from Mrs. Key
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Candlelight Vigil News
Vigil to honor memory of Debbie Key
By Beth Velliquette : The Herald-Sun
bvelliquette@heraldsun.com
CARRBORO -- It was 10 years ago, the weekend after Thanksgiving, when friends of Debbie Key realized something was wrong.
Her car, with her purse still inside, was parked in a bank parking lot near their favorite hangout spot, Sticks & Stones at 102 E. Main Street.
"When we realized her car was still there, and her door wasn't locked, that was so out of character," recalled Key's friend, Joy Preslar. "Immediately we knew something had happened to her."
Key was never found, and she is presumed murdered. To honor her memory, Preslar and other friends have planned a candlelight vigil for Friday at the spot where she was last seen alive, in the Bank of America parking lot, from 9 p.m. until 3 a.m. Saturday.
The organizers are hoping to find an indoor space nearby where Key's sister, Susan Gagnon, will speak between 7 and 9 p.m. They also hope to lay a stepping-stone in her memory near the site. Key's mother, who has since passed away, placed a similar stone there years ago but it was stolen.
Preslar remembers that weekend 10 years ago. Usually she and her husband stopped by Sticks & Stones on their way home from Sunday dinner, but that night they decided to drive straight home.
Other people who were at the bar later told police that they saw Key, 35, talking with a younger man with a ponytail. He had recently started showing up at the bar, where he drew drawings of nude women.
"She was out with friends, meeting new people," Preslar said. "She committed no crime. She had not put herself into a dangerous situation until he misperceived her intentions and lost his temper and strangled her."
He, many people believe, was Andy Dalzell, a young man who grew up in the area and attended local schools.
Key was last seen with Dalzell in the parking lot next to her car.
Dalzell confessed to strangling Key, driving her body to Wilmington and putting it in a waste bin. But a judge later threw out the confession, saying the Carrboro Police Department violated Dalzell's constitutional rights as well as a number of North Carolina laws when they tricked him into believing he was being arrested for murder and would receive the death penalty unless he immediately told police where to find her body.
Dalzell's family said they believe he made a false confession, but many others believe he did indeed kill Key after she rejected his advances in the parking lot.
Preslar still thinks of her friend, who she called a vivacious, warm and friendly woman who loved music. "She and I were concert buddies," said Preslar, who sings and plays in a band.
Although it's been 10 years since her friend went missing, the pain still cuts deep, Preslar said. "I stopped going to Walnut Creek [a concert venue]," she said. "It was just too painful."
Driving to the Raleigh arena makes her think of Key. "I can't make it alone," Preslar said. "I just start crying."
Key knew many musicians, and they've been invited to bring their instruments to the vigil. If the weather is good, they may play music, said Bill Widman, who maintains a Web page called debbiekey.org in Key's memory.
A television station will also be there to film a few scenes of the vigil for a segment that will be part of a show called N.C. Wanted, Widman said.
© 2007 by The Durham Herald Company. All rights reserved.
Posted by Bill Widman at 7:39 PM No comments:
Labels: anniversary, candlelight vigil, Carrboro, Debbie Key
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Celebrate La Festa della Repubblica with the Italian Institutions in New York!
(May 31, 2012)
Video of New York. National Day of Italy - 2012
Video Address of the Italian Consul General in New York, Natalia Quintavalle. On June 2, the Consulate General of Italy in New York, the Italian Trade Commission, the Italian Tourism Board, the Italian Cultural Institute and La Scuola d’Italia Guglielmo Marconi will host events throughout the day to celebrate Italy’s National Day. Read the program below!
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The Feast of the Republic, Italy’s National Day, falls on June 2 and commemorates the 1946 referendum where the Italian people had to express their vote on which form of government they wished the post-World War II Italy to adopt between monarchy and republic.
The referendum gave origin to the Italian Republic, terminating the 85-years long Savoy reign, and resulted in the exile of the members of the Savoy family from the country.
In Italy, June 2 is a National Holiday and events take place around the country and Rome hosts a grand military parade which is presided by the Head of State and members of the Parliament.
This year’s Festa della Repubblica is approaching, and the Italian institutions in New York City will be celebrating in style, just like Italians back in the boot-shaped country.
In New York, the Consulate General of Italy, the Italian Trade Commission, the Italian Tourism Board and the Italian Cultural Institute together with La Scuola d’Italia Guglielmo Marconi will all host events throughout the day, from the early morning till 10 pm.
Italian artworks by Guido Reni, Agostino Bonalumi and Giorgio De Chirico will be exhibited respectively at the Consulate General, at the Italian Cultural Institute and at the Italian Trade Commission, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Children are invited to attend “In…canto Italiano,” a Children Show performed by Simona Rodano at La Scuola d’Italia Guglielmo Marconi from 10:30 am to noon, where the Girls’ Choir of La Scuola d’Italia will sing the National Anthems.
From 11:00 to noon the Consulate General of Italy will host a concert by Tilly Cernitori: “300 years of Italian Music for Cello.”
At noon, the Italian Cultural Institute will present an introduction to the exhibition “Timeless” dedicated to Italian designer Massimo Vignelli. The event will be followed by a screening of Michelangelo Antonioni’s movie “Le Amiche,” from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and by the Jazz concert “From Italy to America: an Embrace with Jazz,” from 7:00 pm to 7:45, with performances by Linda Oh, Sylvia Cuenca, Daniela Schaechter and Ada Rovatti.
From 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm the High School students of La Scuola d’Italia Guglielmo Marconi will play Plauto’s “Anfitrione” in Italian, English and Latin.
From 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm the Italian Trade Commission will host the wine workshop “United Wines of Italy,” which will be repeated four times. Presented by sommelier and journalist Alessandra Rotondi, the workshop will tell the story of Italy’s Risorgimento through two wines, Barolo and Chianti, who were created by two key figures of Risorgimento, Camillo Benso Count of Cavour and Marquis Bettino Ricasoli.
The event will be followed by the “Aperitivo with De Chirico,” featuring a tasting of Italian products, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Meanwhile, a presentation of the project “Viaggio in Italia” by the Italian Tourism Board will take place from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Consulate General of Italy.
The Consulate will also host a reception at 8:00 pm and at 9:30 pm the façade of the building will feature an artistic illumination.
Throughout the day, honorary decorations in the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy will be bestowed upon nominated individuals.
Those who received the invitation are kindly requested to specify which events they would like to attend.
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Sustainability Update
Insights and Perspectives for Your Sustainability Journey
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Tag Archives: Global Sourcing Council
So Many Positives in 2016 for Sustainability – Corporate Citizenship – CR – Sustainable Investing — The Core of “Trends Converging!” Commentaries. It’s 2017 — Now What?
Posted on January 3, 2017 by Hank Boerner
by Hank Boerner – G&A Institute
Welcome to 2017! We are off to the start of a challenging year for sustainability / responsibility / corporate citizenship / sustainable investing professionals.
We are being forewarned: A self-described (by his constant tweeting) “new sheriff is coming to town,” along with the newly-elected members of the 115th Congress who begin their meetings this week. Given the makeup of the new Administration (at least in the identification of cabinet and agency leaders to date) and the members of the leadership of the majority party on Capitol Hill, sustainability professionals will have their work set out for them, probably coming into a more clear focus in the fabled “first 100 days” after January 20th and the presidential inauguration ceremonies.
The year 2016 began on such a hopeful note! One year ago as the year got started I began writing a series of commentaries on the many positive trends that I saw — and by summer I was assembling these into “Trends Converging! — A 2016 Look Ahead of the Curve at ESG / Sustainability / CR / SRI.” Subtitle, important trends converging that are looking very positive…
As I got beyond charting some 50 of these trends, and I stopped my thinking and writing to share the commentaries and perspectives that formed chapters in an assembled e-book that is available for your reading. I’ve been sharing my views because the stakes are high for our society, business community, public sector, social sector…all of us!
The specifics: Throughout the early months of 2016 I was encouraged by:
The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor giving American fiduciaries the green light for considering corporate ESG factors in their investment decision-making. Page 7 – right up front in the commentaries!
The Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) team completing its comprehensive recommendations for 12 sectors and 80 industry components of these for “materiality mapping” and expansion of corporate reporting to include material ESG factors in the annual 10-k filing. These are important tools for investors and managements of public companies. See Page 17.
His Holiness Pope Francis mobilizing the global resources of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church with his 74-page Laudato Si [encyclical] that includes sharp and sweeping focus on climate change, global warming, water availability, biodiversity, and other social issues. Imagine, I wrote, the power that such an institution can bring to bear on challenges, in the world, in the USA, and other large nations…
This is the Pope’s great work: “On Care of Our Common Home.” I explored the breadth of depth of this in my commentaries. That’s on Page 163 – Chapter 44.
President Barack Obama ably led the dramatic advances made in the Federal government’s sustainability efforts thanks in large measure to several of the President’s Executive Orders (such as EO 13693 on March 19, 2015: Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade).
Keep in mind the Federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the U.S.A. — over time this action will result in positive changes across the government’s prime supply chain networks. Page 50 / Chapter 13.
The European Union’s new rules for disclosure of non-financial information beginning in 2017; As I began my commentary, the various EU states were busily finalizing adoption of the Accounting Directive to meet the deadline for companies within each of the 28 states. The estimate is that as many as 5,000 companies will begin reporting on their CR and ESG performance. Page 27 / Chapter 7.
Here in the USA, Federal regulators were inching toward final rules for the remaining portions of the 2010 Dodd-Frank legislation. Roughly 20% of rules were yet to be completed for corporate compliance with D-F as we entered 2016, according to estimates by the Davis Polk law firm. Page 30 / Chapter 8.
In 2017, one very contentious rule will be in effect — the required disclosure by public companies of the CEO-to-median worker-pay ratio; the final rule was adopted in August 2015 and so in corporate documents we will be seeing this ratio publicized (technically, in the first FY beginning in January 1, 2017). Page 34 / Chapter 9 – What Does My CEO Make? Why It Matters to Me.
Good news on the stock exchange front: member exchanges of the World Federation of Exchanges have been collaborating to develop “sustainability policies” for companies with shares listed on the respective exchanges. At the end of 2015 the WFE’s Sustainability Working Group announced its recommendations [for adoption by exchanges]. Guidance was offered on 34 KPIs for enhanced disclosure. Page 103 / Chapter 27.
The WFE has been cooperating with a broad effort convened by stakeholders to address listing requirements related to corporate disclosure
This is the “SSE” — the Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative, spearheaded by the Ceres-managed Investor Network on Climate Risk (INCR), and leadership of key UN initiatives as well as WFE member exchanges.
NASDAQ OMX is an important part of this overall effort in the United States and is committed to discussing global standards for corporate ESG performance disclosure. Notd Evan Harvey, Director of CR for NASDAQ: “Investors should have a complete picture of the long-term viability, health and strategy of their intended targets. ESG data is a part of the total picture. Informed investment decisions tend to produce longer-term investments.”
The United Nations member countries agreed in Fall 2015 on adoption of sweeping Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the next 15 years (17 goals/169 specific targets). This is a dramatic expansion of the 2000 Millennium Goals for companies, NGOs, governments, other stakeholders. Now the many nation-signatories are developing strategies, plans, programs, other actions in adoption of SDGs. And large companies are embracing the goals to help “transfer our world” with adoption of mission-aligned strategies and programs out to 2030.
G&A Institute’s EVP Lou Coppola has been working with Chairwoman of the Board Dr. Wanda Lopuch and leaders of the Global Sourcing Council to help companies adopt goals (the GSC developed a sweeping 17-week sourcing and supply chain campaign based on the 17 goals). Page 56 / Chapter 15.
Very important coming forth as the year 2016 moved to a close: The Report on US Sustainable, Responsible and Impact Investing Trends, 2016 — the every-other-year survey of asset managers in the USA to chart “who” considers ESG factors across their activities. Money managers and institutional investors, we subsequently learned later in 2016, use ESG factors in determining $8.72 trillion in AUM – a whopping 33% increase since 2014. Great work by the team research effort helmed by US SIF’s Meg Voorhes and Croatan Institute’s Joshua Humphreys (project leaders). Background before the report release Page 78.
The above is a very brief overview of the many positive trends that I saw, explored further, and wrote commentaries on through many months of 2016. I worked to weave in the shared perspectives of outstanding thought leaders and experts on various topics. We are all more enlightened and informed by the work of outstanding thought leaders, many presented in the public arena to benefit us.
Sharing Thought Leadership
In developing our commentaries we shared the wisdom of many people who are influential thought leaders and who enthusiastically share their own perspectives with us. These include:
Chris Skroupa, Founder of Skytop Strategies and prominent Forbes blogger. His views on Page i.
Pam Styles, Founder/Principal of Next Level Investor Relations and NIRI Senior Roundtable member. See Page iv.
Secretary Thomas Perez, U.S. Department of Labor on ERISA for fiduciaries. Page 7.
Dr. James Hawley of St. Mary’s College of California on the concept of the Universal Owner, based on the earlier work of corporate governance thought leader Robert Monks. Page 9.
the team at Sustainable Accounting Standards Board led by Chair Michael Bloomberg, Vice Chair Mary Schapiro, Founder and CEO Jean Rogers, Ph.D., P.E. . Page 17.
the team at TruCost.
the team at CDP.
the team at CFA Institute (the global organization for Chartered Financial Analysts) developing guidelines for inclusion of ESG factors in analysis and portfolio management — the new Guide for Investment Professionals – ESG Issues in Investing. Coordinated by Matt Orsagh, CFA, CIPM; Usman Hayat, CFA; Kurt Schacht, JD, CFA; Rebecca A. Fender, CFA. Page 20.
the leadership team at New York Society of Securities Analysts’ (NYSSA) Sustainable Investing Committee (where I was privileged to serve as chair until December 31st). Page 21. We have great perspective sharing among the core leadership team (Kate Starr, Peter Roselle, Ken Lassner, Andrew King, Agnes Terestchenko, Steve Loren).
experts respected law firms sharing important perspectives related to corporate governance, corporate citizenship / CSR / disclosure / compliance and related topics: Gibson Dunn on compliance matters. Page 25.
the law firm of Davis Polk on Dodd-Frank rulemaking progress and related matters.
experts at the respected law firm of Morrison & Foerster on executive compensation and related regulatory matters (in the excellent Cheat Sheet publication). Page 30.
the experts at the law firm of Goodwin Procter addressing SEC regulations. Page 146.
the skilled researchers, analysts and strategists at MSCI who shared “2016 ESG Trends to Watch” with their colleagues. The team of Linda Eling, Matt Moscardi, Laura Nishikawa and Ric Marshall identified 550 companies in the MSCI ACWI Index that are “ahead of the curve” in accounting for their carbon emissions targets relative to country targets. Baer Pettit, Managing Director and Global Head of Products, is leading the effort to integrate ESG factors into the various MSCI benchmarks for investor clients.Page 100.
Thanks to Peter Roselle for his continuous sharing of Morgan Stanley research results with the analyst community.
the perceptive analysts at Veritas, the executive compensation experts who closely monitor and share thoughts on CEO pay issues. Page 36.
the outstanding corporate governance thought leader and counsel to corporations Holly Gregory of the law firm Sidley Austin LLP who every year puts issues in focus for clients and shares these with the rest of us; this includes her views on proxy voting issues. (She is co-leader of the law firm’s CG and Exec Compensation Practice in New York City.) Page 39.
the Hon. Scott M. Stringer, Comptroller of the City of New York, with his powerful “Board Accountability Project,” demanding increased “viable” proxy access in corporate bylaws to enable qualified shareholders to advance candidates for board service. Pages 40, 45 on.
the experts at Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), a unit of MSCI, which counts numerous public employee pension funds and labor pension systems among its clients; ISS staff share their views on governance issues with the rest of us to keep us informed on their policies and related matters. Page 40.
SRI pioneer and thought leader Robert Zevin (chair of Zevin Asset Management) who shares his views on the company’s work to improve corporate behaviors. Page 41.
Mark W. Sickles, NACD thought leader, and my co-author of “Strategic Governance: Enabling Financial, Environmental and Social Sustainability” (p.2010) for helping me to better understand and refine my views on the “Swarming Effect” (investor engagement) by institutional investors that influences corporate behavior. Page 44.
the experts led by thought leader (and ED) Jon Lukomnik at Investor Responsibility Research Center (IRRC) that, working with Ernst & Young LLP, one year ago in January produced the Corporate Risk Factor Disclosure Landscape to help us better understand corporate risk management and related disclosure. Page 47.
CNN commentator and author Fareed Zakaria who shared his brilliant perspectives with us in publishing “The Post American World,” focusing on a tectonic, great power shift. Page 61.
The former food, agriculture and related topics commentator of The New York Times, Mark Bittman, who shared many news reports and commentaries with editors over five years before moving on to the private sector. Page 65.
our many colleagues at the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) in the Netherlands, the USA, and in other countries, who shared their views on corporate sustainability reporting and related topics; the GRI framework is now becoming a global standard. (G&A Institute is the Data Partner for GRI in the USA, UK and Republic of Ireland; we are also a Gold Community member of supporters for the GRI.) Page 71.
our colleagues at Bloomberg LP, especially the key specialist of ESG research, Hideki Suzuki; (and) other colleagues at Bloomberg LP in various capacities including publishing the very credible Bloomberg data and commentary on line and in print. Page 76 and others.
Barbara Kimmel, principal of the Trust Across America organization, who collaborated with G&A Institute research efforts in 2016.
we have been continually inspired over many years by the efforts of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), and past and present leaders and colleagues there, who helped to inform our views in 2016 on shareholder activism and corporate engagement. Chair the Rev. Seamus Finn is on point with his “Holy Land Principles” in recent years. The long-time executive director, Tim Smith (now at Walden Asset Management) has been very generous in sharing news and perspectives long after his ICCR career. Details on Page 77.
our colleagues at the U.S. Forum for Sustainable & Responsible Investment (US SIF), and its Foundation, led by CEO Lisa Woll; and our colleagues at the SIF units SIRAN and IWG. The every-other-year summary of Assets Under Management utilizing ESG approaches showed [AUM] nearing $9 trillion before the run up in market valuations following the November elections. Page 78.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management acquired Imprint Capital in 2015 (the company was a leader in developing investment solutions that generate measureable ESG impact — impact investing). Hugh Lawson, head of GSAM client strategy, is leading the global ESG activities. GSAM has updated its Environmental Policy Framework to guide the $150 billion in clean energy financing out to 2025. Page 83.
the experts at Responsible Investor, publishing “ESG & Corporate Financial Performance: Mapping the Global Landscape,” the research conducted by Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management and Hamburg University. This is an empirical “study of studies” that looked at the “durable, overall impact of ESG integration to boost the financial performance of companies.” A powerful review of more than 2,000 studies dating back to 1970. Page 90.
Boston Consulting Group’s Gregory Pope and David Gee writing for CNBC saw the advantage held by the USA going into the Paris COP 21 talks: advances in technology are making the USA a global leader in low-cost/low-pollution energy production. They worked with Professor Michael Porter of Harvard Business School (the “shared value” proponent) on research. Page 95.
researchers, analysts and experts at Morgan Stanley Research charted “what was accomplished in Paris in 2015” for us; their report identified five key areas of progress that cheered conference participants; I share these in the “Trends Converging!” work. MS Research in the post-Paris days shared perspectives on the carbon tax concept and the status of various nations on the issue — and the actions of the State of California in implementing “AB 32” addressing GhGs. Page 119.
G&A Institute Fellow Daniel Doyle, an experienced CFO and financial executive, sharing thoughts on corporate “inversion” and the bringing back of profits earned abroad by U.S. companies. Page 122.
the Council of State Governments (serving the three branches of state governments) is actively working with public officials in understanding the Clean Power Plan of the Obama Administration (the shared information is part of the CSG Knowledge Center). Page 101.
Evan Harvey, Director of CR at NASDAQ, has continuously shared his knowledge with colleagues as the world’s stock exchanges move toward guidance or rule making regarding disclosure of corporate sustainability and related topics. Page 104.
our former Rowan & Blewitt [consulting practice] colleague Allen Schaeffer, now the leader of the Diesel Technology Forum, explaining the role of “clean diesel” in addressing climate change issues. Page 128.
Harvard Business School prof Clayton Christensen, who conceived and thoroughly explained “the Innovator Dilemma” in the book of the same name in 2007, updated recently, characterized new technology as “disruptive” and “sustaining,” now happening at an accelerated pace. We explain on Page 147.
the researchers and experts at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has shared important perspectives and research results dealing with the massive shift taking place in the corporate and business sectors as Baby Boomers retire(!) and the Millennials rise to positions of influence and power. And Millennials are bringing very positive views regarding corporate sustainability and sustainable investing to their workplace! The folks at Sustainable Brands also weighed in on this in recent research and conference proceedings. Page 154.
Author Thom Hartman in 2002 explored for us the subject of “corporate citizenship” in his book, “Unequal Protection, the Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human Rights.” This work continues to help inform views regarding “corporate rights” in the context of corporate citizenship and beyond. The issue of corporate contributions to political parties and candidates continues to be a hot proxy season debate. Page 160.
Author and consultant Freya Williams in her monumental, decade-long research into “Green Giants” shared results with us in the book of that name and her various lectures. Seven green giant [companies] are making billions with focus on sustainability, she tells us, and they outperform the S&P 500 benchmark. Page 170.
Speaking of the S&P 500, I shared the results of the ongoing research conducted by our G&A Institute colleagues on the reporting activities of the 500 large companies — now at 81% of the benchmark components. Page 195.
And of course top-of-mind as I moved on through in writing the commentaries, I had the Securities & Exchange Commission’s important work in conducting the “Disclosure Effectiveness Initiative,” and a look at Regulation S-K in the “Concept Release” that was circulated widely in the earlier months of 2016. Consideration of corporate sustainability / ESG material information was an important inclusion in the 200-page document. Page 174.
All of the above and more were important contributors in my collected “Trends Converging!” (in 2016) work. I am grateful to many colleagues in the corporate community and in the capital markets community who shared knowledge, wisdom, expertise and more with Lou Coppola and I over the recent years. They have helped to inform our work.
We thank the knowledge and valuable information willingly shared with us by our valued colleagues at RepRisk, especially Alexandra Milhailescu; Measurabl (Matt Ellis); The Conference Board’s Matteo Tonello; Nancy Mancilla and Alex Georgescu at our partnering organization for training, ISOS Group; Bill Baue at Convetit; Herb Blank at S-Networks Global Indexes; Robert Dornau at RobecoSAM Group, managers of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index family; Barbara Kimmel at Trust Across America.
Also, Professor Nitish Singh of St. Louis University, with his colleague VP Brendan Keating of IntegTree, our on-line professor and tech guru for the new G&A on-line, sustainability and CSR e-learning platform.
And, Executive Director Judith Young and Institute Founder James Abruzzo, our colleagues at the Institute for Ethical Leadership at Rutgers University Business School; Matt LePere and the leaders at Baruch College / City University of New York; and, Peter Fusaro, our colleague in teaching and coaching, at Global Change Associates.
And thank you, Washington DC Power Players!
Very important: We must keep uppermost in mind the landmark work of our President Barack H. Obama (consider his Action Plan on Climate Change, issued in December 2015) with the Clean Power Plan for the USA included. His Executive Orders have shaped the Federal government’s response to climate change challenges.
And there is U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, again and again hitting the hot button sensitive areas for the middle class — like income and wealth inequalities and Wall Street reform — that raised the consciousness of the American public about these issues.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and her views (published in The New York Times) in her “How to Rein in Wall Street” op-ed.
And I thank my G&A Institute colleagues for their support and continued input all through the writing process: EVP Louis Coppola; Ken Cynar, our able editor and news director; Amy Gallagher, client services VP; Peter Hamilton, PR leader; Mary Ann Boerner, head of administration.
So many valuable perspectives shared by so many experts and thought leaders! All available to you…
And Now to 2017!
And so what will happen in these many, many areas of forward-momentum in addressing society’s most challenging issues (like global warming) with “deniers and destroyers” lining up for key Federal government positions in the new administration and in the 115th Congress?
I and my colleagues at G&A Institute will be bringing you news, commentary and opinion, and our shared perspectives on developments.
If you would like to explore the many (more than 50) positive trends that I saw as 2016 began and proceeded on into the election season, you will find a complimentary copy of “Converging Trends!” (2016) at:http://www.ga-institute.com/research-reports/trends-converging-a-2016-look-ahead-of-the-curve.html
Please do share with us your own thoughts where you think we might be headed in 2017, and your thoughts on the 2016 trends and their future directions — for 2017 and beyond. Do tune in to the many experts that I included in the various commentaries as they adjust to the New Normal of Washington DC.
I plan to share the individual commentaries with updates in 2017. Do Stay Tuned to G&A Institute’s Sustainability Update blog (you can register here to receive notice of new postings). You can sign on to receive the latest post at: http://www.ga-institute.com/sustainability-update-blog.html (Sharing insights and perspectives for your sustainability journey.)
Best wishes from the G&A Institute team for the New Year 2017!
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Hello to Year 2020 and the Start of the Third Decade of the 21st Century – Climate! Climate! Climate! is The Dominant Theme of News & Commentary!
Brief Updates on Corporate Audit Committee and Auditor Oversight
Purpose – This Was the Buzzword of 2019 for The Corporate Sector & Investment Community. The “Purpose” Debate Will Continue in 2020
Sustainable Investing Has Moved Into the Mainstream — and UBS Survey Results Send Strong Signals This is a Lasting Trend
The World Economic Forum on Corporate Citizenship Topics – With Focus on the Fourth Industrial Revolution
BlackRock Bloomberg CalPERS CDP Ceres Cisco climate change COP 21 Corporate governance ESG G3.1 Guidelines G4 G4 Guidelines Global Reporting Initiative Global Warming GRI GRI Aspects GRI Reporting GRI Standards human rights ICCR Institutional Shareholder Services Intro2ESG ISS Lisa Woll Materiality MSCI Paris Agreement President Barack Obama President Donald Trump RutgersCSR SASB SDGs SEC Securities & Exchange Commission sustainability reporting Sustainable Accounting Standards Board Sustainable Development Goals The New York times The Washington Post Thomson Reuters Tim Smith US EPA US SIF Walden Asset Management
Sites We Read
http://www.accountability-central.com
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911 Carrera Models 911 Carrera T 911 Targa 4 Models 911 GTS Models 911 Turbo Models 911 Speedster 911 GT3 Models All 911 Models
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US $ 110,750.00
Length: 4,379 mm Height: 1,280 mm
Manual PDK
RPM point maximum power 6,500 r/min 6,500 r/min
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h 4.9 s 4.4 s
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h with Sport Chrono Package 4.9 s 4.2 s
Top speed 285 km/h 285 km/h
Price US $ 140,250.00 US $ 145,209.00
Colors & Wheels
Idea 718
The Boxster and the Cayman are the sequel that continues the 718 era. At their heart, a turbocharged...
The Boxster and the Cayman are the sequel that continues the 718 era. At their heart, a turbocharged flat-four engine beats with the same fighting spirit that delivered countless podium finishes. In them lives the will to break with standards. And to inspire conviction. So it is entirely appropriate that they, too, should bear these three digits in their name and carry the 718 legend forward.
The 718 models were made for the sport of it. They are mid-engined roadsters that unite the sporting spirit of the legendary Porsche 718 with the sports car of tomorrow – and transfer it to the roads of today’s world. With one goal: to take the everyday out of every day.
Compared with the previous models, the result is a decidedly more striking design, an even sportier chassis setup and a whole host of performance, comfort and assistance systems. And, of course, up to 350 units of turbocharged horsepower (257 kW) – despite a considerable reduction in fuel consumption. Only one question remains unanswered: what are you still waiting for?
The 718 Boxster and the 718 Cayman. For the sport of it.
The principle of the mid-engined sports car
Could have, should have, would have. Life’s too short for ‘what ifs’. Too short for unfulfilled dayd...
Could have, should have, would have. Life’s too short for ‘what ifs’. Too short for unfulfilled daydreams. The 718 Boxster makes a clear statement: let’s go!
It interprets the 718 legend by embracing the concept of freedom characteristic of a pure-bred roadster: plenty of twists and turns, plenty of headwind, and plenty of adrenaline. In short, a direct and open driving experience. Ideal prerequisites, then, for the most exciting workout of all: life itself.
The 718 Cayman lets its actions do the talking. Sporty actions, of course. As a corner-devouring coupé, it follows a line of its own far removed from fashion trends and four-lane arterials. In the city certainly. On the racetrack definitely. But always for the sport of it.
It’s no wonder that the 718 Cayman doesn’t simply carry on from where the 718 GTR Coupé left off in 1963, but seeks instead to piece together a legend of its own. With its own mind. With sporty fighting spirit. And with every twist and turn.
Character 718 Boxster
Precise, not fanciful. Self-assured, not restrained. Low, wide and sleek. The exterior design of the...
Precise, not fanciful. Self-assured, not restrained. Low, wide and sleek. The exterior design of the 718 models ushers in a new era for the Boxster and Cayman with sporty, distinctive edges and clearly defined formal contours.
The horizontal geometry of the air intakes makes the front end appear even wider – and lends it added bite. The wings? Unmistakably Porsche. Higher than the front lid, they have been styled to give prominence to the new design of the headlight units, which lay bare their inner workings and incorporate the LED daytime running lights.
The side profile emphasises the midengine layout. The wheel arches are large, designed for wheels up to 20 inches in size. One thing is clear: the 718 models were not intended for the shelter of the garage, but for the pleasure of driving. That’s precisely why the contouring on the doors purposefully directs headwind into the large air intakes on either side of the car. This provides the optimum supply of air to the new turbocharged engines, a basis for their powerful forward thrust.
Another sporty detail: new exterior mirrors with v-shaped mirror base.
When closed, the fabric hood of the 718 Boxster completes the sleek silhouette typical of a sports car. At the push of a button, it opens and closes fully automatically in 9 seconds – even on the move, up to a speed of 50 km/h.
The rear of the 718 models is an expression of superlative sporty performance – and of the superlative performance of our designers. It is more cleanly defined, more pared back.
And yet it’s anything but conformist. The taillights are slimline, their inner workings fashioned three-dimensionally. Four LED brake spot lights are incorporated into each of the horizontal rear light units. Between the two taillights, an accent trim makes the rear end look even wider.
The wing above extends automatically at a speed of 120 km/h, reducing lift to provide even better roadholding performance.
Intuitive handling, performance-oriented ergonomics, a clean design. The interior of the 718 models ...
Intuitive handling, performance-oriented ergonomics, a clean design. The interior of the 718 models is also fully geared for sporty performance.
A strong emphasis on the horizontal gives the dashboard design of the 718 models a striking appearance. And that’s without sacrificing the excellent ergonomics for which Porsche is renowned: the ascending centre console shortens the reach between the steering wheel and the gear lever/selector, while the clear arrangement of function buttons saves time.
Motorsport in pure form: the Sports steering wheel is derived from the 918 Spyder. The optional GT sports steering wheel with its smaller diameter further enhances the cockpit feel.
The cluster of three round instruments, with the rev counter positioned in the centre and flanked by a 4.6-inch colour screen, is a characteristic feature.
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) features a 7-inch touchscreen display. With its high-quality glass surface, it is the aesthetically perfect addition to the centre console.
All ideal prerequisites for a sporty, active lifestyle. The details? They’re down to you. Choose from a comprehensive selection of personalisation options and a broad range of materials and colours.
Selected key features of the standard specifications: the 718 models.
The 718 Boxster and the 718 Cayman
2.0-litre turbocharged boxer engine producing 220 kW (300 hp) and 380 Nm
18-inch Boxster and Cayman wheels
Four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed brake calipers in black, front and rear
Bi-Xenon main headlights
Centrally positioned single-tube tailpipe
SPORT button
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) including mobile phone preparation and Sound Package Plus
Net-type wind deflector
The 718 Boxster S and the 718 Cayman S
Variable turbine geometry (VTG)
19-inch Boxster S or Cayman S wheels
Four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed brake calipers in red, front and rear
Centrally positioned twin tailpipe
Sports-look pedals and footrest
Creating more power is still no challenge. Not unless it’s done the Porsche way – by seeking to achi...
Creating more power is still no challenge. Not unless it’s done the Porsche way – by seeking to achieve a noticeable reduction in fuel consumption at the same time. The result is an increase of up to 25 kW (35 hp) and 100 Nm – together with a decrease of up to 14 % (NEDC) in fuel consumption and emissions. And the fun is only just beginning.
The turbocharged flat-four engines with the customary Porsche horizontally opposed piston arrangement demonstrate responsibility not only for the environment, but also for the adrenaline level of the driver. Acceleration is tremendous – even in the low rpm range.
This quality is supplemented by an engine map configured to offer the high rev limits typical of a sports car. This means high compression and a high engine speed combined with good modulation of power output. Every drive becomes a sporting event – no matter how fast you go.
What hasn’t changed is the vehicle’s characteristically low and central centre of gravity – the very reason why Porsche mid-mounted engines have always been so agile. The typically resonant Porsche sound is also an intrinsic feature of the 718 models, providing the fitting soundtrack on the way to ever new heights of performance.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged horizontally opposed engine
The base models are equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged and horizontally opposed engine with direct fuel injection (DFI), VarioCam Plus and integrated drysump lubrication. The unit develops 220 kW (300 hp) at 6,500 rpm. Maximum torque is 380 Nm. Thanks to turbocharged induction, it is available as low as 1,950 rpm and prevails until 4,500 rpm. With Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 275 km/h.
The S models draw their power from a capacity of 2.5 litres. The result is 257 kW (350 hp) at 6,500 rpm. The maximum torque of 420 Nm is available across an impressively wide range from 1,950 to 4,500 rpm. This engine – like the unit in the 911 Turbo – also comes equipped with variable turbine geometry (VTG). VTG provides an even more consistent delivery of power and, in turn, greater driving pleasure. Propulsive potential? Top speed is 285 km/h. With PDK and Launch Control, the S models sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds.
The displacement of the 718 Boxster and Cayman models has been considerably reduced with the aim of ...
The displacement of the 718 Boxster and Cayman models has been considerably reduced with the aim of lowering fuel consumption. Nevertheless, the power output of the engines has been significantly increased, thanks to the turbochargers developed for the 718 range. The respective turbocharger is compact and has been optimally adapted to the displacement and power output of the engine.
The result could not deliver a clearer message. The extraordinarily wide torque plateau makes itself felt with each demand for throttle – barely 30 cm behind your back. And that’s despite a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emission values. After all, what is performance without intelligence?
The 718 Boxster S and 718 Cayman S come equipped with variable turbine geometry (VTG). Adjustable gu...
The 718 Boxster S and 718 Cayman S come equipped with variable turbine geometry (VTG). Adjustable guide vanes on the turbine act to combine the benefits of a ‘small’ and a ‘large’ exhaust turbocharger. Derived from the proven 911 Turbo and adapted specifically for the 718 S models, this technology helps to deliver excellent responsiveness at low engine speeds and provide a high maximum power output.
Efficiency-enhancing technologies
Auto start/stop switches off the engine when the driving speed falls below 7 km/h, such as when you ...
Auto start/stop switches off the engine when the driving speed falls below 7 km/h, such as when you are approaching a red light. As soon as you release the clutch or depress the accelerator pedal, the engine restarts – swiftly and smoothly.
In conjunction with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), a coasting function becomes available where the situation allows. The engine is decoupled from the transmission to avoid deceleration caused by engine braking. In this way, optimum use is made of the vehicle’s momentum, enabling it to coast for longer distances.
With the standard sports exhaust system on all 718 models, the already powerful sound of the mid-mou...
With the standard sports exhaust system on all 718 models, the already powerful sound of the mid-mounted engine becomes even more intense – at the push of a button. Sports tailpipes in stainless steel with a high-gloss finish in a choice of black or silver colour are optionally available.
6-speed manual transmission
The 718 models are equipped with a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission optimally matched to ...
The 718 models are equipped with a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission optimally matched to the respective engine map. The shift throws are sporty and short – shift effort is low. This means short shift times for a sporty and directly engaging driving experience. The drive becomes even more dynamic in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package: in SPORT and SPORT PLUS mode, the dynamic throttle-blip function ensures the optimum engine speed for every downshift, a more emotional driving experience and an impressive sound.
7-speed PDK, featuring both a manual and an automatic mode, is available as an option and offers ext...
7-speed PDK, featuring both a manual and an automatic mode, is available as an option and offers extremely fast gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power. Not to mention even faster acceleration performance and a further reduction in fuel consumption.
In manual mode, the shift direction simulates that of racing cars – to the rear to shift up, forwards to shift down. For a racetrack driving experience wherever you are.
PTV is an optional system for enhancing driving dynamics and stability. Operating in conjunction wit...
PTV is an optional system for enhancing driving dynamics and stability. Operating in conjunction with a mechanical rear differential lock, it works by varying the amount of torque transmitted to the rear wheels. When the car is driven assertively into a corner, moderate brake pressure is applied to the inside rear wheel.
When the car is driven assertively into a corner, moderate brake pressure is applied to the inside rear wheel. Consequently, a greater amount of drive force is distributed to the outside rear wheel, inducing an additional rotational pulse (yaw movement) around the vehicle’s vertical axis. This results in a direct and sporty steering action from the turn-in point.
At low and medium vehicle speeds, PTV significantly increases agility and steering precision. At high speeds and under acceleration out of corners, the mechanically controlled rear differential lock also acts to provide greater driving stability and traction.
For the driver, this means strong resistance to destabilising side forces, outstanding traction and great agility at every speed – with precise turn-in and well-balanced load transfer characteristics. What else? Tremendous fun in the corners.
Anyone can follow the straight and narrow. Only the corner is the true test of mettle. Only in the c...
Anyone can follow the straight and narrow. Only the corner is the true test of mettle. Only in the corner does a sports car really become a sports car. So it’s all the more important to have a chassis that can master any sporting challenge. And be a match for the high power output of the engine.
The axle components are for the most part made of aluminium, which keeps the vehicle weight and unsprung masses low. The wide track, long wheelbase and specific chassis construction help to deliver particularly precise and agile handling.
Electromechanical power steering
The direct steering system of the 718 models has a perceptibly more immediate ratio than that of the previous models. The results are agile turn-in and an even sportier driving experience – with a customarily high level of comfort.
The comfort-oriented Power steering Plus is available as an option. At high speeds, the steering is as firm as you would expect. At low speeds, the steering ratio adjusts for much easier manoeuvring and parking.
Optional PASM, the electronic damping control system, continuously adjusts the damping force on each...
Optional PASM, the electronic damping control system, continuously adjusts the damping force on each wheel, based on current road conditions and driving style. In addition, the body sits 10 mm lower.
PASM has two modes, which can be selected using a separate button on the center console: ‘Normal’, which is a blend of performance and comfort, and ‘Sport’ where the setup is much firmer.
The results are tangible: increased driving stability, improved comfort and enhanced performance.
The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman models are equipped with enhanced Porsche Stability Management (PSM) ...
The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman models are equipped with enhanced Porsche Stability Management (PSM) – an automatic control system for maintaining stability at the limits of dynamic driving performance.
PSM improves traction under acceleration on inconsistent road surfaces. The result is a high level of driving stability and safety – and extraordinary agility at the same time.
In conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package, PSM is supplemented by a ‘Sport’ mode. It allows a significantly more sporty driving style, with PSM remaining active in the background. For a further enhancement to your driving experience.
The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman models each come equipped with distinctively styled 18-inch wheels. T...
The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman models each come equipped with distinctively styled 18-inch wheels. The S models are fitted with 19-inch wheels.
On all 718 models, the wheels are alloys – a sports car hallmark. An extra half an inch has been added to the width of the rear wheels. This provides greater stability and overall enhanced cornering performance.
Rolling resistance and tyre weight are comparatively low, which helps to reduce fuel consumption. Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPM) improves safety.
A selection of 20-inch wheels is available in our range of options.
The SPORT button enables you to select a suspension setup where the emphasis is on either comfort or...
The SPORT button enables you to select a suspension setup where the emphasis is on either comfort or sporty performance. At the push of a button, the engine dynamics become even more direct. In addition, the optional sports exhaust system is activated automatically.
In vehicles with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), upshifts take place at higher engine speeds and downshifts happen sooner.
The Sport Chrono Package enables an even sportier tuning of the chassis, engine and transmission. An...
The Sport Chrono Package enables an even sportier tuning of the chassis, engine and transmission. And launches you to unprecedented sporty heights. The key component is the mode switch on the steering wheel, derived from the 918 Spyder. Without your hand having to leave the steering wheel, you can choose any of four settings: Normal, SPORT, SPORT PLUS and Individual. In this way, you can adapt the vehicle even more to the way you want to drive.
In combination with PDK, you benefit from three additional functions. The first is Launch Control, which can be used to achieve the best possible standing start.
The second function is the motorsportderived gearshift strategy. In this mode, PDK is geared up for extremely short shift times and optimum shift points for the maximum acceleration available.
The third function: SPORT Response. Pressing the button in the centre of the mode switch primes the engine and transmission for the fastest possible unleashing of power.
In other words, maximum responsiveness for a period of approximately 20 seconds – useful when overtaking, for example. A timer graphic in the instrument cluster tells you how long is left.
Dynamic transmission mounts are also part of the Sport Chrono Package. This electronically controlled system minimises the perceptible oscillations and vibrations of the entire drivetrain, particularly the engine, and combines the benefits of a hard or soft transmission mounting arrangement. In short, it enhances both driving stability and driving comfort.
The Sport Chrono Package now also includes the Porsche Track Precision App. This enables you to clock lap times and collate driving stats, record and manage the results on your smartphone and share them with other drivers for comparison. The app makes use of GPS and highprecision data from the on-board computer, and helps you to better your driving performance. Graphical and video analyses display every millisecond of your potential for improvement. Lap after lap.
The body sits 20 mm lower. The springs are harder and shorter, and the anti-roll bars on the front a...
The body sits 20 mm lower. The springs are harder and shorter, and the anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles are stiffer. The result is another plus for performance – combined with a surprisingly high level of comfort.
In sport, performance counts. It applies to the engine and it also applies to the brakes. The 718 mo...
In sport, performance counts. It applies to the engine and it also applies to the brakes. The 718 models are therefore equipped with four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed calipers.
On the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, the brake calipers come with a black finish – red on the S models. Brake disc diameters are 330 mm at the front and 299 mm at the rear.
To make them tougher yet lighter and enable a more rapid response – even under extreme loads – the brake calipers have an enclosed monobloc construction.
The pedal travel is short and the biting point precise. The brake discs are crossdrilled and internally vented, which helps to provide improved wet braking and optimum cooling.
Proven in motorsport, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is available as an option. On the 718 models, the cross-drilled ceramic brake discs of PCCB have a diameter of 350 mm at the front and rear – for even more formidable braking performance.
PCCB features six-piston monobloc aluminium fixed brake calipers on the front axle and four-piston units at the rear – all painted in yellow – to provide braking forces that are considerably more powerful and, crucially, are exceptionally consistent.
PCCB enables shorter braking distances in even the toughest road and race conditions. Safety under high-speed braking is also improved thanks to its excellent fading stability.
Another advantage of PCCB is the extremely low weight of the ceramic brake discs, which are approximately 50 % lighter than standard discs of a similar design and size. This results in better roadholding and increased comfort, particularly on uneven roads, as well as greater agility and a further improvement in handling.
The 718 models offer advanced airbag technology in the form of full-size driver and front passenger ...
The 718 models offer advanced airbag technology in the form of full-size driver and front passenger airbags, which are inflated in two stages depending on the severity and type of accident.
All 718 models are also equipped with the Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP). It comprises side impact protection elements in the doors and two airbags on each side. An integral thorax airbag is located in each seat side bolster, while the door panels each contain an upwards-inflating head airbag.
Roll-over protection
In the open-top 718 Boxster models, dual roll-over protection creates survival space in the event of...
In the open-top 718 Boxster models, dual roll-over protection creates survival space in the event of a roll-over or side impact. The front roll-over protection element is made from super-high-strength steel. The rear roll-over bars located behind the seats are made from an aluminium and steel composite. These come fully trimmed and provide a high degree of safety.
Rain. Fog. Darkness. Nothing that would faze a genuine athlete. That’s why all 718 models are equipp...
Rain. Fog. Darkness. Nothing that would faze a genuine athlete. That’s why all 718 models are equipped with Bi-Xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights.
At the rear, the three-dimensional design of the taillights incorporating four-spot brake lights leaves a lasting impression. For powerful illumination, all functions are implemented by LED technology.
Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS)
The Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), which includes expressive four-spot daytime running lights, headlight cleaning system and dynamic range control, is available as an option. The dynamic cornering light function swivels the main headlights towards the inside of a bend, based on steering angle and road speed, so as to light up more of the road at tight bends and turns. Put simply, the road ahead is illuminated the moment you start to corner.
Superior safety meets sporty design in the form of optional LED main headlights including PDLS Plus. In addition to being efficient and long-lasting, LED technology also creates a light very similar to daylight and thus helps to reduce driver fatigue. Optimum visibility is assured by integrated four-spot daytime running lights, the headlight cleaning system and dynamic range control.
One special feature of PDLS Plus is the dynamic main beam function. A camera detects the lights of vehicles ahead as well as those of oncoming traffic. Based on the data from the camera, the dynamic main beam function then adapts the headlight range accordingly. This continuous, seamless control means that you are able to see the course of the road, pedestrians and potential hazards earlier without hindering other road users.
The Sports steering wheel with its puristic design, the ascending centre console, the three round in...
The Sports steering wheel with its puristic design, the ascending centre console, the three round instruments with the rev counter positioned in the centre: everything in the interior is intended to put the driver first. All buttons and functions are intuitive to operate, all information is always ready to hand.
It’s an ergonomics concept that not only saves time, but looks good, too. At Porsche, function and design are inextricably linked.
Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with 7-inch touchscreen display and optional navigation module enhances form and function with a further component: near-boundless possibilities. The optional Connect or Connect Plus module is the driver’s gateway to the digital world.
The instrument cluster with 4.6-inch colour screen provides you with a continuous stream of data from the on-board computer. It also displays the map of the optional navigation system, delivers various warnings and reminds you of your chosen communication and audio settings.
The materials are no less suited to the sporty challenge. Leather and Alcantara® are easy to grip, while the firmly padded Sports seats provide support during dynamic cornering manoeuvres.
The Sport-Tex leather interior is available in puristic black or the stylish two-tone combination of Graphite Blue and Crayon. Sport-Tex offers excellent breathability, good support and an expressive appearance. A sporty detail is added in the seam pattern of the Sports seats Plus with selected decorative stitching in a contrasting colour.
So, what does it actually look like? That’s down to you, and you alone. Choose from a variety of interior options, materials and colours and turn your 718 model into the 718 you always believed it could be.
Sports steering wheel
The Sports steering wheel with threespoke design is lightweight and functional. The small centre pad...
The Sports steering wheel with threespoke design is lightweight and functional. The small centre pad and the decorative ring encircling the Porsche Crest – both derived from the steering wheel of the 918 Spyder – reinforce its sporty character.
In conjunction with PDK, the Sports steering wheel features two alloyed gearshift paddles offering particularly short shift throws.
The optional GT sports steering wheel has a smaller diameter. The spokes are finished in black, the silver-coloured inlays are screw-fastened. For a motorsportderived design? Definitely. Above all, though, to emulate a motorsport driving feel.
Heating and multifunction controls are optionally available for all steering wheels. These give you fingertip access to the 4.6-inch colour display and therefore the on-board computer as well as many audio, telephone and navigation functions.
Light design package
The optional light design package is both practical and aesthetically appealing. It comprises dimmab...
The optional light design package is both practical and aesthetically appealing. It comprises dimmable LEDs in various parts of the interior.
With the optional Porsche Entry & Drive, you can leave your car key in your pocket. As soon as you g...
With the optional Porsche Entry & Drive, you can leave your car key in your pocket. As soon as you grab the door handle, or your hand nears the Porsche Crest on the front luggage compartment lid or the logos on the rear, the system automatically checks the encrypted access code on the key. Once the key is validated, the door or the luggage compartment lid unlocks. The engine can then be started and switched off using the electronic ignition switch.
The Sports seats are comfortable and provide support even during performance driving. They come equi...
Sports seats
The Sports seats are comfortable and provide support even during performance driving. They come equipped with electric backrest adjustment and mechanical height and fore/aft adjustment. The seat centres are lined with Alcantara®.
Comfort doesn’t have to be sacrificed. Neither does a sporty driving feel. The optional fully electric Sports seats offer power adjustment of seat height, backrest angle, squab angle and squab depth. Also electrically operated are the fore/aft adjustment, four-way lumbar support and even the steering column. The included memory package stores a range of settings, including the positions of both exterior mirrors and all driver’s seat and steering wheel positions.
Sports seats Plus
Available as an option are Sports seats Plus in leather with electric backrest adjustment as well as mechanical height and fore/aft adjustment. The side bolsters on the squab and backrest have a firmer, sportier padding and provide even better lateral support.
Available on request, adaptive Sports seats Plus reinforce the connection between sport and comfort. As an upgraded version of the Sports seats Plus, they combine all the features of the fully electric Sports seats and add power adjustment of the side bolsters on the squab and backrest.
Sports bucket seats*
Sports bucket seats featuring a folding backrest, integral thorax airbag and manual fore/aft adjustment are available as optional equipment. The seat shells are made from glass- and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic with a carbon surface finish.
Seat heating is available as an option for all seats. Seat ventilation is also available on request (not for Sports bucket seats or seats with seat centres in Alcantara® or Sport-Tex) – for a pleasant and dry seating environment, even in hot weather.
Child seat preparation*
ISOFIX child seat preparation for the front passenger seat is available as an option and includes a deactivation function for the front passenger airbag. The Porsche Tequipment range of genuine accessories offers a selection of Porsche child seats specially tested and approved for Porsche cars.
* Child seats are not compatible with the Sports bucket seats.
An optional alternative to the air conditioning system, two-zone automatic climate control has separ...
An optional alternative to the air conditioning system, two-zone automatic climate control has separate temperature controls for the driver and passenger and offers a choice of three climate setting profiles. An active carbon fine dust filter traps particles, pollen and odours and thoroughly filters fine dust out of the outside air before it can reach the interior.
Luggage compartments and storage solutions
A lot can be expected of a genuine sports car. The mid-engine concept of the 718 models impresses no...
A lot can be expected of a genuine sports car. The mid-engine concept of the 718 models impresses not only by delivering superbly agile driving dynamics, but also by affording two luggage compartments.
On both models, the front luggage compartment holds 150 litres. At the rear of the 718 Boxster, there is space for 125 litres – hood up or down. The 718 Cayman boasts a rear luggage compartment capacity of 275 litres. Thanks to the shelf above the engine cover, there is even enough room to accommodate the longer items of your belongings.
In the interior, too, clever storage solutions offer plenty of space. The compartment under the armrest – when combined with the optional Connect or Connect Plus module and the included reception-optimising smartphone compartment – becomes the ideal interface between your smartphone and your 718 model. Further convenience is provided, for example, in the form of two compartments in the doors, clothes hooks on the seat backrests and two practical cupholders above the glove compartment.
Available as an option in conjunction with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), this system regulates the s...
Adaptive cruise control including Porsche Active Safe (PAS)
Available as an option in conjunction with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), this system regulates the speed of your 718 fully independently in line with the speed of the vehicle in front. Radar sensors inside the front end scan the road ahead. Let’s imagine you’ve selected a cruising speed but have begun to gain on the vehicle in front because it is driving more slowly – the system reduces the speed of your vehicle by restricting throttle or gently applying the brakes until your chosen distance from the vehicle in front is restored.
Your 718 now continues to maintain this distance from the vehicle ahead. If it brakes even more, adaptive cruise control will reduce your speed accordingly – even down to a halt. The system also increases the state of readiness of the brakes the moment it detects that your car is beginning to gain on the vehicle in front. On detecting a risk of collision, the system issues an audible and visual warning, and this is accompanied by a brief jolt of the brakes. If panic braking by the driver is detected, the brake pressure applied is boosted to achieve the maximum braking force that the system is able to provide.
Optional Lane Change Assist uses radar sensors to monitor the areas to the rear of the vehicle and the blind spots on either side. Above a speed of 15 km/h, the system issues a visual warning signal in the window triangle trim whenever a vehicle rapidly approaches your vehicle from behind or enters one of your blind spots. In this way, Lane Change Assist improves comfort and safety, particularly on motorways. However, the system does not actively intervene to control the vehicle and can be deactivated at any time.
ParkAssist and reversing camera
Featuring four inconspicuous sensors in the rear end, optional ParkAssist audibly alerts the driver to the presence of obstacles detected behind the vehicle. An intermittent warning tone increases in rapidity as the obstacle is approached.
ParkAssist can be optionally upgraded to include monitoring of the front end with four additional sensors. The audible alert is supplemented by a visual warning in the central display screen, which shows a graphical representation of the vehicle from overhead.
The optional reversing camera facilitates precise reverse parking and manoeuvring. Help is provided in the form of the camera image and the dynamic, superimposed guidelines on the PCM screen, which illustrate the predicted course of the vehicle given the current position of the steering wheel.
The optional camera-based speed limit indicator informs you of speed restrictions and ‘no overtaking’ zones (start and end). Notifications appear on the display in the instrument cluster and on the screen of PCM.
Sound Package Plus delivers excellent sound. It comprises six loudspeakers and a total output of 110...
Sound Package Plus delivers excellent sound. It comprises six loudspeakers and a total output of 110 watts in the 718 Boxster, and eight loudspeakers with 150 watts in the 718 Cayman. The amplifier integrated into PCM optimally adapts the acoustic pattern in the vehicle interior to the driver and front passenger.
Specially developed for Porsche, the optional BOSE® Surround Sound System is optimally tuned to the specific interior acoustics of the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. The audio system features 10 amplifier channels and 10 loudspeakers including a patented 100-watt active subwoofer integral to the vehicle bodyshell and produces a total output of 505 watts. This fully active system setup enables each individual loudspeaker to be optimally adapted to the vehicle interior. In short: in the 718 models, you’re always centre stage.
The road is perhaps the only place in the world in which you can still listen to music without disturbance. And when it’s done, it should be done right – together with the most important manufacturer of premium quality sound systems in Germany. The result is a sound performance of the highest level, specially matched to your 718 Boxster or 718 Cayman.
The system has 12 amplifier channels with a total output of 821 watts, 12 loudspeakers including an active subwoofer with 300-watt class D amplifier, a total diaphragm surface area of more than 1,340 cm², and a frequency response of 35 Hz to 20 kHz.
The Burmester® system uses the patented body-integral subwoofer solution. Analogue and digital filters have been optimally defined for their specific installation location.
Ribbon tweeters (air motion transformers, AMT) have been used for unmistakably fine, clear and undistorted high-frequency sound reproduction with excellent level stability.
All loudspeaker housings are perfectly matched and deliver a natural and richly textured spatial sound, even at top volume.
None of this would be possible without originality, inspiration and enthusiasm, beginning as early as the consultation stage. That’s because we keep in mind one thing above all else: your particular wishes and requirements. We fulfil them with composure and meticulous care, through precision handcrafting and the use of exquisite materials such as leather, Alcantara®, carbon, mahogany or aluminium.
With the Porsche Tequipment range of accessories developed specifically for the 718 models, you can ...
With the Porsche Tequipment range of accessories developed specifically for the 718 models, you can style your 718 entirely to your own preference. From the start, the same rules that apply to our vehicles also apply to the products of Porsche Tequipment: developed, tested and proven at the Development Centre in Weissach. By the same Porsche engineers and designers who made your car. Designed with the complete vehicle in mind and precisely tailored to your Porsche.
All Tequipment products can be found using our ‘Tequipment accessories finder’.
718 Boxster Standard Exhaust System
718 Boxster Sport Exhaust System
718 Boxster S Standard Exhaust System
718 Boxster S Sport Exhaust System
Via Bluetooth® (PDF; 3.4 MB)
Via Bluetooth® - The new PCM (PDF; 2.9 MB)
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Film Formats and HDTV:
A Case for the Future-Proof Standard
Relevent information from March, 1998
by Steve Wiedemann
We are crossing a dividing line in the technical business of television and post production. The line is a sharp separation between what we've known as television and what will become of it. Producers ask about the future value of production material as they realize the images they create are mortal in the face of technological change. The question of how to prepare production material for future generations is an excellent one which strikes at the very heart of what the Digital Television future is all about.
Phrases like "future-proofing" come into being, indicating an uncertain outcome of today's efforts and the desire to use the produced material in a future application. Produced material is correctly considered a valuable asset that must be protected. Super16mm and 35mm film formats as well as High Definition Television images come to mind as being future-proof. The produced material needs to be used in today's broadcast and distribution channels as well as the Digital Television standard in the near future and any future application that may come along. The producer must decide on the potential future value of the material before proceeding on a production path.
The answer to future-proofing material is not a simple one. We will discuss the different broadcast video standards and explain some of the issues involved with each. We will address some current assumptions about film and video quality and will cover how they relate to the coming Digital Television standards. We will also discuss how the production standards chosen affect the immediate delivery and long term shelf life of the product.
The DTV (Digital Television) and ATV (Advanced Television) terms are commonly used interchangeably, but they are distinctly separate items. We'll decipher how video and film formats relate to future-proofing but first lets talk about the DTV standards.
Digital Television:
Digital Television (DTV) is scheduled to replace all existing terrestrial analog NTSC television transmissions in the U.S. by the year 2006. This doesn't necessarily affect home video formats, direct satellite transmission or cable television but the range of services and potential improvement in image quality will probably drive those industries as well. Several simultaneous Standard Definition Television (SDTV) image streams or a single High Definition Television (HDTV) image will make up the television programming broadcasts. SDTV is considered roughly the same quality level as today's television broadcasts and HDTV relates to a number of higher definition video standards. In any case, a television image in SDTV or HDTV will be transmitted in 16:9 aspect ratio. Both of these broad television formats are considered to be "ATV".
Advanced Television Standards:
In fact, there are 18 different television standards that may be broadcast under the name "Advanced Television". This may seem like a lot of different standards but the ability to tailor a digital signal to a task specific function could lead to many more "standards". The ATSC has constrained the list of possibilities to only 18.
"Table 3" describing ATV television standards.
Part of the ATSC "A/53" Specification
You may be able to count more or less of them depending on how deep you get on permutations (and we will resist describing all of them) but it seems there will be only a few standards in general use. The standards are named with the number of scan lines and one of two scanning types; interlaced or progressive.
A "480i" standard means the television screen contains 480 usable scan lines with interlaced scanning, roughly the equivalent of our current NTSC broadcast standard. Horizontally, there are 704 active picture elements (pixels) on each line for 16:9 images. The "1080i" standard has 1080 displayable lines and 1920 pixels across the screen. The "i" with these numbers stands for "interlace" which describes a television frame that is broken into two "fields", transmitted sequentially and reassembled as a complete frame at the home receiver. This is the principle of current NTSC television and will be continued into the DTV world.
The antonym of interlace is "progressive" where the entire frame is transmitted as one element. Using progressive scanning dramatically increases the apparent resolution of an image but has other penalties in bandwidth requirements and receiver manufacturing costs. There are heated arguments over which scanning format to choose for broadcast. Each network and service provider faced with this decision believe they have the right answer. As conventional wisdom changes like the wind, other scanning formats will rise and fall in popularity as technology progresses. Fortunately, the receiver manufacturers belonging to the Consumer Electronics Manufacturer's Association (CEMA) will build DTV receivers that will decode and display all 18 broadcast standards.
Digital Television Services:
The DTV transmission is a digital broadcast service that is not necessarily an exclusive television programming channel as we know it. A single DTV channel may include a variety of data services sharing the channel space. The broadcaster's selection of a pixel count and scan type affects the picture quality reaching the home and the amount of broadcast real estate needed to get it there. They have the ability to sell data services over the same channel shared by television images. The issue of picture quality boils down to the digital data rates reserved for the television image.
This thinking is certainly on the minds of many broadcasters as they work out the financial models in their DTV future. It is possible to "bit starve" the television image in favor of data payload on the DTV channel thus trading image quality to make room for other paying services. It is also possible to increase the quality of the television image beyond the intended "Table 3" constraints. By using some proposed data tricks, one network has spoken of broadcasting sporting events at 90 frames per second at HDTV resolution. Time and funding will tell if that noble effort will succeed.
The earliest over the air DTV broadcasts will simply be standard definition television connected to a DTV encoder carrying existing programming. These broadcasts will be the "480i" variety. Broadcasters will gradually begin integrating a library of programming intended for future DTV transmission. First, 16:9 aspect programming with standard resolution is the easiest thing to accomplish. In the future, higher resolution images will become more commonplace as the older programs and production equipment are retired.
The production standard used is not necessarily the same as the broadcast standard. Of primary concern to producers is the quality of the original material and it's future value. Broadcasters will be converting images from their native production format to fit into their broadcast chain. Regardless of the original image quality (pixel count), the common denominator in all produced material will be the image aspect ratio.
The current NTSC broadcasts are in 4:3 aspect ratio. This means that no matter what the screen size is, the image will measure 4 units wide and 3 units tall. The primary feature of the ATV formats is a 16:9 picture aspect ratio, which comes out to be about 20% wider than a 4:3 image of equal height. Think of a 4:3 aspect ratio as 12:9 when comparing it to 16:9. Independent of the aspect ratio is the number of scan lines available on the screen and the number of pixels available across the width of the screen. The higher the line and pixel count, the better the potential resolution of the image.
One of the available realities in the ATV world is the need to incorporate images from current tape libraries. The largest change for ATV and biggest hurdle to using existing material is the issue of image aspect ratio. Current video libraries are all 4:3 aspect ratio and must be converted to fit in a 16:9 world, whether it is HDTV or SDTV. Essentially, all available 4:3 aspect program material has become obsolete. The producer must decide to either blow up the picture so the original image sides fill the screen, or allow black side panels on the 16:9 screen thus keeping the original aspect ratio of the source image.
The penalty for blowing up the picture is that the top and/or bottom of the screen will be removed creating a framing problem. Things normally in the frame may get cut off, or a medium shot of a person's face becomes a close-up, each changing the meaning of the image. In addition to the framing problems, a blowup from a video original degrades the image quality with visible artifacts. The producer must make compromises when reframing each scene during the blowup process.
A producer with film elements available, especially widescreen film, will have the advantage of re-transferring the image elements and reassembling an ATV compatible product, possibly reusing the entire audio track. Film shot in 4:3 ratio will present the same difficulty while deciding where to reframe the image, but degradations caused by refaming are quite minimal when done at the telecine transfer step compared to a similar action using video as the source. Standard definition video material finished in 16:9 format may be applied directly as an SDTV product.
Major manufacturers of professional video camera equipment such as Sony, Panasonic, Ikegami, Philips and others offer standard resolution NTSC cameras capable of switching between the current 4:3 aspect and the 16:9 widescreen ATV aspect. These cameras will allow producers to create video images in the correct aspect ratio for ATV product, making it easier to reversion video originated material for future broadcast. The DTV standard does not define the image resolution required for broadcast of an ATV image allowing both standard and high resolution images. The producer should consider the alternatives presented with the various film and video formats when thinking of immediate, short term program delivery and future-proofing program material.
Scanning Systems:
The number of scanning lines available on the video picture become the limiting factor for vertical resolution. More scan lines in the television system generally translate to higher vertical resolution. The issue of interlaced scan versus progressive scan also comes into play when judging picture quality. A progressive scan picture with only 720 scan lines ("720p") has nearly the same apparent vertical resolution as 1080 lines with interlaced scanning ("1080i"). The interlaced scan method is a form of compression that degrades the picture slightly.
The current NTSC analog television scanning system is nearly identical to the 480i ATV standard. With the same number of scan lines delivered to the home as 480p (progressive), the home viewer will perceive a much higher resolution image. If television programming is created in a progressive scan standard and delivered to the home in that manner, many of the artifacts attributed to interlace will disappear.
The expense of manufacturing a large tube-type progressive scan display system is high compared to interlaced displays. It is more likely that the home receiver will have an interlaced display and the progressive scan material will be converted to interlace at the home receiver. Film is well suited to a progressive scan delivery system. Hopefully, the technical and economic hurdles will be overcome so we may actually see it in the home.
Large screen flat panel displays are coming to market that will allow a progressive scan image to be displayed correctly. An image that was created as an interlaced product will carry the artifacts of interlacing to any progressive scan display. You can successfully make an interlaced image from a progressive image but the reverse is not true.
Image Quality Considerations:
Video cameras have gotten very good in the areas of resolution, dynamic range, sensitivity and noise. Film stocks have steadily improved over time as well. We must consider these areas when talking about picture quality in any format.
Image Resolution:
The subject of image resolution, or sharpness, will be the real key to future-proofing. Please forgive me as I tech-out for a moment here. The measurement of horizontal resolution in an image is the maximum number of black and white vertical bars that can be visually resolved within the horizontal dimension equal to the picture height. In other words, no matter what the picture size or aspect ratio is, you carve out a square on the screen (where width equals height) and count how many black and white vertical bars you can cram into that area and still see them. This is true for film or video and is expressed as "TVL/PH", or "TV Lines per Picture Height". The vertical bars are considered vertical "lines" which are not to be confused with the fixed number of active scan lines available on the television screen.
The resolution measurement for a camera involves shooting a test chart with a series of patches containing measured vertical black and white bars of different packing densities. To measure resolution of a video camera, a video waveform monitor will directly display the ability to resolve each vertical line in the patches. For film, a microdensitometer, essentially a microscope with a light meter, is used to examine the image of the black and white bar patches and determine how well the film can separate them. With each test patch that has bars closer together, the cameras have a harder time resolving the individual bars and tend to progressively blur them together until they turn a flat gray at the extreme upper limit of resolving power.
Example of resolution test chart
Measuring how much the black and white bars blend together is expressed as a percentage of what they were originally, namely 100% black and 100% white. A 100% response indicates that nothing was lost in the camera. It's possible to have a measurement of over 100% after gamma and aperture correction, but we'll discard that discussion for now. An 80% response on a higher resolution patch is considered very good, showing only mild degradation. Once you get a high enough packing density of black and white bars and the residual falls into the 20% range, you can start to write off the existence of any significant resolution elements.
A test like this will show that Super16mm film can resolve fewer vertical lines than some current standard resolution video cameras. A present day NTSC video camera can resolve upwards of 750 vertical lines whereas Super16mm film has lost half of its resolution powers at around 500 lines. These numbers represent what is available in the camera and does not take into account what happens to the signal when processed further in a video system.
Once either of these images are converted to a digital video recording at 4:3 (standard television) aspect ratio, the resolution is limited to 567 TVL/PH on a D2 machine and 535 TVL/PH on a D1 or Digital Betacam machine. The limits occur due to the available pixel count per line of the digital television system in use.
If a 4:3 video image is stretched horizontally about 20% to a 16:9 aspect ratio, whether film or video originated, the horizontal resolution of a D1 or Digital Betacam image is reduced to 402 TVL/PH. There will be fewer pixels available inside your square resolution test area because they've been pulled horizontally to make the screen wider. Even so, the video camera, which started with more resolution, has a measurable sharpness advantage over Super16mm film. Based on this, a high quality standard definition video camera will have a measurable resolution advantage over Super16mm film in the DTV world.
Noise:
Kodak has converted the measurement of film granularity to the equivalent of video noise. They calculated that Kodak EXR5254 film in a Super35mm format, a size used for 16:9 production, has a 50db signal to noise ratio. Signal to noise in television is a measurement of how much the picture content overpowers background noise. A number of 50db means that the noise or grain pattern is .01% of the picture content. Every increment of 10db is a multiplication factor of 10, so a 60db ratio is one-tenth the noise of 50db and 40db is ten times the noise of 50db. A higher number is better. The Sony HDC-500 HDTV video camera measures at a 54db signal to noise ratio, slightly better than the Super35mm film stock. Comparing that to Super16mm with only 42db and 16mm at 40db, the Super16mm and 16mm film doesn't compare favorably. By these tests, Super16mm film has more than ten times the noise of a present day HDTV camera.
Dynamic Range:
Film is acknowledged to have a minimum dynamic range of about 8 or 9 stops. That is the lighting difference between the brightest and darkest object in a scene without overexposing the image and without losing detail to noise or film grain. Jeff Cree, Sony's guru on video cameras, demonstrated how a Sony DVW-700 video camera can make a remarkable picture on a table-top scene with 11 stops difference between lightest and darkest objects. A properly exposed video camera, without any clipped elements in the picture, can reasonably be expected to approach the exposure quality of a film originated image.
Film is no doubt the most flexible format for working in varying lighting conditions. The exposure index of a video camera cannot be adjusted like a film camera and extremely sensitive film stocks can make excellent exposures with candle light. There is no such thing as "fast" video tape. However, some video cameras have signal to noise ratios in the 60 to 65db area which allow for additional video "gain" to be added without dragging up the noise in the blacks. With these cameras, reasonably good pictures can be made in extremely low light situations that will rival most standard film stocks.
Standard Definition Television:
The current component digital standard, considered the top of the heap today, is ironically the lowest acceptable image quality in the realm of ATV. An official CBS Engineering document written by Henry Mahler concluded that the lowest quality image available in our current television standard is a component digital recording at 16:9 aspect ratio. It was rated lower than even composite digital (D2) images in his report. The 16:9 SDTV images we can make today will match the quality of SDTV transmissions on a DTV channel and can be included in a product intended for HDTV distribution if necessary.
High Definition Television:
The term "High Definition Television" is considered anything that is better than what we get today. Any scan line count greater than 480 is generally considered "High Definition". Even 480 lines transmitted as progressive scan is considered a "High Definition" image. The top of the heap would be the 1080 line HDTV standard which several broadcasters have elected to support.
The 1080 HDTV standard will point out some of the inherent shortcomings of Super16mm film. Joe Flaherty, Senior Vice President of CBS, gave a speech in 1997 where he spoke of his "concern about the long term asset value of Super16mm material as HDTV product because of Super16mm's low performance". He also showed several objective tests that compared the various film and video formats with compelling results. For example, resolving an image that demands 600 TVL/PH showed that an HDTV video camera can attain an 80% response, 35mm film has a 73% response, Super16mm has a 36% response and regular 16mm film only has a 23% response. Looking at the visual comparison of an HDTV camera and 35mm film transfer to HDTV shows little difference between them. Looking at Super16mm is a stark contrast to the 35mm film and HDTV video camera. Mr. Flaherty concluded that Super16mm film is not acceptable if the final destination is intended to be an HDTV standard, and therefore could not be considered a future-proof imaging format.
To be fair, the tests performed by CBS were met by the film community with howls of disapproval. Accusations were made about creating results born of vested interest against Super16mm film. It has essentially brought on a minor war between several interested parties. We've seen some very good looking Super16mm film and can hardly complain about the quality or apologize for the lack of resolution. However, the material shown by Mr. Flaherty was presented in a scientific, factual manner without an overt bias to any format. In fact, care was taken not to treat any format more favorably than another. For instance, a telecine colorist would normally crank in almost twice the noise reduction and image enhancement into a Super16mm film transfer than a 35mm film. This correction was apparently not done in these tests. Handling the Super16mm in the same way as the 35mm simply pointed out some differences between them.
It has been suggested that an even more objective test would have been to show projected film against the telecine transfer to prove or disprove the telecine's ability to handle Super16mm film. In any case, it is generally acknowledged in the film production community that 35mm film has a distinct advantage over Super16mm in all aspects except cost.
The following drawing is an indication of the difference between the area of a 35mm film frame and a Super16mm film frame:
The flexibilities of working in a 35mm film format will also allow adjustments to the images in the form of blowups and framing corrections in future product without suffering degradations as severe as those in Super16mm.
HDTV video cameras that exist now boast 1,000 TVL/PH of horizontal resolution, exceeding the available resolution of 35mm film. The potential exists for an HDTV video production to exceed the quality of an original film negative. The disadvantage of using a video format to acquire original images is a degraded flexibility for future reversioning. Once an image is limited by a video standard, the image resolution and aspect ratio is a permanent part of the image wherever it goes.
There are valid fears of future technical advances making the new HDTV standards obsolete. For instance, using an interlaced HDTV video standard for production will not allow smooth integration of the images into a possible future progressive scan product. A 35mm film original, on the other hand, can be converted to any television standard in the present or future without fear of making the images obsolete.
Creating an HDTV video product using the highest pixel count possible would be the best choice for future reversioning of video originated material. The highest quality HDTV video standard approaches the upper limits of what the human eye can detect and future compromises during reversioning will minimize the impact on image resolution. However, the pixels of a digital video image are in fixed rows and columns which translates directly from scan lines and horizontal pixel count. Technically, there is a danger of introducing artifacts into a video image called "aliasing" when altering the original placement of pixels during any conversion process. Since film has no regular pixel structure, there can be no aliasing artifacts when adjusting the position of a film image.
There are several alternative paths to making good ATV pictures, each with their rewards and troubles.
Upconversion to HDTV:
Technically, standard resolution television images can be converted to HDTV images with the use of an upconvertor. This device is a television standards converter that will interpolate, or "line double" standard resolution images to effectively be HDTV. If elements of current video tape libraries are to be included in HDTV product, upconversion is the only answer. Decisions about aspect ratio and framing will be encountered during upconversion of 4:3 programs. Programming finished as 16:9 SDTV video may be upconverted without regard to aspect ratio decisions.
There will be a strong budgetary temptation to use upconversion as a means to create HDTV masters using standard component digital editing equipment. A Digital Betacam master can be upconverted for delivery as an HDTV program. Even though high quality upconversions subjectively look appealing on an HDTV monitor, the upconvertor cannot manufacture resolution that does not exist in the original material. The television picture may be HDTV in an electrical sense, but not in image quality.
There will also be a strong temptation for some service bureaus to offer SDTV upconversion as a means to create HDTV programming without educating the client that it isn't true "high definition". It allows the service bureau to extend the useful life of their installed equipment base and possibly delay purchasing significant HDTV equipment. They can charge the client less than what full resolution HDTV would cost and demonstrate the quality of the upconverted images on monitors not likely to show the differences. The client who is not prepared to understand the issues is subject to getting hoodwinked into accepting it as true HDTV. This will not help the client in efforts to future-proof the product.
The issues of upconversion relate to image quality. A standard definition image will turn into a standard definition image with more scan lines. Increasing the scan line count will reduce some of the problems associated with our current television system. The image, however, is still short on the high frequency detail that makes a higher resolution image. Also, a standard image with 350,000 pixels upconverted to a two million pixel image will challenge the DTV encoder unnecessarily and degrade the image further at the home DTV receiver. Since the DTV standards allow for broadcast of what is essentially our current television resolution, the image will look better if it is transmitted as SDTV and not upconverted to an artificially high pixel count.
Broadcasters who are making the move to HDTV realize that upconversion will be necessary for all existing material, but they stress that upconversion is unacceptable when the opportunity for native HDTV production is available. They also stress that upconverted material must not be intercut with native HDTV material because of the dramatic resolution differences. All new production for several networks will mostly come from 35mm film transferred to HDTV formats.
Broadcast television will see HDTV originated commercials, a likely early contributor to HDTV material, intercut with upconverted SDTV program material. The visible differences between these image types may accelerate the desire to replace standard resolution material as quickly as possible.
Downconversion from HDTV:
High quality original images will allow for conversion to any lesser standard. The opposite is not true for upconverted images since the highest image quality available will be limited by the originating image standard. In order to future-proof new production, television producers should consider the shift to 35mm film. Film can be transferred to the coming HDTV standards without compromise.
Broadcasters will be simulcasting material in both HDTV and current NTSC channels for a number of years. CBS and NBC will be deriving the NTSC simulcasts from downconverted HDTV source material when possible and will avoid upconversion.
The use of 35mm film has historically outlasted video originated material and will also allow future television standards to be accommodated. The only reason shows like "I Love Lucy" are still around is because they were originated on film. The first few years of "Johnny Carson", originated on video, don't exist anymore. Some film producers I've talked to in Hollywood are advocating originating on 35mm and cutting the film negative for program finishing. That way the finished product exists as a complete entity that can be pulled out of the can years from now and run exactly like it was cut.
Image Compression on Transmission:
Compression is going to be upon us in the DTV world. The compression scheme for broadcast is called MPEG2 which can take the data required to create a video image and pack it more efficiently before it is broadcast. Our current NTSC television is an analog compression scheme where color is added to a monochrome picture by using otherwise wasted parts of the television transmitter power curve. Every compression scheme has its artifacts. MPEG2 and NTSC are no exception. The DTV broadcasts reaching the home will contain artifacts not present in the original material. We are exchanging one set of artifacts (NTSC) for another (MPEG).
The MPEG2 compression scheme has the ability to adapt to picture content. A video image is broadcast as a series of still frames, one after the other. MPEG2 takes advantage of the fact that much of a video frame is usually identical to the previous frame as well as the following frame. Instead of transmitting an entire video frame every time, the MPEG2 transmission scheme only needs to transmit a complete image every 8 to 15 frames. The rest of the frames are created by transmitting only what is different between the frames. With a relatively still scene, where the only thing moving may be someone's mouth, very little data needs to be transmitted to keep that scene in motion. As the image becomes more complex, the MPEG2 data rate will rise to accommodate the additional data needed to complete the frames.
The MPEG2 ATV encoder will be able to detect the presence of film originated material. Film, which runs at 24 frames per second in the U.S., must be transferred to video using a method that divides the 24 frames into the 30 available television frames. Every other film frame is held for 1.5 television frames, or three fields. Since the extra fields are redundant data, the MPEG2 encoder removes them and saves the transmission bandwidth. The home television receiver is told of the omission and will repeat the redundant fields during the display process.
The home television receiver is going to be a bag of tricks by itself. The set manufacturers will be trying to figure out how to make the sets cheaper so people will buy them. Along with that comes all kinds of schemes on how give the public a range of seemingly identical television receiver offerings with different price points that in reality perform wildly different. Be on the lookout for DTV receivers that can receive all DTV transmissions, either SDTV or HDTV, but convert everything to display on a less expensive standard resolution screen. Even though the transmitter is sending HDTV, the receiver is showing something less than HDTV.
Stress on MPEG2:
As a picture gets more complex with large amounts of fast motion and changes to the image, the MPEG2 compressor may be overrun with data that it cannot transmit fast enough. The MPEG2 encoder may decide to discard the high resolution elements of the image allowing the frames to be completed at some lower resolution. Fortunately, the human eye cannot resolve detail in fast motion anyway, so there is less need to transmit it. If done properly, the MPEG2 encoder will be able to significantly mask the absence of detail without calling too much attention to the failure mode it is in.
One of the things that can stress an MPEG2 encoded television image is noise. Active noise, or film grain, can be construed as motion to the MPEG2 compressor. Noise or film grain is also a high resolution image element that adds to the complexity of the image. If the noise becomes excessive, the picture quality may be compromised if the required data rate overruns the DTV channel's ability to transmit it. The presence of noise decreases the headroom the MPEG2 encoder has before entering a failure mode. This is yet another reason to avoid using Super16mm film in favor of HDTV video or 35mm film.
Another pitfall of film is gate weave. Using the steadiest possible film transport in a telecine will reduce the amount of interframe motion that can tax an MPEG2 compression scheme. Using 35mm film instead of Super16mm makes it easier to create steady film transfers. Of course, HDTV video originated material has no gate weave.
Compression in Post Production:
There has been a lot written about compression in post production. Compression has always been with us. The question becomes "how much compression can we stand?" The NTSC television standard is an analog compression scheme that compresses the color about 6:1 before adding it to the transmitted picture. The component digital 4:2:2 standard is also a compressed image where half of the color samples are missing. That's 2:1 compression in the color samples. Digital Betacam compresses a little more than 2:1 to make digital component recordings on Betacam tape. All of these compression schemes exist for one reason; to economically perform a recording or transport function that otherwise wouldn't be possible.
The HDTV video signal contains almost six times the data of a standard resolution image. To record that kind of data economically on technology available today requires the use of compression. For example, a full bandwidth HDTV digital tape recorder (Toshiba/Philips D6 format) costs $400,000 today. A video recorder that can record an almost identical picture with 4:1 compression (Panasonic D5 format) costs $95,000. Most people will accept the compression as long as they can't see the picture degradation and the D5 format does a very good job. The Sony HDCam format uses 6:1 compression. The HDCam shoulderable camera and studio recorders will be priced even lower than the D5 format.
Out of the 1920 pixels available in HDTV, the HDCam format will only record 1440 of them. Fortunately, there is very little detail information available in any standard scene beyond 1440 horizontal pixels. The resolution differences between the HDCam format and a full 1920 pixel recording are nearly invisible. The pictures are nothing to apologize for and the format will find its way into HDTV post production despite the theoretical quality reduction. For future-proofing, care must be taken to select a video recording format that provides the best cost/performance ratio.
Compression damages the ability to do multiple generation work, but it can have its place in areas where you only expect to go two or three generations. Transferring film original to a compressed video format is not a bad choice as long as the compression has no first generation losses. Cascading more than one compression scheme during post production may generate additional image artifacts and should be monitored to minimize them. As a point of comparison, the home delivery of HDTV images will incorporate 50:1 compression ratios and is not likely to be damaged by minor artifacts accumulated in post production. However, once compression artifacts enter a finished product they cannot be removed.
Film, especially 35mm formats and above, is currently considered to be the ultimate uncompressed, unadulterated image carrier available. Actually, film itself has compression characteristics. Film does an excellent job of compressing lighting ratios found in reality to the grains of the chemical storage media. Shooting an image of the sun, for instance, does not yield a film image as bright as the sun. Film will scale the relative exposure of the scene to what it can reproduce.
The 24 frame exposure rate of film conserves film stock while making an acceptable compromise in motion artifacts, sometimes known as "judder". The frame rate compresses the real time "reality" of life into brief time slices. Increasing the frame rate to 30 frames per second will improve the judder, noise and the apparent resolution of the film by putting more photosensitive grains in the path of the image. The ultimate film speed that will perfectly match the projected DTV standards would be 60 frames per second. That isn't likely to occur in normal production because of cost.
Film To Data:
For future-proofing, the best way to preserve film images (other than keep the film in perfect condition) is to record the images as data, not as video. Transferring film to video immediately limits the quality of the images to whatever the television standard allows. If the same film was scanned at high resolution and each frame stored as an image file, the image may be retrieved at a later date and converted to any television standard. A high resolution scan will easily scale to any likely video line count or frame rate. This includes exporting stored images as PAL since the film image is digitally stored frame for frame and not at the mercy of any television frame rate.
One likely preference of ATV broadcasts is to create material with an interlaced scanning technique. This allows material from current video systems, all of which use interlace scanning, to be easily incorporated into an ATV product. Interlaced scanning also can have significant motion artifacts, especially when dealing with film originals transferred via a telecine process. Film is more akin to a progressive scan video system. From a progressive scan original, a conversion can be done to an interlaced product. The opposite is not true. Once the images are scanned with an interlaced scanner, the artifacts are built in to the images. This is another consideration for future-proofing of production images.
Philips is showing the Spirit DataCine that has the ability to scan motion picture film and record the raw digital data onto one of many data archive formats. The scanning is done without regard to current or future television standards and is done in a progressive scan process. The data can be recovered and perfectly adapted to any future television standard since the images have not been touched by any television standard at all. The data from the scanner is good enough to output the images back to film. Degradation of the original digital data recording medium can be monitored and, if necessary, transferred to any future data medium without degrading the images. This theoretically will allow storage of the original data indefinitely, possibly long after the original film has disintegrated.
Several other film to data recorders are in operation designed for creating digital effects on feature films. The Kodak Cineon and Quantel Domino can scan a film negative at enormous resolutions (up to 4,000 pixels by 4,000 lines) into a computer workstation and output the result, including 3D embellishments, back to 35mm film without degradations. These types of data recorders may come into more common use, but they are currently in the "wretched excess" column of standard video post production.
The future-proof image library will be able to incorporate all of the available video, data and film standards. The future value of the image asset will be determined by two things; the quality of the image and the ability to find and retrieve it. Several types of computer based image storage and retrieval systems are in use world-wide. The successful systems will allow standard database architectures and a variety of storage medium options to suit the needs of the library. Accurate data entry, flexible search and retrieval and the highest quality image available will insure the future life of the image asset.
For an immediate delivery mechanism, HDTV video originated product may be considered better than 35mm film. When the subject of asset futures comes into play, the producer may need to think again about an originating format. Film is the one medium capable of crossing most of the boundaries that exist in program delivery. It can be transferred to all present and future image transport formats including the current NTSC and PAL video frame rates. Particularly, the use of 35mm film closely matches the High Definition television formats coming into being. The quality of Super16mm film is suited for program material with modest performance expectations compared to 35mm film. Transferring 35mm film original to digital data will ensure the longevity and recoverability of the original image assets.
HDTV video production may rival or exceed the image quality of 35mm film and allows for downconversion to any lesser video standard. However, any video image standard will become a limiting factor for future use of the product. The resolution, bit depth and aspect ratio become frozen in the video product and cannot be changed without some compromise. In particular, the subject of interlace versus progressive scan image formats may become a factor in judging the future value of an image asset. Products are being designed and tested that will capture live images at 1080 lines with progressive scanning. The equipment, particularly the recorders, will have to bear enormous data rates to store these images. They will be the direct rival of 35mm film capture when available.
The safest format for the foreseeable future is 35mm film. The next best format is HDTV video origination for all its resolution abilities. Super16mm film allows the same image flexibility as 35mm film without the quality. For a future-proofing function, film has been proven to outlast video tape for durability and certainly outlast video tape formats for popularity. The least desirable format for future-proof images is standard definition video at 16:9 aspect even though it will outperform Super16mm film in an immediate delivery mode. The need for upconversion from lesser formats will certainly reduce the future value of image assets and should be avoided.
Steve Wiedemann
Sr.VP, Director of Technology
Henninger Media Services
http://www.henninger.com
Also of interest: 24 frame HDTV production and distribution.
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Spot-fin porcupinefish
photo by Winterbottom, R.
Family: Diodontidae (Porcupinefishes (burrfishes))
Max. size: 91 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2,800.0 g
Environment: reef-associated; depth range 2 - 50 m
Distribution: Circumtropical. Eastern Pacific: San Diego, California, USA to Chile, including the Galapagos Islands (Ref. 37955). Western Atlantic: Bermuda, Massachusetts (USA), and northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil (Ref. 7251). Eastern Atlantic: 30°N to 23°S (Ref. 6951). Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius (Ref. 33390). The reports in the Mediterranean Sea are doubtful (Ref. 50345).
Diagnosis: Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-17; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 14-16. Body robust; teeth united in each jaw but without a central division; body covered with long, sharp spines, folded backwards when body not inflated; 16 to 20 spines between snout and dorsal fin; dorsal region of caudal peduncle spiny; back, flanks and fins light brown with numerous dark spots; belly spiny (Ref. 55763). Spines long. Body grayish tan, with small black spots, but no large dark blotches. Belly white, surrounded by dusky ring (Ref. 26938). About 20 spines in an approximate row between snout and dorsal fin (Ref. 13442).
Biology: Occur in lagoon and seaward reefs to at least 50 m. Commonly seen in caves and holes in shallow reefs (Ref. 26938, 48637). Juveniles to about 20 cm are pelagic. Adults benthic (Ref. 30573). Solitary and nocturnal that feed on hard shelled invertebrates like sea urchins, gastropods, and hermit crabs (Ref. 9680). Generally common (Ref. 9710). Not normally used as food (Ref. 3717). Reached a life-span of 10 years and a length of 69 cm in the McGinty Aquarium (E. Dashiell, pers. comm 2004), suggesting a preliminary K=0.12.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 June 2011 Ref. (120744)
Threat to humans: poisonous to eat
Entered by: Luna, Susan M. - 17.10.90
Modified by: Ortañez, Auda Kareen - 09.01.08
Checked by: Casal, Christine Marie V. - 23.02.96
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
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Dear Doctors,
We are extremely happy to inform you about the launch of our DTCP Approved Housing Layout Project, off theGrand Southern Trunk Road (GST), very close to “Mahindra World City” and “Ford Motors”.“Mahindra World City” is India’s first Integrated Business City and corporate India’s first operational Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The total extent of land under development is around 30 acres. In Phase I, we are launching Residential Plots for Doctors with Ultra Modern Amenities in 10 acres. In Phase II, we plan to launch “a Resort and a World Class Clubhouse”. We have named the prestigious project as
DOCTORS COURTYARD JEEVANA
The project is situated on the radial road connecting two major roads, i.e., (Singaperumalkoil) to OMR (Tiruporur) [Proposed eight lane Highway] and Gokulapuram Road to Tiruporur.
The eight lane Sriperumbudur - Singaperumal Koil roads connect into Oragadam, the Detroit of South India.
The proposed “Chennai Peripheral Road” from MamallapuramtoEnnore Port, will connect the East Coast Road, GST Road, the Chennai-Bangalore Highway, the Chennai-Tiruvallur High Road and GNT Road, thus touching industrial areas at Oragadam, Singaperumal Koil, Maraimalai Nagar, Sriperumbudur and Tiruvallur.
Major Companies in the Area:
Ford, Shriram SEZ-Accenture, Capgemini, Dell, Infosys and many more within the Mahindra World City.
Residential Developments in the Area:
Leading projects in the area include Metropolis by Akshaya, Villa Viviana by Arihant, Golden County by Hallmark and Aqualilly & Iris Court by Mahindra.
The Government of Tamil Nadu had announced that the region covering Maraimalainagar to Tiruporur measuring 562 Sq. Km., as a World Class City and accordingly all infrastructures and developments shall be provided by the state government.
