Split (1)

train · 381k rows

pred_label stringclasses 2 values	pred_label_prob float64 0.5 1	wiki_prob float64 0.25 1	text stringlengths 77 987k	source stringlengths 39 45
__label__wiki	0.625792	0.625792	Nobody Knows: Ivory Coast 's wonderland July 27 #explorer #nobodyknows nobody knows, but im doing this for a challenge Ivory Coast / Cote D'Ivoire The flag was adopted on December 3rd 1959. The flag looks simillar to the Ireland flag, so don't get confused with it. The orange represents the colors of the land, and the blood of young people fighting for emancipation. The white represents peace, and peace for justice. The green represents the hope for the country for a better future. But somehow, others have another meaning for the flag. Ivory Coast is located in West Africa. Bordering Liberia, and Guinea to the west. Mali, and Burkina Faso to the North. Ghana to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the South. Ivory Coast is the 68th largest country in the world with 322,463 square kilometers. Ivory Coast has 2 capitals. Yamoussoukro is the political capital, and Abidjan is the economic capital and the largest city in Ivory Coast. The highest peak is Mount Nimba at 1752 meters, which is the highest peak of Mount Richard-Molard. The longest river is the Bandama river with the length of 800 kilometers. People and Language The population of Ivory Coast is around 23,740,424. 41.1% of them are Akan, 17.6% of them are Voltaiques, 27.5% of them are Mandé, 11% of them are Krous, and 2.8 of them are other ethnic groups. Ivory Coast currency is West African CFA franc. They drive on the right, and use the Greenwich Mean Time as their timezone. Ivory Coast official language is French, since they were colonised by France. There are 75 indeginous languages, which included Dyula, Baoulé, Anyin, and many more. Grand Bassam Taï National Park Mosquée de Korhogo Jacqueville Beach Basilica Of Our Lady of Peace (the largest basilica in the world) Ivory Coast foods are based on tubers, grains, pig, chicken, seafood, fish, fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices. Kedjenou Aloko Calalou That's all for this episode! Left :sparkles: my year 5 class studied the Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 2 Reply July 27 Into Language Exchange? Join the community. From 's wonderland language of the week ・Japanese Lesson Four: Countries ・ More from 's wonderland 's wonderland 07/15/19 :heart: §JustAWeeb§ :heart: 3 days ago Language and Culture learning experience 's wonderland ʟᴀɴɢᴜᴀɢᴇ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴇᴇᴋ - Week 61 Redditors of LEA, what's the best subreddit about language/culture 🇱🇦 Language of the Week 🇱🇦	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line894
__label__wiki	0.553896	0.553896	From The Vastland Interview 1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the musical project these days? We just released a new EP then we had two gigs at Midgardsblot and Trondheim Metal fest. So, it was quite busy time during past months. But now we are planning for 2016 for more live gigs also a new release. 2.Recently you have released a new ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past? Well, there was an idea behind recording this new EP. Since I am one of the main characters in the upcoming Norwegian documentary film about black metal "BLACKHEARTS", so, I got this idea to record some music with cooperation of other musicians who are involved in the film. So, I wrote the music (same style of From The Vastland music from the beginning) and for recording, "Vyl" (Drums - Keep of Kalessin/Gorgoroth) and "Nul Blackthorn" (Bass - Luciferian) - the other characters in the film - joined me at Skarp Studio (Trondheim, Norway). So, after a week of working at studio the EP was ready. And since it was recorded specially for the film so, I called it "Blackhearts". You know, as I said it is the same style of my previous works, The main structure of the songs is not different but I think it sounds even more brutal, old school and aggressive also slightly gives you a taste of melodies that comes from Iran 3.Your lyrics cover a great amount of Persian and Mesopatiam Mythology subjects, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics and while these are a huge part of Iranian, is this stuff almost hard to learn about in your home country due to the influence of Islam? Yes true, All of the lyrics are about/related the old Persian history, mythology, legends and ancient texts . We have lots of stories in our mythology that are full of battles between gods and devils, lights and darkness etc. Well, I just felt that is really proper for Black metal lyrics. Epic stories, mysterious and unique…So, that was really interesting to me. And actually Iranian people do really respect their history and ancestors but at the same time, Iran is an Islamic country (However, I think most of people are not true believer) So, if you really want to learn you can find good sources, like books to read but also it is true that because of Islamic regime it is not that easy…well, a bit complicated..! 4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'From the Vastland'? There are some reasons that I named my band “From The Vastland”. You know, I am from Iran (Persia) and all of my lyrics are about ancient Persia and you know it was one of the biggest empire in the old world, a vast land. That is one of the reason but also I see the whole metal scene like a single land, where there is no border in this community, a unity from all around the world. So, that was another reason. 5.Originally the project was from Iran but now located in Norway, do you fell it is much safer to be a black metal musician in Europe than it is in your home land? True. Well, we all know about Black Metal and Norway. This country is like a heaven for BM musicians, you know. Actually from many years ago I wanted to get this chance and continue my music works here in Norway. Black Metal scene in Norway is great. And you know, it is a completely different situation in countries like Iran, when it comes to BM actually we don’t have any chance to work on our music freely. There are lots of limitation regarding to metal music, specially black metal. You can’t release your album officially and it is not possible to get permits in order to do a live concert. And on top of all it is risky to be a black metal musician in Iran. 6.On the albums you record everything by yourself but use other musicians in the live setting, are you open to working with other musicians on the albums? Well, before I move to Norway I had to record everything by myself but now actually I write the material also record the demo tape (with vocals, guitars…, everything) but then send it to other musicians that I am working with (My Norwegian band members) and after rehearsal together we go to studio and record the album. I really like to work with other musicians. It always helps to improve the music, for example when they have new ideas for some parts of the songs like drums or bass. You know, then the final result will be better… 7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance? Recently we played at Trondheim Metal Fest (Trondheim/Norway) and it was great. It was sold out and the venue was packed. There was an extra ordinary energy and we really enjoyed our show. People were just banging their heads and enjoy the music. Everything was really good. We did our best and gave everything. You know, stage performance is always important, that is where you are in close contact with audience so, we always do our best to make our show as good as possible then we enjoy together with the fans. 8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future? We are planning more shows in Norway also some in other countries (in Europe) for 2016. So, if everything goes well we will have a couple of shows next year. 9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal? It is always important for me to get feedback from fans. I always pay attention to them, also the reviews from magazines, webzines or reviewers. You know, after a short time when you have released your album, it starts to get the feedback and then you realize how people liked your album, which song most or least. It is also interesting when I get feedback from different countries or when I check the statistics of my online pages. Fortunately I have gotten really good feedback for my albums, positive energies, nice words and good vibes, that is great. And I am really glad about that, to me it means I am in right direction and I do my best to keep it and make my music better. 10.The new ep was released on Symbol Of Domination Productions, can you tell us a little bit more about this label? Well, since the release was kind of special so, we wanted to have a really good distribution. The thing is Symbol of domination is a label company from Belarus but it is also part of another company from Russia which is called Satanath Records. Also Hexenreich Records (Estonia) and Sphera Noctis Records (Brazil) are part of the release so, it was a co-release. You know, they are working with so many other companies all around the world and that was important to distribute the album everywhere. 11.When can we expect another full length album and also where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future? I have written and recorded all the materials for a new album, guitar lines, lyrics etc. actually the demo tape is ready and soon we are going to start our rehearsal and then head to studio to record it. So, early 2016 probably, it also depends on which label company we will work with. Well, I always have big dreams…many plans for the future but of course it takes time to achieve them, I want to continue working on my music and be better day by day, I really like to work with other musicians… I always think about the next steps and make a plan for the future, I want to achieve my goals and be somewhere on top…for me this is not just a music, Black Metal is my passion… 12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays? Well, I am fan of old school BM from many years ago, early 90’s style and albums, Scandinavian bands specially Norwegians but also lots of other bands from Germany, France and some other countries…I can mention to Gorgoroth, Mayhem, Marduk, Belenos... And you know, nowadays you can find really good bands all around the world. I always like to discover new bands, I also check new releases of my favorite bands. 13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? I just want to say please support the art, support the music, this is what we have in common and that makes us strong together like a family. It doesn’t matter if we have a different taste in music (metal), still we are on the same boat. So support each other in every way that is possible for you. You can keep alive your artists by supporting them… I want to say thanks to all of my friends and fans for their support and help, it is highly appreciated. They always give me energy and motivation to continue my way. Also special thanks to you for your attention to my band and this opportunity. Source : http://occultblackmetalzine.blogspot.com/2015/11/from-vastland-interview.html Solus/Self Titled/Satanath Productions/Dark East Productions/Metal Throne Productions/2015 CD Review Solus are a solo project from Hungary that plays an ambient form of black metal and this is a review of his self titled 2015 album which was released as a joint effort between Satanath Productions, Dark East Productions and Metal Throne Productions. A very dark, atmospheric and ambient black metal sound starts off the album along with both the guitars and synths being very dominant and most of the tracks are very long and epic in length and the vocals are done in mostly high pitched screams and all of the musical instruments have a very powerful sound to them. You can hear a great amount of modern atmospheric black metal elements in the bands musical style and the screams also get depressive and grim at times and as the album progresses the music starts to speed up at times and brings in blast beats and a more raw style of the genre and the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts and when solos and leads are utilized they bring more melodies onto the recording and one track also brings in a brief use of clean playing and the album closes with an ambient instrumental. Solus plays a style of black metal on this recording that is very raw and atmospheric and also mixes in a great amount of ambient elements to create a very emotional approach to the genre, the production sounds very raw yet heavy at the same time while the lyrics are written in a mixture of Hungarian and English and cover nature, philosophy and death themes. In my opinion Solus are a very great sounding ambient black metal project and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Visszateres" and "Path Of Wisdom". 8 out of 10. Source : http://occultblackmetalzine.blogspot.com/2015/11/solusself-titledsatanath.html Barzakh/Goresluts/Horrific Disease/Savage Diety/Shadowmirth/Suicidal/6 Ways Of Hell/Satanath Records/2015 Split CD Review This is a review of a split album between Indonesia's Barzakh, Malaysia's Goresluts, Japan's Horrific Disease, Thailand's Savage Deity, Brunei's Shadowmirth and Singapore's Suicidal called "6 Ways Of Hell" which was rleeased by Satanath Records and we will start off the review with Barzakh a band that has been featured before in this zine and plays a stanic form of black metal. Their side of the split starts out with a very raw and melodic sound that also brings in solos that use melodies and grim yet high pitched black metal screams along with some blast beats and deep growls and the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts and when spoken word parts are utilized they give the music more of a ritualistic feeling and all of the musical instruments have a very powerful sound to them, the production sounds very raw and old school while the lyrics cover Occultism and Darkness themes. In my opinion this is another great sounding recording from Barzakh and if you are a fan of raw and melodic black metal, you should check out their side of the split. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Nightmare Of the Cult". Next up is Goresluts a band that plays a mixture of death metal and grindcore. Their side of the split starts out with growls and screams which also leads up to an old school grindcore style that also uses a great amount of blast beats as well as being very heavily rooted in the mid 80's or early 90's and the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts and when solos and leads are utilized they are very melodic and bring more death metal elements into the music, the production sounds very heavy and old school while the lyrics cover prn, gore, and torture themes. In my opinion Goresluts are a very great sounding old school mixture of death metal and grindcore and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Bastards". Next up is Horrific Disease a band that plays an old school mixture of death metal and thrash. Their side of the split starts out with a very old school death metal that also speeds up and adds in blast beats and growling vocals that also have a touch of thrash and crossover in them and all of the musical instruments have a very powerful sound to them and the music brings in a great mixture of mid paced and fast parts along with some melodic guitar leads on the second track, the production sounds very old school while the lyrics cover angry themes. In my opinion Horrific Disease are a very great sounding old school mixture of death metal and thrash and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACK "The Pissed Punisher". Next up is Savage Deity a band that plays an old school form of death metal. Their side of the split starts out with a very heavy and brutal death metal sound and all of the musical instruments have a very powerful sound to them along with a great amount of 90's influences and the vocals are done in a growling fashion along with a few seconds of spoken word parts while some of the riffs bring in morbid sounding melodies and the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts while the solos and leads are very heavily influenced by the Florida bands, the production sounds very professional while the lyrics cover suffering and death themes. In my opinion Savage Deity are a very great sounding old school death metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out their side of the split. RECOMMENDED TRACK "They Reign". Next up is Shadowmirth a band that plays a very melodic form of death metal. Their side of the split starts out with a very dark and melodic sound that also uses a great amount of depressive screams that also bring in a touch of black metal and all of the musical instruments sound very powerful and when the music speeds up a great amount of blast beats utilized and clean singing can also be heard briefly, the production sounds very dark while the lyrics cover dark and depressive themes. In my opinion Shadowmirth are a very great sounding melodic death metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out their side of the split. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Endless'. Closing the split is Suicidal a band that plays a raw and depressive form of black metal. Their side of the split starts out with a very dark, heavy yet distorted sound before going into a faster and raw black metal direction that also utilizes a great amount of blast beats and high pitched screams and the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts, and you can also hear a brief use of spoken words and war sounds, the production sounds very raw and old school while the lyrics cover violence, massacre and suicidal themes. In my opinion Suicidal are a very great sounding raw and old school black metal fan and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out their side of the split. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Desecration". In conclusion I feel this is a very great sounding split and I would recommend it to all fans of death, grindcore and black metal. 8 out of 10. Source : http://occultblackmetalzine.blogspot.com/2015/11/barzakhgoreslutshorrific-diseasesavage.html Pestkult/Soul Collector/Satanath Records/Narbentage Produktionen/2015 CD Review Pestkult are a band from Germany that plays black'n'roll and this is a review of their 2015 album "Soul Collector" which was released as a joint effort between Satanath Records and Narbentage Produktionen. A very distorted amp sound and reverbs start off the album before going into a heavier musical direction along with some clean singing that brings a goth rock tinge into the music as well as a great amount of melodic guitar leads and when the music speeds up it goes into a very fast and raw black metal direction. Blast beats can be heard in the faster sections of the music while the vocals also get high pitched and crazy sounding along with some spoken word samples being utilized at times and the songs also bring in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts and the music also mixes in elements of rock'n'roll and punk while whispers and elements of thrash and first wave black metal are also added into some of the riffing and one track also brings in a brief use of clean singing. Pestkult plays a style of black metal that is very raw and mixes the first and second wave styles together along with some rock'n'roll and punk elements to create their own style, the production sounds very raw and heavy while the lyrics are written in a mixture of English and German and cover The Elder Idols, Plagues, Damnation, BDSM, Satanism and Occultism themes. In my opinion Pestkult are a very great sounding black'n'roll band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Soul Collector" "Pestkult" and "Sick Occult Shit". 8 out of 10. Source : http://occultblackmetalzine.blogspot.com/2015/11/pestkultsoul-collectorsatanath.html Ancient Moon/Vvltvre/Satanath Records/Cold Raw Records/Metal Throne Productions/2015 CD Review Ancient Moon are an international band with members from Belgium, France and Switzerland that plays an ambient form of black metal and this is a review of their 2015 album "Vvlture" which was released as a joint effort between Satanath Records, Cold Raw Records and Metal Throne Productions. A very dark, raw and depressive black metal sound starts off the album along with some melodic riffing and after a minute the music goes into more of a faster musical direction that also introduces blast beats and grim screams onto the recording along with some mournful clean singing being utilized at times. There is only one track on the recording and it is close to 30 minutes in length and the song also brings in a great mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts while the vocals also get very high pitched and suicidal at times and after awhile more atmospheric and ambient sounds find their way onto the recording along with some synths also being utilized at times while some parts also bring in a small amount of clean guitars. Ancient Moon brings a style of black metal onto this recording that is very raw, grim, depressive and atmospheric and mixes it with ambient music to create a style of their own, the production sounds very dark and raw while the lyrics cover Occultism themes. In my opinion Ancient Moon are a very great sounding ambient black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this recording. 8 out of 10. Source : http://occultblackmetalzine.blogspot.com/2015/11/ancient-moonvvltvresatanath-recordscold.html	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line896
__label__wiki	0.501377	0.501377	HomePosts tagged 'Atlanta Braves' Ranking The Teams #6-1, My Version: Super Six? March 30, 2019 March 30, 2019 22robertsa MLB 'Stros, 2019 MLB Preseason Power Rankings, Aaron Judge, Achilles Heel, Adam Wainwright, Addison Russell, Albert Almora Jr., Aledmys Diaz, Astros, Atlanta, Atlanta Braves, Ben Zobrist, Boston, Boston Red Sox, Braves, Bronx Bombers, Bryce Harper, Cardinals, Cards, Chicago, Chicago Cubs, Chris Sale, Craig Kimbrel, Cubs, D.J. LeMahieu, David Price, Evan Gattis, Freddie Freeman, Giancarlo Stanton, Gleyber Torres, Goldy, Harrison Bader, Houston, Houston Astros, J-Hey, Jack Flaherty, Jason Heyward, Javier Baez, Johan Camargo, Jose Martinez, Josh Donaldson, Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Tucker, Luke Voit, Marwin Gonzalez, Matt Barnes, Matt Carpenter, Michael Brantley, Miguel Andujar, MLB, MLB 2019 Power Rankings, MLB Power Rankings, MLB Preseason Power Rankings, New York, New York Yankees, Nick Markakis, NY, NY Yankees, Ozzie Albies, Paul DeJong, Paul Goldschmidt, Red Sox, Ronald Acuna, Ronald Acuna Jr., Ryan Brasier, Sox, St. Louis, St. Louis Cardinals, Troy Tulowitzki, Tulo, Tyler White, Waino, Wild Card, world series, Yadier Molina, Yankees, Yanks, Yu Darvish I understand, this a little late, as Opening Day was Thursday, and the Red Sox didn’t look so great Thursday even though they are a part of this Top 6. But I figured I’d finish this series since there’s only one article left. Welcome to the final article of my 2019 MLB preseason power rankings. This season, you could argue the Super Seven that was discussed a few years back still exists, except with different teams. The Red Sox, Cubs, Astros, and Yankees have remained elite, and despite declines by the Nationals, Indians, and Dodgers (probably) , new powerhouses in this league have arised. The Braves should be regular contenders now, the Cardinals could make a run with 1B Paul Goldschmidt here for the long run, and the Phillies should be competitive with Bryce Harper. But Philadelphia isn’t quite on the level of these other teams. So unless the Dodgers do stay elite after all, I think the Super Seven will become a Super Six. I will be discussing those six today and pointing out the Achilles Heel of each team. Click the links below for other articles in the series (I will add them as I post them): 2019 MLB Preseason Power Rankings Series: Ranking The Teams #30-25, My Version: The Bottom of the Barrel Ranking The Teams #24-19, My Version: Who will have to Wait till Next Year? Ranking The Teams #18-13, My Version: Who else Misses out on Playoff Contention? Ranking The Teams #12-7, My Version: Who has Playoff Chances? I also released my 3rd annual preseason Baseball Bits! 6. St. Louis Cardinals The Case for the Cardinals The Cardinals haven’t made the playoffs in a few years, sure. But the veterans they kept around from their last playoff run, like Matt Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, and Yadier Molina, are still reliable contributors. They have also boosted the team with younger talent, including SP Jack Flaherty, OFs Harrison Bader and UT Jose Martinez, and SS Paul DeJong. After adding star in Goldy, the Cardinals have the tools they need for contention. But how far can they go in such a tough division? They will have to get past their division rivals that are also contending, the Cubs and Brewers. The Achilles Heel The Cards’ rotation looks alright and its young core will keep the rotation elite for a long time. But right now they lack an ace. I don’t believe they can be a World Series contender without one. Whether they need a trade to find an ace or someone steps up as time passes, this could hold them back from serious contention and should be priority #1 for GM Steve Keim. Maybe Martinez could be a good trade piece now that 1B Paul Goldschmidt is on board. Projected Finish: 93-69, 2nd in NL Central 5. Boston Red Sox The Case for the Red Sox The defending World Series champions had a relatively quiet off-season. They did retain most of the team from 2018 that won 108 games. But the bullpen has been their biggest issue, even with Craig Kimbrel. Without Craig Kimbrel, there is even more pressure on the rotation to succeed. This is especially true regarding Chris Sale and David Price. After Sale’s extension, both will be expected to to shine every start in order to be worth the money. Each start costs about $1 million dollars. Regardless of this pressure, the Red Sox should at least secure a Wild Card spot if they can’t beat out the Yankees in the AL East. They are still one of several powerhouses in the league. With Craig Kimbrel on the way out, the closer role is up for grabs. But if you look at the active pitchers on the roster, it’s hard to imagine any of them as a consistent closer. If the Red Sox wanted to repeat, they would’ve invested more in this bullpen rather than focusing so much on the rotation. They need to add a closer unless Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, or someone else steps up soon. Projected Finish: 93-69, 2nd in AL East 4. Atlanta Braves The Case for the Braves The Braves’ rebuild began to pay off last season as their younger players broke through. This off-season seemed quiet, but they filled a gaping hole at third by adding Josh Donaldson. They also brought back OF Nick Markakis, and they have reportedly been targeting a reunion with CL Craig Kimbrel. This small series of moves could make a big difference in Atlanta. These moves, alongside development of OF Ronald Acuna Jr. and 2B Ozzie Albies among other should transform the Braves from solely a division contender into a World Series contender. The Braves are my World Series winner this year. I expect 1B Freddie Freeman, Albies, Donaldson, and others to combine to make for one of the best lineups in the league. Health is definitely a concern, especially considering the fact that Atlanta will start the 2019 season with two starting pitchers on the IL. Donaldson is also injury prone, and if he goes down, Johan Camargo is the next best option at third base. I don’t trust Camargo as a starter. If the team stays healthy in the long run, they could be serious contenders. Otherwise, they could be in a bit of trouble. Projected Finish: 93-69, 1st in NL East The Case for the Cubs The Cubs may have been quiet this off-season, but a healthy Yu Darvish will boost the rotation, the bullpen has plenty of depth despite questions at closer, and the lineup is looking pretty solid. Their decision to move Javier Baez to shortstop full time and put Ben Zobrist at second is very smart, as SS Addison Russell was inconsistent and had some character issues. The Cubs have dominated in the National League ever since their World Series winning year in 2016, but with a health a concern and the division getting tougher, will the Cubs be able to keep up the good work? The Cubs were unable to do much this off-season, and they could have used another outfielder. LF Kyle Schwarber and RF Jason Heyward are viable starters, but they are very streaky and inconsistent. Albert Almora Jr. is the best option in center field. Chicago should have added another center fielder to start over Almora some days and fill in for Heyward and Schwarber during slumps. Projected Finish: 94-68, 1st in NL Central 2. New York Yankees The Case for the Yankees After pairing new slugger Aaron Judge with Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees underperformed in 2018. Yes, they made the playoffs and won 100 games. But they were overshadowed and eliminated by their bitter rival, the Boston Red Sox. This year, the Red Sox will be without their star closer, while the Yankees fixed up a problematic rotation and built one of the most stacked bullpens in history. This will allow the Yankees to propel past the Red Sox and win the AL East. But in Boston and New York, it’s all about championships, and the Yankees aren’t will have to work for a World Series victory, even with the stacked roster. The Yanks have some nice pieces in their infield. But if Troy Tulowitzki and Greg Bird fail to stay healthy, they are left with D.J. LeMahieu as their best infielder. Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar have not reached their prime yet, and Luke Voit must still prove that 2018 was not a fluke. So I’m a bit concerned in terms of infield depth for the Yankees. Projected Finish: 94-68, 1st in AL East The Case for the Astros The Astros are two years removed from their World Series victory, a result of a 5-year rebuild that made the Astros one of the MLB’s worst for a good 2-3 year span. Now, the Astros are still one of the league’s elite teams, but they lost some of their starting rotation depth this off-season, forcing two starter-turned-relievers back into the rotation. They did bring in OF Michael Brantley and UT Aledmys Diaz, filling the hole UT Marwin Gonzalez left. Though Houston took a slight step back this off-season, I still have them as my AL West winners and the team with the best regular season record. Considering the young core they have put together in the last several years, they should be elite for a long, long, time now. Evan Gattis is no longer on the team, which means Tyler White must be trusted as Houston’s regular DH. This could be a prove-it situation for White, but if White struggles, what then? They could bring Gattis back, or they could just put Diaz back there. They could even call up Kyle Tucker to play DH. This one’s an easy fix, just something to keep an eye on. Projected Finish: 96-66, 1st in AL West That’s all for this year’s preseason MLB power rankings. Come back at the end of April for my first 2019 set of monthly power rankings. Baseball Bits #12: Can Sox Repeat like Few Teams have? March 25, 2019 March 28, 2019 22robertsa Baseball Bits, MLB, Red Sox, Special Occasions 'Stros, 2019 MLB Preseason Power Rankings, ALCS, Alex Cora, American League, Astros, Atlanta, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore, Baltimore Orioles, Baseball Bits, Blogaversary, Boston, Boston Red Sox, Braves, Cardinals, Chicago, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati, Cincinnati Reds, Craig Kimbrel, Cubs, Detroit, Detroit Tigers, FCSN, Federation for Children with Special Needs, Houston, Houston Astros, J.D. Martinez, Mets, MLB, MLB 2019 Power Rankings, MLB Power Rankings, MLB Preseason Power Rankings, New York, New York Mets, New York Yankees, NLCS, NY, NY Mets, NY Yankees, O's, Orioles, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Phillies, Phillies, Philly, Red Sox, Reds, St. Louis, St. Louis Cardinals, Tigers, Visions of Community, world series, Yankees, Yanks Welcome to my annual preseason Baseball Bits article! If you were unaware, today marks 5 years since I started my Boston Sports Mania blog! The Red Sox were just about to begin their regular season when I started, and just like this year, they were coming off a World Series victory. On my first day, I posted an article titled “MLB 2014 Preview”, which included my predictions for the 2014 MLB season. I still write these prediction articles every year, including this year. I call March 25th my “blog-a-versary”, and this year is a big milestone. All of my opportunities are a result of this blog. Most recently, I delivered a motivational keynote speech about my story so far at the Visions of Community Conference hosted by the Federation for Children with Special Needs at the Boston Seaport World Trade Center (see below): I started this blog to write about my favorite sports like baseball, which is what today’s post is about. Top: After the Red Sox’s 100th win Bottom: After the Red Sox’s World Series win In 2018 the Red Sox became the 16th team in the 162-game era to win over 100 regular season games and then go on to win the World Series. They were led by new manager Alex Cora and a new star in J.D. Martinez. But what most Boston sports fans are wondering about now is how the Red Sox will do in 2019 and whether they will repeat. I did some research on 100+ win World Series winners in the 162-game era and how they did in their next season below. Baseball Bits #12_ 100-Win World Series Winners – Sheet1 The “Baseball Bits” Note: In the context of this article, a team who repeats for 2 years in a row is counted for 1 repeat, 3 years in a row is counted for 2 repeats, 4 years in a row is counted for 3 repeats, etc Only 23 of 115 (20%) World Series winners have repeated In the 162-game era, only 16 of 57 (28%) 100-win teams have won the World Series, including the 2018 Red Sox In the 162-game era, only 9 of 56 (16%) World Series winners excluding the 2018 Red Sox have repeated, with 4 of the teams repeating after 100-win seasons Of the 15 100 win World Series winners excluding the 2018 Red Sox:9 teams (60%) made the playoffs4 teams (26.67% of the 15) repeated2 of those teams reached 100 wins when they repeated:1976 Cincinnati Reds 2 of those teams failed to reach 100 wins again when they repeated:1962 New York Yankees 1999 New York Yankees (repeated again in 2000 The Red Sox did not win the World Series in an 100 win season in the 162-game era until 2018 Another 2 of the 15 (13.33%) lost the World Series:1968 St. Louis Cardinals 1978 Baltimore Orioles 3 of the 15 (20%) lost in the LCS2010 New York Yankees 2018 Houston Astros 6 of the 15 (40%) missed the playoffs entirely1969 Detroit Tigers 1985 Detroit Tigers Each of the last 3 100-win World Series winners lost in the LCS the next year Based on the research, I believe the Red Sox have a 20 to 25% chance to repeat. I believe that there is still a select group of elite teams that could win the World Series this year. World Series repeats are less common during the 162-game era as just 9 of 56 (16%) World Series winners repeated. However, 4 of those teams were 100-win teams. World Series winners who did not reach 100 wins in this time frame only repeated 12.1% of the time since 1961. That’s more like a 1 in 8 chance. 100-win World Series winners have repeated 26.67% of the time during the same time frame. I think the significance of being a 100-win team helps improve the Sox chances to repeat. However, as much as I hate to admit it as a huge Boston fan, I am sticking with my prediction that the Sox will fail to reverse the trend of World Series winners. I think they will lose in the ALCS to either the New York Yankees or Houston Astros. The odds are stacked against the Sox reaching 100 wins as well since only 4 of the 15 100-win World Series winners even reached 100 wins again the next year. I don’t think the Red Sox will reach the century mark but will come close at somewhere between 92 and 96 games. A bullpen with no proven closer to start the season helps support my prediction A World Series repeat is unlikely to happen, though you shouldn’t rule it out yet. Alex Cora did wonders for this team last year, so maybe he’ll be able to recreate the magic of 2018. If he can, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be 2019 AL Manager of the Year. That’s all for today’s Baseball Bits. After all I have accomplished in the last 5 years, I look forward to creating even better content over the next 5 years. Stay tuned for more soon, including the next portion of my MLB Preseason Power Rankings. Top 5 Remaining MLB Free Agents and Where They’ll Sign February 24, 2019 February 24, 2019 22robertsa MLB, MLB 2018-19 Free Agency 'Stros, Aaron Sanchez, Adam Jones, Astros, Atlanta, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore, Baltimore Orioles, Blue Jays, Boston, Boston Red Sox, Bradley Zimmer, Braves, Brew Crew, Brewers, Bryce Harper, Cactus League, Clayton Richard, Cleveland, Cleveland Indians, Craig Kimbrel, Dallas Keuchel, Free Agency, Friars, Giants, Gio Gonzalez, Grapefruit League, Greg Allen, Houston, Houston Astros, Indians, Jenrry Mejia, Jordan Luplow, Leonys Martin, Marcus Stroman, Matt Barnes, Matt Shoemaker, Milwaukee, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, MLB Free Agency, MLB Free Agency 2018-19, Nationals, Nats, O's, Orioles, Padres, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Phillies, Phillies, Philly, Red Sox, Ryan Borucki, San Diego, San Diego Padres, San Fran, San Francisco, San Francisco Giants, Scott Boras, Sox, Toronto, Toronto Blue Jays, Tyler Naquin, Tyler Thornburg, Washington, Washington Nationals Though Manny Machado has just signed a 10 year, $300 million contract with the Padres, Bryce Harper and many other top MLB free agents are still on the market with Cactus League and Grapefruit League action starting up. With Harper rumors really starting to heat up, I will be listing my Top 5 of the remaining MLB free agents and predicting their contracts. Feel free to comment with your thoughts. I’ll start with the obvious #1: 1. Bryce Harper, OF 2018 Team: Washington Nationals If you’ve been following any kind of MLB off-season news, you’ve probably heard plenty about Harper, so I’ll keep this brief. The Nationals could still be in it to re-sign the 26-year old Harper after a strong start to his career in Washington. But the Phillies appear to be the current front runners. The latest rumors suggest that the Phillies are in Vegas with Harper and may have a deal done by Monday. But earlier this week, we heard the same thing about Friday, and it didn’t end up happening. Will Harper end up in Philly, or will a mystery team swoop in before the Phillies finalize things? My Prediction: San Francisco Giants, 10 years, $330 million I’ve heard things suggesting that the Giants aren’t up to offer a $300 million contract to Harper. But now that they are reportedly willing to offer a long-term deal, they could change their mind considering the mutual interest between Harper and San Fran. If the Giants came close to Philly’s offer, maybe Harper would sign there out of impatience. Plus, the Phillies are division rivals of the Nats, and the west coast is closer to Harper’s hometown. 2. Craig Kimbrel, CL 2018 Team: Boston Red Sox Kimbrel’s agent made it clear that although Kimbrel has been stubborn about his contract, he will pitch in 2019. But with the late inning relief market already settling down, where does Kimbrel fit? Sure, he could re-sign with Atlanta. But you cannot discount Arodys Vizcaino as a closing option for the Braves. My Prediction: Boston Red Sox, 4 years, $64 million Kimbrel will eventually have to settle for a smaller contract, and if there’s any team who could still use relief help, it’s Boston. The Red Sox have been adamant about finding a closer internally. Who knows, Jenrry Mejia or Tyler Thornburg could bounce back. Matt Barnes could step it up. But I think the Red Sox will end up bringing back Kimbrel as a safety net once his price goes down. Barnes, Mejia, Thornburg, and others can set up Kimbrel. 3. Dallas Keuchel, SP 2018 Team: Houston Astros Keuchel, like Harper, is a Scott Boras client, and Boras clients have tended to sign late into the off-season, so it’s not a huge surprise that Keuchel is still on the market. But unlike the relief market, there is still a handful of teams that could use starting pitching help. The Phillies, Braves, and Padres have been linked to Keuchel, but the Padres just signed Machado, and the Phillies aren’t going to turn attention to Keuchel unless they lose out on Harper. The Braves would be smarter to sign a lower-tier starter considering their surplus of SP prospects on the verge of a major league career. I see the Padres finding a cheaper option and a surprise team signing Kimbrel. My Prediction: Toronto Blue Jays, 4 years, $68 million The Blue Jays may have a decent rotation going with Marcus Stroman, Aaron Sanchez, Matt Shoemaker, Clayton Richard, and Ryan Borucki. But they lack a true ace, and could use depth in case Borucki turns out to be a bust or Shoemaker and Richard are inconsistent or get hurt. Keuchel could help Toronto kill two birds with one stone. Why sign a top line starter with so many prospects about to crack the majors? Well, Toronto’s rebuild is a unique situation. With this legendary group of prospects, Toronto’s a pitcher or two away from contending during a rebuild. 4. Adam Jones, OF 2018 Team: Baltimore Orioles When people think about all the quality players still on the FA market, they think Harper, Kimbrel, and Keuchel. But what about Adam Jones, who slashed .281/.313/.419 with 15 dingers despite a down year? Back in 2017, he put up a .787 OPS with 26 home runs. Though he is getting up there in age, I think he still has potential to succeed for the next few years to come. But where? He will likely end up with a team that needs OF help but cannot afford Harper. Maybe a small market team that hasn’t spent much this off-season could be a fit. My Prediction: Cleveland Indians, 3 years, $48 million The Indians spent a lot in 2016 and 2017, but after cheaping up by trading away Yonder Alonso and Edwin Encarnacion, they may have room for the outfield centerpiece they need. Jones would allow Bradley Zimmer, Leonys Martin, Tyler Naquin, Greg Allen, and Jordan Luplow to split time among the remaining two outfield spots. I don’t see any of them as full time starters, so this is a good depth signing. Maybe trading away one of their lower-end outfielders after could be a smart move. That way, the Indians will have less crowding and more talent. 5. Gio Gonzalez, SP 2018 Teams: Washington Nationals, Milwaukee Brewers Gonzalez is a cheaper SP option that teams who cannot afford Keuchel may go after. Gonzalez had a strong year in 2018, making the case for a decent sized contract. But he hasn’t received much interest from teams besides the Brewers, who traded for him at the deadline. Who will end up signing him? My Prediction: San Diego Padres, 3 years, $39 million The Padres aren’t going to want to invest in Keuchel after signing Machado. So I think it’s more likely that they save a few bucks and add Gonzalez. You could make an argument that the entire Padres rotation is wide open. There is no pitcher on their current roster that I see as a surefire starter. But Gonzalez will provide the Padres with the rotation stability they need, with the help of another low-tier free agent starter or two. That’s all for today. Stay tuned for MLB predictions once Harper finally makes his decision. My 2018 MLB Playoff Bracket/Predictions October 2, 2018 October 3, 2018 22robertsa MLB, Red Sox, Uncategorized 'Stros, A's, Aaron Judge, AL Wild Card, AL Wild Card Game, ALCS, ALDS, American League, Astros, Athletics, Atlanta, Atlanta Braves, Boston, Boston Red Sox, Braves, Brew Crew, Brewers, Carlos Carrasco, Chicago, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland, Cleveland Indians, Colorado, Colorado Rockies, Corey Kluber, Craig Kimbrel, Cubbies, Cubs, David Price, Dodgers, Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, Houston, Houston Astros, Indians, J.D. Martinez, Justin Verlander, LA, LA Dodgers, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Dodgers, Manny Machado, Milwaukee, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, MLB Playoffs, Mookie Betts, National League, New York, New York Yankees, NL Wild Card, NL Wild Card Game, NLCS, NLDS, NY, NY Yankees, Oakland, Oakland A's, Oakland Athletics, Playoffs, Red Sox, Red Sox Nation, Rockies, Sox, Trevor Bauer, Tribe, Wild Card Round, world series, Yankees, Yanks The MLB Playoff Bracket is set after yesterday’s tiebreaker games, and the MLB playoffs begin tonight at 8:00 PM. Above is my complete bracket for the MLB Playoff Challenge. Below is a brief look at each match-up. Feel free to comment with your thoughts. (4) New York Yankees over Oakland Athletics (5) Oakland’s pitching staff has been better this year, but I do not see their rotation as an elite playoff rotation. The Yankees lineup will tear this pitching staff apart, led by the home run hitting duo of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. (1) Boston Red Sox over New York Yankees (4) , 3-2 The Yankees have given Boston a hard time, so I think this series will be close. The Yankees have been able to dominate against certain Red Sox starters such as David Price. But the Red Sox have the home-field advantage, and they have two MVP-caliber players in their lineup, Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez. The Sox lineup has the depth and talent to outdo the Yankees pitching staff. (2) Houston Astros over Cleveland Indians (3) , 3-0 The Astros have most of what they had in last year’s World Series: a stacked lineup filled with youth, power, and speed and a dominant playoff rotation. They come in to this series with a weaker bullpen though. Both of these lineups are playoff-caliber, but I see this series as a battle of two of the league’s top rotations, the Astros led by Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, and the Indians led by Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, and Carlos Carrasco. These games will be low scoring, but I see the Astros sweeping as their lineup is able to manage the tough opposing pitching more easily. (1) Boston Red Sox over Houston Astros (2) , 4-3 The Astros have one of the best rotations in the league plus an amazing lineup. But the Red Sox have one thing Houston doesn’t. A strong closer in Craig Kimbrel. If their rotation can hold up for a good portion of the series and their offense gets going like it has for a lot of the season, I think they can do something they haven’t done much of this year: beating the other elite teams. The Red Sox have taken advantage of their easy match-ups, but it’s time for them to step it up when it matters. NL Wild Card Game (4) Chicago Cubs over Colorado Rockies (5) The Rockies lineup is very talented, but despite improvement in 2018 that got them here, I don’t see their pitching holding up on the road against a well-rounded Cubs team. Chicago will take advantage of the Rockies’ weak pitching staff, get out to an early lead, and their pitching staff will be able to help the Cubs hold it easily. (4) Chicago Cubs over Milwaukee Brewers (1) , 3-1 The Brewers rode their momentum to a division title. They have a young, talented lineup that’s mostly a product of the 2017-18 off-season and a huge MLB Trade Deadline. But I think this Brewers lineup is containable, and if there’s any pitching staff in the National League that can contain them, it’s the Cubs. The Cubs should also thrive offensively against a young Brewers rotation that’s still developing. (2) Los Angeles Dodgers over Atlanta Braves (3) , 3-1 Led by young talent, the Braves pulled out an NL East victory. However, I think they rode easy division competition to this victory. Their rotation is okay, but I don’t see their lineup as playoff caliber. The Nationals would likely be here if they weren’t so hampered by injuries this season. They may have won it all. But the Dodgers can contain a young, developing team like the Braves. Led by Trade Deadline acquisition Manny Machado, Their lineup has the power and talent to give this Atlanta rotation trouble, and their deep pitching staff will benefit them significantly. I see this series as an easy win for the Dodgers. (4) Chicago Cubs over Los Angeles Dodgers (2) , 4-3 This will be a very interesting series. The 2016 World Series champion against the 2017 World Series runner-up. The Dodgers still have a World Series-caliber roster. Their rotation is more than capable, and they come in with a stronger offensive attack this year. But the Cubs have a deep, young lineup, and although they might struggle against this solid Dodgers rotation, I could see them taking advantage of a weak Dodger bullpen. The Dodgers will put up a serious fight, but I think the Cubs pitching staff can contain them for a good portion of the series. (1) Boston Red Sox over Chicago Cubs (4) , 4-3 I think this is the year for the Red Sox. Two of Boston’s last three World Series titles were partially due to momentum. The Cubs have a World Series caliber roster. They haven’t seen the Red Sox yet, and they may very well be a better team. The NL was a very competitive league, while the AL was a league of extremes. Chicago’s record may very well be an NL equivalent of the Red Sox’s record. But I think the Red Sox will ride the momentum they gather in the ALDS and ALCS to win the World Series. Their pitching will need to finally hold it together, but I think they are capable, as long as they can rely on the momentum this talented lineup gathers. It won’t be easy against a strong, well-rounded Cubs team, but I don’t think Red Sox Nation should give up hope. That’s all for my MLB Playoff Predictions. Stay tuned for more baseball articles. Ranking The Teams 18-13: My Version: The Middle of the Pack March 26, 2018 March 26, 2018 22robertsa MLB, Predictions, Uncategorized Arizona, Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta, Atlanta Braves, Braves, Cincinnati, Cincinnati Reds, Cincy, D-Backs, Diamondbacks, Giants, Mariners, Mets, MLB, New York, New York Mets, Power Rankings, Ranking The Teams, Reds, San Francisco, San Francisco Giants, Seattle, Seattle Mariners Welcome to Part 3 of my MLB pre-season power rankings. Last time, I covered the teams that will struggle, but haven’t quite hit rock bottom. I talked about what they did in the off-season, what the case for them this season is, and what their strong point is. I also discussed best and worst case scenarios for each team and projected their records and division placements. Today I will do the same for the mediocre teams, but rather than talking about their bright spots, today I will be discussing what direction these teams are headed in. Some of these teams don’t know which way to go, rebuild mode or contention mode. Read below to find out who these six teams are and where they’re headed. Boston Sports Mania MLB Pre-Season Power Rankings Friday, March 23: Ranking The Teams 30-25, My Version: Who’s In The Basement? Saturday, March 24: Ranking The Teams 24-19, My Version: Teams That Will Struggle Sunday, March 25: Ranking The Teams 18-13, My Version: The Middle of the Pack Monday, March 26: Ranking The Teams 12-7, My Version: Who Will Contend in 2018? Tuesday, March 27: Ranking The Teams 6-1, My Version: How The Best of the Best Line Up* *I will also have my latest Baseball Bits coming sometime next week. 18. Atlanta Braves Off-Season Review After a rebuild, the Braves are getting ready for contention, but their off-season was relatively quiet. They did just add OF Peter Bourjos to help fill in until Ronald Acuna is MLB ready. Acuna looks like he is pretty darn close after a strong Spring Training. They could’ve also added someone at third, but decided not to due to the lack of options. They weren’t able to get their hands on Moose, so they were not in the market for a 3B after that. They could be an interesting destination at the deadline for Josh Donaldson, Manny Machado, or even Adrian Beltre. They already have made one trade this off-season, acquiring Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir, and Adrian Gonzalez from the Dodgers for Matt Kemp. Only McCarthy is still in Atlanta, and he will help lead a young rotation alongside Julio Teheran. The future is bright for Atlanta baseball. But the Braves will take another year or two to become an elite playoff contender. Ronald Acuna, Dansby Swanson, and Ozzie Albies will need more time to develop among others. This young team is led by star 1B Freddie Freeman, who I am expecting another strong season out of. They already do have some other veterans who will help make this team better, but younger players on the verge of a breakout make up most of their core. That will help them in coming years, but they won’t be absolutely amazing in 2018. Where They’re Headed The Braves won’t be contending in 2018, but expect a playoff run in the next three years for Atlanta. As soon as their young talent breaks through, they will add the finishing touches they need and run for the playoffs. Personally, I see Ronald Acuna as a potential All-Star, so as soon as he comes up, you can expect big things from the Braves. Best Case Scenario: Acuna, Swanson, and Albies all break out to help lead the team, the rotation filled with a mix of young talent and experience thrives, and the Braves contend for the playoffs right away. Worst Case Scenario: Acuna turns out to be a bust, as well as some of their other young players. McCarthy, Teheran, and Freeman also begin to decline, and the Braves finish with just over 70 wins. Projected Finish: 78-84, 3rd in NL East 17. Cincinnati Reds The Reds stayed put for the most part this off-season, as they have a pretty good roster as is. They have a strong lineup that is better than you might think, and their young rotation is bound to improve in coming years. The Reds didn’t even need to resign SS Zack Cozart. Jose Peraza, Eugenio Suarez, and top prospect Nick Senzel will keep the left side of the infield covered. Scooter Gennett can be trusted as a full-time second baseman after his strong 2017 season, and Joey Votto should have another top-notch season. The Reds are all set. Sure, they could’ve added a veteran starter, but they don’t want to rush contention when their younger players aren’t at that level yet. The Case for the Reds After a rough patch over the last few seasons, the Reds will begin heading uphill again. After their rebuild, their future is bright, and they will begin to improve in 2018. Their young rotation should begin to improve. It will be led by Homer Bailey, Brandon Finnegan, and Anthony DeSclafani while Tyler Mahle, Luis Castillo, and Robert Stephenson will also contribute. They can improve further when Hunter Greene is ready. The lineup is all set, and if Jesse Winker, Nick Senzel, and Jose Peraza live up to their expectations and Votto, Adam Duvall, and Billy Hamilton keep up the good work, the Reds could have one of the strongest lineups in the league soon enough. The Reds are going nowhere but up. They hit rock bottom over the last couple years, and they are looking good post-rebuild, so now there’s no other direction they could go in. Expect big things in the coming years, but in the meantime, they will be about as good as the Braves are right now. Best Case Scenario: Votto dominates in 2018, leading a surprisingly strong lineup, the rotation improves fast (and Raisel Iglesias becomes an elite closer) as the Reds finish above .500 and get ready for contention. Worst Case Scenario: The rotation is plagued by injuries and their young talent is rushed to the majors and struggles. The lineup also cannot quite live up to its expectations as Cincinnati lingers just above 70 wins. Projected Finish: 79-83, 4th in NL Central 16. Seattle Mariners As they have been since Jerry Dipoto took over as GM, the Mariners were very active again this off-season. They acquired Marlins 2B Dee Gordon, who will move to center field so Robinson Cano and Gordon can both start. The Mariners needed a veteran influence in the outfield, and brought back Ichiro to do the same. They also signed SP Mike Leake to add to a strong rotation that includes Felix Hernandez and James Paxton. They aren’t clear contenders yet though; they still need to give their younger outfielders more time to develop as well as their pitching staff and a couple other younger players on the team. The Case for the Mariners The Mariners aren’t quite playoff material yet, but they have a shot. In the meantime, they will have a decent season as their younger players develop. They need the younger players to step up their game and help carry the load. Mitch Haniger, Guillermo Heredia, and Ryon Healy are good, but they haven’t reached their full potential. The Mariners need to keep their team young if they want to avoid a full rebuild, but if they also want to contend in that process, they’ll need reliable young players. The hope is that the Mariners can contend, but it all depends on the performance of Seattle’s prospects and the general performance of the Mariners. If Seattle struggles, or their younger players cannot emerge as stars, the Mariners may need to take the rebuild route. Best Case Scenario: The Mariners’ younger players break out and help lead the team to the playoffs along with the veteran leaders. Worst Case Scenario: The Mariners struggle, as their older players decline (including King Felix) and their younger players cannot emerge as leaders. Seattle is forced to rebuild. Projected Finish: 83-79, 3rd in AL West 15. San Francisco Giants The Giants had a terrible season in 2017, but they made up for it with a strong off-season. They acquired outfielder Andrew McCutchen and 3B Evan Longoria to boost the lineup. They signed Austin Jackson to upgrade the outfield too. However, they failed to add too many good starters, which will hold them back despite a great lineup. They did add Derek Holland on a minor league deal though, so he could crack the rotation, especially with Madison Bumgarner injured again. The Case for the Giants The Giants will improve in 2018, but in a difficult NL West, it will be tough to be much more than decent. They are lacking rotation depth after the retirement of Matt Cain and the departure of Matt Moore so they will have to find younger pitching talent. That means it will take time for contention. Their lineup is looking better, but they do not have the same talent of some contenders. They have a nice core four in Buster Posey, Hunter Pence, Evan Longoria, and Andrew McCutchen, but beyond that, they are no more than decent. The Giants are headed in an upward direction. Expect vast improvement from their 64-98 season in 2017, worst in the National League. Then they can work towards contention once they find the young pitching talent they need behind their core three of their rotation. They have a nice lineup now that they added Cutch and Longo, but their rotation still has holes, and the lineup could still use work. Best Case Scenario: The young guns in the rotation are successful early, the lineup returns to dominance after their recent upgrades, and the Giants surprise many by making the playoffs in another successful even year. Worst Case Scenario: The rotation implodes after lacking depth, the lineup also struggles to perform any better than decent, and the Giants cannot get above .500. Projected Finish: 85-77, 4th in NL West 14. New York Mets The Mets restored their strong, playoff level roster from a couple years back after a rough 2017. They brought OF Jay Bruce back, signed 3B Todd Frazier to take over third in case David Wright cannot rebound from his injury. 1B Adrian Gonzalez was also added to improve the lineup. Lastly, they boosted the rotation depth by adding Jason Vargas to aid an injury prone rotation. Vargas was with the Mets for a year about 10 years ago. The Mets are in much better shape after a strong off-season. The Case for the Mets The Mets face tough competition and may not be able to make the playoffs this year. But they are back in contention with Bruce back and Frazier on board. They have set themselves up for long-term success, as David Wright is unlikely to rebound, and it will be tough to depend on Michael Conforto with his health in question. Maybe they can contend for the NL East if the Nationals fail to add back Bryce Harper for 2019. But this year, they will have to compete for a wild-card spot. The Mets should be able to make the playoffs in the coming years if they cannot make the playoffs in 2018. They have a nice roster full of young talent and veterans who are still elite and can lead this team down the stretch. Will they be able to make the playoffs this year, or will the competition be too much for them? Best Case Scenario: Frazier, Bruce, and Yoenis Cespedes help lead the Mets back to the playoffs along with a strong rotation that stays healthy. Worst Case Scenario: The rotation is plagued by injuries, the lineup is no better than average, and the Mets fail to get above .500. Projected Finish: 86-76, 2nd in NL East 13. Arizona Diamondbacks The Diamondbacks needed a new closer with Fernando Rodney gone. They did add Brad Boxberger, but is he capable of the closing job? They also added Japanese reliever, Yoshihisa Hirano. They also upgraded their outfield by acquiring Steven Souza Jr. in a 3-way trade and signing Jarrod Dyson. Other than that, their roster is in good shape for contention in 2018. But in a tough division, will they make it? The Case for the Diamondbacks The Diamondbacks finally cracked the playoffs in 2017, but can they repeat in a very tough division? They have a strong lineup led by Paul Goldschmidt, A.J. Pollock, and David Peralta. I also think Jake Lamb could break out. They also have maintained a strong pitching staff, led by starting pitchers Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray. With an underrated roster, they should at least be able to keep up with their division. The D-Backs are right on the verge of contention. They have a good future full of playoff runs ahead of them. However, I do not think they will make it this year. The Brewers, Rockies, and Cardinals will beat them out in the wild-card race. Best Case Scenario: Arizona’s young roster thrives, leading the Diamondbacks back to the playoffs with a 2nd place finish in the NL West. Worst Case Scenario: The lineup struggles to live up to its expectations after off-season upgrades, the rotation begins to decline due to lack of young talent, and the Diamondbacks end up finishing around .500. Projected Finish: 87-75, 3rd in NL West That’s all for this article. Stay tuned for Part 4 along with my latest Baseball Bits coming soon. Ranking The Teams 30-25, My Version: The Ugly February 20, 2017 February 20, 2017 22robertsa MLB, Predictions, Uncategorized 2017 Ranking The Teams, A's, Alejandro De Aza, Alex Cobb, Athletics, Atlanta, Atlanta Braves, Bartolo Colon, Ben Revere, Brandon Phillips, Braves, Brian Dozier, Byron Buxton, Carlos Ruiz, Chase Utley, Chris Archer, Clay Buchholz, Colby Rasmus, Dansby Swanson, Desmond Jennings, Domonic Brown, Drew Smyly, Erick Aybar, Freddie Freeman, Freddy Galvis, Houston, Howie Kendrick, J.B. Shuck, Jaff Decker, Jason Castro, Jimmy Rollins, Joe Mauer, John Mayberry Jr., Jose De Leon, Khris Davis, Kurt Suzuki, Logan Forsythe, Logan Morrison, Maikel Franco, Matt Kemp, Michael Saunders, Miguel Sano, Minnesota, Minnesota Twins, MLB, Nathan Eovaldi, Nick Markakis, Oakland, Oakland A's, Oakland Athletics, Odubel Herrera, Padres, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Phillies, Phillies, Philly, Power Rankings, R. A. Dickey, Rajai Davis, Rays, Ross Detwiler, Ryan Howard, Ryan Vogelsong, San Diego, San Diego Padres, Sonny Gray, Tampa Bay, Trevor Plouffe, Twins, Wil Myers, Wilson Ramos, Yangervis Solarte Each year since 2014, David Schoenfield has ranked all 30 teams in tiers during the preseason. For the third year straight, I am creating my own version. I am out of school this week, so throughout the week, I will be posting my rankings. Today they start with the bottom 6. 30. Minnesota Twins In the process of a rebuild, the Twins let older players Kurt Suzuki and Trevor Plouffe sign elsewhere in free agency. However, they also lost young pitcher Tommy Milone. They signed veterans Jason Castro, J.B. Shuck and Ryan Vogelsong. These guys are nice veteran boosters and mentors, but are unnecessary signings. The young Minnesota Twins just need a little time to develop before coming back to contention. The Case for the Twins The Twins will not contend in any way this year. They are in the midst of a rebuild, and actually have a bright future ahead. The Tigers and Royals will get old and decline which will leave room open for the Twins in coming years. For now, they need to focus on establishing their young players, and wins and losses will not matter for them this year. But in coming years, look for the Twins to finally get better. Joe Mauer and Brian Dozier are getting older, and I’m liking the young talent on the Twins. The younger players they have will do well this year, and eventually bring the team up with them. Third year player Miguel Sano is one guy who could make an impact. He will take a full time job at third base in 2017, and will be a bigger contributor to the lineup. He could be a team leader in the future. Byron Buxton is another player to keep an eye on. Despite a disappointing 2016 for both of them, 2017 should be a good year for Buxton and Sano. Best Case Scenario: The Twins surprise many, as their young guns bounce back and lead the Twins to a second place finish in the AL Central. Worst Case Scenario: Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano continue to regress and the Twins finish with the worst record in baseball. Projected Finish: 63-99, 5th in AL Central 29. San Diego Padres The Padres didn’t do much in the off-season. After losing veterans they shouldn’t have spent their money on, the Padres are at a desperate state. They will not compete this season, so it’s time for a rebuild. They did sign veteran Erick Aybar to a minor league deal, but he’s no more than a veteran mentor, and will not lead the Padres to contend. The Padres will focus on building upon their young roster, and if they did that a couple of years back, they might of had a legitimate chance this year. The Case for the Padres The Padres may be at their worst ever. While building a young roster, they will not compete this season. None of their starting pitchers are very established yet, and the lineup has some bright spots, but needs work. This rebuild could take a long time, but it’s worth it. If the Padres tried to go for it this season, the end result would be the biggest MLB failure in a long time. One investment from a couple of years ago that was worth it was the signing of Wil Myers. Myers has done well for the Padres, and him, Yangervis Solarte and Erick Aybar make up a nice infield of veterans to teach the younger players. Myers will actually put up some impressive stats in 2017. In 2016, he was a Home Run Derby participant and All Star. Myers will continue to put up good numbers in 2017, and he will make the Padres look just a tiny bit better. Best Case Scenario: Wil Myers boosts the lineup, and the young rotation breaks through as the Padres finish just under .500. Worst Case Scenario: The Padres have their worst season in history, the young players struggle at the major league level, and the Padres barely endure a dismal season. 28. Oakland Athletics The Athletics weren’t quite as active as they usually are this off-season, but they did fine-tune their team. They aren’t anywhere near contending, but adding some depth with experienced players will at least prevent disaster in 2017. Rajai Davis recently came back to Oakland. Alejandro De Aza, Ross Detwiler and Jaff Decker were invited to spring training among other veterans. They also signed young third baseman Trevor Plouffe. They filled most of their major off-season needs, and that will help them despite other problems. The Case for the Athletics The A’s have a nice mix of veterans and younger players. Once their prospects develop, this will benefit them and they will thrive. But that might not happen for a while, and right now, they’re just going to be considered an old team that won’t contend. If they rebuild a little, maybe they’ll season their young players more and see more success soon. But whether they rebuild or stay put, the Athletics aren’t going to have a winning season. Khris Davis was acquired from Milwaukee in the 2015-16 off-season, and since joining the Athletics, he has been their best hitter, and has been a bright spot on the Athletics by putting up impressive stats. Davis was a home run hitter in 2016, with 42 dingers. He drove in 102 runs and got a career best 137 hits. The 42 dingers, also his career best, were enough to tie Edwin Encarnacion and Brian Dozier for 3rd in the MLB. Encarnacion and Dozier are team leading stars, and Davis may be developing to be just that. Davis had more home runs than the Rockies’ star third baseman Nolan Arenado! I also think starting pitcher Sonny Gray could look good in a bounce back year, but Davis is the safest bet. Best Case Scenario: The rotation bounces back, the lineup finally finds a way to do strongly and the A’s attempt to return to the playoffs. Worst Case Scenario: The injury bug hits Oakland at its hardest, and the Athletics finish terribly, with one of the worst records. Projected Finish: 65-97, 5th in AL West 27. Philadelphia Phillies Off-season in Review The Phillies have finally established a young roster, but it will take a couple years to return to stardom. The rotation still needs work but they added some veteran mentors/big hitters to help their case. They acquired starting pitcher Clay Buchholz, and added Howie Kendrick and Michael Saunders to the lineup. Now, with veteran mentors to help a young, talented roster, the Phillies could be back to contention a couple of years from now. The Case for the Phillies The era of washed up, old Phillies is over. Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Ben Revere, John Mayberry Jr. and Domonic Brown are all gone. Now, it’s time for the young guns to take over this team. This puts this year’s team pretty low in the rankings. However, don’t be surprised if the Phillies are the next surprise wild card in 2018. These young players are very talented, and once they’re developed, which will happen over the next year or two, the Phillies will be good once again. Putting the older guys aside, there are a few talented young guns that have already broke out. Odubel Herrera, Freddy Galvis and Maikel Franco are already doing strongly. Franco is the Phillies’ bright spot. He is keeping this lineup alive. In a couple of years, Franco could be a superstar. The new environment in Philly leaves him with an important role in the lineup, and I think he will come through in that role. Best Case Scenario: The Phillies return to contention with an impressive season by a lot of young players. Worst Case Scenario: The Phillies fail again, and the young guns go full bust. Projected Finish: 65-97, 5th in NL East The Braves are in the midst of a rebuild. The starting rotation is getting old after they added Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey, but the older players are still good. The lineup also includes veteran mentor Matt Kemp. The rest of it consists of young stars and players ready to breakout. Dansby Swanson is the favorite for the NL Rookie of The Year, Freddie Freeman continues to shine, Nick Markakis has done alright in Atlanta, and new acquisitions Brandon Phillips and Kurt Suzuki will help this team improve. The Braves won’t compete this season, but they’ve put together a nice mix of old and young that could do well in the future. The pitching staff still needs to develop and be fine-tuned, but the lineup is looking better, and could be a lot more powerful this year and in future years. The Braves currently lack depth, but once more prospects break the majors, the Braves could have some of the best hitting in the MLB, with a strong lineup led by Freddie Freeman. Some of the older players provide power to the lineup, but younger players Freddie Freeman and Dansby Swanson make the Braves a little more fun to watch. Freeman really broke out last year, with a stellar performance especially in the 2nd half. Freeman had already established himself as a franchise player, but he really went all out in 2o16. Swanson has a potentially great rookie season ahead of him. The Braves have opened up a spot at shortstop for him, and Swanson will take advantage of that. Best Case Scenario: The rotation finally gathers itself, the lineup is dominant, and the Braves compete for a wild card in the NL East. Worst Case Scenario: The rotation is a bust, the lineup doesn’t perform like it should, and the Braves finish last in the NL East. 25. Tampa Bay Rays The Rays didn’t have a huge off-season. They lost some crucial guys, and they traded away Logan Forsythe and Drew Smyly. However, they added to their pitching depth in that trade by acquiring Jose De Leon. Despite losing Desmond Jennings, they resigned Logan Morrison and signed Colby Rasmus to help fill out the starting lineup. Wilson Ramos and Nathan Eovaldi were also signed but are recovering from injuries. They made a lot of small moves, but nothing major enough to impact the Rays. The Case for the Rays The Rays play in the toughest division in the MLB. They have a talented team, but just don’t stack up to the rest of the AL East. They would be a mediocre team in a weaker division. But this is just how it is. The Rays don’t stack up with everybody else. A rebuild is not needed, now is just a big wait. A big wait for the Rays to able to do well again. They have a good roster, but some of these guys are getting old, or just aren’t as good as the other stars of the league. The lineup is just mediocre. The true bright spots in Tampa are Chris Archer and Alex Cobb. Archer struggled in 2016, but is still the ace of the Rays. Cobb has been injured the last two years, but will perform well when healthy. Both of these guys should make a big impact for the Rays in 2017. Best Case Scenario: The strong rotation leads the Rays to compete towards the top of the AL East, in hopes of a playoff spot. Worst Case Scenario: Injuries hit hard again, and the Rays look worse than ever, finishing not just last in the AL East, but the whole American League. Projected Finish: 69-93, 5th in AL East Baseball season is almost here. This is just the start of my rankings series. Comment your thoughts and predictions, and check back tomorrow for my 24-19 rankings. Who will be next on the list? Check tomorrow to find out! Scouting Report: Atlanta Braves March 5, 2016 March 5, 2016 22robertsa MLB, Uncategorized Alex Torres, Alexi Ogando, Atlanta, Atlanta Braves, Braves, Bud Norris, Cameron Maybin, Carlos Torres, Dansby Swanson, Emilio Bonifacio, Ender Inciarte, Gabe Speier, Gordon Beckham, Ian Krol, Jeff Francouer, Jhoulys Chacin, Jose Ramirez, Kyle Kendrick, Matt Wisler, Michael Bourn, Mike Foltynewicz, Nick Swisher, Ozzie Albies, Sean Newcomb, Shelby Miller The Braves are still clearly in rebuilding stages, but have a very strong farm system and topped it off with a few veterans. Their roster looks to be a good mixture of older guys and top prospects ready to take over the majors. The choice of veterans might be a problem though, some because they only have a few years left before retirement, some just don’t have it anymore, some never have had much and some just aren’t the right fit. Here’s a breakdown of how the Braves tackled the off season. The Braves clearly weren’t going after any big name free agents, but they needed to fill up the patchy spots in their young team, and unfortunately, some of that had to be done by signing veteran free agents. They did as much as they could via trade, but got desperate at times. They started by quickly resigning their catcher, A.J. Pierzynski. This was mandatory as they didn’t have many other options. Then they hit the trade market. They started by swapping shortstops with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Basically, they traded Andrelton Simmons to the Angels for Erick Aybar. But the full move is a lot more complicated. They additionally traded a prospect of theirs, Jose Briceno, and got Aybar tied to prospects Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis plus cash. Just one week later, they sold centerfielder Cameron Maybin to the Tigers for relievers Ian Krol and Gabe Speier. They signed some more free agents as the non-tender deadline approached. Starter Bud Norris, reliever Jim Johnson, and after the deadline, David Holmberg, Gordon Beckham and Emilio Bonifacio were signed. A couple days later, they got Jose Ramirez from Seattle for a PTBNL and cash. The next week they got D-Backs No. 1 prospect Dansby Swanson with outfielder Ender Inciarte and Aaron Blair for Shelby Miller and Gabe Speier. The next day they traded Christian Bethancourt to the Padres for Casey Kelly and a prospect. On December 16, they signed Tyler Flowers to replace Bethancourt as backup catcher. On January 7th they brought in Alexi Ogando, Kyle Kendrick, Ryan Kelly, Alex Torres, Jhoulys Chacin and Ozzie Albies to minor league deals and spring training invites. The next day they signed infielder Kelly Johnson to a major league deal. Carlos Torres and Jeff Francouer also got later minors deals and invitations towards the end of the off season. The Braves spent the late off season on a bunch of free agent veterans, most on minors deals, but the trades they made early in the off season will really pay off. Spring Training Storylines How will the new rotation be? The new rotation won’t be great, but if things go right, it can go uphill from last year. Mike Foltynewicz and Matt Wisler need to have good seasons and start emerging into the higher rotation positions they have been put into. Bud Norris and Kyle Kendrick need to have a big bounce back year, unless David Holmberg or Williams Perez can handle a rotation spot. The rotation doing well really depends on the older players looking like they did back when they were younger. Will the veterans pay off? Depends on the veteran. Really, this is just going to have to be a prediction. I think Alexi Ogando and Carlos Torres have a lot of potential to take good major league relief roles this season. I personally believe in Emilio Bonifacio fitting in nicely. I think Bud Norris can kick some serious butt again. For vets they already had at the trade deadline, I think Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher are underrated and could be in starting positions. The Braves have some veterans with a lot of potential, but some like Gordon Beckham, Kyle Kendrick and Alex Torres have never had anything that impressed me and need to prove to me that they can fit well into their positions. Otherwise, I have them spending some time in the minors. But they have a good chunk of vets that could boost the team. The only issue is, when the prospects are ready to hit the majors, will they be better? We won’t know unless they sit quality vets, which could be an issue. We could never know. When can we expect the prospects in the majors? Guys like Dansby Swanson and Sean Newcomb could make their debuts by June, especially if the veterans don’t pay off. But in the positions where the Braves have good and developed, but young players, the prospects in those spots might get some more insurance and may not appear till September. Who are some key non-roster invitees? Personally, I think this is a similar question to the last one. My list includes relievers Alexi Ogando and Carlos Torres along with some other pitchers young and old, catcher Ryan Lavarnway, who has seen Braves major league time, young infield prospects Dansby Swanson and Ozzie Albies, and outfielder Jeff Francouer. There are many more, but these guys highlight my list. Which trades did they win and which one will pay off most? Some trades they won, others they didn’t. They clearly won the one with the D-Backs where they acquired Dansby Swanson and Ender Inciarte, despite giving up Shelby Miller. The one with the Tigers was questionable, Gabe Speier was later traded again, so it was basically Maybin for Krol, which the Tigers clearly win. The Jose Ramirez trade wasn’t necessary, even though they barely gave up anything, and the shortstop swap was a win because of the additional acquisition of Sean Newcomb. The Christian Bethancourt trade was a win, cause Bethancourt didn’t develop as expected and they got some pitching insurance in their farm system. The best trade for the Braves was the D-Backs one, it helps both their farm system and their major league roster. So, I think that’s about all for what to watch for in spring training now for my roster and record projection. Atlanta Braves Projected Roster Rotation Bullpen Julio Teheran Jason Grilli (CL) Bud Norris Williams Perez Mike Foltynewicz Jim Johnson Matt Wisler Ian Krol Kyle Kendrick Jhoulys Chacin Lineup Bench C: A.J. Pierzynski Tyler Flowers 1B: Freddie Freeman Jace Peterson 2B: Gordon Beckham Ender Inciarte SS: Erick Aybar Emilio Bonifacio 3B: Kelly Johnson Jeff Francouer LF: Nick Swisher CF: Michael Bourn RF: Nick Markakis Projected Record: 66-96 So that’s all for today. Catch my Orioles scouting report later today!	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line898
__label__cc	0.701221	0.298779	The Holland Wedding Lori L. OttoUncategorized4 Comments I have been searching for this for YEARS. Writers: do NOT password protect every document you work on. Years will go by, and you’ll have no clue what the passwords are. I was lucky enough to find one unprotected RTF file that had this little gem in it. Anyway, without further ado, this is the original ending to Never Look Back. (SPOILER ALERT, if you haven’t read Emi Lost & Found) Emi’s point of view The girls let me sleep until one, and they were rushing me into the shower in order for us to make our salon appointments on time. We made it in time, but my heart rate still hasn’t slowed down, five hours later. “Try to eat, Emi,” Jen encourages me. “Am I supposed to feel sick?” I ask. “It’s just nerves,” Kelly assures me. “It’s normal. Have some more grapes.” She pushes the plate of fruit toward me. “What are we supposed to do for two more hours?” I ask, impatient. “Aside from getting ready, which will take a good hour and a half… this. Eat,” Jen says again. I take a deep breath. “How is Jack?” I ask Kelly. “Calm and cool, as always,” she says. “At least that’s what he said last time he texted. And funny, I don’t doubt that at all.” “Did the cakes make it?” I ask her. “Both cakes made it just fine,” she assures me. “They look amazing… and they’ll taste even better, I promise.” “I still don’t know why Jack wouldn’t tell me what the groom’s cake looks like.” “You’ll see,” she smiles. “You would approve.” Anna and Jen both smile and nod. “Super sweet,” Anna says. “Okay… where’s mom?” “She said Clara is being a little difficult about her hair,” my sister tells me. “It doesn’t look ‘princess’ enough, she says. I told her to just bring her up here and Anna and I would fix it. She’s six going on thirteen these days. Definitely wanting to grow up too fast.” A knock on the door interrupts us. Anna quickly hops up to answer it. “It’s Teresa,” she smiles, giddily clapping her hands together. “That means you have to start getting ready. Go get your dress.” “Not until she eats a little more,” Kelly says. “Please, Emi, I promise you’ll feel better with a little something in your stomach… and you won’t be completely loopy when you have a glass of champagne at the reception.” “Champagne sounds good,” I tell her. “Can I have some?” “Eat this plate of food, Em,” Jen bargains. “Then we’ll let you have some champagne.” “Jack will kill me if you’re drunk.” “Or tired,” Anna reminds me. “Okay, okay. I’ll eat. I’m not tired at all, so we don’t have to worry about that.” I finish the fruit and crackers on the plate quickly and head to the closet to get out the dress while Teresa sets up her camera equipment. “Emi, you look gorgeous already,” my friend tells me. “I’m so honored you asked me to take pictures of this.” “You’re the best at candids… I hired you because of that, not because you’re my friend,” I remind her, smiling. “Even a better compliment,” she says, hugging me. “Let’s see the dress,” she requests, opening the window to let in some natural light. Anna carefully unzips the garment bag and removes the white dress that I’ll be wearing as I walk down the aisle into the safety and… the forever… of Jack’s arms. I jump up and down a little at the thought. “Careful, your hair,” Jen reminds me. I nod my head eagerly. Teresa gasps at the first sight of the dress. I cover my mouth, looking at her in anticipation. “It’s pretty, right?” I ask, my speech muffled by my hand. “It’s so lovely,” she says. She hangs it from a coat rack near the window and begins to snap shots of it. She starts at the strapless sweetheart neckline. The bodice, creating a basque waist, is made of delicate alencon lace. The skirt is gathered in folds of raw dupioni silk. At the bottom hem, a few inches of lace peek out beneath the silk. “White, huh?” she jokes with me. “I think the meaning of white has changed,” I throw back at her. “I think it just means you’re not a whore.” “Well, my dear Emi, I guess it’s okay for you to wear it, then. I’ll be wearing red on my wedding day,” she adds, a wicked grin on her face. “Awww, you’re not a whore,” I argue. She winks at me. “Isn’t your mom supposed to be here to help you get ready?” “She should be here any–” Anna opens the door for my mother, Clara and Renee. “Oh, baby!” my mother calls to me, tears already pooling in her eyes causing a similar reaction in my own. “Don’t make her cry, Mom!” Jen yells. “But she looks so beautiful.” “She’s not even dressed!” “But she needs to be,” Anna says. “We need to get on with the pictures, so let’s all focus!” “Renee, how are you?” I ask. “I’m great, girl,” she say, hugging me. “There’s that amazing dress. I’m so glad you found that.” “Me, too. And I actually had the designer make a wrap to go with it since it’s going to be cold tonight. It’s in the closet.” “She’s awesome, isn’t she?” “Yes, thanks so much for introducing us.” “Aunt Emi, you look pretty,” Clara says, her cheeks rosy, her eyes painted and her lips red. “So do you, Clara,” I tell her. “Are you ready to walk down the aisle with your rose petals?” She nods, smiling. “Where’s Jackie?” she asks, looking for her fellow flower-girl. “Her daddy should be bringing her any minute,” Kelly says. “Is it strange that half of our guests are in the wedding?” I ask the room. Jackie shows up a short time later. Andrew, in his little grey tux, follows her in, but Thomas quickly catches him and carries him out, taking him down to Jack’s room to get ready. “He looks so cute!” I tell Kelly. “Yeah, he’s nervous, though,” she says. “I don’t know that he’ll walk up there alone. Jackie may be pulling him.” “Even with Jack up there?” “Well… maybe Jack can lure him down,” she laughs. “He can hold a little batman figure or something.” “That would be funny,” I laugh. “Whatever happens… it’s all going to be perfect.” “That’s a great attitude,” she says. “Can we please get dressed?” Anna says, tense. “You can’t be late, Emi, and I think we’re behind schedule already!” “Okay, Anna,” I say. “I think you and I should both have a glass of champagne first. Calm down…” I urge her. “I’m supposed to be the frantic one, not you.” “I’m sorry, Em.” She sighs deeply a few times. “Okay, you’re right. Let’s have that drink, and let’s get you dressed.” “Okay, where are the guys?” I ask from the limo, looking across the street at the park that Jack guaranteed would be a beautiful backdrop to the ceremony. As the snow lightly falls, thousands of lights twinkle from the trees outside. It looks like a fairytale. “They’re upstairs,” Anna says, the phone to her ear. “He can’t see me,” I remind her. “Tell him to back away from the window.” “Emi is begging you to back away from the window. She’s become superstitious again,” she mumbles. I glare at her. “I won’t remind her that she’s wearing a cape that covers the dress.” “It’s all the same,” I argue. “It’s all part of the look.” “Right, Emi,” she laughs. “Yes, she’s fine… yes, she’s beautiful.” She looks at me and smiles while she answers his questions. “I don’t know, let me ask… Emi, are you sure you want to go through with this?” “Of course I am!” I speak loudly enough for him to hear. “I love you.” Anna continues to listen. She holds the phone out for me. “He wants to tell you something.” I shake my head. “Emi, he can’t see you before the wedding, but nowhere does it state that he can’t talk to you.” I slowly take the phone from her. “Hello, Love,” he says. “Hi,” I blush. “I love the cufflinks,” he says. “Did you design those?” “I worked with someone, yes,” I smile, remembering the small platinum knots that I had picked out for him. I had the jeweler add a small “e” to one side and a small “j” on the other side of each of them. I look down at the bracelet I had made that mimicked the cufflinks. “They’re awesome.” “You’re welcome, but they can’t even begin to compare to the gifts you gave me.” “Hush, Emi,” he tells me. “You’re the greatest gift of all.” I blush deeply at his compliment, my eyes watering. “Thank you,” I barely manage to whisper. “No, thank you,” he counters again. “Are you ever coming up here? We’re all waiting.” “God, yes, I’m on my way. Get off the phone already!” We both laugh as Anna dabs the tear from my cheek. “See you in a minute.” “Ready?” Anna says, smiling wide. Once upstairs, Anna lets me peek into the gallery. The moveable walls have been rearranged to create a barrier to hide us from the guests. The large mural that had been the first thing I saw yesterday is now obscured by a beautiful wall of flowers strung from the ceiling, falling all the way to the floor. “Anna, it’s beautiful!” I gasp. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” “I know people,” she says, cocky. Chris and Steven both approach me, both looking stunning in their grey tuxes and black vests and ties. My father follows closely behind. “Congratulations, Emi,” Chris says, kissing me on the cheek. “Welcome to the family,” Steven smiles, pulling me into a big hug. Both groomsmen find their place next to their respective bridesmaids. “Baby, I’m so happy for you,” my dad says, taking my hand in his. “Thanks, Dad,” I say. “Are you nervous?” he asks, removing my cape and hanging it on a coat hook. “Not at all,” I smile. “Just a little cold.” He puts his arm around me, rubbing my arm for warmth. “Thank you,” I whisper to Anna, taking her hand and squeezing it tightly. “It was my pleasure, Emi. I just hope you have nothing but happiness from here on out.” “I will,” I assure her. “I have the best friends… the best family… and the best husband in the world.” “Second,” she coughs. “We’re not arguing about this now,” I smile as the music begins to play. Up ahead, I see Thomas trying to give Andrew a pep talk. Our ring bearer’s eyes and face are red from crying. “Kelly,” I whisper up to Jack’s sister. “Just tell Thomas to let him go with Clara and Jackie.” She nods and whispers to her husband, a look of relief spreading across his face. Jackie takes his hand as Kelly rearranges Clara to stand on the other side of him. She nudges the girls forward with her hands. I can’t wait to see him. Cannot wait. Absolutely cannot wait… Steven and Kelly link arms and begin to turn the corner into the gallery, beginning their walk down the aisle. Jen and Chris follow suit, a feeling of warmth spreading deep, so happy to be sharing this day with all the people I love. Anna turns around before making her trip down the aisle. She hugs me one last time. “Just smile pretty,” she says, “and enjoy every second of this night. I love you.” “You, too, Anna,” I say, the tears making their way to the surface. I watch as she turns around the corner, out of my view. My dad wipes the moisture from my eyes with his handkerchief. “Happy tears?” he asks. “Definitely,” I choke out. “Baby,” he says… “my sweet little Emi…” He sighs. “I can’t believe it’s finally here.” The music changes to the song I chose to walk down the aisle to. “Where’s the Wedding March?” my dad asks. “Too cliché,” I shake my head. “Of course. We can’t have anything traditional for my sweet little Emi. You always had to be different,” he whispers in my ear as we turn the corner. “You have always been so special to me,” he adds… and anything else he says is pointless because I see Jack. I see the man I’m going to marry, and the vision of him consumes me. I don’t even see anyone else. I don’t see any thing else. His eyes, full of confidence and adoration, lock on to mine. He makes me feel stronger just by looking at me. I feel the heat in my cheeks rise with the corners of my lips. He mouths the words I love you to me. I notice his foot tapping quickly, as if he can’t wait for me to meet him in front of the crowd. His hands are clasped loosely in front of him, and as my father and I approach, he steps forward to us. I look into his eyes intensely, feeling nothing but jubilation. He stares back at me, then brushes my cheek with the back of his hand. Ignoring typical wedding customs, I take his hand into mine and kiss his palm, then bring it down and hold it tightly. “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” the preacher asks of the room. “Her mother and I do,” my father answers, kissing my cheek before sitting down. Jack leads me forward to the alter and stands facing me, still holding my hand in his. Anna peeks over my shoulder and takes the bouquet from me… I’ve already forgotten everything we rehearsed last night. I blush, and Jack smiles, squeezing my hand. Beyond Jack, outside the windows, I notice just how beautiful the park across the street is. From where I stand, I can’t even see the cars below or the buildings down the street… just the most beautiful grouping of pink and white lights I’ve ever seen. “You look beautiful,” he says, my attention coming back to him, his eyes sparkling. “So do you,” I whisper back, choking out the words. “And this is beautiful.” The preacher talks, says things that I should be listening to but can’t focus on… sensory overload… I’m just waiting for the queues to say my vows… or to exchange rings… or to kiss my husband. Hopefully Anna will kick me at the right moments. I’m just lost in his eyes, feeling that they’re speaking to me in their own language. He tells me how much he loves me… how much he needs me… how much he has loved getting to know me… “Emily Clara Hennigan,” he says, startling me with the sound of his voice. When he begins speaking to me, I realize we’ve reached the part where we exchange vows. I am completely focused on him now. He sighs deeply. “Emi…” he continues. “Every day I’ve known you has been a new opportunity for me to know myself. I didn’t know my full potential, not just as a man but as a human, until you shared your love with me.” He clears his throat, swallowing a lump. He looks at the floor briefly before bringing his eyes back to mine. “I’ve been a good son. A supportive brother. An attentive uncle. A loyal friend. An honest businessman. An adoring boyfriend, and a devoted fiancé. “And now, because of you, I have the opportunity to become a faithful and caring husband… and possibly a doting father.” I smile warmly at him, weaving my fingers in between his. “And you,” he continues, “have been an exceptional daughter. A kind sister. A thoughtful aunt. A steadfast friend. A talented artist. A passionate girlfriend, and an affectionate, fun, warm, beautiful, intelligent, incredible, and enlightening fiancée.” Members of the crowd laugh quietly at his string of adjectives. A tear drops from my eye. “Thank you,” I mouth to him. “And it is my honor, Emi, to be the person who watches you become a loving and constant wife… and hopefully someday, the most amazing mother.” I wipe a tear from his cheek. “I love you, Emi. I love the silly girl you were when we first met, and I love the woman you are today. And I can’t wait to find out who you’ll become tomorrow, next year, even fifty years from now. But two things I know for certain. You will always surprise me. And I will always love you.” Unable to contain myself, I lean in to kiss him. Fortunately, he meets me halfway and lightly touches his lips to mine. “Not yet!” Matthew whispers. We both start laughing. “I love you,” I say quietly to him. “Emi?” the preacher urges. “Your vows?” I nod. “Jackson Andrew Holland… the second…” I glance at his mother and father, who smile. “I first just want to say that I’m really glad I got drunk at that party in college.” The entire wedding party starts laughing, including Jack. “I warned you,” I say innocently. “You did,” he encourages me. I take a deep breath before continuing. “Jack… I knew when I met you that you were just the type of man I needed. You were grounded to my flighty. You were rational to my emotional. Your were polite to my rude. You were sensible to my stubborn. You were patient to my restless. You were reserved to my uninhibited. You were trustworthy to my unreliable. You were practical to my absurd. “You are the strengths to my weaknesses. “And over time, you’ve brought out the best in me. With you, I am more responsible, more stable, more composed, more amenable, more tolerant, more controlled, more dependable, and more reasonable. I am better with you, and that makes me happy.” He shakes his head at me. “But the best thing about you… is that you fell in love with me when I was much weaker. Unconditionally. You never once asked me to change. And I know you never would. And I know that, on those days that I am flighty-emotional-rude-stubborn-restless-uninhibited-unreliable-absurd,” I take a deep breath, “that you will still love me.” “I will,” he confirms. “I do.” “And that makes me the happiest. “Thank you, Jack, for being the grounded, rational, polite, sensible, patient, reserved, trustworthy, practical and, above all, the strong one in this relationship. Your strength has carried us here, to where we stand today, to this alter. “Becoming your wife, though, means I get half of everything.” Our friends and family members laugh. “So with your shared strength, I promise you, that I will help carry us wherever our lives may take us, together.” “You’re the strongest woman I know, Emi,” he tells me. “Thanks to you,” I smile. He shakes off the compliment. “I love you, Jack, and I can’t wait to tackle whatever life throws our way… because I know that we’re strong enough, together, to handle anything.” “We are.” Again we kiss, and again the audience laughs as I see Matthew flinch out of the corner of my eye. “The rings?” the preacher asks. Matty and Anna hand us the rings. The preacher nods to Jack, signaling him to continue. “With this ring,” he says, taking my hand into his and sliding the circle on my finger, “I promise to be attentive, understanding, faithful, loving and kind, for all the days of our lives.” The preacher nods at me. “With this ring,” I repeat, putting the ring on his finger and holding it in place, my eyes confirming my devotion, “I promise to be attentive, understanding, faithful, loving and kind, for all the days of our lives.” “And with that,” the officiant says, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He turns to the audience and announces, “May I now introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Jackson and Emily Holland.” Our guests applaud loudly, almost drowning out the most important part of the ceremony. “Jack,” he says, “you may now kiss your wife.” “Come here, you,” he says softly, taking my head into his hands. I get goosebumps in anticipation, grabbing hold of his arms. He looks at me, tentative, just like he had that night in college, measuring my reaction. As his lips brush lightly against mine, he closes his eyes just before I shut mine. We’ve kissed this way hundreds of times, felt this electricity every time, but it somehow feels new tonight. We part briefly, then meet again for the deeper kiss. We both open our eyes at the same time, his deep blue staring into my pale green. Our smiles force the kiss to end, and he picks me up and twirls me around as everyone claps again. A Teaser from OLIVIA: What Jon Wants 4 thoughts on “The Holland Wedding” Awww this is beautiful!!! I love them together and their story is amazing. When they met, it wasn’t their time but they got a chance later on and I loved that it turned into something so beautiful and real. Oh wow!!! This is amazingly beautiful Lori, it just made me shed happy tears for Emi and Jack. I love being absorbed into their little beautiful world. Simply love it! ❤ Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this, you've made my night. 🙂 Ohhh, I’m happy! Thank you!!	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line902
__label__cc	0.747419	0.252581	Home MLB 2015 World Series: Mets vs Royals 2015 World Series: Mets vs Royals by Matt Smith October 27, 2015 written by Matt Smith October 27, 2015 The 2015 MLB World Series begins on Tuesday night in Kansas City, with the home town Royals looking to go one better than last year against the New York Mets. The Royals hadn’t made it to the postseason at all since their triumph in 1985 prior to their heart-breaking 4-3 series loss to the San Francisco Giants a year ago. Few people expected them to get so far and the surprising nature of their postseason run meant there were plenty of doubters who saw them slipping back down the standings as we came into the 2015 season. They’ve proved them all wrong, including myself, and now they look like a team that is primed toÂ build onÂ all of the lessons learned last time and to take the final step to glory. The only problem the Royals have in being a team of destiny is that there’s another club who can lay claim to the same title. The New York Mets have had a similarly long wait for another World Series victory having last taken the prize one year after the Royals (1986). They have at least made the postseason on a number of occasions since then, but not since 2006. Despite a devastating 4-3 NLCS loss to the St Louis Cardinals that year, things still seemed bright in Queens with a new ballpark opening and every reason to think that the team was going to keep competing for years to come. Instead, the financial crash caught out the Mets’ owners and the big-market team started acting more like paupers, to the increasing anger of their fans. 2015 was thought to herald more of the same disappointment, yet they surprised many by starting out well and the addition of outfielder Yoenis Cespedes at the trade deadline suggested that they may be able to last the pace. Sure enough, a 20-8 record in August saw them take a commanding lead in the NL East and here they are. Having swept past the Chicago Cubs in the NLCS, the New York Mets come into the World Series full of confidence and their exciting young starting pitchers give them a great chance of proving correct the old adage of pitching being the difference in the postseason. The series really is too close to call, with the advantage the Mets have in starting pitching being levelled out by the Royals’ proven ability to stick to their plan and get the better of an ace in the end. Both teams have shown great skill on the bases in the play-offs so far and that should set up an exciting contest, alongside the incredible story of the Mets’ Daniel Murphy seeking to extend his scarcely believable home run exploits. America doesn’t move out of day-light saving time until this Sunday, so the first four games of the World Series – Tuesday night, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – will get going at just gone midnight UK time, with just a four-hour time difference to contend with. The potential three games afterwardsÂ would beginÂ an hour later on Sunday and the following Tuesday and Wednesday. Coverage can be found in the UK on the BT Sport range of channels on online via the MLB.TV subscription. Kansas City RoyalsMLBNew York Mets Matt Smith is the editor and lead writer at BaseballGB. An Oakland A's fan, Matt has been following baseball since 1998 and started writing about the sport in 2006. He is the current Chair of the British Baseball Hall of Fame. Division Series: Some teams have a leg-up, some have a leg broken What’s Missing from the World Series Ideas for 2020 London Series MLB London Series Extra Tickets Oakland A’s 2019 Spring Schedule Kyler Murray Makes Up His Mind PECOTA Points The Finger at A’s Pitchers Loading … or not More Jingling all the A’s Jingle All the A’s Looking forward to 2019 in British Baseball BGB Fantasy League 2018 Week 11	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line911
__label__wiki	0.618524	0.618524	Once More, LD Tonight at 6:00 CST on ESPN, Landon Donovan will suit up for the US Men’s National Team a final time. This match against Ecuador in Hartford, CT, will feature mostly younger, fringe-type players due to MLS’s proximity to the play-offs. But Landon will be there, for about 30 minutes or so, according to the media. Don’t be surprised if he scores or assists in that time. He may be about to retire, but at 32 he still has a lot to offer – among the MLS leaders for assists this season – still capable of that burst of speed or game-changing play. And as the USA’s career goal scoring and assists leader, as the face of the sport in this country as MLS has grown to legitimacy and more Americans have embrace soccer, you’re going to hear a lot of gushing on the broadcast, ESPN, and elsewhere. For a lot of folks in my peer group, Landon’s career has coincided with our fandom. He was the up-and-comer after the 1998 World Cup, on the big stage in Korea, and the guy at the top of the other team’s clipboard for the next twelve years. We wanted him in Brazil this summer, and I still believe we could have done better down there with LD in the 10 shirt. Continue reading → Pentagram, Soccer USA 2, Ghana 1 – Pentagram What a game! What a weird, wonderful, and at times frightening game! Some will claim the USA turned back the clock about 30 years with a gritty, ugly, gut-check win. Some will note that Juergen’s tactics and substitutions pretty much worked to a T. And down at the Dublin Pub, with most of our YMCA U8 Soccer Team looking on (occasionally), we were starting to get a very bad feeling when Ghana continued to whip in crosses and come closer with their outside blasts. The tying goal seemed inevitable… And then Graham Zusi to John Brooks… Juergen’s success with his subs continues… With Germany’s pasting of Portugal, the Group of Death suddenly seems navigable – even with the injuries. So on to five points about this opening World Cup Win… Our 23 vs. Klinsi’s Since Jurgen Klinsmann cut Landon Donovan while trimming his World Cup roster to 23 players this past week, Beemsville has run the reaction gamut: disbelief, anger, sadness… But mostly disbelief. Veteran soccer commentators like Alexi Lalas and Grant Wahl will tell us an emotional reaction is to be expected (and it’s a good thing for U.S. Soccer); after all, Landon has been the face of the National Team for going on a decade. He’s the greatest player our country has ever produced, scored more goals, had more assists, and come up clutch in big moments throughout his career. Has he slowed down a step? Sure. But since he was quicker than virtually everyone else to begin with… And since his game is also based on intelligence, technique, timing… Well, we still can’t believe Jurgen made this call. Still can’t believe we’re going to line up against Ghana in less than a month, and Number 10 won’t be on the pitch (or at least on the bench). We’ve listened to a few podcasts, read a ton of articles, and from Taylor Twellman to Brian Sciaretta, we can’t find one person who thinks this was the right call. What does this say about Jurgen? He’s certainly a man with a plan. He’s certainly said all kinds of stuff about earning it, competing, etc., but as Alexi Lalas said, it comes down to personal preference. And that preference seems to favor the young, and untested. The problem we have here, is it once again throws the coaching staff’s judgement into question. Is Jurgen trying to win now or is this part of his construction plan for the next cycle? Is this to make the World Cup more about him? Because as of right now, every match played is a referendum on the Landon cut. So let’s have a look at the Klinsmann 23 and compare it to the final Beemsville 23 from earlier this month: 23 For Brazil – May Next week Jurgen Klinsmann will name the 30 man Camp Cali roster, from which (presumably) the final 23 will emerge. That makes this the final ’23 for Brazil’ post before the World Cup. We are just over a month before that opening game against Ghana in Natal, so get your vacation days requested and your viewing plans made. Some of the guys are scoring goals and playing well lately (Dempsey, Boyd, Besler, Wondo); some guys are not. Fortunately, (knock on digi-wood) the team is pretty healthy at this point. Big questions remain about the defense and the last few forward-line spots, with only the midfield looking solid. So we bring you the final Beemsville 23: Our picks (not who we think Jurgen will take) to the World Cup. As a bonus, we’ll also include the other seven guys we’d invite to our training camp. Kind of beside the point since we’re naming the roster, but here we go… Continue reading → Pentagram – USA v. Mex in the Desert The General celebrates new shirts and a goal Say this for the new away kit: It looked a lot better in action than it does on the promo material… And along with the new bomb-pop shirt, Jurgen trotted out a diamond midfield – something the EA Sports FIFA Soccer series tells us is always a good idea (offensively, at least). Recently heralded German-American, Julian Green – all of 18 years old – debuted and showed some flashes. And as good as the American midfield looked in the first half, the Mexicans adjusted and controlled the first portion of the second half. So even though a brutally bad offisides call robbed Eddie Johnson of a clinical goal in the final ten minutes of the game, which would have given the U.S. the win, we’ll take a 2-2 tie. We’ll also take note of who’s ready and who’s not, because the naming of the World Cup preliminary roster is only a month away. Five points in this USA-Mexico pentagram from Arizona… Group of Megadeath If you examined the way FIFA organized the World Cup Draw, you knew this was a strong possibility. The draw for the 32 team field occurred yesterday and the US Soccer team are in the group of Megadeath. Why? Because FIFA doesn’t respect or value teams from North and Central America, Asia, and Africa… Because FIFA always seems to clear a path deep into the tournament for the host nation (as if Brazil needs favors on home soil)… Because FIFA needs to modernize its tourney setup. So we land in Group G: That, folks, is one of the toughest groups ever. You have Germany, arguably the best team in Europe, who qualified nearly flawlessly. You have Ghana, the one of the top qualifiers from Africa and arguable the best team from that region. Portugal nearly did not qualify, but they have one of the world’s best players and loads of talent. And there’s Team America, who topped CONCACAF qualification and are the best team from the region. If you go by FIFA’s admittedly flawed world rankings, you have Germany #2, Portugal #5, USA #14, and Ghana #24. Other groups are top heavy (Spain and Holland in B; Italy and Uruguay in Group D), but none is tougher than G. Meanwhile, Argentina and hosts Brazil received remarkably easy and favorable groups… Almost as if FIFA wants the South Americans to advance. At any rate, if you seeded the teams from 1 to 32, NCAA tournament style, you would never come up with something like this. In that scenario the USA would still match up with Germany, but the other two teams would be Bosnia and Cameroon. Yeah, we’d definitely favor that scenario. Now FIFA’s not likely to every go to something like straight seeding, but at least they could organize the four drawing pots by seed in ranking. In that scenario the USA would have been in Pot B, as the equivalent of a #2 seed (along with Portugal) instead of Pot D, which was essentially a #4 seed. Yes, we really got hosed yesterday. De Nada, Neighbor If you aren’t lucky or obsessive enough to have BeIN Sports or Galavision, you missed a unique bit of sports drama that only rolls around every four years or so. Tuesday night, the final games of Concacaf World Cup Qualifying occurred – all games starting at the same time to avoid any shenanigans. The USA qualified a month ago and were only playing for the shirt and microscopic hopes of being seed in Brazil next summer. Costa Rica – already qualified; but for Honduras, Panama, and Mexico, these matches were win or go home. Honduras dispatched Jamaica without much trouble, leaving Mexico (playing at Costa Rica) and Panama (playing at home against the US) left to duke it out for the chance to play New Zealand in a home and home series for the final slot in the World Cup. Panama and Mexico were only a point apart in the standings, meaning all Mexico needed to do was tie or win. Panama, playing a US team made up almost entirely of younger, B-squad players, needed to win and hope El Tri lost. The USA didn’t play all that well for most of the match, and Panama took the lead in the first half. Minutes later, the stadium erupted as news came across that Costa Rica had taken the lead over Mexico. Not long after, Mexico equalized, and the stadium was eerily quiet. The US played better in the second half and looked likely to score. Sure enough, Michael Orozco scored on a set piece and the Mexicans were celebrating. They were double safe with the U.S. tying Panama and themselves tied with Costa Rica. Ah, but Costa Rica scored again about 10 minutes later. Again, in Panama, you could feel the electricity, and sure enough Luis Tejada jumped on a loose ball in the box and slammed it home in the 83rd minute. Unbelievable scene. Panama was ahead again, 2-1, and through. Continue reading →	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line923
__label__cc	0.722867	0.277133	Category Innovation Business Ethnography Innovation When ethnography becomes a joke For a number of years, we have witnessed a diminishing appetite for ethnographic work among commercial clients, writes Patricia Sunderland, PhD and founder of Cultural Research and Analysis, on the site of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA). Competition and… Creativity Innovation Sustainability [Report] Hiding in Plain Sight: Impact Investing in the Creative Economy In October 2018, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors published Hiding in Plain Sight: Impact Investing in the Creative Economy, a new report from RPA sponsored project Upstart Co-Lab. The report is the first analysis of the tremendous potential that the creative economy… Business Design (general) Ethnography HCD / UXD Innovation Service design Journal of Business Anthropology devoted to design anthropology The Journal of Business Anthropology is an Open Access journal which publishes the results of anthropological research in business organizations and business situations of all kinds. The theme of the latest issue – Vol 7, No 2 (2018) – is… AI Innovation Public services Research Socio-cultural change What are Europe’s rules for democratic artificial intelligence? Vincenzo Tiani has written an excellent summary in Wired Italia of the recently published “Ethical Framework for a Good AI Society: Opportunities, Risks, Principles, and Recommendations“, by AI4People, a task force of European experts. With the help of DeepL (also… AI Business Ethnography Innovation Methods Socio-cultural change Technology [Book] Uberland: How Algorithms Are Rewriting The Rules Of Work Uberland: How Algorithms Are Rewriting The Rules Of Work by Alex Rosenblat University of California Press October 2018, 296 pages Silicon Valley technology is transforming the way we work, and Uber is leading the charge. An American startup that promised… Finance Financial services Innovation Technology User research HSBC study on trust in technology HSBC bank commissioned Populus and Ipsos MORI to conduct an independent study of more than 12,000 people in 11 countries into global technology perceptions and habits. Our Trust in Technology research (pdf report) explores public opinion about the new technology… Culture Identity Innovation We need to save (willful) ignorance from AI Recently the psychologist Ralph Hertwig and legal scholar Christoph Engel have published an extensive taxonomy of motives for deliberate ignorance. They identified two sets of motives, in particular, that have a particular relevance to the need for ignorance in the… Behavioral sciences Business Ethnography Innovation Methods How SAP’s SuccessFactors used anthropology to understand its customers As part of a new approach to user interfaces, Amy Wilson, Head of Product at SAP SuccessFactors, pulled designers together with behavioral scientists with backgrounds in cultural anthropology. The goal was to help the designers better understand the way most…	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line935
__label__wiki	0.879753	0.879753	TUNE Hairy Hands - Wildcats ft Roseau Intergalactic sound voyager Hairy Hands launches debut long player ‘Magic’ into the universe via Tape Club Records (and New Los Angeles in US), set for delivery on Earth date 2nd September 2016. Following on from last year’s ‘Battlecat’ EP; ‘Magic’ tells the story of the death of the Sun, the demise of Earth and humanity's development of space travel to find another planet to inhabit. The album weaves its way from spaceship bathroom romp 'Shower', past the breathless 'Chest & Lungs', landing in a distant woodland on 'Wildcats' before discovering alien life on 'YNA' and ‘Are You all The Same’. “I saw the album as an imaginary space journey where I'd encounter different adventures and relationships based on my changing moods and thoughts. It's all wrapped up in imagination. I like to get into another headspace, almost like playing a character in a B-movie, to let my mind travel and explore visually and audibly.” Our chief navigator is multi-instrumentalist/producer/singer James Alexander Bright aka Hairy Hands, joined on deck by a motley crew of friends: co-pilot Peter Lyons (contributing writer and producer across the record), Andy Ramsey (Drums - Stereolab), Kwake Bass (Drums - MF Doom, Kate Tempest, Lianne La Havas), Jack Wylie (Saxophone - Portico, Circle Traps, Szun Waves), Mark Rainbow (Keys - Laurel Collective) and Big Dada signed Roseau (guest vocalist on ‘Wildcats’). After periods in Devon and London, Bright now resides in the Hampshire countryside, which helps provide the impetus for his creativity: "I love the wide open spaces you get in the country, there's nothing like walking out into the middle of a dark field at night and taking in all the sounds and stars. I think this is why I have a fascination with space travel/sci -fi and otherworldly sounds.” ‘Magic’ closes with ‘Wolf’ ft vocals by Peter Lyons; an ode to a meeting between a young female Native American Chief (who features on the glorious album artwork by Essy May) and a wolf over a desert fire, where the Chief embodies the wolf’s power and spirit under a burning night sky. Don’t call it a journey - it’s a voyage.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line946
__label__cc	0.548725	0.451275	Save on Tickets for all the Top Shows 1-800-838-8155 Sign up for the latest offers! Follow @ShowTickets Frozen The Broadway Musical Top Shows in New York Featured Tours & Attractions NYC Explorer Pass A Night at the Museum Discount Passes NYC Lights Dinner Cruise NY Water Taxi- Access Pass Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Broadway Ticket News Imperial Theatre Ain't Too Proud Showtimes Sun January 19 7:30 PM Tue January 21 7:00 PM Wed January 22 2:00 PM 7:30 PM Thu January 23 7:00 PM Fri January 24 8:00 PM Sat January 25 8:00 PM Sat February 1 2:00 PM 8:00 PM Sun February 2 2:00 PM Tue February 4 7:00 PM Wed February 5 2:00 PM 7:30 PM Thu February 6 7:00 PM Fri February 7 8:00 PM Tue February 11 7:00 PM Experience the amazing journey of one of Motown’s biggest acts in this exciting new musical on Broadway. Ain’t Too Proud follows the life and times of The Temptations as they rise to the top of the charts with their smooth sounds and unforgettable dance moves. With a soundtrack packed with cherished hits including “My Girl,” “Get Ready” and “Just My Imagination,” this show will have you tapping your feet to the sounds that made music history. Discover how five guys made their dreams come true through times of American civil unrest, family challenges, and the quest for loyalty and brotherhood. The soulful harmonies of The Temptations take center stage during this heart-stirring musical that will you riveted until the final number. Best Known For: With an incredible 14 number one hits in their chart-topping career, The Temptations are one of the best-selling pop music acts of all-time. Now their remarkable story has come to life on Broadway with classic songs like “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” Directed and choreographed by the brilliant team behind Jersey Boys, Ain’t Too Proud is the ultimate show for fans of music and Motown. Catch this electrifying show when you buy discount seats on ShowTickets.com for a night to remember on Broadway. 702-617-5513 International © Copyright 2010 - 2020 ShowTickets.com	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line948
__label__cc	0.507735	0.492265	Back to Alerts Healthcare and Antitrust Law Alert - U.S. Supreme Court Rules “State Action Doctrine” Does Not Protect State Licensing Boards February 26, 2015 \| Atlanta \| Chicago \| Columbus \| Delaware \| Elkhart \| Fort Wayne \| Grand Rapids \| Indianapolis \| Los Angeles \| Minneapolis \| South Bend On Feb. 25, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that state professional licensing boards comprised of professionals, which long had presumed they enjoyed immunity to claims under the antitrust laws, are in fact not protected by the “state action doctrine” of Parker v. Brown. The decision should be considered by all professionals who serve as members of state licensing and professional regulatory boards. In a 6-3 ruling and opinion written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the Court upheld the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. That court had affirmed an administrative law judge who sided with the Federal Trade Commission against the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners after the board issued cease and desist letters to non-dentists who provided teeth whitening services. The case raised the issue of whether such boards, which are actual state agencies, are wholly exempt from the antitrust laws under the Parker doctrine, which was established in 1943, or whether such boards, when they are comprised of active market participants (i.e., practicing dentists) are subject to the “Midcal” test. That test, established in the case of California Retail Liquor Dealers Assn. v. Midcal Aluminum, required that defendants carrying out a state policy prove they were “actively supervised” by a state pursuant to a “clearly articulated and affirmatively expressed” state policy before availing themselves of the Parker doctrine defense. In the North Carolina case, the state did not have a clear legislative policy on who was permitted to perform teeth whitening, but the Dental Board reacted to complaints by dentists that non-dentists were setting up shopping mall kiosks and performing such services for far less than dentists charged. The board issued a series of cease and desist letters to those practitioners, which eventually caused non-dentists to cease their activities all across the state. Eventually, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed an administrative complaint against the board, alleging concerted action by the dentists to prevent non-dentists from competing in the market for teeth whitening services. The Court found it significant that the Dental Board was comprised a large number of dentists who were potential competitors with other professionals who could perform such services. It ruled that where state boards “had a controlling number" of "active market participants” such boards can only be protected from the antitrust law if their activities are actively supervised by the state. Neither side had argued that the North Carolina activities were actively supervised by the state. Instead, the board argued that it was protected from antitrust suits simply because it was an agency of the state. The Court ruled that the need for supervision turns not on the formal designation given by states to regulators, but on the risk that active market participants will pursue private interests in restraining trade. While the Court had previously applied this standard to private entities fulfilling an activity based on state law, it never before applied it to an actual state agency, such as a licensing Board. In a dissent joined by Justices Scalia and Thomas, Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the court misunderstood Parker, which was never intended to ensure that regulatory practices in a state were fair or were not anti-competitive. The doctrine, he wrote, was meant to acknowledge the sovereign power of the state. The Midcal test, he noted, had always been applied to private, non-state actors who were carrying out state policy but, because they were private, needed active supervision by the state to be protected from the antitrust laws. By restricting the reach of the Parker protections to agencies of the state not “controlled” by “active market participants,” Alito wrote, the Court not only weakens the protection but also raises the issue, to be decided at a later date, of what is meant by “control” and what constitutes “active market participants.” These issues will now need to be contemplated by “active market participants” such as practicing physicians, dentists and other professionals who serve on licensing boards. While the FTC brought the action in this case, and sought only injunctive relief, the question will also arise whether such participants can be subject to private rights of action and claims for money damages brought by those whom licensing boards regulate. For more information, please contact the Barnes & Thornburg attorney with whom you work or a member of the firm’s Healthcare Department: Mark Rust at 312-214-8309 or mark.rust@btlaw.com or Laura Seng at 574-237-1129 or laura.seng@btlaw.com or a member of the firm’s Antitrust Practice Group: Kendall Millard at 317-231-7461 or kendall.millard@btlaw.com; or Paul Olszowka at 312-214-5612 or paul.olszowka@btlaw.com. You can also visit our Healthcare Department and Antitrust and Competition Law Practice Group online. © 2015 Barnes & Thornburg LLP. All Rights Reserved. This page, and all information on it, is proprietary and the property of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. It may not be reproduced, in any form, without the express written consent of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. This Barnes & Thornburg LLP publication should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own lawyer on any specific legal questions you may have concerning your situation. Visit us online at www.btlaw.com and follow us on Twitter @BTLawNews. Mark E. Rust Vice Chair, Firm Management Committee mrust@btlaw.com Laura D. Seng Healthcare Department Chairperson laura.seng@btlaw.com Kendall Millard Antitrust and Competition Law Co-Chair kendall.millard@btlaw.com Paul Olszowka Chicago, New York paul.olszowka@btlaw.com Mark Rust Laura Seng	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line950
__label__wiki	0.944027	0.944027	About . Advertising . Media Pack . Contact . Team . Careers NetMag Media [adpress campaign=70] Home » Articles » Community Hub to be created thanks to Lottery Grant Funding Over 49336 entries Thursday, 24th September 2015 Community Hub to be created thanks to Lottery Grant Funding Architecture, sports and leisure firm, LK2, has secured £793,362 in funding – one of the largest grants ever given by the Big Lottery Fund, to help develop a new village hall for Lincolnshire’s Toft Newton. A further £100,000 secured through West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire County Council. Thanks to the substantial grant, LK2 have and will continue to provide a full service to Toft Newton Village Hall Association including: business planning, funding applications and architectural services. Andrew Kitchen director at LK2 said: “The new village hall will help to create a stronger sense of community well-being and provide improved access to existing and new activities. We are extremely pleased to have helped the community to secure this funding, which will have a positive impact to the area and its residents. “The association will now be able to provide services and events organised by the local community, in a much-needed built for purpose space. The development will also help older people to access the hall to take part in activities, which can only benefit the village in the long-term. Local sports teams, as well as social groups will be able to use the building all year round.” Toft Newton Village Hall Association vice chairman Robert Nelson said: “The new building represents a whole new era for our community. We have no local ‘hub’ to provide services and events from and having the new village hall will transform lives of the local community. “The new building will provide a venue for several services and community events to run from. These can include local shops, outreach services from the local authority to coffee mornings and community events such as birthdays and christenings. “The chance to change the lives of local people and leaving a legacy for generations to come is a very exciting prospect and we are so thankful. “I guess it doesn’t touch the sides to say we are really appreciative for this opportunity. It has been an enormous amount of work for our group and will be to ensure the project is a success.” The £900,000 development in conjunction with the Big Lottery Fund, West Lindsey District Council and Lincoln County Council is set to be completed in the summer of 2016. The project aims to bring the community together and create a state-of-the-art village hall. West Lindsey District Council leader Cllr Jeff Summers said: “The council’s Localism Team was set up to help groups like this help themselves. Together with Community Lincs, we have advised on funding, planning applications and consultations. “Although we have pledged £85,000 funding to support them, these people have had to work extremely hard to prove to the lottery the need for money to build this hall. “It has not been a quick process but the group did not waiver. This achievement shows what the power of people working together to help themselves can do. They are the real heroes.” The existing temporary building was erected more than 25-years ago, but has minimal facilities. The new build will include important fit for purpose kitchen facilities, two sports changing rooms, two function rooms and a bar. Article submitted by 1 found LK2 Architects Dec/Jan 2020Turn page (Flash)Low res PDFSubscribe BCD – Jan 2020View NewsletterSubscribe Oeco Garden Rooms A Leading UK Garden Structure Supplier & Fitter Farnborough Homebuilding & Renovating Show 2020 Location : Farnborough NHMF Maintenance Conference 2020 Build it Live South East 2020 Location : Maidstone Surface Design Awards 2020 Location : London Surface Design Show 2020 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year On behalf of everyone at netMAGmedia, we wish you a ver... Mapei’s high-demand training dates revealed for 2020 Mapei has unveiled its extensive list of training dates... Consort launches new electric heating brochure plus updates to BIM library Consort Claudgen have launched their latest Heat brochu... Robert Jenrick named housing secretary in cabinet reshuffle Robert Jenrick has replaced James Brokenshire as the Se... Permitted paving Although a requirement for most new developments, other... Twitter Follow @HotCustardUK Discover how #office spaces are changing to suit new businesses https://t.co/smuIzNHEGF - Friday Jan 17 - 4:50pm The “best yet” is how #GilbertsBlackpool is describing its latest range of #smoke evacuation dampers for multi-stor… https://t.co/orTl1hyckY .@crittallwindows' Innervision internal #slidingdoors and #screens and Corporate W20 #windows and #doors for extern… https://t.co/WktzJtNsiX - Thursday Jan 16 - 4:01pm #Pagabo announces winners of its £10bn national framework for major works https://t.co/yiXLkPyENk https://t.co/11gsw30E6d Enhance the #bathroom experience with a #Pressalit #toilet seat https://t.co/wYIDtVFrdE https://t.co/hS62q4SAdF Subscribe to the e-mail newsletter Daily Digests Receive daily digests of latest articles by e-mail Subscribe to the digital version of the magazine Home About Advertising Contact Terms of Use Careers Privacy Policy By using this site, you agree that we can set and use cookies. For more details on these cookies and how to disable them see our cookie policy. © netMAGmedia Ltd, 2014 - 2018 Website design by HotCustard	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line954
__label__cc	0.667045	0.332955	Rusty Blazenhoff / 7:30 am Tue, Dec 4, 2018 The Oreo Music Box is like a record player for cookies Here's a turntable that no one asked for: the Oreo Music Box ($20 but includes cookies). To get it to work, just place a cookie on it, put the arm on the cookie, and then press the black "play" button. No, there's no actual music embedded in the Oreos. What you'll hear is one of four prerecorded songs they've installed in the player. And, if you take a bite out of the cookie and place it back on the box, it will play a different song. If you want to see how it works, watch this: cookies / late stage capitalism / Oreo / Oreo music box / Right round / turntable / vinyl	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line960
__label__cc	0.713133	0.286867	1700 Westlake Avenue N. Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98109 Contact UsSeattle Web Design AgencySeattle SEO AgencyeCommerce DevelopmentPrivacy Policy Your current browser is missing features this website requires to display correctly. Please upgrade your browser for the best experience. IBEW Local 46 has another organizing campaign event on Friday, August 24 and Saturday, August 25 at the White River Amphitheater. We will have our join46.com booth at the Pain in the Grass Concert. If you would like to volunteer, meet some new electricians, talk with them about what the IBEW has to offer while enjoying some great bands, please email Deva Nelson at [email protected]. Puget Sound Electrical Workers Healthcare Trust invites you to this year's Coalition 2018 Health Fairs. Located in Kent at IBEW Local 46 on September 22 (8am-12pm) and Bothell at IUOE Local 302 on October 6 (8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.). STEWARDS CLASS: Monday, September 10 and Tuesday, September 11 (must attend both days) 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. each night. Please Contact DISPATCH to Sign Up. 253-395-6530 JOHN HANCOCK 401k Plan Class. Thursday, September 27, 2018 @ 5:00 p.m. or Saturday, September 29, 2018 @ 9:00 a.m. Please Contact DISPATCH to Sign Up. 253-395-6530 RETIREMENT EDUCATION CLASS: Saturday, October 6 @ 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. IBEW Local 46 will be having the WPAS staff here at the Hall this Fall for a retirement education class. Please Contact DISPATCH to Sign Up. 253-395-6530 MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB: Contact Mark Samuelsen at [email protected] or 253-395-6528 if you are interested in getting together to ride!	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line962
__label__cc	0.661547	0.338453	This book explores the idea of dual personality of jekyll that led him to his experiments, and his inexorable and finally fatal descent into evil. Written during a frenzied five-day period, Robert Louis Stevenson’s allegory of good versus evil pulls you into its feverish spell. The story of the relationship between the upstanding Dr Jekyll and the diabolical Mr Hyde becomes more chaotic and magnetic with every page. Stevenson’s Victorian London—shrouded in a constant and eerie fog—acts as the sinister backdrop to Jekyll’s agonising, bone-crunching metamorphoses and violent urges. A gothic classic that’s inspired countless modern-day superhero myths, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde offers a stark warning about the darker, instinctual side of human nature. Letter W's Arseflap , 2013-06-28 Gripping, I must say! Coachzzzzxxxx , 2017-03-26 Interesting story, may not always be easy to follow but all is revealed in the end. I love red! , 2013-07-28 I couldn't put it down Amazing classic!!! I could t put it down!! The English is a bit old fashioned at times. But if your willing to deal with that you will not be disappointed!! More Books by Robert Louis Stevenson L'Étrange Cas du Dr Jekyll et de Mr Hyde 50 Classic Books, Vol. 1	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line965
__label__cc	0.69304	0.30696	Contextual Genomics and EORLA Partner for Early Access to ctDNA Cancer Testing VANCOUVER, British Columbia & OTTAWA, Ontario — Contextual Genomics, a leading cancer genomics company, and Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA), a nonprofit organization offering high quality, patient focused, hospital-based lab services in Eastern Ontario, announced that they have partnered to bring Contextual Genomics’ ctDNA cancer genomic testing to EORLA’s Champlain Local Health Integration Network (CLHIN) of Eastern Ontario, Canada. Contextual Genomics has developed the FOLLOW IT® cancer panel, a multiplex, next-generation sequencing genomic assay evaluating the mutation status of tumour DNA in plasma, identifying the somatic mutations that have the greatest potential to impact treatment decisions. EORLA will offer FOLLOW IT to its network as a part of Contextual Genomics’ FOLLOW IT Canadian Early Access Program (CEAP). Indicated patients are expected to benefit from this new option by providing a less invasive alternative to tissue biopsy and by the addition of more convenient localized blood draw collection sites. Contextual Genomics’ Canadian Early Access Program for FOLLOW IT plasma-based genomic cancer testing is underway in British Columbia and Ontario, offering a patient-pay test for individuals with metastatic lung, breast and colorectal cancer. The FOLLOW IT panel tests for actionable mutations, potentially leading to changes in disease management. All CEAP testing is performed in the Contextual Genomics’ clinically accredited laboratory in Vancouver and results are available in 5-10 business days. “We are excited to be providing access to FOLLOW IT testing through the Contextual Genomics’ Canadian Early Access Program,” said Greg Dorion, Vice President, Operations of EORLA. “This offering is in line with EORLA’s purpose – to deliver patient-focused, consistent, high-quality and cost-effective hospital-based laboratory services to meet the needs of Eastern Ontarians.” “The partnership with EORLA, in support of our FOLLOW IT Canadian Early Access Program, is important to Canadians in this region, allowing them better access to important health care. We look forward to working with EORLA to ensure that all cancer patients in their region that would benefit from FOLLOW IT testing will have access through their hospital Network,” Michael Ball, Contextual Genomics’ Chief Executive Officer, commented in a statement. About Contextual Genomics (www.contextualgenomics.com): Contextual Genomics develops cost-effective and clinically actionable molecular tests that guide diagnosis and treatment of cancer. These customized tests are offered by our partner laboratories around the world with Contextual Genomics conducting cloud-based bioinformatics services via a SaaS model. The collection of data via this robust network of partners and the use of machine-learning tools allows Contextual Genomics to improve patient care through improved clinical trial enrollment and new treatment algorithms. Contextual Genomics is founded and managed by global leaders in cancer medicine and bioinformatics, who have unparalleled expertise in cancer genomics and the clonal evolution of cancer. About Contextual Genomics’ Products and CEAP: Contextual Genomics has developed the FIND IT® and FOLLOW IT® cancer panels. Both panels are multiplex, next-generation sequencing genomic assays designed for rapid deployment into labs around the world. Both FIND IT and FOLLOW IT evaluate the mutation status of tumour DNA (FIND IT for solid tumours; FOLLOW IT for cell-free circulating tumour DNA in plasma) at 146 well-characterized positions, identifying the somatic mutations that have the greatest potential to impact treatment decisions. QUALITY NEXUS® is a quality control system embedded into all FIND IT and FOLLOW IT assays and into Contextual Genomics’ cloud-based analysis engine. FIND IT and FOLLOW IT physician reports provide clear information on test interpretation and linkages to current therapeutic options. The FOLLOW IT Canadian Early Access Program is a program being run by Contextual Genomics in British Columbia and Ontario to provide patient-pay access to FOLLOW IT for patients with metastatic breast, lung and GI cancers. About EORLA: The Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA) is a member-owned, non-profit organization encompassing the operation of 19 licensed, acute-care, hospital-based clinical laboratories that service clinical programs across the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (CLHIN) of Eastern Ontario. A leading, innovative model of integrated laboratory practices in the province, the purpose of EORLA is to deliver patient-focused, consistent, high-quality and cost-effective hospital-based laboratory services to meet the needs of the region’s patients. This release contains forward-looking statements that are not based on historical fact. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Contextual Genomics’ Media Contact Ehab Farrag Email: media@contextualgenomics.com EORLA Media Contact Lynda Farant Email: Lfarant@eorla.ca	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line968
__label__cc	0.699832	0.300168	Feature \| Interviews Interview: Paul Shepherd, We Build Bots 5 Feb 2019 4:07 pm \| Business Travel Show \| 0 Comments Paul Shepherd is the founder of We Build Bots. We quizzed him about what exactly this tech can offer the travel industry How are ‘bots’ currently used in the travel industry? It’s early days. Air France became the first non-Chinese airline to start serving customers via WeChat and other travel companies that have taken the lead with bots include KLM, Hyatt Hotels, Expedia and Booking.com, all of whom offer customer service via Facebook Messenger. Expedia was the first to launch a bot on Skype. In a typical week, KLMKoninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (Royal Aviation Company) the flag carrier of the Netherlands and a good example of how acronyms can aid simple discourse. responds to 15,000 social conversations in a dozen different languages. Consequently, they started exploring new ways to provide great, personalised and fast customer care and that’s why they opted to implement a chatbot. In the first month, their volume of Facebook messages jumped 40 per cent. KLMKoninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (Royal Aviation Company) the flag carrier of the Netherlands and a good example of how acronyms can aid simple discourse. said 1.7 million messages have been sent on Messenger by over 500,000 people. Expedia’s Facebook Messenger allows users to search for hotels. Users simply tell the bot a little bit about their travel plan and it returns the five most popular hotel options in their chosen location. When built and used correctly, chatbots can transform customer service, increase efficiencies and even help companies to save and make money. Who isn’t using bots, but should be? Multinational airlines like Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and Emirates would benefit from following KLM’s lead and online travel sites such as Trivago, Lastminute.com, Laterooms.com and Airbnb would offer a competitive advantage if they were to offer a fully integrated chatbot using AI and machine learning combined with customer service agent support in order to deliver a 24/7/365 intuitive service. How will they evolve and what can we expect from them in 12 months and three years from now? Natural Language Processing (NLP) continues to improve, which means that chatbots will become easier and more intuitive to interact with. As well as this, the rise in voice continues to have a huge impact. The sales of voice assistants continues to grow year on year with all the major players including Google, Amazon and Facebook releasing new versions. Voice is the most natural interface and allows generations previously alienated by touch screens and smartphones to reconnect. Some companies are already seeing the potential in voice. Expedia announced the launch of an Alexa ‘skill’ in 2017 which allows people who have booked trips through the company to explore their itineraries and get further details on elements of their trip. The possibilities of using voice are endless. Imagine asking your smart home device to check you into your next flight and receiving your boarding pass directly into your inbox. Or alternatively, ask it to search for a holiday that meets your needs, whether that be in school holidays, a particular temperature or less than a four-hour flight away. Chatbots’ use of voice is improving and evolving consistently and going forward, we’re sure to see huge developments in this space. Shepherd will take part in a Masterclass session for hosted buyers titled “Introduce bots into your travel programme to slash admin and boost communications” with Michael McSperrin, head of global facilities and support services, Alexander Mann Solutions, at the Business Travel Show on 20 February from 1000-1100. Applications are still open for the Business Travel Show’s hosted buyer programme at businesstravelshow.com/hosted-buyers Q&A: How Launchpad helped to launch Taptrip Guest Column: In the same shoes Guest comment: Innovation hits critical MaaS	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line971
__label__wiki	0.743361	0.743361	Borderzine (https://borderzine.com/2011/06/trashion-show-recycled-trash-into-fashion/) Trashion show: Recycled trash into fashion By Natalia Aguilar \| June 23, 2011 More on Imagenes Subscribe to Imagenes Flower detail of a dress made of Capri Sun bottom halves with plastic trash bag. (Natalia Aguilar/Borderzine.com) EL PASO — For the most part fashion design has a reputation for superficiality and a lack of concern for the planet, but this year designers in the technology program at El Paso Community College (EPCC) decided to change that perception with a Trashion Show. “In a way it’s like helping the world and it’s not only about the fashion but about having satisfaction of helping out,” said one of the designers, Zayra Estrada. Students and other collaborators said this is a way to help spread consciousness about recycling. “You can be fashionable without being abusive and use resources wisely,” said Fashion Technology coordinator, Trish Winstead. Five talented students from the Fashion Promotion class displayed their pieces made of recyclable materials at this year’s Trashion Show in commemoration of Earth Day. “The idea behind the show was to demonstrate that items that only seem worthy of trashing are usable in other ways,” said Winstead. The participants were allowed to exhibit as many pieces as they wanted made only of already used materials. Dress made of Capri Sun bottom halves with plastic trash bag. (Natalia Aguilar/Borderzine.com) In previous years students of the Fashion Promotion class worked in conjunction with the TecH2O center, an El Paso Water Utilities program that helps share awareness about water resources in the area. The students would prepare themselves to compete against other El Pasoans in a “Trashion Show” competition open to everyone. In 2009 the competition had 35 competitors and in 2010 the competition reached 85 participants. Winners were rewarded with iPods, CDs and gift certificates. This year there was no competition due to insufficient volunteers, but the designers felt it was still important to share this notion with the rest of the public and to change the insensitive image of fashion. “It’s another way to help the environment,” said Estrada. On Saturday, April 23, 2011 models showcased wearable fashions made of aluminum, paper, plastic, and foam. “I want people to know that there are many things that you can do with plastics and aluminum, and that everything can be recycled,” said first time participant and designer, Tomasa King whose dress was made of over 200 Capri Sun bottom halves sewn to make a chic cocktail dress. She was very excited to be part of such an event for her love to recycling. “I love to recycle, I recycle almost anything,” she said. Besides focusing on the importance of recycling, Winstead also believes the Trashion Show is another way of showing the students’ work and creativity. “An event like this benefits fashion design students because it gives them another limitation and new mind set,” she said. Students were challenged to use their imagination and be creative with their fashions. “It’s a challenge to work with this material because it dares you to use your imagination and it gives you more ideas,” said Estrada whose dress was made of at least 100 2-liter Coke bottles. “It took me a year to collect all the Coke bottles,” she said. The intention of organizing a Trashion Show next year is there, but it depends on whether there will be students in the EPCC Fashion Promotion course who will be willing to volunteer and participate in order to put the show together. Even though some have already said yes to next year, this will not be known until late January 2012 when the spring semester begins. For more information contact Trish Winstead (915) 831-5057. A dress made of plastic cellophane bags. (Photo courtesy of Gisel Estrada) A dress mmade of foam wrapper. (Photo courtesy of Gisel Estrada) A dress made of 2-liter-Coke plastic labels and plastic bags. (Photo courtesy of Gisel Estrada) The art of recycling LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Art created from recycled items is now a fast growing and popular niche, but Carlos Egan (“The Country Gentleman”) has been incorporating recycled items into his art for years. Egan’s Rustic Art was most recently featured at the 39th Annual Renaissance Arts Faire in Las Cruces. One thought on “Trashion show: Recycled trash into fashion” Kole Mcclelland on April 16, 2012 at 3:37 pm said: Enjoyed every bit of your blog post.Really thank you! Fantastic.