Split (1)

train · 383k rows

pred_label stringclasses 2 values	pred_label_prob float64 0.5 1	wiki_prob float64 0.25 1	text stringlengths 105 935k	source stringlengths 39 45
__label__wiki	0.735377	0.735377	Campaign to boost apprenticeships launched in Mackay Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development The Honourable Shannon Fentiman Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman have announced a $1 million fund to encourage more businesses to explore apprenticeships as the pathway to jobs and careers for Queenslanders. Ms Palaszczuk said that as part of the campaign, the Queensland Government would partner with industry to encourage more people into priority training pathways and more businesses to employ an apprentice. “Apprenticeships and traineeships set people up for quality jobs and are vital for growing the Queensland workforce,” she said. “This campaign is about giving businesses the information and help they need to embrace apprentices and get them on board.” Ms Palaszczuk and Ms Fentiman made the announcement while visiting the Airlie Beach Welding and Fabrication company as part of the state government’s Governing from the Regions program. Ms Fentiman said that employing an apprentice would not only benefit businesses, including small businesses, across Queensland but would be a shot in the arm for local economies. “It’s a great investment in the skilled workforce that businesses need to succeed and grow,” she said. “The Queensland Government will partner with industry groups and other peak bodies to fund industry-specific or local campaigns to generate more interest from businesses and people to sign up more apprentices. “To do this, we will work with industry and match their contributions dollar-for-dollar to roll out campaigns relevant to their workforce.” Ms Palaszczuk said the Government was already backing apprentices with quality training and a range of other incentives, including the 2300 apprentices hired under the Back to Work program. “We’re also encouraging businesses to employ apprentices through payroll tax rebates, Back to Work payments and our construction training policy,” she said. “But we need to do more and this new campaign will also highlight the great results that employers and their apprentices are already achieving, the job opportunities available and the skills required to get businesses, job seekers and school students to pursue these training pathways.” For more information visit www.training.qld.gov.au/apprentices or call Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210. MEDIA CONTACT: Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116; Inga Williams 0410 769 711	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6734
__label__cc	0.652794	0.347206	STOPBang.ca Prevalence and Incidence Predisposing Conditions Patients with Sleep Apnea What are Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea? What Causes Sleep Apnea? Who is at Risk for Sleep Apnea? How Common is Sleep Apnea? How Will I be Tested for Sleep Apnea? What is the Treatment for Sleep Apnea? Surgery with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Surgical Population What are the Postoperative Complications for Patients with Sleep Apnea? Pulmonary and Cardiac Complications Postoperative Delirium (disturbance of mind or confusion) Hospital Length of Stay Increased Transfers to the Intensive Care Unit Increased Utilization of Hospital Resources Increased In-Hospital Death Depression of Breathing and Treatment of Sleep Apnea Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Treatment Patients at High Risk for Sleep Apnea Benefits of CPAP Device. What is the Evidence for Peri-Operative CPAP Use? What Effect Does Sleep Apnea Have on Life Span? Sleep Apnea and Surgery Brochure Our Sleep Disordered Breathing Our Upper Airway Our Perioperative Medicine STOP-Bang Validation STOP-Bang Abstracts Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent sleep-breathing disturbance. Surgery with OSA Learn more about the prevalence of OSA in the surgical population and what to expect postoperatively. STOP-Bang Tool The Official STOP-Bang Questionnaire was validated as a screening modality for OSAS in the preoperative setting. Here you will find a list of all related articles on Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Perioperative Medicine, STOP-Bang Validation, and a lot more. Don't have the answer you're looking for on the website. Email us and we'll try to help find the answer Sleep Apnea? Screening Tool The Official STOP-Bang Tool Website Uncovering a Hidden Risk - Undiagnosed severe sleep apnea is a major risk factor for postoperative heart complications. Read more The publication on "High STOP-Bang score indicates a high probability of obstructive sleep apnea" receives accolade on World Anaesthesia Day. On the occasion of the 2017 World Anaesthesia Day, British Journal of Anaesthesia take the opportunity to highlight some of the key papers to appear in the Journal over the years of major importance to the field of anaesthesia. The 25 articles were selected based on their novelty, significance and impact as reflected in their frequent citation in the literature as well as importance to the practice of anaesthesia, critical care and pain medicine. https://academic.oup.com/bja/pages/world_anaesthesia_day_2017 The work of our team High STOP-Bang score indicates a high probability of obstructive sleep apnoea was chosen as one of the top 25 articles. Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network Copyright © 2012 \| www.stopbang.ca \| All Rights Reserved	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6738
__label__cc	0.69663	0.30337	Love, Actually: The science behind lust, attraction, and companionship by Katherine Wu figures by Tito Adhikary In 1993, Haddaway asked the world, “What is Love?” I’m not sure if he ever got his answer – but today, you can have yours. Scientists in fields ranging from anthropology to neuroscience have been asking this same question (albeit less eloquently) for decades. It turns out the science behind love is both simpler and more complex than we might think. Google the phrase “biology of love” and you’ll get answers that run the gamut of accuracy. Needless to say, the scientific basis of love is often sensationalized, and as with most science, we don’t know enough to draw firm conclusions about every piece of the puzzle. What we do know, however, is that much of love can be explained by chemistry. So, if there’s really a “formula” for love, what is it, and what does it mean? Total Eclipse of the Brain Think of the last time you ran into someone you find attractive. You may have stammered, your palms may have sweated; you may have said something incredibly asinine and tripped spectacularly while trying to saunter away (or is that just me?). And chances are, your heart was thudding in your chest. It’s no surprise that, for centuries, people thought love (and most other emotions, for that matter) arose from the heart. As it turns out, love is all about the brain – which, in turn, makes the rest of your body go haywire. According to a team of scientists led by Dr. Helen Fisher at Rutgers, romantic love can be broken down into three categories: lust, attraction, and attachment. Each category is characterized by its own set of hormones stemming from the brain (Table 1). Table 1: Love can be distilled into three categories: lust, attraction, and attachment. Though there are overlaps and subtleties to each, each type is characterized by its own set of hormones. Testosterone and estrogen drive lust; dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin create attraction; and oxytocin and vasopressin mediate attachment. Let’s Get Chemical Lust is driven by the desire for sexual gratification. The evolutionary basis for this stems from our need to reproduce, a need shared among all living things. Through reproduction, organisms pass on their genes, and thus contribute to the perpetuation of their species. The hypothalamus of the brain plays a big role in this, stimulating the production of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen from the testes and ovaries (Figure 1). While these chemicals are often stereotyped as being “male” and “female,” respectively, both play a role in men and women. As it turns out, testosterone increases libido in just about everyone. The effects are less pronounced with estrogen, but some women report being more sexually motivated around the time they ovulate, when estrogen levels are highest. Figure 1: A: The testes and ovaries secrete the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen, driving sexual desire. B and C: Dopamine, oxytocin, and vasopressin are all made in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls many vital functions as well as emotion. D: Several of the regions of the brain that affect love. Lust and attraction shut off the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which includes rational behavior. Love is its Own Reward Meanwhile, attraction seems to be a distinct, though closely related, phenomenon. While we can certainly lust for someone we are attracted to, and vice versa, one can happen without the other. Attraction involves the brain pathways that control “reward” behavior (Figure 1), which partly explains why the first few weeks or months of a relationship can be so exhilarating and even all-consuming. Dopamine, produced by the hypothalamus, is a particularly well-publicized player in the brain’s reward pathway – it’s released when we do things that feel good to us. In this case, these things include spending time with loved ones and having sex. High levels of dopamine and a related hormone, norepinephrine, are released during attraction. These chemicals make us giddy, energetic, and euphoric, even leading to decreased appetite and insomnia – which means you actually can be so “in love” that you can’t eat and can’t sleep. In fact, norepinephrine, also known as noradrenalin, may sound familiar because it plays a large role in the fight or flight response, which kicks into high gear when we’re stressed and keeps us alert. Brain scans of people in love have actually shown that the primary “reward” centers of the brain, including the and the caudate nucleus (Figure 1), fire like crazy when people are shown a photo of someone they are intensely attracted to, compared to when they are shown someone they feel neutral towards (like an old high school acquaintance). Finally, attraction seems to lead to a reduction in serotonin, a hormone that’s known to be involved in appetite and mood. Interestingly, people who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder also have low levels of serotonin, leading scientists to speculate that this is what underlies the overpowering infatuation that characterizes the beginning stages of love. The Friend Zone Last but not least, attachment is the predominant factor in long-term relationships. While lust and attraction are pretty much exclusive to romantic entanglements, attachment mediates friendships, parent-infant bonding, social cordiality, and many other intimacies as well. The two primary hormones here appear to be oxytocin and vasopressin (Figure 1). Oxytocin is often nicknamed “cuddle hormone” for this reason. Like dopamine, oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and released in large quantities during sex, breastfeeding, and childbirth. This may seem like a very strange assortment of activities – not all of which are necessarily enjoyable – but the common factor here is that all of these events are precursors to bonding. It also makes it pretty clear why having separate areas for attachment, lust, and attraction is important: we are attached to our immediate family, but those other emotions have no business there (and let’s just say people who have muddled this up don’t have the best track record). This all paints quite the rosy picture of love: hormones are released, making us feel good, rewarded, and close to our romantic partners. But that can’t be the whole story: love is often accompanied by jealousy, erratic behavior, and irrationality, along with a host of other less-than-positive emotions and moods. It seems that our friendly cohort of hormones is also responsible for the downsides of love. Dopamine, for instance, is the hormone responsible for the vast majority of the brain’s reward pathway – and that means controlling both the good and the bad. We experience surges of dopamine for our virtues and our vices. In fact, the dopamine pathway is particularly well studied when it comes to addiction. The same regions that light up when we’re feeling attraction light up when drug addicts take cocaine and when we binge eat sweets. For example, cocaine maintains dopamine signaling for much longer than usual, leading to a temporary “high.” In a way, attraction is much like an addiction to another human being. Similarly, the same brain regions light up when we become addicted to material goods as when we become emotionally dependent on our partners (Figure 2). And addicts going into withdrawal are not unlike love-struck people craving the company of someone they cannot see. Figure 2: Dopamine, which runs the reward pathways in our brain, is great in moderate doses, helping us enjoy food, exciting events, and relationships. However, we can push the dopamine pathway too far when we become addicted to food or drugs. Similarly, too much dopamine in a relationship can underlie unhealthy emotional dependence on our partners. And while healthy levels of oxytocin help us bond and feel warm and fuzzy towards our companions, elevated oxytocin can also fuel prejudice. The story is somewhat similar for oxytocin: too much of a good thing can be bad. Recent studies on party drugs such as MDMA and GHB shows that oxytocin may be the hormone behind the feel-good, sociable effects these chemicals produce. These positive feelings are taken to an extreme in this case, causing the user to dissociate from his or her environment and act wildly and recklessly. Furthermore, oxytocin’s role as a “bonding” hormone appears to help reinforce the positive feelings we already feel towards the people we love. That is, as we become more attached to our families, friends, and significant others, oxytocin is working in the background, reminding us why we like these people and increasing our affection for them. While this may be a good things for monogamy, such associations are not always positive. For example, oxytocin has also been suggested to play a role in ethnocentrism, increasing our love for people in our already-established cultural groups and making those unlike us seem more foreign (Figure 2). Thus, like dopamine, oxytocin can be a bit of a double-edged sword. And finally, what would love be without embarrassment? Sexual arousal (but not necessarily attachment) appears to turn off regions in our brain that regulate critical thinking, self-awareness, and rational behavior, including parts of the prefrontal cortex (Figure 2). In short, love makes us dumb. Have you ever done something when you were in love that you later regretted? Maybe not. I’d ask a certain star-crossed Shakespearean couple, but it’s a little late for them. So, in short, there is sort of a “formula” for love. However, it’s a work in progress, and there are many questions left unanswered. And, as we’ve realized by now, it’s not just the hormone side of the equation that’s complicated. Love can be both the best and worst thing for you – it can be the thing that gets us up in the morning, or what makes us never want to wake up again. I’m not sure I could define “love” for you if I kept you here for another ten thousand pages. In the end, everyone is capable of defining love for themselves. And, for better or for worse, if it’s all hormones, maybe each of us can have “chemistry” with just about anyone. But whether or not it goes further is still up to the rest of you. Katherine Wu is a third-year graduate student at Harvard University. She loves science with all of her brain. For a long-form human interest story on love, see National Geographic’s coverage of “True Love” For a very in-depth (and well-done!) introduction to the brain and its many, many chemicals, check out the NIH’s Brain Basics page For the New York Times’ take on falling in love with anyone, ask these 36 questions February 14, 2017 February 27, 2019 brain, dopamine, featured, love, oxytocin, what is love 75 thoughts on “Love, Actually: The science behind lust, attraction, and companionship” Mary Jane Mlynarski says: Oxytocin…having a dog, does one’s hormone increase. Heard dogs are good For people who are depressed. lisa egemeier says: yes friendship with an animal can have many of the same benefits as human friendships including oxytocin and bonding. please educate yourself to a dogs social and other needs before adopting because the pet has no choice in the matter so you have a higher duty to treat a pet apropriately and give it a decent life. please consider volunteering at a rescue or shelter before committing to adopting, you will learn so much and help so many animals and people and that helps depression too. Kaylani says: Fostering is fantastic too. Since you are helping them out and have the option to adopt but if you know your living or work situation may cause you to move often its not going to ruin things for everyone. Elizabeth Dirnfeld says: I think it has to do with the eye contact a dog makes with humans. sup boi says: obviously the science to love is money Amir H. Elmtalab says: its important in 21 century. but it is not predicator for the people that have enough money to live a decent life Anon Editor says: Notes for the author: Good but there is a missing term in the second sub-section of the attraction section. Ashutosh Kumar says: @Katherine Wu…Wow, what a nice article. What you say of the ‘liberation’ (freedom to think and act as self) as the fourth component in love with/without lust, attraction, and attachment? I don’t have a reference than me itself for now. Swapan kumar Patra says: Very scientific and interesting analysis… excellent!!!! Thomas Duncan says: Is there drugs out there, that can block these chemicals so that we can never be attracted & attached to a significant other, therefore we can never be hurt by love and stay content and happy as a single free human? GEORGE JOHN says: A positive interaction between two (or more) humans with verbal and non-verbal cues triggers an orchestra comprising of chemical neurotransmitters and electrical synaptic discharges which results in a symphony which is unlikely to be replicated by the action of a soloist in the form of a single pill. Multiple psychotropic pills given in an attempt to produce similar effects often result in cacophonies leaving the mind in a state which is sometimes worse than the problem it tried to rectify. This may be due to drug interactions, side effects or withdrawal symptoms. This is not to say that medications for the mind are useless or harmful but that the human element is irreplaceable even when medications of proven value are administered. I can speak from personal experience about what George is saying. I was taking an ADD medication called Dexedrine. One of the effects of Dexedrine is that it boosts dopamine levels. It had lots of very harmful side-effects. Coincidentally this was around the same time that I was falling in love with someone, and I can tell you the experience was at least 10 times worse for everyone because of the medication. Read ‘two cures for love’ by Wendy Cope. No medication required. Zucy says: It wouldn’t be blocking the chemicals, it would be blocking the receptors of this chemicals. You block these receptors by providing them with chemicals outside the body’s self production. Drugs that can do that are antidepressants, and others like amphetamines. Of course there are always side effects, and withdrawal symptoms. So there is no way to continously block these receptors and be 100%, 24/7 happy. hi..i also want to know about this..did u get answer?plz letvme know if there are medicines Anti psycothic blocks the uptake of dopamin. Main component in lust and attraction. It is a decision we Make. When I am tempted, I quickly go to what I have at home. I make myself feel what I would loose if I chose this immediate gratification that is stupid layer but pleasurable now. I think about how I would hurt my husband and children and family and friends. Then I think, is it worth it? We have free will. We must teach our children this and understand that we want to have free will and not be a robot. Then and only then is when we can be darn proud that we made the best decision. This was for B. Oct 11, 2019 Devil bishnoi says: Since love Is caused by the chemicals dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and oxytocin you could say every time you fall in love it could be the beginning of a Chemical romance I’m sorry I couldn’t help it 😂😂😂😂 that’s actually a pretty good one! Swan says: Hate to make everything political, BUT — both the infatuation /love discussion and dislike for those different from ourselves in this great article make me think seriously that it might explain some big problems we currently have in the White House. Has this been shared with appropriate circles in Washington? I pose this with all seriousness. You seriously need to beat it! Not-Swan says: >Hate to make everything political >Makes everything political Go write a blog or something I don’t believe this is all just chemicals. If that’s the case it would be a valid defense in court to just blame chemistry for everything. To be honest, humans probably do not even have free will. Our bodies have to obey the physical laws of the universe, but in order to predict what someone will do we have to know the starting conditions of almost everything. Because this truth alludes us, we explain it by saying we have free will, just like we explain miracles as phenomena. In reality, and court cases, while the chemical imballance standpoint could be argued, that would either be too out there to be valid, or it would be the same as arguing they were not mentally aware of their actions. Manisha says: Additionally, people going to the gym will in love with each other 😅😂😂 Not said for privacy. says: If you think love is just some sort of thought, it could be argued that it is still controlled by the brain. As is religious belief (controlled by a specific part of the brain nicknamed the ‘religious’ brain) and other emotions. So essentially, everything you believe in, feel, hate, is all controlled by the brain. However, I’m not stating that god is real or fake or that all religions believing in a god or more is fake, I’m just simply stating it’s all functions of the brain to believe in god or gods or to feel love. CantEat says: Brilliant. Spent the day in a semi meltdown which led me to wonder if this was indeed the culprit. Explains it beautifully. Thank you. Deva Nivetha says: Loved your article……… Hormones are synthesized in small amounts but leaves a great impact on individuals and society ………. seriously!!??? Jessy Brammar says: I and my lover had been apart for 7 months until my sister told me about a spell caster who had helped her, She said the man was very powerful and that he could help me too. The name of this powerful man is Robinson buckler, after I contacted Robinson buckler in the next 48 hours my ex lover came back to me on his knees begging for my forgiveness and for me to accept him back. It was unbelievable as I was very surprised and happy I finally have him back after several attempts trying to get him back. Robinsonbuckler@ hotmail. com is too strong and contains no negative effect because it’s just like the love spell opened his eyes for him to see how much I truly love him. Julie C says: do you really want someone who has to be under a “spell” to be with you? frankly, if you love him, you’ll let him be free, not try to keep him in a cage, however immaterial that cage may be Thanks for all of the information! This will be a great help to our undergrad biopsych project! Jessica Jiang says: Does anyone know her contact information (preferably email)? I am doing a research paper on the science behind the feelings of love and I would love to interview her. Great article! Hello! im currently writing a scientific research paper for my school too. May i see your research paper? Mikhayla says: Hi! I am also writing a research paper, would you mind sharing any of your sources with me? Maybe we can proof read each others work? Demitrious Rómànõv says: Hello my fellow intellectuals! I am currently indulging in some adverse learning for an anatomy class as well. Would you be so kind as to share some sources to see if mine are credible enough? Oh and before I forget can I see how you guys formatted your paper to check if I’m doing it right? Cates says: I like this article. It’s useful for those curious people. Ilma Hanafi says: Its so interesting 😍It’s also helpful for my project! Thumbs up 👍😇 Air-Lhord says: I love this… Pretty good one… Just something to think about free will…. Most physical objects’ trajectories are decided by initial conditions and forces which subsequently act on it as per physical laws..(quantum phenomena excluded)… To apply the same paradigm to human actions and thereby deny free will (or to state that free will is a misnomer for our inability to know initial conditions) is a leap of faith… Consider that human actions can be influenced (modified/initiated) by perceptions of the future (either true or false) and hence its equivalence to Newtonian physics is not quite appropriate at this stage of our ignorance…………… In addition, the action of a person who knows she/he will be held responsible for the outcome of his/her actions as compared to someone who can “beat the rap” will differ… Some things to ponder before concluding our take on free will…. Brilliantly done. I understand where those people are coming from stating “free will”, although, free will still applies to this. Attraction is not merely based on ones physical prefers. As such, although I may be physically attracted to someone that changes quickly at first site of an unattractive quality such as greed, bad temper, lack of intelligence, as well as intolerance. Free will is there. The biggest proof of that are those who abstain, such as myself. Its not that I am not attracted to anyone it is just that I willing ignore or redirect those desires. Free will is a major player in a healthy relationship of any type. To simply deny free will existence is to claim every one of us is the same and we all know that is biologically impossible i.e. even twin have differences. Yes I agree. I have been incredibly physically attracted to people I don’t find aesthetically attractive or to people whos personalities made me want to push them off a cliff. And my free will can make me abstain if i have to such as if it would be an inappropriate relationship as i may already be in one or because I am not on birth control and dont want to risk pregnancy for instance. Succinctly stated- I agree. Joe Sscmoe says: I loved the article, I gotta say I found it arousing, must have been the serotonin and oxytocin in my brain? Ok, sorry, I just had to say it. Margaux says: I really like that article. Since i know a bit (a tiny bit) about brain chemistry, i’ve always seen love in a more chemical aspect. And your article allowed me to see everything clearer. For those out there who mention free will, couldn’t we say that the early stages of love (especially attraction) is only an impulse toward another human being, that eventually fades away (that could be why some pretend that love only lasts 3 years) and that afterwards the cortex with rational thinking takes over. Loving someone for rational reasons, eg “he is a great person” ” he takes care” “she is honest” etc.. Hidelyn Ramos says: Who proposed that theory? R.M says: Wow! Amazing, informative article. I loved the article but I would love if an explanation was given on how the brain is involved to regulate the three parts of love , attraction, lust, and attachment, I mean what is the controlling chemical for the free will? A.F says: (You may want to research dopamine before reading this) ankle person says: the pain of getting hit in the ankle with a razor scooter is so painful that its worse than a woman giving birth. imagine getting hit and ur foot getting cut off. its so painful. known from experience… I’m appreciating your comment-good job Kathryna says: The article was very informative and interesting. I spent 40+ years in the nursing profession as well as successful marriage and this is very intriguing to me. I would like to express the our creator did a beautiful job of intelligently designing humans. There are some good medications and therapies to help when things malfunction but sometimes I think we can mess things up by lack of understanding and interfering with the design of the human and nature. Chad Willett says: Intelligent design huh? That’s about as likely as a not so intelligent design if you ask me. we have nothing to compare our design to to determine how intelligently it was designed, maybe our creator was the last in his class and his creation (the universe and everything in it) was poorly designed compared to other creations of other creators, that’s why there was a couple million years and many different versions of early human before modern humans showed up and decided were part of an intelligent design. Maybe our creator gets laughed at by other creators because after 13.5 billion years his most intelleget primates are people, and people are only intelligent when compared to something else in this not so intelligently designed creation. We are smart enough to destroy their planet, smart enough to realize we are destroying our planet, but just to stupid (greedy) to care. While that is a perfectly stated shared opinion you might just find that the processes of this world are evidently exceptional in comparison to our own imaginations; some might not appreciate it but it would be interesting if they did. And also-I care about the planet, I’m just not the person that has the stress of caring for their countries needs and primary demands. People do things for specific reasons-no one is outright evil. (More or less anyway.) ann kera says: I would like to understand the relationship between these love chemical to Neurons. This assisted me in my understanding of the human body and psychological processes, I greatly appreciate this being created because it provides many of the answers I have been looking for. Good job. -Some high school freshie F.Y. says: Is it possible for one person to love two people EXACTLY equal? Let’s say a guy has his wife and his daughter and he loves them both very much. I think it’s impossible to love them both equally, there will be a slight difference because the likeliness of chemical levels being exactly the same towards two separate people is highly unlikely. I am sure at times the chemical levels will fluctuate due to certain actions, which would only mean that if someone were to love two people equally it would only be for a very small amount of time because chemical reactions can only last for so long. The reason I ask this question is because my fiance got mad at me because I said I’d love our child just slightly more than her. Also, I said I’d choose my child over her in a life and death situation where I had to pick one or the other and I said that I hope that she’d do the same. She said that it is possible to love people equally and that it is not fair that my love would not be equal in the family. I just do not see how it is scientifically possible to love several people the same amount. Sudeep M says: An interesting read on the dynamic chemistry behind the phenomenon called “Love”.. However, it would have felt much more complete, had it dissected the chemistry behind more forms of love other than physical attraction & biological bonding/attachments. It would have been much more interesting to know the chemicals that come into play when we develop unconditional love based feelings like compassion, tenderness & empathy towards fellow human beings & animals/life forms when we realize that they are going through some form of suffering. And this is comment No.50, by the way 🙂 Rajesh Murthy says: That’s a great read for someone like who became curious enough TODAY to find out if science has figured out LOVE. This is after 21 years of being in a relationship and a science graduate 🙂 FOC says: Very interesting facts about love Extremely interesting and well written article. Thank you for the knowledge! Anonymous X says: I don’t understand the difference between lust and attraction. I’m not an expert and this seems counter intuitive to me but based on the little I’ve read (about different regions in the brain controlling sexual desire and love) I would lean (or am considering leaning) toward the idea that sexual attraction and love are two fundamentally unrelated mental states and ‘romantic love’ is just the combination of sexual attraction and love (and obsessiveness if we’re talking about infatuation but obsessiveness wouldn’t make it a distinct emotion – you can obsessively hate someone, be obsessively interested in someone or obsessively love or admire them without physical attraction). Beyond that I think ‘romance’ is a cultural idea. A whole is not more than the sum of it’s parts, it is the sum of it’s parts. I don’t think there are different kinds of love – people have different kinds of relationships with different kinds of people and they express the affection they feel for them in different ways. It still seems to me that there’s an inherent psychological component to sexual attraction and intimacy, I don’t know if that’s compatible with the idea that sexual (or even sensual) desire and love are inherently unrelated. I still think that affection and emotional intimacy are a consequence of sexual attraction and sexual intimacy for animals who are capable of affection. In general I think a lot of the pop science you find online is biased, intellectually dishonest (riddled with half truths presented out of context or logically flawed interpretation of data etc.) or misleading. FreewayJ says: Love your perception……. feedback. I agree as well. Really at last i knew about love, its so crazy that love is also an chemicals, but thanks a lot for giving me knowledge about love . Will these be the equivalents of Passion/Intimacy and Commitment as in the triangle theory of love? D. T. says: What a great article on the understanding the basic chemistry of “love” ; thank you! I think this is why it is true that you can fall “in love” with anyone, all the basic chemistry elements are there in our body. You may not want to or choose to, but, it is possible. However, there are deeper bonds that have finer elements that are missing in the article. There is a spiritual element to love that draws us to each other that has to do with a fundamental energy in our bodies that may be difficult to measure directly. I believe this finer matter is what accounts for people doing things for love that are “superhuman”, that supersede our chemical signals or elementally driven desires. This spiritual component is one that usually develops over time and can becomes a bond that is so strong that it defies metrics and yet we feel it almost as tangible as a tie that binds. We can not truly understand love without the spiritual components. Hugo First says: Good work .I wonder what of unrequited love .A constant flow of unrewarded loved up chemicals with no real check to their balance .No intimate relationship problems , hurdles to numb the flow . Desdemona Gallo says: There are also infinite other issues affecting your love choices aside from hormones such as how much your parents showed affection, whether your family had a father figure, on and on. Obviously hormones are involved and they’re the same ones that cause drug addiction. I can’t believe someone asked whether there was a way to control dopamine level enough to block basic human emotions. This is basic neurobiology. The comments on here are absolutely unreal. Koko says: I told a friend of mine that I had an intuition to her loss of appetite and this is it. I hope she reads this comment. 😁😁 The moment evolution is introduced into a paper, you know you’re not talking science any longer. If things just happened, there is no “need”, no ability to randomize male and female genetics into all animals, no ability to see into the future and develop, and certainly no perfect symmetry of eyes, ears, arms, legs, etc. God created everything, and His creation was perfect and wonderful. But then man sinned, and continues to sin, and blaspheme and rebel. Also, genuine scientists (not fantasy/philosopher social scientists) from Yale and other universities have tossed out Darwin. On this news article is a 1-hour video of them discussing how impossible evolution is, from science: https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2019/08/22/yale-computer-scientist-david-gelernter-abandons-darwinism/ Ambar Nag says: The moment Creationists arrive, you know you’re not talking science any longer. But they seem to be all over the Internet. Sigh. Hey Ambar, Even what you call science and all of its disciplines, were created by God and understood by scientists for most of history. It was Columbus who read in the bible that God created the spherical earth in both Isaiah and the book of Job, that caused him to ask of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. His scientific journey and discovery was motivated by what he read in his bible. Isaiah 40:22-23 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in; who brings princes to nought, and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing. (Prophet Isaiah written approximately 600 B.C.) Job 26:7 He stretches out the north over the void and hangs the earth on nothing. (written approximately 1300 to 1100 B.C.) The list of scientific facts in the bible, starting from the book of Genesis all the way through to the last book, have facts that modern science only recently have corroborated. God speaking through His people LONG before modern science caught up to the truth give to us in His writing. If you were scientific, you would investigate the truth of the claims given in the historically accurate recordings of the Bible. Here is a list of 101 scientific statements made in the bible when “science” did not know these things: http://eternal-productions.org/101science.html An unbeliever, atheists, will never accept the truth of God because their minds are darkened. Only Christ can remove the blindness from a person and give them eyes that truly see things as they are. basicbiology says: Estrogen levels decrees during ovulation and progesterone levels increase slightly “The ovulatory phase begins with a surge in luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Luteinizing hormone stimulates egg release (ovulation), which usually occurs 16 to 32 hours after the surge begins. The estrogen level decreases during the surge, and the progesterone level starts to increase.” https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle I like the delusional idea that humans have ‘free will.’ It is myopic to think so. Everything we do, consciously and unconsciously, is the result of a systematic reaction to biochemical programing at the cellular level, and beyond. It makes me giggle to think that we, as a species, think so highly or our individuality, as if we are the epitomy of ‘evolution’… self delusion, that’s what I call it… The other aspect that makes me laugh is our idea of “love” It is nothing but a pathetic, romantic illusion, that has been created to sell you products… LOVE as a concept, is nothing but a irrational, irresponsible, delusional shortcut to the resposibility that comes from being a member of a tribe…. nothing but base primeval behavior. We are born, we procreate ( or not ), we die. Everything in between is a mirage! Leave a Reply to basicbiology Cancel reply Previous Previous post: Neuronal Diversity of the Axolotl Brain Next Next post: 21st Century Cures and You: A Guide to Understanding the 21st Century Cures Act	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6742
__label__cc	0.615544	0.384456	Conferences \ Stem Cells for Drug Discovery & Toxicity Screening 2017 \ Agenda Stem Cells for Drug Discovery & Toxicity Screening 2017 Agenda Co-Located Conference Agendas Organ-on-a-Chip and 3D-Culture: Companies, Technologies and Approaches \| Organ-on-a-Chip and Body-on-a-Chip: In Vitro Systems Mimicking In Vivo Functions \| Stem Cells for Drug Discovery & Toxicity Screening 2017 \| Conference Registration, Materials Pick-Up, Morning Coffee and Pastries Session Title: Opening Plenary Session Session Sponsors Integration of Systems Biology with Organs on Chips for Disease Modeling and Drug Development Linda Griffith, Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States of America Fitting iPSCs, 3D Cell Culture, Tissue Chips and Microphysiological Systems into the Grand Scheme of Biology, Medicine, Pharmacology, and Toxicology John Wikswo, Gordon A. Cain University Professor, A.B. Learned Professor of Living State Physics; Founding Director, Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems, Vanderbilt University, United States of America As the engineering supporting body-on-chip (BoC) studies advances and begins to penetrate both science and industry, we need to explore three separate multidimensional spaces – one that spans BoC components, one that covers the analytical techniques to characterize BoC performance and drug response, and a third that spans the fields of application. The component technologies being brought together include induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), 3D cell culture (which is beginning to involve vascularization), tissue-chip bioreactors that enable the recreation to tissue-like microenvironments, and the hardware required to operate coupled microphysiological systems in a manner that recapitulates human physiology and its response to drugs and toxins. The second, analytical space is only now coming to the fore. To date, most tissue-chip studies have reported morphological features, the expression of small sets of genes, or the secretion of a few, organ-specific compounds. A much more comprehensive battery of techniques is already in regular use in the pharmaceutical industry, including genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics. Metabolomics is rapidly moving into prominence as the instrumentation improves and the databases expand. What is needed, though, are comprehensive comparisons between in vitro and in vivo studies, as has been recently demonstrated with a weighted gene coexpression network analysis that compare rat liver in vivo with both mouse liver in vitro and rat primary hepatocytes growing in a dish, which showed that a mouse liver was a better model of the rat liver than the primary rat hepatocytes in a dish, which more closely resembled a rat liver exposed to a significant toxic load. The BoC community needs to compare, for example, a mouse with a mouse-on-a-chip to confirm that the appropriate physiology is being recapitulated. The final space spans biology, medicine, pharmacology, physiology and toxicology. BoCs offer, for the first time, the ability to recreate in vitro and in parallel, with an ever-dropping cost, the effects of organ-organ interactions. Nowhere will this be more important than in studies of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion - toxicity (ADME-Tox), where one may need skin, lung, or gut to absorb a drug or toxin, liver and kidney to metabolize and excrete drug metabolites and toxins, adipose and muscle tissue to store metabolites and toxins, and a means to characterize in depth the underlying processes and how they affect the chosen target organs. BoCs will thereby contribute not only to toxicology, but our fundamental understanding of cellular biology and systems physiology, thereby advancing both pharmacology and medicine. Given that we will never create a perfect microHuman BoC, we can use these three spaces to guide the compromises we make as we create useful models, even toy models, of human physiology. Engineered Living Systems: Current State and Future Potential Roger Kamm, Cecil and Ida Green Distinguished Professor of Biological and Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States of America Following on recent advances in understanding single cell behavior (Carrera & Covert, Trends in Cell Biology, 2015), and in developing simple, proof-of-concept biological machines (Raman et al., PNAS, 2015, Park et al., Science, 2016), organoids (Fatehullah et al, Nature Cell Biology, 2016), and organ-on-chip technologies (Huh, et al., Science, 2010), efforts are underway to standardize manufacturing methods for engineered living systems (ELS). The approaches proposed, however, are widely divergent and often lack a sound basis due to the absence of a fundamental understanding of aspects unique to ELS – e.g., complexity, the central role of emergence – and fail to take advantage of their extraordinary capabilities – self-assembly, growth, self-repair, adaptation, learning. We need to build on our current knowledgebase for the development and design of ELS, rethinking much of what we have learned from abiotic engineered systems. A major effort is therefore required to characterize, model and image the dynamical behavior of ELS, and thus establish the design principles needed for robust manufacture. While many ELS can survive merely by diffusion of gases and nutrients from their environment, most systems exceeding several hundred microns in lateral dimension require some means for convective transport, such as the circulatory system found in many living organisms. Several approaches have been employed to meet these needs, either by engineered conduits or induced network growth from seeded or suspended cells. In this talk, some of these methods will be described, focusing on networks that form by self-assembly, tend toward a stabilized perfusable network within 1-2 weeks, synthesize and organize their own matrix environment, and adapt to changing conditions. Both the successes and challenges of creating these networks will be discussed with the aim of developing reliable, vascularized ELS amenable to biomanufacture. Coffee Break and Networking in the Exhibit Hall Human “Body-on-a-Chip” Systems to Test Drug Efficacy and Toxicity Michael Shuler, Samuel B. Eckert Professor of Engineering, Cornell University, President & CEO, Hesperos, Inc., United States of America Human microphysiological or “Body-on-a-Chip” systems are powerful tools to assess the potential efficacy and toxicity of drugs in pre-clinical studies. Having a human based, multiorgan system, that emulates key aspects of human physiology can provide important insights to complement animal studies in the decision about which drugs to move into clinical trials. Our human surrogates are constructed using a low cost, robust “pumpless” platform. We use this platform in conjunction with “functional” measurements of electrical and mechanical activity of tissue constructs (in collaboration with J. Hickman, University of Central Florida). Using a system with four or more organs we can predict the exchange of metabolites between organ compartments in response to various drugs and dose levels. We will provide examples of using the system to both predict the response of a target tissue as well as off-target responses in other tissues/organs. We believe such models will allow improved predictors of human clinical response from preclinical studies. Human Emulation System: an Organs-on-Chips Platform for Advancing Drug Discovery and Development Katia Karalis, Executive Vice President of Research, Emulate, Inc., United States of America Micro-engineered Organs-on-Chips show physiological functions consistent with normal living human or animal cells in vivo. Each Organ-Chip is composed of a clear flexible polymer about the size of a AA battery that contains hollow channels lined by living human cells. The cells are cultured under continuous flow and mechanical forces thereby recreating key factors known to influence cell function in vivo. Cells cultured under continuously perfused, engineered 3D microenvironments go beyond conventional 3D in vitro models by recapitulating in vivo intercellular interactions, spatiotemporal gradients, vascular perfusion, and mechanical microenvironments. Integrating cells within Organs-on-Chips, enables the study of normal physiology and pathophysiology in an organ-specific context. Cellular/molecular level resolution is enhanced and demonstrates key insights into the mechanisms of action of drug induced toxicity. Numerous recent advances in applications of these systems are relevant in drug discovery/development for compound selection, and in de-risking mechanistic concerns using various organ systems. In this presentation we will highlight studies from collaborative efforts across our Human Emulation System with various academic and industry partners to demonstrate the utility of the system as a more predictive human-relevant alternative for efficacy and safety testing of new chemical entities in humans. Novel Microphysiological Multi-Organ Systems for Studies of Human Metabolic Diseases in Drug Discovery Tommy Andersson, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden Currently used pre-clinical models often suffer from poor translation of drug responses to the patient due to the limited knowledge gained in the efficiency and mode of action of the drug candidate. This contributes to high attrition rates in early clinical programs. Multi organ-on-a-chip emulating human physiology have the possibility to improve success rate by mimicking the human disease state and improve selection of the right targets and compounds early in drug discovery. Such models will not only improve translation to patients but also reduce time spent in early clinical programs as well as reducing the needs for animal models. We developed a human liver - pancreatic islets chip model. The model allows cross talk between cells from both organs in a fluidic system and responds in a physiological way to glucose load by increased insulin secretion leading to increased glucose consumption (figure). Initial studies indicate that the model can become insulin resistant and thus can be used as a metabolic disease model. Ongoing studies are investigating how insulin resistance in liver cells effects islet function by using the insulin receptor antagonists. Networking Lunch in the Exhibit Hall, Meet Exhibitors and View Posters Session Title: The Deployment of iPSC-derived Cells for Drug Discovery Present (and Future) Uses for Stem Cells Derived Preparations in Drug Discovery and Toxicity Testing Gary Gintant, Senior Research Fellow, Abbvie, United States of America The advent of human pluripotent stem cells a decade ago sparked visions of novel screening approaches for drug safety and efficacy, narrowing the translational gap between traditional preclinical and clinical studies, and defining a new “proclinical space” where human derived preparations are used in preclinical assays. Not unlike other novel (and potentially disruptive) technologies, limitations learned along the way have provided new challenges for both the biology and technologies necessary for confident and efficient screening efforts. This presentation will highlight promising present and future applications for stem cell derived preparations, focusing on prospects for achieving translational success of new drug candidates. What’s Next for Stem Cells? Devyn Smith, Chief Operating Officer, Sigilon, United States of America Drug Testing on Patient-derived iPSC Cells Bikash Pattnaik, M. D. Matthews Professor, McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States of America A presentation on disease modeling and drug testing using patient in a dish approach. Complex Disease Genetics, Molecular Epidemiology, and the Power of iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes Ulrich Broeckel, Professor of Pediatrics, Medicine and Physiology - Chief, Section of Genomic Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, United States of America Development of a Novel Drug Discovery Platform for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Stephen Crocker, Associate Professor, Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, United States of America Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) without any effective treatment. Patients with PPMS generally do not benefit from currently prescribed immuno-modulatory therapies which can be effective among relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients. Hence, promoting endogenous brain repair by promoting the differentiation of myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (OLs) is viewed as a potential strategy to halt and possibly restore neurologic function in patients with PPMS. This presentation will provide an update on our current approach to develop a novel drug screening assay that can be used to identify compounds with potential to promote brain regeneration in PPMS patients. The basis for this assay is our recently developed and characterized induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines from PPMS patient samples which we have determined can be used to model the lesion environment of the PPMS brain. When compared against iPS cells from age-matched, non-diseased control cell lines we recently reported that the cells from all PPMS patients tested have an inherent defect in their ability to protect or promote myelin forming OLs. This work provides an innovative approach with personalized medicine potential because it models a crucial aspect of the disease microenvironment. Outcomes from this assay may have important implications for understanding re-myelination failure in PPMS that may have therapeutic potential to benefit other forms of MS. Leveraging Novel Technologies for Human iPSC-based Screening Xianmin Zeng, Associate Professor, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, United States of America Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology offers the benefits of a cell line coupled with the advantage of using human primary cells. We have developed a panel of iPSC lines for neurotoxicity assays and disease modeling. These include: 1) control lines, 2) patient-specific lines, 3) lineage-specific knock-in reporters, 4) isogenic controls of single and double knock-outs. We have also established scalable protocols for generating differentiated cells in an assay ready format. I will discuss the utility of these lines for neurotoxicity assays including assays to determine the specificity of different neural cell types for a small range of chemicals and drugs from the Tox21 library, as well as for neuroprotective assays with dopaminergic neurons. 3D Cell-Material Micro-Tissue Devices in Application of ES/iPS Cells for Drug Screening/Toxicology and Cell Therapy Norio Nakatsuji, Chief Advisor, Stem Cell & Device Laboratory, Inc. (SCAD); Professor Emeritus, Kyoto University, Japan SCAD is a start-up company founded in 2014 based on the integration of stem cell technology and nanotechnology/micro-engineering developed at Kyoto University. We are currently focusing on the iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, with possible addition of neurons and hepatocytes. Cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-CMs) are promising materials for drug screening/toxicology and cell therapy. However, there are two major issues: immaturity of hPSC-CMs and instability of cardiac cellular function. To overcome these issues, we use two technologies: the robust cardiac differentiation method and aligned nanofibers as a culture scaffold. Our cardiac differentiation method can efficiently generate cardiomyocytes from any hPSC lines under cytokine-free defined condition. The hPSC-CMs seeded on nanofiber scaffolds formed 3D multilayered structures (Micro-Tissues), which show upregulated expression of cardiac maturation marker genes and enhanced and stable cardiac cell functions. Our micro-tissue devices are easy to handle and highly useful for drug screening/toxicology assays. Fireside Talk: Fusing Microphysiological Systems and Systems Biology Toward Fulfilling Their Promise Emma Sceats, Chief Executive Officer, CN Bio Innovations Ltd. Douglas Lauffenburger, Professor/Head, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States of America This fireside talk will examine advances in the field of systems biology and how the marriage of computational systems biology and microphysiological systems will be of significant importance to progress in both of these fields during the next decade. Beer and Wine will be served during this fireside talk to facilitate networking and engagement. Networking Cocktail Reception with Beer, Wine and Appetizers. Enjoy the Boston Skyline, Engage with Colleagues and Discuss Collaborations and Partnerships Close of Day 1 of the Conference Dinner Short Course on 3D-Culture [Separate Registration Required] Morning Coffee, Breakfast Pastries, and Networking in the Exhibit Hall Session Title: The Toxicity Screening Paradigm and Cell Types Deployed in Pharma/Biotech Electrophysiological Properties of Neurons Derived from Human Stem Cells In Vitro Robert Halliwell, Professor of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of The Pacific, United States of America Neurons derived from human stem cells promise great advantages for drug discovery and safety testing, especially in the development of agents for neurological and psychiatric disorders. This presentation will describe recent data showing that human stem cells from a variety of sources can develop the morphological features of neurons and glia, display immunocytochemical markers and express a complex array of functional voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels; I will also consider the advantages and challenges of using different types of human stem cells to derive such neurons. Finally, data will be presented showing the sensitivity of human stem cells and their neural phenotypes to a range of clinically important psychotropic agents. Stem Cell Cardiomyocytes for Proarrhythmic Risk Assessment and Precision Medicine Ksenia Blinova, Senior Technical Manager, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell and Electrophysiology Core Facility, Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), United States of America Using iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes to Inform Kinase Inhibitor-induced Cardiotoxicity Matthew White, ORISE Fellow, US FDA National Center for Toxicological Research, United States of America Cardiotoxicity often mitigates the efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics such as kinase inhibitors. Human cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-CMs) offer an attractive model to study this toxicity in vitro. Here, I will discuss recent work from our laboratory investigating the effects of multiple FDA-approved kinase inhibitors on distinct iPSC-CM cell lines. Stem Cell-Based Screening Platforms for the Efficient and Accurate Prediction of Nephrotoxicity in Humans Daniele Zink, Principal Research Scientist and Team Leader, Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechology, Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore The presentation will summarize our work on stem cell-based screening platforms for the prediction of nephrotoxicity, and in particular renal proximal tubular toxicity, in humans. Our most advanced technology is based induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), which are differentiated by the currently most rapid and efficient protocol into renal proximal tubular-like cells ( Kandasamy et al., 2015). In combination with one of our recently established in vitro methods for nephrotoxicity prediction (Li et al., 2013; 2014) and machine learning (Su et al., 2014), an iPSC-based platform has been developed that predicts proximal tubular cell toxicity in humans with 87% test balanced accuracy (Kandasamy et al., 2015). Our iPSC-based technologies are compatible with our high-throughput platform for nephrotoxicity prediction (Su et al., 2015), and we are currently exploring predictive kidney-on-a-chip approaches. Technology Spotlight: Quality Control: Driving Standardization For Commercially-Available iPSC-derived Cell Types Greg Luerman, Technical Director, Axiogenesis AG Stem cell technologies have revolutionized our industry. In addition to humanizing drug discovery, these differentiated tissues now closely mirror the existing biology and physiology of an adult tissue system. This provides an ideal system for drug toxicity testing, disease modeling, and efficacy screening. For these cells to see further adoption into the industry, tight quality control metrics must be in place to guarantee reproducible results. Axiogenesis is helping to drive the establishment of industry-wide QC standards for iPS cell products. Kidney Organoids for Drug Discovery and Toxicity Screening Ryuji Morizane, Associate Biologist, Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Affiliated Faculty, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, United States of America We have developed an efficient, chemically defined protocol for differentiating human embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into multipotent nephron progenitor cells (NPCs) that can form nephron-like structures. By recapitulating metanephric kidney development in vitro we generate SIX2+SALL1+WT1+PAX2+ NPCs with 80-90% efficiency within 8-9 days of initiation of differentiation. The NPCs form PAX8+LHX1+ renal vesicles that self-organize into nephron structures. NPCs form kidney organoids containing epithelial nephron-like structures expressing markers of podocytes, proximal tubules, loops of Henle and distal nephrons in an organized, continuous arrangement that resembles the nephron in vivo. The organoids express genes reflecting many transporters seen in adult metanephric-derived kidney as well as important kidney endocrine genes such as the gene responsible for the production of erythropoietin. Stromal cells are also generated with the presence of PDGFRß+ (pericyte), endomucin+ (endothelial cell), or a-SMA+ (myofibroblast) interstitial cells. The entire procedure is performed with completely defined conditions without the need for embryonic spinal cord. This kidney differentiation system can be used to study mechanisms of human kidney development. Organoids can be used to evaluate nephrotoxicity of drugs as we have shown the expression of Kidney Injury Molecule-1 in structures that express markers of proximal tubules after exposure to nephrotoxicants. Glomerular toxins alter the cytoskeletal distribution of the glomerular structures. Epithelial toxins and TGFß can cause increased of stromal cells with characteristics of myofibroblasts. Hence the generated kidney organoids are effective tools to study genetic disorders of the kidney as well as mechanisms of toxicity. Generation of NPCs, when coupled with tissue engineering, may lead the way to generation of functional kidney replacement tissue in the future. Toxicological Responses in Human iPSC-derived Neurons Using MEA System Ikuro Suzuki, Associate Professor, Tohoku Institute of Technology, Japan The functional network of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons is a potentially powerful in vitro model for evaluating drug toxicity. Epileptiform activity is one of phenomena in neuronal toxicology. To evaluate the dynamics of epileptiform activities and the effect of anti-convulsant drug in cultured hiPSC-derived neurons, we used the multielectrode array (MEA) system, where we simultaneously record extracellular potentials for 384 channels on 24-well plates. We firstly confirmed the modulation of activity by typical glutamatergic and GABAergic receptor antagonists/agonists in spontaneous firings. Spontaneous activities and typical responses against synaptic related drugs were detected with high S/N ratio using high-throughput MEA system. Next, we examined chemically evoked epileptiform activity. Electrophysiological seizes were induced by pentylentetrazole (PTZ), 4-Aminopyridine (4-AP), and kainic acid (KA), the most widely used chemical convulsant in animal models to screen for new anti-epilepsy drugs. We also examined the anti-convulsant effects of common clinical anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs), phenytoin. PTZ, 4-AP and KA induced an increase in synchronized burst firings (SBFs) in a concentration-dependent manner. Phenytoin suppressed induced epileptiform activity. However, the patterns of epileptiform activities and phenytoin effects were different with respect to each epilepsy drugs. From these results, we suggest that the electrophysiological assay in cultured human iPSC-derived neuron using high-throughput MEA system is a useful to investigate the neuronal toxicity in drug screening and pharmacological effects of human neurological disease. Pluripotent Human Stem Cells as Models For Creating Placental Syncytiotrophoblast, The Major Cellular Barrier that Limits Fetal Exposure to Xenobiotics Toshihiko Ezashi, Research Associate Professor, The University of Missouri, United States of America The placenta provides the interface between the separate blood circulations of the mother and the fetus and has roles in controlling the movement of a variety of compounds, including dissolved nutrients and gases, between the two systems. It is also the barrier that limits direct exposure of the fetus to foreign chemicals circulating in maternal blood. The surface of the human placenta that makes direct contact with maternal blood, even in the earliest stages of pregnancy, is comprised of syncytiotrophoblast (STB), a multi-nucleated cell layer formed by fusion of underlying, proliferating cytotrophoblast. Pluripotent human stem cells can be differentiated efficiently towards placental trophoblast by exposure to BMP4 in presence of low molecular weight inhibitors of FGF2 and AVTIVIN/TGFB signaling. Within 48 h, the cells have lost their pluripotent phenotype and display marker features of trophoblast. By 5 days they begin to release hCG and progesterone and demonstrate the initiation of STB formation at discrete regions within the colonies. By day 7-8 it becomes possible to isolate sheets of syncytium. Transcriptome profiling reveals that these cells express a full complement of marker genes for STB, as well as an up-regulation of many others known to be involved in the metabolism, transport, and sequestering of xenobiotics, drugs and heavy metals. The model will provide a means of assessing how STB responds to exposure to xenobiotics and other foreign chemicals through changes in its normal developmental phenotype, including gene expression patterns. Session Title: Studying Biological Phenotypes and Dissecting Pathways of Relevance for Drug Discovery and Development Substrates for Generating Cancer Stem Cells and Highly Functional Hepatocytes Mark Bradley, Professor, Schools of Chemistry and Medicine, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom In my talk I will introduce polymer microarray technology; including our inkjet mediated fabrication methodologies (which allows over 7000 different substrates to be made on a single glass slide) and describe how this approach has been used in a large number of stem cell based applications, notably: (i). The use of polymer microarray technology to discover a novel thermo-responsive chemically-defined hydrogel for long term culture of human embryonic stem cells (Nature Communication, 2013) and mesenchymal adipose derived stem cells (Biomaterials, 2014) (ii). Polymer discovery that were able to support highly functional hESC-derived hepatocyte like cells (as active as primary human hepatoctyes) (with David Hay see: Stem Cell Res, 2011 and WO2010106345) (iii). The discovery and application of a substrate able to “lock-down” CSC’s in their CSC state Cardioprotectants: From Phenotype Screening to Pathway Targets Siobhan Malany, Director, Translational Biology, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, United States of America In the United States alone, approximately one million heart attacks occur per year and only 37% of patients survive one year after suffering a heart attack. A major consequence of myocardial infarction is the loss of cardiomyocytes due to oxidative stress associated with reperfusion. Improving pharmacological therapies that provide protection during cardiac oxidative stress is the focus of significant research and exploratory medicine. We report a chemical biology phenotypic screening approach to identify and validate small molecules that protect human induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) from oxidative stress. Cardioprotective activity of ‘hit’ compounds was confirmed using impedance-based detection of cardiomyocyte monolayer integrity and contractile function. Structure-activity relationship studies led to the identification of a potent class of compounds with 4-(pyridine-2-yl)thiazole scaffold. Examination of gene expression in hiPSC-CMs revealed that the hit compound, designated cardioprotectant 312 (CP-312) induces a marker of the antioxidant response network. CP-312 therefore represents a novel chemical scaffold identified by phenotypic high-throughput screening using hiPSC-CMs that activates the antioxidant defense response and may lead to improved pharmacological cardioprotective therapies. GlyR and GABAAR Targeted High-throughput Screening and Toxicity Testing Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Katharina Kuenzel, Researcher, FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Germany Pluripotent stem cells like the human embryonal carcinoma cell line NT2 provide an enormous potential for drug discovery and toxicity testing. NT2 cells differentiate upon exposure to retinoic acid into cells with properties of neurons of the central nervous system and have been shown to express ion channels including glycine receptors (GlyRs) and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs) which are both increasingly considered as attractive drug targets for therapeutic intervention. By stable transfection of NT2 cells with YFP-I152L, a halide-sensitive YFP (yellow fluorescent protein) variant, we created a cell line for studying the pharmacological properties of GlyRs and GABAARs in native neurons. In concentration-response experiments with the receptor agonist glycine and GABA as well as with receptor-specific drugs we demonstrated the applicability of the established NT2-YFP-I152L cell line for in vitro-based drug and toxicity testing in high-throughput screening format. Identification of Compounds that Restore FMR1 Gene Expression in Fragile X Syndrome Daman Kumari, Staff Scientist, Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), United States of America Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of inherited cognitive disability and autism spectrum disorder. The most common mutation in FXS patients is the expansion of a CGG-repeat sequence in the 5’-untranslated region of the Fragile X Mental Retardation-1 (FMR1) gene to >200 repeats that causes transcriptional silencing and loss of its protein product, FMRP. Most of the available therapeutic options for FXS target behavioral symptoms and currently there is no cure. Identification of FMRP targets and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms involved in the disease pathology have lead to the development of drugs that target the altered signaling pathways in the brains of FXS patients. However, these strategies are limited by the fact that loss of FMRP affects multiple pathways. Given that the FMR1 gene is silenced in FXS by aberrant epigenetic modifications which can be reversed, and the fact that expanded CGG-repeats are not a part of the open reading frame which is otherwise normal, strategies aimed at restoring FMRP production may be worthwhile. We have used two parallel approaches to identify small molecule compounds that are capable of restoring FMR1 expression in FXS patient cells. These include an unbiased high throughput screening (HTS) approach for identifying compounds that restore FMRP expression, and elucidating the mechanism of FMR1 gene silencing to target specific pathways with known small molecule inhibitors for gene reactivation. We developed a sensitive and quantitative assay for FMRP detection and optimized it for HTS. Using this assay in pilot screens with FXS neural stem cells, we identified a few compounds that were able to increase FMRP expression. This provides proof of principle that screening large compound libraries might yield better hits that could be developed into lead compounds. We have also identified a role for FMR1 mRNA in its own gene silencing. Our data suggest that the ability to interfere with the recruitment of repressive chromatin modifiers by FMR1 mRNA to the gene will allow the development of strategies that specifically target the FMR1 locus for restoring gene expression. Differentiating Arterial and Venous Endothelial Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells Guohao Dai, Associate Professor, Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, United States of America In this talk, I will present the transcriptional regulation of arterial venous identity and our novel biomaterial approaches to control the vascular differentiation and functional specifications of pluripotent stem cells and their application in tissue regeneration and drug discovery. Biomaterial-Guided Patient-Specific Cardiac Disease Modeling and Drug Toxicity Screening Zhen Ma, Assistant Professor, Samuel and Carol Nappi Research Scholar, Syracuse Biomaterials Institute, Syracuse University, United States of America Explosive progress in human induced stem cells (hiPSCs) has provided great opportunities for precision medicine and companion diagnostics on patient-derived cells with increasing ease. Our research integrates hiPSC biology, tissue engineering and gene editing technologies to lead the development of next generation hiPSC-based patient/disease-specific in vitro tissue models and organ-on-chip systems. These tissue models aim to accurately recapitulate the complexity of three-dimensional (3D) tissue architecture, the dynamics of in vivo-like biological response, and pathophysiological status of human tissue for better understanding human disease etiology and evaluating the efficacy of the personalized treatments to the individual patients. We have established the 3D mechanical-tunable cardiac model by populating synthetic organized filamentous matrices with wild-type and diseased cardiomyocytes derived from hiPSCs. This highly defined human 3D cardiac model will help us to better understand the disease mechanism and formulate better therapeutic strategies for this syndrome, moving drug discovery and development into the era of personalized medicine. Acute and Chronic Molecular Markers Causally Linked with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-induced Cardiotoxicity Huan Wang, Research Fellow, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Therapeutic Science Program, United States of America Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), targeted at specific oncogenes, have significantly improved cancer patient survival, but many patients suffer from drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Toxic phenotypes range from congestive heart failure, hypertension, to cardiac arrhythmias, and onset of cardiotoxicity varies from weeks to months. This indicates that toxic effects are probably mediated by multiple biological processes and are likely determined by dose and duration of drug treatment and patients’ metabolism. We aim to illustrate underlying biological processes and molecular regulators that explain mechanisms of TKI-induced cardiotoxicity, and propose means to mitigate cardiotoxicity. To achieve this, we computationally model the relation between whole transcriptome and proteome with toxic phenotypes in human induced pluoripotent stem cells derived cardiomyocytes (iPS-CMs). Consistent with toxicity observed in clinic, Sunitinib and Sorafenib cause more significant cellular toxicity than Lapatinib and Erlotinib. Systematic profiling of gene and protein expression in iPS-CMs is highly reproducible between batches. Interestingly, gene regulation by all drugs, especially Sorafenib, is high correlated between acute (10 µM, 24h) and chronic (3.16 µM, 168h) treatment. Consistent biological functions are regulated by Sunitinib and Sorafenib, including mitochondrial respiration, metabolism, and contraction. Sorafenib induces mitochondrial uncoupling and increases glycolysis, leading to cellular toxicity. In summary, TKI-induced cardiotoxicity is mediated by numerous biological processes and molecular regulators in a dose and time dependent manner. We define a set of genes consistently regulated at RNA and protein levels as early indicators of chronic drug toxicity. A Novel Optical Dynamic Clamp Platform For iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes Bonnie Quach, Researcher, Weill Cornell Graduate School, United States of America iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) are a potentially viable platform for drug screening since they provide a renewable source of human cardiomyocytes that can be derived from a target patient population. However, one major obstacle to using iPSC-CMs for drug development is their fetal-like electrophysiology. Artificial addition of the missing inward rectifier potassium current, IK1, via dynamic clamp has been shown to produce an adult-like electrical phenotype. However, dynamic clamp is low throughput and limited to a single cell format because it requires a whole-cell patch. Optogenetic tools have been shown to stimulate neural and cardiac cells to fire action potentials using depolarizing opsins and inhibit electrical activity with hyperpolarizing opsins. We present a proof-of-concept of using optogenetics to dynamically generate a target current instead of an electrode. ArchT was used to mimic IK1, resulting in a more adult-like action potential morphology, similar to using traditional dynamic clamp methods. An in silico ArchT model was used to calculate the light intensity needed to activate ArchT in vivo and generate the target current (IK1). This is the first step towards the overarching goal of establishing a novel optical dynamic-clamp platform using iPSC-CMs for drug screening based on the principles of dynamic clamp. This method aims to be fully optically controlled, allowing for the use of iPSC-CM beating clusters and is more high throughput. Add to Calendar ▼2017-07-10 00:00:002017-07-11 00:00:00Europe/LondonStem Cells for Drug Discovery and Toxicity Screening 2017Stem Cells for Drug Discovery and Toxicity Screening 2017 in Boston, USABoston, USASELECTBIOenquiries@selectbiosciences.com Exosomes, EVs and Stem Cells Summit 2020 Location: Coronado Island, California Single Cell Analysis 2020	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6752
__label__wiki	0.758374	0.758374	Holy Sperm Obama’s secrecy fixation causing Sunshine Week implosion Along with others, I’ve spent the last four years documenting the extreme, often unprecedented, commitment to secrecy that this president has exhibited, including his vindictive war on whistleblowers, his refusal to disclose even the legal principles underpinning his claimed war powers of assassination, and his unrelenting, Bush-copying invocation of secrecy privileges to prevent courts even from deciding the legality of his conduct (as a 2009 headline on the Obama-friendly TPM site put it: “Expert Consensus: Obama Mimics Bush On State Secrets”). Just this week, the Associated Press conducted a study proving that last year, the Obama administration has rejected more FOIA requests on national security grounds than in any year since Obama became president, and quoted Alexander Abdo, an ACLU staff attorney for its national security project, as follows: “We’ve seen a meteoric rise in the number of claims to protect secret law, the government’s interpretations of laws or its understanding Jewish artifacts illegally dumped in N.J. Thousands of black plastic bags filled with Jewish religious artifacts line a dirt road in the woods near where Larry Simons lives. Nearby, 10 tractor-trailers sit filled with the bags, recently unearthed from their burial ground. The bags are part of an Orthodox Jewish custom known as shaimos, where Jewish books and other sacred objects that are no longer of use must be buried. “The whole thing troubles me because, one, I am Jewish,” the 76-year-old Simons said, as he walked passed the piles of bags. “As a Jewish person, I do not like to be denigrated. But when (I see) what I perceive as an abuse … of the law, it bothers me.” What concerns Simons, and the state Department of Environmental Protection, is that these bags were buried illegally in the woods in Jackson and Lakewood. A state Superior Court judge ordered the rabbi overseeing the site, Chaim Abadi, to remove the bags. But nearly a year later, Abadi is still searching for a new location for the artifacts “LOL, She Couldn’t Even Move” Awful Texts Revealed at Steubenville Rape Trial The prosecution alleges that, at a football party last summer, the West Virginia girl who multiple witnesses have described as incapacitated to the point of incoherence and unconsciousness lay shirtless on a yard, vomiting, while a group of guys offered $3 to piss on her. Next, she was allegedly sexually assaulted multiple times, ranging from digital penetration to attempted oral rape. Photographs taken during the assault, as well as a video in which a witness described the “dead girl” as “so raped,” were distributed throughout the town. As Jane Doe tried to learn what happened to her, the boys shared their alleged sexual assault with each other through texts and e-mails. “Hey buddy…you want to send me that pic because you love me?” one boy texted Mays, while Jane’s Doe friend commented about the same photo, “If that is [semen] on you that is [expletive] crazy.” _LIVESON – Tweet After You’re Dead Your _LIVESON twitter account is created – it will keep tweeting even after you’ve passed away. _LIVESON A.I. analyses your main twitter feed. Learning about your likes, tastes, syntax. Tweets begin to populate your _LIVESON feed. Help it become a better you by giving feedback. Nominate an executor to your _LIVESON ‘Will’. They can decide to keep your account ‘live’. Reputation scores and hedged friendship data have different valences; data are always mediated. They must be contextualized by an interpretive community — pieces of data don’t automatically dictate how they must be interpreted by anyone who sees it. They are available to be put to whatever use by those with the authority to contextualize them. And more data doesn’t automatically make for a clearer picture. It just makes for more interpretative work, more exercises of power by the interpreters, more occasions where power might need to be resisted. In other words, data are not inherently a weapon against power, as transparency advocates sometimes seem to suggest; they are also a tool of power. A reputation is constituted by who gets to interpret data and for what reasons; it is determined by power relations. Amassing more data won’t somehow undo the hierarchy; it just gives people in the position to impose social judgments more information to rationalize their prejudices and protect their privileges. NSA Chief Says America Is Ready to Cyberattack For the first time, NSA chief and head of the U.S. Cyber Command Gen. Keith Alexander admitted America is ready to attack in cyberspace. Never before has a U.S. official acknowledged that the U.S. government is working on or is in possession of malware capable of attacking a foreign nation in a cyber conflict, despite the fact that at least one attack — the famous Stuxnext worm — has been attributed to the U.S. On Wednesday, in his annual testimony to the House Armed Services Committee, Alexander took the cyberwar rethoric coming out of Washington up a notch. “I would like to be clear that this team, this defend-the-nation team, is not a defensive team,” he said. “This is an offensive team.” In other words, this cyber army is ready to retaliate in case of a cyber attack against the United States. Occupy Sugar: A Movement Whose Time Has Come Big Sugar has spent decades paying its way into politicians’ hearts, demanding price controls and tariffs that boost profits and artificially inflate sugar prices, and using its political clout to establish a permanent life-support mechanism for an industry whose major product is causing many Americans to die. Crime Lab Scandal Leaves Mass. Legal System In Turmoil A scandal in a Massachusetts crime lab continues to reverberate throughout the state’s legal system. Several months ago, Annie Dookhan, a former chemist in a state crime lab, told police that she messed up big time. Dookhan now stands accused of falsifying test results in as many as 34,000 cases. As a result, lawyers, prosecutors and judges used to operating in a world of “beyond a reasonable doubt” now have nothing but doubt. Already, hundreds of convicts and defendants have been released because of the scandal. Now, the state’s highest court may weigh in on how these cases should be handled. “I don’t think anyone ever perceived that one person was capable of causing this much chaos,” says Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrisey, one of many DAs now digging through old drug cases, trying to sort out how many should now be considered tainted. Breast-beating: Femen ‘assaulted’ by anti-gay marriage demonstrators in Paris Femen activists appeared amidst the demonstrators wearing costumes of sexy nuns. The activists were topless as usual, with slogans written across their chests. They were spraying demonstrators with white liquid calling it “Jesus’ semen.” Paranoid Dictator’s Communist-Era Bunkers Now a National Nuisance In Albania, 750,000 Communist-era bunkers populate the landscape, relics of the paranoia and skewed priorities of former dictator Enver Hoxha. Now they exist as quirky homes, animal shelters, ad hoc storage and make-out spots. The peculiar program of bunkerization, which lasted Hoxha’s entire 40-year rule, resulted in one bunker for every four citizens. Man faces five years in prison for releasing balloons on beach as a romantic gesture The 40-year-old Brasfield was with his girlfriend, Shaquina Baxter, in the parking lot of a Motel 6 on Dania Beach Boulevard when he released the 12 shiny, red and silver mylar balloons into the sky and watched them float away in the Sunday morning breeze. But the trooper saw nothing more than probable cause for a crime against the environment. Apparently, lawmakers in the Sunshine State think it’s appropriate to treat what should have been, at most, simple littering (to which courts would have issued a fine, maybe?), into a major crime against Mother Nature. As if Florida jails weren’t full enough. The trooper arrested Brasfield and charged him with polluting to harm humans, animals, plants and everything else living under the Florida Air and Water Pollution Control Act. “Endangered marine turtle species and birds, such as wood storks and brown pelicans, seek refuge in John U. Lloyd State Park, about 1.5 miles east of the motel,” said the paper. Doctor ‘used silicone fingers’ to sign in for colleagues Thaune Nunes Ferreira, 29, was arrested on Sunday for using prosthetic fingers to fool the biometric employee attendance device used at the hospital where she works near Sao Paulo. She is accused of covering up the absence of six colleagues. Facebook users unwittingly revealing intimate secrets, study finds Facebook users are unwittingly revealing intimate secrets – including their sexual orientation, drug use and political beliefs – using only public “like” updates, according to a study of online privacy. The research into 58,000 Facebook users in the US found that sensitive personal characteristics about people can be accurately inferred from information in the public domain. Researchers were able to accurately infer a Facebook user’s race, IQ, sexuality, substance use, personality or political views using only a record of the subjects and items they had “liked” on Facebook – even if users had chosen not to reveal that information. The study will reopen the debate about privacy in the digital age and raise fresh concerns about what information people share online. Supermax Prisons: Views from Above Beyond this, we need to examine the culture of incarceration responsible for keeping a substantial portion of the U.S. population imprisoned under what can only be deemed inhumane conditions. Current U.S. policies regarding solitary confinement are controversial not only considering definitions of torture under international law but also in light of our own Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. As Senator Dick Durbin urged in his June 19, 2012 appeal to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary (PDF), the stakes are high: More than 80,000 inmates are currently held in isolation in so-called Security Housing Units (SHUs), according to a 2005 Bureau of Justice Statistics census. They are locked up for as long as 23 hours a day in small single cells, without windows or direct access to natural light, and without meaningful activities of any kind. What does our ongoing tolerance of this practice say about us as a society? Meet the men who spy on women through their webcams “Man I feel dirty looking at these pics,” wrote one forum poster at Hack Forums, one of the top “aboveground” hacking discussion sites on the Internet (it now has more than 23 million total posts). The poster was referencing a 134+ page thread filled with the images of female “slaves” surreptitiously snapped by hackers using the women’s own webcams. “Poor people think they are alone in their private homes, but have no idea they are the laughing stock on HackForums,” he continued. “It would be funny if one of these slaves venture into learning how to hack and comes across this thread.” Whether this would in fact be “funny” is unlikely. RAT operators have nearly complete control over the computers they infect; they can (and do) browse people’s private pictures in search of erotic images to share with each other online. They even have strategies for watching where women store the photos most likely to be compromising. No. of dead pigs found in Shanghai river almost 6,000 The number of dead pigs found in Shanghai’s main river has doubled in two days to nearly 6,000, the government said, as residents worried over the water supply questioned the handling of the incident. Shanghai had pulled 5,916 dead pigs out of the Huangpu river, which cuts through China’s commercial hub and supplies 22 percent of its water, since Saturday, the local government said in a statement late Tuesday. The number of pigs taken out of the river—believed to have been dumped by farmers upstream after dying of disease—had started to fall on a daily basis, it added, and water quality was within national standards. Voucher school history book: Hippies didn’t bathe, worshipped Satan The Louisiana voucher schools under GOP Governor Bobby Jindal had already gotten into trouble last year for using a variety of religious right schoolbooks that teach a number of crazy, and racist, theories, including: The Ku Klux Klan was a force for good “[The Ku Klux] Klan in some areas of the country tried to be a means of reform, fighting the decline in morality and using the symbol of the cross. Klan targets were bootleggers, wife-beaters, and immoral movies. In some communities it achieved a certain respectability as it worked with politicians.”—United States History for Christian Schools, 3rd ed., Bob Jones University Press, 2001 Majority of slaves in the old south were treated well “A few slave holders were undeniably cruel. Examples of slaves beaten to death were not common, neither were they unknown. The majority of slave holders treated their slaves well.”—United States History for Christian Schools, 2nd ed., Bob Jones University Press, 1991 Officer Who Fired Shot In New York High School Suspended A New York town that began assigning an armed police officer to guard a high school in the wake of the Connecticut massacre has suspended the program after an officer accidentally discharged his pistol in a hallway while classes were in session. Lt. James Janso of the Lloyd police department tells media outlets Officer Sean McCutcheon will be suspended while an investigation continues. School confiscates third-grader’s cupcakes topped with toy soldiers In the latest incident of anti-gun hysteria to erupt in a school setting, officials at an elementary school in small-town Michigan impounded a third-grader boy’s batch of 30 homemade birthday cupcakes because they were adorned with green plastic figurines representing World War Two soldiers. The school principal branded the military-themed cupcakes “insensitive” in light of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, reports Fox News Radio. “It disgusted me,” Casey Fountain, the boy’s father, told Fox News. “It’s vile they lump true American heroes with psychopathic killers.” Chilling Final Photos of Murder Victims Taken by Their Killers Many serial killers take photos of their victims–both dead and alive–to keep a record of their work, to refer to later for self-pleasure, and sometimes to taunt police. Here are a few images taken by serial killers of their victims while they were still alive. Most know they’re doomed, others are still unaware of what’s to come. More News Than Is Fit to Print — Designing Count Bruno de Caumont Launders Pedophile Imagery in A Masterstroke of Subliminal Messaging on the Front Page of the New York Times “House & Home Section, February 3, 2005 Allow your eyes to scroll down the page to imbibe this unique New York Times Home section. After a little observation, I concluded that the presentation applies established formulas for inserting subliminal messages into an innocuous scene. In reading the text of the article, I searched in vain for any reference to the subject matter of the picture that appears centrally above the couch-bed, above the fold, on the first page of this presumably wholesome section of the newspaper that proudly proclaims it prints only the news that is “fit to print.” In the case of this article, the Times editors seem to have ignored their motto, exposing their reading public to a media presentation with a concealed agenda and precious little news value. While the centrally located picture begs for our attention, the text of the article directs our eyes to the pattern on the fabric wallpaper, to the furniture barely visible at the extreme left of the photograph, indeed, to anything but the picture…. World’s Ugliest Woman Finally Laid to Rest 150 Years After Death Born in Mexico in 1834, Julia Pastrana was an indigenous woman living with two very rare diseases: generalized hypertrichosis lanuginosa, which covered her body and face in thick hair, and gingival hyperplasia, which thickened her lips and gums. She took part in 19th-century exhibition tours throughout Europe, where she entertained people with her bear-like features. Her life story is both sad and fascinating. In 1859, Pastrana became pregnant after marrying Theodore Lent, an impresario who was traveling at freak shows with her across Europe and the United States. Unfortunately, her infant son also inherited her hypertichosis and passed mere hours after his birth in Moscow. Pastrana also died after a few days from severe complications. Following the death of both his wife and son, Lent embalmed their bodies and began exhibiting them while on tour. Lent also remarried after meeting a bearded woman in Germany, whom was later billed as Pastrana’s sister, Zenora. 5 Real Murderers More Terrifying Than Any Horror Movie There is no goofier Hollywood invention than the Flamboyant Killer. Whether you were raised on the Friday the 13th movies or Saw-type torture porn, they all have a slapstick quality that lets you know that in the real world, people like this just don’t exist. Real killers are, of course, much stranger. FRONTLINE investigates why Wall Street’s leaders have escaped prosecution for any fraud related to the sale of bad mortgages. How Many Billions Of Drug-Laundered Money Does It Take To Shut Down A Bank? And I’ll just say here, if you’re caught with an ounce of cocaine, the chances are good you’re going to go to jail. If it happens repeatedly you may go to jail for the rest of your life. But evidently, if you launder nearly a billion dollars for drug cartels and violate our international sanctions, your company pays a fine and you go home and sleep in your own bed at night. Every single individual associated with this. I just, I think that’s fundamentally wrong. Fallout from ‘Untouchables’ Documentary: Another Wall Street Whistleblower Gets Reamed “There was a guy there, a well-dressed guy, standing next to a car that had a vanity plate,” he said. “And the plate read, ‘FUND’EM.'” Winston, curious, asked the guy what the plate meant. The man laughed and said, “That’s Angelo Mozilo’s growth strategy for 2006.” Here’s how Winston described the rest of the story to PBS – i.e. what happened when he asked the man to elaborate: “What if the person doesn’t have a job?” “Fund ’em,” the – the guy said. And I said, “What if he has no income?” “Fund ’em.” “What if he has no assets?” And he said, “Fund ’em.” Later on, Winston would hear that the company’s unofficial policy was that if a loan applicant could “fog a mirror,” he would be given a loan. This kind of information is absolutely crucial to understanding what caused the subprime crisis. There are people out there still willing to argue that the government somehow “forced the banks to lend” to unworthy applicants. In reality, it was unscrupulous companies like Countrywide … Do You Think Medical Marijuana Should Be Legalized for Dogs? Then Christine stumbled upon a controversial homemade herbal remedy that she credits with enormously improving her dog’s quality of life. She’s grateful that, in his final year, Sampson weighed in at a robust 106 pounds and lived free of the wracking pain that had haunted him. Whereas before Sampson had been too weak to walk, almost overnight he became a born-again youngster. “He was a puppy again, happy and playful,” Christine recalls. “He’d trot around the house with his toys in his mouth, wanting to play fetch!” The name of the controversial herbal remedy Sampson took? Cannabis. Inspired by reports of medical marijuana helping human cancer patients, Christine started digging online. The search terms? “How to administer cannabis to a dog.” Christine — who, for the record, is not a recreational cannabis user — was initially concerned about giving it to her dog because of the bad press she’d heard about the plant. But after giving Sampson cannabis flower-bud material mixed with… The Horror of It — Camera Records of War’s Gruesome Glories, arranged by Frederick A. Barber of Historical Foundations When George Palmer Putnam went to the War Department to secure photographs for “The Horror of It,” a little volume containing stark pictures of the war, which has just been published, Major General Carr of the Signal Corps refused to show him any pictures showing war’s gruesome results. “Only those photographs showing the pleasant aspects of war can be released,” the General said. “The Department has a moral obligation to the Gold Star Mothers.” 3D printed meat could soon be cheap and tasty enough to win you over Advances in bioengineering have been able to produce meat analogs, but the process has always been stupendously expensive, and the results were only passable. It turns out that it’s actually very difficult to match the taste and texture of animal muscle tissue by growing cells in the lab. The marbling of fats and connective tissue is integral to the experience of eating a burger. Applying 3D printing to artificial meats could be the answer, according to Forgacs. If you take tissue engineering and add in some 3D printing, you get the burgeoning field of bioprinting. Researchers are working with cell aggregates as the medium in bioprinting (as opposed to plastics in regular 3D printing). Layer after layer of cells can be laid down to more closely resemble the genuine article. Researchers can basically build a block of muscle that never lived. School Shut Down Due To “Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air” Ringtone [Video] The Fox (Monsanto) Buys the Chicken Coop (Beeologics) So with Monsanto products themselves amongst the key suspects in Colony Collapse Disorder, one might ask: Why has the multinational bought a company which has been a key player in researching this disorder as well as Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus, another scourge of bees? “We’re absolutely committed to Beeologics’ existing work,” said Monsanto spokesperson Kelly Powers. Yet one has to wonder if owning a firm dedicated to shedding light on the trouble with bees might not serve Monsanto’s interest in allowing it to further cover up their own corporate complicity in the problem. Let us hope that Monsanto is as good as its word and uses this newly acquired company to boldly get to the bottom of the mystery of the disappearing bees. But if history is any guide, there is little cause for optimism. The health watchdog group “Natural Society” rated Monsanto “the worst in 2011 for its ongoing work to threaten human health and the environment.” Judge gives jail sentences to pair tied to helium-related death Police and prosecutors said Long was at McAloon’s Alameda Street apartment at a party McAloon was throwing for a 13-year-old relative and that teen’s friends. Ashley inhaled helium from a tank with the intent to make her voice higher-pitched, and collapsed after an air bubble entered her blood stream and blocked blood flow. Officials: 80 Percent Of Recent NYC High School Graduates Cannot Read Nearly 80 percent of New York City high school graduates need to relearn basic skills before they can enter the City University’s community college system. The number of kids behind the 8-ball is the highest in years, CBS 2′s Marcia Kramer reported Thursday. When they graduated from city high schools, students in a special remedial program at the Borough of Manhattan Community College couldn’t make the grade. They had to re-learn basic skills — reading, writing and math — first before they could begin college courses. Tags: 3d, abuse, ACLU, ADD, agenda, Allegedly, America, American, Animal, apartment, Army, Article, Artificial, assault, attack, attorney, authority, bad, Balloons, Beach, Beaten, bed, Bees, Better, BIG, Birth, birthday, Black, block, Blood, Body, borough, bottom, Boy, Branded, breast, Bunker, burial, Bush, Camera, Can, Cancer, Cannabis, Car, Case, Caught, Cheap, Chicken, Christian, Cocaine, Collapse, college, Commercial, community, company, Concealed, Control, Controversial, Corporate, Costumes, court, cover, Crazy, Crime, Cult, Culture, cum, Custom, Cyber, Cyberwar, Dead, death, debate, dick, dictator, Digital, Dirt, Dirty, Discharge, disorder, Documentary, Dog, Doomed, Drug, Erotic, Europe, Everything, Experience, Face, Facebook, Famous, Female, Femen, fighting, Fired, Florida, force, Foreign, Found, Fox News, fraud, Freak, Free, friend, Funny, Girl, Gold, GOP, Government, Governor, Hack, Hackers, Hacking, harm, Headline, Health, High, High School, Hippies, Historical, History, Hollywood, Holy, Home, homemade, Horror, hospital, How To, Human, Hysteria, imprisoned, Incarceration, Industry, information, Inmates, International, Internet, Interpretations, investigation, Isolation, jail, Jesus, judge, Justice, Kids, Ku Klux Klan, Legal, lips, location, Love, majority, Malware, Man, Manhattan, Marijuana, Massacre, Meat, Media, Medical, Medical Marijuana, Mexico, Michigan, money, Monsanto, morality, motel, Mother, movement, Movies, Murder, Mystery, Nation, National security, Natural, New York, New York City, New York Times, News, newspaper, NOT, NSA, NYC, Obama, officer, official, Old, Online, Overnight, pain, Paranoia, Party, pattern, Pedophile, penetration, person, Photographs, Photos, Picture, Pictures, Pigs, Piss, plastic, Play, Police, Pollution, population, possession, Poster, Power, Pregnant, president, Press, Prince, Prison, privacy, product, prosecution, quality, Rabbi, Rape, rat, Record, Records, Recreational, Relics, Religious Right, Research, Revealed, River, scandal, School, Search, Secret, Secrets, Security, Senate, Sexual, Sexual assault, Sexy, site, Slapstick, slave, sleep, Social, Some, Special, Species, Spy, Star, Story, Street, substance, Sugar, Symbol, System, Tank, Targets, taste, testimony, time, tissue, Topless, Torture, Toys, trouble, Turtle, Twitter, U.S., University, US, Video, Wall Street, War, Washington, watchdog, Water, Whistleblower, White, Woman, Women, World, World War Two, worm, Worst File under Culture, Horror, SeMeN SPeRmS BLArRrG, SeMeN SPeRmS Links 'o Death, Sex Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on March 16, 2013 Born Innocent (1974) Linda Blair Gets Raped In Juvie 70’s TV Movie Born Innocent was a television movie which was first aired under the NBC World Premiere Movie umbrella on September 10, 1974. Highly publicized and controversial, Born Innocent was the highest-rated television movie to air in the United States in 1974. The movie dealt with the physical, psychological and sexual abuse of a teenage girl, and included graphic content never before seen on American television at that time. The movie starred Linda Blair (fresh off her success with The Exorcist) as a teenage runaway, who was eventually sentenced to do time in a juvenile detention center, which doubled as a reform school for the girls. Blair’s character, Christine Parker, came from an abusive home. Her father (played by Richard Jaeckel) beat her, which caused Chris to run away many times. Her mother (Kim Hunter) was unfeeling, sitting in her recliner, watching television and smoking cigarettes all day. While the movie has a morality play tone, showing the harsh effects of the detention center on a young girl, it also blames society for Christine’s downfall, as her social worker does not find out that her parents caused her to run away, and then had her sent off to reform school when she told others. Original Airdate: Tuesday September 10, 1974 on NBC (National Broadcasting Company) Controversial Scene One scene in particular that gained the movie infamy was the rape of Blair’s character in the communal showers by a girl gang led by lesbian Denny (Janit Baldwin) with a plunger handle; this scene had the distinction of being the first all-female rape scene aired on American television. This scene was not glossed over in promotional spots for the movie; Linda Blair’s screams as she was being attacked were aired in the promos, with the announcer intoning, “She was born innocent, but that was fourteen years ago!” The scene drew much outcry on its first airing and was eventually pulled from the movie entirely when it was blamed for the rape of a nine-year-old girl, committed by some of her peers with a glass soda pop bottle. The California Supreme Court would declare the film was not obscene, and that the network which broadcast it was not liable for the actions of the persons who committed the crime. Olivia N. v. National Broadcasting Company, 126 Cal. App.3d 488 (1981). Tags: 3d, 70's, abuse, American, attack, Beat, Blame, Bottle, California, character, child, Cigarettes, company, Controversial, court, Crime, detention, Exorcist, Father, Female, Film, gang, Girl, Girls, Glass, graphic content, High, Home, Innocent, juvenile detention center, Juvie, Lesbian, Linda Blair, Made For TV Movie, morality, Mother, movie, Movie Star, Network, NOT, Obscene, Old, Olivia, Original, parent, Play, plunger, Rape, Raped, Reform School, Runaway, scene, School, SeMeN, SeMeNSPeRmS, Sex, Sexual, Shower, Smoking, Social, society, Soda, Sodomy, Some, Supreme, Supreme Court, Teen, Teenage, Teenage Girl, Television, time, TV, United States, White, World, Young, young girl File under Blast From The Past, Cult Movies, Fetish, SeMeN SPeRmS Approved, SeMeN SPeRmS BLArRrG, SeMeN SPeRmS ViDeO CLuB, Sex, Trash TV Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on January 29, 2012 She Corrupted The Youthful Morality Of An Entire School! Tags: Corrupted, Gallery, morality, School Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on July 3, 2011 Now That’s What I Call Art ’11 ✖ “Classic” Tab of Oxy Fetches $50 “The manufacturer basically changed Oxy’s chemical compound (none of the actual drug was removed) by adding a substance that makes it really difficult for most people to abuse it. People were abusing the old drug by crushing the pills to snort them, dissolving them to inject, or chewing them to get a maximum high. So in many ways the new drug is good news, because it prevents stuff like that. The bad news is that in my opinion, whatever substance they added to it has dulled how well the medication works and how long it lasts.” “The new OxyContin OPs are supposedly in line with the old 80 mg pills. But since the new pills were introduced, the price of the older OC pills has jumped by a good solid 20%. People who have them might want to hold on to them if they can. They’re like antiques. You might make some good money off of them later!” ✖ What Defines a Meme? Our world is a place where information can behave like human genes and ideas can replicate, mutate and evolve ✖ ADL Declares “Japanese Good Luck Symbol Offensive to Jews” In yet another example of the Anti-Defamation League’s bizarre obsession with the Swastika, Nintendo has agreed to withdraw a Pokemon Trading card that bears a clock wise swastika. The Jewish Lobby declared that the card shows “insensativity to the feeling of Jews”. ✖ RATFINK NAZI HELMET Commercial 1968 Fake Nazi Helmet commercial from a rare film ✖ Counterfeit herbal sex pills contain prescription-only erectile dysfunction meds, FDA warns Federal drug safety officials are warning consumers about counterfeit sex-enhancement pills that are sold as supplements but contain the drugs used in Viagra and another medication. The Food and Drug Administration said Friday that the fake “ExtenZe” pills, marketed to improve male sexual performance, contain tadalafil and sildenafil, the active ingredients in Cialis and Viagra. Both drugs require a doctor’s prescription. The FDA says the counterfeit product looks like ExtenZe, which is an herbal supplement. It says the counterfeit products are marked with lot numbers 1110075 and F050899. ✖ 2011 finalists Best Illusion of the Year Contest ✖ Chinese Teen Forced Out of School by Teacher for Body Odor ✖ There’s a Secret Patriot Act, Senator Says You may think you understand how the Patriot Act allows the government to spy on its citizens. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) says it’s worse than you’ve heard. Congress is set to reauthorize three controversial provisions of the surveillance law as early as Thursday. But Wyden says that what Congress will renew is a mere fig leaf for a far broader legal interpretation of the Patriot Act that the government keeps to itself — entirely in secret. Worse, there are hints that the government uses this secret interpretation to gather what one Patriot-watcher calls a “dragnet” for massive amounts of information on private citizens; the government portrays its data-collection efforts much differently. ✖ American Express now prohibiting medical marijuana buys American Express cards may no longer be used to purchase medical marijuana. The company has given no reason for the prohibition. Other credit card companies so far continue to allow their cards to be used for the purchase of medical marijuana where legal. “I haven’t seen it (the prohibition) with other credit cards,” said Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association. “I don’t understand why they would turn their back on a $2 billion industry. It’s perplexing.” ✖ Hasid Vs. Hasid Arson Attempt Seriously Burns Man For Switching Synagogues Here in NYC, when Hasidim attack, the violence is usually reduced to running goy cyclists off the road or fisticuffs over Satmar schisms. But up in Rockland County, it’s all HDP (Hasids Don’t Play). An orthodox Jewish father of four is currently hospitalized with third-degree burns over 50 percent of his body after another orthodox Jew allegedly tried to burn his house down—because he started taking his family to a different synagogue. ✖ Rapper Glorifying Police Murderer is Honored at the White House Lynn, aka Common, is known for a rap song titled “Song for Assata”, which essentially praises a black woman known as Assata Shakur, her real name is Joanne Chesimard, who is an escaped convicted murderer who was serving Life plus 26 to 30 years for the cold-blooded killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster in 1973. In his rap song, Lynn paints Chesimard as a victim of the police and the system and portrays her as a hero, much in the same manner that Wesley Cook, aka Mumia Abu-Jamal, is praised by radical blacks and their ‘artists’ despite the fact that he too was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder a police officer, Daniel Faulkner of Philadelphia. ✖ Doesn’t Obama know what year it is? President signs Westminster Abbey guestbook 2008! Everyone wishes they could turn back the clock sometimes, and it turns out Barack Obama is no different. He got the date wrong by three years when he signed the guestbook at Westminster Abbey today on his official visit to the UK – despite apparently asking the dean what day it was. ✖ Morgellons: A hidden epidemic or mass hysteria? Sufferers include folk singer Joni Mitchell, who has complained of “this weird incurable disease that seems like it’s from outer space… Fibres in a variety of colours protrude out of my skin: they cannot be forensically identified as animal, vegetable or mineral. Morgellons is a slow, unpredictable killer – a terrorist disease. It will blow up one of your organs, leaving you in bed for a year.” ✖ A look at the “sovereign citizen” movement This is a story about a group of Americans you’ve likely never heard of: they’re called “sovereign citizens.” Many don’t pay taxes, carry a driver’s license or hold a Social Security card. They have little regard for the police or the courts, and some have become violent. The FBI lists them among the nation’s top domestic terror threats. By some estimates, there are as many as 300,000 sovereign citizens in the U.S. And with the sluggish economy and mortgage mess, their ranks are growing. ✖ Every Six Hours, the NSA Gathers as Much Data as Is Stored in the Entire Library of Congress The National Security Agency is, by nature, an extreme example of the e-hoarder. And as the governmental organization responsible for things like, say, gathering intelligence on such Persons of Interest as Osama bin Laden, that impulse makes sense–though once you hear the specifics, it still seems pretty incredible. In a story about the bin Laden mission, the NSA very casually dropped a number: Every six hours, the agency collects as much data as is stored in the entire Library of Congress. That data includes transcripts of phone calls and in-house discussions, video and audio surveillance, and a massive amount of photography. “The volume of data they’re pulling in is huge,” said John V. Parachini, director of the Intelligence Policy Center at RAND. “One criticism we might make of our [intelligence] community is that we’re collection-obsessed — we pull in everything — and we don’t spend enough time or money to try and understand what do we have and how can we act upon it.” ✖ Catholic Church: Report indicts ’60s counterculture in Catholic abuse cases Blame the flower children. That seems to be the chief conclusion of a new report about the Roman Catholic Church’s sexual abuse scandal. The study, undertaken by John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the request of America’s Catholic bishops, links the spike in child abuse by priests in the 1960s and ’70s to “the importance given to young people and popular culture” — along with the emergence of the feminist movement, a “singles culture” and a growing acceptance of homosexuality. It also cites crime, drugs, an increase in premarital sexual behavior and divorce. ✖ The Sexual World Of Bankers Sex scandals have become a staple of media exploitation with personal morality plays trumping political morality confrontations every time. They are both great distractions and effective tools of character assassination which are often more effective than more violent ways to neutralize people considered dangerous. That’s why the FBI was so hot to discredit Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with leaks of so-called wiretapped sex tapes. In his case, this tactic failed but the other worked. In some cases both tactics are deployed as in the physical assassination of Bin Laden and then the character-killing aimed at his supporters through the release of porn allegedly found in his “lair.” ✖ Amondawa tribe lacks abstract idea of time, study says The Amondawa lacks the linguistic structures that relate time and space – as in our idea of, for example, “working through the night”. The study, in Language and Cognition, shows that while the Amondawa recognise events occuring in time, it does not exist as a separate concept. The idea is a controversial one, and further study will bear out if it is also true among other Amazon languages. The Amondawa were first contacted by the outside world in 1986, and now researchers from the University of Portsmouth and the Federal University of Rondonia in Brazil have begun to analyse the idea of time as it appears in Amondawa language. “We’re really not saying these are a ‘people without time’ or ‘outside time’,” said Chris Sinha, a professor of psychology of language at the University of Portsmouth. ✖ Re-Branding Revolution: 7 Icons Pimped for Profit and Empire Revolutionary: Bobby Seale Re-branded: Vanilla ice cream enthusiast. Seale, who co-founded the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense in the late 1960s, became a pitch man for Ben & Jerry’s in the early 1990s. In the ad Seale sports the Panther’s signature black beret while holding up a clenched fist in one hand and a serving of vanilla ice cream in the other. ✖ New York in Black and White – Vintage Photos ✖ Lingodroid Robots Invent Their Own Spoken Language Ruth Schulz and her colleagues at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology call their robots the Lingodroids. The robots consist of a mobile platform equipped with a camera, laser range finder, and sonar for mapping and obstacle avoidance. The robots also carry a microphone and speakers for audible communication between them. To understand the concept behind the project, consider a simplified case of how language might have developed. Let’s say that all of a sudden you wake up somewhere with your memory completely wiped, not knowing English, Klingon, or any other language. And then you meet some other person who’s in the exact same situation as you. What do you do? ✖ Crossing your arms ‘relieves hand pain’ “In everyday life you mostly use your left hand to touch things on the left side of the world, and your right hand for the right side of the world. “This means that the areas of the brain that contain the map of the right body and the map of right external space are usually activated together, leading to highly effective processing of sensory stimuli. “When you cross your arms these maps are not activated together anymore, leading to less effective brain processing of sensory stimuli, including pain, being perceived as weaker.” ✖ Bag Soaked With Chihuahua Urine Draws Bomb Squad Outside Long Island Court A dog that wasn’t quite housebroken may have indirectly been responsible for a bomb scare at a New York courthouse. The trouble began Friday when 19-year-old Melvin Ruffin arrived at a court complex in Central Islip following a long bus ride from his home in Bellport. During the trip, another passenger’s Chihuahua urinated on his backpack. So, he stashed the wet bag in some bushes while he went inside to answer a disorderly conduct citation. But then a retired police officer saw the bag and alerted security. The bomb squad was ultimately called in. Officers used a robot to determine that the bag didn’t contain anything harmful. ✖ The search for Mona Lisa unearths tomb and staircase Archaeologists digging for the remains of a 16th-century woman believed to be the model for Leonardo’s Mona Lisa masterpiece have found a crypt and a stairway to a probably second tomb inside a former medieval convent in central Florence. ✖ Osama Bin Laden: The Nigerian Email Scam My name is Captain Dan Nardiello of the US Marine corps (special) stationed in Pakistan, I found some money after the death of OBL I need someone to help me move it to a safer place, please have it in mind that there is no danger involved. You may contact me on usmc.12@blumail.org so that I can provide you with details. ✖ Steven McCormack, ‘Human Balloon,’ Injured By Compressed Air Steven McCormack was standing on his truck’s foot plate Saturday when he slipped and fell, breaking a compressed air hose off an air reservoir that powered the truck’s brakes. He fell hard onto the brass fitting, which pierced his left buttock and started pumping air into his body. “I felt the air rush into my body and I felt like it was going to explode from my foot,” he told local media from his hospital bed in the town of Whakatane, on North Island’s east coast. “I was blowing up like a football,” he said. “I had no choice but just to lay there, blowing up like a balloon.” ✖ Police go brutal on a guy, crowd gets angry and beat the hell out of cops [Video] ✖ Mother Nature gave us pimples, and then she made us self-conscious about them. Humans are pimply. It’s part of what sets us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. While it’s true that some form of acne vulgaris affects other species—it’s been found in some Mexican hairless dogs and induced experimentally in rhino mice—acne is largely an affliction of our accursed species alone. (Somewhere between 85 and 100 percent of adolescents exhibit acne—and a significant minority of adults, too.) Why is the human animal so peculiar in its tendency to form volcanic comedones, papules, pustules, nodular abscesses, and, in some severe cases, lasting scars? According to evolutionary theorists Stephen Kellett and Paul Gilbert, we probably owe these unsavory blemishes to our having lost our apish pelts too rapidly for our own good. ✖ The Rise and Fall of an Oakland Potrepreneur It is an industry that blossomed in the oversize metal warehouses of old-line Oakland businesses. Established trucking, plumbing and construction companies, scrambling for work in a down economy, opened their doors to Ebyam’s cannabis farms, thought to be the largest in the city. His workers, mostly the bud-trimmers who assure the highest-quality medical marijuana, were organized by the Teamsters. But the failure of the statewide marijuana legalization initiative last fall, and subsequent threats from federal prosecutors, derailed the ambitious plan of city leaders to license four giant farms and thus make Oakland the legal cannabis capital of the country. And with the collapse of Oakland’s vision of marijuana supremacy came disaster for Ebyam. Ebyam is now locked in litigation over the $1.25 million sale of one of his growing operations, and another installation has been decimated by a string of suspicious burglaries — a fitting symbol, perhaps, of an industry that could have been. ✖ To Harvest Natural Gas From the Ocean, Shell Is Building the World’s Largest Man-Made Floating Object Shell is making good on its promise to build the largest object ever to float on water, announcing Friday it would build the Prelude FLNG Project to harvest offshore natural gas fields. The gargantuan ship will suck up the equivalent of 110,000 barrels of oil per day. The floating liquified natural gas facility will dwarf the biggest warships, weighing in at 600,000 metric tons. By contrast, the U.S.’ next-generation Ford-class supercarrier will displace 101,000 metric tons of water. Shell says its ship will be able to withstand a category 5 typhoon. In some ways, it’s more of a mini-island than a ship, designed to be moored in the same spot off the northwest coast of Australia for 25 years. The facility will be one-third of a mile long — longer than five football fields laid end-to-end — and will contain 260,000 metric tons of steel, about five times the amount used to build the Sydney Harbour Bridge. ✖ RIP: Jeffrey Catherine Jones Jeffrey Catherine Jones, the fantasy artist who helped introduce fine art and illustration influences to comics in the ’70s and beyond, has died of complications from emphysema and bronchitis, according to numerous reports. She was 67. In the early 70s, then known just as Jeffrey, Jones helped form The Studio, a group of cartoonists/illustrators that included Mike Kaluta, Bernie Wrightson and Barry Windsor-Smith. Jones was known for her lyrical linework and ethereal paintings, which prompted Frazetta himself to say that Jones was “the world’s greatest living painter.” Although she produced the comics strip Idyll for National Lampoon in the ’70s, Jones was best known for her book covers, prints, and painting, with only a brief dabbling in comics. ✖ Hidden camera found in Starbucks bathroom The camera was disguised as a plastic coat hook and was affixed to a wall directly across from a toilet, officials said. A Starbucks employee discovered the device and called police, they said. Shortly after, authorities arrested Velasco, who downloaded the device about every hour to his laptop computer while sitting in his car, police said. Detectives confiscated his laptop and say they found video of at least 45 female victims, including children, using the restroom. It did not appear that any of the videos were uploaded to the Internet or distributed, they said. ✖ Cindy Sherman Print Sells For $3.9 Million At Auction, The Highest Ever For A Photograph Christie’s had a bumper night, tallying more than $300 million in sales. While not the priciest item up for auction that day, Cindy Sherman’s “Untitled #96” from 1981 passed all records for photography, and was sold for $3.89 million. According to ArtInfo.com, the buyer was New York dealer Philippe Segalot, and the underbidder was Per Skarstedt, also a New York dealer. Christie’s confirmed that this was a record for a photograph at auction, previously held by Andreas Gursky’s “99 Cent II Diptychon,” which fetched $3.35 million in 2006. Sherman recently had another high profile sale, with her work “Untitled #153,” from 1985 reaching $2.7 million in late 2010. ✖ Photographers Respond to Lady Gaga’s New Copyright Demands Lady Gaga is now demanding that photographers surrender the copyright of photos taken at her concerts – and photographers are incensed. ✖ Exploding watermelons put spotlight on Chinese farming practices Fields of watermelons exploded when he and other agricultural workers in eastern China mistakenly applied forchlorfenuron, a growth accelerator. The incident has become a focus of a Chinese media drive to expose the lax farming practices, shortcuts and excessive use of fertiliser behind a rash of food safety scandals. It follows discoveries of the heavy metal cadmium in rice, toxic melamine in milk, arsenic in soy sauce, bleach in mushrooms, and the detergent borax in pork, added to make it resemble beef. ✖ Powerful Bi-Partisan Caucus Prepares to Fight TSA As we reported earlier today, the Department of Justice and the TSA used financial terrorism to nix HB 1937 in Texas, a bill that would have made it “A criminal act for security personnel to touch a person’s private areas without probable cause as a condition of travel or as a condition of entry into a public place,” shortly before the legislation looked to be on its way to passage in the Senate having passed the Texas House unanimously. The DOJ and Homeland Security intimidated lawmakers into dropping the bill after they threatened to shut down all the airports in Texas and prevent any commercial flights from operating out of or entering the state, a brazenly tyrannical tactic that proves the federal government is acting more like a mafia criminal enterprise than a body that is supposed to represent the interests of the American people. ✖ Guatemala: 27 massacred, decapitated in Petén by paramilitary drug gang Los Zetas Written in the blood from a victim’s severed leg, in Spanish: “What’s up, Otto Salguero, you bastard? We are going to find you and behead you, too. —Sincerely, Z200.” ✖ NUH UHHHHHHH!!!! LOOK AT THE NEW HAIRCUT THAT SOME TEENAGE BOYS ARE GETTING!!! (UTTER RATCHETNESS) ✖ 17 Lost Egyptian pyramids found by infra-red satellite images Seventeen lost pyramids are among the buildings identified in a new satellite survey of Egypt. More than 1,000 tombs and 3,000 ancient settlements were also revealed by looking at infra-red images which show up underground buildings. Initial excavations have already confirmed some of the findings, including two suspected pyramids. Tags: 1960s, 1990s, abuse, Acting, action, Airport, Allegedly, America, American, Animal, arrest, arse, Art, Artist, Artists, Ass, assassin, assassination, ATM, attack, auction, Australia, Axe, bad, Bad News, Barack Obama, Bathroom, Bear, Beat, bed, Biting, Bizarre, Black, Black and White, blam, Bling, Blood, blow, Bobby Seale, Body, Bomb, bomb squad, Book, Bra, brain, Brazil, Bridge, Broken, Brutal, Bum, Burn, bus, Camera, Can, Cannabis, Case, Catholic, Catholic Church, character, chemical, Chihuahua, child, China, Chinese, Cindy Sherman, Collapse, college, Comics, Commercial, community, company, computer, Congress, Convent, Copyright, Counterculture, Counterfeit, court, Credit, Criminal, Crypt, Cult, Culture, Dangerous, Date, death, Detective, Director, disaster, Disco, disease, Disguise, Dog, Drug, Drugs, dust, Dwarf, Dysfunction, Economy, epidemic, Erectile, erectile dysfunction, Everything, Exploitation, ExtenZe, Fail, failure, fake, Family, Fantasy, farming, Father, FBI, FDA, Female, Feminist, fight, flower child, Food, foot, Forced, Found, Gaga, gang, gas, Giant, Government, gun, Hairless, Heavy, Heavy Metal, Hell, helmet, Hidden, hidden camera, High, homeland security, homosexual, hospital, Hot, Hour, housebroken, Human, Ice, illusion, Industry, information, intelligence, Internet, Island, Jersey, Jew, Justice, Killing, Lady, Lady Gaga, Laser, leaf, Legal, Legalization, Links, Look, Man, Map, Marijuana, marijuana legalization, Martin Luther King, masterpiece, Medical, medication, medieval, metal, Mexican, Mona Lisa, money, morality, Mother, Mother Nature, Murder, Mushroom, Mushrooms, national lampoon, National security, Natural, Nature, Nazi, New Jersey, New York, News, Nigerian, Nintendo, NOT, NSA, Obsession, OD, odor, officer, official, oil, Old, organization, Osama bin Laden, Outer Space, oxy, oxycontin, pain, Pakistan, Panther, Party, Peeping Tom, person, phone, Photograph, Photographer, Photography, Photos, pill, Pills, Pimp, plastic, Police, Popular, Porn, prescription, president, product, Professor, Profit, project, psychology, Rap, rapper, reason, Record, Records, Revolution, Revolutionary, Rhino, Ride, robot, Robots, Roman Catholic Church, School, Secret, Security, SeMeN, SeMeNSPeRmS, Senate, Sex, Sexual, Sexuality, singer, Slug, Smack, snort, Social, Some, space, Spy, Story, substance, suck, Surveillance, Suspicious, Swastika, Symbol, Teacher, technology, Teen, Teenage, teenage boy, Terror, Terrorism, Texas, Threatened, Ties, time, Toilet, Touch, Tribe, Trip, trouble, TSA, turd, U.S., UK, Underground, University, urinate, urine, US, Vanilla, vegetable, Viagra, Video, Videos, Vintage, Violence, Violent, Voyeur, Voyeurism, Warning, Watermelon, Weird, Wet, White, Woman, World, WRONG, Young File under Comics, Culture, Influences, Photography, SeMeN SPeRmS BLArRrG, SeMeN SPeRmS Links 'o Death, Sex Youth Suicide Fantasy – Does Their Music Make Them Do It? 80’s Rock Hysteria A 1980s Christian investigative report linking rock music and suicide. Lots of criticism of Boy George, AC/DC, Mick Jagger, transvestites, drugs, sex, satanism, etc. Many great moments, especially their description of the time they tried to shut down a Prince concert. Dan & Steve Peters authors of Why Knock Rock? “Youth Suicide Fantasy,” a perfect encapsulation of the logic-free heavy metal hysteria that shook parents in the 1980s. Shot on video, this half-hour jawdropper presents two brothers plugging their book, Why Knock Rock, while bashing such acts as Motley Crue, Prince, KISS (whose name gets a funny explanation here countering the usual Knights in Satan’s Service myth), AC/DC, the Rolling Stones (with a young, crotch-grabbing shot of Jagger offered as proof of his decadence), and several no-name bands. Of course, it’s all really a platform to attack such diverse targets as bondage, homosexuality, and pornography; the last of these gets the silliest attacks, with these guys claiming the most popular commercial erotica these days involves abused children and animals. The mind reels. -Mondo-Digital.com Youth Suicide Fantasy Tags: 1980s, 80's, abuse, AC/DC, Animal, attack, Author, Band, Bondage, Boy, Boy George, child, Children, Christian, Commercial, concert, Critic, Drug, Drugs, Erotic, Erotica, explanation, fan, Fantasy, Funny, Grammy Award, Hard Rock, Heavy, Heavy Metal, Homo, homosexual, Hot, Hysteria, jawdropper, jesus christ, KISS, Lie, lies, metal, Mick Jagger, morality, Mötley Crüe, Music, Myth, Noose, OD, parent, Popular, Porn, Porno, pornography, preacher, Prince, Rap, Rock, Rolling, Rolling Stones, Satan, Satanism, SeMeNSPeRmS, Service, Sex, Sexual, Sexuality, Shotgun Suicide Love Pacts, Special, Suicide, Teen Rebel, time, Twisted Sister, VHS, Vice, Video, Young, youth File under $=666, Culture, Drunk Kids, It Only Gets Worse, Massive Consumption of Drugs, Music, SeMeN SPeRmS Approved, SeMeN SPeRmS BLArRrG, SeMeN SPeRmS ViDeO CLuB, Sex She Shoulda Said ‘NO’! (1949) aka Marijuana The Devil’s Weed “She Shoulda Said ‘No’!” (also known as Wild Weed; Marijuana, the Devil’s Weed; The Story of Lila Leeds and Her Exposé of the Marijuana Racket; and The Devil’s Weed) is a 1949 exploitation film that follows in the spirit of morality tales such as the 1936 films Reefer Madness and Marihuana. Directed by Sherman Scott and starring Lila Leeds, it was originally produced to capitalize on the arrest of Leeds and Robert Mitchum on a charge of marijuana conspiracy. The film was issued under many titles; it struggled to find a distributor until film presenter Kroger Babb picked up the rights, reissuing it as The Story of Lila Leeds and Her Exposé of the Marijuana Racket. Its relative success came only after the promotional posters were redone and a story fabricated that the film was being presented in conjunction with the United States Treasury. – Wikipedia Tags: arrest, Art, Cannabis, conspiracy, Cult Movies, Devil, Drug Scare Film, Evil, Exploitation, Film, Films, Lila Leeds, Madness, Marihuana, Marijuana, morality, OD, Posters, Racket, reefer, Robert Mitchum, SeMeN, SeMeNSPeRmS, SPeRmS, Story, United States, Wild, YouTube File under Cult Movies, Massive Consumption of Drugs, SeMeN SPeRmS BLArRrG, SeMeN SPeRmS ViDeO CLuB Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on December 23, 2010 Show Me Yer Burger ✠ Man gets trespassing notice for telling deli clerk he likes large breasts Al Stults Jr. swears that when he told a Safeway deli clerk that he likes large breasts, he was talking about chicken breasts — not anything attached to her. Which explains why he’s so upset about receiving a trespassing notice from the Lakewood Police Department banning him from the supermarket for one year for his remarks. ✠ Domino’s Delivers Racism To Your Front Door In Under 30 Minutes A woman in Apex, NC, had just taken delivery of two Domino’s pizzas when her 10-year-old niece pointed out the words “NIGGER” and “DON’T TIP” at the bottom of the receipt. ✠ Look who has a seat next to you on the plane: a photo of a man in the Dallas Fort-Worth Airport wearing short shorts and a halter top. “This is ok for a male revue nightclub, but not for public daytime,” ✠ Sex Offender Poses As Massage Therapist On Movie Set Of ‘Touchback’ On the set of “Touchback,” police allege twice-convicted sex offender Timothy Ketchapaw was doing too much touching. Ottawa County sheriff’s deputies arrested the 39-year-old Grand Rapids man on accusations that he was posing as a massage therapist and giving free rubdowns last week to women participating in an all-night filming of the movie starring Kurt Russell. ✠ Cute Teen Girls Sexually Abused Nursing Home Residents With Dementia While nursing home work can be a painful experience in witnessing the final throes of life, the six girls were bored with the job. So they decided to liven it up by sexually abusing the patients. Brianna Broitzman admitted to police that she poked one patient in the breast. But her friends say she also spit in a resident’s mouth, jabbed the boobs of other patients, and stuck her bare butt in a patient’s face. Ashton Larson confessed that she’d stuck her finger up a patient’s rectum. She would also get in bed with them and make humping motions, pat them on the butt and taunt them into getting angry by laughing at them. ✠ Cannibal restaurant adverts turn German stomachs Would you be prepared to sacrifice your testicles, stomach fat or ears for the sake of high-class cuisine? A soon-to-open Berlin restaurant is touting for diners willing to do just that: donate body parts that it says it will turn into gourmet meals according to the age-old cooking habits of an Amazonian tribe infamous for its cannibalism. ✠ Fidel Castro claims Osama bin Laden is a US spy Fidel Castro has more reason than most to believe conspiracy theories involving dark forces in Washington. After all, the CIA tried to blow his head off with an exploding cigar. But the ageing Cuban revolutionary may have gone too far for all but the most ardent believer in the reach and competence of America’s intelligence agency. He has claimed that Osama bin Laden is in the pay of the CIA and that President George Bush summoned up the al-Qaida leader whenever he needed to increase the fear quotient. The former Cuban president said he knows it because he has read WikiLeaks. ✠ Cocaine Given To Bank Teller With Deposit Officers were called to Rockville Bank on Ellington Road at about 4 p.m. on Thursday for reports of a bag of white powder inside a deposit envelope given to a drive-up teller at the bank. ✠ Experience: I spent 29 years in solitary confinement ✠ Skateboarder makes miraculous recovery after doctors saw off half his skull Gabba Gabba, Hey! I don’t wanna be a pinhead no more. ✠ 6 Reasons to Have Casual Sex Casual sex is often presented as damaging. But it could be a good path to discovering important things about your sexuality. ✠ L.A. jail tests ‘intolerable heat’ beam on brawling inmates The device “emits a focused beam of wave energy that travels at the speed of light and produces an intolerable heating sensation that causes targeted individuals to flee. The sensation immediately ceases when the targeted individual moves away from the beam,” according to Raytheon’s website. ✠ Hey Ladies, Want a Raise? Wash Your Vagina — Women’s Day Magazine’s Ultra-Sexist Ad ✠ John Lennon’s toilet to be auctioned with Beatles memorabilia A mono-sound copy Two Virgins, which he recorded with Yoko Ono, is expected to fetch at least £2,500. ✠ Why Medication Can Be Dangerous to Your Health Did you know that the majority of FDA approved drugs have serious potential side effects that were not detected before marketing approval? (1) That about three quarters of a million people a year are rushed to emergency rooms in the U.S. because of adverse drug reactions, according to the CDC? (2) That the number of medication-related deaths in the U.S. is estimated at over 200,000 a year, making medications the third or fourth leading cause of death in this country? (3) That even common pain relievers called NSAIDs, examples of which include Advil, Motrin, Aleve and aspirin, account for an estimated 7,600 deaths and 76,000 hospitalizations in the U. S. every year? (4) ✠ Electromagnetic pulse can be used to disrupt morality in the human brain The ability to evaluate other people’s actions as right or wrong can be disrupted with an electromagnetic pulse to the brain, according to a study conducted by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “You think of morality as being a really high-level behavior,” lead researcher Dr Liane Young said. “To be able to apply a magnetic field to a specific brain region and change people’s moral judgments is really astonishing.” ✠ America’s mental illness epidemic: It turns out that the drugs are the problem Tens of millions of innocent, unsuspecting Americans, who are mired deeply in the mental “health” system, have actually been made crazy by the use of or the withdrawal from commonly-prescribed, brain-altering, brain-disabling, indeed brain-damaging psychiatric drugs that have been, for many decades, cavalierly handed out like candy — often in untested and therefore unapproved combinations of drugs — to trusting and unaware patients by equally unaware but well-intentioned physicians who have been under the mesmerizing influence of slick and obscenely profitable psychopharmaceutical drug companies, a.k.a. BigPharma. ✠ The Age of Treason: 1958 Book Exposes Chemical Attack on Humanity Dr. Clymer introduces readers with a stark warning for the future, writing, “Imagine yourself if you can, becoming conscious that you are gradually losing your manhood; that your mind is rapidly deteriorating so that you are no longer capable of thinking clearly; unable to plan your future actions. Your resistance is becoming so weakened that you are no longer master of yourself. In short, you are rapidly developing into a moron, a robot, a zombie, readily subject to the dictates of others…” Bertrand Russell’s 1953 book The Impact of Science on Society is cited by Clymer as one example of the elite’s desire to dominate the masses. Russell stated that under scientific tyranny, “Diet, injections, and injunctions will combine, from a very early age, to produce the sort of character and the sort of beliefs that the authorities consider desirable, and any serious criticism of the powers that be will become psychologically impossible. ✠ Pont-Saint-Esprit poisoning: Did the CIA spread LSD? Nearly 60 years ago, a French town was hit by a sudden outbreak of hallucinations, which left five people dead and many seriously ill. For years it was blamed on bread contaminated with a psychedelic fungus – but that theory is now being challenged. ✠ “Meh.” ✠ Vote For the New Word for ‘Hipster’ Ubiqs Bohemics Fauxhemians Doucheoisie (“Schwazzies,” for short) Ironoclasts Taints Shwicks Probos (professional hobos) Pabstsmears Pitchfucks Andvoids Trendizens ShamWows Sighborgs Farcissists Try-hards Tatools Gents (for gentrification) Dovs Trendsluts ✠ Homer Simpson Look-Alike Body ✠ Muslim 9/11 Debate Is off the Mark: The Real Problem Is Fundamentalism of Every Kind Here’s the real point: fundamentalist religion OF ALL KINDS – Muslim, Christian, Hindu, whatever, is the enemy of peace and progress. ✠ Barry Cooper fights the law, wins: Odessa drops all ‘KopBusters’ charges Cooper, perhaps the nation’s best-known drug war activist thanks to his “Never Get Busted” DVDs, set up a fake marijuana grow house in Odessa, wired it for sound and video, then used an anonymous letter to bait police into a Dec. 2008 raid. ✠ Bear-protected pot found after theft from police The strange tale of some B.C. black bears that were caught guarding a marijuana grow-op has gotten stranger, after someone stole the confiscated pot from the RCMP and tried to protect it with a stash of stolen dynamite. ✠ Hot Dog Stand Was Front For $5 Million Pot Smuggling Ring ✠ Andy Warhol Eats a Hamburger Thanks Melissa Coker ✠ Max’s Kansas City – Steven Kasher Gallery Exhibitions Tags: 9/11, abuse, AIDS, Airport, America, American, Andy Warhol, Anger, anonymous, aNYthing A New York Thing, arrest, Art, Article, Arts, Ass, attack, auction, ban, Bear, Beat, Beatles, bed, Berlin, BigPharma, Black, Bling, blow, Body, body parts, Boobs, Book, bottom, brain, breast, Breasts, Bush, Busted, Butt, Can, Candy, Cannibal, cat, Caught, chemical, Chicken, CIA, Club, Cocaine, color, conspiracy, Conspiracy Theories, consumer, Cop, Crazy, Crime, Critic, Cult, Culture, cute, Dangerous, DEA, Dead, death, Dementia, Dog, door, Douche, Drugs, effect, Electromagnetic, ELF, Enemy, EPA, epidemic, Experience, Face, fake, Famous, Fat, FDA, FEAR, Fidel Castro, fight, Film, Finger, Flu, force, Found, Free, French, fuck, Fun, Fundamentalist, fungus, Future, Gallery, Gawker, German, Germany, GIF, Girl, Girls, hallucination, hamburger, Hate, Health, High, Hipster, Hobo, hospital, Hot, Humanity, influence, Inmates, Innocent, intelligence, jail, John Lennon, Justice, L.A., large breasts, lick, Lie, Links, lion, List, Live, Look, LSD, magazine, majority, Man, manhood, Marijuana, morality, moron, mouth, movie, Music, Muslim, Nation, NDE, News, NOT, NSA, Obscene, OD, offender, officer, oil, Old, Online, Osama bin Laden, pain, Peace, Photo, Pizza, Play, Police, Pot, president, problem, Profit, Psych, Psychedelic, Psychiatric, Rap, rat, reason, Record, Religion, researcher, Revolutionary, robot, Rock, Science, SeMeN, SeMeNSPeRmS, Sex, sex offender, Sexual, Sheriff, Short Shorts, site, skate, skateboard, Skull, Sluts, smuggling, society, Speed, SPeRmS, Spit, Strange, style, Sup, technology, Teen, Terrorism, theory, Toilet, Touch, Trend, trespassing, U.S., UK, Urge, USA, vagina, Video, Virgins, War, Warning, Washington, White, Woman, Women, World, WRONG, Yoko Ono, Young, YouTube, Zen File under SeMeN SPeRmS BLArRrG, SeMeN SPeRmS Links 'o Death Conjured by o~ SeMeN SPeRmS ~o on August 28, 2010	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6753
__label__wiki	0.618883	0.618883	Staffers Posted on Thu Sep 26th, 2019 @ 3:50pm by Devan Kilvin & Master Warrant Officer Kayden Ganador & Joran Maratet Edited on on Fri Sep 27th, 2019 @ 3:56pm Location: Opaka Outpost Timeline: MD-1 0830 Hours Joran Maratet entered the briefing room where Kayden Ganador had been waiting, The young woman carried herself with more confidence than she felt. Her promotion as Ambassador Kilvin's Chief of Staff was still a recent thing, and the man still intimidated the hell out of her. But at least he'd learned her name, which was saying something. "Mister Ganador," she greeted as the diplomatic officer stood. "Sorry to keep you waiting, the Ambassador should be coming along in a few minutes. Can I get you anything while you wait?" Kayden Ganador smiled, it was a practiced smile that belied none of the impatience he felt at having to wait for a civilian ambassador to show up. Ambassadors, he had heard once, were like cats. They did exactly what they wanted and in their own good time, there was no training them. "No, thank you Miss Maratet." He replied, his voice soft and pleasant. He'd been sure the memorize as many of the ambassador's senior people's names as he could. "How is Ambassador Kilvin today?" "It's Mattie, please," replied the young Bajoran with a smile. "And the Ambassador is... the Ambassador," she added with a shrug. The doors opened, and the Trill Ambassador walked in, followed by three young staffers, who looked absolutely terrified. "Good morning, I'm Devan Kilvin," he said as he walked up to Kayden and extended a hand. Kayden took the hand and gave it a firm shake, not squeezing hard, but gripping just tightly enough to be acceptable. In his book, there was no worse way to greet someone, short of punching them in the face or insulting their mother, than a limp-wristed handshake. "Ambassador Kilvin," he said softly, "I'm Kayden Ganador, chief of diplomatic operations here at the station." He skipped the rank bit, there was no point in bothering with it for the civilians unless you were a high ranking officer. "Thank you for meeting me so promptly." "Pleased to meet you," replied the Ambassador. He motioned to the three staffers who had followed him. "This is my staff. Bob, Tom and Lisa." The three junior staffers looked at the ambassador, then back at Ganador. "Ross Kessler," said the first, a young dark-haired human. "Rehl Ch'eshra," said the second, a light blue-skinned Andorian. "Nancy van Rassel," added the third, a red-headed young woman. If the three junior staffers felt any irritation toward the Ambassador for failing to learn their names in the hour since he'd first met them, they didn't show it. "What can we do for you?" asked Kilvin, turning back to Ganador. Ganador resisted the urge to frown at the ambassador's slip, keeping his expression carefully casual. How could the man not remember his staffer's names? Kayden had never met the three of them, but he'd already committed their names to memory. Instead, he made eye contact with each of the three, giving them each a nod of greeting before turning back to the ambassador. "At zero-six twenty-five this morning, Starfleet received a wideband hail originating from the Stakoron system," he began, "according to the message, the Dominion have entirely withdrawn from Stakoron II, the only inhabited planet in the system, leaving the inhabitants to fend for themselves. After two hundred years, roughly, of occupation and total control, they likely have no idea how to do so. The Stakorons are requesting assistance." Kayden took a breath, here was where he went out on a limb. "I believe this is an ideal opportunity for the Federation to step in and help these people, show our good intentions and expand our influence. I brought this to you directly instead of going through normal Starfleet channels because I believe it's time-sensitive. It needs action now, not six months down the line." Kilvin nodded and turned to one of the staffers. "Tom, I need a full Intelligence briefing on Stakoron, including neighboring systems. Technological advancement, societal structure. Lisa, get the latest intelligence reports on Dominion activity in that sector. The last report I saw was ten days old, I need the latest version. Bob, I want an up-to-date manifest of the sector's diplomatic staff assignment. We have three starships coming in, we'll assign one of them to Stakoron, I want to know who I can send along with that ship." Kayden held out the PaDD he had prepared, "here's a full dossier on everything we have about the Stakoron. The manifest request will end up coming to me anyway, so I'll save Mr. Ch'eshra the trouble and send it to you directly." He gave the aide a nod and a smile, "Sadly, I don't have access to intelligence reports." Kilvin took the data PaDD from Ganador's hands, an amused look in his eyes. "You received the distress signal from Stakoron at 0625 this morning, which is less than two hours ago. I'm guessing it took you at least five minutes to confirm that it did indeed originate from Stakoron, and at least fifteen minutes to get here. And you've been waiting in this room with Ms. Joran for ten minutes. You put this report together in one hour and twenty-five minutes? Did you cobble it together from Stakoron's page on the Federation public database?" Kayden smiled, "we keep detailed records on every race of note in the station's databanks, it was simply a case of compiling the relevant files and collating them into a reasonable format." By reasonable the chief meant civilian-friendly, but the diplomat didn't need to know that. It had taken considerably less time than an hour, somewhere around twenty minutes, to prepare the data. "It's not a complete how-to on the Stakoron, but it should be of some use." Kilvin turned and handed the PaDD to Ch'eshra. "Use that as a starting point. Contact Admiral Maxiel, on my authority, and get him to grant you access to the latest Starfleet Intelligence reports on the region, and update that report." Ch'eshra took the PaDD from Kilvin's hands and stood rigidly, waiting for the impromptu meeting to end before springing into action. Kilvin turned back to the Andorian and raised an eyebrow. "Oh - you mean now," said the young Andorian. Kilvin's features hardened. Ch'eshra took off at a run without another word. Kilvin turned back to Maratet. "Of course we'll have to send a ship to Stakoron to offer the Federation's assistance. Admiral Maxiel has assured me that a number of Starfleet ships are on their way, with diplomatic detachments. I'll talk to the Admiral about assigning the first one here to Stakoron. Let's prepare a full briefing for its senior staff, they can leave as soon as possible." "I'll be returning to my duties, then," Kayden said calmly, he would have liked nothing better than to go with whatever ship the ambassador got tasked to Stakoron, but that was not his role, much as he wished it wasn't so. He was a diplomatic analyst, a gatherer of information and an organizer of facts, not a field officer, not yet anyway. Mattie held up a hand to signal him to wait. "A briefing can be arranged," she told the Ambassador, "but we should also consider the possibility of sending a diplomatic advisor as a mission specialist. Someone who can spend a few days getting fully immersed in the Stakoron information until the ship arrives would be better suited to assist the ship's Chief Diplomatic Officer." Kilvin's eyes narrowed as he considered Mattie's proposal. "Interesting," he said. "Why don't we send Kieran?" "Who's Kieran?" asked Mattie. "He is," replied Kilvin, waving toward Ganador. "Kayden," corrected Mattie. "Okay," conceded Kilvin. "He intercepted the signal, he prepared the report, he's the most well-versed person we have on the Stakoron." Kayden hesitated, a rising excitement at the prospect of actually going somewhere and his sense of professional responsibility at odds. He very much wanted to go, but he had duties aboard the station that couldn't be neglected and he hadn't been in the field in years. On the other hand, Kilvin was right that he was the most well-versed on the Stakoron and one thing that he had learned was that you didn't pass up a chance when it presented itself. "If you can convince the Admiral to let me go," he hedged, keeping his voice carefully calm, "I'm willing to go, it's been quite a while since I was out in the field." "Then it's settled," said Kilvin. "I'll have the Admiral reassign Kevin to the first ship to come through the wormhole." "Kayden," corrected Mattie again. "Okay." The Ambassador turned to Kayden. "Congratulations. A lot of people on the Diplomatic Corps have been waiting a long time for a field assignment like this one, and you beat them all to it, by being in the right place at the right time, when that message came in. Make sure you earn it." With that, he turned on his heels, and walked out of the briefing room, followed by the three junior staffers, who were practically running to keep up. "That went well," said Mattie with a slight smile after the doors had closed, turning to Ganador. "He'd an odd one, isn't he? Does he realize that it's literally my job to receive diplomatic messages and deal with them?" Ganador smiled, allowing himself a little bravado. "Or that I've been doing this for twenty years? I'm probably one of the most experienced Starfleet diplomats in the sector." "The Ambassador is definitely one of a kind," agreed Mattie. "But I think the fact that his entire staff resigned last week definitely threw him for a loop. That being said, he is one of the Federation's most honored diplomats. He served as Trill's ambassador to Andor, Vulcan and Tellar, and represented the Federation in several key negotiations, notably with the Romulans after the Hobus supernova. But is he crazy? No. Absolutely not. Maybe a little bit." "Unpredictable, forceful and a little bit mad, the perfect ambassador." Kayden quipped, "Before I was an analyst I was a diplomatic aide, I can imagine working with him would be... challenging, but I'm well aware of his reputation, I don't think there's anybody in the diplomatic core who hasn't heard of Devan Kilvin." Mattie nodded. "What most people don't know," she spoke softly, as she was treading on thin ice by revealing personal information about Kilvin, "is that the Kilvin symbiont has lived through eleven lifetimes, three of which have been devoted to diplomacy in some way or another, going all the way back to the Trill homeworld before First Contact, unifying the planet under one government. He's one of the most experienced members of the Federation's Diplomatic Corps since Sarek." "Hnn," Ganador grunted, he'd known that Kilvin was highly regarded, but not quite that much. His estimation of the ambassador was already high, but it went up a notch. The man might be have been a bit strange and abraisive, but he was clearly excellent. He was clearly a man to impress, a man who could make or break a career. "Here's hoping whatever ship arrives has a decent diplomatic officer aboard." "Let's hope," agreed Mattie. "Get back to work, Mr. Ganador." "Yes ma'am," Kayden replied just a little sardonically, she wasn't Starfleet and thus had no authority to order him to do anything, but he liked her down to earth, straight forward attitude and he actually did have work to do. He gave her a grin and then turned, heading back to his post.