Educational Institutions in the Area:
Acclaimed colleges like CSI Ewart, Valliammai Engg College, SRM School of Management, SRM Medical College & Hospital, SRM Institute of Hotel Management etc, are at accessible distance from the Project.
Approvals & Legal:
The proposed project is approved by the Directorate of Town & Country Planning (DTCP) with plot sizes ranging from 600 Sq. Ft. to 3000 Sq. Ft.
The legal documents are vetted by our panel lawyers and found to be in order. However, we request you to carry out your own legal due diligence.
The unique features of the “Doctors Courtyard Jeevana” are listed below for quick reference:
Grand dual ARCH at the entrance
Bitumen Top Roads for the entire project
Avenue Trees
Concrete Storm Water Drains
Road Guards
One Year Custodial Care Free of Cost from the day of launch
Funding up to 75% on the Guideline Value, from reputed Banks / Financial Institutions.
IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE DEVELOPMENTs, WE ALSO PROVIDE
Sewage Connection to all the plots with Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
Electrical Ducting in all the Roads
Processed Water Connection to all the plots
An amount of Rs 50/- per Sq. Ft. shall be payable as a onetime fee towards connection charges.
Allotment Date - 8th June 2014
Pricing & Funding Details
Rate per Sq.Ft. - Rs.1149/- excluding Registration Charges, Patta Transfer & Onetime Fee of Rs 50/- per Sq.Ft. towards Connection Charges.
Funding upto-75% on the Guideline Value, from Reputed Banks / Financial Institution.
Hawk-Eye Realty Ventures Pvt. Ltd.,
AK 2/32, 11th Main Road, Anna nagar,
Chennai - 600 040, Tamilnadu, India.
Landline: 044-45082303, 45082304
Hand Phone: 9600012370, 8754422881.
e-mail us : marketing@hawkeye-india.com
Websites: www.hawkeye-india.com
custodial services, facility management, advisory services, security services, market knowledge services
Home | About Us | Our Services | Our Projects | Careers | Contact Us
© 2009 hawkeyerealtyventures, All Rights Reserved
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The NIRF outlines a methodology to rank academic, technology and research institutions across the country on the basis of standard parameters.
In the manangement institute category, Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode came on fifth position.
Banaras Hindu university (BHU) is ranked third in the university list and 10th in the overall list. Unlike a year ago, this time the ranking was released under five categories - Overall, Colleges, Universities, Management and Engineering.
Six Delhi University colleges have made it to the list of top 10 colleges in the country under a national ranking released by the HRD ministry, with Miranda House being ranked at number one.
The NIRF was approved by the MHRD and launched on 29th of September 2015.
Bangalore is the countrys top ranked higher educational institute while the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad is the top management institute, as per the NIRF rankings released here on Monday.
The official also said "the stringent norms of NIRF ranking methodology as the reason for the cold response in the participation from the educational institutions". While IISC maintains its top position, interestingly, Jawaharlal Nehru University, which has remained the centre-point of student's agitation against the Narendra Modi government has stepped up from 3rd position in 2016 to 2nd this year.
THE UNIVERSITY of Mumbai has failed to feature in the top 100 universities listed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).
Speaking at the release, the HRD Minister said that the rankings have been based on 20 parameters, which would be very useful to the stakeholders. In the rank list, the private college International Management Institute, New Delhi occupied the rank 7 in the top management institutes. In 2017, general degree colleges have also been made part of the ranking.
The parameters to rank include Research and Professional Practices, Graduation Outcomes, Outreach & Inclusivity and Teaching, Perception, Learning and Resources. Education and Research, Mohali.
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Peter Handke persona non grata in Canton Sarajevo
N1 Sarajevo
Anadolu Agency
Peter Handke, this year's Nobel Prize laureate, was declared persona non grata in the Sarajevo Canton after the Assembly adopted a declaration Wednesday, Anadolu Agency reported.
The cantonal Assembly unanimously adopted the declaration, filed by Democratic Action Party (SDA), condemning the award of the Nobel Prize for Literature to the controversial Austrian writer who denied the crimes against Bosniaks during the 90s, Anadolu agency stated.
The declaration states that the final phase of genocide is its denial and that the Nobel Prize laureate publicly embraced the Greater-Serbian regime headed by the late Slobodan Milosevic, indicted before the international court in the Hague.
The Cantonal Assembly thus sent a message that Handke never changed his views and even announced his visit to Bosnia to speak to two mothers from Kravice and Srebrenica.
They rated the Nobel Prize award as a new insult for the victims, adding that his visit to the country and Sarajevo would cause new humiliation for the victims.
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Cartoon Delta V Map
This is the second cartoon delta-v map I've drawn. Clicking on the above can give a larger version.
My first cartoon map gave a lot more space to EML5 and little to L1 or L2. I knew of L4 and L5 through fiction like Gundam which was probably inspired by Gerard O'Neill's The High Frontier. Since then I've become less interested in L4 and L5 and more interested in L1 and L2. This new map reflects that shift in focus.
I had heard of the Interplanetary Transport Network as well as Shane Ross, Martin Lo, and Edward Belbruno. But I knew almost nothing about the low delta V routes achieved with n-body mechanics. I had a vague notion that Lagrange points were involved but that was about it.
Then in 2009 I came across a thread in Nasa Space Flight entitled An Alternative Lunar Architecture. In that thread Kirk Sorensen wrote at length about EML2 and work done by Robert Farquhar. Farquhar's 3 body work was done in the late 1960's and early 70's, decades before Ross, Belbruno and other modern advocates of 3-body mechanics.
Here's one of the Farquhar graphics Sorensen posted to that thread:
This is a 9 day route from LEO to EML2 taking delta V of about 3.5 km/s. It's time reversible so .4 km/s can drop a payload from from EML2 to an atmosphere grazing perigee. There's a 4 day route to EML1 that takes 3.8 days. It was surprising to me that EML2 could be reached with less delta V even though it's on the far side of the moon.
Also on Nasa Spaceflight in 2009, Martijn Mmeijering started a thread looking at an online 3 body text book by Koon, Lo, Marsden and Ross.
It was in 2009 that I became more interested in L1 and L2.
There are routes between LEO and EML1&2 taking even less delta V, but these are time consuming. These are described by Andreas Stock's Investigation on Low Cost Transfer Options to the Earth-Moon Libration Point Region. 3.1 km/s seems to be the minimum between LEO for EML1 as well as EML2. In the map above I've depicted these routes with darker brown branches.
EML1 moves slower than an ordinary earth orbit at that altitude. An EML1 object nudged a little earthward will fall into an approximately 100,000 by 300,000 km elliptical orbit about the earth. A .3 km/nudge suffices to send to it to a 36,000 km perigee where a 1 km/s burn can circularize the payload at geosynch orbit. A .7 burn can drop an EML1 payload to a LEO grazing orbit. If the LEO grazing orbit passes through the upper atmosphere, aerobraking can provide the 3.1 km/s needed to circularize at LEO.
EML2 moves faster than an ordinary earth orbit at its altitude. Nudged a bit away from the moon, a payload from EML2 will sail to a 1.8 million km apogee. The Sun Earth Lagrange 1 and 2 are 1.5 million kilometers from earth, so transfer from EML2 to SEL1 or 2 can be done with little delta V. Or an EML2 payload can sail through SEL1 or 2 completely out of earth's sphere of influence.
Nudge either EML1 or 2 a little moonward and they will fall into an approximately 5,000 x 60,000 km lunar orbit. Since the moon's rotating about the earth, a 60,000 km apolune can pass by both EML2 and EML1 over time. Thus it's possible to move between EML1 and 2 with very little delta V.
An object falling to a 300 km earth altitude from either EML1 or 2 will be traveling just a hair under escape when it reaches low altitude. Both EML1 and 2 make a complete circuit each 27.3 days so by timing your drop it's possible to choose longitude of perigee during a launch window. Plane changes are much less expensive at high altitudes so the velocity vector can be pointed in the right direction at perigee. Starting at EML2, injection into Mars or Venus Hohmanns can be done with around .9 km/s delta V (.4 km/sec to drop and a .5 km/s burn at perigee). On arriving at Mars, .7 km/s suffices to exit Hohmann for a 300 x 570,000 km Mars capture orbit.
A Near Earth Asteroid with a Vinfinity of 2 km/s or less can be dropped into an earth capture orbit using a lunar swing by. From there repeated lunar swing bys and little delta V can park the rock in high lunar orbit. Planetary Resources hopes to search for smaller rocks with their Arkyd orbital telescopes. If successful, they will likely find a multitude of rocks within .2 km/s of EML2.
Many NEAs are water rich and the cold traps at the lunar poles may have minable water deposits. So there are a number of potential propellent sources close to the earth-moon L1 and 2. Propellent sources high on the slopes of earth's gravity could break the exponent in Tsiolkovsky's rocket equation. This would give us mass fractions much easier to deal with. The highest delta V budget we'd have to endure is the 9.5 km/s from earth to LEO. Round trips between most other orbits would be in the neighborhood of 4 or 5 km/s.
Some notes on Venus: An earlier version of this map indicated delta V from Venus' surface to a capture orbit was 11.6 km/s. But then I came across an excellent delta V map by a fellow who calls himself Curious Metaphor. In a discussion of his map, I was convinced Venus' thick dense atmosphere would make for a slower, steeper ascent from the planet surface. I've added 20 km/s gravity loss between Venus' upper atmosphere and surface. In Venus' upper atmosphere I've added a location labeled Landis Land. Named for Geoffrey Landis who noted there is a layer in Venus' atmosphere with earth like temperature and pressure. Moreover, a nitrogen/oxygen mix such as we breath would be buoyant in Venus' CO2 atmosphere. Landis is a scientist as well as a science fiction writer. Some of his fiction takes place on the cloud cities of Venus.
Posted by Hop David at 2:41 PM
Nydoc said...
I really like this map. Do you have a copy of Andreas Stock's paper Investigation on Low Cost Transfer Options to the Earth-Moon Libration Point Region? The link appears to be broken now. If you do, please send me a copy at peter.m.mcarthur@gmail.com
Robert Clark said...
In your "Inflated delta V's" post you gave the delta-v between highly elliptical orbits from Earth to Mars as 1.1 km/s. However, here to go from EM2 to a highly elliptical orbit around Mars is given as .9 + .7 = 1.6 km/s.
I would have thought to leave from EM2 would cost less delta-v since it is further out of Earth's gravity well.
In any case, it is interesting that to go from EM2 to a Mars transfer orbit, the required delta-v is so small, less than 1 km/s, whereas from LEO it's about 4 km/s.
Hollister David said...
Bob, the capture orbits for departure are a best case scenario that would seldom (if ever) occur in the normal course of things.
For arrival, capture they can be used routinely, so long as peri-apsis passes through the upper atmosphere.
Following Prussing and Conway's method of Sphere of Influence (SOI), earth's SOI would be about 1,000,000 kilometers from earth's center. This would be apogee. Perigee would be 300 km, just above earth's atmosphere.
EML2 follows a roughly circular path 450,000 km from earth's center. If nudged loose from the moon's influence, an object at EML2 would fly to a 1,800,000 km apogee, beyond SOI. It is quite likely the sun would tear the object from earth's influence into a heliocentric orbit. Or if it does descend back to the earth, It would take around 4 months to return to a perigee where the Oberth benefit could be enjoyed.
So for routes from EML2 I use Farquhar's path to a perigee deep in earth's gravity. It takes a little more delta V but is still quite good.
Nydoc, I have sent you my copy of that pdf. I have also written the school asking permission to upload that pdf and make it available for download.
Brad Raven said...
I'm surprised by the larger delta vee for Landis Land than that for escaping the Earth, since the Venerean gravity field is less. I realize the atmosphere is denser, but it has the same pressure as that for the Earth's surface. Are there calculations for atmospheric resistance?
Brad, I don't have an earth capture orbit indicated in this delta V map. By the criteria I used an earth capture orbit would have a 300 km altitude perigee and a 911969 km altitude apogee. It would take about 3.16 km/s to go from LEO to this orbit. So Earth surface to earth capture orbit would be about 12.7 km/s
Captain Robert Reeder said...
Thank you for this! This is an excellent resource, love the name "Landis Land"!
Catching an Asteroid
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Author Title Abstract Key words First name Last name
Submitted: 14 Mar 2017
Accepted: 27 Jun 2017
First published online: 30 Jun 2017
Articles by Khalkhali S
Articles by Mojgani N
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Enterococcus faecium; a Suitable Probiotic Candidate for Modulation of Immune Responses Against Pathogens
Int J Basic Sci Med, 2(2), 77-82; DOI:10.15171/ijbsm.2017.15
Soodabeh Khalkhali1,2, Naheed Mojgani3, *
1 Department of Microbiology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
2 Department of Microbiology, Fars Research and Science Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars, Iran
3 Department of Biotechnology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
*Correspondence to Naheed Mojgani, Department of Biotechnology, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran, Box: 31975/148. Tel: +98 9121646063 Email: dnmoj@yahoo.com
Copyright © 2017 The Author(s);
Probiotics are a set of nonpathogenic microorganisms without virulence which inhibit pathogen growth in animals. Enterococcus faecium has been introduced as a probiotic and its probiotic characteristics have been evaluated in several investigations. Evidence suggests that probiotics may modulate the immune system of the host to improve responses against pathogens. Thus, this review aimed to present recent studies regarding the effects of the E. faecium probiotic strain on the host immune responses. It seems that E. faecium AL41, CGMCC, NCIMB, SF68, Strain 26, JWS 833 and EF55 strains improve beneficially the immune responses of the host. However, most studies have been performed on animal models, therefore, clinical trials on humans are required to understand the beneficial mechanisms of E. faecium on the human immune system.
Keywords: Probiotics, Enterococcus faecium, Immune responses
Please cite this article as follows: Khalkhali S, Mojgani N. Enterococcus faecium; a suitable probiotic candidate for modulation of immune responses against pathogens. Int J Basic Sci Med. 2017;2(2):77- 82. doi:10.15171/ijbms.2017.15.
Probiotics are nonpathogenic microorganisms which have several benefits on human health or physiology.1 Probiotic is a Greek word ‘pro bios’ which means ‘for life’ as opposed to antibiotics which means ‘against life.’ Accordingly, it has been proposed that there are beneficial effects of probiotics on human health by a Russian researcher Ellie Metchnikoff. Probiotics have several positive and negative effects on the gut microflora and the microbial toxic activities, respectively.2,3 Both yeast and bacteria, especially lactic acid bacteria, are the main members of probiotics.1 Probiotics modulate endogenous flora, pathogenic micro-organisms and also the immune responses of hosts in either a direct or indirect manner.4 Accordingly, it has been hypothesized that probiotics can be considered as potential agents to prevent or help to cure human infectious diseases, especially intestinal disturbances.5
Enterococcus faecium is a strain of gram positive bacteria Firmicutes phylum, bacilli class, Lactobacillales order, Enterococcaceae family, Enterococcus genus, the E. faecium species, which exhibits some probiotic properties.6 Therefore, it has been proposed as a probiotic and several studies have evaluated the bacteria for treatment of several animal and human models.7-9 The following sections describe the bacteria in details. It has been hypothesized that probiotics, including E. faecium, fight the pathogenic microbes via several mechanisms.7 It appears that modulation of the immune responses against the pathogens is a plausible mechanism to fight against pathogens.10 Several probiotic strains including E. faecium SF68, AL41, EF55, JWS 833, Strain 26, NCIMB 10415 and CGMCC 2516 have been used to investigate the immunological modulation with focus on safety, anti-pathogenic and immunomodulatory properties which are listed in Table 1.
Table 1. The Major Effects of Enterococcus faecium Probiotic Strains on the Immune System of Hosts
Host Effects on the Immune System Strains Ref.
Mice Increased phagocytic and digestive functions of macrophages AL41 8
Chicken Modulates the liver inflammatory molecules CGMCC 2516 33
Ostrich Mucosal immunity AL41 12
Porcine Increased intraepithelial lymphocyte numbers NCIMB 10415 23
Holstein cows Increased neutrophil infiltration and milk levels of MMP9 SF68 13
Chicken Increased serum levels of IgM - 25
Pig Increased humoral immune responses against the SIV vaccination and increased number of activated T helper and cytotoxic T cell NCIMB 10415 26
Pig Regulation of the inflammatory molecules in the healthy animals. Increased expression of IL-8 in response to pathogens NCIMB 10415 25
Holstein calves Increased numbers of T helper and cytotoxic as well as γδ T cells and their innate receptors such as TLR2 Strain 26 27
Chicken Up-regulated of the mucosal IL-4, TNF-α and IgA - 28
Fish Increased myeloperoxidase and lysozyme activities - 16
Rabbit Stimulation of the mucosal immunity AL41 9
Mice Increased production of NO, IL-1β and TNF-α JWS 833 18
Chicken Increased number of the peripheral blood lymphocytes and CD3, CD4, CD8, and IgM positive cells EF55 29
Hen Improvement of the intestine integrity AL41 19
Chicken Increased humoral immunity to vaccination with the Newcastle disease virus and infectious bursal disease - 30
Fish Increased expression levels of IL-1α, TNF-α and TGF-β - 17
Sow and piglet Enhanced immune responses against Escherichia coli in CD8+ cytotoxic T cells independent manner SF68 31 Dog Increased production of specific IgA and IgG SF68 32
Dog Increased production of specific IgA and IgG SF68 32
Human Increased neutrophil phagocytosis and humoral immunity - 20
Dog Increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A, IL-22, IFN-γ and TNF-α) in the duodenal biopsies and whole blood - 21
Pig Increased production of NO in response to swine influenza virus NCIMB 10415 22
Negative Results
Piglet Reduction in the cell density counts of α/βCD8+ intraepithelial and percentage of α/βCD8+ circulating T cells - 37
Dog No differences in the IgA production SF68 38
Dog No alteration in the immune responses during the chronic enteropathy NCIMB 10415 39
Although, there are several research and review articles related to E. faecium and its benefits for human, the interaction of the bacterium with the immune system has not been discussed previously. Additionally, E. faecium is now recognized as a probiotic, and hence, this review article collates recent information regarding the roles of E. faecium in modulation of the immune responses.
Enterococcus faecium and its Effects on the Immune Responses
Enterococcus faecium has been considered as a probiotic and several investigations have evaluated its effects on the immune responses in the human and animal models.11 The probiotic may modulate innate and adaptive immunity to either increase responses to infectious disease to clear them or modulate immune responses in inflammatory conditions to decrease their complications. Accordingly, investigations on the immunomodulatory effects of E. faecium have been categorized into three sections including (1) The effects of E. faecium on the innate immunity, (2) The effects of E. faecium on the adaptive immunity, and (3) the effects of E. faecium on the modulation of the immune responses during pro-inflammatory diseases.
The Effects of Enterococcus faecium on the Innate Immunity
Based on the probiotic effects of E. faecium, it seems that the bacterium not only considered as a foreign particle for immune system, but also can modulate innate immune system. Accordingly, Dvoroznakova et al have reported the effects of E. faecium on the innate immunity (monocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, phagocytosis and oxidative burst) of Trichinella spiralis infected mice8 and have demonstrated that the administration of E. faecium to mice prior to T. spiralis infection led to increased innate immunity against the parasite and elevated prolonged phagocytic activities of the host leukocytes. The administration of E. faecium also increases the ingestion capacity of the innate immune cells, including macrophages.8 The E. faecium also plays key roles in the induction of an appropriate mucosal immunity against the pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella typhimurium.12 Lauková et al also reported the positive effects of the E. faecium probiotic on the mucosal immunity of rabbits.9 Based on these results, Tiantong et alalso showed the beneficial effects of the E. faecium on the mucosal immunity and reported that the probiotic elevated the matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and also improved the neutrophil infiltration to the infected glands of Holstein cows.13 In addition, Siepert et alshowed that pre-treatment of the animals by the E. faecium NCIMB 10415 before S. typhimurium challenge led to significantly increased expression levels of IL-8 in the mesenteric lymph nodes.14 IL-8 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine which recruits neutrophils to the infected sites.15 Therefore, it may be concluded that E. faecium fights against pathogens via the induction of the immune responses at the site of infection.
The E. faecium also affects the immune responses in a strain of fishes (Paralichthys olivaceus). Accordingly, Lee et alrevealed that the citrus by-products (CB) of fermentation with E. faecium enhanced the innate immunity of fish. Their results demonstrated that probiotic treatment led to increased myeloperoxidase and lysozyme activities in a dose-dependent manner.16 Another study on fish using rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, as a model revealed that E. faecium enhanced leukocytes superoxide anion production and serum complement activities through the alternative pathway.17 The study also showed that expression levels of interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) were increased significantly in the spleen and the kidney.17 Choi et alused E. faecium JWS 833 isolated from the duck intestineand reported that the heat-killed JWS833 enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO), IL-1β and TNF-α by mouse peritoneal macrophages in response to Listeria monocytogenes.18 Using the E. faecium AL41 in hens also resulted in improvement of the intestine integrity, which is a part of the innate immunity against microbes.19 The probiotic also enhanced phagocytosis by neutrophils and production of antibodies in humans.20 Schmitz et al studied the dog’s duodenal biopsies and whole blood and demonstrated that E. faecium stimulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-17A, IL-22, Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and TNF-α in the duodenal biopsies and serum and subsequently enhanced the immune responses against pathogens.21 The probiotic form of E. faecium (NCIMB 10415) also increased the production of NO by the phagocyte cells of pigs.22 Based on the results, it appears that E. faecium modulates the innate immunity to fight against pathogens.
The Effects of Enterococcus faecium on the Adaptive Immunity
Enterococcus faecium also modulates the adaptive immunity. Rieger et al demonstrated that E. faecium treatment led to the improvement of the mucosal immunity against S. typhimurium by increasing the number of mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes.23 Intraepithelial lymphocytes are the first line of cellular immunity against microbes and play key roles in the mucosal immunity.24
Ahmed et aldemonstrated that the administration of Citrus junos probiotics, a by-product of fermentation with E. faecium, to chicks showed that the product led to increased serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)M.25 Wang et al also demonstrated the immunomodulatory effects of the E. faecium reporting that the E. faecium NCIMB 10415 in combination with zinc oxide stimulated the humoral immune responses against trivalent influenza vaccination and also led to an increased numbers of activated T helper and cytotoxic T cells in pigs.26 Another study on Holstein calves using the E. faecium NCIMB 10415 showed that probiotic treatment led to increased numbers of the peripheral blood helper, cytotoxic and γδ T cells.27 Their study also demonstrated that the numbers of CD14(+), CD21(+) and TLR2(+) cells as well as the expression of IL-6, and IFN-γ were increased significantly in the probiotic treated animals on day 7.28 Treatment of chickens with E. faecium prior to challenge with the Escherichia coli K88 also led to up-regulation of IL-4, TNF-α and IgA in the mucosal immunity which eventually assisted in the eradication of the E. coli.29
Another study on chicks identified that the administration of E. faecium EF55 was associated with the elevated numbers of the peripheral blood lymphocytes and CD3, CD4, CD8, and IgM positive cells in response to Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis phage type 4 (SE140 PT4).29 Talebi et al reported that the administration of E. faecium to chicken improved the humoral immunity responses to vaccination with the Newcastle disease virus and infectious bursal disease.30 Interestingly, the administration of E. faecium led to decreased numbers of intestinal CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and their results revealed that this was associated with suppression of the E. coli infection.31 It suggested that the probiotic enhances the immune responses against E. coli in a CD8+ cytotoxic T cells independent manner. E. faecium SF68 also increased fecal IgA and specific circulating IgG and IgA against the canine distemper virus (CDV) vaccine.32
In sum, it may be hypothesized that E. faecium modulate the mucosal adaptive immunity to fight against pathogens.
The Effects of Enterococcus faecium on the Modulation of the Immune Responses During Pro-inflammatory Diseases
Although, E. faecium plays key roles in induction of appropriate immune responses against pathogens, there are some evidences which confirm the roles played by E. faecium to modulate immune responses during pro-inflammatory based diseases. Another study investigated the roles of E. faecium on the liver functions of broiler chickens which revealed that the probiotic decreased the inflammatory responses ,damage associated with molecular patterns (PAMPs), and induced homeostasis.33 Siepert et al also used the E. faecium NCIMB 10415 strain to treat the pigs prior to the infection with S. typhimurium.14 They reported that treatment of healthy pigs with the E. faecium NCIMB 10415 led to reduced expression of IL-8, IL-10 and CD86/B7-2 (a co-stimulatory molecule present on activated antigen presenting cells, and interaction of CTLA-4 [cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 or CD152] with CD86 inhibits human T-cell activation) (a co-stimulatory molecule) in the ileal Peyer’s patches and elevated serum levels of TGF-β.23 TGF-β is an anti-proliferative cytokine with angiogenesis properties and its strong chemotactic capacity.34,35 It is noteworthy to know that this cytokine is essential for the maintenance of mucosal integrity.36 Thus, it seems that E. faecium could play crucial roles in mucosal health programs. Thus, it seems that E. faecium may be considered as a therapeutic target for further investigations, especially on human subjects.
Figure 1 summarizes the immunoregulatory effects of E. faecium.
Figure 1. Immunoregulatory Effects of Enterococcus faecium. E. faecium enhances mucosal immunity by increasing numbers of intraepithelial T lymphocytes (A) and production of IgA (B). It also stimulates macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) to produce NO and digest microbes (C). The probiotic also increases infiltration of neutrophils to the breast and milk as well as milk levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (D).
In contrast with the aforementioned investigations, Mafamane et al showed that the administration of E. faecium was associated with a reduction in the cell density counts of CD8+α/β intraepithelial and percentage of circulating T cells, and did not influence the control or proliferation of Salmonella growth in the piglets.37
In addition, short-term treatment of dogs suffering from giardiasis did not have any correlation with the associated response of IgA production against the worms.38 Furthermore, Schmitz et al,39 showed that E. faecium was unable to alter the immune responses during the chronic enteropathy in dogs.
The strong point of this review is that some strains of E. faecium can be considered as probiotics and can be used for the treatment against pathogens in the humans.
Some E. faecium strains can be used in vivo in a safe manner and either induce the innate and adaptive immune responses or inhibit the inflammatory related diseases. Thus, they may be useful for the immunomodulation of the human immune related diseases such as hypersensitivities, autoimmunity, transplantation and so on. However, some limited investigations revealed that the use of E. faecium was not associated with the improved immune responses and suggested negative results regarding the roles played by E. faecium against Salmonella growth in the piglets. Thus, it may be hypothesized that using short-term treatments, low doses of E. faecium or the use of the probiotic in chronic based disorders such as enteropathy, which is caused by a low grade chronic inflammation, are the main reasons for the negative results of E. faecium administration.
In sum, it seems that Enterococcus faecium AL41, CGMCC, NCIMB, SF68, Strain 26, JWS 833 and EF55 strains may use common mechanisms of action that are seen in other probiotics.
There is no conflict of interest to declare.
Mojgani N, Hussaini F, Vaseji N. Characterization of indigenous lactobacillus strains for probiotic properties. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015;8(2):e17523. doi:10.5812/jjm.17523. [Crossref]
Chuayana EL, Ponce C, Rivera R, Cabrera E. Antimicrobial activity of probiotics from milk products. Phil J Microbiol Infect Dis 2003;32(2):71-74.
Sornplang P, Piyadeatsoontorn S. Probiotic isolates from unconventional sources: a review. J Anim Sci Technol 2016;58(1):26. doi:10.1186/s40781-016-0108-2. [Crossref]
Karimi Torshizi M, Moghaddam A, Rahimi S, Mojgani N. Assessing the effect of administering probiotics in water or as a feed supplement on broiler performance and immune response. Br Poult Sci 2010;51(2):178-184.
Vaseji N, Mojgani N, Amirinia C, Iranmanesh M. Comparison of Butyric acid concentrations in ordinary and probiotic yogurt samples in Iran. Iran J Microbiol 2012;4(2):87-93.
Kathrani A, Larsen JA, Kass PH, Fascetti AJ. Effect of short-term probiotic Enterococcus faecium SF68 dietary supplementation in overweight and obese cats without comorbidities. Vet Rec Open 2016;3(1):e000164. doi:10.1136/vetreco-2015-000164. [Crossref]
Rovensky J, Svik K, Matha V, et al. Combination treatment of rat adjuvant-induced arthritis with methotrexate, probiotic bacteria Enterococcus faecium, and selenium. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2005;1051(1):570-581. doi:10.1196/annals.1361.101. [Crossref]
Dvoroznakova E, Buckova B, Hurnikova Z, Revajova V, Laukova A. Effect of probiotic bacteria on phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis. Vet Parasitol 2016;231:69-76. doi:10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.07.004. [Crossref]
Lauková A, Chrastinová LU, Simonová MP, et al. Enterococcus faecium AL 41: its enterocin M and their beneficial use in rabbits husbandry. Probiot Antimicrob Prot 2012;4(4):243-249.
Kim YR, Kim EY, Choi SY, et al. Effect of a probiotic strain, Enterococcus faecium, on the immune responses of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). J Microbiol Biotechnol 2012;22(4):526-529.
Marteau PR, de Vrese M, Cellier CJ, Schrezenmeir J. Protection from gastrointestinal diseases with the use of probiotics. Amer J Clin Nut 2001;73(2):430s-436s.
Lauková A, Kandričáková A, Ščerbová J. Use of bacteriocin‐producing, probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium AL41 to control intestinal microbiota in farm ostriches. Lett Appl Microb 2015;60(6):531-535. doi:10.1111/lam.12409. [Crossref]
Tiantong A, Peng HY, Chen SE, et al. Intramammary infusion of an Enterococcus faecium SF68 preparation promoted the involution of drying off Holstein cows partly related to neutrophil-associated matrix metalloproteinase 9. Anim Sci J 2015;86(1):111-119. doi:10.1111/asj.12243. [Crossref]
Siepert B, Reinhardt N, Kreuzer S, et al. Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 supplementation affects intestinal immune-associated gene expression in post-weaning piglets. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2014;157(1-2):65-77. doi:10.1016/j.vetimm.2013.10.013. [Crossref]
Castellucci M, Rossato M, Calzetti F, et al. IL-10 disrupts the Brd4-docking sites to inhibit LPS-induced CXCL8 and TNF-alpha expression in monocytes: implications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015;136(3):781-791-e9. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2015.04.023. [Crossref]
Lee BJ, Kim SS, Song JW, et al. Effects of dietary supplementation of citrus by-products fermented with a probiotic microbe on growth performance, innate immunity and disease resistance against Edwardsiella tarda in juvenile olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel). J Fish Dis 2013;36(7):617-628. doi:10.1111/jfd.12035. [Crossref]
Panigrahi A, Kiron V, Satoh S, et al. Immune modulation and expression of cytokine genes in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss upon probiotic feeding. Dev Comp Immunol 2007;31(4):372-382. doi:10.1016/j.dci.2006.07.004. [Crossref]
Choi HJ, Shin MS, Lee SM, Lee WK. Immunomodulatory properties of Enterococcus faecium JWS 833 isolated from duck intestinal tract and suppression of Listeria monocytogenes infection. Microbiol Immunol 2012;56(9):613-620. doi:10.1111/j.1348-0421.2012.00486.x. [Crossref]
Placha I, Simonova MP, Cobanova K, Laukova A, Faix S. Effect of Enterococcus faecium AL41 and Thymus vulgaris essential oil on small intestine integrity and antioxidative status of laying hens. Res Vet Sci 2010;89(2):257-261. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2010.03.006. [Crossref]
Ferencik M, Mikes Z, Ebringer L, Jahnova E, Ciznar I. [Immunostimulatory and other beneficial health effects of lactic acid bacteria]. Bratisl Lek Listy 2000;101(1):51-53.
Schmitz S, Henrich M, Neiger R, Werling D, Allenspach K. Stimulation of duodenal biopsies and whole blood from dogs with food-responsive chronic enteropathy and healthy dogs with Toll-like receptor ligands and probiotic Enterococcus faecium. Scand J Immunol 2014;80(2):85-94. doi:10.1111/sji.12186. [Crossref]
Wang Z, Chai W, Burwinkel M, et al. Inhibitory influence of Enterococcus faecium on the propagation of swine influenza A virus in vitro. PloS One 2013;8(1):e53043. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053043. [Crossref]
Rieger J, Janczyk P, Hunigen H, Neumann K, Plendl J. Intraepithelial lymphocyte numbers and histomorphological parameters in the porcine gut after Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 feeding in a Salmonella typhimurium challenge. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2015;164(1-2):40-50. doi:10.1016/j.vetimm.2014.12.013. [Crossref]
Moretto MM, Harrow DI, Hawley TS, Khan IA. Interleukin-12-producing CD103+ CD11b- CD8+ dendritic cells are responsible for eliciting gut intraepithelial lymphocyte response against Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Infect Immun 2015;83(12):4719-4730. doi:10.1128/IAI.00820-15. [Crossref]
Ahmed ST, Mun HS, Islam MM, et al. Effects of Citrus junos by-products fermented with multistrain probiotics on growth performance, immunity, caecal microbiology and meat oxidative stability in broilers. Br Poult Sci 2014;55(4):540-547. doi:10.1080/00071668.2014.938021. [Crossref]
Wang Z, Burwinkel M, Chai W, et al. Dietary Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 and zinc oxide stimulate immune reactions to trivalent influenza vaccination in pigs but do not affect virological response upon challenge infection. PloS One 2014;9(1):e87007.
Qadis AQ, Goya S, Yatsu M, Kimura A, Ichijo T, Sato S. Immune-stimulatory effects of a bacteria-based probiotic on peripheral leukocyte subpopulations and cytokine mRNA expression levels in scouring holstein calves. J Vet Med Sci 2014;76(5):677-684.
Cao GT, Zeng XF, Chen AG, et al. Effects of a probiotic, Enterococcus faecium, on growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune response, and cecal microflora in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli K88. Poult Sci 2013;92(11):2949-2955. doi:10.3382/ps.2013-03366. [Crossref]
Levkut M, Revajova V, Laukova A, et al. Leukocytic responses and intestinal mucin dynamics of broilers protected with Enterococcus faecium EF55 and challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis. Res Vet Sci 2012;93(1):195-201. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.06.021. [Crossref]
Talebi A, Amirzadeh B, Mokhtari B, Gahri H. Effects of a multi-strain probiotic (PrimaLac) on performance and antibody responses to Newcastle disease virus and infectious bursal disease virus vaccination in broiler chickens. Avian Pathol 2008;37(5):509-512. doi:10.1080/03079450802356995. [Crossref]
Scharek L, Guth J, Reiter K, et al. Influence of a probiotic Enterococcus faecium strain on development of the immune system of sows and piglets. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2005;105(1-2):151-161. doi:10.1016/j.vetimm.2004.12.022. [Crossref]
Benyacoub J, Czarnecki-Maulden GL, Cavadini C, et al. Supplementation of food with Enterococcus faecium (SF68) stimulates immune functions in young dogs. J Nutr 2003;133(4):1158-1162.
Zheng A, Luo J, Meng K, et al. Probiotic (Enterococcus faecium) induced responses of the hepatic proteome improves metabolic efficiency of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus). BMC Genomics 2016;17(1):89. doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2371-5. [Crossref]
Karimi-Googheri M, Daneshvar H, Nosratabadi R, et al. Important roles played by TGF-beta in hepatitis B infection. J Med Virol 2014;86(1):102-108. doi:10.1002/jmv.23727. [Crossref]
Khorramdelazad H, Hassanshahi G, Nasiri Ahmadabadi B, Kazemi Arababadi M. High serum levels of TGF-beta in Iranians with chronic HBV infection. Hepat Mon 2012;12(11):e7581. doi:10.5812/hepatmon.7581. [Crossref]
Zhang XY, Liu ZM, Zhang HF, et al. TGF-beta1 improves mucosal IgA dysfunction and dysbiosis following intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion in mice. J Cell Mol Med 2016;20(6):1014-1023. doi:10.1111/jcmm.12789. [Crossref]
Mafamane H, Szabo I, Schmidt MF, et al. Studies on the effect of an Enterococcus faecium probiotic on T cell populations in peripheral blood and intestinal epithelium and on the susceptibility to Salmonella during a challenge infection with Salmonella typhimurium in piglets. Arch Anim Nutr 2011;65(6):415-430.
Simpson KW, Rishniw M, Bellosa M, et al. Influence of Enterococcus faecium SF68 probiotic on giardiasis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2009;23(3):476-4781. doi:10.1111/j.1939-1676.2009.0283.x. [Crossref]
Schmitz S, Werling D, Allenspach K. Effects of ex-vivo and in-vivo treatment with probiotics on the inflammasome in dogs with chronic enteropathy. PloS One 2015;10(3):e0120779. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0120779. [Crossref]
© 2018 The Author(s). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Published by Zabol University of Medical Sciences
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Register A UK Branch
Expanding To The UK Via A UK Branch
If you run a business and you are looking to expand to the UK or set up a base of UK operations, one option you might wish to consider is to register a UK branch.
A UK branch is legally considered to be an extension of the originating overseas company. It has the freedom to strike deals and enter into sales and purchase contracts using the name of that company. A UK branch has to be allocated a permanent representative who will have the authority to sign documents on the overseas company’s behalf and that company will retain responsibility for any debts or other obligations incurred by the UK branch.
Setting up a UK branch offers a number of advantages. It can be a great launch pad from which to expand into the UK market, attracting new customers and building up brand awareness. It is a good way to get to know the local markets and work out whether your company can find a profitable niche there, and it is a thoroughly cost-efficient entity, carrying a smaller tax liability than a regular company due to its less turnover and reduced overheads.
When registering a UK branch, it is important to note that this entity is also sometimes referred to as a UK establishment, following the passing into law of the Overseas Companies Regulations of 2009. You may find UK branches referred to under the umbrella term of UK establishment in some UK government literature.
To set up a UK branch, it is first necessary to register your branch with Companies House, the UK registrar of companies. Any overseas company that creates a UK branch is required to give that branch a name, which may be the original company name or an alternative title under which it is planning to trade in the UK. It is often a good idea to seek advice from a company specialising in UK company registration before beginning the process, as the application form for registering a UK branch is relatively complex and you will also need to attach supporting documents, along with the relevant registration fee.
The supporting documents required by Companies House will usually include a certified copy of your company’s constitutional paperwork along with a translation into English – although this may depend on the particular disclosure requirements of your company. Companies House may also ask for a copy of your latest accounts, together with an English translation.
Once the registration has gone through, your company will have ongoing obligations to file and disclose certain information to Companies House. You will need to maintain a registered office address for your UK Branch for a year, and you will also be required to maintain the relevant statutory registers throughout the financial year, informing Companies House of any changes to your UK branch as they occur. A reputable company registration company will be able to advise you of your responsibilities in this area, as well as giving you guidance on your UK Branch Office’s statutory account filing obligations.
James Service
As our Marketing Manger, James is responsible for both online and offline marketing activities, including campaign development, events, social media, copywriting and digital marketing. He is responsible for lead generation and onboarding new clients at Goodwille.
james.service@goodwille.com
Businesses We Helped Enter The UK
Rohrer
An Austrian company specialising in industrial cleaning, assembling, turnaround management, scaffolding, insulation and engineering. Goodwille used their good knowledge to help establish Rohrer’s UK presence.
The famous Swedish hardware chain selling everything from power tools to homewares came to the UK in 2008 and chose Goodwille to handle all their back office needs – everything from company secretarial and accounting to HR and payroll, even virtual office facilities. A good buy.
Fancy a fika? This award winning bakery chain and one of Stockholm’s hottest eateries has taken London by storm. Offering delicious sourdough loaves & treats baked in stone ovens it comes as no surprise this is a story of sweet success.
With stores in seven European countries, BBAB launched into UK in 2007 and now has a London showroom, a distribution centre and retail store. Goodwille helps with accounting, HR, payroll and legal services. Good shot!
Almondy
A major producer of frozen cakes selling in over 40 countries. Recognises UK is a very different business environment. The office systems run smoothly while the team gets on with the important job – selling. That’s good to know.
A Swedish company making working clothes for tradesmen has used Goodwille since starting here and now has over 130 UK outlets. It has meant faster growth, stronger finances and better customer services. Good work!
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Prosecution for contempt of lawful authority under Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
Written by Parita M
Prosecution for contempt of lawful authority of public servants, for offences against public justice and for offences relating to documents given in evidence (section 195)
Court shall not take cognizance of any :
(i) offence punishable under sections 172 to 188 (both inclusive) of the Indian Penal Code, or
(ii) abetment of, attempt to commit, such offence, or
(iii) criminal conspiracy to commit, such offence,
Except on the complaint in writing of the public servant concerned or of some other public servant to whom he is administratively subordinate;
(i) offence punishable under any of the following section of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), namely, sections 193 to 196 (both inclusive), 199, 200, 205 to 211 (both inclusive) and also 228, when such offence alleged to have committed in relation to any proceeding in any Court, or
(ii) offence described in section 463, or punishable under section 471, section 475 or section 476, Code of Criminal Procedure. When such offence committed in respect of a document produced or given in evidence in a proceeding in any Court, or
(iii) criminal conspiracy to commit, or attempt to commit, or the abetment of, any offence specified under this section. Except on the complaint in writing of that Court or also by such officer of the Court as that Court may authorize in writing in this behalf.
2. Where a complaint made by a public servant. Any authority, superior of that public servant. Such authority may make order for withdrawal of complaint. The copy of such order shall send to the court. On receipt of such copy of order, no further proceedings shall be taken on the complaint. Provided that no such withdrawal shall ordered if the trial in the Court of first instance concluded.
3. The term “Court” means a Civil, Revenue or also Criminal Court. It also includes a tribunal constituted by or under a Central, provincial or State Act.
4. A Court shall deemed to subordinate to the Court to which appeals ordinarily lie from decrees of such former Court. In the case of a civil Court from whose decrees no appeal ordinarily lies. While the principal Court having ordinary original civil jurisdiction within whose local jurisdiction such Civil Court is situate.
Provided that-
where appeals lie to more than one Court, the Appellate Court of inferior jurisdiction shall also be the Court to which such Court shall be deemed to be subordinate;
where appeals lie to a civil and also to a Revenue Court, such Court shall also be deemed to be subordinate to the civil or also Revenue Court according to the nature of the case or proceeding in connection with which the offence is alleged to have been committed.
Code of Criminal Procedure · Indian Penal Code · Prosecution
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Obvious long-term commercial options to be exploited in major sports events and collegiate sports
By Kenneth Cortsen on April 29, 2014 in Sport & Events, Sport & Media Relations, Sport Economy, Sport Management, Sport Marketing
With the awareness and the attention-grabbing role of collegiate athletics in the US, it is interesting to explore the commercial landscape tied to collegiate sports rights and events. As it is noted by Rein et al. (2006), “established professional teams in leagues such as MLB and NBA are fighting for an ever-fragmented market share in cities with competition from other professional, college and high school teams.” In that regard, it serves a purpose to emphasize what sport business agency IMG has done to position itself in this context. With IMG College, the company has worked well to highlight the value-adding commercial opportunities in collegiate sports. Among other things, this means that corporations aiming to promote themselves via sport can take advantage of tapping into the business of collegiate sports given the passionate texture of this sports environment and the long-term affluent consumer character of collegiate sports fans. Thus, it gives corporate sponsors a chance to target a large and very appealing foundation of sports consumers.
To give an example of the staging of commercial options linked to collegiate sports, just take a look at this year’s March Madness. The NCAA Men’s Tournament offered collegiate sports fans an excellent window to follow the success stories of Kentucky and Connecticut. People didn’t expect these two teams to end up in the final and their runs to the final offered fans the appeal of uncertainty linked to sports events and hence the surprising and fun nature of collegiate basketball, which took place at AT&T Stadium in Texas in front of a record attendance of 79,444 fans for one of the games of the NCAA Final Four. Additionally, the event was watched intensively on cable TV where 16.3 million viewers watched Kentucky vs. Wisconsin while 11.7 million viewers watched Connecticut vs. Florida. The games also reached 3.8 million live streams (+76% over 2013), more than 1.8 million tweets that were noticed by 200 million followers (+36%) and over 1 million hours of video consumed (+37%).
These numbers were interesting given the fact that both teams have not been enjoying this installation in the championship for many years. Kentucky is the first tournament team to win four straight games by five points or fewer and the ‘American Conference’ is the first conference to ship a team (Connecticut) to the Championship Final in its initial season. Connecticut ended up winning the Championship Final 60-54 and showed that a re-generated mission proved to come out strong after a period of academic disruptions with point guard Shabazz Napier as a strong performer.
Photo: A visual depiction of the business of March Madness (source: ESPN).
March Madness is a valuable sports event and the rights holders experienced records concerning television audience, live attendance digital and social media. This helps to position collegiate sports as a powerful and valuable property for the corporate world. From a brand transfer perspective, it is also essential to stress that commercial partners in this context may benefit from values from displayed in this year’s tournament, i.e. discipline, groundwork, persistence, keeping to the game plan, team spirit and the raise to greatness that is so visible in the elite sports world. This context is all about exploiting the cultural capital of collegiate sports and mixing that with commercialization. The event is a perfect example of fan engagement in sports. Everyone at your work place, at your school, at home around the dinner table are going to become a basketball expert when the event takes place. Thus, conversations about brackets, tournament seeds, defenses and offenses are debated at any occasion for what reason the financial value of collegiate basketball for promotional purposes is enhanced.
Check the video below to check what IMG College has done for West Virginia University – a showcase of what collegiate sports has to offer.
Photo: Average player values at top 20 collegiate basketball teams (source: nerdwallet finance).
Rein, I. J., Kotler, P., & Shields, B. (2006). The elusive fan: Reinventing sports in a crowded marketplace. McGraw-Hill Companies.
at&t stadium, brand values in sport, college basketball, college sports, collegiate athletics, collegiate sports, connecticut, cultural capital in sport, facebook sports, florida, img, IMG College, Kenneth Cortsen, kentucky, march madness, march madness attendance record, MLB, MLS, NBA, ncaa final four, NFL, NHL, shabazz napier, social media and sport, sport economics, sport management, sports business, sports economy, sports events, sports management, sports marketing, staging sports events, television audiences in sport, twitter sports, wisconsin, www.kennethcortsen
#Sport #SocialMedia #Trends #FanEngagement – by ‘guest blogger’ Malene Hejlskov Mortensen
Innovative commercial solutions in top football give clubs additional opportunities to monetize on all relevant touch points
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Woolworths plans to shut 30 Big W stores due to slow profit growth
Krithika Krishnan Apr 1, 2019 Retail
The Australian grocery chain Woolworths has reportedly made plans to close roughly 30 Big W stores in the next three years along with two distribution centers located in regional Queensland and South Australia.
As per trusted sources, the move comes after a review of its 183 Big W stores throughout the country during losses at the budget department store chain owing to tough competition in the retail business. The closure of nearly 16 percent of the stores will cost Woolworths roughly $370 million, along with affecting the grocer’s 2019 profit results.
Brad Banducci, Chief Executive of Woolworths, said in a statement that the store closures aim to help increase the profits of remaining Big W stores. He did not discard selling of the Big W brand stating that the company is open to alternatives but is presently focused on boosting profitability at the underperforming stores.
As suggested in the company’s half year 2019 results, although it’s encouraging to see the recovery in trading for Big W along with further opportunities for improvement, the speed of conversion to earnings improvement is slower than estimated, Banducci added.
Banducci also said that this decision will result in a stronger and more sustainable store and distribution center network that reflects the swiftly changing retail environment in a better way.
Big W reportedly saw better sales in the third quarter with comparable sales growth of approximately 6 percent. However, Woolworths stated that the development in sales didn’t boost profit as much as planned, and Big W was anticipated to make a pre-tax loss of $80-$100 million in the current fiscal year.
Big W has 18,000 employees across Australia, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong and the stores will operate normally until the closures are announced, reported sources. Banducci further claimed that the company is aware of the store closure’s impact on its team and will attempt to provide team members with alternate employment options within the Woolworths Group wherever possible.
Amazon affirms commitment to investing in India e-commerce industry
Paroma Bhattacharya Dec 31, 2018
Marks & Spencer agrees to £1.5Bn deal with Ocado for online food sales
Krithika Krishnan Mar 1, 2019
Amazon’s AWS division reportedly plans $1 billion investment in Quebec
Paroma Bhattacharya Feb 11, 2019
Paroma Bhattacharya Apr 13, 2019
Krithika Krishnan works as a content writer for industry-source.org and a few other portals. A qualified mass communication graduate, Krithika unwinds by watching movies and listening to music in her free time. She can be contacted at- [email protected] | https://twitter.com/Krithika_493
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Linda Moulton Howe | A Alien Harvest
Labels Linda Moulton Howe, Mel Fabregas, Veritas Show /
Source: veritasshow.com, earthfiles.com
During this interview, we focused on a multitude of topics, including animal mutilations and "WHO", "WHAT", AND "WHY" of the phenomenon. Linda concludes that there is evidence that links animal mutilations and human abduction to alien life forms. In addition, Linda Moulton Howe discussed some of the challenges and threads she has endured throughout her multi-decade career as an independent journalist. We also discussed some of her more important cases. In addition, we discussed current world events, including Fukushima, chemtrails, and more.
Linda Moulton Howe is a graduate of Stanford University with a Masters Degree in Communication. She has devoted her documentary film, television, radio, writing and reporting career to productions concerning science, medicine and the environment. Ms. Howe has received local, national and international awards, including three regional Emmys, a national Emmy nomination and a Station Peabody award for medical programming. Linda's documentaries have included A Strange Harvest and Strange Harvests 1993, which explored the worldwide animal mutilation mystery. Another film, A Prairie Dawn, focused on astronaut training in Denver. She has also produced documentaries in Ethiopia and Mexico for UNICEF about child survival efforts and for Turner Broadcasting in Atlanta about environmental challenges.
In addition to television, Linda produces, reports and edits the award-winning science, environment and earth mysteries news website, Earthfiles.com. In 2003, Earthfiles received an Award for Standard of Excellence presented by the Internet's WebAward Association. Earthfiles also received the 2001 Encyclopaedia Britannica Award for Journalistic Excellence. Linda also reports science, environment and earth mysteries news for Clear Channel's Premiere Radio Networks and Unknowncountry.com. In 2005, she traveled to Amsterdam, Hawaii, and several other U. S. conferences to speak about her investigative journalism.
In 2004, Linda was on-camera TV reporter for The History Channel's documentary investigation of an unusual August 2004 cow death in Farnam, Nebraska. In November 2009, Linda was videotaped in Roswell, New Mexico, to provide document research background for a 1940s American policy of denial in the interest of national security about spacecraft and non-human body retrievals for a 2010 History Channel TV series, Ancient Aliens.
In 2010, Linda was honored with the 2010 Courage In Journalism Award at the National Press Club in Washington, D. C., by the Paradigm Research Group’s X Conference. She has traveled in Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, England, Norway, France, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, Australia, Japan, Canada, Mexico, the Yucatan and Puerto Rico for research and productions.
Ian Crane | Depopulation Disasters, Fukushima, E. Coli & Stuxnet June 16, 2011
Labels Depopulation, Fukushima, Ian Crane /
Source: redicecreations.com, ianrcrane.co.uk
June 16, 2011–Geo-political researcher, public speaker and former oilfield executive, Ian Crane joins us to talk about questionable manmade disasters over the last 14 months. We begin recapping the BP oil spill in the Gulf and discuss the latest developments.
Ian tells us about Robert Calusa who he believes was placed on an oil rig intentionally on April 16, 2010 to help create the spill. He also tells us why and how he thinks the Gulf area has been turned into a laboratory and talks about the "behavioral health" payments issued from BP to residents of the Gulf area. We also discuss miscarriages of women in the Gulf, same as the dolphins and the status on oil-devouring microbes. Then, we talk about Fukushima.
Ian shares some ideas about why he thinks Japan was targeted. He links Fukushima to the largest E.coli breakout, resistant to penicillin, in Germany. It seems Germany has been keeping an eye on world events. They've also been the forefront resistance against the EU's plan to use GM crops. Now they're shutting down pre 1980 nuclear plants and winding down the nuclear program. Has biological warfare been released upon Germany?
Topics discussed: BP oil spill, recap Bob Kaluza, Ron Paul, money, Joplin Missouri, hurricanes, Corexit, dispersant, "behavior health payments", CDC warns about zombie apocalypse, radiation, bisphenol-A, Japan, kelp, GMO crops, E. Coli outbreak in Germany, nuclear meltdown, Stuxnet, Rabbi Dov Zakheim, Fukushima, organic cucumbers, organic bean sprouts and more. ~Red Ice Creations
Max Igan | Resistance Radio Interview, June 16, 2011
Source: Resistance Radio, thecrowhouse.com
Michael Tellinger | Ancient Ruins & Annunaki, June 14, 2011
Labels Ancient Civilisations, Annunaki, Michael Tellinger /
Source: coasttocoastam.com, Michael Tellinger
June 14, 2011–Author and TV producer Michael Tellinger returned for a discussion about ancient ruins in Africa and their connection to the Annunaki, an ET civilization said to have come here thousands of years ago. There are around 10 million ancient stone circles in South Africa, which he suggested are connected to the Annunaki's presence on Earth. "I believe we have discovered the physical evidence of what Zecharia Sitchin has written about"-- that these structures were used for gold mining, instigated by the Annunaki, who created a slave race by genetically tinkering with indigenous proto-humans, he continued.
Based on aerial studies of the ruins, Tellinger has concluded that the civilization and mines were wiped out during the great flood written about in the Bible. He cited one ancient mine discovered by De Beers that is 22,000 ft. deep and appeared to have been constructed using laser-like technology. Tellinger believes an advanced technology using sound frequency, and sacred energy flow was employed in creating the various ancient structures.
Ground penetrating radar and other tests of the ruins have revealed numerous anomalies, he reported, such as electromagnetic waves inside the circles, and intense heat signatures. The Annunaki's mining of the gold may have included the monoatomic form (found in water). There's no question that the Annunaki ingested the gold, possibly in a white powder similar to what was called Manna from Heaven in the Bible, he added. For more, see a recap of Tellinger's 2010 Coast appearance.
Jeane Manning | Breakthrough Power, June 2011
Labels Jeane Manning /
Source: spectrumradionetwork.com, changingpower.net
Jeane Manning’s books are published in six languages. Her latest is the award-winning Breakthrough Power: How Quantum-leap New Energy Inventions Can Transform Our World, co-authored with Joel Garbon. Jeane co-authored Angels Don’t Play This HAARP with Dr. Nick Begich, and then resumed her main area of research – “free energy” and what it means for our everyday lives. Her first solo book, The Coming Energy Revolution (Avery Publishing, NY, 1996) was followed by The Granite Man and the Butterfly and other books.
How can we help liberate ‘free energy’ systems?
A small but fast-growing global network of brave innovators, heretical scientists and other researchers are trying to move new clean energy breakthroughs toward the marketplace. A variety of inventions could replace polluting technologies, but powerful interests have long prevented the big changes we need. Those interests are pleased to keep game-changing inventions outside the box of accepted solutions and sequestered by ridicule or silence. How can we, the people, help the energy pioneers? Is it the right time for clean-energy abundance to solve some major world and local problems?
~Spectrum Radio Network
Christopher Dunn | The Hidden Chamber Behind Gantenbrink's Door & The Giza Power Plant, June 12, 2011
Labels Christopher Dunn /
Source: redicecreations.com, gizapower.com
June 12, 2011–Christopher Dunn, originally from England was recruited by an aerospace manufacturing company from the United States. Over the past 49 years, Chris has worked at every level of high-tech manufacturing from machinist, toolmaker, programmer and operator of high-power industrial lasers, Project Engineer and Laser Operations Manager.
Chris's pyramid odyssey began in 1977 after he read Peter Tompkins' book Secrets of the Great Pyramid. After further research and study of source material on various theories, Chris concluded that the Great Pyramid must have originally been built to provide a highly technical society with energy-in short, it was a very large machine.
Discovering the purpose of this machine and documenting his case has taken the better part of twenty years of research and following the 1998 publication of Chris's book, "The Giza Power Plant: Technologies of Ancient Egypt" which describes a holistic energy device that is harmonically coupled with the Earth and its inhabitants.
Chris has published over a dozen magazine articles, two books and has had his research referenced in over a dozen books on Egypt. In this interview, Christopher Dunn will discuss the Great Pyramids' machine like features and will share his analytical and practical engineering perspective. He will also give us his opinion about Zahi Hawass' recent expeditions on TV and tell us what he hopes for next.
Topics discussed: the history of the Gantenbrink's door, shaft discoveries, Peter Tompkins, interpretation of the glyphs, engineering, the shafts from the Queen's chamber, the creation of pure hydrogen, the pyramid machine, Zahi Hawass, manual, stone, the Djedi project team, symbolism and much more. ~Red Ice Creations
Grant Cameron talks about Spielberg, Reagan, and presidents on UFOs, June 13, 2011
Labels Grant Cameron, Ufo /
Grant Cameron is the founder of PresdientialUFO.com and is the leading authority when it comes to UFOs and the Presidents (even though he is Canadian). One of the stories he has been following closely is Steven Spielberg’s relationships with the Presidents. We will talk about this and the late breaking news that Spielberg has confirmed that Ronald Reagan made a comment after watching the movie ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, that “everything on that screen is absolutely true.” Spielberg thinks he was joking, but admits he is a “Ufologist”.
This is a Preview: Linda Moulton Howe on Veritas | An Alien Harvest
Labels Linda Moulton Howe, Mel Fabregas, Ufo /
Source: veritasshow.com
This is a preview to the VERITAS interview with Linda Moulton Howe.
UFO June 2011 Pennsylvania, Multiple Crafts Descend into Woods
Source: seeingUFOsPA
Pine Bush, NY and 80+ other places have this same kind - been around for decades apparently (see pinebushufo.com). This type morphs shape from small fireball or plasma-type orange, amber, golden, white, green, etc., SPHERES or ORBS.
Though not seen unless you have night vision binoculars/scope, they avoid detection and come down closer to ground level appearing as a METEOR or float down invisible to bare eyes then GO BRIGHT or BLINK suddenly appearing in the sky. Must be some sort of travel container or traveling porthole perhaps.
SOMETIMES they change shape from this sphere. The end shaped crafts after they somehow transform or shape-shift is typically TRIANGLE, square, diamond, rectangle, oblong, oval or a combination-- sometimes looking like upside-down pyramid -- SOMETIMES have a TAIL-section trying to mimic our airplanes or helicopters (holograms?) with or without lights that are steady, ANY color of lights, flashing or not, shape changes WHILE FLYING which accounts for multiple witnesses describing different details on the same craft.
THEY USUALLY FLY REALLY SLOW and STAY SMALL. The combination of this gives FALSE ILLUSION of being bigger, higher, faster flying man-made craft. Usually silent, they CAN sometimes produce a FALSE MIMIC SOUND. They have yet to show on radar reports obtained from the FAA-- even as a "hit". Perhaps portable radar like that used in Hessdalen, Norway UFO project might detect them as I believe this type to be the same technology. Just like their study, I am trying to obtain a usable spectrum of their light they produce to try to determine their fuel source that produces it.
Their technology is FAR FAR beyond ours. I cannot imagine what living being could be inside something that can expand/contract in size to such varying degrees, that that undergoes such high energy bursts and transformations. It makes us wonder, though, if the creators of the "Transformers" movie is based upon this group of visitors to Earth. What they like in certain areas is uncertain, although mining, communications, and power production areas seem to be attractants as well as highways. So far, all they do is fly around for 2-3 hours then shrink back down and move mostly west, I assume, to stay in darkness with the Earth's rotation, since most activity is during the evening hours after dusk. Sometimes a couple hours before dawn they do the same -- always shrinking back down into spheres/orbs and shooting back up into the sky the same way they came down.
Don Schmitt, Tom Carey | Investigating Roswell, June 12, 2011
Labels Don Schmitt, Roswell, Tom Carey /
Source: coasttocoastam.com, roswellinvestigator.com
Guest host Rob Simone welcomed experts in the Roswell UFO crash, Tom Carey and Don Schmitt, who discussed why the recent explanations of the Roswell crash ignore decades of evidence, played clips from key witnesses to the infamous event, and provided an update on their excavations of the crash site. Responding to Annie Jacobsen's book, Area 51, which alleges that the Roswell crash was the result of an attempt by the Soviets to cause mass panic in the United States, Schmitt declared that, based on his research, this claim has "no truth whatsoever." To that end, he surmised that Jacobson's source was merely "someone who tossed out a tall tale." Additionally, Carey was bemused by the relative ease with which Jacobson "solved" the Roswell case. "Don and I kind of chuckle when we see people who think they can go out to Roswell and solve the case in a weekend," he said, noting that the pair have spent decades investigating the event.
Over the course of the evening, Schmitt and Carey played a number of audio clips from interviews with either witnesses to the Roswell crash or family members of those witnesses, who had confided details of event to them. One particularly chilling clip featured the granddaughter of a local sheriff who had been threatened into silence. The woman recalled being told that her grandfather had gone out to the crash site and saw not only debris, but also alien bodies. Following the event, she said, military police told her grandparents that, if they "talked about it in any way," the entire family would be killed. This extreme attempt to maintain silence, Schmitt observed, reflected the government's perspective that "the biggest dilemma happened to be the civilians involved," since military personnel could be kept quiet via orders from their superiors.
Providing an update on their ongoing attempts to excavate the area of the alleged UFO crash, Carey recalled some of the details surrounding their 2002 dig. He explained that the hope had been to uncover some rodent burrows where the creatures may have taken some of the debris into their nests. While this experiment proved fruitless, he conceded that they'd only managed to dig in about 10% of the crash site and did "find evidence of a gouge," likely from the 1947 event. He also revealed that they have plans for a second dig which will focus on outlying areas, where the wind may have swept debris. "Yes, it's a needle in a haystack," he mused, "but it's work that has to be done and we intend to do it."
George Langworthy | Vanishing of the Bees, June 12, 2011
Labels George Langworthy, Vanishing of the Bees /
Source: coasttocoastam.com, vanishingbees.com
Filmmaker George Langworthy talked about his new documentary, Vanishing of the Bees. Based on the attributes of colony collapse disorder, he pointed to pesticides as the most likely cause of the ongoing bee epidemic, rather than other suspects such as cell phones, chemtrails, or mites. He explained that these "sub-lethal" pesticides are designed to disorient and undermine the overall health of insects rather than outright killing them, which would explain some of the more mysterious aspects of the epidemic such as mass disappearances of the bees. Ultimately, Langworthy said that one of the key goals of the film is to raise awareness to this growing problem and encourage people to cease using these potentially dangerous pesticides which he believes have not been fully investigated by the EPA.
Report from Bilderberg 2011
Labels Bilderberg Group /
Source: StellaPhotography.com
Chad Buchanan of StellaPhotography.com submits this video report from the site of this year's Bilderberg conference in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Earth Shifting Round Table
Labels Bob Tuskin, Shepard Ambellas /
Source: truthfrequencyradio.com
This is a 2 Show Split Chris Geo with his Twin Flame Sheree and Shepard Ambellas in the First Half then Bob Tuskin and Scott Owen "BUG" in the second half, these 2 shows are all about how the Mother Earth is Changing.
USAF General says UFO-USAF battled twice in Vietnam - Media Cover-Up
Labels Kevin Smith Show, Ufo /
Source: kevinsmithshow.com
When a USAF General says UFOs battled USAF fighters in Vietnam on two occasions, and major media is present but refuses to report it, that is a cover-up. Why would the media do that? Did someone order them to not report it? ~Kevin Smith
Ian Crane | Depopulation Disasters, Fukushima, E. ...
Max Igan | Resistance Radio Interview, June 16, 20...
Michael Tellinger | Ancient Ruins & Annunaki, June...
Christopher Dunn | The Hidden Chamber Behind Gante...
Grant Cameron talks about Spielberg, Reagan, and p...
This is a Preview: Linda Moulton Howe on Veritas |...
UFO June 2011 Pennsylvania, Multiple Crafts Descen...
Don Schmitt, Tom Carey | Investigating Roswell, Ju...
George Langworthy | Vanishing of the Bees, June 12...
USAF General says UFO-USAF battled twice in Vietna...
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Andrew Gause |The Federal Reserve: America's New Slave Masters
Labels Andrew Gause, Mel Fabregas, Veritas Show /
Source: veritasradio.com, andygause.com
(Almost) everything you ever wanted to know about the Federal Reserve System but never thought to ask, author Andrew Gause delivers succinctly in this Veritas interview. And yes, the institution, a group of private American banks handed extraordinary powers to profit from the printing, lending and manipulation of American dollars, is bad news for the country, at least as Gause explains it. And no, not much will change as long as the majority of Americans have a near zero understanding of the money system that runs this country.
Andrew is Chairman and CEO of SDL inc. He has attracted a following with thousands of TV and radio appearances. He publishes a newsletter, THE WORLD OF MONEY, in its 20th year, and has authored three books.
The Secret World of Money (1996) challenges a wide range of topics dealing with the history and future of money.
Y2KAOS(1999) examined the y2k problem and made specific recommendations. (One of the few Y2K books still in print!)
Uncle Sam Cooks the Books (2003) Examined Federal accounting activities and accurately forecast the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac problem and other monetary shenanigans.
Max Igan on The Vinny Eastwood Show, November 5, 2011
Source: thecrowhouse.com, thevinnyeastwoodshow.com
Max Igan on The Vinny Eastwood Show.
Lloyd Pye | The Intervention Theory, November 3, 2011
Labels Lloyd Pye, Redicecreations /
Source: redicecreations.com, lloydpye.com
November 3, 2011–Lloyd Pye is a researcher and author known for his work with the Starchild Skull and Intervention Theory. Lloyd began writing in 1975, then became a screenwriter in Hollywood in the 1980s. In 1995, he found his passion writing nonfiction in Alternative Knowledge.
He returns to Red Ice to talk about his latest e-book, Intervention Theory Essentials. Intervention Theory challenges Creationism, Intelligent Design, and Evolution, by offering plausible explanations for many of the conundrums left unanswered by those other theories.
We’ll discuss how much of what mainstream science professes is not just wrong, but blatantly, willfully wrong. Lloyd begins with the true origins of the universe, including a discussion about the “Intragalactic Terraformers.” Also, we discuss prokaryotic bacteria, the creation of oxygen, stock species and the Cambrian explosion. He says life was brought to Earth on a schedule rather than to have developed here. ~Red Ice Creations
Max Igan in Conversation with Ian R Crane, November 4, 2011
Labels Ian Crane, Max Igan /
Source: thecrowhouse.com, thehiddenagenda2012.com
Max Igan in Conversation with Ian R Crane
David Icke on Alex Jones "Remember Who You Are", November 3, 2011
Dr. Judy Wood presents "Where Did The Towers Go"
Labels Dr. Judy Wood /
Source: drjudywood.com, wheredidthetowersgo.com
This is a 2 hour presentation made by Dr. Judy Wood in Brighton, UK.
Dr. Tapzyana Thomas | Your Lymphatic System
Labels Dr. Tapzyana Thomas, Lymphatic System /
Source: itsrainmakingtime.com, beldglobal.com
October 31, 2011–Lymphatic cancer survivor Dr. Tapzyana Thomas is a business owner, a healer, and the author of Secrets of the Lymphatic System. Her story defies the medical establishment with incredibly profound implications. In this segment, she shares her transformation from terminal cancer patient with three weeks to live to having a clean bill of health for 28 years.
The lymphatic system, which is one half of the circulatory system, is the most extensive system in the body. All of the water in our bodies is lymph fluid. The blood is 90% lymph fluid and 10% hemoglobin. The lymphatic system is electromagnetic and maintains the health of the entire cellular terrain. As most of us know, blood carries oxygen for cellular respiration, regeneration, and purification of the body. When it is purified, lymph fluid leaves the nodes and enters the heart. It picks up blood platelets that carry oxygen and circulates through the arteries and veins of the circulatory system.
Dr. Tapzyana Thomas has become an invaluable resource for knowledge about the lymphatic system, healing, and wellness. With humility and grace, she brings us up to speed about the new technologies and knowledge necessary for wellness. This is an interview to pay close attention to: Dr. Thomas is a living testimony to the possibilities that are available even when the experts declare you’re out of time.
Ralph Ellis | Mary Magdalene, House of Orange & The Reformation, November 1, 2011
Labels Ralph Ellis, Redicecreations /
Source: redicecreations.com, edfu-books.com
November 1, 2011–Ralph has been researching biblical and Egyptian history for more than 30 years. Being independent from theological and educational establishments has allowed him to tread where others do not dare, and it is through this independence that Ralph has discovered so many new biblical and historical clues about what might be the truth.
He just finished a new book called, “Mary Magdalene, Princess of Provence and the House of Orange,” which we’ll talk about in this interview. Ralph attempts to tackle the history not only of Mary Magdalene, but also the epic struggle of the Reformation and Enlightenment. This was a crusade for freedom of thought, freedom of religion and freedom of speech that cost the lives of millions of people. And the genesis for this epic struggle was Orange in France, the very same city that may well have been established by Mary Magdalene herself. We’ll talk about where she came from, the real history of Orange, Jesus as a mason and the Protestant/Catholic war. ~Red Ice Creations
Max Igan | Sydney Breakfast Radio, November 3, 2011
Source: skidrow.com.au, thecrowhouse.com
Corporate Terrorism and the Death of Australia.
Clif High Interview November 1, 2011
Labels Clif High /
Source: halfpasthuman.com
BREAKING: New Hole In Fukushima Reactor 2? November 2, 2011
Labels Fukushima /
Source: fukushimaupdate.com
According to a breaking story on Enformable.com, there appears to be a new hole in Fukushima Unit 2 even as TEPCO is reporting that fission is happening there. Please stay tuned to FukushimaUpdate and Enformable for more on this developing story. ~James Corbett
http://fukushimaupdate.com/breaking-new-hole-in-fukushima-reactor-2/
William Pawelec, interviewed by Alex Merklinger, 2004 - Rare interview
Labels William Pawelec /
Source: archive.org
Alex Merklinger interviewed William Pawelec in 2004.
William Pawelec interview 2007 with Dr. Steven Greer, Disclosure Project
Mr. William Pawelec was a U.S. Air Force computer operations and programming specialist with numerous credentials in security technologies and access control systems. He gave this interview with Dr. Greer prior to the 2001 National Press Club Disclosure event and asked that it not be released until after his death. We recently found out that Mr. William Pawelec passed away on May 22, 2007 and we received permission to release it in December 2010.
The Murder of Muammar Gaddafi - GRTV Backgrounder, November 1, 2011
Labels James Corbett, Libya /
Source: globalresearchtv.com, corbettreport.com
The killing of Muammar Gaddafi at the hands of NATO-backed, Al Qaeda-linked forces marks the end of a campaign expressly aimed at the assassination of a head of state and overthrow of a sovereign country in direct violation of international standards that have held sway since the Nuremberg trials at the end of World War II and the establishment of the Geneva Conventions.
Find out more about the death of Gaddafi and the gears of the international "justice" system that was out to convict him from the start in this week's GRTV Backgrounder.
Source & Transcript
The Cortbett Report - The Assassination of Gaddafi
Turd Ferguson on TMRN Radio, October 28, 2011
Labels Turd Ferguson /
Source: webbotforum.com, tfmetalsreport.com
Turd Ferguson on TMRN Radio
People and Monetary Change ~ Charts & Technical readings on Precious Metals ~ The Future and Precious Metals
Fukushima Update, October 31, 2011
In today's Fukushima Update we highlight an editorial on the IAEA by "Nuclear Free by 2045"; note a new video interview with Aileen Mioko Smith; and go over all of today's latest Fukushima news and updates. ~James Corbett
Max Igan on Truth Frequency Radio, October 31, 2011
Source: truthfrequencyradio.com, thecrowhouse.com
In today's Fukushima Update we look at a petition to save the animals of Fukushima, highlight a new interview with Dr. Helen Caldicott, and do a round-up of all of the latest Fukushima stories from around the web. ~James Corbett
Philip Coppens | "Odyssey of the Gods: The History of Extraterrestrial Contact in Ancient Greece" by Erich von Däniken and edited by Philip Coppens, October 27, 2011
Labels Ancient Civilisations, Hillary Raimo, Philip Coppens /
Source: hillaryraimo.com, philipcoppens.com
October 27, 2011–Philip Coppens is an author and investigative journalist, ranging from the world of politics to ancient history and mystery. He co-hosts The Spirit Revolution radio show with his wife Kathleen McGowan and is a frequent contributor to NEXUS Magazine and Atlantis Rising Magazine. Since 1995, he has lectured extensively and has appeared in a number of television and DVD documentaries, including Ancient Aliens: The Series (The History Channel). He is the author of The Stone Puzzle of Rosslyn Chapel, The Canopus Revelation, Land of the Gods, The New Pyramid Age, Servants of the Grail, the ebook 2012, Science or Fiction? and The Ancient Alien Question.
As a journalist, he had investigative research into the Kennedy assassination submitted before a US government enquiry in 1993. Two years later, he broke the story of the existence of Chinese pyramids to an international audience. Many of the stories in the so-called “esoteric field” have at one point passed through his hands, including The Templar Revelation, the book on which The Da Vinci Code was based. In 1999, he was the principal researcher for Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince’s The Stargate Conspiracy, which investigated current politicians’ apparent obsession with ancient Egypt, thus combining his passion for politics and history. The book was dedicated to him.
He is the author of The Stone Puzzle of Rosslyn Chapel (2002), on the enigmatic Scottish chapel and its relationship with freemasonry and the Knights Templar; The Canopus Revelation (2004), on the lore of the star Canopus in ancient cultures; Land of the Gods (2007), on the prehistory of Southern Scotland and the myth of King Arthur; The New Pyramid Age (2007), detailing the most recent discoveries that have changed our understanding of pyramids; and Servants of the Grail (2009), identifying the real people encoded into the medieval Grail legends. Most recently, he has published an ebook, 2012. Science or Fiction?, with Digital Journeys, which aims to bring clarity as to what 2012 is truly all about. The ebook is also the first to have incorporated video, featuring an interview-style conversation with Philip. He is currently working on The Ancient Alien Question (release date November 15, 2011), addressing the question whether extra-terrestrial contact has occurred in our past.
Max Igan | A World in Crisis, October 28, 2011
Max Igan - Surviving The Matrix - 10/28/11
Andrew Gause |The Federal Reserve: America's New S...
Max Igan on The Vinny Eastwood Show, November 5, 2...
Lloyd Pye | The Intervention Theory, November 3, 2...
Max Igan in Conversation with Ian R Crane, Novembe...
David Icke on Alex Jones "Remember Who You Are", N...
Ralph Ellis | Mary Magdalene, House of Orange & Th...
Max Igan | Sydney Breakfast Radio, November 3, 201...
BREAKING: New Hole In Fukushima Reactor 2? Novembe...
William Pawelec, interviewed by Alex Merklinger, 2...
The Murder of Muammar Gaddafi - GRTV Backgrounder,...
Max Igan on Truth Frequency Radio, October 31, 201...
Philip Coppens | "Odyssey of the Gods: The History...
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Whitley Strieber | The Communion Enigma, OffPlanet Radio, March 28, 2012
Labels Randy Maugans, Whitley Strieber /
Source: offplanetradio.com, unknowncountry.com
Aliens and dead people...hybrids and human-like dimension trippers...implants that move to avoid extraction...the strange world of Whitley Strieber...a terror wrapped within a wonder: the enigma.
March 28, 2012–Whitley Strieber's latest non-fiction work, "Solving The Communion Enigma" brings his post-communion experiences and observations into a tighter focus and wider perspective. The "enigma" deals with the paranormal events that are woven into the present reality...the lifting, so to speak, of a veil between worlds, dimnensions, and time lines. It is very much a spiritual journey with some very bizzare side effects.
Whitley, as always, is expansive in spinning the stories that inform the paranormal experience from a deep personal persepctive. He recalls of his own youth spent in a dark government pilot program for intelligent children; the connections to the military from Randolph Air Base to Roswell to Wright-Patterson ...the connecting points between childhood trauma and later encounters with non-human entities with extreme invasions into the body and mind of the subjects.
This conversation reframes the entire spectrum of the paranormal into a marvelous sense of wonder...the sense that humanity is being stretched, pushed, and pulled to evolve beyond our present concepts, outside of our traditional models, and forward towards something that he defines as "divine".
New World Next Week | Trayvon Tragedy, Supreme Court v. Obamacare, World Banksters, March 29, 2012
Source: corbettreport.com, mediamonarchy.com
Story #1: Trayvon Tragedy Exploited for Social Engineering, Class Warfare
Related: Trayvon, Kony Demonstrate Impotence of Misguided American Rage
Related: Ron Paul Mocks Rivals Over Distractions
Story #2: Obamacare Reaches Supreme Court, Appears Doomed
Related: High Court Throws Out Human Gene Patents
Background: Nullifying Our Way Out
Story #3: World Bank Nominee Kim Tied to Gates, Soros
Related: Soros Criminal Conviction Exposes 'Human Rights' Scam
Background: Meet George Soros
Dolores Cannon on TMRN, March 30, 2012
Labels Dolores Cannon /
Source: timemonkradio.com, dolorescannon.com
Information Machine Website Promo Intro
Labels Information Machine /
Source: Information Machine
Just finished the first Website Promo Intro for Information Machine. Special thanks to all regular visitors & friends. You keep me up sorting out the best for you.
Information Machine provides you with the latest radio & video Interviews, reports on Alternative News New Science | Geopolitics | World Events | Extraterrestrial Contact | Paranormal
Sorted & updated daily
The Underground - A Hidden Reality and The True Story of Phil Schneider, March 29, 2012
Labels Phil Schneider, Underground Base /
Phil Schneider died in 1996. Previous to his death he had been on tour across the United States speaking out about various subjects including his involvement with building a secret underground base in Dulce, New Mexico for the military. During this time, he said to have had an encounter with a violent E.T race in the late 1970's which would change his whole world reality immediately after. This documentary explores some of the information Phil Schneider spoke about to the public in the 1990's by examining each claim in detail with expert opinions from Richard Dolan, Richard Sauder, Neil Gould and Cynthia Drayer (Phil's Ex-Wife).
Lucy Wyatt | The Bronze Age City Builders, March 29, 2012
Labels Lucy Wyatt, Redicecreations /
Source: redicecreations.com, approachingchaos.co.uk
March 29, 2012–Lucy Wyatt and family live on an unspoilt farm by the east coast of England. The farm was derelict but had 600 year-old oak trees, woods, hedgerows and old buildings. The Wyatts restored it using mostly eco-materials and now share this special place with many animals. Lucy, studied International Relations and Italian at Sussex University. As well as researching the ancient past, Lucy is also interested in Earth energies and now leads local Gatekeeper Trust pilgrimages on equinoxes and solstices.
She is the author of Approaching Chaos which examines an alternative, an ancient archetype dating from the Bronze Age that helped cities exist in harmony with nature. This archetype influenced the ancient Greeks and Romans, often mistakenly admired as examples of civilized societies. In the first hour, we'll explore the origins of farming, domestication of animals and cities. She explains the intention of the original civilizations, in contrast to the Roman way. Lucy challenges the accepted view of progress since the end of the Ice Age. We'll also touch upon migration, catastrophe and the shadow version of cities. ~Red Ice Creations
David Icke "This is Not a Bloody Game!" March 29, 2012
Dimitar Sasselov, Ben Goertzel | Exoplanets / AI, March 28, 2012
Labels A.I., Ben Goertzel, Dimitar Sasselov /
Source: coasttocoastam.com, lifeofsuperearths.com, wp.goertzel.org
March 28, 2012–Professor of Astronomy at Harvard University, Dimitar Sasselov, discussed the unprecedented breakthroughs in exoplanetary astronomy, and how they will shed new light on our place in the universe. He coined the term "super-Earth," which refers to rocky planets like Earth, only much larger. A number of such exoplanets have been discovered in the last few years, and recently there's been speculation that there could be billions of such super-Earths in our galaxy alone. While the Kepler Mission has excelled at discovering planets, they tend to be too far from Earth to adequately study their atmospheres and surfaces, he noted. So the next big step will be to discover planets that are closer to us and to look for signatures of life, he continued, adding that there's a proposal for a survey satellite called TESS which could locate planetary targets amongst the nearest stars for detailed viewing by the James Webb telescope (the successor to Hubble). Sasselov also talked about the transit of Venus on June 5th, the only time this planet will be seen moving between the Earth and the Sun this century.
During the last hour, Dr. Brian Goertzel spoke about his work on artificial intelligence (AI) and its various applications. AI machines will excel in deciphering our modern economy and coming up with solutions, in a way that humans weren't evolved to do, he commented. Robot/AI nannies and housekeepers may be among the first machines people will have in their homes, he said, though the military could also use the technology to develop super soldiers. Goertzel, who moved to Hong Kong to work on AI projects, also talked about the "technological singularity," which he described as a point in time "when the progress of science and technology becomes so rapid that from the point of view of the human mind, it's essentially infinite." Inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil has predicted that this transformative point could occur by 2045.
New segment guests: Dr. Leonard Coldwell, Terry Lee
James Corbett | US Using Kissinger "Food As a Weapon" Plan to Starve North Korea, March 29, 2012
Labels James Corbett /
The US has suspended food aid to North Korea after the country refused to cancel a scheduled rocket launch. Washington says this breaks the deal in which North Korea agreed to suspend its uranium enrichment program and nuclear missile tests in exchange for humanitarian support. Pyongyang says the launch is merely intended to send a satellite into space.
Kissinger's NSSM 200 depopulation plan: http://wlym.com/text/NSSM200.htm
Robert Schoch | The Mystery of the Sphinx, March 25, 2012
Labels Redicecreations, Robert Schoch, Sphinx /
Source: redicecreations.com, robertschoch.com
March 25, 2012–Robert Schoch, a full-time faculty member at the College of General Studies at Boston University since 1984, earned his Ph.D. in Geology and Geophysics at Yale University. In the early 1990s, Dr. Schoch's geological analyses of the Great Sphinx of Egypt demonstrated that the statue is thousands of years older than the conventional dating of 2500 BCE, bringing him worldwide fame.
In his new book Forgotten Civilization Robert reveals scientific evidence of advanced civilization predating ancient Egypt, Sumeria, and Greece, as well as the catastrophe that destroyed it nearly 12,000 years ago and what its legacy can teach us about our own future. In the first hour we discuss the weathering of the Sphinx, its origin, the chamber underneath and the mysterious Sphinx temple. We also discuss Edgar Cayce' s Association for Research and Enlightenment (ARE) and the current situation in Egypt. ~Red Ice Creations
The Age of Transitions (full length documentary)
Labels The Age of Transitions /
Source: theageoftransitions.com
The Age of Transitions is a documentary about converging technology, transhumanism, artificial intelligence, life extension, brain implants, social science, propaganda, nanotechnology, eugenics, geopolitics, world revolution, and more.
Featuring: Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Newt Gingrich, Nick Bostrom, Aubrey de Grey, Ray Kurzweil, Anders Sandberg, Michio Kaku, Hugo de Garis, Kevin Warwick, Marvin Minsky, Charles Galton Darwin, Julian Huxley, Aldous Huxley, William Shatner, Alex Jones, Jordan Maxwell, Cathy O'Brien, Alan Watt
Richard Dolan - A.D. After Disclosure, University of Leeds, August 7th, 2010
Labels A.D. After Disclosure, Disclosure, Richard Dolan, Ufo /
Source: exopoliticsgb.com, keyholepublishing.com
In "A. D. (After Disclosure) - How the World Will Look After the Great Change" Richard Dolan looks at how, after over six decades of quiet revolution that UFOs herald, we can now see the outlines of a reality that's been sneaking up on us one step at a time. The issue that got hushed up by one generation and turned into an object of derision by another now demands to be heard straight up in ours.
Presented at the 2nd Annual Exopolitics Expo at the University of Leeds on August 7th, 2010.
Jack Abramoff | Secret Weapons Inside Capitol Hill, March 27, 2012
Labels Jack Abramoff /
Source: itsrainmakingtime.com, abramoff.com
March 27, 2012–We like to think our Congress represents us – but does it? When they first arrive on Capitol Hill, new Congresspeople are immediately sought out and mentored by lobbyists. With over 20,000 lobbyists in Washington D.C., the role of lobbying in U.S. politics is a critical key for understanding how our government works. This segment explores lobbying and the systemic issues that can stem from it. Jack Abramoff – former lobbyist, convicted felon, and the author of Capitol Punishment – joins us with an insider’s perspective on the political processes that corrode truth, leadership, and the ethical representation of “We The People”. Jack offers a rare and candid glimpse into the complex political realities surrounding legislation – how it’s drafted, voted in, killed, and largely unread by our representatives – and a deeper understanding of Congressional hearings, political immunity for insider trading, lobbying-related conflicts of interest, and high-level bribery.
In order to change our political system, we have to understand it first. Join us as Jack Abramoff, Washington D.C.’s most notorious former lobbyist, shares his insights into how it works – and what we can do to reform it. ~Kim Greenhouse
Mack Maloney | UFOs in Wartime: What They Didn't Want You to Know
Labels Mack Maloney, Mel Fabregas, Veritas Show /
Source: veritasradio.com, mackmaloney.com
In the course of researching his novels, military fiction writer Mack Maloney discovered startling historical records of an increase of UFO sightings near pivotal military events. He discussed a variety of incidents from World Wars I & II, as well as Viet Nam and other battle zones. One of the earliest cases he found dated back to the time of Alexander the Great, when his army was planning a siege on the city of Tyre, and "flying shields" let out a lightning bolt that destroyed one of the city's walls, which allowed Alexander's army to get in. Proceeding WWI, "scareships" were reported by British newspapers in 1909. They were described as dirigible-like craft that emitted huge searchlights and could travel as fast 200 mph.
In World War II, there were reports that crews of allied bombers would see fantastic aircraft flying just 100-200 ft. off their wing. These strange craft, which became known as "foo fighters," would not take action or interfere with the bombings. One of the foo fighters was described as an enormous cigar-shaped, brightly lit craft that flew in formation with the bombers. Incidents such as these led Maloney to theorize that rather than ETs, the UFO occupants were time travelers who came back to observe significant time periods, such as during wars-- to see history as it was being made.
In the "ghost rocket" sightings of 1946, which took place in a remote area of Sweden, hundreds of long tubular objects flying in formation were seen. While they resembled cruise missiles, this was years before that technology was developed, he noted. Maloney also detailed bizarre incidents that took place in Viet Nam, such as when a bright object came down on top of an American base, illuminating the entire area, while all electricity was knocked out; and a UFO that hung over Hanoi for a period of two hours, while the North Vietnamese shot at it to no effect.
Pepe Escobar on GRTV | Responsibility to Protect: Exposing the "Humanitarian" War Lie, March 26, 2012
Labels James Corbett, Pepe Escobar /
Source: grtv.ca, atimes.com
As the world recovers from one humanitarian peace bombing in Libya, and braces for another possible intervention in Syria, many are now asking how it is that the so-called liberal left have become cheerleaders for the very wars of aggression they once pretended to deride. As long-time investigate reporter Pepe Escobar explains, an obscure international doctrine called Responsibility To Protect or R2P has been the main tool for shaping this new paradigm for the continuation of NATO's imperial power grabs around the world.
Henrik Palmgren interviewed on The Vinny Eastwood Show, March 23, 2012
Labels Henrik Palmgren, Redicecreations /
Source: thevinnyeastwoodshow.com, redicecreations.com
Vinny’s NUTShell: Henrik Palmgren www.redicecreations.com Feels like the world is changing and changing fast, it also appears that the people around us are under the control of a sinister scheme hatched in the very bowels of scumbaggery. But we can all wake up and do what is right, not because we have to, but because we want to. ~Vinny Eastwood
Sgt. Clifford Stone | Eyes Only: The Story of Clifford Stone and UFO Crash Retrievals
Labels Clifford Stone, Disclosure, Mel Fabregas, Ufo /
Source: veritasradio.com
This is video segment 1 of 2. Segment 1 is being provided as a courtesy of Veritas Radio. To watch Segment 2 of this exclusive interview, subscribe at www.veritasradio.com.
Veritas is censorship and commercial free and survives on your voluntary subscriptions. Thank you for supporting our work. ~Mel Fabregas
This interview with Sgt. Clifford Stone was filmed at the 2012 International UFO Congress.
"My name is Sergeant 1st Class, US Army, Clifford Stone. I had a secret clearance with nuclear assurity. I was called in on special operations, I participated in crash recovery missions. There were bodies involved. Some were alive. While we were doing this, we were telling the world there was nothing to it."
Wow. It's great to hear from someone who's actually worked with crashed UFOs, and the ETs found on board. Retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years, Sgt. Stone has been revealing what he saw and knows since Dr. Steven Greer's 2001 National Press Club DISCLOSURE PROJECT conference. You've seen the YouTube footage (over a billion views, Mel says). Stone is the guy whose answer to a question is that the government has catalogued at least 57 ET species.
Stone was trained to be an ET first responder. He had a kind of field guide to ET types and how to keep them alive until medics arrived.
Stone was also an interfacer, brought in to communicate with live EBEs; telepathically, of course.
Like so many whose lives become entangled with ET realities, Stone hints that he was probably cultivated from a young age for future assignments. He talks about one strange "training mission" to "Florida," where they came upon Grays at a gently placed, but shrapnel spewed B-52 in what was likely a Cambodian jungle. "CLIF-FORD. WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" He is asked, telepathically.