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line975
__label__wiki	0.556281	0.556281	Anchor's Away A local girl's take on the good life in Omaha, Nebraska and beyond About Brandi Beachbody Or Bust Tag Archive \| jeff nathan Doctor’s Orders It’s human nature. When something’s wrong, you instinctively want to fix it. Nebraska Football is 2-4 for the first time since Eisenhower was President. (My thanks to hilarious columnist Brad Dickson for that bit of trivia..) Saturday night, I was in the audience at the Miss Omaha/Miss Douglas County pageant and my friend Grady nudged me, showed me the score and whispered ‘WHY CAN’T WE FINISH A GAME?!?!’ When we lost over the final play against BYU, it was heartbreaking. When we lost in OT against Miami, it was bad dejavu. When we lost in the final moments against Illinois, it was annoying. HOW DID IT HAPPEN AGAIN against Wisconsin? If I’m frustrated as a fan, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE how guys like Tommy Armstrong and Coach Riley feel. Maybe that’s why at least one former player isn’t judging, isn’t making assumptions.. he’s just giving his full support. #4 Judd Davies, Nebraska Fullback 1999-2003 “A lot of things go into having a new staff, I’m definitely sympathetic to that,” Davies told KETV in a recent interview. “It’s easy to become frustrated and upset once you start having difficult games, but they’ve played extremely well, they’ve played close games, they’ve only lost by a number of points total between wins and losses.” A glass half-full statement from a guy who’s been a longtime model of composure and maturity. In the early 2000’s, Judd Davies was the hometown guy who delivered in Lincoln on and off the field. He headed to Nebraska along with several other Millard North Mustangs (including Pat Ricketts and Eric Crouch), and took the Huskers to the 2001 national championship game. CLICK HERE TO WATCH KETV’S THROWBACK THURSDAY FEATURE ON #4 JUDD DAVIES! As I wrote about last season (click here to read Brothers in Blue) I first met Davies through my longtime friend Jeff Nathan back when we were in college. (Part of the same group, I should mention, so excited about Judd’s Rose Bowl touchdown they fell on an elderly woman seated in front of them in the stadium.) I also had Davies in a speech class at UNL, where he presented an informative speech on how to run the option, and I found out that even at 245+ pounds of sheer muscle he was terrified of the movie Candyman. (Quoting Judd, “don’t even joke about that.”) Back in those days, Judd Davies was a studious guy in the classroom, focused on his job as a student and his faith. (Quick story, when KETV photojournalist Tyler White arrived for our interview, Davies still remembered him as a fellow member of Omaha’s Christ Community Church many years ago.) Family and his close circle friends has also been priority for Davies, who married his longtime girlfriend, Tracy, the summer before his senior year at Nebraska. It was a busy time for the Nebraska Team Captain, an Academic All-American who also earned the 2002 Brook Berringer Citizenship Award for the time he spent volunteering in his community and across the state. Davies taking part in a Special Olympics event, photo courtesy Nebraska Athletics. 12 years out, most of the stats, touchdowns and awards are a blur to Davies “It’s really the relationships you remember as you get a little further out from it,” said Davies. “You remember the coaches, the guys you played the same position with because you were with those guys every single day.” And Davies remembers his awareness that someday, his football days would come to an end. He was focused on his next step, medicine. “I love it. I always wanted to do something with surgery that I thought I would be able to treat conditions, to cure conditions,” said Davies. After graduating from Nebraska, Davies studied at Vanderbilt before returning to Omaha to open his own private practice and work with Nebraska Medicine. Dr. Judson Davies is now a respected urologist and surgeon across the Omaha area and beyond. “Sometimes I sit down, people will look at me, look at my name on my jacket, then they’ll look back up and me and say ‘I swear, I remember you from somewhere,” said Davies. But he’s quick to say that football connection doesn’t give him any special insight into today’s team or coaches. When we first talked several weeks ago, hopes for the season were high with a new program, unknown to most Nebraska fans. When we circled back to Davies just last week, his opinions about the team were the same, even with a losing record. “It’s about the process. Don’t worry about where they’re at now. You want to see improvement and the season is still very early,” said Davies. “There’s a lot of room for them to grow and improve and hopefully they will.” And Davies is excited about the guy playing his old spot, Andy Janovich, another Nebraska native just like Davies (Janovich is from Gretna.) Photo courtesy Nebraska Athletics “I think he’s doing a great job!” said Davies. “If he would’ve played in a different era, in my era, he probably would’ve started ahead of me. So I’m glad he wasn’t there when I was there or I might not have ever played!” To players EVERYWHERE, Huskers, Mustangs and everyone else, this doctor has some solid advice. “GO TO CLASS!” said Davies, looking right into the camera before laughing. “But in all honesty, I’d say GO TO CLASS, GET A DEGREE.” As for the 2015 Huskers, there may not be any universal fix. Dr. Davies suggested treatment and prescription for success.. to learn from the experience itself. “Those lessons you learn day in and day out, how to handle adversity, how to deal with poor performance and improvement and critical feedback, those are extremely valuable,” said Davies. “You’re going to have lots of ups and downs in your career, business, personal and otherwise, but having the discipline to go through what they’ve gone through, you can’t duplicate that or replicate that anywhere else.” Click here to read more about #4 Judd Davies via his bio from Nebraska Athletics. Click here to visit Dr. Judson Davies’ website to learn more about his work with The Urology Center, PC. THANK YOU to Dr. Davies, his staff, and Nebraska Medicine (especially Jenny Nowatzke) for facilitating TWO interviews due to technical difficulties on our end. Your patience and time are MUCH appreciated! WEEK SIX.. CLASS OF 1991 OFC. CURTIS COTTON! NEXT WEEK.. CLASS OF 1990 LT. GREGG BARRIOS! This entry was posted on October 15, 2015, in Friends, KETV, mike riley, Nebraska Football, Omaha, Sports and tagged ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN, andy janovich, BRAD DICKSON, BROOK BERRINGER, BYU, CANDYMAN, christ community church, CURTIS COTTON, EISENHOWER, eric crouch, FULLBACK, grady schmitt, GREGG BARRIOS, GRETNA, GRETNA HIGH, Huskers, ILLINOIS, jeff nathan, JENNY NOWATZKE, judd davies, KETV, MIAMI, mike riley, millard north, miss douglas county's outstanding teen, miss omaha, Nebraska, nebraska football, nebraska medicine, omaha, OMAHA POLICE, OWH, pat ricketts, rose bowl, Special Olympics, tommy armstrong, tyler white, UROLOGY CENTER, VANDERBILT, WISCONSIN. Leave a comment Brothers In Blue I was very lucky a few years ago (OK, MANY years ago..) to become friends with a guy named Jeff Nathan. I was the only student from Papio-La Vista at speech nationals, and for whatever reason, Jeff and his teammates from Millard North ‘adopted’ me and let me hang out with them. As fate would have it, Jeff and I had a broadcasting class together in college at UNL and again, his close circle of friends took me in like they’d known me for years. I remember one night in particular, Jeff asked if I wanted to come to their intramural softball game on campus; all the players were his friends from Millard North. If you follow me on Twitter, you know I LOVE softball, and was totally game. When I showed up, the guys were already on the field practicing, including THIS guy. Thanks to Nebraska Athletics for the photo! My first thought, “holy crap!! That’s Pat Ricketts!” My second thought, “ummmm.. is he allowed to play intramural softball?” Yes. Yes he was. And their team DOMINATED everyone they played against.. mostly because of Jeff’s Cy Young quality pitching. (You’re welcome, Jeff.) In the early 2000’s, Millard North was well-represented not only on the softball field, but at Memorial Stadium. Eric Crouch, Mike McClaughlin, Judd Davies and Pat Ricketts.. they all played together in high school, were recruited together to come to Nebraska, and played together as Huskers. “It was really neat to go from high school to college, to bring that work ethic,” Ricketts told me in a recent interview. “We had a lot of pride, and still do have a lot of pride, as Millard graduates and especially as Mustang graduates.” Check out KETV’s Throwback Thursday Husker feature on Pat Ricketts! Each player made an impact during his time at Nebraska (Crouch going on to win the Heisman Trophy), and Ricketts was no exception. The cornerback was a Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week his junior year in 2002, and as a senior, was part of the defense that set a school record, leading the nation with 32 interceptions. One of those in 2003 was by Ricketts against rival Colorado. Still, Ricketts’ favorite moment as a Husker came off the field. “My sophomore year, I earned a Blackshirt,” said Ricketts. (Blackshirts are an iconic symbol awarded to members of Nebraska’s defense for strong performance and leadership.) “That was the first Blackshirt I was able to earn, it was right after practice. It was a complete surprise.” Photo courtesy of John Peterson Photo/Hail Varsity Magazine Ricketts’ advice to current players is to have a good time, because it goes by way too fast. In a way, he always knew that, and knew what path he would take when his playing days came to an end. “I worked in several financial institutions, and with the family starting TD Ameritrade in town, that’s what I grew up around,” said Ricketts. He worked hard in the classroom at Nebraska, landing on the Honor Roll nearly his entire college career. Today, he is President and CFO of Vintage Financial Group offering investment advice to both his clients and the public as a frequent guest on KETV First News Weekend. Ricketts married his college sweetheart, Kirstin (who also came to those softball games!), now a fellow Vintage associate; together they have three children. Ricketts also remains committed to the school district that helped shape him as a kid. He is currently President of the Millard Public Schools Board, playing a key role in guiding the future of 23,000 students. He hopes to someday see some of those kids wearing red ‘N’ jerseys (maybe even his own boys!) “It’s extremely important to get those in-state kids down to Lincoln, down to the University,” said Ricketts. “Those are bonds across the state of Nebraska, those small towns to large towns, to know that’s their boy down at the University. It’s fun; they’ve watched that kid grow up, and to be able to go on to college, that creates that fan base that is unique to Nebraska. It’s important that Nebraska keeps that tradition going.” Ricketts says this fall, like every other year, he’ll be watching Nebraska’s Blackshirts, a group he calls a fraternity. I’m guessing once or twice, he’ll catch a game with his other brothers, his longtime friends from Millard North. Here’s to a great season, and to friendships that stand the tests of time, change, and intramural softball. Learn more about Pat Ricketts via Nebraska Athletics or on Vintage Financial Group’s website. CLICK HERE to Throwback to the Classes of 2004 & 2007, Barrett & Bo Ruud Next week’s Throwback Thursday Husker.. Class of 2007, Corey McKeon This entry was posted on September 10, 2014, in Friends, KETV, Nebraska Football, News, Omaha, Sports, TV and tagged blackshirts, eric crouch, Huskers, jeff nathan, judd davies, mike mclaughlin, millard north, millard public schools, mustangs, nebraska football, pat ricketts, vintage financial group. 4 Comments Advertise your business here! Email Brandi for details brandipetersenomaha@gmail.com One Moment In Time With More Complete Coverage..	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line977
__label__wiki	0.764155	0.764155	London Bridge Underground Iconic tiles of the Washington, DC, metro California Street, San Francisco 9th Street Station, New York Vaulted ceiling of an underground Metro station in Washington, DC Elevador, Lisbon, Portugal Night ride, Lisbon, Portugal Escalator to the surface, London, England Escalator to the surface, Washington, DC Gants Hill station, London, England Warren Street station, London, England DC Metro Gare du Nord in Paris, France Way Out, London Baker Street, London Iconic waffle ceiling of underground Metro station, Washington, DC	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line978
__label__wiki	0.54199	0.54199	Market Integrity Insights Views on improving the integrity of global capital markets Standards, Ethics and Regulations (SER) Systemic Risk Asset Manager Code mag-glass SEC’s Regulation Crowdfunding: Benefit for Investors and Industry or Concern? By Linda Rittenhouse, JD Posted In: US SEC When the US SEC’s Regulation Crowdfunding rules went into effect in May 2016, a new world of crowdfunding options for the offer and sale of securities became a reality. Used for years as a funding mechanism through the internet for a range of projects, crowdfunding became an option for the sale of securities in October 2015 when the SEC adopted the new regulation. The new rules have triggered questions: What are the benefits of using crowdfunding as a funding option? What are the legal and compliance requirements? What is the best way to offer the sale of securities through the use of a funding portal? What is the potential impact on existing investor protections? Considering the Questions These questions and more were considered at a recent conference on Crowdfunding and Data Standards, sponsored by CFA Institute and Baruch College Zicklin School of Business. One panel discussed the implications of Regulation Crowdfunding and highlighted aspects of the regulation that make crowdfunding an attractive funding option for businesses as well as the steps intermediaries must take to create a funding portal through which securities can be offered and sold. Kendall Americo, CEO of Bankroll Ventures and a leading expert in the legal particulars of crowdfunding, noted that the 2008 financial crisis, which led to banks being reluctant to lend, sparked companies’ interest in exploring alternative ways to raise money and ultimately gave rise to crowdfunding. He offered a “cardinal rule” for those considering funding through crowdfunding: Have 30% of the money of the target offering secured before starting the process, to indicate to potential investors that the venture already has support. Americo also noted that crowdfunding success often benefits from three key attributes: Passion for the product and creating a culture that reflects that Smart share pricing Finally, Americo added that when considering funding options, those interested in crowdfunding need to consider the costs and benefits of using that alternative approach. Regulation Crowdfunding, which covers the offer and sale of securities, is relatively inexpensive to use because it has few reporting requirements, but its marketing options are limited to tombstone-like ads. In contrast, Regulation A+ allows for a much broader marketing campaign and audience, but it is more costly and requires more reporting. Sandra Clarke from the Financial Industry Regulatory Association (FINRA) Membership Application Program, led the audience through the particulars of creating a funding portal, starting with first filing an application with the SEC and then weaving through FINRA’s 60-day review and decision process. As of June 2016, 48 applications had been filed with SEC, with 11 having made their way through FINRA’s portal approval process. What CFA Institute Thinks about Crowdfunding CFA Institute has been following crowdfunding since the US Congress first passed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act in 2012 and charged the SEC with creating regulations to implement the mandates. Throughout this process, we have advocated an approach that carefully balances investor safeguards against capital formation incentives. Although supporting many aspects of Regulation Crowdfunding, we have expressed concerns about whether it would sacrifice important investor protections that require issuers to provide more details in registered securities offerings. For example, one concern is that investors will not receive the full range of information needed to assess an offering and understand the risks, including the risk of losing their entire investment. To curtail potential fraud on the part of the intermediary, we also have supported such measures as giving investors the unconditional right to cancel an investment commitment within 48 hours after an offering closes and excluding issuers that do not have a business plan from the ability to use crowdfunding platforms. There are a host of other concerns about crowdfunding, including the lack of a liquid secondary market given restrictions on selling shares, especially during the first year; the lack of transparency because of insufficient information at the start of the offering; the extent to which issuers’ businesses may be affected by market risk; and the confusion that may result among investors if an issuer promotes simultaneous offerings unrelated to a crowdfunding offering. During the conference, Americo rejected concerns about widespread potential for fraud in securities crowdfunding offerings, citing the very public nature of identifying information about the issuer. What will calm those who remain cautious about the use of securities crowdfunding? Perhaps the answer will come in three years when the SEC staff must report on the effects of crowdfunding on capital formation and investor protection. If you liked this post, consider subscribing to Market Integrity Insights. Image Credit: ©iStockphoto.com/nevarpp Tags: Fiduciary Standards, SEC, Securities Market Regulation Linda Rittenhouse, JD Linda Rittenhouse, JD, is a director of capital markets policy at CFA Institute. She focuses primarily on issues related to investment products and investment regulation. Rittenhouse holds a JD degree. 1 thought on “SEC’s Regulation Crowdfunding: Benefit for Investors and Industry or Concern?” Barbara Petitt says: You may also want to check out the recommendations by the Financial Economists Roundtable, a group of distinguished senior financial economists, that recently reviewed current issues and future developments in the crowdfunding market and offered suggestions regarding the regulation of the industry. Their statement is published in the current issue of the Financial Analysts Journal: http://cfa.is/1UouveJ @MarketIntegrity Tweets by @MarketIntegrity Subscribe to Market Integrity Insights and receive email notifications when new content is posted. Wealth Management 2020 Conference 73rd CFA Institute Annual Conference Thriving in Today’s Connected Market 17–20 May 2020 EMEA GIPS Standards Conference 16–17 June 2020 CFA Institute Seminar for Global Investors 2020 20–23 July 2020 Curated Global Headlines by SmartBrief.com Survey's shortcomings reportedly delay MiFID II review A survey that fails to address several key issues has obliged the European Commission to postpone a review of the revised Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, sources say. The survey "didn't provide any ideas or solutions, and it's not relevant to the problems the industry faces," one source says. Practice Insight (16 Jan.) Carney to advise Johnson on climate change Mark Carney, who steps down as Bank of England governor in March, has agreed to advise UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on climate issues. Reuters (16 Jan.) BoE, FCA set deadlines for Libor switch The UK Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of England have announced a series of deadlines for Libor phaseout. The first deadline is March 2, when users and issuers of derivatives should shift to the Sterling Overnight Index Average. Pensions & Investments (free access for SmartBrief readers) (16 Jan.) About CFA Institute CFA Institute is the global, not-for-profit association of investment professionals that awards the CFA® and CIPM® designations. We promote the highest ethical standards and offer a range of educational opportunities online and around the world. © 2020 CFA Institute. All rights reserved. Follow CFA Institute	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line982
__label__cc	0.600568	0.399432	The Atlantic coast & its eerie “ghost forests” Jun 17, 2019, 5:32 AM EDT (Source: Peter Rintels/flickr) The mid-Atlantic and Gulf coast shores are being enveloped by dead trees and the forsaken farmlands called “Ghost forests,” depicting the ugly, scary face of climate change that’s causing sea level rise nearly three times faster in this region than the global average. In this place, where most of the private, rural lands are at risk, the trees succumb to slow death as salty water seeps through the soil and roots fail to siphon marine water. Gradually, the greens turn into bare trunks and branches, lifeless just like ghosts, notes Popular Science. The scale of this phenomenon is alarming. More than 150 square miles of trees stand bleached and dead since the mid-1800s in the Chesapeake Bay area. The same story goes for about 57 square miles of forests along the Florida Gulf Coast over the last 120 years. The upside of this unsightly transition is that, gradually a community of salt-tolerant plant species populate the ghost forests, forming coastal wetlands that serve as a naturally protective ecosystem, guarding the shores against erosion and storing more carbon than forests do. TAGS: Ghost ForestsClimate change 'Heal and Aid' by Louise Blouin Electrical brain stimulation can dampen violent streak	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line985
__label__wiki	0.832963	0.832963	Spider-Man (PS4, Insomniac, 2018) - The Amazingly Spectacular Spidey game you've been waiting for By Ryannumber1gamer, June 14, 2016 in Video Games Ryannumber1gamer 39,905 The Power of Ultra Instinct TSS Member "Does Whatever a Spider Can" Announced in 2016's E3, and tonight, finally given an full gameplay reveal, Insomniac's Spider-Man game seems to be backing up Marvel's statement that they want their games to be made by quality developers from now on. The gameplay seemed to reveal a ton of details, such as Kingpin (Wilson Fisk) being one of the primary characters in the game, as well as one of the main villains being Mr. Negative and his Dragons gang. The gameplay incorporates a ton of gameplay styles, including stealth combat, environment interaction, and of course, webslinging through New York City. Spider-Man has been confirmed to be Peter Parker, however, supposedly Miles Morales will be making an appearance too. Furthermore, characters from the comics seem to also be appearing in the game. Take a look at the new gameplay, and enjoy. Announce Trailer: Gameplay Trailer (2017): Paris Game Week Trailer (2017): Open World Trailer: Pre-Order Trailer: Zavok the SpinningSilver, SurrealBrain, FriendBot and 6 others reacted to this Boomer 3,314 Baby Come On! And it sounded like Josh Keaton! They know the way to my heart... Costume is weird though with the white spider, but whatever. Tara 15,226 Interesting. Can't wait to hopefully see more soon, since I'm always up for a hopefully decent Spiderman game. Celestia 14,843 Sonic Lost World liker I actually kinda like the costume, even if it's really different from what we're used to. Might change my mind when I get another look at it. And was that really Josh Keaton? Like, I feel like I would have recognized the voice instantly if that was the case, but it has been a while since I watched / played something where he voiced Peter. Insomniac developing gives me a lot of confidence in this, can't wait to see more. Mania Pipe 452 That was a pretty wicked little teaser trailer! 11 minutes ago, Mark Hoppus said: Was that Josh Keaton? I thought I was hearing Yuri Lowenthal at first. Although, to me, it would totally make more sense if it was Josh Keaton. Brawler Bear CC14 3,987 Bird-Wielder Sounded more like Yuri Lowenthal to me. Also, YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! This is looking fantastic and instantly went on the future PS4 buy list. This has the potential to be Spidey's Arkham. Can't wait to hear more about it! 4 minutes ago, Celestia said: Anyone have a picture of that costume? I'm not watching the stream. 1 minute ago, Tara said: I'll do you one better Tara, FriendBot, Mania Pipe and 1 other reacted to this I think the white spider symbol contrasts a little too much with the rest of the suit and is kind of distracting visually, but I otherwise have no problems with the suit. It's not particularly offensive. Wraith 21,468 YOUR LIFE IS YOUR OWN Why Spider-Man? Because when Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created Peter Parker, they broke the mold of what a Super Hero could be and set the bar by which all others would be judged. And that’s exactly what we plan to do with this game: break the mold and set a new bar of greatness for Marvel Games! Why Insomniac? Insomniac is a perfect match for Spider-Man because not only are they world class game developers that make phenomenal story-driven experiences, but they also craft games bursting with personality, humor and most importantly: fun…just like Spidey! Why PlayStation? The PlayStation 4 is one of the most exciting gaming platforms ever! But not only have they created a great gaming console, they also have an amazing line-up of first party titles and a community of the most passionate players that we are thrilled to join. The Marvel Games team is determined to deliver authentic Marvel experiences filled with our magic mix of action, drama, humor, romance, social relevance, and jaw-dropping awesomeness. This all-new Spider-Man game and our partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment and Insomniac is a direct result of our wholehearted dedication to creating the best Marvel games the world has ever seen GAME OF FOREVER Zavok the SpinningSilver, PeanutButterDimond, FriendBot and 8 others reacted to this I really hope they include a metric ton of alternate costumes. Luckily that tends to happen in Spider-Man games. PaddyFancy 1,126 Be ROMantic I think after much pondering this is the one game of E3 I'm interested in. I've never really been interested in Spiderman, and I've only ever seen him in action in a small section of one particular recent film. But because its Insomniac Games, I imagine it'll be fun in a Ratchet & Clank and Sunset Overdrive sense, not in a Resistance sense. Toby 1,454 Hey Paisanos! I know this hasn't been confirmed to be a tie-in game, but... Could it be possible we're seeing the Spiderman: Homecoming costume? Nix 5,787 I would've liked to see Sucker Punch try their hand at this instead, seeing how open world super hero games have been their shtick for awhile now. But I'll settle for Insomniac, because Sunset Overdrive was fucking dope. Nina Cortex Jovahexeon 18,211 You've Got the Touch! For recap value, here's that awesome sweet trailer! http://blog.us.playstation.com/2016/06/13/insomniacs-new-ps4-exclusive-spider-man-game-revealed-first-trailer/ Today at PlayStation’s Press Conference, we revealed our new Spider-Man game coming exclusively to PlayStation 4. (Surprise!) You can see the trailer below. There are a few fun details embedded throughout the piece, so take your time watching! From a personal and professional standpoint, this is a dream come true. I’ve been an avid Marvel fan all my life. When I first learned Insomniac was approached by our long-time friends and collaborators at Sony Interactive Entertainment with the opportunity to create a blockbuster Spider-Man console game experience, I practically ran into Ted’s office professing my passion for Spider-Man – along with a desire to serve as creative director. Fortunately, there are many more longtime fans and professional admirers of Marvel at Insomniac. From comics to films and TV, Marvel has a stellar reputation for unique characters and storytelling filled with personality and humor. Those are tenets we value deeply in our own craft. From our first meeting, Marvel, Spider-Man and Insomniac have felt like a match made in heaven. So much so that for the first time in Insomniac’s 22-year history, we’re working on an IP that didn’t originate in-house. We love building big games, with incredible gameplay, deep stories, and beautiful graphics. Spider-Man is one of the most iconic and well-known characters in the world, and we’re thrilled to be given the responsibility to create a brand-new, authentic Spider-Man story. Nope, this isn’t the same Spider-Man you’ve met before, nor is our game based on the upcoming movie. This is a more seasoned Peter Parker who’s more masterful at fighting big crime in New York City. At the same time, he’s struggling to balance his absurdly chaotic personal life and career. All while nine million New Yorkers depend on him for their safety… no pressure indeed. This collaboration also allows us to quickly return to action developing on PS4. Having released Ratchet & Clank, we feel confident in our ability to create a showpiece for the console. And we’re downright giddy bringing Spidey’s acrobatic abilities, improvisation, and web-slinging to life. But we also want to introduce new elements that players have never experienced with Spider-Man, ranging from traversing with parkour and utilizing the environment, to new combat and blockbuster set-pieces. We can’t wait to share more about our Spider-Man game in the months to come. For all the latest, follow Insomniac Games on Twitter or Like us on Facebook. The game is unrelated to Homecoming. FriendBot, lbyrd2, SonicWind and 3 others reacted to this Marcello 10,978 Too Cool For This Planet The game looks cool, but wow, the made a worse costume than even Civil War. Hopefully you can get a Amazing Spider-Man 2 costume fairly early. Captain Fun 1,248 I am one heck of a scientist. This ended up being the surprise of the show for me. Hell, if they get the swinging right this could be my GOTY. KHCast 11,920 2 minutes ago, Marcello said: But the Civil War costume was cool...shrugs FriendBot, Person, SonicWind and 5 others reacted to this Johnny Boy 2,907 I'm a motherfucking T-Rex. Looks sweet! But is that Josh Keaton voicing Spidey? Cobalt_Bolt 420 Zero Unit. Just now, Johnny Boy said: Nope it sounds like Yuri Lowenthal. I recognized his voice. Kuzu 16,184 Rougher than the Rest of them This game looks dope as fuck, i won't lie; I haven't played a decent Spider Man game since Ultimate Spiderman 11 years ago. I really hope Insomniac nails this. It's been so long since there's been a great Spider Man game. From what was shown, it looks like an evolution of Spider Man 2, which is good. Though, I wouldn't be totally opposed to a linear game like Spider Man 64/PS1/DC, which is still the best Spider Man game to me. But, I think Open-World probably makes the most sense for Spider Man. 6 hours ago, KHCast said: Civil War costume was terrible. Outside of the eyes, It looked like a costume you could buy at Walmart. I hated the unraised webbing. The style of eyes from the older movies looked better, especially Amazing Spider Man 2 where they absolutely nailed the costume. Personally I liked the more simplistic, but slick design and lighter colors. Was appealing to my eyes, yet still fit with the character and universe. 2 hours ago, Marcello said: The Civil War costume was straight out of the comics. From the Romita style eyes to the fat tick spider on his back. It's funny that you dislike the unraised webbing as the raised webbing was a constant complaint about both the Raimi and Webb suits. Personally I feel that the suit in TASM2 wasn't that great. The design itself was fine but the execution was lacking, there was a sheen to all the colours and the red was far too dark, almost purple-ish. KHCast, Zavok the SpinningSilver and Toby reacted to this	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line988
__label__cc	0.745083	0.254917	syracuse basement Halloween Costumes That Suck - And How to Make Them Awesome The Hunchback of Notre Dome AEPi Guys Sing A Song To Sorority Girls Marshall Square Mall Overrun With Confused Students SU Alumni Author Will Tell You How To Fail! G-Mac baby Guide to South Campus: Decorating This is the Best Party Ever!!!! A Collegiate Dialogue Article by Alex Schmidt [The setting: the ground floor of Bird Library, Thursday night, 12:31AM.] ALEX SCHMIDT, GRADUATING SENIOR: (inner monologue) Despite being stuck in the library on this night because of my final exams, and despite feeling like it’s high time I graduated and went out into the world, perhaps I will deeply miss this place. For it is an esteemed institution of higher learning, where my fellow students possess both the vibrancy of youth and the gained wisdom of the maturity of their– STRANGER SLASH FRATERNITY MEMBER STANDING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GROUND FLOOR WINDOW ALEX IS SITTING LESS THAN A FOOT AWAY FROM: [pisses directly on window, aiming straight at Alex’s face, while waving and smiling] ALEX SCHMIDT, GRADUATING SENIOR: (inner monologue) I wonder how long it’ll take me to pack. ◄ DRAKE girl next to me Drake and N.E.R.D ft. The Syracuse Sideshow ► More From Alex Schmidt Syracuse students are HAPPY This is Syracuse University’s edition of Pharrell’s “Happy”! The happiest students and staff took a break from the “Finals Week blues” and joined the Happy Team as we spread happiness all over campus. Thank you to each and every one of you who happily danced to lift our peers’ spirits. You are loved. MORE » Syracuse student claims to be Hannah Montana Sophomore PR major, Hannah Melton, claims to be the real Hannah Montana after getting her wisdom teeth removed. Has the real Hannah Montana been walking among us at Syracuse? MORE » Boeheim Shits on Podium After Georgetown Loss Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim walked to the postgame press conference podium after his reeling team’s 61-39 embarrassment at No. 5 Georgetown Saturday, undid his pants, dropped a steaming, rancid turd just below the microphone, and walked out. “You want an opening statement?” An irate Boeheim asked as he undid his belt. “Here’s my... MORE » Syracuse University Harlem Shake Video Pope resigns, realizes there is no God after hearing Pauly D will be playing at Syracuse University Catholics around the world were shocked to hear that Pope Benedict XVI had resigned from his position as “THE CLOSEST PERSON TO GOD ON EARTH.” He tells sources at Campus Basement that the departure comes from fatigue, old age, and University Union’s Winter Carnival line-up. “They were hyping the students up, saying, ‘oh get ready,... MORE » 30 Rock and other shows insult Syracuse, must be destroyed Tina Fey’s long running show, 30 Rock, will be airing its hour-long series finale tonight at 8/7 central on NBC. Let it be known that this was not Fey’s decision to end the show- it was the higher power of Syracuse University. Fey’s character, Liz Lemon, is the head writer of a variety show starring... MORE » Phone Screenshots Officially Confirm Syracuse is Coldest Place Ever Syracuse University students posted hundreds of smart phone screenshots of the city’s weather to social media in the past three days, officially confirming the city is “literally, like, THE coldest place ever.” The sheer number of screenshots showing temperatures that ranged from -65 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Fahrenheit alarmed scientists, who quickly confirmed the... MORE » The Differences Between Fall and Spring Semester Welcome back to Syracuse everybody! You may be wondering what’s so different about this semester than the last, so we here at Campus Basement are proud to present our comparative guide to help you transition into the new semester. MORE » Hockey’s Back! …and there was much rejoicing I woke up today thinking it would be any regular Sunday: completely naked, my head laying over the side of my bed, desperately trying to avoid the sunrise shining through the pathetic excuse for curtains and onto my face. But then I saw the news, that glorious and long-awaited news, that the NHL lockout has... MORE » The Campus Tour Guide Is Trying To Bone Your Sister Erica Welcome to our campus. I’m going to walk backwards in flip flops and tell you all about it. My name’s Tyler, and I’d like to go around the group and find out everyone’s names. Let’s start with [you]. Thanks for coming, [your name] and [your parents’ names]. Now we’ll move on to the lovely lady... MORE » South Campus Sophomore Dates Their Way Into Watson Suite Facing the worst housing luck of any SU student in recent memory, sophomore biology major Jessica Blanston upgraded her situation by dating her way into a Watson Hall suite. Blanston held the dead last spot in the spring housing lottery for the 2010-2011 academic year, and knew she was in dire straits. “They put me... MORE » Hey! It’s Me, Your Friend At A Warm-Weather School Hey buddy! It’s been a while, right? Haven’t talked since high school. What you up to at Syracuse? Chillin’? Ha ha ha ha. I’m just playin’. Seriously, though, it must be dope up there in the snow. Wish you were here in [Florida/Texas/southern California] with me though, bro. We could do it up big-time. You... MORE » Student-Led Expedition Discovers Ruins of Fabled “City of Syracuse” Two Syracuse University students discovered a large complex of ruins yesterday which match descriptions of “Syracuse”, the thought-mythical Lost City of local legend. Louis Merton and Clark Winslow, two sophomore Anthropology majors living in Day Hall, were invited to a party at an apartment in the Castle Court area. En route, Merton and Winslow became... MORE » Manhunt Continues For Mysterious Deviant Who Checked Out A Book At The Library Today marks Day 5 of the Department of Public Safety’s ongoing search for the unidentified patron who checked out a book at E. S. Bird Library on Tuesday. According to the incident report, the patron chose a large, thick book from the shelves at approximately 3:30 PM. The patron then brought the book to the... MORE » Daily Orange Inspires Newhouse Student To Become Crossword Puzzle Designer Ryan Watkins was the only student in the food court working with a pad of graph paper and a Concise Oxford English Dictionary. He looked around him, shrugged, and kept writing individual letters on the paper. “Just the tools of the trade,” he said. Watkins, a sophomore Newspaper Journalism major, began making crosswords just a... MORE »	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line993
__label__cc	0.69602	0.30398	campus basement USC Marketing Students release new line of candles with natural college scents; "Dude's Room" is a best seller Optimize Your Fountain Run Nostalgia: A Gentleman's Guide to Fountains and College Memories Syracuse Basketball Star (Insert Name) Says He "Definitely Won't Leave" Syracuse Burns Through "It" Money at Announcement Event Shalala Writes Letter of Thanks to Penn State, Syracuse TCAT Bans Freshmen: Freshmen Protest How to Get By During Rush Frat Party Music Six Years Ago Article by Piliour We here at Campus Basement came to a conclusion last week: Jeremy Lin is Asian! We had no idea. After this sank in, we brainstormed new segments and decided we need more music stuff on our site. And so, without further ado, we present to you the first installment of Frat Party Music (Blank) Years Ago, starting in the lovely year of 2006. Ah, 2006. I’m a high school senior/college freshman. The Departed is coming out soon! People are talking like Borat, but it hasn’t quite gotten old yet. (“I like you! High five!”) And when I head out to frat parties, I hear the sweet sounds of, “Hey, freshman, get the hell off our lawn!” But before being kicked off the premises, I hear from inside the frat: 5. Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean: “Hips Don’t Lie” ““ There isn’t a girl in the world who didn’t like this song. At my senior prom, this was all they played. Four straight hours of Shakira and Wyclef speaking to the truth-leaning tendencies of one’s hips. Fast forward to August of 2006, the opening trumpet riff echoes off the Keystone-covered floor followed by the screams of each girl in the party and the audible eye rolling of her male counterpart. “Â¿CÃ³mo se llama? Bonita. Mi casa. Su casa.” Brilliant prose. Almost as good as”… 4. Yung Joc: “It’s Goin’ Down” ““ Indeed it is. “Where?” you ask. Don’t worry, Yung Joc has listed several places at which it is, in fact, guaranteed to go down, namely: in the trap, in the mall, in the club, and””pay attention, this one is crucial””anywhere you meet him. Regardless of this song’s proclivity for threats (at least I assume “it’s goin’ down” is a threat”¦) the song did induce some excellent grinding: for some, it was the grinding of teeth as they were forced to listen to this song for the 907th time; for others, it was a much more pleasant type of grind, as pleasant as “a Chevy wit the butterfly doors.” 3. Chamillionaire’s “Ridin’ Dirty” ““ Not to be confused with Weird “Al” Yankovic’s spoof, “White & Nerdy,” this song had everything. And by everything, I mean that 90% of the lyrics consisted of repeating the phrase, “Tryin’ to catch me ridin’ dirty!” Somehow, a song about police injustice made its way into fraternity nightlife and took on a sexual connotation. How this phenomenon happened, I’ll never know. But I do know that nothing made punch scooped from a toilet bowl taste so sweet as Chamillionaire’s smooth flow. 2. Sean Paul: “Temperature” ““ To be honest, I didn’t know there were lyrics to this song. Up until today, when I looked them up, I just assumed this was a recording of a man with Tourette Syndrome (whose tic is saying “Baby girl!”) listening to people clapping. After looking up the lyrics”¦I still don’t know what he’s saying. Do you? “Well, woman, the way the time cold I wanna be keepin’ you warm.” Has his clock been outside in a blizzard? Or how about, “Make I see the gal them bruk out pon the floor?” …..What? Seriously, if anyone actually knows what this song is about, I will give you the right temperature for shelter you from the storm. Regardless, this song was the jam at frat parties. During the chorus at least. During the verse, there was just a lot of confusion. 1. Fergie: “London Bridges” ““ Possibly the most brilliantly composed song of all time, Fergie set the tone for the Black Eyed Peas’ rise to stardom (“Where is the Love?” Please. I’ll take “Boom Boom Pow” any day.) with her carefully crafted song about”¦um”¦come to think of it, I have no idea what this song is about. Upon close inspection of a few random verses (“When I come to the clubs, step aside (oh shit!)” or “I’m Fergie Ferg and me love you long time (oh shit!)”) I concluded that this song is, in fact, about the hardships faced by the British when bridging the Thames. Who knew Fergie was so into history and philosophy? She poses the age-old question: How come every time you come around my London (London) bridge wanna go down like (London, London, London)? I don’t know, Fergie. I just don’t know. Honorable Mention: Lil’ Jon’s “Snap Yo Fingers,” Dem Franchize Boyz’s “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It,” Pussycat Dolls feat. Snoop’s “Buttons,” and Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.” What ever happened to Gnarls Barkley? Wait, that’s Cee Lo?! Note: I have bashed each of these songs, they’re still in my iTunes from 2006. Top 40 radio: the best hate-love relationship of them all. SEE MORE » music ◄ Art of the Mupload Shit to Read Whilst Shitting: A Series ► More From Piliour From studying for finals to partying your ass off (literally?) to discovering that there are no jobs for you once you leave so you might as well just keep partying, this is May’s first Around the Web! Sorry For Partying: https://bit.ly/IGEX07 College Candy: 1 in 2 College Grads are Unemployed/Underemployed [Current Events Cheat Sheet] https://collegecandy.com/2012/04/30/1-in-2-college-grads-are-unemployed-or-underemployed-current-events-cheat-sheet/... MORE » It’s Friday! Time for some awesome stuff from our friends around the web! Sorry for Partying: https://www.thes4p.com/surviving-420/ College Party Guru: https://collegepartyguru.com/games/pages.php?link=Drinking_Monopoly TUN.com https://www.facebook.com/theuniversitynetwork MORE » Special Around the Web Coming to you today is a very special Tuesday edition of Around the Web! Mostly because we forgot to do one on Friday. Enjoy! TUN.com Are you sexy and you know it?! University of Missouri will be. Grindstone Fitness Studio offers their students unlimited yoga, spinning, and kickboxing classes w/ full membership for $53.58/month.... MORE » Check out the latest stuff from Around the Web! TUN.com Having a party in your dorm room?! At Stella’s Pizza, located near Temple University, it’s $14.95 for 2XL pizzas, $12.75 for 2 LARG pizzas, and $9.65 for 2 SML pizzas. Wanna make it into a block party?! Get 3 any size pizzas, get the fourth... MORE » Tuition Translator It’s getting to be that wonderful time of the year. Flowers are blooming. Finals aren’t quite here yet. And Rick Santorum is beginning to show his true colors (or hatred for people thereof). Ah, spring time. And of course, with spring comes a dreaded time for high school seniors, anxiously awaiting notice from a university... MORE » Frat Party Music 20 Years Ago The year is 1992. Bill Clinton has just begun his non-scandalous term in office. Aladdin is dominating the box office while people argue that this whole Disney animation thing is “just a phase.” And Microsoft released Windows 3.1, forever solidifying its place as the best computer software ever. In essence, 1992 was nirvana. Because “Smells... MORE » Boeheim to Start Reserve Center Frab Melone Against Ohio State The Syracuse Orange have made it to the Elite Eight without star center Fab Melo, who, a few weeks ago, became ineligible for the NCAA Tournament due to academic reasons. Without the seven-footer in the paint, the Orange have relied on clutch performances from Scoop Jardine, Kris Joseph and Dion Waiters. Tonight, though, the Orange... MORE » It’s March Madness! Check yourself into an asylum and then check out some stuff from our friends around the web. Sorry For Partying: https://thes4p.com/blog/article/581/why-your-girlfriend-hates-the-ncaa-tourney https://thes4p.com/blog/article/565/the-s4p-pickem-challenge-ways-to-guarantee-being-the-last-chosen-in-a-pick-up-g College Party Guru: https://collegepartyguru.com/themes/pages.php?link=Luck_of_the_Irish Shut Your Fat Mouth: https://shutyourfatmouth.tumblr.com/ I Don’t Feel Bad About It: https://idontfeelbadaboutit.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-wish-i-knew-how-to-quit-you-one-tree.html The University Network: https://tun.com/ MORE » Seriously, Syracuse? Seriously? Is this really happening? Let me get this straight: Melo, and I’m completely guessing here, skips a few classes and now he’s ineligible for the tournament? Seriously? I’m going to guess yet again and say that Melo is not the first Syracuse athlete to fail to meet certain academic requirements like going to “class,” or turning... MORE » Student Already Taking March Madness Too Far The bracket has been set for all of 31 minutes and already Syracuse sophomore Paul Pitt has allowed the madness to take over him. According to sources, Pitt has neglected to shower for four straight days and has consumed a mere two meals in those 96 hours. “Of course I’m concerned about him,” said roommate... MORE » If you’re looking for St. Patty’s ideas, trying to accept your obsessive pop culture disorder, or working on preventing yourself from more horribly drunken hook-ups, then look no further. It’s all in this week’s Around the Web. Sorry for Partying: https://thes4p.com/blog/article/557/just-say-no-to-drunken-hookups I Don’t Feel Bad About It: https://idontfeelbadaboutit.blogspot.com/2012/01/obsessive-pop-culture-disorder.html College Party Guru: https://collegepartyguru.com/themes/pages.php?link=Luck_of_the_Irish MORE » Ramapo College Cancels Spring Break Mahwah, New Jersey-In a whirlwind decision, Ramapo College administrators agreed that starting this semester, the college will no longer give students a Spring break. However, in an experimental move that will either garner high praises or arouse copious concerns, Ramapo will being giving all school faculty a Spring break. This includes professors and administrators, as... MORE » It’s Friday, which means it’s time for us to feature some awesome content from our friends around the web! In this week’s edition, you can find out some techniques for dealing with your roommate (homicide is not an option, although if you’ve successfully pulled it off, I’m sure people would love to know how…), calculate how... MORE » Alum Living in NYC Misses Freshman Year Dorm Room Alan Panzer, Syracuse Class of 2008, misses room 206 in Sadler Hall. “That place was the best,” says Panzer, who lived in a split double. “I had windows! And a desk! And I could walk around! I remember at the time being so angry and thinking, “This is the tiniest room in the world.’ “I... MORE » Happy First Friday of Lent! Oh, it isn’t a happy day? My bad. Well now it can be happy, because we’ve got some gifts from our friends around the web! If you’re looking for that special place to swap spit and other things (Pokemon cards?), check out Sorry For Partying. Getting ready for Spring Break?... MORE » Blog of a Frat Bro: Trip to the Library Yo yo yo! Whasup, my linjas? Is that racist? Shit, if that’s racist, I’m sorry, dawgs. My b. But I’ve got a wicked case of Lin fever. Like, I went to the hospital and they said I had a 103Âº fever, “most likely caused by a venereal disease.” Which I’m assuming is doctor-speak for Linsanity.... MORE » Check out the latest and greatest from our friends around the web! Whether you’re angry about McDonalds being out of chicken McNuggets, looking to reminisce about how amazing Titanic was, looking to throw a party without smelling bacon, or interested in learning what kinds of hangovers there are (hint: they’re all bad), this week’s links answer... MORE » Playground Love from The NewsHouse Our friends Irina Dvalidze and Cheryl Mowczan at The Newshouse put together this awesome compilation between innocent preschoolers and corrupt college kids talking about what love means. The fact that the preschoolers are more pronounced than the college students speaks volumes about our generation. Regardless of how you feel about love, whether it exists only... MORE » How to Treat a Girl on Valentine’s Day Gentlemen. I won’t sit here and and blabber on about, “I know what girls want!” That’s a lie. No one knows what girls want. Girls don’t even know what they want. But I do know what girls don’t want. At least I think I do. Come to think of it, I’m not sure about that either.... MORE » Campus Basement Dean’s List Check out the latest and greatest from our friends! Whether you’re wondering what kind of shit hungover people say, looking for some awesome party ideas, or trying to validate your choice in music or fast food, this week’s edition of Dean’s List has it all covered! Well, it has all the things I just mentioned,... MORE »	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line994
__label__wiki	0.599742	0.599742	Unizin Licenses Analytics Tech for Members Unizin has struck a deal with an education technology company to license its analytics software. The consortium of universities will gain access to customized versions of LoudSight, a predictive analytics solution from Barnes & Noble Education (BNED) LoudCloud that focuses on helping identify at-risk students. BNED's cloud service can capture 200 different data points among demographic, performance and participation information. The services provided by BNED LoudCloud connect the various data-generating systems on campus, build predictive models based on the data collected and feed outcomes to a dashboard accessible by advisors and faculty for action. LoudSight also works with campus communications systems to enable users to reach out to students at strategic moments. Unizin currently has 22 institutional members, including founding members Colorado State University, Indiana University, the University of Michigan and the University of Florida. The consortium is focused on improving ed tech by developing digital solutions to replace third-party offerings, negotiating better deals on content and sharing research and experiences. "Despite the wealth of data collected by schools, it is often difficult for educators to understand and leverage data in a way that allows them to improve student success and retention," said Manoj Kutty, LoudCloud managing director, in a press release. "We are excited to serve and collaborate with Unizin to positively impact teaching and learning within its member institutions." Esports in HiEd: A Getting Started Checklist	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line995
__label__wiki	0.566836	0.566836	In The Perilous Footsteps Of Her Father: Daughter Of Pendleton Survivor Visits CG36500 October 11, 2017 For many people, the tale of the Pendleton rescue is the stuff of big-budget feature films; for others, it's the story of the greatest small-boat rescue in the history of the Coast Guard. But for Renee Pellegrino of Maryville, Ill., it's part of family lore. Pellegrino recently made a 1,000-mile pilgrimage to the Cape to honor her father, the late Raymond Steele, who was one of the 32 men rescued from the ster... Read more from In The Perilous Footsteps Of Her Father: Daughter Of Pendleton Survivor Visits CG36500 What Do White Sharks Do In The Middle Of The Atlantic? New Paper Raises Question October 4, 2017 When white sharks are off the coast of Cape Cod, it's clear that they're here for a single purpose: hunting seals. But tracking data shows that white sharks spend the off-season far out in the Atlantic, often in the dark depths far beyond the edge of the continental shelf. A journal article co-authored by state shark biologist Greg Skomal published Friday considers what they might be doing out there. Analyzi... Read more from What Do White Sharks Do In The Middle Of The Atlantic? New Paper Raises Question Commission Allows Demo Of Cottage In Proposed Historic District October 4, 2017 CHATHAM – Not all historic homes, it seems, are created equal. Although it was included as a contributing structure to the proposed Stage Harbor Road National Historic Register District, a 1940s-era home along the scenic roadway was recently given the nod for demolition. In a Sept. 19 ruling, the historical commission determined that although the bungalow-style home at 292 Stage Harbor Rd. met the technical... Read more from Commission Allows Demo Of Cottage In Proposed Historic District Taking Shape: Planking Helps Bring First Light Boat To Life October 4, 2017 By: Kat Szmit CHATHAM ─ Wood shavings litter the floor at First Light Boatworks. The air inside one of the building's massive bays is pungent with the scent of cedar. There is something else, as well: a sense of excitement since progress has clearly been made in the build of a double-ended ketch, which is beginning to resemble the beauty she'll be upon completion next June. This is the part of boat building that First Lig... Read more from Taking Shape: Planking Helps Bring First Light Boat To Life Structural Problems Found At Senior Center; Fix Could Top $100K October 4, 2017 CHATHAM — After a crack appeared in the ceiling of the computer training room, town officials brought in a structural engineer to check the condition of the council on aging building on Stony Hill Road. The results weren't good, and officials say the repairs could top $100,000. The problem was discovered in March, and the engineer recommended the installation of a steel beam to better support the roof. Witho... Read more from Structural Problems Found At Senior Center; Fix Could Top $100K Nickerson Homestead Site Identified October 4, 2017 Archaeological Dig Finds Evidence Of Hearth And Home Of Chatham's Founder CHATHAMPORT – An archaeological team digging in the woods behind the Nickerson Family Association’s property on Orleans Road last week made a spectacular find: the site of the circa 1664 homestead belonging to William and Anne (Busby) Nickerson, the founders of Chatham. “Locating the site of William Nickerson’s original homestead is a... Read more from Nickerson Homestead Site Identified Chatham Finance Committee Backs Tech School Building Project October 4, 2017 CHATHAM – The finance committee has joined the board of selectmen in backing the construction of a new Cape Cod Regional Technical High School building. The $127.9 million project will go before voters in all 12 towns in the regional district on Oct. 24. A majority vote will determine if the process of replacing the 42-year-old technical high school located on Pleasant Lake Avenue in Harwich will move forward.... Read more from Chatham Finance Committee Backs Tech School Building Project Airport Commission Updates Website Drone Information October 4, 2017 CHATHAM – The airport commission has updated its website about unmanned aircraft systems – drones – to ensure that the correct information is available the devices proliferate. “We just wanted to put it out there,” said commission member Huntley Harrison. Information previously on the website was outdated, he added, and while there weren't many changes, the group felt it was important to ensure that the town w... Read more from Airport Commission Updates Website Drone Information Town Moving Forward With Joint Eldredge-Yacht Club Dock Project September 27, 2017 CHATHAM – When the town purchased the Eldredge trap dock on Stage Harbor for $1.5 million in 2016, it was with the understanding that at some point, the commercial facility would be upgraded at a significant cost. The work was included as one of several projects to be funded over the next five years through an $11.3 million bond issue approved by voters this past May. Officials also realized that it would make... Read more from Town Moving Forward With Joint Eldredge-Yacht Club Dock Project José Departs, At Long Last September 27, 2017 CHATHAM — Like an unwelcome visitor who wouldn't take the hint, José spun bands of rain and wind on the Lower Cape for the better part of last week, leaving a soggy parting gift of downed leaves and twigs, but caused no significant damage. José was at peak strength when it crossed the Atlantic. Approaching the Leeward Islands with a maximum sustained winds of 155 mph, the hurricane mostly dodged populated is... Read more from José Departs, At Long Last Longtime Parks And Rec Chairman Gary Anderson, 63 September 27, 2017 CHATHAM — Gary Anderson, perhaps best known as the longtime chairman of the Chatham Parks and Recreation Commission, died unexpectedly last week at the age of 63. A native of Chatham, Mr. Anderson will be remembered by many for his contribution to parks, playgrounds and facilities that continue to serve the town's young people. “He was a member of the community,” friend and former selectman David Whitcomb s... Read more from Longtime Parks And Rec Chairman Gary Anderson, 63 Draft Chatham Bike Plan Subject Of Oct. 5 'Listening Session' September 27, 2017 CHATHAM – With the goal of enhancing bicycle infrastructure, the bikeways committee is working with the Cape Cod Commission to develop a town-wide bike plan. The plan will be introduced at a “community listening session” on Thursday, Oct. 5, an opportunity for the public to have input into and comment on the draft document. Planners from the Cape Cod Commission held a site visit on Aug. 7, and working with ... Read more from Draft Chatham Bike Plan Subject Of Oct. 5 'Listening Session'	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line999
__label__wiki	0.599191	0.599191	Choc Chip Banana Bread Spicy Guacamole Funeral Planning Guide (pdf) Funeral Plan - Key Features Caring for you - a guide to arranging a funeral Latest Travel Offers Find your nearest travel branch Your Co-op Our Guide for Suppliers Co-op launches first ever Christmas Toybox Appeal in in Bedfordshire Central England Co-op is launching its first ever Christmas Toybox Appeal to make sure as many children in Bedfordshire as possible have a gift to open this festive season. Running throughout the month of November, customers and members are being urged to donate a present or stocking filler at special donation points located in all stores in the area. The campaign will also feature a special collection event from 10am to 3.30pm on Wednesday, 20 November at Marston Moretaine Food Store, in Bedford Road, where Central England Co-op’s very own Santa Lorry will be on hand to collect the donations. Gifts will then be distributed to families who might not otherwise be able to afford to put presents under the tree for their children via the Need Project. Debbie Robinson, Central England Co-op Chief Executive, said: “We are a community retailer that is building on the success of our annual food bank campaigns by making sure that as many children as possible across the country wake up on Christmas morning with a present waiting for them. “This is why I am delighted to announce our Christmas Toybox Appeal, which we hope will see our customers and members donate thousands of toys and help us all bring a little bit of magic of the festive season to life for youngsters who really don’t have a lot. “We are working with some truly inspiring local good causes and charities who will ensure all of these donations will end up with children who need them most. “This Christmas please visit our food stores, funeral homes, travel shops or florists, donate a new present and help us give a child a gift they with love.” The Christmas Toybox Appeal donation points will be in stores from November 1 to November 28. Items that can be donated have to be new, unwrapped and can include puzzles, games, soft toys, outdoor toys, books, dolls/figures, CDs/DVDs and art materials. Dave Marchant, from the Need Project, said: “We are delighted to be working with Central England Co-op and supporting the Christmas Toybox Appeal. “We hope that people will dig deep, donate a present or stocking filler during November and bring Christmas joy to children in Bedfordshire. “This appeal is a great way to support your local community and to help spread some joy this festive season. So, if you can, get involved, help now and make sure every child has a special gift to open on December 25.” Keep posted to www.centralengland.coop and @mycoopfood on Twitter for more information and daily updates throughout November on the campaign. The Central England Co-op Travel Shop in Bedford is also supporting a range of good causes this Christmas with specialist collections for a range of charities this festive season. Customers can donate via a special collection bin located in the Travel Shop. Picture caption: Central England Co-op colleagues are urging customers and members to donate a present or stocking filler as part of its first ever Christmas Toybox Appeal in Bedfordshire. About Central England Co-operative Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with the Society’s principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, travel shops, and property investment. Central England Co-operative has over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2019. Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility. It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence. The Society supports a number of charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities. Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to member activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate. Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative Rob Smyth and James Brindle at Central England Co-operative on 01543 421390 Email –publicrelations@centralengland.coop If you're not yet a member of Central England Co-operative... Please join us today Cookies and EU privacy legislation Community Dividend One Net © Central England Co-operative 2020 Feel free to contact us: enquiries@centralengland.coop	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1000
__label__cc	0.637473	0.362527	Social Media Marketing \| Influencers IGTV: How to Upload Longer Videos... IGTV: How to Upload Longer Videos On Instagram If you’ve been on Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed the small orange square located in the upper right hand corner of your Instagram feed. This new icon represents Instagram’s newest feature: IGTV Instagram is moving more firmly into the world of video, and their hopes are that IGTV will be a video platform that sits somewhere between YouTube and Snapchat. IGTV is not only a new section on the Instagram app, but is also a standalone app that lets video creators distribute long-form videos on Instagram. IGTV allows user to upload videos well over the 15 seconds that Instagram allows, with the app supporting videos up to 60 minutes long, giving you lots of time to work with to make content that will connect with your audience. In this article, I’m going to be going over the most useful features of IGTV, and how you can utilize the platform to help promote and build your personal band. Benefits of IGTV IGTV is tailored to offer a great user experience, giving them what they want, how they want it. It is built for users to view videos on mobile devices both vertically and full screen. It focuses on Creators you already follow on Instagram. It allows anyone to create videos and upload them on the Instagram app or on the web. Benefits That Brands Can Use While IGTV is great for users, it also offers many benefits and features that brands can take advantage of to help engage with their audience, build their following, and reach new customers. While Instagram Stories has become a great tool for brands to use—in fact, Instagram took stats from their Stories feature to build IGTV. Now, IGTV offers more options for brands, allowing for content that is longer than 15 seconds and that doesn’t disappear after 24 hours. The app is also very interactive and easy to maneuver. On the IGTV app (the separate app, off Instagram) you can create a channel, not unlike Youtube. However, you can only have one channel per profile as of right now. You’ll be able to follow channels, and viewers will be able to leave comments and likes on your videos. You can share IGTV videos to Instagram Direct Messages, which increases opportunities for added reach. You can also link directly to an IGTV video from your Instagram Stories, and drive traffic to your IGTV videos with a simple swipe up. There’s also a “copy link” option on the videos, which will make it easier for users to share your videos on other platforms. IGTV puts everything in one place for you, making it easy to use. You will get like and comment notifications in the same screen that you get your regular account like, comment, and follow notifications. Like so many other great social media platforms, there are insights available for you IGTV video. So far IGTV insights include: Views, Likes, Comments, and Average percentage watched. There’s even a handy chart to show you the points at which video viewership increases and drops. This can help you test and analyze the performance of your content and see what works and what doesn’t. Challenges IGTV Is Facing There’s no doubt that there are many potential opportunities for you to use IGTV to help you grow your audience and brand, however, there are some challenges the new feature and app will face to become as popular as Instagram. Right now, one of IGTV’s biggest challenges is its visibility. The location of the static orange button in the upper right hand corner of the Instagram app may result in it being overlooked by many users. The button is not as visible as Stories, so may not receive the same quick rise in use as Stories. However, Instagram is experimenting with a carousel display of IGTV videos in the main app’s feed. When it comes to competing with other video platforms, YouTube offers a more attractive search function. Currently IGTV only allows users to search for the creators/channels, and not the content itself. This lack of comprehensive search capabilities may become cumbersome to some users. On the flip side, influencers and YouTube creators may be looking to move away from YouTube, as its shift in advertising guidelines has received a lot of backlash from YouTube creators. IGTV does not currently offer influencers the opportunity to make money like YouTube does, though it is likely that Instagram will be changing that business model in the near future. YouTube does have a fully compensatory model that allows influencers to earn in a myriad of ways. From advertising revenue to subscription fees to endorsements, the opportunities are endless. Hence, Instagram will have to evolve their business model quickly to keep up with video branding in this aspect. Another big challenge with IGTV is that only brands and verified accounts can upload a full hour of content, regular users have an extended range and are able to upload content that’s between 15 seconds and 10 minutes long. This may not be well-received by new users. Video editors are also having some difficulties adjusting to IGTV, as editing vertical videos is a bit of a challenge. You’ll need to use software on your desktop or mobiles apps for editing, such as GoPro Quick, Vue, Final Cut Pro, or Adobe Premiere Pro. How to Use IGTV for Your Brand or Small Business IGTV has great potential for businesses and brands despite the few challenges that the new app faces. As this feature just launched earlier this summer in June, we’re sure any kinks will be worked out quickly as they come. Instagram has already been trying to offer tips for content producers to succeed, as they’ve reportedly been telling video makers to opt for videos in the 10-minute range, which is more like YouTube than traditional long-form TV fare. There is a lot you can do with 10 minutes! Here are just a few strategies you can use to grow your brand or small business on IGTV: Interviews/Q&A – Upload videos of interviews with industry leaders, or other creators in your niche market that viewers will want to hear from. Video Greetings/Introductions – IGTV is a new platform, so you’ll need to make a good first impression. Introduce yourself, your business, where you can be found, and what they can expect from you and the services you provide. Product Demos/ Tutorials/How To’s – It’s essential across all social media platforms to offer your followers something of value. Teach your audience a skill, how to use a software, or an explanation of your services. This establishes credibility and authority in your niche, and will position you as an influencer. Recurring Segments – Consistently is one of the keys to success in digital marketing. Create a video each week and have it scheduled to broadcast the same day and same time. This engages the audience and builds a following, and will show that you’re reliable and committed to creating great content for your audience. IGTV Exclusives – You need to treat IGTV differently from your other social accounts. Do not simply edit content used on other platforms and publish it on IGTV. Create content exclusively for IGTV to get users engaged on this platform. Webinars – IGTV is a great platform for this format of educational videos. If you created an online course, this is a great way to introduce the course through a series of 30 minute webinars. Uploading Long Form Videos to IGTV So, now you know all the reasons why you should get on IGTV as soon as you can, and what you can offer your audience once you’re there. But, how do you get posting? It’s actually incredibly easy and simply requires a few quick steps. Create a Channel – Tap the IGTV icon at the top of the screen in the Instagram app. Click on Setting (gear icon) and select Create Channel. Everything from your Instagram account will transfer over, and you can create a small round avatar. Upload Video – Tap on your avatar. Click on Upload Video from your camera roll. Title & Description – Add a title and description that will grab your followers’ attention. You can even add clickable links in the description to drive traffic to your website or lead them to your funnel. Hit Post – Congratulations! You’ve just posted your first IGTV video! IGTV is a powerful tool that brands and small businesses can utilize to help build and grow their business or brand. The long form video format and addition of channels will allow you to engage your followers for longer and to offer them more in-depth, valuable content. By using features like linking to IGTV videos from Instagram Stories, sharing through Direct Messaging, using the Swipe Up capabilities, and monitoring detailed analytics, your brand will be able to benefit from IGTV and optimize engagement. If you want to learn more about building a personal brand online, enroll in our online course on Personal Branding & Influencer Marketing today! You can also follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, or visit our blog for valuable FREE training on how to improve your digital marketing skills.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1001
__label__wiki	0.877635	0.877635	Horgan’s Quay, Cork In July 2016, Clarendon Properties in partnership with BAM Ireland secured the development rights to the waterfront site at Horgan’s Quay in Cork City owned by the state transport company, CIE. The site falls under the Cork City development plan 2015-2021 and is expected to form the hub of the next stage of the city’s growth. The site has been zoned for a mix of office, residential and leisure developments. The signed contract will see the regeneration of a 6.1 acre site close to Kent railway station on the northern bank of the River Lee. The site is highly accessible from the M8 Dublin Road and is located close to Lapps Quay, The Clarion Hotel, Patrick Street and South Mall. The terms of the contract will see both Clarendon Properties and BAM Ireland obtain a 300 year ground lease from CIE in return for the higher of a set annual rent or 10 per cent of the market rents. The development will be a positive addition to the expanding needs of Cork city centre and its regional hinterland. The regeneration of this strategic area is timely and will be welcomed by the people of Cork. A prime location, the site is positioned close to a new station interchange and public transport roadway, currently under construction. This will provide a link to Cork City centre for the 2 million passengers using the station every year. Tony Leonard has termed the development “a superb, benchmark development that will showcase Cork”. Clarendon Properties also holds interests in other Cork developments such as the Queen’s Castle, the Savoy and Wilton Shopping Centre. By : Marc Nixon News Newer PostBeacon South Quarter Older Post€160m Horgan’s Quay development Railway heritage helps put Horgan’s Quay on track in €160m city build Horgan’s Quay scheme due to start in weeks €100m Wilton regeneration €160m Horgan’s Quay development 6 Suffolk Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Phone:+353 1 675 5100 Fax:+353 1 675 5101 Email:info@clarendonproperties.ie Web:www.clarendonproperties.ie © Copyright 2019 Clarendon Properties Limited.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1006
__label__cc	0.703028	0.296972	May 5th-Saturday-2018 May 17, 2018 May 16, 2018 / Carmen McKnight / Leave a comment Draw your own conclusion after reading this accurate story that took place this year, in Romania, on the outskirts open land of Timisoara city, where one of my brothers wasn’t only witnessing this event but participated in helping this young man. Saturday, May 5th, 2018, a Bible study group of young couples were celebrating, picnic style, an outing, one of my brother and his family among them. The location, unlike their usual one, was new, a wilderness sort of place. Once everyone arrived, blankets were laid down on the grass filled soon with food. As they enjoyed each other’s company, my brother, and a few others noticed a young man in his early twenties, running at an incredibly fast speed, bare-foot. The speed with which this man ran back and forth was unnervingly fast for any human being. Eventually, the young man approached the group and asked them for something to eat. He received two bananas and one apple which he devoured quickly away from the group. He then returned again asking for more food, receiving a big plate filled with all sorts of B-B-qued meat and such which he ate, this time in the group’s company. ‘What is your name?’ Someone asked. ‘Daniel.’ ‘How old are you, Daniel?’ ‘Where do you leave?’ ‘In my father’s barn, in the village nearby, but I spend most of my time outdoors in these hills. The villagers don’t want me around because I scare them and the kids.’ The young man was pleasant, polite and intelligent and all seemed well until he mentioned; ‘I have to leave now, the sickness is coming.’ Unsure of what exactly he was referring to the group protested, encouraging him to stay and visit with them longer, which he did, when suddenly he fell to the ground in a seizure spasm, foaming at the mouth, shaking violently and making odd sounds. The men quickly got up and formed a protective fence between Daniel and their families, encouraging the women and children to back off a few meters. ‘Let’s pray for him.’ My brother spoke up and a few men agreed. All but 6 to 8 men stayed close to Daniel. By now the rest of the group was at a safe distance away watching the small group of men surrounding Daniel reached their hands forward towards Daniel praying, my brother being one of them. He then heard Daniel making sounds no man could make, sounds closer to those of a cornered angry animal while his body bent in an unnatural upside-down frown. Daniel began eating grass, or covering his ears with his palms as the men continued to pray, climbing up a tall tree trunk nearby like a monkey, with the speed of an animal trained to climb trees making it all the way to the top. There were no branches available for the most part of his climb to help him and everyone had one unified wonder “how did he do that?” The men kept on praying, using Jesus’s name to free Daniel of whatever dark spirit who clearly possessed this young boy’s body, watching as he climbed down with the same speed, making sounds that would make anybody’s hair stand up straight on their back. Daniel then jumped straight up, again too high for any human abilities and landed on his back hard against a tree stump. There were far more such details I don’t seem to recollect at the moment from our phone conversation but eventually, Daniel relaxed and came to his senses, looking around as if looking for someone in particular. “I don’t see the priestess dressed in black with her split tongue anymore.” He explained happily, followed by “My head no longer hurts, only my back a little.” His back pain was a result of him being dropped on the tree trunk earlier. “I’m so happy you guys came here, I feel so happy with you guys,” Daniel spoke with the most sane and pleasant expression on his face, as everyone watched him still trying to grasp the details they all saw and heard, thanking God in the end for such a positive result. ‘It’s God who helped you Daniel, not us.” Someone spoke. “Yes, thank you, God!” Soon Daniel relaid how at one point earlier in his life he got baptized but walked way from God, confessing, “What’s inside me…only through prayer and fasting can be eliminated.” “You should join the local church and return to God.” My brother spoke looking into the same eyes of a young man who only a few minutes ago had the look of madness. Even though the picnic atmosphere was disrupted and now a wave of tension one feels when witnessing such encounters lingered in everyone, they all agreed that the unusual wilderness they all ended up choosing was intentionally picked by God himself to save this young man’s soul and life. I’m sure some of you are encouraged by this story, while others may be frightened and full of all sorts of explanations, but this really happened not even two full weeks ago and I heard it from my brother’s own mouth in a recent phone conversation, just last week. I for one am encouraged, even though a bit uneasy by the details. God Bless:) Daniel, after the prayer, free of the dark spirit and happy. Fanu the Powerful October 27, 2017 October 27, 2017 / Carmen McKnight / Leave a comment Death comes to us all, how you greeted makes all the difference. Fanu, short for Stefan, was the last Damean son, and number eleven in the long line of siblings. He entered this world in December 1991 and left it far too early. Fanu had a generally calm personality, loved playing with his small cars, usually with his brother Alex, and loved to dream together about their future. Soccer was another game he practiced often in the dusty apartment courtyard of a gray and small town full of factory workers’ children. Life, as he knew it, was satisfactory even if at times shadowed by his father’s angry episodes. Fanu was still at an age where that meant little, just another day in his life, unaware of the grievances abuse brings once you understand what’s happening. In that regard he was spared. A very competitive character, with a very giving nature, always making big plans of charitable gestures towards someone he loved or was in need. Unfortunately, we’ll never know what his life would’ve been like, but in a way he’s free of pain and sorrow now. In the spring of 2002 (February) Fanu began having splitting headaches with a tremendous amount of pain around his left temporal area and began isolating himself in dark corners of the apartment. My mother took him to the local clinic where, without a proper examination, was prescribed some medication. It did not work. His fever became alarmingly high while the pain persisted and my mom took him to the local hospital. He was admitted for two weeks getting a daily dose of antibiotics (ampicillin) shots. He then was discharged but a few weeks later (March) when his fever and pain returned with a vengeance my mom and Delia took him to the emergency. Instead of admitting him the doctor in charge sent them to the contagious diseases hospital in Hunedoara. There they had to wait quit a bit, despite the fact that Fanu, now lying on a hospital bed in the waiting room, was crying complaining of intense pain on his left temporal zone. Upon examination the doctor discovered a partial facial paralysis on his left, and sent them immediately to a hospital in Timisoara specializing in contagious diseases and also known to be a good hospital. He was moved back and forth between couple hospitals (intensive care, neurology, contagious diseases) in Timisoara and misdiagnosed quite a bit. From being able to take small walks in the hospital’s court-yard anytime Alin visited, within weeks he became completely paralyzed, unable to eat solids while constantly on IV. The next time Fanu came back home, he was resting in a coffin. In Timisoara’s hospitals he waisted away rapidly until May 27th when he died. My mom spent countless hours around the clock by his side, relived temporarily so she could rest by Delia and my brother Alin. By the time I came to see him he shrunk in size and all musculature mass was gone, he was paralyzed and no longer could talk, communicating by writing messages on pieces of paper. He was literally skin and bone and I could see the shape of his heart while beating, lifting a very thin layer of white and dry skin. He was no longer recognizable, only when I looked in his eyes I could see Fanu, the man. The suffering matured him tremendously. The diagnosis was never firmly found, but the whole thing began from a puss matter in his brain who by the end of his life spread all over his body in cancerous masses. Alin got really close to Fanu during that time. A few weeks before dying, no longer able to speak, Fanu managed to let my mother know that he knew he was dying. Grief stricken my mother kept telling him he’ll get better. Fanu insisted and by third time, Fanu asked my mother to open the door, because he wanted to go through. My mom opened his door in his room or the bathroom door. “Not that one mom, the other one.” He would write while pointing to the ceiling. “My boy, there’s not a door there, that’s the ceiling.” “Sure there is, mom. There’s a long staircase with two angles waiting on each side and a closed door/gate right before it. Can you open it, so I can go?” My mother understood then. Her little boy was dying and God was waiting for him. Few days later Alin came relieving my exhausted mother for a well needed night of rest. Fanu died during that night. Upon autopsy, was discovered that Fanu had a very high number of cancerous masses throughout his body. Along his spine alone the Chief of Medical Staff who did the autopsy herself found three different types of cancer. Every organ was affected by cancer. She then asked permission for a brain mass autopsy and the results excluded mono or encephalitis (earlier perceived diagnosis) but his brain matter was full of foreign looking tumors, something she’s never seen before. Samples of cancers cell from along his spine, brain and other organs were sent to France for further study but we’ve never heard anything back. The rest of my siblings were advised to take test relating their lung health, don’t remember specifically the name of the test, just in case. The one that did came back fine. His funeral was big. My mom’s grief was immense and she argued with God many days after words. Fanu was a big loss for the entire family, unexpected, fast and deeply painful, however I’m glad that he’s no longer suffering and he’s at peace. To us he’ll always remain powerful for the way he faced it all. He didn’t complain and seemed to want to easy our pain any way he could. Fanu, we miss you forever!!!!!! And can’t wait to see you, but not yet. Not yet. P.S Few months later, Alin began having similar symptoms and the whole family was devastated. He went and had an operation in Bucuresti and removed non-cancerous tumor mass from his sphenoid canal the size of the end of a finger, formed due to stress and dust. The surgery was a success:) Thank you God for our Fanu and the time we had with him. Thank you for allowing him to be with us even if for a small period of time. I’m truly grateful. Thank you for my family:) Alex the Overcomer First picture left to right: Fanu and Alex- the two buddies:) Second picture: Alex and his wife, Mia:) Born number ten in our family, Alex came into the world only couple months before the 1989 Eastern Block revolution and the fall of communism. He was a happy child:) I do believe between Iulian and Alex my mother lost another baby. Due to the small gap of only one year and a half in age, Alex and Fanu (number eleven) had a very close relationship. The two buddies spent long hours playing with their toy cars, building imaginary adventures and charitable work plans together. Outside, in the courtyard, they stuck together and always picked each other on the same team, either for a game of soccer or tennis. It’s hard talking about Alex’s childhood without mentioning Fanu, since the two were very close. Their friendship was special:) Alex was only 13 years old when his best friend and brother, Fanu, died and he never got the opportunity to say good by to his little brother and best friend. He had a dream soon after and asked Fanu to show him his disection cut, which Fanu did so. Soon after Fanu’s death my mother moved in Vilcele, full of grief, and left Alex, Oana and Iulian behind in Hunedoara at my father’s mercy who both starved and abused them. After he graduated from high school, Alex left for Roma, Italy and lived with Delia, while working with Sami, Delia’s husband, in construction. There he gained his first electronic item in the form of a laptop. Back in Hunedoara he tried to go to collage but did not have the means to do so and settled for a job in the factory of electric wiring system from Deva, a city 30 minutes away from Hunedoara; also the same city Nadia Comaneci trained in. On a Cristian single site “Pom Verde” he met Mia, who had the same last name, Damean. Thinking she was related to us, Alex began a conversation but it turned out she was not related and they began dating. One thing was very important for the both of them, a sign from God showing they were meant to be together and they got it within 24 hours of each other. After the wedding, a wedding I could not attend, Alex moved to Ludos, where Mia was from and worked hard trying to provide, but they lived paycheck to paycheck and Alex’s skills as an electrician only went so far. Mia’s parents lived in Portugal and the newly wedded couple decided to go visit them for a month, but soon Alex found work and they moved to Portugal permanently where they live to this day. It’s been three years already and they still love it in Portugal having lots of fun together any opportunity they get. You should see the pictures of the delicious foods they send us on a regular bases. Alex works mainly as an electrician as well as a maintenance man and Mia does make-up for weddings and special occasions part-time and recently got a job as a waitress. The two of them sure have so much fun together, always visiting nice parts of Portugal or enjoying a nice evening out. Mia’s father works as a chef in a restaurant and the two of them visit him quite often:) Their lives are simple and full of happiness. I’m so very glad to see that. Alex protects his small family fiercely from his abusive father and in general does not have much contact with him. He’s chosen to be happy. Good for him:) I applaud that decision. I’ve gotten to know Alex more so in his early twenties and I’m so glad I did. He’s a great guy:) P.S “Pom Verde” web site was introduced to Iulian and Oana by Alex, where all three met their spouses. Iulian the Invincible First picture left to right: Tibi (worried not to get hit), Fanu, Oana, Alex and Iulian:) Second picture: Iulian Third picture: my son Alex who looks so much like Iulian:) Fourth picture: Iulian and his wife, Cornelia, taken a few days ago:) Born the ninth in the family, Iulian is a sensitive yet strong soul. No matter how many times life has knocked him down, Iuli (short for Iulian), always gets up and walks right back in the middle of it. He’s a fiercely faithful friend 🙂 He’s also the one that looks just like my father and I know that’s not a compliment for Iuli. My son Alex has lots of Iulian resemblances, and I smile often when I look at Alex. Through him I feel like I have a piece of home:) Iuli’s adolescence, hunted by my farther’s angry outbursts, was not an easy one yet he but remained a very faithful son during that period. After his high-school graduation in Hunedoara, Iuli moved in Arad with Alin and began collage but was forced to quit in the middle of it, due to Alin’s work transfer into Germany. Once Alin left, there was nothing left for Iuli in Arad so he returned in Hunedoara, where he attended, simultaneously, two collages: one for nursing and the other for management. He graduated from both, but work was scarce in Hunedoara. Unable to find work in either field he spent a lot of time in Vilcele, where my parents had a house. By now my mom lived there round-the-clock, visiting Hunedoara and her children rarely. School kept my siblings in Hunedoara and summer vacation was spent in Vilcele. With his older siblings gone, some of them married while others working in different cities (as far away from home as they could possibly get), and his mother living in Vilcele, Iuli grew up around our father’s presence around while lacking a mother’s warm embrace. I think he spent a lot of time in Vilcele just to be closer to our mother. There he worked daily, doing hard labor around the house and garden until he met Ionel, and older man and the pastor of the local church, and shoulder to shoulder they worked in constructions where he got to know the man better. Quickly, Ionel became a father figure for Iulian. That’s where Iuli found refuge as he listened to the older man’s good advise regarding a healthy spiritual walk and healing his emotionally wounded soul. Ionel became Iuli’s adoptive father and to this day it remains so. Another refuge for Iuli was Adrian Bandila, a brother figure which brought a healthy balance in a shadowy world. Through a Christian date line, Iulian met Cornelia, a very sweet and naturally beautiful girl. Cornelia lived in London, England with some of her siblings and worked there as well. Iuli left for England, eventually, where he worked in construction a few years but always kept in touch with Ionel and Adrian. Their wedding in Hunedoara was beautiful and Chet and I had the privilege to attend. After the wedding together they moved back in London where Iuli worked in construction a while but the past two years he’s worked as a medical male nurse in one of London’s hospitals, where he’s still employed.. Cornelia works as a preschool teacher. The past year, both Iuli and Cornelia have gone through some very hard times, but have managed to pull through. Iuli had a nasty kidney stone that put him in an intense painful state and a couple unsuccessful minor operations. Despite it all, he lived life with great humor but it was clear to us that he was in a lot of pain, non-stop. Cornelia lost a lot as well, but that’s a personal matter and we’ll leave it at that. I’m so very proud of Iulian, who stood tall in the face of so much pain the past few years. Any other person my have broken under such weight, but not Iuli:) Thank you God for the strength you’ve put in Iulian and I’m looking forward to see what’s in store for his future:) Tibi the Lion October 24, 2017 / Carmen McKnight / Leave a comment First picture: Left to Right; Iulian, Leo and Alex. Second picture; Leo, Denis his little boy and Nicole:) Leo the Lion, that’s his nickname. Leo is short for lion. It comes from his dense golden hair he was born with, sticking straight up and giving him the look of a lion’s mane. Apparently my mother had to push quite a bit with Leo while in labor, because he loved the warmth of the womb and was in no hurry to come out. To this day I think Leo would much rather relax in front of a nice meal with loved ones than stress over other things. Born number eight in our family, Tibi is more of an observer with a poetic talent showing great amounts of respect for humanity in general. There’s a touch of diplomatic language in Leo’s vocabulary and he tends to see the positive side of life, despite the abuse he also endured. He too has a fantastic ability to forget the bad stuff and focus on the good side of life, with an ease most people find charming. No wonder Leo and Sergiu ended up living closer to each other, their personalities are so very similar, along with their looks:) One summer vacation, while in high school, Flesh and Leo went to visit Sergiu where Leo became a goalie, for a short period of time, in the same soccer team Flesh played. Unlike Flesh, Leo was more interested in the produce served after practice than the game itself and found himself kicked off the team soon after. Right after high school, back in Hunedoara, he left for Bucuresti attending collage in tourism management. I have to point out one important fact I forgot to mention in the earlier posts: every single one of my siblings who attended collage did so on their own financial efforts, including boarding, food, and other expenses. To this day I wonder how they managed? I know Sergiu paid for two of my brother’s collages, but I can’t remember quite well which two. I also know that Sergiu helped out my brother’s with pocket money, Alin helped with housing and food and I helped with money now and then, focusing mostly on my parents for many years. I helped my brothers far more once they were married. Okay, back to our story:) After collage, moved by love Leo moved in Oltenia where he learned “that women were dangerous.” Next he came back home where he was met with a cold shoulder by my father which pushed him to find work and move to Timisoara. There he worked in a few places, mostly as a waiter, and according to Chet, whom in one of his visits to Timisoara ate at the same restaurant Leo worked in, he was the best and most polished waiter Chet encountered. Leo met Nicole, his wife, while she worked as a waitress in another cafe and after few years of courting they married. Right after the wedding they left Romania and moved in with Sergiu and Brigitte, who just bought a house in Berlin, Germany. Sergiu helped them with the paperwork process, making their stay legal. He also provided Leo with a job in the same company Sergiu is the COO. A year later they moved out on their own and had a little boy, bringing us to date. They’re planing on expending their family soon and I can’t wait to see what else lies in their future. In our family Leo is known for his great poetic gift, and he writes poems with great talent. Hopefully soon he can publish his own book of poems or Leo and I can collaborate on a book together. That would be fantastic:) P.S Leo speaks 2 1/5 languages:) Romanian, English and half of German thus far:) FLAVIUS the Brave Born the seventh in the family, Flesh (nickname) falls in the team of the brunettes along side myself, Alin, Iosif, Alex and Oana. The blond team is made of Sergiu, Marius, Delia, Tibi, Iulian and Fanu. Flavius was a cute boy, with great dimples in every smile, energetic and full of humor. His adolescence was filled with great humor and lots of energy, hiding a boy that got frequently panicked and stomach pains from the stress of the abuse. His last year of high-school he left for Germany and lived with my brother Sergiu a few months, and together with Leo responded to a local newspaper add that were looking for soccer players. They both got in and quickly Flesh became the star player of the entire team with great professional prospects. Leo, who was interested only in the snacks provided after words got kicked out. The only thing standing in the way of fame and fortune was the paperwork. At the time Germany’s borders were not so open like today and the paperwork stopped Flesh’s progress forcing him to return back to Romania. After finishing high school he moved with Alin in Arad. There he finished four years of collage in engineering. He met his wife, Adina in Ilia, while in collage and got married after he graduated then together they settled down in Timisoara. Together they have one daughter. Adina works in the marketing/ computer field and Flesh is a radio host/presenter at a Christian Radio Station in Timisoara, rve.timisoara, and very involved in the local church they attend. The past five years a big shadow of health challenges have put a lot of stress on his shoulders and he spend more days in emergency than all of his siblings put together. He’s had operations and multiple tests. In the end there’s still no diagnosis. But stress in general is an enemy of his, weakening his immune system. Lately he’s been feeling well, but I think he has to watch his diet and stress level constantly. Our potentially famous soccer player has a very domestic life in the church and his radio work:) He also had to forgive a lot but life is good and we’re moving on:) I’m glad when I hear his health is good and I’m looking forward to see what their future will bring along:) Joseph the Strong First picture is of Joseph around one years old. Second picture is of Joseph and Flavius. Third picture is of Joseph and his wife Dana, this year:) This particular blog is going to be emotionally very hard for me and you’ll find out soon why. Between Delia and Joseph my mom lost another boy. He lived only five minutes after delivery due to heart complications. Born the sixth child, I had a particular fondness for Joseph due to his sweet and humble nature. He did his very best not to cause problems into an already tumultuous environment and kept very quiet and out-of-the-way, often going without food until I would arrive from school around 2 pm. I would ask him if he ate and with the sweetest tone he would responded: “How come?” “I didn’t want to bother mom.” By now, due to the tole the pregnancies and the abuse from her husband took on her, my mother was very distant and moody. Thus, Joseph became my child and he started calling me “mommy” which made my heart radiate with love. I had a fearsome protective instinct over Joseph that pushed me into action. In my own way, I stood up for my younger siblings including my mother, in an effort to protect them. I felt responsible somehow for their safety. I was not 100% successful but something snapped in me one particular afternoon while on my way back from school. I was around twelve-years-old and Joseph around four-years old. I heard his painful cries all the way from the court yard; since it was warm outside the windows were open. The distance between me and him has never been as long as that particular day while I ran up the stairs and into the hallway of our apartment, where little Joseph had shrunk into a fetal position protecting his head with his little arms while my father hit him violently. Like a lioness seeing her cub in danger, and without hesitation, I ran between them covering his little body with mine, taking the hits for him. Shocked my father stopped- he had a weakness for his girls- and began yelling insults at me. I stood and faced him, chest high, gaze fixed into his with great determination refusing to move. I saw my father hesitate. Silently I was screaming at him: “Over my dead body.” Joseph was my child and suddenly my father became my enemy. I was determined to protect what was mine, no matter how big the enemy in front of me seemed. Even his slaps over my face and head or his crude insults didn’t make me flinch once as I turned my fixed gaze back at him, not one tear found in my eyes, simultaneously protecting Joseph behind me. Long enough I’ve witnessed this abuse without doing something about it. Long enough. From that day on a verbal war began between my father and I. For my remaining years in Romania I was the middle man in many circumstances. Also, from that day on all the twigs my father picked on his way home from work I secretly broke and got rid of. It broke my heart when I had to leave Romania, after I married and today I just realized, leaving Joseph exposed and unprotected was a huge reason why. I felt secretly guilty about that for years. Once gone, I heard Joseph and my younger brothers’s abuse doubled. Like I previously wrote, Marius had a very hard time through adolescence. I guess its as the saying goes: “Monkey see, monkey do.” Once that phase passed, Marius changed. Joseph didn’t find refuge from the abuse until he entered college in Arad. I believe for a period of time he lived with Alin, who also went to collage, graduated and worked in Arad for many years before moving to Germany. Iosif also found refuge in the home of a young Christian family who sort of adopted him and cared for him greatly. Dana, who later on became his wife was the lady’s younger sister and that’s how they met:) Joseph graduated college as an engineer and now works in a company run by his brother-in-law. Dana and Joseph have three fantastic children, one of them looks exactly like him. He’s involved in church ministry working with kids and even though it took him around five or six years, he built their home brick by brick, spending hundreds of hours in rain, cold and hot weather to finish. He pretty much built that house all by himself and they moved in it this year:) With the exception of Alin, all my brother were and still are avid soccer lovers, spending many hours in the dust and confined apartment court yard playing. Life was not easy for Joseph but God sure blessed him, just like he blessed the rest of us. I thank God for taking care of him when I could not. He was always God’s child above mine and God took and is still taking good care of Joseph. I could call him Joseph the Builder, but I think I’ll call him Joseph the Strong.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1012
__label__wiki	0.501888	0.501888	Castro's Kingdom Everything from Sports to Music to Sneakers & everything in between @CastrosKingdom @StevESPNKim smart man 1 day ago @HollyanneLiz @TJZuppe @CaseyKulas @AlwaysPositiveJ @egoldie80 @BGSUGibbs @ESPNCleveland @LindseyBaseball @kejca… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 1 week ago RT @Topps: RT if you miss baseball. 😞 2 weeks ago Ok clowns I mean @browns. 1 down. 1 to go. #JustSayNoToDivaWR's 2 weeks ago Best late xmas gift ever!! Thank you Clowns, I mean @Browns twitter.com/ScottPetrak/st… 2 weeks ago @timmyvann Hope you're feeding them the deer corn my brother!! 2 weeks ago Smart man. Knows the clown GM will set him up to fail. twitter.com/ProFootballTal… 2 weeks ago @snboxing Sounds like a perfect week!! 2 weeks ago But they do with the 🤡 that hired him? 😂😂 twitter.com/ProFootballTal… 2 weeks ago @CaseyKulas @golftecsully And worrying what everyone else thinks and says about him 2 weeks ago Follow @CastrosKingdom Topics Caliente 2017 Boxing Almanac Aaron Craft Akron Zips Alexander Povetkin Antonio Margarito Antonio Nieves Antonio Tarver Archie Ray Marquez Bernard Hopkins Boxing Boxing history Brian Daboll Cavs Cleveland Cleveland Browns cleveland cavaliers Cleveland Cavs Cleveland Indians Cleveland State Vikings college football College Hoops Colt McCoy Danny Garcia Deshaun Thomas Eloy Perez Eric Mangini Floyd Mayweather football Golden Boy Golden Gloves handicapping History Hugo Cazares International Boxing Federation International Boxing Hall of Fame Jalen Ramsey Jared Sullinger Jean Pascal Jesse Vargas Joe Thomas Jorge Barrios Juan Manuel Lopez Las Vegas Lebron James Levi Patterson Manny Pacquiao Michigan State Spartans Michigan Wolverines Mike Arnaoutis nba Nebraska Cornhuskers New Mexico Bowl NFL NFL Draft Norris Cole Ohio State Buckeyes Paul Williams Peyton Hillis Phil Steele Pongsaklek Wonjongkam Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym Rafael Marquez Ring magazine Sergio Martinez Shawn Porter Showtime Teddy Atlas Terrell Pryor This day in boxing history Toledo Rockets Vitali Klitschko Wilfredo Vazquez Wisconsin Badgers World Boxing Association World Boxing Council Cleveland Browns Players Shon Coleman Trevon Coley Zane Gonzalez Ricardo Lewis Spencer Drango Cleveland Cavs Players Larry Nance Jr Rodney Hood Cleveland Indians Players Zach McCallister Yonder Alonso Tyler Naquin Fightnews ESPN Boxing The Ring Magazine Northeast Ohio boxing My Barber Northeast Ohio Boxers Montana Love Antonio Nieves Brett Simmons Jabir Basit Mickey Bey Mike Moore Prenice Brewer Ramiro Hernandez Ryan Forbes Shawn Porter Yaundale Evans Zeddie Adams Terrell Gausha Thomas Mattice Roney Hines Archive for the ‘Cavaliers’ Category Bakers Dozen (Thirteen things I know that you should know too) Posted: March 6, 2016 in Boxing, Browns, Cavaliers, Football, Indians, Soccer Tags: Boxing, Cleveland Browns, cleveland cavaliers, Cleveland Indians, Columbus Crew, David Price, Francisco Lindor, HBO Boxing, Josh Gordon, Korey Kluber, Lebron James, MLS, Ohio, Pernell Whitaker, Pipa Higuain, Showtime Boxing, Waterfalls, Wifred Benitez With all the news that made the rounds this week, the best was undoubtedly the fact that Cleveland Browns team president Alec Scheiner will be stepping down on March 31st. Scheiner was supposedly in charge of the business decisions and oversaw the recent renovations to the stadium, but for some reason he needed to be included in how to conduct film study, which was baffling to say the least. Scheiner was also one of the many behind the scene voices demanding that the undersized frat boy got on the field, regardless or not if he was ready. Speaking of the spoiled, undersized frat boy, he was in Vegas this weekend taking in the UFC fights and who was with him, none other than the Browns other often troubled player, wide-receiver Josh Gordon. Johnny Manziel, Josh Gordon attend #UFC196 together. https://t.co/LF7KClwpDx pic.twitter.com/zjijioVyTC — theScore (@theScore) March 6, 2016 Gordon, currently suspended by the NFL due to drugs, is trying to regain the Browns trust. While he hasn’t had any mishaps during his current time away, hanging with the troubled quarterback should be the last thing on his priority list. Gordon, unlike the frat boy, doesn’t come from oil money and needs NFL paychecks to live the life of luxury he so desires. Is anyone else growing tired of the cryptic messages Lebron James continues to tweet out? It's ok to know you've made a mistake. Cause we all do at times. Just be ready to live with whatever that comes with it and be with….. — LeBron James (@KingJames) March 1, 2016 I mean, just say what you mean already or just stay silent. All this does is bring unwanted and unneeded attention to an underachieving team that consistently plays to the level of their opposition while finishing 2-5 against the Warriors, Spurs, and Raptors. Speaking of the Cavaliers and Lebron, maybe being the underdog is just what they need. Then again, they were the underdog against the Spurs in 2007 and against the Warriors last year after Kyrie went down and we all know how those series turned out, with both winning the deciding game at the Q. Ouch. Spring training has begun which means baseball season is right around the corner. Opening day is less than a month away as the Indians will take on the Boston Red Sox. The pitching matchup will be fantastic with former Cy Young winners facing off in Cleveland’s Korey “KluBot” Kluber taking on David Price. Sure the Tribe didn’t sign a major name to help with its lack of power in the lineup, but I, for one, am looking forward to the development of shortstop Francisco Lindor, who just missed out on being named the American League rookie of the year last season. Lindor is a future star that the city will no doubt get behind. It will take some longer than others when it comes to watching soccer, but it is growing significantly both in terms of involvement and television ratings. And why wouldn’t it be? With all the rule changes, player antics, as well as 2.5-3.5 hours of game time from the “Big 3” sports, soccer games last a mere 2 hours and provide plenty of excitement. Plus there is a major league team just two hours away from us. Pipo Higuain, who plays for the nearby Columbus Crew, had the early contender for goal of the year on the season’s opening day! Pipa. Enough said. https://t.co/yXTibIFSKg — Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 7, 2016 Sure there was a big time UFC pay-per-view this weekend, but let’s not forget about the great knockouts that boxing provides. Here’s what this weekend brought us in the squared circle of the “sweet science.” Speaking of boxing, on this day, March 6th in 1976, future Hall of Famer Wilfred Benitez became the youngest World Champion in history at just 17 years old when he defeated Antonio Cervantes for the WBA Super Lightweight championship of the World. Also on this day in boxing history, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker became the WBC Welterweight Champion of the World after defeating James Buddy McGirt in 1993. Speaking of Pernell Whitaker, he will be one of many retired boxers that will be in attendance during the Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend June 9th thru the 12th. If you have never been, I recommend taking the easy drive to Canastota, NY. You can find all the information you need here: http://www.ibhof.com/index.html Living in northeast Ohio, I try to take advantage of every clear and warm day. I came across this waterfall right by my house in South Lorain just last week. Never knew one was so close. Don’t hate, appreciate Posted: March 3, 2016 in Cavaliers Tags: cleveland cavaliers, Michael Jordan, nba, Stephen Curry Like many Cleveland fans, I fell into the category of “hater” regarding Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. “Why is that,” you ask? Could it be his cocky demeanor? Or the trash talk? And no, I don’t want to “read the whole quote.” http://www.slamonline.com/nba/stephen-curry-hopes-locker-room-in-cleveland-still-smells-like-champagne/#k7t6IhcmtBg9GjX0.97 What about the halfway out mouthpiece? Or the shimmy in front of an opponents bench? How about the fact that because of him, the Cavaliers chances of bringing a championship to Cleveland after over a 50 year drought seems to be diminishing with every effortless 30 foot three point attempt that barely grazes iron. Notice I said, “fell” in the first sentence of this column. As I sat and watched the Warriors come-from-behind win over the Oklahoma City Thunder last Saturday, I subconsciously started rooting for Curry. After making the game winning basket on this incredible shot, I quietly said to myself, “Good Lord, this dude is amazing.” After a short moment of silence, it hit me. I thought about what makes sports great and why I would rather watch a Sun Belt Conference football game on a Thursday night then a political debate in the middle of a Presidential race. The answer is quite simple; the opportunity to witness greatness. Stephen Curry is a “once in a generation” type of player. Ever since Michael Jordan retired, we’ve longed for the next “Airness.” First it was Grant Hill, then Harold Minor, then Kobe Bryant, then LeBron James. All were compared to the GOAT, but none could duplicate his aura. Curry’s game is a complete 180 degree circle from the gravity defying moves that made Jordan seem like he was from another planet. Maybe we were just well-wishing because there will likely never be another Jordan. Curry is different. No one ever compared him or his game to Jordan’s. He’s already the best shooter to ever play. Honestly, have you ever seen anything like it? The same things we said about Jordan when he made jaw dropping dunks, reverse layups, or hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity, are now being said every time Curry hoists a shot from well behind the three point line. And Curry and the Warriors have the look of a dynasty, just like Chicago in the ‘90’s. When Jordan and the Bulls won their first title, everyone knew they were just getting started. Well, here is Curry, fresh off his first title with the Warriors, and no one is expecting anything different this season. Don’t let the hate consume you, and I know that’s tough for Clevelanders, but we are witnessing what we all long for as sports fans. Sit back, drink your favorite beverage, and enjoy the ride, even at the behest of another year without a Championship in Cleveland. But hey, we’re used to things just not going our way. The last time the Cavaliers had a legit shot at an NBA Championship, we were stumped by the greatest player ever, now we are being stumped by the greatest shooter ever. Posted: June 2, 2015 in Boxing, Browns, Buckeyes, Cavaliers, College football, Football, Indians Tags: All Star Game, BBQ, Boxing, Breds, Browns, Cavaliers, college football, Cory Kluber, Ezekiel Elliot, Floyd Mayweather, Indians, Jason Kipnis, Johnny Utah, Jordans, JR Smith, Michael Brantley, Miguel Cotto, Milford Jerome, MLB, nba, NFL, Notre Dame, Phil Steele, Point Break, St Louis Style ribs 1. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the NBA Finals for the second time in team history and I’ve got one piece of advice for everyone out there. Enjoy it! No matter the outcome. Enjoy it! Sure I want to see them bring a championship to my city, but in the process of doing so, I’m going to soak in the entire atmosphere that being in the Finals bring. Most of you aren’t going to pay the steep price for playoff tickets (myself included) so do what I’m going to do. Buy a $5 ticket and go watch one of the road games at the Q with 20,000 other fans. While you won’t actually ‘be’ at the game, it’ll create a memory that you won’t forget. And it’s much more affordable! 2. Speaking of the Cavaliers, you know it’s a good thing when President Lincoln is also #AllinCle What an amazing display of basketball last night. #ALLinCLE — Abraham Lincoln (@Mr_Lincoln) May 27, 2015 3. I shared a video about Cavalier’s center Timofey Mozgov in an earlier blog and now here is a video about JR Smith. Grab a cigar and some cognac. 4. The MLB All-Star game is six weeks away and there are two Cleveland Indian position players that are worthy of All-Star consideration. Second Baseman Jason Kipnis is coming off one of the greatest months in not just team history, but also MLB history and his .340 batting average is second best in the entire American League. He is in the top 10 in the AL in the following categories: Hits (2nd), runs (4th), doubles (3rd), triples (2nd), total bases (4th), on base % (4th), slugging % (9th) and OPS (6th). When it comes to the All-Star voting, however, Kipnis ranks a distant 4th, over 1.5 million votes behind the leader, Jose Altuve, of the Houston Astros. Left fielder Michael Brantley, who finished third in last years MVP voting, is hitting .302, fifth best among AL outfielders. He is in the top 10 among outfielders in the following categories: Hits (5th), doubles (1st), RBI (4th), walks (4th), on base % (4th), slugging % (7th), and OPS (5th). Brantley is currently 7th in the All-Star voting among outfielders, over 1 million votes behind 3rd place Alex Gordon of the Royals. Do what I did and vote for these two as they both deserve to be on the team. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2015/ballot.jsp?tcid=ASG15_mlb_leftrailpromo 5. Speaking of the Tribe, remember when I said that reigning Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber would be just fine? Over his last four starts, Kluber is 3-0 with 50 strikeouts and miniscule 1.41 ERA. He’s looking every bit like the Cy Young winner that we saw last season. 6. I recently heard there is a remake of one of my all time favorite movies, ‘Point Break.’ No, I’m not joking. Patrick Swayze has to be turning in his grave over this one. Why redo a movie that was already a classic and featured an ex Ohio State quarterback turned FBI agent chasing a group of bank robbing surfers? Like the Red Hot Chili Peppers Anthony Kiedis says in this scene, “That would be a waste of time.” 7. The latest addition to my guilty pleasure. 8. I’m still a beginning smoker but I’m really enjoying it. The latest thing I smoked was St. Louis style ribs. The difference between these and baby backs are the St Louis style has more fat, which provides more flavor. I used apple wood to smoke and they turned out pretty good. I went 5 hours at 250 degrees, which was just a little too long, so I’m going to shorten them up next time. 9. Okay, back to sports. The College football season is less than 100 days away and the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy this season according to the Vegas odds is Ohio State Buckeye running back Ezekiel Elliot. He’s even got his own hype video. Check it out. 10. Speaking of college football, we recently wrapped up the 2015 Phil Steele College Football Preview magazine, AKA the college football bible. That also means we’ve released our pre-season All-American teams. Notre Dame led the way with three 1st team All-Americans. To see the entire four team list click the link below. http://philsteele.com/All_Conference/2015/2015%20Preseason/All-American.html 11. Floyd Mayweather is expected to return to the ring in September and many are wondering who his next opponent or vitctim will be. There has been plenty of talk about England’s Amir Khan getting the next shot at the pound for pound king but after his lackluster performance last week against Chris Algieri, he’ll likely be removed from the discussion. Why not give Miguel Cotto, who fights this weekend on HBO, a rematch? He gave Mayweather a good fight when the two shared the ring in 2012. Here’s his greatest hits for those that aren’t aware of what he brings to the table. 12. I haven’t written since the NFL draft took place and heading into the draft I was worried about the incompetence that the Cleveland Browns were likely going to show. Well I was relieved during the first round as I turned to my cousin and brother-in-law, who were with me at the Cleveland Convention Center for the draft party, and told them that this draft proves the team is trying to win games and not sell jersey’s like last season. I think the Browns hit a home run with this draft and will start seeing immediate dividends on the field. 13. Speaking of the Browns, the odds in Vegas have the Browns over/under at 6 1/2 wins. The Browns will win more than six games this season. Those that know me know first hand that I am not a homer in any way, shape, or form so for me to come out and write this is a change in the way that I’ve thought about my hometown team for some time. They won seven games last season, have improved every position group on the roster, and competed with every team in their division last year. Yes, I know the schedule is tougher, but splitting with our division isn’t out of the question and the Browns should be able to beat teams qb’d by the Geno Smith (Jets) and Marcus Mariota/Zach Mettenberger (Titans) while also getting past the 49ers at home in December. That’s seven wins right there. Posted: April 30, 2015 in Boxing, Browns, Cavaliers, College football, Football, Indians, Soccer Tags: Boxing, Boxing shoes, Cavs, Cleveland Browns, cleveland cavaliers, Cleveland Indians, college football, Columbus Crew, Corey Kluber, Danny Shelton, Floyd Mayweather, Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Kei Kamara, Kelly Olynyk, Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Love, Manny Pacquiao, Marcus Marriota, Phil Steele, Shane Ray, smoking, Summer of Brisket, Todd Gurley 1. In last week’s column I wrote that the Cavaliers would bring the city Cleveland its first championship in 50 years. I should of prefaced that by adding, ‘barring injury.’ Now that Kevin Love is done for what appears to be the remainder of the season, the Cavs will more than likely get beaten by the Chicago Bulls in the next round (Yes, the Bulls will get by the Bucks). Fans and media alike have ‘loved’ to pile on Love this season unnecessarily, as those that truly understand the game of basketball were aware of his importance and what his role was with this team. In his absence, the Cavaliers won’t be able to space the floor as they had been doing, and the open lanes that LeBron James and Kyrie Irving had been accustomed to will be gone. Tristan Thompson was valuable in his role coming off the bench, but his flaws will become much more glaring now that he will be forced to play more minutes. To use a phrase that my former colleague Kenny Roda coined long ago, OIC (only in Cleveland). 2. It’s truly a shame that Kevin Love was taken out by a dude that cannot even grow facial hair, instead opting for the peach fuzz look. In hockey there’s a term for mediocre players that are just put on the ice to get physical with the opposition. They’re called a goon. That’s exactly what Kelly Olynyk is. There’s a difference between setting a hard screen with a push like what Kendrick Perkins did to Jae Crowder and putting a guy in an arm bar and pulling his shoulder out of its socket. Truly a bush league play. 3. For those that are worried about reigning American League Cy Young award winner, Corey Kluber, don’t be. Kluber AKA Klubot will be just fine. Here is a look at his numbers from last April compared to this April. 2014: 2 W, 3 L, 37 IP, 35 K, 10 BB, 2 HR allowed, 4.14 ERA, 1.51 WHIP 2015: 0 W, 3 L, 34 IP, 36 K, 7 BB, 2 HR allowed, 4.24 ERA, 1.26 WHIP Nearly an identical start from last season, look for Kluber to start dominating hitters in the near future and hopefully the Tribe will start giving him some run support. 4. One player who could help the Indians with their hitting woes is their top prospect, Francisco Lindor. Current starting shortstop Jose Ramirez is hitting a paltry .186 and the Indians as a team are hitting just .234 which is third worst in the American League. Lindor recently went on a 10-16 stretch and appears to have come out of his own early season slump. He’s hit safely in 10 of his last 14 games. The time is right for Lindor to get promoted to the ‘Big Show.’ 5. The NFL draft is here which means it’s the time of year that the Cleveland Browns usually waste their picks on garbage players. There’s a report that the Browns are attempting to move up in the draft to take Oregon quarterback Marcus Marriota. That would be a mistake. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was a great college quarterback, but his talents favor that game, not of the NFL variety. Marriota ran an up-tempo, no huddle, spread option offense taking snaps from the shotgun in college. In the NFL he will be huddling every play, taking snaps from under center, and won’t be able to leave the pocket as frequently as he did at Oregon. He was also injury prone, and while he was never hurt in a major way, that’s sure to change when he’s hit game in and game out by NFL players. This guy has bust written all over him. 6. A lot of Browns fans want to take a wide receiver in the first round. This is another foolish option. The rules in the NFL so highly favor receivers now that an average receiver can be a good receiver while a good receiver can become a great receiver. This was proven just last year when two of the Browns undersized receivers (Andrew Hawkins & Taylor Gabriel) both had successful seasons and proved that they could make plays despite their physical appearance. There are an abundance of receivers in the college game nowadays that enter the NFL much more ready than previously due to the spread offenses that are being run. The Browns shouldn’t take a receiver in the first or second round when they can still find value in that position later in the draft. It would be a waste of a pick to do so early. Besides, take a look at this years Super Bowl combatants. Neither the Patriots nor the Seahawks have what you would call a playmaking wide receiver. The fact is, you don’t need one to succeed in this day’s NFL. If the Browns are smart (a HUGE if there) and stay where they’re currently sloted to pick in the first round (numbers 12 and 19) they should get NT Danny Shelton, who should be there for them at twelve and if DE Shane Ray falls to them at 19, they should run to the podium and take him. 7. Speaking of Shane Ray, yeah I know he just got pulled over and the officer found weed on him. So what? Marijuana is now legal in over 30 states and will soon be legal in all 50. The majority of NFL players smoke it and it’s really not a big deal. Hell, I’m sure more than half the people reading this column are doing so while puffing on a joint right now. If Ray were a QB, that would be different. You don’t want your quarterback smoking out. But a defensive player that partakes is fine by me. There have been plenty of NFL players that were busted for weed that were among the games elite. Ray has the talent to be among the best DE’s in the league and if other GM’s are afraid to draft him, hopefully Browns GM Ray Farmer won’t be. 8. Another name being thrown out there for the Browns is running back Todd Gurley. That is an absolute joke. If the Browns would draft him, or any other RB in the first or second round, I would seriously consider jumping off the 480 bridge. The NFL is a passing league. The rules are set up for the quarterbacks and receivers to succeed. Running backs are a dime a dozen. There are no ‘featured’ backs anymore with the exception of maybe a few guys. Nearly every team has a RB by committee approach and the Browns should be no different. Why should the browns take a RB that may carry the ball 10-15 times a game in the first or second round? That makes absolutely no sense! And I didn’t even get into the fact that Gurley was hurt twice getting hit by pimple faced college kids. What’s going to happen when he gets hit by grown men? I’ll pass on that option. Besides, the Browns already have two young running backs that complement each other very well. 9. It’s fight week for one of the most anticipated boxing matches in years. Floyd Mayweather is taking on Manny Pacquiao in a fight that is five years in the making. Some people are discouraged that the fight took so long to take place but the fact of the matter is that the fight will be much more competitive and entertaining now then it would have been had they fought five years ago. Mayweather is a defensive wizard, and he’s spent the majority of his career as a ‘hit and not get hit’ defensive minded fighter. Many of his fights have been lackluster due to the fact that he has simply outboxed his foes with tremendous hand speed and perfect foot work to escape without taking any real damage. Mayweather would have taken Pacquiao to school five years ago. Now though, Mayweather isn’t as fleet a foot as he once was and has taken more and more punches in the ring over the last two years. Pacquiao still has that blazing hand speed and with his non stop aggression and constant punches coming from a variety of angles, has a chance to land some shots on Mayweather. I don’t anticipate an upset here (Mayweather is a heavy betting favorite in Vegas) but I do think these two will offer an entertaining fight that will give the fans their money’s worth ($99 on PPV). 10. My dude Casey Kulas has made it official. It’s the ‘Summer of Brisket!’ 10lb brisket just came off smoker. Best to date. #BBQ #SummerOfBrisket pic.twitter.com/trJLfuZ2ya — Casey Kulas (@CaseyKulas) April 26, 2015 I’m up for the challenge. If you start to smell the smoke in South Lorain, just follow your nose to La Casa De Castro. I’ll probably have enough to share. 11. There are just 126 days until the college football season begins! Pre-order the Phil Steele College Football Preview aka the College football Bible here: https://www.philsteele.com/store/ 12. Shoe pick of the week. I don’t have these but word on the street is these are the shoes that Manny Pacquiao will be wearing during the Mayweather fight. 13. I know most of you reading this don’t like soccer but so what. This is my column and I do. The Columbus Crew are on fire as they’ve outscored their last two opponents by a 7-1 margin! That’s like 118-3 if you were watching football lol. Oh and Kei Kamara is tied for the lead with the most goals in the MLS this season! Posted: April 21, 2015 in Boxing, Cavaliers, College football, Football Tags: Adidas Superstar, Chicago Bulls, cleveland cavaliers, De La Soul, Derrick Rose, Drive in, Dukes of Hazzard, Floyd Mayweather, Ivan Drago, Joakim Noah, Kyrie Irving, Manny Pacquiao, Mark Wahlberg, Pitbull, Price is Right, The Gambler, Timofey Mozgov 1. Now that the NBA playoffs have started I’ll make my prediction. Those that know me personally can vouch I’ve said this well before the playoffs even started but now I’ll put it down on my column. The Cleveland Cavaliers will win the NBA Finals, ending the city’s 50 years Championship drought, and Kyrie Irving will be named the Finals MVP. 2. Speaking of the NBA playoffs, assuming the Chicago Bulls get by the Milwaukee Bucks, they’ll be next for the Cavaliers. Here’s to hoping D-Rose stays healthy. I, for one, believe the Bulls are a better team WITHOUT Rose. Give me more Rose and less Jimmy Butler. It Just makes the series that much easier for my Cavaliers. 3. Speaking of the Bulls, the series with the Cavs should be fun. We all know how Joakim Noah feels about the City of Cleveland, but do you know what he thinks of LeBron? Well, see for yourself. 4. The mega fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is less than two weeks away. Boxers usually walk to the ring with a hype song to get them fired up, however, Pacquiao is going to extreme measures with his ring entrance song. He actually recorded his own song to enter to. Chances are you’ve never heard of it, but lucky for you, I’ve got your back. Check it. Not my idea of a hype song to say the least. If I was advising Pacquiao, I’d have him enter to something a bit more up-tempo. Something like this. At least there’s an Ivan Drago reference in my pick. 5. Speaking of the fight, Mayweather is rumored to be making north of $100 million for this fight! ‘Money May’ is already the highest paid athlete in the world and when you have that much money and can have pretty much anything you want, you start purchasing silly things. Case in point. Mayweather has a $25,000 mouthpiece that has actual $100 bills sealed on the inside. Crazy, right? Here’s a look at a few of them. 6. Recently I was home during the week in the middle of the day and did what any normal American would do when at home during normal business hours. “What’s that, you ask?” Watch The Price is Right of course. Now I have immense pride in Cleveland, the city I was born in, but even I had to question this. Either Cleveland is truly blowing up, or The Price is Right is on the decline. Get this. One of the prizes on the ‘Showcase Showdown’ was a trip to Cleveland with tickets for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! I’m not making this up just to get a laugh either, and yes, you read that correctly. I’ll repeat. One of the prizes on the ‘Showcase Showdown’ was a trip to Cleveland with tickets for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! I’m not talking about one of the prizes that everyone bids on beforehand, now. I’m talking about one of the grand prizes at the end of the show! My jaw is still dropped from that moment lol. I love my city, but even I know that a trip to my hometown shouldn’t be a prize worthy enough for a ‘Showcase Showdown.’ Or am I missing the boat on this one? Cleveland family, feel free to share your thoughts. 7. Got a case of the Monday blues? I’ve got just the answer to wake you up and get you ready to accomplish damn near anything after a party filled weekend. Listen to ‘Pitbull.’ Here’s one such song that should fill your Monday with a little joy. 8. I love Spring, mostly because that means winter is over, but I also love spring because of what it brings. No, I’m not talking about the rain or the flowers that begin to bloom. I’m talking about the Aut-O-Rama drive-in movie theatre and the Dog n Suds drive-in restaurant. I’m a sucker for history and how simple things used to be. 9. One of my favorite shows growing up was the Dukes of Hazzard so I was saddened by the passing of Roscoe P. Coltrane. How can you not be entertained by this sheriff. 10. If you haven’t seen ‘The Gambler’ starring Mark Wahlberg, don’t even waste your time. Yes, the trailer makes this movie look good, but just believe me. It’s not. 11. If you’re anything like me, you miss the sound of real Hip-Hop. Today’s version of the genre is horrid, so I was beyond excited to learn that De La Soul was coming out with a new album. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1519102394/de-la-souls-new-album/widget/video.html 12. The College football season is just 135 days away! 13. I picked up a new pair of shoes recently. Here is the latest addition to my addiction. LeBron James is the real NBA MVP this season Posted: April 14, 2015 in Cavaliers Tags: Cavs, Cleveland Cavs, James Harden, Lebron James, nba, NBA Mvp, Steph Curry Click the link below to see my story published by Vocero Latino about LeBron James http://vocerolatinonews.com/lebron-james-is-the-real-nba-mvp-this-season/ Bakers Dozen (Thirteen things I know that you should know to) Posted: April 1, 2015 in Boxing, Browns, Cavaliers, College football, Football, Indians, Vikings Tags: Adonis Stevenson, Artur Beterbiev, Boxing, Broad City, CBS Sports, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, Cleveland State Vikings, Denis Shafikov, ESPN2, Fresh off the Boat, Gabriel Campillo, Garfield Heights, Kyrie Irving, Lebron James, Louisville Cardinals, McDonalds All American game, mean tweets, Mickey Bey, nba, Ray Farmer, Russell Wilson, Sakio Bika, Shaker Heights, SI cover jinx, sneakerhead, Sneakers, Sonny Johnson, Terry Rozier, Transfer, Trey Lewis, Zach McAlister 1. The Cleveland Indians were featured on one of the regional covers of the Sports Illustrated MLB preview edition. Naturally, Cleveland fans panicked and brought up the dreaded SI cover jinx. Relax folks. There have been plenty of examples that defunct that so called jinx. Here’s one such example. 2. Speaking of the Tribe, they’ve announced their starting rotation. Taking the mound for the home opener next Friday will be Zach McAlister, who earned the number 4 spot. So far this Spring McAlister has a 3.32 ERA in 19 innings pitched with 24 strikeouts and just four walks. While McAlister had a 5.23 ERA in 2014, he did finish strong, posting just a 2.84 ERA in 19 innings in the month of September. 3. The best marketing department among the Cleveland professional sports teams easily belongs to the Indians. Their latest “Mean Tweets” video is priceless. If you haven’t seen it by now, check it out! 4. We are down to the Final four in college hoops. The baseball season is about to start. The two month long NBA playoff season is about to start. But you know what I’m really excited about? The start of college football season! Yes, I’m aware we’re still about five months away but I get the privilege to work on the “Bible” of college football. Of course I’m talking about Phil Steele’s College Football Preview. The official “on sale” date is July 1st, but there is a way to get it three weeks sooner! How, you ask? We are accepting pre-orders right now by clicking the link below. 5. Speaking of College Football, spring practices are underway. Want to get a heads up on the season? Well we at the lovely offices of Phil Steele have put together our annual Spring Preview and it’s available for free. http://philsteele.com/Pdf/SpringGuide/2015/2015_Spring_Guide1.pdf 6. Time to recognize some Cleveland hoop stars doing big things. Former Shaker Heights High standout & current Louisville Cardinals point guard Terry Rozier has announced his decision to turn pro after two seasons in the college game. The 6-1 Rozier led the Cardinals in scoring, averaging 17.1 points/game. He is projected as a late first round/early second round pick. Hmmm. I know of a particular pro team that plays its home games at Quicken Loans arena in Cleveland that could use a backup point guard. Louisville may not have to look that far for a replacement as former Garfield Heights High star and current Cleveland State Viking guard Trey Lewis is exploring his options as a graduate transfer and the Cardinals, among many others, have shown interest according to his high school coach and former Ohio Mr. Basketball winner Sonny Johnson. TREY LEWIS – Memphis Xavier Purdue Iowa St Florida St Dayton Clemson Illinois Louisville Georgetown Indiana Georgia Tech Ole Miss — Sonny Johnson (@sonnyjohnson32) March 31, 2015 Lewis set the Viking single season three point record with 93 while averaging a team high 16.3 points/game en route to being named to the Horizon League first team. He played two seasons at CSU after transferring from Penn State after his freshman year following a coaching change there. He will be eligible to play right away because he will have graduated already. To clear up any confusion, it’s the exact same thing Russell Wilson did when he transferred to Wisconsin from NC State for his final year of college eligibility. I have no issue with Lewis transferring at all. I wish him the best. If you never went down to the Wolstein Center to see him play, shame on you. 7. Speaking of amateur hoops, anyone catch the McDonalds All American skills challenge on ESPN? Note to girls that think they belong in a dunk contest with a bunch of dudes. Stop it. Just stop it. I may sound like a chauvinist here, but so what. These are my thoughts and I’m surely not alone in thinking this. This girl for some reason thought it was a good idea to enter the dunk contest and proceeded to miss EVERY SINGLE one of her attempts. I can’t make this up. Every time I see girls on the basketball court I think of this greatly thought about video game concept. 8. Those of you who know me or even those of you who don’t but are among the privileged to be among my Facebook friends (I’m being sarcastic here folks, relax, I really don’t take myself that seriously) are aware of my dislike for one Lebron James AKA ‘LeQuit’. That being said, there is no doubt whatsoever that he is the MVP this season. He won’t win it, which is a disgrace, but can you name another player in the NBA that can make his team among the elite in the game, leave and the aforementioned team sucks so bad that they win the draft lottery THREE times while failing to make the playoffs for four straight years, then come back to make the same team among the elite once again? No you cannot. Also remember, the MVP is a regular season award, so you can bet come crunch time in the playoffs or NBA finals, something will come up with LeQuit that will cost the Cavaliers a championship. Mark it down. It WILL happen. 9. The Browns were of course in the news again this week but the news wasn’t that bad for fans of the team. The NFL handed down its punishment from the result of GM Ray Farmer sending text messages to coaches during games. The team wasn’t docked any draft picks, but Farmer will be suspended for the first four games of the season and the team was hit with a $250K fine. The punishment was fair. They shouldn’t have lost any draft picks. What Farmer did had absolutely no bearing on the outcome of any games. Now let’s hope the team can get some solid contributors in the draft. Here’s a hint. GO INTERIOR DL WITH YOUR FIRST PICK! 10. Boxing is once again on Free network TV this weekend! This time it will be on CBS. Like the March 7th NBC telecast that featured some of the top fighters in the world, this weekend will be no different. The Light Heavyweight division will be the focal point as the main event features the lineal Light Heavyweight Champion of the World, Adonis Stevenson against Sakio Bika. The opening bout will be between a battle of legit top 10 contenders in the same division as Ring Magazine #9 ranked Gabriel Campillo takes on #10 ranked Artur Beterbiev. Don’t miss it as there will surly be fireworks. The broadcast starts at 3PM ET. 11. Speaking of boxing, Cleveland’s Mickey Bey, the IBF World Lightweight titlist, is making the first defense of his title on April 30th in Las Vegas against Denis Shafikov in a fight that will be televised on ESPN2. Bey is a former US Olympian and is a slick boxer with great footwork and defense to go along with excellent hand speed. He is rated as the #4 Lightweight in the world by The Ring and is a member of Floyd Mayweather’s famed TMT. ***Update 4/3. The fight is now off as the two promoters, Mayweather Promotions and Top Rank couldn’t compromise. Instead the fight will be promoted by the highest bidder. Stay tuned for more details. 12. Okay enough about sports. When I do find time to relax and watch something on TV non sports related, it usually consists of something comedy related. I’ll admit, I am a bit of a sitcom guy. Right now there are two shows that I am extremely enjoying. Broad City and Fresh off the Boat. If you enjoy laughing and want to take the edge off, I suggest these two silly shows. Below is the trailer for one of the shows. 13. And finally I’m a bit of a sneaker head. Don’t judge me. Picked up a fresh pair of Kyrie 1’s last week. If you want to be cool like me go cop yourself a pair as well. My new Kyrie’s Mark Jackson is the right choice for Cleveland Posted: June 16, 2014 in Cavaliers Tags: Basketball, Cavs, Cleveland, cleveland cavaliers, Mark Jackson, nba The Cleveland Cavaliers search for a head coach is still ongoing as the NBA draft is quickly approaching on June 26th. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert prefers a defensive minded head coach, while general manager Chris Grant prefers one that focuses more attention on the offensive side of the ball. The perfect solution would be former Golden State Warriors head coach and current ESPN analyst Mark Jackson. Jackson’s primary focus is on the defense, but it’s a type of defense that leads to fast break scoring opportunities on the offensive end of the floor. Jackson was let go by the Warriors this year despite leading them to 51 wins in a tough Western Conference, which was their most wins since the 1991-’92 season. They won 47 games last year and you have to go back all the way to the mid seventies to find a Warriors team that had won at least 47 games in back to back seasons! Prior to the so called “Chosen One” being drafted, the last time the Cavaliers had at least that many wins in back to back years was the early nineties. Jackson’s Warrior teams improved on a number of offensive categories each season he was at the helm including field goals made and attempted, FG%, offensive rebounds, assists, and most importantly points. You have to go all the way back to the 1992-’93 season to find a Cavaliers team that averaged more than the 104.3 points/gm that the Warriors averaged this past season. Defensively, the Warriors’ improved their defensive rebounds, opponents field goals made, FG%, assists, and points/gm each year under Jackson. The 99.5 ppg allowed this season was the best for the Warriors since the 2003-’04 season. The last time the Cavaliers defense allowed less than 100 ppg was 2009-’10. Jackson would give the Cavaliers a young coach the players would respect, while also commanding a physical type of play that a blue collar town and fan base in Cleveland would appreciate. The trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and David Lee flourished under the tutelage of Jackson and I’d love to see how Irving, Waiters, Bennett and the 2014 number one overall pick would develop. It’s clear that Irving and Waiters need to learn how to complement one another. If they gel, I can see them playing like the tandem of John Wall and Bradley Beale in Washington. Get Mark Jackson here. He’s a proven winner as a player and a coach, and he is the perfect fit on both sides of the floor that the Cavaliers desperately need. Cavaliers dealt another blow Posted: February 28, 2011 in Cavaliers Tags: Antawn Jamison, cleveland cavaliers, Ryan Hollins, Samardo Samuels Cleveland Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison has a fractured left pinkie finger that will require surgery and will force him to miss the next five to seven weeks. The injury could cost Jamison the remainder of the season as the Cavs have just over six weeks remaining in their schedule. The injury is a costly one for the Cavaliers as Jamison had started 38 of the 56 games he appeared in and led the team in scoring at 18 points per game while averaging 6.7 rebounds. He had been especially consistent during the month of February as he started all 11 games he appeared in and averaged 22 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Jamison, in his 13th year in the NBA, has played in 920 regular season games and has averaged 19.7 points and 8.0 rebounds over his career. If he misses the remainder of the season, this will be the most games he has missed in one season since the 99-00 season, his second in the league, when he played in 43 games. There are two leading candidates who will likely replace Jamison in the starting lineup, rookie Samardo Samuels or Ryan Hollins. Jamison & Hickson lead Cavs past new look Knicks Tags: Amare Stoudemire, Antawn Jamison, Carmelo Anthony, Cleveland Cavs, J.J. Hickson, New York Knicks, Ramon Sessions Antawn Jamison had 28 points and 13 rebounds and J.J. Hickson added 24 points, 15 rebounds, and a career high 5 blocks as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New York Knicks 115-109 Friday night at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. The Cavs out-rebounded the Knicks 62-42, and overcame 31 points and 11 rebounds from Amare Stoudemire as well as 27 points from Carmelo Anthony. Ramon Sessions was the third Cavalier with twenty or more points as he chipped in 22. With the win, the Cavaliers improve to 11-47 on the season. Next up is the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday at the Q. Tip-off is set for 5:00 PM.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1017
__label__wiki	0.815231	0.815231	US STOCKS-Alphabet, Amazon keep S&P afloat as Middle East tensions persist Sruthi Shankar (Updates to early afternoon) * Energy stocks rise as Brent crude tops $70/barrel * Alphabet jumps on bullish brokerage recommendation * Indexes: Dow off 0.10%, S&P up 0.07%, Nasdaq gains 0.24% (For a live blog on the U.S. stock market, click or type LIVE/ in a news window) By Sruthi Shankar Jan 6 (Reuters) - Gains for internet giants Amazon and Alphabet helped Wall Street's S&P 500 index steady following early losses on Monday sparked by rising tensions in the Middle East. After opening about half a percent lower, the benchmark index was trading nearly flat by afternoon trading, helped by high-growth names such as Amazon.com Inc, Alphabet Inc , Facebook Inc and Netflix Inc. Alphabet rose 2.2% after Pivotal Research upgraded the stock to "buy", while Salesforce.com Inc gained 3.1% after RBC named the business software provider as its "top pick". After ending 2019 on a strong note, Wall Street's main indexes came off record highs as Friday's U.S. airstrike in Baghdad raised the threat of a new conflagration in the Middle East. "The best way to describe it (Monday's market move) would be tentative, because the markets are down very modestly given the geopolitical turmoil," said Randy Frederick, vice president of trading and derivatives for Charles Schwab in Austin, Texas. "Historically these type of things don't cause long-term impact on the market, but it depends on how severe it gets and how long it lasts." At 1:13 p.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 28.81 points, or 0.10%, at 28,606.07, the S&P 500 was up 2.26 points, or 0.07%, at 3,237.11 and the Nasdaq Composite was up 21.24 points, or 0.24%, at 9,042.01. Investors sold some of 2019's star performers including chipmakers. The Philadelphia semiconductor index, which surged about 60% last year, was down 1.2%. Big lenders, including JPMorgan Chase & Co, Bank of America Corp and Morgan Stanley, were down between 0.1% and 0.5%, as U.S. Treasury yields fell. Boeing Co fell 0.4%. A Wall Street Journal report said the planemaker was considering plans to raise more debt to bolster its finances after the grounding of its 737 MAX jet. The energy index rose 0.4% as Brent crude futures topped $70 per barrel after Trump threatened sanctions on Iraq if U.S. troops were forced to withdraw from the country. The communication services index was the top gainer among the major S&P subsectors, up 0.9%, lifted by Alphabet. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners for a 1.09-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and a 1.03-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P index recorded 16 new 52-week highs and one new low, while the Nasdaq recorded 54 new highs and 22 new lows. (Reporting by Sruthi Shankar and Medha Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Shounak Dasgupta)	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1021
__label__wiki	0.903974	0.903974	Kallembach’s “St. John Passion” provides mixed rewards at Rockefeller Chapel Sun May 01, 2016 at 12:05 pm James Kallembach’s “St. John Passion” was performed Saturday night at Rockefeller Chapel. James Kallembach’s St. John Passion returned to the Quire & Place series at Rockefeller Chapel, where it first premiered on Passion Sunday two years ago. Saturday’s concert marked the work’s CD release on the Naxos label. Kallembach’s Passion is unusually structured. The narrative taken from the Gospel of John moves in two time streams: movements proceeding from the deposition to Christ’s burial alternate with movements proceeding from His capture to His death on the cross. Between each pair of traditional passion movements, a pair of non-Gospel movements is interspersed. One is a series of choral settings of Blake’s “The Sick Rose,” the other a series of literary meditations on evil: Faust’s first encounter with Mephistopheles, a soliloquy of Lady Macbeth’s, and the closing passage of Dante’s “Inferno.” Each of these texts is set in a different musical style. The burial is narrated by the choir in quasi-Medieval chant, to the chiming of tingsha (Tibetan-style hand cymbals). By contrast, the Crucifixion section is recited over dissonant pulsing music for string quartet. The Blake settings are written in a modern choral “art song” style; and the literary excerpts in a more operatic idiom. Listeners expecting Bach-like word-painting sensitivity are likely to be disappointed. In the Gospel passages, Kallembach’s text-setting is highly declamatory. The speech-like phrases that the Evangelist sings almost never rhetorically underline the crucial words in her narration. The beatings, the torture, the agony are all reported with an almost documentary-like tone of “objectivity.” How much one enjoys this largely anti-dramatic approach depends on how much distance one wants to feel from the narrative. But certain small touches re-inject drama into the proceedings, the most effective of which is Kallembach’s treatment of Christ himself. His words are sung by a rotating trio of soloists from the choir, who create a distinctly not-of-this-world sound. For this performance, Kallembach himself conducted the Rockefeller Chapel Choir, the Avalon String Quartet, and a quartet of vocal soloists, consisting of soprano Kaitlin Foley, mezzo-soprano Clara Osowski, tenor Matthew Dean, and bass-baritone Andrew Schultze. The lion’s share of the solo work fell to Foley, who played the Evangelist. She did not always project well and at times was covered even by the string quartet alone. But when she was audible, her sound was consistently lovely, her tone crystalline and well-modulated. The other standout among the vocal soloists was Dean, who successfully altered his delivery to embody such diverse characters as the sardonic Faust and the grandstanding Pontius Pilate. Kallembach and the choir preceded his Passion with three shorter selections: two settings of the motet “Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden” sandwiching a setting of the Salve Regina. Bach’s setting of the motet was accompanied by Rockefeller Chapel organist Thomas Weisflog. Perhaps because of the acoustics of the chapel, the counterpoint was fitfully muddled but this was a dynamic and lively rendition, nonetheless, which captured the spirit of the piece. The Salve Regina was Tomas Luis da Victoria’s setting for eight voices, which received an immaculate performance of this consummately crafted music. The second setting of “Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden” was by Kallembach’s former teacher Sven-David Sändstrom. This version opens with complex interlocking rhythms, and includes a very difficult-to-tune middle section. But Kallembach and the choir pulled off both sections admirably, seemingly without the least bit of strain.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1023
__label__cc	0.731004	0.268996	Category: abortion Doctor Performed Abortion On Wrong Woman Because Of Hospital Mixup (Link): Doctor Performed Abortion On Wrong Woman Because Of Hospital Mixup by Jack Salo A pregnant woman mistakenly received an abortion at a South Korea clinic after staff mixed up her medical chart, according to reports. The Vietnamese patient was 6 weeks pregnant on Aug. 7 when she visited a Gagseo medical center for nutritional shots, according to the South Korean news agency Yonhap. Continue reading “Doctor Performed Abortion On Wrong Woman Because Of Hospital Mixup” Author christianpunditPosted on September 25, 2019 Categories abortion, abortion and birth controlLeave a comment on Doctor Performed Abortion On Wrong Woman Because Of Hospital Mixup Man Confesses to Threatening to Rape, Murder Pro-Life Activists Many pro-choice adherents claim to be “pro woman,” but I don’t see how this guy can be “pro woman” when he’s willing to rape and murder women (or their daughters) over a difference of opinion on the abortion issue. (Link): Man Confessed to Threatening to Rape, Murder Pro-Life Activists A Kansas man has admitted to the crime of threatening to rape and murder employees at a national pro-life organization. Christopher M. Thompson, 22, of Wichita, plead guilty on Monday to one count of threatening members of Operation Rescue in 2018. According to a statement by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas, Thompson admitted to making three phone calls to Operation Rescue in one day that included threats against them. Continue reading “Man Confesses to Threatening to Rape, Murder Pro-Life Activists” Author christianpunditPosted on August 5, 2019 Categories abortion, sexism, sexism, sexism sexistLeave a comment on Man Confesses to Threatening to Rape, Murder Pro-Life Activists Married Texas Southern Baptist Pastor Who Wanted Abortion Seekers Jailed for Getting Abortions Arrested for Sexually Abusing His Underaged Family Member Does marriage or parenthood make people more godly, mature, ethical, caring or responsible, as so many Christians and conservative think tanks espouse? Nope. It sure does not. Marriage and being a parent didn’t do anything to make this pastor less of a slime ball. (Link): Southern Baptist pastor in Harris County arrested for abuse of child by Nicole Hensley A former pastor of a Southern Baptist church in north Harris County faces charges of molesting a teenage relative, sometimes multiple times a day, over the course of two years, court records show. Stephen Bratton, who resigned from Grace Family Baptist Church in Cypress Station last month, was charged Friday with continuous sexual abuse of a child, Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland said Saturday. Continue reading “Married Texas Southern Baptist Pastor Who Wanted Abortion Seekers Jailed for Getting Abortions Arrested for Sexually Abusing His Underaged Family Member” Author christianpunditPosted on June 17, 2019 June 17, 2019 Categories abortion, child abuse, child molestation, child sex abuse, child sexual abuse, child sexual abuse sex, christian man single or married jailed arrested crime, marriage, married people and parents are not godly or mature, married people are not more godly mature ethical responsible than single adults, parenthood, parenthood supposedly makes people more godly loving mature, parenting parenthood makes people more godly loving mature supposedly, parents and married people are supposedly more godly loving ethical, parents are not more godly mature than childless or childfree, parents are supposedly more godly loving mature than childless childfree, pastor, pastors, pervs in the church, Uncategorized, unmarried singles stereotype not as mature responsible or sexually pure as married people, you have to obtain perfection before God will allow you to marry fallacyTags SBC, Southern BaptistLeave a comment on Married Texas Southern Baptist Pastor Who Wanted Abortion Seekers Jailed for Getting Abortions Arrested for Sexually Abusing His Underaged Family Member Teacher Fired By Catholic School For Getting Pregnant Out of Wedlock (2018) I don’t understand these supposed Christian employers who fire women who get pregnant out of wedlock – I have other examples on this blog of this very thing. First of all, I’ve never heard of a scenario where they fire the pregnant woman but do nothing to the man she slept with, which makes this a pretty one-sided, sexist action to take. Secondly, most Christians claim to be pro-life. Would they prefer is women in these situations go to an abortion clinic and abort the baby? I can a situation where a single woman, who needs her job to pay her bills, gets pregnant, but then panics, knowing her Christian employer may fire her for fornication, so keeping it a secret, she runs out and gets an abortion. That is a possible scenario some of these Christian groups are putting women in. Is that really what they want? (Link): Teacher Fired By Catholic School For Getting Pregnant Out of Wedlock by Kristine Solomon A respected English and creative writing teacher in Pennsylvania was fired on Friday from her job at the Catholic high school where she’s been employed for four years. Her transgression? Becoming pregnant while unmarried. Naiad Reich was ready to start a family, and she planned the pregnancy to coincide with a June birth so she wouldn’t have to take maternity leave from her post at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in Coal Township, Pa., (Link): according to the Daily Item. When she announced her happy news — and the clever timing — to Sister Mary Anne Bednar, though, the principal and administrator was less than impressed. “Her response, honestly, is one that will sit with me for a very long time, because she was very displeased,” (Link): Reich told PennLive. “She said it would be a problem and she had to contact the diocese.” By Friday, the Roman Catholic Harrisburg Diocese officials had reached a decision: Reich’s out-of-wedlock pregnancy was a violation of a morality clause in her contract. If Reich and her partner, Matt Graboski, had no plans to get married in the near future, (Link): according to ABC affiliate WNEP, she’d have to be let go. Continue reading “Teacher Fired By Catholic School For Getting Pregnant Out of Wedlock (2018)” Author christianpunditPosted on December 6, 2018 December 6, 2018 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, christians supposed to help christians not obsess over culture wars abortion homosexuality politics, discrimination against single unmarried never married christian women, discrimination against singles, fired for having sex, fornication - sex outside of marriage, job discrimination, premarital sex, premarital sex fornication, Roman Cahtolicism, Roman Catholic, Roman Catholic Catholicism, Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholicism Catholic, sexism, sexism sexist, UncategorizedLeave a comment on Teacher Fired By Catholic School For Getting Pregnant Out of Wedlock (2018) Men in China and India Can’t Find Wives Because 71 Million Girls Were Killed in Abortion or Infanticide The gender imbalance in China and Asia is wreaking social chaos. And the Washington Post’s worldview won’t let it admit the real cause of the problem. Twenty-one-year-old Li Defu is hard at work, building a house in rural China. While American men his age spend their free time gaming with friends, Li knows he has no time to waste. Without this house, he may never find a wife. As Li told the Washington Post in a story titled “Too Many Men,” “At the moment there aren’t any girls my age around. I am building this new house in preparation, in case I find someone.” But even with a nice house to attract a bride, there’s no guarantee that Li will ever find one. The reason: There are 34 million fewer Chinese women than men. Indian men share this demographic nightmare: There are 37 million fewer women than men in India. What’s the cause of this huge gender imbalance? Well, reading the Post, you could be forgiven not coming to the obvious conclusion: Seventy million unborn baby girls were aborted—killed in the womb simply because they were female. Continue reading “Men in China and India Can’t Find Wives Because 71 Million Girls Were Killed in Abortion or Infanticide” Author christianpunditPosted on May 13, 2018 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, Asia, gender imbalance, human sex trafficking girls women teens teenagers, male entitlement, male entitlement entitled, men, single, singles, Uncategorized, unwanted protracted prolonged singlenessTags ChinaLeave a comment on Men in China and India Can’t Find Wives Because 71 Million Girls Were Killed in Abortion or Infanticide Complementarian Christians Do Not Think Women are of Equal Worth to Men – Case 2 – Christian Men Mocking the “Me Too” Sexual Assault and Harassment Twitter Tag and Bob Who Detracts (Part 1.3) Part 1 \| Part 2 \| (Part 3) Regarding the Tweets by a person named Bob‏ (Twitter handle: @JustBobThx) to Dee. You can view several Tweets that Bob sent to Dee under Dee’s first Tweet (Link): here. I will be referring to those tweets through the remainder of the post. In the midst of conservative, complementarian Christian men, such as (Link): Tim the Bible Thumping Wing Nut (his screen name) and Fred Butler mocking women sexual harassment and sexual abuse victims by way of the Twitter hash tag “Me Too,” and and (Link): Ricky Masuer defending said aforementioned mockers, Bob jumped in to dress down Dee, who was responding to the sexist tweets. Here is a text copy of one of his tweets: Replying to @wartwatch (“wartwatch” is Dee) @JeffTheGK (JeffTheGK has been on Dee’s side in this debate) Is that so. Here’s [he includes screen captures of other people’s tweets] 1 of ur many pro- LGBT buddies in ur “we stand against abuse” club. Waiting 4 ur outrage. Better get writing a blog 2 warn ppl. This is degrading, disgusting, & vile. Ur CONSTANTLY telling GOBC 2 call out their own-so go ahead & do it urself. @Biblethumpingwi /// Bob is quite simply trying to change the subject. (Bob later gripes and complains about gender egalitarian Jory Michah and rants about abortion). The issue that initiated all this dialog was (Link): Tim (aka “Bible Thumping Wing Nut”) ridiculing the sexual harassment or sexual assault of women via the “Me Too” twitter tag. The subject was not about LGBT topics or Christian gender egalitarian Jory Michah. Bob, because he is sexist but probably thinks he’s NOT sexist, needs to read my (Link): Post 2 about Rick Mauser, as well, at least the portions of that post under the headings of BIBLICAL PATRIARCHY CHRISTIANS SEXUALIZE GIRLS AND WOMEN, NOT JUST SECULAR CULTURE SEXISM EXAMPLES SEXISM IN THE FORM OF UNCONSCIOUS BIAS I have been a conservative over the duration of my life. I have been pro-life on abortion, and I always voted Republican (though I am no longer Republican. In the last few years, I have come to realize that the Republican Party is either similar to the Democratic Party in some ways, or it has its own set of flaws). As far as LGBT issues are concerned: I believe the Bible says that homosexual behavior is sinful, but, I’m rather “libertarian” on the topic – if two adults of the same gender want to get it on, it’s not hurting me, so I do not care what they do. However, I do not generally support liberal, social justice warriors who want to do things such as sue Christian bakers out of business for refusing to bake wedding cakes for homosexual weddings. (I am open to being persuaded otherwise on this topic.) I do not support things such as LGBT people bullying porn actress women (Link): who refuse to have sex with homosexual men. Liberals definitely get some things wrong. I am definitely not a liberal. BOB’S SEXISM AND “PASTRIX” Bob is sexist. Bob uses the sexist derogatory term “Pastrix” (which I believe was coined by sexist radio Christian host Chris Rosebrough) to refer to women pastors, or to women who write blog posts about theology. (I refer you again to (Link): Bob’s posts in this Twitter thread to see for yourself). If you want to have a respectful dialog with someone on the subject of whether women should be allowed to be preachers in churches or not, that’s all fine and good, but there is no reason to use sexist, disrespectful terms such as “Pastrix” in the process. Continue reading “Complementarian Christians Do Not Think Women are of Equal Worth to Men – Case 2 – Christian Men Mocking the “Me Too” Sexual Assault and Harassment Twitter Tag and Bob Who Detracts (Part 1.3)” Author christianpunditPosted on December 9, 2017 December 12, 2017 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, abuse, abuse in churches by christians pastors or covered up, abuser abusive, abusive authoritarian churches pastors preachers systems, bible, bible biblical interpretation, biblical bible interpretation, biblical bible interpretation hermeneutics, celibacy, Chris Rosebrough, christian, christian gender egalitarianism, christianity, complementarianism, conservative, faith crisis, gender complementarian, gender complementarianism, gender complementarianism., gender egalitarianism, hermeneutics interpretation bible biblical, homosexual, homosexual celibates celibacy ssa same sex attraction, homosexual homosexuality, homosexual homosexuality lesbian lesbianism, homosexual homosexuality marriage, morals, obnoxious, premarital sex, premarital sex fornication, sex, sexism, sexism, sexual sin, social conservatives, the dones, the nones, UncategorizedLeave a comment on Complementarian Christians Do Not Think Women are of Equal Worth to Men – Case 2 – Christian Men Mocking the “Me Too” Sexual Assault and Harassment Twitter Tag and Bob Who Detracts (Part 1.3) Even Sex Is In Crisis in Venezuela, Where Contraceptives Are Growing Scarce (Link): Even Sex Is In Crisis in Venezuela, Where Contraceptives Are Growing Scarce CARACAS, Venezuela — Yorlenis Gutierrez, a 28-year-old mother, spent months vainly scouring pharmacies for a drug whose scarcity is complicating her sex life and that of countless Venezuelans. In a country beset by shortages, this is one of the hardest: the disappearance of contraceptives. When she couldn’t renew her supply of birth control pills, Gutierrez and her husband made a choice. Long-term abstinence was not an option, they agreed. They tried to be careful, but soon she was pregnant with her second child. Er, what? Long term abstinence is certainly an option. I seldom to never feel sorry for people when they make a choice to have sex but then get pregnant, get an STD, or whatever. When they act as though being celibate longer than a week is a huge, huge burden that cannot be overcome. No sympathy from me. Continuing with article’s excerpts: But the shortage of contraceptives has put Venezuelans in a particularly bleak quandary: Have sex — or don’t ? Continue reading “Even Sex Is In Crisis in Venezuela, Where Contraceptives Are Growing Scarce” Author christianpunditPosted on November 29, 2017 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, abstinence, birth control, sex, UncategorizedTags socialism, VenezuelaLeave a comment on Even Sex Is In Crisis in Venezuela, Where Contraceptives Are Growing Scarce Married, Republican Pro-Life Politician Allegedly Asked His Pregnant Mistress to Get an Abortion It was this sort of thing that drove me from the Republican Party – the worship of family values but the failure to live up to them. Though (caveat or disclaimer!) I have to say the GOP at least has standards in the first place, which is a step above the liberal Democrats, who advocate hedonism. (Link): Anti-abortion Rep. Tim Murphy resigns after report he asked lover to end pregnancy (Link): Anti-abortion Rep. Tim Murphy, who reportedly urged abortion, resigns from Congress (Link): Report: Anti-abortion US rep asked girlfriend to get one (Link): Easy abortion is a winner for sleazy men ….But the truth is that men benefit from the easy availability of abortion at least as much — if not more — than women. Which is one reason the recently departed Hugh Hefner was such a big proponent. Playboy published its first article supporting the legalization of abortion in 1965 and even listed the numbers of hotlines where women could obtain them — even before Roe v. Wade. The audience for this information was clearly not women who were reading Playboy articles but men who had, as they used to say, gotten women in trouble. Continue reading “Married, Republican Pro-Life Politician Allegedly Asked His Pregnant Mistress to Get an Abortion” Author christianpunditPosted on October 8, 2017 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, family values, hypocrisy, hypocrite, hypocritical, Republican, republican republicans, republicans, social conservatives, UncategorizedTags Tim MurphyLeave a comment on Married, Republican Pro-Life Politician Allegedly Asked His Pregnant Mistress to Get an Abortion Mutual Exclusivity on Social Issues by Liberals, Atheists, and Some Moderate Christians Over the past two years on twitter (and on some blogs), I keep seeing some people – usually liberals, but sometimes atheists and moderate Christians – engage in this game of mutual exclusivity as concerning social issues. They also seem to have a blind spot or two. They will point out the “sins” committed by Christians, Republicans, or conservatives all damn day long, but then ignore those very same sins when committed by liberals, Democrats, or Muslims, atheists – or whatever other special interest groups they usually pander to. For example, if you speak out in concern against CIS men using transgender bathroom policies to rape CIS women, trans-activists will say you should be more concerned about churches who harbor child sex abusers. I think I may have addressed that argument in this post: (Link): Conservatives, Christians, Transgenders, and Bathrooms – Addressing Libby Anne’s “Love, Joy, Feminism” Post About Transgenders The fact that so many churches harbor child rapists, or handle child sex cases improperly, does not automatically make it acceptable to allow CIS men into women’s bathrooms or locker rooms under the guise of being “trans friendly.” The two are separate topics. Therefore, I am against this argument from some people that everyone should be more, or only, concerned about child safety at churches than they should be with child welfare at public rest-rooms or public fitting rooms. It is not a mutually exclusive concept. An individual can be concerned about CIS men exploiting trans-friendly bathroom rules to rape CIS women, and that same individual can also be concerned about predators using churches to victimize children. Yes, it’s possible to care about more than one issue at a time. Continue reading “Mutual Exclusivity on Social Issues by Liberals, Atheists, and Some Moderate Christians” Author christianpunditPosted on July 19, 2017 July 19, 2017 Categories abortion, abuse in churches by christians pastors or covered up, Atheism Atheist Atheists, atheist, atheist atheism, atheist atheism atheists, atheist atheists atheism, atheistm, child abuse, child sexual abuse, child sexual abuse sex, church, Friendly Atheist, Friendly Atheist blog, hypocrisy, liberal, liberal christians, liberal christians theology christianity, liberal liberalism, liberal liberals left wing, liberalism, liberals, liberals, liberals liberal, liberals liberal progressive, liberals liberalism, liberals liberalism progressive, liberals progressive christian, liberals progressives, progressive liberal christians, progressive progressives liberal liberals, prolife, sexual sin, sexual sin, UncategorizedLeave a comment on Mutual Exclusivity on Social Issues by Liberals, Atheists, and Some Moderate Christians Christian School Punishes Pregnant Student Who Chooses Life (Link): Student’s pregnancy tests a Christian school’s values “She made the courageous decision to choose life, and she definitely should not be shamed,” said Kristan Hawkins, the Students for Life president, who tried unsuccessfully to persuade the administrator of Heritage Academy to reverse the decision. “There has got to be a way to treat a young woman who becomes pregnant in a graceful and loving way.” …Runkles’ story sheds light on a delicate issue: how Christian schools, which advocate abstinence until marriage, treat pregnant students. …Navigating that balance is exceedingly difficult for Christian educators, and schools respond in various ways, said Rick Kempton, chairman of the board of the Association of Christian Schools International, which represents about 3,000 schools in the United States and many others overseas. “There’s a biblical term that many Christian schools use, and it is the whole idea of grace: What would Jesus do?” Kempton said. Of Runkles, he added: “She’s making the right choice. But you don’t want to create a celebration that makes other young ladies feel like, ‘Well, that seems like a pretty good option.’” …In 2009, the National Association of Evangelicals, drawing on figures from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, reported that 80 percent of young evangelicals engaged in premarital sex. A spokeswoman for the evangelical group said its own research, however, suggested that the figure was much lower. Slightly more than half of women who have abortions — 54 percent — identify as Christians, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that tracks abortion policy. Continue reading “Christian School Punishes Pregnant Student Who Chooses Life” Author christianpunditPosted on May 21, 2017 August 9, 2017 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, christianity, fornication - sex outside of marriage, hypocrisy, hypocrite, hypocritical, premarital sex fornication, sexism, sexism, sexism sexist, sexual sin, sexual sin, UncategorizedLeave a comment on Christian School Punishes Pregnant Student Who Chooses Life Dog Saves Boy (Aged 9) After Kid’s Mother Tries to Drown Him In River – Parenthood Does Not Make People More Mature, Loving, or Moral Dog Saves Boy Aged 9 After Kid’s Mother Tries to Drown Him In River – Parenthood Does Not Make People More Mature, Loving, or Moral Well looky here. This dog makes a better “parent,” or guardian, than the kid’s own parent! Some Christians and my fellow conservatives like to go on and on about how marriage and parenthood are supposedly necessary to make a person more godly, mature, ethical, responsible, and loving – but this is not so. I have many examples of my blog of married people and/or parents who are arrested or get into trouble for things ranging from, but not limited to, having affairs, buying child pornography, having sex with animals, raping their own children, etc (view those examples (Link): here and (Link): here). Conservatives need to learn and remember that the Bible itself says that…. -a person being single and celibate is preferable to being married (start with 1 Corinthians 7), -the Bible does NOT say that God has “called” anyone to be single (being single is a choice, or a matter of circumstance, it’s not based on divine providence), -nor does the Bible say that (Link): only a “few will be single,” -nor does the Bible ever try to promote marriage by denigrating singleness! And to my fellow pro-lifers out there: STOP disparaging animal welfare or people who care about animal welfare! Stop griping and complaining that people care more about animals than they do human babies – so what if they do? It’s a good thing if people support animal welfare, even if they are pro-choice, uncaring, or ambivalent on the abortion topic. People should sure as hell NOT support animal cruelty or animal abuse, REGARDLESS of where they stand on other topics such as abortion or whatever else. But secondly, it’s (Link): not a mutually exclusive proposition – a person can be anti-abortion as well as being anti-animal abuse! (Link): Pitbull saves boy, 9, after ‘mum tries to drown him in river’ by T. Mann The mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is said to have told a friend, ‘I have to drown my babies’ before taking them to the Murray River, in New South Wales, Australia. The 27-year-old then allegedly took her eldest son, 9, into the river and held his head under the water while her five-year-old son looked on and screamed, Bendigo Magistrates heard. Her younger son, who has a different father to his brother, was then allegedly brought into the water. A distressed emergency service worker told the Riverine Herald: ‘He was so little, it was awful, the whole thing has been awful, and everyone here is devastated,” he said. ‘All of us have been hit so hard.’ But his elder brother managed to survive after a dog intervened and attacked the woman, the Herald Sun reports. Continue reading “Dog Saves Boy (Aged 9) After Kid’s Mother Tries to Drown Him In River – Parenthood Does Not Make People More Mature, Loving, or Moral” Author christianpunditPosted on March 4, 2017 March 4, 2017 Categories abortion, abuse, abuser, abuser abusive, animal abuse, animal abuse cruelty, animals, child abuse, childfree, christianity, family, family values, familycentric, familycentric family idolatry nuclear family traditional family, making marriage or family into idols, motherhood, motherhood makes women more godly falsehood, nuclear family, nuclear traditional family, parenthood, parenthood supposedly makes people more godly loving mature, parenting parenthood makes people more godly loving mature supposedly, parents are not more godly mature than childless or childfree, parents are supposedly more godly loving mature than childless childfree, parents mothers motherhood parenting, Pro Lifers pitting abortion against animal welfare, social conservatives, Uncategorized, woman's highest only most important godly biblical feminine role purpose calling wife and mother children baby babies motherhood heresy fallacyLeave a comment on Dog Saves Boy (Aged 9) After Kid’s Mother Tries to Drown Him In River – Parenthood Does Not Make People More Mature, Loving, or Moral Abortion Widens the Gender Gap and Exploits Women – editorial via the Public Discourse Site Abortion Widens the Gender Gap and Exploits Women I’m generally pro-life on the abortion issue. I’ve not had time to read this entire article closely. From what I’m skimming, I agree with much of it. A year or two ago, I saw numerous articles about men (usually younger and college aged) who were calling themselves “Bro Abortion” or something (some abortion term with the word “bro” in front of it, to designate male support of women getting abortions legally). The upshot from all this, is based on reporting I saw, is that the REAL reason a lot of these men so strongly support abortion is not because they care about women, or a woman’s right to choose for herself and so on, but because they don’t want to deal with getting a woman pregnant! They don’t want to have to raise a baby or kick funds to raise a baby. These selfish dolts are SEXIST. They are only for using women for sex. Anyway, here are excerpts from the article. (Link): Abortion Widens the Gender Gap and Exploits Women by Brian E. Fisher … Abortion: Men Started It The exercise of power over the life of one’s offspring is not a new construct. In ancient Rome, for example, thepaterfamilias, or family patriarch, maintained a legal right to dispose of children deemed unwanted or unfit after birth. Likewise, a widespread preference for male children has compelled parents in China and India to terminate the lives of their daughters for centuries. (Link): Gender-determination ultrasounds have been used more recently to terminate these lives (Link): prior to birth, but the brutal infanticide of daughters remains common. What is startling about the “women’s rights” argument for abortion ubiquitous in modern Western culture is that it reframes the act of abortion as a means to women’s freedom, whereas historically it was, by and large, a reflection of male dominance. … Men Use Abortion to Oppress Women The passage of time revealed that the license to abort a child for any reason and at any point in pregnancy (thanks to the concurrent Supreme Court decision in Doe v. Bolton) would not yield the unfettered liberation contemporary feminists had predicted. Indeed, there was a major oversight in their calculations—namely, how men would turn the perceived freedoms of abortion on the women who had worked to secure them. Roe effectively promised men consequence-free sex. Continue reading “Abortion Widens the Gender Gap and Exploits Women – editorial via the Public Discourse Site” Author christianpunditPosted on February 16, 2017 February 16, 2017 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, clueless oblivious sex privilege or insensitive or hypocritical left wing feminists, feminism, feminist, feminists, fornication - sex outside of marriage, premarital sex fornication, secular feminism, secular feminists feminism, secular liberal feminists, self control, sexism, sexism sexist, sexual sin, UncategorizedLeave a comment on Abortion Widens the Gender Gap and Exploits Women – editorial via the Public Discourse Site Actor Allegedly Gives Girlfriend Herpes 1, Herpes 2, and Gonorrhea The actor’s lawyer released a statement in which the actor (Link): denies these allegations. As for the allegations themselves – not just the STDs, but where he allegedly suggests that his girlfriend, Cathriona White, takes the “morning after pill” and that he texts her about sexual stuff while in the middle of a conversation about their deceased parents? Holy smokes, if this is true, this actor sounds like a real selfish and creepy jerk. And this makes me glad to be a celibate single. No, I don’t want Herpes or Gonorrhea, no thanks. No, I don’t want to discuss bawdy sex stuff, certainly not in the midst of having a conversation about deceased loved ones, what the hell? Continue reading “Actor Allegedly Gives Girlfriend Herpes 1, Herpes 2, and Gonorrhea” Author christianpunditPosted on October 2, 2016 October 11, 2016 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, actor, entertainment, fornication - sex outside of marriage, premarital sex fornication, sexual sin, single, singlehood, singles, stds sti stis sexually transmitted diseases, stis stds sexually transmitted diseases infections, times i'm glad i am single, times you're glad to be celibate or single, times you're glad to be single, times you're glad to be single or celibate, times you're glad your're celibate or single, UncategorizedLeave a comment on Actor Allegedly Gives Girlfriend Herpes 1, Herpes 2, and Gonorrhea Woman Has Abortion Because She Couldn’t Fit Into Her Wedding Dress Depending on the situation, I may at times attempt to understand WHY a woman had an abortion and even attempt to be compassionate about it. But most abortions take place because the baby conceived was done so via consensual sex. In these cases, I am not generally charitable. As to the article I link you to below: a woman aborted her kid because she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to fit into her wedding dress later. What a selfish bitch (as are several of the other women mentioned in this article – some of them had abortions for trivial and/or purely selfish reasons). Contrary to secular, left wing feminists, some of the women mentioned in this article, and/or their choice, should absolutely be “slut shamed” – to the hilt. (The men who got them pregnant should also be slut shamed, because they are sluts too, and irresponsible ones.) Some of the women in this article are so cavalier about killing an unborn child – or a blob of tissue that would otherwise turn into a baby – and some are ditzes who are too lazy or sloppy about birth control use. Continue reading “Woman Has Abortion Because She Couldn’t Fit Into Her Wedding Dress” Author christianpunditPosted on September 24, 2016 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, clueless oblivious sex privilege or insensitive or hypocritical left wing feminists, feminist, feminists, secular feminists feminism, secular liberal feminists, slut shaming, UncategorizedLeave a comment on Woman Has Abortion Because She Couldn’t Fit Into Her Wedding Dress The Myth of the Good Ole Days by A. Bevere Here are just a few excerpts from this other blog. Please click the link to visit the other blog if you’d like to see the entire article: (Link): The Myth of the Good Ole Days There is no such thing as the good ole’ days. It is a myth constructed by people with amnesia who have forgotten or have chosen not to remember the problems and perils of earlier days. Allow me to offer some evidence: -An estimated 20% of American children live in poverty today. More lived in poverty in 1900 and an estimated 20% lived in orphanages because their parents couldn’t afford them. Continue reading “The Myth of the Good Ole Days by A. Bevere” Author christianpunditPosted on August 2, 2016 Categories 1860s time warp idolizing pre Civil War American culture, 1950s time warp, abortion, abstinence, christian, Christian Dominionism, Christian Reconstructionism Reconstructionists, christianity, christians supposed to help christians not obsess over culture wars abortion homosexuality politics, conservative, conservative right wing, conservatives, culture wars, evangelicals southern baptist, fornication - sex outside of marriage, human sex trafficking girls women teens teenagers, Legalism Legalistic Law Pharisaic, making marriage or family into idols, marriage, nuclear family, nuclear traditional family, politics, prostitution sex worker sex industry, Republican, republican republicans, sex, sexual purity, sexual sin, UncategorizedLeave a comment on The Myth of the Good Ole Days by A. Bevere Abstinence Groups: New Sex-Ed Study Misses Point of Urging Teens to Wait (Link): Abstinence Groups: New Sex-Ed Study Misses Point of Urging Teens to Wait By KILEY CROSSLAND Posted May 11, 2016, 03:30 p.m. Abstinence advocacy groups say a new (Link): study criticizing virginity pledges misses the point of abstinence education. The study, “Broken Promises: Abstinence Pledging and Sexual and Reproductive Health,” published on the website of the Journal for Marriage and Family, reports that the vast majority of virginity pledgers break their promise to save sex for marriage. Continue reading “Abstinence Groups: New Sex-Ed Study Misses Point of Urging Teens to Wait” Author christianpunditPosted on May 11, 2016 August 7, 2016 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, abstinence, birth control, casual sex, celibacy, celibacy celibate virgin shaming, celibate, celibate and virgin shaming, celibate shaming, chastity, christian, christian material about singleness, christian teachings on dating marriage, christianity, clueless oblivious sex privilege or insensitive or hypocritical left wing feminists, consequences, conservative, conservative right wing, conservatives, dating, diseases, equating sexual purity to repression or deviancy, Expectation, false teaching being virgin or celibate is heroic or impossible, feminism, feminist, feminists, fornication - sex outside of marriage, hook up culture hooking up, left wingers, liberal, liberal christians theology christianity, liberal liberalism, liberal liberals left wing, liberalism, liberals, liberals Democrats, liberals liberal, liberals liberal progressive, liberals liberalism, liberals liberalism progressive, liberals progressive christian, liberals progressives, maturity, modesty and purity teachings, morals, out of wedlock, pregnancy, premarital sex, premarital sex fornication, procreation, progressive christians, progressive liberal christians, progressive progressives liberal liberals, purity culture, secular feminism, secular feminists feminism, secular liberal feminists, self control, sex, sex as an idol, sex ed education, sex ed sexual education, sex education, sexual purity, sexual purity movement, sexual sin, sexually transmitted infections diseases STI STD, sexy sex sexified sexy sexed sexy sexy!, single, singlehood, singleness, singles, stds sti stis sexually transmitted diseases, stereotype lifelong adult celibacy virginity impossible too hard heroic feat, sti std sexually transmitted infection disease, stigma stigmatization, stigma stigmatized, stis stds sexually transmitted diseases infections, study, supposedly impossible unrealistic to stay virgin or celibate, teenagers, teens, teens teenagers, they want your sex, Uncategorized, virgin and celibate shaming, virgin shaming, Virgin Shaming Celibate Celibacy Purity Shaming, virgin shaming celibate shaming, waiting, women like sexLeave a comment on Abstinence Groups: New Sex-Ed Study Misses Point of Urging Teens to Wait Woman Realizes Having Open Relationship Bothers Her / Married Couple Confront Each Other About Their Other Sexual Partners via Cosmo Magazine I do have some problems with how conservatives (including conservative Christians not just secular social conservatives) deal with the topic of sex (hey, about 65% of my blog posts are about that topic). However, your liberals can be problematic in this area as well. Liberals like to believe sex has no consequences, not physical nor emotional. However, at the same time, they scream on their blogs against abstinence-only public school sex education and yell that women should receive tax-payer funded birth control, abortion should be legally and widely available, and so on. Liberals tend to downplay the possible physical ramifications of sex, especially for women, when speaking or writing for women (ie, sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy), to teach women that being trampy is not shameful but is feminist and empowering. I find that liberals sometimes speak out of both sides of their mouth on this topic. Secular feminists also like to tell women (especially the younger, naive ones) that they won’t have any emotional fall-out from having sex. I’ve known women (in person) and read of too many testimonies by women online and in magazines to know that is not always so. Plenty of people do have issues accepting that their partner has a sexual history or has cheated on them with another person. Here is another example or two of this being the case (I have not watched the video on the page with the video.) I will also link to a page I saw recently by a woman who said she was initially fine and accepting of her poly-whatever boyfriend but after so many months of dating the guy, knowing he was emotionally growing attached to the other women he was dating and having sex with disturbed her. (Link): I Tried an Open Relationship—and It Was a Disaster by Sophie S. Thomas Three ways I’m better at being monogamous now. …Jack [the writer’s boyfriend] was polyamorous. And because I was in love with him, I wanted to go with the flow and make it work. I tried for three years to do things his way — I’d sometimes sleep with other people while he sometimes went on dates with potential new partners. Continue reading “Woman Realizes Having Open Relationship Bothers Her / Married Couple Confront Each Other About Their Other Sexual Partners via Cosmo Magazine” Author christianpunditPosted on May 7, 2016 May 7, 2016 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, abstinence, adultery, affair, affairs, affairs extramarital affair, affairs extramarital affair cheating, birth control, casual sex, celibacy, celibate, chastity, choice, consequences, dating, emotional affair affairs, extra marital affair, extra marital affair adultery, extra marital affairs, extramarital affair, extramarital affairs, extramarital affairs adultery, feminist, feminists, fornication - sex outside of marriage, health, heterosexual, heterosexuality, heterosexuality heterosexual, heterosexuals, hiv or aids, hook up culture hooking up, left wingers, liberal, liberal christians, liberal christians theology christianity, liberal liberalism, liberal liberals left wing, liberalism, liberals, liberals, liberals liberal, liberals liberal progressive, liberals liberalism, liberals liberalism progressive, liberals progressive christian, liberals progressives, marriage, morals, premarital sex, premarital sex fornication, progressive, progressive christians, progressive liberal christians, progressive progressives liberal liberals, progressives, regrets, relationships, secular feminism, secular feminists feminism, secular liberal feminists, sex, sex as an idol, sex ed education, sex ed sexual education, sex education, sex is not a biological need, sex positive, sexual purity, sexual sin, sexual sin, sexually transmitted infections diseases STI STD, sexy sex sexified sexy sexed sexy sexy!, single, singlehood, singleness, singles, stds sti stis sexually transmitted diseases, sti std sexually transmitted infection disease, stis stds sexually transmitted diseases infections, Uncategorized, virgin, virgin virginity, virginityLeave a comment on Woman Realizes Having Open Relationship Bothers Her / Married Couple Confront Each Other About Their Other Sexual Partners via Cosmo Magazine James Dobson’s Flawed Take on Population Decline (no.1: We’re Not in Decline) by T. Grant As this report notes (link is much farther down this blog page), more pressure is placed on WOMEN to marry and have children than is placed on MEN. I know that culture and Christians can treat single / celibate / childless men like trash, but they are TEN TIMES worse on Christian WOMEN in these regards. Women get far more pressured to marry and have kids than men do or ever will. Women get more shamed and insulted by Christians (and at times, secular culture) for staying single, celibate, and childless than males ever are. Just because most women are capable of carrying a baby inside them, society and churches think it’s their DUTY to have a baby (as though women serve no other purpose in life), and if they choose to opt out (or cannot have a kid), they are still marginalized or insulted for it. Men don’t face nearly as much insult or pressure to have kids as women do. I am right of center – but I agree with this left wing (liberal) guy that other right wingers such as Dobson’s real goal is to be against what he perceives as liberal threats to the church or culture. That is one very real motivator some right wingers have, in why they do things like harass women to have children. I also want to say how utterly moronic I find this approach by Dobson. Continue reading “James Dobson’s Flawed Take on Population Decline (no.1: We’re Not in Decline) by T. Grant” Author christianpunditPosted on April 15, 2016 April 15, 2016 Categories 1950s time warp, abortion, abortion and birth control, abstinence, annoyances, babies, baby, baby and procreation be fruitful and multiply obsession, baby babies, babymaking obsession, bad advice, birth control, blame feminism, Blame Feminists Feminism, blame the feminists, blame women, celibacy, celibacy celibate virgin shaming, celibate, celibate and virgin shaming, celibate shaming, chastity, child free, child less, childfree, childless, children, christian, christian patriarchy, christian personalities, christianity, Christianity Today magazine web site, christians ignore marginalize exclude ostracize adult singles, christians supposed to help christians not obsess over culture wars abortion homosexuality politics, complementarianism, conservative, conservative right wing, conservatives, control freaks, crummy or unwanted advice, declining birth rates, declining marriage rates, delayed marriage, discrimination against single unmarried never married christian women, discrimination against singles, doctrine beliefs, duping christians by selling family values, falling marriage rates, false or heretical heresy, false teaching, false teachings, family, family is backbone center building block of society culture, family values, familycentric, familycentric family idolatry nuclear family traditional family, feminist, feminists, focus on the family, gender comlementarianism, gender complementarian, gender complementarianism, gender complementarianism., gender roles, making marriage or family into idols, man shortage females outnumber males singles, marriage, married people privilege, motherhood, motherhood makes women more godly falsehood, natalism, natalism natalist, natalism natalistic, natalism pronatalism, never maried, never married, never married adults, nuclear family, nuclear traditional family, objectifying women objectification, obnoxious, secular feminism, secular feminists feminism, secular liberal feminists, sex, single, singlehood, singleness, singles, singles shaming, Singles Singleness Singlehood Shaming, theology, they want your sex, Uncategorized, unequally yoked, virgin and celibate shaming, virgin shaming, Virgin Shaming Celibate Celibacy Purity Shaming, virgin shaming celibate shaming, woman's highest only most important godly biblical feminine role purpose calling wife and mother children baby babies motherhood heresy fallacyTags child free, childfree, childless, Christianity, family centric, family idolatry, natalismLeave a comment on James Dobson’s Flawed Take on Population Decline (no.1: We’re Not in Decline) by T. Grant If condoms are OK for Zika, why not Aids, Pope Francis? by B. Ellen This editorial: “If condoms are OK for Zika, why not Aids, Pope Francis? by B. Ellen is farther down the page. I have explained before on this blog that I am not Roman Catholic, and that I disagree with their theology (ie, their rejection of sola fide, sola scriptura, etc). However, I find that Protestant attitudes on topics sometimes parallel what Roman Catholics (specifically, the Pope) says or thinks, so I do occasionally post about sexuality, dating, marriage, etc, as it intersects Roman Catholicism. There are some Baptists and Protestants who seem to feel that the only purpose for sex is for pro-creation. If I am not mistaken, that is the Roman Catholic position on sex as well – all sex is supposedly meant to create pregnancy, that a person isn’t to have sex just for the sheer enjoyment of the act. I disagree. Anyway, I found this interesting. Some in the media are framing the current Pope as saying it’s acceptable for women to use birth control rather than risk getting pregnant and having a fetus with Zika. I find this a bit confusing, as a p_r_o_Life Twitter page I follow, which is Roman Catholic, if I am not mistaken, believes that a celibate woman is just as bad as a woman who gets an abortion. These types of P_r_o_Life Catholics really feel it is a woman’s DUTY or only value in life to have a baby – it’s absolutely contrary to what the Bible teaches and is incredibly sexist. I have blogged on that before here: (Link): Pro-Life, Yet Anti-Celibacy, Anti-Childless Christian Site Tweets Story about Mother Who Slit New Born Infant Son’s Throat to Save Her Sex Life (Christians equating single or childless / childfree women to women who murder their babies) (Link): Pope suggests contraceptives could be used to slow spread of Zika (CNN) Pope Francis suggested that contraceptives may be used to prevent the spread of the Zika virus, despite the church’s longstanding ban on most forms of birth control. Continue reading “If condoms are OK for Zika, why not Aids, Pope Francis? by B. Ellen” Author christianpunditPosted on February 23, 2016 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, abstinence, babies, baby, baby and procreation be fruitful and multiply obsession, baby babies, babymaking obsession, birth control, casual sex, ceilbate, celibacy, celibate, chastity, child free, childless, children, choice, christian, christianity, conservative, conservatives, diseases, familycentric, familycentric family idolatry nuclear family traditional family, fornication - sex outside of marriage, health, heterosexual, heterosexuality, heterosexuality heterosexual, heterosexuals, hiv or aids, homosexual, homosexual homosexuality, homosexual homosexuality lesbian lesbianism, homosexuality, homosexuals, hypocrisy, hypocrite, hypocritical, making marriage or family into idols, marriage, motherhood, natalaism, natalism, natalism natalist, natalism natalistic, natalism pronatalism, nuclear family, nuclear traditional family, parent, parenthood, parenting, pope, premarital sex, premarital sex fornication, Roman Cahtolicism, Roman Catholic, Roman Catholic Catholicism, Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholicism Catholic, sex, sexual purity, sexual sin, sexually transmitted infections diseases STI STD, single, singlehood, singleness, singles, stds sti stis sexually transmitted diseases, sti std sexually transmitted infection disease, stis stds sexually transmitted diseases infections, UncategorizedTags birth control, childfree, Roman Catholic Catholicism, sex, sexual sin, sterilization birth control tubal ligation, zikaLeave a comment on If condoms are OK for Zika, why not Aids, Pope Francis? by B. Ellen Leaving Christianity gave me the fairy-tale ending I always wanted / Divorce and pre-marital sex destroyed my relationship with Christianity by T. Sheehan Even though the details of my life and situation are different, I sure did relate to this lady’s story. My eye brow did raise at one or two points of this essay, such as her claim that people at her church encouraged her to get an abortion when she became pregnant out of wedlock, and from the way she discusses her church, they sound pretty conservative and legalistic. Perhaps she is telling the truth and that really did happen, it’s just that most conservative Christians are pro-life, not pro-choice, so I am having a hard time picturing any of them advising a pregnant woman to get an abortion. With possibly a few wacko Protestant church exceptions, (Link): like this one, where the church’s preacher allegedly encouraged the women members to get abortions. But then, of course, there is information such as this: (Link): 2015 Poll: 70% of American Women Who Have Abortions Identify As Christian By and large, though, most churches are pro-life, not pro-choice. At one point in this essay, Sheehan says that although she and her male friend were not having sex, that due to being constantly suspected and accused of having sex by Christians at her church, is actually what in large measure drove her and her boyfriend to become sexually active with one another. Major irony there. Or maybe not… As I have said time and again at my blog, most Christians, just like secular culture, just blindly assumes that celibacy is impossible for anyone over the age of 25 or so, and that it is impossible for men and women to be platonic friends. It is entirely possible for men and women to remain friends, and it is entirely possible for an adult to stay celibate for months or years at a time. I have also explained before, in previous posts, that one reason there is so much fornication among Christian singles is precisely because most Christians have such low expectations: they expect that single adults will, or have, had sex outside of marriage. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy quite often. The couple discussed in this post were expected, assumed to be, and suspected by their fellow congregants of sleeping together; this couple got tired of being falsely accused, so they figured, well, we might as well have sex, since everyone is already assuming we are and harassing us over it. I also notice that one reason this woman’s husband, who was a Christian at one time, but is now an atheist or agnostic, began losing his faith over how miserably his grief (over the death of his father) was mishandled by Christians. Oh yes, I relate: after my family member’s passing a few years ago, rather than receiving love, empathy, and encouragement from Christians in my family or churches I went to, I instead received judgment, criticism, platitudes, or indifference. This in turn is one of several things that caused me to partially leave the Christian faith. One of a few things that caused Sheehan to leave the faith is over how one church she attended mishandled her abusive marriage – her priest told her to stay with the abusive husband. This advice is also usually given in Baptist or Protestant situations. Christians often put keeping an (abusive) marriage before the welfare of the two persons who comprise the marriage. Abused wives are usually instructed to stay with the abusive spouse and submit to the abuser more, or just pray about things. None of this resolves the situation but actually prolongs it. I am not surprised in light of all the insensitive treatment that she and her husband endured at the hands of other believers, that they both developed major doubts about Christianity and walked away from it. There were a few supportive comments to the woman who wrote this, in the comments area under the essay, but there were also a lot of hateful, judgmental, or naive posts left to her by Christians. There were also a few annoying posts by atheists who were just there to say “all religion is idiotic, there is no God” to any of the well-meaning, yet naive Christians who were telling her to hold on to the faith, in spite of the Christians who had been mean to her at her prior churches. Honestly, I wish those types of atheists would refrain from posting under articles like this one by Sheehan. I find their opportunistic, anti-theism drivel and rants to be about as bad as the nasty posts by the Christians who scolded Sheehan for leaving Christianity. (Link): Leaving Christianity gave me the fairy-tale ending I always wanted Divorce and pre-marital sex destroyed my relationship with Christianity by T. Sheehan My family has always been part of the Catholic Church, including being actively involved in fighting for those beliefs in Ireland and France through the centuries. It is all I knew and I never imagined a life without it. Even in today’s permissive society, divorce is still a huge don’t in the Catholic Church. When my priest advised me to stay in an abusive marriage rather than lose access to the Catholic religion, I stayed — until my husband left me for one of the many women he had been seeing. I went back to my priest for help but instead found myself without a church. Confused and directionless, I ended up seeking help at a Word of Faith Christian Church in Texas. Although the church and I both believed in Jesus, the similarities ended there. Everything was so different from what I had grown up with, it made the transition very difficult. They kept trying to break down my identity by using scripture to suggest that everything about me, from Catholicism to my Irish culture, was evil and against God. It was like going through spiritual boot camp as they attempted to rebuild me into a person that could gain access to heaven. During my time there, I met my current husband. He was also having a tough time as his father had died suddenly the year before, causing him to question the church he had been raised in and even the existence of God due to how they handled his grief. We became really good friends who spent hours talking as we each struggled with our sheltered worlds collapsing around us, no matter how hard we tried to fight to keep the walls intact. The damage in our lives, caused by blind devotion to a religion, forced us to question all the truths we had been raised to believe. Continue reading “Leaving Christianity gave me the fairy-tale ending I always wanted / Divorce and pre-marital sex destroyed my relationship with Christianity by T. Sheehan” Author christianpunditPosted on January 30, 2016 June 4, 2016 Categories abortion, abortion and birth control, abstinence, agnostic, agnostic agnosticism, agnostic angosticism, agnosticism, agnosticism agnostic, atheism, Atheism Atheist Atheists, atheist, atheist atheism, atheist atheism atheists, atheist atheists atheism, babies, baby, baby babies, celibacy, celibate, chastity, children, christian, christian marriage fairy tale teaching, christian material about singleness, Christian propaganda, christian teachings on dating marriage, christian women are visual too and like hot looking men, christianity, Christians Say They Support Virginity Sexual Purity Celibacy But Really Do Not, church, Church Quitters Leavers, conservative, conservative right wing, conservatives, control freaks, dating, dechurched, discrimination against singles, doctrine beliefs, domestic abuse, domestic abuse spousal abuse violence, domestic abuse violence spousal abuse, domestic spousal abuse violence, domestic violence, domestic violence abuse, domestic violence spousal abuse, domestic violence spouse abuse, dones, doubt, doubt doubting, ex Christian Christians, Expectation, faith, faith crisis, fathers fatherhood, fornication - sex outside of marriage, friends, friends friendship, friendship, friendships friendship, grief, grief grieving, grief mourning, grief mourning greiving, grieving, insensitive, judgmental, legalism, Legalism Legalistic Law Pharisaic, marriage, motherhood, mourning, mourning grief death loss, nones, nones dones, obnoxious, out of wedlock, parenthood, pastors, platitudes, preacher preachers preaching, premarital sex, premarital sex fornication, problem of suffering, prosperity gospel, protestant, Protestant Baptist, Roman Cahtolicism, Roman Catholic, Roman Catholic Catholicism, Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholicism Catholic, sex, sexual sin, single, singlehood, singleness, singles, stereotypes, supposedly impossible unrealistic to stay virgin or celibate, the dones, the nones, Uncategorized, unmarried singles stereotype not as mature responsible or sexually pure as married people, women like and want sex too, women like sex, Word of Faith Prosperity GospelTags abortion, Agnostic Agnosticism, atheist, atheist atheism, celibacy, celibate, Christian, Christianity, church, church quitters leavers, death, dones, ExChristian, fornication premarital sex, fornication sex before marriage, grief, marriage, mourning, nones, problem of evil, quitting church, singleness, virgin, virginityLeave a comment on Leaving Christianity gave me the fairy-tale ending I always wanted / Divorce and pre-marital sex destroyed my relationship with Christianity by T. Sheehan Christian couple maintains abstinence through first two years of marriage (Satire)	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1026
__label__wiki	0.625158	0.625158	Saving the Legacy Oral History Project Title Reece B. Robertson, Salt Lake City, Utah: an interview by Benjamin J. Bahlmann, March 7, 2002: Saving the Legacy tape nos. 498-500 Alternative Title Reece B. Robertson, Saving the legacy: an oral history of Utah's World War II veterans, ACCN 2070, American West Center, University of Utah Creator Robertson, Reece B., 1920- Contributor Bahlmann, Benjamin J.; University of Utah. American West Center Spatial Coverage Germany; Wyoming, United States Subject Robertson, Reece B., 1920- --Interviews; Veterans--United States--Biography; World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American; World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, American; World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Europe, Northern--Personal narratives, American; World War, 1939-1945--Prisoners and prisons, American; Prisoners of war--United States; Prisoners of war--Germany Keywords National Guard; Bomber pilots; POWs; Barth, Germany Description Transcript (104 pages) of an interview by Benjamin J. Bahlmann with Reece B. Robertson on March 7, 2002. From tape numbers 498, 499, and 500 in the "Saving the Legacy" Oral History Project Collection Number and Name Accn2070, Saving the Legacy oral history project, 2001-2010 Abstract Robertson (1920-2009) attended the University of Wyoming and joined the National Guard Calvary Unit, which was activated in February 1941. He was trained to fly the B26, A20, and A26 aircraft and was assigned to the European Theater. He served with the Ninth Air Force, 115th Bomb Group, 67th Squadron at Braintree in Southern England. He was shot down on Christmas Eve 1944, and held in Barth, Germany, at Stalag Luft One, which was later liberated by the Russian army. Interviewed by Benjamin Bahlmann. 104 pages. Extent 104 pages Scanning Technician Mazi Rakhsha Metadata Cataloger Matt Brunsvik; Jeremy Myntti; Ken Rockwell Conversion Specifications Original scanned with Kirtas 2400 and saved as 400 ppi uncompressed TIFF. PDF generated by Adobe Acrobat Pro X for CONTENTdm display ARK ark:/87278/s6rr41bb Topic Personal narratives--American; Veterans; World War (1939-1945); Military operations, Aerial--American; Prisoners of war Setname uum_slohp Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6rr41bb Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6rr41bb/1026991	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1032
__label__cc	0.704098	0.295902	Re: Freelancer is blackmailing me Mar 25, 2019 09:52:14 PM Edited Mar 25, 2019 10:11:54 PM by Zane B Zane B Member Since: Mar 23, 2019 Mar 25, 2019 02:25:07 AM by Zane B A freelancer finished the first version of my site mid last year (hourly rate contract), and when I said I would get a code review, they freaked out and admitted that the backend had "bad structure" and would not pass a code review. So they offered to rebuild the site for free. The new version has been code reviewed by 3 coders, and each said that there was a third party folder that contains the freelancer's in-house code that they must use as a base to start each new project, and that the freelancer should integrate that folder's code into my main code base. Otherwise the code is not complete and I am tied to them until I have it all. The freelancer claims it's safety thing, so that code reviewers can't steal the code. But since I am the owner of the code, surely it's up to me to arrange contracts with the reviewing parties. Which I did. So now they are saying that they will not hand over the complete code until I agree to their terms for a new contract and start paying them again. They are saying that I own the first version of the site, but not the new version, claiming that the new version was done outside of Upwork. But it wasn't. We simply paused payments while they rebuilt the site (Sept 2017 - March 10, 2019). And they only recently closed the contract, without discussing it first, on March 10. So the contract was active throughout the rebuild, but there was no time or payments logged. They admitted the first site was substandard, offered to rebuild without payment, but won't hand over the code until I start a new contract with them. 1/ Given what I explained, who actually owns the code? 2/ Is this blackmaill? 3/ How can I get the code for my site? Upwork are calling me tomorrow morning. But I'd appreciate any wisdom you could share with regard to this situation so I can sleep better tonight! Mar 25, 2019 02:55:46 AM by Goran V Hi Zane, I would like just to remind you that our team has already reached out to you via ticket to assist you further and is waiting on your response back. Please refer to your ticket with number 25026016, you can access your tickets on this Link. Thank you. Hi Goran, That was a different issue regarding feedback. I have booked a call with Upwork for that. Mar 25, 2019 02:56:05 AM by Petra R Strictly speaking, on an hourly contract, you own the one you paid to have built... You paid for the time, not any specific deliverable. You are also not able to dispute anything, as the last payment was so long ago. You may also not strictly speaking be the owner of the new code as you didn't pay for it. I am fairly certain Upwork will be very careful stepping into this as their hands are tied through their terms of service and it has been so long since you actually paid under the contract. What happened about the feedback blackmail? I would hazard a guess Upwork can do some leaning on the freelancer(s) over the feedback blackmail etc, but strictly speaking "free work" could be considered to include work on an hourly that the freelancer is not allowed to track time for, and at any rate, your ability to dispute ended 30 days after the last payment. Are those people in the same country you are in? The whole thing is an almighty mess. Good question. As it was an hourly contract and you didn't pay anything for the creation of the second code, I am entirely unconvinced that you would be able to claim ownership... That really rather depends on the answer to 1/ above. That also really rather depends on the answer to 1/ above. Hi Petra, "Strictly speaking, on an hourly contract, you own the one you paid to have built... You paid for the time, not any specific deliverable." Have I not paid for their time to build the deliverable I decribed in the original job post? Again, they insisted on rebuilding the site after completing a badly structured first version, by their own admission. These were their exact words: “We are also learning in our mistakes. We make it in Angular but during years we also think that, ok, this thing we developed wrong. It working. But we develop wrong structure. Do you get what I mean? So why we cannot have better things? So if we give you this code to review someone for example who have 10 years experience in Angular.js he can told you ok, this, this, this, is wrong. This not something professional. So for that we are rewriting it for making everything in right way. In right programming way.” That was them saying we are so sorry. It's not going to fair well in a code review. We insist on rebuilding it for you at no charge and you will be happy with the result. There were no conditions attached it, except for the ones you are saying in Upwork's. It took them 2 weeks to convince me to take this path with them. I just wanted to launch what we had. "Are those people in the same country you are in?" I am in Australia, they are in Armenia. "The whole thing is an almighty mess." Don't I know it! To add fuel to the fire, the original job post was "AngularJS and Laravel developer required." They assured us we were getting a Laravel 5 backend, even in this rebuild. But in this new version that they're refusing to hand over, they swapped out Laravel's ORM 'Eloquent' for older tech known as Doctrine. So now the backend is only 5% Laravel and the rest is a mish mash of Doctrine and other swapouts, meaning no other Laravel developer will touch it. We know. We've already been turned down numerous times for this reason. All 3 code reviewers said this is clearly a deliberate tactic to tie you to them. To me, this alone would be reason to expect a full refund - I didn't get the Laravel backend I paid for. But if you're saying that Upwork would not consider me to be the owner of a site and its code that was a rebuild to replace the freelancer's initial substandard effort (which they've admitted to) that was paid for in full, then I don't see there being any recourse in tackling the Laravel issue. If Upwork allows freelancers to make 2 attempts at getting something right, and considers only the initial time, and considers only the software produced in that time the property of the client, then freelancers may be tempted to take a client's money and produce substandard work, amend their work in the form of a rebuild, and leave the client without ownership of the usable product. Therefore walking away with the client's intellectual property and launchable code and get it to market before the client. A court of law in Australia wouldn't see my situation this way. And I don't think the US courts would be any different. Both consumer law and contractual law ensure a customer gets exactly what they paid for. A refund or replacement is easily obtainable. AND the replacement IS the property of the customer. In my case, I needed a site, the freelancer took my money, built me a site, told me himself it was no good, and offered to build me the one I paid for... I really hope Upwork will consider my situation and see it for what it is. As we speak, the freelancer is using Upwork's laws to their advantage and pressuring me into a new contract with them in order for me to own and have access to my code. It's blackmail, I think that's really unfair, and I think it's ok to challenge terms and conditions if they can be improved... Mar 25, 2019 07:20:52 AM Edited Mar 25, 2019 07:38:08 AM by Preston H re: "Have I not paid for their time to build the deliverable I decribed in the original job post?" No. Hourly contracts entail paying for a freelancer's time, not a specified deliverable. Fixed-price contracts are used for hiring a freelancer to create a specified deliverable. re: "A court of law in Australia wouldn't see my situation this way. And I don't think the US courts would be any different." None of that is relevant. Upwork is a website. How Upwork functions is governed by the source code behind the site, and the policies that its employees follow. For example, if there is or is not a button that says "Request Refund", that is determined by source code, and that source code has no way of "knowing" about the laws of any country. Upwork employees follow Upwork policies, or at least they are supposed to. Just like employees of any other company. You may think the laws of a country, state or city are interesting, but those laws are not what controls the things that happen on Upwork. This is no different than how things work on Google, Amazon, Facebook, and every other website. Sometimes active legislators or bureaucrats put enough pressure on websites to change how they do things, and sometimes websites actively strive to follow legal regulations. But that doesn't mean that just because you see a law written down somewhere, that a particular website is complying with that law in a way that fits your understanding of the law. The most expedient way to deal with Upwork is through Upwork, as the original poster seems to have already concluded. re: "As we speak, the freelancer is using Upwork's laws to their advantage and pressuring me into a new contract with them in order for me to own and have access to my code. It's blackmail, I think that's really unfair, and I think it's ok to challenge terms and conditions if they can be improved." It is not clear to me why you need a new contract. If the work has already been done, can't this be handled simply with a bonus payment? This WOULD BE SAFER AND BETTER for the freelancer than a new contract. Because with a new contract, you could potentially give him a bad review. But if you simply pay him a bonus payment (which you can do through Upwork even if there are no contract open), then there is no risk to the freelancer. Have you asked him how much it would cost? I think this freelancer is completely out of line, but if he gives you a number, then look at that number as a business expense, and don't think about things being "fair" or "unfair." Because this is just business for you, and you are not the freelancer's pastor, priest or rabbi. If the freelancer actions cause him to accrue bad karma, then that is on him, and you have nothing to feel guilty about. Mar 25, 2019 08:16:33 AM Edited Mar 25, 2019 08:33:53 AM by Zane B Hi Preston, The new contract is for starting the next phase of the site. New features etc. They're saying if I commit to a new contract then they see no reason why I cannot have my complete code immediately. Which makes no sense to me, since we could start the contract, they'd then hand over the code, and I could cancel the contract that week and leave a bad review. A smarter approach would be to avoid the blackmail stuff, hand over the code, and hope that I continue to work with them long term (since they know the code and would be the most economical choice to move forward with). An Upwork rep is calling me in 10 hours. I'll see what they say. A bonus might be the way through this, as you say. I understand Upwork, like other sites, has its own rules. But rules can be change can't they? Not owning your rebuild because a freelancer messed up their first attempt at your site, admitted it, offered to rebuild it for free, only to end up the owner your site, leaving you with nothing to launch, seems like an absurd rule to me. Thanks again for your help. I really do appreciate you taking the time. Zane B wrote: As we speak, the freelancer is using Upwork's laws to their advantage and pressuring me into a new contract with them in order for me to own and have access to my code. There is no such thing as "Upwork law" - Being practical, if you were to decide to go the legal route you'd have to try and sue someone half a world away with no guarantee that even if you were to win, any such judgment may not be easy to actually turn into cash. That route may cost as much or more than you stand to gain (of course I don't know how much you paid for your site.) You were very hard done by if your account of the matters are accurate and complete (and of course there is no reason to think otherwise.) I really hope "something" can be worked out for you. "There is no such thing as "Upwork law" " I was making a point that Upwork's terms and conditions, pertaining to my situation in particluar, seem to be in conflict to consumer protection laws and contractual laws in western countries. Re law suit: Suing a company in Armenia isn't an option, of course. I wasn't suggesting it was an option. I was asnwering your question regarding their country of origin. The consumer and contractual laws comments were to highlight that there is a great deal more protection for the end user for the millions of products and services in western countries, than there is for a comparitive situation as an Upwork user/client. And I am pointing at my case, as an example. I think you, in a previous post (forgive me if I'm misquoting), and few others, said that I only own the first version of my site when I was paying the freelancer hourly. And that I may not own the rebuild they did where the contract was paused and payments ceased. I paid for a particular deliverable, they admitted it was substandard, they insisted on rebuilding it (on paused/unpaid time), but I don't own the new deliverable. They do. So that seems to be in contrast to what clients/customers would legally be entitled to in the world outside of Upwork, covered by consumer and contractual laws that protect the end user to ensure they receive what they paid for. So Upwork's terms and conditions, as they stand, create a loophole whereby a freelancer could potentially exploit these terms, build a substandard product, deliberately, on an hourly contract, offer to rebuild the site for free with the contract paused, now OWN the code, and then insist that the client needs to pay for the new rebuild (or missing code) in order to own what was not delivered to standard (by admission of the freelancer) in the first place. If at that point, the client is out of money and has no money to pursue the freelancer legally (regardless of their country of origin), then the freelancer can walk away with a code they now own, launch it, profit from it, and leave the client in their loophole dust. I now understand Upwork's rules surrounding this situation of mine, I realise they don't align with other common laws we are all used to as consumers/end users in the everyday world, I am simply saying that it is a rule that is serving the freelancer only, and while it stands, unchallenged, it is harming clients, losing them money, and robbing them of a website they feel they have paid for. May I at least offer a solution to everyone at Upwork, from this community forum, all the way up to Upwork management, whereby Upwork can keep their rules exactly as they are, while taking 1 small extra step to ensure clients like myself do not unknowingly fall prey to the small number of unscrupulous freelancers out there... When a client clicks the pause button on their hourly contract, could Upwork simply add a pop up that clearly states: "Please be aware, that by pausing payments to your freelancer in an hourly contract, you may not be entitled to ownership of work created by the freelancer from this point onward. We suggest you contact the freelancer directly through Upwork messaging and negotiate who will own all code created after this contract is paused." Technically, and legally, I am the owner of the content in the artwork attached to this post, but I hereby surrender all ownership of such content, and grant Upwork full ownership of the content to use on their website, and anywhere else they see fit to use it. One final thought... I think it will save everyone's time (you've all been so wonderful and so helpful to me in throughout this 24 hour crashing of my world, and I sincerely thank you for the time and advice you have given to me), and whole lot of heartache, if a simple preventative measure like this can be put in place. Thanks again everyone. And sorry for hijacking your post Petra Pausing Contract.png Will L Member Since: Jul 9, 2015 Mar 25, 2019 03:47:00 AM by Will L Zane, Did you also post this question on the Clients discussions board. It is more likely you'll find a fellow client there who has experienced this kind of action from a freelancer and would have some useful advice for you. I don't think you'll find any freelancer who regularly posts on this Freelancers board who would have any direct experience doing what you describe. f95ad7ec b4d4156b louisaj	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1042
__label__wiki	0.893756	0.893756	News from Sugar Land \| Missouri City BREAKING: The Sugar Land 95 have been laid to rest (Beth Marshall/Community Impact Newspaper) By Beth Marshall \| 11:17 AM Dec. 3, 2019 CST \| Updated 11:17 AM Dec. 3, 2019 CST The remains of The Sugar Land 95, the individuals discovered at an unmarked, historic cemetery at the James Reese Career and Technical Center's construction site in Fort Bend ISD have been laid to rest at the site where their remains were originally found, according to a Dec. 3 release from FBISD. The reburial of the Sugar Land 95, completed last week, followed a ceremony Nov. 17 to honor the unnamed individuals, which was met with some backlash from community members who felt the remains should not have been reburied until their identities and descendants could be determined. The remains are believed to be African American men and boys who were leased to a local plantation to provide labor through the state-sanctioned convict leasing system. This system provided inexpensive labor to wealthy plantation owners following the abolition of slavery in 1865. Prior to reburial, each gravesite and burial vessel was carefully marked so that individuals could be reunified with family should descendants be identified in the future, the release said. The process is ongoing to identify any possible descendants through DNA analysis, the release said. During a Nov. 21 community symposium hosted by FBISD at the James Reese Career and Technical Center, archaeologists, historians and geneticists shared information about the abandoned Bullhead Camp Cemetery, which is the name the Texas Historical Commission has given the cemetery, the release stated. The symposium also provided an update on the accompanying research that is underway, including genealogical and genetic research, which could take three to four years to complete. The Texas Attorney General issued an opinion in June 2019 confirming the commission had the authority to authorize the extraction of biological samples for isotope analysis and DNA sequencing. Following this opinion, the archaeologists and genetic researchers extracted the tooth and bone samples necessary for future DNA and isotope testing. These samples have been entrusted to the University of Texas’ Archaeological Research Laboratory in Austin for curation. This fall, the commission granted an antiquities permit to a team of researchers based on a research proposal for the extraction and analysis of ancient DNA at the University of Connecticut. Pursuant to that permit, TARL forwarded samples to the University of Connecticut for genetic analysis, the release stated. Researchers have secured some grant funding to begin the DNA extractions, but additional funding will be needed to complete the remaining DNA extractions, analysis, comparisons to existing databases, public outreach and genealogical studies, according to the release. FBISD students will lead a public memorial in the spring of 2020 to celebrate the historic discovery, and the release said the district will keep the community updated as plans are finalized. For more background on the discovery, visit www.fortbendisd.com/sugarland95. Tags: sugar land 95 , fort bend isd , breaking news , sugar land breaking news , James Reese Career and Technical Center By Beth Marshall Born and raised in Montgomery County, Beth Marshall graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in communication and a minor in business. Originally hired as a reporter for The Woodlands edition in 2016, she became editor of the Sugar Land/Missouri City edition in October 2017. 9 Fort Bend high school musicals to see in January and February Local high schools have performances Jan. 16-Feb. 1. Edward Jones financial advisor Gabriel Trevino moving to the Crossing at Telfair Trevino's current office is located on Sweetwater Boulevard. Missouri City restaurant Cabo Dogs Lounge and Grill changes name, plans to open in March The restaurant will serve a fusion of Baja Mediteranean and Tex-Mex cuisine. Houston Ground Angels seeking volunteers to drive patients to Texas Medical Center Houston Ground Angels is a nonprofit organization that provides transportation between local airports and the Texas Medical Center for patients with cancer and other life-threatening diseases and illnesses. MAP: Here’s where to vote early in Fort Bend County for the 2020 primary elections Early voting runs Feb. 18-28, and election day is March 3. Fort Bend ISD opens 8 mental health centers on school campuses as students return from winter break Using money from a $1.5 million grant, Fort Bend ISD has opened mental health centers at eight schools in the Hightower, Marshall and Willowridge feeder patterns as of Jan. 10. Friday night storms could bring 75 mph wind gusts; how to prepare for strong winds The Storm Prediction Center has issued tornado, wind, and hail probability maps for Jan. 10. The greatest threat for severe weather remains north of I-10. ABC 13 will get four more updates of all these maps from the Storm Prediction Center throughout the day. Willie Nelson, Maren Morris, Khalid among entertainers announced for Rodeo Houston 2020 The concert lineup for the 88th annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was officially announced at 7 p.m. on Jan. 9. METRO conducts study to examine eliminating ride fares The results of the yearlong study will be presented Jan. 15. Service First Automotive to open Sienna location in early February Xfinity opens new location in University Commons shopping center in Sugar Land OMG Burger open in Sugar Land with menu catering to dietary needs 32 places to shop that opened in Missouri City and Sugar Land in 2019	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1043
__label__cc	0.691255	0.308745	View source for 2011 Group 1 Project ← 2011 Group 1 Project [[File:Neurons.jpg\|500px\|thumb\|right\| Neurons]] =Synaptic Junction= Synaptic junctions form the connection point between two neurons. Neurons are a specialized cell which form the network of nerves, spinal cord and brain. This nervous system controls the actions of the body while also transmitting information to different parts of it. The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS) while nerves and ganglia which span out from the spinal cord to limbs and organs make up the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). Information including sensory stimuli, motor control and involuntary activity are all communicated throughout the body by the nervous system. Electrical signals that carry information throughout the body are transmitted through the nervous system by the communication of neurons. The synaptic junction is where neurons transmit this signal from one to one another, either electrically or chemically. Without synaptic junctions, information and signals cannot be transmitted. These characteristics will be addressed later, as this page explores the nature the synaptic junction. == History == [[File:Charles Sherrington and John Eccles.JPG\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Charles Sherrington, John Eccles, and the Modern Study of Synaptic Transmission]] • '''1897'''- Term synapse introduced at turn of the century by Charles Sherrington to describe the zone of contact between neurons<ref>Principles of Neuroscience (Fourth Edition) Eric R. Kandel, James H. Schwartz, Thomas M. Jessel. Published by McGraw-Hill (2000)</ref>. • '''1900'''- Notion of a receptor introduced by German bacteriologist Paul Ehrlich, he wrote “Chemical Substances are only able to exercise an action on the tissue elements with which they are able to establish a chemical relationship”. • '''1906'''- English pharmacologist John Langley postulated sensitivity of skeletal muscle to curare and nicotine was caused by a “receptive molecule.” • '''1920s'''- Otto Lowei shows that ACh, a chemical compound, conveys signals from the vagus nerve to the heart. • '''1930s'''- This discovery led to a debate over how chemical signals could generate electrical activity at other synapses. One side argued that all synaptic transmission is electrical; the action potential in the pre synaptic neuron generates the potential that flows passively into the post synaptic cell. The other that transmission is chemical, initiating the current flow in the post synaptic neuron<ref>Principles of Neuroscience (Fourth Edition) Eric R. Kandel, James H. Schwartz, Thomas M. Jessel. Published by McGraw-Hill (2000)</ref>. • '''1939'''- Discovery that action potential in the presynaptic fibre does not lead to direct initiation of action potential in the post synaptic fibre. • '''1950s''' John Eccles and colleagues experiment on synaptic mechanisms if the spinal motor neuron, giving insight into synapses in the CNS mediated by ionotropic receptors. • '''1958'''- Furshpan and Potter first demonstrated electrical synaptic transmission to occur at the giant motor synapse of crayfish. First example of a real electrical synapse. • '''1963'''- Krnjevic and Phyllis release a paper titled “Iontophoretic studies of neurons in the cerebral cortex.” This is the first demonstration of glutamate and GABA as neurotransmitters in the CNS. • '''1970s'''- freeze-fracture techniques applied by Thomas Reese and John Hueser, discovering properties of transmitter release. • '''1976'''- First successful recordings of single ACh gated channels by Erwin Neher and Bert Sakmann showing that channels open and close in a step like manner, generating very small rectangular steps of ionic current. • '''1981'''- Watkins provides evidence for three different types of ionotropic glutamate receptors. • '''1999'''- Studies by Galarreta and Hestrin indicate electrical coupling is a fundamental feature of local inhibitory circuits and suggest that electrical synapses define functionally diverse networks of GABA-releasing interneurons<ref><pubmed>11389476</pubmed></ref>. . • '''2005'''- Gillispie, Kim and Kandler discover inhibitory synapses in the developing auditory system are glutametergic<ref><pubmed>15746915</pubmed></ref>. • '''2006'''- Chávez, Singer and Diamond have a study published entitled "Fast neurotransmitter release triggered by Ca influx through AMPA-type glutamate receptors". The study reveals a previously unknown form of feedback inhibition within a neural circuit<ref><pubmed>17036006</pubmed></ref>. ==What is a Synaptic Junction== [[File:Neuron Cell Synaptic Junction.JPG\|350px\|thumb\|right\| Neuron Cell Synapse junction]] [[File:Em synapse.JPG\|200px\|thumb\|left\| Em Synapse]]By definition, synapse is a site between to nerve cells, and junction means; to join. Thus the term synaptic junction describes the region of contact between two neurons where impulses is transmitted from one to another. This communication normally occurs between pre-synaptic side ( '''axon terminal''' of the transmitting neuron ) and post-synaptic side ('''receiving neuron''', muscle or gland). The nerve impulses are conveyed through the action of what is called neurotransmitters including; Acetylcholine (ACh), Norepinephrine (NE), Dopamine (DA), Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These neurotransmitters are stored and carried by membrane bound organelles called synaptic vesicles. The number of the vesicles varies and depends on whether the synapse is active or not. Moreover, the size is actually dependent upon the neurotransmitter type; fast-acting with 50nm diameter with clear centers, whereas, slow-acting with more than 100nm in diameter with dense core under the electron microscope. <ref> Burns ME, Augustine GJ. Synaptic structure and function: dynamic organization yields architectural precision. Cell. 1995; 83:187-94 </ref> <ref>Murthy, V. (2000). information released on Synapse. Cell. 101 (0), 123-157</ref> <ref>Burgin,A.M , F.J. Eisenhart, S.M. Baca, W.B. Kristan Jr. and K.A. French.(2005). Sequential development of electrical and chemical synaptic connections generates a specific behavioral circuit in the leech, J Neurosci 25, pp. 2478–2489 </ref> The components of a synapse are demonstrated through the schematic sketch. These include; 1) Synaptic bulb axon terminal: 2) Synaptic Vesicle: 3) Neurotransmitter molecules: 4) Synaptic cleft: 5) Post-synaptic membrane: 6) Receptor site: 7) Neurotransmitter binding site: ==Types of Synaptic Junctions== Cell to cell communication occurs through a variety of synapses. The most significant synapses are classified under either electrical or chemical synapses. '''1)Electrical Synapses''' [[File:Electrical Synapses.JPG\|350px\|thumb\|right\|Electrical Synapses]] Electrical synapses; or what is known as bridging junctions are defined as electrical and mechanical conductive links that correspond to the narrow gap (gap junction) between the pre and post synaptic neurons of soma (neuron cell bodies). Protein channels are found to be connecting both pre and post synaptic cytoplasmic membranes. As a result, a low resistant electrical pathway is generated between the adjacent neurons, permitting a current flow passively from one neuron to the next. Neurons that are joined this way are referred to as electrically coupled. Moreover, electrical synapses conduct impulses very rapidly due to the short distance gap(3.5nm). Therefore, they are found in regions that depend on fast responses such as reflexes from the brain (jerky movements of the eye). Another key feature of these synapses is the synchronizing activity between the connected neurons. Finally, electrical synapses are usually bidirectional; allows transmission of ions in either direction. Nonetheless, some of these synapses can be unidirectional. <ref> Jay R. Gibson, Michael Beierlein, and Barry W. Connors. (2005). Functional Properties of Electrical Synapses Between Inhibitory Interneurons of Neocortical Layer 4. Journal of Neurophysiology. 93 (1), 467-480 .  electrical type. Link: http://jn.physiology.org/content/93/1/467.full.pdf+html </ref> <ref>Hormuzdi.S,G. et al.. (2004). Electrical synapses: a dynamic signaling system that shapes the activity of neuronal networks. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. 1662 (0), 113–137</ref> <ref> Fukuda, T. & Kosaka, T.(2000). The dual network of GABAergic interneurons linked by both chemical and electrical synapses: a possible infrastructure of the cerebral cortex. Neurosci. Res. 38, 123–130.</ref> '''2)Chemical Synapses''' [[File:Chemical Synapse.JPG\|350px\|thumb\|right\|Chemical Synapse]] On the contrary, Chemical synapses are known as specialized junctions by which chemical neurotransmitter are released and received. A single chemical synapse has two significant parts; axon terminal and receptive region. The key feature in the first part is membrane bound organelles, referred to as synaptic vesicles. These vesicles store and carry the chemical neurotransmitter molecules. Next, the molecules are secreted by exocytosis from the pre-synaptic part through the synaptic cleft , which is fluid filled region. The neurotransmitters bind to the receptors located on the pos-tsynaptic membrane. Consequently, post-synaptic channels are opened or closed, resulting in a change in the ions ability to flow in or out of the post-synaptic region. The flow of ions in chemical synapses is merely unidirectional. Furthermore, due to the distance difference between the pre and post-synaptic membranes (20-40nm), transmission of impulses is slower than electrical synapses. Finally, the transmission of signals across these synapses requires the secretion of neurotransmitters and binding to the receptors to generate a synaptic current and membrane potential. <ref>Elaine N. Marieb (2004). human anatomy and physiology. 2nd ed. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings. 976.</ref> <ref>J. G. NICHOLLS AND D. PURVES. (1972). A COMPARISON OF CHEMICAL AND ELECTRICAL SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION BETWEEN SINGLE SENSORY CELLS AND A MOTONEURONE IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE LEECH. Journal of physiology. 225 (0), 637-656.</ref> It should be noted that there are other synapses. These include; ''Axo-axonic synapse'': connects between axon terminal and another. ''Axodendritic synapse'': connects between axon terminal and dendrites ''Axosomatic synapse'': connects between axon terminal and cell body ''Dendrodendritic synapse'': connects between dendrite and another dendrite '''Summary of electrical and chemical synapses:''' {\| {{table}} \| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''Types of synapses''' \| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''Distance between pre and postsynptic cell membrane''' \| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''intercellular continuity between pre and postsynaptic cells''' \| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''Key features''' \| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''agents of transmission''' \| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''Direction of transmission''' \| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''Location''' \|- \| Electrical\|\|3.5nm\|\|Yes\|\|Gap junction channels \|\|Ion current\|\|mostly bidirectional\|\|Fast responses regions(brain), i.e. reflexes. \|- \| Chemical\|\|20-40nm\|\|No\|\|Pre-synaptic vesicles and; synaptic cleft\|\|Chemical transmitter(neurotransmitter)\|\|Unidirectional.\|\|Muscles, glands, neurons. \|- \| \|} ==Synaptic Integration and Modulation== To understand the synaptic junction’s role in neural modulation and integration, it is important to understand why these functions exist. As stated previously, the nervous system contains a network of many interlinking neurons, allowing communication between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body<ref>Principles of Neuroscience (Fourth Edition) Eric R. Kandel, James H. Schwartz, Thomas M. Jessel. Published by McGraw-Hill (2000)</ref>. However, the human body does not need all nerve cells to be innervated at one time. It must coordinate the firing of all the nerves so that people can function normally. Included in this is the actions and processing performed subconsciously. For example, we do not focus on contracting our hamstrings then allowing them to be extended while we are walking. Instead, our nervous system allows these movements to occur subconsciously. This coordination occurs through integration and modulation. Modulation occurs at the synaptic junction, where pre synaptic inhibition allows for greater control<ref>Principles of Human Physiology (2002) Germann, Stanfield. Published by Benjamin Cummings</ref>. [[File:Transmission in Neural Networks.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|center\| Steps of Transmission in Neural Networks<ref><pubmed>21503145</pubmed></ref>]]<ref><pubmed>21503145</pubmed></ref> The interlinking pathways between neurons form converging and diverging organisations. Convergence describes many neurons synapsing onto a single post synaptic neuron, whereas divergence is when a neuron itself synapses onto multiple neurons. Almost all neurons receive convergent input, which allows for flexible control<ref>Human Physiology: An Ingegrated Approach (2001) Silverthorn DU. Published by Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey </ref>. [[File:Convergence and Divergence of Neural Pathways.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Convergence and Divergence]] '''The Action Potential and Summation''' In chemical synaptic junctions, the action potential arriving at the pre synaptic terminal is responsible for the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft, allowing excitation to continue to the post synaptic cell<ref><pubmed>11317268</pubmed></ref> . Briefly, the action potential is a rapid depolarization that travels down the axon of a neuron. This is due to the actions of several channel types which are voltage dependent, allowing the depolaristion to propagate down an axon. It is an all-or-nothing event, where a certain threshold must be reached before the action potential is produced and fired from the axon hillock. The action potential is always the same size once activated, and also travels down collateral branches of the axons, reaching the pre synaptic terminal of many synaptic junctions<ref>Principles of Human Physiology (2002) Germann, Stanfield. Published by Benjamin Cummings</ref>. This organising allows for greater control of signalling, as each neuron receives many inputs from numerous dendrites, called graded potentials. The summation of these graded potentials into the cell must add up to a set threshold potential, or greater, to induce an action potential. This table gives the differences between the graded potential and action potential: {\| {{table}} \| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''Graded Potential''' \| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"\|'''Action Potential''' \|- \| Travel a short distance\|\|long distance, fast, regenerative\|\| \|- \| Mostly chemically gated ion channels\|\|Require voltage gated ion channels\|\| \|- \| Strength varies with stimulus\|\|Same strength-frequency increases\|\| \| \|} <ref>Bear, Connors, & Paradiso(2007). Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore MD.</ref> Graded potentials can vary in size because they depend on the amount of neurotransmitter released. This is achieved through the regulation of free calcium inside the cell<ref><pubmed>19005071</pubmed></ref>. Axoaxonic synapses control calcium influx into the pre-synaptic terminal of . If more neurotransmitters bind to receptors, the amplitude of the depolarization increases. Summation to threshold can occur in two ways, or a combination of these two ways; ''Spatial summation'': a graded potential can travel to a neuron from several synapses. Spatial summation is the addition of simulation graded potentials arriving from different synapses. ''Temporal summation'': a second graded potential from a single synapse can occur before a previous one is completed. This means that the second graded potential is added to the potential at which the membrane is in that point in time, not the resting membrane potential. If above threshold, this summation also leads to an action potential. '''Pre-synaptic Modulation''' [[File:Presynaptic and postsynaptic inhibition.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|right\| Pre Synaptic and Post Synaptic Inhibition]] There are two main types of modulation; pre-synaptic and post synaptic. Pos-tsynaptic modulation occurs through either IPSPs or EPSPs. The axon terminals synapsing onto either the cell body of the post synaptic cell (axosomatic synapse) or its dendrites (axodendratic synapse) are the structures involved in post synaptic inhibition. No modulation of the synapse itself occurs. Instead, these work by either adding to or reducing the combined total of the graded potentials onto the post synaptic cell. Our focus is on the synaptic junction, and since no modulation of the synapse itself, we will shift our attention to pre-synaptic modulation<ref><pubmed>21262468</pubmed></ref>. Pre-synaptic modulation occurs on the pre-synaptic terminal, directly affecting the release of neurotransmitters onto the target cell. This is known as volume modulation, as the number of neurotransmitters which bind to receptors affects the amplitude of the graded potential to be received by the post-synaptic cell body<ref><pubmed>10202545</pubmed></ref>. Axoaxonic synapses occur in both pre-synaptic facilitation and inhibition. For the modulatory mechanism to be facilitating, the modulating axon when it is excited causes an increase in the amount of neurotransmitter released from the pre synaptic terminal of the axon it synapses on to. The opposite happens for inhibitory modulation, where excitation of the modulatory neuron causes a decrease in neurotransmitter release from the pre-synaptic terminal<ref><pubmed>10202545</pubmed></ref>. [[File:Calcium_voltage_channel.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|left\| Proposed Model for the voltage dependent calcium channels<ref><pubmed>21150316</pubmed></ref>]] This is achieved through the regulation of free calcium inside the cell<ref><pubmed>12813154</pubmed></ref>. Axoaxonic synapses control calcium influx into the pre-synaptic terminal of its post synaptic cell (that is, the cell which is having its neurotransmitter release modified). By altering the amount of calcium that that flows into a terminal, small changes in the resting membrane potential can make an effective synapse inoperative or a weak synapse highly effective<ref><pubmed>21292979</pubmed></ref>. Three mechanisms have been recognised as causing pre-synaptic inhibition (''experimenting with the neurons of invertebrates and mechano-receptor neurons of vertebrates)'': • Activation of metabotropic receptors that leads to simultaneous closure of Ca2+ channels and opening voltage gated K+ channels, both of which decrease the influx of of Ca2+ and enhances re-polarization of the cell • Activation of ionotrpoic GABA-gated Cl- channels, resulting in greater Cl- conductance, decreasing amplitude of action potential in pre-synaptic terminal. As a result, less depolarization occurs and fewerCa2+ channels are activated • The third is less understood, but seems to work by decreasing sensitivity of one or more steps involved in the release process <ref>Principles of Neuroscience (Fourth Edition) Eric R. Kandel, James H. Schwartz, Thomas M. Jessel. Published by McGraw-Hill (2000)</ref>. Pre-synaptic facilitation can be caused by an enhance influx of Ca2+. This can be achieved by closing K+ channels, thereby allowing Ca2+ influx to occur for longer. It is thought that facilitation generally occurs by depolarizing the pre-synaptic terminal, enhancing Ca+ influx in this way. It is this ability to regulate Ca2+ in the pre-synaptic terminal that gives chemical synapses their flexible controlcell<ref><pubmed>19005071</pubmed></ref>. Many types of neurotransmitters exist and the ability to manipulate their release is fundamental in prioritizing and organizing communication in the nervous system. ==Neurotransmitters== [[File:Neurotransmitters.JPG\|350px\|thumb\|right\| Neurotransmitters]] <ref>Schwartz, J. H. 2001. Neurotransmitters. eLS http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/npg.els.0000287/full</ref> As previously mentioned synapse could either be “chemical” or electrical and the presence of neurotransmitters is the distinguishing feature of the chemical synapse. General Neurotransmitters are chemicals produced by the pre-synaptic neuron which is stored in synaptic vesicles and released into the synaptic cleft. The major role for neurotransmitter is to allow transmission of signals between neurons.These neurotransmitters would only bind to specific receptors on the post-synaptic neuron to produce any response. In the synaptic cleft the neurotransmitter could either diffuse and metabolize or undergoes reuptake back into the pre-synaptic neurons. However, special types of neurotransmitters such as Peptide neurotransmitters (histamine, cholecystokinin, neuropeptide Y, and somatostatin) are not produced from terminal buttons of axon but rather from the cell body. Moreover, in rare cases some neurotransmitters such as Nitric oxide and carbon monoxide transport retrograde (from axon back to the soma)which is opposite to the general neurotransmitter where the synaptic vesicles transport is through anterograde. Neurotransmitters could be categorized into 2 major groups inhibitory and excitatory according to their reaction on the post-synaptic neuron membrane. '''Inhibitory neurotransmitters'''-causes hyper-polarization that prevent action potential in post-synaptic neuron (calm the brain) '''Excitatory neurotransmitters'''-causes depolarization which promotes action potential in post-synaptic neuron(stimulate the brain) {\|border="1px" cellspacing="1" align="center" cellpadding="5" \|+ '''Types of neurotransmitters''' <ref>Nicoll Roger A, "Chapter 21. Introduction to the Pharmacology of CNS Drugs" (Chapter). Katzung BG: Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 11e: http://www.accessmedicine.com.wwwproxy0.library.unsw.edu.au/content.aspx?aID=4519043 </ref> !style="background:Pink; color:black"\| Types of neurotransmitters !style="background:yellow; color:black"\| General Names !style="background:Green; color:white"\| Function !style="background:blue; color:white"\| Abnormalities \|- \|Biogenic amines <ref> Barrett KE, Barman SM, Boitano S, Brooks H, "Chapter 7. Neurotransmitters & Neuromodulators" (Chapter). Barrett KE, Barman SM, Boitano S, Brooks H: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 23e: http://www.accessmedicine.com.wwwproxy0.library.unsw.edu.au/content.aspx?aID=5241648 </ref> \|Dopamine,epinephrine,noreepinephrine ,serotonin and histamine \|• Involved in mood and behavior • Blood pressure control • Sexual behavior • Arousal • Motivation • Fight or Flight response \|• Parkinson’s disease • Mood disorder • Anxiety • Schizophrenia \|- \|Neuropeptide <ref> Schorge JO, Schaffer JI, Halvorson LM, Hoffman BL, Bradshaw KD, Cunningham FG, "Chapter 15. Reproductive Endocrinology" (Chapter). Schorge JO, Schaffer JI, Halvorson LM, Hoffman BL, Bradshaw KD, Cunningham FG: Williams Gynecology: http://www.accessmedicine.com.wwwproxy0.library.unsw.edu.au/content.aspx?aID=3155958 </ref> \|Neuropeptide Y \|Influences • behavior • learning • memory • appetite • sleep cycle \|• Anorexia • Bulimia • Obesity \|- \|Acetylcholine \| none \|• Involved in activation of skeletal muscle • Cognitive function-especially memory \|• Myasthenia gravis • Lambert-Eaton • Botulism \|- \|Excitatory amino neurotransmitters \|Glutamate,glycine and aspartic acid \|Major excitatory neurotransmitter in spinal cord \|• Hyperekplexia (myoclonic startle syndrome) • Seizures due to ingestion of domoic acid • Rasmussen's encephalitis \|- \|Inhibitory Amino neurotransmitters <ref> Hauser Stephen L, Beal M. F, "Chapter 360. Mechanisms of Neurologic Diseases" (Chapter). Fauci AS, Braunwald E, Kasper DL, Hauser SL, Longo DL, Jameson JL, Loscalzo J: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17e: http://www.accessmedicine.com.wwwproxy0.library.unsw.edu.au/content.aspx?aID=2900867 </ref> \|Gamma Aminobutyric acid (GABA) \|Major inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain \|• Stiff person syndrome • Epilepsy \|- \|Gaseous neurotransmitters <ref><pubmed>9651518</pubmed></ref> \|Nitric oxide and Carbon monoxide \|• Mediate vasodilatation • Aids gaseous exchange <ref><pubmed>11148674</pubmed></ref> • Muscle relaxer • Regulate gastrointestinal motility \|• Ischemia • gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and neurogical disorder • erectile dysfunction \|} ==Diseases Associated with Synaptic Junctions Dysfunctions == '''Parkinson’s disease''' Parkinson's disease is one of the most common movement disorders, mostly effecting people over 60. Historically a person suffering from Parkinson's generally has a hunched posture due to 'tremors' that slowly worsen and cause mobility degeneration. James Parkinson studied the disease over the late 1800's, noticing the debilitating effects over time. This particular disease effects the production of the neurotransmitter Dopamine in the substantia nigra for reasons still unclear. Skilled movement in distal muscles is hindered as the synapse function is distorted by an imbalance of Dopomine and Acetylcholine in the synaptic junction. • '''Epidemiology''': Is the most common movement related disorder in the world (effects 1% of adults over 60). Global burden of Parkinson's disease, measured in disability adjusted life years per 100,000 inhabitants in 2004 [[File:Parkinsons 2.PNG\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Epidemiology of Parkinson's disease]] • '''Etiology''': Dopomine is produced in the Substantia nigra in the brain (rostral midbrain, Superior Colliculus) by specialised cells. These cells are destroyed in a Parkinson’s patient by reasons which are still unclear, theories of the cause of Parkinson’s include: o Genetic disorder o Free radicals o External toxins o Ageing • '''Pathogenisis''': Without the appropriate amounts of Dopomine being produced, the synaptic junctions begin to deterioate in function. In addition MAO-B is a chemical in the synapse that breaks down dopamine to maintain a balance with acetylcholine. Due to this imbalance the synapse cannot function properly, especially in fine or smooth movement of muscles. <ref> Ondo W, Jankovic J, Shwartz K, Almaguer M, Simpson RK. Unilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation for refractory essential tremor and Parkinson's disease tremor. Neurology 1998; 51: 1063-1069. http://biomed.brown.edu/Courses/BI108/BI108_1999_Groups/Neuroelectrodes_Team/background.html</ref> • '''Morphology''' : Macroscopically there is distinct atrophy of the substantia nigra. Microscopically the neuropil shows a loss of pigmentation and lewy bodies are present. As seen in the histological section below, the brown lewy body is present In the substantia nigra<ref>Kumar, Cotran, Robbins. Basic Pathology 7th edition. 2003; 844.</ref> [[File:Lewy body.JPG\|250px\|right\| Lewy body in substantia nigra]] • '''Clinical manifestations''' <ref><pubmed>15172778</pubmed></ref>: Symptoms of a typical patient will include pain, rigidity and lack of mobility, all of which deteriorate. There are three major sighns of Parkinson’s: o Resting tremor: Common to occur in hands and worsens over time. o Rigidity : During movement there is increased resistance on the joint. o Bradykinesia: Inability to perform fine movement tasks like writing or tieing shoe laces. o Other signs include a loss of balance and increasingly poor posture. A retropulsion test can be be carried out to test balance by pulling the patient backwards and noting if they correct themselves properly. • '''Treatment''': This varies with every patient and also to what extent the disease has destroyed the dopamine producing cells in the substantia nigra. 1) In its early stages, exercise and physical therapy is recommended to maintain mobility and deal with tremors that result from Parkinson’s. 2) When this fails, medication can be sought. Non-dopomine drugs are used first including Amantidine which increases mobility and ability to exercise. 3) Ropinirole is a dopamine agnostic that helps stop tremors and stiffness and is used if the condition worsens. 4) The most effective treatment is the drug Levodopa which is a dopamine replacement and dramatically increases motor function. However this may have long-term effects from its use including drug-induce dyskinesia causing erratic involuntary movements. Motor movement complications were found in 1/3 of patients after only a 2 year use of the drug making this a last resort. <ref> Levodopa in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease: an old drug still going strong Werner Poewe1 Angelo Antonini2 Jan CM Zijlmans3 Pierre R Burkhard4 François vingerhoets5, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria; </ref> As of yet there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. • '''Prognosis'''<ref><pubmed>0001762</pubmed></ref> : This disease takes its course over a long period of time and isn’t the direct cause of death in its patient. Symptoms intensify over approximately a ten year period before a sufferer is either completely bed ridden, needed to be placed in perminant care or occurances of complications take place that can lead to death. Treatments mentioned earlier have become more effective over time and make life dealing with Parkinson’s a lot easier. Over time there is no stopping the continual deteriation, immunity and other systems are effected. The synaptic junctions where Parkinson’s clinically manifests, eventually become unbalanced all over the body which cause complications which cause death. '''Myasthenia Gravis''' Myasthenia Gravis is another disease which causes dysfunction within a synapse. It has a major effect on the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle weakness. Parkinson’s disease showed how the effects of a disruption in the neurotransmitters can affect a synaptic junction, this time the receptors on the post-synaptic membrane are the cause. [[File:Myasthia 1.png\|300px\|thumb\|right\|Neuromuscular junction]] • '''Epidemiology''':<ref>The Epidemiology of Myasthenia Gravis, Lawrence H. Phillips II, M.D. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/482694_1 </ref> It is common disorder of the neuromuscular junction, effecting over 60 000 people in the USA alone, expected to rise with an aging population. Studies have shown two groups that have a high correlation with Myasthenia gravis: 1. Age 10-40 in women. 2. Age 50-75 in males • '''Etiology''': This is still unclear. • '''Pathogenesis''' : Myasthenia Gravis is highly mediated by production of Antibodies to the Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) by the thymus (75% of patients have abnormalities in the thymus). These antibodies are responsible for dysfunction of the synaptic junctions within skeletal muscle fibers in three ways that lead to muscle weakness: a. These antibodies are directed at the AChR’s located on the sodium/potassium ion channels in the post-synaptic membranes of the neuromuscular junctions. This disrupts depolarization of the muscle if the number of antibodies is sufficient to block the opening of this channel. This is the main cause of muscle weakness in cases of Myasthenia Gravis. b. Antibodies increase internalization, which causes an increased rate of degradation in AChR’s. The replacement of receptors cannot keep up with the increased internalization leading to a low number of AChR’s in the postsynaptic membrane. c. The bodies own immune response to antibodies binding to AChR’s causes a complement cascade of inflammatory molecules. In the process of inflammation, the problem won’t be resolved and attempts to repair it only leads to the destruction of the receptors over time. <ref>Fundamentals of neurologic disease By Larry Ernest Davis, Molly K. King, Jessica L. Schultz http://books.google.com.au/books?id=moRp2jWZp0QC&pg=PA49&lpg=PA49&dq=synaptic+junctions+disorders&source=bl&ots=_aV4k-61-2&sig=vko01n8xOAOzU3u3dZHKtqHJelU&hl=en&ei=gdi4Tc3pA4PW0QG0z9jmDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CEIQ6AEwCA#v=onepage&q&f=false </ref> • '''Morphology''': Histological sections show very little change in skeletal muscle anatomy. All that is shown is slight myofiber II atrophy from weakness and disuse of the muscle. Within the connective tissue, lymphocytes are prominent. Within the synaptic junction affected, the number of AChR’s can decrease by 2/3 in chronic cases. This number falls over the period of the disease. • '''Clinical manifestations''': As mentioned the major symptom is muscle weakness, which worsens with increased amounts of contractions, for example caused by exercise. Main affected area is the cranium (mastication and head rigidity) mainly the muscles of the eyelid causing ptosis (drooping). <ref>Kumar, Cotran, Robbins. Basic Pathology 7th edition. 2003; 780.</ref> • '''Diagnosis''': Done through blood tests looking for elevated levels of AChR antibodies seen in Myasthenia Gravis patients. The Edrophonium test to see improvements in response to drugs that block the antibodies (Tensilon). Electromyography can be used to examine an effected synaptic junction in skeletal muscle to measure action potentials with electrical shocks. With diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis, it is rarely carried out quickly due to the symptoms being related to many other neurological disorders. A severity criteria is also available depending on the level of neurological deteriation: [[File:Edrophonium test.jpg\|600px\|thumb\|right\|Edrophonium test for Myasthenia Gravis]] Osserman’s scale <ref>Osserman and Genkins, 1971; Det- terbeck et al., 1996</ref> (Myasthenia Gravis=MG) 0. No MG symptoms. 1. MG with purely ocular muscle weakness. 2. MG patients with mild generalized weakness, usually with ocular muscle weakness but without bulbar involvement. Respiratory muscles are not involved. 3. MG with mild generalized weakness including bulbar involvement with dysarthria, dysphagia, and poor mastication. 4. MG patients with moderate generalized weakness, usually with moderate bulbar and respiratory muscle weakness. 5. MG with severe generalized, bulbar, and respiratory muscle weakness, or death due to MG-related complications. <ref>Seronegative myasthenia gravis: disease severity and prognosis F. Romi, J. A. Aarli and N. E. Gilhus http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/products/journals/ene/mcqs/jun05.pdf</ref> • '''Treatment''': To treat the symptoms of Myasthenia gravis, immunosuppressive corticosteroids are administered to relive the large proportion of antibodies. In worse cases plasmapheresis is carried out with good results. <ref>Current and emerging therapies for the treatment of myasthenia gravis, Renato Mantegazza, Silvia Bonanno, Giorgia Camera, et al http://www.dovepress.com/current-andemerging-therapies-for-the-treatment-of-myasthenia-gravis-a6791</ref>. Thymectomy is the removal of the thymus which is responsible for the over-production of AChR antibodies and can relieve the symptoms or show total remission. • '''Prognosis''': With treatment the outlook is very good for patients with <5% mortality rate. If death occurs it may be caused by complications due to muscle weakness in the respiratory system leading to cardiac failure. however with treatment patients have a high chance of living a normal life. ==Current and Future Research and Developments == [[File:Depression.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|Mood Disorder]]Synaptic junction could be involved in various diseases as mentioned above in the table hence most of the current researches are focused more on the treatment and prevention of those diseases. In order to produce therapeutic treatments firstly an in-dept research must be carried out to understand the mechanism of the disease itself. Although Alzheimer disease had been introduced first in 1906 however till date the mechanism is not fully understood.However there <ref><pubmed>20858652</pubmed></ref> had been various current researches on how a synapse could lead to mood disorders such as Parkinson , schizophrenia and more recent Alzheimer disease. Alzheimer disease was claimed to be influenced by various disorders in the receptors. These receptors include : glutamate receptor, AcetylCholine, Dopamine receptor and serotonin receptors . All of the receptors mentioned are involved in cognitive learning and memory functions. Hence disruption to any or all of these channels would lead to diseases like Alzheimer. Moreover, the current research on the area also proposed the possibility for synaptic cell adhesion proteins to be involved with these disorders. Synaptic cell adhesion proteins are molecules that bind the pre-synaptic neuron and the post synaptic neuron together to form a “synapse” . Abnormalities in these proteins (Neurexin and neuroligin) will create [[File:Cancer.jpg\|200px\|thumb\|left\|Cancer cells]]dysfunctional synapse enabling the neurons to carry out its normal function . It was concluded that Alzheimer's Dementia occurred mostly due to the loss of neurons (leading to reduction in neurotransmitters)as opposed to Schizophrenia <ref><pubmed>11449037</pubmed></ref>where the disorder was mainly due to "neuronal dysfunction". <ref><pubmed>17371194</pubmed></ref>As for the therapeutic research there had been a huge controversy on how N-cadherin could be the next therapeutic drug for cancer in future. The spreading of cancer is known to be related to cell to cell adhesion especially during metastasis. N-cadherin serve the purpose of adhering nerve cells together (in synaptic junction)which could retrieve the cancer cells. By contrast, <ref><pubmed>10545506</pubmed></ref> it was also claimed that N-cadherin could essentially promote "motility and invasion" of cancer cells hence further research is still required. ==Gallery== <gallery> Image:EM comparison of wild type and mutant synaptic cleft.jpg\|EM comparison of wild type and mutant synaptic cleft Image:Temperature effect in motor terminals.jpg\|Temperature effect in motor terminals Image:Pre Synaptic and Post Synaptic Inhibition.jpg\|Pre Synaptic and Post Synaptic Inhibition File:Neurons.jpg\| Stained neurons File:Dendrites.JPG\| Dendritic trees File:Synapse.JPG\| Synapse </gallery> == Glossary == '''Axon'''- nerve fibre conducting away from the neuron '''EPSP'''- excitatory post-synaptic potential. A depolarizing graded potential. Brings a cell’s membrane closer to threshold '''Collateral Axon Branch'''- a branch of an axon running parallel with the parent axon '''IPSP'''- inhibitory post-synaptic potential. Hyperpolarizing graded potential. Takes the cell membrane away from threshold '''Metastasis'''- Transference of a disease from one part of the body or organ to another via blood vessels. '''Postsynaptic neuron'''- neuron after the synapse '''Presynaptic neuron''' - neuron before the synapse (usually the one that secrete neurotransmitters) '''Soma'''- Cell body of a neuron '''Spatial summation'''- the combining of graded potentials from different neurons onto a cell '''Synapse'''- A junction where impulses is transferred from one neuron to the next '''Temporal summation'''- the combining of graded potentials from the save neuron but at different times. The time between the two potentials is small enough that the second potential adds on top of the previous '''Terminal buttons'''- is an area located at the end of the axon responsible for secreting neurotransmitters '''voltage dependent channels'''- channels in the membrane of cells which are activated or inactivated depending on the potential across the membrane '''Volume modulation'''- Modulation of the amount of neurotransmitter released from a pre synaptic terminal '''Synaptic Vesicle'''- membrane bound organelles within the presynaptic ending that contains a neurotransmitter substance which is released on depolarization. '''Synaptic cleft'''- the gap or small space between the axon terminal and effector cell. '''Postsynaptic membrane'''- the portion of effector cell’s membrane. '''Neurotransmitter binding site'''- where neurotransmitter molecules bind to the receptor site located on the postsynaptic membrane == References== <references /> {{Template:2011Projects}} [[Category:2011Project1]] Template:2011Projects (view source) Template:Table (view source) Return to 2011 Group 1 Project. Retrieved from "https://cellbiology.med.unsw.edu.au/cellbiology/index.php/2011_Group_1_Project"	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1048
__label__wiki	0.607326	0.607326	January 16, 2020 January 16, 2020 / James Didcock The case of Melissa Calusinski; sentenced to 31 years in prison for the murder of 16-month-old Benjamin Kingan in 2009, is due to once more gain momentum via a status hearing set for Feb. 28th, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The transition from state court to that of a federal court, saw Calusinski file her Writ of Habeas Corpus in March of last year; followed by further court filing by the state and petitioner respectively. Duly, the district court set a date for Nov. 25th in relation to Calusinski’s status hearing, but under advisement, a further hearing has now been set for Feb. 28th. Timeline of events with filings hyperlinked: June 11th, 2018: 2nd District Court of Appeals denies Calusinski postconviction relief. March 27th, 2019: Calusinski files Writ of Habeas Corpus with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. August 26th, 2019: State’s response to petitioner’s Writ of Habeas Corpus. September 23rd, 2019: Calusinski’s reply to state’s response. November 25th, 2019: District court holds initial Status Hearing for Calusinski, and issues a continuance for Feb. 28th, 2020. Calusinski; found guilty of first degree murder and aggravated battery of a child, has long contended that material evidence; in the form of legible x-rays, were withheld prior to, and during her trial back in 2011. Calusinski’s lawyers have consistently maintained that Kingan’s death was due to a preexisting injury; a chronic subdural hematoma, which lead to a final fatal bleed on January 14th, 2009, while Kingan was in Calusinski’s care. State attorneys contended that Calusinski forcibly threw Kingan to the ground—aided by a disputed confession; Calusinski tested a ‘borderline’ verbal IQ score of 74, with extreme vulnerability to suggestion, and was interrogated for between 9 and 10 hours by local police—that directly led to the toddler’s death. State and defense witnesses alike, were unable to conclusively affirm the presence of a skull fracture that was repeatedly referenced to by state attorneys during Calusinski’s trial. Reasons behind their uncertainty were due in part to the illegibility of x-rays handed to Calusinski’s defense team prior to her trial, and the failings of then Lake County Coroner, Eupil Choi’s to take cross-sections of the purported fracture at the time of autopsy. Throughout her appeals, Calusinki’s attorneys have consistently raised claims of Brady violations and perjured testimony, with the Brady claims being in reference to partial disclosure by the state in relation to illegible x-rays (below left) tendered to Calusinski’s attorneys, and the subsequent legible x-rays (below right) that came to light post conviction. JPEG image x-ray given to Calusinski’s defence attorneys prior to trial. TIFF image x-ray—undisclosed at trial—of Benjamin Kingan’s skull and upper-torso. Dr. Robert Zimmerman testified during Calusinski’s Evidentiary Hearing that no skull fracture existed. Calusinski’s lawyers have maintained that the jury at their client’s trial were unduly prejudiced by repeated assertions that Kingan’s skull was fractured by state attorneys–a fact that was stated on no fewer than 32 occasions. Post-conviction attorneys for Calusinski vehemently argue that their clients due process rights were violated when the state suppressed material x-rays that were favorable to her. Had the legible x-rays been produced by the state, Calusinski’s attorneys offer that the confidence of the jury to find her guilty would have been sufficiently undermined. For a Brady violation to be tenable, Calusinski’s defense team would need to fulfill certain criteria; namely, 1./ the undisclosed evidence is favorable to the accused because it is either exculpatory or impeaching, 2./ the evidence was suppressed by the state either willfully or inadvertently, and 3./ the accused was prejudiced because the evidence is material to guilt or punishment. Over time, the state has seemingly acquiesced in relation to the initial element needed to satisfy a Brady violation, yet their refutation of the latter 2 elements has remained steadfast–notably witnessed during Calusinski’s Oral Argument before the 2nd District Court of Appeals on April 18th, 2018. The appeals court’s subsequent affirming of the originating trial court’s findings in Calusinski’s case, and their agreement that neither did the state willfully, or inadvertently suppress evidence of a material nature, has lead to her seeking relief from a higher jurisdiction. Where Calusinski’s post-conviction attorneys; lead by the highly successful Kathleen Zellner, will likely be hopeful, is the willingness of the US District Court to allow them to seek clarification by independent experts. By submitting a request for a ‘Leave of Court,’ to conduct discovery under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, (Rule 6 specifically) Calusinski’s legal team will hope to do just that. Melissa Calusinski’s post-conviction attorney, Kathleen Zellner. In reply to the state’s response to Calusinski’s habeas petition, Zellner duly notified the district court that, ‘counsel [had] met with Assistant Illinois Attorney General Richard Cenar on September 18, 2019, to discuss the possibility of conducting [such] an independent examination of the Lake County Coroner’s computer.’ In her own words, Zellner’s reasoning for this would be to firstly, ‘confirm that the Coroner’s computer never, in standard practice, exported image files as .jpg files,’ and secondly, ‘confirm that the uncompressed x-ray images were present on the Coroner’s computer when Bishop tendered the deleteriously compressed x-ray images to DeLuca (Calusinski’s trial attorney) in September 2011. Claims of perjured testimony by Dr. Manuel Montez during the rebuttal phase of Calusinski’s trial has, according to the state been stymied. Their assertion that Calusinski’s claim had been, ‘procedurally defaulted because it was not raised before the Illinois Supreme Court.’ was not addressed within Zellner’s reply to their response. Whether the state’s contention is validated by the district court remains to be seen, however, further recourse; dependent on the presiding court allowing Calusinski a ‘leave of court,’ would make way for potential depositions. Much was made regarding the weight of testimony given by Montez over that of Paul Forman–Lake County Deputy Coroner at the time of Kingan’s death. Forman’s testimony during Calusinski’s evidentiary hearing in 2014, was seen by the court to be inconsistent, and ridden with errors. However, the lack of documentation–in the form of a log book– relating to Montez’s supposed examination of Kingan, raises understandably grave doubts as to its legitimacy. Along with Zellner’s request for an examination of the Lake County Coroner’s computer, could be requests for further records that would legally be required to be archived. Further hope for Calusinski may lie in the district court’s continuance of her status hearing under advisement. While the court has not expanded upon its motives for taking further time in considering the merits of Calusinski’s petition, it is likely that a further, and indeed closer examination of the legible x-rays will be undertaken before the scheduled Feb. 28th hearing. For a detailed backstory into Melissa Calusinski’s ongoing appeals and petitions, see past articles by CJRJ here and kindly watch ‘Blaming Melissa’ via 48Hours. featured, Habeas Corpus, kathleen zellner, Melissa Calusinski, Prosecutorial Misconduct, Uncategorized featured, Habeas Corpus, kathleen zellner, Melissa Calusinski, Prosecutorial Misconduct, wrongful conviction ← Melissa Calusinski Seeks Habeas Corpus Over Death Of Toddler Benjamin Kingan.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1053
__label__wiki	0.72249	0.72249	Jeffrey Tucker Jeffrey Tucker is Editor-in-Chief at Laissez-Faire Books, Distinguished Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education,and Research Fellow at Acton Institute. Jeffrey was previously Editorial VP at the Ludwig von Mises Institute for 21 years. He authored Bourbon For Breakfast, A Beautiful Anarchy: How to Create Your Own Civilization in the Digital Age, and It’s a Jetsons World: Private Miracles and Public Crimes, Watch How to Improve Society, Jeffrey Tucker Interview at Liberty Forum 2013, John Stossel interviews Jeffrey Tucker from the Mises Institute, How Bitcoin Will End the Nation State, Capitalism is Life Itself, and Liberty is Personal — “Do No Harm”. Watch his YouTube channel. View his Facebook page. Read his Google+ profile, LinkedIn profile, and Wikipedia profile. Read his blog. Follow his Twitter feed.