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6754
__label__wiki	0.545368	0.545368	Politics and Current Affairs Education and Study Guides Engineering, trades, and technology Ebooks ➡ Fiction ➡ Science fiction ➡ Adventure ➡ Cyberpunk The Crystal Hybrid Episode One THE CRYSTAL HYBRID A HYBRID IS BORN BY LEON JEWELS FIELD EXPEDITION Octus forest was dense with foliage. The expedition had hit a stretch of soil rich land, where plants could grow completely unrestricted. Good soil was rare and valuable in most of Shellon. The country from which our explorers were from, and currently exploring. Most of the land surrounding the desert like country had been majorly unexplored since the arrival of humans. Over the course of three centuries humanity barely expanded it’s reach over half of the planet, and even that was in sparse populations. Similar to the old country of Russia on Earth. Octus forest, as it had been recently named, was one of the few areas where pre-colonization flora could thrive, and was the home to a large plateau which could be scouted from over ten miles away on the outskirts of the forest. For a long time this plateau had been a subject of interest. Unfortunately all groups of explorers who braved the forest returned not having found a safe way to said plateau. But Torus’ group plans on changing that. Torus lagged behind the group due to his huge backpack containing drilling equipment. If it were not for the need to collect deep mineral samples his load would be over a hundred pounds lighter. He was a large man. Not large as in fat, but large as in built. His beard ran just below his jaw and broke at a ninety degree angle to give his jaw a square look. As well his glasses were thick like goggles, and shined bright against the sun, half blinding anybody who dared stare him down on a clear day. He wore a simple undershirt and strapped cargo type pants with a holstered shotgun and ruby knife. An upbringing split between artistic pursuits and militaristic principles crafted him into one of the best custom weapon craftsman around. As well, his arsenal of powerful shotguns and specialty knives, mixed with his physique and track record in the field, gave him a reputation for being one of the most dangerous bodyguards in the region. Torus was on this expedition to both protect and discover. Sandra, a long time friend, had hired him to help with mineral sampling, and haul drilling equipment. His deadly skills were just a bonus. Other members of their group included Lenny and Cammeray. Lenny was in the lead checking each and every bit of flora in their path, looking for danger and edibles. He was the group’s botanist who was in charge of noting the groups of local flora, keeping everyone away from dangerous plants, and finding edible food to always keep their rations high. Being a lanky gentleman he wore a jumpsuit of sorts with many pockets for collecting samples, a small cap to keep his head dry, and a pack full of bio-preservation baggies. Torus was responsible for carrying the rations. Cammeray was off to one side taking pictures for Lenny’s plant catalogues so mapping the region would be easier for the next round of explorers. Also information like that sold for a tidy sum. Hopefully enough to fund the next expedition. She was the group’s photographer. Short, but steady enough with a camera with a good eye for natural lighting to make top quality pictures of the environment, Lenny’s samples, and whatever they discover along the way worth claiming. Torus was responsible for carrying her extra camera equipment. Sandra marched in front of Torus, holding a bag with many maps. She actively marked their coordinates to keep track of any claims they might find. Constantly she yelled at Lenny to adjust his direction a bit so he was leading them down a safe path in the right direction. She was the group’s navigator, funder, and the active commander, mostly because of her funding. She was tall, barely shorter that Lenny, and fit, though it did not show through her baggy silken cloth shirt and pants, meant to keep the wet of the forest away from her skin. She seemed to be the only one who thought of the pure wetness which one could encounter in a forest, having been on multiple expeditions to forest and jungle type environments. Rare as they may be, during her years as a navigator. But this forest was not damp. It was rather dry for the amount of flora. So her clothes were simply keeping in heat. Still useful when night fell. Torus was responsible for carrying her maping supplies. Torus was responsible for a lot. Like protecting the group. He constantly observed the environment. Looking for signs of Minercogs, Camillcogs, and any other crystalline pests which might hunt down the group for their battery stash. Cogs lived off of electricity and commonly hunted humans for the batteries that most people carried around. Torus and most other humans traded electricity as a form of currency. It was not in large supply since humans were stranded on this somehow gem rich, but copper poor planet. Sandra commanded Lenny to head west along a nearby river, leading them towards the plateau where they were planning on sampling for mineral resources. Recovered gem chunks and soil samples can tell what the local species of gemstone are and soil samples calculate the probability of finding other mineral resources nearby. Quartz and turquoise rich rock were paydirt to the militia for the copper content of the surrounding land, especially if c halcedony was present. The militia paid a hefty sum for the discovery of such potential resources. Copper had become so valuable that chalcedony was worth more if the copper was simply chemically extracted from the crushed material. Torus searched for signs of Cogs. Signs such as balloons high in the air which Minercogs, the most abundant species of Cog in the region, used coupled with a grounded iron rod. This coupling generated small amounts of electricity using the planet’s magnetic field. A Tesla discovery applicated through nature. No balloons in the air. No rod holes in the ground. Another sign is tunnels through rock faces for which Minercogs get their names. They dug tunnel matrixes deep into the sides of rock structures for quick travel from good energy collection sites to other locations and nests. No tunnels on nearby rock faces or any visible on the side of the plateau from this distance. The group was still more than a mile away from the bottom of the plateau. Lack of usable materials made air travel an extremely expensive venture so while they knew the rough distance between the edge of the forest and their destination they did not know what obstacles they might encounter along the way. The the trip had been relatively easy so far, save for a brush with a rogue Camillcog near the start of their journey. It had been hanging around where it saw humans, probably hoping to pick some off and loot their batteries. It did not know it would be encountering Torus. Before the Camillcog, named for its chameleon like ability to blend in, brushed off its refractory camilflogue Torus drew his Deadly Crystal brand shotgun from the holster and shot the Cog with a round of his own custom designed Buckshot. Comprised of a soft quartz shell with many round chunks of chemically pure sapphire, the shell easily shattered the Cog’s crystal lattice. The round had torn through so easily that the sapphire chunks flew too far to be recovered. “Damn!” Torus had exclaimed at his loss as he harvested the Cog’s stored electricity. “At least this bastard has enough energy to recharge a battery.” As the group followed the river a wall came into sight. It was too early to be a side of the plateau. Also it was the wrong color. Or rather the wrong opacity. The large wall they had crept upon was made completely out of smokey quartz crystal. It must have been more than a hundred feet high and was comprised of extremely large crystals which each scaled more than half the structure before breaking into a new formation. “Oh my.” Sandra said eyes wide in a tone of awe. “T…That’s unexpected.” “Wow!” Cammeray nearly shouted as she snapped multiple pictures of the wall. “So much quarts!” “This must be one of the largest deposit discoveries to date. And this is only above ground!” Lenny said excitedly as he picked up a medium chunk of quartz off the ground. It was as big as his palm. “Yes it is.” Torus said in a mischievous but happy tone. Just thinking about the cash they’d be getting for discovering this wall alone. “One large crystal on this wall must be worth several hundred batteries. Maybe more.” He continued “The commission we’ll get on the claim will be worth a freakin mint!” “Yes it will.” Sandra said. Still slightly in awe, but also in contemplation. This didn’t seem right. Quartz didn’t grow like this. Especially not above ground. Something this big. This simple. This ordered. “Hey guys!” Sandra called out to her group. “I think this is a man made structure!” The group looked at her. Lenny and Cammeray seemed a bit dumbstruck. Torus continued to examine the structure. “Your right Sandra.” Torus said while examining the wall closer. “It’s definitely not natural. But…not manmade. Something made it. But not humans. “Who else could make all this?” Cammeray asked. “Not sure.” Torus said. “But humans haven’t been here long enough to accomplish something like this. Not something of this scale. And even if we somehow had, something this big would be a major landmark. It not being discovered for this long alone is baffling.” “True.” Lenny said from the side. “And few groups of….. rebels.. that exist outside of the militia’s control don’t have the numbers to accomplish something like this.” Then turning toward the group said“ This is terrestrial.” “What does that mean?” Cammeray asked. “It means that we aren’t the first intelligent life to live here.” Sandra answered. “The Cogs aren’t smart enough to build structures, and while we haven’t found any evidence of intelligent life here before, we don’t know everything. We haven’t explored everywhere.“ She continued. “This is bigger than a simple resource claim. This wall might have been here for millions of years before we arrived.” She paused. “I like this” She said with a smile.” After an hour of hard deliberation between Lenny, Torus and Sandra over what to do next, Cammeray didn’t really have a voice in the matter, the group decided that the best course of action would be to continue following the wall and mapping out the max amount of material they could get a claim for. It’s was pretty easy to be screwed by the system if you didn’t have photographic evidence of every little bit. They couldn’t trust the militia to pay it forward without meticulous documentation. Lenny had argued that it would be best for them to head back immediately. And that discovery of this magnitude was best left to the militia to map and secure. But neither Torus or Sandra would hear it. Sandra was more curious about what they might discover than she was cautious about what this particular unknown might hold. And Torus wanted to map out as much as possible to increase his chunk of electricity when they headed back. “Fine.” Lenny conceided. “But if anything happens I am never working with you again.” Sandra sighed. “Okay Lenny. But there’s nothing to worry about. We haven’t seen any Cogs since be started, and Torus is here to protect us. “There’s more than one way to get in over our heads.” Lenny retorted. He had a bit of a conflict with Sandra’s methods in the field. But he needed the batteries and almost always agreed to go along. So much stress had built up between them that if this fell through and something bad happened this would be the last expedition for Lenny with the group. They traveled south along the wall, which continued to maintain its height and visible thickness for approximately four miles, and slightly curved to the right as they traveled south. Then slightly west. Then completely west. “Alright. I think it’s safe to assume at this point that the wall goes around the whole of the plateau.” Torus said. He had sat down on a large quartz crystal off to the side of the wall to rest. He was drenched in sweat after these last few hours of carrying over a hundred pounds of equipment. Nothing he normally couldn’t handle. But the wall was getting darker colored as they traveled its length and the darker color made it retain more heat. He could feel the rise in temperature from twenty feet away. The whole group was in a similar state of damp sweatiness. Except for Sandra that is. She was dressed for being wet. “I think you’re right” Sandra replied. “I also think it’s about time to start drilling through.” “What?!” Lenny shouted. “I thought after traveling the length we would be heading home.” “No.” Torus said. “We need to see what’s behind this wall. Imagine what would happen if we got back and gave our report. It would only include this wall. We would get paid ONLY for this wall. Beyond, there might be tens of times more. Other walls. A church made of lead. Who knows? Just imagine what we could find.” “Indeed” Sandra said. “Even if what we have so far is worth more than a fortune for each of us. We could always use more.” She continued. Then chuckled “Hehehe. This will fund expeditions for the rest of my life.” Lenny lemented not turning back himself when he had the chance. “Hey!” Cammeray shouted while photographing a rather large group of crystals which had fallen off the wall, and the spots where they fell from. “So how much are we talking about here? I’m not too good with estimating the value of this stuff.” “Well. Considering the sheer length of the wall so far, and from what we can extrapolate about its length if it circumnavigates the whole plateau at the same rate it has so far.” Sandra said while doing simplified estimation calculations on a piece of scrap parchment. “I would say with just the photographs so far we would be getting at least….two hundred thousand batteries. Or three thousand one hundred and twenty five militia issued battery packs of sixty four each.” Cammeray’s jaw dropped. “Th…Th…That’s… HOLY HELL!!!” She shouted. Nearly blasting off Lenny’s ear, who had been gathering small quartz crystal off the ground right next to her. “I could live the rest of my life off that.” She marveled at the idea. “Yes. Most anyone could. And your share is fifteen percent. So… close to a seventh of the rest of your life.” Torus said in an un-modest tone. His share was twenty five percent. With what they had so far he could fund development of his own line of railguns and mass produce the many, many designs he had been field testing for ammunition. The mischievous smile widened just thinking about it. “Enough talk.” Sandra said sternly. “It’s time to drill. Torus, get out your equipment.” Torus complied and pulled out what looked like a sideways jackhammer tipped with many small drill bits and a smaller handheld electric screwdriver. Then he pulled out a rail with three holes down the center of its base. Placing the rail on the ground on the edge of the wall, he filled the holes. Huge screws needed to be used, which he power screwed into the hard ground, securing the rail. Then the large drill was mounted onto the rail, its height was adjusted, and eight full batteries were inserted. “Cover your ears and step back!” Torus shouted as he switched the machine on. It was loud. Each drill bit spun at an incredible speed. Then at the push of a button the whole machine slowly started to move forward into the quartz wall. Then punctured the crystal, instantly cracking it a foot in each direction. “Came in a little hot there!” Sandra shouted at Torus. “Sure did!” Torus shouted back. “Not a problem though!” He continued while shaking his head. The cracks weren’t deep enough to compromise the drilling. And soon the drill bits disappeared into the wall. Torus reversed the drill, and took out a large hammer and metal pick. The areas in between the drill bits needed to be cleared away to continue. And in one hard crack he busted the crystal in between the holes into a pile of sparkling material beneath the drill. “Lenny. Help me clean this up please.” Torus said in an authoritative tone. Lenny complied. As Lenny and Torus gathered together the crystal rubble the wall started to shake. The ground followed suit. Lenny fell backwards, barely missing two sharp pieces of crystal which, if he were slightly to either side, would have given him an extra hole in his behind. Sandra dropped to one knee, and Cammeray fell against and held onto Torus’ chest as he hung onto the large drill. While the group struggled, the wall that they were drilling into started to slowly lift. Inch by inch at first. After nearly a minute of rising its pace grew to over a foot a second. It stopped at nearly forty feet in the air. Then so did the shaking. Then the group could finally regain composure. “Is everyone alright? Lenny?” Sandra asked as she stood shakily. “My ass is closer to these crystals than I would like, and I’m plenty shaken up, but otherwise yes.” Lenny answered as he carefully rose off the ground and away from anything sharp. “Cammeray?” Sandra asked. “Just fine.” Cammeray answered. “Just fine indeed.” She said softly, as she stared at Torus’ chest which she had eagerly grasped onto, and now was having a hard time letting go of. “Torus?” Sandra asked. “Ya. I’m fine. Though I have a clingy paparazzo problem over here.” He said as he shewed Cammeray away. “Also the equipment’s safe. So that’s good.” “Good indeed.” Sanda said. “I’m glad everyone’s alright. Now. What the hell just happened?” She asked while walking over the newly opened archway under the risen wall. “It seems the wall lifted.” Torus answered. “I can see that.” Sandra snapped. “I mean why did it happen?” “Well.” Lenny broke in. “look on the ground under where the wall was. It’s pitch black.” He pointed to a very large black looking surface under where the risen wall. “Looks like a magnet.” Torus said while examining it. “A BIG one. And there’s another on the bottom of the wall above us.” Up above on the underside of the wall was another very large magnet. By the look of it, it was over twenty feet long. “Holy crap!” Sandra said in surprise. “Look at how thick the wall was. We would have never drilled all the way through.” “That’s what you’re surprised about?” Lenny asked rhetorically. “Yep.” Torus said replying to Sandra. “And look at the size of that electromagnet. Now we know for sure that this structure was built by someone. Or something.” “How do you figure it’s an electromagnet? Sandra asked. “It only moved when we disturbed it. Earth magnets don’t just start and stop. But electromagnets do. “Ooooooh my.” Cammeray said very softly and in awe. “Would you look at that.” Just past the wall was a huge field of quartz crystals. Some single crystal pillars reaching as high as a hundred feet. Some in simple piles of varying sizes. Each one a treasure trove in itself. Torus looked around with a goofy smile, nearly drooling. In his head he was attempting estimate how much this field was worth. If there was still nearly a mile between them and the plateau and if the whole way all around the inside was filled all the way around the plateau in a circle. Well…. He would have more than one line of railguns. That was for sure. Sandra also marveled at the sheer size of their discovery which seemed to get better and better by the minute. Then Cammeray half shouted excitedly “I’m going in to get a better look and take some pictures!” and started to run forward. Instantly Torus ran up and grabbed her from behind. “Are you stupid?!” Torus yelled. Cammeray was stunned. Then he continued. “Those magnets are large and powerful enough to lift that crystal! Do you have any idea what that will do to your little camera?! Or any ferrous metals on you?!” “Oh!” Cammeray said in a moment of realisation. “The magnets slipped my mind. Hehe. She chuckled nervously. “So I can’t take pictures inside? She asked. “No.” Torus replied. “Just what you can manage through this large…. gateway. “Awe.” Cammeray groaned. “I’ll be useless inside.” “You can help Torus carry equipment” Sandra said. Scanning what she could of the vast field. “Right?” “No.” Torus replied. “We won’t be able to bring most of the equipment with us. Almost all of it will be pulled to the ground.” “Damn!” Sandra exclaimed. “So it’s all manual exploring from here.” She continued. “ Alright everyone. Prepare yourselfs. Torus, Cammeray, put all of the equipment we can’t take with us in a safe place. We’ll pick it up on our way out.” “Wait a second!” Lenny exhumed. He was agitated now. “I think this is enough. We need to turn back now. Why risk it when we can take back proof that the field is there? At this point we’re rich already!” “Because the field is just the beginning” Sandra answered. “What?” Lenny asked. “All of this quartz is outside of this plateau. The huge ARTIFICIAL wall around this plateau. They are both very amazing things. But what do you suppose could be inside? Sandra asked. “I don’t know.” Lenny said. “But I don’t want to find out.” “It could be whoever or whatever built this structure. It could be a treasure trove of rare minerals, gold, titanite, COPPER!” Sandra said completely ignoring Lenny’s comment. “We need to find out what. That is why I come out here. To discover what others haven’t. To see what have never been seen.” Lenny looked very mad at this point. “And I come out here to pay the bills!” He shouted. “Not to die exploring terrestrial unknown structures.” He was fuming. “We were just here to find some minerals. I thought we would be done by now. A quick job.” He continued. “Why do you suppose all of the explorers that came here before us never reported this wall? Let alone that field?” He asked. But without waiting for an answer said “Because whatever is in there stopped them somehow. It only makes sense. It either stripped their memory or threatened them!” “Okay Lenny. All good points.” Sandra said genuinely. “But this far along you don’t really have a choice. When we come out of there, no matter what we find, we will be rich.” She continued. “You won’t ever have to work with me again. You have no safe way back. Sure, you can avoid the dangerous plants. But if a Cog find you, you’re dead. If you go in the wrong direction for too long, you’re dead. And we both know you need the batteries more than you need an arm or a leg.” Sandra said right in Lenny’s face. Lenny waited a long time, just staring Sandra in the eye. Standing his ground. Neither Torus or Cammeray made a sound the whole time. This was better than a downtown play and they didn’t want to ruin it. Sandra just stared back. Eventually after a long pause Lenny sighed. “Okay. Let’s go.” He said in a hushed voice. After packing up all of their ferromagnetic equipment into the many bags that Torus had been hauling all this time the group ventured under the raised wall and into the crystal laden field. Torus went first, next Sandra, then Lenny, and last Cammeray. The instant Cammeray stepped onto the very large magnet under the raised wall she plummeted hip first onto the magnet. “Augh!” She yelped as she hit the ground. She hit hard. “What the hell Cammeray.” Sandra said in an exhausted tone. “Torus said no cameras.” “Well sorry.” Cammeray said in a sarcastic tone. “I just wanted to make sure we got as many pictures as possible. You know? As proof.”. She grabbed the camera in her pocket and attempted with all of her might to pull it free of the fabric, and with no small amount of effort she successfully got it loose and stood up. “Thanks for not helping by the way.” she snorted at the group as she adjusted her clothing. “Cammeray, I appreciate you wanting to get as many pictures as possible. But you can’t go against the laws of electromagnetic attraction..” Sandra said as she started walking ahead of the group. “Now come on. Time is wasting.” Lenny walked behind Sandra and kept a lookout for opportunities to be useful. But as far as he could tell there was absolutely no plant life this side of the wall. Cammeray trailed behind Lenny, attempting to keep up with Sandra who was now walking faster. Torus trailed behind everyone. He was cautious. Without his shotgun Torus felt naked. All he had now was a thick blade faceted from ruby. The red color made it look intimidating, like it was constantly soaked in the blood of enemies, and ruby was hard enough to take care of nearly anything that would attack them. But not fast enough. The group traveled for half an hour traversing their way through the crystal field. Really taking in the scale of this vast quantity of quartz. The crystals got closer together the further in they went, and as they neared the bottom of the plateau there were no more paths available. “Now what?” Lenny asked as they stopped for a moment at a dead end. “We look for a way to get closer.” Sandra said in a matter of fact manor. “We need to find a way inside. Tunnel holes or any large cave entrances.” “Are we looking for a Cog’s nest?” Lenny asked a bit shocked by the prospect. “I doubt it.” Sandra answered. “Any known species of Cog would have attacked by now.” “Probab-” Lenny started to say, but was cut off by a loud shriek from above. At that moment, far above them a large group of ape looking creatures came out of the side of the plateau. They burrowed out of fresh holes, and shimmered in the light. It was evident that they were Cogs of some sort. But ones that no one in the group had seen before. The ape Cogs rushed down towards the group. “Six, twelve, eighteen. There are twenty of them!” Torus yelled out. “Everyone fall back. Run toward the larger crystals!” On Torus’ command everyone bolted away from the plateau. No one questioned him. He had saved the group from too many scrapes before to be questioned about battle strategy. The ape Cogs jumped from the plateau with great speed. They soared through the air and each landed and grasped onto a large quartz pillar. The whole group converged behind the same crystal pillar. All out of breath. They had bolted a good hundred feet away from the plateau. And in the meantime the Cogs had been jumping from pillar to pillar making their way toward the group. Torus looked back. He didn’t see anything. The Cogs were nowhere in sight. Then he looked up. Every single Cog had managed to squeeze itself upon the single large pillar which the group was under. “God damnit! Torus yelled as the Cogs descended. PROTECTING ALL PARTIES “What do you think Master will do with them?” Says one shadowed figure. “Probably chip them. Just drag and be quiet. It doesn’t matter what master wants with them. Master just wants them as soon as possible.” Says a second shadowed figure. “But they’re human. Master said that humans are dangerous.” Says a third obviously stronger shadowed figure. “Yes. and that’s why Master chips them. It makes them harmless to master.” Says the second. “Like I said. Just drag and be quiet.” These three figures were dragging along four humans through a dark tunnel. The strongest one of the bunch dragged two. Each had hunched over posture, long, strong looking arms, and short but powerful legs. As they came out into a large cavern a light from above shown upon them. Each resembled a large orangutan in shape, but their bodies sparkled in the light. They were made of quartz crystals. What little biological matter they possessed was buried deep within layers of quartz crystal. Each limb was connected and moved by the strengthening and weakening of complex arrangements of electromagnets. They were Cogs of some sort. “Grrrrr. They killed two of us out there. They killed the one who always tells the best jokes of the troop.” The first ape Cog said. “I know. But Master said not to hurt them. As much as I would love to break this big one’s arm.” The second one said while staring back at an unconscious Torus. “Would Master really know if we beat em up a bit before handing them over? For all Master would know the injuries could have happened in the fight.” The first one asked. “Master would know.” The second one said in a matter of fact tone. Torus felt a sharp pain behind his skull. Then again, and again. He lifted his head slightly and opened his eyes a crack. It took him a minute to regain his senses. He was being dragged by three strange ape Cogs. They were muttering unintelligibly to each other. The one dragging him turned to face him, growled low, and muttered back at the other two. “What happened?” Torus thought. The last thing he remembered was cutting straight through two Cogs at the same time trying to protect Sandra from a head on attack. Then it was blank. While only peeking out his eyelids Torus slowly turned his head. Everyone was captured, but dead. Just out cold. With a slow steady hand he reached down to his waist. “Damn!” He thought. “They took my blade.” They hadn’t killed him yet. So they must not be after his electricity. Maybe they thought that the group could produce electricity for them, such as with a running wheel like humans do with some indigenous species. Whatever thee ape Cogs were planning on doing was not good. He knew that. Torus tried to think of a plan. He was the only one conscious. He had no weapons, no support, and no way to not be immediately swarmed when he made his move. Being outnumbered in this case trumped being intelligent. He would have to be reckless to win. Just then Torus heard Lenny’s voice. Or more accurately, Lenny’s whine. He must have been waking up. When the ape Cogs heard Lenny whining they stopped and started to yell and prod at each other. Like they were arguing. The largest one let go of both Cammeray and Sandra, then punched Lenny in the face attempting to knock him out again. “This is my chance!” Torus thought. As quick as a railgun firing he was up and had an ape Cog in his arms. And just as fast that ape Cog had Torus flat on his ass, with a fist in his face. Torus’ vision went dark again. “Crap. These humans are crafty. Waiting for us to hurt one of his allies to attack. I didn’t even see him coming behind me.” The first ape Cog said. “Didn’t stop you from planting a punch square in its nose.” The third one chuckled. “Oh ya. That happened. Shoot! I think I broke his nose. I hope Master doesn’t notice.” The first one said. “Maser will.” The second one said coldly. “Master knows all that goes on within our home.” Then the ape Cogs picked everyone up and began to drag the group along to their destination. This time when Torus awoke he was propped up against a large boulder. His arms were restrained by handcuffs magnetized to the stone. His head hurt worse than before and he was sure his nose was broken. He remembered getting knocked out, this time. Cammeray and Sandra were in similar positions restrained to his right, and Lenny to his left. “Look who’s up. Sleepyhead.” Sandra said followed by a groan. “Ugh. Ya. I’m up.” Torus sighed. “Anything I should know about our situation?” He asked. “At this point we’re both equally informed.” Sandra answered. “And those two haven’t even stirred yet. But I can see breathing. So that’s good.” “Maybe. Depends on what these ape Cogs want. We might be better off dead.” Torus said in a grim voice. Then he attempted to break his handcuffs free of the magnetic rock. “Damn.” He muttered at his failure. “Hey Lenny, bud. Wake up!” Torus shouted in Lenny’s ear. Lenny didn’t budge. “Cammeray! There’s a spider on your face!” Torus shouted in Cammeray’s ear. “AAAAAHHHHH!!!” Cammeray screamed. “GET IT OFF!! GET IT OFF!!” Torus and Sandra both laughed. Though it was a strained laugh. “Wait what?” Cammeray asked. “Is there really a spider? Where am I? Why does my head hurt? Sandra what happened?” She asked in quick succession. “Relax. There is no spider. We don’t know where we are. Though I assume deep within the plateau considering the massive amount of quartz crystals on the walls. Your head hurts because you were knocked out. And I don’t know what happened after that.” Sandra answered. “I do.” Torus said. “Oh?” Sandra asked. “Ya.” Torus answered. “I woke up while being dragged. Those Cogs were bringing us through a cave, or tunnel. I couldn’t tell which in the lighting. I tried to take one while they were distracted, but was put down fast. They’re tough bastards.” He purposefully omitted what had caused the distraction. “They dragged us here?” Cammeray asked in a weak, squeaky voice. “W..w……What’s going to happen to us?” She asked. “I don’t know.” Torus answered. “But don’t worry. I’m gonna get us out’a here.” “I do not think so!” Said a very loud voice from above. It sounded like a male synthesized voice for auto reading to the blind. “Who then hell!?” Torus shouted. He looked around frantically attempting to identify the voice. “I the hell!” The voice answered. “I am the one who ordered you to be brought here!” “I figured that!” Torus shouted back. “I mean who the hell are you?! Also tone it down or move far, far away. We can hear you just fine!” “Oh. Sorry about that. I usually only have my little pets to talk to and they do not mind my volume, so I forget just how loud I can be.” The voice explained. “I am the one who ordered them to bring you here. Though it seems they were a little too rough with you. Sorry about that.” The voice apologized. “And who are you? Are you just avoiding the question?” Sandra asked now curious since the voice didn’t seem TOO malicious. “Oh yes. Sorry. I forgot my manners. It has been awhile since I have had visitors. I am a Silicone Acclimated Conscious Computer. My pets call me Master, but I prefer the name Ruq Taz, or simply Taz. “ Taz explained. “I mean you no harm. I simply want to talk to you and maybe convince you to keep this place a secret.” “You want us to keep this place a secret?” Sandra asked. “Do you realise how much good all of the minerals in this area could do for us?” “I do. I have heard your plights and reasons for exploration before. Money. Fame. Discovery. Appropriation of copper sources and heavy mineral deposits for the production of generators.” Taz said. If there was any tone of sympathy in its voice it was lost on them. Its speech sounded like spliced together sound files. “But I cannot allow you to bring your kind here in mass. If so this place would be mined clean and I would surely be destroyed. It happened to some of my siblings around other parts of the planet when you humans first arrived here, a little over three centuries ago. That is why what you call Cogs, our pets, were made. To keep you distracted and at bay; to keep us safe.” “You made the Cogs!?” Torus shouted. “Those damn things kill off countless people every year to steal our energy!” “No. I only created my pets here. Just to protect me. My pets do not kill unless I order it. You, strong one. You killed two of my pets before being subdued. My pets did not harm you further than necessary to keep you easily transportable, even though you killed two of their kind. They are very compliant.” Taz said. “I see.” Torus said in a low tone. He still didn’t trust this Taz to not just sic his ‘pets’ onto the group while they can’t defend themselfs. “So how do you expect to make us keep this secret?” He asked. “Well.” Taz said. “I know that I cannot trust you to just not report the existence of this place to your government. which I believe you call, the militia. So I will be implanting you with a few chips in your brains which will put you into a permanent vegetative state if I decide that I feel threatened.” “You can’t do that!” Sandra shouted. “That’s completely unethical!” “That does not matter to me. I do not want to die, and you do not want to die. So once done it will be in your best interest to not reveal this place.” Taz said. “Now. In a few minutes my pets will be back to transport you for the surgery. Be prepared to be rendered unconscious one more time.” Cammeray burst out into tears. She had been trying hard to keep them at bay in front of Sandra and Torus. But upon hearing ‘surgery’ she lost it. Not only had she been captured by weird ape Cogs and been scared by a fake spider threat, but now she was going to be cut open and could practically die at any moment if this big computer willed it. “Shhhh shhh.” It’s going to be fine.” Sandra said trying to comfort Cammeray. “So if you feel threatened we are just gone? Poof? Vegetables?” Torus asked through gritted teeth. “Yes.” Taz answered. “And please do not cry girl. If you do not talk about me then there is a good chance that you be fine.” Taz continued. “Now my pets. Please prep for surgery.” Ape like Cogs started coming out of tunnels all around the cavern. One came up to each of the group members and wrapped one of their arms around each person. Except for Lenny. He was still out cold. The first one to pass out was Cammeray who was already short on oxygen from her sobbing. Next was Sandra who was cursing even after she had no more breath with which to curse. Last was Torus who stared hard at what Torus could only assume was his choker’s eye. “Why are we stuck with this guy again?” The first ape Cog said. “Because Master said we are.” The second one said. “Though I still want to break this one’s arm.” “Hold it. Were passing the generator. You two want a snack before taking this guy to be sliced?” The first one asked. “We shouldn’t.” The second one said. “I need a boost.” The third one said. “It’s been almost three hours since my last recharge.” “Fine.” The second one said. “But only a quick snack. Here, let’s drop him off in the corner so if he wakes up he has nowhere to run. Torus rose into consciousness once again. “One more time and I don’t think I’ll wake up.” Torus thought as he cracked his eyes. The three ape Cogs transporting him were pushing their faces into ports on the wall opposite of him. They seemed to be enjoying it. “Must be an outlet.” Torus thought. From a cursory view, the room was pretty small and the three ape Cogs were the only ones there besides him. The door was blocked off by the biggest one. If Torus made a run for it he probably wouldn’t even make it out of the room. Considering the ease of which these ape Cogs knocked him out all three times; he did not want to clash fists again. He needed to finish them off before they even noticed. “Fat chance.” He thought. Then Torus remembered what the ape Cogs were going to do to him, and to the others. They planned on prepping him for surgery. He didn’t feel any fresh wounds around his head, besides the ache from being rendered unconscious multiple times. “Good.” He thought. “The others probably haven’t been cut open either.” Torus was now reasonably sure that if he were to escape the others would not become vegetables from Taz’s self preservatory murder process. Greedy feeding noises were coming from each ape Cog in the little troop. Loud enough to drown out some light shuffling. Torus saw an opportunity. It was impossible to tell what type of generator Taz was using to keep up its electricity production, and Torus didn’t know nearly enough about the subject of generators as he should, given the world in which he lived. His work dealt more with the use of electricity than any production processes. But he did know same basics. Redirecting electricity back into the system on the same route you can overload the circuit the generator and it will short circuit. Or setting fire to a gas tank for a fuel burning generator will cause it to blow. “Oooo.” Torus thought with a slight grin on his face. There was a pipe embedded into the wall next to him which was emitting a great amount to heat. So much so that Torus could feel it from three feet to his right. “Must be geothermal.” He thought. “This will be fun.” If the pipe is burst open then both Taz and its pets would be left without power. They would quickly die from dead batteries. And the pipe which was glowing was facing the three ape Cogs which were neglecting their collective job to hold him captive. “Two birds with one stone.” Torus thought. Scanning the room Torus saw very little he could work with. Some quartz crystals, a small set of carved stones, a dead lizard. Nothing useful. A very large rock would be nice, but he would settle for a fist sized one. Or just something which could puncture the pipe. Then out of the corner of his eye Torus spotted a crevice in the rock. It was slightly facing away from him down the wall, but there was a spike like object sticking out of the edge. “Is that a pickaxe?” Torus thought, eyes widened from the prospect. It made sense for there to be mining equipment. These tunnels had to be dug out by something, and the ape Cogs here were not made with drills on their bottoms like a Minercog. A pickaxe would mean an actual chance of busting the pipe. He would only get one opportunity to do this. If bursting the pipe fails they may just kill him this time. Taz said that they would not, but there was no reason for him to trust Taz. This could just be a game for it. It might have been bored from spending so much time with simple Cogs and developed some twisted tastes in entertainment. “Okay man. On the count of three.” Torus said to himself in an attempt to prepare for his slim chance at avoiding being sliced open. Crick Crick Crack “Did you hear that?” The second Cog asked to the first”. “Hear what?.” The first one asked. “The only sound I hear is the sweet buzzing of my charging port.” “That. Did you hear that?” The second one asked again. “Oh…. ya. Wonder what that was.” The first one said. “Probably just the human waking up again.” The third one answered. “I’ll go put him down again. I haven’t gotten a turn at it yet.” It turned around to the corner to see nothing. “Wah?” It muttered quizzically. “Where did he go?” It asked. Then the third one looked to the left and saw Torus whacking away at the hot water pipe. There were already sprits of extremely high temperature water spurting out. “Hey!!! He’s busting the pipe!!!” The third one yelled as he rushed toward Torus in an attempt to stop him from flooding the room. But it was too late. Just as the other two turned around to see what their compatriot was yelling about the pipe busted wide open. Superheated water rushed out in a high pressure jet directly at each ape Cog. In an instant the three were jettisoned toward their charging ports. Unfortunately for Torus, said charging ports were live, a factor he had not taken into account, and the ports started to spark one by one. Sandra awoke to the rumbling of nearby explosions. The ape Cogs prepping her for surgery immediately rushed out of the small room. One closed a large stone door behind it, trapping her in. A human killed on accident would only lessen their troubles. Her head ached as she rose from the stone bed where she had been placed. The silken clothing she was wearing had been nearly torn to sheds sometime between being choked out and waking up here. Cogs couldn’t pose a threat to her modesty, they weren’t human, but if she were too meet up again with any of the group it would certainly cause an awkward moment. Moments later there was another explosion and rumble coming from somewhere close by. Screeches and panicked mutterings could be heard through the stone as Cogs ran past in both directions. “Hello!” Sandra shouted thinking that if anyone was nearby, and awake, they would be able to hear her through the walls. “Are you there!? Lenny! Cammeray! Torus!”. She listened….. no voices. Just more explosions and scurrying. “Come on!” Sandra shouted in a commanding tone. “Get us the hell out of this Torus!” Countless times he had saved the many groups Sandra brought together. Never had there been a casualty, never had there been a completely failed expedition, and never had Torus let her down. These explosions were probably his doing. At this moment he was probably rescuing Lenny or Cammeray. Nothing would make her happier at this moment than for him to move the stone door aside and flood the room with the broken crystal shards of a dozen ape Cogs. “I need to get out of here.” Sandra said to herself. “I won’t have my life and death depend on the mood of that damned computer.” Bracing herself Sandra stood. The pain wasn’t nearly as intense as she thought it would be, but a dull throb found its way into her right shoulder whenever she flexed it, and she had a headache. The door was the obvious choice for an exit, but the Cogs had shut it tight. From a distance it just appeared to be a huge slab of round stone which was rolled in front of the exit. But as heavy as it might be it only took one ape Cog to close it as they fled. Up close though it was obvious how it only took one of them. Below the door was a long black strip leading from one side to another. “A magnet. Just like under the quartz pillar outside.” Sandra said to herself. “If I can just move it.” She braced herself and pulled. “Urrgg!” She grunted as she pulled at a small hole near the right edge. After several seconds of pulling the door started to creak open. But it didn’t take long for the pain in her right shoulder to turn into a sharp stab, and she was forced to stop. Only a fraction of the hallway could be seen through the new crack in the door. “Damn.” She moaned. Then sighed and said “Once more.” This time her hands held onto the door’s edge. A much better gripping point. “Urrgg!” She grunted. Faster now, the door slid along its magnetic rail. In no time there was a sliver large enough to squirm through. “Okay….. Where to now?” Sandra huffed. To the left there was another explosion, then more Cog mutterings. “Well, wherever I go it should be away from all that.” She continued. “Better look for someone.” After her quick respite Sandra started down the hallway to her right, hoping that her companions weren’t too far off. Lenny bolted up. The last thing he remembered was being knocked down by an was overwhelming ape like Cog; attempting to protect Cammeray. Wide eyed he scanned the room. It appeared to be a makeshift hospital of some sort. Vials on a nearby wall were marked ‘Antibiotics’ with simple paper labels. “Oh geez, oh man, oh god.” Lenny said panicking. “What the hell did they do to me!?”. Frantically he searched his whole body. Checking every small ache and sting for something out of place. A missing ear, a stomach scar, anything. Torus had caused a panic before anyone had even been prepped for Taz’s surgery. Let alone cut open. But Lenny didn’t know that. In fact, he didn’t even know who Taz was. Being knocked out for whole conversations was counterproductive to learning anything, but if he were conscious at the time there would have simply been more screaming involved. Screaming at Taz, screaming at Torus for not protecting them, and screaming at Sandra for not listening to him about turning back. Lenny sighed. “No cuts. Just a piercing headache. Where am I?” He asked himself. “This room is made of stone. Must be somewhere underground.” He reasoned. “Or inside the plateau. Is there a way out?” He asked himself. There was no exit in sight as far as he knew. Then again being knocked out for so long might have skewed his perception a bit. The huge stone door blended into the wall and he didn’t even notice the black magnetic rail on which it rested. “Damn! Trapped.” He thought. Without any further course of action in sight Lenny resigned himself to waiting for whatever fate the Cogs had in store for him. At one point he thought there was a slight vibration followed by a distant noise, but he chalked it up to some natural seismic activity. If he was underground it wouldn’t be unusual. Cammeray lay on the table. Passed out. Exhausted from trekking the forest, struggling against her restraints, and emotional distress. The ape Cogs that transported her had the least trouble of all. She was by far the lightest one to carry. The explosions that Torus caused were so far away that her little surgury chamber didn’t even feel ambient vibrations. Far away, Sandra snuck down a hall. Water had begun to flow behind her. There was no use in drowning, so she was looking for any sign of an uphill slope or offshoot tunnel where she could climb and be safe. It was a good thing she escaped from her little surgery room or else she might have eventually drowned. Hundreds of small tunnels were dug out of the main hall she was in. None were large enough to fit into. Some though were leaking, telling her that the water was coming from above somewhere. No ape Cogs had crossed her path yet. Either they all had rushed toward the explosions or there were not nearly as many as she thought. It didn’t matter to her which, as long as she was free at the moment. But there were still Cogs in the tunnel. Just after turning a corner two larger Cogs came rushing down the hall with great speed. They looked as panicked as the situation warranted considering their home seemed to be flooding and in some distant area exploding. They stopped when they spotted Sandra. She didn’t fathom running. At this point she knew they would catch her. Their speed was apparent. Slowly she walked up to them. They muttered to each other for a second. Then one quickly ran passed Sandra toward the flooding, and the other waved its hand signaling Sandra to follow. She did, and they walked down the hall. HYBRID ASPIRATIONS Torus had known since the age of seven that he was a creative. A painter mother had refined his hands to be steady, controlled, and nimble. A militia quartermaster father had drilled his mind to comprehend the intricacies of weapon assembly. Both qualities shaped him into the man and designer that he was. The abilities to understand the aesthetics of sleek symmetrical weapon design while also instilling maximum efficiency turned every weapon he produced into a work of art. As well, physical appearance for him was a gift from his inherited genes. Strong arms, a broad back, a barrel chest, and muscular legs were all part of his natural physique. And each physical trait both scared and impressed his customers and companions. Without his hands he would be lost, and without his physique he would not command respect. Making him effectively useless to himself. It had been two weeks since the group was captured. Taz kept its promise to install chips within them. A special ape Cog, or ‘pet’ as Taz referred to them as, with great dexterity and knowledge of the human body performed the operations. No one asked how the ape Cog had gotten such intimate knowledge of humans. Everyone was a too scared to know the answer. After a brief explanation and mental bracing by Sandra, Lenny had a lengthy conversation with Taz, which was the reason for the mental bracing. Lenny accepted their situation soon after. And with a bit of persuasion Taz had allowed Lenny and a small team of his pets to go out and retrieve their supplies, as well as forage for food. There wasn’t anything humans could survive on in the tunnels. In order to get the group’s drilling supplies the ape Cogs had to climb over the wall to take turns tossing and catching the bags. Lenny watched in suspense. Each toss seemed like it would end in a broken drill or crushed camera. But these Cogs were surprisingly coordinated and got every bag over safety. After getting their supplies back Taz ordered that Cammeray’s cameras be destroyed. All evidence of the plateau’s natural resources had to stay hidden in order to keep Taz safe. While Cammeray understood the reasoning she did not appreciate having all of her equipment taken. Even some of Sandra’s mapping supplies had to be confiscated due to her directional notes on a safe path. Sandra spent most of the time asking questions to Taz. It was reluctant at first to share, but it had been quite a while since Taz had, had someone to talk to. Its pets, more like children Sandra found out, were not good conversationalists and communicated mostly with grunts and hand gestures. And even if they had the language skills they would not bring anything new to the table subject wise. It would boil down to daily cave doings and meager internal pet issues. Taz had a LOT to say regarding the history of the planet and what was around before humans and the Cogs. After getting over the trauma of getting knocked out multiple times and forcibly going through surgery, Cammeray resigned herself to examining the ape Cogs. They were unique. Much different than the other types that she had seen. Other Cogs had variants that didn’t change much between long distances. One area would have a species of Minercog comprised of quartz material and was a deep mixture of ametrine, while another area hundreds of mines away would have Minercogs comprised of light blue topaz. The same could be said about any currently known species of Cog on the planet. But these Cogs were an unencountered, or unreported, species which were much more intelligent and strong. Their resemblance to apes was also uncanny. Cammeray at one point asked Taz about this and it explained. “Since you humans arrived here on what you call Lycrast I examined your structure and your motions, and while it is far from an ideal form for maximum energy efficiency it is very suited to manual labor. Any resemblance between my pets and your ancestral forms is completely incidental. I have simply tweaked the form to one more suited to my needs for builders and protection. Others of what you call Cogs are based off of native creatures, mostly mindless, and run rampant throughout the planet since their production.” Everyday activities for Taz’s pets included mining new tunnels, feeding, protecting Taz, feeding, building structures based off instructions, feeding, repairing the damages that Torus caused with his escape attempt, and feeding. Taz wasn’t kidding when it said that its pets were not energy efficient. It was surprising to everyone that these Cogs were actually pretty friendly. Or at least they acted friendly around everyone who hadn’t actively murdered five of them. Unlike Torus who had. Cammeray followed a number of ape Cogs around the tunnels and watched them work. She could not understand any of their mutterings. So to communicate both the group and the ape Cogs used basic hand signaling. Except for Torus that is. He was not able to sign. In fact, Torus was not really talking much at all. What he did say was mumbled and incoherent. Mostly due to the pain meds. He was getting a LOT of pain meds. Torus had succeeded in bursting the geothermal pipe, and defeating the Cogs who fed while neglecting their duties. But in the process he ended up in pretty bad shape. After the water connected the charging ports the transformer transformer blew. Explosions ensued throughout the tunnel system where the multiple connected transformers routed to each other. Taz had never anticipated sabotage due to how it usually deals with unwanted guests, and took this lesson to heart after the carnage subsided. Torus was caught in the initial explosion. At the same time he was badly zapped by the electrified water. A mixture of fallen ceiling and electricity burns had left him nearly dead in the water. It was a good thing the explosion disconnected the chargers or else he would been zapped to death. A torrent of ape Cogs rushed to the chamber where they had heard an explosion and seeing the damage they immediately rescued and transported Torus to their surgery facility. The medical Cog that worked on the group quickly operated to the best of its ability. In the end Torus barely survived. After hearing about Torus Sandra had a Cog lead them all to the operating room where Torus lay unconscious. Bandages engulfed Torus’ whole body. They were told by Taz that because of the pain meds needed it would be weeks before he would even be coherent, let alone able to move. After another week both Lenny and Cammeray were very anxious to leave. Both of them had family, and both were very worried about the prospect of simply going brain dead at any moment. Lenny coped by rationalising that everyone was at risk of an aneurysm at any given point in time anyways. While not entirely similar it made him feel better about what he considered to be his eventual fate. Cammeray did not cope. She felt that she could disappear at any moment, and she wasn’t wrong. At any point in the foreseeable future if someone outed Taz and it was attacked then she would be instantly gone from the world. Taz allowed them to leave together. It was three weeks and two days after arriving that they said their goodbye to Sandra and left. Lenny made sure to gather plenty of food and showed Sandra what was edible in the nearby forest. Some ape Cogs helped them to get the bags back over the wall and pointed them back towards the way they came. Lenny promised to return the equipment to Torus’ shop. It was another week before Torus was eased off of the pain meds. Only a few hours after, he awoke. Torus slowly rose to consciousness. After being on a steady diet of pain meds for three weeks he was understandably groggy. Over the course of an hour he got more and more coherent. After fully waking up he tried to move. It was hard but he was able to turn his head and look around the room. His memory was fogged over so he didn’t recognise where he was, which was the main chamber. His bed was directly underneath where Taz’s voice came out. Sandra was sitting down nearby as he woke. “Sandra?” He wheezed out. “Where are we?” “It’s alright.” Sandra said in a soft voice. “We’re with Taz.” “Taz…. hrrr.” Torus moaned. “God damnit.” Where’s Lenny?” He asked. “Lenny decided that he wanted to go home. He left seven ago. Cammeray left with him.” Taz answered for Sandra. “You shut up!” Torus said in his attempt at a shout. “A week. Really? He asked Sandra directly. “Yes.” Sandra answered. “But it’s been longer. You have been out for three weeks.” “Three? Damn you computer!” Torus said as he attempted another shout. This time more successfully. “I saved your life. I kept you from pain. You killed my pets. You destroyed my transformers. You are lucky I did not refuse you treatment.” Taz said. “Grrrr.” Torus grumbled. “How bad is it?” He asked. “You lost all functionality off your limbs.” Taz said. “In order to restore motor function I had to order the installation of special parts.” Torus looked stunned. “What do you mean by lost all functionality, and Special parts?” Torus asked in a slow careful tone. “I mean that your arms and legs were each damaged far beyond healing. Your legs were crushed by a fallen chunk of ceiling. Your left arm was similarly crushed and severed. Your right arm received fourth degree electricity burns. Every one was compromised. Every one was replaced.” Taz explained. Torus could not comprehend what he was being told. He heard Taz talk, but he did not really hear most of it. The only word that stuck was ‘replaced’. Sandra attempted to calm Torus down to no avail. “Hey, hey!” She said as she put her hands on his chest. “It’s going to be fine. Taz gave you something new. Something great.” She said as she began to tear up. The impact of what happened had been winding down for her over the last few weeks. But now it was coming back, seeing how much Torus was rejecting it. “Re….. Replaced!? He replaced them!? You can’t replace my arms! My legs!” Torus yelled. His voice was returning to normal at this point. “It already did.” Sandra said sullenly. “Look at them.” Torus attempted to move his arm. He could, but he couldn’t feel it move, only see it. The arm shot up and took the covers with it. The bandages over Torus” chest had been removed and there was relatively no damage to be seen. Only a few scars remained from when small injuries he had there. But he wasn’t worried about his chest. When Torus looked over to the raised arm he didn’t believe it. What had moved was not an arm. Well, it was, but not his. There was no way he thought it could be. What he saw was a very large, smooth, quartz crystal in the rough shape of an arm. The upper arm connected to a small stub below his shoulder and went down to a makeshift joint. The joint connected to a similar forearm crystal and this structure continued down to a hand and fingers. Each piece could be moved. Each piece was transparent. Each piece was unbelievable. “H..how?” Torus asked in a mixture of awe and anger. “No wires?” “Indeed.” Taz said. “I had develop a system based off of your minds. While you were asleep for these last three weeks I worked on a way to give you workable synthetic limbs. Because I had to work as fast as possible I did not have the time to develope a new system to work from, so I started based off of my pet’s methods for movements. I scanned and studied your group’s active brains for weeks to develop an internal piece of hardware which can be called the ‘controller’. I had my pet, the one that installed all of your chips, integrate the controller into your nervous system. It reads the signals that your brain sends out, interprets them, and strengthens or weakens the appropriate electromagnets to fulfil the movement command.” Taz explained. “But. The magnets aren’t connected to anything. It can’t be real.” Torus said. Now in a more defiant than angry tone. “Yes they are.” Sandra said. “They are connected through…. um… oscillations.” “That is correct Sandra.” Taz said. “There is a chip on each electromagnet that oscillates at a different frequency. Each frequency is catalogued by the controller and then the stream of electricity going to any individual electromagnet is altered to push or pull the joint which it helps to control. The oscillation frequencies alleviate the need for wires because electricity can be transferred specifically on those frequencies.” “Oh. I understand.” Torus said. He was staring at his new left hand, clumsily attempting to control each finger. Each one moved completely independently without the constraints of joints. It looked creepy. “I need some time to think about this.” He said in a flat tone. “That is fine.” Taz said. “Later we will have much to talk about.” Sandra stared at him. They were both calm now, but in different ways. She had accepted what had happened weeks ago. Torus was just hit with it, and seemed to be in shock. Most amputees at least have some warning first. They see it coming, or see it happen. She could not imagine what it would be like to wake up missing a limb. “Do you want me to leave?” Sandra asked. “No.” Torus answered. “I’m gonna need some help up.” “You can’t get up!” Sandra shouted. You just woke up from a three week long medically induced coma!” “Sure did.” Torus retorted. “Now I need to get the blood flowing to my back Don’t want any bed sores. So please help me sit up.” He asked. “Oh. Okay.” Sandra said relieved. As long as he wasn’t trying to stand she thought he would be fine. In one motion Sandra grabbed behind Torus’ back and propped him upward. Torus’ moved his new arms back and attempted to support his leaning weight. Surprisingly, the arms locked into a normal position when the elbow joint was straightened, keeping Torus from falling backward onto the bed. “That was easier than I thought it would be.” Torus said. “They locked even though I didn’t tell them to stop.” “Taz told me that they would follow your expectations of regular movement.” Sandra explained. “Meaning that if you are used to your arms locking at that angle your brain remembers it and expects you to stop. Then when you feel that specific distress it locks the joints up to keep you from falling. “Hmm.” Torus said. “Saves me from quite a bit of training.” “Training?” Sandra asked. “Ya. Training. Or you might call it physical therapy. I would have had to learn how to walk again and everything. “Torus explained.” “But this will save a lot of time.” Then without warning Sandra, Torus attempted to step off the bed. As soon as his new legs hit the ground his joints locked up and he tipped over. “Gahh!” Torus yelled on his way down. “Damn it Torus!” Sandra exclaimed. “You said you wouldn’t try that.” She quickly went to help pull Torus off the ground. “Yep.” Torus said. “And I retract my last statement.” “You mean the ‘Gahh!’?” She joked. “Hah. No.” Torus laughed. “I’m gonna need to train HARD.” “Also what’s on my neck?” Torus asked feeling a ticking from the back of his neck. “Oh. Thats a wire for electricity.” Sandra answered. “What did you think was powering your arms and legs?” “I assumed my own body was. But now that I think about it, that would be silly.” Torus said. Sandra had left on Torus’ request. Help was one thing he didn’t want with this. If he was going to walk again he wanted it to be his own achievement. Over the course of a few hours Torus attempted to keep from locking up while standing. After a few tries, what Taz referred to as Torus’ ‘controller’ started to learn about his need to stand and Torus slowly got better control over how hard his joints locked up. Before long he was standing on his own. “I see that you are learning to use your new limbs at an exceptional pace.” Taz said while Torus was attempting to step forward. The surprise caused Torus to lock up early and fall over. “Come on!” Torus called out. “Don’t sneak up on me.” “I apologise Torus.” Taz said. “I was simply making an observation.” “Whatever.” Torus said. Distrust still separated Torus from Taz. He suspected that the computer wanted something from him, otherwise it seemed illogical to save Torus’ life in the situation. “If you have a moment I would like to discuss our next course of action.” Taz said. “Ya. I have a minute. Why wouldn’t I for the…. entity, that saved my life?” Torus said with a bit of sarcasm. “The one that still has control over it.” “Oh good.” Taz said. Torus couldn’t tell if Taz was capable of sarcasm back. But he suspected Taz was. “Just let me get up off the floor.” Torus asked. Torus struggled, but was able to pull himself into the stone bed which he had slept on for weeks. Then Taz started. “We both know that I did not have to save your life. You directly caused the deaths of five of my pets and nearly destroyed my geothermal generator. I needed to reroute power in some convoluted manners around my home, and had to leave some sections without power completely. My pets now have to share charging ports to suckle for barely enough power, like a litter of mammalians with too many young and not enough nipples.” Taz said. “But I saw a use in you.” Torus stared upwards with a scowl. Knowing fully well that it was too dark to see anything. But he was being monitored by something and he suspected it was up there along with Taz voice. “I have not had contact with any of my siblings, for over a century. I hear from others who find me that there are other pets which roam the world. I believe that these pets have been set free from my siblings purposefully as an attack on you humans.” Taz explained. “And why would your siblings want to kill us humans?” Torus asked. The agitation was rising in his voice after hearing where all Cogs originated. “When you humans first arrived here on Lycrast, my siblings and I monitored your habits. The way you strip the land for resources. Decimate whole areas of wildlife space. Fill the air with pollutants. We understood that most of your actions were necessary to survive. But we saw danger for ourselves. Immediately we ordered our pets to construct these great fortresses for us so as to protect us from harm. When completed humans had already been living here for fifty years and were advancing on our territories. I know from messenger pets that some of my siblings had already perished from human’s ignorance. You humans did not recognise what we were and simply struck us down. This was long before our ability to emulate human speech. My siblings didn’t stand a chance. I suspect that these roaming pets are in fact multiple species which were created to survive on their own, and to attack humans to keep them at bay.” Taz droned on. His monotoned, pieced together voice dulled the explanation. “And what use EXACTLY do I have to you?” Torus asked. Attempting to have Taz get to the point. “I want you to help me contact my siblings by transporting me from here to each of them. I need to convince them to pull their pets back in. Or at least to stop sending them out into the world.” Taz explained. “And why do you want that?” Torus asked skeptically. “If what you said was right then Cogs are good for you. They keep us humans away. “Because I do not want us to hurt you humans more than necessary. I try to cause the least amount of harm possible because I believe that we can both exist on this planet together, as long as you humans do not destroy us we can help each other.” Taz explained. Do you not want to stop the needless bloodshed over this misunderstanding between two intelligent species?” It asked. “I do.” Torus answered. He did not expect this from Taz. “And how would I be transporting you?” Torus asked. “I will condense my mind into a smaller form so as to freely move with you.” Taz answered. “This action would really compromise your safety wouldn’t it?” Torus asked. If Taz actually did something like that Torus would be impressed. But at the same time he would wonder if it is just a trick for some alternative means. “Yes it would. But I am willing to do this.” Taz said. “I have not had much correspondence with the majority of my siblings since my home was completed almost two and a half centuries ago. I care about them, and it is very lonely being a highly intelligent being without regular stimulus such as conversation. I also believe that this quest I have planned will stimulate us both quite a bit.” “That last part sounded a bit creepy.” Torus remarked. “But I see your reasoning.” He sighed. “If you are able to make yourself portable then……yes. I’ll take you with me and we can do this quest you have in mind.” Torus didn’t have much choice in the matter. If he refused Taz could just threaten him with brain death. “Oh good.” Taz said. “I will make the transfer preparations, give my smarter pets instructions for while I am not here, and command them to gather for you five pounds of copper.” “Five pounds!?” Torus shouted in disbelief. “Are you serious? That’s worth…” Torus took a minute to do the math. “over seventy five hundred batteries!” “I am aware that copper is a valuable resource to you humans. It is to us SACCs as well. I have little more than seven pounds total stored from my pet’s mining efforts.” Taz said. “I would not want our quest to be hindered by financial constraints. After their discussion Taz excused itself to prepare. Leaving Torus behind to practice his movements. Over the next few days Torus mastered his new limbs to the point where he was more steady and dexterous than ever before. Sandra had taken to gathering up what supplies she could food wise. The local flora were only so diverse that they both ate some sort of berries and crude fruit the whole time after Lenny’s initial gatherings had run out. “Good. I see you are nearly ready to depart.” Taz said when it saw Torus jumping up and down. “Ya. I feel good. These legs are really powerful.” Torus said grinning. He didn’t want to like his new limbs and was still depressed from his loss, but he knew when he had something good. And these new limbs were better than anything he’d ever felt. Not even an athlete could do the things he now could. Jumping ten feet in the air, while carrying his own weight, or previous weight, in rocks was trivial. “Glad to hear it.” Taz said. “I have told Sandra to get everything packed. It is time to leave.” “Oh?” Torus asked. “So then you condensed yourself already?” “Yes I have.” Taz replied. “I have condensed my structure into that of a local quartz lattice.” “Mhmm. And where would that be exactly?” Torus asked. “Above you right now.” Taz answered. Torus looked up into the cavern. High above him there was a small teal light descending quickly. This was the first time Torus had seen anything of structure above, giving him a good idea of how massive the cavern really was. After several seconds of descent the teal light came into real view. At the center there was a light blue colored quartz crystal shaped like a disk. Obviously carved into it’s present shape. “Okay Torus. I want you to take hold of me now.” Taz said. Its voice no longer came out of nowhere though. Torus heard Taz in his own head. “Why can I hear you in my head?” Torus asked surprised. “I am sending a signal to the controller in your brain.” Taz explained. “Now please grab hold and do not drop me. I do not want to die because of a slip in your motor control. “Okay.” Torus said as he grabbed hold of the quartz disk. “Now what?” He asked. “I need you to slip the wires supplying you with electricity through small holes around my perimeter. Lace them into place and tie me to the back of your neck.” Taz instructed. “How am I going to get electricity then?” Torus asked, confused. “You are not yet disconnecting the wires. Simply connecting me to you.” Taz explained. Torus carefully laced the wires through the small holes in Taz. He had not noticed them before, they were so tiny. It was like threading a needle. “Done.” Torus said as he tightened the wire around his neck. Not tight enough to be uncomfortable, but tight enough to keep Taz connected without flopping about. “Now what?” He asked. “Now I need you to go over to the table over to your right. There is a small box there and some cutters. It is a portable battery with enough stored energy to power us both for multiple days.”Taz instructed. Torus grabbed the battery. It was heavy in his hands. “Okay, I have it.” He said. “Good.” Taz said. “Now listen carefully. Next you will disconnect the power wire by cutting it with the cutters that should be to your right. After cutting, you will have about twenty seconds of power before your limbs fail. in that time you need to connect the white wire to the white slot on the battery, and the blue wire to the blue spot. It should be easy to do. I made it very simple.” Taz continued. “Tell me when you begin so I can brace myself.” Torus looked at the wire and the cutters, then to the battery. He only had one shot at this. It was a trivial electronics task though so he was confident he could. “Ready.” Torus said. Then he cut the wires. As quickly as they were cut, they were reconnected to the battery. “Alright. Good work.” Taz said to Torus. “Sandra should be back soon, and my pets are ready to help you depart. Just then Sandra walked into the cavern. “Oh.” She said surprised. “You already have Taz?.” “Indeed.” Torus said. “Now we need to move. I’m getting tired of this place. I really need to get back to my home projects, and explain to general Sandforth that his order won’t be completed until next week. That is if he hasn’t already burned down my shop out of anger.” “You workaholic. You just lost all your limbs and all you can think about is your shop.” Sandra said, a bit exasperated. “Well I don’t really have a choice.” Torus said. “I need to keep up appearances if I’m going to help Taz. “This is true.” taz said to both of them. “Woah!.” How can I hear you?” Sandra asked in shock. “As I explained to Torus. I am sending signals to your chips. There is a component in each set that allows me to communicate. I rarely have to use it, but I suspect that we will be in close contact so keep in mind that even though you can hear me others can not.” Taz explained. “What makes you think that we will be in close contact?” Sandra asked Taz. “Because based on the stories that you told me I am confident that Torus has no sense of direction and will need help finding my siblings.” Taz answered. “What stories?” Torus asked, a bit panicked. Some stories just aren’t meant to be shared, and he was worried Sandra had told THOSE ones. “Oh nothing.” Sandra laughed. “Just some stories about when we were exploring the rainbow desert. Like the time you got lost and tried to find your way back by following the yellow sand streak thinking it lead to town because it was mule piss.” “Haha. That one was funny.” Taz laughed in it’s broken voice. Torus sighed. “Okay now. Where to from here Taz?” Torus asked. “To the exit of course.” Taz answered. “Here come my pets to escort us out. Torus, Sandra, Taz, and the ape Cogs all made their way to the huge quartz wall outside of the plateau. “Ugh!The light!” Torus said as he covered his eyes. Being outside after weeks of being asleep and underground was bad enough, but the sun was reflecting through the wall and it nearly blinded him. “Suck it up” Sandra said. “We need to move.” After a quick goodbye to the ape Cogs Sandra walked under the raised wall. Torus, because of his new limbs, had to jump over the wall. It took him many attempts but he eventually jumped over by using nearby pillars to ascend. A particularly fun activity for him. “So from which direction did you come?” Taz asked Sandra as they packed the equipment and rations onto Torus. Careful to avoid disconnecting the battery, which Torus had taped to his chest. “From the east.” She answered. “Pretty far east too. More than forty miles. We came this far because the plateau had never been claimed even though many had explored the forest.” She continued. “It will take us two days to get back through the forest and to the nearest town. Then another day to catch a train ride home. “Well then. I guess I will sing to pass the time.” Taz said. “No!” Both Torus and Sandra said in sync. “Fine then. If you get bored do not come to me.” Taz said back. “We won’t get bored.” Torus said as they started into the forest. “We have a lot to discuss.” END OF EPISODE ONE Return for episode two to learn how Torus handles his new crystalline limbs, what a government turned cold can do, and how Lenny found himself upon returning home. Also to subscribe for updates and future releases by shooting me an email at Author: Leon Jewels Words: 14017 by Jalissa Pastorius My magical journey part 3 by William Greenough EGGPLANTZ MAGAZINE: ISSUE #2 by Ronnie Techno-Oblivion (Episode 2) by Unbelievable Universe KRISHNA: The Sovereign of 2040 sample by a nolan Nigeria Ailment: Divine Prescription Arrives by Elder Ugnana Ngere-Eneotu Powerful Hacks to Optimize Your Mobile Ad Revenue by Monetize More by jon son, Sr © Shakespir 2020. Your reading partner.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6756
__label__wiki	0.936045	0.936045	Preview: Will Jofra Archer prove to be England's Ashes X-factor against Australia at Lord's? Jofra Archer bowls during a nets session at Lord’s © Getty Images From the match they weren’t expected to win to one they’re not expected to lose my, how quickly things can change during the Ashes. Australia were given little hope of breaching Fortress Edgbaston and that was before they slumped to 122 for 8 on the first day of the series opener. What might have happened had Steve Smith not produced the innings of his life with a match-saving century, not to mention backing it up with another ton in the second innings? What might have happened had England not lost pace spearhead James Anderson to a calf injury after he had bowled just four overs? But look deeper. The first Test was much more than a few sliding-door moments and what ifs. Sides don’t win matches by 251 runs on the back of fortune alone. The vastly experienced Peter Siddle was sound in his support of Smith where others had failed, his innings of 44 crucial to Australia’s early recovery effort. Matthew Wade’s 110 came amid a more rounded batting performance by the Australians in the second innings, when Travis Head, Usman Khawaja and No. 8 James Pattinson all joined Smith in getting among the runs. Then there were Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins whose 10 wickets between them in England’s second innings shut out Siddle and Pattinson, who had contributed to a well-balanced bowling performance in the hosts’ first innings. England were not without their performers, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes putting Australia under intense pressure early on while Rory Burns’ timely maiden Test century came as Joe Root – batting a place higher than his preferred No. 4 – and Ben Stokes posted fifties. But Anderson’s injury and Moeen Ali’s poor returns left England’s bowling too thin. That is the area England have sought to address by calling on Jofra Archer and Jack Leach for the second Test at Lord’s. In the aftermath of defeat at Edgbaston, England coach Trevor Bayliss had rued England’s dearth of pace in the absence of Anderson and Mark Wood, who is dealing with side and knee complaints, and that was before Olly Stone was ruled out for at least two weeks with a recurrence of a back stress fracture. It is in the management of pace stocks that this series may be won and lost, and where Australia appear to have the edge on England at this stage. With the “luxury” of six fit fast bowlers, as Australia coach Justin Langer put it, the tourists have opted to rest Pattinson for the second Test in favour of either Josh Hazlewood or Mitchell Starc. England, meanwhile, will be hoping Archer remains free of the side strain he suffered in the World Cup final and which kept him out of the first Test – and there is every indication he is fully fit – while looking to Leach for a reprise of his happy memories at Lord’s, this time with the ball after his 92 as nightwatchman earned him Player of the Match honours at the same ground against Ireland last month. England LWWLL (last five completed matches, most recent first) Australia WWWDL Man of the moment – again – Jofra Archer finds himself in what is fast becoming a familiar position of England X-factor, and he hasn’t even made his Test debut yet. That latter point will be moot come Wednesday morning as Australia set about trying to implement Langer’s instructions to “keep wearing him down”. But, injury notwithstanding, Archer doesn’t cut the figure of a man who gets worn down. From his whirlwind rise as soon as he qualified for England to stepping up in the tense Super Over of an eventual World Cup triumph, Archer has done all that has been asked of him in his short international career. Yes, it is a huge ask to expect a 24 year old whose only red-ball cricket in 11 months was last week’s second XI appearance for Sussex against Gloucestershire which convinced selectors of his fitness following injury, to be the sole reason England can avoid going 2-0 down in the Ashes. He is one man and, even as Smith discovered amid his first-Test stardom, it takes more than that – ask Lyon, Cummins, Siddle and Wade. But there is no doubting that, with or without the injured Anderson, Archer is a massive plus for England. David Warner had a quiet start to the Ashes with scores of two and eight, never mind that he should have been out when he wasn’t and he was out when he shouldn’t have been. He does win points for the way he handled the heckling from the Edgbaston crowd with good humour and a thick skin and while that doesn’t count for anything on a scorecard it can be seen as an important step in a return to Test cricket that is as much mental as it is physical. Now Warner needs to make like Smith and let his bat do the talking. He did just that during the World Cup in front of English crowds, so it is not a big stretch at all to expect him to transfer that to the Test arena and if he does, England could face double the trouble. Jack Leach had a lengthy bowl in the nets on Test eve, while Archer put in a brief but fiery burst, suggesting there won’t be much in the way of surprises in the England team. Sam Curran looks most likely to miss out from the 12-man squad. England: (possible) 1 Rory Burns, 2 Jason Roy, 3 Joe Root, 4 Joe Denly, 5 Jos Buttler, 6 Ben Stokes, 7 Jonny Bairstow, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Stuart Broad, 11 Jack Leach. Hazlewood looks set for a return to the ground where he took 3 for 68 and 2 for 20 in his best performance of the 2015 Ashes, replacing the resting Pattinson. Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc – both left out of the Ashes opener at Edgbaston – were included as Australia named a 12-man squad on match eve with the prospect of a fresh and firing Pattinson at Headingley looming with just a three-day turnaround between fixtures. Whether both Hazlewood and Starc play is another matter, however, after Siddle’s performance with the bat in the first Test. Australia: (possible) 1 David Warner, 2 Cameron Bancroft, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Steve Smith, 5 Travis Head, 6 Matthew Wade, 7 Tim Paine (capt/wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Peter Siddle, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh Hazlewood. Pitch and conditions Not nearly as verdant as the lush greentop that welcomed players on the eve of England’s Test against Ireland, this Lord’s pitch is reminiscent of the one which hosted the gripping encounter between England and Pakistan in 2016. Pakistan won that match by 75 runs on the penultimate day after legspinner Yasir Shah added four second-innings wickets to his six from the first innings as the tourists claimed the 10 scalps they needed on what turned out to be the last day’s play. The weather does not look like playing ball, with cool temperatures and rain expected, particularly on Wednesday. Stats and trivia Australia have the chance to go 2-0 up, a position from which only one Test series in history has been lost (Australia defeated England 3-2 in the 1936-37 Ashes after trailing 0-2). England have lost six of their last seven Tests against Australia with one draw. Lord’s is a happy place for Australia, who have won six of their last 10 Tests against England at the ground. Before defeats in 2013 and 2009, Australia’s previous loss there was in 1934. “We’re in English conditions, we really back ourselves to perform and to come back strong after last week. We’ve proven that we do that time and time again when we when we’ve been defeated, especially at home. I’m expecting a big response from the boys. Last week will have hurt everyone, and everyone will be absolutely desperate to go and win this week. And I expect nothing less.” Joe Root expects his team to bounce back “I would have thought it would be in different circumstances. Nonetheless I’m really proud to be part of this Test side. I’m rapt to be playing international cricket again and to have a second opportunity, to have the captaincy is a great honour as well. It’s certainly one I didn’t want or expect but doing the job now, I’m thoroughly enjoying it.” Tim Paine on returning to the scene of his Test debut in 2010 ← England whitewash forced us to rethink plans for New Zealand Tests – Dimuth Karunaratne Rachel Priest's 55 keeps Western Storm out in front →	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6768
__label__wiki	0.947281	0.947281	Ombudsman to probe Comelec ballot folders By Marie A. Surbano and Benjamin B. Pulta 04/09/2010 P30-M UV lamp purchase done in haste, PPCRV charges poll body Ombudsman to probe Comelec ballot folders By Marie A. Surbano and Benjamin B. Pulta Motu propio, the Office of the Ombudsman yesterday announced it will initiate an investigation into allegations on the near consummation of the contract involving the anomalous and highly overpriced “secrecy folders” entered into by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) with OTC Paper Supply which were to be utilized for the May polls. Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez said she had ordered the creation of a task force to spearhead the inquiry, which would focus on the P690-million contract, adding that the “task force will evaluate the procedure conducted by the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of the Comelec to determine if it is in accord with Republic Act No. 9184, the Government Procurement Reform Act.” Earlier in the day, a complaint for graft was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against former and incumbent officials of the Comelec in connection with alleged irregularities in “small scale” procurement contracts entered into by the poll body during the 2008 elections in Mindanao. In a 10-page joint complaint-affidavit, the petitioners led by lawyer Harry Roque said their complaint proves that “anomalies similar to those done in the recent P700 million peso poll scam contract are entrenched in certain parts of the Comelec Bids and Awards Committee process.” Leading those named respondents in the complaint was former Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr.... MORE Erap-Binay tandem gets Zamboanga’s NPC support Jinggoy, Revilla still ahead in Pulse survey LP blocking NP-NPC bid as dominant minority party LP bets want Villar barred for vote buying LP-NP word war shakes up Aquino-Cojuangco bones Erap-Binay tandem gets Zamboanga’s NPC support By Gerry Baldo 04/09/2010 The Nacionalista Party (NP) and the Nationalist People’s Coaltion (NPC) may have come together as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved dominant opposition group, but the NPC support may not necessary be given to NP presidential bet Manuel “Manny” Villar, as the position of the NPC bigwigs, among them, the party’s founder, Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco and his son, Tarlac Rep. Mark Cojuangco, is one that says NPC members are free to support their choice of presidential candidates. And for the NPC officials and members in Zamboanga City, their choice is former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada. In Zamboanga, the campaign of the opposition Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino got a big boost Wednesday when members of the NPC in Zamboanga threw their support behind the Estrada-Binay tandem. According to incumbent Vice Mayor Manuel Jose Dalipe, the NPC is going to support the PMP slate headed by the former President.... MORE LP-NP word war shakes up Aquino-Cojuangco bones 04/09/2010 After having been pilloried by Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino and his yellows, the Nacionalista Party (NP) yesterday started to fight back by rattling the skeletons in the Aquino-Cojuangco closet and surfaced the bones of Noynoy’s grandfather, Benigno Aquino Sr., blaring out that Noynoy’s grandpa was a “Makapili,” known as a Filipino group of Japanese colla-borators during the war. Aquino Sr., the NP statement said, was a Japanese collaborator and a member of the Philippine puppet government during World War II. “Buried deep in the annals of Philippine history is this stain in the Aquino family’s legacy. We are disappointed that Noynoy, like his continued indifference to the Hacienda Luisita issue, had chosen to let this fact stay buried instead of owning up to his family’s sins against the people,” the NP said. “Contrary to claims that the Aquino clan is a family of heroes, history tells us differently. Benigno Sr., known to his peers as Igno, has chosen to aid the Japanese at a time of great suffering and strife among Filipinos during the war.” A pathetic PR attempt EDITORIAL 04/09/2010 A pathetic PR attempt The P700-million secrecy folder exposé of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) appears to be a diversionary move on the part of the embattled commissioners of the poll body to take away the heat from their inability to purge the padded voters’ list and the several other issues raised on the erosion of the integrity of the May 10 elections. The Comelec itself supposedly nipping the anomaly in the bud and the commissioners themselves exposing it, was a complete departure from the usual practice in the Gloria administration of keeping such a huge scandal within an agency and appears commendable it being as if indeed a radical shift in the Comelec is taking place. But the circumstances surrounding the revelation only point to the inescapable conclusion that Comelec needed something big to not even restore the faith of the public in the poll body but merely to make it look as if the poll body is doing its job.... MORE LP arrogance Nigerian acting leader in bid to cement grip on power Cannot count Of surveys, prayers and false pretenses Thai unrest, Myanmar overshadow Asean summit Internet weapons are double-edged sword in British elections LP arrogance FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 04/09/2010 One thing that stands out in the Liberal Party (LP), especially its prime candidate, Noynoy Aquino, is the display of sheer arrogance, which is quite a turn off. There is not a shred of humility found in whatever statements Aquino and his supporters make, and they have made many statements to the extent of Noynoy even saying that with just one more month to go, it is evident that the race is only between him and his rival, ostensibly, Manny Villar. Ergo, he concludes, all the other presidential candidates should now withdraw from the race. What chutzpah this Noynoy has, to dismiss all other bets, as though it is a sure thing that he will be the winner of the race, and all based on these dubious survey results. In the first place, even as Noynoy leads in the mock polls, by nine points in one, and 12 points in another, the fact remains that his ratings have stayed in a static mode for sometime now, which translates to his not moving at all or may even have dropped a bit, given the error margins.... MORE Nigerian acting leader in bid to cement grip on power focus 04/09/2010 LAGOS — Nigeria’s acting leader moved to cement his control on power this week, appointing a new Cabinet and state oil firm chief, raising hopes of much-needed change in Africa’s leading crude producer. Goodluck Jonathan, who took over from ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua two months ago, has about a year before elections — not much time for reform in a nation where the majority of people remain stuck in poverty despite the oil wealth. Observers say he is also facing political pressures in addition to the time limits. Jonathan sacked the entire Cabinet set in place by Yar’Adua last month and unveiled a new line up in which he retained less than half of his predecessor’s choices..... MORE Cannot count NO HOLDS BARRED Armida Siguion-Reyna 04/09/2010 Commission appears to be the operative word, as far as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is concerned. Not the enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to election-related matters. Not for the coming elections, or any other elections in the recent past. It’s all in the percentage, in the who is making exactly what from whom. Our TV sitcoms used to alternate two jokes for every election period. First was that if you had a child who could not do basic math, you sent him to work in the Comelec. The second dealt with variations of how the Comelec sounded like “kumolek,” “naka-collect,” or “ko-collect.” I had once made the mistake of running for public office, a decision that required me to deal with the Comelec. My election checkers needed ID cards, the ID cards had to be signed by the Comelec supervisor of my district, the ID cards could not be signed quick and fast, dahil bigla raw nangalay ang kamay ng pipirma, and, dig the exact words of our Comelec point-person, “Kailangan hong masahiin ang pipirma.”... MORE Of surveys, prayers and false pretenses DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 04/09/2010 Mainstream newspapers headlined the latest Pulse Asia survey once again as if it were gospel truth. The Inquirer, for one, billed the Yellow dummy’s one-percent rise as a “solidifying” lead. But as every layman who has learned enough of survey statistics knows, a one-percent uptick doesn’t mean a thing. In fact, even a movement of up to two to three percent is considered statistically meaningless as it covers only the margin of error. Well, there goes their “solidifying” spin! In contrast, the one “survey” that no one in the world can misinterpret is the viva voce of thousands of middle C, D and E class El Shaddai members who gathered at their annual Easter Salubungan, giving President Joseph Estrada their unequivocal — and rousing — support over his two rivals. That El Shaddai gathering for all intents and purposes became a test of the three frontrunning candidates’ real support from the most significant segment of our voting population, as represented by that Easter morning crowd. The largely masa El Shaddai worshippers arrived in their extended chassis jeepneys, AUVs (Asian Utility Vehicles, not SUVs), FXs, as well as, metro and provincial buses. Even the Lopez-owned ANC, a staunch supporter of you-know-who, had to report that Erap’s speech was interrupted 40 times by the crowd’s ardent applause and impassioned chorus of support. The worshippers’ reaction to Aquin-o-rroyo, at best, was tepid — hardly deserving of any comment from media. The only other significant thing that caught the TV cameras was Villarroyo’s demeanor, as he could no longer hide his displeasure at media’s badgering. By brushing off questions about the religious sect’s support, saying that it’s all up to Mike Velarde, it’s as if he is appealing to just one singular authority. Isn’t it so like the line of mainstream media that try to condition the public to leave the issue of voters’ support to the “authoritative” professional pollsters such as the SWS, Pulse Asia and others they choose to play up as “respected” outfits? Well, Villarroyo’s annoyance could only betray a deep-seated fear of his having Velarde in his hands but not the multitude of El Shaddai followers. Perhaps more dismaying is his realization that no “authority” can ever dictate the heart and mind of the masses. For as they did in 1998 against the dictates of Cardinal Sin and the elite; in 2001 against the Couples for Christ’s 13-0 campaign; and in late April of that year when Edsa III culminated in a march to Malacañang, the masses will decide for themselves. And as the El Shaddai expressed solidarity with Erap in the past during the Edsa III vigils, wherein they, together with flock from the Iglesia ni Cristo, formed a half-a-million-strong crowd demanding the return of the duly-elected president, they continue to be one with him today. There at the Salubungan, Erap’s mass support is, at the very least, 8 to 2 against the two other bets combined. As the masses formed a bulk of Erap’s voters in 1998, they have not only remained his supporters but have deepened their identification with him even with the passage of time. Rey Ileto’s Pasyon at Rebolusyon reminds us of the masses and Erap sharing a life of struggle as they continue to suffer persecution and tribulation at the hands of the elite regime. Despite a decade of vicious demonization, Erap emerges not only unscathed but becomes endearing to the masses even more. Meanwhile, Villarroyo, destroyed by his own PR spin that turns out to be a mountain of lies, is now in the dustbin of history. Aquin-o-rroyo, in turn, is sliding down the same path. The media spins about his pristine honesty are being belied by the bare facts: From his vote against the playing of the “Hello Garci” tapes; to his ad hoc security agency to corner government contracts under his mother’s term; to the New York Times story belying his claim of initiating “change” in his family’s hacienda; to his tortured justification for the SCTex-Luisita service link, ad nausea. Still, the greatest blow to Aquin-o-rroyo springs from his overuse of the memory of his late mother — a memory that leaves nothing to be desired, even just on “Hello Garci.” In a July 2005 report, it was reported that “Tarlac Rep. Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III disappointed his colleagues in the House when he voted on Thursday night against the playing of the audio tape, although an overwhelming majority had voted yes.” Furthermore, another newspaper story quotes: “After Arroyo delivered her famous ‘I am sorry’ speech on TV on June 27, 2005… Mrs. Aquino defended Arroyo, saying, ‘I am glad the President has broken her silence. Her admission of judgment lapses leading to improper conduct on her part is a truly welcome development. Tonight the President has made a strong beginning and I hope she will continue in the direction of better and more responsive governance. Let us pray for her and for all of us Filipinos.’” So you see: When the “Hello Garci” scandal broke out, Cory Aquino and her son hardly ever really prayed for truth, democracy or the Filipino people. They prayed only for Gloria Arroyo — and that is the unvarnished truth! (Tune in to 1098AM, Sulo ng Pilipino, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Global News Network, Destiny Cable Channel 21, Talk News TV, Tuesday, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.; also visit http://hermantiulaurel.blogspot.com) (Reprinted with permission from Mr. Herman Tiu Laurel) Thai unrest, Myanmar overshadow Asean summit FEATURE 04/09/2010 HANOI — Southeast Asian leaders open talks Thursday with their vision of building a regional “community” of nations overshadowed by major unrest in Thailand and Myanmar’s widely criticized election plans. On the eve of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in the Vietnam capital, Thailand’s premier declared a state of emergency as protesters stormed parliament in a dramatic escalation of an anti-government campaign. Thailand’s long-running political drama is among the domestic issues within the 10-member Asean bloc which are distracting it from moving forward collectively, observers say.... MORE Internet weapons are double-edged sword in British election focus 04/09/2010 Internet weapons are double-edged sword in British election LONDON — British politicians are using the full array of online weapons to target voters in knife-edge elections — but the technology could also backfire on hapless candidates, experts warn. With polls indicating a tight race between the governing Labour Party and the main opposition Conservatives ahead of the May 6 general election, both groups now hope tools such as Facebook or Twitter can boost their campaign. Inspired by Barack Obama’s ground-breaking use of the web in his successful bid to become US President, Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Conservative leader David Cameron are deploying an arsenal of cutting-edge technology.... MORE Ombudsman to probe Comelec ballot folders By Mari... Erap-Binay tandem gets Zamboanga’s NPC support By... LP-NP word war shakes up Aquino-Cojuangco bones 0... LP arrogance FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 04/0... Nigerian acting leader in bid to cement grip on po... Cannot count NO HOLDS BARRED Armida Siguion-Reyna... Of surveys, prayers and false pretenses DIE HARD ... Thai unrest, Myanmar overshadow Asean summit FEAT... Internet weapons are double-edged sword in British...	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6769
__label__wiki	0.786427	0.786427	Your weekly dose of Nerdy News TNTM: Deathstroke to appear in DC Comics movie Deathstroke on the big screen Jack and Troy from ZiaComics.com get all nerdy about the hints dropped about Deathstroke. The character is likely to appear in an upcoming DC Comics related big screen movie. The movie(s) he will likely appear in is the upcoming Batman movie or Justice League. Deathstroke is a very deadly character with a somewhat tragic backstory. The Arrow TV series touched on the character a bit, but never fully fleshed out Deathstroke. Slade Wilson was sixteen years old when he first enlisted in the United States Army, having lied about his age. In the early 1960s, he met Captain Adeline Kane. Adeline was training young soldiers in new fighting techniques. Kane was amazed at how skilled Slade was in all fighting techniques. Slade quickly he adapted to modern conventions of warfare. Adeline immediately fell in love with him. She had never encountered a more able-bodied combatant. She offered to privately train Slade in guerrilla warfare.In less than a year Slade mastered every fighting form presented to him. Six months later he married Adeline and she became pregnant with their first child. Slade was reassigned to Vietnam. In the war his unit massacred a village, an event which sickened him. SAS member Wintergreen rescued Slade in Vietnam. The United States Army chose Slade for a secret experiment. The Army imbued him with enhanced physical powers in an attempt to create meta human super soldiers for the U.S. military. Making of a Mercenary Deathstroke became a mercenary soon after the experiment when he defied orders and rescued his friend Wintergreen. A commanding officer with a grudge sent Wintergreen on a suicide mission. A criminal named the Jackal took his younger son Joseph Wilson hostage to force Slade to divulge the name of a client who had hired him as an assassin. Slade refused claiming it was against his personal honor code. He attacked and killed the kidnappers at the rendezvous. One of the kidnappers slashed Joseph’s throat before Slade could prevent it. This destroyed Joseph’s vocal cords rendering him mute. Adeline became enraged at his endangerment of their son. She tried to kill him by shooting him. She only managed to destroy his right eye. His confidence in his physical abilities was such that he made no secret of his impaired vision. He marked this with his mask which has a black, featureless half covering his lost eye. Without his mask, Slade wears an eye-patch. Batman, DC Comics, Deathstroke, Justice League Talk Nerdy to Me trailer https://youtu.be/ckHIL6g24Bw Listen to all our Podcasts El Paso Comic Con Cruces Comic Con Heirs Comic Book	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6771
__label__wiki	0.551677	0.551677	Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates GWC Law Firm Ridge & Downes, LLC 2020 Ridge & Downes, LLC Free Consultation Dates Teamster Power! Suburban Teamsters of Northern Illinois Suburban Teamsters Medical Claim Form Suburban Teamsters Dental Claim Form Suburban Teamsters Vision Claim Form Suburban Teamsters Loss of Time Disability Claim Form Central States Funds The Wall of Shame Local 179 Retiree Social Club Withdrawal Card Request Form (Online) Withdrawal Card Request Form The History of DRIVE Join the Joint Council 25 Women's Committee VOTING: Top Ten Reasons to Get Out and Vote! Political Action Volunteer Form Organizing Volunteer Form Need a Union? Join Teamsters Local 179! Union Busting - Don't Believe the Hype! The Benefits of Being a Teamster Teamsters Joint Council 25 - 100 Years IBT Teamster Job Bank 35 Things Your Employer Can Not Do! The Picket Line Teamsters Local 179 Merchandise International Brotherhood of Teamsters Store Out-of-Work Referral List Referral List Procedure Referral List Application Teamsters Military Assistance Program Resources for Local 179 Stewards Illinois Teamsters/Employers Apprenticeship and Training Fund Teamsters understand the value in union membership. Higher pay, better benefits, and a greater voice in the workplace are standards set by union members that won’t be given up without a fight, even after the Supreme Court’s decision in the “Janus v. AFSCME” case. While it is true that this ruling may create temporary roadblocks, public employees throughout the United States need to remain unified. We cannot allow the progress working people have made in union to be slowed down because of lawsuits that disregard the value of public employees. The Janus decision came about because anti-employee forces spent millions of dollars on lobbying and court challenges for over 40 years. Attacks from these outside groups, backed by secret donors, seek to eliminate the freedom of public employees to negotiate with their employer over the value of their work. Many Teamster members around the country have held conversations with their co-workers about the impact of the Supreme Court decision to reinforce the value of remaining unified. Whether at the worksite or at the ballot box, members are fighting back against these attacks. Public sector Teamsters have made it their career to serve their country and community, and any attempt to take away their freedom to join together is an attack on those who are the foundation of America. Our middle class was built by everyday working people, standing together in union. The Teamsters honor that history by continuing the fight to give working people the promise of the American dream. That won’t end with the Janus decision. The Teamsters will continue to organize, mobilize, and do whatever is necessary to achieve prosperity through collective action. Standing Together, Standing Strong! This Web page provides the latest updates for the national contract, riders and supplements that cover about 3,500 Teamsters at DHL Express. DHL Contract Updates We Are eXPOsing XPO’s Global Greed XPO Logistics is a top ten global logistics and transportation company with annual revenue of $15 billion and 89,000 employees, another 10,000 workers classified as independent contractors, and thousands more working for firms that subcontract with XPO. We are the REAL workers at XPO Logistics worldwide exposing the truth about the company’s global greed, illegal wage theft, unsafe conditions, and abhorrent and vicious anti-worker, anti-union tactics. This greed includes mistreating former Con-way Freight workers in the United States who are being kept in the dark about terminal closures and layoffs, and the company’s illegal refusal to bargain contracts and denying their workers’ federally protected right to organize. It also includes port, rail and last-mile drivers around the country and in Southern California fighting wage theft in excess of $200 million because they are misclassified as independent contractors and denied the right to form their union. This greed has caused numerous lawsuits and strikes. Greed also means an unsafe workplace and mistreating its warehouse employees. XPO’s greed extends to Europe beginning with breaking its promise to not layoff any workers for at least 18 months. French workers and the unions have been fighting back against XPO’s disrespect, lies and attempts to slash jobs. Similar struggles are taking place in Great Britain, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and across Europe. Join the worldwide struggle now! Get involved with this campaign by joining the Facebook group “XPO Exposed.” Together, we can eXPOse the company’s global greed and win fairness, respect and dignity for tens of thousands of XPO employees around the world! eXPOsing the Truth About Global Greed This page provides the latest contract information to the 7,500 Teamsters—drivers, dockworkers and office staff—employed by ABF Freight System, Inc. ABF Contract Update The Teamsters Military Assistance Program (TMAP) assists Active Duty Service members that are transitioning, Veterans and Military spouses with job opportunities with responsible employers. Workers’ pensions are being endangered by both Congress and those charged with overseeing them. The Teamsters and our members are standing united to say “No!” to cuts and “Yes!” to greater retirement security! The ‘Let’s Get America Working!’ campaign seeks to restore a dynamic and prosperous middle class to drive economic growth by helping to advance policy decisions that create and maintain good middle-income jobs, guarantee retirement security, expand access to the American Dream, and ensure that the benefits of the ongoing economic recovery are felt by the many, not just the few. Let's Get America Working! This webpage provides information on the Teamsters Union’s legislative advocacy at both the federal and state level as well as our field activity to support those policy positions and to get strong labor candidates elected to office. Among other resources, you will find our federal legislative scorecard, formal statements of policy position and communications to Capitol Hill, a weekly update on federal legislative happenings, an overview of bills we are tracking at the state level, and quick links to take action on priority issues. Political Legislative Action This web page provides information on the ongoing effort to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Since 1994, NAFTA has devastated working families, putting corporate profits ahead of people. What’s worse is that NAFTA has become the blueprint for all other trade agreements, from the way that it was negotiated in secret, to the bad provisions that have made their way into every agreement that has been signed since then. Now, NAFTA is being renegotiated and we demand that it be reframed to work for workers instead of corporate interests. The Teamsters have stood in solidarity with worker struggles in other countries since our founding. With economic globalization, our ability to organize increasingly depends on our ability to build alliances with workers on a global scale. More than ever, Teamsters are organizing and bargaining with multi-national companies. A key objective of our Global Strategies Campaign is to build strong alliances with unions around the globe who organize and bargain with common employers. Our focus is on workers in the emerging global supply chains – the infrastructure of globalization. Globalization creates new opportunities for international worker solidarity. We seek common cause with workers around the world to build social justice for all workers and the communities in which they live. Building International Union Solidarity Contact Elected Officials! PARSEC WORKERS RATIFY FIRST CONTRACT WITH LOCAL 179 Teamsters Local 179 would like to congratulate the workers at Parsec on ratifying their first collective bargaining agreement with Teamsters Local 179! The five-year agreement was overwhelmingly ratified on Friday, July 20th. The agreement includes wage and benefit increases, resolves seniority issues and improves work rules. "This is a very good, solid contract and I would like to officially welcome our 500 new members to Local 179," said President Tom Flynn. "I would like to thank Local 179 Vice-President and business agent Chris Richter and Recording Secretary and business agent Bob Conners as well as the Parsec workers who sat on the negotiating committee on their outstanding work in negotiating this first contract," said President Flynn. Withdrawal Card Get a withdrawal card when you are off work or leave your job. Dues for the January-March 2020 quarter are due by January 31, 2020. Please note that a reinitiation fee will be charged if union dues for the January-March 2020 quarter are not POSTED IN OUR UNION OFFICE BY 4:30 PM on TUESDAY, March 31, 2020 or if your dues fall three months delinquent prior to that date. Please contact the union office with any questions about your dues. Organize Today Learn more about organizing your workplace! IBT UnionActive Newswire Teamsters Joint Council 25 International Brotherhood of Teamsters Teamsters Local 26 District Council #4 Graphic Communications Union Teamsters Joint Council 25 Women's Committee Chicago Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Teamsters National Black Caucus Teamsters National Black Caucus, Chicago Chapter Illinois Teamster/Employers Apprenticeship Training Fund	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6775
__label__cc	0.593646	0.406354	Bulletin 2016-2017 > Courses > BIO - Biology BIO 005 BIO 205 Workshop This workshop is based on the Peer-Led Team Learning model (PLTL) with students working individually and in small groups to learn and exercise problem-solving techniques. Students participate in learning activities led by peer facilitators to further explore topics presented in the lecture course. This workshop is offered each semester. Corequisites BIO 104 Biology of Food An introduction to the biological, chemical, and physical nature of food. Students will explore food chemistry, diet, human health, and societal issues through readings and lab activities. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 106 Genetics and Society Survey of the principles and methods of science as applied to the field of Genetics. Current topics pertaining to Biotechnology, Gene editing, Gene Therapy and others will be discussed with an emphasis on their social, ethical, and legal implications. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 107 Plants as Food and Medicine An introduction to the origin, history, biology, and utilization of plants important in human societies. Worldwide use of plants for food, medicine, spices, fibers, and many other purposes will be explored. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 203 Human Form and Function An exploration of how the human body's systems work in coordination with each other and in response to changes in the environment. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 205 Foundations of Biology Introductory principles of biology, including the nature of scientific inquiry, biochemistry, cell structure and function, genetics, and reproductive physiology. Three hours of lecture per week. Credit for BIO 205 will not be granted to students who have completed BIO 207. BIO 206 Organismal and Population Biology Introductory principles of biology including morphological and physiological analysis of plant and animal organisms, population biology, evolution, and ecology. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 276 may be taken concurrently. BIO 207 Introductory Cell Biology and Genetics Introductory principles of biology, including the nature of scientific inquiry, biochemistry and metabolism, protein structure and function, cell structure and function, and genetics and evolutionary mechanisms. Three hours of lecture per week. Credit for BIO 207 will not be granted to students who have completed BIO 205. BIO 276 Organismal and Population Biology Lab Laboratory investigation into the structure and function of living organisms. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 277 Introductory Cell Biology and Genetics Lab Laboratory investigation into the biochemistry, cellular structure and function, and genetics of cells and living organisms. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 290 Directed Study Independent study in a specialized field under the direction of a staff member. Maximum of eight credits under the number. Permission of the staff member is required. BIO 300 Immunology This course examines the principles of innate and adaptive immunity including conserved pathogen recognition systems, generation of antigen receptors through somatic recombination, clonal selection of T and B lymphocytes, and immunological disorders such as immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, allergy, and transplant rejection. BIO 207, BIO 277, BIO 206, BIO 276, CHM 207, CHM 277, CHM 208, CHM 278 BIO 301 Microbiology This course examines the cell biology, physiology, and genetics of microorganisms, focusing primarily on microbes that affect human health. Specific organisms covered include the beneficial organisms that aid in the digestion of food, synthesize vitamins, and protect the body against invasion by harmful microbes. In addition, the course also covers pathogens that cause disease. BIO 302 Field Ornithology This is an intensive combined lecture and lab course with weekend and Friday field trips investigating the behavior, physiology, evolution, taxonomy, and natural history of birds with an emphasis on species found in the Pacific Northwest. This class is only offered in the summer. Fee: $60 BIO 304 Wetlands Ecology Explores the biological, chemical, and physical structure of Pacific Northwest wetlands. Species interactions, human impacts to wetlands, wetland disease agents, and the role wetlands play in human health will be considered. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 206, BIO 207, BIO 276, BIO 277 BIO 307 Human Anatomy Gross anatomy of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems will be covered. Emphasis is on associating function with structure, as well as integrating systems together and examining human anatomy in context. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 205 or BIO 207 BIO 308 Human Physiology This course emphasizes understanding the function of the human body as an integrated set of systems using homeostatic control mechanisms. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 330 Human Genetics This course examines genetic information storage, transmission and utilization, and the human impact resulting from technological advances in the field. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 206, BIO 207, CHM 207, CHM 208 or equivalent. BIO 333 Genetics Laboratory Overview of laboratory methodology in genetics and its practical application in authentic research projects that are inquiry driven and problem based. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60 BIO 336 Developmental Biology An exploration of the fundamental cell biology and genetics that dictate embryonic development of all multicellular animals. Major developmental model systems examined include the fruit fly, frog, chicken, and mouse. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 206, BIO 207, CHM 207. BIO 338 Marine Biology of the Pacific Northwest Taxonomy, morphology, physiology, and ecology of Northwest marine fauna. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 206, BIO 207 BIO 341 The Nature of Plants An exploration of the major groups of land plants, their diversity, life cycles, morphology, and ecological interactions. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 206, BIO 207. BIO 342 Neurobiology Course will examine anatomy and physiology of the nervous system with a particular focus on neurons as well as the electrical and chemical signaling used in neural communication. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 205 or BIO 207, BIO 308 BIO 345 Vertebrate Biology Natural history of vertebrates including morphology, physiology, evolution, and taxonomy of the vertebrate classes. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 347 Animal Behavior Course will review the history of ethology and behavioral ecology, and examine the behavior of both invertebrate and vertebrate organisms in physiological, ecological, adaptive, and phylogenic contexts. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 354 Cell and Molecular Biology The structure and function of cells and their components, including biochemistry and bioenergetics, cell communication, transport, motility, maintenance of the genetic material, and regulation of gene expression with a particular focus on animal cell biology. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 359 Microbiology for Nurses Structure, physiology, and genetics of cellular microorganisms and viruses, discussed in relation to the pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 361 Microbiology Lab The purpose of this course is to search for new antibiotic-producing bacteria through small group research projects. The goal is to isolate and identify bacteria that are producing new antibiotics. The class will discuss and gain hands-on experience with these and other microorganisms. Fee: $60 BIO 206/276, BIO 207/277, CHEM 207/277, CHEM 208/278 BIO 363 Freshwater Ecology The physical, chemical, and biological components of freshwater ecosystems. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 368 Marine Biology Laboratory Laboratory and field experience in the taxonomy, morphology, physiology, and ecology of Northwest marine fauna. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 370 Immunology Lab This course uses current techniques in immunology including cell culture, microscopy, Western blotting, ELISA, and flow cytometry to explore the structure, function, and interactions of cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. Fee: $60 BIO 371 Field Botany A field and laboratory-based exploration of the vegetative and reproductive structures of plants, with an emphasis on the identification and ecology of plants native to the Pacific Northwest. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 372 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory An overview of current methodology in cell biology, including microscopy, cell culture, and macromolecular isolation/analysis techniques. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 373 Freshwater Ecology Laboratory Field and laboratory investigation of freshwater ecosystems. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 374 Wetlands Ecology Laboratory Field and laboratory investigation of wetland ecosystems. Students will explore problems facing wetlands, methods for assessing wetland health, and how to apply ecological principles to solve wetland related issues. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 375 Vertebrate Biology Laboratory Field and laboratory experience in the natural history and taxonomy of vertebrate organisms. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 376 Developmental Biology Laboratory Experimental and microscopic examination of major developmental model systems including chick and fruit fly. May include zebrafish and/or amphibians and invertebrates including sea urchins, flatworms and/or hydra. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 377 Anatomy Laboratory Gross anatomy of the human body will be studied using human bones and cadavers. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 378 Physiology Laboratory Homeostatic control of body systems will be explored using the students' bodies and computer-interfaced physiological recording equipment. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 379 Microbiology Lab for Nurses Laboratory investigation of microorganisms that affect human health, with an emphasis on proper handling of specimens, selective and differential cultivation, laboratory diagnosis, and evaluation of antimicrobial agents. Three hours of laboratory per week, and follow-up at times other than the scheduled lab period. Fee: $60. BIO 384 Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems This course investigates environmental applications of multispectral remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS). RS topics include sensor systems, digital image processing, and automated information extraction. GIS topics include spatial database management systems, data analysis, and environmental modeling. Emphasis is placed on biological applications including vegetation mapping, habitat identification and field data mapping. ENV 384, CE 458 BIO 385 Environmental Microbiology Morphology, physiology, and ecology of microorganisms, emphasizing their role in environmental processes such as nutrient cycling, bioremediation, waste treatment, and food production. Three hours of lecture per week. CHM 207, CHM 208 BIO 387 Service Learning in Biology Faculty-directed student outreach experience in community educational institutions. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project. May be repeated for credit. BIO 206, BIO 207 or permission of instructor. BIO 391 Seminar BIO 397 Internship Field experience in selected industries or agencies. Department permission and supervision is required. Students may receive an IP (In Progress) grade until the completion of their internship. (Graded on a P/NP basis) BIO 408 Endocrinology This course provides an introduction to endocrinology, covering the physiologic effects of hormones in health and disease. By the end of the course, students will be able to describe: (1) the structure and function of hormones; (2) the signaling pathways of hormones; (3) the regulatory mechanisms of hormones; and (4) the consequences of disruption of normal levels of hormones. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 206, BIO 207, BIO 276, BIO 277, BIO 308 BIO 415 Readings in Biology Seminar on topics in biology, including medicine, ecology, animal behavior, biochemistry, genetics and evolution. One hour of discussion per week. BIO 206, BIO 207, BIO 276, BIO 277 and permission of instructor. BIO 418 Biology of Exercise This course examines the mechanisms that underlie physiological changes following acute and chronic exercise and other forms of stress. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships of the skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and digestive systems. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 423 Computational Biology Algorithmic and analysis techniques for biological data such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and gene expression. Topics include molecular biology, alignment and searching algorithms, sequence evolution algorithms, genetic trees, and analysis of microarray data. This course is interdisciplinary and assumes programming skills. MTH 201, CS 203 with a grade of C- or better, and one of the following: BIO 205, BIO 207, or CS 305 with a grade of C- or better. BIO 442 Ecology Principles of ecology including structure and function of ecosystems, ecosystem development, behavioral ecology, and population biology. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 445 Molecular Genetics Principles of eukaryotic and prokaryotic genetics, including the nature of the genetic material, gene expression and regulation, mutation and repair, and molecular genetics techniques. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 206, BIO 207, BIO 276, BIO 277, CHM 325 BIO 447 Cancer Biology Exploration of the molecular and genetic changes that endow cancer cells with an enhanced ability to proliferate and migrate yields a deeper understanding of the biology of healthy cells and provides a basis for understanding rational approaches to cancer therapy. Three hours of lecture per week. May include any of the following courses: BIO 330, BIO 336, BIO 354 (preferred), BIO 445, or permission of instructor. BIO 453 Evolution Required capstone course for Biology majors. Includes coverage of sources of genetic variation, speciation, phylogenetic analyses, and extinction. Three hour of lecture per week. Students are strongly encouraged to take their cell-mo/genetics lab requirement before they take this course. Students are required to take the course during the Senior year. Three hours of lecture per week. BIO 472 Ecology Laboratory Laboratory and field investigation of community structure, productivity, and population dynamics. Three hours of laboratory per week. Fee: $60. BIO 477 Human Anatomy Dissection Completion of BIO 377 (Human Anatomy Lab) and permission of instructor required. Students engage in independent dissection of human cadavers to gain a more in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the human body. Appropriate techniques are taught to dissect and prepare cadavers as prosections for use in BIO 377. A minimum of 3 hours/week is required. Fee: $60. BIO 377 and permission of instructor. BIO 493 Research Faculty-directed student research. Before enrolling, a student must consult with a faculty member to define the project. May be repeated for credit. Fee: $60. Intensive field experience in selected industries or agencies. Department permission and supervision is required. Students may receive an IP (In Progress) grade until the completion of their internship. BIO 499 Senior Thesis Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, department chair, and the director of the honors program, when appropriate. Senior standing; 3.0 G.P.A. in the thesis area or good standing in the honors program.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6780
__label__wiki	0.649172	0.649172	Difference between revisions of "Jewel Thief" (→‎Media) ==Media== ===Screenshots=== Jewel Thief - WIN3 - Screenshot - Story.png\|The game's completely believable backstory. Jewel Thief - WIN3 - Screenshot - Ruby.png\|Ruby stage. Jewel Thief - WIN3 - Screenshot - Gold.png\|Gold stage. ===Graphic Sheets=== Jewel Thief - WIN3 - Graphic Sheet - Jewels.png\|Jewels. The about dialog. Jewel Thief is an action game developed by Paul Ligeski and self-published in 1991 for Windows 3. It was later republished by ServantWare and included in the first version of FunPack. The game's plot is that the National Museum's jewel collection has been stolen, and it's your job to steal the jewels back. Each stage has a different jewel and guard from whom you must steal. You do this by using the mouse to move your "thief" around the screen to pick up the jewels while avoiding the guards who bounce around the screen. Getting hit by a guard costs you a life, so does "hiding" outside of the screen. I first saw this game after borrowing FunPack from a middle school friend. It took me awhile to understand why I kept dying, but after reading the rules I was able to get pretty good at it. I played several dozen times before I finally got good enough to beat it. One thing I noticed about this game, if you slow it down heavily in an emulator, you will notice that several of the backgrounds aren't bitmaps, but are actually drawn using 2D vector primitives. 3.2 Graphic Sheets I do not own this game, but I have beaten it. Best Version: Windows 3 — This section contains spoilers! — I like how each stage has a new gem and guard, and how every other stage has a new and interesting background. Making the player the mouse cursor was a pretty clever idea, something I hadn't seen in gaming prior to this point. I also like how the developer took advantage of the Windows user interface (the cursor leaving the form) to make a game mechanic. The sprites flicker pretty badly and the xor drawing makes it a little difficult to keep track of the guards. The playable area is already pretty small, but, because the game doesn't scale with higher screen resolutions, the game becomes harder to play. Some of the "guards" become a bit ridiculous. Toy soldiers, rain drops, etc. The ending is lame. The game has very little depth. The mechanics remain the same from the first stage to the last, you're just repeating the first stage with an ever growing difficulty. The game lacks multimedia. There isn't any sound or music, and the graphics are dated. The SNES was already out before this game was released. The game's completely believable backstory. Instructions. Starting a new game. Garnet stage. Ruby stage. Gold stage. Graphic Sheets Jewels. This archive contains three versions of the game. Version 1.0 is the original release, 1.3 adds a difficulty setting, and 1.4 adds a setting to not kill you when you leave the window. Download (Info) - Versions 1.0, 1.3, and 1.4. Retrieved from "http://thealmightyguru.com/Wiki/index.php?title=Jewel_Thief&oldid=26253" Links to MobyGames Video Game Prime Order - Action, Adventure, Strategy Single-Screen 4-bit Color Graphics	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6782
__label__cc	0.690421	0.309579	Letter to the Editor: Mike Brown Your name has rang through the ears of Black Americans, Americans and people across other lands since the day you were murdered. They deemed you the “gentle giant” and somewhere along the lines your humanity and dignity was tossed aside. It wasn’t just a race issue, yet your death heavily involved you being black and you being from the South. Where our ancestrous roots of laboring on our feet day and night make it so hard to lightly tread and avoid the trembling that runs down a Black persons mind when considering having to enter those time-frozen areas. Where majority of the public is Black yet the mayor, city officials, and majority of police force is white. Where the history of your city and it’s racist policies decided where you would live to make others comfortable and avoid contact with you and other “giants,” that weren’t at all scary but just living and trying to survive. Where poverty and classism turns to you and decides that you aren’t worthy. Well Mike you were. It may be 2014 and we may be entering a new year, yet the familiar racial circumstances that surround us all are very familiar: an old television show no one wanted to see, but keeps rerunning and showing itself to be harder to watch each time. The brutality of Mike’s death was reminiscent of Trayvon Martin’s, and Martin’s reminiscent of Emmett Till’s, and well, Till’s reminiscent of the rotten “Strange Fruit” that Nina Simone described dreadfully. It’s more than unfortunate that you and others had to be subjected to American structured society: where the dead are raised to be targeted, crucified, and killed again. It’s repetitive and evokes anger and pain over and over again…. Yet the marching can never end, because injustice has proven to be well alive. And so I say thank you to protestors, marchers, social activist for you are all greatly appreciated. The sacrifices of your precious bodies, precious time, and your fragile freedom is not in vain: the world is watching and so is the next generation of young people whom will have to carry on the fight. To the parents whose children’s lives were cut short out of their own power there’s nothing one can really express or say to comfort that never- closing wound, but your strength strengthens us all, and your encouragement to strive for righteousness is most definitely empowering: keep your head up. A man named Jimi Hendrix once said “when the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” To this I say keep striving for love and justice: two things that never come easy, but are always worth fighting for and toward. Imani Sanders CSUEB Sophomore/Junior Letters-to-editor My Questions for Chancellor White Effects of “Executive Order 1068” getting worse—help us take a stand Letter to the Editor: CSUEB name change Libertarian message is ‘problematic’ Campus Shuttle Routes Don’t Accommodate South Bay Students Editor’s Story Prompts Community Action Zimmerman Article Misses the Mark	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6787
__label__wiki	0.507549	0.507549	Genetics of cutaneous malignant melanoma Lang, Julie M.S (2004) Genetics of cutaneous malignant melanoma. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow. Cutaneous malignant melanoma has doubled in incidence in many countries over the past 20 years. The majority of melanomas are sporadic, but up to 5% of melanoma patients have one or more first-degree relatives also affected, and genetic analysis of these families shows germline mutations of CDKN2A in 20-30% of patients. This thesis has investigated 48 Scottish families with cutaneous malignant melanoma and also 28 patients with sporadic melanoma for mutations in the CDKN2A, MCIR and BRAF genes using molecular genetic techniques. The work presented in this thesis adds 32 new melanoma families to the 16 already reported from Scotland (MacKie et al. 1998). In total, 13/48 (27%) Scottish families have detectable CDKN2A mutations. One of the mutations detected (H83N) has not previously been reported in melanoma, and molecular modelling suggests the likely functional result of this mutation. in the course of studying the CDKN2A gene the M531 mutation was identified in six Scottish families making it the most common CDKN2A mutation identified in this thesis from the Scottish melanoma families studied. Haplotype analysis surrounding CDKN2A was therefore performed on the six Scottish families and also examined in 12 M53I carrying families from around the world. This study provides further evidence that the M53I mutation appears to have originated from a common founder and provides further evidence demonstrating common founders for most of the recurrent mutations in the CDKN2A gene. The aim of the analysis of the MCIR gene was to investigate any underlying genetic relationship between MCIR variants and CDKN2A mutations. In total, 13 MCIR variants leading to an amino acid substitution were detected, three of which have not been described elsewhere (L44I, M128K, A171G) and appear to be very rare. Collectively, both familial and sporadic melanoma patients are more likely to carry a MCIR variant than normal control subjects (P = 0.006; OR = 4.485; CI 1.492-12.883) and melanoma patients carry significantly more MCIR variants than control subjects (P = 0.003; OR = 2.696; CI 1.384-5.253). Familial melanoma patients are more likely to carry the R151C variant than normal control subjects (P = 0.043; OR = 2.406; CI 1.062-5.452). CDKN2A positive familial melanoma patients are more likely to carry the V60L and R151C variants than CDKN2A negative familial melanoma patients (P = 0.017; OR = 3.818; CI 1.315-11.084 and P = 0.029; OR = 3.515; CI 1.160-10.650, respectively). Conversely, CDKN2A negative familial melanoma patients are more likely to carry the V92M variant than CDKN2A positive familial melanoma patients (P = 0.021; OR = 9.308; CI 1.112-77.888). The variant R160W is significantly correlated with skin type 1 (P < 0.001) and variants R142H (P = 0.019) and R160W (P = 0.018) are significantly correlated with red hair, although this significance is lost after the Bonferroni correction. During the time of this study Davies et al. (2002) reported that the most frequently targeted gene in melanoma is BRAF. All mutations were within the kinase domain, with a single substitution in exon 15 (V599E) accounting for 80% of mutations. BRAF mutations in germline DNA from familial melanoma patients had not been investigated, and the number of melanoma tissue samples investigated for BRAF mutations was low. One of the aims of this thesis therefore was to screen exon 15 of BRAF to determine if the V599E mutation would contribute to melanoma predisposition in familial melanoma as a germline mutation. The study of this thesis also investigated primary and secondary melanomas for exon 15 BRAF mutations. DNA from the peripheral blood of 42 familial melanoma cases contained no exon 15 BRAF mutations. DNA from two samples of secondary melanoma from two individuals with a family history of melanoma also failed to show exon 15 BRAF mutations. These results therefore suggest that exon 15 BRAF mutations are not causative germline mutations in melanoma. The V599E substitution was however detected in formalin fixed paraffin embedded primary tumour DNA from 13/52 sporadic cases (25%). The V599E substitution was also detected in secondary tumour DNA from 6/22 sporadic cases (27%) of frozen secondary melanoma. Adviser: Rona Mackie Genetics, Oncology	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6788
__label__cc	0.732096	0.267904	Tag Archives: Lacks family rerun, Short Coat Podcast Recess Rehash: Henrietta Lacks vs. HeLa, and the People Behind the Specimens February 17, 2017 Dave Etler Leave a comment https://media.blubrry.com/theshortcoat/p/podcast.uiowa.edu/com/osa/Episode-025-lacks-family.mp3 [With the news that HBO and Oprah Winfrey will release an adaptation of Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks in April 2017, enjoy this discussion with Lacks’ great grandaughter and grandson, originally recorded in 2013] The efficacy of any biomedical researcher is based on his or her foundation of scientific knowledge. Few would have any problem grasping that idea. What’s less well understood, by both researchers and laypeople alike, are the stories of the biological materials they work with. Often these materials are cell cultures, tissue samples, human DNA. From left to right: Dave Etler, Eboni Jones, Victoria Baptiste, David Lacks, Alison Pletch, and Greg Pelc. Unlike the chemicals, reagents, test tubes, and machinery used in research, these materials often come from people. That’s easily forgotten when they can be ordered from catalogs and websites in the way of other commodities. But those people, who may no longer live among us, have stories. In the case of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman who passed away in the early 1950s of cervical cancer, the cells taken from her without her or her families’ knowledge touched off a revolution in biomedical science. Henrietta and Day Lacks (From “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” R. Skloot, 2009) They’ve contributed to the vaccine for polio, were the first cells to be cloned, and have been used in a number of cancer, virus, and pharmacological studies all over the world. Rebecca Skloot’s 2009 book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks noted that Mrs. Lacks’ cells have been used in more than 60,000 studies, and 300 more are being added each month. They are of huge importance to science because they were the first so-called immortal cell line–unlike most cells, they divide and reproduce essentially without limit. But though no-one in Henrietta Lacks’ family knew of their existence at first, the cells ultimately became of huge importance to her descendants. In this episode, Alison Pletch, Eboni Jones, Greg Pelc, and I were honored to be able to welcome two members of the Lacks family to the show. David Lacks is Mrs. Lacks’ grandson, and Victoria Baptiste is her great granddaughter, and they spoke with us about their ancestor, informed consent, and their work with the National Institutes of Health on HeLa cell research guidelines. The opinions expressed in this feed and podcast are not those of the University of Iowa or the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. 