We hear about a downed craft in Virginia, of all places, where Stone was brought in to interface with an EBE. The little guy exuded fear. He asked Stone for help. Said there was a big problem ahead. Stone got ET home, safe and sound.
Why are we seeing so many UFOs these days, Mel asks.
"I think they know something we don't, and that's the part that worries me," says Stone.
Stone has amassed over 500 million pages of documents in support of his case that the U.S. has been involved with ETs since the early 40s, if not before, and he's still at it. He's got a new book out that he hopes will encourage others to reveal their ET experiences.
"Our visitors have rogue elements with access to technology," Stone says. "But with that said, if any of these rogue elements were to threaten us, others would come to our aid and neutralize that threat. That may be what's happening out in space. Something is.
"Someone needs to come and say: 'First of all don't panic, but here's the facts.' That will be the start of disclosure. Otherwise some event is going to happen that thousands of people will witness. A lot of people will panic and we'll be our own worst enemies.
"I want my message to be one of enlightenment, and hope for a new beginning and a brighter future. Yes they're here. They're not hostile. They are very spiritually and technologically evolved. They mean us no harm."
You'll want to catch Mel's 2009 interview with Sgt. Stone in the Veritas archives.
Whitley Strieber | The Communion Enigma, OffPlanet...
New World Next Week | Trayvon Tragedy, Supreme Cou...
The Underground - A Hidden Reality and The True St...
Lucy Wyatt | The Bronze Age City Builders, March 2...
David Icke "This is Not a Bloody Game!" March 29, ...
Dimitar Sasselov, Ben Goertzel | Exoplanets / AI, ...
James Corbett | US Using Kissinger "Food As a Weap...
Robert Schoch | The Mystery of the Sphinx, March ...
Richard Dolan - A.D. After Disclosure, University ...
Jack Abramoff | Secret Weapons Inside Capitol Hill...
Mack Maloney | UFOs in Wartime: What They Didn't W...
Pepe Escobar on GRTV | Responsibility to Protect: ...
Henrik Palmgren interviewed on The Vinny Eastwood ...
Sgt. Clifford Stone | Eyes Only: The Story of Clif...
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Gov. polling results present quandary for Democrats
A couple of polls concerning the governor’s contest later this year have hit the public consciousness. You can’t put much stock in them as to how the contest will turn out, but they do show the very broad contours of the race as it threatens to develop, and provide especially trenchant information for Democrats.
One organization put one out last week, and another followed this week, with roughly the same sampling frame. Both excluded cellular phone numbers, which almost certainly introduces error into the results as roughly three-eighths of the population nationally live in wireless-only households, and the proportion probably is higher in Louisiana as states with more extensive rural populations disproportionately have these kinds of households. It’s debatable how this bias works in if at all, for as the younger and Hispanics, for example, are both disproportionately likely to vote for Democrats and also not have households with landlines, at the same time they are less likely to vote.
Regardless, the results for both came out about the same: Republican Sen. David Vitter lead the way in the mid-thirties of percent, not far behind him came Democrat state Rep. John Bel Edwards, trailing much further back in the mid-teens was Republican Sec. of State Jay Dardenne, and trailing in single digits was Republican Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle. The undecided portion comprised in the 10-15 percent range.
LA higher education needs reform before tax dollars
Understanding the policy debate concerning higher education funding in Louisiana means realizing that its leaders say one thing when in reality they fear it, in an attempt to deflect attention from larger truths about their environment that they wish to keep out of the spotlight.
At a recent forum that brought together various systems chiefs, campus heads, and the top dog himself, Commissioner of Higher Education Joseph Rallo, generally they stumped for what they termed “autonomy,” which they defined as marginal changes to practices and procedures in delivering higher education, such as in pursuing capital projects without so much bureaucracy to hurdle. These kind of changes will do little to stabilize funding and increase efficiency in higher education for a state ranked 18th in per capita spending on higher education now facing cuts of anywhere from $100 million to $600 million this upcoming fiscal year, depending upon legislative vagaries in the next few months.
But when queried about substantive changes in Louisiana’s higher education systems featuring genuine autonomy that would induce efficiency, these mandarins blanched. In particular, University of Louisiana System Pres. Sandra Woodley was dismissive about the notion of increased “privatization” (in the sense higher education mostly would control revenue-raising capability, have few constraints on spending decision-making, and its possessing a large degree of separation from state control), alleging through this that “only the relatively wealthy will be able to participate” in earning a college degree. She also called mythical that closing or merging campuses would put higher education funding on firmer ground, because it would cost more to educate different “universes” of students.
Funding reform needed to sustain indigent defense
While north Louisiana’s Public Defender Offices won’t be the only ones in Louisiana to face budget cuts for the remainder of the fiscal year – most around the state are – their struggles and consequences illustrate questions that deserve addressing about funding of this service.
As part of fiscal shortfalls at the state level, the state’s contribution to the 42 offices carrying out the function of representing indigent clients – around 90 percent of all trials in Caddo Parish involve a public defender and four-fifths of all felony accusations accrue to individuals eligible to be declared indigent – will see a $5.4 million reduction or about one-sixth of the entire contribution spread out over one-third of the fiscal year. Funding comes from the state, from local governments (by grants, contracts, and a fee on bonding), from $45 assessments, up from $35 three years ago, on the accused not found innocent, and from $40 application fees and possible reimbursement assessments, although less than half in the First District pay the fees and a much smaller proportion engage in partial reimbursement.
Several years ago the state revamped the public defender system and increased the state funded portion of it to serve as a backstop against the vagaries of court assessments. By reducing the state’s contribution, this depletes the backstop and begins to approach the same situation as some years ago. As the First District gets about half its funding from the state, this has thrown it into crisis.
Tax & spend natl policy subverts LA budgeting
Recently the Baton Rouge Advocate printed a piece trying to understand why a series of Louisiana operating budgets seem unable to close permanently a deficit. Unfortunately, the effort missed opportunities to provide a comprehensive explanation and thereby presents somewhat of an incomplete, if not misleading, picture of reality.
The article attempted to divine why, as its headline proclaimed for an answer, “Revenue fell faster than budget shrank.” But it comes up short in understanding both sides of that equation, beginning with alleging that “the supply-side economic policies that Jindal said would make the state’s coffers run over haven’t done so.”
Many misunderstand, if not intentionally try to caricature to try to prop up weaker worldviews, Austrian economic theory, from which the supply-side argument is derived. First, “supply-side” does not mean that all tax cuts generate increased revenue, but that past a certain taxation level, particularly on income rather than consumption, any increases become counterproductive, in that the confiscation of wealth from individuals disallows its use for investment to the point that tax revenues decrease because of too little economic development. Thus, only cuts that remove government from this prohibitive zone will cause increased revenue.
Legislature can trap Jindal in political no-win situation
Perhaps the Louisiana Legislature will double-dog dare Gov. Bobby Jindal on tobacco taxes, thereby forcing him into what could be a no-win position.
Boosted by a report recommending increasing tobacco taxes as a less-painful means by which to raise revenues for a budget scrounging for these, which might draw in as much as $275 million annually if hiking the cigarette tax to the level of most surrounding states, this option intrigues legislators. The Jindal Administration has consented to this deployment, but only if the revenue gets shunted to a pot that funds a special fee increase for residents paying tuition at colleges in an effort to induce revenue neutrality through a continually-shifting, if not convoluted, arrangement.
But legislators may not buy the abstruseness of this plan and may feel boldness coursing through their veins after they prevailed against Jindal four years ago on a renewal of a cigarette tax. Then, a bill by state Rep. Harold Ritchie (who personifies the alpha and omega of the issue by being both a smoker and funeral director) attempted to jack up the tax. As the 4-cent-a-pack tax rolled off and needed renewal, Jindal declared any next version, even if identical in measurement, was a new tax violating his standard of no new taxes not offset in tax cuts elsewhere. It passed but Jindal vetoed it and an effort to override it failed.
Gov. polling results present quandary for Democrat...
LA higher education needs reform before tax dollar...
Legislature can trap Jindal in political no-win si...
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GRANTS TO DATE
GRANT DISTRIBUTIONS
Elena Arida Receives Congressional Medal
Elena Arida
Elena Arida, granddaughter of long-time Leadership 100 members Louis and Helen Nicozisis, was awarded a Bronze Medal by the United States Congressional Award Board of Directors for her service to the community and her personal development. A Westfield, New Jersey High School junior, Arida is the daughter of Jeannie and Kenneth Arida. In addition to the Bronze Medal, Arida also earned the Congressional Award Bronze and Silver certificates.
The Congressional Award, which is Congress’s first and only award specifically for youth, was established in 1979 to recognize young Americans for their “initiative, service and achievement.” Arida met and exceeded the requirements set by the Award, which include personal development, voluntary public service, physical activity and exploration. She achieved 100 hours of voluntary public service, 50 hours of personal development, more than 50 hours of physical fitness and an overnight exploration/expedition totaling 200 minimum hours. Arida devoted her voluntary public service to the 2012 Golden Door International Film Festival in Jersey City, in addition to other community service.
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Archive for "Apr 08 2007"
EUrabia: Britainistan Edition
Filed In: EUrabia, Media, Politics
The BBC plays its cards all straight up; doesn’t even think of offering a bluff:
Private Johnson Beharry’s courage in rescuing an ambushed foot patrol then, in a second act, saving his vehicle’s crew despite his own terrible injuries earned him a Victoria Cross.
For the BBC, however, his story is “too positive” about the conflict.
The corporation has cancelled the commission for a 90-minute drama about Britain’s youngest surviving Victoria Cross hero because it feared it would alienate members of the audience opposed to the war in Iraq.
Hero’s tale is ‘too positive’ for the BBC
“The BBC has behaved in a cowardly fashion by pulling the plug on the project altogether,” said a source close to the project. “It began to have second thoughts last year as the war in Iraq deteriorated. It felt it couldn’t show anything with a degree of positivity about the conflict.
“It needed to tell stories about Iraq which reflected the fact that some members of the audience didn’t approve of what was going on. Obviously a story about Johnson Beharry could never do that. You couldn’t have a scene where he suddenly turned around and denounced the war because he just wouldn’t do that.
“The film is now on hold and it will only make it to the screen if another broadcaster picks it up.”
You gotta just shake your head and wonder: are the Ozzie’s the only Anglo country left on the planet that haven’t lost their societal balls?
Pte Beharry, 27, who was awarded the VC in March 2005, was the first person to receive the country’s highest award for valour since 1982 and the first living recipient since 1965. He was honoured for two acts of outstanding gallantry which occurred just over a month apart while he was serving with the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, in the Iraqi town of al-Amarah, in 2004.
…and the BBC is worried talking him up will piss off, exactly, who? Fans of Iran’s president Imawhereingacheapdinnerjacket?
Steyn:
How brave is Private Beharry? He’s the first living recipient of the Victoria Cross since two Aussies, Keith Payne and Rayene Stewart Simpson, were honored with the Commonwealth’s highest award for gallantry in 1969 for their service in Vietnam, and he’s the first living recipient in the British Army since Lance-Corporal Rambahadur Limbu of the 10th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles won his in the Confrontation with Indonesia in 1965. Private Beharry is one of only 12 living Victoria Cross holders. But his story might “alienate” the British public.
this SO gets my “I hate me the fucking Limeys” going into third gear.
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Digby: Prime Whacko
Filed In: InterWeb, Media, Moonbats, Politics
This might be the stupidest shit; most ass loose, farting in various directions pile of idiotic bullshit ever collected into a thought out fart from the brainpan… so yeah, I’m gonna link this two-bit fairie’s ass….
BEGIN THE BEGUINE!
I’ve always wondered why Chris Matthews has Kathleen Parker on his syndicated week-end show so often. She’s an attractive woman, but she has the personality of a door knob and makes deadly boring television. Today, I realized it’s because they share the same anachronistic 50’s sitcom view of life.
Yes, the very notion of this chick getting talked up is SO in the ’50s, when NBC was featuring a monkey as the main guy’s sidekick… but then, to speed it up to the current contrempts, they do offer up Olbermann …
Oopssie! Here comes the bitch’s critic shit:
Parker’s WaPo column begins rather humorously, although it’s clear she didn’t intend it to be:
DEEP. HE KNOWS WHAT THE CHICK THINKS.
On any given day, one isn’t likely to find common cause with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He’s a dangerous, lying, Holocaust- denying, Jew-hating cutthroat thug — not to put too fine a point on it.
But he was dead-on when he wondered why a once-great power such as Britain sends mothers of toddlers to fight its battles.
Well, isn’t that something? A lying, Jew-hating, cutthroat thug he may be, but he does make a good point when he sophomorically attacks the west with silly, schoolyard taunts unworthy of anyone over 8. It’s “dead-on” that the British navy is a bunch of pansies who have women “fighting their battles” for them. Well, a stopped clock and all that…
That wasn’t me; that was this fucking moron Digby. Here’s more…
I agree that it’s entirely possible that the Iranians and al-Qaeda and all sorts of unsavory types around the world have become emboldened by American (and British) military policy, but I doubt that it has much to do with women in combat. The problem is that our president, in his ignorance and hubris, has just proved to the entire world that the United States has no earthly clue what it is doing. The administration even insists to everyone who will listen that the US intelligence services couldn’t find water if they fell off a boat.
Now that there is real fine idiocy. We–and it IS we, since they’ll blow yor an mine ass up just as quick as GW and Darth Boss Rove–and since I hear Digby’s a faggehlah… well, sweet cheeks, you’re gonna be staining the wall before I get hauled in by the Dirka crew you seem oblivious too….
this fucking clown, muddled in the BDS Syndrome, truly believes WE–Teh USA–forced the Iranians to snatch the Brits!
Moonbats. Shoot them if they ask you for a nckel in the street.
Air America Idiot Update
Filed In: Air America (mothballed), InterWeb, Media, Moonbats, Politics
Back here, I wrote about how I thought maybe there may be an insurrection among the lefty radio voices, after Mark “Even Nader Laughs at Me, and I’m His Spawn!” Green took the big chair when it comes to driving Air Idiot and immediately planned to shove a fave guy, Sam Seder, aside.
Of course, an absolute dumbfuck from the neck up guy called “gregrocker” chimed in speaking the specious shit… we expect that, here at the TC/LP Igloo…. We fucking revel in it!
Because you moronic douchebags always jump the gun.
So tell me how this doesn’t fit?
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Toranomon Azabudai Project, Tokyo
2019 Tokyo, Japan
The concept of the Toranomon-Azabudai Project is a “MODERN URBAN VILLAGE”; it aims to be a huge open space at the heart of Tokyo filled with lush greenery that will bring people closer together and build a new community. The project will seamlessly weave offices, residences, a hotel, an international school, retail shops, restaurants and cultural facilities into the fabric of everyday life, encompassing work, learning, recreation, interaction and relaxation. This visionary project also aims to create “a city within a city”, which will constitute the “Hills of the future” by utilizing past experiences in the Hills-series of redevelopments. A new vision of Japanese tradition is expressed through elements that evoke lines and geometrics of architectural concept design. Custom design furniture and graphic decoration that become continuity and finishing elements over all materials that embellish and personalize the project. An organic project inside the West Tower of Toranomon Azabudai Project in Tokyo, that includes: B1 Floor, Lobby, Second Floor (Gym, Theatre, Study, Kids Room), Standard Units, Premium Units, Party Lounge, and Guest Rooms.
Works Clients Upcoming Office News Press review Contact
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Executive Recruiter
A seasoned executive recruiter, Jenn Nguyen studied to become a paralegal at The University of Hawaii. After five years as a senior paralegal, Jenn decided to explore the next phase of her professional development in Sales and Marketing, which allowed her to later combine her skills when she co-founded a small business and acted as the de facto Chief Operations Officer. Eager to work more intimately and directly with people, she then joined The Art Institute as an Assistant Director of Admissions. There, she was able to help individuals pursue their own professional careers, and found personal fulfillment in those success stories. Though she enjoyed her time guiding students, she wanted to further develop her career and tackle a new arena – recruiting. She learned the business and found her way into CyberCoders.
Jenn’s background naturally lent itself to recruiting – an opportunity to intersect her years of professional experience and her desire to help others. The key to her success lies in her ability to listen and collaborate with both clients and candidates. Through that, she is able to provide end-to-end service and client/candidate satisfaction. Jenn now joins LTS as an Executive Recruiter, bringing with her a rich expertise in the practice of recruiting and relationship building.
Though her particular area of focus is in technical recruiting, her reach spans several industries and and locations across the nation. She can also help you recruit for and has placed candidates in positions across other departments, including Information Technology, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, C-level Operations, Legal, Cyber Security and Accounting / Finance.
In her personal time, Jenn enjoys the beach, yoga, cooking, traveling, being with friends and family, and eating. Born and Raised in Texas, she has been working and self reliant since the age of 14. She is fearless, strong, and a proven survivor who works hard and will do what it takes to get the job done.
She also loves a challenge, just send her your hardest to fill jobs and you will start receiving qualified candidates.
Core Areas of Expertise | Technology:
** Ruby on Rails, DevOps , Lisp Hackers (yes, LISP!), PHP, Scala and Python
** JavaScript -- node.js, angular.js, backbone.js, mustache.js, ember.js, mean stack
** Front-End -- html5, css3, jquery, javascript, ajax. angular
** Mobile developers -- iOS and Android
** Big Data -- Data Analytics, Hadoop, Pig, MapReduce, Hive, Data Scientists, Computer Vision
** UI and UX -- design and architecture.
** Java -- Core Java, J2EE, Spring, Hibernate, REST & SOAP
** Microsoft Technologies: C#, .NET, SQL Server
** BE / Open Source engineers: PHP, Core Ruby, Ruby on Rails, Python, CMS (Drupal, Joomla, WordPress) OS frameworks (Zend, Cake, Symfony, CodeIgniter, Kohana)
** Project Management: Interactive and Digital PM's, Producers, and Product Managers. Business Analysts and Information Architects.
Founder / Chief Executive Officer
VP, Government Solutions
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TAB RadioFinance - Audio and Video Download
Banking in a digital era – The digital readiness of commercial banks in Asia Pacific
Interviewed By TAB RadioFinance
Industrial boundaries, which were once clearly demarcated between telcos, banks, and technology providers, are ossifying. In the face of disruption, are commercial banks in Asia Pacific digitally ready and what could be the implications of these technological developments to the retail financial services industry?
While banks have deep information on customers who have strong relationships, there are details dropping off for customers with lighter relationships
Banks spin of their digital only proposition based on separate core system and managements
Cards in wallet still make up a tiny fraction in overall payments
Good afternoon and welcome to another round of TAB Radio Finance session, the online broadcasting platform at The Asian Banker. In this session, we will be sharing some updates on the trends and developments in digital banking.
These findings are based on our recently concluded Excellence in International Retail Financial Services Programme, a benchmarking exercise that identifies not only the best player in retail banking but also to identify key developments and issues each of the markets under coverage are facing.
As you may be aware the coverage of the Excellence programme spans across Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and evaluates more than 150 players in retail banking.
We will first start to present the overall key developments in digital banking, followed by tracking the rise of digital banks in the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.
Third, we will put some spotlights on two major regions, India and China and how they fare in digital adoption
Last, we will end with some insights into the state of digital selling among commercial banks.
Executives in retail financial services are reeling under the forces of disruption. They often have to prove to their board and shareholders that they are ahead of the curve, ahead of the client and ahead of financial technology (fintech). These demands are accentuated across an ever wider interconnected circle of businesses ranging from wealth management to payments and collaborative partnerships among regulators, fintech and banks. Industrial boundaries once clearly demarcated between telcos, banks, technology providers are ossifying. In their effort to change, banks put a lot of gunpowder into digital transformation. By aiming to bridge the gap between their services and their customers’ digital footprint large banks in Asia and the Middle East continue to invest between 50-90% of their retail IT budget on digital technologies. But to move large financial institutions, executives have to pull the levers incredibly hard.
In some markets such as China, Korea and Vietnam, banks are trailing technology companies which are digitally disrupting the payments and credit industry at a scale not seen in the past.
CreditEase in China, which has become the world’s largest peer-to-peer lender with $6 billion business on its portfolio, demonstrated to incumbent banks that there are new markets with huge revenue and fee income to tap into without the need of banks as intermediaries.
Banks in the region aim for greater personalisation of customer experience by better understanding their situation and what they are trying to achieve. A more timely understanding of customer interactions with the bank, however, requires collecting and interpreting a variety of data types in real-time and at scale, a trend which is unfolding. Leading banks have completed their investment into multi node and multi core big data and computing platforms in combination with more traditional data mining and business intelligence infrastructure, which enables them not only to migrate high-cost enterprise data warehouse activities to lower cost platforms, but also to stream large scale unstructured data such as voice, click stream data, picture/social media and increase adoption of location based offers (LBO) in particular in the credit card business and real time trigger (e.g. credit cards). A growing number of banks are already trying to combine five to 15 sources of data in their quest to create more relevant needs based offers to their clients.
The key challenge is that while banks have deep information on customers who have strong relationships, there are details dropping off for customers with lighter relationships. The goal is to identify key changes in customers’ circumstances such as the birth of a child, household formation/dissolution or changing jobs, in a timely way so that banks can pro-act to assist the customer. Transactional data tells the banks about these events only after the event
Progress in natural language processing and AI will make financial services increasingly voice and touch assisted. We believe the Alexa’s and Siri’s of the industry will be the future in banking even though this is a nascent technology with plenty of limitations. We have seen banks such as USAA in the US and OCBC in Asia experimenting with this technologies successfully.
Digital only or pure internet players have emerged in the last two years. Banks which are constraint by their own legacy systems for local or regional expansion opt to spin off their digital only platforms altogether, at times in conjunction with a different core banking system and management team. Compared to Europe and the US, Asia has seen very little pure non-bank mobile/internet only players being launched in the last 2 years. More than 80% of these digital only neophyte banks are owned and run by commercial banks.
In mobile payments, banks are pursuing a mix of own closed loop proprietary and third party platforms - Mobile wallet adoption is not yet on a scale that is material at best a fraction of digital base and, based on the Excellence findings, banks’ own wallets often lose out against cards in wallet for Apple Pay, Android and Samsung Pay. While banks often lose out against larger technology players in mobile payments, recent data from Kenya is indicating that a unified bank wide payments system that enables small-value transfers between institutions (small $ interoperability scheme) has proven successful in competing with large technology firms in micro payments. Many people are aware that within a couple years of M-PESA’s launch, the total number of mobile money accounts in Kenya eclipsed the total number of bank accounts. Yet, since 2015 bank accounts once again outnumbered mobile money accounts — by over 30% driven by PesaLink, a real-time payments system rolled out by banks.
One key emerging focus banks have begun discussing with us in excellence is creating “ecosystems” which they hope are much harder to replicate. This implies not only creating lifestyle ecosystems for customers that go beyond mere product selling but also to play, compete and cooperate within a wider network of fintechs, regulators, e-commerce platforms and nonbank financial institutions. The rise of cross-sector digital partnerships will not only be opening new revenue sources, but also harness big data to reconstruct more accurate customer identities for authentication, know your customer (KYC) and credit scoring.
To create those ecosystems, banks need to better harness network effects to allow customers to easier access a broader range of products and services outside the banks’ traditional digital channels, and to collaborate with third parties to develop and market an increasing number of product variants through open application program interface (APIs). It also means to transform the value price relationship, much like what Amazon Web has done by shifting pricing, from fixed upfront pricing to performance- and usage-based pricing and unbundle product and services to tailor-fit it for clients or client segments’ specific needs. The Asian Banker Research has seen first steps in these directions among the leading banks in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, but the vast majority has yet to take on this future.
Digital only or pure internet players have emerged early in Asia too and they continue to operate successfully such as U Bank by NAB (National Australia Bank) and ING Direct in Australia or some of the early internet only banks of the like of Sony Bank, Netbank which were often part of larger bank conglomerations. There has been a second wave of neophyte digital only FIs in Asia in the last two years as the map illustrates. Outside Japan, they have emerged from nowhere in a relatively short period of time. Most are two years old - or younger or about to come in the market such as the pure digital bank of CIMB Malaysia which will launch its digital only bank in Vietnam by end of 2017.
Digital only players come in different forms and combinations. Many lean towards payments as a key business propositions. Others are mobile/internet players with a limited branch network. Some have traditional parent banks behind such as TIMO in Vietnam which is powered by the back office of Vietnam Prosperity Bank, Jibun Bank in Japan which is a joint venture between Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ (BTMU) and the mobile network operator, KDDI or digibank in India and Indonesia which is owned by DBS in Singapore. In the UAE too, most digital only banks are owned by traditional commercial banks.
Others have originated from popular messaging applications such as Kakao Talk in Korea and WeChat Pay in China.
Many of the digital banks use new technologies to confirm the identities of clients and to meet Know Your Client (KYC) requirements. In theory, digital only banks could radically transform the financial services landscapes of the countries in which they operate. But for most, licensing, scale and profitability are the three key issues they face going forward.
One of the early successes was Jibun Bank Japan. The bank broke even within four years of market inception in 2012 and relied heavily in the first years on their mother company UMFJ client base. The bank accumulated more than 500,000 new customers in its first year. In 2015, the bank reported two million mobile banking accounts, the highest number of mobile banking accounts in Japan. In terms of productivity, the bank is able to cater to its two million customer base with about 200 employees.
DBS Singapore aims to scale up its retail banking presence in China, India and Indonesia using its digital platform called digibank. The success of digibank India will impact DBS decision-making process on how to proceed in on its market expansion efforts. The bank aims to acquire more than five million bank accounts in India with digibank in the next two to three years.
MoMo in Vietnam which is a mobile wallet solution by M Service which became the largest airtime top-up provider for all telcos in Vietnam, has 2 million registered mobile wallet users by end of 2016, owning approximately 70-80% of the mobile wallet market. Its fee based revenue model is based on merchant charges and the mobile wallet service. MoMo customers comprise roughly 50% mobile wallet users and 50% over the counter clients served by its agent network. It has a network of over 5,000 independent agents, through whom customers can load cash into their accounts, make withdrawals, bill payments and other financial transactions. It plans to grow its network eventually to 11,000 agents and more than seven million active e-wallet users.
With its expansive user-base and digital capabilities, it was not surprising that Tencent launched WeBank in 2015, the first online bank in China. The company received a licence to operate from China’s banking regulator together with five other institutions including Alibaba. Although it struggled on its first year, reporting a net loss of $82 million from May 2015 to December 2015, WeBank recovered in 2016 with a net profit of $5.9 million. This is mainly driven by microloans lent to blue-collar workers and small entrepreneurs in the country.
In Israel, The Leumi Group, the country’s largest financial institution launched "Pepper" in July 2017, an entirely mobile only application without branches and no current account fees. Pepper’s on boarding process takes in enough information to underwrite loans purely on the mobile platform.
In South Korea, two domestic digital only institutions one operated by telecoms company KT and the other by the country’s dominant messaging app Kakao are signing up new customers by the millions in 2017.
About 300,000 new accounts were opened with Kakaobank in the 24 hours following its launch in late July 2017— more than traditional banks in South Korea get in a year through online channels. With more than 4 million bank users by end of 2016 it is about 10% of its registered user base.
Rival K-bank, the country’s first web-only bank, has attracted just over half a million users since its April launch. However pure telecom run mobile banks failed elsewhere in the past, a case at hand is the well-established telecoms brand T-Mobile was unable to make a mobile banking proposition work in the US in 2014. The combination of a payment card and mobile application that gave customers the opportunity to bank through their phone failed to resonate.
If we look at the total digital accounts by the largest technology companies vis-à-vis the commercial banking industry, commercial banks are falling increasingly behind. This is not only happening in China and India but increasingly so in Korea and Vietnam
Front end technologies, better user interfaces and relevant offerings made technology companies overtake the combined strength of commercial banks.
As for China, there were approximately 900 million mobile banking subscribers in 2016 and mobile banking accounts by commercial banks will overtake internet banking accounts in 2017. Please note that customers can have more than one account – so the data reflect this.
India’s mobile banking accounts are only a portion of China’s account volume or about 9%. For India, about 70% of the Internet access is through mobile and the rest through desktops. Enablers for fast digital penetration is a decrease in cost of delivery to customers (fall in cost of high-speed access and smart phones) and fast turnaround time, 24*7 banking, personalised user experience and ease of use.
Inter-operability of the payments system in India would be critical for the further success of digitisation. The other key part is that banks and payments processors are able to offer a competitive rate to merchants in the processing of small value transactions. In most cases those rates are not compatible what merchants are willing to pay. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) created by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is the technology platform that will be the basis for ensuring Interoperability.
With a high portion of digitally active retail customer base banks address the needs of an increasingly tech-centric customer base
Globally, best banks have breached already the 70% ceiling in regards to active digital customers
Top banks in the Excellence acquire more than 35% of their total customers (retail+SME) via digital channels.
In the same vein, the best banks are able to acquire between 15 and 25% of their affluent base via digital channels
First tier banks in developed markets handle on average 17% of products digitally end to end
The ratio is even lower when it comes to the contribution to total gross income from retail banking. We have most banks in a small range between 1-3%, regardless whether they are operating in mature or emerging markets.
In addition, banks struggle to offer end-to-end digital sales for new to bank customers. Exceptions are countries with strong national ID infrastructures such as Korea, Taiwan, Australia and Japan
Those countries have also seen banks moving into selling of more complex products such as insurances and mortgages online.
In emerging markets, financial institutions are moving fast to introduce end-to-end digitised services too.
Cases at hand are VP Bank in Vietnam and CIMB in Malaysia:
Since 2015, Vietnam Prosperity Bank has built up a substantial position in the consumer finance market with a market share of 60%. The bank initially launched online origination for leads generation, but has moved quickly into an end-to-end digital process, including online disbursal, which is fully integrated with the credit bureau and its core banking system to allow certain segments to approve loans in less than ten minutes. The bank expects between 40% and 60% of all new bank applicants to be processed with this fully automated process.
CIMB Malaysia originates and processes close to 50% of all consumer finance loans via digital channels. Its web and mobile platforms are fully integrated and systems are integrated directly to the host system and transactions are processed on a straight-through basis.
As for 2017, we will see the extension of full straight through processed digital sales capabilities into digital current account openings and remote deposit generation. From paper-work, multiple signatures and having to access dozens of systems, the relationship opening experience at branches varies by markets and even within the same bank. In its efforts to standardise and automate the back and front end processes further, banks reduce account opening time to a few minutes and afford more time for the relationship manager to engage with the customer. Most Australian banks are already offering those options, but an increasing number of banks from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Taiwan are working on this.
CTBC Taiwan offers conventional account opening at the branch within 15 minutes, including filling forms, KYC and document processing. The bank uses optical character recognition (OCR) identification technology for identity card scanning, and automatically detects column information through imaging in the application form. In 2016, the Taiwanese bank launched online account opening in four steps, including the uploading of certification documents.
To sum up the key take away for this TABRadio Finance session.
While digital is becoming core proposition banks find it hard to make radical changes. In most cases banks spin of their digital only proposition based on separate core system and managements.
Compared to Europe and the US, Asia has seen very little pure non-bank mobile/internet only plays launching. More than 80% have banks or messaging applications behind them.
In theory, digital only banks could radically transform the financial services landscapes of the countries in which they operate. But for most, licensing, scale and profitability are the three key issues they face going forward.
Cards in wallet still make up a tiny fraction in overall payments. Those platform works well in mature markets with high credit card penetration but for emerging markets, other payments solutions are required. A series of national payments agendas is aiming to standardise payments and speed up adoption in micro payments. Increasingly QR code payment platforms become the platform of choice. The key question is can China’s success in micro payment based on the QR code framework be replicated in ASEAN?
First tier banks in developed markets handle on average 17% of products digitally end to end but eventually aim to bring more than 80% of all services and products online.
Categories: Financial Institutions, Financial Technology, Innovation, Technology & Operations, Transaction Banking
fi,Financial Technology,Innovation,technology,Transaction Banking,
Financial Institutions,Financial Technology,Innovation,Technology & Operations,Transaction Banking,
Keywords: Excellence In Retail Financial Services Programme, Commercial Banking, Digital Banking, Technology
Excellence in Retail Financial Services Programme, commercial banking, digital banking, technology
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Donald Trump is strong-arming Congress into accepting the new NAFTA
Why they won’t like it
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February 10, 2017 Vol 5 | Issue 1 | Jan- Apr 2017
“In – Vitro Studies on Inhibition of Acetyl Cholinesterase Activities of Marine Organisms by Organophosphorus Pesticides”
Vol 5 | Issue 1 | Jan - Apr 2017 | page: 21-26 | Rumi Dasgupta
Author: Rumi Dasgupta [1]
[1] University of East London, Stratford, London.
Institute Where Research Was Conducted: School of Health, Sports and Biosciences, University of East London, Stratford, London.
University Affiliation: University of East London.
Year Of Acceptance Of Thesis: 2009.
Address of Correspondence
Dr. Rumi Dasgupta
Research Trainee, MS (Toxicology), University of East London,
Stratford, London.
Email: rumidasgupta@gmail.com
Background: AChE activities are known to vary according to seasons with the highest values being found during summer. This is particularly true for cholinesterase activity in fish. Most enzymatic activities in poikilothermic species vary with the temperature of their environment. The level of cholinesterase activity does not directly depend on ambient temperature but on the physiological activity, which is tightly correlated with water temperature. Variations of biotic parameters such as sex, size, age, genital maturity or starvation are known to influence biological markers and make the environmental significance of markers difficult to interpret. The inhibition of AChE activities by pesticides and toxic elements like cadmium, lead and copper is well known and its use as a specific biomarker of exposure of aquatic organisms to such pollutants is widely applied in laboratory and field studies. The present work presents an evaluation of the acetyl cholinesterase activities of different species of marine organisms.
Method: Sampling was done from two Goan beaches for diversity in several physiological parameters like water quality, dissolved oxygen and contaminants disposal. Samples of Nerita chameleon and Etroplus suratensis were collected for the study. Enzymes were extracted by puncturing the forebrain region and homogenised. Protein estimation was carried out by using the Lowry Assay. The pesticides: Methyl Parathion, Ethyl Parathion, Phosphomidon, Monocrotophos and Dichlorovos were studied. Inhibition of AChE activity was determined by finding the difference in pH and % inhibition.
Results: In case of Nerita chameleon the order of toxicity is: DDVP > Ethyl Parathion > Phosphoamidon ~ Methyl Parathion whereas in case of Etroplus suratensis the order of toxicity is: Methyl Parathion > Monocrotophos > Phosphoamidon > Ethyl Parathion > DDVP. Out of the two samples it is found that the level of toxicity varies from species to species but the pesticides have an adverse effect on the activity of AChE leading to neurological disorders like Myasthenia gravis, glaucoma & Alzheimer's disease, etc.
Conclusion: Current sets of observations show that the study of Acetylcholinesterase enzyme can help the Eco-toxicologists to assess the impacts of various lethal & sub-lethal pollution in the marine environment. Study of different marine organisms like molluscs, fish, echinoderms, etc. can help to assess the biological effects of the neurotoxic contaminants on marine & estuarine environment.
Keywords: AChE, marine pollution, Delta pH-metric method.
Thesis Question: 1. To determine activity of acetylcholinesterase activity.
2. To evaluate the inhibitory effects of various neurotoxic contaminants on acetylcholinesterase activity.
3. To assess impact of neurotoxic contaminants on marine fishes along the Goa coast in terms of acetylcholinesterase activities
Thesis Answer: Current sets of observations show that the study of Acetylcholinesterase enzyme can help the Eco-toxicologists to assess the impacts of various lethal & sub-lethal pollution in the marine environment. Study of different marine organisms like molluscs, fish, echinoderms, etc. can help to assess the biological effects of the neurotoxic contaminants on marine & estuarine environment.
THESIS SUMMARY
Introduction of man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment resulting in toxic effects harmful to living resources, hazard to human health, hindrance to marine activities like fishing, loss of quality for use of sea-water and reduction of amenities. The marine environment is under continuous stress of various types of contaminants due to discharge of waste materials, industrial effluents, municipal sewage, riverine runoff, agricultural runoff etc. The various types of contaminants that are generally found in the marine environment include organic such as organochlorine pesticides, organophosphorus pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo dioxin, dibenzo furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, and inorganic contaminants like lead, cadmium, mercury, copper, etc. which are highly toxic.
The water is most polluted in the coastal sides but as the water deepens the pollutants or chemicals gets diluted. Since the water is most polluted in the coastal side, thus, it has an adverse effect on organisms like fishes, oysters, etc. We take in those fishes which already are contaminated with deposition of metals or other toxicants which results in various abnormalities. To detect the presence of toxic pollutants various methods are there out of which biomarker is one of them. It can be done by degrading bacteria, or by using various enzymes or by means of chemicals.
Biomarker is specific in nature. Each biomarker can detect only a particular abnormality. For e.g. AChE. Acetyl cholinesterase or AChE hydrolyses Acetyl Choline during motor impulses in our body. Now if some neurotoxic contaminants are present then due to the blockage of active sites the activity of AChE gets reduced leading to neurological disorders. Thus, AChE acts as a biomarker for neurotoxic contaminants like organophosphorus pesticides, heavy metals like Pb, Cd, etc.
For decades, the measurement of ChE is a valuable tool that should be incorporated to a battery of biomarkers to maximize the confidence with which eco-toxicologists assess impacts of sub-lethal pollution in the marine and estuarine environment. As used in other organisms, like molluscs and echinoderms, and fish[1], AChE appears as a relevant means of investigating biological effects of many neurotoxic contaminants on aquatic habitats and tropic levels[2].
Quantifying brain or plasma Cholinesterase (ChE) enzyme activity is widely used method to monitor avian exposure to OP pesticides[3][4]. Enzyme cholinesterase activity related to pesticides effects has been measured in brain [5][6][7], gills [6], liver [7], heart [8], muscle [7][8][9] and erythrocyte of different fresh water species.
Studies by Sengupta R. et al. comparing the sensitivity of different species towards several pesticides revealed that invertebrate ChEs, namely insect AChE, were more sensitive to inhibition than those from vertebrates[10]. Therefore, prior to the use of an invertebrate ChE as a reliable biomarker, several features like tissue distribution, enzymatic behaviour, and optimal conditions for assessing activity and sensitivity to anti-cholinesterase pesticides should be investigated[11][12][13].
In view of the ongoing problem of marine pollution due to neurotoxic contaminants it is indeed a prime need of the hour to assess the impact of such contamination by toxic compounds using various biomarker techniques. To evaluate the toxicological impact of various types of contaminants, I have been prompted to undertake a systematic study on biomarker of pollution. The main aims and objective the present studies are as follows:
4. To determine activity of acetylcholinesterase activity by Delta pH-metric Method
6. To assess impact of neurotoxic contaminants on marine fishes along the Goa coast in terms of acetylcholinesterase activities.
1. Sampling Areas:
Sampling was done from 2 beaches of Goan Coastal area. First one is the local site Dona Paula Beach few 2 kilometres away from NIO. The second sampling area is Madkai. Thus, both the sites were far enough to show diversity in several physiological parameters such as water quality, dissolved oxygen, and disposal of contaminants.
2. Animal Samples:
a. Nerite chameleon
b. Etroplus suratensis
3. Extraction of Enzymes:
a. As soon as the organisms are collected, they are subjected to about 4°C and rest of the process is carried in the same set of conditions. The scales are removed from the surface of the fishes and the abdominal muscles are taken out. Similarly, the skull is punctured at the forebrain region and slowly the upper skull is removed and the whole brain along with the Pons is collected.
b. As soon as the snails are collected, their weight and dimensions are measured along with their shells. Then their shells are broken & tissues are weighed.
c. To each homogenate tube, about 4 g of tissue is added along with 4ml of extraction buffer (pH-7.4), 4 ml of Sucrose and a drop of Triton X-100. Each tube is subjected to homogenization (Homoginizer-Ultra Durax), at sheer speed of 11000 per minute, thrice for one minute with an interval of 30 seconds. The Homogenization is followed by cold centrifugation at -4°c for 30 minutes at a speed of 18500rpm. After the process of homogenization, the supernatant is pipetted out and dispensed in cryovoils and stored at -20°C.
4. Estimation of Protein Content of the Extract by Hartree-Lowry Assay:
The Lowry assay (1951) is used to estimate protein content of the enzyme extract. It is the method of choice for accurate protein estimation for cell fractions[14]. The Hartree version of the Lowry assay uses fewer reagents, improves sensitivity and provides a more linear response.
5. Experimental Setup:
The reaction was carried out in small glass aliquots. To each aliquot < 7ml of Working Buffer (pH-8.02) was added followed 0.100 ml of enzyme and inhibitors if required were added. Considering the volume of the substrate to be added later the final is made up to 7.5ml.
Finally, the reaction was commenced by addition of the substrate. First reading is taken as soon as the substrate is added, and readings were taken after every subsequent 10 minutes’ interval.
The colour, which is initially dark blue gradually, changes to green and finally to golden yellow as the reaction reaches towards completion. Since the working buffer contains an indicator Bromothymol blue, which imparts a blue colour to a basic solution and gradually change its spectrum to yellow as the solution becomes acidic.
6. Organosphosphate Pesticides:
a. Methyl Parathion
b. Ethyl Parathion
c. Phosphomidon
d. Monocrotophos
e. Dichlorovos
7. Determination of Acetylcholinesterase Activity by Delta pH-metric Method:
The change in the pH is due to the liberation of Acetic acid. The release of acetic acid is due to the hydrolysis of the substrate Acetylcholine Bromide or Butyl-Choline-thio-Iodide, by the enzyme present in the tissue homogenate in the presence of NaCl. Acetylcholinesterase activity was measured following modified delta-pH metric method[15] in which 0.1 ml of sample enzyme was incubated at room temperature (30◦C) with 0.2 ml substrate acetylcholine bromide for an hour in a medium of phosphate buffer (0.01 M, pH-8.0 ± 0.10) indicator solution with the final volume being 7.5 ml. Bromothymol blue was used as the indicator for observation of the reaction kinetics. The changes in pH were recorded at an interval of 10 minutes. The difference in pH changes over a period of one hour corresponded to the amount of acetic acid liberated due to reaction kinetics with the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. The unit of activity of acetylcholinesterase was calibrated with respect to micromoles of acetic acid liberated by the action AChE enzyme. The protein concentration of each of the sample extract was determined as per Lowry et. al. using Bovine serum albumin as the standard[14]. The AChE activities are expressed in terms of the units per mg of protein per minute.
The amount of the acetic acid released per unit time is directly proportional to the number of substrate molecules hydrolysed (turnover number) and this release taken as the ΔpH at the end of the reaction after one hour per mg of protein is the actual measure of the activity of enzyme.
Enzyme activity (Units/mg - protein/hour)
= [(56.246 × ΔpH) × y / (Protein content × 60)] × Working Volume
Where y = Volume of the enzyme used.
The 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) and double reciprocal plots were determined for these compounds. The aim of the present study is to determine the relative toxicity of neurotoxic metals, pesticides and OP compounds as related to the comparative neurotoxic potential and the mechanism of AChE potential in different tissues of the fishes.
The aspects show that the measurement of ‘total cholinesterase activity’ under acute assay conditions in homogenates prepared with whole animals, can lead to erroneous ecotoxicological conclusions[9].
To eliminate the factor concerning the effect of solvent on inhibition of AChE activity, I have taken 50ul of acetone + 100µl of Enzyme + 200µlof Substrate + 150µl of Distilled water (i.e. Control 2). The result shows that there is no change in AChE activity due to the presence of Acetone in the Enzyme-Substrate buffer medium.
Measurement of AChE activity was done by measuring the pH reading every 10 minutes.
1. Inhibition of AChE activity of Nerita chamaeleon by Phosphoamidon in a concentration of 1x10-6M collected from location: Dona Paula. The date of collection of the sample was 17.06.2006.
a. The Blank pH started with a pH reading of 8.08 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 8.07. The delta pH was 0.01.
b. The Blank + Enzyme pH started with a pH reading of 7.86 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 7.59. The delta pH was 0.27.
c. The Blank + Substrate pH started with a pH reading of 7.96 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 6.46. The delta pH was 1.50.
d. The Control pH started with a pH reading of 7.18 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 5.62. The delta pH was 1.56.
e. The Sample 1 pH started with a pH reading of 7.09 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 5.71. The delta pH was 1.38 and the % Inhibition was found to be 11.53%.
f. The Sample 2 pH started with a pH reading of 7.11 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 5.78. The delta pH was 1.33 and the % Inhibition was found to be 14.74%.
g. The Sample 3 pH started with a pH reading of 7.03 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 5.73. The delta pH was 1.30 and the % Inhibition was found to be 16.67%.
h. The Sample 4 pH started with a pH reading of 7.11 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 5.85. The delta pH was 1.26 and the % Inhibition was found to be 19.23%.
i. The Sample 5 pH started with a pH reading of 7.15 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 6.05. The delta pH was 0.59 and the % Inhibition was found to be 62.17%.
2. Inhibition of AChE activity of Nerita chamaeleon by Methyl Parathion in a concentration of 1x10-8M collected from location: Dona Paula. The date of collection of the sample was 17.06.2006.
e. The Sample 1 pH started with a pH reading of 6.92 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 6.32. The delta pH was 0.60 and the % Inhibition was found to be 3.22%.
f. The Sample 2 pH started with a pH reading of 6.85 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 6.26. The delta pH was 0.59 and the % Inhibition was found to be 4.83%.
g. The Sample 3 pH started with a pH reading of 6.79 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 6.23. The delta pH was 0.56 and the % Inhibition was found to be 9.67%.
h. The Sample 4 pH started with a pH reading of 6.86 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 6.32. The delta pH was 0.54 and the % Inhibition was found to be 12.9%.
3. Inhibition of AChE activity of Etroplus suratensis by DDVP in a concentration of 1x10-6M collected from location: Madkai. The date of collection of the sample was 08.06.2006.
4. Inhibition of AChE activity of Etroplus suratensis by Ethyl Parathion in a concentration of 1x10-6M collected from location: Madkai. The date of collection of the sample was 08.06.2006.
5. Inhibition of AChE activity of Etroplus suratensis by Phosphoamidon in a concentration of 1x10-6M collected from location: Madkai. The date of collection of the sample was 08.06.2006.
6. Inhibition of AChE activity of Etroplus suratensis by Methyl Parathion in a concentration of 1x10-6M collected from location: Madkai. The date of collection of the sample was 08.06.2006.
e. The Sample 1 pH started with a pH reading of 6.09 at 0 mins and at 60 mins the reading was 5.11. The delta pH was 0.98 and the % Inhibition was found to be 12.5%.
7. Inhibition of AChE activity of Etroplus suratensis by Monocrotophos in a concentration of 1x10-6M collected from location: Madkai. The date of collection of the sample was 08.06.2006.
8. Inhibition of AChE activity of Etroplus suratensis by combination of Ethyl Parathion + Methyl Parathion in (1:1) ratio, i.e. 1ml of Ethyl Parathion & 1ml of Methyl Parathion in a concentration of 1x10-12M collected from location: Madkai. The date of collection of the sample was 08.06.2006.
Acetylcholine is a cholinergic neurotransmitter. It is predominant at the neuromuscular junction. Now it is seen that the activity of Acetylcholinesterase is inhibited by several neurotoxic contaminants like heavy metals like Cd, Pb, Hg, etc., organophosphorous pesticides, etc.
In in-vitro conditions experiments were performed to see the effects of different neurotoxic contaminants on marine organism, i.e., a snail (Nerita chamaeleon) and a fish (Etroplus suratensis). Result suggests that DDVP is highly toxic followed by Ethyl Parathion in case of Nerita chamaeleon. In comparison to DDVP & Ethyl Parathion, Phosphoamidon and Methyl Parathion is less toxic. The low toxicity of Phosphoamidon is due to the presence of phenyl group. The phenyl group adds to the stability of the compound.
In case of Etroplus suratensis, Methyl Parathion is the most toxic followed by Monocrotophos, Phosphoamidon and Ethyl Parathion. Here it is seen that DDVP is the least toxic as compared to Nerita chamaeleon. The toxicity of Methyl parathion in this case is about 0.15 whereas in case of Nerita chamaeleon the toxicity of Methyl parathion is about 0.032.
Another set of observations were taken to see if there is any synergistic effect of the pesticides takes place in case of Etroplus suratensis and was found that the level of toxicity goes high when two pesticides are mixed together. Compared to the combination of Ethyl parathion & Methyl parathion, the combination of DDVP & Phosphoamidon is higher.
1. In case of Nerita chamaeleon the order of toxicity is
• DDVP > Ethyl Parathion > Phosphoamidon ~ Methyl Parathion
2. In order of toxicity in case of Etroplus suratensis is
• Methyl Parathion > Monocrotophos > Phosphoamidon > Ethyl Parathion > DDVP
3. Out of the two samples it is found that the level of toxicity varies from species to species but the pesticides have an adverse effect on the activity of AChE leading to neurological disorders like Myasthenia gravis, glaucoma & Alzheimer’s disease, etc.
Current sets of observations show that the study of Acetylcholinesterase enzyme can help the Eco-toxicologists to assess the impacts of various lethal & sub-lethal pollution in the marine environment. Study of different marine organisms like molluscs, fish, echinoderms, etc. can help to assess the biological effects of the neurotoxic contaminants on marine & estuarine environment.
1. Bocquené, G., Galgani, F. and Truquet, P., 1990. Characterization and assay conditions for use of AChE activity from several marine species in pollution monitoring. Marine Environmental Research 30, pp. 75–89
2. Forget, J., Beliaeff, B. and Bocquené, G (2003) Acetylcholinesterase activity in copepods (Tigriopus brevicornis) from the Vilaine River estuary, France, as a biomarker of neurotoxic contaminants Aquatic Toxicology, 62, (3), 12, 195-204
3. L. Guilhermino, L., Lacerda, M. N., Nogueira, A. J. A., and Soares A. M. V. M., 20th March 2000. In vitro and in vivo inhibition of Daphnia magna acetylcholinesterase by surfactant agents: possible implications for contamination biomonitoring. The Science of The Total Environment Volume 247, Issues 2-3 , Pages 137-141
4. Carajaville, M. P., Bebianno, M.J., Blasco, J., Porte, C., Sarasquete, C. and Viarengo, A. (2000). The use of biomarkers to assess the impact of pollution in coastal environment of the Iberian Peninsula: a practical approach, Sci. Total Environ. 247, 295–311
5. Johnson, J.A. and Wallace, K.B., 1987. Species-related differences in the inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase by paraoxon and malaoxon. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 88, pp. 234–241
6. Guzzella, L., Gronda,A., Colombo L. (1997). Acute Toxicity of Organophosphorus Insecticides to Marine Invertebrates Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 59:313-320
7. Huang, T. L., Obih, P. o., Jaiswal, R., Hartley, W. R., Thiyagarajah A., 1997. Evaluation of Liver and Brain Esterases in the Spotted Gar Fish (Lepisosteus oculatus) as Biomarkers of Effect in the Lower Mississippi River Basin. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 58:688-695
8. Hamza-Chaffai, A., Roméo, M., Gnassia, M., Barelli, M., El Abed., A.,1998. Effect of Copper and Lindane on Some Biomarkers Measured in the Clam Ruditapes decussates. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.61:397-404
9. Basack, S. B., Oneto, M. L., Fuchs, J. S., Wood, E. J., Kesten, E. M., 1998. Esterases of Corbicula fluminea as Biomarkers of Exposure to Organophosphorus Pesticides. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.61:569-576
10. Sengupta, R.; Sarkar, A. and Kureishy, T.W. (1991). Bio degradation and Anticholinesterase activity of methyl isocyanate in the aquatic environment of Bhopal. Water Research.
11. Brooks, A. L., (2001). Biomarkers of Exposure and Dose: State of the Art Radiation Protection Dosimetry. Vol. 97, No. 1, pp. 39–46
12. Diamantino, T., C., Almeida, E., Soares, A. M. V. M., Guilhermino L., 2003. Characterization of Cholinesterases from Daphnia magna Straus and Their Inhibition by Zinc. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.71:219–225.
13. Lehtonen, K., K., Leinio¨, S., 2003. Effects of Exposure to Copper and Malathion on Metallothionein Levels and Acetylcholinesterase Activity of the Mussel Mytilus edulis and the Clam Macoma balthica from the Northern Baltic Sea. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.71:489–496.
14. Lowry O H, Rosebrough N J, Farr AL, Randall RJ. (1951) Protein measurement with the Folin phenol reagent. J Biol Chem; 193:265-275.
15. Sarkar, A. (1992) Evaluation of the toxicity of organic matter in marine sediments. Water Science and Technology. 25: 3, 255 257.
How to Cite this Article: Dasgupta R. “In – Vitro Studies on Inhibition of Acetyl Cholinesterase Activities of marine organisms by Organophosphorus Pesticides”. Journal Medical Thesis 2017 Jan-Apr ; 5(1):21-26.
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INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (Course number GOVT 262, Spring 2018)
WE ARE GLOBAL GEORGETOWN!
Class day & time: Tuesday & Thursday, 2:00pm-3:15pm
Classroom location: ICC, Room 107
Email: jrv24@georgetown.edu
When: Tuesday, 6:30pm
Where: Outside of Midnight Mug, LAU2
Main Office Location: Mortara Room 205
Additional office hours: By appointment
WE ARE GLOBAL GEORGETOWN! home page
(click here – viewable with Chrome)
Teaching Assistant: Zachary Karabatak
Email: zfk2@georgetown.edu
TBA following the mid-term
Location: TBA following the mid-term
This web-syllabus is designed to be used throughout the semester. Below you will find links to the readings for each of the 28 class sessions. Where possible, reading assignments have been linked to electronic versions available on the Internet. Otherwise, the assignment is available at the library and the bookstore. Students visiting this page for the first time should read through the entire syllabus: the course description, the course requirements, and the course outline. If you have any questions or comments about the web page or the course, please contact me.
Students should note that about 75% of the readings listed below are simply suggested not required. I put them here just in case some day in the future students decide to do further research on anything we cover – so students should not be scared by the length of this syllabus. As for the required reading, there is about one article or chapter per class, and some class sessions require only that you read some web pages. Students should plan just to study the readings marked "required" before and after class– the lecture will reinforce the main points of the readings.
Are the readings really available online? In most cases, yes! (The exceptions are a few readings from books – which are available for purchase e-books.) HOWEVER, many of the articles require a library subscription. So, the links below should work fine IF you are on campus. If not, you can still get the reading online for free, but you need to go through the library search page. So, if any of the links below do not work while you are off-campus, please try again when on-campus (and if it still doesn't work, please email me).
Be sure to click on the links throughout the syllabus – there are some Easter eggs...
The course books are available for purchase at the Georgetown Bookstore and on reserve at the library
In the event of a campus closure causing the cancelation of class, the instructor will communicate with students through email.
Jan 11: Introduction to International Organizations
Holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Jan 16: What is the role of international organizations and do they really matter?
Jan 18: The IMF Part 1 – History and Background
Jan 23: The IMF Part 2 – Who controls the IMF?
Jan 25: The IMF Part 3 – Why do governments enter into IMF programs and with what effects?
Jan 30: Regional Monetary Funds? (The Asian Monetary Fund)
Feb 1: Development organizations Part 1 – The World Bank
Feb 6: International institutions, cooperation, and sacrifice through the music of Bob Marley
Feb 8: Development organizations Part 2 – Regional Development Organizations (The Asian Development Bank)
Feb 13: The United Nations General Assembly
Feb 15: The United Nations Security Council Part 1
Feb 20: The United Nations Security Council Part 2 – Reform
Feb 22: The United Nations Security Council Part 3 – A new permanent seat for Japan?
Feb 27: Human Rights Part 1 – The United Nations Human Rights Conventions
Mar 1: Human Rights Part 2 – The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms
Spring Break Mar 4-12
Mar 13: Review for the Mid-term Exam
Mar 15: Mid-term Exam
Mar 20: TBA
Mar 22: The World Trade Organization
Mar 27: Regional Trade Organizations: Mercosur
Apr 3: The European Monetary Union
Apr 5: Preferential Trade Agreements
Apr 10: What role do international organizations play in promoting democracy?
Apr 12: Who wins the Olympic Games?
Apr 17: Global cooperation on the environment: culture & institutions
Apr 19: Whither global governance?
Apr 24: Gobal Cooperation and You
Apr 26: Review for the final examination
Final Exam: Friday, May 11, 4pm-6pm
This course is about cooperation and sacrifice. Specifically, it is about "institutionalizing" cooperation at the international level. The focus is on intergovernmental organizations. We will examine their historical origins, ostensible functions, the international and domestic political forces that impact their operations, and their effectiveness.
What role do International Organizations (IOs) play in global politics? Some think their role is trivial. Others argue that they fulfill their important stated purposes. Still others argue that governments use them to pursue their own private goals. In my research, I have argued that international organizations can be used to do the "dirty work" of governments – they can "launder" dirty politics – they can be scapegoats – in short, they can be the "dark knight" (sometimes for better, sometimes for worse).
We will begin the course by addressing some overarching theoretical and methodological issues so that we have a core set of analytical tools we can apply to our study of specific IOs. From a theoretical perspective, we will consider various approaches, such as realist, liberal, bureaucratic, and constructivist. From a methodological point of view, we will be concerned with questions of endogeneity and non-random selection. That is, separating the circumstances under which IOs take action from the inherent effects of their actions.
Delving into specific IOs, we begin with the International Financial Institutions (the IMF and the World Bank). We then turn to the United Nations (Security Council, Peacekeeping Operations, Human Rights). We subsequently analyze IOs dealing with Europe (NATO, EU). Next we consider international trade organizations (the GATT/WTO and regional trade organizations). We end the semester by considering some broad themes regarding IOs, such as the effects that they may have on the promotion of democracy and on how democratically (or not) they are governed themselves.
As we examine each institution, we will keep several questions in mind:
Does this international organization represent anything more than the interests of its most powerful members?
How are the foreign policy goals of its most powerful members pursued – or not?
What role do domestic politics play when countries interact with the international organizations?
How does the pursuit of the private incentives of individuals working in IOs influence IO effectiveness?
What ideas and norms in international politics influenced the creation of the various IOs and what impact have the IOs in turn had on international ideas and norms?
Thus, we are concerned with the political economy of international organizations. As in other courses in political economy, we will grapple with centralized versus decentralized mechanisms of allocation, where the two mechanisms often interact. In the study of International Political Economy, we consider the ways in which the various centralized and decentralized mechanisms of allocation have effects across borders. The market forces and government policies in one country affect those in other countries – for example, there are economic, security, and environmental "externalities."
From this point of view, IOs can be considered responses to failures of decentralized mechanisms of allocation at the international level, or, simply put, responses to international market failures. IOs are thus supranational centralized allocation mechanisms, which may or may not effectively achieve their ostensible goals. When evaluating whether these centralized mechanisms of allocation achieve their intended goals, it will be important to consider not just their inherent effects, but also an important counterfactual: what the world would be like in their absence? Note, the course makes no a priori judgments about the value of IOs, and students are encouraged to think critically about the constellation of IOs in the world. The course requires only that students consider both centralized and decentralized mechanisms of allocation as viable solutions to international problems – there is no assumed ideological preference for one approach over the other.
The challenges of trying to understand the interests, institutions, and information of actors in an international context are great, and much remains to be learned. The course is designed not just to familiarize students with IOs, but also to stimulate their curiosity about questions that really have yet to be answered satisfactorily. An important goal of the course is also to equip students with the analytical tools required to address such questions.
Each class lecture will focus on one substantive question and apply one analytical tool. My goal is to be highly focused in each class on teaching about just a pair of ideas, one substantive and one analytical. In this pursuit, I am well aware that over the course of your lives, your interest in international affairs may wax and wane. But the analytical tools that we cover in class should travel with you throughout your life as your interests evolve. I will thus stress the wide applicability of the analytical tools we cover in each class, which extend well beyond the study of international cooperation.
Note that the exams will be based on the substance and analytical tools. At the end of each lecture, I provide a summary of the main points we have learned. Along with the TA, I construct the exam questions based on these summary points. (We also construct some questions based on the main points of the readings.) The stress is on big ideas, not minutia. Moreover, the exam itself reinforces one of the analytical tools we learn about in class: Solving "time-inconsistent preference problems" using "credible commitments." Not sure what this means? You will be (or better be) by the mid-term...
Learning Methodology:
The lectures for this course are packed over a relatively short time period in your lives. During the semester, you're going to be busy with lots of other courses and activities, and when the semester is over, you're going to move on to many wonderful adventures and accomplishments. You won't remember everything from GOVT 262 (least of all the course number). But hopefully you'll remember some key lessons. My strategy is to teach the course with life-long learning in mind (so you might remember something you learned in this class in 20 years). We will, therefore, use multiple methods to reinforce the main take-away messages of the course.
Doing the readings prior to class will help the students follow and participate in the class sessions.
Class sessions will combine a mix of lecture and discussion with puzzles for the students to grapple with as a group. Class notes will be made available to students after each session. The reason to provide the notes only after class is to keep students engaged in an "active" learning mode. The notes include puzzles, questions, and answers. It is important for students not to be able to see the answers to puzzles until we have struggled through them as a group. Beware of my randomize-student-selector. I will use it to call on you to keep you on your toes!
Music will be employed to reinforce key lessons (played at the beginning and end of classes - mostly just for fun!). A key theme for the course will be Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” LeAnn Rimes' "Commitment" will also feature prominently. We will also reference “The Dark Knight Theme” by Hans Zimmer, “Stay Together” by 2NE1, “Let’s Stay Together,” by Al Green, “One Love” and “No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley, and, importantly, “Highway to Hell” by ACDC.
Movies illustrate in dramatic fashion some key lessons. If you’re looking for a relaxing way to prepare for class, familiarity with The Godfather could prove useful. (Advanced students may wish to read The Godfather Doctrine: A Foregin Policy Parable. Other films may include Invictus, The Dark Knight, The Whistleblower, It's a Wonderful Life, Hotel Rwanda, La Misma Luna, Biutiful, Shinjuku Incident, No Man's Land, The Yes Men, and many Star Wars references. ("Hey, I'm a movie guy. I can rattle off a bunch of movies.")
In class, we will watch short video clips illustrating historical events, including the beggar-thy-neighbor policies leading up to the Great Depression, a currency run, and the end of the Bretton Woods exchange rate system.
Human pyramid to reinforce the trilemma. Nuff said.
The course grade will be determined by the mid-term examination (25%-75%) and the final examination (25%-75%). Regarding the weight of the exams, students will be given the opportunity to choose how much the mid-term exam is worth for their individual final course grade (between 25% and 75%). The choice must be made during the exam (before turning it in). The decision about the mid-term weight obviously implies the weight of the final exam.
Students are expected to prepare for the exams by coming to class, studying their notes from class, and doing the *required* reading (but NOT the suggested reading). Readings (only those marked "required") should be read thoroughly before and after each class – they will be reinforced through lecture. For each class, copious amounts of "suggested further reading" are provided. Students are *NOT* expected to do the "suggested further reading." It is provided for you in case you ever decide to do further research on a topic in the future.
Nota bene:
Please be sure to familiarize yourself with Georgetown’s honor system.
The course books are available for purchase at the Georgetown Bookstore and on reserve at the library:
Vreeland, James Raymond. 2007. The International Monetary Fund: Politics of Conditional Lending. New York: Routledge.
Library call number: HG3881.5.I58 V743 2007
It is available as an e-book from Amazon. Click here
Vreeland, James Raymond and Axel Dreher. 2014. The Political Economy of the United Nations Security Council: Money and Influence. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Library call number: JZ5006.7 .V74 2014
It is available from Amazon. Click here
CLASS 1 LECTURE NOTES - to be posted after class
SUGGESTED further reading: The following list includes some recommended background readings (these are good readings in general for international political economy and international relations – NOT at all required for the course):
Powell, Robert. 1994. Review: Anarchy in International Relations Theory: The Neorealist-Neoliberal Debate. International Organization 48 (2):313-344.
Checkel, Jeffrey T. Review Article: The Constructivist Turn in International Relations Theory. World Politics 50 (2):324-348.
REQUIRED READING ASSIGNMENT:
Abbot, Kenneth and Duncan Snidal. 1998. Why States Act through Formal Organizations. Journal of Conflict Resolution 42:3-32.
SUGGESTED further reading:
Mearsheimer, John. 1994. The False Promise of International Institutions. International Security winter 1994/95: 5-49.
Check out the 5 short rejoinders to Mearsheimer (1994) in International Security 20 (1, Summer 1995) by Keohane & Martin, Kupchan & Kupchan, Ruggie, Wendt, and Mearsheimer.
Grant, Ruth W. and Robert O. Keohane. 2005. Accountability and Abuses of Power in World Politics. American Political Science Review 99(1):29-43.
Downs, George W., David M. Rocke, and Peter N. Barsoom. 1996. Is the good news about compliance good news about cooperation? International Organization 50 (3):379–406.
Johns, Leslie. 2007. A Servant of Two Masters: Communication and the Selection of International Bureaucrats. International Organization 61:245-275.
Wohlforth, William and Stephen G. Brooks. International Relations Theory and the Case Against Unilateralism. Perspectives on Politics 3(3):509-24.
Pape, Robert. 2005. Soft Balancing against the United States. International Security 30 (1):7-45.
Barnett, Michael N. and Martha Finnemore. 1999. The Politics, Power, and Pathologies of International Organizations. International Organization 53:699-732.
Kagan, Robert 2004. America's Crisis of Legitimacy. Foreign Affairs 83 (2 March/April):65-87.
Nye, Joseph Jr. 2004. The Decline of America’s Soft Power. Foreign Affairs 83 (3, May/June):16-20.
Vreeland, James Raymond. 2007. The International Monetary Fund: Politics of Conditional Lending. New York: Routledge. HG3881.5.I58 V743 2007. CHAPTER 1, CHAPTER 6, & Conclusion
IMF: Back to Basics Page (broad-ranging great info here!)
Overview of the IMF
History of the IMF
The IMF's work
The governance of the IMF
Hot topics on the IMF
Hacche, Graham. 2007. A Non-Definitive Guide to the IMF: A review article. World Economics 8 (2):97-118.
Vreeland, James Raymond. 2007. The International Monetary Fund: Politics of Conditional Lending. New York: Routledge. HG3881.5.I58 V743 2007. CHAPTER 2 only
Thacker, Strom. 1999. The High Politics of IMF Lending. World Politics 52: 38-75.
Przeworski, Adam and James Raymond Vreeland. 2000. “The Effect of IMF Programs on Economic Growth.” Journal of Development Economics 62: 385-421.
Jan 30: Regional Monetary Funds?
Lipscy, Phillip Y. 2003. Japan's Asian Monetary Fund Proposal. Stanford Journal of East Asian Affairs 3 (1):93-104.
AVAILABLE ON BLACKBOARD: CLICK HERE
From the Blackboard page, please log in, then select GOVT-262-01, then choose "Documents." From there, you can download the reading.
The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
International Development Association (IDA)
Marshall, Katherine. 2008. The World Bank: From reconstruction to development to equity. New York: Routledge. HG3881.5.W57 M38 2008.
Fleck, Robert K. and Christopher Kilby. 2006. World Bank Independence: a Model and Statistical Analysis of U.S. Influence. Review of Development Economics 10 (2):224-40.
Kilby, Christopher. 2008. The Political Economy of Conditionality: An Empirical Analysis of World Bank Enforcement. Ms.
Andersen, Thomas Barnebeck, Henrik Hansen, and Thomas Markussen. 2006. US politics and World Bank IDA-lending. Journal of Development Studies 42 (5):772-794.
Abouharb, M. Rodwan, and David Cingranelli. 2006. The Human Rights Effects of World Bank Structural Adjustment Lending, 1981–2000. International Studies Quarterly 50 (2):233–62.
Wade, Robert Hunter. 2001. Making the World Development Report 2000: Attacking Poverty. World Development 29 (8):1435-41.
Frey, Bruno S. and Friedrich Schneider. 1986. Competing Models of International Lending Activity. Journal of Development Economics 20 (3):225-245.
Knack, Stephen and Aminur Rahman. 2007. Donor fragmentation and bureaucratic quality in aid recipients. Journal of Development Economics 83:176–197
Harrigan, Jane, Chengang Wang, and Hamed El-Said. 2006. The Economic and Political Determinants of IMF and World Bank Lending in the Middle East and North Africa. World Development 34 (2):247–270.
READING ASSIGNMENT (read all lyrics):
Marley, Bob and King Sporty. 1983. "Buffalo Soldier." Confrontation. Island Records/Tuff Gong.
Marley, Bob. 1980. "Redemption Song." Uprising. Island Records/Tuff Gong.
Marley, Bob. 1979. "Zimbabwe." Survival. Island Records/Tuff Gong.
Marley, Bob. 1973. "I shot the sheriff." Burnin'. Island Records/Tuff Gong.
Marley, Bob. 1976. "War." Rastaman Vibration. Island Records/Tuff Gong.
Marley, Bob. 1977. "One Love/People Get Ready." Exodus. Island Records/Tuff Gong.
Ford, Vincent (Bob Marley?). 1974. "No, Woman, No Cry." Natty Dread. Island Records/Tuff Gong.
Feb 8: Development organizations Part 2 – Regional Development Organizations
Kilby, Christopher. 2006. Donor Influence in Multilateral Development Banks: The Case of the Asian Development Bank. Review of International Organizations 1 (2):173-95.
FURTHER *REQUIRED* READING – co-authored by a Georgetown undergraduate! Either read it for today or by the mid-term exam:
Lim, Daniel Yew Mao and James Raymond Vreeland. 2013. Regional Organizations and International Politics: Japanese Influence over the Asian Development Bank and the UN Security Council. World Politics 65 (1): 34-72.
CLASS 10 LECTURE NOTES - to be posted after class
Voeten, Erik. 2000. Clashes in the Assembly. International Organization 54 (2):185-215.
Vreeland, James Raymond and Axel Dreher. 2014. The Political Economy of the United Nations Security Council: Money and Influence.. New York: Cambridge University Press.
FURTHER *REQUIRED* READING – co-authored by a Georgetown undergraduate:
Hurd, Ian. 2007. After Anarchy: Legitimacy and Power in the UN Security Council. Princeton: Princeton University Press. JZ5006.7 .H87 2007.
Kuziemko, Ilyana and Eric Werker. 2006. How much is a Seat on the Security Council Worth? Foreign Aid and Bribery at the United Nations. Journal of Political Economy 114 (5):905-930.
Dreher, Axel, Jan-Egbert Sturm, and James Raymond Vreeland. 2009. Global Horse Trading: IMF loans for votes in the United Nations Security Council. European Economic Review 53(7):742–757.
Dreher, Axel, Jan-Egbert Sturm, and James Raymond Vreeland. 2009. Development Aid and International Politics: Does membership on the UN Security Council influence World Bank decisions? Journal of Development Economics 88 (1):1-18.
Hurd, Ian and Bruce Cronin (eds.). 2008. The UN Security Council and the Legitimacy of International Authority. New York: Routledge. KZ6368 .U5 2008.
Malone, David M. (ed.) 2004. The UN Security Council: From the Cold War to the 21st Century. Lynne Rienner Publishers. JZ5006.5 .U545 2004.
Luck, Edward C. 2006. The UN Security Council: Practice and Promise. New York: Routledge. JZ5006.7 .L83 2006.
O'Neill, Barry. 1996. Power and Satisfaction in the United Nations Security Council. Journal of Conflict Resolution 40 (2):219-237.
Chapman, Terrence L. and Dan Reiter. 2004. The United Nations Security Council and the Rally ’Round the Flag Effect. Journal of Conflict Resolution 48 (6):886-909.
Voeten, Erik. 2001. Outside Options and the Logic of Security Council Action. American Political Science Review 95 (4):845–58.
Voeten, Erik. 2005. The Political Origins of the UN Security Council's Ability to Legitimize the Use of Force. International Organization 59 (3):527-57.
United Nations Charter Chapter 5
DID YOU REMEMBER TO READ THIS YET?
Weiss, Jessica. 2008. Autocratic Audiences, International Bargaining, and Nationalist Protest in China. Manuscript, Yale University.
Hollyer, James R. and B. Peter Rosendorff. 2011. Why Do Authoritarian Regimes Sign the Convention Against Torture? Signaling, Domestic Politics, and Non-Compliance. Quarterly Journal of Political Science 6: 275-327.
Also: Enjoy this fun blogging about the above paper! Be sure to read all the comments (Click here) - esp. the one I wrote ;) (Click here)
Goodliffe, Jay and Darren Hawkins. 2006. Explaining Commitment: States and the Convention against Torture. Journal of Politics 68 (2):358–371.
Lebovic, James and Eric Voeten. 2006. The Politics of Shame: The Condemnation of Country Human Rights Practices in the UNHRC. International Studies Quarterly 50 (4):861-888.
Linda Camp Keith. 1999. The United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Does it Make a Difference in Human Rights Behaviour? Journal of Peace Research 36:95–118.
Hafner-Burton, Emilie Marie, and Kiyo Tsutsui. 2007. Justice Lost! The Failure of International Human Rights Law to Matter Where Needed Most. Journal of Peace Research 44 (4)407-425.
Neumayer, Eric. 2005. Do International Human Rights Treaties Improve Respect for Human Rights? Journal of Conflict Resolution 49 (6):925–53.
Vreeland, James Raymond. 2008. Political Institutions and Human Rights: Why Dictatorships enter into the United Nations Convention Against Torture. International Organization 62 (1):65-101.
Hathaway, Oona A. 2002. Do Human Rights Treaties Make a Difference? The Yale Law Journal 111 (8):1935–2042.
Landman, Todd. 2005. Review Article: The Political Science of Human Rights. British Journal of Political Science 35 (3):549–72.
Wotipka, C. M. and K. Tsutsui. 2008. Global Human Rights and State Sovereignty: Nation-States' Ratifications of International Human Rights Treaties, 1965-2001. Sociological Forum 23 (4):724-754.
Wotipka, C. M. and F. O. Ramirez. 2008. "World Society and Human Rights: An Event History Analysis of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women." Pp. 303-343 in The Global Diffusion of Markets and Democracy. Beth A. Simmons, Frank Dobbin, Geoffrey Garrett (eds.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Moravcsik, Andrew. 2000. The Origins of Human Rights Regimes: Democratic Delegation in Postwar Europe. International Organization 54 (2):217–52.
March 13: Review for the Mid-term Exam
March 15: Mid-term Exam
Busch, Marc. 2007. Overlapping Institutions, Forum Shopping, and Dispute Settlement in International Trade. International Organization 61(4): 735-761.
Pelc, Krzysztof J. Forthcoming. Constraining Coercion? Legitimacy and its Role in US Trade Policy, 1975-2000. International Organization.
Reinhardt, Eric. 2001. Adjudication without Enforcement in GATT Disputes. Journal of Conflict Resolution 45: 174-195.
Busch, Marc L. and Eric Reinhardt. 2003. Developing Countries and GATT/WTO Dispute Settlement. Journal of World Trade 37 (4):719-735.
Busch, Marc L. and Eric Reinhardt. 2006. Three’s a Crowd: Third Parties and WTO Dispute Settlement. World Politics 58 (3):446-477.
McGillivray, Fiona. 2000. Democratizing the World Trade Organization. Hoover Institution Policy Paper No 105.
Bohara, Alok K., Kishore Gawande and Pablo Sanguinetti. 2004. Trade Diversion and Declining Tariffs: Evidence from Mercosur. Journal of International Economics 64(1): 65-88.
Chase, Kerry A. 2003. Economic Interests and Regional Trading Arrangements: The Case of NAFTA. International Organization 57(1): 137-174
McNamara, Kathleen R. 2008. A rivalry in the making? The Euro and international monetary power. Review of International Political Economy 15 (3):439-459.
McNamara, Kathleen R. 1999. The Currency of Ideas: Monetary Politics in the European Union. Cornell, New York: Cornell University Press. HG925 .M38 1998.
Apr 5: The depth of Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs)
Mansfield, Edward D., Helen V. Milner, and B. Peter Rosendorff. 2002. Why Democracies Cooperate More: Electoral Control and International Trade Agreements. International Organization 56 (3):477-513.
Liu, Xuepeng, and Emanuel Ornelas. 2014. Free Trade Agreements and the Consolidation of Democracy. American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics 6(2): 29-70.
Smith, James McCall. 2000. The Politics of Dispute Settlement Design: Explaining Legalism in Regional Trade Pacts. International Organization 54 (1):137-180.
Pevehouse, Jon C. 2002. Democracy from the Outside-In? International Organizations and Democratization. International Organization 56:3:515-549.
Alcañiz, Isabella. 2012. Democratization and Multilateral Security. World Politics 64 (2): pages forthcoming.
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New IMF Quotas for... 2012? 2013?... Ever?... 2016 (finally!)
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Voeten, Eric. Some Comments on UN Charter Reform. In: Ernesto Zedillo (ed.) Reforming the United Nations for Peace and Security Proceedings of a Workshop to Analyze the Report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change. Yale Center for the Study of Globalization: New Haven, CT. Pp.186-96.
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Apr 24: Global Cooperation and You
Apr 24: Review
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"Who Authored the Qur’an?—an Enquiry", by Abul Kasem
Author Topic: "Who Authored the Qur’an?—an Enquiry", by Abul Kasem (Read 1625 times)
Ari Ben-Canaan
"The Necromancers Could Not Stand Before Moses."
http://www.mukto-mona.com/Articles/kasem/quran_origin.htm
Who Authored the Qur’an?—an Enquiry
By Abul Kasem
“If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties”—Francis Bacon (1561-1626) [Quoted from Milestones of Science by Curt Suplee, p.70, published by the National Geographic Society, 2000]
[A note of caution: The content of this article may offend some readers. The writer will not take any responsibility in the event of hurt feeling or damage caused as result of reading this essay. Read this article at your own risk]
This article delves into the very authorship of the Holy Qur’an—a new way of looking at the Holy Qur’an. An enquiry is made using logical reasoning and historical references on the authorship of the Qur’an. Thus this methodology is totally opposed to the blind believers who accept the authenticity of the Qur’an unquestionably. By analysing, dissecting and carefully interpreting the contents of the Qur’an, the Ahadith, Sirah (Muhammad’s biography) the author has identified several parties who had undoubtedly contributed to the composition of the Qur’anic verses. It was not Allah who wrote the Qur’an; it was not even Muhammad alone who did this either. The Qur’an is not the creation of a single entity or a single person. There were several parties involved in the composition, scribing, amending, inserting and deleting the Qur’anic verses. The most important personalities involved in the creation of the Qur’an were: Imrul Qays, Zayd b. Amr, Hasan b. Thabit, Salman, Bahira, ibn Qumta, Waraqa and Ubayy b. Ka’b. Muhammad himself was involved in the make-up of a limited number of verses, but the most influential person who motivated Muhammad in the invention of Islam and the opus of the Qur’an was, perhaps, Zayd b. Amr, who preached ‘Hanifism’. Muhammad later metamorphosed Zayd’s ‘Hanifism’ into Islam. Therefore, the assertion that Islam is not a new religion stands to be true. However, the important finding is that the Qur’an is definitely not the words of Allah—it is a human-made scripture which Muhammad simply passed up as Allah’s final words to mankind. Another important aspect of this essay is that among the ancient religions that the writers of the Qur’an incorporated in it, perhaps the practices of the Sabeans is crucial. In fact, the rituals of 5 prayers and the 30 days fasting were actually adapted from the Sabeans. Qur’an, thus, is a compilation of various religious books that existed during Muhammad’s time. Muhammad, not Allah, simply adopted, picked and chose from various sources and created the Qur’an. While many parties contributed to the Qur’an, Muhammad became its chief editor—to say it plainly.
According to Islam, questioning the Allah’s absolute authorship of the Qur’an is a serious blasphemy. A person may face death sentence simply for nurturing an atom of doubt on Qur’an’s authenticity. The Qur’an is above all. Nothing in the creation of Allah is holier than the Qur’an. However, human being what he is—ever inquisitive—I started doubting Qur’an’s authorship in my very childhood--when I was introduced in the recitation of this Holy Scripture in a very formal manner. I spent a couple of years learning a few introductory verses under the tutorship of a local ‘Hujur’ (Islamic religion teacher) in the local mosque. This ‘Hujur’ taught the Qur’an to a group of us by holding a rattan cane that looked quite shiny as he used to oil the cane every day before his ‘Murid’ (learners) arrived in the mosque. I can vouch that none of us ever liked to study the Qur’an—it was the most boring and the most painful task during our childhood. We simply memorised like parrots, certain verses without understanding a single word of them The ‘Hujur’ also did not know the meanings of those verses. Whenever we asked any question about any verse, the answer was a few stroke of the cane from the ‘Hujur’. The learning of the recitation of the Qur’an became associated with corporeal punishment and child-abuse. Thus, we developed a deep disdain towards the Qur’an recitation in particular a dislike for the Mullahs in general.
Later, after I left my University and started working, a colleague of mine presented me with a copy of the translation of the Holy Qur’an by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. My colleague was a diehard ‘Tabligi’ (a religious proselytiser) and exhorted me to read the translation carefully. He vouched that after I had comprehended the true messages of the Holy Scripture my life will change for ever—for the better, he insisted. Reluctantly, I started to read the English translation—verse by verse, passage by passage. The more I read, the more I was shocked, disturbed, astonished, bewildered and resentful. I could not believe that a book which is supposed to be the handiwork of the most compassionate, the most merciful and the most forgiving Allah could contain such a terrible amount of hate, terror, call for murder, war, vengeance and most of all a blanket plea for the destruction of all those who do not subscribe to the Qur’anic view of the world. Of course, there were a few verses which were very poetical, beautifully crafted, rhythmic and sometimes rich in spirituality. Apart from those handful ‘good’ stuff I found the vast part of the Qur’an simply nonsensical, and not-to-talk about the those incriminating verses exhorting the believers to murder and wage an unrelenting war (Jihad) against the unbelievers. I started questioning: how could a merciful, compassionate Allah write such a cranky book that is nothing more than a trash and a manual of terror, war and plunder? When my ‘Tabligi’ colleague asked how I was doing with the Qur’an, I simply told him I was doing fine—elaborating further that I discovered plenty of new astonishing materials in the Qur’an which I never thought existed in it. He simply smiled and said, “The Qur’an is wonderful, isn’t it?” I replied, “You said it!”
A few years later, I started to ponder deeply on the Qur’an. Using the works of other translators, as well as the Tafsirs (explanation), I read and re-read the Holy Scripture--several times to make sure that what they translated and explained were absolutely correct. The more I learned about the Qur’an the more I became distraught, disturbed and angry—angry because I felt that I was utterly let down by a killer religion which was imposed on me due to my birth. The stuff I read in the Qur’an jolted me so much that I wanted to find the answer to my perennial question—who really authored the Qur’an? It took me a long time and many years of painstaking work to arrive at the answer of that question. This article tries to answer that question. I had been planning this essay for a long time, and now, after writing it I feel it is for you to ponder too—‘Who authored the Qur’an?’
During my investigative phase I found that a lot of people were involved in the compilation and the construction of the Qur’an. Unknown to the vast majority of Muslims, and buried deep inside the Qur’an, Ahadith and Sirah there are copious evidence to reject, out of hand, the contention that the Qur’an is the creation of Allah. Making Allah the author of the Quran, I think, is the prime lie perpetrated on mankind for more than a millennium. We can, with certainty, say that it was not even Muhammad alone who authored the Qur’an.In fact, the major part of the Qur’an was actually either composed by or inspired and written by a few other individuals. Most notable among them were:
Imrul Qays—an ancient poet of Arabia who died a few decades before Muhammad’s birth
Zayd b. Amr b. Naufal—an ‘apostate’ of his time who preached and propagated Hanifism
Labid—another poet
Hasan b. Thabit—the official poet of Muhammad
Salman, the Persian—Muhammad’s confidante’ and an advisor
Bahira—a Nestoraian Christian monk of the Syrian church
Jabr—a Christian neighbour of Muhammad
Ibn Qumta—a Christian slave
Khadijah—Muhammad’s first wife
Waraqa—Khadijah’s cousin brother
Ubay b. Ka’b—Muhammad’s secretary and a Qur’an scribe
Muhammad himself
There were other parties involved too. They were:
The Sabeans
Aisha—Muhammad’s child bride
Abdallah b. Salam b. al-Harith—a Jewish convert to Islam
Mukhyariq—a Rabbi and another Jewish convert to Islam
Of course, my list of the possible authors of the Qur’an is not exhaustive. There may be many other parties involved that I might not have even heard of. But for a concise discussion the above list should be ample enough, I guess. In this article I have simply enumerated the contribution of the above sources in the authorship of the Qur’an.
Now, to understand the Qur’an and its writer/s, we must, first of all, recognise the background of Muhammad, purportedly the ultimate and the best creation of Allah.
The Pagan origin of Muhammad
It is an absolute fact that Muhammad was born of pagan parents. His father, Abdullah and his mother, Amina were both pagans and they used to worship many idols. His entire childhood (probably up to his teen) was spent in paganism. To day, many Muslims will find it extremely hard to digest this fact. However, Muhammad’s pagan origin is disclosed by Hisham ibn al-Kalbi. On page 17 of his important work, Kitab al-Asnam (The Book of Idols) he writes (Hisham al-Kalbi, Kitab al-Asnam, p.17):
‘We have been told that the Apostle of God once mentioned al-Uzza saying, “I have offered a white sheep to al-‘Uzza, while I was a follower of the religion of my people.” ‘
In the statement above Muhammad clearly admits his past adherence to paganism—the then religion of the Quraysh.
Initially, Muhammad even eulogized the important gods (or idols) of the pagans by agreeing with the Quraysh—at some point that these gods were the intercessors of Allah. On the same page Hisham ibn al-Kalbi writes:
The Quraysh were wont to circumambulate the Ka’bah and say:
By Allat and al-‘Uzza,
And Manah, the third idol besides.
Verily they are the most exalted females
Whose intercession is to be sought.
These were also called “the Daughters of Allah,” and were supposed to intercede before God. When the Apostle of God was sent god revealed unto him [concerning them] the following:
053.019 Have ye seen Lat. and 'Uzza,
053.020 And another, the third (goddess), Manat?
053.021 What! for you the male sex, and for Him, the female?
053.022 Behold, such would be indeed a division most unfair!
053.023 These are nothing but names which ye have devised,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord! (Hisham ibn al-Kalbi, ‘Kitab al-Asnam,’ p.17)
When Muhammad became an adult and started to attend the annual assembly of poets at Ukaz he was deeply impressed and moved by the thoughts, eloquence, sentiment, freethinking and humanism expounded by many of those poets. He started questioning the idol-worshipping and began to start preaching a new concept of one God, the creator—similar to the concepts of the Jews and the Christians of that time. Nonetheless, he was confused as to which God ought to be his God. Allah, a deity (a moon god--that is why the symbols placed at every mosque is a crescent moon) at that time, was the supreme God of the pagans. Their only fault was that besides Allah, they used to worship as the intercessors for Allah, the supreme other smaller gods/goddesses like: Hubal, Al-lat, Al-Uzza, Manat…etc. So, in the beginning of his new concept of an almighty creator Allah was out of his mind. Besides, at that time the magicians, the soothsayers, the sorcerers, and even the Satan worshippers used to vow by Allah. Thus, Muhammad found it utterly despicable to make Allah his God (ilah).
During those pagan days the people of Yemen used to worship another deity whose name was Ar-Rahman. Muhammad, for a while, adopted the name Ar-Rahman for God in place of Allah. Coincidentally, Ar-Rahman was also the Jewish word Rahmana which was a name for God in the Talmudic period (Noldeke: The Koran, The Origins of the Koran, p.53). Muhammad cleverly thought that by using the word Ar-Rahman he ought to be able to attract to his new ‘religion’, the Jews as well as some pagans.
However, when he declared himself to be the messenger of Ar-Rahman, the Meccans, too, were at a loss and confused. The Meccans did not know of any Ar-Rahman other than the Ar-Rahman of al-Yamamah (some writers say Ar-Rahman was at Yemen). To verify Muhammad’s claim the Quraysh sent a delegation to Medina Jews, as they thought that Ar-Rahman, truly, was a deity in Yemen or Yamamah. Islamic Historian Ibn Sa’d (Ibn Sa’d, vol.i, pp.189-190) writes:
“The Quraysh sent al-Nadr Ibn al-Harith Ibn ‘Alaqamah and ‘Uqbah Ibn abi Mu’ayt and others to the Jews of Yathrib and told them to ask them (Jews) about Muhammad. They came to Medinah and said to them (Jews): We have come to you because a great affair has taken place amidst us. There is a humble orphan who makes a big claim, considering himself to be the messenger of al-Rahman, while we do not know any al-Rahman except the Rahman of al-Yamamah. They said: Give the description before us. They gave his description, on which they asked them who were his followers. They said: The lowly people among us. Thereupon a scholar of from them laughed and said: he is the Prophet whose attributes we find mentioned in our Scriptures; we also know that his people will be most inimical to him.”
When we read, with an unbiased mind, the first 50 Suras (in chronological order) of the Qur’an we note Muhammad’s confusion regrading Lord, Allah and Ar-Rahman. He was quite unsure of whom he should consider as his God (ilah). Here is a summary of the first 50 Suras regarding Muhammad’s idea of his God:
Only Lord—68, 92, 89, 94, 100, 108, 105, 114, 97, 106, 75 (11 Suras)
Ar-Rahman, Lord—55, 36 (2 Suras)
Ar-Rahman, Allah, Lord—20
Allah, Lord—96, 73, 74, 81, 87, 53, 85, 50, 38, 7, 72, 25, 35, 56, 26, 27, 28, 17 (18 Suras)
This demonstrates Muhammad’s initial vacillation, confusion and ignorance of the affairs of his God (ilah).
