pred_label
stringclasses 2
values | pred_label_prob
float64 0.5
1
| wiki_prob
float64 0.25
1
| text
stringlengths 110
1.02M
| source
stringlengths 39
45
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
__label__cc
| 0.730091
| 0.269909
|
45surfer: Shooting Simultaneous Stills & Video
Surfing the Waves of Continuous Video while Shooting Stills
Shooting Stills & Video @ Same Time with New Sony 4k Handycam FDR-AX100 + Sony A7R ! Shot with Nikon D800E on Zuma Beach in Malibu!
Shooting Simultaneous Stills and Video at the Same Time with New Sony 4k Handycam FDR-AX100 + Sony A7R ! Shot with Nikon D800E on Zuma Beach in Malibu!
New Sony 4k Handycam FDR-AX100 + Sony A7R ! For my 45surfer rig! 🙂 Hanging on the black 45surf surfboard, which gets hot hot hot in the sun! Shot with the Nikon D800E + the super sharp Nikon AF-S Zoom Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF Lens (wide angle lens) on Zuma Beach in Malibu. I still love you Nikon! But methinks you need to start making smaller cameras! 🙂
A match made in heaven! (Malibu actually, but close enough!) So psyched!
With my favorite model wearing it around her neck! She often rides shotgun up and down the PCH with me, and makes other women jealous.
New Instagram! instagram.com/45surf
Join/like my facebook page! www.facebook.com/45surfHerosJourneyMythology
Follow me on facebook! facebook.com/elliot.mcgucken
See the rig in action!
vimeo.com/45surf
dailymotion.com/45surf
This is how you shoot stills & video @ the same time: vimeo.com/87324248
All the best on your epic hero’s journey from Johnny Ranger McCoy! 🙂
Shooting Simultaneous Stills and Video with the New Sony 4k Handycam FDR-AX100 + Sony A7R ! Shot with Nikon D800E on Zuma Beach in Malibu!
This entry was posted in Uncategorized on March 27, 2014 by physics astronomy galileo.
2014 45SURFER STILLS+VIDEO RIG: Small, Simple, 4K+36mp RAW power, & Nimble :) Shooting High Quality Stills & Motion @ the Same Time.
Thanks to Sony’s recent innovations exalting compact power in stills & motion cameras, the theme of 2014 will be “Small, Simple, 4K+36mp RAW power, & Nimble!” Combine the small 36 megapixel Sony A7R released last November with the just-announced Sony 4K FDR-AX100 Handycam, and one can build a monster stills+video rig–both handheld and tripod/monopod mounted, as pictured below. I am stoked to see that the upcoming Sony 4K Camera can shoot stabilized 4K video with an 18x zoom–ideal for capturing the world’s greatest surfers in 4K motion! Also stoked to try out the 128 fps for slow-motion captures of the pro’s wicked shredding & aerials.
11-time world-champ Ke11y Sl8r! This year we’ll shoot the champ in 4K motion!
I’m psyched to be heading down to Australia to shoot men’s & women’s pro surfing Rip Curl Pro and Roxy Pro events in early March, and above please find a figure representing the nimble rig I’m assembling! It is comprised of the Sony A7R Full-Frame 36.4 MP + the Metabones Canon EF Lens to Sony NEX Smart Adapter + the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens for Canon + the Manfrotto 694CX Carbon Fiber 4 Section Monopod (Black) + the 45surfer Stills+Video Bracket + Sony’s 4K FDR-AX100 Handycam camcorder with 18x 4K zoom (Clear Image 4K Zoom).
If one browses my earlier versions of the 45surfer stills+video rig at https://45surfer.wordpress.com, http://blog.9shooter.com, and http://9shooter.com, one can see how awesome the Sony innovations make the rig! The 4K camcorder and small, light A7R full-frame complete it, providing unprecedented power in a compact form!
And I’m quite psyched that the new Sony 4K camcorder will be replacing the HD Nex cameras I have been using for video!
What would your ideal stills + video rig look like? Please comment below!
As a side note, I don’t blog all that much, as I am too busy shooting, editing (minimal editing–Lightroom but no photoshop), and uploading! Part of it is that blogs and tweets seem so ephemeral, while photographs are forever, and I have always been drawn towards the permanent things. But as my photography is now averaging well over 1 million views a day (closer to two million views/day across all my social media/hosting properties!), I figured I’d set up a blog and share some ideas.
Folks ask me, “How do you get so much traffic?” Well, I guess I shoot photos folks want to see each and every day. 🙂
Recent stats from one of my accounts:
Well, do let me know what your ideal stills+video rig would look like, and all the best in 2014! 🙂
World champ Joel Parkinson returning from space! Shot with my Nikon D4:
Enjoy some of my Nikon D4 + 600mm F4 Prime world champ Kelly Slater & Joel Parkinson photography!
Imagine capturing 4K video alongside amazing stills of the world’s greatest! This year we’ll be rockin’ it!
11-time World Champ Kelly Slater
The 4K Sony Camcorder will be replacing the HD Camcorder in this rig, the Sony A7r will be replacing the bulkier Nikon D4, and the new Tamron 150-600mm zoom lens will be replacing the much heavier 600mm F/4 Prime, for a smaller, nimbler setup:
All the best in shooting stills+video in 2014! 🙂
This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged &, 2014, 45SURFER, 4K+36mp, @ the, High, Motion, Nimble :), power, Quality, RAW, RIG: Small, Same, Shooting, Simple, Stills, Stills+Video, Time. on January 13, 2014 by physics astronomy galileo.
4K Video & 36mp RAW Stills of Pro Surfers Kelly Slater & Alana Blanchard! Extreme Stills + Motion: Shooting 4K HD Video MOTION ( Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100) & 36mp RAW Stills PHOTOGRAPHY (Sony A7r) for Less than $5,000 with the 45SURFER Simultaneous Stills+Video Bracket!
2014 will bring us Kelly Slater & Alana Blanchard in 4K thanks to the new Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 just announced at the 2014 CES! The 4K Sony FDR-AX100 will be replacing the camcorder here, providing stabilized 4K video alongside epic RAW stills from a Nikon D4 or D800E (or Canon 1DX!):
Pro surfer & Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Alana Blanchard
The 4K Sony FDR-AX100 will also be replacing the video cameras in these run’n’gun monopod-based configurations for simultaneous stills and video: These rigs are smaller, nimbler, and ideal for navigating to the optimum part of the beach. Whereas one must generally set up a giant tripod mount and leave it there for the day so as to claim a spot, these smaller rigs are akin to those lane-splitting motorcycles that zoom on buy the stopped traffic during rush hour! Suppose you want to shoot a certain surfer warming up way on down the beach before their heat, and then return to the main beach to shoot them–this is the ideal rig for it. And with the new Tamron 600mm zoom. . .
As I’m headed down to Australia to shoot the men’s and women’s Pro Surfing Quicksilver Pro, Roxy Pro, and Ripcurl Pro, I’m psyched that Sony will be releasing their new 4K camera–the Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100! The Sony 4K FDR-AX100 will be replacing the 1080p camcorders and NEX cameras in the below configurations, shooting 4K vidoe alongside my Sony A7r and Nikon D800E’s which I use for stills:
Setting up the gallery show!
LEARN TO VIEW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY AS AN EPIC HERO’S JOURNEY–AS AN EXALTED FILM OF AN EPIC ADVENTURE–THEN YOU TOO WILL WISH TO CAPTURE STILLS & MOTION OF ITALL .
Modeling the Sony A7R ! Swimsuit Bikini Model Goddess Shooting Stills (Sony A7R with 35mm F/2.8 Carl Zeiss) & Video (Sony NEX6)
“In buying equipment we often make a major mistake in calculating prices. When you buy a camera, you are purchasing it not primarily for yourself, but for everyone who sees your photos. Thus the more you invest, the greater the gift you are giving others.” –Dr. E
2014 is going to be an awesome year! I closed out last year with my first gallery show in Los Angeles (which was an epic success) just as my Hero’s Journey Mythology Photography collection started averaging 1,000,000+ views/day across my various hosting properties.
Some photos from Dr. Elliot McGucken’s Los Angeles Gallery Show .
And today they just announced the new Sony 4K HD Video Camera, which I have been waiting for, so that I could start shooting 4K video MOTION + 36mp stills PHOTOGRAPHY at the same time with my 45surfer bracket https://45surfer.wordpress.com:
http://store.sony.com/4k-camcorder-with-1-sensor-zid27-FDRAX100/B/cat-27-catid-All-Handycam-Camcorders
Yes! Soon I will be be mounting this epic Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 under the Sony A7r . . .
. . .utilizing the 45SURFER bracket:
Imagine the above Sony A7r with the epic Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 replacing the bottom NEX-6! We’ll be shooting 4K video + 36mp RAW Stills! And soon we’ll be shootng 4K RAW video too! Surfing Moore’s Law with the 45SURFER Bracket rocks!
Also imagine the epic epic Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 under the Sony A7r mounted in these configurations for shooting surfers:
Whenever I go surfing, or dirt-biking, or mountain biking, or skiing, or snowboarding, or skateboarding, I always see fellow athletes strapping HD GoPros, Contour cameras, and Sony Action Cams onto their bodies, skis, surfboards, bikes, and helmets. Whenever I’m riding my Harley on down Mulholland Drive, every other biker is wearing a camera. And yet, when I’m shooting beautiful models at Malibu’s scenic El Matador Beach or surfers at Pro Surfing Events, I’m the only photographer who is also videoing the endeavor via a camcorder or SONY NEX attached to my camera via a bracket. Why is this? By and by I grew to realize that all too many photographers lacked the adventurous spirit, and tended to view their photographic pursuits not as art nor adrenaline-inducing adventures akin to accelerating a Harley on down Mulholland Drive on towards the PCH, nor catching big air while surfing, but as drudgery.