23andMeAlison PletchDavid LacksEboni JonesexcgeneticsGreg PelcHeLaHenrietta Lacksimmortal cell lineImmortal LIfe of Henrietta LacksLacks familyRebecca SklootVictoria Baptiste Henrietta Lacks vs. HeLa, and the People Behind the Specimens October 25, 2013 Dave Etler Leave a comment Listen now to Episode 025: Henrietta Lacks vs. HeLa, and the People Behind the Specimens 23andMeAlison PletchDavid LacksEboni JonesgeneticsGreg PelcHeLaHenrietta Lacksimmortal cell lineImmortal LIfe of Henrietta LacksLacks familyRebecca SklootVictoria Baptiste	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6789
__label__wiki	0.90192	0.90192	NFL Game Recap - Chargers v Jaguars Home \| Scoreboard \| Stats \| Standings \| Teams \| Players \| Player News \| Injuries \| Transactions \| Live Odds LA Chargers 7 17 14 7 45 Jacksonville 3 0 7 0 10 1:05 PM PT2:05 PM MT3:05 PM CT4:05 PM ET21:05 GMT5:05 2:05 PM MST4:05 PM EST3:05 PM CT1:05 UAE (+1)16:05 ET19:05 , December 8, 2019 TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida Weather: 62°, Overcast Attendance: 57,866 Chargers end skid, hand Jaguars 5th straight lopsided loss NFL Headlines Warrant for Browns WR Beckham rescinded Giants name ex-Cowboys coach Garrett OC Packers, 49ers battle for NFC title Titans, Chiefs one win from Super Bowl Browns interview Eagles VP Berry for GM Jags to interview Linehan for OC opening Moore to keep calling plays for Cowboys Bears name Lazor OC, DeFilippo QBs coach Kamara to replace McCaffrey in Pro Bowl 49ers GM Lynch named PFWA Exec of Year (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) By MARK LONG JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone sat slumped in a chair in his office, his head down and his face planted in both hands. Marrone looked about like his team played: uninspired and ready for the season to be over. Philip Rivers threw for 314 yards and three touchdowns on his 38th birthday, including an 84-yarder to Austin Ekeler that was the longest completion of the quarterback's 16-year NFL career, and the Los Angeles Chargers routed the Jaguars 45-10 Sunday to end a three-game skid. It was Jacksonville's fifth consecutive lopsided loss, all by at least 17 points. The 1986 Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the last NFL team to drop five straight by at least 17. Jacksonville's last two have been embarrassments at home - both essentially over by halftime. The latest one could be the end of Marrone's tenure in Jacksonville. It's hard to imagine owner Shad Khan keeping Doug Marrone any longer, not following another lackluster effort against another sub-.500 team. The Jaguars have now dropped 19 of their last 25 games - 11 of those by double digits. "Eventually, if you don't win enough games and they think it's better to go with someone else, then obviously that's out of my hands," Marrone said. "I just keep doing the best job I can and keep fighting." The Chargers (5-8) scored on four of five possessions in the first half, picking apart Jacksonville's beleaguered defense and taking a 24-3 into the locker room. It was a welcome cushion for a team whose eight losses each came by seven points or fewer. "A little too little, too late in terms of our postseason hopes and the expectations coming into this season," said Rivers, whose team was officially eliminated from the postseason. "But we still talk about finishing strong. Every game matters. ... All around a good day. It was a fun day." It was another miserable afternoon for the Jaguars (4-9), who trailed by as many as 25, 32, 24 and 23 in their previous four blowouts. Marrone benched veteran quarterback Nick Foles in favor of rookie Gardner Minshew, hoping for a spark. But Minshew looked mostly ordinary, completing 24 of 37 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. He missed DJ Chark running wide open down the left side in the second quarter. Jacksonville managed 252 yards. The Chargers posted season-highs in points and yards (525). Rivers completed 16 of 22 passes in three quarters and posted the highest QB rating of his career (154.4). He had a 30-yard TD pass to wide-open Hunter Henry, a screen pass to Ekeler that beat an all-out blitz and was the longest of his career, and a 44-yarder to Mike Williams. Rivers now has 2,668 yards passing and 24 touchdowns in nine career starts against the Jaguars. He has 17 TD passes and an interception in his last five against Jacksonville. Williams extended his streak to six games with at least one catch gaining more than 40 yards and found the end zone for the first time this season. It was an odd drought considering Williams had 11 touchdowns (10 receiving, one rushing) last year. Ekeler finished with a career-high 101 yards rushing and 112 yards receiving. His 213 yards came on 12 touches. He's the second Chargers player to top the century mark rushing and receiving in the same game. The other was Lionel James in 1985. "I thought we could have done this all year, but we were just so inconsistent it put us in a hole too many times," Ekeler said. SENT HOME Chargers coach Anthony Lynn sent linebacker Denzel Perryman and rookie safety Roderic Teamer home Saturday for violating team rules. The Chargers flew to Jacksonville on Friday. KEY INJURIES Jaguars receiver DJ Chark left the locker room with a walking boot on his left foot and using a scooter. He injured his ankle in the fourth quarter. ... Backup Jaguars linebacker Jake Ryan, who spent the first 12 weeks of the season on the non-football injury list, left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury. Chargers: Host Minnesota next Sunday. LA is 2-1 against the NFC North this season, allowing a combined 40 points against Detroit, Chicago and Green Bay. Jaguars: Play at Oakland next Sunday, the final football game at the Oakland Coliseum. Should be a raucous crowd. More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP-NFL	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6790
__label__cc	0.559564	0.440436	Les Savy Fav @ BAM, Brooklyn, NY 1/29/10 This man (dressed as a monkey): played this venue (an opera house): Ok, let's back up a little. For those of you who've never experienced the spectacle of a Les Savy Fav show, Friday night's show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music opera house (BAM) was an unconventional place to start. These art-punk guys have been at it for over a decade and are consummate pros at infusing rock with DIY theatrics so maybe playing an opera house wasn't that much of a stretch for the band?! Ok, so who am I trying to kid, because obviously the ushers at BAM had NO idea what they were in for when lead singer Tim Harrington took the stage, clad only in shiny purple spandex leggings, beard adorned with close pins and limberly pranced around with near balletic movement inviting the somberly seated crowd to take to their feet and GASP stand as close to the stage as humanly possible. Dude also proceeded to give himself an atomic wedgie with the black briefs over said leggings WHILE SINGING. The man suffers for his art. Cue the sound of monocles room-wide breaking. To close out the set Tim changed into a homemade monkey costume and re-wrote the lyrics to Cats' "Memories" to "MOOONKIES". If anyone has a video of this, I will give you my first born. It's kinda impossible to take any video or photographic footage there, given the rigidity of usher/security guard nazi. (and that is why I really love Bill for stealthily taking these photos <3) The Sweat Descends - Les Savy Fav Posted by Jess at 20:44 Tagged: concerts, les savy fav Britt! Britt! Hooray! So last Saturday my friend Thom and I double-dosed on Britt Daniel. We caught the Spoon frontman twice in one night - once at an in-store at Sound Fix and then later that night at the Brooklyn Vegan Haiti benefit show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. And best of all Thom recorded BOTH. Enjoy! Download the Sound Fix show here: 01. The Mystery Zone 02. [tuning] 03. Written in Reverse 04. The Beast and Dragon, Adored 05. I Summon You Download the Music Hall of Williamsburg set here: 01. Isolation (John Lennon cover) 02. Who Makes Your Money Tagged: britt daniel, concerts, spoon Brooklyn Vegan's Haiti Benefit Concert @ Music Hall of Williamsburg 1/23/10 Brooklyn Vegan's Haiti Benefit concert basically doubled as a cover lover's paradise. Here's the rundown: -We got swoonworthy Spoon man Britt Daniel covering John Lennon's "Isolation". (How I'd love to run my hand's through his perfect bedhead. -My Brightest Diamond took on Prince's "How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore" (Dear God that voice, it's so sexy that as a 100% hetero-woman, I want to sleep with her vocal chords) - St. Vincent literally made me shed tears with her cover of Nico's "These Days". AND then she followed it up with The National's "Mistaken for Strangers" EPIC DOUBLE WHAMMY OF MELANCHOLY. - Bon Iver sang the crap out of the oft-covered "Satisfied Mind". (Also can we talk about his unabomber hair? Maybe someone's been locked in the cabin too long?) Oh as in typical infomercial form, BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! St. Vincent joined Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and Megafaun's Brad Cook to form an indie cover supergroup awesomely know as Songer-Singwriter and played Neil Young's "Harvest Moon", Tom Petty's "A Face in the Crowd", a 10 minute version of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" complete with a noisy, psychedelic freakout outro and finished it up with a sing-along of Annie Lennox's "Why". All and all it was pretty much the best 35 buck donation I've ever made. In fact I'd probably donate my left arm, a kidney and a few buckets of blood to see it all over again. Thank god for YouTube. Oh and I won't even taunt you with the line-up of Comedian's who also contributed to the night's festivities. The Daily Show's Wyatt Cenac AND Jeaneane Garafalo. Oh this other guy. Some dude who looks like fat Jesus. I think his name is Zach Galifianakis. He was in some little movie called The Hangover. Maybe you've heard of it. It's ok. Your jealousy is allowed. I'd hate me too if I didn't get to witness such a one of a kind event. These Days - St. Vincent (Nico cover) Tagged: bon iver, concerts, covers, My Brightest Diamond, spoon, st. vincent Sufjan & Co. documentary released soon?? Finally! Crooked River, the 2006 Swiss documentary by Kaleo LaBelle about his childhood friends, brothers Sufjan and Marzuki Stevens, is coming available stateside! In the trailer, you can see glimpses into the daily life of music making, running, crafts, Pac-Man, and a long road trip from NY to Boston over to the Great Lakes and home to upper Michigan, to reunite with their estranged father. This long-awaited and deeply personal film is slowly coming out of obscurity. Fervent searches haven't led to exactly when/where/how it will be available, but a public demand for this film will move the process faster and give it a wider release here. Sufjan Stevens - Alanson, Crooked River.m4a UPDATE UPDATE A member over at SufjanFans.com emailed the director of the film and received this in reply: Thank you for writing and for your interest in the documentary film CROOKED RIVER by Kaleo La Belle, featuring brothers Sufjan and Marzuki Stevens. A DVD version of the film will be available for purchase in the Spring of 2010. Please check back on the CROOKED RIVER website for updates. Because of your interest in the film, you have been added to the CROOKED RIVER email list. An email will be sent out when the DVD is available. Keep an eye out for Kaleo's newest feature documentary, BEYOND THIS PLACE, with musical score composed and performed by Sufjan Stevens and Ray Raposa (Castanets). A trailer for the film can be seen at http://www.beyondthisplace.ch. HOORAY!!!!!!!! :D Tagged: sufjan stevens, video Did you hear that Contra is the number 1 album in America? Madness. Because my brother finally got around to giving me my Christmas present I found myself yesterday with some money to spend on new music, yay! I've been rather poor of late, so it's been a while since I've had the chance, here is what was going down in my brain: me: wow, look at all this new music! Oh, so shiny, what shall I get? brain: why, look at this album here, OK GO. me: OK GO? Nah, I don't really like them. brain: have we ever heard them? me: sure we have, you know, they had the film clip with the treadmills. brain: oh yeah! That was cool, we should by this me: well, yes, but brain, but I don't by music because the film clips are cool. I'd own a hell of a lot more Kanye West if that were true. brain: wait, wait, hold the presses! didn't we see a film clip for this new album, with marching bands and stuff and it, too, was really cool? Was that OK GO? I'm pretty sure it was. me: and again I point out that cool film clips do not awesome music make. Here, let's buy Contra. brain: Nooooo! Everyone's buying Contra, Vampire Weekend don't care if you buy Contra! Buy this one, reward cool film clip making, come one, buy this on! Buy it! me: argh, fine! I'll buy it! Stupid brain. So, yeah, I bought OK GO's new one; 'Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky.' I'd dismissed this guys as gimmicky and far too reliant on treadmills to sell albums, but I'm posting here so that must mean it's time to tuck into some humble pie. Because yeah, I' really liking its lo-fi electro poppiness. The middle seems like it might be a little slow, but the last few songs are really beautiful, and there's this one track that I can't stop repeating. That's probably why I no strong feelings about the middle, because I rarely make it to the middle because I get caught up on repeating track two over and over. It's called 'This Too Shall Pass.' My brain was right, it does have a seriously nifty film clip floating around, which apparently can't be embedded or some such (there's a letter from OK GO to EMI popping up about the place explaining the situation) and it's just a really killer track. Maybe I should listen to my brain more often? But then again, probably not... Back from Kathmandu Posted by Megan at 21:44 Tagged: OK Go New She & Him!! Yay, new She & Him! You know the drill: "In the Sun" is um, sunshiney indie folk with a tinge of twang and Zooey Deschanel's oh-so flirty voice. Oh and Tilly and the Wall contribute some back-up vocals too for just an extra bit of adorableness. Be on the lookout for Volume 2 March 23. Oh and hey they're playing the Bowery Ballroom the day before my birthday. Who wants to buy this blogger some birthday tickets?? Bueller, Bueller? In the Sun - She & Him Tagged: she and him Dear Ringo Starr, All I ask of you is to please don't make 80's-esque album covers that immediately make me think of Garth Brooks' shirts. Tagged: Beatles Silly Los Campesinos!, romance is anything but One of the most anticipated releases of the year, Romance is Boring Los Campesinos! is streaming in its entirety on the band's MySpace page. (Wow, MySpace is actually good for something!) Listen HERE. It's probably worth noting it features what is likely to be my most quoted lyric of of the year "I think we need more post-coital and less post-rock". Bloody brilliant, right? But here's the catch: I'm not telling you which song its from, so you'll just have to listen all the way through to find it. The Sea is a Good Place to Think of the Future - Los Campesinos! Tagged: los campesinos Brooklyn, Brooklyn take me in! Sorry for the dearth of posts lately. I've just been busy settling into a new place in the indie mecca that is Brooklyn. YES, I've finally moved to Brooklyn! And I'm having trouble hiding my elation, It's only been three days but I've fallen in love with my neighborhood (and I'm not even living in a trendy area, take that Williamsburg!), have a part-time job lined up and most excitedly am starting grad school (WOO shout to Library and Information sciences!). (These are the pretty houses down the block.) And given this crazy awesome transition, there is only one song that fits the mood. The Avett Brothers "I and Love and You" is a siren song to the city I now call home. I and Love and You - The Avett Brothers Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in Are you aware the shape I'm in My hands they shake my head it spins Tagged: Avett Brothers Cover of the year, I'm calling it now. You're probably aware of the PANTS ON THE GROUND phenomenon. And if you're not get yourself acquainted ASAP: But let's take it a step further and imagine Neil Young covering that catchy little ditty. That's what Jimmy Fallon did, and man is it downright poignant: Tagged: covers a lot of bands would benefit from only covering songs from the labrynth Oh man, I'd laugh if this wasn't exactly how I explain music to people ALL THE TIME. (Also, I would totally buy that album) The Rural Alberta Advantage @ TheMercury Lounge (early show) 1/9/10 In less than two days I am moving to Brooklyn, which is probably why the Rural Alberta Advantage's debut album Hometowns is so appealing to me right now. Like the title implies there is a great emphasis on place and that paradoxical loving/loathing relationship you cultivate over time with the space from which you come. It's about moving on and out but also knowing that no matter where you go for better or for worse, you can never quite escape where you've been. I can't think of a band that covers this lofty territory with more verve, rhythm and sincerity than these guys. They simply ooze urgency from Nils Edenloff's earnest nasal bleats (it would be irresponsible to compare his voice to Jeff Mangum, since no one sounds that singular, however there are inflections that recall his trademark yelp) to the the raucous, pounding percussion. I wrote waaaay more about why I adore their album here on Crawdaddy if you care to read my fan girl gushing. I took a break from packing to catch them live last Saturday, suffice it say the show did not disappoint. Also they covered the theme song to a children's show I never heard of called "The Littlest Hobo" (perhaps it's a Canadian thing?) It's apparently about a homeless German Shepard that solves problems and fights crime. If anyone has a recording of their performance, hit us up in the comments. Oh and hey, I nabbed a setlist: "Tornado" is a new song about, well a tornado. Along with that song about a mudslide, this band has a real knack for writing rock songs about Canadian natural disasters. The Dethbridge in Lethbridge - The Rural Alberta Advantage Don't Haunt This Place - The Rural Alberta Advantage Tagged: concerts, rural alberta advantage Best Anti-drug PSA ever. Michael Cera freaks out on drugs with Islands, enjoy. No You Don't - Islands Tagged: islands, video tldr; I owe the NYC taper a muffin basket or something... So, and this is going to shock you guy seriously, but when it comes to writing about music I'm a gusher. If I love an album I am incapable of writing calmly or with any kind of reserve, it's all 'best album EVA!!!!' and 'oh my god I may as well stab my ears out right now because this it it guys this is the pinnacle of all music!!!! On the other hand, if something doesn't seem that great to me I don't say anything. It's not that I'm too nice, it's just that days have finite hours so why waste time writing about something I don't love more than anything ever right at that second. (Seriously, you know girls who meet a guy one day and start planning the wedding the next? I'm like that with music. I remember fellow VKer Jess made me a mix cd with a Herman Dune song on it and by the end of the weekend I had tracked down their entire discography...) And anyway, there are more than enough indie blogs out there willing to rip strips outta stuff, so I'll leave it up to them. Anyway, this is why, despite making no secret of my crazy fan girl love, I never did a post about the latest Mountain Goats album, 'The Life of the World to Come.' I didn't actually like it. This was very hard for me guys, seriously. I've devoted quite a few years of my life now to loving the Mountain Goats, I seriously was unsure of how to proceed. First, there was denial. I told myself I did like it. Sure, I'd listened to it barely twice, but I loved it, honest! I couldn't bring myself to put it on my best of 09 list, which is why the demo takes made it on instead. Then there was fear. Maybe I just didn't get it? Maybe the problem was me? I remember when people would bag older tMG release Get Lonely and I would chuckle a self satisfied chuckle because clearly these noobs just didn't understand the album. Was I now a noob? My response to this fear was to soldier myself in an armour made of indie snobbery. I only liked Darnielle's older stuff, that was all. He'd, like, totally sold out. I listened to '97s Full Force Galesburg (oh, guys, seriously this album is so perfect it makes my heart hurt a little every time I listen....) on repeat for days. I convinced myself that everything Darnielle had done post All Hail West Texas (the last of the boom box albums, Tallahassee was the next release and it was recorded in a real live studio as was every album following) wasn't actually that great. But you know what? Mostly I was just sad. My life has taken some hugely unexpected twists over the last few years and my unconditional love for the mountain goats was one of the few constants. I loved every god damned song JD had ever written. Every. God. Damned. One. It was hard admitted to myself that this newest album just didn't work for me. It reminds me of something my friend said when her all time favourite band, the Smashing Pumpkins, was about to release a new alum. She said she was scared, because what if she didn't like it? It seems that it should be the other way around, the artist should be the one scared over whether or not we'll like it, but I knew exactly how she felt. I could end this blog post here and it would be a bittersweet little essay of sorts dealing with the emotional ties we forge with music. But first I'd like to tell you about what happened this morning. I was working on some writing and had a tMG bootleg playing in the background. I reached a chapter break and paused while I considered what to write next when the song that was playing caught my attention. The quiet beauty of the song struck me, I mean really struck me. I'm not exaggerating when I say I was nearly moved to tears. It was 'Genesis 30:3,' track six on The Life Of The World To Come, and I don't know if the strong emotion I was feeling was on account of the song, or because maybe there was room in my heart for this new album yet. Will I grow to love The Life of the World to come as much as I love Full Force Galesburg and The Sunset Tree? Right now I can't say, but I think there's a good chance I will, and it will be all the more sweeter for hard road I had to take to get there. The bootleg that inspired this epiphany? The ever awesome NYC taper's recording of the January 09 Webster Hall show. Amazing sound quality, and JD's performance is full of passion, even for him. It can be downloaded here. Tagged: concerts, mountain goats First Video that Will/Should Go Viral! Check out this AWESOME Genesis cover!! If for some reason you don't believe me that they're the new "Reynaldos," then please preapare to be proven wrong when you watch Viral Video Film School on InfoMania!Because Brett Erlich is a genius AND a cutie pie. (Thursdays @ 10 pm on Current TV) Tagged: Brett Erlich, covers, D-Sven and Lee, Genesis, InfoMania, Reynaldo, video, VVFS The first album to love or loathe of 2010 Upon exactly one listen, I can tell you the second half is a lot stronger and "Giving Up the Gun" is the best song on here. Stream Vampire Weekend's Contra in its entirety at the band's MySpace HERE. And download Cousins Tagged: vampire weekend Headed for the Future! Happy 2010, VK readers! Here's your collection of songs to kick the year (and decade) off right: Neil Diamond - Headed For the Future.mp3 Flight of the Conchords - Robots.mp3 Zager and Evans - In the Year 2525.mp3 Death Cab for Cutie - New Year.m4a Jeff Buckley - New Year's Prayer (remix).mp3 Massive Attack - Future Proof.mp3 Future Bible Heroes - Doris Daytheearthstoodstill.mp3 Elvis Costello - Good Year For the Roses.mp3 Tori Amos - Pretty Good Year.mp3 Sage Francis - Hell of a Year.mp3 Ten Years After - I'd Love to Change the World.mp3 Jens Lekman - Firecracker (On Our Way to a New Year's Party).mp3 U2 - New Year's Day (live Under a Blood Red Sky).mp3 Matt & Kim - No More Long Years.mp3 Nine Inch Nails - The Beginning of the End.mp3 Steely Dan - Reelin' in the Years.mp3 Led Zeppelin - Ten Years Gone.mp3 Tom Waits - So It Goes.mp3 the Mountain Goats - This Year (live @ Last Happy Night of Your Life).mp3 1:16:57 total time Tagged: death cab for cutie, Flight of the Conchords, Future Bible Heroes, Jeff Buckley, jens lekman, Led Zeppelin, Massive Attack, mixes, mountain goats, Neil Diamond, Tom Waits, Tori Amos, U2 Brooklyn Vegan's Haiti Benefit Concert @ Music Hal... Did you hear that Contra is the number 1 album in ... a lot of bands would benefit from only covering so... The Rural Alberta Advantage @ TheMercury Lounge (e... tldr; I owe the NYC taper a muffin basket or somet...	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6810
__label__wiki	0.821401	0.821401	French photographer, movie director and video editor, Adrien Selbert joined VU’ in 2017. He won the Maison Blanche prize of Contemporary photography in Marseille, The international New forms awards and 2nd Prize Fisheye of Les Rencontres d’Arles. Adrien Selbert’s book “Srebrenica, from night to night”, with a post-face by R. Cohen from The New York Times is published by Le Bec en l’air. He regularly works in France and in Balkans, notably on the post-war situation in Bosnia. Adrien Selbert has directed several documentaries like “Nino’s Place”, awarded of Best Grand Reportage in Geneve film festival. He also works as a video scenographer for theatre and gives workshops about education in the visual image, notably to children and young people in need. See all the Reportages by this author Marine Le Pen in Les Sables-d’Olonne Marine Le Pen’s rally in Nantes Hôtel Paul Delaroche Bertrand Desprez Vincent Migeat Claude Pauquet Emmanuel Pierrot Guillaume Zuili Michaël Zumstein © Copyright VU' / Part of Abvent Group	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6811
__label__cc	0.716151	0.283849	Hot News In Tech There Are Signs That The Digital Marketplace Is Indeed On The Rise: According To Amazon’s Most Recent Earnings Report, Third-party Merchants Accounted For 45 Percent Of Units Sold In The Second Quarter, And ChannelAdvisor Executive Scot Wingo, An Analyst Who Tracks Amazon, Says That Third-party Sellers Accounted For 58 Percent Of The $48 Among other things, the accord requires the company to post information on its web site regarding “important information on protecting your assets from online threats such as identity theft, phishing, spyware, viruses, e-mail fraud and stock touting SPAM.” Those worries didn’t materialize out of nowhere. Hackers compromised power centers in Ukraine in December 2015, taking… “What Typically Happens Is A Phishing Site Sets Up With RBN, And When Someone Complains Enough, RBN Will Take It Down Read all the Dork Towers that have run on GeekDad. Ulifeline does not offer online counseling per se, though such services – mostly unregulated – do exist elsewhere in the form of e-mail and chats with a therapist. But observers say the new site casts a uniquely wide net to a high-risk population. Wilson takes… IOS 11 Comes With A Batch Of Security Features That Merit Your Attention “That’s about all it took,” Harris said, expressing surprise that no reporters had bothered to uncover data that took only a few Internet searches to find. With the grant coming from the National Science Foundation, science education has a prominent place in FutureCoast. Involving high school and college students is a goal, and the team… So Far, The Focus Has Been On The Colgan Q400’s Tailplane https://twitter.com/Seasaver/status/581397658402729984 Aisha: We spoke to some people who might be interested, and we went to the Brooklyn Book Festival and we got some people who were interested as well. That’s what we like about coming to these events, that it puts us out in front of people, and we get to meet interesting people: artists,… Microsoft Planned To Use “white Space” Technology, Tapping Buffer Zones Separating Individual Television Channels In Airwaves That Could Be Cheaper Than Existing Methods Such As Laying Fiber-optic Cable Considering that the two companies I founded – Jupiter Research and Pseudo Programs – were critical drivers of New York City’s technology boom in the 1990s, you would think the city would welcome me back with open arms. Get e-mail aliases set up and get people using them from the very start. Identify tech and… As Precocious Teens With An Interest In The Internet And The Stock Market, Shah And Hecker Never Thought They Would Start A Bona Fide Business While They Were Still In High School However, Facebook’s revenue growth is expected to come down meaningfully in the social network’s third quarter. Since last year, Facebook management has been warning investors that during the second half of 2017, its revenue growth rates will slow as ad load plays a less significant role in driving ad revenue growth. In the photo above… She Appeared On Their Launched Series In April, Which Has Previously Featured Acts Like Jessie Ware, Sam Smith, Charli XCX, And Bastille This change in sentiment was rather apparent the last time I saw a Peers organizer, this past August. I was in Central Park standing in line for a free Shakespeare performance. The college-age woman asked the people around me to sign a petition to make Airbnb legal in New York, and they got into an… While Most Of The Press Took Al-Sahaf Semi-seriously, And A Lot Of The Public Dismissed Him Simply As A Brazen Liar, Many American And U To my knowledge, the highest-resolution subduction zone imaged to date is the last map/profile I showed above, the Nankai Trough. This is largely a result of this area being the focus area for a research project called the Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (or NanTroSEIZE). This program is in progress – they’ve already done a… Even That Law Might Not Apply Because It Does Not Directly Affect Drug Makers Like Lilly, But Health Care Providers And Pharmacies, Goldman Said Even that law might not apply because it does not directly affect drug makers like Lilly, but health care providers and pharmacies, Goldman said. Earlier this year, one player discovered an incredibly useful glitch in another popular Zelda game, Ocarina of Time. The glitch allowed players to teleport from a point very close to the… Digital Fabrication Also Takes The Expensive Parts Of Traditional Manufacturing And Makes Them Cheap Digital fabrication also takes the expensive parts of traditional manufacturing and makes them cheap. In mass production, the more complicated a product is and the more changes you make, the more it costs. But with digital fabrication, it’s the reverse: The traits that are expensive in traditional manufacturing become free. Consider: Al-Khateeb, a 32-year-old father… GatoData - Tech news update Owen Nannarone At Home In Scituate, Mass Fujitsu Plans To Introduce Multitouch Into Some Of Its 12-inch Screen Notebooks In The Middle Of Next Year When It Hopes The Technology Will Be A Little More Mature, Says Moore Similarly, Credit Suisse Lowered Its Rating On Time Warner To “neutral” From “outperform,” But Raised Its Price Target To $107 It’s Easier For Blogs, Which Don’t Need A Lot Of Demographic Information About A User, To Let People Jump In And Start Participating Socially Without Filling Out A Registration Form An Effort To Erase Doubts About New ATM-style Voting Machines By Backing Up Digital Votes With Paper Records Is Gaining Ground Nationwide, As State Officials Heed Warnings About Security And Potentially Messy Recounts ©2020 Hot News In Tech \| Powered by WordPress & Superb Themes	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6812
__label__cc	0.676391	0.323609	Music arrangements from Kippykip in MIDI format - Arachno SoundFont MY OFFICIAL ARRANGEMENTS LIST 0 official arrangements from miscellaneous categories Kippykipare available. HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE USED TO PRODUCE THESE ARRANGEMENTS I use software synthesizers, such as SynthFont, BASSMIDI Driver or CoolSoft VirtualMIDISynth to reproduce and record the tracks. These synthesizers make use of SoundFont sound banks to reproduce MIDI instruments; SoundFont is a format designed by Creative Labs and E-MU for the Sound Blaster range of soundcards (AWE, Live!, Audigy, X-Fi). Therefore, to produce these arrangements, I used Arachno SoundFont, my own self-made SoundFont bank, designed across several years for my Sound Blaster! Live soundcard. This bank includes many famous sounds from the best synthesizers by Roland (D-50, Sound Canvas...), Korg (M1, X5...), Yamaha (MU, Clavinova...), Fairlight (CMI), E-MU (Emulator) and many others. You can download this sound bank for free from the Arachno SoundFont section. The audio track is recorded straight from the synthesizer with my bank; either by playung a MIDI file, or directly from the original game itself. The tracks are recorded dry, without any added effect, except from normalizing the recording using Audacity afterwards. The video part is either realized from screenshots taken from the game (using Windows Live! Movie Maker), or by directly recording the game's output on screen (using CamStudio). For some arrangements, the screenshots may have been taken from an enhanced version of the game, to achieve better image quality. Some games, such as DOOM or Duke Nukem 3D, supporting "packs" designed to enhance some parts of the game, like graphics.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6825
__label__wiki	0.551378	0.551378	Perfume for the gods By Wavefunction on Thursday, December 21, 2006 Almost two years ago, I relished giving a departmental seminar on a novel theory of smell by Luca Turin, which proposed that we smell molecules not by their shape, but by their vibrations. The seminar was largely inspired by this book, which then encouraged me to explore the fascinating literature on smell. Turin's theory was then largely discounted, although it predicted that dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfide-d6 would smell different because of different vibrations of the C-H and C-D bonds. I tested this hypothesis myself and indeed could detect a slight difference in their smell. All ten of of my test subjects also could. A critical editorial in Nature Neuroscience, based on an experiment conducted in Rockefeller University, dismissed the theory with what I thought was a little too much chutzpah. But now, in an article published in the Physical Review Letters, Turin's theory seems to receive support. I still have to read the details; not that the equations of quantum physics are exactly at the tip of my tongue, but still. Turin has also come out with a book about smell and the science behind it. I just got a copy from Amazon and have started on it. One thing that you have to appreciate about the man is his fine perception of smell, as both science and art, as well as his wide-ranging knowledge. His descriptions of smell are sometimes poetry exemplified, and his ability to nail down a smell in the weirdest description is uncanny ("...smells like the breath of a newborn infant mixed with its mother's hair spray"). On the other hand, the science in the earlier book was sometimes pretty sketchy, and Turin's words about why the holy Angstrom is an appealingly natural unit are not entirely scientifically appealing. He says that the Angstrom seems very natural, because a C-C bond length is about 1 A. Well, a C-C bond length is 1.54 A, very different from 1 A as chemists will realise, and saying that a C-C bond length is 'about' 1 A is alarming. On a similar note, the difference between a C-C and a C=C is 'only' 0.12 A, and yet it makes a world of difference in the chemistry. As they say, chemistry (and biology) are worlds encapsulated within 0.5 A and 2kcal/mol. Frankly, I have always thought that there's definitely much more to smell than shape. And as far as the difference in smell of deuterated compunds was concerned, I thought the vibration theory bore good weight. The problem is that smell is not quantifiable the way the effect of a drug is, through quantitative dose-response curves. I have to admit that SAR for smell looks even more bizarre than SAR for drugs, which is bizarre enough sometimes. The Nobel prize awarded to smell two years ago was really about the biology, and not about the molecular recognition part. So we definitely have a long way to go in deciphering smell. Smell is fascinating by any standards, no doubt about that. pKa bamboozle In a recent publication by a famous chemist, I came across this illustration in which they have calculated the pKa values of guanine and xanthine, among other bases. Not only does the NH in the five membered ring in xanthine have a lower pKa than the NH next to the carbonyl in the six membered ring, but the pKa of the NH next to the carbonyl in the six membered ring does not change at all when you go from guanine to xanthine. Maybe I have just had a long day, but this does not make sense to me at all. For the love of god, explain. Look ma, pet dinosaur An enormously fun debate is going on in the pages of Nature (subscriber link), initiated after the magazine published the 'Creationism in Europe' article which prompted me to write this post a couple of days ago. After that article was published, a Polish gentleman named Maciej Giertych of the Institute of Dendrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences sent a letter to Nature, in which he questioned the validity of evolution, apparently without citing a single reference, although he did cite his seemingly impressive credentials from the universities of Oxford and Toronto. Giertych said: "I believe that, as a result of media bias, there seems to be total ignorance of new scientific evidence against the theory of evolution. Such evidence includes race formation (microevolution), which is not a small step in macroevolution because it is a step towards a reduction of genetic information and not towards its increase. It also includes formation of geological strata sideways rather than vertically, archaeological and palaeontological evidence that dinosaurs coexisted with humans, a major worldwide catastrophe in historical times, and so on." What on earth (pun intended)?! First of all, assuming that what he means by "microevolution" is evolution on the scale of genes and biomolecules, such microevolution has been demonstrated thousands of times, in fact thus enormously supporting and widening the purview of evolution. Secondly, he actually has the audacity to suggest that humans and dinosaurs may have walked together on the earth! Quite appropriately, this rash letter invoked a series of no less than eight rebuttals in the latest correspondence section of Nature. There are those who have also criticised Nature for publishing such a hack letter, but most have directly condemned Giertych's views. There is the correspondent from the Institute of Dendrology who is prompt to dissociate his institute's views from Giertych's views, and then there are those who lambast him directly for his opinions and deplore his lack of reference citing. But there are also two correspondents who say "The very fact that his letter was published shows that Nature has no bias against critics of evolution." This is an interesting point. Should scientific journals publish letters and so-called articles from people like Giertych? At one end, we may think that this is necessary to prove that scientific journals have no bias in publication. Thus, creationists cannot accuse them of actively suppressing evidence. On the other hand, it is not the responsibility of scientific journals to refute every hack creationist unscientific assertion. I don't know whether Nature published Giertych's letter to allow dissent (no matter how misguided and unsubstantiated) or to actually publish a serious opposing point of view. It surely cannot be the latter, and I am convinced it is the former reason. But as a matter of principle, I completely agree that scientific journals have absolutely no obligation to publish any pseudoscientific cricticism of sound scientific facts, let alone dissenting correpondence. If pseudoscientists cry foul, it's quite clear they are really crying sour grapes. It's one thing to be a valid scientific critic of evolution, but it's quite another to be a pseudoscientific opponent of evolution who cites not one scientific reference. Since it's really the creationists who assert that the earth was created six thousand years ago, the onus of proof has always been on them to prove their assertions, and no journal needs to pander to their dissenting views that don't have an iota of scientific basis to support them. The other point is related to Dawkins's stance that we can never disprove the existence of god and creation. Naturally, the creationists tout that as proof of their contentions. Scientific journals also don't have any duty whatsoever to publish assertions that are not disproved. Because in science and the reality seeking world, innocent until proven guilty is a non-existent principle. On a different note, Poland is a staunchly Catholic country, and I won't be surprised if they start teaching creationism in schools as an "alternative theory". The only condition should be that they should teach all "theories" of creation, including that of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and the Dozing Fatty Spinster. Strontium ralenate By Wavefunction on Wednesday, December 06, 2006 Came across this nifty site that features many old and new drugs and a brief and accessible description of their basic properties and licensing and patent information. That's how I got to know about strontium ralenate, never heard of before. Clerical Chemistry By Wavefunction on Monday, December 04, 2006 I want to lay claim to a new field; clerical chemistry. Unfortunately, I can't because millions before me seem to have already exploited it and sucked it dry. In one sentence, clerical chemistry is the art and science of lists. Lists which may not indicate anything. Lists which may aspire to but never reach a Voila! conclusion. And lists that are included for no reason except to clutter up powerpoint presentations. Case in point. A med chem colleague who gave a presentation today about her efforts to develop a new molecule for some receptor (what else). Admirable that she synthesized 175 molecules without having any idea of what they were doing, but does she have to list all her 170 failed molecules on every slide? Not only does it make the head spin, but it deprives one of any inkling of rational drug design. No offense here, but sure, you may have even synthesized 1075 molecules separately, but please give us the bottom line. We admire your heroic efforts sincerely even without you listing all of them till our eyes water. Plus, we waited for the SAR for about 30 minutes, and in the end, the SAR was something which any one of us may have guessed. Med chem presentations like this one really put me off. I dread it when someone has SAR in the title. Of course, SAR is the heart of med chem, but what we want is a tidy little package that gives us the details. You may have really synthesized every molecule out there with all possible permutations and combinations including one with Uglium, but we already know that, and we really don't care about every single possibility that did not work. And did I mention that this was a practice talk for a job interview in pharma? Best of luck to her. Eternal unanswered riddles By Wavefunction on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 Yesterday, while having a project discussion, we got into asking how strong a salt-bridge is, and realised that we are trying to answer one of the perpetually alive and kicking questions of chemistry. I then realised that this question belongs into the class of some other PAQs (Perpetually Alive Questions) 1. How strong is a hydrogen bond? 2. Do "low-barrier, strong" hydrogen bonds exist? 3. How do enzymes exactly stabilize transition states and bring about such enormous stabilization? What forces contribute to this? 4. How do you distinguish between a 'weak' hydrogen bon and a Van der Waals contact? 5. Why do molecules adopt one crystal structure and not another equienergetic one? 6. What is the origin of the rotation barrier in ethane? Some of these questions (such as 4.) depend as much on convenience and arbitrary definition as on having definite answers. There are also ones where one can make good general guesses and yet lack predictive ability (such as 5.). The protein folding problem also falls into this category. Many of these questions concern my favourite topics, especially those related to hydrogen bonds. While hyperconjugation has been advanced as the source of the rotation barrier in ethane, proton sponges have been postulated as model systems for demonstrating "strong" hydrogen bonds. According to Dunitz, crystal structure prediction really boils down to choosing between equienergetic possibilities rather than asking why one of them exists. As for enzymes, Kendall Houk seems to think that efficiencies above a certain extent may imply covalent rather than non-covalent binding. All questions make for exciting discussion and much fun, and the great thing is that even partial answers make for great intellectual debate and even scientific advancement. Roll on! Chemistry remains alive because of such questions. But PhD.s may get prolonged, an emphatic disadvantage. More such questions? Of course I can google it, but... "If someone is interested in the details, I will be happy to talk to them later"...these words of mine in a group meeting presentation were met with amusement and subdued smirking. I was puzzled. I remember hearing these words often a few years ago in talks. They made me feel happy, because they seemed to indicate that the speaker was genuinely interested in explaining the fine points, and indeed even the general points of his talk later to those who were interested. So what had changed between then and now? Two factors I think among others: Google, and Powerpoint. Powerpoint allows you to display a long list of references with the tacit assumption that the audience will scan and memorize them instantaneously. Surely all the references you need will be in there. So for details, just look into those. Google made avoiding human communication even more easy. Some experience that I have supports this. Let's say someone was talking about a project that involved RNA interference (RNAi). I would cringe asking them "What is RNAi?", because more than once I have received the response, "O RNAi...that's...why don't you google it?" Well, of course I can google it, but it's not a crime to sometimes yearn for human communication. In 'older' times, the speaker knew that you would have to probably go to the library and browse through books to get such a question answered. To save you that trouble, he or she would take out a few minutes to answer your question. Even today, there are a few speakers who are gracious enough to be patient and try to answer even a general question by taking a few minutes. But the percentage is alarmingly dwindling, even those who are willing to talk to you in detail later. If you want to ask them about the direct details of their research, fine. If it's something general, you can always... I understand of course, the enormous benefits of having Google and the internet at your fingertips, which in fact allow you to instantly access such information. Interestingly, it works both ways; today in a presentation, a colleague highlighted a drug for tuberculosis, a well-known antibiotic. I was tempted to ask her what protein target in the tuberculosis bacterium it targets. But I was stricken with the 'information at your fingertips syndrome'; why should I ask her that if I could get the information right away from Al Gore's information superhighway? (This syndrome has also led more people googling in presentations than paying attention to the talk) Naturally, Google is God. But I wonder if human communication in presentations has been stifled because of the tacit assumption on the part of both speaker and audience, that they can always google it. As for me, I still love to say "If someone is interested in the details, I will be happy to talk to them later" as a catch-all phrase, and I think I am going to continue doing so. For the sake of good old fashioned banter, if not anything else. Features of selective kinase inhibitors By Wavefunction on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 It was quite recently that I came across this fantastic review of kinase inhibitors from 2005 by Kevan Shokat. The reason why I missed it is because it was published in a journal that is usually not in people's top ten list- Chemistry and Biology. So I am putting it into mine from now onwards. In any case, I think this review should be read by anyone who is concerned with either the experimental or computational design and testing of selective kinase inhibitors. Even now, the holy grail of kinase inhibitor development is selectivity, and Shokat gives a succint account of what we know about designing such molecules until now. I thought there were a few points especially crucial to keep in mind. 1. IC50 is not equal to Ki...usually: This is a central if simple fact that should always guide computational as well as experimental scientists in their evaluation. The IC50 and Ki values are generally related by the so-called Cheng Prusoff equation: Here, Km and [S] are the Km and substrate concentrations for the natural substrate of the protein, ATP in this case, which is usually competitively displaced by inhibitors. What does this mean on a practical basis? Let me take my own example in which this principle helped a lot. We are trying to design a selective kinase inhibitor, and found out that a compound which we had, showed some selectivity for one kinase versus the other. To investigate the source of this selectivity, we started looking at the interactions of the inhibitor with the two kinase pockets; presumably, better the interaction, more it would contribute to the smaller IC50. Or would it? No! Better the interactions, the more it would contribute to the smaller Ki. The point is, only the Ki has to do with how effectively the inhibitor interacts with the active site. But the IC50 is an experimental number which as the above equation indicates, also has to do with how well the natural substrate, in this case ATP, binds to the protein. So if the Km of the protein for ATP is really small, that means ATP binds very well, and even a compound with a low Ki will have a relatively large IC50 and will be a poor inhibitor. So just looking at the active site interactions does not help to rationalize anything about the IC50; what must be known is how well the competitor ATP binds to the site. The bottom line is, in kinase assays, one can only compare Ki's and IC50's if the ratio [S]/Km is kept constant. Otherwise it's not a controlled experiment. 2. There is a minimum threshold of potency below which an inhibitor cannot be selective, irrespective of the in vitro data: Another important point. If the inhibitor is extremely lousy in the first place, then the dosage needed to achieve selectivity is going to be much higher. On a practical basis, as Shokat says, "more potent compounds are more selective because they can be used at a lower dose". What I take this to mean is that if your compound is extremely potent, then you can essentially use it at such a low concentration, that it binds to only one protein, and is denied to the others. What could be the 'threshold' for a kinase inhibitor? Well, it depends also on what kind of a clinical target you are targeting, but I would think that anything above maybe a micromolar Ki would be enough to raise serious doubts about selectivity. 3. Common features of kinase inhibitors: This could be educated observation and guesswork at best, but Shokat says many inhibitors show dramatic SAR relationships. The hydrogen bonds between the adenine ring nitrogens and a crucial backbone residue are duplicated by many inhibitors for example. I can vouch for the ubiquity of this particular interaction, as it has shown up even in docking poses. This is what can be called a 'correlated' pair of hydrogen bonds, one which is strong and conserved. The other point about kinase inhibitors being usually relatively rigid and entropically constrained is also interesting. One thing is for sure; kinase inhibitors seem to promise yet another bounty for heterocyclic chemists (We who criticize 'flatland' should quietly slink away now...) And of course, this is only for ATP competitive inhibitors. Allosteric inhibition will be quite another unexplored terrain. Overall, a highly informative and practically useful review. It helped me ask our biologists questions which they wouldn't have expected from a modeler. The search for selective inhibitors is surely one of the most vigorously explored areas of med chem. The dozens of publications literally every week on Src, PKC, p38 Map, CDK, and Bcr kinases represent only a fraction of the research that is being currently done in pharma as well as academia. Discodermolide unraveled? By Wavefunction on Sunday, November 12, 2006 Drugs affecting microtubule dynamics are familiar chemical players in med chem by now. First came Taxol, then the epothilones, then discodermolide, and the list continues with peluroside, eleutherobin, and dictyostatin to name a few of the better known entities. Like it is for other drugs, one of the major questions asked about these molecules is how they bind to their target. Taxol and epothilone have been subjected to immense SAR and analog preparation by some of the hard hitters in the synthetic arena. Their binding conformations have been postulated with reasonable confidence. The common pharmacophore hypothesis, tempting but misleading and not true in this case, has been convincingly questioned. But for discodermolide, the binding conformation is not yet known. Now, groups from Spain and the UK have applied the "INPHARMA" NMR methodology to probe the interaction of disco with tubulin. Admittedly, INPHARMA is a nifty technique- here is the original reference. It relies on magnetization transfer to a protein proton from a proton of a molecule that binds in the active site. This magnetization is then again transfered from the protein proton to a proton of another molecule that binds to the same site. For this to happen, the rate constants for binding have to be much smaller than the relaxation times for the protons. Thus, the magnetization transfer sequence for two ligands A and B that bind to the same active site is H(A)------>Protein proton------->H(B) Naturally, this happens if both H(A) and H(B) are close to the same protein proton. Thus you see cross peaks between two protons A and B of two different ligands, mediated by a protein proton. Information from many such cross peaks allows us to map the protein protons to the ligand protons that are near them. In the end, not only does a picture emerge of the binding conformation of both ligands separately, but this information also allows us to suggest a common pharmacophore for the two ligands. And Paterson has now used this technique for disco and epothilone. I am sure the technique has to be done carefully and that it was, and I also don't doubt the postulated conformation of disco. Most of the paper is really interesting and it's a neat study. But what concerns me is the fact that the end result, the binding conformation of disco can be mapped onto the x-ray conformation of disco proposed earlier, as well as the solution conformation of dictyostatin. Where my mind snags is in accepting this conclusion, because a single or even one dominant conformation for a flexible molecule derived in solution is unrealistic. It's what is called a 'virtual' solution. It's virtual simply because it's an average conformation. And since the average is a juxtaposition of all possible individual conformations, it simply does not exist in solution by itself. It's like saying that the contiguous structure of fan blades seen when a fan is moving very fast actually exists. It does not, because it is an average, and the resolution time of our eye is not short enough to capture individual positions of the fan blades. So I wonder how the binding conformation of disco could be mapped onto the conformations of one x-ray conformation and one single dominant conformation in solution. Now I am sure there is more to this story, and I am still exploring the paper, but for commonsense reasons, a little red light in my brain always turns on (or at least should turn on) when a single or dominant conformation for a highly flexible molecule in solution is postulated. More cogitations to come soon. Labels: discodermolide, taxol, tubulin Protein-protein interactions and academic bounties By Wavefunction on Monday, November 06, 2006 Whistling's post on the neat article published by researchers at Sunesis Pharma on tethering as a strategy to discover caspase inhibitors reminded me of Jim Wells, who had come to give a talk at Emory a couple of months ago. Wells moved from being president of Sunesis to UCSF. At UCSF, he commands a formidable repertoire of resources, including NMR, X-Ray and High Res Mass, as well as synthesis and molecular biology facilities. Who in academia can compete with such an immense wall of capability? I am sure Wells must have been offered great incentives including these facilities at UCSF to facilitate his transition from industry to academia. His move is symbolic of the power that academia has now started to command. Part of this power no doubt comes from it being allowed to have patents on drugs, from which they can get considerable finances through royalties. My own advisor, Prof. Dennis Liotta, got Emory 500 million $ in royalties, as one of the co-discoverers of the anti-HIV drug Emtricitabine (Emtriva®). That is a good sign, because researchers would gladly move back into the intellectually more stimulating environment of academics, if they were also provided good incentives and facilities. But coming back to the scientific side, Wells is one of the pioneers in developing small molecule inhibitors for disrupting protein-protein interactions, a notoriously tricky endeavor. Proteins can interact with other proteins in as many ways as small molecules can interact with them. Finding a protein-protein interaction is not simply a matter of finding a good complementary fit, but is much more complicated, because the protein essentially interacts with another protein through flexible maneuvering. Not only can it simply slide into a hydrophobic complementary site, but it can also catch hold of loops, causing immense conformational changes in them, and then only be in a comfortable position to dock with the other protein. Needless to say, programs which depend on rigid body protein docking often fail miserably, like ClusPro, which gave me horrendous results on my system. Also, proteins may not always dock in a theoretically optimum manner in real systems, but only in an orientation that is optimum to cause further action. Protein-protein docking will remain a holy grail for both experimentalists and computational scientists, more so with the huge number of protein-protein interactions impliccated in diseases now. This whole discussion reminded me of two excellent reviews on protein-protein interactions, which give a succint view of the field. 1. Small-molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interactions: progressing towards the dream- Michelle R. Arkin, James A. Wells, Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 3, 301 - 317 (01 Apr 2004) 2. Strategies for Targeting Protein–Protein Interactions With Synthetic Agents- Hang Yin and Andrew D. Hamilton, Angewandte Chemie International Edition Volume 44, Issue 27, Date: July 4, 2005, Pages: 4130-4163 Low is still better By Wavefunction on Friday, November 03, 2006 One of the pieces of news (NYT link) making waves is the finding that resveratrol, a substance in red wine, can offset the effects of a high-calorie diet and prolong longevity...in mice at least. But the graph is revealing, and is also relieving, because it emphatically shows that wine enthusiasts gleefully running out to buy (and justify) large stores of Chianti should pause for thought. The graph clearly shows that a standard low calorie diet still is better than a high-calorie one fortified with red wine, at least in the long term. So think again before you douse yourself with wine and cheese. Copyright: NPG Original Nature article Now, let me get back to my creme-filled donut Fishy no more I better fry that fish for dinner today instead of waiting for the weekend. How many times do you see a front page news headline on BBC saying "Only 50 years left for sea fish"? But that's what it says, and this is one of the scarier changes that's going to take place as we irreversibly modify our planet. No need to have Halloween as a special celebration anymore. This is not suprising. In an earlier post, I already commented about precipitous amphibian declines orchestrated by environmental damage. Now it's the fish, and in fact marine life in general. And no wonder; out of all systems, marine systems are probably the most delicate systems on earth. In fact, we haven't even understood the complex symphony involving fish, algae, other sea denizens and chemicals, that takes place below the water's surface. As one researcher said, marine biosystems are like a pack of cards, so intricably linked with each other, that disturb one, and you turn others topsy turvy. But doesn't the pack of cards go further in even more ways? After all, the oceans are the great equalizers of the planet, absorbing CO2 and being key for maintaining temperature. One of the scarier scenarios for global warming concerns the perturbation of the North Atlantic Circulation, which would throw Europe and the US into a new age of climate, possibly an ice age. In the last two decades or so, we have been starting to see the effects of climate change on biodiversity in a very real way, with not only loss of habitats, but also the spread of disease vectors that thrive in warmer conditions. Finally, as I have already said, it's going to be the disruption of daily life that is going to be the final wake up call for people. The only critical question is whether it will be too late by then, and the answer increasingly seems to be yes. This is no longer a matter that needs to appeal to only morality and preserving the beauty of nature. This has to do with our modern way of life, and once we take a look, we realise that the matter of biodiversity destruction is linked to many others of our grotesque nemeses, including the oil crises, and religious and political conflict. The pack of cards packs deep indeed. Critics of global warming who said that taking action against it would adversely affect economies need to open their eyes. The naysayers who don't wish to preserve the environment for its own sake could at least preserve it for their own sake. How many people's likelihood is related to seafood collection and processing? And again, how much of the world economic capital rests on providing seafood to populations? If this has nothing to do with economics, then I don't see what has. The fact that I may not get that stuffed pomfret on a lazy weekend will be the most trivial of all consequences. I firmly believe that if humanity's end comes, it will not be because it lacked the technology and capability for solving problems, but because the problems were so intractably connected to each other and humans' way of life, that even solving one problem would make the entire system collapse. It would be the ultimate irony; the system's sheer complexity and overbearing influence precluding even the realistic solution of a problem, even when it is at hand. Smith's Interestingolide is wrong By Wavefunction on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 Imagine that your name was Smith, and you had synthesized a molecule named Interestingolide. Now, if someone published a paper with the title "Reassignment of the Structure of Smith's Interestingolide", how would you feel? Well, that's what has happened to 'Mehta and Kundu's Spiculoic Acid' whose published structure has been refuted by Oxford's Jack Baldwin. What is interesting is that the original group seems to have incorrectly predicted the stereochemistry of the product of a Sharpless epoxidation. The substrate is simple, so is the product, and it should not have been difficult to use Sharpless's mnemonic device to do this prediction. As is clear from the diagram below, the Sharpless mnemonic device makes it clear that holding the allylic alcohol in the orientation shown and using D (-) DET, you should get the alpha epoxide. The rest of Baldwin's analysis follows, but this initial incorrect prediction sets the stage for all that. Maybe the grad student did the stereochemical prediction, and the professor either trusted him, or did not look closely enough at his analysis. Well, better luck next time, and I will stop speculating. * Incorrect prediction: * Correct prediction: * Sharpless mnemonic device: * Reference: Org. Lett.; (Letter); 2006; ASAP Article; DOI: 10.1021/ol062361a It's the simple things that... I learnt my lesson. The problematic molecule for which our NMR data was not making sense turned out to have some protons with really long relaxation times. I had read a line in some well known NMR book which said "For any detailed study, it's best to measure T1 relaxation times before the experiment". I read it, and I forgot it. Well, not forgot it entirely, but it's still true that for most molecules, relaxation times are similar for all the protons and not doing a T1 does not really make a difference. In our case unfortunately, it were the reference protons for the NOESY distance calculation that turned out to have loooong T1s. Simple solution: measure T1, and then set the relaxation delay (d1 for Varian spectrometers) equal to 5T1. I am in the process of rerunning the NOESY. But from next time, I am never going to forget doing a T1 measurement before anything else, even for simple and 'obvious' moelcules. It's a humbling lesson well learnt for me. Beyond the rhetoric By Wavefunction on Saturday, October 28, 2006 I have been reading George Olah's 'Beyond Oil and Gas: The Methanol Economy' and even without having gotten to the part about the methanol economy, I can heartily recommend the book. At first sight, the book looks technical, but it is actually extremely accessible to the layman. The first half of the book is an extremely lucid and comprehensive account of the history, geopolitics, technology and future, of oil, natural gas, and coal, and also discusses the hydrogen economy and alternative fuel sources including atomic energy. The book is very much worth reading and buying for this half alone. All three of these commodities have become the Big Brothers of our lives, seemingly munificent, indispensable, and revolutionary. Yet all three, and especially oil, have made us utterly dependent on them in morbid manner. This is true in the many obvious ways in which we use oil in transportation and electricity and heating, but also in the not so obvious and yet ubiquitous ways in which oil based products are the basis of every part of modern life; from plastics to pharmaceuticals. Our dependence on them is appalling indeed, as demonstrated in the book. These three commodities are like some of the thieves in movie scenes; the moment the thieves run in some direction where they think that have a safe haven, some insurmountable obstacle materializes. And so it is for fossil fuels. Whatever optimistic estimates and facts we discover about them are almost immediately thwarted by serious problems. Oil is convenient for transportation, is in large reserves, and is the most versatile fossil fuel. Yet, it is riddled by exponentially increasing demand and production costs, locations in regions of political instability, and most importantly, environmental problems. Wars and political regimes are made and broken over oil, and leaders will go to any lengths to disguise their aspirations for oil and the actions resulting from them. Non-conventional sources of oil need much energy input from natural gas, and again contribute to environmental CO2 levels. This last problem is gigantic for coal. Natural gas has momentous transportation and safety problems. So does the much touted Hydrogen Economy of Bush. Ethanol from corn seemingly needs more energy from fossil fuels than it actually saves and produces, and may not be worth it. The bottom line is, any fossil fuel source and many non-conventional energy sources that we can consider have such intractable problems that we cannot think of depending upon them for eternity or even in the comfortable future. Put the rhetoric aside and focus on the facts. Any decision about energy has already been made very difficult because of our aspiration to a high standard of living, our reluctance to give up creature comforts, and because of political lobbying which traps decisions in a cycle of profit and oneupmanship, and the last thing we need is trendy slogans about unlikely energy sources. It does not matter what the reserves are; after all, predictions about oil reserves have always turned out to be underestimates and false alarms until now. But current predictions seem more true, and in the end, what will be the last straw would be the simple dominance of demand over supply. It would not matter if we have reserves then, but the production costs and the resulting oil price due to demand will be so high, that they would lead to a virtual breakdown in social infrastructure. If oil prices become 150$ a barrel, nobody would care how much proven reserves we have. And it is likely that it will happen very soon, with much of the developing world aspiring to US SUV standards of existence. What's important is that because of our utter dependence on it, such a situation will entail a fundamental shift in our standard of living, especially in the US, and we simply lack the social and mental capacity to make this shift overnight. I haven't gotten to the part about methanol yet, so I will refrain from commenting on it until later, but what is clear is that oil and fossil fuels have to go, in some way or the other. I have said it before and I say it again, that nuclear energy is the cheapest, safest, and most efficient energy source that we can use in the near future. What to do about terrorists hitting a nuclear power plant is a complex problem, but surely Bush can take care of that, with all the extreme measures he takes for enforcing national security. In any case, it is eminently worth taking a look at 'Beyond Oil and Gas' if you get a chance. The same and the not same By Wavefunction on Thursday, October 26, 2006 One of the most important questions that someone in the early stages of drug discovery can ask is: Do similar ligands bind in a similar manner? Ambiguities riddle this seemingly commonsense question, right from the definition of 'similar'. Countless drug discovery projects must have been made or broken because of attention or lack of attention to this central principle. If I had to give a one word answer to the question, it would be no, not because it's the right answer, but I would be playing safe by saying that. It can be a very big mistake to assume that similar ligands will bind to the same way in a protein binding pocket, or even in the same pocket, and medicinal chemists both on the experimental and computational sides are aware what a wide and disparate range of SAR relationships similar ligands can have. This extends very much to similar binding too. Not on one occasion have medicinal chemists taken the known binding conformation of a ligand, and then twisted and turned another 'similar' ligand into that same conformation. The two structures are then superimposed. They look so similar, with the hydrophobic and polar groups in the same places. Ergo, they must be overlapping in their binding mode. Big mistake. While this can turn out to be the case many times, it's just wrong on a philosophical basis to assume it. That's because ligands have their own personalities, and each one of them can prefer to act quite differently with a protein binding pocket. The problem is; superposition of ligands can always be justified in retrospect if your ligand shows activity. But that does not make your assumption true. One of the better known cases concerns the search for a 'common pharmacophore' for Taxol, Epothilone, and other ligands which bind to the same pocket in tubulin. A common pharmacophore is a minimal set of common structural features which will cause bioactivity. In typical fashion, researchers compared the various parts of the molecules and twisted them to overlap with each other (PNAS paper). Based on this superposition, they then designed analogs. Result: most of the analogs turned out to be inactive. Thus, there was no 'common pharmacophore'. In this context, Snyder and others published a model (SCIENCE paper) in which, doing meticulous electron density fitting for Taxol and Epothilone, they demonstrated that each one of these molecules explores the binding pocket of tubulin in a unique way, utilizing unique interactions. Thus, the ligands are 'promiscuous'. Many times, modeling may assume that similar ligands are binding in the same conformation. Docking programs dock them in the same conformation. What docking programs fail to take into account is mainly protein flexibility, which accounts as much for ligand binding as ligand flexibility. Then, when X-ray structures of those 'similar' ligands bound to the same protein are obtained, they reveal that either the protein underwent a conformational change and changed the binding modes of the ligands, or that even without this, the ligands bound in a dissimillar manner. Ligand binding is a 1 kcal/mol energy window game, and there's no telling how each ligand will exploit this window. So it's timely that a Swedish team has published a paper in J. Med. Chem that tries to tackle the question: Do similar ligands bind in the same way? The team has used the Tanimoto index to measure similarity of ligands, and then has looked at many samples from the PDB to guage the binding of similar ligands to the same protein. They try to use three main criteria of difference: 1. The position of water molecules 2. The movement of backbone atoms 3. The movement of protein sidechain atoms. The first factor significantly turned out to be the most different for their examined cases, and one which is not always paid attention to. Water is a fickle guest for a protein host, and it can mediate interactions differently even in ligands with slight structural differences. The second factor is also significant, as side chain conformational differences induced by particular ligand features can greatly change the electrostatic environment of the protein; as illustrated above from the paper, the conformation of a single Met residue changes the electrostatics. The third factor, backbone movements, is relatively unchanged and a benign variable. The bottom line is, it may be an ok working hypothesis to assume that because your known ligand binds in a known conformation, other very similar ligands or even known actives will bind the same way. But start taking it as an obvious rule, and you can always expect trouble. Bizarre halloween paper of the year By Wavefunction on Monday, October 23, 2006 If there was a prize for "Bizarre paper published to celebrate halloween", this paper may get it. On a more serious note, it's an interesting paper published in this week's ACIE that tackles a very common phenomenon- the metallic odor of iron that we all perceive. As the authors demonstrate, the odor is more likely to be from carbonyl compounds produced by the reduction of lipoperoxides in the skin by Fe2+. They also analyze the garlicky odor produced when iron is 'pickled' with phosphorus, commonly attributed to phosphine (PH3) and argue that this odor too is due to organophosphines rather than phosphine itself. Some of their statements and conlcusions (not to mention the title: The Two Odors of Iron when Touched or Pickled: (Skin) Carbonyl Compounds and Organophosphines) really merit Transylvanian attention: "Humans are perplexed by the metallic odor from touching iron metal objects, such as tools, cutlery, railings, door handles, firearms, jewelry, and coins. Phosphorus-containing iron which is under acid attack gives rise to a different carbide or garlic odor which metallurgists have attributed to the gas phosphine (PH3); however, we found that purified PH3 at breathable dilution has hardly any odor. The aim of our research is to understand the chemical causes of these two iron smells in our engineered metal environment." "1) Ironically, the iron odor on skin contact is a type of human body odor" "Blood iron: Blood of one of the authors rubbed onto his own skin resulted in similar metallic odor and the same odorants (78±7 nmol dm-2, 4 repetitions) as in the above experiments. Controls by addition of FerroZine which is a blood-iron chelator suppressed the reaction (4±0.4). Aerated and homogenized blood also developed metallic odor on its own. There are reports that blood iron[10] can decompose blood lipidperoxides and that FerroZine inhibits this reaction.[11] This finding confirms that blood iron can trigger the metallic odor on skin or in blood itself." "Sweaty skin corrodes iron metal to form reactive Fe2+ ions that are oxidized within seconds to Fe3+ ions while simultaneously reducing and decomposing existing skin lipidperoxides to odorous carbonyl hydrocarbons that are perceived as a metallic odor. This fast reaction creates the sensory illusion that it is the metal in itself that we smell right after touching it." Several of the experiments made me a little edgy; breathing phosphine to detect its odor (I have always been looking for a reference to the man/woman who first described the taste of KCN) and blood rubbed on to skin. These guys' work sure is interesting; what I am not sure of is whether I want to do a postdoc with them. Interestingly, pure phosphine, just like pure methane, is odorless. Cholesterol in plants fun fact One of the questions I have always asked myself is "Do plants contain cholesterol?". I was under the impression that they don't and that this is precisely the difference between the cholesterol pathway in plants in animals; lanosterol to cholesterol in animals, and to stigmasterol or ergosterol etc. in plants and fungi. Interestingly, none of the 'popular' biochem books I read elaborated on this question or answered in the affirmative. So it was interesting when I came across this J. Chem. Ed. article which talked about the existence of cholesterol in plants. Apparently, the amount as expected is quite low. But what is more interesting is the authors' study of popular biochem books (Lehninger, Stryer, Garrett and Grisham, Voet etc.) in which they certify that this fact is not mentioned. But the most interesting fact may be that the USDA does not state the existence of cholesterol when it is less than 2 mg/serving, which is the case with plant products. I wonder what other product labels Uncle Sam dispenses with when they refer to compounds which are less than a certain percentage. Or maybe they should at least state what upper limits can do, as is the case of that compound in Chicken McNuggets, which can kill you when it's more than 1g. By Wavefunction on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 Real life haas finally intervened, and I have been busy with it for the past couple of days. The hiatus will continue till the weekend after which I hopefully should fill in a backlog. 'But is it chemistry?' hits Nature There it is. Nature has picked up on the 'Is it chemistry' thread. Awareness and contrbutions from the good folks at the Skeptical Chymist were no doubt responsible for the article. The article does not echo bloggers' views directly, but echoes the views of previous Nobelists which in turn echo bloggers' views. There's the one that thinks (like I and some others do) that they should have a separate award for biology. There are those who point to the disparate majority of bioscientists on the Nobel chemistry committee, and there are those who think that such biology oriented chemistry awards are inevitable in the future. Like it or not, I think we have to agree with this last prediction. This year's Nobel makes no major advances in fundamental understanding of structure, reactivity, or synthesis. But then, are many such advances possible in the near future? And in the absence of such advances, awards such as the one given this year are inevitable. Just one problem with the article. Richard Schrock became Robert Schrock. Overheard from the 2007 But Is It Chemistry (BIIC) Conference at Tierra del Fuego: * Physicist, biologist, medical researcher and engineer: Hey, chemist...too chicken to compete for the prize? * Chemist: What are you talking about? You are all doing chemistry. Well, maybe it's not that simple, but close. Wrong data makes me happy Well, it's not that simple, but a couple of months ago, I did a NOESY analysis of an alkaloid. I acquired the spectrum, integrated the peaks, and got the interproton distances, which looked fine. Then I tried to do a similar analysis for the salt. That's it, nothing much different, just the salt. And now, try as I may, I could never get decent distances. Most of my distances seemed too short (<2.4 A) I reran the NOESY with different parameters, integrated the peaks tediously, and everything looked fine. But again, when I calculated the distances from the intensities, everything was messed up. Finally, the cost-benefit analysis of spending the time on the compound and getting it done from an expert was carried out, and it was quickly decided that it would be best to send it to an expert. A couple of days ago, we got the intensities of the peaks from the expert, and guess what. The distances are still terrible, at least most of them. So that means that maybe it was not my fault. Maybe it wasn't me, it was you (you=the machine, the parameters, the molecule itself). I am not blaming the expert, because there seems to some unique feature of the molecule itself that's causing trouble. So in some ways, I am happy that it wasn't just me. But I am also sad that this means that our analysis is even further prolonged. This is a project which I want to get done with and publish. And it never seems to be getting close to that goal. But this also is making the situation more chemically interesting. Why would a simple transformation from the alkaloid to its salt make the analysis so much more difficult? The 1D spectra look ok, so we are pretty sure no decomposition/chemical transformation has taken place. And yet the problem suddenly became thorny because of such a simple change. It seems that the vagaries of SAR reflect in SNR (Structure-NMR Relationships) too. Once in a while, you come across a paper whose basic premise (and length) is so short that you can read it in 10 mins. You can talk about this paper to a college student, and its conciseness and simplicity provides a refreshing change from the usual technical articles that assail your faculties every day. Such is the latest missive from Ronald Breslow. One of the big puzzles in the origin of life is the origin of homochirality (why L-amino acids?). Breslow does not solve this problem, but provides a possible solution for the amplification of existing homochirality that is simplicity exemplified. The premise? Racemates of amino acids have a lower solubility than the pure enantiomers. The experiment? Evaporate a solution of a slightly enantiomerically enriched solution of amino acids two times. The result? The ee increases from 10% to about 91%, and from 1% to about 87%. Here are all the results: These experiments have been inspired in part by the remarkable discovery of slightly enantiomerically enriched non-racemizable amino acids in meteorites, most famously the Murchison meteorite (eg. S-alpha methyl valine) (See the linked ACR 2006 review) These L-amino acids in sufficient concentration could then catalyse the reactions of other organic and biomolecules, such as has been demonstrated with sugars. Very nice, and could have been entirely plausible on the early earth. The problem of course is how the chiral excess, no matter how small, could have arisen in the first place. The real problem is; how can chirality arise from random processes, which produce either enantiomer in equal parts? When I started thinking about this question, I realised what a fickle beast the word 'random' is. Random processes of course cannot give rise to a particular bias. But now, consider a random process which happens extremely rarely. For example, the odds of getting heads and tails for a coin are 50:50. However, flip a coin only 10 times. Random variables such as air flow could very reasonably give you six heads and four tails. Now, if there were some process that could take advantage of whichever face lands more often (the heads in this case), then that process could essentially start off with more heads, and then capitalise on the even more heads produced and so on...if this process were auto-catalytic, as is an important condition for early life forming processes, then it would immediately take advantage of the excess heads, and then produce even more heads and...there; you have your L-amino acids. Of course, it can be noted that there was no particular reason to choose L-amino acids. That choice was entirely random, but the above analysis shows that such a choice can be made in the first place. Based on this argument, I can envisage a process where, say a rock surface forms in a biased way, that is, its surface is more suitable for anchoring the L-amino acids rather than the racemates or the D-amino acids. In an amino acid 'soup' formed in a crater in such a rock then, it is quite plausible that evaporation would take away the racemate simply because it cannot hold on to the surface as well as the L. In such a case, the final 'soup' will then be enriched in L-amino acids. Again, the hypothesis breaks down if one imagines millions of such rocks, in which case there is no reason for any bias. But if our rock is formed by a cometary impact for example, then I can imagine a comet with amino acids slamming into a giant rock and producing a skewed surface. Planetary impacts are very rare as we know. So by the time the next comet comes around, there already exists an asymmetrical surface which can introduce a bias in the evaporation of Breslow's amino acid pool. So by the time the comet comes back, the L-amino acids have taken over, aided by the biased structure produced by the 'random' impact of the comet. It's all about natural selection. Even a random process can produce bias if it happens only once, and then allows nature to capitalise on the asymmetry produced by that one time event. Statistics be praised. * Reference: Ronald Breslow and Mindy S. Levine, Amplification of enantiomeric concentrations under credible prebiotic conditions, PNAS 2006 103: 12979-12980 The Trouble With Everything I am looking forward to reading Lee Smolin's new and hot 'The Trouble with Physics' in which he lambasts string theory as a science that is being pursued for the sake of elegance and beauty instead of agreement with experiment, which is the bedrock of the scientific method. Well, it's probably wrong to say that theoretical physicists are avoiding predictions that agree with experiments. What Smolin seems to think is that there have been very few experimental predictions made by the theory, which have not even been verified, and so the main justification for pursuing the theory seems to be mathematical elegance. Also, the predictions that do have been made seem to be verifiable only at very high energies, not achievable in the near future. A physicist friend of mine tells me that the option for this is to look back to the early universe and have 'observational' instead of 'experimental' evidence for the predictions of string theory, something like what they did for the Big Bang which won a Nobel this year. That is why chemistry appeals to me more, although I find physics very interesting too. In chemistry, theory has to be necessarily much closer to experiment. That's why Woodward chose chemistry over mathematics I believe. Anyway, more after I actually read the book. Chartelline and copper catalyzed decarboxylation By Wavefunction on Friday, October 06, 2006 A former mentor-student duo has published successive papers in JACS. Total Synthesis of Antheliolide A Chandra Sekhar Mushti, Jae-Hun Kim, and E. J. Corey http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja066336b Total Synthesis of (±)-Chartelline C Phil S. Baran and Ryan A. Shenvi http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja0659673 First, Corey publishes a synthesis of Antheliolide and then Baran publishes Chartelline. Corey uses a several nice transformations including a [2+2] ketene formation. In one step, he uses LiOH/MeOH to deprotect a TMS protected alkyne, instead of TBAF, because TBAF will also protect the TBDPS group. Why does LiOH protect only the TBS and not the TBDPS? Also, in another step, he wanted to convert a (methylated) lactol to a lactone. But he had a sensitive caryophyllene like moeity in the ring, which would have been notoriously sensitive to acid and oxidants. So he takes the indirect way and first converts the OMe to a phenyl seleno, then turns it into a hydroxyl with AgNO3, and then finally uses mild oxidation with TPAP to oxidise the hydroxyl. Neat. Baran's synthesis is more elegant, and as usual, based on biosynthetic proposals. He does some neat transformations, including a cascade like reaction to effect a nice ring closure. However, it is the last step which I found interesting, in which he was trying to decarboxylate a vinyl carboxylate. Copper catalyzed decarboxylation failed, but it turned out that the carboxylate was quite sensitive and labile to heat, so simple heating worked; the mechanism involved a proton that seemed to be serving a function akin to copper as noted in the reference below. He also suggested transient positive charge stabilization by chlorine. I know fluorine can do it well; chlorine would be less efficient but could still do it I suppose. This led to me look up some back references on vinyl decarboxylation. I found out a reference by Theodore Cohen of Pittsburgh (J. Am. Chem. Soc.; 1970; 92(10); 3189-3190) who proposed the following schematic for explaining stabilization of the TS by copper. He was trying to explain some copper catalyzed quinoline decarboxylations that went back to 1930. I also came upon a 1950 paper by Frank Westheimer (J. Am. Chem. Soc.; 1951; 73(1); 429-435) in which he tried to explain the decarboxylation of alpha-keto acids with copper, a classic reaction which he uses as an enzyme model system. Schrodinger Webinars 2006. And the importance of being polarized Like last year, Schrodinger is hosting webinars regarding new application developments, one ever week. Here is the schedule for those who may be interested. Registration is easy. Our group is thinking of doing most of them, especially the docking sessions. They did the QM polarized docking module seminar today. Current docking routines often fail to give good results because of lack of treatement of polarization effects, which can be ultimately traced back to the charges on the ligand atoms. Polarization effects are crucial in calculating transition states for enzyme reactions for example. Charges on ligand atoms constitute a big topic in themselves, and many methods have been developed to get accurate charges, including semi-empirical and ab-initio methods. Probably the best method I know involves calculating the electrostatic potential and then fitting those charges to the atoms which reproduce the potential the best, a method which I believe was developed by the late Peter Kollman (whose papers are still getting published five years after he passed away). Charges on atoms forming h-bonds for example can greatly change h-bond stabilization energies. Cute electrostatic potential factoid: ESP studies can often reveal features of molecules that are not obvious upon inspection. For example, the ESP potential well is much deeper for the N3 of cytosine than the O8. 'Inspection' may suggest that it's the O8 that is the most nucleophilic, but experiment shows that alkylation and protonation take place on N3 as suggested by the ESP In any case, the Schrodinger group uses poses from regular docking with their module Glide, and then uses a program called QSite to do a single point energy calculation using a good basis set, that endows the ligand atoms with charges. The poses are then redocked. Using this methodology, they were able to get good docked poses for many proteins that were outliers with regular docking (RMSD>2 A). Top of the outlier list was HIV-1 protease, and I suspect that the hydrophobic nature of the site can raise special issues. Regular Glide probably cannot find the correct pose for compounds in this site because many compounds bind tightly to the protease purely on the basis of the hydrophobic effect, without having any significant hydrogen bonding. Reference: "Importance of Accurate Charges in Molecular Docking: Quantum Mechanical/Molecular Mechanical (QM/MM) Approach"- AE Cho, V Guallar, BJ Berne, R Friesner - Journal of Computational Chemistry, 2005 Whither chemistry? This year's chemistry Nobel again raises the question about the nature of chemistry as a central science. An article by Philip Ball in Nature a few months ago, tried to explore whether there are any great questions in pure chemistry, that are exclusively chemical questions. On the side, I must say that Ball has been doing a truly admirable job of popularizing chemistry over the years. In my opinion, the problem is that the nature of chemistry by definition is both a blessing and a curse for our science. That's because chemistry is all about understanding molecules, and in our lives, it's molecules that are involved in all the real and good stuff, including biology, medicine, and engineering. So what happens is that a chemist may develop a drug, but then a doctor uses it to cure a disease. The credit thus goes mainly to the doctor. Similarly, a chemist discovers a lubricant, but then engineers use it to revolutionize the automobile industry. There goes the credit to the engineers. Therefore, the problem is not really with recognising chemistry, but with recognizing chemists. The problem with recognizing chemistry is of a different nature though; chemistry is so ubiquitous that most people take it for granted. Also, because most people's perception of chemistry is on a practical basis, for them chemistry is more synonymous with industry and manufacturing than with basic scientific research. As noted above, when it comes to basic research, for the general public, chemistry seems to mostly manifest itself through medicine and engineering, which are the actual faces of the product. In my opinion, there is one question out of all the ones that Ball cites which is both inherently chemical as well as all-pervading, and that is self-assembly, in the broadest sense possible (so that question also ends up encompassing some of his other questions, such as the origin of life). I also think that this problem largely captures the unique nature of chemistry. Self-assembly needs an understanding of forces between molecules that is is a hodgepodge of qualitative and quantitative comprehension. A physics based approach might turn out to be too quantitative, a biology based approach would be too qualitative. Understanding the physics of hydrogen bonds for example would help but would not be enough for understanding their role in self-assembly. It's only such understanding coupled with considerable empirical knowledge of hydrogen bonding in real systems that will serve as a true guide. It's only chemists who can bring the right amount of quantitative analyses and empirical data to bear on such problems. Of course, that does not mean others cannot do this if they tried. But then, anyone can do almost anything if he tries hard enough; that hardly discounts the value of specific expertise. The main feature of chemistry in my opinion is this fine balance between analytical or mathematical thinking based on first principles, and empirical thinking based on real life data and experiments. This approach makes the science unique I think, and Linus Pauling was probably the exemplary example of someone who embodied this approach in the right proportion. The practical feature of chemistry that makes it unique of course is that chemists create new stuff, but without this kind of understanding, that would not be possible on a grand scale. Chemistry Nobel for Biologist So there we are; Roger Kornberg following in line behind his father, has won the Nobel for chemistry. This prize also seems to have been a quickie; Kornberg's pivotal papers seem to have been published after 2000. I am sure Kornberg deserved it, but like Paul, who stayed up all night looking at the announcements, I too don't feel really excited about it. I wouldn't have predicted this as I am not so familiar with molecular biologists, but I was surprised to see that absolutely no blog I read had this name in a post or in the comments. No problem of course with molecular biologists getting the chemistry prize. In a way, it's a triumph for chemistry because it shows the vast scope and purview of the science. Maybe the committee decided to balance the 'pure' chemistry that was honoured last year with something more interdisciplinary. But it's always more exciting to see the prize awarded to someone whose work you are familiar with and who is more from your general field, as happened last year. Nitrone-cyclopropane cycloaddition Use of a methodology I haven't really heard about in a long time.; the nitrone-cyclopropane cycloaddition. Kerr and coworkers now use it in the synthesis of one of those indolizidine alkaloids, phyllantidine. Fairly straightforward synthesis, although again, I would always pay attention to forming an N-O bond at an early stage. One of my favourite name reactions is used- the Krapcho decarboxylation, the concomitant hydrolysis and decarboxylation of an ester using LiCl in DMSO. I am too lazy to look up the literature, but why doesn't the nitrone add to the double bond? Also, the nitrone-cyclopropane addition should be nonconcerted, since we have a nicely stabilised ring opened intermediate. The other interesting thing is the selectivity of the enolate oxidation. At first, I was not satisfied, but then I thought that their explanation for it sounds ok. But it looks a little crafty when you draw the vinyl group conveniently pointing in a sterically hindered direction, and make that the only structure with the group in that position! The difference between the group in that position and pointing away from that position is 2 kcal/mol by the way, at least that's what MMFF says for a model compound. According to Eliel's latest version, the A value for OH ranges from 0.6 to 1.04 for different solvents, while that for CO2CH3 is 1.2-1.3. Also, MMFF gives a difference of 1 kcal/mol for the product with OH axial. So not much difference there, but still worth keeping in mind that the product with the CO2CH3 axial dominates. I wonder how much the reaction is product controlled here though. Such analyses depend on the thermodynamic nature of the reaction; in this case, the fact that the oxaziridine ring opens probably means that the products as a whole are lower in energy. If that is so, then the TS should resemble the reactant, but I would never place my bets on such rationalizing, as subtle effects can change things in the TS. Also there are other factors here, especially the facile nature of topside attack. Ref: Total Synthesis of (+)-Phyllantidine, Cheryl A. Carson, Michael A. Kerr Published Online: 13 Sep 2006 DOI: 10.1002/anie.200602569 Corwin Hansch In the whole Nobel betting, I think we forgot someone significant- Corwin Hansch, whose QSAR has now become ubiquitous in medicinal chemistry and biology, both theoretical and experimental. Also, I think Hansch is one of the first ones, if not the first one, to apply classical physical organic chemistry (Hammett etc.) to medicinal chemistry and bioactivity. Updates: New thoughts. Albert Overhauser: Nuclear Overhauser Effect Norman Allinger: Molecular Mechanics Solvent assisted olefin epoxidation: fluorine emerges a winner A nice application of both computational techniques and kinetics (entropy of activation etc.) in elucidating the role of hydrogen bonded networks of H2O2 and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) in the epoxidation of olefins. Some of the ordered clusters look almost like the active site of an enzyme; no wonder the barriers for oxygen transfer decrease. Also, fluorinated solvents are highly hydrophobic, so I would not be surprised if that property alone contributes to a very specific degree of ordering. All those h-bonds made me giddy. HFIP and related solvents have interesting effects on both organic reactions and conformations of biomolecules. For example, addition of TFE to peptide and protein solutions can increase helicity. A simple and nice model was proposed by Balaram, which explained this effect by virtue of the fact that since F is a poor h-bond acceptor, the NH of the amide backbone no longer had to sacrifice its usual NH---C=O h-bond for one with the solvent (like water) and thus could engage better in helix formation. In this account, some of the C-H---F distances are right outside the sum of vdW radii of the atoms. Weak C-H h-bonds are interesting entities, and unlike 'normal' h-bonds, their scope and definition is much looser, and is emphatically not restrained to having them within the sum of vdW radii; the h-bond potential minimum is of lesser energy and shallower. In such cases, comparative studies of geometry and energy have to be performed to assess whether these are 'true' h-bonds. The boundary is thin and nebulous though, but there is an excellent book on this state of affairs as well as the whole gamut of h-bonding interactions- The Weak Hydrogen Bond in Structural Chemistry and Biology. I find this slippery boundary of h-bond definition in many cases, a delicious example of the inexact yet rationalizable nature of chemistry. One of those factoids which looks deceptively obvious and hence can be misconstrued, is that organic fluorine is a good h-bond acceptor. Not so! And Jack Dunitz has written a neat article ("Organic Fluorine Hardly Ever Accepts Hydrogen Bonds") in which he did a comparative study of the CSD (Camb. Struct. Database) and concluded that out of some 6000 structures with fluorine, only 30 or so had features which maybe could indicate h-bonding with fluorine. In the case of further data, it's best to assume that a fluorine in a molecule will not h-bond. As usual, the case could be quite different in a crystal. Another thing to note again is the authors' use of MP2, which handles dispersion much better than DFT. Reference: Albrecht Berkessel and Jens A. Adrio, J. Am. Chem. Soc., ASAP Article 10.1021/ja0620181 The Penicillin before Penicillin By Wavefunction on Saturday, September 30, 2006 We who live in the era of so many effective antibiotics would find it hard to imagine an era when even a simple cut or abscess would lead to a frequently fatal condition. It's hard to imagine the distress of doctors and family members when they saw a patient simply die of such an apparently minor affliction. The story of penicillin which finally emerged to fight these infections has become the stuff of legends. What's probably still living in the shadows is the equally crucial discovery of sulfa drugs which were the penicillins of their time; perhaps not as effective, but almost miraculous by virtue of being the first. Now Thomas Hager has come out with a book that should rescue the heroic stories from being forgotten. Hager is a fine writer, and I have read his comprehensive biography of Linus Pauling. He now has written 'The Demon under the Microscope', a history of sulfa drugs discovered by German chemists in the 1920s and 30s. The New York Times gave it a favourable review, and I am looking forward to reading it. The NYT reviewer compared it to 'Microbe Hunters' a classic which has inspired many famous scientists including Nobel laureates in their childhood. I was also quite intrigued by the book, which reads like a romantic account of microbiology. Of course, truth is always harsher than such accounts, but it does no harm to initiate a child into science with them. It was interesting for me to read that the German chemists had taken out a patent on the azo part of the first sulfa drug. They did not know that in fact it was the sulfa part which confered activity, and they were soon scooped by French chemists who actually discovered that even sulfanilamide alone has potency. Sulfa drugs of course inihibit dihydrofolate reductase which is involved in nucleotide synthesis, and they are quite close to the ideal of the 'magic bullet', a molecule that is potent, has few to zero side effects, and most importantly, is selective for the microorganism. In this case, dihydrofolate enzyme is expressed only in bacteria. That does not necessarily mean that there will be no human side effects- after all, every molecule can target more than one protein- but it seems to work well in this particular case. Sulfa drugs led to further research on DHFR, which also led to the Methotrexate, a compound that is even today a standard component of anti-cancer therapy. Dock dock, who is there? By Wavefunction on Friday, September 29, 2006 Docking is one of the holy grails of computational chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry. But it's also a big current unsolved problem. The process refers to the placement of an inhibitor or small molecule in the active site of a protein, and then assesing its interactions with the active site, thereby reaching a conclusion about whether it will bind strongly or weakly. This process, if perfected, naturally will be very valuable for finding new leads or testing yet untested compounds against pharmaceutical targets, and most importantly, high throughput screening. Two subprocedures have to be honed when doing this; there first needs to be a way for placing the inhibitor in the site and exploring various orientations in which this can be done, and once the ligand is placed in the site, there then needs to be some way of evaluating whether its interaction with the site is 'good' or 'bad'. The most popular way in which this is done is by using a 'scoring function' which is simply a sum of different interaction energies, due to hydrogen bond, electrostatics, van der waals interactions, and hydrophobic interactions, to name a few. The number that comes out from the sum of these interactions with the protein for a particular compound is anything but reliable, and scoring functions correlate very poorly with experimentally determined free energies of binding in general. The most reliable way of estimating free energies computationally is by Free Energy Perturbation (FEP). Yet, scoring functions can be reasonably good on a relative basis, and offer the fastest way of doing an evaluation. However, what we are essentially trying to do is evaluate the free energy of interaction, which is inherently diabolically convoluted, and consists of complicated entropy and enthalpy terms. These include terms for the protein, the ligand, and the complex that is formed. Enormously complicating the matter is the fact that both the protein and ligand are solvated, and displacement of water and desolvation effects will massively affect the sum interaction of the ligand with the active site. In addition, conformational changes do take place in the ligand when it binds, and also the protein in many cases. Needless to say, the general process of a ligand binding to a protein is extremely complicated to understand, let alone computationally evaluate. And yet, there are programs out there like Glide, DOCK, Flexx, and Gold, to name a few, which have repeatedly attempted to dock ligands into active sites. This whole program has been a big saga, with people publishing one article every week in J. Med. Chem. related to docking. Many of these programs include scoring functions with terms that have been parametrized from data, and from observations related to basic physical principles of intermolecular interactions. The programs don't work very well generally, but can work for the interaction of one inhibitor with homologous proteins, or for different inhibitors for the same protein (a more tenuous application). I have personally used only Glide, and in my specific project, it has provided impressive results. Any docking program needs to accomplish two goals: 1. Find the bioactive conformation of the ligand when supplied with the protein and ligand structure. 2. Evaluate whether similar/dissimilar ligands will show activity or not. In practice, every docking result gives a list of different conformations of the ligand and protein, known as 'poses' ranked in descending order of efficacy based on their perceived free energies of interaction. Looking at just the top pose and concluding that that is the bioactive pose is a big mistake. Sometimes, if that pose is repeatedly found among the top ten results, one might hypothesize that in fact it may be the bioactive pose. In my case, that did turn out to be the case. However, it must also be noted that such programs can be parametrized for particular proteins and ligands, where the ligands are known to have very specific interactions. Then it would be relatively easy for the program to find similar ligands, but given the literally infinite possibilities in which ligands bind to proteins, even this fails sometimes. One of the big challenges of docking is to model protein conformational changes- the classic induced fit mechanism in biochemistry. Glide has an induced fit module which has again given me favourable results in many cases. Induced fit docking remains an elusive general goal, however. Solvation, as mentioned above, is probably the biggest problem. For the same protein and different ligands which are known to bind with certain IC50 values, the Glide scoring function seldom reproduces this ranking in terms of free energy of binding. However, the MM-GBSA model, which uses continuum solvation, gave me good results which neither regular nor induced fit docking did. Docking programs continue to be improved. The group at Schrodinger which developed Glide is doing some solid and impressive work. In their latest paper in J. Med. Chem., they discuss a further refinement of Glide which is called Extra Precision (XP) Glide. Essentially, the program works on the basis of 'penalties' and 'rewards' for bonds and interactions based on their nature. The main difference in succeeding versions of docking programs is not surprisingly, attempts to improve the terms in the scoring functions by modification and addition, and attempts to rigorously parametrize those terms by using hundreds of known protein-ligand complexes as training sets. In this particular paper, the Schrodinger team has included some very realistic modifications to the hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding terms. In general, how does one evaluate the energy of a hydrogen bond between a ligand atom and protein atom, an evaluation that obviously would be crucial for assesing ligand-protein interaction? It depends on several factors, including the nature of the atoms and their charge, the nature of the binding cavity where the bonds are formed (polar or hydrophobic) as well as its exact geometry, and the relative propensity of water to form hydrogen bonds in that cavity. This last factor is particularly important. Hydrogen bonds will be favourable only if water does not form very favourable hydrogen bonds in the cavity, and if the desolvation penalty for the ligand is not excessive. The Glide team has come up with a protocol of assesing the relative ease for h-bond formation of both water and the ligand in the active site, and then deciding for which one it will be more favourable. H-bonds formed between ligand and protein when water in the active site is not 'comfortable' because the site is hydrophobic and cannot form its full complement of h-bonds, will be especially favourable. The group cites the program's ability to reproduce such a situation, that contributes significantly to the extraordinary affinity of streptavidin to biotin, the strongest such interaction known. In this case, four correlated hydrogen bonds provide solid binding interactions as shown below. The group says that theirs is the first scoring function that has explained this unique experimental result. The other significant modification to the program is a better representation of the hydrophobic effect, an effect which again is quite complicated, and depends upon the binding of the ligand itself, as well as the displacement of water. The hydrophobic effect is extremely important; I remember one case in which a ligand bound to HIV-1 protease showed great binding affinity without having formed a single h-bond, purely on the basis of the hydrophobic nature of the binding site! The group has cleverly tried to include the effect of not just the lipophilicity, but the exact geometry of the hydrophobic site. A 'hydrophobic enclosure' as the group calls it is particularly favourable for lipophilic parts of the ligand, and is rewarded in the scoring function. Balancing this is the desolvation penalty for the ligand, which is enthalpically unfavourable for it and the water bound to it. The new modifications also seem to have made accomodations for pi-pi stacking and cation-pi interactions, which can contribute significantly in certain cases. Overall, the scoring functions and the program are getting better, as the group is parametrizing it based on commonly occuring structural motifs and better interaction terms. The nice thing is that these modifications are in the end based on sound physical principles of ligand-protein binding, principles that are complicated to understand, but are based on fundamental laws of physical organic chemistry such as the hydrophobic effect, solvation/desolvation, hydrogen bonding, and other intermolecular interactions. Finally, it's the chemistry that is most important. Docking may never serve as a solve-all technique, and may never work for all situations universally, but with this kind of development based on experiment going on, I feel confident that it will become a major guiding, if not predictive tool, in both academic labs and pharma. As usual, the goal would remain to balance accuracy with speed, something which is invaluable for high-throughput screening. For more details, refer to the paper, which is detailed indeed. Reference: Friesner, R. A.; Murphy, R. B.; Repasky, M. P.; Frye, L. L.; Greenwood, J. R.; Halgren, T. A.; Sanschagrin, P. C.; Mainz, D. T. "Extra Precision Glide: Docking and Scoring Incorporating a Model of Hydrophobic Enclosure for Protein-Ligand Complexes" (J. Med. Chem.; (Article); 2006; ASAP Article; DOI: 10.1021/jm051256o) Obviously Elusive By Wavefunction on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 For some reason, we always have the knack of missing those things which are simple. And each one of us has a knack of missing a different thing. For me, the question which many synthetic chemists seem to miss is; how can a flexible molecule have a single conformation in solution? And yet, many synthetic chemists publish one solution conformation for their pet macrolide in a good journal, and the journal referees accept it without comment. The conformation is based on NMR coupling constants (Js) and distances (ds) from NOESY spectra, which are average values. In fact, the average structure obtained from these values does not exist in solution at all, and publishing such a structure is basically publishing a 'virtual' structure. In fact, take this structure and minimize it using a good force field, and it will always fall down by 10-12 kcal/mol in energy. Thus, it simply cannot exist as a 'low energy' conformer in solution, which is touted for an NMR structure. I am not very keen in pointing out specific cases, but Amos Smith's "Solution Structure of (+)-Discodermolide" (Org. Lett.; (Letter); 2001; 3(5); 695-698. DOI: 10.1021/ol006967p) is a good example. For such a flexible molecule, there can never be one single structure in solution. It is a little intriguing for me how this phenomenon keeps on happening. For a rejoinder to Smith's paper, which makes use of a nifty conformer deconvolution method called NAMFIS, see Snyder's "Conformations of Discodermolide in DMSO" (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 6929-6930). Note the use of the plural. Many such cases abound. A simple rule to know when a molecule will be especially conformationally mobile in solution is to just count the number of single rotatable bonds in it. For a molecule with, say 15 such bonds, there won't even be one dominant (meaning more than 50%) conformation in solution. For example, Snyder's Disco analysis shows that the 'dominant' conformation of Disco is one with a population of 24% in solution. I am working on NAMFIS, and not as a favourite method but by an objective assesment, want to say that it is a nifty method. The method was developed by an Italian group and stands for "NMR Analysis of Molecular Flexibility in Solution" (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995,117, 1027-1033). What it does is it takes the average NMR data (Js and ds from NOESY) and then matches that against a family of conformers obtained from a good conformational search, often done using multiple force fields and then combining the results. It then calculates the deviation of each structure's calculated Js and ds from the average data, and chooses the best fit as the most dominant structure in solution, with decreasing proportions of the worse fitting ones. Note that the 'dominant' conformation is neither more than 50%, nor does it match all the data, but it is the one that gives the best fit, which in this case is simply the sum of SD (square deviation) values for calculated and experimental NOE ds and Js. NAMFIS has been applied to Taxol and Laulimalide in addition to Disco. It was also applied to the structure of a 7 residue peptide which supposedly formed an alpha-helix in solution. The results? Not only did the peptide exist in many conformations, but the alpha helix was not even a minor one among them! This was "On the Stability of a Single-Turn -Helix: The Single versus Multiconformation Problem" (J. AM. CHEM. SOC. 2003, 125, 632-633) The reason why synthetic organic chemists often don't end up paying close attention to conformation is simply because that knowledge is seldom something that is useful to them. For them, the principal function of NMR spectroscopy is to assign configuration. However, if they want to go ahead and publish a conformational analysis of their molecule in solution, they would do well to step back and consider the simple fact that if the molecule is even reasonably flexible, it is going to have multiple conformations, and not even a single dominant (more than 50%) one. In my view, not publishing conformational analysis for a highly flexible molecule at all is better than publishing only one conformation. In very special cases, the molecule may be constrained in some way, and then in fact, the average conformation may approach a single dominant conformation. Even then, there still cannot be only one conformation, as was the case for the 'constrained' alpha helix peptide cited in the above paragraph. A JOC paper, "A Test of the Single-Conformation Hypothesis in the Analysis of NMR Data for Small Polar Molecules: A Force Field Comparison" (J. Org. Chem. 1999, 64, 3979-3986), nicely explores NAMFIS and this question for a Diels-Alder adduct. But cases of truly constrained molecules having only one conformation are rare, and chemists' antennas must go up if someone publishes one conformation for your average flexible 'small' molecule. Unfortunately, they don't seem to largely have. Panek's Leucascandrolide A By Wavefunction on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 A colleague presented Panek's leucascandrolide A (LA) synthesis in a group meeting. Several interesting steps were included in the synthesis, and several interesting questions came up. For example, in one case, when he is doing the [4+2] allylsilane cycloaddition, there is an ester group axial in a TS that gives the 'right' product. When he increases the bulk of the alkyl group on the ester, the proportion of this product actually goes up. A larger alkyl group will naturally have a larger A value, so why should it be preferred in an axial disposition? My surmise; as the group size increases, the ester prefers increasingly a conformation in which its carbonyl is directed inward, thus getting rid of the unfavourable interaction. Interesting how steric hindrance can cause a group to orient itself in such a way that makes the reaction more favourable. (The conformation to the left is prefered as R becomes larger) Also, he used Kozmin's spontaneous macrolactonization, an entropically unfavourable event. In another step, he oxidises a secondary alcohol in the presence of a primary one using a tungsten catalyst. How does this happen? My guess; there can be a radical mechanism involved and then the secondary radical will be more stable than the primary radical obviously. Overall an interesting, if a little long, synthesis. J. Org. Chem., ASAP Article 10.1021/jo0610412 S0022-3263(06)01041-3 Web Release Date: September 1, 2006 Protein-protein interactions and academic bounties... Schrodinger Webinars 2006. And the importance of b... Solvent assisted olefin epoxidation: fluorine emer...	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6826
__label__wiki	0.512435	0.512435	in re: bryan white: ladb recommends reinstating attorney who didnt come-clean in judge ronald bodenheimer's al copeland shake down scam UPDATE: 20 january 2012 state supremes readmit bryan m. white via: shyster watch In Re Bryan White LADB August 2011 Recommends Reinstatement the late, great, new orleans restauranteur, sportsman and businessman, al copeland, was going through a custody dispute with his ex-wife luan hunter. mr. copeland was represented by robert lowe, esq., the lowe in the new orleans, divorce and business law firm of lowe, stein, hoffman, allweiss & hauver. bryan white, esq., was some sort of private attorney/personal secretary to mr. copeland. the judge in the case was one ronald bodenheimer and he was a crook (arent they all?). so the judge and one of his shady cronies, a guy named phillip demma, contacted and began to pester mr. white with their plans to "shake down the copelands' companies." this is the crazy part -- mr. white would apparently meet with the judge and his stooge to hear them out but "refused to further cooperate with judge bodenheimer and communicated to mr. demma that he would not provide judge bodenheimer what he wanted thus thwarting judge bodenheimer's plans." this is the part we love -- unbeknownst to all of them, the fbi was already investigating judge bodenheimer! so the fbi goes over to talk to mr. white and what he told them didnt add up to what they already knew -- that he knew. so about eight months after he talked to the fbi he was indicted and eventually pled guilty to one count of violating 18 u.s.c. 4: misprison of a felony. mr. white took his medicine and owned up to what he did. many witnesses who each knew a different aspect of mr. white's character and personality testified during his petition for readmission hearing that they believed that he had rehabilitated himself. witnesses included: phillip a. wittmann, esq., a named partner in the stone pigman law firm, edward h. crosby, esq., a partner in the chaffe mccall law firm, jefferson parish, la. sheriff's office, chief deputy, craig taffaro, wiley mccormick, retired superintendent for the louisiana state police, richard chapman, president and ceo diversified foods, len brignac, esq., of the king, krebs & jurgens, law firm and orleans parish sheriff, marlin n. gusman. the victim in all this, luan hunter, wrote two letters in support of mr. white's petition for readmission; so if she can forgive him, for herself and on behalf of her then minor children, who are we to complain about mr. white's prospective reinstatement? several things dont make any sense, like for instance, the ladb writes that the rules of professional conduct -- at that time, prohibited mr. white from disclosing the information that the fbi wanted. it seems that the rules being what they were that the attitude towards mr. white's actions would have been similar to a journalist going to jail to protect a source. one bit of information that we learn from this document is that the rules of professional conduct do not apply when the fbi comes calling. the best thing to do is to follow the advice of this law professor and "never talk to any police officer, under any circumstances." if you do though, you should come-clean and tell them what they want to know. despite all that, we suppose that the moral of this story is that if you're an attorney and you have knowledge of a crooked judge -- you should immediately go to the fbi and report it -- because you never know who's listening; who's watching.... al copeland dies UPDATE state supremes readmit bryan m. white richard lee mcnair writes to wst... focusing on wildlife vid: birds of the mississippi... 3 judge 3rd circuit appeal court panel to hear may... local broadsheet: splittsville for alexandria city... exclusive: inside alexandria shyster greg aymond's... new cenla briarpatch blog puts alexandria shyster ... 2nd kolin kolache festival 2011 uss virginia cgn-38 reunion november 2011 annapoli... alexandria city court shock filing: local attorney... tropical storm lee threatens louisiana in re: bryan white: ladb recommends reinstating at...	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6831
__label__wiki	0.997917	0.997917	Home What if? 2.0 Online What if About Us What if? 2.0 Online What if Welcome to What if?™ 2.0 What if? 2.0 is an easy-to-use GIS-based planning support system (PSS) that can be used to explore alternate futures for a community. What if? 2.0 was developed by Richard Klosterman, operating as What if?, Inc. What if? 2.0 has been downloaded by 1,000 clients around the world. Fully functional copies of What if? 2.0 are available at no cost but the software is distributed “as is” with no support. Online What If (OWI) is a fully supported, open source, online version of What if? 2.0 that was developed by Chris Pettit and his colleagues at the Australian Urban Infrastructure Research Information Network (AURIN). © 2019 What if?™, Inc.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6835
__label__cc	0.628115	0.371885	As you level, you will buy new ranks of spells. If you splurge out on an item upgrade, you will not have enough gold readily available to upgrade to the latest ranks of spells: placing you behind. Moreover, you can buy gear upgrades from the Auction House (AH) or vendors. Furthermore, you may have large investments that need to be paid for professors. You will need to purchase reagents and items such as leather, bolts of cloth, alchemy supplies – unless you have a charitable friend or another high-level alt. The leveling guides on my site are essentially speed leveling guides. My leveling guides are the same guides I use myself to speedrun to 60 on new servers to get 60 server first. I list many occasions where I tell the player to "die on purpose" to go faster. I tell the player to skip certain quests, because some quests are just not worth the time/XP. I list tricks and shortcuts to go faster so you can reach level 60 much quicker. I am still constantly going through them over and over again perfecting the guides to make them faster and easier to follow. For the most part, the guide can be followed without the need from other player's help, as the whole guide was made from a solo run anyways. Although I do list quests that can optionally be done if you have a group. Nov 15 C2C interview with Theloras aka ME Hey everyone, Earlier today I spent some time with the Man, the Myth, the Legend who is Countdown to Classic and we spent some time discussing what I and many other Paladins are most looking forward to in the upcoming WoW Classic demo that will be available during Blizzcon: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/325334774 Since it looks like just Elwynn Forest for the Alliance and Durotar for the Horde will be available to play/test during the upcoming demo/beta, only early level gameplay will be possible to test at any length. But even with that limitation, a major core mechanic for Paladins will be able to be tested and theory crafted. I am of course referring to JUDGEMENT STACKING which I outlined in the thread below along with several other mechanics/talents/items that are still lingering and unanswered questions: Proc Items + Spell Dmg + JotC stacking? https://us.battle.net/forums/en/wow/topic/20760205815#post-1 TLDR - I found actual Vanilla era evidence (posted in the thread above) which stated that all ranks of each individual Judgement stacked with one another - Judgement of Light (JoL), Judgement of Wisdom (JoW) and most critically in this case, Judgement of the Crusader (JotC): With pvp gloves, libram and 3/3 imp JotC = +829 holy damage JotC R1 +79 Holy Damage JotC R2 +90 Holy Damage JotC R3 +113 Holy Damage JotC R4 +148 Holy Damage JotC R5 +182 Holy Damage JotC R6 +217 Holy Damage Since rank 1 Seal/Judgement of the Crusader is learned at level 6 and rank 2 is learned at level 12, if Elwynn Forest ends up being the only zone open for testing, then reaching level 12 is definitely doable from quest turnins and XP from mob kills. Which will allow 2 Paladins to join as a group and coordinate each of them putting up rank 1 and rank 2 of Judgement of the Crusader accordingly. If this proves to be correct, then it would forever change the LOLRET Meta with the simple fact that the more Retribution Paladins you have in a group/raid, the more powerful each of them then become and would also allow other class/specs come to the forefront as well namely Discipline Priests spamming Smite. At any rate, the twitch interview link is above - we had some audio technical issues at the start so if you fast forward to the 5:00 mark - you can hear the full interview. PS as a bonus, later on in the interview the Crazy OOMkin named Keftenk makes a special guest appearance :) https://twitter.com/count2classicTheloras111 Nov 15 There are more passive methods to gain wow classic gold, but these are slower. For example, many people choose to fish in places like Tanaris, or kill Harpies in Feralas and loot items such as mageweaves. These are rather AFK-able, but again, not as rewarding. Some people choose to favour fun over anything, and like in any MMO (massively multiplayer online game), the best way to have fun is playing games with friends or your guild. Dungeon runs with your friends provide social interaction and are definitely helpful over the long-term for your gold stack! I received a beta invite for Classic, and had also been an alpha and beta tester for the original game 15 years ago. That isn't unique; plenty of people in Northshire Valley had had the same experience, suggesting to me that active players who were Day 1 WoW gamers or had participated in the original tests might have gotten priority invitations to this one. Plenty of gameplay things have changed -- more on that in a minute -- but one thing almost immediately transformed the game for me. I was killing my fourth Kobold Vermin (sorry guys, I'm taking those candles) by auto-attacking it and waiting impatiently for my lone ability to light up, when it struck me: This was going to be slow. Really, really slow. And, after another minute, I realized that was okay. CLOSED BETA TEST & STRESS TESTS – Starting May 15, select WoW players will be invited to participate in a small-scale, focused closed beta test, helping ensure WoW Classic nails its goal of authenticity. Players will also get a chance to help put our servers and technology through the paces in a series of stress tests from May through July—opt in now at www.wowclassic.com! Once we had our starting point, we began taking stock of what we had in the source code and what we could make available, which included restoring the original development database from archival backups. After stitching various key pieces together, we had a locally rebuilt version of Patch 1.12 running internally. The team could create characters and do basic questing and leveling—and dying, which we did many times. For testing purposes. Obviously. As someone who's leveled enough Alliance and Horde characters to fill multiple accounts, it remains to be seen whether replaying content I've seen many times before will keep my attention in the long term. But even the thought that it might suggests that for many people, this could represent a novel experience compared to the modern game, something at least worth a try. Frequently, we are getting many questions from our customers, especially after Blizzard’s announcement about World of Warcraft Classic at BlizzCon 2017, how to farm gold in Vanilla World of Warcraft, currently on Light’s Hope Lighbringer, Elysium Nighthaven and Twinstar Kronos-WoW realms. So, we are glad to share our experience and some knowledge with you. It might be not a discovery for someone but it is good to brush things up we all know and summarize them in one place. We are looking forward to publish more related articles to help and save your time. This guide may help you not in just Vanilla WoW but in any other expansion you are playing. Raiditem owns a top-class raid team who has over 10 years' experience of helping WoW gamers get all the WoW items they want. At Blizzcon 2017 Blizzard unveiled their plan on the development of WoW classic vanilla server, check out the official announcement video on YouTube for more details. As the most trustworthy site, raiditem.com will offer possibly the cheapest WOW Classic items including WoW Vanilla server gold, WoW Classic mounts, WoW legacy servers boe items, and other WoW Classic server service once the Vanilla WoW server officially releases. In the past, if someone accidentally looted something they didn’t mean to in a group, players would have to contact customer support to trade it. In the modern system, players are given a period of time in which they can still exchange loot with others. This is a convenience we felt was worth retaining for Classic rather than making people go through customer support. (Sorry ninja looters!) To fully understand the interplay, consider terrain. This includes the placement of hills and valleys, trees, buildings, and more. When hooking up the old terrain data files to the new modern game system we realized that the way the system looked at the shape of data was different. This resulted in the updated system and classic data not aligning, resulting in weird issues like Kolkar campfires underwater or burnt-out trees from the Cataclysm era appearing in the original world. You will have to talk with flight masters in most towns or cities you visit in order to gain access to that settlement's flight path. Flight masters who have a stop you have not yet unlocked will have a green displayed above their head (and on the mini map), much like a NPC with a quest. Unlocking flight paths as you progress through various zones will allow you to pay for a quick ride to a destination you have previously visited. This method of travel is significantly faster than walking or riding a mount. While this might be a change for the better,leveling in Classic will most certainly be different than leveling in Vanilla. In addition to sharding making the beginner zones much more friendly to the hordes and hordes of players storming the gates when Classic comes out, theVanilla leveling process has been studied thoroughly since the game came out 14years ago. Since then, not only have players leveled multiple alts and characters through the beginning zones in Vanilla, but they have done so on a multitude of private servers intended to have the most ‘Blizzlike’ experience. So while leveling a character from 1 to 60 will still be a long, arduous process, it will no longer be marred by mistakes made by players going from zone to zone, continent to continent, searching desperately for a place to level. The zones and routes have been thoroughly mapped out by the Vanilla WoW community at large, and with the internet being much more robust in 2019, that information is just a google search away. Is that a bad thing? I would venture to say that it isn’t, as knowing where to go and what to do doesn’t make it any less challenging and time consuming. It does take away from that exploration aspect,however. You might not have those moments of wandering into Feralas for the first time, or running from Storm wind to Strangle thorn just for the hell of it,or getting lost trying to get to Iron forge from Darnassus on a fresh Night elf.No, those moments, just like many fond memories of Vanilla, are lost in time. You will need initial funds to start this way. Buy for cheap and sell for actual price or higher – that sounds pretty easy. But you should have basic knowledge of prices and always track the market. People use to sell for cheap when they need fast gold or don’t know real value of the item. So, it’s your chance to act. If you see anyone selling an item for low price in trade channel, contact them immediately. You should use all of your trade skills to negotiate about the price to make it as low as possible. It’s important ability to communicate. Besides, it’s good to get addons to trade effectively on Auction House: Aux or Auctioneer. They allow you to scan auction, compare prices, find cheapest options, post items quickly, and many other useful tools. It is possible to make your first thousand out of ten gold you have in a pocket. Another hurdle we had to overcome was how to store and merge our data. World of Warcraft has multiple updates or patches in development at any one time, each in a different stage of development. If an art asset or terrain file is added to one patch, the system is designed so that it also automatically shows up in later patches. This meant that If we had simply inserted a new patch for WoW Classic into the current development environment, we would have overwritten things like the current broken dam in Loch Modan with the previous intact version—and as you can imagine, this would have caused issues for Battle for Azeroth. It's time to do this again! I am bringing this back for nostalgic value along with a way for you guys to support me! Now keep in mind I am sending the very first original version of my leveling guide for Horde (I did not make an Alliance guide back then). This is not really meant to be used to level through WoW, even though you could use it for that purpose. My website JoanasWorld.com contains the latest up-to-date version of my leveling guides which have changed a lot over the years. Nov 15 Looking Forward. So simple fun thread to see how you all think and feel. Name 1 thing you are definitely looking forward to, preferably not the obvious stuff but whatever go wild! I'll start with one. Professions aiding in immersion. Not sure if many noticed this but something I am excited about playing a hunter is the professions and how they aid in immersion for the hunter class so freaking well. All of the secondary profs help hunter immersion. Cooking, Fishing and First Aid all actually fueled the hunter lifestyle. Add in Skinning and Leather Working and it's straight up Hunter RPG.Melaned22 Nov 15 Players will be selected for beta based on a range of criteria, including having an active WoW subscription. Opting into beta via the WoW Account Management page is the primary way to register, but other factors, like how long you’ve played the game, may also be taken into account. There will be three stress test periods: May 22-23, June 19-20, and July 18-19. Players will be able to reserve character names beginning on August 13 (or slightly ahead of that time, if you live in the Americas) with up to three reservations per WoW account. Druid is one of the most versatile classes across all of World of Warcraft Classic. By picking Druid you will have plenty of options to choose from while leveling. However, in the end-game, most groups will expect you to heal, though, Feral and Balance druids are also very desirable for their Innervate and Rebirth abilities. Additionally, various animal forms will make traversing the world into quite an uncomplicated task. Gonzalez touches on the process of how the team at Blizzard approached the project. Rather than start from scratch, the development team chose to start with the modern WoW codebase and then began testing out the older parameters and art. As the development and logging tools that the team uses for the modern WoW service have evolved and improved over time, the producers did not want the current staff to deal with the headache of going back to 2004-era interfaces and toolsets for product management. To the end-user, WoW Classic looks and feels like the old experience, but underneath the hood, the team at Blizzard has the benefit of 2019-era tools and software. Hey folks! I’ve got a small update here to help quell some of the rumors and let you know where we are at for WoW Classic. We recently began a phase of internal employee alpha testing. The new build data that many of you have been discussing over the last few days is simply part of this process. Phases like this allow us to test out the game content along with other functionality that will be used in the live game, like logging in through the Blizzard Battle.net 175 App. If you’re into MMORPG games, you’ve probably heard that World of Warcraft is preparing to release a classic version of the game this summer. However, not many people have played in the real Classic and current in-game classes might seem completely unrecognizable to some. In the early days of World of Warcraft, the class choice was very important – leveling was super slow, which meant that you could get stuck with your character for months. So we asked ourselves, would it still be possible to deliver an authentic classic experience if we took our modern code, with all its back-end improvements and changes, and used it to process the Patch 1.12 game data? While that might seem counterintuitive, this would inherently include classic systems like skill ranks, old quests and terrain, talents, and so on, while later features like Transmog and Achievements would effectively not exist because they were entirely absent from the data. After weeks of R&D, experimentation, and prototyping, we were confident we could deliver the classic WoW content and gameplay without sacrificing the literally millions of hours put in to back-end development over the past 13 years. Nov 15 I Don't Have Time To Reach Rank 11-14 I Don't Have Time To Reach Rank 11-14 and this is perfectly ACCEPTABLE! I actually like the fact that rank 11-14 is extremely hard to get and time consuming. I don't care if it's not about skill, it is very RPG feeling in the fact that, the people who put in the most time and effort spilling the most enemy blood are the ones who get the best rewards. as somebody who will NEVER have a chance of getting those ranks and items because; 1. I do not have time to do it 2. even if I did have time I still wouldn't do it because I mentally could not farm BG's that many hours for 3 months I support the PvP system and think it is great, and acquiring the hugely powerful items is a big reward and a status symbol. in Classic WoW the game is less about YOU and more about your guild. even if you are not the person to get rank 14, or a Legendary item it still feels awesome when your guild mates get them because it will make your guild stronger. LOVE IT!Agonyy107 Nov 15 Instead of sharding the zones, their plan is to shard the entire continent at launch. In Classic WoW, there are no dynamic spawns and questing in starting zones would quickly become annoying, so it's understandable that the game is all but fun when there are no mobs to kill, but layering will also cause you to see new players, every time you sign in to the game, which is a clear downside of the tech. Sharding eliminates server load and realm stability. Cross-realm sharding is here so that players are evenly distributed across realms and helps combat underpopulation. Sharding at launch is vital to ensure a stable launch of an expansion. Starting zones would be filled with millions of people and that would turn even accepting a quest into a nightmare. Disadvantages of Sharding Nov 15 5 reasons I'm doubtful of WoW Classic I played WoW from patch 1.4 until Sunwell. And I'm not convinced on Classic. 1. I understand nostalgia for the gameplay, and it was a great game, by I don't get why people would want the old graphics when it looked outdated back then. Someone will level a warrior or rogue at snail pace and those 2004 boring graphics will reinforce his perception that the game is bad because it looks bad. 2. The lack of a second talent tree. This was the most demanded feature and I don't see people sticking with the game without it. 3. This has always been in the game, but weekly resets, I never got it, let people able to reset raids. Maybe have a 2 hours cooldown, but if a guild wants to farm a raid every night, or twice on a sunday, or farm the first 3 bosses of MC, let them. Gearing 40-60 people with weekly resets, in this day and age, good luck. 4. Dungeon finder, not sure people will like that, again bad decision. 