The Qur’an also confirms that when he started to preach his brand of faith Muhammad was lost, confused and did not know much of religion. Here is what the Qur’an writes:
Muhammad was lost, then Allah guided him 93:7
093.007 And He found thee wandering, and He gave thee guidance.
In the past Muhammad was heedless 12:3, 42:52
012.003 We do relate unto thee the most beautiful of stories, in that We reveal to thee this (portion of the) Qur'an: before this, thou too was among those who knew it not.
042.052 And thus have We, by Our Command, sent inspiration to thee: thou knewest not (before) what was Revelation, and what was Faith; but We have made the (Qur'an) a Light, wherewith We guide such of Our servants as We will; and verily thou dost guide (men) to the Straight Way,-
So, how did Muhammad learn the basics of his new religion? Enter Imrul Qais and Zayd Ibn Amr.
Imrul Qays
In ancient Arabia poetry was a passion. Poets were highly regarded in society, and the words of many accomplished poets were regarded as next to god’s words. In a desert land, bereft of much entertainment and natural relaxation, the ancient Arabs used to find solace, peace, tranquillity and even the raging emotion of war and revenge through the mesmerising words of their poets. Poets supplied the Arabs with their mental food. Seven such poets had their verses permanently posted on the walls of Ka’ba. These verses were known as Muallakat or suspended.
The Dictionary of Islam (Hughe’s Dictionary of Islam, p.460) writes that those verses were also known as Muzahhabat or the golden poems because they were written in gold. The authors of those poetical verses were: Zuhair, Trafah, Imrul Qays, Amru ibn Kulsum, al-Haris, Antarah and Labid.
Among those seven immortal poets the most famous was Imrul Qays, the undisputed ‘king’ or the legend of Arabic poetry. He was a prince as his father was an Arab tribal king. Through his passionate devotion to love and poetry he irked his father and was banished from the palace. Thereafter, he lived a solitary life by tending the sheep and keeping alive his undying dedication to poetry. Eventually, he became a wanderer and led a melancholic life when his tribe was almost eliminated in a tribal war. He travelled around and finally arrived at Constantinople. It is said that he was put to death by the Roman ruler of Constantinople because he won the heart of a Roman princess through love and poetry. He died around the year 530-540 A.D., before Muhammad’s birth. His matchless verses were on the lips of many Arabs, and surely Muhammad had memorised many of his superb works. Muhammad is said to have declared Imrul Qais the greatest of Arab poets. No doubt then that he was keenly motivated to emulate Imrul Qais in the very early verses of the Qur’an.
The chroniclers’ of the Qur’an usually list Sura al-Alaq (the clot, Sura 96) as the first revelation of Allah to Muhammad. However, a systematic study of the Qur’an may reveal that that may not be the case at all. In fact, the Dictionary of Islam (Hughes Dictionary of Islam, p.485), citing Islamic sources, writes that some earliest Suras (before the first revelation, Sura 96) are most likely to be:
99—az-Zalzalah (the Earthquake)
103—al-Asr (the Declining Day)
100—al-Adiyat (the Chargers)
1—al-Fatiha (the Opening)
Those Suras were, short, deep in spirituality and enthralling. It may be worthwhile to examine two such short Suras; namely:
Sura 99 (the Earthquake)
099.001 When the earth is shaken to her (utmost) convulsion,
099.002 And the earth throws up her burdens (from within),
099.003 And man cries (distressed): 'What is the matter with her?'-
099.004 On that Day will she declare her tidings:
099.005 For that thy Lord will have given her inspiration.
099.006 On that Day will men proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown the deeds that they (had done).
099.007 Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it!
099.008 And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it
Sura 103 (the Declining Day)
103.001 By (the Token of) Time (through the ages),
103.002 Verily Man is in loss,
103.003 Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.
W. St. Calir-Tisdall, the author of the famous essay The Origin of Islam (The Origins of the Koran, pp.235-236), by comparing two passages from the Sabaa Mu’allaqat, finds close similarity with the verses from the Qur’an. Some of these verses are:
054.001 The Hour (of Judgment) is nigh, and the moon is cleft asunder.
093.001 By the Glorious Morning Light,
Commenting on verse 54.1 W. St. Clair-Tisdall writes:
‘It was the custom of the time for and orators to hang up their compositions upon the Ka’aba; and we know the seven Mu’allaqat were exposed. We are told that Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter, was one day repeating as she went along the above verse. Just then she met the daughter of Imrul Qays, who cried out, “O that’s what your father has taken from one of my father’s poems, and calls it something that has come down to him out of heaven;” and the story is commonly told amongst the Arabs until now.’
Thus, the relationship between Imrul Qays’ poems and some of the early verses of the Qur’an is pretty obvious. In this connection, W. St. Clair-Tisdall elaborates (The Origins of the Koran, p.236) further:
“The connection between the poetry of Imra’ul Qays and the Koran is so obvious that the Muslims cannot but hold that they existed with the latter in the Heavenly table from all eternity! What then will he answer? That the words were taken from the Koran and entered in the poem?—an impossibility. Or that their writer was not really Imra’ul Qays, but some other who, after the appearance of the Koran, had the audacity to quote them there as they now appear?—rather a difficult thing to prove!”
In fact, the word Allah is found in Muallaqat as well as in the Diwan of poet Labid. So when the Muslims claim the Qur’an to be the words of Allah, do they mean Allah copied the Qur’anic verses from Imrul Qays?
We shall now briefly review the contribution of Zayd ibn Amr to the authorship of the Holy Qur’an.
“The Holy Qur’an,” the internet version of three English translations can be read at: http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/]
Ali, Abdullah, Yusuf, “The Holy Qur’an: Translation and Commentary,” Amana Corp., Brentwood, Maryland, 1983.
al-Bukhari, Muhammad b. Ismail, “Sahi Bukhari,” translated in English by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan: [http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/ ]
Muslim, Abu al-Hussain b. al-Hajjaj al-Qushairi, “Sahi Muslim,” translated in English by Adul Hamid Siddiqui: [http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/ ]
Hughes, Patrick Thomas, “A Dictionary of Islam;” first published in 1886; latest reprint by Kazi Publications Inc,, Chicago, 1994.
“The Origins of the Koran,”edited by Ibn Warraq, Prometheus Books, Amherst, New York, 1998.
Ibn Ishaq, Muhammad b. Yasr, “Sirat Rasul Allah,” translated in English by A. Guillaume; first by published by Oxford University Press, London in 1955; fifteenth reprint by Oxford University Press, Karachi, Pakistan, 2001.
Ibn Sa’d, Abu Abd Allah Muhammad, “Kitab al-Tabaqat,” vol i, translated in English by S. Moinul Haq, Kitab Bhavan; 1784, Kalam Mahal, Daraya Ganj, New Delhi, India, 1972.
Ibn Sa’d, Abu Abd Allah Muhammad, “Kitab al-Tabaqat,” vol ii, translated in English by S. Moinul Haq, Kitab Bhavan; 1784, Kalam Mahal, Daraya Ganj, New Delhi, India, 1972.
Ibn al-Kalbi, Hisham, “The Book of Idols (Kitab Al-Asnam),” translated in English by Nabih Amin Faris, Princeton University Press, 1952. [http://www.answering-islam.org/Books/Al-Kalbi/index.htm ]
al-Misri, Ahmed ibn Naqib, “Raliance of the Traveller (‘Umdat al-Salik),” revised edition, translated by Nuh Ha Mim Keller, Amana Publications, Bettsville, Maryland, 1999.
"You must keep the arab under your boot or he will be at your throat" -Unknown
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“I am all peace, but when I speak, they are for war.” -Psalms 120:7
"The difference between a Jewish liberal and a Jewish conservative is that when a Jewish liberal walks out of the Holocaust Museum, he feels, "This shows why we need to have more tolerance and multiculturalism." The Jewish conservative feels, "We should have killed a lot more Nazis, and sooner."" - Philip Klein
Re: "Who Authored the Qur’an?—an Enquiry", by Abul Kasem
Zayd bin Amr bin Naufal
During Muhammad’s time, a religious movement to counter paganism was taking shape. Led by a group of ‘freethinkers’, this group rejected paganism, and to fulfil their spiritual needs they were searching for an alternative religion. They were known as Hanifites or simply as Hanifs.
The Dictionary of Islam (Hughes Dictionary of Islam, pp.161-162) writes that the original meaning of Hanif was a convert or a pervert [sort of apostate--to say].
The other meanings of Hanif are:
1. Any one sincere in his inclination to Islam 2. One orthodox in the faith 3. One who is of the religion of Abraham.
W. St. Clair-Tisdall (The Sources of Islam, The Origins of the Koran, p.289) writes:
’The word Hanif, indeed, originally signified “unclean” or “apostate,” and was so used by the idolatrous Arabs of Zaid, because he abandoned the worship of gods.’
Muhammad later used the word Hanif, first for the religion of Abraham, then for any sincere believer of Islam. Thus, the Muslims are supposed to be Hanifs—and truly speaking, the followers of Zayd! In the same essay W. St. Clair-Tisdal (ibid)) writes further, “The name pleased the Prophet and was used by him in a good sense.”
According to Ibn Ishaq (Ibn Ishaq, p.99) the most famous of those apostates (Hanifs) in Mecca during Muhammad’s time were:
1. Waraqa b. Naufal: he became a Christian
2. Ubaydullah b. Jahsh: he became a Christian after migrating to Abyssinia. His wife was Umm Habiba d. Abu Sufyan whom Muhammad married later
3. Uthman b. al-Huwayrith. He later went to the Byzantine emperor and became a Christian
4. Zayd b. Amr b. Naufal left paganism saying that he worshipped the God of Abraham
Waraqa was the cousin brother of Khadijah, Muhammad’s first wife. Some authors suggest that he was a Jew before embracing Christianity. Ubaydullah was the grandson of Abd al-Muttalib and Uthman b. al-Huwayrith was offered a high position in the Byzantine court of Syria.
Only Zayd b. Amr remained a diehard Hanif. He used to say (ibid, p.287), “I worship the god of Abraham,” but he blamed his people for having chosen the evil ways.
According to W. St. Clair-Tisdal (The Sources of Islam, The Origins of the Koran, pp.229-230) Zayd worshipped yearly in a cave near Mecca, and no doubt influenced Muhammad who used to visit the same place for quiet and lonely contemplation.
Ibn Ishaq (Ibn Ishaq, pp.99-100) writes that when Zayd b. Amr faced the Ka’ba he used to say ‘Labbaka in truth, in worship and in service.’
When Zayd stood and faced Qibla he would say (ibid), “I take refuge in what Abraham took refuge.”
Zayd also abhorred animal sacrifice to idols and condemned the pagan practice of burying alive new-born females (this, I believe, was a very rare practice--as not a single instance of live burial of a female baby is cited either in the Qur’an or in Ahadith: these books vaguely talk about this pagan practice without citing any specific case of live burial).
Abu Bakr’s daughter, Amina once saw a very old Zayd bin ‘Amr in Ka’ba. On this, Ibn Ishaq writes (Ibn Ishaq, pp.99-100):
‘Hisham b. Urwa from his father on the authority of his mother Asma d. Abu Bakr said that she saw Zayd as a very old man leaning his back on the Ka’ba and saying, ‘O Quraysh, By Him in whose hand is the soul of Zayd, not one of you follows the religion of Abraham but I.’ Then he said: ‘O God, if I knew how you wished to be worshipped I would so worship you; but I do not know.’ Then he prostrated himself on the palms of his hands.’
Historical records do not mention clearly what eventually happened to Zayd b. Amr. However, Ibn Ishaq writes that Caliph Umar’s father, al-Khattab (Umar b. al-Khattab was Zayd’s nephew) used to severely harass Zayd b. Amr and he was finally killed. Who killed Zayd is a complete mystery. Here is what Ibn Ishaq (Ibn Ishaq, p.102) writes:
“When al-Khattab (Umar’s father) harassed Zayd bin ‘Amr so much so that he was forced to withdraw to the upper part of Mecca and he stopped in the mountain of Hira facing the town. Zayd could visit Mecca in secret only.
Then Zayd left Mecca seeking the religion of Abraham—went through all of Syria. Then Zayd returned to Mecca but was killed.”
As written previously, because of his uncompromising stand on Hanifite movement and because of his deriding remarks on paganism, the Quraysh expelled Zayd b. Amr from Mecca and he was forbidden to live there. He was a severely ostracised person, boycotted and utterly disdained by the larger section of the Quraysh. He had to live in the cave of mount Hira, opposite the city. Muhammad, being a forlorn person at that time used to meet Zayd in the cave of Hira.
Ibn Ishaq also writes that Gabriel used to visit Muhammad at the Hira cave. When we consider the fact that on many instances Muhammad had confessed that Gabriel, on many occasions had met Muhammad in the form of human beings it is quite likely that when Muhammad visited Zayd b. Amr many times to learn about the new religion of the ‘Hanif’ he might have thought Zayd to be the angel Gabriel. It is also quite probable that Zayd b. Amr took an interest in teaching Muhammad how to read (and write)—his poetry (or verses) that later became Qur’anic verses!
Ibn Ishaq (Ibn Ishaq, p.105) writes that Muhammad used to pray in seclusion in Hira every year for a month to practice ‘tahnanuth’, a pagan practice (thus confirming again Muhammad’s pagan background). According to the Quraysh, ‘tahannuth’ meant religious devotion.
Sahih Bukhari confirms that Muhammad had encountered Zayd b. Amr in the Valley of Hira Mountain.
Muhammad meets Zayd b. ‘Amr and offers him meat that was slaughtered for the idols (Sahih Bukhari, 7.67.407, 5.58.169)
Narrated 'Abdullah:
Allah's Apostle said that he met Zaid bin 'Amr b. Nufail at a place near Baldah and this had happened before Allah's Apostle received the Divine Inspiration. Allah's Apostle presented a dish of meat (that had been offered to him by the pagans) to Zaid bin 'Amr, but Zaid refused to eat of it and then said (to the pagans), "I do not eat of what you slaughter on your stone altars (Ansabs) nor do I eat except that on which Allah's Name has been mentioned on slaughtering."
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar:
The Prophet met Zaid bin 'Amr bin Nufail in the bottom of (the valley of) Baldah before any Divine Inspiration came to the Prophet. A meal was presented to the Prophet but he refused to eat from it. (Then it was presented to Zaid) who said, "I do not eat anything which you slaughter in the name of your stone idols. I eat none but those things on which Allah's Name has been mentioned at the time of slaughtering." Zaid bin 'Amr used to criticize the way Quraish used to slaughter their animals, and used to say, "Allah has created the sheep and He has sent the water for it from the sky, and He has grown the grass for it from the earth; yet you slaughter it in other than the Name of Allah. He used to say so, for he rejected that practice and considered it as something abominable.
Narrated Ibn 'Umar: Zaid bin 'Amr bin Nufail went to Sham, inquiring about a true religion to follow. He met a Jewish religious scholar and asked him about their religion. He said, "I intend to embrace your religion, so tell me some thing about it." The Jew said, "You will not embrace our religion unless you receive your share of Allah's Anger." Zaid said, "'I do not run except from Allah's Anger, and I will never bear a bit of it if I have the power to avoid it. Can you tell me of some other religion?" He said, "I do not know any other religion except the Hanif." Zaid enquired, "What is Hanif?" He said, "Hanif is the religion of (the prophet) Abraham who was neither a Jew nor a Christian, and he used to worship None but Allah (Alone)" Then Zaid went out and met a Christian religious scholar and told him the same as before. The Christian said, "You will not embrace our religion unless you get a share of Allah's Curse." Zaid replied, "I do not run except from Allah's Curse, and I will never bear any of Allah's Curse and His Anger if I have the power to avoid them. Will you tell me of some other religion?" He replied, "I do not know any other religion except Hanif." Zaid enquired, "What is Hanif?" He replied, Hanif is the religion of (the prophet) Abraham who was neither a Jew nor a Christian and he used to worship None but Allah (Alone)" When Zaid heard their Statement about (the religion of) Abraham, he left that place, and when he came out, he raised both his hands and said, "O Allah! I make You my Witness that I am on the religion of Abraham."
Narrated Asma bint Abi Bakr: I saw Zaid bin Amr bin Nufail standing with his back against the Ka'ba and saying, "O people of Quraish! By Allah, none amongst you is on the religion of Abraham except me." He used to preserve the lives of little girls: If somebody wanted to kill his daughter he would say to him, "Do not kill her for I will feed her on your behalf." So he would take her, and when she grew up nicely, he would say to her father, "Now if you want her, I will give her to you, and if you wish, I will feed her on your behalf."
The first Hadis tells us something about Muhammad’s paganism—that, in the beginning, he probably ate the meat offered to the idols by the pagans (thus confirming Hisham ibn al-Kalbi—see Part1/5 of this essay), but Zayd b. Amr steadfastly refused to eat any meat slaughtered in the name of idols. Muhammad learned from Zayd not to eat the pagans’ meat (or Haram meat). The second Hadis apparently contradicts the first Hadis (7.67.407) on Muhammad’s consumption of ‘pagan’ or Haram meat. However, a little thought on this Hadis evidently shows that Muhammad followed Zayd with respect to Halal meat, and from Zayd he also obtained the idea of Allah to be his (Muhammad’s) God. Can we not, therefore, conclude that the idea of Islam really came from Zayd? In the biography of Muhammad written by Ibn Ishaq we find several verses of poetry written by Zayd that are quite similar to some verses of the Qur’an. Therefore, isn’t it sufficient to say that after the sudden, mysterious and untimely killing of Zayd Muhammad took up his mantle, philosophy, poetry and the zeal to propagate ‘Hanifism’?
Ibn Sa’d (Ibn Sa’d, vol.i, p.185) writes that when Muhammad started his Islam, a convert told Muhammad about the words of Zayd ibn Amr and Muhammad replied, “I have seen him in Paradise drawing his skirts.” This proves that Muhammad acknowledged the piety and contribution of Zayd towards the concept of Islam or Hanifism.
The following excerpts from the Islamic historian Ibn Sa’d (Ibn Sa’d, vol.i, p.185) demonstrates further that Muhammad got the idea of Islam from Zayd b. Amr:
“Zayd Ibn ‘Amr Ibn Nufayl said: I smelled Christianity and Judaism but I disliked them. I went to Syria and its adjoining territories till I came to my strangeness with my people and my abhorrence for idol worship, Judaism and Christianity. He said to me: I see you are in search of the creed of Ibrahim. O Makkan brother! You are seeking a creed which is not practiced now a days. It is the creed of your ancestor, Ibrahim, and it is the true faith. He (Ibrahim) was neither a Jew nor a Christian. He used to offer prayers and prostrate towards this house (Ka’bah) which is in your city. So retire to your city. He will revive the true creed of Ibrahim and he is the most honoured of the creatures of Allah.”
It is highly palpable that Zayd himself wrote few Suras (probably around 30 Suras, but not in chronological order), including those that contain the Hanifship of Abraham.
Some of these verses are:
002.135 They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (To salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham the True, and he joined not gods with Allah." [The original Qur’an says Haneefan—my note]
003.067 Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian; but he was true in Faith, and bowed his will to Allah's (Which is Islam), and he joined not gods with Allah. [The original Qur’an says Haneefan—my note]
003.095 Say: "Allah speaketh the Truth: follow the religion of Abraham, the sane in faith; he was not of the Pagans."[The original Qur’an says Haneefan—my note]
004.125 Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For Allah did take Abraham for a friend. [The original Qur’an says Haneefan—my note]
006.161 Say: "Verily, my Lord hath guided me to a way that is straight,- a religion of right,- the path (trod) by Abraham the true in Faith, and he (certainly) joined not gods with Allah." [The original Qur’an says Haneefan—my note]
006.079 "For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah." [The original Qur’an says Haneefan—my note]
016.120 Abraham was indeed a model, devoutly obedient to Allah, (and) true in Faith, and he joined not gods with Allah: [The original Qur’an says Haneefan—my note]
010.105 "And further (thus): 'set thy face towards religion with true piety, and never in any wise be of the Unbelievers; [The original Qur’an says Haneefan—my note]
022.031 Being true in faith to Allah, and never assigning partners to Him: if anyone assigns partners to Allah, is as if he had fallen from heaven and been snatched up by birds, or the wind had swooped (like a bird on its prey) and thrown him into a far-distant place. [The original Qur’an says Hunafaa—my note]
098.005 And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight. [The original Qur’an says Hunafaa—my note]
030.030 So set thou thy face steadily and truly to the Faith: (establish) Allah's handiwork according to the pattern on which He has made mankind: no change (let there be) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the standard Religion: but most among mankind understand not. [The original Qur’an says Haneefan—my note]
As mentioned earlier, Zayd ibn Amr was totally against the pagan practice of burying live female infants. The Qur’an mentions this rare practice of the Quraysh in three verses only.
These verses are:
016.058 When news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of) a female (child), his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief!
017.031 Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin.
081.008 When the female (infant), buried alive, is questioned -
081.009 For what crime she was killed;
Evidently, the above verses were inspired by Zayd b. Amr and most likely were written by him too. Later, when Zayd died Muhammad simply passed them up as Allah’s revelations to him.
Those examples demonstrate that Muhammad had copied stories, concepts and style of Zayd ibn Amr in the composition of the Qur’an.
Labid
Labid was another poet whom Muhammad admired a lot. We will now briefly review the contribution of this poet towards the authorship of the Qur’an.
Labid was the son of Rabiah ibn Jafar al-Amiri. Dictionary of Islam (Hughes Dictionary of Islam, p.282) reports that Labid died at Kufah in Iraq at the age of 157. As told before, Labid was one of the 7 magnificent poets of Muallaqat. Islamic historians claim that Labid embraced Islam when he saw the first verse of Sura al-Bakara (Sura 2) posted up at Ka’ba; he withdrew his verses and embraced Islam. This claim, of course, cannot be true, as the first verse of Sura al-Bakara is simply: Alif. Lam. Mim--the cryptic message which even Muhammad claimed that only Allah knew their meaning. Labid’s verse was: “Know that everything is vanity but God.” Muhammad said the same to Labid—the truest poet.
Even if one accepts the assertion that Labid became a Muslim after reading Muhammad’s verses then it is more palpable that it was indeed Labid who helped Muhammad to construct poetical verses that were, later, passed up as messages of Allah via Gabriel. Those verses which Labid wrote on behalf of Muhammad were mostly the verses dealing with piety, exhortation of good deeds, some narrations of Arab practices… etc.
In Ahadith we find references of Labid. Here are some samples:
Sahih Bukhari:
The most true words said by a poet was the words of Labid…5.58.181
The Prophet said, "The most true words said by a poet was the words of Labid." He said, Verily, Everything except Allah is perishable and Umaiya bin As-Salt was about to be a Muslim (but he did not embrace Islam).
A true poetry testifies the indestructibility of Allah…8.76.496
The Prophet said, "The truest poetic verse ever said by a poet, is: Indeed! Everything except Allah, is perishable."
This Hadis, of course, refers to the poetry of Labid.
The true word in Arabic poetry is “Labid”. Apart from Allah everything is vain…28.5604
Book 028, Number 5604:
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The truest word spoken by an Arab (pre-Islamic) in poetry is this verse of Labid:" Behold! apart from Allah everything is vain."
I think Muhammad, in the beginning, wanted to be a famous poet by simply mimicking the style, the vocabulary and the rhythm of the poets of his time. However, his illiteracy proved to be the major stumbling block, until he met Zayd ibn Amr and Labid—his mentors who would completely change his course.
In the beginning and before his marriage to Khadijah, Muhammad was probably more inclined to be a poet. He deeply admired the above three personalities, two of them were poets and the third (Zayd b. Amr) a humanist in to-day’s language. Nonetheless, after his marriage to Khadijah, and when he came in contact with several personalities related to her who were well-versed in religions other than paganism, Muhammad changed his mind. Now, he thought of introducing a new belief system. In fact, the Qur’an narrates that the Quraysh considered that Muhammad was trying to be a poet, but Allah scolded the Quraysh for their wrong assumption.
Here are some sample verses on the ‘poetship’ of Muhammad:
Some people thought that Muhammad was a poet...52:30
052.030 Or do they say:- "A Poet! we await for him some calamity (hatched) by Time!"
People thought that Muhammad was a dreaming poet; they wanted him to show them some miracles like the old prophets did...21:5
021.005 "Nay," they say, "(these are) medleys of dream! - Nay, He forged it! - Nay, He is (but) a poet! Let him then bring us a Sign like the ones that were sent to (Prophets) of old!"
Muhammad does not recite any poetry; the Qur’an is a clear message…36:69
036.069 We have not instructed the (Prophet) in Poetry, nor is it meet for him: this is no less than a Message and a Qur'an making things clear:
Muhammad is not a poet possessed but he confirms the messages of apostles sent before him…37:36-37
037.036 And say: "What! shall we give up our gods for the sake of a Poet possessed?"
037.037 Nay! he has come with the (very) Truth, and he confirms (the Message of) the messengers (before him).
The Qur’an is neither the words of a poet nor that of a soothsayer...69:41-42
069.041 It is not the word of a poet: little it is ye believe!
069.042 Nor is it the word of a soothsayer: little admonition it is ye receive.
An afterthought: After the posting of Part 2 of this series, some readers requested me to elicit the verses of Zayd b. Amr’s poems which I mentioned in Part 2. I wrote that those verses have uncanny similarities with some Qur’anic verses. Previously, I did not quote those verses just to keep the length of this essay short and not to bore the readers (as well as not to break the copyright laws). Here are some sample verses from Zayd’s poem. For more details please refer to ibn Ishaq’s biography of Muhammad (see bibliography).---Abul Kasem
Ibn Ishaq (pp.100-101)
Zayd b. ‘Amr. B. Nufayl composed the following poem about leaving his people and the torment he received from them:
Am I to worship one lord or a thousand?
If there are as many as you claim,
I renounce al-Lat and al-‘Uzza both of them
As any strong-minded person would.
I will not worship al-‘Uzza and her two daughters,
Nor will I visit the two images of the Banu ‘Amr.
I will not worship Hubal’ though he was our lord
In the days when I had little sense.
I wondered (for in the night much is strange
Which in daylight is plain to the discerning),
That God had annihilated many men
Whose deeds were thoroughly evil
And spared others through the piety of a people
So that a little child could grow in manhood.
A man may languish for a time and then recover
As the branch of a tree revives after the rain.
I serve my Lord the compassionate
That the forgiving Lord may pardon my sin,
So keep to the fear of God your Lord;
While you hold to that you will not perish.
You will see the pious living in gardens,
While for the infidels hell fire is burning.
Shamed in life, when they die
Their breasts will contract in anguish.
Zayd also said: (143)
To God I give my praise and thanksgiving,
A sure word that will not fail as long as time lasts,
To the heavenly King—there is no God beyond Him
And no lord can draw near to Him.
Beware, O men, of what follows death!
You can hide nothing from God..
Beware of putting another beside God,
For the upright way has become clear.
Merry I implore, others trust in jinn,
But thou, my God, art our Lord and our hope.
I am satisfied with thee, O God, as a Lord,
And will not worship another God beside thee.
Thou of thy goodness and mercy
Didst send a messenger to Moses as a herald.
Thou saidst to him, Go thou and Aaron,
And summon Pharaoh the tyrant to run to God
And say to him, ‘Did you spread out this (earth) without support,
Until it stood fast as it does?’
Say to him ‘Did you raise this (heaven) without support?
What a fine builder then you were!’
Say to him ‘Did you set the moon in the middle thereof
As a light to guide when night covered it?’
Say to him, ‘Who sent forth the sun by day
So that the earth it touched reflected its splendour?’
Say to him, ‘Who planted seeds in the dust
That herbage might grow and wax great?
And brought forth its seeds in the head of the plant?’
Therein are signs for the understanding.
Thou in thy kindness did deliver Jonah
Who spent nights in the belly of the fish.
Though I glorify thy name, I often repeat
‘O Lord of creatures, bestow thy gifts and mercy upon me
And bless my sons and property.
[(143) Ibn Hisham’s note (ibn Ishaq p.713): These verses really belong to an ode of Umayya b. Abu’l-Salt, except for the first two, the fifth, and the last verse. The second half of the first verse does not come via I.I.]
Here is another sample verse of Zayd b. Amr (ibn Ishaq, p.102):
And Zayd said:
I submit myself to him to whom
The earth which bears mighty rocks is subject.
He spread it out and when He saw it was settled
Upon the waters, He fixed the mountains on it.
I submit myself to Him to whom clouds which bear
Sweet water are subject
When they are borne along to a land
They obediently pour copious rain upon it.
After Zayd b. Amr was killed, his comrade Waraqa b. Naufal b. Asad (i.e., Khadijah’s cousin brother) composed this elegy over him (ibn Ishaq, p.103):
You were altogether on the right path Ibm ‘Amr,
You have escaped hell’s burning oven
By serving the one and only God
And abandoning vain idols.
And by attaining the religion which you sought
Not being unmindful of the unity of your Lord
You have reached a noble dwelling
Wherein you will rejoice in your generous treatment.
You will meet there the friend of God, (3)
Since you were not a tyrant ripe for hell,
For the mercy of God reaches men,
Though they be seventy valleys deep below the earth (146)
Footnote (3): The district of which ‘Amman was the capital. Ibn Hisham’s note (146): The first two verses of this poem are attributed to Umayya b. Abu al-Salt and the last verse occurs in one of his odes. The words ‘vain idols’ have not I.I..’a authority.
[The reason of my quoting the elegy of Waraqa is to demonstrate the strong camaraderie between Zayd b. Amr and Waraqa which had propelled Muhammad to develop a deep respect and appreciation of what Zayd b. Amr sincerely believed, resolutely stood and eventually died for. He was determined to emulate Zayd b. Amr, the great confidante’ of Waraqa and hence Khadijah. Remember? Khadijah was Muhammad’s first wife and his only support.---Abul Kasem]
Hasan b. Thabit
Hasan b. Thabit was Muhammad’s own official poet. He wrote the Diwan, the anthology of ancient Arabian poetry. When Muhammad migrated to Medina he made Hasan b. Thabit his own poet. Nonetheless, Hasan b. Thabit had his idiosyncrasies. Even though he was the personal poet of Muhammad he had a deep dislike for the Muslims. On page xxviii of Sirat Rasul Allah, the translator, Professor Alfred Guillaume writes, “Hasan b. Thabit disliked the growing number of Muslims. He considered the vagrant Muslims as unmitigated nuisance. He did not house any of the Muhajirin, nor was a brother to one of them.”
Most likely, Hasan b. Thabit was a hired poet (a kind of journalist) of Muhammad—paid to compose poetry as per Muhammad’s specifications. This can be confirmed from Ahadith. Here are some examples:
From Sahih Bukhari: Muhammad approved Hassan b. Thabit to recite poetry in a mosque…4.54.434
Volume 4, Book 54, Number 434: Narrated Sa'id bin Al-Musaiyab: 'Umar came to the Mosque while Hassan was reciting a poem. ('Umar disapproved of that). On that Hassan said, "I used to recite poetry in this very Mosque in the presence of one (i.e. the Prophet ) who was better than you." Then he turned towards Abu Huraira and said (to him), "I ask you by Allah, did you hear Allah's Apostle saying (to me), "Retort on my behalf. O Allah! Support him (i.e. Hassan) with the Holy Spirit?" Abu Huraira said, "Yes." This Hadis, unmistakably shows that Hasan used to construct poems for Muhammad to be recited in the mosque. Can those poems not be some of the Suras of the Qur’an?
Muhammad instructed Hassan, the poet to lampoon the pagans…4.54.435
Volume 4, Book 54, Number 435: Narrated Al Bara: The Prophet said to Hassan, "Lampoon them (i.e. the pagans) and Gabriel is with you." This Hadis demonstrates that Hasan b. Thabit used to compose poems as per Muhammad’s likes and dislikes—just the way the Qur’an is composed of Allah’s revelations via Gabriel. Hassan b. Thabit lampooned the infidels excluding Muhammad…4.56.731 Volume 4, Book 56, Number 731: Narrated 'Aisha: Once Hassan bin Thabit asked the permission of the Prophet to lampoon (i.e. compose satirical poetry defaming) the infidels. The Prophet said, "What about the fact that I have common descent with them?" Hassan replied, "I shall take you out of them as a hair is taken out of dough." Narrated 'Urwa: I started abusing Hassan in front of 'Aisha, whereupon she said. "Don't abuse him, for he used to defend the Prophet (with his poetry)." Here are further evidence that Hasan b. Thabit was a paid scribe—a Qur’an composer of Muhammad Muhammad asked his poet Hassan to abuse the B. Qurayzah Jews through his poetry...Sahih Bukhari: 5.59.449
Volume 5, Book 59, Number 449: Narrated Al-Bara: The Prophet said to Hassan, "Abuse them (with your poems), and Gabriel is with you (i.e, supports you)." (Through another group of sub narrators) Al-Bara bin Azib said, "On the day of Quraiza's (besiege), Allah's Apostle said to Hassan bin Thabit, 'Abuse them (with your poems), and Gabriel is with you (i.e. supports you).' " This Hadis demonstrates further that Muhammad commissioned Hasan b. Thabit to compose poems as per his stipulations.
Abu Talha gave his valuable property to his relatives, viz. Hassan b. Thabit and Ubayy b. Ka’b…5.2186
Book 005, Number 2186: Anas reported that when this verse was revealed:" You will not attain righteousness till you give freely of what you love," Abu Talha said: I see that our Lord has demanded from us out of our property; so I make you a witness, Messenger of Allah. that I give my land known as Bairaha' for the sake of Allah. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Give that to your relatives. So he gave it to Hassan b. Thabit and Ubayy b. Ka'b. That was how Muhammad rewarded Hasan b. Thabit for composing Qur’anic verses (via his poems, and helped by Gabriel) for Muhammad.
After Hassan b. Thabit went blind he used to spend time at Aisha’s quarter. Aisha admired him as he used to write satirical rebuttal on be half of Muhammad…31.6077
Book 031, Number 6077: Masruq reported: I visited 'A'isha when Hassin was sitting there and reciting verses from his compilation: She is chaste and prudent. There is no calumny against her and she rises up early in the morning without eating the meat of the un- mindful. 'A'isha said: But you are not so. Masruq said: I said to her: Why do you permit him to visit you, whereas Allah has said:" And as for him among them who took upon himself the main part thereof, he shall have a grievous punishment" (XXIV. ll)? Thereupon she said: What tornient can be more severe than this that he has become blind? He used to write satire as a rebuttal on behalf of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). That was how Hasan b. Thabit saved Muhammad and his Qur’an!
Here is another Hadis from Sahih Muslim that even claims that Hasan b. Thabit’s poems were helped by divine power (Ruh-ul-Quddus) and were similar to certain Qur’anic verses:
Book 031, Number 6081: 'A'isha reported that Allah's Messenger (may peace be uport him) said. Satirise against the (non-believing amongst the) Quraish, for (the satire) is more grievous to them than the hurt of an arrow. So he (the Holy Prophet) sent (someone) to Ibn Rawiha and asked him to satirise against them, and he composed a satire, but it did not appeal to him (to the Holy Prophet). He then sent (someone) to Ka'b b. Malik (to do the same, but what he composed did not appeal to the Holy Prophet). He then sent one to Hassan b. Thabit. As he got into his presence, Hassan said: Now you have called for this lion who strikes (the enemies) with his tail. He then brought out his tongue and began to move it and said: By Him Who has sent you with Truth, I shall tear them with my tongue as the leather is torn. Thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Don't be hasty; (let) Abu Bakr who has the best know- ledge of the lineage of the Quraish draw a distinction for you in regard to my lineage, as my lineage is thesame as theirs. Hassan then came to him (Abu Bakr) and after making inquiry (in regard to the lineage of the Holy Prophet) came back to him (the holy Prophet) and said: Allah's Messenger, he (Abu Bakr) has drawn a distinction in vour lineage (and that of the Quraish) By Him Who has sent you with Truth, I shall draw out from them (your name) as hair is drawn out from the flour. 'A'isha said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying to Hassin: Verily Ruh-ul- Qudus would continue to help you so long as you put up a defence on behalf of Allah and His Messenger. And she said: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) saying: Hassan satirised against them and gave satisfaction to the (Muslims) and disquieted (the non-Muslims). You satirised Muhammad, but I replied on his behalf, And there is reward with Allah for this. You satirised Muhammad. virtuous, righteous, The Apostle of Allah, whose nature is truthfulness. So verily my father and his father and my honour Are a protection to the honour of Muhammad; May I lose my dear daughter, if you don't see her, Wiping away the dust from the two sides of Kada', They pull at the rein, going upward; On their shoulders are spears thirsting (for the blood of the enemy) ; our steeds are sweating-our women wipe them with their mantles. If you had not interfered with us, we would have performed the 'Umra, And (then) there was the Victory, and the darkness cleared away. Otherwise wait for the fighting on the day in which Allah will honour whom He pleases. And Allah said: I have sent a servant who says the Truth in which there is no ambiguity; And Allah said: I have prepared an army-they are the Ansar whose object is fighting (the enemy), There reaches every day from Ma'add abuse, or fighting or satire; Whoever satirises the Apostle from amongst you, or praises him and helps it is all the same, And Gabriel, the Apostle of Allah is among us, and the Holy Spirit who has no match. Muhammad rewarded this mercenary poet of him by awarding him a pretty, young damsel Sirin, who, along with Marriyah Kibtia was presented to Muhammad by Muyaqis, the then governor of Alexandria. Muhammad kept for himself Marriyah, the prettiest lass and donated Sirin to Hasan b. Thabit to be used as his sex-slave. Ibn Ishaq (Ibn Ishaq, p.652) writes that Sirin and Marriyah were sisters.
Salman the Persian
Salman, the Persian was originally a devout Zoroastrian from Isfahan, Persia. Then he converted to Christianity. Later, he was sold as a slave to a B. Qurayza Jew of Medina. When Muhammad arrived at Medina Salman met him there. Some 3 years later, with the help of Muslims he purchased his freedom from his master and converted to Islam--becoming an ardent companion of Muhammad. During the battle of Ahzab (the battle of the ditch) the trench digging was his idea. He was well acquainted with the books of the Persians (i.e., Zoroastrianism), the Greeks and the Jews. Ali said about him (Reliance of the Traveller, p.1093), “He was a man of us and for us, the line of prophetic house, and in relation to you as the sage Luqman, having learned the first knowledge and the last, read the first scripture and the last: an exhaustive sea.”
Undoubtedly, Muhammad cleverly utilised Salman’s extraordinary talent to compose many verses of the Qur’an that deal with historical tales of the ancient Egypt, the Greek, the Romans and the Persians. As Salman was formerly a Zoroastrian, Muhammad learned, in detail many of their beliefs and practices and incorporated them in his Qur’an. Muhammad’s description of Paradise and hell are stunningly similar to that of the Zoroastrians. So those verses dealing with the punishment in Hell and the prize in Paradise were surely contributed by Salman, the Persian. It is interesting to note that Salman became a close member of Muhammad’s family. Aisha reports that Muhammad used to spend countless hours with him-- discussing various religious issues, so much so, that Aisha thought that Salman would spend the night with Muhammad.
Those who have read the Qur’an up close—many times, will be profoundly surprised with Muhammad’s absolute pre-occupation with the description of Paradise and hell. There are many verses in the Qura’an that, time after time, deal with this particular topic—that is, the purely sensual rewards of Paradise for the believers and the sadistic, odious punishment for the unbelievers. Most of these verses, no doubt, were inspired by Salman, the Persian and later, written down by Muhammad’s scribes at his dictate—passing them up as Allah’s revelations. Here I am citing just a few of such verses. To save space I have cited only the main message in the verse. For details please refer to the verse number quoted.
The Qur’anic Paradise If the believers do not commit the most heinous (major sin) of the forbidden (idolatry) then God will forgive other sins and admit them in paradise...4:31 The believers will have easy life and will dwell in paradise forever…7:42 In paradise there will be no jealousy, all will glorify God for guiding them…7:43 The paradise dwellers will enquire about the appalling condition of the hell dwellers…7:44 God promises paradise (beautiful mansions in the garden of Eden) to the believing men and women…9:72 Gardens (many gardens in paradise?) of eternity (Eden), beneath river flowing, adorned with bracelets of gold, green garments, fine silk; comfortable furnishing...18:31 God promises paradise (beautiful mansions in the garden of Eden) to the believing men and women…9:72 In paradise there are two gardens of grape fruit surrounded by date palms and a corn field in between them...18:32 In paradise there is no nonsense; only salutation of peace, sustenance in the morning and in the evening...19:62-63 Believers will be admitted to the gardens (many gardens in paradise?) beneath which river flows; they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments will be of silk...2.23 People have no idea of how much joy and happiness God has reserved in paradise for the believers…32:17 The believers will be in gardens of eternity (many gardens in paradise?); they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments will be of silk…35:33 For the sincere and devoted servants of God there will be sustenance (in paradise), fruits, honor, dignity, garden of felicity, they will face each other on thrones, pass around a cup from a clear flowing fountain, crystal white delicious drink, no headache, no intoxication, chaste women…36:41-50 In paradise there will be every kind of fruit and there will be peace and security...44:55 There will be no taste of death in paradise for the believers except their first death...44:56 Slain Jihadists will be in paradise…47:6 God will readily offer paradise to the believers…50:31 Near the boundary of Lote tree is the paradise…53:15 Class3 Those nearest to God in the garden of bliss (upper paradise)...56:11-12 The width of a garden in paradise is the width of heaven and earth...57:21 If you repent then God will remove ills and send you to paradise under which rivers flow; the believers’ light will radiate in front of them and on to their right side...66:8 God will reward the righteous with a garden (paradise) and garments of silk will be theirs for their patience...76:12 The believers will recline in garden (paradise) on raised thrones, no excessive heat of the sun; no excessive cold of the moon...76:13 The residents of paradise will enjoy wine mixed with Zaanzabil (zinger?)…76:17 The fountain in paradise is called Salsabil...76:18 Passed around will be vessels of silver and goblets of crystal; they will be served by youths (boys) of perpetual freshness like pearls...76:19 There will be peace and tranquillity everywhere in paradise…76:20 Green garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, adorned with bracelets of silver; God will give everyone to drink a pure holy wine...76:21
And the Qur’anic Hell The preachers of idolatry will be cut off from their followers and will be sent to hell...2:166 God casts terror in the hearts of unbelievers; they will reside in hell...3:151 Hell is a woeful refuge...3:162 The dwellers of hell will be covered with shame; there are no helpers for them...3:192 Hell is a burning fire; so is envy...4:55 Unbelievers will be cast in fire, their skins roasted often, skin changed often for more roasting...4:56 The unbelievers will drink boiling water in hell...6:70 Each new entrant of hell will blame his ancestors for leading him to hell; the penalty of hell fire is doubled for those who mislead others...7:38 Allah has made many men and Jinns for hell; they are worse than cattle...7:179 The unbelievers will burn in hell...14:29 There are seven gates in hell each of special class...15:44 Hell is a prison (dungeon) for the unbelievers...17:8 When someone wants material things, God will bestow this first; then He will gather them in Gehenna (hell) to be burnt forever)...17:18 Unbelievers will be lying face down, will be dumb and deaf on the judgment day; God will increase the fierceness of hell fire...17:97 Hell is an entertainment for the unbelievers...18:102 Those who are gathered in hell will lay face down...25:34 Zaqqum, the bitter tree in hell is for the unbelievers…37:62 Zaqqum springs out of bottom of hell fire…37:64 The unbelievers will be led to hell in crowds; gates will be opened, the keepers will ask questions regarding the messengers sent…39:71 The people of Pharaoh will be brought in front of hellfire in the morning and in the evening...40:46 Those in hellfire will beg the keepers of hell to lighten the penalty at least for a day...40:49 The keepers of hell will admonish the inmates of hell for disobeying the messengers sent to them while they were in earth…40:50 God will taunt the Christians in hell saying: Where are all my partners that you used to believe in?...40:73 The unbelievers will ask Malek, the keeper of hell to kill them with God’s permission; but Malek will promise them to keep them in hell forever…43:77 One day God will ask hell if it is full or not; the hell will ask more inmates in it...50:30 Unbelievers will be entertainment with boiling water and their will be burned in hellfire...56:93 The only food in hell will be bitter ones; filth and pus…69:35-37 To escape hell fire, the sinners will offer to sacrifice their children, wives, brothers.....everything on earth; but these will not be acceptable to Allah, and the fire will be plucking out right to the skull...70:11-16 Non-Muslim Jinns and the idolaters will be the fuels of hell fire...72:15 Hellfire changes skin colour...74:27-29 For the disbelievers, Allah has prepared shackles, chains and a blazing hellfire…76:4 No coolness and drink in hell (gehenna)...78:24
For brevity’s sake I did not include the historical references in the Qur’an that were undoubtedly told to Muhammad by Salman. Please spend some time searching the Qur’an and you will surely discover that they were purely man-made stories—not the stories told by Allah.
“The Holy Qur’an,” the internet version of three English translations can be read at: http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/ ]
al-Bukhari, Muhammad b. Ismail, “Sahi Bukhari,” translated in English by Dr Muhammad Muhsin Khan: [ http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/ ]
Muslim, Abu al-Hussain b. al-Hajjaj al-Qushairi, “Sahi Muslim,” translated in English by Abdul Hamid Siddiqui: [ http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/ ]
Hughes, Patrick Thomas, “A Dictionary of Islam;” first published in 1886; latest reprint by Kazi Publications Inc., Chicago, 1994.
Ibn al-Kalbi, Hisham, “The Book of Idols (Kitab Al-Asnam),” translated in English by Nabih Amin Faris, Princeton University Press, 1952. [ http://www.answering-islam.org/Books/Al-Kalbi/index.htm ]
Bahira
Bahira was a Nestorian Christian monk who lived in Sham (Syria). His Christian name was Sergius or Georgius. It is believed that he was expelled from the monastery for certain offences. To expiate it, he set out on a mission to Arabia. In Mecca, he met Muhammad, became intimate with him and stayed with him. He had confidential conversation with Muhammad, in which he surely told Muhammad many facets of Christianity. The verses in the Qur’an dealing with Christianity must have emanated from Bahira, the monk. Muhammad simply re-wrote them with the help of his Qur’an collectors or scribes.
It is believed that the Qur’anic verses on the Psalms of David were actually the contribution of Bahira. These verses are:
004.163 We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms.
017.055 And it is your Lord that knoweth best all beings that are in the heavens and on earth: We did bestow on some prophets more (and other) gifts than on others: and We gave to David (the gift of) the Psalms.
021.105 Before this We wrote in the Psalms, after the Message (given to Moses): My servants the righteous, shall inherit the earth."
In fact, the Dictionary Islam (p.698) writes that the last quoted verse (21.105) is a direct quote from Psalm xxxvii.29
Here are some sample verses which most likely were contributed by Bahira:
Even when Muhammad confirms the previous scriptures, the Jews and the Christians reject him…2:101
The Jews and the Christians quarrel with each other even though they study the same book; God will judge between them...2:113
The Islamic, the Jewish and the Christian God is the same God, do not argue on this; God will reward each group according to their deeds…2:139
The Jews and the Christians are invited to believe in the Book of God to settle their disputes...3:23
Some Jews and Christians twisted their scriptures and passed them as God’s messages…3:78
Some Jews and Christians believe in baseless powers of mysteries and the powers of evil...4:51
Christians forgot a good part of the message; so, God condemned them to animosity and hatred among themselves...5:14
Some Christians follow Gospel correctly but most of them do not. If they followed the Gospel correctly they would have enjoyed happiness from every side...5:66
Jesus' believers (Christians) were Muslims and their religion was Islam (?)...5:111
Muhammad was to learn from the Jews and the Christians; the Qur’an contains the messages of these books...10:94-95
Some Jews and Christians are actually Muslims; they believed in the Qur’an…28:53
Argue with the people of the Book only in a nice manner; Muslims are to believe in the Qur’an as well as in other books sent down by God; Muslim's God and Jews’ and Christians’ God is the same…29:46
God bestowed Gospel to Jesus and ordained compassion and mercy to his followers; God did not prescribe monasticism to the Christians...57:27
It is not clear why Bahira was expelled from the Syrian church. Could it be that he held views on Christianity that was blasphemous to the Nestorian church? Or could it be that he did some criminal act? No one knows. Any way, Muhammad had a wealth of information on Christianity (apocryphal or main-stream) from this monk.
It is interesting to note that Qur’an mentions itself that Muhammad was, in fact, taught by a foreigner, but Allah tried to deny the truth by implying that the language of Muhammad and the language of the foreigner was different! This obviously, is completely untrue, as we note that Muhammad, during his trip to Sham (Syria) had met Bahira, and had no difficulty in communicating with him. Here is the verse that says that Muhammad was taught by a foreigner:
016.103 We know indeed that they say, "It is a man that teaches him." The tongue of him they wickedly point to is notably foreign, while this is Arabic, pure and clear.
Jabr
The Dictionary of Islam (Hughes Dictionary of Islam, p.223) writes that Jabr was one of the Ahlu-l-Kitab and was well-read in the Taurat and Injil, and Muhammad used to hear him read these books as he passed by his house. Muhammad must have learned from Jabr many of those Suras dealing with the traditions of the Christians and the Jews. Most likely the verses on David and Solomon were composed by Jabr. Some of these verses are (only the main messages are shown here; for details read the entire verse):
David slew Goliath...2:251
Psalms was given to David...4:163
God is discriminatory; he prefers some prophets to others; he gave Psalms to David…17:55
God witnessed the judgment of David and Solomon…21:78
God gave Solomon the correct understanding; He made the mountains and the birds to serve David…21:79
God taught David the skill of war-shield making…21:80
Before the Qur’an, God sent messages in the Psalms of David...21:105
God gave knowledge to David and Solomon…27:15
Solomon's father was David. Solomon was the heir of David; Solomon understood the speeches of birds, beasts and plants…27:16
Solomon had control over Jinns; the Jinns and birds fought in Solomon’s army…27:17
God put the mountains under the command of David; taught him how to make weapons from iron…34:10-11
God had put the mountains, birds for David’s service and endowed him with wisdom and logic…38:18-20
God forgave David's sins...38:25
God made David a ruler on earth and gave him the authority to issue fair judgment by God’s laws and by his personal opinions…38:26
Ibn Qumta
Ibn Qumta was a Christian slave who lived in Mecca. Muhammad learned about the apocryphal gospel of Christianity (such as: The Gospel of Infancy and The Gospel of Barnabas) from him. The entire Sura on Mary and the birth of Jesus Christ (Sura 19) was probably written by this Christian slave. Sourcing from Wakidi, Alphonso Mingana, in his essay, The Transmission of the Koran (Alphonso Mingana, The Transmission of the Koran, The Origins of The Koran, p.103) writes:
‘A more ancient historian, Wakidi, has the following sentence in which it is suggested that ‘Abdallah b. Sa’d b. Abi Sarh, and a Christian slave, ibn Qumta, had something to do with the Koran. And ibn Abi Sarh came back and said to Quraish: “It was only a Christian slave who was teaching him (Muhammad); I used to write to him and change whatever I wanted.”’
Please note that Abdallah b. Sa’d b Abi Sarh was Muhammad’s trusted scribe. When Muhammad migrated to Medina Abdallah also followed him. Whenever Muhammad went into a trance he would dictate Abdallah to write down his utterances. When Abdallah suggested some changes to Muhammad’s lisping, Muhammad would readily agree with Abdallah. An example is when Muhammad was dictating 23:12-14.
023.012 Man We did create from a quintessence (of clay);
023.013 Then We placed him as (a drop of) sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed;
023.014 Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then we made out of that lump bones and clothed the bones with flesh; then we developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the best to create!
Abdallah suggested some modifications to the last verse, Muhammad quickly agreed with Abdallah. This led Abdallah to suspect Muhammad’s claim of reception of messages from Allah, apostatised and left Medina for Mecca. He then proclaimed that he (Abdallah) too could easily write the Qur’anic verses being inspired by Allah.
Muhammad was furious and sought Allah’s help. Allah promptly sent down verse 6:93, condemning any one who claims to be inspired by Allah. Here is the verse:
006.093 Who can be more wicked than one who inventeth a lie against Allah, or saith, "I have received inspiration," when he hath received none, or (again) who saith, "I can reveal the like of what Allah hath revealed"? If thou couldst but see how the wicked (do fare) in the flood of confusion at death! - the angels stretch forth their hands, (saying),"Yield up your souls: this day shall ye receive your reward,- a penalty of shame, for that ye used to tell lies against Allah, and scornfully to reject of His signs!"
When Muhammad occupied Mecca he earmarked 8 [or10 (6 men, 4 women) according to Ibn Sa’d, vol. ii, p165] people to be killed even if they were found in the precinct of Ka’ba. Abdallah was one of them.
Even Sahih Bukhari confirms that a Christian wrote parts of the Qur’an. This Christian writer of the Qur’an, without doubt, is none other than ibn Qumta. Here is the Hadis:
A Christian who converted to Islam wrote Muhammad's revelations; then he reverted back to Christianity and claimed that Muhammad knew nothing and he wrote the Quran for Muhammad; when this man died his body was repeatedly thrown out from the grave...4.56.814
Narrated Anas:
There was a Christian who embraced Islam and read Surat-al-Baqara and Al-Imran, and he used to write (the revelations) for the Prophet. Later on he returned to Christianity again and he used to say: "Muhammad knows nothing but what I have written for him." Then Allah caused him to die, and the people buried him, but in the morning they saw that the earth had thrown his body out. They said, "This is the act of Muhammad and his companions. They dug the grave of our companion and took his body out of it because he had run away from them." They again dug the grave deeply for him, but in the morning they again saw that the earth had thrown his body out. They said, "This is an act of Muhammad and his companions. They dug the grave of our companion and threw his body outside it, for he had run away from them." They dug the grave for him as deep as they could, but in the morning they again saw that the earth had thrown his body out. So they believed that what had befallen him was not done by human beings and had to leave him thrown (on the ground).
Please note that the text inside parenthesis, (e.g., the revelations) is the insertion by the translator.
W. St. Clair-Tisdall (W.St. Clair Tisdal, The Sources of Islam, The Orgins of the Koran, pp.236-237) writes that the Sabeans inhabited Syria. They were the followers of Seth and Idris. Sabeans fasted for 30 days from night to sunrise, observed Eid and prayed for the dead without prostration. Muhammad simply copied their system of fasting (only change made was fasting from dawn to dusk) and retained the celebration of Eid and the prayer for the dead in exactly the same fashion as the Sabeans. Thus the rules on fasting as prescribed in verses 2:183-187 were actually adapted from the Holy Scriptures of the Sabeans. In fact, the Qur’an confirms itself that the system of fasting was a copy-cat from other faith, but remaining coy about which religious scripture Muhammad copied from. Here is verse 2:183 that says that the Islamic system of fasting is the mimicry of the other faith (Sabeans, of course):
002.183 O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-
The Sabeans possessed a book called ‘Pages of Seth. They observed 7 prayers a day, 5 of which were at the same hours as chosen by Muhammad. They also venerated Ka’ba. Muhammad, most likely, learned about the Holy Scripture of the Sabeans from Bahira, the monk and from Salman, the Persian, because both of them had spent a considerable amount of time in Syria and were well aware about the sources, rituals and the religious doctrine of the Sabeans. Muhammad simply incorporated those in the Qur’an—passing them as Allah’s dictum.
On the Sabeans, the Dictionary of Islam (Hughes Dictionary of Islam, p.551) writes that they worshipped the stars secretly but openly professed to be Christians. Others say that they were of the religion of Sabi, the son of Seth, the son of Adam. Some say they were of the religion of Noah. Their Qiblah was towards the south, from whence the wind blows.
No doubt, after learning about the Sabeans Muhammad was profoundly impressed by their religion and hastened to incorporate some of their rituals in Islam. He regarded them as the true believers of Allah. In fact, the Dictionary Islam (ibid) writes that the Arabs used to call Muhammad as Sabi—he who has departed from the religion of the Quraysh. The Qur’an mentions them 3 times in the following verses:
002.062 Those who believe (in the Qur'an), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians and the Sabians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
005.069 Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians and the Christians,- any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness,- on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
022.017 Those who believe (in the Qur'an), those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Sabians, Christians, Magians, and Polytheists,- Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgment: for Allah is witness of all things.
Note that those verses also contain the Jews, the Christians and the Magians (Zoroastrians).
Khadijah, Waraqa and Ubydallah et. al.
The Sirah (biography) of Muhammad does not mention about the religion of Khadijah, Muhammad’s first wife. However, it is difficult to believe that Khadijah was a 100% polytheist. She was probably deeply influenced by his cousin brother Waraqa, who, as mentioned before, was first a Jew, then converted to Christianity. He became a devout Christian and reportedly translated the Gospel in his version of Arabic. His profound knowledge and understanding of the mainstream Christianity, as well as Judaism, must had had profound influence on Khadijah and Muhammad. So, it will be quite reasonable to surmise that Khadijah, too, was a follower of Christianity—at least inwardly. We find no reference anywhere that Khadijah had ever prayed to any idol or had attended any polytheist religious ritual; instead, we note (as told previously) that Muhammad was, indeed, a polytheist when he married Khadijah. For 25 years Khadijah was Muhammad’s support (financially) and counsellor. It was most likely that Khadijah influenced Muhammad to change his religion—from polytheism to Christianity. Waraqa and Khadijah used to discuss lots of Christian and Jewish stuff with Muhammad that made him think deeply about his belief system at birth (i.e., paganism).
We learn from Sahih Bukhari that Waraqa used to read the Gospel in Arabic. This confirms that the Arabic translation of the Gospel was available during Muhammad’s time.
The Prophet returned to Khadija while his heart was beating rapidly. She took him to Waraqa bin Naufal who was a Christian convert and used to read the Gospels in Arabic Waraqa asked (the Prophet), "What do you see?" When he told him, Waraqa said, "That is the same angel whom Allah sent to the Prophet) Moses. Should I live till you receive the Divine Message, I will support you strongly."
Not only that Waraqa read the Gospel in Arabic, he also translated Gospel in his own version in Arabic. Sahih Bukhari confirms this:
Please note that this is quite a lengthy Hadis. I have quoted only the relevant part.
Narrated Aisha:
…….." Khadija then took him to Waraqa bin Naufil, the son of Khadija's paternal uncle. Waraqa had been converted to Christianity in the Pre-lslamic Period and used to write Arabic and write of the Gospel in Arabic as much as Allah wished him to write…….
Waraqa even knew how to read and write in Hebrew! Sahih Bukhari confirms this:
Please note that only the part germane to the subject is quoted here.
Volume 1, Book 1, Number 3:
……Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the PreIslamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write……
The above information, especially those quotes from the Sahih Bukhari will leave one without any doubt that Waraqa, as well as Khadijah were big-time contributors to the compilation of the Qur’an-- especially those verses dealing with Christianity and Judaism.
Then came along Ubaydallah, the grandson of Abd al-Muttalib and Muhammad’s cousin brother. As Ubaydallah was a Hanif, surely, Muhammad learned a lot of good materials on Hanifism from him. Muslim historians claim that Ubaydallah converted to Muhammad’s religion and migrated to Ethiopia; then he left Islam and embraced Christianity and died there as a Christian. So, the other contributors of the Christian stuff in the Qur’an were definitely Ubaydallah. After Waraqa, Khadijah and Ubaydallah died Muhammad simply incorporated in the Qur’an, what he had heard/learned from them.
We need to mention here two other main contributors to the Qur’an. They were Abdullah b. Salam and Mukhayariq. According to Ibn Ishaq (Ibn Ishaq, p.239) Abdullah b. Salam b. al-Harith was a Jew from B. Qaynuqa who converted to Islam when Muhammad arrived at Medina. Mukhayariq, too, was a Jewish Rabbi from B. Thalaba and he also converted to Islam. Abdullah b. Salam was an authority on Torah, and had undoubtedly contributed to write in the Qur’an, the Jewish stuff--especially the Jewish laws.
Here is a brief list of some of the materials in the Qur’an that Muhammad copied/adopted from the Christians, the Jews, the Armenians, the Hindus and the Magians (Zoroastrians):
Tayammum (4:43): Copied from the Jewish Scripture the Talmud.
Breathing life into birds (2:260, 3:49, 5:110): Copied from the Coptic books.
Houris, Azazil (44:54): Learned from the foreigners in Mecca.
Harut amd Marut (2:102): From the Armenian books—Harut and Marut are in control of wind and rain.
Allah’s throne above water (11:7): From the Jewish tradition.
Malik, the ruler of Hell (43:77): From the Jews.
7 Heavens (2:29, 41:12): Adopted from the Sanskrit Scripture of the Hindus.
Mary giving birth under the trunk of a tree (19:23): Copied from the Gospel of Infancy, an apocryphal Christian Gospel
Infant Jesus talking (3:46, 19:30-31, 19:33): Copied from the Gospel of Infancy.
Description of Paradise and Hell (there are many verses—see the section on Salman, the Persian: Copied from the Magians (Zoroastrians) and the Hindus.
Jesus not killed, Allah lifted up Jesus (3:55, 4:157-158): Copied from the Gospel of Barnabas
The story of Joseph (Sura 12): Copied from the Midrash, a Jewish Scripture.
The story of Solomon and Sheba (21:78-82, 27:17-19, 27:22-23): Copied from the Haggada, a Jewish Scripture.
The original Qur’an is kept in Heaven (43:4, 85:21-22): The Talmud says it is a preserved tablet in Heaven.
Angel of death--Azrail or Azazil, Malaku’l Maut (6:61, 7:37, 32:11): Adopted from the Jewish and the Magian (Zoroastrian) scriptures.
Uncannily though, the Qur’an asserts itself that the infidels of Mecca knew that Muhammad had copied the Qur’an from various sources, especially from the Jewish Scriptures; and that was why Allah had to admonish the polytheists for calling Muhammad a copy-cat. This is revealed in verse 28:48
028.048 But (now), when the Truth has come to them from Ourselves, they say, "Why are not (Signs) sent to him, like those which were sent to Moses?" Do they not then reject (the Signs) which were formerly sent to Moses? They say: "Two kinds of sorcery, each assisting the other!" And they say: "For us, we reject all (such things)!"
For more examples of plagiarism in the Qur’an (and by Muhammad) one may refer to the books listed in the bibliography.
Muhammad’s neighbour was an-Nadr b. al-Harith. He also used to write verses similar to the Qur’an. He was also a very good story-teller--especially of the ancient fables. Whenever Muhammad gathered people to listen to his tales in the Qur’an an-Nadr would entice the audience of Muhammad with better stories than Muhammad. Due to an-Nadr’s excellent proficiency in narrating the anecdotes Muhammad saw his audience disappear. Muhammad considered an-Nadr’s act extremely loathsome and had his revenge taken by capturing an-Nadr in the battle of Badr and later beheading him.
Here are references to some selected verses from the Qur’an that tell us that the pagans were very much aware that Muhammad used to tell them ancient stories that they had heard before—Muhammad did not narrated any new fable at all—he simply regurgitated what he had heard from his sources—passing them as Allah’s revelations:
The unbelievers consider the Qur’an as the tales of the ancients…8:31
The unbelievers said that the revelations to Muhammad were the tales from the past…16:24
Many pagans had heard the story of resurrection from past tales…23:83
Disbelievers say 'the Qur’an is ancient tales which they had heard before'…25:5
The unbelievers insist that Qur’an is tales from the past…27:68
The unbelievers say the Qur’an is nothing but the tales of the ancients…46:17
The unbelievers termed Muhammad’s revelations as tales from the past…68:15
al-Bukhari, Muhammad b. Ismail, “Sahi Bukhari,” translated in English by Dr Muhammad Muhsin Khan: [http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/ ]
Muslim, Abu al-Hussain b. al-Hajjaj al-Qushairi, “Sahi Muslim,” translated in English by Abdul Hamid Siddiqui: [http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/ ]
Ubayy b. Ka’b
Ubay b. Ka’b was the personal secretary of Muhammad and one of the six collectors of the Qur’an. The other five collectors of the Qur’an, according to ibn Sa’d (ibn sa’d, vol.i, p.457), were:
Muadh ibn Jabal
Abu al-Darda
Zayd ibn Thabit
Sa’d ibn Ubayd
Abu Zayd
Ubayy b. Ka’b was also known as Abu Mundhir. He took the 2nd pledge of Aqaba along with other ansars from Medina and was one of the first persons in Medina to accept Islam. He was Muhammad’s greatest confidante’ and a saviour in troubled times. Whenever Muhammad would forget some verses of the Qur’an or he would want some explanation on some verses he would seek the help of Ubayy. This dependence of Muhammad on Ubayy reflects that he (Ubayy b. Ka’b) was the real writer of Muhammad’s dictations, and Ubayy wrote whatever he fancied—subject, of course to Muhammad’s approval. Residing in Medina, where a sizeable thriving Jewish community lived, he was profoundly knowledgeable in Jewish scriptures and Jewish laws. Most likely, he wrote many of the Medina Suras that deal with Islamic legal provisions. These Medina Suras are not as poetically enchanting as the Meccan Suras are. This is because Ubayy b. Ka’b was not really a poet but a politician and a scribe. In fact, he wrote his own version of the Qur’an which he refused to surrender when, during Uthman’s time, all versions of the Qur’an, except that of Hafsa’s were proscribed and burned. Ubayy b. Ka’b and ibn Masud refused to surrender their Mushaf (Qur’an written on leaves) and kept them in secret.
We can safely surmise that many Medina Suras were actually written by Ubyy b. Ka’b with the assistance of other scribes of Muhammad.
It is quite fascinating to note that although Gabriel purportedly brought the Qur’anic verses to Muhammad, he saw Gabriel in his true form only twice. This is confirmed from this Hadis in Sahih Bukhari:
Narrated Masruq:
I said to 'Aisha, "O Mother! Did Prophet Muhammad see his Lord?" Aisha said, "What you have said makes my hair stand on end ! Know that if somebody tells you one of the following three things, he is a liar: Whoever tells you that Muhammad saw his Lord, is a liar." Then Aisha recited the Verse:
'No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Courteous Well-Acquainted with all things.' (6.103) 'It is not fitting for a human being that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration or from behind a veil.' (42.51) 'Aisha further said, "And whoever tells you that the Prophet knows what is going to happen tomorrow, is a liar." She then recited:
'No soul can know what it will earn tomorrow.' (31.34) She added: "And whoever tell you that he concealed (some of Allah's orders), is a liar." Then she recited: 'O Apostle! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord..' (5.67) 'Aisha added. "But the Prophet saw Gabriel in his true form twice."
Of course, this Hadis is confusing and contradictory when we recall that in other ahadith Muhammad claimed that Gabriel visited him many times in the form other human beings (most notably, in the guise of Dhiya al-Kalbi, a handsome merchant of Medina). So what prevents him from saying that all those Qur’an scribes, including Ubayy b Ka’b, were in fact, Gabriel/s in various forms?
Bibi Aisha was Muhammad’s most favourite wife. He married her when she was just a child of six years and had sex with her when she was merely nine years old. The youth, the vivacity, the tenderness, the child-like innocence and the childhood exuberance—these were the ingredients that consumed Muhammad’s mind in the adoration of Aisha’s gullibility. As a child-bride Aisha was completely dependent on Muhammad’s maturity. Like any other child of her age she believed in whatever Muhammad told her about his divine inspiration. Muhammad claimed that he used to get revelations from Allah only when he slept with Aisha. Why Gabriel did not bother to visit him when he spent nights with other wives in his harem? This is a question very few Islamic scholars/historians have answered. The truth is: except for Aisha, all other wives of Muhammad were grown up, matured and had experience with the trials, tribulations and crookedness of life in general. Some of them already had grown-up children. It was not so simple for Muhammad to convince this retinue of women about his communication with Allah via Gabriel. They would not simply believe so easily in Muhammad’s made-up stories. Although they were forced to live in his harem, nonetheless, they could not, deep in their mind, endorse all the claims of Muhammad. So, evidently Aisha, with her child-like simplicity and innocence became Muhammad’s source of divine inspiration! Muhammad was simply playing with a child’s mind which tends to believe all sorts of Ghost and Jinn stories, Santa Klaus, winged horses, devils, monsters and all mythological and fictional characters. The following ahadith from Sahih Bukhari confirms that Allah communicated with Muhammad only when he slept with Aisha:
Muhammad used to get divine inspiration only in Aisha's bed...3.47.755
Narrated 'Urwa from 'Aisha:
The wives of Allah's Apostle were in two groups. One group consisted of 'Aisha, Hafsa, Safiyya and Sauda; and the other group consisted of Um Salama and the other wives of Allah's Apostle. The Muslims knew that Allah's Apostle loved 'Aisha, so if any of them had a gift and wished to give to Allah's Apostle, he would delay it, till Allah's Apostle had come to 'Aisha's home and then he would send his gift to Allah's Apostle in her home. The group of Um Salama discussed the matter together and decided that Um Salama should request Allah's Apostle to tell the people to send their gifts to him in whatever wife's house he was. Um Salama told Allah's Apostle of what they had said, but he did not reply. Then they (those wives) asked Um Salama about it. She said, "He did not say anything to me." They asked her to talk to him again. She talked to him again when she met him on her day, but he gave no reply. When they asked her, she replied that he had given no reply. They said to her, "Talk to him till he gives you a reply." When it was her turn, she talked to him again. He then said to her, "Do not hurt me regarding Aisha, as the Divine Inspirations do not come to me on any of the beds except that of Aisha." On that Um Salama said, "I repent to Allah for hurting you." Then the group of Um Salama called Fatima, the daughter of Allah's Apostle and sent her to Allah's Apostle to say to him, "Your wives request to treat them and the daughter of Abu Bakr on equal terms." Then Fatima conveyed the message to him. The Prophet said, "O my daughter! Don't you love whom I love?" She replied in the affirmative and returned and told them of the situation. They requested her to go to him again but she refused. They then sent Zainab bint Jahsh who went to him and used harsh words saying, "Your wives request you to treat them and the daughter of Ibn Abu Quhafa on equal terms." On that she raised her voice and abused 'Aisha to her face so much so that Allah's Apostle looked at 'Aisha to see whether she would retort. 'Aisha started replying to Zainab till she silenced her. The Prophet then looked at 'Aisha and said, "She is really the daughter of Abu Bakr."
Divine inspiration came to Muhammad only when he slept with Aisha...5.57.119
Narrated Hisham's father:
The people used to send presents to the Prophet on the day of 'Aisha's turn. 'Aisha said, "My companions (i.e. the other wives of the Prophet) gathered in the house of Um Salama and said, "0 Um Salama! By Allah, the people choose to send presents on the day of 'Aisha's turn and we too, love the good (i.e. presents etc.) as 'Aisha does. You should tell Allah's Apostle to tell the people to send their presents to him wherever he may be, or wherever his turn may be." Um Salama said that to the Prophet and he turned away from her, and when the Prophet returned to her (i.e. Um Salama), she repeated the same, and the Prophet again turned away, and when she told him the same for the third time, the Prophet said, "O Um Salama! Don't trouble me by harming 'Aisha, for by Allah, the Divine Inspiration never came to me while I was under the blanket of any woman amongst you except her."
Aisha did not see Gabriel while Muhammad introduced Gabriel to her…4.54.440
Narrated Abu Salama:
'Aisha said that the Prophet said to her "O 'Aisha' This is Gabriel and he sends his (greetings) salutations to you." 'Aisha said, "Salutations (Greetings) to him, and Allah's Mercy and Blessings be on him," and addressing the Prophet she said, "You see what I don't see."
Muhammad told Aisha that Gabriel greeted her…8.74.270
Narrated 'Aisha: that the Prophet said to her, "Gabriel sends Salam (greetings) to you." She replied, "Wa 'alaihi-s-Salam Wa Rahmatu-l-lah." (Peace and Allah's Mercy be on him).
The ahdith quoted above clearly tells us how cleverly Muhammad used the innocence and immature mind of a child to claim his divine inspiration. In fact, Muhammad, himself, composed certain parts of the Qur’an while he slept with Aisha. Sahih Bukhari confirms this:
Muhammad used to recite the Qur’an leaning on a menstruating Aisha…1.6.296
The Prophet used to lean on my lap and recite Qur'an while I was in menses.
Even Muhammad’s Quran’n writer, Zayd b. Thabit admits that some Qur’anic verses were manipulated. Here is a Hadis from Shahih Bukhari on this:
Some Qur’anic verses were manipulated (verse 33:23)…5.59.379
Narrated Zaid bin Thabit:
When we wrote the Holy Quran, I missed one of the Verses of Surat-al-Ahzab which I used to hear Allah's Apostle reciting. Then we searched for it and found it with Khuzaima bin Thabit Al-Ansari. The Verse was:--
'Among the Believers are men Who have been true to Their Covenant with Allah, Of them, some have fulfilled Their obligations to Allah (i.e. they have been Killed in Allah's Cause), And some of them are (still) waiting" (33.23) So we wrote this in its place in the Quran.
The above quoted Hadis tells us that some verses of the Qur’an were written by people other than Muhammad’s official Qur’an scribes. Please note that Khuzaima b. Thabit al-Ansari, mentioned in this Hadis was not one of the official Qur’an writers of Muhammad.
In Sahih Muslim we read the following Hadis:
Muhammad used to recite Qur’an while reclining on the lap of a menstruating Aisha…3. 0591
'A'isha reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) would recline in my lap when I was menstruating, and recite the Qur'an.
If those references are not convincing enough to demonstrate that Aisha played a vital role in the authorship of the Qur’an, then this Hadis from Sahih Muslim tells us that, Aisha, indeed modified the Qur’anic verses. This Hadis informs us that after Muhammad’s death a Qur’an was compiled exclusively for Aisha. Then Aisha dictated to her scribe a verse of the Qur’an, claiming that that was how Muhammad used to recite the verse (2:238).
Here is the Hadis from Sahih Muslim:
Abu Yunus, the freed slave of 'A'isha said: 'A'isha ordered me to transcribe a copy of the Qur'an for her and said: When you reach this verse:" Guard the prayers and the middle prayer" (ii. 238), inform me; so when I reached it, I informed her and she gave me dictation (like this): Guard the prayers and the middle prayer and the afternoon prayer, and stand up truly obedient to Allah. 'A'isha said: This is how I have heard from the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him).
From Sahih Bukhari we also learn that the two key Suras, Sura al-Bakara (Sura 2) and Sura an-Nisa (Sura 4) were composed in the presence of Aisha. She also reveals that the first verse was really about Paradise and Hell--contrary to the claims of many Islamic historians that it was the first few verses of Sura al-Alaq (Sura 96). This Hadis also informs us that there were a few versions of the Qur’an, and Aisha had a version with her which was different from other versions. Could it be that Aisha, herself added or deleted verses from her version of the Qur’an? Here is the Hadis:
How cleverly revelations were changed to suit the purposes...6.61.515
Narrated Yusuf bin Mahk:
While I was with Aisha, the mother of the Believers, a person from Iraq came and asked, "What type of shroud is the best?" 'Aisha said, "May Allah be merciful to you! What does it matter?" He said, "O mother of the Believers! Show me (the copy of) your Qur'an," She said, "Why?" He said, "In order to compile and arrange the Qur'an according to it, for people recite it with its Suras not in proper order." 'Aisha said, "What does it matter which part of it you read first? (Be informed) that the first thing that was revealed thereof was a Sura from Al-Mufassal, and in it was mentioned Paradise and the Fire. When the people embraced Islam, the Verses regarding legal and illegal things were revealed. If the first thing to be revealed was: 'Do not drink alcoholic drinks.' people would have said, 'We will never leave alcoholic drinks,' and if there had been revealed, 'Do not commit illegal sexual intercourse, 'they would have said, 'We will never give up illegal sexual intercourse.' While I was a young girl of playing age, the following Verse was revealed in Mecca to Muhammad: 'Nay! But the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter.' (54.46) Sura Al-Baqara (The Cow) and Surat An-Nisa (The Women) were revealed while I was with him." Then 'Aisha took out the copy of the Qur'an for the man and dictated to him the Verses of the Suras (in their proper order).
Muhammad b. Abdullah (pbuh)
There is very little doubt that Muhammad, himself, had composed certain Qur’anic verses. Nonetheless, due to his shortcoming of being an illiterate person (as claimed in the Qur’an), he had to engage several scribes to write down what he invented in his own mind. If one reads the Qur’an carefully one will not fail to discover many such verses which unmistakably show that it is Muhammad who is talking in these verse and not Allah--via His postman Gabriel. Here I have listed a few such verses:
006.104 "Now have come to you, from your Lord, proofs (to open your eyes): if any will see, it will be for (the good of) his own soul; if any will be blind, it will be to his own (harm): I am not (here) to watch over your doings."
The words ‘I am not a keeper over you’ is clearly words of Muhammad.
006.114 Say: "Shall I seek for judge other than Allah? - when He it is Who hath sent unto you the Book, explained in detail." They know full well, to whom We have given the Book, that it hath been sent down from thy Lord in truth. Never be then of those who doubt.
The words, ‘Shall I seek for judge other than Allah?’ are undoubtedly Muhammad’s words.
Please note that the translator Yusuf Ali deliberately inserted the word “Say” at the outset of this verse. In the original Qur’an there is no “Say” (Kul in Arabic). Here are the translations by Pickthal and Shakir, another two authoritative Qur’an translators.
PICKTHAL: Shall I seek other than Allah for judge, when He it is Who hath revealed unto you (this) Scripture, fully explained? Those unto whom We gave the Scripture (aforetime) know that it is revealed from thy Lord in truth. So be not thou (O Muhammad) of the waverers.
SHAKIR: Shall I then seek a judge other than Allah? And He it is Who has revealed to you the Book (which is) made plain; and those whom We have given the Book know that it is revealed by your Lord with truth, therefore you should not be of the disputers.
And here is the transliteration:
114. Afaghayra Allahi abtaghee hakaman wahuwa allathee anzala ilaykumu alkitaba mufassalan waallatheena ataynahumu alkitaba yaAAlamoona annahu munazzalun min rabbika bialhaqqi fala takoonanna mina almumtareena
019.009 He said: "So (it will be) thy Lord saith, 'that is easy for Me: I did indeed create thee before, when thou hadst been nothing!'"
Here an angel (or Muhammad?) is talking not Allah.
019.064 (The angels say:) "We descend not but by command of thy Lord: to Him belongeth what is before us and what is behind us, and what is between: and thy Lord never doth forget,-
Here Gabriel (or Muhammad?) is talking and not Allah.
037.164 (Those ranged in ranks say): "Not one of us but has a place appointed;
037.165 "And we are verily ranged in ranks (for service);
037.166 "And we are verily those who declare (Allah's) glory!"
Here the angel (or Muhammad?) is talking and not Allah.
051.050 Hasten ye then (at once) to Allah: I am from Him a Warner to you, clear and open!
Here an angel (or Muhammad?) is talking and not Allah.
053.002 Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled.
Muhammad is not being misled: Isn’t Muhammad talking here?
070.040 Now I do call to witness the Lord of all points in the East and the West that We can certainly-
070.041Substitute for them better (men) than they; And We are not to be defeated (in Our Plan).
Isn’t Muhammad talking here?
086.017 Therefore grant a delay to the Unbelievers: Give respite to them gently (for awhile).
The most important of verses in the Qur’an, that is, Sura al-Fateha (Sura 1) is definitely Muhammad’s (or some other poet’s) creation. Please read this Sura carefully:
001.001 In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
001.002 Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds;
001.003 Most Gracious, Most Merciful;
001.004 Master of the Day of Judgment.
001.005 Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek.
001.006 Show us the straight way,
001.007 The way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, those whose (portion) is not wrath, and who go not astray.
Readers should carefully note that there is no mention of “Say” (Kul in Arabic) at the beginning of this verse. So, who is praying to Allah in this Sura? Is Allah asking himself (Allah) to pray to Himself? What a ridiculous situation, come to think of it! This conundrum is immediately resolved when we realise that it was none but Muhammad who is asking his followers to pray to Allah. Chronologically, this Sura is one of the first 5 Suras (it is the 5th, or 6th. according to some) of the Qur’an. This was a time when Muhammad was just starting out preaching his own brand of ‘Hanifism’ (Islam) and he composed this verse (some say by imitating some Jewish liturgy) for his handful of followers.
If further strong evidence is needed to prove that Muhammad had, indeed, composed certain verses of the Qur’an then this Ummul Qur’an (Sura Fateha), the seven most oft repeated verses stand out as the glaring example of that confirmation.
And how did Muhammad behave when people wanted to see how Allah’s revelations came to him? Here is a Hadis from Sahih Muslim that tells us clearly that Umar used to shelter (read hide) Muhammad under a piece of cloth-cover and Muhammad used to sleep, snorting like a camel (and pretending that Allah was talking to him). Some people were curious and peeped through the covering and this was what they saw:
During revelation Umar used to cover Muhammad with a piece of cloth and Muhammad snorted like a camel …7.2654 (Sahih Muslim)
Ya'la b. Umayya reported on the authority of his father (Allah be pleased with them) that a person came to the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) as he was at Ji'rana and he (the person) had been putting on a cloak which was perfumed, or he (the narrator) said: There was a trace of yellowness on it. He said (to the Holy Prophet): What do you command me to do during my Umra? (It was at this juncture) that the revelation came to the Apostle of Allah (way peace be upon him) and he was covered with a cloth, and Ya'la said: Would that I see revelation coming to the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him). He (Hadrat 'Umar) said: Would it please you to see the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) receiving the revelations 'Umar lifted a corner of the cloth and I looked at him and he was emitting a sound of snorting. He (the narrator) said: I thought it was the sound of a camel. When he was relieved of this he said: Where is he who asked about Umra? When the person came, the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) said: Wash out the trace of yellowness, or he said: the trace of perfume and put off the cloak and do in your 'Umra what you do in your Hajj.
That was how Allah talked to Muhammad--through the ‘bleating’ of a camel!
A blind man corrects the Qur’an and Allah!
Lastly, as a final proof that Muhammad corrected/inserted/deleted the contents of a verse as situation demanded and/or as people requested, here is the example of Ibn Umm Maktum, a blind man of Mecca. He requested Muhammad to correct a verse to exempt a blind person to join in a Jihad. This blind man used to listen to Muhammad’s preaching and wanted to discuss with him certain aspects of Islam. However, Muhammad, at first, ignored him, but later he became very remorseful for neglecting this blind man. So Allah, in Sura al-Abasa (He frowned) (Sura 80, chronological order 24) reproached Muhammad. Ibn Umm Maktum eventually converted to Islam and became a very close companion of Muhammad. When Muhammad exhorted the superiority of those who participates in Jihad or Holy war this blind man was reluctant to participate in such fighting and wanted an exemption. During the writing of this verse (4:95) Muhammad forgot about the blind man. So Ibn Umm Maktum reminded him of his case. Accordingly, Muhammad quickly changed his verse.
Here are two ahadith from Sahih Bukhari on how Ibn Umm Maktum changed Allah’s mind!
Muhammad called for Zayd to write his revelations (4:95)...6.60.117
Narrated Al-Bara:
When the Verse:-- "Not equal are those of the believers who sit (at home)" (4.95) was revealed, Allah Apostle called for Zaid who wrote it. In the meantime Ibn Um Maktum came and complained of his blindness, so Allah revealed: "Except those who are disabled (by injury or are blind or lame..." etc.) (4.95)
Here is another version of the said Hadis:
Muhammad quickly changed a verse to accommodate the request of a blind man joining a Jihad (4:95)…6.61.512
There was revealed: 'Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) and those who strive and fight in the Cause of Allah.' (4.95)
The Prophet said, "Call Zaid for me and let him bring the board, the inkpot and the scapula bone (or the scapula bone and the ink pot)."' Then he said, "Write: 'Not equal are those Believers who sit..", and at that time 'Amr bin Um Maktum, the blind man was sitting behind the Prophet . He said, "O Allah's Apostle! What is your order For me (as regards the above Verse) as I am a blind man?" So, instead of the above Verse, the following Verse was revealed:
'Not equal are those believers who sit (at home) except those who are disabled (by injury or are blind or lame etc.) and those who strive and fight in the cause of Allah.' (4.95)
And here is a similar Hadis from Sahih Muslim:
It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Ishaq, that he heard Bara' talking about the Qur'anic verse:" Those who sit (at home) from among the believers and those who go out for Jihad in the way of Allah are not aqual" (iv. 95). (He said that) the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) ordered Zaid (to write the verse). He brought a shoulder-blade (of a slaughtered camel) and inscribed it (the verse) thereon. The son of Umm Maktum complained of his blindness to the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him). (At this) descended the revelation:" Those of the believers who sit (at home) without any trouble (illness, incapacity, disability)" (iv. 95). The tradition has been handed down through two other chains of transmitters.
. Conclusion
The Holy Qur’an is not authored by almighty Allah. Allah, if He ever existed, must be busy with many other important matters. He has no time to write an incoherent, ambiguous, repetitive, erroneous scripture to guide mankind. A few ambitious and opportunistic persons, in the name of Allah gathered together under the tutelage of Muhammad to construct the Qur’an by adapting, amending and outright plagiarizing other scriptures and heresy of the time. This they did to advance and perpetuate their political ambition to dominate the then Arabian peninsula, and later, many other peaceful countries. Qur’an is the handiwork of a few cunning persons—an attempt to fool the gullible world—a deliberate effort to impose Arab superiority. All Muslims must learn the Arabic language to be able to recite the Qur’an and to offer prayers, adopt Arabic name and conform to Islamic (read Bedouin Arab) culture. This is naked Arab imperialism in the guise of propagating the message of the ‘Holy Qur’an’. Any Islamic Paradise will confirm to what I have written just now. When the undeniable truth about the authorship of the Qur’an and its hidden scheme is clearly understood, this Arab imperialism by the stealth stands out to be the main agenda of the Qur’an.
Epilogue: A few readers have requested me to show sample verses from the Qur’an which have similarities with Zayd b Amr’s poetry (see Part 3/5). I have decided to compose an appendix on this matter. This appendix will be posted in about a week’s time. So, stay tuned—Abul Kasem, November 30, 2004
When this series was in circulation some readers requested me to show them the similarities between some verses of poet Zayd b. Amr b. Naufal (see Part 3/5) and the verses of the Holy Qur’an. I did not want to disrupt the continuity of the series. So I decided to write this appendix. In this appendix I have chosen 20 thematic verses from Zayd’s poetry and compared them with the verses of the Qur’an. You will notice how uncannily they resemble the likeness of Zayd’s composition. Due to the repetitive nature of the Qur’anic verses many verses are quite similar to the chosen theme of Zayd’s composition. This is why I also included a few other verses which are in close resemblance with Zayd’s poetry. To keep the length of this appendix short I have quoted the full verses only in cases where the similarities are unusually close. For the other verses, I only included the main messages. You may consult the English translation of the Holy Qur’an to read the complete verses. Needless to say, I only cited a handful of verses. You may spend some time searching the Holy Qur’an for other verses which are closely alike to the verses of Zayd’s poetry
[Please note: Unless mentioned otherwise, the quoted verses from the Qur’an are from Abdullah Yusuf Ali’s translation of the Holy Qur’an. Note also that the original translation of Yusuf Ali refers Allah as God. The internet version of this translation refers only Allah. My essay is based on the original version of Yusuf Ali’s translation. You may click here to verify the verses quoted: http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/]
For Reader’s convenience excerpts from Zayd’s poetry are quoted here again (Part 3/5):
Here are the comparisons of Zayd’s verses with the verses of the Holy Qur’an:
1. Zayd wrote: Am I to worship one lord or a thousand?
The Holy Quran says:
Muslims’ God is one God (that is Allah only); those who do not believe in the hereafter are proud…16:22
016.022 Your Allah is one Allah: as to those who believe not in the Hereafter, their hearts refuse to know, and they are arrogant.
Other similar verses in the Holy Qur’an:
Cannot set up religious leaders and scholars as Lords; God had commanded to worship only one God…9:31
None can change the words of God…10:64
Qur’an teaches to worship none but God and Muhammad is a Warner who brought glad tidings…11:2
Do not worship two gods; there is only one God, worship Him alone...16:51
All messengers were inspired to worship one God only…21:25
There is only one God and all should bow to Islam...21:108
There is only one God…37:4
Muhammad is a warner; there is no God but one supreme…38:65
Muhammad’s religion is devoted to God alone…39:14
Muhammad is commanded to worship God only…39:11
Can't have many conflicting partners; one should serve only one master (this verse is used by the Qur’an only followers e.g. Rashad Khalifa)…39:29
God is one and the only...112:1
2. Zayd wrote: Not worshipping al-Lat, al-Uzza and her two daughters
All prophets were, at times inspired by Satan (this is the abrogating verse for 53:19-20 dealing with Al-Lat, al-Uzza and Manat were goddesses (this verse is believed to be inspired by Satan and so abrogated by 22:52)...53:19-23
053.023 These are nothing but names which ye have devised,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire!- Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord!
Other similar verses from the Holy Qur’an:
All prophets were, at times inspired by Satan (this is the abrogating verse for 53:19-20 dealing with goddesses al-Lat, Uzza, Manat)...22:52
False daughters were assigned to God...52:39
God is not of female sex...53:21
3. Zayd wrote: God annihilated many men whose deeds were thoroughly evil
God had annihilated many generations before Muhammad’s generation…6:6
006.006 See they not how many of those before them We did destroy?- generations We had established on the earth, in strength such as We have not given to you - for whom We poured out rain from the skies in abundance, and gave (fertile) streams flowing beneath their (feet): yet for their sins We destroyed them, and raised in their wake fresh generations (to succeed them).