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1054
__label__cc	0.543697	0.456303	CT VIEWPOINTS -- opinions from around Connecticut Compliance with accreditation standards not optional Ojakian heads in wrong direction in response to NECHE 'roadmap' by The Community College Roundtable This is a test! If you wrote a 90-page report, a term paper perhaps, and you got back six pages of comments from your professor that repeated points of the original question that your report was meant to answer, would you call the instructor’s comments: A. A polite but pointed hint that you missed the point of the question. B. A suggestion to try again – harder; C. A “roadmap” for points of interest you had missed; D. All of the above? The report’s author, Mark Ojakian, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, calls the response from the New England Commission on Higher Education to his Students First plan a “roadmap,” and thus misses the point as well as the points of interest. The NECHE letter makes this mistake quite clear by repeating the NECHE standards for accreditation of institutions of higher education that verify the quality and integrity of programs and services offered by the 12 institutions that Mr. Ojakian oversees. Yet in 90 pages reporting on his plan to create one institution from the 12, he ignores the standards on which the institutions will be evaluated whether they are 12 or 1. So NECHE’s comments repeat their interest in having information on how the latest version of the plan submitted to their governing board in April 2019 will comply with standards on Governance, Students, Resources, Planning and Evaluation – five of the nine standards overseen by NECHE. They go so far in their letter to repeat portions of the pertinent standards verbatim to emphasize their relevance to NECHE accreditation which guarantees an institution’s integrity and eligibility for financial aid. Further, they reiterate their view that the proposal for consolidation of 12 institutions is “complex,” especially in the area of academics and faculty responsibilities, and as yet shows no evidence that the proposed structure will have the capacity to deal with the complexities — especially with ongoing efforts towards centralization evidenced by the hiring of costly new administrators in 2019 before defining their roles in the new structure which won’t be in effect until 2023 when it may or may not receive accreditation by NECHE. The individual institutions will be required to comply with accreditation standards and a regular schedule for review throughout the transition period while the new single institution will attempt to meet these same standards by 2023. While NECHE says it applauds the plan’s dual goals of preserving services for students and improving long term financial sustainability, they express particular “[interest] in learning how the proposed organizational structure, particularly in the area of academic administration, will demonstrate administrative capacity by assuring provision of support adequate for the appropriate functioning of each organizational component.” NECHE Standards on Organization and Governance, Statement on Standards.” NECHE letter to President Ojakian, July 12, 2019. The real test is how both these things can happen at the same time and how the institutions will meet the standard for independent operation and fiscal stability during the transition when funds are being redirected to system expenditures such as high level administrator salaries for regional staff before the single institution is fully operational. It may indeed be a roadmap; Mr. Ojakian and the Board of Regents for Higher Education are clearly headed in the wrong direction. Mr. Ojakian takes a similarly sanguine view of the budget he presented in his 90-page plan, saying his savings figures had been verified by the Legislature’s Office of Fiscal Analysis. Certainly the reductions to the funding for the colleges over the last seven years since the BOR became responsible for oversight and those additional reductions required by the latest budget passed by the General Assembly in June have been verified along with tuition increases, enrollment declines, and losses to reserve funds. But savings have never been verified by any independent financial expert. In fact in legislative hearings in spring 2019, Mr. Ojakian admitted that promised savings that were to be directed to services for students and cited since 2011, had never been realized. Despite NECHE’s standards on financial stability and the financial investment required in services for students, instructional technology and campus environment, program development and evaluation, Mr. Ojakian evidently continues to view NECHE standards as optional, “a roadmap” that might be useful, but certainly not necessary. He fails to understand the importance of academic standards that protect students and their families and verify the quality and integrity of academic institutions upon which they rely for access to academic excellence and opportunities. The answer to the test above is D – All of the above. Students First needs to abide by accreditation standards now and in 2023. Standards are not an optional roadmap where all roads lead to Hartford. Students First cannot achieve savings at a cost to students without loss of opportunities. PS. Gov. Ned Lamont, If you didn’t have community colleges, you’d invent them to support the state’s economy and workforce, and you’d ensure they were accredited institutions. Mary Anne Cox, Assistant Chancellor, retired, for The Community College Round Table. Partial member list: Dr. Cathryn Addy, Dr. Jonathan Daube, Dr. Booker DeVaughn, President Dianne Williams, Dr. Grace Jones, Chancellor Emeritus Andrew C. McKirdy, Florence Sheils, former member Board of Trustees. CTViewpoints welcomes rebuttal or opposing views to this and all its commentaries. Read our guidelines and submit your commentary here. Border Patrol officials dodged Congress’ questions about migrant children’s deaths by Robert Moore \| Special to ProPublica The Trump administration sought to “conceal information” about the death of a 16-year-old Guatemalan boy in Border Patrol custody, a House subcommittee chairwoman said at a hearing last week. Connecticut’s mistrust of government is well founded by Bob Stefanowski Most people have a pretty good nose for sniffing out when someone is telling them the truth and when someone is lying to them. It's hard-wired into us. We all have a gut instinct about who we can trust and who we can’t. When you consider the broken campaign promises, misinformation and outright lies about Connecticut’s transportation system, it’s not hard to understand why Gov. Ned Lamont has struggled to pass his signature tolling plan for close to a year now. Connecticut residents have sniffed him out. They simply don’t trust his administration anymore -- and for good reason. Transportation climate initiative is the wrong policy at the wrong time by Joseph R. Sculley As the 2020 legislative session is about to get underway, Connecticut residents and businesses need to be on the lookout for attempts by the legislature to adopt the Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI). TCI bills itself as a “regional collaboration of 12 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia that seeks to improve transportation, develop the clean energy economy and reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.” Those things sound like laudable goals, but they don’t tell nearly the whole story. A $25,000 Lyme disease challenge by Christopher Montes Chronic Lyme and other tick-borne diseases continue to disable thousands of people every day. With over 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease occurring each year, and 10-20% of those causing ongoing illness according to the CDC, it’s well past time to look at published, peer reviewed articles demonstrating refractory Lyme disease despite “adequate” antibiotic treatment. An after-action report: Trump, Soleimani and Khameni by Red Jahncke Donald Trump has been excoriated by critics for ordering the killing of the number one terrorist in the world, Qassem Soleimani. If he wasn’t number one, who was? Opinion Connecticut’s mistrust of government is well founded Opinion Transportation climate initiative is the wrong policy at the wrong time Opinion A $25,000 Lyme disease challenge Opinion An after-action report: Trump, Soleimani and Khameni	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1058
__label__wiki	0.544534	0.544534	Alex made this story available for free. Say thanks by sending him a tip. Featured September 27, 2019 Fantasy Science Fiction Historical Candle to the Devil By Alex Isle Sep 26, 2019 · 5,687 words · 21 minutes Like · 4 Bookmark Photo by Ming Jun Tan via Unsplash. From the editor: In the far-flung space colony of New Ceres, everyone is stuck in the past, but no one is willing to talk about it. When Mary Bennet and Professor Moriarty arrive, anachronisms in a time machine, they become embroiled with the local criminal element as they seek to discover what happened to Earth. Australian author Alex Isle has received the Aurealis and Ditmar awards, and published many short stories, as well as a YA fantasy novel called Scale of Dragon, Tooth of Wolf. From the author: Professor James Moriarty and Mary Bennet teamed together as time-travellers. Mary Bennet started awake, blinking her eyes open to harsh cabin lights, hearing the constant trapped-wind sounds which the Professor had told her were made by the ship circulating air. The tiny cabin was barely large enough for one person to stand beside the bed to dress, certainly nothing like her bedroom in her parents’ country house. She struggled to recall her dream’s details; something about her sister Lydia dancing about the room and mocking Mary for dressing so outlandishly. Mary had looked down at herself, ready to deny, but she had found that she was wearing twentieth century blue jeans and a skimpy, short-sleeved shirt! Mary lay still, breathing slowly and deeply to ease the irrational panic flooding through her. She had no one to talk to, no one with a chance of understanding . . . except Professor James Moriarty. Young girls, the improving books declared, have only themselves to blame if they heed the blandishments of strange men who promised them wonders if they would only submit. There had been wonders. One of them was the bizarre carriage which had travelled through time itself. Others, beyond number, were the places and customs which dwelt in the timestream beyond her own 1816. These were all beyond her reach now, the machine surely lost. Mary did not remember their encounter with the ship bound for New Ceres. When she closed her eyes, she recalled wild darkness, a circling wind that both burned and chilled, and the time machine screaming in high metallic bursts. Moriarty had activated its shield to hold in their air but then he too had fallen unconscious and could tell her no more until they both woke within the infirmary of the New Ceres-bound ship. The Professor had woken before she had and by the time Mary was cognisant of her surroundings, had relayed a believable story. “Remember nothing,” his harsh whispering voice had said by her ear. “I am your uncle and guardian. We were escaping Earth but beyond that, you have no memory.” Mary said nothing. But she heard and knew she had no choice but to do as Moriarty commanded. If she had learned nothing else in her life, she knew how to listen and to learn from small hints and signs. By the time she was released from the infirmary into the care of her concerned uncle, she knew all about where they were going. Unlike any other time period she had visited with Moriarty, this time there would be less adjustment required. She had only to be herself. They were only days from port by the time she and the Professor had a chance to talk privately. Moriarty wrote a note on his napkin at dinner that they would walk to the observation dome, but the technology level here was high enough that overhearing was still psosible. There were things which must be discussed before planetfall. A few moments later, she murmured that she was tired. Moriarty politely excused himself, waiting for Mary to rise and take his arm. She could hear the colonists murmuring about how much they seemed like New Ceres people already. “Something terrible has happened to Earth,” she said softly, with the practised ability of a young girl in a society where people are always listening, pitched precisely for him to hear and no one else. “They keep talking about it, underneath the words, underneath everything they do. They have left everything but what they could carry. That is why they ask so few questions about the fact that we have no luggage and that we were dressed so strangely when they found us.” Moriarty nodded, not looking at her. “We are hundreds of years ahead of the last time we stopped, yet these folk – the folk of New Ceres – cling to the time of your grandmother and your mother’s youth as the last of civilisation. A way of banishing the fate of Earth. We need to become part of them.” They entered the observation dome, wehre space could be seen all around them. A chiming warning sounded; they could spend no more than fifteen minutes here, exposed to the dangers of space, the invisible burning winds called “radiation”which could reach them even through the great shielded windows. Most of the passengers were too nervous to come here at all, after perhaps a single visit, but Mary knew she could trust Moriarty to know what was safe. “We have no choice now, have we?” Mary asked. Once, she would never have dared to express an opinion to a man, but she had been travelling with Moriarty for over half a year. They had spent it in a time which the Professor said would teach her most, the late twentieth century, where she had learned about computers and modern mathematics, about blue jeans and women’s rights. She had not been surprised to realise that Professor James Moriarty had little interst in women’s, or anyone’s, rights. There were people useful to him and people who were not, but he was contemptuous of anyone who cast off a useful person just because that individual happened to be female. “No. But we will make ourselves a place in the shadows, in the underworld of their society.” He faced her suddenly, his slightly sunken eyes staring into hers so intensely, she wanted to take a step back. “Where there are things forbidden, there is always the one who can obtain for you those things. There is always a way and there is always a price. I will be a Professor of Mathematics. It is always wise to keep as much to the truth as you can. You will be my niece, ward and keeper of my house.” She flinched a little. Moriarty saw the motion and made a disgusted growl. “That is the surface. You know by now that the surface matters not at all. You have begun to learn mathematics and you will be beyond anyone else I have known except myself. This new world has possibilities beyond your original England, beyond mine. They play a game, Mary, of elegance and dances and candlelight. They have not intended to bring the original darkness with them, the underworld and the impoverished, the hunger and the blood.” His eyes gleamed. “They did not intend it. But they have done it.” The spacecraft landed beside a spaceport unacknowledged by its own society. As they passed through Customs, leaving the “modern” world behind them, Mary’s hand on Moriarty’s arm was not just part of the game. She was anxious about this scenario, perhaps because it was so close to her past. Mary thought of her sisters, recalling the mocking laughter with which they had often regarded her. Mary, the plain middle sister more at home with books than with dances, who would never have a husband. She pictured them in the ribboned gowns they had thought were so elegant and smoothed her own skirt with a defiant hand. This was society such as they could never dream! The gown she wore was finely designed, the gift of the ship’s crew who had created it from a machine and a wastage of raw cloth. Once established in New Ceresian society, she would be on her own resources and that of her guardian, but for the entry, there must be a brave show. Mary straightened her back and walked confidently forward, imagining her sisters falling clumsily aside in her wake. With the dark-clad figure of the Professor by her side, she glided through the portal. From the seclusion of their randomly-selected patron’s home, two new citizens entered the world two months later. One was Professor James Moriarty, formerly of London, who had applied to the University of New Ceres as Professor of Mathematics and Logic. The other was his niece Mary, a modest young woman and careufl housekeeper interested in the education of girls. She might, she said, open a small school. Her uncle had expressed approval of such a plan. They had taken a house in a good neighbourhood of the capital, close to the university, and Mary quickly made herself known, walking to market or speaking to women over her gate as they passed. Her uncle was less known, but he too could be viewed, usually driving to the university in his small carriage or taking an early morning constitutional along the tidy, well kept streets. Sweepers and horse-handlers reported him polite but distant, as a man of letters should be. The Lady Governor’s agents sent to interview new arrivals reported no forbidden technology at all and a charmingly earnest wish to comply on the part of both the young lady and her uncle, who might well have been born to the original Eighteenth Century itself. The Professor watched Mary walk, or rather, stride into the room as a confident young lad might be expected to move. She was uncomfortable but did her best to move as he had directed. Her involvement would be temporary, Moriarty had assured her, but for now he would need her help until he could attract a network of underlings. “Good,” he said, without the shadow of any interest. “But cut your hair. And unfasten the jacket so that it swings loosely as you walk.” Mary coloured as she realised his meaning and fumbled at the buttons. “I thought I could wear a wig,” she said. “Folk do, society folk.” “Not young lads in the rougher areas of town,” Moriarty said. “Cut the hair. We go recruiting tonight.” “Who are those strange folk in the yellow robes?” Mary murmured, pausing outside the tavern to which Moriarty was bound. “What folk?” His tone was curt. “Entering the house across the way there.” “Monks,” he said. “Keep up.” Mary kept close behind him as the door swung closed. The place was dark and smoky, lit only by lanterns. No doubt the taverns of her own time had been the same but she had never visited any. The Professor had been irked to hear it, as though she should have been living a life of depravity in order to inform him. “That which we do not know may come back to bite us,” she said to his back. It was dangerous, that there might be groups on this world unknown to them. The robes had made her think of Roman monks, save for the brilliant golden colour. This was the fourth such establishment they’d visited tonight and she was more weary than nervous. She studied Moriarty while he was engaged in ordering them tankards of beer. She had no idea where he had gotten the garments he wore. The dark red velvet coat smelled of moths and dust and the breeches bore holes and fraying fabric. He had adopted too the manner of a not so well-to-do townsman. Even his voice was changed as he talked to the tavern-keeper, slightly truculent as though suspecting the man of overcharging him. Mary bowed her head as she sat at the table, not wanting to meet anyone’s eye. Her hair was also frayed at the edges, thanks to her hasty self-barbering and she grieve the loss. Years of growth gone just because the Professor thought she needed to come with him tonight. “…new arrivals?” someone asked and she registered that Moriarty was talking genially with another stranger and had been for some time. “Surely they must have given you a copy of the Book of Light, didn’t they? At Customs.” “Oh, certainly, certainly. Laws of New Ceres, acceptable technology, we’ve studied them.” “Well, the Lumoscenti are in there,” the Professor’s new friend told him. He looked like a student from the university, Mary decided; early twenties, wearing the latest in period fashion and already considerable drunk. “The Golden Monks. That’s who your lad must have seen. Oo-er! You don’t want to find those gents on your doorstep asking to search your house! Or rather, you don’t if yo’ve been bad and ordered in some high-tech toys!” “You seem to know about those high-tech toys,” Moriarty observed. If he hoped to unnerve the young man, it failed. “Oh, everyone knows about them. You have to know what not to know, if you follow me and some stuff’s always around. They don’t crack down on it if you’re not an idiot and go flaunting things around.” He gestured and nearly knocked over Mary’s tankard. “Sorry, lad. Best not even to seem all that interested in them, that’s my advice.” “Were you born here, sir?” Mary asked, trying to keep her pitch low. “Third generation and let me tell you, it is possible to miss what you never had.” “If I told you I am interested in talking with people who miss what they never had, would you be willing to introduce me?” Moriarty asked. He had dropped the false geniality and it was his own voice now, cold and direct. The student stared at him laughter dying on his lips. “He won’t,” said a voice from behind Mary. “He doesn’t know enough to pass his exams. But I do.” This man spoke quietly, his words not carrying beyond their table. Without ceremony he seated himself at Moriarty’s gesture. The young student was shooed away. Moriarty and Anthony, who gave no other name, ordered more beer and talked. Presently the Professor tapped Mary on the shoulder and indicated, throught he buzz of noise, that they were leaving. Anthony did not accompany them. “He seems to be only a lurker,” Moriarty said. “Three or four of them work the lusheries for folk willing to pay for modern trash, which I would wager does not work half the time. There’s two men at the top. This fellow gave me a name and a place.” “You think the, ah, merchandise should be good quality?” Mary questioned in some surprise as she quickened her step to keep up. “Of course.” Moriarty strode on. “We need to establish a reliable reputation, after all.” James Moriarty actually stopped and looked at her as though for the first time. In the chill street, their breath was visible. The Professor’s head performed a brief oscillating movement, like a hunting cobra. “I see no way to obtain a new time-travelling machine,” he said, “unless we can build it ourselves. Even I will need help for this, if it is to be. For now, we must make a home here and I will require my apprentice, will I not?” “Perhaps these folk with the forbidden technology have such a device themselves,” Mary ventured. “We have had little chance to learn of this world as yet.” “Perhaps, but I believe there would be more evidence if such a thing were common knowledge. Myself, I think there was but the one.” The Professor glanced about the area, which was well into the slum areas of Prosperine, such as they were. To Mary’s eye, even these less well-to-do seemed to be playing games. “I think we can take ourselves home now and follow the new lead upon the morrow.” The neophyte criminals of New Ceres, Mary was sure, could not know what serpent they had taken into their bosoms. Within days of Moriarty making contact, they were calling upon him for advice and scant weeks after he first met with the leaders of the group, he was running it, whether they knew it or not. The Professor rarely stirred from his house on such business; they came to him and he would give directions from behind his study desk. The seekers would leave and obey them. Mary did not like having these men come to the house but she knew there was nothing she could do. No matter what Moriarty said, she had no more say here than in her 1800s home. She had to live as her grandmother might have lived and saw little to indicate that she was on another planet. There were also the Golden Monks. Sometimes it felt as though wherever she went, at the corner of her vision there were figures in the yellow robes, mixing with the people, sometimes talking withj them, other times moving with brisk purpose about their business. Perhaps it was only her own feelings of wrongdoing that made her uneasy when she saw them but according to the Professor’s order, she never attempted conversation. Moriarty was surely pleased with the way things were going at least. He ran his smuggling operation with increasing success. At least, Mary comforted herself, this did no more than take money from fools. No actual harm was being done. When trouble did come, it reared up from within the cobra-cluster of Moriarty’s new family. Mary, on the edges, gained only a confused impression of a would-be rival, gathering adherents to himself, to push the interloper out of the way so that he might take advantage of the new prosperity Moriarty had brought them. Men came to the house by night, talked with Moriarty in hushed tones within the lamplit study or in the hall. If mary came within view, covnersation would halt and they would watch her until she left. She was not even sure of names, though she thought Anthony, the initial link to the gang, had been mentioned. Finally, Mary challenged Moriarty. She wasn’t sure why this made her so nervous; he had never done her harm, after all, but at home she would never have dreamed of challenging her father on any subject. This was an older man and one who held more power over her than ever her father had. Nevertheless, she marched into his study one morning, some three weeks after his rise to leader of the smugglers. Moriarty was seated at his desk, absorbed in writing – longhand, with a quill – and did not look up. Mary had no doubt he had noted her arrival. “I must speak with you,” she stated, wishing she didn’t feel quite so much like a school-girl before the teacher. The desk, the shelves filled with leatherbound volumes, the very smoky scent of the place from cigars, all drew her back to her childhood on another world. “You do not require such formality,” Moriarty said with slight surprise. “I believe I do, sir, since I wish you to reverse a course of action.” “And that would be?” He was enjoying the conversation, Mary realised and with that knowledge, she felt a surge of anger. Was she no more than a toy to him, a useful accessory? At least, Mary told herself grimly, he probably does find you useful, unlike your birth kin. “I suggest to you, sir, that you consider adopting in truth the role which you have taken as concealment, that of professor and seeker after knowledge. That you abandon your efforts to create an empire based on subterfuge and criminal endeavours.” “Why?” Moriarty’s voice was flat, his face expressionless. “Because Anthony knows this world, more than you and I ever can, but I have been used to watch others from the sidelines and I tell you that he is planning to move agaisnt you. There is gossip all about and I assure you, sir, that if nothing else, a woman of my time knows about gossip. I see the men in yellow constantly and I fear there is a connection.” Moriarty blinked and Mary felt some surprise herself at getting the reaction. “The last thing Anthony wants is anything to do with the Golden Monks,” the Professor said, but he was no longer looking amused. “Whom I have seen, yes, just as does any citizen in the strets. Anthony, my dear, is no mere catspaw. He has perfected the art of invisibility and yes, he will move against me when he believes he can do so. Now is not that time.” “The monks are watching you,” Mary persisted but aware that she was not reaching him. “Why should that be unusual? In any case, Anthony has chosen his course of action, my dear ward. He seeks that we join forces, a sensible move. Both of us know it is only until the time is right for one of us to be vanquished. He has sent me a message inviting me to meet with him tomorrow night, to discuss ideas he has for making our operations more efficient.” “Alone?” “No doubt that is what he wishes but no. I will take two guards with me. You, of course, may attend.” He said it like an indulgent uncle giving a reward to a child. Mary wanted to yell or at least glare, but she showed nothing. Moriarty and Mary travelled that night into Prosperine to a tavern, not one Mary had seen before. She wore her boy’s disguise, wondering whether anyone really believed it. With them were the two bruisers Moriarty employed as guards. Anthony stood waiting in the tavern’s private upstairs room, a plank table and chairs behind him with glasses and a jug of beer set ready. Two glasses, Mary noted, but he didn’t seem surprised to see her. Dull, middle-aged, totally unremarkable, he did not seem like a man who could wrest the reins of power from the Professor. He had never seemed anything other than what Moriarty had called him; a lurker, a conduit to men of power without the will to ever be one himself. “Thank you for coming, Professor,” he said without bowing, but he did nod to Mary. Moriarty smiled mirthlessly at the omission. “Take him,” he said simply. The bruisers advanced stolidly, one either side of Anthony. They dragged him forward so that he hung between them before Moriarty. “Remove him,” Moriarty said flatly, with the air of one no longer interested in the conversation. “Do it away from here and see that nothing leads to me.” Anthony did not attempt to free himself or speak, despite hearing what had to be a death sentence. Yet oddly, neither of the bruisers moved either and that sparked instant alarm in Mary. “Brother Joseph?” asked one. Anthony made a slight motion and they allowed him to stand straight. The one who had spoken stayed by his side, while the other moved quick as an alley cat behind Moriarty and pressed cold steel against the back of his neck. Moriarty laughed softly. “Well done,” he said. “But you have not finished.” “This does not finish with steel,” Anthony – or Joseph - said, as untroubled as though they sat at table exchanging courtesies. “The move was well played, Professor. Let him go.” The man with the knife – surely not a common bruiser after all – stepped back but remained behind Moriarty, who ignored the fact. Mary, watching Joseph, imagined him in yellow robes and thought that they would become him well. “You were summoned here by the Lumoscenti,” the Golden Monk specified. “We wish to speak to you, James Moriarty and Mary Bennet, concerning your craft which was intercepted by the colonists’ vessel.” “We were not yet on this world,” Mary said suddenly, noting that the entire dynamic had changed with the unveiling. She was now a third party, acknowledged by both Joseph and Moriarty. “So your laws did not yet bind us.” “True,” Joseph agreed, with a respectful nod towards her. “But our investigations of that craft have led to strange questions and even stranger answers. Your ambitions would have led you into conflict with the secular authorities, for I see neither of you have time for the rules of normal society. If once you came to their attention, they would learn of your machine, which is nothing that belongs in our world. I suspect that it does not belong in any world. We have studied it but have learned only the beginnings of its truth.” Moriarty remained silent. Looking at him, Mary felt sure he would say nothing about the Time Machine, either to confirm or deny, no matter what pressures were applied. She was less sure about herself. “Please do not feel constrained to explain this to me,” Joseph went on. “We have much time to study the craft and that is not why you were contacted. If that were all, we could have continued to watch you for years and never allowed you to know the fact.” Now there was a tightening of the Professor’s jaw and a faintly outraged look made its way to his features. Mary fought back a wish to say, in more ladylike words, “I told you so!” He had valued her input, in truth, but he had thought her mistaken in the matter of the Golden Monks. “I am sure you intend to turn me over to the authorities for whatever penalties you choose,” Moriarty said, curbing his anger. Nor was he much disturbed, Mary thought. He had told her before that operations such as his could be run just as easily from a prison cell. “In such matters as this, we are the authorities,” the monk corrected quietly. “And a different choice has been made. We wish to offer you employment.” Moriarty laughed, a sound with nothing like merriment in it. “I am afraid that I do not favour your brand of garb.” “You would be of no benefit if you wore the robes. My brothers – and sisters – believe you have much potential…when you have grown up.” Now Moriarty showed honest anger. “What in damnation do you mean by that?” “You believe yourself a dangerous man,” the monk said clinically, surveying Moriarty and glancing over at Mary as though to check that she was following the conversation. “Your criminal Family in old London feared you greatly. If any crossed you, there would be a body in the Thames and none the wiser. For many years no one even suspected you of breaking the law until the advent of Mr Sherlock Holmes. From your disappearance at the Reichenbach Falls to your reappearance in London three years later – mirroring that of your foe – there was little known of you. You worked to reestablish your Family and in this you succeeded. Then nothing. You fall out of the pages of history, Professor Moriarty.” If he was impressed that the monks had connected his contemporary persona with the historical figure, Moriarty did not show it. He shrugged slightly and waited. “Perhaps you did not fall, exactly. Perhaps you jumped.” Mary started slightly at that moment and controlled the twitch, but the monk had already looked at her. His stare became slightly furrowed as though he was trying to understand her presence here. “The technology of the present day is banned on New Ceres,” he said, quiet as the breeze. “This does not mean we are unaware of it or that we are ignorant of the passage of time and history. We are the children of our age; this is marked in our bodies and our blood and also in our minds. We left behind us terrible things, James Moriarty, things which you cannot know. Perhaps you have seen some of those things – if your Machine is what we believe – but you have not grown up in a world struggling to right itself from apocalypse. In comparison with a man who has lived through World War or survived pandemic disease and many other depravities and horrors, you are an innocent.” Now Moriarty smiled and Mary wondered that the monk didn’t at once call for help. “If I am such an innocent, why are you wasting our time explaining all this? What work can I possibly perform for you?” “Go on as you are doing,” said the monk. “We will watch you and we will move on your fellow entrepreneurs as we see fit. They will not suspect you because you will give us no names. You will allow them to watch your house, your place of work, if they wish. It will not matter. We will not even move on many of them or move often. You will do this and we will neither have you killed nor arrested.” The temperature of his voice dropped to ice. Moriarty stared back. And did not speak. “Do you understand?” the monk prompted. “I understand.” Moriarty tapped his shoe against the wooden floor. “I understand what you offer.” His emphasis on the last word held withering scorn at the pretence of a choice. “But you hold no candle to the devil, sir. You do not explain why you offer me such sweet mercy.” The Golden Monk passed a hand over his forehead and rubbed his eyes as though weary to death. “We model ourselves on your past, our heritage is your future. Help us to keep it. You will have what you need to rebuild your machine, if that is possible.” Moriarty stared at him for a long moment, then gestured curtly to Mary. “We are leaving.” “A moment,” said Joseph, when Mary would reluctantly have turned to follow the Professor. “You are welcome to leave now, if that is your wish, but I want to speak with the young lady. She will join you outside, if she pleases.” Moriarty looked a warning at Mary, then stalked from the chamber. “Please sit down, Miss Bennet,” said the monk. He smiled at her, unnerving Mary more than if he had remained coldly angry. “First let me tell you that we have contacted the patrons who housed you and the Professor when you first arrived here. They are more than happy to have you return and have offered you the protection of their home, if you wish it. You will be under no duress to see Professor Moriarty again. We know nothing of the circumstances of your meeting but we believe you innocent of involvement in his crimes.” “He saved my life,” Mary said. “Did he so? A second spark of kindness.” She looked curiosity and the monk explained. “There is an account of the incident when the Professor and his nemesis Sherlock Holmes battled above the Reichenbach Falls, culminating in the deaths of both when they fell. Of course, as events revealed, neither died. Yet before the battle, at the time when Moriarty held Holmes at gunpoint, he allowed him to write a letter to his associate, Dr Watson, explaining what had happened and bidding him farewell. Moriarty, of course, wished his cleverness known, how he had outsmarted his rival but yet…” Again the monk smiled. “It is a mark of the Gentleman Villain, a species which exists no longer, save perhaps on New Ceres if we are able to preserve our society. A spark of kindness, as I say.” “A spark,” Mary echoed. “Are we curiosities, Brother Joseph?” “No such,” the monk promised. “Think rather that you are more true to the spirit of New Ceres than any others who come.” “We had no more choice than they. We became lost.” “And have the chance for more.” “If he does what you wish.” Mary struggled for a way to describe the Professor and in the end had to struggle for, “He is not accustomed to doing what others wish.” “He is not accustomed to folk of this century either.” “Is – was it really so bad as you say? Those terrible things?” She thought of their stay in the twentieth century, which had been occupied with study of subjects Moriarty deemed necessary and little else. “We all but destroyed ourselves,” the Golden Monk said. “We need both of you.” Both of us, as a unit, Mary thought but did not say. She would have to persuade Moriarty to accept the Lumoscenti as simply another aspect of the Family he was building. He would never accept that he had been wrong. New Ceres’ refugees had passed through the very fires of Hell to be what they were. To remake themselves. “I may need to speak to you sometimes,” she said aloud. “Of course,” Brother Joseph assured her. “Whenever you wish.” “How do I find you?” She was under no illusion that this humble tavern room was a permanent establishment of the Golden Monks. “Write to one of the newspapers.” “Write what?” “A letter on any subject you wish, only sign it with the name Mary Watson.” He smiled very slightly. ‘We will see it and someone will speak to you one day in the street when you are walking alone.” Mary nodded, a little unsettled with just how at home the monk seemed to be with clandestine operations. There was not, she thought, as much difference between him and Moriarty as either might hope. She stood, smoothing her skirt automatically. Joseph stood also. “I will leave after you,” he said, “unless you wish to accept the offer of your patron?” “Not at this time, thank you, sir.” “As you please.” Mary’s smile threatened to broaden into a grin. Finally it was as she pleased. She dscended the stairs to the tavern’s taproom and not seeing Moriarty inside, proceeded to the street. There he stood like a black, windswept crow, absently studying the contents of a neighbouring apothecary’s shop window and for the moment ignorant of her presence. She approached from the side away from the window and the street lamp near it, that her reflection not alert him and gained a great deal of perhaps childish satisfaction from his jump as she touched his arm. “Professor? I hope you were not concerned for my welfare. Brother Joseph wished to speak to me about the business proposition his Order has for us.” He stared down at her for a moment before he asked, “And you are to persuade me? Is that why he wished to speak with you alone?” “Indeed not. He offered me sanctuary if I wished to leave your influence.” That did sound unusually bold, Mary thought, but controlled an urge to back away from her own words. “Interesting,’ Moriarty said at last. “No, sir. I don’t believe it would be.” “So what do you think of these monks and their offer?” “I think you can use them, whether or not they know it.” Finally, Professor Moriarty smiled. This story originally appeared in New Ceres Nights, edited by Alisa Krasnostein and Tehani Wessely. The concept of New Ceres was created by Alisa and Tehani.. Alex Isle September 26, 7:38am There was an error posting your comment. Please try again. © 2020 Curious Fictions, Inc. · About Us · How It Works · FAQ Curious Fictions may use cookies to give you the best experience on the site. Okay Privacy Policy	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1060
__label__wiki	0.695731	0.695731	(11) EP 3 576 089 A1 (12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION (43) Date of publication: 04.12.2019 Bulletin 2019/49 (21) Application number: 19185171.6 (22) Date of filing: 22.05.2013 (51) Int. Cl.: G10L 25/90 (2013.01) G10L 19/032 (2013.01) (84) Designated Contracting States: AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR (30) Priority: 23.05.2012 JP 2012117172 01.08.2012 JP 2012171155 (62) Application number of the earlier application in accordance with Art. 76 EPC: 18173806.3 / 3385950 (71) Applicant: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION Tokyo 100-8116 (JP) (72) Inventors: MORIYA, Takehiro Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8585 (JP) KAMAMOTO, Yutaka HARADA, Noboru HIWASAKI, Yusuke FUKUI, Masahiro (74) Representative: MERH-IP Matias Erny Reichl Hoffmann Patentanwälte PartG mbB Paul-Heyse-Strasse 29 80336 München (DE) This application was filed on 09-07-2019 as a divisional application to the application mentioned under INID code 62. (54) ENCODING OF AN AUDIO SIGNAL (57) A frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to a time-domain pitch period L corresponding to a time-domain pitch period code of an audio signal in a given time period is obtained as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain pitch period T is chosen from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, and a frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1 is obtained. The frequency-domain pitch period code is output so that a decoding side can identify the frequency-domain pitch period T. [TECHNICAL FIELD] [0001] The present invention relates to a technique to encode an audio signal and a technique to decode code strings obtained by the encoding technique and, in particular, to encoding of sample strings in the frequency domain obtained by transforming an audio signal into the frequency domain and decoding of the resulting code strings. [BACKGROUND ART] [0002] Adaptive encoding that encodes orthogonal coefficients such as DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform) and MDCT (Modified Discrete Cosine Transform) coefficients is known as a method for encoding speech signals and audio signals at low bit rates (for example about 10 to 20 kbits/s). For example, AMR-WB+ (Extended Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband), which is a standard technique, has the TCX (transform coded excitation) encoding mode in which DFT coefficients are normalized and vector-quantized every 8 samples. [0003] In TwinVQ (Transform domain Weighted Interleave Vector Quantization), all MDCT coefficients are rearranged according to a fixed rule and the resulting collection of samples is combined into vectors and encoded. In some cases of TwinVQ, a method is used in which large components are extracted from the MDCT coefficients, for example, in every pitch period in the time domain, information corresponding to the pitch period in the time domain is encoded, the remaining MDCT coefficient strings after the extraction of the large components in every pitch period in the time domain are rearranged, and the rearranged MDCT coefficient strings are vector-quantized every predetermined number of samples. Examples of references on TwinVQ include Non-patent literatures 1 and 2. [0004] An example of technique to extract samples at regular intervals for encoding is the one disclosed in Patent literature 1. [PRIOR ART LITERATURE] [PATENT LITERATURE] [0005] Patent literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-156971 [NON-PATENT LITERATURE] Non-patent literature 1: T. Moriya, N. Iwakami, A. Jin, K. Ikeda, and S. Miki, "A Design of Transform Coder for Both Speech and Audio Signals at 1 bit/sample," Proc. ICASSP '97, pp. 1371 -1374, 1997. Non-patent literature 2: J. Herre, E. Allamanche, K. Brandenburg, M. Dietz, B. Teichmann, B. Grill, A. Jin, T. Moriya, N. Iwakami, T. Norimatsu, M. Tsushima, T. Ishikawa, "The Integrated Filterbank Based Scalable MPEG-4, Audio Coder," 105th Convention Audio Engineering Society, 4810, 1998. [SUMMARY OT THE INVENTION] [PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION] [0007] Since encoding based on TCX, such as AMR-WB+, does not take into consideration variations in the amplitude of frequency-domain sample strings based on periodicity, the efficiency of encoding decreases when sample strings with widely varying amplitudes are encoded together. In order to improve the efficiency of encoding, it is effective to encode different sample groups with small amplitude variations in accordance with different criteria based on the pitch periods of sample strings in the frequency domain. [0008] However, there is not a known method for efficiently determining a pitch period of a sample string in the frequency domain to encode the sample string. [0009] In light of the technical background described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of efficiently determining a pitch period of a sample string in the frequency domain in encoding and identifying the pitch period of the sample string in the frequency domain in decoding. [MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS] [0010] In view of these problems, the present invention provides an encoding method and an encoder, as well as a corresponding program and computer-readable recording medium, having the features of the respective independent claims. [0011] According to an encoding technique that is useful for understanding the present invention, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to a time-domain pitch period L corresponding to a time-domain pitch period code of an audio signal in a given time period is obtained as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain pitch period T is chosen from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, and a frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1 is obtained. The frequency-domain pitch period code is output so that a decoding side can identify the frequency-domain pitch period T. [EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION] [0012] According to the present invention, since a frequency-domain pitch period T is found among integer multiplies of a converted interval, the amount of computation required for finding the frequency-domain pitch period T is small. Furthermore, since information representing how many times the frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval is used as information for identifying the frequency-domain pitch period T, the code amount of a frequency-domain pitch period code can be kept small. Thus, a pitch period of a frequency-domain sample string can be efficiently determined in encoding and the pitch period of the frequency-domain sample string can be identified in decoding. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an encoder according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a decoder according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship among fundamental frequency in the time domain, time-domain pitch period and sample points; Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship among an ideal converted interval in the frequency domain, an interval equal to the converted interval multiplied by m, and frequency; Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the frequency of frequency-domain pitch period/(transform frame length ∗ 2/time-domain pitch period); Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of rearranging of samples included in a sample string; Fig. 10 is a block diagram of an encoder according to an embodiment; Fig. 11 is a block diagram of a decoder according to an embodiment; Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a variable-length code book according to an embodiment; Fig. 14 is a lock diagram illustrating an encoder according to an embodiment; Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a decoder according to an embodiment; and Fig. 16 is a block diagram of a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer according to an embodiment. [DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS] [0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings. Same elements are given same reference numerals and repeated description of those elements will be omitted. [FIRST EMBODIMENT] Encoder 11 [0015] An encoding process performed by an encoder 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Components of the encoder 11 perform operations described below for each frame, which is a given time period. In the following description, the number of samples in a frame is denoted by Nt and one frame of a digital audio signal is a digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt). Long-Term Prediction Analyzer 111 (Overview) [0016] A long-term prediction analyzer 111 obtains a time-domain pitch period L corresponding to an input digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt) in each frame, which is a given time period (step S111-1), calculates a pitch gain gp corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L (step S111-2), obtains, on the basis of the pitch gain gp, long-term prediction selection information indicating whether or not long-term prediction is to be performed and outputs the long-term prediction selection information (step S111-3) and, when the long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, further outputs at least a time-domain pitch period L and a time-domain pitch period code CL identifying the time-domain pitch period L (step S111-4). (Step S111-1: Time-domain pitch period L) [0017] The long-term prediction analyzer 111 chooses a time-domain pitch period candidate τ that maximizes the value that can be obtained according to formula (A1) as a time-domain pitch period L corresponding to a digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt) from among predetermined time-domain pitch period candidates τ, for example. Each candidate τ and the time-domain pitch period L may be represented not only by an integer alone (integer precision) but also represented by an integer and a fractional value (a fraction) (fractional precision). To obtain the value of formula (A1) for a candidate τ of fractional precision, an interpolation filter that applies weighted averaging to a plurality of digital audio signal samples is used to obtain x(t - τ). (Step S111-2: Pitch gain gp) [0018] Based on the digital audio signal and the time-domain pitch period L, for example, the long-term prediction analyzer 111 calculates a pitch gain gp according to formula (A2). (Step S111-3: Long-term prediction selection information) [0019] If the pitch gain gp is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the long-term prediction analyzer 111 obtains and outputs long-term prediction selection information indicating that long-term prediction is to be performed; if the pitch gain gp is smaller than the predetermined value, the long-term prediction analyzer 111 obtains and outputs long-term prediction selection information indicating that long-term prediction is not to be performed. (Step S111-4: When long-term prediction is performed) [0020] When the long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, the long-term prediction analyzer 111 performs the following operation. [0021] Predetermined time-domain pitch period candidates τ are stored in the long-term prediction analyzer 111 in association with unique indices assigned to them. The long-term prediction analyzer 111 selects, as the time-domain pitch period code CL that identifies the time-domain pitch period L, an index that identifies a candidate τ that has been chosen as the time-domain pitch period L. [0022] The long-term prediction analyzer 111 then outputs the time-domain pitch period L and the time-domain pitch period code CL in addition to the long-term prediction selection information. [0023] If the long-term prediction analyzer 111 also outputs a quantized pitch gain gp^ and a pitch gain code Cgp, predetermined pitch gain candidates are stored in the long-term prediction analyzer 111 in association with unique indices assigned to them. The long-term prediction analyzer 111 selects, as the pitch gain code Cgp that identifies the quantized pitch gain gp^, the index that identifies a pitch gain candidate that is closest to the pitch gain gp from among the pitch gain candidates. [0024] The long-term prediction analyzer 111 then outputs the quantized pitch gain gp^ and the pitch gain code Cgp in addition to the long-term prediction selection information, the time-domain pitch period L and the time-domain pitch period code CL. Long-Term Prediction residual Arithmetic unit 112 [0025] When the long-term prediction selection information output from the long-term prediction analyzer 111 indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, a long-term prediction residual arithmetic unit 112 subtracts a long-term predicted signal from an input digital audio signal string in each frame, which is a given time period, to generate and output a long-term prediction residual signal string. For example, based on an input digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt), a time-domain pitch period L, and a quantized pitch gain gp^, the long-term prediction residual arithmetic unit 112 calculates a long-term prediction residual signal string xp(1), ..., xp(Nt) according to formula (A3), thereby generating the long-term prediction residual signal string. If the long-term prediction analyzer 111 does not output a quantized pitch gain gp^, a predetermined value, such as 0.5, for example, may be used as gp^. Frequency-Domain Transformer 113a [0026] First, when the long-term prediction selection information output from the long-term prediction analyzer 111 indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, a frequency-domain transformer 113a transforms the input long-term prediction residual signal string xp(1), ..., xp(Nt) to an MDCT coefficient string X(1), ..., X(N) at N points in the frequency domain (N is referred to as the "transform frame length") on a frame-by-frame basis; when the long-term prediction selection information output from the long-term prediction analyzer 111 indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the frequency-domain transformer 113a transforms the input digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt) to an MDCT coefficient string X(1), ..., X(N) at N points in the frequency domain (step S113a). The frequency-domain transformer 113a performs MDCT transform of a windowed long-term prediction residual signal string or a windowed digital audio signal string at 2∗N points in the time domain to obtain coefficients at N points in the frequency domain. Here, the symbol "" represents multiplication. The frequency-domain transformer 113a moves a window in the time domain by N points at a time to update the frame. Samples of adjacent frames overlap at N points each time the window is moved. The shape of the window can be set using the degree of delay or the degree of overlap separately for samples for the long-term predication and samples for the MDCT transform. For example, Nt points may be extracted as samples to be subjected to long-term prediction from a sample portion that does not overlap. If long-term prediction analysis is also applied to overlapping samples, an overlapping process, long-term prediction differences, and the order in which a combining process is applied need to be set so that a significant error does not occur between the encoder and the decoder. Weighted Envelope Normalizer 113b [0027] A weighted envelope normalizer 113b normalizes each coefficient in an input MDCT coefficient string with a power spectrum envelope coefficient string of a digital audio signal string estimated using a linear predictive coefficient obtained by linear prediction analysis of the digital audio signal string in each frame and outputs a weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string (step S113b). Here, in order to achieve quantization that auditorily minimizes distortion, the weighted envelope normalizer 113b uses a weighted power spectral envelope coefficient string obtained by moderating power spectral envelope to normalize the coefficients in the MDCT coefficient strings on a frame-by-frame basis. As a result, the weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string does not have a steep slope of amplitude or large variations in amplitude as compared with the input MDCT coefficient string but has variations in magnitude similar to those of the power spectral envelope coefficient string of the speech/audio digital signal, that is, the weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string has somewhat greater amplitudes in a region of coefficients corresponding to low frequencies and has a fine structure due to a time-domain pitch period. [Example of Weighted Envelope Normalization Process] [0028] Coefficients W(1), ..., W(N) of a power spectral envelope coefficient string that correspond to the coefficients X(1), ..., X(N) of an MDCT coefficient string at N points can be obtained by transforming linear predictive coefficients to a frequency domain. For example, according to a p-order autoregressive process, which is an all-pole model, a digital audio signal x(t) at a sample point t corresponding to a time instant can be expressed by formula (1) with past values x(t - 1), ..., x(t - p) of the signal itself at the past p time points (p is a positive integer), prediction residuals e(t) and linear predictive coefficients α1, ..., αp. Then, the coefficients W(n) [1 ≤ n ≤ N] of the power spectral envelope coefficient string can be expressed by formula (2), where exp(·) is an exponential function with a base of Napier's constant, j is an imaginary unit, and σ2 is prediction residual energy. [0029] The linear predictive coefficients may be obtained by linear prediction analysis of the same digital audio signal string that has been input in the long-term prediction analyzer 111 by the weighted envelope normalizer 113b or may be obtained by liner prediction analysis of the speech/audio digital signal by other means, not depicted, provided in the encoder 11. In such a case, the weighted envelope normalizer 113b uses the linear predictive coefficients to obtain the coefficients W(1), ..., W(N) in the power spectrum envelope coefficient string. If the coefficients W(1), ..., W(N) in the power spectral envelope coefficient string have been already obtained with other means (the power spectral envelope coefficient string arithmetic unit) in the encoder 11, the weighted envelope normalizer 113b can use the coefficients W(1), ..., W(N) in the power spectral envelope coefficient string. Note that since a decoder 12, which will be described later, needs to obtain the same values obtained in the encoder 11, quantized linear predictive coefficients and/or power spectral envelope coefficient strings are used. Hereinafter, the term "linear predictive coefficient" or "power spectral envelope coefficient string" means a quantized linear predictive coefficient or a quantized power spectral envelope coefficient string unless otherwise stated. The linear predictive coefficients are encoded by a conventional encoding technique, for example, and the resulting predictive coefficient codes are transmitted to the decoding side. The conventional encoding technique may be an encoding technique that provides codes corresponding to liner predictive coefficients themselves as predictive coefficients codes, an encoding technique that converts linear predictive coefficients to LSP parameters and provides codes corresponding to the LSP parameters as predictive coefficient codes, or an encoding technique that converts liner predictive coefficients to PARCOR coefficients and provides codes corresponding to the PARCOR coefficients as predictive coefficient codes, for example. If power spectral envelope coefficients strings are obtained with other means provided in the encoder 11, other means in the encoder 11 encodes the linear predictive coefficients by a conventional encoding technique and transmits predictive coefficient codes to the decoding side. [0030] While two examples of a weighing envelope normalization process will be given here, the present invention is not limited to the examples. <Example 1> [0031] The weighted envelope normalizer 113b divides the coefficients X(1), ..., X(N) in an MDCT coefficient string by correction values Wγ(1), ..., Wγ(N) of the coefficients in a power spectral envelope coefficient string that correspond to the coefficients to obtain the coefficients X(1)/Wγ(1), ..., X(N)/Wγ(N) in a weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string. The correction values Wγ(n)[1 ≤ n ≤ N] are given by formula (3), where γ is a positive constant less than or equal to 1 and moderates power spectrum coefficients. [0032] The weighted envelope normalizer 113b raises the coefficients in a power spectral envelope coefficient string that correspond to the coefficients X(1), ..., X(N) in an MDCT coefficient string to the β-th power (0 < β < 1) and divides the coefficients X(1), ..., X(N) by the raised values W(1)β, ..., W(N)β to obtain the coefficients X(1)/W(1)β, ..., X(N)/W(N)β in a weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string. [0033] As a result, a weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string in a frame is obtained. The weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string does not have a steep slope of amplitude or large variations in amplitude as compared with the input MDCT coefficient string but has variations in magnitude similar to those of the power spectral envelope of the input MDCT coefficient string, that is, the weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string has somewhat greater amplitudes in a region of coefficients corresponding to low frequencies and has a fine structure due to a time-domain pitch period. [0034] Note that the inverse process of the weighted envelope normalization process, that is, the process for reconstructing the MDCT coefficient string from the weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string, is performed at the decoding side, settings for the method for calculating weighted power spectral envelope coefficient strings from power spectral envelope coefficient strings need to be common between the encoding and decoding sides. Normalized Gain Arithmetic unit 113c [0035] Then a normalized gain arithmetic unit 113c takes an input of a weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string and determines a quantization step-size by using the sum of amplitude values or energy value over all frequencies so that the coefficients in the weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string in each frame can be quantized by a given total number of bits, and obtains a coefficient (hereinafter referred to as gain) by which the coefficients in the weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string is divided so that the determined quantization step-size is provided (step S113c). Information representing the gain is transmitted to the decoding side as gain information. The normalized gain arithmetic unit 113c normalizes (divides) the coefficients in the input weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string in each frame by the gain and outputs the normalized coefficients. Quantizer 113d [0036] Then, the quantizer 113d uses the quantization step-size determined in the process at step S113c to quantize the coefficients in the weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string normalized with the gain on a frame-by-frame basis and outputs the resulting quantized MDCT coefficient string as a "frequency-domain sample string" (step S113d). [0037] The quantized MDCT coefficient string (the frequency-domain sample string) in each frame obtained by the process at step S113d is input into a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115 and a rearranging unit 116a. Period Converter 114 [0038] When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, a period converter 114 obtains a converted interval T1 based on an input time-domain pitch period L and the number N of sample points in the frequency domain according to formula (A4) and outputs the converted interval T1. "INT()" in formula (A4) represents a numerical value enclosed in the parentheses reduced to the nearest whole number. [0039] Note that while a theoretical converted interval is N∗2/L - 1/2, 1/2 is added to N∗2/L - 1/2 to round to the nearest whole number if it is desirable that the converted interval T1 be an integer value. Alternatively, N∗2/L - 1/2 may be rounded to a predetermined decimal place and the resulting value may be set as the converted interval T1. For example, if N∗2/L - 1/2 is held in a pseudo binary floating-point format with a five-digit fractional part and an integer pitch period is obtained by rounding, 25∗(N∗2/L - 1/2 + 1/2) may be rounded down to the nearest integer, the resulting value may be set as the converted interval T1, T1 may be multiplied by an integer, the result may be multiplied by an integer, the result may be multiplied by 1/25 = 1/32 to convert it back to the floating-point format, and the resulting value may be set as a candidate to determine a frequency-domain pitch period. [0040] When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the period converter 114 does nothing. However, the same process may be performed that would be performed when the long-term selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed. That is, the period converter 114 may be configured to take inputs of a time-domain pitch period L and the number N of sample points in the frequency domain and may calculate and output a converted interval T1 without receiving long-term prediction selection information. Frequency-Domain Pitch Period Analyzer 115 [0041] When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115 chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates including an input converted interval T1 and integer multiples U×T1 of the converted interval T1, and outputs the frequency-domain pitch period T and a frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1. Here, U is an integer in a predetermined first range. For example, U may be an integer other than 0 and U ≥ 2, for example. For example, if the integer values in the predetermined first range are greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 8, a total of eight values, namely the converted interval T1 and the values equal to 2 to 8 times the converted interval T1, i.e. 2T1, 3T1, 4T1, 5T1, 6T1, 7T1 and 8T1, are frequency-domain pitch period candidates from which a frequency-domain pitch period T is chosen. A frequency-domain pitch period code in this case is a code that is at least 3 bits long and is in one-to-one correspondence with an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 8. [0042] When the long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115 chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates that are integers in a predetermined second range and outputs the frequency-domain pitch period T and a frequency-domain pitch period code indicting the frequency-domain pitch period T. For example if the integers in the predetermined second range are greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 36, a total of 25 values, 5, 6, ..., 36, are frequency-domain pitch period candidates from which a frequency-domain pitch period T is chosen. A frequency-domain pitch period code in this case is a code that is at least 5 bits long and is in one-to-one correspondence with an integer greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 31. [0043] The frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115 chooses a candidate that maximizes an indicator of the degree of concentration of energy on a sample group selected according to a predetermined rearranging rule, for example, as the frequency-domain pitch period T. The indicator of the degree of concentration of energy may be the sum of energy or the sum of absolute values. If the indicator of the degree of concentration of energy is the sum of energy, a candidate that maximizes the sum of energy of all samples included in a sample group selected according to a predetermined rearranging rule is chosen as the frequency-domain pitch period T. If the indicator of the degree of concentration of energy is the sum of absolute values, a candidate that maximizes the sum of the absolute values of all samples included in a sample group selected according to a predetermined rearranging rule is chosen as the frequency-domain pitch period T. A "sample group selected according to a predetermined rearranging rule" will be described later in detail in the section on the rearranging unit 116a. [0044] Alternatively, for example the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115 may actually encode a sample string rearranged according to a predetermined rule and may choose a candidate that minimizes the code amount as the frequency-domain pitch period T. A "sample string rearranged according to a predetermined rule" will be described later in detail in the section on the rearranging unit 116a. [0045] Alternatively, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115 may choose, for example, a predetermined number of candidates that yield the largest indicators of the degrees of concentration of energy on a sample group selected according to a predetermined rearranging rule, may actually encode a sample string of the chosen candidates rearranged according to the predetermined rule, and may choose a candidate that minimizes the code amount as the frequency-domain pitch period T. [0046] The meaning of choosing a frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates that are a converted interval T1 and integer multiples U×T1 of the converted interval T1 by the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115 when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed will be described below. [0047] Let a windowed long-term prediction residual signal string at 2∗N points in the time domain be xp'(1), ..., xp'(2∗N), then MDCT transform of the signal string xp'(1), ..., xp'(2∗N) yields the following MDCT coefficient string X(1), ..., X(N), for example: where, p is a coefficient such as (1/N)1/2 and k is an index k = 1, ..., N that corresponds to a frequency. That is, each MDCT coefficient string X(k) is the inner product of the following 2∗N-dimensional orthonormal basis vector B(k) and a signal string vector (xp'(1), ..., xp'(2∗N)), for example. [0048] Ideally, the signal string xp'(1), ..., xp'(2∗N) has a fundamental periodicity Pf (the fundamental period of the digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt)) in the time domain, therefore a string consisting of each inner product given above, i.e. the energy or absolute value of each MDCT coefficient X(k) is maximized at frequency intervals of 2∗N/Pf (hereinafter referred to as "ideal converted intervals") (except for a special case such as where the signal string xp'(1), ..., xp'(2∗N) is a sinusoidal wave). Accordingly, the time-domain pitch period L chosen at step S 111-1 is ideally the fundamental period Pf and the ideal converted interval 2∗N/Pf where Pf = L is the frequency-domain pitch period T. [0049] However, x(1), ...,x(Nt) and X(1), ..., X(N) are discrete values. Not all integer multiples of a neighboring sample interval of X(1), ..., X(N) in the time domain are the fundamental period Pf. In addition, integer multiples of a neighboring sample interval of X(1), ..., X(N) in the frequency domain are not always the ideal converted intervals 2∗N/Pf. Accordingly, in some cases the time-domain pitch period L chosen at step S111-1 can be an integer multiple of the fundamental period Pf or a candidate τ close to an integer multiple of the fundamental period Pf rather than the fundamental period Pf or a candidate τ close to the fundamental period Pf. If the time-domain pitch period L is an integer multiple n∗Pf of the fundamental period, the frequency-domain interval T1' transformed from the time-domain pitch period L will be equal to the ideal converted interval multiplied by a fraction of an integer, i.e. (2∗N/Pf)/n. Consequently, there may cases where a sample group cannot be selected with the frequency-domain pitch period T that is equal to the ideal converted intervals 2∗N/Pf but a sample group can be selected with a frequency-domain pitch period T that is equal to an integer multiple of the interval T1' = 2∗N/L to increase the indicator of the degree of concentration of energy on the selected sample group. These will cases be described with an example. [0050] As has been described previously, the time-domain pitch period L chosen at step S111-1 is a candidate τ that can maximize a value that can be obtained according to formula (A1). In general, x(t)x(t - τ) in formula (A1) is maximized when a candidate τ that is closest to any one of the fundamental period Pf of the digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt) or integer multiples of the fundamental period Pf, i.e. nPf (where n is a positive integer) is chosen. That is, a candidate τ that is closest to any of n∗Pf is more likely to be the time-domain pitch period L. Here, when the fundamental period Pf is an integer multiple of the sampling period (the interval between neighboring samples) of the digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt), the fundamental period Pf or a candidate τ that is closest to the fundamental period Pf is likely to maximize the value that can be obtained according to formula (A1) and is likely to be the time-domain pitch period L. On the other hand, when the fundamental period Pf is not an integer multiple of the sampling period, n∗Pf that is not equal to the fundamental period Pf or a candidate τ that is closest to such n∗Pf is more likely to maximize the value that can be obtained according to formula (A1) and is likely to be the time-domain pitch period L. For example, in the example in Fig. 3, the fundamental period Pf is not an integer multiple of the sampling period and the 2∗Pf is chosen as the time-domain pitch period L. If there are multiple candidates that are integer multiples of the sampling period among candidates τ for the time-domain pitch period, a candidate having a smaller value yields a larger value of formula A1 and is therefore more likely to be chosen as the time-domain pitch period L. For example, if 2∗Pf and 4∗Pf are integer multiples of the sampling period, 2∗Pf is more likely to be chosen as the time-domain pitch period L because 2∗Pf yields a larger value of formula (A1). That is, a smaller value of n given above is more likely to be used. [0051] In other words, the time-domain pitch period L chosen at step S111-1 can be approximated as L ≈ n∗Pf. Therefore, the frequency-domain interval T1' = 2∗N/L converted from the time-domain pitch period L can be approximated as: [0052] In other words, the interval T1' can be approximated by 1/n times the ideal converted interval (2∗N/Pf). In this case, an integer multiple of the interval n∗T1', rather than the interval T1', corresponds to the ideal converted interval 2∗N/Pf. [0053] Furthermore, an integer multiple of the sampling interval in the frequency domain is not always corresponds to the ideal converted interval 2∗N/Pf. For example, in the example in Fig. 4, since the ideal converted interval 2∗N/Pf is not an integer multiple of a neighboring sampling period of the MDCT coefficient string X(1), ..., X(N), a sample group cannot be selected with the ideal converted interval 2∗N/Pf that is equal to the frequency-domain pitch period T. However, in terms of increasing the degree of concentration of energy on a sample group selected based on a frequency domain pitch period, a frequency-domain pitch period T = m∗2∗N/Pf that is m times (where m is a positive integer) greater than an idea converted interval 2∗N/Pf can be chosen to increase the indicator of the degree of concentration of energy on the selected sample group even if the ideal converted interval 2∗N/Pf itself cannot be chosen as the frequency-domain pitch period. That is, for the purpose of increasing the degree of concentration of energy on a selected sample group, the relationship between frequency-domain pitch period T and converted interval T1' can be written from formula (A41) as follows: Further, by using converted interval T1 in formula (A4), formula (A42) can be approximated as follows: [0054] That is, frequency-domain pitch period T can be approximated by an integer multiple of converted interval T1. In other words, an integer multiple of converted interval T1 is more likely to be a frequency-domain pitch period T that provides a larger indicator of the degree of concentration of energy on a sample group than other values. That is, a large indicator of the degree of concentration of energy on a sample group can be provided by choosing a frequency-domain pitch period T from candidates that are the converted interval T1, integer multiples of the converted interval T1 and values close to these values. [0055] Since a smaller value of n is more likely to be used as described above and m is a positive integer, in the frequency domain a smaller multiplier m∗n for converted interval T1 of frequency-domain pitch period T is more likely to be chosen as the frequency-domain pitch period T. That is, a smaller integer multiple of converted interval T1 is likely to be chosen as the frequency-domain pitch period T. [0056] Fig. 5 illustrates a graph in which the horizontal axis represents frequency-domain pitch period/(transform frame length∗2/time-domain pitch period) (T/(2∗N/L) = T/T1) and the vertical axis represents its frequency. Fig. 5 illustrates the relationship between frequency-domain pitch period and time-domain pitch period that provides a large indicator of the degree of concentration of energy on a sample group. It can be seen from Fig. 5 that the frequency-domain pitch period T more frequently occurs as an integer multiple (especially 1-, 2-, 3- or 4-fold) of converted interval T1 or a value close to an integer multiple of converted interval T1 and the frequency-domain pitch period T less frequently occurs as a value other than integer multiples of converted interval T1. In other words, Fig. 5 indicates that a frequency-domain pitch period T that provides a large degree of concentration of energy on a sample group is highly likely to be an integer multiple of the converted interval T1 or a value close to an integer multiple of the converted interval T1. It also can be seen that a smaller multiplier m∗n for the converted interval T1 of frequency-domain pitch period T is more likely to be chosen as the frequency-domain pitch period T. Accordingly, a value that provides a large degree of concentration of energy on a sample group can be found as the frequency-domain pitch period from among candidates that are integer multiples of converted interval T1 and values close to them. Frequency-Domain-Pitch-Period-Based Encoder 116 [0057] A frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 116 includes a rearranging unit 116a and an encoder 116b, encodes an input frequency-domain sample string by an encoding method based on a frequency-domain pitch period T and outputs a resulting code string. Rearranging Unit 116a [0058] The rearranging unit 116a rearranges at least some of the samples included in a sample string so that (1) all of the samples in the frequency-domain sample string are included and (2) all or some of one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to a frequency-domain pitch period T chosen by the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115 in the frequency-domain sample string and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string are gathered together in a cluster, and outputs the rearranged sample string. That is, at least some of the samples included in an input sample string are rearranged so that one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to a frequency-domain pitch period T and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T are gathered together. [0059] One or a plurality of successive samples including the sample corresponding to the frequency-domain pitch period T and one or a plurality of successive samples including samples corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T are gathered together into one cluster at a low frequency side. [0060] By way of example, the rearranging unit 116a selects three samples, namely a sample F(nT) corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T, the sample preceding the sample F(nT) and the sample succeeding the sample F(nT), F(nT - 1), F(nT) and F(nT + 1), from an input sample string. The group of the selected samples is a "sample group selected according to a predetermined rearranging rule" in the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115. F(j) is a sample corresponding to an identification number j representing a sample index corresponding to a frequency. Here, n is an integer in the range from 1 to a value such that nT + 1 does not exceed a predetermined upper bound N of samples to be rearranged. The maximum value of the identification number j representing a sample index corresponding to a frequency is denoted by jmax. A set of samples selected according to n is referred to as a sample group. The upper bound N may be equal to jmax. However, N may be smaller than jmax in order to gather samples having great indicators together in a cluster at the lower frequency side to improve the efficiency of encoding as will be described later, because indicators of samples in a high frequency band of an audio signal such as speech and music are typically sufficiently small. For example, N may be about a half the value of jmax. Let nmax denote the maximum value of n that is determined based on the upper bound N, then samples corresponding to frequencies in the range from the lowest frequency to a first predetermined frequency nmax∗T + 1 among the samples in an input sample string are the samples to be rearranged. Here, the symbol * represents multiplication. [0061] The rearranging unit 116a arranges the selected samples F(j) in order from the beginning of the sample string while maintaining the original sequence of the identification numbers j to generate a sample string A. For example, if n represents an integer in the range from 1 to 5, the rearranging unit 116a arranges a first sample group F(T - 1), F(T) and F(T + 1), a second sample group F(2T - 1), F(2T) and F(2T + 1), a third sample group F(3T - 1), F(3T) and F(3 - 1), a fourth sample group F(4T - 1), F(4) and F(4 + 1), and a fifth sample group F(5T - 1), F(5T) and F(5T + 1) in order from the beginning of the sample string. That is, 15 samples F(T -1), F(T), F(T + 1), F(2T - 1), F(2T), F(2T + 1), F(3T - 1), F(3T), F(3T + 1), F(4T - 1), F(4T), F(4T + 1), F(5T - 1), F(5T) and F(5T + 1) are arranged in this order from the beginning of the sample string and the 15 samples make up sample string A. [0062] The rearranging unit 116a further arranges samples F(j) that have not been selected in order from the end of sample string A while maintaining the original sequence of the identification numbers. The samples F(j) that have not been selected are located between the sample groups that make up sample string A. A cluster of such successive samples is referred to as a sample set. That is, in the example described above, a first sample set F(1), ..., F(T - 2), a second sample set F(T + 2), ..., F(2T - 2), a third sample set F(2T + 2), ..., F(3T - 2), a fourth sample set F(3T + 2), ..., F(4T - 2), a fifth sample set F(4T + 2), ..., F(5T - 2), and a sixth sample set F(5T + 2), ..., F(jmax) are arranged in order from the end of sample string A and these samples make up sample string B. [0063] In short, an input sample string F(j) (1 ≤ j ≤ jmax) in this example is rearranged as F(T - 1), F(T), F(T + 1), F(2T - 1), F(2T), F(2T + 1), F(3T - 1), F(3T), F(3T + 1), F(4T - 1), F(4T), F(4T + 1), F(5T - 1), F(5T), F(5T + 1), F(1), ..., F(T - 2), F(T + 2), ..., F(2T - 2), F(2T + 2), ..., F(3T - 2), F(3T + 2), ..., F(4T - 2), F(4T + 2), ..., F(5T - 2), F(5T + 2), ..., F(jmax) (see Fig. 6). The rearranged sample string is a "sample string rearranged in accordance with a predetermined rearranging rule" in the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115. [0064] Note that in a low frequency band, samples other than samples corresponding to a frequency-domain pitch period T and samples corresponding to integer multiples of the frequency-domain pitch period T often have great amplitudes and power values. Therefore, samples in a range from the lowest frequency to a predetermined frequency f may be excluded from rearranging. For example, if the predetermined frequency f is nT + α, original samples F(1), ..., F(nT + α) are not rearranged but original samples F(nT + α + 1) and the subsequent samples are rearranged, where α is preset to an integer greater than or equal to 0 and somewhat less than T (for example an integer less than T/2). Here, n may be an integer greater than or equal to 2. Alternatively, original P successive samples F(1), ..., F(P) from a sample corresponding to the lowest frequency may be excluded from rearranging and original sample F(P + 1) and the subsequent samples may be rearranged. In this case, the predetermined frequency f is P. A collection of samples to be rearranged are rearranged according to the rule described above. Note that if a first predetermined frequency has been set, the predetermined frequency f (a second predetermined frequency) is lower than the first predetermined frequency. [0065] If original samples F(1), ..., F(T + 1), for example, are not rearranged and an original sample F(T + 2) and the subsequent samples are to be rearranged, the input sample string F(j) (1 ≤ j ≤ jmax) will be rearranged as F(1), ..., F(T + 1), F(2T - 1), F(2T), F(2T + 1), F(3T - 1), F(3T), F(3T + 1), F(4T - 1), F(4T), F(4T + 1), F(5T - 1), F(5T), F(5T + 1), F(T + 2), ..., F(2T -2), F(2T + 2), ..., F(3T - 2), F(3T + 2), ..., F(4T - 2), F(4T + 2), ..., F(5T - 2), F(5T + 2), ..., F(jmax) according to the rearranging rule described above (see Fig. 7). [0066] Different upper bounds N or different first predetermined frequencies which determine the maximum value of identification numbers j to be rearranged may be set for different frames, rather than setting an upper bound N or first predetermined frequency that is common to all frames. In that case, information specifying an upper bound N or a first predetermined frequency for each frame may be transmitted to the decoding side. Furthermore, the number of sample groups to be rearranged may be specified instead of specifying the maximum value of identification numbers j to be rearranged. In that case, the number of sample groups may be set for each frame and information specifying the number of sample groups may be transmitted to the decoding side. Of course, the number of sample groups to be rearranged may be common to all frames. Different second predetermined frequencies f may be set for different frames, instead of setting a second predetermined value that is common to all frames. In that case, information specifying a second predetermine frequency for each frame may be transmitted to the decoding side. [0067] The envelope of indicators of the samples in the sample string thus rearranged declines with increasing frequency when frequencies and the indicators of the samples are plotted as abscissae and ordinates, respectively. The reason is the fact that audio signal sample strings, especially speech and music signals sample strings in the frequency domain generally contain fewer high-frequency components. In other words, the rearranging unit 116a rearranges at least some of the samples contained in the input sample string so that the envelope of indicators of the samples declines with increasing frequency. Note that Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate examples in which all of the samples included in a sample string in the frequency domain are positive values in order to clearly show that samples that have greater amplitudes appear at the lower frequency side as a result of rearranging of the samples. In practice, the samples included in a sample string in the frequency domain are often positive or negative or zero. The rearranging described above or a rearranging process which will be described later may be performed in such cases as well. [0068] While the rearranging in this embodiment gathers one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to the frequency-domain pitch period T and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T together into one cluster at the low frequency side, rearranging may be performed that gathers one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to the frequency-domain pitch period T and one or a plurality of successive samples including samples corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T together into one cluster at the high frequency side. In that case, sample groups in sample string A are arranged in the reverse order, sample sets in sample string B are arranged in the reverse order, sample string B is placed at the low frequency side, sample string A follows sample string B. That is, the samples in the example described above are arranged in the following order from the low frequency side: the sixth sample set F(5T + 2), ..., F(jmax), the fifth sample set F(4T + 2), ..., F(5T - 2), the fourth sample set F(3T + 2), ..., F(4T - 2), the third sample set F(2T + 2), ..., F(3T - 2), the second sample set F(T + 2), ..., F(2T - 2), the first sample set F(1), ..., F(T - 2), the fifth sample group F(5T - 1), F(5T), F(5T + 1), the fourth sample group F(4T - 1), F(4T), F(4T + 1), the third sample group F(3T - 1), F(3T), F(3T + 1), the second sample group F(2T - 1), F(2T), F(2T + 1), and the first sample group F(T - 1), F(T), F(T + 1). The envelope of indicators of the samples in the sample string thus rearranged rises with increasing frequency when frequencies and the indicators of samples are plotted as abscissae and ordinates, respectively. In other words, the rearranging unit 116a rearranges at least some of the samples included in the input sample string so that the envelope of the samples rises with increasing frequency. [0069] The frequency-domain pitch period T may be a fractional value instead of an integer. In that case, F(R(nT - 1)), F(R(nT)), and F(R(nT + 1)), for example, are selected, where R(nT) represents a value nT rounded to the nearest integer. [0070] Note that if the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115 performs the process for choosing a candidate that minimizes the actual code amount as the frequency-domain pitch period T, the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 116 does not need to include the rearranging unit 116a because the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115 generates a rearranged sample string. [The Number of Samples Collected] [0071] An example is given in this embodiment where the number of samples included in each sample group is fixed to three, namely a sample corresponding to a frequency-domain pitch period T or an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T (hereinafter the sample referred to as center sample), the sample preceding the center sample, and the sample succeeding the center sample. However, if the number of samples in a sample group and sample indices are variable, the rearranging unit 116a outputs information indicating one selected from a plurality of alternatives in which combinations of the number of samples in a sample group and sample indices are different as auxiliary information (first auxiliary information). [0072] For example, if (1) center sample only, F(nT), (2) a total of three samples, namely a center sample, the sample preceding the center sample and the sample succeeding the center sample, F(nT - 1), F(nT), F(nT + 1), (3) a total of three samples, namely a center sample and the two preceding samples, F(nT - 2), F(nT - 1), F(nT), (4) a total of four samples, namely a center sample and the three preceding samples, F(nT - 3), F(nT - 2), F(nT - 1), F(nT), (5) a total of three samples, namely a center sample and the two succeeding samples, F(nT), F(nT +1), F(nT + 2), and (6) a total of four samples, namely a center sample and the three succeeding samples, F(nT), F(nT + 1), F(nT + 2), F(nT + 3) are set as alternatives and (4) is selected, information indicating that (4) has been selected is output as first auxiliary information. Three bits is enough for information indicating the selected alternative in this example. [0073] One method for choosing one of the alternatives is as follows. The rearranging unit 116a may perform rearranging corresponding to each of these alternatives and the encoder 116b, which will be described below, may obtain the code amount of a code string corresponding to each of the alternatives. Then, the alternative that yields the smallest code amount may be selected. In this case, the first auxiliary information is output from the encoder 116b instead of the rearranging unit 116a. This method is also applied to a case where n can be selected from a plurality of alternatives. Encoder 116b [0074] Then the encoder 116b encodes the sample string output from the rearranging unit 116a and outputs the resulting code string (step S116b). For example, the encoder 116b changes variable-length encoding according to the localization of the amplitudes of samples included in the sample string output from the rearranging unit 116a and encodes the sample string. That is, since samples having great amplitudes are gathered together in a cluster at the low (or high) frequency side in a frame by the rearranging unit 116a, the encoder 116b performs variable-length encoding appropriate for the localization. If samples having equal or nearly equal amplitudes are gathered together in a cluster in each local region like the sample string output from the rearranging unit 116a, the average code amount can be reduced by, for example, Rice coding using different Rice parameters for different regions. An example will be described in which samples having great amplitudes are gathered together in a cluster at the low frequency side in a frame (the side closer to the beginning of the frame). [Example of Encoding] [0075] By way of example, the encoder 116b applies Rice coding (also called Golomb-Rice coding) to each sample in a region where samples having great amplitudes are gathered together in a cluster. In a region other than this region, the encoder 116b applies entropy coding (such as Huffman coding or arithmetic coding), which is also suitable for a set of samples gathered together. For applying Rice coding, a Rice parameter and a region to which Rice coding is applied may be fixed or a plurality of different combinations of region to which Rice coding is applied and Rice parameter may be provided so that one combination can be chosen from the combinations. When one of the plurality of combinations is chosen, the following variable-length codes (binary values enclosed in quotation marks " "), for example, can be used as selection information indicating the choice for Rice coding and the encoder 116b outputs the selection information indicating the choice. "1": Rice coding is not applied. "01": Rice coding is applied to the first 1/32 region of a string with Rice parameter 1. "001": Rice coding is applied to the first 1/32 region of a string with Rice parameter 2. "0001": Rice coding is applied to the first 1/16 region of a string with Rice parameter 1. "00001": Rice coding is applied to the first 1/16 region of a string with Rice parameter 2. [0076] A method for choosing one of these alternatives may be to compare the code amounts of code strings corresponding to different alternatives for Rice coding that are obtained by encoding to choose an alternative with the smallest code amount. [0077] When a region where samples having an amplitude of 0 occur in a long succession appears in a rearranged sample string, the average code amount can be reduced by run length coding, for example, of the number of the successive samples having an amplitude of 0. In such a case, the encoder 116b (1) applies Rice coding to each sample in the region where the samples having great amplitudes are gathered together in a cluster and, (2) in the regions other than that region, (a) applies encoding that outputs codes that represents the number of successive samples having an amplitude of 0 to a region where samples having an amplitude of 0 appear in succession, (b) applies entropy coding (such as Huffman coding or arithmetic coding), which is also suitable for a set of samples gathered together, to the remaining regions. Again, a choice can be made among Rice coding alternatives described above. In this case, information indicating regions where run length coding has been applied needs to be sent to the decoding side. This information may be included in the selection information described above, for example. Additionally, if a plurality of types of entropy coding methods are provided as alternatives, information identifying which of the types of encoding has been chosen needs to be sent to the decoding side. The information may be included in the selection information described above, for example. [0078] In some situations, there can be no advantage in rearranging of samples included in a sample string. In such a case, an original sample string needs to be encoded. The rearranging unit 116a therefore outputs an original sample string (a sample string that has not been rearranged) as well. Then the encoder 116b encodes the original sample string and the rearranged sample string by variable-length coding. The code amount of the code string obtained by variable-length coding of the original sample string is compared with the code amount of the code string obtained by variable-length coding of the rearranged sample string using different variable-length coding methods for different regions. If the code amount of the code string obtained by variable-length coding of the original sample string is the smallest, the code string obtained by variable-length coding of the original sample string is output. In this case, the encoder 116b also outputs auxiliary information (second auxiliary information) indicating whether the sample string corresponding to the code string is a rearranged sample string or not. One bit is enough for the second auxiliary information. Note that if the second auxiliary information indicates that the sample string corresponding to the code string is the original sample string in which the samples have not been rearranged, the first auxiliary information does not need to be output. [0079] Furthermore, it is possible to predetermine to rearrange a sample string only if a prediction gain or an estimated prediction gain is greater than a predetermined threshold. This method takes advantage of the fact that when the prediction gain in speech or music is large, vocal cord vibration or vibration of a music instrument is strong and the periodicity is high. Prediction gain is the energy of original sound divided by the energy of a prediction residual. In encoding that uses linear predictive coefficients and PARCOR coefficients as parameters, quantized parameters can be used on the encoder and the decoder in common. Therefore, for example, the encoder 116b may use an i-th order quantized PARCOR coefficient k(i) obtained by other means, not depicted, provided in the encoder 11 to calculate an estimated prediction gain represented by the reciprocal of (1 - k(i) * k(j)) multiplied for each order. If the calculated estimated value is greater than a predetermined threshold, the encoder 116b outputs a code string obtained by variable-coding of a rearranged sample; otherwise, the encoding unit 116b outputs a code string obtained by variable-coding of an original sample string. In that case, the second auxiliary information indicating whether the sample string corresponding to a code string is a rearranged sample string or not does not need to be output. That is, rearranging is likely to have a minimal effect in unpredictable noisy sound or silence and therefore rearranging is omitted to reduce waste of second auxiliary information and computation. [0080] In an alternate configuration, the rearranging unit 116a may calculate a prediction gain or an estimated prediction gain. If the prediction gain or the estimated prediction gain is greater than a predetermined threshold, the rearranging unit 116a may rearrange a sample string and output the rearranged sample string to the encoder 116b; otherwise, the rearranging unit 116a may output a sample string input in the rearranging unit 116a to the encoder 116b without rearranging the sample sting. Then the encoder 116b may encode the sample string output from the rearranging unit 116a by variable-length coding. [0081] In this configuration, the threshold is preset as a value common to the coding side and decoding side. [0082] Note that Rice coding, arithmetic coding and run length coding taken as an example herein are all well-known and therefore detailed descriptions of these method are omitted. Since a quantized PARCOR coefficient is a coefficient that can be converted from a linear predictive coefficient or an LSP parameter, first a quantized linear predictive coefficient or a quantized LSP parameter may be obtained using other means, not depicted, provided in the encoder 11, instead of obtaining a quantized PARCOR coefficient using other means, not depicted, provided in the encoder 11, then a quantized PARCOR coefficient may be obtained from the obtained parameter, and then an estimated prediction gain may be obtained. In essence, the estimated prediction gain is obtained based on a quantized coefficient corresponding to a linear predictive coefficient. [0083] While an example has been described in which different variable-length coding methods are used according to the localization of the amplitudes of samples included in a sample string output from the rearranging unit 116a, the present invention is not limited to this encoding process. For example, an encoding process may be used in which one or more samples are treated as one symbol (encoding unit) and a code to be assigned to a sequence of one or more symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol sequence) is adaptively controlled depending on the symbol string immediately preceding the symbol sequence. One example of such encoding process may be adaptive arithmetic coding, which is used in JPEG 2000. In the adaptive arithmetic coding, a modeling process and arithmetic coding are performed. In the modeling process, a frequency table of a symbol sequence for arithmetic coding is selected from the immediately preceding symbol sequence. Then, arithmetic coding is performed in which a closed interval half line [0, 1] is partitioned into intervals in accordance with the provability of occurrence of a selected symbol sequence, and codes for the symbol sequence are assigned to binary fractional values indicating positions in the intervals. In an embodiment of the present invention, the modeling process sequentially divides a rearranged frequency-domain sample string (a quantized MDCT coefficient string in the example described above) into symbols, starting from the low frequency side, and selects a frequency table for arithmetic coding, and the arithmetic coding partitions a closed interval half line [0,1] into intervals according to the probability of occurrence of a selected symbol sequence and assigns codes for the symbol sequence to binary fractional values indicating positions in the intervals. Since rearranging has been performed to rearrange the sample string so that samples that have equal or nearly equal indicators (for example the absolute values of amplitudes) that reflect the sizes of the samples are gathered together in a cluster as has been described above, variations of the indicators reflecting the sizes of the samples between adjacent samples in the sample string are small, the accuracy of the frequency tables of symbols is high and the total code amount of codes obtained by the arithmetic coding of the symbols can be kept small. [0084] A decoding process performed by the decoder 12 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. [0085] At least the long-term prediction selection information, the gain information, the frequency-domain pitch period code, and the code string are input into the decoder 12. When the long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, at least a time-domain pitch period code CL is input. In addition to the time-domain pitch period code CL, a pitch gain code Cgp may be input. If selection information, first auxiliary information and second auxiliary information are output from the encoder 11, the selection information, the first auxiliary information and the second auxiliary information are also input into the decoder 12. Frequency-Domain-Pitch-Period-Based Decoder 123 [0086] A frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder 123 includes a decoder 123a and a recovering unit 123b, decodes an input code string using a decoding method based on a frequency-domain pitch period T to obtain the original sequence of samples, and outputs the sequence of the samples. Decoder 123a [0087] The decoder 123a decodes an input code string on a frame-by-frame basis and outputs a frequency-domain sample string (step S123a). [0088] If second auxiliary information is input in the decoder 12, the decoder 123a outputs the frequency-domain sample string obtained to a section, which depends on whether or not the second auxiliary information indicates that the sample string corresponding to the code string is a rearranged sample string. If the second auxiliary information indicates that the sample string corresponding to the code string is a rearranged sample string, the frequency-domain sample string obtained by the decoder 123a is output to the recovering unit 123b. If the second auxiliary information indicates that the sample string corresponding to the code string is a sample string that has not been rearranged, the frequency-domain sample string obtained by the decoder 123a is output to a gain multiplier 124a. [0089] Furthermore, if the encoder 11 has made determination beforehand based on comparison between a prediction gain or an estimated prediction gain and a threshold as to whether to rearrange samples, the decoder 12 makes determination similar to the determination. Specifically, the decoder 123a uses an i-th order quantized PARCOR coefficient k(i) obtained by other means, not depicted, provided in the decoder 12 to calculate an estimated prediction gain represented by the reciprocal of (1 - k(i) ∗ k(j)) multiplied for each order. If the calculated estimated value is greater than a predetermined threshold, the decoder 123a outputs a frequency-domain sample string that the decoder 123a has obtained to the recovering unit 123b. Otherwise, the decoder 123a outputs an original frequency-domain sample string that the decoder 123a has obtained to the gain multiplier 124a. [0090] Note that the means, not depicted, provided in the decoder 12 may obtain a quantized PARCOR coefficient by using a well-known method such as a method whereby a code corresponding to a PARCOR coefficient is decoded to obtain a quantized PARCOR coefficient or a method whereby a code corresponding to an LSP parameter is decoded to obtain a quantized LSP parameter and the obtained quantized LSP parameter is converted to obtain a quantized PARCOR coefficient. All of these methods obtain a quantized coefficient corresponding to a linear predictive coefficient from a code corresponding to a linear predictive coefficient. That is, an estimated prediction gain is based on a quantized coefficient corresponding to a linear predictive coefficient obtained by decoding a code corresponding to the linear predictive coefficient. [0091] If selection information is input from the encoder 11 into the decoder 12, the decoder 123a performs a decoding process on an input code string by using a decoding method according to the selection information. Of course, a decoding method corresponding to the encoding method performed to obtain the coding string is performed. Details of the decoding process by the decoder 123a correspond to details of the encoding process by the encoder 116b of the encoder 11. Therefore, the description of the encoding process is incorporated here by stating that decoding corresponding to the encoding performed by the encoder 11 is the decoding process performed by the decoder 123a, and hereby a detailed description of the decoding process will be omitted. Note that if selection information is input, what type of encoding has been performed can be identified by the selection information. If selection information includes, for example, information identifying a region where Rice coding has been applied and Rice parameters, information indicating a region where run length coding has been applied, and information identifying the type of entropy coding, decoding methods corresponding to these encoding methods are applied to the corresponding regions of input coding strings. The decoding process corresponding to Rice coding, the decoding process corresponding to entropy coding, and the decoding process corresponding to run length coding are well known and therefore descriptions of these decoding processes will be omitted. Long-term Prediction Information Decoder 121 [0092] A long-term prediction information decoder 121 decodes an input time-domain pitch period code CL to obtain and output a time-domain pitch period L when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed. If a pitch gain code Cgp is also input, the long-term prediction information decoder 121 also decodes the pitch gain code Cgp to obtain and output a quantized pitch gain gp^. [0093] When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, a period converter 122 decodes an input frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain an integer value indicating how many times a frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than a converted interval T1, obtains the converted interval T1 on the basis of a time-domain pitch period L and the number N of frequency-domain sample points according to formula (A4), multiplies the converted interval T1 by the integer value to obtain and output the frequency-domain pitch period T. [0094] When the long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the period converter 122 decodes the input frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain and output a frequency-domain pitch period T. Recovering Unit 123b [0095] Then, a recovering unit 123b obtains and outputs the original sequence of the samples from the frequency-domain sample string output from the decoder 123a on a frame-by-frame basis according to the frequency-domain pitch period T obtained by the period converter 122 or, if auxiliary information is input into the decoder 12, according to the frequency-domain pitch period T obtained by the period converter 122 and the input auxiliary information (step S123b). Here, the "original sequence of samples" is equivalent to the "frequency-domain sample string" output from the frequency-domain sample string arithmetic unit 113 of the encoder 11. While there are various rearranging methods that can be performed by the rearranging unit 116a of the encoder 11 and various possible rearranging alternatives corresponding to the rearranging methods as stated above, only one type of rearranging, if any, has been performed on the string, and the type of rearranging can be identified by the frequency-domain pitch period T and the auxiliary information. [0096] Details of the recovering process performed by the recovering unit 123b correspond to the details of the rearranging process performed by the rearranging unit 116a of the encoder 11. Therefore, the description of the rearranging process is incorporated here by stating that the recovering process performed by the recovering unit 123b is the reverse of the rearranging performed by the rearranging unit 116a (rearranging in the reverse order), and hereby the detailed description of the recovering process will be omitted. In order to facilitate the understanding of the process, one example of the recovering process corresponding to the specific example of the rearranging process described previously will be described below. [0097] For example, in the example described previously in which the rearranging unit 116a gathers sample groups together in a cluster at the low frequency side and outputs F(T - 1), F(T), F(T + 1), F(2T - 1), F(2T), F(2T + 1), F(3T - 1), F(3T), F(3T + 1), F(4T - 1), F(4T), F(4T + 1), F(5T - 1), F(5T), F(5T + 1), F(1), ..., F(T - 2), F(T + 2), ..., F(2T - 2), F(2T + 2), ..., F(3T - 2), F(3T +2), ..., F(4T - 2), F(4T + 2), ..., F(5T - 2), F(5T + 2), ..., F(jmax), the frequency-domain sample string F(T - 1), F(T), F(T + 1), F(2T - 1), F(2T), F(2T + 1), F(3T - 1), F(3T), F(3T + 1), F(4T - 1), F(4T), F(4T + 1), F(5T - 1), F(5T), F(5T + 1), F(1), ..., F(T - 2), F(T + 2), ..., F(2T - 2), F(2T + 2), ..., F(3T - 2), F(3T +2), ..., F(4T - 2), F(4T + 2), ..., F(5T - 2), F(5T + 2), ..., F(jmax) output from the decoder 123a is input in the recovering unit 123b. Based on the frequency-domain pitch period T and the auxiliary information, the recovering unit 123b can recover the input sample string F(T - 1), F(T), F(T + 1), F(2T - 1), F(2T), F(2T + 1), F(3T - 1), F(3T), F(3T + 1), F(4T - 1), F(4T), F(4T + 1), F(5T - 1), F(5T), F(5T + 1), F(1), ..., F(T - 2), F(T + 2), ..., F(2T - 2), F(2T + 2), ..., F(3T - 2), F(3T +2), ..., F(4T - 2), F(4T + 2), ..., F(5T - 2), F(5T + 2), ..., F(jmax) to the original sequence of samples F(j) (1 ≤ j ≤ jmax). Gain Multiplier 124a [0098] Then, a gain multiplier 124a multiplies, on a frame-by-frame basis, each coefficient of the sample string output from the decoder 123a or the recovering unit 123b by a gain identified by the gain information described above to obtain and output a "normalized weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string" (step S124a). Weighted Envelope Inverse-Normalizer 124b [0099] Then, a weighted envelope inverse-normalizer 124b applies, on a frame-by-frame basis, a correction coefficient obtained from a transmitted power spectrum envelope coefficient string to each coefficient of the "normalized weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string" output from the gain multiplier 124a as described previously to obtain and output an "MDCT coefficient string" (step S124b). An example will be described in association with the example of the weighted envelope normalization process performed in the encoder 11. The weighted envelope inverse-normalizer 124b multiplies each coefficient in a "normalized weighted normalized MDCT coefficient string" output from the gain multiplier 124a by the β-th power (0 < β < 1) of each coefficient in a power spectrum envelope coefficient string that corresponds to the coefficient, W(1)β, ..., W(N)β, to obtain the coefficients X(1), ..., X(N) in an MDCT coefficient string. Time-Domain Transformer 124c [0100] Then, a time-domain transformer 124c transforms, on a frame-by-frame basis, the "MDCT coefficient string" output from the weighted envelope inverse-normalizer 124b into the time domain to obtain and output a signal string (time-domain signal string) in each frame (step S124c). When long-term prediction selection information output from the long-term prediction information decoder 121 indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, the signal string obtained by the time-domain transformer 124c is input into a long-term prediction synthesizer 125 as a long-term prediction residual signal string xp(1), ..., xp(Nt). When long-term prediction selection information output from the long-term prediction information decoder 121 indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the signal sting obtained by the time-domain transformer 124c is output from the decoder 12 as a digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt). Long-Term Prediction Synthesizer 125 [0101] When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, the long-term prediction synthesizer 125 obtains a digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt) on the basis of a long-term prediction residual signal string xp(1), ..., xp(Nt) obtained by the time-domain transformer 124c, a time-domain pitch period L and a quantized pitch gain gp^ output from the long-term prediction information decoder 121, and a previous digital audio signal generated by the long-term prediction synthesizer 125 in accordance with formula (A5). If the long-term prediction information decoder 121 does not output a quantized pitch gain gp^, that is, a pitch gain code Cgp has not been input in the decoder 12, a predetermined value, for example 0.5, is used as gp^. In this case, the value of gp^ is stored in the long-term prediction information decoder 121 beforehand so that the encoder 11 and the decoder 12 can use the same value. The signal string obtained by the long-term prediction synthesizer 125 is output as a digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt) from the decoder 12. [0102] When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the long-term prediction synthesizer 125 does not perform anything. [0103] As will be apparent from the embodiment, if for example a frequency-domain pitch period T is clear, efficient encoding can be accomplished by encoding a sample string rearranged according to the frequency-domain pitch period T (that is, the average code length can be reduced). Furthermore, since samples having equal or nearly equal indicators are gathered together in a cluster in a local region by rearranging a sample string, quantization distortion and the code amount can be reduced while enabling efficient encoding. [MODIFICATION OF THE FIRST EMBODIMENT] [0104] While the encoder 11 of the first embodiment chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates that are a converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, the frequency-domain pitch period T may be chosen from candidates that include multiples of the converted interval T1 other than integer multiples U × T1. Differences of a modification from the first embodiment will be described below. Encoder 11' [0105] An encoder 11' of this modification differs from the encoder 11 of the first embodiment in that the encoder 11' includes a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115' in place of the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115. In this modification, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115' chooses and outputs a frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates that are a converted interval T1, integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, and predetermined multiples of the converted interval T1 other than the integer multiples U × T1. When the long-term predication selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115' chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates that are integer value in a predetermined second range, as in the first embodiment. Frequency-Domain Pitch Period Analyzer 115' [0106] A frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115' chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from candidates that are a converted interval T1, integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, and predetermined multiples of the converted interval T1 other than the integer multiples U × T1 (chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1) and outputs the frequency-domain pitch period T and a frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1. [0107] For example, if integers in a predetermined first range are greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 9, a total of 16 values, namely a converted interval T1, its integer multiples, 2T1, 3T1, 4T1, 5T1, 6T1, 7T1, 8T1, 9T1, and a predetermined multiples, 1.9375T1, 2.0625T1, 2.125T1, 2.1875T1, 2.25T1, 2.9375Ti, and 3.0625Ti, other than the integer multiples of the converted interval T1 are candidates for the frequency-domain pitch period, from which a frequency-domain pitch period T is chosen. A frequency-domain pitch period code in this case is at least 4 bits long and is in one-to-one correspondence with each of the 16 candidates. [0108] Note that the "integers in the predetermined first range" do not necessarily need to include all integers greater than or equal to a given integer and less than or equal to a given integer. For example, the integers in the predetermined first range may be integers greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 9, excluding 5. In this case, for example a total of 16 values, namely a converted interval T1, its integer multiples, 2T1, 3T1, 4T1, 6T1, 7T1, 8T1, 9T1, and a predetermined multiples, 1.3750T1, 1.53125T1, 2.03125T1, 2.0625T1, 2.09375T1, 2.1250T1, 8.5000T1, and 14.5000T1, other than the integer multiples of the converted interval T1 are candidates for the frequency-domain pitch period, from which a frequency-domain pitch period T is chosen. A frequency-domain pitch period code in this case is at least 4 bits long and is in one-to-one correspondence with each of the 16 candidates. [0109] When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115' chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from candidates that are integer values in a predetermined second range, as in the first embodiment. Decoder 12' [0110] A decoder 12' of this modification differs from the decoder 12 of the first embodiment in that the decoder 12' includes a period converter 122' in place of the period converter 122. Period Converter 122' [0111] When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, a period converter 122' decodes a frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain a value (a multiple) indicating how many times a frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than a converted interval T1, obtains the converted interval T1 on the basis of a time-domain pitch period L and the number N of frequency-domain sample points according to formula (A4), multiplies the converted interval T1 by the value indicating how many times greater to obtain and output the frequency-domain pitch period T. [0112] When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the period converter 122' decodes the frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain and output a frequency-domain pitch period T. [MODIFICATION 2 OF FIRST EMBODIMENT] [0113] In modification 1 of the first embodiment, a frequency-domain pitch period T is chosen from candidates including multiples of a converted interval T1 that are not integer multiples in addition to integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1. In modification 2 of the first embodiment, the fact that an integer multiple U × T1 is more likely to be a frequency-domain pitch period T than other values is taken into consideration and the length of a frequency-domain pitch period code is determined based on a variable-length code book. [0114] A frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115" chose a pitch period T by taking into consideration the length of a frequency-domain pitch period code as well. [0115] Differences from modification 1 of the first embodiment will be described below. An encoder 11" of this modification differs from the encoder 11 of the first embodiment in that the encoder 11" includes the frequency domain pitch period analyzer 115" in place of the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115. Frequency-Domain Pitch Period Analyzer 115" [0116] The frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115" chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from candidates that are a converted interval T1, integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, and predetermined multiples of the converted interval T1 other than the integer multiples U × T1 (chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1) and outputs the frequency-domain pitch period T and a frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1. [0117] Here, the frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times a frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than a converted interval T1 is determined using a variable-length code book in which the lengths of codes corresponding to integer multiples V × T1 of the converted interval T1 are shorter than the lengths of codes corresponding to the other candidates, where V is an integer. For example, V is an integer that is not 0 and is a positive integer, for example. For example, V ∈ {1, U}. [0118] For example, a variable-length code book (example 1) may be used to choose a frequency-domain pitch period code in which the length of a variable-length code for a frequency-domain pitch period T that is equal to a converted interval T1 itself and the length of a variable-length code for a frequency-domain pitch period T that is equal to an integer multiple U × T1 of the converted interval T1 are shorter than the lengths of the other variable-length codes. Note that the "variable-length codes" are codes in which more likely events are assigned shorter codes than codes for unlikely events, thereby reducing the average code length. Such a frequency-domain pitch period code is shorter when the frequency-domain pitch period T is equal to the converted interval T1 itself or an integer multiple of the converted interval T1 than when the frequency-domain pitch period T is any other value. An example of such a variable-length code book is given in Fig. 12. Since an integer multiple of the converted interval T1 is more likely to be chosen as a frequency-domain pitch period than other values, the average code length can be decreased by using such a variable-length code book to choose a frequency-domain pitch period code. [0119] Alternatively, a variable-length code book (example 2) may be used to choose a frequency-domain pitch period code in which the length of a variable-length code for a frequency-domain pitch period T that is equal to a converted interval T1 itself, the length of a variable-length code for a frequency-domain pitch period T that is equal to an integer multiple U × T1 of the converted interval T1, the length of a variable-length code for a frequency-domain pitch period T that is close to the converted interval T1, and the length of a variable-length code for a frequency-domain pitch period T that is close to an integer multiple U × T1 of the converted interval T1 are shorter than the code lengths of other variable-length codes. The length of a frequency-domain pitch period code in this case is shorter when the frequency-domain pitch period T is equal to the converted interval T1 itself, or an integer multiple of the converted interval T1, or close to the converted interval T1, or close to an integer multiple of the converted interval T1 than when the frequency-domain pitch period T is any other value. Since the frequency-domain pitch period T that is equal to the converted interval T1, or an integer multiple of the converted interval T1, or close to the converted interval T1, or close to an integer multiple of the converted interval T1 is more likely to be chosen as the frequency-domain pitch period, the average code length can be reduced by making the lengths of the codes corresponding to these values shorter than the codes corresponding to the other values. [0120] Alternatively, a variable-length code book (example 3) in which the length of a variable-length code for a frequency-domain pitch period T that is equal to a converted interval T1 itself is shorter than the length of a variable-length code for a frequency-domain pitch period T that is equal to an integer multiple U × T1 of the converted interval T1 may be used to choose a frequency-domain pitch period code. The length of a frequency-domain pitch period code in this case is shorter when the frequency-domain pitch period T is equal to the converted interval T1 than when the frequency-domain pitch period T is close to the converted interval T1. [0121] Alternatively, a variable-length code book (example 4) in which the length of a variable-length code for a frequency-domain pitch period T that is an integer multiple U × T1 of the converted interval T1 is shorter than the length of a variable-length code for a frequency-domain pitch period T that is close to an integer multiple U × T1 of the converted interval T1 may be used. The length of a first frequency-domain pitch period code in this case is shorter when the first frequency-domain pitch period T is an integer multiple of the converted interval T1 than when the first frequency-domain pitch period T is close to an integer multiple of the converted interval T1. [0122] If information about previous frames cannot be used or is not used as has been described previously, a smaller multiplier m∗n for the converted interval T1 of a frequency-domain pitch period T is more likely to be chosen as the frequency-domain pitch period T. By taking this fact into consideration, a variable-length code book (example 5) may be used to choose a frequency-domain pitch period code in which variable-codes are assigned so that at least the length of a variable-length code for a frequency-domain pitch period T that is an integer multiple V × T1 of the converted interval T1 is monotonically non-decreasing with respect to the magnitude of the integer multiple V as illustrated in Fig. 13. In this case, at least the length of a frequency-domain pitch period code for the frequency-domain pitch period T that is an integer multiple V × T1 of the converted interval T1 is monotonically non-decreasing with respect to the magnitude of the integer V. [0123] Alternatively, a variable-length code book (example 6) that has a combination of the features of examples 1 and 3 described above may be used, or a variable-length code book (example 7) that has a combination of the features of examples 2 and 3 may be used, or a variable-length code book (example 8) that has a combination of the features of examples 2 and 4 may be used, or a variable-length code book (example 9) that has a combination of the features of examples 2, 3 and 4 may be used, or a variable-length code book (example 10) that has a combination of the features of any of examples 1 to 9 and the feature of example 5 may be used. [0124] The frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115" chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T by taking into consideration the length of a code that indicates the relationship between an indicator of the degree of concentration of energy on a sample group selected according to a predetermined rearranging rule and a converted interval T1. For example, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115" chooses a shorter code indicating the relationship with the converted interval T1 from among codes that have the same indicator of the degree of concentration. Alternatively, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115" chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T that maximizes a modified indicator of the degree of concentration: where c is an appropriate predetermined constant (weight). [SECOND EMBODIMENT] [0125] An encoder 21 of a second embodiment differs from the encoder 11 of the first embodiment in that the encoder 21 includes a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 215 in place of the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115. In this embodiment, when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 215 chooses an intermediate candidate from among a converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from among the intermediate candidate and values in a predetermined third range that are close to the intermediate candidate, and outputs the frequency-domain pitch period T. When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 215 chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from candidates that are integers in a predetermined second range, as in the first embodiment, and outputs the frequency-domain pitch period T. Differences from the first embodiment will be described below. [0126] When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 215 first chooses an intermediate candidate from among a converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1. The frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 215 then chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from among the intermediate candidate and values in a predetermined third range that are close to the intermediate candidate and outputs the frequency-domain pitch period T. In addition, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 215 outputs information indicating how many times the intermediate candidate is greater than the converted interval T1 and information indicating the difference between the frequency-domain pitch period T and the intermediate candidate as frequency-domain pitch period codes. [0127] For example, if the integers in a predetermined first range are greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 8, a total of eight values, namely the converted interval T1 and the values equal to 2 to 8 times the converted interval T1, i.e. 2T1, 3T1, 4T1, 5T1, 6T1, 7T1 and 8T1, are candidates for the intermediate candidate, from which an intermediate candidate Tcand is selected. Information indicating how many times the intermediate candidate is greater than the converted interval T1 is a code that is at least 3 bits long and is in one-to-one correspondence with an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 8. [0128] If the integers in a predetermined third range are greater than or equal to -3 and less than or equal to 4, for example, a total of eight values, namely Tcand-3, Tcand-2, Tcand-1, Tcand, Tcand+1, Tcand+2, Tcand+3, and Tcand+4 are candidates for the frequency-domain pitch period T, from which a frequency-domain pitch period T is chosen. In this case, information indicating the difference between the frequency-domain pitch period T and an intermediate candidate is a code that is at least 3 bits long and is in one-to-one correspondence with an integer greater than or equal to -3 and less than or equal to 4. [0129] Note that the values in the predetermined third range may be integer values or fractional values. As in the modifications of the first embodiment, an intermediate candidate may be chosen from candidates that are not integer multiples U × T1 of a converted interval T1 in addition to the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1. That is, an intermediate candidate may be chosen from candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1. Decoder 22 [0130] A decoder 22 of this embodiment differs from the decoder 12 of the first embodiment in that the decoder 22 includes a period converter 222 in place of the period converter 122. In this embodiment, when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, the period converter 222 decodes a frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain an integer value indicating how many times an intermediate candidate is greater than a converted interval T1 and the difference between a frequency-domain pitch period T and the intermediate candidate, adds the difference to the converted interval T1 multiplied by the integer value, and outputs the result as the frequency-domain pitch period T. When long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the period converter 222 decodes a frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain and output a frequency-domain pitch period T. [THIRD EMBODIMENT] [0131] An encoder 31 of a third embodiment differs from the encoders 11, 11', 21 of the first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment and the second embodiment in that the encoder 31 includes a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 315 in place of the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115, 115', 215. The frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 315 of this embodiment performs a process in which the condition "when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed" is replaced with the condition "when quantized pitch gain gp^ is greater than or equal to a predetermined value" and the condition "when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed" is replaced with the condition "when quantized pitch gain gp^ is smaller than a predetermined value". The rest of the process is the same as the process in the first and second embodiment. Note that this embodiment is predicated on a configuration in which the encoder 31 obtains a quantized pitch gain gp^ and a pitch gain code Cgp in the first embodiment. [0132] A decoder 32 of this embodiment differs from the decoders 12, 12', 22 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment in that the decoder 32 includes a period converter 322 in place of the period converter 122, 122', 222. The period converter 322 in this embodiment performs a process in which the condition "when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed" is replaced with the condition "when quantized pitch gain gp^ is greater than or equal to a predetermined value" and the condition "when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed" is replaced with the condition "when quantized pitch gain gp^ is smaller than a predetermined value". The rest of the process is the same as the process in the first and second embodiment. Note that this embodiment is predicated on a configuration in which a pitch gain code Cgp is input in the decoder 32 and a quantized pitch gain gp^ in the first embodiment is obtained. [FOURTH EMBODIMENT] [0133] An encoder 41 of a fourth embodiment differs from the encoders 11, 11', 21 of the first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment in that the encoder 41 includes a long-term prediction analyzer 411, a long-term prediction residual arithmetic unit 412, a frequency-domain transformer 413a, a period converter 414 and a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 415 in place of the long-term prediction analyzer 111, the long term prediction residual arithmetic unit 112, the frequency-domain transformer 113a, the period converter 114, and the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115, 115', 215, respectively. [0134] The long-term prediction analyzer 411 of this embodiment performs long term prediction regardless of the value of pitch gain gp. More specifically, the long-term prediction analyzer 411 performs the same process as that performed by the long-term prediction analyzer 111 "when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed", regardless of the value of pitch gain gp. Accordingly, the long-term prediction analyzer 411 does not need to determine whether or not to perform long-term prediction on the basis of whether or not the pitch gain gp is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and does not need to output long-term prediction selection information. [0135] Then the long-term prediction residual arithmetic unit 412, the frequency-domain transformer 413a, the period converter 414 and the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 415 perform a process equivalent to the process performed by the long-term prediction residual arithmetic unit 112, the frequency-domain transformer 113a, the period converter 114, and the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115, 115', 215, respectively, "when long-term prediction selection information output from the long-term prediction analyzer 111 indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed". [0136] A decoder 42 of this embodiment differs from the decoders 12, 12', 22 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment in that the decoder 42 includes a decoder 423a, a long-term prediction information decoder 421, a period converter 422, a time-domain transformer 424c, and a long-term prediction synthesizer 425 in place of the decoder 123a, the long-term prediction information decoder 121, the period converter 122, 122', 222, the time-domain transformer 124c, and the long-term prediction synthesizer 125, respectively. According to this embodiment, long-term prediction combining is performed regardless of long-term prediction selection information and the value of quantized pitch gain gp^. Accordingly, long-term prediction selection information does not need to be input in the decoder 42 of this embodiment. [0137] The decoder 423a, the long-term prediction information decoder 421, the period converter 422, the time-domain transformer 424c, and the long-term prediction synthesizer 425 of this embodiment perform a process equivalent to the process performed by the decoder 123a, the long-term prediction information decoder 121, the period converter 122, 122', 222, the time-domain transformer 124c, and the long-term prediction synthesizer 125 "when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed". [0138] Each of the encoders 11, 11', 21, 31, 41 of the embodiments described above includes the frequency-domain transformer 113a, 413a, the weighted envelope normalizer 113b, the normalized gain arithmetic unit 113c and the quantizer 113d, and a quantized MDCT coefficient string in each frame obtained at the quantizer 113d is input into the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115, 115', 215, 315, 415. However, the encoder 11, 11', 21, 31, 41 may include processing sections other than the frequency-domain transformer 113a, 413a, the weighted envelope normalizer 113b, the normalized gain arithmetic unit 113c and the quantizer 113d or may perform a process with some of the processing sections given above being omitted. By way of example, the encoder 11, 11', 21, 31, 41 may include a frequency-domain sample string arithmetic unit 113 that includes the frequency-domain transformer 113a, 413a, the weighted envelope normalizer 113b, the normalized gain arithmetic unit 113c and the quantizer 113d. When long-term prediction is to be performed, the frequency-domain sample string arithmetic unit 113 provided in the encoder 11, 11', 21, 31, 41 performs the process for obtaining a frequency-domain sample string derived from a long-term prediction residual signal as described above; when long-term prediction is not to be performed, the frequency-domain sample string arithmetic unit 113 performs the process for obtaining a frequency-domain sample string derived from an audio signal as described above. The sample string obtained by the frequency-domain sample string arithmetic unit 113 is input into the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 115, 115', 215, 315, 415. [0139] The same applies to the decoders 12, 12', 22, 32, 42. By way of example, the decoder 12, 12', 22, 32, 42 may include a time-domain signal string arithmetic unit 124 that includes the gain multiplier 124a, the weighted envelope inverse-normalizer 124b, and the time-domain transformer 124c, 424c. The time-domain signal string arithmetic unit 124 provided in the decoder 12, 12', 22, 32, 42 performs a process for obtaining a time-domain signal string derived from a frequency-domain sample string input from the decoder 123a, 423a or the recovering unit 123b. When long-term prediction selection information output from the long-term prediction information decoder 121, 421 indicates that long term prediction is to be performed, a signal string obtained by the time-domain signal string arithmetic unit 124 is input in the long-term prediction synthesizer 125, 425 as a long-term prediction residual signal sting xp(1), ..., xp(Nt). When long-term prediction selection information output from the long-term prediction information decoder 121, 421 indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, a signal string obtained by the time-domain signal string arithmetic unit 124 is output from the decoder 12, 12', 22, 32, 42 as a digital audio signal string x(1), ..., x(Nt). [FIFTH EMBODIMENT] [0140] As illustrated in Fig. 8, an encoder 51 of a fifth embodiment differs from the encoders 11, 11', 21, 31, 41 of the first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment in that the encoder 51 does not include the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 116. The encoder 51 in this embodiment functions as an encoder that obtains a code for identifying a frequency-domain pitch period. If a frequency-domain sample string output from the encoder 51 is also to be encoded, the frequency-domain sample string output from the encoder 51 is input into a frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 116 external to the encoder 51 and is encoded by the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 116, for example, although other encoding means may be used to encode the frequency-domain sample string. The rest of the encoder 51 is the same as the encoders 11, 11', 21, 31, 41 of the first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment. [0141] As illustrated in Fig. 9, a decoder 52 of this embodiment differs from the decoders 12, 12', 22, 32, 42 of the first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment in that the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder 123, the time-domain signal string arithmetic unit 124 and the long-term prediction synthesizer 125 are external to the decoder 52. The decoder 52 functions as a decoder that obtains at least a long-term prediction frequency-domain pitch period T and a time-domain pitch period L from at least a frequency-domain pitch period code and a time-domain pitch period code contained in a code string. For example, a time-domain pitch period L and a quantized pitch gain gp^ output from the decoder 52 are input into the long-term prediction synthesizer 125. For example, a code string and a frequency-domain pitch period T output from the decoder 52 (and auxiliary information if auxiliary information is input) are input into the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder 123. The rest of the decoder 52 is the same as the decoders 12, 12', 22, 32, 42 of the first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment. [SIXTH EMBODIMENT] [0142] As illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11, an encoder 61 and a decoder 62 of a sixth embodiment differ from those of the first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment in that a frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 616 is configured in place of the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 116 and a frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder 623 is configured in place of the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder 123. A frequency-domain sample string is input into the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 616. A code string, a frequency-domain pitch period T, and auxiliary information are input into the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder 623. Only the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 616 and the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder 623 will be described below. [0143] The frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 616 includes an encoder 616b, encodes an input frequency-domain sample string using an encoding method based on a frequency-domain pitch period T, and outputs code strings resulting from the encoding. [0144] The encoder 616b encodes sample group G1 made up of all or some of one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to a frequency-domain pitch period T in a frequency-domain sample string and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string and sample group G2 made up of the samples that are not included in the sample group G1 in the frequency-domain sample string in accordance with different criteria (separately) and outputs resulting code strings. Examples of Sample Groups G1, G2 [0145] An example of the "all or some of one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to a frequency-domain pitch period T in a frequency-domain sample string and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string" is the same as that given in the first embodiment and such a group of samples is the sample group G1. As has been described in the first embodiment, such sample group G1 can be set in various ways. For example, a set of sample groups each of which is made up of three samples, namely a sample F(nT) corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T, the sample F(nT - 1) preceding the sample F(nT) and the sample F(nT + 1) succeeding the sample F(nT), F(nT - 1), F(nT) and F(nT + 1), in a sample string input in the encoder 616b is an example of the sample group G1. For example, if n represents an integer in the range of 1 to 5, the sample group G1 is a group made up of a first sample group F(T - 1), F(T), F(T + 1), a second sample group F(2T - 1), F(2T), F(2T + 1), a third sample group F(3T - 1), F(3T), F(3T + 1), a fourth sample group F(4T - 1), F(4T), F(4T + 1), and a fifth sample group F(5T - 1), F(5T), F(5T + 1). [0146] A group of samples that are not included in the sample group G1 in the sample string input in the encoder 616b is the sample group G2. For example, if n represents an integer in the range of 1 to 5, an example of the sample group G2 is a group made up of a first sample set F(1), ..., F(T - 2), a second sample set F(T + 2), ..., F(2T - 2), a third sample set F(2T + 2), ..., F(3T - 2), a fourth sample set F(3T + 2), ..., F(4T - 2), a fifth sample set F(4T + 2), ..., F(5T - 2), and a sixth sample set F(5T + 2), ..., F(jmax). [0147] If a frequency-domain pitch period T is a fractional value as illustrated in the first embodiment, the sample group G1 may be a set of sample groups made up of F(R(nT - 1)), F(R(nT)), and F(R(nT + 1)), for example, where R(nT) is a value nT rounded to the nearest integer. The number of samples included in each of the sample groups making up the sample group G1 and sample indices may be variable and information representing one combination selected from a plurality of different combinations of the number of samples included in each sample group making up the sample group G1 and sample indices may be output as auxiliary information (first auxiliary information). [Examples of Encoding According to Different Criteria] [0148] The encoder 616b encodes the sample group G1 and sample group G2 in accordance with different criteria without rearranging the samples included in the sample groups G1 and G2 and outputs the resulting code strings. [0149] On average, the amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G1 are greater than the amplitudes of the samples included in the sample groups G2. The samples in the sample group G1 are encoded using variable-length coding according to a criterion relating to the magnitudes of amplitudes or estimated magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G1 and the samples included in the sample group G2 are encoded using variable-length coding according to a criterion relating to the magnitudes of amplitudes or estimated magnitudes of amplitudes of the sample in the sample group G2. With this configuration, the average code amount of variable-length codes can be reduced because a higher accuracy of estimation of the amplitudes of samples can be achieved than if all samples included in the sample string are encoded by variable-length coding according to the same criterion. That is, encoding the sample group G1 and sample group G2 according to different criteria has the effect of reducing the amount of the code of the sample string without rearranging the samples. Examples of the magnitude of amplitude include the absolute value of amplitude and energy of amplitude. [EXAMPLE OF RICE CODING] [0150] An example using sample-by-sample Rice coding as variable-length coding will be described. [0151] In this case, the encoder 616b encodes the samples included in the sample group G1 by Rice coding on a sample-by-sample basis using a Rice parameter corresponding to the magnitude of amplitude of or an estimated magnitude of amplitude of each of the samples included in the sample group G1. The encoder 616b also encodes the samples included in the sample group G2 by Rice coding on a sample-by-sample basis using a Rice parameter corresponding to the magnitude of amplitude of or an estimated magnitude of amplitude of each of the samples included in the sample group G2. The encoder 616b outputs code strings obtained by the Rice coding and auxiliary information for identifying the Rice parameters. [0152] For example, the encoder 616b obtains a Rice parameter for the sample group G1 in each frame from the average of magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G1 in that frame. For example, the encoder 616b obtains a Rice parameter for the sample group G2 in each frame from the average of magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G2 in that frame. A Rice parameter is an integer greater than or equal to 0. The encoder 616b uses, in each frame, the Rice parameter for the sample group G1 to encode the samples included in the sample group G1 by Rice coding and uses the Rice parameter for the sample group G2 to encode the samples included in the sample group G2 by Rice coding. This encoding can reduce the average code amount. This will be described below in detail. [0153] First, an example will be given in which the samples included in the sample group G1 are encoded by Rice coding on a sample-by-sample basis. [0154] A code that can be obtained by Rice coding of the samples X(k) included in the sample group G1 on a sample-by-sample basis includes prefix(k) resulting from unary coding of a quotient q(k) obtained by dividing the sample X(k) by a value corresponding to the Rice parameter s of the sample group G1 and sub(k) that identifies the remainder. That is, a code corresponding to a sample X(k) in this example includes prefix(k) and sub(k). Samples X(k) to be encoded by Rice coding are integer representations. [0155] A method for calculating q(k) and sub(k) will be illustrated below. [0156] If Rice parameter s > 0, then quotient q(k) is generated as follows. Here, floor(χ) is the maximum integer less than or equal to χ. [0157] If Rice parameter s = 0, quotient q(k) is generated as follows. [0158] If Rice parameter s > 0, sub(k) is generated as follows. [0159] If Rice parameter s = 0, sub(k) is null (sub(k) = null). [0160] Formulas (B1) to (B4) can be generalized to represent quotient q(k) as follows. Here, \|·\|represents the absolute value of·. [0161] In Rice coding, prefix(k) is a code resulting from unary coding of quotient q(k) and the amount of the code can be expressed using formula (B7) as [0162] In Rice coding, sub(k) which identifies the remainder of formulas (B5) and (B6) is represented by s bits. Accordingly, the total code amount C(s, X(k), G1) of codes (prefix(k) and sub(k)) corresponding to the samples X(k) included in the sample group G1 is as follows: [0163] Here, by approximating as floor{(2∗\|X(k)\| - z)/2s} = (2∗\|X(k)\| - z)/2s, formula (B9) can be approximated as follows: where \|G1\| represents the number of the samples X(k) included in the sample group G1 in one frame. [0164] Let s' denotes s that yields 0 as the result of partial differentiation with respect to s in formula (B10), then [0165] If D/\|G1\| is sufficiently greater than z, formula (B11) can be approximated as [0166] Since s' obtained according to formula (B12) is not an integer, s' is quantized to an integer and is used as the Rice parameter s. The Rice parameter s corresponds to the average D/\|G1\| of the magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G1 (see formula (B12)) and minimizes the total code amount of codes corresponding to the samples X(k) included in the sample group G1. [0167] The foregoing applies to Rice coding of the samples included in the sample group G2 as well. Thus, the total code amount can be minimized by obtaining a Rice parameter for the sample group G1 from the average of the magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G1 in each frame, obtaining a Rice parameter for the sample group G2 from the average of the magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G2, and performing Rice coding of the sample group G1 and the sample group G2 separately. [0168] The smaller variation in the magnitude of amplitude of samples X(k), the better the evaluation of the total code amount C(s, X(k), G1) according to approximated formula (B10). Accordingly, especially when the magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G1 are substantially uniform and the magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G2 are substantially uniform, the amount of code can be more significantly reduced. [Example 1 of Auxiliary Information for Identifying Rice Parameters] [0169] If the Rice parameter for the sample group G1 and the Rice parameter for the sample group G2 are differentiated, the decoding side requires auxiliary information (third auxiliary information) for identifying the Rice parameter for the sample group G1 and auxiliary information (fourth auxiliary information) for identifying the Rice parameter for the sample group G2. Therefore, the encoder 616b may output the third auxiliary information and the fourth auxiliary information in addition to a code string of codes obtained by Rice coding of a sample string on a sample-by-sample basis. [0170] If an audio signal is to be encoded, the average of the magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G1 is greater than the average of the magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples in the sample group G2 and a Rice parameter for the sample group G1 is greater than a Rice parameter for the sample group G2. By taking advantage of this fact, the code amount of auxiliary information for identifying the Rice parameters can be reduced. [0171] For example, the assumption is made that a Rice parameter for the sample group G1 is greater than a Rice parameter for the sample group G2 by a fixed value (for example by 1). That is, the assumption is made that the relationship "Rice parameter for the sample group G1 = Rice parameter for the sample group G2 + fixed value" is invariably satisfied. In this case, the encoder 616b needs to output only one of the third auxiliary information and the fourth auxiliary information in addition to a code string. [0172] Information that by itself allows a Rice parameter for the sample group G1 to be identified may be set as fifth auxiliary information and information that allows a difference between the Rice parameter for the sample group G1 and a Rice parameter for the sample group G2 to be identified may be set as sixth auxiliary information. Alternatively, information that by itself allows a Rice parameter for the sample group G2 to be identified may be set as sixth auxiliary information and information that allows a difference between a Rice parameter for the sample group G1 and the Rice parameter for the sample group G2 to be identified may be set as fifth auxiliary information. Note that it is known that the Rice parameter for the sample group G1 is greater than the Rice parameter for the sample group G2, auxiliary information that indicates which of the Rice parameter for the sample group G1 and the Rice parameter for the sample group G2 is greater (such as information indicating positive or negative) is not required. [0173] If the number of code bits assigned to an entire frame is specified, the value of gain obtained at step S113c is significantly restricted and the range of values that can be taken on by the amplitudes of samples is also significantly restricted. In that case, the average of the magnitudes of amplitudes of samples can be estimated from the number of code bits assigned to an entire frame with a certain degree of accuracy. The encoder 616b may use a Rice parameter that can be estimated from an estimated average of the magnitudes of amplitude of the samples to perform Rice coding. [0174] For example, the encoder 616b may use the estimated Rice parameter plus a first difference value (for example 1) as the Rice parameter for the sample group G1 and may use the estimated Rice parameter as the Rice parameter for the sample group G2. Alternatively, the encoder 616b may use the estimated Rice parameter as the Rice parameter for the sample group G1 and the estimated Rice parameter minus a second difference value (for example 1) may be used as the Rice parameter for the sample group G2. [0175] The encoder 616b in either of these cases may output, for example, auxiliary information (seventh auxiliary information) for identifying the first difference value or auxiliary information (eighth auxiliary information) for identifying the second difference value, in addition to a code string. [0176] A Rice parameter that has a larger effect of reducing the code amount can be estimated based on envelope information of the amplitudes of a sample string X(1), ..., X(N) when the magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G1 or the magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G2 are not uniform. For example, when the magnitudes of the amplitudes of the samples are larger in higher frequencies, the code amount can be reduced by increasing the Rice parameter for samples at the high band side among the samples included in the sample group G1 at a constant rate and increasing the Rice parameter for samples at the high band side among the samples included in the sample group G2 at a constant rate. An example is given below. Envelope information Rice parameter for sample group G1 Rice parameter for sample group G1 Amplitudes are uniform s1 s2 Amplitudes are larger in higher frequencies s1 (for 1≤k<k1) s2 (for 1≤k<k1) s1+const. 1 (for k1≤k≤N) s2+const.2 (for k1≤k≤N) Amplitudes are smaller in higher frequencies s1+const.3 (for 1≤k≤k1) s2 (for 1≤k<k1) s1 (for k1 ≤k≤N) s2+const.4 (for k1≤k≤N) Amplitudes are larger in midrange frequencies than in higher and lower frequencies s1 (for 1≤k<k3) s2 (for 1≤k<k3) s1+const.5 (for k3≤k<k4) s2+const.6 (for k3≤k<k4) s1 (for k4≤k≤N) s2 (for k4≤k≤N) Amplitudes are smaller in midrange frequencies than higher and lower frequencies s1+const.7 (for 1≤k<k3) s2+const.9 (for 1≤k<k3) s1 (for k3≤k<k4) s2 (for k3≤k<k4) s1+const.8 (for k4≤k≤N) s2+const.10 (for k4≤k≤N) [0177] In Table 1, s1 and s2 are Rice parameters for the sample groups G1 and G2, respectively, illustrated in [Examples 1 to 4 of Auxiliary Information for Identifying Rice Parameters] and const. 1 to const. 