Well, I’d like to invite you to view your photography as an Epic Hero’s Journey. Seek out subjects that you can fall in love with–follow that deeper Call to Adventure and let inspiration lead you where it may–select something beautiful that you have always wanted to shoot, and naturally, you will find yourself called to shoot motion alongside stills so as to capture and preserve the ephemeral beauty, and share it with others. The action happens but once, and the spectacular sunset blossoms and fades in moments. Once gone, the magic hour is gone forever, and you are going to wish you had both stills and video of the soft light illuminating a model like the light of Rembrandt.
2014 will bring us Kelly Slater & Alana Blanchard in 4K thanks to the new Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 just announced at the 2014 CES! The 4K FDR-AX100 will be replacing the camcorder here, providing stabilized 4K video alongside epic RAW stills from a Nikon D4 or D800E:
Over the past three years, our 45surfer rigs have beat out all the competition in our annual “Simultaneous Stills & Video” Contests (The Second Annual “Stills & Video Pro Surfing Showdown!” 9SHOOTER Canon / Nikon / Sony vs RED EPIC / RED SCARLET photographic stills & video showdown challenge!) ) And now, with the Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 replacing the standard HD camcroders in our setup, we’ll be that much further ahead! Another great advantage of the Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 over the RED EPIC and SCARLET is that the 4K Sony has video stabilization!
The 4K Sony FDR-AX100 camcorder will be replacing the standard HD video cameras in these run’n’gun monopod-based configurations for shooting stills and video at the same time: These 4K run’n’gun rigs are far smaller than their tripod-mounted counterparts–they are far more nimble and thus ideal for navigating to the optimum parts of the beach (or any sports arena) throughout the day. If one employs a large 600mm prime lens and tripod to shoot a major surfing event, one must generally awake well before dawn and get on down to the beach to set the giant tripod mount up to claim a prime spot, and then leave it there for the day so as to retain the location. The above smaller rigs are akin to those lane-splitting motorcycles that zoom on buy the stopped traffic during rush hour, as you can navigate in-between the larger lenses on tripods and even get your feet wet at the water’s edge without annoying nor blocking other photographers! Suppose you want to shoot a certain surfer like Alana Blanchard warming up way on down the beach in her black wetsuit before their heat, and then return to the main beach to shoot them–this is the ideal rig for it. And with the new Tamron 600mm zoom. . .
Pro Surfer and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Model Alana Blanchard warming up before her heat, shot these with the run’n’gun 45SURFER monopod configuration. I was able to run down the beach away from the competition area on out to where the surfers were warming up, shoot Alana Blanchard and Laura Enever, and then head back on up the beach to the main contest area to shoot more of the heats. Doing this would have been impossible with the large tripod mount. And now with the Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 replacing the standard HD camcorder in the setup, and the 600mm Tamron zoom (Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens for Nikon) replacing the 500mm Sigma zoom, this smaller, nimbler combo will be the choice of 2014!
I was strolling down the beach when I spotted pretty surf girl goddess (Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model & Rip Curl Bikini Model) Alana Blanchard freesurfing in a sexy black wetsuit, warming up for her heat!
And here’re some epic video of pretty goddess Alanna Blanchard I shot at the same time with the Panasonic X900MK 3MOS 3D Full HD SD Camcorder with 32GB Internal Memory mounted on my Nikon D800E via the 45surfer configuration.
Last year I was shooting with a Nikon D4 with a 600mm F4 Prime monster Nikkor lens mounted on the tripod:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/herosjourneymythology45surf/8555104297/
This year I wanted to be more nimble and work the whole area (shoot surfers warming up down the beach, coming and goring, running, hanging out/watching/etc.), so I opted to shoot with a Nikon D800E with the Sigma 150-500m lens mounted on a monopod. It can be tough to move tripod around with a 600mm F4 Prime monster Nikkor lens on a crowded beach, and it would be easy to upset folks each time you tried to set it up! There’s a good chance they would say “enough” and throw you and all your equipment in the water! There’s a common etiquette that one ought arrive early to claim a good spot, set up there, and keep it for the day. Latecomers are not welcome to set up on the main beach once it has filled up. But it’s OK to walk around with a smaller setup as long as you stay out of everyone’s way. Generally you can hug the water/shoreline with your feet and monopod in the water, as you’re down low enough so that you don’t block anyone’s view from higher up on the beach, where all the tripods are mounted. The Sigma 150-500mm lens also allowed me to zoom out when surfers ran down the beach or got in and out of the water, and I also had a Nikon D800E with the 28-300 mm lens strapped around my neck. And both cameras had video cameras mounted to them in my famous 45surfer configuration! Needless to say, it can be a bit scary standing knee-deep in water with all that equipment, with large waves breaking. You wouldn’t want to fall in!
Well, hope you enjoy the surf goddess photography!
P.S. There’s nothing like shooting the nikon D4 with the 600mm prime for quality, but I felt it was cool to give up a tiny, tiny bit of quality for far more variety this year! Plus I do not want to become a pixel-peeper! 🙂
And now with the just-announced Sony 4K Handycam FDR-AX100 replacing the standard HD camcorder in the 45SURFER monopod setup, and the 600mm Tamron zoom (Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens for Nikon) replacing the 500mm Sigma zoom, this smaller, nimbler combo will rock 2014!
This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged (Sony A7r), +, 000 with the, 36mp, 45SURFER, 4K, 5K, :, Bracket!, Extreme, FDR-AX100) &, for, Handycam, HD, Less than $5, Motion, PHOTOGRAPHY, RAW, Shooting, Simultaneous, Sony 4K, Stills, Stills+Video, Video on January 7, 2014 by physics astronomy galileo.
How Will You Shoot Quality Stills & Video @ The Same Time? Methods, Camera Mounts, and 9shooter Brackets for Shooting Stills & Video at the Same Time
How Will You Shoot Stills & Video @ The Same Time? Methods, Camera Mounts, and 9shooter Brackets for Shooting Stills & Video at the Same Time: Article originally published in the winter 2013 issue of Resource Magazine. The web edition may be seen here: http://resourcemagonline.com/2013/03/how-will-you-shoot-quality-stills-and-video-at-the-same-time/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-will-you-shoot-quality-stills-and-video-at-the-same-time
Shooting stills & video @ the same time with the patent-pending 45surfer method.
How Will You Shoot Quality Stills and Video at the Same Time? : Words and Photos by Dr. Elliot McGucken
Video of 11-time world champ Kelly Slater caught at the same time as stills.
Just as the world’s greatest surfer, Kelly Slater, reinvented himself by mastering aerials, today’s visual artists must remain competitive by keeping themselves atop the latest technological waves. And today’s dawn patrol is reporting that the waves are ideal for gnarly acrobatics once thought impossible: shooting high-quality stills and video simultaneously.
Two-page Red EPIC advertisements in photography publications and major glossies recently read, “Shoot a feature and the poster for it at the same time,” while stills pulled from 4K and 5K Red video footage regularly grace the covers of high-end magazines. Award-winning New York Times photographer Doug Mills mounted one DSLR atop another, calling his novel apparatus the “Double-Shot.” USA Today sports photographer Robert Hanashiro mounts an HD GoPro camera on a lens hood to capture video while shooting stills, writing on his site, “Obviously the best way to shoot a video gig is dedicating yourself to shooting just video. But in the ‘real world’ of newspaper photographers we’re having to multitask more and more.” NikonUSA.com presents various strategies for capturing HD-sized stills on a page appropriately titled, “What to do When you Need Stills while Shooting HD Video.”
Press the shutter button while shooting video on a typical DSLR, and some will halt the video to record a full-resolution still (albeit at less-than-optimum rates), while others will record both video and a smallish 2-mp, HD-sized still at the same time. You’ve likely seen, thought about, or even tried other strategies for capturing simultaneous stills and video. For the past three years I have been “45surfing”—shooting simultaneous full-size RAW stills while surfing 1080 HD video with either a dedicated video camera bracketed to a Nikon D4 and 600mm F4 Prime lens in a tripod-mounted configuration for pro surfing events, or a handheld rig consisting of a camcorder bracketed to a Nikon D800E and 70-200mm VR2 lens when shooting swimsuit models. Here’s a rundown of the philosophy and various approaches.
Surfing Moore’s Law: Waste the Abundant and Conserve The Precious and Rare.
The fundamental philosophy driving the simultaneous capture of stills and video is driven by Moore’s Law—the same principle governing the exponential advancement of the Internet and digital media technologies which have afforded us inexpensive cameras alongside free and immediate global distribution. As the power of cameras and computers augments while their prices decline, so too does the power of storage media—hard drives and memory cards—plummet as their power increases. Feature films and TV shows are being shot on $2,000 cameras, while footage from the $200 GoPro HD Hero is being used in major movies and Madison Avenue advertisements alike. Run the numbers, and with time as scarce as ever and the importance of video in a world where YouTube is the second-largest search engine, it makes sense to set up one or several HD cameras for a shoot, mounting one on the stills-dedicated DSLR for the unique “first-person-shooter” perspective. “Shoot it all first,” as it costs the same, and “edit it down later” suggest a new philosophy for visual artists. And as weddings, sunset swimsuit shoots, and sporting events happen but once, you cannot return to shoot the video. You can’t ask the bride to walk down the aisle again, or ask Kelly Slater to re-land an aerial off a wave that is now gone forever. All of this calls us to adventure—to develop a strategy for capturing stills and video at the same time.