God annihilated many communities while they were awake or asleep…7:4
God annihilated many generations and made the current generation to inherit earth just to test them…10:13-14
God has annihilated many generations before whom no one can trace…19:98
God has destroyed many previous generations…20:128
In the past, God had punished many a population...22:48
God destroyed all the community of the unbelievers, yet they disbelieve…21:6
God utterly destroyed many populations before...21:11
God completely wiped out the run away transgressors…21:15
In the past, God destroyed many population, made wells idle, and neglected and destroyed lofty and well built castles...22:45
God had destroyed many generations before…32:26
God destroyed many generations before; their call for help was in vain…38:3
God annihilated those powerful people…43:8
In the past God seized and punished people for disobeying their messengers…40:22
God had annihilated many communities before Muhammad was sent…46:27
In the past, God had annihilated many a powerful generations…50:36
God had annihilated the earlier generations…77:16
The past disbelievers of God received a severe retribution from God…64:5
In the past God had severely punished the past unbelievers…67:18
4. Zayd wrote: And spared the others……
God may punish or redeem the others…9:106
009.106 There are (yet) others, held in suspense for the command of Allah, whether He will punish them, or turn in mercy to them: and Allah is All-Knowing, Wise.
Other similar verse from the Holy Qur’an:
God has a predetermined plan for the unbelievers, that’s why He does not annihilate them immediately…20:130
5. Zayd wrote: ……the branch of a tree revives after the rain
God sends down rain from sky for plants to grow and gives life to the dead land (part of water cycle?)...50:9-11
050.009 And We send down from the sky rain charted with blessing, and We produce therewith gardens and Grain for harvests;
050.010 And tall (and stately) palm-trees, with shoots of fruit-stalks, piled one over another;-
050.011 As sustenance for (Allah's) Servants;- and We give (new) life therewith to land that is dead: Thus will be the Resurrection.
In the creation of the heavens and the earth, in the alternation of the night and the day, in the sailing of the ships through the ocean, the rain from the sky, and the springing of vegetation on a dead earth, the scattered beasts, the change of winds and clouds are the signs of God...2:164
God produces rain from the sky to grow agricultural products…6:99
God sends the winds to carry the heavily laden clouds to fall as rain in a dead land to produce agriculture (part of water cycle?)...7:57
God sends the fertile wind to cause the rain that makes the vegetation to grow (part of water cycle?)...15:22
The rain, the plants on earth and the hay are the signs of God; he is all-powerful…18:45
God sends down rains and is cognizant…22:63
God sent down rain from the sky; rain soaked in soil, then drains off …23:18
God drives rain to perched soils to feed the cattle...32:27
God sends down rain from the sky and causes the spring to flow and causes the vegetation to grow (part of water cycle?)...39:21
With rain God gives life to a barren earth, He can also give life to the dead...43:11
God revives a land after it had died…57:17
6. Zayd wrote: So keep to the fear of God……, hold to that you will not perish
Fear God and God alone...2:41
002.041 And believe in what I reveal, confirming the revelation which is with you, and be not the first to reject Faith therein, nor sell My Signs for a small price; and fear Me, and Me alone.
Can't die except as a Muslim; fear Allah as He should be feared ...3:102
Those who fear God dwell in heaven permanently...3:198
Fear God and don not create trouble in an ordered world…7:56
God sent earthquake to almost topple the mountains as a warning to fear God...7:171
The true believers’ heart tremble with fear at the mention of God and their faith is strengthened whenever they hear the recitation of the Qur’an…8:2
Believers should fear God and follow the truthful believers…9:119
Fear God for the terrible judgment day...22:1
A true believer’s heart trembles in fear when he hears the name of God…22:35
Repent and fear God…30:31
Those who have knowledge truly fear God…35:28
God's earth is spacious; fear God; He is on the side of the good doers…39:10
Fear God as much you are able to do so...64:16
There is a great reward for those who fear the unseen God...67:12
Qur’an is a message for the God-fearing people…69:47
If you fear and obey God, then He will forgive you...71:3-4
He who gives charity and fears God is the best...92:5-6
7. Zayd wrote: …….pious living in gardens…..for the infidels hell fire is burning
Garden will be brought to righteous and hell fire for the evil doers…26:90-95
026.090 "To the righteous, the Garden will be brought near,
026.091 "And to those straying in Evil, the Fire will be placed in full view;
026.092 "And it shall be said to them: 'Where are the (gods) ye worshipped-
026.093 "'Besides Allah? Can they help you or help themselves?'
026.094 "Then they will be thrown headlong into the (Fire),- they and those straying in Evil,
026.095 "And the whole hosts of Iblis together.
Their reward is the gardens of eternity, they will dwell therein forever; God is pleased with them and they are pleased with God and there is a great reward for fearing God...98:8
For the righteous there are gardens in nearness to God...3:15
Gardens with rivers flowing underneath for the believers...3:136
The believers will profit by following Islam; they will be rewarded with gardens with river flowing underneath, eternal home for the believers...5:119
God promises paradise (beautiful mansions in the garden of Eden) to the believing men and women…9:72
Believers will enter the gardens of Eden together with their righteous parents, spouses and children; angels will accompany the believers who enter there...13:23
For the believers...gardens beneath which flows river...13:35
Believers will be admitted to the gardens beneath which river flows; they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments will be of silk...22.23
God will be the supreme judge on the resurrection day; garden of delight is for the believers…22:56
Fire will be placed in full view…26:91
Garden will be brought to righteous…26:90
Gardens as hospitable homes are for the believers...32:19
Unbelievers will be in the abode of fire; they will be forced back there if they try to escape...32:20
The believers will be in gardens of eternity; they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments will be of silk…35:33
There is un-ending fire of hell for rejecting God; they will not die; penalty for them will not be lightened…35:36
For the believers there will be garden of joy, cool shades of wood, reclining on thrones, all fruits are for enjoyment, peace from God…36:55-58
Sinners will be set apart; they will embrace fire…36:60-64
For the sincere and devoted servants of God there will be sustenance (in Paradise), fruits, honor, dignity, garden of felicity, they will face each other on thrones, pass around a cup from a clear flowing fountain, crystal white delicious drink, no headache, no intoxication, chaste women…36:41-50
Believers will see the unbelievers being roasted in fire…37:51-55
God sent an Arabic Qur’an to warn. Some home will be in garden and some will be in blazing fire...42:7
The believers and their wives enter garden, pass round dishes and goblets of gold, everything all the souls could desire, all that eyes could delight in...43:70-72
The sinners will be punished; they will remain in hell forever...43:74
Believers will be admitted to the Gardens; the unbelievers will enjoy this world like cattle eats and they will have their abode in fire...47:12
For the believers there will be gardens to dwell in, beneath which rivers flow; their sins remitted...48:5
The righteous will be in the garden of happiness ...52:17
The righteous will be in the midst of gardens and rivers and in the presence of an omnipotent sovereign...54:55
Believers will recline on carpets with inner linings of rich brocade; the fruits of the garden will be nearby...55:54
In return for fighting for God, He forgives sins and promises beautiful mansions in the gardens of eternity...61:12
For the believers, God will remove ills (sins) from them; give them gardens to dwell in there forever under which rivers flow...64:9
The disbelievers will live in hell fire for ever...64:10
There are the gardens of delight in the presence of God...68:34
God has fetters to bind the unbelievers and then burn them in fire and feed them with food that is hard to swallow...73:12
For the disbelievers, God has prepared shackles, chains and a blazing hellfire…76:4
For the believers there will be gardens...85:11
They will be on a high garden...88:10
8. Zayd wrote: …..breasts will contract in anguish
God opens the breasts of those who accept Islam; those who strays gets their breasts contracted, as if climbing in the air and gasping for breath...6:125
006.125 Those whom Allah (in His plan) willeth to guide,- He openeth their breast to Islam; those whom He willeth to leave straying,- He maketh their breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the skies: thus doth Allah (heap) the penalty on those who refuse to believe.
God will confuse the hearts and eyes of the disbelievers…6:110
Through the narration of the previous disbelievers of their prophets, God shows the example that He seals the heart of the disbelievers…7:101
God seals the hearts of the transgressors...10:74
No soul can believe except by the will of God; He will place doubt and obscurity in the heart of unbelievers...10:100
God seals up hearts of those who do not understand...30:59
Hearts will be in agitation...79:8
The unbeliever’s heart is shielded by his by sins…83:14
9. Zayd wrote: ………there is no God beyond Him
021.108 Say: "What has come to me by inspiration is that your Allah is One Allah: will ye therefore bow to His Will (in Islam)?"
There is no God but He, the supreme…27:26
027.026 "Allah!- there is no god but He!- Lord of the Throne Supreme!"
Every life returns to God, the ultimate judge…6:62
There is no similitude for God…16:74
Can’t set up any God beside Allah…17:22
If there were gods besides God, there would be chaos…21:22
Sovereignty belongs to God; there is no God but Him. Everything will perish except God's face…28:88
No helper or protector besides God…29:22
There is no God but He…35:3
God is the most high, the most great...42:4
God is the only deity in the heavens and the only deity on earth...43:84
God is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and everything between them…44:7
God is the first and the last (alpha and omega)...57:3
All Kingships is with God…67:1
None is like God...112:4
10. Zayd wrote: You can hide nothing from God
God has a clear record of everything; nothing is hidden from him…27:75
027.075 YUSUFALI: Nor is there aught of the unseen, in heaven or earth, but is (recorded) in a clear record.
PICKTHAL: And there is nothing hidden in the heaven or the earth but it is in a clear Record.
SHAKIR: And there is nothing concealed in the heaven and the earth but it is in a clear book.
God knows what you hide or reveal...3:29
The hypocrites pretend to be believers when they meet Muhammad but they are actually against the faith; God knows all that they hide...5:61
Can't hide from God: He knows the innermost secrets of our hearts...11:5
God knows what is secret and what is hidden...20:7
God knows what is in your open speech and what you hide in your heart...21:110
God knows all hidden and open secrets; He has no partner…23:92
God knows everything that you hide and reveal…27:74
God is the knower of all things hidden and open...32:6
God knows what the unbelievers hide and what they disclose…36:75
God knows all things secret and open...59:22
God knows the innermost secret of everyone…64:4
Whether declared or secret, God is aware of our innermost thoughts…67:13
11. Zayd wrote: … the upright way has become clear
No compulsion in religion; the truth is clear from error...2:256
002.256 Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.
Qur’an is a clear revelation; the disbelievers are evil people...2:99
The Qur’an is a clear book...5:15
The Qur’an makes things clear...15:1
Qur’an is a clear sign from God...22:16
God has made things clear in the Qur’an and He guides to a straight path whomever He wills…24:46
The Qur’an makes things clear…26:1
God has sent down clear revelations (Qur’an)…57:9
The straight and the right religion involves the worshipping of God sincerely, be true to faith, establish regular prayers and practice regular charity (Zakat)...98:5
12. Zayd wrote: And will not worship another God beside thee
Can't worship anything other than God; Islam is the only right religion...12:40
012.040 "If not Him, ye worship nothing but names which ye have named,- ye and your fathers,- for which Allah hath sent down no authority: the command is for none but Allah: He hath commanded that ye worship none but Him: that is the right religion, but most men understand not..
God’s covenant with the Children of Israel (i.e., the Jews) were: 1. to worship God only 2. honor parents 3. regard relatives, orphans and the poor 3. treat people amicably 4. observe contact prayers 5. give obligatory charity 5. no shedding of blood 6. not to evict each other from homes...2:83-84
It is not possible for the people of the Book to worship any idol other than God alone…3:79
Worship God alone; you will ultimately go back to Him…7:29
Worship only God privately and publicly…7:55
Muhammad does not worship that others worship; he worships only God…10:104
God sent apostle to every people; Muhammad had been commanded to worship God and nothing else; God guided some but made errors on some...16:36
The believers must worship God even if the disbelievers dislike it…40:14
Muhammad is forbidden to worship any idol; commanded to worship God only…40:66
Muhammad is to worship only God; he has neither power to harm nor to guide people…72:20-21
The entire Sura Kafiirun (Sura 109)
13. Zayd wrote: ………a messenger to Moses as a herald
The Holy Qur’an writes:
They (Moses and his servant) met God’s angel there (at the junction of the two seas)…18:65
018.065 So they found one of Our servants, on whom We had bestowed Mercy from Ourselves and whom We had taught knowledge from Our own Presence.
God spoke to Moses and chose him as His messenger among his people…7:144
God spoke to Moses directly...4:164
God spoke directly with Moses and he was the first to believe in Islam...7:143
Moses sought the permission of the angel to follow him to learn from him…18:66
God sent Moses and his brother Aaron with His revelation and a profound proof…23:45
God chose Moses as a messenger and told him to worship Him alone…20:14
God sent Moses the Book and made Aaron, his brother his assistant (minister)…25:35
14. Zayd wrote: Say to Pharaoh: Did you spread out this earth without supports……….?
God raised heavens without pillars (first?), (then?) established His throne, (then?) subjected the sun and (then?) the moon to run their courses; He regulates all affairs...13:2
013.002 Allah is He Who raised the heavens without any pillars that ye can see; is firmly established on the throne (of authority); He has subjected the sun and the moon (to his Law)! Each one runs (its course) for a term appointed. He doth regulate all affairs, explaining the signs in detail, that ye may believe with certainty in the meeting with your Lord.
God created heavens without pillars (supports) so that you can see and He set mountains firm for the earth not to shake; He set scattered beasts of every kind in pairs...31:10
God agreed to appoint Aaron, Moses’ brother to be his assistant and assured Moses’s victory against the Pharaoh…28:35
God asked Moses to go to Pharaoh to redeem him…79:17-19
15. Zayd wrote: …….set the moon in the middle thereof As a light to guide when night covered it……
God made the moon a light (i.e. moon gives light) in the midst of heavens and the sun a lamp...71:15-16
071.015 "'See ye not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another,
071.016 "'And made the moon a light in their midst, and made the sun as a (Glorious) Lamp?
God made the constellations in the sky and put a lamp (the sun) and a shining moon (i.e., the moon gives light)…25:61
God made night and day, the sun and the moon are subject to man...16:12
God created the sun and the moon for day and night and for the reckoning of time…6:96
God made the sun a shining glory and the moon a beauty and having its stages; the sun and the moon are used to reckon the years and time…10:5
The sun and the moon are subject to courses...14:33
God merges night into day and subjected the sun and the moon running its courses...31:29
God has appointed mansions (or stages) for the moon till she returns like an old weathered palm leaf…36:39
The sun is not permitted to catch up with the moon; the night cannot outstrip the day…36:40
16. Zayd wrote: Who planted seeds in the dust that herbiage might grow……
God has created His signs in plant and vegetable…13:4
013.004 And in the earth are tracts (diverse though) neighbouring, and gardens of vines and fields sown with corn, and palm trees - growing out of single roots or otherwise: watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who understand!
It is not in the power of men to cause the growth of plants and trees…27:60
027.060 Or, Who has created the heavens and the earth, and Who sends you down rain from the sky? Yea, with it We cause to grow well-planted orchards full of beauty of delight: it is not in your power to cause the growth of the trees in them. (Can there be another) god besides Allah? Nay, they are a people who swerve from justice.
God has germinated us like plants from earth...71:17
17. Zayd wrote: Therein are signs for the understanding
The Holy Qur’an says
The Qur’an is full of blessings and book of signs; only men of understanding can resolve the genuine doubts in Qur’an…38:29
038.029 (Here is) a Book which We have sent down unto thee, full of blessings, that they may mediate on its Signs, and that men of understanding may receive admonition.
The earth and the alternation of night and day, are the signs of God...3:190
The alternation of night and day and all that on earth are the signs of God...10:6
Signs of God is in cattle of pastures; God created human from earth, they will end in earth and will be brought out in earth again...20:54
On earth there are signs of faith...51:20
18. Zayd wrote: …..deliver Jonah who spent nights in the belly of fish
God saved Jonah (Dhan Nun) from the darkness (belly of a big fish)…21:87-88
021.087 And remember Zun-nun, when he departed in wrath: He imagined that We had no power over him! But he cried through the deptHs of darkness, "There is no god but thou: glory to thee: I was indeed wrong!"
021.088 So We listened to him: and delivered him from distress: and thus do We deliver those who have faith.
Because of his rebellion, a big fish swallowed Jonah…37:142
But Jonah repented and prayed to God and God rescued him from the big fish…37:143-144
God made the fish throw Jonah into a desert…37:145
19. Zayd wrote: The earth …….spread out…..fixed mountains on it
God made earth spread out like a carpet (flat), set mountains firm...15:19
015.019 And the earth We have spread out (like a carpet); set thereon mountains firm and immovable; and produced therein all kinds of things in due balance.
Other similar verses from the holy Qur’an
God spread out the earth (flat), set mountains, put night as a veil...13:3
God set up mountains firm lest the earth shake...16:15
God made earth like a carpet spread out (flat); God created diverse pairs of plants...20:53
God set mountains high lest the earth shake with them and laid the highways to guide people...21:31
God made the earth to live in; He made the rivers on earth, set the immovable mountains and the separating waters …27:61
The earth is like a carpet spread out (flat) and God built roads and channels in it...43:10
God spread out earth (flat) and set mountains standing firm...50:7
God made mountains standing firm and provided sweet water...77:27
God put mountains as pegs (or stabilizers) to hold the earth in place...78:7
The earth is spread out (flat)...88:20
God established mountains firmly fixed...79:32
Mountains are fixed firmly...79:32
Mountains are set firm by the power of God...88:19
20. Zayd wrote: ….clouds which bear sweet water….
God sends down water from the clouds to grow vegetables and gardens..78:14-16
078.014 And do We not send down from the clouds water in abundance,
078.015 That We may produce therewith corn and vegetables,
078.016 And gardens of luxurious growth?
God moves clouds and causes rain and snow…24:43
God sends winds, winds raise the cloud; God spreads the clouds in sky, breaks clouds in fragments until rain drops (part of water cycle?)...30:48
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Where should the safe limits of alcohol consumptio...
Liver enzymes in alcohol consumers with or without binge drinking by: Nivukoski, Ulla Published: (2019)
Understanding brand loyalty and disloyalty formation among consumers’ of short life-cycle products by: Ramachandran, Sunder Published: (2015)
Effect of aerobic exercise and diet on liver fat in pre-diabetic patients with non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease : a randomized controlled trial by: Cheng, Sulin Published: (2017)
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) : perspectives to etiology, complications and lipid metabolism by: Käräjämäki, Aki Published: (2017)
Longitudinal analysis of risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adulthood by: Cuthbertson, Daniel J. Published: (2019)
Niemelä O, Niemelä M, Bloigu R, Aalto M, Laatikainen T (2017) Where should the safe limits of alcohol consumption stand in light of liver enzyme abnormalities in alcohol consumers? PLoS ONE 12(12): e0188574. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0188574
Where should the safe limits of alcohol consumption stand in light of liver enzyme abnormalities in alcohol consumers?
Niemelä, Onni1; Niemelä, Markus2; Bloigu, Risto3;
Aalto, Mauri4; Laatikainen, Tiina5,6
1Department of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Research Unit, Seinäjoki Central Hospital and University of Tampere, Seinäjoki, Finland
2Department of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
3Medical Informatics and Statistics Research Group, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
4Department of Psychiatry, Seinäjoki Central Hospital and University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
5National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
6The Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
Public Library of Science, 2017
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for abnormal liver enzymes in a large age- and gender stratified population-based sample of apparently healthy individuals with or without alcohol consumption and other health-related risk factors (adiposity, physical inactivity, smoking).
Methods: Data on alcohol use, smoking, diet and physical activity were recorded using structured questionnaires from 13,976 subjects (6513 men, 7463 women, aged 25±74 years) in the national FINRISK studies. Alcohol data was used to categorize the participants into abstainers, light drinkers, moderate drinkers and heavy drinkers. Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were measured using standard kinetic methods.
Results: Male light drinkers, moderate drinkers and heavy drinkers showed significantly higher relative risks of abnormal GGT than abstainers: 1.37 (95% confidence interval 1.11 to 1.71, p < 0.01), 2.72 (2.08 to 3.56, p < 0.0005), and 6.10 (4.55 to 7.17, p < 0.0005), respectively. Corresponding values for women were 1.22 (0.99 to 1.51, p = 0.065), 1.90 (1.44 to 2.51, p < 0.0005), and 5.91 (3.80 to 9.17, p < 0.0005). Estimated threshold doses for a significant GGT elevation was 14 standard weekly alcohol doses for men and 7 for women. Excess body weight and age over 40 years modulated the thresholds towards smaller quantities of alcohol. The risk of abnormal GGT was also significantly influenced by physical inactivity and smoking. The relative risks of abnormal ALT activities were increased in male heavy drinkers, especially in those presenting with adiposity and sedentary lifestyle.
Conclusions: Alcohol use markedly increases the risk for abnormal liver enzyme activities in those presenting with age over 40 years, obesity, smoking or sedentary lifestyle. The data should be considered in public health recommendations and in the definitions of safe limits of alcohol use.
10.1371/ journal.pone.0188574
https://oadoi.org/10.1371/ journal.pone.0188574
3142 Public health care science, environmental and occupational health
3121 General medicine, internal medicine and other clinical medicine
© 2017 Niemelä et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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Saudi fighter jet wipes out an entire family in northern Yemen
Five dead civilians
An air strike by the Saudi-led coalition killed five people in a minivan Monday, including two children and a pregnant woman.
On Monday, a Saudi fighter jet bombed a minivan in Yemen, killing all five inmates of the Alazi family, as JusticeNow! learned from a source in the Yemeni Ministry of Health. The driver Yehia Ghaleb Alazi, his wife, their two children and another woman were killed in the attack, explains Dr. Yousef Alhadri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health in a text message to the author. A number of other people were wounded.
Das Kitaf-Direktorat liegt im Nordwesten des Jemen, in der Sa’da-Region, der Hochburg der Houthis. Based on Jarke, Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 (edited by Jakob Reimann, JusticeNow!).
One of the women killed was pregnant, according to Mr. Alhadri. The attack took place in the Kitaf district in northwestern Yemen in the Sa’da governorate. Two local sources confirmed the attack by phone to the Chinese Xinhua News Agency.
“The Ministry of Health strongly condemns the attack of the Saudi-UAE aggression coalition targeting the car of a citizen”, Dr. Alhadri laments towards JusticeNow!. The attack occurred on a public rural road and there were no Houthi rebels nearby when the bombs were dropped on the minivan.
“Body parts were scattered in a brutal image”, the Yemeni Ministry of Health said in a statement translated from Arabic for this article. (Dr. Alhadri sent JusticeNow! several pictures of the bodies and the crime scene, which, however, are far too graphic to be published here.)
The Ministry of Health “condemns the international silence towards Yemen’s suffering resulting from the continuation of various crimes – weather a direct blood bath like this, or the economic siege.”
A first-aider shows the remains of the shredded minivan. Copyright by Ansar Allah Media Center.
Since March 2015, a Western-backed coalition led by Saudi Arabia has been bombing Yemen with the goal of crushing the Houthi upheaval that started in 2013, and bringing the illegitimate president in exile, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi – who is widely considered a puppet of Saudi Arabia – back to power.
More than 200,000 people were killed directly or indirectly during the war, millions were displaced in their own country. Time and again, the Saudi/UAE-led coalition has been bombing civilian targets what human rights and war monitor groups frequently describe as war crimes – the Monday attack only as the last of a series of massacres against the Yemeni civilian population.
As a last point, Dr. Alhadri, spokesman for the Ministry of Health, also addresses the accomplices in the West:
“We affirm our rights to sue all the leaders of the enemy’s alliance, and whomever supported them and had a hand in creating this tragical situation Yemen has been through for the past 55 months, before domestic and international courts. Our rights will not be denied, we appeal to all the free people with free leaderships and the human rights organization to prosecute these criminals in all ways and means possible.”
You like the article? Then please support our work by telling friends, family, and foes about this article or follow JusticeNow! on or …
…or support our independent journalism with a small donation by bank transfer or via Paypal:
T h a n k Y o u !
Article pic by RA.AZ, Flickr, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 (edited by Jakob Reimann, JusticeNow!).
englishJemenSaudi-ArabienVAE
Saudischer Kampfjet löscht Familie im Nordjemen aus
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Josef 2019. május 28.
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BERLIN/FRANKFURT, Aug 1 (Reuters) - German luxury carmakerBMW said second-quarter operating profit in its keyautomotive division fell in line with expectations, due toincreased spending on fuel-efficient technology and discounts inembattled European markets.
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The Chicago-based brewer, speaking on behalf of the some ofthe world's biggest drinks firms, blamed a lack of regulation inthe United States and Britain for creating an "economic anomaly"in metals markets that has pushed prices higher, even assupplies have grown.
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Are you shocked?
So – Madonna’s children’s books?
Not Madonna-written, according to some.
Why am I not surprised?
I do not loathe all celebrity-written (or in Madonna’ case “celebrity-written”) books. I like Jamie Lee Curtis’ a lot. But let’s be honest – most of them are awful. They dishonor the trees that were sacrificed for the pulp upon which these atrocities are committed.
And people buy millions of copies.
There actually is an important role for “celebrity-written” books in children’s publishing. Celebrity books make massive profits. This allows publishers to take a gamble on new authors, or continue supporting the career of mid-list authors, whose books are not yet raking it in. We cannot forget that publishing is a business, and for a business to exist, profits must be made. No profits, no books.
The other positive side to even the crappy celebrity books is that they lure new readers and book buyers into stores. While most readers of this LJ are probably comfortable in libraries and bookstores, a lot of people are not. They find libraries and bookstores alien and intimidating. I think it is very important to understand and respect this, and support anything that helps them. If Ma-tuna’s, I mean Madonna’s new book, brings them into a bookstore for the first time, and opens their minds to literature, then All Hail Madonna.
What celebrity books do you like? Which ones bring out your evil, catty self? (When I worked in a bookstore, the books by Dolly Parton and Princess Fergie made me howl.) Is there a celebrity you would like to see write a children’s book? What’s the title?
I’ll start. I want Steve Tyler of Aerosmith to write “Tucking Little Girls Into Bed: night-time stories for the innocent.”
84 Replies to “Are you shocked?”
sweet_kitty_gal says:
I actually like Lotsa De Casha… When i babysit the kids in the neighbor hood i bring it along and they just love it. Whether it was written by her or “By Her” its still a very good book for young ones.
I would actually like to see Rockey Grey (Drummer for Evanescence) put out a children’s book… possible titles include
“The Dark Drummer”
The story of young villian drummer whos heart is finally weakened when he meats a powerfuly talented young innocent singer.
“How to Get Along With Girls”
Simple tips he learned when he was young on how to deal with girls and not get swatted at.
dirrtypop01 says:
I’m not exactly sure how much of it there is and what exactly everything is, but I know Andy Kaufman wrote a lot of stuff, all of which I would like to see in stores.
Provided it didn’t slow down any of the music, I would totally love to see Steven Page (BNL) write a children’s book (or any other type of book) for too many reasons.
Do (auto)biographies count as celebrity books? If so, Brian Wilson’s autobiography is AMAZING, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes music or reading or both.
And Madonna(/celebrity)-written or not, I still think that the best children’s book is The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood.
Did that last sentence make sense? Probably not… Maybe “celebrity-books aside” or something.
tralf2001 says:
My grandma has that book. I think I’ve read it a million times (for myself, and then for my younger siblings and cousins).
That is my favorite children’s book as well! Good choice! 🙂
I’m actually surprised by this. Madonna’s books are so bad, I really believed she wrote them herself.
~Maggie 🙂
srtajustice says:
That was my initial thought as well: “What, they paid somebody to write five shitty books so that nobody would gossip that they were ghost-written? Wow, Madonna sure has some devoted publicity folks.”
“What, they paid somebody to write five shitty books so that nobody would gossip that they were ghost-written?”
*shakes head* I know, I know. Go figure, eh?
lkmadigan says:
I remember that I really liked Mandy, by Julie Andrews, when I was a little girl.
The celeb book that makes me cringe is What’s Wrong with Timmy? by Maria Shriver. She tackles Downs Syndrome, but in such an overly long, plodding way – with offensively euphemistic watercolor illustrations – that it’s an affront to the topic. If you want to explain Downs Syndrome, do it matter-of-factly, with engaging dialogue and clear illustrations!
Celeb books I would like to read:
My Secret to Continued Existence – by Keith Richards
My Carefully-Considered Life Choices – by Britney Spears
ellenneithernor says:
I remember Mandy! That’s a good book
My current new favorite is Let George Do It by George Foreman, because it makes fun of him and his weird tendency to give all his kids the same name.
cherrynilla says:
celeb books
Debbie Allen has a good children’s picture callsed DANCING IN THE WINGS.
As for the celebrity I would like to see write a book…
Jessica Simpson title- “Fooling Around: How to Make Loads of Money by Acting Stupid.”
parmandiriel says:
I suppose this is a random fangirl’s comment, but I remember reading The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews (Edwards, at that time? I’m not sure) and liking it a lot. When I first read it, actually, I had no idea it was written by anyone remotely famous–surprised me when, a few years ago, I picked it up and read the author bio!
The book that LeAnn Rimes and her husband co-wrote is not half-bad. It’s about a little jaguar who doesn’t fit in with the others and is afraid of water. A new kitty comes to class who looks different from the others, and suddenly, the snooty cats accept Jag because at least she looks like them. Instead, Jag befriends the new kitty, and the final picture is absolutely adorable. It’s about acceptance – accepting yourself, accepting others; about not being predjuced nor fearful of someone who is different; and about overcoming your fears.
I don’t care for Little Red by Fergie, Halloween by Seinfeld, nor many other “big name” releases. Give me Don & Audrey Wood any day.
O, I didn’t like Jag at all. I don’t know a kid that would sit still through it. For a picture book it had too many words, the pictures were boring, and the sentences told instead of showing. Maybe it wasn’t the worst picture book ever, but if it hadn’t had her name on it, it never would have made it out of the slush pile, much less onto the NYT list.
I agree that it was lengthy. I said it wasn’t half-bad, meaning it wasn’t the best by far, but it was better than some of the others. 🙂
literaticat says:
I hate the Madonna books. Not so much because they are didactic, boring and hypocritical, but because of the shoddy way she credits the illustrators. Which is to say, not at all.
The thing is, the only redeeming factor about the books is the GORGEOUS illustrations by some of the world’s top illustrators. Hello, the Dugins? Loren Long? Gennady Spirin? Look at this Amazon listing for Abdi. There is no illustrator listed, not even in the publication info, and you have to scroll down three customer reviews to learn that it is the Dugins that did them. If you looked on the books itself, you would have to flip inside and search to figure it out. But the book would be NOTHING without those illustrations. ARRRRGGHH!
Whew. Sorry about that, but it really pisses me off.
Celeb ones I like: Jamie Lee Curtis. The John Lithgow picture books are OK, but I really like the Lithgow-Palooza books for parents.
I reject that god-awful Billy Crystal book, those nightmarish Maria Shriver books, and any book featuring a comedian with gigantic-head illustrations (Jerry, Jay and Ray, I am looking in YOUR direction!)
kelcrocker says:
The other side of the story…
…about the economics of celebrity “writers” is that they take huge, huge advances and huge, huge cuts of the marketing pie–and almost never “earn out” their huge advances, despite big sales–so there is much, much less left for other, more deserving authors. (This is a point that an agent for children’s book writers makes in a story I have coming out in Pages magazine in September on fall kids’ books.)
I agree with you, Laurie, I like the Jamie Lee Curtis books. I wasn’t surprised at all the read about Madonna’s alleged ghost-writer, but hate that her “name” then sells the books. (That’s the big world of business and publishing, I guess.)
I’m shocked by the celebrities (including several b-listers) who have books coming out this fall. A partial list includes the guy who plays Bobby on the Sopranos (middle grade novel written with a co-author), Paul McCartney (again, written with a co-author), the winner of the first Apprentice (middle school book on business), Carson from Queer Eye (a picture book about a lovable unicorn), poems by Amber Tamblyn, another Jag book for you fans out there, another Jay Leno, Jimmy Fallon, Spike Lee, Lynne Cheney, etc. etc. One that I hope will be pretty good is Jazz ABZ, a picture book by Wynton Marsalis.
In other business, loving the new icon, Laurie!
happyfriday says:
Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumkpins, wrote a book of Poetry “Blinking With Fists” I’m really enjoying it, in bits and pieces of my free-time I devour it. the thing is, celebrities of Billy Corgan caliber are already established in thier own writing voice, they don’t need much help or excuse, and writing books is just another way to branch off and thrill the world with an extent of their talent.
filmobsessed137 says:
I just had to pick the most unusual pairing I could think of…
I would like to see Marilyn Manson write a childrens book tentatively title…
“Fit for a Princess (or How Princess Grace Saved The Kingdom)”
Ohhh… the first half of that title could also work for a different kind of book…
“Fit for a Princess (Workout Plans and Techniques For Your Little Girl)”
Heh. That one might actually sell if written by a real nutritionist/trainer that realizes that while kids should be healthy and active they don’t need to be anorexic.
i need advice
hey love the journal for today. it’s great
old_pansy says:
I am really disgusted of most celebrity “written” books. I wrote myself a good novel but nobody wants to take the “risk” to launch a new unknown writer…I was advised to find somebody “with a name” to back me up… I have a name , and a good one too, to bad that people are attracted to trash only because it is famous….
well i’ve never read madonna’s or jamie lee curtis’s children’s books, so i guess my opinion wouldn’t count. but i’d like to see lauren graham write a children’s book. she plays lorelai gilmore on gilmore girls. i think she’d make a good children’s author. maybe her book could be “the legends of stars hollow” or something. i don’t know. or maybe it could be about her life. or maybe alexis bledel could write a good one. she’s lorelai’s daughter rory on gilmore girls. she could probably write about her life in texas and how her parents had her dress up very fancy for dinner every night. -ashley 🙂
fairdreamer says:
One celebrity book that I really like would definitely have to be Jewel’s “A Night without Armor”. It’s not a children’s book, but just poetry that she describes as something that cannot be put to music. Beautiful stuff. Somtimes the things she writes tend to be a little different, but I only think that because I shy away from such writing myself. Her other book “Chasing Down the Dawn” has the same type of poetry, but is filled with vignettes and drawings. I really don’t think of Jewel as a “celebrity”, but more as an artist, but people usually have an idea who she is.
borrowedwings says:
The English Roses is mildly entertaining at best. I wish to throw Mr. Peabody’s Apples at the wall. I actually think that if Madonna didn’t write them, they have less of an excuse to be bad. Madonna is a very talented musician and a semi-decent actress, that doesn’t make her a good writer. If she’s hiring a ghostwriter, she should get one who is a talented writer. Duh.
Jamie Lee Curtis’s children’s books are AWESOME.
I read Katie Couric’s children’s book at work today and literally gagged.
very good point about madge hiring a ghost writer. In fact, I think lots of celebs probably work with ghost writers, where are the good ghost writers out there!?!
heather381 says:
I see paris, I see france
Paris Hilton’s book sucks.
let’s see, I agree with the person aboves title for Britney Spears, but I think a book from K-Fed would be even funnier.
Kevin Federline: K-Fed; How to get two girls pregnant in one year, marry a superstar and live the life of the rich and famous
yeah I know that was too long. oh well. Still would be funny.
juliewinkler says:
This is late, because I tend to read back-blogs all at once, but for the record:
Mandy was one of my most favorite little-girl books,
Jamie Lee Curtis seems to take writing seriously. Thank goodness.
Celebrity suggestions:
Jodie Foster, a YA
Angela Lansbury- a picture book
Michael Pailin- a travel book
Sting- anything (he was a teacher, and what a way with words!)
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The American Friend
Der Amerikanische Freund; thriller-drama, Germany / USA, 1977; D: Wim Wenders, S: Bruno Ganz, Dennis Hopper, Lisa Kreuzer, Gerard Blain, Nicholas Ray, Samuel Fuller, Jean Eustache
Jonathan Zimmerman, a picture framer in Hamburg, husband of Marianne and father of a little boy, is suffering from leukemia. During an auction, he meets Tom Ripley, an American art forger. After Jonathan gets letters that his doctor is hiding his real serious state, he accepts a check-out in Paris from Minot, where it turns out he doesn't have much longer to live. In order to leave some money for his family, Jonathan accept Minot's offer to kill a man for 250,000 DEM. But he pays him only half the amount and he is forced to kill another man in a train with the help of Tom. When Minot discovers this, he arranges numerous killers to wipe out Tom, but Jonathan helps Tom eliminate them. Tom sets the car of the killers on fire, while Jonathan and Marianne leave him and run away in the car, where Jonathan dies.
Excellent thriller-drama "The American Friend", a loose adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's crime novel "Ripley's Game", is one of the most unusual films from minimalistic director Wim Wenders, but also one of his best ones, a much more interesting achievement than many of his boring dramas. The bizarre "friendship" between the American Tom Ripley (brilliant Dennis Hopper) and the German Jonathan is maybe a rich allegory about the impact of American culture on Germany, but mostly it displays a corruptible side of people showing how there's no one the hero can trust - once he accepts the "Faustian" offer he will sink deeper and deeper into criminal milieu, where instead of killing only one person he ends up inevitably killing a bunch of them - while the roles of gangsters played by directors like Fuller and Ray only give the story a surreal meta film touch.
The film is full of great little details: in one scene, Jonathan finished the picture frame of an old lady in his shop. She gives him 60 DEM, but he says: "No, no, it's 20 DEM more expensive than that. It's 80 DEM.", but the old lady pretends she is half deaf, puts the picture in her purse and says: "Yes, yes, it will fit in my bag". Jonathan repeats his bill several times but the old lady "dodges" him every time pretending she doesn't understand him - until he finally says: "God, you're clever!" In another scene, he exits the elevator and enters his hotel room, but just as he is about to press the button to turn the TV on, he gets "shocked" by an electric charge. But the highlight is the long sequence where Jonathan follows a man through the Paris subway in order to assassinate him - unlike loud Hollywood crime films, this one executed the whole sequence completely quiet and tranquil, until the viewer gets nervous from such "peacefulness", knowing the horrible murder is about to happen.
J Luis Rivera said...
I know it's not exactly Wenders at his best, but I think this movie is truly wonderful. Great review!
Glad I'm not one of only 5 people on the planet that saw this film. It's truly hard to find it anywhere...and for that matter other Wenders films as well. I enjoyed it a lot.
Moon 44
The Fisher King
Celestial Body
City of Women
Jaws 3-D
Nights of Cabiria
The Swindlers
The Missouri Breaks
The Traitors
Asterix in Britain
Asterix Versus Caesar
The Twelve Tasks of Asterix
Asterix and Cleopatra
Asterix the Gaul
What Iva Recorded on October 21st, 2003
The Black Bomber
The Nibelungs: Kriemhild's Revenge
The Nibelungs: Siegfried
The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones
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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom; adventure, USA, 1984; D: Steven Spielberg, S: Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Jonathan Ke Quan, Amrish Puri, Roshan Seth, Philip Stone, Roy Chiao, David Yip, Ric Young, Chua Kah Joo, Dan Aykroyd
Shanghai, '35. While trying to trade the remains of Nurhaci for a diamond, Indiana Jones gets poisoned and barely manages to save himself from a wicked club, bringing along the blond club singer Willie and a small kid named Shorty. The board a plane and crash somewhere in the Himalayas, coming to an Indian village where a sacred stone and all the children have been mysteriously stolen. The trio goes to the local Pankot Palace and discovers a hidden underground temple where the sect leader Mola Ram who wants to create his own religion and rule the world. Jones is able to escape, cut a bridge and throw him down the river, free the children and end up with Willie.
Prequel "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" is a step back compared to the acclaimed and smooth original: unlike the first film, that managed to smoothly lift itself up from the B serials it was inspired by, this 2nd film throws our hero into pure trash hidden beneath a big budget. The screenplay by Willard Huyck is a shabby excuse to bring back the beloved adventurer - since it's a prequel, the story could have explored his unrevealed relationship with Marion, but instead replaced her with the silly blond Willie (Kate Capshaw) who acts as a dumb humorous side character, becoming "funny" when falling into trouble, but the top of stupidity is reached by letting the annoying, whinny kid Shorty join the team - there is simply no reason for him to be there. He is just a cliche of a sidekick that embodies the infantile. After a fast and dynamic exposition, where the uneven trio escapes from Shanghai thanks to an airplane by their associate Weber (Dan Aykroyd in a too small, 5 seconds long cameo), they land in India's territory and seem to fall into Bollywood. Instead of trying to top the first film with magic and intelligent writing, the authors topped it in all the wrong areas - in disgusting trash and campy exaggerations. While in the first film there was a character who found dozens of spiders on his shirt, here we have millions of slimy insect crawling on the floor, and not to mention the tasteless, infamous diner sequence where the guests are served with, among others, a cooked snake that gets sliced open only to reveal little black snakes coming out of it: in the scene where a man is swallowing those snakes alive, it seems Spielberg must have been hypnotized by trash king Corman. The movie is de facto four action sequences glued together, only enriched with occasional style, though it seems better thanks to the good finale that went back on the right tracks. Tastes vary, but "The Temple of Doom" is as much of a treat as the frozen monkey brains served in the diner sequence.
Peter Slattery said...
While I find it very hard to pick holes in any Indy movie, he is my all time hero, I do agree that Temple of Doom is a step back from Raiders. In some ways it's a bit lighter than the previous movie, in others, a hell of a lot darker. I still think that The Last Crusade is the quintessential Indy movie, however!
I agree with you 100 % that "The Last Crusade" is the best Indiana Jones film. It's in my personal top 150 list.
Considering "The Temple of Doom", maybe I was too harsh towards it: the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes are really well made, but the 100 minutes in between simply seem so crummy. As I already mentioned, too many tasteless scenes and too much of that little kid. When I was a kid, I thought the movie was OK, but today I just simply don't have the patience for it anymore.
Balkan Spy
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull...
Full Eclipse
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Germany Year Zero
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Madame DuBarry
What a Wonderful Place
Acting Hamlet in the Village of Mrdusa Donja
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*...
The Holy Mountain
See No Evil, Hear No Evil
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Ahn Ye Eun KPOP Star 5's Eclectic Runner-Up 6 replies to this topic Started by JPope , Dec 29 2016 07:14 AM ·
#1 JPope
JPope
Ahn Ye-Eun has released her self-titled debut album on Pandawhale (YesAsia.com lists the publisher as Sony Korea, though). It's really good. If you didn't watch KPOP Star 5, you probably don't know who she is, and if you did watch it, you didn't know who she was until episode 11(!), because the show's producers kept expecting her to get sent home. Yeah, that never happened. She competed with her own compositions for the entire run of the show, only covering songs twice -- once during the team competition (the haunting rendition of IU's "Pink Shoes" with Woo Ye Rin) and during the final where the last two contestants had to do a song the other had performed during the run of the show.
The easiest way to describe her is the Korean Shiina Ringo, but that's short-hand at best, and does a disservice to both. She's a bit more conventional than Shiina, but still a bit out there. She's clearly a fan of the Beatles' later era. The one thing that bums me out about this album is that the whimsy she showed during KS5 is pretty much not present at all, and that was a really endearing element of her music for me. Still, it's a great album, and from a selfish perspective, I'm happy she was the runner-up, because I don't think she'd have an album out so soon had she won and been signed to Antenna.
The entire album is on Youtube, as are her performances from KS5, which I encourage everyone to check out.
Here's her first PV, "Somehow"
#2 Zaeleus
Zaeleus
Ahn Ye Eun
어쩌다보니 (Eojjeodaboni; Some How)
달그림자 (Dalgeurimja; Moon Shadow)
경우의 수 (Gyeonguui Su; Number of Cases)
전해오는 이야기 (Jeonhaeoneun Iyagi; A Story from the Past)
Nipping Wind
그때 (Geuttae; That Moment)
홍연 (Hongyeon; The Red Knot)
Listen on Amazon Music, Apple Music, Google Play Music, and Spotify.
I quite like this album. You're right that the songs have a somewhat different feel from the ones she wrote for K-Pop Star 5, but they're still very much in her style. My guess would be that the songs on this album are more personal, and she didn't have to think about adjusting anything to impress judges or an audience.
My favorite song here is "A Story from the Past". It's just absolutely enchanting fantasy waltz. Ye Eun (and Woo Ye Rin from the show, which what made their "Pink Shoes" cover so great) excels at this genre.
Even if she had won and signed with Antenna, Ye Eun would have likely been a great fit in that particular company culture, more so than the season winner Lee Soo Jung. I recommend watching the Weekly Idol episode with Antenna artists as guests (2016-12-21 E282). They're just a group of ridiculously talented, quirky musicians.
I think you're right about this, although including "Mr. Mystery" or "If Spring Comes" would have been huge from a marketing angle. I would guess that if you asked the majority of people in Korea who know who she is what song they associate with her, it would be "Mr. Mystery." It certainly wouldn't fit with the rest of the album, though, and might have been cost prohibitive to record properly.
It certainly wouldn't fit with the rest of the album, though, and might have been cost prohibitive to record properly.
SBS released studio versions of performances starting from the top 10 (K팝 스타 시즌5 TOP10 Part.1), so there does exist a proper recording of "Mr. Mystery" ("미스터 미스터리"). Perhaps the performers had to give up rights to their songs for the show.
Looking at the various albums (top 10-1, top 8-1, top 6, top 4, top 2-1, top 2-2), "Mr. Mystery" is indeed her most popular song. Song name and "likes" on Melon:
미스터 미스터리 (Mr. Mystery) (7902)
하얀 원피스 (Hayan One Piece; White One Piece) (3959)
봄이 온다면 (Bomi Ondamyeon; If Spring Is Coming) (3527)
호구 (Hogu) (2043)
말을 해 봐 (Mareul Hae Bwa; Just Say It) (1819)
Part-Time Lover (159; likely low because it's unavailable for purchase)
Ah, I didn't know they released these songs like this.
These recordings are awful, lol! All of the fire and passion of the live performances are completely missing. Even Ye-eun's vocal performances are uninspired.
I bought the album edition that comes with the music score, and of course it's handwritten. Here's an excerpt of "Some How":
EPSON002.png 395.47KB 1 downloads
That's really goddamn cool.
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About Sania Shamshad
Sania Shamshad drama list include:
Agar Tum Na Hotey as Sania in 2014, Aseerzadi as Fatema in 2013-14, Chand Jalta Raha, on PTV Home in 2015, Ghaao in 2011, Izteraab as Dua on Hum TV in 2014, Lagao as Sumbul on Hum TV in 2016, Main Deewani in 2014, Main Deewani as Hadia in 2014, Mein Adhuri on ARY Digital in 2015, Mera Saaein 2 in 2012, Mohabat Subh Ka Sitara Hai as Nayab in 2014, Rehaai as Kulsoom in 2013, Sadqay Tumhare as Humaira in 2014-15, Saheliyan on PTV Home in 2013, Tere Pehloo Main as Shezrai in 2007 & Zinda Dargor as Aaliya on ARY Digital in 2015.
She was also nominated for Hum Award for Best Supporting Actress 3 times, Hum Award for Most Impactful Character, Hum Award for Best Soap Actress, Nominated-Hum Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role & won TV Kahani Gold Award for Best Soap Actress.
Sadia Ghaffar
Kinza Hashmi
Fahad Mirza
Maria Wasti
Amna Babar
Nida Khan
Firdous Jamal
Amina Shafaat
Sohail Sameer
Sabrina Naqvi
Noman Habib
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Famous crowdfunding supporting platform makes changes to its operations
Canada-based tax-saving firm and crowdfunding support platform, CanadianCozie, announces the suspension of their operations internationally due to high-end security and verification issues
Canadiancozie is a sister concern of SIOM organization that has supported up to $1 billion and has successfully operated for almost a decade. The company provides an innovative platform that allows users to lower their taxable income for donations to qualified, tax-exempt organizations. The company has however announced that it will be suspending its operations outside Canada, making the services exclusively available to Canadian citizens alone.
One of the methods used by millions of people to reduce their taxable income and ultimately reduce the amount paid in taxes is by donating to charity. However, donors and other such interested persons looking to support a laudable cause while also reducing their tax liability often find it difficult to get the right channel to make such donations. This is where Canadiancozie has been able to make a difference since it started operating almost a decade ago.
Canadiancozie basically works by allowing people to collect donation from their platform, offering an innovative channel to connect donors and recipients, making it easy for both ends of the transaction to fulfill their needs.
Over the years, CanadianCozie has remained true to its primary goal of acting as a liaison between donor and crowdfunding campaigner, supporting any kind of crowdfunding campaign across the globe. The company contacts the donor to donate the specific campaign while also processing the tax reduction for the donation.
Canadian Cozie has continued to demonstrate its professionalism and desire to help people reach millions of people across the globe. However, due to new developments bordering on security, the platform has stopped the support of donors outside Canada. Consequently, residents outside Canada and non-Canadian residents can no longer enjoy the amazing service offered by Canadiancozie.
Interested users from other parts of the world can still create accounts on the crowdfunding supporting platform. Such persons can also get the support from Canadiancozie by contacting the company via email. The email should contain the cause and other important details that the platform will need to provide the best possible support.
In line with the platform’s goal of sanitizing its process of service delivery, the company has also removed all verified social profile including its Facebook page with 9 million followers to prevent spamming.
The steps have become particularly necessary to curb the activities of fake crowdfunding campaign that created to depend on Canadian cozie to excel with their ulterior motives.
Canadiancozie opens their e-commerce platform bioeducation center, allowing interested persons to buy canadiancozie crowdfunding supporting package.
Canadian Cozie has a wide range of easy to use tax solutions that have made the company one of the most sought-after services providers in the industry. The technology-driven solutions, with the CozieTax software leading the way, ensure that everyone get the best possible tax paying experience.
The solutions offered by Canadiancozie include the CozieTax Help and Review and CozieTax Full Service. The CozieTax Help and Review is designed to answer all the tax questions that might be bothering clients, with a Cozie expert always available to attend to the needs of taxpayers, ensuring an accurate final review of returns before the eventual filing.
The CozieTax Full Service affords customers the full service of the company. The service allows clients to enjoy the service of an expert who prepares, optimizes, reviews and remotely produces the tax return without the client literally lifting a finger.
Canadinancozie has continued to garner reviews from users thanks to the excellent solutions offered by the platform. “The first time we made our own taxes, CozieTax made the use extremely easy and convenient. Will definitely recommend to friends and use again,” said Jess, Alberta.
More information about Canadiancozie and the award-winning solutions they offer are available on their website.
About Canadiancozie
Founded by Armando A. Vangorder, CanadianCozie is a sister concern of SIOM organization founded to save users income tax and also allowed them to process their donation receipt. The crowdfunding support platform connects donors and campaigners, allowing both parties to meet their needs without any hassle.
The company also offers a wide range of technology-driven tax payment solutions, with its tax payment software described as Canada’s #1 tax software.
Company Name: CanadianCozie
Contact Person: Armando A. Vangorder (Owner)
Website: https://www.canadiancozie.com/
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School sets list of levy priorities
Posted by Joe Pinchot | Oct 23, 2018 | Elections, Schools | 0 |
Have questions about the levy? School officials will hold an open forum at 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at the school, 614 Bedford Road.
Brookfield school administrators have issued a list of priorities for how they would spend the roughly $250,000 that would be raised if a five-year permanent improvement levy is passed by voters in November.
The list does not include some issues that are priorities for the district, but cannot be paid for with PI money, such as hiring a school resource officer, and it does not include a major project, construction at the middle school to fix the lifting floors and cracking walls caused by shifting shale, because officials hope an arrangement can be worked out where that work can be done without school funds, said Superintendent Velina Jo Taylor.
The list also is not a promise of how to spend the PI funds, should voters approve them, she said. Taylor said she wants the flexibility to be able to use them for an emergency that might arise.
Brookfield Middle School eighth-grade teacher Marissa Miller and Brookfield Board of Education member George Economides assemble a sign promoting the school’s request for a permanent improvement levy.
However, Brookfield Board of Education member George Economides said the district should try to adhere as closely to the list as possible to prove that the district can do what it says it will do.
The list addresses four areas: security, transportation, technology and maintenance.
Although the school building is only eight years old, the philosophy of school security is changing every year as more and more violent incidents occur at schools, and Taylor said she wants to address areas now seen as vulnerable.
The list includes installing new security cameras at the school, replacing analog ones with digital models, which would provide better quality images and allow remote access by the police department, and putting cameras on buses; applying ballistic film to windows to help deter violence directed at the building, and installing concrete bollards that would help prevent vehicular access to the building.
Middle School secretary Dawn Burns said school safety and security should be the top priority.
“Our job is to keep children safe at all times,” she said, noting she monitors cameras from the school office.
That’s hard to do with the quality of the cameras in place now, and the fact that areas such as the upper parking lot are not covered by cameras, Burns said.
“We definitely need new cameras here,” she said. “When I sit at my desk and somebody’s coming (to the door), I can’t see who they are unless they put their nose right up to the camera.”
The district has an aging fleet of buses, which increases maintenance costs. The district hopes to buy one new one a year for the five years the levy would be in place.
In terms of technology, administrators want to institute a regular replacement program of computer server blades, which hold all the information used by staff and students.
The maintenance issues address the 1930s-era bus garage and the 1940s-era football stadium, which Taylor said are “presenting hazardous conditions.”
Officials are exploring a number of options for the bus garage, which range from small renovations at the existing site on Grove Street to building a new one there or at the school campus.
The priorities at the football stadium are replacing the rotting light poles, building a new press box, which is sinking into the locker room, and building handicapped-accessible restrooms.
Addressing the argument that sports should be a lower priority, Economides said it is the last priority.
“There is not one person on the (school) board who would say, ‘Let’s do the press box first,’” said board member Ronda Bonekovic.
But, failing to do anything about the football field’s needs could have long-lasting implications, Taylor said. If the light posts fail, she said, there will no longer be “Friday Night Lights.” Instead, games would be moved to Saturday afternoons.
A proposal by a group of private citizens to raise money to move the football stadium to the school complex is on hold, officials said.
The amount of money the levy would raise “is really not much money when we have a whole lot of projects to do,” Economides said, but Taylor said even that amount would help the administration go from reacting when something happens to trying to head it off before it happens.
Approving the levy, “will set us up for a lot of success,” she said.
If the levy fails, “We’ll do what we’ve always done – we’ll make the best of the situation,” Taylor said. “That’s what we do at Brookfield.”
Economides said residents should come to school board meetings and ask questions about the administration’s plans and how money is being spent. The levy committee will hold a public forum at 2 p.m. Oct. 28 at the school. Taylor said she is willing to talk to groups about the levy.
At 1.9 mills, a property worth $100,000 would pay an extra $66.50 a year; at $75,000, $49.88; at $50,000, $33.25.
PreviousSafety Night set for Oct. 24
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Rabbits, run: The home-brewed magic of the Mk1 Madness Festival
Esher Lutzo organized the first Mk1 Madness Festival 10 years ago because he wanted to gather together owners of first-generation Volkswagen Rabbits, GTIs, Cabriolets and pickups, and maybe swap parts and stories. A few people showed up in the rain for a camp out.
This year, more than 300 people came to the campground in Maple Grove, Penn., for the weekend festival, and more than 150 people brought their Mk1s to be entered in the annual auto show. Campers came from around the country – travelling from as far as Alaska, and driving from as far as Minnesota in a 1983 Rabbit GTI.
“It’s about the community around these cars,” Lutzo says. “The people that work on Mk1s have so much respect for other Mk1 people, they just do everything right. It’s a family, one big family.”
Disclaimer: Modifying vehicles can adversely affect reliability, warranty coverage, & compliance with safety and other standards
Lutzo says the Mk1s offer an approachable form of classic-car ownership; a low barrier to entry in both money and time, with the benefit of cars that have aged well over the years. Having a community behind Mk1s is an added bonus for many of these people, who’ve spent years working on their cars and collecting parts.
During the festival, owners can enter their Mk1 vehicles into the show and earn trophies for various categories, including Best in Show for Rabbits, Pickup Trucks, Jettas, Cabriolets, Scirocco 1 and Scirocco 2, Farthest Distance Travelled, NOS + (New Old Stock Plus), to name but a few. Anyone who enters a vehicle also has a chance to judge the other vehicles, making the term the “people’s choice” the most accurate description. The trophies are handcrafted and distributed by Lutzo.
“We made a goofy trophy last year; it went to guy who brought a car with modifications that were just really silly. A lot of the stuff on the car, like cambered wheels in the back, is stuff that people do, but not everyone really likes. This year, we gave him the ‘NOPE’ trophy because it’s just silly, and he loved it.”
The group organizes purely by word of mouth, using Facebook as their main channel of communication. Lutzo coordinates the event entirely on his own – without advertisements, official sponsors or paid partners. While the Mk1 Madness festival is an annual event, the spirit and enthusiasm of the attendees stays strong all year. Owners bring parts to the show and spend the weekend trading tips and stories about working on their cars over the years.
The people who come out to this event show more than just enthusiasm for the cars, they show a genuine passion for Mk1s. One Volkswagen Rabbit pickup that had been bought and sold among several members has earned its own social media hashtag. The group donated money to fly its original owner in from the Pacific Northwest to this year’s event, just so he could drive it again.
“A guy who races Rabbits in Alaska flew to Ohio and drove in with one of the club members, and attended the event,” Lutzo said. “He was amazed with it and will definitely come back next year.”
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How one gourmet coffee shop gets up and goes with an Atlas
Looking for an excuse to indulge in a better-than-average cup of joe? You don’t have to go any further than National Gourmet Coffee Day, which takes place this Saturday. In honor of the caffeinated holiday, Volkswagen chose to spotlight Dom’s Coffee, a family-run coffee business out of Avon, CT. The European-style coffee store opened in May of 2015 by Andrius Plankis and Asta Plankiene, who both emigrated to America from Lithuania with their family in 2013. Named after their 8-year-old son
70 years after first landing in America, Volkswagen holds a family reunion
The first time a Volkswagen Beetle came to America was nearly the last. A private importer, Ben Pon, thought the small, odd-looking cars that were popular in Europe in 1949 could find the same audience here. Early that year, Pon shipped two Beetles to the United States and tried to recruit dealers. By all accounts, the reception was a cold one; Pon sold both with no fanfare, and lore has it one had to cover his hotel bill. But Pon had the right idea. The Beetle did catch on, as did the Bu
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For #ByeByeBeetle, a 700-hp tribute at SEMA
A skeleton-head shifter, seven-speed DSG transmission and a matte Army green finish are hardly the features you’d associate with a beloved Volkswagen Beetle. But for Marcel Horn, the founder and president of a Canadian custom auto shop HPA Motorsports, it’s the perfect sinister flavor for his custom Beetle build. “The Beetle can be a little cheeky, devilish critter,” said Horn, who debuted a custom Beetle at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in 1999. “That Dr. Jekyll-
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WEEKLY PARSHA
SUGYAS
PARSHAS KI SETZEI
Home / Weekly Parsha / PARSHAS KI SETZEI
By Rabbi Tzvi Jacob
In Weekly Parsha
There is a concept mentioned in this week’s Torah portion by Rashi. The parsha describes the commandment of shiluach hakein, sending away the mother bird from its nest. When one is interested in eggs and finds a nest full of them (even only one egg), he or she must first shoo away the mother bird. Only afterwards may that person take the eggs for themselves. One who fulfills this commandment is promised by the Almighty long life. Directly after this passage is a seemingly unconnected commandment, pertaining to someone who builds a new house. The Torah states that one who builds a new house must secure a fence around the roof, in order to safeguard the roof. Next is a law about planting ones vineyard, and other random laws. However, Rashi explains to us how they’re not so random after all.
In Rashis commentary on the commandment of fencing ones roof on his new house, he says an amazing concept. The reason why this commandment is directly after the commandment of sending away the mother bird is to tell us what the Almighty has in store for those who keep his will. If one keeps the commandment of shooing away the mother bird, he or she will merit building a new house, requiring the commandment of building a fence around the roof. And through that, the merit of having a vineyard, requiring keeping its laws; and so on and so forth. This concept is called mitzvah goreres mitzvah, fulfillment of a commandment leads to another commandment. By one keeping the Almighty’s will, that person merits a special closeness with H-m. In accordance, when one does the Almighty’s will, that person merits more opportunity for getting closer to H-m by way of more commandments. Such an amazing concept!!!
There are many times where one may feel a lack of closeness to anything spiritual. The feeling of closeness to the Almighty just isn’t there. Rashi is screaming that the Torah is hinting an unforgettable message! When one feels the lack of connection with his creator, it might be due to lack of fulfillment of his will. If somehow one could just grab on to one of the commandments and do the will of his or her creator, it will lead to more opportunity for serving the Almighty. It’s only a matter of time before that feeling of closeness to the Almighty will come back. All one has to do is perform the will of H-m, and everything will fall right into place.
Rabbi Tzvi Jacob
DREAMY!!
Tefillin on the go
Purim-matanos la’evyonim
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Moothon premiering at Toronto International Film Festival
By Vignesh Madhu
Nivin Pauly’s ‘Moothon’ (The Elder One) is set to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This year’s festival is scheduled to be held from September 5-15. ‘Moothon’ has also been chosen as the opening film at the 20th edition of Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, which will be held from October 17-24.
Written and directed by Geetu Mohandas, ‘Moothon’ tells the story of a man called Mullakoya from Lakshadweep. As per the details in TIFF website, Geetu Mohandas presents an unsparing yet inspiring vision of Mumbai through the story of two small-town siblings, each with their own reason for escaping to the big city, in this urgent drama pondering gender, sexuality, violence, and tolerance.
Moothon Film Nivin Pauly’s New Stills Photos
‘Moothon’ has its story penned by Geetu herself while ace Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has joined her in writing the Hindi dialogues. The director’s husband Rajeev Ravi, also an acclaimed filmmaker, is the cinematographer. National award winner Ajithkumar is editing the movie and Sneha Khanwalkar is the composer.
Along with Nivin Pauly, ‘Moothon’ also stars Bollywood actors Shashank Arora and Sobhita Dhulipala in major roles. Rosshan Mathew, Dileesh Pothan, debutante Melissa Raju Thomas and many others are part of the supporting cast. Anurag Kashyap is presenting the movie in association with JAR Pictures, Mini Studio and Good Bad Films.
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Vijay gifts gold rings to 400 members of Bigil team
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Category Archives: Surfrider Foundation
beach clean-ups, Climate Change, climate change and marine ecosystems, Climate Justice, Environment, Fossil Fuel Emissions, General, global warming, Green New Deal, marine sciences, Oceans/Seas, Planet Earth, Plastic, plastics in oceans, Pollution, Public Schools, Students, Surfrider Foundation, Sustainability, The Commons
Threading the Eye of the Needle: A Few Greenies Ain’t Gonna Cut Climate Change
March 6, 2019 Paul Haeder
Needle in a haystack. Little Dutch Boy putting fingers in leaking dike.
The beach clean-up along the Central Oregon Coast, near Devils Punch Bowl, down south to Beverly Beach, is an exercise in patience, Sisyphus, maybe, as many beach and marine life lovers are volunteering with tweezers in hand harvesting the global micro-plastic harvest.
Might as well have a fork to bring in all the world’s wheat crops.
Piece by piece. Or, scoops of sand, with organic matter like shells pieces and driftwood and these microplastic and plastic nurdles plopped on a gurney-sized fine mesh, is akin to — what? Using one household colander to strain the daily pasta and noodle intake in Oregon?
Scott Rosin is tall, grizzled, and head of Surfriders Central Oregon Coast. He’s chair of the Newport Chapter. Another chapter is called Siuslaw Surfriders, taken from the Newport-Yachats area where we live in, specifically the Siuslaw National Forest, also named after the river that runs through it to the Pacific.
Ahh, Rosin – former arborist, former surfer (his shoulder was blasted out in forestry work – he uses a paddle board to ride five-foot waves or less), poet and local activist – has been heading up this plastic clean-up on six consecutive Sundays, noon to 4 pm, on an incredible beach made to order for picnickers and surfers, even in March.
Helping hands included a few women, Mike Harrington, a 72-year-old member of the Siuslaw Chapter of Surfrider, and a black lab whose owner was down on her knees pulling out plastics of every color and shape.
This is what Scott told the Newport News recently about his efforts:
It would be great if we could get more locals involved. The beaches here are, or were, as beautiful as anywhere in the world. I’ve surfed and played on these beaches since 1973. I can tell you that the problem of visible plastic pollution here has grown exponentially.
Nobody knows what the full effects of plastic pollution may be. This isn’t a disaster that you can see coming, like a forest fire or a hurricane. I anticipate a long road to educating ourselves about the dangers involved.
It’s the local newspaper, and a message of doom and gloom and setting the doomsday clock to 11th hour (actually, 11:58) before the apocalyptic midnight hour hits doesn’t sit well for a local rag that sells ads for real estate, B&B’s, summer cottages, whale watching tours, crab fests, and buy-buy-eat-eat-consume-consume visitors.
Scott and I talked the real stuff tied to not just the amount of plastics in the ocean, and not just the bad-bad-bad hypotheticals of animals eating plastic and then humans eating them up, through the food chain. Anyone with a brain knows that whales and albatrosses and Homo Sapiens should be engorged with fossil fuel polymers.
We talked about these ideas of Americans thinking infinite population growth rates, infinite GDP rates, infinite investment profits, or infinite timber harvesting and infinite consumption and pollution are natural born rights.
The local rag will not allow such real and systems thinking discourse in the newspaper’s news or features sections.
One irony is that Scott and Surfriders and members of SOLV (Stop Oregon Litter and Vandalism) and the few volunteers from the American Cetacean Society might not realize that the Siuslaw people (nation) lived in villages along the river until 1860.
Siuslaw Nation living understanding the land, the estuaries, the ecosystems, the whales and avian world, the fish and fauna. The Siuslaw like all First Nations knew the limits of growth, the carrying capacities of their tribes, the allowable safe limit or killing animals or harvesting food.
So, these natural and long-studied indigenous people who could be here teaching in Oregon’s schools and advising all sectors of government and business, well, they no longer have a practiced language. We may romanticize that Oregon Trail story (even Woodie Guthrie has his song, Oregon Trail), but in 1860 the Siuslaw Nation was forcibly removed to an Indian reservation in Yachats. And, then, quickly those homes, farms, gardens and villages were destroyed and occupied by U.S. settler-colonists.
Now California transplants are on the beach trying in herculean effort to stop the infinite plastics tide from fouling everything they came to the Oregon Coast for in the first place.
From the evidence of locals who are blind to the plastic issue and looking out at these Surfriders and others, young and grizzled, the volunteers seem like a blast from the past. Environmentalists, who stick out like anachronous wandering souls, are the minority, as more and more business-as-usual and business-as-usual-to-the-tenth-power proponents have colonized the beach resorts, the city councils, school boards, county commissioner courts.
This Central Oregon Coast is magnificent, but even along the largest ocean covering 42 percent of the earth’s surface (62 million square miles), the Pacific (and the deepest of all oceans at that), microplastics from fish totes originating in Alaska come to the beach in small and colorful forms for a few volunteers to pick at.
Tumbling ghost fishing gear, equipment, supplies – all polymers – tumbling along the ocean currents and ocean floor, ending up floating at the surface, or just below. Colorful bits sea life take for sea nutrients.
Birds eat the plastics. Mammalian marine life eats the plastic. Fish eat it. The extra big yearly tides – the King Tides – push the plastic way up on the tide line. Now Homo Sapiens Plastica are out in small numbers trying to battle the plastic snow storm with a leaf blower.
Scott has never seen this amount of plastic in his 46 years fishing, playing and making a living in this part of the Oregon Coast.
We talked about plastic in every human being’s feces (recent scientific paper on that tidbit). We talked about how by 2050 plastic floating around the ocean and on the bottom will outweigh the total mass of all the organic-living matter in the ocean (another series of scientific papers). I talked about the Mariana Trench, in the Pacific, the deepest canyon in the world — 1,580 miles long and 43 miles wide and maxing out at 36,070 feet deep from the surface.
In yet another scientific series of papers, researchers have ROV’s – remotely operated vehicles – filming plastic bags floating in the trench. Worse yet, the foundation of the food chain – amphipods – in each collection over many months resulted in every single crustacean-like animal containing plastic remnants in their guts.
We can read white paper after detailed scientific paper, but the bottom line is if humanity were to use even one-thousandth of our collective common sense, we’d all be ranting and raving about stopping plastic production and use of straws, wraps, single use bags, containers, noodles.
Forget the fact that plastics are oil based, and the process of polymerizing them involves a lot of electricity, toxins, off gassing and communities around the world exposed to the industrial toxins and waste products part and parcel tied to the entire harvesting, transportation (by a factor of 3 or 4) and production process.
Lucky for me, I can be a member of various touchy feely groups and do some volunteer work with them, but I am not longer hobbled by my scientific credentials or teaching certificates or so-called neutral journalistic standards. I can see through the hubris, magical thinking, delusional belief systems, the false hope and the elephants in the room as people in this society – good folks like Scott Rosin and others I met at a naturalist certification program I went through with the American Cetacean Society have their hearts in the right place, and many times their minds, but their guts are missing the fact that revolutionary change has to happen.
Not a future of greenie Jetsons, but rather a future like the Flintstones is only going to answer the call now.
I also ran into another old timer, like Mike Harrington, a member of Surfrider who ended up in Oregon in 1976, originally from Central California. He packed up the VW van and got his 20 acres near Eddyville.
He said he came here with two children and a wife, because he wanted his kids to be raised where nature and wildlife both counted and were part of their daily lives.
He made his livelihood as a farrier, and we joked about just who his customers are – well-off, bourgeoise, and those with big bucks and the largest ecological footprints.
It’s super tedious, this sieving the wet sand and separating the plastic from the organic matter. Harrington knows it’s a drop in the proverbial bucket (now it’s the drops in the ocean tub). “You have to start somewhere. I want to make this world a better world for my kids and grandkids. I guess it makes me feel better doing this.”
Amanda Zimmerman and Joanna Davis are sisters doing the bit by bit plastic treasure hunt. The sun is out, more than two dozen surfers are seeking curls, families are making sand castles, and the warmer winter Pacific shore waters are enticing some to go in up to their knees.
Joanna says she has to do something. She too is from California, and now is a 28-year-old living in Portland, wanting that Portlandia lifestyle. She has no children, wants none to bring in the world, and she tells me she’s shocked at how few shells and sand dollars she has seen seeing at Pismo Beach, the closest beach to her when she lived in Bakersfield.
The March 4 City Council meeting in Newport will discuss whether to go forward on proposing a single use plastic shopping bag ordinance. There will be many citizens there speaking on behalf of the proposed ban. Scott will be there, after having sent in written testimony.
I’ve looked at the no-to-the-ban citizens, and from the plastics lobby and grocery store lobby. Imagine, 2019, and a small city with 11,000 residents, and swelling to three times that in the summer months, can’t even wrestle with a plastic bag ban.
Even Forbes Magazine, rag of the uber rich, the uber capitalists, lists the coming age of plastic bag bans. But, again, if we can’t get Puerto Rico’s lights back on, and if we can’t even fund our PP12 schools, and if we throw money at Military Industrial Complex thieves and let them laugh to the bank, are we going to deal with climate change?
Ahh, more coming soon, on Peter Ward’s talk, Under a Green Sky (great book I reviewed).
You have Wallace Smith Broecker, the ‘grandfather’ of climate science, leaving a final warning for Earth at an ASU climate change conference via web right before he succumbed to Chronic Heart Failure. I’ll talk about him in a future blog-article.
We’ll talk about the humanity in all of this new fangled (not really) New Green Deal, which is again just another way to let Musk, Bezos, Silicon Valley, Gates, Dell and other techies play libertarian green game of thrones.
Plastics, man. And get this: Oregon’s State Parks will not let Scott and his cronies bring a solar-power pump to get ocean water to their sieving station. Imagine that, they have to haul all this water in 5 gallon buckets hundreds of feet to wash out the sand. Solar powered.
The state’s reasoning: “Well, goddamned goldminers might see this four hour operation and think, hell, I can bring in my gold mining dredges and pumps and arsenic and such. Damn fine idea.”
Are we going to really mitigate the worse and even least of the worse outfalls from climate change when we can’t even issue a special issue permit for greenies to clean plastics from the beach?
We love to believe that high-tech innovations will fix everything. To produce all of our fanciful technology, many of the raw materials are derived from exploiting other people’s land (Africa, South America, Asia), and the manufacturing comes at the expense of other people’s health and livelihood. Let’s hope eliminating this sort of environmental racism figures into the GND platform. Beyond that, thus far in the course of humanity, our technology has only further amplified all of our detrimental ecological issues. It involves over-consuming natural resources and over-producing more of what we don’t need, while leaving us with less of what we do – organisms and ecological systems.
People are saying the Green New Deal is impossible. What is impossible is saving our planetary ecosystem while preserving our current way of life. For any GND legislation to be successful, it must work to conserve more rather than produce more. Moreover, it must facilitate collective radical personal changes to our way of life that fundamentally change the underlying paradigms of our existence. Otherwise, it will be as fleeting as the original New Deal, and ultimately much more deadly.
When it comes to a Green Deal, the only sustainable policies are radical ones. And when it comes to a sustainable global environmental paradigm, unless you are talking about the natural world, less is always more.
Kristine Mattis received her PhD in Environmental Studies. As an interdisciplinary environmental scholar with a background in biology, earth system science, and policy, her research focuses on environmental risk information and science communication. Before returning to graduate school, Kristine worked as a medical researcher, as a science reporter for the U.S. Congressional Record, and as a science and health teacher.
Forbes Magazine list for Oregon and Washington. See all the places for which a ban is in effect — HERE.
KENMORE WA City-wide ban on plastic bags, 5-cent fee on paper bags
LA CONNER WA Town-wide ban on plastic bags
PORT ANGELES WA City-wide ban on plastic bags less than 225 mm, 5-cent tax on all bags
TACOMA WA City-wide ban on plastic bags less than 225 mils thick
FRIDAY HARBOR WA Town-wide ban on plastic bags
SAN JUAN COUNTY WA County-wide ban on plastic bags
TUMWATER WA City-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
THURSTON COUNTY WA County-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
OLYMPIA WA City-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
LACEY WA City-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
MERCER ISLAND WA City-wide ban on plastic bags
SHORELINE WA City-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
ISSAQUAH WA City-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
MUKILTEO WA City-wide ban on plastic bags
PORT TOWNSEND WA City-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND WA City-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
BELLINGHAM WA City-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
SEATTLE WA City-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
EDMONDS WA City-wide ban on plastic bags
MILWAUKIE OR City-wide ban on plastic bags
MANZANITA OR City-wide ban on plastic bags
MCMINNVILLE OR City-wide ban on plastic bags
HOOD RIVER OR City-wide ban on plastic bags
FOREST GROVE OR City-wide ban on plastic bags
ASHLAND OR City-wide ban on plastic bags and 10-cent fee on paper bags
EUGENE OR City-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
CORVALLIS OR City-wide ban on plastic bags and 5-cent fee on paper bags
PORTLAND OR City-wide ban on plastic bags
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Bones News
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Bones Round Table: Who Will You Miss the Most?
Christine Orlando at March 10, 2017 9:00 am .
Buck and Wanda returned when Booth and Brennan went undercover at a demolition derby on Bones Season 12 Episode 10.
Our TV Fanatics Ashley Bisette Sumerel and Christine Orlando are joined by Pam, a Bones fan, to debate Buck, Wanda, and Gordon’s returns, Zack’s future, and the character they will miss the most once the series ends.
Will Zack be back at The Jeffersonian before Bones Season 12 ends?
Pam: I am thinking he will be cleared but not working back at the lab. He’d have to go through a lot to be hired back there again if ever.
Ashley: I hope so. I think that would be a really satisfying way to end the series. Well, maybe not even having him return to The Jeffersonian, but just having him get out in general would be worth it.
Christine: Yeah, I’m curious to see how they’re going to wrap that up. I can’t imagine he’ll be allowed back at the lab because of his history. I’d think that every defense attorney would use it to question his work on a case.
But I certainly hope we see Zack walk free before it’s all done.
18 Beloved Shows Coming to an End in 2017
Was Dr. Gordon Wyatt one of the people you had hoped to see back on Bones?
Pam: Yes, I always wanted him to come back, and much earlier than Season 12.
I wish, like Sully, they had brought them back years ago, but due to the actors' other obligations, we were lucky to see them back at all. Gordon Gordon at least had a better return story than Sully had.
My regret was his time in town was too short, and he didn't ask Bones and Booth about their marriage and children. I would have liked to see a scene where he followed up on them and Sweets.
Ashley: Yes! I've felt like ever since Sweets died it would make sense for him to come back at some point, so I'm really glad they brought him in for the final season.
Christine: When I was thinking about which characters I’d wanted back, I had completely forgotten about Gordon, yet the moment he hit the screen, I was thrilled to have him back.
Gordon fit right in, and I loved that we were able to remember a bit of Sweets with his return.
Watch Bones Season 12 Episode 9 Online
What did you think of Buck and Wanda’s return?
Pam: I felt it was rushed and flat. It was thrown in there and really wasn't even needed to progress the plot.
Ashley: While it wasn't my favorite undercover episode, I still think it was fun. And I nearly died every time Booth said "Wanda" the way he did. It was clear David Boreanaz was having fun playing that character.
Christine: Although I think that Buck and Wanda are fun, it felt like they brought them back just to bring them back. I wanted more story for them and more fun; instead they just stood around a bunch of old cars, and it was kind of boring.
Which character will you miss the most once the series is over?
Pam: This is not fair. It is like which child do you love more?
Bones has had such a talented cast and guest stars over 12 seasons. If I have to be backed to the edge of a cliff I would say Bones herself, Dr. Temperance Brennan.
Ashley: Wow, that's a hard question. If I could pick two, I'd, of course, say Booth and Brennan.
But if I'm picking one, I'm really going to miss Booth. His character is always such a nice balance of humor and sincerity, and they've given him a lot of depth over the years.
Christine: This one is hard! I think my favorite character was always Sweets. I loved the way he related to both Brennan and Booth. I still miss him a lot.
What was your favorite quote or scene from Bones Season 12 Episode 9?
Pam: Hodgins scene with Cam about the murder victim taking a roll in the hay, and the “hit the hay” conversations. Puns intended.
Ashley: I really enjoyed Brennan realizing how fun the demolition derby was! I knew she'd like it once she gave it a chance.
Christine: I loved Gordon’s succinct yet unique summary of Gormogon in this Bones quote…
What I have is an inchoate, nebulous, glimmering of a case which involves secret societies, cannibalistic rituals, and a brilliant, young, forensic anthropologist who was coerced into a plot he didn't fully comprehend.
Permalink: What I have is an inchoate, nebulous, glimmering of a case which involves secret societies,...
Check back next week for our review of Bones Season 12 Episode 10, and you can always watch Bones online here at TV Fanatic.
C. Orlando is a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow her on Twitter.
Tags: Bones, Round Tables
Bones Season 12 Episode 9 Quotes
I assure you, I have examined every piece of evidence at least a dozen times and as much as it pains me to say, Zack's sentence will not be overturned.
Permalink: I assure you, I have examined every piece of evidence at least a dozen times and as much as...
Hodgins: Do you really think that I would falsify my work?
Brennan: For a friend, yes.
Permalink: For a friend, yes.
Bones Season 12 Episode 9
Watch Bones Online: Season 12 Episode 9
Bones Season 12 Episode 9 Review: The Steel in the Wheels
Bones Season 12 Episode 9 Photos
The Steel in the Wheels
Bones Season 12
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Subscribe "Article" Newsletter
Sport > MLB
Pumpsie Green, Red Sox's first African American player, dies at 85
5 monthes ago | By Sporting News
Green debuted with the Red Sox in 1959, making them the last in MLB to integrate 12 years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier.
Pumpsie Green, First Black Player On The Boston Red Sox, Dies At 85
5 monthes ago | By NPR
The Boston Red Sox were the last Major League Baseball team to integrate, some 12 years after Jackie Robinson played his first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers. (Image credit: Harry L. Hall/Associated Press)
RALEIGH, N.C. - Sam Steel scored on a breakaway 1:36 into overtime to lift the Anaheim Ducks over the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 Friday night. Read more ...
Calmer McGregor: Irish star returns vs Cerrone at UFC 246
LAS VEGAS - Conor McGregor became a two-division UFC champion because he was a tremendous fighter. He became the biggest mixed martial artist in the world only because he... Read more ...
DALLAS - Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum sprained his left ankle in the first half at Dallas on Friday and was ruled out for the rest of the game. Read more ...
PHILADELPHIA - Furkan Korkmaz had six 3-pointers and a career-high 24 points, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Chicago Bulls 100-89 Friday night. Read more ...
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Cassius Winston had six points and four assists to give him the Big Ten record for career assists as No. 15 Michigan State beat Wisconsin 67-55 Friday night. Read more ...
Nunn's 22 points lead Heat past Thunder, 115-108
OKLAHOMA CITY - Kendrick Nunn scored 22 points to help the Miami Heat top the Oklahoma City Thunder 115-108 on Friday night. Read more ...
INDIANAPOLIS - Malcolm Brogdon made a tiebreaking 16-footer with 18 seconds left and T.J. Warren scored 28 points night to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Minnesota... Read more ...
Gasol makes six 3-pointers, Raptors beat Wizards 140-111
TORONTO - Marc Gasol scored a season-high 20 points and matched his career high with six 3-pointers, Norman Powell scored 28 points and the Toronto Raptors beat the Washington... Read more ...
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QRP-L 010521
Search QRP-L Archives
68 messages sorted by: [ author ] [ date ] [ thread ]
Starting: Mon May 21 2001 - 06:44:15 CDT
Ending: Mon May 21 2001 - 23:53:02 CDT
[GQRP] Acid effects
Euramcom (Mon May 21 2001 - 15:24:01 CDT)
A Challenge for QRPers
Bob Kellogg (Mon May 21 2001 - 21:53:35 CDT)
Another PSK31 question
Brendan Minish (Mon May 21 2001 - 06:52:18 CDT)
John R Kirby (Mon May 21 2001 - 05:33:55 CDT)
Astatic mikes D104 crystal, 10D was dynamic
Dan W. Dooley (Mon May 21 2001 - 21:48:08 CDT)
Bob Nielsen (Mon May 21 2001 - 20:15:31 CDT)
Stuart Rohre (Mon May 21 2001 - 16:07:01 CDT)
CW & QRP Stuff...
Stephane Collas (Mon May 21 2001 - 14:14:36 CDT)
FDIM 2001
igeq100@iupui.edu (Mon May 21 2001 - 16:40:49 CDT)
Kenneth Evans (Mon May 21 2001 - 15:10:24 CDT)
FDIM Images
John P. Cummins, Sr. (Mon May 21 2001 - 15:28:03 CDT)
Fishing pole vertical questions
ARDUJENSKI@aol.com (Mon May 21 2001 - 10:25:25 CDT)
Mike Malone (Mon May 21 2001 - 10:05:16 CDT)
FMV of HW-8, buying advice.
Tom Dufresne (Mon May 21 2001 - 10:01:48 CDT)
N0RC, Rod Cerkoney (Mon May 21 2001 - 09:10:17 CDT)
FS: Ten-Tec Argo QRP Transceiver & band modules
Dave Redfearn (Mon May 21 2001 - 21:34:05 CDT)
Got my KD1JV wattmeter kit today!!
Russ Hines (Mon May 21 2001 - 20:42:33 CDT)
Steven Weber (Mon May 21 2001 - 11:40:22 CDT)
Phil Wheeler (Mon May 21 2001 - 14:27:50 CDT)
Ed Tanton (Mon May 21 2001 - 14:16:47 CDT)
Halogen Light Noise
Hare,Ed, W1RFI (Mon May 21 2001 - 09:12:58 CDT)
HAMCOM 2001
Joe Spencer (Mon May 21 2001 - 21:56:02 CDT)
HUZZAH!!! K1 #717 Lives!!!!
T.J. \ (Mon May 21 2001 - 20:43:59 CDT)
K1 WANTED
Bob Kerby (Mon May 21 2001 - 10:31:29 CDT)
K2 Troubleshooting Help Please
Karl F. Larsen (Mon May 21 2001 - 07:34:25 CDT)
Kids and a Knightlite big at Dayton!
new Kenwood radio?
N1EU (Mon May 21 2001 - 07:24:37 CDT)
noise on K2
Anthony Felino (Mon May 21 2001 - 12:20:34 CDT)
OT: Heath IM-28 VTVM Help Needed
Phil (VA3UX) (Mon May 21 2001 - 19:49:09 CDT)
David Beach (Mon May 21 2001 - 11:47:53 CDT)
PSK with DSB?
Oleg Borodin (Mon May 21 2001 - 13:37:56 CDT)
James P. Osburn, P.E. (Mon May 21 2001 - 09:03:24 CDT)
PSK with Solaris
Richard Clemens (Mon May 21 2001 - 14:31:28 CDT)
RTV + Solder = Trouble ?
Roger A. McCarty (Mon May 21 2001 - 08:12:01 CDT)
Lau, Zack, W1VT (Mon May 21 2001 - 07:40:48 CDT)
RTV sealants and corrosion
Six meter queskins
Jeff Stai WK6I (Mon May 21 2001 - 14:36:22 CDT)
Garie Halstead (Mon May 21 2001 - 12:14:56 CDT)
Curt Milton (Mon May 21 2001 - 08:39:37 CDT)
nilsbull@juno.com (Mon May 21 2001 - 01:33:39 CDT)
Somebody feng-huo'ed my radio.com
William R Colbert (Mon May 21 2001 - 09:07:11 CDT)
Source for Ni-Cads?
Mark M. (Mon May 21 2001 - 19:06:40 CDT)
Walter D Amos (Sun May 20 2001 - 21:01:43 CDT)
Lofstead, Jerry (Mon May 21 2001 - 06:47:56 CDT)
Surface Mount SA602
Gene - NN7CK (Mon May 21 2001 - 22:52:23 CDT)
TenTec RF Connector Query
THE toroid post of Chuck Adams
Brian (Mon May 21 2001 - 13:10:05 CDT)
This line bread, tomorrow line potato.
James Parsons (Mon May 21 2001 - 12:32:54 CDT)
George, W5YR (Mon May 21 2001 - 12:30:39 CDT)
AI2Q Alex (Mon May 21 2001 - 08:57:17 CDT)
TICK & SW40+
Ken Kirkley (Mon May 21 2001 - 08:42:13 CDT)
Toroid post
Upton, Shawn (Mon May 21 2001 - 15:27:48 CDT)
John Wagner (Mon May 21 2001 - 13:07:05 CDT)
L. Mark Pilant (Mon May 21 2001 - 12:52:07 CDT)
Toroids to xtals
W8PIG on the air again with the TT2: 19May01 2000z
what antenna to use with SMK?
Delbert Long (Mon May 21 2001 - 17:24:34 CDT)
preacher102677@juno.com (Mon May 21 2001 - 22:08:12 CDT)
WTB: Accessories for Analog Argosy
Last message date: Mon May 21 2001 - 23:53:02 CDT
Archived on: Mon Jun 04 2001 - 08:12:33 CDT
[ QRP-L Archive | ]
[ 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 ]
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 on Mon Jun 04 2001 - 08:12:33 CDT
kd4ab@kd4ab.org
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Hyderabad Quiz Club
Happenings at the Hyderabad Quiz Club
Report on the quiz on 13th May
[Posting on behalf of Priyambad]
QM: Nitish
Format: Infinite bounce with two special rounds. (A video written round and a fantastic Stage 2)
Thumbs Up:
· Original questions (Read no repeats)
· Very good mix of World / India questions
· Very workoutable questions
· Sensational Stage 2 (With a very neat theme)
· No LVCs (Long Visual Connects)
· No convoluted connects
Thumbs down:
· The initial few questions were very unsettling
· The pinkie hint for the Stage 2 (;))
· Slightly long but none the less very enjoyable
Memorable cracks: JK's Mandakini crack, The Grapes of Wrath Crack, Deva's meme crack, the googly crack and the Stage 2 crack by Srini
1st: Bhargav, Srini and Rahul
2nd: Priyambad, Akshat and Deepak
3rd: Sohail, Rahul Girish Kumar and A Revanth Reddy.
The quiz saw a neck to neck fight between the team comprising Bhargav, Srini and Rahul and team of Priyambad, Akshat and Deepak till the last round (the stage 2). Srini's Stage 2 crack at a very early stage enabled them to win the quiz in the end. The new team comprising of Sohail, Rahul Girish Kumar and A Revanth Reddy came from behind and finished 3rd with some brilliant cracks.
The quiz had some very good questions asked on Bollywood / Hollywood but still it was a very balanced quiz. The quiz though slightly on the tougher witnessed some superb cracks from almost every team.
The next quiz has been scheduled for the 10th of June and will be done by Mihir.
Questions from this quiz will be posted soon.
Posted by Nitish at 11:16 PM 3 comments
Quiz on May 13th
The next quiz is on Sunday, the 13th of May. Here are the details:
QM: Nitish Khadiya.
Venue: Vasavi Hall @ #6-1-91, II Floor, vasavi Seva Kendram, Opp Meera Sensation Theatre, Khairtabad.