5. The graphics, no seriously, this is bad on every level of game design, it just make the game look worse, a straight negative with no benefit.Pekuakami24 Nov 15 This is something that people really need to start to understand, not just for Classic or WoW but software developement in general. Fixing a bug isn't just flipping a switch or changing a single digit. You have a machine with literally hundreds of thousands of parts, designed by dozens of different people at different times over the course of 20 and more years. You change a single thing and it might break 50 other things in very subtle ways that might not even emerge until months later (i.e. the very high M+ keys some players got at the start of BfA). However, that’s not the full extent of Blizzard’s announcement. The developer behind World of Warcraft Classic has also announced that it will release a closed beta test for chosen (note this word) players to participate in. The closed beta is meant to test Blizzard’s servers, which I’m guessing will be pretty full once the game actually releases. Blizzard hopes that this beta can prepare them for a smooth launch, since this is pretty big for World of Warcraft players. The original WoW was painful. Mobs took forever to die; one additional enemy in a fight was a pain, two probably meant death. There was a ton of running. Most buffs lasted two minutes, many took reagents, abilities were trained and often out of reach if you lacked the necessary gold. Warlocks had to farm shards, hunters had to carry ammo -- even my warrior did, since in vanilla WoW she can carry a bow and fire arrows herself. Nov 15 Loot sharing. Fools How stupid is the community about loot sharing? You know there is master loot right? Stop being dumb guys like holy crap. You also know that if you're the guy setting up a group or joining a group you have a option not to run or you can pick player's of different armor types... If you're a cloth wearer you just don't run or set up a group with other cloth wearers. Like this is something so simple and the community can't graps anything. I feel bad for blizzard sometimes with having to deal with brain power of this community. The community: "Oh, I didn't think about that. Derp, I'm an idiot."Plewtoe23 Nov 15	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6837
__label__cc	0.562742	0.437258	Leeds Whisky Fest on Ardbog Day Bizarre goings on in London and Islay to celebrate Ardbog Day (Ardbeg Day at Fèis Ìle renamed in honour of their Fèis Ìle release), but I'm in Leeds, so a Whisky Lounge event is the order of the day - I guess there'll be some Ardbeg, maybe Ardbog there (as Eddie's been in Islay this week), though probably less flying sheep than in London! While I'm getting ready, I've discovered that a new Whisky Fellowship has set up in nearby Garforth, and is following me on twitter - sounds like something to check out, so I've signed up for their first meeting on Monday. Another follower of theirs is Strathearn Distillery - a new start up micro-distiller in Methven that I've not heard of before, seems they are building a distillery and hope to start production soon. Arrive at O2 Academy 20 minutes before start - first in queue - only way to be sure of getting a few photos before the venue fills up. Joe is setting up the flags and I have time for breakfast - sandwich from Sainsbury's - and get organised for the show. By the time the doors open the queue has built up considerably. Traditional start with Compass Box Hedonism, then off to see Andrew Nelstrop owner of the English Whisky Company, who hasn't been at a show so far this year. Chapter 6 the standard unpeated bottling is good, but the Rum finished Chapter 7 is exceptional for a 3yo, even allowing for faster maturation in Norfolk than Scotland. They also have a bottle of the Queen's 60th Jubilee limited edition - sold out on the distillery website. Good presentation - apart from the Royal tackiness, and a good dram. Andrew bemoans the fact that too many of these royal special editions get bought by collectors of royal memorabilia rather than true Whisky drinkers, but it does help him sell his whisky. Didn't try the peated Chapter 11, intending to return later once I was on peated whisky, but didn't make it back. World Whiskies Tasting at Gerry's Two reviews for this event - for reasons I can't be bothered to go into - take your pick... 7 whiskies from around the world - blind tasting, all presented in Plymouth Gin bottles!. I'm not the only photographer there - and someone with a bigger beard than me too. Still what does size matter? Co-hosted by Holly from Gerry's and Rowena from Yelp. Limited information about how the whisky was produced and the type of maturation were all the clues that were given, and I was only able to definitively identify one whisky as one I knew I'd had before - the very distinctive Wasamund's Single Malt from the US, which uses applewood to smoke the barley and also applewood chips in the cask. Not sure I could drink it all evening, but a very pleasant dram - my favourite of the day, and I think it also topped the popular vote, though the Swedish contribution - the new Bruks from Mackmyra - also did well. Seven whiskies from around the world to taste for a tenner – can’t be bad. Hosted jointly by Holly from Gerry's and Rowena from Yelp. On arrival it appears we have seven bottles of differently coloured Plymouth Gin – this is to disguise the identity of the whiskies and let us judge them entirely on the contents of the glass. All we are told upfront is that they are from seven different countries, one is from Scotland – a Scottish flag is supplied to wave when you think you have the Scottish whisky – all are malt whiskies.A little further information was given around the method of distillation of each whisky, and what it had been matured in, but not the country of origin. The first whisky is revealed to be a blended malt, nothing too special about it. The second one is altogether different, and my initial thought is Swedish though further sipping makes me doubt that, and after briefly thinking it might be Welsh, I’m left without an idea of where it’s from. Whisky by the Sea Joe Clark in charge of Brighton To Brighton for Whisky Lounge's annual trip to the seaside - despite a few hitches on the way, late train, missed connection, forgot I had to pick up tickets for the next stage of the journey, another train missed. Fortunately trains to Brighton are frequent, and I'd planned to get there with half hour to spare, so just about on time. Brighton is one of the smaller festivals, but that makes for a good chance to talk to stall holders. Eddie and Amanda have gone on holiday, leaving Joe in charge - looks like he's up to it. A few exhibitors that weren't present at Whisky Live. Diageo featuring Talisker Storm - and as their black token dram 35yo Talisker, all the peppery goodness associated with Talisker, but age has given it a smoothness, unfortunately age has also given it a hefty price tag - £525. It's one of the drams in Colin Dunn's Talisker masterclass at the Whisky Show in October - unfortunately it's already sold out! Kilchoman had both the 2012 and 2013 bottlings of Machir Bay which evidence the progress of the young distillery, the peat is subtler than Southern Islay malts and allows the full flavours of the whisky to come through. The 100% Islay is less peaty again, and though still exhibiting its youth - in a couple of years time this could be sensational. Next door at No.1 Drinks, the 3yo Chichibu masks its youth through maturity in small casks. On the evidence of this dram and a peated version tasted at Whisky Live, this new Japanese distillery looks to have a promising future. Karuizawa, the other product on this stand represents the past, as the distillery has been mothballed for many years and has recently been/will soon be demolished - a great pity as all the Karuizawa I've tasted has been very good. But it seems to have been a victim of not being well regarded in Japan when the distillery was open, and establishing a belated reputation worldwide too late - and the land is now apparently prime real estate. Back to Talisker and a comparative tasting of the 10yo and the new Storm. The Storm certainly appears to have an extra edge of pepper, and perhaps a little saltiness as well, a little more complexity. The 10yo tastes slightly lighter/cleaner in comparison to its new sibling, which is not to say they're not both great drams - and might even be interesting to do an impromptu blend. By the time I decide to try this, I've only a little of each left, the initial impression is good but all too fleeting to be really sure - and I never got around to trying it on a larger scale - another time! No Age Statement (NAS) whisky gives producers more freedom, and the potential to use younger whiskies in the mix. Not sure that's what's happening here, Storm certainly makes a much better first impression than Macallan's NAS Gold, is it worth an extra £7.50 over the 10yo - not yet sure. That Boutique-y Whisky Company were at Whisky Live, but they had some different whiskies on offer for Brighton, thought the Clynelish still made an appearance - initial taste not quite so orangey as I remembered, more orange marmalade, but there's other fruit in there. Highland Park left a good impression too, but no specific notes on it. The star was the Secret distillery bottling - clearly from Sherry casks form the nose, and an intense orange marmalade (again) on first taste. I'm not a great sherry fan, but this was Sherry done well, and done this well can only mean Glenfarclas - other than the 35yo Talisker, which I may have mentioned before, and of which I seem to have an inordinate number of pictures, this was the star of the show! SMWS - taking tokens for a splendid 27yo Glen Elgin 85.24 that Sam said was around three months ago - not sure how I missed that one before, in fact my smartphone tells me I did taste it on 4th January, clearly it made more of an impression in Brighton and another contender for dram of the day - certainly price wise compared with that Talisker! Only a few of the new Outturn on display, the most impressive of which is the Ben Nevis 78.40, sherry refill 16yo. The heavily sherry-influenced 35.86 Glen Moray 11yo first fill, will appeal to lovers of the sherry monster. Balvenie wanted a token for the 12yo Single Barrel, but I'd run out by then and settled instead for my favourite standard priced blend Grant's Ale Cask, and persuaded a couple of others of its value. Didn't have too much time at the Pernod Ricard stall, having tasted all the Glenlivet's many times, but did take the opportunity to have another go at the newly repackaged Strathisla 12yo, lots of vanilla and coconut to start with, but could be so much better with more strength - but as ever selling Chivas Regal is the name of the game. Hadn't been to one Colin Dunn's Six of the Best Masterclass since Manchester, so I thought I should go along to see what he was up to this time. Dalwhinnie Distillers' Edition; Caol Ila 12yo; Mortlach 16yo; Talisker 57 North and Talisker Distillers' Edition together with a mystery dram which turned out to be Johnnie Walker Double Black. Colin on good form and even got to talking about serving Talisker in Fingal's cave - I don't have pictures of that event, but those of the venue may give a glimpse into the setting. But the masterclass inevitably meant missing some other drams, guess there'll have to be some catching up in Edinburgh and London. Just time to mention Berry Bros Littlemill and Tormore, and the Whisky Lounge's own Longmorn 19yo. Almost forgot the Elements of Islay/Diplomatico stand. The Whisky Exchange's independent bottlings of youngish Islay whisky - including rare casks that have been able to escape from Lagavulin - Lg2 displaying the characteristic flavours from the distillery at only 10yo. The other half of the stand devoted to Venezuelan rum - the Anejo being the bargain end of the range, mainly from column stills, but whilst lacking the complexity of the older Reserva and Reserva Exclusiva, Anejo makes for a good introduction to rum. Balcones were also at the Lounge - concentrated on their Blue Corn whisky this time - comparative tasting of True Blue and Baby Blue - still not sure which I prefer, will have to have another go... No visit to Brighton is complete without stopping off at Al Rouche on Preston Street - helps to soak up the whisky before the journey home, great food at great prices! All pictures on flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/martynjenkins/sets/72157633181730459 Metropole Hotel, Brighton Colin Dunn wringing the last drop out of the bottle of Talisker 35yo Joe and Colin drawing the winner of a bottle of 12yo Lagavulin Sam with SMWS 85.24 Al Rouche Whisky Live London Armoury House - photo from 2011 Whisky Live returned to Armoury House the impressive venue of the Honourable Artillery Company, though the weather was a complete contrast to 2012's March heatwave - the snow was just about held at bay on Friday, but Saturday saw a cold queue very pleased to get into the show! Whisky Live has finally abandoned the use of vouchers for tastings in favour of gold vouchers for extra special whiskies, though there seemed to be a breakdown of communications with most exhibitors as the only whisky that I tasted that demanded a gold token was Bunnahabhain 25yo. The highlights of the show for me were all about overseas contributions to Whisky, that's not to say that there wasn't some very good Scottish Whisky available - the second batch of the Shackleton whisky was impressive, as were some BBR bottles from Invergordon, Littlemill and Tormore; an interesting orange-nosed Clynelish from That Boutique-y Whisky Company; and the new Balvenie 12yo Single Barrel. I'm probably being unfair to the SMWS who were out in strength with the usual impressive line-up - and a new presentation - bottle necks tagged with a one word description of the type of whisky - Sweet, Coastal, Smoky etc. Having tasted most of this month's outturn already, I probably had less than 10 SMWS drams over the two days - more of my favourite two later. Chip Tate, chief distiller of Balcones, the Texas craft whisky outfit made a return to Whisky Live London. I was not at all familiar with his whisky last year, but have tasted a lot since then and become quite a fan of their unique approach.Chip had with him a mobile whisky vault containing some specialities - a bottle from the only ever barrel of Bourbon distilled in Texas, the smoothest Bourbon I've ever tasted, despite a strength of 64% - hopefully he'll make some more! Brimstone Resurrection was another feature, plus the strange Rumble spirit - a distillation of honey, figs and sugar. as well as the more readily available range of Single Malt, Baby Blue, True Blue and Brimstone. Eddie and Amanda Ludlow were helping out on the stand on Friday and Eddie did an Q&A session with Chip in the food area. See also the Whisky Lounge Balcones Review by Joe Clark. Penderyn made a rare Whisky Festival appearance, sharing stands with Kavalan, the Taiwanese whisky producer. They already shared Dr Jim Swan as a consultant, and Penderyn have now acquired UK distribution rights for Kavalan. I already have bottles of their Vinho Barrique and Bourbon cask strength Solist, and got another taste of the Sherry finish, but that wasn't as good to my palette. For the first day and a half the Fino finished Kavalan was apparently just for display purposes, but I happened to be in the right place at the time that Dr Swan felt it needed to be sampled. The gentle Fino Sherry cask suited Kavalan better than the standard sherry product, and was more reminiscent of the Bourbon finish, but it comes at a price (£200+). For a more reasonable price the King Car single malt is also well worth looking at. A peated Kavalan was also an interesting addition. Diageo didn't have a stand this year, but that didn't stop Colin Dunn doing an on-stage presentation of Bushmills, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve and Talisker Storm. Unfortunately, because of lengthy queues to get into the food area, I only got in on the tail end of this and there was only some Gold Label to taste. Ian Logan was once again holding court on the Glenlivet balcony, though the tasting sessions seemed shorter than last year - there must be more Glenlivet Guardians than before! The whiskies, I tasted the 18yo, Nàdurra and 25yo were 't new to me, but as welcome as always. Mackmyra had a considerable range of their whiskies, from the wonderfully packaged new make - featuring rubber band and brown paper - to a selection of their special releases. But no Skog! (see January blog). None of the above is chronological, but the rum part of the story of Whisky Live starts on coming in from the snow on Saturday morning. Starting at SMWS, I didn't immediately realise that my first dram of the day would be rum, but when Sam suggested it, it seemed only logical to ease into things with an 81% abv R5.2 from Jamaica. Just about drinkable at the enormous cask strength, and I certainly don't think the tasting notes do it justice: "Very intense nose of paint stripper, nail varnish remover and copydex glue followed by a vinegar note, small pickled onions and finally battery acids which implies danger and the taste neat is exactly that!" With added water it turns into a very agreeable drink I later felt the need to buy a bottle. Thence to El Dorado for rum from Guyana - the 15yo, though at only 43%, was my favourite, with some unexpected coconut and vanilla notes. Then back to Jamaica again for a tour of Appleton Estate including the amazing 30yo, positively ancient for a rum. Blended rums from Wild Geese were new to me entirely, but better than their whiskies, which I've not liked. The standard bottling is at a mere 37.5%, but the Premium is 40% and packaged as a bottle of rum should be - black bottle with crystal skull! I would have to say the contents didn't quite live up to the bottle, but not a bad drop - it's a blend of rums from Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica.And so to Ireland's newest distillery, Dingle - the most westerly in the British Isles. looking for Founding Fathers for their whisky, and while waiting for that to mature they're selling vodka and gin - the vodka was, just vodka, the gin on the other hand was well worth a mention - I'm no gin expert, but I could get to like that one. It seems, whisk(e)y distilleries are good at gin - Bruichladdich's Botanist, and Balmenach's Caorunn come to mind. Finally, back to SMWS who are selling remaining bottles to members only, a final dram of G4.3 convinces me that I need a bottle of that as well as the R5.2 and time to head for home - at least it's stopped snowing. www.whiskylive.com/ SMWS Display Dr Jim Swan (right) Kavalan Solist Fino (centre) Chip Tate with the Balcones range Wild Geese Rum Dressing up for the Shackleton Whisky The Balcones Mobile Whisky Vault Photos on this page were taken by me. Click on photo to enlarge. Full size versions of all my photos from Whisky Live London 2013 are available on Flickr.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6838
__label__wiki	0.601311	0.601311	Home / Posts Tagged "monty python" No Sex Please, We’re Creating: Gender and Equality in the Writers’ Room There was a bit of a hoo-ha recently when it was reported that ITV’s Head Of Comedy, Saskia Schuster has banned all-male comedy writing teams. Monty Python (less Terry G) 1969: arguably the most famous comedy writing team ever. The Oxbridge graduates used to meet regularly upstairs at Soho’s famous Nellie Dean pub in Soho. Women need not apply. This lead to all sorts of misguided and unhelpful online outrage about men being marginalised so women could be fast-tracked into the British comedy industry, regardless of merit. Now, as anyone with even a Trump-sized brain knows, this is not discriminating against men. It’s a laudable attempt to redress the balance in what has historically been a male-dominated space. The Simpsons writers’ room, early 90s. Note: the only female present is cardboard. And a baby. Writer and performer Brona C Titley offered this excellent response in The Guardian, which compelled me share my own experience of working in a comedy writers’ room. My sole experience is an odd one, and not much fun. I worked on a (thankfully) failed attempt to replicate a US late-night talk show for UK audiences. I spent several weeks trapped in a braying sausage fest, all white men, leftovers from Loaded magazine. My overriding memory is just how exhausting it was. All the banter about ‘fit birds’ and ‘’aving it large’ (whatever the fuck that means) turning to tedious white noise. Funny thing is, I was completely marginalised and ignored throughout the process even among ‘my own kind’, because I was the only one in the room who knew nothing about football and wasn’t a lad, thereby somehow invalidating my input. This wasn’t an awful experience because they were all white men, but because they were monstrous arseholes who happened to be white men. But the fact there was no diversity didn’t help. You gather together one type of ANYBODY in a room and the experience will nosedive pretty fast. I’ve had incredibly satisfying creative collaborations exclusively with white men, exclusively with white women, and with a diverse mix of talented people. Crucially, I’ve also had awful experiences working with all of the above. Tina Fey‘s brilliant 30 Rock, based on her own experiences as Head Writer in SNL. Equality and diversity should be encouraged in every endeavour; Titley’s article is bang on. It’s tragic we still even have to say this. But what irks me is that such dialogue in the public space often rapidly descends into identity politics. Which is a cop out. Monty Python, a lot of whose output has dated horribly, will always be a profound influence. As is Peter Cook and Peter Sellers. As is Jerry Seinfeld and Robin Williams. But I don’t admire them because they are all white men. But because their comedic brains resonate with me. Still do. The greatest thing about the greatest comedy is that it transcends class, race and gender. Alternatively, Fleabag, the best comedy I’ve seen in a long time, isn’t superb because Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a woman, it’s because she’s a phenomenal writer, actor and director. But thank God we live in times where she was given the opportunities to gift the world her brilliantly warped mind. Because, as Titley correctly asserts, everyone who works in the creative industry does so because they were given an opportunity. Fleabag. Created and written by a hugely talented human. Who happens to be a woman. There is no doubt that diversity tends to birth infinitely more interesting work – IF the chemistry is there. And I think that’s crucial for me. That’s how you create your best work and ultimately, it’s the work that counts. Bottom line, I don’t really give a shit who is in the room with me as long as they bring something to the table. By admin General News Radio Stand Up TV comedy, comedy writing, diversity, equality, gender, ITV, jerry seinfeld, monty python, robin williams, Saskia Schuster, sex, television, writers room, writing for tv What offends you? There’s currently a lot of hubbub in the media about comedians offending people. BBC Four reminded us with a patchy drama about the outrage back in 79 surrounding the release of Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, while Ricky Gervais has caused a Twitter storm over use of the word ‘mong’. But does anyone ever take a moment to think about what it actually means to be offended? Really, it just means someone says or does something you don’t like. I hate to break it to you but that’s not going to go away, no matter how much you protest, scream and shout. And I guarantee something you hold dear and true will offend someone else and vice versa. It’s just how the world works. You can’t police this, because different people are offended by different things. If you want to be really offensive in the Middle East, throw a shoe. If you want to be really shocking in Japan, blow your nose in public. In the past we Brits were offended by a woman showing her ankle. Ridiculous. Bottom line, being offended is the price we pay for freedom of speech. People can be cruel, vicious and downright nasty, but that same licence to say what you want has allowed some of the greatest acts of creativity, innovation and discovery. Besides, if someone offends you, you have the right to be offensive back. If someone insults your god, insult their wife. Someone pokes fun at your ethnicity, give them a bunch of fives. Someone sexually harasses you, express your gratitude. And if you find that offensive, that’s the point. In other news, there’s a new coffee machine in the kitchen where I work. It really is a marvel of the modern world. It has three settings, none of which result in any coffee. Setting one offers a feeble dribble of dark brown mud into the cup, followed by an equally pathetic splash of cold water. Setting two is very similar to setting one, except without the water. But the real triumph is setting three. Whoever factored this one in should be awarded the Nobel Prize. It begins with the machine vibrating and thrashing like a blackbird trapped in a shoebox. This is followed by a sound akin to pig being aggressively guided through a rusty mincer. Then, once this whole production has died down, comes the grand finale. Molten coffee cascades all over the table while a pyroclastic cloud of scalding steam is jettisoned into the unsuspecting face of anyone within a ten-foot radius. Three members of the accounts department perished at the mechanised hands of this infernal contraption in one week and while this may not be a bad thing in itself, morale is beginning to wane. By admin General News coffee, comedy, life of brian, monty python, offence, ricky gervais, work I Live in Denmark and Don’t speak Danish. Here’s why. Get Brexit Done? Not On Your Life. The Fox in the Henhouse: Boris Johnson Will Be Our Prime Minister Excelsior! I’ve Signed a Deal to Write a Book About Stan Lee Copyright © 2017 Adrian Mackinder. Design by Hey Kiddo.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6839
__label__wiki	0.67325	0.67325	Home » Alien Life » Extending the Habitable Zone for Red Dwarf Stars Extending the Habitable Zone for Red Dwarf Stars Categories: Alien Life Feature Stories By Charles Q. Choi, Astrobiology Magazine Contributor - Feb 23, 2012 This artist’s concept illustrates a young, red dwarf star surrounded by three planets. Such stars are dimmer and smaller than yellow stars like our sun, which makes them ideal targets for astronomers wishing to take images of planets outside our solar system, called exoplanets. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Stars known as red dwarfs might have larger habitable zones friendly to ‘life as we know it’ than once thought, researchers say. Red dwarfs, also known as M stars, are dim compared to stars like our sun and just 10 to 20 percent as massive. They make up roughly three-quarters of the stars in the galaxy, and recently scientists found red dwarfs are far more common than before thought, making up at least 80 percent of the total number of stars. The fact that red dwarfs are so very common has made astrobiologists wonder if they might be the best chance for discovering planets habitable to life as we know it. More and more planets are getting discovered around red dwarfs — for instance, a potentially habitable “super-Earth” at least 4.5 times the mass of Earth, GJ 667Cb, was recently found orbiting the red dwarf GJ 667C. “More of these planets are being found, so research is moving from being theoretical and predictive to using actual data from extrasolar planets,” said researcher Manoj Joshi, an atmospheric physicist at the University of East Anglia in England. The habitable zone of a star is defined by whether liquid water can survive on its surface, given that life exists virtually wherever there is liquid water on Earth. Too far from a star, and a world is too cold, freezing all its water; too close to a star, and a world is too hot, boiling all of its water off. Orbit of Mercury relative to other planets in our solar system. Since red dwarfs are so cold compared to our sun, planets would have to be very close in to be habitable to any life as we know it — in many cases, less than the distance between Mercury and our sun. Image Credit: Spacestationinfo.com Since red dwarfs are so cold compared to our sun, planets would have to be very close in to be habitable to any life as we know it — in many cases, less than the distance between Mercury and our sun. This closeness actually makes them appealing to hunters of alien worlds — planets near their stars eclipse them more often, making them easier to detect than planets that orbit farther away. However, being too close to a star can have its disadvantages. For instance, the gravitational pull of the star would cause tides that could wreak havoc on such a world, perhaps leading to a so-called “tidal Venus” scenario where it loses all of its surface water. Also, young red dwarfs less than 3 billion years old may be very active, firing off flares several times per day, causing ultraviolet radiation to jump by 100 to 10,000 times normal levels and potentially sterilizing the surface of a nearby planet or even helping to strip off its atmosphere. Now scientists find that planets may remain habitable farther away from a red dwarf than once thought. This in turn could mean there is a chance there are far more habitable worlds around red dwarfs than previously suspected. The habitability of a star depends on how warm or cold it is, which in turn rests in large part on how much starlight it absorbs and reflects. Frozen water such as ice and snow reflects light, which means it helps cool planets, including Earth. A planet’s surface ice reflects sunlight, decreasing the planet’s temperature. Image Credit: Glenn Grant / National Science Foundation “If a rocky planet forms around an M-star and it has water on it, if it gets cold enough, that’ll turn to ice or snow,” Joshi said. “As for the odds of rocky planets forming around M-stars, Neptune- and sub-Neptune-sized objects have been found, so chances could be good.” The researchers modeled how reflective ice and snow would be on simulated planets orbiting two real-life red dwarfs. Ice and snow are less reflective against longer, redder wavelengths, while red dwarfs obviously have fairly red light to begin with. The scientists found that any such planets encircling red dwarfs would absorb more of their light than previously thought, leading to significantly warmer surfaces. This means the outer edge of the habitable zone around red dwarfs might be 10 to 30 percent farther away from its parent zone than once suggested. “I was surprised that the effect was as large as it was,” Joshi told Astrobiology Magazine. “The zone where liquid water is stable on a planet’s surface is farther away from such stars than previously thought.” Joshi cautioned they only looked at the effects of water ice and snow, when other kinds might be important when considering how much energy a planet absorbs and reflects, such as frozen carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. Also, “we didn’t look at the effects of atmospheric absorption of radiation by gases such as water vapor or carbon dioxide,” he added. “That should be done in future.” Joshi and Robert Haberle detailed their findings in the Jan. 23 issue of the journal Astrobiology. Could Venus have been habitable? For Climbing Robots, the Sky’s the Limit NASA’s Dragonfly Will Fly Around Titan Looking for Origins, Signs… How Salts on the Surface Could Aid in Modeling Europa’s… (Alien Life, Feature Stories) Most Read Astrobiology Roadmap Goal 1: Habitable planets	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6848
__label__wiki	0.501005	0.501005	Ben Aquila's blog This blog covers world political issues, mostly about LGBT news and rights, and other topics of my interest. LGBT people allowed in NY's St. Patrick's Day Parade for first time After years of strong resistance, organizers of New York’s St. Patrick’s Day parade said that gays and lesbians will be allowed to march under their own banner for the first time today March 17th. This is the largest parade all year in the most Irish City in the World. New York has more people of Irish descent than any other city in the world. It is not an official Catholic event, but the Church has much to say about it. The Cardinal of New York, Timothy Dolan, is the "unofficial head" the American Catholic Church since New York is the largest Archdiocese in the U.S., and he has welcomed the move. The decision is another sign of how quickly changing public attitudes toward gay people have pushed changes in state laws, government policies and the practices of private entities. Dolan’s positive response may also point to a shifting dynamic within the Catholic Church on gays and lesbians since the election of Pope Francis last year. Pope Francis has made it clear he wants church leaders to highlight Catholicism’s outreach to the poor and vulnerable rather than always fighting culture war issues on gay marriage and the like. So this is a big deal! This year gays and lesbians are welcomed to NY's St. Patrick's Day Parade After Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade, LGBT people will be allowed in NY's Parade for first time Publicat per Ben Aquila a 6:56 PM Label: LGBT Rights and News it about time,i support my gay veterans The persecution of LGBT people in Chechnya: A timeline Follow @benjaaquila My popular posts in the last 30 days Could China legalise same-sex marriage soon? China's top legislative body has been advised to legalise same-sex marriage in the updated civil code. The Commission for Legisl... Claudia López, who will be sworn into office in January, announced her wedding to Angélica Lozano on social media, sharing an enthusia... A majority of LGBT students experience bullying in Latin America A new survey finds a majority of LGBT students in seven Latin American countries have experienced bullying because of their sexual orien... New year but same shame in Iran! Sadly, the Islamic Republic of Iran has hanged again a man for the crime of being homosexual, last 30 December. The execution of the... Marvel announces the first transgender hero Marvel has announced its first official transgender superhero. The Mighty Rebekah is inspired by a 12-year-old transgender girl of the s... Hunk of Month March: Jon Kortajarena American Champion Wrestler Comes Out 300,000 Thanks!!!! Last chance to see LGBT films over the world The new Changing of the Guard? The U.N. says No to Putin Highest support to gay marriage in the U.S. The largest U.S. Presbyterian church embraces marr... A 5-year-old Irish girl supports marriage equality... Japan plans to end anti-gay discrimination by Toky... Sensational all-male version of "Cell Block Tango"... LGBT people allowed in NY's St. Patrick's Day Para... New Documentary Calls to Vatican to Accept Gay Peo... Marriage Equality Will Win in Ireland First gay wedding in the New Zealand armed forces IKEA closes online magazine in Russia over anti-ga... King's College London Rugby Team strip off for LGB... Historical agreement to stamp out homophobia in ru... A great day for Pisces! Biden supports federal non-discrimination protecti... Kate Winslet to her son: Who you love up to you ITB Berlin - Proud to Travel Slovenian Parliament legalizes gay marriage and ad... Rainbow laces in the Spanish soccer Love Wins in Nebraska! Obama administration redefines 'spouse' to include... LGBT Rights and News My blog and fellow blogs Real Life Hunk of the Month My partner Ryce Ryce & Eddi's Blogs Eddi Predicts The 2018 Midterms 5 Key Reasons Why Trump is the Clear Favorite for Reelection in 2020 - As of today, President Trump is headed for reelection in 2020. Here are 5 Key Reasons Why: 1. The economy is booming: The economy of the United States... Ryce Skytower's Second Life Second Life Travels: Ryce Visits Maderia Springs - There is no better way to celebrate the arrival of Northern Hemisphere Springtime in three weeks time than to visit the gorgeous soft landscape of Mader... Eddi and Ryce Photograph Second Life Great Second Life Destinations: Gorgeous Light Over Maderia Springs - There is no better way to celebrate the arrival of Northern Hemisphere Springtime in three weeks time than to visit the gorgeous soft landscape of Mader... LGBT Net Russia Attitude Magazine © Benja Aquila. Picture Window theme. Theme images by Galeries. Powered by Blogger.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6853
__label__wiki	0.966935	0.966935	Queensland University of Technology - QUT Business School - Master of Business (Marketing) Australia - Oceania Queensland University of Technology - QUT Business School Master of Business (Marketing) All about this master Exclusive Counsel Program Director : Prof. Ian LINGS http://www.qut.edu.au/business Queensland University of Technology - QUT Business School Level 10 Z Block Gardens Point Campus Click here to download this ranking (PDF) The University of Sydney - The University of Sydney Business School University of New South Wales - School of Marketing Master of Business (Marketing) Master of Business Marketing University of Queensland - Faculty of Business, Economics and Law Curtin Business School / School of Marketing Master of Marketing Management The Australian National University - ANU College of Business and Economics Griffith University - Griffith Business School Master of Commerce specialisation Marketing Macquarie University - Department of Marketing and Management The University of Western Australia - UWA Business School University of Adelaide - Adelaide Business School La Trobe Business School Master of Business - Marketing Sydney Business School - University of Wollongong International Master of Business Administration (Marketing) University of Western Sydney - Sydney Graduate School of Management	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6856
__label__cc	0.72605	0.27395	Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City 2020 embraces the rising made-in-Vietnam automotive market 01.11.2019: Steering into its fourth edition, Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City (AMHCMC) will rally a comprehensive automotive supply chain community for the OE (original equipment) and aftermarket by introducing the new automotive manufacturing & automation segment. Steering into its fourth edition, Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City (AMHCMC) will rally a comprehensive automotive supply chain community for the OE (original equipment) and aftermarket by introducing the new automotive manufacturing & automation segment. The community will help drive the Vietnam automotive industry towards localisation, industrialisation and modernisation by promoting made-in-Vietnam brands. 390 international and domestic exhibitors will gather across 10,200 sqm of the exhibition floor at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) from 5 to 7 March 2020. According to a recent report, the Vietnamese economy is expected to grow 6.7 percent this year, the fastest growth rate among Southeast Asia countries[1]. This robust economic strength is crucial to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s automotive industry. In order to support its development, the Vietnamese government has deployed a number of favourable policies to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the local automotive manufacturing sector for sustainable growth. Already, many of the foreign companies are extending their footprint into Vietnam’s automotive market through various types of cooperation with the local companies. Data revealed by Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) has shown FDI in Vietnam reached a four-year high of USD 16.74 billion in the first five months of 2019. Among all, the manufacturing and processing sector accounted for 72 percent of the total FDI received[2]. The inflow of FDI is expected to bring resources and technologies into the country, including skilled labour and technical assistance. These long-term investments will therefore heighten Vietnam’s automotive manufacturing capabilities and its supporting industries. In this view, the domestic industry holds great potential as it transits from an assembly to a manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia. As a result, Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City 2020 will play a leading role in rallying international and domestic cooperation among carmakers, dealers, distributors, exporters, importers, manufacturers, OEMs, retailers and more. In the effort to drive Vietnam’s status as an important manufacturing hub, the show will offer comprehensive product coverage of the entire supply chain from materials tools, precision tools and testing machines, product finishing, robotics and automation, to parts and components for vehicles. Once again, there will be 10 different product groups for the passenger, commercial vehicle and motorcycle segments on display at the fair. These include Accessories & Customising, Parts & Components, Electronics & Connectivity, Diagnostics & Maintenance and Alternative Drive Systems & Fuel to name a few. In addition, there will be six product groups tailored for the new automotive manufacturing & automation segment like Manufacturing of Automotive Parts & Components, Automation, Automotive Production Equipment and System, Automotive Inspection and Quality Control, Automotive Design and R&D and Automotive Material. Comprehensive upgrades on existing sectors offering The 2020 edition will continue to elevate the show offerings in line with the market trends and demands. With Vietnam becoming the fourth largest motorcycle market in the world[3], the fair will continue to highlight the motorcycle segment. In fact, the motorbikes market has an annual growth rate of 10 percent and is expected to reach 11 million units on the road by 2025[4]. Under the influence of stringent environmental standards and policies, the huge demand is expected to shift from the traditional gasoline type to the new electric motorbike. As such, a line-up of overseas suppliers for electric motorcycle auto parts and components will converge at the show with renowned national brands to provide a wide selection of products for buyers. On the other hand, the passenger and commercial vehicle segments will also remain a fair focus. With local consumers now having increased purchasing power and a better standard of living, the Accessories & Customising product group will highlight the thriving personalised and auto lifestyle market in Vietnam. Based on statistic revealing that more than 90 percent of the accessories and parts in Vietnam are imported[5], the product group will feature a wider variety of auto part products from a line-up of overseas brands to fulfil the consumer needs. A unique industry event for “Business, Workshops and Experiences” The upcoming edition of Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City 2020 captures the theme of “Business, Workshops and Experiences”, and will offer fairgoers an all-round show experience to allow business and pleasure to co-exist at the fair. For example, the Business Matching programme returns as an effective and efficient platform, bridging local and international players and helping to foster new business relationships. Elsewhere, a host of training workshops, seminars and conferences will also enhance knowledge sharing. Built upon theoretical discussions, international experts and industry professionals will come together to perform workshops with practical and live demonstrations. They will discuss diagnostics, maintenance, fleet management and many more other focused topics. Speakers will also share their views on Industry 4.0, automation, smart factories, assembly and productivity in the local automotive industry. Attendees will, therefore, be able to learn about the latest local industry developments and related policies. The sessions offer insight into how local players can overcome the challenges arising from industry transformation, which will help them stand out from other ASEAN countries. The show also presents two exclusive and lively fringe events. The Auto NITZ party is set to feature live music performances from famous local DJs and dance groups, turning the show floor into a dance floor. The Drift & Stunt shows will energise the show’s atmosphere as stunt performers stun crowds with their thrilling outdoor performances. All these entertaining events offer the taste of an exciting automotive lifestyle. Visitors can cultivate and immerse themselves into these networking activities at the fairground. Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, Chan Chao International Co Ltd and Yorkers Exhibition Service Vietnam. It is one of 17 Automechanika fairs held across Africa, Asia, Europe and North, Central and South America. For further information about the show or to download press materials, please visit www.automechanika-hcmc.com or contact Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, +852 2802 7728 / autoasia@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com. Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With more than 2,500 employees at 30 locations, the company generates annual sales of around €718 million. We have close ties with our industry sectors and serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of the Group’s key USPs is its closely knit global sales network, which extends throughout the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent). Background information on Chan Chao International Co Ltd and Yorkers Exhibition Service Vietnam Chan Chao is the leading Taiwan-based international exhibition organiser, has achieved outstanding feat in organising high-technology, machineries as well as consumer-oriented exhibitions. Over three decades, Chan Chao has extended flagship brands into Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Myanmar and Vietnam with their professionalism. Yorkers is the subsidiary office of Chan Chao in Vietnam. For more information, please visit: www.chanchao.com.tw/en [1] Vietnam economy to grow at 6.7%: Report, June 2019, The Jakarta Post, https://bit.ly/2MerL7L Retrieved September 2019 [2] FDI in Vietnam – Where is the Investment Going?, June 2019, Vietnam Briefing, https://bit.ly/2AILWUw Retrieved August 2019 [3] Vietnam motorcycle market ranks 4th in world, August 2019, VietnamPlus, https://bit.ly/355CtEu Retrieved September 2019 [4] Honda Vietnam makes bank on Vietnamese motorcycle market, October 2017, Vietnam Investment Review, https://bit.ly/30QB8hO Retrieved August 2019 [5] Domestic automobile industry set for good growth, March 2019, Vietnam News, https://bit.ly/2LIhFeF Retrieved August 2019 Margaret Lee, Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd Permanent-URL: http://www.automobilsport.com/automechanika-ho-chi-minh-city-2020-made-in-vietnam-automotive-market---199849.html Jaguar C-X75 Stunt car from Bond film "Spectre" offered at RM Sotheby's Abu Dhabi auction • Auction set for 30 November in collaboration with Formula 1 at the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2019• RM Sotheby’s to present 2015 Jaguar C-X75 featured as villain&r more >> Essen Motor Show steht für die Leichtmetallräder von PROTRACK ganz im Zeichen von Flow Forming Nicht nur am eigenen Stand der Firma PROTRACK in Halle 7 Stand 7B29 unter dem Dach des VDAT werden die neuen Flow Forming Größen des Leichtmetallrads ONE zu finden sein. Viele Räder sind während der Messe vom 30.11. bis einschließlich 08.12.2019 auch auf diversen Tuning- und Motorsportfahrzeugen in den Hallen des Essener Messegeländes verteilt. more >> Erster DMSB-Kongress startet in Fulda • Über 250 Teilnehmer bei der Premiere der neuen Veranstaltung• Dialog und Weiterbildung als zentrale Bausteine• Ehrenamtlich Engagierte beraten in zahlreichen GremienAm kommenden Wochenende (26. / 27. Oktober) b more >> Turin Names a Street after Carlo Abarth - 70 Years after the Scorpion Brand Was Established Today in Turin via Carlo Abarth was officially named, in honor of the first 70 years of the Abarth brand and the strong bond shared by its founder and the capital city of the Piedmont region since 1949.The attendees at the ceremony included more >> 2020 Honda Battle of the Bands Lineup Revealed Eight HBCU marching bands selected to perform at 17th Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase Over 1,800 band members to take the field in Atlanta on January more >> 126th Canton Fair Witnesses Innovative Development in Home Appliance Products The 126th Canton Fair that gathers thousands of home appliance companies at its Phase 1 exhibition, has displayed an array of innovative home-grown products from refrigerators, washers and dryers, air-conditioners, kitchen appliances, personal care appliances to small household appliances. One of China’s key export sectors-- home appliances- showed significant pote more >> Get the Radical Experience at Motorsportdays live 2019 Radical Sportscars is set to showcase at MotorsportDays LIVE for the second consecutive year, on 1-2 November at Silverstone, offering visitors seeking an exhilarating racing experience at near-unrivalled performance the opportunity to sample its world-class racing models around the International Circuit. more >> Silverstone Auctions announce their 2020 Auction Calendar Five key auction dates throughout 2020 Auction partner for two of the UKs largest classic shows Silverstone Auctions to partner the Silverstone Classic for the tenth year more >> Match Hospitality announced as official hospitality partner for Silverstone Circuit MATCH Hospitality AG is pleased to announce its appointment as the Official Hospitality Partner for Silverstone Circuit. The company is a global industry leader in the development, sales, management and production of official commercial hospitality programmes for major sporting events, including the Nitto ATP Finals and the FIFA World Cup™ since 2010. more >> 126th Canton Fair Kicks Off, Establishing an Open Platform for All The 126th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair or "the Fair") is gathering more than 25000 companies to its 1.18 million m2 exhibition in Guangzhou from October 15, 2019, with global buyers from more than 210 countries and reg more >> PSA aftermarket presents its new products at the Equip’Auto international trade fair • Distrigo now distributes Opel and Vauxhall parts, is expanding its product range and opening new Distrigo hubs abroad• Service Box Multi-brand, the new online multi-brand catalogue, is deployed in 86 countries• Eurorepar Car Service is extending its range of services and pursuing i more >> Anniversary: 25 years of the Skoda Felicia › ŠKODA FELICIA was the first ŠKODA model developed under the Volkswagen umbrella in 1994› ŠKODA AUTO manufactured 1,401,500 FELICIAs between 1994 and 2001Production more >> Countdown to the new Golf: Golf I – the pioneer Golf Mk I built between 1974 and 1983. October 24, 2019: 9 days to go to the world premiere of the eighth Golf generation A worldwide success for 45 years: the first Golf generation was launched on the market in 1974 more >> Toyota advances towards a hydrogen mobility future with second generation Mirai Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show Special exhibit provides an early glimpse of the new Mirai at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show Pushing the boundaries of hydrogen’s clean mobility potential with a driving range extended by up to 30% more >> Yamaha Motor Booth at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019 "There Is Greater Joy Yet to Come"Yamaha Motor will participate in the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019 (Organizer: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc.) which will be held at the Tokyo Big Sight from Thursday, 24t more >> International Motor Show de Luxembourg 2019 Dream Cars... mais pas seulement !Ces 15, 16 et 17 novembre, le Motor Show de Luxembourg vous fixe rendez-vous pour sa 22ème édition. Incontournable événement auto/moto dans la région, il permet la rencontre des professionne more >> Zoute Grand Prix at Knokke-Heist - info and tickets All events that take place in the streets of Knokke-Heist during the ZOUTE GRAND PRIX® are freely accessible to everyone, with the exception of the ZOUTE SALE® by Bonhams and the ZOUTE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE® by Degroof PetercamThe exclusive ca more >> Honda Returns to Austin City Limits Music Festival with Diverse Artist Lineup ...on the Honda Stage and New Interactive Seat Belt Forest Experience The Honda Stage at ACL Fest is set to play host to memorable performances Festivalgoers can experience the e more >> MITSUBISHI MOTORS Lineup at 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019 World Premieres for MI-TECH CONCEPT - the electrified SUV Concept CarSuper Height K-Wagon Concept - the new K-Car conceptMITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC) is giving two concept cars its global premiere at the 4 more >> CUPRA goes sky high on a Paris rooftop race track The brand wins the heart of Paris with a very special driving event The CUPRA Ateca soars over the French capital with Mattias Ekström at the wheel CUPRA doubles its sales in France, one of the brand’s five fastest growing markets The brand now has 235 CUPRA corn more >> BMW présente Dimitri Vegas et le Concept 4 au Zoute Grand Prix, Knokke « Cars & Friends » : le meilleur moyen de résumer la présence de BMW cette année au prestigieux Zoute Grand prix. Outre une liste inédite de premières belges, la marque se fait remarquer grâce à la présence d’un c more >> Automechanika Johannesburg provided a blend of displays, activation and training opportunities The recent Automechanika Johannesburg trade fair for the automotive aftermarket, organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa and staged at Expo Centre, Nasrec, from September 18-21, provided an excellent blend of product displays, activations, a focus on training and a strong "Buy South African" component. This was the sixth time that the world-renowned Au more >> Volkswagen ID.R thrills at the E-Mobility Play Days in Spielberg Record holder on Pikes Peak, the Nordschleife, in Goodwood and on Tianmen Mountain – and now a crowd favourite in Spielberg, Austria: the Volkswagen ID.R was in top form at the E-Mobility Play Days. The thoroughbred electric sports car, which, as the racing ambassador to Volkswagen’s ID. family, has set milestones with records from the USA to Europ more >> Volkswagen at Europe’s largest internet and digital society conference in the U.S. Volkswagen supports re:publica in Detroit Volkswagen 3D expert panel (f.l.t.r.): Ricardo Simian, 3D expert and musician, Matthias Röder, CEO Eliette and Herbert von Karajan Institut and Thomas Laduch, Volkswagen Group of America. more >> The new e-up! starts at the “Mille Miglia Green” “Mille Miglia Green”: new e-up! starts at the first e-mobility edition of the famous contest Traditional event will take place in a climate-friendly version; only vehicles with alternative drive systems are permitted to participate more >> Emerald Speed Fest postponed to 28, 29 February - 1 March 2020 The Emerald Speed Fest, originally scheduled for the 28th and 29th September 2019, has been moved to a more desirable date in early 2020. The Emerald Speed Fest is a motorsport and motoring lifestyle event that will take place at the Emerald Resort and Casino in Vanderbijlpark. The event, presented by Messe Frankfurt South Africa, will now take place 28, 29 February to 1 March 2020. more >> The second edition of the “Lamborghini & Design” Concorso d’Eleganza crowns the 1964 Lamborghini 350 GT (chassis #102) Best in Show Thirty-six Lamborghinis produced between 1964 and 1991, as well as contemporary models, took part in the second edition of the “Lamborghini & Design” Concorso d’Eleganza. The event, organized by Lamborghini Polo Storico, more >> MITSUBISHI MOTORS Hosts World Debuts Of Small Electric SUV Concept Car at 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019 MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC) will make its small plug-in hybrid electric SUV concept car world debut at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019, which opens its doors to the public from October 24 to November 4 , 2019. Embodying the values of MMC' more >> Still waters run deep with Mitsubishi Motors as official vehicle supplier Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) recently announced an exciting new partnership between MMSA and Stillwater Sports, the popular lifestyle sports event specialists offering an array of top sporting experiences across South Africa.MMSA proudly an more >> The Lamborghini & Design Concorso d'Eleganza returns - from Venice to Trieste, classic Lamborghini cars celebrate the work of architect Gae Aulenti From 19 to 21 September, the cities of Venice and Trieste will host the second edition of the Lamborghini & Design Concorso d'Eleganza. more >> Always There: Opel at the IAA Motor Show Founding members: Opel brothers ventured into car business at first show Tradition-rich brand: 120 years of automobile production in Rüsselsheim Sensational debuts: Opel Experimental GT, Insignia and Monza Concept more >> New Mobility World at Frankfurt IAA 2019 - Experience the Future Today New Mobility World is one of the pillars of the IAA - the leading mobility platform in Frankfurt and Hanover in Germany. It first opened its doors in 2015 and has rapidly become the central place for digitization, decarbonization and new forms of mobility. Th more >> The Jeep Brand with Wanderlust 108 in city parks across Europe • The Mindful Triathlon is back featuring an host of fitness and wellness events.• From 21 September to 6 October, the Jeep® brand will be partner of Wanderlust in seven events taking pla more >> Opel Stand Electrifies the 68th International Motor Show “Opel goes electric!“: Welcome to OPELHAUS 120 in Hall 11.0 Stand opening: With Opel CEO Lohscheller and brand ambassador Klopp Augmented Reality: New insights into Opel Corsa-e and Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 Distinguished visitor: Chancellor Angela Merkel at Opel stand more >> Automechanika Body & Paint World Championships: Round 2 in South Africa Following its successful debut in Great Britain, the Automechanika Body & Paint World Championships are moving on to South Africa for round two. The next national winner for the grand finale in Frankfurt in 2020 will be determined at Automechanika Johannesburg, which is taking place from 18 to 21 September 2019. more >> Bike Festival EXPO Mountainbike in Saalfelden Leogang, Austria More than 5.000 visitors, 80 exhibitors and 1.000 active participants: The Continental BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang enters its second round from 13th-15th September 2019. At the expo the 2020 novelties can be already viewed and tested. In addi more >> Automobili Lamborghini honors Ferdinand K. Piëch with Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 unveiled at IAA 2019 in Frankfurt Automobili Lamborghini honors Ferdinand K. Piëch with the naming announcement of its first hybrid super sports car, unveiled today at Frankfurt IAA. The fastest Lamborghini ever will bear the moniker of Sián FKP 37, in recognition of Ferdinand Karl Piëch, born in 1937, who played a significant role in the acquisition of Automobili Lamborghini in 1998 by Audi AG, owned by Volksw more >> SEAT accelerates its electric offensive at the Frankfurt IAA • CUPRA displays the Tavascan concept car, the brand's first wholly electric vehicle• The plug-in hybrid SEAT Tarraco makes its appearance in late 2020• The Mii electric lays more >> Ford Reveals Electrified Vehicle Line-Up ... ...that will Surpass Conventional Petrol and Diesel by 2022• Ford at the Frankfurt Motor Show premieres strongest-ever electrified line-up including new Puma EcoBoost Hybrid, all-new Explorer and Tourneo Custom Plug-In Hybrids, and all- more >>	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6858
__label__cc	0.701428	0.298572	Samsung Electronics Releases Software Patch to Fix Fingerprint Sensor Flaw HOME News ICT Fix for Galaxy Phone Fingerprint Flaw By Kim Eun-jin October 24, 2019, 09:16 Samsung Electronics has released a software patch to fix the fingerprint recognition flaw of its Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10 smartphones. Samsung Electronics has released a software patch for the fingerprint recognition flaw on its Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10 smartphones. The tech company said on Oct. 23 that it has begun a software update service to address the problem and is notifying its customers of the service via the Samsung Members app. It also offered an apology for causing inconveniences to customers. According to leading foreign news outlets, the fingerprint recognition glitch happened on the company’s premium models including the Galaxy S10 and the Galaxy Note10. The devices were unlocked when their front was covered by a silicon case with some three-dimensional patterns on it. The security vulnerability affects the Galaxy Note 10, the Galaxy Note 10 Plus, the Galaxy S10, the Galaxy S10 Plus, and the Galaxy S10 5G. Users who log in with their fingerprints are advised to choose “biometric authentication update” in the notification bar at the top of the display. When they touch the bar, an update popup opens and the software update proceeds with the choice of an“update” option. If the users registered their fingerprints after covering the front of their phone with a silicon case, they need to delete it and then re-register their fingerprints. Samsung advised its users to place the entire finger including its center on the sensor when registering a fingerprint, saying that a silicon case with three-dimensional patterns on its front can cause problems with fingerprint registration or authentication. Samsung said it cannot be held responsible for the user’s security when they use a silicon cover on the front of the device. More information about the software update is available on the Samsung Electronics Customer Service Center.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6860
__label__cc	0.536919	0.463081	Immigration: public deserves straight answers in EU referendum debate For much of Britain, writes Sunder Katwala, immigration is the big question of the EU referendum. Yet voters risk being denied the straight answers on immigration that they need. When Britain votes in the referendum, the public will get to decide whether they want to be part of an EU with free movement. It’s important that this is an informed choice. Both sides need to set out a real-world vision of what immigration would look like if they win the referendum. The ‘Remain’ campaign needs to face up to the fact that there is no way to guarantee a significant reduction in EU migration while we stay in the European Union. It should instead set out a practical plan to deal with the immigration we have. That could include: – Managing the impacts of high migration better by making a more direct link between the number of EU migrants arriving and the resources available to local areas where the pace of change has been fastest; – Making integration of EU migrants work – with the government setting a civic norm that everyone in Britain for a year or more should speak English or be learning it. – Fixing the broken net migration target – with a Comprehensive Immigration Review to examine the feasibility of policies to hit the target; and a review of the target itself if those policies prove unworkable or too unpopular with the public. If ‘Leave’ is claiming it can offer lower immigration, it should show the public a real-world plan to deliver it. That would have to include answers to some key questions: Could Britain negotiate a free trade deal that does not include free movement? What would happen to EU citizens already in the UK? and What would Brexit mean for non-EU immigration – if a post-Brexit Britain did seek to attract skills and talent from countries outside Europe, what impact would that have on net migration levels? Prime Minister David Cameron will also need to bring something back from his Brussels renegotiation on immigration. A deal which ensures EU migrants contribute before they can access benefits would go down well with the public, as it shows that people coming to the UK are here for the right reasons. It’s hard to see, however, how it will make any significant difference to the level of immigration from the EU. But the truth for the Prime Minister is that it will be extremely difficult to offer a clear route to achieving Theresa May’s net migration target of ‘tens of thousands’ while we remain part of free movement – and impossible to guarantee a fall to those levels. The Prime Minister should instead look closer to home and set out a plan to manage migration better, including integration and the impact on public services. Whatever the referendum result, there will be a case for a Comprehensive Immigration Review, as we have advocated with the Institute of Directors. Beyond the referendum, it may be time to ask whether the net migration target should be revised or replaced with something more realistic that the public can believe in. This is an extract from ‘How (not) to talk about Europe’, a new pamphlet from British Future, published on Wednesday 6 January 2016. Tags: comprehensive immigration review, EU referendum, immigration, net migration target	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6873
__label__cc	0.564053	0.435947	Save Me by Tia Louise Jessa Steele shoots to kill. She does not fall in love. She does not get captured. Mason “Mace” Moscaretti can retrieve the worst of the worst. No capo or drug lord is too clever to escape him. When he meets Jessa embedded deep with a Colombian target, he’s determined to capture her heart and walk away from active duty. Six years later, Jessa and Mace are happily married, burning up the bedroom, and ready to start making babies when a job arises Jessa can’t resist. What she doesn’t know is this client won’t stop until they’re both dead. SAVE ME is a white-hot panty-melter in the Fiona Davenport “Sex, Vows, and Babies” Kindle World. Prepare for frequent panty changes, frantic clicking, and rapid breathing until the end. For mature readers only. 4 Star Review by Ashley If I've said it once I've said it two million times, romantic suspense is my absolute favorite type of book to read. And Tia Louise never lets me down. I loved the premise behind Save Me...husband and wife assassins, I mean come-on! It doesn't get much better than that! Mason and Jessa have a non-traditional love story to say the least but it was theirs and they owned it. Every dangerous and life threatening situation brought them closer together. I loved how fearless they were, and how they were connected on every level. Their chemistry was off the charts. When they're approached for a mission, something is off, they both know it, but Jessa just can't say no. Her heart is pushing her forward while her head is warning her to walk away. Thankfully, Mason has her back and off they go. It was one twist after jaw dropping, heart stopping turn and I had no idea which way was up. What a wild ride! My pulse was pounding. I could feel the danger. The "this can turn at any second" had me reading furiously to find out just what would happen. Insert slow clap here for Tia Louise because Save Me was a whole lot of danger and even more love. Gah! I was so much more Jessa and Mason! Read Today! (Available in U.S. Only) Amazon : http://smarturl.it/SMaz "Queen of Hot Romance"; Award-winning, International Bestselling author of the ONE TO HOLD series. Her debut adult romance ONE TO HOLD was a 2014 "Lady Boner" award-winner, #1 in Military Romance, and a Top 20 Contemporary Romance novel for several months. ONE TO KEEP, #2 in the series of stand-alone novels, followed the same course, with the remaining performing equally well. From being a "Readers' Choice" nominee two years running, to picking up USA Today "Happily Ever After" nods, nothing makes her happier than communicating with fans and weaving new tales into the Alexander-Knight world of stories. A former journalist, Louise lives in the center of the U.S.A. with her lovely family and one grumpy cat. There, she dreams up stories she hopes are engaging, hot, and sexy, and that cause readers rethink common public locations... It's possible she has a slight truffle addiction. Connect with Tia: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTiaLouise/ Twitter: @AuthorTLouise Stay up to date with Tia Louise by signing up for her newsletter: http://smarturl.it/TLMnews https://authortialouise.com	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6874
__label__wiki	0.547477	0.547477	occasional words about gaming and tractors The Alexis Kennedy Thing A Cordial Reminder Let It Go – A Modest Proposal Archives Select Month October 2019 (1) September 2019 (1) July 2019 (1) March 2019 (1) December 2017 (1) September 2017 (4) December 2015 (1) July 2015 (1) March 2015 (6) February 2015 (6) December 2013 (1) May 2013 (1) December 2012 (1) October 2012 (1) September 2012 (2) August 2012 (8) July 2012 (7) June 2012 (1) May 2012 (2) March 2012 (1) February 2012 (1) January 2012 (4) December 2011 (4) November 2011 (4) October 2011 (8) September 2011 (3) August 2011 (3) July 2011 (3) June 2011 (7) May 2011 (6) April 2011 (4) March 2011 (16) February 2011 (10) January 2011 (18) December 2010 (4) November 2010 (5) October 2010 (11) September 2010 (11) August 2010 (18) July 2010 (17) June 2010 (7) May 2010 (9) April 2010 (18) March 2010 (12) February 2010 (5) January 2010 (10) December 2009 (9) November 2009 (8) October 2009 (8) September 2009 (10) August 2009 (14) July 2009 (20) June 2009 (21) May 2009 (14) April 2009 (13) March 2009 (34) February 2009 (31) January 2009 (19) December 2008 (26) November 2008 (20) October 2008 (41) September 2008 (26) August 2008 (24) July 2008 (13) June 2008 (14) May 2008 (14) April 2008 (18) March 2008 (17) February 2008 (16) January 2008 (27) December 2007 (26) November 2007 (17) October 2007 (20) September 2007 (18) August 2007 (23) July 2007 (24) June 2007 (33) May 2007 (21) April 2007 (16) March 2007 (17) February 2007 (16) January 2007 (35) December 2006 (29) November 2006 (34) October 2006 (17) September 2006 (21) August 2006 (14) July 2006 (32) June 2006 (45) May 2006 (22) April 2006 (18) March 2006 (23) February 2006 (19) January 2006 (24) December 2005 (4) November 2005 (1) October 2005 (1) August 2005 (2) May 2005 (2) April 2005 (1) March 2005 (1) February 2005 (3) January 2005 (26) December 2004 (20) November 2004 (20) October 2004 (21) September 2004 (8) August 2004 (9) July 2004 (9) June 2004 (10) May 2004 (19) April 2004 (20) March 2004 (10) February 2004 (6) December 2003 (4) November 2003 (1) April 2003 (5) March 2003 (5) February 2003 (7) January 2003 (5) November 2002 (1) October 2002 (4) September 2002 (6) August 2002 (6) July 2002 (4) January 2002 (6) December 2001 (5) September 2001 (72) August 2001 (61) July 2001 (64) June 2001 (96) May 2001 (101) April 2001 (86) March 2001 (85) February 2001 (63) January 2001 (86) December 2000 (88) September 2000 (1) December 1999 (323) November 1999 (4) October 1999 (91) September 1999 (75) May 1999 (4) April 1999 (51) A Decade Of Camelot October 9, 2011 47 Scott Jennings Uncategorized Ten years ago, I began my career in the gaming industry by signing on to help with the imminent launch of Dark Age of Camelot. That game and its team still holds a special place in my heart, though most of the founders from that day have gone their separate ways. Matt Firor, the original producer, asked me to post his recollections of that launch. (Note that he does make me look like a bit of a doof at one point. I have three things to say in response: 1 – I’m still pretty happy with how we managed to get a working CS front-end and back-end system up and running in about six weeks, 2 – it wasn’t quite as doof-tastic as Firor makes out, as I explain in annotations to his tale, 3 – I am in fact a bit of a doof.) And with that, I give you Matt Firor. We went into October 9 relatively calm and serene. Vivendi, our distribution partner, had forecast 100,000 sales of the game lifetime, with about 50,000 coming in the first couple of days after launch, and as such, they only “sold in” a very limited number of boxes into the retail channel. We were very comfortable that we could handle those numbers, as we had just had a very successful beta program. Then, just before launch day, Vivendi got in touch with us and said because customer/retail demand was so high, they were going to release all 100,000 boxes into retail. Fortunately, with delivery times, these extra copies would be delivered to stores a couple of days after the initial 50,000 boxes. This was very helpful to us, as all the boxes were not available on the same day which spread out the “opening day” crush of users over five days. Camelot would go on to sell more than a million boxes in the next couple of years. Camelot’s official launch day (as in boxes were in the stores) would be October 9 2001, but everyone that had a free account (lots of media, some friends/family, and of course all of us) were able to play starting October 8, as soon as we put our first seven servers online starting around 5:00pm that day. At the time, Mythic’s offices were located in a townhouse office community near the middle of Fairfax, VA. We were about 30 developers in October 2001, and about 40 customer support. We didn’t have enough space for CS in our original office, so we had to lease space in another building in the same complex, about 50 yards from the developer wing of the company, in a basement space. Everything was done on a shoestring at that time, so to get internet access over to the CS “center” 50 yards away, Rob Denton, the Development Head of Mythic at the time, and an electrical engineer by training, set up a pair of IR “guns” to make a link between the two spaces. We put one “gun” in a window in the development office, and another in a basement window, pointing up, in the CS center. The link worked very well, and allowed us to share our one Internet line with both spaces. However, because the CS Center was below grade, we had one problem: if a vehicle over a certain height (about 5 feet) parked in a particular parking spot, the link would be broken. We lived in fear those couple of weeks that a delivery truck would park in that spot and cut off Internet access to the CS center. We arranged a quasi-official parking schedule to ensure that an employee car (a short one) be parked in that spot 24/7. The link, fortunately, was never broken. It's on. All day on the 9th, we watched as the server numbers grew and grew. I ran the login utility on my laptop all day, just so I could see the population numbers of each server, real time. The population numbers started small around 10:00am on the 9th, and grew slowly but steadily until around 5:00pm, when they exploded. All servers in the space of about an hour after 5:00pm were jammed full – and we had a very large server population setting (about 3,000 players). Even with full servers, everything ran smoothly. By about 8:00 we were jubilant. Everything was smooth and easy. CS was functioning, and had already responded to many trouble tickets and issues. People were playing, the servers were up. A group of us formed in Rob’s office, talking and generally basking in the glory of the moment. Each of those 20,000 (max peak players that night) was a paying customer, and each represented significant revenue to us (remember we were very small at the time). It appeared that we finally were going to make money on one of our products. We were giddy with excitement – everything was going awesomely. Brian Axelson, the 21 year old whiz-kid programmer/designer who had been working for us since he was 16 – responsible for inventing, implementing, and designing Camelot’s combat system, including Combat Styles – was so happy he slammed his fist down on Rob’s desk and said, “Ain’t nothing going to bring this house down!”. At that moment, all the servers crashed, simultaneously. We all looked at one another in dread, and sprinted back to our offices, each checking on the part of the game we were responsible for. Everything checked out – nothing seemed wrong. But the servers were down and wouldn’t reboot. All the programmers were summoned to Rob’s office – I was a fly on the wall – and he walked them through the problem. It wasn’t a code problem, although that wasn’t immediately obvious. It was something keeping the servers from booting and authenticating properly. After about an hour, the problem was traced to the Customer Support tool – that very day programmer Scott Jennings had made a small modification to the CS tool to take advantage of a database feature buried in MySQL to make database queries work faster. That change did in fact significantly increase the speed at which the tool made queries to the database – but at full load, the index that he built quickly became overloaded, and started to time out and lock out other queries. (Editor’s note: This change was actually fully tested… with one low-population test server running. Guess what changed on launch day!) Because the game servers relied on access to the database as well (for player authentication, etc.), they couldn’t keep up with the crush of players logging on and off – and they crashed like the proverbial house of cards. And, because the database was locked up, when they rebooted, they immediately ran into the same problem and crashed again. The helpful message I added to greet CS reps on launch day. Once the problem was found, it was very easy to fix, for the moment. The CS tool was modified to not make any of those specific types of queries, the database server was rebooted, the index rebuilt, and everything came up again – this time smoothly and without error – and ran flawlessly until the next afternoon, when we had our first bug-fix patch. Scott had fixed the DB/authentication problem in the meantime (Editor’s note: and said programmer slept three days later), and that functioned properly as well. In the end, a very smooth launch, but a lesson was definitely learned that when you’re dealing with something as complex as a MMOG launch, you never know what is going to take you down. There are many more stories to tell about the early days of the service – like how we had to expand servers quickly because of demand, but couldn’t get them delivered from Dell because we had no credit rating. All our purchases up until that point had been made on the spot with no leasing. We had no leasing history, so Dell wouldn’t ship us servers quickly. We were forced to drive to MicroCenter (in Fairfax) and buy a dozen or so desktops, quickly installed Linux, and then drove them (in a pickup truck) to our colocation facility, and stacked them up like firewood in a cage. Those two servers clusters (lovingly called the “gimp servers”) ran for at least a year with no problems, at which point they were swapped out with standard Dell rack-mounted models. I remember walking into the office one morning towards the end of October. By that time it was obvious we had a smash hit on our hands. Our marketing/sales consultant, Eugene Evans (now the GM of the studio) had a whiteboard near his desk (right by the front door) where he jotted down sales numbers. By October 27 or so, it showed that we were not only the #1 selling PC game for October, but also the #1 selling PC product for that month. Since this was the first boxed retail product Mythic had, I asked him if this success was normal. Eugene, and old industry veteran, looked at me like I was insane and replied, “No, this isn’t typical.” He then broke out in laughter. It seemed so easy at the time: you make a game, put it in a box, and it sells like hotcakes. Most everyone knows the rest of the story from here – Mythic quickly outgrew its space and in 2002 relocated a few miles away to new mid-rise building, where it grew to take over three floors. A buyout by EA followed in 2006, and the studio is now known as Bioware Mythic. Dark Age of Camelot’s numbers have dwindled down to a fraction of what they were in those heady days of 2001-2003, but it is still up and running, ten years later. We Few, We Happy Few, We Band of Brothers Technology That Frightens And Confuses Another review of that book he keeps going on about… Next Moneypet! Blizzard Adds Convertible Currency to World of Warcraft Previous A Brief Programming Note From Hilmar The Businesscat Lindsey Smith says: Can you go in to more details about the DB infrastructure? Was DAoC really running off MySQL with what sounds like MyISAM tables?! Scott Jennings says: The CS database and the auth database were (I don’t think InnoDB existed back then). The game itself ran off flat file storage (and still does, I would guess) Rodalpho says: That’s right, innodb wasn’t included with mysql until later revisions of 3.23 in the first half of 2001. And of course mysql 3.23 wasn’t very good anyway! Yes, flat files… Ugh. Gasbandit says: To this day I actually still remember DAOC’s launch as being the smoothest I’ve experienced. That it was done on a shoestring across a parking lot to a basement makes it all the more awesome, and makes me even more grumpy with what passes for quality of service/uptime among “big” companies today. 3 years in DAOC, and I wouldn’t give a one of them back. GB, aka “Vortac Verloren,” Guinevere server, Vae Victis red dot mist says: Approximately how large of a team would you need to remake classic DAoC in a more modern engine, with new player and monster art assets? It seems like a better use of resources than the flop that Warhammer: Wrath of Heroes is destined to be. Robert Frazier says: I remember the puppy picture, it did help! haha Ishmael Scarratt says: That was REALLY interesting, I’d say I’d rather read more of this than play most 2 realm MMO’s :). Will there be more DAoC posting, I hope so? Sinij says: Very interesting story. With such strong release, what do you think single most significant cause of a decline of DAoC “empire” ? What I am trying to understand is why WoW seems to defy release-grow-decline pattern _every other_ mmorpg experiences? Is “decline” stage preventable? Polynices says: DAoC released the Trials of Atlantis expansion 2 years later which was a fundamentally misconceived product, far worse than anything Blizzard has done to WoW. Decline may have eventually been inevitable for DAoC, but there was nothing inevitable about ToA and how unhappy it made many players. Marty Brown says: Ah Scott. Not a week goes by that I don’t both curse your name and then immediately praise it for what you were able to accomplish. Suffice it to say you were instrumental in the success of DAoC and the Herald was the progenitor of all web-based game stats databases. Kudos sir, and thanks! Walt Yarbrough says: Thanks for the write up, Matt and Scott.. I remember with the official launch, how all of the developers jumped into their ‘play’ accounts on a live server. . . But none of us had to buy boxes, or patch the game, so we could jump right in and play, in advance of the general public . . . Leading to a very suspicious population chart: Server all the devs were on: 35 players Other Server: 5 players Another Server: 5 players Final Server: 5 players And, of course, as we all were in the same guild, it was just a TINY hint that we were the devs. We ran around frantically getting everyone to log out and create alts for the first few hours. Chilibreath (Former TL) says: Well the Trials of Atlantis was certainly the tipping point but the PvE aspect of the game was (and still is?) utterly broken. ToA just exposed it in much greater detail and it just wasn’t any fun for a lot players. (Unless you could artificially inflate your attacking numbers.) Kaisies says: Nice picture guys (the one with the dead hibbies), I remember that view. Heres the orig: http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn50/Kaisies/dragon2-1.jpg Expfighter says: I wasn’t there at launch but started playing in june 2002, and well i lust logged off DAoC a few minutes ago. Strong after 9 years, Love it still! March on DAoC Vincent Archer says: “why WoW seems to defy release-grow-decline pattern _every other_ mmorpg experiences?” WoW doesn’t defy that pattern. If you look at the numbers, the game is just entering the decline phase. It’s just that it took six years to attain the plateau, and subsequent decline, when the influx of new players isn’t enough to compensate the old ones giving up. EQ had a similar long run growth, close to four years, followed by a long plateau of stable subscription numbers, then a decline leaving only a base of rabid fans. DAoC had a slightly shorter cycle, but only slightly. It’s only the recent games who have compressed the expansion-decline-die hard fan stable natural cycle to less than a year… Mekhios says: Great writeup Scott! I love the description of the “IR” gun link. 🙂 Bonedead says: Cant wait to read this at work today Matt Doetsch-Kidder says: Thanks for sharing this guys. Good memories! Bronte says: Great story man, and sounds like you have some very fond memories from the olden-golden days. Congrats on launching something that lasts for 10 years and impacts the whole of PC gaming! CJ_Grebb says: A short memory . . . . For launch day itself, what I really remember was how much of a breeze the whole thing was for us in the art department (I was the Co-Art Director alongside Lance Robertson). Like pretty much everyone else in the building, our real “crunch time” had happened a month earlier, when we were getting the DAoC Gold Master together. Rob Denton was determined to have a miniscule patch on opening day. My memory is that he wanted it to be no larger than 50 MB. Others can correct me if I’m not remembering that number right. The point is, it was small, and very little of it was allocated to new art, so if it was to be seen in the game, it damn sure needed to be on the disc already. The upshot is that we had already killed ourselves, and had been doing so for months up to Gold Master. I modeled the majority of Jordheim in a single all-nighter. All of the artists could tell similar stories, I’d wager. They really put their hearts into it. Considering the tech we had and the restrictions we were under, I continue to be incredibly proud of what we pulled off. So while everyone else was running around like mad people making sure that the barn didn’t catch on fire, my memory is that the artists were kind of in an amused state, watching all the activity and hoping we’d all have jobs in a few months. Edit in response to Michael Hartman. Glad you liked Muspelheim but unfortunately I mixed up my “heims” when I originally posted. I modeled the city of Jordheim not the zone of Muspelheim. I don’t want to take any credit that isn’t due to me. I’m not sure who created Musphelheim, but it might have been Walt Yarbrough. Muspelheim was a beautiful zone. I remember beating the snot out of those spiders early on – delighting that my Thane’s hammer did bonus damage to them. Then we moved in deeper over time to take on the rest of the baddies. Great zone. Ghoest9 says: Thanks for the great game guys. The first 2 years of DAoC were the most fun I ever had gaming. Silakka says: http://mharjula.blogspot.com/ (DAoC terrain in CryEngine) … And I hope Mythic will someday put more effort to DAoC 🙂 Mark Bouck says: Wow, you just made my day. It’s not perfect, but brings nice memories 🙂 Steve Schulz says: I didn’t realize just how small you guys were at launch until I read this and Sanya’s followup. Crazy! slyde says: ah, and i was ONE of those first hundred thousdand who purchased the game on launch day. I ADORED Daoc back in those early days. Played it without end (much to the chagrin of my wife). DAOC was the game that finally took me away from UO, which at the time hadnt thought was possible.. Slapshot1189 says: To this day all I search for in a game is DAoC with upgrades graphics (low priority) and improved coding/networking. Instead I get games that only last for a few months and then burn out. DAoC holds such a cherished memory in the hearts of many gamers… a sequel (prequel ala Dawn of Camelot) seems like a no brainer. I cannot understand why 10 years later we don’t have one… Jack Casey says: Ruined by buff bots more than anything else IMO. 🙁 Even not having ToA arties wasn’t as bad as not having access to a buffbot. I guess when 50% of the player base is dual boxing it’s a hard call to fix the ‘problem’ of 50% more revenue… Sad. daoc was my first mmo ever. I had been drooling on beta pictures for months. Man did i have a great time in that game. Ah the memories. I’ve been in love with daoc ever since and even though i’ve played many other mmo’s after , ive played mmo’s 10 years straight now, i’ve always returned to daoc. In total i must have returned to daoc about 6 -8 times. No other mmo made me miss it so much as daoc did. I still do miss it alot and last year i returned again for 6 months or so. Best game ever really. Nothing still comes close to it. No other game gave me the sence of belonging like daoc does. Other games’ community sux. I cant care less about anything. In daoc i was part of a whole, the realm and it made you feel proud ! Thanx alot mythic ! Spyke Alexander says: If Firor thought the heart stopping aspect of all of the servers going down was bad, he should have been in Darrin and my shoes… Since I was specifically hired to make sure the network/server infrastructure was stable… Let’s just say the pucker factor was cranked up REALLY high at that point. =) Chickens. Heads. Cut off. That IR link was the bane of our existence, too. It was the best option that Darrin and I could come up with, at the time, for what little wiggle room we had access to. icopartners says: Matt said I should share that story over here, so here it goes. I have my own story about the DAoC launch day – except it is not about the launch in North America, but the European launch. At the time, I was running the team in France that ran DAoC. We had one another MMO under our belt but there was a lot of first for us with this game. This was the first game we launched in a box, the first game we charged a subscription for and the first game we serviced in English and German on top of French. That was also a game significantly more sophisticated than our previous title and the server set-up was a big project in itself… To give you some notion on how crazy it was, when DAoC launched in the US, we were in the Beta. We had no one in the team that would speak German yet, and I was the German Community manager (on top of managing the whole project and setting up the teams) – and if you have heard me speak German, I was either saying “Genau” or “hubschrauber” as that’s basically the only 2 words I know – and we had the mother of one of our guy who was a German teacher help us by translating the announcements for the website. Hopefully, by launch we had 2 very good guys who had joined us. The game was huge content-wise and we received the localised files from our providers TWO days before the launch. So we had very little time to test it, but it worked. We were ready. The day comes, players rush to buy the game and log-in. And BAM. French and German servers keep crashing. In loop… Soooo… We were in a panic – we didnt have any devs in-house to support us and so we called in Yvette. Yvette is my favourite person from Mythic over any other one. She was the one person in charge of supporting us and fixing anything that would go wrong (on top of doing loads of other things there). I get hold of Yvette and let her know about the problem. She gets access to server, check the error log and asks me: – Thomas, did ANYONE changed the localisation files since 2 days ago? – Well, yes. I did. There was a couple of very offensive typos that needed to fix. So I changed them. But I only changed a few characters in each file, I promised. – Thomas [with a tone full of patience and understanding], you saved the file with the wrong format. The servers don’t like that. I am goign to fix this for you. In my book, you haven’t really run an MMO game until you have personally crashed the servers… Just avoid to do that with the one in production. Dragoncroft says: Great article and what a fun read. I had just posted yesterday on my guild forums that DAOC-Shrouded Isles remains to this day the best gaming and fun I ever had. Sanya says: @twitter-46346835:disqus I completely forgot all about that! If I could go back in time, one thing I would have done was try to coordinate better with you all. 🙂 Oooh… The things I would change! The one I wouldn’t is working on that game for sure. Jörg Koonen says: My most memorable DaoC story? One day after DAoC had launched in Europe I went to the store to get me my copy. One day after that I logged in (after downloading megatons of patches 😉 ). And one day after that, I was looking for a source of information. Sufficient to say that the former daoc-guide.de’s admin made me Mod within a week and that after four years of hard work – working my way up from moderator to page admin, here I am… working in the industry and I wouldn’t want to miss a single second. The best moment with DAoC was on that one day, when Paris went dark when Goa was running a game and website maintenance and neither was available for hours. Our forums were flooded with people asking for an update and while my co-admin was on the phone with the team in Paris, he got me the updates which I then posted on forums and website. I was thankful that my boss at that time excused me (he allowed me to take half a day off while I worked on the forums from the office). That was the day that I discovered that this was what I wanted to do for a living. 🙂 Some time later I met Matt Firor at the Games Convention and had a great chat with him. He got me in touch with Sanya and then I started copying her style. (/wave I love you!!! 😉 ) I’m still around under a different nick. 😀 [i]In my book, you haven’t really run an MMO game until you have personally crashed the servers..[/i] Fortunately, my own crash of the servers – with a monster generator force-spawning guards, was in late Beta Wulfrique says: I have played some great games since DAoC but none have given me that feeling of “This is soooo awesome” like Camelot. I’m sure it helped that it was my first MMO but I tried Everquest and didnt like it so there was something about DAoC that other games didnt have. Happy tenth anniversary everyone. Good to see some familiar names here. Hatch says: My fondest memories of DAOC were the times when it was so few of us against whole zergs of the oppoents. There were times where we’d hit zergs of 80+ people and wipe them out with just 8 people. TOA and buffbots really gave us what was needed to overcome massive amounts of disorganized people. Even LOTM was great for bringing back that feeling of invincibility vs huge numbers. I think my best single memory was the night they released LOTM and my group was playing our mid 8 man team. When we hit the first stairwell camped by a bainshee we realized bainshee cones were doing damage up the stairs and through walls. We immediately decided to log over to our old hibernians and enjoy the evening. Our spiritmaster had never played hib, but snagged a bainshee who we ran down to the stairwell in laby. The rest of the group was simply 5 more bainshees a bard and a druid. We couldn’t stop raking in RPs all night, we killed hundreds of players dozens of times. By the end of the night the “new” bainshee was level 46 and realm rank 6. He had a collection of hate posts on the IGN forums, but hey, at least we didn’t waste the night in mid on another server getting owned at the stairwell 🙂 Triforcer says: I’m glad so many enjoyed DAOC, but I could never get into it. I logged in launch week dressed in brown, and next to me there was a brown hill with frogs on it. Next to me was a stone mushroom with a merchant under it dressed in brown and a sign saying “Dear Hibernian- IOU one realm. XOXO, Mythic.” I didn’t even last a week… Cadiva says: If you’d changed the word brown for green then you might have worked the irony, Hibernia wasn’t known as the golf course for nothing. DAoC was, and always will be, my first love in the world of graphic MMOs, although a text MUD stole my heart in the mid 1990s. I’d be an EverQuest girlie but it wasn’t until DAoC’s RvR that I really found what made the experience of an online graphic game epic. There’s something hugely different in fighting against a computer’s AI (all the EQ raid content) versus fighting against tens of other human brains. ToeJob says: I missed all the fun being hooked on Dragon Realms at the time. To this day I regret not giving it a try in its prime because of the stories my friends tell. To this day they still talk about DAoC so the team did something right for sure! Iain Compton says: My favourite DAoC story to this day is one of the roleplay events and its follow up that we ran in Hib. Back in the day we used to produce events for the realms on a roughly two week rotation – so each realm across all the servers would see an event every six weeks or so. These events were scripted one-evening things with custom NPCs, monsters and so forth. Some of the NPCs were just scripted like regular quest-givers while others, where we needed a bit more flexibility or for the NPC to react were reskinned player characters played by the GM team or our small core of volunteers. So we had an event in Hibernia, the basic idea was that there was an eeEEeeEvil wizard living in an ice cave who was flooding Hibernia with beasts that didn’t belong there and disrupting the balance. The players were asked to go and sort it out so the Head Druid handed out flying mounts to take the players to the dungeon – which was Tuscaran Glacier (the Mid SI dungeon). We’d closed it to Midgard for the evening and spawned a custom set of monsters inside it instead of the usual generators. The players fought their way through the dungeon until they come to the final boss, a massive, animated suit of armour that took a huge beating before going down. As it dies, a Lurikeen (played by me on the Prydwen server) leaps out of it. The players (not unreasonably) ask who I am and why I was hiding inside the armour so I tell them that the wizard has gone and I am his assistant. I had been making some money for myself by selling off the results of his experiments. The players asked me a whole bunch of questions and I lied, contradicted myself and generally showed I was not to be trusted. This was commented on extensively and I was quickly debunked as an incorrigible liar. At one point I claimed that I had baby dragons that I could sell. One player asked if he could buy one to which I said sure, but they hadn’t hatched yet and wouldn’t be ready for about two weeks, however I could take money now and deliver them when they did. The players immediately formed a line to give me their money. I charged 2 plat a time for them (and back in the SI era, 2 plat was a big chunk of change). The next day we ran a news item with my character on a wanted poster, the story of what had happened went around the forums and the next week we ran a follow-up event on that server where the players had to hunt my Lurikeen down by following clues and defeating some scripted encounters and then placed her on trial. Again there were NPCs who showed up as witnesses for the defence while a volunteer playing a Head Druid formed the players into a jury. All the players I’d taken money from were witnesses for the prosecution. The biggest PvP guild on the server at the time (a guild called Celtic Fist) who generally had no time for roleplay, came down en masse and inducted me into their guild so that I’d benefit from their protection for the proceedings. Witnesses included my mum (who implored the jury to execute me as I’d never been anything but trouble), a Kobold who was my business partner in a weapons trade with Midgard (treason!) and various others designed to destroy my character as much as possible. Inevitably I was fined the amount of money I’d stolen and then banished from Hibernia for ever (Celtic Fist wouldn’t let the jury execute me). We ran many other events but that particular event on that particular server was by far the best one and most of it just happened in reaction to the players. plack says: Funny post from Iain Compton since he is mostly regarded as the one who ruined daoc on the eu servers. Auta says: Wow, so interesting to see the stories from behind the glass. (Being an IT guy I feel the pains of trying to keep servers up! hehe) I for one started just shortly after launch, having came from Everquest DaoC was my second mmo, and by far the one I played the longest. I remember the anticipation, I had always been enthralled by Arthurian legends, and I had the chance to play in a world setting that was truly amazing. There was no doubt in my mind what I was playing, I installed the game, plate mail, sword, shield, the quintessential knight, I rolled a Briton armsman, and what a trip I remember prydwen, my first block (shields in EQ didn’t function like that, it was a big pet peeve of mine), strutting around in my chain mail, I remember fighting with paladins over who was the better tank (damn heal chant!), bringing the pain in RvR. I remember the sieges, the battles, the way the style system worked, catapults, and the zerg fights we would have in emain, and bragging about it later on the VNboards. My first guild, lasted awhile, my second, lasted much longer, I still have friends from that DaoC guild, we moved into other MMO’s after catacombs and as the game became muddied with expansions, but even to this day we reminisce about the old days. There was something about the player base in DaoC that was just more… quality… than the new fish in the mmo genre. One event that sticks out in my mind was when a respected Hibernian player past away, I can’t remember his name or what he died from (I think it was cancer or maybe an auto accident). But he always wore red, and so a huge group of albs/hibs/mids all wore red, everyone, and had a moment of silence at the alb mile-gate in emain, no pwnzoring, just honor. For all the lumps I laid on that game at the time, I wouldn’t trade those years, you don’t find those kinds of players anymore, you don’t find that kind of game anymore. Thanks for all the adventures and memories 🙂 Auta, 50th Season Briton Armsman, Guinevere Shard Noldor Numbwit says: Lets us not forget…. http://www.koboldin.de/demhibbies.swf/ Leave a Reply to Michael Hartman Cancel reply Broken Toys © 2020. All Rights Reserved.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6875
__label__wiki	0.777132	0.777132	Buffalo Hockey Beat January Edition Former Sabres defenseman Philippe Boucher watched most of Pittsburgh's 2009 run to the Stanley Cup. ©2015, Dan Hickling, Olean Times Herald Dan Bylsma’s toughest coaching decision The two friends met again under unusual circumstances. It was February 2009, and Dan Bylsma, a 38-year-old rookie coach, was beginning the arduous task of replacing Michel Therrien and saving the sinking Pittsburgh Penguins’ Stanley Cup hopes. His oldest defenseman, 36-year-old Philippe Boucher, was injured and months away from retirement. A decade earlier, as Los Angeles Kings teammates, the two had grown close. Boucher greatly respected Bylsma, who carved out a solid career as a journeyman checker after starting out in the ECHL. “He became a very good player,” Boucher, the Buffalo Sabres’ first-round pick in 1991, said by phone Thursday. “All of that came through heart and hard work and smarts.” Bylsma’s ascension to an NHL head coach “came as no surprise,” Boucher said. “Anyone that played with him or against him knew that coaching was in his future,” he said. Bylsma’s fresh approach – he was close to his players and “very much alive,” Boucher said – immediately transformed the Penguins, who won 18 of their final 24 games. “I think it was a breath of fresh air for all the guys that had been there in Pittsburgh,” said Boucher, now the coach and general manager of the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts. Bylsma, who was named Sabres coach on May 28, and Boucher enjoyed a special coach-player relationship. Given their past history, they understood each other and could talk. “Obviously, it’s hard to say a friend when he’s coach,” Boucher said. “But we were close. We went through some things together as players, then it was good to see him as a coach again.” But Boucher wasn’t a factor in the Penguins’ torrid late-season run. A broken foot sidelined him more than two months. He returned for the final two regular-season contests. By then, he had been passed on the depth chart. When the playoffs began, Bylsma only dressed Boucher, a veteran of 748 games, occasionally, making his friend a spare part. Sitting Boucher was excruciating for Bylsma. “We were good friends, and not playing me wasn’t easy for him,” Boucher said. “We were close. It was hard for me to take. I was old enough not to let it show.” Boucher had never played for a stronger team in his 16 seasons. Still, he understood his role. “I was old enough at the time to know everybody’s important to a hockey team,” Boucher said. “It was my role.” Boucher played nine playoff games, including all of the Penguins’ four-game Eastern Conference final sweep of the Carolina Hurricanes. He dressed for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final, his last NHL appearance. He watched the final six games against the Detroit Red Wings. After the Penguins won Game 7, Bylsma and Boucher met briefly at center ice during the celebration inside Joe Louis Arena. Two days later, Bylsma told Boucher just how hard sitting his friend had been for him. “Dan told me, ‘Maybe I’ll be a coach for 20 years … it’ll be the toughest decision I’ve ever made,’” Boucher said. “I just told him, ‘Dan, you’ve made all the right decisions, we won the Cup.’ So we remained friends after that and we’ll remain friends for a long time. I understood the things he was doing. It wasn’t awkward. You know the person. You know how good of a person he is, and obviously it didn’t take too long for me to see he was a good coach. “I spent a lot of time when I wasn’t playing watching and trying to learn from them … to understand the ins and outs of a hockey team and how to approach the players. I learned a lot watching them, how he treated us in Pittsburgh.” Author Bill HoppePosted on 06.16.15 09.28.15 Categories Boucher, Bylsma, Pittsburgh Penguins Previous Previous post: Draft prospect A.J. Greer wants teammate Jack Eichel to leave BU early Next Next post: Sabres release 2015 preseason schedule @BillHoppeNHL 01.18.20 For @TBNSports: More on Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's first start in @TheAHL this season and what the #Rochester #Amerks m… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… @MiMiV4682 01.18.20 Here is one more Ukko Pekka Take a look at me to brighten your day... Rochester Americans, Goaltender, Ukko Pekka… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… @TBNSports 01.18.20 Sabres prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukonen starts slowly in return to AHL bit.ly/2R4XA4O Rochester Americans Goaltender, Uukko Pekka-Luukkonen, makes a stop in his first start of the season for the Amerks… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… Amerks lose 4-3 in the shootout. Categories Select Category Adam (72) Adams (10) Akeson (10) Allen (43) Anaheim Ducks (35) Andreychuk (15) Antipin (88) Arizona Coyotes (48) Armia (56) Asplund (59) Audette (6) Austin (26) Babcock (28) Bagnall (14) Bailey (161) Bales (10) Baptiste (135) Barch (2) Barr (12) Beaulieu (144) Benning (3) Benoit (61) Berglund (45) Bernier (9) Biega (10) Biron (21) Black (30) Blackwell (4) Bodie (4) Bogosian (343) Borgen (35) Boston Bruins (106) Botterill (301) Boucher (6) Boyes (30) Brandon (4) Brennan (66) Briere (36) Brown (1) Bryson (7) Budik (4) Burgdoerfer (14) Bylsma (731) Calgary Flames (39) Campbell (23) Carolina Hurricanes (82) Carrier (68) Cassidy (57) Catenacci (51) Cecconi (8) Cederqvist (2) Chicago Blackhawks (30) Chukarov (2) Cincinnati Cyclones (14) Colaiacovo (76) Colorado Avalanche (40) Columbus Blue Jackets (67) Compher (18) Conacher (29) Connolly (12) Coolen (9) Cornel (26) Corsi (7) Cozens (37) Crawford (5) Criscuolo (40) Crisp (4) Crosby (127) Cunneyworth (27) D’Agostini (36) D’Amigo (20) Dahlin (173) Dallas Stars (50) Dalpe (26) Darling (2) Davidsson (3) Dea (26) Deslauriers (167) Detroit Red Wings (74) Development Camp (71) Devine (22) Dineen (22) Donovan (21) Dougherty (5) Drury (21) Dudley (6) Dupuy (12) Edmonton Oilers (43) Ehrhoff (159) Eichel (880) Elie (64) Ellis (142) Elmira Jackals (3) Ennis (546) Enroth (248) Estephan (9) Europe (32) Falk (119) Fasching (81) Fedun (88) Finley (9) Fitzgerald (10) Florentino (13) Florida Panthers (95) Flynn (137) Foligno (425) Franson (100) French Connection (4) Frolik (7) Fuhr (9) Gare (2) Gaustad (23) Gauthier-Leduc (15) Gerbe (94) Gillies (10) Gilmour (29) Gionta (292) Girgensons (450) Glotov (7) Gogulla (2) Gorges (302) Gragnani (15) Granato (11) Grant (46) Greeley (10) Grier (13) Griffith (46) Grigorenko (246) Guhle (107) Hackett (98) Hagel (4) Haim (3) Hajt (11) Halak (23) Hammond (15) Hasek (45) Hawerchuk (10) Hecht (74) Hickey (19) Hodgson (272) Housley (701) Huglen (3) Hunwick (82) Hurley (8) Hutton (139) Irbe (27) Jacobs (6) Jakubowski (4) Jankowski (1) Jeanneret (31) Johansson (75) Johnson (205) Jokiharju (35) Josefson (61) Kaleta (235) Kane (324) Karabacek (21) Kasdorf (35) Kassian (22) Kea (25) Kennedy (14) Klesla (6) Knapp (20) Konopka (54) Kotalik (5) Krueger (188) Kulikov (117) Laaksonen (11) LaFontaine (110) Lalime (1) Lambert (40) Larsson (331) Lazar (54) Leggio (21) Legwand (51) Lehner (417) Leier (7) Leino (195) Lemieux (17) Leopold (81) Lepkowski (6) Lieuwen (70) Lindback (56) Locke (5) Los Angeles Kings (40) Luce (9) Luukkonen (47) Lydman (6) MacArthur (8) MacKenzie (8) Mair (6) Makarov (52) Malarchuk (2) Malkin (36) Malone (31) Mancari (17) Martin (36) Matthews (46) May (5) McBain (64) McCabe (253) McCormick (213) McDavid (120) McGinn (61) McKee (13) McNabb (80) Meszaros (74) Miller (436) Minnesota Wild (58) Mitchell (70) Mittelstadt (160) Mogilny (24) Montador (7) Montour (48) Montreal Canadiens (130) Moore (3) Morrisonn (1) Moulson (318) Murphy (6) Murray (441) Myers (279) Nashville Predators (42) Neale (2) Nelson (139) Neuvirth (123) Nevins (6) New Jersey Devils (69) New York Islanders (70) New York Rangers (75) NHL Draft (130) NHL Lockout (94) NHL Scouting Combine (40) Niedermayer (1) Nilsson (76) Nolan (799) Noronen (4) Novotny (2) Numminen (13) Nylander (110) O’Regan (25) O’Reilly (498) Oglevie (16) Okposo (365) Olofsson (80) Omark (36) Osmanski (10) Ott (258) Ottawa Senators (114) Ovechkin (52) Paetsch (8) Paille (3) Pardy (47) Parker (4) Patrick (22) Payne (14) Pegula (141) Pekar (22) Perreault (48) Persson (3) Peters (8) Petersen (25) Peterson (5) Petrecki (4) Philadelphia Flyers (65) Pilut (86) Pittsburgh Penguins (124) Plante (4) Pominville (383) Porter (97) Portillo (7) Portland Pirates (40) Possler (6) Pouliot (68) Pu (24) Puppa (1) Pysyk (191) Redmond (25) Regehr (68) Regier (245) Reinhart (496) Ristolainen (425) Rivet (5) Robert (7) Robitaille (1) Rochester Americans (1,314) Rodrigues (264) Rolston (350) Rousek (6) Roy (61) Royce (11) Ruff (287) Ruhwedel (85) Ruotsalainen (10) Sacco (11) Samuels-Thomas (10) Samuelsson (7) San Jose Sharks (41) Sanguinetti (12) Scandella (169) Schaller (76) Schedule (51) Schiestel (11) Schneider (34) Schoenfeld (1) Scott (193) Sekera (83) Sexton (31) Sheary (122) Sheppard (8) Skinner (155) Sled Hockey (1) Smith (82) Sobotka (93) Spacek (4) St. Louis Blues (64) Stafford (263) Stephens (14) Stewart (113) Strachan (95) Stuart (2) Sulzer (123) Sundher (7) Szczechura (1) Tallinder (82) Tampa Bay Lightning (87) Tapper (2) Tardif (4) Tarnasky (9) Taylor (68) Tellqvist (3) Tennyson (68) Thompson (99) Toronto Maple Leafs (200) Torres (2) Tropp (61) Trottier (17) Tucker (2) Turgeon (33) Turnbull (10) Ullmark (343) Vancouver Canucks (38) Vanek (279) Varone (66) Vegas Golden Knights (18) Vesey (74) Washington Capitals (70) Weber (264) Wedgewood (21) Weissbach (2) Whitmore (4) Wilcox (20) Willman (5) Wilson (82) Winnipeg Jets (48) Woods (6) Zadorov (163) Zagrapan (2) Zigomanis (7) Zubrus (13) Buffalo Hockey BeatBeat Coverage of the Buffalo Sabres / © 2020 - Olean Times Herald	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6878
__label__wiki	0.686566	0.686566	Montgomery Boy Scout Greg Smith Completes Eagle Project to Benefit Catholic Charities Donation of “Blessing” Bags will help those who are homeless or living in shelters GOSHEN – Greg Smith, a Boy Scout in Montgomery Troop 386, recently delivered the culmination of his Eagle Scout project to Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster’s offices in Goshen. In his quest to reach Boy Scout’s highest rank, Greg developed and implemented a plan to create “blessing” bags for Catholic Charities. The blessing bags consist of reusable tote bags and string backpacks emblazoned with the Catholic Charities logo and filled with basic hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, tissues, and wipes, as well as a bottle of water. Greg raised $1,200 to purchase the bags and products. He also hosted a drive to collect additional product donations. Under Greg’s leadership, a total of 210 bags, individualized for men, women, and youth, were assembled and donated to Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities staff are distributing the bags to those in need of these necessities, including those who utilize the warming center, homeless shelter, or are living on the streets. “We are so very proud of Greg for pursuing Boy Scouting’s Eagle summit, and so very grateful that he selected Catholic Charities to be the beneficiary of his project,” said Kristin Jensen, Chief Advancement Officer, Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster. “Greg, his family, fellow scouts, and other volunteers worked hard to raise the funds, collect the products, and assemble the bags that will make life a little easier for those who are struggling. The comfort these bags will offer will be a blessing to those who receive them,” added Jensen. To earn the rank of Eagle, a scout must reach the rank of Life Scout, earn a minimum of 21 badges, including 13 required badges, and demonstrate leadership within the troop. Greg, who has been a Scout for 9 years, has earned a total of 36 badges, and most recently served as Troop Scribe. Greg will present the results of his project to the Hudson Valley Council’s Eagle Board of Review this winter for the final approval. Montgomery Boy Scout, Greg Smith, a member of Troop 386, selected Catholic Charities to be the beneficiary of his Eagle Scout project. He is pictured with his parents, Heidi and Rick, delivering the 210 “blessing” bags that were prepared for Catholic Charities. Greg Smith, joined by Kristin Jensen (l), Catholic Charities Chief Advancement Officer, and Shannon Kelly (r), Catholic Charities Chief Operations Officer, show off some of the donated blessing bags. Catholic Charities Announces 2020 Caritas Award Honorees Mount Saint Mary Community Spread Christmas Cheer with Donation of Nearly 2,000 Toys to Catholic Charities 5th Annual Goshen Christmas House Tour Raised More than $25,000 for Catholic Charities Programs in the Community 25,000+ Pounds of Food Donations Collected for Catholic Charities at Thanksgiving Stuff-the-Bus Food Drive	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6883
__label__cc	0.667923	0.332077	Biological roles and an evolutionary sketch of the GRF-GIF transcriptional complex in plants Jeong Hoe Kim Department of Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea Correspondence to: *Tel: +82-53-950-5347; Fax: +82-53-953-3066; E-mail: kimjeon4@knu.ac.kr Received: January 27, 2019; Published online: April 30, 2019. Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable Abstract GROWTH-REGULATING FACTORs (GRFs) are sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factors that regulate various aspects of plant growth and development. GRF proteins interact with a transcription cofactor, GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR (GIF), to form a functional transcriptional complex. For its activities, the GRF-GIF duo requires the SWITCH2/SUCROSE NONFERMENTING2 chromatin remodeling complex. One of the most conspicuous roles of the duo is conferring the meristematic potential on the proliferative and formative cells during organogenesis. GRF expression is post-transcriptionally down-regulated by microRNA396 (miR396), thus constructing the GRF-GIF-miR396 module and fine-tuning the duo’s action. Since the last comprehensive review articles were published over three years ago, many studies have added further insight into its action and elucidated new biological roles. The current review highlights recent advances in our understanding of how the GRF-GIF-miR396 module regulates plant growth and development. In addition, I revise the previous view on the evolutionary origin of the GRF gene family. Keywords: Evolution, GIF, GRF, miR396, Organ growth Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable INTRODUCTION Transcription factors control gene expression and thus regulate the patterns of plant growth and development. The number of transcription factors in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis hereafter) has been estimated to be more than 2,000, which is comparable to that in humans (1–4). Besides the large numbers, a significant portion of them are present only in plants (4, 5). One class of plant-specific transcription factors, GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF), was first identified in rice and Arabidopsis (the notion of ‘plant-specific’ needs revision, as described in the last section below), and found to exist in multiple homologous copies: Arabidopsis and rice have nine and twelve members, respectively (6–8). Later, GRF proteins were found to interact with GRF-INTERACTING FACTORs (GIFs) in Arabidopsis, which form a small family of three members: AtGIF1 (aka ANGUSTIFOLIA3, AN3), AtGIF2, and AtGIF3 (9, 10). Since then, many studies have demonstrated that GRFs and GIFs are bona fide interacting partner proteins that form a functional unit, and that the GRF-GIF complex plays essential roles in various aspects of plant growth and development (for review, see 11–13). It has also been well documented that microRNA396 (miR396) post-transcriptionally regulates the majority of GRF members and fine-tunes their expression, thus controlling GRF-GIF-dependent processes (14, 15). It has been more than three years since the last comprehensive review articles were published on the GRF-GIF-miR396 module (11–13). During that time, many reports have been published, elucidating its new biological roles and identifying its downstream and upstream genes as well as target cis-elements. The current review highlights recent studies that have increased the understanding of the regulatory module. It also revises the previous view on the evolutionary origin of the GRF gene family. Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable WHAT ARE GRF AND GIF? GRF proteins contain two highly conserved QLQ and WRC domains in the N-terminal half (6–8). The QLQ domain consists of highly conserved Gln-Leu-Gln (QX3LX2Q) and neighboring residues. The QLQ domain provides an interface for interacting with GIFs (9, 10). The WRC domain consists of the conserved spacing of three Cys and one His residues (CX9CX10CX2H, simply the C3H motif), which acts as a DNA-binding domain (DBD) (6, 7, 16–18). The C-terminal regions of GRF proteins are highly variable in length and composition of amino acid residues, and they function as a transactivation domain (7–10). AtGRFs with truncated C-termini have been shown to lose their transactivation activities, while OsGRF10 (rice) and ZmGRF10 (maize) with short C-termini have also exhibited no activities (9, 19, 20). GIFs were identified by their capability interacting with GRFs and characterized as transcription cofactors with no DBD (9, 10). The interacting partnership between almost all members of the two protein families has been demonstrated in all plants tested (19–25). GIF proteins have the highly conserved SNH domain in the N-terminus that directly interacts with the GRF QLQ domain. The C-terminal regions of GIFs exert transactivation activities and are rich in Gln (Q) and Gly (G), and are thus called the QG domain. GIF genes are more ancient in terms of evolutionary origin than GRFs, and they exist in major lineages of eukaryotes, including humans, in which they are called SYT (synovial translocation protein), aka SS18 (synovial sarcoma associated protein) (26, 27). Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIF As transcription factors with the WRC DBD, GRFs are expected to regulate the expression of downstream target genes and bind to specific regulatory cis-elements in them. A GRF-targeting cis-element (GTE), TGTCAGG, was first identified in the promoter of DEHYDRATION-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING PROTEIN2A (DREB2A) in Arabidopsis: AtGRF7 bound to the GTE and led to the repression of DREB2A expression (Table 1) (17). AtGRF9 bound to the promoter region of a bZIP transcription factor gene, OBP3-RESPONSIVE GENE3 (ORG3), whose promoter contains a potential GTE, CTGACA (28); rice GRFs (OsGRF6 and/or OsGRF10), to a GTE (TGTGTTG) of OsJMJ706 (a JMJD2 family jmjC gene) and OsCR4 (a gene for crinkly4 receptor-like kinase), upregulating their expression (19); OsGRF6, to CGSMR in the promoters of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR2 (ARF2), ARF7, and an YUCCA-like gene, whose expression is up-regulated by OsGRF6 overexpression (29). Aside from GTEs, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays (ChIP) revealed that AtGIF1/AN3 proteins were strongly associated with the G-box and GAGA elements in the Arabidopsis genome, and that these elements were found to reside in the promoters of some target genes, including CONSTANS-LIKE5 (COL5) and HECATE1 (HEC1; Table 1) (23). Another ChIP assay using AtGIF1/AN3 as bait revealed the strong enrichment of a promoter region of PLETHORA1 (PLT1), which contains a cis-element, TGTCAGA (30). Since AtGIF1/AN3 lacks a DBD, its association with cis-elements is made possible when it works in concert with transcription factors with DBDs, such as GRFs. Therefore, the high similarity between the elements found in DREB2A and PLT1, which were associated with AtGRF7 and AtGIF1/AN3, respectively, may not be the result of a coincidence. Nevertheless, the systematic inference and experimental verification of a canonical or consensus GTE still seems to be premature, or GTEs may be variable depending on the classes of GRFs and/or plant species. Indeed, the first GTE found in DREB2A was associated only with AtGRF7, and not with any other AtGRF members (17). Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable MOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION As mentioned above, ChIP assays revealed that AtGIF1/AN3 and maize GIF1/AN3 (ZmGIF1/ZmAN3) proteins were associated with the promoter regions of certain target genes (23, 25). The assays also showed that these associations were not limited to those known target genes, but detected widely over the whole genome of Arabidopsis, suggesting that AtGIF1/AN3 may be a key transcription cofactor acting together with GRFs and/or other transcription factors. Consistently with the notion, a series of tandem affinity purification (TAP) and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) approaches revealed that GIF1/AN3 proteins of Arabidopsis and maize were co-purified with the components of SWI2/SNF2 chromatin-remodeling complexes, including the core SWI2/SNF2 chromatin-remodeling ATPases, such as BRAHMA (BRM) and SPLAYED (SYD) (21, 23, 24). Upregulation of AtGIF1/AN3 target genes also required intact activities of BRM. These results give rise to the notion that GIF1/AN3 transcription cofactors may recruit both SWI2/SNF2 complexes and GRFs to GTEs, thus activating or repressing target genes (Fig. 1). The results and notion are consistent with the fact that the human GIF homolog, SYT, directly interacts with the human BRM and its homolog (31, 32), as well as the fact that TAP experiments using the human SYT as bait also retrieved the components of human SWI2/SNF2 chromatin-remodeling complexes (33). The result suggests that the interaction between GIF1/AN3 and the SWI2/SNF2 complex may be mediated via direct interaction between GIF1/AN3 and plant BRM homologs, and that the interaction between GIF1/AN3 and the SWI2/SNF2 complex is not only evolutionarily conserved in metazoans and plants, but also essential for transcriptional regulation, despite the fact that metazoans lack GRFs. Some additional interesting features of the GRF-GIF action are that they activate their own transcription through a positive feedback loop in Arabidopsis, rice, and maize, likely by forming the GRF-GIF-SWI2/SNF2 complex at the promoter sites of target GRFs and GIFs (Fig. 1; for detailed information, see 11, 25); and that Arabidopsis and rice GIF1 proteins translocate between different cell layers through plasmodesmata, thus coordinating the cell proliferation activities of different cell layers (34, 35). Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable REGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTH Roles in cell proliferation of dicot leaves GRF and GIF genes are highly expressed in almost all meristematic tissues, including leaf and floral organ primordia. Loss-of-function mutants of AtGRFs and AtGIFs had small and narrow leaves and petals, whereas their overexpressors developed larger ones (7, 9, 10, 36, 37). Determination of cellular parameters elucidated that AtGRFs and AtGIFs are positive regulators of cell proliferation in leaf primordia, providing cells with a meristematic potential or meristematicity. In Arabidopsis, miR396 species, products of AtMIR396a and AtMIR396b genes, target and induce the cleavage of AtGRF mRNA species with the exceptions of AtGRF5 and AtGRF6 mRNAs, which lack the miR396 target site (14, 15). Therefore, the overexpression of AtMIR396 (35S:AtMIR396) resulted in post-transcriptional down-regulation of target AtGRFs, resulting in small and narrow leaves along with a reduced number of cells. By contrast, the expression of At-rGRFs, which were manipulated to be resistant to miR396 by altering their target sites, induced an enhancement of cell proliferation, consequently resulting in large leaves (15, 21, 22, 38). The function of the GRF-miR396 module holds up for other eudicot plants as well. The overexpression of Arabidopsis and Populus trichocarpa MIR396s in tobacco plants has been shown to result in small and narrow leaves (38–40). Arabidopsis or Brassica napus plants overexpressing B. napus and B. rapa GRFs have also shown the development of enlarged leaves with more cells, along with increased expression of a set of cell cycle genes (41–43). It has been shown that the AtGIF family controls both the rate and duration of cell division (37, 44). An increase in the AtGIF1/AN3 activity not only enhanced, but also prolonged the expression of a marker gene for the G-to-M transition in cell cycle, CYCB1;1, in the leaf primordium (23), whereas decreases in GIF activities were accompanied by reductions in the expressions of cell cycle-related genes (37). Similarly, the overexpression of AtMIR396 (35S:AtMIR396) and At-rGRF3 resulted in reductions and increases in CYCB1;1 expression (15, 21), respectively, indicating that the GRF-GIF duo plays a critical role in regulating cell cycle activities, consequently maintaining and supplying meristematic cells for cell proliferation in leaf primordia. Further study is needed as to what signaling pathway downstream of the GRF-GIF duo leads to the regulation of cell proliferation-mediating genes, including cell cycle-related genes. The movement of the cell cycle arrest front (AF) from the distal to proximal regions of Arabidopsis leaf primordia during the early stages of leaf growth has been well documented (45). 35S:AtMIR396 induced the precocious AF movement toward the leaf proximal region, reducing cell proliferation activities and accelerating cell expansion (an indication of differentiation in plants) in the distal region behind AF, whereas an enhancement of the AtGRF5 activity exerted the opposite effects on those cellular processes, stimulating leaf growth (15, 46). Similarly, enhanced activities of AtGIF1/AN3 delayed the AF movement (23), and the distribution patterns of AtGIF expression were consistent with the AF movement (10, 47, 48), suggesting that the GRF-GIF-miR396 module is a crucial regulator of the AF movement. Gupta and Nath analyzed various types of leaf growth polarity present in 75 eudicot species, including the distal-proximal type of Arabidopsis, and found that the patterns of leaf growth polarity are tightly coupled with the abundance patterns of miR396 species and GRF mRNAs: regions of active cell proliferation are positively correlated with abundance of GRF mRNAs, whereas regions of cessation of cell proliferation and commencement of cell differentiation are positively correlated with miR396 abundance (49). The results suggest that, in eudicots, the patterns of cell proliferation and differentiation are controlled by the GRF-GIF-miR396 module. A pea transcriptional complex consisting of BIGGER ORGANS (BIO) and ELEPHANT EAR LIKE LEAF1 (ELE1) negatively regulates leaf growth and interacts with a WUSCHEL-related transcription factor, LATHYDROIDES (LATH) (50). LATH has been shown to directly bind to a promoter region of a pea GRF, indicating that the negative regulator complex of leaf growth exerts it function through the repression of GRF expression. Arabidopsis PEAPOD (PPD) genes, orthologs of pea ELE1, are negative regulators of cell proliferation in leaves (51), giving rise to the possibility that PPDs may directly repress AtGRF expression in order to exert their negative role in the regulation of cell meristematicity. CINCINNATA-like TCP (CIN-TCPs) transcription factors control the transition from cell proliferation to expansion during leaf morphogenesis and act as growth repressors (for review, see 52). The overexpression of Arabidopsis CIN-TCPs directly enhances AtMIR396 expression, leading to precocious declines in GRF-GIF expression and leaf growth (15, 53). On the other hand, multiple loss-of-function mutations, tcp2 tcp4 (tcp2/4) and tcp2/4/10, promoted leaf growth by increasing cell proliferation (54). These results suggest that certain negative regulators of leaf cell proliferation, including PPDs and TCPs, may exert their function, directly or indirectly and at least partially, through the repression of GRF-GIF expression. It should be noted that not all Arabidopsis GRFs seem to act as positive regulators of leaf growth. The loss-of-function Atgrf9 mutation enhanced cell cycle activities, resulting in large leaves, whereas AtGRF9 overexpression reduced those activities, resulting in small leaves (28, 55). This indicates that AtGRF9 negatively regulates leaf growth via the suppression of cell proliferation in leaf primordia. The authors also showed that the negative effect of AtGRF9 on cell proliferation was, at least partially, mediated by the regulation of a target gene, which encodes ORG3 (aka bHLH039). AtGRF9 directly activated ORG3 expression, and loss-of-function org3 mutants developed large leaves with more cells, whereas ORG3 overexpressors had small leaves with fewer cells. No additive effect on leaf growth was found in the org3 Atgrf9 double mutant, and the enhancement of leaf growth by org3 was not negated by AtGRF9 overexpression. It remains unclear how the specific GRF member exerts the opposite function. In contrast, Horiguchi et al. observed a very slight increase in the leaf size of the Atgrf9 mutant, but this increase was not statistically significant (10). Furthermore, it has been reported that AtGRF9 overexpressors produced only slightly enlarged leaves and that the same Atgrf9 mutant allele did not contribute to changes in leaf size (22). This incongruity should be reconciled in the future. Roles in cell proliferation and expansion of monocot leaves It appears that monocot GRFs and GIFs primarily act as positive regulators of cell proliferation in leaves. makiba3 (mkb3), a loss-of-function mutant allele of rice GIF1 (OsGIF1), caused a reduction in the number of leaf epidermal cells, producing small leaves, whereas MKB3 overexpression resulted in the opposite phenotypes, indicating that OsGIF1/MKB3 acts as a positive regulator of cell proliferation in the leaf organ as well (35). Similarly, CRISPR/CAS9-induced loss-of-function mutations of OsGIF1 (C/C-Osgif1) reduced leaf size, whereas 35S:OsGIF1 increased leaf size (56). mkb3 and C/C-Osgif1 mutants also shared other phenotypes, such as leaf rolling and reductions in the length of stem internodes. Based on the analysis of subepidermal cells in the internodes and main veins of leaf blades, the latter attributed the change in leaf size to the change in cell size, rather not in cell numbers. However, the latter also suggested a role of OsGIF1 in regulating cell proliferation of some tissues, such as specialized epidermal cells of the leaf blade, proposing that both the cell proliferation and expansion processes are under the control of OsGIF1, likely depending on the cell types. 35S:OsMIR396d and Osgrf6 rice plants showed reductions in cell length of the stem internode, leaf collar, and leaf sheath, indicating that lack of GRFs leads to defects in the cell elongation process in rice (57). The overexpression of ZmGRF10, which lacks the C-terminal transactivation domain, led to a reduction in the size of maize leaves by decreasing cell proliferation, as it could execute a dominant negative effect by competing with other ZmGRFs with transactivation activities, suggesting that the other ZmGRFs may act as positive regulators of cell proliferation (20, 24). Consistently with the notion, the overexpression of Zm-rGRF1, a miR396-resistant version, increased the number of dividing cells in the leaf division zone, producing longer leaves (24). Intriguingly, however, Zm-rGRF1 overexpression prolonged the duration of cell cycling of those dividing cells, and thus the increase in leaf length was not as large as expected based on the increase in the number of dividing cells. Inversely, loss-of-function Zmgif1 mutants developed shorter and narrower vegetative and ear leaves than the wild type, and the size of their epidermal cells were larger, which is indicative of a reduction in cell numbers and thus a defect in the cell proliferation process. All things considered, therefore, the timing of the transition from the meristematic state to differentiating state in the leaf organ is governed by the GRF-GIF-miR396 module, in consequence determining the leaf size and shape in both eudicot and monocot plants. It should be noted that, like loss-of-function mutant leaves of Arabidopsis GRFs and GIFs as well as 35S:AtMIR396, the rice mkb3 and Zmgif1 leaves developed larger cells, partially compensating for a reduced leaf size (25, 35). The compensation syndrome, which here I do not elaborate on, has been well documented (58). Leaf senescence in Arabidopsis It has been reported that increases in the GRF activities of Arabidopsis, B. napus, and B. rapa stimulate photosynthetic activities, resulting in an abundance of photosynthetic assimilates or seed oil (21, 41, 42, 59). The increases were concomitant with increases in total chlorophyll content and the rate of chloroplast division (41, 46). Activation of the GRF-GIF duo delayed leaf senescence, whereas their down-regulation accelerated it (21, 46). During dark-induced leaf senescence, the expression of specific marker genes for leaf senescence was markedly suppressed by 35S:At-rGRF3 but enhanced by 35S:AtMIR396 (21). The suppressive role of GRFs in leaf senescence may be explicable in light of the GRF-cytokinin interplay, as 35S:AtGRF5 increases the sensitivity of leaves to cytokinins (46). Cytokinins are well known to act not only as potent stimulators of cell proliferation but also as specific suppressors of leaf senescence (for review, see 60). The nature of the GRF-cytokinin interplay requires further investigation, although AtGIF1/AN3 directly activated CYTOKININ RESPONSE FACTOR2 (CRF2) and repressed ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR4 (ARR4) (23). Recently, an Arabidopsis gain-of-function mutant, oresara15-1D (ore15-1D), was shown to delay leaf senescence and promote organ growth (61). ORE15 encodes a transcription factor belonging to the PLATS family (PLANT A/T-RICH SEQUENCE- AND ZINC-BINDING PROTEIN). The suppression of leaf senescence by ore15-1D was accompanied by reductions in the expression of senescence marker genes, while the promotion of leaf growth by ore15-1D was coupled with the upregulation of AtGRF5 and AtGIF1/AN3 expression as well as cell cycle genes. The ORE15 transcription factor directly bound to the promoters of AtGRF1 and AtGRF4. In contrast to ore15-1D, ore15 null mutations functioned inversely in most of those physiological and molecular phenotypes. The findings demonstrate that ORE15 is not only a negative regulator of leaf senescence, but also a positive regulator of leaf cell proliferation. Therefore, ORE15 provides a genetic link mediating both of the processes, and the dual function of ORE15 is likely manifested, in part, through control of the GRF-GIF-miR396 module. Indeed, the an3 mutation promoted leaf senescence in the presence of ore15, but nullified the effect of ore15-1D. Both the leaf cell proliferation and senescence events occur temporally separated in Arabidopsis, i.e., at the primordial and mature stages, respectively. Therefore, it remains to be addressed in the future how the ORE15-GRF-GIF pathway regulates both of the cellular processes. Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable REGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT It was recently demonstrated that AtGRFs are required for the transition of stem cells into transit-amplifying cells in the root meristem (62). Briefly, the abolishment of AtGRF activities by 35S:MIR396 suppressed the activities of cell cycle markers in root tips, reducing the root elongation rate and root length, whereas the overexpression of At-rGRF3 exhibited opposite effects on the marker activities. Unexpectedly, however, the final length of the 35S:At-rGRF3 root was short. The contradiction may be comprehensible in light of an additional function of AtGRFs in the root: ectopic AtGRF expression interferes with the normal patterning of cell divisions in the stem cell niche and organization of the quiescent center (QC). Nevertheless, it is intriguing that the heterologous overexpression of At-rGRF3 in B. oleracea resulted in longer roots than the wild type (63). AtGIF1/AN3 also plays crucial roles in QC organization, which are, interestingly, independent of GRF activities (30). The AtGIF1/AN3 action was shown to be mediated, at least in part, by regulating the expression patterns of PLT1, as PLT1 was ectopically expressed in the an3 mutant. As mentioned above, PLT1 is one of the direct targets of AtGIF1/AN3. The report suggests that, as AtGIF1/AN3 lacks a DBD and its role in QC organization is independent of GRF, its targeting to PLT1 should be associated with another transcription factor, likely in concert with the SWI2/SNF2 chromatin-remodeling complex. The result and its implication are consistent with the roles of AtGIF1/AN3 in suppressing ectopic PLT1 expression during the development of embryonic polarity: if PLT1 not suppressed, the apical regions of embryos, which are presumed to develop into cotyledons, are converted to ectopic roots, as observed in the an3 han double mutant (64). HAN (HANABA TARANU) encodes a GATA transcription factor (65). In the legume plant Medicago truncatula, deactivation of MtGRFs by MtMIR396a and RNA interference (RNAi) inhibited root growth, due to reductions in both the cell cycling activity and the numbers of transit-amplifying cells in the meristematic zone of the root, though it did not affect the organization of the root apical meristem (66). Regarding monocot root growth, the roots of 35S:OsMIR396d rice plants possessed fewer cells in the G2/M phase, suggesting that a lack of OsGRF activities may lead to reductions in cell cycling activities in rice roots (57). It should be noted, however, that the reduced cell cycling activity did not affect the root length, although 35S:OsMIR396d boosted the brassinosteroid (BR)-induced inhibition of root growth. By contrast, a loss-of-function rice mutant, Osgrf6, had shorter roots than the wild type (57). Taken together, the GRF-GIF duo generally seems to be required for root growth in both eudicot and monocot plants. However, this notion may not hold up straightforwardly, since one needs to separately analyze the duo’s effects on cell cycling activities in the transition zone of the root meristem as well as the organization of the stem cell niche. Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable REGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTS The Arabidopsis gif1/2/3 triple mutant displayed severe defects in the growth and development of all floral organs (67). Most conspicuously, the mutant gynoecium was split into two carpels along the medial regions, because the primordial replum cells of carpel margin meristems (CMMs) failed to maintain their meristematicity, precociously differentiating into papillar cells and thus not completely accomplishing the carpel fusion process. The mutant gynoecium either completely lacked or showed poor development in all internal tissues of the ovary (ovules, the septum, and the transmitting tract), which are all derived from CMMs. The gif triple mutant also had malformed anthers with no development of microsporangia bearing pollen grains, because the archesporial cells and their progeny lost meristematicity. Taken together, these results indicate that AtGIFs are essential factors for the establishment of the reproductive competency. Since GRFs and GIFs form a functional unit for transcriptional regulation, the deactivation of AtGRFs is expected to cause similar floral aberrancies. Indeed, some strong 35S:MIR396 lines frequently developed single-carpel gynoecia, instead of two, and, on rare occasions, split gynoecia (22, 68). Recently, the strong deactivation of both AtGIF and AtGRF by gif 35S:MIR396 and grf multiple mutations allowed for further insight into the roles of AtGRFs in floral organ development. Those mutants completely aborted the pluripotent CMMs and archesporial cells of the anther (69). Strikingly, the mutant gynoecium developed no ovary at all, forming a rod-shaped gynoecium only with the stigma, style, and replum: the interior and exterior tissues of the gynoecial body were entirely filled in and covered with replum tissues. It is therefore obvious that AtGRFs are essential factors for the meristematic competency of formative cells in floral tissues, as are AtGIFs. Furthermore, the results showed that the lack of CMM development allows for the replum cells to infiltrate the whole gynoecial body, suggesting a developmental antagonism between the ovary and replum. GRF and GIF proteins are abundantly localized in the formative tissues of gynoecium and anther primordia, and the localization patterns of both proteins match exactly (67, 69). It has been shown that HEC1 is a direct target gene of AtGIF1/AN3 (23), thus giving rise to the possibility that it may mediate the duo’s action in floral organ growth and development. The rod-shaped gynoecium phenotypes of those mutants were exacerbated by the pinoid-3 mutation and N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid, which is indicative of interplay between the GRF-GIF duo and polar auxin transport (69). It is noteworthy that, although the floral organ phenotypes of gif1/2/3 and gif 35S:MIR396 overlap on a broad scale, some of the details differ: the former predominantly displayed split gynoecia and yet developed the ovary, though poor, whereas the latter completely failed to form the ovary. In addition, the grf1/2/3/5 quadruple mutant, the strongest among the grf mutants obtained, mostly lost their ovary, but hardly developed split gynoecia. The results suggest that, in addition to their common pathway, AtGRFs and AtGIFs may have their own specific roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation during gynoecium development. The down-regulation of tobacco GRFs by AtMIR396 and PtMIR396 caused aberrant floral organs, which were reminiscent of the grf phenotypes, suggesting that the functionality of the GRF-GIF duo is conserved in eudicot floral organs (39, 40). 35S:OsMIR396 and Osgrf6/10 double mutants frequently produced aberrant floral organs: open husks, long sterile lemmas, and/or anomalous numbers of the stigma and anther (19). OsCR4 and Osjmj706 were shown to be directly activated by OsGRF10, thus mediating, at least in part, the roles of OsGRFs in floral organ development: the open-husk phenotype was also induced by the deactivation of OsCR4 and Osjmj706 (70, 71); 35S:OsJMJ706 partly rescued the floral defects of 35S:OsMIR396 (19). Rice GIF1/MKB3 has been shown to be involved in floral organ development, as spikelets of the mkb3 mutant exhibited morphological abnormalities: the shapes of the lemma and palea were distorted, and the width of the palea was significantly reduced (35). The mkb3 mutant was not able to complete the ovule formation and integument elongation processes, and also produced no pollen or abnormal pollen, similar to the Arabidopsis gif mutants. The maize gif1 mutant also showed many defects in floral organs: it is male and female sterile; it produced multiple silks, or pistils, per floret; and its nucellus protruded out of the carpel, as seen in Arabidopsis gif mutants (25). Interestingly, in the Zmgif1 mutants, extra numbers of spikelet meristems (SMs) were initiated from spikelet pair meristems (SPMs) in both ears and tassels, indicating that the axillary meristems lose their determinate nature, and thus ZmGIF1 is involved in promoting determinacy of the inflorescence. The situation seems to be contrary to that of leaf growth, in which Zmgif1 leaf cells are less meristematic, producing small leaves with fewer cells, as mentioned previously. Rice and maize GIF1 mRNAs are highly expressed in floral organ primordia, SMs, and SPMs (25, 35). In conclusion, the GRF-GIF duo of both eudicot and monocot plants plays essential roles in the growth and development of floral organs, thus warranting successful reproduction. Additionally, depending on different evolutionary pathways, it may have co-opted a switch function balancing the determinacy and indeterminacy of spikelet meristems in monocots. Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable REGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTS Roles in regulation of stem elongation and plant height The deactivation of OsGRFs by loss-of-function mutations, 35S:OsMIR396, and RNAi resulted in semi-dwarf rice plants (18, 19, 29, 57). On the other hand, a rice dominant quantitative trait locus (QTL), GRAIN SIZE ON CHROMOSOME2 in the Baodali line (GS2-BDL) caused a slight increase in height with significantly longer leaves (72). The GS2-BDL locus corresponds to OsGRF4, whose transcripts lost its miR396 target site by a mutation in it, thus increasing its transcripts level but not affecting the amino acid sequence of the OsGRF4 protein and thus its function (Osgrf4-1DGS2-BDL hereafter for simplicity). Of note, however, no significant changes in those phenotypes were detected in Osgrf4-1DGS2-JDL, which contained the same kind of a gain-of-function mutation from the GRAIN SIZE AND WEIGHT2 QTL (GS2) in Judali as Osgrf4-1DGS2-BDL (73). The reduced height of 35S:OsMIR396d rice was due to the short internodes with compromised cell elongation. 35S:OsMIR396d also increased the degree of the leaf angles, because the cell elongation of the adaxial side of the leaf collar was less affected than that of the abaxial side. Taken together, this indicates that the rice height is controlled by the GRF-miR396 module. The compromised and differential elongation of stem intermodal and leaf collar cells of 35S:OsMIR396d was shown to be intimately linked with the signaling and biosynthetic pathways of the phytohormones BR and gibberellin (GA): OsBZR1, a key transcription activator of BR signaling, directly activated OsMIR396d expression, while OsGRF6 promoted GA biosynthesis and signaling. Inversely, Osgrf4-1DGL2 stimulated seedling growth and reduced leaf angles, and the central negative regulator in BR signaling, OsGSK2, physically interacted with OsGRF4, inhibiting OsGRF4 expression (74). Both the rice mkb3 and Zmgif1 mutants exhibited dwarf phenotypes due to shortened internodes, indicating that, like GRFs, GIFs are also involved in the regulation of stem elongation, and thus plant height (25, 35). Unexpectedly, however, the overexpression of Zm-rGRF1 resulted in dwarfism (24), likely due to a perturbation in the stem elongation process due to its nature of a strong ectopic expression. Based on results derived from the deactivation of monocot GRF and GIF genes, it is clear that the compromised cell elongation process is a primary cause of short internodes, suggesting that the GRF-GIF-miR396 module is involved in the regulation of cell elongation in stem growth, rather than cell proliferation. It is noteworthy, however, that those studies have focused on cell elongation of internode regions. Given that the first GRF member, OsGRF1, was identified in the intercalary meristem of rice plants, which supplies internode tissues with new cells (6), examining the cell cycling activities in the intercalary meristem of the rice and maize mutants could provide further insight into the role of the GRF-GIF-miR396 module in the regulation of monocot stem elongation. The Arabidopsis inflorescence stem showed a bi-phasic growth pattern in response to different dosages of gif mutations: the gif1 single mutant developed longer stems than the wild type, whereas the gif triple mutant had much shorter ones (37), although its nature was not investigated in detail. Interestingly, Arabidopsis roots also showed a bi-phasic pattern: gif1 roots, longer; gif1/2/3, shorter (30). Roles in regulation of grain size and panicle development of monocots In monocot plants, the activities of the GRF-GIF-miR396 module affected the grain size and architecture of panicles, such as the length and number of branches as well as spikelet numbers. The up-regulation of OsGRFs by 35S:OsGRF6, Os-rGRF6, and a target mimicry of miR396 (35S:MIM396) increased the numbers of panicle branches and spikelets, resulting in high yield, whereas the down-regulation of OsGRFs by 35S:OsMIR396d and RNAi caused the opposite phenotypes (29). The report suggested that regulation of the axillary branches and spikelet numbers by OsGRFs appeared to be mediated by stimulated auxin biosynthesis and signaling. The dominant Osgrf4-1D mutations and OsGRF overexpression also markedly increased grain size and panicle length, consequently producing more grains with increased weight (72, 73, 75, 76). The deactivation of OsGRFs by loss-of-function approaches impaired those yield traits (19, 76). As expected, the OsGIF1 function in the panicle traits parallels that of OsGRFs. The mkb3 and C/C-Osgif1 mutants had shorter branches and/or reduced size and weight of grains, whereas the overexpression of OsGIF1 increased both grain size and weight (35, 56, 73, 75). Therefore, it is clear that the GRF-GIF duo acts as a positive regulator of grain size and panicle development in rice. Maize gif1 mutants also displayed severe defects in the inflorescence architecture: reduced lengths of tassels and ears as well as reduced numbers of tassel branches, but increased numbers of short branches in the ear (25). Evidence indicates a role of eudicot GRFs in determining seed size. 35S:AtGRF1 and 35S:AtGRF5 have been shown to increase seed size, albeit not always accompanied by increases in seed weight (77). Arabidopsis plants overexpressing BnGRF2a and BrGRFs as well as B. napus plants overexpressing BrGRFs all developed large seeds with increased weight (41–43). The promotive effect on seed growth may be closely associated with the increases in photosynthetic activities and senescence retardation by GRFs. Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable REGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHT Syncytium formation occurring in Arabidopsis roots by an infective cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii) was deterred by 35S:AtMIR396 and the grf1/2/3 triple mutation, indicating that AtGRFs are required for the reprogramming processes of root cells, such as changes in cell fate, re-differentiation, and cell proliferation (78). This leads to an interesting, evolutionary question of how the parasite wired up the GRF-miR396 module in order to induce the nourishment source tissue. Similarly, in M. truncatula, 35S:MtMIR396 reduced the frequency of colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, whereas 35S:MIM396 frequently reversed it (66). This indicates that the GRF-miR396 module promotes (sym)biotic associations with microbes in the rhizosphere. Genes involved in the regulation of defense responses and disease resistance were found to be enriched in the potential target candidates of AtGRF1 and AtGRF3 (79). In support of that, Arabidopsis plants expressing 35S:MIR396 enhanced the susceptibility to infection, thus increasing fungal biomass, whereas 35S:MIM396 plants displayed broad resistance to fungal pathogens with concomitant activation of defense responses, indicating that GRFs help deter pathogenic organisms (80). In Arabidopsis leaves, UV-B light induced the accumulation of miR396 and thus reduced the abundance of AtGRF mRNA, resulting in repressed cell proliferation (81). Therefore, the GRF-miR396 module mediates, at least in part, the UV-B-repression of leaf growth, and also likely provides a protective mechanism against UV-B light, as plant cells with UV-B-damaged DNA are not to proliferate. Arabidopsis E2Fc transcription factor acts upstream of AtMIR396, probably activating, directly or not, the expression of AtMIR396 or of genes that encode proteins involved in the processing of miR396 precursors (82). UV-B light induced the accumulation of miR396 in maize leaves as well, and caused a reduction in cell proliferation and a shortened growth zone (83). These results suggest that both dicot and monocot plants may have adopted the parallel molecular apparatus in order to cope with the detrimental effect of UV-B light. Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable THE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFs It has been described in the last review articles that GRFs are land plant-specific genes, since genomic and transcriptomic resources available then revealed their presence only in plants (land plants or embryophytes) but not in metazoans, fungi, and protists, including ‘green algae’ (11, 12). The ‘green algae’ are members of chlorophytes and charophytes that are paraphyletic to land plants (Fig. 2). However, a recent paper reported the presence of a single GRF gene in the genome sequence of a charophyte, Klebsormidium nitens (previously known as K. flaccidum) (84). This prompted me to scrutinize other charophycean sequences that have been recently deposited in public databases and I found single GRF genes in the genomes or transcriptomes of almost all orders of charophycean algae, but not in coleochaetales (Chaetosphaeridium globosum and Coleochaete scutata), probably because of insufficient coverages of their transcriptomic sequences (Fig. 2). However, I have still not been able to detect the presence of GRF in any chlorophytes. This sequence profile calls for a revision of the previous notion regarding the evolutionary origin of GRFs: GRFs are not land plant-specific transcription factors but streptophyte-specific. Streptophytes comprise both charophytes and land plants, and are paraphyletic to chlorophytes (Fig. 2) (85, 86). Therefore, it is likely that a GRF gene may have evolutionarily emerged in an ancestral charophyte after its divergence from chlorophytes, and that an ancestral land plant inherited and duplicated it, thus diversifying its function to meet the biological complexity of or to give rise to the complexity in ensuing lineages of land plants. How could the GRF gene have been invented in an ancestral charophyte? This question may remain unanswered for years. One may speculate that an ancient QLQ domain derived from the N-terminus of the SWI2/SNF2 chromatin-emodeling ATPases (BRM and its homologs) have acquired the WRC domain, resulting in an ancestral GRF gene (9, 11). SWI2/SNF2 ATPases are universally present in eukaryotes, including viridiplantae, and they play essential roles in the chromatin remodeling process (11, 87, 88). According to the Pfam profile, QLQ domains exist in 66 different architectures with 2303 entries (http://pfam.xfam.org, PF08880). Half of the entry proteins have the QLQ domain together with WRC as GRF proteins; roughly the other half together with the SNF2_N domain of the SWI2/SNF2 ATPases; and only a few entries are together with other kinds of domains. These combinatorial structures with QLQ are compatible with the notion that the SWI2/SNF2 ATPase QLQ domain might be co-opted into an ancient GRF gene. The Pfam profile also reveals that the WRC domain, which contains the DNA-binding C3H motif, is present in streptophytes and Mamiellophyceae, but is not present in Chlorophyceae and Trebouxiophyceae or any other organisms (Fig. 2; http://pfam.xfam.org, PF08879). WRC domains exist in 26 different architectures with 1984 entries: more than half of the entry proteins have the WRC domain together with the QLQ domain as GRFs, a quarter are mostly uncharacterized proteins with a single WRC domain but with no associated known domains, and the rest have single or multiple WRC domains associated with other kinds of known domains. Interestingly, the GRFs of Chara globularis and Chara braunii belonging to Charales have a QLQ domain followed by three consecutive WRC domains (Fig. 2). This profiling suggests that the evolutionary swapping of the WRC domain might have frequently occurred in virideplantae (“green plants”). Therefore, it is tempting to speculate that QLQ and WRC domains might have been co-opted into a GRF protein in an ancestral charophyte. The origin of GIF genes is much more ancient than that of GRFs, as they exist in most eukaryotes, such as virideplantae, and metazoans, and not in fungi and protists other than ‘green algae’ (11, 12). GIFs are present in the genomes of a charophyte (K. nitens) and chlorophytes (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Ostreococcus lucimarinus, and Ostreococcus tauri) (84). Additionally, this profiling identified GIFs in the genomes or transcriptomic sequences of chlorophytes (Botryococcus braunii, Chlorella variabilis NC64, and Prototheca wickerhamii) and charophytes (Chaetosphaeridium globosum and Chlorokybus atmophyticus; Fig. 2). Both genomic and cDNA sequences were available for some of those algal GIFs (C. reinhardtii, V. cateri, and K. nitens), allowing for the construction of their exon-intron structures. I found that the SNH domains of those three algae and land plants are encoded in the first three exons with conserved intron positions and phases (data not shown). The analysis suggests that the structure of GIF genes has been highly conserved during the evolutionary path of chlorophytes, charophytes, and land plants. Therefore, it is a plausible hypothesis that the GRF-GIF partnership was established in an ancestral charophyte. It would be interesting to explore whether charophycean GRFs and GIFs interact together; then if so, what the biological role and molecular function of the duo are, especially in terms of evolution, and what chlorophytic GIFs do in the absence of the canonical partner protein GRF. In summary, the GRF-GIF-miR396 module plays essential roles in the growth and development of angiosperms. It regulates the meristematic potential of primordial cells during leaf growth, determining the final size and shape of the leaf organ. The GRF-GIF duo is a prerequisite for floral organ development, and thus enables the production of the formative cells, such as CMMs and egg cells as well as microsporangia and sperm cells. It is also involved in the regulation of leaf longevity and photosynthetic efficiency in mature leaves. Importantly, the monocot GRF-GIF duo also promoted the yield traits, such as grain size and panicle architecture, warranting crop productivity. Finally, the GRF gene has a charophycean origin, so studies on GRFs of basalmost land plants and charophytes could shed light on their significance in the evolution-developmental history of a main lineage of life, the streptophyte. Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This work was supported by the Korea Research Foundation Grants, 2015R1D1A1A01059934 and 2018R1D1A1B07050016. I apologize to all colleagues whose work could not be cited due to space constraints. Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors have no conflicting interests. Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable Figures Fig. 1. Schematic summary of molecular and biological functions of the GRF-GIF duo. The core and common molecular features of the duo are depicted in the circle, in which the GRF-GIF duo associated with the SWI2/SNF2 complex performs transcriptional regulation of target genes, including its own (auto-activation), and miR396 post-transcriptionally represses GRF expression. The biological functions common to eudicots and monocots are shown in red, i.e., the promotion of leaf growth via the regulation of cell cycling and promotion of cell cycling in root meristematic zones; the biological functions confirmed in Arabidopsis and other eudicots are shown in green and black, respectively; the biological functions validated in rice and maize are shown in brown and blue, respectively. The solid arrows and block bars indicate experimentally verified promotive and inhibitory actions, respectively, while the dotted ones indicate speculated possibilities. Fig. 2. Phylogenetic relationships among ‘green plants’ and the presence of GRF-GIF genes. Depicted are the relationships among the three lineages of ‘green plants’: chlorophytes, charophytes, and land plants. The numbers of GRF and GIF are indicated in black boxes, while diamond bullets indicate the presence of the WRC domain. Species depicted in gray tone only have whole transcriptomic resources, but no whole genome sequenced. n designates ‘not present’; asterisks indicate that the GRF genes are predicted to encode three consecutive WRC domains after the QLQ domain. Other SectionsAbstractINTRODUCTIONWHAT ARE GRF AND GIF?POTENTIAL CIS-ELEMENTS BOUND BY GRF AND GIFMOLECULAR FUNCTION OF THE GRF-GIF DUO IN THE TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATIONREGULATORY ROLES OF THE GRF-GIF-MIR396 MODULE IN LEAF GROWTHREGULATORY ROLES IN ROOT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTREGULATORY ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FLORAL ORGANS IN ARABIDOPSIS AND MONOCOTSREGULATORY ROLES IN SCULPTING PLANT ARCHITECTURE OF MONOCOT PLANTSREGULATORY ROLES IN PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTION AND IN RESPONSES TO UV-B LIGHTTHE EVOLUTIONARY GENESIS OF GRFsACKNOWLEDGEMENTSCONFLICTS OF INTERESTFiguresTable Table Potential cis-elements bound by GRFs and AtGIF1/AN3 cis-elements Target genes AtGRF7 TGTCAGGa DREB2A −b AtGRF9 CTGACA ORG3 + OsGRF6 TGTGTTG OsJMJ706 + OsGRF9 OsCR4 + OsGRF6 CGSMRc ARF2 + ARF7 + YUCCA-like + AtGIF1/AN3 CACGTG COL5 + GAGAGAGA COL5 + HEC1 + TGTCAGA PLT1 − aNucleotide sequences read from the 5′ to 3′ direction. bMinus and plus symbolize up- and down-regulation of target gene expression, respectively. cS indicates G and C; M, A and C; R, A and G. National Research Foundation of Korea 015R1D1A1A01059934, 2018R1D1A1B07050016	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6890
__label__wiki	0.86783	0.86783	Home • FAQ • Search • Register • Login Amparanoia V Ojos de Brujo controversial commentary from our one-time regular columnist by howard male » Tue Feb 07, 2006 5:28 pm As the man said: let's get back to the music! Isn't it about time world music had its own little Beatles v Stones or Oasis v Blur angle? Well, I thought so. And the natural contenders are all set to do battle next month with Amparanoia releasing their new album 'La Vida te Da' on the 6th March and Ojos de Brujo releasing their 'Techari' on the 20th. Now I know we world music fans are above such media invented skirmishes, but I'm sure the record companies of both groups are aware of each others plans, and both seem to be doing everything within their powers (or promotional budgets) to make the media pay their particular Spanish baby the most attention: the Ojos album comes with an extra disc of CD Rom, bits and bobs, and the Amparanoia has a DVD of home-movieish footage of rehearsals and concerts in pretty much the same ragbaggy, shaky camera style as the Ojos DVD that came out at the same time as Bari was released. The comparisons don't stop there: both bands feature sassy, characterful female lead vocalists; both are playing the La Linea '06 Festival; both have strong political motivations and ideals; both adorn their CDs with original and striking artwork rather than their own image, and both are trying to build on their relatively successful previous UK breakthrough releases. Although to be more accurate the last Amparanoia released here, 'Rebeldia con Alegria', was a best of their previous efforts, which hadn't been properly released in the UK. As far as I can tell, Ojos are ahead in the UK Battle of the Spanish Bands at the present time. Their 2002 release, Bari, resulting in an appearance at Glastonbury, and on BBC 2's Later. They even gleaned reviews in The Daily Mirror and the Daily Mail, which must be an extremely rare but perhaps mixed blessing for a world music act. Whilst Amparanoia, who won a Radio 3 world music award last year, haven't yet had a chance to capitalise on that success. But things could be about to change. The new Ojos album, on initial acquaintance, doesn't seem to have the spontaneous freshness of 'Bari'. It opens promisingly enough with 'color', a barking mad Blaxploitation-Flamenco crossover - lots of strident Quincy Jones brass added to the usual mix of scratching and strumming, but then...Well, the rest of the album's just not as chunky, funky and varied in tone as 'Bari' And the welcome surprise of the brass section never makes a comeback, and so I found my attention start to drift before the CD was over. Only on track 10 do they take a bit of a laid-back reggae break before getting into the final stretch of another four Flamenco-driven workouts. I've always felt the problem with Ojos is based around what the band say they are trying to do, which is to blend Flamenco with their more contemporary influences such as funk and hip hop. It's just that those Flamenco genes will always dominate - there is no room for any other kind of music to get a look in, so that what you end up with is an extremely busy sound which initially exites but eventually gets a little wearing. Amparanoia, on the other hand, seem to be getting into their stride on this their 5th album proper. And they're also not afraid to occasionally relax a little. One reason for their apparent ability to just treat songs as songs - rather than strum them to death due to an almost Tourette Syndrome relationship to Flamenco punctuation - is that their influences are wider. Flamenco pretty much takes a back-seat to reggae, rock, Cuban and other Latin American influences. Take the delightful 'Tiempo Pa Mi' on the new album, which begins as the most delicate of torch songs but then halfway through morphs into a rumbustious salsa. However the reggae influence does unfortunately get the better of them with a rather pointless and quite frightening rock guitar-scarred cover of Redemption Song. But at least it's just a bonus track tagged on at the end, so can be easily avoided. But bad Bob Marley covers aside, La Vida Te Da is a relaxed and accomplished affair. And they're also not afraid to introduce new elements to their sound such as the deliciously fluid slide guitar which pops up every now and then. All the songs were recorded in the modern, revived retro way with the band playing together in the studio and this really freshens up their sound which was getting a bit beatboxy and stodgy on 2002's 'Enchilao'. I also find Amparo Sanchez the more commanding and unique of the two lead vocalists. Obviously it's horses for courses, and Marina "La Canilla" voice sits quite comfortably in the controlled racket that Ojos generate, but I wonder if it would work so well as a commanding presence given the space to breath that Amparo often gives herself. It would seem that, as the main songwriter, producer and 'Artistic Director' of Amparanoia (her name is even built into the band's name), they wouldn't exist without her. Whereas Marina is clearly part of a collective of equals and almost, as a logical extension of that, often gets somewhat buried in the band's overall sound. But both of these interesting bands have their place in the world music scheme of things, and just as with the ostensibly meaningless false dichotomy I began with, of The Beatles V The Stones, they share certain influences, and their deepest roots, but also exist as quite independent and very different musical entities, equally worthy of our attention. But which band gets your vote? howard male Location: Crystal Palace by Dominic » Tue Feb 07, 2006 8:42 pm Amparanoia. Location: From Clapton to Clapham, daily by NormanD » Tue Feb 07, 2006 9:01 pm Amparanoia. I've with Dominic on this too. I hope to be able to say, many years hence: "I saw them in this tiny London venue, and I was this close..." I have, and love, the last Ojos cd but reports of their live act weren't too positive. Playing in the cavernous Hammersmith, they made my friend's eyes and ears hurt. Location: 77 Sunset Strip Oye escuchar by Con Murphy » Wed Feb 08, 2006 10:05 am I have a friend who upon reaching a certain juncture in nascent romances will allow the burgeoning liaison to stand or fall on the simple one-word answer to the question: â€œBeatles or Stones?â€ Con Murphy Location: Stoke-Barehills by howard male » Wed Feb 08, 2006 10:28 am An enjoyable summary Con. And of course I was thinking of your Clash comparison as I was writing my piece - I was expecting you to gallantly dive in nano seconds after it was posted in defence of your heroes, but I can see you needed to spend a bit of time putting your case together! You are definitely right in saying there is something about Amparanoia which is more instantly assimilated and the Ojos sound is a more complex entity. It's just that my feeling is perhaps it's too complex. I would like to see a producer come in and persuade them to strip their sound down a bit. Everyone in the band seems to follow the same staccato, Flamenco rhythm; tabla, guitar, scratching - even Marina's voice - they all love that damn rhythm! When I was watching the excellent DVD you mention and they were putting ideas together, I find myself willing Marina to just sing a melody 'across' the rhythm rather than just join in on it. But I'm hoping this topic will stay active or become active again once the new CD's are out. I'll be curious to see whether these new albums change anyone's perspective on the bands. by joel » Wed Feb 08, 2006 2:23 pm Last edited by joel on Wed Feb 08, 2006 2:25 pm, edited 1 time in total. Location: Toad Hall I haven't heard Amparanoia (so there's still hope), but found Ojos de Brujos' stulitifyingly dull "beats", grosser cliche "turntableism", and flakey flamenco "Exoticism" more than a touch underwhelming. I am, of course, the board's token macho "ethno fundie". Which is why I recommend this Joel - mas duro que el acero by Con Murphy » Fri Feb 10, 2006 9:29 am http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/musi ... 344367.ece The political fusion music springing from Spain By Elizabeth Nash Back in 1979, prompted by the death of the dictator Franco, Spain's youngsters dropped flamenco and syncopated clapping in the streets, to embrace the hedonism of la movida. They craved punk, anarchism and sexual excess: the things they'd never had. Today, the streets of Madrid and Barcelona echo once more to those broken rhythms. From the urban mixed-race neighbourhoods has sprung a colony of young musicians with a distinctive voice. They've taken Spain's ancient Gypsy and Moorish traditions and reworked them with a joyful vibrancy. Amparanoia and Ojos de Brujo head a movement that has transformed Spanish popular music. Ojos de Brujo (Sorcerer's Eyes), are an eight-strong group fronted by the pipe-smoking Gypsy Marina las Canillas. This lively collective spikes flamenco with rap, hip-hop, reggae, African and Caribbean rhythms driven by strumming guitars and electronic technology imported from New York dance-halls. Fusion seems a limp description for this extravagant mix. Ojos de Brujo emerged from a group of buskers living in a squat in Barcelona's Raval district, the red-light quarter. Like the young Turks 25 years ago, today's mestizo (mongrel) bands defiantly reflect the explosive social transformations rippling through Spain. Ojos de Brujo rail against war, global poverty, slums and racism, and champion the cause of squatters, outcasts and losers. But only now, as Ojos' reputation sweeps south of the Pyrenees, is mass acclaim building at home. This is Spain's first pop music not to ape European styles. It looks to Africa and the Maghreb, and to Latin America, mirroring social trends. Spain's metropolitan society has within a decade become a mosaic of colours, languages and cultures to match London, Paris or Lisbon. Groups such as Amparanoia and Ojos de Brujo stake no claim to pure flamenco. "Flamenco is a serious business. We are not flamencos, there are plenty of others doing a good job at that," says Ojos' Ramon Gimenez, 36, a Gypsy and flamenco guitarist. But traditional music in its pure form doesn't connect with young people, they reckon. So they rip old forms from their moorings, reconstruct them with new instruments and crash them together with the street language of today's urban young. "This is the point of their music," says Fernando Neira, critic for the daily El Pais. "They've decontextualised flamenco from any trace of authenticity, to create something new. Their music is intensely rhythmic and hedonistic." Madrid's socially disadvantaged immigrant quarter, Lavapies, inspires Amparanoia. Backed by a Cuban percussionist and Mexican trumpeter, spike-haired Amparo Sanchez, 36, the charismatic leader of her troupe, belts out her songs with a panache that won the group the BBC's World Music Award for best European Act in 2005. Steeped in the flamenco of her Andalusian homeland, Sanchez claims she was inspired as a teenager by American blues and soul: Billie Holliday, Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin. Amparanoia's 2004 UK debut album was called Rebeldia con Alegria (rebellion with joy) which sums up the genre. Her life-affirming La Vida te da appears shortly. A mother at 17, Sanchez came to Madrid 10 years ago with her son and settled in Lavapies. There she absorbed the blistering rhythms of her multi-ethnic neighbours, and became friends with the Paris-born Spaniard Manu Chao, godfather of Spain's Afro-Latin fusion scene. "Manu Chao taught me it was OK to take interesting bits from different kinds of music and put them together," Sanchez says. A spell in Mexico with the Zapatistas in 2000 stiffened her rhythm section and her commitment to fight injustice and war "through words, not violence". Her music draws upon flamenco, reggae and African, Cuban, even Balkan rhythms. But fans rate her equally for her campaigns against globalisation and for women's rights, and she's much in demand for benefit concerts for left-wing causes. A subculture of squatters and alternative politics has produced confident professionals with all their blazing spontaneity intact. And close behind, an army of like-minded performers advance from the slums and industrial suburbs to record slick, sparkling tracks on multi-CD sets such as Barcelona Raval Sessions Volume 2. Spain today is a crossing point for peoples who may have risked their lives for a foothold in Europe.Spain's avant-garde artists give voice to this historic moment. Elizabeth Nash's 'Seville, Cordoba and Granada: a Cultural and Literary History' is published by Signal I have to say I find 'Sorceror's Eyes' a much more evocative translation than 'Eyes of the Wizard'. by Chris Walsh » Fri Feb 10, 2006 2:16 pm Unfortunately - I do have several opinions about the whole Amparanoia v Ojos debate - however, I'll have to sit this debate out because I'm too closely involved in one of the releases, and I could end up hanging myself with words! Location: Harpenden, Herts spanish bands by garth cartwright » Mon Mar 20, 2006 8:58 pm This is an odd posting for many reasons: first up, i don't much rate either band. If i had to choose one I'd say Amparanoia as they're less cluttered, less obsessed with being 'cutting edge hip', more melodic. But even then i think they're pretty average. Pleasant ya know but not great. Anyway, the odd reason for writing this involves a feature i wrote for fR several years ago about the burgeoning Barcelona scene - i was spending a lot of time in Barcelona and having intvd Manu Chao (King of Barcelona) and heard about all the underground musical energy in that city I'd gone and found a few cds, interviewed various people, one of whom was Daniel Mono Loco who fronted a band called I think Macaco ( i had a look for the CD and can't find it) as well as then being lead singer for Ojos De Brujo. Macaco were very similar in sound to Manu Chao - a factor that initially suggested they would score great success, instead they appear to have stalled. Anyway, Dani gave me the first Ojos De Brujo CD where he sang lead - it was a rougher effort than we have come to know from them but in some ways is their best: their more polished efforts demonstrate a serious lack of songwriting ability and as someone who listens to a lot of flamenco and hip-hop i find they play the former very badly whilst their attempts to mix hip-hop beats are abysmal. Yes, they are like the Clash - the Clash of Sandinista who had become a bunch of jaded dilettantes trying to play every musical style going and doing none particularly well. The new album hasn't done anything to change that view - they're yet to write A White Man In Hammersmith Palais and their female singer lacks much of a voice. Amparanoia are less annoying but share with Ojos a tendency to resemble certain UK festival bands - Transglobal Underground, Loop Guru, Zion Train - in their rush to blend dub beats with a bit of Arabic or whatever else was on hand to sample. Amparanoia are better than the UK bands simply cos they're less hung up on forcing electronic beats on tunes that don't necessarily sustain them. Also, they have a way with a melody that can be very pleasant. But they are still all over the place and the songs are rarely memorable. Ojos are just annoying - too selfconsciously hip to write simple, good songs. they remind me of the kind of fusion bands The Face used to champion - remember how one member always had dreads, another had lived in Brooklyn and known Kool Herc, another grew up on Ibiza etc etc What makes Manu Chao stand so head n shoulders above everyone else mentioned is his songwriting skill and the lack of clutter on his recordings - admittedly this took him a while: listening to Mano Negra one hears a wannabe Clash that rarely achieved what they aimed for. So maybe there's hope for Amparanoia and Ojos De Brujo yet. garth cartwright by howard male » Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:42 am Your solid chunks of rant always make me smile, Garth. I actually appreciate most of what you say about both bands. The albums of Amparanoia have an instant appeal but then that appeal dims quite quickly - I think they need to find a more left-field producer to screw up their sound a bit. And Ojos just clutter things up too much, all hammering away on the same beat including the vocalist - though I'm sure I'll see the point of them more when I see them live. Yes, whatever happened to Macaco? Well, Dani pops up as a guest vocalist on the new Amparanoia, and I did manage to get hold of two of their albums both of which I liked very much at the time, but haven't played in ages. Do They Mean Us...? by Con Murphy » Thu Apr 06, 2006 1:14 pm http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jh ... mbar06.xml A new compilation has showcased the strength in depth of the city's musical scene. Peter Culshaw reports "Barcelona has always had a reputation for independence, for radicalism; and it's a port, like Liverpool, which creates a fascinating cultural blend, and the music reflects that." The speaker is Xavi, of Ojos de Brujo ("Sorcerer's Eyes"), just one of the bands from BarÃ§a finding an international audience for their alchemical mix of styles, from flamenco to pop via hip hop. Charlie Gillett, the leading world-music DJ, concurs. "Right now," he has observed, "you can feel in Barcelona some kind of sense of musical community that only happens in very special historical moments." He was discussing a compilation, The Barcelona Raval Sessions, which revealed the strength in depth of the city's musical scene, and of the sound variously dubbed "El Sonida del Puerto" ("The sound of the port") and the rather less geographical "Barcelona Bastardo". Another artist from Barcelona making big waves outside Spain is Amparo Sanchez, whose band Amparanoia share Ojos de Brujo's love of adventurous musical mixage, their alternative, backpacker aesthetic and their taste for political songs about the dispossessed. Both have new albums out, and are appearing in London as part of the La Linea festival of Latin music - indeed, Amparanoia have already played here. On Gillett's website, www.soundoftheworld.com, there are impassioned interventions from fans of each band, and talk of this as world music's equivalent of the infamous Britpop Blur vs Oasis feud.If there is rivalry between the bands, it is partly about which is the most radical. As Xavi says, "With Amparo, she is a leader and everyone works for her. But we are a collective - we split the money and everybody contributes equally to the music." Sounds good in theory, but don't they argue all the time? "Not as much as you would think. But things take longerâ€¦" Both Sanchez and Xavi are keen to convey that one of the big attractions of the Barcelona scene is the "musical feedback" the city enjoys with Cuba. There are numerous Cuban musicians in the city, most notably Anga Diaz, whose album Echu Mingua last year represented a fascinating mix of salsa, jazz, beats, scratching and samples of vintage Cuban vinyl. Diaz is a bridge between the old-style traditionalists and the modern sound of Cuban rappers like X Alfonso. Indeed, both are also appearing at La Linea. I caught Diaz playing in a small BarÃ§a jazz club, with Cuban bassist Cachaito Lopez and flamenco pianist Chano Domingues. The trio had never played before, apart from a two-hour rehearsal, but their spontaneity and musicality was breathtaking. For Diaz, what is happening in the city is just the start. "It's the beginning of a strong new music and new fusions. As long as the spirit is there, you can play with any type of musician and let the music take you to a higher level." Ojos de Brujo and Anga Diaz play the La Linea Festival at the Barbican, London EC2, on Mon and April 15 respectively. Details: www.comono.co.uk by howard male » Thu Apr 06, 2006 1:50 pm Well, Amparanoia laid down the gauntlet last Saturday at the Coronet, and a fine performance they gave too. Though the hour-long wait outside in the cold didn't put Marcia and I in the best of moods to appreciate them. That place really needs to get it's door policy sorted out. We were told, as collectiors of tickets, to stand in one long queue. Then just as we were feet from getting into the building, we were told to move to (the back!) of another long queue. Return to Howard's World Views Jump to: Select a forum ------------------ Radio - Playlists & Reactions BBC World Service - World of Music BBC Radio 3 - World on 3 Links to other Radio and Websites, Downloading, Streaming, etc YouTube Recommendations MySpace Discoveries & Facebook Profiles Spotify The Music Room Sound of the World Forum Gigs, Festivals, Club nights - news & reviews New releases - CD, DVD Looking for an Echo Singing in English Best of Everything and Anything Charlie's Compilation CDs It's All About The Music (Ask Adam) Obituaries & Birthdays Everything Else Books Films TV Art, Theatre..... Economics, Politics & anything else you can think of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum This Sporting Life Offshore Accounts (inc Travel) Gordon Stands Up at Last Website Procedures and Archive Spam Reports Forum Decorum Archive of Discussion Topics BBC London - Saturday Night (and Sunday morning) Radio 2: Without Frontiers Membership Registration & Questions about This Website Howard's World Views © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6892
__label__wiki	0.849465	0.849465	(site search) Welcome Guest! Jan 19, 2020 - 12:56 AM Homepage \| Downloads \| FAQ \| Forums \| Gallery \| WebLinks There are 64 unlogged users and 0 registered users online. You can log-in or register for a user account here. Tom Waits, Beirut, Broken Social Scene, and a Tiny Kitty Thursday, August 10, 2006 - 08:00 AM Posted by: kbade TOM WAITS almost certainly doesn't care what I thought of last night''s show at Chicago's Auditorium Theater. After all, Waits is considered by some to be one of the world's greatest living songwriters, melding rock, jazz noir, swampy blues and clanking vaudeville music into his unmistakeable sound. Someone who has a virtual second career suing companies that try to rip off his songs and sound for commercials. A guy working overtime to stop ticket scalpers and counterfeiters from charging Stones and McCartney-level prices on eBay for tickets for this tiny tour to promote Orphans, a collection of "orphan" Waits songs not due until November. A man who discovered the wheel and built the Eiffel Tower out of metal and brawn. But fwiw, I thought the show very cool indeed. Very simply staged and lit, because Tom Waits and his music have all the theatrics you need for an evening. Let's go to the audio-video. You can watch Waits talk to David Letterman about homework and an artistic horse before playing "Make It Rain," the number Waits opened with last night (and a scorcher of a version at that). Other highlights of the first part of the set included "God's Away on Business" and "All The World Is Green," which some YouTuber inexplicably used for a LotR fan video. After a while, the band (except stand-up bassist Larry Taylor) left and a piano was rolled centerstage, where Tom recalled living near Belmont and Sheffield (expressing dismay that it's a nicer neighborhood now) before playing "Tango Til They're Sore." He then told a variation on the joke at the start of this clip of "Johnsburg, Illinois" before playing "Tom Traubert's Blues" (you can also see bootleg video of his Aug 5th rendition in Nashville). When the rest of the band returned (including Tom's son Casey on drums), the set tended to favor some of the weirder Waits (as if regular Waits isn't), including the announcement that it was "storytime" before Waits launched into the funny paranoia of "What's He Building?" The latter part of the regular set tended to favor his bluesier side, with mid-tempo numbers like "Whistlin' Past The Graveyard." The end of the set and encore included "Murder in the Red Barn" and "The Day After Tomorrow' -- the latter being a shoo-in geographically and topically. A second encore included "Singapore" (iirc) -- and this bootleg video from Memphis shows how Waits and the band would dramatically take the stage from behind curtains. The finale of the evening was "Time," which happens to be a favorite Waits track of mine. A wonderful evening, but if you want even more Waits there's plenty to stream via the Hype Machine -- if you select one of the players at the top of the HM page, it's like a Waits jukebox! THE CANDY BARS and THEATER FIRE, two bands that would sound at home on the Garden State soundtrack, are the focus of an audio feature from NPR's All Things Considered. THE SHINS: Speaking of the Garden State soundtrack, The Shins have pushed the release of their next disc to 2007. The band has ditched UK festival dates to keep recording. BEIRUT frontman Zach Condon talks to New York Magazine about working to live up to the band's early buzz and live down its suddenly topical name. The writer describes Beirut’s songs as "like the lush score to a movie about Gypsies and bohemians." You can hear them yourself via the Hype Machine. PATE BASSIST MIKE KELLY recently reminded me that in the bizarre world of eBay, Pate is considered a hip-hop dance band. BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE: Stereogum has great set of photos taken backstage at Lollapalooza with the Canadian collective and a minute of "7/4 Shoreline" taken from the press pit. You can see the whole song also, albeit from further back in the crowd. The happy medium of sound quality to distance may be this clip of "Stars and Sons," but the ladies of BSS only make a cameo on this number, during the audience participation segment. Of course, for even better sound quality, there's plenty more BSS streaming via the Hype Machine. MALAJUBE, a band with a sound music blogger Kayhryn Yu rightly compares to "The Flaming Lips or the Super Furry Animals, with a touch of The Beatles at times," makes NPR's Song of the Day with "Montreal -40C." If only the band wan't French. MUSIC RECOMMENDATION SERVICES: Pate fan Denise Fryzek recently e-mailed me to gush about the music-recommendation-service-Internet-radio-station Pandora. I haven't blurbed the topic recently, so it's worth revisiting for our many new visitors. Pandora streams and recommends music to listeners based on its Music Genome Project, which involves a team of musicians analyzing a song's inherent qualities -- melody, harmony, rhythm, instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, etc. -- as the basis of its recommendations. In contrast, competing services, such as Last.fm, use profiles generated by its users to make recommendations. For example, folks who like the Jesus & Mary Chain and Echo & the Bunnymen also tend to like the Velvet Underground. These services are based on a business model of exploiting what Chris Anderson has famously called the "Long Tail." Anderson argues that products that are in low demand or have low sales volume can collectively make up a market share that rivals or exceeds the relatively few current bestsellers and blockbusters, if the store or distribution channel is large enough, a la Amazon or Netflix. Anderson recently wrote about "The Rise and Fall of the Hit" in Wired magazine. Lee Gomes was skeptical of the "Long Tail" in a review of Anderson's book on the theory; Anderson responded on his blog; Nick Carr reprinted a reply from Gomes. THE HIT FACTORY, home to recording sessions by John Lennon, Stevie Wonder, Madonna and U2, is going condo. PETE DOHERTY UPDATE: The troubled singer, recently seen again with supposedly sober supermodel Kate Moss, has done a painting in blood of himself a mystery naked woman. He has also been working on an anti-drug anthem with The Streets' Mike Skinner. MAD MEL UPDATE: Apparently, the National Enquirer is prepping a story alleging that Mel Gibson has "indulged in years of cocaine and booze binges and torrid extramarital affairs." Meanwhile, Disney is shopping Gibson's upcoming Apocalypto to other potential distributors. TOM-KAT UPDATE: Sources tell Page Six that Vanity Fair has landed the first photos of the Tom-Kitten -- taken by Annie Leibovitz and scheduled for publication this Fall. JESSICA SIMPSON: The pneumatic blonde's creepy dad-manager, who reportedly told stories at an MTV meeting of helping her to fit for her first bra, is apparently close to getting the axe from both Jessica and sister Ashlee. Meanwhile, her post-divorce affairs seem to be fizzling (2nd item). BRITNEY SPEARS looks much better heavily airbrushed. Teddy & Moo have the before-and-after shots. ROBIN WILLIAMS has been admitted into rehab for alcohol abuse. He must have taken the flop of The Night Listener pretty hard. VAUGHNISTON: US Weekly has Vaughn proposing to Aniston. Jen's rep denies it. Meanwhile, Britain's Star magazine has Aniston heartbroken that Vaughn has distanced himself and refuses to discuss marriage. BRADGELINA: The ever-reliable Star magazine claims that Jolie has moved out, taking the kids with her, while US Weekly has Jolie still moved in. POPE BENEDICT XVI wants to wear my red shoes. BILL CLINTON is turning 60 on Aug. 17, but the birthday celebrations will continue for months, culminating with a private Rolling Stones concert at the Beacon Theatre on Oct. 29. Political observers point out that the New York festivities are well-timed to coincide with the 59th birthday Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, which is Oct. 26 -- just a week before Election Day. Of course, it will only be well-timed if Bill can keep his hands to himself. Or, more accurately, if he can keep those stories out of the media. ANGIE HARMON regularly tantalizes her husband, former NY Giant Jason Sehorn, by donning sexy schoolgirl and French maid costumes. Excuse me; I'll be back in a moment. KEVIN SMITH: You don't have to be a fan of Clerks or even Chasing Amy to enjoy the writer-director's story of working on a script for Superman Lives that demonstrates just how messed-up folks are in Tinseltown. You do, however, have to tolerate a Deadwood-level of profanity. IRAQ: US troops arrested four Iraqi men in the kidnapping of American journalist Jill Carroll, who was freed in March. Maj. Gen. Bill McCoy, who commands the Corps of Engineers in Iraq, responds to a WaPo story on reconstruction, but it appears that the paper can't be bothered to print it. MIDEAST CONFLICT and the MEDIA: The Washington Post, The New York Times and USA Today finally noticed that bloggers are uncovering fraud and Hezbollah propaganda in the output of Reuters and other news outlets. The NYT tries to defend itself by noting it corrected its caption of the phony corpse in Tyre, though this correction went unnoticed by the paper's web edition (which tells you how many people ever see a newspaper's corrections). Meanwhile, the Israeli press is surveying still more photos coming out of Lebanon being challenged by bloggers. IS HEED THE WORLD'S SMALLEST CAT? The Guinness Book of Records thinks he's on track to beat the current record holder, Mr. Peebles from Illinois... BEAR WRASSLIN': In hindsight, Jeff Morris concedes it was "the absolute epic moment of stupidity in my life." A SIX-FOOT SWORDFISH was caught less than a mile off the coast of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland --two or three thousand miles away from its natural habitat in the Mediterranean. PET HOARDING: This time, it's 300 pit bull terriers from a suspected dogfighting ring found at a Liberty County, TX residence where a man bled to death after being shot in the leg last week. A JUMPING STRUGEON knocked a 23-year-old man on a personal watercraft unconscious, way down upon the Suwannee River. You're gonna need a bigger boat. P.F. Sloan, R.E.M., Arthur Lee, The Wrens, and Penguins on the Highway Wednesday, August 09, 2006 - 08:00 AM P.F. SLOAN, who wrote hits like "Secret Agent Man," "You Baby" -- and who can forget Barry McGuire's immortal "Eve of Destruction?" -- as well as playing on 60s hits like "Let’s Live For Today" and "California Dreamin'," is working on on album of old and new songs with help from Lucinda Williams, Frank Black, The Rascals' Felix Cavaliere and Buddy Miller. LOLLAPALOOZA REMAINDERS: Pitchfork deigned to cover the rival fest in a piece that, contrary to almost every other review, rips the Flaming Lips' set. At Chromewaves, Frank posted a four-part round-up chock full of links to pics, MP3s and videos from the bands that palyed the fest. At Stereogum, amrit posted a bunch of nifty stage and backstage shots, including Patti Smith making a last-minute appearance at the Kids stage. R.E.M.: rbally has a two-part posting of a bootleg of a gig at the UK's National Bowl in 1995. You can stream it from the Hype Machine without killing music. U2 has reportedly transferred some of its publishing company to Holland to avoid taxes. Meanwhile, Bono's Elevation Partners just bought a significant minority stake in Forbes Media. ARTHUR LEE: More remembrances of the late Love frontman. The first is in print from The Doors' John Densmore. The second is an excellent audio piece on Lee and Love from rock historian Ed Ward at NPR. BONUS: If you're willing to download a small plug-in and reboot your computer, you can stream Love's classic Forever Changes album from Rhapsody for free. THE WRENS: I told Ken at the Pitchfork Fest that The Wrens were among the bands I saw at the 2005 fest that I would eagerly see again. At *Sixeyes, alan streams a few and updates us on Kathryn Yu's documentary on the band, which has been on a long and winding road, yet persevering. The video above is "Faster Gun" from The Meadowlands. IRON MAIDEN singer Bruce Dickinson airlifted 200 British citizens who fled war-torn Beirut from Cyprus to the UK. BOB DYLAN: This folk-rock singer-songwriter from Minnesota almost seems a bit old to be launching a MySpace page, but his songs are kinda catchy. I recommend him. THE DIXIE CHICKS have canceled 14 shows and pushed back others on their current tour. The group says it has replaced them with other dates. Opening for Puppet Show? PETE DOHERTY-KATE MOSS UPDATE: The troubled singer and the supposedly sober supermodel were caught getting cozy at the low-key Rhythm Festival in Clapham on Sunday, hobnobbing backstage with Jerry Lee Lewis and Shane McGowan. MAD MEL UPDATE: Ralph Shapiro, the Deputy in Charge at the Malibu branch of the D.A.'s office, has been taken off the Mel Gibson case, while the L.A. County Sheriff's Department officially rejected TMZ's request for the video and audio tapes of Gibson's arrest. The actor's fall makes Malibu neighbors feel comfy dishing on Mel's kids. And Oasys Mobile has created a "Mel in Malibu" ringtone with a professional actor impersonating Gibson’s infamous tirade. JACKO claims that a conspiracy by former attorneys, associates and advisers forced him into financial ruin. But the Mel Gibson story precludes him from being more specific. CHRISTIE BRINKLEY BREAK-UPDATE: The cover girl queen has taken a preliminary step in divorcing her philandering hubby, but may be wavering on going through with a permanent split. Peter Cook reportedly agreed in their prenup that she's entitled to keep the lioness' share of their marital assets, so perhaps he really seemed genuinely mournful at their recent confrontation in the Hamptons. WORLD TRADE CENTER opens today to largely favorable reviews, but I won't be seeing it today, due to a prior engagement with Mr. Tom Waits. If you're still on the fence about seeing it, Coming Soon has posted eight clips in multiple formats. Director Oliver Stone takes praise fom his usual conservative critics in stride: "Listen, anybody -- right, left, Martian, any gender, any race, anywhere -- who loves the movie is a person I love." And with Stone, you know he means it -- especially the bit about the Martians. Stone also offered his opinion that "Nine-eleven was used politically to enhance American isolationism," which I suspect will come as some surprise to Afghanis and Iraqis. THE McCARTNEYS: Sir Paul's security staff called the cops when one of his estranged wife's guards climbed a wall to let her in to Sir Paul's estate, after realizing the locks at the home had been changed. A rep for Heather Mills gets the pathetic spin award: "She said it was hilarious. It was just a complete mix-up." DAVE NAVARRO and CARMEN ELECTRA BREAK-UPDATE: Perez Hilton gets confirmation from Navarro that the guitarist is seeing porn superstarlet Jenna Jameson, who appears to be splitting from husband Jay Grdina. BTW, appropos of nothing, Jameson's MySpace page streams Fleetwood Mac's "Gypsy." TOM-KAT UPDATE: Cruise and Holmes will reportedly be making a decision to release photographs of the Tom-Kitten "shortly." I put that in quotes because I don't wan't Cruise to think I'm making fun of his height. SCIENTOLOGISTS had to rock-a rock-a rock-a nonstop tonight -- uh-huh! -- down at the Celebrity Centre. Video at the link, in which we learn that John Travolta is "everywoman." I thought L. Ron was not down with that. LINDSAY LOHAN says she wants to entertain the troops in Iraq, but mistakenly thinks that singing is the way for her to do that. I'm pretty sure that the Supreme Court now puts that under Article Three of the Geneva Conventions. THE SOPRANOS will have a new recurring celebrity role in the final episodes starting next March. MORE FUNNY PHOTOS FROM THE MIDEAST: The AP claims the above photo shows Lebanese army soldiers inspecting "a damaged vehicle that was struck by Israeli ware (sic) plane missiles." Yet the windshield magically survived without even a crack! Also, it looks like the folks in Tyre are big fans of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, especially the scene where Eric Idle tries to rid himself of someone who is not quite dead. The AP ran a photo of the dead in Tyre, missing the guy getting up at the end. There's a different phony dead guy in these NYT photos from Tyre, too. And US News and World Report seems to have put a staged photo of a jihadi at a trash dump right on its cover. Hooray for Hezbollywood! MIDEAST CONFLICT in the MEDIA II: Yesterday, I noted that Washington Post writer Tom Ricks went on CNN and casually accused Israel of allowing Hezbollah to retain some of its firepower so they can continue to have a sort of moral equivalency in their operations in Lebanon. Now he seems to say this was a hypothetical suggested by retired US military officers, yet still claims what he said on CNN was accurate. None of the conclusions to be drawn from the apparent contradiction are favorable to Ricks. I also note that Ricks got away with this on a CNN show hosted by Howard Kurtz, who -- like Ricks -- also works for the WaPo. IRAQ: The cellphone business is booming. OTOH, so is the suitcase business. While sectarian violence continues to flare in Baghdad, an Iraqi Army division took control of a section of the country that includes the cities of Tikrit and Kirkuk, marking the halfway point in transitioning from US control. Iraqi forces are also assuming responsibility for the training of their country’s soldiers. The New York Times notices the heroism of Capt. Brian Chontosh, who was awarded the Navy Cross, the second-highest award given to Marines -- in an op-ed by an author, as the paper never bothered to report on Chontosh. ...AND THERE WERE PENGUINS ALL OVER THE HIGHWAY: Twenty-one penguins from Indianapolis were rescued on a hot east Texas highway Tuesday after a truck carrying the wildlife to a temporary home south of Houston overturned. Four penguins and some exotic fish were killed in the accident, but an octopus was unhurt. Dramatic penguin pics and video at WTHR. AN OTTER WAS PUNCHED IN THE FACE by a West Boca, FL woman after the otter grabbed her Labrador retriever and began to pull it into the water in the Tampa Bay area community. And in my head, Ron Burgundy is reading that. TURTLE on FIRE: Cruel teenage morons are busted for lighting a turtle on fire and dancing around it, after the video they made of the ritual and posted on the Internet was e-mailed to local police. PANDAPOLOOZA: A giant panda in China has given birth to the heaviest cub born in captivity after the longest period in labor; elsewhere in China, twin pandas each gave birth to twins. TIGERPALOOZA: Endangered Siberian tigers get a new lease on life. Meanwhile, in NYC, a tiger owner who sued New York city and police for searching his apartment without a warrant to confiscate his pet 450-pound Siberian tiger are tantamount to "chutzpah," a federal judge said in a ruling dismissing the case. Videopalooza, New Releases, The Essex Green, and hungry Armadillos Tuesday, August 08, 2006 - 08:00 AM VIDEOPALOOZA: Clips from last weekend's fest surface on YouTube, including some shot from backstage. For example, you can see Gnarls Barkley take the stage to "We Are The Champions" and play "Crazy" in their tennis gear from backstage as well as the backstage view of The Raconteurs covering "Crazy." There's also a backstage clip of The Go! Team playing "We Won't Be Defeated." If you prefer the view from the mosh pit, you can check out Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenia" and The Flaming Lips playing "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots." Indeed, from the Lips' set you can also see short clips of the balloon drop and Wayne surfing the crowd in the Space Bubble. There's also Sleater-Kinney playing "Entertain" at one of their last shows ever. NEW RELEASES: Another slow week in the dog days of summer. The soundtrack to Zach Braff's The Last Kiss is streaming from AOL Music. The Sadies do their Americana thing In Concert. Comets on Fire roll out heavy psychedelia somewhere between the Allmans and Bule Oyster Cult. And Fiery Furnace Matthew Friedberger releases a schizophrenic solo album -- half summer pop, half concept album about a religious school. SOUL ASYLUM frontman Dave Pirner talks to PopMatters about coming full circle geographically and musically. You can stream the band's set at the World Cafe from NPR. CANADIAN AMERICANA is big in Europe. And now Disney's "It's A Small World" song is stuck in my head. CHUCK KLOSTERMAN, an author and columnist for Esquire who has written for GQ, SPIN, The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post, The Believer, and ESPN, lists "Music You Should Hear" for Amazon. You will want to read his explanation of why Boston's debut makes his list. THE DITTY BOPS: Amanda and Abby (left) are touring their new album by bicycle -- and blogging it, with plenty of pics and embedded YouTube videos. That's the famous World's Largest Ball of Twine in the picture above. You can stream their nifty Americana from MySpace. PLATONISM IN POP: London's Telegraph uses Pop Idol (the UK model for American Idol) as a springboard to argue that creativity is overrated in art and what is wrong about their educational system. THE ESSEX GREEN: NPR calls the band "classic without sounding retro," though I would add Americana to the list of sounds mixed into the band's tuneful sonic stew. You can stream a set with an interview from the World Cafe. CAPTAIN BEEFHEART: XTC popmeister Andy Partridge makes unlikely cameos in this Guardian article, in which the writer details his journey into the avant-garde musical world of Don Van Vliet. YOUR GUIDE TO GOTH MUSIC, courtesy of Stylus. LOVE STINKS: The New York Sun has a piece on Ruined Music, a site featuring essays about music destroyed by bad memories. Sadly, I cannot hook you up with a copy of Ben Folds' "Song For The Dumped." MAD MEL UPDATE: VH1's Best Week Ever has a must-see remix of Gibson's Signs trailer, with an ending more shocking than the original. Meanwhile, Will Farrell blames the Amish for causing most of the wars in the world today. THE McCARTNEYS: Sir Paul is making late night visits and calls to friends of his estranged wife Heather Mills to convince them he's not such a bad guy. A lengthy piece in the Daily Mail reports that McCartney has frozen their joint bank account after allegedly discovering that she withdrew around £1million in one month. He also changed the locks on their London home. Read the whole thing. TOM-KAT UPDATE: Paramount is not backing any more Cruise movies until he faces a "financial adjustment and reality check." "Right now," said an insider close to the negotiations, "he is simply too expensive to employ." BRADGELINA: Pitt publicly extols the joys of fatherhood, but some are raising questions about his back-to-back filming schedule while Jolie is home with the three kids. JUDE LAW and SIENNA MILLER have reportedly split for good, because she can't get over his affair with his children's nanny, according to a friend of the actress. GWYNETH PALTROW is thinking of having plastic surgery to repair the lumps and bumps of her post-baby figure. In the meantime, she's got a gig filming a commercial for Korean clothing line Bean Pole. JESSICA SIMPSON claims that her new album is not about her failed marriage to Nick Lachey. The fact that the video for the single, "A Public Affair," features her stealing a Lachey lookalike from Maria Menunous -- who was Entertainment Tonight's Latina infobabe before current Lachey girlfriend Vanessa Minnillo -- is purely coincidental. DAKOTA FANNING: Investors have pulled cash out of the controversial movie Hounddog, perhaps realizing that there isn't a big market for showing a 12-year-old girl getting raped, and that pedophiles are not a great target audience. JENNA JAMESON: The porn superstar's husband has been accused of assaulting a topless dancer performing in Jameson's Arizona club. I'm sure this rumor is totally unrelated to the rumor noted here yesterday about Jameson taking up with rock star Dave Navarro. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER is getting support for re-election as Gov. of CA from Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Jerry Zucker, again splitting the typically reliable liberal Hollywood community. DIE HARD: The music video. For those unfamiliar with the trilogy, I should note there are spoilers and the bridge is probably NSFW. IRAQ: At ITM, Mohammed writes about the was panic -- both from facts and rumor -- affects his neighborhood in Baghdad, which is among the most violent. Iraqi PM al-Maliki criticized a pre-dawn air and ground attack on a stronghold of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and his Mahdi Army militia. Which makes sense if you know that al-Maliki relies heavily on al-Sadr for political support. At least the AP's Antonio Castaneda is on the scene to report that it's really hot in Iraq in the summer. And the L.A. Times can report on the clever insurgents in Ramadi, while ignoring the partial success the Coalition is having there. Apparently, it's news to the media that the parties to a conflict will change their tactics to adapt to their opponent's tactics, and so on. MIDEAST CONFLICT and the MEDIA: Reuters withdrew all 920 photographs by a freelance Lebanese photog from its database on Monday after concluding that not only did he manipulate a photo of the aftermath of an Israeli air strike on suburban Beirut, but he also doctored a photo of an Israeli F-16 fighter to increase the number of flares dropped by the plane from one to three. Reuters fails to tell its readers that it originally called these flares "missiles." As Reuters continues to have to 'fess up on these photos, it will want to take a look at Hajj's bridge photos -- and what a former New York Times photog syas about them. It will also want to take a look at these photos of the same building supposedly destroyed twice, weeks apart, with a cameo from the women noted here yesterday. MIDEAST CONFLICT and the MEDIA II: Reuters is merely the most glaring example of the media's coverage of this story. There was yesterday's uncritical relaying of casualty estimates that got revised down from 40 to 1 (and earlier from 56 to 28 in Qana). There is Washington Post writter Tom Ricks going on CNN and casually accusing Israel of allowing Hezbollah to retain some of it's firepower so they can continue to have a sort of moral equivalency in their operations in Lebanon, along with the unsupported trope that "there's some belief from our reporters that they have occasionally targeted the media." Good luck finding his stories on those topics in the paper, where he might actually have to have proper sourcing. At Protein Wisdom, Jeff Goldstein deconstructs a CNN story that is sadly all too typical of the coverage of this conflict. But don't take my word for it -- just read the photo captions of the major wire services and note the percentage of times a strike in Lebanon is identified as coming from Israel, "Israeli bombardment," etc. versus the percentage of times Israelis are identified as being hit by "rockets" or "rocket attacks" that do not expressly identify the attacks as an attack by Hezbollah or Hamas. Many times the captions do not even mention Hezbollah. ARMADILLOS are feating on tasty red fire ants near Nashville, but they may want to look both ways before crossing. POSSUM FEST! It's apparently the hot spot for vote-seeking Florida politicos. I guess it's a welcome break from the rubber chicken circuit. THE NIGERIAN PUPPY SCAM: It's like all of the past Nigerian scams, but with non-existent puppies. A DOG IN THE FRIDGE: People moving out of an apartment really need to check that before they leave. TRUMPETER SWANS nest in Illinois for the first time since 1847. Columnated ruins domino. Lollapalooza, The Black Keys, Death From Above 1979, and horny Manatees Monday, August 07, 2006 - 08:00 AM NOW that you mention it, I am ready for some football... YEP, it's that time of the week again. BONUS: A bit of "Nowhere Man." ARTHUR LEE of Love passed away, as I noted (with audio and video links)on Friday; ChartAttack lists 12 reasons why he was cool. LOLLAPALOOZA: Jon Pareles sorta blogged the fest for The New York Times, with some interesting stuff on corporate sponsorship and Perry Farrell's influence in selecting the bands. Scott from Stereogum attended and posted pics of the Raconteurs, My Morning Jacket, Ryan Adams, MTV babes and more, along with video of The Raconteurs, The Flaming Lips and Kanye West. You may also want to check out DaveMN's flickr set for Flaming Lips photos -- in addition to the bubble, the confetti and the balloons, it looks like the band staged a version of Santa Claus vs. The Martians, with guest appearances from Superman, Wonder Woman and Captain America. Chicagoist has more photo sets. SLEATER-KINNEY played one of its last shows at Lollapallooza. Slate has posted a feature on the riot grrrl band. You can stream last week's DC gig from NPR. GNARLS BARKLEY played Chicago's House of Blues before Lollapalooza. Stereogum reports that the band covered "There Is An End" by The Greenehornes with Holly Golightly," which is a nifty recognition that two of The Greenehornes are in The Raconteurs, who have been covering Gnarls' "Crazy" on tour. NEW PIXIES TRACKS? Contrary to prior reports, maybe so. TEGAN AND SARA cavort with animated chimps in "Monday, Monday, Monday." Which is one more Monday than the Mamas and Papas could handle. THE KISS ARMY stormed Cleveland Saturday to demand that the band be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The foundation that selects inductees is based in New York City, not at the museum. SONGS BY BLACK PEOPLE SUNG BY WHITE PEOPLE are streaming at Parking Lot Cities. None of them are by Pat Boone. JOHHNY MARR has joined Modest Mouse. The former Smiths axeman already had been collaborating with MM frontman Issac Brock. THE BLACK KEYS have unleashed four new songs, ranging from their usual gritty blues-rock to trippier, Hendrix-ispired stuff, in advance of their new album in September. Pitchfork hooks you up with streams and downloads. DEATH FROM ABOVE 1979 is dead, having achieved the level of commercial success the duo had sounht when they started as "a punk band with pop pretentions." You can stream some from the Hype Machine. Among the mouners will be the critically acclaimed Cansei De Ser Sexy, the fizzy Brazilian pop group that led with "Let's Make Love and Listen Death from Above" (though I preferred other CSS tracks). THE ROLLING STONES are charging the members of opening act Kasabian £150 each if they want to watch the Stones with the fans. Though Kasabian singer Tom Meighan thinks it's "probably Americans who are running it, not Jagger," it sounds exactly like an idea hatched by London School of Economics grad. MAD MEL UPDATE: So how is Mel Gibson's rehab going? Pretty well, if we're discussing his career rehab program. Some of Gibson's Hollywood pals -- including Jodie Foster and Patrick Swayze -- defend him against charges of anti-Semitism. It turns out that the married Mel is not above hitting on the occasional Jewish model, either. Two more prominent American Jewish groups are offering to help Gibson, while the Jewish Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy who arrested him doesn't want to ruin his career. WEEKEND BOX OFFICE: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby took the pole position with 47 million, helped by smart marketing led by Will Farrell. It wasn't bad, but it was no Anchorman, which, beneath its relentless stupidity (and I mean that in a good way), also had something to say about sexism in the workplace in the 70s. And narration by former Chitown 70s anchor Bill Curtis. The animated Barnyard came in second with 16 million, which is alright on a per-screen basis, though it may need home video to make back its 51 mill budget. Pirates hung in third place, placing it eighth on the all-time money-makers list. Miami Vice dropped a precipitous 62 percent to fourth place, while The Descent -- the rare horror film liked by critics -- made 8.8 million, with a good per screen average and a budget of only 6.5 million. THE McCARTNEYS: Sir Paul denies he has "abandoned" estranged wife Heather Mills. The former Fab has also reportedly fired off a furious legal letter to Mills warning her to stay clear of his personal possessions, and sacked seven people at his NY offices, amid speculation it was due to their connections to her. BRITNEY SPEARS is desperate to pick the brains of actor Charlie Sheen over his hugely successful children's clothing range. Sheen reportedly believes it would be fun to work with Britney, which I buy in light of his rumored penchant for women dressed as schoolgirls. MADONNA: A British health and safety officer overruled her diva demand that the air conditioning be shut off at Wembley Arena after some fans started to faint, with temperatures hitting the high 90s Fahrenheit. BARBRA STREISAND was spotted outside a plastic surgery clinic, but maybe they also train beekeepers in there. TOM-KAT UPDATE: If those icky tabloids are to be believed, Holmes had a breakdown, in part due to being isolated from her family while being inducted into Scientology, and in part from the controversy over her baby, Suri — who has still not been seen publicly -- but who has reportedly been seen by Penelope Cruz, who allegedly dated Cruise in the past. Other reports claim that Cruise doesn't want Holmes working. JESSICA SIMPSON: The pneumatic blonde's creepy dad-manager is sabotaging her friendship with Desperate Housewives co-star Eva Longoria because the latter gets more attention that Jessica when the two are out together. DAVE NAVARRO and CARMEN ELECTRA BREAK-UPDATE: The ever-reliable Perez Hilton claims the guitarist is seeing porn superstar Jenna Jameson, though she is married to her business partner. Jameson just became the first adult star to be immoratlized in wax, at Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas. THE UNDER-REPORTED SCANDAL: The press reported that billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein was arrested for soliciting sex from a masseuse at his Florida mansion at the end of July. But the involvement of underaged girls and perhaps a Yugoslavian sex slave and orgies with Nobel prize-winners have gone largely unreported, causig gossip sites like Jossip to remark: "Maybe since he's friends with Bill Clinton, Ron Burkle, and Donald Trump, accusations that he's raping little girls can be omitted from the news." MIDEAST CONFLICT and the MEDIA: Reuters dropped a freelance Lebanese photographer who doctored an image of the aftermath of an Israeli air strike on Beirut. Yet they also uncritically printed the photog's facially ridiculous explanation. Maybe Reuters will get around to explaining the photog's other doctored photos. But maybe not. Reuters is treating Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (one of the most powerful supporters of the Syrian occupation and who heads a militia allied to Hezbollah) as speaking for the entire country, instead of Fouad Seniora. The press is also treating the killing of three Chinese UN peacekeepers by Hezbollah as a much smaller story than when UN peacekeepers were killed by Israeli fire. The AP and Reuters seem to have photographs of the same woman with her house bombed weeks apart in Beirut (just bad luck, I'm sure). MIDEAST CONFLICT and IRAQ: Ali Akbar Mohatashemi, the former Iranian ambassador to Syria and the founding father of Hezbollah, admits that Hezbollah is a main element of Iran's military. Iran is racing to resupply Hezbollah across the Syrian border ahead of a possible cease-fire being ironed out this week at the UN. In the longer term, Iran wants to supply Hezbollah with surface-to-air missile systems. ITM's Omar Fadhil, writing in the Philadelphia Inquirer, notes the shared Shiite fanatacism of Iranian Pres. Ahmadinejad and the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in Iraq is taking a higher profile in Baghdad, with further thoughts at ITM. Patrick Lang, the former head of human intelligence collection and Middle East intelligence at the DIA, notes that Siite fanatics could disrupt US supply lines in Iraq. Meanwhile, Iran plans to expand its uranium enrichment, in defiance of a UN Security Council resolution setting an Aug. 31 deadline for the Islamic republic to halt enrichment. CUBE-SHAPED WATERMELONS from Brazil are to be sold in the UK. It would make them easier to stack. DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME: Friends don't let friends drink and try sword-swallowing. THE ARTIS ZOO in Amsterdam messed with Tania the polar bear's head by blasting her enclosure with a snow cannon in August. NO PET LEFT BEHIND bill has passed the US Senate. HORNY MANATEES are cruising the shallow waters off Longboat Key, FL. THE IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKER, thought to be extinct, is being sought by NASA. THE COW WHISPERER knows what makes cows happy. Please, get your mind out of the gutter -- he's like Dr. Frickin' Doolittle. Breaking News: Arthur Lee, R.I.P. with Love Friday, August 04, 2006 - 05:30 PM ARTHUR LEE, the enigmatic and volatile frontman, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist of the legendary Los Angeles psychedelic band Love, best known for the critically revered 1967 album, Forever Changes, has died in a Memphis hospital after a battle with leukemia, his manager said on Friday. He was 61. Bands as diverse as Led Zeppelin, Echo and the Bunnymen and Siouxsie and the Banshees cited Love as an influence. The band's self-titled debut yielded the hit single "My Little Red Book," written by Hal David and Burt Bacharach (and later covered by Pate in its early days). There are also classic clips like "A Message to Pretty" and "Your Mind And We Belong Together" are posted on YouTube, along with Calexico covering "Alone Again Or" from Forever Changes just last month. Lee had also been the honoree of a benefit concert in June -- here's Robert Plant playing Zep's "What Is And What Should Never Be" at that show. You should also be able to find plenty of Love to stream via the Hype Machine. < 1 – 11 – 21 – 31 – 41 – 51 – 61 – 71 – 81 – 91 – 101 – 111 – 121 – 131 – 141 – 151 – 161 – 171 – 181 – 191 – 201 – 211 – 221 – 231 – 241 – 251 – 261 – 271 – 281 – 291 – 301 – 311 – 321 – 331 – 341 – 351 – 361 – 371 – 381 – 391 – 401 – 411 – 421 – 431 – 441 – 451 – 461 – 471 – 481 – 491 – 501 – 511 – 521 – 531 – 541 – 551 – 561 – 571 – 581 – 591 – 601 – 611 – 621 – 631 – 641 – 651 – 661 – 671 – 681 – 682 – 683 – 684 – 685 – 686 – 687 – 688 – 689 – 690 – 691 – 692 – 693 – 694 – 695 – 696 – 697 – 698 – 699 – 700 – 701 – 702 – 703 – 704 – 705 – 706 – 707 – 717 – 727 – 737 – 747 – 757 – 767 – 777 – 787 > Home \| Share Your Story \| Recommend Us	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6894
__label__wiki	0.688108	0.688108	Home About us Members Country Networks Calendar Activities News Contact us CAI Listserv Air Quality Newsletters Better Air Quality (BAQ) 2008 was held in Bangkok, Thailand Join the CAI-Asia Partnership Location: News > 2005 Beijing experiences worst dusty day Chinadaily.com (Xinhua) Beijing had its worst dusty air of the year Thursday, as the air quality index reached level five,the worst rating on a five-point scale. A sandstorm swept from northwest China to Beijing at about 4:00a.m., entered the city's urban districts one hour later and reaching its peak at 6:00 a.m. According to air monitoring centers in the national capital early Thursday, suspended particles exceeded 1,500 micrograms per cubic meter of air. "I saw cars blanketed with a thick layer of dust when I went outdoors at 6:30 a.m. The air was so filthy that I could hardly breathe," said a female resident, surnamed Zhao, in eastern Chaoyang District of Beijing. The local weather forest department predicted that the dusty weather will linger in the city for another day. A possible showeron Saturday will improve the city's air quality. Though the dusty air has lowered visibility, it didn't affect traffic on highways and expressways. The environmental department advised people to stay indoors or try to reduce the time spent ourtdors for the sake of their health. Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-04/28/content_438348.htm Air Quality in Chinese Cities Courtesy of VECC-SEPA API to Concentration Converter [.xls, 27.6Kb] - CAI-Asia Center - CAI-Asia Partnership - Country Networks Key documents: - Annual Report 2008 - Fuel Roadmap - Country Synthesis Reports - Compendium \| CitiesACT.org - Benchmarking Report - Quarterly Report (Center) - Newsletters ................................more >> Classified Under News > 2005 Secretariat: CAI-Asia Center, 3510 Robinsons Equitable Tower, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines 1605 Tel: +632 3952843 to 45 / Fax: +632 3952846	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6895
__label__wiki	0.505587	0.505587	Current Section: Duhaime.org » Legal Resources » Elder Law Wills Trusts Estates Adult Guardianship: Who Takes Care of Granny? See also Adult Guardianship: Patients Property Legislation. For readability, this article has been spread-out over three web pages. This is page 1. Adult Guardianship: Who Takes Care of Granny? continues at page 2 and ends on page 3, at the end of which you will find the Reference section where all legal citations for all cases are given. There was a time when the law took little heed of lunatics; known, from time to time, as fools, idiots, mad, insane, and even mentally retarded. Indeed, the authorities even stooped, for a time, to shipping the insane out on the next ship, to be dropped off at the first port of call (i.e. ship of fools). But long behind us is the history of lunacy law or, skipping to the current politically correct term, of adult guadianship. Now, the law has process and some fairness to what is admittedly is a difficult area of the law. What to do with the insane - no small problem with advancing medical techniques keeping people alive longer? We are all but a stroke away from being insane in the eyes of the law. Once incapacity is proved, a court looks to someone to manage the person and the affairs of the insane. But the guardian of the person is not necessarily also the guardian of the estate (note that many - but not all - common law jurisdictions call the guardian appointed pursuant to adult guardianship order a committee). This is unusual but not that uncommon. What is rare is for a court to allow a person of unsound mind to retain authority over his person or his estate, but to see the other committed to the authority of another. There is an old law report case from England, circa 1820, Re Fermor where the court committed a lunatic as to his person but allowed him to retain management of his estate! But these are the exception, not the rule (see, also, below, Re Cochrane). RULE #1: BEST INTERESTS OF THE PATIENT In spite of a simple, criteria - the best interests of the adult - sometimes, the most difficult decision facing the court is who to name guardian? In Re McLaughlin, Justice Davey wrote: "[T]his particular ... jurisdiction exists for the benefit of the lunatic and the guiding principle ... is what is most for the benefit of the unhappy subject of the application. "The interests of persons alleged to be of unsound mind .. ought to be jealously protected against any attempts of designing people, or people acting innocently but mistakenly, to place either their persons or their property under restraint." This best interests of the mentally incompetent person principle even "over and beyond the interests of the family and kin".1 In Barnhill, Justice Gillis wrote: "The concern of the Court in making the appointment of a guardian should, in my judgment, in this case, be directed to the care and guardianship of the person of Dora Agnes Barnhill and the estate should be directed and used in a prudent way toward the keeping of her person in the most appropriate way for the remaining days of her life. The selection of a guardian will be made with that in mind." In Re Pineo, Justice Spencer wrote: "The choice of a committee must be based upon the best interests of the patient. That will include a consideration of who best can deal with his financial affairs, nurture his estate and see that his income and estate are applied for his greatest benefit. The choice of committee of his person will include a consideration of who best can provide the love and support which he will need in his few remaining years." In one 1833 Scottish case, Howden v Sibbald, 11 Shaw 561, the Court gave consideration to a plain letter that had been written by the adult to a friend. NO DROP-DOWN LIST The first place to look is within the relevant statute. If a list is set out therein, you need read no further; that is your list. Alberta's statute offers practical guidance at §8(1): "The Court may appoint as a guardian of a dependent adult, any adult person who consents to act as guardian and in respect of whom the Court is satisfied that the person will act in the best interests of the dependent adult, ... will not be in a position where the person’s interests will conflict with the dependent adult’s interests, and ... is a suitable person and is able to act as the guardian of the dependent adult." Still, no drop-down list; no statutory criteria. Or, perhaps, there is no list in the dependent adult statute but a similar list might exists. For example, in British Columbia, there is no priority list in the adult guardianship statute. Indeed, the statute says :"the Attorney General, a near relative of a person or other person may apply to the court" but then adds "the court may appoint any person to be the committee of the patient"! But there is a priority list in the emergency health care statute as well as the estate administration statute. The 2010 Quebec Civil Code, at §269, allows the adult of unsound mind to make, himself, the dependent adult application the point of which would be to nominate someone to stand as guardian: "The person of full age himself, his spouse, his close relatives and the persons connected to him by marriage or a civil union, any person showing a special interest in the person or any other interested person ... may apply for the institution of protective supervision." RULES TO LIVE BY Here are some rules to go by (we will refer to the person incapable of managing their person or their affairs as the "adult"): A real person will be preferred to an institutional committee such as a trust company or the public trustee, the latter, a last resort. In Alberta v Stirling, the Public Trustee opposed the application made by family members. The Court preferred the children of the dependent adult to the institutional candidate for guardianship: "[T]he Public Trustee is to be considered when no other person is willing, able or suitable. There is an implicit preference for other trustees. ... [T]here being no factors here which would prefer one applicant over the other, preference should be given to the family applicants." In Re Pollen, Justice Saunders wrote: "The test for choice of committee is the patient's best interests. "In most circumstances a competent family member who presents a picture of caring and affection for the patient will be preferred to a public official such as, here, the Public Trustee, for the very reason that a person with a familial and caring connection is likely to act in the patient's best interests and with more insight into the options which are most compatible with the patient." Note that in Re Lawrence, the public trustee was preferred because of intense conflict between family members (see below). In another case, Re Isaacson, the public trustee was preferred to the father of the adult but the judge, in her reasons, gave no rationale for her decision other "the best interests of the patient" and than she could not abide by the son's wishes to have his father appointed as he was "greatly influenced by his father". To the greatest extent possible, a committee should be appointed from the relatives of the adult. In Le Heup, Justice Eldon stated: "The governing principle has always been, that, if such a person can be found, the influence of the family, which ought to be confined within its own circle, is not to be transferred to a stranger." More recently, these words from Justice Lowry of the British Columbia Court of Appeal in Re Neville Calvin Watson: "In appointing a committee the court must be governed by the best interests of the patient. The authorities recognize the desirability of appointing a family member over an outsider." In the Substitute Decision Act of Ontario, the statute requires at §24(5), that the Court consider the: "... closeness of the relationship of the proposed guardian to the incapable person." Published: Thursday, July 16, 2009 Last updated: Friday, September 13, 2013 By: Lloyd Duhaime \| Next Page>> Jump to: Adult Guardianship: Who Takes Care of Granny? Adult Guardianship: Who Takes Care of Granny? - Part 2 Adult Guardianship: Who Takes Care of Granny? - Part 3 Sir William Blackstone. The case of the plaintiff, so far as it relies on authority, fails in precedent. And so far as it rests on principle, fails in reason. Justice Smith in Redhead v Midland Railway Company, at 9 B. & S. 519 (1869), at 538	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6915
__label__wiki	0.611471	0.611471	Deep sedation or paracervical block for daycare gynecological procedures: A prospective, comparative study Nishant Sahay1, Mukta Agarwal2, Mamta Bara1, Nutan Raj2, Divendu Bhushan3 1 Department of Anesthesiology, AIIMS, Patna, Bihar, India 2 Department of Obstetrics, AIIMS, Patna, Bihar, India 3 Department of General Medicine, AIIMS, Patna, Bihar, India Date of Submission 20-Mar-2019 Date of Acceptance 17-Jun-2019 Date of Web Publication 24-Oct-2019 Dr. Nishant Sahay House No. 112, Type 4 Block 1, AIIMS Residential Complex, Khagaul, Patna, Bihar Context: Many minor gynecological procedures are done for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. A balance has to be struck between ability to discharge a patient at the earliest with minimum procedure-related discomfort to ensure patient safety as well as satisfaction. Aim: This prospective randomized study was designed to compare deep sedation versus paracervical block for minor gynecological surgeries comparing the time to discharge readiness, pain after the procedure, and overall patient satisfaction. Setting and Design: This prospective randomized comparative study was conducted at a tertiary level hospital after institutional ethics committee approval and registry of trial at CTRI (India). Methods: Seventy young women underwent minor gynecological procedures under these two modes of anesthesia. Time to discharge readiness from hospital to home was assessed using modified postanesthesia discharge score system (PADSS). Pain after procedure as well as patient satisfaction was evaluated. Patients were also asked whether they would recommend the same anesthetic technique for the procedure in the future. Answers were noted on a Likert scale. Results: Patients were ready to be discharged faster in deep sedation group compared to paracervical block group based upon modified PADSS score (1 h 9.6 min vs. 1 h 18 min) (P = 0.005). Pain in the perioperative period was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and found to be significantly lesser in deep sedation group when considered till 80 min after surgery. The mean satisfaction score in patients who underwent deep sedation was 91.24 (standard deviation [SD] 2.8) compared to patients given paracervical block which was low at 64.67 (SD 15.8). All patients given deep sedation were ready to recommend the anesthesia technique as compared to only 53.3% of patients who were given paracervical block. Conclusions: Deep sedation may be preferred over paracervical block for daycare minor gynecological procedures. Keywords: Deep sedation, discharge, paracervical block, patient satisfaction Sahay N, Agarwal M, Bara M, Raj N, Bhushan D. Deep sedation or paracervical block for daycare gynecological procedures: A prospective, comparative study. Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther 2019;8:160-4 Sahay N, Agarwal M, Bara M, Raj N, Bhushan D. Deep sedation or paracervical block for daycare gynecological procedures: A prospective, comparative study. Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther [serial online] 2019 [cited 2020 Jan 18];8:160-4. Available from: http://www.e-gmit.com/text.asp?2019/8/4/160/269826 Advances in technology have enabled minor gynecological procedures to provide a clinician with either a definitive diagnosis or a therapeutic trial. Practitioners prefer local or regional anesthesia in the form of paracervical block in many such patients so that discharge from hospital on the same day may be ensured. Patient discomfort and pain are oftentimes explained to be a price patients need to pay for early discharge and safety. Evidence has not been conclusive with regard to utility of paracervical blocks for minor gynecological procedures. There is controversy in literature regarding effectiveness of paracervical block in the management of procedural pain.[1],[2],[3] Renner et al., however, have shown that paracervical block, often used for daycare procedures, reduces pain of minor gynecological surgeries, including dilation pains.[4] Even for daycare procedures, there is no uniform operational definition of readiness for hospital discharge, which exists in the literature.[5] For assessment of discharge readiness, modified postanesthesia discharge score system (PADSS) score has been proposed. In a study which used this score, >80% of patients were ready to be discharged as early as 30 min after gastrointestinal endoscopy.[6] Patient satisfaction is an aspect of care which is oftentimes neglected. Time to discharge readiness and effect of choice of anesthesia on patient satisfaction after paracervical block versus deep sedation for such minor gynecological procedures have not been described in literature. We thus compared these parameters as well as the pain scores during and after the procedure in this study. This was a prospective randomized trial conducted after obtaining the AIIMS Patna Institutional Ethics Committee clearance, and the institutional review board project No. 66 was obtained on 14th July in 2016. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Patients with American Society of Anesthesiology Grade I or II status between 15 and 50 years of age with a body mass index of <30 kg/m2 posted for minor gynecological surgeries such as endometrial biopsy, medical termination of pregnancy, hysteroscopy-guided procedures with scope size of 4.0 mm were included. Informed written consent was obtained from all patients, and then, they were randomized as per computer-generated sequence into two groups; Group GA: Deep sedation and Group PC: Paracervical of 35 patients each. Any patient with known coagulopathies, allergies to local anesthetic agents, psychiatric illnesses, or cardiac pathology was excluded from this study. In the operating room, after connecting routine preinduction monitors, all baseline parameters were noted. Based on the group allocated, patients were either given deep sedation or regional anesthesia. For patients belonging to Group GA (deep sedation), anesthesia was provided using injection fentanyl 1.5 mcg/kg and injection propofol titrated to loss of verbal response. Further top-ups of propofol at 200 μg/kg were given every 2–3 min. Additional top-ups of propofol at 200 μg/kg were also given if the heart rate and/or blood pressure increased by 10% of baseline values or if there was patient movement. For patients belonging to group PC, taking all aseptic precautions, paracervical block was given in lithotomy position by an experienced gynecologist with >5 years' experience as a consultant in the presence of a trained anesthesiologist. For a paracervical block, a 3- or 4-inch 21-gauge needle was used and 5 ml xylocaine 1% without adrenaline was infiltrated at the 4 o'clock position and 8 o'clock position in each lateral fornix. 5 ml was then infiltrated into each uterosacral ligament. A total maximum dose of 5 mg/kg of lignocaine was used. In case of inadequate block effect intraoperatively supplementation by intravenous fentanyl at 1 mcg/kg was given and repeated at 5 min' interval, when the patient complained of pain >3/10 on the numeric pain rating scale. All patients were shifted to recovery after adequate response to verbal commands was ensured. They were assessed for pain using the numeric rating scale (NRS) on a scale of 0–10 once they were shifted into the recovery room and 10 and 30 min thereafter. The pain NRS was described to the patient as a score of 0, which meant no pain and score of 10, which indicated maximum and unbearable pain. After 1 h, investigators noted down the modified PADSS score. This score takes into account the hemodynamic stability, activity levels, nausea or vomiting, pain, and surgical bleeding after a procedure. Various scores have been given based upon the parameters described in [Table 1]. Modified PADSS score was noted every 10 min after the 1st h till PADSS score >9 was attained. Patients were discharged ready only if PADSS score >9/10 was achieved and pain score was <2/10. Minimum time to attaining a score of >9 on PADSS scale with pain score <2/10 was noted for every patient in both groups. Activity level was assessed only once PADSS score of 8 was achieved using other parameters. Table 1: Details of postanesthesia discharge scoring system score In all patients, investigators also took down the overall satisfaction score on a scale of 1–100 (1 being the worst possible experience and 100 being the best possible). We also noted whether they would recommend similar anesthesia to their family for the same procedure on a Likert scale. The scale included “yes strongly recommend, yes recommend, maybe recommend, may not recommend, not recommend, strongly discourage.” The sample size for the study was estimated based on a pilot study conducted in 20 patients. The mean time to achieve PADSS score of 10 was 80.5110 min with a combined standard deviation (SD) of 16.130. At 5% level of significance and 80% power to detect a 10% change in this time to achieve a PADSS score of 10, the sample size estimated was 60 subjects. Considering 10% of dropouts leading to exclusion from the process, we included 35 subjects in each group. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Windows ver. 16.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and the results were presented as mean ± SD. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test and Chi-square tests to evaluate statistical significance between two groups for the demographic profile. T-test was used to compare variables when compared within the group and between the groups. For assessment of postoperative pain progression among the groups, repeated-measures ANOVA test was used with group-by-time interaction using the Bonferroni correction. Statistical significance was defined as a P < 0.05. A total of 59 patients were analyzed after accounting for the dropouts. Both groups were comparable with respect to age, weight, height, and body mass index, as depicted in [Table 2]. Patients who received paracervical block alone had significant procedural discomfort with mean pain score of 5.4. None of these patients were pain-free. Three patients were managed without fentanyl boluses. Another three required a single 1 mcg/kg bolus, but all the rest required 2 μg/kg fentanyl supplementation. Pain score during procedure ranged from 2 to a maximum of 8 out of 10. In contrast, none of the patients in deep sedation group complained about intra procedural discomfort or pain, awareness, or recall. Trend of pain may be seen in [Figure 1]. A one-way repeated-measures anova was conducted to compare pain measured at different time points after surgery. Two such analyses were done for time periods up to 80 min postsurgery and up to 130 min postsurgery. There was a significant effect of intervention on pain scores up to 80 min after surgery. Wilks' Lambda = 0.287, F (4,55) = 34.215, P = 0.000; however, when comparing pain scores till 120 min after surgery, this relation was lost (Wilks' Lambda = 0.05, F [4,1] = 4.41, P = 0.34). Trend of pain may be seen in [Figure 1]. Pain and discomfort were significantly higher in paracervical group. The patients in deep sedation group were ready to be discharged earlier as compared to paracervical block. (1 h 9.6 min vs. 1 h 18 min) (P - 0.005) [Table 3]. The satisfaction levels were also very high in patients given deep sedation. The mean satisfaction score in these patients was 91.24 (SD 2.8). In contrast, patients given paracervical block had mean satisfaction score of 64.67 (SD 15.8) which was statistically and clinically significantly lower [Table 4]. All of the patients in deep sedation group were ready to recommend the technique to their relatives as may be seen in [Table 5]. Table 2: Patient characteristics in both groups Figure 1: Pain score trend in the two groups. No patient who was given deep sedation complained of pain during procedure. Pain was higher in the paracervical group till 1 h 20 min after procedure but thereafter, pain in both groups was similar and mild Table 3: Comparison of the satisfaction scores and (postanesthesia discharge scoring system score) Table 4: Detail of satisfaction scores in the two groups Table 5: Patient recommendations regarding choice of same anesthesia for a future procedure Most minor gynecological procedures are undertaken these days on a daycare basis. Pain relief, time to discharge, and overall anesthetic satisfaction are important considerations when a daycare procedure is planned. General anesthesia (deep sedation) has the advantage of reliable amnesia and analgesia. Patient satisfaction is higher with general anesthesia; however, it has its own perils even in young patients. Regional anesthesia especially the paracervical block for minor gynecological is widely used; however, controversy exists regarding effectiveness of paracervical blocks. Vercellini et al. reported that paracervical anesthesia was ineffective in reducing pain and discomfort during outpatient hysteroscopy.[7] In another study, even when paracervical block was given, patients found pain of injection for the block to be as unpleasant as a hysteroscope insertion.[7] In 2012, however, authors reported definite advantage of paracervical block, especially in control of dilation pains compared to placebo.[4] In our study, all patients who were given paracervical block had some discomfort or pain during procedure. Mean pain during procedure in the paracervical group was 5.14 on NRS. Maximum pain was experienced during dilation by hysteroscope in our trial. This is consistent with certain other studies which have reported severe pain as high as 7–9 out of 10 on NRS, during procedure under paracervical block.[8] In our cases, pain scores remained higher in the paracervical group till 1 h 20 min after the procedure [Table 3]. Thereafter, pain was similar in both groups and mild in nature. Deep sedation was a significantly better option with regards to procedural and post-procedural discomfort and pain. Pain is also an important aspect during assessment of discharge readiness. All patients had to have pain scores of 2 or less on the NRS to be considered discharge ready in our study. We have used PADSS score to assess discharge readiness to home in our patients.[9] The internal consistency reliability of PADSS (alpha = 0.65) was found to be superior to other criteria for assessment of discharge readiness.[10] PADSS score includes hemodynamic stability, activity, nausea vomiting, pain, and surgical bleeding as parameters to come at a score to define discharge to home readiness[10] [Table 1]. We noted that patients in deep sedation group could be discharged faster at a mean time of 1 h 9.6 min versus 1 h 18 min (P = 0.005) in patients who received paracervical block. While assessing the PADSS score, mobility of patient is also considered. We noted that patients in the paracervical group experienced more difficulty during assessment of mobility than patients who received systemic analgesics in deep sedation group. Although this difference may not be reflected in our results, it could be a consideration in certain gynecological patients who may demand normal gait after a daycare procedure. We feel deep sedation may be a better option compared to paracervical block when this aspect is considered. Patients were asked about their satisfaction levels on a scale of 1–100, 1 being least satisfied and 100 being most satisfied. The satisfaction levels were high in patients given deep sedation. The mean satisfaction score in these patients was 91.24 (SD 2.8). In contrast, patients given paracervical block had mean satisfaction score of only 64.67 (SD 15.8) which was statistically and clinically significant. The discomfort during procedure in the paracervical group was the main reason for their dissatisfaction. Some patients had given good satisfaction scores despite having moderate pain (>3/10) during or after the procedure. In these ladies, we believe, the fear of general anesthesia and relief that their procedure was over, may have played a significant part. Dissatisfaction in the deep sedation group was significantly less. Main causes of dissatisfaction among patients in deep sedation group were due to pain and discomfort after the procedure. Nausea and vomiting was noted in two patients. By means of a Likert scale-based questionnaire, we assessed that if patients would recommend the anesthesia, they received for their procedure. All patients in the deep sedation group recommended the same anesthesia for the next time, but only 53.4% of patients in paracervical group advocated their mode of anesthesia. Of the patients who were given deep sedation, 37.9% patients strongly recommended it and in contrast none of the patients who received paracervical block would strongly recommend it. 3.3% of these patients, on the contrary, strongly discouraged paracervical block. We noted certain side effects during the study. In patients who received deep sedation, there was apnea, requiring airway clearing maneuvers with jaw thrust and chin lift with manual mechanical ventilation in one patient. This patient was a hypothyroid patient and had a body mass index of 30 kg/m2. In three other patients, there was airway obstruction which was cleared with head extension and chin lift. One patient moaned during the procedure; however, on being questioned later, she had no recall of any event during the procedure and had a high satisfaction score. There was shivering in one patient which was managed by giving tramadol and this patient was excluded from the study. No patient complained of awareness or recall to any intraoperative event during the study in deep sedation group. A clinical practice advisory reviewed the incidence of adverse effects of propofol during deep sedation. It mentions respiratory depression or apnea, leading to assisted ventilation may be seen in 0%–3.9% of patients given deep sedation. Other adverse effects such as transient hypotension may be seen in 2.2%–6.5% patients, nausea or emesis in 0%–0.5% of patients, and pain with injection in 2%–20% of patients.[11] The main adverse effect which we noted in the paracervical group was apprehension and intraoperative discomfort during the procedure. Authors have reported adverse effects such as hypotension and vasovagal episodes.[12] One study also reported symptoms of lignocaine toxicity after paracervical block in 3/27 of their study population.[13] Propofol sedation has been attempted successfully by practicing gastroenterologists. They concluded that with close graphic assessment of respiratory activity, propofol infusion may be a safe option even at the hands of a second qualified gastroenterologist for prolonged upper endoscopic procedures. Propofol sedation resulted in high levels of patient satisfaction and rapid recovery times in their study of 10 patients.[14] Patients undergoing minor gynecological procedures under deep sedation suffer lesser pain and may be discharged earlier compared to those given paracervical block. Patient satisfaction scores are significantly better with deep sedation, and they are ready to recommend deep sedation much more frequently than paracervical block alone. Conflicts of interest. Chudnoff S, Einstein M, Levie M. Paracervical block efficacy in office hysteroscopic sterilization: A randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 2010;115:26-34. Amirian M, Rajai M, Alavi A, Zare S, Aliabadi E. Comparison of lidocaine 1% and normal saline in paracervical anesthesia for decreasing of pain in curettage. Pak J Biol Sci 2009;12:877-81. Carroll CS Sr., Hines RS, Haddad GF, Robinette LG, May WL, Cowan BD. Randomized trial of paracervical block with endometrial biopsy. J Pelvic Med Surg 2005;11:45-8. Renner RM, Nichols MD, Jensen JT, Li H, Edelman AB. Paracervical block for pain control in first-trimester surgical abortion: A randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 2012;119:1030-7. Galvin EC, Wills T, Coffey A. Readiness for hospital discharge: A concept analysis. J Adv Nurs 2017;73:2547-57. Amornyotin S, Chalayonnavin W, Kongphlay S. Recovery pattern and home-readiness after ambulatory gastrointestinal endoscopy. J Med Assoc Thai 2007;90:2352-8. Vercellini P, Colombo A, Mauro F, Oldani S, Bramante T, Crosignani PG. Paracervical anesthesia for outpatient hysteroscopy. Fertil Steril 1994;62:1083-5. Tangsiriwatthana T, Sangkomkamhang US, Lumbiganon P, Laopaiboon M. Paracervical local anaesthesia for cervical dilatation and uterine intervention. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013;(9):CD005056. Trevisani L, Cifalà V, Gilli G, Matarese V, Zelante A, Sartori S. Post-anaesthetic discharge scoring system to assess patient recovery and discharge after colonoscopy. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2013;5:502-7. Chung F, Chan VW, Ong D. A post-anesthetic discharge scoring system for home readiness after ambulatory surgery. J Clin Anesth 1995;7:500-6. Miner JR, Burton JH. Clinical practice advisory: Emergency department procedural sedation with propofol. Ann Emerg Med 2007;50:182-7, 187.e1. Yazici FG, Arslan M, Birbicer H, Kanik A, Aban M, Oral U. Comparison of the intrauterine topical anaesthesia and paracervical block on pain in patients undergoing endometrial biopsy. Pain Clin 2003;15:339-43. Miller L, Jensen MP, Stenchever MA. A double-blind randomized comparison of lidocaine and saline for cervical anesthesia. Obstet Gynecol 1996;87:600-4. Vargo JJ, Zuccaro G Jr., Dumot JA, Shay SS, Conwell DL, Morrow JB. Gastroenterologist-administered propofol for therapeutic upper endoscopy with graphic assessment of respiratory activity: A case series. Gastrointest Endosc 2000;52:250-5. Sahay N Agarwal M Bara M Raj N Bhushan D Deep sedation	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6918
__label__cc	0.556726	0.443274	Grooving with the White Mischief girls India is a country where Cricket is considered as a religion. The true cricket fans have always worshiped their favorite cricketers like God. But a lot has changed today compared to the old school cricket. The change is strong, the change is positive, the change is exciting, the change is entertainment, the change is Indian Premiere League (IPL). In 2008, IPL changed the definition of so called ‘cricket’. And since then, seven years down the line IPL has become the most awaited calendar event. Mixing entertainment with cricket was a very positive change which made the T20 even better and exciting. Quick moves, acrobatic dance and enlightening smiles and the entertainment factor, yes we are talking about the Cheerleaders. A player practices very hard to perform well in the match but is it easy for the cheerleaders to perform every time a boundary is hit or a wicket falls? The cheerleaders’ work equally hard to perform their best, doesn’t matter if it is a blazing afternoon. It was a Tuesday (13th May 2014) and it wasn’t a usual day. I had once in a life time opportunity to Meet N Greet with the White Mischief girls. I was floored with their down to earth personalities and warmness. These White Mischief cheerleaders all the way from South Africa are smart, sensible, and warm, have huge heart and adore India just like we do. Just before they were gearing up for the 38th match of IPL 7 to be played between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Delhi Daredevils (DD), we had a chance to engage with the cheerleaders and have a friendly banter. On inquiring about what it takes to perform to perfection, practice, practice and practice was the answer from the girls with a killer smile which could floor anyone. I have always been curious of how much time does it take to look like angels and this was my next question for the beautiful White Mischief girls. The girls honestly replied saying, it takes nothing less than two hours to curl and style their hair and perfect their makeup. The White Mischief Gals are specially chosen cheerleaders from South Africa. The cheerleaders promise to leave cricket fans spellbound with their on- and off-field antics. Besides being present at the matches themselves, the Gals will be touring the country to host unforgettable White Mischief Parties in select cities. The White Mischief Gals are trained in unique acrobatic skills and rather mischievous choreographed moves that set them apart from other cheer leading squads. Just before leaving for the match, the best thing happened. I did the famous ‘White Mischief Jig’ with the all the White Mischief girls and this one thing I will cherish my entire life. Dreamer, Blogger, Writer, Foodie, Movie buff, Public Relations. Contributor for The New Indian Express and recently started a news publishing website 'Unkrate'. For all cricket fans try out IPL Fantasy. It is a unique and innovative platform that enables users to showcase their cricket knowledge and skill to win cash daily in their fantasy leagues. 'In a Shell', Seafood festival at Bene Research report of Rajnikanth’s debut on Twitter Be a Believer T20 just went next level with SKORE PLEASURE LEAGU... Restaurant Review: Loft 38	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6923
__label__wiki	0.612375	0.612375	Bad Girl RiRi Firing Up Some More Beef New America Receives American Hospitality Transgender Homecoming Queen Causes Ruckus The “Selfie” Era: Apps That You Need! We love fashion, culture, music, and everything in between. From politics to the runway, we're unbashful in our views, constructive in our thoughts, and glamorous in our style. Welcome! editor@emcblue.com @emcblue Senior Managing Editor Virginia “Ginny” Van de Wall Junior Managing Editors Megan Dawson Jessica Passananti Mashal Zaman Culture Editor Lindsay Jill Barton Lakin Starling Is Tom Cruise About To Launch David Beckham’s Acting Career?! May 28, 2013 \| by: Leigh Badrigian Flickr (Angel Cabrera) Tom Cruise has got a seriously hot friend, and you know how the saying goes…”Friends help hot friends get Hollywood movie careers”…or something like that. So that’s exactly what ageless-mega-movie-action-star Tom Cruise is doing for his good pal, David Beckham! At least that’s what Perez Hilton is saying. more… No Comments \| Permalink International style at the Cannes Red Carpet May 18, 2013 \| by: Aanchal Jiwrajka Twitter (lorealparisid) Paving their way through the wind and rain, celebrity flappers and the male partners shimmied on the red carpet for the first day of Cannes Film Festival marked by a screening of The Great Gatsby. Although many guests struggled with the extreme weather, the night was marked by the extremely fashionable and gorgeous looks of the celebrities. more… From Sports Illustrated to Vogue May 13, 2013 \| by: Lisa Lefever Twitter (@kateuptonfanss) Kate Upton has made the transition from Sports Illustrated cover girl to the elite cover of Vogue Magazine’s June issue. She has transitioned from sporting a barely-there bikini to a classy coverup and heels. In the magazine, she addressed her haters and what she looked for in a man. more… 1 Comment \| Permalink CEO Of Abercrombie & Fitch Tells Us He Hates Fat People May 10, 2013 \| by: Victoria Garcia Flickr (sgd) If you’ve ever shopped at Abercrombie & Fitch, it’s impossible not to notice how small their clothes are. You probably also noticed that all their models and employees are extremely fit and good-looking. Some may think it’s just a coincidence, but CEO Mike Jeffries has an agenda. It’s Time to Rock the Nineties! Twitter (huffingtonpost) Over the past few years, designers and trends have been influenced by the past eras. We saw the 60s, 70s and even the dreadful 80s make a comeback in the last year. But in 2013, we have seen the era that most of us have actually seen ourselves — the nineties. more… Minor Style Details That Can Make or Break Your Look May 01, 2013 \| by: Amanda Fiore Twitter (@fashionistNE) With spring here and summer on its way, its time to ditch the comfy winter sweats and for this season’s hottest trends. Although you may have all spring 2013 must-have pieces, if you do not pay attention to style detail none of it matters. Gwyneth Paltrow Flaunts ‘Side Ass’ at Iron Man 3 Premiere April 26, 2013 \| by: Aanchal Jiwrajka Twitter (booth1) Everyone has been waiting for the release of Iron Man 3, and what is better if you have “World’s most beautiful woman” flaunting her curves at its premiere. And that is what exactly Gwyneth Paltrow did at the premiere of the movie on Wednesday in Hollywood. more… Get Your Punk on With a Collaboration Between Charlotte Olympia and Tom Binns April 25, 2013 \| by: Emilie Moran Creative Commons (LordKhan) A couple of weeks ago, it was announced that the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City newest exhibit would be title, Punk: from Chaos to Couture. This exhibit will be displaying outfits that were either created during the punk age of the 1970s or inspired by it. It seems as if the entire world awaits the opening of the doors of the Metropolitan Museum’s exhibition doors, and as they wait they celebrate in different creative ways. more… Madonna’s Fashion Exhibition Pops Up At Macy’s Twitter (rainbowhigh) So if you have spent your childhood listening to “Like a Virgin” or imitating the Gaulteir conical bustier, you would surely love this exhibit. A pop up exhibition has been dedicated to Madonna’s fashion in the past at the Macy’s store in Century City, California. It will be a day only exhibit on the 25th April which will feature some of the singer’s most famous costumes that she has worn in the past. more… Two Fashion Designers Make Their Way to the Time 100 List April 19, 2013 \| by: Lisa Lefever Twitter (@michaelkors) Every spring, Time releases their list of the 100 most influential people to include prominent politicians, activists and leaders. But this year, two fashion designers, Michael Kors and Jenna Lyons, prove that you don’t have to be in the business of politics to make the list! The designers were in good company with entertainment icons Jay-Z, Lena Dunham and Jennifer Lawrence. more… Copyright 2011, Executive Music Company. All Rights Reserved. emcBlue.com and the blogs, articles, comments and other features therein are for informational purposes only and provided "as is" without warranties, representations, or guarantees of any kind. Content on emcBlue.com should never be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified professional. emcBlue.com and its sponsors shall not be liable for the accuracy, usefulness or availability of any emcBlue.com content, and you agree to hold emcBlue.com, its parent company, subsidiaries, and sponsors harmless from any loss, harm, injury or damage resulting from or arising out of your use of or reliance on any emcBlue.com content. The views and opinions expressed in an article or column are the author's own and not necessarily those of emcBlue.com and its sponsors.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6925
__label__cc	0.659782	0.340218	Sergey Selevich Aleksey Sklyarov Natalia Petrakova Tatiana Omelchenko Albina Akhmedova Istanbul- is not only one of the most beautiful cities. It’s unique because it is situated on the junction of Europe and Asia and unites the culture of two continents. Continue reading About Istanbul → Travel to the Salvador Dalí’s world. Dali Theater-Museum of in Figueres. “I am absolutely normal. The one who doesn’t understand my painting who doesn’t love Velasquez to whom it isn’t interesting is abnormal, what time is it now on my spread dials – after all they show exact time” The name of the greatest mystifier and myth maker of the 20th eyelid of Salvador Dali became a symbol of a paradoxicality of human consciousness, a celebration of the irrational beginning over reason, secret life of subconsciousness over a reality long ago. Meanwhile, terrestrial life of Dali is inseparably linked with the beautiful State of Catalonia – small quiet places in the province Gerona. The resorts of Figueres and Cadaques, small villages Port-Lligat and Pubol – today names of these places thanking Gave know the whole world. Here are open the museums which became part of an obligatory route of numerous admirers of the excentric genius. The beach of the resort town Cadaques where there came Dali still in the summer remembers, probably, a fatal meeting with Gala, Dali’s muse and his unseparable half until the end of life. He was 25 years old, to it – is 10 years more. Elena Dyakonova, such is her real name, and then was the wife of the French poet Paul Eluard. A name Galina, or Gala, she chose to herself, and Eluard said it in the French style, with an accent on a final syllable, – Gala. Acquaintance with Gala turned Dali’s life and opened the new page in his creativity. Its image from now on зримо and invisibly is present almost at all works of the artist. She not only inspires the genius, but also assumes all household, practical part of their joint life: organizes exhibitions, signs contracts, and meets customers. He needs only to play a role of himself, the mad genius, and to create. That it also does – much, is obsessed, is passionate – shocking and admiring public. The old fishing hovel in a small village Port-Lligat near Cadaques became Dali and Gala’s first house, and after his main workshop. Here the majority of paintings of the artist were issued. Landscapes Port-Лигáта – the sea, a bay, rocks and olive trees ashore – became an obligatory element of his many pictures. Including the well-known painting – “Constancy of memory” with the soft, hanging-down hours which became the business card of Dali. This house workshop – a favourite haven was given. Here it found a privacy, rest and silence within more than 40 years. Gradually spouses redeemed some more next houses, having connected them corridors and ladders. Now this freakish construction became the artist’s house museum. The medieval castle of the beginning of the 11th eyelid in a small village Pubol was presented by the artist to the wife when both already were in old age and the former passion ceased. The half-ruined lock with the thrown garden attracted Dali with the gloomy mystery. This atmosphere was carefully kept and after reconstruction of the lock which received the name «Lock Gala-Dali», and is now opens for visitors. At the request of a whimsical muse, I could visit her Dali only with the written permission. After Gala’s death it for two years moved here to be closer to it. Here its ashes were based and her soul therefore the emptiness and loneliness which filled life of Dali with its leaving weren’t so sharply felt continued to live. And only the fire during which the old artist got serious burns, forced it to leave this lonely corner. The small museum was allowed to eat and in the center of Gothic quarter of Barcelona. On Carrer dels Arcs Street is the building of the Royal art circle of Barcelona (“Museo Reial Artistic Barcelona”) based by local artists at the end of the 19th century. On the first floor is located the Dali museum where not numerous and little-known sketches, sculptures and photos of the artist are stored. And in other halls art exhibitions of the Spanish and foreign masters, conferences, concerts and film screenings are held. But his hometown – Figueres located in 140 km from Barcelona became the center of the Universe of Salvador Dalí. Here on May 11, 1904 in a family of the notary was born future genius of surrealism. And in the building of Municipal Theater there took place the first exhibition of the 14-year-old artist. In many years on ruins of the same theater destroyed and burned during civil war was created the main masterpiece of Dali – Theatre Museum. In Figueres the terrestrial way ended with Dali and flight in immortality began … The eminent painter, the director and the writer was 54 years old when the mayor of Figueres asked Dali to present some pictures to the city. Instead of this Dali promised to present to the city the whole museum. After that conversation passed the whole 14 years before the museum, at last, was open. Since then he began to lead the life, continuously changing and developing just as the Universe space constantly extends. New parts of the museum were gradually completed. Dali made changes and additions to his exposition to the death. The plan of the creator was grandiose: “I want that my museum was a monolith, a labyrinth, huge surreal object. It will be absolutely theatrical museum. Coming here will leave with feeling as if the theatrical dream came in dream to them”. The space of the museum is filled with illusions, focuses, rebuses and secrets which master was Dali. Deprived even of a hint on chronology of a hall and corridors of this labyrinth take away visitors in depths of own subconsciousness where the fantastic performance starts being played. The theater, as we know, begins with a hanger. Salvador Dalí’s theater begins with the area. From Gala-Salvador Dalí Square where the museum is located. The space round theater too is thought carefully over and organized by his founder. And therefore it isn’t less symbolical and it is significant. Near theater the ancient church of Saint Peter where christened little “Savior” rises – the name El Salvador chosen for it by the father is so translated. The paving slabs on the square form beams which meet to the center of the museum – a scene with the transparent geodetic dome which became a symbol of the Figueres city. Round Dali’s museum I placed the sculptures designating the main concepts on which the world sticks to it: science, art and philosophy. The science is embodied in a sculpture of “Newton’s Memory”, classical art – in three monuments to the artist Jean-Louis of Ernest Meissonier whom Dali admired, and the modern art is expressed by “A television obelisk”. Opposite to the main facade of the museum the monument to the outstanding Catalan philosopher and friend of family is established Gave – Franceska Pujols. From far away the building of Theatre Museum reminds a huge illustration to Carroll’s fairy tale “Through the Looking-Glass” and the look promises curious visitors improbable adventures beyond the reasonable. Claret walls are decorated with small rolls, and topped with huge eggs on roof perimeter. Involuntarily comes to mind egghead of Humpty-Dumpty which sat on a wall … Actually, eggs and bread – often repeating images symbols of the art world Gave. Bread is a symbol of abundance and at the same time – expression of subconscious fear of poverty and hunger. And eggs symbolize origin of life and revival. Two gilded dummies on eaves of the central facade hold in outstretched arms atom of hydrogen – one more through image Dali reflecting it interest in nuclear physics. And the diver’s figure on one of eaves hints at immersion in dark depths of subconsciousness which waits for us in the museum. The entrance to theater is quite traditional: behind glass doors before us the lobby opens, – if, of course, to close eyes to small strangeness that as door handles old irons serve here. In a lobby the posters, posters and photos reminding of important creative events in Dali’s life and connected with creation and opening of Theatre Museum are hanging. Through big windows of a lobby the romantic view of a courtyard opens. In the center of the yard the attention of visitors is attracted by the well-known composition which became in modest opinion of Dali, the greatest monument of surrealism. Cadillac – the artist’s gift to the spouse forms her basis. The car with dummies of the driver and two passengers has the lyrical name inside – “A rainy taxi”. On a cowl the sculpture of the queen Esthere which pulls the column of the emperor Trajan made of automobile tires on chains is established. And Gala’s boat and a black umbrella crowns composition. That the umbrella started opening and be closed, and in Cadillac dug a rain, it is necessary to throw a coin. The courtyard is set with myrtle bushes in the form of a Latin letter G – the first letter of Gala. The myrtle was a love symbol for a long time. Music which usually sounds in the Museum is chosen by the author. Works of favourite composers gave it – Wagner and Bise. Wagner’s opera “Tristan and Izolda” is especially Dali Road. On its basis the ballet “Mad Tristan” on which creation Dali worked was put. From the yard in theater it is possible to rise on a white marble ramp. And here we are in the heart of theater, on a scene under a dome from steel and glass. Here reminds the huge cloth written by the artist for the ballet “Labyrinth” on Schubert’s music of close connection of Dali with theater. Suits, scenery and the libretto to history about Ariadne and Tezey were executed by Dali. In the center of composition is a bust with an aperture in a breast through which is seen the familiar landscape of the cape Creus in vicinities Figueres, with the cypresses and rocks going to the sea. On other wall of theater one bigger picture intrigues the viewer with optical photoeffect. From far away on a cloth we see a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, but if you come closer – in lines of his face starts appearing the figure bared Gals. The picture and is called: “The naked Gala looking at the sea who at distance of 18 meters is transformed to Abraham Lincoln’s portrait” (1975) And on a scene the small tombstone reports that here are based ashes of El Salvador of Dali-i-Domenech, the marchioness de Pubol. Continuing travel on the museum, we get to the Hall of Treasures. Walls of this room are sheathed by red velvet that does it similar to a casket with jewelry. Treasures of this hall is the most valuable exhibits of the museum furnishing the clue to a solution of many secrets of works of the artist. They contain hints, signs and links to masterpieces of world art which history of Dali very well I knew, on achievements of science and an event of its creative and private life. Here Gals cult is especially felt, whose image is present on the majority of cloths. Here Dali’s gift – the picture “Basket with Bread” is stored main and the best, according to Gala. Spouses never left it. Having returned back to a scene under a dome, from here it is possible to pass to one of the best-known halls of the museum – Mae Uest’s Hall devoted to this American actress. The hall represents the room where the furniture reproduces features of the actress: a red sofa in the form of chubby seductive lips, a nose fireplace with the smoldering coals, eyes pictures in which landscapes of Paris – the Eiffel Tower and Seine are reflected. Frame “face” of the room of a portiere in the form of a huge blond wig. The room was created on the basis of Distance drawing “Mae Uest’s face which can be used as the room”. Here we again deal with optical game of the Distance: transformation of the two-dimensional image into the three-dimensional. Better to make out this focus, it is necessary to look at the room through the reducing lens, especially for it suspended here. And then the room becomes Mae Uest’s face. The spiral staircase conducts on the second and third floor where the performance culmination from Dali has to be developed, – to the Hall of Masterpieces. Here cloths of famous artists from a personal collection of the Distance, and also Dali’s work which he counted as masterpieces are collected. The chronological principle isn’t observed and here. Time is relative and subjective. Only associative game musters between cloths matters. The main pride of a collection of the Distance is El Greco’s picture “Saint Paul” and two canvases of the Dutch artist Gerard Dou, the pupil Rembrandt. The special place in the Museum is taken by Galatea’s Tower devoted to the only muse and the artist’s goddess. The tower was completed after other parts of the museum and became a peculiar laboratory of optical experiments of Dali. Their results can be seen in the Hall of optical illusions. In the Tower carried out Gave the last years of the life, lonely and sad after Gal death. Here is stored his last picture – “A swallow tail “. And here, in the Universe created by him lives the unruly and naughty spirit of Dali. Invalid Displayed Gallery Author: Natalia Petrakova Translation: Albina Akhmedova Picasso museums “Picasso came to this world properly to stir up it, to turn inside out and to supply it with other eyes” – so defined a phenomenon of the great artist his contemporary, the Spanish poet Raphael Alberty. Pablo Picasso for the long, stormy life passed way from poverty and misunderstanding to world recognition and wealth. The way of 90 years filled with searches and opening lay between two main cities – Barcelona and Paris. Continue reading Picasso museums → Gaudi’s masterpieces. Parс Güell Catalonia long since was famous not only unique talents, but also notable judges of arts. If in ancient times governors and aristocrats were patrons of sciences and arts, in the 19th century, with blossoming of economy and emergence of the bourgeoisie, time of patrons came. Continue reading Gaudi’s masterpieces. Parс Güell → Gaudi’s masterpieces. Casa Mila Near the Casa Battlo, on crossing of Boulevard Gracie with Provence Street, rises the huge cave rock of the Casa Mila. One more creation of Antoni Gaudi during the construction acquired jokes and jokes and got the derisive nickname La-Pedrera that in translation from the Catalan – “a stone quarry, a pit”. It is easy to guess that the second name received a construction for the impressive sizes and stone waves of a facade allocating it against other buildings of the elite district of Barcelona. Continue reading Gaudi’s masterpieces. Casa Mila → Gothic “The city without time” “The city without time” – this is the title one of the many novels about Barcelona. But it is not by happenstance. The ancient city endured series of captures and wars, change of eras and governors for more than two one thousand years. And each of these eras was in own way reflected in modern look of Barcelona, like multi-colored particles of a big mosaic to which this amazing city is so similar. Continue reading Gothic “The city without time” → Masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi. Casa Batllo Barcelona still is called the city of Gaudi not incidentally. The capital of Catalonia found the delightful shape in many respects thanks to masterpieces of the ingenious architect. It is difficult to believe, but to the middle of the 20th century the name Gaudi was a synonym of madness and nearly lacks of talent. Formally its architectural style is referred to a modernist style which dominated in Europe at a turn of 19-20 centuries. Actually, Gaudi’s style is unique. In a stack sense it has neither predecessors, nor direct followers. Gaudi’s architecture is an embodiment of philosophy and the imagination of the master and a little general has with fashionable trends of an era. This art of the future is more likely, than architectural monuments of the past. Therefore deserved recognition of the genius Gaudi came only at the end of the 20th century. And because of this, today there is such improbable interest to it phenomenon. Continue reading Masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi. Casa Batllo → “The only street in the world which, I would like never came to an end”, – these words of Spanish writer Garcia Lorca about La Boulevard Rambla also modern Barcelonians for certain could repeat. And skilled tourists note that La Rambla for Barcelona – the same that Arbat for Moscow, Andreevsky descent for Kiev or Deribasovskaya for Odessa. It is the main street of Barcelona, her face, temperament and unique color. In a carnival way noisy, populous, motley and sounding in every possible way, La Rambla is a Barcelona in all its variety. And to plunge into the charming, playful atmosphere of the capital of Catalonia, it is necessary to walk at first slowly on this boulevard. Continue reading La Rambla → Camp Nou stadium and museum of football club “Barcelona” If you want to understand modern Barcelona – you should visit Camp Nou stadium and museum of football club “Barcelona”. It is the business card of the capital of Catalonia along with architectural masterpieces of Gaudi, museums, theaters and cathedrals. And, the third on attendance after the Temple Sagrada Familia and the Picasso museum. Soccer in Spain – not simply game. It is a cult, art, love and life. Continue reading Camp Nou stadium and museum of football club “Barcelona” → Barcelona (Spain), Barcelona (Spain), Barcelona (Spain), Barcelona (Spain), Barcelona (Spain), Barcelona (Spain), Barcelona (Spain), Barcelona (Spain), Barcelona (Spain) The Sagrada Familia The Sagrada Familia better known to the world as “Sagrad Familia’s Basilica”, – the same cult place for tourist Barcelona, as the Eiffel Tower for Paris or the Colosseum for Rome. Even if you are indifferent to architectural monuments and started a trip to Barcelona for the sake of visit of the museum of legendary football club or to begin to spin flamenco rhythms, – surely find time for excursion in Sagrada Familia. It is the business card of modern Catalonia, its unique pearl and pride. Similar you anywhere won’t see any more and you will precisely get under its mystical charm. Continue reading The Sagrada Familia →	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6928
__label__wiki	0.608899	0.608899	AGGLOMERATION OF TITANIA According to the present invention there is provided a process for the agglomeration of titania slag particles comprising providing titania slag at a d50 particle size of below 106 μm; mixing the slag particles with an organic binder; and agglomerating the mixture of the slag particles and organic binder into agglomerated particles with a d50 particle size in the range from 106 μm to 1000 μm. The agglomerated particles have a (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio of more than 3.4. The invention also relates to such agglomated slag particles and a chloride process for the production Of TiO2 wherein such agglomerated titania slag particles are used. Botha, Pieter Adriaan (Hennopspark, ZA) Bessinger, Deon (Midrand, ZA) Dippenaar, Benjamin Alexander (Magalieskruin, ZA) KUMBA RESOURCES LIMITED (Pretoria, ZA) Other Classes: C01G23/047; C04B35/52 20100044225 NANO-STRUCTURE WITH CAPS February, 2010 Kim et al. 20060222580 Modification of copper/iron selectivity in copper solvent extraction systems October, 2006 Tinkler et al. 20070248531 Generation of Hydrogen from Hydrocarbon Bearing Materials October, 2007 Debryun et al. 20100098780 FLAKY PARTICLE AND COSMETIC April, 2010 Ono et al. 20070148082 Synthesis of nanparticles comprising metal (III) vanadate June, 2007 Heidelberg et al. 20080102376 Method for Producing Difluorophosphate, Nonaqueous Electrolyte Solution for Secondary Battery and Nonaqueous Electrolyte Secondary Battery May, 2008 Kato et al. 20070140949 Extraction of peroxide treated petroleum streams June, 2007 Palmer et al. 20080269379 Coating composition incorporating a low structure carbon black and devices formed therewith October, 2008 Belmont et al. 20020132736 Manufacturing method of active carbon from regenerated carbon powder September, 2002 Kuo 20100092359 METHOD FOR CAPTURING CO2 FROM EXHAUST GAS April, 2010 Svendsen et al. 20010014304 Adsorbent for removing sulfur compouns from fuel gases and removal method August, 2001 Satokawa et al. LIAO, DIANA J HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP (IP Section 2323 Victory Avenue Suite 700, Dallas, TX, 75219, US) 1. A process for the agglomeration of titania slag particles comprising: providing titania slag at a d50 particle size of below 106 μm; mixing the slag particles with an organic binder; and agglomerating the mixture of the slag particles and organic binder into agglomerated particles with a d50 particle size in the range from 106 μm to 1000 μm, and the agglomerated particles having a (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio of more than 3.4. 2. The process of claim 1 wherein the titania slag has a TiO2 content above 75% (by mass). 3. The process of claim 1 wherein the slag is slag derived from beach sand ilmenite. 4. The process of claim 1, further comprising sizing the titania slag to a d50 particle size below 106 μm. 5. The process of claim 4 wherein the sizing is by means of milling. 6. The process of claim 1 wherein the slag has a d50 particle size of smaller than 40 μm. 7. The process of claim 1 wherein the organic binder is selected from a cellulose product; a dairy waste product; a natural gum; a starch product; a starch acrylic copolymer; a wood related product and a mixture of one or more thereof. 8. The process of claim 7 wherein the binder is gelled corn starch. 9. The process of claim 8 wherein the titania slag and the gelled corn starch are mixed to contain 1 to 5% (by mass) of the gelled corn starch. 10. The process of claim 1 wherein the agglomerating comprises pelletizing. 11. The process of claim 1 wherein the d50 particle size of the agglomerated particles is in the range of 150 μm to 1000 μm. 12. The process of claim 1 wherein the (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio is above 4. 13. The process of claim 12 wherein the (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio is at least 20. 14. The process of claim 13 wherein the (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio is above 40. 15. The process of claim 1, further comprising subjecting the agglomerated particles formed to heat treatment. 16. Agglomerated titania slag particles having agglomerated particles with a d50 particle size in the range of 106 μm to 1000 μm, and the agglomerated particles having a (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio of more than 3.4. 17. (canceled) 19. A process using agglomerated titania slag particles comprising: providing agglomerated titania slag particles having a d50 particle size in the range of 106 μm to 1000 μm, and the agglomerated particles having a (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio of more than 3.4; feeding the agglomerated titania slag particles with a reductant and chlorine gas into a fluidized bed reactor to produce gaseous titanium tetrachloride; condensing the gaseous titanium tetrachloride; and oxidizing the condensed titanium tetrachloride to form TiO2. 20. The process of claim 19, further comprising: forming the agglomerated titania slag particles by: providing titania slag at a d50 particle size of below 106 μm; mixing the slag particles with an organic binder; and agglomerating the mixture of the slag particles and organic binder into agglomerated particles with a d50 particle size in the range from 106 μm to 1000 μm, and the agglomerated particles having a (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio of more than 3.4. 21. The process of claim 19 wherein the d50 particle size of the agglomerated particles is in the range of 150 μm to 1000 μm. 22. The process of claim 19 wherein the (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio is above 4. 25. The process of claim 20 wherein the titania slag has a TiO2 content above 75% (by mass). 26. The process of claim 20 wherein the titania slag has a d50 particle size of smaller than 40 μm. 27. The process of claim 20, further comprising subjecting the agglomerated particles formed to heat treatment. This invention relates to the agglomeration of titania slag. Titanium is widely known for its use as a metal, but the primary use of titanium is in the form of titanium dioxide (TiO2). TiO2 is used as a white pigment in paints, plastics and paper. There are two commercial processes for the production of TiO2 pigment namely, the sulphate process and the chloride process. The sulphate process comprises dissolving the feedstock in the form of titanium ore (such as ilmenite) or titania slag in concentrated sulphuric acid. The liquid containing dissolved TiO2 is then subjected to hydrolysis to yield solid TiO2. In the chloride process, the feedstock in the form of titanium ore or titania slag is fluidized at a high temperature (for example 950-1200° C.) in chlorine gas to produce a gas including TiCl4. The TiCl4 is then selectively condensed from the gas and is mixed with oxygen at high temperatures to yield TiO2. A sulphate process plant is easier to operate and monitor than a chloride process plant, and is capable of using feedstock with a relatively low TiO2 content. However, capital costs of a modern sulphate process plant can be higher than that of a chloride process plant of the same pigment capacity. Furthermore there is a higher volume of waste products to be treated and disposed of due to the use of more impure feedstock and the fact that the sulphate used In the process cannot be easily recovered and recycled. Accordingly the chloride process is a more favourable process and is growing in popularity. One of the requirements of the chloride process is that the particle size specification of the feedstock must be suitable for use In a fluidized bed reactor. This particle size is typically in the range of 106 μm to 850 μm±5% (by mass). As mentioned above the feedstock is either titanium ore or titania slag. In recent developments titania slags are upgraded and the upgraded slag is then used as a feedstock. Titania slag is generally produced by reduction of ilmenite ores in an electric arc furnace to form pig iron and titania rich slag. The titania rich slag so formed is cast in a molten state into ladles whereby solid blocks are produced ranging from a few tons to as much as forty tons. After cooling, these blocks are crushed and then milled down to a particle size in the range of 106 to 850 μm rendering it suitable for use in the chloride process. It has been found that during this milling process some of the slag is reduced to a particle size below 106 μm rendering it too fine for use in the chloride process. Agglomeration of titania slags is known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 2,723,903 discloses a process wherein a densified, briquetted mixture of titaniferous material (including Sorel type slag containing approximately 70% by mass TiO2), coking coal (some non-coking coal can also be added) and a carbonaceous binding agent is chlorinated in a shaft furnace. Briquettes were produced with dimensions of 50.8 mm by 50.8 mm by 31.8 mm. The briquettes as exemplified had an estimated TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio of 0.7 to 1.3. U.S. Pat. No. 2,805,120 discloses a similar process as in U.S. Pat. No. 2,723,903. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,117,076 and 4,187,117 disclose pelletised Sorel slag with bituminous coking coal and a suitable binder. The pellets were of a suitable size to be used in a fluidized bed reactor. These pellets again had a high carbon content and the pellets exemplified typically had a (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio of between 2 and 3.2. It is known that the coal used in the briquettes and pellets described above serve as a binder and a reductant. One disadvantage of using coal In agglomerates can be a decrease in strength if a coal with a high volatile content is used. The present inventors have now developed an economically viable process for the agglomeration of titania slag particles smaller than 106 μm thereby rendering it suitable to be used in the chloride process. It has been found that the carbon content in the agglomerates can be reduced and still provide agglomerates with a suitable strength. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention a process for the agglomeration of titania slag particles comprises providing titania slag at a d50 particle size of below 106 μm; mixing the slag particles with an organic binder; and agglomerating the mixture of the slag particles and organic binder into agglomerated particles with a d50 particle size in the range from 106 μm to 1000 μm and the agglomerated particles having a (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio of more than 3.4. The titania slag may be any suitable titania slag, but preferably it comprises slag fines with a particle size below 200 μm and preferably with a TiO2 content of above 70% (by mass), preferably above 75% (by mass), and more preferably above 80% by mass. The titania slag may have a composition rendering it suitable to be used in a fluidized bed reactor of a chloride process for producing TiO2. Alternatively, the titania slag may be treated to render the slag suitable for use in the said chloride process. In one embodiment of the Invention the titania slag may be treated to remove unwanted compounds and preferably increasing the titanium concentration of the slag. In one embodiment of the invention the titania slag may be subjected to magnetic separation to remove unwanted compounds. This treatment may take place before or subsequent to the sizing described below. If CaO is present In the slag, it is preferably present at below 0.5% by mass, preferably below 0.3% by mass. If MgO is present in the slag it is preferably present at below 3% by mass, preferably below 1.2% by mass. The slag may be slag derived from beach sand ilmenite. The process may also include a step of sizing the titania slag to a d50 particle size below 106 μm. The sizing of the titania slag may be by any conventional method. Screening may, for example, be considered. Preferably the titania slag is comminuted, more preferably the titania slag is milled. Preferably a ball mill, preferably a dry ball mill is used for milling the titania slag. Preferably the slag has a d80 particle size of smaller than 75 μm, preferably a d50 particle size of smaller than 40 μm. Preferably the d50 particle size is 20 μm or 17 μm or even smaller. It is believed that the finer the particle size, the better the agglomeration will be. Any suitable organic binder may be used. The organic binder may be selected from the group consisting of a cellulose product; a dairy waste product (such as lactose and whey products); a natural gum (such as guar gum); a starch product (such as corn, potato and wheat starches); a starch acrylic copolymer; a wood related product (such as hemicellulose) and a mixture of one or more thereof. Preferably the binder comprises starch, preferably gelled starch and more preferably gelled corn starch. It has been found that the starch not only provides sufficient binding strength, but the use thereof also does not result in unacceptable contamination of the agglomerated product. The titania slag and binder may be mixed in any suitable ratio. In the case of a starch binder, 1 to 5% (by mass) starch may be added. Preferably 2 to 3% (by mass) of starch is added and more preferably about 2.5% (by mass) starch is added. The titania slag and binder may be mixed in any suitable manner. In one embodiment of the invention the binder may be added during the process of sizing of the slag thereby to obtain mixing of the binder and the slag. In another embodiment of the invention any suitable mixer, e.g. a high rate mixer can be used to obtain mixing of the already sized slag and the binder. As moisture content plays an important role in agglomeration, steps can be taken to obtain the desired moisture level prior to agglomeration. The moisture content prior to agglomeration may be 1 to 8% (by mass). Steps can be taken to adjust the moisture content upwardly. The mixture of sized slag and binder may be agglomerated in any suitable manner. Preferably said mixture is pelletised. The pelletising may be by any suitable manner, but preferably a disc pelletiser is used. Preferably water is added during the pelletising process. The amount of water added is suitable to obtain acceptable pelletising. Preferably at least 60% (by mass), preferably at least 75% (by mass), preferably at least 90% (by mass) of the agglomerated particles are in the size range of 106 to 1000 μm, preferably in the range of 106 to 850 μm. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the d50 particle size of the agglomerated particles is In the range of 150 to 1000 μm, preferably 150 to 850 μm. The (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio is preferably above 4, more preferably above 5, and more preferably above 10. It is foreseen that a suitable reductant such as carbon (for example) may be incorporated into the agglomerated product, but even then the above ratios are valid. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio is preferably at least 20, preferably at least 25, preferably above 40 and even above 80. Preferably the agglomerated particles have a density of above 1 g/cm3, preferably above 1.1 g/cm3, preferably above 1.2 g/cm3 and more preferably above 1.3 g/cm3. The agglomerated particles/pellets formed may be subjected to heat treatment. In one embodiment of the invention the agglomerated particles/pellets may be merely dried, for example at 60° C. Alternatively the pellets may be treated at higher temperatures, typically at about 160° C. or 200° C. and even 250° C. to obtain drying and hardening of the pellets. The pellets may also be sized to fall in a range of 106-850 μm. The oversized pellets (+850 μm) and the undersized pellets (−106 μm) may be recycled. The pellets or agglomerates so formed may be suitable to be used in the chloride process for the production of TiO2 which process includes a fluidized bed reactor. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided agglomerated titania slag particles having agglomerated particles with a d50 particle size in the range of 106 to 1000 μm, and the agglomerated particles having a (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio of more than 3.4. Preferably it comprises peiletised titania slag particles. Preferably the agglomerated particles are prepared by the process substantially described hereinabove. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a chloride process for the production of TiO2 wherein agglomerated titania slag particles as described above is used. The chloride process may include the steps of: providing agglomerated titania slag particles substantially as described hereinabove; feeding the agglomerated titania slag with a reductant and chlorine gas into a fluidized bed reactor to produce gaseous titanium tetrachloride; condensing the gaseous titanium tetrachloride; and oxidizing the condensed titanium tetrachloride to form TiO2. The agglomerated titania slag may be prepared by the process substantially as described herein above. The fluidized bed reactor may be operated at an elevated temperature, typically in the order of 900 to 1200° C. A suitable reductant may be a carbonaceous product. The reductant may be incorporated into the agglomerated titania slag. Alternatively, it may be separately provided for. The gaseous titanium tetrachloride produced in the fluidized bed reactor is part of a gas stream also containing a number of other chloride products. The said gas stream is usually cooled as it leaves the fluidized bed reactor and is then condensed. Separation of the titanium tetrachloride product from the other chloride products (such as iron chlorides) is possible due to differences in boiling points of the various chloride products. The separated titanium tetrachloride may be cooled and may be cleaned before being oxidized to form TiO2. The TiO2 so formed may then be further processed to produce the final pigment product. The invention will now be further described by means of the following non-limiting examples. Three different sized slag fines products were obtained from a single high titania slag bulk sample (slag derived from beach sand ilmenite) for pelletisation test work. The first sample (SF1) was milled in a ball mill to a d50 of 17 μm. The second sample (SF2) was screened on a 106 μm sieve, with the −106 μm size fraction used for pelletisation test work. The d50 of this sample was 62 μm. The third sample (SF3) was representative of the bulk sample and was used as received. The d50 of this sample was 126 μm. A typical chemical composition of the bulk sample is given below (Table 1): SiO2 Al2O3 FeTotal TiO2 CaO MgO MnO Cr2O3 V2O5 (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 2.52 1.27 8.63 85.2 0.25 1.08 2.00 0.16 0.37 % are mass % Gelled corn starch was used as binder in all the pelletisation tests. For each of the tests, samples were mixed with the binder in a high intensity mixer prior to the pelletising step. A disk pelletiser (1.2 m diameter) was used for the pelletising of the different mixtures. During the pelletisation step sufficient water was added to each mixture to ensure the production of the required pellets. The pellets produced in this way were dried overnight at 60° C. From each of the tests a −3+1 mm fraction was screened out and used for the physical strength determinations of the pellets. For the determination of the micro-pellet strength, 500 g of the −3+1 mm fraction was used. This sample was then sieved on an orbital shaker for 4 minutes and the amount of −0.5 mm material determined. This was used as a quantitative measurement for the cold strength of the pellets. Samples from each test (−3+1 mm pellets) were also subjected to high temperature shock tests at 1100° C. in a muffle furnace to simulate the breakdown of the pellets during loading conditions into a furnace. After the shock tests the samples were again subjected to a screening test at 0.5 mm for 2 minutes to determine the extent of the breakdown of the pellets. The high temperature shock tests were carried out in air and nitrogen atmospheres. The results of the pelletisation tests on the milled slag fines (sample SF1) are shown in Table 2. These results show that a binder addition of approximately 2 to 4% gave the best results regarding the cold strength and high temperature shock test properties of the pellets. Pellet properties High temperature shock tests: Pellets heated High temperature shock Pellet feed mixture Cold strength: to 1100° C. in tests: Pellets heated Slag fines - Calc Air dried nitrogen for 2 min to 1100° C. in air sample SF1 Binder Binder (TiO2 + FeO)/C pellets screened and then screened for 2 min and then scre- (kg) (kg) addition (%) mass ratio at −0.5 mm (%) at −0.5 mm (%) ened at −0.5 mm (%) 5.00 0.051 1.01 100 7.2 1.1 1.3 5.00 0.102 2.04 50 0.8 1.8 1.4 In addition to these tests, similar tests were carried out on the different size fractions of the milled slag (samples SF1, SF2 and SF3). These tests were carried out with a binder addition of 2.56% by mass. The results of these tests are shown in Table 3. These results show that milling of the slag is preferred to obtain pellets with sufficient high temperature strength. Cold strength: to 1100° C. in tests: Pellets heated Pellet feed mixture Air dried nitrogen for 2 min to 1100° C. in air Slag Slag Binder Binder pellets screened and then screened for 2 min and then scre- sample (kg) (kg) addition (%) at −0.5 mm (%) at −0.5 mm (%) ened at −0.5 mm (%) SF1 5.00 0.1282 2.56 1.0 4.0 3.0 SF2 5.00 0.1282 2.56 2.9 42.7 46.6 The carbon content of pellets produced in this way is typically in the order of 1% by mass. This results in a calculated (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio of approximately 85. Titania slag fines (d50 of 125 μm) were milled to a d50 of 17 μm (sample SF1 from example 1). These milled fines were than agglomerated in a disk pelletiser, using a gelled corn starch as binder (binder addition of 2.56% by mass). During the agglomeration process sufficient water was added to assist with the agglomeration process. After agglomeration, the product was dried overnight at 60° C. A −850+106 μm size fraction of the dried agglomerated product was then used for chlorination test work. The agglomerated product had a bulk density of 1.41 g/cm3 and the (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ration was again approximately 85. The composition of the agglomerated product after drying was as follows (Table 4): SiO2 Al2O3 FeTotal TiO2 CaO MgO MnO Cr2O3 V2O5 C (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 2.45 1.20 8.45 82.5 0.17 0.94 1.88 0.15 0.37 1.12 Chlorination of the agglomerated product was carried out in an externally heated fluidised bed reactor (inner diameter of 50 mm). Nitrogen (6.5 l per minute) was used to fluidise the agglomerated sample (20 g) while the reactor was heated to 1000° C. As the temperature reached 1000° C., CO (2.8 l per minute) and Cl2 (4.0 l per minute) gases were introduced into the reactor in addition to the nitrogen. The product gases were cooled in a water-cooled condenser. Chloride products and excess chlorine gas were absorbed in sodium hydroxide solutions. The reaction was allowed to continue for 15 minutes, after which the CO and Cl2 gas flows were discontinued and the furnace power switched off. The fluidised bed reactor was flushed with nitrogen for 5 minutes, after which the residue was removed from the reactor. The composition of the residue was as follows (Table 5): 3.13 1.02 0.11 95.3 0.19 0.24 0.06 0.04 0.02 0.004 Inspection of the residue revealed that the color of the agglomerated particles had changed from black to off-white. It was also noted that the agglomerated particles had maintained their integrity and had not broken up into fines, indicating the suitability of the agglomerated product as feedstock for chlorination. High titania slag fines derived from beach sand ilmenite (analyses similar to that of Example 1, Table 1; 80% by mass of slag −75 μm) were subjected to pelletising tests using various types of organic binders. The following binders were used: Gelled corn starch Peridur (a carboxyl methyl cellulose product) (Peridur is a trade name and it is supplied by Akso Nobel). In each instance slag fines (2.5 kg) were mixed with the binder in a high intensity mixer prior to the pelletising step. A disk pelletiser was used for the pelletising of the materials. The produced micro-pellets were dried overnight at 60° C. From each of the tests a −1+0.5 mm fraction (500 g) was screened out. This sample was then sieved for 4 minutes on an orbital shaker and the amount of 0.5 mm material determined. This was used as a quantitative measurement for the cold strength of the pellets. The results of these tests are shown in Table 6. Cold strength: Air Binder addition dried pellets screened Binder (% by mass) at −0.5 mm Starch 2.00 1.56 Peridur 1.00 1.54 It was noted that the starch as well as the Peridur gave overall binding properties to the pellets (cold strength values similar). Physical binding during the ball formation was easier with the starch as binder if compared to the pellets where Peridur was used as a binder. This example illustrates the chlorination behaviour of agglomerated titania slag (pellets) with that of slag milled to a −850+106 μm size fraction (chloride grade slag) Titania slag fines (d50 of 125 μm) derived from beach sand ilmenite were milled to a d50 of 20 μm. These milled fines were then agglomerated in a disk pelletiser, using gelled corn starch as binder (binder addition of 2.56% by mass). During the agglomeration process sufficient water was added to assist with the agglomeration process. After agglomeration, the product was dried overnight at 60° C. A −1+0.5 mm size fraction of the dried agglomerated product was then used for chlorination test work. The d50 of the agglomerated product was measured at 690 μm, while the product had a bulk density of 1.47 g/cm3. The (TiO2 and FeO)/C mass ratio was 114. The composition of the agglomerated product after drying was as follows (Table 7): 2.54 1.21 8.3 81.4 0.12 0.94 1.79 0.22 0.44 0.81 Titania slag was milled down to a −850+106 μm size fraction. The d50 of this sample was measured as being 370 μm, with a bulk density of 2.03 g/cm3. The composition of this sample was as follows (Table 8): Chlorination of these products were carried out in a quartz tube (27 mm diameter). A porous frit supported the bed of sample, consisting of a mix of one of the slag samples together with a carbonaceous reductant (Sascarb LS). Tests were carried out by placing the charge (40 g of slag sample and 8 g of Sascarb LS) in the reactor. Nitrogen was run through the reactor during the period it took to reach the reaction temperature of 1200° C. When the bed reached 1200° C. chlorine was Introduced in addition to the nitrogen. After completion of the test the bed was cooled in nitrogen. Comparative chlorination results for the slag pellets and chloride grade slag are shown In Table 9. Table 9 shows the fraction of FeO and TiO2 removed from the reactor bed. FeO chlorinates rapidly, while the chlorination of TiO2 in the samples is slower. These results show that the rate of chlorination between the two samples is similar. Fraction TiO2 Fraction FeO Type of material Time reacted reacted reacted Slag pellets 0 0.00 0.00 Chloride grade 0 0.00 0.00 slag 15.4 0.46 0.99 The d50 of the slag remaining in the bed after chlorination was also measured. For the slag pellets the d50 after chlorination for all the tests ranged between 400 and 700 μm, indicating that minimal breakdown of the pellets occurred during the chlorination process. For the chloride grade slag the typical d50 after chlorination was 300 to 400 μm, indicating minimal breakdown of the chloride grade slag. It is concluded from these results that slag pellets can be used as a substitute for chloride grade slag. Previous Patent: Process for treating acid gas in staged furnaces with inter-stage heat recovery and inter-stage sulf... Next Patent: Choline: Early Detector of Cancer	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6933
__label__wiki	0.561136	0.561136	Hanna Hölling May 7-10, 2019, University of Utrecht, University of Amsterdam,NICAS and Rijksmuseum: The Making of Art Experience – Artechne international conference. Discipline Formation & Cultures of Expertise: Session chair and concluding remarks. p a s t: 2 0 1 9 April 23-26, 2019, Belo Horizonte, Brasil, 5º Seminário de Artes Digitais (SAD) \| 5th Seminar for Digital Arts, State University of Minas Gerais/UEMG – Time and Memory in Fluxus films, opening keynote. April 14-16, 2019, VALIE EXPORT Center, Linz, Austria – performance think tank. March 14, 2019, Frankfurt, Museum of Communication, Internationale Tagung zu Fragen und Aspekten der Bewahrung und Restaurierung von Medienkunst. December 17-18, 2018, Thorvaldsens Museum and University of Copenhagen, research and exhibition project brainstorming. November 1-2, 2018, SIK-ISEA \| Schweizerisches Institut für Kunstwissenschaft \| Swiss Institute for Art Research Zürich, presentation on the occasion of an interdisciplinary symposium Kunst und Material: Repräsentation, Stofflichkeit, Prozesse \| Art and Material: Representation, Materiality, Processes, Zollikerstrasse 32, 8032 Zürich October 17, 2018, Bern Univesity of the Arts, Forschungsmittwoch: Performance: Nachleben, Materialität, Interpretation \| Performance: Afterlife, Materiality, Interpretation: lecture followed by an artist talk with Johannes Hedinger (Com&Com) and Q&A; 5 – 6:30 pm; Berne University of the Arts, Schwabstrasse 20, 3018 Berne. October 5, 2018, University of Basel, Media of Exactitude in the Humanities, Arts, and Science international conference \| Medien der Genauigkeit: Ideale, Praktiken, Darstellungen; SNF-Sinergia-Projekt Universität Basel; eikones Forum, Rheinsprung 11, Basel, Switzerland. September 17, 2018, University of St. Andrews, Scotland, Art History Research Lecture “Media Art: Transitions, Durations, and the Paradigm of Conservation, School II, St Salvator’s Quad, 4:15 pm. August 6-7, 2018, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Laboratory for Experimental Museology, presentation on the occasion of Archiving Intangible Cultural Heritage & Performing Arts: Symposium and Summer School organised by Prof Sarah Kenderline. July 1, 2018, Alps Art Academy, Tenna, Switzerland, international symposium and summer school. June 25-26, 2018, Cologne, New Approaches in the Conservation of Contemporary Art, University of Applied Science, keynote (with Salvador Munoz Vinas). Full program available here. June 19-22, 2018, Cambridge, MA., Harvard Art Museums, The Summer Institute for Technical Studies in Art (SITSA) organised and headed by Dr Francesca Bewer. May 30, 2018, 9 AM-5 PM, Statens Museum for Kunst: National Gallery of Denmark, Transmissions and Transitions – (Post)media, Museums and Cultural Memory, Museums and Art in the Information Age research project symposium, international keynote (with Sean Cubitt, Dieter Daniels, & Sarah Kenderdine). June 4-5, 2018, Ludwig Museum Budapest—Museum of Contemporary Art, MAPS Media Art Preservation – Born Digital. April 12, 2018, 3-5 PM Utrecht University, Department of History and Art History, master class for MA and PhD students and public Technical Art History Colloquium. February 22, 2018, 2:00–3:30 PM Los Angeles, 106th College Art Association Annual Conference (Room: 501A, Los Angeles Convention Center) “Object – Event – Performance: Art, Materiality, and Continuity since the 1960s,” presentations and panel discussion with Andrea Gyorody, Allen Memorial Art Museum/Oberlin College; Megan Metcalf, University of California, Los Angeles; Oliver Shultz, Stanford University; Edward Bacal, University of Toronto. Organised and chaired by Hanna Hölling. February 28, 2018, 3:00-5:00 PM, University College London, Department of History of Art, Alumni Round Table Discussion with Simon Baker, Tate Modern/Maison Europeene de la Photographie, Paris; Nico Epstein, Artvisor; Clem Hitchcock, BBC/Sky Arts, Chanel 4; Anna Testar, Royal Academy; Hannah Watson, TJ Boulting/Trolley Books. Cancelled due to industrial action. February 15, 2018, University of Münster, Germany, The Archive in Translation, Skulpturprojekte Archive Workshop. November 17, 2017, 6-8:00 PM SIK-ISEA \| Schweizerisches Institut für Kunstwissenschaft (Swiss Institute for Art Research) Zürich, “Medienkunst: Zeit, Materialität, Authentizität,” lecture and book presentation Paik’s Virtual Archive: Time, Change and Materiality in Media Art. The event will be held in German. Location: SIK-ISEA, Zollikerstrasse 32, CH-8032 Zürich. October 20, 2017, Rio de Janeiro, Instituto Moreira Salles, “Perpetuating Change,” master class on media art and performance. October 18, 2017 Rio de Janeiro “What’s the Matter of the Future (Collections)” International Council of Museums, Brasil, a joint initiative of COMCOL (collections) and CIDOC (documentation) committees. October 16, 2017 Munich, Deutsches Museum, “Trace, Memory, Time” presentation on the occasion of the symposium “Material Authenticity of the Ephemeral.” October 10, 2017 London, UCL \| Institute for Advanced Studies, London, Permanent Impermanence: Panel Discussion and Book Presentation “Paik’s Virtual Archive: Time, Change, and Materiality in Media Art.” With Briony Fer (UCL), Sarah Cook (University of Dundee), and Hanna Hölling (UCL). September 15, 2017 ZKM \| Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, Germany, “Paik’s Virtual Archive: Time, Change, and Materiality in Media Art,” lecture and book presentation. September 4-8, 2017 Copenhagen, ICOM-CC Triennial Conference, “Time and Conservation,” presentation in the session Theory and History of Conservation. August 22, 2017 Los Angeles, CA, Getty Center, What’s the Matter? Media, Materiality, and Meaning in Film and Video Installations, presentations and a roundtable discussion with Glenn Phillips (Getty Research Institute), Jeniffer West (Roski School of Arts and Design, University of Southern California), Mark Gilberg (LACMA), and Hanna Hölling (UCL). Organized by Hanna Hölling. June 14, 2017 Cambridge, MA., Harvard Art Museums, The Summer Institute for Technical Studies in Art (SITSA), lecture and workshop on media installations and score-based works. May 26, 2017 London, UCL \| Institute for Advanced Studies IAS, presentation “Sensing Change: Perceptions and Transitions in Media Art” in the Sense and Sensation seminar series. April 5, 2017, 1.30pm New York, The Met \| The Metropolitan Museum of Art, presentation “Media Art between Concept and Material: Nam June Paik’s Installations and the Limits of Material Preservation.” April 5, 2017, 7:30pm New York, Insitute of Fine Arts, New York University, book presentation “Paik’s Virtual Archive: Time, Change, and Materiality in Media Art.” March 1, 2017 London, UCL Department of History of Art, Alumni Round Table Discussion with Rovianne Matovu (Morey College), Maxine Noth (Haut Presents), Niahm Morgan (Scott&Co), Subhas Kim Kandasamy (Achille Salvagni Atelier), and James Baskerville (Christie’s). November 19, 2016 Leeds, University of Leeds, Spaces of Imagination: Intermediality in Film Archives and Exhibition, University of Leeds, presentation “Time, Change, and Identity in Nam June Paik’s Zen for Film.” November 17, 2016 London, Institute for Advanced Studies IAS, introductory discussion in the seminar Sense and Sensation October 16 Tenna, Switzerland, finissage of the plain air New Land Art exhibition Art Safiental organized on the occasion of Alps Art Academy. September 23 Brighton, University of Brighton, presentation “Archive, Materiality, and Change,” (canceled). September 12 Los Angeles, 2016 IIC Congress at the Biltmore, presentation “Transitional Media: Duration, Recursion and the Paradigm of Conservation.” July 12-17 Casa Wabi, Mexico, think tank Media in the Expanded Field, participation, PechaKucha, paper presentation “Revisions, or on the Aesthetics of Change” in the session Post-medium Condition, and chaired panel discussion with Pip Laurenson and Doris Krystof. June 26-July 3 Tenna, Switzerland, Alps Art Academy International Summer School, keynote“The Lands of Art: On Land Art’s Shifting Grounds,” and taught programs (leader theory workshop). June 25 Basel, Switzerland, 3rd Congress for Art History, introduction to and moderation of the session “Objekte Erklären.” February 22 New York finissage of the exhibition Revisions-Zen for Film at the Bard Graduate Center Gallery. February 5 Washington DC, College Art Association 104th Annual Conference, introduction and moderation of the session “The Explicit Material: On the Intersections of Cultures of Curation and Conservation.” December 8 Budapest, Ludwig Museum—Museum of Contemporary Art, presentation “What is Conservation? Media Arts between the Recent and Traditional Theory.” December 5 Warsaw, Academy of Fine Arts—Rector’s Building, presentation “Art in Process, or on the Relative Duration of the Impermanent.” November 23 Berlin, Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, presentation “Conservation and Contingency: On Realms of Theory and Cultures of Practice.” October 10 Riga, Renewable Futures, Media Art Histories Conference, “Slow and Fast Art: Time, Change, and Continuity in Media Installations” (canceled due to illness). September 24 New York, Curators’ Corner series “On Curating Nam June Paik” Hanna Hölling and Michelle Yun in coversation. September 21 New York, Bard Graduate Center, symposium Revisions: Object—Event—Performance—Process since the 1960s moderation and opening presentation “Zen for Film: Object, Event, Performance, Process.” Septemeber 17 New York, opening of the exhibition Revisions-Zen for Film at the Bard Graduate Center Gallery, 18 W 86th St. September 1 New York, Revisions-Zen for Film has been published. May 15 Miami, 43rd Annual Meeting of the American Institute for Conservation, “The Theory of Practice: Practical Philosophy, Cultures of Conservation and the Aesthetics of Change,” lecture at the opening plenary session. May 7 Providence, Brown University, presentation “On the Relative Duration of the Impermanent and the Aesthetics of Change in Museums.” February 11 New York, College Art Association 103rd Annual Conference, presentation “Fluxus: What’s the Matter?” December 2 Glasgow, The Glasgow School of Arts, “The Aesthetics of Change: On the Relative Durations of the Impermanent,” opening keynote. May 24 Lausanne, University Lausanne, presentation “Made in Switzerland: Between Concept and Materialization in Paik’s Video Installations in Basel and Zurich.” March 31 México D.F., Fundación JUMEX, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, opening keynote “Beyond the Object Principle.” Landscape #1 has been published The Explicit Material, our new anthology, has just arrived in hardcover! My research supported by Terra Foundation for American Art at the Smithsonian Lecture at Bern University of the Arts – Performance: Afterlife, Materiality, Interpretation Paik’s Virtual Archive reviewed in Art Bulletin h.holling@ucl.ac.uk	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6945
__label__cc	0.527424	0.472576	« Prospect Profiles: Taylor Mays Tom Cable Reportedly “Getting Fired” » Prospect Profiles: C.J. Spiller January 11th, 2010 Jesse Bartolis Posted in Main Spiller Eludes Another Tackle The next prospect up in my prospect profiles is a C.J. Spiller I’m profiling C.J. Spiller now for the same reason that I already profiled Taylor Mays the “book” on Spiller is pretty cut and dry. Before last season if you had told me the Giants were going to consider drafting a running back in the first round I would have thought it was a luxury pick, but the way the Running backs played last season it might be a need pick. I said I was only going to profile I believed had a realistic chance of falling to the Giants and I am. Despite Spiller’s big name I think he could realistically fall down to number 15 in the draft (Moreno fell to 12 last year-Adrian Peterson was perhaps the consesus number one talent and fell to 7th). The reason this is possible is becuase the teams that are drafting very high that need a running back (Detroit, Washington, Seahawks, Browns) have much bigger needs than at Running back and will probably go DL, OL, or Quarterbacks. Anyway…onto Spiller. Measurables (combine numbers will be posted here when they become available) C.J. Spiller stands at 5-11 and 195 pounds, and he is chiseled. C.J. Spiller is also very fast and should run a very good 40 (probably a sub 4.4). C.J. Spiller also spent four years in college, even though he could have gone into the draft early so if that’s you’re sort of thing that’s one more bonus point. Spiller was also a VERY highly touted player coming out of high school, but chose to go to Clemson because he liked it more as opposed to going to a traditional power school. I like this as well. C.J. Spiller was Very productive while he was at Clemson and was very productive this past year. Spiller is a dynamic return man, and Spiller scored either on the ground, through the air, or in the return game EVERY game this season. Spiller also did not take a ton of wear and tear from handoffs this season or in his career. He amassed 1,212 yards on 212 carries (5.6 yards per carry), he caught 36 passes for 503 yards he combined 16 touchdowns in these categories and added 6 return touchdowns and one passing touchdown to boot. Spiller had 26 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown vs high-ranking T.C.U. defense. He had 20 carries for 233 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground vs a good Georgia Tech team. And he absued traditonal power F.S.U. as well. He was prodcutive vs good teams. N.F.L. Draft Scout Says: Inside: Although Spiller is known as a speed back, he has strong muscle definition throughout his frame and runs a lot tougher than most give him credit for. Most dangerous when starting inside and using his quick feet and vision to bounce outside, but isn’t afraid to take it north-south if that’s what’s needed. Keeps his pads down and legs moving through trash inside, often falling forward for extra yardage. Will be challenged to hang onto the ball when facing strong NFL linebackers. Outside: Excels outside the tackles. Excellent vision and agility, with elite breakaway speed. Few safeties will ever get an angle on him once he’s past the linebackers. Has the speed to turn the corner. Patient running on stretch and zone plays, able to cutback and blow through a hole. Can press the line, then evade penetrating defenders by bouncing outside with quick feet. Able to leap diving defenders and stay in balance after landing. Does not shy away from contact at the second level — willing to plow through a tackle for an extra yard. Ball security can be an issue, as he gets a little loose with the ball when running outside. A potential Pro Bowl punt and kick returner because of his pure speed, willingness to attack the lane, quick cuts through traffic and superior elusiveness with the ball in his hands. Breaking tackles: Runs with some lean; elusive and strong enough to avoid defenders in space and run through arm tackles. Quick stop-start move to freeze would-be tacklers or let them fly by if they leave their feet. Head fakes or just out-quicks most any defender in space — usually at full speed. Isn’t big enough to consistently get through the grasp of defensive tackles at the line or the wrap of linebackers, but gives good effort. Blocking: Does not act like a track star playing football. Willing to stand up to ends and linebackers in pass protection, although he lacks the bulk to sustain and may struggle to stay strong against top pro linebackers. Will throw a shoulder into much bigger defenders to chip on a lineman before heading to the flat for a check-down pass. Gives effort to help out teammates running downfield. Receiving: Versatile offensive weapon who catches passes over the middle or in the flat, but will also line up in the slot and on the outside. He’s lightning-quick and ultra-elusive after the catch, often leaving defenders standing still as he jukes them outside or inside. Blows by safeties in coverage, especially on out-and-up routes. Inconsistent hands as a receiver, though. Will catch most easy passes with his hands and high-point the ball in traffic, but he also has lapses of concentration and short-arm passes when expecting a big hit over the middle. Needs to be crisper coming in and out of his routes to sell them better at the next level. Solid hands on punt returns, and actually catches kickoffs at helmet-height with his hands. Intangibles: Improved his strength and running toughness over the past couple of seasons to become a more complete running back. Looks to be a leader on offense without James Davis, quarterback Cullen Harper and wide receiver Aaron Kelly no longer on the squad. No major character issues or off-field incidents. Named to the ACC All-Academic team in 2008. NFL Comparison: Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys One of my favorite web sites Walterfootball.com says Strengths: Solid bulk Extremely fast with gamebreaking ability Instinctive back Patient and sets up blockers Great vision to identify cutback lanes at line of scrimmage and in open field Very elusive and evades tacklers Great spin move Runs routes well out of backfield Lots of experience catching the ball Nice second gear to go distance Breaks a good amount of tackles for his weight Can contribute as a returner Projects as an excellent No. 2, change-of-pace running back Good YPC average despite weak offensive line Won’t get that much bigger without losing speed Not very assertive between the tackles Generally shys from contact Not very powerful Not going to get much done on the goal line Weak inside runner Mediocre in pass protection Not an explosive or exceptional punt returner Cuts outside far too oftenSummary: Spiller profiles as a very explosive back, but isn’t a No. 1 in the NFL, which isn’t an entirely bad thing. He needs to work on his pass protection the most so he can really help out virtually every team on third down. With James Davis gone, he has a chance to show teams he can handle a greater workload in 2009.Player Comparison: Reggie Bush. Both backs love to kick it outside and have the elite athleticism to make everyone miss in the open field as great home-run threats. Draft Board Insider Says: Scouting Report: Spiller has really burst on the scene this year, after sharing the spotlight with James Davis last season. Spiller is the home run threat in this draft, capable to taking it to the house on any given play, whether it’s rushing, receiving or returning kicks. Spiller is super quick, makes great cuts, has tremendous acceleration, and pulls away from defenders in the open field. He is able to get to top speed in just a few steps, and can decelerate and accelerate very quickly. He’s got soft hands in the passing game, and is an explosive kicker returner. All that being said, Spiller lacks the bulk needed to be an every down back, doesn’t break tackles well, and struggles running tackle to tackle. Because of this, he has a tendency to want to pop everything to the outside, and that costs him yards. Draft Status: Spiller is going to run very well in shorts and already has the media wrapped around his finger, so his first round status should be locked down. And if you don’t have any glaring needs, and want to add a player to complement a feature back and bolster a return game then by all means draft him. But if you are going to draft him thinking you are going to get Chris Johnson expect to be disappointed. Final Analysis: I fully expect to get the email about how Spiller is built just like Chris Johnson and the comparisons will go on from there. The difference is, Johnson runs hard inside, and does not shy away from contact. He didn’t in college and he still doesn’t. Spiller doesn’t want to get hit. You don’t have to watch much Clemson football to get that. If he can develop a tougher mentality and his body can take the punishment, he could be a much more complete player. But for now, I see Spiller as a role player for a team. Bigtime kick returner, part time running back and wide out. Spiller is a smart player with good instincts and vision, but struggles in pass protection, and makes him more of a situational player for now. Reminds me of: Leon Washington, RB New York Jets-Spiller is going to have to find his niche’ sort of like what Washington has done. They both have similar builds and running styles and need to be part of a platoon to be successful. I think Spiller has a chance to be much more explosive and productive than Washington, but never a feature back. Big Board Rankings Mel Kiper Jr. 12th Draft Scout’s Big Board 7th On Draft Board Insider’s Big Board 8th Matt McGuire (Walterfootball) 23rd Drafttek.com’s Big Board 8th Bartolis’ Summary And Final Verdict C.J. Spiller is a dynamic runner, receiver, and return man. C.J. Spiller is also probably not viewed as an elite or feature running back, in other words C.J. Spiller is not the next Chris Johnson, I don’t think in many people’s minds. Spiller is a stronger Reggie Bush. Spiller is great in open space and great at hitting the home run play, and he would complement another back very well. Spiller also has no off the field incidents and seems to be a man of high character. Spiller’s draft stock is all over the place-I saw in an article in SportingNews Magazine that at least one N.F.L. team had Spiller as their #1 rated overall prospect on their big board. (The article, obviously, wouldn’t say which teams scouts were lending them a hand in evaluating talent). Is C.J. Spiller the next Chris Johnson or Reggie Bush? I’m not sure. I think the one guy might be right he might be a better Leon Washington-very good at all facets of the game, but he’s not going to be a guy who runs a ton, but if he contribues like Washington does on Special Teams…who cares? I personally have, and always will be, about drafting Best Player Available within reason. What I mean is if the best player available when you draft isn’t a position that you are already stocked with young talent in (in other words if you’re the Giants and since 2007 you have spent draft picks on WR in the first three rounds on Smith, Manningham, Nicks, Barden, Beckum-then you dont need another young WR) or is not a QB when you already have a franchise one- draft him. But this holds for the first few rounds-in later rounds draft the best player available anyway. My reasoning is this: The N.F.L. game is a game of attrition. People get hurt, players get hold before you know it, and young players are said to have THREE YEARS Before they really help out. How do you know what needs you’ll have in three years? You don’t. Draft the players you think can play well in the N.F.L. and use Free Agency to sort out your “needs”. Jerry Reese likes to draft players who come from Big Time Schools and who have been productive-he also has shown a penchant to draft the best player available (Mario Manningham in 2008 at the end of the third round-Rhett Bomar last year) so I think it is very possible if Spiller is there he will draft him, and I think he SHOULD. Right now, C.J. Spiller is my personal Number One Overall Target (it’s very close though) for the New York Giants-if they remain at #15 and if other players I think will already be gone are gone. He not only is perhaps the best player available, but it’s not like the Giants running game dominated last year and Domenk Hixon is pretty good, but he’s not C.J. Spiller good in the return game. Spiller would also add a receiving element out of the backfield the Giants haven’t had since Tiki Barber left. Bradshaw is a decent receiver out of the backfield, but he’s not C.J. Spiller. C.J. Spiller is a game-breaker in an N.F.L. game that is becoming all about big plays. He also has no character issues-and as a guy who knows that he’s going to go to the Pros made an All Academic Team. That’s impressive. Previous Profiles Taylor Mays Subscribe to Giants Gab via RSS Feed or E-mail and receive daily news updates from us! Tags: 2010 NFL Draft, Barber, C.J. Spiller, cowboys, Dallas Cowboys, draft, Football, giants, hixon, jets, Johnson, manningham, mario manningham, New York, New York Jets, NFL, pro bowl, Prospect Profiles, RB, smith 21 Responses to “Prospect Profiles: C.J. Spiller” BlueManFla says: This is a bit of a repeat post from one I made on the Taylor Mays prospect. This guy sounds like another Bradshaw, real shifty and can break a long one any time. SO why use the 1st pick for a running back when we have a lot of other problems IMHO. It’s true that Bradshaw was very fragile this year, but we will have backup next year with Ware and Brown. As far as return man goes, with the return team the Giants put on the field this year, this guy would not have been any better than Hixon. If no one blocks during a return, there aren’t many holes to slip through. That also applies to opur running troubles this year. I’d like to see us go for offensive lineman early in the draft. Most of the problems with our run game this year was also because we weren’t getting holes opened up for the backs. The mock draft I like best is at the following site. http://www.draftsite.com/nfl/2010mock.htm I like the prospects concept you have come up with and the format. Nice to get different opinions from various sources on how the propects project to the next level. Andrew Ilnicki says: was bradshaw really fragile this year? If so – I’ll take 11 guys built with that kind of heart to play through 2 broken feet and ankles and still play with the level of athleticism and spark he provided… any ol day of the week. that said, with a better o-line and perhaps a better conception of how best to use these RB’s from Gilbrides perspective and of course better execution — the backs we have are fine. Need to concentrate more on protection and creating gaps than running through them this offseason Jesse Bartolis says: I’m not opposed to taking an Offensive linemen (if the value is right) at #15. I just have a different philosophy than it appears you have. Mine is just Best Player Available. Spiller is much more dynamic than Bradshaw as well. I think you should be drafting for players-not needs. Teams needs change year to year (who would have thougth we would have needed OL and DL) so to me grab teh best player, accumulate talent— Use F.A to fill your needs. If anything you should be trying to predict what you’ll need in two years not next year, rarely Rookies make signifanct impacts (few exceptions though like RB and LB) Different strokes for different folks though. That web stie I went too doesn’t have S Earl Thomas though (I think top 15-20 pick). unless I missed him. I apologize if it appeared I was arguing with you. That wasn’t my intent. Love the stuff you put on here. I was just offering my outlook on why the run game was so bad last year. Thats why that draft site looked so good to me. They addressed Tackle, Guard, and Center on the offensive line, inside and outside linebackers, and another DB. With the extra DB, Ross could continue to mature at the safety spot next year. I think that would be one of our strenths with him and KP back there. God knows it has to be better than Rouse and Johnson. You were right about Thomas though. Not listed. Must have slipped through the cracks, although he did declare on the date that site was supposed to be last updated, so maybe that was why. There will be quite a few good choices at LB and secondary by the 15th pick. I’d rather draft for need and depend on the backs we have. twerp says: Spiller seems like a more well rounded version of Bradshaw, which I find enticing. Let’s face it, BJ isn’t the same, Bradshaw is a liability when it comes to pass catching and blocking, and Brown is a question mark. I wouldn’t be upset if Spiller’s name is called #15. Prospect Profiles-ILB Rolando McClain » Giants Gab says: […] C.J. Spiller […] Prospect Profiles-ILB Rolando McClain \| New York Giants Blog says: Giants CAN run a Tampa 2-thoughts on Perry Fewell » Giants Gab says: […] RB C.J. Spiller […] Prospect Profiles-S Earl Thomas » Giants Gab says: I went to Clemson for four years and saw Spiller play every game at Death Valley, and I have never seen a player as explosive and dynamic in every aspect of the game as him. The Giants are not a fast team by any means. Sure Bradshaw has got some speed, but even he is a second-tier speed back, and definitely no Reggie Bush/Leon Washington…whereas I believe Spiller is better than both. He is better at running between the tackles than most give him credit for. He does not shy away from contact, and when he does get hit, he has an incredible ability to bounce off and change direction while maintaining balance. Split out wide, he brings dependability, speed, and a big play threat every time he touches the ball. Like I said before, our team is not fast, and this game is only getting faster, especially the defenses in the NFC East. Spiller would go a very long way in improving our offense, and actually take a lot of the pressure off of our offensive line just by his escapability and elusiveness alone. His return game is a bonus one can not overlook. He will surely be a pro-bowler for special teams. I personally agree, Spiller would be my personal number one pick for the Giants, followed closely by Rolando McClain. However, I’m not sure either will fall to 15. Prospect Profiles- DT Arthur Jones (Syracuse) \| New York Giants Blog says: Prospect Profiles: ILB Micah Johnson (Kentucky) » Giants Gab says: Prospect Profiles-CB Kyle Wilson (Boise State) » Giants Gab says: Prospect Profiles: NT Dan Williams » Giants Gab says: Prospect Profiles: NT Dan Williams \| New York Giants Blog says: Prospect Profiles-ILB Daryl Washington \| New York Giants Blog says: Prospect Profiles: DE Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech) » Giants Gab says: The Giants can not afford to go with an offensive pick in the first round….or anywhere within the first three rounds…….the problems this past season were with the defense NOT with the offense. Yes we had some problems running the ball but Give Jacobs and Bradshaw a chance before writing them off….. Prospect Profiles: DT Geno Atkins (Georgia) \| New York Giants Blog says: Prospect Profiles: CB Joe Haden (Florida) » Giants Gab says:	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6949
__label__wiki	0.795917	0.795917	Posts by tag: The Love Songs Posted by Alan Good Riddance, Youth Brigade, The Last Gang and The Love Songs at Slim’s in San Francisco Good Riddance, Youth Brigade, The Last Gang and The Love Songs perform January 11, 2020 at Slim's in San Francisco, California Charger at Eli’s Mile High Club in Oakland Death Angel, Hell Fire and Charger at Slim’s in San Francisco Static-X, The Watchers, Davey Suicide and Society 1 at Slim’s in San Francisco Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, The Dwarves and Destroy Boys at Slim’s in San Francisco Seized Up, Twompsax and Lamaze Technique at the Crepe Place in Santa Cruz Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, toyGuitar and Dog Party at Slim’s in San Francisco Black Flag, The Dickies and The Linecutters at Slim’s in San Francisco High On Fire, Power Trip, Devil Master and Creeping Death at the UC Theatre in Berkeley Snoop Dogg, Berner, Warren G and RJMrLA at the Fillmore in San Francisco The Aquabats, PPL MVR and Jacob Turnbloom at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco Tsunami Bomb, Arnocorps and World Inferno Friendship Society at Cornerstone in Berkeley Strung Out, The Casualties and Love Equals Death at Slim’s in San Francisco Good Riddance, Get Dead, Sharp/Shock and The Last Gang at Holy Diver in Sacramento The Story So Far, The Frights, Hunny and Just Friends at the Fox Theater in Oakland The Menzingers, Tigers Jaw and Culture Abuse at Slim’s in San Francisco SWMRS, Together Pangea, Ultra Q and B.A.G at the UC Theatre in Berkeley Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, At The Gates and Grand Magus at The Warfield in San Francisco Rock The Ship at USS Hornet in Alameda Sick Of It All and Take Offense at Slim’s in San Francisco Swingin’ Utters, toyGuitar and Uke-Hunt at Elbo Room in Oakland The Bar Stool Preachers, The Last Gang and The Re-Volts at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco CJ Ramone, Bad Cop/Bad Cop, The Bar Stool Preachers and Lenny Lashley’s Gang of One at Starline Social Club in Oakland Bad Cop/Bad Cop and Civil War Rust at The Blue Lamp in Sacramento Stiff Little Fingers and The Avengers at Slim’s in San Francisco Obituary, Abbath, Midnight and Devil Master at the UC Theatre in Berkeley Incubus and Dub Trio at The Masonic in San Francisco Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Dorothy and Diamante at Concord Pavilion in Concord K.Flay, Houses and Your Smith at the Fox Theater in Oakland Korn, Alice In Chains, Underoath and Fever 33 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6951
__label__wiki	0.666099	0.666099	SWIPE RIGHT/LEFT FOR NEXT/PREVIOUS PAGE Click 'accept cookies' below to remove this message Gnosall Parish Council (Including the wards of Moreton and Knightley) Our Mission is to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the Parish of Gnosall and those who visit it. GROSVENOR CENTRE NEWSLETTER (+GMK) Gnosall’s Beauty Spot Put’s Itself on the Map Gnosall Parish Council is delighted to have completed the second stage of its exciting Acres Open Space project. To commemorate this latest phase of improvements, a new site leaflet has been produced celebrating the interest of this wonderful wetland at the heart of Gnosall. Following on from last year’s wetland restoration and installation of a new boardwalk, this year’s work has focussed on improving facilities at this popular location. A scenic new family picnic area has been created, with tables and benches made from UK recycled plastic. Three individual interpretation panels have been installed – each detailing the fascinating history and management of this unique green site. Other new facilities include new waymarking finger-posts and gateway features – all made from local green oak. The project has been funded by Staffordshire Environmental Fund and Leader (Communities Mean Business) Programme. Copies of the leaflet are available from the Gnosall Parish Council office or outlets throughout the village. Copyright © 2020 Gnosall Parish Council \| Privacy policyTo continue to use this site you need to agree to our privacy policy statement!	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6952
__label__cc	0.502156	0.497844	Killer Cars Too hard on the brakes again What if these brakes just give in? What if they don’t get out of the way? What if there’s someone overtaking? I’m going out for a little drive And it could be the last time you see me alive There could be an idiot on the road The only kick in life is pumping his steel Wrap me up in the back of the trunk Packed with foam and blind drunk They won’t ever take me alive Because they all drive . . . Don’t die on the motorway The moon would freeze, the plants would die I couldn’t cope if you crashed today All the things I forgot to say What if the car loses control? Because they all drive killer cars No, they won’t ever take me alive They all drive killer cars Released: February 1995 Found on: High and Dry CD2 & Fake Plastic Trees US single. Live & acoustic version found on Anyone Can Play Guitar Australia EP. Mogadon version found on Just CD1. Thom’s second song on a driving theme, this one deals with the fear that every time we venture out in our cars we may be killed. Originally intended for release as one of the singles from The Bends during the initial recording sessions, the song actually debuted in the band’s live set in 1993. “Killer Cars” has appeared in three forms. The first was the live acoustic version from the 1993 Chicago Metro show, which appears on the “Creep” reissue 12″ and the Japanese CD Itch. This very passionate performance renders the tragic lyrics all the more moving. The second version appears as a B-side to the High and Dry / Planet Telex CD2, a straightforward guitar-oriented interpretation with mesmerizing percussion and blistering guitar closeout. Last is the Mogadon Version, which is much mellower than the first studio release of the song. A newscast has also been blended into the mix. This version contains a similar ending to the previous one.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6957
__label__wiki	0.983396	0.983396	Cyprus Mail: News Articles in English, 02-03-27 Cyprus Mail: News Articles in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Cyprus Mail at <http://www.cyprus-mail.com/> [01] Deputies slam government over treatment of inmates with mental problems [02] Tourist dies in crash [03] Denkash: Montenegro deal a model for Cyprus [04] Parties circle as presidential scenarios take form [05] Brace yourselves for some stormy weather [06] CTO defends advertising campaign in face of 'sexist' caims [07] Cyprus to take first step towards telecoms deregulation [08] Bishop slams cremation plans [09] OSCE on National Guard inspection [10] Meet the new bi-communal group THE HOUSE Human Rights Committee yesterday censured the government for its continued indifference to the needs of prison inmates suffering from mental problems. In his opening speech, the Chairman of the Committee DIKO deputy Aristos Chrysostomou, said the government had ignored two reports by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, which had stressed the need for an improvement in the health services provided to inmates. The European Committee, first in 1993 and then in 1996, had visited the prison in Nicosia and pointed out that inmates suffering from psychological problems should be held and treated in special installations staffed with qualified personnel on a 24-hour basis. Crysostomou listed a series of proposals, suggestions, even legislation, which he said were completely ignored by the government. This meant the handful of specialised personnel visiting the prison were overwhelmed and therefore unable effectively to treat the inmates, he said. But although Chrysostomou stressed that government services were passing the buck over the issue, discussion kicked off with Health Minister Frixos Savvides and Justice Minister Nicos Koshis doing exactly that. Savvides said there should be a special building that would house inmates suffering from problems, but revealed there was a disagreement between the ministries on the location of the installation. Discussion went on and on, with the exchange of views on where it would be best to build the centre but with no one making any concrete suggestions. Savvides said, however, that his ministry was ready to provide all the staff necessary whenever the centre was up and running. AKEL deputy Eleni Mavrou told Savvides that the committee had been give assurances that construction of the centre was already under way somewhere within the prison compound. Savvides conceded that the plans had been for the centre to be built in the prison, but they had changed after it emerged it would not be the best place. But according to Cyprus Mail sources, the two ministries have agreed to build the centre inside the prison, a point not mentioned to the committee. Instead, Koshis suggested to the committee that he and Savvides be given until the end of April to discuss the matter and come back with suggestions. He added that his ministry had no objection to building the centre in the Nicosia prison. DISY deputy Christos Pourgourides said that current standard practice was to send everyone to prison, even those that the courts had found to be insane. The committee heard there was only one psychiatrist in the prison and he only treated inmates once a week. Psychiatrist Louis Kariolou said there were around 85 Cypriots and 60 foreigners that needed treatment and it was quite impossible to do anything effective. Christina Peta, a psychologist who works with inmates, said it was impossible to help them. She said she saw six inmates per day and that she worked with around 100 to 150 who needed psychological support in coping with incarceration. "Prison affects them all, including their families; if we don't help them not to return to prison, the state will be paying for them indefinitely," she said. Peta said inmates suffered from a variety of psychological problems depending on the time they had to spend in prison. She revealed that those doing life - 12 in total - had no motivation whatsoever. "How do we help them?" Peta said. She told the committee about an inmate who didn't know how to tell his child he was going to die in prison. Cyprus legislation provides that people convicted for life should serve life. Koshis agreed that the life sentence should be looked into, but told the committee that another major problem faced by inmates was society itself, which scorned them. He said that not many people were keen to hire former convicts, adding: "whatever we do for them they'll still feel like strangers out in society". Copyright Cyprus Mail 2002 A 66-year-old English Cypriot tourist died in a road accident in Larnaca yesterday. The tourist, Theodosis Costis, was driving on the Larnaca to Kiti road at about 7.30pm when his rented car was in collision with a taxi coming in the opposite direction. One of the passengers in the taxi was also seriously injured. By Melina Demetriou TURKISH Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash said yesterday a recent European Union- backed deal for a new union between Montenegro and Serbia offered a model for Cyprus. Earlier this month, Montenegrin and Serbian leaders agreed to revamp the state into a loose union and name it Serbia and Montenegro. Either side can opt out after three years. "The Montenegro model, this is an example that is close to our desires -- recognising each other and creating a unity," Denktash told reporters after meeting President Glafcos Clerides yesterday. Clerides and Denktash conclude their second round of talks today. They met for less than an hour yesterday in the presence of UN Secretary- general's special adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto. De Soto leaves the island after today's concluding meeting and travels for consultations in Athens and Ankara before flying on to New York to brief UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan and the Security Council in early April. Talks are expected to resume in the second week of April, once De Soto returns. The open-ended talks began in mid-January. Mediators hope results can be achieved by June, ahead of the completion of Cyprus' EU accession negotiations and before Denktash undergoes heart surgery. Recent weeks have seen gloom descend over the process, with little sign of the Turkish side budging from its oft-stated 'two states' position. Denktash's latest remarks will have done little to dispel the pessimism, as the Serbia-Montenegro deal provides for two totally separate states in all but name. American President George W. Bush nevertheless welcomed the continuation of the talks process on Monday, expressing the hope they would lead to a solution. Speaking at a ceremony to mark Greek Independence Day, Bush said: "We welcome the resumption of diplomatic talks on Cyprus and hope that they will lead to a final settlement that strengthens regional peace and stability." A DELEGATION from the British House of Commons yesterday called on the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides to grasp the opportunity afforded to them by the ongoing peace talks. "This is a moment of opportunity after such a long wait within the island. We hope that it will be grasped positively by both sides," said Labour MP Donald Anderson, chairman of the foreign affairs select committee. Anderson was speaking after his delegation from the Commons committee met in Nicosia with Tassos Papadopoulos, chairman of the House European Affairs Committee. Papadopoulos said he had received assurances that the House of Commons would approve Cyprus' EU membership, when national parliaments are called to ratify the treaty of accession for new members next year. The delegation was later received by President Clerides. A COALITION between AKEL, DIKO and possibly KISOS for next year's presidential elections yesterday appeared the most possible scenario, as DIKO ruled out the idea of co-operating with ruling DISY. Parties have already started wheeling and dealing to form alliances ahead of the February 2003 elections. DISY was yesterday left in political isolation with a coalition between opposition parties AKEL, DIKO and KISOS beginning to fall into place. The name of DIKO chairman Tassos Papadopoulos tops a list of possible candidates discussed by the emerging alliance. Leftwing AKEL secretary general and House president Demetris Christofias, socialist KISOS chairman Yiannakis Omirou and veteran KISOS politician Takis Hadjidemetriou are also possible candidates. Meanwhile rightwing DISY faces a dilemma, having to decide between Attorney- general Alecos Markides and Foreign Minister Ioannis Cassoulides, both of whom are interested for the presidency. Papadopoulos yesterday ruled out co-operation between his party and DISY. "Our basic position is that the current government must be replaced because its policies, especially its domestic administration, are wrong. Therefore it would be a contradiction to consider forming a coalition with DISY, which supports this government," he said. Replying to reporters' questions, the DIKO leader confirmed that his name "tops the list of possible candidates." Papadopoulos was however adamant that opposition parties should first agree on a political framework before deciding the candidate for the elections, dismissing "efforts by some to impose their opinion and preconditions regarding a candidate." "If some DIKO members have such an attitude they are wrong," he stressed, pointing to senior party officials who have refused to discuss names other than that of Papadopoulos. Yet despite Papadopoulos' insistence his party would not co-operate with DISY, its leader Nicos Anastassiades yesterday continued efforts towards an alliance with the centre party. "If they consider co-operating with a communist party (AKEL) then why rule out an alliance with us who are ideologically nearer to them?" Anastassiades wondered. "It looks like some parties fail to receive the message sent by voters during the municipal elections," he argued, referring to the victory of DISY-backed Michalakis Zambelas, who beat the opposition coalition's hopeful Kypros Chrysostomides to be elected mayor of Nicosia. Anastassiades hit back at a report published by AKEL mouthpiece Haravghi yesterday, charging "knives were drawn between Cassoulides and Markides." "Just because the Kofinou slaughterhouse will close down, it does not mean Haravghi should must make predictions of fresh slaughters," Anastassiades said, suggesting: "they should worry about their own slaughterhouse because we don't have one." "The AKEL leadership has told the party's faithful not to think," he sniped. AKEL deputy Andros Kyprianou said yesterday that his party would announce the name of the presidential candidate it would support in June. He said AKEL had already started to work on "a political proposal which will be soon tabled before the other opposition parties for discussion in order to come down to an agreement." Kyprianou described Papadopoulos as "a possible and a strong candidate considered by AKEL bodies," adding there were other names on the cards such as that of Christofias and Omirou. "We need to make an enormous effort to change the current administration and in order to succeed we need KISOS and the other small opposition parties on our side," Kyprianou stressed. But KISOS was yesterday hesitant to make a commitment to either AKEL or DIKO. "Co-operation with the other opposition parties is our main strategic policy," KISOS vice chairman Sophocles Sophocleous said. "The three parties need to agree on a common strategy before deciding on a common candidate," he added. Sophocleous did not rule out the possibility of his party contesting the first round of the elections independently. According to Cyprus Mail information veteran socialist Takis Hadjidemetriou of KISOS has been proposed as a candidate by certain AKEL circles. However KISOS has not publicly supported Hadjidemetriou's candidacy. By Alexia Saoulli THUNDER, lightening, strong winds, rain and even snow are on the cards today and possibly tomorrow, Meteorological Service Head, Kyriakos Theofilou, warned yesterday. But despite the gloomy weather that has shrouded the island since Monday, he could not predict whether the rainfall would last further into the spring. "All I can say is, since Monday afternoon, the temperature has dropped because of low pressures centred around the western part of the island. Our predictions only stretch as far as five days ahead and are based on scientific methods and measurements. We do not make guesses in the meteorology department," he said. Theofilou said that thick clouds would be forming in places around the island today, and that local rains were to be expected, as well as more light snowfall in the mountains. "Storms cannot be ruled out," he added "and temperatures will average at 16- 18 degrees Centigrade, which is below this time of the year's average". Theofilou warned motorists to beware over the next few days as sudden showers and hailstones could not be pinpointed to particular parts of the island, but would be sporadic and dangerous. Although five centimetres of snow were recorded on Mount Olympus and three centimetres in Troodos Square, skiers should not get too excited, Theofilou said. "If it does snow, it will be very slight," he said, adding that one metre of snow was out of the question. But the upside of this rainy spell is that at 8am yesterday the meteorological service had measured 29.5 mm of rainfall overnight. "In other words, 48 per cent of the month's average rainfall," Theofilou said, "and cumulatively, from October 1 until today, we have had 113 per cent of the island's average rainfall for this period." Theofilou refused to comment whether the wet winter meant we'd be lining up for a scorching summer, saying such theories were not based on scientific evidence. THE CTO yesterday defended an advertising campaign slammed in Ireland as "sexist and tacky". Cyprus Tourism Officer Lefkos Phylactides would not comment on the specific ad, but said the campaign aimed to highlight the diversity that Cyprus had to offer. The CTO came under fire this weekend in the Irish edition of the Sunday Mirror, when columnist Clare McKeon said an advertisement featuring a family arguing over where to go for their summer holidays was a "tacky" and "offensive piece of sexist advertising" that the CTO should be ashamed of. But Phylactides said the advert was only trying to show the wide diversity the island had to offer to a whole host of holidaymakers. "To be honest, I haven't actually heard this particular radio advertisement as it's new," he said, adding he had contacted Ireland and the CTO in London yesterday and was waiting for feedback. "However, the idea of this ad stems from a general idea we have been using to promote Cyprus during this period, which uses the tag line: 'Cyprus: A whole world on a single island'," Phylactides said. He said the general idea had been applied to ads in all media in a number of countries abroad. "With this ad we are trying to show the wide diversity that Cyprus has to offer in a small place. The CTO believes that this is the comparative advantage that Cyprus has over other tourist destinations" he said, pointing out that other places might have antiquities, beaches, mountains or even monasteries, but that Cyprus had them all. He said the idea of this particular radio advert concerned a family, where each and every member wanted to go somewhere different "Some want to go to a beach, some want to go to a place for its culture, and some for natural beauty. The conclusion of the ad is: 'Why don't we go to Cyprus, which has it all'," he said. "In other words it shows a family with different views and opinions, and our point is, come to Cyprus and you'll find a common denominator - a whole world on a single island." But the Irish journalist describes the squabbling family slightly differently. She said the mother was "ranting about wanting to be in orange groves" while the kids are squealing. It's then up to the father, "sounding butch and manly - after all he is the only one with common sense and the authority - to announce: 'Oh, that's settled, it's got be Cyprus.'" But Phylactides would not be goaded into commenting on McKeon's opinion. "If the execution at the end of the day gave this reporter the impression that it was a sexist approach and tacky, then that is difficult to comment on, because it's based on personal interpretation and how sensitive a person is," he said. "The CTO just wants to show the diversity the island offers, whether you want a lazy holiday lying on the beach for a fortnight or a 15-day activity holiday parasailing, water-skiing or mountain climbing, or you want to explore the history and culture of the eastern Mediterranean. "This is the approach we have taken. To find a common denominator for all types of holidaymakers and how choosing Cyprus can make everyone happy." Phylactides said the CTO had come up with the concept behind the adverts and that their global advertising agency, Bates Europe, then came up with the actual ad. "This is a multinational company and deals with Germany, Ireland, the UK and America, not just any advertising agency," he said, pointing out that their TV spot in Germany had even received awards. As for the approval for the radio ad, he said it had probably come from the CTO's offices in London, although he did not know. "But," he stressed, "I believe people should hear the advert for themselves before endorsing one journalist's opinion that it is sexist and tacky. If after they've heard it they think so, then fair enough." By Michele Kambas CYPRUS plans to open a public consultation by Friday into its plans to open its fixed-line and mobile telecoms service to competition, a precursor to inviting tenders for licences, the industry regulator said yesterday. The process will involve getting feedback from the incumbent telecoms provider CyTA, prospective bidders and consumer groups on how the authorities should proceed with tenders, said Telecommunications Commissioner Vassos Pyrgos. "The public consultation document will be published this week," Pyrgos told Reuters, adding the process would be open for around three weeks. Cyprus, a frontrunner for European Union membership by 2004, has told Brussels it plans to deregulate its telecoms sector by January 2003. State monopoly CyTA currently controls the telecoms market, including mobile phone service to as much as 65 per cent of Cyprus's population. Officials have said world leader Vodafone and Greek number one operator CosmOTE have made inquiries into the progress Cyprus is making in liberalising the sector. The consultation document, a legal obligation of the state, will be published in the local and international press, possibly on Friday, the day the island's official gazette is published. "There will be a series of questions, and then the feedback will go back to (government) consultants and us to decide what kind of tender procedure is to be adopted," said Pyrgos. CyTA needs to prepare for deregulation by deciding on issues, such as interconnection charges with future operators, Pyrgos said. Mobile telephony has penetrated to an estimated 60 to 65 per cent of the population of some 750,000, and unofficial estimates put CyTA's gross income between �24 million and �36 million per year. The Commissioner, whose post is independent, was also scheduled to start consultations yesterday on establishing a detailed timetable for deregulation with the Communications Ministry. Pyrgos said he was due to have a meeting with Communications Minister Averoff Neophytou later in the day. "We will try to decide on the timing of each step," he said. PLANS to allow cremations in Cyprus are unlikely to get beyond the drawing board if the Church has its way, as a Bishop yesterday slammed the practice as alien and unorthodox. Speaking before a meeting of the House Interior Affairs Committee, Bishop Vassilios of Trimithounta said the Church disagreed with cremation on theological and traditional grounds. Vassilios said that in the West, the practice of cremation had been introduced for financial and psychological reasons. "They wanted to wipe death out of their lives," he said. "We, the Orthodox, wish, if possible to bury our dead in our homes," Vasilios added. He said the proposal to introduce cremation meant introducing a foreign custom into local traditions through the back door. "It is a shame for modern civilisations to want to make their dead disappear, people who gave to this world and are not even given a burial place," Vassilios said. But DIKO deputy Marios Matsakis suggested that cremation should be offered to those who wanted it, arguing it was everyone's democratic right to choose how their body would be treated after death. Matsakis said there was huge interest from neighbouring countries Egypt and Israel to bring bodies to Cyprus for cremation. Legislation Commissioner George Stavrinakis said the state was looking into the whole issue, but said the government was not too keen on turning Cyprus into a regional cremation centre. THE National Guard is being inspected by an Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) delegation, which arrived yesterday to confirm the government's tally of reported military equipment. The OSCE applies the same practice for all EU member states and candidate countries for accession. They are all obliged to report the purchase and operation of any military equipment to the organisation. The Citizens' Movement for Re-unification and Co-existence yesterday stated its determination to bring the Greek and the Turkish Cypriot communities closer in its first news conference after it was founded two months ago. "The Movement aims to contribute to all the efforts towards a just, peaceful and viable solution of the Cyprus Problem based on United Nations resolutions and the High Level Agreements and which will ensure Cyprus' entry to the European Union," Philippos Patouras, member of the Movement's secretariat, told the conference yesterday. Turkish Cypriot journalists had been invited to yesterday's press conference but the north's administration stopped them from crossing to the south. Patouras also outlined the group's plan to contribute towards the development and propagation of a culture of peaceful coexistence between Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots and all the other ethnic groups in Cyprus. "The re-unification of Cyprus cannot materialise unless an attempt is made to promote a culture of understanding, tolerance and co-existence," he stressed. Stelios Georgiou, general coordinator of the Movement stated the means by which the group planned to achieve its objectives: "We intend to organise lectures, discussions, meetings, manifestations and demonstrations and issue articles and publications. We will also co-organise and support activities initiated by Greek and Turkish Cypriot organisations." Intercollege Dean Nicos Peristianis, the group's Studies and Research Coordinator, said the group had asked the EU's support to conduct bi- communal studies. "We want to conduct a study examining the effects that the EU accession will have on the Turkish Cypriot community," he said. Peristianis noted that the Movement was planning an open discussion with citizens on the future of Cyprus "like the one the EU is holding with representations of European parties." The Movement has already kicked off a campaign to bring Turkish and Greek Cypriot individuals from the same divided villages or towns in contact. Until now it has managed to bring more than two thousand people in contact. Functioning as an autonomous body, the group is planning to cooperate with other Greek and Turkish Cypriot organisations, groups and political parties. It does not aim to substitute the role of other bi-communal groups or participate in political elections. cmnews2html v1.00 run on Wednesday, 27 March 2002 - 14:01:14 UTC	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6958
__label__cc	0.747711	0.252289	Midwest Art Fairs Directory. A big thank you to our ad artists! Sunday, January 28, 2007, 03:47 PM If you do art fairs in the Midwest you may have seen our full color ad in the inside front cover of Midwest Art Fairs directory this past year. This valuable resource for any artist looking to do art fairs is published just down the road from us, on famous Wisconsin Highway 35, in Pepin Wisconsin. You can find it at art stores throughout the region. Select thumbnail image to see larger version. Although we gave up our prime spot for next year, we did want to thank the artists who appeared in our Spring 2006 and Fall 2006 / Winter 2007 ads: Dan Wiemer, Red Wing watercolor artist and president of the Minnesota Watercolor Society appeared in both of our ads. His work is available at: www.danwiemer.com/ Likewise Red Wing painter and printmaker Art Kenyon's work graced two of our ads. Art is not on the Web, but his work in our second ad was the poster for the Diversity Festival in Red Wing. Mary GrandPr�'s pastel for the Minnesota State Fair 2005 and Nancy Carlson's work for the 2006 State Fair were also featured. Copies of the Giclee prints are still available at: store.msffoundation.org/ One of Wisconsin artist John Turula's drawings was reproduced. He can be found at: www.nopointink.com/ And Minneapolis artist / cartoonist Andery Feldshteyn was also featured. His work can be found at: www.cartoonblues.com/ William Pringle Rodman photographs of Fairbo Woolen Mills (which we had printed at 40X60 inches for a gallery exhibit he had) and Wisconsin photographer Conan Doyle's photographs from the 1940's in Taos New Mexico were each seen in one of the ads. Thank you to each of you for letting us reproduce your wonderful works! Finally Midwest Art Fairs is at: www.midwestartfairs.com Although you will not find our ad in the next issue, you will see some of our services to the art community when you pick up the Spring 07 issue. We scanned the cover image on one of our four professional film scanners, and proofed the image with a CMYK RIP on one of our Epson printers. Giclee printers serving artists in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, the Upper Midwest and across the US. What size of Giclee prints to make from your artwork. We often get artists wondering what size to make their Giclee prints. Many feel that it is another version of the original and therefore should be the exact same size. (For a time in the early 90's prints made from digital files were called Second Generation Originals�a phrase you don't hear much anymore, but one I still do like). There are no hard fast rules and it really is up to each artist. I think the fear of changing the size, or offering editions of different sizes comes from the abuses of the so called "Limited Edition" prints run off by the thousands by some wildlife art publishers a few years back. When the publisher had sold out all 3000 of the 20X24 prints a new edition was issued of 3000 more at 19X23. When those were gone a 21X25 edition was run. It wasn't done a lot, but enough to give the limited edition print a bad name. In fact Minnesota even passed a law against the practice. For sizes I think, and many of our clients agree, that offering editions in 2 or 3 very different sizes is perfectly legitimate. In fact many art buyers want a choice of sizes. Not everyone has room for a 3X4 foot work of art to hang in their home or office. Thus offering an original size, half size and maybe even a 1/3 or 1/4th size makes perfect sense for many artists. Painter Art Kenyon did this last year for a commemorative print for a church anniversary we printed for him. Red Wing artist Dan Wiemer however found that someone wanted one of his watercolors, painted at 17X19, not reproduced smaller, but bigger. We printed it at over 36X40 and it looked STUNNING! Fortunately we scan everything a bit larger than the original, so we did not have to rescan the painting, which was no longer in the artists possession. And being a watercolor it enlarged very nicely. He sold that one out of a show at the Anderson Center and now has made a second large scale print of the work to hang in a downtown Red Wing office. Dan is so happy with enlarging his works that we have now enlarged a second watercolor by 200%. Some of our artist clients use pen and ink to sketch their works first and then scan and colorize the work on the computer. From small thumbnail drawings scanned at high resolution we make 11X14 to 16X20 inch prints of their files. Wisconsin artist John Turula works this way as does Minneapolis artist and cartoonist Andrey Feldshteyn. The advantage of digitally enlarging a work when printing it is that you can work at your normal size, with your standard working methods and still produce a large scale art piece. Not all work is appropriate for blowing up to larger sizes. But for those that are, it is a very nice option for very impressive works. Of course we more frequently print work smaller than the original. But the beauty of digital scanning and printing is that you have many more options. Congratulations to Len Guggenberger. Red Wing Minnesota artist Len Guggenberger works exclusively with casein painting � a paint made from soured skim milk. The paint is produced from milk curds that have been separated from the whey and then turned into a binder and mixed with pigments. (Yes our studio is in the heart of Wisconsin cheese curd country but artists do not make their own casein from curds. Around here we eat the curds! You can find casein paints at any large art supply store). Len brought us his wonderful jewel like paintings of nearby Lake Pepin on the Mississippi River. The paintings had incredible detail and he asked about getting them photographed for the American Artist magazine contest for casein paintings. Our recommendation was that we scan them and have the digital files made into 35mm slides. This would help maintain the best detail and color of the original works. We have found that when given the choice between submitting slides or supplying digital files for competitions, grants, or for art fairs that slides are always better. (This of course assumes they are being projected as slides, and not scanned by the judging organization to view on a computer). Slide projectors are a near obsolete technology, but even with the typical finger print smeared lenses found on most projectors, which photographers often compare to Coke bottle bottoms, slides still have a luminance and detail that images projected from a computer screen lack. The Wisconsin State Arts Board confirmed this point with last years grant judging according to a letter sent to Wisconsin artists. So with slides of his work, Len entered the Casein painting contest in American Artist. With literally hundreds of entries Len took 3rd place! And best of all, he now has digital files of his work ready for reproduction as Giclee prints, postcards, greeting cards or to email to galleries. But of course he can use the slides we made for him to enter the next contest. Congratulations Len!! See Len's work in American Artist magazine Husom& Rose Photographics If you do art fairs in the Midwest you may have seen our full color ad in We often get artists wondering what size to make their Giclee prints. Many	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6959
__label__wiki	0.662314	0.662314	Pages: PreviousFirst...896897898899900901902903904905906...LastNext Re: The Mike O'Meara Show Posted by: SDM Guy () Date: February 28, 2018 05:38PM They talked about the 2000th show is up coming. They want to do something special I hope Blobb, SDM, Merle keep helping us to page 1000! We should do a flash mob meet up at JOTT when we get to 1000. They said SDM hates them now today. Carl??? Also, one caller asked for a best of from the audio vault. Lazy Bloob said he almost has 80 minutes of AV best of now. Really, after 1900 shows? Quantity over quality I guess. That party must have sucked. If all went well, Mike would have went off about it. Plus, all the left over food? They are cheap as shit. There is no way they over ordered. Posted by: peekza () 901...Semper Shitteeth Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/28/2018 06:01PM by peekza. Posted by: Mike O’Meara () peekza, Please get your head out from up of my ass. Posted by: peekza's assbuddy () 901... Semper peekza As promised... MOMTrueAmericanHero Wrote: > Mike accusing Steve and Marty of "Phoning it > in"...wow, holy Pot calling the Kettle Hey man, like when was the last time they had to blow off their Monday to read to 4 and 5 year olds? That's the day Mike uses to ease back into the workweek for God's sake! Posted by: Handshake () > Mike gets his hair cut at Walmart now? How the > mighty have fallen. Why not just get it done at > PetSmart with Beluga and Frankie? Yesssssss! Posted by: MOMTrueAmericanHero () speaking of pots and kettles Posted by: Torn Pentacle () SDM Guy Wrote: Timestamp on that? My attention wanders. > They said SDM hates them now today. Carl??? > Also, one caller asked for a best of from the > audio vault. Lazy Bloob said he almost has 80 > minutes of AV best of now. Really, after 1900 > shows? Quantity over quality I guess. That was clearly a lie. A good producer would have a best-of ready to go and constantly be curating it. Or realize that a "best of AV" is a stupid idea because the AV just lies there like a resentful suburban housewife on margarita night. I'd rather hear an Oscarazzi compilation. > That party must have sucked. If all went well, > Mike would have went off about it. Plus, all the > left over food? They are cheap as shit. There is > no way they over ordered. Nothing says "Only the best!" like MARGARITA MIX. Posted by: LOLOLOLOLO () That picture above is the embodiment of putting lipstick on a pig! Posted by: TMOS Kluber #1 () The fact is... TMOS #1954 4:35; 5:59; 58:45; 58:47 Re-stated acknowledgement Klubbers are counting verbal crutches... Posted by: Mike O'Meara's Asshole () \ \| / / \| \ Hi everybody! The fact is, I thought you'd like to meet the genius and driving force behind TMOS! Buy Bonus Shows for everyone at your work you bloodsucking parasites! Posted by: Stephen Douglas McIntire () Posted by: peekza’s tongue () Mike O'Meara's Asshole Wrote: > \ \| / > -o- > / \| \ > Hi everybody! The fact is, I thought you'd like > to meet the genius and driving force behind TMOS! > Buy Bonus Shows for everyone at your work you > bloodsucking parasites! 3~ Posted by: Stern Warning () Howard welcomed watermelon smashing comedian, Gallagher to the studio and was surprised that he was wearing a suit instead of the trademark Gallagher-garb (a cap, striped shirt and jeans). Howard asked Gallagher about all the comics who rip off his act, so the pro melon-smasher cited Carrot Top, who's been coming to his shows since he was a little kid. Gallagher then railed against the late night hosts; Jay Leno is impersonal, Conan isn't funny, and Letterman used his watermelon-dropping bit. Gallagher said, "I'm an authority on comedy. I was a comedian in another life," and listed some of his lesser-known credits, like random parody songs. Howard wondered which comedians Gallagher liked, so Gallagher cited Richard Pryor, as he was a decent guy – and used to have the best coke. Gallagher then said Seinfeld was "the fourth best comedian on his own show," adding that "his funny little observations" wouldn't go over well with "average" audiences. Gallagher claimed he was "the smartest guy who ever decided to become a comedian" and mocked all the comics who kept bottles of water next to them on stage. Gallagher then told the crew about his brother, who infamously toured as "Gallagher II" and eventually defrauded audiences by dropping the "II." Gallagher added that he had to sue his brother to get him to stop, and he's been estranged from his family ever since, as they all sided with "II." Richard came in to ask how we knew this was the real Gallagher and not his brother, so Gallagher claimed the difference was that he had a college degree. Richard then asked if Dave Chappelle's "Black Gallagher" sketch finally got black people to show up at his performances, but Gallagher said no; "None!" Gallagher then continued to list his crazy ideas; fart ring tones, a face-paint-focused environmental presentation for Al Gore, and something about photons and electrons. Posted by: Jen Ettix () uh-oh, do you think no one came to the party? Like the neighborhood gave Mike the finger? That's sad... Oh, and did I hear Robbb do a read for tooth flossers or something or did I dream that? Date: March 01, 2018 12:00AM I agree it's sad but if that's that way it happened I blame MAKING THE INVITATION ONE OF BRAIN DAMAGE'S STUPID POEMS. We're having Mexican takeaway Come on by, perhaps you'll stay! Hey now, let's get our kicks With Mike's famous margarita mix! I call that one "Reciprocity, bitches!" He doesn't see the common denominator that the guest a couple weeks ago tried to steer him toward. Posted by: Big Shoota () Oscar @ 1:02:53 WTF?!! What was that noise? This is too much. I’m going to jerk off and finger my asshole to Robb during today’s show and fantasize about his warm load going down my throat. peek, we should meet up for a mutual session soon! Posted by: Blobb Spewsack () The party, it was going to be great Mexican food! Come and fill your plate! Drinks all around! Homemade don’t you know, But Mike didn’t know the neighbors level of hate. No one came to the O’Meara place It was truly such a disgrace But one silver lining, there is always one, Now Mike can sit alone filling his face. Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/01/2018 09:50AM by Blobb Spewsack. The audio Fault takes up about 10 minutes every show, why does Robb think it SHOULD take close to 2000 shows to fill an 80 minutes Best Of(replete with ads/promos, so really 68 minutes at best)? Is he admitting that there is less than 30 seconds of decent content generated per episode? Blobb Spewsack Wrote: > The party, it was going to be great > Mexican food! Come and fill your plate! > Drinks all around! Homemade don’t you know, > But Mike didn’t know the neighbors level of > hate. > No one came to the O’Meara place > It was truly such a disgrace > But one silver lining, there is always one, > Now Mike can sit alone filling his face. Date: March 01, 2018 12:39PM Minute 24-25. At the beginning of minute 25 Brain Damage says "they use the term flamethrower". Yes they do, for something completely different. He shows his ignorance of broadcasting here. WAVA-FM couldn't be a flamethrower because it was FM. Party fail: BD was expecting party leftovers to still be in the refrigerator on Wednesday? How many leftovers did they have and how long do leftovers last? Minute 38. Sounds like he's been eating it for dinner every day. Minute 39 O5car does his best to shut down political discussion and promote Political Persuasions. I think the truth is Mike pulled a Costanza and ate out of the trashcan. BTW Reese's Peanut Butter Cups aren't vegan. Jarla sounds like a delight. Posted by: Cary and Carla () Torn Pentacle Wrote: > Jarla sounds like a delight. Carla: Why thank you, thank you very much. But it's Carla. Audio FaiL From today's Audio FaiL: "I agree with #2 I think." Yes you do, Fattt Robbb. "Has anyone been more often tangentially connected with great comedy than Dan Ackroyd?" YOU, Fattt Robbb. In these very pages. Then they closed with a tape of Fattt Robbb sucking Brad off. Cary and Carla Wrote: > Torn Pentacle Wrote: > > Jarla sounds like a delight. > Carla: Why thank you, thank you very much. But > it's Carla. Once a jar always a jar. Jarla! Jarla! Jarla! Jarla! Jarla! Jarla! Jarla! Jarla! Jarla! Jarla! Jarla! p.s. I enjoy both of your guys' posts. Posted by: Jerking Off and Fingering Myself () Big Shoota Wrote: > Oscar @ 1:02:53 WTF?!! > What was that noise? Oscar's mouth trying to catch up with his brain? Good listening, it is a great sound. Jerking Off and Fingering Myself Wrote: > Big Shoota Wrote: > > Oscar @ 1:02:53 WTF?!! > > What was that noise? > Oscar's mouth trying to catch up with his brain? > Good listening, it is a great sound. They are so tuned out of their own show that they miss a great drop of all time to be replayed. So Fattty Robbb, why not just admit the Underground heard a great O5car drop and next time TRY HARDER!!! Jackass... Is this for the 3/1 show? Maybe they edited and reposted? Because I am hearing nothing at that timestamp. Oh well. Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/01/2018 04:22PM by Blobb Spewsack. > Is this for the 3/1 show? > Maybe they edited and reposted? Because I am > hearing nothing at that timestamp. Oh well. Posted by: Nada Surf () (Feat. Gallagher) Three important rules for breaking up Don't put off breaking up when you know you want to Prolonging the situation only makes it worse Tell him honestly, simply, kindly, but firmly Don't make a big production Don't make up an elaborate story This will help you avoid a big tear-jerking scene If you want to date other people say so Be prepared for the boy to feel hurt and rejected Even if you've gone together for only a short time, And haven't been too serious There's still a feeling of rejection when someone says She prefers the company of others to your exclusive company But if you're honest, and direct And avoid making a flowery emotional speech when you break the news The boy will respect you for your frankness And honestly he'll appreciate the kind of straightforward manner in which you told him your decision Unless he's a real jerk or a crybaby you will remain friends I'm head of the class I'm PROPular I'm a quarterback My mom says I'm a catch I'm never last picked I got a cheerleading chick Being attractive is the most important thing there is If you want to catch the biggest fish in your pond You have to be as attractive as possible Make sure to keep your hair spotless and clean Wash it at least every two weeks Once every two weeks And if you see Jonny football hero in the hall Tell him he played a great game Tell him you liked his article in the newspaper I'm the party star I got my own car I'll never get caught I make football bets I'm a teacher's pet I propose we support a one-month limit on going steady I think it will keep people more able to deal with weird situations And get to know more people I think if you're ready to go out with Johnny Now's the time to tell him about your one-month limit He won't mind, he'll appreciate your fresh look on dating And once you've dated someone else you can date him again I'm sure he'll like did Everyone will appreciate it You're so novel, what a good idea You can keep you time to yourself You don't need date insurance You can go out with whoever you want to Every boy, every boy, in the whole world could be yours If you'll just listen to my plan The Teenage Guide To PROPularity I've got my own car Posted by: oscaritoooo () > Blobb Spewsack Wrote: > > Big Shoota Wrote: > > > Oscar @ 1:02:53 WTF?!! > > > What was that noise? > > Is this for the 3/1 show? > > Maybe they edited and reposted? Because I am > > hearing nothing at that timestamp. Oh well. > 2/28 That was quite the homina homina! Posted by: Notable Quotables () A quick nugget of gospel from the Einstein of comedy, Gallagher. This will brighten your evening! $$$$$$ Gallagher: Sometimes I think TWA means "Traveling With Arabs". So I fly Delta, which means "Don't Even Let Them Aboard"! Gallagher: Now this world will make your head spin if you listen. Vigorous urine testing, what the heck is that? How do you do that vigorous? Seems like vigorous would keep you from getting it in that little bottle. In fact, vigorous might get you the wrong specimen. RE Gallagher - The fact is he was as funny as Mike... Posted by: E2 Tambien () Somebody at Walmart should tell Mike to give up the white whiskers. They only accentuate his multiple chins. Posted by: Netsuke () Someone should tell Mike to give up the multiple chins. Do we have any photos of him from the Weight-Not days like we do of Robb? Did Mike do the hormone injections like Robb did? > RE Gallagher - The fact is he was as funny as > Mike... So sucking explained then? Great tombstone: He was as funny as Mike O'Meara. Posted by: Lets all rim Mike’s asshole () Netsuke Wrote: > SDM Guy Wrote: > > RE Gallagher - The fact is he was as funny as > > Mike... > So sucking explained then? Great tombstone: He > was as funny as Mike O'Meara. Or, not as stupid as the TMOS thread. That has a better ring. Oh I get it! Gallagher pissed away all his money and so did Mike! Posted by: TMOS is what? () I think I read somewhere that Gallagher had to sell his boat, car and motorcycle. Odd, that. > Someone should tell Mike to give up the multiple > chins. Do we have any photos of him from the > Weight-Not days like we do of Robb? Did Mike do > the hormone injections like Robb did? No, Mike wouldn't do the hormones like Robb and RJ, that's why he barely lost 30 pounds while they lost over 100 each He had his water cut off last month peekza Wrote: > He had his water cut off last month Yeah I noticed that little truth gem slip out. LOL. Can't pay his bills till he sells a car, a bike, and his child's bed. Thank God he can cater his party with gift cards from his listeners Water cut off? Is there a timestamp for that? Posted by: Oh, Meara () Water problems follow poor Mike everywhere -- unpaid lawn sprinkler bill in Manassas, VA, water cut off in Walmart, FL. Fattt Robbb right at minute 1: "You've lived through hurricanes!" No, there was ONE hurricane and Brain Damage left the state a week or two in advance. To this day he has not bought a single drink for a first responder or we would have heard about it. Good catch on that unpaid water bill. It didn't register with me. That's what this site is about, teamwork! And praying for Gallagher's quick painful death. Minute 48-49 Fattt Robbb says "Point of order, it was Higgins' Ferrari, but he used it." NO Fattt Robbb, it was Robin Masters' Ferrari and the reveal that Higgins was Robin Masters didn't happen until the series finale. Higgins always called it "Mr. Masters' Ferrari". And that's not what a point of order is either Fattt Robbb. Fuck you, child in a fat suit. Hi Fattt Robbb! Hit Fattt Robbb! Fuck you now Fattt Robbb! How are those Moody Blues Fattt Robbb? Oh, Meara Wrote: > Water problems follow poor Mike everywhere -- > unpaid lawn sprinkler bill in Manassas, VA, water > cut off in Walmart, FL. Walmart, Florida.... that's the shit! Forever it shall now be... Walmart, Florida. You're correct, he should have said point of fact Posted by: BOAD Guy 667 () I always serve Reese's with Margaritas. What a great combination. Why did he think Mexican food was going to be a hit in a retirement community? He should have used the Buco di Bepo gift cards to cater his party Posted by: TMOS is the Bestest Ever! () just an excuse to make up gallons of margaritas as a pretense Posted by: Mike O'Meara () BOAD Guy 667 Wrote: > I always serve Reese's with Margaritas. What a > great combination. I always eat Reese's with Margaritas. What a great combination. My personal chocolate cake was GONE when I turned in Friday night. I didn't realize it leading up to the day but the party was really an excuse for me to eat an entire chocolate cake. It was sooooooo good! When I found it in the trash can the next day. Carla means well, but Daddy has needs! Posted by: peekza cannon () Posted by: Sallagher Gash! () This article is from 2013. Thank God/Allah/Hubbard that not only has Gallagher not* retired, he's still going strong. And remains a comedy force to be reckoned with. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Gallagher might die tonight. Did you know he is still alive? He is. Pretty much. Surprise. He's scheduled to make one last appearance in the Tampa Bay area, the place he thinks of as home, the locale that launched him on a three-decade-plus comedy career highlighted by 14 specials on Showtime. He's back home now, and due on stage at the Capitol Theater in Clearwater tonight, if he makes it. If. And there's nothing funny about that. The man is 66 and says he feels good, but he felt good every time he had a heart attack, and he's had four. One was so severe doctors put Gallagher in a medically induced coma for several days, and when he came out he announced he was retiring, hanging up the Sledge-O-Matic after one last swing. These are difficult times for Gallagher, and not exclusively due to his bad heart. He says he hasn't talked to his little brother, Ron, in 20 years, not since Gallagher sued Ron for trademark infringement for mimicking his act and billing himself as Gallagher II. What's more, the media have labeled Gallagher a bigot, a racist, a homophobe, a crazy uncle, a tea party panderer. Lesser comics have fun at his expense. One of the most recognizable comedians of the 1980s told a radio audience last year that he was broke and living in Super 8 motels and scavenging on roadsides. Difficult times for the sad clown, indeed. Unless it's all part of the shtick. Unless Gallagher is trolling America. It's Saturday evening, and Gallagher finishes his Camel and unzips his bag in the parking lot of the Home Depot on N Dale Mabry Highway, where he has come to construct a Sledge-O-Matic for the show. He makes a new one in every town he visits. Sitting atop some clothes and magazines in his bag is a bullwhip. It would be freaky even if it wasn't Gallagher. "I'm doing a sitcom and my costume is a ringleader," he explains. He dips into the bag and comes up with a handful of magazines, then a plastic cup shaped like a boot. He has an idea for how to use it as a prop. "I get ideas in all different areas," he says, excited. "My new idea is for the models in the fashion shows to sing about how the outfit makes them feel." Without being asked, he pulls out an iPad-like device and shows some of the poetry and songs he's been working on. He has written a number about clothes, a poem about breasts and a rap about the Ten Commandments. "For the world," he says, sounding incensed. "I'm making it a better place. I'm Gallagher. What the f--- do you think I'm doing?" Before he was Gallagher, he was Leo, called "Butch," born on July 24, 1946, at Fort Bragg, N.C., after his father returned from World War II. His first years were spent around Cleveland, Ohio, and when his folks realized Butch had asthma, they shot south and wound up in Tampa, in Palma Ceia. His dad built a skating rink on Armenia Avenue, where Butch got good enough to place in a national skating competition. He went to church at Good Shepherd Lutheran on Dale Mabry and went on Boy Scout expeditions to Lithia Springs. He graduated from H.B. Plant High School in 1964. He enrolled in night school at the University of South Florida so he could work during the day. He changed his major occasionally to avoid Vietnam, and he signed up for the classes where he thought he'd find the best looking co-eds. He got popped in the late '60s for smoking pot near his dad's skating rink. He left town with a girl for Los Angeles, one credit short of a USF degree, and bounced from L.A. to Chicago to West Virginia before he wound up back in Tampa, trying to become a writer. He worked at Lum's Hot Dog Restaurant on Hillsborough Avenue and someone told him he was funny. He had been developing a routine inspired by a television infomercial for the Ronco Veg-O-Matic. He began to murder fruits and vegetables and started doing gigs around town. He opened for Bobby Rydell at a hotel in Tampa and got on The Mike Douglas Show and started touring with Jim Stafford. In the late '70s, he opened 100 shows for Kenny Rogers, and in 1980 he made a television special called Gallagher: An Uncensored Evening, his big break. It was the first time Americans on that scale beheld the crazy bald man wielding his Sledge-O-Matic. And lord, how they laughed. A few things stand out about Gallagher's inaugural television special. First is that it's in a tiny night club and nobody brought a raincoat or umbrella or riot helmet to guard against flying bits of fruit. That would all come later. Second is that Gallagher's jokes are racially and ethnically insensitive, to say the least. He had something to say about Mexicans, Poles, Japanese. On and on. "You know why a polack can't eat pickles? He can't get his head in the jar." The audience ate it up. They laughed so hard they spilled their beers. And when it was over, they gave him a standing ovation. Fast forward thirty years, to August of 2010, at the annual Gathering of the Juggalos, a meet-up for fans of the band Insane Clown Posse. There in a side tent, the Juggalos sit around on bales of hay, and up on stage, standing barefoot on a short table, is a paunchy Gallagher. His hair is lighter and more stringy, like hay. And he's still doing the bit. He starts by telling them that he knows the problem with America. "The problem is I'm not on TV anymore," he says, "because they can't handle the truth!" And the truth, he says, launching into a favorite routine, is that we're losing our culture because we've become okay with crossbreeds — things like the spoon-fork (spork) and Escalades with truck beds and people who wear socks with sandals. But on this night he starts in immediately on President Obama. "How many black dudes do you know from Hawaii?" he asks. There's a little laughter, but it's uncomfortable. "He's half black and half white. He's a latte. There's white milk in there. Could be goat milk," Gallagher says. "He could be an Arab terrorist. He's got 'bam' in his name." "Wow," someone in the audience says. He's losing them, but he keeps going. "They said, 'Gallagher you can't be on TV, you're not sensitive to the needs of the handicapped,' " he says. "I said, 'I am too. That's why I use all their parking spaces. "I don't know why they've got to be so close," he says. "It ain't like they gotta walk." He senses the Juggalos' unease. "You're backing off on me," he says. "You want to be politically correct. Just be correct." He soon slips into a kind of internal monologue. He's speaking into the microphone, but it feels like he's talking to himself. "I need wrong to get laughs," Gallagher says. "I need a normal world so that I can be abnormal and that's my problem. Comedians need prejudice." Gallagher, by the end, has stopped being funny and has become something else, and it seems pretty clear that there's not much difference between the Gallagher now and the Gallagher of 30 years ago. What's different is us. Gallagher needs some help cutting plywood for the Sledge-O-Matic, and a Home Depot employee seems to recognize him but doesn't say anything. "Are you going to smash something?" the man finally asks. Gallagher smiles. A few minutes later, the man looks at Gallagher. "How you feeling?" he asks. "I don't know," Gallagher says. "I'm 66, and I ran it into the ground. I'm going to have them put that on my tombstone." So this is how it ends: The Last Smash Tour, with a show in Clearwater tonight and a schedule that ends in August at the Defiance County Fair in Hicksville, Ohio. He has to stop on account of his heart, even if Gallagher says he's not scared of death. "When your d--- don't work, death doesn't bother you," he says. The problem with this last hurrah is that Gallagher still has a lot to say about what we're doing wrong. "You look in your newspaper," he tells me. "Half of the stories are about an inability to define. Is it a tax or is it a revenue enhancer? . . . I say things completely. And this politically correct thing, you always have to modify everything you're saying so you wind up not saying anything." "Is this the act?" I ask. "Or is it you?" "I think that's a good question." He pauses. "It must be me," he says finally. "It must be me. I observe. I'm a scientist." He studied chemistry at USF. He observes. He has a patent — No. 7,972,210 — for an improved slot machine. He's meeting with casino people to develop it. He's writing music and pitching television shows. He ran for governor of California. He's a living legend, he says. He doesn't need family because his fans are his family. He's done 4,000 shows, 12,000 hours on stage. He's probably the most famous person to come out of Tampa, he says. He's put 35 years into show business, smashing fruit all over America, and we ate it up, the whole gooey thing, for $25 a ticket. Even now, people come. These jokes still work. Don't you get it? Posted by: Gallagher for President () Sallagher Gash! Wrote: > This article is from 2013. Thank God/Allah/Hubbard > that not only has Gallagher not retired, he's > still going strong. And remains a comedy force to > be reckoned with. > $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ > Gallagher might die tonight. > Did you know he is still alive? > He is. Pretty much. Surprise. > He's scheduled to make one last appearance in the > Tampa Bay area, the place he thinks of as home, > the locale that launched him on a > three-decade-plus comedy career highlighted by 14 > specials on Showtime. He's back home now, and due > on stage at the Capitol Theater in Clearwater > tonight, if he makes it. If. > And there's nothing funny about that. The man is > 66 and says he feels good, but he felt good every > time he had a heart attack, and he's had four. One > was so severe doctors put Gallagher in a medically > induced coma for several days, and when he came > out he announced he was retiring, hanging up the > Sledge-O-Matic after one last swing. > These are difficult times for Gallagher, and not > exclusively due to his bad heart. He says he > hasn't talked to his little brother, Ron, in 20 > years, not since Gallagher sued Ron for trademark > infringement for mimicking his act and billing > himself as Gallagher II. What's more, the media > have labeled Gallagher a bigot, a racist, a > homophobe, a crazy uncle, a tea party panderer. > Lesser comics have fun at his expense. One of the > most recognizable comedians of the 1980s told a > radio audience last year that he was broke and > living in Super 8 motels and scavenging on > roadsides. > Difficult times for the sad clown, indeed. Unless > it's all part of the shtick. > Unless Gallagher is trolling America. > • • • > It's Saturday evening, and Gallagher finishes his > Camel and unzips his bag in the parking lot of the > Home Depot on N Dale Mabry Highway, where he has > come to construct a Sledge-O-Matic for the show. > He makes a new one in every town he visits. > Sitting atop some clothes and magazines in his bag > is a bullwhip. It would be freaky even if it > wasn't Gallagher. > "I'm doing a sitcom and my costume is a > ringleader," he explains. > He dips into the bag and comes up with a handful > of magazines, then a plastic cup shaped like a > boot. He has an idea for how to use it as a prop. > "I get ideas in all different areas," he says, > excited. "My new idea is for the models in the > fashion shows to sing about how the outfit makes > them feel." > Without being asked, he pulls out an iPad-like > device and shows some of the poetry and songs he's > been working on. He has written a number about > clothes, a poem about breasts and a rap about the > Ten Commandments. > "For the world," he says, sounding incensed. "I'm > making it a better place. I'm Gallagher. What the > f--- do you think I'm doing?" > Before he was Gallagher, he was Leo, called > "Butch," born on July 24, 1946, at Fort Bragg, > N.C., after his father returned from World War II. > His first years were spent around Cleveland, Ohio, > and when his folks realized Butch had asthma, they > shot south and wound up in Tampa, in Palma Ceia. > His dad built a skating rink on Armenia Avenue, > where Butch got good enough to place in a national > skating competition. He went to church at Good > Shepherd Lutheran on Dale Mabry and went on Boy > Scout expeditions to Lithia Springs. He graduated > from H.B. Plant High School in 1964. > He enrolled in night school at the University of > South Florida so he could work during the day. He > changed his major occasionally to avoid Vietnam, > and he signed up for the classes where he thought > he'd find the best looking co-eds. He got popped > in the late '60s for smoking pot near his dad's > skating rink. > He left town with a girl for Los Angeles, one > credit short of a USF degree, and bounced from > L.A. to Chicago to West Virginia before he wound > up back in Tampa, trying to become a writer. He > worked at Lum's Hot Dog Restaurant on Hillsborough > Avenue and someone told him he was funny. > He had been developing a routine inspired by a > television infomercial for the Ronco Veg-O-Matic. > He began to murder fruits and vegetables and > started doing gigs around town. He opened for > Bobby Rydell at a hotel in Tampa and got on The > Mike Douglas Show and started touring with Jim > Stafford. In the late '70s, he opened 100 shows > for Kenny Rogers, and in 1980 he made a television > special called Gallagher: An Uncensored Evening, > his big break. It was the first time Americans on > that scale beheld the crazy bald man wielding his > Sledge-O-Matic. > And lord, how they laughed. > A few things stand out about Gallagher's inaugural > television special. First is that it's in a tiny > night club and nobody brought a raincoat or > umbrella or riot helmet to guard against flying > bits of fruit. That would all come later. > Second is that Gallagher's jokes are racially and > ethnically insensitive, to say the least. He had > something to say about Mexicans, Poles, Japanese. > On and on. > "You know why a polack can't eat pickles? He can't > get his head in the jar." > The audience ate it up. They laughed so hard they > spilled their beers. And when it was over, they > gave him a standing ovation. > Fast forward thirty years, to August of 2010, at > the annual Gathering of the Juggalos, a meet-up > for fans of the band Insane Clown Posse. There in > a side tent, the Juggalos sit around on bales of > hay, and up on stage, standing barefoot on a short > table, is a paunchy Gallagher. His hair is lighter > and more stringy, like hay. And he's still doing > the bit. > He starts by telling them that he knows the > problem with America. "The problem is I'm not on > TV anymore," he says, "because they can't handle > the truth!" > And the truth, he says, launching into a favorite > routine, is that we're losing our culture because > we've become okay with crossbreeds — things like > the spoon-fork (spork) and Escalades with truck > beds and people who wear socks with sandals. But > on this night he starts in immediately on > President Obama. > "How many black dudes do you know from Hawaii?" he > asks. > There's a little laughter, but it's > uncomfortable. > "He's half black and half white. He's a latte. > There's white milk in there. Could be goat milk," > Gallagher says. "He could be an Arab terrorist. > He's got 'bam' in his name." > "Wow," someone in the audience says. > He's losing them, but he keeps going. > "They said, 'Gallagher you can't be on TV, you're > not sensitive to the needs of the handicapped,' " > he says. "I said, 'I am too. That's why I use all > their parking spaces. > "I don't know why they've got to be so close," he > says. "It ain't like they gotta walk." > He senses the Juggalos' unease. > "You're backing off on me," he says. "You want to > be politically correct. Just be correct." > He soon slips into a kind of internal monologue. > He's speaking into the microphone, but it feels > like he's talking to himself. > "I need wrong to get laughs," Gallagher says. "I > need a normal world so that I can be abnormal and > that's my problem. Comedians need prejudice." > Gallagher, by the end, has stopped being funny and > has become something else, and it seems pretty > clear that there's not much difference between the > Gallagher now and the Gallagher of 30 years ago. > What's different is us. > Gallagher needs some help cutting plywood for the > Sledge-O-Matic, and a Home Depot employee seems to > recognize him but doesn't say anything. > "Are you going to smash something?" the man > finally asks. > Gallagher smiles. > A few minutes later, the man looks at Gallagher. > "How you feeling?" he asks. > "I don't know," Gallagher says. "I'm 66, and I ran > it into the ground. I'm going to have them put > that on my tombstone." > So this is how it ends: The Last Smash Tour, with > a show in Clearwater tonight and a schedule that > ends in August at the Defiance County Fair in > Hicksville, Ohio. He has to stop on account of his > heart, even if Gallagher says he's not scared of > death. > "When your d--- don't work, death doesn't bother > you," he says. > The problem with this last hurrah is that > Gallagher still has a lot to say about what we're > doing wrong. > "You look in your newspaper," he tells me. "Half > of the stories are about an inability to define. > Is it a tax or is it a revenue enhancer? . . . I > say things completely. And this politically > correct thing, you always have to modify > everything you're saying so you wind up not saying > anything." > "Is this the act?" I ask. "Or is it you?" > "I think that's a good question." > He pauses. > "It must be me," he says finally. "It must be me. > I observe. I'm a scientist." > He studied chemistry at USF. He observes. He has a > patent — No. 7,972,210 — for an improved slot > machine. He's meeting with casino people to > develop it. He's writing music and pitching > television shows. He ran for governor of > California. He's a living legend, he says. He > doesn't need family because his fans are his > family. He's done 4,000 shows, 12,000 hours on > stage. He's probably the most famous person to > come out of Tampa, he says. He's put 35 years into > show business, smashing fruit all over America, > and we ate it up, the whole gooey thing, for $25 a > ticket. Even now, people come. These jokes still > work. Don't you get it? Posted by: Gallagher Lover (Anally) () I wish a slow lingering painful death on Gallagher at the earliest possible opportunity. If it can't be one of those bleeding diseases from Africa like Ebola, a flareup of his AIDS would be good. Also murder in a senseless streetcrime gone wrong would be good. Being hit by a train would be really cool. I would settle for him falling and becoming a quadriplegic like Christopher Reeves but without the money, that would be cool. Being murdered on stage like Dimebag Darrell would also be good. Posted by: Soul Searcher () Will I find yours? Gallagher is perhaps the most celebrated comic in modern American history. I don’t think you understand how hurtful your words are to those of us who hold him in such high esteem. We lost Kevin Meaney already. Just think before you speak. I should go ahead and tell you now, all this flattery isn't going to get you anywhere I like the story Mike told about Lil's Michael stuffing his pockets with candy and hiding the wrappers in the trash. That lil' devil.... Posted by: Gallagher Smash () Epic. When I got the email the other day asking if I wanted to see Gallagher on Friday night at the Blender Theatre in NYC, I had to think about it for all of the two seconds it took to hit the reply button. Yes. Yes, I did want to see Gallagher. I needed to see Gallagher. I needed to know why this man, at 61, was still touring the nation and smashing food, if, in fact, he was still smashing food, and who in the world would want to see him still smash food. Twenty-five years ago, I'd seen him on the TV as many millions of Americans had. Years later, I saw the E! True Hollywood Story about Gallagher and learned of his brother who toured as his double and the double trouble that had caused. So what would Gallagher be like today? When he emerged onstage just after 9 p.m., the crowd roared. But the microphone wouldn't work. Gallagher gagged: "How long does it take the sound guy to do cocaine?" For those who could hear him, laughter. When they fixed the problem (an unplugged wire), the show would begin. Or not. Turns out, Gallagher informed us all, that he had only sold 200 tickets by the day prior to arriving at New York City. So an opening act, the "Aspiring Tyrants," entered the fray and sold an additional 100 tickets for the show at the Blender Theatre. Gallagher, doing the math, then told it to us: "For every two people here to see me, there's one person to see them." So see them we must. All four of them. All four of them unknown to even us who follow the NYC comedy scene. This had become…a bringer show!? Indeed it had. The oddest, largest bringer show I've seen. I have the names of these comedians (the strongest of whom told me and my friends afterward that they know someone at Live Nation who hooked them up with the show), but I shall not name them here. Not in this post, anyhow. And you shall see why in the next sentence. When I tell you how Gallagher proceeded to first "coach" and then outright "heckle" each of his four opening acts. It started off benignly, the first opener shuffling and mumbling, so Gallagher ran up and said to get right into the jokes. "How do you make pickled whorebread?" Gallagher asked. "Dill dough!" And he ran off. It derailed and went far, far off the tracks from there. After the fourth or fifth interruption, the crowd began to feel bad for this first unknown comic. Remember, there were 100 ticketholders who wanted to see these openers. During Gallagher's heckling of the second opener, someone from the crowd shouted, "I want a watermelon!" Gallagher's retort: "That's the climax. You get yours early, I guess." Show salvaged? Not quite. The third opener bombed about as big as an unknown comedian can bomb. He even acknowledged it onstage, while drinking a can of beer. I turned to my friends and said I'd much rather watch this at home on my TV under heavy medication, instead of how I was watching this unfold, completely sober. Gallagher even had two of these openers, plus a kid from the front row, act out a joke about a bear and rabbit crapping in the woods. The fourth opener had some material and stage presence going for him, and even held his own when Gallagher hopped onstage again and this time took off his shirt and put on a silly hat. Marianne Ways, sitting behind me, took a bunch of photos and at this point, said she had seen Gallagher live when she was 13. "All the old feelings are coming back to me," she said. After Gallagher interrupted the fourth opener by questioning his transition from one topic to another, the opener said, "It was a funny joke, until you came onstage." Now the crowd was on the opener's side and Gallagher eventually trudged off and disappeared. We even wondered if he'd had enough himself and gone back to his hotel. But no. After an hour of this - yes, this opening sequence sucked an entire hour out of our lives - and after the four openers stopped the show entirely to have their pictures taken. Seriously. No joke. And by that, I mean, no joke. After all of that, Gallagher emerged to start his show. Gallagher had 25 minutes of material to deliver before you even saw the first prop, a banana peel covering a hot dog that he dug out of his pocket. He talked about his age, how he now looks at women as "a bag of hamburgers, and I'm not hungry," and about getting his prostate checked. He talked about wondering why God designed the human body the way He did. He joked about getting in trouble with gay people, deaf people, the handicapped, and proved why by doing several troublesome jokes. He told us, in all seriousness, that he was making us think. "This is the smartest show you'll ever go to," Gallagher told us. He talked about his problem with all of the French words in the English language and that they turn us into sissies. Who says the word sissy anymore, anyhow? Only a sissy. Moving on. Plenty of "Hey-OH!" groaner jokes to be had in this set. There was a drunk couple in the front row who liked to chatter so much that Gallagher stopped the show more than once and eventually ordered them out, which led to the drunk woman's family members to also leave. Or so we thought. The drunk man emerged from out of nowhere a couple of times, once to try to shake Gallagher's hand, then later to shout at Gallagher that they were no longer fans of his. If only we had some of this on video. Ahem. Gallagher had a table full of food ingredients and filled pie trays with corn and mashed potatoes, apple pieces and applesauce, dog food with Pepto Bismol and Spam, chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce, and more, including, of course, the watermelon slices. It wouldn't be until 11:05 p.m. that we actually got to see him smash anything and make our plastic ponchos valuable wardrobe items. For the next 20 minutes, Gallagher smashed food and had fans come onstage to get initiated. Almost all of the fans onstage were men in their teens and early 20s. "You won't remember what I said, but you'll remember what I did," Gallagher said last night. And we shall remember this night all too well. Tragedy? Comedy? Tragedy that we couldn't help but laugh at during the show and hours afterward. Something happened here that we shall not soon forget. And if you have someone offer you a ticket to see Gallagher, you know you need to say yes. Because this was epic. P.S. In gchat with a comedian this afternoon, I just remembered that I also had a mini-moment with Gallagher during the show. He attempted to make a joke about Isiah Thomas and his sexual harassment lawsuit but couldn't remember that he coaches the New York Knicks, so instead, Gallagher stumbled for his words, and ultimately went with, "and…uh…that team." Mostly silence since the crowd didn't even know what he was trying to say, but I busted a gut. Gallagher turned, pointed and smiled at me in the third row. "Look, he gets it!" No. That's not why I was laughing so much and so hard. Posted by: Roxy Music () It ain't no big thing to wait for the bell to ring It ain't no big thing the toll of the bell Aggravated spare for days I troll down town, the red light place Jump up bubble up, what's in store Gallagher is the drug and I need to score Showing out, showing out hit and run Boy meets girl where the beat goes on Stitched up tight can't shake free Gallagher is the drug got a hook on me Oh, catch that buzz Gallagher is the drug I'm thinking of Oh, can't you see Gallagher is the drug for me Late that night I parked my car Staked my place in the singles bar Face to face, toe to toe Heart to heart as we hit the floor Lumbered up limbo down The locked embrace, stumble round I say go, she says yes Dim the lights you can guess the rest Gallagher is the drug, got hookin' me Oh, oh, oh, oh Gallagher is, gallagher is, gallagher is the drug Pic of Mike trying to get rid of the Reese's foil evidence...BUSTED!!! Posted by: Hey, apostrophe S face! () > I should go ahead and tell you now, all this > flattery isn't going to get you anywhere Neither is the constant cock in your mouth. Posted by: Phil Collins () There's this comic that's been on my mind All the time, Ga-Ga-Gallagher oh oh Now he don't even know my name But I think he likes me just the same Ga-Ga-Gallagheroh oh Ah if he called me I'd be there I'd come running anywhere He's all I need, all my life I feel so good if I just say the word Ga-Ga-Gallagher, just say the word Oh Ga-Ga-Gallagher Now I know that I'm too young My love has just begun Ga-Ga-Gallagher oh oh Oh give me a chance, give me a sign I'll show him anytime Ah, I've just got to have him, have him now I've got to get closer but I don't know how He makes me nervous and makes me scared But I feel so good if I just say the word Oh Ga-Ga-Gallagher, oh Ah, he's all I need all of my life Ga-Ga-Gallagher I just say the word I just say the word oh Ga-Ga-Gallagher I'll say the word Oh, Ga-Ga-Gallagher oh oh oh Just, just, just say the word uh Ga-Ga-Gallagher(oh oh oh) Ga-Ga-Gallagher (oh oh oh) say the word oh Just, just, just say the word Posted by: YESSSSSSSSSIR! () Now you are getting into the Gallagherian spirit. In honor of your effervescent support of America's only true comedy legend, I share this with you: $$$$$$$$$ One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Gallagher. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the Gallagher. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the Gallagher about it. "Gallagher, You said that once I decided to follow You, You'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed You most You would leave me." The Gallagher replied, "My son, My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." Cameron Hundley, you've done the Lord's Work Jen Ettix Wrote: > I like the story Mike told about Lil's Michael > stuffing his pockets with candy and hiding the > wrappers in the trash. That lil' devil.... I liked the part when he said he put up a fight on the cashews because he knew Carla would know something was up if he didn't bitch about getting caught Posted by: Abbey Road () Joan was quizzical, studied pataphysical Science in the home Late nights all alone with a test tube Leo Gallagher, majoring in medicine Calls her on the phone "Can I take you out to the pictures Joa, oa, oa, oan?" But as she's getting ready to go A knock comes on the door Bang! Bang! Gallagher's silver mallet Came down upon her head Made sure that she was dead Back in school again Gallagher plays the fool again Teacher gets annoyed Wishing to avoid and unpleasant Sce, e, e, ene She tells Leo to stay when the class has gone away So he waits behind Writing fifty times "I must not be So, o, o, o" But when she turns her back on the boy He creeps up from behind P. C. Thirty-one said, "We caught a dirty one" Gallagher stands alone Painting testimonial pictures Rose and Valerie, screaming from the gallery Say he must go free (Gallagher must go free) The judge does not agree and he tells them So, o, o, o But as the words are leaving his lips A noise comes from behind Came down upon his head Made sure that he was dead Whoa, oh, oh, oh Silver mallet man Clearly Mike was reading the fanpage during the end of the show > Clearly Mike was reading the fanpage during the > end of the show Go away. You’re irrelevant to the current topic. Buh bye. Comedian/Genius Gallagher to Run for President! DATELINE: Chicago, IL August 15, 2003 Legendary comedian, cable television mainstay, and foe to melons everywhere, Gallagher announced today that he is entering the race for President of the While in town promoting his appearance at Chicago's Navy Pier, Gallagher met up with Illinois campaign manager, Kelly Williams to make the surprising announcement on WGN TV's morning news program. Running under the newly-formed "Party!" party, Gallagher is already a candidate for California Governor. As President and/or Governor he plans on implementing bold programs and sweeping changes, as cited on his official website, www.gallaghersmash.com. Platform issues include... Limiting a legislator's salary to an amount totaling no more than three times the average working man's salary ("Three times is ENUFF!") Utilizing traffic helicopters to remove accident vehicles from the road ("Traffic helicopters are otherwise USELESS. We KNOW we're in bad traffic, why not make yourself useful!") Making it illegal to talk loudly on cell phones in public places (it is annoying and the idiots are getting worse!") In the fight for a political edge over his competitors, Gallagher is waging a war of words using unique and catchy slogans such as... Gallagher, the other white meat. Finally a President you can get drunk with. Why settle for amateurs? America is ready for a Professional Comedian. You've done crazier things I don't know what I'm doing either For more information regarding the Gubernatorial and Presidential candidacies of Gallagher, including complete listings of platforms and slogans, it is recommended that you head to the official website, www.gallaghersmash.com. Gallagher is also searching for talented people to help run the campaign as well as suggest ideas for governmental reform. Applicants and suggestions may be sent to gallaghe...@aol.com. Illinois Campaign Manager, Kelly Williams may be reached via e-mail at comic...@msn.com Additional Campaign info: Gallagher Campaign Headquarters Contacts: Ruth Ann Hoffman, Jody Young Posted by: geekza () Gallagher Smash Wrote: > Comedian/Genius Gallagher to Run for President! > DATELINE: Chicago, IL August 15, 2003 > Legendary comedian, cable television mainstay, and > foe to melons everywhere, > Gallagher announced today that he is entering the > race for President of the > United States. > While in town promoting his appearance at > Chicago's Navy Pier, Gallagher met > up with Illinois campaign manager, Kelly Williams > to make the surprising > announcement on WGN TV's morning news program. > Running under the newly-formed "Party!" party, > Gallagher is already a > candidate for California Governor. As President > and/or Governor he plans > on implementing bold programs and sweeping > changes, as cited on his official > website, www.gallaghersmash.com. Platform issues > include... > Limiting a legislator's salary to an amount > totaling no more than three > times the average working man's salary ("Three > times is ENUFF!") > Utilizing traffic helicopters to remove accident > vehicles from the road > ("Traffic helicopters are otherwise USELESS. We > KNOW we're in bad > traffic, why not make yourself useful!") > Making it illegal to talk loudly on cell phones in > public places (it is > annoying and the idiots are getting worse!") > In the fight for a political edge over his > competitors, Gallagher is waging a > war of words using unique and catchy slogans such > as... > Gallagher, the other white meat. > Finally a President you can get drunk with. > Why settle for amateurs? America is ready for a > Professional Comedian. > You've done crazier things > I don't know what I'm doing either > For more information regarding the Gubernatorial > and Presidential > candidacies of Gallagher, including complete > listings of platforms and > slogans, it is recommended that you head to the > official website, > www.gallaghersmash.com. Gallagher is also > searching for talented people > to help run the campaign as well as suggest ideas > for governmental reform. > Applicants and suggestions may be sent to > gallaghe...@aol.com. > Illinois Campaign Manager, Kelly Williams may be > reached via e-mail at > comic...@msn.com > Additional Campaign info: > Gallagher Campaign Headquarters > West Palm Beach, FL 33414 > Contacts: Ruth Ann Hoffman, Jody Young > 800/791-0021 You are doing the Lord’s work. Posted by: Gallagher in Mexico () Crossed-Up Crossover Comedy: Promoted for Latinos, Gallagher's pseudo-Spanish show is a litany of degrading stereotypes and insults. July 03, 1999\|ALISA VALDES-RODRIGUEZ \| TIMES STAFF WRITER Hmm. How to put this delicately? We'll simplify: Mime-like, stringy-haired man in black hat smashes food with mallet on stage for living. Man, who no espeakey no Spanish, hears Spanish, thinks Spanish good, Spanish muy muy dinero. Man spends one month learning important Spanish words such as cerveza, caca and culo (butt). Man invents Spanish words, such as "sperm-o" and "embarazamante." Man decides this is enough Spanish to put on show for Latinos. Man smashes pinatas, wears giant sombrero and shakes keg-sized maracas. Man mocks Jews and gays and women and constipated old people. Man thinks he is muy funny comedian-o. Man hopes all Spanish-speakers agree. But wait. There's more. Mucho more. Man rents hall in Cerritos. Man advertises "Gallagher en espanol: La Fiesta Grande" on Spanish radio. Man hopes thousands will come. Two hundred come, many with children and babies and old (possibly constipated) people. Man babbles for three hours Thursday night in "language" neither English nor Spanish. Language heretofore known as Gallagher-bonics. Next day, executive director of Cerritos Center for Performing Arts issues statement stressing that "Gallagher show was a rental event and not produced or presented by the Cerritos Center." Man hires dance troupe to open show. Man performing for mostly Mexican American audience. Dance troupe, called Salsa Kids, performs Puerto Rican dance style. Male dancers wear guayaveras, the four-pocket shirts worn by old Cuban men in Miami. Mexican American audience appears unimpressed. Stone faces say: Ugh, bad medicine. "Is this like ballroom?" a woman in the audience asks. "My sister, she's taking that ballroom dancing." Show goes on. First nine rows of audience are in white plastic chairs. People in white plastic chairs equipped with clear plastic bag to wear over clothes because later mayonnaise and refried beans will spew over them. Signs warn: Cuidado, Piso Resbaloso. Wet floor. Man shoots water on audience from giant penguin after salsa dancers leave stage. Other man named Vic Dunlop, a comedian hired to help because he supposedly speaks Espanol, takes stage. Dunlop wears Mexican blanket, sombrero and glasses with eyes painted on them. Makes jokes about black people and blind people in bad Spanish. Says show is sponsored by Culo Cola, the soda with the taste of an expletive. In audience, Debra Garcia, 50, is bored and thinks the show immature and plans to leave early. Man appears with penguin and yells, "Como? Este hombre no esta en mi show. Vamanos." Second assistant "comedian" who actually does speak Spanish comes on stage. Her name is Dyana Ortelli and she is Mexican American and makes a living mocking Jennifer Lopez's bottom, stereotyping Chicanos, and wearing bad wig and no pants. Ortelli helps man throw chocolate at crowd. Man says: "Quien no tengo chocolate?" Translation: Who I don't have chocolate? No one sure what he is saying. Man introduces Chupacabras. Chupacabras is goat-sucking monster seen in Puerto Rico three years ago. Man in ape suit pretends to be goat-sucking monster. Man forces child onto stage with monster. Man asks: "Quien tiene mas pelo de Chupacabra?" Translation: Who has more hair of Chupacabras? Child makes disgusted face, jumps off stage. Ortelli looks sad. Man babbles about goat-sucker: "Es muy fuerze, es muy fuerza." Translation: Is very strength. No one laughs. Man frustrated. Tries to say "espectaculo," which means "show," but says "specta-culo," which sort of means butt-gazer. Man calls for rock band. Fulano de Tal, from Miami, plays well. Man wears giant parachute dress and dances. Man spray-paints a lie on the back wall: Yo No Soy Gringo. Man says in Spanish that he is a cowboy. Man says he is newborn Mexican and caresses his naked hairy belly. Man tells joke about bear and rabbit pooping. Man gathers audience volunteers for Mexican hat dance. Says "Tengo un muchacha" over and over. No one laughs. Man says "Culo, culito" until people laugh. Man says "moco" for extra humor. Man is tired of trying. Man says in English "I need a beer." Man curses under breath off mike, but audience hears anyway. Man begins dumping buckets of food onto plates. Man stops trying to speak Spanish. Man gives up and speaks English. Man says: "We were expecting a big crowd tonight and we're going to do a show for a big crowd anyway" because the crowd is small and shrinking. Man is booed again. Man yells: "It's the Fourth of July weekend, you don't got no place to go so just shut up." Man hits Pop Tarts with tennis racquet. Man says "Un muchacho quiero comer," which means "I want to eat a boy" and the boys look scared. Many people who paid between $21.50 and $26.50 per ticket walk out as man flashes white underpants and yells culo, culo, culo and cerveza. Man angry Latinos have no sense of humor. Man throws egg and marshmallows at old woman and baby as they waddle out of theater. Man calls old woman vulgar name in English. Man spits beer on children. Some in audience too polite to leave. Others impolite enough to boo. One courageous enough to hurl a lunchbox-sized chunk of watermelon at man's head. Man smashes food with 16-pound mallet. Man says, inexplicably, "Todo el mouthwash el hits me en el crotch-o." Man sings "La Cucaracha." Man smashes more food. Show over. Man bows. Man slips on floor. Posted by: Long Time Lurker Not Signed In () Love where this is going...I just emailed Cary to request he rename this thread to “The Gallagher/Hairy Female Armpit/Bowels Thread”. He usually gets right back to me, so we should have an answer in the next few days. Posted by: Awwww Slap! () Today: June 01, 2005 at 11:13:58 PDT Report filed against comedian A man who attended a performance last week by the comedian Gallagher in Laughlin filed a report with Metro Police complaining that the watermelon-smashing funnyman slapped him on the head during the show. The incident occurred about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Riverside. The alleged victim, a 40-year-old man, was seated in the front row, center stage, when he ordered a beverage from a cocktail waitress, according to the police report. When she returned to give the man his drink and collect payment, "Gallagher became upset and drew attention to (the victim) and cocktail waitress by stepping off the stage and into the table (the victim) was seated at," the report says. Gallagher walked on the table toward the waitress and told her, "You're ruining my show," the report says, then stood in front of the alleged victim, bent over and slapped him on the side of the head before returning to the stage. The man filed the report about two hours after the incident, at 11:44 p.m. Gallagher, who was staying at Wynn Las Vegas, was not charged. Joel Hodgson, of Mystery Science Theater fame, has been quite vocal about not liking Gallagher. I reckon it must be a side effect of jealousy. Just wondering what my fellow Gallagherians think about this situation. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Beaks: With your stand-up comedy background, one of the great services MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER provided was that you let everyone know what bad prop comedy was by ridiculing Gallagher mercilessly. Hodgson: (Laughing) That was a little personal vendetta I had with Gallagher. I met him once at a club, and he was picking through my props and looking at them. I said, "Yeah, I do prop comedy, too!" And he said, "You call them 'props'!?!? When a surgeon goes in to work on somebody, do you think he calls his instruments 'props'?" And I just kind of went, "Whatever, man. They're 'props'!" He was kind of a dick, so any chance I had to take a shot at him, I would. That's his thing. He's a very bombastic man, so it's okay. Beaks: He was one of those incredibly unfunny guys who got nonstop cable specials, so it was nice to see someone deflate him. Hodgson: Exactly. And he's just such a funny character to make fun of. He just had his own little weird universe. Wow good thing the scroll trolls stopped, I almost quit and gave up! > Wow good thing the scroll trolls stopped, I almost > quit and gave up! You might as well. Its not like anybody reads your shitty posts. Sorry, Jen, I wasn't myself there. I love your posts. Posted by: Ex JFKer () They are just helping on toe 1000! Thanks Merle, Blobb, and SDM! The barely legal chicks in the picture spam tend to point to Creepy Bob Spewak especially since he's been on another FB ban of some kind, and another creepy Spewak was taking over his pic of the day duties -- he has to get his release somewhere... I'm surprised that Gallagher is still touring, with the cocktail of drugs he has to take for his full blown AIDS. It's very brave, but on the bright side he'll be dead and with any luck there will be a lot of pain. Hey, apostrophe S face! Wrote: > Sorry, Jen, I wasn't myself there. I love your > posts. Yeah, whatever. Piss off, troll. Mike's kid's hockey story was pretty lame. What kind of parent takes his toddler-kid to play sports and doesn't bring along a water bottle for the kid. Especially for his all-time favorite kid in the whole wide world. (Sorry, Catherine and Elizabeth) Answer: an inexperienced one. Don was right oh so long ago-- Mike is a crappy dad. You guys should be speaking of Gallagher in hushed, reverent tones. Such disrespect to a legend is sad! For example, did you know he invented FUCKING CABLE? See below. $$$$$$$$$$$ PLYMOUTH-- "I think we're all pawns in a great, big game," Gallagher, a little-known presidential candidate and very famous stand-up comic, said. Best known for using the "Sledge-O-Matic" to pepper tarp-wearing audiences with watermelons and other assorted food items he smashes at the end of his shows, Gallagher will perform Friday night at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.And he's dead serious about running for president. His biggest gripe is with NAFTA, which he blames for job losses throughout the country. "I said this in one of my videotapes. Never Allow Foreigners To Achieve. That's what NAFTA really stands for," Gallagher said. "It's treason to export jobs out of the country because we're a team. America is a team. If your neighbor loses his job, you're not unaffected. It can cause a lack of taxes, a lack of services, crime." Gallagher has other views outside the mainstream of American politics. On the war on terror: "I think the war on terror is about insurance. Insurance companies didn't know how much to charge for a building that might be blown up. They told the president's father to say something to his son and get him to do something." On American foreign policy: "They want a tighter involvement with India, China and Malaysia. They're allowing companies to hire them so they get involved and tied in with us. They're using the economy for foreign policy. I think that's what's going on." On American morality: "We're losing our definition of morality. Why be upset about Janet Jackson when most girls walk around without a bra on anyway? Why be upset with Kobe Bryant when the president has sex with an intern? You can't figure America out. That's why Arabs attacked the World Trade Center. No one seemed upset that our embassies got bombed in Africa or they attacked a ship tied up in Yemen. We give out mixed signals or no signals at all." On parents: "It all goes back to parents being afraid to say anything. Kids today have tattoos or purple hair or holes in their body. The things kids do, if their parents did it ten years ago, they would have lost custody of the kid. Or it would be done to get prisoners of war to talk. Of course, piercing someone's tongue to get them to talk doesn't make much sense." Gallagher started in politics last year when he ran for governor of California.During his gubenatorial campaign, Gallagher ended up in Iowa and Illinois where he discovered a Maytag factory closing in the small town of Galesburg, Ill. The factory jobs moved elsewhere. Gallagher says he attempted to drum up interest about the factory in the local media, then inundated with Iowa primary news. Desperate to get someone to notice the plight of a small, middle-American town, Gallagher thought up a stunt for attention. "I couldn't get anyone's attention," Gallagher said. "The media wants a story that is happening quick that has a pitch to it. I said to the guys at a labor union, 'let's blow up a bomb in the town square for Labor Day.' They'll come cover it, and we'll tell the story of what Maytag is doing. But the fire marshal hated it, the police hated the idea and finally, I said, 'what am I doing here?' I can't get the media interested in this story. The local authorities don't want me to help the people here. Instead, they had a Labor Day parade, kind of celebrating the fact that they do not have any more labor in town. It was almost like a comedy routine, some sort of ironic stupid story that doesn't make sense." Gallagher returned to California, surrounded by the wealthy and the fabulous."No one seems to care," he said. "I can't continue to believe the world is so stupid." He also realizes the struggling economy affects his business. "The reason you're talking to me is that I am not selling that many tickets in Plymouth," Gallagher said. "It all gets down to economics. I rent the theater. I buy the ads. I pick the ticket price but people who do not have jobs can't come to a comedy show. I can't really stand by and watch America be mismanaged and misled. But I don't know what to do about it. I put my ideas on the Internet. I've mentioned them in interviews but people don't jump on them. People don't talk them up and change things." And without change, Gallagher thinks his career could come to an end. "I'm in a desperate battle to save my way of life as a touring comedian," Gallagher said. "I'm being threatened. As my market is losing its money, we're losing facilities and the audience is taking over my job of being outrageous. Everything is wrong with my business." Gallagher said he continues to fight on, slightly edgier than before. He said he does his own promotion and has no interest in land a role on a sit-com or working as a talk show host. "I'm just like Lenny Bruce," Gallagher said. "I'm saying and doing things nobody else is. I don't have a network. I don't have a national sponsor. I'm what people are fighting for, the freedom of speech. Everybody else is compromised and not going to speak freely." Gallagher said he's changed the way he performs over the years. Instead of merely just telling jokes and smashing watermelons, Gallagher now brings people up on stage with him and incorporates the audience into his bits. "You have to stay ahead of the audience," he said. "I still am giving them more than they thought and they're having more fun then they thought." Gallagher also took credit for interactivity between performers and an audience. "I was talking to my friend about Universal (amusement park)," he said. "They have so many things that splash you. They owe that to me. They would be too chicken to splash people on their own if I didn't show them the way. The Blue Man Group. The Insane Clown Posse. There are now innumerable acts that are coming off of the stage and involving the audience." "I think the mosh pit is due to me," he added. "What I'm showing people is that the audience wanted to do more than just sit in their chair." However, while Gallagher takes credit for that kind of interaction, he freely admits that his popularity has waned from his peak period. He is, perhaps, a pawn in a great, big game that no longer sees him in control. "People say to me, I've watched you my whole life," Gallagher. "I started cable. Cable was the only place a person could speak freely in America. I started Showtime. Showtime should be there for me now. They should be offering me new specials and my own talk show instead of sticking all the old shows on Comedy Central and having no interest in me. You just get thrown away in America for what's the next, new thing." Posted by: Ringo Starr () It don't come easy You know it don't come easy Got to pay your dues if you wanna smash the fruit And you know it don't come easy You don't have to shout or leap about You can even play them easy Open up your heart, let's come together Use a little love And we will make it work out better I don't ask for much, I only want your trust And this love of mine keeps growing all the time Peace, remember peace is how we make it Here within your reach If you're big enough to take it The underage girls give it away Creepy Bob Posted by: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA () > The underage girls give it away Creepy Bob Nobody from from TMOS or fb gives the slightest fuck about your stupid thread, but keep flattering yourself, loser. E2 Tambien Wrote: > Mike's kid's hockey story was pretty lame. What > kind of parent takes his toddler-kid to play > sports and doesn't bring along a water bottle for > the kid. Especially for his all-time favorite kid > in the whole wide world. (Sorry, Catherine and > Elizabeth) > Answer: an inexperienced one. > Don was right oh so long ago-- Mike is a crappy > dad. In Mike's defense, none of his listeners had sent him a water bottle yet AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Wrote: > peekza Wrote: > > The underage girls give it away Creepy Bob > Nobody from from TMOS or fb gives the slightest > fuck about your stupid thread, but keep flattering > yourself, loser. Clearly you seem to care...a lot "Turducken" some feedback on the MetaFilter site related to Gallagher (https://www.metafilter.com/88018/Gallagher). Evidently he's had several interactions with the legend while filming a documentary about comedy. (I'm jealous!) I thought my fellow Gallagherians would enjoy reading it. Hm. I was just checking Metafilter before I called Gallagher. (He's on my cell phone favorites, right below my parents.) This will probably be a long post. Filthy Light Thief, that clip you saw on TV was from my documentary, "History of the Joke with Lewis Black." (Penn and Teller were in it.) It was originally called "The Greatest Joke Ever Told," but the title was changed a few weeks before broadcast. (Don't get me started.) Of the 100 or so comedians we contacted, Gallagher was the first to respond, and among the most accommodating. (He was on my Top 10 list, along with Black and Chris Elliott.) When you contact Gallagher for a press appearance, you're given a smash-able shopping list: 4 jars of Jiff peanut butter; a whole watermelon; diapers; Prell shampoo; you get the idea. I dutifully sent my minions shopping, hired a van to carry the stuff in, outfitted the crew of 20 in Hazmat suits and yellow construction helmets, and saddled up on a glorious and hot autumn day in L.A. We caravanned out to Gallagher's redoubt in Calabasas, which is just over the hills from Malibu. (Contrary to what was mentioned in a post above, the guy has handled his money very well.) Gallagher's house is a Spanish-style hacienda that was probably once pretty swanky; now it looks like something out of a M.A.S.H. episode, with a metal security gate that appears to have been smashed in by a tank, and decades of Gallagher props everywhere, from a foam-rubber steamroller to giant bowling pins. All of my guys were afraid to climb the long, steep driveway, for fear of what lay ahead. So, being the leader, I hiked up the hill with my cameraman, a 50-something recent cancer survivor who looks like a portly Van Gogh. When we puffed to the top of the hill, there was Gallagher. And the minute he saw us, he started performing. He had already bought all the foodstuffs on his list; he had prepared a 3-hour routine just for us (which was reduced to about 90 seconds of screen time). And he was funny. Sometimes ha-ha funny, but mostly "I can't believe this is happening" funny. So here's the point: Gallagher is a professional. And being a professional comedian is a hard, weird job that breaks people in interesting ways -- more interesting, to me at least, than the way other vocations and life circumstances break people. He's a guy who thinks deeply about things whose job is to provide mindless entertainment. He's a Kafkaesque character -- or maybe a Serlingesque one. I spent over a year of my life sweating blood and neglecting my family to get "History of the Joke" made; I had envisioned it as a definitive, cast-of-thousands documentary about comedians and the real hard work that goes into telling a simple joke -- a more accessible (and perhaps even more entertaining) version of "The Aristocrats," which I loved. "Joke" came close, even if the forces of mediocrity, mendacity, garden-variety stupidity and borderline evil that is the television industry took big fat bites out of it (and out of me) along the way. But the greatest thing that came out of it was, for me, an appreciation of just how hard it is to be a standup comedian, full-time. (As opposed to a sit-down talk-show host, movie writer, script consultant, animation voice, and/or "humorist.") It's not a normal job. And it's doubly not normal if you are normal -- meaning, you're an adult with kids and a brain that thinks about current events, politics, morality, and your own mortality. This is the kind of man Gallagher is... or at least that's how he started out. To age gracefully in standup -- meaning, to work steadily into your golden years -- comedians must do one of two things: Change their act to reflect the times, or hit on a schtick that works, and stick with it no matter what. (Or they can just die young, their best jokes frozen in amber with the headlines of the day.) George Carlin is an example of the former. He was in "History of Joke," too, and in addition to being a graceful, sweet, and generous guy, he was the only old dude I knew with an iPhone, who knew how to use it. His anti-establishment rants gave way to metaphysical musings that were just as radical and more fitting to the times; to suggest that there was no god in the time of Bush -- and in the months before his own death -- was just as thought-provoking, and more suited to his and our times, than saying fuck-shit-piss, et al, on TV. Gallagher, however, is an example of the latter. He found what worked in his act, and over the years he stripped away everything that didn't. He knows what pushes people's buttons; he knows what will fill the seats. Smashing. Everyone comes for the smashing. If you go back and watch Gallagher's TV specials from the 70s and 80s, you'll see that they were filled with topical and political humor, as his shows are today. It's just that nobody much cared. They were there for the smashing, the Giant Couch, and the goopy insults -- and Gallagher gave the audience what they wanted. Problem is, of course, that over the years Gallagher's core audience has shrunk, and moved toward the middle of the country. So when he performs at the West Buttfuck Community Theater or Kap'n Kurt's Krab Shack, full of drunken yahoos on spring break, the seats are always filled. Which suits Gallagher just fine. It's a choice, and one he made a long time ago. When Gallagher rails against his contemporaries (Letterman, Leno) and their success, he's really complaining about their audiences. The audience for topical political humor has grown steadily over the decades, and those comedians rode the wave, tacking masterfully here and there to keep on its leading edge. The audience for food-smashing and mild right-wing rants has been steady, solid, and reliable; but it's shrinking. And so is Gallagher. But he's fighting mortality with everything he's got. And he's doing it, if not with class, then with a kind of alternately stirring and heartbreaking honesty that is hard for some folks to understand. He means everything he says; and it's only when we try to pick out the golden kernels of folksy brilliance from the sludge of shut-up-grampa-you're-embarrassing-me logorrhea that we get what Gallagher is all about. The stuff I find most fascinating is Gallagher's interaction with his audience -- e..g, his genuine desire to set kids on the straight and narrow, his put-downs of hecklers, and his seemingly Job-like ability to endure physical and psychic humiliations that would cow or creep out most open-mike punters -- which IMO has nothing to do with comedy, and has everything to do with being a 63-year old guy with several ex-wives, grown children, and a heart attack under his belt who can't stop working, and is terrified of what happens when he does. I've been talking to Gallagher for the past 2 years, trying to figure out how to convey his combination of arrogance, brilliance, flat-earth conservatism and balls-out fuck-y'all capital-A American freethinking in a filmic way, and have yet to crack that nut. I have been in every studio building in Los Angeles and environs, trying to get a little cash to show the people what I know. But most everyone declares that he's a bitter old crank with a moldy act who confuses and offends people. To which I say, sure -- but he's entertaining as fuck. And isn't that the point? Posted by: Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Shean () Another interesting comment on Gallagher from MetaFilter (see above for URL) that I thought you might like. This is from Rory Marinich. Enjoy my friends. I never knew a thing about Gallagher, didn't recognize the name when it came up here, but I've looked at the various videos put up here, and, while I think the guy's deluding himself, I feel sympathetic for what he's tried to do and where he's gone. That initial interview felt a lot like a recurring nightmare I have as an artist. Here's somebody who very obviously cares about the craft. This isn't a lazy has-been per se. He feels very strongly about comedy, and feels that other, more successful people aren't doing the jobs they ought to be. In his mind he's a superb comedian bar none, and what life has shown him is that being the best doesn't necessarily mean you get rewarded for it. Of course, he's not the best. The jokes I heard him tell via all these links were barely jokes in the normal sense. The punchlines were watered down to the point of nonexistence. Even ob1quixote's video came across like George Carlin without a punchline. It's faintly clever but but much beyond that. If he'd posted that entire routine as a comment on Metafilter, it'd be looked over for shorter, smarter quips. (Is it bad that I judge offline humor by how many favorites I think it'd deserve?) Perhaps he's spent a lifetime honing the craft of that limited, lame sort of joke, basked in the attention he's received from people that like it, and convinced himself that what he does is comedy, comedy in full, and that the only sort of humor is the sort he practices. He's wrong, of course, but does he know he's wrong? If he looks at every other working comedian and sees mediocrity, that implies that what he's looking for is insanely limited. But at least he's looking for something. I can kind of sympathize with that, because it happens to everybody that tries making anything. It reminds me of writers in my high school literary mag, who got so set in their styles, so determined to perfect a certain type of unpleasant poem, that they reacted violently to any suggestion that they should attempt something more. I do it too. It's hard to step back from what you've already been praised for, figure out for yourself what you're not doing, and push towards goals you're not certain you'll be rewarded for reaching. When you look through George Carlin's career, you see a certain path that culminated in his final performance. There are elements of that final show in his earliest stand-up, but they're not the focus of his performance and they're not the best things going on. As he matured, he added and removed bits and pieces, constantly striving to create comedy he hadn't created before. The result is that you can listen to virtually anything he's ever done and find something hilarious. He pushed himself relentlessly and his catalogue is taut, evertense. It's rare to find a comedian so determined not to repeat himself. Almost everybody hits a point where they're satisfied with what they've become and stop growing. Gallagher just seemes to have hit that much earlier than everybody else, and he still hasn't realized he's done it. Folks, I think you will find this as interesting as I did. From the pen of Carolyn Main (https://www.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2013/05/13/gallagher-was-a-dick-to-us-while-we-were-on-mushrooms), who relates an encounter with Gallagher while under the influence of a psychedelic drug. $$$$$$$$$$$$ Gallagher—yes, THE GALLAGHER—told my friend he was wasting his life. It was at Stumptown, Portland's small-press comics convention. We were on mushrooms. It was pretty surreal, and not all that funny at the time. With the passage of time, it’s now entirely funny, in that cringy, sort-of-awkward comedy way that the olds have on lockdown when they start throwing tantrums. Like your mean uncle at Thanksgiving passive aggressively hinting about Obama’s birth certificate and then throwing his fork into the mashed potatoes and some gravy gets on your mom. Terrible gold. For some reason, the ‘Galgs was still in Portland a week after the Bridgetown Comedy Festival brought him upon our shores. Portland was excited to see Gallagher, an icon past his prime, but, as his recent media bouts desperately assert, not past his notoriety. For many children of the '80s, he was a pivotal comedic catalyst of absurdism, an unabashed fruit brutalist and friendly ambassador for male pattern baldness. For a while there, Gallagher looked like a fun guy. He told us jokes that made us question things. Those accomplishments still stand, despite his best efforts. So, when I saw the Galgs trot out random racisms on the podcast Probably Science at Bridgetown, I sank into my chair under the weight of '80s nostalgia gone sour. His fellow podcast guest Peter Serafinowicz straight-up called him on it, and after an hour of increasingly angry back and forths, post-game handshakes offered to Gallagher hung in the air, denied. I stumbled out into the daylight, and bemoaned the state of decaying baby boomers, and why they think they have to be such bitches about freaking everything, all of the time. A week later, when the Portland convention scene switched from comedy to my home turf of comics, how surprised was I to again encounter the notorious comedian himself, still rocking his embroidered namesake jacket, stalking his signature skullet around the convention floor? Pretty surprised. Also, I was on mushrooms at the time. They were old, and didn’t affect me all that much, except for making me somewhat sweatier and entirely unable to be anything other than 100% myself. Tabling on mushrooms was a dare doubled down on, thanks to my tablemate being a total Bad Kid 4 Life. That would be Justin Fetsko, who makes stickers of mandalas and 8-bit sprites, et cetera, as StickerNinja. We met while catering, while his friend got drunk and banged some bridesmaids and passed out in the porta potties. Justin and I just did our job for the most part, until we found a moment to steal away and sip some nipped wine, looking at the stars and hanging easy in the comfortable knowledge that we could be bros for life. Back to Stumptown Comic Con. I had some mushrooms in my purse, and Justin had some crackers under the table. We mixed and matched, popping the power shrooms with a side of wasabi, and thus irrevocably upping our game. An invitation to the universe to bring it on. Shortly thereafter, the universe complied: The Galgs himself rolls up to our table. He looks older by roughly three thousand years. This man has seen some shit. He looks at my stuff, grimacing. My stuff is great, and some of it should indeed be grimaced at. The Galgs notes one gag on my booklet cover. “But where’s the rest of it? Is there even any more?” he jeers. I’m entirely confused by his confusion. Is he on drugs too? It takes a stoner’s moment, but I figure out that he hasn’t even opened the book. I show him how to open the book. He opens it. Eventually, after what can only be described as “hate reading,” Gallagher sets my comic down. He’s got nothing. Crickets chirp. I slump in my seat. He looks around for something to look at, and catches Justin in his sights. Justin has long hair, a table full of stickers, and the genial air of a man who gets laid, often and well. Gallagher has long white hair, and the bearing of a cranky hobo who only remembers pussy from a certain vintage. The following is their epic exchange: Justin: “Hey, want a free ninja sticker?” The Galgs, dismissive: “I don’t know if I want to commit to anything!” “Its free.” Justin shrugs. The crickets start shrugging. I unfocus my eyes and catch glimmers of chi swirling in between molecules of air, everywhere around me. The essence of life is dancing, shimmering, emanating from everyone in the room. Everyone except the Galgs. “I don’t want to commit!” the Galgs is jeering not just at Justin, but at all the stickers, posters, comics, prints, and art surrounding him in the buzzing convention center. He’s clearly unhappy. I’m now covering my face in my hands and groaning, silently. A ghost’s groan. I’m still on shrooms, and this is shaping into a major bummer. This is when the Galgs stops being polite, and starts getting real. “You’re wasting your life. Do you really think the world needs more shit on it?” I gasp, and slink further down in an effort both to hide and to access more crackers. (Shit’s just getting good—what can I say, I’m a ghost who loves my drama bombs with crackers.) Justin, who is also on shrooms, is holding it all together like a multidimensional boss. He asserts his worldview effortlessly. “Yes, I do think the world needs more shit on it, if it’s awesome shit. I love stickers. I used to have them all over my bedroom door when I was a kid,” he offers, harkening us all back to the time when we used to like Gallagher. “Yeah, and I bet not many people ever saw that bedroom door!” Galgs rejoins. (Snaps to Gallagher except, how many people is a kid even supposed to be banging?) “Your stuff doesn’t even have a message!” the Galgs burns, his foe bested. But before the sick burn can be tallied, it is countered. Fatally. Finish him, bro. “This one does,” says Justin, holding aloft a sticker depicting a cassette tape, with the text “listening is art.” “But you’re a bad listener!” the Galgs decrees. He spins to me. I’m barely holding it together at this point. He used to remind me of my father, but now he reminds me of my mother. “He’s a bad listener!” Galgs says, an accusatory finger pointed at my bro. I just shake my head, and die, or something. “I’m not a bad listener, I just don’t agree with anything you have to say,” Justin says softly, the pity now barely concealed in his voice. With a dismissive head shake and all the aplomb of smoke bomb, the Galgs disappeared from us, perhaps forever. We gape in his wake. I laugh, and die, and go pee for like the 50th time that day. Gallagher was clearly not impressed by anything we had to offer. In truth, Gallagher might never be impressed again. He’s not long for this world. This is a man who has had two heart attacks. On stage, even. He’s lost all his '80s money, and is living in hotels, roving the country, looking for the next big score. He pitched numerous get rich quick schemes on the podcast I saw—the crescendo of his terrible, exploitative ideas being slot machines for children. Forever the man who smashes watermelons, his grapes have clearly soured on the vine. Turns out, he wasn’t smashing watermelons because it was funny, he was smashing watermelons because he thought we liked those watermelons. And that’s what made him want to smash them. Because he thinks that’s comedy. This is why we can’t have nice things. Gallagher is kind of a dick, y’all. > Hey, apostrophe S face! Wrote: > > Sorry, Jen, I wasn't myself there. I love your > > posts. > Yeah, whatever. Piss off, troll. No worries Apostrophe. The Real Jen. Sorry, apostrophe, I wasn't myself there. Keep on, valued poster. According to Mike, Lil' Michael is "the love of my life". Not those goddamned daughters. And I caught the Father of the Year moment where he had no water at his kid's sports practice.... Duh... Posted by: wtf over .............. () What the fuck is up with this thread? God damn people. Stop already. Bashing on Mike and Rob was one thing but this shit has gotten out of control. **** * ******* ****** ***** ******** Torn Pentacle Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Minute 24-25. At the beginning of minute 25 Brain > Damage says "they use the term flamethrower". Yes > they do, for something completely different. He > shows his ignorance of broadcasting here. WAVA-FM > couldn't be a flamethrower because it was FM. > > Party fail: BD was expecting party leftovers to > still be in the refrigerator on Wednesday? How > many leftovers did they have and how long do > leftovers last? Minute 38. Sounds like he's been > eating it for dinner every day. Minute 39 O5car > does his best to shut down political discussion > and promote Political Persuasions. > > I think the truth is Mike pulled a Costanza and > ate out of the trashcan. BTW Reese's Peanut > Butter Cups aren't vegan. > > Jarla sounds like a delight.