Stills and Video Require Different Approaches, Shutter Speeds, Etc.
A salient fact that one must honor while capturing simultaneous stills and video is that the two mediums generally require different shutter speeds for optimum quality. This is especially important when motion is present—either at the camera’s end, such as with a handheld rig, or when the subject is moving. When I was shooting Kelly Slater’s journey to victory at the Hurley Pro, exposure times for the Nikon D4 stills were generally between 1/2000s to 1/5000s, thereby freezing his action in mid-air, while the exposure for the video was around 1/60s to 1/120s—well over a magnitude of order difference!
A touch of motion blur in video frames is more pleasing to the eye, while sharpness is generally sought in photographic stills. For this reason, the Red cameras are limited, even with their 4K and 5K image sizes. If you optimizes the shutter speed for sharpness with speeds of 1/2000s or just 1/1000s, the video will appear “stuttery,” like those old black and white WWII film clips. Should you optimize the shutter speed for video at around 1/60s to 1/120s, motion blur will creep into the stills, showing up in handheld shots or when the subject is moving. When photographer Kevin Arnold used a $65,000 Red EPIC rig (now around $40,000) to shoot skiers at Whistler Mountain, he concluded, “The EPIC’s sensor, while amazing for video, just isn’t on par with top-end DSLRs and certainly not even close to medium format digital cameras when it comes to still images. The bigger challenge—especially when shooting fast moving lifestyle or sports action—is achieving fast shutter speeds. The great majority of the frames we shot were soft due to either camera movement or subject motion blur. This is the single biggest issue with pulling stills from video.”
Red EPIC vs. Hasselblad with Headshot Master Peter Hurley.
In the Fstoppers’ piece “Will Video Cameras Kill Still Photography? Red EPIC vs. Hasselblad,” Peter Hurley shot headshots with both a Red and an older Hasselblad. It was generally agreed that while the Epic was impressive, the Hasselblad produced better results. But when one factors in the costs of the ~ $40,000 Red system vs. the ~ $10,000 Hasselblad, pulling stills from even the best 5K video leaves much to be desired for portraitists. Peter utilized continuous lighting for his test, and while a Red can be used with strobes, there are far more tried-and-true flash options for standard DSLR and medium format cameras. However, needless to say, if one also wants 5K video of the shoot, the Red wins!
The New York Times’ Doug Mills’ “Double-Shot.”
While Doug’s method of mounting one DSLR in the hot shoe of another generated some buzz in the summer of 2011, it seems that he has not been employing the method as of late. Drawbacks include the occupied flash shoe, the lack of video stabilization, and the fact that two DSLRS can feel quite heavy after a short while. As he was using Canons, both cameras would had to have been manually focused when following a subject, which could lead to missed shots, while being awkward and unwieldy at best.
My lighter-than-a-DSLR, high-quality Panasonic or Canon camcorders I attach underneath my DSLR come with amazing video stabilization—a feature also lacking on Doug’s setup. The Sony A65 and A77 DSLRs, which I also use, come with both image-stabilization and auto-tracking focus which follows and focuses on moving objects, separating them from the background. I have experimented with mounting a video-dedicated Sony A77 underneath a Nikon D800E, and while it’s heavier than the camcorders and the image stabilization isn’t quite as good, it is capable of a shallower depth-of-field, for that coveted cinematic look and feel.
Capturing Video with the HD GoPro while Shooting Stills.
USA Today sports photographer Robert Hanashiro writes on sportsshooter.com, his blog, “I have a GoPro mount stuck onto the end of a lens hood for my Nikkor 24-70mm, and if you’re a ‘one-man band’ like I am, shooting assignments for stills and video, this can sometimes be a nice solution.” On YouTube, you can find photographers wearing the GoPRo during shoots, but with its fixed wide-angle lens, the lens of the stills camera is often present in the shot. Additionally, subjects appear a bit further away than you might like, and suffer some wide-angle distortion when they are close. The camcorders I use offer simple zoom controls, suited to shooting pro surfers a hundred yards offshore with a 23x stabilized zoom, or a model fifteen feet in front of me.
Tomorrow’s Cameras Will All Record Stills and Video Simultaneously.
The iPhone 5 can take full-resolution (8 mp) jpgs while shooting video, as can some compact cameras such as the Nikon 1 V2 (14 mp). However, the capture rate of stills is relatively slow, and RAW stills yet elude the photographer in video mode on such devices. Both the small-sensor iPhone and comparable Android smartphones lack zooms and that coveted shallow-depth-of-field film look.
DSLRs such as the Canon 7D can acquire full-sized RAW photos while shooting video, but the video is interrupted. And on other DSLRs, when they do not interrupt the video, the photos are limited to the HD frame’s 2mp size, falling far short of their 22-36mp full-frame capabilities. Needless to say, we do not pay top-dollar to purchase 36mp DSLRs to end up with puny 2mp jpg stills captured in video mode.
Soon the processing power to shoot both full-sized RAW stills and RAW video will arrive across the board, as it exists today in the Red systems. In a couple years, 4K video, which is about 4 times the size of HD video (more than enough for feature films at your local multiplex), will replace HD as the standard, and even our smartphones will be shooting 4K video. But as aforementioned, while stills pulled from a 4K video will be large enough for print magazines and billboards, their exposure times will not always be optimum, especially in hand-held scenarios or when shooting motion. If you increase the shutter speed for sharper images, the video will suffer. Thus two cameras—one dedicated to stills and one to video—will continue to have advantages, as optimum stills and video generally require different exposure times. Also, this allows you to capture different fields of view in the stills and video, with different depths of fields, and, as we have seen, different shutter speeds; all of which suggests the use of a dual-camera system.
Some Advantages of the 45Surfer System.
I constructed a table comparing the 45surfer to the Red EPIC, Hanashiro’s HD GoPro, general DSLRS, iPhones/Droids/smartphones, and other approaches. By no means is this list complete, nor is it the final word, and we would love to hear about your innovative takes on capturing stills and video at the same time, and the reasons for your preferred methods and means.
Sooner than later, a manufacturer will release a small, light, mirror-less compact camera system, such as the Sony NEX-7, with high-quality image-stabilization, tracking auto-focus, and the coveted shallow depth-of-field. Bracket two of these cameras together—one for stills and one for video—and the rig will weigh less than a single typical DSLR and lens. I am currently working on an app, which will be capable of matching the two cameras’ settings, such fields of view, zoom, and other selected attributes, so that when you zoom in with the stills-dedicated camera with a shutter optimized for stills, the video-dedicated camera follows suit, zooming with its shutter optimized for video, while correcting for parallax.
Just as once-impossible aerials are now part of all the world’s leading surfers’ standard repertoires, what was once inconceivable—shooting quality stills and video at the same time—is becoming a standard part of the modern visual artists’ repertoire. And remember that in the arts, as in business and life, the classic surfing maxim holds true: “The surfer having the most fun wins!”
About the Author: Dr. Elliot McGucken studied physics at Princeton University and UNC Chapel Hill. His award-winning physics Ph.D. dissertation on an artificial retina for the blind and enhanced CMOS photosensors, which was funded by the NSF and which appeared in Popular Science and numerous scientific publications, is now affording the blind sight. As a SoCal surfer and photographer/videographer, Dr. McGucken continues to work with CMOS photosensors in his Nikons as his 45Surf “Hero’s Journey Mythology” photography collection has grown to attract over 75 million views on Flickr and SmugMug, while he researches new techniques for shooting stills and video at the same time.
A smaller, nimbler setup for shooting simultaneous stills and video at the Van’s US Open of Surfing. The Nikon D800E on the left with the 150-500mm sigma lens mounted on the monopod is accompanied by a camcorder with a 20x zoom for epic video. The Nikon D800E on the right is accompanied by a Sony NEX 6 for closeup shots of stills & video when surfers were entering and exiting the water. The Sony NEX 6 has cool face detection and autofocus and the 50mm F/1.8 lens provides awesome bokeh. Click on the image to zoom in!
Some stills: http://www.flickr.com/photos/herosjourneymythology45surf/sets/72157634848309254/
Some video: http://vimeo.com/45surf
Photos Blog on 4K Video & 36mp RAW Stills…
How Will You Shoot Q… on How Will You Shoot Quality Sti…
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13418
|
__label__wiki
| 0.553241
| 0.553241
|
Sarah Henstra on The Red Word
By Kerry Clare
tagged : the red word, me too, sarah henstra, campus novels
Lauded by no less than Tom Perrotta as "the smartest, most provocative novel I’ve read in a long time," The Red Word is Sarah Henstra's second fiction title (after her acclaimed YA debut Mad Miss Mimic), a campus novel set in the 1990s whose politics and preoccupations evoke our current zeitgeist. In many ways The Red Word is a #Me Too book, but its questions are much larger than a hashtag and Henstra has readers grappling with complicated questions about rape culture, culpability, and justice—all the while delivering a gorgeously written novel that's really hard to put down.
49th Shelf: It’s always kind of funny when a book is declared as “timely” because it takes years to make a book, and I imagine this one has been in the works for a long time. Could you talk about your own timeline in terms of writing and your road to publication? How timely is this book really?