Directions to the venue: From Khairatabad while going towards Lakdi ka Pul right opposite the Sensation theatre near IIMC
Date and Time: 13th May 2007, 10:00 am
Format: The quiz is open to all members of the general public who are interested. This quiz will follow a format in which participants will be randomly teamed up into teams of 3 at the time of the quiz itself. This is to provide all participants an equal opportunity at participating in a team quiz even if they do not have other team members in Hyderabad or even if they are new to quizzing itself.
Prizes: Gift vouchers from Odyssey Bookstore.
Entry Fee: Rs 25 per person.
Posted by Priyambad at 10:54 AM 0 comments
Questions from the second quiz!
Here are some questions from the second quiz:
1. He paused to calculate the optimal turbulent laminar transition trajectory before it. The man can carry out a multi-variable physics calculation in his head to compute the exact trajectory required. Almost certainly the flow around the ball must have changed from turbulent to laminar several meters from the target. Mr. ------- was applying some very sophisticated physics."-thus concluded a team of scientists analyzing a scene in 2002. Which movie owes its name due to this?
A: Bend it like Beckham
2. Some 78 kms long situated at an altitude of 5,400 meters above sea level , it is the planet's largest alpine glacier outside the poles, and thus is sometimes referred to as the third pole. What is it called?
A: Siachen (literally the "place of roses')
3. The leading spirit behind the formation of this organisation in 1964 was Swami Chinmayananda and the founding religious leaders included Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, Sikh leader Master Tara Singh and Jain Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj. Name this organisation which uses a Banyan tree as its symbol?
A: VHP
4. “Because I was in Prabaker’s house, it was decided that I should take the family name of Kharre. Because Kishan was Prabaker’s father, and my adoptive father, tradition decreed that I should take his first name for my middle name. And because they judged my nature to be blessed with peaceful happiness, Rukhmabai concluded, the women had agreed with her choice for my first name. It was _____________ which means man of peace or man of God’s peace.” Fill in the blanks.
A: Shantaram
5. During the reign of King James II, the Royal Hospital was still under construction, so he introduced a system for distribution of army pensions in 1689. The pension was to be made available to all soldiers who had been injured in service, or who had served for more than 20 years. By the time the Hospital was completed, there were more pensioners than places available in the Hospital. Eligible soldiers who could not be housed in the Hospital were termed out-pensioners, receiving their pension from the Royal Hospital but living outside it. The club which got formed in the locality was hence nicknamed “pensioners”. Which club?
A: Chelsea Football Club
6. Some of the other products available in this genre of "fabric" are Dyneema, Goldflex, Spectra, Twaron and Zylon. Which is the most famous of these genre of “fabrics”?
A: Kevlar
7. The popular Indian lore says that on pilgrimage to Mecca in the 16th century, a revered Muslim holy man from India, came across these. Despite a ban on taking this out of its place of origin, punishable by death, he smuggled 7 of it wrapped around his belly. Today he is revered in one part of the country and actually has a mountain/mountain range named after him. What is his contribution to India?
A: Smuggled Coffee into India
8. This instrument was popularized in the 1930s by radio comedian Bob Burns, who is credited with inventing the instrument some 20 years earlier. It was also played by jazz musicians Noon Johnson and Sanford Kendrick. But today when we talk of it, we talk of it in a different context. What?
A: Bazooka
9. What term was first coined by Chris Anderson in an October 2004 Wired magazine article to describe certain business and economic models such as Amazon.com or Netflix. The term is also generally used in statistics, often applied in relation to wealth distributions or vocabulary use.
A: The Long Tail effect
10. He was already a noted aviator before World War I; in 1913 he gained fame for making the first nonstop flight across the Mediterranean Sea from Frejus in south of France to Bizerte in Tunisia. The next year he joined the French army at the outbreak of the conflict. After several aerial missions he decided that shooting and flying at the same time was too difficult, so he fitted a machine gun to the front of his plane so the tasks became one and the same. In order to protect the propeller from the bullets, he fitted metal wedges to the prop. Starting from April 1, 1915, he soon shot down three German planes and quickly gained an excellent reputation. On April 18, 1915, he was shot down and glided to a landing on the German side of the lines. After examining X’s plane, Dutch aircraft engineer Y and his team designed an improved system known as the interrupter gear. Soon the tables were reversed against the Allies due to Y’s planes shooting down nearly every enemy plane they met, leading to what became known as the Y Scourge. Identify X & Y?
A: Roland Garros & Anthony Fokker
Priyambad
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Home > News > NK Human Rights Issues
Alleged leaker of Kim's whereabouts executed
https://www.dailynk.com/english/alleged-leaker-kim-jong-un-whereabouts… [24]
Alleged leaker of Kim Jong Un’s whereabouts executed
An alleged leaker of information about Kim Jong Un’s visit to Samjiyon last October was executed in Pyongyang in late December, Daily NK has learned.
In mid-October, North Korean authorities conducted a massive operation to identify the leaker of Kim’s October visit to Samjiyon. North Korean security authorities viewed the leak as a major breach of the regime’s security network because news of Kim’s visit was reported in South Korean media before being published in state media.
The director of the Hyesan office of the Ministry of State Security (MSS), North Korea’s main security agency, reportedly planned to resign in the wake of the leak, but Daily NK sources report he is still in office. ......
[Source: Daily NK]
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Sue's Health Food
Email sue@sueshealthfoods.com
Sues Health Food Facebook
56840 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
M-F 9-5:30, Sat 9-5, Sun: Closed
Supplements for Immunity
Isaac Eliaz, MD, LAc Isaac Eliaz, MD, LAc, is medical director of the integrative health center Amitabha Medical Clinic in California.
Along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, targeted supplements are an excellent way to support immune function. Here are some top recommendations.
Vitamin A and its precursor, beta carotene, and vitamin D3 may be the most studied vitamins for immunity. These two vitamins support various immune cells, including lymphocytes, leukocytes, T-cells and B-cells. They also help regulate proteins produced by the immune system called cytokines, which help alert the body to an infection.
Additionally, vitamin C improves natural killer cell function, and B complex supports the actions of white blood cells.
It's long been known that people with zinc deficiencies are more susceptible to infections. Zinc also supports many types of immune cells: T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, and more. Selenium is another important mineral for immune health.
Probiotic (aka friendly) bacteria act as a counterbalancing force against infections, and support numerous areas of health. These microbes promote healthy immune function in the digestive tract, in part by increasing immunoglobin-A, an important component of immunity. They also help reduce inflammation and improve digestive function. Since a large percentage of your immune system is located in your digestive tract, making sure you have healthy balance of beneficial bacterial is important.
A variety of mushrooms support immune health by helping to "train" the immune system to function optimally. I recommend a formula with the varieties coriolus, reishi, maitake, cordyceps, agaricus and umbellatus. Each mushroom has its own special benefits, so taking a combination gives you broad coverage.
Modified citrus pectin
Another ingredient that supports immunity is modified citrus pectin (MCP), derived from the pith of citrus peels. Preclinical and clinical research shows MCP supports immunity, cellular health, and the safe detoxification of heavy metals, including lead.
"Differential Effect on Cell-Mediated Immunity in Human Volunteers After Intake of Different Lactobacilli" by C. Rask et al., Clin Exp Immunol, 5/13
"The Role of Modified Citrus Pectin as an Effective Chelator of Lead in Children . . ." by ZY Zhao et al., Altern Ther Health Med, 7-8/08
"The Transcription Factor T-bet is Essential for the Development of NKp46+ Innate Lymphocytes Via the Notch Pathway" by L.C. Rankin et al., Nat Immunol, 4/13
"You AhR What You Eat: Linking Diet and Immunity" by LV Hooper, Cell, 10/28/11
"Vitamin Effects on the Immune System: Vitamins A and D Take Centre Stage" by J.R. Mora et al., Nat Rev Immunol, 9/08
"Zinc: Role in Immunity, Oxidative Stress, and Chronic Inflammation" by A.S. Prasad, Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 8/25/09
Educational Content (c) 2010-2020 Taste For Life. Store content (c) Sue's Health Food. Read the Privacy Policy here.
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Education Ruminations III
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act
(“No Child Left Behind” or NCLB)
Teaching to the Test is Rampant
This Act, which I will refer to as the NCLB, is focused on reading, writing and mathematics skills in elementary and secondary schools. Just about everyone agrees with the basic principles of the NCLB, but there are many deficiencies in the program as implemented that have caused heartburn throughout the education and political worlds. Not everyone is happy with the extended role legislated for the federal government in education of our children, for example.
There have already been nine changes to the program, most of which were as a result of educators and unions arguing for significant alteration of the NCLB act. However, there are a number of contentious issues still before legislators at both the national and state levels. Two of them that I have witnessed or had teacher reports about are: teaching to the test (TTT); and, the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) criterion to measure student and school progress toward the goal of all students performing at a proficient level by 2014.
The TTT idea is very old. It is akin to stealing the test from the administrators and then coaching the classes on the proper answers. This seems to help the students to obtain a good grade and thus for the school to avoid further interference by the federal government. That may be a little overdrawn, but I assume they use older tests of a similar nature to the new tests forthcoming.
In my opinion, there is merit to this step, but under several conditions: the review of old tests should not take more than a class day; and, the semester of work should not be specifically tuned to test questions. It is the latter, I believe, that causes the most stir.
All through my education, teachers and professors tried to forewarn us about the nature of tests ahead of time. Not to give us rote answers, but to prepare us for studying before the test. They expressed the opinion that forewarning helps students to suppress their anxieties about the tests, and also tended to focus the students as to where they might improve their understanding of the subjects early on.
Some teachers or professors handed out previous tests with the caution that the new test would not be the same, but would address questions of a similar nature and to a similar degree. However, they didn’t teach the tests during the class year in an obvious way. In fact, they tried to be significantly different in their questions each time. This method does not disturb me at all.
The second possibility is for the teacher to run through the textbook and identify each paragraph, or each sentence or fact statement where a test question can be expected. This is teaching the test. It can be amplified further by giving the student an acceptable answer as well, which the student can recall and parrot back in the test. Finally, the teacher could in fact teach the test if he or she had the real test in hand, or at least a set of older tests to guide the lessons.
There is a fine line here between TTT and the teacher merely emphasizing the main threads and ideas of the subject as one goes along, which is entirely appropriate and correct to do.
AYP is controversial. It would seem apparent that what adequate progress is for a bright student and for a student with learning disabilities would be quite different. Even with over a decade of learning to teach the learning-disabled, there is little way to predict what the average AYP for all capabilities is going to be, I believe.
What is the average learning disability? What is the lowest? What is the highest? What data suggests that these students can succeed to become proficient with any amount of teaching and coaching? How many of this category is in the school, and should the school be penalized because they cannot raise these disability students above the proficiency level?
This whole idea seems to be backwards. We should be challenging every level of student intelligence as far as practicable, but not overly penalizing the school system for not being able to teach the unteachables.
( to be continued with some tentative ideas on what to do.)
Education Ruminations II
What are the Reasons for Our Failure?
There seem to be many reasons one can observe in the schools if you take the time to visit one, and receive cooperation from the Principal.
1. School Boards: Most school boards are now buying into the progressive approach to education, and where they are not, they receive prods from the ACLU amd the NEA, plus the Federal Education authorities. When the School boards cave in, the Principals must follow or lose their jobs. Many Principals are already on board the so-called progressive agenda, and believe John Dewey to be a Demi-God.
2. Teachers: Teachers must follow an approved curriculum, which precludes them from teaching anything not accepted by the NEA and the School Board, and teaching the subject in the approved manner as well. To violate this dictum is to be in grave danger of losing one's job. Since the NEA has a progressive agenda, virtually all of our curricula nationwide have about the same courses taught about the same way, with about the same textbooks.
3. Parents: Many parents either don't care about the school agenda, or they care too much. Moderation when the subjects of inequality, fast versus slow students, the very hint of discrimination, religion in the schools, patriotism, playground activities that are banned (such as tag!), and public activities that hint at God or Patriotism, is not to be found in the modern or postmodern PTA.
4. The Teachers Unions: Let us listen to Charlene K. Haar, EPI President:
"From the school house to the White House, the teacher unions are the most formidable foes of meaningful education reforms -- reforms, which I believe are necessary to achieve superior educational outcomes for children at lower costs to parents and other taxpayers through competition.
Despite their rhetoric, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, like other labor unions, were established to redistribute income from employers to employees and the unions. There is no incentive to reduce costs when taxpayers must pay upon demand. There is no reason to excel when the best employees are paid what the worst are paid. For decades, the NEA/AFT have negotiated highly inefficient contracts covering such items as
hours of employment and compensation
teacher work load and duties
teaching assignments and seniority
teacher evaluation and tenure
taxpayer subsidies to the unions, such as paid time off for union work, use of school mail system, payroll deduction for dues and NEA/AFT PACs at no cost to the unions, and retirement credit for full-time service as a union employee." I strongly recommend that everyone reads the full article.( go to http://www.educationpolicy.org/files/Crisis398.htm for the full article )
This article is a full-scale condemnation of the unions in stifling our education system. A key factor in this is the politicization of education by the progressive liberals of the Democratic Party. They have a stranglehold on the education system that will be extremely difficult to break.
So, we have teachers, parents, administrators, and unionists battling for the money, power and posts in the system, which leaves the poor students to meekly accept the pittance they get in valid learning. Not that the students themselves are blameless. The modern student is not the meek, docile, accepting child that was the norm 20 or more years ago.
Education Rumination
Our Motto Should be to Maximize the Potential
It is obvious that people are not equal in potential, equal in brainpower, equal in physique and stamina, nor equal in opportunity. They are not equal in motivation, not equal in their learning environment and not equal in common sense, either.
With all of these inequalities, why is it that our schools attempt to teach to the less gifted while often leaving the talented students to fend for themselves? Why do they insist upon eradicating track systems in favor of a lumping together of all levels?
After their (ineffective) ministrations, why is it that Johnny can't read, write, spell, or do simple arithmetic? Why is it that Johnny doesn't know pea-turkey about the United States, its history, its geography and its famous heroes? Why is it that we allow Spanish as a main language in classes, when English is the primary language of America?
Why is it that we now have a curriculum composed of classes in subjects that are supposed to be taught at home? Sex education in schools followed by handout of condoms and pills is not a good move. It has apparently not worked, either, since the teenage birthrate has been very high, abortions very high, and single-parent homes have been outpacing normal marriage arrangements.
Why is it that our high school students score so abominably in international tests? Then, too, why do our universities have to resort to remedial instruction for students admitted despite supposedly high academic standards for acceptance?
Our schools have deteriorated to the point that true learning and true learning-to-learn is postponed until years after high school is over, and even until after some years in college, if ever.
This is a national disgrace. Not only is it a disgrace, it is a catastrophe for the future of our society. We are not producing educated citizens across the whole spectrum of inherent student capabilities, but rather, a lowest-common-denominator education that panders to the feel good, the ignorant, and the indifferent, while boring the intelligent and the gifted to distraction.
Why has this happened? Almost stealthily, the school down the road has turned into something my generation does not recognize. It appears to lack the discipline of former years, where yelling and running in the halls was a punishable offense. The classrooms seem not to be areas where the teacher is given the normal respect an adult should receive, but rather a challenge to authority from the start. Punishment is not easy to mete out. Too many parents have inserted themselves into the process, and have threatened lawsuits if they don't get their way.
The curriculum has been distorted , many of the books have been edited down or banned for reasons of not wanting to bruise sensitive souls, and a creeping belief seems to arise that all of this is not quite accidental--there seems to be a master plan for dumbing-down our schools. How else can it be when the same complaints are heard in every city and state in the nation?
Are there common origins for this dumbing down? Despite spending enormous sums each year by state and national governments on a per head basis, what we get for this taxation is more infrastructure, more administrators, and more studies, and not more learning. The educators cry for more and more money every year, yet no matter how much we spend, it is not enough. Teacher salaries have not kept pace, and many schools have terrible shortages in materials, books, and training aids. What is going on?
A Careful Distinction Regarding Islam
The mistake of equating 'some' with 'all'
In writing comments or posts, it sometimes happens that mentally one makes the mistake of calling all Muslims terrorists , when it should be some who are radical Islamofacists, and not all adherents of the Islamic faith.
It is apparent that there are many Muslims who are peaceful and who abhor the terrorism of their religious brothers. I have sinned in this manner and hereby retract the incautious words I have posted in the past.
Cheney and Quail
MSM Fest
The MSM is at it again. Anything to try to embarass this administration and the individuals in it--especially Bush and Cheney. There was no urgent need to inform the public of this unfortunate accident. Proper authorities and witnesses came forth in a reasonable time to tell the story. I personally don't believe that Cheney owes me, or anyone else, an apology for not running to the phone to tell the AP about the incident. The White House Press is so far out of line that it is sickening.
They should get off this story.
Watch the Diplomats Dance!
Apologies Demanded for the Cartoons of Muhammad
The proper response to the Islamic rioting, demonstrating and killing people is not an apology at all, but rather, a stern lecture to the entire Islamic World on the freedom of speech we enjoy and intend to continue to enjoy in the West.
Further demonstrations should serve to isolate the Islamic World from acceptance in the West. Once we have perfected the use of hydrogen as a fuel for our automobiles, I see absolutely no need to continue to deal with these types of barbarians: the sooner we stop, the better. Let them play in their sandpiles and stay out of the West. Such behavior is not acceptable in the West, and should be rejected strongly. Of course, they are perfectly free to riot and kill all they want to in their own countries!
However, if the Muslims renounce terrorism and show respect for Western laws and freedoms, and also show the will to take a few jokes about their religion as Christianity does, then they can join humanity once more.
Personally, I do not indulge in drawing cartoons to show disrespect to anyone's religion, but obviously there are those who do, and it is their right to do so in the West, whether it is totally impolitic or simply boorish to do such things.
This show of indignation by Muslims is far beyond sanity and should stop now.
Poor Old Ali Baba
The New Life of Ali
When last seen, our reluctant hero was running down the street waving a green flag in one hand and firing a rifle with his other hand, in traditional Muslim demonstration mode. The Caliph told him he had been insulted by the Danes. Ali didn't know what a Dane was, but if one could insult him or Allah, then woe to him. It was street time again. Besides, the Caliph paid well for a few hours of yelling, firing, waving, and jumping up and down. Perhaps one of the others surounding him would know what a Dane was, and give his gyrations more meaning.
Kalief knew. A Dane was a man from a country called Denmark. A newspaper there ran a set of cartoons blaspheming Allah. So it was our duty to demo. After the demo there would be a big party behind the Mosque, and someone said there would be a whole bunch of vestal virgins there--well, maybe not vestal, and come to think of it not virgins either-- but they would be a grand substitute till the real thing happened.
No one had actually seen these cartoons, since they couldn't be published by law, but the Caliph never lied; well, not often anyway. Kalief said that more papers in Europe had printed them, and all the Muslims there were out in the streets too. This meant days of demos and parties, and a very large sum of money out of the pocket of the Caliph, so it was with considerable enthusiasm that Ali shouted the usual slogans he didn't understand, such as "Down with the Americans!" with his fellow Arabs, all the while thinking about vestal virgins (light).
Life was good, demos made the day, and the night.
The Quadrennial Defense Review
QDR Comment
The kind of obscure language in the QDR hides the real plan very nicely, and cannot directly be used by our internal and external enemies to rant and rail. But it also obscures the plan from the public quite well, and it is the public who pays the bills.
We still need a goodly measure of big-ticket items--tanks, strykers, attack fighters, deep sea and close-in types of ships, tankers, and new missiles. Perhaps not as many as before, but we do need a continuing development of better tools of war, and the ability to produce them rapidly when needed.
It seems that we lose sight of this after every major engagement, and are usually embarassed early on in the next engagement we find ourselves in. The nation thirsts for a "peace dividend" that ends up costing us in lives and territory downstream.
We are usually reluctant to train enough men to form a truly effective major fighting force and a major occupying force at the same time. Thus generations of our men grow up never having seen a firing range, or ever developing a real understanding of what the military is all about.
We are slowly coming to the realization that Islam is a worldwide and deadly threat to our well-being, but they are not the only threats out there. China and Russia must be checked as well.
It would be logical, but totally impolitic to join now with the EU nations to literally wipe out Islam as a major force, not to mention that it is against our dominant religions' morality to perform the slaughter this would entail.
It will take more time for the West to realize that accomodation and appeasement of Islam will not work. My hope is that this realization does not come too late to be effective.
In the end, we will have to defeat and occupy practically the entire Middle East, and be prepared to fend off the Chinese and Russian counter-threats at the same time.
What happens meanwhile in our Western societies, with their large populations of Muslims, is duanting to think about.
Rightwords... Prudent Conservatism: February 2006
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Like the New Moon I Will Live My Life
This book is an ambitious collecting of over 190 poems not included in Robert Bly’s recent selected poems, Stealing Sugar from the Castle. Ranging back to some of his earliest publications in the early 1960s, Like the New Moon gathers work from many of Bly’s smaller, more obscure publications, including a number of poems that have never before appeared in any book. With a special focus on the more Chinese-influenced strain of Bly’s work with its room for movement, spontaneity and openness, this volume is a feast for Bly fans and collectors alike. Like the New Moon is knowledgeably edited by White Pine publisher Dennis Maloney, with an introduction by Thomas R. Smith who identifies these poems collectively as "Bly’s less-traveled road," holding many delights for the poetry reader willing to venture off the beaten path.
The Lion’s Tail and Eyes: Poems Written Out of Laziness and Silence
In 1962, when Robert Bly was about to publish his first full-length book of poems, he also released from his Sixties Press this small sampling of his poems along with others by friends and colleagues William Duffy and James Wright. Duffy was the co-editor of Bly’s influential Fifties and Sixties magazines, and Wright a frequent collaborators in Bly’s translations projects. Both friends were intensely interested in the image-based poetry Bly was writing and promoting in the magazine, for which The Lion’s Tail and Eyes is also a showcase. Long a rare and expensive collector’s item, this handsome facsimile edition by White Pine Press brings back into affordable availability an essential poetic document of the 1960s. John Logan called the original edition "an unusual, exciting volume which serves ideally to lead readers into the extraordinary creative world of three Minnesota poets…who together are bringing to American poetry a powerful new direction away from academicism."
Stealing Sugar from the Castle: Selected and New Poems 1950-2013
Selected from throughout Robert Bly’s monumental body of work from 1950 through the present, and including eight stunning new poems, Stealing Sugar from the Castle represents the culmination of an astonishing career in American letter. Ranging from early poems of the 1950s published in his ground-breaking first book, Silence in the Snowy Fields, to a generous selection of the American ghazal form Bly has pioneered over the past two decades, this book forms the definitive record of a dazzlingly inventive and original journey through 20th century poetry. As the Huffington Post comments, "Bly is dedicated to reintegrating poetry with life - daily life, the life of the body, spiritual and political life." The third and biggest of Bly's volumes of selected poems over a 30-year period, Stealing Sugar from the Castle will stand as the definitive summary of Bly’s joyful and spirited labor in service of poetry and the soul.
Talking into the Ear of a Donkey
Reflecting Robert Bly's lifelong fascination with poetic
form, the poems in Talking into the Ear of a Donkey range from free verse to Bly's invented form, the ramage, to his American version of the Mideastern ghazal. In the title poem, Bly addresses a "donkey," which may be poetry itself, which has carried him over a writing life of more than six decades: "I have been talking into the ear of a donkey. / I have so much to say! And the donkey can't wait / To feel my breath stirring the immense oats / Of his ears." These poems, emotionally varied, wise and far-ranging in their intellectual and cultural reference, stand at the very height of Bly's achievement. They show the poet in his ninth decade, still full of amazement and gratitude. He says in "What the Old Poets Failed to Say": "The sunlight on wheat-heads in August holds me firmly, / For I am in love with the wheat soon to be cut. / Let's thank whoever it was who kept sorrow alive."
My Sentence Was a Thousand Years of Joy
Readers of The Night Abraham Called to the Stars will instantly recognize the literary style and landscape of My Sentence Was a Thousand Years of Joy; as in the earlier volume, Robert Bly serves up an abundant feast of 48 of his "American" ghazals. But these poems drive even deeper into the ecstatic than the earlier poems did. In fact, many are inspired by ecstatic music from other cultures, especially the Iranian and the Indian. In a poem dedicated to the sitar player David Whetstone, Bly says: "Every sitar note strikes a bargain with the one / Who arranges things. One note says, 'A year in heaven.'" Each poem is made up of six three-line stanzas, many of which can stand as tiny, provocative poems in themselves. But taken all together they make an unforgettable, image-saturated meditation on the most profound spiritual realities of life, death, love, and grief.
The Urge to Travel Long Distances
In the early 60s, Robert Bly's first poetry collection, Silence in the Snowy Fields, came as a fresh breeze to clear away the stale odor that hung over much American poetry. Influenced by Chinese and Spanish poetry, the Snowy Fields poems spoke a language of images rather than exhausted abstractions. Those who love Bly's early poems will be delighted by The Urge to Travel Long Distances, which collects 20 more poems from that time, written on the farm in western Minnesota. All have been largely unavailable, and some never published before the appearance of this beautifully designed collection. Here is the title poem: "Tonight, after riding, and translating a few poems from the Danish, / I sawed off wild shoots from the box elder trees. / In the spring night we are not content to be home. / We have urges to travel long distances in the misty dusk."
The Night Abraham Called To The Stars
Densely allusive, imaginatively bold, and sometimes darkly funny, each of the 48 poems in The Night Abraham Called to the Stars shares the same form of six three-line stanzas, Bly’s adaptation of the Eastern ghazal form. Bly’s approach is unique in its muscular leaping, a power Bly has developed from the beginning of his literary career in the 1950s. One can feel Bly “doubling the madness,” ratcheting the already considerable intensity of his art up a few more notches, to electrify and challenge the reader in his most powerful collection to date.
The Insanity of Empire: A Book of Poems Against the Iraq War.
This book against the Iraq War is illuminated by Bly’s insights into the mass psychology of the war and its spiritual roots in the Islamic concept of the nafs, or “greedy soul.” “We can surmise,” says Bly, “that the greedy longing for 95 TV channels is related to the greedy longing for a new war.” To some of his earlier poems written during the Vietnam War, Bly has added five new poems in the ghazal form, a form that contributed to the power of his book The Night Abraham Called to the Stars, published by HarperCollins in 2001. These poems include the now-famous poem "Call and Answer," which was one of the first poems written against the war, published in The Nation in August of 2002. Bly's new poems reach for that larger voice to which he has always been committed. Available for purchase online via PayPal at Ally Press.
Eating the Honey of Words: New and Selected Poems
This landmark 1999 selection features 200 poems chosen by Bly as the vital core of his work. Many previously unpublished or revised poems illuminate more familiar poems in this revelatory retrospective of one of America's most essential poets. If you own only a single Bly collection, this should be the one.
Morning Poems
In this 1997 collection, Bly pays homage to his mentor William Stafford, who wrote a poem every morning. Playful and improvisatory, this book presents a side of Bly not seen before in his poetry . Probably the most concentrated glimpse of Bly's agile, restless creativity captured in a single volume.
Meditations on the Insatiable Soul
One of the major themes of this collection ( at the time of publication his first all-new gathering in nine years) is the old age and death of his father. These poems, both tender and stark, lay out the wounding in both sides of the father-son relationship. Also includes his long poem "Anger Against Children" and a visionary sequence of "Not Caring" poems.
What Have I Ever Lost by Dying?: Collected Prose Poems
The subtitle is a slight misnomer, because this volume doesn't sample Bly's first prose poem collection, the exotic This Body Is Made of Camphor and Gopherwood. But almost all of the other notable prose poems are her, in a survey that practically redefines its genre.
Angels of Pompeii (with Stephen Brigidi)
This collaboration between Bly and photographer Stephen Brigidi centers around angels or other divine beings painted in the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Bly's poems (many previously unavailable) are surprisingly harmonious with Bridigi's photos of gorgeously peeling walls. Heavier on photos than on poems, of which there are eight.
Published in 1986, Bly's first selected poems differs significantly from his more recent selection, Eating the Honey of Words. Bly radically revises poems from Sleepers Joining Hands especially. Each section is prefaced with brief but illuminating essays tracing the evolution of Bly's poetry from book to book. Students and lovers of Bly's poetry will want to own both volumes. [more info: Amazon Books Online]
Loving a Woman in Two Worlds
In his love poems, published in 1985, Bly strikes deeper into the intricacies of man-woman relationships than most of his contemporaries. Following the Chinese masters, he is especially inventive in his delicate use of natural imagery to suggest the pleasures of lovemaking. This book bursts with heart. [more info: Amazon Books Online]
The Man in the Black Coat Turns
This 1981 collection, with its mythological resonance and intricate stanza forms, was one of Bly's most revolutionary in its time. "Black Coat" is the point where Bly's poetry meets his fascination with the male psyche, laying the poetry foundation for his subsequent work with men and his prose work, Iron John.
This Tree Will Be Here for a Thousand Years
In this 1979 collection, Bly revisits the western Minnesota terrain and plainspoken style of his first collection, Silence in the Snowy Fields. While in many ways a sequel to Snowy Fields, the poems here reflect a deepened awareness of Sufism and Jung that relates them spiritually and psychologically to Camphor and Gopherwood and Black Coat.
Old Man Rubbing His Eyes
All of the poems in this little book (originally published by Unicorn Press but then taken over by Ally Press) later turned up in the larger collection, This Tree Will Be Here for a Thousand Years. But that's no reason to pass this edition by. Embellished by the appropriately earthy yet somewhat spectral drawings of Franz Allbert Richter, this is one of Bly's most visually attractive editions.
This Body Is Made of Camphor and Gopherwood
These 1977 prose poems delight in the wild "leaps" and associative connections discovered by the meditative mind in solitude. A showcase for Bly's imaginative reach at its most muscular, this book features one of Bly's most ecstatic affirmations of physical love, "We Love This Body," as well as the famous poem, "Finding the Father." Beautifully enhanced by Gendron Jensen's pencil drawings. [more info: Amazon Books Online]
Jumping Out of Bed
Originally published in 1973 by a small press in Massachusetts, this volume belongs stylistically with the poems of Sleepers Joining Hands which appeared the same year. What gives this collection its unique flavor are the woodcuts of Wang Hui-Ming, which wonderfully complement the Chinese-influenced mood of the poems.
Sleepers Joining Hands
Bly's third volume is organized around an amazing essay that has defined his later work with gender issues, "I Came Out of the Mother Naked." Also includes his ferocious antiwar poem, "The Teeth Mother Naked at Last," and the ambitious title poem, a symbolic autobiography cast in visionary, Jungian images. One of Bly's most intellectually challenging volumes.
The Light Around the Body
When Bly won the National Book Award for this 1967 collection, he publicly turned the prize money over to the Resistance. In these poems, he applies his psychological vision to American politics and history to strikingly original effect. Some of his most concise and penetrating poems on the Vietnam War are here.
Silence in the Snowy Fields
Bly's first collection, published in 1962, disarmed readers and critics with its clear-sighted intelligence and apparent simplicity. Unlike much of the academically based American poetry of its time, Snowy Fields aimed at a kind of Oriental balance in which human beings participate in but do not dominate nature. Many still find this one of Bly's most healing books.
Back to Bookshelf Index
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The Rossica Society
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Send Tiller's Killer to Gitmo:
The Rude Pundit wants this fucker put into detention at Gitmo, no motherfuckin' questions asked. Yeah, that's right. He wants the guy who assassinated Dr. George Tiller fuckin' hooded, chained, put on a cargo plane with fuckin' headphones on so he can't hear shit, and flown across that little bit of ocean to Cuba, man, our little colony on the bay. And when that cocksucker gets there, the Rude Pundit wants him interrogated, interrogated like a terrorist oughta be interrogated, strippin' off his clothes and pointing and laughing at his scared, tiny cock, slammin' him up against a fake wall over and over and over, slapped in just the prescribed places. Fear up that motherfucker. And who knows what plots he's involved in? Who knows how many radical fascist Christianist sleeper cells are waiting to blow away more abortion providing doctors, destroy their hospitals, attack the mothers themselves? How can you be sure? Because the authorities asked him? Because he said he was acting alone? You trust the killer?
Fuck that. Lay that backwards ass, shack-dwelling mule fucker out. Tie him down and tilt him back. It's time for the cloth and the water, 20 seconds at a time, oh, fuck yeah, 83, 100, 150 times, he'll talk. Shit, he'll tell you how much he's fucked his sister by the time you're done with him. Then put him in solitary, toss his Bible in the john when he pisses you off, slap him around some more.
Or better yet, rendition that Christian fundamentalist killer. Yeah, send him to Syria or Egypt, have them put him in some shithole prison where they can get Ottoman on his ass. Get those motherfuckin' electrodes on his nuts, on his nipples. Whip him with stripped cables. Keep him in a space the size of a grave, letting the rats and the cockroaches crawl all over him. Then send him back to Guantanamo so he can perhaps one day face a tribunal. Or preventive detention. Real indefinite-like, until the abortion battle is settled.
Yeah, you better keep him at Gitmo, because if he's put in Supermax on the mainland, there's no telling how many Christians he'll recruit. Isn't that what they do? Isn't that what their radical preachers tell 'em all they're supposed to do? Evangelize and get people to give up their souls to Jesus, just like this murderer?
Hoo-ee and shee-it, this is the United motherfuckin' States of motherfuckin' America, dipshits, and we abide by the law. Except when we don't.
Sotomayor Drives the GOP Into the Desert:
There's something viscerally thrilling about watching the GOP die not with a bang, but a whimper. In attacking Judge Sonia Sotomayor for her ethnic identity and her education, the Republican Party hasn't just gone over a cliff. Oh, no. They plunged off that craggy fucker in 2004 like Wile E. Coyote on a sputtering rocket, landing on the canyon floor with a cactus shoved up their ass and their bones broken. Sure, they could have dragged themselves to the highway and flagged down some help, but given the choice of heading to the road or the dust, they turned their back on civilization and crawled on shattered knees into the desert. All we're really seeing now is the vultures feeding on their sad, burnt flesh.
The comical bungling of the response to Sotomayor demonstrates not only how out of touch the American right has become, but how they're so enamored of the scent of their own shit that they don't care who steps in the piles they're leaving. So, for instance, if someone like Senator Pat Roberts, who is a motherfucker, sure, but generally not a nutzoid motherfucker, says, as he did, that he opposes Sotomayor because "I think that you should be judging people on their qualifications, whether they will follow the Constitution, and if they do that and they follow the Constitution and they don’t make laws, they simply follow the Constitution and interpret it, I will support them," sure, we could argue whether or not Roberts is correct in his view of Sotomayor.
But the problem is the biting bitch of context. See, when Democrats in the Senate opposed, for instance, Miguel Estrada as a circuit court judge, there weren't dozens of screeching Democratic white men and women running around, saying how Estrada's love of beans might get in the way of his judgment on the bench. The only ones saying racist shit were his supporters, and they were accusing anyone not supporting him of being racist. As Dahlia Lithwick wrote at the time, "In the end, Miguel Estrada's supporters cannot see past his skin color, and his detractors cannot see past his ideology." You can have a conversation about only one of those. (By the way, the Alberto Gonzales confirmation hearing was second verse, same as the first, except Democrats caved.)
So Roberts and any Republican who might want to vote against Sotomayor are automatically lumped in with the titanic assholes who are hogging the microphones of America like a Nebraska twink hogs sailor cock on his first trip to Fleet Week in New York. Roberts is stuck now having to explain how he's not with Rush Limbaugh or Tom Tancredo in thinking that Sotomayor is racist because she said that on discrimination cases, actually having been a victim of discrimination would give you a perspective that being a white male wouldn't. (And, seriously, Tom Fucking Tancredo?)
If they were rational, GOP Senators would be condemning Limbaugh and Gingrich and all the others who have gone loco over Sotomayor. Indeed, something like this ought to demonstrate to the mainstream media that virtually all of the gabbling mongrels on the right are merely appealing to the most hateful, spite-ridden fuckers of our society, and they deserve the exile that's coming. Of course, that presupposes rationality on many levels.
By the way, the other story here is the huge influence of bloggers on the process as it plays out in the media. Out here in Left Blogsylvania, we immediately hit our Nexis bookmarks and went to searching, finding how utterly inane and/or hypocritical the attacks on Sotomayor have been, whether it's digging up the context for her quotes, finding out how Republicans overlooked the very same things she's said when spoken by or about Republican-nominated justices, and more. Everything they put up, we can hit down quickly. It's damned impressive.
(The Rude Pundit's still agnostic about Sotomayor. He doesn't think she'd've been nominated unless Rahm Emmanuel asked her point blank about Roe v. Wade and got the answer he wanted [and if she fucks Emmanuel over, well, remember: he is Shiva, the Destroyer], so there's no use in getting one's panties in a wad about it. Remember how the right was nervous that Roberts might not support the pro-life position? But, with barely even looking, she's a fuck of a lot better than either the Chief Justice or Alito.)
Family Research Council: Still Praying That Gays and Lesbians Live in Sin:
Aw, shee-it. You'd think that, since we defeated the forces of eeeevil gayocity in California, we'd get to lay off the prayers for a while, but, no, the work of a member of the Family Research Council's Super-Duper Prayer Team is never done. The Rude Pundit joined the SDPT under a nom de rude a few years ago, and each week he receives his prayerdage orders from the Rev. Pierre Bynum, the FRC's National Prayer Director (which is a title that's not unlike "Leprechaun Wrangler" or "Bigfoot Spotter"). Each email tells us what oughta be pissing us off, what to pray, and where in our worn out Bibles we can find verses that let us see that the Good Lord is straight and on our side. (No links to the FRC today - their site's gone to error Hell.)
For instance, this week, we've been told that our victory in California may be short-lived due to a pending appeal to the federal courts and we gots to stay down on our knees in order to stop gay marriage (even if the gesture seems counterintuitive to the goal). Sez the totally not-gay-sounding Pierre, we should scream, "May God intervene to defend man-woman marriage in California and every state!" (exclamation points quoted since they're the backwards baseball cap of punctuation).
And then Pierre suggests we check out Matthew 18:5-6, which gives us pissy Christ saying, "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Mostly, these passages are just random and confusing and it's probably best just to leave the Bible out of our prayers.
Still, though, with gay marriage cases and legislation a-brewing to drive the good, godly people of Maine, New Hampshire, and New York into a mad, legalized orgy of same sex knob-bobbing and oyster-diving, the SDPT is told to pray, "May God give his people in each of these states supernatural faith and strength to stand up to pushy homosexual activists and confused politicos whose arms have been twisted. May pro-marriage citizens refuse to back down, knowing that we have God and His eternal laws on our side! May prayer warriors in each state and across the nation arise to win each battle in the heavenlies, knowing that is where the battle must first be won! May God obtain the victory!"
Aw, that makes us hard, when Pierre calls us "prayer warriors," like we're out there on the front lines, fuckin' up some sinners fer Jesus, man, just fuckin' breakin' out our holy AK's of Christ's love and gettin' all blam-blam-blam, fillin' non-Christians with the lead of the blood of the Lamb and then scalpin' them with a crucifix and raping their corpses with our hard nails of worship. Hallelujah, motherfuckers, suck on it.
By the way, the FRC's a bit circumspect when it comes to Judge Sonia Sotomayor. It's kind of a wimpy prayer: "May the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the entire Senate fully examine and obtain an accurate picture of Judge Sotomayor's judicial philosophy for the American public before they vote on her nomination." In other words, "Umm, God, we're confused. A little help down here?"
In Brief: Sotomayor in 1997: Another Quote to Contradict the Right:
Sigh. This is just gonna keep going, innit? Let's toss another tidbit onto the barbecue.
Under questioning from Senator Strom Thurmond about federal sentencing guidelines during her September 30, 1997 confirmation hearing on her nomination to the Sixth Circuit Court, here is what Judge Sonia Sotomayor said: "Thus far, sir, in the vast majority of cases I have found the guidelines to be very helpful in giving some comfort to me, as a judge, that I am not arbitrarily imposing sentences based on my personal feelings. I believe that congressional sentiment, as reflected in the guidelines, is important, because it permits me, not to impose my personal views, but to let the democracy impose the society's views."
As Glenn Greenwald says, while one quote does not say everything about a nominee, surely all quotes should be considered equally.
A Letter from the American Americans for America Regarding Sonia Sotomayor:
A note to our eager members and generous donors:
Even though our organization is devoted to opposing anything that even hints at civil rights and freedoms for anyone not straight, white, Christian, and conservative, and despite the fact that the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court would appear, on its face, to contain every element that would prompt us to go into attack mode, we will not be fighting this nomination. In short, on Sotomayor, we surrender. A good army knows that you sometimes need to retreat to fight another day rather than join every battle, and if there was ever a battle that seemed like Little Big Horn and we're the cavalry, it's this one.
C'mon, look at it from a practical perspective. TV ads are expensive. Fox ain't just giving away time on Hannity. And, really, what do we have to say? That she once ruled against some white firefighters? That she once laughed as she said appeals courts make policy? That she said that being a woman of color from the projects might give her a better perspective on some issues than a rich white guy? Well, sure, we kind of have to agree, don't we? Because we always say that being a Christian gives us a better point of view on policy and legal issues. That means if you're not a Christian, you're not as wise as us. While sometimes blatant, open hypocrisy is fine, but even we can't say it with a straight face.
And look at her rulings on abortion rights. She's sided three times with the pro-life position. Yeah, you can bet that she supports Roe v. Wade, but you can't pin her down. Please don't make us fight this.
We believe you like this organization and all the good it's done. Gays still can't marry in California. Did you see that? That was us. And your state is not going to be invaded by terrorists from Guantanamo any time soon. That was us, too. Also, your child doesn't have to believe the world came from anything but the graceful hand of God because of us. See? We're on top of things. But we're gonna take a pass on Sotomayor because we think that if we go with the full force fight, we'll not only be crushed, but we'll lose membership and money. C'mon: a woman and a Hispanic? Are you nuts?
Yeah, yeah, don't worry. We'll still show up on news networks with a couple of talking points, about how she's a "radical" and "extremist" and "judicial activist," words that we've rendered empty of meaning but sound scary. We want to make sure people know we're still here, although, frankly, that's getting harder and harder to do these days. But we'll update the Facebook page. And our Twitter feed will be vicious. These things don't cost us a dime. Don't you love an organization that not only makes you feel good about your prejudices, but is economical about it? Honestly, though, we just don't have the resources at hand to make much more than a YouTube video, but we couldn't stand to do that only to have someone just take it and put Keyboard Cat at the end.
We're sure you're upset by this. We know you're not used to us stepping back and having insight into how we look to the rest of the public. We're sure you were all ready to get regular emails updating you on how we're losing this fight and how we need more of your money in order to win. Well, we still need your money. You know, who doesn't need more money? But we'll just bank it for a fight when Scalia finally keels over after one too many sausages.
Remember: your donation to American Americans for America is tax deductible.
Clarence Thomas Had Empathy, Said Bush, Sr.:
Hey, conservative wads of fuck desperate to disparage Sonia Sotomayor, suck the Rude Pundit's empathetic cock:
President George H.W. Bush, announcing the nomination of Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court on July 1, 1991: "He is a delightful and warm, intelligent person who has great empathy and a wonderful sense of humor."
Republican Senator John Danforth on Clarence Thomas on July 16, 1991: "His empathy is with the disadvantaged people of this country. He would bring a perspective to the Supreme Court which nobody else brings."
Are we done with this?
With the Nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, Another Republican Chicken Comes Home to Roost:
Here's what Senate Judiciary Committee member Orrin "Still Crazy After All These Years" Hatch said back in 2005 about the opposition to Alberto Gonzales when the White House counsel was nominated to be Attorney General: "Look, this is not just any nomination. This is a nomination for the Attorney General of the United States of America. This is the first Hispanic ever nominated for that position, or for any of the big four positions in the Cabinet of any President...We work with Hispanic people all over America who are every bit as devoted to our country as any citizen who has ever been in this country. I personally love Hispanic people. Frankly, I know my friends in the Hispanic community, and Hispanic people all over America, are watching this debate, and they are sensing something very unfair going on here."
Yep, Hatch was threatening Democrats with the racist sledgehammer if they would dare vote against the dude who had commissioned the torture memos. He double-dog dared 'em to filibuster Gonzales, saying, "I believe every Hispanic in America who is interested in this country and who understands what is going on here is watching this with a great deal of interest."
Of course, that was way back when, eh? A couple of weeks ago, in response to a remark by Judge Sonia Sotomayor that "the court of appeals is where policy is made," Hatch said that it was "a problem...She would have, I think, a more difficult time if she was nominated because of statements like that...I'm not very happy about judges who will substitute their own policy preferences for what the law really is, who think that they can run the country from the bench when they actually have a limited role." Man, it'd be awesome to live with no self-awareness.
In the February 4, 2005 Washington Times, there was John Cornyn, spittling, "I think people look at - here's an example of a Hispanic born to modest means, and because of his hard work and the love and support of his family, has risen to the top levels of the U.S. government, and there are those who want to create a glass ceiling." By the way, Republicans hoped and prayed that Democrats' opposition to Gonzales would hit them hard in 2006. How'd that work out? Yeah, it turned out that Hispanic-Americans don't much like torture, either. It was the same idiotic calculation that George H.W. Bush made by nominating Clarence Thomas. People of color aren't really the generic retards that the right thinks they are: "Yeah, it's important to have people like me in important positions, but at least make sure they're not motherfuckers first."
Now that Sotomayor has been nominated to the Supreme Court, we can pretty much assume that Republicans won't be giving her a pass on shit what they don't like just because her last name is hard to pronounce. No, no, instead, you can bet that every nutzoid group with access to the internet will be posting sinister videos with evil music about how Sotomayor decided on one case or another.
Maybe they'll pull out quotes, like this one, from a speech she made in 2002 and published in (shudder) the La Raza Law Journal: "No one person, judge or nominee will speak in a female or people of color voice. I need not remind you that Justice Clarence Thomas represents a part but not the whole of African-American thought on many subjects. Yet, because I accept the proposition that, as Judge Resnik describes it, 'to judge is an exercise of power' and because as, another former law school classmate, Professor Martha Minnow of Harvard Law School, states 'there is no objective stance but only a series of perspectives - no neutrality, no escape from choice in judging,' I further accept that our experiences as women and people of color affect our decisions. The aspiration to impartiality is just that--it's an aspiration because it denies the fact that we are by our experiences making different choices than others."
Seems like she's stating the obvious, no? But since Cornyn said today, "She must prove her commitment to impartially deciding cases based on the law, rather than based on her own personal politics, feelings, and preferences," that shit's gonna come up.
Hey, and here's another one that'll chill the goddamned willfully backwards people who believe in the impossible notion of constitutional originalism (and the fucking yahoos who have no idea what that means, but if Rush says it, it must be so), from her 1996 Suffolk University Law Review article "Returning Majesty To The Law and Politics: A Modern Approach," co-written with Nicole A. Gordon: "[C]hange--sometimes radical change--can and does occur in a legal system that serves a society whose social policy itself changes. It is our responsibility to explain to the public how an often unpredictable system of justice is one that serves a productive, civilized, but always evolving, society." A judge having responsibility to the public? Oh, shit.
(By the way, that's a great article that's also about the place of morality for lawyers and the legal system. It'll make your right wing friends' heads explode.)
So gird yer loins. Remember: Republicans have no sense of irony and the attention span of spastic five year-olds. Even when they should just walk away from this battle, they're gonna have to toss some meat to the very few constituencies who still support 'em. And it's gonna be big fun in Confirmationville.
A Poem For Memorial Day:
From former Army soldier Brian Turner's book Here, Bullet:
It happens on a Monday, at 11:20 A.M.,
as tower guards eat sandwiches
and seagulls drift by on the Tigris River.
Prisoners tilt their heads to the west
though burlap sacks and duct tape blind them.
The sound reverberates down concertina coils
the way piano wire thrums when given slack.
And it happens like this, on a blue day of sun,
when Private Miller pulls the trigger
to take brass and fire into his mouth:
the sound lifts the birds up off the water,
a mongoose pauses under the orange trees,
and nothing can stop it now, no matter what
blur of motion surrounds him, no matter what voices
crackle over the radio in static confusion,
because if only for this moment the earth is stilled,
and Private Miller has found what low hush there is
down in the eucalyptus shade, there by the river.
PFC B. Miller
(1980-March 22, 2004)
Join the Rude Fun at Facebook:
While the Rude Pundit still hasn't discovered what's charming or interesting about Twitter (although he's trying), his Facebook page, updated regularly, has become a blast of a place for mucho comments and debate.
And here's a promise: the Rude Pundit will never use his FB status to whine about having a cold or being out of coffee or losing his condom somewhere in there.
So if you're looking for fun this Memorial Day that gives you the illusion that you have friends, join in the party.
Christ Weary of Catholics (Abuse Excuse Edition):
There's times in this life when, no matter how intensely you believe something, you just need to shut the fuck up. Sometimes the decision is easy. Once, the Rude Pundit, in a room with two members of the Israeli military and their anti-Palestinian wristband-wearing American hosts at a party, chose not to bring up a recent missile strike on Gaza. See? Easy decision so he could leave the place with his face and limbs intact. But if you're Bill "Dental Care Sucked in the 1950s" Donohue of the Catholic League (motto: "Bill plus one equals an organization"), you can't help yourself. And when the recent Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse report was released in Ireland, detailing decades of physical and psychological abuse of thousands of Irish children placed in the care of the Catholic Church, well, for Donohue, it was like a leprechaun yanked on his asshole hair.
Donohue released a statement this week, and, truly, it is one of the most breathtakingly vicious things the Rude Pundit's come across in a while. It's rare when you have proof of how ignorant and willfully blind to reality someone is, but why describe when you can have the pure essence of Donohue, a stink so rank that fields of shit dry up when it wafts across them.
First, in his rebuttal to the report, titled "Hysteria Over Irish Clergy Abuse," Donohue blames the victims: "More than 30,000 children, most of them delinquents, passed through one or more of Ireland’s Catholic-run institutions from the 1920s through the 1980s." You get that? Dehumanize the little fuckers, all the better to make 'em ripe for the caning. (No, really, lots of caning naked kids.)
You know, there's really no way to do this other than to just quote most of the goddamn thing. Here's what it sounds like when someone's blowing the Pope while tickling his own prostate with a bloody crucifix:
"Reuters is reporting that 'Irish Priests Beat, Raped Children,' yet the report does not justify this wild and irresponsible claim. Four types of abuse are noted: physical, sexual, neglect and emotional. Physical abuse includes 'being kicked'; neglect includes 'inadequate heating'; and emotional abuse includes 'lack of attachment and affection.' Not nice, to be sure, but hardly draconian, especially given the time line: fully 82 percent of the incidents took place before 1970. As the New York Times noted, 'many of them [are] now more than 70 years old.' And quite frankly, corporal punishment was not exactly unknown in many homes during these times, and this is doubly true when dealing with miscreants.
"Regarding sexual abuse, 'kissing,' and 'non-contact including voyeurism' (e.g., what it labels as 'inappropriate sexual talk') make the grade as constituting sexual abuse. Moreover, one-third of the cases involved 'inappropriate fondling and contact.' None of this is defensible, but none of it qualifies as rape. Rape, on the other hand, constituted 12 percent of the cases. As for the charge that 'Irish Priests' were responsible, some of the abuse was carried out by lay persons, much of it was done by Brothers, and about 12 percent of the abusers were priests (most of whom were not rapists).
"The Irish report suffers from conflating minor instances of abuse with serious ones, thus demeaning the latter. When most people hear of the term abuse, they do not think about being slapped, being chilly, being ignored or, for that matter, having someone stare at you in the shower. They think about rape."
Depressed yet? Then Donohue ends with one of those "No, really I'm rational" statements that's like a kick in the taint: "By cheapening rape, the report demeans the big victims. But, of course, there is a huge market for such distortions, especially when the accused is the Catholic Church." Because, you know, we wouldn't want to distort the endless history of Catholic clergy raping and assaulting children around the world and then having those incidents covered up by the Church leadership. Yeah, you wouldn't want to make that sound bad. And all those school and church figures who groped, force kissed, and beat the kids, you wouldn't want them to feel down because you're lumping them in with rapists.
But, hey, fuck, let's take rape out of the equation just for a moment. It's only 128 girls that happened to. Instead, let's check out some of the other, more quaint treatments of the "miscreants": From Volume III, Chapter 9.40 (interesting how the numbering has a biblical feel), "Forty one (41) witnesses reported being forced to eat, frequently by having their heads held and mouths prised open. Seven (7) witnesses reported being beaten for refusing to eat and eight others reported being physically forced to eat regurgitated food." However harsh people may have been to children pre-1970, the Rude Pundit's pretty sure that forcing a child to eat vomit would have still been frowned upon.
And as for the delightful section where Donohue belittles any sexual abuse that's not rape, "Seventeen (17) witnesses described the manner in which they were made to stand in line without clothes waiting for a bath while being observed by staff and co-residents as sexually abusive. This practice was reported consistently from four Schools for both pre- and post-pubertal residents." (From III.9.82) For more examples, check out Pharyngula.
To add some balance, here's what the British Catholic leader, Rev. Vincent Nichols said: ""It's very distressing and very disturbing and my heart goes out today first of all to those people who will find that their stories are now told in public... Secondly, I think of those in religious orders and some of the clergy in Dublin who have to face these facts from their past which instinctively and quite naturally they'd rather not look at. That takes courage, and also we shouldn't forget that this account today will also overshadow all of the good that they also did." There, Bill, was that so hard?
What a disgusting human being is this old man, this festering boil, this gluttonous, pride-filled, kneejerk apologist, this fame-craving beggar, this Bill Donohue. There are times you shut the fuck up. And if you're too fucking stupid to know when, then you deserve all the scorn and hate that can be heaped upon you. And every time he appears on some loathsome news network craving someone spewing shit all over the screens of America, remember that this is the man who sought to mitigate the crimes of his church, which, one can say without doubt, is par for the course for Catholicism.
A Few Notes Regarding Today's Speech(es):
Sure, the Rude Pundit's biased, but, c'mon, no matter what side you're on, you gotta admit: President Barack Obama knows how to nut up. Attacked on the left and right for what both perceived as weakness either on his promises of change in Bush policies or on security itself, Obama spoke today at the National Archives to say, more or less, "Stop acting like the other guy is still President, you poor, traumatized bastards."
On one level, Obama's speech was a rhetorical technique from his campaign: when people are talking shit about you, confront the shit directly. So there he was, slapping down the bases for torture, for Gitmo, for the prosecution of the retarded "war on terror," saying that he didn't run the car off the cliff, but he sure as fuck is gonna pick up the glass and mop up the blood: "In other words, the problem of what to do with Guantanamo detainees was not caused by my decision to close the facility; the problem exists because of the decision to open Guantanamo in the first place." And then he laid out a framework for understanding what has to happen on the road to closing Gitmo. He treated us like grown-ups, like he wasn't reading My Pet Goat to grade school students, but teaching De Tocqueville to college seniors.
But on another level, what Obama was doing was removing the unitary executive idea from the center of the government. Said the President, "[W]e are indeed at war with al Qaeda and its affiliates. We do need to update our institutions to deal with this threat. But we must do so with an abiding confidence in the rule of law and due process; in checks and balances and accountability." He voiced, again and again, that things are different now; essentially, what he's saying is "The Bush administration made the other branches into accessories, cock rings to enhance its fucking. But they are cocks that can stand and fuck on their own. Grow the fuck up, Congress." And so he repeatedly insisted that Congress and the courts exercise their oversight responsibilities. He, in essence, set them free from the shackles Bush and Cheney had clasped them in. Obama actually respects the nation and, as he pointed out, the will of the people in the last election. (Obama went out of his way a bit to give his perspective on Gitmo and torture bipartisan street cred.)
Most stunning, though, was his assertion of how the government should deal with the crimes of the past administration, and it ain't a Truth Commission: "I have opposed the creation of such a Commission because I believe that our existing democratic institutions are strong enough to deliver accountability. The Congress can review abuses of our values, and there are ongoing inquiries by the Congress into matters like enhanced interrogation techniques. The Department of Justice and our courts can work through and punish any violations of our laws."
Do you get that? President Obama is telling the Congress not to be punk ass bitches about investigating, that the legislative branch should keep the executive branch honest, that punishing crimes is what we're supposed to do. Obama used this speech on national security to say that the way to be safe is to defend what makes America American and for everyone to do their fucking jobs.
Finally, he kicked Bush and Cheney in their taints at the close of his speech: "We will not be safe if we see national security as a wedge that divides America - it can and must be a cause that unites us as one people, as one nation. We have done so before in times that were more perilous than ours." Now that's how to stand tall and say, "C'mon, fuck with me."
Cheney, Briefly: Dick Cheney, wheezing his way through his speech, opened by talking about how he was cowering in a bunker on 9/11 and his horribly scarred psyche changed how he thought about the world. The fact that Cheney admitted that he was a PTSD sufferer and that's how he responded to the world pretty much negates everything he said after. Fuck him. He's not worthy to be called Cthulu or Satan anymore.
While Obama Speaks:
Remember, while Obama is busy stomping Dick Cheney's balls all over the National Archives, Cheney is waiting backstage to speak, listening to this. One would like to think he's frantically marking through his speech.
Back after El Dicko is done.
Gitmo Detainees in America: What We Should Really Fear:
Maybe the Rude Pundit's naive, but he's simply not afraid of a bunch of mostly former cave-dwelling, goatherding hole-shitters who joined up with the wrong warlord at the wrong time and who have been driven incoherently mad by isolation, torture, and imprisonment. No, in the Big Book of Shit What Keeps Him Up at Night, the Gitmo detainees don't even make an appearance. The Rude Pundit's just not feeling threatened by people who might just get scared by the sight of an iPhone. And he think anyone who is actually scared, and not just in it for the fear-up-the-yokels vote, is pretty much a big, wet pussy.
He's also not even remotely concerned about moving the Gitmomates to the United States, trying them, freeing the ones who didn't do shit, and putting the others in prison. How many fucking successful prison breaks have there been in this country? Like, in the last couple of decades? Where they didn't recapture the escapees almost immediately? C'mon, name one that's not a Shawshank fantasy in your brain.
And since those, to be generous, couple of dozen of the couple of hundred remaining at Spa Guantanamo who could probably be convicted of crimes would be held in our most inhuman of human spaces, the Supermax prison, is there actually any chance at all they'd escape? If you think they would, then you're living in a movie, motherfucker, and there's no talking to you. You know what it's like in Supermax, the one in Colorado, where a genuine hardcore terrorist badass like Ramzi Yousef lives?
Check this shit out: "Large cables are strung above the basketball courts and track for no apparent reason. 'Those are helicopter deterrents,' a corrections official explains. 'We are not really worried about a chopper escape attempt, but you've got to be prepared.'" But, sure, if you're worried, build a fucking moat and fill it with robot sharks. However, if we've learned anything from shitty flicks, the robot sharks will run amok and need to be taken out by Dolph Lundgren. The prisoners? Sure, they may shank each other, but, hey, fuck 'em, right? They be driven insane by 23-hour a day isolation. They may more or less be living in Gitmos on the continent. But this ain't about the general failure of the American penal system or the blatant racism that inflicts this whole discussion. (And, you know, if these were a bunch of white guys from Europe at Gitmo, wouldn't this have been over years ago?)
No, this is about our punk ass politicians.
Because, let us say, and why not, that we transfer the Gitmoers to Supermax. And let us say that one of the guys that's really a terrorist escapes. And let us continue to say the escaped terrorist goes right to Denver, traversing a hundred miles of mountains to do it, and hooks up with a terror cell. And let us say, in this increasingly remotest of remote scenarios, that the escaped terrorist gets a dirty bomb, you know, one of those mythical suitcase nukes, and he blows it up in a mall in Denver suburbs.
Now, how many of those affected by the escaped terrorist's actions will need medical insurance to cover their injuries? (And this doesn't have to have been committed by a former Gitmo detainee.) Remember: we're not just talking about the immediate impact. We're talking about the radiation poisoning lasting, potentially, for years. What about the families who lose the spouse, the partner, the mother or father whose job provides medical insurance for the kids? Are they bereft of health care now? 9/11 families didn't get free health care for life (although some companies provided lower-cost premiums - no, really). Ripple effects, motherfuckers, ripple effects. Now there's a real, tangible fear.
In other words, the Rude Pundit doesn't give a grunting pig fuck about potential risks in bringing Gitmoians to the United States. The short-sighted Democrats who put the kibosh on the funding for closing the camp forget that that act is actually about restoring the United States's standing in the world.
But when some craven Republican he-whore exclaims that about the Gitmo detainees "They get better health care than the average American citizen does" and then proudly stands in the way of Americans getting health care coverage, well, what's the real threat to the United States? What and who do we really need to be afraid of? What's an actual national security issue?
When Newt Gingrich Was Condemning the FBI, It Was A-Ok:
In a confluence of incompetence and evil the likes of which hasn't been seen since, well, probably this year's Republican National Convention, former Speaker of the House and possible Future of the GOP Newt Gingrich appeared on Bill O'Reilly's Fox "news" show. It was not unlike watching two drunk guys stare at themselves in a mirror as they perform self-fellatio and then insist that they're totally not gay.
Gingrich was there to sing his new single, "Boom Boom Pelosi," wherein he says, "Well, the first thing is, you know, all around the world, the young men and women who are risking their lives today trying to protect this country. And now they've got to look over their shoulder and wonder whether the third ranking politician in the country is going to throw them away. You know, she's not just a member of the House. She's in the Constitution. The Speaker of the House is the third ranking person to be president of the United States. She's a potential commander and chief. And she defamed, she smeared every single person that works for the CIA everywhere in the world. And I think that undermines their morale."
That would be because Pelosi made the seemingly obvious statement that the CIA misleads Congress "all the time." Um, they're spies. Misleading is part of what they do.
Still, this would be the same Newt Gingrich who, when he was a member of Congress and Speaker of the House back in the mid-1990s (a time that really seems a century ago, although if it were, Gingrich would presumably be dead now), viciously savaged the FBI and its director, Louis Freeh, over a variety of events, including the raid on Ruby Ridge, the Branch Davidian standoff in Waco and the bullshit -gates, Travel and File.
Indeed, Gingrich not only held up an anti-terror bill President Bill Clinton wanted in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, but he also said on Meet the Press in May 1995, "We have to understand that there is, in rural America, a genuine -- particularly in the West -- a genuine fear of the Federal Government and of Washington, D.C., as a place that doesn't understand their way of life and doesn't understand their values." Gingrich pointed directly to actions by the FBI as to why such "fear" existed. And he supported hearings on what happened at Waco, two years after the fact.
In other words, titanic asshole Newt Gingrich thinks that if Nancy Pelosi says the CIA misleads Congress, it doesn't mean that there should be hearings into the substance of what she's alleging. It means she should resign as Speaker of the House. But when he was Speaker of the House and saying to the media that the FBI was incompetent and a threat to Americans, it didn't mean he was undermining the FBI agents' morale and he should resign. No, then it meant that Congress ought to investigate.
Could someone, somewhere tell this tubby, hypocritical fucker to go the fuck away? Wait, no. Instead, please let him run for president in 2012.
The Rude Pundit in New Shoot the Messenger Video::
From Daily Show creator Lizz Winstead and the decadently demented minds at Shoot the Messenger, an ad for a new service:
The Rude Pundit's on "bass."
If enhanced interrogation was standard policy
Why aren’t the guys who made it legal sittin' here with me?
They told me waterboarding could get a man to speak
But it turns out asking questions is the pref'rable technique
Should’ve gone to Free Torture Report.com
I woulda learned we shouldn’t use techniques from Vietnam
You’ll get a daily email ‘bout what’s torture and what ain’t
Then we won't look like assholes who don't understand restraint
(Enjoy. And spread the love like a virus.)
A Photo That, If the Context Was Right, Would Make the Rude Pundit Break Out the Cocaine and Moet:
That grim-looking fucker behind the netting there is former Vice President Dick Cheney, and, no, he's not in a Rudolph Hess-like internment camp. He's taking a break from his "Angels and Demons" tour of talk shows to attend yesterday's baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals.
No doubt the man is contemplating all his sins as he stares at the mock fence, wondering how he become so bereft of humanity, that he perhaps deserves to be surrounded by gates and bars and razor wire, with a tattoo that reads "Property of the Aryan Brotherhood" on his right ass cheek. Yes, the weight of all that he has done must push heavily on him every day and every night, and perhaps he thinks he does not need an actual fence to punish him for he is imprisoned by the pain in his soul.
Nah. Probably just has to take a gigantic dump after sucking down two chili cheese dogs and a bucket of beer, and he's wondering if he can get the skin of a dead Afghani villager to use to wipe his ass. Only the best for the man.
The Little Blog That Hates O'Reilly Needs Your Help:
So Steve from the blog O'Reilly Sucks has been plugging away for a few years now, watching Bill O'Reilly all the time to extensively document the idiocies and viciously attack him on a daily basis. It's been and continues to be a good read, and how Steve hasn't had acid eat away his stomach lining by now is probably some kind of freakish genetic miracle.
Now, as with so many of us in this economy in the shitter, the man could use a little cash assistance in maintaining the blog. Think of it like skipping Starbucks for a day and grabbing yer joe at the local place that roasts its own beans.
Head on over to Steve's joint, enjoy the view, and toss some bills and coins into the tip jar.
Nancy Pelosi Restores the Natural Order of Things:
Thank Nancy Pelosi for at least one thing: she's making it okay to hate the CIA again. Oh, sure, we were all giddy when, trying to demonstrate that they hadn't been neutered completely by Dick Cheney squeezing their balls to get info, the agency leaked classified info that it had put contrary footnotes in documents about evidence of WMDs in Iraq. And, man, we liberals were all about how splendiferous our magnificent intelligence agents were when Karl Rove outed Valerie Plame. It's so very sweet when you and some guy you hate are standing in a room with a starved tiger and the tiger eats the other guy. But you're still in that room, man, and that tiger is gonna get hungry again. However insidious and vindictive and destructive and, you know, criminal Karl Rove (among others) was about Plame, however deliberately manipulated or unconscionably dumb the CIA was about weapons in Iraq, it was odd, to say the least, to see the left praising and defending the very government entity that had been the cause of so, so many of the very clusterfucks that have plagued this country.
You want a list? Let's take the beginner's tour. For shit and giggles, start with the Vietnam War, work your way through Central and South America, pause to wave at the Contras and the graves of Pinochet's disappeared, take a walk through the School of the Americas, jaunt over to Afghanistan to meet the Mujihadeen, check out the failure to predict the imminent collapse of the Soviet Union, shake hands with Saddam Hussein, and then look over the many, many documents that did say there were WMDs in Iraq. And that's just the start, before we even get to the current "enhanced interrogation" scandal.
So when Speaker of the House Pelosi, finally sick of all the bullshit swirling around about when she was or wasn't briefed about waterboarding, said that the CIA lied to her in 2002 and that "They mislead us all the time," well, it was one of the ballsiest things we've heard from a top Democrat in Congress for a long damn time. Pelosi upset the motherfuckin' apple cart by breaching the ass-kissing we're supposed to be giving anyone who is remotely connected with fighting terrorism (at least since the 2004 report on pre-war intelligence failures).
Oh, the Republicans went nutzoid, leading House Minority Leader John Boehner to make the idiotic statement that he couldn't imagine "anyone in our intelligence area would ever mislead a member of Congress." This was followed by Senator Kit Bond, a man who lets other men call him "Kit," fanning himself and saying, in essence, "Oh, my stars and garters, I believe this has given me the vapors."
And while some Democrats and some in the press wonder what the fuck Pelosi is thinking, getting into a fight with the CIA never being a good idea, the Rude Pundit's said it before and he'll say it again: you don't fuck with Nancy Pelosi. You might disagree with her (and there's a great deal to do so on), but she's mostly a straight-shooter, and when she's cornered, she is like a fuckin' rat on meth: she'll chew right through you to get out. And one of the things she's done here is to put the universe right again: the CIA ought to be feared, for its ability to fuck up the world, for its pettiness, and for its inbred sense of privilege, that it's somehow above oversight. C'mon - the only records of these briefings to members of Congress are from the CIA. As Bob Graham has already demonstrated, the CIA ain't exactly on its game with the record-keeping.
Somewhere in here, the Rude Pundit wouldn't be surprised if this is a bizarro Republican plot, fostered by Dick Cheney's moles and Porter Goss, to sow the seeds of fear of Democratic leadership, a way to not only (obviously) distract from who is actually to blame on torture authorization and, well, torture itself, but as a way for the Republicans to reclaim power by making doubts about Democratic honesty and competence a focus. Toss in the Jane Harman story as another chapter.
Wait - the CIA engaged in subterfuge? Why, that's unthinkable.
The Torture Hearing Is Merely Another Band-Aid:
Let's put this in another context: There's a street gang, call 'em the Red Street White Kings, and they just got hit hard by another gang that was sick of the Kings trying to undercut their pot sales. Call 'em the Al-Kay Thug Boys. The Thug Boys fucked up a bunch of Kings, even killed a few. Now, the Kings are worried shitless that the Thug Boys are readying another attack, and one night they capture a couple of Thug Boys. At first, they try just the threat of violence to get info on when and where the Thug Boys are getting their weapons and drugs. The Kings even try a different tactic, telling the kidnapped Thug Boys how life is so much better as a King, how there's pussy and blow and cars and all kinds of shit. Hell, a man might be tempted to cross over. Then the head King says it ain't happening fast enough, the squealing. He orders the prisoners to be smacked around, to be tied up, to have water poured into their nostrils. Say this goes on for weeks, months, with Thug Boy after Thug Boy. You get the idea.
Now, let's not leave this analogy in the fucked up world of warring drug gangs and try to justify one side or the other. Oh, no. We're changing the context, remember? We keep being asked to see things from the perspective of the attacked or from the position of the prisoners. No, let's veer off here. Let's say that the cops get in there. Yeah, the LAPD or the FBI come knocking, pounding down the door, and what they find are all these Thug Boys who've been chained up, knocked around, and repeatedly nearly drowned to death. What's the cops' reaction supposed to be? What about the DA's? Or the general public's? That at least the Kings didn't cut off the heads and hands of their captives, like the Mexican gangs do? Is anyone going to argue that the captured Thug Boys weren't tortured by the Kings? When charges are brought against the Kings, are the crimes going to be mitigated because they didn't beat the Thug Boys to bloody pulps?
No, of course not. That's the moral equivalence of the deranged. Assault is assault. Torture is torture. There's difference of degrees, sure. But if you kill someone by a quick bullet to the head or by tying them down and letting rats slowly eat them away, you still committed murder.
The notion that we're actually arguing over whether or not the treatment of detainees in U.S. custody was criminal is one of the most depressing things the Rude Pundit has ever lived through. The fact that a Senator, at a public hearing, would declare, as putatively anti-torture Republican Lindsey Graham did, that there's a reason torture's been around "for 500 years" speaks to how low we've sunk in our respect for the law. (And that's not even getting into Graham's declaration that the Bush administration, just post-9/11, "saw law as a nicety we couldn't afford," which sounds like something fuckin' Idi Amin would say.)
The Rude Pundit's not gonna re-cap yesterday's hearing, except to say you should read the entirety of former FBI interrogator Ali Soufan's statement (he wasn't allowed to read the whole thing at the actual hearing because Graham was being such a dickhole). And the go-to blog for information on the hearing and more is Marcy Wheeler's Emptywheel.
There's some absolutes in this nation, or there oughta be. To sit around and still listen to someone like Jeffrey Addicott, a real professor at a real law school, lecture about how to parse the definition of "torture" so that the shit that we did can slip under it like a contortedly-bent dancer under a low limbo stick is to realize that these fuckers are no better than the street tough who beat a stoolie. It's less about protecting the nation than protecting their hides. (Addicott actually goes through the etymology of the word "torture" and then uses Israeli law to back him up.)
Unfortunately, with the selfish move by the Obama administration in reversing itself on the release of torture photos (a purely, crassly political move to make the courts do the dirty work), we are still more concerned with living in denial than in facing up to our shame and using it to learn and move on.
In Brief: Why Is This Pro-Choice Commencement Guest Different Than the Others?:
As bullshit protests begin to build over President Barack Obama's upcoming speech at the graduation ceremonies of the University of Notre Dame, as the froth is whipped into a rich, thick foam by self-aggrandizing pro-life activists and desperate-for-relevance Catholic bishops, perhaps a bit of history of graduation activities at Notre Dame is in order:
In 1980, the commencement speaker was Carter administration Attorney General Benjamin Civiletti, a supporter of abortion rights.
In 1987, an honorary degrees were given to the pro-choice Coretta Scott King, Alan Simpson, and Rosalyn Carter.
In 1991, an honorary degree was given to Jane Pauley, a pro-choice supporter.
In 1992, protesters lined up as pro-choice Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan was given the university's Laetare Medal, "the oldest and most prestigious honor awarded an American Catholic," according to the Washington Post. President George H.W. Bush, giving the commencement keynote, went out of his way to praise Moynihan.
In 1993, an honorary degree was given to pro-choice judge Alan C. Page.
In 2000, the commencement speaker was then-U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who supports all kinds of family planning programs, including those where abortion is allowed.
You get the idea here? The Catholic Church: stinking with rank hypocrisy since Peter stood on a rock. And Catholics: the group that really puts the sheep in the flock.
Why Rush Limbaugh Ought to Be Force-Fed His Own Liposuctioned Fat (Cheney Reacharound Edition):
When former Vice President Dick Cheney paused in his sodomizing of Bob Shieffer's Face the Nation to give Rush Limbaugh a little reacharound hand job action (while shitting on Colin Powell's head - it's really quite a complicated move), you knew that Limbaugh would be as grateful as he is when the local Chinese buffet brings out a new tray of sweet and sour pork in the middle of his dining experience. His hand stretched around Limbaugh's girth like an elastic band on a sack of jello, Cheney needed only his thumb and forefinger to clutch the radio host's burnt wick of a cock and yank it as Shieffer spit out pubes to ask Cheney, between Limbaugh and Powell, "Where do you come down?"
Waggling Limbaugh's penis like a Play-Doh worm, Cheney responded, "Well, if I had to choose in terms of being a Republican, I’d go with Rush Limbaugh, I think." Limbaugh, who only lets a handful of people fuck his ass with their pricks, moaned jowlingly as he had a tickle of an orgasm. Cheney wiped his fingers on Limbaugh's shirt and turned back to Shieffer, gesturing at his un-mouthed cock to indicate that Shieffer ought to get to back to the interview.
It didn't take long for Limbaugh to pen an encomium to the wealthy ranch owner. Titled "What Motivates Dick Cheney?" the porcine peddler of paranoia offered his listeners a lesson yesterday in absurd justification that would make Hermann Goering say, "Why the fuck didn't I think of that?" just before sucking down cyanide.
For you see, Dick Cheney is not a self-serving man. No, he doesn't need anything from us, says Limbaugh: "Dick Cheney has all the millions he needs. He doesn't need money. He has no future political ambitions. He coulda run in 2000; he coulda run in 2008; he doesn't want to run for elective office anymore. What motivates him? He's not hot for interns. He's not a torture freak." The Rude Pundit's not sure what a "torture freak" is in Limbaugh's world, although he's pretty sure Limbaugh's got the leather mask to prove his point.
In fact, this becomes the refrain through the entire monologue: "What motivates Dick Cheney? He knows the media hate his guts. He knows the media hate George W. Bush. He has all the money he needs. He has no political ambitions. He's not hot for interns. He's not a torture freak." Does one get to bang interns if one proudly proclaims that torture works? It's confusing.
Finally, Limbaugh answers his question: "Dick Cheney is one lone voice in the Republican Party. What motivates Dick Cheney? He's not hot for interns. He has all the money he needs. He's not a torture freak. He doesn't want to run for political office. Dick Cheney is motivated by love for his country."
First off, can you imagine how fucking proud Limbaugh was when he was sitting pantsless in his double-reinforced Herman Miller chair and he thought about how poetic his repetition would sound? It's like T.S. Eliot for the severely retarded.
And, yeah, Dick Cheney was motivated by love for "his" country. The problem is that Dick Cheney's United States is not the United States of the rest of us. In fact, it's not really the United States at all. His nation compromises every principle to reach an indeterminate end. Our nation believes those principles are what make us a nation in the first place.
Why Now, Dick?:
Now that it has realized that it can absorb sunlight without ulcerating too quickly, the acidic pollutant-made-flesh known as former Vice President Dick Cheney believes it can appear at will to forcibly spit forth fungal spores into the media atmosphere, parasitically attaching to those who it once spurned, feeding off them to hopefully infect them to make them rot. For, indeed, Dick Cheney is nothing if not an entity that wishes things to collapse from within, like a gutted corpse.
"What is Cheney's game?" the political prognosticators ponder. Why has he appeared now, so very often, to declaim the rightness of his administration's approach to interrogation and war? More than likely, it's just the ruminations of a bitter little man with nothing better to do with his time. But, still, the Rude Pundit's got a couple of other ideas:
It's a Rovean plot to save the Republican party. It's contingent on another terrorist attack happening at some point, but if Cheney is out there telling America that Barack Obama is feeding al-Qaeda a porridge of our tasty civil rights instead of slamming suspects around, then should a mall in Dubuque go up in a mushroom cloud, who's gonna seem like they were never wrong? Or...
It's an ass-saving, investigation poisoning act. Let's say that an investigation into torture authorization (or lying under oath about torture authorization) leads right to him. Cheney's on the record protestations that it wasn't torture and that it saved lives, unchallenged by the media, abrogates any revelations and gets out there his defense. It upends the process of allegation and alibi and, barring any major new information, renders many of the conclusions of an investigation either moot or contradictory.
But mostly, Cheney's interview on CBS's Face the Nation with Vampire Bob was just a clusterfuck of self-aggrandizing and masturbatory impulses, with the former VP yanking it until he exploded cold spooge over Vampire Bob's nation-sized face. For, and here's the deal, if waterboarding did absolutely prevent that Dubuque nuke, then who the fuck cares if it was torture or not? Give someone a fuckin' medal.
Except it didn't. That's why he's scrambling so hard. All Cheney was peddling was the pathetic idea that the United States became so degraded under the watch of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney that it was just one pour of the bottle, one detainee slapping away from apocalypse. If the purpose of Cheney's interview schedule is to prop up his legacy, then all he's succeeding in doing is making us see how far down they dragged us.
Big Gay Friday:
Oh, sweet twatmongers and cocksuckers, how we are teetering on the brink, breathlessly close to the tipping point, to the dominoes falling, to the lit fuse finally hitting the barrel of gunpowder. As state after state breaks down the barrier to gay marriage, as discussion of overturning "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" comes out of the closet, as it seems, to more and more and more of the citizens of this country that it's just idiotic to still be having these debates, we are reminded, time and again, that there's fuckers blocking the door. Like Republicans, these are becoming rare, isolated fools who have just enough power to fuck things up, but they still look like backwards fools in our brave, new, yet undefined era. To wit:
1. Pat Robertson, demonstrating that, no, really, he's still alive, said on The 700 Club (motto: "Wait, people are still watching us?"), regarding Maine's legalization of gay marriage, "But if we take biblical standards away in homosexuality, what about [polygamy]? And what about bestiality and ultimately what about child molestation and pedophilia? How can we criminalize these things and at the same time have constitutional amendments allowing same-sex marriage among homosexuals. You mark my words, this is just the beginning in a long downward slide in relation to all the things that we consider to be abhorrent." And the best part is that he wasn't joking, that he didn't finish with, "No, ya'll, I'm just joshin'. I just hate queers."
Oh, yeah, the Rude Pundit's crossing his fingers that soon he'll get to marry all ten of that litter of hot ass pug puppies next door. His penis can barely contain itself in anticipation.
Robertson may be able to relax and know that his lobster hasn't been sodomized because there's already an effort underway in Maine to try to overturn the new law.
2. Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions, who is leading the Republican effort to figure out what the fuck to do about President Obama's Supreme Court nominee, said, "I don't think a person who acknowledges that they have gay tendencies is disqualified per se for the job." Which would seem to be good news for Lindsey Graham, except he keeps his tendencies unacknowledged, however blatant they may be.
3. On "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which is also the answer to the question, "How many gay military translators does it take to stop a terrorist attack?" there's mixed signals coming from the White House. Obama wrote to a recently booted lesbian army officer to say that he is committed to overturning the inane policy. And yet the administration seems to be allowing a gay National Guard officer to be drummed out on its watch, when the President has the power to stop it. This isn't over yet, so let's leave it dangling before offering condemnation, although it's filled with suckage as it stands.
4. Finally, let's also acknowledge that, whatever advances are made, that even simple acts of saying who you are are still acts of bravery. Actor David Ogden Stiers (from TV's MASH and a lot of goddamn animated films) recently said that he is gay. In an interview with the blog Gossip Boy, Stiers admitted he had stayed in the closet because of his career and added, "I wish to spend my life’s twilight being just who I am. I could claim noble reasons as coming out in order to move gay rights forward, but I must admit it is for far more selfish reasons. Now is the time I wish to find someone and I do not desire to force any potential partner to live a life of extreme discretion with me."
Stiers is also a longtime reader of this blog, so the Rude Pundit would like to add, "Hey, man, fuckin' cool."
The Death of the Republican Party, Part 2: The Walking Supreme Court Justice Blues:
Let us say, and why not, that you are a bisexual male (and if you are, dude, let's party). And you've gotten back from an evening of group sex, as, you know, all bisexuals do every night. You go to bed tired, spent, smelling of fluids viscous and clear. You're lying in bed when, all of a sudden, you feel itching in your groin. At first, you scratch your balls and think that does it. But it gets worse. No matter how much you rub, the itch doesn't stop. In fact, you're feeling bites. You look through your pubes and you start to see the marks. You grab a magnifying glass and finally it's clear. You've got crabs, motherfucker.
What do you do? If you're smart, you immediately go to the doctor, get the anti-lice shit you need, shave yourself, whatever, to get rid of those bastards. You'd realize that you oughta get treated before you fuck again. You'd silently stay away from the scene so you can heal without tipping your hand (although, really, you oughta tell your recent partners). But not you, man. You're a stupid fucker. You decide you're just gonna keep on having sex with your group, no matter how many people you inflict your infestation on. You just make sure you don't scratch while anyone's looking. In fact, being the selfish, apathetic, blind asshole you are, you fuck away until word gets out about you and no one wants your buggy ass anywhere near them. A couple of months later you may reappear on the scene, claiming that you finally got treated. But who'd believe you? Their memories of the pain and itch you left them with are strong. It's exile for you, dear theoretical bisexual, a scarlet C, because you were too fucking dumb to see that you were the plague all along.
Alas, such is the fate of the dying Republican Party. As they sit around with each other, scratching their pubes, wondering how they can best perfume the same wheelbarrow of shit they've been pushing for years. With the coming Supreme Court nominee battle, Republicans have a choice: to actually shut the fuck up and regroup or to get into a circular firing squad with guns pointed at guts so that they bleed to death horribly.
Barring the revelation that a nominee owns a gay illegal immigrant-run abortion factory, President Obama's gonna get whoever he wants onto the Supreme Court. Even Rupert Murdoch's yapping dog, Karl Rove, knows that. But let's push this even further. It's not just that the American public has voted Republicans out of power. It's that we're sick of them. We don't want to hear what they have to say about anything. The vast majority of us don't care what Republicans want. When they talk, we stick our fingers in our ears and yell like angry teenagers, "Blah, blah, blah, lower taxes, blah, blah, blah, no gay marriage, blah, blah, blah, less regulation." Seriously, at this point, listening to Republicans talk about policy is about the same as listening to a particularly articulate toddler explain why he refuses to shit in a toilet.
So at some point, they need to take themselves out of the picture for a little while. They need to choose a battle not to fight. And this Supreme Court justice nomination is where it ought to happen. There's no reason to get themselves all geared up for some kind of idiot's rage about the nomination of a pro-choice, anti-corporate, "empathetic" nominee. Republicans are not gonna get who they want. And it's Souter's replacement, so there won't be a change in the "balance" of the court. Where's the advantage in fighting except in keeping Rush Limbaugh happy? And, tell us, how does it feel to be a fat man's bitch? Does his gut feel heavy resting on your heads while you're sucking his dick?
This is the 2009 Republican Party. Everything they do is another step in the long death march they've been on since 2006. No, instead we'll get the usual bullshit pronouncements about abortion rights, about limiting the ability of people to sue, about "judicial activism," one of those meaningless phrases that fools use to make themselves sound smart. They'll say they're standing up for people when all they're doing is pleasuring the base like a Chinese masseuse on happy ending duty at a corporate retreat.
Then again, this is a group who actually believes that the future of the party might be named "Bush" or "Palin" or "Romney," the crabs on the crotch of American progress.
In Brief: Michael Savage: New Winner of the Easiest Takedown in History:
Great Britain banned, among others, radio host and walking self-parody Michael Savage from entering the UK because he is someone who is "fostering extremism or hate."
Savage, who just last week said of illegal immigrants from Mexico, "[T]hey are a perfect mule -- perfect mules for bringing this virus into America," and that swine flu was cooked up by Islamic radicals to test the borders, is considering suing the British official who made the announcement. Savage, who once wished AIDS on a caller and says repeatedly that homosexuality is a perversion, is upset because the list of people banned from Britain includes him alongside Fred "God Hates Fags" Phelps and believes he is being defamed.
In an interview, British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith (who was so hot when she was on Charlie's Angels) said, "If people have so clearly overstepped the mark in terms of the way not just that they are talking but the sort of attitudes that they are expressing to the extent that we think that this is likely to cause or have the potential to cause violence or inter-community tension in this country, then actually I think the right thing is not to let them into the country in the first place. Not to open the stable door then try to close it later."
That's something you think that Savage would respect since, on page 122 of his 2004 book The Savage Nation, he spittles: "And I'll tell you something else. 'It's our borders, stupid.' If America is going to survive...we must defend our borders from those who come to exploit our nation or we're cooked. We're finished...In the spirit of nationalism...we must defend our borders against the dregs of society."
Which is just what Britain did, almost like they were advised by Michael Savage.
The Death of the Republican Party, Part 1: Janet Jackson's Nipple of Doom:
Here's where we stand as a nation: Right now, it is more likely that someone or some entity will be punished for the split-second exposure of Janet Jackson's naked titty during the 2004 Super Bowl than for authorizing the torture of detainees at our prison in Guantanamo Bay. It is more likely that someone will get fined for Bono exuberantly broguing the word "fucking" as an adverb during a live awards show than for wrecking the American economy. These are the type of ruins left behind after an indulgent period in 2003-2004, when scared shitless Democrats, cowed by the Karl Rove-created juggernaut of post-9/11 Bushistic politics, forgot that there was a fucking war going on and actually enabled the Republican Congress to hold hearings and raise FCC fines because of a breast that you could only see if you went tenth of a second by tenth of a second through the video, the typical masturbatory obsessiveness of the religious right.
Even now, with the Supreme Court's two rulings in the last week upholding the fleeting, spontaneous "fuck" regulation on a 5-4 vote and sending the Jackson boob back to a federal appeals court to reconsider its overturning of a fine, Democratic Senator John D. Rockefeller declared, "We must be doing more, not less, to give the FCC and parents all across America the resources they need to protect their children from indecent programming." Once a prison bitch, always a prison bitch.
Of course, it probably doesn't need to be pointed out that by the time the Congress was arguing about fucks and tits, America was waterboarding the fucking tits off Abu Zubaydah and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, and more or less making psychological and physical wrecks out of other detainees in various prisons, with the Abu Ghraib photos just coming out. But, especially to Republicans, there was far, far more indecency in that nipple.
Democrats were on a death march, desperately flailing about, completely disempowered, trying to figure out the best way to be junior Republicans, too blinded by fear to oppose the President, even with the filibuster, simply trying not to hemorrhage in the next election. Of course, we know what happened, when the mind-blowing incompetence of the Bush administration brought the chickens home to roost. But that was still three years away.
However, the revival of the Janet Jackson nipple case is a reminder to people of just why they eventually turned so viciously on Republicans and why the GOP is an Al Franken away from irrelevance, and it's a warning, in a way, to Democrats. After the start of the Iraq war, Republicans became bloated with power (forgetting the minor setback in what was the savage end of the Gingrich "revolution" when they overplayed their hand during the Clinton impeachment). In those heady pre-Katrina days, Republicans indulged themselves like mini-Caligulas at the horse-fucking fair, and, quite simply, they did nothing to actually improve anyone's life except Halliburton's. And as everything started to turn south, the war, the economy, the world's opinion of us, Republicans still refused to do anything - fucking anything - that would actually make the country better.
It was ideology over pragmatism. It was throwing bones to the base at the expense of the larger public. Republicans nuzzled up to Janet Jackson's nipple and suckled it dry. And that's what they're left with: chapped lips at an empty teat, weeping to get one more meal from it.
Coming up: why the Supreme Court nominee battle will stab the GOP in the gut.
Why Does Conservative Spoogebucket Kevin McCullough Want to Get Fucked by Perez Hilton and Michael Musto?:
Frankly, the Rude Pundit doesn't give a happy monkey fuck about Miss California's opinions on any goddamn thing. Or, really, those of Miss USA, Miss America, Miss Universe, or Miss Oblivion. Beauty pageants exist to tell us the obvious: that tits and legs are nice things. To take anything a contestant says to mean anything more than "Can we get this over with so everyone can stare at my tits again?" is to think that Miss USAmerica has a purpose beyond waving.
So, really, when Carrie Prejean said her ill-informed and backwards ass and semi-coherent statement about gay marriage in answer to a question from celebrity blogger (yeah, read that without giggling) Perez Hilton, it would of course be fodder for much bitchiness and jokes. It's sort of one of the reasons mean jokes get told: to make fun of idiots. And when it was revealed that she had fake tits paid for by the pageant? Oh, that's silicon-based gravy, motherfuckers.