10 are predetermined positive integers. The encoder 616b in this example has only to output auxiliary information identifying envelope information (ninth auxiliary information) in addition to code strings and the pieces of auxiliary information illustrated in examples 2 and 3 of Rice parameters. If envelope information is already known to the decoding side, the encoder 616b does not need to output the ninth auxiliary information. [0178] The frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder 623 includes a decoder 623a and decodes a code string using a decoding method based on a frequency-domain pitch period T to obtain and output a frequency-domain sample string. [0179] The decoder 623a decodes code strings to obtain frequency-domain sample strings by (separate) decoding processes according to different criteria for the sample group G1 made up of all or some of one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to a frequency-domain pitch period T in a frequency-domain sample string and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string and for the sample group G2 made up of the samples that are not included in the sample group G1 in the frequency-domain sample string and outputs frequency-domain sample strings. [Examples of Code Groups C1, C2 and Sample Groups G1, G2] [0180] The decoder 623a identifies the sample numbers included in the code groups C1 and C2 included in an input code string in each frame and the sample numbers included in the sample groups G1 and G2 corresponding to the code groups C1 and C2 by an input frequency-domain pitch period T (if first auxiliary information is input, by a frequency-domain pitch period T and the first auxiliary information), decodes the code groups C1 and C2, assigns the resulting sample value groups to the sample numbers corresponding to the codes to obtain the sample groups G1 and G2, thereby obtaining a frequency-domain sample string. The code group C1 is made up of codes corresponding to the samples included in the sample group G1 in the code string and the code group C2 is made up of codes corresponding to the samples included in the sample group G2 in the code string. The method for identifying the code groups C1 and C2 in the decoder 623a corresponds to a method for setting the sample groups G1 and G2 in the encoder 616b. For example, the "samples" in the description of the method for setting the sample groups G1 and G2 are replaced with "codes", "F(j)" with "C(j)", "sample group G1" with "code group C1", and "sample group G2" with "code group C2", where C(j) is a code corresponding to a sample F(j). [0181] For example, if the sample group G1 is a group made up of three samples, namely a sample F(nT) corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T, the sample preceding the sample F(nT) and the sample succeeding the sample F(nT), F(nT - 1), F(nT) and F(nT + 1), in a sample string input in the encoder 616b, the decoder 623a sets a group made up of codes C(nT - 1), C(nT) and C(nT + 1) corresponding to three sample numbers including the sample number nT corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T, and the preceding and succeeding sample numbers nT - 1 and nT + 1, in an input code string C(1), ..., C(jmax) as the code group C1, sets a group made up of the codes that are not included in the code group C1 as the code group C2, decodes each of the codes C(nT - 1), C(nT), C(nT + 1) included in the code group C1 to obtain a sample F(nT - 1) with sample number nT - 1, a sample F(nT) with sample number nT, and sample F(nT + 1) with sample number nT + 1, and decodes the codes included in the code group C2 to obtain samples with the sample numbers excluding sample numbers nT - 1, nT and nT + 1. For example, if n represents an integer from 1 to 5, the code group C1 is a group made up of a first code group C(T - 1), C(t), C(T + 1), a second code group C(2T - 1), C(2T), C(2T + 1), a third code group C(3T - 1), C(3T), C(3T + 1), a fourth code group C(4T - 1), C(4T), C(4T + 1), and a fifth code group C(5T - 1), C(5T), C(5T + 1); code group C2 is a group made up of a first code set C(1), ..., C(T - 2), a second code set C(T + 2), ..., C(2T - 2), a third code set C(2T + 2), ..., C(3T - 2), a fourth code set C(3T + 2), ..., C(4T - 2), a fifth code set C(4T + 2), ..., C(5T - 2), and a sixth code set C(5T + 2), ..., C(jmax). These code groups and code sets are decoded to obtain a first sample group F(T - 1), F(T), F(T + 1), a second sample group F(2T - 1), F(2T), F(2T + 1), a third sample group F(3T - 1), F(3T), F(3T + 1), a fourth sample group F(4T - 1), F(4T), F(4T + 1), a fifth sample group F(5T - 1), F(5T), F(5T + 1), a first sample set F(1), ..., F(T - 2), a second sample set F(T + 2), ..., F(2T - 2), a third sample set F(2T + 2), ..., F(3T - 2), a fourth sample set F(3T + 2), ..., F(4T - 2), a fifth sample set F(4T + 2), ..., F(5T - 2), and a sixth sample set F(5T + 2), ..., F(jmax), thereby obtaining a frequency-domain sample string. [Example of Decoding According to Different Criteria] [0182] The decoder 623a decodes the code group C1 and the code group C2 according to different criteria to obtain and output frequency-domain sample strings. For example, the decoder 623a decodes the codes included in the code group C1 according to a criterion relating to the magnitudes of amplitudes or estimated magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G1 corresponding to the code group C1 and decodes the codes included in the code group C2 according to a criterion relating to the magnitudes of amplitudes or estimated magnitudes of amplitudes of the samples included in the sample group G2 corresponding to the code group C2. [0183] An example will be described in which a code string has been obtained by sample-by-sample Rice coding. [0184] In this case, the decoder 623a, on a frame-by-frame basis, sets a Rice parameter for the sample group G1 identified from input auxiliary information (at least some of the first to ninth auxiliary information) as the Rice parameter for the code group C1 and sets a Rice parameter for the sample group G2 identified from input auxiliary information as the Rice parameter for the code group C2. Methods for identifying the Rice parameters that correspond to [Examples 1 to 5 of Auxiliary Information for Identifying Rice Parameters] described previously will be illustrated below. [For Example 1 of Auxiliary Information for Identifying Rice Parameters] [0185] For example, the decoder 623a in which the third auxiliary information and the fourth auxiliary information have been input identifies a Rice parameter for the sample group G1 from the third auxiliary information and sets the Rice parameter as the Rice parameter for the code group C1 and identifies a Rice parameter for the sample group G2 from the fourth auxiliary information and sets the Rice parameter as the Rice parameter for the code group C2. [0186] For example, the decoder 623a in which only the fourth auxiliary information has been input in addition to a code string identifies a Rice parameter for the code group C2 from the fourth auxiliary information and sets the Rice parameter for the code group C2 plus a fixed value (for example 1) as the Rice parameter for the code group C1. Alternatively, the decoder 623a in which only the third auxiliary information has been input in addition to a code string identifies a Rice parameter for the code group C1 from the third auxiliary information and sets the Rice parameter for the code group C1 minus a fixed value (for example 1) as the Rice parameter for the code group C2. [0187] For example, the decoder 623a in which the fifth auxiliary information identifying a Rice parameter and sixth auxiliary information identifying a difference have been input identifies the Rice parameter for the sample group G1 from the fifth auxiliary information and sets the Rice parameter as the Rice parameter for the code group C1. Furthermore, the decoder 623a sets the Rice parameter for the code group C1 minus the difference identified from the sixth auxiliary information as the Rice parameter for the code group C2. [0188] For example, the decoder 623a in which the fifth auxiliary information identifying a difference and the sixth auxiliary information identifying a Rice parameter have been input identifies the Rice parameter for the sample group G1 from the sixth auxiliary information and sets the Rice parameter as the Rice parameter for the code group C1. Furthermore, the decoder 623a sets the Rice parameter for the code group C2 plus the difference identified from the fifth auxiliary information as the Rice parameter for the code group C1. [0189] For example, the decoder 623a in which the seventh auxiliary information has been input sets a Rice parameter estimated from the number of code bits assigned to an entire frame as the Rice parameter for the code group C2 and sets the Rice parameter for the code group C2 plus a first difference value identified from the seventh auxiliary information as the Rice parameter for the code group C1. [0190] For example, the decoder 623a in which the eighth auxiliary information has been input sets a Rice parameter estimated from the number of code bits assigned to an entire frame as the Rice parameter for the code group C1 and the Rice parameter for the code group C1 minus a second difference value identified from the eight auxiliary information as the Rice parameter for the code group C2. [0191] For example, the decoder 623a in which the ninth auxiliary information has been input in addition to the auxiliary information for identifying the Rice parameters described above uses at least some of the third to eighth auxiliary information to identify s1 and s2 and adjusts s1 and s2 based on the ninth auxiliary information as illustrated in [Table 1] given above to obtain the Rice parameters for the code groups C1 and C2. [0192] If the ninth auxiliary information is not input but envelope information is known and the encoder 616b has adjusted s1 and s2 as illustrated in [Table 1] given above to obtain Rice parameters for the sample groups G1 and G2, the decoder 623a adjusts s1 and s2 as illustrated in [Table 1] given above to obtain the Rice parameters for the code groups C1 and C2. [0193] The decoder 623a which has obtained the Rice parameters as described above uses the Rice parameter for the code group C1 to decode the codes included in the code group C1 in each frame and uses the Rice parameter for the code group C2 to decodes the codes included in the code group C2 to obtain and output the original sequence of samples. Note that decoding corresponding to Rice coding is well known and therefore the description of the decoding will be omitted. [SEVENTH EMBODIMENT] [0194] In the sixth embodiment, an example has been given in which the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 616 is configured in the encoder 61 and the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder 623 is configured in the decoder 62. However, the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 616 may be external to the encoder 61 and the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder 623 may be external to the decoder 62. This difference is the same as the configuration difference of the fifth embodiment from the first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, third embodiment and fourth embodiment and therefore further description of the configuration will be omitted. [EIGHTH EMBODIMENT] [0195] As illustrated in Fig. 14, an encoder 81 of an eighth embodiment differs from the encoder 51 of the fifth embodiment in that the encoder 81 does not include the long-term prediction analyzer 111, the long-term prediction residual arithmetic unit 112, and the frequency-domain sample string arithmetic unit 113. The encoder 81 in this embodiment functions as an encoder that takes inputs of a time-domain pitch period L, a time-domain pitch period code CL and a frequency-domain sample string from a source external to the encoder 81 and obtains a code for identifying a frequency-domain pitch period for the frequency-domain sample string. [0196] The time-domain pitch period L and the time-domain pitch period code CL to be input in the encoder 81 are calculated in an external long-term prediction analyzer 111. However, they may be calculated by other time-domain pitch period calculation means. [0197] The frequency-domain sample string input in the encoder 81 may be a sample string corresponding to a sample string resulting from conversion of an input digital audio signal string into N points in the frequency domain and may be a quantized MDCT coefficient string, for example, calculated in a frequency-domain sample string arithmetic unit 113 external to the encoder 81 or a frequency-domain sample string generated by other frequency-domain sample string generation means. [0198] A period converter 814 of the encoder 81 takes inputs of a time-domain pitch period L and the number N of sample points in the frequency domain and calculates and outputs a converted interval T1. The process for obtaining the converted interval T1 is the same as the process performed by the period converter 114. Note that instead of the time-domain pitch period L, a time-domain pitch period code CL corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L may be input. In that case, the period converter 814 obtains the time-domain pitch period L corresponding to the input time-domain pitch period code CL, obtains the converted interval T1 from the time-domain pitch period L and outputs the converted interval T1. [0199] The converted interval T1 and the frequency-domain sample string are input into a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 815. The frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 815 chooses a frequency-domain pitch period from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 (where U is an integer in a predetermined first range) of the converted interval T1 and obtains and outputs a code for identifying the frequency-domain pitch period. The process for choosing the frequency-domain pitch period and the process for obtaining the code for identifying the frequency-domain pitch period are the same as those performed by the frequency-domain pitch period analyzers 115, 115', 215, 315, 415 when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed. [0200] The period converter 814 and the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 815 may perform different processes depending on whether the long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed or not, like the period converters 114, 414 and the frequency-domain pitch period analyzers 115, 115', 215, 315, 415. In that case, the long-term prediction selection information is also input in the encoder 81 from a long-term prediction analyzer 111 external to the encoder 81. [0201] As illustrated in Fig. 15, a decoder 82 of this embodiment differs from the decoder 52 of the fifth embodiment in that the decoder 82 does not includes the long-term prediction information decoder 121. The decoder 82 functions as a decoder that obtains at least frequency-domain pitch period T from a time-domain pitch period L obtained by a long-term prediction information decoder 121 external to the decoder 82 and from at least a frequency-domain pitch period code and a time-domain pitch period code included in an input code string. For example, a code string and a frequency-domain pitch period T output from the encoder 81 (and auxiliary information if auxiliary information is input) are input in a frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder 123. The rest of the decoder 82 is the same as the decoder 52 of the fifth embodiment. [NINTH EMBODIMENT] Frequency-Domain Pitch Period Analyzer 91 [0202] In the fifth, seventh and eighth embodiments, a frequency-domain pitch period code corresponding to a frequency-domain pitch period T is output on the assumption that frequency-domain pitch period T obtained in the encoder 51, 81 is used in coding of frequency-domain sample strings in an external frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 116, 616. However, the frequency-domain pitch period T may be used for purposes other than encoding and, in those cases, a frequency-domain pitch period code corresponding to the frequency-domain pitch period T does not need to be output. Purposes other than encoding may include analysis of speech, analysis of music, speech segregation, music segregation, speech recognition and music recognition, for example. [0203] As illustrated in Fig. 16, a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 91 of a ninth embodiment differs from the encoders 51, 81 of the fifth, seventh, and eighth embodiments in that the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 91 does not output a frequency-domain pitch period code corresponding to a frequency-domain pitch period T. In this case, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 91 functions as a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer that determines a frequency-domain pitch period for a frequency-domain sample string from a time-domain pitch period L input from an external source. [0204] A period converter 914 of the ninth embodiment takes inputs of a time-domain pitch period L and the number N of sample points in the frequency domain and calculates and outputs a converted interval T1. The process for obtaining the converted interval T1 is the same as that performed by the period converter 114. [0205] A frequency-domain pitch period analyzer 915 takes inputs of the converted interval T1 and the frequency-domain sample string, chooses a frequency-domain pitch period from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 (where U is an integer in a predetermined first range) of the converted interval T1 and outputs the chosen frequency-domain pitch period. [0206] While configurations with the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder 116 including the rearranging unit 116a and the encoder 116b have been described in the first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fourth embodiment and the configuration with the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder including the encoder 616b has been described in the sixth embodiment, all of these frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoders "encode an input frequency-domain sample string by an encoding method based on a frequency-domain pitch period T and output a code string obtained by the encoding". More specifically, all of these frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoders "encode a sample group G1 made up of all or some of one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to a frequency-domain pitch period T in a frequency-domain sample string and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string and a sample group made up of the samples that are not included in the sample group G1 in the frequency-domain sample string in accordance with different criteria (separately) and output code strings obtained by the encoding". [0207] The same applies to the decoder. All of the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoders of the first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiments and the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoder of the sixth embodiment "decode an input code string by a decoding method based on a frequency-domain pitch period T and outputs a frequency-domain sample string". More specifically, all of these frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoders "decode an input code string to produce a sample group made up of all or some of one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to a frequency-domain pitch period T in a frequency-domain sample string and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string and a sample group made up of the samples that are not included in the sample group G1 in the frequency-domain sample string in accordance with different criteria (separately), thereby obtaining and outputting a frequency-domain sample string". <Exemplary Hardware Configuration of Encoder/Decoder> [0208] An encoder/decoder according to the embodiments described above includes an input section to which a keyboard and the like can be connected, an output section to which a liquid-crystal display and the like can be connected, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (which may include a memory such as a cache memory), memories such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), an external storage, which is a hard disk, and a bus that interconnects the input section, the output section, the CPU, the RAM, the ROM and the external storage in such a manner that they can exchange data. A device (drive) capable of reading and writing data on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM may be provided in the encoder/decoder as needed. A physical entity that includes these hardware resources may be a general-purpose computer. [0209] Programs for performing encoding/decoding and data required for processing by the programs are stored in the external storage of the encoder/decoder (the storage is not limited to an external storage; for example the programs may be stored in a read-only storage device such as a ROM.). Data obtained through the processing of the programs is stored on the RAM or the external storage device as appropriate. A storage device that stores data and addresses of its storage locations is hereinafter simply referred to as the "storage". [0210] The storage of the encoder stores a program for rearranging a sample string included in a frequency domain that is derived from a speech/audio signal and a program for encoding the rearranged sample strings. [0211] The storage of the decoder stores a program for decoding input code strings and a program for recovering the decoded sample strings to the original sample strings before rearranging by the encoder. [0212] In the encoder, the programs stored in the storage and data required for the processing of the programs are loaded into the RAM as required and are interpreted and executed or processed by the CPU. As a result, the CPU implements given functions (such as the rearranging unit and encoder) to implement encoding. [0213] In the decoder, the programs stored in the storage and data required for the processing of the programs are loaded into the RAM as required and are interpreted and executed or processed by the CPU. As a result, the CPU implements given functions (such as the decoder and recovering unit) to implement decoding. <Addendum> [0214] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the processes described in the embodiments may be performed not only in time sequence as is written or may be performed in parallel with one another or individually, depending on the throughput of the apparatuses that perform the processes or requirements. For example, the process by the long-term prediction information decoder 121 and the process by the decoder 123a, 523a in the decoding process described above may be performed in parallel. [0215] If processing functions of any of the hardware entities (the encoder/decoder) described in the embodiments are implemented by a computer, the processing of the functions that the hardware entities should include is described in a programs. The program is executed on the computer to implement the processing functions of the hardware entity on the computer. [0216] The programs describing the processing can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. An example of the computer-readable recording media is a non-transitory recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may be any recording medium such as a magnetic recording device, an optical disc, a magneto-optical recording medium, and a semiconductor memory. Specifically, for example, a hard disk device, a flexible disk, or a magnetic tape may be used as a magnetic recording device, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a DVD-RAM (Random Access Memory), a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or a CD-R (Recordable)/RW (ReWritable) may be used as an optical disk, MO (Magnet-Optical disc) may be used as a magneto-optical recording medium, and an EEP-ROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) may be used as a semiconductor memory. [0217] The program is distributed by selling, transferring, or lending a portable recording medium on which the program is recorded, such as a DVD or a CD-ROM. The program may be stored on a storage device of a server computer and transferred from the server computer to other computers over a network, thereby distributing the program. [0218] A computer that executes the program first stores the program recorded on a portable recording medium or transferred from a server computer into a storage device of the computer. When the computer executes the processes, the computer reads the program stored on the recording medium of the computer and executes the processes according to the read program. In another mode of execution of the program, the computer may read the program directly from a portable recording medium and execute the processes according to the program or may execute the processes according to the program each time the program is transferred from the server computer to the computer. Alternatively, the processes may be executed using a so-called ASP (Application Service Provider) service in which the program is not transferred from a server computer to the computer but process functions are implemented by instructions to execute the program and acquisition of the results of the execution. Note that the program in this mode encompasses information that is provided for processing by an electronic computer and is equivalent to the program (such as data that is not direct commands to a computer but has the nature that defines processing of the computer). [0219] While the hardware entities are configured by causing a computer to execute a predetermined program in the embodiments described above, at least some of the processes may be implemented by hardware. [0220] Various aspects of the present invention may be appreciated from the following enumerated example embodiments (EEEs), which are not claims. EEE1 relates to an encoding method comprising: a period conversion step of obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to a time-domain pitch period L, the time-domain pitch period L corresponding to a time-domain pitch period code of an audio signal in a given time period; and a frequency-domain pitch period analysis step of choosing a first frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, where U is an integer in a predetermined first range, the first frequency-domain pitch period T being a pitch period of a frequency-domain sample string derived from the audio signal, and obtaining a first frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the first frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1. EEE2 relates to an encoding method comprising: a long-term prediction analysis step of performing time-domain long-term prediction analysis of an audio signal in a given time period to obtain a time-domain pitch period L and a time-domain pitch period code corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L; a long-term prediction residual generation step of using the time-domain pitch period L to obtain a long-term prediction residual signal of the audio signal; a frequency-domain sample string generation step of obtaining a frequency-domain sample string derived from the long-term prediction residual signal or a frequency-domain sample string derived from the audio signal; a period conversion step of obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L; and a frequency-domain pitch period analysis step of choosing a first frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, where U is an integer in a predetermined first range, the first frequency-domain pitch period T being a pitch period of the frequency-domain sample string, and obtaining a first frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the first frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1. EEE3 relates to an encoding method according to EEE1 or EEE2, wherein the frequency-domain pitch period analysis step chooses an intermediate candidate from candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, chooses the first frequency domain pitch period T from a group consisting of the intermediate candidate and values in a predetermined third range close to the intermediate candidate and obtains, as the first frequency-domain pitch period code, information indicating how many times the intermediate candidate is greater than the converted interval T1 and information indicating a difference between the first frequency-domain pitch period T and the intermediate candidate. EEE4 relates to an encoding method comprising: a long-term prediction analysis step of performing time-domain long-term prediction analysis of an audio signal in a given time period to obtain long-term prediction selection information indicating whether long-term prediction is to be performed or not and, when long-term prediction is to be performed, obtaining time-domain pitch period L and a time-domain pitch period code corresponding to the time-domain pitch period; a long-term prediction residual generation step of, when long-term prediction is to be performed, using the time-domain pitch period L to obtain a long-term prediction residual signal of the audio signal; a frequency-domain sample string generation step of obtaining a frequency-domain sample string, the frequency-domain sample string being derived from the long-term prediction residual signal when long-term prediction is to be performed or being derived from the audio signal when long-term prediction is not to be performed; a period conversion step of obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L; and a frequency-domain pitch period analysis step of, when long-term prediction is to be performed, choosing a first frequency-domain pitch period T of the frequency-domain sample string from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, where U is an integer in a predetermined first range, and obtaining a first frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1 and, when long-term prediction is not to be performed, choosing a second frequency-domain pitch period of the frequency-domain sample string from candidates that are integer values in a predetermined second range and obtaining a second frequency-domain pitch period code indicating the second frequency-domain pitch period T. EEE5 relates to an encoding method according to EEE4, wherein when long-term prediction is to be performed, the frequency-domain pitch period analysis step chooses an intermediate candidate from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, chooses the first frequency-domain pitch period T from a group consisting of the intermediated candidate and values in a predetermined third range close to the intermediated candidate, and obtains, as the first frequency-domain pitch period code, information indicating how many times the intermediate candidate is greater than the converted interval T1 and information indicating a difference between the first frequency-domain pitch period T and the intermediate candidate and, when long-term prediction is not to be performed, the frequency-domain pitch period analysis step chooses the second frequency-domain pitch period T from candidates that are integer values in the predetermined second range to obtain the second frequency-domain pitch period T and the second frequency-domain pitch period code indicating the second frequency-domain pitch period T. EEE6 relates to an encoding method comprising: a long-term prediction analysis step of performing time-domain long-term prediction analysis of an audio signal in a given time period to obtain long-term prediction selection information indicating whether long-term prediction is to be performed or not and, when long-term prediction is to be performed, obtaining time-domain pitch period L, a time-domain pitch period code corresponding to the time-domain pitch period and a pitch gain; a long-term prediction residual generation step of, when long-term prediction is to be performed, using the time-domain pitch period L and the pitch gain to obtain a long-term prediction residual signal of the audio signal; a frequency-domain sample string generation step of obtaining a frequency-domain sample string, the frequency-domain sample string being derived from the long-term prediction residual signal when long-term prediction is to be performed or being derived from the audio signal when long-term prediction is not to be performed; a period conversion step of obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L; and a frequency-domain pitch period analysis step of, when a quantized pitch gain is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, choosing a first frequency-domain pitch period T of the frequency-domain sample string from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, where U is an integer in a predetermined first range, and obtaining the first frequency-domain pitch period T and a first frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the first frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1 and, when the quantized pitch gain is smaller than a predetermined value, choosing a second frequency-domain pitch period of the frequency-domain sample string from candidates that are integer values in a predetermined second range and obtaining the second frequency-domain pitch period T and a second frequency-domain pitch period code indicating the second frequency-domain pitch period T. EEE7 relates to a coding method according to EEE6, wherein when the quantized pitch gain is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the frequency-domain pitch period analysis step chooses an intermediate candidate from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, chooses the first frequency-domain pitch period T from a group consisting of the intermediated candidate and values in a predetermined third range close to the intermediated candidate, and obtains, as the first frequency-domain pitch period code, information indicating how many times the intermediate candidate is greater than the converted interval T1 and information indicating a difference between the first frequency-domain pitch period T and the intermediate candidate and, when the quantized pitch gain is smaller than a predetermined value, the frequency-domain pitch period analysis step chooses the second frequency-domain pitch period T from candidates that are integer values in the predetermined second range and obtains the second frequency-domain pitch period T and the second frequency-domain pitch period code indicating the second frequency-domain pitch period T. EEE8 relates to an encoding method according to any one of EEE1 to EEE7, further comprising a frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoding step of encoding the frequency-domain sample string by an encoding method based on the first or second frequency-domain pitch period T. EEE9 relates to an encoding method according to EEE8, wherein the encoding method based on the first or second frequency-domain pitch period T encodes a sample group of all or some of one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to the first or second frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the first or second frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string and a second sample group of samples in the sample string that are not included in the sample group in accordance with different criteria. EEE10 relates to an encoding method according to EEE8, wherein the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoding step comprises: a rearranging step of obtaining a rearranged sample string by rearranging at least some of the samples included in a sample string so that (1) all of the samples in the sample string are included and (2) all or some of one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to the first or second frequency-domain pitch period T in the sample string and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the first or second frequency-domain pitch period T in the sample string are gathered together in a cluster; and an encoding step of encoding the sample string obtained in the rearranging step. EEE11 relates to an encoding method according to EEE10, wherein the rearranging step outputs the sample string as a rearranged sample string when a prediction gain for the audio signal in the given time period or an estimated value of the prediction gain is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. EEE12 relates to an encoding method according to any one of EEE1, EEE2, EEE4, and EEE6, wherein the code length of the first frequency-domain pitch period code is shorter when the first frequency-domain pitch period T is equal to the converted interval T1 or an integer multiple of the converted interval T1 than when the first frequency-domain pitch period T is any other value. EEE13 relates to an encoding method according to any one of EEE1, EEE2, EEE4, and EEE6, wherein the code length of the first frequency-domain pitch period code is shorter when the first frequency-domain pitch period T is equal to the converted interval T1 or an integer multiple of the converted interval T1 or close to the converted interval T1 or close to an integer multiple of the converted interval T1 than when the first frequency-domain pitch period T is any other value. EEE14 relates to an encoding method according to any one of EEE1, EEE2, EEE4, and EEE6, wherein the code length of the first frequency-domain pitch period code is shorter when the first frequency-domain pitch period T is equal to the converted interval T1 than when the first frequency-domain pitch period T is close to the converted interval T1. EEE15 relates to an encoding method according to any one of EEE1, EEE2, EEE4, and EEE6, wherein the code length of the first frequency-domain pitch period code is shorter when the first frequency-domain pitch period T is an integer multiple of the converted interval T1 than when the first frequency-domain pitch period T is close to an integer multiple of the converted interval T1. EEE16 relates to an encoding method according to any one of EEE12 to EEE15, wherein at least when the first frequency-domain pitch period T is an integer multiple V × T1 of the converted interval T1, the code length of the first frequency-domain pitch period code is monotonically non-decreasing with respect to the magnitude of the integer V, where V is a positive integer. EEE17 relates to a decoding method comprising: a long-term prediction information decoding step of decoding a time-domain pitch period code to obtain a time-domain pitch period L; and a period conversion step of obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L, decoding a first frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain a multiple value indicating how many times a first frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1, and obtaining, as the first frequency-domain pitch period T, the converted interval T1 multiplied by the multiple value. EEE18 relates to a decoding method according to EEE17, wherein the period conversion step obtains, as the converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L, decodes the first frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain a multiple value indicating how many times an intermediate candidate is greater than the converted interval T1 and a difference between the first frequency-domain pitch period T and the intermediate candidate, and obtains, as the first frequency-domain pitch period T, the converted interval T1 multiplied by the multiple value plus the difference. EEE19 relates to a decoding method comprising: a long-term prediction information decoding step of, when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, decoding a time-domain pitch period code to obtain a time-domain pitch period L; and a period conversion step of, when the long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L, decoding a first frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain a multiple value indicating how many times a first frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1, and obtaining, as the first frequency-domain pitch period T, the converted interval T1 multiplied by the multiple value and, when the long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, decoding a second frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain the second frequency-domain pitch period T. EEE20 relates to a decoding method according to EEE19, wherein when the long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, the period conversion step obtains a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L as the converted interval T1, decodes the first frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain a multiple value indicating that how many times an intermediate candidate is greater than the converted interval T1 and a difference between the first frequency-domain pitch period T and the intermediate candidate, and obtains, as the first frequency-domain pitch period T, the converted interval T1 multiplied by the multiple value plus the difference, and when the long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is not to be performed, the period conversion step decodes the second frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain the second frequency-domain pitch period T. EEE21 relates to a decoding method comprising: a long-term prediction information decoding step of, when long-term prediction selection information indicates that long-term prediction is to be performed, decoding a time-domain pitch period code to obtain a time-domain pitch period L and decoding a gain code to obtain a quantized pitch gain; and a period conversion step of, when the quantized pitch gain is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L, decoding a first frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain a multiple value indicating how many times a first frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1, and obtaining, as the first frequency-domain pitch period T, the converted interval T1 multiplied by the multiple value and, when the quantized pitch gain is smaller than a predetermined value, decoding a second frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain a second frequency-domain pitch period T. EEE22 relates to a decoding method according to EEE21, wherein when the quantized pitch gain is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the period conversion step obtains, as the converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L, decodes the first frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain a multiple value indicating how many times an intermediate candidate is greater than the converted interval T1 and a difference between the first frequency-domain pitch period T and the intermediate candidate, and obtains, as the first frequency-domain pitch period T, the converted interval T1 multiplied by the multiple value plus the difference, and when the quantized pitch gain is smaller than a predetermined value, the period conversion step decodes the second frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain the second frequency-domain pitch period T. EEE23 relates to a decoding method according to any one of EEE17 to EEE22, further comprising: a frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoding step of decoding a code string by a decoding method based on the first or second frequency-domain pitch period T to obtain a frequency-domain sample string; a time-domain signal string generation step of obtaining a time-domain signal string derived from the frequency-domain sample string; and a long-term prediction combining step of using the time-domain signal string, the time-domain pitch period L and a previous decoded audio signal string to obtain a decoded audio signal string. EEE24 relates to a decoding method according to EEE23, wherein the decoding method based on the first or second frequency-domain pitch period T is a decoding method in which a sample group of all or some of one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to the first or second frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the first or second frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string and a second sample group of samples in the frequency-domain sample string that are not included in the sample group are obtained by decoding processes according to different criteria. EEE25 relates to a decoding method according to EEE23, wherein the frequency-domain-pitch-period-based decoding step comprises: a decoding step of decoding the code string to obtain a sample string; and a recovering step of obtaining a frequency-domain sample string from the sample string in accordance with the first or second frequency-domain pitch period T, the frequency-domain sample string being a sequence of samples in order of frequency. EEE26 relates to a decoding method according to EEE25, wherein when an estimated prediction gain in a given time period is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the recovering step outputs a sample string obtained by decoding the code string as a frequency-domain sample string, the frequency-domain sample string being an original sequence of samples. EEE27 relates to a frequency-domain pitch period analyzing method for determining a frequency-domain pitch period T, the frequency-domain pitch period T being a pitch period T of a frequency-domain sample string derived from an audio signal in a given time period, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzing method comprising: a period conversion step of obtaining a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to a time-domain pitch period L of the audio signal as a converted interval T1; and a frequency-domain pitch period analysis step of choosing the frequency-domain pitch period T from candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, where U is an integer in a predetermined first range. EEE28 relates to a frequency-domain pitch period analyzing method according to EEE27, wherein the frequency-domain pitch period analysis step chooses an intermediate candidate from candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1 and chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from a group consisting of the intermediate candidate and values in a predetermined third range close to the intermediate candidate. EEE29 relates to an encoder comprising: a period converter obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to a time-domain pitch period L, the time-domain pitch period L corresponding to a time-domain pitch period code of an audio signal in a given time period; and a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer choosing a first frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, where U is an integer in a predetermined first range, the first frequency-domain pitch period T being a pitch period of a frequency-domain sample string derived from the audio signal, and obtaining a first frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the first frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1. EEE30 relates to an encoder comprising: a long-term prediction analyzer performing time-domain long-term prediction analysis of an audio signal in a given time period to obtain a time-domain pitch period L and a time-domain pitch period code corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L; a long-term prediction residual arithmetic unit using the time-domain pitch period L to obtain a long-term prediction residual signal of the audio signal; a frequency-domain sample string arithmetic unit obtaining a frequency-domain sample string derived from the long-term prediction residual signal or a frequency-domain sample string derived from the audio signal; a period converter obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L; and a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer choosing a first frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, where U is an integer in a predetermined first range, the first frequency-domain pitch period T being a pitch period of the frequency-domain sample string, and obtaining a first frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the first frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1. EEE31 relates to an encoder according to EEE29 or 30, wherein the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer chooses an intermediate candidate from candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, chooses the first frequency-domain pitch period T from a group consisting of the intermediate candidate and values in a predetermined third range close to the intermediate candidate and obtains, as the first frequency-domain pitch period code, information indicating how many times the intermediate candidate is greater than the converted interval T1 and information indicating a difference between the first frequency-domain pitch period T and the intermediate candidate. EEE32 relates to a decoder comprising: a long-term prediction information decoder decoding a time-domain pitch period code to obtain a time-domain pitch period L; and a period converter obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L, decoding a first frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain a multiple value indicating how many times a first frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1, and obtaining, as the first frequency-domain pitch period T, the converted interval T1 multiplied by the multiple value. EEE33 relates to a decoder according to EEE32, wherein the period converter obtains, as the converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to the time-domain pitch period L, decodes the first frequency-domain pitch period code to obtain a multiple value indicating how many times an intermediate candidate is greater than the converted interval T1 and a difference between the first frequency-domain pitch period T and the intermediate candidate, and obtains, as the first frequency-domain pitch period T, the converted interval T1 multiplied by the multiple value plus the difference. EEE34 relates to a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer determining a frequency-domain pitch period T, the frequency-domain pitch period T being a pitch period T of a frequency-domain sample string derived from an audio signal in a given time period, the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer comprising: a period converter of obtaining a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to a time-domain pitch period L of the audio signal as a converted interval T1; and a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer of choosing the frequency-domain pitch period T from candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, where U is an integer in a predetermined first range. EEE35 relates to a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer according to EEE34, wherein the frequency-domain pitch period analyzer chooses an intermediate candidate from candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1 and chooses a frequency-domain pitch period T from a group consisting of the intermediate candidate and values in a predetermined third range close to the intermediate candidate. EEE36 relates to a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of the encoding method according to any one of EEE1 to EEE16. EEE37 relates to a program causing a computer to execute the steps of the decoding method according to any one of EEE17 to EEE26. EEE38 relates to a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of the frequency-domain pitch period analyzing method according to EEE27 or EEE28. EEE39 relates to a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of encoding method according to any one of EEE1 to EEE16. EEE40 relates to a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of the decoding method according to any one of EEE17 to EEE26. EEE41 relates to a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the steps of the frequency-domain pitch period analyzing method according to EEE27 or EEE28. 1. An encoding method comprising: a period conversion step of obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to a time-domain pitch period L, the time-domain pitch period L corresponding to a time-domain pitch period code of an audio signal in a given time period; a frequency-domain pitch period analysis step of choosing a first frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, where U is an integer in a predetermined first range, the first frequency-domain pitch period T being a pitch period of a frequency-domain sample string derived from the audio signal, and obtaining a first frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the first frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1; and a frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoding step of encoding the frequency-domain sample string by an encoding method based on the first frequency-domain pitch period T, wherein the encoding method based on the first frequency-domain pitch period T encodes a sample group of all or some of one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to the first frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string and one or a plurality of successive samples including a sample corresponding to an integer multiple of the first frequency-domain pitch period T in the frequency-domain sample string and a second sample group of samples in the sample string that are not included in the sample group in accordance with different criteria. 2. An encoder (61) comprising: a period converter (114, 414) obtaining, as a converted interval T1, a frequency-domain sample interval corresponding to a time-domain pitch period L, the time-domain pitch period L corresponding to a time-domain pitch period code of an audio signal in a given time period; a frequency-domain pitch period analyzer (115, 115', 215, 315, 415) choosing a first frequency-domain pitch period T from among candidates including the converted interval T1 and integer multiples U × T1 of the converted interval T1, where U is an integer in a predetermined first range, the first frequency-domain pitch period T being a pitch period of a frequency-domain sample string derived from the audio signal, and obtaining a first frequency-domain pitch period code indicating how many times the first frequency-domain pitch period T is greater than the converted interval T1; and a frequency-domain-pitch-period-based encoder (616) encoding the frequency-domain sample string by an encoding method based on the first frequency-domain pitch period T, 3. A program adapted to cause a computer to execute the steps of the encoding method according to claim 1. 4. A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to claim 3. REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard. Patent documents cited in the description JP2009156971A [0005] Non-patent literature cited in the description T. MORIYAN. IWAKAMIA. JINK. IKEDAS. MIKIA Design of Transform Coder for Both Speech and Audio Signals at 1 bit/sampleProc. ICASSP, 1997, vol. 97, 1371-1374 [0006] J. HERREE. ALLAMANCHEK. BRANDENBURGM. DIETZB. TEICHMANNB. GRILLA. JINT. MORIYAN. IWAKAMIT. NORIMATSUThe Integrated Filterbank Based Scalable MPEG-4, Audio Coder105th Convention Audio Engineering Society, 1998, vol. 4810, [0006]	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1066
__label__cc	0.67724	0.32276	1st Consider the Pastrami, Then the Polyamory Howard was sweet, sensible and sincere to many faults. I preferred him, but I also noticed him as an experiment. If I could not come across Mr. Right, what about Mr. Quasi-Ideal augmented by a few some others? We experienced been with each other for only a couple of months, shelling out Saturday nights jointly with an occasional weeknight thrown in. I suspected his other evenings have been reserved for other girls, but I didn’t want to know. We lived in the San Francisco Bay Region, 13 train stops aside — I in Danville, a placid East Bay suburb, and he in the bustling Mission district. Worse, we ended up far aside in what we preferred. We ended up both culturally Jewish but our versions were unique. Even although my household was not religious, my upbringing had been prudish. I could not see even cultural Jewishness coexisting with polyamory. The strategy of obtaining a beloved, or “beshert” (an idealistic phrase I experienced stopped applying following my spouse died), seemed so ingrained to being Jewish. Howard wanted to shift over and above the monogamous model he had been lifted with I desired to replicate it. Not shockingly, I did not want to transfer to San Francisco and he couldn’t see himself residing in Danville. We were both still active on the web, observing other individuals. When Howard informed me about his conference, I mentioned, “I should be straightforward, much too. I’ll be likely on a pair of very first dates when you are long gone.” But the prospect of a tentative to start with kiss could not contend with his announcement that he would be paying several nights with a person else. Go on reading through the primary story For the duration of the 7 days of the conference, I held picturing him in bed with some faceless lady, a gold chain sparkling all around her slender waist. Their imaginary sex was both equally tender and incendiary, fueled by shared pasts, synchronized breathing and enviable muscle manage. He had informed me he wanted a most important husband or wife, a person to dwell with and approach a foreseeable future together. But there were being caveats. “What does it imply for you to be polyamorous and in a partnership?” I said a couple of months later on, sitting in his sunken residing place with sights of the bay, reminding myself I most likely should not get far too comfy there. “Along with having a major companion,” he mentioned, “I want to have a couple of evenings with some previous lovers, in addition one fling a yr.” “Why need to trying to keep up with old enthusiasts include sleeping together?” I mentioned. “Couldn’t you just satisfy for lunch?” “I’ve been poly for seven yrs,” he explained. “I can appreciate much more than one particular human being at a time. Component of remaining poly is staying able to notice your comprehensive potential.” “But why is your potential tied up with sex?” I stated. “It’s the change among using a pottery course for the reason that you want to check out pottery and needing to sleep with the pottery teacher.” With all of these enthusiasts and flings, lifestyle with Howard appeared like being a housekeeper with benefits. We would be sustaining a partnership so that we could give the greatest of ourselves to other people. An introvert, I wanted to tumble in adore with one individual so I could prevent flinging myself all over. I preferred to remain property with genuine love and plenty of time to go through. What is searching for a fling when you’re in a fully commited relationship if not the will need to feed your ego with fresh new meat? Carry on looking at the primary tale I asked Howard if he minded that I often slept with my ex-boyfriend, a spiky-haired, environmentally friendly-eyed guitarist. “No, I’m very good with it,” he explained. “It’s simpler if we both equally want to spend time with outdated enthusiasts.” But my ex-boyfriend could not offer with Howard, so I ended my endeavor at ex-lover polyamory. Howard named polyamory “consensual non-monogamy,” meaning you could have sex with other people today so extensive as all functions agreed. It involved a great deal of mature, advanced discussion about environment parameters. I’m a previous lawyer. This sounded like drafting a settlement agreement. And if we could not concur to the terms, would Howard mope all-around the household moaning that I under no circumstances enable him do something enjoyable? I referred to as polyamory “exposure to condition.” Even in your key marriage you usually would have to exercise safe and sound sexual intercourse, mainly because your partner was viewing other people. And it often would be emotionally dangerous simply because he may well come to like a person of those people today a lot more than he liked you. If we each cherished other people, wouldn’t we want to commit our time with them? It sounded like a recipe for disaster. You could slide in love with your fling. As early as 2009, Newsweek requested regardless of whether polyamory was the next sexual revolution. But again then it wasn’t on my radar since I had George. Polyamory has been classified as the two a sexual orientation and a way of living option. It looks some people today are wired to be in simultaneous relationships and aren’t jealous when their companions are also. But numerous of the questions on sites giving tips about polyamory are from secondary companions who are jealous of their lover’s primary marriage. “When I’m dedicated to a person,” I claimed to Howard, “I do not want to see other folks. And I never want to listen to that you do.” In my publish-George relationship several years, I had developed a protective shell over my heart. Making it possible for myself to appreciate once more would necessarily mean permitting that shell crack and slide absent, not keeping it mainly because my associate invited strangers to trample as a result of our connection. The complete factor seemed so avoidable. At some issue, we would have to agree to come to be exclusive. If either of us have been attracted to an individual else, we would go through our lust in silence like decent men and women. Proceed reading through the major tale Then there was my possess weakness. If I settled for a person who slept with other folks, I would be tempted to do it, also, if for no other purpose than to quell my insecurity that I was not sufficient. We could each return property the subsequent morning with smiles on our faces. But I wouldn’t be smiling I’d be in soreness. Howard made use of the phrase “and” to substitute “but” in discussion. He reported “but” indicated an possibly/or scenario, whereas “and” instructed coexistence. When I initially met him, I attempted employing “and” too, hoping to see more prospects. “I want to fall in like and nevertheless sleep all around.” “I want to slide in enjoy but nevertheless snooze around.” Above time I returned to “but,” seeing only a linguistic conceit. When I first fulfilled Howard, I had wanted to be open to a distinctive kind of life than when I was married, just one that wasn’t necessarily monogamous. But that is not me. Perhaps I was limiting myself by being so standard. Or perhaps I was getting myself, simply because several years following shedding George I was all over again open up to adore. I just wanted to halt sleeping with my ex-boyfriend and relationship adult men with no very long-expression prospective. “Stop squandering your appreciate electricity on fellas you have no potential with,” one particular of my girlfriends said, quoting her therapist. But she also was even now on the internet on the lookout for Mr. Permanently while sleeping with Mr. Non permanent as a palliative. “You’re my fling,” I informed Howard. “Eventually I’ll fulfill someone like me and this will conclusion.” A thirty day period later on I did meet up with anyone like me, a different culturally Jewish lawyer who lived in the suburbs. We even experienced attended the exact same synagogue. We agreed that creating adore intended that we would not see other individuals. But neither of us desired to see other men and women in any case now that we experienced uncovered each and every other. Ending my romance with Howard wasn’t tricky. It wasn’t even bittersweet. It was much more like going for walks out of a truly very good movie. I understood it was likely to conclude. I could relate to the people, but I could not be any of them. Howard’s version of polyamory, for all of its openness, was much too constrained. He’d experienced all these several years of accumulating ordeals, but I’d experienced George. And I knew that when you uncover adore, you soar in, pretty much involuntarily. You do not sit on the edge negotiating how to retain your selections open. Keep on looking at the main tale To start with Test the Pastrami, Then the Polyamory @Debbie_Me11 @LondonLova @realDonaldTrump @SusanStormXO @inittowinit007 @Educati… Necessary Marketing Rules in Commercial Actual Estate DC escort company Toda…	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1070
__label__wiki	0.505464	0.505464	Lewisboro Daily Voice serves Lewisboro, NY Toddler Dies After Being Hit By Vehicle In Driveway Of New Canaan Home A toddler was killed after being struck by a vehicle in a driveway on North Wilton Road in New Canaan. Photo Credit: Google Maps street view Alert Issued For Wanted Man Who Allegedly Stole Woman's Phone... Click here for an updated story: ID Released For Boy Killed After Being Hit By Vehicle In Driveway Of New Canaan Home A toddler was killed after being struck by a vehicle in the driveway of a New Canaan home. The child, a nearly 2-year-old boy, was hit around 8:42 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the home on North Wilton Road, said New Canaan Police Lt. Jason Ferraro. New Canaan Police, along with New Canaan Fire, and New Canaan Emergency Medical Services first responders arrived at the residence within minutes of the incident to provide emergency medical care, Ferraro said. The gravely injured child was transported to Norwalk Hospital, where emergency room personnel provided care. "Despite the valiant efforts of many first responders, and emergency room personnel, the child succumbed to grave injuries," Ferraro said. The incident is currently under investigation by the New Canaan Police Accident Reconstruction team as well as members of the Wilton and Darien police departments Accident Reconstruction teams. "We ask that the entire New Canaan Community put this child and the child’s family in their thoughts and prayers," Ferraro said. "We are all grieving as we cope with this tragic loss." Police are not releasing the name of the victim or family, and the home's address out of respect for those suffering, he added. The crash is under investigation. Suspect In Custody After Woman Found Fatally Stabbed In Westc... Projected Snowfall Totals Released For First Potential Snowst... Area College Athlete Dies After Accident Lewisboro Daily Voice!	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1075
__label__cc	0.722481	0.277519	Buddha Sutras Mantras Sanskrit Home Introduction Sutras Translators Mantras Prayers Sanskrit Glossary Sūtra 30 (posted 05/2011, updated 12/2011) Book information on Home page 清淨毘尼方廣經 Vaipulya Sūtra of the Pure Vinaya Translated from Sanskrit into Chinese in the Later Qin Dynasty by The Tripiṭaka Master Kumārajīva from Kucha Thus I have heard: At one time the Buddha was staying on the Gṛdhrakūṭa Mountain, near the city of Rājagṛha, together with 8,000 great bhikṣus and 12,000 Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas, as well as gods from desire heavens and form heavens, and god-sons from pure abode heavens. Surrounded by a reverent multitude in innumerable hundreds and thousands, the World-Honored One expounded the Dharma. At that time a god-son named Silent Taming Tone came to be seated in the assembly. He rose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, knelt on his right knee, and joined his palms, facing the Buddha. He asked, “World-Honored One, where does Mañjuśrī live? The good men in this multitude long to see him and hear the Dharma from him.” The Buddha told the god-son Silent Taming Tone, “God-Son, in the east, passing 10,000 Buddha Lands from here, there is a Buddha Land called Treasure Holder. In that land resides a Buddha called Treasure Appearance, the Tathāgata, Arhat, Samyak-Saṁbuddha, who is now expounding the Dharma. Mañjuśrī lives in that land, where he expounds the Dharma to Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas.” The Request to Invite Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva The god-son said, “World-Honored One, I pray only that you will display Your [auspicious] sign and make Mañjuśrī visit our land. Why? Because, World-Honored One, hearing the Dharma from voice-hearers or Pratyekabuddhas cannot compare with hearing it from Mañjuśrī. Except for the Tathāgata, no other Dharma expounder can surpass him. When Mañjuśrī expounds the Dharma, all māra palaces are shut down and all māra multitudes are subjugated. Those with exceeding arrogance end their exceeding arrogance; those who have not activated the bodhi mind activate it; those who have already activated the bodhi mind never regress from it; those who can be drawn into the Dharma are drawn into it; those who should be abandoned [for now] are abandoned. All [hearers] follow the Tathāgata and wish to make the Dharma stay in the world for a long time.” Knowing the god-son Silent Taming Tone’s mind, the World-Honored One, from the one white hair between His eyebrows, emitted a radiance that illuminated this Buddha Land and 10,000 Buddha Lands in the east, reaching the land called Treasure Holder. When the Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas in Treasure Holder saw this radiance, they asked Treasure Appearance Buddha, “World-Honored One, why is such radiance displayed everywhere in our land?” Treasure Appearance Buddha told the Bodhisattvas, “Good men, going west from here, passing 10,000 Buddha Lands, there is a land called Sahā. In that land resides a Buddha called Śākyamuni, the Tathāgata, Arhat, Samyak-Saṁbuddha, who is now expounding the Dharma. That Buddha has emitted from His one white hair a beam of light, which has passed across 10,000 Buddha Lands to illuminate our land.” Those Bodhisattvas asked, “World-Honored One, Why has Śākyamuni, the Tathāgata, Arhat, Samyak-Saṁbuddha, emitted from that one hair a beam of light?” That Buddha answered, “Assembled in Śākyamuni Tathāgata’s land are innumerable thousands of koṭis of Bodhisattvas and His four groups of disciples, who wish to see Mañjuśrī the Youth and hear him expound the Dharma. For this reason, Śākyamuni Tathāgata has emitted from that hair a beam of light.” Then Treasure Appearance Buddha told Mañjuśrī, “You may go to Sahā. Śākyamuni, the Tathāgata, Arhat, Samyak-Saṁbuddha, will be delighted to see you. The multitudes there wish to see you and hear the Dharma from you.” Mañjuśrī responded to that World-Honored One, “I too am aware of this auspicious display of radiance.” The Arrival of Mañjuśrī Bodhisattva in the Sahā World Then Mañjuśrī the Dharma Prince, together with 10,000 Bodhisattvas, bowed his head down at Treasure Appearance Buddha’s feet. In the time of a strong man extending or bending his arm, they disappeared from Treasure Holder and arrived in Sahā. They stood in the open sky without revealing themselves. As an offering to Śākyamuni Tathāgata and the multitudes, they showered, to knee deep, various kinds of flowers in assorted colors and with pleasing fragrances. When the multitudes saw the rain of flowers, they asked the Buddha, “World-Honored One, what is the meaning of this sign, this great rain of flowers?” The Buddha answered, “Good men, it was sent by Mañjuśrī the Dharma Prince and his 10,000 Bodhisattvas, who have arrived here. Standing in the open sky without revealing themselves, they rained down flowers as an offering to me.” The multitudes spoke with one voice, “World-Honored One, we wish to see Mañjuśrī the Dharma Prince and his Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas.” Then Mañjuśrī and the 10,000 Bodhisattvas descended from the sky. After they bowed down at the Buddha’s feet and circled Him, they conjured up seats by spiritual power and sat on one side. The god-son Silent Taming Tone said, “World-Honored One, I would like to ask Mañjuśrī the Dharma Prince to speak about whatever the multitudes wish to hear.” The Buddha told the god-son, “You may ask Mañjuśrī the Dharma Prince about your doubts.” The Teachings The Highest Truth So the god-son Silent Taming Tone asked Mañjuśrī, “Why do you enjoy expounding the Dharma in Treasure Appearance Buddha’s land?” Mañjuśrī answered, “God-Son, [the sentient beings] there neither invoke nor eradicate greed, neither invoke nor eradicate anger, neither invoke nor eradicate delusion, neither invoke nor eradicate vexation. Why? Because dharmas with no birth have no death.” The god-son marveled, “Mañjuśrī, the sentient beings in that land neither invoke greed, anger, or delusion, nor eradicate any of them?” Mañjuśrī answered, “They do neither, God-Son.” The god-son next asked, “What Dharma does that Buddha pronounce?” “He pronounces that dharmas have neither birth nor death. Why? Because the Buddha in that land teaches neither eradication [of afflictions] nor realization [of the truth]. The sentient beings there value the highest truth, not the worldly truth.” The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, why is it called the highest truth?” Mañjuśrī replied, “God-Son, it reveals that dharmas have neither birth nor death, neither place nor no place, and that they are neither appearance nor void space, neither perceptible appearance nor imperceptible appearance, neither the one appearance nor no appearance, neither ending nor not ending, neither terminable nor interminable. Such a pronouncement reveals the highest meaning. God-Son, it pertains to neither the mind [in stillness] nor the mind in continuous thinking, nor words; neither this nor that, nor in-between. Such a pronouncement reveals the highest meaning. God-Son, the truth that cannot be captured and is beyond words is called the highest truth. Why? Because the Buddha says that all sounds are false [appearances].” The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, can the Tathāgata’s words be false?” “God-Son, the Tathāgata’s words are neither true nor false. Why? Because the Tathāgata, neither dependent on nor independent of causality, has no dual appearance and speaks no words, His mind abiding nowhere. Hence, His words are neither true nor false, beyond these two opposites. God-Son, what is your opinion? Are the words spoken by a person magically conjured up by the Tathāgata true or false?” “They are neither true nor false. Why? Because a conjured person is unreal.” Mañjuśrī said, “Indeed, indeed! God-Son, because dharmas can never be captured, the Tathāgata’s words are neither true nor false. Thus, they are called non-dual.” The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, how does the Tathāgata expound the highest truth?” Mañjuśrī answered, “God-Son, no one can expound the highest truth. Why? Because the speaking and the speaker are both empty.” As Mañjuśrī expounded the Dharma, 500 bhikṣus eradicated their afflictions and liberated their minds, and 200 god-sons acquired the Endurance in Dharmas. Then the god-son Silent Taming Tone said to Mañjuśrī, “The highest truth is very hard to understand.” Mañjuśrī agreed, “Indeed, indeed! God-Son, the highest truth is very hard to understand, especially for those who do not have the right training.” The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, how does a Bodhisattva not do the right training?” Mañjuśrī answered, “If he does not say that he knows, eradicates, trains for, and realizes something, it is called the right training. If he says that he should know, eradicate, train for, and realize something, it is not called the right training. Why not? Because this statement, with such appearances of greed and attachment, is a ludicrous statement.” The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, how should a Bodhisattva do the right training?” “God-Son, he should train to see the equality of true suchness, the dharma realm, and the five rebellious acts; the equality of the dharma realm and various views; the equality of ordinary beings, those who are still learning, and those who have nothing more to learn; the equality of voice-hearers, Pratyekabuddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas; the equality of saṁsāra and nirvāṇa; and the equality of afflictions and disputes.” The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, why are afflictions and disputes equal?” Mañjuśrī replied, “They are equal in [the Three Samādhis:] emptiness, no appearance, and no wish. Why? Because in emptiness, there is no differentiation, just like the sameness of the void space in a precious vessel and the void space in a cheap pot. Thus, God-Son, the emptiness of afflictions and the emptiness of disputes are the same, without any difference.” Comparison between Bodhisattvas and Voice-Hearers The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, do Bodhisattvas train according to the holy truth?” Mañjuśrī answered, “God-Son, if Bodhisattvas did not train according to the holy truth, how could they expound the Dharma to voice-hearers? God-Son, training according to the holy truth, Bodhisattvas observe [all dharmas] while voice-hearers do not; Bodhisattvas have expertise while voice-hearers do not; Bodhisattvas establish connections [with sentient beings] while voice-hearers do not. “Moreover, training according to the holy truth, Bodhisattvas make correct observations and do not enter nirvāṇa.[1] Equipped with skillful means, they do not turn away from saṁsāra to nirvāṇa. Training according to the holy truth, Bodhisattvas learn the entire Buddha Dharma. “God-Son, as an analogy, someone chooses not to be a great master with companions, and crosses the wilderness alone. Terrified by his experience, he never dares to return. God-Son, likewise a voice-hearer, out of fear of repeated birth and death, does not return to the world, and thus abandons all sentient beings. Failing to learn the entire Buddha Dharma, he has no skillful means. He trains according to the holy truth alone. “God-Son, a great master with companions has retinues and assets. He crosses the wilderness with plentiful provisions as he amasses great benefits. God-Son, a Bodhisattva is such a great master with companions because he has retinues and acquires benefits from the Dharma. Equipped with Dharma provisions, including the six pāramitās and the Four Drawing-in Dharmas, he establishes connections with all sentient beings. As he observes the whirlpool of birth and death, he learns the entire Buddha Dharma. From one Buddha Land to another, he trains according to the holy truth by skillful means. “God-Son, as a loosely woven cloth steeped briefly in the fragrance of campaka, sumana, or mañjūṣaka flowers quickly loses its fragrance, likewise a voice-hearer trains quickly according to the holy truth. With no vows to fulfill, he enters nirvāṇa. He neither smells the fragrances of [the dharma body with its five aspects]—precepts, samādhi, wisdom, liberation, and the knowledge and views of liberation—nor ends the lingering habits of his afflictions. “God-Son, as a silk robe that has been steeped in the fragrance of precious celestial agalloch wood for 100,000 years is pure, fragrant, and valued by humans and gods, likewise a Bodhisattva trains according to the holy truth for a billion koṭi kalpas, during which time, to fulfill his original vows, he does not enter nirvāṇa. Not only does he smell the fragrances of precepts, samādhi, wisdom, liberation, and the knowledge and views of liberation, but he ends the lingering habits of his afflictions. He is esteemed by humans, gods, asuras, gandharvas, and others.” The Voice-Hearers in Treasure Holder The god-son Silent Taming Tone next asked Mañjuśrī, “In the land of Treasure Appearance Buddha, the Tathāgata, Arhat, Samyak-Saṁbuddha, how do the voice-hearers go through their training?” Mañjuśrī replied, “God-Son, the voice-hearers in that land neither protect the dharma realm nor abide in faith, nor do they teach others to believe. They are not of the eight holy ranks, yet they have transcended the eight evil ways. They are not Srotāpannas [achievers of the first voice-hearer fruit], yet they have transcended the evil life-paths.[2] They are not Sakṛdāgāmins [achievers of the second voice-hearer fruit], yet they teach and transform all sentient beings. They are not Anāgāmins [achievers of the third voice-hearer fruit], yet they know that dharmas neither come nor go. They are not Arhats, yet they accept offerings from the Three-Thousand Large Thousandfold World. They are not [truly] voice-hearers, and they can retain the Dharma pronounced by all Buddhas. “They do not eradicate greed, yet they are not driven by greed. They do not eradicate anger, yet they are not driven by anger. They do not eradicate delusion, yet they are not driven by delusion. Not eradicating their own afflictions, they enable sentient beings to eradicate their afflictions. Leaving behind the hidden hindrances to all dharmas, they progress energetically. Having transcended their karmic rebirths, they are reborn at will.[3] Having no perception of the appearances of a self, a person, and a sentient being,[4] they teach and transform sentient beings. Without the concept of taking or giving, they regard all sentient beings as a pure fortune field [for their planting]. They cultivate right mindfulness without thinking or remembering. Knowing that all dharmas have neither birth nor death, they endeavor to end [the evils]. Without attachment to their body or mind, they display their transcendental powers. To complete their training in actions, they deliver all sentient beings to the shore of nirvāṇa according to their capacities. To develop their power, they shatter the bondage [of their afflictions]. To train for bodhi, they acquire [sarvajña] the overall wisdom-knowledge.[5] To attain bodhi, they realize that which is beyond causality. To train in samādhi, they head for the true reality. To unfold their wisdom, they penetrate the dharma realm. To acquire wisdom-knowledge, they end their ignorance [of the truth]. To achieve liberation, they end the two mental actions [the passions and the wrong views]. “Their physical-eye sees all sentient beings, all Buddha Lands, and all Buddhas. Their god-eye sees each sentient being die in one place and be reborn in another. Their wisdom-eye sees all sentient beings undergo birth and death without coming or going. Their dharma-eye sees the equality of all dharmas. Their Buddha-eye sees the entire Buddha realm. Their god-ear hears the entire Buddha Dharma, which they accept and uphold. Their one mind knows the mental actions of all sentient beings and their past lives in past kalpas. Equipped with a billion koṭi transcendental powers, they can travel to innumerable Buddha Lands. Having eradicated their afflictions, they do not enter nirvāṇa for their liberation. They are visible but their bodies are not physical bodies. They speak but their words are emptiness. They think but their minds do not move. Their appearances are dignified and adorned with wonderful features and with garlands of their merits. Their awesome merits are unsurpassed, their renown reaching far and wide. “Wearing the fragrance of the pure precepts, they are uncontaminated by worldly dharmas and untainted by their afflictions. Never using abusive speech, they playfully display their transcendental powers. With a broad knowledge, they speak powerfully, like thunderclaps. Their unimpeded speech upholds the ultimate truth. Skilled in making changes, they dispel the darkness and illuminate all with great wisdom. They are always protected and remembered by Buddhas. Constantly thinking of the Bodhi Way, their mindfulness is like the ocean, their samādhi is like Mount Sumeru, and their endurance is like the great earth. Like the god-king Śakra, they valiantly subjugate māras, and no one can disdain them. Their meditation is pure, quiet, and unequaled, like the boundless sky. God-Son, the merits of the voice-hearers in Treasure Appearance Buddha’s land surpass what I have described.” As Mañjuśrī expounded the Dharma, in the assembly 500 bhikṣus, 500 bhikṣuṇīs, 500 upāsakas, and 500 upāsikās, as well as 5,000 god-sons, aspired for a voice-hearer’s wisdom. They said to the Buddha, “World-Honored One, we wish to be voice-hearers under Treasure Appearance Tathāgata.” Mañjuśrī said, “Good men, you cannot be reborn in His land with a voice-hearer’s mind. You can be reborn in that land only by activating the unsurpassed bodhi mind. Those who are reborn there have all activated the anuttara-samyak-saṁbodhi mind.” They immediately activated the unsurpassed bodhi mind. Then the Tathāgata bestowed upon them the prophecy of their rebirth in that land. The All-Encompassing Bodhisattva Vinaya At that time the god-son Silent Taming Tone asked Mañjuśrī, “What does Bodhisattva Vinaya mean, and what does Voice-Hearer Vinaya mean?”[6] Mañjuśrī answered, “God-Son, the vinaya based on fear of the Three Realms of Existence is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya for one to undergo innumerable births and deaths in the Three Realms in order to deliver all sentient beings is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya that disdains acquiring merit for one’s adornment is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya for one to accumulate merit for one’s adornment is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya for one to shatter the bondage of one’s afflictions is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya for one to enable all sentient beings to shatter the bondage of their afflictions is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya concerned about neither learning the entire Buddha Dharma nor bringing all sentient beings to maturity is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya concerned about both learning the entire Buddha Dharma and bringing all sentient beings to maturity is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya unrecognized by gods is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya recognized by all gods in the Three-Thousand Large Thousandfold World is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya dismissed by all māras is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya feared and hated by all māras is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya that illuminates one person only is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya that illuminates the whole world is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya for one to observe one’s mind only is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya for one to learn the entire Buddha Dharma is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya for one to progress step by step is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya that enables one to know everything in one thought is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya that destroys the seeds of the Three Jewels is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya that preserves the seeds of the Three Jewels is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya that, after its violation, is irreparable, like broken pottery, is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya that, after its violation, is reparable, like a damaged gold or silver vessel, is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya without skillful means is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya that fosters skillful means is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya that will bring one neither the Ten Powers nor the Four Fearlessnesses is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya that enables one to achieve both the Ten Powers and the Four Fearlessnesses is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya that will bring one few fruit trees is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya that will bring one orchards, towers, and delight in the Dharma is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya lacking the six pāramitās and the Four Drawing-in Dharmas is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya containing the six pāramitās and the Four Drawing-in Dharmas is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. The vinaya that does not end one’s habits is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya; the vinaya that ends one’s habits is the Bodhisattva Vinaya. “Furthermore, God-Son, in regard to scope and limit, the vinaya that brings one little merit and little achievement in precepts, samādhi, wisdom, liberation, and knowledge and views of liberation is the Voice-Hearer Vinaya. The vinaya that brings one immeasurable merit and immeasurable achievement in precepts, samādhi, wisdom, liberation, and knowledge and views of liberation is the Bodhisattva Vinaya.” The World-Honored One praised Mañjuśrī, “Very good! Very good! Mañjuśrī, quickly pronounce the Bodhisattva Vinaya. Mañjuśrī, let me speak a few words to complement your meaning. Mañjuśrī, using two people as an analogy, one person praises cow trackes while the other praises the great ocean. Mañjuśrī, what is your opinion? What merit of the cow tracks can the first person praise?” Mañjuśrī answered, “While the great ocean is immense, the cow tracks are small. What praiseworthy merit do they have?” The Buddha said, “Indeed, indeed. The Voice-Hearer Vinaya is like cow tracks, and its merit is too small to praise. Likewise are the merits of voice-hearers. Mañjuśrī, what is your opinion? What merit of the great ocean can the second person praise?” Mañjuśrī answered, “The great ocean has immeasurable praiseworthy merit.” The Buddha said, “As the great ocean has immeasurable praiseworthy merit, so too has the Bodhisattva Vinaya. Know that the Mahāyāna is similar [in its immeasurable praiseworthy merit].” As the Dharma was expounded, 12,000 god-sons activated the anuttara-samyak-saṁbodhi mind. They said, “World-Honored One, we should learn the Bodhisattva Vinaya and tame all sentient beings, countless in number.” Then the god-son Silent Taming Tone asked Mañjuśrī, “Which vinaya do you learn—the Voice-Hearer Vinaya, the Pratyekabuddha Vinaya, or the Bodhisattva Vinaya?” Mañjuśrī asked, “God-Son, what is your opinion? Can there be an ocean that does not accept water from all sources?” The god-son answered, “An ocean always accepts water from all sources.” Mañjuśrī said, “Indeed, God-Son, the Bodhisattva Vinaya is like the great ocean, and it encompasses all vinayas, including the Voice-Hearer Vinaya and the Pratyekabuddha Vinaya. The Bodhisattva Vinaya is all vinayas.” The True Reality of the Vinaya and One’s Afflictions The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, what does vinaya mean?” Mañjuśrī answered, “To subjugate one’s afflictions and to know one’s afflictions are called vinaya.” The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, how does one subjugate one’s afflictions and how can one know one’s afflictions?” Mañjuśrī answered, “One’s afflictions arise from wrong thinking—thinking of self, others, or both—and from the wrong views,[7] both of which arise from one’s ignorance [of the truth]. If one can focus on right mindfulness, not thinking of self, others, or both, and if one can discard the wrong views, one will end one’s ignorance and the two mental actions [the passions and the wrong views], and one’s afflictions will not arise. God-Son, the non-arising of one’s afflictions is called the ultimate vinaya. “It is called knowledge of one’s afflictions if one knows that one’s afflictions are unreal because they have no selves, no owners, no belongings, no place wherefrom they come, no place whereto they go, neither direction nor no direction, neither shape nor form, and because they neither converge nor accumulate, nor can they be found inside, outside, or in-between. God-Son, if one knows the character of a venomous snake, one can detoxify its venom. Similarly, if one knows the character of one’s afflictions, one can subjugate them.” The god-son asked, “What is meant by the character of one’s afflictions?” Mañjuśrī answered, “Thinking is the character of one’s afflictions. Without thinking, one’s afflictions do not arise. Whatever does not arise is not called an affliction. Afflictions that do not arise do not have a home. Without a home, there is nothing to burn and nowhere to stay. To have one’s afflictions staying nowhere is called the ultimate vinaya. This is called knowledge of the character of one’s afflictions.” The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, is subjugation of one’s afflictions something real or unreal?” Mañjuśrī said, "God-Son, as an analogy, someone dreams of being bitten by a venomous snake. He then takes medicine to relieve his pain. God-Son, what is your opinion? Is it true that he was bitten by a snake?” The god-son answered, “Mañjuśrī, it is not true. As the event is unreal, how does he remove the venom?” Mañjuśrī said, “As the venomous snake [in one’s dream] is unreal, so too is the antidote for its venom. We should understand that the holy vinayas are similar [to the antidote]. God-Son, you ask whether subjugation of one’s afflictions is real or unreal. God-Son, one might imagine that one has a self or no self, or has afflictions or no afflictions. If a self were real, then afflictions would also be real. However, neither a self or no self, nor afflictions or no afflictions, can be captured. Then, how does one subjugate one’s afflictions? “God-Son, dharmas are quiet because they have no birth, no [fixed] shape or form, and cannot be captured. Dharmas have no end because they have no birth. Dharmas have no birth because they are nonexistent. Dharmas have no death because they have no solidity. Dharmas have no act because they have neither doers nor selves. Dharmas have no selves because they have no control. Dharmas have no control because they are like the open sky. Dharmas do not come because they have no substance. Dharmas do not go because they are boundless. Dharmas do not stay because they have neither birth nor death, nor place. Dharmas [in true reality] are asaṁskṛta because they are free from afflictions. God-Son, realizing that dharmas are asaṁskṛta is their ultimate subjugation.” The Right Training Doors The god-son Silent Taming Tone next asked Mañjuśrī, “What Dharma Doors are available?” Mañjuśrī answered, “The wrong training door perpetuates one’s birth and death because one is not in command; the right training door leads one to nirvāṇa because one is in command. The door of doubts leads to hidden hindrances; the door of liberation frees from hidden hindrances. The thinking door multiplies afflictions; the no-thinking door leads to freedom from afflictions. The consciousness door leads to bondage of afflictions; the no-consciousness door frees from bondage of afflictions. The door of perception leads to bustling affairs; the door of stillness leads to quietness. The door of views increases arrogance; the door of emptiness eradicates arrogance. The door of evil friends leads to evil dharmas; the door of beneficent friends leads to good dharmas. The door of the wrong views plants roots of suffering; the door of the right views plants roots of goodness. The door of stinginess leads to poverty; the door of generosity amasses wealth. The door of violating the precepts leads to the evil life-paths; the door of observing the precepts leads to the good life-paths. The door of dispute hinders good dharmas; the door of tolerance supports good dharmas. The door of indolence piles mental filth; the door of diligence removes mental filth. The door of observation excites the mind; the door of meditation calms the mind. The door of stupidity raises silly goats; the door of wisdom is revealed through the Thirty-seven Elements of Bodhi. “The door of lovingkindness does not hinder wisdom-knowledge; the door of compassion is straight and true; the door of sympathetic joy receives Dharma treasures; and the door of equability frees one from [the extremes of] love and hate. The door of right mindfulness enables one not to lose one’s roots of goodness; the door of right endeavor supports the right actions; the door of instant travel is made with lightness of one’s body and mind. The door of roots of goodness is opened by faith. The door of power eradicates all afflictions. The door of awareness reveals all dharmas. The door of the Eightfold Right Path transcends all wrong paths. “Moreover, God-Son, the door of the bodhi mind leads to the entire Buddha Dharma and command of all dharmas, and encompasses all Dharma Doors. The door of drawing in sentient beings is opened by expounding the Dharma. The door of skillful means fits in any situation. The door of wisdom leads to the opposite shore of the mind streams of all sentient beings. The door of the six pāramitās is available in the Mahāyāna. The door of the six transcendental powers is illuminated by wisdom. The door of endurance in giving the Dharma as alms is never swayed.” The Five No Interruptions on the Bodhisattva Way The god-son next asked, “Mañjuśrī, what is the door of the dharma realm?” Mañjuśrī answered, “God-Son, the universal door is the door of the dharma realm.” The god-son asked, “What realm is the dharma realm?” Mañjuśrī answered, “The realm of all sentient beings is the dharma realm.” The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, does the dharma realm have a boundary?” “God-Son, what is your opinion? Does the open sky have a boundary?” Mañjuśrī said, “God-Son, just as the open sky has no boundary, so too the dharma realm has no boundary.” The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, do you know the dharma realm?” “The dharma realm does not know itself.” The god-son asked, “What do you need to know in order to make your statement?” “God-Son, what is your opinion? What does an echo know in order to sound?” The god-son answered, “Mañjuśrī, an echo knows nothing, and it sounds through causes and conditions.” “Similarly, for sentient beings’ sake, a Bodhisattva speaks.” The god-son asked, “Where do you abide in order to speak?” “God-Son, as a person conjured up by the Tathāgata abides and speaks, likewise I abide and speak.” The god-son said, “A person conjured up by the Tathāgata abides nowhere.” “God-Son, as a person conjured up by the Tathāgata abides nowhere and speaks, likewise all dharmas abide nowhere and act.” The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, if all dharmas abide nowhere, where do you abide in order to attain the unsurpassed bodhi?” Mañjuśrī answered, “God-Son, I abide in no interruption in order to attain the unsurpassed bodhi.” The god-son asked, “Where is this no interruption?” “This no interruption abides nowhere.” The god-son said, “Those in hell experience the five no interruptions.” “God-Son, indeed, indeed. The Tathāgata says that those who commit any of the five rebellious sins will definitely fall into [Avīci Hell] the hell of the five no interruptions. God-Son, I abide in another five no interruptions. God-Son, a Bodhisattva abides in these five no interruptions in order to attain the unsurpassed bodhi. What are they? “During the interval from his initial activation of the bodhi mind to his attainment of the unsurpassed bodhi, a Bodhisattva does not fall to the ground of voice-hearers and Pratyekabuddhas. This is called the first no interruption. He rescues all sentient beings without rest. This is called the second no interruption. He gives away everything without stinginess. This is called the third no interruption. He knows that dharmas have no birth, and he does not accommodate other views. This is called the fourth no interruption. Using his wisdom in accord with the ultimate truth, he is constantly vigilant of any thought that sees, knows, or hinders true enlightenment. This is called the fifth no interruption. This is called the fifth no interruption. If a Bodhisattva abides in these five no interruptions, he will definitely attain anuttara-samyak-saṁbodhi.” The Emptiness of All Dharmas The god-son asked, “Are there ordinary beings who abide in the five no interruptions in hell? Are there Bodhisattvas who abide in the other five no interruptions and attain the unsurpassed bodhi?” “Yes, there are.” The god-son asked, “For what reason?” “God-Son, all dharmas are empty. Penetrating this emptiness is called attaining bodhi. All dharmas [in true reality] are asaṁskṛta, with no birth, no arising, no appearance, and no wish. However, they appear to be born through causes and conditions. Realizing these causes and conditions is called realizing bodhi.” The god-son asked, “Who believes in this dharma [of emptiness]?” “Those who abide on neither this shore of saṁsāra nor that shore of nirvāṇa.” The god-son next asked, “Who understands this dharma?” “Those who do not hold the wrong view that one has an autonomous self.” The god-son next asked, “Who thinks of this dharma if abiding in neither this nor the opposite shore?” “Those who do not think of any dharma in effect think of this dharma.” The god-son next asked, “Who upholds this dharma?” “Those who do not uphold their afflictions uphold this dharma.” The god-son next asked, “Who will receive this sūtra?” “Those who are resolved to deliver all sentient beings will receive this sūtra.” The god-son next asked, “What shapes and forms do the deliverers assume?” “They assume forms, without grasping the forms of the five aggregates, the twelve fields, or the eighteen spheres.” The god-son next asked, “How do they act?” “They perform empty acts, no-appearance acts, and no-wish acts.” The god-son next asked, “Where do they head?” “God-Son, they head for the mental actions of all sentient beings and for the ultimate, realizing that their arrival is no arrival.” Achieving the Six Pāramitās The god-son asked, “Mañjuśrī, does a Bodhisattva ever regress?” “If a Bodhisattva regresses from the anuttara-samyak-saṁbodhi mind, he is not a Bodhisattva.” The god-son asked, “What does one give up?” “One gives up one’s afflictions and the ground of voice-hearers and Pratyekabuddhas.” The god-son next asked, “Who does not lose samādhi?” “Those whose samādhi is in balance do not lose it.” The god-son asked, “What is samādhi?” “The [meditation] state in which one does not make differentiations.” The god-son next asked, “Mañjuśrī, If dharmas have no difference [in their emptiness], who make differentiations?” “God-Son, those who do not know the equality of dharmas differentiate them into opposites. They take actions based on duality and are attached to duality. Those who know the equality of dharmas do not make differentiations, and they head for the ultimate equality.” The god-son next asked, “Mañjuśrī, are there Bodhisattvas who attain bodhi despite their afflictions?” The god-son asked, “Who are they?” God-Son, Bodhisattvas who, knowing the afflictions of all sentient beings, invoke great compassion and activate the unsurpassed bodhi mind will attain bodhi. A Bodhisattva who eradicates only his own afflictions is actually a voice-hearer.” The god-son asked, “Are there those who achieve dāna-pāramitā despite their stinginess?” “God-Son, if Bodhisattvas, in protecting and supporting sentient beings, do not abandon the bodhi mind, this stinginess is called dāna-pāramitā.” The god-son next asked, “Are there those who achieve śīla-pāramitā despite their violation of the precepts?” “God-Son, if Bodhisattvas violate the precepts so that they can bring a great many benefits to all sentient beings, this violation of precepts is called śīla-pāramitā.” The god-son next asked, “Are there those who achieve kṣānti-pāramitā despite abandonment of their endurance of adversity?” “If Bodhisattvas abandon non-Buddhist precepts and resolutely observe the Buddha precepts, this abandonment of their endurance is called kṣānti-pāramitā.” The god-son next asked, “Are there those who achieve vīrya-pāramitā despite their indolence?” “If Bodhisattvas are indolent in cultivating the ground of voice-hearers and Pratyekabuddhas but make energetic progress in training for the unsurpassed bodhi, this indolence is called vīrya-pāramitā.” The god-son next asked, “Are there those who achieve dhyāna-pāramitā without a mind in meditation?” “God-Son, if Bodhisattvas do not invoke, even in a dream, the mind of a voice-hearer or Pratyekabuddha, they will achieve dhyāna-pāramitā without a mind in meditation.” The god-son next asked, “Are there those who achieve prajñā-pāramitā without wisdom?” “God-Son, if Bodhisattvas do not have the worldly knowledge to subdue insanity by using potions or incantations, but are concerned about bringing forth Dharma wisdom out of all sentient beings, they will achieve prajñā-pāramitā and acquire the overall wisdom-knowledge.” Avoiding the Ground of Voice-Hearers and Pratyekabuddhas Then the World-Honored One praised Mañjuśrī, “Very good! Very good! Mañjuśrī, you expound so well what Bodhisattvas should or should not do. Mañjuśrī, let me say a few words. Mañjuśrī, as a hungry man would rather endure his hunger pangs than eat poisonous food, likewise, as Bodhisattvas mindfully practice almsgiving, observance of precepts, endurance, energetic progress, meditation, and development of wisdom, they would rather have stinginess, violation of the precepts, dispute, indolence, a chaotic mind, and lack of wisdom, than stand on the ground of voice-hearers and Pratyekabuddhas. Why? Because Bodhisattvas should fear [that ground].” The god-son asked the Buddha, “Do Bodhisattvas not fear the bondage of their afflictions?” The Buddha said, “They should fear it. However, Bodhisattvas should doubly fear the ground of voice-hearers. God-Son, what is your opinion? As a person fears for his life, should he fear the severance of his head or his hands and feet?” The god-son answered the Buddha, “He fears the severance of his head, not his hands and feet. Why? Because, World-Honored One, one who has lost his hands and feet still can do meritorious karmas, through which one will be reborn in heaven. World-Honored One, if one has his head severed, one can no longer cultivate virtue.” The Buddha said, “Indeed, God-Son, a Bodhisattva would rather violate the precepts than abandon the bodhi mind. He would rather be a Bodhisattva with afflictions than an Arhat, who has eradicated his afflictions.” The god-son marveled, “Rare World-Honored One, the Bodhisattva Way surpasses the ways of the world. World-Honored One, a voice-hearer who observes the precepts and progresses diligently cannot compare with a Bodhisattva who violates the precepts and fails to progress.” The Buddha said, “Indeed, indeed, it is just as you say. God-Son, a poor man’s food is a Wheel-Turning King’s poison. Although a voice-hearer diligently eradicates his afflictions, he does not benefit even the sentient beings in Jambudvīpa, much less all sentient beings. God-Son, as a great merchant lord endowed with land and riches diligently gives alms to benefit and nurture others, likewise a Bodhisattva invokes great lovingkindness and compassion for all sentient beings and diligently nurtures them, enabling them to have worldly and supra-worldly joy.” Then the Elder Mahākāśyapa asked the World-Honored One, “Voice-hearers realize that dharmas in true reality are asaṁskṛta while Bodhisattvas work with saṁskṛta dharmas. Why do Bodhisattvas surpass voice-hearers?” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Buddha said, “Kāśyapa, a voice-hearer’s wisdom-knowledge of that which is asaṁskṛta is like a drop of water[8] acquired from the ocean by using one hundredth of a hair. Kāśyapa, the virtues of a Bodhisattva’s roots of goodness developed through saṁskṛta dharmas are like water that fills up four great oceans. Kāśyapa, what is your opinion? Which is superior?”[9] “World-Honored One, the ripe grains under the autumn moon spread across the great earth. These innumerable grains, as provisions, relieve and nurture innumerable sentient beings. World-Honored One, by contrast, an ant holding one grain does not bring anyone benefits.” “Kāśyapa, as an ant holds one grain, likewise a voice-hearer holds his liberation fruit. As autumn grains spread across the great earth, likewise do the virtues of a Bodhisattva’s roots of goodness developed by practicing the six pāramitās and the Four Drawing-in Dharmas. Bodhisattvas nurture innumerable sentient beings, bring them to maturity, and give them worldly joy, supra-worldly joy, and joy of nirvāṇa. Kāśyapa, suppose a shipment of 100,000 crystal beads has arrived in the city while a priceless aquamarine jewel remains aboard the ship. However, if it safely arrives in Jambudvīpa, it can help all those in poverty and suffering. Kāśyapa, what is your opinion? Can the shipment of 100,000 crystal beads compare with the priceless aquamarine jewel?” “No, World-Honored One.” “Kāśyapa, a voice-hearer’s merit acquired from his realization of that which is asaṁskṛta is like the shipment of 100,000 crystal beads. By contrast, as the priceless aquamarine jewel aboard the ship will bring great peace and joy to Jambudvīpa, likewise a Bodhisattva who preserves the seeds of the Three Jewels and acquires the overall wisdom-knowledge will bring great peace and joy [to all sentient beings].” Then Kāśyapa said to the World-Honored One, “What has never before been heard, the Tathāgata says so well. Bodhisattvas who invoke the mind of overall wisdom-knowledge surpass all voice-hearers and Pratyekabuddhas.” The Equality of All Dharmas in Their Emptiness Having heard these words, the Bodhisattvas who had come with Mañjuśrī from Treasure Holder said to the World-Honored One, “All statements are ludicrous because they contain differentiations, and denouncement of afflictions. World-Honored One, in Treasure Appearance Buddha’s land, there are no such statements. There are teachings only about how Bodhisattvas neither regress nor make differentiations. The World-Honored One is rare. Śākyamuni Buddha, the Tathāgata, Arhat, Samyak-Saṁbuddha, can endure the suffering here and realize the one flavor of dharma nature, which does not differentiate dharmas into high, middle, and low, and He provides the Three Vehicles [to sentient beings].” Those Bodhisattvas then rained down celestial flowers as an offering to the Buddha. They said to Mañjuśrī, “Can we now return to Treasure Holder?” Mañjuśrī said, “You know the right time and you may go.” They asked Mañjuśrī, “You are not coming with us?” Mañjuśrī said, “Good men, all worlds are equal, all Buddhas are equal, all dharmas are equal, and all sentient beings are equal. Why should I live there?” Those Bodhisattvas asked, “Why are all worlds equal, all Buddhas equal, all dharmas equal, and all sentient beings equal?” Mañjuśrī replied, “Good men, all worlds are equal because they are like the open sky. All Buddhas are equal because the Buddha realm is inconceivable. All dharmas are equal because they are unreal. All sentient beings are equal because they have no selves. Because of these meanings, I say these words, from the equality of all worlds to the equality of all sentient beings.” Then Mañjuśrī demonstrated his spiritual power, through which he made the Sahā World look like Treasure Holder, without any difference, and made Śākyamuni Tathāgata look like Treasure Appearance Tathāgata, without any difference. Those Bodhisattvas each thought: “We have arrived at Treasure Holder.” Taking Śākyamuni Buddha for Treasure Appearance Buddha, they asked the Buddha, “Who made us return to this land?” The Buddha answered, “Who made you go?” They replied, “Mañjuśrī the Youth made us go.” The Buddha said, “Actually, he brought you here.” Then Mañjuśrī told those Bodhisattvas, “Good men, you each should enter samādhi and observe who brought you here and who took you there.” Those Bodhisattvas each entered samādhi and observed. They each thought: “We have not left Sahā, but we thought that we had arrived at Treasure Holder.” They said, “World-Honored One, this is unprecedented. Mañjuśrī made us think that we had arrived at Treasure Holder, though we still remain here in Sahā. World-Honored One, we pray that all sentient beings will acquire the same spiritual powers that Mañjuśrī has acquired.” At that time the Buddha told the Bodhisattvas from Treasure Holder, “Good men, the void space is the same in all vessels, whether made of gold, silver, iron, diamond, aquamarine, crystal, clay, or sandalwood or other wood. Just as these different vessels contain the same kind of space, likewise they are the same in dharma nature, true suchness, and true reality. “Similarly, sentient beings assume various shapes and forms. As they are reborn in different places, their bodies are changed into 100,000 koṭi shapes and forms, becoming hell-dwellers, hungry ghosts, animals, humans, gods, voice-hearers, Pratyekabuddhas, Bodhisattvas, or Buddhas. These forms are equal in true suchness and emptiness. God men, this is why Mañjuśrī says that all worlds are equal and all sentient beings are equal. This is why he says that he will not return to Treasure Holder.” Having received the teachings from the World-Honored One, those Bodhisattvas bowed their heads down at the Buddha’s feet and circled Him three times. Without stepping away from the multitudes, they disappeared from Sahā and went back to Treasure Holder. Circulation of the Sūtra At that time the Buddha told Ānanda, “Accept and uphold this sūtra, recite it, and widely pronounce it to the multitudes.” The venerable Ānanda said to the World-Honored One, “I do uphold this sūtra. World-Honored One, what is the name of this sūtra? How does one uphold it?” The Buddha told Ānanda, “This sūtra is called Questions of the God-Son Silent Taming Tone, also called Pure Vinaya, also called Entire Buddha Dharma.” After the Buddha pronounced this sūtra, the god-son Silent Taming Tone, all Bodhisattvas, including Mañjuśrī, all voice-hearers, including Mahākāśyapa and the venerable Ānanda, having heard the Buddha’s words, greatly rejoiced. Translated from the digital Chinese Canon (T24n1489) 1. While attaining nirvāṇa means realizing the truth that dharmas have no birth, entering nirvāṇa means entering parinirvāṇa. (Return to text) 2. According to the Mahāyāna doctrine, only a holy being, one who has achieved the first voice-hearer fruit (becoming a Srotāpanna) or above, or has ascended to the first Bodhisattva ground or above, will never again go down the evil life-paths. (Return to text) 3. See “two types of birth and death” in the glossary. (Return to text) 4. See “four appearances” in the glossary. (Return to text) 5. See “three wisdom-knowledges” in the glossary. (Return to text) 6. The Voice-Hearer Vinaya refers to the body of liberation precepts observed by the Buddha’s seven groups of disciples. (Return to text) 7. One’s afflictions, as defined in the glossary, include the five passions and the five wrong views. The former are called thinking confusions (思惑) and the latter are called view confusions (見惑). (Return to text) 8. In text 1489, the Chinese word su (酥) means butter. Here, it is translated as water. (Return to text) 9. The line of spaced periods right above this paragraph indicates the omission of a few obscure paragraphs. (Return to text)	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1077
__label__cc	0.591787	0.408213	Duncan Stutterheim steps down from ID&T by: Dancing Astronaut Staff Apr 12, 2015 After 23 years leading ID&T as one of the global festival brand’s founding members, Duncan Stutterheim has announced that he will be leaving the company before the summer is over. In an interview with Volkskrant, Stutterheim acknowledges that he’s too old for the new wave of electronic music, noting that he can appreciate Martin Garrix but he’s certainly not dancing to it. “We just felt we grew out,” Stutterheim explained to the Dutch newspaper “It has to do with the changing music.” The 43-year-old businessman also notes that becoming an employee rather than staying an entrepreneur after the SFX acquisition never felt right; “SFX deserves the energy I had seven years ago.” His last day will coincide with the 15th anniversary of Sensation on July 4th. Via: Volkskrant Tags: duncan stutterheim From Doritos to cellular dissonance — Takeaways from Lane 8’s AMA Moog announce new synthesizer alongside Flying Lotus-scored teaser film [Watch]	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1079
__label__wiki	0.811851	0.811851	Own It: BBC launches app to promote children’s wellbeing online Written by Our News Team, DigitalAgenda The BBC has today launched a new online safety app for children. The app uses keyboard software that can identify when the child is about to share sensitive data or an upsetting image; or is using insulting language. It then prompts a pop-up message to encourage the child to consider the impact of their communication. Own It is designed to offer help and support to the child, with encouragement to have open, honest and regular conversations with a trusted adult about their online experiences. It also includes a diary function, where the child can record their emotions. Crucially the app does not have a reporting system for parents to oversee their kids’ phone use. Alice Webb, director of BBC Children’s and Education, said: “The digital world is a fantastic place for people to learn and share, but we know many young people struggle to find a healthy online balance, especially when they get their first phones. “We’re using cutting edge machine learning technology in a way no one has done before, putting help, support, assistance and a bit of fun too directly into young people’s hands at the moments when they need it most.” Alice Webb participated in the Digital Leaders podcast earlier in the year, chatting to Robin Knowles about how the ‘Own It’ app would influence children’s behaviour online. You can listen to the full podcast here. Professor Sonia Livingstone, Professor of Social Psychology at LSE, thought the app would be ‘warmly welcomed’ by some parents, and that it would ‘stimulate constructive conversations between children and parents.’ Professor Livingstone is one of the contributors to DigitalAgenda’s recently published Power & Responsibility Green Paper; and heads the EU Kids Online project, which researches the digital diets of younger people. She said that one of the ‘strengths’ of the app was the effort it took to protect a child’s privacy. This is in stark contrast to most online safety apps for kids which monitor and control children’s online lives. In addition to the development of the Own It app, the BBC supported children’s wellbeing online by sponsoring the 2019 Impact Awards Safety category, which was won by Be Strong Online Anti-Bullying Ambassadors campaign. In a similar way, the campaign trusts children to deal with the problem of bullying themselves, training teenage ‘ambassadors’ to run anti-bullying workshops for their peers. At the Impact Awards in March, Catherine McAllister, Lead for Online Safety and Head of Safeguarding at the BBC’s Children’s Department, chatted with Dawn Austwick about the Own It app, which has been in development since 2018 and has drawn on support from many different child-focused charities and welfare groups. You can find out more about the project here. Find out more about safety online at our Power and Responsibility Summit. Using digital to help young peoples’ mental health How Be Strong Online Ambassadors are making a difference in schools DigitalAgenda, The Trampery Old Street, 239 Old Street, London, EC1V 9EY +44 (0) 20 7129 1176 / [email protected] © Digital Topics Ltd. All rights reserved. Join DigitalAgenda whois: Andy White Freelance WordPress Developer London	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1088
__label__wiki	0.739337	0.739337	Extinct Attractions, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts parades, Tokyo Disneyland entertainment, Disneyland Paris entertainment Former Tokyo Disneyland attractions Former Disneyland Paris Attractions Disney's Fantillusion Ride information Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade: DreamLights Disneyland Park (Paris) Disney's Fantillusion! was a regularly scheduled night-time parade, created by Ron Logan, that performed nightly at Disneyland Park (Paris) during its Summer and Winter Seasons. It features floats and live performers covered in thousands of electronically controlled lights and a synchronized soundtrack controlled by a Dual-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF) tone broadcast along the parade route. The parade was originally created for Tokyo Disneyland where it ran for six years from 1995 - 2001. An updated version of the Main Street Electrical Parade replaced Fantillusion at Tokyo Disneyland known as the Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade: DreamLights. The Disney's Fantillusion! parade premiered at Tokyo Disneyland on July 21, 1995 featured light, music, special effects, and Disney characters. Created specifically for Tokyo Disneyland, Fantillusion! was developed by the team behind Fantasmic!, the show performed at Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios, with the aim of condensing the story of Fantasmic! and putting it into a parade format. The parade's score was orchestrated by Bruce Healey, the same composer behind Fantasmic!’s theme and the Music Director at Disneyland. The storyline of the parade is loosely based on the elements of Fantasmic!. The 31 floats were split into three acts. The parade starts with Tinkerbell, Mickey Mouse, and the three fairies from Disney's Sleeping Beauty "wishing upon a star to bring the gift of Disney light" before being disrupted by Disney villains who "take the light and make it night", then ending with the Disney Heroes and Heroines who "turn the dark back into light". Fantasmic! features Mickey Mouse in combat with Disney villains. The three main villains of the show; Maleficent, Ursula, and Jafar - Maleficent is the lead villain in both shows, whereas Ursula is the supporting villain at Disneyland as is Jafar at Disney's Hollywood Studios, are the three villains featured in Disney's Fantillusion! Chernabog from Fantasia, and the Queen from Snow White, are also in the show. Disney's Fantillusion! was designed and built for the parade route of Tokyo Disneyland. Each act would enter one portion of the park's parade route and then halt for a "show stop". The parade would the progress to the next section and halt again for the next show stop. This ensured that every guest watching the parade could see all three acts of the story. After six years at Tokyo Disneyland, the parade closed at the end of its "Sayonara Disney's Fantillusion!" season on May 15, 2001. After the parade was closed, the floats which had been bought by Disneyland Paris were left outside in the harsh conditions of Tokyo by the Oriental Land Company, where they were left exposed to the elements before being packed and transported to Europe. The floats which had not been bought are thought to have been destroyed. Of the 31 floats in the Tokyo version of the parade, only 15 were brought to Disneyland Paris due to financial limitations. Of those 15, only thirteen floats were used in Disneyland Paris' original production of the parade. The two floats that were bought, but never used were the Nasty Grotto and Murkey Dungeon. These floats were initially utilized to train new drivers but have since found other uses in providing spare parts. Disneyland Paris also bought most of the original costumes used in Tokyo's production of the parade, but owing to electrical difficulties and European performers being larger than their Asian counterparts, these weren't utilized. New skirt-like costumes were fashioned for the Evil Villains sections as a replacement for the "Ghouls" costumes, and new Court Dancer costumes were created for the Happy Ending. The costuming crisis was also a defining reason for not using the two extra floats in the Evil Villains section - as Disneyland Paris didn't have the time/funds to create costumes for performers on-board these floats. It took the floats more than 40 days to reach to Disneyland Paris from the Tokyo Disney Resort. They traveled by cargo ship from Japan to Australia, then set off again through the Suez Canal and Mediterranean Sea before finally traveling around Spain and up the west coast of France to reach Le Havre. They were then taken by truck to Disneyland Paris where they were completely refurbished. The refurbishment of the parade floats took much longer than expected as the floats were badly damaged during transit. This meant that Disneyland Paris had to repair many of the floats, replace the thousands of tiny light bulbs, convert their electrical system to the one used in Paris and enlarge the driving areas to fit the larger European drivers. "Disney's Fantillusion parade" was due to debut in Paris in 2002, when the Main Street Electrical Parade would have been running for ten years, but instead, because of the problems with the floats and the fact that Disneyland Paris still pushed emphasis on their newly opened Walt Disney Studios Park, Fantillusion had to wait another year for its Parisian debut. After many weeks of the parade rehearsing in Disneyland Park after park closing hours, there was a special Fantillusion preview night on June 28, 2003 for Annual Passport holders. The parade then premiered to the public at the start of its first Summer season in on July 5, 2003, running until August 31. Fantillusion returned for its first Christmas season in the resort from November 8 to January 4, and has been playing to crowds of fans and guests every Summer and Christmas season since. In Summer 2005, the "Bat Forest" float was removed from the parade in response to budget cuts and guest feedback. As the only villain float with no character or transformation effects, the float was no longer seen as an important part of the parade. However, the "Bat Forest" float returned every Halloween night, carrying Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Disney's Christmas season in 2005 brought a further change to the parade, with the parade now running from Fantasyland to Town Square. While this brought with it a huge amount of technical troubles in the days after the switch, it allowed for better efficiency with the backstage parade preparation and meant guests would now follow the parade to the park's exit instead of back into the park. This change also meant that a maximum of two showstops are able to be viewed from any single location. At Disneyland Park, Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant was co-ordinated with the parade so it plays a part of the show and changes color with the music, etc. In 2012, the end of Disneyland Paris' summer season saw Fantillusion put on a temporary hiatus. It was announced that Fantillusion would not return for the Christmas season. No official confirmation has been given as to whether the parade has been axed or if it will return. The parade went out again on Halloween night, only the main floats with no floor performers for the guests who attended the Halloween event. It is currently unknown whether the Parade will return. The introduction to the parade at Tokyo Disneyland was notable for saying the line: "From out of the night, comes the Magic of light... As Tokyo Disneyland proudly presents: Disney's Fantillusion!" At Disneyland Paris, the introduction in both English and French is simply: "Mesdames et Messieurs et vous les enfants. Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls. Disneyland Park est d'heureux de vous presenter - proudly presents: the Disney's Fantillusion Parade!" Tokyo Disneyland Version Act 1: The Enchanted Fairy Garden "We wish upon a star tonight, to bring the gift of Disney light!"[1] "Disney's Fantillusion!" Mickey's Fantillusion Unisys float Enchanted Flower Wheel (retired in 1999) Flora's Gazebo Enchanted Flower Swing Enchanted Dragonfly Fauna's Carousel Dragonfly Tower Enchanted Web Garden (retired in 1999) Merryweather's Gazebo Enchanted Butterfly Flower Act 2: The Evil Villains "We take this light and make it night!"[2] Nasty Grotto Bat Forest Murky Dungeon Vulture Rock Chernabog Act 3: The Happy Ending "We Wish and Dream with all our might, and turn the dark back into light!"[3] Ariel and Prince Eric Fountain of Light #1 Snow White's Castle Belle and the Beast Fountain of Light #3 (retired in 1999) Cinderella and Aurora Princess Minnie's Castle/Finale "From the dark of night, comes the magic light. With its colours bright, and its brilliant light. Breaks an evil spell, with these sparkling lights... from the Earth to the Sky! A fantastic Fantillusion! (Fantillusion!...)" Like the floats, the costumes for the 160 performers sparkled and glowed in ways never seen before. Truly unique costumes were created using 88 individual designs, 290 different fabrics, and 10 different light mediums including mini-lights and fiber optics. The costumes work together with the music, choreography, and lights to produce a fantastical, magical dream.[4] Disneyland Paris Version Act 1 - Mickey's Magical Garden[5] Act 2 - The Disney Villains Bat Forest (retired in 2005) Act 3 - The Happy Ending Snow White and Prince Jasmine and Aladdin Princess Minnie's Castle Disney's Fantillusion has 12 floats, 400 000 light bulbs, and 60 km of cabling. Every night, up to 50 performers take part for the parade. So do, approximately, 20 Guest Flows, and more than 25 guest controls. One show can use over 600 liters of dry ice for the “show modes” and 9 tonnes of batteries are used every evening... recharged for the next day. Computers on board each float control the lighting display, effects, and music. The only thing that is sent to the units is a signal to keep the music in time with the underliner (background track) played in the park. Each float has its own orchestration and variation on the main theme, with music from the appropriate film telling the story along with character voices. Disney's Fantillusion! was the soundtrack for Tokyo Disneyland's production of Disney's Fantillusion!, released in 1995. It is currently out of print. Disneyland Paris have since released an incomplete and edited version of the Soundtrack. "The Enchanted Fairy Garden" Fantillusion Fanfare and Announcement Fantillusion Theme Fantillusion, Flowers, and Fairies Variation Fantillusion, Dragonflies, and Fairies Variation Fantillusion, Butterflies, and Fairies Variation "Fairy Garden Fantasy" A Smiling Song The Wonderful Things About Tiggers You Can Fly, You Can Fly, You Can Fly! Heigh-Ho "The Evil Villains" Jafar (Prince Ali Reprise) Ursula (Poor Unfortunate Souls) Maleficent (Maleficent's Theme) Evil Queen and Mirror (I've Been Tricked!) Chernabog (Night on Bald Mountain) "The Light Turns into Night and the Ghouls Dance" "The Happy Ending (Heroes and Heroines)" Ariel and Eric (Part of Your World) Fountain #1 Snow White and Prince (With a Smile and a Song/Heigh-Ho/Someday My Prince Will Come/One Song) Fantillusion Theme, Castle Variation Beauty and the Beast (Tale as Old as Time) Aladdin and Jasmine (A Whole New World) Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip/Cinderella and Prince Charming (Once Upon a Dream/A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes) Castle Finale (Minnie's Yoo-Hoo) "The Happy Ending Medley" Fantillusion Fanfare Someday My Prince Will Come So This is Love Fantillusion Finale "The Enchanted Fairy Garden Underliner - Left/Fantillusion Theme, Dragonflies, and Fairies Variation - Right" "The Evil Villains Underliner - Left/Jafar - Right" "The Happy Ending (Heroes and Heroines) Underliner - Left/Beauty and the Beast - Right" Character Voices Mickey Mouse - Wayne Allwine Minnie Mouse - Russi Taylor The 3 Good Fairies - Russi Taylor, Susanne Blakeslee, and Tress MacNeille respectively Jafar - Jonathan Freeman Ursula - Pat Carroll Maleficent - Linda Gary The Evil Queen (TDL Only) - Louise Chamis Magic Mirror (TDL Only) - Tony Jay Chernabog (TDL Only) - Corey Burton John Haupt in "From One Light Bulb to Another" talking about SpectroMagic: "...in fact a lot of the preliminary technical work for the Fantillusion parade was proof of concept in this parade. So it's kind of the interim step between the Main Street Electrical Parade and Fantillusion."[6] ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzpJHhPEEVI The Enchanted Fairy Garden ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unmW-walVUg The Evil Villains ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0Y0psEKEyU The Happy Ending ↑ http://www.mickey-mouse.com/tdlshowfantillusion.htm Tokyo Disneyland - Fantillusion ↑ http://www.dlrpmagic.com/guidebook/disneyland-park/entertainment/disneysfantillusion/ DLRP Magic - Fantillusion ↑ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBpegQ7j0uE From one lightbulb to another World Bazaar Cinderella Castle • Snow White's Adventures • Snow White Grotto • Pinocchio's Daring Journey • Dumbo the Flying Elephant • Cinderella's Fairy Tale Hall • Castle Carrousel • Alice's Tea Party • Peter Pan's Flight • Pooh's Hunny Hunt • It's a Small World • Mickey's PhilharMagic • The Haunted Mansion Swiss Family Treehouse • Western River Railroad • Jungle Cruise • Pirates of the Caribbean • The Enchanted Tiki Room: Stitch Presents Aloha e Komo Mai! Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek • Space Mountain • Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters • Stitch Encounter • Star Tours: The Adventures Continue Mickey's House & Movie Barn • Minnie's House • Goofy’s Paint 'n' Play House • Donald's Boat • Chip 'n' Dale's Treehouse • Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin • Gadget's Go Coaster • Toon Park Westernland Big Thunder Mountain Railroad • Mark Twain Riverboat • Country Bear Theater • Tom Sawyer Island • Westernland Shooting Gallery Splash Mountain • Beaver Brothers Explorer Canoes Current Entertainment Dreaming Up! • Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade: DreamLights Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast • The Happy Ride with Baymax • Minnie's Style Studio Tokyo Disneyland Hotel • Disney's Ambassador Hotel Disneyland Railroad • Liberty Arcade • Discovery Arcade • Main Street Vehicles Legends of the Wild West • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad • Phantom Manor • River Rogue Keel Boats • Rustler Roundup Shooting Gallery • Thunder Mesa Riverboat Landing Le Passage Enchanté d'Aladdin • Adventure Isle • La Cabane des Robinson • Indiana Jones et le Temple du Péril • Pirates of the Caribbean Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant • Le Carrousel de Lancelot • Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains • Les Voyages de Pinocchio • Peter Pan's Flight • Alice's Curious Labyrinth • Dumbo the Flying Elephant • It's a Small World • Mad Hatter Tea Party • Le Pays de Contes de Fées • Casey Jr. - Le Petit Train du Cirque • Sword in the Stone Discoveryland Autopia • Orbitron, Machines Volantes • Les Mystères du Nautilus • Buzz Lightyear Laser Blasts • Star Tours: The Adventures Continue • Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain • Discoveryland Theatre Disney Illuminations • Disney Stars on Parade Seasonal: A Merry Stitchmas • It's Good To Be Bad With The Disney Villains • La Parade de Noël Disney • Mickey et le Big Band de Noël • Mickey's Halloween Celebration Former Attractions and Entertainment Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage • Captain EO • Circle-Vision 360° • Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes • Dapper Dans • Disney's Fantillusion • Disney's ImagiNations Parade • Disney's Once Upon a Dream Parade • Disney Dreams! • Disney Magic on Parade • Disney Toon Circus • Fantasy in the Sky • Honey, I Shrunk the Audience • Main Street Electrical Parade • Mickey presents: “Happy Anniversary Disneyland Paris” • Mulan, La Légende • Space Mountain: Mission 2 • Tarzan: The Encounter • The Legend of the Lion King • The Timekeeper • The Wonderful World of Disney Parade • Winnie the Pooh and Friends, too! • Woody's Roundup Village Seasonal: Chantons La Reine des Neiges • Disney's Maleficious Halloween Party • Disney's Showtime Spectacular • Dr. Facilier's Carnival-Loween • Following the Leader with Peter Pan • Goofy's Skeletoons Street Party • Frozen Summer Fun! • La Forêt de l'Enchantement: Une aventure musicale Disney • Le Voeu de Noël de la Princesse Aurore • Mickey's Magical Celebration • Mickey's Winter Wonderland • Mickey and his Magic Halloween Night Disneyland Hotel • Hotel New York • Disney's Sequoia Lodge • Newport Bay Club Hotel • Disney's Hotel Cheyenne • Disney's Hotel Santa Fe Official Disney Princesses: Snow White • Cinderella • Aurora • Ariel • Belle • Jasmine • Pocahontas • Mulan • Tiana • Rapunzel • Merida • Moana Other Princesses: Eilonwy • Melody • Kida Nedakh • Ting-Ting, Su, and Mei • Kilala Reno • Kairi • Princess of Gentlehaven • Vanellope von Schweetz • Sofia • Elena • Anna • Elsa Other Female Protagonists: Alice • Wendy Darling • Tinker Bell • Esmeralda • Nala • Megara • Jane Porter Video Games: Disney Princess • Disney Princess: Royal Adventure • Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey • Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure • Disney Princess Enchanting Storybooks • Disney Magic Kingdoms Home Video: Disney Princess Sing Along Songs: Once Upon a Dream • Disney Princess Sing Along Songs Vol. 2: Enchanted Tea Party • Disney Princess Sing Along Songs Vol. 3: Perfectly Princess • Disney Princess Enchanted Tales: Follow Your Dreams Books: Kilala Princess • Disney Princess • Disney Princess Beginnings • Disney Princess Comics Treasury • Royal Weddings Castle of Magical Dreams • Enchanted Storybook Castle • Fairy Tale Forest • Fantasy Faire • Golden Fairytale Fanfare • Mickey's Magical Celebration • Princess Pavilion • Royal Banquet Hall Sofia the First • Disney Fairies • Princesses of Heart • Palace Pets • Princess Academy • Whisker Haven Tales • Ralph Breaks the Internet The Evil Queen • Chernabog • Queen of Hearts • Captain Hook • Maleficent • Cruella de Vil • Ursula • Jafar • Scar • Hades • Doctor Facilier Other Members: Big Bad Wolf • Pete • The Headless Horseman • Mortimer Mouse • Br'er Fox • Br'er Bear • Honest John • Gideon • Stromboli • The Coachman • Monstro • Ringmaster • Pink Elephants • Diablo • Hitchhiking Ghosts • Lonesome Ghosts • Lady Tremaine • Anastasia Tremaine • Drizella Tremaine • Lucifer • Mr. Smee • Si and Am • Jasper and Horace • Madam Mim • Kaa • Shere Khan • Edgar Balthazar • Prince John • Sir Hiss • Sheriff of Nottingham • Madame Medusa • Amos Slade • Horned King • Ratigan • Felicia • Bill Sykes • Heffalumps • Woozles • Flotsam and Jetsam • Percival McLeach • Gaston • Iago • Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed • Oogie Boogie • Governor Ratcliffe • Claude Frollo • Pain and Panic • Fates • Shan Yu • Clayton • Yzma • Kronk • Captain Gantu • Dr. Hämsterviel • DOR-15 • Michale "Goob" Yagoobian • Queen Narissa • Lawrence • Mother Gothel • The Stabbington Brothers • King Candy • Sour Bill • Hans • Yokai• Tamatoa Pixar Villains: Sid Phillips • Hopper • Emperor Zurg • Randall Boggs • Henry J. Waternoose III • Syndrome • Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear Guest Villains: Sarah Sanderson • Winifred Sanderson • Mary Sanderson Celebrate A Dreams Come True Parade • Celebrate the Magic • Cinderella Castle Mystery Tour • Club Villain • Disney's Fantillusion • Disney's Maleficious Halloween Party • Disney's Not-So-Scary Halloween Show • Disney's Once Upon a Dream Parade • Disney Dreams! • Disney's Stars 'n' Cars... As Never Seen Before • Fantasmic! • Feel the Magic • Frightfully Fun Parade • Glow in the Park Halloween Parade • Happy Hallowishes • Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular • Inferno Dance Party • It's Good To Be Bad With The Disney Villains • It's Good to Be Bad Villainous Celebration • It's Party Time... with Mickey and Friends... and the Disney Villains • Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade • Mickey and his Magic Halloween Night • Re-Villains! Halloween Parade • Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom • The Disney Villains Halloween Showtime • The Nightmare Experiment • The Villains World • Unleash the Villains • Villains Gardens • Villainy in the Sky • Villains Mix and Mingle • Villains Night Out! • Villains Tonight! • Wishes • World of Color Mickey's House of Villains • Once Upon a Halloween • Disney Villains: Simply Sinister Songs Video Games: Disney Villains Challenge • Disney's Villains' Revenge Books: Disney Villains: The Essential Guide • Disney Villains: Delightfully Evil: The Creation • The Inspiration • The Fascination Retrieved from "https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Disney%27s_Fantillusion?oldid=3821669" Walt Disney Parks and Resorts parades Tokyo Disneyland entertainment	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1089
__label__wiki	0.503049	0.503049	Books of Babble Dixie Babble I don't think Faulkner done it this way. A Guy from Chicago Walks Into a Dixie Outfitters Store . . . September 12, 2013 by Dixie Babble You’re going to think you know where this Salon article by Alan Levinovitz is going. You’re going to think you know where the writer is coming from, what he’s going to find, what he’s going to say. You’re probably going to be wrong. Spoiler Alert: The trick is to listen. Posted in The South of the Mind \| Leave a Comment » Thanks Again, South Writ Large June 24, 2013 by Dixie Babble South Writ Large will have a new issue out before long, so let me thank them again for publishing my short story “The Death of John Gardiner,” from the 2009 collection Parlous Angels: That Christmas Eve was wet, and just cold enough that ice was a threat. “Your mother fixed a good dinner,” John Gardiner said as Will Adams drove. “She did. She usually does.” Gardiner was silent except for his watery breathing. “I hope she knows how much her mother and I appreciate her,” he eventually said. He needed half a minute to say this, and he coughed when he was finished. When he finished coughing he took a puff on the cigar that he had snuck past his wife. “I think she does,” Will said. “I know she’s happy to do it. She’s happy to be able to do it.” John Gardiner nodded. He stared out the window, watching the thin woods and hemmed fields pass by, watching how the brown high grass of the Catawba valley had shrunk in this weather. Will wanted to think he was remembering the abundant woods and fields that filled the valley when he was a boy, and remembering how much he missed that abundance. Will wanted to think he was reflecting on how the woods and fields had receded since then, and reflecting on the part he had played in that. As a boy John Gardiner had helped his father bring trees down, haul them with hooks and chains out of the woods, and saw them into lumber. In his retirement he invested in development, in housing tracts, condos, and shopping centers. From Hickory to the west side of Charlotte he had helped remake the valley. Will wanted to think he was remembering deer hunts and turkey shoots . . . Ayand theyen theah wuz two April 8, 2013 by Dixie Babble Once, as a younger man, I went to a Red Sox game at Fenway and found myself sitting behind a bunch of guys about my age and biting through my tongue to keep from laughing out loud. The game was in a rain delay and I’d started listening to them talk, and sumbitch if they didn’t sound exactly like a Saturday Night Live sketch. It was wicked awesome. I know that they only sounded that way to my touristy ears; I know that I couldn’t hear, anymore than the comedians could reproduce, all sorts of shading and phrasing and inflection. That’s why even the best actors will spend weeks or even months on a movie set, speaking all those lines, in take after take, with a Bad Accent. They don’t bother, or aren’t able, to learn the little quirks of a locality; they paint only with the broadest brush. I’ll be honest with you – I almost feel guilty about our two finalists for the Dixie Babble Bad Accent Championship. Neither one was making a realistic ‘slice-of-life’ movie, by any stretch of the imagination (at least, dear Lord, I hope not). Both clearly were straining for over the top, and got there. Both accents are so broad they barely fit on the screen. So here they are, the last drawls standing in the Dixie Babble Bad Accent Tournament: Oscar-winner Robert De Niro in Cape Fear, versus Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage in Con Air. Come out, come out, wherever you are, put the bunny back in the box, and place your votes to decide our champion. Posted in Y'all \| Leave a Comment » The Final Four! In one bracket, Robert De Niro and Keanu Reeves ran away from their opponents without a goodbye wave. In the other, Marlon Brando squeaked (figuratively and otherwise) by Dan Aykroyd, while Nicolas Cage saw off a surprisingly strong challenge from Kyra Sedgwick. So here we have Dixie Babble’s Final Four of Bad Southern Accents: Robert De Niro as Max Cady in Cape Fear against Keanu Reeves as . . . aw, hell, does it even matter what his name was? . . . in The Devil’s Advocate. Marlon Brando in Reflections in a Golden Eye against Nicolas Cage in Con Air. The Dixie Babble Bad Accent Tournament, Round 2 I was out of town last week, and took my daughter to a museum that played taped interviews with Southerners from the 1960s. This reminded me that, sometimes, yeah, we really do talk like that. But only in isolated, individual cases, so Dixie Babble will not let the historical record stop us from making fun of celebrities. The Elite 8 of the Dixie Babble Bad Accent Tournament features successful – sometimes even acclaimed – actors who, for whatever reason, can’t bring themselves to talk like actual human beings from the Southeastern United States. Round 2 brings us – Renee Zellweger in Cold Mountain, having upset overall #1-seed “Half the Cast of Fried Green Tomatoes” in the first round, takes on Robert “Come oyut, come oyut whuhever yew ahhr” DeNiro as Max Cady in Cape Fear. The second match sees Keanu Reeves in The Devil’s Advocate – in which buying him as a Southerner requires a greater suspension of disbelief than buying him as the son of Satan – against the otherwise great Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. In the third match, Marlon Brando in Reflections in a Golden Eye (really, though, his accent is less “bad” than “deeply weird”) faces Canadian Gentile Dan Aykroyd as a Georgia Jew in Driving Miss Daisy. And in the last match of the second round, Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer – who’s character apparently isn’t even supposed to be from the South – goes up against what has to be the overwhelming favorite Bad Accent from this point on, Nicolas Cage in Con Air. Even though I’m not entirely certain Cage even deserves to be in this tournament, since I can’t be sure his accent wasn’t supposed to be that bad. Place your votes to see which Bad Accents move on to the Final Four. Posted in Y'all \| Tagged bad southern accents, Dixie Babble Bad Accent Tournament, southern accents in movies \| Leave a Comment » The Dixie Babble Bad Accent Tournament, Day 4 March 24, 2013 by Dixie Babble Yesterday’s matches were never even close. Keanu and Liz left Kevin and Reese choking in the dust of their extraneous vowels and elongated syllables. The last matches of the first round feature contemporary actors, including the money favorite to win the whole thing. The first game pits yet another Scalawag – Georgia-born Julia Roberts in Steel Magnolias – against New Yorker Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer. Roberts speaks with the same accent many Southerners do these days, which is to say, not much of one at all. But for Steel Magnolias, she flattens her terminal r’s like roadkill, and gives every pronounced vowel that pseudo-aristo ‘aeh’ sound. Apparently the “Closer” that Sedgwick plays in The Closer is supposed to be from Atlanta, which apparently is supposed to explain why she inserts an ‘ey’ where a short-vowel-sound would otherwise appear (i.e., she ey-inserts ey-an ey-‘ey’ whey-ere ey-a short-vowel-seyound weyould . . . OK, you get the idea). In the second match-up, British actor Andrew Lincoln from The Walking Dead takes on an adversary even more terrifying than a herd of Walkers – Nicolas Cage in the immortal Con Air. Lincoln’s accent isn’t always bad, which is what makes it so atrocious when it comes roaring up, seemingly out of nowhere, like he’s been bitten by Jerry Clower instead of a zombie. I can’t find a decent clip from the show online, but that hardly matters since I don’t see how anybody can stand up to Cage’s “Put the bunny back in the box.” Seriously. “Put the bunny back in the box.” Every other bracket may be a waste of time. Posted in Y'all \| Tagged andrew lincoln, bad southern accents, Con Air, julia roberts, kyra sedgwick, Nicolas Cage, Southern accents, steel magnolias, the closer, the walking dead \| Leave a Comment » In yesterday’s action, Marlon Brando in Reflections in a Golden Eye narrowly avoided the upset bid by Burt Reynolds & Jon Voight in Deliverance. This match was a lot closer than it deserved to be. Have you listened to Brando in that movie? His accent is offensive both to Southerners and to closeted Army officers. The second match of Day 2 was chalk, with Dan Aykroyd in Driving Miss Daisy beating George Kennedy in Cool Hand Luke in a runaway. Brando and Aykroyd will match up in Round 2. Day 3’s first match sees Keanu Reeves in The Devil’s Advocate going against the tournament’s most recent entry, Kevin Spacey in the new Netflix series House of Cards. An actor as accomplished and versatile as Spacey is a bit of a surprise entry in this tournament, but he overdoes the silkiness of his South Carolina congressman’s silky drawl. He actually sounds like what real Southerners sound like when they’re making fun of how some Southerners talk. Keanu Reeves’s speaking voice doesn’t sound natural when he’s speaking in his natural speaking voice, so whose bright idea was it to make his hotshot lawyer/son of Satan a Southerner, anyway? Did I miss the part of the plot that explained why being from the South was in any way important to who his character is, or what he does? It’s entirely possible that I did miss that part, since I’ve never been able to watch the entire movie, largely because Keanu’s accent is so bad. Place your votes: Today’s second match pits two great actresses against each other: Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof versus Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama. Elizabeth Taylor was a beautiful woman and an electric screen presence who played Southerner after Southerner without ever quite mastering the accent. We could have picked from any of a number of movies, including her pairing with Brando in Reflections, but we decided to go with one of her best, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. And, yes, I know we’ve let Paul Newman off the hook twice now, but his accent in Cat, or in Cool Hand Luke, was never as distracting as his co-stars’. Reese Witherspoon grew up in Tennessee, so – like with Burt in Deliverance – I’m going to blame what happens in Sweet Home Alabama on a Hollywood suit, telling the Southerner she doesn’t sound Southern enough. Her accent’s supposed to thicken as the movie goes on, but mostly it just grates. “Morally Hazardous Appalachian Cuisine” The New Yorker Crowns the King of the South? “Pastoral” by Natasha Trethewey The Boundaries of Braves Country Dan Updates http://southernbabies.blogspot.com/ John F. Blair, Publisher: An Indie Book Blog Melinda Rainey Thompson North Carolina Miscellany Southern Celebrations Weddings & Events Hide, N.C. The South of the Mind Y'all	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1092
__label__cc	0.688618	0.311382	Grammar teaching in The Czech Republic Anna Vernerova, 2019 (email): I’ve looked up a few sites that list a suggestion of a syllabus for teaching Czech in primary schools (grades 1-5). The exact timing will differ from school to school (currently, there is no state-wide syllabus, only some general guidelines based on which each school constructs its own syllabus). According to this site http://skolik.cz/osnovy/ and a sample syllabus published a few years ago by the Ministry of Education http://www.vuppraha.rvp.cz/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Doporucene-ucebni-osnovy-predmetu-CJL-AJ-a-M-pro-zakladni-skolu.pdf, these are the requirements for the subject ČESKÝ JAZYK (I’ve skipped some points that relate to writing and communication skills): GRADE 1 (age 6-7): recognize sentences, words, syllables and letters write letters and numbers (large size), connect letters, syllables and words, use punctuation read fluently with comprehension know some nursery rhymes and short poems, recognize the structure of their textbook or a children’s book speak comprehensibly, read with awareness, express their own experience GRADE 2: be acquianted with the division of sounds (phones) and the division of words into syllables recognize verbs and nouns; distinguish proper nouns from general nouns (and know that proper nouns are spelt with capital initial letters) in current standard Czech, the letters i and y are pronounced the same; in grade 2, students learn the lists of consonants that are only followed by one of them other spelling problems: a space between a preposition and the following word; recognizing the root of the word even when it is subject to voicedness assimilation (e.g. “d” pronounced at the end of a word as “t” – in order to achieve at the correct spelling, the child has to form the genitive case, where the correct consonant can be easily recognized) basic punctuation (full stop, question mark, exclamation mark) respect the word order, recognize speaker’s attittude, use connectives (in compound sentences as well as in clauses) “i” vs “y” continued: for each of the 8 consonants that can be followed by both i and y, students learn a list of words spelt with y; this entails recognizing all word forms and also derivationally related words (a complex topic that will be thoroughly practiced over the next few years) declension of nouns (know the categories of case, gender and number) morphological categories of verbs: person, number, tense recognize words that undergo inflection from those that do not recognize a clause from a compound sentence be able to find “syntactic pairs” (a word and its head), especially the subject-predicate pair joins short sentences into a compound sentence by using appropriate connectives continuation of the “i” vs “y” topic parts of speech, noun declension, verb conjugation, respect subject-verb agreement the difference between a simple clause and a compound sentence, find the subject-predicate pair, recognize unexpressed subject (Czech is a pro-drop language) and fill in the appropriate pronoun, distinguish types of compound sentences (coordination vs. subordination) recognize direct and indirect speech plan the structure of a speech, divide a text into paragraphs know different kinds of description, construct the text of a telegram (sic!), achieve brevity and clarity on the phone, appropriately use the structure of a letter use full verbs, connectives and compound clauses for narrating recognize synonyms and homonyms basic morphology: recognize root, prefix, suffix in the Czech republic, there is a wide-spread diglossia (the spoken/informal and written/formal language differ especially in morphology (in particular endings) and pronunciation, partly also in lexicon); by this age, children should recognize formal and informal inflection of nouns, pronouns, and verbs “i” vs “y” in endings paradigms of nouns (14 models) and adjectives (2 models); recognize to which model a given noun/adjective belongs types of prepositions and connectives more practice in recognizing morphological categories of nouns (case, number, gender) and verbs (person, number, mood, tense; recognize analytical (multi-word) verb forms) more spelling issues correct placement of commas in a compound sentence (this is a complex topic that will be covered in the next few grades as well) by this age, children are expected to be able to use the formal variety of Czech in speech as well as in writing basic punctuation rules use a standard spelling reference book use children’s encyclopedias fill forms write down the structure of a text distinguish an assertion from an opinion As you can see, by grade 5, children should have quite a bit of linguistic knowledge. In grades 6-9, the most difficult topic is syntax (with concepts such as copula, object, attribute, adverbial, and the corresponding types of subordinate clauses; relations between two main clauses or between two coordinated sentence elements (John, Mary, and even Bill were there. => gradation), but the knowledge of morphology is also extended (e.g. the verbal category of aspect is considered more difficult than the other ones, so it is introduced somewhat later). Štěpáník, S. 2019. Pupil preconception as a source of solutions to lingering problems of grammar teaching? (Ed.) Kaisu Rättyä, Elżbieta Awramiuk & Xavier Fontich. L1 Educational Studies in Language and Literature Special Issue What is Grammar in L1 Education Today?