Sarah Henstra: That’s true! "Timely" makes it sound like one day you take a look at what’s blowing up Twitter and say "Oh yeah, gonna sit down a sec and write a novel about that." What a terrible plan that would be! Even if by some miracle you write it really fast (which I did not), and get it perfect right out of the gate (which I did not), novels take forever to come into print via traditional publishers—especially if it’s your first one or if you wrote it for a new market (which I did). I started The Red Word in 2013, and sold the book shortly after my YA novel Mad Miss Mimic came out in 2015. Editing and production took even longer than usual—they wanted to coordinate Canadian/US publication dates, get the right blurbs on the jacket, and so on—and I suppose that the long wait worked in the book’s favour, as more and more people have meanwhile become interested in some of the issues it grapples with, such as sexual harassment and violence. That topic was current five years ago when I started writing, but now it’s so buzzworthy that my book is trumpeted as “timely.”
49th Shelf: And speaking of time, can you talk about the significance of your novel being set in the 1990s? Also, what narrative opportunities and challenges did that period offer you? How would the novel be different if it were set in the present?
Sarah Henstra: From the start I conceived of this story as a set of events that leaves a lasting and traumatic mark on the novel’s narrator, Karen—so much so that she is compelled to re-visit them, to re-tell the story for herself, fifteen years later (in 2010, when she’s in her mid-30s). In that “present-day” frame, Karen’s long-term relationship has failed and she’s feeling stuck and uninspired in her career; in many respects the past is more lively and real to her than the present. She needs to go back and pick through the wreckage of her college years in order to salvage what was important and let go of the rest, including her own lingering sense of culpability and guilt.
The 1990s was a time when third-wave feminism took academia by storm. Identity politics, feminist critical theory in the classroom, and grass-roots student activism campaigns made college a heady and exciting place for young women who found their professors and fellow students engaging in very different conversations than they’d been exposed to at home or in high school. I suspect going off to college feels like this in every era—like discovering a brand-new world—but the 1990s was my undergraduate era, and part of the pleasure for me in writing this story was to (re)create, through memory and period detail, that historical moment.
I suspect going off to college feels like this in every era—like discovering a brand-new world—but the 1990s was my undergraduate era, and part of the pleasure for me in writing this story was to (re)create, through memory and period detail, that historical moment.
49th Shelf: The Red Word is hard work, in the very best way. It complicates binaries, messes with our notions of right and wrong, justice and injustice. Why was it important for you that this book not be a polemic? And was it difficult to make that happen?
Sarah Henstra: The Red Word tackles complicated subject matter, so I felt it warranted a complicated treatment. My decision to have the Raghurst women stage their attack on the fraternity the way they do arose from two separate impulses I felt as a writer, one having to do with what story I was telling and the other with how to tell the story. In the 1990s on college campuses (as elsewhere), the dice were so loaded against the survivors of sexual violence that justice seemed an impossible prospect. The young women in the novel are so frustrated with inequality, so sick of recording and reacting to the misdeeds of the frat boys without seeing any real changes, that they believe this is the only way forward, and they’re convinced—for a while, at least—that the ends will justify the means.
In terms of the story’s structure, I sought a scenario that would leave open the maximum number of possible resolutions in order to allow readers to remain curious and to consider a wide variety of perspectives and points of view. After all, it’s the unexpected consequences of the plot—those surprise moments when events blow up way past the characters’ intentions—that keep us reading.
I’ve always liked Susan Sontag’s assertion (in her 2004 lecture on South African Novel laureate Nadine Gordimer) that good novelists are "moral agents" precisely because the stories they tell don’t moralize but instead "enlarge and complicate—and, therefore, improve—our sympathies. They educate our capacity for moral judgment." It definitely took this book longer to find a publisher because of its lack of a "redemptive" or "hopeful" resolution, though. "What is the takeaway here for feminism?" one editor asked me. Luckily, the editors who strongly connected with it (Amy Hundley at Grove, Susan Renouf at ECW) loved it precisely for its refusal to come down cleanly on one side of the conflict.
It definitely took this book longer to find a publisher because of its lack of a "redemptive" or "hopeful" resolution, though. "What is the takeaway here for feminism?" one editor asked me. Luckily, the editors who strongly connected with it loved it for precisely its refusal to come down cleanly on one side of the conflict.
49th Shelf: Are there ways in which the current conversation around #MeToo is limiting the way readers are reading your book, or has that conversation broadened (or focused) their attention for such matters?
Sarah Henstra: That’s a really good question, and I don’t know the whole answer yet (released two weeks ago, The Red Word has only begun finding its readers). I hope my book offers some historical perspective on the current movements in that it puts a pin in the timeline one generation ago—when the issues #MeToo addresses were regularly coming up for discussion but the terms of the discussion weren’t agreed upon at all. For example, in campus dorms and sorority/fraternity houses in the 1990s, the line between “bad sex” or a “mistake” and “sexual assault” was too blurry to see, especially in the case of the blind-drunk, or even passout-drunk, hookup. Nowadays social media today helps to set the terms more effectively and more universally, so that for the first time, rather than isolated groups of women attempting to define sexual violence or consent, we’re all able to participate in the same conversation.
Nowadays social media today helps to set the terms more effectively and more universally, so that for the first time, rather than isolated groups of women attempting to define sexual violence or consent, we’re all able to participate in the same conversation.
There’s a big gap between conversation and political change, though. In The Red Word the Raghurst women try forcibly to bridge this gap between talk (in the classroom, at the potluck parties) and action (against the fraternity). Without the groundwork for change properly in place, such efforts are doomed from the start. Ideally, today’s hashtag campaigns will generate enough pressure on institutions and legislators that real change happens. I’m hopeful that the movement today will find the necessary momentum and traction that earlier efforts couldn’t quite muster.
You can probably tell I’ve been getting asked about The Red Word’s relationship to #MeToo a lot lately. Reactions to the story so far seem to break down roughly by age group. Older readers are aghast at the debauched behaviour of my characters, male and female, and even have a hard time suspending their disbelief that campus life could be like this. Middle-agers enjoy seeing their own university experiences mirrored here to varying degrees, and the millennials are disappointed at what the frat boys get away with in my story and want to see more hope for the future.
You can probably tell I’ve been getting asked about The Red Word’s relationship to #MeToo a lot lately.
Aspects of the book I haven’t had a chance to talk about very much yet, given the #MeToo focus on sexual violence: art-making and photography, the way (Karen’s) grief compels and shapes the story, Greek epic, kinship/friendship, female sexual desire. But it’s still early days…
49th Shelf: A campus novel seems like a perfect convergence of your respective selves, the fiction writer and the academic. How do your two professional lives inform each other?
Sarah Henstra: For a long time I kept my fiction writing closeted at school, where I was more publicly focused on academic research and publishing. Creative writing was a private escape from the combined early-career stresses of a heavy teaching load, publish-or-perish, and parenting young children. My first (unpublished) novel was a young adult dystopian fantasy, and I think I steered that way to evade my internalized literary critic. Does every writer have one of those tweed-wearing, pipe-smoking, frowning male professors in her mind, asking her who she thinks she is to imagine she could write anything worth its literary salt?—or is it just me, because I spent too many years in classrooms with those guys?
In any case, I got over it (got over myself, in other words!) through a combination of a few things: one, I discovered that my colleagues at Ryerson are universally supportive of and interested in my fiction. Two, I realized that, since my students are reading YA outside the classroom all the time, they are my audience—so how could my life as a prof ever be separate from my life as a novelist? And three, I saw that as both a prof and a writer I’m deeply invested in and curious about young people, their theatres of study and learning, and the power structures (and imbalances) that shape these theatres.
I saw that as both a prof and a writer I’m deeply invested in and curious about young people, their theatres of study and learning, and the power structures (and imbalances) that shape these theatres.
To explore these subjects in The Red Word I drew on memory but also my everyday “insider” experiences as a university teacher. A lot has changed since my undergrad years: at least in Toronto, the student body is more diverse and more likely to live at home with parents, commute to school, and work off-campus part time to pay tuition. But universities are still pretty elite places, and a lot of effort still goes into covering up scandals and maintaining a pristine public image.
49th Shelf: What are some Canadian books and authors that you’re particularly excited about right now?
Sarah Henstra: Golly, where to start? How to narrow it down?? From the dozens—hundreds?—of Canadian books I can’t shut up about, here’s an arbitrary sampling of five:
I’ve just started reading Christine Higdon’s novel The Very Marrow of Our Bones, and I’m already enchanted by the dense, moody imagery and the surprising plot turns packed into just the first few chapters.
I adored Scaachi Koul’s One Day We’ll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter, a collection of bitingly funny essays that consolidates many of the themes she writes about on BuzzFeed: immigrant experience, racism, staying brave in the face of Internet trolls (something at which Koul is an expert), and how rigidly gender is policed both in her ancestral India and the West.
Kari Maaren’s YA fantasy novel, Weave a Circle Round, achieves that tricky balance between a brainy, rollicking time-travel puzzle-plot and believable characters with relateable emotional experiences. It’s also replete with mythical and literary references that tickle my English-prof fancy; Coleridge’s “Kubla Khan,” for instance, figures centrally in the plot.
I’m a big fan of Aaron Tucker’s nerdy/conceptual poetry (he writes gorgeous lyric poems with html-markup language woven through them), and now he’s written a novel I can’t wait to read called Y: Oppenheimer, Horseman of the Apocalypse, about the reluctant father of the atomic bomb.
I got to read a not-final version of Sarah Selecky’s upcoming Radiant Shimmering Light, and this is a title I’ll be shouting from the rooftops! It’s mysterious and sparkly and poignant and hilarious in the same way Selecky’s short stories are (in This Cake Is For the Party), and it portrays the world of online self-empowerment programs (and more to the point, online sales) with uncanny accuracy.