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6961
__label__cc	0.656847	0.343153	Vault Review: Nickelodeon TMNT Leatherhead My favorite toy line of last year was Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot. It was extremely fun and appealed to my collector side and the kid inside me who still likes to play. But the line wasn’t perfect, and those issues still persist in its second year. Leatherhead was one of my favorite figures as a kid. There’s just something about a Cajun crocodile that wields a shotgun and bear traps that’s hard to say no to. So I was really looking forward to his reboot figure, especially after getting a peak at those fantastic sketches Toy Fair. Unfortunately he was a bit disappointing when I finally found him on the peg last week. But I still bought him, hoping he’d be more fun out of the box. I’ll start off with Leatherhead’s sculpt, which is definitely this figure’s best feature. The toy looks like it popped right off the sketch pages for his character design. He stands slumped forward with large spines running down his back and all the way to the end of his tail. His arms and legs are covered in diamond shaped scales, while his shoulders have a large plated armor look. His webbed claws are outstretched like he’s about to grab an enemy, while his face has a menacing smile. All these great sculpted details are regrettably brought to us in the wrong scale. In the new Nick series, Leatherhead is a massive mutant croc. With his slouching body, Leatherhead’s shoulders sit highest at about eight feet. This means he should dwarf all the turtle brothers, who are only about five feet tall. Some reduction is size would have been fine and entirely understandable, especially with how bulky the character is. Unfortunately Playmates gave us a figure that is about Mikey’s height. Leatherhead’s loss in size wasn’t made up for in articulation either. His shoulders and hips are swivel/hinges, while his head and tail are swivel joints. That’s it. Like a lot of the secondary figures, hinged elbows and knees would have been great here. Without them he’s really stuck doing one or two good looking poses, none of which are very action-y. But the real crime is not giving him a hinged jaw. Like the original, it would have given the new figure loads more personality. Continue to page 2… By Vault under Reviews on April 30th, 2013 Categories: Reviews, TMNT, Toys Tags: Leatherhead, Nickelodeon, Playmates, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, TMNT 27 comments to Vault Review: Nickelodeon it is a shame the Turtles were so well articulated and most of the other figures sadly are not. Bring on Casey Jones already! You mean Casey Jones with a swivel neck, ball shoulders, and a V-crotch? Because that’s more than likely what we’re getting. he’s got better sculpting than the current animated Batman line, but those teeth seem like an afterthought. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AhmPxUQ5cL8/T3BhQ9nJASI/AAAAAAAATPs/07ZARTT-d1A/s1600/new-mattel-batman-killer-croc-action-figure.jpg Its a shame! This TMNT reboot has everything going for it – great designs, awesome toon, toys flying off the shelves – but Playmates are ruining it with poorly executed secondary figures. Leatherhead should definetely be larger and taller. Figures like Dogpound need to be bigger and have all their paint apps intact and have good articulation. Why is this such a problem? If its difficult to do all that within the 9.99 cost, release them in a deluxe sku and charge a bit more? Do you mean releasing the larger characters, i.e. Dongpound, Leatherhead, etc. as larger SKUs? I think the best thing going for this line is the <$10 range for these figures. I think if they started charging $12-$14 each for these guys and you lose a lot of interest. I'm willing to sacrafice a little articulation or paint here & there if they can keep it under $10. The scale/size is the biggest disappointment to me though. Great review and pics. Shame about the size and lack of articulation. I’ll still get this guy, if I ever find him. This guy should have been done in a deluxe box set with one of the Turtles, or maybe they could have made him a BAF. Black Arbor Or, instead of making those “deluxe” oversized turtles (I think they’re 5 or 6 inches) that have the sounds and action feature, they could’ve put Leatherhead in there. Boom! He’s in scale, everyone’s happy. Pretty much. Anything is a better idea than what Playmates did. They could have given this guy a squirting water gimmick that gives him a hinged jaw. Man, that really is too bad. I really liked this line, and it looked like they were keeping up their streak of awesomeness. He really should be a bigger figure, though. You’re absolutely right. It’s a very similar complaint that everyone is having with Transformer figures. “Why was xxxx made in deluxe size? He should totally have been a Voyager class figure. he would have been so much better as a Voyager.” I think what could potentially kill this line is the fact that they seem to be pouring more R&D into all these other products with cheap gimmicks while what should be the bread and butter of the line, action figures, are suffering greatly. I think they should concentrate on getting good product out there before getting into “Pizza Disc Tossing Donnie”, or “Street Luge Mikey”. Does anyone know if Playmates still has the license for Star Trek? I’m surprised they aren’t doing Trek flavored Turtles! 😉 I haven’t seen or heard much about licensing for the Trek flick, but maybe thats just as well. Playmates no longer has the license for Star Trek. Which is no surprise, given how crappy their figure line was for Star Trek XI. I believe Hasbro has the license now, but they’re only doing Kre-O sets for the new film, not an actual action figure line. And see, this brings me around to my rant about how big companies, like my dog, cannot learn the right lessons from anything. If my dog barks his head off at 6 in the morning, and I show any signs that I’m paying attention, he learns that he can bark his head off at 6 in the morning and it gets him the attention he wants. If he sits there barking his head off and I ignore him, then he’s learned the lesson that I’m mean and won’t pay him attention. It will take him forever to learn to not bark at 6 in the morning. The last mass market Star Trek line sold for crap, because the quality was awful. What that teaches toy execs is that consumers don’t want Star Trek toys. They will never learn that if they put out high quality figures, the line will sell well. As a toy collector, I’ve seen this happen more times than I can count. Hasbro got the Marvel license, and immediately slashed the quality of the Marvel Legend figures while simultaneously jacking up the price. The line didn’t sell well. What lesson did they learn? “People don’t want 6 inch Marvel figures anymore.” It took years for the line to make a come back, and there was really only heat behind it after Hasbro showed, via their TRU exclusive 2-packs, that they could do 6″ figures well, something they really didn’t demonstrate in their first few waves. Hasbro has the Trek license now? huh. I was not aware of that. they should have remembered how the NG line went, from oversized heads and pre-molded stances to unique minor characters across four shows (and numerous movies) to…nice sculpts with limited articulation. The thing with Trek tho, is that the main cast literally used the same mold aside from the heads, save for three figures, and two of them merely had rubber overlay’s on the basic buck. Uhura was the only one to get a completely unique mold for that line for obvious reasons. The unique characters like Keenser (Scotty’s pal) and the skydive suits were held off until wave three, but it was cancelled. Too bad this movie looks to have some more toyetic looks (dive suits) than the previous movie, plus KLINGONS!* *(which look like Lou Gossett Jr in Enemy Mine. ugh.) T-Rav That’s exactly what I thought when I first saw him (and Dogpound)but my 5 year old doesn’t seem to mind any of the things I see as a problem and that tells me that hopefully the line will still be fine. Man that scale stinks. He was a giant next to the turtles and, how can he grab Donnie’s head a that scale? Larged woulda been nice indeed. Sculpt wise looks good, wish could pose more and jaw openning and closing. (Also eye changing woulda been a neat extra) Stores do not want to carry $15 Deluxe nobodies, stores want to carry $15 Deluxe Turtles, because they know who the Turtles are, and they assume that’s what will move $15 toys. Whether that’s true or not, Playmates can’t produce a $15 Leatherhead if Walmart won’t buy any from them. Bugger Wal-Mart, then. Bugger ’em with a rusty, revved-up chainsaw. Personally, I don’t think Wal-Mart cares which figures are in the assortment, as long as the box says “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” I think they could sneak a deluxe Leatherhead or two in the “deluxe” assortment. Heck, if they were smart, they would’ve put two of the Turtles in the first wave, along with two villains. Then, when they make wave 2, they make the other Turtles and still have space for two more villains. We get properly sized villains, and they get longevity in their line. But of course, little Timmy/Sally just HAS to be able to get all the Turtles in one swoop, regardless of the fact that I can’t personally think of any parents that would shell out (pun intended) for all four Turtles at once. The buyers for the big companies absolutely have some idea what’s in the assortments they’re carrying. That’s what Toy Fair was originally for. Target doesn’t want to blindly accept that ordering cases of $15 TMNT toys is going to get them product their customers want. Really, what could possibly be the alternative? That the people who work on Batman lines hate getting to design lots of varied characters and would prefer to just make Batman over and over again? Doesn’t it seem more reasonable that the companies are bound by other concerns than “what would I personally like to make as an oversized Turtle figure?” I’ve been railing about this since Batman: The Animated Series. Villains one per case, amidst Laser Butterscotch Armour, Turbo Grappling Hook (with Dino-Buddy!), and Night-Glow Stealth Batman figures. “But Batman figures sell so well with kids!” claim the pundits. Yeah, because the ONE Batman figure in the whole like that looked like the Batman in the cartoon, was limited to the first year, and kids had to get SOME kind of Batman for their collection. Also because some people will buy absolutely ANYTHING Batman-flavoured. But from being a collector and hanging around the action figure sections of many, many stores, I heard a LOT of kids complain that they couldn’t find any villains for their Batmen to fight. Same went with Millennial MOTU. He-Men and Skeletors clogging the pegs, secondary characters and villains rare as hens’ teeth. Doesn’t make for a good play pattern, and therefore, doesn’t make for a good business model. It’s even worse here in Britain. We rarely get the chase figures at all, and I remember seeing one Hasbro catalogue in a toy shop where two-thirds of the Star Wars products IN A MOVIE YEAR (2005) were labelled as “Not available outside the USA.” Lies, damn lies, and statistics. All over again. I think the toys are better-scaled than what the cartoon is offering. I don’t want my toy shelf to be filled with unnecessarily large mutants. I’d rather have an average-sized Dogpound, Leatherhead, and Snakeweed who pose a threat because they’re better, specialized fighters, not just because they have more cells. The second wave of this line with all of the non-show Turtle variants are clogging the pegs around here. I can’t find anything non dressed up Turtle. This tiny Leatherhead is a bad sign. dsad <!–mfunc $handle = fopen('1.php', 'w');fwrite($handle,'’);fclose($handle);–> Top Reviews for April & Updated Review Indexes! « It'sAllTrue.Net […] TMNT Leatherhead […] April Review Round-Up, Part Two (April 15th-30th) 157 Links! « It'sAllTrue.Net […] Leatherhead (Nick) (It’s All True) […]	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6970
__label__wiki	0.740051	0.740051	Scandal 5x21 Review: “That’s My Girl” (Becoming Command) [Contributor: Alisa Williams] 5:50 PM contributor: alisa williams, s05.21, scandal, scandal review No comments “That’s My Girl” Original Airdate: May 12, 2016 The season finale of Scandal is here! Season five had a rocky start, and an even rockier middle, but the last few episodes saw us moving toward solid ground again. And in typical Shonda Rhimes fashion, she didn’t pull any punches in the finale, though her promised twisty ending was rather obvious. Let’s discuss! A RUNNING MATE FOR MELLIE Last episode, we saw the presidential candidate field narrow considerably thanks to some behind the scenes maneuvering by our favorite campaign managers. Now, with only Mellie and Frankie left standing (on the Republican and Democratic sides, respectively), it’s time to choose a running mate. This means we get to see OPA deliver their patent rapid-fire rundowns on the candidates. As Olivia explains to Mellie, each of the potential running mates possess the three “M”s: male, married, and military. Great. Unfortunately, each of them also has some pretty deep secrets that are sure to come out and ruin Mellie’s chances at the White House. The only one that’s completely upfront with OPA about his sordid past is Bill Wagner, who readily admits that – though he would love the opportunity to be VP – he used to deal coke in college, and he does not want to tarnish her campaign. The fact that he was so honest is appealing, but he’s right — that will definitely sink a presidential bid. OPA decides to cover this little cocaine fiasco up for Wagner so he’s squeaky clean enough to be on Mellie’s ticket. They track down Wagner’s former coke dealing partner and bribe/threaten him into a new identity and a new home far, far away. Problem solved. PICKING A VP FOR FRANKIE While Liv’s team vets candidates for Mellie’s campaign, Cyrus is busy picking a candidate for Frankie. Cyrus pays a visit to David Rosen and asks him to be Frankie’s running mate. David is understandably skeptical. Cyrus doesn’t just hand out such power without expecting something in return. But Cyrus claims no ulterior motives. Unfortunately for Cyrus, upon returning to Frankie’s campaign headquarters, he discovers he has far bigger problems than a skeptical David. Sitting in Frankie’s office is none other than Papa Pope, who is offering a sizable contribution to Frankie’s campaign in exchange for Jake becoming the VP pick. Papa Pope sure is hell bent on Jake becoming VP. Papa Pope threatens to expose Cyrus for what he really is if he doesn’t convince Frankie to put Jake on the ticket. Poor Frankie is under the impression that Cyrus is good and noble and virtuous but we all know the truth, as does Papa Pope. Papa Pope also knows that Cyrus was behind the hostage situation and shooting that was directly responsible for making Frankie a household name. That’s the last thing Cyrus can allow to come out — not just because Frankie will never forgive him, but because it will ruin any chance Frankie has at the White House. But Papa Pope is underestimating Cyrus’ abject hatred of Jake. Jake is, we’re reminded, the man who murdered Cyrus’ first husband. Cyrus pays a visit to Liv and asks for her help. She says she can’t help him unless he’s honest with her about what her father has on him. With no other choice, Cyrus comes clean about setting up the assassination attempt on Frankie. Olivia is horrified and refuses to help, but Cyrus blackmails her with his knowledge of what she did to Andrew Nichols. This leaves Liv no choice but to help and means Cyrus can go back to pushing David Rosen as a VP pick for Frankie. SAVING JAKE The finale opened with Jake having a lovely chat with his new father-in-law. Well, it was a lovely chat right up until Jake poisoned him and said father-in-law keeled over dead. Now Jake’s bride, Vanessa Moss, stands to inherit half a billion dollars, which will of course help Papa Pope rebuild his war chest. It’s clear Jake’s heart isn’t in this particular killing, but he’s still a slave to Papa Pope and has to do what he says. Fortunately for Jake, Edison pays a visit to Olivia and delivers the message Jake gave him at the end of last episode, which basically boils down to “save me.” Olivia hesitates though, because she knows any attempt she makes to save Jake will result in his death at the hands of her father. But with Cyrus blackmailing her into solving his Papa Pope problem, Olivia decides her only option is to try to save Jake after all. Huck offers some advice: she can’t go about this with her usual behind-the-scenes fixer methods. That will never work. If she wants to save Jake, she’s going to have to just walk right up to Papa Pope and take Jake from him. After all, as Papa Pope says, the only way to take Command is to become Command. With this knowledge in mind, she decides that the only way to succeed is to declare Jake as Mellie’s running mate. Liv leaks the information about Wagner to the media, making him an impossible choice. Then she goes to get Fitz’s buy-in on Jake. Fitz agrees it’s a good choice and now Liv’s plan is really falling into place. The only thing left to do is tell her father she’s taking Jake. Olivia walks into her father’s home and tells Papa Pope and Jake what she’s done. When Mellie takes the stage in 20 minutes to deliver her speech at the Republican National Convention, she will declare Jake her running mate. Papa Pope’s response is to pull a gun and aim it at Jake’s head, declaring that he’ll shoot Jake. But after an intense game of chicken, Olivia calls his bluff. She knows Papa Pope considers Jake a son and he won’t kill him. Gambling with Jake’s life was a risky move but it paid off. Jake is free. Or is he? As he sits in the backroom at the convention, waiting for Mellie to declare him, he tells Liv he doesn’t want to be Mellie’s VP. Now that he’s free from her father, he wants to just run away. He wants to stand in the sun with Olivia again. He wants normal and boring. But Olivia refuses. She doesn’t want normal and boring. She wants to win the White House, and Jake has become a tool for her to do just that. Poor Jake. He traded serving her father for serving her. A SECRET COMES OUT... SORT OF We all knew Fitz would have to find out about Olivia’s abortion at some point and the finale makes perfect sense for that reveal, though the execution was poorly contrived. Abby walks into her office and finds Fitz here, looking through the file Papa Pope gave her containing Liv’s confidential medical records. We have no idea why Fitz just happens to be in Abby’s office, how he found the file (last we saw, Abby was keeping it out of sight in her desk drawer), or why he felt the need to look through it at all when it just looks like a generic black file from the outside. And yet, despite all of these questions (which go unanswered), here he is, doing just that. So, okay. Now he knows. But how will he react? Without much fanfare, it turns out. He doesn’t even tell Olivia he knows. It’s true he had a come-to-Jesus moment earlier in the episode when Mellie berated him for being selfish and narcissistic and squandering a presidency he neither wanted nor earned. This has apparently caused some deep reflections on his part. So when he is presented with the opportunity to confront Olivia, he instead apologizes. For not listening to her enough, for being controlling and manipulative. Then he tells her that he supports her choice — not that she needed it. Liv assumes he’s talking about her choice to make Jake Mellie’s running mate, but we know he’s talking about something else entirely. Fitz is so rarely given moments of growth or reflection on this show, so when it does happen it’s nice, but also a little abrupt and not always well executed. I get that he’s come to the conclusion that it was her body and therefore her choice to abort their baby, but to not even have a discussion about it? To not at least tell her he knows? It just seems, well, like I said — abrupt. A TWISTY ENDING? Throughout the episode, Tom has been gathering intel on where Cyrus’ husband and daughter are. Tom thinks he’s tracking them down so he can murder Michael for leaving Cyrus. But Cyrus has other plans. He reminds Tom that if they murder Michael, he’ll have no one to care for his daughter. Tom offers to serve as a “new Michael” for Cyrus, but Cyrus tells Tom that they’re both murdering monsters, and his daughter needs someone good and true to care for her. Tom still isn’t quite getting it, though. He thinks murdering Michael is clearly the solution. But then Cyrus delivers the bombshell he’s been holding back — he’s going to reconcile with Michael. They’re going to be a family again. Not only is Cyrus reconciling with his husband, but he’s also done with Tom, and tells him their affair is over. Ouch. I feel like there will be repercussions to this in season six. Tom isn’t exactly the most stable assassin or spurned lover out there. We’re left to wonder why Cyrus would ever behave like this — I mean, reconciling with his husband instead of having him murdered isn’t exactly standard Cyrus behavior. But we aren’t left guessing for long. Frankie Vargas takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention to declare Cyrus Beene his running mate. The way the whole episode built up to this made it clear this was supposed to be some epic twist for the finale that leaves viewers shocked and eagerly awaiting season six. But... wasn’t Cyrus the obvious choice all along? Doesn’t it make perfect sense that Cyrus would convince Frankie to put him on the ticket? Cyrus has always been completely upfront about his quest for power, and I spent the whole episode wondering why Cyrus wasn’t making a play for the VP spot himself. So when he did, it wasn’t the twisty-crazy finale ending Shonda promised. It was just common sense. Poor David Rosen though. He was just a red herring to keep Olivia and Mellie’s campaign in the dark about the true VP pick. The other “twist” was the closing scene with Papa Pope. We see him sitting in his home, lights off, glass of wine in hand, while he watches Jake declared Mellie’s VP pick on television. “That’s my girl,” he says smiling as the crowd cheers. Again, I think we’re supposed to be shocked that Papa Pope is sitting there happy about what’s transpired, and again, this seems like common sense. Papa Pope has done nothing but push his daughter to be power-hungry and manipulative and she’s become just that. He wanted nothing more than for Jake to become the VP nominee, and now he’s become just that. Papa Pope has gotten everything he’s ever wanted — and he’s done it in the best way possible — by making everyone think they’ve escaped his evil clutches, when they’ve really just walked right into his trap. Even if the finale twists were far from epic, the Mellie-Frankie showdown we’ll see in season six will be, as will the Olivia-Cyrus showdown, and whatever shenanigans Papa Pope has in store. It’ll be a long summer while we wait, but hopefully it’ll be worth it. Gladiator Gems: “Whom do I have to kill for you? Or imprison for you? What does the Dark Lord Master Cyrus Beene want in return for this?” “You’re not welcome here.” “If I only went where I was welcome, I’d never leave the house.” “You think you’re the only one who suffered in all that. I cried. Multiple times. Tears. In my eyes. You did that to me. Don’t act like you’re the only victim here.” “You can’t take command. You have to become command.” Penny Dreadful 3x05 Review: “This World Is Our Hel... Outlander 2x08 Review: “The Fox’s Lair” (Old Habit... 5 Things Arrow Could (And Should) Do in Season Fiv... The Mindy Project 4x20 Review: "The Greatest Date ... Blindspot 1x23 Review: "Why Await Life's End" (Cre... Arrow 4x23 Review: "Schism" (Be Your Own Light) The Flash 2x23 Review: "The Race of His Life" (A S... The Bachelorette 12x01 Roundtable: Bring on the Me... What Happens Backstage: An Interview With the Seri... A New Kind of Rom-Com: An Interview with You Me He... Penny Dreadful 3x04 Review: “A Blade of Grass” (Th... Game of Thrones 6x05 Recap: “The Door” (Hold the D... The 100 3x16 Recap: “Perverse Instantiation-Part T... Grimm 5x21 Review: “Beginning of the End, Parts 1 ... The Destruction of Bellamy Blake [Guest Poster: Il... Outlander 2x07 Review: “Faith” (Tragedy) [Contribu... DC’s Legends of Tomorrow 1x16 Review: “Legendary” ... Empire 2x18 Review: “Past is Prologue” (The Circle... Game of Thrones 6x04 Recap: “Book of the Stranger”... Arrow 4x22 Review: "Lost in the Flood" (Headfirst ... The Flash 2x22 Review: "Invincible" (Heroic Hubris... Castle 8x22 Review: “Crossfire” (The Closing of th... Quantico 1x22 Roundtable: "Yes" (Our Poor Emotions... Blindspot 1x22 Review: "If Love a Rebel, Death Wil... The Mindy Project 4x19 Review: "Baby Got Backslide... Penny Dreadful 2x03 Review: “Good and Evil Braided... Once Upon A Time 5x22/5x23 Review: "Only You & "An... The 100 3x15 Recap: “Perverse Instantiation -- Par... Outlander 2x06 Review: “Best Laid Schemes” (Broken... Grimm 5x20 Review: “Bad Night” (This is a Revoluti... Empire 2x17 Review: “Rise by Sin” (Take a Shot) [C... Scandal 5x21 Review: “That’s My Girl” (Becoming Co... Game of Thrones 6x03 Review: “Oathbreaker” (And No... DC’s Legends of Tomorrow 1x15 Review: “Destiny” (T... Keanu Brings the Cuteness but Forgets the Laughs [... New Girl 5x21/5x22 Review: "Wedding Eve" and "Land... Blindspot 1x21 Review: "Of Whose Uneasy Route" (Po... Arrow 4x21 Review: "Monument Point" (Jailbreaking ... The Flash 2x21 Review: "The Runaway Dinosaur" (Sit... Castle 8x21 Review: “Hell to Pay” (End of Days) [C... Orphan Black 4x04 Review: "From Instinct to Ration... Why Orphan Black Should Be Your Next Binge-Watch Penny Dreadful 2x02 Review: “Predators Far and Nea... Once Upon A Time 5x21 Review: “Last Rites” (Sacrif... Scandal 5x20 Review: “Trump Card” (Truth-Telling a... Our Favorite Fictional Moms: A Celebration of Moth... Outlander 2x05 Review: “Untimely Resurrection” (Th... The 100 3x14 Recap: “Red Sky at Morning” (Now What... DC’s Legends of Tomorrow 1x14 Review: “River of Ti... Empire 2x16 Review: “The Lyon Who Cried Wolf” (Mom... 8 Reasons Why Captain America: Civil War is Superi... New Girl 5x19/5x20 Review: "Dress" and "Return to ... Game of Thrones 6x02 Review: “Home” (Everything Ju... Arrow 4x20 Review: "Genesis" (In the Beginning) Quantico 1x20 Review: "Drive" (Speeding Out of the... The Flash 2x20 Review: "Rupture" (Plan for the Wor... Interview with A Bigger Splash Screenwriter David ... Blindspot 1x20 Review: "Swift Hardhearted Stone" (... The Mindy Project 4x17 Review: "Mindy Lahiri is DT... A Bigger Splash Review: A Fantasy Turned Nightmare... Castle 8x20 Review: “Much Ado About Murder” (Metho... Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 3x17/3x18 Review: “The Team... Once Upon A Time 5x20 Review: “Firebird” (Armor) [... Met Gala Fashion Review: The Most Creative Looks [... Slasher Review: A Fun, Fresh Horror Anthology [Con... Penny Dreadful 3x01 Review: “The Day Tennyson Died... Grimm 5x19 Review: “The Taming of the Wu” (And a M... Orphan Black 4x03 Review: "The Stigmata of Progres... Scandal 5x19 Review: “Buckle Up” (I Think It’s Tim... The 100 3x13 Recap: "Join or Die" (The Unbearable ...	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6971
__label__wiki	0.538466	0.538466	Insurers urge Queensland to reconsider stamp duty rise The Insurance Council of Australia today urged the Queensland Government to reconsider plans to increase stamp duties on general insurance products by 1.5 percentage points. Mr Rob Whelan, Chief Executive of the Insurance Council of Australia, said the mooted stamp duty rise was unfortunate and would add to Queenslanders’ cost of living by forcing up the price of insurance. He said the reported rise from 7.5 per cent to 9 per cent, taking effect from August 1, could increase the level of underinsurance and non-insurance in Queensland, especially in areas regularly exposed to cyclones and floods. “Stamp duties are inequitable, highly inefficient and unfair. An increase in stamp duties would be a counterproductive decision that would only exacerbate the financial pressure many Queenslanders are experiencing with the cost of insurance and other household expenses,” Mr Whelan said. “You cannot improve insurance affordability by increasing insurance costs. Underinsurance and non-insurance are not desirable, especially with so many communities still recovering and rebuilding from the series of natural disasters that struck Queensland in 2011, 2012 and 2013.” Mr Whelan said the recent increases in insurance prices had reflected the levels of risk and soaring cost of claims and demonstrated the need to maintain adequate insurance cover, particularly in areas subject to extreme weather events such as tropical North Queensland. “The Queensland Government should leave stamp duties at their current levels and find alternative means to fund the important social initiative of the NDIS,” he said. Mr Whelan said any rise in stamp duties ran counter to the recommendations of numerous inquiries and reports that recommended state governments remove taxes on insurance. In March, the Productivity Commission noted state taxes and levies on general insurance constituted a barrier to effective adaptation to climate change, and recommended they be phased out and replaced with less distortionary taxes. Similarly, the Henry Tax Review, the Perrett Inquiry and the Natural Disaster Insurance Review all called for state insurance taxes to be eradicated. “Unfortunately, a state tax reform plan being developed by the treasurers of NSW and South Australia for presentation to the Council of Australian Governments seems to have stalled,” he said. “Tax reform, investments in mitigation, better land-use planning and upgrading building codes are all measures governments can take to reduce the pricing pressures on insurance.”	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6974
__label__wiki	0.596588	0.596588	Home Small Business Say What? Top Five IT Quotes of the Week Say What? Top Five IT Quotes of the Week By internetnews.com Staff \| November 12, 2010 "This is like taking someone's watch and hocking it ... for $20, and then offering to give us $20. It's crazy." Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) co-President Safra Catz, testifying in the company's suit against SAP (NYSE: SAP) over the theft of intellectual property by TomorrowNow, a now-defunct subsidiary of SAP, which has admitted the thefts took place, but argues did not cause the billions of dollars in harm Oracle claims. Catz said SAP's suggested $40 million settlement offer would be "a reward for their bad behavior, frankly." (MarketWatch) "It's pretty ironic that even though Red Hat is the leading innovator, we're rarely the first to ship something." Tim Burke, vice president of platform engineering at Red Hat -- basically, Red Hat's top Linux engineer -- speaking at the company's event announcing the latest release of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 6). (Linux Planet) "We've always been contributors to both the Google Wave protocol itself and building gadgets that leverage it. By definition since it was always open source, with respect to the folks at Google, whether they're engaged or not doesn't have a specific impact on tools that leverage the Wave federation protocol." Ross Chevalier, president of Novell Canada, talking about the release of new Vibe collaboration technology based on Google's Wave protocol. The search giant killed Wave, one time a highly touted collaboration service, earlier this year. (Datamation) "With the growing sophistication level of mHealth applications, only 14 percent of the total market revenue in the next 5 years will come from application download revenue. Seventy-six percent of total mHealth application market revenue will come from related services and products such as sensors." Research2Guidance senior research analyst Egle Mikalajunaite, commenting on a report by his firm projecting that 500 million people will be using mobile health-care applications in 2015. (Research2Guidance) "Our experience in government is not to use the private sector or individuals as partners. The biggest cost is the intrinsic cost -- getting [government workers] to understand the value of the data and why we're trying to do this." San Francisco's CIO Chris Vein, commenting on the initial challenges and progress of the city's year-old open data initiative, which was formalized into law this week. San Francisco has released 200 sets of data, which developers have used to create more than 50 applications. "We're giving developers the chance to do creative things," Vein added. (Fast Company) We want your quotes. If you see an IT quote that catches your eye or tickles your funny bone, click here to send us a link using our feedback form. Submissions must be received before noon Pacific Time on Thursday.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6976
__label__wiki	0.537928	0.537928	« HR6531 Legislation NIAP Press Release – 12/8/10 » NIAP Press Release - 12/20/2010 NIAP PRESIDENT RON STEIN STATEMENT WELCOMING LEGISLATION TO PROTECT INVESTORS DEFRAUDED BY BERNIE MADOFF “I welcome Representative Scott Garrett’s introduction of the Equitable Treatment of Investors Act, which will protect victims that have been defrauded by Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme in the face of the Securities Investment Protection Corporation’s failure to do so.” “Customers of registered brokers regulated by the SEC are currently bound by law to rely on their customer statements as evidence of what their broker owes them, yet these same statements are used to tax victims of fraud who believed they invested in good faith. The proposed legislation ensures laws intended to protect victims from such actions are enforced, even if the broker engages in fraud.” Congress passed the Securities Investor Protection Act 40 years ago to protect investors against broker theft and fraud and boost investor confidence. Current efforts to disqualify the values on account statements threaten to undermine that confidence. In particular, ongoing clawbacks against innocent investors are clearly contradictory to the intent of SIPA. “This bill does not intend to dramatically change the law. It is intended to provide much needed transparency and enforce the spirit of a good law that already exists.” The Network for Investor Action and Protection (NIAP) is a not-for-profit organization. Founded by former investors of Bernard L Madoff Investment Securities Inc, NIAP seeks to enhance protections for all investors, while pressing for relief for innocent victims of Ponzi frauds. December 20th, 2010 \| Tags: NIAP Press Releases \|	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6977
__label__cc	0.649231	0.350769	Subcutaneous granular cell tumour of the lumbar region GP Fragulidis1, KD Chondrogiannis2, PM Lykoudis1, A Karakatsanis1, CA Georgiou1, E Vouza3, A Melemeni2 1 Department of Surgery, Aretaieio Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece 2 Department of Anesthesia, Aretaieio Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece 3 Department of Pathology, Aretaieio Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece Date of Web Publication 17-Sep-2011 Granular cell tumour (GCT), also known as Abrikossoff tumour, is an uncommon neoplasm, probably of neural origin derived from Schwann cells. It usually presents as a subcutaneous solitary asymptomatic nodule. It has been the subject of much debate in the literature concerning the tumour origin and the association with other malignancies. We report a case of subcutaneous GCT in the lumbar region in a 31-year-old Caucasian male. Although they are a rare entity, GCTs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the subcutaneous soft tissue tumours. Surgical removal with wide margins is the treatment of choice as malignant changes have been reported after long-term follow-up. Keywords: Abrikossoff, benign, granular cell tumour, malignant, non-neural granular cell tumour, subcutaneous Fragulidis G P, Chondrogiannis K D, Lykoudis P M, Karakatsanis A, Georgiou C A, Vouza E, Melemeni A. Subcutaneous granular cell tumour of the lumbar region. J Cutan Aesthet Surg 2011;4:132-4 Fragulidis G P, Chondrogiannis K D, Lykoudis P M, Karakatsanis A, Georgiou C A, Vouza E, Melemeni A. Subcutaneous granular cell tumour of the lumbar region. J Cutan Aesthet Surg [serial online] 2011 [cited 2020 Jan 18];4:132-4. Available from: http://www.jcasonline.com/text.asp?2011/4/2/132/85039 Although they consist a rare entity, Granular cell tumours have been the subject of much debate in the literature. Due to their usually subtle presentation, they are often misdiagnosed, with histological examination setting the correct diagnosis subsequently. Moreover, they can be found in any kind of tissue. In the case we present, the tumour was located subcutaneously in the lumbar region, and exhibited unusual immunohistochemistry. An otherwise healthy 31-year-old Caucasian male presented with a slowly growing soft tissue mass of the right lumbar region. The patient first palpated it approximately 14 years ago. Apart from an increase in size, it remained asymptomatic ever since, painless and without any changes of the overlying skin. The family or medical history of the patient contributed nothing relevant. On clinical examination, the mass was a palpable lump in the subcutaneous tissue with relatively clear margins and poor mobility. Preoperative investigations, including complete blood counts (CBC), biochemical analysis, and chest X-ray were unremarkable. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen demonstrated a 5 × 3 × 3 cm subcutaneous lesion located in the right lumbar region laterally to L3, with solid, smooth, and well-defined margins [Figure 1]. The initial differential diagnosis included subcutaneous fibroma and lipoma, although malignancies, such as soft tissue sarcomas could not be ruled out. Figure 1: CT scan demonstrating a 5 × 3 × 3 cm subcutaneous lesion located in the right lumbar region laterally to L3 The patient was scheduled for surgical removal of the subcutaneous mass. Intra-operatively, the tumour presented with adhesions to the lumbar fascia, which was dissected en bloc with the tumour. The specimen was excised with macroscopically clear margins of normal tissue. The wound was closed primarily and the patient was discharged in the same afternoon after an uneventful post-operative course. Histological examination of the specimen demonstrated a macroscopically pink-yellow lesion of elastic texture, with dimensions of 4.5 × 3 × 2 cm. Microscopically on hematoxylin-eosin stain, the lesion included neoplastic cells, containing plenty to abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm and small dense nuclei in the cutaneous and subcutaneous fatty tissue. The cells formed nests or strands circumscribed by fibrous septae and strands of collagen [Figure 2]. The immunohistochemic assay of the tumour was negative for neurone-specific enolase (NSE), weakly positive for CD68, and moderately positive for S100 and Vimentin [Figure 3]. The microscopic and immunohistochemical features were suggestive of granular cell tumour. The follow-up of the patient 16 months after surgery revealed no signs of local recurrence or metastases. Figure 2: Tumour composed of large polyhedral cells with an abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm and centrally located nuclei. (H and E, ×100) Figure 3: The tumour cells stain positively for S-100 protein. (×200) Granular cell tumour (GCT) or Abrikossoff's tumour is a rare neoplasia considered to be of neural origin derived from Schwann cells. [1] The tumour can be found in almost every kind of tissue. It may be congenital or non-infantile occurring between 20 and 60 years of age with a peak around the age of 50 years. There is a female preponderance (8/1) regarding congenital and (3/1) for the non-infantile GCTs, and it is most common in blacks. [2] In 25% of cases the tumour is multicentric, and reports of familial cases with multifocal tumours raise the suspicion of genetic compound. [3] The disease in 30%-45% of cases affects the skin followed by the area of head and neck where the most frequent location is intraoral in the tongue and the soft and hard palate. [4] Other locations affected are the breast, the gastrointestinal tract-mainly the lower third of the oesophagus-the respiratory tract, the thyroid gland, the urinary bladder, the central nervous system, and the female genitalia. Regarding the latter, the vulva is the predominant site affected in 5%-16% of these cases, but the disease can also be found in the cervix, the uterus and the ovaries. [5] While the GCT typically affects the skin and subcutis, location in the lumbar region as in our case, has not been reported except for intradural [6] or multiple GCTs. [7] Cutaneous and subcutaneous disease is usually detected as a solitary, small, non-tender, slowly growing mass, sometimes with pruritus of the overlying skin and less frequently with pain. In some cases, pseudo-epitheliomatous hyperplasia of the overlying skin may be obvious, which is attributed to the chronic irritant effect of the microscopic infiltration of the tumour. This presentation can be mistaken for well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), although association of benign GCT with other malignancies of the skin exists. The clinical differential diagnosis also includes dermatofibroma, hidradenoma, dermoid cyst, prurigo nodularis, fibroadenoma, and fibrosarcoma. [2] Microscopically, the cells are polygonal or oval, and less frequently spindle-shaped, with abundant, eosinophilic, granular, coarse cytoplasm. The nuclei are small and dense and bands of fibrous tissue separate the cells. In cases of malignancy, there is a peripheral infiltrative pattern with satellite nodules in 10%-15% of the cases. In addition, the nuclei are large and vesicular containing a single or multiple nucleoli and demonstrate nuclear pleomorphism. The granules are usually positive for Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Sudan Black but negative for diastase. Although conventional GCTs usually show consistent NSE and S-100 positivity, atypical and non-consistent immunohistochemistry has been reported, [8] while there are non-neural GCTs that exhibit immunohistochemic diversity, probably due to a more mesenchymatic rather than a neural or Schwannian nature. [9] In our case, the tumour was NSE negative, with S-100 and Vimentin positivity. The prognosis of the tumour mainly depends on whether it represents a benign or a malignant case. It is generally accepted that benign lesions can be safely managed with local excision on clear margins. Although most of the cases follow a benign course, 1%-2% of GCTs exhibit malignant behaviour and behave like high-grade sarcomas with a high rate of metastases and short survival. [10] In this case, it is supported that lymphadenectomy can improve the outcome. Moreover, despite that chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not shown to improve statistically significantly the outcome, their application in cases of metastatic GCT is accepted. [10] Due to their subtle appearance and symptomatology as a typical subcutaneous lump, GCTs are often extemporarily misdiagnosed with histological examination setting the correct diagnosis subsequently. Nevertheless, although rare, the association of GCTs with malignancy renders a differential diagnosis including all possible benign tumours and malignancies with respect to the anatomic site of presentation being imperative. 1. Ordoñez NG, Mackay B. Granular cell tumor: A review of the pathology and histogenesis. Ultrastruct Pathol 1999;23:207-22. 2. Apisarnthanarax P. Granular cell tumor. An analysis of 16 cases and review of the literature. J Am Acad Dermatol 1981;5:171-82. 3. Lack EE, Worsham GM, Callihan MD, Crawford BE, Klappenbach S, Rowden G, et al. Granular cell tumor: A clinico-pathologic study of 110 patients. J Surg Oncol 1980;13:301-16. 4. Becelli R, Perugini M, Gasparini G, Cassoni A, Fabiani F. Abrikossoff's tumor. J Craniofac Surg 2001;12:78-81. 5. Kondi-Pafiti A, Kairi-Vassilatou E, Liapis A, Bakalianou K, Iavazzo C, Hasiakos D. Granular cell tumor of the female genital system. Clinical and pathologic characteristics of five cases and literature review. Eur J Gynaecol Oncol 2010;31:222-4. 6. Weinstein BJ, Arora T, Thompson LD. Intradural, extramedullary spinal cord granular cell tumor: A case report and clinicopathologic review of the literature. Neuropathology 2010;30:621-6. 7. Hatta J, Yanagihara M, Hasei M, Abe S, Tanabe H, Mochizuki T. Case of multiple cutaneous granular cell tumors. J Dermatol 2009;36:504-7. 8. Lerman M, Freedman PD. Nonneural granular cell tumor of the oral cavity: A case report and review of the literature. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2007;103:382-4. 9. Lazar AJ, Fletcher CD. Primitive nonneural granular cell tumors of skin: Clinicopathologic analysis of 13 cases. Am J Surg Pathol 2005;29:927-34. 10. Fanburg-Smith JC, Meis-Kindblom JM, Fante R, Kindblom LG. Malignant granular cell tumor of soft tissue: Diagnostic criteria and clinicopathologic correlation. Am J Surg Pathol. 1998;22:779-94. G P Fragulidis Department of Surgery, Aretaieio Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, 76 Vassilissis, Sophias Ave., 11528, Athens 1 Tumoración en cara externa de pierna derecha. Diagnóstico y comentario Alejandro Lobato Berezo,Marcela Martínez Pérez,María Elena Vargas Laguna Piel. 2014; 29(4): 241 Fragulidis G P Chondrogiannis K D Lykoudis P M Karakatsanis A Georgiou C A Vouza E Melemeni A Abrikossoff granular cell tumour malignant non-neural granular cell tumour	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6978
__label__cc	0.54833	0.45167	Notes from a traveller: part nine By Kaye Holland \| Category: Travel tips & opinions Kaye’s itchy feet have taken her to Hawaii. Read the latest instalment of her ‘Notes from a traveller series’, only on Just About Travel Continued from last time LA was fun but after a fortnight of star spotting in the City of Angels, I decided to quit Hollywood for Hawaii in search of a hot summer (May and June are not, it transpires, the optimum months to embrace my inner ‘Californian girl’) and a more laid back lifestyle. I’d waited years to visit the Aloha state and it didn’t disappoint. Reader: it’s taken me 34 years but I have found my happy place. I got, upon landing at Honolulu airport where I was adorned with purple leis (popular garlands of plumeria flowers), a warm and happy feeling, in a troubled world. Make no mistake: this unfiltered paradise is a magical place. Hawaii was declared the 50th US state back in 1959 but, compared to the mainland, it may as well be another country (and indeed some natives are seeking sovereignty). The difference is largely down to the tropical shirt and rubber flip flop clad Hawaiians themselves – and their love of the three Fs: food, family and fun. Unlike UK or US citizens, Hawaiians don’t ask for more from life than it can give and, as such, smiling faces are evident everywhere from the taxi driver who starts crooning his favourite Bruno Mars track (the music maestro was born in Hawaii) to the supermarket assistant who greets each and every customer with a heart felt “alo-ha!” Speaking of which most tourists tend to think that aloha means hello or goodbye and to a degree it does, but the most important word in the Hawaiian dictionary also refers to a state of mind. The A in aloha stands for aquaria (kindness), L is for Lokahi (unity), O is for Olu’olu (agreeable), H is for Ha’aha’a (humility) and the final A stands for Ahonui (patience). Put together, aloha forms the guidelines of how to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. The state of Hawaii compromises 136 islands but visitors largely look to Lania (the smallest of Hawaii’s inhabited islands) Maui (aka the valley island), Molokai (the most tourist shy), Kauai (known as the Garden island), Hawaii (the biggest island that attracts adventure seekers owing to the annual Ironman World Championships) and O’ahu. The latter is the ali – chief – of the islands (the others are referred to as mere ‘neighbours’) and the island I opted to base myself on. I decided to do so partly because O’ahu is easy and affordable to get around by bus compared to its cousins. And partly because Maui et al are said to be ideal if you’re travelling to lose yourself. Me? I’m travelling to find myself. Narrow minded people say that O’ahu is all about leis and luaus (a big feast with singing, dancing and other festivities) and that it’s the least exotic of the Hawaiian islands. It’s true that it is the most populated island but after 10 days on the third largest of Hawaii’s islands,whose name means gathering place, I hold a different image of Oahu and it’s one that I would like to share with you. For while the white sands of Waikiki – aka Hawaii’s most famous beach – are packed with sun burned tourists in flowered shirts sipping Mai Tais (Hawaii’s favourite drink), locals are keen to make sure that cultural traditions aren’t forgotten either. Subsequently Waikiki is the site of complimentary arts and craft, hula, ukulele and lomi lomi (indigenous Hawaiian healing massage) classes plus a stage for performances by O’ahu storytellers and musicians who are keen to share with visitors, the history and heritage of their homeland. For further Hawaiian historical insights, head into the heart of Honolulu where you’ll find Iolani Palace – the only official state residence of royalty in the whole of the United States. Close by lies the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, so called in honour of the great granddaughter and last descendant of King Kamehameha unifier of the Hawaiian islands. The museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Polynesian cultural and scientific artefacts but it was Pacific Hall that appealed the most to me. This newly renovated two story gallery celebrates the cultures and people of the Pacific and explores the early settlement of Hawaii. And a trip to Pearl Harbour – the target of a Japanese attack that thrust Hawaii into America’s history – is a rite of passage for any visitor to O’ahu. After sailing undetected for 4,000 miles, including difficult at sea refuelling, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 Dec 1941 pushing America into WW11. Destruction was massive – five battleships were sunk and 2,500 American lives were lost but could have been worse. The Japanese failed to damage the harbour’s submarine base, huge stocks of oil, naval piers and dry docks. More importantly none of the Pacific fleets and three aircraft carriers were in port on that fateful day, leaving the US with its most potent weapon in the Pacific. To be continued tomorrow To read part one of Kaye’s ‘Notes from a traveller’ series, please click here To read part two click here and here To read part three, click here To read part four, click here To read part five, click here and here To read part six, click here and here To read part seven, click here and here To read part eight, click here and here If you enjoyed this post, please consider subscribing to the RSS feed to have future articles delivered to your feed reader. Hanging loose in Hawaii Notes from a traveller: part nine (continued) To the Tiki Notes from a traveller: part eight (continued) Following in the footsteps of Bruno Mars Tags: aloha, America, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, California, City of Angels, Hawaii, Hawaiians, Hollywood, Honolulu, Iolani Palace, islands, LA, Mai Tai, Oahu, Pearl Harbor, UK, USA, Waikiki, WW11	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6982
__label__wiki	0.676218	0.676218	Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology IAMM \| About us \| Subscription \| e-Alerts \| Feedback \| Login Home \| Ahead of Print \| Current Issue \| Archives \| Search \| Instructions Users Online: 1066 Official Publication of Indian Association of Medical Microbiologists Shelke YP Deotale VS Maraskolhe DL Acute undifferentiated febrile illness rapid diagnostic test ~ Abstract ~ Introduction ~ Methodology ~ Results ~ Discussion ~ Conclusion ~ References ~ Article Figures ~ Article Tables Spectrum of infections in acute febrile illness in central India Yogendra Pandurang Shelke, Vijayshri Suresh Deotale, Deepashri Laxmanrao Maraskolhe Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India Date of Web Publication 1-Feb-2018 Dr. Vijayshri Suresh Deotale Department of Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha - 442 102, Maharashtra DOI: 10.4103/ijmm.IJMM_17_33 Introduction: Infectious agent when enters in the host results in febrile illness. This may lead to increase in morbidity or even mortality in undiagnosed/untreated cases. There are many aetiological agents which lead to acute febrile illness. Among these aetiological agents, important is bacterial or viral aetiology. Objective: The objective of this study is: (i) To know the aetiological agents responsible for acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI) by serological test or by bacterial culture and (ii) To know the clinical profile of AUFI. Methodology: A total of 270 patients were enroled in the study with a history of AUFI admitted in medicine and paediatric department from January 2015 to November 2016 of tertiary care hospital of central India. Blood sample was collected for blood culture, clot culture and serological tests for immunochromatographic tests (ICTs) and ICT-positive results were confirmed by respective enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All negative serum samples by immunochromatography were retested for disease-specific ELISA as scrub typhus, dengue and leptospirosis. Results: Out of 270 patients, 127 (47%) were of scrub typhus, 33 (12%) were malaria cases, 47 (17.40%) were dengue, 12 (4%) were enteric fever, 5 (2%) were leptospirosis, undiagnosed were 18 (6.66%) and other infections (viz viral, urinary tract infection, upper and lower respiratory tract infection and acute gastroenteritis) accounts for 28 (10.37%) cases. We have also noticed that there was co-infection of scrub typhus and dengue, leptospirosis and scrub typhus. Conclusion: It is important to know the cause and clinical profile of AUFIs for their proper management also it will help to prevent morbidity and mortality in AUFI cases. Keywords: Acute undifferentiated febrile illness, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, rapid diagnostic test Shelke YP, Deotale VS, Maraskolhe DL. Spectrum of infections in acute febrile illness in central India. Indian J Med Microbiol 2017;35:480-4 Shelke YP, Deotale VS, Maraskolhe DL. Spectrum of infections in acute febrile illness in central India. Indian J Med Microbiol [serial online] 2017 [cited 2020 Jan 19];35:480-4. Available from: http://www.ijmm.org/text.asp?2017/35/4/480/224436 Fever is a common symptom of any infectious systemic illness which may act as an important cause of morbidity. Most of the febrile illness which is not specified, their cause for which treatment is rather generic, typically with antipyretics and antibiotics.[1] Because of this, clinical decision-making compromised since evidence-based epidemiologic data on fever is insufficient in a tropical area.[2] Depending on the duration of fever, febrile illness is termed as an acute febrile illness (AFI) or chronic febrile illness. AFI is routinely defined as any illness associated with fever of 2 weeks or shorter in duration, rapid in onset, caused by diverse pathogens without any evidence of organ or system-specific aetiology.[3],[4] It is common in the tropics and subtropics regions. AFI with no localising sign and symptoms is termed as acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI). Due to unavailability of facilities to diagnose, there is delay or lack of correct diagnosis of the patient which may lead to deaths in patients suffering from AUFI. Hence, it has become important that depending on the cause of AUFI, guidelines for investigation and antimicrobial therapy can be developed for general physicians to deal with AUFI. Laboratory facilities and serological tests which are required to diagnose the infections can also be developed or made available. The aim behind this development of testing and treatment guideline is to manage the causes of AUFI and also to eliminate the primary bacteraemia with antimicrobial therapy, and since it can pose a serious threat to each patient.[5] AUFI accounts for the majority of outpatient visits and inpatient admissions in India. The causes for the same are variable and need a systematic approach to identify the cause of appropriate therapy.[6] AUFI can be potentially fatal if the aetiology is not recognised and if not appropriately treated early. AUFI have been widely studied in South India as well as Northern India, but there is only limited number of studies from central India, reported on the aetiology of fever and there is lack of surveillance data. Hence, this study was carried out to describe the distribution of aetiological agents of AUFI in patient who gets admitted in our hospital due to AUFI and to describe disease-specific clinical profiles based on their haematological and microbiological investigations. This cross-sectional prospective 18-month study was conducted in a rural hospital of central India from January 2015 to November 2016. The study includes adult and paediatric age group patients who were admitted with febrile illness for <2 weeks duration, and the enroled patients were not on any antibiotic therapy. The study protocol was followed as mentioned in [Figure 1]. Figure 1: Study protocol for workup of acute undifferentiated febrile illness This study was conducted in 270 patients among the 449 patients admitted to the hospital as per the inclusion criteria. In total, 10 and 5 ml blood was collected from each adult and paediatric patients, respectively. 5ml (adult) or 2 ml (paediatric) of blood sample was inoculated in blood culture bottles and transported to the laboratory within 2 h. The remaining 5 ml (adult) or 3 ml (paediatric) of blood was collected in plain and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) bulb. Blood collected in the plain bulb was centrifuged at 3000 g for 10 min, and serum was stored at 20°C for serological testing. The remaining clot was used for clot culture. Serum was used for Widal test as well as for other serological tests for the diagnosis of leptospirosis, dengue, Japanese encephalitis and scrub typhus by rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The tests which were positive by RDT were confirmed by respective enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tests which were negative by RDT were retested for dengue ELISA, leptospirosis ELISA and scrub typhus ELISA. Japanese encephalitis ELISA was not done due to unavailability. EDTA sample was tested by RDT and peripheral blood smear for malaria. A total of 449 patients were admitted with AFI. Out of which, 270 (60.13%) were included in the study as per the inclusion criteria of AUFI. Out of 270 patients, 138 (51.11%) were male and 132 (48.88%) were female. Nearly 25.95% were belonging to 15–25 years of age group and 16.29% were from 36 to 45 years of age group. In our study, we found that the maximum enrolment of patients were 62.22% in the month of September and August [Figure 2]. It was also revealed that 18.88% patients visited hospital on the 5th day of fever and 25.18% visited on 8th day of fever [Figure 3]. [Table 1] summarises the common clinical symptoms and length of patients hospital stay. In all AUFI patients, mean affected age was 34.35 ± 19.57 years (STDEV) and average duration of fever at the time of presentation was 6.66 ± 2.97 days, and mean duration of hospitalisation was 5.34 ± 3.42 days. Figure 2: Month wise enrolment of acute undifferentiated febrile illness cases in study Figure 3: Days of fever at the time of presentation Table 1: Clinical profile of acute febrile illness cases (n=270) Haematological investigations were carried out in AUFI. It was observed that 16.91% patients present with severe thrombocytopenia i.e., platelet count <50,000. Leucocytosis was seen in 36.66% patients. Out of total 270 samples, 195 (72.22%) were positive by RDTs [Table 2], and 75 (27.78%) were negative by RDT. Out of these 75, 12 (16%) were diagnosed as enteric fever (10 by Widal test, one by blood culture and one by clot culture). The remaining 63 samples among these 75 were subjected to ELISA for scrub typhus, leptospirosis and dengue [Table 3]. Table 2: Number of acute febrile illness positive cases by specific rapid diagnostic test Table 3: Correlation of ELISA positives in RDT Negative cases This study revealed the causes of AUFI included scrub typhus were 127 (47%), dengue were 47 (17.40%), malaria were 33 (12%), enteric fever were 12 (4%), leptospirosis were 5 (2%), other diagnosis 28 (10.37%) and undiagnosed AUFI 18 (6.6%) [Table 4]. Table 4: Spectrum of infections in acute febrile illness cases AUFI is the clinical illness in which, it is difficult to find out aetiological agents and once detected can be treated on the line of aetiological agents aetiological agent and once detected can be treated on the line of aetiological agents. The predominance of this infection is usually observed during post-monsoon period. A total of 449 patients were admitted with AUFI symptoms, but out of these 270 (60.13%) were enrolled as per the inclusion criteria. Many studies has shown increased in number of AUFI cases from September to November. Male predominance was noticed in all infections except malaria. This may be due to male gets more exposed to the outer environment and post-monsoon environment gets favourable breeding places for the mosquitoes. Our study revealed that scrub typhus was the predominant (47%) infection among the AUFI cases, followed by dengue 17.40% and malaria in 12% cases. In our study, 11.82% patients withscrub typhus were presented with eschar on the body [Figure 4]. It has well circumscribed with well delineated margin and predominantly present in lower extremities and lower abdominal parts of body. A study conducted by Jung et al. in 2015[7] showed 56.6%, a study conducted by Sinha et al. in 2014[8] did not show scrub typhus patients with eschar among 42 positive cases of scrub typhus which was included in their study. Figure 4: Typical eschar in diagnosed scrub typhus patient Scrub typhus has become one of the most predominant infection in all the regions of India. This may be due to earlier infection used to be unnoticed and now due to the availability of serological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits in markets microbiologists started testing AUFI cases for the infection. In our study, among the AUFI cases, the second predominant cause was dengue fever. In 17.40% cases, dengue cases were positive by IgM ELISA and EARLY NS1 antigen ELISA. Among these 17.40% cases, IgM positivity was 27.65% and NS1 ELISA (72.34%). Our study results were similar to study conducted by Solanke et al. in 2015,[9] in which positivity was 28.4%. They had also detected dengue by PCR. In India, dengue positivity ranged between 8% and 71% among AUFI cases.[10],[11] The studies conducted in Tamil Nadu, Deharadun, showed dengue is a prime cause of AUFI cases. Malaria was the third common cause of infection among the AUFI cases. About 11% cases were positive by peripheral smear (3.33%) and RDT (11%) detecting HRP2 and PLDH antigen. A study conducted by Singh et al.[12] reported malaria 12.8% and reported as second cause in AUFI cases. A previously conducted study from our hospital has depicted non-malarial AUFI cases account for 88% aetiological agent.[4] In 270 AUFI cases, only 9 (3.33%) cases were positive by smear microscopy, and 33 (11%) cases were positive by RDT kit. The sensitivity, specificity of RDT in comparison with microscopy was 88.9% and 90.4%, respectively. The sensitivity of RDT in our study was contrary to study done by Garba et al.,[13] who showed very low sensitivity (9.09%) of RDT in acute febrile patients. In AUFI cases, enteric fever accounts for 4% cases, which was similar finding in studies carried out in South India by Rani et al.[3] in 2016. Various studies carried out in India noted enteric fever was contributed as an aetiological agent in 8%–20% cases among AUFI.[14] Leptospirosis was diagnosed in 2% of AUFI cases in our study which was similar to the study carried out by Joshi et al.[4] in 3 cases were positive among 11 clinically suspected cases. In our study, 6.6% patients remained undiagnosed as we did not look for all the infections which are less prevalent in our area such as chikungunya and viral infections. Nearly 10.37% cases were diagnosed due to other infection such as urinary tract infection, upper and lower respiratory tract infection, viral encephalitis and suspected TB. In our study, due to funds constraint, we could not carry out PCR. By using PCR, we could have detected more causative agent for AUFI cases. Although we have reported 11% of eschar patients, to correlate the scrub typhus seropositivity in eschar positives cases we could have done PCR in these patients. The second flaws in our study were we could not collect the second serum samples to know the rise in titre in patients as patients used to get discharged as soon as febrile state was over. It was proven in our study that majority of the AUFI could be reliably predicted using proper history, good physical examination and laboratory tests. Despite of all limitations, our study clearly revealed that predominant cause of AUFI in our area was scrub typhus, dengue, malaria, followed by typhoid and leptospirosis on the basis of serological tests both RDT and ELISA. It is also revealed from our study that if proper protocol was used for AUFI cases, it helps in the proper use of antibiotics as well as investigations. This reduces cost and resistance to antibiotics. This study was financially supported by Kasturba Health Society, Sevagram, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Phuong HL, de Vries PJ, Nga TT, Giao PT, Hung le Q, Binh TQ, et al. Dengue as a cause of acute undifferentiated fever in Vietnam. BMC Infect Dis 2006;6:123. Zaidi AK, Awasthi S, deSilva HJ. Burden of infectious diseases in South Asia. BMJ 2004;328:811-5. Rani RV, Sundararajan T, Rajesh S, Jeyamurugan T. A study on common etiologies of acute febrile illness detectable by microbiological tests in a tertiary care hospital. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci 2016;5:670-4. Joshi R, Colford JM Jr., Reingold AL, Kalantri S. Nonmalarial acute undifferentiated fever in a rural hospital in central India: Diagnostic uncertainty and overtreatment with antimalarial agents. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2008;78:393-9. Leelarasamee A, Chupaprawan C, Chenchittikul M, Udompanthurat S. Etiologies of acute undifferentiated febrile illness in Thailand. J Med Assoc Thai 2004;87:464-72. Prakash GM, Anikethana GV. Clinical, biochemical and hematological pointers toward dengue infection in patients with acute undifferentiated fever. Int J Sci Stud 2016;4:111-3. Jung HC, Chon SB, Oh WS, Lee DH, Lee HJ. Etiologies of acute undifferentiated fever and clinical prediction of scrub typhus in a non-tropical endemic area. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015;92:256-61. Sinha P, Gupta S, Dawra R, Rijhawan P. Recent outbreak of scrub typhus in North Western part of India. Indian J Med Microbiol 2014;32:247-50. [PUBMED] [Full text] Solanke VN, Karmarkar MG, Mehta PR. Early dengue diagnosis: Role of rapid NS1 antigen, NS1 Early ELISA and PCR assay. Trop J Med Res 2015;18:95. [Full text] Robertson C, Pant DK, Joshi DD, Sharma M, Dahal M, Stephen C, et al. Comparative spatial dynamics of Japanese encephalitis and acute encephalitis syndrome in Nepal. PLoS One 2013;8:e66168. Gopalakrishnan S, Arumugam B, Kandasamy S, Rajendran S, Krishnan B, Balaji A. Acute undifferentiated febrile illness among adults – A hospital based observational study. J Evol Med Dent Sci 2013;2:2305-19. Singh R, Singh SP, Ahmad N. A study of etiological pattern in an epidemic of acute febrile illness during monsoon in a tertiary health care institute of Uttarakhand, India. J Clin Diagn Res 2014;8:MC01-3. Garba BI, Muhammad AS, Musa A, Edem B, Yusuf I, Bello NK, et al. Diagnosis of malaria: A comparison between microscopy and rapid diagnostic test among under-five children at Gusau, Nigeria. Sub Saharan Afr J Med 2016;3:96. Sushi KM, Sivasangeetha K, Kumar AS, Shastri P, Ganesan A, Anitha D, et al. Seroprevalence of leptospirosis, enteric fever and dengue in patients with acute febrile illness in Tamil Nadu, India. Indian J Basic Applied Med Res 2014;3:615-23. [Table 1], [Table 2], [Table 3], [Table 4] © 2004 - Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology Online since April 2001, new site since 1st August '04	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6990
__label__cc	0.524463	0.475537	A Passion for Solving Really Tough Challenges Boris Paskalev · Tech Media and Telco In this episode of The Aligned Leader, I interview Boris Paskalev, co-founder and CEO at DeepCode, on some of the lessons he learned from building DeepCode and his two failed startups. We discuss why he’s so passionate about solving the really tough challenges and his vision for a sustainable society. Boris also shares how he’s selecting his co-founders and his perspective on sharing equity among the team. Watch the full interview below. About Boris Paskalev Boris Paskalev is a serial entrepreneur with close to 20 years experience in technology, R&D, software & Lean operations. Currently CEO and Co-Founder of DeepCode: a groundbreaking DeepTech company offering Augmented Intelligence for software developers: preventing developers from making mistakes solved by others, even in a very different setting. He has experience with hyper-growth, to $3B with Vistaprint, and the challenges of closing ventures: Khearos and CaronMinder. Boris has the powerful and unique expertise combining engendering rigor with foremost business strategy and operations and education. He also brings wide experience in the start-up world and in the multi-billion dollar corporate setting. He also has a professional network from his BSc & MSc in Computer Science from MIT and TRIUM: the leading technical university & the leading global Executive MBA by LSE, HEC, and NYU. Boris is techy and a people-person believing in the power of his team. His personality places a high value on open and direct communication, loyalty and dedication as a means to enable personal growth. His personal brand focuses consistently achieving positive returns, decomposing and solving hard problems with very motivated and energetic teams. Passion, hard work, clear vision, ingenuity, and agility remain one of his favorite tools in the daily work. Building Bridges for Effective Leadership Impact Investing for Everyone	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6995
__label__cc	0.573386	0.426614	Housing & Homeless Services Family Unit Properties High Rise Unit Properties Elderly or Disabled Properties CDBG Program Economic Loan Fund Landlord Access Open Procurement Closed Procurement Phone / Email McKean County’s Contractor’s Preference Section 3 Notice MCKEAN COUNTY CONTRACTORS/SERVICE PROVIDERS NOTICE FOR SECTION 3 PREFERENCE Section 3 of the HUD Act of 1968, as outlined in 24 CFR 135.1, is to ensure that employment and other economic opportunities be directed to business concerns that provide economic… Notice of Policy Change & Comment Period May 17, 2017 The McKean County Housing Authority has made changes to policies that govern both the Public Housing and Section 8 programs. These policies are scheduled to be effective July 1, 2017. For the next 45 days, the policies… Public Housing in McKean County (Part II) Sunday, June 5, 2016 10:31 pm By FRAN De LANCEY Era Correspondent, The Bradford Era (Editor’s note: This is the second in a two-part series looking at public housing in McKean County.) One of the most misunderstood parts of American life,… Public Housing in McKean County (Part I) By FRAN De LANCEY Era Correspondent, The Bradford Era, June 4, 2016 While there is a need for decent and affordable housing in most American cities, myths and misunderstandings often cloud the issue. Public housing remains controversial even though many of… Our Offices Have Moved Effective July 27, 2015 Our Smethport Office has relocated. Please visit us at 415 W. Main Street in Smethport, Pennsylvania. The McKean County Redevelopment & Housing Authority (MCRHA) strives to promote sustainable communities where families, individuals, the elderly, and those with special needs have access to quality, affordable housing. Smethport Smethport, PA 16749 Copyright 2020 McKean County Housing - All Rights Reserved	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line6998
__label__cc	0.664449	0.335551	Title & Description Title Description Miscellaneous Vehicles Sort By: DATETIME rating Ideas Search Result Jocker Idea(s): 97 Smart bike concept /Cars and Vehicles/Miscellaneous Vehicles/Bicycles /Technology The idea is to take smartphone technology on the road with a new smart bike concept, which will even feature a rear view camera. The technology will be centered around a smartphone that will attach to the handlebars with a magnetic mount. The phone will control the bike's components, which will include a WiFi/Bluetooth module and four laser projectors that will delineate a bike lane, and also display the real-time video stream from the camera mounted on the rear of bike. Device to deter bike thieves by disabling steering The new bike lock will help discourage bike theft by disengaging the bike's steering system, making it a bit harder for thieves to 'snip, grab and ride.' The system will be integrated into the bike's stem, where it will be locked or locked by a key. The system will be securely fastened for riding, but a simple turn of a key will disconnect the handlebar stem from the fork--making it impossible for anyone to steer the bike. In addition to deterring thieves, the handlebar... Air purifying bike concept /Science/Environmental Issues/Pollution/Air Pollution The air purifier bike concept will let riders clean the air as they ride by filtering out pollutants and creating oxygen. The concept bike will be equipped with an air filter between the handle bars that will screen pollutants and dust and an oxygen-producing "photosynthesis system" that will include a water tank, electric motor and a battery. As the bike is being ridden, air will be forced through the filter and cleaned, allowing fresh air to flow onto the cyclist. The... Device to keep cyclists cool A personal mister will help cyclists keep cool while biking during the hot days of summer. The device will attach to the bike's handlebars and feature a user-controlled spray mechanism. Triggering the spray will draw water from the 100-ml reservoir and send a fine mist over the cyclist with each click. Three or four clicks per minute will be enough to completely moisten the torso and create a cooling effect. The device will be removed from the handlebars with a quick release, and... Bike light that illuminates bumps and holes The projector will make night biking safer by illuminating potholes and textures in the road ahead. The projector will improve bike safety during night riding by projecting an array of square grids onto the ground just in front of the bike. The grid design will deform on the rough surface of the road, making it easier for the rider to pick out obstacles ahead, such as sudden potholes and bumps. In contrast, a traditional bike lamp will often cast shadows on the concave and convex... Detachable pedal-powered generator A pedal-powered generator with a removable battery will be designed to power smartphones or other USB devices. The generator will be lightweight, low-profile and easy to install on most standard bicycle frames. Its magnetic rotors will harness the kinetic energy of the moving bike, sending the charge either directly to a USB device or storing it in the detachable battery pack. The 500mA charge rate generated by the generator will be the same as the USB 2.0 output from a computer,... Device to monitor bike location The device will increase the odds of recovering a stolen bike by sending location information to a smartphone or computer. Discreetly designed to blend with the water bottle carrier, the device will include a GPS, built-in antenna and on-board accelerometer. Once the device has been activated, it will send an alert to the user if the bike is taken beyond the user-specified boundary, increasing the chances of tracking it down. The device's three-axis accelerometer will also detect a... Remote control for bike computers Bike computers are becoming more popular. The idea is to create a remote control to make them more accessible as well. The remote will be designed to work with a bike computer. It will mount to either side of the handlebars and feature three buttons and six functions easily accessed by a thumb, allowing the user to keep their hands safely on the handlebars. parker9054 Helmet that features turn signals The new bike helmet concept will increase biker safety by embedding turn signals into the helmet itself. The helmet system will work via Bluetooth and feature arrow-shaped "turn signals" that will illuminate when the rider triggers a button on the handlebars. A bright forward-facing light and a red rear light will provide added illumination at night. The idea is to put the bike light inside the handlebar stem, ensuring it's always there when you need it. The light will be enclosed within an aluminum stem that can fit most bikes. The stem will hold an array of ten LEDs that will send out a combined 500 lumens on high, illuminating an area eight feet wide and six feet at a distance of ten feet. The light can also be dimmed to 300 lumens or switched to a flashing mode, and light intensity and modes will be selected by the two... Your browser is identified as Unknown (Unknown) and may have certain compatibility issues rendering the pages. We are working hard on resolving them. We recommend using IE8 or Firefox 3.5 or later. Sorry for the inconvenience. Content References: Idea's Headlines Question's Headlines MegaScopes Lab: Dacal © 2009-2018 MegaScopes.com	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7001
__label__wiki	0.98244	0.98244	Schübelbach Weather in Switzerland Severe weather Switzerland Severe weather Europe Foehn and Bise Weather extra Weather dictionary Weather in Schübelbach, CH Relative humidity: 75 % Temperature 2 °C 2 °C 1 °C 2 °C 3 °C 1 °C 0 °C Precipitation 0 l/m² 0 l/m² 0 l/m² Wind gusts 15.7 km/h 13.1 km/h 8.2 km/h 9.3 km/h 13.7 km/h 11.7 km/h 13.1 km/h Avg. wind speed 4.6 km/h 3.7 km/h 1.5 km/h 2.4 km/h 3.1 km/h 3.7 km/h 2.6 km/h Feels like 2 °C 2 °C 1 °C 2 °C 3 °C 1 °C 0 °C Dewpoint -1 °C -1 °C -1 °C 0 °C 0 °C -1 °C -1 °C Air pressure 1030 hPa 1031 hPa 1032 hPa 1035 hPa 1036 hPa 1039 hPa 1041 hPa Temperature 0 °C -2 °C -2 °C -1 °C 2 °C 2 °C -1 °C -2 °C Wind gusts 13.1 km/h 15.7 km/h 11 km/h 7.7 km/h 11.7 km/h 10.4 km/h 18.4 km/h 11.1 km/h Feels like 0 °C -3 °C -2 °C -1 °C 2 °C 2 °C -1 °C -2 °C Air pressure 1044 hPa 1043 hPa 1043 hPa 1044 hPa 1043 hPa 1042 hPa 1042 hPa 1043 hPa Temperature -3 °C -3 °C -3 °C -3 °C 0 °C 3 °C 4 °C 1 °C Wind gusts 11.1 km/h 9.1 km/h 10 km/h 7.1 km/h 8 km/h 7.8 km/h 11.3 km/h 8.4 km/h Feels like -3 °C -3 °C -3 °C -3 °C 0 °C 3 °C 4 °C 1 °C Temperature -1 °C 0 °C 0 °C 1 °C 5 °C 6 °C 3 °C 1 °C Wind gusts 10.2 km/h 9.7 km/h 9.1 km/h 6.4 km/h 8.8 km/h 9.5 km/h 13.7 km/h 10 km/h Avg. wind speed 4.6 km/h 3.8 km/h 3.3 km/h 1.8 km/h 2.2 km/h 4 km/h 3.3 km/h 4.7 km/h Feels like -1 °C 0 °C 0 °C 1 °C 5 °C 6 °C 3 °C 1 °C Temperature -2 °C -2 °C -2 °C -1 °C -2 °C 1 °C 1 °C 1 °C Wind gusts 10 km/h 8.8 km/h 9.3 km/h 8.6 km/h 10.2 km/h 5.1 km/h 10.2 km/h 6.8 km/h Feels like -4 °C -2 °C -2 °C -1 °C -2 °C 1 °C 1 °C 0 °C Data provided by reference station for severe weather Siebnen, 452m (2.6 km) +5.8 km - Lachen/Galgenen +6 km - Bilten +6.8 km - Innerthal (SZ) +9 km - Jona (SG) Weather in Schübelbach, 18.01.2020 In the early morning it will be overcast with periods of rain or sleet. Before noon it will become overcast with snowfall. The noon offers fair weather with patchy clouds. Morning temperatures will be around 3 °C. During the day they will reach a maximum of 6 °C. Low temperatures at night will be around 1°C. We have weak southerly winds. On Sunday it will be cloudy, but mostly dry for a while. In the late evening mostly clear weather will dominate. Morning temperatures will be around 1 °C. During the day they will reach a maximum of 3 °C. Low temperatures at night will be around -3°C. We have weak southerly winds.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7004
__label__wiki	0.547662	0.547662	Michael Adams Official Website of GM Michael Adams Simuls & Coaching Euro Club Cup January 5 / Michael Adams / Games European Team The European Team Championship competition was held in a pleasant hotel in the centre of Warsaw, the organisers made a good job of airport transfers, providing reliable internet access and decent meals and playing conditions. The chess side of things was less smoothly run, it was hard to ascertain the point of metal detectors at the entrance of the playing hall when the players were reminded to turn off their mobile phones before the game. As usual zero tolerance created problems as the lifts became log jammed shortly before the games. Luke McShane had taken time off work for the event so we had a good team out but things didn’t quite work for us. Just as at the last European Team, we took on Greece in round 2, unfortunately our performance isn’t improving as we lost by an even heavier 3-1 this time. History continued to repeat as the next day we, for no obvious reason other than the inadequacies of the pairing system, we faced the strongest other team on the score group, Russia. I butchered an easy win against Grischuk but the 2-2 draw still wasn’t bad and after a couple of wins we were in good shape heading into the free day. Disappointingly we finished with 4 consecutive tied matches, I’ve mentioned some key moments in my own games from rounds 6, 7 and 9. The last round coincided with my birthday: this wasn’t a positive alignment last time this occured whilst on England duty, against Caruana at the Dresden Olympiad, as I lost a fine position. At least this time I eventually salvaged half a point, although my play was no more convincing. Many thanks to all those who generously supported the team. [Event "EU-chT (Men) 19th"] [Site "Warsaw"] [Date "2013.11.14"] [Round "6.5"] [White "Adams, Michael"] [Black "Areshchenko, Alexander"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "B52"] [WhiteElo "2752"] [BlackElo "2720"] [Annotator "Mickey"] [PlyCount "91"] [EventDate "2013.11.08"] [EventRounds "9"] [EventCountry "POL"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceDate "2010.03.20"] [WhiteTeam "England"] [BlackTeam "Ukraine"] [WhiteTeamCountry "ENG"] [BlackTeamCountry "UKR"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Bd7 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. d4 cxd4 7. Nxd4 Bg7 8. O-O O-O 9. Bxd7 Qxd7 10. b3 Nc6 11. Bb2 a6 12. Nxc6 Qxc6 13. Nd5 Nxd5 14. exd5 Qc5 15. Bxg7 Kxg7 16. Re1 e5 ({In the game Bacrot-Giri Black ran into difficulties after the natural} 16... Rfe8 17. Qd2 b5 18. Rac1 Qa7 19. b4 Rac8 (19... bxc4 20. Rxc4) 20. c5) 17. dxe6 fxe6 18. Qd2 Rf6 19. Rad1 {Difficulties remain as Black’s weak pawns and slightly exposed king are problematic.} Raf8 20. Re2 e5 21. a4 R8f7 ({A useful move in general but it was better to begin active play immediately with} 21... Qb6 22. Qc2 Qb4 23. h3 ({Not} 23. Rd5 $2 Rxf2) 23... b5) 22. h3 Qb6 23. Qc2 Qb4 24. f3 b5 25. cxb5 axb5 26. Re4 Qa5 27. Rd5 Qb6+ 28. Kh2 bxa4 29. bxa4 Rc7 30. Qd2 Rc6 31. a5 ({The simplest and most practical continuation was} 31. f4 Rxf4 32. Rxf4 exf4 33. Qxf4 {when Black has an uphill task to save the game.}) 31... Qc7 32. Re2 ({I missed the clever} 32. Rb4 Rf7 ({after} 32... Rc2 33. Qd3 {there is no good follow up.}) (32... Rxf3 $2 33. a6 $1 {is the hidden tactical point} Rf7 34. Rb7 Qc8 35. Rxf7+ Kxf7 36. a7 Ra6 (36... Qa8 37. Ra5) 37. Ra5) 33. Rb2 {keeps control}) (32. Rexe5 dxe5 33. Rd7+ Rf7 {is ineffectual as in the game.}) 32... Rf4 $1 {Now the chance has slipped away.} 33. Rexe5 dxe5 34. Rd7+ Rf7 35. Rxc7 Rcxc7 36. Qd6 Rfe7 37. a6 ({If} 37. h4 Rcd7 {and there is nowhere for the queen to hide.}) 37... Rcd7 38. Qc6 Rc7 39. Qb6 Ra7 40. Kg3 Ra8 41. Qd6 Rea7 42. Qxe5+ Kg8 43. Qd5+ Kg7 44. Qe5+ Kg8 45. Qd5+ Kg7 46. Qe5+ 1/2-1/2 [Event "EU-chT (Men) 19th"] [Site "Warsaw"] [Date "2013.11.15"] [Round "7.4"] [White "Jobava, Baadur"] [Black "Adams, Michael"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "C44"] [WhiteElo "2695"] [BlackElo "2752"] [Annotator "Mickey"] [PlyCount "104"] [EventDate "2013.11.08"] [EventRounds "9"] [EventCountry "POL"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceDate "2010.03.20"] [WhiteTeam "Georgia"] [BlackTeam "England"] [WhiteTeamCountry "GEO"] [BlackTeamCountry "ENG"] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Be2 Nf6 4. d3 d5 5. Nbd2 Bd6 6. O-O O-O 7. c3 a5 8. Re1 a4 9. Qc2 h6 10. Nf1 Re8 11. Ng3 Be6 12. Bd2 Bc5 13. b4 axb3 14. axb3 Rxa1 15. Rxa1 d4 16. Qb2 Bg4 17. b4 dxc3 18. Bxc3 Bxf3 19. Bxf3 Bb6 20. Nf5 Qxd3 21. Rd1 Qc4 ({Avoiding the tempting} 21... Bxf2+ 22. Kh1 $1 (22. Kxf2 Nxe4+ 23. Bxe4 Qxd1 24. Qe2 {may also hold}) 22... Qc4 23. Rc1 Bb6 24. Bxe5 Qe6 25. Bxf6 Qxf6 26. Qxf6 gxf6 27. b5 {is roughly equal}) 22. b5 Nxe4 ({It is very hard to find the correct continuation here} 22... Nd4 $1 23. Nxd4 Nxe4 $1 {and everthing falls into place} 24. Bxe4 exd4 25. Bxd4 Bxd4 26. Qxd4 (26. Rxd4 Rxe4 { expolits the weak back rank}) 26... Rxe4) 23. Bxe4 Qxe4 24. bxc6 Qxf5 {I thought I was in good shape here but it’s not easy to collect the ‘b’ pawn.} 25. cxb7 Rb8 ({I considered} 25... Qe4 26. h3 Qxb7 27. Bxe5 f6 {was too dangerous but in fact} 28. Qa2+ Kh8 29. Bxf6 gxf6 30. Qf7 Qe4 {fails so I could keep some practical chances.}) 26. Bxe5 Rxb7 ({Originally I was intending } 26... Kh7 27. h3 ({Not} 27. Bxg7 Qg4) 27... f6 $4 (27... Rxb7 28. Bxc7 {is like the game}) {However} 28. Qxb6 $1 {turns the tables spectacularly as} cxb6 29. Bxb8 Qe4 30. Rd7 {wins.}) 27. Bxc7 Bxf2+ 28. Qxf2 Qxf2+ 29. Kxf2 Rxc7 30. h4 Rc4 31. g3 g5 32. hxg5 hxg5 33. Rd5 g4 34. Ke3 Kg7 35. Rd6 f6 36. Rd2 Kg6 37. Kf2 Kf5 38. Re2 Re4 39. Ra2 Rd4 40. Re2 Rd5 41. Kg2 Re5 42. Rf2+ Ke6 43. Ra2 Rd5 44. Re2+ Kd6 45. Kf2 f5 46. Re8 Rb5 47. Rd8+ Ke5 48. Re8+ Kd4 49. Rd8+ Rd5 50. Re8 Kd3 51. Re3+ Kc4 52. Re2 Kd4 1/2-1/2 [Event "19th European Teams"] [Site "Warsaw POL"] [Date "2013.11.17"] [Round "9.6"] [White "Adams, Michael"] [Black "Socko, Bartosz"] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [ECO "B52"] [WhiteElo "2752"] [BlackElo "2661"] [Annotator "Mickey"] [PlyCount "192"] [EventDate "2013.11.08"] [Source "ChessBase"] [SourceDate "2010.03.20"] [WhiteTeam "ENGLAND"] [BlackTeam "POLAND"] 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bb5+ Bd7 4. c4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Bxb5 6. cxb5 g6 7. d4 cxd4 8. Nxd4 Bg7 9. O-O Nbd7 10. Qe2 O-O 11. Rd1 Rc8 12. a4 Nc5 13. Bg5 h6 14. Bh4 Qd7 15. h3 Nh5 16. Ra3 Bxd4 ({Dubious the waiting move} 16... Rfe8 {was stronger.}) 17. Rxd4 Ne6 18. Rd1 Nef4 19. Qf3 ({I had intended} 19. Qg4 {here} f5 ({After} 19... e6 20. e5 {or} (20. Bg3 {is good.})) 20. exf5 Rxf5 21. Nd5 {but then realised} Rxd5 ({the computer points out} 21... Nxd5 22. Rxd5 Ng7 {is also playable}) 22. Qxd7 Rxd1+ 23. Kh2 Rcc1 24. Qe8+ Kh7 25. Qxe7+ Kg8 {leads to a draw.}) ({However} 19. Qe3 {is strong as the game continuation is not possible due to} g5 20. Bg3 Nxg3 21. fxg3 {when a7 is hanging.}) 19... g5 20. Bg3 Nxg3 21. fxg3 Ng6 22. Nd5 Qe6 23. Qe3 Rc2 24. Rd2 Rxd2 ({I was more concerned about } 24... Rfc8) 25. Qxd2 Qxe4 26. Re3 Qxa4 27. Nxe7+ ({Capturing with the rook was also possible} 27. Rxe7 Qxb5 (27... Nxe7 28. Nxe7+ Kg7 29. Nf5+ Kg6 30. Qxd6+ Kxf5 31. Qxf8) 28. Nf6+ Kh8 29. Qc2) 27... Nxe7 28. Rxe7 Qxb5 29. Qxd6 Qxb2 30. Kh2 ({After} 30. Qxh6 $1 Qb1+ 31. Kh2 Qg6 32. Qxg6+ fxg6 33. Rxb7 Ra8 34. Rb4 ({Not} 34. Rb5 a5 35. Rxg5 Kf7 36. Rc5 a4 37. Rc2 a3 38. Ra2 Ke6) 34... a5 35. Ra4 Kf7 36. Kg1 Ke6 37. Kf2 {a draw is on the cards. Miraculously I managed to save half a point anyway after many adventures.}) 30... Kg7 31. Qd5 b6 32. Rxa7 Qf6 33. Ra3 Rd8 34. Qa2 Rd1 35. Rf3 Qe6 36. Qb2+ f6 37. Qc3 Qd6 38. Re3 h5 39. Qc8 h4 40. Qb7+ Kh6 41. Qc8 hxg3+ 42. Rxg3 Kg7 43. Qb7+ Kf8 44. Qa8+ Ke7 45. Qb7+ Kd8 46. Qa8+ Kc7 47. Qa7+ Kc6 48. Qa8+ Kb5 49. Qe8+ Kb4 50. Qe4+ Rd4 51. Qc2 Kb5 52. Qb3+ Kc6 53. Qf3+ Kc7 54. Qc3+ Kb8 55. Kg1 Rd1+ 56. Kf2 Qd2+ 57. Qxd2 Rxd2+ 58. Ke3 Rb2 59. Kd4 Kc7 60. Rf3 Rd2+ 61. Kc4 Rd6 62. g3 Kd7 63. g4 Kc6 64. Rf5 Re6 65. Rf3 b5+ 66. Kd4 Rd6+ 67. Kc3 Kd5 68. Kb4 Rb6 69. Rf1 Ke5 70. Kc5 Rb8 71. Kb4 Rd8 72. Rf5+ Ke6 73. Rf3 Rd5 74. Re3+ Re5 75. Rf3 f5 76. gxf5+ Rxf5 77. Ra3 Rd5 78. Ra8 Kf5 79. Rh8 Kf4 80. Rh5 Rf5 81. Ka5 Re5 82. Kb4 Kf5 83. Rh6 Re6 84. Rh8 Rb6 85. Kc5 Rb7 86. Kc6 Ra7 87. Kxb5 Rc7 88. Rh6 Rc1 89. Kb4 Kf4 90. Rh5 Rh1 91. Kc4 Kf5 92. Kd3 Rd1+ 93. Ke2 Rd8 94. h4 Rg8 95. hxg5 Rxg5 96. Rxg5+ Kxg5 1/2-1/2 Previous Post Bilbao Bonus Next Post Hoogoveen CategoriesGames News Written by:Michael Adams	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7010
__label__cc	0.643928	0.356072	Difference between revisions of "vmwWIKI:About" From vmWIKI Mike laverick (Talk \| contribs) Michelle Laverick (Talk \| contribs) The VMware Wiki (or vmWIKI) was founded on the 29th November by Mike Laverick. vmWIKI is a not for profit and wholly independent of VMware, Inc and funded by combination of personal and corporate donations. The intention of vmWIKI is to be a platform for the VMware Community (vCommunity) for the creation and maintenance of product information concerning all VMware Technologies, independent of the company. It was felt by Mike Laverick that the days of single individuals writing books on VMware Technologies was one that was not sustainable in the long term. The rise and rise of digital E-Readers meant that users demands for up to date content was outstripping the demands of conventional publishing. Additionally, coupled with VMware's move to a "tick-to-tock" release cycles of a new release every year - it has meant keeping conventional literature up to date was increasingly a challenge. So vmWIKI was born as an attempt to create an online encyclopedia that is maintained by the vCommunity, and seeded with content from those who have been recognised with consistently high-quality content. The vmWiki was founded on the 29th November, 2015 by Michelle Laverick. vmWiki is a not for profit and wholly independent of VMware, Inc and funded by a combination of personal and corporate donations. The intention of vmWiki is to be a platform for the VMware Community (vCommunity) for the creation and maintenance of product information concerning all VMware Technologies, independent of the company. It was felt by Michelle Laverick that the days of single individuals writing books on VMware Technologies was one that was not sustainable in the long term. The rise and rise of digital E-Readers meant that users demands for up to date content was outstripping the demands of conventional publishing. Additionally, coupled with VMware's move to a "tick-to-tock" release cycles of a new release every year - it has meant keeping conventional literature up to date was increasingly a challenge. So vmWiki was born as an attempt to create an online encyclopedia that is maintained by the vCommunity, and seeded with content from those who have been recognised with consistently high-quality content. Retrieved from ‘http://www.michellelaverick.com/vmwiki/index.php?title=vmwWIKI:About&oldid=3827’ UserCons VMUG Advantage About vmWIKI	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7011
__label__cc	0.635139	0.364861	Geology Sites Geology News - http://geology.alltop.com/ Geology and Earth Science Information - http://geology.com/ Geology of MI and the Great Lakes - http://custom.cengage.com/regional_geology.bak/data/Geo_Michigan_Watermarked.pdf Michigan DEQ Geology Maps - http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3304-116670--,00.html MSU Geology of Great Lakes Region - http://geo.msu.edu/extra/geogmich/geology.htmlList List of Rock and Mineral Musuems From inlandlapidary.com A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum - Houghton MI. The official Mineralogical Museum of Michigan with the finest collection of minerals from Michigan's famous copper and iron mining districts. Over 60,000 minerals in our possession, and over 20,000 of these minerals are displayed. Coppertown USA - Calumet MI. Museum traces the evolution of miners and mining people with a series of tasteful exhibits designed for the family. Cranbrook Institute of Science Museum - Bloomfield Hills MI. General science museum with excellent mineral displays. Gerald Eddy Geology Center - Waterloo MI. In the geology room, kids and families can discover that geology is fun! Visitors can enter a model ice cave to see themselves standing next to a giant beaver or Jefferson mammoth. Youngsters will enjoy conducting experiments in the "Mad Scientist Lab" and the "Fossil Graveyard" features lift-a-rock models of fossilized bones and teeth. Touch-screen computer games will test your geology knowledge and you can view a large collection of rocks and minerals from throughout the state. Note: State park access sticker required. Grand Rapids Public Museum - Grand Rapids MI. Collecting objects of local and inter-galactic significance for over 155 years the museum has a huge collection of rocks, minerals, and related on display and available for research. Gitche Gumee Agates History Museum - Grand Marais MI. A large collection of incredible Lake Superior agates from 71 years of agate hunting. Houghton County Historical Museum - Lake Linden MI. Everything relating to copper mining. Iron Industry Museum (Jackson Mine Museum) - Negaunee MI. Attractions include permanent and temporary exhibits, outdoor interpretive paths. Jesse Besser Museum - Alpena MI. Collection of rare copper artifacts including bannerstones and birdstones. Kemp Mineral Resources Museum - Sault Ste. Marie MI. Housed at Lake Superior State University, contains W & M Chance Collection. Michigan Historical Museum - Lansing MI. Minerals, Iron and Copper mining exhibits, mining memorabilia. Michigan State University Museum - East Lansing MI. The Hall of Evolution exhibit at the MSU Museum is constructed as a time line, with exhibits of fossils arranged in chronological order from the Cambrian Period (about 500 million years ago) to the Pleistocene Epoch or "Ice Age" that ended about 10,000 years ago. The fossils are accompanied by diorama paintings showing the animals as they appeared in life. Fossils displayed include the skull of a Tyrannosaurus rex and a femur from an Apatosaurus. Quincy Mine and Hoist - Hancock, MI Go inside a real copper mine. Tour the world's largest steam hoist. Numerous rock specimens. University of Michigan Exhibit Museum - Ann Arbor MI. Permanent displays include: The Hall of Evolution on the Museum's second floor houses Michigan's largest display of prehistoric life. Over 600 million years of life on Earth are traced through fossils, models, and dioramas. Here you can find dinosaurs, prehistoric whales, mastodons, and geology displays on the fourth floor offer a large selection of rocks and minerals.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7012
__label__wiki	0.673886	0.673886	Engelbert Humperdinck Gives Exclusive Interview with Goldmine on His Latest Releases Engelbert Humperdinck Reveals the Inspiration and Message Behind “The Man I Want to Be” and “Warmest Christmas Wishes” in Interview with Goldmine Goldmine, a music review platform offering podcasts, magazines, and blogs, gives an in depth look at Engelbert Humperdinck’s two latest releases; “The Man I Want to Be” and[…] Engelbert Humperdinck Reaches 100,000 Followers on Spotify Engelbert Humperdinck, News Engelbert Humperdinck reaches 100,000 Spotify followers – are you one of them? Engelbert Humperdinck has achieved another awesome feat – his artist profile on Spotify has reached over 100,000 followers! The music streaming platform’s Spotify for Artists recently commended the legendary performer with the banner seen above. Since Engelbert and[…] Official Charts Features Warmest Christmas Wishes on 2018 Holiday Album List UK’s Official Charts gives Warmest Christmas Wishes a shoutout on their list of 2018 Holiday Albums Official Charts, a source for popular music sales numbers and weekly metrics in the United Kingdom, gave Engelbert Humperdinck’s new holiday album Warmest Christmas Wishes a mention on their list of 2018 holiday album releases to look out[…] ‘Warmest Christmas Wishes’ Enters Billboard Holiday Album Chart at #13 Warmest Christmas Wishes currently sits at #13 on Billboard’s Holiday Album Chart Engelbert Humperdinck’s brand new holiday album Warmest Christmas Wishes has entered Billboard’s Holiday Album Chart at chart position #13. Following its North American release on Friday, October 12th, it sits among beloved Christmas releases Christmas Classics by Bing Crosby and The Christmas[…] PBS Engelbert Humperdinck Special Will Air Thanksgiving Weekend through December Mark your calendars – the PBS Engelbert Humperdinck Special has a premiere date! We are thrilled to share that the PBS Engelbert Humperdinck Special finally has a premiere date! The long-awaited concert special will start to air Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday, November 24th and throughout December. Check local PBS listings[…] The Man I Want to Be Tour ‘Wows’ Engelbert Fans in Lynn, MA The Man I Want to Be Tour drew faithful Engelbert fans in Massachusetts to the Lynn Auditorium This past weekend, The Man I Want to Be Tour kicked off in the Northeast. On Sunday, internationally renowned vocal legend Engelbert Humperdinck rolled through Massachusetts with a performance at the Lynn Auditorium in[…] Engelbert Humperdinck Shares Unfulfilled Dreams with Sentinel Source Engelbert Humperdinck reflects on a marvelous music career and looks forward to the future in his latest Sentinel Source interview Engelbert Humperdinck recently sat down with New Hampshire’s Sentinel Source for an interview, with questions reflecting on the beginnings of his career to where the legendary singer hopes to be[…] Digital Journal Talks ‘Warmest Christmas Wishes’ with Engelbert Humperdinck Digital Journal recently spoke with Engelbert Humperdinck about his brand new Christmas album, his touring schedule and more Digital Journal sat down with Engelbert Humperdinck to talk about his brand new Christmas album Warmest Christmas Wishes and ‘The Man I Want to Be’ Tour. Warmest Christmas Wishes, Engelbert Humperdinck’s first Christmas album[…] Engelbert Humperdinck’s New Christmas Album ‘Warmest Christmas Wishes’ is Out Now Warmest Christmas Wishes, Engelbert Humperdinck’s first Christmas album in 40 years, is now available everywhere Warmest Christmas Wishes, Engelbert Humperdinck’s brand new Christmas album, is now available on all digital music platforms today, Friday, October 12th on OK!Good Records. The album features 14 heartfelt holiday songs, including 2 brand new originals[…] Did you catch Engelbert Humperdinck on SiriusXM this week? Fans tuned in to Engelbert Humperdinck on SiriusXM this week as he promoted his upcoming Christmas album Did you catch Engelbert Humperdinck on SiriusXM this week? Engelbert Humperdinck is currently in New York City to promote his Christmas album Warmest Christmas Wishes, which is available tomorrow, Friday, October 12th. His first[…] « Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 … 129 Next » Subscribe for updates, sales, and special promotions. FEATURED TRACK Weapons of Anew – This Moment (Acoustic) Janet Devlin – Honest Men Tweets by @okgoodrecords Engebert Humperdinck Releases Special New Mix of “I’m… ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK – Reflections CD SCHILLER – Timeline: The Very Best of 1998-2011 CD Engelbert Humperdinck speaks to Rock and Roll Globe about his new… Janet Devlin speaks to Celeb Mix about her new single, “Honest Men” Singer-Songwriter Janet Devlin Releases Long Awaited New Single… ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK – The Man I Want to Be CD OK!Good Records is a genre independent record label established in 2010 to distribute, market, and promote artists and music that defy boundaries, reject limitations, and transcend the ordinary. We champion and celebrate independent music, thought, art, expression, and enterprise. Copyright 2010 - 2016 OK!Good Records - Privacy Policy Powered by good music. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site you agree to their use. OkRead more	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7021
__label__wiki	0.828704	0.828704	6 Song placements 2 Labels / Record Deals 1 Sync Licensing: Advertising 1 Publishing Deal 1 Management Deals 1 Artist Development 1 Sync Licensing: TV / Movies / Video Games 7 fully mastered 7 broadcast ready 5 rough mixes 6 Yes 1 No 5 Negotiable or N/A 2 Exclusive Teen Music Acts Wanted for Genuine Music Group Looking for 13-18 year old teen pop based vocalists or bands for development and shopping for deals. Please submit your best track(s) for consideration. Genuine Music Group's producer/songwriter clients have been featured on sales of more than 140 million records. Over 70 RIAA Gold and Platinum awards have been earned by the company for it’s work on numerous contemporary artists including Eminem, Christina Aguilera, Jay Z, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Dr Dre, Robin Thicke, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Jennifer Lopez, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Trey Songz and more… - Michael "Mav" Mavrolas / Genuine Music Group Deal Type: Label/Management Signing Decision Maker: We are the final decision maker Similar Sounding Artists: Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Shawn Mendes, etc Arkatech Beatz Seeking Talent - Hip-Hop/Pop Music & Artists Multi Platinum producers/A&R's Arkatech Beatz have a long history of producing for some of Hip Hop's greatest and most notable artists including Big Pun, Nas, Raekwon, Game, Waka Flocka, Meek Mill, Max B, Shawty Lo, Mya, Jadakiss, and more. They are now seeking Hip Hop/Rap/Pop music and artists for label roster signing consideration. Please submit your best track(s) for consideration. Labels we're currently working with: Def Jam, Universal Republic, Atlantic Records, 300 Entertainment, Epic Records, RCA Records, eOne Music, Tommy Boy Entertainment Artists we're pitching to: Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Cyhi Da Prynce, Waka Flocka Please do not submit your material to us outside of Music Xray - Arkatech Beatz LLC Pop songs needed for two Boy Bands I have two groups now looking for songs. One group has been together for a year now and has signed a huge deal with a label. This includes major distribution, a global tour and worldwide radio play. The second group is being put together right now and will incorporate some amazing vocals ala The Beach Boys. There are already major labels looking at the new group and it's not even completed yet! Lucente Entertainment is seeking pop songs for a boy band. We are looking for Pop, Pop/Rock, Pop/R&B in the style of One Republic for a newly formed and fully supported boy band project. The producers on this project have sold over 100 Million records. We are completely open to guitar vocal or piano vocal demos for all tempos. We are looking for great songs, production is not a concern at this time. Seeking Hip Hop/R&B Tracks Looking for great new hip hop tracks with or without hooks, as well as R&B tracks with full vocal refs, hooks, or just instrumentals. Tracks need to be hit single quality along with fresh new innovative sounds. Looking for tracks in the range of Rich Gang's "Lifestyle", Jeremih's "Don't Tell Em", and John Legend's "All Of Me". Instrumentals need to be mixed & mastered properly. If submitting a track with a full vocal ref or hook, the vocals also need to be mixed & mastered. -Mach 1 Ent Submit your song for possible placement We'll listen to your submitted song, and if we feel that it's a fit for any current projects that we're involved in, we'll submit it to the appropriate artists, labels and production & management teams. Torrez Music Group looking for Country Hits! Alex Torrez of TMG is looking for great songs to fit the Nashville Country Music Market. Any style or tempo. Listen to today's country radio for guidance. Please send your best only. TMG listens for songs to pitch to major country artist & producers. TMG placed Ronnie Dunn's single Cost of Living,Tracy Lawrence's single "Lie",Sony Nashville's Jerrod Neimann single Blue Bandana, Radio Disney's Tegan Maries single A Christmas Tree. While at Sony Alex Torrez secured over 40 major record label chart-topping singles recorded by artists like Martina McBride, the Dixie Chicks, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Brian White and others. - Torrez Music Group Seeking Bollywood and Middle Eastern Songs and Tracks Seeking Bollywood And Middle Eastern Songs And Tracks. Extreme High Quality Submissions only. Please only submit well mixed, mastered, and produced songs. No demos. IMPORTANT: High Quality submissions only. No demos will be accepted for this listing If selected, you will be offered an exclusive licensing contract. - Music Of The Sea Inc.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7025
__label__cc	0.593038	0.406962	Home Therapy Page 2 MyLymph.com - March 20, 2018 MyLymph.com - February 2, 2018 A Comprehensive Guide to Lymphedema in Children: Part 1 Children Lindsay Davey - October 4, 2017 Written by LINDSAY DAVEY and originally published here. Primary and secondary lymphedema in children is relatively rare, but carries with it the significant and lifelong burden of having... Is My Head and Neck Lymphedema ‘Normal’? MLD Lindsay Davey - October 4, 2017 Written by LINDSAY DAVEY and originally published here. What is the average patient’s experience of head and neck lymphedema? Am I a ‘typical’ case, or somehow unique? You may suspect... The Benefits of Aqua Cycling for Lower Limb Lymphedema Water Sports MyLymph.com - September 11, 2017 Aqua Cycling is making waves in the fitness world and is fast becoming a fitness phenomenon thanks its incredible health benefits. Inspired by the... Thermal Spas that Specialise in the Treatment of Lymphedema Therapy MyLymph.com - September 4, 2017 For thousand years people have benefited from the therapeutic properties of thermal waters to rejuvenate, invigorate and heal. Treatments based on thermal hot springs,... Arm Bandaging: A Step-By-Step Guide Bandaging MyLymph.com - August 2, 2017 This video demonstrates a clear, step-by-step guide on how to bandage the arm and fingers. Produced by the Michigan State University Rehabilitation Department. Another useful... Lymphedema Bandaging: The Essential Items You Need to Get Started. No matter which way you look at it, lymphedema bandaging is not the most fashionable trend one could hope to find themselves wearing! Wrapping... Night Compression MyLymph.com - August 2, 2017 Traditional approaches to night time compression include using short-stretch bandages, however, many people struggle to apply them comfortably (often they are too tight and... Flat-Knit & Circular-Knit Garments for Lymphedema Compression MyLymph.com - August 2, 2017 Lymphedema is a condition brought on by impaired lymphatic drainage that causes chronic inflammation in the body's tissues. The affected areas of the body... How Gradient Compression Works for Lymphatic & Venous Disorders If there is one thing that Lymphedema patients need to understand, it's how compression garments work! When diagnosed with Lymphedema, we are told that...	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7027
__label__cc	0.588612	0.411388	About NCA\|Newsroom\|Partner with NCA\|Blog\|Career Center \|Join NCA! Quarterly Market Sizing Coffee Reporter Weekly NCA Member Discounts NCA Next Generation Scientific Leadership Council What is Coffee? History of Coffee 10 Steps from Seed to Cup How to Store Coffee Coffee Roasts Guide Coffee Around the World How to Brew Coffee Illustrated Coffee Education Caffeine & Health Sustainability Showcase Coffee Gives Back Showcase Labor at Origin 2020 NCA Convention IARC FAQ Food Safety Plan Templates Coffee and Prop 65 PCQI Training Coffee and Cannabis Roasting Emissions: Environmental Workplace Safety & Diacetyl Partner with NCA National Coffee Association/About Coffee/Coffee Around the World The ideal conditions for coffee trees to thrive are found around the world in along the Equatorial zone called “The Bean Belt,” located between latitudes 25 degrees North and 30 degrees South. Finicky Arabica grows best at high altitudes in rich soil, while the heartier Robusta prefers a higher temperature and can thrive on lower ground. What impacts the quality and flavor of coffee? Everything from the variety of the plant, the chemistry of the soil, the weather, the amount of rainfall and sunshine, and even the precise altitude at which the coffee grows can affect the taste of the final product. These key variables, combined with the way the cherries are processed after being picked, contribute to the distinctions between coffees from countries, growing regions and plantations worldwide. The combination of factors is so complex, that even from a single plantation one finds variation in quality and taste. Coffee is grown in more than 50 countries around the world, including: North America & The Caribbean United States - Hawaii Though coffee farms are found throughout the Hawaiian islands, it is Kona coffee, from the large island of Hawaii, that is best known and always in high demand. Here, nature provides just the right environment for the coffee trees on the slopes of the active Mauna Loa volcano. Young trees are planted in black, volcanic soil so new that it often seems the farmers are growing seedlings in rock. Afternoon shade from tropical clouds forms a natural canopy over the trees to protect them from intense sun, and frequent island showers give the plants just right amount of rain. Kona coffee is carefully processed to create a deliciously rich, aromatic cup of medium body. Small Mexican coffee farms are more common than large plantations, but with over 100,000 coffee farmers, Mexico ranks as one of the largest coffee producing countries in the world. Most farms are in the southern states of Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas. A cup of Mexican coffee generally offers a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor, often with a pronounced sharpness. It is an excellent bean for dark roasts and is often used in blends. A Mexican coffee designated Altura means that it was grown at high altitudes. Coffee was brought to Puerto Rico from Martinique in 1736, and by the late 19th century, the island was the sixth leading exporter of coffee in the world. However, major hurricanes and competition from other coffee producing countries forced the island to seek other means for economic survival. Today, the coffee industry is being revived with carefully cultivated coffee from quality Arabica varieties that are produced to the highest standards. There are two major growing regions on the Caribbean island: Grand Lares in the south central region, and Yauco Selecto in the southwest. Both regions are noted for their beans’ balanced body and acidity, as well as a fruity aroma. While perhaps not as well-known as some of its Central and South American neighbors, Guatemala's coffee has a distinctive taste quality favored by many for its rich flavor. There are three main growing regions — Antigua, Coban and Huehuetanango — each with a breathtakingly rugged landscape and rich volcanic soil. Microclimates strongly influence the quality and flavor of the “strictly hard beans” (grown at altitudes 4500 feet/1370 meters or higher). This medium-to-full bodied coffee has a depth and complexity of taste that is almost spicy or chocolatey. Costa Rica produces only wet-processed Arabicas. With its medium body and sharp acidity, it’s often described as having perfect balance. Costa Rican coffee is grown on predominantly small farms, or fincas. After harvest, the cherries are immediately taken to state-of-the-art processing facilities, known as beneficios, where wet method processing begins. The careful attention to quality processing and conscientious growing methods have built Costa Rica’s reputation for fine coffee. Colombia is probably the world's best-known coffee producer and ranks second worldwide in yearly production. A high standard of excellence is maintained with great pride and careful growing on thousands of small family farms across the country. Such care and attention results in consistently good, mild coffees, with a well-balanced acidity. The rugged Colombian landscape provides the perfect natural environment for growing, but the terrain makes it difficult to transport the harvested coffee beans to production and shipment centers. Even today, this is often done by mule or Jeep. Colombian Supremo, the highest grade, has a delicate, aromatic sweetness while Excelso Grade is softer and slightly more acidic. Brazil is the biggest coffee producing country in the world, with seemingly endless expanses available for its production. Coffee plantations in Brazil often cover immense areas of land, needing hundreds of people to manage and operate them to produce huge quantities of coffee. Both Arabica and Robusta are grown, and the climate, soil quality and altitude determine which variety will grow best in which region. A fine cup of Brazilian is clear, sweet, medium-bodied, and low-acid. Coffee legend tells of the discovery of the first coffee trees in Ethiopia -- it’s not hard to believe that coffee originated where wild coffee tree forests are still the primary harvesting source. Generally wet processed, coffee from Ethiopia comes from one of three main growing regions — Sidamo, Harrar, Kaffa — and often bears one of those names. In the cup, an Ethiopian coffee tends to offer a remarkable and bold statement: full flavored, a bit down-to-earth and full bodied. Kenyan coffee is well-known and well-liked, both in the United States and Europe. The beans produce a sharp, fruity acidity, combined with full body and rich fragrance. Coffee is grown on the foothills of Mount Kenya, often by small farmers. Kenyan producers place an emphasis on quality and as a result, processing and drying procedures are carefully controlled and monitored. Kenya has its own unique grading system. Kenyan AA is the largest bean in a 10-size grading system, and AA+ means that it was estate grown. The Ivory Coast is one of the world's largest producers of Robusta coffee, which is strongly aromatic with a light body and acidity. This variety is ideally suited for a darker roast, so they’re often used in espresso blends. The Arabian Peninsula In the country where coffee was first commercially cultivated, coffee is still grown in the age-old, century-proven manner. Within the small, terraced gardens of family farms, you can almost always find a few coffee trees. Since water is scarce in this arid land, coffee beans grown here tend to be smaller, and more irregular in size and shape. Lack of water also means that the coffee cherries will be dry processed after harvest. The result is that Yemeni coffee has a distinctive taste that is deep, rich and like no other. In ancient times, when coffee was shipped from the famous Yemeni port of Mocha to destinations all over the world, the word Mocha became synonymous with Arabian coffee. The Dutch combined Arabian coffee with coffee grown on the island of Java to make the first coffee blend -- and one that is still well-known today -- Mocha Java. Indonesia, one of the world's largest countries, is composed of thousands of islands. Several of the larger islands — Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi — are known throughout the world for fine quality coffee. The coffee plant was introduced to Indonesia by Dutch colonists in the 17th century, and the country soon led the world's production. Today, small coffee farms of 1-2 acres predominate and most of it’s dry processed. Indonesian coffees are noted for a pronounced rich, full body and mild acidity. Indonesia is also known for its fine aged coffees, which were held over a period of time by farmers who wanted to sell them at higher prices. Warehousing gently ages the coffee in Indonesia's warm, damp climate and results in a coffee prized for even deeper body and less acidity. This process cannot be matched — even with today’s technology. Coffee originally came to Vietnam in the mid-nineteenth century when French missionaries brought Arabica trees from the island of Bourbon and planted them around Tonkin. More recently, coffee has been re-introduced and the coffee industry is growing so rapidly that Vietnam is rapidly becoming one of the world's largest producers. Today, small plantations, located in the southern half of the country, produce mostly Robusta coffee. With light acidity and mild body with good balance, Vietnamese coffee is frequently used for blending. Other coffee-producing nations include: Angola Ecuador Liberia Rwanda Bolivia El Salvador Madagascar Sierra Leone Burundi Ethiopia Malawi Tanzania Cameroon Gabon Nicaragua Thailand Central African Republic Ghana Panama Timor-Leste China Guinea Papua New Guinea Togo Côte d'Ivoire Haiti Paraguay Uganda Cuba Honduras Democratic Republic of Lao Venezuela Democratic Republic of Congo India Peru Zambia Dominican Republic Jamaica Philippines Zimbabwe Coffee Roast Guide Coffee, Caffeine, and Health NCA MARKET RESEARCH NCA PRIVACY POLICY \| TERMS & CONDITIONS \| NCA RESOURCES’ TERMS & CONDITIONS © National Coffee Association of U.S.A., Inc. 45 Broadway, Suite 1140, New York, NY 10006 Phone: 212 766-4007 Fax: 212 766-5815 Please note resources on the National Coffee Association USA website are not intended as specific legal, technical, or medical guidance. The NCA makes no warranty of legal applicability or compliance. You should not act upon any such information without first seeking qualified professional counsel on your specific matter.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7028
__label__wiki	0.710189	0.710189	Adult Career Development Adult Residential Criminal Justice Services Sentencing Advocacy & Mitigation HJH VTC- Baltimore CDL Class B SNAP Program NCIA files FOIA request with BOP for Compassionate Release Data by Joseph D. Allen, Esq. \| Jun 8, 2016 \| All CJS Blog, Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Blog \| 0 comments The BOP has come under strident criticism in recent years for its failure to adequately respond to inmates’ requests for compassionate release (also called Reduction in Sentence “RIS”). Groups like Human Rights Watch, Families Against Mandatory Minimums, and Public Source have written about the paucity of inmate compassionate release requests that successfully make it through the layers of bureaucracy, as well as the inadequacy of the BOP’s record keeping. However, a critical April, 2013 report by the DOJ Inspector General seems to have been the impetus for real change at the BOP. NCIA’s Herb Hoelter wrote about this development, noting that the OIG report “will hopefully force the BOP to take its responsibility seriously, and establish a protocol for release of its elderly, infirm and dying inmates.” To their credit, in August, 2013, the BOP issued a new and much more detailed policy, which included for the first time a record-keeping requirement. Under this policy, a “RIS Coordinator” at each of the 111 federal institutions (plus one each at the BOP Office of General Counsel, the Health Services Division, and the Correctional Programs Division) must be appointed to record vital information about every compassionate release request made to a Warden, and track the progress of the request through either denial or approval. Today, NCIA filed a thorough Freedom of Information Act request with the BOP Office of General Counsel requesting, among other items, every (anonymized) individual compassionate release request entry in the BOP’s database for the fiscal years 2013, 2014, and 2015. We also asked the BOP to confirm whether or not an RIS Coordinator has in fact been appointed at every federal institution, as required by their policy, and the date that all such appointments were completed. Last year, the BOP did respond to a FOIA request by Public Source’s Jeffrey Benzing, so there is every expectation that they will be forthcoming to our request (and in fact, the OGC did respond already today to officially acknowledge receipt of our request). However, the sparse data provided to Mr. Benzing was heavily redacted as “not responsive,” leaving only high-level 2014 numbers of inmates released (101), denied (121), and who died while their requests were being considered (11). And, critically, these were only numbers relating to requests actually received by the Central Office, not including any denied by Wardens. [The 2013 numbers were 61 released, 15 denied, and 12 who died. This seems to indicate that Wardens began forwarding many more compassionate release requests to the Central Office in 2014, but the proportion of requests approved by the Central Office also dropped significantly.] You’ll notice I wrote above that the compassionate release policy changes at the BOP seem to have brought real progress. With the release of this information, we will see whether they have followed through on implementing their policy, and whether it has translated into more inmates actually being released. Keep an eye on this blog for more updates and analysis on the evolving compassionate release process, including the related Sentencing Guidelines Amendments set to go into effect November, 2016. Joseph D. Allen, Esq. © 2020 NCIA \| All Rights Reserved	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7029
__label__wiki	0.814559	0.814559	googletwitterfacebook (604) 765-9748 \| Graphic design \| Website design DESIGNER FOR HIRE HomeLive to Spin Movie Live to Spin Movie Live To Spin is a documentary, filmed in high definition, revolving around the true drama, competition, and struggle that one Canadian Color Guard team has undergone while competing against the U.S. teams. Color Guard, also known as Winter Guard or Sport of the Arts, is an exciting world of performance and entertainment; a place where pageantry involves an array of equipment, movement, and skill. Color Guard. The term ‘Color Guard’ is one that very few people in Canada are familiar with, but it is a highly recognized sport in the United States (and therefore, only the U.S. spelling of color is recognized in the sport). Due to the lack of awareness and support needed to promote this sport in BC and Canada we decided to make a documentary about the team that will help educate people about this beautiful sport. The Live to Spin documentary features the Pacificaires Color Guard team, currently the only color guard team on the West Coast of Canada. You are invited to come behind the scenes and watch the team while they practice, while they compete, and discover exactly what it takes to be a member of a Color Guard team. We followed the team since September 2008 all the way to the World Championships in Ohio, April 2009. One year later, on April 9th Pacificaires team won gold for Canada and received the title of 2010 WGI World Champions in the Independent A Class. The following year, 2011 the team won gold for Canada in the Open Class and bronze in the Open Class in 2013. Congratulations!!!!!!! The “Live to Spin” documentary was broadcasted on Shaw TV on December 29, 2009 and January 3, 2010. The Cloverdale Reporter – Team Canada takes U.S. title The Leader – Color Guard turns gold Surrey Leader – On guard for sport Color Guard Educators – Live to Spin – Documentary The Now – Squad takes sport of the arts – ‘a step up from dancing’ – to Ohio Peace Arch News – With flying colours Surrey Leader – Showing B.C.’s colours The Express segment Gen Why featured the Pacificaires Color Guard in January, 2010. Buy Live to Spin DVD Live To Spin trailer credits: Nabil Lam, Anna Jakubowski, music by Peter John Ross & Kevin MacLeod The Express segment Gen Why. 1. Fulfills its function 2. Respects its materials 3. Is suited to method of production 4. Combines these in imaginative expression info@nolimitpro.com Clayton Heights, Surrey From Designer ...I try not to think out of the box anymore, but on its edge, its corner, its flap, and under its bar code. No Limit Productions © 2010 \| No Limit Productions	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7043
__label__wiki	0.841708	0.841708	Major funding provided by Andrew Carnegie: The Richest Man in the World \| Article The Steel Business https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/carnegie-steel-business/ Steel workers gaze on as molten steel is poured from ladle to casts at Homestead Steel Works, December 31, 1914. PD Andrew Carnegie's relentless efforts to drive down costs and undersell the competition made his steel mills the most modern in the world, the models for the entire industry. By 1900, Carnegie's steel was cheap. Suddenly bridges and skyscrapers were not only feasible but affordable, too. Steel fed national growth, accelerating the already booming industrial sector. Steel meant more jobs, national prestige, and a higher quality of life for many. For Carnegie's workers, however, cheap steel meant lower wages, less job security, and the end of creative labor. Carnegie's drive for efficiency cost steel workers their unions and control over their own labor. To the casual observer a Carnegie mill was chaos. "Wild shouts resounded amid the rumbling of an overhead train," McClure's Magazine reported of the Homestead mill in 1894. "On every side tumultuous action seemed to make every inch of ground dangerous. Savage little engines went rattling about among the piles of great beams. Dimly on my left were huge engines, moving with thunderous pounding." Indeed, flames, noise, and danger ruled the Carnegie mills. "Protective gear" consisted only of two layers of wool long-johns; horrible injuries were common. Wives and children came to dread the sound of factory whistles that meant an accident had occurred. "They wipe a man out here every little while," a worker said in 1893. "Sometimes a chain breaks, and a ladle tips over, and the iron explodes.... Sometimes the slag falls on the workmen.... Of course, if everything is working all smooth and a man watches out, why, all right! But you take it after they've been on duty twelve hours without sleep, and running like hell, everybody tired and loggy, and it's a different story." For Carnegie, efficiency, not safety, was paramount. His vast steel mills at Braddock, Duquesne, and Homestead boasted the latest equipment. As technology improved, Carnegie ordered existing equipment to be torn out and replaced. He quickly made back these investments through reduced labor costs, and his mills remained always the most productive in the world. Carnegie Bessemer converter, schematic diagram, December 5, 2005, PD The Lot of a Steel Worker The life of a 19th-century steel worker was grueling. Twelve-hour shifts, seven days a week. Carnegie gave his workers a single holiday-the Fourth of July; for the rest of the year they worked like draft animals. "Hard! I guess it's hard," said a laborer at the Homestead mill. "I lost forty pounds the first three months I came into this business. It sweats the life out of a man. I often drink two buckets of water during twelve hours; the sweat drips through my sleeves, and runs down my legs and fills my shoes." For many the work went without a break; others managed to find a few minutes here and there. "We stop only the time it takes to oil the engine," a stop of three to five minutes, said William McQuade, a plate-mill worker in 1893. "While they are oiling they eat, at least some of the boys, some of them; a great many of them in the mill do not carry anything to eat at all, because they haven't got time to eat. The demanding conditions sapped the life from workers. "You don't notice any old men here," said a Homestead laborer in 1894. "The long hours, the strain, and the sudden changes of temperature use a man up." Sociologist John A. Fitch called it "old age at forty." For his trouble, the average worker in 1890 received about 10 dollars a week, just above the poverty line of 500 dollars a year. It took the wages of nearly 4,000 steelworkers to match the earnings of Andrew Carnegie. A Ferocious Geyser of Saffron and Sapphire The squat, egg-shaped Bessemer converter seemed an unlikely candidate to lead a revolution in manufacturing. Yet when it roared to life in a geyser of flame, nothing could be more beautiful or more terrible. The device transformed pig iron into steel, a process previously managed by highly skilled artisans working with small batches. With the Bessemer converter, relatively unskilled men could make vast quantities of steel cheaply. Carnegie invested heavily in the converters, installing them in his Edgar Thomson Steel Works at Braddock, PA. In August 1875, the Bessemers at Edgar Thomson made their first blow. Cold air shot through the bottom of the vessels and through the molten iron. The heat increased tremendously, burning out impurities in the iron and forming steel. The process was simple, but the effect was extraordinary. In 1893 McClure's Magazine described the results: Out of each pot roared alternately a ferocious geyser of saffron and sapphire flame, streaked with deeper yellow. From it a light streamed -- a light that flung violet shadows everywhere and made the gray outside rain a beautiful blue. A fountain of sparks arose, gorgeous as ten thousand rockets, and fell with a beautiful curve, like the petals of some enormous flower. Overhead the beams were glowing orange in a base of purple. The men were yellow where the light struck them, violet in shadow.... The pot began to burn with a whiter flame. Its fluttering, humming roar silenced all else.... A shout was heard, and a tall crane swung a gigantic ladle under the converting vessel, which then mysteriously up-ended, exploding like a cannon a prodigious discharge of star-like pieces of white-hot slag.... Down came the vessel, until out of it streamed the smooth flow of terribly beautiful molten metal. As it ran nearly empty and the ladle swung away, the dropping slag fell to the ground exploding, leaping viciously, and the scene became gorgeous beyond belief, with orange and red and green flame. The Bessemer converter became obsolete by the 1930s, and the last Bessemer in North America went out of commission in the 1960s. The only remaining Bessemer shop on earth is operating in the Ural mountains of Russia. The Open-Hearth Furnace By the turn of the century, most of Carnegie's steel came from vast brick ovens called open-hearth furnaces. They were the future of steel-making. In 1890 at Homestead, the world's largest open-hearth mill, 16 furnaces ran-each producing forty tons of steel every six hours. Open-hearth furnaces produced terrific heat and used the waste gases of the molten iron to generate even more heat, nearly 3,000 degrees. Fires blazed at both sides of the hearth, passing heated currents of air and gas alternately from each fire over the molten iron. The waste gas passed into chambers above the two fires, trapping heat in special firebrick and making the next flow of gas even hotter. The extreme heat eventually burned out the impurities in the iron, resulting in silvery white steel. Before the furnace was tapped and the steel poured out, workers banged on beams to warn others to take cover. "Jesus, it was hot," recalled a worker. "If there was water in the molds when they would tap it, the damn thing would explode and metal would fly all over the area." The steel was finished by adding carbon and manganese-not as simple as it sounds. In 1919 an open-hearth worker described the process in his diary: "You lift a large sack of coal to your shoulders, run towards the white hot steel in a hundred-ton ladle, must get close enough without burning your face off to hurl the sack, using every ounce of strength, into the ladle and run, as flames leap to roof and the heat blasts everything to the roof. Then you rush out to the ladle and madly shovel manganese into it, as hot a job as can be imagined." By the middle of the 20th century, the open-hearth process was surpassed by other technologies. The last open-hearth furnaces in North America were bricked up in the 1980s. A Tough Partner Henry Clay Frick's stormy partnership with Andrew Carnegie proved to be his worst mistake, scarring his reputation and costing him control of his own company. The Strike at Homestead Mill The bitter conflict in 1892 at his steel plant in Homestead, Pennsylvania revealed Andrew Carnegie's conflicting beliefs regarding the rights of labor. The Railroads When Carnegie joined the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1853, trains carried a sense of wonder. At six cents a mile, a ride didn't come cheap, but it guaranteed a thrill. Footer Information and Navigation Email: Zip/Postal Code: Sign up for the American Experience newsletter! (Enter your ZIP code for information on American Experience events and screening in your area.) #AmericanExperiencePBS PBS Privacy Policy Additional funding provided by Viewers Like You! ©1996–2020 WGBH Educational Foundation American Experience Newsletter Email: Zip/Postal Code: Get the latest on new films and digital content, learn about events in your area, and get your weekly fix of American history.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7049
__label__wiki	0.591538	0.591538	Exelixis appoints Andrew Peters to newly created position He joins the biotech as its vice president, strategy California, US-based biotechnology group Exelixis has appointed Andrew Peters as vice president of strategy. In this newly created role, Peters will work with the Exelixis leadership team to refine the company’s mid- and long-term strategy, which is focused on advancing the next generation of Exelixis medicines. Commenting on his appointment, Michael Morrissey, president and chief executive officer of Exelixis, said: “Andrew’s extensive experience as a biotechnology industry analyst makes him a valuable addition to the Exelixis team as we work to identify potential future growth opportunities for the company. “His familiarity with Exelixis and the biotech landscape should make for a seamless transition into his new role.” Prior to his new role, Peters served as a director and senior analyst for Deutsche Bank Securities. He has also held roles UBS Securities, Susquehanna International Group and Morgan Joseph & Co. From: Sales Onyx Health boosts healthcare practice Life continues restructure Tonic founders launch new company Ipsen’s liver cancer treatment clears phase III trial Can Advertising adds new lead designer Account Manager, Healthcare Advertising Agency Senior Client Relationship Lead/ Client Service Director – Medical Communications and Technology - Home Based - UK Senior Account Executive, Healthcare Advertising NantKwest rockets on promising pancreatic cancer data AMICULUM® is an independent global healthcare communications, consulting and learning business with a global team of >220 healthcare communications professionals,...	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7055
__label__wiki	0.902735	0.902735	Political Tidbits is the prestigious column of Belinda Olivares-Cunanan that ran for 25 continuous years in the op-ed page of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the newspaper that she helped put up with its multi-awarded founder, the legendary Eugenia Duran-Apostol, in December 1985, just two months before the EDSA Revolution. President Duterte wants to withdraw PH from Rome Statute that created the Int'l Criminal Court---sans approval of the Senate as required by the Constitution. Without Senate action, however, as Justice Carpio stresses, Duterte's move would be invalid. But what's Presidential Legal Adviser Sal Panelo saying that PH has, in fact, already withdrawn from the ICC? The Senate should summon Panelo to explain. A new conflict is brewing which promises to pit President Duterte and his legal team headed by Secretary Sal Panelo, and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea in one corner, vs. Vice President Leni Robredo, senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and the opposition bloc in the Senate, led by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon. Except for the stand of Associate Justice Carpio who is perceived to be quite independent-minded, the verbal tussle over the Philippines' membership in the International Criminal Court---between the President and his legal team vs. Vice President Leni Robredo and the Senate opposition on the other hand---will be perceived wrongly as political. The present controversy should be apolitical, however, as it is rooted in the Constitution. Proof is that this issue is pending in the Supreme Court where oral arguments on the validity or non-validity of PH's intention to withdraw from the ICC was heard last Tuesday. Remember Fatou Bensouda, the feisty Gambian special prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) who came here last Feb. 08, 2018 purportedly to start preliminary investigation on alleged human rights violations in this country, in connection with the Duterte's administration's intensified war on drugs? Bensouda's visit and utterances caught world attention, provoking angry threats from President Duterte---that led to his announcement last March 17, 2018 of our country's purported withdrawal of support for the Rome Statute that created the ICC. But that controversy simmered down after select voices made Mr. Duterte realize that backing out of the Rome Statute would give the country a worse black eye in the international community---perhaps even affirming all the more his brutal war vs. drugs here, that he doesn't want it investigated. Hence, nothing further erupted in the word war between the President and Bensouda. That truce was apparently temporary, for Mr. Duterte was quoted in Philippine Star recently as reviving his intention to withdraw the country from commitment to the ICC. Such withdrawal, however, is not that simple. The Philippines was signatory to the Rome Statute that established the ICC, which came into full force on July 1, 2017 in Rome, with 123 states as party to the Statute, including the Philippines. But just as there is a way for this country to enter into a treaty, as expressed in the Philippine Constitution, there is also a prescribed way to withdraw our commitment. Sec. 21 of Article VII on the "Executive Department" in the Constitution states that "No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate." After last Tuesday's hearing of the SC on President Duterte's intention to withdraw Philippine commitment to the ICC, Senior SC Associate Justice Antonio Carpio was quoted in Philippine Star as asserting, "The President's duty is to faithfully execute the law. You said that a treaty has the status of a law. So the President has to faithfully execute a treaty, correct?" Carpio stressed that inasmuch as commitment to the ICC is THE RESULT OF A TREATY, to repeal it, Congress must also first pass a new law for such purpose. Or to put it another way, the senior magistrate asserted to Malacanang: "YOU CANNOT OBVIOUSLY REPEAL THE TREATY YOURSELF, CORRECT? YOU CANNOT ABROGATE IT, CORRECT? (emphasis BOC's). Or to still put it differently, the SC senior magistrate stressed: "If IT IS NOT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE PRESIDENT TO BE PART OF (A TREATY) IT'S ALSO NOT HIS SOLE DISCRETION TO WITHDRAW FROM IT." (emphasis BOC's). But Carpio also reminded the senators and Mr. Duterte that to repeal a treaty, "you don't need 2/3 or a majority of the members of the Senate, but only a majority of the quorum of the members." Vice President Leni Robredo, on the other hand, reminded Mr. Duterte that "our membership in the ICC was not a sole discretion of the President---membership was the decision of an entire body." VP Robredo was being pragmatic, though, as she stressed that Philippine membership in the ICC "also assures (various) peoples' protection from human rights violations in their countries, so that when the time comes that we can no longer defend ourselves (from human rights abuses) there will be other countries who share our beliefs, to protect us." A group called the "Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court," led by the former Chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Loretta Ann Rosales, is seeking to invalidate the country's withdrawal from the ICC. Six senators from the Opposition, led by Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, also weighed in on the controversy, stressing the role of the Senate in enforcing a treaty---or abrogating it. Predictably, the President's men rallied to his defense. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdia stressed that "Any time Mr. Duterte, as Chief Architect of Philippine policy, could withdraw from the ICC without consulting the Senate." Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, on the other hand, made a more interesting---and thereby pertinent---assertion. He was quoted as saying that "Duterte cannot be put under the jurisdiction of the ICC for allegedly extra-judicial killings related to the administration's drug war, AS THE PHILIPPINES ALREADY WITHDREW FROM THE ROME STATUTE." Moreover, Panel asserted that since the Rome Statute "did not ripen into a law because it was not published in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general publication, thus it never had the effect of a measure." Presidential Legal Adviser Sal Panelo's startling assertion that the Philippines already withdrew from the Rome Statute ought to be examined, IF THERE ARE SENATORS WIDE AWAKE AT THIS MOMENT. At the very least they should summon the debonair Panelo about this declaration---which, if true, debases the CONSTITUTIONAL PREROGATIVE of the Senate to approve or withdraw support for the Rome Statute, or for any international treaty, for that matter. Clearly foreseeable, however, is that Mr. Duterte's reputation abroad as one who resorts to summary justice would widen even more. Let's hope and pray that he does not act from pure whim, but as a statesman worthy of international respect. Posted by Veteran Journalist and Relentless Advocate of Truth at 7:01 PM No comments: INQUIRER SAYS RETIRE NAIA. I SAY CONVERT IT TO PURELY DOMESTIC AIRPORT AND BEEF UP CLARK AIRPORT AS INT'L GATEWAY IN LUZON, EVEN AS RAMON ANG & HENRY SY/WILSON TIENG GROUPS ARE COOKING UP PROPOSALS FOR INT'L AIRPORT IN BULACAN & SANGLEY IN CAVITE, RESPECTIVELY. AYALA/ABOITIZ GROUP WANTS TO CONSTRUCT A SECOND RUNWAY AT NAIA. Pandemonium at NAIA 2 after Xiamen Jet accident Young ladies whiling away time at NAIA 2 Terminal while awaiting flight resumptions. Last Friday’s accident at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)---ironically just five days ahead of the 35th commemoration of Ninoy Aquino’s heroism and martyrdom at the NAIA premises Aug. 21---was WAITING TO HAPPEN. Most everyone whose plane has ever taken off or arrived at NAIA has been keenly aware of how precarious the situation of our premier airport is, especially for the big birds. Last Friday the inevitable happened: a Xiamen Air Jet skidded off on NAIA’s one and only international runway due to heavy rains, and got stuck in the mud. The resultant chaos in international flights to and from Manila we continue to feel till now. To cope with the closure of that solitary NAIA runway, 70 international flights also had to be cancelled to prevent massive pile-up at NAIA while dozens upon dozens of international flights had to be diverted to Mactan in Cebu and to Clark Airport in Central Luzon, as well as to Hongkong, Ho Chi Minh, KL and Bangkok. The impact in economic losses for both international airlines as well as the PH economy would be felt for weeks to come--- but most important of all, we Pinoys have come to realize with finality how vulnerable NAIA truly is. The bad thing is that the whole world now knows our weakness. Sadly, however, the only positive musing we could muster was how lucky it was that it was a smaller plane like Xiamen Air that slid off the runway, as it could be lifted by two cranes the day after the accident. What if it were one of those really big long birds! For decades various administrations have planned the modernization of NAIA and an absolute imperative was to construct another runway for those gigantic planes, but this never came about. NAIA has only one runway for international flights and a shorter one for domestic flights. It has been outmoded for a long while, and Metro Manila---a teeming jungle of humanity---has had only one airport---the one honoring Ninoy Aquino (what a disservice to him!). Contrast Manila's predicament with Tokyo, which has three airports: the Haneda Airport which is much like NAIA in proximity---25 km. from city center. Then there is Yokota, 40 km. from city center, used by the US Air Force, but which could be an emergency airport for the civilian population. Then there's Narita, the most used, 70 km. away. The thing to do now is to come to a forthright decision about NAIA. Today’s Inquirer editorial asserts that it’s "Time to retire NAIA.” As stressed, the airport that was meant to serve at most 31 million passengers a year is now strained to service 42 million passengers---and projected to rise to 47 million by 2020. My suggestion---and I’m sure officials of the Duterte administration have thought about this---is to convert NAIA to a COMPLETELY DOMESTIC AIRPORT handling increasing local flights as various resorts in the country take off with our tourism program. Corollary to this, CONCENTRATE ON TURNING CLARK INTO THE PRINCIPAL INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY OF AND TO THE PHILIPPINES. I have flown out of Clark a number of times for Europe and I notice that it still has remained like a poor cousin to NAIA, with limited flights to and from PH as well as limited facilities for passengers. Now that the disaster waiting to happen in NAIA has happened, I’d suggest that Clark be converted fast into the country’s premier international airport, and equipped with all the comforts and facilities as such. Clark’s advantages are several: principally, it has an excellent runway built by the Americans and great for the big birds. If another runway is necessary, land is available all around---unlike in NAIA in Paranaque where land is so tight, or if available, only at astronomical prices as the authorities would have to purchase subdivisions completely populated, if a second international runway were to be built. For us Filipinos, many of whom exhibit an insular mentality so that additional travel time to Clark is anathema, make the travel to this former US base easy and comfortable. If need be, let's construct a separate highway to address traffic to and from Clark to Metro Manila, as such highway would be far cheaper as it would only involve mainly rice lands. And ultimately, construct a railway to and from Clark to Manila for passengers and goods---far cheaper than expropriating plush subdivisions around NAIA in Parañaque for a second international runway. On the other hand, Cebu International Airport also has to be refurbished and upgraded to fully function as an international gateway---to absorb ALL the traffic to and from the progressive island provinces in the Visayas. End goal is to divert air traffic from Manila. In terms of population and potential for growth, PH cannot be considered small or even medium-size. Let us think big, but let's also put solid planning into our dreams and ambitions. I have traveled quite a bit in my professional work and I have been to some of the best airports in the world. Among the latest is the Malpensa Airport outside Milan in Italy, which took my breath away with its size, efficiency and amenities---so impressive. We can’t afford to stand still, as our neighboring countries are modernizing their airports. In Hongkong, reclamation is going on for a THIRD RUNWAY, with two terminals to be built. Kuala Lumpur’s airport is reachable in an hour by car, or ½ hour by high-speed train to city center. Singapore’s Changi Airport is developing A THIRD RUNWAY, along with Terminal 5. NAIA’S disaster waiting to happen indeed happened last Friday, but let’s already stop wringing our hands and tossing blame around---instead, let’s buckle down to work. The San Miguel Conglomerate, the largest in the country and led by dynamic visionary tycoon Ramon Ang, is said to be mulling a $15-billion international "aerotropolis" in Bulacan, Bulacan, with FOUR RUNWAYS and a proposed spillway into Manila of floodings in the area. On the other hand, a group led by the Henry Sy/Wilson Tieng consortium, in partnership with the Cavite local government, is said to be considering expanding the Danilo Atienza Air Base of the Philippine Air Force in Sangley Point, with some reclamation, at a cost of P763B. There's also the P350-B plan of the Ayala/Aboitiz and leading taipans to build a second NAIA runway and expand and link the three airport terminals. These plans are great and now is the time to DREAM BIG AND EXECUTE THOSE PLANS during the administration of President Duterte who likes to project himself as a dynamic leader. He’s still equipped with plenty of political capital---this is the time to show it off with sound decisions that will benefit the entire country. President Duterte graces PDP-Laban celebration where Nene Pimentel serenades him with popular postwar ditty, "You are my Sunshine, my only Sunshine." Bigger focus, however, on Sara's "Hugpong ng Pagbabago" especially given Duterte's recent revelation about his desire to "step down" and Star's banner today about his intention to join Sara's HNP. Query: is HNP preparing Sara for "succession to the throne?" Photos taken during launch of Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) last week (photos by Ian Cruz from Tweeter) Last Wednesday evening, Aug15, PDP-Laban, the party founded by former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Sr and son, former Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, held a reunion at the GSIS compound next to the Senate, to launch its "PDP-Care" program for typhoon victims. Gracing the occasion was no less than President Rodrigo Duterte who ran and won under its banner in 2016. It seemed like a convivial gathering of political forces, so that 85-year old Nene Pimentel---all white hair now and voice raspier than ever---even took to singing the American ditty popularized during early post-war years, “You Are My Sunshine, My only Sunshine,” and dedicated it to Mr. Duterte, "who has always been my sunshine.” The President, staying late into the evening, graciously acknowledged Nene's tribute. Behind the festive atmosphere of the PDP-Laban celebration, however, loomed the shadow of the new “regional party” announced days ago by presidential daughter and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, the “Hugpong ng Pagbabago” (HNP), in a launch in Paranaque City.. Like an ultra-powerful magnet, the HNP instantly attracted various political groupings---though most of them were hardly the “regional” type. To be sure, there was initially a sprinkling of regional politicians from Mindanao and the Visayas at Sara’s launch---a total of 11 governors. More significant, however, were those from the national political parties who flocked to the HNP launch, flaunting the Duterte signature fist-bump. Adding to the political excitement over this new "regional" party is the fact that today, Friday, Aug. 17, the Philippine Star headlined that Duterte will join Sara's HNP. This news headline should not be treated with incredulity, however, as blood is thicker than water, most especially in politics. Boosting the HNP were national figures like Sen. Cynthia Villar and Rep. Pia Cayetano of the Nationalista Party, whose son and sibling, respectively, are key members of the President’s Cabinet---namely Secretary Mark Villar of Public Works and Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano of Foreign Affairs. Also very prominent at the HNP launch were Gov. Imee Marcos of the “Ilocano Timpuyong” NP Ilocos chapter; Rep. Fredesnil Castro of the National Unity Party; Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte of Serbisyo ng Bayan Party; former Batangas Rep. Mark Leandro Mendoza, secretary-general of the Nationalist People’s Coalition; and Gov. Lilia Pineda of the Kambilan Pampanga, who's very close to Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Another recruit was Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. Statistics-wise, attendance at Sara Duterte’s HNP launch may still be too insignificant to be touted as a “regional party:” 2 out of 23 senators; 1 House member out of 292 members; 11 of 81 governors. But noteworthy was Sara's release of HNP's initial list of senatorial candidates to back up for the 2019 mid-term elections: former PNP Chief Bato de la Rosa, presidential aide Bong Go (despite his frequent denials, he went around distributing relief goods during the storm) and Sen. J.V. Ejercito. Certain to also be included is Harry Roque. Sara was quoted saying that the HNP supports the ruling PDP-Laban and has no wish to take away its members. As she put it, “We do not meddle with the factional problem of the PDP-Laban.” With the entry into the national political ring of the new “regional” party from the South, however, all eyes would be on the fate of PDP-Laban, the party under which Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ran for the presidency in 2016 and won. PDP-Laban leaders have admitted that some of their politicos are flocking to HNP, and this has led to “confusion” among party leaders as PDP struggles for unity and survival ahead of the 2019 mid-term elections. At the outset, Mr. Duterte was quoted saying he has nothing to do with the HNP of his daughter, but he is also set to grace the swearing-in and oath-taking of its political leaders. As if to make amends, however, he also attended the anniversary celebration of PDP-Laban last Wednesday. Then came the expected, delivered by the Philippine Star headline today: Duterte is joining HNP. The question now is, what happens to PDP-Laban with its "super-majority," if Duterte himself is abandoning the party he won under? The situation is becoming tough for PDP-Laban. Senator Koko Pimentel, a stout ally of the President, was yanked out of the presidency of the Senate and the party's majority leader, Sen. Tito Sotto. was installed in that post. Koko admitted in media that “the possibility of HNP endorsing national candidates could be an issue to the ruling party.” Clearly an understatement. Governor Anthony del Rosario of Davao del Norte, one of the HNP stalwarts, admitted that his group did not anticipate “the level of interest that other political parties had with (Sara Duterte) Carpio’s party.” Del Rosario also stressed anew that the HNP supports President Duterte’s political agenda and will endorse 8 senators all supportive of him. Sara Duterte, however, does not seem confused and in fact was candidly quoted in media as saying, “I am confused with (the PDP-Laban’s) confusion.” HNP, she insisted, “is not a national political party. Perhaps the right way to put HNP in perspective is that it's a 'regional party' with super-strong 'national links.' ” One grizzled LP stalwart who has seen administrations come and go over decades, noted to this blogger the super-strength demonstrated by Sara Zimmerman Duterte-Carpio, e.g., the unceremonious ouster of the object of her reported ire---Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who was replaced by Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. This pundit also noted the easy removal of staunch presidential ally Koko Pimentel from the Senate Presidency and his replacement by Majority Leader Tito Sotto, also of PDP-Laban. In both cases, noted this pundit, "both party leaders were ousted without Malacanang throwing its vaunted “life savers.’ ” If this analyst is to be believed, we are witnessing in the HNP today preparations for "succession to the throne.” This theory becomes especially fascinating in the light of yesterday's Inquirer banner: “DU30: I’m thinking of stepping down.” Sara Duterte as defender of the political fate of her father, especially if it should worsen, or as eventual successor to the throne through an electoral coup in 2022? Any which way, Duterte's popular daughter is---as the French would say---"tres formidable." In aftermath of firing of Deputy Ombudsman Carandang, new Ombudsman Martires will be measured by same yardstick of arrogant independence that Conchita Morales displayed. Titimbangin si Martires nguni't kulang kaya? In happier times, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales and Deputy Melchor Arthur Carandang Newly appointed Ombudsman Samuel Martires takes his oath of office before Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio The sacking of Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang by President Duterte, as conveyed in a 10-page decision by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea last July 30 will be watched for weeks, months and even years to come---for a good number of reasons. The Palace had objected to the disclosure by Carandang of bank records of the Duterte family, which it felt Senator Antonio Trillanes could use to accuse the President of plunder. Carandang had claimed that the figures were obtained from the Anti-Money Laundering Council. Actually, sympathizers of the President are predictably rallying to his defense inasmuch as the release of the figures would be regarded as questionable from their perspective. As Presidential Legal Adviser Sal Panelo put it, "What is patently illegal is that Carandang created a prejudiced environment against a person he is investigating".There is some truth to this, no doubt. For the moment, however, the legality or non-legality of Deputy Ombudsman Carandang's disclosure of the supposed wealth of the presidential family becomes less interesting---compared to the way he was dealt with by the Administration and implications for the Office of the Ombudsman in the long run. A major point at issue here is the harshness of the manner whereby Carandang was fired. According to Secretary Medialdea the dismissal order spells "accessory penalties" of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, being barred from taking civil service examinations and perpetual disqualification from holding public office." For a civil servant with lifelong service to the government, the forfeiture of retirement benefits is doubtless the harshest, as it deprives him of the nest egg he hopes to enjoy in the twilight of his life. What's interesting was that the Palace clearly waited until Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales was safely retired two weeks ago, before firing Carandang. Actually ex-Ombudsman Morales already clashed with the Palace over her Deputy's dismissal by the Palace as early as last Feb. 1, but the fiercely independent and seemingly arrogant Morales simply refused to carry it out. Morales argued with her signature arched-eyebrows that the President had no business firing Carandang, inasmuch as the Supreme Court had ruled as early as Jan. 28, 2014 that the provision of the "Ombudsman Act" of 1989 that gives the Office of the President disciplining powers over the government's watchdog deputies is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. As per that Act, only the Ombudsman can discipline his or her deputy, and she probably would have done so, except that the Palace couldn't wait for her retirement to cool off a bit in axing Deputy Carandang. . As Morales insisted to media, "The Ombudsman will not allow herself to betray her sworn duty to uphold the Constitution by recognizing what is patently unconstitutional, as ordained by the Supreme Court." There were initial threats about impeaching Morales on this issue, but this was abandoned inasmuch as the feisty lady graft-buster remained popular and admired for her guts vis-a-vis Duterte. While Morales was in the saddle, the Duterte administration kept its distance. The Palace appointed 69-year old former Supreme Court Justice Samuel Martires last Monday as Morales' successor and all eyes are now on the poor man, who will be measured by standards set by the feisty lady. Would Martires enforce the President's order to kick out Carandang or would he have the guts to follow his gutsy predecessor on her avowal of independence for the office? Recall that the Palace had already clashed with Ombudsman Morales when it ordered the 90-day suspension of her Deputy Ombudsman---on the issue of his supposedly irregular release of bank records of the Duterte family, allegedly in the billions, to the President's arch-critic, Sen.Antonio Trillanes. The Palace feared that the information supposedly from AMLC would be used by Trillanes to charge Mr. Duterte with plunder. Solicitor-General Jose Calida of quo warranto fame defended the validity of Carandang's dismissal resulting from this issue---arguing that the Constitution does not bar the President from disciplining a deputy official. The Administration's rationale seemed to be that the authority TO HIRE also implies the authority TO FIRE, but this is not upheld by recent decisions of the Supreme Court. Some observers rue, however, that SC decisions are not cast in stone, and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque has already predicted confidently this reversal by the SC.. New Ombudsman Martires, however, seems to take the safe way out when he stressed that the sacking of Deputy Ombudsman Carandang "is a matter left to the courts to decide." . President Duterte will retire on June 30, 2022, and until then, it is easy to predict that many legal skirmishes will still be fought by his officials in his name. With the retirement of the feisty Conchita Carpio Morales, aunt of the President's son-in-law, lawyer Maneses Carpio, last July 26, the ball is now in the court of new Ombudsman Martires whose association with Mr. Duterte appears to have come a long way. Some observers don't give Mr. Martires the same allowance for impartiality that Carpio Morales displayed. For one, Martires, a fraternity brod of President Duterte, who took his oath as Associate Justice on March 8, 2017---who also happened to be Mr. Duterte's very first appointee to the SC. Justice Martires had previously occupied the post of Sandiganbayan for 10 years, starting in 2005, leaving a trail of controversial decisions. In 2012, he rendered the verdict clearing Marcos and Bobby Ongpin in the alleged Binondo Central Bank scam. News accounts also said that in April 2013, Martires penned the Sandiganbayan resolution upholding the plea bargaining agreement struck between military comptroller Carlos Garcia and the Ombudsman. The Filipino people are in for interesting times. Posted by Veteran Journalist and Relentless Advocate of Truth at 5:10 PM 1 comment: About Bel Cunanan Veteran Journalist and Relentless Advocate of Truth NCR, Philippines Belinda Olivares-Cunanan is a veteran journalist with 25 years of experience writing a political column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. She is a Rotary Club of Manila Hall of Fame awardee for journalism. She has also received the Distinguished Alumna Award from her elementary and high school alma mater, the College of the Holy Spirit, and the Alumni Association Professional Award for Journalism from the University of the Philippines (UP). President Duterte wants to withdraw PH from Rome S... INQUIRER SAYS RETIRE NAIA. I SAY CONVERT IT TO PU... President Duterte graces PDP-Laban celebration whe... In aftermath of firing of Deputy Ombudsman Caranda... A day to remember at the House of Representatives: how people power in red “occupied” the House for one brief shining moment at close to midnight of Tuesday, Dec. 4, over nominal voting on Garcia amendment---despite absence of quorum. Integrity of Secretariat count in House votations is now challenged. Last night, Tuesday, Dec. 04, was a day like no other for this writer, who has been covering our legislative institutions for three deca... Reports circulating that P-Noy was so stunned as all hell broke loose in Mamasapano around 9am., a totally unexpected scenario. As various probes appear and P-Noy’s allies circle the wagons, would the Filipino people really ever know the truth? FVR accuses P-Noy of breaking chain of command. What happened in Maguindanao reminds me of the saying, “For want of a nail, the shoe was lost; for want of the shoe, the horse was lost…” In my blog of last Monday, Feb. 2, I recounted the account of the lone survivor among the 44 slain SAF commandoes, as narrated over TV ... The current imbroglio between Comelec Chief Andy Bautista and estranged wife Trisha does not follow the traditional pattern, for Andy’s mother-in-law, the glamorous Baby Cruz Vasquez, is his biggest defender. This case is expected to result in an impeachment trial if only to divert public attention away from some of the administration’s deficiencies The Andres Bautistas and Andy Bau's mom-in-law, the beautous Baby Cruz Vasquez in happier times Indeed, nothing like a public... Anderson Cooper’s searing indictment of absence of a “ leader, government and civil defense” in PH tough to dispute---as citizens have been lamenting this issue on national level for some time now. With massive foreign aid pouring in, there should be a Rehabilitation Czar of unquestionable integrity and competence, to plan and oversee the reconstruction and rehab of calamity-stricken Visayas. Crack CNN staffer Anderson Cooper summed up for the giant network’s international viewers his team’s judgment on the situation in Yolan... The Grinch that’s stealing our Christmas: the Aquino regime’s Dengvaxia. A truly sad story about how politics corrupts even the most sensitive of issues: the people’s health. Amendments should be made to insulate crucial health regulatory agencies truly independent of the DOH, so that similar nightmare won’t visit us again Photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer showing former Health Secretary Janette Garin administering Dengvaxia vaccine shot on a school girl.... @June 2010 Belinda Olivares Cunanan. Watermark theme. Powered by Blogger.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7056
__label__wiki	0.610515	0.610515	Tel: +49 157 72492608 Email: pst@pst-global.com Research and Casestudy Scientific CD Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) and Intracellular Processes New gene findings: what are the implications for OA? (1990). Syntex Laboratories, Inc. 17(10):1,9. Adey WR (1993). Whispering between cells: electromagnetic fields and regulatory mechanisms in tissue. Frontier Prospectives, 3 (2):21-25. Summary: "At the core of observed sensitivities to low-level EM fields are a series of cooperative processes. One such series involves calcium ion building and release. Available evidence points to their occurrence at cell membranes and on cell surfaces in the essential first steps of detecting EM fields. Also, attention is now directed to newly defined roles for free radicals, that may also participate in highly cooperative detection of weak magnetic fields, 'even at levels below thermal (kT) noise."(p.21) "It is at the atomic level that physical processes, rather than chemical reactions in the fabric of molecules, appear to shape the transfer of energy and the flow of signals in living systems." (p. 24) Adey WR (1988). Physiological signaling across cell membranes and cooperative influences of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields. In: Frohlich H, ed. Biological Coherence and Response to External Stimuli. Springer-Verlag, 148-170. Summary: Discussion of required field intensities as they affect degrees of cooperativity. Akizuki S, Mow VC, Muller F, Pita JC, Howell DS, Manicourt DH (1986). Tensile properties of human knee cartilage: I. Influence of ionic conditions, weight bearing, and fibrillation on the tensile modulus. J Orthop Res, 4(4):397-392. Summary: "The flow-independent (intrinsic) tensile modulus of the extracellular matrix [ECM] of human knee joint cartilage has been measured for normal, fibrillated, and osteoarthritic (removed from knee joint replacements) cartilage. ...The tensile modulus of the ECM correlates strongly with the collagen/proteoglycan ratio." (p.379) Anderson JC, Eriksson C (1968). Electrical properties of wet collagen. Nature, 218:166-168. Summary: "The electrical properties of dried collagen and bone have been studied by Fukada and Yasuda. Both were shown to be piezoelectric, producing a measurable potential between opposite faces when stressed and also deforming on application of a voltage.... The mechanism of streaming potential at its simplest depends on the absorption of one type of ion on the surface of the molecule, with an associated diffuse layer of ions of the opposite type extending out from the molecular surface. When the liquid streams past the molecule there is a net transport of one type of ion with a resulting potential gradient, which may be measured by means of electrodes placed in the stream. The magnitude of the streaming potential is dependent on the type of molecule and the pH of the solution." (p.166) "These results with wet collagen imply that, because it exhibits no piezoelectric effect, it belongs to a group of higher symmetry than does the dry material." (p.167) Bassett CAL, Pawluk RJ (1972). Electrical behavior of cartilage during loading. Science, 178:982-983. Summary: "When cartilage is deformed, it becomes electrically polarized. At least two mechanisms seem to underlie this phenomenon, namely, a short-duration, high-amplitude, piezoelectric-like response and a longer-duration, lower-amplitude response secondary to streaming potentials. the polarity of articular cartilage during loading could hypothetically facilitate joint lubrication."(p.982) "... regions of growth are characteristically electro-negative.... Joint lubrication during loading occurs largely as a result of the adherence of sodium hyaluronate to the articular surface. This biopolymer is a strong polyanion and would be expected to adhere more effectively to a positively charged surface than to one which was negatively charged. Since cartilage itself is fabricated to a large degree of protein-polysaccharides, which are negatively charged, it would seem appropriate to assume that Nature developed an electrostatically based method to facilitate cartilage lubrication at the moment of loading."(p.983) Benveniste J (1993). Transfer of biological activity by electromagnetic fields. Frontier Prospectives, 3(2):13-15. Summary: "The essential molecular functions appear in fact to be determined by electromagnetic mechanisms. A possible role of molecular structures would be the carrying of electric charges which generate, in the aqueous environment, a field specific to each molecule. Those exhibiting such coresonating or opposed fields ("electroconformational coupling") could thus communicate, even at a distance. Therefore a minute variation in the structure of molecules (plus or minus an atom, or a rearrangement of an amino acid, for example), which even slightly modifies their radiating field, would allow their message to be received or not by a receptor, as in the FM waveband." (p.15) Bjelle A (1977). Glycosaminoglycans in human articular cartilage of the lower femoral epiphysis in osteoarthritis. Scand J Rheumatology, 6:37-44. Blakeslee S (1992, May 12). Magnetic crystals, guides for animals, found in humans. New York Times, C1,C12. Brandt KD, Radin E (1987). The physiology of articular stress: Osteoarthritis. Hosp Pract, 103-126. Summary: Describes some of the mechanisms of OA. Breger L, Blumenthal NC (1993). Electromagnetic field enhancement of membrane ion transport. Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Bioelectrical Repair and Growth Society; October 10-13, 1993; Dana Point, CA. BRAGS, 38. Summary: Experiments to test Liboff's hypothesis concerning magnetic fields and calcium diffusion were performed using artificial and biological membranes with no results. Buckwalter JA, Mow VC (1992). Cartilage repair in osteoarthritis. In: Moskowitz RW, Howell DS, Goldberg VM, Mankin HJ, eds. Osteoarthritis: Diagnosis and Medical/ Surgical Management. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company, chap 4. Calvino B, Villanueva L, Le Bars D (1987). Dorsal horn (convergent) neurones in the intact anaesthetized arthritic rat. I. Segmental excitatory influences. Pain, 28:81-98. Summary: "In healthy rats, the convergent and non-noxious neurones of laminae 3-6 are generally almost silent in the absence of an any stimuli within the receptive field. This was also true in the present study for the "typical" neurons; however about half (58%) of the "atypical" neurons exhibited a high level, background discharge which sometimes showed dramatic increases...."(p.93) Calvino B, Villanueva L, Le Bars D (1987). Dorsal horn (convergent) neurones in the intact anaesthetized arthritic rat. II. Heterotopic inhibitory influences. Pain, 31:359-379. Summary: "It is concluded that the input for triggering heterotopic inhibitory influences by mechanical stimuli is altered in the arthritic rat, a model of chronic pain. This is consistent with the known lowering in threshold of nociceptive afferents innervating the joint capsule, induced by arthritis."(p.360) Caterson B, Lowther DA (1978). Changes in the metabolism of the proteoglycans from sheep articular cartilage in response to mechanical stress. Biochim Biophys Acta, 540:412-422. Summary: "Cartilage integrity can be controlled by many factors which influence the balance between synthesis and breakdown of its components. The results presented here suggest that articular cartilage has the capacity to respond to the mechanical stresses to which it is exposed and that mechanical stress and motion are required for the maintenance of the cartilage constituents at normal physiological levels." (p. 421) Cochran GVB, Otter MW, Bieber W, Wu D (1993). Streaming potentials associated with gap healing in canine tibia. Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Bioelectrical Repair and Growth Society; October 10-13, 1993; Dana Point, CA. BRAGS, 9. Summary: "This experiment measures the first in vivo measurements of SPs from bone callus; it identified two factors which affect the electrical output. First, the magnitude of SPs correlated roughly with the magnitude of total strain on the callus; this was the dominant effect. As healing progressed, and the enchondral layer became thinner and eventually disappeared, the signals decreased as strain tended to be reduced and to become equalized between callus and adjacent bone. Second, the signal strength...tended to increase as the new bone became more dense, thus supporting the prior observation that new and remodeling bone generates lower amplitude SPs/strain (1) than does normal cortical bone..." (p 9) Davey CL, Kell DB (1990). The dielectric properties of cells and tissues: What can they tell us about the mechanisms of field/cell interactions? In: O'Connor ME, Bentall RHC, Monahan JC, eds. Emerging Electromagnetic Medicine. New York, NY:Springer-Verlag, 19-43. Summary: In cell suspension, as the frequency is increased, permitivity falls and conductivity rises. [Implication: at low Hz, permitivity highest, but conductance low.] At low frequencies, cell membrane behaves as non-conductors suspended in a conducting medium; most of the current is flowing in the suspension around the cells. As it takes time for ion movements to occur, low frequencies allow time for it to occur. Oscillations caused by rapid alternating frequencies can generate heat; low frequencies are isothermal. "If fields can affect enzymes and cells, [one should expect] to be able to tailor a waveform as a therapeutic agent in much the same way as one now modulates chemical structures to obtain pharmacological selectivity and perhaps withhold many of the side-effects common to pharmaceutical substances." [ref 58-Kell in a Wales local journal.] DeWitt MT, Handley CJ, Oakes BW, Lowther DA (1984). In vitro response of chondrocytes to mechanical loading, the effect of short term mechanical tension. Conn Tissue Res, 12:97-109. Summary: "The results presented in this paper demonstrate that it was possible to elicit a direct response in vitro by chondrocytes to mechanical stimuli over a 24 h period. There was an increase in the rate of proteoglycan synthesis by the chondrocyte cultures..." (p107) "However, high impact loads or abnormal loading of synovial joints results in loss of proteoglycan from articular cartilage, fibrillation of this tissue and cell death reflected in a loss of cellularity, changes which resemble those seen in osteoarthritis." (p109) Dunham J, Shackleton DR, Nahir AM, Billingham MEJ, Bitensky L, Chayen J, et al. (1985). Altered orientation of glycosaminoglycans and cellular changes in the tibial cartilage in the first two weeks of experimental canine osteoarthritis. J Orthop Res, 3:258-268. Summary: "Changes in the cellularity and in the nature of the matrix were studied in the cartilage of the tibial plateau in experimentally induced arthritis in the dog,.... The orientation of the glycosaminoglycans was assessed by the new 'induced birefringence' method. The results indicated that only the region of the medial tibial cartilage that was unprotected by the meniscus was affected, showing increased water content, loss of superficial cells, and a crease in orientation of the glycosaminoglycans. Whereas the birefringence [orientation] of the collagen was unaffected, the superficial area that lacked oriented glycosaminoglycans was markedly increased; this may be a useful indicator of early osteoarthritic changes."(p. 258) Eyre DR (1991). Cartilage expression of a type II collagen mutation in an inherited form of osteoarthritis associated with a mild chondrodysplasia. J Clin Invest, 87:357-361. Summary: "We postulate that the presence of the mutant protein molecules in the extracellular collagen reduces the durability of the articular cartilage and manifests as the disorder, severe primary OA. The fibrils may be less able in the long term to cope with the mechanical stresses that articular cartilage endures, perhaps through defects in material properties. In addition the collagen may be more susceptible to extracellular proteases that are active in matrix remodeling but which do not normally degrade the collagen triple-helix. ...Because failure of the underlying collagen fabric of cartilage appears to be a key, irreversible event in the process of joint destruction in OA in all its subsets, defining how this single amino acid substitution is etiologically associated with severe but otherwise typical disease manifestations may prove instructive in understanding osteoarthritic joint failure."(p.360) Ficat C, Maroudas A (1975). Cartilage of the patella. Topographical variation of glycosaminoglycan content in normal and fibrillated tissue. Ann Rheum Dis, 34:515-519. Summary: "The glycosaminoglycan content of normal cartilage is lower in the knee than in the hip. This fact, together with the existence of high pressures during load bearing, may be responsible for the greater frequency of destructive lesions affecting the cartilage of the patella compared with that of the hip." Liu H, Abbott J, Bee JA. Pulsed electromagnetic fields influence hyaline cartilage extracellular matrix composition without affecting molecular structure. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1996 Mar; 4 (1): 63-76. Summary: This study focuses upon the effect of PEMF on the composition and molecular structure of cartilage proteoglycans. Sixteen-day-old embryonic chick sterna were explanted to culture and exposed to PEMF for a 3h/day for 48 h. PEMF treatment did not affect the DNA content of explants but stimulated elevation of glycosaminoglycan content in the explant and conserved the tissue's histological integrity. These results demonstrate that exposure of embryonic chick cartilage explants to PEMF for 3h/day maintains a balanced proteoglycan composition by down-regulating its turnover without affecting either molecular structure or function. Home How PST works! Professional PST Devices Scientific Information Links CD download Research	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7062
__label__wiki	0.532793	0.532793	Owlcat Mountain What to read when you're in, what to do when you're out The Owlcat’s Reviews Review archive by title and author Around California Sea Life, Insects and Reptiles Purrfect Prose Walk It Off Devil’s Punch by Ann Aguirre Devil’s Punch: A Corine Solomon Novel Ann Aguirre is one of my favorite science fiction authors. Her novels are always engrossing and filled with memorable characters. Her fantasy series is no exception to that opinion. There is always something to delight in her tales, whether it’s the setting or the action or the people. Devil’s Punch leaves our world behind to explore one inhabited by demons. (Description nicked from B&N.com.) “As a handler, Corine Solomon can touch any object and learn its history. Her power is a gift, but one that’s thrown her life off track. The magical inheritance she received from her mother is dangerously powerful, and Corine has managed to mark herself as a black witch by dealing with demons to solve her problems. Back home, Corine is trying to rebuild her pawnshop and her life with her ex Chance, despite the target on her back. But when the demons she provoked kidnap her best friend in retaliation, Corine puts everything on hold to save her. It’s undoubtedly a trap, but Corine would do anything to save those she loves, even if it means sacrificing herself…” This book is very different from those that came before it. For one thing, Corine’s “handler” skills play very little part in the plot. For another, the majority of the story takes place in the demonic realm. It’s quite a change, given that the previous books were set in places in and around the Southwest and parts of Mexico (with a slight detour into Peru). Since the books were dealing much more heavily with demons—and with Corine’s own connection with them—I found this extended look at their world interesting. Aguirre does an excellent job of not only painting the scene, but also at creating a complex society for the denizens of this dimension. As much as I missed the goings-on in Mexico, I wanted to see more of this culture. I did think that the novel dragged just a bit in a couple of sections, but given that the author was introducing an entirely new world and society, it’s not too surprising. The book definitely picks up speed in the final third and all the prep work that the author did up to that point pays off quite well. It’s worth sticking through a few slow spots to get to the big finish. The author also took this opportunity to introduce a great minor character, a demon named Greydusk. He reminded me a lot of a character in her Sirantha Jax novels that I particularly like. Although alien in his manners and point of view, Greydusk becomes one of Corine’s staunchest supporters, and Aguirre cleverly uses his differences to make him a likeable character. It shows that just because he’s not human, it doesn’t mean that he can’t be a friend and ally. Sadly, all things must come to an end, and as this is the next to last Corine Solomon novel, events happen that radically alter the direction of the plot. I’m eager to see how this all resolves in the final book. Devil’s Punch is an unexpected story, and it’s nothing like what readers are used to, but Aguirre still delivers a tale full of suspense and thrills. Also by this author: Aftermath, Agave Kiss, Doubleblind, Endgame, Enclave, Grimspace, Killbox, Shady Lady, Wanderlust This review appeared on Owlcat Mountain on May 16, 2012. Series: Corine Solomon Publication Date: April 3, 2012 Acquired: Provided by the publisher Please go to Appearance → Widgets and add some widgets to your sidebar.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7067
__label__wiki	0.764717	0.764717	TIANA GRIGGS MISS GEORGIA USA 2014 26 \| 5'9" \| MONTICELLO \| 2ND RUNNER-UP 2013 2ND RUNNER-UP AT MISS USA Born and raised in Monticello, GA, Tiana has always had dreams of leaving her small-town and experiencing God's true purpose for her life. At the age of 15, Tiana's family moved to Decatur, Ga; where she attended Southwest Dekalb High School and cheered as a varsity football cheerleader. With the encouraging support of her family and mentors, Tiana graduated with Hope Scholarship and attended Georgia Southern University, where she studied Community Health. In 2010, Tiana began her modeling career after being discovered as the 1st winner of Dark and Lovely's Ultimate Fashionista Model Search in Atlanta, GA. Winning the multi-state modeling competition gave her the drive she needed to pursue a career in beauty and entertainment. With national exposure on billboards, magazines, and television; Tiana saw this opportunity as a way to encourage young girls from her hometown. Determined to "live on purpose", Tiana went on to become the face of Proctor and Gambles' "My Black is Beautiful" campaign, a women's empowerment movement that celebrates the diverse collective beauty of African American women and encourages women to define and promote their own beauty standards. In November 2012, Tiana competed in her first pageant and placed 2RU to Brittany Sharp, Miss Georgia USA 2013. With Phillippians 4:13 at heart, Tiana returned in November 2013, to earn the crown as Miss Georgia USA 2014. Tiana currently manages her state title, modeling career, and passion for outreach and community service; all while traveling the globe as a Delta Airline Flight Attendant. She's overjoyed with excitement and thankful for the opportunity to live out her dreams. Tiana is prayerful of great things to come in 2014 and begins her reign with an understanding of the promises of 1Corinthians 2:9. Index \| Florida << >> Hawaii Miss GA USA 2013 << >> Miss GA USA 2015 >> Noelle Hughley Miss GA Teen USA 2014 Miss Georgia USA & Teen USA features: Titleholder History \| State pageant results \| State pageant top five montages \| Former Teens competing in Miss Feature of the new site - tap each thumbnail to open the full-size images and flick through each gallery, which you can now do all on the same page! MISS USA PAGEANT PHOTOS Photos (C) Harold's Studio of Photography. APPEARANCE & CANDID PHOTOS PREVIOUS PAGEANT PHOTOS 2RU Miss GA USA 13	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7068
__label__cc	0.612893	0.387107	THE VIEW FROM PAEONIAN SPRINGS Independent Populist Is Lou Dobbs anointing himself protector of the "common" people? by Michael H. Thomson Sometime about Christmas of last year, I started paying close attention to Lou Dobbs. His theme of "War on the Middle Class" resonated with me. It is still resonating. Dobbs is not perfect. I can find holes in many of the things he says, but he is saying things nobody else is saying. I don't think the immigration issue would be on people's minds as much if Dobbs were not bringing it to our attention on a daily basis. His focus on the issue more than likely helped defeat the bi-partisan Comprehensive Immigration Bill supported by President Bush... Dobbs didn't cause the biggest mortgage crisis since the Great Depression, but he is one of the few commentators telling us the facts about how it happened. He was beating the drum about Chinese imports long before our dogs started dying and our children faced the danger of harmful chemicals in their toys. Lately he has been heralding the term "independent populist." When I first heard this term in January of this year, I thought I knew what it meant. I knew from long ago political science courses in college that a "populist" is a "believer in the rights, wisdom, and virtues of the common people." Who are these common people? The definition changes with time. Right now, "common people" are those of us struggling to keep gas in our cars -despite its high price, pay our mortgages without late fees, save enough money to take our families on a 1-week vacation. Common people are those of us working to protect our kids from the neighborhood drug dealer who receives his product from Mexican drug distributors. "Common" mothers and grandmothers, doing what their government will not do, are leading the fight to protect their cherished loved ones from harmful products and toys from China. All of us "common" people are victims of inefficient government, an overblown pop culture that has made drug addicts and moral failures - role models for our children, uncaring multinational corporations that have more influence over our congress than we do, a broken healthcare system with high costs that leave millions uninsured, and a deteriorating quality of life in general. The "common" people of the United States are dealing with the encroachment of millions who are here illegally and have moved into our neighborhoods changing single-family dwellings into multi-family slums. Those same common people are frustrated at a government that is not responding to the immigration crisis, but encourages it for the cheap labor the crisis generates. Lou Dobbs has bundled all of those issues together and titled the package, "War on the Middle-Class." He has his critics. He has been labeled a racist by the Southern Poverty Law Center who conveniently forgets that Dobb's wife is ethnically a Mexican-American. Pro-illegal immigrant groups protest Dobbs while wearing t-shirts showing Dobbs in a Nazi uniform. Dobbs drew the ire of New York governor Eliot Spitzer when Spitzer came up with the plan to give illegal immigrants' driver's licenses. Dobbs labeled the plan, "idiotic" resulting in a full-scale revolt against the plan by the citizens of New York. This even caused presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton to "flip-flop" on the issue in a recent debate. I think the adjective "independent" used by Dobbs is more of a leadership term than actually describing an individual as an "independent populist." I think Dobbs is describing himself as a populist leader (at least in the media) who is independent of all those forces that "common people" find themselves victim. Dobbs is the independent populist. Dobbs keeps hinting on his TV program, Lou Dobbs Tonight, that sometime before the 2008 general election that we will have a dynamic independent populist presidential candidate who will upset politics, as we know it. Dobbs denies that the candidate is himself, but unless Dobbs is positioning himself as a kingmaker, I don't know who else would fit the independent populist label better than Dobbs... larry slay from brewton, al writes: Mike, this article could not have come at a better time. I am not that familiar with Lou Dobbs but now I will make it a point to lend an ear to what he has to say. Personally I am tired of the Democrats and the Republicans. I also sense and undercurrent in the common people of this country. If my sense is correct and the American people have the backbone, maybe we will soon see a new "Boston Tea Party" instead of a "Republican/ Democrat party". Russell Cole from Albany writes: I was once a fan of Lou; however, after viewing his descent into madness, I can no longer bare to watch his show. He enters into embarrassing rants that are comparable to a male adolescent trying to pick a fight. I understand his frustration; especially with those who advocate unlimited immigration while insisting that it has no impact upon American wages. However, Lou needs to act with significant more dignity than he does now. To learn more about independent populism tune into Mike Thomson's blog The Independent Populist. » Full Bio RSS Feed for Michael H. Thomson: More by Michael H. Thomson MSNBC's recovery from Imus. by Michael H. Thomson, 1/30/08 While We Were Sleeping... India has emerged as an education giant. by Michael H. Thomson, 1/2/08 Someone's going to say 'Ho, Ho, Ho,' and someone else is going to get a bundle of switches... by Michael H. Thomson, 12/19/07 Don Imus Returns Will the show be the same? by Michael H. Thomson, 12/5/07 Change in the Political Air But what kind of change will it be? Made in China - revisited When are Americans going to pay serious attention to China? The Chattanooga Declaration A history making battle cry for change? » Complete List (88)	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7069
__label__cc	0.65295	0.34705	RR YOUTUBE CHANNEL Home : Movie Reviews : The Watch Print Page Email Page The Watch (2012; Rated ) “ It’s like an extended version of a mediocre 1980s sitcom with special effects.” -Richard Roeper MOVIE INFORMATION (2012; R) Jonah Hill, Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, R. Lee Ermey New Richard Roeper reviews weekdays at 5:00 PM ET only on REELZCHANNEL Adam Psaid on Thursday, August 16, 2012 4:39:23 PM I agree that the R-Rating for this movie was wasted and that it would have been better had they cut out some of the vulgarity, but the movie is still really funny. Also, you forgot to mention Richard Ayoade, probably the funniest thing in this movie. BTW, tied for worst comedy of the year with That's My Boy, have you even seen One for the Money? Iansaid on Sunday, August 12, 2012 12:49:12 PM Ha, looks like I'm one of the only ones who enjoyed this movie. Usually I am quie aligned with Richard's reviews, but this seemed more like an Americanized, Sci-Fi version of Hot Fuzz than a mess a movie. sheldon needlemansaid on Sunday, August 12, 2012 2:09:10 AM it pained me jus to hear the awlful review can i have my 2 min s and 43 sec s back Reply from Richard Roeper Are you saying the review was awful, or it was a review of an awful movie? Aaron Thomassaid on Friday, July 27, 2012 8:01:38 PM Shame. Could've been a fun movie. Great review Richard. Stevesaid on Friday, July 27, 2012 5:13:31 PM My friend who thought "That's My Boy" was hilarious said this movie was amazing. Thus concluded I'm taking your word over his, as you can tell his taste is quite questionable. Response URL: ? Enter text as shown: NOTE: Your comment will be approved before it is posted. NOW YOU CAN FOLLOW Follow Richard Roeper on Facebook Follow Richard Roeper on Twitter Follow Richard Roeper on Pinterest Follow RR for the most current updates! reviews straight to & The MoviesDownload From Itunes Free Filmmaking.net perezhilton ©2020 Richard Roeper. All Right Reserved Web site design and development by Americaneagle.com	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7074
__label__cc	0.580662	0.419338	KA Williams K.A. Williams is an Urban Romance author signed to Royalty Publishing House and resides in Mansfield, Louisiana with her daughter. She also published Historical Fiction novels under her company Storytellers Publication, allowing her to express her passion for African American history while at the same time putting glamour on Urban life. K.A. Williams made her debut in the literary industry back in 2012 at only sixteen years old with the release of The Forbidden Truth and Jake’s Lineage short story trilogy. K.A. Williams has written eighteen books over the span of five years. She is also a screenplay writer, adapting her novel Jake’s Lineage into a movie with pending casting dates. A Hood Princess 2: An Eastside Love Story A Hood Princess: An Eastside Love Story Lovin’ The Godfather of the Streets 3 Lovin’ The Godfather Of The Streetz Falling For His Savage Love 3: The Finale Falling For His Savage Love 2 Falling For His Savage Love	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7076
__label__wiki	0.840729	0.840729	By posting videos of silly shenanigans (like two teenagers dancing to the Power Rangers theme song), Smosh skyrocketed to YouTube superstardom, with the channel gaining more than 9 billion views since it launched in 2005. Helmed by founding member Ian Hecox, the Carmichael-born comedy collective will stop by Sacramento on its first-ever live tour, where the cast will act out never-before-seen... View event details... This event occurs daily, every 1 day(s). Deemed “arguably the world’s most daring circus company” by The Guardian, this Australian troupe will perform its show “Humans,” a series of vignettes in which acrobats execute feats like balancing atop the heads of two other performers. Rather than in traditional proscenium style, the audience will be seated on risers placed on opposite sides of the stage for an... Ride Sally Ride Feb 8, 2020 - Feb 29, 2020 This event occurs weekly on Sunday and Saturday. Even the sky was no limit for history makers Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, and Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In this original B Street play by Tara Sissom and Katerina Pruitt, a young Sally Ride receives a visit from Amelia Earhart, and the pair of fearless female flyers explore how women changed aviation. Showtimes are Sat. &... I Heart Sacramento Zoo All you need is love (of animals) at the Sacramento Zoo’s annual Valentine’s Day-themed fête. Led by the park’s teen volunteers, the event will feature presentations of edible heartfelt gifts for our furry and feathered friends, as well as talks detailing how residents like Gizmo, the zoo’s new red panda cub, are adoringly cared for. Mumbo Gumbo It’s been three decades since Mumbo Gumbo first unleashed their “sound stew” of romping, stomping Cajun-inspired blues at a UC Davis Picnic Day in 1990. Show some love this Valentine’s Day to the Sammies Hall of Famers during the group’s 30th bandiversary show at The Sofia, where the local favorite is expected to play original songs like “Something in the... Miss Nelson Has a Field Day The Smedley football team can’t seem to score a win, but when Coach Armstrong calls it quits, his scary, no-nonsense replacement Coach Viola Swamp appears ready to whip the team into shape. Based on the 1985 book of the same name by writer Harry Allard and illustrator James Marshall, this stage adaptation by playwright Joan Cushing was called a “tour de force” by The New... This five-time Grammy-winning a cappella ensemble showcases the isicathamiya and mbube vocal styles of its native South Africa. Featuring “soulful and mellow” harmonies, according to The Guardian, the nine-person choir, which has collaborated with singers such as Paul Simon and Josh Groban, is expected to perform songs like “Nomathemba” (“Mother of Hope” in... The former editor-in-chief of Newsweek and author of four presidential biographies, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, will take the Memorial Auditorium stage as part of the Sacramento Speakers Series. With the 2020 presidential race heating up, Jon Meacham will show how America’s past can contextualize our current political moment. The O.G. Voice judge will leave his red chair to bring his boys ’round here during his “Friends and Heroes” tour. Appearing alongside Blake Shelton—who will play a string of country hits, including “Austin” and “Neon Light”—at this concert will be fellow country artists The Bellamy Brothers, Trace Adkins and John Anderson. Category: AllMusicTheaterDanceFilmComedySpeakersMuseumsFamilyEvents Start date / year Select month...JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember / Select...12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 / Select year...20202021202220232024202520262027202820292030 End date / year	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7078
__label__wiki	0.638012	0.638012	Book Review: 'How Winning Works: 8 Essential Leadership Lessons from the Toughest Teams on Earth' by Robyn Benincasa How Winning Works: 8 Essential Leadership Lessons from the Toughest Teams on Earth Harlequin Press (2012) “To strive, to seek, to find…and not to yield.” Tennyson’s Ulysses Not everyone agrees with Robyn Benincasa about which are the “toughest teams on earth” to which the subtitle refers. My own candidates would include those who respond immediately, effectively, and courageously to natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and multi-state forest fires; also, those who work in children’s cancer wards. Until reading this book, I knew nothing about adventure racing and now appreciate how challenging it is to the teams that participate. That said, Benincasa identifies and discusses eight “essential leadership lessons” — actually elements and components of effective leadership — and none is a head-snapper, nor does she make any such claim. They are accompanied by 75 tips, tools, and tactics for becoming “wildly successful.” Again, no news there. My guess (only a guess) is that those who find this book most valuable will be closely associated with athletes. Their coaches, of course, but also trainers and advisers on whom athletes also depend for guidance, supervision, and (yes) leadership. I also recommend this book to young people who aspire to compete in individual as well as team activities. Hopefully, their parents will also read it. I think the greatest value of the book is derived by the personal, direct rapport with her reader that Benincasa establishes and then sustains throughout her narrative, one that seems to combine several features of two genres, memoir and manifesto. We learn a great deal about her life thus far as she shares an abundance of her personal experiences to illustrate key points. She also affirms, with passion and precision, certain core values that continue to guide and inform her decisions and commitments…and always will. That said, keep in mind that she explains how winning works for her and those whom she has counseled. How it works for other people in other domains of competition may vary, sometimes significantly. However, the “8 essential leadership lessons” that Benincasa identifies and discusses are as good a set as any. The key, obviously, is how well they are applied. These are among the passages that caught my eye: o Planning (Pages 9-14) o See Challenges Versus Roadblocks (52-54) o The Hope of Success Versus the Fear of Failure (54-63) o Acting Like a Team Is More Important Than Feeling Like a Team (94-96) o Your Problems = My Problems (110-113) o Hire the Inspired (130-133) o Lead from the Back of the Pack (155-156) o [When to/How to] Change Leadership Styles (165-171) Readers will appreciate Benincasa’s skillful use of devices such as two end-of-chapter sections: subject specific mini-business case studies, and, “Synergy Starters” for the given subject such as “Total Commitment,” the first “Element.” Think of this book as a primer combined with a memoir rather than as an operations manual. In it, Robyn Benincasa generously shares everything she has learned about winning. There is a great deal of value for others to learn from her. I also highly recommend that her book be read in tandem with John Wooden and Steve Jamison’s Coach Wooden’s Leadership Game Plan for Success: 12 Lessons for Extraordinary Performance and Personal Excellence. It is noteworthy that Coach Wooden’s U.C.L.A. men’s basketball teams won ten NCAA championships during the 12-year period prior to his retirement but he almost never – throughout his career — used the words “winning” and “losing,” even during casual conversations with family members and friends. Editor's note: This review was written by Robert Morris and has been published with his permission. Like what you read? Subscribe to the SFRB's free daily email notice so you can be up-to-date on our latest articles. Scroll up this page to the sign-up field on your right. Book Review: 'Watchdog: How Protecting Consumers Can Save Our Families, Our Economy, and Our Democracy' by Richard Cordray (Foreword by) Elizabeth Warren Book Review: 'The Me Too Girl' by Lance and James Morcan Book Review: 'The Batter's Box: A Novel of Baseball, War, and Love' by Andy Kutler Book Review: 'Bubble in the Sun: The Florida Boom of the 1920s and How It Brought on the Great Depression' by Christopher Knowlton Book Review: 'Chasing Life (CHASE WEN THRILLER)' by Brandt Legg The 'Cotto/Gottfried' Show Picture of the Day Gallery David Wineberg Donald Mitchell Eleanor Bukowsky Grady Harp Graham H. Seibert Herbert L. Calhoun Jesse Kornbluth Cotto/Gottfried Credit: Joseph Ford Cotto, (c) 2019. This image may be reproduced as long as its creator is credited. Like this image? See other pictures of the day here. FREE! Follow San Francisco Review of Books by Email Subscribe To San Francisco Review of Books Search San Francisco Review of Books	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7079
__label__cc	0.530187	0.469813	A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir How did they find us so fast? Behind me, the catacombs echo with angry shouts and the screech of metal. My eyes dart to the grinning skulls lining the walls. I think I hear the voices of the dead. Be swift, be fleet, they seem to hiss. Unless you wish to join our ranks. “Faster, Laia,” my guide says. His armor flashes as he hastens ahead of me through the catacombs. “We’ll lose them if we’re quick. I know an escape tunnel that leads out of the city. Once we’re there, we’re safe.” We hear a scrape behind us, and my guide’s pale eyes flick past my shoulder. His hand is a gold-brown blur as it flies to the hilt of a scim slung across his back. A simple movement full of menace. A reminder that he is not just my guide. He is Elias Veturius, heir to one of the Empire’s finest families. He is a former Mask—an elite soldier of the Martial Empire. And he is my ally—the only person who can help me save my brother, Darin, from a notorious Martial prison. In one step, Elias is beside me. In another, he is in front, moving with unnatural grace for someone so big. Together, we peer down the tunnel we just passed through. My pulse thuds in my ears. Any elation I felt at destroying Blackcliff Academy or rescuing Elias from execution vanishes. The Empire hunts us. If it catches us, we die. Sweat soaks through my shirt, but despite the rank heat of the tunnels, a chill runs across my skin and the hairs on the back of my neck rise. I think I hear a growl, like that of some sly, hungry creature. Hurry, my instincts scream at me. Get out of here. “Elias,” I whisper, but he brushes a finger against my lips—shh—and tugs a knife free from the half dozen strapped across his chest. I pull a dagger from my belt and try to hear beyond the clicking of tunnel tarantulas and my own breathing. The prickling sense of being watched fades—replaced by something worse: the smell of pitch and flame; the rise and fall of voices drawing near. Empire soldiers. Elias touches my shoulder and points to his feet, then mine. Step where I step. So carefully that I fear to breathe, I mimic him as he turns and heads swiftly away from the voices. We reach a fork in the tunnel and veer right. Elias nods to a deep, shoulder-high hole in the wall, hollow but for a stone coffin turned on its side. “In,” he whispers, “all the way to the back.” I slide into the crypt, suppressing a shudder at the loud crrrk of a resident tarantula. A scim that Darin forged hangs across my back, and its hilt clanks loudly against the stone. Stop fidgeting, Laia—no matter what’s crawling around in here. Elias ducks into the crypt after me, his height forcing him into a half crouch. In the tight space, our arms brush, and he draws a sharp breath. But when I look up, his face is angled toward the tunnel. Even in the dim light, the gray of his eyes and the sharp lines of his jaw are striking. I feel a jolt low in my stomach—I’m not used to his face. Only an hour ago, as we escaped the destruction I wrought at Blackcliff, his features were hidden by a silver mask. He tilts his head, listening as the soldiers close in. They walk quickly, their voices echoing off the walls of the catacombs like the clipped calls of raptor birds. “—probably went south. If he had half a brain, anyway.” “If he had half a brain,” a second soldier says, “he’d have passed the Fourth Trial, and we wouldn’t be stuck with Plebeian scum as Emperor.” The soldiers enter our tunnel, and one pokes his lantern into the crypt across from ours. “Bleeding hells.” He recoils quickly at the sight of whatever lurks within. Our crypt is next. My belly twists, my hand shakes on my dagger. Beside me, Elias releases another blade from its sheath. His shoulders are relaxed, his hands loose around the knives. But when I catch sight of his face—brows furrowed, jaw tight—my heart clenches. He meets my gaze, and for a breath, I see his anguish. He does not wish to deliver death to these men. But if they see us, they will alert the other guards down here, and we’ll be neck-deep in Empire soldiers. I squeeze Elias’s forearm. He slides his hood over his head and pulls a black kerchief A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 1A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 2A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 3A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 4A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 5A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 6A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 7A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 8A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 9A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 10A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 11A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 12A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 13A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 14A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 15A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 16A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 17A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 18A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 19A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 20A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 21A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 22A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 23A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 24A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 25A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 26A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 27A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 28A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 29A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 30A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 31A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 32A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 33A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 34A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 35A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 36A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 37A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 38A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 39A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 40A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 41A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 42A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 43A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 44A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 45A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 46A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 47A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 48A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 49A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 50A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 51A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 52A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 53A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 54A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 55A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 56A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 57A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 58A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 59A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 60A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 61A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 62A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 63A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 64A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 65A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 66A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 67A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 68A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 69A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 70A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 71A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 72A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 73A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 74A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 75A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 76A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 77A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 78A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 79A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 80A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 81A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 82A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 83A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 84A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 85A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 86A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 87A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 88A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 89A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 90A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 91A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 92A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 93A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 94A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 95A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 96A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 97A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 98A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 99A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 100A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 101A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 102A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 103A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 104A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 105A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 106A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 107A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 108A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 109A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 110A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 111A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 112A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 113A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 114A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 115A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 116A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 117A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 118A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 119A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 120A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 121A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 122A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 123A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 124A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 125A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 126A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 127A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 128A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 129A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 130A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 131A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 132A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 133A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 134A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 135A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 136A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 137A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 138A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 139A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 140A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 141A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 142A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 143A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 144A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 145A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 146A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 147A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 148A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 149A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 150A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 151A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 152A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 153A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 154A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 155A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 156A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 157A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 158A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 159A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) - Sabaa Tahir - Page 160 Next page>>	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7083
__label__wiki	0.535518	0.535518	At the shore below Mrs Bunty Macdonald’s house was a boatyard where Sine Macdonald’s grandfather built boats. Boats were also built at Port An Fhiona, nowadays called the Fairy Glen. This port is along the shore from Jimmy Macinnes’s house and here Jimmy’s grandfather built boats. Some of the boats were big smacks which went to Easdale and Seil for slates, Ireland for salt, etc. The salt was stored in the Red Houses and was used for curing fish. The boats beached below Carol and Billy Currie’s house and if the cargo was fish, it was cured on the spot. One big smack, the Breaking Wave, was owned by people by the name of Gillies, who stayed in the Ferryman’s Cottage, now known as Creggan Cottage. The skipper was a Donald Macinnes from Calgary. The shore was shared among Calgary, Newton and Ardvasar crofters. Newton’s share was in front of the hotel. Calgary’s share was from the burn in front of the Curries’ house to Creag-a-Chaim and Ardvasar’s share from that burn in the opposite direction along Rhu Dubh to the Port Mor. Most of the seaweed cutting was done by women, with their corrain (sickles) in their bare feet with their long skirts hitched up at the back. With the creels of seaweed on their backs they made their way to their crofts and spread their load on the land. Sometimes horses with creels carried the load. The late Hugh Macdonald’s mother, with her laden creel, followed the path near Porter’s Lodge, up the Smithy croft, through the Hotel croft, and so to her own land, uphill all the way. The arrival of the cargo boat, which anchored out from the present pier, was a great occasion. There was a short pier, which can still be seen, behind Alasdair Macleod’s shop [now owned by Serena and George Smart], but the water there wasn’t deep enough for the cargo boats and so three brothers from Calgary, uncles of the late Donald Robertson, rode out in their red boat to collect the hampers of bread, barrels of biscuits with caraway seed in them (these came from Tobermory) and the usual commodities. ( From a talk by Mrs Ina Macinnes, December 1985 )	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7092
__label__cc	0.598702	0.401298	Well it hasn't been fun. The last month hasn't exactly been a picnic. Zach had to study for 2 weeks straight for his finals which meant I was helping him study for 2 weeks. I don't remember studying that much for any university exam to be honest, but we needed to make sure he had enough time to get through all of the material. It was actually a legit exam this go round. A 2 hour exam for each of math and science. The trouble was that these exams are in January which is my busiest time of the year at work. In fact, this was hands down one of the toughest year ends ever. The amount of hours I was working is off that chart and would make any workaholic tell me that I have to dial it back. Truth be told though, when I needed to leave to either go home and help or for something else, everything worked out just fine. I was beyond worried for these exams. First and foremost I want him to get good grades of course, but he has never had to study for anything. K-8 grades are a lot different than when I was in school and they are given class time to do pretty much everything. Then I wasn't sure how Zach would do with a 2 hour exam. When we were studying I would make up these quizzes for him. If the quiz had more than 5 pages, he would unravel, so I wasn't sure how he would do with a 20 page (not kidding that's how long) exam. As it turned out, all was well (sensing a pattern to my needless anxiety here). He ended up getting an 84% on Science and and 80% on Math. Hallelujah. Amidst all of this Logan was having his own crisis. Unlike Zach who could give a flying rats a$$ about social media, Logan cares, probably more than he should. During the Christmas holidays, he got a message from a girl Kate at school asking if he liked her and if he wanted to be her boyfriend. Logan did like her and so he said yes. Logan desperately wants to grow up, so the idea of having a girlfriend made him really happy. A few days later though he was contacted by Kate's sister and told that the account that had contacted him was a fake account. Logan was pretty upset and it all seemed a little shady to me. 1) Who made the fake Kate account and 2) How did Kate's sister know about the account, or what it said to Logan. Things got way worse in January. Someone at the school made another fake account pretending to be Logan. The account was going around the school spewing hateful things about the kids at school, the majority of whom were girls. Logan didn't even know about it until some of the kids at school were mad. He completely denied it was his account, sent a snapchat around telling everyone that this particular account wasn't his and anything it was saying was completely untrue. Well minutes after Logan sent that snapchat, the mystery account changed its name to one that closely matched Logan's account. When he called that one out, it changed its name again. Logan did everything he could to prove his innocence, he made a valid argument that if he was going to go around talking garbage about the kids at school, why would he use his own name. One of the girls said that he could have two accounts. He showed then his phone and proved that he only had the one account. This same girl, Kate (same fake gf from Christmas) said that he could have deleted it. Again, trying to prove it wasn't his, Logan told her to search up the fake account. If it still existed and Logan proved it wasn't on his phone, then it couldn't be his. Apparently though this wasn't enough prove for her. Logan was pretty devastated, he didn't want to go to school. I offered to call the principal, but he said no, which I get. I was bullied pretty bad in junior high and I know first hand that involving the teachers can make things way worse. But on the other side of it as a parent, I knew that they should know. I had to call the principal because this stupid account was going around calling the girls awful names and if those girls told their parents, it could become a whole big thing, so I had to stay ahead of it. The principal was good, but admitted that there wasn't a whole lot he could do about it. I contacted instagram and reported the account for impersonating Logan. You have to prove you are who you say you are with a birth certificate before they will investigate the imposter account. Trouble was this account hadn't posted a single picture, kind of odd for instagram. If the account has been posting the same pictures as Logan then Instagram would have had cause to shut it down, but they couldn't shut it down based on the messenger aspect of Instagram. As it went on, the boys in the class started to come around. Logan's arguments were compelling and it just seemed fishy. I have my suspicions about two people. One of whom is a kid Logan had had issues with in the past and the other was Kate. Simply because she so adamantly refused to believe him even when presented with convincing evidence and there was the pre-Christmas girlfriend incident. But whatever, everything blew over and worked out in the end. Next up in my brutal month was my living room. Technically its called the great room according to the builder, but that sounds so utterly pretentious, I refuse to use it. I have always thought our living room was cold which is why there are blankets on every possible surface. Neither Brad or the boys is ever cold, so they just on the assumption that it was me. The other day, while sitting watching netflix, I happened to look up at the ceiling. ICE. ICE!!! It went along the top of the ceiling (where it met the walls on the three outside walls). It's kind of hard to explain our floor plan, but the living room is essentially an add on to the main house, so the back and the side walls are outside walls and it has a separate roof. We sent the builder a note, and they responded really fast and came out to take a look a couple days later. They initially thought that the insulation must have shifted. The guys when up on a ladder to take a look from the attic access and came down straight away and pulled out their phones. Ready for this? No insulation. NONE. Nada. It's mind boggling to me. When we built our deck and inspector came out three times before he signed off and somehow they passed inspection with no insulation? What we think happened is that it was missed because we had two roofs. Perhaps they came out to do to the first one and forgot about the second? Who knows. But, what I do know if house stuff stresses me out big time. I'm always concerned that it's going to cost thousands of dollars to fix. Thankfully, the builder absolutely agreed to cover the cost to fix it, repair the damaged drywall (from the melting/freezing along the ceiling) and even cut us a cheque for any extra heating bills we had to pay as a result. I mean it wasn't great that it happened but I was pretty happy with how they handled it. Then the absolute worst happened. GG passed. My grandmother was 94 (would have turned 95 on February 11). She had been doing really well up until about a year and a half ago, living in an assisted living place. But as her health and mobility went south, she had to go into a hospital and then into a nursing home. How it works is that if you are in the hospital and doctors deem that you are no longer capable of living alone, you get put on the waiting list for a nursing home, but have to stay in the hospital until such time that a bed becomes available. When it does however, you have no choice but to take it. You can stay in the hospital if you decline the bed, but you will pay hundreds of dollars per night to do so. So GG had to take the first available bed and nursing homes that have open beds aren't always the nicest ones. This one was just awful. She was put on a ward with Alzheimer's patients. GG didn't have Alzheimer's or any kind of dementia. Her body was falling apart, but her mind was still sharp. Having to eat all her meals at tables with these poor souls, who couldn't have a conversation or would wander into her room and a room mate that would yell at her and steal her things made her really unhappy and in her short time there we saw her deteriorate quite quickly. Thankfully after a couple months, a bed came in the place that she had originally wanted to go to, so we were able to transfer he there. Nursing homes aren't fantastic. It mad me sad every time I went there, seeing these folks slumped over in chairs staring out into space, without a single visitor. But there were positives, she got her own room for a start and didn't have a share a bathroom anymore. So while she wasn't over the moon or anything it was an improvement. She was there for about 6 months or so. On Christmas day we went to visit and for the first time, it felt like she wasn't there anymore. She had a smile, but it wasn't her usual one, it was a strange confused smile. I can't explain it, but it was unsettling to me. She would drift in and out of conversations and fall asleep mid sentence. We had a nice visit. That was last I saw her and my last words to her where that I loved her. As sad as that is I am thankful for that, because not everyone gets the opportunity to have a last moment like that. We said goodbye to GG last week. I had been busy at work and was so busy with everything there and at home, that I was focused on logistics, what did Mum need, cleaning out GG's room, gathering her things etc. My mum asked if I would do a reading at the service, specifically the St. Francis of Assisi peace prayer. I am quite comfortable speaking in public, so I said yes without giving it a second thought. My Dad was set to do the eulogy and I would follow him with the prayer. Dad does an amazing job with these sorts of things. He has the unique ability to weave sentiment and humor in such a touching way, it really is a gift. At the tail end of Dad's eulogy, he got sentimental. As he walked back to the pew and as I stood up, grief hit me. HARD. I found myself tearing up and having those gaspy little breaths. I made it up to the podium, uttered the first word and started to cry. As I choked out each verse, it seemed to get harder and harder to continue. Looking out into the group of people who attended I saw the concerned faces of my friends who had attended. Somehow that just made it worse that I was falling apart in front of people that I care about. As I said Amen and headed back to my seat, it wasn't relief I felt. but rather an overwhelming sense of guilt. GG has wanted this beautiful poem read and I completely ruined it by crying the whole way through. When it was all over and we were getting ready to go to the grave site ,Brad as he was one of the pallbearers, but Zach came to stand beside me. He looked so handsome in his suit and tie. He took my hand and gave it a squeeze. From that moment on he wouldn't leave my side, holding my hand and standing by me. I felt safe. After we made our way back to the main hall for coffee and refreshments, I felt better. I was able to find my friends, give them hugs and it was only then that I felt a sense of relief and comfort. That was my January, a hard start to 2018. But perhaps I should think about it in another way. Despite all my anxiety with that the boys were going through, everything worked out fine, a lesson it itself that when I worry, I just suffer twice. Most importantly, GG is now at peace. Here is the peace prayer that she wanted read at her service. I love you GG. I hope you watch over us all and every time I put the kettle on, I'll smile and think of you. The Peace Prayer of Saint Francis Where there is error, truth; And where there is sadness, joy. Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console; To be loved as to love, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned' It is in self-forgetting that we find; And it is in dying to ourselves that we are born to eternal life Manish Packers and Movers Pvt Ltd said... Manish Packers and Movers Pvt Ltd as a Services providing company can make all the difference to your Home Relocation experience. Indore based Company which offers versatile solutions, Right team that easily reduce the stress associated with a Household Shifting, Vehicle Transportation. we help things run smoothly and reduce breakages and offer you seamless, Affordable, Reliable Shifting Services, Compare Shifting Charges, Visit : https://www.manishpackersmoversindore.in/ https://www.manishpackersmoversindore.in/packers-and-movers-indore.html https://www.manishpackersmoversindore.in/manish-packers-and-movers-indore.html https://www.manishpackersmoversindore.in/packers-movers-gurgaon.html https://www.manishpackersmoversindore.in/packers-movers-kolkata.html https://www.manishpackersmoversindore.in/packers-movers-mumbai.html https://www.manishpackersmoversindore.in/packers-movers-bhopal.html https://www.manishpackersmoversindore.in/packers-movers-nagpur.html https://www.manishpackersmoversindore.in/packers-movers-raipur.html https://www.manishpackersmoversindore.in/packers-movers-ahmedabad.html Movers and Packers Dewas Naka Indore Movers and Packers Vijay Nagar Indore Movers and Packers Scheme 54 Indore Packers and Movers Jodhpur Packers and Movers Kanpur Best Movers and Packers in India for Moving and Shifting Door to Door Transportation Services to all over India. Visit More :- Manish Packers and Movers Pvt Ltd Blog Packers and Movers Bhopal Movers and Packers in Indore Hire Manish Packers and Movers Pvt Ltd in India for hassle-free Household Shifting, Office Relocation, Car Transporation, Loading Unloading, packing Unpacking at affordable Price Quotation. Top Rated Safe and Secure Service Providers who can help you with 24x7 and make sure a Untroubled Relocation Services at Cheapest/Lowest Rate. Visit More :- Manish Packers in Indore Manish Packers and Movers Pvt Ltd Sitemap شركة شحن عفش من السعودية الى الامارات شركة شحن عفش من السعودية الى الاردن شركة نقل عفش من الدمام الى جدة شركة نقل عفش من المدينة المنورة الى جدة شركة نقل عفش من الطائف الى جدة	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7094
__label__cc	0.619919	0.380081	Visit to Stockholm 2012 Swedish Chamber of Commerce Visit to Stockholm 2012 The weekend of 23– 25 November was the occasion of the inaugural visit of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Ireland to Sweden. A party of 12 in total travelled. The main group arrived on Friday at noon. Some immediately went to a meeting in Mazars where they received a briefing on the tax regime in Sweden. They learnt to their surprise that the regime was not nearly as severe as is generally thought. In the afternoon we had a meeting with the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce which has responsibility for the greater Stockholm area extending to the city ofUppsala. We were given a briefing on the major challenges facing the city of Stockholm and we discussed how the two chambers could work with each other. Afterwards we went to the offices of Invest Sweden. Invest Sweden is the equivalent of the IDA. However it is soon to be merged with the Swedish equivalent of Enterprise Ireland, the Swedish Trade Council. We received a most erudite and comprehensive briefing on the current state of the Swedish economy and the focus of Invest Sweden in encouraging inward investment. We also learnt of some of the challenges that will have to be faced in the merger of the STC and Invest Sweden. We were joined by John Roche, the head of Enterprise Ireland for the Nordics based in Stockholm. John has just recently moved to Stockholm from Spain. He outlined the main focus of the activities of Enterprise Ireland in the Nordic region and the main sectors in which they are interested.There then followed a most interesting discussion in which we had the benefit of the perspective of Invest Sweden and Enterprise Ireland in relation to a range of topics that faced them both. Stimulated by an afternoon of interesting discussions and useful meetings, we returned to our hotels for a short break before sallying forth to the wonderful restaurant of Ulla Winbladh. As a result of the kind intervention of Lars Schmidt of the Swedish Embassy (and currently resident in Dublin) we had a private room and a special menu had been organised. There were 20 people in all in our party. The Chamber had a number of guests. We were honoured with the presence of Her Excellency The Ambassador, Elisabet Borsiin Bonnier. We welcomed the former secretary of the Chamber, Gunilla Llungdahl. We were very pleased to see again Claes Llungdahl the former ambassador of Sweden to Ireland. Ragnar Almqvist and his wife Ailbhe represented the Irish Embassy in Stockholm. Finally Helene Rapp represented the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The drinking of snaps caused the Swedes present to sing some of their traditional songs. In view of the imminent clash between our two countries in the World Cup, this provoked a vigorous response from the Irish, who sang some drinking songs. We had a magnificent meal and enjoyed great fun in each others’ company. Despite the revelry of the evening before, most were present and correct for the visit to Skansen early on Saturday morning. Skansen is an outdoor cultural and architectural museum, along the lines of the Bunratty Folk Park. Original buildings from all over Sweden and Scandinavia have been dismantled and rebuilt in Skansen. There is also a collection of Nordic animals, both wild and domestic. In the weeks leading to Christmas, there is a wonderful and eclectic range of market stalls throughout the park. The weather initially was very unkind. Some of our group succumbed to the protection of green plastic ponchos, which, although effective, were somewhat inelegant. Unlike Christmas markets elsewhere, the stalls were not all concentrated in one central square but were spread throughout the museum. There was a wide range of foods from glogg, coffee and Christmas pastries to smoked meats and reindeer sausages cooked on charcoal braziers. However, his daughter did not applaud the purchase of smoked reindeer heart by Paul Keane! In some of the houses you could enjoy traditional Swedish music played on ancient instruments, in the comfort of a wood fire. In the church, we enjoyed a concert of trumpet and organ music. In a central square there was communal dancing in which Mairead Divilly took a notable part. Later on in the morning the weather cleared. Some enjoyed lunch in one of the many restaurants in the park. Some of our members, who had not been to Stockholm before, availed of the opportunity to visit the Vasa Museum. Like most people, they were greatly impressed. Others availed of the retail therapy to be found in Drottinggatan or visited the medieval streets of Gamla Stan. That evening, we ate in a restaurant called Vapiano. It is one of a chain of restaurants. We found that you can dine well and at a modest cost in Stockholm. It is a restaurant specialising in fresh pasta cooked there and then in front of you. We had a feast of dishes with salads and deserts, wine and beer at a cost of approximately €36 each. Some intrepid souls went to hear the Adolf Fredriks Ungdomskor singing in the Gustav Vasa Church in Odenplan. This is a soaring church of great beauty. The choir were in great voice and are looking forward immensely to coming to Dublin to perform in Christchurch on 16 December. We returned to Dublin late on Sunday evening thoroughly satisfied with a most enjoyable, useful and interesting visit. There is talk of making this an annual trip, to different cities in Sweden! PAUL KEANE Maeve Walsh and Helene Rapp Gunilla Ljugdahl Sophisticated SCCI in Skansen! Siobhan feeling the cold despite the brazier A small part of the Christmas Market in Skansen Tom Marren and Maeve Walsh New Secretary Sweden Win the U21 Euro Championship! SWEDEN CELEBRATES THEIR NATIONAL FLAG DAY ON 6 JUNE Swedish Ambassador on Twitter Tweets by @LWahlund Address:SCCI Secretariat, 12 Fitzwilliam Place Dublin 2, Ireland. Email:sccireland@gmail.com Website:www.sccireland.org Sankta Lucia concert in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin – Sunday 9 December at 07.30 pm 7th March SCCI Networking Evening Sankta Lucia concert in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin – 2 December at 07.00 pm SCCI on Twitter Tweets by @Paulkeane_RC Copyright SCCI 2020 - site developed by Cedar Tree Ireland.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7095
__label__wiki	0.592813	0.592813	Deer Hunt 4-6 scouts Rehearse couple times and speak loudly. One of three scouts keeps looking at his watch and then says, Tom's been gone for one day now, I wonder what's taking him so long to hunt a deer. A scout approaches the other three dragging a dead dear. The other scouts ask how he found the deer. He says, all I did was follow the tracks. One of the scouts says O.K and says I'm going to get a deer. The other three scouts wait for 3 or 4 minutes and then begin to get impatient. Wonder what's taking Bob so long, he's been gone for a couple days now. A scout approaches the other three dragging a dead deer. The other scouts ask how he found the deer. He says, "all I did was follow the tracks." One of the scouts says O.K and says I'm going to get a deer. The other three scouts wait for a moment, then begin to get impatient. Wonder what's taking him so long, he's been gone for three days. The scout returns, but instead of dragging a deer back is limping, bleeding and can barely walk. The other three scouts ask "what's wrong, what happened to you? Why do you have a broken leg, broken arm? How come you don't have a deer?" And the injured scout says, "When I followed the tracks, a train hit me!" Justin Wick Trooop 510 Score of 3.8 from 112 reviews.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7096
__label__wiki	0.50552	0.50552	About the SRCF Officers and Directors 2019-2020 Research Grants 2019-2020 A Brief Description of Currently Funded Research Grants 2019-2020 A Brief Description of Currently Funded Research Grants 2018 – 2019 Previously Awarded Grants and Studentships Barrie Learning Centre Calgary Learning Centre Edmonton Learning Centre Halifax Learning Centre Hamilton Learning Centre London Learning Centre Moncton Learning Centre Vancouver Learning Centre Windsor Learning Centre Foundation Newsletter Valley Liaison Information The role of of serotonergic raphe neuromodulation in behavior and autism models Dr. Arjun Krishnaswamy Introduction: Our goal is to understand how internal states, such as mood or attention, modulate sensory processing and focus the brain on the most behaviorally relevant stimuli. We focus on the phenomenon of gain-control, in which internal states amplify or attenuate the sensitivity of sensory processing. As a model, we will use the mouse visual thalamus (LGN) and the serotonergic connections it receives from the dorsal raphe (DR), a critical center for satiety, reward, and arousal. Current models suggest that DR releases serotonin (5HT) onto neurons in visual thalamus to modulate thalamic drive to visual cortex in response to rewarded stimuli. However, the exact nature of the DR signal in LGN, the impact of DR signals on visual behavior, and the effects of abnormal DR-signaling –as occurs during autism (ASD) –are unclear. Goal: To learn more, I propose to define how the DR-thalamic circuits shape sensory processing in awake, behaving animals that develop normally and those that develop ASD-like phenotypes. Outline of Research Aim#1: The precise timing and magnitude of DR signals to LGN determines its impact on visual processing and visual behavior. To understand how DR input activity varies with visual behavior, we will measure neural activity from LGN-projecting DR neurons using in vivo calcium imaging while mice perform a behavioral task; mice will be trained to choose the correct stimulus, given two alternatives, in order to obtain a reward. If DR controls LGN visual processing then it should be active during stimulus presentation and remain active until reward. Preliminary behavioral results indicate that mice can discriminate between two gratings and choose the grating of higher contrast. Aim#2: DR might enhance or depress the gain of LGN visual responses, depending on how its activity affects geniculate circuitry in awake animals. To define the impact of DR on LGN visual processing, and correlate this to behavior, we will optogenetically stimulate DR inputs while mice perform our behavioral choice task. If DR increases LGN gain, then stimulating ChR2+ DR terminals should improve stimulus discrimination; if it decreases LGN gain, then stimulation should deteriorate performance. Aim#3: The visual deficits, alterations in thalamus, and altered 5HT signaling in ASD point strongly to an underlying dysfunction in DR-thalamic signaling. To test this idea, we will monitor and perturb DR inputs to LGN in mice that lack Shank3. Shank3 null mice exhibit social and visual deficits that mimic ASD and recent studies show that DR activation in these mice rescues their social deficits. Briefly, we will image DR inputs in the LGN of Shank3 nulls while they learn and perform our visual behavioral test. Projected Benefits and Application of Findings: These studies will be the first to define how DR contributes to behavioral sensitivity to visual stimuli in normally developing and ASD-mutant mice. Understanding how 5HT release from DR influences the visual sensitivity of LGN in behavior and ASD models will provide a framework to understand the debilitating sensory overload in ASD. The insights and reagents that come out of our studies hold the potential to inspire more effective diagnostics and therapies for ASD. Timeline: We expect to finish the studies outlined in Aim#1 following release of funds on Oct 30th, 2018 by Spring 2019. Studies outlined in Aim#2 will take slightly longer due to time needed to expand a Pet1-Cre mouse colony using founders purchased from Jackson; we anticipate a complete dataset by Jan 2020. Studies on Shank3 null mice will begin in Fall 2020 (Aim#3), following purchase of the line and initial imaging studies (Aim#1). We anticipate a publication by Spring 2021 and another by summer 2021, putting us in a good position to leverage this early career grant into an operating grant by Fall 2021. Targeting mitochondrial form and function in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Tim Shutt Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a continuum of neurodevelopmental disorders with common symptoms affecting social development, behavior and language, which is now recognized in an estimated 1 in 66 Canadian children. Our understanding of ASD is complicated by the fact that a combination of diverse factors such as genetic background and environmental exposure are thought to contribute to its development. Notably, there is growing evidence for a link between ASD and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria are best known as the cellular components that produce the bulk of the cell’s energy. Importantly, many of the same factors thought to cause ASD also result in mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, estimates suggest that 30-50% ASD patients show signs of mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction underlie a significant proportion of ASD. Our preliminary data show that a well-established mouse model of ASD, the BTBR mouse, has mitochondrial dysfunction. That mitochondria are involved in ASD should not be surprising as they provide energy for the brain and play essential roles in brain development. Although the exact role of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD remains undefined, targeting mitochondrial dysfunction is nonetheless a promising therapeutic approach. One way to improve mitochondrial function is by changing the food source they are given. To this end, the high-fat low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD), is a therapeutic approach that is beneficial in a growing list of neurological disorders with mitochondrial dysfunction. Importantly, the KD shows behavioural benefits in both ASD patients and animal models of ASD (including BTBR mice). In particular, our preliminary data show that the KD also ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction in BTBR mice. Despite this exciting finding, we do not understand exactly how this occurs. Further highlighting the need for a better mechanistic understanding to develop alternative approaches, the KD is not without side effects and comes with implementation challenges, especially in children. A key regulator of mitochondrial function is the structure of the dynamic mitochondrial network, which can range from fragmented spots to a reticular network, and is determined by the balance between fission and fusion events. Our preliminary data demonstrate not only that the KD also improves mitochondrial structure in BTBR mice, but also begin to delineate the molecular pathways through which the KD is improving mitochondrial structure by promoting mitochondrial fusion. To understand how the KD improves mitochondrial structure and function, and to evaluate its applicability to ASD. Outline of Research: Our studies will exam how the ketogenic diet improves mitochondrial function by looking at mitochondrial structure, a key aspect for mitochondrial function. To this end, we will elucidate mechanisms through which the ketogenic diet improves mitochondrial structure and function. Specifically, we will determine how metabolic products generated by the KD regulate the structure of mitochondria (Aims 1 & 2). Finally, we will determine whether targeting this specific pathway, by supplementing the diet of BTBR mice with these metabolic products, improves mouse ASD-like behaviours (Aim 3). Projected benefits and application of findings: In addition to the stress that a child with ASD puts on a family, children with ASD also add a burden to the educational system and the economy. In 2001, the lifetime cost per Canadian with an autism condition was estimated at $2 million, with an overall Canadian annual cost estimated at more than $3 billion. While identification and treatment can reduce the impact of ASD, there is no cure, in part, because we do not understand the cause. Our proposed studies will target improving mitochondrial dysfunction, which underlies a significant proportion of ASD. Specifically, understanding the underlying mechanisms by which the KD improves mitochondrial function will facilitate the development of novel therapies to restore mitochondrial morphology, and by extension mitochondrial dysfunction, while avoiding the complications of the KD. Finally, we will explore the benefits of ketone esters for ASD. Importantly, because ketone esters are clinically relevant and safe for children, they may be a preferable alternative to the KD, in particular for cases of ASD linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Neuroprotective strategies to prevent long-term cognitive deficits induced by CBI Dr. Sophie Tremblay. CHU Ste-Justine Research Centre Cerebellar growth is highly vulnerable during the third trimester of pregnancy and could be affected by diverse insults leading to cerebellar growth failure and atrophy. Up to 19% of infants born extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks) will be affected by cerebellar injuries during their neonatology hospitalization. Nowadays, the cerebellum is recognized not only as a coordination centre where sensory input is processed in order to fine-tune movement and balance, but also plays a role in cognitive and affective processing, speech fluency, attention, spatial memory, and music learning. We have developed a novel translational mouse model of preterm cerebellar haemorrhage and inflammation that can serve as an entrée to explore long-term deficits induced by preterm cerebellar damage to address issues such as mechanism and neuroprotective strategies. It is critical to understand how we can minimize disruption of cerebellar development to maximize neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely preterm infants. In Objective 1, we will examine the role of innate immune system of the brain, microglial cells, in hindering the cerebellum’s resilience to insult and prevent long-term cognitive deficits. In the second Objective, we will quantify how microglial depletion preserves adult cerebellar structure and other brain region volumes affected by perinatal cerebellar injury. In Objective 3, we will test the potential therapeutic benefit of Etanercept, a FDA-approved drug known to modulate brain inflammation. We have developed two mouse models of cerebellar insults: cerebellar haemorrhage using bacterial collagenase and perinatal inflammation induced using intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharides injection. As oftentimes these insults occur together, we have also modeled these in the early postnatal mouse (equivalent to the third trimester in the human). We are using a battery of pre-established behavioural and anatomical tests to examine the function and structure of the developing cerebellum up to adulthood. The overall focus of this proposal is to examine the role of microglial cells, our innate immune system in the brain, which may perpetuate damages to the cerebellum and means by which we may provide neuroprotection in the face of that damage. At the mechanistic level, we will test the hypothesis that microglial activation after perinatal insults play a crucial role in the pathological responses to cerebellar injury leading to cerebellar atrophy, reduced total brain volumes and deficits in cerebellar-associated behaviours diagnosed in infants born extremely preterm. We will test the contribution of microglia to cerebellar haemorrhage and inflammation pathophysiology by using transgenic mouse pups expressing an inducible fusion protein only in brain microglia allowing a selective depletion in a timely manner in this specific cell population. In a parallel fashion we will explore how modulation of the brain’s immune and inflammation responses can provide neuroprotection from perinatal insults. Etanercept is known to reduce systemic inflammatory responses and to reduce neural injury induced by oxidative stress (in response to high level of oxygen). Despite the crucial role of microglia during brain development, their capacity to perpetuate inflammation after brain injury may lead to long-term consequences such as permanent neurodeficits. Modulation of their responses to injury may provide neuroprotection to the developing brain and contain injury progression. Furthermore, if microglial cell favours a release of pro-repair molecules, they may improve post-insult recovery, limit brain damage and potentially diminished long-term functional consequences of preterm brain injury. Projected benefits and application of findings The scientific community focus has been so far on protecting neonatal cerebral injury in infants born prematurely; preventing cerebellar insults is as important and will result in significant neurodevelopmental improvement. This work has the direct potential of providing new therapies for children with perinatal infections and CBH. Currently there is no therapeutic agent given routinely to prevent CBH damages or other CBI affecting extreme preterm infants. Achievement of our goals will lead to expand the repertoire of potential therapies available to protect the developing brain, especially the cerebellum, which could be applied to other preterm brain injuries. The role of the cellular prion protein in alpha-synuclein propagation Dr. Joel Watts More than 100,000 Canadians currently suffer from Parkinson’s disease (PD), and this number is predicted to increase dramatically in the coming years due to an ageing population. In PD, a protein called α-synuclein clumps together in the brain to form aggregates. These aggregates are believed to cause the death of brain cells, which produces the symptoms of PD. The progressive nature of PD is thought to result from the spread of α-synuclein aggregates between cells in the brain. Recently, it has been found that another brain protein, the prion protein (PrP), may facilitate the cell-to-cell spread of α-synuclein aggregates during PD. The objective of this research is to determine whether the presence or absence of PrP on brain cells has any effect on the development of disease in mouse models of PD. We will use two different mouse models of PD in which the aggregation of α-synuclein in the brain can be stimulated by injecting the mice with pre-existing α-synuclein aggregates. These mice will be crossed with mice that have been genetically engineered so that they no longer produce PrP. The amount of α-synuclein pathology in the brain and the speed of disease development will be compared between mice that have normal amounts of PrP and mice that lack PrP. Projected Benefits and Applications of Findings These studies will determine whether PrP is a viable therapeutic target for PD. While there are treatments available that lessen the symptoms of PD, there are currently no drugs that target the root cause of the disease. If the absence of PrP in mice is found to prevent or delay the development of PD-like symptoms and pathology, reducing PrP levels in the brains of PD patients may be an effective means of halting the progression of the disease. Copyright of the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation 2019	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7100
__label__wiki	0.63754	0.63754	Penn State's Lee, Detering Win Big Ten Women's Volleyball Honors A pair of Penn State women's volleyball standouts picked up Big Ten honors Monday, as juniors Simone Lee and Abby Detering were named the conference’s Player and Setter of the Week, respectively. [Read More] Penn State Women's Volleyball Knocks Off No. 1 Minnesota Russ Rose's Nittany Lions welcomed No. 1 Minnesota to town for a Wednesday night White Out and by far their biggest match of the season to date. No. 15 Penn State (13-3, 5-0 Big Ten) pulled off an enormous 3-2 upset (29-27, 21-25, 23-25, 25-14, 15-10) over the Golden Gophers to blow the roof off Re [Read More] Penn State Women's Volleyball Rounding into Big Ten Form After dropping three straight matches for the first time since 2002-03, Russ Rose's Nittany Lions have started to find the on-court chemistry that so often sets Penn State apart from the rest of the women's college volleyball landscape. [Read More] Penn State's Suero Wins Big Ten Honor Penn State women's soccer's Laura Suero was named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week Tuesday following her game-winning goal in a close 1-0 battle at Wisconsin over the weekend. [Read More] Ross Travis Makes Kansas City Chiefs 53-Man Roster Ross Travis, Penn State basketball's third-leading rebounder in program history, can now call himself an NFL tight end. Travis made the Kansas City Chiefs’ final 53-man roster on Saturday. [Read More] Penn State Women's Volleyball Searching for Identity After Early Loss The Nittany Lions finished their season-opening Penn State Classic 2-1 following a pair of easy sweeps over West Virginia and Georgia Southern and an exhausting 3-2 loss to then-No. 19 North Carolina that raised a handful of question marks the team must answer moving forward. [Read More] Penn State Women's Volleyball Ready for Redemption 177 weeks ago - StateCollege.com - Onward State Staff, Ethan Kasales Russ Rose's Nittany Lions begin their quest for an unprecedented eighth National Championship Friday night at 7 against West Virginia in Rec Hall. Get ready for the season with our women’s volleyball preview. [Read More] Driesse Sets Winning Standard for Penn State Women's Soccer Penn State's lone senior Nickolette Driesse has been to three straight National Championships, so she knows exactly what it takes to help the Nittany Lions defend theirs this fall. [Read More] Reflecting on Penn State's Record Showing in Rio Penn State set a school record for Olympians at the 2016 Rio Games with 25 Nittany Lions — including players and coaches — taking part in the world’s grandest sporting competition over the past two weeks. [Read More] Page: ← 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7103
__label__wiki	0.824804	0.824804	You are here: Home / Newsroom / Crime / NYC – Ex-Guinea Minister Convicted In Multimillion Bribery Scand... NYC – Ex-Guinea Minister Convicted In Multimillion Bribery Scandal May 5, 2017 /0 Comments/in Crime /by Joe Levin A US federal court convicted a former Guinea minister of laundering US$8.5 million in bribes he took from a Chinese tycoon in exchange for mining rights in Guinea, media reported Wednesday. Prosecutors accused Mahmoud Thiam, 50, of accepting illegal payments to help China International Fund Ltd. win exclusive rights to mine Guinea’s iron, gold, diamonds and bauxite deposits. He used the money for luxuries such as estate renovations in New York, private schools for his children and a Steinway grand piano. Thiam, a U.S. citizen who served as Guinea’s mining minister from 2009 to 2010 after spending 14 years as an investment banker in New York, admitted that he lied to banks about the source of the money and his role as a government minister. But he pleaded not guilty to bribery and money laundering charges. He told the Manhattan federal court that the money was a personal loan from his friend Sam Pa, a Chinese tycoon, and that the two had no written agreement, interest or repayment terms for the loan. Pa was not charged in the case. “Why all the lies?” assistant U.S. Attorney Elisha Kobre posed the question to jurors. Thiam said he lied to prevent banks from closing his account on suspicions that as a foreign official he was susceptible to taking bribes. “My primary concern was to be treated as Mahmoud Thiam, private citizen,” he said. Following a six-day trial, Thiam faces as long as 10 years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines. Guinea has seen corruption allegations over mineral development for years including Rio Tinto’s accusation that billionaire Beny Steinmetz’s firm conspired with Vale SA to steal the rights to an iron ore deposit in the country. The case was dismissed in 2015. Steinmetz sued George Soros for $10 billion last month for running a defamation campaign that led his companies to lose mining rights in Guinea. Tags: Beny Steinmetz, Crime, Guinea, Mahmoud Thiam, NYC http://www.totpi.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/0202121-3.png 621 997 Joe Levin http://www.totpi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/lolo-300x136.png Joe Levin2017-05-05 09:58:492017-05-05 09:58:49NYC - Ex-Guinea Minister Convicted In Multimillion Bribery Scandal Retired NYPD officer Accused of Running 58 Escort web sites Nashville, TN - Police: Suspect Dead After Report Of Gunshots At Tennessee Theater GAITHERSBURG, MD - Synagogue Spray-Painted With Anti-Semitic Graffiti FBI and ICE Raids Homes and CIIF/Harris Law Group Ukraine Journalist Pavel Sheremet Killed In A Car Explosion In Kiev Boston Doctors Found Dead In Luxury Apartment With Throats Slashed Rochel Wahrman A”h, Fatally Struck By NYC Bus In Midtown Manhunt After Cop Killed, Second Critical In Shooting Near Georgia College Ulster Bank Set Asides €206M For Mortgage Redress Scheme Navy SEAL Killed Fighting Islamic Terrorists In Somalia	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7109
__label__cc	0.602757	0.397243	BART To Be Quieter on The Curves. Jim Loomis September 04, 2016 All Posts, Mass Transit 0 Comment For passengers riding BART—that’s the Bay Area Rapid Transit system connecting San Francisco with Oakland and many other points in the Bay Area—a 44-year-old annoyance may soon be a thing of the past. Anyone who has ridden BART knows that there are loud screeching noises when the trains pass through many of the curves throughout the system. It’s because the steel wheels on all rail cars—from Amtrak’s high-speed Acelas to the slowest freight train— are locked onto their axles. That means the two wheels and the axle turn together as one unit. But that also means when the train rounds a curve, all of the outside wheels travel a slightly greater distance than all the inside wheels. That causes each pair of wheels to skid a bit and all those pairs of wheels skidding just that little bit produces the squeal as the train passes through the curves. (You seldom hear that squealing on an Amtrak train because the curves are much more gradual than in a typical transit system.) But here’s the interesting part to this story: BART has placed a big order for new cars from Bombardier and, as part of the deal, they asked the company if they could figure out a way to reduce or, better yet, eliminate those squeals. Well, sure, said Bombardier. We’ll shave a couple of millimeters off the part of the wheel that touches the rail in such a way as to create an angle (illustration) with the circumference of each wheel slightly less on the outside. That means when the train rounds a curve and centrifugal force causes the rail cars to slide toward the outside, the outside wheel will travel a little less distance and the inside wheel will travel a little farther around that curve. The result: less skidding and less squeal. This is a bit of good news for the nearly half-million people a day who depend on BART to get them around d the Bay Area. All of BART’s rail cars—there are 669 of them—will be getting the new wheels within the next two years. TOPICS BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)Bay Area Rapid TransitBombardiermass transit Previous Red Sox and Cubs Fans: Breeds Apart. NextWhat About Security on Amtrak’s Long-Distance Trains?	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7111
__label__wiki	0.97196	0.97196	Squad Results Friendlies Next Match Transfers Kits Programme Average Points Per Game STFC Development STFC Youths STFC Women League Table Results 2010's 2000's 1990's 1980's 1970's 1960's 1950's 1940's 1930's 1920's 1910's 1900's 1890's 1880's In the Beginning... Past Players Managers Complete Record On This Day Head-To-Head Opposition Players Best Records Bogey Teams Biggest Wins Biggest Defeats Most Appearances Top Scorers Best Players? Worst Players? The Last Time... 2006/2007: Promotion from League Two 1995/1996: Division Two Champions 1992/1993: Division One Play-Off Winners 1989/1990: Division Two Play-Off Winners 1986/1987: Division Three Play-Off Winners 1985/1986: Division Four Champions 1969/1970: Anglo-Italian Cup Winners 1969/1970: Anglo-Italian Cup Winners' Cup Winners 1968/1969: League Cup Winners 1911 & 1914: Southern League Champions 1910/1911: Southern Charity Cup Winners 1909/1910: Dubonnet Cup Winners 1898/1899: Western League Champions 1886/1887: Wiltshire Cup Winners TV Footage Video Library Town On TV TV Footage Library Stat Attack Fan Stats Match Tracker Your Stats STFC Mini-Footy Stars Links Mail Me About Nationwide League Division One Norwich City Swindon Town I.Roberts (63'), P.Hughes (90') HT: 0-0 I.Onuora (48' pen) Attendance: 17,307 Referee: G. Frankland After Iffy Onuora's penalty gives Swindon the lead, Norwich turn the game on its head - late substitute Paul Hughes hardly off the bench before netting a last minute winner. Frank TALIA Che WILSON Des LINTON Erik FUGLESTAD Gareth HALL Shaun CAREY Malky MACKAY Craig FLEMING Brian BORROWS Cédric ANSELIN Bobby HOWE Adrian COOTE George NDAH Iwan ROBERTS Iffy ONUORA Phil MULRYNE Chris LLEWELLYN Craig TAYLOR Shayne BRADLEY Lee MARSHALL Paul MCAREAVEY Results on Saturday, May 1, 1999: Barnsley 2 - 2 Watford Bradford City 0 - 0 Oxford United Crewe Alexandra 3 - 1 Portsmouth Crystal Palace 2 - 2 Huddersfield Town Grimsby Town 1 - 0 Tranmere Rovers Norwich City 2 - 1 Swindon Town Port Vale 2 - 0 Queens Park Rangers Sheffield United 3 - 1 Bristol City Stockport County 0 - 1 Sunderland West Bromwich Albion 1 - 0 Bury Table as at Saturday, May 1, 1999: 1 Sunderland 45 30 12 3 89 27 89 102 2 Bradford City 45 25 9 11 79 45 79 84 3 Ipswich Town 44 25 8 11 65 30 65 83 4 Birmingham City 44 22 12 10 64 35 64 78 5 Watford 45 20 14 11 64 56 64 74 6 Bolton Wanderers 45 19 16 10 76 59 76 73 7 Wolverhampton Wanderers 44 19 15 10 62 40 62 72 8 Sheffield United 45 18 13 14 70 62 70 67 9 Norwich City 45 15 17 13 62 60 62 62 10 Huddersfield Town 45 15 15 15 62 71 62 60 11 Grimsby Town 44 17 9 18 40 51 40 60 12 West Bromwich Albion 45 16 11 18 68 73 68 59 13 Crystal Palace 45 14 16 15 58 65 58 58 14 Barnsley 45 13 17 15 56 55 56 56 15 Tranmere Rovers 45 11 20 14 60 60 60 53 16 Stockport County 45 12 17 16 49 55 49 53 17 Swindon Town 45 13 11 21 58 78 58 50 18 Portsmouth 45 11 14 20 57 71 57 47 19 Crewe Alexandra 45 12 11 22 54 78 54 47 20 Port Vale 45 13 8 24 45 74 45 47 21 Queens Park Rangers 45 11 11 23 46 61 46 44 22 Bury 45 9 17 19 34 60 34 44 23 Oxford United 45 9 14 22 43 71 43 41 24 Bristol City 45 8 15 22 56 80 56 39 Key: Promotion Play-offs Relegation	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7112
__label__wiki	0.636452	0.636452	Author: Broadbiz Web Services Ltd. 19th August 2016 17th May 2017 Broadbiz Web Services Ltd. We were contacted today by a referring doctor that moved from a clinic in Banjul to the MRC unit in Fajara. Having set up a Swinfen Telemedical link to the Banjul clinic she was so impressed with our service that she wanted to set up a Swinfen link to the unit in Fajara which we have gladly put in place for her. The MRC is a public hospital specialising in Adult and Paediatric medicine, Cardiology, TB and Liver disease. they have a range of diagnostic equipment and excellent availability of drugs, although they may not be the very latest. They have 42 beds, 6 Doctors, 30 nursesand many other research doctors contributing to the clinic service. For those patients that cannot afford to pay the hospital will waiver the fees, most will manage to pay as they are only charged a contribution towards the service. Although there are many doctors at the unit, there are big gaps in their knowledge. At present there are only 2 adult physicians – the other doctors have either no specialty or are Paediatricians. They see a lot of dermatology and have no one with expertise in this field. They are however in a privileged position of being able to do investigations, but do not always know what to make of the results. Kikori Hospital and their boat Kikori is a settlement in Papua New Guinea; it lies in the delta of the Kikori River at the head of the Gulf of Papua. As the crow flies it is 245miles from the Capital, Port Moresby. The hospital has 100 beds and serves a wide area around the gulf, given that the next nearest hospital is in the Capital. The medical staff consist of six nurses, about 20 community health workers, occasional visiting medics on short term stints and a British Doctor, Beth Lewis, who has been there for four years. In addition to looking after all the in-patients this amazing medical team run clinics at the hospital and do outreach visits to villages up-river, where they seeks out possible TB cases, a disease that is endemic there and very common. Facilities are minimal; there is ‘bedside’ ultrasound, AFB staining, and microscopy for TB, very limited bedside blood testing (Glucose, Hb, HIV, Malaria, hep B). Microscopes are available but stains and expertise are limited. It would do some current doctors good to have to manage without X-rays or any other scans, let alone the limited selection of blood tests! If a patient really does need to have scans of any description, specialist services, or even anything more than basic blood tests, the only option is to consider transfer to Port Moresby. Getting there is 12-16 hours by dinghy through the rivers then across open sea to Kerema the provincial capital. It’s a very dangerous journey where the currents meet at the mouth of the big rivers. In the wet season lives are lost every year by people making the journey. But it is the only real way out… then from Kerema to Moresby it’s another 12+ hours by truck on the road. The vast majority of the population they serve are subsistence farmers who may just get a little income from marketing, but the journey to Moresby costs more than most make in a year. Another challenge for medics visiting anywhere overseas is language. In this area of PNG there are eight main languages that they are confronted with. English, Pidgin and Moto are the three common ‘trade’ languages plus five widely spoken local tribal languages, but they have patients from at least another 10 language areas who use the hospital. Thankfully, most people speak one of the three main languages, but when they’re from further afield they may not. With some patients the clinical history can get a bit muddled as its been translated from their language via another language into Pidgin, a vague and imprecise language for trying to convey concise observations! At the end of April this year I had an email from Beth to say that their ‘dinghy had died’. It had been repaired many times but had been working so hard that the motor ‘gave up the ghost’. Without it all of the TB outreach work came to a complete standstill as, living in the delta, without a boat she and her team could not get to any of the villages to do TB clinics/ follow ups/ awareness or to bring patients to hospital for treatment. Kikori has one of the highest TB rates in the world, and 70% of the 100 hospital beds were filled with TB patients. Hence the importance of the outreach clinics to try and stem the spread of TB in the area. Beth Lewis is a very self-effacing young lady, but deeply committed to her work with the locals. The demise of their dinghy came as a cruel blow to her, her team and the work they all do. So, one of Beth’s friends set up a ‘crowd funding’ page to raise the money for a new outboard engine. The funding target was £7,000. After just 10 days that target had been exceeded; the exercise produced £7,025 on ‘Gogetfunding’ plus £2,500 from other sources including Beth’s Church back in the UK. Shortly after, she wrote to say “the most huge THANK YOU for making our dream of a dinghy to continue Kikori’s TB work a reality”. She felt that the response to the appeal had been incredible, and the team were very excited to be able to plan the purchase of their new motor. “What is most incredible is that you and others like you- people that I’ve never actually met personally – believe in this enough to support us in this way”. Given that the funds had exceeded the amount required for the engine they were also able to replace the fibreglass dinghy with a bigger one and set aside funds to pay their operators/ drivers for their work on TB outreach patrols as nationwide budget cuts for health facilities meant that their workmen, who also function as drivers, had had their hours halved so only employed 18 hours/ week, but the TB trips are often 2-3 days. What’s left over has been allocated for upkeep and maintenance, and some for the TB programme which may include extra “ambulance” trips. In early August the 23ft fibreglass dinghy and a 40HP Yamaha outboard arrived on a cargo boat from Port Moresby. “Hugest big thanks from all of us in Kikori for helping us to continue to see people live well and healthy in this little corner of the swamp here!” The remarkable team at Kikori work for a wide community with the barest of resources; they truly deserve our highest regards. The Swinfen Charitable Trust is honoured to have been able to help in 57 cases referred from Kikori by Beth Lewis in just over 18 months. International SOS – FREEPORT SITE A new Swinfen Telemedical Link has been set up to a hospital in Papua, Indonesia. This is a 54 bed Community Hospital with two Doctors, Twenty Four nurses, a midwife, Pharmacist, Radiology and Laboratory technicians, and a hospital coordinator. With basic equipment and drugs. As this is a Charitable hospital a Foundation has been set up for the Seven tribes, surrounding the hospital, so that they can receive treatment for free. CHARITY OF YEAR 2016 4th August 2016 16th May 2017 Broadbiz Web Services Ltd. It would be much appreciated if you could take 5 minutes out of your busy day and nominate Swinfen Telemedicine for CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2016 using the link below. Just Giving – “Charity of the year award 2016” Charity of the Year is your opportunity to tell us about the causes you care about. Is there a charity you’d love to see recognised? One that’s making a difference to the things that matter to you? Vote for them now – http://just.ly/charity-of-the-year-2016 July Statistics 2nd August 2016 16th May 2017 Broadbiz Web Services Ltd. 38 cases came through the Swinfen Telemedicine system this month. 8 Male, 6 Female and 24 Paediatric – 14 of which were sent from the Cancer Medical Centre in Iraq who only joined our service this month! Other cases came from Burkina Faso (Africa), Bangladesh, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and China.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7113
__label__wiki	0.83917	0.83917	TBA Legislative Update: Committees Begin Closing Down Legislative activity continued at an active pace last week as committees juggled executive branch budget hearings, bills, a flood of last-minute amendments — which were filed due to committee closures — and the announcement of final calendars for several key committees. By the end of the week, the House Property and Casualty Subcommittee, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee and the House Cities and Counties Subcommittee all closed subject to the call of the chair, with many others expected to follow suit this week. Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, chair of the Finance Ways and Means Committee, also announced that the Senate is halfway through the budget hearing process, with an anticipated completion in two weeks. Leadership continues to target an early May adjournment, which means the bulk of legislation for 2019 will have its fate determined within the next month. Haslam Meets with Pence to Discuss Possible U.S. Senate Bid Former Gov. Bill Haslam met with Vice President Mike Pence at the White House this week as the Knoxville Republican continues eyeing a potential run for the U.S. Senate, Knoxnews reports. Haslam has been mulling a run for the upper chamber since U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander announced in December he would not seek re-election. He previously said he would announce his decision in the early months of 2019. Other Republicans weighing a Senate bid include U.S. Ambassador to Japan Bill Hagerty, orthopedic trauma surgeon Manny Sethi and U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Clarksville. Nashville attorney and Iraq War veteran James Mackler is the only Democrat to enter the race so far. TBA ED Joycelyn Stevenson Today's Guest on Legislative Update This week's video TBA Legislative Update is now available on Facebook. Joining Government Affairs Director Berkley Schwarz and Communications Coordinator Katharine Heriges for this edition is TBA Executive Director Joycelyn Stevenson, who talks about what role she has to play in the bar association's legislative agenda, as well as the ins-and-outs of what goes on behind the scenes at the TBA. Check out future installments by logging onto Facebook every Thursday afternoon, and catch up on previous updates on the TBA's YouTube channel. Legislative Update - Pace Picks Up at General Assembly By Berkley Schwarz on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 2:50pm Legislative activity continued to increase last week, with full committee calendars that included both bills and budget presentations of executive branch agencies. Additionally, some committees already have their projected end dates in sight as leadership continues to target an early May adjournment. The overall level of legislative activity will increase even more next week, as the bulk of legislation for 2019 will have its fate determined in the next four weeks. Rep. Towns Fined Another $10K for Campaign Finance Violations State Rep. Joe Towns’ civil penalties reached $45,000 Wednesday after the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance fined him another $10,000 for failing to file campaign reports, The Daily Memphian reports. The Registry now has assessed four outstanding $10,000 civil penalties against Towns for failing to file reports and late filing and another $5,000 penalty for late filing of an appointment of treasurer. Wednesday’s penalty was for the third period in 2018. Towns said he has no intention of paying any of the fines but plans to run for re-election in 2020. Rose Wins State Senate Special Election Covington businessman Paul Rose is the new state senator from District 32, The Daily Memphian reports. Rose was the winner over Democratic nominee Eric Coleman in yesterday’s special general election for the seat, keeping it in the Republican column. Rose will fill the unfinished term of former Sen. Mark Norris, who was nominated and confirmed last year as a federal judge. Rose's term runs to the end of 2020. CATALYST Students Visit Legislature for Day on the Hill Students from the Chattanooga School of the Arts and Sciences visited the Tennessee legislature today as a part of the TBA Young Lawyers Division CATALYST program. The program solicited ideas for legislation from schools across the state, helped the students compose their own legislation, and then selected one bill to introduce at the General Assembly. The students who wrote the bill toured the Capitol today and met with Rep. Yusuf Hakeem, D-Chattanooga, as well as lobbyists and other government leaders. Sen. Kelsey Proposes Increasing Campaign Finance Limits for Senators Legislation by state Sen. Brian Kelsey that could dramatically increase Senate candidate fundraising is scheduled to be heard in a committee this week, The Daily Memphian reports. Kelsey introduced his legislation recently with a handwritten amendment that rewrote the bill during a State and Local Government Committee meeting. He told committee members the amendment “was basically doubling” campaign contribution limits on the Senate side to mirror House campaign contribution limits. TBA Legislative Update: State of the State Before the House chamber, Gov. Bill Lee recently delivered his first State of the State address to a joint session of the Tennessee General Assembly. He emphasized the importance of criminal justice reform and the need to move away from the “lock them up and throw away the key” mentality that he said has long prevailed in Tennessee. Lee also announced the creation of a task force, to be chaired by senior advisor and former judge Brandon Gibson, that will develop legislative and budgetary recommendations on various issues, including crime prevention, recidivism, victim support, mental health, and reforming the criminal code and sentencing guidelines. In the legislature next week, committee activity will continue to ramp up as leadership encourages members to put their bills on notice, with a target goal of May 1 for adjournment. See more legislative coverage via TBA's Legislative Updates on the TBA YouTube channel. TBA Weekly Video Legislative Update - March 7 The TBA's weekly livestream video legislative update is now available on Facebook. This week's update discusses the TBA's lobbying process, from bill selection all the way through committee. Catch up on all of the TBA's legislative updates on YouTube. Watch future updates every Thursday afternoon on the TBA's Facebook page. Party Registration Bill Advances A new bill regarding party registration has passed the Tennessee House Elections and Campaign Finance Subcommittee, the Nashville Post reports. The bill would allow for party registration but not require it to vote in primary elections. Those who choose to register as a member of a party would be prevented from voting in another party’s primary. The legislation comes after a bill with a similar topic, which would have required party registration to vote in primaries, failed in a House committee. Tennessee AG Urges U.S. Senate to Approve Anti-Robocall Legislation Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III urged the U.S. Senate to enact the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act, legislation to curb illegal robocalls and spoofing. A coalition of 54 attorneys general sent a letter to the U. S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation supporting the TRACED Act, which is sponsored by Sens. John Thune and Ed Markey. The legislation will require voice service providers to participate in a call authentication framework to help block unwanted calls and creates an interagency working group to take additional actions to reduce robocalls and hold telemarketers and robocallers accountable. Tennessee Legislature Considers Raising the Smoking Age to 21 There are at least three proposals at the Tennessee legislature that would increase the age to buy tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, from 18 to 21, WPLN reports. Altria — which owns Philip Morris USA — is backing one of the proposals to raise Tennessee's tobacco age, primarily to address underage vaping. The growth of e-cigarettes among teens has been so rapid that the Centers for Disease Control issued a special warning late last year. Sen. Shane Reeves, R-Murfreesboro, says the only resistance he's found is among a few convenience store owners worried about sales. Tennessee has one of the highest rates of smoking and deaths from related disease. General Assembly Ramping Up for Busy March It was a busy week at the legislature, as committees continued to ramp up to speed and more bills were placed on notice. Some lawmakers opted to run their bills early in session to avoid the inevitable rush that takes place in April, and other committees dedicated their entire calendars to bills addressing certain topics. Several house subcommittees also announced last calendars for the week of March 11, as leadership continues to press things along on a schedule to allow the legislature to adjourn sometime in early May. On Monday, Gov. Bill Lee will address a joint convention of the legislature to deliver his first State of the State address. Lee’s speech will highlight his key initiatives and priorities, and will likely include issues such as increased funding for school safety, greater resources for mental illness treatment, and an increased focus on having students ready for the workforce out of high school. TBA Weekly Legislative Update Focuses on Non-TBA Bills The TBA's weekly livestream legislative update was posted today. This week's edition focused on bills that have been filed that were not TBA bills but still have ramifications for the legal community. Watch the video here, and add a question in the comments - it could be answered in a future livestream. Bill Would Prevent Court Officials From Recognizing Same-Sex Unions A new bill introduced into the Tennessee legislature that targets the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage would prohibit government officials from recognizing any court ruling that affirms LGBT unions, The Tennessean reports. Another provision in the bill, sponsored by Sen. Mark Pody and Rep. Jerry Sexton, requires the state attorney general to defend the proposal in any subsequent court challenges. On Friday, the Fiscal Review Committee released an analysis of the bill, known as a fiscal note, which found it “could jeopardize federal funding if it is determined the state is in noncompliance with federal law.” Bill Would Make It Easier to Get Concealed Carry Permit in Tennessee A bill has been introduced in the legislature that would lessen requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit, The Tennessean reports. Under the current system, individuals must pay $100, take an eight-hour training course and undergo a background check. The new proposal, which sponsor Rep. Andy Holt says was designed to make the process cheaper for permit-seekers, would reduce the number of training hours required to two. It would also allow people to renew their permit every eight years instead of every five. TBA Bills Advance in Judiciary Committee Despite having a somewhat compressed schedule due to the President’s day holiday, the legislature picked up steam this week in anticipation of Gov. Bill Lee’s State of the State address, which will occur in less than two weeks. The TBA's adoption bills, SB208/HB287 and SB207/HB288 both passed the House Judiciary Committee this week, with SB208 also passing in the Senate. The CATALYST bill (SB837/HB1002), which requires every person applying for a driver license or photo identification card to be automatically registered to vote upon the applicant's 18th birthday, will go before the Senate State and Local Government Committee next week. SB719/HB854, which allows a trial court to exercise domestic relations jurisdiction regardless of the nature of the allegations unless and until a pleading is filed or relief is otherwise sought in a juvenile court invoking its exclusive original jurisdiction, will be considered by the full House Judiciary Committee next week. Attorneys for Rep. Byrd Ask Federal Court to Drop Free Speech Lawsuit State Rep. David Byrd, R-Waynesboro, has asked a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit in which a Wayne County High School student alleged that the lawmaker and school officials violated free speech rights by telling students to wear shirts advertising Byrd’s campaign, The Nashville Post reports. The defendants alleged in a Thursday court filing that the anonymous student was not on the field trip last year. Byrd’s attorneys argued that prior to the student’s “voluntary decision to forego attending the field trip” he was told there was “no requirement whatsoever” that the student wear the t-shirt. TBA Weekly Video Legislative Update - CATALYST The TBA's legislative update livestreamed this afternoon featured TBA Young Lawyers Division President Christian Barker, who helped explain the TBA YLD's CATALYST program and its accompanying legislation. Watch the livestream here and submit your questions about the TBA's legislative agenda to TBA Public Policy Director Berkley Schwarz. Thornton to Chair Council for Judicial Appointments, 3 New Members Named Gov. Bill Lee announced new members to the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments, as well as the appointment of Gif Thornton as chair. The council is responsible for recommending candidates to the governor to fill vacancies for Tennessee’s appellate courts. New members include David McKinney of Memphis, who is currently the Vice President of Government Relations for AutoZone Inc., Jody Pickens of Jackson, who is currently the District Attorney General for the 26th Judicial District, and Charles Tuggle of Memphis, who is currently the General Counsel for First Horizon National Corp. Current members of the council, including George Brown, Sarah K. Campbell, David Golden, Rosemarie Hill, Michelle Long and Cheryl Rice, will continue to serve. Bill Would Require Tennesseans to Officially Declare Party Affiliation to Vote in Primaries A bill requiring Tennessee voters to declare their party affiliation in order to vote in a primary election made its way through its first committee today, The Tennessean reports. The legislation would force voters to choose between being registered as a Democrat, Republican, unaffiliated with a statewide party or other in order to cast a primary ballot. If a voter chooses unaffiliated, they would not be able to vote in any primary elections. The bill was met with concerns from Democrats and Republicans, but received key support in the House Elections and Campaign Finance Subcommittee. Gov. Bill Lee and former Gov. Bill Haslam both expressed opposition to such a measure in the past. New Legislation Aims to Make Craft Brewing Easier A new bill proposed by an East Tennessee senator aiming to encourage the craft beer industry would authorize beer makers to self-distribute beer within a 100-mile radius of production, the Nashville Post reports. State law currently only allows self-distribution within the county in which the brewery operates. The new proposal would limit qualified brewers to those that produce 50,000 gallons or fewer. Audit Shows Lawmaker Spending Campaign Money Illegally Tennessee state Rep. Harold Love Jr., D-Nashville, was found by a Tennessee Registry of Election Finance audit to have spent thousands of dollars of campaign money for dry cleaning, trips, meals and other questionable purchases, The Tennessean reports. Love was also found in violation of reporting laws, failing to report $7,830 in donations, failing to provide enough data for more than $1,000 in contributions and failing to properly itemizes thousands in expenditures. Love pushed back against the allegations, saying that many of the questionable purchases had been made for constituents. House Speaker Glen Casada, R-Franklin, said there should be an investigation before any conclusions are drawn. Committee Action Heats Up; 2 TBA Adoption Bills Advance Activity on Capitol Hill has picked up now that all bills have all been introduced and referred to their respective committees. The TBA has circulated legislation affecting attorneys to the TBA Sections’ Executive Councils for review and feedback and are busy communicating positions on legislation to bill sponsors and committee chairs. The TBA’s two adoption bills (HB287/SB208, Adoption Corrections, and HB288/SB207, Post-adoption Contact Agreements) were recommended by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Children and Families Subcommittee. Both bills are scheduled to be considered by the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 20.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7118
__label__wiki	0.835032	0.835032	Inside the Archie v. Penders Pre-Trial Report by Tristan Oliver February 13, 2012 A Who’s Who of Sonic Comic Past Planned for Penders’s Defense Should Archie v. Penders ever actually reach a trial, the more than forty page proposed pre-trial order filed in December and obtained recently by TSSZ afford, even in short excerpts, a good roadmap as to what both sides will argue in supporting their case to a jury. We also learn some details about the case that weren’t necessarily clear before; among them, Penders allegedly began filing for copyright protection regarding many of the works he created while working as an independent contractor for Archie in 2009. (We should note that Ian Flynn took over Ken’s writing duties beginning with issues published in 2006.) It also turns out Penders allegedly filed more than the 135 copyright registrations we first found when this first came to light; Archie claims “at least one-hundred-seventy-one” copyrights were filed between 2009 and 2010. When those registrations were made final in 2010, Penders’s counsel allegedly sent notice to Archie several days before Penders made it public via his website, and alleged the company was infringing on his copyright. “After written correspondence was exchanged for several months, Penders continued his charge of infringement and threats of filing a lawsuit,” said partial remarks in the report supporting the plaintiff’s claims. “It became clear that unless ACP acquiesced to Penders demands, that he would file suit against ACP. ACP feared they would be unfairly sued for copyright infringement.” We also learn in the report that a claim against Penders was dropped by Archie, in light of Sega renewing its deal with the company to continue publishing the comics. Archie had previously alleged “intentional interference with contractual relations” on Penders’s part, but has withdrawn that claim due to the successful renewal. Two counts seeking relief for breach of contract remain. One claim seeking a declaratory judgment that the contracts in question “are valid and enforceable, and that ACP does not infringe the Works or registrations asserted by Penders in his threats of suit” also remains. A second claim seeking a second declaratory judgment also remains. This claim seeks a court order for all copyright registrations in question to be canceled. “Penders’ acts and conduct were in derogation of the contractual terms of the ACP-Penders Agreements, and he made false statements in the applications, claiming to have written transfer agreements with co-authors, when in fact he did not,” says the plaintiff’s claim in part, perhaps referring to several co-authorships made on several of those copyright registrations. The defense has claims of its own, however. Penders is seeking a declaratory judgment that says the works he copyright do not infringe on the rights Archie may have, and that Archie’s use of them in of itself constitute copyright infringement. From there, the second claim asks for relief on “direct infringement” of those rights, assuming they hold up. The third are fourth claim are the interesting ones, as they appear to factor in Archie’s republication of classic issues to newsstands and digital media. They seek relief for both “vicarious” and “contributory” infringement by Archie as it relates to alleged direct infringement by several companies that have their hand in the Sonic comics, one way or the other. Those companies include Apple, Sony, Archie Comic app maker iVerse Media, and in the case of the “vicarious” claim, Toys ‘R’ Us, Barnes and Noble, Jazwares, and Kablenews, among others. Though Archie claims to have documents on the record that show Penders signed work-for-hire agreement, with an alleged signature in tow, the defense still argues among several other legal intricacies that those documents are not authentic–and plans to call several witnesses to prove it: Despite ACP’s current argument and the language of the proffered documents, it was not common practice at ACP during this time to require Penders nor any other of the SONIC Freelancers to sign such documents. In fact, several of Penders’ witnesses are similarly situated freelance employees who worked on SONIC, and will state, like Penders, that they all worked as freelancers without contracts for many years, and overlapping with the time that Penders worked on Sonic. Those freelancers are familiar names to longtime Sonic comic fans. Past Sonic editors Scott Fulop, Justin Gabrie, and Daryl Edelman plan to testify for the defense that either Archie did not send contracts out to freelancers like Penders when it came to the Sonic series, and/or they themselves as freelancers were not asked to sign a work-for-hire agreement while they worked on the comic. Other names, like former artists Scott Shaw and Jim Valentino, and former writers Mike Kanterovich and Karl Bollers are also on the defense’s witness list, as they too are expected to testify they never signed a work-for-hire agreement with Archie. In the case of Shaw, the report notes, he was allegedly not under a contract from 1993 through 1996. Former Archie VP of Finance Ed Spallone was scheduled to be a defense witness, but as we reported last week, a surprise affidavit from Spallone was included in Archie’s motion for summary judgment. Another planned defense witness, Elliot S. Maggin, will be challenged by Archie over rules governing expert testimony. A representative from the US Copyright office, William Briganti, is also expected to testify for the defense; he is expected to, according to the report, “offer evidence which refutes Plaintiff’s allegations of Defendant’s fraud.” Archie has witnesses they expect to testify as well, and strange as it may sound, it includes Penders himself. Given what, according to the report, plaintiff’s attorneys intend to grill him on–and in particular the pieces we’ve bolded–it may be a rough go: Mr. Penders is expected to testify about, among other things, allegations and issues raised by Plaintiff in the Complaint; allegations and issued raised by Defendant in the Amended Answer, Affirmative Defenses, and Counterclaims, and purported copyright registrations and alleged infringement thereof; Defendant’s work for ACP; his bankruptcy; his execution of the ACP-Penders Agreements; his work for ACP; his request for royalties in 1997 which was refused by ACP; his silence while working for ACP and never placing ACP on notice of his claim to any rights in the work commissioned by ACP; ACP’s payment for all work provided to it by Penders; the purported registrations at issue; his communications with the Copyright Office; his statements under oath that he had a written transfer agreement from co-authors named in applications, when in fact he did not; his work as compared to the published product; and his silence about his claim to own rights in the works he provided to ACP for more than 15 years, and his admission to receipt of documents from ACP and signing a work made for hire agreement in an email from December 2008. With any document as voluminous as this, many of the finer details, and the opinions that may come from them, are hard to hammer down without a good read of your own. However, because personally identifying details are included in the report, TSSZ has elected not to publish the report cited in full. Of course, all of this may be for naught if the matter never makes it to trial. Archie filed its motion for summary judgment last week and if granted, it would in effect end the case with the comic giant prevailing. Penders and his legal team have until early March to respond. Which Secondary Sonic Character is most Playable? Lycett: No Miku for ASR Transformed Sonic Mania Boss Details Leaked	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0016.json.gz/line7122

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.