(Special Issue What is Grammar in L1 Education Today?). 1–24. doi:10.17239/L1ESLL-2019.19.02.05. The main aim of the paper is to show pupil language preconception as a fundamental part of L1 teaching. This theorisation is compliant with the model of educational reconstruction and constructivist principles in education which are the sources of the modern productive culture in education. Based on concrete examples of grammar matter in Czech, the study demonstrates how research into pupil preconceptions can guide teaching grammar so that it is functional, communication-oriented and cognitively challenging. The results of the presented studies show that even pupils of primary school possess developed preconceptions of language phenomena, which, however, school education often ignores. This fact is later a potential source of various lingering problems and failure of L1 teaching. The study illustrates (a) how it is possible to use language preconceptions as a source for modelling the curriculum of L1 teaching, and (b) how lingering problems of L1 teaching can be linked to the fact that pupils’ understanding and thinking about language is mostly neglected. [James Kirchner in 1997] [Do schools teach the classification of words, the idenfification of grammatical functions and the diagramming of sentence structure?] I can only give you sketchy details on this, but I know that in the Czech school system, where I taught for a few years, the 14-year-olds I got in high school had a detailed command of the first two items you mention above in their native language. My students came from all over the country, and all had comparable knowledge, which I would characterize as being something approaching that conveyed in a university-level introductory linguistics course in the United States. The main difference was that they had drilled this knowledge for years by the time I got them, so their command of it was rather more precise than American university students would have after only one course. The Czech kids knew all the classifications of vowels and consonants, including place and manner of articulation, so at that tender age, they were already familiar with, say, the palatalization of alveolar consonants before front vowels. I could mention it in exactly that way, and they understood me perfectly. The standard Czech grammar book for Czech primary schools is simply called “Cesky jazyk” and its authors are Jiri Melichar and Vlastimil Styblik. I had to use it to prepare for my state Czech proficiency exam there, and I will say that adults do not find it less challenging than a clearly written basic linguistics text. It starts with a general introduction to language study, moves into phonology, and from there goes to semantics, morphology and word formation (in great detail, including all conjugations and declensions), then to syntax (including highly complex sentences), and ends with stylistics. At what age does it start? The important thing that I can’t tell you is at what age they start with this book. I believe it must be when they’re 11 or 12, and I suppose they spend two or three years with it. However, the earlier curriculum must contain a lot of this material already, because by age 10, most of the kids have started two foreign languages, and the instructional material used for them contains the theoretical basics of grammar. I think that a good place to look for early and intense grammar instruction would be in small countries whose languages are spoken by no more than, say, 15 million people, since these nations tend to be very adamant about sustaining their languages in the face of outside pressure, even as they impress upon their children the necessity of learning foreign languages well. It also helps if the nation speaks a reconstructed language, like Czech or Hebrew. How successful is it? I’m 43, and in the schools of my suburb of Detroit, Michigan, we learned the meaning and etymology of the main Latin and Greek roots and suffixes of English at around age 9 (this was in our spelling book, and was also incorporated into dictionary practice). At age 10 and 11, we already knew the parts of speech and were diagramming sentences ad nauseum, in terms of subject, predicate, direct object, etc. This instruction has been left by the wayside, and I now hear complaints from local parents that their high school kids can’t analyze a sentence well enough to see why it doesn’t work well. Nuns at a local university claim that the break-off point between “people who can write well” and people who can’t is now about age 30, and I see that my own university linguistics students in the US (even those who are already certified teachers) often write with less clarity and prescriptive accuracy than a cousin of mine did in high school when he was drunk. The interesting thing is that this instruction on language structure has become so attenuated, even in the various university English curricula, that the magazine publisher I work for no longer considers an English degree to be a good qualification for a job as an editor or copy editor. For the latter, they mainly interview linguistics and foreign language majors, because “you can’t count on English majors to know structure.” After it had hired a large influx of native anglophones, of various levels of qualification, to teach English, I saw the Czech school authorities reach the conclusion that an American or British university degree is no indication of a solid grounding in English language structure. Thus, even certified British ESL instructors, with years of experience, were often relegated to hour-long chat sessions, while the students learned structure from a Czech (and often faultily).	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1097
__label__wiki	0.86888	0.86888	Cognition, Memory June 20, 2007 July 30, 2016 How remembering can lead to forgetting Sometimes we’re more likely to remember words that we were instructed to forget, while being more likely to forget words that we were instructed to remember. How can this be? Fifty-six students were presented with four words from two different categories, (e.g. flower: lily; country: Russia; flower: tulip; country: Sweden). Crucially, half the students were told to remember these words, whereas the other students were told to forget them. Next the students were asked to generate four novel examples from one of the previous categories (e.g. Flowers). To help, they were given the first two letters of a new example (e.g. Pa_ for pansy). This whole process was repeated several times with different starting word pairings and categories. After a five-minute irrelevant distractor task, there was a final big recall test, in which the students were asked to recall as many of the original word pairings as possible. As you’d expect, overall, the students told to remember the original word pairings, did indeed remember more of them. But there is a twist. For the students told to remember the original word pairings, generating novel word examples for a given category caused them to forget original words belonging to that same category. (They remembered 16 per cent fewer original words from categories for which new examples had to be generated). By contrast, the students told to forget the original words were not affected in this way. The net result is that compared to the students told to remember, the students told to forget the initial word pairings actually remembered slightly more of the original words from categories for which new examples had to be generated. A possible explanation is the students told to remember the original words, had mentally to inhibit these words when it came to generating fresh examples for a given category. This inhibition process affected their memory for these original words. By contrast, it seems students told to forget the original words didn’t need to inhibit them during the word generation task – in a sense the original words had been protected from the inhibition process, making them more likely to be remembered later. “Ironically, therefore, whereas the intention to remember may lead one to forget, the intention to forget, may lead one to remember,” the researchers said. Storm, B.C., Bjork, E.L. & Bjork, R.A. (2007). When intended remembering leads to unintended forgetting. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 60, 909-915. Link to new research taking a biological approach to this idea. When it’s dangerous to walk and talk 4 thoughts on “How remembering can lead to forgetting” OCD On A Stick says: Very interesting findings. Many one’s brain can become full?! 🙂I think as humans, we respond better to negatives than positives. I am more likely to remember being told “no” than I am being told “yes”. It’s not clear to me how they can go from the clear results of the study to saying, apparently without any doubt, “the reason for this is…” Christian Jarrett says: Dear Sameer, sorry that definite wording “The reason is…” was mine, just to save words and get to the point. I’ve changed it slightly. “I drink to forget.”“Forget what?”“I don’t remember.”	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1098
__label__wiki	0.500532	0.500532	Dermoscopy of Eumycotic Mycetoma: A Case Report Submitted: Feb 5, 2019 Balachandra S. Ankad ; R. Manjula ; Trilokraj Tejasvi ; Balakrishna P. Nikam Balachandra S. Ankad Department of Dermatology, S. Nijalingappa Medical College, Karnataka, India R. Manjula Department of Dermatology, S. Nijalingappa Medical College, Karnataka, India Trilokraj Tejasvi Michigan Medicine Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA Balakrishna P. Nikam Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra, India Citation: Ankad BS, Manjula R, Tejasvi T, Nikam BP. Dermoscopy of eumycotic mycetoma: a case report. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2019;9(4):297-299. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0904a10 Accepted: April 1, 2019; Published: October 31, 2019 Copyright: ©2019 Ankad et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Corresponding author: Balachandra S. Ankad, MD, Department of Dermatology, S. Nijalingappa Medical College,Near APMC, Navanagar, Bagalkot 587103, Karnataka, India. Email: drbsankad@gmail.com Eumycotic mycetoma is a localized suppurative, granulomatous infection of subcutaneous tissue, which is characterized by the triad of painless mass, discharging sinuses, and grains/granules. It develops after a penetrating injury causing inoculation of the organism that eventually results in a local disease, followed by spread of the infection to the surrounding soft tissues and osseous structures [ 1 ] . Dermoscopy has become a very important noninvasive tool to assist in the diagnosis of many infectious diseases and infestations. There are few reports demonstrating the utility of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of subcutaneous fungal infections such as chromoblastomycosis [ 2 ] and eumycotic mycetoma [ 1 ] . Here we report the dermoscopic patterns of a case of eumycotic mycetoma caused by Madurella species in a patient with skin type 5. A 46-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of skin lesions on the left wrist that developed after a thorn prick. A surgeon had previously excised the thorn. The patient reported extrusion of black particles from the lesion initially. Examination revealed a mildly indurated mass with multiple discharging sinuses ( Figure 1A ). Dermoscopic examination, using DermLite 3 with ×10 magnification in contact polarized mode, showed yellow globules, white superficial scales, telangiectasia and dotted vessels, blood spots, and whitish structureless areas ( Figures 2A and 3A ). Histopathology was consistent with eumycotic mycetoma with demonstration of granulomatous reaction and granules in mid dermis ( Figure 4 ). Madurella grisea species was isolated on culture. The patient was treated with itraconazole 100 mg twice daily for 2 months, resulting in complete resolution of skin lesions ( Figure 1B ). After the therapy, dermoscopic assessment revealed a reduction in yellow globules, white superficial scales, and dotted vessels, while whitish structureless areas were more pronounced compared with the initial picture ( Figures 2B and 3B ). Clinical image of eumycotic mycetoma showing slightly indurated mass with discharging sinuses on the wrist (A) before and (B) after treatment. [Copyright: ©2019 Ankad et al.] Dermoscopy of eumycotic mycetoma; lesion 1: (A) Before treatment, yellow globules (black arrows) and white superficial scales (red arrows) are seen. (B) After treatment, yellow globules (yellow arrow), white superficial scales (red arrows), white globules (blue arrow), and red structureless areas (black arrows) are observed. Note the reduction of structures except whitish structureless areas (black stars). [Copyright: ©2019 Ankad et al.] Dermoscopy of eumycotic mycetoma; lesion 2: (A) Before treatment, yellow globules (black arrows), whitish structureless areas (red stars), telangiectasia and dotted vessels (yellow arrows), white superficial scales (red arrows), and blood spots (yellow star) are seen. (B) After treatment, reduction in yellow globules (yellow arrows), white superficial scales (red arrows), and dotted vessels (black arrows) are observed. Note the prominent whitish structureless areas (black stars) after treatment. [Copyright: ©2019 Ankad et al.] Histopathology of eumycotic mycetoma shows suppurative granuloma composed of neutrophils in the dermis (H&E, ×10). [Copyright: ©2019 Ankad et al.] From a dermoscopic-pathological correlation point of view, yellow globules detected in our case could correspond to dermal granulomas caused by Madurella. Generally, granuloma demonstrates orange-yellow globules. Here, yellow color probably is due to granulomatous reaction with many neutrophils. Whitish structureless areas and white superficial scales were other unspecific dermoscopic findings, which represent dermal fibrosis and hyperkeratosis, respectively. Finally, blood spots represented dried blood. In a previous report, dermoscopy of eumycetoma showed white and yellow structures, which were similar to the present case [ 1 ] . In addition, white superficial scales and telangiectasia, blood spots, and dotted vessels were seen in our instance. In chromoblastomycosis, dermoscopy shows yellow globules, black dots, crusting, and white areas, which are [ 2 ] similar to mycetoma patterns, so the only difference from eumycetoma is the detection of black dots. Interestingly, many of the dermoscopic findings (yellow globules, telangiectasias, blood spots, and white scales) were reduced significantly after the therapy, thereby emphasizing that their resolution can be helpful when monitoring treatment response. Besides poorly specific findings (white structureless areas, telangiectasias, blood spots, and white scales), eumycotic mycetoma due to Madurella species may feature yellow globules. These structures may be related to the granulomatous reaction, and their detection might be of aid, along with clinical and anamnestic data, in suspecting such a condition and guiding the clinician in taking samples for microbiological analysis in order to reach a definitive diagnosis. Since this is a single case based on observation, further studies involving larger samples are recommended to elucidate and validate our findings. Dermoscopy assisting the diagnosis of mycetoma: case report and literature review Reis LM, Lima BZ, da Zillo FC, Rezende CM, Fabricio LH, Pinto CA. An Bras Dermatol.2014;89(5):832-833. Dermoscopy of chromoblastomycosis Subhadarshani S, Yadav D. Dermatol Pract Concept.2017;7(4):23-24.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1100
__label__wiki	0.893477	0.893477	Politics & Religion » Our Troops in Action Author Topic: Our Troops in Action (Read 128440 times) I hope this was our Troops in Action https://www.funker530.com/show-off-machinegunner-gets-shot-in-the-face-by-sniper/ Reasons for poor morale http://www.businessinsider.com/carl-forsling-reason-for-the-poor-state-of-military-morale-2014-12?IR=T Re: Reasons for poor morale I am sure it has nothing to do with a traitorous commander in chief that has pissed away all the gains that our troops bled and died for. Re: Our Troops in Action http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/01/26/banished-us-veterans-lean-on-each-other-south-border.html POTH: Welcome to the age of the Commando Welcome to the Age of the Commando By MATT GALLAGHERJAN. 30, 2016 A FEW months ago, my wife and I had dinner with a couple we didn’t know very well. It was awkward at first, but there was wine, and conversation soon followed. At one point, the wife asked about my tour in Iraq, where I served four years as a cavalry officer. I began talking about the desert, the tribal politics and the day-to-day travails of counterinsurgency. “That’s all fine,” the husband interrupted. “But tell us about the super-soldiers. The Special-Ops guys. That’s what people care about.” He had no time for “G.I. Joe.” He wanted “American Sniper.” He is not alone. The mythos of Special Operations has seized our nation’s popular imagination, and has proved to be the one prism through which the public will engage with America’s wars. From the box office to bookstores, the Special Ops commando — quiet and professional, stoic and square-jawed — thrives. That he works in the shadows, where missions are classified and enemy combatants come in silhouettes of night-vision green, is all for the better — details only complicate. We like our heroes sanitized, perhaps especially in murky times like these. The age of the commando, though, is more than pop cultural fantasy emanating from Hollywood. It’s now a significant part of our military strategy. Last month the White House announced the nomination of Gen. Joseph L. Votel to lead United States Central Command, which is responsible for military operations in 20 countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, including Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria and Saudi Arabia — in other words, the hotbed of our geopolitical conflicts. General Votel has been the head of the military’s Special Operations Command since 2014. His Central Command nomination represents a break in tradition; it has almost always gone to generals of more conventional backgrounds. Military analysts hailed it as a sign of the Obama administration’s trust in, and reliance on, Special Operations. Special Operations Command, or Socom, oversees all Special Operations Forces — our Delta Force operators, Navy SEALs, Green Berets, Army Rangers, among others. Special Operations personnel deployed to approximately 139 nations in 2015 — about 70 percent of the countries on the planet. While a vast majority of those missions involve training the defense forces of partner countries, a few involve direct combat. In December, Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter announced at a House hearing that an “expeditionary targeting force” will be sent to Iraq to conduct raids on top Islamic State targets. They’ll be joining the roughly 3,500 troops already there working as advisers and trainers. President Obama seems desperate to strike a balance between doing nothing in the region and not reneging on his “no boots on the ground” promises. Clearly, commandos have boots, and those boots touch the ground. But White House officials have taken to what a report in this newspaper recently called “linguistic contortions” to obscure the forces’ combat roles. As the military as a whole downsizes, Special Ops recruitment continues to rise. There are approximately 70,000 Special Ops personnel today, a number that includes soldiers, civilians, National Guard and Reservists, as well. This number is up from 45,600 in 2001 and 61,400 in 2011. Still, Adm. William H. McRaven — then the head of Socom — told Congress in 2014 that “the force has continued to fray” from the endless deployment cycles. In response, the Army alone last year put out a call for 5,000 new Special Ops candidates. In the political sense, the policy works. The secrecy surrounding Special Ops keeps the heavy human costs of war off the front pages. But in doing so, it also keeps the nonmilitary public wholly disconnected from the armed violence carried out in our name. It enables our state of perpetual warfare, and ensures that as little as we care and understand today, we’ll care and understand even less tomorrow. Special Operations are not a panacea. Just as SWAT teams can’t fulfill their purpose without everyday beat cops on corners, operators can’t and don’t function in a vacuum. Many a military analyst has compared our current “counterterror” approach to a Band-Aid; while effective, that effectiveness has no clear end state. And recent history suggests an overreliance on our commandos can lead to tragedy. In 1993, in Somalia, Special Operations seemed a cure-all, too. Then came the battle of Mogadishu. Same with 1980 and Operation Eagle Claw, as we desperately tried to end the Iran hostage crisis. The former led to a short-lived retreat from international intervention, the latter to the very creation of Socom. Further, like a postmodern Praetorian Guard, our operators don’t serve at the will of the American people. Though Congress holds the purse strings for Special Operations, decisions about individual missions are not generally put before them for approval. Individual force commanders overwhelmingly make those calls. While Mr. Obama has proved cautious in authorizing their use, the next commander in chief might not be so prudent. Clear away the smoke and romance, and Special Ops often function as highly trained kill squads sent out into the beyond in the name of country. They are the best there is at that. But this strategy ensures a recurring cycle of armed conflict, a decision of such significance that all citizens need to be weighing it and considering it, not just a select few. My own experience with Special Ops is mixed. I didn’t have many positive encounters with them overseas. As part of the fabled surge in Iraq, my scout platoon and I patrolled a rural town north of Baghdad for 15 months on a counterinsurgency mission that often seemed to conflict with that of the operators. IN early 2008 we were called to a farm to help pick up the pieces after a commando raid. A tribal leader claimed that two of his lieutenants had been taken by mistake by “the other Americans, the ones with helicopters.” Those other Americans, the tribal leader told me, said that the two Iraqis were brothers, and members of Al Qaeda in Iraq. Now we were left to explain to the men’s family why they were gone, why their house had been cycloned, and why a placard of Mecca had been torn from a wall, and receive the hard stares from those men’s children as we stood over a dead pet dog that had been shot during the raid. I didn’t tell that story to our dinner companions, though. Instead I talked about a visit I made to Tacoma, Wash., in 2011, when I got to know the other side of these other Americans. I’d left the military and was now a writer, or trying to be one. A college friend and his Ranger unit were returning from Afghanistan, and I had visions of writing a tale of young men constantly at war but in between battles. The Rangers, the Special Ops unit that Pat Tillman left his N.F.L. career in 2002 to join, is a proving ground of sorts, and attracts many younger soldiers. Though designed in part as an elite light infantry for airfield seizures, the Rangers have seen their purpose morph: More than ever, kill-or-capture raids are their raison d’être. They’re the fullbacks of the Special Ops world, all brute force and power, as memorialized in the film “Black Hawk Down”: “We get on the five-yard line,” a Ranger officer tells a dismissive Delta soldier, “you’re going to need my Rangers.” The days in Tacoma were spent trying (and failing) to get the Rangers’ public affairs office to approve on-post access. The nights in Tacoma were mostly spent in bars with young Rangers looking to unwind from their last tour while also prepping for the next one. They described the routine: three to six months deployed, three to six months stateside, rinse and repeat. Elizabeth Samet, who teaches English at West Point, calls these service members “war commuters.” More than one observer in Tacoma, including some partners and spouses, termed it an addiction. If that was true — and it didn’t apply to many, in my estimation — they’d have their reasons. A number of Rangers I met joked that vampires saw more light than they did during their deployments. I came to see these young men in a way I hadn’t when I’d worn the uniform myself, because of the way they embraced the endlessness of it all. They weren’t fighting for resolution, as we’d been in Iraq, or how we thought we’d been. Peace over there wasn’t their goal. Calm back here was. I didn’t agree with that worldview, not at all. But I still appreciated it. On Super Bowl Sunday, my friend and I were invited to watch the game with a group of older sergeants. It seemed that most had already settled into their stateside lives, sharing diaper responsibilities with their wives, swapping war stories with one another in between. While the adults watched the game, kids ran around with Nerf guns as big as they were. This was no Cowboys and Indians. They were playing “Rangers and Rangers.” They all wanted to be like Daddy, and none were willing to play the role of an Al Qaeda jihadist, even in pretend. The baby-faced Ranger privates I helped sneak into bars in 2011 are hardened sergeants by now. The sergeants I met are either in charge of entire Ranger companies or have moved into the so-called black units of Socom, like Delta Force. They remain anonymous silhouettes to the country they serve, not just because their bosses at the Pentagon want it that way, but because we do, too. The other Americans, indeed. Nathan Ross Chapman https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/04/17/after-13-years-cia-honors-green-beret-killed-on-secret-afghanistan-mission/ This Photo Of A Teary-Eyed West Point Graduate Perfectly Captures The American D http://thefederalist.com/2016/05/27/this-photo-of-a-teary-eyed-west-point-graduate-perfectly-captures-the-american-dream/ Less and less is this country worthy of such men. Delta Force Marine awarded Navy Cross http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/nov/16/delta-force-marine-awarded-navy-cross-fight-cia-an/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork From Kris Paronto: "For doing what? He didn't fire his weapon or come up to assist on the roof tops until ‪#‎Tig‬ started cussing the guys out in building C approximately 3 -4 minutes after the last mortar hit, telling them he needed help while myself, Jack and Boon remained in the fight on our roofs..... Then he proceeded to toss Ty and Glen's bodies off the roof the after the Annex had been secured by the Qaddafi loyalist militia. Maybe he did something in Building C to warrant it that I didn't see, but I don't know what that would've been unless destroying classified information now warrants the Navy Cross. I have an idea why he received this medal.... And it's a slap in the face to those that did do a lot of heroic things for 13 hours. I don't want to get into it in detail, but I will say that when you're a CIA staffer, you're play ball and sometimes you forget what integrity and friendship are. As long as your still employed ehh TL's....... ‪#‎Truth‬ ‪#‎Tanto‬ Kris Tanto Paronto" Transgender Air , , , persons , , , perdaughters , , , offspring? http://americanmilitarynews.com/2016/10/transgender-u-s-air-force-airmen-can-now-skip-physical-fitness-tests/?utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=alt&utm_source=militarymemes Govt demands re-enlist bonuses back after 10 years plus interest!!! http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-national-guard-bonus-20161020-snap-story.html Sergeant dies while saving six http://taskandpurpose.com/unsung-heroes-this-army-sergeant-set-himself-on-fire-rescuing-6-soldiers-from-a-burning-vehicle/ http://mwi.usma.edu/effective-weapon-modern-battlefield-concrete/ Marine found clutching sword http://www.wearethemighty.com/articles/pfc-edward-ahrens?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Newsfeed&utm_content=Marine-found-clutching-sword+&utm_campaign=Evergreen SecNav Spencer http://raconteurreport.blogspot.com/2017/12/teddy-roosevelt-lives.html Nice to see who we now have as Secretary of the Navy. "Assholistan" SAS soldier beheads with spake https://clarionproject.org/uk-sas-soldier-beheads-isis-spade/ http://www.wralsportsfan.com/injured-nc-soldiers-turn-to-sled-hockey-for-escape-physical-therapy/17430688/ The story of the battle with the Wagner Group Russians in Syria https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/24/world/middleeast/american-commandos-russian-mercenaries-syria.html?partner=msft_msn SAS soldier hammers his point home http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5853135/Midlands-SAS-soldier-killed-three-Taliban-fighters-death-cave-raid-Afghanistan.html Korean War: PFC Herbert Pilla'au https://www.warhistoryonline.com/instant-articles/punching-knife-korea.html?fbclid=IwAR1iqSl_EfLkZJ9vaBsk1A8QCy19Se3oGL3hD_dOi73fI6UR1krlQRmIuD8 Sgt Major Canley https://patriotpost.us/articles/58930-profiles-of-valor-usmc-sgt-maj-john-canley A Norwegian in Action https://www.reuters.com/article/us-norway-roenneberg/man-who-foiled-nazi-nuclear-plan-dies-aged-99-idUSKCN1MV0R1?utm_source=applenews&fbclid=IwAR1f2NErppCJErVIxpwhGLxpWIT7pDV0u7pj6_X46hp9HZrVVjTTRAUBIfw Hat tip Rob Crowley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQs00Wja0mw&feature=player_embedded&fbclid=IwAR1lHGZDoHJ6uWbQ9e55Lg14z7VESOw-3BW2fzCMv0Z_2xR2KiqJkQGW_1w US Soldier takes down seven Taliban with knife https://www.defense-us.net/single-post/2019/01/01/Afghanistan-US-Soldier-Takes-Down-7-Militantswith-a-Knife?fbclid=IwAR0P8OeG7N0pABNNB-2PhU8YOofle0XrDUSdSyIzM-8gZ2DWp4hpiXZeJos Body armor too heavy https://taskandpurpose.com/armor-heavy-body-armor-combat?utm_content=bufferaf3f6&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer https://taskandpurpose.com/audie-murphy-medal-honor-citation?utm_content=buffera1c09&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer Airborne Use of Force unit in Coast Guard https://special-ops.org/17220/hitron-an-elite-unit-specialized-in-airborne-use-of-force-auf/?fbclid=IwAR34H-X1CgPM7t0j9w94G3gU4Hwd-w1s610-nRfRsD-qNJRIyMcHZ2wSRK0 https://special-ops.org/49343/top-facts-about-the-richard-dick-marcinko-creator-of-seal-team-six/ No exactly "our troops in action", but relevant to this thread in that our troops along whom these people fought and who believe our honor requires standing by these people now. https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2019/02/bring-measure-justice-end-afghanistan-war/155030/?oref=defenseone_today_nl SAS Dog in action https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5930275/Hero-SAS-dog-saves-lives-six-elite-soldiers-Syria-ripping-jihadis-throat.html?fbclid=IwAR3eRxicUR7wmX3lUd27mSVzV4x0WR6zIK56CYQ0mvgr2YrEwtvR-3iiimw Subterraean Battlespace https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/02/26/the-subterranean-battlefield-warfare-is-going-underground-into-dark-tight-spaces/?fbclid=IwAR2khubLt7DjLuREq08h9XLmT808fukqvEcfBi_9gI_dGIfukznXxc5Ttco Battle of Takur Ghar https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Takur_Ghar?fbclid=IwAR3QOfbrPyJo1s-nK0fPQWxZzctNujcbEaD1k3yIaBE2350vv-GrbrzYY8Y SEAL Team Six to the rescue! https://special-ops.org/49550/seal-team-6-overcame-the-impossible-in-this-perfect-rescue-operation/?fbclid=IwAR2QAzxhZIvuWHR0yjoX4f4Mhb7EYJlM_jxXGZoN21tm7HIVu8iHU8gR30k Military Times: Less Door Kicking, More Partner Building for SOF https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2019/04/10/less-door-kicking-more-partner-building-for-special-operations-in-great-power-competition/?fbclid=IwAR2jbf2rxXonA4jkFrTVBhRGqGlKolhh6tzfQ2ff2Ha0gOB6VsiAbQdmJRA Sgt Major Kasal In 2004, U.S. Marine 1st Sgt. Brad Kasal was engaged in a firefight with insurgents during the Second Battle of Fallujah. He was hit by seven 7.62mm rounds and more than 40 pieces of shrapnel from a fragmentation grenade. While fighting, he used his body to shield another Marine and was responsible for saving the lives of several Marines under his command. After being taken out of the house by fellow Marines while severely wounded, he was still holding his M9 pistol and his Ka-Bar knife. He adamantly refused to lie on a litter to deny the enemy the satisfaction of seeing him in a supine position. After arriving at the field hospital, it was determined that he had lost 60% of his blood and doctors identified that he had over 100 puncture wounds. As a result of his injuries, he lost four inches of bone in his right leg and has undergone 21 surgeries to repair the injuries to his leg. For his actions, Kasal was awarded several medals including the Navy Cross for valor. He retired in 2018 from the Marine Corps as a Sgt. Major. RTLW! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uNIY0STTKA&feature=share A Warrior Class of Their Own https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/a-warrior-class-of-their-own?fbclid=IwAR1rCj5RnARgMlroCvCfODNIMLtu-ZeZMudmInPcu4iEZENhde_trDz8Xkg Maj. Gen. Eldon Bargewell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciBh6vXnRGw&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR3ypWHm5WX-f0C_kYZHJEJYNrSYcbDaDABPR8RPgMA99IddT1oxCqn4vL0 President Trump considers pardons https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/05/20/white-house-considers-pardons-for-troops-facing-war-crime-accusations/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Army%20DNR%2005-20-19&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Army%20-%20Daily%20News%20Roundup Delta Force Gary Gordon and Randall Shughart https://special-ops.org/730/delta-force-heroes-gary-i-gordon-and-randall-d-shughart/?fbclid=IwAR2BG8D-MMhcClWwjEnrBjoAPEL-JgrsBFlsi-_cQ-eg6yYULGb376Che3M Awards for fighting insider attack in Afghanistan https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/07/02/awards-meted-out-for-fighting-through-insider-attack-on-high-level-meeting-in-afghanistan/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Army%20DNR%2007-02-19&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Army%20-%20Daily%20News%20Roundup Stryker troops prep the 1st Filipino BCT https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/07/25/stryker-troops-prepped-the-first-filipino-bct-before-going-to-fight-abu-sayyaf-militants/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Army%20DNR%2007-25-19&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Army%20-%20Daily%20News%20Roundup Sgt Gus Reina BTW, I've trained Sgt. Reina: https://recruiting.army.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1919363/recruiter-of-recent-moh-recipient-recruiters-are-the-armys-ambassadors-to-the-n/fbclid/IwAR3HAU2fq8voCgLg0neqhQ6Mq4raMznGmSVCa07LQHEfpPHtcf6TARU7XgY/ David G. Bellavia Medal of Honor David Bellavia recruited by Army Recruiter Retired Sgt. 1st Class Gustavo Reina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bellavia Rangers lead the way! https://www.businessinsider.com/army-ranger-battalion-deployment-kills-captures-1900-terrorists-2019-3?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=topbar&utm_term=desktop&referrer=facebook&fbclid=IwAR0_LMl9xIZLfX3njH3zReW_RwyErjQDn9xNAnptmXtvOoIhVHB5gj7YP6Y Our Troops in Action-- lung study https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/02/lung-study-va/9771237/?fbclid=IwAR23j9bHXKcqdwDuTlDqJEJxRgjah79vDoKwJA6EA0IL2K-4gS8QBJTlHpk Re: Our Troops in Action-- lung study Quote from: Crafty_Dog on September 10, 2019, 01:24:13 AM Very sad. Problem with long term wars is long term exposure. A P100 mask would effectively filter titanium dust but people don't wear them and if you do you can't talk to each other, crucial in war. Before we address transgender issues with our troops, how about we protect their breathing whenever possible. F16 dodging Iraqi missiles https://taskandpurpose.com/gulf-war-footage-f-16-dodging-6-iraqi-missiles-insane?utm_content=buffer61b56&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer&fbclid=IwAR2S6CjHZ46y6Bha8m9O_gXtwmftIJxa8enplP95ycLArAF_u-YS5eoD7CY Sgt Williams and the MOH ‘Not a Great Way to Start the Day’ The courage and humility of a Medal of Honor recipient. By James Freeman Oct. 10, 2019 4:17 pm ET Photo: Allison Dinner/Zuma Press On Thursday morning the White House announced that President Donald Trump will award the Medal of Honor to Army Master Sgt. Matthew O. Williams for conspicuous gallantry in Afghanistan in April of 2008. It’s a good thing the President is celebrating the remarkable service of Sgt. Williams because the courageous Green Beret clearly isn’t prone to celebrating himself. In an Army video posted today, our hero describes the ordeal he faced that day in the Shok Valley in a tone one might use to describe the challenges of installing drywall in an unfinished basement. He describes jumping out of a helicopter on to the treacherous terrain and credibly reports that it was “not a great way to start the day.” Things went downhill from there. According to the White House: In the face of rocket-propelled grenade, sniper, and machine gun fire, Sergeant Williams led an Afghan Commando element across a fast-moving, ice cold, and waist-deep river to fight its way up a terraced mountain to the besieged lead element of the assault force. Sergeant Williams then set up a base of fire that the enemy was not able to overcome. When his Team Sergeant was wounded by sniper fire, Sergeant Williams exposed himself to enemy fire to come to his aid and to move him down the sheer mountainside to the casualty collection point. Sergeant Williams then braved small arms fire and climbed back up the cliff to evacuate other injured soldiers and repair the team’s satellite radio. He again exposed himself to enemy fire as he helped move several casualties down the near vertical mountainside and as he carried and loaded casualties on to evacuation helicopters. Sergeant Williams’s actions helped save the lives of four critically wounded Soldiers and prevented the lead element of the assault force from being overrun by the enemy. It’s hard to imagine greater heroism in battle. But don’t expect Sgt. Williams to go on and on about it. Instead we must rely on the accounts of others to fully appreciate the lives he saved on that frozen mountain. A Military Times account after he was awarded the Silver Star notes that once he had begun evacuating his bleeding comrades, he also took time out to kill bad guys who were threatening the wounded. Sgt. Williams recalls the battle as “one of the worst predicaments” of his life, which naturally makes one wonder what else made the top 10. In May, the Journal’s Michael M. Phillips explained why it presented one of the worst predicaments of anyone’s life. A small “Special Forces team was sent on a mission to kill or capture a top leader of the Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin insurgent group,” he reported. Mr. Phillips added: The operation felt doomed from the start; Green Berets and green Afghan commandos were supposed to land by helicopter in Shok Valley and climb 1,000 feet to the militant’s village hideout on the ridge above. Overhead reconnaissance imagery, however, failed to convey how steep the mountainsides were. The first few troops clawed their way to the village. Others were trapped and without cover when machine-gun bullets and rocket-propelled grenades poured in from hundreds of concealed insurgents. Last year in North Carolina’s Fayetteville Observer, Drew Brooks made clear that there were precious few ways out of the predicament: There were no roads leading to the Shok Valley, where the village that was the target of the operation was literally built like a fortress into a cliffside, with buildings stacked upon each other and no way to approach undetected. At the time of the mission, no coalition troops had been to the valley... the only way into the valley was by helicopters. And even then, the aircraft could not land. Yet amazingly no American lives were lost and two Afghan commandos died in the battle, while more than 150 of the enemy were killed, according to the U.S. Army. The uncommon valor which seems to have been common among the dozen members of Operational Detachment Alpha 3336 and their roughly 100 Afghan comrades resulted in numerous medals, including a separate Medal of Honor for the unit’s medic, Staff Sgt. Ronald J. Shurer II, awarded last year. Today’s honoree lauded Sgt. Shurer’s courage in a September, 2018 interview. The Puyallup Herald’s Allison Needles reported: Williams said he remembered Shurer shielding teammates from debris with his body. “Ron epitomizes the value of our team, Green Berets everywhere, of the US Army, and of the American population and all of those things came together in that battle,” Williams said. “I’m proud that we’re all here today in part of Ron’s efforts.” This column fervently hopes that both men epitomize the American population but suspects the two Green Berets are in fact much better than the rest of us. In today’s video, Sgt. Williams credits the “awesome” U.S. helicopter pilots who he says “saved the day.” Our hero adds that now that he has been awarded the Medal of Honor, he’s hoping to represent his regiment “in a positive manner.” In a world of social-media attention seekers, it’s hard not to appreciate his gift for understatement. The President’s decision to award the Medal of Honor gives all Americans a chance to express their appreciation to Sgt. Williams for his service and his bravery. The Al Baghdadi Kill https://special-ops.org/52419/the-operation-that-took-out-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi/?fbclid=IwAR1mqJeF91JEo0WVTCxn3WhSDJt85G7v_dvr-RPHCzn_1_gj-UZye9j6juk	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1113
__label__wiki	0.976538	0.976538	East Meets West Music Shopping Bag: 0 items $0.00 Access Raga SKU: EMWM1000 Categories: CDs, View All Nine Decades Volume 1: 1967-1968 East Meets West Music’s inaugural release, Nine Decades: Volume I, is the first in a multi-volume series that will feature rare and never-before released recordings hand-picked by Ravi Shankar from his vast archive. With live performances and studio recordings pivotal to his development as an artist and reflective of unique times and places, the Nine Decades series provides fresh insights on a career spanning 70-plus years and offers a direct bridge between the artist himself and his listeners. Raga Gangeshwari, the centerpiece of Volume 1, takes listeners to an outdoor concert at a temple on the banks of the Ganges in 1968. Though recorded with one hand-held microphone, Raga Gangeshwari is representative of the archive’s many treasures which the artist describes as, “not recorded with sophisticated audio equipment and yet they exhibit the power of life in live performance that has a value beyond any technological shortcomings.” The intimate quality of the recording and virtuosic playing allows listeners to experience a page from the artist’s diary circa 1968. Performed with Kamala Chakravarty on tanpura and the great Ustad Allah Rakha on tabla. East Meets West Music is the official recording label of the Ravi Shankar Foundation. Shankar Ragamala \| A Celebration of the Maestro’s Music by his Disciples RAGA: A Film Journey into the Soul of India Maya – Bickram Ghosh’s Dedication to Ravi Shankar (UTSAV! Series) Join our monthly newsletter Be the first to learn about new releases, events, and more. About East Meets West Music East Meets West Music is the official recording label of The Ravi Shankar Foundation. With unique access to an archive featuring thousands of hours of live performance audio, film footage, interviews, and studio masters, EMWMusic releases rare recordings and provides audiences with the definitive portrait of Ravi Shankar's long career. And, in keeping with Ravi's dedication to looking forward and not back, EMWMusic provides a vibrant platform for new artists, projects, and collaborations. DOWNLOAD PRESS KIT About the Ravi Shankar Foundation The Ravi Shankar Foundation was established in 1997. The Ravi Shankar Foundation was established not only to collect, document and archive the vast works of Ravi Shankar, which are fragmented all around the world, but also to commit to posterity the artistic and creative energy that this unique musician has still to offer. The Ravi Shankar Foundation would like to serve as a resource center for researching classical Indian music and archiving the works of Ravi Shankar and other masters. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Missing the Maestro who left this world on Dec. 11, 2012. Let us celebrate his 9 decades of his music and genius. H… https://t.co/nyHVFu49lW "The Play It Loud" exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art ( @metmuseum ) is closing on Oct. 1st. Stop by to s… https://t.co/SNCre8puwg "Raga - Manj Khamaj - Live” by Ravi Shankar is on the @Spotify #ThrowbackThursday playlist. Now that's what I call… https://t.co/vzaQBNsY0C © 2018 East Meets West Music Inc. All rights reserved. Photos © Estate of Yousuf Karsh; © Chetham Ram; and Michael Collopy. Site by Silver Egg Studios.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1116
__label__cc	0.651334	0.348666	INTERNATIONAL NEWSSTAND ITALY CALLS ON EUROPE NEWS UP CLOSE Subscribe eastwest DesiGenZ Riding the russian rollercoaster Iran, today and tomorrow Next Station: Ikebukuro TECHNOLOGY AND RESOURCES STEVE BANNON INTERVIEW BBC Good Food Show 2014 As you may know, I'm a food lover and I love everything about food. For this reason I couldn't miss for anything in this world the "BBC Good Food Show” held here in London few days ago. Angelina in cucina More than 110,000 people noticed in the three days of the fair, is one of the most important wine and food exhibitions here in Uk, hosted in the beautiful Kensington Olympia station, a former train station “liberty” style where everyone had his own corner of space to show their own edible goodness. From roasted pork to our famous Sicilian cannoli, walking inside this fair was definitely a feast for the palate of visitors flocked in. The event also hosted the famous "World Cheese Award 2014", a sort of "Oscar" dedicated to cheese and this year the Cooperativa Casearia Agrinascente present on the market with the brand "Parma2064", a name that comes from the identification number of the motorway close to the company, won a gold medal and a bronze medal for the best Parmesan cheese. There were more than 2600 cheese variety, coming from 33 countries around the world, and as jury, approximately 200 cheese industry experts. The "BBC good food show brings together the best representations of world agri-food on the market, and to represent the whole of this excellence, distinguished names in the world of cooking: James Martin, Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, Michel Roux Jr, Jamie Oliver and others. I was lucky enough to watch the cooking show of Michael Roux Jr that I admit I'd never heard of before. I found myself in front of a great chef, who prepared just in front of us a savory choux puffs with chicken breast in a port sauce, which was just too mouthwatering just to watch it. I'd tried to steal some of it at the end of the show, but they were too quick to get the dish out of the stage. Next time... Food not only to watch but also to touch, infact there were many kitchen labs that involved people in making simple decorations with sugar paste just helping to prepare simple recipes. One of the things that struck me the most about this event is that everyone felt really part of what they were visiting. During the show cooking, there were sign language interpreters who translated for the deaf people everything that was done on stage. A really hearthwarming thing. Now it's time for some pictures, and I'd like to remember you the site that you need to follow to stay up-to-date on upcoming dates on the BBC Good Food Show, which is http://www.bbcgoodfoodshowlondon.com Write a comment for the Article Your comment will be shortly available in the Disqus box below... TODAY'S NEWS INTERNATIONAL NEWSSTAND ITALY CALLS ON EUROPE NO COMMENT NEWS UP CLOSE INTERNATIONAL GOSSIP MEETING POINT EASTWEST MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBE EASTWEST VIDEO WORLDVIEW CULTURE EUROPE ASIA AMERICA AFRICA OCEANIA MIDDLE EAST ARCHIVE EVENTS WHERE TO FIND EASTWEST ABOUT US COOKIE AND PRIVACY POLICY SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY Eastwest.eu is a publication registered at the Court of Rome as no. 12 on 09.02.2016, editor in chief Giuseppe Scognamiglio © 2020 Eastwest European Institute. All rights reserved. VAT IT 12156961000	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1117
__label__cc	0.605455	0.394545	Author Guthrie, William William Guthrie William Douglas Guthrie (born January 17, 1967 in St. Louis, MO) is a professional boxer (185 cm height) in the cruiserweight (180lb) division. Provided by Wikipedia Showing 1 - 20 of 80 Search: 'Guthrie, William', query time: 0.09s The Christian's great interest in two parts, I. the trial of a saving interest in Christ. II. the way how to attain it. By Mr. William Guthrie, Minister of the Gospel at New-Kilmar... by Guthrie, William printed by W. Young, bookseller and stationer, the corner of Second and Chesnut-streets The Christian's great interest Or, A short treatise, divided into two parts. The first whereof, containeth te [sic] tryal of a saving interest in Christ. The second, pointeth forth... Printed by T. Green for Nicholas Boone A short treatise of the Christian's great interest divided into two parts; the first whereof containeth The trial of a saving interest in Christ. The second pointeth forth plainly,... Re-printed for & sold by D Henchman, S. Kneeland, N Belknap, & T Hancock, at their shops Subjects: '; “...Guthrie, William / 1620-1665...” A new geographical, historical, and commercial grammar and present state of the several kingdoms of the world ... [Printed for J. Walker ... [et al.] A new system of modern geography, or, A geographical, historical, and commercial grammar, and present state of the several kingdoms of the world containing I. the figures, motions,... Printed for C. Dilly A general history of Scotland from the earliest accounts to the present time. By William Guthrie, Esq. Volume the first printed for the author, by A. Hamilton; and sold by Robinson and Roberts, in Paternoster-Row The atlas to Guthrie's system of Geography engraved for G. G. and J. Robinson, and J. Mawman (successor to Mr. Dilly) 1800. S. Hamilton, printer The atlas to Guthrie's system of geography (The order in which the maps are to be placed by the bookbinder.) A new system of modern geography or, a geographical historical, and commercial grammar; and present state of the several kingdoms of the world. Containing I. The Figures, Motions,... printed for C. Dilly, In The Poultry; and G. G. J. and J. Robinson, Pater Noster Row A new geographical, historical, and commercial grammar and present state of the several Kingdoms of the World. Containing I. The Figures, Motions, and Distances of the Planets, acc... printed for Da. Buchanan, & Jas. Morison, sold by them, J. Fairbairn, A. Constable, Edinburgh; W. Coke, Leith; J. Gillies, & J. Duncan, Glasgow and the booksellers of Dundee, Aberdeen, &c A complete history of English peerage from the best authorities: by William Guthrie, Esq. Illustrated with elegant copper-plates of the Arms of the Nobility, blazoned in the Herald... printed by Dryden Leach, for J. Newbery, in St. Paul's Church-Yard; S. Crowder and Co. and J. Coote, in Pater-Noster Row; J. Gretton, in Old Bond-Street; T. Davies, in Russel-Street; W. Johnston, and G. Kearsly, in Ludgate-Street; and J. Osborne, in Gray's Inn An essay upon English tragedy With remarks upon the Abbe de Blanc's Observations on the English stage. By William Guthrie, Esq Printed for T. Waller, at the Crown and Mitre, opposite Fetter-Lane, in Fleet-Street A complete index to the general history of the world from the creation to the present time. Including All the Empires, Kingdoms, and States; their Revolutions, Forms of Government,... printed for J. Newbery, R. Baldwin, S. Crowder, J. Coote, R. Withy, J. Wilkie, J. Wilson and J. Fell, W. Nicoll, B. Collins, and R. Raikes A general history of the world from the creation to the present time. Including All the Empires, Kingdoms, and States; their Revolutions, Forms of Government, Laws, Religions, Cust... A new system of modern geography or, a geographical historical, and commercial grammar; and present state of the several kingdoms of the world. Containing, I. The Figures, Motions,... printed for C. Dilly In The Poultry; and G. G. J. and J. Robinson, Pater Noster Row The christian's great interest divided into two parts; The First whereof containeth The Trial of a Saving Interest in Christ. The Second pointeth plainly forth The Way how to attai... printed for John Brown and sold by him at his shop near the Head of the Gallowgate Christ's care of his people under afflicting dispensations Two sermons preached on the seventeenth day of August, 1662, ... By Mr. William Guthrie printed by J. and M. Robertson A new geographical Historical, and Commercial grammar; and present state of the several kingdoms of the world. Containing I. The Figures, Motions, and Distances of the Planets, acc... printed for J. Knox, at No 148, near Somerset-House, in the Strand The christian's great interest divided into two parts. The first whereof containeth, the trial of a saving interest in Christ. The second pointeth forth plainly, the way how to att... printed by John Robertson and Mrs M'lean sold at their shops, Salt-Mercat An address to the public on the late dismission of a general officer printed for W. Nicoll, in St. Paul's Church-Yard https://ebooks.mpdl.mpg.de/ebooks/Author/Home?author=%22Guthrie%2C+William%22&type=Author	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1119
__label__wiki	0.816623	0.816623	Renzo Gracie, MMA Legend “If you want to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai,… Matt "The Wizard" Hume, MMA Legend “In all of my years in martial arts, I… Rafael dos Anjos, UFC World Champion “I belong to the Evolve Fight Team because I… Rich Franklin, UFC Legend “The number of world champions at Evolve is unreal.… Shinya Aoki, ONE World Champion “Evolve is the best in Asia, and quite possibly… Ben Askren, ONE World Champion “I’ve had the pleasure of training at Evolve. Without… Roger Gracie, 10x BJJ World Champion “For world championship instruction and the best teachers, Evolve… Dan Henderson, Strikeforce and PRIDE World Champion “Evolve is legit. There is no shortage of world… Saenchai Sor Kingstar “Evolve has the best of the best Muay Thai… Rolles Gracie, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Champion “Evolve has the most number of world champions that… Kyra Gracie, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion “For sure, Evolve has the most extraordinary team of… Tarec Saffiedine, Strikeforce World Champion “I have trained at Evolve with many of their… Joseph Benavidez, #1 Ranked UFC Contender “The training at Evolve is top notch. A world… “Evolve is legit. There is no shortage of world champs there. The training and knowledge is outstanding.” By Evolve University	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1128
__label__cc	0.541062	0.458938	State/International Reviews ED Directory Request/Manage ED Listing Feature Industry Articles A Research Park's Secret Weapon - The Community College as a Tenant and Partner Thursday, June 01 2017 By Kate McEnroe, President of Kate McEnroe Consulting When we hear the term research park, the automatic tendency is to think of our largest private and state institutions, those that receive major research grants. It has now become almost the standard for major universities to create parks to foster technology transfer and economic development initiatives, not to mention the benefits they bring to the university in attracting gifted faculty and students. Just as research parks are usually associated with institutions offering four-year and graduate programs, the discussions about the need for an increase in the STEM workforce also tends to focus on boosting the number of individuals with bachelors, masters, or doctorate degrees. Posted by: Nicole@ExpansionSolutionsMagazine.com AT 07:58 am \| Permalink \| Email Are Innovation Districts Remaking or Obsoleting University Research Parks? By Catherine Searle Renault, principal and owner of Innovation Policyworks, LLC When the grandfather of university research parks, the Research Triangle Park (RTP) near Raleigh, NC, is making major changes, you know something is afoot. After nearly 50 years, RTP is changing its approach, modifying its suburban campus’ auto-accessible layout to include a centralized “downtown.” Adding a new 400 acre new development will make RTP more like a city: stores, restaurants, condos and apartments "for a variety of incomes"—and of course, tech companies. The motivation for this change is the rise of innovation districts across the country that are offering a new vision where anchor institutions like universities, large and small companies and the resources of the broader ecosystem co-exist to produce economic vitality and growth. And, these innovation districts are largely thriving in large metropolitan areas, challenging the suburban office park model. What’s driving innovation districts? Millennials and Baby Boomers. The demographic shift, driven by aging Baby Boomers and Millennials, is causing population growth in metro areas after decades of flight to the suburbs. Both older workers and the youngest workers want to live, work and play in the same place, have lower car ownership levels and value an environmentally-friendly, low carbon footprint lifestyle. ED News Conferences & Expos Target Industry Directory Expansion Solutions is a worldwide service of Cornett Publishing Co., Inc. ©2018, all rights reserved. Our content is from many sources and not warranted to be accurate or current. For general inquiries, email: info@ExpansionSolutionsMagazine.com Economic Trends in the Plastics and Related Industries The Ideal Location? Options Vastly Vary for Medical Device Manufacturers The State of Logistics Management Don't Shrug It Off Increasing the Economy by an Average of $32.5 Million Per Data Center Advanced Manufacturing (5) Aviation/Aerospace (8) Back Office (3) Call Centers (4) Certified Sites (5) Data Centers (6) Digital Media (2) Economic Development News (9) Feature Articles (166) Food Processing (11) Gaming and Digital Media (3) Green Development (5) NBAA-BACE (1) November-December-2013 (1) Oil Coal and Gas (4) Ports/FTZs (14) Research Parks (3) Reshoring (3) Science/Tech Parks (2) Shovel Ready (4) University Research Parks (2) Urban Agriculture (1) Warehouse and Distribution (7) Wind Energy (5)	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1130
__label__wiki	0.677274	0.677274	Finding the formula of hydrated copper(II) sulfate In this experiment, the water of crystallisation is removed from hydrated copper(II) sulfate. The mass of water is found by weighing before and after heating. This information is used to find x in the formula: CuSO4.xH2O. In this experiment, a known mass of hydrated copper(II) sulfate is heated to remove the water of crystallisation. The mass of water is found by weighing before and after heating. This information is used to find x in the formula CuSO4.xH2O, using mole calculations. This is a class experiment suitable for students who already have a reasonable understanding of the mole concept. The degree to which the mole calculations need to be structured will depend on the ability and mathematical competence of the class. The outline structure given in the Procedure above is intended for students with reasonable mathematical competence and experience of mole calculations. Given adequate access to top-pan balances, and skill in their use, students should be able to complete the experimental work in 30-40 minutes. Each working group will require: Crucible (Note 1) Crucible tongs (Note 2) Pipe-clay triangle Heat resistant mat Top-pan balance (± 0.01 g) Hydrated copper(II) sulfate (HARMFUL, DANGEROUS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT), 2 - 3 g Hydrated copper(II) sulfate, CuSO4.5H2 O(s), (HARMFUL, DANGEROUS FOR ENVIRONMENT) - see CLEAPSS Hazcard . The copper(II) sulfate should be provided as fine crystals. If large crystals are used, these should be ground down before use by students. 1 Crucibles may be of porcelain, stainless steel or nickel, of capacity about 15 cm3, and should sit safely in the pipe-clay triangles provided. 2 Crucible tongs should have a bow in the jaws of the right size to pick up the hot crucibles safely. a Weigh the empty crucible, and then weigh into it between 2 g and 3 g of hydrated copper(II) sulphate. Record all weighings accurate to the nearest 0.01 g. b Support the crucible securely in the pipe-clay triangle on the tripod over the Bunsen burner. c Heat the crucible and contents, gently at first, over a medium Bunsen flame, so that the water of crystallisation is driven off steadily. The blue colour of the hydrated compound should gradually fade to the greyish-white of anhydrous copper(II) sulfate. Avoid over-heating, which may cause further decomposition, and stop heating immediately if the colour starts to blacken. If over-heated, toxic or corrosive fumes may be evolved. A total heating time of about 10 minutes should be enough. d Allow the crucible and contents to cool. The tongs may be used to move the hot crucible from the hot pipe-clay triangle onto the heat resistant mat where it should cool more rapidly. e Re-weigh the crucible and contents once cold. f Calculation: Calculate the molar masses of H2O and CuSO4 (Relative atomic masses: H=1, O=16, S=32, Cu=64) Calculate the mass of water driven off, and the mass of anhydrous copper(II) sulfate formed in your experiment Calculate the number of moles of anhydrous copper(II) sulfate formed Calculate the number of moles of water driven off Calculate how many moles of water would have been driven off if 1 mole of anhydrous copper(II) sulfate had been formed Write down the formula for hydrated copper(II) sulfate. Remind students to zero (tare) the balance before each weighing. Students will probably also have to be reminded about the need to allow the crucible and contents to cool thoroughly before weighing. Metal crucibles (stainless steel or nickel) are much less vulnerable than porcelain crucibles. Quantitative chemistry and stoichiometry (p) how to calculate the formula of a compound from reacting mass data A/AS level Unit 1: THE LANGUAGE OF CHEMISTRY, STRUCTURE OF MATTER AND SIMPLE REACTIONS 1.3 Chemical calculations (j) concept of stoichiometry and its use in calculating reacting quantities, including in acid-base titrations Unit C2: Further Chemical Reactions, Rates and Equilibrium, Calculations and Organic Chemistry 2.6 Quantitative chemistry 2.6.2 demonstrate knowledge and understanding that water of crystallisation can be removed by heating to constant mass and any thermal decomposition may be carried out to completion by heating to constant mass; 2.6.3 calculate the relative formula mass of compounds containing water of crystallisation; 2.6.4 determine the empirical formulae of simple compounds and determine the moles of water of crystallisation present in a hydrated salt from percentage composition, mass composition or experimental data; 1.7.10 demonstrate knowledge and understanding that water of crystallisation can be removed by heating to constant mass and any thermal decomposition may be carried out to completion by heating to constant mass; 1.7.11 calculate the relative formula mass of compounds containing water of crystallisation; 1.7.12 calculate the percentage of water of crystallisation in a compound; 1.7.13 determine the empirical formulae of simple compounds and determine the moles of water of crystallisation present in a hydrated salt from percentage composition, mass composition or experimental data; and Amount of substance The mole and the Avogadro constant Using mass of substance, Mᵣ, and amount in moles. OCR Chemistry A Module 2: Foundations in chemistry 2.1 Atoms and reactions 2.1.3 Amount of substance d) the terms anhydrous, hydrated and water of crystallisation and calculation of the formula of a hydrated salt from given percentage composition, mass composition or based on experimental results 4.3.2 Use of amount of substance in relation to masses of pure substances 4.3.2.3 Using moles to balance equations (HT only) The balancing numbers in a symbol equation can be calculated from the masses of reactants and products by converting the masses in grams to amounts in moles and converting the numbers of moles to simple whole number ratios. Students should be able to balance an equation given the masses of reactants and products. Working scientifically 4 Scientific vocabulary, quantities, units, symbols and nomenclature WS.4.6 Use an appropriate number of significant figures in calculation. 2 Experimental skills and strategies WS.2.4 Carry out experiments appropriately having due regard for the correct manipulation of apparatus, the accuracy of measurements and health and safety considerations. WS.2.6 Make and record observations and measurements using a range of apparatus and methods. WS.2.7 Evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements and further investigations. Mathematical requirements 1 Arithmetic and numerical computation 1c Use ratios, fractions and percentages. 2 Handling data 2a Use an appropriate number of significant figures. 4.5 Building blocks for understanding 4.5.2 Chemical quantities 4.5.2.5 Calculations based on equations (HT only) Deduce the stoichiometry of an equation from the masses of reactants and products and explain the effect of a limiting quantity of a reactant. 4.5.2.4 Amounts in moles (HT only) Explain how the mass of a given substance is related to the amount of that substance in moles and vice versa. 3 Working scientifically 3.4 Scientific vocabulary, quantities, units, symbols and nomenclature WS4.6 Use an appropriate number of significant figures in calculation. 3.2 Experimental skills and strategies WS2.4 Carry out experiments appropriately having due regard for the correct manipulation of apparatus, the accuracy of measurements and health and safety considerations. WS2.6 Make and record observations and measurements using a range of apparatus and methods. WS2.7 Evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements and further investigations. 7 Mathematical requirements 7.1 Arithmetic and numerical computation 5.3 Quanitative chemistry 1c Use ratios, fractions and percentages 2a Use an appropriate number of significant figures 2d Carry out experiments appropriately having due regard for the correct manipulation of apparatus, the accuracy of measurements and health and safety considerations 2g Evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements and further investigations 4f Use an appropriate number of significant figures in calculation Topic 1 - Key concepts in Chemistry Calculations involving masses 1.51 Calculate the number of: moles of particles of a substance in a given mass ofthat substance and vice versa; particles of a substance in a given number of moles of that substance and vice versa; particles of a substance in a given mass of that… 1.53 Deduce the stoichiometry of a reaction from the masses of the reactants and products 1.51 Calculate the number of: moles of particles of a substance in a given mass ofthat substance and vice versa; particles of a substance in a given number of moles of that substance and vice versa; particles of a substance in a given mass of that … M1 Arithmetic and numerical computation M1c Use ratios, fractions and percentages M2 Handling data M2a Use an appropriate number of significant figures C3 Chemical reactions C3.1 Introducing chemical reactions C1.3i explain how the mass of a given substance is related to the amount of that substance in moles and vice versa C1.3m deduce the stoichiometry of an equation from the masses of reactants and products and explain the effect of a limiting quantity of a reactant CM3.1i arithmetic computation and ratio when determining empirical formulae, balancing equations CM3.1iii provide answers to an appropriate number of significant figures Working scientifically skills demonstrated WS.2b Make and record observations and measurements using a range of apparatus and methods C1.3h explain how the mass of a given substance is related to the amount of that substance in moles and vice versa C1.3k deduce the stoichiometry of an equation from the masses of reactants and products and explain the effect of a limiting quantity of a reactant MS Mathematical skills Handling data Arithmetic and numerical computation C5.3 How are the amounts of substances in reactions calculated? C5.3.5 explain how the mass of a given substance is related to the amount of that substance in moles and vice versa and use the relationship: number of moles = mass of substance (g) / relative formula mass (g) C5.3.6 deduce the stoichiometry of an equation from the masses of reactants and products and explain the effect of a limiting quantity of a reactant C7 Ideas about science IaS2 What processes are needed to draw conclusions from data? IaS2.6 when processing data use an appropriate number of significant figures IaS2.11 in a given context interpret observations and other data (presented in diagrammatic, graphical, symbolic or numerical form) to make inferences and to draw reasoned conclusions, using appropriate scientific vocabulary and terminology to communicat… BCP7 Ideas about science Advanced Higher Researching Chemistry Gravimetric analysis In volatilisation conversion the substance is heated and any volatile products are driven off. It is heated to constant mass and the final mass recorded. Determining relative atomic weights Five out of five Heat a known mass of two metals to produce their oxides and determine their relative atomic masses. Fireworks: the art and science Hayley Bennett investigates the chemistry of pyrotechnics Working with units and prefixes How to help students use units and prefixes correctly and easily convert between them	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1135
__label__wiki	0.520484	0.520484	On This Day – October 08 : French chemist Henry Le Châtelier was born on this day in 1850 He is best known for Le Châtelier’s principle, which predicts the effect of changing the concentration, partial pressure, volume or temperature on the position of equilibrium in a chemical reaction – if there are changes to these factors then the equilibrium will shift to counteract that change. Chemistry in your cupboard: Harpic What happened today in chemistry? Explore 366 days of chemistry history at On This Day in Chemistry. (d) Equilibria In a closed system, reversible reactions attain a state of dynamic equilibrium when the rates of forward and reverse reactions are equal. At equilibrium, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant, but are rarely equal. For a given reversible reaction, the effect of altering temperature or pressure or of adding/removing reactants/products can be predicted. The nature of science 9. Research and present information on the contribution that scientists make to scientific discovery and invention and its impact on society. 10. Appreciate the role of science in society; and its personal, social and global importance; and how society influences scientific research. 8. Chemical equilibrium 8.2 Le Chatlier's Principle Le Chatelier's principle. Effect (if any) on equilibrium position of concentration, pressure, temperature and catalyst. Social and Applied Aspects Industrial application of Le Chatelier's principle in catalytic oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide and in the Haber process. In association with Reckitt Benckiser Link the post-16 topics of group bonding, acid rain, equilibria and Le Chateliers principle and strong and weak acids to the topic of removing limescale. Learn about a range of real life contexts for these chemical ideas through written material, and questions to encourage learning and test understanding. Redox equilibria starters (16–18) Four out of five stars When teaching redox equilibria, take advantage of these Starter for ten questions on redox reactions, standard electrode potentials and electrochemical cells. Acids and bases starters (16–18) Challenge your students to answer Starter for ten questions on acid and bases topics such as pH, Kw, titrations and buffer solutions.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1136
__label__cc	0.674691	0.325309	2011 Candidate Profile: Betsy Rosenblatt 2011-11-12 2016-06-28 Elections Staff 2011, 2011 Betsy Rosenblatt, 2011 Candidates This page collects all of this candidate’s responses to questions asked as part of the 2011 Board Candidate chats. Questions not addressed during the chat session due to time constraints were sent to all candidates in batches for response within 24 hours of receipt; answers not received within that time were posted with timestamps. Addenda or edits were allowed within 12 hours of that deadline, and are marked inline with timestamps as well. Read Betsy Rosenblatt’s candidate statement here. why do you want to be on the board? This question was asked during the initial candidate chat. I want to be on the board primarily because I believe every board should contain a lawyer particularly when the organization includes in its mission legal advocacy. I am also looking forward to taking a greater role in all of the OTWs projects, but since my professional specialty is law, I see that as the unique niche I bring to the board. More generally, I want to be a board member because I believe that transformative works make the world a better place! what specific, concrete things does each candidate intend to work on while on the Board, and which of those will be their main focus? I plan to work on maintaining and growing the organizations position as a public voice for transformative works. So much of what we have done has been internal to fandom: the OTW has done a great job of creating a comfortable space for creators of fanworks, and is improving on that all the time. I want to do everything I can to help with that. I share many of the candidates interests in keeping the organization sustainable, technically smooth, and inclusive, and I see myself as a “utility player” in that regard. But as a matter of central focus, I want the Board to have its eye on legal advocacy risks and opportunities, and I am particularly interested in bringing that to the table. I am also interested in growing the organizations profile outside fandom, maintaining our alliances with other advocacy organizations, scholars, and the like, so that we are not lonely voices for our organizational agenda. I agree with Naomi! (about the Board process, that is) [see the referenced response —ed.] question for betsy — since we have an independent legal committee that works on legal strategies and advocacy (e.g. the dmca exceptions), what unique advantage is there to having a lawyer on Board that Legal doesn’t already provide? also, Legal Chair has access to board discussions and can serve as advisor as necessary The org needs both a legal committee and a board with its eye on legal issues partly so that the org can move on a dime in instructing the legal committee. We have committees for everything the org does, but we still have a board for larger steering matters. Im on the independent legal committee, and while we do very well dealing with individual inquiries, I think we can feel like were a bit isolated sometimes. In the past, the chair of the Legal Committee (Rebecca Tushnet) has been on the board, and I think that has brought a sense of continuity to the relationship between the board and the organizations advocacy mission. Otherwise wed be two different organizations one for web content and another for advocacy. I want us to be one organization that does both, and although I know its a lot of commitment, I want to be the bridge between those things. In a follow-up to the question What specific, concrete things does each candidate intend to work on while on the Board, and which of those will be their main focus?, Naomi and Betsy were asked, in relation to their answers, Any concrete steps within that, or how do you plan to achieve it? (This question was re-c2-opened optionally to all candidates.) This question was overflow from the initial candidate chat. Candidates were asked to submit answers by 19 October 2011 01:00 UTC. No response by deadline. Response received 19 October 2011 04:44 UTC. I was asked to follow up on my response to the question about specific things I intended to work on while on the board. My initial answer (abridged) was that, in addition to being a utility player where needed, I intend to work on maintaining and growing the organizations position as a public voice for transformative works, to keep the Boards eye on legal advocacy risks and opportunities, and growing the organizations profile outside fandom (such as maintaining our alliances with other advocacy organizations, scholars, and the like). To answer the follow-up question: I am active in intellectual property scholarship and academic circles, I keep aware of legal developments relevant to the organizations mission, and I am active in the work for, or friendly with colleagues who are active in the work for, organizations with missions consistent with ours (such as the EFF and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund). As a Board member, I would bring that awareness and (dare I use the word) synergy to the group. In addition to my initial answer, I also agreed with Naomi that (to paraphrase), among the specific things I wanted to work for on the board was making the board work smoothly and collaboratively to facilitate the work of the organization without getting in the way of the organizations overall ability to be flexible and get things done. I suspect this was the real point to which the follow-up question was really directed. I have to break my answer down into two parts first, about making the board work smoothly and collaboratively, and second about allowing the board to facilitate the work of the organization without getting in the way of the organizations overall ability to be flexible and get things done. As for the first, I have every reason to think that the board is a smooth and collaborative body already, and I want to slide right in to that spirit. Ive been on a lot of boards and committees over the course of my career, including for nonprofits, for my former firm, and for my school. I feel comfortable with the flexibility and balance required to make a board run smoothly. That includes offering the benefit of my experience in my areas of expertise, offering creative suggestions in areas outside my expertiseand knowing when someone else knows more than me on a given topic! As for the second, I think its mostly a matter of management philosophy: as the OTW grows, the board cant be involved in every operational detail, but has to set larger-scale policies and be available to provide guidance at all times. That means listening to the membership, being in close contact with committees, coming up with initiatives, setting priorities, resolving larger-scale issues…and delegating a lot of material especially implementation and operational decision-makingto the organizations amazing committees. How do you see Fanlore growing, and what do you see as your role in furthering that growth both in terms of scope but also in terms of increased fannish participation? Fanlore is a source of endless information and an educational resource for me! I can get lost in there. But I know my enthusiasm doesnt exactly answer the question nor does the fact that add material to Fanlore is currently on my to-do list. But the fact that its on my to-do list does say something about how I see Fanlore continuing to grow. Fanlore grows organically as people learn about it, use it, and are reminded of just how much is in there (and how much isnt, yet!). I think the wiki committee has done an excellent job recently of reminding and encouraging fans to contribute on topics they might not even have known were included; I love the Wish List, as well. Of course, more is always possible. Id like to see outreach to specific fandom communities, to the extent possible. What do you say when asked ‘What does the OTW do?’ Great question! The answer depends on who Im talking to for those who are looking for places to find great fanfic, I send them to the AO3; for those who are looking for fandom resources I send them to Fanlore; for those with a scholarly bent I send them to Transformative Works and Cultures…and so on…But heres the logline that I tell most people: The Organization for Transformative works is an amazing community, archive, online resource, and legal advocacy organization for creators and appreciators of all kinds of fan-created works. What would you do to increase the OTW’s transparency to fandom at large, particularly people who aren’t currently staff? Concrete policies, please. What, if anything, have you done while serving as a staffer to promote transparency? First, I would encourage people to volunteer but that doesnt address the question, exactly. As a member of the Legal Committee, Ive generally worked in favor of transparency by consulting on member inquiries about the organizations policies and helping to resolve disputes when those policies havent been clear; but most of the transparency concerning the Legal Committee involves communicating with the membership (through the blog, newsletter, and such) about what were up to, so we can get member input. Overall, the Legal Committees interactions with the membership are largely inquiry-based, and its true that leads to a pretty low level of transparency. As for creating additional transparency, I think the key is providing windows into what the org is doing and opportunities for member dialog whenever possible that can be achieved partly through the newsletter, blog, twitter, and the like. I am also a big fan of the Candidate chats and the committee open house chats that have been happening over the last few months, and would encourage regular open house chats featuring Board members as well. Part 1: Off the top of your head: How many staffers does the Org have? How many non-staff volunteers? Part 2: Considering the many comments I’m reading about understaffing and volunteer burnout, how many additional staffing positions on existing committees would you anticipate adding in your term? Additionally, what concrete steps will you work to implement to prevent burnout, to increase staff/volunteer satisfaction, and to increase internal transparency? This question was asked during the second candidate chat. Absent candidates were given 24 hours from the chat period to submit answers and all other candidates were given the same time to submit addenda to in-chat responses. Responses were due 27 October 2011 20:00 UTC. Ill be honest: I dont know exactly the number of staff and volunteers the org has off the cuff I suspect its upward of 60 staffers and hundreds of volunteers — but although I know theres a distinction between staffers and volunteers, I think of everyone as a volunteer, just with different types and amounts of work. I agree that regarding additional staffing positions on existing committees, we should leave that up to the committee chairs, who know more about the needs of each committee, but if were getting complaints about workload we should feel free to suggest to the chair that a particular committee grow. Concrete steps to prevent burnout, increase satisfaction, and increase transparency I would want to ensure that the committee chairs know they have the discretion to increase the size of their committee as called for, and provide opportunities for them to consult with other committee chairs about management strategies. I would also like to make management materials available to committee chairs. This may mean mentoring or it may mean soliciting suggestions about what the best materials are out there, and making them available. Also, very important is something thats already happening now, and can grow more make sure that staffers and volunteers have people other than their committee chairs that they can address complaints to, so they dont feel trapped or uncomfortable if they have conflicts with their chairs, workload, or the like. Every chair should be fostering open communication, but sometimes that doesnt happen, and we want to provide ways that chairs can learn what theyre doing that they may not know is making people unhappy or overburdened. Those are the things that come to mind off the top of my head, although I’m sure there’s more if I think about it! How do you see the OTW as being accountable to its assorted constituents–fandom at large; users of the OTW’s projects (AO3 and fanlore users; readers and writers of the journal; recipients of legal aid; volunteers; staff; etc.) What would you do on the board to make sure that all those groups have the information they need when they need it? I do see the OTW as accountable to all of those constituencies, although we should remember that theyre not monolithic. Although the OTW might like to be all things to all people, we probably cant be, and there will be groups within each constituency that disagree with other groups within the same constituency. Since the OTW is an umbrella organization for them all, the only way we can really be accountable is to know what those groups want and need, and provide as much of it as we can. When the interests conflict as I hope they seldom do! we will have to apply our own judgment about which route to take and which priorities to devote our energies to. Ditto for when our resources are just too small to do everything we may want to do. So for me, accountability means listening. How do we listen? Thats tougher. Surveys, feedback forms, paying attention to how people use the orgs resources, outreach to groups we want to include who may not yet feel included Im open to more suggestions, as well, as part of my own accountability! I am the first to admit that I dont know what the priorities of all of the OTWs varying constituencies are, and I want to learn. How do we make sure that everyone gets the information they need, when they need it? The newsletter and the OTW blog are good starts (and we can make them even more informative, especially the newsletter), but I feel like one of the challenges with any organization like this is that people dont always know that they need information they might be able to find it if they looked, but they dont know that its out there. I think the more we have our voices in the places our members inhabit, the better. From there, we can get a better sense of what our various constituencies want and how and whether we will be able to provide it. I could go on and on! but to be reasonable, /done I was happy to hear some of the candidates specifically mention outreach as one of their concerns in the chat transcript. However, I’d like to ask /all/ of the candidates if they could detail any ideas they have for specific plans of action that can be taken in the upcoming year to help the OTW reach out to fannish communities outside Western media journaling fandom. This question was in the first batch of overflow from the second candidate chat. Questions submitted to candidates at 23:40/11:40pm UTC 26 October 2011; answers due before 23:40/11:40pm UTC 27 October 2011. I agree with the questioner that outreach is an important goal. We need to make sure that we do not stretch beyond our capacity to serve, but at the same time, we also need to be inclusive and inviting. If we do not strive to reach beyond Western media journaling fandoms, then we will never fully satisfy our mission as an organization. I have a few concrete ideas, which Im sure will grow into many as I think more about outreach. Job one, from my perspective, is finding out where the gaps are what areas of fandom are we missing? I think this is one of those questions that may managed through crowdsourcingask the membership and the volunteers what fannish communities they think we should be reaching out to and how we can find them. Some are barely even online. The Board needs to do its own research, as well, but we should trust that the knowledge of the population is great! Then we can reach out to underrepresented communities to see what they need and how we can help them. As I see it, outreach isnt just about growing our roster and archive its about providing fandoms with helpful resources and advocacy. I may not know what a given fannish community might needbut I bet they do! Find the moderators of online communities, leaders of clubs, con organizers, etc. and ask them what they need. Invite them personally to take part in the Archive, to describe their fandom in fanlore, to preserve their groups works using Open Doors, and invite their friends. This is small, but I think significant: we can reach out to academics who study other fannish communities by publishing articles about them communities in TWC. This can only help bring members of those communities to the OTW door. There will be a whole upcoming TWC issue on Boys Love; this is a good start and one that may be repeatable for other fandoms outside the Western media journaling sphere. Finally, and this is a more general desire but I think it fits here: Im very enamored with the idea of a monthly e-mail newsletter that goes from the Board to all OTW members, discussing what the organization is up to and identifying items likely to be of particular interest to the membership. This is a transparency measure, but I think also a great outreach tool, as the newsletter can be forwarded to those outside the current OTW roster to create interest in the org. The OTW still seems to have trouble connecting with large numbers of people outside of Western media fandoms, particularly anime/manga fandoms. Do you have any concrete ideas about how the OTW should improve outreach towards anime/manga fans? To some extent, my answer to this question is the same as the previous one regarding communities outside Western media journaling fandom more generally. In addition to those strategieshere, too, I think that communicating directly with leaders in anime and manga communities is central to building momentumI have a few additional ideas specific to anime and manga: Link and/or create resources for fansubbing and scanlation (as we have for viding) Seek out anime and manga fandoms for Open Doors treatment Add information as appropriate about the OTW to relevant Wikipedia pages that address anime- and manga- fandom related topics Include an expert on Japanese law on the legal committee for all candidates: what are their concrete plans for outreach to underrepresented sections of fandom? My answer to this is similar, in a general sense, to my answer about outreach to communities outside Western media journaling fandom: job one is figuring out what sections of fandom are underrepresented. Find out from the membership: who feels like theyre lonely in the OTW? How do we make them not-lonely? From there, I think its a matter of concerted communication and finding out what those sections of fandom want and making sure that (a) we provide it and (b) they know we provide it. Create task forces or new tools if we dont have them; invite members of those underrepresented sections to participate directly in the process of making the org better for them. I listed some concrete outreach ideas in my earlier answer regarding fannish communities outside Western media journaling fandom, but those dealt principally with figuring out how to import fannish communities into the OTW. Knowing how to develop representation from underrepresented communities is even harder, because we may not yet know why those communities are underrepresented. I want to make clear that Im not dodging the question of concrete stepsIts just that, beyond identifying underrepresented groups and inviting direct participation, I dont feel like I can predict the next concrete next steps until we really know what these underrepresented sections need and want. I don’t know how appropriate a question this is, but sanders was suggesting having monthly chair meetings and discussion posts manned by volunteers, and already in Systems we are finding it burdensome with our load to attend to some of the administrativa demanded of us, such as the two-hour org-wide. There were, at some point, chair meetings that were occurring that we found burdensome and, truthfully, irrelevant to us, and we were grateful when these dropped off. I don’t doubt the above would be helpful for transparency, but how would sanders propose to ameliorate the increased overhead to the various committees, some of which aren’t perhaps prepared for it? This question was in the second batch of overflow from the second candidate chat. Questions submitted to candidates at 00:30/12:30am UTC 27 October 2011; answers due before 00:30/12:30am UTC 28 October 2011. As a general matter, I think regular meetings are good things. They increase communication, keep interest and enthusiasm high, facilitate easy information flow. Ive been on a lot of boards and committees, and run large litigation teams, and most of the time when those have had regular meetings theyve not only worked better, but also had better morale, because everyone has felt like they had a voice. So I do agree with sanders that coordination among committees and frequent, easy communication both to and from the membership are important, and meetings and manned discussions are ways to achieve that. But it is incumbent upon those holding regular meetings and discussions to make sure theyre not burdensome. Make them efficient, share responsibility, hold them no more often than necessary, and such. If regular meetings are an undue burden on Systems, then something should be done to address thatfor example, spread out the responsibilities among committee members, make them optional depending on whats on the agenda, provide opportunities that dont require presence at a particular timethe exact right approach depends on the situation. Everyone working for this org is a volunteer and the work shouldnt start to feel like an obligation. Earlier this year the servers were named in a problem-filled poll, and the way it was handled and the outcome upset many people. This situation brings up questions about the OTW’s priorities, fandom diversity, and transparency. (Take a pause to appreciate my Oxford comma.) If you were involved in this discussion, what was your input and how did you encourage the board to vote? If you were not, what would have been your input and vote as a board member? What will you do to prevent something like this from happening again? (Please be specific in regards to fandom diversity and transparency.) Are you in favor of voting transparency, and therefore accountability, for the board? I am not familiar with this particular situation or its history, so I dont feel qualified to address its specifics. I will say that from my experience on various boards, committees, and teams, this sort of thing is usually the result of lapses in communicationthe Board not providing information to stakeholders, and not providing avenues for stakeholders to weigh in. This is particularly true when stakeholders are working hard, with their boots on the ground, and may have information that the Board doesnt have. Outcomes are not always idealin some situations it is not possible to please everyone. But if communication is good, even if someone doesnt like a particular outcome, they can understand why it came out that way. When communication is bad, the person who doesnt like the outcome just walks away upset. Naturally, I prefer the former to the latter! Since I dont know the story, I dont know what specific steps Id take to prevent it from happening again. But I do think that disrespect leaves a mark, whether its intended or not. In this organization, as in any community (and even more with this one, because it is a labor of love for so many) it is crucial to treat everyone with respect, to communicate, and to recognize that everyone is doing their utmost to make the organization succeed. As for voting transparency, I do not yet know this Boards internal procedures (such as what matters are voted on and what matters are determined through a process of consensus), but as a general matter I am in favor of voting transparency. The copyright (fair use) advocacy issues that the OTW works on and the TWC journal are two of the aspects of OTW’s mission that are near and dear to my heart and a significant part of the reason why I have volunteered for and donated to the OTW. How do you think the OTW board as a whole can continue to support and further encourage these and similar projects? What about these projects do you personally value and what relevant skills/interests/experiences will you bring to your term on the Board that can help in this area? Get ready for a tl;dr. Sorry in advance, but this is my stuff. As a legal scholar, the legal advocacy issues and TWC journal are near and dear to my heart, as well. They are what drew me to the OTW initially they and the archive, which I use as both a creator and consumer and I am passionate about them. What do I personally value about them? The journal opens up the worlds of transformative culture to an audience that may not already be familiar with them, and does so in a thoughtful manner. I have long thought that one of the greatest challenges fandom faces is its in the closet nature, which means that people who participate in fandom are often not its spokespeople. TWC provides a crucial legitimizing window into fandom. As for legal advocacy, not to go too far into a flight of fancy, but the relationship of creativity to the law is a particular interest of mine. The law can help foster creativity, or stifle it, and too often it does the latter while purporting to do the former. We live in a world where people are often afraid to express themselves for all too many reasons: social, cultural, personallegal reasons shouldnt be among them. (None of them should! But legal problems are solveable; the others are harder.) As creative people it is our responsibility to make sure that the law reflects, permits, and even encourages the wide and free expression that brings us, and so many others, joy. It sounds flippant to say that I think the board can support them bysupporting them, but I mean it. Heres what I mean: Because the legal mission and the journal are both, mostly, self-sustaining without input from large populations of volunteers, they can easily get brushed aside as things not to worry about. I know that our committees regular update of still not sued! helps perpetuate the notion that all we do is sit around and wait for a lawsuit, and thats not true at all. We field inquiries from fen, we work with the board and other committees on developing org policies, we write materials for public and political consumptionright now members of the legal committee are working on the orgs official support for a continued DMCA exemption for transformative works. This work is crucial to the orgs mission, but its mostly in the background. The same is true for the journal: from the point of view of many of us, it just magically appears, with its amazing content, and although I am sure a huge amount of work went into it, it was all in the background. So, what can the Board do to support them? The Board can view the various components of the workeach inquiry, each draft, each articleas an accomplishment in itself and not just a background item. With legal, it may be tough to promote all of that work because of confidentiality concerns, but when there arent confidentiality concerns, one key type of support is cheerleading: look what this amazing group of people just did! The other kind of support is the support that brings in some of my personal skills/interests/experience, which is building connections outside of fandom, with other academics, scholars, lawyers, public interest groups, and the like. I am active in these communitiesI work with the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, which is a First Amendment advocacy group; I go to conferences of scholars on intellectual property law; I am a member of the Los Angeles Copyright Society (a group consisting largely of entertainment studio lawyers!); I have a relationship with other advocacy organizations, like the Berkman Center for Internet & Society and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. I can work to develop relationships between the OTW and these (and other) groups with common interests, to build the respect, legitimacy, and legal understanding that these segments of the organization work toward. A current known challenge of the organization seems to be volunteer retention and burnout. For example, the majority of the Archive of Our Own’s coding is done by a small number of developers. For all candidates–what practices would you change in the committees you work with to bring in more volunteers and empower them to become long-term, regular contributors? How would you use a board position to do the same org-wide? This question was in the third batch of overflow from the second candidate chat. Questions submitted to candidates at 01:15/1:15am UTC 29 October 2011; answers due before 01:15/1:15am UTC 30 October 2011. Im fortunate to be a member of the legal committee, which has a more manageable workload than others. The legal committee hasnt had much difficulty handling its workload while Ive been on it theres always someone to step in and help when someone else is busy. On an org-wide basis, I think that committee chairs should be able to expand the size of their committees to meet workload demands. As for retaining volunteers, I think that recognition goes a long way to keeping morale up, so Id encourage the org to recognize individual staffers and volunteers when they contributevia the newsletter, the blog, or some other mechanism designed to make sure the membership knows just how much our awesome people do and how well they do it!! I also think that in-person contact can help keep morale up, so Id encourage meetups for staffers and volunteers who live near each other and want to get to know each other. Of course, one of the few downsides to being such a fantastically global organization is that we have staffers and volunteers all over the world, and often far away from each other! But regardless of where people live, community is important; when people feel invested in each other, they are more likely to stick around to contribute. For that reason, I would encourage each committee to get to know each other as more than just names on the screen. Ive been hearing a lot of interesting ideas from the candidates, but at the same time, some of these ideas make me worry. For example, the suggestion to open up the wiki to the public: something like that is not at all simple and is absolutely extra work and a matter of extreme effort; it would require, as an absolutely key part of the whole proposal, volunteers across multiple committees to review the entire wiki. When I hear this and other suggestions tossed out right next to statements about volunteer sustainability and burnout, saying we dont have enough people for various tasks, this is really troubling to me and I fear that a lot of these great ideas create more work that results in losing more people. As a candidate, how do you plan to balance these needs? Im hearing a lot of ideas, but how do you plan to incorporate these into an approach that helps our sustainability? Every new idea has to be considered with an eye to feasibility and benefit whether it will create extra work, and if it will, whether the benefit justifies the extra work. If the benefit does justify the extra work, then we have to figure out how to get the work done without creating an undue burden on staffers and volunteers. This may involve bringing in more staffers and volunteers, or relinquishing other projects, or passing up/postponing ideas that we might otherwise like. Not every new idea may be possible or advisablebut we should keep having ideas! As for Naomis specific idea of opening up the wiki, Im not sure whether its something Id support. It might beI can see the benefits of opening up at least part of the internal wikibut Id have to hear more about the logistics and workloads before I could make a decision. There’s been some discussion since the first chat about the time commitment required for serving on the Board, and what that means for Board Members who also have other roles within the OTW. How will you balance your role as a Board Member and committee liaison with your other commitments within the organization? Here, again, Im fortunate to be on the legal committee, which has a more manageable workload than others. Although Board service does add a significant time commitment and may require me to adjust some of my other work, Im fortunate that my life in academia allows me some flexibility about when I do my work. As a result, I dont expect to have trouble managing my workload for both the Board and the legal committee. [Question One] Hi, I was reading the answers to the question Betsy and Naomi were asked about concrete plans that were posted in the follow-up to the first chat, and I still didn’t see specific, concrete plans that they expect to initiate, carry out, or guide from the Board. Maybe I misunderstood the question? I would like to hear their concrete plans and priorities, though. Naomi’s answer seemed to be meditations on how to work in a group, which I thought was a very small-scope perspective on the question. Betsy’s seemed to answer the question, for me, but it was still vague and nebulous. Could they both expand on this, please? [Question Two] With regards to Naomi Novik’s answer in the last chat and in the follow up: As one of the two who asked for follow up, I want to clarify that the question was what, specifically will you be working on as a board member and how. The original question was also aimed at what, individually, we are seeing as priorities, not at our philosophical approach. I think the list you’ve presented is absolutely great as a set of guidelines for how we all go about the general work of the board. However, it still doesn’t address what you, as an individual, intend to bring to the table. Will you focus on building communication in the organization, helping to put in place a long term strategic plan, work on increasing the transparency of the organization by finding means of actively using member feedback? Are you offering yourself up as someone who will work with the board and staff to set ground rules for how we conduct business? In short, what will you actually be doing as a board member? I am continuing to push at this question because I haven’t had the chance to work closely with you before, and I really do want to understand where you’re coming from and what your priorities are in terms of concrete work we would be doing as board members. The philosophical standpoint is, of course, immensely important, but so is the ability to articulate the steps needed to fulfill that philosophy. This question was in the fourth batch of overflow from the second candidate chat. Questions submitted to candidates at 16:30/4:30pm UTC 31 October 2011; answers due before 16:30/4:30pm UTC 1 November 2011. I feel like my answers to this question are necessarily a bit vaguenot because I dont have priorities and plans, but because so much of being part of a Board is knowing how to work with other Board members, working to build consensus, and doing whatever the group as a whole requires. I have a lot of experience on boards and committees, and one of the many things Ive learned through those experiences is that marching into a deliberative body with an agenda of concrete demands is often a recipe for tension and dissension, and thats not an environment I want to create. I agreed with Naomi that one of my concrete priorities is to facilitate the smooth and collaborative working of the Board; the reason for that agreement is my experience on boards and committees that have run smoothly, and those that havent. My concrete plans for keeping the Board collaborative and effective are, frankly, very similar to Naomisit seems like we have had similar board experiences!and include being responsive, volunteering creative ideas, acknowledging and praising the good ideas of others, recognizing when discussions are getting tense, stepping forward for my priorities and back for things I am less attached to, and other fundamental cooperation-type approaches. I also, naturally, have concrete ideas and priorities that I want to guide from the Board. These relate broadly to goals in the legal arena, improved communication, and outreach/inclusiveness. I want to note that at least some of these can be described as more/better of what we already do. This shouldnt be mistaken for complacency, but rather a sense that concrete ideas dont always have to be ideas for drastic change. acting as a liaison between the Board and the Legal Committee; reaching out to and coordinating with other copyright advocacy organizations and legal scholars. We do some of this, but we can and should do more; seeking out opportunities for legal advocacy not only in the judicial and legislative sense (which we do currently, and should continue avidly) but also in the context of encouraging and assisting legal scholars, since legal scholarship is often influential in shaping copyright policy around the world; instituting a regular e-mail update from the Board, much like those used by the EFF and the Citizen Media Law Project (among others) that describes the OTWs current activities as well as other items of interest to the OTWs mission. I envision this as being similar to the newsletter and links roundups that we currently do, but as reaching a wider audience of people who may not regularly check the blog, including members and non-members whose interest we want to foster! *researching what areas of fandom (be they fan communities, or segments of fan communities) we are underserving, and reaching out to active voices in those areas to determine what we can do to make the OTW more inviting, welcoming, and functional for them. As the other candidates noted (especially Julia, in her discussion of what I/O is doing), this is something that the organization is doing already; I hope to bring fresh eyes to the problem to help with the effort. By singling out these concrete plans, I dont mean to imply that those are the only things I want to do on the Board. But I see my chief concrete goal as a very broad one: help the organization fulfill its overall goals. That means reaching out to the membership with open ears to see what we are and arent doing well; doing more of whats working, and changing whats not. From that process, concrete plans emerge. Hi again, I wanted to pose a question that is similar to one that was asked previously: can the candidates talk about the specific things they have done while working in the OTW over the past year that have promoted organizational sustainability? I’m interested particularly in something I’ve seen in OTW materials before: “We’re building the builders.” How have the candidates carried that out recently as applied to volunteers and future leaders of the organization? I’d be especially interested if they could talk about both technical and non-technical roles, and about how they expect to “build” future board members once they join the board. I like this question, because its something I have been doing without thinking about, and its good to think about how I can improve. Ive done two things: first, Ive worked together with others on the Legal committee on collaborative projects like responding to fan inquiries and updating the Wikipedia page on Legal Issues in Fanfiction. I think of this as fostering sustainability because each of these projects has involved being responsive to how much time and experience the other people on the projects have to devote, and trying to keep them happy with their level of work and involvement. The other thing is word-c2-of-mouth recruitment. I joined the OTW, and then the Legal committee, because friends suggested it would be a good fit; now Im paying that forward. I am naturally pretty effusive about the OTW, and encourage friendslawyers, legal scholarsto get involved when they share my interests in fair use and fandom. This is the sort of gradual process that I expect will, eventually, yield new Legal committee members. But this is something I can do more of, and do better. I like the idea of building the builders, and as part of my role on the board, I foresee myself not only continuing to bring people into the organization from the outside, but also communicating directly with volunteers and staffers and encouraging them to take on leadership roles they seem suited to. What do you see as the role of the Board in soliciting user, member, staff and volunteer feedback? How will you prioritize this during your term as a Board Member? This question was in the fifth batch of overflow from the second candidate chat. Questions submitted to candidates at 16:05/4:05pm UTC 1 November 2011; answers due before 16:05/4:05pm UTC 2 November 2011. I see soliciting feedbackeither directly or indirectly, through committee-based surveys, site use analysis, or other toolsas an important responsibility of the Board, and I see that responsibility as having, in the most general sense, three aspects. The first is solicitation of internal feedback from volunteers and staffers, to maintain an open working relationship between the Board and the committees. The second is solicitation of feedback from users and members, to stay aware of the ways in which the organization as a whole is serving these constituencies and how it can improve. The third, which may seem elementary but is essential, is listening to the feedback and making decisions based on it. Julia and Jenny both mention sustainability as one of their priorities for the Board in their candidate statements, and I’ve seen the term also mentioned in other discussions of the election by both members and staff. My question for all the candidates is what do you see as the biggest challenge to sustainability within the OTW, and how will you work towards ensuring a sustainable future for the org during your time on the Board. The biggest challenge I see to sustainability within the OTW is that the OTW has a lot of moving parts, and each part requires a lot of work and attention to run smoothly. Making those parts run is a labor of love for many, but even a labor of love can start to feel like toil if its too demanding or under-recognized. I plan to work toward sustainability by promoting retention and programs that do not require constant attention to continue operating. Re: Retention- Naturally, people will come and go from any organization, but I see one key to sustainability as maintaining a steady core of staffers and volunteers as much as possible. The more happy people stay with the organization, the more institutional memory it retains, and the more smoothly it runs. Each committee will know best how to manage its workload, but I see the role of the Board as setting priorities and facilitating that management in a way that doesnt overburden workers or push them away. This requires vigilance in maintaining a manageable workload for staffers and volunteers (and proposing adjustments to staff size and project priority as necessary to maintain these things); and public recognition of the hard work and accomplishment of the scores of staffers and volunteers that make the organization function. Re: program supervision- One key to sustainability of any organization is creating frameworks that allow projects to continue without constant attention. This doesnt mean that any of the organizations projects can or should be ignoredquite the oppositebut in the best world, we can focus our energy on improving our offerings, rather than maintaining them. I think some of our programs do that very well already, but Id like to take a good look at how we can improve in making our programs “run themselves” so we can offer as much as possible without the need for an even larger battalion of volunteers. Many candidates are talking about transparency and the need for better communication. I am a casual user of the AO3 and have no idea what these buzzwords mean in a ‘real world’ context, why they’re important to someone like me, and what the candidates are actually planning to change. Good question! Its easy to get caught up in buzzwords without getting to what they mean. Heres how I see transparency and communication working for a casual user of the AO3: – For you to get all you want out of the archive, the organization needs to be able to know what aspects of the archive work really well for you, what aspects you think can/should be improved, what you use the archive for, and what you would like the archive to do that it doesnt yet do. Getting that information from you, using it to improve your archive experience, and making sure you know everything the archive has to offer, is the essence of communication. – Now lets say theres a decision made about the AO3 that you particularly like or dislikerules about what it allows or doesnt allow, for exampleand you want to understand why the decision came out the way it did. Being able to know how the organization came to its decision, and the reasons for the decision (so you can celebrate it or argue for change, depending on your preference!) is the essence of transparency. – What am I actually planning to change? I think we can do an even better job of getting feedback and applying it, getting information about the OTW and its offerings into the hands of users, and making interested members feel like they are included in the organizations deliberative processes. I dont think these things require huge changes, but rather refinements in process and attitude. I’ve been hearing a lot about volunteer retention and burnout, but I have a question about the flip side of the sustainability issue. It seems to me that one of the biggest challenges facing the OTW right now is lowering the barriers to casual participation, to the small, bite-sized things people can do to help sustain the org. Right now, submitting a bit of code or wrangling a tag requires a whole process for anyone who just wants to help a tiny bit, as they can (by contrast, contributing to Fanlore is significantly easier, and I know that committee has done a lot of work to lower barriers). Some OTW projects don’t seem like they would lend themselves as well to casual participation, but it seems like a lot of our work could benefit from this, and I feel like I’m not seeing enough focus on this from the org as a whole. I feel like we’d have less burnout if we had more people to spread the burden, in bits and pieces. What do you, as a Board candidate, think of barriers to participation in the org right now? Do you think they need to be lowered? If so, what concrete, specific plans do you plan to pursue to do this? How do you plan to acknowledge and reward casual participation without devaluing the work of the more “official” volunteers? How do you plan to balance the needs of casual contributors, volunteers, and staff? This question was in the sixth batch of overflow from the second candidate chat. I think the questioner is right that some projects are better suited to casual participation than others, and I love the idea of lowering the barriers to participation for tasks that might allow people to participate more casually. I dont know, myself, which projects require a lot of dedicated time and which can be done modularlythe individual committee chairs undoubtedly have a lot more knowledge on that frontbut Id love for the organization as a whole to keep casual participation more in mind. I have one significant caveat, however: Ive discussed before what I see as the benefits of community-building to sustainability, and I support making volunteering and committee work a community-creating, social experience whenever possible. The more we distribute tiny tasks to more people, the less sense of community and dedication to quality they may feel, and the more errors our more devoted staffers and volunteers may end up having to fix. So as a general principle, I like the idea, but before deciding on concrete plans Id want to consult more with each committee to find out how often its feasible and how often it results in errors. As for acknowledging and rewarding casual participation, I think attribution is very important. The more we can acknowledge our volunteers (casual or otherwise) the better; we can do this publicly on the blog, on the web pages for various projects, on twitter (etc.) and internally in places like the internal wiki and internal meetings (such as the all-c2-org). I would like to ask both Betsy and Naomi why they seem to think their respective committees are so particularly special that they require representation on the Board – why shouldn’t that also be true just as much for, say, DevMem or Wiki or Support? Or rather, untrue for all: I assume that healthy board-chairs relationships would solve the issue of representation. As a general matter, I believe that every nonprofit board should include at least one lawyer. Legal considerations (What rights does the org or the board have? What duties and responsibilities are borne by the board or the org as a whole? What rules govern a given situation? Are we doing something that could get us sued?) are a constant background presenceand sometimes a foreground presencein board deliberations and decision-making. If theres a lawyer in the room, so to speak, theres someone looking out for these issues, whos more likely to spot them when others might not, and who can address them in real time. Without question, the Board can (and sometimes does) ask the Legal Committee a particular question about a particular policy. But there are a thousand little moments when the Board wouldnt even know to ask. For as long as Ive been involved with the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, its made a point of having an attorney serve on the Board, even though it has its own counsel that serves the purpose of our Legal Committee. The same is true for other nonprofits Ive been involved with, such as Lambda Legal, which has many attorneys on its Board. To quote someone I respect a great deal: a good lawyer helps her client do what it wants legally and ethically by being part of the clients projects from the beginning, and being on the Board would allow me not only to do that for the Board, but also for the various committees and projects; I can worry about the law stuff so they dont have to. So I think of the matter of having a resident lawyer on the Board as serving a different purpose from the Legal committee, although both are important. I do think that theres an added benefit to having a member of the Legal committee on the Board, to serve as a bridge between the Board, which steers the organizations legal advocacy mission as a whole, and the people who carry out that mission (the committee). Its possible that the relationship between large-scale steering of that mission and the nitty gritty work may be closer for Legal than for other committees, since Legal splits its time between carrying out the advocacy mission as directed by the Board and carrying out the discrete project of responding to queries (much like the other committees carry out discrete projects such as operating a journal, wiki, archive, etc.). In the past, the Board has generally included a member of Legal (the chair, Rebecca Tushnet), but I wouldnt say that makes Legal special; certainly, good Board/committee communication is crucial for the success of all committees, and for the success of the organization as a whole. I want to emphasize that I support having Board members representing as many of the different committees as possible, so that we can learn from each others experiences. As it happens, I have more personal knowledge and experience with the orgs legal advocacy activities than with the activities of the other committees. I am really looking forward to getting more involved in the Journal, the Archive, Communications…all of the committee roles. I look forward to learning more about what a Tag Wrangler does, and how the Archive works inside. The more the Board is comprised of people who have personal experience in diverse roles, from my standpoint, the better. So while I believe that its beneficial to have a member of Legal on the Board of an organization that counts legal advocacy among its missionsand beneficial to have a lawyer on the Board of any nonprofitI certainly wouldnt want a Board of all lawyers or all legal committee members. 2011 Candidate Profile: Lucy Pearson 2011 Candidate Profile: Nikisha Sanders	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1139
__label__wiki	0.770779	0.770779	Governor’s Committee honors employers who hire people with disabilities Media contact: Melinda Johnson, Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment, 509-482-3854 OLYMPIA – The Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment and the Washington State Business Leadership Network has honored seven public and private employers for their exemplary work recruiting, hiring, retaining and promoting individuals with disabilities. “People who have disabilities offer tremendous energy and talent,” said Chris Carnell, Governor’s Committee chairman. “These award winners are reaping the benefit of that resource and acting as role models for other Washington employers.” Winners of the 2015 Governor’s Employer Awards Program are: Pioneer Human Services — Seattle South Perry Pizza — Spokane Electronetics, LLC — Everett Hop Jack’s, A Neighborhood Gathering Place — Silverdale Washington State Department of Licensing — Olympia Joint Base Lewis-McChord Army & Air Force Exchange Services Client Assistance Program — Seattle Washington businesses, agencies, organizations and individuals submitted the nominations and a panel of GCDE members, business representatives and previous award recipients selected this year’s honorees. The committee also honored Bruce Rafford for his commitment to people with disabilities. Rafford received the Governor’s Trophy in Memory of Carolyn Blair Brown, which is the highest honor given to someone with a disability who has significantly empowered people with disabilities in Washington. Unconnected to any organization and using his own resources, Rafford successfully advocates for accessibility in public and private facilities. The Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment advises the governor, Legislature, state agencies and other policy makers on issues important to people with disabilities. For interviews with the award winners or photos from the Oct. 30 ceremony, contact Melinda Johnson. For more information about the GCDE, contact Toby Olson, executive secretary, 360-902-9489. Follow ESD on social media: Twitter: @ESDwaWorks \| Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonESD YouTube: WashingtonESD \| ESD’s Blog: https://washingtonesd.wordpress.com/	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1144
__label__cc	0.630131	0.369869	Law Firm Tune-up When It Comes to Innovation, Lawyers Are Being Left Behind One of the most frequent excuses we hear for the glacial pace of innovation and problem-solving in the legal profession is that our ethical rules are too confining. Eric Cooperstein and Megan Zavieh propose to remove this last barrier and use this 4-part series to highlight the ethical rules that most desperately need updating. Excuses be damned, these changes would free lawyers to innovate, adapt, and‚ hopefully‚ bridge the gaping access-to-justice divide. This series focuses on updating the Rules of Professional Conduct that threaten the very future of law practice. In our first post on revising lawyers’ ethics rules, we argued that an overhaul of the advertising rules is long overdue. Today we explore Rule 5 of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which is ripe for innovation in its own right. Professional Independence – Rule 5.4 Let’s begin with Rule 5.4, which purports to govern lawyers’ professional independence and prevent lawyers from sharing fees with non-lawyers. To set the tone, here’s a composite of several conversations we’ve had with lawyers about the scope of Rule 5.4: Can I incentivize my non-lawyer employees by paying them a percentage of the fees on files if they meet efficiency goals on that case? No. Rule 5.4 prohibits that. Can I defray the costs of rolling out a web-based platform for serving more clients by paying my web developer based on the volume of business generated? Nope. Rule 5.4 prohibits that. Well, can I get some venture capital to fund the franchising of my law firm concept and in exchange give the funders a 10% interest in the business? No dice. You got it—Rule 5.4. Rule 5.4 says lawyers cannot share fees with non-lawyers. So no per-case bonuses, no law-firm ownership for non-lawyers, and no referral fees. Without these guardrails, the thinking goes, hordes of money-hungry non-lawyers will improperly influence lawyers to settle cases prematurely or abandon difficult, unprofitable clients. Rule 5.4 protects the profession, and therefore clients, from the ugliness of the capitalist marketplace. A lawyer’s judgment is influenced by financial pressures every day. Oh, those weak-willed, spineless lawyers! One might wonder how they dress themselves each morning, let alone represent their clients’ diverse, complex, high-stakes interests. Thank heavens Rule 5.4 insulates us from Machiavellian business interests. How ironic that other ethics rules—especially Rules 4.2 (contact with represented persons) and 4.3 (contact with unrepresented persons)—protect the public from lawyers’ interrogation and negotiation superpowers. Maybe sharing fees with non-lawyers is our kryptonite? Rule 5.4 assumes lawyers are unable to maintain independence if a non-lawyer owns a financial stake in the entity providing legal services. This is absurd and, frankly, insulting. With all of ethics rules to which we are subject, the duties we owe our clients and the courts, and the manner in which we are entrusted with client funds, we as a profession have somehow deemed it necessary to protect ourselves from outside financial investment? Notably, our rules do not explicitly prohibit investment in our law firm by a manipulative and ill-willed licensed attorney who could just as easily corrupt our professional judgment. Rule 5.4 says that no matter how upstanding lawyers are as a profession, and no matter how much the public trusts us, when it comes to money, we are so susceptible to influence that we must protect ourselves from ourselves. Oy. We wonder why the public doesn’t trust lawyers? We don’t trust ourselves. The prophecy has been self-fulfilled. We Are Stronger Than Regulators Think A lawyer’s judgment is influenced daily by financial pressures. Undoubtedly, Rule 5.4’s drafters knew about work in a private law firm. But perhaps they drafted the rule before billable-hours goals, utilization and realization rates, and per-partner profitability came into vogue. Because struggling solo lawyers feel pressure to settle cases (if only to manage their financial exposure). Lawyers with “mill practices” emphasize high volume over personalized client attention. Thinking we need to protect the public by limiting lawyers’ financial relationships with non-lawyers sounds noble (maybe), but it lacks support in the empirical data. It appears that most innovation in the legal profession is coming from outside the practice and is being spearheaded by non-lawyers. Experiments with non-lawyer ownership of law firms have yet to collapse any democratic legal systems. The District of Colombia Rules of Professional Conduct allow non-lawyers to own up to 25% of a law firm. Great Britain began allowing non-lawyer ownership of law firms in 2011. And Australian non-lawyers have been permitted to purchase equity interests in law firms since 2007. Sadly, it appears that most innovation in the legal profession is coming from outside the practice and is being spearheaded by non-lawyers. Legal Zoom and Avvo have built super-charged internet engines to identify potential consumers of legal services, increase access to legal services, and—to the extent lawyers provide those services—control how the work is routed to lawyers and how much the lawyers are paid. What roles have lawyers played in these developments? Very few, if any. Except, of course, to oppose them. Fixing the access to justice gap will require innovation. Indeed, the gap has proven so stubbornly resistant to decades of lukewarm policy tweaks that we can conclude a fix will demand game-changing innovation. Other issues plaguing the legal profession will benefit, too. Innovation requires significant investments of time and money. Practicing lawyers—whose days are often filled only with their provision of legal services—have proven unable (and, perhaps, unwilling) to reinvest their time and money into meaningful innovation. Lawyers Funding Lawyers Some lawyers manage to make it happen. Erin Levine of Levine Family Law Group, a full-service family law firm, recently built and launched Hello Divorce, a self-help platform for California family law litigants. She kept her firm open and helping people during her innovation cycle. But most lawyers with great ideas for innovation can’t fathom launching a powerful new innovation at all, let alone doing it while continuing to run a law firm. Our observation is that lawyers at the forefront of innovation—often with an access-to-justice angle, but not exclusively—seem to be leaving their law practices entirely. Take, for example, Chad Burton of CuroStudio and CuroLegal and his former partner Nicole Braddick of Theory and Principle as two examples. There are more. When they stop practicing law, the rules let them solicit investors. But relying on innovation by non-lawyers and so-called “recovering” lawyers is fraught. Our rules—or, more precisely, states’ implementation of the Model Rules—hinder the innovation process. Every entity currently offering legal services lacks access to catalytic outside investment. Imagine if Uber could have launched and grown only by reinvesting its profits (or by relying on taxi companies and their drivers to give them money to develop their disruptive technology and implement their vision). The game-changing innovations would never have happened. What are we leaving on the table? What could outside investment unlock in our industry? Consider a law firm that wants to implement a costly custom software solution to allow its lawyers to take and resolve pro bono matters at scale. Or a non-profit or low bono firm that needs a significant influx of cash to create and implement a new solution to grow its services. The profession’s allergy to outside cash prevents these entities from creating or implementing tools that could—without hyperbole—change the way our profession and our society delivers legal services and bridges the yawning access-to-justice divide. Arrogance Preventing Meaningful Change While Lawyers Are Left In The Cold Maybe it’s plain arrogance that lets lawyers believe that other professions have nothing to teach us about business or innovation, or that partnerships with non-lawyers cannot grow the market for legal services. Still, while lawyers sit around grinding our collective teeth about Legal Zoom, long-established market forces drive non-lawyers and their capital to carve up and repackage a host of services that we used to regard as the practice of law. We have long known, for example, that accounting firms provide tax consulting and strategic planning services that look an awful lot like giving legal advice. There are entire industries that provide employers with “out-sourced” human resources services, assist closely-held businesses in converting to employee-owned (ESOP) companies, review discovery documents, and facilitate completing and filing mechanics liens. Non-lawyers can own these companies and provide services that used to be performed by lawyers alone. Notably, they can also accept and leverage investors’ cash to do it better, more efficiently, and in more innovative ways. Maybe it’s plain arrogance that lets lawyers believe that other professions have nothing to teach us about business or innovation. This trend is not limited to transactional work. The Social Security Administration has decided that non-lawyers may represent claimants in hearings before administrative law judges. That process, for the uninitiated, involves direct examination of the claimant, cross-examination of government experts, and making legal arguments to the ALJ. A social security benefits services company—not organized or holding itself out as a law firm—is doing exactly the things that lawyers have always thought was their birthright. In Washington State, the nascent Limited License Legal Technician program allows “technicians” to provide some legal services after completing a one-year educational program and 2,000 hours of field experience. The program is limited to family law for the moment, but there are plans to expand to landlord-tenant law and elsewhere. These are just a few examples. These entities are exempt from fee-sharing, trust accounting, multi-jurisdictional practice, non-compete, and advertising rules that restrict how lawyers run their businesses. These “outsiders” innovate, invest, solicit venture capital, and partner with other professionals in ways that lawyers may not. All this because lawyers must be “independent.” There have been efforts to make Rule 5.4 less stifling. But some of the exceptions are as absurd as the rule itself. In some jurisdictions, insurance companies have “captive” law firms that hold themselves out to the public as law firms, but that only defend policyholders of the insurance company that controls the firm. Bar associations—which are, obviously, not licensed to practice law—operate referral services that require lawyers to split fees with them. We are asserting our “independence” straight to our extinction. The practice of law is being carved up like so many cuts of meat, each slice a value-judgment that what lawyers do is not quite so unique as we lawyers think. Lawyers are missing out on the spoils of these new ventures, of course. But the greater missed opportunity is that we are not even part of the conversation. Our argument for change is not theoretical. Change is possible. Like Britain and Australia, we could allow full or partial non-lawyer ownership of law firms. We could allow sharing of legal fees with non-lawyers (while ensuring the lawyer retains complete control over the attorney-client relationship and decision-making process). Until ethics rules evolve, lawyers will struggle under the weight of the old ones that directly cripple their innovation. This crisis should be self-evident: lawyers face possible sanction, clients suffer, and access to justice remains as sticky as ever, all because we lack the will and creativity to create a regulatory regime that fosters innovation and empowers us and our profession. If we continue to do nothing, we’ll just keep getting carved to pieces. The post When It Comes to Innovation, Lawyers Are Being Left Behind appeared first on Lawyerist.com. LAW OFFICE OF ERIC T. COOPERSTEIN, PLLC Eric T. Cooperstein 612-436-2299 (W) 952-261-2843 (C) etc@ethicsmaven.com Nicholas M. Ryan nmr@ethicsmaven.com 800 NICOLLET MALL, SUITE 2600 • MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1149
__label__wiki	0.964237	0.964237	Armenia to join Russia's Union, surprises EU Brussels, 3. Sep 2013, 19:05 Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has said he wants to join a trade and political union with Russia instead of an EU alternative. The decision was announced in a statement on the Kremlin's website during his visit to Moscow to meet Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (3 September). Sargsyan (l) in Moscow with Putin on Tuesday (Photo: kremlin.ru) The Kremlin communique said: "The presidents reaffirmed the focus of the Russian federation and the Republic of Armenia on the further development of economic integration in the Eurasian territory … In this context, Mr Sargsyan said Armenia had decided to join the Customs Union and take the necessary practical steps to subsequently participate in the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union." Sargsyan, before flying back to Yerevan, confirmed the news. But he added, in a statement on his own website, that he still wants good EU relations. "This decision is not a rejection of our dialogue with the European institutions. During recent years, Armenia, with the support of European partners held a number of important institutional reforms. And today's Armenia, in this sense, is considerably a more effective and competitive state than years ago. We intend to continue these reforms also in the future," he said. The news came as a surprise to EU officials. The EU has concluded negotiations on a political association and free trade pact with Armenia and expected to initial it at an EU summit with former Soviet states in Vilnius in November. If Armenia does become a full member of the Russian-led customs bloc, along with Belarus and Kazakhstan, it cannot sign the EU pact at the same time. But Sargsyan might be trying to cherry pick bits of the Russian offer which are compatible with the EU deal. EU diplomats in Yerevan held crisis meetings on Tuesday evening to get an insight into events. A European Commission spokesman told this website: "We are consulting closely with our Armenian partners. When we have all the information, we will, of course, examine all the potential implications of what was announced today." Sargsyan's u-turn was made in the context of tricky developments on Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia is Armenia's main security guarantor in its frozen conflict with Azerbaijan over the breakaway territory. It has a military base in Armenia itself. But in June this year Russia began delivery of some $1 billion of tanks, artillery and rocket launchers to Azerbaijan. Russia in recent weeks has also threatened Moldova and Ukraine, two other former Soviet states which are seeking deeper ties with the EU. It told Moldova that if it inks an EU deal in Vilnius it will cut trade relations and make it harder to solve its conflict with the breakaway territory of Transniestria. It told Ukraine it will take "protective measures" on trade. Putin has said he wants all former Soviet republics, except the Baltic states, which are EU members, to join his customs bloc. He plans to transform it into a political union, the Eurasian Union, in 2015. "There is a saying in Russia: It takes a long time to saddle a horse, but no time at all to make it gallop," a Russian diplomat told EUobserver, referring to the pace of progress on Russia's Eurasian plan. 'Normal' shooting resumes in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict Ukraine urges Russia to accept 'reality' on EU relations Azerbaijan chief paints rosy picture on EU visit Russia bans Moldova wine ahead of EU summit Russia shows its hand on Karabakh Armenia murder galvanises anti-Russia felling The string of recent killings in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is nothing unusual, EU diplomats in the region say. 29. Aug 2013, 10:23 Ukraine's Prime Minister has urged Russia to face the "reality" that his country will create a free trade zone with the EU. EU commission head Barroso gave Azerbaijan chief Aliyev an easy ride on human rights in Brussels on Friday. Russia has banned Moldovan wines and spirits citing health concerns, but critics say it is an attack on the ex-Soviet republic's EU aspirations. If Moscow is hoping that the Caucasus will stay stable ahead of the February Winter Olympics in Sochi, its commanders on the ground do not seem to have gotten the memo. A Russian soldier's murder of an Armenian family and Russia's decision to try him itself has ignited anger at Moscow's colonialist attitude.