Books mentioned in this post
The Red Word
by Sarah Henstra
tagged : literary, psychological, contemporary women
Mad Miss Mimic
tagged : self-esteem & self-reliance, siblings, europe
The Very Marrow of Our Bones
by Christine Higdon
tagged : literary, family life, lesbian, contemporary women
also available: Hardcover Book Book
Weave a Circle Round
by Kari Maaren
tagged : contemporary
Oppenheimer, Horseman of Los Alamos
by Aaron Tucker
tagged : biographical
Radiant Shimmering Light
by Sarah Selecky
tagged : humorous
This Cake is for the Party
tagged : short stories (single author), literary
Tweets by 49thShelf more >
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13419
|
__label__cc
| 0.748482
| 0.251518
|
Global education market insights: Australian International Education Conference
by FutureLearn on 08 Nov 2019
Australian International Education Conference October 2019 – a summary by Fiona Reay, Development Partnership Lead at FutureLearn
Alongside many of our Australian partners, FutureLearn spoke at Australia’s largest international education conference #AIEC to learn more about the country’s second largest export worth A$32.4 billion – including 400,000 student enrolments onshore and 26,000 offshore studying Australian education products. Here, Fiona Reay, Partnership Development Lead, unpacks the top talks that sparked discussion around championing global experiences, student recruitment, new growth markets including Vietnam, and the inclusion of international students.
1. Educators the critical voice to “lead the way”
2. The future of transnational education – what does TNE 4.o look like?
3. Regional importance for building a sustainable future
4. Vietnamese growth market for higher ed
Kim Beazley, Governor of Western Australia, former Deputy Prime Minister and Ambassador to the USA provided a lens that spans geo-political borders to the audience of international education professionals – a quarter visiting from overseas. He noted that great political leaders also possess an uncommon administration capability alongside the better known “vision-setting” piece, and he compared those in politics with their sense of isolation and wariness as rather in step with those in teaching.
Beazley encouraged Australia to further develop its “soft powers” in education, research and collaboration alongside its status of being an energy and mining super power, and referenced the Scandanavian countries investments (60% of GDP and more) in public sector programmes to improve their societies in the longer term.
He also encouraged those in Australian education to reinvigorate a deeper involvement of community in welcoming international students – as English language skills and a better understanding of society (including tolerance) are really built amongst community conversation. He lamented the days of Australia’s Colombo Plan which fostered exchange students and scholarships amongst Asia and the Pacific, and encouraged further uptake of the New Colombo plan which has expanded to mentorship and internships for Australian students to develop overseas. One in five domestic Australian students now experience a learning abroad experience.
2. The future of transnational education – what does TNE 4.0 look like?
Greta Thunberg, microcredentialing and transferable skills featured heavily on a multi-sector panel discussion thinking 10-50 years from now. Janelle Chapman, Executive Director of TAFE Queensland, Matt Durnin, Regional Head of Research East Asia at the British Council, Fiona Reay, Partnership Development Lead at FutureLearn and Howard Errey, Education Developer at RMIT, provided their perspectives after hearing from Karen Welsh, Branch Manager of the Department of Education, who shared the latest developments on the Australian Commonwealth Government’s strategy for transnational education strategy, due for release in 2020. Australian education institutions are needing to refocus and transform transnational education to meet ever-changing and increasing demand from students, technology, governments, markets and industry, both locally and internationally.
Mobile-first and flexible, stackable learning were seen as musts in a hyper-connected world where students may not want to physically travel for international experiences, valuing their environmental impact alongside their goals to be a more global citizen. Learning relevant and timely on-the-job skills, being strongly linked to tangible employment outcomes, were also crucial factors. The “love of learning” purely for fascination and academic pursuit may fade away in a competitive, resource-depleted world where employers can hire talent from virtual marketplaces and choose the most cost-effective bid.
The panel also debated education as a potential “luxury product” versus being a fundamental human right. The audience asked about ways to take their products to market and how to convince students of the future that their education offering is worth the financial and time investment in a world where digital bootcamps, design sprints and more democratised access to information through 5G internet will allow their customers to learn for free in a flexible environment. A “try before they buy” model of using “taster courses” and “information evening” experiences is already in market for new entrants to the education space who are already disrupting the traditional bricks and mortar model of higher education delivery.
Rebecca Hall, Senior Industry Specialist at Austrade, chaired a session on unleashing the growth potential of Australia’s regional universities in attracting international students. The education sector needs to diversify its ecosystem more broadly from the current trend of students seeking overpopulated Australian urban centres, and more broadly governments need to manage wider population decline in regional areas.
Rob Lawrence from Prospect Research and Marketing asked the question “do we need regional?” in marketing Australian education and concluded while the sector may need it for policy, frameworks and domestic funding – it doesn’t need to be used to students. Regional universities need to market themselves standing consistently behind an overall “brand of Australia” which resonates overseas with its reputation around landscapes and environment. Customer behaviour on location choice still seems to be weighted more to family connection, with students choosing to locate to where they have a sibling or other family connection. Course choice and the relevant employment pathway is increasingly becoming more prominent as the main influencer in decision-making as the Australian international education market matures.
Greg Slatcher, Director of International Marketing and Recruitment at Deakin University, spoke of the drive to create a more internationally attractive Warrnambool Campus in regional Victoria (outside of the metropolis of Melbourne city) and their tactics around subsidising accommodation costs, creating meaningful social connections on campus and providing work experience opportunities in local industries as the key drawcards to grow regional student hubs.
4.Vietnamese growth market for higher ed
RMIT University spoke of their journey setting up local campuses in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the global experiences this creates for their students around the world, sharing with the audience an insight into the market dynamics of a fast-growing market that remains somewhat under the radar of many. Australia trails behind the UK, France and the US (on par with Taiwan) for international suppliers of education in Vietnam, who have set a strategic view to enhance foreign investment in their education sector. Vietnam aimed to set up a group of five universities of excellence by 2020, and has built partnerships with German, Japanese, Taiwanese and British universities. There is a mix of government, private and foreignly owned operators, with various western institutions offering branches and joint centres with local educators to bring in an international perspective. Vietnam does not cap student enrolments in foreign universities onshore, though demands 50% of academic staff to be of PhD level.
There is further growth potential in the vocational education and secondary schools sector, although it remains early days and higher education for adults remains the priority for transnational education offerings. The challenges in Vietnamese education are similar to those experienced elsewhere in early higher education markets, including the regulation of online learning, attracting foreign investment, competition, quality assurance and equitable access.
The Australian international education sector remains very reliant on recruitment agents who provide 75% of onshore enrolments. It needs to think more broadly about marketing a wider variety of its education portfolio and build up its product suite through the lifelong learning cycle through professional development (and even preparation for retirement!) to be export ready. Younger “digital native” populations will demand their presence in online and mobile channels, and not think so strictly about barriers of language and borders.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13426
|
__label__wiki
| 0.508891
| 0.508891
|
Late August Roundup.
The Great Affairs-Ten & 2. Denny Smith returns again with The Great Affairs and their latest is a harder-rocking, crunchier-sounding affair that reminds me more of Smith's former band, fORMER. No longer content to play in the Gin Blossoms' sandbox, Ten & 2 owes more to Cheap Trick, KISS and maybe even Bon Jovi. This is vintage 80s/90s AOR with the standouts being "What You Get is Gone", "Unfound" and "Back to Boston", which could become a Fenway Park anthem in the near future. Rock on!
iTunes | Kool Kat
Bird Streets-Bird Streets. It's been quite a while since we heard from John Brodeur and in that time the New York popster has hooked up with Jason Falkner, who co-writes and produces this new Brodeur joint under the name Bird Streets. And damned if it doesn't sound like a Jason Falkner album, which is always a good thing. This is apparent on the chorus of opener "Carry Me" which has that Jellyfish feel, while the other highlights are the anthemic "Stop to Breathe", the angular mid-tempo rocker "Direction" and the trippy "Heel". A first-rate collection of tunes which will appeal to Brodeur fans as well as Falkner/Jellyfish fans.
Bird Streets by Bird Streets
V Sparks-Moderne Life EP. This Chicago 5-piece got on my radar last year with their fine EP New Sensation, but they've taken a leap forward here with the followup. These guys specialize in high-energy pop with manic tempos, synths and pianos, and high-register vocals that recall Bryan Scary, The Format/Nate Ruess and Queen. The latter band is clearly the influence on "The Game of Everybody Knows It's You", which is the best Queen rip I've heard in ages, drawing on A Night at the Opera's "Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon". The frenetic "Remodel" and "Hollywood" are also standouts. This is high octane-fun that's perfectly suited to an EP because frankly 10-12 tracks like this would be exhausting.
Bandcamp (out on the 28th)
Moderne Life by V Sparks
Labels: Bird Streets, Jason Falkner, John Brodeur, The Great Affairs, V Sparks
New playlist!
Early August Roundup.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13427
|
__label__cc
| 0.697432
| 0.302568
|
ace-myhomework.com (herein after referred to as "ace-myhomework") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy applies to the ace-myhomework.com website and governs data collection and usage. This Privacy Policy, together with our Terms and Conditions, provides an explanation as to what happens to any personal data that you provide to us, or that we collect from you. By using the ace-myhomework.com website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.
ace-myhomework believes that privacy is crucial for the ongoing success of Internet commerce. Our status as an Online Solution Service provider requires us to have a stringent policy regarding all of the information that we collect.