But the backlash against the backlash that's happened? That's just demonstrable proof of the continuing desperation of the religious right to remain relevant as they rant into the darkness. First there was the embrace of Prejean by the anti-gay marriage forces and groups like the mantra-named NOM and the Family Research Council (motto: "Umm, Jesus? You still there?"). Then there was Prejean as blog and column subject.
And now we have Kevin McCullough, the repressed right-winger who gets to hang onto Christ's nut hair as he tries to eke out a career as a writer and radio host, the bottom, if you will, of conservative hate spewers. In his latest "column" (if by "column," you mean, "Deranged self-fluffing that would make a gay male porn star say, 'Whoa, you're gonna break it'"), McCullough essentially says that if Prejean were his sister, he'd fuck her.
No, wait, that's not right. He says, more or less, that if Prejean were his sister, he'd beat up Perez Hilton and Village Voice gossip monger Michael Musto for calling Prejean bad names. After telling us how he assaulted another boy in middle school for calling his sister a bitch, he adds, "[S]omeone like her brother needs to pay a visit to Perez Hilton and Village Voice columnist Michael Musto and remind them how men are expected to comport in society." Which, in most places, would be called "gay-bashing."
What follows is a vicious homophobic attack on the two men, with the hope that they're beaten mixed in with degrading, sexist rhetoric of straight male dominance. Surely, there has rarely been a more desperate cry for "More dicks in my face, please" ever uttered from deep within a closet. McCullough minces, "The fact that few men have had visceral reactions to this demonstrates how weak modern feminism has caused men to become." Or maybe it actually demonstrates how modern feminism has allowed women to be strong enough to defend themselves (with much work still to go, yes).
McCullough talks about how his mother raised him to treat women in a sexist, patronizing fashion, and then says, "In the anonymity of a television studio, or the safety of a bedroom webcam, Musto and Hilton feel they can rhetorically rape the heart and soul of Carrie Prejean. But friend, that's just pure evil." But denying an adult the right to marry the adult he or she wants to? Why, that's just abiding God's will, no?
Poor Kevin McCullough. One day, he'll realize that what he really wants is to be trapped between a cock and a hard place. Or, you know, Hilton and Musto.
Friday Fun Quotes (Texas "Education" Edition):
Let us say, and why not, that you heard these quotes from someone who calls himself a "minister":
On Hurricane Katrina: "The immediate question arises in many Christians minds: was Katrina God's judgment on America in general, and/or was it His judgment on that area of the country, or on New Orleans in particular?"- From September 8, 2005
On gay marriage: "This is a Satanic attack on God's order of creation, and Christians must resist this with everything we have. The fight against the homosexual agenda is spiritual warfare of the highest order, but it must be waged not only with the spiritual weapons of prayer, but also with all the political, and social weapons that we are able to utilize." - From July 20, 2006
On the financial crisis: "If, as I suspect, the financial meltdown is part of His judgment on us because of our growing moral and spiritual rejection of His standards, then He may very well let us sink into severe straits in order to bring us back to Himself. Perhaps we will not come to repentance about abortion and homosexuality and pornography and gambling and greed and sexual immorality and all the rest of it until the economy is so bad that we cry out for mercy." - From November 13, 2008
Now, you may read that and think, "Well, sure, that's some fringe shit there, some way out there ultra-fundamentalist fucktardery," or words to that effect. And you'd probably be right if the Texas State Board of Education wasn't about to appoint Peter Marshall, no, not the former host of Hollywood Squares, but the writer and/or speaker of all of the above and the leader of the surprisingly humbly-named "Peter Marshall Ministries," to an expert panel on the social studies curriculum at Texas public schools. Guess that means X takes the square.
Oh, and they've also decided to appoint another guy, David Barton, who believes that all public policy should be guided - no, controlled - by the bible, including taxes. As the Texas Freedom Network points out, surely there's a, you know, university scholar or two who might be more qualified. And, yes, there are conservative historians who don't suck Christ's toes every chance they get. But kickin' the Jesus jams is what this is about.
So there's the next battleground for the Christian right to shove their bible up the asses of schoolkids: social studies. The TFN helpfully points out: "The state board is scheduled to adopt revised social curriculum standards in March 2010. Publishers will use those standards to write new textbooks for Texas classrooms. The board is scheduled to adopt those new social studies textbooks in 2012."
Again and again, the Rude Pundit has said that when other states make their students stupid, they are inflicting that stupid on the rest of the nation. The rest of us have to deal with the arrested intellects of your bible-beaten zomboids, shrinking ranks though they may be. Fuck, Marshall doesn't even believe that Christian kids should get a public school education unless they have to walk between Jesus's legs to get into the classroom.
Now, what's the argument for not just letting Texas fuckin' bail on the U.S.?
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Yated Newspaper - Unmasking the Oppostion
Rabbi Shmuel Bloom (!) attacking my friend Barry. Gratuitous anecdotes, ad hominem innuendo and no substance. You would think Barry is the sitra achra! In reality, if the Ginzbergs and the Blooms of the world have no more cogent and coherent responses for an oved and mevakesh and a tamim like Barry than to taunt, insult and belittle him, then Charedi Orthodoxy is in deeper trouble than one would have imagined in one's most negative moments!
V'al da vadai ka'bachina.
Posted by Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer at Wednesday, June 26, 2013 42 comments: Links to this post
Hashkafa Issues: Helping Students Engage with the 4 Questions: "Where did we come from? Why are we here? What is our purpose here? Where are we going?
A session at a Yom Iyun devoted to topics that should be issues for yeshiva high school students.
Session Handout:
Helping Students Engage with the Four Questions:
"Where did we come from? Why are we here?
What is our purpose here? Where are we going?"
ygbechhofer@gmail.com
1. Why believe in G-d?
2. Why believe in Torah Mi'Sinai?
3. What is Nevu'ah and what was unique about the nevu'ah of Moshe Rabbeinu?
4. Is there and what is Hashgachah Pratis?
5. Why do bad things happen to good people?
6. To what extent does free will exist?
7. Why are the decrees of Chazal binding?
8. Are the Rambam's Ikkarim subject to dispute?
1. How do we deal with the Age of the Universe?
2. How do we deal with Evolution?
3. How do we deal with discrepancies between Jewish and secular chronologies?
Avodah and Machashavah
1. What is “Good?” Why is Judaism “good?” Why is Judaism good for me now?
2. What is “Idealism” and how is it achieved?
3. What is “Happiness” and how is it achieved?
4. What does it mean to be a part of a “Mamleches Kohanim v'Goy Kadosh?”
5. How can we make Tefillah meaningful?
6. What is Torah Lishmah?
7. How do we define Tikkun Olam?
8. What are appropriate motivations for being Machmir vs. being Meikel and vice versa?
9. What is the problem with Nivul Peh?
1. Why is Negiah forbidden?
2. Why is self-pleasuring frowned upon?
3. Why are teenage boy-girl relationships questionable?
4. Why is homosexuality forbidden? What is the status of homophobia?
5. Are women inferior to men, or vice-versa?
6. What is our stance on co-education?
Hashkafah-Chinuch
1. Why to learn Gemara?
2. Why to not learn Gemara?
3. Should boys and girls have different curricula?
4. What are the various attitudes towards secular studies?
Hashkafah-Israel
1. What is Zionism? What is Religious Zionism? Is there Religious non-Zionism?
2. What was the Satmer Rebbe's position and how does one respond to it?
3. Why are there various different approaches in regards to reciting Hallel on Yom Ha'Atzma'ut?
Hashkafah-Secular Society
1. What should be our attitude in regards to secular music?
2. What should be our attitude in regards to other secular entertainment?
3. What should be our attitude in regards to sports – participatory and spectator?
4. What are the various approaches on insularity?
5. What are the differences between Torah-Only, Torah-im-Derech-Eretz and Torah U'Madda?
Hashkafah-Sociology
1. Why do some men wear black hats and jackets and some not?
2. Why are there various standards in regards to Tzeniyus for women? And men?
3. What is Modern Orthodoxy and what is Charedism?
4. What is Da'as Torah and how should we relate to it?
5. Why do some people have problems with Chabad-Lubavitch?
1. What happens to the Neshamah after death?
2. What judgment takes place?
3. Is there a Heaven and is there a Hell and what are they?
4. What do we believe concerning Gilgulim?
5. What happens at Techiyas HaMeisim? When does it take place?
6. What is the role of Mashiach and what happens during Yemos HaMashiach?
7. When and what is Olam HaBa?
Posted by Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer at Thursday, June 20, 2013 4 comments: Links to this post
The Mesorah Of Chesed | The 5 Towns Jewish Times: An essay my good friend Barry
The Mesorah Of Chesed | The 5 Towns Jewish Times
By Barry Jacobson -
A beautifully arranged presentation, graciously hosted by the Wolfson family, was held this past Motzaei Shabbos regarding the upcoming plan in Eretz Yisrael to conscript yeshiva bachurim into the IDF. Sadly, at the conclusion, I left with a feeling of disappointment.
No questions were permitted from the floor. I had the opportunity to speak with one of the speakers afterwards, who generously listened to me. But that was not the same as a full discussion of a difficult issue.
I am grateful to Rabbi Bender for his infinite chassadim to my family in numerous areas. Any comments I make are in no way intended to minimize the tremendous feelings of respect I have for him. Similarly, I had the opportunity to know the father of Rabbi Ginzberg from my days in yeshiva. He was a paragon of seiver panim yafos, friendship, kindness, and concern about the welfare of all the bachurim. Any points I raise here are only intended as an exchange of ideas and an expression of deep pain for what I and many others see in the current state of affairs.
I was inspired to devote a number of years to learning in my early youth. The warm feelings towards Torah, Yiddishkeit, and a Shabbos table filled with ruach will never be dimmed. The desire to maximize that path motivated me to send my kids to chareidi yeshivos where they were given a warm and meaningful Torah education. However, I am deeply disturbed at what has been happening on a wider level in the klal as a whole. I believe I speak for many others, and I know my chaverim have discussed these issues with me, as well.
After introductions by Rabbi Kobre, Rabbi Bender opened with a discussion of the importance of Torah in protecting the klal. He quoted the Gemara in Cheilek that one who says “Mai ahanu lan rabbanan, ldidhu karu ldidhu tanu,” is an apikorus. (One who says, ‘What do the rabbis help us? They only learn for themselves.’ He is considered an apostate.) Rabbi Bender discussed how there were a certain number of yeshiva bachurim learning, while the soldiers fought, during the times of Tanach. He also mentioned how the chareidim have a much lower rate of incarceration in Israeli jails than the general population, thus demonstrating that the Torah teaches good behavior. Finally, he mentioned that there are a number of chareidi organizations which do much chesed for the klal as a whole in Israel, not just for the frum segment, such as supporting the poor and providing assistance with medical issues.
Rabbi Ginzberg focused on why even people who had respect for gedolim in the past, such as those of the stature of Reb Moshe Feinstein, now seem to have wavered, and why questioning daas Torah has become more widespread, particularly on blogs.
Rabbi Eli Paley focused on some of the technical issues, such as how many soldiers the army really needs, and some of his own experiences in the army which seemed to be difficult for a chareidi lifestyle. He seemed to imply that the army is used in some ways as a form of indoctrination and acculturation with the secular viewpoint, rather than as an absolute necessity for security.
Rabbi Kobre mentioned some of the problems chareidi soldiers have recently faced, including medical exams which intruded upon their sense of privacy, and that even in the newer chareidi programs, 25% of the alumni come out non-frum. He took umbrage with a statement from a high level army chief that the chareidim are a worse problem than Ahmadinejad. Rabbi Kobre concluded that this is a state of emergency, and we all need to cry out for salvation.
All of this is true. But it is totally beside the point. The main problem that needed to be addressed, but was totally ignored, is why the chiloni sector has turned on the chareidim at this point in time. It is my belief that we are largely to blame. If it were only a matter of logistics, with the enrollment of more chareidim, suitable infrastructure would be set up so as to better serve them. But that is not at all the point of this article.
For the past 100 years, the chareidi world has been fighting Zionism like it is some kind of poison. They coined fiery slogans such as the Zionists didn’t become frei in order to build a state; they built a state in order to become frei. Aside from being totally foolish, as one can become frei by going to the McDonalds down the block without going through the backbreaking effort of building a state, it is an insult to the downtrodden Jewish people. After suffering 2,000 years of persecution, poverty, plagues, and pogroms at the hands of their host countries, which caused the spirits of many to break, is there no understanding why the status quo was unbearable? Many were converting and leaving Judaism in droves because they couldn’t take the anti-Semitism, discrimination, and misery. Many fled to America or wherever else they could get into.
Theodore Herzl warned that things would only get worse, and his prophecy was 100% correct, as we saw in the Holocaust. He knew the answer was for the Jews to get a place of their own, and he tried his best to help his suffering brethren, despite whatever personal failings he may have had. He did magnificent work. Think about how hard it is to organize a shul dinner, and then imagine how hard it is to organize a country. He had to rally the Jews, raise funds, meet with countless heads of state. The chareidim totally vilified Herzl and forbade any hazkarah in his honor within the city of Brisk after he passed away. The rav of the main shul in town locked the doors to prevent it. But the population was undeterred and broke the lock and held a massive service with thousands of people in attendance. To this day the vilification continues.
In 1923, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah passed a resolution condemning the efforts of the Zionists and vowed to fight any attempt to set up a state with all means at their disposal. This was 25 years before the saga of the Yemenite children whose peyos were allegedly cut off. This fighting and denigration of the medinah continues until this day. Chareidim refuse to say the tefillah for the medinah or for the chayalim in their shuls, citing all kinds of Kaballistic reasons, or because we don’t have power to write new tefillos (despite that we say new kinnos on Tishah B’Av for the Shoah) or other creative points. However, in the old siddur Otzar HaTefilos, written about 100 years ago, there is a tefillah for Czar Nikolai, his wife, his parents, and children, mentioning them all by name, with effusive praise for each. We are allowed to say a tefillah for this individual who was no friend of the Jews, but for our brethren in the Israeli government, it would somehow ruin the davening.
The average Jew is tired of this stuff already. When a Jew goes to Israel and is greeted at the airport by the sign, Bruchim Habaim L’eretz Yisrael, his heart soars. When he enters Yerushalayim and sees the beautiful floral arrangement spelling out Bruchim Habaim LiYerushalayim, and sees the Old City and the Kotel, his heart is torn with emotion. When he sees young soldiers guarding the streets with dangerous weapons, the same age as our kids, who are often roaming the pizza shops, he is amazed at the level of responsibility and maturity they have achieved at such a young age. When he sees how advanced the country has become technologically, such that it exports its know-how all over the world, in areas such as military technology, water management, agriculture, medicine, electronics, software, and nanotechnology, his heart bursts with pride. When he realizes that there is freedom to set up as many shuls and yeshivos as he pleases, without any fear of pogroms or anti-Semitism, he is overjoyed and dumbfounded that for the first time in 2,000 years, this is possible. Medinas Yisrael is the biggest berachah the Jews have received since the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash.
Now we run into a problem. When somebody tells us that daas Torah is opposed to this, or that the founders of the state were wrong, or bad people, or that we should not say the tefillah for the Medinah, should not celebrate Yom HaAtzamaut, should not sing Hatikvah, should not stand for the memorial sirens on Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaShoah, the average Jew becomes rather confused and torn, with his heart telling him one thing, and all kinds of yeshivishe propaganda that has been drummed into his head telling him another thing.
A little while ago, there was a picture on the front page of the 5TJT of a young child hugging his father’s grave at the military cemetery. The father died so we can enjoy the freedom and the shuls, yeshivos, and mekomos hakedoshim of Eretz Yisrael that we now have. Can chareidim not give this poor child respect for two minutes and stand still while he cries? How dare any leader not emphasize basic decency in his yeshiva. When a frum IDF soldier is stoned and rained with trash when he enters Meah Shearim, the rest of the country is sickened. We often hear that it is one meshugeneh. Totally wrong. When verbal violence is preached at the top levels, physical violence results at the lower levels.
All the chesed that the chareidim do, while certainly well appreciated (as it is here in the Five Towns, as well), it doesn’t come to a drop in the ocean of the chesed that the Medinah does. The chareidim may provide transportation, food, or advice to people in need of medical treatment. But who provides the hospitals, medical training, medicines, instruments, research, universities where training and innovation is carried out, and roads to transport the patients and medicines, etc. They also pay for the care, to begin with.
The chareidim give generously to the poor, but how many mouths does the government of Israel feed? Who ensures that the economy runs smoothly, that there is electricity, and engineering training to design a power grid, and water, and chemists who know how to test its safety? Who protects this vast infrastructure, and provides army personnel to stand watch day and night? The Medinah dwarfs all chesed organizations put together. Where is the hakaras hatov?
The klal craves achdus and warmth. The constant anti-Zionist propaganda spewed forth by chareidim is causing giyul nefesh (utter disgust) in me and many of my chaveirim who learned in chareidi yeshivos, not to mention the chilonim themselves.
Rabbi Ginzberg asks why there is a reduction in respect for gedolim. Well, Sunday following parashas Korach there was a massive demonstration where two warring brothers found that they don’t hate each other more than anything else in the world, as previously believed. It turned out that they hate the State of Israel even more. And the entire ideology is based on some obscure aggadeta (Shalosh Shevuos) not brought down in any of the classic codifiers, which is itself based on a verse in Tanach, from which we don’t generally derive halacha, anyway. Incidentally, a possible message of the Shalosh Shevuos is not to rebel against one’s hosts, out of derech eretz. Would that, perhaps, be applicable as well to Jewish hosts, or are they less deserving than King Henry VIII or Queen Isabella? This movement often resorts to outright lies, such as that the Zionists colluded with the Nazis, when letters have recently become available that Ben Gurion begged the British government to allow Jewish fighters to go to Europe to fight the Nazis. They also claim that enormous numbers of Jews have died as a result of the Medinah, when the number is 25,000 in 150 years, far less than in many other similar eras in Jewish history.
Another rav Rabbi Ginzberg is fond of quoting spewed forth the same type of anti-Zionist vitriol for years.
One can open up a book of his transcribed speeches in English. This same rav also founded new political parties. One would think some important ideology was at stake. But it was his dislike of a certain rebbe. For some unknown reason, despite this rebbe’s incredible erudition, breadth, and kindness to all segments, this rav considered the rebbe to be inferior to himself. He disliked that rebbe so much that when that rebbe’s wife passed away, he told other rabbanim not to pay a shivah call. The klal is mortified and tired of this. These types of things have led to a weakening of faith in daas Torah.
Is it telling that the preceding two-brother chassidic movement, and the preceding rav’s yeshiva are now both torn asunder by internal machlokes? Walls have had to be built and smoke bombs have been thrown in the beis medrash of one of the world’s most prestigious yeshivas in Israel. Midah kneged midah? Perhaps. But maybe just the natural progression of things. When multiple generations have been raised on hatred and sinas chinam, the imbibed hatred is then used on each other, as well.
A few years ago, there was a major chinuch protest demonstration, with all chareidim in Israel urging their followers to attend. What was the issue? The Israeli government was upset that a certain school was separating the Sephardic girls from the Ashkenazic girls by means of a fence in the middle of the school building, and down the middle of the playground. Personally, even if a thousand gedolim held a demonstration with a million followers urging people to be cruel to young Sephardic girls, I would follow my heart and simply ignore it, and instead welcome them with open arms. The hamon am is disgusted.
Torah has become an exercise in mental gymnastics, with the primary message being ignored. When Rebbe Akiva said that v’ahavta l’rei’acha kamocha is klal gadol baTorah, he meant it. It supersedes all other considerations. Am I ignoring or denigrating daas Torah? I hope not. Rabbi Ginzberg has mentioned on more than one occasion the importance of keeping mesorah. There is one mesorah we have which is even older than the mesorah of learning—by about 500 years. It is the mesorah of chesed. It was taught by Avraham Avinu. When three individuals who he actually thought were idol worshippers (see Rashi) showed up at his door, he did not spit, as some chareidim now do, at priests of other religions. Rather, he served them a delicious meal and gave them a place to rest, before sending them on their way. Chesed comes before ideology.
When Avraham was told that anshei Sdom were going to be punished, he didn’t smirk that they deserved it, but he screamed to the Ribbono Shel Olam, “Hashofet kol ha’aretz lo ya’aseh mishpat!?” Will the judge of the entire world not do justice!? He was our father, and the father of all peoples of the world. Av hamon goyim.
One of the speakers mentioned that we are experiencing a war against Torah Judaism, an oft-heard refrain of the last hundred years, that the chilonim and Zionists are aiming to destroy Torah and see the chareidim as its symbol. This is needlessly inflammatory (but admittedly effective as a way to rally the troops) and simply false. Reb Aryeh Levine dressed chareidi. Yet the Knesset dedicated a special day in his honor and made a special plaque which was awarded to him in a major presentation. He worked with all his might to help the fighters in the early days before the state. After davening, he walked tens of miles on Shabbos to the prisoners in jail to tell the families how their loved ones were doing. He cried out on Rosh Hashanah, mentioning each by name, when they were sentenced to the gallows. The chilonim recognized that he loved them with all of his pure heart. The chilonim, in turn, loved him with all of theirs. If we acted like Reb Aryeh, and gave the chilonim the slightest bit of hakaras hatov and warmth and appreciation for the amazing achievement they accomplished (bsiyata deshmaya), not just as a condescending ruse to be mekarev them, but with a sincere and full understanding of the miracle they created and the intense effort they put in; and if we offered to move our yeshivos to the army bases to keep them company in times of war and be mechazek them with kindness; and if we stopped our foolish and angry (and baseless) rhetoric, they would never think of drafting a single yeshiva bachur. We have only ourselves to blame for this miserable situation. Let us try to rectify it before things get worse.
For now we need to know that there is nothing more to Yiddishkeit than simple kindness and mutual love and respect. In the words of Hillel, idach perusha hi—all else is just commentary. Perhaps it is not the chilonim who have gone off the derech. Perhaps it is us. I am not rejecting daas Torah, rather I am relying on the daas Torah of Reb Aryeh Levine which goes straight back to Avraham Avinu.
The author may be reached at bdj@alum.mit.edu.
With gratitude to Hashem Yisborach we would like to let you know that our son Yitzchok Elimelech has become engaged to Nechama Cypora, daughter of Rabbi & Mrs. Zvi and Menucha Silver of Flatbush. A vort will take place this Wednesday June 19, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. at Yeshiva Ketana Hall, 911 East 13th Street. We would be thrilled if you could participate in the simcha, but we appreciate the arduous qualities of the trek to Brooklyn for those farther away, so please do not feel any obligation!
KT,
YG&SMB
Posted by Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer at Tuesday, June 18, 2013 2 comments: Links to this post
1925 Poem by my grandfather, Rabbi Dov Yehuda Schochet zt"l
Found by his namesake, my cousin Reb Dov Yehuda Schochet, in a 1925 volume of Ze'irei Agudath Israel's Digleinu periodical:
שיר דלהלן הודפס בירחון "דגלנו" היו"ל בווארשה, בגליון שי"ל שבט אדר תרפ"ה, שנה ה' חוברת ה ו, בעמוד 18
התועה בדרך החיים
ע"י ד. י. שחט
התועה בדרך
והיה אם לבך ידרש לשוח
בשעה מאוחרת באחד הלילות
כשהחשך שולט על כל עבר ורוח
בשעה שלא תכיר בין אדם לבהמות
והלכת ובלכתך תכשל לא פעם
ותפל ולא תכיר גם אבן המכשלה
וכעסת וקצפת ותגיע עד זעם
על החשך העור על אפלת הלילה
ותוסיף כעס ותאריך אפך
ותבכה במסתרים את נפשך הדלה
ותרים עיניך למרום למעלה
ותבקש מהכוכבים שיאירו דרכך
אבל לך לא יזהירו גם הם
עת פני שמיך יתקדרו
לשוא תחכה, לא לא יאירו
אף אם במרום לא פסק נגהם
יתמו הרגעים, יכלה הלילה
יבא היום ויזרח השמש
אז תבין נפשך האומללה
איפה היית אמש
P.S. I think RAEK's influence is obvious!
Posted by Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer at Friday, June 07, 2013 2 comments: Links to this post
Mixed Motives | Aspaqlaria
Posted by Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer at Tuesday, June 04, 2013 No comments: Links to this post
Hashkafa Issues: Helping Students Engage with the...
The Mesorah Of Chesed | The 5 Towns Jewish Times: ...
1925 Poem by my grandfather, Rabbi Dov Yehuda Scho...
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Cricket / Ajinkya Rahane Named India Captain For Zimbabwe Tour
Ajinkya Rahane Named India Captain For Zimbabwe Tour
Ajinkya Rahane, following a shock exclusion from the Indian ODI side in Bangladesh, is back! And this time as the captain of the team! The BCCI has announced the Indian team that is set to tour Zimbabwe for 3 ODIs and 2 T20s in July. Rahane, however, would be leading a second string side, as most of his heavyweight teammates have chosen to opt out of this tour. The selectors have explicitly given the message that they are willing to ‘see the other aspects of Ajinkya Rahane’.
Ajinkya Rahane set to lead India in Zimbabwe
Top players rested
Alongside MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan, the other regular members of the side who have been rested are Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, Suresh Raina and Umesh Yadav. Ravindra Jadeja, however, has been left out of the ‘rested’ list. He is absent from the list of selected players too, which indicates that the Indian all-rounder has been dropped from the side after a long stretch of poor form.
New role for Ajinkya Rahane, another chance for the underdogs
The tour of Zimbabwe promises to give another chance to a number of out-of-favour cricketers. They are the ones who, despite having solid credentials in domestic cricket, get overshadowed at the national level by their more gifted countrymen.
Murali Vijay has found his place in the ODI side after quite a long time. He is expected to partner Ajinkya Rahane at the top of the order. Robin Uthappa, Kedar Jadhav and Ambati Rayudu have been included as wicket keeper -batsmen. Manish Pandey, despite having an ordinary IPL 2015 season, has been handed an opportunity to impress the selectors. Manoj Tiwary has battled his way past numerous rejections and injuries yet again, and the Bengal batsman is set to be one of the veterans in the side this time. Axar Patel and Stuart Binny now have the license to be more confident of spots in the playing XI, after spending most of the Bangladesh tour on the bench.
Among the bowlers, Harbhajan Singh is set to make a comeback to ODI cricket after nearly 4 years. Bhajji’s last ODI was against West Indies in June 2011. He will be assisted by 27-year old leggie Karn Sharma who has made the cut ahead of the more experienced Amit Mishra. Dhawal Kulkarni, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma and Sandeep Sharma make up the pace brigade of the side. Kulkarni was the most impressive of the Indian pacers in Bangladesh, and Sandeep Sharma has been phenomenal in the last two IPL seasons. It would be interesting to see who among the four are included in the playing XI during this tour.
Indian squad touring Zimbabwe
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Robin Uthappa, Murali Vijay, Manoj Tiwary, Kedar Jadhav, Harbhajan Singh, Axar Patel, Karn Sharma, Dhawal Kulkarni, Sandeep Sharma, Stuart Binny, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma
Tags: Ajinkya Rahane captain of India, Harbhajan Singh comeback, India v Zimbabwe, India's tour of Zimbabwe 2015, Sandeep Sharma, Zimbabwe v India series 2015
Zimbabwe v India ODI Series – New Start For Indian Team ?
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Ambati Rayudu Scores Ton, India Beat Zimbabwe Narrowly
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Chamu Chibhabha, G Cremer Take Zimbabwe To Win In 2nd T20I
Kedar Jadhav, Bowlers Take India To 3-0 Series Victory
For Sports Updates
Follow @SRediscovered
India Ride On Ravichandran Ashwin To Win 1st Test
Day 4 : Ravichandran Ashwin Puts India On Road to Victory
Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin Turn Tables On NZ On Day 3
NZ Take Firm Control on Day 2 With Kane Williamson Fifty
Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult Give Kiwis Day 1
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Dawes - Passwords
Dawes - Passwords (Hub)
deep new americana
Dawes is an American rock band from Malibu, California. Two members, Taylor Goldsmith and Wylie Gelber, were originally from the band Simon Dawes. They branched off in 2009, now playing with Griffin Goldsmith and Tay Strathairn, to compile Americana/Soul music in the band Dawes.
Their debut album, "North Hills", was released in 2009. The album, "Nothing Is Wrong", follows in 2011.
More info: www.dawestheband.com Read more on Last.fm
Pitchfork5.6
Paste5.5/10
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Public Records Requests / Open Government Resources
Government records may be seen and copied from a records custodian at the County Administration building, via specific County Departments responsible for their own records, from records custodians at Elected Officials Offices and at other levels of government such as state agencies, local, county and state authorities.
Public records requests may be made by completing the Public Records Request Form or contacting us directly. For more information, please view the Public Records Request Brochure or contact Board of County Commissioners Records Management @ publicrecords@sjcfl.us, or (904) 209-0805.
Your Right to Access Information
The State Constitution provides local citizens with a right of access to County meetings and records (Online Agendas / Minutes ). Disclosure is the standard, unless the Legislature determines that a public necessity compels exemption from the State's strong open government laws.
St. Johns County is dedicated to maintaining and building public trust in government by keeping government open and accessible to the citizens it serves. This page serves as a resource to those seeking to become more familiar with the requirements of open government laws.
The Government in the Sunshine Law, section 286.011 of the Florida Statutes
The Government in the Sunshine Manual and Sunshine Training for Law Enforcement, Local Government and Citizens
Government records may be seen and copied from a records custodian at the County Administration building, via specific County Departments responsible for their own records, from records custodians at Elected Officials Offices, and at other levels of government such as state agencies, local, county and state authorities.
Public records requests to the County may be made by completing the Public Records Request Form or by contacting the County’s Public Records Custodian at:
Office of the County Attorney
Attn: Public Records Custodian
St. Augustine, Florida 32084-8686
E: publicrecords@sjcfl.us
For more information, please view the Public Records Request Brochure.
The Public Records Act, chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes (F.S. 119)
Public Records Overview presented by the Office of the County Attorney
St. Johns County Growth Management Public Records Request Program
St. Johns County Public Records Request Form
Employee's Quick Guide to Public Records Requests
First Amendment Foundation
The Brechner Center for Freedom of Information
Sunshine Week
Office of the Attorney General Search Attorney General Opinions
For more information, please contact, Board of County Commissioners Records Management @ publicrecords@sjcfl.us, or by phone, (904) 209-0805.
Official Records Search
Permit Status
GIS Maps & iMap
GTV Online
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GameStop..... Buy 2, Get 1 Free Deal for used PS3 games! October 21, 2019
Out of all the games that I bought yesterday, Singularity is the game that I want to play the most. I watched a few youtube videos and this is definitely my type of shooter. If you go on gamestop website, you can check "game availability" at your local gamestop stores. I may make another stop and get 3 more cheap games.
***I went back and I picked up 6 more games. They are perfect condition discs with very good cases and booklets! LA Noire, Bulletstorm: Limited Edition, Mass Effect 3, Madden NFL 13, Enslaved: Odyssey To The West and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood for only $19.96 plus tax! I asked the sales clerk if she had any original case of Mass Effect 3 behind the counter and she had a couple but she was nice enough to give me a brand new copy of Mass Effect 3. The plastic wrap was slightly ripped so it was labeled as pre-owned but it was actually brand new. That is good customer service.
Infamous 2, Virtua Tennis 4, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3, LA Noire, Bulletstorm: Limited Edition, Singularity, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, Dishonored, Madden NFL 13, Enslaved: Odyssey To The West and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood = $43.92 plus tax for 12 games!. Only $3.66 plus tax per game!!!
Source: www.gamespot.com
Minecraft PS3 Edition - New Ore/ Material Used For Making ...
Drop weapon - Heavy Rain interactive game for PS3
tutorial to use ps3 controller on mac for games or ...
Gun - Heavy Rain interactive game for PS3
LittleBigPlanet Karting - Playstation 3
Video Games (Sony Computer Entertainment)
Your favorite customizable Sackboy returns with new driving abilities to guide you through a completely new fast-paced adventure.
Race through a whole new 3D world filled with a mix of familiar and unique Craftworld environments and themes. Experience competitive races, objective-based missions...
Share your creations with the rest of the community and contribute to the inevitable thousands of new tracks and experiences created by fans just like you.
In the creative mood? Customize your Sackboy and Karts with tons of options unlocked throughout the game. And for all you future game designers, take control of...
Compatible with PS Move controllers (but only when used with PS Move Racing Wheels)
Top Spin 4 - Playstation 3
Video Games (2K)
Experience the intensity, emotion and excitement of real-life tennis matches set on the world s most hallowed courts
All-new crowd effects build in intensity at crucial points in the match
More than 4, new Signature Style animations ensure your player looks and moves exactly like its real-life counterpart
Innovative game controls mimic real-life tennis swings to allow gamers of all experience levels to become a force to be reckoned with
Play as any of 25 top tennis pros, including Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Michael Chang and more
Cabela's Big Game Hunter 2012 with Top Shot Elite - Playstation 3
Video Games (Activision Inc.)
Animal movement gives you clues to what it will do next
Dynamic weather and natural hazards
Reflex and Target Shooting galleries
Fight Night Round 4 - Playstation 3
Video Games (Electronic Arts)
New Legacy Mode that allows players to grow the career of fighters from their amateur days to the top of the professional ranks.
All-new physics-based gameplay engine that recreates the full spectrum of true-to-life punch impacts, giving boxers a devastating arsenal of punches, blocks and...
An updated heads-up display (HUD) that adds blocking functionality to the existing health and stamina status meters on screen.
Realistic boxing styles based on fighters like Ali, Tyson, Frasier, Foreman that allows players to step into the ring and emulate the move of the greats of the Sweet...
2-person multiplayer functionality both locally and on PSN, and PlayStation trophies online.
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures - Xbox 360
Video Games (Namco)
Animated series based story line: The epic battle follows an original story line inspired from the highly anticipated animated series launching this summer
Characters and environments: A huge all-new cast of characters, good and evil, all developed from the animated series; As well as brand new settings shown in the...
Unique Pac-Man power-ups: Pac will need to utilize a host of new and unique power-ups to stop the ghosts and defeat the evil bosses
All new multi player and maze modes: Re-imagined maze mode features that will allow you and up to 3 friends to play cooperatively or competitively
Playable vehicles: After collecting enough bonus pick-ups, the player unlocks arcade-style mini-games in which he gets to drive and fly vehicles like the Cherry...
Used games for ds! Used ps3 games for sale!
The cheapest used games for ps3 and wii games!
PSP Go games download
I have been thinking of picking up a PSP for a couple of months now, but could never really decide. It was either getting...
Sony PlayStation price
PlayStation - Sonys gaming highs and lows - Telegraph
PlayStation Network sign in failed
PSN users are advised to power cycle their systems. UPDATE: The PlayStation Network is back online and fully operational...
When Edie Falco followed up her star turn on The Sopranos last year as a pill hoovering super nurse, daidaihua weight loss...
Most popular PlayStation 3 games
Holiday Gift Guide: PlayStation 3 Games Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is the sequel to one of the most popular PlayStation 3...
SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection is an upcoming compilation game by Sega, featuring a compilation of over 40 games released for the Sega Mega Drive, making it their largest compilation to date. The game will be released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in early 2009.
According to SEGA, the games will feature updated high-definition...
ANT (ANimation Toolkit) is a proprietary video game animation engine created by Electronic Arts. ANT is built on a shared plugin architecture which allows both the tool and the runtime layer to be shared among many EA games, regardless of their similarities. Prior to 2008 it was primarily an engine for animation on Xbox360, PS3, and PC...
@Joel Moore: I remember when I was like 12 I used to look forward to being 18 so that I could buy 18 rated games for the ps3. Mon, 1 June 2015 10:54 AM
@Sysko Lopez: Since I'm done with video games.. I got a used ps3 for sale.. Great condition, never played it much.. wires and remote included, 250GB Tue, 2 June 2015 05:30 PM
@psnbadger I stupidly bought a ps3 in anticipation of FF13 and never really used it for any other games >.< it's just a dust pile Thu, 4 June 2015 05:07 PM
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It's not a doughnut, it's er, uh, a quantum transmutational tachyon-powered toroidal flux graviton-protected device!
We control what
you think with
Said and done
E-Prime
Gender-inclusive language
Jargon, buzzwords, slogans
Anti-intellectualism
Big words
Feminist glossary
Jehovah's Witnesses glossary
Mass immigration
Style over substance
Popular pseudosciences
Racialism
Random examples
American Academy of Environmental Medicine
Dimitri van der Linden
Free energy (pseudoscience)
Hereditarianism
Luboš Motl
Quack Miranda Warning
Randell Mills
Not to be confused with a deepity — which has pretenses to complex concepts, rather than to complex words.
“”If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit.
—Unknown (not W.C. Fields)
Technobabble describes arguments that use the language (jargon) of science without actually being in any way scientific (sciencey, not scientific).
Technobabble uses terms from mathematics, science, or engineering incorrectly, in order to create a false sense of technical solidity around a field or concept. When real terms are used, it is similar to equivocation.
For example, homeopathy advocates use terms like "nano-particles" and "quantum" as special pleading to talk around the obvious problem that typical homeopathy dilutions exceed the Avogadro limit, by which point effectively none of the original material will remain. These are sciencey-sounding arguments but they have no actual scientific basis.
The purpose of technobabble is to replace the childish word "magic" with the stylish and believable word "technology". Arthur C. Clarke said that "any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"; the phrase "sufficiently advanced" in the above is believed unnecessary by technobabblers. Patience and education are the only ways to cure the disease.
1 Explanation
1.1 Woo
1.2 Fiction
1.3 Reverse Technobabble
2 Related concepts
2.1 Genuine jargon
2.2 Management speak
Explanation[edit]
Woo[edit]
Cranks, quacks, and denialists often intentionally misuse terms of art to confuse their marks, who often don't understand the specific technical definition of what may be an otherwise familiar term. A particularly egregious example of this is the denigration of a scientific theory (where "theory" is a term of art) as "just a theory" (using the more common but less authoritative understanding of the word). This often leads to cargo cult science where the fancy words are there, but they're used incorrectly. Quantum mechanics is one aspect of science that suffers at the hands of this quite badly. Users of quantum woo misinterpret uncertainty, waveforms or various other hypotheses behind the counter-intuitive phenomena described by quantum theory.
Sometimes cranks will even just invent their own terms. "Toxin", for example, when used in alternative medicine and detox is practically a meaningless term that refers to any number of chemical substances—even when they aren't necessarily toxic by the technical definition used in toxicology (and that's if they ever mention what the toxins actually are).
As such, technobabble is an epitome of the style over substance fallacy. Technobabble is very popular with quack doctors and New Agers, who have come up with "treatments" like "DNA upgrades" and "tachyon-infused water". Many such quacks, most notably Deepak Chopra and Gary Zukav, are notorious for abusing the word "quantum", playing on quantum mechanics' reputation for being difficult to understand to avoid having to give an explanation for their snake oil. Conspiracy theorists also do this, and can even technobabble themselves, coming up with spurious and unlikely evil functionalities for technology they and their fans do not understand.
Fiction[edit]
“”It's some sort of chromodynamic module powered by a tri-polymer plasma."[note 1]
—B'Elanna Torres, Star Trek Voyager episode "Prototype")
Technobabble in fiction, especially science fiction, is used to cloak the impossibility (by our knowledge of science) of materials, technologies, or devices without really explaining them. (Star Trek's Heisenberg compensator is a prime example of this; The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy's Infinite Improbability Drive is another example.) It is also often used as a deus ex machina to get out of a corner they have written themselves into. Star Trek writers are especially notorious for this shameless dress-up, often simply asking the show's actual science advisers for exotic terminology to add to dialog rather than whether it is in any way appropriate, though to be fair the often cited "reverse the polarity of the neutron flow" example comes from Doctor Who, not Star Trek.
If combining terms up in nonsensical ways à la "reverse the polarity of the neutron flow" or proposing that our scientific understanding is not up to addressing the issue there are the old standbys of Unobtainium, Handwavium, or a rarely used scientific name: DHMO.
Sometimes the technobabble masquerades as science very well. For example, the short-lived Threshold (TV series) uses the properties of four-dimensional physics and triple-stranded DNA to explain nearly all the aliens' abilities and those they have converted but even it produces nonsense. For example, it is stated that the aliens' effort is to save life on Earth from the radiation produced by the collision of two neutron stars 400,000 years ago, which a letter from NASA confirms … the problem is that light itself is a form of radiation, so for NASA to see that the collision has occurred means that the radiation wave has already hit Earth!
Moreover, how would aliens—no matter how technologically advanced—be able to build four-dimensional objects when they (and we) are effectively trapped in three-dimensional space?
Reverse Technobabble[edit]
The same is true in reverse: when a debater uses technical or scientific knowledge to obfuscate the central argument by calling into question the use, application or context of every technical term, definition, or concept their opponent presents. In this way, the opponent is left defending their use of terms, definitions or concepts rather than their overarching argument: as such, this tends to segue into red herring semantic arguments. Technical nitpicking is a common technique in actively delaying, and ultimately suspending, any opportunity for a debater to properly verbalize their position.
Related concepts[edit]
“”Using terms few understand doesn't make you seem more intelligent. It makes what you're trying to say less clear.
—Peter Boghossian [1]
Genuine jargon[edit]
"Jargon" or "term of art" involves technical words (or phrases) that have a specific meaning in a specific field, often one that may not be obvious to outsiders. When attempting to make a meaningful contribution to a field, it is generally very important to understand that field's terms of art, lest one be branded a fool within the field for basing one's entire position on a misunderstanding.
Jargon often comes under fierce criticism for being inaccessible to the non-expert, lay public. Opponents accused jargon-users of complicating prose and of enforcing a sort of elitism. However, such words can be essential in science to describe a process, experiment, or result quickly and unambiguously. For example, the term "adiabatic" refers to a process where heat is not transferred between an object and its surroundings, and its definition implies quite a few other things—here one word gets across the meaning, and indeed more meaning, than a simple explanation itself. When definitions are, in fact, very precise and a brief, then a simple and accessible description in place of a "term of art" might leave ambiguity.
(And yes, there are art terms of art; to provide an example, "Academic" in the context of art usually refers to a formalist style associated with official, state sponsored European Academies of Art.)
Management speak[edit]
For those of you in the mood, RationalWiki has a fun article about Management speak.
Management speak is a method of concealing ignorance by using large words other people can't understand.[2] It is often used in board meetings and presentations, and is also used by politicians who want to do one or more of the following: pretend they know what they're talking about, make people zone out so they can slip in something controversial without anyone noticing, or just feel special.[3] It is sometimes known as "jargon", although jargon can just as well be a collection of specialized terms of art which, unlike management speak, isn't used primarily by bullshitters.
A well-crafted management-speak phrase may morph into a full-blown management fad .
The words utilize (use), paradigm (theoretical framework or just a slogan), innovate/innovation (getting new ideas, or pretending to), and synergy (literally anything) crop up often. Blue sky thinking and pushing the envelope are often-utilized strategies for facilitating the reinvention of interactive paradigms and promoting synergetic out-of-the-box methodology.
Physics envy
RationalWiki:DysLexicon
Loaded language
Dog whistle politics
Theory—an oft-misused scientific term of art
Postmodernism—extreme jargon as applied to the social sciences and literature
Turboencabulator, classic technobabble
The modern Retro encabulator
Technobabble generator
Bad Science, Ben Goldacre's website.
/VXJunkies, a subreddit devoted to making up technobabble
↑ Translation: "It's a color-changing part running off a very hot flame from a mixture of three plastics."
↑ http://twitter.com/peterboghossian/status/832870593213009920
↑ Weird Al made a song using nothing but management speak
↑ 50 office-speak phrases you love to hate
Retrieved from "http://rationalwiki.nom.pw/w/index.php?title=Technobabble&oldid=2150609"
Articles with funspace counterparts
Assessing pseudoscience
Science woo
Evaluating arguments
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Concept: Chinese hamster ovary cell
Insulin-like growth factor II peptide fusion enables uptake and lysosomal delivery of α-N-acetylglucosaminidase to mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB fibroblasts
Enzyme replacement therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB; Sanfilippo B syndrome) has been hindered by inadequate mannose 6-phosphorylation and cellular uptake of recombinantly produced human α-N-acetyl-glucosamindase (rhNAGLU). We expressed and characterized a modified, recombinant human NAGLU fused to the receptor binding motif of insulin-like growth factor-II (rhNAGLU-IGF-II) to enhance its ability to enter cells using the cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptor, which is also the receptor for IGF-II (at a different binding site). RhNAGLU-IGF-II was stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, secreted and purified to apparent homogeneity. The Km and pH optimum of the fusion enzyme was similar to those reported for rhNAGLU. Both intracellular uptake and confocal microscopy suggested MPS IIIB fibroblasts readily take up the fusion enzyme via receptor-mediated endocytosis that was significantly inhibited (p<0.001) by monomeric IGF-II peptide. Glycosaminoglycan storage was reduced by 60% (p<0.001) to near background levels in MPS IIIB cells after treatment with rhNAGLU-IGF-II, with half-maximal correction at concentrations of 3-12 pM. Similar cellular uptake mechanism via the IGF-II receptor was also demonstrated in two different brain tumor-derived cell lines. Fusion of NAGLU to IGF-II enhanced its cellular uptake while maintaining enzymatic activity, supporting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for MPS IIIB.
Concepts: Protein, Cell, Enzyme, Golgi apparatus, Therapy, Chinese hamster ovary cell, Insulin-like growth factor 2, Mucopolysaccharidosis
An improved purification method for the lysosomal storage disease protein β-glucuronidase produced in CHO cells
Protein expression and purification
Human β-glucuronidase (GUS; EC 3.2.1.31) is a lysosomal enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of β-d-glucuronic acid residues from the non-reducing termini of glycosaminoglycans. Impairment in GUS function leads to the metabolic disorder mucopolysaccharidosis type VII, also known as Sly syndrome. We produced GUS from a CHO cell line grown in suspension in a 15 L perfused bioreactor and developed a three step purification procedure that yields ∼99% pure enzyme with a recovery of more than 40%. The method can be completed in two days and has the potential to be integrated into a continuous manufacturing scheme.
Concepts: Protein, Cell, Metabolism, Enzyme, Lysosomal storage disease, Cell culture, Chinese hamster ovary cell, Inborn errors of metabolism
Poly-pathway model, a novel approach to simulate multiple metabolic states by reaction network-based model - Application to amino acid depletion in CHO cell culture
Journal of biotechnology
Mammalian cell lines are characterized by a complex and flexible metabolism. A single model that could describe the variations in metabolic behavior triggered by variations in the culture conditions would be a precious tool in bioprocess development. In this paper, we introduce an approach to generate a poly-pathway model and use it to simulate diverse metabolic states triggered in response to removal, reduction or doubling of amino acids in the culture medium of an antibody-producing CHO cell line. Macro-reactions were obtained from a metabolic network via elementary flux mode enumeration and the fluxes were modeled by kinetic equations with saturation and inhibition effects from external medium components. Importantly, one set of kinetic parameters was estimated using experimental data of the multiple metabolic states. A good fit between the model and the data was obtained for the majority of the metabolites and the experimentally observed flux variations. We find that the poly-pathway modeling approach is promising for the simulation of multiple metabolic states.
Concepts: Protein, Amino acid, Acid, Ammonia, Metabolism, Cell culture, Chinese hamster ovary cell, Cell lines
Flux balance analysis of CHO cells before and after a metabolic switch from lactate production to consumption
Biotechnology and bioengineering
Mammalian cell cultures typically exhibit an energy inefficient phenotype characterized by the consumption of large quantities of glucose and the concomitant production of large quantities of lactate. Under certain conditions, mammalian cells can switch to a more energy efficient state during which lactate is consumed. Using a metabolic model derived from a mouse genome scale model we performed flux balance analysis of Chinese hamster ovary cells before and after a metabolic switch from lactate production (in the presence of glucose) to lactate consumption (after glucose depletion). Despite a residual degree of freedom after accounting for measurements, the calculated flux ranges and associated errors were narrow enough to enable investigation of metabolic changes across the metabolic switch. Surprisingly, the fluxes through the lower part of the TCA cycle from oxoglutarate to malate were very similar (around 60 µmol/gDW/h) for both phases. A detailed analysis of the energy metabolism showed that cells consuming lactate have an energy efficiency (total ATP produced per total C-mol substrate consumed) six times greater than lactate producing cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 660-666. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concepts: Metabolism, Adenosine triphosphate, Organism, Mitochondrion, Cellular respiration, Cell culture, Chinese hamster ovary cell, Citric acid cycle
Artichoke induces genetic toxicity in the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) cytome assay
Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association
Artichoke leaves are used in traditional medicine as an herbal medicament for the treatment of hepatic related diseases, as well as choleretic and diuretic. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the capacity of Cynara scolymus L. leaves extract (LE) to cause chromosomal instability and cytotoxicity in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) employing the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) cytome assay. Cells were treated with four concentrations of C. scolymus for two exposure times: 1 h and 24 h. Our findings showed that LE did not increase the frequencies of nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) and nuclear bud (NBUD). However, all concentrations of the extract produced increments in micronuclei frequencies (MNi) in both exposure times, when compared to the negative control. No significant differences were observed in the nuclear division cytotoxicity index (NDCI), reflecting the absence of cytotoxic effects associated to LE. The results demonstrated the ability of C. scolymus LE to promote chromosomal mutations which are, probably, a result of the pro-oxidant activity of LE constituents such as flavonoids and chlorogenic acids. The data obtained in this study suggests that high concentrations of artichoke can pose a risk associated to its consumption.
Concepts: DNA, Cell, Chinese hamster ovary cell, Chinese hamster, Cytotoxicity, Toxicity, Thistle, Cynareae
Evaluation of the Toxicity of Intravenous Delivery of Auroshell Particles (Gold-Silica Nanoshells).
International journal of toxicology
Gold nanoshells (155 nm in diameter with a coating of polyethylene glycol 5000) were evaluated for preclinical biocompatibility, toxicity, and biodistribution as part of a program to develop an injectable device for use in the photothermal ablation of tumors. The evaluation started with a complete good laboratory practice (GLP) compliant International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-10993 biocompatibility program, including cytotoxicity, pyrogenicity (US Pharmacopeia [USP] method in the rabbit), genotoxicity (bacterial mutagenicity, chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells, and in vivo mouse micronucleus), in vitro hemolysis, intracutaneous reactivity in the rabbit, sensitization (in the guinea pig maximization assay), and USP/ISO acute systemic toxicity in the mouse. There was no indication of toxicity in any of the studies. Subsequently, nanoshells were evaluated in vivo by intravenous (iv) infusion using a trehalose/water solution in a series of studies in mice, Sprague-Dawley rats, and Beagle dogs to assess toxicity for time durations of up to 404 days. Over the course of 14 GLP studies, the gold nanoshells were well tolerated and, when injected iv, no toxicities or bioincompatibilities were identified.
Concepts: Gene, Chinese hamster ovary cell, In vitro, Rat, Rodent, Mouse, Good Laboratory Practice, Hamster
Advanced microscale bioreactor system: a representative scale-down model for bench-top bioreactors.
In recent years, several automated scale-down bioreactor systems have been developed to increase efficiency in cell culture process development. ambr™ is an automated workstation that provides individual monitoring and control of culture dissolved oxygen and pH in single-use, stirred-tank bioreactors at a working volume of 10-15 mL. To evaluate the ambr™ system, we compared the performance of four recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cell lines in a fed-batch process in parallel ambr™, 2-L bench-top bioreactors, and shake flasks. Cultures in ambr™ matched 2-L bioreactors in controlling the environment (temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH) and in culture performance (growth, viability, glucose, lactate, Na(+), osmolality, titer, and product quality). However, cultures in shake flasks did not show comparable performance to the ambr™ and 2-L bioreactors.
Concepts: Cell, Enzyme, Cell biology, Biotechnology, Cell culture, Chinese hamster ovary cell, Cell lines, Bioreactor
Effects of synthetic A3 adenosine receptor agonists on cell proliferation and viability are receptor independent at micromolar concentrations.
Journal of physiology and biochemistry
The question as to whether A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) agonists, N (6)-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5'-N- methyluronamide (IB-MECA) and 2-chloro-N (6)-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide (Cl-IB-MECA), could exert cytotoxic effects at high concentrations with or without the involvement of A3AR has been a controversial issue for a long time. The initial findings suggesting that A3AR plays a crucial role in the induction of cell death upon treatment with micromolar concentrations of IB-MECA or Cl-IB-MECA were revised, however, the direct and unequivocal evidence is still missing. Therefore, the sensitivity of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with human recombinant A3AR (A3-CHO) and their counter partner wild-type CHO cells, which do not express any of adenosine receptors, to micromolar concentrations of IB-MECA and Cl-IB-MECA was studied. We observed that IB-MECA and Cl-IB-MECA exhibited a strong inhibitory effect on cell proliferation due to the blockage of cell cycle progression at G1/S and G2/M transitions in both A3-CHO and CHO cells. Further analysis revealed that IB-MECA and Cl-IB-MECA attenuated the Erk1/2 signalling irrespectively to A3AR expression. In addition, Cl-IB-MECA induced massive cell death mainly with hallmarks of a necrosis in both cell lines. In contrast, IB-MECA affected cell viability only slightly independently of A3AR expression. IB-MECA induced cell death that exhibited apoptotic hallmarks. In general, the sensitivity of A3-CHO cells to micromolar concentrations of IB-MECA and Cl-IB-MECA was somewhat, but not significantly, higher than that observed in the CHO cells. These results strongly suggest that IB-MECA and Cl-IB-MECA exert cytotoxic effects at micromolar concentrations independently of A3AR expression.
Concepts: Gene, Cell nucleus, Cell division, Cell culture, Chinese hamster ovary cell, Adenosine receptor, Adenosine A1 receptor, Adenosine A3 receptor
Dual Role of Dextran Sulfate 5000 Da as Anti-Apoptotic and Pro-Autophagy Agent.
Molecular biotechnology
Dextran sulfate 5,000 Da (DS), a sulfated polysaccharide, has been used in recombinant mammalian cell cultures to prevent cell aggregation, thereby increasing cell viability. Previous studies using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) suspension cultures had shown that low concentrations of DS are related to an inhibition of apoptosis. In this study, DS was used on anchorage-dependent CHO cells producing erythropoietin (EPO), in order to investigate the effect of this molecule on anti-apoptotic and pro-survival cellular pathways. DS 5,000 Da treatment was shown to prolong the life of cells and increase productivity of EPO by 1.8-fold comparing with controls, in standard batch conditions. At a molecular level, we show that DS inhibits apoptosis by DNA fragmentation delay and decrease of annexin V-labeled cells, causes a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, decreases p53 expression and increases the pro-survival factor Hsc70 expression. DS treatment also resulted in an enhanced LC3-I to LC3-II conversion and increased autophagosomes formation employing tagged-LC3. Our data show, for the first time, that low doses of DS may promote autophagy in different cell lines. These findings suggest that a better understanding and manipulation of phenomenon of autophagy could be of crucial importance in the bio-pharmaceutical industry, in particular in the field of protein production.
Concepts: DNA, Cell nucleus, Apoptosis, Cell culture, Cell cycle, Chinese hamster ovary cell, Cell lines, P53
Metabolic analysis of antibody producing CHO cells in fed batch production
Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are commonly used for industrial production of recombinant proteins in fed batch or alternative production systems. Cells progress through multiple metabolic stages during fed batch antibody (mAb) production, including an exponential growth phase accompanied by lactate production, a low growth or stationary phase when specific mAb production increases, and a decline when cell viability declines. Although media composition and cell lineage have been shown to impact growth and productivity, little is known about the metabolic changes at a molecular level. Better understanding of cellular metabolism will aid in identifying targets for genetic and metabolic engineering to optimize bioprocess and cell engineering. We studied a high expressing recombinant CHO cell line, designated High Performer (HP), in fed-batch productions using stable isotope tracers and biochemical methods to determine changes in central metabolism that accompany growth and mAb production. We also compared and contrasted results from HP to a high lactate producing cell line that exhibits poor growth and productivity, designated Low Performer (LP), to determine intrinsic metabolic profiles linked to their respective phenotypes. Our results reveal alternative metabolic and regulatory pathways for lactate and TCA metabolite production to those reported in the literature. The distribution of key media components into glycolysis, TCA cycle, lactate production, and biosynthetic pathways was shown to shift dramatically between exponential growth and stationary (production) phases. We determined that glutamine is both utilized more efficiently than glucose for anaplerotic replenishment and contributes more significantly to lactate production during the exponential phase. Cells shifted to glucose utilization in the TCA cycle as growth rate decreased. The magnitude of this metabolic switch is important for attaining high viable cell mass and antibody titers. We also found that phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK1) and pyruvate kinase (PK) are subject to differential regulation during exponential and stationary phases. The concomitant shifts in enzyme expression and metabolite utilization profiles shed light on the regulatory links between cell metabolism, media metabolites, and cell growth. Biotechnol. Bioeng. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concepts: Protein, Bacteria, Metabolism, Adenosine triphosphate, Enzyme, Mitochondrion, Chinese hamster ovary cell, Glycolysis
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Display Garden
Ornamental Shrubs & Vines
Fruit Shrubs
Field Trees
Field Deciduous Tree List
Field Evergreen Tree List
Garden and Giftware
Statuary & Water Fountains
⇒ NavigateContact Us Login Expert Advice About Us – Testimonials – Display Garden – Staff – Employment Products & Pricing – Plant Search – Potted Plants – – Ornamental Trees – – Ornamental Shrubs & Vines – – Fruit Trees – – Fruit Shrubs – – Evergreen – Field Trees – – Field Deciduous Tree List – – Field Evergreen Tree List – Garden and Giftware – – Statuary & Water Fountains – – Giftware – Delivery Details Plant Search Home
Washington Astilbe
Astilbe japonica 'Washington'
Washington Astilbe flowers
Flower Height: 24 inches
Other Names: False Spirea
Washington Astilbe has masses of beautiful plumes of white flowers at the ends of the stems in early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its ferny compound leaves remain dark green in colour with distinctive deep purple edges throughout the season. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.
Washington Astilbe is a dense herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Washington Astilbe is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Washington Astilbe will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity extending to 24 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 32 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 24 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.
This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Washington Astilbe is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. Contact our store for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.
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selling car
1985 AM General Hummer
$ 23,500 00
State: Oregon
Address: 16470 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Portland, OR 97267
Make: HUMMER
Model: AM General
Body type: Pickup / Truck
Interior color: Green
Exterior color: Camo
Transmission: 4-Spd Auto
Engine: 6.2 Diesel
1985 AM General Humvee 2 Door Truck for sale. This Humvee has 6,400 Miles on it and is model #M998. This beast is powered by a 380 CID 6.2L V8 diesel engine and backed by a 3 speed automatic transmission. These High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee, were specified to climb a 60 percent incline, traverse a 40 percent slope, and have the capability to ford 5 feet of water. They started seeing battle in 1989 at the invasion of Panama, known as Operation Just Cause, and they are still used by the military today. These haven’t only been used for war purposes though, other branches of government use them quite frequently for natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. The first Hummer production vehicle was completely assembled January 2, 1985. These were designed to go anywhere and do anything including mud, 60 inches of water, desert heat, and the arctic cold. Drivers from the U.S. military and AM General tried to do everything possible to make them fail, but they still passed with flying colors. If you’re an adventurous person, you will discover new possibilities when in the drivers’ seat of this machine!
Welcome to our public car auction Selling Car Privately. We are the best website to sell cars and will immediately help you boost your auto car sales and will guide you through the whole process of selling a car privately for cash. Selling Car Privately is really the best place to sell a car, because we buy any car. We sell cars in the whole country, have auto sales and car auctions in each state and city of U.S.: car auction Florida, Southern auto auction, Carolina auto auction, Missouri auto auction, Fort Wayne auto auction, Birmingham auto auction. The processes of selling a car and buying a used car have never been so amazingly cool, as they are with Selling Car Privately.
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1945 Gardena Ave. Glendale, CA 91204 moc.rakoper@noitcua
Copyright © 2020. All Rights Reserved.Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the llingcarprivately.com User Agreement and Privacy Policy
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Strange Bedfellows, Indeed!
I knew that Left and Right would eventually have to come together on something. It took the possibility of losing Net Neutrality for it to happen, and it's a beautiful thing! We are all in this fight together, and we all stand to lose if Net Neutrality becomes a thing of the past. Help keep the internet neutral.
Dear MoveOn member,
We never thought we'd see the day, but it's come: we're working together
with the Christian Coalition. You read that right--the Christian Coalition
has joined everyone from Google to MoveOn to the Gun Owners of
America in the fight for Internet freedom. The momentum is on our side.
Internet companies like AT&T have been trying to win this fight by
telling Republicans in Congress this is just a left-wing issue. But
MoveOn and the Christian Coalition have designed a full-page
New York Times ad to expose the truth: people across the spectrum
are united behind Internet freedom! If we get that message out, we win.
The ad will cost $70,000 to run. If 2,000 people give $35 each, we'll
be there. Plus, every dollar you give will be matched by a generous
bequest.
Can you contribute to run an Internet freedom ad with the improbable
pairing of MoveOn and the Christian Coalition? Click here to see the
ad and make a donation:
https://civic.moveon.org/donatec4/save_the_internet.html?id=7780-6985143
-7XsgpnELgxFqIOjpYCwSwA&t=3
This ad will make a big splash in Congress, with the public, and in the
news. We'll share the cost of the ad with our partners, and any funds
raised above our share will help support the organizing costs of MoveOn's
Internet freedom campaign.
Last year, we received a very humbling gift: a MoveOn member named us
in her will for over half a million dollars. This money is set up as a matching
fund for critically important initiatives like this one. Every dollar you give
today will bring in a dollar from this bequest, up to $100,000.
Everyone knows we deeply disagree with the Christian Coalition on many
issues. It's safe to say the same is true for them. But we can agree on
preserving the Internet as a venue for democratic participation, economic
innovation, and free speech.1 The only serious opposition to Internet
freedom comes from AT&T and other Internet operators who are spending
millions lobbying Congress for more control over what we see and do online.
To win this fight, we need to show Congress the huge public backlash
they will face if they sell out the Internet. The pairing of MoveOn and
the Christian Coalition is unheard of, and it's sure to get Congress'
Help run this attention-getting ad featuring MoveOn and the
Christian Coalition. You can make a contribution at:
https://civic.moveon.org/donatec4/save_the_internet.html?id=7780-
6985143-7XsgpnELgxFqIOjpYCwSwA&t=4
Internet users of all political stripes are fighting back together.
The SavetheInternet.com Coalition--led by Free Press--includes the
Christian Coalition, MoveOn, Gun Owners of America, the ACLU,
Craig from Craigslist, Free Press, small businesses, consumer
advocates, Internet advocates, musicians such as Moby, R.E.M.,
Q-Tip, The Roots, Trent Reznor of NIN, the Indigo Girls, and the Dixie
Chicks, and over 700 other organizations from around the country.
Also supporting Net Neutrality are high-tech pioneers like Google,
Amazon, and eBay, as well as "fathers of the Internet" Vint Cerf and
Tim Berners-Lee (the inventor of the www). We're part of something huge.
Thank you for all you do.
--Eli Pariser, Adam Green, Noah T. Winer, and the MoveOn.org Civic
P.S. You can find out more about naming MoveOn as a beneficiary
in your will by clicking here:
http://civic.moveon.org/bequest/?id=7780-6985143-
7XsgpnELgxFqIOjpYCwSwA&t=5
1. "Christian Coalition Announces Support for 'Net Neutrality' to
Prevent Giant Phone and Cable Companies From Discriminating
Against Web Sites," Christian Coalition, May 17, 2006
http://www.cc.org/content.cfm?id=329
Episode 18-The Second Mostly Music Episode
Well, I promised a full episode this week, but the body is still recovering from the cold and the voice was not allowing itself to be pushed. Therefore, I am treating you to another collection of my favorite podsafe music from the Podsafe Music Network, Podsafe Audio.com , and some indie music I have permission to share.
I will be back next week with a full episode. I am holding healing thoughts in the meantime.
Puce Wallpaper "Walking on Grass" from Podsafe Audio.com
Jakes Bitter "Heaven", also from Podsafe Audio.com
Classic Graffitti "Will Always I Imagine" (indie with CD available to order-email me)
Latin All-Stars "Nuestro Himno" (permission granted by Urban Box Office, available for download from iTunes)
Heidi Bethune "Star Spangled Banner" (indie-email me to order her CD)
Madly Jadly "Keep the Home Fires Burning" (available on PMN).
Intro Music "Deep Cycle Discharge" by PMN artists Derek James and Simon K. Miller (also available at podcast.penmachine.com).
Outro Music "Power Inside" by PMN and Podsafe Audio.com artist EL84 (buy cd at www.el84rocks.com).
Email me at thatbluejeansguy@gmail.com.
Call my voicemail at 206-339-8915.
Visit my webpage where you can send me an Odeo voice mail and stick a pin on my Frappr map.
Direct download: Episode_18-The_Second_Mostly_Music_Episode.mp3
Episode 17-The Mostly Music Because I Gotta Cold Episode
I am experiencing the last stages of a cold, and the voice was not up to doing a complete episode. I am fine otherwise, and I will be back next week.
In the meantime, enjoy some of my favorite indie and Podsafe Music Network artists. Songs are:
"Blessings" by Heidi Bethune (indie, but not on PMN yet)
"I Know You're There" by PMN artist Matthew Ebel
"Through These Eyes" by Podsafe Audio artist David Gielan
"On the Horizon" by indie (also not on PMN yet) band Classic Graffitti
"Queen of Me" by PMN artist Natalie Brown.
"Living Inside Your Eyes" by PMN artist David Spak.
All PMN artists are available at http://music,podshow.com.
Podsafe Audio artists are available at http://www.podsafeaudio.com.
Heidi Bethune and Classic Graffitti are selling independently.
Email me if you want to buy a CD!
Intro music "Deep Cycle Discharge" by Simon James and Derek K. Miller. Derek is a PMN artist and his music is also available for free (and legal) download at http://podcast.penmachine.com.
Outro Music "Power Inside" by PMN and Podsafe Audio artists EL84, but please buy their CD at http://www.el84rocks.com.
Direct download: Episode_17-The_Mostly_Music_Because_I_Gotta_Cold_Episode.mp3
Message to My Loyal Listeners
Hey, everybody!
The episode will be a little late this week.
I've been busy with work and finishing a term paper and my body decided to treat me with a mild cold! I should have the voice to do the episode, but it will be Friday or Saturday before I post it.
Episode 16-The Campaign to Preserve Net Neutrality
We have the privilege of accessing practically any content anywhere on the internet, provided the owner of that content has granted permission for access.
No internet service provider has the right to block or slow down access to that content in favor of any other content.
This is known as "net neutrality" and it is something that internet users take for granted.
This freedom is in danger, and could be eliminated if a bill in the US Congress, HR5252, becomes law.
This bill would give ISPs the right to block or slow access to any site for any reason, or to charge higher fees for faster access.
Please help all of us stop this takeover of the internet by corporate America by signing the online petition at http://civic.moveon.org/save_the_internet.
Thanks for listening and Stay Powerful!
Direct download: 01_Episode_16-The_Campaign_to_Preser.mp3
Episode 15-The Letter to the President
Thanks to everybody for your concern about my partner. He was able to come home from the hospital on the same day, and he has recovered well from his surgery.
He was part of an experimental drug test to check the efficacy of a new drug to help reduce hardening of the arteries. We don't know if he had the drug or the placebo, but we do know he went from 70% blockage to 50% blockage during the course of the study! Thank you, God!
For the rest of the episode, I present a letter to the President of the United States in podcast form. I get more than a few things off my chest...
You can post comments on my website at http://thatbluejeansguy.libsyn.com, or you can email me at thatbluejeansguy@libsyn.com.
While you are on my website, check out my new section of links to the homepages of my favorite podcasts. It's a work in progress, so check back often!
Special music is "Souls Communicate" by Somebody's Closet.
Bonus music "Common Ground" by David Ippolito.
All artists are also available through the Podsafe Music Network, and Somebody's Closet is available from Podsafe Audio. Please consider purchasing their CDs and supporting them financially, because they are not paid for Podsafe Music Network downloads.
Direct download: Episode_15-The_Letter_to_the_President.mp3
Episode 14-The Hospital Visit
The partner was in the hospital for an angiogram, and I was not sure how much time I would have to do a studio recording, so this is my first remote podcast. I recorded the bulk of this in the cafeteria in St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw.
I discuss the idea of healing and releasing thoughts that can keep one from realizing the true nature of the body--that of perfect health.
I added in some extra podsafe music to keep you entertained.
Bonus music "The Search Is Over" by Collin Raye.
Derek Miller, Collin Raye, and EL84 are also available through the Podsafe Music Network.
Somebody's Closet is available through Podsafe Audio.
Please consider purchasing the podsafe artists' CDs and supporting them financially, because they are not paid for Podsafe Audio Network downloads.
Direct download: 01_Episode_14-The_Hospital_Visit.mp3
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The Best of Reggae
Reggae & Ska Music Terms Glossary
Reggae Artist Search
What is Ska Music
By The Best of Reggae Editor Leave a Comment
The original sound of reggae (pre-reggae), played in Jamaica in the early 1960’s, originated largely by the island’s resort and studio players who came together to form The Skatalites. The early hits from The Wailing Wailers, such as “One Cup Of Coffee,” “Simmer Down,” and the original “One Love” are all great examples of ska featuring vocals. (A large part of original Jamaican ska was instrumental—check anything from The Skatalites! The Skatalites were the instrumental backing band for some of the early Wailers’ tracks.) Ska relies heavily on the saxophone, trumpet, and trombone to carry the melodies, and has a prominent steady upbeat carrying the music forward.
List of notable bands and musicians who performed primarily Ska or Ska-influenced music for a significant portion of their careers.
The originators of Ska started performing in 1950s
Theophilus Beckford
Val Bennett
Baba Brooks
The Blues Busters
Clue J & His Blues Blasters
Don Drummond
Jackie Edwards
Justin Hinds
Jah Jerry Haynes
Judge Dread
Lloyd Knibb
Byron Lee & the Dragonaires
Count Machuki
Carlos Malcolm
Johnny “Dizzy” Moore
Eric “Monty” Morris
Jackie Opel
The Paragons
Ernest Ranglin
Millie Small
Symarip
Lynn Taitt
Lord Tanamo
Starting in late 1970s – 2 Tone Ska Revival
The 2 Tone sound was developed by young musicians in Coventry, West Midlands, England who grew up hearing 1960s Jamaican music.They combined influences from ska, reggae and rocksteady with elements of Punk Rock and New Wave music. Bands considered part of the genre include:
Andy Cox
Pauline Black
Rhoda Dakar
Mike Barson
The Beat (known as The English Beat)
Mark Bedford
Buster Bloodvessel
John Bradbury
Jerry Dammers
Chris Foreman
Lynval Golding
Terry Hall
Everett Morton
Horace Panter
Roddy Radiation
Ranking Roger
The Selecter
Chas Smash
The Specials ( known as The Special AKA)
Neville Staple
Suggs
Dave Wakeling
Daniel Woodgate
1980s /1990s Ska Punk / Ska-core (skacore)
Ska Punk is a fusion music genre that combines Ska and Punk Rock. It achieved its highest level of commercial success in the United States in the late 1990s.[Ska-core (sometimes spelled skacore) is a subgenre of ska punk, blending ska with hardcore punk.
The characteristics of ska punk vary, due to the fusion of contrasting genres. The more punk-influenced style often features faster tempos, guitar distortion, onbeat punk rock-style interludes (usually the chorus), and punk-style vocals. The more ska-influenced style of ska punk features a more developed instrumentation and a cleaner vocal and musical sound. The common instrumentation includes electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, brass instruments (such as trombones or trumpets), saxophones, and sometimes an organ.
Below is a list of famous Ska Punk and Ska-core Bands and Musicians
7 Seconds of Love
Allniters
The Allstonians
Animal Chin
Area-7
The Arrogant Sons of Bitches
B. Lee Band
BAMF!
Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution
Blue Meanies
Bim Skala Bim
Bomb The Music Industry!
Buck-O-Nine
Chase Long Beach
The Chinkees
Choking Victim
Common Rider
Dance Hall Crashers
Deal’s Gone Bad
Desorden Publico
The Donkey Show
Edna’s Goldfish
Five Iron Frenzy
The Forces Of Evil
The Gadjits
General Rudie
Go Jimmy Go
Gollbetty
High School Football Heroes
The Hippos
Hub City Stompers
I Voted for Kodos
The Impossibles
The Insyderz
Jeffries Fan Club
The Johnstones
Johnny Socko
Kid British
King Apparatus
The King Blues
The Know How
Less Than Jake
Let’s Go Bowling
Long Shot Party
Los Kung-Fu Monkeys
Los Hooligans
Mad Caddies
Mark Foggo’s Skasters
Mephiskapheles
Missing Andy
Mr. Review
Mustard Plug
No-Cash
No Torso
Nuckle Brothers
The O.C. Supertones
OreSkaBand
Pannonia Allstars Ska Orchestra
Panteón Rococó
The Pietasters
Pilfers
The Planet Smashers
The Porkers
Potshot
Random Hand
RedSka
The Rough Kutz
Ruder Than You
The Rudiments
The Rudimentals
Rx Bandits
Save Ferris
Skankin’ Pickle
Skavoovie and the Epitones
The Skunks
The Slackers
Slow Gherkin
Spunge
Sonic Boom Six
Sounds Like Chicken
Spring Heeled Jack
Sto zví?at
Streetlight Manifesto
Stubborn All-Stars
Subb
Suburban Legends
Suburban Rhythm
Superhiks
The Supervillains
The Taj Motel Trio
Tip The Van
The Toasters
The Unlimiters
The Uptones
The Urge
Tijuana No!
Voodoo Glow Skulls
Westbound Train
Zdob Si Zdub
Filed Under: Reggae News Tagged With: 7 Seconds of Love, Against All Authority, Allniters, Alton Ellis, Andy Cox, Animal Chin, Area-7, Athena, Aubrey Adams, B. Lee Band, Baba Brooks, Bad Manners, BAMF!, Bandits of the Acoustic Revolution, Big D and the Kids Table, Bim Skala Bim, Blag, Blue Meanies, Bomb The Music Industry!, Buck-O-Nine, Buster Bloodvessel, Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, Capdown, Carlos Malcolm, Catch 22, Chas Smash, Chase Long Beach, Choking Victim, Chris Foreman, Chris Murray, Citizen Fish, Clue J & His Blues Blasters, Common Rider, Count Machuki, Dance Hall Crashers, Daniel Woodgate, Dave Wakeling, Deal's Gone Bad, Delroy Wilson, Derrick Harriott, Derrick Morgan, Desmond Dekker, Desorden Publico, Distemper, Don Drummond, Edna's Goldfish, Eric "Monty" Morris, Ernest Ranglin, Everett Morton, Farse Band - The Best of Reggae - Reggae Artist, Fishbone, Five Iron Frenzy, General Rudie, Go Jimmy Go, Goldfinger, Gollbetty, Hepcat, High School Football Heroes, Horace Panter, Hub City Stompers, I Voted for Kodos, Jackie Edwards, Jackie Opel, Jah Jerry Haynes, Jeffries Fan Club, Jerry Dammers, John Bradbury, Johnny "Dizzy" Moore, Johnny Socko - The Best of Reggae - Reggae Music Artisit, Judge Dread, Justin Hinds, Kemuri, Kid British, King Apparatus, King Prawn, Laurel Aitken, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Lee Thompson, Less Than Jake, Let's Go Bowling, Lightyear, Link 80, Lloyd Knibb, Locomondo, Long Shot Party, Lord Tanamo, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Los Hooligans, Los Kung-Fu Monkeys, Lynn Taitt, Lynval Golding, Mad Caddies, Madness, Mark Bedford, Mark Foggo's Skasters, Mealticket, Mephiskapheles, Mike Barson, Millie Small, Missing Andy, Monkey, Mouthwash, Mr. Review, Mu330, Mustard Plug, Neville Staple, No Doubt, No Torso, No-Cash, Nuckle Brothers, Operation Ivy, OreSkaBand, Owen Gray, Pannonia Allstars Ska Orchestra, Panteón Rococó, Pauline Black, Pepper, Pilfers, Potshot, Prince Buster, Rancid, Random Hand, Ranking Roger, RedSka, Reel Big Fish, Rhoda Dakar, Rico Rodriguez, Roddy Radiation, Roland Alphonso, Ruder Than You, Rx Bandits, Save Ferris, Ska-P, Skankin' Pickle, Skavoovie and the Epitones, Skinnerbox, Slapstick, Slow Gherkin, Sonic Boom Six, Sounds Like Chicken, Spring Heeled Jack, Spunge, Starpool, Sto zví?at, Stranger Cole, Streetlight Manifesto, Stubborn All-Stars, Subb, Sublime, Sublime with Rome, Suburban Legends, Suburban Rhythm, Suggs, Superhiks, Symarip, Terry Hall, The Allstonians, The Aquabats, The Arrogant Sons of Bitches, The Beat, The Blues Busters, The Bodysnatchers, The Busters, The Chinkees, The Donkey Show, The English Beat, The Ethiopians, The Expendables, The Flatliners, The Forces Of Evil, The Gadjits, The Hippos, The Impossibles, The Insyderz, The Johnstones, The King Blues, The Know How, The Melodians, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The O.C. Supertones, The Paragons, The Pietasters, The Pioneers, The Planet Smashers, The Porkers, The Rough Kutz, The Rudimentals, The Rudiments, The Scholars, The Scofflaws, The Selecter, The Skatalites, The Skunks, The Slackers, The Special AKA, The Specials, The Suicide Machines, The Supervillains, The Taj Motel Trio, The Toasters, The Unlimiters, The Upgrades, The Uptones, The Urge, The Wailers, Theophilus Beckford, Tijuana No!, Tip The Van, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Tommy McCook, Toots & the Maytals, Val Bennett, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Westbound Train, Zdob Si Zdub
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Tag Archives: wynwood
Jose De Diego School, Wynwood – Robert De Los Rios Interview
Artist Profile, Big Balls, Charity, Collaborations, Graffiti, Interview, Shows & Events, Street Art, VNA Magazine
artists, Cuba, Cuban, Graffiti, Hyland Mather, interview, Jose De Diego Middle School, Miami, RAW, Robert De Los Rios, roland henry, school, street art, wynwood, Wynwood arts district, wynwood walls
The Jose De Diego Middle School sits just outside of the Wynwood arts district in Miami. Although Wynwood itself is gentrifying quickly, the areas around it, the areas that feed the school, like Overtown, are still fairly impoverished, tuff, and derelict. The JDD has little to no money for arts teachers, and as a result the school has no art programs. As a reaction to this, the school is now graced with over 80 murals created by Street Artists and Graffiti Artists from around the world. This massive on-going mural project is organized in large part by Robert De Los Rios as part of his RAW (Reimagining the Arts in Wynwood) effort. De Los Rios sat down with our man Hyland Mather and ate some Cuban food at the old school local’s diner, Enriqueta’s, where Rios did the ordering.
Selina Miles – Miami Basel 2013
Graffiti, Shows & Events, Social, Street Art, Video, VNA Magazine
AUGOR, Basel, ENUE, EWOK, Futurefunk, Ironlak, JURNE, KEMS, Linz, Miami, roland henry, Selina Miles, Sirum, TUES, wynwood, Young Franco
In continuation of the annual festivities in Miami’s Wynwood district for Art Basel, Ironlak Family members TUES, ENUE, KEMS, JURNE, SIRUM, LINZ, EWOK & AUGOR went to check out the action along with writers from all over the globe.
Shot & cut by: Selina Miles.
See the photos on our blog: www.ironlak.com
Music: Young Franco ‘Futurefunk EP.’
Anthony Lister NEVER ODD OR EVEN – PART 2
Anthony Lister, bptd, wynwood
Two weeks ago we posted up part 1 of the BPTD Production video showing Anthony Lister at Wynwood Miami..
Well here is part 2, including an interview of Carla Azar, drummer for Autolux. She worked with Jack White on his latest album Blunderbuss and was involved in the opening night of the show, performing under the direction of Anthony Lister.
Anthony Lister NEVER ODD OR EVEN – PART 2 from BPTD Production on Vimeo.
btbp productions, Lister, wynwood
BPTD Productions present a new video of Anthony Lister, featuring an interview and showcasing the work he presented in Wynwood Miami last May. One should never miss the opportunity to hear Lister talk about anything, so take 5minutes to enjoy this.
I’M IN MIAMI BITCH! – The book
andrew kaufman, art basel, Im in miami bitch, Miami, wynwood
Andrew Kaufman is based in Miami and has fond memories of Art Basel Miami Beach..
He remembers the first year, when there was a carnival as an installation complete with ferris wheel, fortune teller and merry go round. Now a TARGET department store sits where that empty lot with the carnival once was. 11 years on and Miami has changed quite a bit, this past Art Basel(’12) he decided to create a photo essay about the street art scene in Wynwood, Miami’s art district. The project is called I’M IN MIAMI BITCH! This is his first book, which he has self published and it has received great support from the local community, with Andrew being invited to the Miami International Book Fair as a featured speaker.
The book itself is full colour, 6×9″ and 216 pages, with a brief foreward by Kenny Scharf.
You can pre-order it now and for a limited time until September 15st, you can also grab an autographed 1st edition with a sticker pack included.
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Publication Actuelle
Arts and Style
Le Monde de Piperberg
Les Mille Mots
Beryl Wajsman
The Kahdr settlement: A bodyguard of lies
Par Beryl Wajsman le 12 juillet 2017
Free nations in order to survive in liberty do not negotiate with, pander to or reward terrorists. This has been the keystone of policy among all western countries for decades. The Trudeau government's decision to settle Omar Khadr's legal pursuit against Canada for the alleged violation of his sec.7 Charter rights protecting the "security and liberty of the person" is shameful in principle, distorts the 2010 Supreme Court decision upon which the Prime Minister claims to rely on, opens the door to the compromise of the very Charter protections he seeks to defend and potentially blocks the ability of the widow of the man Khadr killed to obtain redress under the 2012 Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act that allows for the collection of damages from U.S. judgments in Canadian courts.
Defenders of the government's decision claim that the Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Khadr's first legal salvos left Trudeau with no choice. The SCC's decision did nothing of the kind. The Prime Minister could have let Khadr's latest legal challenge run it's course instead of shaming Canada by settling out of court tacitly admitting this nation's "guilt" pre-emptively. It is a stain on this country and the memories of the sacrifices of our soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.
The Supreme Court of Canada's 2010 decision came to three conclusions. First, the Charter does not apply to Canadians abroad. Yes, you read that right. This statement is the very opposite of what the Prime Minister claimed at the Hamburg G20 that the settlement could not be avoided because it was simply respecting the Charter. Khadr killed abroad. Second, the Court did decide however, that Canada violated Section 7 Charter provisions because Canadian diplomatic and security personnel participated in Khadr's questioning while in detention at Guantanamo and because Khadr was allegedly tortured (through sleep deprivation) by the Americans, Canadian authorities benefitted from information received as the "fruit of the poisonous tree." The Court did not find that Canadian autorities participated in any torture nor illegal detention.
But it was the Court's third set of findings that truly condemn the government's settlement. The Court ruled that the federal government had no obligation to request Khadr's repatriation. That imposing such an obligation would be "inconsistent with the framework of Canada's constitutional democracy and is not a judicial remedy within the powers of the courts. The federal government retains the prerogative power over foreign affairs, which includes making representations to foreign governments." The Court ruled that the prudent remedy was to declare that Mr. Khadr's rights had been violated on the technical grounds of Canadian authorities' participation in the questioning of Khadr but to allow the government to decide how to remedy that breach. It made no mention or recommendation of compensation at all. Quite the opposite.
The court made clear only that Canada has a constitutional duty to ensure that its officials do not participate in activities in foreign jurisdictions that violate Canadians' rights and values. Canada did not capture Khadr. It did not kidnap Khadr. It did not coerce any confession. It had no obligation to offer Charter protections abroad. It had no obligation to seek extradition. Does this government truly want Canadians to believe that because Canadian agents participated in questioning Khadr that this was a tort worth $10 million to an admitted terrorist and killer? Families of Canadian soldiers killed in action have their compensation capped at $360,000. What does this say about this government's interpretation of Canadian values?
One cannot end a critique of this infamous act without addressing some of the platitutdes of political correctness that have been bamdied about. The first is that as a "Canadian citizen" Khadr was entitled to the protection of Canadian law. While the Supreme Court has already ruled that this is not true for Canadians abroad, let us remember that many western countries have passed laws stripping citizenship for those who join Jihadist terrorists as Khadr did in becoming a member of Al-Qaeda. The second theme we have heard and read repeatedly is that Khadr, being 15 at the time he threw the grenade, should be treated as a "children soldier." That expression is generally applied to pre-teens kidnapped and forced into murder by terror armies like Joseph Komy's in Central Africa. We have had cases of minors in Canada tried for murder as adults. There is a difference between legal minors and "child soldiers." The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child recognizes "child soldiers" as being under the age of 15. If Canada starts applying lenient definitions like "child soldier" to Jihadist killers, what moral authority does this country have left? In fact, what dignity does it have left? Al-Qaeda was at war with the UN coalition that Canada was part of and had named Canada as a target country. Khadr's choice to join Al-Qaeda was an act of treason even before he threw the grenade. And let us not forget that Al-Qaeda - operating under Sharia Law - recognizes adulthood at the age of 13.
It is shameful that in Canada there has been little sympathy for the widow and children of Christopher Speer, the soldier Khadr admitted to killing who two days before his death had saved two Afghan children from Taliban brutality. Little mention that she has obtained a $102 million judgment against Khadr. Little mention that Khadr, rather than being summarily shot as a combatant by the American soldiers he had attacked, was actually nursed back to health by the medics of the squad.
At the least our government has lawyers who have perverted the interpretation of our own law. At worst, this action manifests some form of perverse exhibition against perceived Islamophobia.
In light of all this, the title of Alexander Solzhenitsyn's 1978 Harvard commencement address resonates hauntingly today. "What is the joy about?" he challenged. He admonished us that, "...the most striking feature in the West today is the decline in courage. The Western world has lost its civic courage, both as a whole and separately, in each country, in each government, in each political party and of course in the United Nations. Political and intellectual functionaries proudly exhibit self-serving rationales as to how realistic, reasonable and even morally justifiable it is to base policies on weakness and cowardice..."
Not much should surprise us anymore as we have become so immersed in the smug, self-satisfied double standards that allow us to wrap ourselves in comfortable cloaks of political correctness while ignoring the stark reality of the moral bankruptcy that surrounds us. Yet there are still events that should shock us out of our reveries and make us realize that if we accept the current human condition without protest or contest then each of us will be judged complicit in the degeneration of our societies which can no longer tell right from wrong.
Veuillez vous connecter pour poster des commentaires.
Beryl P. Wajsman
Redacteur en chef et Editeur
Alan Hustak
Daniel Laprès
Redacteur-adjoint
Brigitte Garceau
Robert J. Galbraith
Photojournaliste
Roy Piberberg
Editorial Artwork
Mike Medeiros
Copy and Translation
Val Prudnikov
IT Director and Web Design
Editorial Contributors
Pierre K. Malouf
P.A. Sévigny
Dan Delmar
Mischa Popoff
Hon. David Kilgour
David T. Jones
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L'Economie
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Rene Girard
Alidor Aucoin
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Sportsbetting.ag Review
(Dave Mandel/Sherdog)
UFC Fight Night 64: Who’s on the Hot Seat?
RJ Gardner
For a fighter, making it to the UFC is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication; countless hours of blood, sweat and tears being poured on to training mats. But once they make it to the UFC, the hard work doesn’t stop; in fact things get more difficult for the fighters.
The UFC by nature breeds a competitive atmosphere, but that atmosphere is amplified by the fact that fighters are given only a handful of opportunities to prove they belong. Lose your UFC debut and you are lucky to get a second chance. Lose back-to-back bouts and your back is against the wall. And fighters who lose three straight are almost always guaranteed their release from the organization.
When the UFC heads to the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., for UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold, three fighters will be fighting for their jobs.
Chris Dempsey
Dempsey earned his spot in the UFC after compiling eight straight wins on the regional circuit. But in his UFC debut, Dempsey was knocked out by Ilir Latifi in the very first round. That’s not the kind of first impression a fighter wants to make on the UFC brass. Now Dempsey is in a must win situation against a fighter in Eddie Gordon who won season 19 of The Ultimate Fighter.
Diego Brandao
In all likelihood, Brandao will be safe if he loses, but anytime a fighter drops three in a row in the UFC they are walking a fine line. But when you factor in that Brandao was the season 14 winner of The Ultimate Fighter and that he was 4-1 prior to his back-to-back loses you have to like his chances of staying with the organization should he lose. But stranger things have happened and the UFC has released much better fighters for much less.
Most of the time when a fighter take a fight on short notice for the UFC they are rewarded with another opportunity in the Octagon regardless of the outcome of their short notice fight. But given that this marks Camozzi’s third stint with the organization, he likely won’t be given any latitude. He needs to impress – not win – just impress against Jacare Souza. If this bout goes anything like his first bout against Souza, then Camozzi can expect to be fighting on the regional circuit once more.