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1150
__label__cc	0.675127	0.324873	Home Editorial Category Awards Firstsource & BSkyB Partnership wins Outsourcing Excellence Award 2014 TOPICS:AwardsCall CentreContact CentreFirstsourceSky Firstsource Solutions has won the Outsourcing Centre’s Outsourcing Excellence Award 2014 for Best Partnership with its client BSkyB, the UK’s leading entertainment and communications company. This is the fourth time that Firstsource has won an Outsourcing Excellence Award. These annual awards celebrate the best in global outsourcing and the judges select relationships that tangibly demonstrate best practice, create and sustain a competitive advantage, provide business transformation, achieve compelling value, and significantly benefit both buyer and service provider over time. Stephanie Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, Firstsource Solutions, said, “We are delighted to have won this Outsourcing Excellence Award which recognises the outstanding partnership of Firstsource and Sky. Our partnership, which first began in 2001, sets the benchmark for collaboration and mutual benefit and this latest award is one of several that we have received in the last year. It is very gratifying to receive the endorsement of our peers in the outsourcing industry.” Pritesh Patel, Head of Sales Centre for Sky commented, “Firstsource understands our business and what we want to offer our customers. There is an alignment of our goals and aspirations. They completely buy into the Sky ethos of ‘Believe in Better’ and help us achieve this.” Be the first to comment on "Firstsource & BSkyB Partnership wins Outsourcing Excellence Award 2014"	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1158
__label__cc	0.676768	0.323232	Tag Archives: religion Posted on May 16, 2017 by coorgstories Tagged ConconmonitizationculturehinduindiamoneyprophetreligionrickshawspiritualtempleTravelWOMEN CommentsNo Comments on Con-monitization – The 5 legged Cow in a moving Temple Con-monitization – The 5 legged Cow in a moving Temple On the 10th of May, I was traveling from Madikeri to Mysuru & saw this unusual looking 4-wheeler in front of us near Kamplapura. I was craning my neck to get a clear view as it was cloudy, raining & mad driving in a 2-way lane. That’s when my husband said look at the extra limb on cow’s back & the people are taking advantage of its deformity. He continued, see how the vehicle is modified into look like a shrine, picture of one of the prophets is kept decked with flowers & the cow is made to look holy! The 3-ladies & the driver, & perhaps even some more might be making a living out of the deformity of the cow!! Like prostitution, conning is one of the oldest professions in the world. Akin to the prey & the predator of the jungle, wherever “innocent victims” congregate, the Salesmen “concentrate”. I call it CON-monetization (en-cashing on the innocence, ignorance & helplessness of poor people in a cunning way). One has to marvel at their ingenuity, creativity & the ability to fool their fellow beings. Looking at them I remember a famous line from the Kirtane of Kannada Saint Composer Kanakadasa (1509-1609): Ellaru madu-vudu hotte-gagi genu batte-gagi {Ellaru = every one, maduvudu = doing or does, hottegagi = for the sake of stomach, genu = a measurement from the finger tip till the elbow & battegagi = for clothing. In short, everyone is working to fill one’s stomach} be it a King or a pauper, thief or saint, etc., etc. Ironically that piece of cloth is what differentiates the humans from the rest of the living being who walks vertical & has no natural cover! After the mystery of Mother Nature, it’s Religion that always fascinates me. Often I wonder who coined, designed, shaped & coloured something called religion. It’s soft & fragile as a new born, beautiful as a flower petal, fragrant as jasmine, stronger than a earth quake, powerful than a tsunami, brighter like Sun, darker like moon lunar, blind as a mud snake, deaf & dumb like each other & definitely the most used, misused & abused aspect of human life. It has taken more lives & spilt more blood than anything else in the history of mankind. As a Kodava, I am privileged not to be bound or bundled by something called religion & it gives me both an edge to privacy while freedom to watch & learn. I find it very funny when someone tries to lure me (twice I experienced) with the classic “you are such a nice person, you must read our book, it has so many merits” … (I have no idea if there is shortage of good people…) & want to tell them to be humans first & then think of religion. It happens only in India… In India Religious con-monetization & fooling is not just limited to Hinduism but practically wide spread in almost every religion though in different fashions. For example one of the Religions from Middle East has made their Prophet from almost God status into a pure Ghost-Buster (remember the movie & the music?). I am not sure if the Prophet was married or not, wondering what status they would have given her… a she-ghost-buster or a she-warlock? The Religious Salesmen are pro-monetizing* the innocent, the ignorant & the helpless by promising protection from the current & the future ghosts for generations to come!! Guess the entire community of ghosts from India including the ones from Kukkarhalli kere goes to these religious congregations seeking solace & comical action. (*Pro-monetizing, I just made up the word meaning buying human bakras (goats) by converting to boost the volume to accommodate more ghosts even from overseas). I was under the impression that Black magic & Ghosts doesn’t belong to any particular religion… LoL the possessing of Ghosts & the powers of Priestly Salesmen are so funny I can’t just stop laughing… if anyone wants a good laugh for free without going to a standup comedy show you can watch one too many strange & funny videos on you-tube… Everyone will do anything for the sake of filling the stomach be it in a righteous or in an unrighteous manner. It will continue to be till the last man on earth survives & sadly religion is the easiest guise to cover up the con. Posted on December 14, 2016 by coorgstories Tagged culturehealthhinduhinduismindiainidankalilifemanhattanmoviesnew yorkNYCreligionTravelyuga CommentsNo Comments on Kali’s home – Carnal pleasures Kali’s home – Carnal pleasures USA is the world’s Super Power,, and Manhattan is it’s soul & crowning glory , a scion of of diversity & opportunity. Manhattan, perhaps the most well laid block of land in the world, where even a child big enough to read the numbers can navigate, is yet a paranoiac place… I believe Mr. Kali had finally seems to have narrowed down the place for his modus operandi… Manhattan, where even after the 2012 Super Storm Sandy (an unusual phenomenon not seen in decades), could not deter the spirit of Manhattanites!! There are many similarities… between the scenario… then & now! Kali has unlimited powers compared to an average human & a capable shape shifter who can transform at will. Kali is not really a physical entity or body that we could perceive with naked eye but it has the ability to mentally remote control the flora, fauna and people. Kali is like an alien, a virtual power machine which can spread like virus without cure. And humans & machines are the ones really used by Mr. Kali as tools to control the world for example the GM food, DNA modification, computers, mobile & other devices which has reached the remotest corners of the world. It has taken millenniums to bring the rule of Mr. Kali to get into final shape & it almost seems on the verge of completion. Once mind is hacked, with the digital handshake, thegap between the humans are narrowed & the task will be completed once the information is overloaded taming the brain, which loses the ability to think!! End of it there will be no religion (that’s why I kept seeing the different religious connections), no caste bar, grey gender differentiation (that’s why the “T” in LGBT is growing), nothing remains. The world population will turn to Zombie like state under the influence of Mr. Kali till the arrival of the savior, the Son of God in human form. That has to be in human form as man rather Zombies can understand & believe only what is seen or known to them. Mind is the most important aspect of creation & every being has its own mind. However, man is called the intelligent being because his mind & thinking capacity is deemed superior. Yajur Veda says: When you know a man, you know the universe. Charaka (born 300 BC), the main contributor to the Indian medicine Ajurveda says: Man is the epitome of the universe. There is in man as much diversity as in the world outside, & there is in the world as much diversity as in man.’ When the individual becomes aligned with the universe, the lesser cosmos functions as a harmonious unit of the greater. Man is ruled by the mind. It is said that those who control the mind will control the universe. Also every mind (individual mind) is connected to everyone (collective mind) & that’s why when things done in unison the effect can be noticed – for example while praying you can feel the energy as most minds are connected towards the divine. Individual mind – Collective mind – Divine mind. Even though the creator has the overall control such as the birth & death, the in-between choice is given to the individual mind as creator also has bestowed the thinking capacity to the created. Every being has the thinking capacity but the degree varies. The in-between is something which could come under the control of Kali. It is the individual evil mind is what influenced by Kali. For example, if you can enjoy hurting an innocent fellow being such as a child for personal gain of any kind, then they have to be evil. Even the strong willed King Parkishtha came under his influence. Also the human mind is a soft target when it comes to Religion where Mr. Kali could have the easiest influence. In a country like India where the thugs such as the Great Empire (& other barbarians), made sure there was division among the people supported by the succeeding politicians whose main target was to bag votes to gain power & money. That was furthered by the roughish Sales men of the Religion. The religion around the world has been divided subdivided & fragmented over the years, so much so even trivia part of the human body, the facial hair (hair – dead part of the body) is used to identify the religion & hate crimes are committed!! According to Mahabharata, Kali’s arrival on earth coincided with the death of Sri Krishna (Vishnu). However, he was not active until the death of the mighty & righteous Kuru King Parkishit, (grandson of Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers & best friend of Sri Krishna). Strangely Mr. Kali had obtained permission to enter the Earth… in other words it was Legal!! Parikstha, son of Abhimanyu was a unique child from the Middle Vedic period, who while still in his mother Uttara’s womb, was killed by Ashwathama, using Brahmastra, the ultimate weapon of that period, in retaliation to the killing of his father Drona. Sri Krishna brought him back to life, hence the name Parikstha (tested one). His grandmother Subhadra was Sri Krishna’s younger sister. Mr. Kali had tricked the King who sat on his horse, to let him enter the kingdom & the King had given him permission to dwell only in 4-places including gold. The symbolic Lady Virtue was his strength & constant companion. Strangely, the King himself became the first victim as Mr. Kali entered his golden crown & master minded the King’s death as he could not conquer the humanity with the righteous King still ruling the land. The King died when he took a single bite from the apple which floated towards him in the water just a fraction of a second before the time was up. Whats the connection with Manhattan? Like Parkisthit’s watch tower in the middle of the water body, Apple showroom stands transparent with clear glass in all 4-directions, aloof among the concrete jungle! {an interesting story & I will write about it later…} Like the King was tricked & entered without his knowledge, the slaves of the virtual software are gripping the generation without their realization, sinking in quietly … the mania increasing day by day hour by hour & minute by minute & second by second… oh Lord…both fear & relief passed through me pushing to shudder… it has already beaten the records of whatsapp & facebook mania.. with all the personal information about anyone who could access the internet is saved under google… {every persons alphabet under Alphbet Inc… coooool} control will not be difficult too.. all that the hegemonic Kali had to do was just find the right portal! Late Mr. Steve Jobs (of Middle Eastern origin – Syrian) had opened his glass Apple cube showroom with 15 monolithic glass panels right opposite to the Plaza hotel, with his iconic one bite missing apple. When under construction, the showroom had made a controversial curiosity sensation as the rumours ran amok that it was an imitation of Kaba itself! There were debates on it till it was unveiled… Central Park is almost a forest or oasis of green/trees in the middle of the concrete jungle surrounded by bars with all sorts of activities where the King had given permission for Mr. Kali to dwell. The main entrance has the General astride on the horseback lead by the Lady Victoria holding a palm frond, all in gold, symbolizing victory, triumph, peace & eternal life. The video was playing too fast in my mind & wondered what was happening & why – without any answer. Strangely in the middle of the night the couple above our flat with the wooden floor started their carnal action… it started with a thug… as if there was an elephant amok which brought the thought of the elephant in heat which I had seen few months ago & felt sorry for it. It got nosier & nosier as if they were pumped up with Viagra & had a death erection. These basic needs are stretched too far by man leading into all sorts of activities & expectations… everything was happening around me & I was wondering what the hell is it all leading to? I am a grandmother & I can understand how the world works but this was confusing. I wondered why I had planned a short trip to New York out of the blue forcing my husband to accompany me? He simply hates short trips to long distance… In the middle of it all I thought of the Dajjal, according to the Middle Eastern belief the anti-Christ will be born on earth (location unknown). It is something similar to Mr. Kali… & his actions. It is said that the Son of God in yellow robe will kill Dajjal. He is expected to descend near the white eastern minaret of Damascus, clad in two yellow sheets, leaning on the shoulders of two angels. Perhaps the two angles are the 2-wings of Garuda his official vehicle? One cannot lean on two persons at one time right? Since, the Sanatana Dharma has no specific single book, they are not included in the terminology of Middle Eastern believes. So it is always said that Lord Jesus will come back as he is said to be the Son of the God. But Lord Jesus never wears yellow & not two pieces too… he wears white single robe… so who is that Son of God who is coming back? There is no other prophet or anyone wearing yellow… the holy colour of Indian beliefs. The thought of Dajjal & Mr. Kali was making me uncomfortable & then I realized that Lord Vishnu is to appear towards the end of the Kali Yuga. Lord Krishna, an Avatara of Lord Vishnu himself says in Srimad Bhagwad Gita that … Yada yada hi dharmasya… Whenever virtue subsides & wickedness prevails, I manifest Myself. To establish virtue, to destroy evil, to save the good, I come from Yuga (age) to Yuga. Kalki is the tenth & final Avatara of Lord Vishnu during Kali Yuga. An avatar means a divine being born in a human form usually to sustain law & balance of nature when it grows out of control. Lord Vishnu is known as Pitambaradhari (the one who wears yellow!! – see the concluding part for more details) & the thought of those smiling eyes gave me comfort. So is it almost time for his arrival… Mr. Kali will be ridden by Sri Vishnu. I thought who is going to win the Presidency & who could play a major role? That’s when I could see the monkeys jumping around scratching & screeching themselves, as if mocking me. Monkeys in Manhattan… then I remembered seeing them at the Louis Vuitton showroom as window dressing just around the corner between Apple showroom & the Trump Towers during my previous trip!! Posted on October 5, 2016 by coorgstories Tagged beggingchildreneducationhomelesshomelessnesshopeiraqjordankuwaitmanhattannaturepeoplepicturereligionschoolTraveltrumptrump tower CommentsNo Comments on Homelessness & the power of Hope Homelessness & the power of Hope People have different views & perspective towards life. Some are satisfied with what they have, while others are too sensitive & long for comforts. If some hang on to their pride & ego, others would do any work for a living. I saw 4-different youngsters in different parts of Manhattan {one right in front of Mr. Trump’s living quarters} holding banners that said If I have $20 I could find a room in the hostel & I could get a proper job or I could go to school or something like that. I was forbidden by my family to take pictures… since it’s an apparent invasion of their privacy!! I fruitlessly argue with them that when they are physically fit & live in the land of opportunities & social security & still beg, why can’t I take picture? Many a times homelessness is forced on people by war or some kind of calamity which is really unfortunate. But in USA it’s not fair, infactI saw a young homeless man at Albuquerque (New Mexico), asking for help while holding a cardboard that read- “I am too honest to steal & too ugly for prostitution”! Way back in 1990, my family and I, were homeless for 9-whole days. No home, no bath & we were exposed to fine dust storm in the desert No-man’s land between the Iraq-Jordan A journey which takes less than 5 hours stretched to 9-days & nights! Being homeless is really sad & stressful…. Something like labour pain – it can only be experienced but can never be explained! The other day my daughter asked me Mum how can people live without a home? I think I would die if I become homeless… then I told her their time has not come for death… their Karma is still lingering on… more than that the word HOPE has a long reach. Hope is like the carrot & the donkey… somehow its pulls one to move forward in search of a better day. I explained to her of a worse condition than being homeless I had witnessed. It was a leper without limbs (below his both knees), with raw pink flesh & flies sitting on it. He sat on a make shift wooden board with 4 small wheels pushing himself ahead with his palm. Sometime around 2008, I was walking along with my husband behind Mohan Bhandar at Mysore searching for some light fixtures. It was a crowded narrow street & suddenly he appeared right in front of me. His gaze was so sharp, transfixed almost piercing my soul as if blaming me for being able to walk… I just stood there, dumbstruck, unable to move, & my husband had to walk back after realizing that I was not following him anymore. His image is still imprinted in my mind…. Many a times I wondered what made him tick? Is that what is called the mortal “Vyamoha” in Sanskrit (roughly translated as deep attachment)? Or is it simply fear of the unknown, the death? Wish I could ask him what made him mentally so strong? What was he hoping for… a miracle? I realized then that if he had the courage to live, then no one on earth has the right to kill themselves- whatever may be the circumstances. Usually homeless & begging goes hand in hand. Some may scrape from the dustbin than ask for handout. Begging style differs from country to country, & from person to person. There are many ways to beg… some will follow you or try to hang on to you like leeches. Some will silently beg. Some will sing or play music & expect some payment. While some will entertain with animals & rope tricks etc., etc. Some will earn money but are so used to their life on the street that they could never live a normal life. Beggary just becomes a way of life… old habits die hard… Lately a beggar died in action (i.e. while still begging) on the streets of Bengaluru, India. When they lifted his body to be taken to the grave yard, they were in for a surprise… under his quilt on which he sat in a semicircle igloo like makeshift tent & begged, was currency worth more than 13-million rupees. Enough to give him a comfortable home, warm bed, food & clothing. Yet he sat on it till death, perhaps hoping it would hatch or lay eggs!! More than that I was amazed to watch the video in which so many gathered with deep fervor, young old like, guarded by a police man with a lathi (stick) in hand, to count & sort the money. Touch & scent of Money, in any form & from any source is still desirable like bed of sweet smelling roses…. Hum. God knows how hands it will pass through & how many will try to pocket some… Begging from the Beggar rather from the Dead Body!! Ironically, his lifeless body was laid right next to the whole drama, ready to be lifted… Dead Body, a funny strange word… Wondered IF, his Soul was hanging around watching the drama what would it must be feeling? I always wondered how the homeless attend to their body waste. One day I was at McDonald’s in San Francisco, California & I saw a homeless man walk & buy a sandwich, & later go to the washroom. I was told that the restaurants can’t deny customers food & use of their washroom because of their back ground or attire… there are for all intents and purposes, public toilets! . Two days back, we went for a walk late night after dinner. Weather was nice & streets were not crowded. Right opposite to Queensboro Bridge, finally I saw how they manage to sleep at night, at least few & when the weather is good. On the threshold of one of the shops, 2 individuals slept in close proximity fully covered with a sheet. And strangely, rested just above their head, was a brown leather bound bible with Holy Bible written in golden on it. I think that’s what Hope really means. When the world says give up, hope whispers, try one more time. Just across, opposite the entrance to tramway, on the rows of benches sat a man with a bottle of alcohol & flask practicing, perhaps a new tune, on his guitar. At a distance sat another, eating his dinner listening to music at the quiet of the night… he actually did not look like a homeless man. At the far end sat a homeless lady perhaps waiting for everyone, including us, to vanish from there so that she could sleep peacefully. The positive yet saddest thing was that even though she was homeless she had combed her hair very neat & her belongings in the cart were well folded & neatly stacked, maybe reminiscent to her past…. She reminded me of what a lady said to me when I visited a thrift market earlier… “when the country had better days, I worked at Pier 26 & I would buy expensive stuff & now I am selling them for throw away prices for a living”… the tone in which she said was very touching…. No one knows what is in store for anyone tomorrow… My younger daughter says, mum why you are so interested in homeless people…. I don’t know why they always catch my eyes perhaps because once in my life, at a distant past I wore their shoes … thanks to Saddam & the so called Big Guns who stirrup troubles, as if possessed by some evil spirit to aid on something which doesn’t have an ending in the horizon! Sometimes I see so many contrasts in one place. Like the other day when we were walking across the Rockefeller University, along the Hudson River bank, I saw brand new barbeque grill abandoned & loads of waste in the bin, may be leftovers from previous night partying. Right opposite to that slept a homeless woman in a neon green reflective safety west …… she slept so peacefully that even the traffic on the highway besides did not deter her sleep. Little further, on another bench, sat a well-dressed young woman (seemed hungover from the previous night) with a cell phone trying to type a message & half way through she fell back asleep, still clutching the phone. How she got there is beyond my understanding. When we returned, the young woman was still sleeping… the older woman was eating something that seemed like pancake from foil paper. Next to her stood a man eyeing everyone & when I saw his face, he was moving his tongue awkwardly, like snakes move their tongue… it reminded me of an old proverb: Even if the tamarind tree is old, the tamarind is still sour!! I wondered why the hell am I keep coming across so many strange characters & events? To end with, here is a delicate story narrated by a Real Estate agent…. It seems once a couple approached her saying they wanted a home with just two specific requirements… the flat should be facing the main road & should have a large window. They did not bother if the flat was old or fittings/furnishing were broken as long as the two criteria were met. The reason they wanted the flat was that they wanted to keep their dog close to their work place so that they could come & visit the dog whenever possible. While they were away, the dog should not stress, bored or depressed… hum… I can say that some dogs are luckier & better loved than humans… My DIL tells me that the government gives them shelter, food & clothing… but some people just don’t apply or collect. I have no idea how far the government aid is stretched but end of the day Super Power is just a virtual status which sounds fruitless once you know or live the sad reality like the empty shell of a hermit crab. From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, every country is the same only the percentage differs!! After all Shangri-La is yet to be discovered & there is no such thing as Utopia!! Posted on October 10, 2015 by coorgstories Tagged attrocitiesCoorgdelhifrenchhaider alihinduhistorianKodagumaisoremarathasmughalmuslimMysorenadir shahreligiontipputippu sultantipu CommentsNo Comments on Tippu Sultan – Kodavas – British : A Triangle of skepticism. Part 1: Who exactly was Tippu/Tipu Sultan? Is his ghost still floating in Karnataka? Tippu Sultan – Kodavas – British : A Triangle of skepticism. Part 1: Who exactly was Tippu/Tipu Sultan? Is his ghost still floating in Karnataka? My inferences are based on the cruelty meted out on certain communities in the Southern Deccan peninsular by Tipu Sultan (Fateh Ali Khan), the so called “Tiger of Mysore”… the atrocities he committed on innocent people including my own Kodava community are beyond words. This is an attempt to show that brutality was his passion, nothing else as claimed by some people who try to portray him otherwise….Being a Kodava, I have learnt that humanity, compassion, love.. are the face/reflection of God, there is only one God but there are many ways to reach that GOD. I am dedicating this article in honour of those innocent victims who lost their lives & had their families thrown in to misery for no fault of theirs & in fond memory of one of my HEROs, my adopted “Tottajja” Biddatanda Appanna (I will write about him sometime in the near future…. along with main question Tippu-Kodvas-British connection). After reading this article, if it touched you in anyway PLEASE take a minute on November 1st (Karnataka Rajostava Day) at 9 am each year wherever you are to pray for those beautiful souls not only in Karnataka but all around the world who lost their lives to such barbarism. What prompted me to write this? One of my colleagues BB told me that he wants to visit Coorg with his family & when he checked around he came to know that Kodavas hate Tippu Sultan & likes/loyal to Britishers… there was a sly smile on the face! Well I was taken back… I said I am a cent-percent Coorg & been for generations… I never heard of this comparison & I can tell you Kodavas definitely dislike or loath Tippu Sultan for the atrocities he committed on our forefathers…, a Satan in the guise of human who did not really succeed fully in destroying us despite his torture & killing perhaps because we were brave & too stubborn for Tippu’s palates!! My forefathers considered him a psychopath… an outright mass murderer. The old gramophone sang again,… “yeh that means you hate him”… I said “NO we don’t hate him because he simply is not WORTH it… My colleague still could not understand why I don’t accept that we hate Tippu!! Then BB said if he is bad then why does Karnataka Government want to celebrate his birthday? I retorted, didn’t I tell you Tippu Sultan was worthless?!? Not even worthy of hatredness… That’s when I realized that as a grandmother I have to write what I heard, seen & read for our future generation… I wish I could go back in time & bring the details from the horse’s mouth. First let me write briefly about Tippu Sultan….. Where do I begin… he was one of those freak accidents of nature in an Evil way. It’s hard to describe if he were human or manifestation of terror itself!! A small, plump man with a round face with black moustache, bejeweled clothing & ornaments. He was forceful, warlike, ruthless, dogged mind, blood thirsty & a hard core liar. The only credit I would ever give him is that he was a military man & his willingness to fight with the Britishers who had a larger army & were riding on a string of success across the sub-continent!! However, his wonton cruelty & ausuric/demonic behavior surpassed all other qualities. To my understanding & years of personal experience, Islam is a Religion of peace & giving. So how can he be one? He reeked of brutality… he spoke, ate, drank & slept on violence. Tipu was the diplomat for the Devil.. Nexus of evil… Somehow somewhere he just managed to jump from FIRE to DIRT! God has given thinking & discriminating capacity to each individual &, when anyone acts in monstrous way it is their individual action & perhaps bad karma from past life. His atrocities were so gruesome even holocaust sound like a minor accident!! Just one gory description of his army by the world-famous Portuguese traveler, Fr. Barthoelomeo, could skip a heartbeat & makes one wonder how could someone be so inhumane?!? When you read, for a while pretend you were in 1780s & 1790s a happy man with a fine, happy family… Read the first para again.. close your eyes, take a deep breath & try to relive the experience… with you as a witness, In his book Voyage to East Indies Fr. Barthoelomeo writes: “First a corps of 30,000 barbarians who butchered everybody on the way… followed by the field-gun unit under the French Commander, M. Lally… Tipu was riding on an elephant behind which another army of 30,000 soldiers followed. Most of the men & women were hanged in Calicut; first mothers were hanged with their children tied to necks of mothers. That barbarian Tipu Sultan tied the naked Christians & Hindus to the legs of elephants & made the elephants to move around till the bodies of the helpless victims were torn to pieces. Temples & churches were ordered to be burned down, desecrated & destroyed. Christian & Hindu women were forced to marry Mohammadans & similarly their men were forced to marry Mohammadan women. Those Christians, who refused to be honoured with Islam, were ordered to be killed by hanging immediately. These atrocities were told to me by the victims of Tipu Sultan who escaped from the clutches of his army & reached Varappuzha, which is the centre of Carmichael Christian Mission. I myself helped many victims to cross the Varappuzha River by boats.” I know there is no further writing required… yet I will continue. Sadly “The world suffers a lot, not because of the violence of bad people, but because of the silence of good people!” Was Tippu really an Indian? His faceless grandfather came hitchhiking perhaps as a porter with some businessman seeking livelihood to India from somewhere in Persia (his origin is not certain!!). Hyder himself claimed descent from the Arabs. So that makes Tippu just a Second generation migrant. So he was as much a foreigner as British ever were!! Other than the colour of the skin what else he have in common? OMG…. that’s why he could mercilessly kill or punish Indians, waste flora & fauna. He was an immigrant’s grandson; anyway Indians were not really his blood, so kindness was not required! I think His major problem was he had faulty wiring in his brain. Tippu’s father Hyder Ali was born in Budhikote in Kolar district to an unknown father… & Hyder’s birth date is also not clear. Tipu’s migrant grandfather was a care-taker in the local mosque. Being poor he had no education & managed to become a foot soldier. As a favour for saving the life of Mysore ruler, he was promoted to the rank of Nayak, a kick start upgrading in life,. Being street smart he learnt the art of war & soon excelled in military war tactics… with the first opportunity he managed to topple the king in deceit & became de facto ruler of Mysore. So he became the ring leader of betrayal in the saga of Mysore!! Hyder was too busy with expansionist policy & unlike his son he did not have much time to think about bulldozing people….. but he still had a very strong street rules imbedded in him… kill or get killed. Bowring writes that Haider Ali was equally ferocious in the treatment of his enemies. For example: When he defeated Khande Rao, the Hindu general, he kept him in an iron cage like a tota (parrot) & fed him rice & milk till the end of his life. What contrast between both the characters!! However, Tipu had tasted comforts as his father Hyder Ali was progressing in life. With the new found wealth & power of his father he had the material comforts & privilege of education to certain extent but never had a proper upbringing with his father around. Most of his military training came from his father’s friend Khan who stayed with him till the end. Hence he lacked morals in his life & if a person can’t determine right from wrong then he lacks empathy. First five years of the child’s life is very important where the child gets the love & good teaching of the parents. For a boy presence of father is very important. Most probably based on what he heard about his father all that he wanted to was to please his father, aggrandize more & get appreciation from his father. Even though it is said that when he was 15 he used to go with father on military missions, question remains how much attention he really got from his father? And also where was the time for some decent education? Founding of Mysore State The disintegration of the Mughal Empire was accelerated after Nadir Shah sacked Delhi in 1739. The Marathas under the Peshwa Baji Rao had unwisely decided to march towards the North instead of consolidating its power in the South. Baji Rao felt that the future of Maratha power lay in conquering Delhi. In Baji Rao’s words: Let us strike at the trunk of the withering tree & the branches will fall themselves. Maratha flag should fly from Krishna to Indus. It had adverse consequences in the South. The state of Mysore was ruled by the Wadiyar dynasty from the 14th century. Mysore was a viceroyalty of the Vijayanagar Empire. However between 1731-34, the government of the state was usurped by 2-brothers, Devraj & Nanjaraj who reduced the royalty to a puppet. Haider Ali then was only a horseman in the service of Nanjaraj. Between 1750-60, Haider Ali came steadily into prominence; as Mysore was invaded by the Marathas in 1753, 1757 & 1759. Nizam-ul-Mulk regarded Mysore as Mughal territory & the state was drawn within the circle of conflict between the Peshwa & the Nizam. When the Marathas invaded Mysore in 1757, the Mysore Raja Nanjaraj agreed to pay them Rs.32 lakhs but could pay only six lakhs & for the remaining amount, he handed over 15-taluks as security. The Marathas came again in 1758, Haider took personal responsibility for the payment of arrears & he was also placed in charge of the field army. Haider Ali took advantage of the uncertain conditions prevailing in the state & assumed all powers of the king under the cover of being an officer of the Hindu ruler. Haider Ali died of cancer. In 1786 Tipu assumed the title of Padshah or king. Thereafter he began to call himself ‘the resplendent presence’ & his army was designated as ‘the holy camp’. His government was called the ‘God given State’. The climax of his arrogance was reached when he ordered that the ‘Khutbah’ or daily prayer be read in his name. The name of Devanhalli, was changed to Yasufabad. The castle of Chitaldurg was changed to Farukh-yab Hisar or the propitiously acquired castle et al. {Lewin B. Bowing: Rulers of India – Haider Ali & Tipu Sultan page 209 (210)}. His father Hyder’s first wife suffered from dropsy (oedema) during child birth & remained paralyzed till her death. So when his second wife (Tippu’s mother Fatima, aka Fakhr-un-Nissa, daughter of the keeper of Cuddapah) was pregnant, they paid a visit to the tomb of Saint Tipu Mastan Aulia in Arcot seeking blessing for a son & safe delivery. Unfortunately other than the name, he never inherited any goodness from the great Sufi Saint!! Even Hydrabad Nizam refused to give his daughter to Tippu’s family because of Tipu’s heritage & in defiance Tipu got a bride from the Arakkal Family for his son Abdul Khaliq. Once an Arayankulangra Nairs, Arakkal family still practiced Nair Matriarchal System!! They have the most unique conversions story ever… something like a Bollywood movie… I will write towards the end.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1166
__label__wiki	0.594685	0.594685	Fampo Child Protection Services About fampo Private persons behind CPS decisions Back to local conditions, Viken County Back to the Child Protection Services Private persons behind CPS decisions. When the CPS has made a decision in a case, it is not always so that the person who has signed the decision, is a civil servant. In Juristkontakt (magazine for Norwegian jurists) no 9/2010, it is revealed that many municipalities hires private companies to handle CPS cases. Outsorcing CPS cases to private firms raises serious questions regarding judicial security. Of course, we know that the Norwegian state does not offer its citizens judicial security, especially not in CPS cases, but outsourcing CPS cases to private firms is anyway a policy to be avoided. Juristkontakt mentions the example of Fredrikstad municipality. Fredrikstad municipality was fined 6 millions kroner for breaking the tender laws. Both the CPS and the municipal service for the handicapped had bought services for more than 58 millions kroner without inviting tenders. KOFA, the supervising authority, characterized the municipality’s break of the rules as a wilful choice by the municipality. Also Oppegård municipality (from january 2020 a part of Nordre Follo municiplity), a suburb to Oslo, has used millions of kroner on private firms doing the work for the CPS. According to the local newspaper Østlandets Blad, a private CPS consutant was paid 96 000 kroner one month for handling CPS cases. According to the tax lists, this consultant had an annual income of 1 million kroner in 2009 (about 125 000 Euros). According to the magazine Fontene, more than 100 municipalities had bought services from the consulting firm Barnevernkompetanse AS (“CPS compenance Ltd”) during the ten years in which the firm has existed. Norway consists of 429 municipalities.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1170
__label__wiki	0.540101	0.540101	Hyundai Might Work Its Way Up To A Mid-Engine Flagship Hot Hatch May 31, 2018 ~ Faster Works ~ Leave a comment Hyundai has been playing around with the concept of a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive Veloster-based hatchback since at least 2014, but it seemingly fell to the wayside. But the head of Hyundai’s new N performance division hasn’t forgotten, and the concept isn’t dead just yet. Thieves Steal A Car In 20 Seconds By Remotely Cloning The Signal From A Keyless Fob Here’s another reason why keyless fobs are terrible. Thieves in the United Kingdom managed to steal someone’s Mercedes-Benz in about 20 seconds by remotely boosting the car’s key signal to unlock the vehicle, according to Carscoops. Comment Of The Day: Bad Advice Edition Some bad advice: Five Favorites From the 2018 In Memory of Paul Car Hangout In his role as Brian O’Conner in the “Fast and Furious” movies, Paul Walker touched millions of lives. “The Fast and the Furious” was part of the fuel that kicked off the tuning scene of the early 2000s, a scene that still has influence to this day. Fans remain dedicated to the late Walker, who passed away in 2013 while riding alongside with driver Roger Rodas in a Porsche Carrera GT. This passion was evinced in a packed-out field of cars on display. Learn more about our our favorites right here. Honda Beat Convertible If we had to pick a winner from the show, it’d be this Honda Beat. Sure it has a gigantic exhaust is comparison to its diminutive form, but that didn’t stop the mid-engine Kei Car from capturing our hearts. In fact, this imported poster child is properly in the spirit of the film franchise that brought JDM culture to the mainstream. From the factory, the Beat is powered by a 656 cc inline-three cylinder engine making 63 hp and has a curb weight of just 1,675 lbs. After modifications, we bet this little Honda can scoot! The Acura NSX gets credit for initiating a paradigm shift in the supercar market toward increased reliability and liveability. Among the approximately five cars we spotted in the lot, there was one post-2002 refresh car. We chose to highlight this Monte Carlo Pearl Blue because it belongs to the much smaller crop of late model cars with the giveaway absence of pop-up headlights. Two examples of the 1,500- hp Bugatti Chiron made it out to the show, with one pictured here wearing a striking black and white paint scheme. Uber car-world enthusiasts may note that it’s being directed by Sean Lee, founder of the Purist Group car community. It’s a notable inclusion on this list not only because of its rarity, the 100th Chiron has just been completed by Bugatti’s Molsheim factory, but it also marks the upper bounds of the breadth of vehicle that gathered. Maybach 62S We spotted this ultra-luxury limousine near just a few paces from a gathering of exotics. The Maybach 62S is powered by a Mercedes-AMG twin-turbocharged V-12 churning out over 600 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, figures still respectable in today’s high-horsepower market. Although the Daimler subsidiary never sold units in quantities the brand had hoped, the baller barge still made an impact in popular culture, with over 700 rap songs referencing the Maybach as a small indicator of its role as a status indicator. Based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the long-wheel based limo drew a respectable crowd at the show and we spotted plenty of onlookers getting up close to take a peek into the plush interior. This rally-ready Ford Escort wore immaculate blue and white paint with eye-catching gold wheels. The product of Ford Europe is always a welcome sight at a car show, and this one is no exception. This is a first-generation car with a stripped-out interior, a Recaro racing seat, and a roll cage. If it was put in our hands, it wouldn’t stay this pristine for long. Check out our gallery for more of our favorites from the 2018 In Memory of Paul Car Hangout! Want to attend in the future? We caught word that the show will be back next year so stay tuned. The 10 Best Deals of May 31, 2018 We see a lot of deals around the web over on Kinja Deals, but these were our ten favorites today. This Cassette Tape-Based Navigation System From 1971 Is Kind Of Brilliant This clip from a 1971 episode of the BBC television show Tomorrow’s World has so many appealing details to me, most notably the featuring of a lovely UK-spec 1962 Volkswagen Beetle, but the true star of it is the remarkably forward-thinking navigation system the Beetle is fitted with. It uses some cutting-edge… Tire Stretch & Motor Swaps At Fitted Lifestyle Over the past decade, Speedhunters has done an excellent job thoroughly covering virtually every segment car culture around the globe, however, going back as far as I can remember, there hasn’t been a recurring Canadian in the cast. Today I’m happy to announce that has changed. Paddy and the boys have welcomed me officially onboard […] The post Tire Stretch & Motor Swaps At Fitted Lifestyle appeared first on Speedhunters. Will the next VW Golf R dish out 400 horsepower? Volkswagen is hard at work prepping the MkVIII Golf, which should arrive sometime in the next year or so. That also means we’ll have a fresh take on the GTI and the hot hatch Golf R. It seems, however, that VW is eager to turn the Golf R from a hot hatch into a scorching one. And by scorching, we mean 400 horsepower. According to AutoExpress… Drones Chasing Drift Cars Through The Woods Is The Best Kind Of Madness If you’re missing your daily dose of eye candy, the mad Latvian drift filmmakers at Robyworks—with the help of some drone racing friends—are here to help. The Hottest Version Of The Mid-Engine Chevrolet Corvette Will Be A 1,000 HP Hybrid: Report I won’t believe the long-rumored mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette is actually happening until I see it, but Car And Driver has a roundup of new supposed details of the next generation car, including no manual option and a 1,000 horsepower hybrid trim level.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1173
__label__cc	0.646271	0.353729	Talk:Adi Da I think it's important that quotes about this interesting and controversial guru reflect experiences of present and former students, who have had direct experience of him and his religious community, as well as the opinions of relatively "famous" people who know him primarily through his writings. To that end, I've restored a critical quote deleted by a user who (on Wikipedia) has in the past deleted material critical of Adi Da. —Jim Butler 2005 June 3 categorizaionEdit How should we categorize him? Wikipedia put him under "New religious movements". I got an impression "religious leaders" is inappropriate, neither thinkers or philosophers. But I am not sure "movements" is a good grouping for people. --Aphaia 6 July 2005 06:15 (UTC) I don't see why "leader" is bad. If people follow him, he's a leader -- no matter how cranky we happen to think his religion is. ~ MosheZadka (Talk) 6 July 2005 06:56 (UTC) The problem is, not the part of "leader" but "religious". Many new age thought people protest to be attributed "religious" or gives no comment if such attribution is adequate. And I have no idea if he is thought as such. For example, English Wikipedia doesn't classify him as "religious leader"... --Aphaia 6 July 2005 07:05 (UTC) Our intro text currently says "the founder of the new religious movement known as Adidam". So we already blame "Adidam" for being a religion, might as well be consistent about it. ~ MosheZadka (Talk) 6 July 2005 07:23 (UTC) I concur. --Aphaia 6 July 2005 07:37 (UTC) Verifiability, etc (edits on April 1st 2006)Edit Added latest verified Wilber quote. Updated links, using most verifiable ones where possible. Qualified sources when likely verifiable (by virtue of having been published in some other verifiable source in the past) but hosted on POV or personal sites; some such sites have online copies of stuff that has been published elsewhere (like the Watts and Wilber book blurbs), and those seem fine. The Regardie quote, however, needs an original source to be verifiable, as may a couple others from the About Adidam site. I am assuming that devotees like Dan Roberts have consented to have their words used there, so that it's in effect a primary source for devotees. But other folks like Regardie need to be verified. Quotes that has not been published elsewhere may not be verifiable by Wikipedia standards: e.g., the unpublished Wilber letter to Adidam and probably the Broken Yogi (Conrad Goehausen) Lightmind posts. Mr Goehausen will undoubtedly vouch that the quoted words are his own, but they're not notable enough and it's not worth the trouble: he has since published his own blog and makes the same points there, so that materiial can be used instead (I'll do this later). The Wilber Adi Da letter I don't have a problem with in "truth" terms, but in verifiability terms, I'm not sure. Has Wilber vouched for it? Adi Da is a guru with a relatively small following (1-2K current, ca. 10K ex, estimated) and it's understandable that "experts", i.e. people who have been directly involved, would tend to self-publish their stuff. So the self-published sites and blogs are cool as primary sources. I trimmed the Jim Chamberlain quote; it's offlinked anyway. I am tagging the Alex Grey and Godfree Roberts quotes which do need citations, and will delete if no one sources them. It's fine if Godfree Roberts chooses to self-publish his thoughts somewhere, and his quote is valuable, but Wikipedia itself cannot function a primary source for self-publication of such things. thanks, Jim Butler 07:03, 2 April 2006 (UTC) P.S. I'm having difficulty, obviously, tagging the quotes that need citations. Ther tags that work on Wikipedia don't work here, such as {{fact}}, which just leads to en empty Template page on Wikiquote instead of the functioning page on Wikipedia. Maybe there is a Wikimedia-specific template page; need to find out. Jim Butler 19:06, 2 April 2006 (UTC) Quotes page clean upEdit The wikiquote page on Adi Da has been used as a anti- pov propaganda page up to this point and is a mess for the reader or any one seeking quotes by Adi Da Samraj , cannot see any need to have quotes about Adi Da (rather than by Adi Da) here at all (from any source --if nessacery these could be external links at bottom of page --) after looking at many Bio Article quote pages , this approach seems out of step with how this page is generally used ( wikiquotes ) so will edit out the current format --Scribe5 21:41, 26 April 2006 (UTC) Thank you for your work on the page but it's not appropriate to delete quotes by others about Adi Da as these exist on other wikiquote pages. I restored the section and will fill out over time Carry18 01:10, 30 April 2006 (UTC) In my opinion they really have no useful place here only personal propaganda material ( pro or anti) , if you choose to use them , one liners and very few should suffice , otherwise will edit them to a useful length, best if you do this to avoid conflict --Scribe5 01:49, 30 April 2006 (UTC) I will be happy to comply with your suggestions if you can show a basis for them. Otherwise we should follow guidelines like this one. AFAIK there is no special limit on quote length (if there is, please practice what you preach!). Quotes should be notable. Miller is a notable critic of Adi Da. Carry18 03:01, 30 April 2006 (UTC) Miller is a notable critic of Adi Da but Miller is not noteworthy, is he a famous person of any description? other than an ad homien critic of Adi Da , the fact that he is "the champion" used by other non noteworthy critics does not add up to being famous or of note , you may as well say 'joe bloggs" got a letter in to the editor in 1960 , therefore he is some one of note , also check your Cromwell page only famous people there . To bring quotes in merely to defame someone is just not right, no matter what specious arguemets you use. My point is made clearly will tag this page and get outside views if you persist I think critical quotes are allowed under NPOV. Miller's statements refer to sworn statements and allegations covered in major media so I do not think they can be considered defamation. So please feel free to tag and request assistance, thank you Carry18 03:41, 30 April 2006 (UTC) Also realize that the problems that Wilber refers to are exactly the controversial events of 1985 which involved Miller and others. Da is himself not that notable. But when speaking of Da, the 1985 critics are notable. That would be my interpretation. Carry18 03:45, 30 April 2006 (UTC) Retrieved from "https://en.wikiquote.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Adi_Da&oldid=212340" Return to "Adi Da" page.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1176
__label__cc	0.697875	0.302125	Home / Lighting / Table Lamps / Superordinate Lamp An - Roll & Hill Table LampsJason MillerRoll & Hill Superordinate Lamp An - Roll & Hill Delivery 12 - 16 weeks The Roll & Hill Superordinate Antler Lamp Collection was created at 2003 by Jason Miller. It was designed with the intention of breaking the rigidity of contemporary modernity and initiate a move back to nature. Details: Table lamp Superordinate Antler, made of ceramic material of different finishes. Roll & Hill is a lighting and high-end modern lighting company established in New York. Always at the forefront of current design. Roll & Hill was founded in 2010 by Jason Miller. His experience as a designer inspires him to create a company that could take advantage of the talent of new independent designers. His pieces are a mix between modern design and conceptual art. His creations, totally innovative and groundbreaking, arise from the close collaboration with American and international creators who work from the studios that the firm has in Brooklyn and Long Island. The different materials used are assembled carefully by hand. The clear selection of his work makes each lamp a unique work of art. The firm is committed to the work of modern lighting systems, both for private homes and public spaces. Naharro furniture is an official distributor of the Roll & Hill lighting brand with an exhibition in its stores in Madrid and online store, where you can see and buy your entire catalog. Jason Miller founded his design studio at 2001. His designs are often based on the everyday aspects of contemporary American culture to create objects that are sometimes both conceptual art and contemporary design. He has exhibited internationally, including solo exhibitions in Tokyo, Milan, Istanbul, New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Toronto. He was named "Designer of the Year" by the Brooklyn Museum at 2010. His work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Art and Design, the Corning Museum of Glass and the Brooklyn Museum. Miller lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. Naharro furniture distributes the pieces of lighting designed by Jason Miller in its stores in Madrid and online store, with delivery and assembly service throughout Spain. Ask us any additional information. WhiteChromiumBlackGold White, Chrome, Black, Gold Taccia Black Lamp - Flos LT01 Seam One lamp - e15 Snoopy Lamp Black - Flos Spun Light T1 White Lamp - Flos Lamp Mode 15 cream balloons - Roll & Hill Fiddlehead ceiling lamp - Roll & Hill Wall lamp Fiddlehead - Roll & Hill Mini Endless Lamp Sc - Roll & Hill Fiddlehead lamp - Roll & Hill Woody Endless Lamp 5 - Roll & Hill Superordinate Lamp 4 - Roll & Hill Superordinate Lamp 27 - Roll & Hill FROM 22.264€	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1177
__label__cc	0.546026	0.453974	Joint Exploitation of Azerbaijani Gabala Radar Station not to Undermine Relations between Azerbaijan, Iran 13 June 2007 14:57 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan, Baku / Тrend corr E. Huseynli / The First Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani parliament) and the head of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of NATO, Ziyafat Askarov , stated on the 13th of June, that 'the implementation of the proposal on the joint exploitation of the Azerbaijani Gabala Radar Station by the United States and Russia will not undermine the relations between Azerbaijan and Iran.' According to Askarov , the decisions on the exploitation of the station cannot be made without Azerbaijan's consent, as the station is in an exclusive domain of the country. "Joint exploitation of the Gabala Radar Station will positively affect security stability in the region. The relations between Russia and the United States are tensed. Joint exploitation of the station will somehow relieve the tensions and profoundly contribute to the security of Azerbaijan," Askarov stated. During the G-8 summit on the 7th of June , Russian President Vladimir Putin , proposed the United States to jointly exploit the Gabala Radar Station. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at news@trend.az Follow us on Twitter @TRENDNewsAgency Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry: Initiators, executors of January 20 events must be punished Jerusalem Post: January 20 - page of heroism in history of struggle for Azerbaijan's independence Video on 30th anniversary of January 20 tragedy shared on official page of President Ilham Aliyev on Facebook (VIDEO)	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1178
__label__wiki	0.83167	0.83167	Kyrgyz authorities detain ex-president Bakiyev's brother Police in southern Kyrgyzstan detained late on Wednesday Ahmad Bakiyev, the brother of the ousted president Kurmanbek Bakiyev, an interim government spokesperson told RIA Novosti. "Police arrested Ahmad Bakiyev late on Wednesday in Jalalabad. He was under arrest warrant on suspicion of instigating the recent interethnic clashes between ethnic Kyrgyz and minority Uzbeks in the south of Kyrgyzstan," the official said. Violent clashes between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks in southern Kyrgyzstan broke out in the city of Osh on June 11 and then spread to the neighboring Jalalabad region. Unofficial estimates put the death toll at about 2,000 people, while half a million may have been made homeless by the violent pogroms, which saw thousands of homes burned. Ahmad Bakiyev went missing in April amid violent anti-government protests in the ex-Soviet republic, which forced Kurmanbek Bakiyev to leave the country and settle with some members of his family in exile in Belarus. Kyrgyzstan's interim government has repeatedly requested the extradition of the former president but so far has met with strong opposition from the Belarusian authorities. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he took Bakiyev under his "personal" protection. Meanwhile, Kyrgyz police continue a domestic hunt for the members of Bakiyev's clan, whose stronghold was in the south of the country. EBRD appoints new Central Asia managing director to base in Kazakhstan Kazakhstan 17 January 15:46 Turkey, Kyrgyzstan trade increases Turkey 16 January 17:10 Azerbaijan’s AZVIRT LLC continues reconstruction of road in Kyrgyzstan Tajik ambassador summoned to Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry due to conflict on border Kyrgyzstan 10 January 11:37 Turkmenistan exports glass products to region countries Turkey's exports to Turkic-speaking countries increase Turkey 7 January 10:10	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1179
__label__wiki	0.651875	0.651875	“Weeks of rain/raining”? “Weeks of fight/fighting”? Is there a rule to use the gerund in those examples? It’s common and correct to use both after two weeks of rain and after two weeks of fighting. But since fight is also a noun, couldn’t it be used instead of fighting? Also, why rain and not raining? Is there a rule of thumb to apply those or is it something you just have to “go with common sense” with? verbs nouns gerunds RegDwigнt♦ wleaowleao "It is April as I write. The wind / Is blowing after days of constant rain." — Wallace Stevens, "The Connoisseur of Chaos" – Robusto Jan 8 '13 at 1:26 If you say "quantity of x" without article in front of x, whatever x is, it must be an uncountable noun. The word fight can be used uncountably; it means "the propensity or willingness to fight". You can say, "That girl has a lot of fight in her", but "Two weeks of fight" makes no sense. MalvolioMalvolio Fighting and rain are both nouns, so basically you use whichever noun you have had two weeks of, no matter what it ends in. After two weeks of rain — The rain went on for two weeks After two weeks of fighting — The fighting went on for two weeks With the second example it's therefore wrong to say "after two weeks of fight" because you are trying to say that there was continuous, generalised fighting over a sustained period. "The fight went on for two weeks" means one particular fight lasted for two weeks. You would then have to rephrase this as "after two weeks of the fight". A noun with the -ing ending formed from a verb is called a gerund, and there are many examples — see ending in this very sentence. Some of them are so common that we don't notice them, like ending, but others stand out as more unusual. MynamiteMynamite So are raining and fight nouns. The point is that rain and fighting are mass nouns, whereas fight is not (at least not in that sense, as Malvolio points out) – Colin Fine Jan 8 '13 at 11:52 Thanks for contributing an answer to English Language & Usage Stack Exchange! Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged verbs nouns gerunds or ask your own question. Correct usage of “persons” (vs. “people”) “[adjective] and [adjective] [noun]” — Should the noun be singular or plural? Singular vs. Plural with Multiple Gerunds as Subject (IE: [Gerund] and [Gerund] are/is [something].) Is there a special rule for using the word “Gild” and “Guild” as verb or noun? Is a deverbal noun with at least two adjectives plural, or can it be? When to use a gerund or an infinitive after “is”? Is it a noun or pronoun or something else? Is “fighting” used as a gerund in the below sentence?	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1182
__label__cc	0.651732	0.348268	Despite the debt crisis in Europe and other shocks experienced by the world economy, the company MoneyGram International notes the increase in the money transfer market. To find MoneyGram agents will help you easily recognizable logo, as well as our website which will help you find the nearest location to send and receive money via MoneyGram. Since going public two and a half years ago, MoneyGram has made great strides by pouring energy and resources into several critically important areas for business. As part of the 2008 Recapitalization, our wholly owned subsidiary, MoneyGram Payment Systems Worldwide, Inc., issued Goldman Sachs $500.0 million of senior secured second lien notes with a 10-year maturity. In March 2012, the company MoneyGram merged with the network of U.S. payment centers ZipZap. After the correction of tariffs, volumes of MoneyGram transfers increased by 30%. MoneyGram launched a new in-person bill payment service which will be delivered through agents in their domestic network, giving consumers an easy, low-cost method to pay their bills. The benefits of money transfers by MoneyGram: the transfer is available in the system to obtain within 90 days. How to obtain the money? You go to any branch or affiliate partner of MoneyGram, show your identity document, fill in the letterhead, which specify a the transfer code and get the money. RIA Money Coinstar (CMT) MoneyGram Location in EGYPT Moneygram location. All country Since going public two and a half years ago, MoneyGram has made great strides by pouring energy and resources into several critically important areas for business. As part of the 2008 Recapitalization, our wholly owned subsidiary, MoneyGram Payment Systems Worldwide, Inc., issued Goldman Sachs $500.0 million of senior secured second lien notes with a 10-year maturity. To find MoneyGram agents will help you easily recognizable logo, as well as our website which will help you find the nearest location to send and receive money via MoneyGram. Select your city for MANSOURA What are the main benefits of money transfers by MoneyGram? Cost. Today, it is most advantageous to the customer service of all the similar services. For the recipient MoneyGram service of wired transfer is free. All expenses will be paid by the sender at the time of sending money. In due time MoneyGram separated from the Western Union and became an independent brand. MoneyGram In MoneyGram were added or converted new currencies in an additional 29 countries during the past year, providing consumers with a wide array of currency payout options. Money orders and official checks by MoneyGram continue their steady performance and expanded line of bill payment services deliver excellent results. Understanding that being in another country, you may not be fluent in the local language, that's why MoneyGram always tries to talk to you in your native language. Today, MoneyGram - is the second world leader by the growth of money transfers between individuals and the dynamics of international network services. MoneyGram - is an urgent money transfer by means of wired transfer around the world without opening a bank account. Copyright © 2015 \| «Money transfer agent locations» \| All rights reserved \| Sitemap	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1185
__label__wiki	0.911109	0.911109	Aston Martin just launched its very first SUV By Anette Appaduray Aston Martin’s DBX SUV is powered by a 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine which can propel the car from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds. Iconic luxury car-maker Aston Martin has just launched the Aston Martin DBX – the brand’s first SUV in its 106-year history. The marque said that its latest SUV is a culmination of extensive development programme that started with physical testing and virtual development back in 2015. It added that the newest SUV explores segments previously untouched by the brand. Utilising bonded aluminium, a construction method Aston Martin has refined through the development of its sports cars, the DBX’s body structure is both very light and incredibly stiff, supporting a weight of about 2,245 kg. Its adaptive triple volume air suspension combined with its latest 48-volt electric anti-roll control system (eARC) and electronic adaptive dampers provide this spacious SUV with a wide range of abilities both on and off-road. This sophisticated system of adaptive air suspension, dampers and eARC allows for maximum ride comfort when transporting up to five occupants and their luggage. The DBX is powered by a 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine also found in Aston’s DB11 and Vantage vehicles, which can propel the car from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 290km/h. The DBX features 700NM of torque, coupled with a nine-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, with an all-wheel drive system. This combined with its bespoke steering system gives this SUV the feel and response of a sports car, despite its size. The luxurious interior of this 5-seater SUV is complete with full grain leather seats, spacious legroom, and a full-length glass panoramic roof, allowing sufficient light to spread throughout the cabin. The interior is also fitted with a range of wood, composite and metal veneers giving it its sleek yet chic look. The DBX’s exterior is just as polished as its interior, with its signature ‘DB’ grille displayed at the front. Aerodynamics played a key role when this car was designed, as at its front, its daytime running lights (DRLs) have an integrated aerodynamic duct, which channels air through the front wheel arches and along the side, helping to reduce both drag and lift while also cooling the brakes. The aerodynamic design also plays a part in passenger comfort, as the Aston Martin engineers have used computational aeroacoustics technology to keep cabin noise to a minimum at speed. Aston Martin also said that the first 500 owners of this landmark model will be given an exclusive ‘1913 Package’. Fitted with a unique fender badge, sill plaques and an inspection plaque detailing its limited build-run, each of these first examples will be personally endorsed and inspected by the brand’s President and Group CEO, Andy Palmer. The Aston Martin DBX is available for booking in Malaysia at the price of RM 798,000.00 (price is without duty). The public can speak with Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur’s sales team in greater detail about the new DBX. For more information, please visit www.astonmartinkualalumpur.com or contact Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur at +60 (3) 2163 1196. (Source: Aston Martin) Enter hypercar heaven with the world's 8 most expensive road cars Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and more bring us… Meet the Rapid E, Aston Martin's first all-electric car There will only be 155 units of… Opulence Revealed: Getting to know the Rémy Martin XO They say to understand someone, you need… James Bond will be going green in an electric Aston Martin He is not a poster boy for… Aston Martin is set to release its first motorcycle, done in collaboration with Brough Superior Aston Martin and Brough Superior will collaborate… Baselworld’17: Chanel strips its iconic Camelia down to its skeleton It is powered by Chanel’s own Caliber… Aston Martin DBX Mandarin Oriental is going sustainable with its seafood Whisky Hour: The Balvenie Single Malt Whisky and cheese pairing Bugatti celebrates 110 years with special edition Chiron Sport ‘110 ans Bugatti’ 5 cool Kickstarter projects to invest in right now, from wacky to wonderful What’s new about the all-new BMW 5 Series 3 reasons we love the new Bentley flagship store in KL Audi’s newest roadrunner: the TT Coupé	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1188
__label__wiki	0.918771	0.918771	Η Τουρκία θεωρεί «αρχαιολογικούς θησαυρούς της» και ένα 5.000 ετών Ελληνικό νεκροταφείο στο Ικόνιο. Η Τουρκία θεωρεί «αρχαιολογικούς θησαυρούς της» ένα 5.000 ετών Ελληνικό νεκροταφείο στο Ικόνιο. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/21/turkey-cultural-war-archaeological-treasure Η τοποθεσία του Ικονίου. Turkey wages 'cultural war' in pursuit of its archaeological treasures Η Τουρκία διεξάγει «πολιτιστικό πόλεμο» διεκδικώντας τους αρχαιολογικούς θησαυρούς της. Ankara accused of blackmailing museums into returning artefacts while allowing excavation sites to be destroyed The Sidamara sarcophagus from Konya in the Archaeological Museum at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. A 5,000-year-old burial ground in Konya was recently covered in concrete and transformed into a recreational area. Photograph: Imagebroker/Alamy Constanze Letsch in Istanbul and Kate Connolly in Berlin Turkey has been accused of cultural chauvinism and attempting to blackmail some of the world's most important museums in the wake of its demands for the return of thousands of archaeological treasures. According to cultural chiefs in Berlin, Paris and New York, Turkey has threatened to bar foreign archaeologists from excavation sites in the country by not renewing their digging permits if governments refuse to return artefacts that Ankara says were unlawfully removed from Turkish soil. It has also threatened to halt the lending of its treasures to foreign museums, they say. The government in Ankara, emboldened by the country's growing diplomatic and economic clout, has repeatedly said that the retrieval of the artefacts is part of a policy it intends to pursue for years, if necessary, calling it a "cultural war". However, it denies withholding permits as a form of leverage. But the German Archaeological Institute, founded in 1829 and responsible for some of Turkey's most important excavation sites, says it has already felt the wrath of the Turkish authorities, after they threatened to withdraw excavation permits unless a huge 3,300-year-old Hittite sphinx was returned. When the sphinx arrived back in Turkey to much fanfare last year, permits for reconditioning and restoration work were renewed but those for digging remained outstanding. Hermann Parzinger, president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation in Berlin, which among other collections oversees the city's Pergamon Museum, has accused Turkey of "playing a nasty game of politics" and of "threatening the future" of scientific work and other collaborations. "The Turks are engaging in a rather aggressive style of politics," he said. "They are trying to blackmail us and others by pushing foreign archaeologists out. Their new tactic is to accuse us of not investing enough in the infrastructure of the digs." Since the return of the sphinx – which Parzinger insists Germany did as a gesture of goodwill despite being under no legal obligation to do so – Turkey has demanded that three further objects be handed over by the Pergamon. They are the more than 2,000-year-old marble torso from the old fisherman statue found in Hadrianic baths of Aphrodisias, a medieval gravestone and parts of a 13th-century mihrab (prayer niche) from Konya. "All the artefacts were acquired legally more than a century ago and we are under no legal obligation to return them," Parzinger said. Turkey is also in dispute with the Louvre in Paris, which has refused requests to return objects. Ankara retaliated two years ago with a ban on French archaeologists digging in Turkey. Turkish officials are also at loggerheads with the Norbert Schimmel collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York over 18 objects they claim were illegally excavated, as well as with the British Museum in London over the Samsat Stele, a basalt slab from the 1st century BC. Ankara says it only wants back what rightfully belongs to Turkey. Ertugrul Gunay, culture and tourism minister, said 4,067 artefacts were returned from 2002 to 2012. He said Ankara's demands coincided with a new-found pride in the country's cultural heritage. "Our museum inventory is now on a par with that of European museums," he said recently. "The times when we simply exhibited artefacts in cupboards is over. We have caught up … what we have taken back is only a very small part of what we will take back." He added that over the past five years, Turkey had "spent more on history" than any other European country. Turkey is gearing itself up for the opening in 2023 – the centenary of the founding of the Turkish Republic – of the 2.5-hectare Museum of Civilisations in Ankara, which is due to showcase many of Turkey's best cultural treasures. But archaeologists working in Turkey point to what they say is a sharp contradiction between the government's zealous attempts to retrieve artefacts, and its apparent negligence towards valuable excavation sites that are the talk of the archaeological world. Among the most prominent is Allianoi, a Roman bath and spa complex in Izmir province, which was flooded in February 2011 on the orders of the government after the Yortanli dam was constructed. "Allianoi was destroyed despite our efforts to save the baths. The government preferred profit over the preservation of such an important heritage site," said Ahmet Yaras, an archaeologist at Thrace University. Yaras, who spearheaded the efforts to save the archaeological site, has been refused a digging permit for the past three years. He added: "It feels like I'm being punished by the Turkish government because I tried to save Allianoi." The eastern garrison town of Zeugma from 300BC is another historical site lost to the waters of a large dam project. Hasankeyf, a bronze-age town on the banks of the Tigris, is awaiting a similar fate. In the central Anatolian town of Konya, the 5,000-year-old Askar Hoyuk burial ground was recently covered over with concrete and turned into a recreational area. At Yenikapi, where a Byzantine harbour and 8,000-year-old human remains were found, the Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, recently outraged the archaeological community by ordering the excavation there to come to a rapid end as it was holding up construction of the prestigious Marmaray tunnel underneath the Bosphorus, which is aimed at easing traffic congestion in Istanbul. A Turkish archaeologist, who did not want to be named, said he was heartbroken that the government appeared to be destroying sites at the same time as battling for the return of artefacts. "I don't understand the attitude of the government," he said. "This contradiction is truly mind-boggling. "Of course, [the Turkish government] has the right to demand the return of certain artefacts, but they should never try to do this by threatening foreign excavation sites," he added. "One thing should not be confused with the other." Asked if he felt Turkey had if not a moral claim then a legal one on the return of certain treasures, Parzinger said: "You have to understand that it was right at the time to bring these objects [to Germany] in order to protect them, but the times have since changed." The Pergamon altar, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Berlin, was narrowly saved from destruction in the 1860s by the German engineer, architect and archaeologist Carl Humann. "Many believe that the Pergamon altar stood in the Anatolian sun until the Germans dragged it away," said Parzinger. "But the truth is that Humann had watched in horror as reliefs were being loaded into lime kilns … on the basis of contracts made according to the law governing antiques at the time, it was arranged for the reliefs to be brought to Berlin and so it was saved." He said that while the Turkish authorities had discussed requesting the return of the altar, Berlin had never received an official request. Αναρτήθηκε από ENDYMION στις 11:06 PM H εκτελεστική διαταγή 11110 που υπέγραψε ο Κένεντ... Το τελεσίγραφο του Μακαρίου. 2 Ιουλίου 1974 Οι χριστιανοί κατέστρεψαν... Εκπαιδευτικοί χωρίς μαθητές. Οι χριστιανοί κατέστρεψαν .... Δημοκρατία αλά Τούρκα. Μάρτυρες του ιαχωβά στο Μεξικό κατέστρεψαν.... Βυζαντινός μεσαίωνας Βρείτε τον Έλληνα. 10 ζημιές στο ΑΠΘ Λυπάμαι φίλε μου, δεν μπορώ να σε αφήσω να κάνεις ... Η Αλίκη Βουγιουκλάκη. Μερικοί θεωρητικοί συνωμοσίας .... Στο αρχαίο θέατρο της Δωδώνης. Η μυστηριώδης πόρτα στο ινδουιστικό ναό Padmanabha... Ο Πούτιν κατηγορεί τον Ομπάμα για «ΨΕΥΤΙΚΟ ΠΟΛΕΜΟ»... Όταν δεν σπας αυγά.... Πολιτισμός ο Ελληνισμός. Τουρκικό πραξικόπημα. Οι τιμές σ' ένα Τουρκικό μπακάλικο. Τώρα διαφημίζεται και σε μία βιτρίνα πολυεθνικής ε... Έχουν τον τρόπο τους να σε κάνουν να πληρώνεις όλο... ΕΒΑΨΑΝ ΤΑ ΝΥΧΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΠΟΔΙΩΝ ΤΟΥ ΑΓΑΛΜΑΤΟΣ ΤΟΥ ΑΡΙΣΤ... Η ΔΙΑΦΗΜΙΣΗ ΠΟΥ ΜΕΤΑΤΡΕΠΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΘΕΑ ΑΘΗΝΑ ΣΕ ΜΕΡΙΛΥ... Ποιοί είναι οι Δωδεκαθεϊστές; Στο Λιτόχωρο. Ποιοί είναι οι Δωδεκαθεϊστές; Εορτολόγιο. Ποιοί είναι οι Δωδεκαθεϊστές; Γιατί στην Ελλάδα το Facebook θέλει την αστυνομική... ΟΙ ΟΜΟΙΟΤΗΤΕΣ ΚΟΜΜΟΥΝΙΣΜΟΥ - ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΣΜΟΥ Η φωτογραφία του πλήθους στην Τουρκία, σε ένδειξη ... ΤΙ ΗΜΕΡΟΜΗΝΙΑ ΑΠΟΦΑΣΙΣΕ ΤΟ FACEBOOK NA ΣΕ ΦΑΚΕΛΩΣΕ... Μία Ρώσικη σαλάτα στο αρχαίο θέατρο της Δωδώνης. Ο παπάς 8ος στον κατάλογο των περισσότερο ψυχοπαθώ... Η σφαγή των αθώων. Γιατί κρύβουν το κύπελο του EURO 2016; Πολιτιστική χωματερή το προαύλιο του Αρχαιολογικού... Ο Ηλίας δολοφόνησε με τα χέρια του 800 ιερείς της ... ΧΟΪΛΟΥΣ ΑΣΤΕΡΙΟΣ: Έλληνες σεισμολόγοι φιλόσοφοι. ΧΟΪΛΟΥΣ ΑΣΤΕΡΙΟΣ: Τα μυστικά της Τροίας. ΟΜΙΛΙΑ BLAIR. Πόσα κερδίζει ένας επαγγελματίας σήμερα; Στην Ιαπωνία, τα φρούτα πωλούνται σε τιμές χρυσού.... Η ΑΝΤΙΓΟΝΗ στο Θέατρο Κήπου στη Θεσσαλονίκη. Οι Πελασγοί δημιούργησαν την Ρώμη. George Alexander Hill Σ.- Α. ΧΡΑΠΗΣ: «Τα ελληνικά σύμβολα και το βαθύτερ... Αρχαίο ελληνικό δράμα στη γλώσσα του πρωτοτύπου απ... Το Συμβούλιο του Westminster διώχνει τον "άστεγο" ... Η Τουρκία θεωρεί «αρχαιολογικούς θησαυρούς της» κα... Ευθύνη Τσίπρα και όχι Βαρουφάκη. Επεκτείνεται το άβατο των Εξαρχείων. Ποιοί μας παρατηρούν από μακριά; Από την μαύρη μέρα που εισέβαλαν οι Τούρκοι.. Τάχα τι καλό θα ‘χει εκείνος που τα βάζει με τους ... Που είναι οι μύστες, οι προφήτες, οι μάντεις, οι ι... Στην Θεσσαλονίκη διεξήχθη στις 25.06.2016 το 5ο Th... ΑΓΙΟΙ ΤΟΠΟΙ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ , ΕΙΝΑΙ Η ΔΩΔΩΝΗ , ΟΙ ΔΕΛΦ... O “Αγ. Γεώργιος” που σκοτώνει τον βροντόσαυρο, Στο μαντείο της Δωδώνης μια νέα παράδοση καθιερώθη... Λέον Τρότσκι: «Πρέπει να μετατρέψουμε τη Ρωσία σε ... Ο Λέον Τρότσκι δήλωσε: Τι ρόλο έπαιζε μία εκκλησία, δίπλα στο ιερότερο Μα... «Ευρωπαϊκή ολοκλήρωση» σημαίνει γενοκτονία των λαώ... Τα θεϊκά πολλές φορές αλλάζουν Θα πούμε το νερό, νεράκι. Η βάπτισις είναι τελετή θανάτου, για τον Έλληνα. Οι Τούρκοι είναι «ειδικοί» στο φρικτό έγκλημα του ... Η Κλίντον αναζήτησε μυστικές πληροφορίες σχετικά μ... Τι να περιμένει κανείς από μία χώρα όπου «Σύμβουλο... Ο “Μέγας” και “Άγιος” Αθανάσιος αποκαλούσε τους Έλ... Οι Celebrity Cruises ακύρωσαν όλες τις προγραμματι... η αρχαία ελληνική πόλη Βουθρωτόν. Όμως ποτέ κανένας δεν πεθαίνει Γιατί η ΕΕ είναι το 4ο Ραϊχ και δεν είναι η 2η ΕΣΣ... Το «νέο» θέατρο της Δωδώνης. Ένας σωρός από σάπια ... Οι θεοί παρακολουθούν τις χειρότερες συμφορές της ...	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1191
__label__wiki	0.504586	0.504586	Massive result tonight. The bigots lost heavily. General Election to drain the swamp. Real Brexit to follow. They're not laughing now. Mello Yello 194 2 minutes ago, kick it off said: Who is that aimed at? Weird in the extreme Anyone who reacts to it......your go...... kick it off 753 1 minute ago, FenwayFrank said: It’s starting to appear that you’re a good example of why everything is so divisive, you don’t want to discuss anything, you just want to tell everyone you’re right and they’re wrong. Not at all, I put forth my views, you spouted some incredibly outdated views that suggest you haven't even spoken to a teenager in the last 20 years and then instead of putting anything else forward, started to make jokes that these "immature kids" would find... pathetically immature. We can agree to disagree but I sincerely hope the next parliament doesn't. They have it in Scotland and it's been a massive success there. Where's Brexit's-not-gonna-happen-Bill? Where's Herman-the-Gammon?? Lets hope we get a result that resolves the issue one way or another. 1 minute ago, Mello Yello said: It just seemed a really weird thing to say as I can't see anybody upset at having a GE, in fact I think it's been universally well received across the forum unless I'm missing something. 1 minute ago, kick it off said: I'm weird......but old enough to vote...... Indeed, a party that will implement it or a party that will scrap it, there's no half pregnant eh FenwayFrank 441 Every time a “ young person “ hears something they don’t like they call it outdated.How has Scotland changed that makes the young vote a massive success ? 19 minutes ago, kick it off said: You don't have to vote, spoil the ballot if you like, but you should have to turn up. What’s the point in that then ? PurpleCanary 699 8 hours ago, PurpleCanary said: Absoutely. This is a massive gamble by Johnson. The sane# thing to do would have been to allow MPs to scrutinise the WA further, perhaps even allowing some changes on, for example, workers' rights, subject to EU approval (which for that would have been forthcoming), and then call for the WA to be passed. Particularly pointing the finger at the MPs who voted for the second reading but then switched sides on the basis that it was being rushed through, and demand that since their complaint had been dealt with they should switch back to backing him and making Brexit happen. #I would substitute 'safer' for 'sane'. Interesting comment from one of the UK's top psephologists on what does look like a massive gamble: Prof John Curtice’s election prediction: Tories beware. Election will return more than a 100 MPs not from Labour or Conservatives. And whilst Corbyn can do a deal with another party to stop Brexit, Johnson cannot to do a deal to deliver Brexit. Not sure whether he means then that Corbyn (assuming he is still Labour leader...) will be able to do a deal to stop Brexit or only to stop Johnson's ultra-hard Brexit, given that so far the opposition parties have failed to agree an alternative either to May's WA or Johnson's. But the election might change that. If Curtice is right it raises the question of what kind of government there might be, since while the non-Tory parties might sort of unite on Brexit that doesn't mean they would unite enough on everything else to form a viable government with a roughly agreed upon set of aims. 7 minutes ago, FenwayFrank said: I'm 32 - unfortunately not exactly what you'd call a "young person" anymore (Well maybe Ricardo would ). I work with teenagers every single day of the week though, so I have an understanding of their level of knowledge and understanding. If you have any relevant experience that lends credibility to your points, other than outdated tropes then feel free to add them. I say outdated, for no other reason than I cannot find a better word to describe them. They just don't match up with my experience and as I've worked with people of that age group for nearly 15 years, in various capacities, I think my experience is pretty broad. Turnout of 16 and 17 year olds in the Indy Ref was 75%. Far higher than the 18-24 year olds turnout of 54%. Engaging young people in politics creates a more politically aware society and better democracy because people are better informed and make wiser decisions. Edited October 29, 2019 by kick it off Now who’s being condescending? If you want Brexit and the hell that it will bring you will have to vote Brexit Company. If you want to stop it vote for the LibDems, Greens, SNP or Plaid Cymru. If you want to **** about for ten years vote Conservative. I'm not sure what Labour will bring other than a tactical vote to stop the right. Because it increases participation because when actually there, many people will vote. The more people we have voting, and the better informed they are, the better democracy and governance that will follow. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/22/world/australia/compulsory-voting.html 5 minutes ago, PurpleCanary said: It’s not a gamble when you’ve got nothing to lose. 20 minutes ago, Rock The Boat said: But you said people can turn up and spoil their voting slip if they want, there’s no point in that unless you think they will make a decision there and then which will mean they haven’t necessarily put much thought into their vote. If they know they have to turn up anyway then they are probably quite likely to have put some thought into what they are doing when they get there.... That's kind of the point of it. If people don't feel comfortable voting for any of the candidates then they should retain the freedom to not vote for any of the candidates which is why the option of spoiling your ballot is permissable (plus how on Earth could you police an anonymous vote to see who had spoiled their ballot). It also increases community, as in Australia where they have community BBQs at the polling station and the elections are held on a Saturday to increase access and enfranchisement. I see the Fascist wing is out with “drain the swamp” slogans and propaganda already. Do they not have a single original idea or will they just run a Donald Trump 2016 style campaign again - no matter, I know the answer. Problem is the swamp has not been drained, And it can’t be given the creatures he has put into his administration, the advantage is the UK can see who is in Boris’ government already. Elect the Tories and you can also look to the US for a preview of the political, environmental and fiscal vandalism they will bring along with them. Over to you guys.... I don't think Labour is sure what they will bring either. They have no identity anymore. community BBQs at the polling station To be fair that might get me there, but not in December I'm glad you got what your perceive as good news tonight after your little sobfest earlier. I'd have been concerned for your sensitive soul if it hadn't gone your way. I think BJ will have pretty much United the Brexit voters, if the anti Brexit parties can’t unite then they will lose their battle I suspect. 31 minutes ago, canarydan23 said: You ain't gettin a piccy response. Enoch's dreaming of a white Christmas.... Steptoe classic Aggy 116 I think, unless Labour comes out expressly as pro-remain, the Tories will run away with it. If you want Brexit, I think you vote Conservative. If you want Remain, you’re stuck with a tough decision. And if the “remain” vote is split between two or more parties, then the Conservatives are likely to benefit. References to the GE giving Boris a “mandate” for Brexit is misguided. People vote for all sorts of things at a general election. If he wants to prove he has the “mandate” on a specific issue, then go for a single-issue referendum.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1212
__label__cc	0.530033	0.469967	Thread starter deathstar1000 Picked it up today, my son has been playing it all day and I have been watching on and off but haven't gotten my hands on it yet. I think it looks pretty bad ass though! It made me regret not picking up the TBS Cal Kestis figure on FF. I might have to track one down now LOL. HothHan Edit: I can't get the spoiler tag to work in this new forum from my mobile. Annoying. jediraven82 I like everything about this game besides all the gameplay. Does that sound strange? I’m just happy I Redbox’d it and didn’t buy it outright. jediraven82 said: I kinda get what you are saying. The puzzles, environment, transversing, exploring, story all are serious fun. The combat is not. At all. I didn’t want to do it but I turned down the difficulty to story mode and it helped tremendously. I just finished the game and really enjoyed it overall which is pretty impressive considering this game was comprised of mechanics I just really hate. I didn't even mess around. I STARTED on story mode. Real_Scooby Austria / Europe picked it up yesterday, played a few minutes, and set it on ice for now. I am in desperate need of a graphic card upgrade. BTW, might look for the BS figure just because of the little droid Hell_Hawk_33 Picked my copy up today and have played it for a couple hours. I'm not blown away by it like some are. Nothing has been particularly interesting and I'm already tired of fighting giant frogs and weird bugs. I can't get past the first monster on Dathomir. Whenever I get him to critical health he just destroys me in seconds. I also don't like the camera angle. Really funky at times. Hopefully the game gets better and starts to grow on me. Hell_Hawk_33 said: Don't do Dathomir yet. Until you get a few Force upgrades later on there isn't much to do there yet. Get through it until you obtain the double bladed lightsaber and head off Zephos or whatever the other new planet is called Masterfett I mentioned no names, and there were a lot of betrayals in TCW. So not really sure what i spoiled. Agree about the fighting style, it gets a bit unrealistic for a Jedi when surrounded by melee fighters and shooters in the distance. It's too easy to go down, when one should have certain abilities to deal with the scenario. It seems they want you to depend on multiple button mashing to win. And teh dexterity in my hands fingers isn't what it used to be. lol The story/lore is interesting even though the take is more inline with new Star Wars. At times the game feels linear though, as if three's no option to explore unless it fits within their walls. So far it's been pretty fun, but it also feels like something is missing that I can't quite put my finger on. perhaps the hands-on interaction to customization. Though it is still early in the game yet, just arrived at second destination. Masterfett said: Turns out you were wrong anyway So last night I just got the mission to go to Kashyyyk, so I decided to try and finish up secrets and cases to complete Zeffo so i wouldn't have to return. On one of the run through i slipped on some ice and fell into a bottomless pit. Decided i had had enough of that for the night and turned it off. Today I try to play and I get an error message about unfinished install/update... It will not let me play the game, so I uninstalled and reinstalled hoping this will work and am currently waiting for that to finish. However, i notice there is no saved game data. I hope to the Maker that I do not have to start over... ^ Ugh, I have a knot in my stomach thinking about the possibility of you losing all of your progress. Are you playing on Playstation? Your progress should be automatically saved to your PSN so even if you uninstall and reinstall a game it will be there. I'm still on the fence about this game. I have immensely enjoyed some of it like infiltrating an AT-AT and storming an Imperial base with it. That was cool. Force pushing Stormtroopers over cliffs never gets old. What does get old is the length of some missions. I can appreciate large maps, but it's almost to large most of the time. For example I just finished Kashyyyk and it just got so repetitive. It seemed all I was doing was climbing up trees, fighting big insects, running along walls, repeat, repeat, and repeat. I was so happy when I got to the battle with the Ninth Sister not because it was a boss to fight, but because it was something different than I had been dealing with. Zeffo felt the same way. You can only push around big spheres and go down ice slides so many times before it gets boring. I also don't like how much backtracking you have to do to get back to the Mantis each time. Other than the occasional shortcut you're covering the same ground as before and if you're on Zeffo the holomap is so hard to look you have trouble figuring out your route. Playing on XBone. My data was saved though so that was a relief. Yeah, I get what you're saying about repetitiveness. Truthfully every game has a certain amount of it, but it depends on how the game is designed on whether it feels that way or not. This game could have used a little more hands on/unique customization, and interaction. I've always want a Star Wars game with Assassin Creed style game play and open world feel. etc. I have to laugh at myself because I somehow got lost in the tombs on Zeffo, took a wrong turn and wound up going all the way back trying to figure out where the exit went. lol The 3D map isn't the best at finding where to go between levels all the time. I stopped last night on Kashyyyk right after the first Purge Trooper because I got locked in that room with Wookiee prisoners and cant get out. So I quit and reloaded to tried it again and the same thing happened. IDK what is happening here, perhaps I caused glitch the first time through when the Droid killed me after going in with only half life. A whole bunch of short cuts open up on Zeffos that getting back to The Mantis much more tolerable as you acquire more Force powers. I finished the story last night. No major story spoilers below Some things I liked about the game: - The storyline was fantastic and the way it was presented was actually quite amazing. The character models and voice acting were so realistic. The way the characters interacted with each other looked like a movie. With the exception of Cere all the characters you encounter and speak with were worthwhile but I found the last crew mate to be the most interesting. Cal's Jedi Master was a great new character and I'm glad they used the species for him that they did. - The way the PT was Incorporated was amazing. - The way a certain character was introduced and handled toward the end of the game was brilliant in my opinion - BD-1 - The puzzles were tons of fun. I thought they were smart and well designed. - Lightsaber customization is awesome. With so many sleeves, emitter, switches etc I could spend hours finding the perfect look. - The traversing and platforming was also a highlight especially when the Force powers you acquire opened up the new areas and possibilities. At times this was actually a bit frustrating though and I'll get to that later. - I quite enjoyed exploring and finding new echoes that added some flavor to the story and areas. Again though this could be kinda frustrating which leads to... Some things I didn't like about the game: - Seriously the map design was awful. Too easy to get lost and run around in circles. I know I'm nitpicking here but a couple levels are just way too big or spread out. At times it was intimidating especially when you had to head back to them for story purposes. I loved exploring for echoes, secrets and crates but it took so long to actually get back to them sometimes. Part of this was the map system that was near impossible to follow - On the topic of crates...I had my fill of Mantis paint jobs. - The outfits and ponchos were just eh. Kind of sucks that you get the best outfit and poncho so late in the game. - Every time I had to stop and look at Cere's bugged out eyes and listen to her sob story was just annoying. Not an endearing character in my opinion and was the only one that flat for me. - Enemies got a bit repetitive - There is certainly no replayability for me. There is no way I'm going and 100% these massive levels just for achievements. The crates are all cosmetic and I've already acquired the best looking outfit, poncho and BD paint. Plus what's the point of more cosmetics when I'm not playing anymore...which kind of leads to the absolute reason I'm done with the game - The **ing combat absolutely sucks. Running into enemies and having to parry and roll to hopefully get some hits in was beyond annoying. If the story wasn't as great as it was I would have been done with the game by the 2nd planet. Feeling unequipped to deal with a couple of spiders while getting the shot out of me by distant Stormtroopers was so frustrating. Things got a bit more tolerable once I got the Force pull and twin lightsabers. I get that part of the story was that you are a Padawan dealing with getting your mojo back so being unsure and clumsy with the Force and lightsaber but it's also a video game. There was literally one time - ONCE - that I felt like a true bad ass Jedi. Maybe I'm just not a fan of this popular punishing "Dark Souls" type combat but seriously keep it. It's just not a fun system. I'll also admit I'm a bit older and not really a "gamer"...but if there wasn't a story mode level of difficulty I wouldn't be able to progress in this game lol. I'd deal with the massive labyrinths and **** map to go back and finish off the levels or even fire up a new game if the combat wasn't so bad. All in all though...it was by and large pretty amazing. Finally a good Star Wars game. The story alone was literally movie worthy. I'd love a sequel although I'm not so sure how it would fit into the overarching Star Wars narrative. I guess...9/10? Apologies for grammar and spelling. I'm on my mobile and 2am Enjoyed the story of this game and finished the platinum this last weekend. I hope there is a sequel with Cal & the new crew member where you get to play them on missions also. I totally agree that the map was very frustrating, there were many times where it wasn't clear how to get to certain sections when I was going for 100%. They really needed fast travel or a system to mark a spot and have a force trail lead you on the correct path. I also finished the game today. Took me one week exactly. I thought it would have lasted longer but nonetheless here are my thoughts: Great story! It was like Star Wars meets Indiana Jones. Nice music. BD-1 is a very likeable droid. I'd say he is one of my favorites in the canon story. A lot of cool and interesting characters, except for one. Will touch on that in the spoilers. The different combos for Lightsaber attacks were fun. My personal favorite was when he would slash with the double bladed Lightsaber and then throw it in a circle. Force pushing baddies over cliffs always put a smile on my face. The opening mission on Kashyyyk was my favorite part of the game. Climbing the Walker, sneaking through it, and gaining control to attack the Imperial base was a blast! I just wish it had lasted longer but the events that followed directly after were still fun. The holomap was terrible. I had a lot of trouble understanding it at times. It's a hard game. If you're an average gamer like myself you're going to have a lot of moments of pushing the wrong button, or being off on your timing which is so important in this game. I played it on the easiest difficulty setting and still had a hard time with a lot of things. Maps were almost to big. I like an immersive open world with lots to see, but I got my fill of each map with all the backtracking, going around in circles, walking all the way back to the Mantis, etc. Most of it was due to the useless holomap. As for backtracking and getting back to the Mantis some sort of fast travel is needed I think. Aimlessly walking around is never much fun. The echoes and crates weren't compelling enough to hunt down. The cosmetics weren't interesting, and the echoes were kinda neat but not enough to spend time finding each one. I would've been more motivated to hunt these things down if you could get free skill points or something. Would've liked to have spent more time fighting Imperials and infiltrating their bases, and less time fighting bugs and wandering around environments that start to look the same. Kashyyyk and Zeffo are specifically what I'm talking about. Everything just started to look the same after a while. As a whole this game suffers from repetitiveness. Now here are my thoughts with specific characters names so I'll put them in spoilers in case someone hasn't finished the game yet. Okay so I thought most of the characters were great. Cal, Greez, BD-1 as mentioned. I really liked the Second Sister Inquisitor, Trilla, especially after we see her without her mask and learn her backstory. She was a badass villain and as you learn more about who she was/is she becomes more interesting. I really enjoyed the inclusion of the Nightsister, Merrin and how she started down her own path, away from the typical life of her people. Back in the Clone Wars show I found the Nightsisters pretty interesting. In fact the episode where Grievous attacks and wipes them out was one of my favorites. So I had goosebumps when Merrin mentions a warrior brandishing a Lightsaber that wiped out her people. Unless I'm mistaken, she was talking about Grievous. One thing I would've liked to have seen Merrin in action later in the game, possibly against some Stormtroopers or something to see her how lethal her magik is. I think she could have been a strong asset to have inside the Inquisitor's facility. The new Stormtrooper design, the Purge Stormtrooper, was cool. I like the idea of a legion of troops trained to kill Jedi. I already have a couple of the Black Series figures on the way. I gotta figure out a custom electrostaff. HothHan hit the nail right on the head- the way Vader was handled was fantastic. Having Saw and his gang apart of this was a great idea. I wish we got to see more of him. The only character I truly did not like was Cere. Those buggy eyes were just to much. Can't believe she got into the final product without someone along the production process pointing that out. Overall my personal rating would be a solid 7/10. If it wasn't for the repetitiveness and Cere's buggy eyes, easily 9/10. Reactions: Masterfett and HothHan AmanaMatt Kerrville, TX. USA, Earth. Milky Way Finally got this digitally on the Xbox One. Early impressions: it's solid all around. Looks/Plays great. Voice acting is top-notch so far. I think after beating the game we should be able to fast travel between meditation spots. Reactions: Masterfett I've always thought that this combo would be an interesting story. I mean there's only so many times you can tell the hero rises from nothing scenario. I realize Movies hinge on major action and Universe at stake outcomes. But sometimes less is more. And that's what I loved most about the Cap trilogy, a more personalized story. That said I agree with most everything you posted about the game. I feel that they made the map so big and spread out in an attempt to make the game seem huge and immersive, when in fact it's not. There is indeed way to much repetitiveness, and the combat difficulty to some might seem challenging in a skillful way. It comes off as clunky and unresponsive in the heat of battle. Requiring a person to press far too many buttons to achieve a move/strike, and timing it just right to turn a parry into a strike. Also the force moves were to taxing on your reserves, when unable to perform enough combat strikes to refill it. I mean who rolls around the ground to dodge attacks? lol Especially when you have to fight multiple targets and then having an AT-ST drop in... Fast travel feature would have helped immensely! Because lets face it, once through there's not much reason to go back through. Unless trying to build XP from respawn enemies. The content was boring to the point there was no real excitement whenever I came across cases. And the same responses from Cal to BD-1 got boring quick. You've seen him open 30 cases already, yet you've got that shocked reaction? I honestly don't know how they can continue to make SW games less and less interesting. It's like they want to get further and further away from what made KotOR a success. As much as the Assassin Creed and Fallout games are all pretty much the same, there always seems to something interesting in the next one. All in all it was fun for what it was, but I'm glad I didn't pay $60 for it. Reactions: Hell_Hawk_33 The AT-ST fights were annoying too. There was no graceful way to fight them. I feel that they made the map so big and spread out in an attempt to make the game seem huge and immersive, when in fact it's not. Agreed Masterfett, but this. 100% this. To me it's false advertising when you say a game is huge, but most of the time is spent aimlessly wandering around. When I think of huge and immersive, I think of something like Skyrim. I'd love something similar to Skyrim set in the Star Wars universe. HothHan said: I would just get in tight and wildly hack and slash at the legs. I would do the same with the AT-ST but wasn't the whole point of this combat system to learn the tells of the enemy and counter strike? There was none of that with the AT-ST (at least that I picked up on). It was just run around and survive long enough to swat away at the legs. Kinda boring b True. Especially when they could have made it more interesting, by it being at half life allowing you to scale up an enter the darn thing! I feel there were too many vehicles you couldn't enter because it wasn't in the story. But it would have expanded game play allowing to you enter the vehicles. Yeah, I've always thought that Skyrim or fallout style would be great for a Star Wars game. One thing I discovered on Bogano was teh double bladed Saber, but had read reports that you don't get access to that until Dathomir. So i was a bit surprised when i got it. Speaking of that I really should go there soon! Ugh. I went ahead and 100% Zeffo, Ilum and Bogano. At this point I might as well finish off the other 2 planets. I figure neither can be as bad as Zeffo. I actually deleted Fallen Order from my PS4 last night to make space for Battlefront II and Jurassic World: Evolution updates coming this month. I just don't feel compelled to replay Fallen Order. Well, after finaly replacing my 6 year old GeForce 680, with ( not the latest, but good enough to me ) GeForce 2060, I was able to enjoy the ride in all its glory and I really loved it. Played through the story in about a week, with an "found secrets-score" of about 85-90 % on each planet. Awesome story IMO with perfect presentation. Adore BT-1, would love to get a 1:2 scale modelkit to go with BANDAI´s BB and DeAgos R2 The Ninth Sister does make a welcome enemy too. SPOILERs below Although free choice of where to go next, I strictly followed the set path, so I got stuck no where. Loved the sequence piloting the AT-AT The "vision" levels felt great located and although short I liked them too. Climbing up the "origin tree" on Kashyyyk, had a little bit of Avatar´s Pandora ... and taking the ride on the giant bird helped that too The fight with the "flying Rancor" on Dathomir, was some kind of epic The "mirror sequence" in the temple, was BETTER executed as the mirror sequence in TLJ Encountering Vader at the end, took me by surprise. Will go back to find the remaining secrets now. The giant lizard on the world with the Jedi-temple, is this one reachable somehow ? Anyone figured that out ? Really hope there comes either a sequel or a little update with another planet(s) to explore. Real_Scooby said: The dragon is not reachable but you can get a real close up of his face down in the cave below him I finally finished the other day, I don't have as much free time to play games as a s much anymore. Plus i feel there's no hurry in beating it. While i wasn't blown away by anything in this game or the mechanics, i was satisfied overall and with the ending. I was curious though about companions, although unlike KoTOR, how many were join-able? It led me to believe several, but I felt as if I was missing one based on Bogano interactions. The cat and mention of a stowaway, for me this went nowhere. I too hope for a sequel, I totally thought my character was a goner at the end. I mean who else has ever survived against him? lol Though now you're obviously on his radar, and should be coming for you soon! I was surprise bug-eyes survived as well, her character seemed like a candidate for sacrifice so the main could live. I do wish that the companions had more interesting intersections and could travel with you, like in KotOR. Rather than just be set dressing/bystanders. I was kinda hoping bug eyes didn't come back too. It was awesome how easily HE just swatted her away. It didn't appear like she could have survived either. The stowaway was that little animal that you can have join on you Bogano. While I don't want to have multiple characters to juggle during gameplay (like KOTOR) it would be nice to have Merrin (or any companion) be able to join along for missions in the next game. Kind of like BD-1... actually exactly like BD-1. I guess having a "healer" like Merrin would negate the BD-1 stim ability. Basically if they could implement a system like SWTOR where the companion joins you as a NPC with their own set of unlockable abilities etc it could be fun.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1213
__label__wiki	0.535876	0.535876	10.4236/as.2017.87038 Evaluating Breed Complementarity and Sexed Semen with Maternal Use of Afrikaner Germplasm Razie Khorshidi1, Michael D. MacNeil2,3,4, John J. Crowley1,5, Michiel M. Scholtz3,4, Annette Theunissen6, Graham S. Plastow1* 1Livestock Genetic, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada 2Delta G, Miles City, USA 3ARC-Animal Production Institute, Irene, South Africa 4Department of Animal, Wildlife and Grassland Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa 5Canadian Beef Breeds Council, Calgary, Canada 6Department of Agricultural, Land Reform and Rural Development, Jan Kempdorp, South Africa Received: April 27, 2017; Accepted: July 1, 2017; Published: July 4, 2017 Livestock production impacts food security of developing countries, especially where efficiency of production is compromised by environmental stressors. In South Africa, breeding with indigenous Afrikaner cattle that are genetically well adapted to subtropical environments is considered an essential strategy for sustainable beef production. Today, there is a potential for farmers to participate in commercial systems that join adapted Afrikaner germplasm, used in a specialized maternal role, with exotic terminal sires to optimize production. The objective of this study was to assess productivity of five simulated production systems: 1) straightbred Afrikaner mated naturally, 2) a straight- bred Afrikaner cow herd with two sections; one section to produce replacement females and the other to cross with Charolais terminal sires, both using natural mating, 3) similar to 2, but applying sexed semen to produce replacement females, 4) similar to 2, but using a multi-breed composite dam line with a breed combination of 50% Afrikaner, 25% Hereford and 25% Simmental, and 5) similar to 4, but again applying sexed semen to produce replacement females. Parameter estimates needed to compare these systems were extracted from the scientific literature. Relative to straightbred Afrikaner dams, the simulated composite dams were more fit producing 7.8% more calves and their progeny performance was improved by reducing feed intake (−24.4%) and increasing meat production (+11.7%). The potential benefit of allocating more cows to the terminal sire was insufficient to offset the reduction in pregnancy rate that results with the use of sexed semen. Thus, system 4 had the greatest productivity (+23.1%) while requiring 22.8% less feed for finishing the progeny to be harvested relative to the purebred Afrikaner system. The combination of increased productivity and reduced feed requirement made use of a Charolais terminal sire in conjunction with multi-breed composite females bred by natural service the most efficient system among those studied. Beef Production, Afrikaner, Composite Dams, Sexed Semen, Terminal Crossbreeding Livestock production impacts food security of millions of people all over the world, and especially in developing countries [1] [2] . Moreover, animal products are the most important income generator for smallholders in such countries. There is potential for emerging farmers to enhance productivity and alleviate poverty by entering a viable market for their animals [3] [4] [5] . In subtropical environments stressors including heat, humidity, disease, parasites and poor nutrition seriously compromise livestock production efficiency and under these conditions use of adapted straightbred germplasm is potentially beneficial [6] . In South Africa, the indigenous Afrikaner, Nguni, and Drakensberger beef breeds exhibit specific adaptive features that allow them to thrive in such environments where exotic breeds are less fit [7] . Achieving optimal levels of reproduction, growth, milk production, food consumption, and carcass merit challenges beef producers as they may be environmentally constrained [6] and antagonistically correlated [8] [9] [10] while also influencing both productivity and profitability. Thus, implementing technologies that simultaneously reduce costs and carbon footprint while improving beef production efficiency is considered increasingly important [11] [12] . Crossbreeding can accomplish these goals by providing benefits from heterosis and breed complementarity [13] [14] . Indigenous Afrikaner cattle may be well suited for use as a specialized dam line because they benefit from limited calving difficulties and are well adapted to subtropical environments, while joining them with sires from an exotic terminal sire can improve feedlot performance and meat yield of F1 progenies [5] [15] . Use of Charolais as a terminal sire simplifies management of the crossbreeding system due to its mutation in the SILV gene [16] that facilitates sorting maternal progenies from their Charolais sired counterparts using only coat color. Creation of a multi-breed composite dam line allows exploitation of maternal heterosis with potentially little effect on environmental adaptation [17] [18] . Use of a multi-breed composite dam line not only takes advantage of heterosis, but also by fixing different breed proportions further simplifies management compared to rotational crossbreeding [19] . Successful implementation of crossbreeding requires that at least part of the herd be allocated to production of replacement females. Therefore, use of sexed semen could contribute to increased productivity by allocating fewer cows to generation of replacements while utilizing the remainder for production of terminal cross progeny [20] . This might mitigate the inefficiency that originates from less beneficial male offspring produced by the dam line [21] . However, use of sexed semen depends on the ability to successfully implement artificial insemination and opportunities for emerging farmers to use this technology are only now being explored in South Africa [22] . Systems analysis provides a means for simultaneous consideration of many more factors than could feasibly be included in one experiment and may be a realistic method of developing or testing recommendations to improve production efficiency [23] . The aim of this paper is to investigate opportunities for use of crossbreeding and sexed semen technologies to improve the production efficiency relative to a system that is based on straightbred Afrikaner cattle. Herein experimental results taken from the scientific literature are summarized using simulation. The data used for the simulations described herein came from previously published literature. No animals were used directly in the performance of this research. Thus, approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees of the authors was not sought. The original research upon which these simulations were based came from experimentation carried out at the Vaalharts Research Station, near Jan Kempdorp, South Africa. The Vaalharts Research Station is located at 27˚51’ south and 24˚50’ east at an altitude of 1175 meters. Carcass data were collected at the Animal and Dairy Research Institute, Irene, South Africa. Thus, parameters for the simulation experiments described hereafter were drawn from previously published literature [18] [24] [25] [26] . Alternative self-sustaining systems were simulated with a deterministic model to evaluate their potential for improving productivity relative to a system based on straightbred Afrikaner cattle. Two of the alternative systems employed Afrikaner females as a specialized dam line and two considered a multi-breed composite female comprised of 50% Afrikaner, 25% Hereford and 25% Simmental as the specialized dam line. In two of the systems sexed semen was used to increase the proportion of females that could be allocated to the terminal sire. The systems were as follows: 1) A straightbred production system using Afrikaner cattle and natural service; 2) A specific-cross production system using Afrikaner females, Charolais terminal sires and natural service; 3) Similar to system 2, but with sexed semen used to produce the straightbred Afrikaner replacement females; 4) Similar to system 2, but with the Afrikaner females being replaced with the multi-breed composite females; and 5) Similar to system 4, but with sexed semen used in generation of the replacement females. Structural equations used in the simulation were as follows: where RR = replacement rate and PR = pregnancy rate, assuming that non- pregnant females were culled at the time of pregnancy testing (approximately coincident with weaning). where WR = weaning rate and SR = calf survival rate. P = Production per cow, where a weight-constant endpoint of 440 kilograms was assumed, DP = dressing percentage and MY = meat yield from the carcass. where DOF = Days from weaning to harvest, WW = weaning weight of the calf and ADG = its postweaning average daily gain. TFI = Feed consumed by the calf from weaning to harvest and DFI = average daily feed intake. Throughout a 1:1 sex ratio was assumed for calves resulting from natural mating. Thus, with natural mating the proportion of the cows that was allocated for production of replacement females (RF) = RR/0.5. When use of sexed semen was simulated the expected 1:1 sex ratio was shifted to 90% heifers [20] [21] [27] and PR was reduced by 10% [20] [28] . Thus, when use of sexed semen was simulated RF = RR/0.9. There was no effect of having used sexed semen on SR [27] . For female calves, P was reduced by 20% relative to their male counterparts [29] . Total productivity (TP) and total feed consumption (TFC) for the ith system were calculated as sum of the meat produced from male calves in the replacement section ( ) or the amount of feed they consumed ( ) as well as male and female calves in the market progeny section (MP = 1 − RF) with equal proportions, respectively: where HP represents the harvest proportion for male calves in the replacement section and corresponds to or 0.1 for natural service or sexed semen, respectively. Breed-specific genetic effects, following [30] , on the phenotypes used in the simulations for this study were taken from the previously published work of [24] [25] [26] . Specifically, phenotypes were simulated for four breed groups as follows: where A, C, H and S designate the Afrikaner, Charolais, Hereford and Simmental breeds, GI and GM represent individual and maternal breed additive effects, and HI and HM represent individual and maternal heterosis effects. Following [24] [25] [26] , G0 = the Afrikaner breed mean for the trait of interest and and were assumed to be zero. Other breed-specific effects were expressed as deviations from G0. In calculating PR, SR and WR for AHS dams, only the breed specific maternal genetic effects were available and the direct effects due to the genotype of the calf were assumed to be nil. Finally, selection index weights for improvement of a ratio [31] were used to predict improvement in efficiency of the alternative systems (TFCi/TPi) relative to the straightbred Afrikaner system. Specifically, the ratio of TFC/TP in the straightbred Afrikaner system was the economic weight for TPi and the economic weight for TFCi was −1.0. Thus, Simulation results for the fitness traits are presented in Table 1. Greater PR were achieved by composite dams due to favorable breed additive effects and heterosis. Thus, a lower proportion of females were required to produce replacements with systems 4 and 5. Differences in calf SR between two dam breeds were small and thus most of the advantage in WR of composite dams was attributable to their greater PR. The decrease in PR resulting from use of sexed semen resulted in similarly reduced WR and greater RR for systems 3 and 5. Simulated results for productivity and the component traits for the breed groups simulated in this study are presented in Table 2. The greatest WW resulted from mating the Charolais terminal sire to composite dams with the resulting progeny being 25% heavier than straightbred Afrikaner calves. Straight- bred composite calves also approached this level of performance. Although Charolais sired calves from Afrikaner dams also had increased WW (18.4%) relative to straightbred Afrikaner, the increase was not as great as for progeny of composite dams (25.2%). Similarly, Charolais sired calves from Composite dams had the greatest ADG and DFI. Further, due to the decreased number of days on feed required to attain 440 kilograms, Charolais × Composite calves consumed the least amount of feed during the time they were in the feedlot; approximately 29% less than straightbred Afrikaner. Both Charolais sired calves from Afrikaner dams and straightbred composite calves were intermediate between these breed groups for ADG, DFI, and TFI. There were no differences in DPs of the Afrikaner and composite straightbreds. However, use of the Charolais terminal sire resulted in a greater ratio of hot carcass weight to live weight. All crosses, which were approximately similar, improved meat yield from the carcass relative to straightbred Afrikaner. Thus, simulated P was greatest when composite females were joined with Charolais sires. Dividing the cow herd into two sections, producing replacement females (RF) and the second producing market progeny (MP) illustrates commitments of resources to components of the production system (Table 3). In each replacement section, females are allocated for production of replacements and contemporary males that are produced as a by-product are harvested and thus contribute to P and require feed. The number of by-product male calves is decreased when using sexed semen. Use of a Charolais terminal sire on a portion of the Afrikaner cows (System 2) increased P by 7% over System 1 due to effects of breed complementarity and individual heterosis. Using sexed semen further improved P in production of market progeny in System 3, relative to System 2. However, this advantage was not sufficient to offset the loss in output that resulted from the reduced PR. Thus, total P of System 3 was less than that either System 1 or 2. With Systems 4 and 5, P (TFI) of the RF section was reduced (increased) relative to Systems 2 and 3, respectively, due to the lesser number of females that were required in this section. Corresponding changes in P and TFI of the MP sections also result. Using merit as a unified assessment of the systems, all systems that employed crossbreeding had greater merit than the straightbred Afrikaner production system (it was selected as the base to which the other systems were relative). Further, use of the composite specialized dam line increased merit relative to the corresponding system with a straightbred Afrikaner cow herd. Although using sexed semen increased the merit of System 3 slightly greater (3%) than System 2, it did not result in any additional advantage in System 5 relative to System 4 that employed natural service. This study contemplated alternative production systems that could potentially improve beef production when making use of Afrikaner germplasm. It is based, in large part, on data collected in central South Africa near Jan Kempdorp at 27˚51’ south and 24˚50’ east, and an altitude of 1175 m. Climatic conditions are classified as semi-arid with hot summers (average maximum temperature in December of 32˚C) and cold winters (average minimum temperature in July of −0.5˚C). Average precipitation is approximately 450 mm per annum, of which Table 1. Simulated values for fitness traits applicable to straightbred Afrikaner and composite dam lines with natural service and use of sexed semen via artificial insemination. Table 2. Simulated growth, feedlot and carcass values for progenies of Afrikaner and composite cattle as straightbreds and as crosses with a charolais terminal sire. Table 3. Commitments of resources and productivity per cow attributable to sections of the herd allocated to producing replacement females (RF) and market progeny (MP) for each of the simulated systems that were evaluated. a. System 1 = straightbred Afrikaner with natural service; System 2 = Use of Afrikaner as a specialized dam line, Charolais as a terminal sire, and natural service; System 3 = Use of Afrikaner as a specialized dam line, employing sexed semen in production of replacement females, and Charolais as a terminal sire; System 4 was similar to System 2, but with the Afrikaner dam line replaced by a 50% Afrikaner, 25% Hereford, and 25% Simmental composite dam line; and System 5 was similar to System 3, but also using the composite dam line. 88% is experienced between October and April. One concern about the data used herein regards its potentially being dated. However, similar crossbreeding studies that evaluate breeds in challenging environments such as this one have not been conducted more recently. Here, the principal finding establishes the substantial benefit of a composite specialized dam line relative to either a straightbred production system or a production system that employs a terminal sire on straightbred dams. This is consistent with the substantial volume of literature on the benefits of crossbreeding [17] [32] [33] . However, this finding must be tempered by the recognition that use of non-adapted germplasm in stressful environments may not always be warranted [6] [34] . The superior adaptation of Afrikaner cattle relative to British breeds to hot, semi-arid, subtropical bushveld regions has long been recognized [35] . Further, the composite envisioned herein has similar breed composition to the Belmont Red that was developed by large pastoral companies in northern Australia to meet market specifications and maintain tropical adaptation [36] [37] . Growth performance, carcass merit and adaptive potential of the Belmont Red have been shown to be similar to that of Bonsmara, but with Belmont Red having a shorter calving interval [38] . As pointed out by [34] , the environment for market progeny may be less severe than for females destined to become replacements and this may indicate a role for crossbreeding even in production environments where adaptation is of utmost importance for the cow herd. It has been recommended that adapted maternal lines should be crossed with large exotic terminal sire breeds to exploit breed complementarity for efficient gain, carcass quality and meat yield [5] [39] . The work of [40] supports this recommended paradigm. At the outset, it seemed logical that if sexed semen would allow more females to be joined with a terminal sire that technology would support greater production efficiency. However, sex sorting sperm by flowcytometry is slow and along with post-processing damage limits the number of live sperm per dose produced. This results in fewer sperm then being used per insemination and a consequent reduction of fertility [41] . Recent literature supports the implicit assumption of similar pregnancy rates being achieved by natural service and artificial insemination [28] and the explicit assumption of a 10% decrease in PR when using sexed semen [20] . For System 3, which employs straightbred Afrikaner females, overall merit is slightly greater (+3%) than for System 2 with a 10% reduction in pregnancy rate and 90% efficiency in sorting. If the sorting were perfect and sex-sorted semen was equivalent to unsorted semen in pregnancy rate, then the advantage of System 3 over System 2 would increase to 20%. However, diverting additional females to the terminal sire by increasing the pregnancy rate and efficacy of sorting in use of sex-sorted semen only allows System 5 to marginally approach the merit of System 4. Thus, the results suggest that when using highly fertile and productive composite females, there would be little if any additional advantage from breed complementarity. This simulation study demonstrates the utility of systems analysis techniques for summarizing a diverse body of data than it would be feasible to address experimentally. The results suggest that crossbreeding could be applied as a commercially appropriate technology to potentially improve production efficiency relative to a straightbred production system using adapted germplasm. However, not all state-of-the-art technologies will necessarily improve production efficiency, as is shown herein using the example of sexed semen. The compromised pregnancy rate and less than perfect sorting technology as well as limited opportunities for cost-effective implementation of artificial insemination prevent smallholders in stressful environments from fully capitalizing on benefits from crossbreeding. Khorshidi, R., MacNeil, M.D., Crowley, J.J., Scholtz, M.M., Theunissen, A. and Plastow, G.S. (2017) Evaluating Breed Complementarity and Sexed Semen with Maternal Use of Afrikaner Germplasm. Agricultural Sciences, 8, 507-517. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2017.87038 1. Delgado, C., Rosegrant, M., Steinfeld, H., Ehui, S. and Courbois, C. (1999) Livestock to 2020: The Next Food Revolution. International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC. 2. McLeod, A. (2011) World Livestock 2011-Livestock in Food Security. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Rome. 3. Ehui, S.H., Li-Pun, H.H., Mares, V. and Shapiro, B. (1998) The Role of Livestock in Food Security and Environmental Protection. Outlook on Agriculture, 27, 81-87. 4. Hazell, P., Poulton, C., Wiggins, S. and Dorward, A. (2007) The Future of Small Farms for Poverty Reduction and Growth. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington DC. http://www.ifpri.org/2020/dp/vp42.asp 5. Scholtz, M.M. and Theunissen, A. (2010) The Use of Indigenous Cattle in Terminal Crossbreeding to Improve Beef Cattle Production in Sub-Saharan Africa. Animal Genetics Research, 46, 33-39. 6. Burrow, H.M. (2012) Importance of Adaptation and Genotype X Environment Interactions in Tropical Beef Breeding Systems. Animal, 6, 729-740. https://doi.org/10.1017/S175173111200002X 7. Pienaar, L. (2014) Genetic Diversity in the Afrikaner Cattle Breed. MSc. Thesis, University of the Free State, Bloemfontain. 8. MacNeil, M.D., Cundiff, L.V., Dinkel, C.A. and Koch, R.M. (1984) Genetic Correlations among Sex-Limited Traits in Beef Cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 58, 1171-1180. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas1984.5851171x 9. MacNeil, M.D., Bailey, D.R., Urick, J.J., Gilbert, R.P. and Reynolds, W.L. (1991) Heritabilities and Genetic Correlations for Postweaning Growth and Feed Intake of Beef Bulls and Steers. Journal of Animal Science, 69, 3183–3189. https://doi.org/10.2527/1991.6983183x 10. MacNeil, M.D., Lopez-Villalobos, N. and Northcutt S.L. (2011) A Prototype National Cattle Evaluation for Feed Intake and Efficiency of Angus Cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 89, 3917-3923. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2011-4124 11. Greiner, S.P. (2002) Crossbreeding in Beef Cattle. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg. 12. Scholtz, M.M., Steyn, Y., Van Marle-Koester, E. and Theron, H.E. (2012) Improved Production Efficiency in Cattle to Reduce their Carbon Footprint for Beef Production. South African Journal of Animal Science, 42, 450-453. 13. Cartwright, T.C. (1970) Selection Criteria for Beef Cattle for the Future. Journal of Animal Science, 30, 706-711. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas1970.305706x 14. Gregory, K.E. and Cundiff, L.V. (1980) Crossbreeding in Beef Cattle: Evaluation of Systems. Journal of Animal Science, 51, 1224-1242. 15. MacNeil, M.D. and Matjuda, E. (2007) Breeding Objectives for Angus and Charolais Specialized Sire Lines for Use in the Emerging Sector of South African Beef Production. South African Journal of Animal Science, 37, 1-10. 16. Gutierrez-Gil, B., Wiener, P. and Williams, J.L. (2007) Genetic Effects on Coat Colour in Cattle: Dilution of Eumelanin and Phaeomelanin Pigments in an F2-Back-cross Charolais x Holstein Population. BMC Genetics, 8, 56. 17. Dadi, H., Jordaan, G.F., Schoeman, S.J. and Van der Westhuizen, J. (2002) The Effect of Charolais and Hereford Sires and Straightbred and Crossbred Dams on Pre-weaning Growth of Calves. South African Journal of Animal Science, 32, 38-43. https://doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v32i1.3789 18. Theunissen, A. (2012) Charaterization of Breed Additive and Heterosis Effects in Beef Cattle Using Experimental Results. Master’s Thesis, University of Free State, Bloemfontein. 19. MacNeil, M.D. (2005) Beef Cattle Management: Crossbreeding. In: Ullrey, D.E., et al., Eds., Encyclopedia of Animal Science, CRC Press, Boca, Raton. 20. Hall, J.B. and Glaze Jr, J.B. (2013) How Can Sexed Semen Be Used in Commercial Beef Herds? Range Beef Cow Symposium, Rapid City, 3-5 December 2013, 316. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/rangebeefcowsymp/316 21. Hohenboken, W.D. (1999) Applications of Sexed Semen in Cattle Production. Theriogenology, 52, 1421-1433. 22. Maqhashu, A., Mphaphathi, M.L., Seshoka, M.M., Ramukhithi, F.V., Seolwana, F.L., Masenya, M.B., Netshirovha, R.T., Mapeka, M.H., Nengovhela, N.H., Kanuya, N.L., Muchenje, V. and Nedambale, T.L. (2016) Comparison of Oestrous Synchronization Response and Pregnancy Rate of Village Cows Following Timed Artificial Insemination in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo Provinces. Open Journal of Animal Sciences, 6, 9-15. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojas.2016.61002 23. Long, C.R., Cartwright, T.C. and Fitzhugh, H.A. (1975) Systems Analysis of Sources of Genetic and Environmental Variation in Efficiency of Beef Production: Cow Size and Herd Management. Journal of Animal Science, 40, 409-420. 24. Theunissen, A., Scholtz, M.M., Neser, F.W.C. and MacNeil, M.D. (2013) Crossbreeding to Increase Beef Production: Additive and non-Additive Effects on Weight Traits. South African Journal of Animal Science, 43, 143-152. 25. Theunissen, A., Scholtz, M.M., MacNeil, M.D. and Neser, F.W.C. (2014) Breed Additive and Heterosis Effects on Feedlot and Carcass Traits in Beef Cattle. 10th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Vancouver, 17-22 August 2014, 714. 26. Theunissen, A., Scholtz, M.M., Neser, F.W.C. and MacNeil, M.D. (2014) Crossbreeding to Increase Beef Production: Additive and non-Additive Effects on Fitness Traits. South African Journal of Animal Science, 44, 335-349. https://doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v44i4.3 27. Seidel, G.E. (2003) Economics of Selecting for Sex: The Most Important Genetic Trait. Theriogenology, 59, 585-598. 28. Lardner, B. and Damiran, D. (2015) Comparison of Fixed-time Artificial Insemination vs. Natural Service in Beef Cows: Reproductive Efficiency and System Cost. http://www.wbdc.sk.ca/pdfs/fact_sheets/2015/2015-02_WBDC_Fixed-timeAI_vs_NaturalBreeding.pdf 29. Anderson, P. (2012) Matching Cattle Type and Feedlot Performance. University Minnesota Extension. http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/beef/components/pdfs/matching_cattle_type_ and_feedlot_performance.pdf 30. Dickerson G.E. (1973) Inbreeding and Heterosis in Animals. Proceedings of an Animal Breeding Symposium in Honor of Jay Lush. American Society of Animal Science and American Dairy Science Association, Illinois, 29 July 1972, 54-77. 31. Lin, C.Y. (1980) Relative Efficiency of Selection Methods for Improvement of Feed Efficiency. Journal of Dairy Science, 63, 491-494. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(80)82960-2 32. MacNeil, M.D., Cundiff, L.V., Gregory, K.E. and Koch, R.M. (1988) Crossbreeding Systems for Beef Production. Applied Agricultural Research, 3, 44-54. 33. Skrypzeck, H., Schoeman, S.J., Jordaan, G.F. and Neser, F.W.C. (2000) Estimates of Crossbreeding Parameters in a Multibreed Beef Cattle Crossbreeding Project. South African Journal of Animal Science, 30, 193-203. 34. Barwick, S.A., Johnston, D.J., Burrow, H.M., Holroyd, R.G., Fordyce, G., Wolcott, M.L., Sim, W.D. and Sullivan, M.T. (2009) Genetics of Heifer Performance in Wet and Dry Seasons and their Relationships with Steer Performance in Two Tropical Beef Genotypes. Animal Production Science, 49, 367-382. https://doi.org/10.1071/EA08273 35. Bonsma, J.C. (1949) Breeding Cattle for Increased Adaptability to Tropical and Subtropical Environments. Journal of Agricultural Science, 39, 204-221. 36. Rudder, T.H., Bean, K.G., Lapworth, J.W. and Seifert, G.W. (1976) Commercial Evaluation of a Tropical Breed Developed Experimentally. Proceeding of the Australian Society of Animal Production, 11, 89-92. 37. Seifert, G.W. and Rudder, T.H. (1984) Experience with Africander and Africander Derived Genotypes in Australian Beef Herds. Proceedings of the 2nd World Congress on Sheep and Beef Cattle Breeding, 16-19 April 1984, Pretoria, 671-677. 38. Corbet, N.J., Shepherd, R.K., Burrow, H.M., van der Westhuizen, J., Strydom, P.E. and Bosman, D.J. (2006) Evaluation of Bonsmara and Belmont Red Breeds in South Africa. 1. Productive Performance. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 46, 199-212. 39. Scholtz, M.M., Roux, C.Z. and Lombard, P.E. (1990) Breeding Strategies for Beef Cattle in the Subtropics and Tropics: Terminal Crossbreeding. Proceedings of the 4th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, 23-27 July 1990, Edinburgh, XV, 361-364. 40. Moyo, S. (1990) Evaluation of the Productivity of Indigenous Cattle and Some Exotic Beef Breeds and their Crosses in Zimbabwe. In: Ababa, A., Ed., ILCA Research Fellowship Report, ILCA, Ethiopia, 139. 41. Garner, D.L. and Seidel, G.E. (2008) History of Commercializing Sexed Semen for Cattle. Theriogenology, 69, 886-895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.01.006 ● AS Subscription ●Most popular papers in AS ●About AS News	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1216
__label__wiki	0.595915	0.595915	Home People Mehgan James : Married, Husband, Personal Life, Career, Net Worth Mehgan James : Married, Husband, Personal Life, Career, Net Worth Hollywood has one of the most beautiful actresses ever, and when we look at Mehgan James, the list adds up the word talented too. Mehgan is the kind of person who, without a single ounce of doubt, the perfect definition of beauty with brains. Bet you cannot argue that can you? Not only that she makes look acting job seem so easy, all thanks to all her charm and acting talent, Mehgan makes it look like almost anybody can do this job. In reality, acting is something that is very tough to do, and not everyone can do it. On top of that, Mehgan James is also a very popular reality TV star. So on so that he reality career surpasses her acting career. But, as we said earlier before, Mehgan James does it so effortlessly and gracefully as well. People see James on their television screens, and the truth is told, they immediately fall in love with her. Everyone falls in love either with her charming and ever so graceful personality or her beautiful dazzling smile that just glistens the whole TV screen. Anyway, Mehgan makes into the heart of her audience straight like a 50 caliber bullet. But the real question is if any of Mehgan fans know her behind the camera? Who is Mehgan James as a regular person behind all the production work and script drama? If you do not have any idea about that, we take care of it. Find out everything about Mehgan James in this post right here. Mehgan James, the American actress, and reality TV star were born on February 11, 1990, in Houston, Texas, United States of America. She is currently 29 years old. Mehgan after her birth grew up with her parents and also she belongs to a very large family and the eldest as well. Her parents gave birth to six children during their marriage, and Mehgan is the very eldest among all her six brothers and sisters. Mehgan grew up in a very traditional family and always believed in kindness and honesty from a very young age. As a member of an African and American community, Mehgan shares mixed ethnicity and American nationality. Any further information regarding her family remains a very well-kept secret. Mehgan is very quiet about any information about her family and her parents. However, we do know that her parents are from African ancestry who live in the United States. That is why Mehgan has a very distinct personality. When it comes to education, Mehgan always proved herself as a very obedient and very hard working student from a very young age. She studied very well and attended the local high school in Houston, Texas. After graduating with very good marks, Mehgan thought of studying further and receive a degree. Mehgan also got interested in the concept of acting from a very young and developed a knack for it. She participated in various extra-curricular activities related to acting from a very young age. As to continue with her studies, Mehgan attended the University of Houston and graduated again with very good marks. Name Mehgan James Date of birth February 11, 1990 Birthplace Houston, Texas, United States of America Ethnicity Mixed Height 5.6 ft Profession Actress Married No Birth sign Aquarius Measurement 34-26-37 Net Worth $400 thousand Mehgan James Personal Life Mehgan previously dated a famous basketball player called Kendrick Brown. Kendrick Brown is a Boston Celtics player, and people consider him a huge star with extreme basketball talents. The couple began dating in the early 2010s, and since then they became very inseparable. However, after some time, news broke that the Mehgan and Kendrick split and there seemed no chance of a patch up between them. Later, Mehgan revealed that her relationship with Kendrick helped her a lot to become the cast of VH1’s Basketball Wives LA. But the break up happened very naturally, and they do not share any bad blood. After her split with Kendrick, Mehgan started dating another man. Coincidently, her boyfriend again belonged to sports. Mehgan started dating a famous NFL player named Kayvon Webster. Not only that but Mehgan has a unique taste for sports person and athletes as her relationships always tend to lean on that side. She also reportedly dated Quincy Miller, a former player of Denver Nuggets. Apart from that, Mehgan also dated DeAndre Perry, who people know as a retired football college star. During some time in her life. Mehgan also dated Victor Cruz, famous as the player for NY Giants. Rob Kardashian Drama In 2017, Mehgan started a very peculiar rumor where everyone suspected that she was dating Rob Kardashian. During that time, Rob had just broken up with his fiancé Blac Chyna, and reportedly Mehgan slipped in between and started dating Rob Kardashian. While everyone one started to believe that Rob said otherwise. In a public statement, Rob Kardashian denied that he was dating Mehgan James at all and even said that he never met her in the first place. He dismissed the rumors firmly. Sometime later, tabloids said that the whole Rob Kardashian and Mehgan James dating this was just a set up put by Mehgan to become more famous. Well, it did work for her because the sudden rise in fame helped her increase her fanbase. Mehgan made one of her very first TV debuts, in reality, show that 50 Cent organized called The Money and The Power. She went there and participated as a contestant. After displaying a very good game, Mehgan became a finalist on the show. However, she did not win it. But, she earned something more there. After her appearance on The Money and The Power, Mehgan got another offer and this time, from Bad Girls Club: Mexico. As people already knew her, it did not take much time before she became a fan favorite, and everyone started loving her. There she put up such a game and charm that nobody could resist her. Mehgan appeared in the TV show for 11 years in 2012 and then took her exit from the show. She then became a part of another TV show right away called Bad Girls All Star Battle, another spinoff of the original show. People loved her so much that producers decided to bring her back in the show. Mehgan appeared on the show for about a year from 2013 to 2014. She appeared there for 13 episodes which include two reunion episodes where the old cast members meet again. Exposure to such a platform brought Mehgan many opportunities. She served as a presenter for Reality Television Awards in 2015. Lori Stokes Married, Husband, Education, Children, Bio, Net Worth After her appearance in the Bad Girls Club and its spinoff Bad Girls All Star Battle, Mehgan got another offer, and this time, she got an offer from Basketball Wives LA. She started appearing in the show from 2015 and began doing her thing, the same thing that viewers love so much from Mehgan. She appeared in the show for a year and for 14 episodes after that Mehgan appeared in Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars. This TV show comprised of Reality Stars in a marriage boot camp. Mehgan appeared in the show for, again, a year and this time for only about 11 episodes. During her reality TV star career, Mehgan also appeared in some movies, three to be precise. In 2015, she appeared as M.J in Dumbish. Later, after about two years, Mehgan appeared in The Fighters Prayer in 2017 as Glory. She again portrayed another character named Glory the same year in another movie called Hogan. Mehgan as one of the most famous and largest television star, gathered herself a lot of fans and followers. Mehgan currently has nearly a million subscribers on her Instagram platform, and that is very impressive. Do you know what more is impressive? Her earnings as she is also very rich. Mehgan earns six figures for each episode so you can plainly imagine how much her net worth is. Mehgan lives a very luxurious life. She is a very big fan of shopping for new and exotic fashion items and like to keep herself on top of trends. Currently, Mehgan has a massive net worth of over $400 thousand. Mehgan also earns more through appearances and advertising. Mehgan James Social Reach Twitter: @Mehgan James Instagram: @_mehganj Facebook: Mehgan James Previous articleJaymee Sire: Married, Husband, Personal Life, Career, Net Worth Next articleJacqueline Ray: Married, Divorce, Husband, Children, Net Worth http://www.filmjournal.net Tamala Jones: Married, Relationship, Net Worth, Age, Parents, Movies Baka - September 2, 2019 0 Mayim Bialik: Age, Bio, Personal Life, Husband, Net Worth, Children Baka - October 19, 2019 0 Nancy Putkoski: Age, Bio, Married, Personal Life, Net Worth, Wiki Baka - December 25, 2019 0 Amanda Burden: Married, Husband, Children, Education, Career, Net Worth Baka - June 2, 2019 0 Nolan Gould: Age, Girlfriend, Dating, Relationship, Net Worth, Awards	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1218
__label__cc	0.58989	0.41011	Notice: Privacy Act; systems of records Notice: Privacy Act; systems of records, 55225-55231 [E7-19110] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services © Public Domain enregistrerEnregistrer Notice: Privacy Act; systems of records pour plus tard Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 188 / Friday, September 28, 2007 / Notices jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES from individual Medicare physicians, providers, and suppliers. Topics to be discussed during the meeting include, but are not limited to, FFS Medicare implementation of the National Provider Identifier (NPI), Medicare contractor provider satisfaction survey (MCPSS): ‘‘Relevancy of questions in the business functions of appeals and medical review’’, Medicare contracting reform, and value based purchasing. There will be a question and answer session that offers meeting attendees an opportunity to provide feedback on how CMS serves physicians, providers, and suppliers, as well as make suggestions on how this process can be improved. The time for participants to ask questions and provide feedback will be limited according to the number of registered participants; however, written submissions will be accepted. Individuals who wish to provide written feedback should e-mail Colette Shatto at MFG@cms.hhs.gov. We will give consideration to feedback received on the topics discussed at the Town Hall meeting, but written responses will not be provided. III. Registration Instructions The Division of Provider Relations and Evaluations, Provider Communications Group, Center for Medicare Management, is coordinating the meeting registration. While there is no registration fee, individuals, providers, and suppliers must register to participate. Individuals interested in attending the meeting in person or by teleconference must complete the on- line registration located at http:// registration.intercall.com/go/cms2. The on-line registration system will capture contact information and practice characteristics, such as names, e-mail addresses, and provider and supplier types. Registration will be open on September 28, 2007 and close on October 12, 2007. Registration after 5 p.m. e.s.t. on October 12, 2007 will not be accepted. The on-line registration system will generate a confirmation page to indicate the completion of your registration. Please print this page as your registration receipt. Teleconference instructions will be issued once participants have registered by using the on-line registration tool. If seating capacity has been reached, you will be notified that the meeting has reached capacity. Special Accommodations: Individuals requiring sign language interpretation or other special accommodations must contact Colette Shatto by e-mail at MFG@cms.hhs.gov. IV. Security, Building, and Parking Guidelines Because this meeting will be located on Federal property, for security reasons, any persons wishing to attend this meeting must register by 5 p.m. e.s.t. on October 12, 2007. Individuals who have not registered in advance will not be allowed to enter the building to attend the meeting. Seating capacity is limited to the first 250 registrants. The on-site check-in for visitors will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. e.s.t. Please allow sufficient time to go through the security checkpoints. It is suggested that you arrive at 7500 Security Boulevard no later than 1:30 p.m. e.s.t. so that you will be able to arrive promptly at the meeting by 2 p.m. e.s.t. All items brought to the building, whether personal or for the purpose of demonstration or to support a presentation, are subject to inspection. Security measures will include inspection of vehicles, inside and out, at the entrance to the grounds. In addition, all persons entering the building must pass through a metal detector. All items brought to CMS, including personal items such as desktops, cell phones, and palm pilots, are subject to physical inspection. Authority: Section 1811 and 1831 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c and 1395j). Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.774, Medicare— Supplementary Medical Insurance Program. Dated: September 6, 2007. Kerry Weems, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. [FR Doc. E7–18113 Filed 9–27–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120–01–P Privacy Act of 1974; Report of a New System of Records AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ACTION: Notice of a new System of Records (SOR). SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, we are proposing to establish a new SOR, ‘‘Post-Acute Care Payment Reform / Continuity of Assessment Record and Evaluation Demonstration and Evaluation (PAC– CARE),’’ System No. 09–70–0569. Information maintained in this system will continue to enable CMS to better understand the relationships among patient needs, post-acute care placement, patient outcomes, and post- acute care related costs in the Medicare program. Additionally, as required by Section 5008 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, CMS is developing a comprehensive assessment for use at the time of hospital discharge which identifies the needs and clinical characteristics of the patient. Additionally, this standardized patient assessment instrument shall be used across post-acute care sites, including skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, long term care hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities, to measure functional status and other factors during treatment and at discharge from each provider. CMS proposes to broaden the scope of the disclosure requirement by adding a new routine use number 6, authorizing disclosure of personal health information to providers to facilitate the proper transfer of health information for beneficiaries being discharged from their site of care to an admitting provider’s care. Individuals from the admitting providers will only be granted access to personal health information, if they have the approved, authenticated, role based authority to do so, and the need to know and review the admitted patient’s personal health information. Individuals will only be granted access to this information if they meet the following requirements: they must (1) provide an attestation or other qualifying information that they are providing assistance to qualified acute care or post-acute care beneficiaries admitted to their care site, (2) have physically admitted the beneficiary to their site and have initiated an assessment of the beneficiary, (3) safeguard the confidentiality of the data and prevent unauthorized access, and (4) accept an on-line statement attesting to the information recipient’s understanding of and willingness to abide by these provisions. The routine uses will then be prioritized and reordered according to their usage. The primary purpose of this proposed system is to collect and maintain, and release when appropriate, demographic, health records, and health resource use related data on the target population of Medicare and potentially, Medicaid beneficiaries who require treatment by a designated acute care or post-acute care provider. We will also collect certain identifying information on Medicare providers who provide services to such beneficiaries. Information retrieved from this system may be disclosed to: (1) Support regulatory, reimbursement, and VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:12 Sep 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28SEN1.SGM 28SEN1 policy functions performed within the agency or by a contractor, grantee, consultant or other legal agent; (2) assist another Federal or state agency with information to contribute to the accuracy of CMS’s proper payment of Medicare benefits, enable such agency to administer a Federal health benefits program, or to enable such agency to fulfill a requirement of Federal statute or regulation that implements a health benefits program funded in whole or in part with Federal funds; (3) support an individual or organization for a research project or in support of an evaluation project related to the prevention of disease or disability, the restoration or maintenance of health, or payment related projects; (4) support the functions of Quality Improvement Organizations; (5) support the functions of national accreditation organizations; (6) permit the release of personal health information to complete a transfer-out (discharge) event and/or a transfer-in (admission) event; (7) support litigation involving the agency; and (8) combat fraud, waste, and abuse in certain Federally-funded health benefits programs. We have provided background information about the modified system in the ‘‘Supplementary Information’’ section below. Although the Privacy Act requires only that CMS provide an opportunity for interested persons to comment on the modified or altered routine uses, CMS invites comments on all portions of this notice. See EFFECTIVE DATES section for comment period. EFFECTIVE DATES: CMS filed a new system report with the Chair of the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, and the Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on September 21, 2007. To ensure that all parties have adequate time in which to comment, the new system, including routine uses, will become effective 30 days from the publication of the notice, or 40 days from the date it was submitted to OMB and Congress, whichever is later, unless CMS receives comments that require alterations to this notice. ADDRESSES: The public should address comments to: CMS Privacy Officer, Division of Privacy Compliance, Enterprise Architecture and Strategy Group, Office of Information Services, CMS, Room N2–04–27, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244– 1850. Comments received will be available for review at this location, by appointment, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Eastern Time zone. Shannon Flood, Division of Research on Traditional Medicare, Research and Evaluation Group, Office of Research Development & Information, Mail Stop C3–19–26, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244–1849. She can be reached by telephone at 410– 786–2583, or via e-mail at Shannon.Flood@cms.hhs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As required by Section 5008 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, CMS is developing a comprehensive assessment for use at the time of hospital discharge which identifies the needs and clinical characteristics of the patient. Additionally this standardized patient assessment instrument shall be used across post-acute care sites, including skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, long term care hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities, to measure functional status and other factors during treatment and at discharge from each provider. This standardized patient assessment instrument is being developed under a contract between the CMS Office of Clinical Standards & Quality and the Research Triangle International (RTI) is referred to as ‘‘Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation (CARE).’’ CARE consists of a set of assessment items under 5 major domains: medical, functional, social/environmental, cognitive and continuity of care. This assessment data, as well as demographic, medication, procedure, and treatment information will be collected for Medicare and potentially Medicaid beneficiaries. The CARE instrument will provide a foundation for a continuity of care record for patients across settings, over time. The new proposed routine use (6) refers only to data contained within the CARE tool and not the other data used in the project. The CARE tool is one of the data collection aspects of the demonstration. In addition, the demonstration will make use of such information as claims, staff time measurement logs, and unstructured staff interviews in its analyses. I. Description of the Proposed System of Records A. Statutory and Regulatory Basis for SOR The statutory authority for this system is given under Sections 5008 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. B. Collection and Maintenance of Data in the System This system will collect and maintain individually identifiable and other data collected on Medicare and potentially Medicaid beneficiaries who require treatment in a designated acute care or post-acute care provider. We will also collect certain identifying information on Medicare providers who provide services to such beneficiaries. The collected information will include, but is not limited to: Medicare claims and eligibility data, name, health insurance claims number (HICN), social security number (SSN) (the submission of a beneficiary’s SSN is optional), race/ ethnicity, gender, date of birth, provider name, unique CMS Certification Number (CCN), medical record number, as well as clinical, demographic, medication, procedure, treatment information, health/well-being, and background information relating to Medicare issues. Data will be collected from Medicare administrative and claims records, PAC–CARE site administrative data systems, patient medical charts, physician records, and via information submitted by beneficiaries and providers. II. Agency Policies, Procedures, and Restrictions on Routine Uses A. Agency Policies, Procedures, and Restrictions on the Routine Use The Privacy Act permits us to disclose information without an individual’s consent if the information is to be used for a purpose that is compatible with the purpose(s) for which the information was collected. Any such disclosure of data is known as a ‘‘routine use.’’ The government will only release PAC– CARE information that can be associated with an individual as provided for under ‘‘Section III. Proposed Routine Use Disclosures of Data in the System.’’ Both identifiable and non-identifiable data may be disclosed under a routine use. We will only collect the minimum personal data necessary to achieve the purpose of PAC–CARE. CMS has the following policies and procedures concerning disclosures of information that will be maintained in the system. Disclosure of information from this system will be approved only to the extent necessary to accomplish the purpose of the disclosure and only after CMS: 1. Determines that the use or disclosure is consistent with the reason that the data is being collected, e.g., to collect and maintain, and release when appropriate, demographic, health, and health resource use related data on the target population of Medicare and potentially Medicaid beneficiaries who require treatment by a designated acute care or post-acute care provider. We will also collect certain identifying information on Medicare providers who provide services to such beneficiaries. 2. Determines that: a. The purpose for which the disclosure is to be made can only be accomplished if the record is provided in individually identifiable form; b. The purpose for which the disclosure is to be made is of sufficient importance to warrant the effect and/or risk on the privacy of the individual that additional exposure of the record might bring; and c. There is a strong probability that the proposed use of the data would in fact accomplish the stated purpose(s). 3. Requires the information recipient a. Establish administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorized use of disclosure of the record; b. Remove or destroy at the earliest time all patient-identifiable information; and c. Agree to not use or disclose the information for any purpose other than the stated purpose under which the information was disclosed. 4. Determines that the data are valid and reliable. III. Proposed Routine Use Disclosures of Data in the System A. The Privacy Act allows us to disclose information without an individual’s consent if the information is to be used for a purpose that is compatible with the purpose(s) for which the information was collected. Any such compatible use of data is known as a ‘‘routine use.’’ The proposed routine uses in this system meet the compatibility requirement of the Privacy Act. We are proposing to establish the following routine use disclosures of information maintained in the system: 1. To agency contractors, consultants or grantees, who have been engaged by the agency to assist in the performance of a service related to this collection and who need to have access to the records in order to perform the activity. We contemplate disclosing information under this routine use only in situations in which CMS may enter into a contractual or similar agreement with a third party to assist in accomplishing CMS function relating to purposes for this system. CMS occasionally contracts out certain of its functions when doing so would contribute to effective and efficient operations. CMS must be able to give a contractor, consultant or grantee whatever information is necessary for the contractor or consultant to fulfill its duties. In these situations, safeguards are provided in the contract prohibiting the contractor, consultant or grantee from using or disclosing the information for any purpose other than that described in the contract and requires the contractor, consultant or grantee to return or destroy all information at the completion of the contract. 2. To another Federal or state agency a. Contribute to the accuracy of CMS’s proper payment of Medicare benefits; b. Enable such agency to administer a Federal health benefits program, or, as necessary, to enable such agency to fulfill a requirement of a Federal statute or regulation that implements a health benefits program funded in whole or in part with Federal funds; and/or c. Assist Federal/state Medicaid programs within the state. Other Federal or state agencies, in their administration of a Federal health program, may require PAC–CARE information in order to support evaluations and monitoring of Medicare claims information of beneficiaries, including proper reimbursement for services provided. 3. To an individual or organization for a research project or in support of an evaluation project related to the prevention of disease or disability, the restoration or maintenance of health, or payment related projects. The PAC–CARE data will provide for research or support of evaluation projects and a broader, longitudinal, national perspective of the status of Medicare beneficiaries. CMS anticipates that researchers may have legitimate requests to use these data in projects that could ultimately improve the care provided to Medicare beneficiaries and the policies that govern their care. 4. To support Quality Improvement Organizations (QIO) in connection with review of claims, or in connection with studies or other review activities conducted pursuant to Part B of Title XI of the Act, and in performing affirmative outreach activities to individuals for the purpose of establishing and maintaining their entitlement to Medicare benefits or health insurance plans. The QIO may use this data to support quality improvement activities and other QIO responsibilities as detailed in Title XI §§ 1151–1164. The QIO will work to implement quality improvement programs, provide consultation to CMS, its contractors, and to state agencies. The QIO will assist state agencies in related monitoring and enforcement efforts, assist CMS and intermediaries in program integrity assessment, and prepare summary information for release to CMS. 5. To assist national accreditation organization(s) whose accredited facilities are deemed to meet certain Medicare conditions of participation for inpatient hospital rehabilitation services (e.g., the Joint Commission and the American Osteopathic Association) with their survey process information will be released by CMS for only those providers that they deem and that participate in the Medicare program if they meet the following requirements: a. Provide identifying information for post acute care facilities that have deemed status with the requesting accreditation organization; b. Submission of a finder file identifying beneficiaries/patients receiving post-acute care services; c. Safeguard the confidentiality of the data and prevent unauthorized access; and d. Upon completion of a signed data exchange agreement or a CMS data use agreement. At this time, CMS anticipates providing accreditation organizations with PAC–CARE information to enable them to target potential identified problems during the organization’s accreditation review process of the facility. 6. To assist with a transfer-out event from a discharging acute or post-acute care provider and/or a transfer-in event to an admitting acute or post-acute care provider to: a. Contribute to the accuracy of CMS’ Enable such providers to ensure the proper transfer of health records, and/or as necessary to enable such a provider to fulfill a requirement of a Federal statute or regulation that implements a health benefits program funded in whole or in part with Federal fund. Individuals from the admitting providers will only be granted access to personal health information, if they have the approved, authenticated, role- based authority, and the defined need for access to that information. Individuals will only be granted access to information if they meet the following requirements: a. Provide an attestation or other qualifying information that they are providing assistance to a qualified acute or post-acute care beneficiary receiving care/services through their provider site; b. Have physically admitted the beneficiary to their care site, and are initiating an assessment of the beneficiary, and can validate the beneficiary’s name, HICN (or payer number or SSN), date of birth, and gender; d. Accept a written, on-line statement attesting to the information recipient’s understanding of and willingness to abide by these provisions. The PAC–CARE data will give the provider patient-specific personal health information which may facilitate the provider’s required utilization reviews and medication management program activities; and assist in quality of care issues as they relate to the beneficiary. 7. To the Department of Justice (DOJ), court or adjudicatory body when: a. The agency or any component thereof, or b. Any employee of the agency in his or her official capacity, or c. Any employee of the agency in his or her individual capacity where the DOJ has agreed to represent the employee, or d. The United States Government is a party to litigation or has an interest in such litigation, and, by careful review, CMS determines that the records are both relevant and necessary to the litigation and that the use of such records by the DOJ, court or adjudicatory body is compatible with the purpose for which the agency collected the records. Whenever CMS is involved in litigation, and occasionally when another party is involved in litigation and CMS policies or operations could be affected by the outcome of the litigation, CMS would be able to disclose information to the DOJ, court or adjudicatory body involved. 8. To a CMS contractor (including, but not necessarily limited to, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC), fiscal intermediaries and carriers) that assists in the administration of a CMS- administered health benefits program, or to a grantee of a CMS-administered grant program, when disclosure is deemed reasonably necessary by CMS to prevent, deter, discover, detect, investigate, examine, prosecute, sue with respect to, defend against, correct, remedy, or otherwise combat fraud, waste, and abuse in such program. We contemplate disclosing information under this routine use only in situations in which CMS may enter into a contractual, grantee, cooperative agreement or consultant relationship with a third party to assist in accomplishing CMS functions relating to the purpose of combating fraud, waste, and abuse. CMS occasionally contracts out certain of its functions or makes grants or cooperative agreements when doing so would contribute to effective and efficient operations. CMS must be able to give a contractor, grantee, consultant or other legal agent whatever information is necessary for the agent to fulfill its duties. In these situations, safeguards are provided in the contract prohibiting the agent from using or disclosing the information for any purpose other than that described in the contract and requiring the agent to return or destroy all information. 9. To another Federal agency or to an instrumentality of any governmental jurisdiction within or under the control of the United States (including any State or local governmental agency), that administers, or that has the authority to investigate potential fraud, waste, or abuse in, a health benefits program funded in whole or in part by Federal funds, when disclosure is deemed reasonably necessary by CMS to prevent, deter, discover, detect, investigate, examine, prosecute, sue with respect to, defend against, correct, remedy, or otherwise combat fraud, waste, or abuse in such programs. Other agencies may require PAC– CARE information for the purpose of combating fraud, waste, and abuse in such Federally-funded programs. B. Additional Provisions Affecting Routine Use Disclosures To the extent this system contains Protected Health Information (PHI) as defined by HHS regulation ‘‘Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information’’ (45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, Subparts A and E) 65 FR 82462 (12–28–00). Disclosures of such PHI that are otherwise authorized by these routine uses may only be made if, and as, permitted or required by the ‘‘Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information.’’ (See 45 CFR 164.512(a)(1)). In addition, our policy will be to prohibit release even of data not directly identifiable, except pursuant to one of the routine uses or if required by law, if we determine there is a possibility that an individual can be identified through implicit deduction based on small cell sizes (instances where the patient population is so small that individuals could, because of the small size, use this information to deduce the identity of the beneficiary). IV. Safeguards CMS has safeguards in place for authorized users and monitors such users to ensure against unauthorized use. Personnel having access to the system have been trained in the Privacy Act and information security requirements. Employees who maintain records in this system are instructed not to release data until the intended recipient agrees to implement appropriate management, operational and technical safeguards sufficient to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the information and information systems and to prevent unauthorized access. This system will conform to all applicable Federal laws and regulations and Federal, HHS, and CMS policies and standards as they relate to information security and data privacy. These laws and regulations include but are not limited to: the Privacy Act of 1974; the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002; the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986; the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; the E- Government Act of 2002, the Clinger- Cohen Act of 1996; the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, and the corresponding implementing regulations. OMB Circular A–130, Management of Federal Resources, Appendix III, Security of Federal Automated Information Resources also applies. Federal, HHS, and CMS policies and standards include but are not limited to: all pertinent NIST publications; the DHHS Information Systems Program Handbook and the CMS Information Security Handbook. V. Effects of the Modified System of Records on Individual Rights CMS proposes to modify this system in accordance with the principles and requirements of the Privacy Act and will collect, use, and disseminate information only as prescribed therein. Data in this system will be subject to the authorized releases in accordance with the routine uses identified in this system of records. CMS will take precautionary measures to minimize the risks of unauthorized access to the records and the potential harm to individual privacy or other personal or property rights of patients whose data are maintained in the system. CMS will collect only that information necessary to perform the system’s functions. In addition, CMS will make disclosure from the proposed system only with consent of the subject individual, or his/her legal representative, or in accordance with an applicable exception provision of the Privacy Act. CMS, therefore, does not anticipate an unfavorable effect on individual privacy as a result of information relating to individuals. Dated: September 18, 2007. Charlene Frizzera, Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. SYSTEM NO. 09–70–0569 SYSTEM NAME: ‘‘Post-Acute Care Payment Reform / Continuity of Assessment Record and Evaluation Demonstration and Evaluation (PAC–CARE),’’ HHS/CMS/ ORDI. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: Level Three Privacy Act Sensitive Data. SYSTEM LOCATION: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Data Center, 7500 Security Boulevard, North Building, First Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21244– 1850 and at various contractor sites and at CMS Regional Offices. CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM: This system will collect and maintain individually identifiable and other data collected on Medicare and potentially, Medicaid beneficiaries who require treatment in a designated acute care or post-acute care provider. We will also collect certain identifying information on Medicare providers who provide services to such beneficiaries. CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: The collected information will include, but is not limited to: Medicare claims and eligibility data, name, health insurance claims number (HICN), social security number (SSN) (the submission of a beneficiary’s SSN is optional), race/ ethnicity, gender, date of birth, provider name, unique CMS Certification Number (CCN), medical record number, as well as clinical, demographic, medication, procedure, treatment information, health/well-being, and background information relating to Medicare issues. Data will be collected from Medicare administrative and claims records, PAC–CARE site administrative data systems, patient medical charts, physician records, and via information submitted by beneficiaries and providers. AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM: PURPOSE(S) OF THE SYSTEM: The primary purpose of this proposed system is to collect and maintain, and release when appropriate, demographic, health records, and health resource use related data on the target population of Medicare and potentially, Medicaid beneficiaries who require treatment by a designated acute care or post-acute care provider. We will also collect certain identifying information on Medicare providers who provide services to such beneficiaries. Information retrieved from this system may be disclosed to: (1) Support regulatory, reimbursement, and policy functions performed within the agency or by a contractor, grantee, consultant or other legal agent; (2) assist another Federal or state agency with information to contribute to the accuracy of CMS’s proper payment of Medicare benefits, enable such agency to administer a Federal health benefits program, or to enable such agency to fulfill a requirement of Federal statute or regulation that implements a health benefits program funded in whole or in part with Federal funds; (3) support an individual or organization for a research project or in support of an evaluation project related to the prevention of disease or disability, the restoration or maintenance of health, or payment related projects; (4) support the functions of Quality Improvement Organizations; (5) support the functions of national accreditation organizations; (6) permit the release of personal health information to complete a transfer-out (discharge) event and/or a transfer-in (admission) event; (7) support litigation involving the agency; and (8) combat fraud, waste, and abuse in certain Federally-funded health benefits programs. ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OR USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES: fulfill a requirement of a Federal statute or regulation that implements a health benefits program funded in whole or in part with Federal funds; and/or c. Assist Federal/state Medicaid programs within the state. a research project or in support of an evaluation project related to the prevention of disease or disability, the restoration or maintenance of health, or payment related projects. Organizations (QIO) in connection with review of claims, or in connection with studies or other review activities conducted pursuant to Part B of Title XI of the Act, and in performing affirmative outreach activities to individuals for the purpose of establishing and maintaining their entitlement to Medicare benefits or health insurance plans. inpatient hospital rehabilitation services (e.g., the Joint Commission and the American Osteopathic Association) with their survey process, information will be released by CMS for only those providers that they deem and that participate in the Medicare program and if they meet the following requirements: identifying beneficiaries/patients receiving post acute care services; data and prevent unauthorized access; A. The Privacy Act allows us to disclose information without an Upon completion of a signed data individual’s consent if the information is to be used for a purpose that is compatible with the purpose(s) for To assist with a transfer-out event which the information was collected. Any such compatible use of data is known as a ‘‘routine use.’’ The proposed routine uses in this system meet the compatibility requirement of the Privacy Act. We are proposing to establish the following routine use disclosures of information maintained in the system: or grantees, who have been engaged by the agency to assist in the performance of a service related to this collection and who need to have access to the records in order to perform the activity. Federal health benefits program, or, as necessary, to enable such agency to from a discharging acute or post-acute care provider and/or a transfer-in event to an admitting acute or post-acute care provider to: proper payment of Medicare benefits; and b. Enable such providers to ensure the proper transfer of health records, and/or as necessary to enable such a provider to fulfill a requirement of a Federal statute or regulation that implements a health benefits program funded in whole or in part with Federal fund. Individuals from the admitting providers will only be granted access to personal health information, if they have the approved, authenticated, role- based authority, and the defined need for access to that information. Individuals will only be granted access to information if they meet the following requirements: beneficiary to their care site, and are initiating an assessment of the beneficiary, and can validate the beneficiary’s name, HICN (or payer number or SSN), date of birth, and gender; attesting to the information recipient’s understanding of and willingness to abide by these provisions. or her individual capacity where the DOJ has agreed to represent the employee, or party to litigation or has an interest in such litigation, and, by careful review, CMS determines that the records are both relevant and necessary to the litigation and that the use of such records by the DOJ, court or adjudicatory body is compatible with the purpose for which the agency collected the records. not necessarily limited to, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MAC), fiscal intermediaries and carriers) that assists in the administration of a CMS- administered health benefits program, or to a grantee of a CMS-administered grant program, when disclosure is deemed reasonably necessary by CMS to prevent, deter, discover, detect, investigate, examine, prosecute, sue with respect to, defend against, correct, remedy, or otherwise combat fraud, waste, and abuse in such program. 9. To another Federal agency or to an instrumentality of any governmental jurisdiction within or under the control of the United States (including any State or local governmental agency), that administers, or that has the authority to investigate potential fraud, waste, or abuse in, a health benefits program funded in whole or in part by Federal funds, when disclosure is deemed reasonably necessary by CMS to prevent, deter, discover, detect, investigate, examine, prosecute, sue with respect to, defend against, correct, remedy, or otherwise combat fraud, waste, or abuse in such programs. B. Additional Provisions Affecting Routine Use Disclosures. To the extent this system contains Protected Health Information (PHI) as defined by HHS regulation ‘‘Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information’’ (45 CFR Parts 160 and 164, Subparts A and E) 65 FR 82462 (12–28–00). Disclosures of such PHI that are otherwise authorized by these routine uses may only be made if, and as, permitted or required by the ‘‘Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information.’’ (See 45 CFR 164.512(a)(1)). In addition, our policy will be to prohibit release even of data not directly identifiable, except pursuant to one of the routine uses or if required by law, if we determine there is a possibility that an individual can be identified through implicit deduction based on small cell sizes (instances where the patient population is so small that individuals could, because of the small size, use this information to deduce the identity of the beneficiary). POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORING, RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING, AND DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: All records are stored on magnetic media. RETRIEVABILITY: The Medicare records are retrieved by the HICN and SSN. SAFEGUARDS: CMS has safeguards in place for authorized users and monitors such users to ensure against unauthorized use. Personnel having access to the system have been trained in the Privacy Act and information security requirements. Employees who maintain records in this system are instructed not to release data until the intended recipient agrees to implement appropriate management, operational and technical safeguards sufficient to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the information and information systems and to prevent unauthorized access. This system will conform to all applicable Federal laws and regulations and Federal, HHS, and CMS policies and standards as they relate to information security and data privacy. These laws and regulations may apply but are not limited to: The Privacy Act of 1974; the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002; the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986; the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996; the E- Government Act of 2002; the Clinger- Cohen Act of 1996; the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, and the corresponding implementing regulations. OMB Circular A–130, Management of Federal Resources, Appendix III, Security of Federal Automated Information Resources also applies. Federal, HHS, and CMS policies and standards include but are not limited to: All pertinent National Institute of Standards and Technology publications; the DHHS Information Systems Program Handbook and the CMS Information Security Handbook. RETENTION AND DISPOSAL: Records will be retained until an approved disposition authority is obtained from the National Archives and Records Administration. All claims- related records are encompassed by the document preservation order and will be retained until notification is received from DOJ. SYSTEM MANAGER(S) AND ADDRESS: Director, Research and Evaluation Group, Office of Research Development & Information, Mail Stop C3–19–26, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244–1849. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE: For purpose of access, the subject individual should write to the system manager who will require the system name, HICN, address, date of birth, and gender, and for verification purposes, the subject individual’s name (woman’s maiden name, if applicable), and SSN. Furnishing the SSN is voluntary, but it may make searching for a record easier and prevent delay. RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURE: For purpose of access, use the same procedures outlined in Notification Procedures above. Requestors should also specify the record contents being sought. (These procedures are in accordance with department regulation 45 CFR 5b.5(a)(2)). CONTESTING RECORDS PROCEDURES: The subject individual should contact the system manager named above, and reasonably identify the records and specify the information to be contested. State the corrective action sought and the reasons for the correction with supporting justification. (These Procedures are in accordance with Department regulation 45 CFR 5b.7). RECORDS SOURCE CATEGORIES: Data will be collected from Medicare administrative and claims records (Outcome and Assessment Information Set, Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities Patient Assessment Instrument, Long Term Care Minimum Data Set), post- acute care site administrative data systems, patient medical charts, physician records, and via information submitted by beneficiaries and providers. SYSTEMS EXEMPTED FROM CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE ACT: [FR Doc. E7–19110 Filed 9–27–07; 8:45 am] Administration for Children and Families Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation AGENCY: Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ACTION: Notice. CFDA#: 93.600. Statutory Authority: Section 649 of the Head Start Act, as amended by the COATES Human Services Reauthorization Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105–285) and 42 U.S.C. 9844. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE) will award a non-competitive successor grant to OMNI Institute, Inc., a non- profit research organization located in Denver, CO. OMNI Institute, Inc. will assume a grant awarded under the Head Start University Partnership Research Grants: Curriculum Development and Enhancement for Head Start and Early Head Start Programs for the remainder of the project period July 15, 2007 to September 29, 2008. This action is taken as the original grantee, the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, has relinquished the grant. Wendy DeCourcey, PhD., Social Science Research Analyst, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation, 370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447, or by phone at (202) 260– 2039, or by e-mail at wdecourcey@acf.hhs.gov. Dated: September 24, 2007. Naomi Goldstein, Director, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation. [FR Doc. E7–19276 Filed 9–27–07; 8:45 am] Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Revision of OMB No. 0925–0001/exp. 09/30/07, Research and Research Training Grant Applications and Related Forms SUMMARY: Under the provisions of section 3507(a)(1)(D) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for review and approval of the information collection listed below. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on July 24, 2007, page 40313 and allowed 60-days for public comment. No public comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment. The National Institutes of Health may not conduct or sponsor, and the respondent is not required to respond to, an information collection that has been extended, revised, or implemented on or after September 30, 2007, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Proposed Collection: Title: Research and Research Training Grant Applications and Related Forms. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision, OMB 0925–0001, Expiration Date 9/30/2007, Form Numbers: PHS 398, 2590, 2271, 3734 and HHS 568. Need and Use of Information Collection: The application is used by applicants to request Federal assistance for research and research-related training. The other related forms are used for trainee appointment, final invention reporting, and to relinquish rights to a research grant. Frequency of Response: Applicants may submit applications for published receipt dates. If awarded, annual progress is reported and trainees may be appointed or reappointed. Affected Public: Individuals or Households; Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; Federal Government; and State, Local or Tribal Government. Type of Respondents: Adult scientific professionals. The annual reporting burden is as follows: Estimated Number of Respondents: 164,820; Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1; Average Burden Hours per Response: 15.2; and Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours Requested: 2,517,458. The estimated annualized cost to respondents is $88,110,030. Request for Comments: Written comments and/or suggestions from the public and affected agencies are invited on one or more of the following points: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Direct Comments to OMB: Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the item(s) contained in this notice, especially regarding the estimated public burden and associated response time, should be directed to the: Office of Management and Budget, Office of Regulatory Affairs, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attention: Desk Officer for NIH. To request more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, contact: Contact Ms. Mikia Currie, Division of Grants Policy, Office of Policy for Extramural Research Administration, NIH, Rockledge 1 Building, Room 3505, 6705 Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892– 7974, or call non-toll-free number 301– 435–0941, or e-mail your request, including your address to: curriem@od.nih.gov. Comments Due Date: Comments regarding this information collection are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of the date of this publication. Dated: September 25, 2007. Mikia Currie, Program Analyst, National Institutes of Health. [FR Doc. E7–19265 Filed 9–27–07; 8:45 am] Medicare (États-Unis) Sécurité de l'information Documents similaires à Notice: Privacy Act; systems of records Taking a Stand on Health Care Wellington Publications ROBERT smoley gutturalcontain68 Jeff Nixon SENATE HEARING, 113TH CONGRESS - TEN YEARS LATER: A LOOK AT THE MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM Glossary September 2011 DottieHemmerichRyan NDC LA- Amerigroup karts23 ObamaBidenMedicare_05 01 31 Jeffrey Dunetz Health and Human Services: 021003fin USA_DepartmentOfHHS Home Health and Respite Variations in Hospital Length of Stay: Their Relationship to Health Outcomes Chris Nash Rhode Island Hospital v. Joseph A. Califano, Etc., 585 F.2d 1153, 1st Cir. (1978) Notice: Grants and cooperative agreements; availability, etc.: Senior Medicare Patrol Projects Geriatric Dentistry in the 21st Century Environment and Opportunity. Angela Reyes 2013 Cost Trends Report Massachusetts peteramico Rsc Epfa Three-page Summary--final 3 krisluidhardt HOUSE HEARING, 112TH CONGRESS - EXAMINING THE ADMINISTRATION'S FAILURE TO PREVENT AND END MEDICAID OVERPAYMENT Dual Eligibles Verdier 071511 Patricia Dillon 88 Plan ABMAF Knoblach "Lifeline" Fact Check abettermn Randy Jessup "Lifeline" Fact Check ABMAF Heintzeman "Lifeline" Fact Check Associations MCH Status Final LULAC State Elderly Newsletter 12 0119-1 (2) signature assignment Rule: Medicare: Revisit User Fee Program; medicare survey and certification activities Senator Krueger's Community Bulletin - November 2016 State Senator Liz Krueger Plus de Justia.com U.S. v. Rajat K. Gupta DealBook Divorced Husband's $48,000 Lawsuit Over Wedding Pics, Video Charges against 2 Iranians accused of Saudi Ambassador assassination plot USPTO Rejection of Casey Anthony Trademark Application Full Tilt Poker Ponzi Scheme Charges Judge orders Casey Anthony to pay $97K Stipulation: SAP subsidiary TomorrowNow pleading guilty to 12 criminal counts re: theft of Oracle software U.S. v. TomorrowNow, Inc. -- Criminal copyright charges against SAP subsidiary over Oracle software theft Emmanuel Ekhator - Nigerian law firm scam indictment Clergy Abuse Lawsuit Claims Philadelphia Archdiocese Knew About, Covered Up Sex Crimes Guilty Verdict: Rabbi convicted of sexual assault Rabbi Gavriel Bidany's sexual assault and groping charges Rabbi Gavriel Bidany's federal criminal misdemeanor sexual assault charges Deutsche Bank and MortgageIT unit sued for mortgage fraud Brandon Marshall Stabbing by Wife: Domestic Violence Arrest Report Bank Robbery Suspects Allegedly Bragged on Facebook Democratic Congressman's lawsuit vs. FEC over campaign donor disclosure Online Poker Indictment - Largest U.S. Internet Poker cite operators charged FBI records: Col. Sanders (KFC - Kentucky Fried Chicken Founder) 1974 death threat Supreme Court order staying TX Death Row Inmate Cleve Foster's Execution Wisconsin Union Busting Lawsuit Court's TRO preventing Wisconsin from Enforcing Union Busting Law Defamation Lawsuit Against Jerry Seinfeld Dismissed By N.Y. Judge - Court Opinion Julian Assange can be extradited to Sweden: UK Court opinion Jared Lee Lougher Criminal Charges NY Judge: Tricycle Riding 4 Year-Old Can be Sued for Allegedly Hitting, Killing 87 Year-Old OJ Simpson - Nevada Supreme Court affirms his conviction 60 Gadgets in 60 seconds SLA 2008 June16 Lee v. Holinka et al - Document No. 4 City of Seattle v. Professional Basketball Club LLC - Document No. 106 Populaire dans Health Economics Aspects of Quality MAP cuddlybaby84 Infection Prevention Pouch Helps Prevent Spread of Infectious Staph & MRSA kalai2 Pharmaceutical Benefits Under State Medical Assistance Programs, 2002 National Pharmaceutical Council FAH Support Letter - Ways and Means Mark-Up 06.25.2019 Rep. Cindy Axne STATUS OF SDN in NORTH SAMAR Feb. 5, 2018.pptx Maria roxanne Hernandez Tutorial 3 Epidemiologi Wijaya Andi Alternative Payment Mechanisms 20190211b BernewsAdmin HOUSE HEARING, 110TH CONGRESS - THE HEALTH OF THE PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE MARKET TX Star Plus Handbook DEVESH BHOLE Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health Management Brochure mayanka_shri TCS Helath Insurance - Domiciliary Claim Reimbursement Guidelines SOC_Setting _up_a_Hotline.pdf rohanmanchanda28 Cardinal Health Why Your Next Er Visit May Be Virtual Infographic Alexandreau del Fierro DAFTAR PUSTAKA lapsus Fahrizal Khairullah Format Jurnal Mvp feby skks Anonymous 6cyAHAfhBJ ao2019-0026 (1).pdf SAMUEL AUSTRIA Virginia Dept. of Health's Maternal Mortality Review Team 13News Now CMS HH COP.pdf Larry Montgomery S2-2014-336761-bibliography Isti Feronika Medical Coding Books Sam Nair healthstream transcript 2004 consultants' warnings to Parkland nnm, Daniela Argomedo Life Stream Management Suite ATA Press Release Honeywell HomMed Registered Nurse Case Manager in Philadelphia PA Resume Elizabeth Desimone ElizabethDesimone Health Issues in Pakistan and Government's Role nomicool Letter in Response to DOJ Complaint Clinical Pathways and Cpgs Anonymous fo6PHeTj healthcare disparity paper	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1219
__label__cc	0.672019	0.327981	Zimmerman: Dee Dee, Show Don’t Tell and The Importance of Listening Whonoze asked the following question that I believe warrants a lengthy response, as it touches on a number of important issues about this case and lawyers in general. He said, Prof. L.: If you were Zimmerman’s attorney, how would you handle the segment of DeeDee’s interview with BdlR in which, as I put it, “she offers to perjure herself.” Please review that segment of the recording. At ~15:51 into the interview, BdlR asks DeeDee if Trayvon said the man was coming to hit him just before the confrontation. DeeDee: [very quietly] Yeah. You could say that. SA d l R: I don’t want you to guess. Did he ever say that? DeeDee: [after long pause, still quietly] How he said it, he just… SA d l R: [interrupting] No, no. Do you understand? Did he say that or not? If he didn’t, that’s alright… DeeDee: The man, he got problems. Like he crazy. SA d l R: Trayvon told you that? DeeDee: Yeah the man lookin crazy. Looking at him crazy. SA d l R: When did Trayvon tell you that? DeeDee: …He was walkin, before he say he was gonna run…. SA d l R: He said the guy looks what? DeeDee: Crazy. And creepy. Thus, despite BdlR’s admonition, DeeDee never says anything amounting to “No, Trayvon did did not say that,” but instead goes back to an earlier point in the conversation to bolster her assertion that Trayvon was afraid of Zimmerman. Now, I do not care how anywhere here interprets this passage, or how they think it speaks to DeeDee’s overall veracity. I know that (and I mostly agree). But we are not going to be sitting on a jury in Seminole County FL, and we are not defense attorneys with an ethical obligation to present a zealous defense of George Zimmerman. So, first, I would like an experienced defense attorney to role-play, evaluate this part of DeeDee’s statement to BdlR from a defense point of view, and imagine how you might use it at trial (if at all.) Second, role playing a prosecutor, how would you prep DeeDee in anticipation of any strategies you think the defense might take? I honestly do not believe Dee Dee offered to perjure herself in that exchange. This appears to be a classic example of a witness having formed an opinion of what was happening in those final moments before the phone went dead. She’s struggling with attempting to differentiate between her opinion and what she actually heard Trayvon say or not say. Thus, when “BDLR asks her if Trayvon said the man was coming to hit him just before the confrontation,” she answers BDLR picks up on her apparent uncertainty and says, “I don’t want you to guess. Did he ever say that?” She resists being pinned down to a “yes” or “no” answer because her opinion is based on more than what Trayvon said or did not say in those final moments. For example, she knows Trayvon is a non-violent person who would never pick a fight with anyone and he had been expressing fear and describing strange, creepy and aggressive behavior to explain why he felt that way. She’s reviewing all of that preparing to tell him why she believes all of it can be summarized and expressed as a “Yes” answer to his question. In other words, she wants to supply context because context, rather than what he actually said or did not say in that final moment before the line went dead, answers the question everyone is asking. BDLR, who is not warm and fuzzy and lacks patience and an ability to listen, doesn’t “hear” what she is telling him. He interrupts. Now, she realizes he doesn’t get it, so she tries to summarize it all by saying the man was crazy. She says, BDLR is basically a bull in a china shop and he needs to develop some people skills. Lawyers have an expression for context. We call it “totality of the circumstances.” Story tellers have a rule for telling stories that they call “Show, don’t tell.” Someone with some patience and listening skills needs to spend some time with her and tease out all of the specifics that she was attempting to identify and sort out before BDLR started pressuring her for a “yes” or “no” answer. When she testifies, he needs to ask her to relate those specifics to the jury and leave out her opinion. What the hell does he expect her to say, when she wasn’t actually there and can only rely on what Trayvon told her and who she knew him to be? Most of what Trayvon said to her, is admissible hearsay pursuant to the excited-utterance and present-sense-impression exceptions to the hearsay rule The rest is admissible non-hearsay because it will be offered to show his mental state, as opposed to being offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted in the statement. BDLR needs to let her show, not tell. When the defense inevitably attempts to pin her down on cross with the “yes” or “no” answer that BDLR asked, the jury will already have figured out what happened from the context that she supplied by showing rather than telling. Her denial that Trayvon told her Zimmerman attacked him immediately before the line went dead becomes irrelevant because the jury, everyone else in the courtroom, and the world watching on TV will know that Trayvon did not have an opportunity to say anything when Zimmerman attacked him. I used to spend a lot of time listening before I decided to do anything. It’s a good practice to develop and I do not believe very many lawyers have developed that skill. BDLR seriously needs to spend some time working on it because he can be a hot mess without it. 191 Comments \| cross examination, Dee Dee, Direct Examination, Don't Tell, Evidence, Exceptions, Excited Utterance, George Zimmerman, Hearsay Rule, Importance of Listening, Present Sense Impression, Trayvon Martin \| Tagged: Dee Dee, George Zimmerman, Importance of Listening, Show Don't Tell, Trayvon Martin \| Permalink Zimmerman: Standard Objections on Direct and Cross Examination at Trial Time for a change of pace. In today’s post, I am going to provide you with a description of direct and cross examination during the prosecutor’s case in chief together with a list of the standard objections that you are likely to hear during the trial. I will cover the defense case in tomorrow’s post. After opening statements, the prosecution will present its case in chief and rest when it’s done. To survive a defense motion to dismiss after it rests, the prosecution must have presented legally sufficient evidence to support its case. The legal test for legally sufficient, or substantial evidence as it is called, requires the trial court to assume for purposes of the motion that all of the evidence presented by the prosecution is true. The trial court must then decide whether that evidence would disprove each element of self-defense and establish each element of M2. If the answer is yes, the trial court will deny the motion to dismiss. If the answer is no, it will grant it. These motions are rarely ever granted. They are routinely made without argument in order to preserve the argument for an appeal. Therefore, do not be surprised by such a defense motion or expect it to be granted. The prosecution will present its case through the testimony of its witnesses. After a witness is sworn, the prosecutor will question the witness until finished. This is called direct examination. With rare exceptions, the prosecutor will not be permitted to ask a leading question. A leading question seeks a yes or no answer. For example, the prosecutor might ask, “You saw the defendant straddling Trayvon, didn’t you? Notice that, in effect, the prosecutor is testifying and the witness is agreeing or disagreeing as the case may be. If this happens, the defense attorney will object on the ground that the prosecutor is leading the witness. The judge should sustain or grant objections to leading questions on direct examination. Notice that I qualified the rule when I said, “With rare exceptions, the prosecutor will not be permitted to ask a leading question.” The rare exceptions are set-up questions. For example, “Mr. Slade, I direct your attention to Sunday evening, February 26th, 2012, between the hours of 7 and 8 pm. You were at home at RATL during that period, weren’t you? After the witness says, “Yes,” the prosecutor asks another leading question to set the scene. “Did there come a time when you heard loud voices outside your home?” After the witness answers “Yes,” the prosecutor switches to a non-leading question like this, “Please tell the ladies and gentlemen of the jury what you heard.” The witness then begins narrating his answer. You may hear the defense attorney object stating, “I object to the narrative form of the testimony.” The judge should sustain the objection and ask the prosecutor to pose specific questions Direct examination usually elicits answers to questions like, who, what, where, and when. The goal of direct examination is to set the table with leading questions to focus the attention of the witness on a subject, event or document and have them tell their story in their own words with an occasional nudge to keep the testimony focused and on track. You may hear an occasional objection to the relevancy of a question. Relevance is determined by the matters at issue in a case. The big issue in the case is whether the prosecution can disprove the elements of self-defense and prove the elements of murder 2. Evidence is relevant if it tends to prove or disprove an element or issue in the case. Relevant evidence is admissible subject to certain exceptions such as uncharged misconduct, character evidence, prior criminal convictions, and hearsay. I have covered those subjects in previous articles. When the prosecution completes the direct examination of the witness, the defense attorney has an opportunity to cross examine the witness. The major difference between direct and cross examination is that leading questions are permissible. In fact, they are not only permissible, they are the preferred way to cross examine a witness. The ideal cross examination limits the witness to yes or no answers. The defense lawyer knows exactly what information he or she wants to elicit from the witness and if the answer is contrary to the expected answer, the lawyer is ready to impeach the witness to get the expected answer. The usual way this is accomplished is to confront the witness with a prior inconsistent statement. Here is an example. Q: Mr. Slade, you testified on direct that the traffic light was red when my client entered the intersection, didn’t you? A: Yes, I did. Q: Do you recall when I took your deposition in the prosecutor’s office on June 16th of this year? Q: You were under oath, weren’t you? Q: The prosecutor was present right? Q: Do you recall me asking the following question and you giving the following answer? Q: You did not actually notice what color the light was when my client entered the intersection, did you? You answered my question, Yes, didn’t you? A skilled cross examiner never asks the witness to explain his answer. Instead, he moves on to the next subject or ends the cross. A skilled cross examiner never asks a question, if he does not know the answer and he never permits a witness to lapse into a narrative or retell their story. The scope of cross examination is determined by the subject matter covered on direct. If the defense attorney asks a question regarding subject matter not covered on direct, you will probably hear the prosecutor object that the question exceeds the scope. The judge will sustain those objections. The prosecutor may question the witness on redirect after the defense attorney is done. You might expect the prosecutor to attempt to rehabilitate his witness in the example just provided. Should he attempt to do so, he will have to do it by asking non-leading questions. The scope of redirect is determined by the subject matter covered on cross. Redirect can lead to recross and so on until both parties are finished with the witness. Tomorrow, we will take a look at the defense case. 101 Comments \| cross examination, Direct Examination, George Zimmerman, Trayvon Martin \| Tagged: cross examination, Direct Examination, George Zimmerman, Prosecution's Case in Chief, Standard Objections, Trayvon Martin \| Permalink You are currently browsing the archives for the Direct Examination category.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1222
__label__wiki	0.522986	0.522986	Chris Christie can run but he cannot hide Wednesday, April 9. 2014 Good afternoon: According to Scott Raab, who has been covering the Port Authority and Bridgegate for Esquire Magazine, David Wildstein is cooperating with United States Attorney Paul Fishman’s investigation of the now infamous Fort Lee lane closures to the George Washington Bridge in September, 2013. The unexpected closures caused extreme traffic delays and inconvenience to commuters into and out of New York City. Wildstein, who was appointed to the Port Authority by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, gave the infamous order to close the lanes after he received an email from Bridget Kelly, Christie’s Deputy Chief of Staff that said, “Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.” He responded, “Got it.” The rest as they say, is history, or about to be. Because Bridget Kelly also has offered to cooperate. Wildstein and Kelly offered to tell all in exchange for immunity. Whether Fishman agreed to their terms remains to be seen. Between them they know where all of the bodies are buried, so to speak. Fishman has started calling witnesses to testify and present evidence to a federal grand jury in Newark. We work hard for you. This is our 965th post. If you appreciate what we do, please make a donation. 6 Comments \| Bridgegate, Bridget Kelly, Chris Christie, David Wildstein, Paul Fishman \| Tagged: BRIDGEGATE, Bridget Kelly, CHRIS CHRISTIE, David Wildstein, Paul Fishman \| Permalink You are currently browsing the archives for the Paul Fishman category.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1223
__label__cc	0.629796	0.370204	G-News Newsroom G-News Ads G-News Web Audio Editor Dedicated solutions Why G-News Without location restrictions User-friendly interface Work on mobile devices Any operating system Many radio channels management Integration with external systems Intuitive operation Security and encrypted transmission Modern newsroom software Web Audio Editor An innovative web-based audio editor iOS and Android applications Applications for radio stations Is it possible to install the systems on the radio station equipment? Yes, depending on your licence type, our systems come in 2 variants: SaaS, i.e. cloud-based software delivery model using our infrastructure, and Standalone which requires the radio station to have a server infrastructure or to use virtualization. Can you integrate the system with the broadcast system X? Based on our extensive, long-standing experience, we can risk to answer “yes” without hesitation. By now, we have not come across a radio broadcast system that could not be integrated with our system. However, if you want to be absolutely sure, contact us. Do you have a demo version? Of course we do, however due to a specific nature of our systems, there are no free demo versions available. If you wish to make an appointment for a free demonstration after which we will provide you with access to the demo versions, please contact us. How much is the licence? The price depends on many factors, including the selected variant, audience coverage, expected SLA, etc. Therefore, it is hard to give a straight answer because the variables differ depending on a given radio broadcasting station. To receive a customized cost estimate, contact us or our distributors. Does the system work on a tablet? Yes, our technology allows to use the system on tablet, smartphones, laptop computers, with any operating system – iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux. The only requirement is access to a browser supporting HTML5 and JavaScript. I have an idea for a new feature. Our systems are built in cooperation with users. If you have an idea for a brand new feature or improvement/upgrade, let us know about it. We may introduce your suggestion in the following updates as a regular component. G-News is a developer of innovative software for radio broadcasting stations worldwide. The main areas of business activity include newsroom and ad services, and development of mobile solutions for radio station employees and audience. In addition, G-News is an expert in development and integration of radio-dedicated solutions and live streaming. © 2019 G-News Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved. This site uses cookies to provide services at the highest level. Further use of the site means that you agree to their use.OK	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1225
__label__wiki	0.902322	0.902322	Tag Archives: Kapuso Sine Klasika action, anime, business, cable TV, cartoon, comedy, commercial, culture, dance show, documentaries, drama, entertainment, fantasy, game show, humor, Korea, lifestyle, live events, movies, MTRCB, news, paid programming, party, Philippines, politics, public affairs, reality show, religion, specials, Sports, suspense, talent show, talk show, television, TV shopping, variety show, year-end FTT Year 2015 in Review: Television’s Worst December 28, 2015 ralphierce2015 NBA Finals, 2015 SONA, 2015 State of the Nation Address, ABS-CBN HD, ABS-CBN Sports, ABS-CBN Sports+Action, ABS-CBN Sports+Action HD, AksyonTV, AKTV, Angelica Yap, APEC Summit, APEC Summit 2015, Bailey May, Bailey-Kenzo bromance, Bailey-Kenzo bromance controversy, Benjie Paras, Boom Gonzalez, CelebriTV, CelebriTV GMA, Chavit Singson, CNN, CNN Philippines, Dingdong Dantes, Family TV Mass, Family TV Mass GMA, Family TV Mass IBC-13, Felipe Gozon, GMA, GMA cancel regional programs, GMA close regional offices, GMA Network, GMA News TV, GMA Regional Network Group, HD television, High-definition television, IBC-13, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, It's Showtime, It's Showtime ABS-CBN, Kapuso Sine Klasika, Kenzo Gutierrez, KISPinoy, KISPinoy TV, Manny Pacquiao, Misterless Misis, Misterless Misis TV5, Misterless Misis TV5 postponed, Nancy Grace, Nasaan Ka Mr. Pastillas, NBA on ABS-CBN, NBA on ABS-CBN Sports, Nine Media, Pari Ko'y, Pari Ko'y GMA, Pastillas Girl, PCBL on AksyonTV, Philippine Commercial Basketball League, Philippine Super Liga, Pinoy Big Brother: 737, Pinoy Big Brother: 737 ABS-CBN, Pinoy Big Brother: 737 controversies, Pope Francis, Pope Francis in the Philippines, Pope Francis visits the Philippines, PSL, PSL on AksyonTV, Ramon Ang, Ronnie Magsanoc, Society of Divine Word – Mission Communications Foundation Inc., SONA 2015, SONA 2015 Philippines, Sports5, Starstruck, StarStruck GMA, StarStruck season 6, StarStruck season 6 2015, Startalk, Startalk GMA, State of the Nation Address, State of the Nation Address 2015, State of the Nation Address Philippines, Sunday TV Mass, Sunday TV Mass GMA, SVD-MCFI, The Buzz, The Buzz ABS-CBN, The Rich Man's Daughter, The Rich Man's Daughter GMA, TJ Manotoc, TV5, Vic del Rosario, Viva Television, Wilma Galvante 24 Comments Another year is about to end. But before the calendar flips to 2016, here is a look back at the year that was in television and radio. This article looks back at the 10 worst moments in Philippine television this year. GMA Scraps Sunday TV Mass On January 4, GMA decided to cease its broadcast of the Family TV Mass organized by the Society of Divine Word – Mission Communications Foundation, Inc. (SVD-MCFI), replacing it with the movie block ‘Kapuso Sine Klasika’. The Sunday Mass of SVD-MCFI returned to its old home in IBC-13 a week later. Poor ratings of the Sunday Mass was among the reasons behind the cancellation. Despite the claims of many that GMA is promoting apathy and not favoring the Catholic religion, they still managed to cover (albeit not as dedicated as other stations) the visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines, as well as produce a religiously-themed teleserye ‘Pari ‘Koy’ starring Dingdong Dantes. Gone Too Soon for KISPinoy and Misterless Misis ‘KISPinoy’ and ‘Misterless Misis’ aired for only three episodes each during the third quarter of 2015. The former was axed in late July, while the latter received a postponement (or possibly a cancellation) notice the following month. Both events paved the way for VIVA to take over TV5’s entertainment department, with Vic del Rosario replacing Wilma Galvante. PBB, It’s Showtime Summoned by MTRCB ‘Pinoy Big Brother: 737’ and ‘It’s Showtime’ were each summoned by the MTRCB for offending viewer sensibilities. The former was for the so-called ‘bromance’ involving teen housemates Bailey May and Kenzo Gutierrez, while the latter was for the alleged ‘pimping’ of ‘Pastillas Girl’ Angelica Yap in the ‘Nasaan Ka Mr. Pastillas’ skit. Both shows eventually complied by imposing self-regulatory measures, among other rulings. MTRCB also summoned GMA’s ‘The Rich Man’s Daughter’ for strong language inappropriate to viewers. GMA’s Finances Put Into Question Despite an increase in revenue, GMA’s financial capabilities were on the hot seat anew this year. The increased revenue was done at the expense of the network’s ‘streamlining’ efforts which featured, among others, the closure of regional networks and programs, and the termination of long-time employees. Felipe Gozon’s reluctance to sell a part of the network’s shares was also a major issue. Talks between him and Ramon Ang collapsed in August (with the latter later accusing Gozon of estafa), and a few months later, Gozon rejected offers from Chavit Singson and Manny Pacquiao to purchase a part of the network. Pope Francis, SONA and APEC Coverage Issues Not all news networks were able to cover the three biggest news events of the year. GMA News TV received major heat for their lack of coverage in both the visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines and the State of the Nation Address, while AksyonTV was criticized for their non-coverage of the APEC Summit. The two embattled news networks deserved a lot of blame this year. Speaking of AksyonTV,… AksyonTV’s Identity Crisis Continues Admit it or not, AksyonTV really needs a makeover. No longer the 24/7 all-Filipino free TV news channel of years past, the network is now increasingly littered with sports coverage, ranging from major leagues like the PSL to more low-scale ones like the PCBL. Perhaps the time is now for the network to bring back the AKTV name it once used as a blocktimer on IBC-13. After all, AksyonTV’s glory days are behind them. StarStruck’s Disaster The return of ‘StarStruck’ proved to be a glorified failure, as ratings and a questionable timeslot doomed the reality show’s sixth season. It was also long overdue, and it would have made a big difference for the network had it been placed opposite ‘Pinoy Big Brother: 737’. That said, there may never be another season of ‘StarStruck’ after this. So much for hype gone wrong. Goodbye Showbiz Talk Shows As We Know It Easter Sunday of this year marked the final episode of the 16-year-old ‘The Buzz’. Seven months later, ‘Startalk’ took a bow as well after 20 years on air. A change in viewer’s taste was a key reason behind the demise of both shows. Although ‘CelebriTV’ replaced ‘Startalk’, and ABS-CBN planned to revive ‘The Buzz’ in the future, it won’t be easy adapting to a new audience. CNN Philippines Not Living Up to Expectations Launched last March 15, CNN Philippines was supposed to be a local version of its parent network. However, a lot of issues surfaced from the beginning. Whether it’s due to the revolving door of anchors and reporters, an overemphasis on Nancy Grace or the lack of round-the-clock news coverage, it is clear that CNN Philippines is still a work in progress. That said, Nine Media will need to make a lot of changes to ensure that this venture between them and CNN won’t end quickly. NBA on ABS-CBN Demoted to the Studio Since February, NBA coverage on ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Sports+Action has been purely local, handled in-studio by Boom Gonzalez, TJ Manotoc, Ronnie Magsanoc and Benjie Paras. But to the surprise of many, only Manotoc traveled to the United States to cover the NBA Finals, and ABS-CBN opted to call the games in-studio rather than on location. Delayed broadcast of the NBA games were a primary reason behind ABS-CBN’s questionable decision. Still, with digitization looming, and the migration to HD underway, it seems like this is a more logical solution for the network to save costs. In tomorrow’s year-end special, From the Tube will look back at the 10 best moments in Philippine television this 2015. entertainment, movies, Philippines, religion, television January 12, 2015 ralphierceABS-CBN, Catholic, Catholic Church, Catholic religion, Christian religion, Christianity, Dr. Charles Stanley, Family TV Mass, Family TV Mass GMA, Family TV Mass IBC-13, GMA, GMA Blockbusters, GMA Network, IBC-13, In Touch, In Touch GMA, In Touch Ministries, In Touch Ministries GMA, In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley, In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley GMA, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, Kapuso Movie Night, Kapuso Movie Night GMA, Kapuso Sine Klasika, Kapuso Sine Klasika GMA, Pope Francis, Pope Francis in Manila, Pope Francis in the Philippines, Roman Catholic, Roman Catholic Church, Society of Divine Word – Mission Communications Foundation Inc., Sunday Night Box Office, Sunday Night Box Office GMA, Sunday TV Mass, Sunday TV Mass GMA, Superhero Sunday, Superhero Sunday GMA, SVD-MCFI, TV5 59 Comments Irrelevance on Sundays are becoming a norm for GMA, even in the early mornings. On the first Sunday of 2015, the first two programs that GMA aired were ‘In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley’ and ‘Jesus The Healer’. What happened next shocked even the most religious of viewers. Instead of the ‘Family TV Mass’ that is produced by the Society of Divine Word – Mission Communications Foundation, Inc. (SVD-MCFI), GMA brought back ‘Kapuso Sine Klasika’, another movie block of theirs. An hour later, ‘Family TV Mass’ returned to its old home, the ever-unreliable IBC-13. GMA’s decision to remove ‘Family TV Mass’ came at a not-so opportune time. Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines this month, and dropping the ‘Family TV Mass’ is definitely not a good way to appease GMA’s Catholic viewers. As a result, GMA now airs around four to six movie blocks on a weekend. Aside from ‘Kapuso Sine Klasika’, their other movie blocks include ‘Kapuso Movie Night’ ‘Superhero Sunday’, ‘GMA Blockbusters’ (twice or thrice), and ‘Sunday Night Box Office’. For GMA, it is back to their old ways. The lack of a Sunday TV Mass is once again apparent to the folks inside Timog Avenue, and they are clearly feeling the heat. Airing ‘Kapuso Sine Klasika’ at 6:00 a.m., much like the cartoons that GMA once aired against the TV mass on ABS-CBN and TV5, is an insult and a disrespect to the Christian religion. It’s one thing to air entertainment programs, but airing them this early on a Sunday is just a step too far. And as far as GMA is concerned, they are becoming more desperate towards ratings than ever before, and it’s not because for a lack of trying. With the removal of ‘Family TV Mass’, GMA is once again showing its unworthiness to the Catholic religion. And with Pope Francis’ visit looming, things are not looking good for GMA in a religious standpoint. action, comedy, drama, entertainment, humor, live events, movies, music, news, Philippines, politics, public affairs, reality show, religion, talk show, television The Weekend Shuffle on ABS-CBN, GMA and TV5 May 25, 2014 ralphierceABS-CBN, Alwyn Uytingco, ASAP, Cai Cortez, Carlo Orosa, Dr. Charles Stanley, Failon Ngayon, Gerard Sison, Ginintuang Telon, GMA, GMA Network, Home Sweetie Home, In Touch Ministries, Jasmine, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Jesus is Lord Church, Jesus the Healer, Kapag May Katwiran Ipaglaban Mo, Kapuso Sine Klasika, Marvelous Alejo, Mascara, Matt Padilla, Michael V, Nicole Estrada, Pepito Manaloto, Philippine Basketball Association, Pinoy Big Brother: All In, QTV, SOCO: Scene of the Crime Operatives, Sunday TV Mass, The Buzz, The Voice Kids, Toni Gonzaga, TV5, Vampire ang Daddy Ko, Vic Sotto, Vin Abrenica, Wansapantym, Wow Mali Pa Rin 20 Comments The return of ABS-CBN’s ‘The Buzz’ last Sunday left Toni Gonzaga (left) with four programs on the same day. As a result of the over-exposure, Toni’s sitcom ‘Home Sweetie Home’ was moved to Saturday nights. Just in time for the homestretch of summer, the ‘Big Three’ networks made noticeable changes in their weekend lineup. But while GMA and TV5 made a few tweaks, ABS-CBN decided to clean house and revamp theirs. Last Sunday, ‘The Buzz’ made a grand return to ABS-CBN. However, one of the program’s hosts, Toni Gonzaga, had three other shows on Sundays; namely ‘ASAP’, ‘Home Sweetie Home’, and ‘Pinoy Big Brother: All In’. The addition of ‘The Buzz’ proved to be a case of overexposure for the host, and as a result, ABS-CBN decided to move one of her shows to another day. And ‘Home Sweetie Home’ proved to be the odd one out. However, another of ABS-CBN’s programs needed to move as well. ‘Home Sweetie Home’ was moved to Saturday nights, while ‘Wansapanatym’ was moved to Sunday nights. This is a homecoming of sorts for the latter, as it used to air on Sundays during its initial run in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Meanwhile, instead of facing Michael V’s highly-rated ‘Pepito Manaloto’, ‘Home Sweetie Home’ will now have to compete against Vic Sotto’s ‘Vampire ang Daddy Ko’ in its new timeslot. On Saturday afternoons, both ‘Failon Ngayon’ and ‘SOCO: Scene of the Crime Operatives’ exchanged timeslots, with the former now airing at 4:00 p.m., and the latter at 4:45 p.m. Also in a few weeks’ time, ABS-CBN will bring back the legal drama series ‘Kapag May Katwiran, Ipaglaban Mo!’, which is expected to be placed on the timeslot preceding ‘Failon Ngayon’. And finally, ‘The Voice Kids’ debuted last night, and will air every weekend thereafter. Over at GMA, the network started to air classic films via the ‘Kapuso Sine Klasika’ block. Like the old QTV program ‘Ginintuang Telon’, the movie block showcases films made during the 1950s and 1960s. It was placed in the early Sunday morning slot opposite religious programs such as the live Sunday TV Mass. Meanwhile, GMA also decided to end its broadcast of Dr. Charles Stanley’s ‘In Touch Ministries’ after a six-year run, effective last April. This leaves ‘Jesus the Healer’ of the Jesus is Lord Movement as the network’s sole religious program on Sundays. And over at TV5, Jasmine Curtis-Smith’s self-titled drama and suspense program will premiere next Sunday. ‘JasMINE’ is a series that revolves around Curtis and her rise to fame being threatened by a stalker named ‘Mascara’, whose role is to make things miserable for the young actress. The series was supposed to premiere in March, but due to the network’s decision to shorten the ongoing PBA season, its premiere was delayed for three months. In addition to Curtis, Vin Abrenica, Matt Padilla, Carlo Orosa, Gerard Sison, Marvelous Alejo, Nicole Estrada, Cai Cortez, and Alwyn Uytingco will also play key roles in the series. ‘JasMINE’ the series is scheduled to premiere after ‘Wow Mali Pa Rin’ this June 1. To all the parties involved, good luck in trying to keep viewers happy with these programs.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1235
__label__cc	0.515822	0.484178	World Champion of Content Marketing – Once Again The gold continues to rain for Geelmuyden Kiese. At this year’s International Content Marketing Awards (CMA) in London, GK was awarded five gold, one silver and three bronze – the most of any participating agency. Christoffer Lorang Dahl, Trygve Tønnessen, Morten Andresen, and Ole Henrik Stubberud. Photo: CMA. Agencies from all over the world participate at the Content Marketing Awards (CMA). At this year’s competition campaigns from almost 150 agencies in 25 countries were submitted. Prior to the competition, Geelmuyden Kiese strengthened its position as one of the world’s leading content marketing agencies, with a total of 16 nominations. The awards ceremony turned into the party everyone had hoped for. In competition with the best agencies and marketers in the business, GK received a total of five gold, one silver and three bronze prizes. Senior creatives, Trygve Andreas Tønnessen, Morten Andresen, Digital Director Christoffer Lorang Dahl, and Head of Creative Ole Henrik Stubberud received the awards in London on behalf of Geelmuyden Kiese. – In competition with global brands such as Harley Davidson, John Lewis, British Airways and Waitrose, it is exciting that our creative campaigns receive this kind of attention. It makes me proud of the fantastic and skilled people at GK, says Ole Henrik Stubberud. The following campaigns won prizes: 72 hours, Norway’s emergency preparedness, campaign for DSB No nudes for you, campaign for Bufdir Add Gaming Experience To Your CV, campaign for Manpower Geelmuyden Kiese received awards in the following categories: 🥇 Best Partnership – Gold – 72 hours, for DSB 🥇 Best Use of Content Within Media Relations – Gold – 72 hours, for DSB 🥇 Best Branded Podcast – Gull – 72 hours, for DSB 🥇 Best Use of Data & Insight – Gold – Add Gaming Experience to your CV, for Manpower 🥇 Best Use of Imagery – Gold – Add Gaming Experience to your CV, for Manpower 🥈 Best Content Campaign – Silver – 72 hours, for DSB 🥉 Best Use of Innovative Technology – Bronze – No Nudes For You, for Bufdir 🥉 Best Use of Influencer Communications – Bronze – No Nudes For You, for Bufdir 🥉 Best Specialist – Bronze – 72 hours, for DSB Geelmuyden Kiese was also nominated for two campaigns for Vy; “The Commuter Challenge” and “Discover the City, as well as for the campaign «The Pitch» for Yara International, and “My Green Challenge”, for ByKuben.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1243
__label__cc	0.572018	0.427982	General Helicopter Operations Careers Postings Flight Time Vs. Air Time Personal Logbook By OGEgirl, August 26, 2011 in General Helicopter Operations Freewheel 325 Appatently HQ has advised HAC that they weren’t aware industry was interpreting Flight Time to be anything other than Air Tine for skid equipped helicopters. Odd since the director of standards issued a Policy Letter in 2005, that remained in effect until 2011, that advised pilots, operators and inspectors to do just that... As I inderstand it, the vast majority of FTUs are providing students with training towards licensing Flight time requirements under CARs part 4 using ICAO (rotors start to rotors stopped) and TC is issuing licences under the same premise. I guess we are supposed to beleive all inspectors just didn’t notice... The likely answer is that TC has been choosing to enforce something other than what the CARs say, inspectors have been “looking the other way” for licensing requirements. Either that, or Flight time isn’t the same as air time...either way,; TC wants industry to comply with what they say...not what the actual CARs say. i beleive Brian Jenner used to call this “CARs plus” The problem: “it is contrary to principles that sustain our system of government. First of all because the Canadian Charter of Rights guarantees that every individual in Canada is equal before and under the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law no matter where they are. Secondly, because the regulations impose on regional authorities the obligation to issue or amend documents based on compliance with CARs, as written.” - Brian Jenner. CARs also impose on TC the obligation to enforce the CARs AS WRITTEN. The fact that they can’t answer basic questions or issue an advisory circular over a 6 month period suggests they wish to continue with this unethical behaviour and are still trying to come up with more BS that they think will pass a basic sniff test. Good luck with that TC... The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. If Flight Time is the same as Air Time, in this case, TC has been issuing licences using “CARs minus” (and enforcing “CARs MINUS” for all Flight Training Units in the country). gmcmachz 3 I will just throw this out there for everyone to Digest..While I agree that there are some instances where the pilot sits at the controls of an aircraft for longer periods than they are actually in the air. this is not the norm, and I would think that if you were to average the amount of time a pilot spends behind the controls but not in the air you would find that it is below 10%.. I could be wrong, but from my time in industry this is what I see.. So I will ask all those that believe that "flight time" should go in your personal logbook this question...... Would you want someone who just received their licence, to fly your aircraft only to realize that they were trained by a poor organization. Who to inflate profit kept the students on the ground running for excessive periods allowing the student to build "flight time" towards their licence, so by the time they had their 100 hrs they actually only had 70-80 hrs in air???????? I know there are some that will use the arguement that there is no extra profit to be made if TC forces companies to use Flight time in the tech records of the aircraft.. But that will never happen.. It is not the rule for fixed wing or wheel equiped helicopters, and therefore will never stand up to be a stand alone rule for skid equipped ships....... Blackmac 80 I don't care, do you????? ICAO is the boss for aviation regulations, not Transport Canada Aviation. ICAO is AUDITED by ISO 9000 Transport Canada Aviation is a department of the Federal Government and the Parliment of Canada. Transport Canada has been screwing up and going downhill since the early fifties and is in need of a complete OVERHAUL. If one uses The Worldwide Safety Management System as an Auditing Body, the House of Parliment is the governing body under the Inspector General to authorize a complete Auditing of Transport Canada Aviation and hopefully, it will be brought in line with its MANDATE. Most of the problems can be eliminated by changing the whole structure and using ISO 9000 as an inspection Authority for transport and less BS for the industry. IT CAN BE DONE, transfer the existing department to a Crown Corporation as was done with NAV Canada. I actually worked on the original RFP for NAV Canada. Nav Canada is one of the best Crown Corporation in Canada. 12 hours ago, Blackmac said: I think you do care as demonstrated by your numerous posts in this forum. Apparently others do too. I haven’t seen to many Canadian Helicopter forums with over 100,000 views. Has anyone else? if ICAO was the boss the requirements for a Canadian commercial licence would be more like 150+ hours Flight Time and TC wouldn’t be interpreting Flight Time to be the same as Air Time. For the most part, I tend to agree with the rest of the post. Mind you, I wasn’t around in the 50s... simpleton 60 On ‎7‎/‎3‎/‎2018 at 4:14 PM, Blackmac said: "I don't care, do you?????" Who knows what goes on in your head. "ICAO is the boss for aviation regulations, not Transport Canada Aviation." I can assure you we answer to Transport Canada, not ICAO "ICAO is AUDITED by ISO 9000" Whippity do... "Transport Canada Aviation is a department of the Federal Government and the Parliment of Canada." Thanks Captain Obvious. "Transport Canada has been screwing up and going downhill since the early fifties and is in need of a complete OVERHAUL." Ummm.....generalize much "If one uses The Worldwide Safety Management System as an Auditing Body, the House of Parliment is the governing body under the Inspector General to authorize a complete Auditing of Transport Canada Aviation and hopefully, it will be brought in line with its MANDATE." Bahahahahahahaha....thanks you for making me laugh "Most of the problems can be eliminated by changing the whole structure and using ISO 9000 as an inspection Authority for transport and less BS for the industry." Yeah sure it would. "IT CAN BE DONE, transfer the existing department to a Crown Corporation as was done with NAV Canada." Ummm......Nav Canada is not a Crown Corporation "I actually worked on the original RFP for NAV Canada." "Nav Canada is one of the best Crown Corporation in Canada. " Except that it's, you know, not a Crown Corporation. Simpleton is right. NavCanada is a fully privatized, non-profit organization. I’m not naive enough to beleive it would happen, but Maybe that’s the way to go for TC to bring some accountability back. The flight time issue, and how TC is handling of it is just one example of a much larger issue. The lack of accountability is the root cause. An advisory circular does not address the root cause and won’t fix the bigger problem. Let’s ask the Auditor General: https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.cbc.ca/amp/1.4685726 The AG does audit TC. The last time a scathing report identified many findings which they generally ignore. Home > About Us > Vision, Mission & Objectives Our Vision, Mission, and Objectives NAV CANADA's vision is to be the world's most respected ANS: in the eyes of the public for our safety record; in the eyes of our customers for our fee levels, customer service, efficiency and modern technology; and in the eyes of our employees for establishing a motivating and satisfying workplace with competitive compensation and challenging career opportunities. To be a world leader in the provision of safe, efficient and cost-effective air navigation services on a sustainable basis while providing a professional and fulfilling work environment for our employees. Our Overarching Objectives The Company will achieve its Mission by: Being amongst the safest ANSPs worldwide and driving continuous improvement in the reduction of operational safety risks; Maintaining ANS customer service charges among the lowest of major ANSPs worldwide, and ensuring over the long term that the growth in operating costs does not exceed the growth in traffic; Providing value to our customers by contributing to improving their operational efficiency through the use of innovative technology and effective delivery of service, domestically and internationally; Having a work environment which places NAV CANADA amongst the best employers in Canada; Introducing measurable projects and initiatives which support a reduction of the environmental footprint of the aviation industry wherever feasible. Simpliton, as usual, does not provide any solution to the problem of Transport Canada Aviation governance or lack thereof. I made an error in stating that Nav Canada was a crown corporation, but as such is an extremely well run non-profit entity. The Mission Statement Of TCA seems to be to confuse aviation industry as much as possible and since de-regulation has only increased its effort. As TCA de-regulated the industry as a whole, it left the lower cast, small operators, to fend for themselves. THE ACTUAL REQUIREMENT FOR DE-REGULATION WAS THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY, SO THEY COULD COMPETE ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS. TO THIS DAY TCA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE SMALL OPERATOR IN CANADA ONLY, AS A SEPARATE ENTITY, AND HAS TO FOLLOW THE RULES APPLICABLE TO THE AIRLINES. CANADIAN TRANSPORTATION AGENCY FORUM ( 5-07-18) As usual, they ask for information and or help in passenger complaints and defer to another department. (Trump Doctrine) They actually or so they say, are concerned with pax carrying oversized luggage and putting same in overhead bins, airline problem, but no enforcement. The aircraft are becoming sardine cans as far as the narrow aisles and seat pitch is concerned. Again the (Trump Doctrine), CTA cannot do anything about that, it's a TCA problem. WELL, as far as I am concerned certification of any aircraft flying in Canada is done by Transport Canada, and if so, certification for seat pitch and aisles width should be realistic and not governed by outside influences such as how many sardines you could put in a sardine can. Go back to the VICOUNT days re: seating/aisles width. Transport Canada Aviation as a whole takes advice from the Transportation Safety Board, Canadian Transportation Agency but actually ignores most of them for political reason or whatever "RoketMan" can think of. SHOULD YOU WONDER WHY TRANSPORT CANADA AVIATION NEEDS AN OVERHAUL????????? Vision, Mission & ObjectivesCurrently selected 50 minutes ago, Blackmac said: TO THIS DAY TCA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE SMALL OPERATOR IN CANADA ONLY, AS A SEPARATE ENTITY, AND HAS TO FOLLOW THE RULES APPLICABLE TO THE AIRLINES. CAR's 702, 703, 704, 705 Lol, Christ you are good for comic relief. On 7/6/2018 at 2:26 PM, simpleton said: “ICAO AUDIT OF TRANSPORT CANADA CIVIL AVIATION OVERSIGHT - APRIL 2005 3.2.7 Adequate aircraft operation regulations have been established in the CARs, Part VII ─ Commercial Air Services (CARs 700 to 706) which contains seven subparts: General, Foreign Air Operators, Aerial Work, Air Taxi Operations, Commuter Operations, Airline Operations, and Aircraft Maintenance Requirements for Air Operators. A set of Commercial Air Services Standards (CASS 720 to 726) complement the CARs, which are incorporated by reference into the regulations. These standards provide the detailed requirements in the various areas of aircraft operations. The CARs and CAS are kept up to date on a quarterly basis. The regulatory structure is complemented by policy letters and guidance material such as policies, procedures, circulars and manuals.” https://cfapp.icao.int/fsix/AuditReps/CSAfinal/Canada%20final%20report%202-2-06.pdf Coincidentally the very same year General Aviation POLICY LETTER 2005-02 was issued by TC stating: In order to clarify the interpretation of the definition of "flight time" with respect to helicopters as it applies to flight crew licensing, "flight time" shall be as it is set out in Annex 1: "The total time from the moment a helicopter's rotor blades start turning until the moment the helicopter finally comes to rest at the end of the flight, and the rotor blades are stopped." Employment - RSS © All Rights Reserved 2017 Powered by Invision Community	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1245
__label__cc	0.514631	0.485369	86-year-old former Missouri minister deemed sexually violent Posted 9:54 am, October 9, 2019, by Associated Press ST. LOUIS – Jurors have ruled that an 86-year-old former southwest Missouri minister is a sexually violent predator who should remain confined even though he has completed a 15-year prison sentence for sodomizing teenage boys. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that jurors reached the verdict last month in the case against Donald Peckham, but the case records weren’t publicized until Tuesday. Prosecutors say Peckham, who is from Sarcoxie, sexually abused at least 14 boys between 12 and 16 years old over the course of 30 years and continued to victimize young boys until he was 67 years old. Defense attorney Amy Clay says the decision to indefinitely commit Peckham to a treatment program run by the Missouri Department of Mental Health amounts to a “life sentence” because few people get through it. Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com STL Moms! A place for St. Louis moms to chat share and save. Missouri prison guard gets $85K in settlement over firing Police make arrest in 1987 cold case murder of St. Clair woman Patrol says teen died after ATV crash in southeast Missouri Man acquitted in 2016 shooting in St. Louis suburb Missouri mom charged with assaulting 14-year-old boy 2019 in review: Top 10 news stories in the St. Louis region New DNA evidence not allowed Tennessee murder case Police: Pregnant St. Peters woman forced to drink toilet water, bleach Former Missouri lawmaker fined $14,000 Franklin County man hid camera in dressing rooms, bathroom Convicted Missouri killer charged in double shooting Former St. Louis business exec accused of embezzling more than $900K Judge seals motions in case against St. Louis officer	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1246
__label__cc	0.696377	0.303623	Greetham WI February 2017 Posted on 29/03/2017 by Greetham Website Group Two new members (Janet Bianchi and Ellie Barker) joined us this month. Our speaker was Dr Colin Ashpole from Clipsham, who spoke about his experience of being a racehorse owner. His talk was very amusing and enlightening to those of us that know nothing of the Racing world. He was brought up in a farming family with working horses, but was always keen on racing, being influenced by Lester Piggott, the most celebrated jockey of the time. His ambition was to visit every racecourse in the coun-try (there are sixty). He relocated to Rutland in 1973 to work at well-known manufacturer of pet foods, and eventually reached a sufficiently senior level to allow him to indulge his hobby. A period living in Italy (and going to the races there) convinced him of the superiority of British Rac-ing, which always puts the horses first. His first horse (Cicerone) never won a race, sustaining a fractured hip just before his first race, having been trained by Jimmy Harris at Waltham on the Wolds. There was bet-ter luck with his second horse, Sudest, who had several wins. There was much excitement when we were shown a video of his first win at South-well, when he raced through the field from the back. He won twice more at Leicester and Ripon but sadly severed a tendon racing at Kemptom and never raced again. Dr Ashwell’s talk gave us a real flavour of the thrill of the racecourse, as well as the eye watering expense involved in being an owner. Several ladies had questions and we all felt we had learnt a lot about the sport. During the business part of the meeting it was announced that our team have reached the final of the Skittles competition, to be played at Syston. Several members will attend the Annual Council Meeting of Leics & Rut-land WI in April. It was reported that the Soup and Sweets lunch was a great success- the raffle proceeds of £152 were presented to Pat Evans to go towards the refurbishment of the Community Centre kitchen. It is hoped that a group of members will visit Curve in Leicester in March to see “What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton.” The meeting closed with an informal quiz reviewing events of 2016 pro-vided by Helen McGarrigle. Next month’s meeting will be held on Monday 13th and will feature a talk on the life and works of Agatha Christie Snakes Alive A survey of reptiles in Leicestershire and Rutland is in progress. Why Do We Need To Know About Reptiles? They are one of the most fascinating groups of animals, but unfortunately also one of the most threatened. Reptile numbers have declined tremendously in recent years, due to loss or neglect of their habitats and to persecution, so now all our reptiles are given legal protection. The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan recognised that we need to know more about our reptiles – are they really rare, or are they just elusive? This survey aims to fill some of the gaps in our knowledge. Reptiles start to come out of hibernation in March/April. To fill in the survey, download the survey - Click on this link and post it off to the address on the form. For Information on reptiles in your garden click here and scroll down to "Reptiles in your garden" New Trees line Walking Route Click on this link for Newspaper article Greetham New Year's Eve Party 2016 A great time was had by all at the village's family friendly New Year's Party at the Community Centre! In time honoured tradition it was a caba- ret style variety show, with a packed programme of great local acts who all readily volunteered their time and talents for the evening. The acts included three great live bands (The Manky Beds, The Super-group, and WYSIWYG); a Maori-style Hakka sketch by the Three Greetham Geor- dies; stand-up comedy from 'Greetham's So-called Funny-man' - Tom De Vries; a 70s disco dance show by The Love Trains; smooth Sinatra-style tunes from hosts Ruth and Roly, with Bernie Gamble on the keyboard; Monty Python-esque sketches from 'The Wapscallions'; a mysterious package in 'The Box'; and pounding musical vibes from DJ Paolo's Disco Shack. The Children's Play Area Group ran a quality raffle. All proceeds went to local fundraising efforts including the Roger Begy Memorial Trust to support educational needs in Rutland, the Greetham Original Drama Pro- ject, and the Children's Play Area Project. Many thanks to everyone in- volved in this successful and fun night that heralded 2017 in true Greetham style! Best wishes, from the Committee (Roly and Debbie Easson, and Paul Bland). Final 2016 Greetham Gathering See News and reviews Greetham Gathering bubble car The final Gathering of 2016 took place on September 15th. This was the earliest date in September that it could take place on (i.e. the 3rd Thursday of the month) and at this time of year dusk occurs around 7:30pm. That, you would think, would be a reason not to turn up at the Gathering – especially if you have travelled a fair distance. However, the weather on the day was just perfect; warm, dry and mainly sunny, and it’s the weather that has the biggest impact on our turnout. Whilst not the best attended yet, it certainly was the best “last” Gathering of the 3 years we’ve been running it with more than double the numbers from our September 2014 Gathering and at least 50% more than last year. That’s brilliant, and we thank all of you who have come and supported us, and, we hope, enjoyed the experience. Again, we remain surprised at how many vehicles turn up that have not been before. In the car paddock we had about 100 classics. These in- cluded Jaguars, Citroens, Austins, Rovers, Fiats, Porches, Audis, Tri- umphs, Morris, Aston Martin, Mini, Mercedes, Maserati, TVR, Alpha Ro- meo and others. Also in attendance was a monster wheel Chevrolet truck, a replica Isetta-BMW bubble car (with 4 cylinder Honda 250cc bike engine in it!), our growing collection of VW Camper vans, a Ford Dexta tractor and our local London Routemaster bus! In the bike paddock we had about 18 classics in the 50 bikes that made an appearance. Included there were a trio of Velocette singles, various BSA twins, a rare (rescued from a shed) Honda C70 cub, a beautiful Yamaha FS1E 50cc moped (these used to be everywhere when kids were learners on mopeds), a Suzuki, Morini, Guzzi, several Hondas (including a rare 1000cc 6 cylinder CBX), an AJS 33CSR (with Norton Atlas engine and cycle parts) and a beautiful early 1960’s Triumph Thun- derbird. Thanks as always must go to all who attended, whether showing a vehi- cle or not. Also to Andy and crew for the fine food he prepares; to Anne and team for the bar (which did a great job); to Maureen and Carol for the cakes and coffee, to Julie for selling raffle tickets, to Debbie, Sue and Pippa on the gate, to Brian for helping marshalling and to all the support- ers who lend a hand as and when. Also, thanks to Beanie at the Plough for donating a raffle prize, and belated thanks to Scott at the Wheatsheaf and Sandy Begy for each also donating a prize at the previous Gathering (Sorry – I didn’t know until too late last month). Pictures from this Gathering will be posted on the Gathering website (www.GreethamGathering.co.uk) in the coming days. We shall only post the rarer ones this time as we may soon run out of web space. We plan to hold the Gatherings again in 2017 on the 3rd Thursdays of May to Septem- ber, but will keep you all informed of any changes or news. We shall also be making our annual donation to the local Air Ambulance in the coming months (once we have done our sums) and we will keep you posted on that.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1248
__label__cc	0.619945	0.380055	Artist’s Talk and Closing Reception for Alex Kritselis, Travelers of Glow and Sorrow, Saturday, March 25, 4-6 pm Please join us for the closing reception for Alex Kritselis, Travelers of Glow and Sorrow on Saturday, March 25 from 4-6 pm. The artist’s talk will start about 4:45 pm. Groundspace Project is an artist-run alternative space located just east of the 4th Street bridge in downtown Los Angeles. Exhibition hours are Friday and Saturday, 1-6 pm. 1427 E. 4th St. #4 Alex Kritselis: Travelers of Glow and Sorrow, Opens Saturday, Feb 25, 6-9 pm Alex Kritselis: Travelers of Glow and Sorrow Opening Reception: Saturday, February 25, 6-9 pm Artist’s Talk and Closing Reception: Saturday, March 25, 4-6 pm Exhibition Dates: February 25-March 25, 2017 Alex Kritselis is an artist whose practice I have admired for many years. Creating art that is always a conjunction of awarenesses, Kritselis captures through his kaleidoscope lens perceptions of his experience and through those perceptions makes art. No matter the medium, his artwork is always visually rich – but doesn’t necessarily yield to interpretation easily. It’s slow and primarily non-verbal, even as it flirts with semiotics. The paintings in Travelers of Glow and Sorrow each represent a moment, each painting caught in a metamorphosis from the painter’s first act, articulating a subject matter, to his second act, obscuring his subject in veils of translucent, gravity ridden paint. The viewer’s participation is in the act of erasure itself, like that moment when the present transforms into the past, a memory soon shrouded in history and myth. These paintings are large scale and epic, almost cinematic in feel. I am very happy to host Alex Kritselis’ second solo exhibition at Groundspace Project. The first, also a large scale installation, Imperial Eden/After the Dissent, was held in 2013. Artists’ Statement: It’s imperative to examine and understand the past, to remember where we came from and the journey we took to arrive where we are today. Through our work we find the passage that takes us to ourselves. From the beginning the eyes of the child see the world, ineffaceable experiences that form the imagination. My current work continues the ongoing examination of human history’s indelible impact and influence on our modern psyche and physical environment. In my work I juxtapose incorporeal fragments of thoughts, memories, and universally recognized symbols of civilization over time into dense, almost pixelated, configurations – In my current process I have moved toward fewer but more expansive panels through which to explore and question the same threads that continue to drive my work: the chronicling of civilizations’ historic and current affairs, socioeconomic quagmires, conflicts, and the collective behavioral patterns they generate—ultimately, man’s ability to spawn narrative and create meaning from fragments. Upcoming Events: Winter 2017 Saturday, February 11, 4-6 PM Artist’s Talk and Closing Reception for Yoshie Sakai’s, KOKO’S LOVE! YOSHIE SAKAI, KOKO’S LOVE Artist’s Talk and Closing Reception: Saturday, February 11, 4-6 pm Exhibition Dates: January 21-February 11, 2017Please join us for the artist’s talk and closing reception for Yoshie Sakai’s action packed video installation, KOKO’S LOVE! on Saturday, February 11, 4-6 pm.The adventures of Yukie, the protagonist of Sakai’s soap opera style video series, includes 7 videos; the long awaited Episode 2, a recap of Episode 1 and 5 related shorts are embedded in an immersive environment simulating Yuki’s life.You can also drop by Friday or Saturday, 1:00 to 6:00 pm through February 11. Opening Reception for Alex Kritselis: Travelers of Glow and Sorrow Saturday, April 8, 6-9 pm Thinh Nguyen: Love Sex Revolution AND The Kelly’s PERFORMANCE NIGHT! Saturday, April 8, 6-9 pm: Thinh Nguyen’s current works examine non-binary identity where he reclaims his feminine superego (Long Long) from childhood memories growing up as a girl. For this performance, Nguyen will be Long Long singing mantra-songs he wrote in respond to the current sociopolitical climate. In part protest and empowerment, the songs are performed in various musical style from Pop to Vietnamese Folks for the duration of the opening to subvert and revolt against the unequal power structures within our political and cultural values. Performance Schedule: 6:00 – 6:30 PM – Reception 6:30 – 7:00 PM – The Kelly’s Opens 7:00 – 8:30 PM – Long Long performs 8:30 – 9:00 PM – Closing Yoshie Sakai, KOKO’s Love – Opening Reception: Saturday, Jan 21, 6-9 pm KOKO’S LOVE, Yoshie Sakai 6:00-9:00 pm, Saturday, Jan 21 Artist’s Talk and Closing Reception: 4:00-6:00 pm, Saturday, Feb 11 Exhibition Dates: Jan 21 – Feb 11, 2017 Touchdown! KOKO’s Love has landed with an exciting cast of characters for the Los Angeles premiere of its long-awaited Episode 2, about the ongoing saga of one Japanese-American family with their overbearing patriarch, Hiroshi, a liquor store owner in South Central Los Angeles, and his annoying insistence on having a male heir. KOKO’s Love is an original East-Asian/Asian-American hybrid soap opera series that re-imagines the melodramatic tropes of TV dramas to challenge the myth of the “model minority” and reveal the guise of superficial “perfection” of being both Asian-American and a woman. Loosely autobiographical, Sakai felt it was important to write, produce, direct, and act out all 9 characters from the first episode and 11 from the second episode of this dark dramedy. It has various manifestations as a video installation and changes form dependent on the related videos and the space. For this exhibit, Groundspace Project will be transformed into a psychological playhouse for the everyday doubts, anxieties, hopes, and daydreams that come from living while challenging the notion of fictitious and non-fictitious storytelling. The KOKO’s Love series originated from the artist’s interest in the quotidian, and since moving back home with her mother, she has been immersed in how her 82-year-old, first-generation Japanese mother entertains herself, which is by watching hours of East-Asian soap operas daily because it is “what she lives for.” The melodramatic and highly addictive narrative genre of the soap opera fascinates her, not only for its outrageous characters and scenarios, but also for how it touches upon the most fundamental emotions and at times spews familiar life lessons and moral clichés that are highly accessible. Yoshie Sakai is a multidisciplinary artist (video, sculpture, and installation) living and working in Gardena, a city southwest of Los Angeles. She sees herself as an undercover cultural agent exposing the absurdities of a manipulative social structure while at the same time humorously struggling and reveling in it as a participant. She attended the 2014 Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and received the 2012 California Community Foundation for Visual Artists Emerging Artist Fellowship. Her work has been shown throughout the United States in film festivals and art exhibitions from Los Angeles to Miami, as well as internationally in Cambodia, Canada, and Japan. This summer she was at the ACRE Residency Program in Steuben, Wisconsin and had her first solo show at Antenna in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sakai is very excited to have her first Los Angeles solo exhibition at Groundspace Project. She received her BFA from California State University Long Beach and her MFA from Claremont Graduate University. Groundspace Project Holiday Art Show and Party! Saturday, December 10, 5-9 pm Ann Mitchell, The Chance Chronicles – Artist’s Talk and Closing Reception, Saturday, November 12, 4-6 pm Please join us for Ann MItchell, The Chance Chronicles, Artist’s Talk and Closing Reception on Saturday, November 12 from 4-6 pm. Ms. Mitchell will talk about her process in creating this evocative body of work. Ann Mitchell is a Los Angeles based photographer whose work ‘created a bridge between analog and digital’ more than a decade ago, developing the psychological territories of her potent imagery. Derived from meditation, The Chance Chronicles explore the deep processes of intuition played out in process and material.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1249
__label__cc	0.675944	0.324056	Home » General Interest » What is Love ? (Scientifically Speaking) What is Love ? (Scientifically Speaking) Published on Feb 10, 2017 in General Interest, Science, Social Sciences What is Love ? : A very deep and involved question. However in this article we will restrict ourself to the scientific point of view. What is going on in our bodies, and brains when we fall in love or see the object of our inner most desires. From philosophers and historians to poets and scientists, love has captured our imagination and curiosity for centuries. Many of us have experienced the rush of falling in love for the first time, or the deep feelings of love for children, family, or friends. But what is love … from a biological perspective? The Science of Love No doubt it’s intertwined with the evolutionary survival of our species. After all. you come from an unbroken line of organisms reproducing, from the very first microbe that split in two, to your ancestors who have all successfully mated since the dawn of time. Unfortunately, if you do not have children, this perfect streak comes to a halt. While we’re driven to reproduce, we are also driven to make sure our offspring survive. Its All In The Mind the brain of somebody in love looks awfully similar to one on cocaine Though we often associate love with the heart, the true magic can be seen inside the brain. It may not be entirely surprising to find out that the brain of somebody in love looks awfully similar to one on cocaine. Cocaine acts on the pleasure centers in the brain by lowering the threshold at which they fire. This means that you feel really good, a lot easier. We see the same thing in the brains of those in love. But it’s not just the cocaine or the love that makes you feel good: it’s the fact that anything you experience will now more easily set off pleasure centers and make you feel great. Because of this, you not only fall in love with the person but at the same time begin to build a romanticized view of the world around you. Interestingly, nearby pain and aversion centers begin to fire less-so you become less bothered by things … Simply put, we love being in love. So What Chemicals Are At Work To Make All Of This Happen ? Dopamine and Norepinephrine Molecules Both during orgasm and by simply looking at photos of a loved one there is a surge of dopamine and norepinephrine from the ventral tegmental area of the brain. This not only triggers sexual arousal and your racing heart but also gives you the motivation, craving, and desire to be with a person more and more. You see, romantic love is not simply an emotion-it’s a human instinct rooted in the evolution of our species that led to greater survival. And this drive brings about intense energy, focused attention, and elation. The pleasure centers are part of the brain’s reward system-the mesolimbic dopamine system. If you stimulate this region while learning, learning becomes much easier, because it’s pleasurable and perceived as a reward. We also see a surge in the neuromodulator oxytocin released from nucleus accumbens – sometimes called the commitment neuromodulator because in mammals it helps to reinforce bonding or attachment. When prairie voles are injected with either oxytocin or the hormone vasopressin, they will instantly find a mate to pair-bond with. Finally, studies have shown that people in love have low levels of serotonin-which is similar to people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. This is the likely cause of our obsession and infatuation during early love. Amazingly, these areas associated with intense romantic love can remain active for decades after you first fall in love. And while there are many other physiological and psychological components that add to this mix, the truth is, science still knows very little about exactly why or how love works. And yet somehow we all seem to know it when we feel it. Why Does Water Freeze? Why Do We Feel Pain ? Origins of Some English Eponyms : Juggernaut, Lynching, Malapropism, Maverick & Tantalise Jun 21, 2016 Do Goalkeepers Stand a Chance Against a Penalty Kick? Nov 6, 2015 Why is there something rather than nothing? Oct 11, 2013 Donkeys, Toads & Crows Sep 9, 2011 Milligan’s Magical Mirth Jul 8, 2016 The Invention of Money – A Short History Jul 30, 2013 Are you a true Guern? … take the test Jul 13, 2012 Great British Battles – Part I Feb 25, 2014	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1250
__label__cc	0.585305	0.414695	hESC Platform Glycoanalysis Glycogene Expression and Glycan Processing Pathways Glycoinformatics Services and Training Driving Biomedical Projects (DBP) GRITS Toolbox GlycoRDF Glycogenes GlycO Ontology GlyTouCan Prospective Collaboration Form DBP form for the National Center for Biomedical Glycomics William S. York, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Senior Investigator René Ranzinger, Assistant Research Scientist, Project manager Sena Arpinar, Scientific Computing Professional, Software developer Brent Weatherly, Scientific Computing Professional, Software developer Lovina Dmello, Scientific Computing Professional, Software developer The Glycoinformatics core has developed software tools, ontologogies and databases to facilitate efficient acquisition, processing, analysis, sharing and dissemination of the data produced by the other cores. Several tools and databases have been generated as part of the center and are provided to the community at no charge. In order to make the information generated by the center accessible to the scientific community, it is necessary to process, interpret, organize, and store data from diverse sources, and to make them available in a form that is transparent to clients with expertise in a broad range of disciplines. These challenges are being addressed by the Glycoinformatics core. The goal is to develop a bioinformatics resource that includes databases and ontologies along with associated computational tools that facilitate efficient acquisition, description, analysis, sharing and dissemination of the data contained therein. This represents a major challenge, as the potential of this data to explain important biological phenomena will only be fully realized if it is examined in the context of the vast amounts of other data that are becoming available. Therefore, a major emphasis will be placed on data structures and tools that have a high degree of interoperability with the computational infrastructure now being developed for the storage and analysis of glycomics, genomics and proteomics data. During the funding period (2013-2018) the glycoinformatics core worked on several subprojects: Figure 1: Start logo of GRITS Toolbox version 1.2 GRITS Toolbox is an extendable software system for processing, interpreting and archiving of glycomics MS data. This platform allows glycomics MS data (MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, TIM or MS profile data) to be loaded together with metadata describing the project, the analyzed sample and experimental procedures utilized. The integrated data interpretation module, called Glycomics Elucidation and Annotation Tool (GELATO), annotates experimental data with glycan and glycan fragment structures from candidate databases. An extensive set of graphical user interfaces can then be used to visualize, review, modify and export the annotated data or to compare the annotations of different samples side by side. The software can be freely downloaded from the project website. The GRITS software is based on the extendable Eclipse framework, enabling other research groups to develop their own extensions (so called Plugins) to add new functionality to our software. So far, the following collaborative plugin projects have been initiated: (1) Dr. Kazuhiro Aoki – NIH funded extension for the annotation of glycolipid MS data; (2) Dr. Parastoo Azadi – NIH funded extension for the annotation of per-methylated glycopeptide MS data; and (3) Prof. Ten Feizi – Wellcome Trust funded extension for the interpretation and visualization of glycan array data. Figure 2 : Three major databases with manual curated glycan structures have been created: a database for GSL glycans (285 structures), a database for O-glycans (217 structures) and a database for N-glycans (1190 structures). Manually curated Glycan structure databases have been developed and populated in collaboration with Prof. Mike Tiemeyers group and Dr. Kazuhiro Aoki. These databases contain expert verified mammalian glycan structures and are an integral part of the GRITS Toolbox software. They are currently used for the annotation of glycan MS spectra. There are three major databases: a glycosphingolipid database with 285 glycans; a O-glycan database with 217 glycans and a N-glycan database with 1190 glycans. Although the databases are far from complete, they are an excellent basis for users to develop customized databases and are freely available. The Minimum Information Required for A Glycomics Experiment (MIRAGE) initiative is an expert group funded by the Beilstein Institute to provide minimum information guidelines for reporting the results of glycomics experiments. The aim of these minimum information guidelines is not to tell scientists how to perform their experiments, but rather to provide a list of key information that should be reported along with experimental datasets in order to make them understandable and reproducible. Prof York and Dr Ranzinger are both founding members and project coordinators of the MIRAGE project. The group consists of more than 20 experts worldwide and has provided multiple guidelines since their start in 2011: Mass spectrometry guideline (PMID: 23378518) Glycan microarray guideline (PMID: 27993942) Figure 4: Logo of the glycan structures registry – GlyTouCan. GlyTouCan is the international glycan structure repository. It allows registering glycan structures and assigns globally unique accession numbers to any of these glycans independent of the level of information provided (e.g. fully defined structures or incomplete structural representations comprising only the glycans glycosyl composition or topology without linkage information). A prototype of the glycan registry was developed at the CCRC. When Prof. Aoki-Kinoshita acquired funding from the Japanese government to create a fully functional version, we transferred the source code to our Japanese colleagues and they modified and extended it to create a fully functional repository (GlyTouCan). They also developed a web-based front end that can be used to access the repository via a web browser under the URL https://glytoucan.org. MIRAGE: the minimum information required for a glycomics experiment. York WS, Agravat S, Aoki-Kinoshita KF, McBride R, Campbell MP, Costello CE, Dell A, Feizi T, Haslam SM, Karlsson N, Khoo KH, Kolarich D, Liu Y, Novotny M, Packer NH, Paulson JC, Rapp E, Ranzinger R, Rudd PM, Smith DF, Struwe WB, Tiemeyer M, Wells L, Zaia J, Kettner C. Glycobiology. 2014 May;24(5):402-6. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwu018. Epub 2014 Mar 20. Qrator: a web-based curation tool for glycan structures. Eavenson M, Kochut KJ, Miller JA, Ranzinger R, Tiemeyer M, Aoki K, York WS. Glycobiology. 2015 Jan;25(1):66-73. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwu090. Epub 2014 Aug 27. GlyTouCan 1.0–The international glycan structure repository. Aoki-Kinoshita K, Agravat S, Aoki NP, Arpinar S, Cummings RD, Fujita A, Fujita N, Hart GM, Haslam SM, Kawasaki T, Matsubara M, Moreman KW, Okuda S, Pierce M, Ranzinger R, Shikanai T, Shinmachi D, Solovieva E, Suzuki Y, Tsuchiya S, Yamada I, York WS, Zaia J, Narimatsu H. Nucleic Acids Res. 2016 Jan 4;44(D1):D1237-42. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkv1041. Epub 2015 Oct 17. National Center for Biomedical Glycomics 315 Riverbend Road J. Michael Pierce hawkeye@uga.edu A Unit of © 2018 Office of Research The University of Georgia	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1252
__label__wiki	0.850231	0.850231	Aditi Ashok gets off to a good start in Women’s PGA Championship Aditi Ashok made a fine start to the second major of the season. The Indian golfer fired a composed 69 to end the first day near the edge of the top ten. By Anand Datla June 30, 2017 Home » Aditi Ashok gets off to a good start in Women’s PGA Championship By Anand Datla June 30, 2017: The women golfers are contending for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, battling on the Olympia Fields course in Illinois. Indian golfer Aditi Ashok got off to an assured two under 69 in the first round of the major tournament. The weather is playing truant, causing delays to the completion of the first round. Chella Choi is running the table, posting a 66, with Amy Yang also at 5-under through the 17th hole. Aditi is lying in T11, just three strokes off the pace set by Choi and Yang. Brittany Altomare shot 67, while Joanna Klatten is also at 4-under through the 16th hole. Starting on the 10th hole, Aditi got off to a measured start – making nine straight pars. The 103rd ranked Indian made a birdie at the first hole to make her first move on the day. Aditi added back to back birdies at the 5th and 6th holes to inch her way up. She conceded first shot of the day at her final hole, the par-4 ninth to sign on a 69. Meanwhile, 56th ranked Choi owned the first round conversation with a forceful finish that catapulted her to the top of the order. She shot four birdies in her final five holes to surge up the order. “This is the biggest tournament, so I want to play well,” said the 26-year-old Choi. “I hit really good tee shots today. I had a lot of chances in the fairway. My putting was there today, so I made a lot of birdies.” The field this week consists of 156 players, with 96 internationals from 29 countries including India. Playing in her second major tournament, Aditi is looking to build on her T42 finish at the ANA Championship with a memorable run this week. The first round performance should give Aditi plenty of confidence as she went through the day relatively unscathed. Except the final hole bogey, Aditi played on her own terms. A top ten finish will help her also underline her growing stature on the LPGA Tour. A second round 64 at the NWA Championship last week helped thrust Aditi into the LPGA arc lights. A solid effort this week will also see Aditi break through inside the top 100 on the Rolex Rankings. aditi ashok Brittany Altomare Chella Choi Joanna Klatten KPMG Women's PGA Championship Major Tournament Anand Datla Anand Datla is an experienced columnist on sport. He is the Senior Editor at GolfingIndian.com. He has an endearing relationship with sport spanning over three decades. Anand travels and writes extensively on Indian and international golf. Wade Ormsby runaway winner in Hong Kong, Rashid Khan finishes in sixth Brendan Steele races ahead in Sony Open Rashid Khan flies into contention on a 63, Chawrasia remains in... Gurbani finishes second in Taiwan Amateur Championship TAKE Solutions Masters set for debut in August	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1256
__label__wiki	0.899643	0.899643	Shamim Khan wins Kolkata Classic 2017 Shamim Khan coasts to comfortable five-shot win at Kolkata Classic 2017, leads PGTI Order of Merit; SSP Chawrasia finishes runner-up. By GI-Editor March 24, 2017 Home » Shamim Khan wins Kolkata Classic 2017 By GI-Editor March 24, 2017: With a three-shot overnight lead Delhi’s Shamim Khan was well aware that just keeping the errors out on the final day would pave the way for his victory at the Kolkata Classic 2017. That’s exactly what he did with a dogged final round of even-par-72 that earned him his first ever title at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC). Shamim ended the Rs. 40 lakh event with a total score of 10-under-278 to bag his 13th professional title and take home the winner’s cheque worth Rs. 6 lakh. He thus climbed from fourth to first in the PGTI Order of Merit. Reigning Indian Open champion and pre-tournament favourite SSP Chawrasia of Kolkata finished runner-up at five-under-283 after a final round of two-under-70. Kolkata’s Shankar Das (72) claimed third place at four-under-284. There was a marked difference in Shamim Khan’s (70-68-68-72) ball-striking on Friday. He went from hitting six out of 16 fairways in round three to 10 out of 16 in the final round. This massive improvement in his tee shots helped him coast to victory without much trouble in round four. The 38-year-old Shamim made a confident start with an eight feet birdie conversion on the second. The pro from the Delhi Golf Club had a few anxious moments when he dropped bogeys on the sixth and seventh but his lead was intact as nearest rival Mukesh Kumar of Mhow stumbled with five straight bogeys at the same time. Shamim, the PGTI’s all time prize money leader with over Rs. 3 crore in earnings on the tour since 2006, consolidated his lead by draining a 25-footer for birdie on the 12th and making a brilliant chip-putt for birdie on the 15th. The bogey on the 17th was a minor blip before he cantered to the title with ease. “I was driving much better today and hit a lot of fairways early on as compared to round three. That gave me loads of confidence. I knew I didn’t need to do anything spectacular from there on. I just stuck to my plan of keeping it in play and that worked out well for me”, said Shamim. Shamim Khan won Kolkata Classic 2017 “I made a lot of good chip-putts this week that more than compensated for my poor driving in the first three rounds. I worked on my hitting yesterday and also sorted some problems with my alignment. “I’ve always played well at the RCGC and had some top finishes here in recent years. But it feels great to finally win at one of India’s best golf courses,” added Khan, who has now displaced Chandigarh’s Ajeetesh Sandhu as the Order of Merit leader with season’s earnings of Rs. 12,49,900. SSP Chawrasia (71-70-72-70), who began the day in tied fifth, seven off the lead, carded an eventful 70 that featured an eagle, four birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey. He therefore moved up three spots and ended the week as runner-up at his home course. SSP, fresh from his Indian Open win two weeks back, said, “I made many mistakes through the week. I needed just one really low score and that could’ve set up the tournament for me. But all credit to Shamim. It’s not often that one wins with such a huge margin at the RCGC.” Shankar Das, another local professional, posted a final round of 72 to end up in third, one stroke behind Chawrasia. Mukesh Kumar, who was overnight second and three off the lead, slipped to tied fourth at three-under-285 on Friday after a forgettable 76 that saw him drop six bogeys over a stretch of seven holes from the sixth to the 12th. Chandigarh’s Sujjan Singh (71) and Om Prakash Chouhan (71) of Mhow shared fourth place with Mukesh. Among the other prominent names, Chikkarangappa (73) was tied 12th at even-par-288 and Rashid Khan (71) was tied 15th at one-over-289. Lucknow’s Sanjay Kumar shot the best round of the tournament, a five-under-67, to clinch tied 20th place at three-over-291. PGTI Tour Release Kolkata Classic 2017 pgti tour shamim khan GI-Editor Golfing Indian Editors work round the clock to check for global news feeds and bring you highlights of all that's happening. With a focus on all checks, feeds, keywords and tournaments, GI Editor is responsible to keep you updated. SSP Chawrasia set for battle in Japan Vani Kapoor wins sixth leg of Hero Women's	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1257
__label__cc	0.72898	0.27102	Habiba Khanom Thoughts, beauty, fashion, lifestyle Book Review: Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography Having spent a couple of years writing down his best (and worst) moments about his time of being the Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson who retired this year, could not have found a better time to release his official autobiography. He kicks off quite rightly talking about the moments leading up to his retirement – how he broke the news to everyone, especially the team. “My speech on the pitch was all off the cuff. I had no script. All I knew that I was not going to praise any individual. It was not about directors, the supporters or the players: it was about Manchester United Football Club.” He told everyone to support the new manager David Moyes. “The club stood by me. All my staff stood by me. The players stood by me. So your job now is to stand by your new manager. That is important.” Splitting up certain chapters to talk about certain players in detail, he dedicated each chapter to the big players he signed and who he had a rather questionable relationship with. He talks about David Beckham and how he saw him grow up and that he felt like a son to him but then he talks about Beckham choosing to be famous after falling in love with Victoria. He also talks about his handling of Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand, Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistelrooy as well as Wayne Rooney and Christiano Ronaldo. He says that he criticised his players to keep them motivated and working hard. “Faced with the need to confront a player who had performed below our expectations, I might have said, ‘That was rubbish that,’ but then he would balance it out with a bit of encouragement. ’Why are you doing that? You’re better than that,’ which goes to show how he made it as a good manager sticking with the team for 27 years. This book is a must read for Manchester United fans but it is also a must read for sport fans in general. Managers can pick up a few good tips from this book as well but also, strangely enough, whilst reading this book, it seemed like I went inside the mind of Ferguson. I got to know how he thinks like, why he thinks the way he does and so this book can also be a good read for psychologists. I bought this book to read because I am very interested in legendary authoritative figures and what makes them so successful and how they become such a good leader. I am also very interested in psychology and found myself analysing bits from the book. I must say, I enjoyed the book tremendously and it was such an inspiring read as well. In a way, this book is saying not to give up from anything you do in life because Ferguson shows that working hard will be worth it in the end. It is wonderfully written and crafted and it shows us the enthusiasm, the ambition and the determination of a man who has achieved a lot in his career. By reading this book, you would know that Ferguson is a proud man who retired as a winner. Posted in: Reviews \| Tagged: alex ferguson, book, book review, christiano ronaldo, david beckham, david moyes, eric cantona, football, man u, man united, manager, Manchester United, retired, review, rio ferdinand, roy keane, ruud van nistelrooy, ryan giggs, sir alex ferguson, sport, sports, wayne rooney Autumn Favourites 2013 3 thoughts on “Book Review: Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography” M Ghalib says: A must read for all football enthusiasts. Has about everything from his days at East Stirlingshire to the class of 92 to Rooney asking for a transfer! Absolutely brilliant. Gary Sproston says: Nice review, this is on my Christmas list and I’m looking forward to reading it. Thank you. I definitely recommend it! View @ha_bi_ba’s profile on Twitter View habibakhanom’s profile on Pinterest View habiba-khanom-761b7847’s profile on LinkedIn I blog for...	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1258
__label__wiki	0.621675	0.621675	The Asad Umer Debacle Posted on April 21, 2019 by Haroon Riaz Source: Public TV News The PTI mandate on the election date as its voters saw it seems to be falling apart. Last Thursday, the Prime Minister asked the Foreign Minister, the main star of the team, Asad Umer to step down. Asad Umer was touted as the economic solution for the country for about the last 7 to 8 years by the party. The problems started to mount when people realized that the foreign minister of the populist communitarian party that had promised “the Medina welfare state” in the manner of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s Islamic Socialism was too right-wing liberal for their liking. His changes, along with an aggressive anti-money laundering drive, resulted in a decline in economic growth, slow stock and real estate markets, and high inflation due to dollar appreciation. Hungry and desperate for power, PTI promised just about everything under the sun to their voters ever since their antics during the 2014 sit-in protest. Burning power bills due to a hike in energy prices, it was no wonder that the people were not having anything from them when they applied the same policies. Always telling the people that the foreign debt was not the way to govern, PTI had little choice but to turn to the IMF for financing a bankrupt country. Of course, PTI and Asad Umer did the right thing to turn to the IMF. They just had a hard time getting rid of a populist, anti-corruption narrative that they got elected on and which is still a big part of their campaigns targeting opposition leaders. Especially because they considered governance by foreign debt a part of corruption too. Many of their uncompromising fans, who were taught by them to be uncompromising, felt cheated. You could argue that Asad Umer should be given the benefit of doubt. He was doing what he considered right as evident by his recent commentary. He said that PTI decided that they would not resort to populist politics and that the value of the Rupee was artificially appreciated by the PML-N foreign minister Ishaq Dar all this point. But as far as the inflation rate and fuel and power prices are concerned, people could only take so much and the deep state was not having it. The problem is that as much the country has been right wing ever since the execution of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, it has always been keen on subsidizing the “basic necessities” for the underprivileged. Even President Ayub’s popular term was challenged due to public protests over the increase in the price of sugar which eventually led to its downfall. With such a history, the bureaucratic state in Pakistan fears to go Marie Antoinette on the Pakistan people, since they accept other modes of repression happily like curbing freedom of speech. But most people agree that this cabinet change came at a very inappropriate time, particularly Asad Umer’s position. But does Imran Khan really lack judgment to this extent? His critics who always doubted his intelligence are not surprised. But he did have a lot of flair and sense during the early part of his political career as evident by these old clips. He used to openly criticize the role of the military and the security agencies. But in Pakistan, things change when you get to govern. But is it really his government? “The #PakistanArmy killed women and children in East Pakistan. They did the same in Balochistan and have bombed innocent people in Fata. They are involved extra judicial killings…” – Pakistani PM @ImranKhanPTI#OnceUponATime pic.twitter.com/NtP0euuPiq — Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) March 22, 2019 پی ٹی ایم والے بات ٹھیک کرتے ہیں لیکن جو ان کا لہجہ ہے وہ بالکل ٹھیک نہیں، وزیراعظم عمران خان ~ Thread pic.twitter.com/hbx2QiUf8L — Bismillah Achakzai (@khialay) April 19, 2019 However, some people are offering some other reason why the Thursday cabinet reshuffle occurred. Some are calling it a coup. Others pointing toward a possible transition to the (Islamic) Presidential System. It could be that the cabinet reshuffle came as the eventual shift that the alleged installers of a weak administration wanted on their terms. Or it could even be a power move to remind Imran Khan not to attempt to make too many powerful decisions. Whatever may be the case, it either shows an indecisive Prime Minister unsure of his vision of governance or a toothless executive following the narrative of the deep state. Some would argue that abandoning his stubborn and morally constipated political stance has finally earned him the position of Prime Minister and that he is finally acting like a politician as his critics had earlier wanted him to. Whatever may be true, it is evident that General Bajwa enjoys undermining his position as far as their body language in joint appearances is concerned. What is particularly embarrassing for Imran Khan is the appointment of Brig. (R) Ijaz Shah, who now takes over Imran Khan’s Portfolio of Federal Interior Minister. Shah, whose appointment as ambassador was refused by the Australian government due to alleged terrorist group connections, He is also alleged by some to be among those responsible for the death of Benazir Bhutto. With such appointments, making the cabinet almost the mirror image of the state establishment sanctioned PPP cabinet, and raises a lot of question marks about the credibility of PTI. Not sure if Imran Khan will reflect on the gravity of the situation, but at least the youth voters of PTI have tasted the consequences of their ballot for the first time. It has left them shaken and has induced self-doubt, if not buyer’s remorse. It did indeed cause a division in the loyal nationalist fanbase of the party. Let’s just hope they learn to differentiate between idiotic rhetoric and the real world to make a fresh start. And also that a change in ministries doesn’t matter if the problem lies in the leadership. Filed under: Commentary, Videos \| Tagged: Asad Umer, Brig. Ijaz Shah, cabinet reshuffle, deep state, economic growth, economy, GDP, Gen. Bajwa, IMF, Imran Khan, liberalism, military establishment, politics, populim, PTI, PTI fans, rhetoric \| Leave a comment »	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1261
__label__wiki	0.751801	0.751801	Roofing Contractors Charleston SC - Roofers Charleston SC \| Homewerx Roofing & Siding Contractors Charleston, SC Asphalt Shingle Repair & Replacement Owens Corning Surenail® Technology The Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System® Shingle Color Options Roof Leaks Real Estate Roof Inspections Portfolio & Reviews GuildQuality Reviews Awards and Affiliates Got Leaks? Here are 3 reasons not to wait to call a pro! Are Solar Roofs the Future of the Roofing Industry? Does shingle color REALLY matter? 3 tips to help you choose the right shingle color for your home. Exterior Home Maintenance: From Top to Bottom July 30, 2018 By Admin_1 Solar energy has grown at a rapid pace over the last decade and trends in the solar industry suggest that they will continue to grow exponentially over the next decade. With the enactment of The Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in 2006, consumers were jumping at the chance to receive a 30% tax credit for solar systems installed on their residential homes. A solar system used photovoltaic (PV) panels that convert energy from the sun into electricity through the use of sunlight absorbing solar cells that cause a phenomenon known as the ‘photoelectric effect.’ A well-engineered PV system can provide a majority of the electricity required to power an energy-efficient home and can even generate a surplus that can be sold to a utility company or delivered to other consumers through the electrical grid. Traditional solar panels are mounted using a mounting system on your existing asphalt shingle roof. If your roof is old or in poor condition, replacing the roof prior to installing the panels is the best option so you don’t have to incur costly fees to remove the system, replace the roof and then re-install your solar system. But what if you could install a solar powered roof on your home? Solar shingles were first made available in 2005 but even the most elite eco-conscious homeowner balked at the hefty price tag. More recently though solar shingles have become more price-competitive with bolt on panels and they are gaining in popularity. They do require the help of an electrician and a few other special considerations during installation. Following a November merger between Tesla and SolarCity, Tesla announced in May that they were releasing the first solar roof in the coming months. These glass solar tiles are so durable according to Tesla that they are “warrantied for the lifetime of your home, or infinity, whichever comes first.” However, the price tag is another story all together…According to Tesla’s solar calculator, this new system will cost over $51,000 (calculation made based on the average home size in the U.S. which is 2,467 sqft) for a 70% solar roof plus a $7,000 ‘optional’ Powerwall battery that is recommended to store all the new energy. Over 30 years though, Tesla points out that the energy savings can be greater than $70k which would mean an over $30k profit to the homeowner. Tesla also announced that immediately following their release, they sold out until late 2018. With advances taking place in the solar industry every day, we are hopeful that these types of systems will become more affordable and readily available to the average homeowner who wants to invest in both a new roof and green energy all at once. Awards & Affiliates Copyright © 2020 Roofing Co.	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1265
__label__wiki	0.833519	0.833519	KERN-AM Latest Asa Hutchinson News Panel OKs funding for levee repair along Arkansas River LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A state commission has approved nearly $9 million in funding to repair levees that were damaged by record flooding last year. The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission approved the $8.8 million in grant funding Thursday for 14 groups overseeing levees along the Arkansas River that... Arkansas governor defends decision to accept new refugees LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas' Republican governor on Monday defended his decision to continue accepting new refugees, challenging skeptical GOP lawmakers to avoid creating “fear” about welcoming people from other countries. Gov. Asa Hutchinson told a legislative committee that fewer than... HOUSTON (AP) — Severe storms sweeping across southern portions of the U.S. and up into the Midwest were blamed Saturday in the deaths of at least 11 people, including two first responders, as high winds, tornadoes and unrelenting rain battered large swaths of the country. Storm-related fatalities were... Arkansas panel issues recommendations on state's levees LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — An Arkansas panel formed after historic flooding last year released a report on Tuesday recommending increased oversight of the state's levees, consolidation of some levee districts and state grants to fund improvements. Gov. Asa Hutchinson created the Arkansas Levee Task Force in... Arkansas announces closure of hog farm near Buffalo River LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas officials announced Monday that the closure of a hog farm near the Buffalo River has been completed, months after striking a deal with the facility's owners. Arkansas Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Stacy Hurst announced that the terms of the state's agreement with... GOP governors grapple with whether to accept refugees or not LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — An executive order by President Donald Trump giving states the right to refuse to take refugees is putting Republican governors in an uncomfortable position. They’re caught between immigration hardliners who want to shut the door and some Christian evangelicals who believe... Hendren won't seek 2nd term as Arkansas Senate president LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Republican president pro tem of Arkansas' Senate said Friday he won't seek another term leading that chamber next year. Sen. Jim Hendren said he won't run for another two-year term as the chamber's president when senators meet at the end of next year's fiscal session to select... New Jersey man faces sentencing in corruption case LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Federal prosecutors have recommended a reduced sentence for a New Jersey political consultant caught in an Arkansas political corruption case. Donald “D.A.” Jones faces 33 to 41 months in prison when sentenced Monday in federal court in Philadelphia, where he... Arkansas officer 'ambushed and executed,' police chief says FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Investigators were trying to determine why a man “ambushed and executed” a city police officer who was sitting in his patrol car outside police headquarters in a college town in northwest Arkansas. The Saturday death of Fayetteville Police Officer Stephen Carr was... Arkansas governor makes road tax main priority for 2020 LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s re-election campaign will focus on winning voter approval for a proposed constitutional amendment that would make Arkansas’ 0.5% sales tax for highways and roads permanent. At Tuesday’s meeting of the Arkansas Good Roads Foundation,...	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1266
__label__wiki	0.653559	0.653559	Support HC Schoology Parent Login Schoology Student Login Holy Cross District HS "Live in the Light" Alumni and Friends Flower Sale Indian Run Mulch Madness Night at The Races District Elementary School Links History of Holy Cross High School Academic Coordinators' Message Holy Cross Student Handbook Academic Enhancement Program Registration/Scheduling/Important Dates JSTOR Digital Library SCRIP/ Kroger/ Remke Birthday Cake Program Alumni and Friends Herald Alumni and Friends Service Hall of Fame Planned Gifting Holy Cross High School is fully accredited through AdvancED – SACS and the Kentucky Non-Public School Commission receiving a full five year certification through 2018. Holy Cross High School offers a unique curriculum structure with its layered curriculum that helps to take advantage of academic strengths and build on areas of weakness. Holy Cross High School offers nine dual credit courses through Thomas More College and Northern Kentucky University. These courses and the instructors are certified by the college and university. Holy Cross was the first Catholic high school to start a program to serve students with learning disabilities. Our Academic Enhancement Program has been given numerous awards for its efforts on behalf of students with special learning needs. Our program is widely regarded as the best program among the Catholic high schools. The school was recognized by Cincinnati Magazine as one of the Best Private High Schools in Greater Cincinnati. 360 Students in grades 8 through 12 from 29 Different elementary schools and parishes 38% Students are from other Catholic school districts Primary Service Area is the Kenton County parishes of Cathedral, Holy Cross, Our Savior, St. Anthony, St. Augustine, St. Benedict, St. Cecilia, St. Matthew, and St. Patrick Admission is open to young men and women of all races and religious faiths. 14.6 Average Class Size 42% Seniors Receiving College Scholarships (Class of 2019) 22.0 Average ACT Score (Class of 2019) 10 Number of College Credit and Advanced Placement Courses 85% Students participate in an extra-curricular activity 51 Freshman, JV, or Varsity teams and non-athletic extra-curricular activities $400K Financial aid awarded to qualified families last year 50% Incoming freshman received a merit scholarship 9:1 Average years of experience. The faculty also includes Sr. Mary Sharron Goller, a sister from the Notre Dame Order, Fr. Tom Robbins, and Fr. Jeff VonLehman, pastor of St. Patrick Parish. Fr. Tom Robbins also serves as the Pastoral Administrator of Holy Cross High School. Holy Cross High School offers a complete program of guidance services. Guidance counselors are on-staff for academic planning and career exploration. In addition, all counselors including a substance abuse expert and campus minister are available for personal guidance to assist students with non-academic difficulties that ultimately affect academic performance. All students must commit to a program of service in which they devote 10-40 hours of their time to others and their communities. A total of 100 hours of service is required for graduation. Their obligation can be fulfilled in a variety of ways with the approval of the service program director. The requirement per year is as follows: 10 hrs – Freshman 20 hrs – Sophomores 30 hrs – Juniors 40 hrs – Seniors *National Honor Society Members must fulfill a required 10 additional service hours. Rev. Tom Robbins, Pastoral Administrator Ted Arlinghaus, President Greg Arlinghaus Ron Durrett Lori Eifert Paul Carl John Zurborg Dennis Stanley William Goller Holy Cross District High School 3617 Church St / Covington, KY 41015	cc/2020-05/en_middle_0025.json.gz/line1276

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

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