Your use of this site or ace-myhomework services constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. If you do not agree with these policies, please cease using this site immediately.
ace-myhomework takes reasonable precautions to ensure your privacy on the terms contained in this policy. ace-myhomework uses reasonable efforts to, but cannot totally prevent, unintended disclosures by such means as hackers and other unauthorized individuals, and inadvertent or illicit employee actions.
What the Privacy Policy Covers
Privacy Information covers ace-myhomework treatment of nonpublic personal information that we collect in connection with providing you with ace-myhomework.com services (such as ace-myhomework.com Academic Expert or User Accounts and access thereto, ace-myhomework.com Post-a-Problem, ace-myhomework.com Submit-an-Essay. If you are a former user of ace-myhomework service, we will continue to treat the nonpublic personal information we collected from you in connection with our services as described here.
We use information collected from the tutor to send the tutor's information about ace-myhomework.com, to contact the tutor for various reasons, and for internal accounting and other procedures. Information is used to check the tutor's eligibility and to obtain and verify qualifications in regard to the application, and to support the ongoing provision of service. It is also used for login validation purposes. We use information collected from the user, to send the user information regarding the service requested and to support the on-going provision of service.
We restrict access to your nonpublic personal information to those employees who reasonably need to come into contact with that information to provide services to you. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to guard your nonpublic personal information.
Contact Us / Email Inquiries:
No information sent to ace-myhomework.com via email or the website inquiry form is used for any other reason than to respond to and maintain a record of the inquiry. This information is not sent to third parties or retained for mailing list purposes.
(i) to personalize your experience, your information helps us to better respond to your individual needs.
(ii) To improve customer service, your information helps us to more effectively respond to your customer service requests and support needs.
(iii) To improve our website, we continually strive to improve our website offerings based on the information and feedback we receive from you.
(iv) To send periodic emails, the email address you provide may be used to send you information, respond to inquiries, and/or other requests or questions and
(v) to process transactions.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY AND OPT-OUT
ace-myhomework.com will occasionally update this Privacy Policy to reflect company and customer feedback. We may notify you by posting a prominent announcement on our web pages. However, ace-myhomework.com encourages you to periodically review this Policy to be informed of how ace-myhomework.com is protecting your information.
YOU MAY CHOOSE TO "OPT-OUT"/STOP RECEIVING OUR NEWSLETTER OR MARKETING EMAILS BY FOLLOWING THE UNSUBSCRIBE LINK INCLUDED IN THESE EMAILS OR BY SENDING AN E-MAIL TO support@ace-myhomework.com.
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act Compliance
We are in compliance with the requirements of COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act), we do not collect any information from anyone under 13 years of age. Our website, products and services are all directed to people who are at least 13 years old or older.
Please also visit our Terms and Conditions section establishing the use, disclaimers, and limitations of liability governing the use of our website at https://www.ace-myhomework.com Your Consent By using our site, you consent to our privacy policy. Contacting ace-myhomework.Com If you have questions about this privacy statement, the practices of this site or your dealings with this web site, you may contact:
ace-myhomework.com
10453 Central Bronx, NY, New York
Email: support@ace-myhomework.com
Website: https://www.ace-myhomework.com
2020 Acemyhomework Inc
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13431
|
__label__wiki
| 0.922581
| 0.922581
|
Kazakhstan aviation news
The first Air Astana C-check on Airbus A320neo at Almaty Airport base
Air Astana completed its first independent C-check, at its base at Almaty Airport in November 2019. An Airbus A320neo aircraft, registration P4-KBH was selected for this C-check. Air Astana received certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in October to perform this advanced level of maintenance. The certificate allows Air Astana to perform heavy maintenance (C-check) on Airbu...
First Air Astana Airbus A321 Long Range aircraft presented at ceremony in Nur-Sultan
Air Astana presented its first Airbus A321 Long Range (LR) aircraft at a ceremony held in the airline’s technical centre at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport . The airline is the first operator of the aircraft in the CIS and is scheduled to take a further six Airbus A321LR aircraft on lease from Aercap of the United States. The new Airbus A321LR aircraft will gradually repl...
New flights to Tashkent, Uzbekistan from London, Paris and Frankfurt for Summer 2019 by Air Astana
Air Astana, the Skytrax award-winning national carrier of Kazakhstan, is pleased to offer new through flights to Tashkent, Uzbekistan via its Astana hub from London Heathrow, Frankfurt and Paris CDG from the start of its summer schedule on 29th March 2019. Tashkent flights originating from London Heathrow will run three times weekly; from Frankfurt four times per week and twice a...
First Embraer E190-E2 For Air Astana Arrives In Kazakhstan
The first new generation Embraer E190-E2 for Air Astana arrived at Nursultan Nazarbayev International airport in Astana yesterday, following ferry flights from the manufacturer’s factory in São José dos Campos, Brazil. This is the first of five Embraer E190-E2 aircraft scheduled to be delivered to Air Astana following an order originally placed in August 2017. Air Astana curren...
Air Astana receives Five Star Airline Rating at APEX Awards
Air Astana received a Five Star Airline Rating in the Major Regional Airlines category at the APEX Awards held in Boston on 24th September 2018. More than 500 airlines from all over the world are rated by APEX on the basis of online passenger reviews of seat comfort, on-board service, food & beverage, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi services. Amongst other international awards, Air Ast...
AIR ASTANA CELEBRATES 16th YEAR WITH OPENING OF NEW AVIATION TECHNICAL CENTRE IN ASTANA
Largest aircraft repair centre in Central Asia offers services to national and international carriers across the region Air Astana, the award-winning Kazakh flag carrier, marked its 16th anniversary with the opening of a new Aviation Technical Centre at Astana’s Nursultan Nazarbayev international airport today. The new Aviation Technical Centre enables Air Astana to undertake all air...
Airbus is Strategic Partner at KADEX-2018
Airbus will attend KADEX-2018 (Hall1), Kazakhstan’s V International Exhibition Weapons Systems and Military Equipment, as a “Strategic Partner” this year. The exhibition will take place in Astana, from 23th May to 26th May 2018, and, for the first time, it will encompass the International Forum "Space Days in Kazakhstan", which will become one of the central dialogue pl...
Air Astana destined to become one of the largest Airbus A320neo Family operators in Central Asia and CIS
Air Astana, the flag carrier of Kazakhstan, is destined to become one of the largest A320neo Family operators in Central Asia and CIS over the next three years. The airline became the first operator of this type in the region in 2016 and the fleet will grow to 17 aircraft by 2020. Air Astana will then operate 6 A320neo, 7 A321neo and 4 A321neo LR types. All aircraft will be acquired on operating l...
Air Astana introduces fifth weekly service between London Heathrow and Astana
Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s Skytrax award-winning national airline, returns to the Business Travel Show in London Olympia this week, 22-23 February (Airline Pavilion Stand A1) with the announcement of a fifth weekly direct flight – on Sundays – from London Heathrow (LHR) to Kazakhstan’s capital city, Astana (TSE), effective 4th June 2017. The new service departs T4 at 1715, ar...
Air Astana takes delivery of its first A320neo
Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, has taken delivery of its first A320neo at Airbus headquarters in Toulouse in the presence of airline executives and government officials. The aircraft leased from Air Lease Corporation is part of a deal announced at Farnborough Airshow 2015 for 11 A320neo Family aircraft. The A320neo will join Air Astana’s Airbus fleet of 13 A320 Family aircraft,...
Kazakhstan may start producing cutting-edge aircraft for aerial firefighting
Kazakhstan may begin producing modern amphibious Be-103 aircraft for aerial firefighting, Tengrinews.kz reported citing the Aviation Explorer Commonwealth for aviation experts. “Our customers are interested in two types of aircraft, namely Be-200ES and light amphibious Be-103. We are talking about both the acquisition of aircraft, as well as joint promotion in the mark...
Kazakhstan to buy two new military transport aircraft from Russia
Russia and Kazakhstan will soon sign a contract for the supply of new military transport aircraft IL-76MD-90A, also known as IL-476. An informed source in the military and diplomatic circles told Izvestia Newspaper, Russia, Kazakh Air Force should receive two new flying transporters. “At the moment, the contract is in a high degree of readiness, it is planned t...
Countries list Select country
United States 1,973 news
France 1,175 news
Russian Federation 788 news
United Kingdom 760 news
United Arab Emirates 678 news
China 515 news
Germany 470 news
Switzerland 418 news
Canada 381 news
Australia 328 news
Brazil 210 news
Latvia 198 news
India 184 news
Singapore 133 news
Italy 121 news
Japan 115 news
Azerbaijan 107 news
Ireland 107 news
Austria 106 news
Lithuania 100 news
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13441
|
__label__wiki
| 0.993197
| 0.993197
|
Laughton leads Flyers past Senators 4-3
PHILADELPHIA -- Scott Laughton responded to a jarring hit to his teammate in a big way.
Laughton had a goal, an assist and a hard check in a chippy contest to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to a 4-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.
"It was a physical game," Laughton said. "I like playing in those, so it was nice."
Ivan Provorov, Travis Konecny and Shayne Gostisbhere also scored for Philadelphia, which has won six of seven.
Konecny didn't return after a hard, open-ice hit by Mark Borowiecki late in the first period due to what Philadelphia coach Alain Vigneault called an upper body injury.
Borowiecki entered third in the NHL with 115 hits, and he caught an unsuspecting Konecny with a hard check with 2:22 left in the first. No penalty was called on the hit.