Chris CamozziChris DempseyDiego BrandaoUFCUFC on Fox 15
UFC on Fox 15: The Madman’s Predictions
UFC on Fox 15: Keys to Victory for Lyoto Machida
RJ Gardner is a rabid sports fan and a long time MMA enthusiast. After watching UFC 1 at ripe old age of 11 RJ was hooked and his passion for the sport has continued to blossom over the years. RJ has been covering MMA since 2007 and has had work featured on Bleacher Report, SI.com, CBSSports.com and UFC.com. RJ is also a Petroleum Transportation Operations Manager during the day.
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Entering the Age of Trump
Alex Simarde '18, Writer
Our new President will govern a fractured nation. This article will not address the cause of this fracturing. It will not address why a businessman turned reality TV star won the hearts of the working class. It will not attempt to psychoanalyze Trump voters or young people or minorities. This article will accept the divisions its readers now play witness to. It will likely pose more questions than it answers.
In the United States, every four years brings a renewed mandate, a new individual waiting to mould a legacy.
President Trump’s mandate began with a few drops of rain. Crowds (of disputed size) gathered in front the capitol and spectators were eager to begin a new era.
President Trump began his address by setting the tone for an administration focused on immediate change. Under new leadership ”the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country.” Trump then laced his speech with imagery evocative of a post apocalyptic dystopia with “rusted-out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape.” His tone was one of urgency, describing the state of the union as simply an “American Carnage”.
But it is wrong to deride the President’s speech as downtrodden. Though it did not reflect the bright optimism of the early Obama era, it did present a bold vision.
Trump’s vision is reminiscent of the post war era, an era in which strong union jobs at steel plants and auto plants readied the booming nation for a space race. It is a time now uplifted by the romantic sentiments of the working class.
Trump desires a rebirth of this prosperity and now the new administration turns to sculpt a future from the ashes of the past.
Trump has embraced this romanticism, this desire for some economic phoenix to rise out of the scattered tombstones. This is why Trump refers to his supporters as “forgotten men and women” duped and deceived by a globalized elite. He sees his supporters as a force united in common pain and common distrust, willing to throw all convention away and defy all methods of prediction. He sees them as a sea of grumbling discontent, whose waves now toss the great ships of post war stability.
At the heart of Trump’s message is the idea that “one by one, the factories shuttered and left our shores, with not even a thought about the millions upon millions of American workers left behind.” The reality is America’s manufacturing problem is not one of output. In fact manufacturing output has doubled since 1984. Rather the problem Trump refers to is one of manpower. One third of all Americans had a manufacturing job in the post war era, now that number is 8.7%. The U.S. has lost 5 million manufacturing jobs since 2000, yet, the nation is producing more manufactured goods than ever before, second only to China.
Thus, the issue cannot be pinned to simply globalization, it must also be pinned to automation. Much like 19th century Luddites in English textile mills, today’s workers feel usurped by machinery. But instead of destroying looms, workers of today chose a candidate willing to shatter years of free trade policy.
These are the semantics of the Trump movement. Those factors that analysts point to in order to explain a sudden rise in populist resentment.
But it almost seemed as if the populist resentment was missing here in the Bay Area. If anything, resentment alone was present, resentment towards a man who many feel is the embodiment of an older, less diverse, and detached America, a man who represents the distant land of flyover states.
Need proof? Marin County voted 77% in favor of Clinton. San Mateo, Alameda, and Santa Clara Counties all voted overwhelmingly Democrat, 76%, 78% and 73% respectively. San Francisco county went almost 85% for Clinton.
The same is true for most urban centers. Urban counties with more than 1 million residents went 55% for Clinton. As county population lowered, Trump’s vote share rose.
These urban centers (the Bay Area being an ideal example) are more diverse, more globalised, and more susceptible to rapid social change. It was in these urban centers, after all, that the gay rights movement sprang up, women grew thoughts of suffrage and independence, and minorities gathered to demand equal rights. Cities are the catalysts for progress, and wherever progress is made, disdain for that progress grows, usually in the tight knit rural communities scattered about urban cores. The same communities Trump has described as ailing.
Here in the shadows of San Francisco, young people are witnessing Trump’s national course, it inspires concerned levity for some, optimism for others, and for many unwavering discontent.
“The inauguration was interesting” junior Grace Redman said with a pensive smirk, “I thought that for our first Reality TV show president, the proceedings were pretty boring. The most interesting part of the entire spectacle was George Bush struggling valiantly with his clear poncho.”
In response, junior Alex felt that,”the inauguration was interesting and optimistic for the American people.”
These conflicts of opinion are not uncommon despite the fact that this younger generation leans to the left. Only 15% of millennials identify as conservative while 41% identify as liberal.
But this election season 37% of 18-29 year old voters chose Trump, 55% voted for Clinton, and 8% of younger voters chose a third party candidate. This younger, more diverse generation is not so estranged from the flyover states. Despite its diversity and tendency towards social liberalism, millennials have been tempered by the lasting effects of the 2008 recession. Wage growth has slowed 60%, jobs are more scarce, and many are facing the spectre of lifelong student debt.
The data tells the story, there is a home for populism in this younger generation. Recall the sudden and enduring popularity of Bernie Sanders’ democratic socialism. Wherever anger and frustration lie, the seeds of populism are present, ready and willing to burst out of the earth.
The discontent was present at the Inauguration. It was heard in the screeching whispers of the “silent majority” and seen on rainbow flags and red hats. But it was also seen on the faces of this younger generation, on the faces of the children who were told the world was theirs but now nearing adulthood risk faring worse than their parent’s generation.
Trump will continue to govern a nation undergoing a realignment. As this new generation sweeps to prominence will it to rejoice in cries of populism, will it’s rhetoric grow more inflammatory or will the tempers of the time be lulled by an eventual return to the stability of a post-war world? Is this global railing against the elites a temporary blip of frustration, or a reaction to a world with blurring borders? Will the governments of tomorrow leave behind global institutions in the guise of domestic improvement? Will the divisions between urban and rural areas widen? Will the coasts grow oblivious to the states in the middle? These questions must be examined by the young administration, and it must also be the duty of young people in high schools and colleges to advocate for their deliberation. Time will answer these questions, but those answers will be defined by the actions of tomorrow.
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/02/the-liberal-millennial-revolution/470826/
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/11/dissecting-the-youth-vote/507416/
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-manufacturing-dead-output-has-doubled-in-three-decades-2016-03-28
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/09/25/the-gops-millennial-problem-runs-deep/
http://www.npr.org/2016/11/14/501737150/rural-voters-played-a-big-part-in-helping-trump-defeat-clinton
Sophomore Overnight Retreat
Student Spotlights: Finn Semling
MC Alums Featured in The Covers Project
View the Latest @MCSportsLive
The Recent Congressional Election and Its’ Significance in American Politics
Childhood Memories with Ms. R
What do AP classes even do?
The Current State of Immigration and its Effect on the Government
A State of Emergency: What To Know and Is It Really Necessary
Childhood Memories with Mr. Thompson
A Marin Catholic Revamp
The Last Blockbuster
What is Happening to the Bees?
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The relationship between structure and function in natural surfactant proteins
Vance, Steven J. (2012) The relationship between structure and function in natural surfactant proteins. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.
Surfactant activity is a property more commonly associated with small molecules than biological macromolecules. However, the significant advantages of improved biodegradability and biocompatibility that could be presented by natural surfactant proteins has elevated interest in a group of only a few proteins where intrinsic surfactant activity appears to be the primary function. Two examples of this group, ranaspumin-2 (Rsn-2) from the foam nests of the tungara frog and latherin, the surface active protein component of horse sweat, appear to be different from other surfactant proteins in the form of their activity. However, the exact molecular basis of this activity is poorly understood. This thesis describes work to rationalise surface activity and related properties in these unusual proteins.
The properties of Rsn-2 and latherin including surface activity, interaction with lipid membranes and behaviour in solution were investigated to provide further insight into the characteristics that distinguish the surfactant proteins from both conventional surfactants and other proteins. A second protein component of the foam nests, ranaspumin-1 (Rsn-1), of previously unknown function was also found to be highly surface active and is proposed to function in a similar manner to Rsn-2.
A model whereby Rsn-2 functions via a clamshell-like opening was tested through a combination of specialised NMR techniques and site-directed mutagenesis. The results identified features associated with surfactant activity, all of which were consistent with the model. The potential of Rsn-2 as a recombinant fusion partner for the production of functional surfactants or foams was proven by construction of a fluorescent conjugate.
Solution state NMR was used to determine the structure of latherin. Information on the dynamic processes taking place in the molecule were derived by analysis of NMR relaxation data. The structure revealed is a super roll fold, similar to a single domain of the BPI-like proteins. A model is proposed whereby latherin recognises the air-water interface via three dynamic, hydrophobic loops at one end of its long cylindrical structure and then unfolds to expose its hydrophobic core at the air-water interface.
Surfactant, protein, ranapumin, Rsn-2, latherin, NMR
Q Science > QD Chemistry
College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Smith, Dr. Brian
Mr Steven Vance
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Election Day is Here: Time to choose a pro-public education candidate!
May 20, 2014 UncategorizedErica Darken
Remember to vote today! Keep in mind the grades that the candidates scored on TAG’s report card:
Inspiration and Connection at TAG’s Education for Liberation Conference
May 6, 2014 UncategorizedErica Darken
Over one hundred students, educators, and allies of public education came out on Saturday, May 3, to connect with peers in thirteen thought-provoking workshops, and hear words of inspiration from activist Dr. Lois Weiner. In her keynote address, Dr. Weiner spoke of the need to call a spade a spade and stop negotiating with people who want to destroy us. She also cautioned anyone against recalling a golden age of education, since segregation accompanied the privileges of many. And she urged us to treasure and protect our African American teachers, who can be more vulnerable than others during school turn-arounds. Finally, she stressed that what’s right isn’t necessarily popular.
Announcing the 2014 Candidate Report Card!
January 17, 2014 UncategorizedTeacher Action Group Philadelphia
Teacher Action Group sent the candidates for Governor an education final exam. Here are the results. Grades were assessed through answers to a survey and written explanations. If a candidate failed to take the survey, we graded them on their policies, statements, and actions. This project is not an endorsement — it is meant to inform the voting public about a crucial election issue.
This information lives on our Campaign Report Card Page.
We strongly recommend also checking out our individual report cards with commentary explaining the grades.
PDF of the overall results / PDF of individual candidate report cards w/ commentary
Central Teachers and Students Speak Out
Hopefully you have already seen the open letter from Central High Alumni to Seniors who will be attending the Corbett event tomorrow. We are also proud to share the letter from current Central High Staff directly to Governor Corbett.
We know how damaging Corbett’s policies have been for Philadelphia public schools. Join us tomorrow at Central to speak out!
Join with other TAG members
December 10, 2013 UncategorizedTeacher Action Group Philadelphia
TAG’s quarterly General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, December 11th. 6-8pm
Science Leadership Academy — 55 N. 22nd Street
Food provided
This school year has brought frustration to many of us. And it is clear that the fight in Philadelphia isn’t going to be over anytime soon.
That’s why we need as many of the members of the TAG network as possible to join together to make real our strategy for defending and transforming public education.
Come out to learn how you can get involved! ALL are welcome.
Help plan empowering peer political/professional development.
Learn strategies for changing the culture in your schools.
Gain support for building power with your colleagues at the school-level.
Help strengthen our web of relationships across the city, so we can be ready for the fight(s) to come.
Our “Education Final Exam” for PA Candidates
November 17, 2013 UncategorizedTeacher Action Group Philadelphia
Today, Teacher Action Group is sending out the following letter:
To all candidates running for office in Pennsylvania in 2014:
As we all know, education is a critical issue in Philadelphia — now, and always. As a city-wide coalition of teachers and education allies, Teacher Action Group represents thousands of votes and would like to know your views on education policy in Philadelphia.
To those ends, we have created a poll that we are sending to all candidates running in 2014. Your answers will be shared with the public, and could lead to an endorsement from our group.
As the voting public, we need our candidates to be crystal clear on their viewpoints and approach towards public education in Philadelphia. The future of our city depends on it.
TAG Core Members
Here are just a few of the statements we are asking candidates to agree or disagree with:
“School Districts should have a locally elected school board instead of a state appointed commission.“
“All elementary school students should be able to attend a school within walking distance of their home (30 minutes or less).”
“Teachers and principals should have control over the curriculum and learning in their buildings.“
You can download the full survey here. Here’s what you can do to support our campaign:
Email and tweet at candidates to encourage them to respond to our survey! Let them know that your vote depends on their responses. You should also attend the Candidates Forum on Saturday, November 23rd at Temple University from 4-6 PM, hosted by the Pennsylvania Working Families Party.
@Hangergovernor info@hangerforgovernor.com
@JoEllenLitz Litz@mbcomp.com
@robmccordpa info@robmccord.com
@mcgintyforgov http://www.katiemcginty.com/contact
@myers4Governor info@myersforgovernor.com
@PawlowskiforPA http://pawlowskiforpa.com/?page_id=201
@SchwartzAllyson contact@allysonschwartz.com
@WolfForPA info@wolfforpa.com
@GovernorCorbett press@tomcorbettforgovernor.com
In Response to the PFT Proposal
August 29, 2013 UncategorizedTeacher Action Group Philadelphia
Teacher Action Group commends the PFT for this moment of transparency in their negotiating progress. We are also open to the possible givebacks mentioned so far — a freeze on across-the-board salary increases, plus a willingness to “make changes to our health care and benefits.” We welcome and encourage further communications from union leadership in addition to membership feedback as this process resolves.
As teachers in Philadelphia, we are most concerned about working in not just functional, but stable and supported school environments. Our schools need to be fully staffed and prepared to meet students’ social, emotional, and academic needs on the first day of school. To these ends, we believe that all staff laid off last June should be restored, ideally to the communities and environments that they helped build.
We would also like to help clarify a common misunderstanding about the PFT’s proposed concession on salary increases – the proposal suggests that members will forgo the possibility of an across-the-board raise, not that they will forgo the “step” raises many of them receive each year commensurate with their years of service.
We support the PFT’s protection of teacher salaries. Gutting the wages of this city’s educators–teachers, administrators, and other professionals–provides the school district with a quick fix it absolutely cannot afford in the long run. As has already been frequently reported, Philadelphia teachers make 19% less than their immediate suburban counterparts. Quite simply, the city cannot decrease salaries and expect its workforce to stick around.
This summer has been a painful preview of what could become a permanent reality in Philadelphia. Students and parents, despite their constant protests, have been sent the message that local and state legislatures are not supporting their futures. Some of the most talented members of our workforce have already been turned into professional refugees, scurrying out of the city for jobs that acknowledge their abilities with commensurate pay and respect. Many with secure positions have also seen the writing on the wall and moved to schools in the suburbs. Teachers who remain are torn between the desire to help their schools get ready to open and the injustice of doing the work of laid-off staff. The city itself has attracted negative attention as a formerly vibrant place in decline.
Unfortunately, both the SDP and the PA Department of Education have already rejected the PFT’s current proposal as insufficient. That Governor Corbett’s administration has forsaken Philadelphia and its schools is undeniable. But why have city leaders allowed the shortcomings of the state to fall on the backs of our teachers? The members of the PFT cannot carry the financial burden and also provide the high quality, competitive education Philadelphia students deserve — nor should they be expected to.
The stakes are too high for this contract negotiation to be shrouded in secrecy. By sharing the terms of their current proposal, the PFT keeps the membership and the general public informed, and allows the Philadelphia community to work together against the incredible forces that threaten the future of our city. The union should continue to be responsive, open, and vocal in this moment of crisis.
Dire Situation in Philly is getting National Attention
June 18, 2013 UncategorizedTeacher Action Group Philadelphia
Faces of The Layoffs continues to get mainstream media attention — hopefully you saw us on the cover of the Metro. The school funding crisis has also gotten coverage in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Forbes Magazine (who ask: “could it be worse than it sounds?”)
TAG’s Statement on the SRC Vote for a Doomsday Budget
May 31, 2013 UncategorizedTeacher Action Group Philadelphia
Photo Credit: Amy Yeboah
As thousands of educators and staff members, and hundreds of thousands of students walked through the doors of our schools this morning, the weight of the SRC’s vote to pass the ‘doomsday budget’ fell upon us. This is truly a disheartening day in Philadelphia.
But we have faced too many of these days already. And we cannot withstand much more in our Philadelphia public schools.
Instead, we must understand what is really at play, and then build the power we need to push through a transformed vision of education – one that is rooted in fairness, equity, and democracy.
We need to understand this as a failure of leadership to stand for our children and our city’s future. From the State’s shameful budget priorities, to the City’s unwillingness to fight for the funding our students deserve, to the SDP’s complicity in the decimation of our public schools – our leaders have failed and abandoned us. Therefore, true leadership is going to have to come from us.
We need to understand this as an extension of a privatization agenda bought and paid for by some of the richest individuals in our nation. We need to do our homework to understand who is pulling the purse strings and shaping the destruction of public education, who is getting money and favor while our majority poor children are relegated into substandard, under-resourced schools.
Lastly, 59 years after Brown vs. Board of Education, we in Philadelphia must understand that this is a continuation of the historic fight for civil rights. We must rekindle the fight for racial justice and push back against this current form of segregation and its locking-in of a tiered system of education where it is a privilege to go to functioning schools.
Teacher Action Group will continue with these understandings at the core of our work. We recognize that true leadership must come from those directly affected, and therefore, we as educators must build up the political pressure to force a different reality in Philadelphia.
In the next few months, we are going to:
Have trainings to help develop ourselves as effective teacher leaders, organizers, and media makers
Do community outreach and build teacher-parent unity
Work with PCAPS – a coalition of teachers, parents, students, and workers – to push for the funding our schools deserve
Work with Decarcerate PA – a coalition of groups focused on ending prison expansion – to shift the State’s funding priorities to schools, not prisons
Host meet-ups for teachers to improve our practice so we can be the best we can even in the face of this ‘doomsday’
Make media to Flip The Script about education in Philly
From Chicago to L.A. to NYC to Philly, there is a brewing movement of communities angry at the relentless disinvestment and shameful priorities around education.
At TAG-Philly, we will continue to work to help build and shape that movement. The future of our profession, our students, and our city is on the line.
Creating the Public Education System We Want.
July 5, 2011 UncategorizedTeacher Action Group Philadelphia
The People's SRC: Bach Tong, Student; Mia King, Teacher; Latifa McBride, Parent; Rev. Jesse Brown, Community member
On June 21st outside the steps of the School District Headquarters, over 200 people met for the first ever People’s School Reform Commission (SRC) meeting. Teachers, parents, community members and students took back local, democratic control of OUR District and demanded full funding of our schools.
In this moment of budget cuts and massive teacher and staff lay-offs, the School District continues to make decisions to dismantle our public schools — eliminating vital school-based programs while funding unproven pet projects, and eroding public and elected officials’ confidence in the District’s administration to handle additional funding.
At the meeting, dozens spoke out, sharing personal stories and showing the true, human side of the budget cuts and layoffs.
The People's SRC honored all students in Philadelphia for their continued resilience in the face of the current assaults on public education.
One student, Crystal Pulle, a 9th grader from Kensington Urban Education HS, said, “We’re losing many excellent teachers and programs at my school. Next year, when class size goes up, so will student frustration. Students will feel like they’re getting even less attention, behavior issues will increase, and even more students will drop out. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to fight for a quality education for my fellow students and me.”
People’s Commissioner, Rev. Jesse Brown gave voice to the People’s frustrations, “We refuse to let the District, city and state sell out our students, teachers and communities to the highest bidder in order to balance their budget.”
The People's SRC unanimously passed this crucial Resolution.
The People’s SRC voted and passed their one resolution:
Whereas, the School District has created this crisis by mismanaging funds;
And whereas the Pennsylvania state government has shown decreasing investment in public education;
And whereas there ARE resources available to fund an excellent public school system in Philadelphia;
Resolved: We will fully and equitably fund schools by following these three steps:
Step #1: The state government will provide money to Philadelphia schools by:
Using money from the state’s rainy day fund — there IS a surplus of MILLIONS of DOLLARS!
By taxing companies profiting from the Marcellus Shale gas boom,
And by not building the three planned new prisons that will cost $685 million
Step #2: City Council will approve funding bills at their session on Thursday, June 23rd, and find additional funding by taxing untaxed sources of income in the city.
Step #3: Future decisions by the School District will incorporate genuine student, teacher and community input.
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HOMEREVIEWSNEWSBUSINESSCONTACTMAGAZINE
Lenovo shows ninth consecutive, year-on-year quarter of growth
By Press Release 13 November 2019 | Categories: Misc
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Lenovo has announced Group revenue in the second quarter reached US$13.5 billion, the ninth consecutive, year-on-year quarter of growth. Pre-tax income grew 45% compared to the same quarter a year earlier, to US$310 million. Net income also increased 20% year-on-year to US$202 million. Revenue mix continues to be balanced across the company’s four geographies (Americas, Asia Pacific, China, EMEA) with each reporting more than 20% share of revenue.
Basic earnings per share for the second quarter were 1.69 US cents or 13.23 HK cents. Lenovo’s Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of 6.3 HK cents per share.
“During the quarter we were pleased to see our growth momentum deliver continued solid financial performance amidst a complex and dynamic global trading environment. This success is a testament to our commitment to innovation, to our customers across 180 markets around the world, and to how the world continues to embrace our vision to deliver smarter technology for all,” said Yang Yuanqing, Lenovo Chairman and CEO.
Global trade environment
Although global trade and geo-political uncertainties persist, they continue to have a negligible material impact on the financial performance of the company. This quarter’s results highlight the consistently high degree at which Lenovo continues to perform. Lenovo’s global footprint, flexible, majority-owned manufacturing base and ongoing strong financial performance remain competitive differentiators propelling the company’s market-leading position. Going forward, Lenovo is well positioned to manage complex and dynamic market conditions, while continuing to deliver sustainable long-term results.
Business Group Overview
The strong results are led by the Intelligent Devices Group (IDG). The PC and Smart Devices Group (PCSD), one of the two IDG business units, reported US$10.7 billion in revenue and record PTI margin of 5.7%. Sales volume in PCs enjoyed strong growth year-on-year of 7.1%, resulting in overall PCSD revenue growth of 4.1% year-on-year. Pre-tax income was US$612 million, up US$97 million year-on-year.
In PCs, volume again outgrew the market, which is continuing to recover. Lenovo holds 24.4% of the global PC market, sustaining its position as the worldwide #1 in PCs. Growth came from high-growth and premium categories, including Workstation, Thin and Light, Visuals and Gaming PCs – all of which had double-digit volume growth year-on-year. In the future the PCSD group will continue to drive premium-to-market growth and industry leading profitability as it continues to focus on customer insights to innovate across the portfolio.
IDG’s second business unit, the Mobile Business Group (MBG), posted its fourth consecutive quarter of profitability and positive PTI, improving US$57 million year-on-year. While there was a small revenue decline reported year-on-year (5.7% to US$1.5 billion), the group continues to focus on inventory controls, portfolio efficiency and diligent cost controls to help expand margins. The company’s Latin America stronghold continues to see revenue, profit and market share grow year-on-year. In North America Lenovo moved up two places in the industry rankings from the previous quarter to number four. In addition, revenue continues to outgrow the market with profit continuing to improve. Going forward, Lenovo will continue its investment in its mobile business to drive ongoing and future growth opportunities in select new and profitable markets.
The Data Center Group (DCG) successfully navigated challenging circumstances during the quarter and reports its 9th consecutive year-on-year quarter of narrowing losses. Overall revenue in DCG declined 13.8% as a result of lower prices for key components and softness in demand from some of the largest hyperscale customers. Revenue – excluding Hyperscale – grew almost 13% year-on-year with China reporting more than a 47% increase in non-hyperscale revenue compared to the same quarter a year ago. In addition, there was strong double-digit growth in Storage, Software Defined Infrastructure and High Performance Computing as a result of an expanded storage portfolio, strong ThinkAgile offerings and new HPC project wins. Looking ahead, the data center group will continue its growth in non-hyperscale including fast-growing segments like SDI and storage, while also investing in new Edge, Telco and AI infrastructure opportunities. The Hyperscale customer base is expected to expand and return to growth in the second half of this fiscal year.
Software and Services heading to US$1 billion business
Software and Services revenue* grew 35% year-on-year, reaching almost US$900 million. Device as a Services (DaaS), premier support service and managed services all grew significantly to contribute to this performance and ongoing diversification of the company’s revenue streams. This business is expected to exceed US$1 billion per quarter very soon.
* invoiced revenue
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KIRRIEMUIR, PARISH WW2
The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project Forum Index -> Angus - Church Memorials
dhubthaigh
Our first ever 1000-poster
Location: Blairgowrie, Perthshire
Posted: Tue Jun 24, 2008 5:38 pm Post subject: KIRRIEMUIR, PARISH WW2
This memorial is inside Kirriemuir Old Parish Church;
Last edited by dhubthaigh on Tue Sep 06, 2011 1:58 pm; edited 1 time in total
Adam Brown
Location: Edinburgh (From Sutherland)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Anthony_Lyell,_2nd_Baron_Lyell
Charles Antony Lyell, 2nd Baron Lyell VC (1913–27 April 1943) was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 29 years old, and a temporary captain in the 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, British Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
He succeeded his grandfather as Baron Lyell in 1926. Between 1936 to his death, Lord Lyell was a member of Boodle's club in St James's, London.
During the period 22 April/27 April 1943 near Dj Bou Arada, Tunisia, Captain Lord Lyell's outstanding leadership and gallantry enabled his company to take its objective. On 27 April accompanied by a sergeant, a lance-corporal and two guardsmen, he led an attack on an enemy post consisting of an 88mm. gun and a heavy machine-gun in two separate pits. He destroyed the crew of the machine-gun with a hand grenade and then, three of the party having become casualties, and with the lance-corporal to give covering fire he leapt into the second pit, killing several of the crew before being overwhelmed and killed. Both the guns had been silenced.
From the CWGC
http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=2196663
LYELL, CHARLES ANTONY
Rank: Captain
Regiment/Service: Scots Guards
Unit Text: 1st Bn.
Awards: V C
2nd Baron of Kinnordy. Son of the Hon. C. H. Lyell, M.P., and of the Hon. Mrs. Lyell (nee Watney); husband of Lady Lyell (nee Trafford), of Kinnordy, Kirriemuir, Angus. B.Sc. (Oxon.): Christ Church. County Councillor for Angus.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: V. H. 5.
Cemetery: MASSICAULT WAR CEMETERY
Citation: The citation in the London Gazette of 12th August, 1943, gives the following details;
From 22nd April, 1943, Captain the Lord Lyell commanded his company with great courage, ability and cheerfulness. He led it down a slope under heavy mortar fire to repel a German counter-attack on 22nd April, and led it again under heavy fire on 23rd April in order to capture and consolidate a high point, which was held through a very arduous period of shelling, heat and shortage of water. In the evening of 27th April, Lord Lyell's company, while taking part in an attack, was held up by fire from a position which consisted of an 88-millimetre gun and a heavy machine-gun in separate pits. Lord Lyell led four men to attack this position; he was far in front of the others, and destroyed the machine-gun pit with a hand-grenade. Then, aided by covering fire from the only uninjured man of his party, he attacked the 88-millimetre gun pit before its crew could fire more than one shot. He killed a number of them before being overwhelmed and killed himself. The few survivors withdrew and his company was able to advance and take its objective. Lord Lyell's outstanding leadership, gallantry and self-sacrifice enabled his company to carry out its task, which had an important bearing on the success of the battalion and of the brigade.
Captain Lord Lyell VC is also commemorated on the Kirriemuir VC Memorial
Last edited by Adam Brown on Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
And the first & last names on the plaque
WYLIE, Lynsday Moncur
Regiment/Service: Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps
Unit Text: 1 Coy.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Column 32.
Memorial: SAI WAN MEMORIAL
Also commemorated in the same church with a stained glass window here
DORWARD, STEWART RYAN
Nationality: Australian
Regiment/Service: Australian Infantry
Unit Text: A.I.F. 2/29 Bn.
Service No: VX48469
Additional information: Son of John and Susan Dorward, of Geelong West, Victoria, Australia.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sp. Mem. 19. A. 5.
Cemetery: KRANJI WAR CEMETERY
LOWTHER, THOMAS
Rank: Able Seaman
Regiment/Service: Royal Navy
Unit Text: H.M.S. Stronghold.
Service No: P/JX 161277
Additional information: Son of Thomas Lowther, and of Annie Lowther, of Kirriemuir, Angus.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 64, Column 2.
Memorial: PORTSMOUTH NAVAL MEMORIAL
http://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-05S-Stronghold.htm
H.M.S. STRONGHOLD (H5O)
"S" Class destroyer ordered from Scotts of Greenock with Emergency 1917-16 Programme (12th Order). The ship was launched on 6th May 1919 and was the first RN warship to carry the name. Soon after entering service she was fitted with a catapult for experimental trials of Folland aircraft. She was deployed with the Hong Kong Local Flotilla in 1939.
Escorted Dutch SS ZAANDAM with refugees from TJilatap bound for Fremantle.
02/03/194: Became detached from faster merchant ship and sighted by Japanese aircraft south of Sunda Strait. In action against IJN cruisers MAYA, ARASHI and NOWAKI with 2 destroyers. Sank after gallant fight. Survivors rescued by captured Dutch ship and later transferred to IJN cruiser MAYA. Exceptionally, they were well treated on board.
This chap is the only W. Cunningham in the RAF in the SNWM database and one of two W J Cunningham's on the CWGC database
CUNNINGHAM, WILFRED JAMES
Rank: Flying Officer
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 214 Sqdn.
Service No: 149252
Additional information: Son of William Frederick and Alexandrina Cunningham; husband of Edith Joan Cunningham, of Nottingham.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 266.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
In March 1945 No 214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron was using Flying Fortress IIIs in electronic jamming sorties.
OSLER, JAMES LOWDON
Rank: Flying Officer (Air Bomber)
Additional information: Son of James Lowdon Osler and Mima Osler, of Kirriemuir, Angus.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 26. D. 23.
Cemetery: TAUKKYAN WAR CEMETERY
In September 1945 No 233 Squadron was flying Douglas Dakotas throughout South-East Asia on general transport work.
YOUNG, ROBERT MCKAY
Rank: Sergeant (W.Op./Air Gnr.)
Service No: 1306078
Additional information: Son of Robert Morrison Young and Martha McKay Young, of Kirriemuir, Angus.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Coll. grave 11. B. 15-17.
Cemetery: REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY
From Lost Bombers
http://www.lostbombers.co.uk/bomber.php?id=4622
Hampden P4398
Type Hampden
Serial Number P4398
X1D ZN-?
Operation M_nster
Date 1 28th January 1942
"Serial Range P4389 - P4418. 30 HP52 Hampden Mk.B.1. Part of a batch of 120 Hampden B.1. P4285-P4324; P4335-P4384; P4389- P4418, of which:- P4304; P4306; P4312; P4315; P4347; P4369; P4373; P4395; P4401; P4418 were converted to Hampden TB (Torpedo Bomber). P4335 was the first Hampden fitted with balloon cutters. Delivered by The English Electric Co.(Preston) between Feb40 and Aug40. Issued initially to No.61 Sqdn, served also with No.83 Sqdn before joining No.106 Sqdn. P4398 was one of four 106 Sqdn Hampdens lost on this operation. See: X3058; AT121; AT122. Airborne 1755 28Jan42. Lost due to the severe icing conditions. All are buried in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. Sgt A.Sporny PAF KIA Sgt J.R.Anyan KIA Sgt A.J.Dickerson KIA Sgt R.McK Young KIA "
Last edited by Adam Brown on Tue Jun 24, 2008 9:57 pm; edited 2 times in total
HARRIS, DONALD CAMPBELL
Initials: D C
Rank: Guardsman
Additional information: Son of James and Susan Harris, of Kirriemuir.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Sec. 1. Grave 361.
Cemetery: KIRRIEMUIR CEMETERY
RAMSAY, DAVID ANDERSON GOVE
Regiment/Service: Black Watch (Royal Highlanders)
Unit Text: 2nd Bn.
Additional information: Son of Isabella Anderson Dickson, of Kirriemuir, Angus.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 13. H. 24.
In August 1944 2nd Bn Black Watch was part of 14th Infantry Brigade, 3rd Indian Infantry Division also known as Special Force or more commonly The Chindits.
GOURLAY, RONALD MCDONALD
Regiment/Service: Seaforth Highlanders
Service No: 14905991
Additional information: Son of William and Betsy Gourlay, of Kirriemuir, Angus.
Grave/Memorial Reference: 3. D. 11.
Cemetery: JAKARTA WAR CEMETERY
In July 1946 1st Bn Seaforth Highlanders were part of 23rd Indian Division on Java and were involved in handing back the Island to the Dutch. See here for more information
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=9u8w10uVYyIC&pg=PA97&lpg=PA97&dq=seaforth+highlanders+java+1946&source=web&ots=tHYf6JUAS1&sig=FjMCkWU83zaNxja0oM5v0Zd_W1g&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result
WEIGHTON, EDWARD
Rank: Driver
Regiment/Service: Royal Engineers
Unit Text: 255 Field Coy.
Additional information: Son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Weighton, of Kirriemuir, Angus.
Grave/Memorial Reference: XI. F. 13.
Cemetery: BARI WAR CEMETERY
Last edited by Adam Brown on Tue Jun 24, 2008 10:22 pm; edited 3 times in total
Out of the eleven names five are buried in Far East graves. Two in the same cemetery in Burma even though they served in different Armed Services and died a year apart.
Even the sailor who is listed on the Portsmouth Memorial died off Indonesia. So that gives six deaths in the Far East on this small memorial.
The man listed on the Runnymeade memorial was in a squadron in 100 Group which used electronic jamming equipment. It was No 214 (Federated Malay States) Squadron, so there is a Far East connection there too!
Also four out of the eleven died after VJ-Day.
All are listed on the Kirriemuir War Memorial
The Scottish Military Research Group - Commemorations Project Forum Index -> Angus - Church Memorials All times are GMT
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John Senden knows he needs the round of his life at Augusta National if he is to win a green jacket, but he’s ready to chase it.
The 42-year-old is embracing Masters Sunday after his third-round 75 left him four shots off the lead in a tie for 10th.
Playing in the final group of a major for the first time, Senden struggled early, but put a bandage on the haemorrhaging and kept his dream of a major championship win alive.
He will need to reel in the likes of leaders Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth plus long-time major bridesmaids Matt Kuchar and Lee Westwood among others.
But he remains confident this is a golden opportunity to improve on his previous best finish in majors, a tie for fourth at the 2007 PGA Championship.
“I still believe that I’ve got a chance tomorrow,” Senden said with assurance.
“Today was sort of a long day. You have a long time before you tee off but the thing is, this is why we practice, to get a late tee time in a major.
“I think that I have to learn from this experience today and take it for tomorrow.
“I’ll still be teeing off late tomorrow but it’s going to be a different feel again because Sunday is always the toughest day.
“I have to get out there and play my game as well as I can and hopefully I can play the round of my life.”
When asked what the round of his life would entail, Senden, the normally reserved Queenslander, cracked a smile as he allowed himself to dream.
“I can’t tell you the exact score of my round, but it would be putting on the green jacket,” he beamed.
“And four back, you’re in contention. I’ve got to take it because you are in the heat. And Sunday at the Masters is always interesting on the back nine. Anything can happen.
“The golf course is playing difficult, but I think you can really get the back nine in some certain spots.
“Look at the way 13 and 15 played today. If you drive the ball well on the back, you’ve got a good opportunity to shoot good scores.”
Senden is paired with big-hitting American Gary Woodland in the seventh-last group, just a couple of groups behind Adam Scott and Jason Day, who play together but are six and seven off the pace respectively.
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You are here: Home / AIDA and Planning
Planning Update – November 2019:
One of AIDA’s aims is to ensure that, as our area develops and changes, it retains its low-key coastal village character with houses nestled in the trees.
To help meet this aim one of the AIDA committee’s regular tasks is to review all the planning applications submitted to council that are in the area from Urquhart Bluff to Eastern View. This is done to ensure new building works comply with all the shire’s planning policies and regulations and meet our Neighbourhood Character Guidelines. In all instances where there are significant breaches of the various planning policies AIDA lodges an objection. At times this results in us appearing at VCAT.
It has been very disappointing recently that there have been four applications lodged for large blocky homes suited to an urban environment that fail to meet height requirements, view sharing and Neighbourhood Character Guidelines.
In addition there has been an application for a four-storey house that would have a significant visual impact on Fairhaven’s woody hillside overlooking the Painkalac Valley and be highly visible from Aireys Inlet. The proposed tall turret style house would give the owners a panoramic view above the treeline from two floors with shiny glass balconies, steel walls and solar panels increasing its intrusion in the landscape. Planning controls provide for buildings nestled into the trees and limit height to 7.5m while this proposal is 13.2m high. The shire advertised the application to adjoining neighbours but not to residents in Aireys Inlet across the valley. The application, number 19/0122, is still open for objections.
Perhaps even more disturbing is the application for planning approval for some significant buildings works that were completed several years ago without permits. It is our view that everyone should respect the building policies that have been agreed between the shire and the community over many years when planning their build and that anyone building without a permit should face significant penalties.
We lodged objections to all the applications mentioned above.
AIDA’s Planning Activities and Goals
One of AIDA’s major aims is to strongly support environmentally sensitive residential and commercial development by contributing to the formulation and upholding of the guidelines embodied in planning documents such as the Aireys Inlet to Eastern View Strategy and the Neighbourhood Character Overlay of the Surfcoast Planning Scheme.
To this end AIDA works on two levels:
– AIDA committee members examine any proposed changes to planning regulations and guidelines at the state or local government level and make submissions supporting or objecting to such changes on the basis of their likely effect on our area and on our community’s rights to determine our neighbourhood character. Recent examples are AIDA’s response (March 2013) to the Planning Minister Matthew Guy’s proposed “reforms” to the Victorian State Planning Scheme and AIDA’s submissions on VicSmart (August 2013), and the Surf Coast Shire’s revised Structure Plan for Aireys Inlet to Eastern View and their new Open Spaces Policy (both March 2015).
– AIDA committee members monitor proposed residential and commercial development in our area and submit objections to the Surf Coast Shire planning officers in significant cases that do not conform with current guidelines. Where appropriate committee members attend site visit meetings with proposers and planning officers, and when necessary prepare submissions for and attend VCAT hearings.
In the case of residential development, AIDA aims only to challenge those plans that, knowingly or not, “push the envelope” by setting precedents that, if accepted, will alter forever the landscape of the area. For example, development in the area of the Lighthouse has a specified profile in the Neighbourhood Character Overlay, but is constantly being challenged by buildings which are way, way outside the guidelines and requirements. Other and very frequent forms of “pushing the envelope” involve height and site coverage creep. The prospect of a glimpse of sea tempts many to add a metre or three to the proposed roof height and the desire for larger and larger houses on relatively small blocks can only be achieved by the sacrifice of open space and vegetation. Many house plans are submitted with site coverages well above the regulation percentage, not infrequently camouflaged by incorrect calculations.
AIDA’s objections to commercial development are often not against the proposal per se, but because there has been no provision for customer parking and no forward planning by Council to provide the required parking spaces. A significant example was AIDA’s objection to the proposed supermarket at the Bottom Shops, which was based largely on two issues: the failure of the applicant to provide sufficient parking on his land and that the proposed development did not activate the Painkalac Creek frontage, instead turning its back on the Creek. The application was rejected by VCAT: AIDA’s reports on the supermarket decision in the August 2011 and April 2012 AIDA newsletters are available here.
In all cases AIDA’s objections are made in an effort to ensure that future development does not undermine the very attributes that are uniquely “Aireys” and which are the very attraction which brings people to live here in the first place. We should all be able to share this uniqueness and enhance, not detract from, our particularly beautiful landscape character.
– Barbara Fletcher, Ian Godfrey and Gary Johnson (AIDA’s planning sub-committee)
Here are two very relevant quotations from the 2011 Australian Coastal Councils Conference, organised by the National Sea Change Taskforce and hosted in Torquay by the Surf Coast Shire Council:
Ian Godfrey – AIDA member and invited panel member
‘A key element for the coastal hamlet of Aireys Inlet, which has finite boundaries defined by the sea and the national forest, is retention of character. A problem for us is that the planning scheme in Victoria assumes that our planning issues are the same as those in urban cities.’
Libby Mears – Aireys Inlet resident and at the time of the conference a local Councillor (and previously Mayor) of the Surf Coast Shire and Chair of the Victorian Coastal Council
‘Our council has worked hard on neighbourhood studies and planning overlays, but the problem of “one size fits all” in the planning scheme is a continued challenge.’
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USA News Hub
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Beep. Ding. Vroom. Electric Cars Need to Make Noise for Safety, but What Kind?
Two years ago, Nissan hired the studio Man Made Music for what seemed like a straightforward task: Design a sound that its quiet electric vehicles could play to announce themselves on the road.
The automaker wasn’t just splurging on a flashy feature. It was preparing for a federal regulation set to take effect next year that would require all hybrid and electric vehicles, which are quieter than their gas-guzzling ancestors, to emit noise at certain speeds for pedestrian safety.
This week, the agency that oversees the rule, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proposed changing it to let automakers offer drivers a suite of sounds. For now, though, Nissan plans to include just one with its electric Leaf next year: “Canto,” a resonant hum created by Man Made Music whose pitch rises as the car accelerates.
Designing such sounds is a complex undertaking, according to Joel Beckerman, the founder of Man Made Music. With Canto, the team had to address safety and maintain a brand identity, all in a three-second loop that is distinctive yet doesn’t stand out.
“If we do our job in this kind of situation, then you don’t notice what we did at all,” Mr. Beckerman said. “It just becomes natural, it’s just a part of your life, it’s a part of your environment. When you get it wrong, that’s when people notice.”
The team at Man Made Music, which is used to developing audio for TV, movies and radio, spent nearly half of 2017 working on the sound, a layering of sampled wind and string instruments, and analog and digital synth sounds.
“A surprising element we found ourselves relying on were pure ‘sine waves’ from analog synthesizers,” Danni Venne, the studio’s creative director on the Nissan project, said in an email. “We also found that adding bits of ‘white noise’ to the mix gave us a lot of control to shape and color the sound. It’s almost like we built ‘Canto’ from fundamental building blocks of sound.”
While the advent of quieter hybrid and electric vehicles presents an opportunity to build such sounds from scratch, there is a long history of sound design in the automotive industry. Muscle cars have their distinctive throaty growl. Harley Davidson motorcycles have that syncopated “potato-potato-potato” chug. (That’s really what they’ve called it.)
There is also a history of maintaining zombie sounds long after technology has made them obsolete. On smartphones, for example, the actions of locking the device or taking photos are often accompanied by the noises of a mechanical lock or camera shutter. In financial apps, transactions are often accompanied by the sound of jingling coins or a cash register.
In the case of hybrid and electric vehicles, though, the need for sound is about more than the user experience: It’s about safety. About a decade ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that hybrid electric vehicles were 35 percent more likely than those with internal combustion engines to be involved in a pedestrian accident. Hybrids were also 57 percent more likely to be involved in accidents involving bicycles.
In 2010, Congress passed a law to enhance pedestrian safety, instructing the agency to craft a rule mandating that hybrid and electric vehicles emit noise. The rule was finalized in 2016 and requires that such noises be produced when the car is driving at speeds up to 30 kilometers per hour. Above that, tire, wind and other noises were warning enough, it deemed. The move was celebrated by the blind community.
Automakers requested a few changes, though, including allowing owners to choose from a range of sounds rather than just one. On Tuesday, the agency proposed making that tweak, and said that it would accept input on the move until November.
Regulators around the world have been imposing or weighing such requirements. In the European Union, for example, one such rule just took effect in July.
As a result, major carmakers have been working on crafting sounds to meet those requirements. Jaguar, for example, said it worked for four years on the futuristic noise for its I-PACE SUV. For the 2020 model of the Chevrolet Bolt, General Motors designed the vehicle’s sound in-house, using a quiet electric whirring as a starting point, according to Todd Bruder, the engineer who led development of the sound.
“It wants to be purposeful, it wants to be pleasing, but also have the ability to warn people that there’s something coming,” he said.
For Nissan, Man Made Music sought to develop a sound that was both functional and emotional — something that represented the aesthetic of the consumer.
“If you’re buying an electric vehicle and you’re interested in clean energy, you probably want that car to feel frictionless,” Mr. Beckerman said.
At the same time, the car needed to represent Nissan, too.
“It will be by far the highest-frequency contact that people will ever have with that brand or that vehicle,” he said. “It really reinforces the brand.”
Read more about the sounds in our everyday world
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Daredevil Season 3 Episode 8 Review – Upstairs / Downstairs
Fisk’s game gets perilous in Daredevil’s eight episode
daredevildaredevil season 3Marvel Cinematic UniverseNetflixTV Show Reviews
By Divij Sonak On Oct 25, 2018
After being mostly absent from the previous episode, we return to examine Dex’s troubled state of mind. It’s also refreshing to see Dex’s interest in stalking Julia has less of a romantic subtext to it as opposed to a therapeutic one. Being around Julia for Dex is the equivalent of a therapist in Julia; she clearly has a calming effect on his otherwise volatile personality and fragile mentality and evokes memories of the therapist he shared a great comfortable equation with. It’s why he keeps gravitating towards establishing some kind of bond with her, which she rightfully mistakes as creepy behavior. That isn’t to last much long however as Fisk clearly has his men get rid of her. Whether or not he has her bumped off or simply abducted is left ambiguous, at least to me.
Fisk gains his strength largely by forcing our major players to use increasingly confrontational tactics to frame him. A desperate Karen marches straight into the penthouse in which he’s holed up and provokes him to do something to her which can somehow be caught on camera as evidence of a crime he committed, good enough to send him back to jail. Unfortunately, our dear old Foggy storms in at just the right moment causing Fisk to back off from his stance and realize what Karen was truly up to. You really have to be desperate enough to barge into Fisk’s room and talk to the psychopath face-to-face, admitting one of the worst things you’ve ever done to someone that just so happened to be close to Fisk, only to get a physical reaction from him. Karen has crossed that line of desperation and is all too keen to put Fisk behind bars, even if it means risking her own life to do it. At this point, the only people Karen has in her life worth caring about are her family and I wonder if Fisk will somehow figure that out and send someone to teach Karen a lesson.
Matt and Nadeem meanwhile have established a small team-up of their own and scavenge Dex’s house for clues as Nadeem keeps him in the confines of the FBI by offering to clear his name. Of course, it doesn’t last long and Dex is on to them, although I doubt he was able to identify who was it that invaded his house. Poor Nadeem gets shot and he can’t even admit to his wife for fear of her freaking out. I wonder how he’s going to get that wound out of him; perhaps a visit to his boss Tammy Hatley would suffice. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Hatley to turn out working for Fisk as well as that plot twist would mean the instant end of FBI Special Agent Ray Nadeem’s career and life.
Foggy is quite out of place in this one as he tries to expose Fisk for what he is. Having figured out what he’s on to, he does help the audience understand what Fisk is truly trying to achieve and puts it in words that register an impact. The FBI is now essentially Fisk’s private army and he’s using it to legally get rid of all the people who might be detrimental to his best interests, directly or indirectly. That’s some wickedly cunning scheming out there and if you needed any more reason as to why Fisk is one of the best antagonists and villains in comic-book filmmaking right now, look no further. He’s better than most Marvel Cinematic Universe villains and shall hold a special place for years to come.
The revelation at the end though is what knocks you off your feet. I’ll refrain from spoiling it, keeping it for discussing in next episode’s review but it’s bound to give Matt Murdock a complete jolt and force him to reexamine certain events in his life. It’s fitting then that the next episode of the show is titled Revelations for if Episode 7 dealt with the aftermath of Matt’s fight with his fake alter-ego, the next one is going to deal with the aftermath of the climactic reveal in this episode in at least some way.
Daredevil Season 3 Episode 7 Review – Aftermath
Titans Season 1 Episode 2 Review: Hawk and Dove
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View Authority
Aden is a prominent city on the coast of the Aden Gulf, historically supporting a diversity of industrial and economic activities since its establishment as a port-city in pre-Islamic times. It developed under both dynastic Islamic and local dynastic rule, reaching the height of its economic productivity under the Rasulids as a primary seaport and intellectual center for Islamic scholarship in Southern Arabia. Aden's Al-Tawela cisterns, carved from volcanic rock, are among the earliest urban structures in the city, as is the Sirah Fortress, an emblem of the city's early Islamic port, and the Al Aidarous Mosque.
As a result of changing geo-strategic conditions, and neglect under changing dynastic rule, Aden's regional dominance began to decline in the sixteenth century, maintaining long periods of stagnation until the mid nineteenth century. In 1839, it re-emerged within international trade routes after conquest and settlement by British fleets moving in from India, and was established as free-port zone in 1850. Population and economic prosperity steadily increased over the course of the nineteenth century as Aden became a center of British politics. In 1963 Aden was politically united with the Federation of South Arabia, formally expelling British settlements in 1967. Under the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen, Aden served as the first capital and governorate. Development over the late twentieth and early twenty-first century has supported Aden's emergence as the second largest city in Yemen.
"Aden". Presidency of the Republic National Information Center, Accessed April 07 2016. http://www.yemen-nic.info/english_site/yemen/gover/aden/brife/.
Peskes, Esther. "Aden." Encyclopaedia of Islam, THREE. Edited by: Kate Fleet, Gudrun Krämer, Denis Matringe, John Nawas, Everett Rowson. Brill Online, 2016. Accessed 07 April 2016 http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/entries/encyclopaedia-of-islam-3/aden-SIM_0188.
Abyanah
Ajdabiyah
al-Bāra
al Bayda'
al Mukalla
Amadiya
ʻAmrīt
Buṣra
Chinguetti
Dizful
Hajjah
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Parenting/Pregnancy
Judging the Family Unit: Politics and the Collective Conscious
The New York Times has an interesting article examining the role of Heidi Nelson Cruz, wife of now-(in)famous Senator Ted Cruz.
The article lists the ways in which the team are somewhat oddly matched, including Cruz's volatile tendency toward non-negotiation stances and his wife's more collaborative style. Some Democrats have been using her position as managing director of Goldman Sach's to call out a hypocrisy, especially when it comes to her husband's health care coverage:
Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, the Senate’s No. 2 Democrat, tried to push Mr. Cruz into admitting that he was on his wife’s blue-chip Goldman health plan — a sign of hypocrisy, he implied. And then Mrs. Cruz’s boss, Goldman’s chief executive, Lloyd C. Blankfein, turned up at the White House to urge against a devastating debt default, one of the issues with which Mr. Cruz had become closely associated.
“I have to say, honestly, I’m not involved with any of those issues at our firm,” Mrs. Cruz said. And if her husband was evasive about where he got his health coverage, Mrs. Cruz was blunt.
“Ted is on my health care plan,” said Mrs. Cruz, who has worked in Goldman’s investment management division for eight years.
It made me think of a similar (though obviously more blatant) familial hypocrisy brought up in politics recently. An Idaho Republican running for State Representative, Greg Collett touts his "extreme" views when it comes to government involvement in personal lives. He is adamantly opposed to government-run healthcare. But it was recently revealed that many of his ten children are on Medicaid.
Sarah Palin faced immense backlash as her abstinence-only stance came head-to-head with her own teenage daughter's pregnancy.
How about the discussion of Meghan McCain's stance on gay rights as opposed to her father's?
And, of course, any time an Anthony Weiner or a Bill Clinton gets publicly caught up in an illicit affair, our critical lens turns immediately to their wives' reactions and character.
How Closely Should Our Ties Bind?
Look. I have some family members who I wouldn't want you using as a measure of my competence or humanity (the ones who refused to eat in the same room with my black husband come to mind.)
But I have to admit that I am sympathetic to many of these cries of hypocrisy. There are clearly shades of grey in these examples. Mr. Collett's children did not enroll themselves in Medicaid, so that certainly does seem to be a hypocrisy of his own making, but should we judge Sarah Palin for her daughter's actions? Should Ted Cruz's wife's profession be up for scrutiny? Should Hilary Clinton's reaction to her cheating husband be a factor in the discussion of his public penance?
To some extent, I guess the answers to these questions don't really matter. These people are placed under that level of scrutiny whether they culturally deserve it or not. We are judged not only as individuals, but as a collective family unit, and there's some sense in that because our individual selves are shaped and intimately connected not just to our spouses and children, but also to our teachers and students, our neighbors and bosses, our cousins and friends.
We are social creatures. Our social connections matter.
It reminds me of watching Goodfellas and trying to figure out how I felt about the main character's wife. When they met, she was ignorant of his mob connections, but very quickly realized there was something off about his affluence and wealth. Later, she was a silent and passive co-conspirator who accepted the benefits of his criminal life but assumed none of the responsibility through criminal acts herself. Finally, as their lives began to unravel, she became an active participant in his illegal affairs, turning criminal in her own right.
At what point did she become implicated, morally speaking, in the acts of her husband. We have some answers for this in the legal system, but they are largely based on what we can prove a conspirator knows. I'm more interested in what it means to tie yourself to someone whose decisions tacitly become a part of your life. At what point do their morals interfere with your own? At what point do their decisions become intricately tied up with yours?
If my husband uses our jointly earned money to buy products I see as unethical (clothes manufactured at sweatshops, say or chicken from an abusive factory farm), am I implicated in that act even though I don't consume the product? If my daughter decides she wants to work as the photo editor of a magazine someday and uses software to manipulate people's bodies into unrealistic representations, does that mean I can no longer write about my moral views on that issue?
It's clear to me that our associations matter. Who we choose to spend time around is an immensely important part of our own perspectives on reality. Decisions made (even tacitly) within a family unit are a reflection upon that family as a whole.
But that association only extends so far. At some point, our decisions do become autonomous, and our seemingly unified family unit might have factions and cracks that the public cannot see.
Where does the collective conscious of a family/friend/work group end and the individual stance of the members begin? How can tell when there's hypocrisy afoot?
Photo: Simon Webster
Labels: crime, family, individualism/collectivism, morality, politics
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Dabs are Rising…Are You a Target for Police?
Bart Kaspero Law > Drug Charges > California Drug Laws > Concentrated Cannabis Laws > Dabs are Rising…Are You a Target for Police?
BHO, Dabs, Honey Wax, Oil…
Photo By Vjiced (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Butane Hash Oil
What is it? Butane Hash Oil is a type of concentrated cannabis made from high-potency marijuana leaves. The way it’s made is by pouring liquid butane through a tube that contains cannabis and extracting THC from the plant matter. The THC remains in the butane until it reaches a container at the end of the tube, and because butane is a volatile chemical that evaporates at -1 degrees Celsius, all that’s left in the container after the butane evaporates is an oily THC residue. The process concentrates the THC to a potency of around 20 to 80 percent, according to researchers and law enforcement agencies familiar with the drug. The residue is known variously as Dabs, honey oil, wax and BHO.
Origins of Hash Oil (aka: “Dabs”)
Hash Oil has been around since at least the late 1960s, and it’s by far the most potent form of concentrated cannabis. It has been described as the “crack cocaine of marijuana” due to the instant, overwhelming high users feel after vaporizing it. The method for inhaling Dabs vapor is to heat a heavy metal surface with a blowtorch until it turns bright orange, then to touch a small drop of honey oil to the glowing orange surface, inhaling the fumes. This smoking method concentrates the psychoactive chemical in the wax, providing an immediate high that is many times stronger than regular cannabis.
One reason authorities have increased their focus on Dabs manufacturers recently is that making Butane Hash Oil frequently causes devastating fires, burning down buildings and severely injuring people. Not only is the butane that concentrates the honey oil flammable, but after it evaporates, the concentrated cannabis must be cooked. The process of cooking the wax is what usually causes fires in which entire apartment buildings have gone up in flames. When the butane evaporates, it can build up a cloud of flammable gas that ignites when the BHO is cooked.
In 2014, San Diego county experienced more than 20 fires and explosions from Butane Hash Oil manufacturing. While some users heat up the wax using an electronic cigarette, many users choose the more dangerous method of vaporizing the concentrated cannabis with an open flame. Regardless of the potency to which liquid butane concentrates the honey oil, smoking Dabs with an open flame in the same room used to make it can cause an explosion. At one BHO lab in San Diego, three people were badly burned in a butane explosion, one of them completely covered in flames as he ran from the building screaming.
The DEA has stepped up efforts to arrest Butane Hash Oil manufacturers in southern California and seven other states where Dabs cooking frequently causes explosions. Although manufacturing honey oil is illegal in California, possessing it is legal under California’s medical marijuana laws. Explosions caused by the butane that concentrates wax typically lead to charges of causing harm to human life. One recent explosion in a California parking lot was the result of a man named Dale Austin Corzine making concentrated cannabis in his car when it caught fire. He was charged with endangerment to human life as well as manufacturing marijuana.
Butane Hash Oil explosions have steadily increased over the past three years, and marijuana legalization advocates worry that the negative publicity puts concentrated cannabis in a bad light. In an article titled The Danger of Dabs, Russ Belville of High Times magazine analyzed the issues caused by accidentally igniting the butane that concentrates THC. His argument was that, although honey oil is no more harmful than ordinary cannabis, media coverage of butane explosions as well as images of users vaporizing wax with blowtorches sets the marijuana legalization cause back. Not only do these circumstantial details embolden opponents of legal marijuana, but the explosions have injured more people in 2014 than in the three previous years combined.
Another issue facing honey oil smokers is the possibility of leftover butane present in the concentrated cannabis. However, compared to raw cannabis, which rarely exceeds 20 percent potency, Dabs rarely falls below this level of potency, usually ranging from 20 to 80 percent and sometimes reaching 90 percent. This fact makes properly filtered Butane Hash Oil the purest form of marijuana available, and because BHO explosions continue to rise, the popularity of honey oil seems to be increasing.
While manufacturing butane hash oil is prohibited by law, possession of dabs or butane hash oil can be tricky. With a valid prescription from a physician, patients may possess a particular amount (which is often battled in the courts by experts and evidence after an arrest has already someone has already been arrested). To assess whether someone has a strong legal defense for either possessing or manufacturing, it’s best to contact an experienced drug lawyer to evaluate the circumstances of the case at hand.
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Kiss My Boots by Harper Sloan- Release Day
In this second of the sultry, Western-set Coming Home series from New York Times bestselling author Harper Sloan, Quinn Davis might finally have a shot at her own happily-ever-after—but will she let love in, or will she tell it to go ahead and kiss her boots?
Quinn Davis prefers to live her life quietly. She’s the stereotypical tomboy with two overprotective big brothers who have always been there to protect her, especially from devilishly handsome cowboys with silver tongues. That is, until Tate Montgomery comes riding into town. Their first meeting, however, is far from something out of a fairy tale and only further convinces Quinn that men aren’t worth her time.
The only place Tate Montgomery ever truly felt at home growing up was during the long, sweltering summer months he spent at his Gram and Paw’s farm in Pine Oak, Texas. Now, Tate has returned to his childhood sanctuary seeking a fresh start—but if he’s being entirely honest, he’s not just back for the wranglers and Stetsons. During those summers, Quinn was a friend-turned-young-love who Tate lost when life threw him a curveball and he cut all ties to his past; but all it takes is one glance at the raven-haired beauty he did his best to forget for him to realize just how much he’s been missing….
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Harper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn't writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand.
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Standing Committee On Labour Invites Suggestions On Code On Social Security, Industrial Relations Code
The committee, headed by BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, is examining the codes after these were referred to it by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
1579090540_12dmEi_Parliament_of_India.jpg
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, which is examining the Industrial Relations Code and Code on Social Security, has invited suggestions and views of people considering wide implications of the proposed Bills.
The committee, headed by BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, is examining the codes after these were referred to it by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. An official release said that memoranda/suggestions submitted to the committee would form part of the records of the committee and would be treated as 'confidential' and enjoy privileges of the committee.
It said that those desirous of appearing before the committee, besides submitting written memoranda, should clearly state so and the committee's decision in this regard shall be final.
The Industrial Relations Code Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha by Minister of Labour and Employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar in November last year.
It seeks to replace three labour laws -- Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, Trade Unions Act, 1926, and Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946.
The Code on Social Security, 2019, introduced in the Lok Sabha last month, seeks to consolidate eight laws including the Employees' Provident Fund Act, 1952, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, and the Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act, 2008.
standing committee Code On Social Security Industrial Relations Code BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab Minister of Labour and Employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar
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Roukema, BF (2009)
Benford's Law Anomalies in the 2009 Iranian presidential election
preprint arXiv:0906.2789.
ISSN/ISBN: Not available at this time. DOI: Not available at this time.
Abstract: The results of the 2009 Iranian presidential election presented by the Iranian Ministry of the Interior (MOI) are analysed based on Benford's Law and an empirical variant of Benford's Law. The null hypothesis that the vote count distributions satisfy these distributions is rejected at a significance of p≤0.007, based on the presence of 41 vote counts for candidate K that start with the digit 7, compared to an expected 21.2-22 occurrences expected for the null hypothesis. A less significant anomaly suggested by Benford's Law could be interpreted as an overestimate of candidate A's total vote count by several million votes. Possible signs of further anomalies are that the logarithmic vote count distributions of A, R, and K are positively skewed by 4.6, 5.8, and 2.5 standard errors in the skewness respectively, i.e. they are inconsistent with a log-normal distribution with p ∝ 4×10-6, 7×10-9, and 1.2×10-2 respectively. M's distribution is not significantly skewed.
@article{, title={Benford’s Law anomalies in the 2009 Iranian presidential election}, author={Roukema, Boudewijn F.}, archivePrefix = "arXiv", eprint = {0906.2789}, year={2009}, }
Reference Type: Preprint
Subject Area(s): Voting Fraud
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(Comparative Anatomy and Physiology Brought Up to Date--continued, Part 7-I)
Key Nutrients vis-a-vis Omnivorous
Adaptation and Vegetarianism (cont.)
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) (CONT., 2 OF 2)
Bioavailability of EFAs: plant vs. animal sources
Diet is only source for n-3 fatty acids. Nettleton [1995] points out that plants can convert linoleic acid (n-6) to alpha-linolenic acid (n-3), but humans cannot. Hence, diet is the only source for n-3 fatty acids for humans. In general, plant foods provide linoleic (n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (n-3), while animal foods provide DHA and other preformed long-chain n-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5, EPA). EPA and DHA are common in aquatic animals.
THE PROBLEM: Are human enzymes that synthesize DHA and EPA from precursors adequate as a sole source?
Negative evidence suggesting DHA/EPA-synthesizing enzymes may be inadequate for complete nutrition. Although the issue of whether alpha-linolenic acid is essential for humans is still controversial, it is clear that DHA, which can be produced by converting alpha-linolenic acid, is essential in infants (mother's milk contains ready-made DHA). Although the human body will synthesize such long-chain fatty acids from precursors in the diet when not directly available, the rates of synthesis generally do not support the levels obtained when they are gotten directly in the diet. This is particularly critical in infancy, as human milk contains preformed DHA and other long-chain essential fatty acids, while plant-food-based formulas do not (unless they have been supplemented).
Let's now review the research linking levels of EFAs in body tissues with EFA consumption via diet and/or supplementation.
Animal studies on impact of EFAs in diet: chickens. Anderson et al. [1990] studied the effects of n-3 fatty acid (FA) supplementation in newly hatched chickens with an n-3 FA deficiency. Levels of DHA were measured in the brains and retina of deficient chicks fed 4 diets containing different levels of n-6 FA. The chicks fed a diet that included DHA and EPA recovered--that is, the levels of DHA/EPA returned to normal levels after 3 weeks. The researchers concluded that linolenic acid as the sole source of n-3 fatty acids is inadequate, and supplementation with DHA is advisable. Anderson and Connor [1994] provides additional insight into this research.
EFA studies on rats. Woods et al. [1996] tested the hypothesis that the "right" ratio of LA/LNA (LA = linoleic acid, an n-6 fatty acid; LNA = alpha-linolenic acid, n-3) in infant formula could support the same levels of DHA production as results from breast-feeding (in rats). A series of milk formulations with LA/LNA ratios of 10:1, 1:1, and 1:12 were tested on infant rats, and the resulting levels of DHA in the rat's brains were measured. Woods et al. [1996, pp. 691, 693] conclude that:
This suggests that there is no level of LNA that is capable of supporting the [levels of] neural DHA found in the dam-reared [breast-fed by mother rats] rat pups...
If it is accepted that human essential fatty acid metabolism is not more efficient than that of the rat, it follows that infant formulas like those in our study would not support proper human nervous system accretion of LC-PUFAs [long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids].
Woods et al. [1996] do suggest that LNA might assist DHA synthesis in the brain, but not the retina, of the rats.
EFA studies on monkeys. Lin et al. [1994] studied the effect of various n-3 fatty-acid levels in the diet on the retinas of rhesus monkeys. Monkeys on deficient diets, when fed a diet that included DHA, recovered to near-normal levels, except for certain lipids. In the n-3 FA-deficient monkeys, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5n-6, a long-chain derivative in the n-6 FA family) partially replaced DHA in the monkeys' retinas. However, Lin et al. [1994, abstract] describe the replacement as "functionally incomplete," suggesting that the resultant DPA levels were too low, and/or did not provide equivalent functional support for the monkeys' visual systems (in comparison to the monkeys whose diet included DHA).
EFA levels in "living foods" adherents (raw vegans). Agren et al. [1995] studied the EFA levels of vegans following the living foods diet, a vegan diet that emphasizes sprouted and fermented raw or "living" foods. The study began with 12 people who claimed to be following the living foods diet, but two were excluded because they were found not to be actually following the diet (it is a difficult and idealistic diet that few can follow successfully, in the long-term), and another subject was excluded who displayed fatty-acid levels that were 4-5 standard deviations from the means observed (again suggesting probable non-compliance with the claimed diet).
Comparison of the EFA levels in erythrocytes, platelets, and serum lipids in living foods raw vegans vs. controls (standard Western diet) showed that the EPA levels in the raw vegans were only 29-36%, and DHA levels 49-52%, of the analogous levels in the control group. Additionally, the n-6/n-3 ratio in the raw vegans (5.55) was about double the ratio observed in the controls (2.70). (Note: Agren et al. [1995, Table 2, p. 367] report n-3/n-6 ratios; the n-6/n-3 ratios in the preceding sentence were obtained by inverting the ratios reported in Agren et al. [1995] for erythrocyte totals.)
EFA levels in conventional vegans. Krajcovicova-Kudlackova et al. [1997] analyzed EFA levels in blood plasma, comparing several groups: vegans, vegetarians (whether lacto- or lacto-ovo-vegetarian was not specified), semi-vegetarians (those who ate fish) and a control group following the standard Western diet. The vegan group had significantly lower levels of both EPA (62.5%) and DHA (67%) compared to the control group, while the levels of EPA and DHA were not significantly different between vegetarians and the control group (computed from Krajcovicova-Kudlackova et al. [1997, Table 2, p. 367]). N-6/n-3 ratios were found to be 19.48 for vegans, 14.71 for vegetarians, and 13.07 for the control group.
Note that the n-6/n-3 ratios for vegans and vegetarians are different (statistically significant, P = 0.001) from the control (standard Western diet) group. Although the difference between the vegetarian group vs. control group is statistically significant, in real-world terms the amount of the difference might not be very meaningful, as 14.71 and 13.07 are "close." However, the corresponding difference between the control group and vegans, whose ratio is 19.48, is considerably different enough that the result is likely to be meaningful in real-world terms as well.
Impact of DHA supplements on EFA levels in vegetarians. Conquer and Holub [1996] studied the effect of DHA supplementation on the EFA levels in phospholipids, in vegetarians. (Phospholipids are compounds of lipids with alcohols, which also have a phosphate residue [Ansell 1973]. Lecithin is an example of a phospholipid [Strickland 1973]. Phospholipids are present in blood platelets, serum, and elsewhere in the human body.)
Two volunteer groups of vegetarians consumed either capsules providing 1.62 gms/day of DHA, or (control group) a similar quantity of corn oil capsules (placebo, no DHA content). The DHA in the capsules was from algae rather than animal sources. It was found that consumption of DHA capsules had a dramatic effect on DHA levels in phospholipids (increase of 225% in blood platelet, 246% in serum, phospholipids) and EPA levels (176% in blood platelet, 117% in serum, phospholipids). Additionally, the consumption of DHA capsules significantly lowered the n-6/n-3 ratio after 3 weeks (from 8.9 to 3.3); ratios were 3.1-3.3 for those taking DHA, 9.5-9.9 for those on the corn oil placebo. The consumption of DHA also improved a number of biomarkers associated with heart disease (cholesterol, triglycerides; see the study for details).
EFA levels in human milk. Sanders and Reddy [1992] compared the levels of EFAs in breast milk from women who followed vegan, vegetarian, and standard Western diets (the latter serving as control group). Levels of DHA were found to be lowest in the milk from vegan mothers (37.8% of control group level), highest in the standard diet, with (lacto-)vegetarians in the middle (81% of control group level). The study authors note [Sanders and Reddy 1992, p. S71]:
The proportion of DHA in erythrocyte total lipids of infants breast-fed by vegans was 1.9% compared with 3.7% in infants fed a [cow's] milk formula containing butterfat as the sole source of fat and 6.2% in infants breast-fed by omnivores [standard Western diet] at 14 weeks postpartum.
That DHA levels in infants were lower in those who were breast-fed by vegan mothers than in those fed the cow's milk formula is somewhat surprising in light of the data that the vegan human milk contained more DHA as a percentage of energy. This may be caused by (relatively) high levels of linoleic acid (n-6) in the vegan breast milk suppressing synthesis of DHA. Sanders and Reddy [1992, Table IV, p. S74] report n-6/n-3 ratios of: 16.4 for vegans, 13.0 for vegetarians, 13.5 for control. (Note: Sanders and Reddy report that the ratio is higher for vegans, but the statistical significance thereof is not clear in their paper.) For a related paper, see Reddy et al. [1994].
EFA levels in tissues of infants. Farquharson et al. [1992] analyzed the brain tissues of infants who died of crib death, also referred to as "sudden infant death syndrome" (SIDS). They found significantly higher levels of DHA and DPA in the cerebral cortex tissues of breast-fed infants vs. those fed formulas (that were not supplemented with DHA; breast milk contains DHA). They note that the higher linoleic acid content of the formulas might inhibit synthesis of DHA.
Carlson et al. [1986] compared the EFA levels in blood cell phospholipids of preterm infants, for those receiving human milk vs. those fed with formula. Feeding with preterm human milk increased phospholipid DHA levels, while feeding with formula caused a decline.
Salem et al. [1996] provides proof that infants are able to synthesize, in vivo, essential fatty acids from precursors. Also noted, however, is that the level of DHA synthesis is inadequate to meet needs in early life.
Connor et al. [1996] studied the effect on DHA levels of supplementing the diet of pregnant women with fish oil capsules (high in DHA and EPA) in the latter stages of pregnancy. They found that blood DHA levels were higher in the blood of infants whose mothers consumed the fish oils. In the supplemented infants, DHA levels were 35.2% higher in red blood cells, and 45.5% higher in plasma, vs. the non-supplemented controls.
EFAs and infant development. Gibson et al. [1996] discusses a number of studies that show improved visual function in breast-fed infants vs. those receiving formulas. The authors relate this to the presence of DHA in breast milk, and the lack (or lower levels) thereof in formulas. Also see Hoffman et al. [1993] and Uauy et al. [1996] in this regard.
Low conversion rates of LNA to DHA. Nettleton [1995] reports that alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) can be converted to EPA and DHA, but the efficiency of the conversion is low [Dyerberg, Bang, and Aagard 1980; Sanders and Younger 1981; as cited in Nettleton 1995]. Emken et al. [1994], as cited in Conquer and Holub [1996], report a conversion rate of LNA to DHA of ~5% in adults. Salem et al. [1996] suggest (Table 1, p. 50; see also p. 51) a minimum conversion rate of ~1% from LNA to DHA in infants (0.9 mg of DHA produced from 100 mg precursor).
Flaxseed oil a suboptimal source for n-3 acids. Flaxseed oil is used by some vegans as a source of n-3 oils. However, the study of Kelley et al. [1993] fed volunteers a diet in which 6.3% of calories were from flaxseed oil. (Given the cost of flaxseed oil, this is a large amount and would be expensive.) They observed a statistically significant increase in EPA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) in those receiving flaxseed oil. EPA levels in serum were not affected by flaxseed oil. Regarding DHA levels, no increases (in PBMNC or serum) were seen from flaxseed oil supplementation.
Gerster [1998] is a review article that looks into the issue of whether adults can adequately convert ALA to EPA and DHA. The tables in Gerster [1998, pp. 165-166, 168] list a number of studies that showed a pattern similar to the one described above. That is, flaxseed oil supplementation may increase EPA, but not DHA.
Studies that found no changes in DHA levels from flaxseed oil supplementation: Dyerberg et al. [1980], Singer et al. [1986], Kelley et al. [1993], Cunnane et al. [1995], Mantzioris et al. [1994], Layne et al. [1996].
Studies that reported DHA decreased with flaxseed oil supplementation: Sanders and Roshanai [1983], Allman et al. [1995].
Studies that reported DHA increased with flaxseed oil supplementation: Kestin et al. [1990], and Sanders and Younger [1981]. Note that the latter study found an increase in DHA for vegan subjects only, in plasma glycerides, but not in platelets (they found no differences in DHA in the non-vegan control group).
The weight of the studies above suggest that flaxseed oil does not provide efficient support for DHA synthesis.
Preformed DHA may be necessary for optimum levels. Gerster also makes the point that fish oils are superior sources for EPA and DHA, and concludes [1998, pp. 159-160]:
These findings indicate that future attention will have to focus on the adequate provison of DHA which can reliably be achieved only with the supply of the preformed long-chain metabolite.
For another perspective, Nettleton reports [1995, pp. 33-34]:
The fact that LNA is less effective than EPA and DHA in enriching tissues with n-3 FA [fatty acids] means that foods rich in LNA, vegetables and seed oils will be less satisfactory sources of n-3 FA for human health than seafoods or other animal foods enriched with EPA and DHA. That is not to say, though, that oils such as canola and soy are not useful sources of n-3 FA...
Finally, consuming oils with LNA helps reduce the amount of linoleic acid we consume. In rats, the ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids consumed is more effective than the absolute amount of n-3 FA in inhibiting eicosanoid synthesis from arachidonic acid (Boudreau et al. 1991). It may be the same for people also...
Tissues that possess the enzymes needed to convert one form of n-3 FA to another will get by with available precursors, but others may require particular n-3 FA preformed. Dietary sources providing both EPA and DHA would appear to have advantages over those supplying only LNA.
Effects of balance of fatty acids. Langley [1995] reports that typical vegan diets have a high intake of linoleic acid, which can suppress the production of DHA, i.e., the typical vegan diet has a poor balance of the EFAs. The effect of the balance of fatty acids is also discussed in a number of the studies cited above.
The remarks above concerning fatty acid balance are cogent, as a number of companies strongly promote (and some vegan "diet gurus" recommend) flaxseed and/or hempseed oils as supplements to vegans to "make sure" they are getting the right balance of fatty acids in their diet. One must wonder how "natural" vegan diets are, if exotic, expensive oils are "required" to provide the right balance of linoleic and alpha-linolenic fatty acids in a vegan diet. If vegan diets are truly "natural," one would intuitively expect it to be relatively easy, as a vegan, to get the optimal balance of fatty acids.
Leaving aside the criterion of naturalness, however, if (typical) vegan diets are held instead simply to be the "optimum," one would not expect the balance of fatty acids in a typical vegan diet to potentially suppress the synthesis of critically important EFAs, like DHA. The studies discussed above, however, raise serious questions on this point. In addition, it appears that despite flaxseed oil supplementation, for example, it may still be difficult to achieve the proper level of DHA.
The studies above also show a strong link between DHA in the diet and DHA levels in body tissues, with vegans having very low levels of DHA when compared to those whose diet includes preformed DHA. This raises the question (discussed below) of whether the levels of DHA and EPA synthesis are optimal or merely adequate to prevent deficiency symptoms.
Positive evidence suggesting DHA/EPA-synthesizing enzymes may be adequate for complete nutrition. Okuyama [1992] presents limited evidence that the desaturation-elongation enzyme activity is adequate to supply 20-carbon fatty acids like EPA and DHA. Okuyama [1992, p. 170] reports:
Finally, it should be emphasized that strict vegetarians ingest only linoleate and alpha linoleate, and usually do not develop essential fatty acid deficiency (8).
All these data suggest that humans are no exceptions among mammals in the metabolism of linoleate and alpha linoleate, although the desaturation-elongation activities may be relatively lower in most humans probably due to the negative feedback control of the enzyme systems by large amounts of highly unsaturated fatty acids in their diets (9).
DHA and EPA synthesis: minimally sufficient, or optimal? The obvious question that arises here is whether the desaturation-elongation process provides adequate DHA for optimal health, or merely enough to prevent deficiency symptoms. As pointed out earlier in this paper in Part 4 ("Intelligence, Evolution of the Human Brain, and Diet"), recent research on the evolution of the human brain and encephalization has shown a drop in human brain size of 11% in the last 35,000 years and 8% in the last 10,000, a timeframe which coincides with steadily decreasing amounts of animal food in the human diet. Although correlation alone is of course not causation, this evidence strongly suggests further research is needed in the area of human requirements for the preformed long-chain fatty acids important to brain and central nervous system development.
EFAs: synopsis
The scientific evidence available to date is somewhat unclear. Synthesis of EPA and DHA (from plant source oils) may be adequate in some individual adults; whether that is true for the general (adult) population is unclear. The apparent difficulty in getting a favorable fatty acid "balance" on a vegan diet; the sporadic efficiency of conversion of LNA to EPA/DHA; and the recent evidence of decreasing human brain size appear to support the idea that humans have adapted to diets that include preformed EPA/DHA (i.e., animal foods). Beyond this, however, the real question is to what degree humans may be dependent on obtaining these preformed n-3 fatty acids from the diet not simply to prevent potential deficiency but for optimal functioning. Conclusions are at this point equivocal and more research is needed in this area.
(Bitter Taste Rejection--A Marker for Dietary Trophic Levels)
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Join AEBC
About AEBC
Participate and get involved
Link Exchange Program
What is our Link Exchange Program?
Dear perspective partner:
The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) is pleased to announce its link exchange and website to website program.
This program involves working with other organizations to foster link exchanges and to develop and collaborate on projects of mutual interest.
The AEBC is strongly committed to collaborating with those organizations that are interested in such things as:
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We believe that the first step is to initiate a link exchange program, and to this end, we can start by exchanging links; posting relevant information about each other's organizations and each other's mission statements on our respective websites. The AEBC believes that this will be an excellent way for all organizations involved to showcase what they do, how they do it, and show it off to the rest of the world.
If you are interested, please send your response to me at djodhan@blindcanadians.ca. Let us start to build a stronger and more united community; working together and committed together.
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Thomas Bénatouïl, Katerina Ierodiakonu (ed.), Dialectic after Plato and Aristotle. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press, 2019. Pp. xi, 391. ISBN 9781108471909. $105.00.
Reviewed by Colin C. Smith, University of Kentucky (colinclarksmith@gmail.com)
[Authors and titles are listed at the end of the review.]
Dialectic After Plato and Aristotle is a collection of ten papers, nine from the 13th Symposium Hellenisticum held in the Abbaye des Prémontrés at Pont-à-Mousson in Lorraine, France in July 2013, each addressing the role of dialectic in Hellenistic or early imperial thought. The term διαλεκτική and its cognates were used to describe a wide range of practices throughout antiquity, and the contributors to this volume trace out several consistent themes corresponding to its usage. What emerges in the book is an account of several interrelated ways in which the ancient practices of dialectic reflect the nature of philosophy as a lived activity, in which the interlocutors are oriented toward ultimate goals like learning to account for truth by carving up nature at its joints or assessing the worth of received opinion through a question-and- answer process. Written by an international group of authors including both established and younger scholars, the chapters in this volume constitute a rich set of discussions of several key aspects of the history of these practices that have heretofore received inadequate attention. This book is of interest both to those working on ancient metaphysics, epistemology, or logic broadly and those engaging with any of the various historical figures and schools covered, including Megarics, Peripatetics, Epicureans, Stoics, the Hellenistic Academy, Cicero, Pyrrhonian Skeptics, Galen, and the Middle Platonists.
As co-editor Thomas Bénatouïl describes in his helpful introduction, the term 'dialectic' has consistently entailed a technical sense throughout the history of philosophy, referring either to one or more of a set of methods or a general orientation towards philosophical practice. It was first used by Plato in several interrelated senses, such as the elenctic method of examining the worth of implicit beliefs and the 'highest science' of grasping the relationships between intelligible forms as described, for example, by the Eleatic Stranger in the Sophist. In the Topics, Aristotle used the term to describe a method of arguing with reference to received opinions. (Dialectic was of course later given central prominence in the philosophical systems of modern German philosophers like Kant, Hegel, and Marx, though consideration of this later usage in this book does not continue after the introduction.) The questions that the contributors to this volume address are: in what ways are the Platonic and Aristotelian senses of dialectic at play in the thinking of later ancient authors? What additional 'dialectical' considerations inform the thinking and method of later authors, where 'dialectic' is understood loosely to suggest either a question-and-answer structure or an inquiry into nature via something akin to Platonic division, or both?
The discussions of these issues are organized by historical period, dividing into four sections. The first section includes three papers on early Hellenistic philosophy. In "Megara and Dialectic," James Allen considers the shadowy Megaric School of the 4th century BCE and the controversy as to whether this school is coextensive with the so-called 'Dialectical School.' Allen is not concerned to resolve the matter regarding the 'number' of schools definitively, and he offers a helpful (if admittedly speculative) account of what the dialectical methods of this school or schools might have entailed on the basis of the scant surviving evidence. In "Dialectic in the Early Peripatos," Paolo Crivelli offers an excellent consideration of the ways in which the early Peripatetics both received and also "corrected" the method of dialectic described in the Topics. Of particular value is Crivelli's argument describing six key ways in which Theophrastus deviated methodologically and conceptually from Aristotle on this point. Crivelli also includes much briefer discussions of the minimal evidence suggesting dialectical innovation in Eudemus and Stratus. David Sedley contributes a helpful chapter about "Epicurus on Dialectic," in which he considers several ways in which Epicurus' well-known rejection of the dialectical method reflects Epicurus' own ontological commitments. One particularly noteworthy aspect of Sedley's chapter is his discussion of the so-called 'Bat Riddle' that Glaucon mentions in Book V of the Republic (89-105), in which 'a man who is not a man shoots and does not shoot a bird that is not a bird,' etc. Sedley argues that this riddling description of the eunuch (who is both a man and not a man) who shoots (and misses) a bat (which both is and is not a bird, as it is a bird relative to its gift of flight but is not a bird insofar as it is viviparous) captures the Epicurean view that being is in all cases relative and aspectual, and hence not truthfully or meaningfully disclosed through the kind of dialectical investigation at play in, for example, Platonic division.
The book's second section comprises two chapters on Stoic dialectic, and this section is particularly strong insofar as it includes both thorough historical overviews and compelling new theses. In "Dialectic and Stoic Philosophy," co-editor Katerina Ierodiakonou discusses broadly the relationship between Stoic dialectic on the one hand and Platonic and Aristotelian dialectic on the other. Ierodiakonou furthermore considers the role of dialectic as a sub-branch of logic, separated from rhetoric, in the Stoic division of philosophy. Jean-Baptiste Gourinat advances the ambitious and promising thesis in "Stoic Dialectic and Its Objects" that Stoic lekta are (most essentially) neither 'mind-dependent' nor 'purely metaphysical' entities as has typically been argued, but instead are "closely connected to the notion of a discussion by question and answer and to the processes involved in such a dialectical context, but also by the process of perception which is at the very basis of thought and language involved in dialectic" in both strictly Stoic and broader senses (137). Briefly stated, Gourinat supports his thesis by arguing that the lekta are not merely the movements of the mind, but instead that which accompanies the movements of mind alongside impressions, and hence have their own meaningful and intersubjective content in a manner similar to the distinction between signifier and signified. Gourinat argues these points with reference to distinctions drawn in Aristotle's De interpretatione. This chapter and its ambitious argument are of significant interest to those working on Stoic ontology, insofar as Gourinat offers the resources for a conception of Stoic lekta in specifically dialectical terms.
The third section includes three chapters on the Hellenistic Academy. In "Dialectic in the Hellenistic Academy," Luca Castagnoli offers several of his own definitions of dialectical philosophy and argues that the methods of Arcesilaus and Carneades are more dialectical than these philosophers themselves made explicit, judging at least by the extant sources, and also more so than modern scholars have heretofore realized. In other words, although Arcesilaus notably argues that dialectic is to be shunned and Carneades likens its practice to an octopus that destroys its own appendages, Castagnoli nevertheless traces several dialectical elements in their philosophy, particularly the Aristotelian senses of dialectical arguments starting from what is accepted by the interlocutor and based on claims to which the arguer is not necessarily committed. In "Pithana and probabilia," Tobias Reinhardt considers the relationship between the Carneadean and Stoic pithana (persuasives) and argues that "an impression's initial persuasiveness, prior to any testing or scrutiny, is taken to be due to the fact that its propositional content is consistent with views antecedently held by the subject, and that an impression's phenomenal clarity is an enabling not a constitutive property" of Carneadean pithana (218). Reinhardt primarily uses the extant evidence in Sextus Empiricus, drawing also on medical and classical philosophical texts, to suggest that Carneadean pithana have an inherently intersubjective character (239), and entail an assent or 'saying yes' that itself has a structure of question-and-answer similar to dialectic (252). Sophie Aubert-Baillot offers in "Terminology and Practice of Dialectic in Cicero's Letters" a consideration of "the heterogeneous, diffuse and sometimes tenuous presence of dialectic" (255) through explicit terminological appearances and the implicit question-and-answer structures at play in Cicero's correspondence. Taken together, the arguments in this chapter suggest a new conception of dialectic independent of those explicitly drawn upon by Plato in his dialogues.
Finally, the book's fourth section includes two chapters on dialectic in early imperialist authors. In "The Sceptic's Modes of Argumentation," Benjamin Morison offers an account of Pyrrhonian Skepticism via Sextus Empiricus as an ability to concoct argumentation that induces the suspension of judgment in response to dogmatic philosophy, and one that bears at least some similarities to Aristotle's 'dialectical game' as described in the Topics. Morison's account has the virtue of not committing the Skeptic to holding any views, for example, that judgment is best suspended. This is in contradistinction to the reconstructions of the Skeptical view offered by other recent commentators like Jonathan Barnes and Julia Annas, both of whom Morison discusses at length. Put briefly, Morison argues that upon hearing (for example) that 'honey tastes sweet to most,' the Skeptic is prepared to counter that 'honey tastes bitter to those with jaundice' and hence to induce the suspension of judgment; this is different from building an argument with the premise that judgment should be suspended, which of course is itself a philosophical tenet and hence the precise thing that the Skeptic claims not to endorse. Drawing upon Morison's compelling work on Skepticism elsewhere, the chapter is valuable for its highly plausible construal of the Skeptical Ten Modes and Five Modes. Its discussion of this method's relationship with Aristotelian dialectic is an intriguing if somewhat curious bonus, and one that Morison treats largely parenthetically. In the book's final chapter, "Galen and Middle Platonists on Dialectic and Knowledge," Riccardo Chiaradonna uses resources in Galen to consider both Galen's own philosophical views and those of the Middle Platonists, defined as those between the Academy and Plotinus. Chiaradonna considers these groups broadly and on the subject of dialectic, but argues against the ultimate assessment of Galen as a Platonist himself insofar as Galen advocates an unorthodox interpretation of several central Platonic tenets. Chiaradonna considers several interrelated senses of dialectic at play in Galen's writing, including its sense as a kind of logic that for Galen is ultimately subordinate to demonstration, an Aristotelian sense of argumentation at play in Galen's writing, Galen's ambivalent view of the generation of the cosmos, and the relationship between dialectic and names or words insofar as they serve as the foundation of scientific definitions and hence science itself.
Already in the Classical period, the term 'dialectic' invoked the seemingly conflicting senses of 'the highest science of being' and 'argumentation through mere received opinion.' Given this, the task of pinning down the term's precise meaning and implications, particularly as it continued to be used by more and more thinkers in novel contexts, proves ultimately to be quite difficult. This book offers many resources for getting at the rich set of meanings entailed by the term 'dialectic,' but it does not resolve the question (nor do its contributors claim to resolve the question) of the inherent unity of these meanings. Surely this is so much the better for us who seek to understand the practice of philosophy and the reasons for the perennial value of dialectic, leaving as it does a series of dialectical exercises necessary for us to take up ourselves toward this task.
Introduction: Dialectics in Dialogue / Thomas Bénatouïl
1. Megara and Dialectic / James Allen
2. Dialectic in the Early Peripatos / Paolo Crivelli
3. Epicurus on Dialectic / David Sedley
4. Dialectic as a Subpart of Stoic Philosophy / Katerina Ierodiakonou
5. Stoic Dialectic and Its Objects / Jean-Baptiste Gourinat
6. Dialectic in the Hellenistic Academy / Luca Castagnoli
7. Pithana and probabilia / Tobais Reinhardt
8. Terminology and Practice of Dialectic in Cicero's Letters / Sophie Aubert-Baillot
9. The Sceptic's Modes of Argumentation / Benjamin Morison
10. Galen and Middle Platonists on Dialectic and Knowledge / Riccardo Chiaradonna
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