The game got physical after that, with Philadelphia's Jakub Voracek fighting Nick Paul in a one-sided affair won by Paul. Less than 15 seconds into the second, Laughton sent Ottawa's Jean-Gabriel Pageau to the ice with a hard hit of his own. Pageau got up and then fought Flyers rookie Joel Farabee to a draw.
"I think the way our team responded was a big plus for us," Gostisbehere said.
The checking remained hard, but the game settled down from that point -- until the final seconds.
There were sticks and gloves all over the ice with 24.5 seconds remaining when Brady Tkachuk sent Laughton down with a cross-check and then jumped on him looking for a fight. Tkachuk was sent off with two penalties, for cross-checking and roughing.
Laughton recently returned from a broken finger that cost him 13 games and couldn't respond the way he wanted. Asked if he wished he could've fought Tkachuk, Laughton said, "Yeah."
Anthony Duclair netted a pair of goals and Tkachuk also scored for Ottawa, which has lost six of seven.
"I think we were engaged, physically at least, from the very beginning," Senators defenseman Dylan DeMelo said. "We just made too many mistakes that end up being in our net, but you can't fault our effort. I thought we played hard."
After Duclair notched his second of the contest to tie it with five minutes left, Laughton answered just 11 seconds later by finishing on a rebound to put Philadelphia ahead.
"He's one of the guys who responded best," Vigneault said of Laughton.
Provorov gave Philadelphia a 3-2 lead 3:17 into the third when he fired a wrist shot past Anders Nilsson's glove side.
Duclair tied the game at 2 with a short-handed tally with 6:42 left in the second. Flyers goalie Carter Hart and Gostisbehere had miscommunication as Hart tried to play the puck behind the net to his defenseman, and Duclair hustled between them and scored on a wraparound.
Philadelphia outscored Ottawa 2-1 in the first and had a goal disallowed after a coach's challenge.
Konecny got Philadelphia on the board 1:45 into the contest. After Tkachuk tied it following a stellar pass from behind the net by Pageau almost three minutes later, Gostisbehere scored on a slap shot with the Flyers in a 6-on-5 situation due to a delayed penalty with 13:44 left in the first.
It appeared that Oskar Lindblom made it a two-goal advantage 43 seconds later, but the goal was disallowed after video replay showed Philadelphia was offside.
Senators goalie Craig Anderson suffered a lower body injury while trying to make the save on Lindblom's chip from behind the net. He didn't return and was replaced by Nilsson.
The teams will wrap up the three-game season series on Dec. 21 in Ottawa. The Senators won 2-1 at home on Nov. 15. ... Paul returned after leaving with a neck injury 4:05 into the first period of Wednesday's 5-2 win at Edmonton. . Ottawa D Cody Goloubef was back in the lineup for the first time since Nov. 20. . The Flyers improved to 10-2-4 at home.
Senators: Host Boston Monday.
Flyers: At Colorado Wednesday.
sportsespnnhlottawa senatorsphiladelphia flyers
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13443
|
__label__wiki
| 0.556687
| 0.556687
|
Uber launches driver tipping option in app nationwide; will match all tips on July 18th
NEW YORK (WABC) -- After first announcing its new policy last month, Uber began allowing its drivers nationwide to accept tips on Monday.
To celebrate and thank its drivers, the ride-sharing company will match all tips for one day only on July 18th.
Riders will be allowed to tip their drivers up to two times the total fare of a ride. They'll also have up to 30 days after the end of a ride to add a tip.
But if you want Tuesday's tips to be matched, you'll have to add one within 24 hours.
The change is part of a campaign Uber launched in June called "180 Days of Change", which was in response to a series of public relation crises earlier this year.
Uber had repeatedly refused to include a tipping option in their app in recent years.
tippinguberapp
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13447
|
__label__wiki
| 0.514774
| 0.514774
|
More on Milt's Duchess
Milt Kahl rarely had his animation re-drawn, after all he was authority on the the Disney style. Most animators at the studio at one time or another asked Milt for "drawing help". Just one or two of his "draw-overs" would improve a whole scene in the way the character appeared on the screen.
I've said this before, Milt represented the drawing police at Disney for a few decades.
Here is a rare case where director Woolie Reitherman asked a clean up artist to alter Milt's animation drawings slightly during the production of The Aristocats. Duchess just met the alley cat Thomas O'Malley, who is trying to impress her by presenting himself as a man of the world during a song number. "Bravo, very good, you are a great talent" she responds.
There are subtle changes that were made from Milt's original animation. Duchess' eyes got smaller and more cheek hair was added.
I think she still looks attractive in the final version, but that "Milt Kahl graphic bite" got lost.
Even more on Milt's Duchess here:
https://andreasdeja.blogspot.com/2013/11/duchess.html
https://andreasdeja.blogspot.com/2011/08/aristocats.html
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13452
|
__label__cc
| 0.578291
| 0.421709
|
Anonymous asked in Politics & GovernmentPolitics · 1 decade ago
The two greatest obstacles to democracy in the United States are, first....?
the widespread delusion among the poor that we have a democracy, and second, the chronic terror among the rich, lest we get it.
Edward Dowling.
correrafan
That's a good one. But you could add "the all-pervasive power to bribe elected officials with anything and everything to get them on board with corporate desires". And that of the national media to "smooth the way."
Source(s): A Voter.
Not much! The Founding Fathers of our country gave us a Representative Democracy within a Republic and it is the residue of Republic that has alowed this country to last this long! Remember that Rome was a Republic that lasted in one form or another nearly 2000 years! The bankrupt theory that our Constitution is a 'living document' is being used to promote our once great Republic as a degenerate Democracy. Before the 17th Amendment was passed, Senators were appointed by the Legislatures of the States rather than elected by the people. Because they were political appointees they could be 'Elder Statesmen [women]' and could be objective in the consideration of Bills. In theory, no lobbyists or PACs could bribe them and if they tried they could all be dealt with as the criminals they wohld be! Now, since the passage of the 17th Amendment, Senators are beholding to the fickle whims of the people whose vote they must get to be re-elected: a necessarily degenerate Democracy! The lobbyists and PACs offer buckets of money to help them get that vote! Democracy is always degenerate because people vote to support their own motivated self interest or what the demagogue, lobbyist or PAC of the minute has convinced them is their motivated self interest and so is reduced to its lowest common denominator ie. 'Mob Rule'! Democracy is a necessarily degenerate form of government and now we have horribly misguided people calling for the abolition of the Electorial College thus sweeping away the last vestage of Republic! Our country was designed and intended as a Republic back in 1787 and if we can return to what the Founding Fathers gave us we could last as long as Rome!
HORNY PUSS!™
Disagree. Though the rich may be able to sway politics to some extent, politicians still have to answer to the people they govern. The key is to stay informed...although sometimes this is not as easy as it should be.
The biggest obstacle to democracy in the United States is, in my opinion, the immense power of the United States government.
If I had to pin down the second biggest obstacle, I would say the ignorance of the general population. Sheep are easier to lead astray than wolves.
For the moment we still have a democracy, but as the government's power rises and freedoms vanish under our feet, I'm not sure that it could last us through a major crisis.
using information can teach something. we are able to no longer arise with the money for to be parochial or biased yet believe in function. some languages final long, some fade away like Latin and Sanskrit. So, whilst we can not arise with the money for to ignore approximately interior sight languages or Hindi, we of course can not, repeat can not tension it down our electorate' throats. It ought to be frequently happening from interior their hearts and minds and has no longer something to do with team spirit. One can not tension feed team spirit; this too has come from interior ourselves. people's basic desires like food, shelter and ability of livelihood come first. purely solid governance can gain this. If all of us is frequently happy and contented, language isn't a controversy for unification which besides is degraded by using politicians as a fashion of divisive politics. So, the well-liked path is English, we live in globalized worldwide networked by using English. this is an hassle-free actuality. the way forward is inculcate a feeling of English between all so as flow hyperlink each and every physique to the worldwide and discover their own area of interest to prosperity. Please be conscious that i'm no longer a Hindi phobic. i'm merely giving a various financial oriented perception.
I think it is apt.
although, I'd say "poor and misinformed", because I know plenty of people who are not poor and think we live in a democracy. Truth is, the founding fathers were terrified of the idea of flat out democracy.
Bleh!
Participation and liberals. Namely liberals use the cluelessness of the sheep to dominate. If they participated they would see the problems instead of just doing what they were told.
I think Dowling was right on the money
Religion and Money
Describe Bernie Sanders in one word?
Why does the homeless grow even though the economy is good?
Why do people say beyonce is not black?
Do any sane people stop and wonder how this bafoon got elected President?
How do I get my neighbor to take down his confederate flag?
Is it true that communism is just like rain?
Why is extremism on the rise?
look how vietnamese communist bribe?
Dems want a fair trial for Trump. Why not like the one they pushed through in a hurry they had in the House?
Is saying: "this is old news" current, or outdated?
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13457
|
__label__cc
| 0.742466
| 0.257534
|
Ten Reasons Why Boracay is Your Ideal Escape from the City
Sure you love the city for its conveniences and pulsating energy, but even the most city-loving peeps could use an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban living. Take the time off from the congested city and head over to Boracay Island. With its blue waters, white sands, stunning sunsets, your Boracay vacation will feel like stepping right into postcard. Learn more about why Boracay is your perfect escape from the city!
Photo courtesy of Hani-Han via Pixabay
Breathtaking sunsets
For all its night lights and flair, the city has an odd way of appearing dull and dreary. This is especially true when you have had a taste of paradise made vibrant by colors only nature could afford — the blues of the waters, the whites of the sands, and the greens of the verdant islands. And there’s Boracay’s sunsets. Probably one of the most photographed ever, the especially beautiful colors of the island’s sunset is made even more iconic by the blue and white sails of the paraws set against the orange-pink sky. This sight effectively lures romantics at heart, and keeps jaded city dwellers coming back for more.
Convenience of a city on an island
While urban dwellers like to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, completely letting go of its conveniences is a totally different matter. Fortunately, Boracay provides the best of island experience with the convenience of a city. You can still have your coffee at Starbucks and dine in a fancy restaurant. ATMs are also available just about everywhere, and credit cards are accepted. While some frown upon the island’s commercialization, others love getting the best of both worlds. Who would not want a hassle-free vacation after all?
Parties in full swing
City people who love to party will feel at home in Boracay. There are parties in full swing on the island almost every night, so much so that Boracay’s nightlife has become an attraction. You will find the party scene at its liveliest during peak season, particularly from March to June. Big brands and companies are known to throw concerts and parties during summer. These events are a great way to let loose and meet new people.
Photo courtesy of Nastya-gepp via Pixabay
A relaxing hotel stay
Now don’t get the wrong idea. Boracay is not all party and crowds. Whether you’d like a balance between the party scene and a quieter place or a tranquil escape altogether, you will find what you need in Boracay. Simply book a room at Alta Vista de Boracay, which is located in an area that is secluded enough to offer reprieve from the crowds, but close enough to key areas to afford convenience. Perched atop one of Boracay’s highest peaks, this hotel will renew your mind and spirit with its captivating views of lush green mountains, blue waters, and white sand beaches. You will be going back to the city a lot less jaded.
The weather is good all-year round
With a pleasant weather all year round, you can escape to Boracay anytime the city gets too stifling. This is also ideal for foreign travelers who are yearning for an escape from their seasonal chilly weather, or for those who would like to get enough sun for that perfect tan. Located in a tropical country, Boracay offers temperate, if not sunny weather, all year long, so you won’t have to go chasing the “best months” to visit the island. Although the nights can be a little colder from November to February, the sun is up and shining during the day. Off-peak seasons also offer the advantage of thinner crowds, which may just be your cup of tea.
Photo courtesy of SherreenLeesy via Pixabay
A great destination for food trips
While food is good in the city, or practically anywhere in the Philippines, there is simply no match for enjoying seafood right at the beachside. Enjoying fresh sea harvest while smelling the sea breeze is an experience all on its own. Plus it’s just great to go al fresco without the polluted air of the city. Make sure you match your feast with coconut water for a complete island experience. You should also try buying fresh seafoods in the wet market, or what locals call the talipapa, and have them prepared how you want them. The Boracay locals will be more than glad to make it an experience to remember for you.
Great value for your money
To afford a more frequent escape from the city, you would need an affordable getaway. This is just what you will get in Boracay. From food and souvenirs to accomodations, you will get great value for your money. This is, in fact, one of the reasons travelers cited when they named Boracay one of the world’s best, as reported by international magazine Travel + Leisure via its 2017 survey. Where else can you enjoy the luxuries of a fine hotel at only $50 a night? Do not forget to haggle when buying souvenirs and fresh catch!
There is much to explore
A huge island, Boracay has more to offer. Make sure you hop on a boat for an exciting island hopping adventure. Do not just go to Boracay for the famous White Beach. Explore nearby beaches which are just as gorgeous. Puka Beach, for one, is an emerging destination. The Crocodile Island and Diniwid Beach are also a must-experience. One day won’t be enough to explore Boracay!
Photo courtesy of BlackStarVideo via Pixabay
A great destination for adventure
You won’t run out of things to do in Boracay. It’s a great destination for adventure and water sports. It’s also a great place to tick off some items on your bucket list, as it offers opportunities to try an adventure for the first time. Do not miss out on parasailing or cliff diving at Ariel’s point. You should also try helmet diving and windsurfing.
Photo courtesy of InsaneTattooProducts via Pixabay
An idyllic spot for selfies
You will find many Instagram-worthy spots in Boracay. The island’s coastline and sunset are two of the world’s most photographed tourist posts. So be ready with your best poses and bright smiles, because you are in for a treat. You will soon find that what you’ve read in reviews are all true. What better way to boost your Instagram profile than with shots of some of the best sights in the world? You’ll soon become a traveler peg for your friends — #travelgoals. Your cityscapes and Starbucks shots will have to take a backseat.
Boracay is most definitely the ultimate getaway for those who would like to take a break from the city. It is as lively as it is tranquil, and provides opportunities to enjoy island life without robbing you of the conveniences you love having in the city. Take that much needed escape now!
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13458
|
__label__cc
| 0.582091
| 0.417909
|
"He said that criminalizing sex with teenage girls was a cultural aberration and that at times in history it was perfectly acceptable."
"He pointed out that homosexuality had long been considered a crime and was still punishable by death in some parts of the world.... He said people in Silicon Valley had a reputation for being geeky workaholics, but... [t]hey were hedonistic and regular users of recreational drugs. He said he’d witnessed prominent tech figures taking drugs and arranging for sex.... When I later reflected on our interview, I was struck by how little information Mr. Epstein had actually provided. While I can’t say anything he said was an explicit lie, much of what he said was vague or speculative and couldn’t be proved or disproved.... [E]arly this year Mr. Epstein called to ask if I’d be interested in writing his biography. He sounded almost plaintive. I sensed that what he really wanted was companionship. As his biographer, I’d have no choice but to spend hours listening to his saga. Already leery of any further ties to him, I was relieved I could say that I was already busy with another book. That was the last I heard from him. After his arrest and suicide, I’m left to wonder: What might he have told me?"
From "The Day Jeffrey Epstein Told Me He Had Dirt on Powerful People" by James B. Stewart (NYT).
Posted by Ann Althouse at 7:09 PM
Tags: James B. Stewart, Jeffrey Epstein
This is like CNN admitting it didn't cover Saddam Hussein negatively. But then this is the NYT that also paid Walter Duranty, so perhaps that is more historically accurate.
What might he have told me?"
Things it would be dangerous to know.
After his arrest and suicide, I’m left to wonder: What might he have told me?"
He might have told you enough to get you killed. Sorry, let me correct that. He might have told you enough to get you to kill yourself. With multiple gunshots to your head. Using your non-dominant hand.
Beasts of England said...
'...had a reputation for being geeky workaholics, but... [t]hey were hedonistic and regular users of recreational drugs.'
Or as I used to call them, the good ol' days!! 😜
madAsHell said...
What might he have told me?
Nothing. He was a pimp. He was always drawing people in to screw them.
BleachBit-and-Hammers said...
Powerful people go *whew!*
The writer missed an opportunity.
This book would have sold, and sold, and sold.
Democrats couldn't get more ridiculous if they tried.
Our elites are completely outed.
We see you and we see your followers.
Biden said we could take in at least 2 million more people. They are so desperate to replace legal voters and citizens.
Not through any normal publisher.All of the paths to monetize the book would be closed to him because they are controlled by the same powers that would be destroyed by the book.
He would have to be content with a place in history and a sudden onset of depression and induced suicide.
Would it have sold? He was a free man at the time and surely wouldn't have admitted anything criminal. Likewise he wouldn't have invited lawsuits and discovery by dropping a lot of names.
'This book would have sold, and sold, and sold.'
No kidding. He should have pulled a Jayson Blair and cashed in.
He could have done the whole thing "Crazy days and Nights" style.
https://www.crazydaysandnights.net/
No names. Just hints, and more hints.
tim maguire said...
""He said that criminalizing sex with teenage girls was a cultural aberration and that at times in history it was perfectly acceptable."
He’s not wrong. Of course, lots of things have been acceptable at one time or another. We all have to live with what's accepted in our time and place.
AAT said...
Imagine all the people who felt a "profound sense of liberation and that their life had returned to them tenfold."
""He said that criminalizing sex with teenage girls was a cultural aberration and that at times in history it was perfectly acceptable.”
Same thing with slavery, right? And human sacrifice too.
Clark said...
James B. Stewart is the guy who wrote The Partners in 1983 (about 8 big law firms) and Den of Thieves about Boesky and Milken in 1991.
I also see that the FBI finally bestirred itself earlier today to raid Epstein's "Orgy Island." Michael K., if you're around, you can tell Kate for all of us that if the agents come back saying that they found nothing, then no one is going to believe them.
steve uhr said...
Achillies - I think in this booming economy a nation of 325 million could prob add another 2 million without skipping a beat. why you are so sure they will all be dems. New, lawful immigrants come here for Liberty and free enterprise. Republicans believe in those values.
Epstein certainly had a point. Until recently, Abortion, Transgender, Homosexuality, and pre-martial sex were condemned, now they are celebrated. Why shouldn't pedophilia, or polygamy be the next on our cultural "Evolution"? Once you give up the anchor of Religion, anything is possible.
"New, lawful immigrants come here for Liberty and free enterprise."
Bullshit. You have ZERO evidence to the prove that. Some do. Most don't.
“Epstein was found hanging in his Lower Manhattan jail cell with a bedsheet wrapped around his neck and secured to the top of a bunk bed.”
Wow. That would take some serious determination. His feet would be on the ground. I would have to see a diagram I think. It would be easier to hang yourself with your dick.
"New, lawful immigrants come here for Liberty and free enterprise. Republicans believe in those values.”
Yeah, and not very many Republicans have a big problem with “lawful” immigration either.
'I think in this booming economy a nation of 325 million could prob add another 2 million without skipping a beat.'
Have you ever created a single private sector job?
caplight45 said...
Somebody had a Tom Hagen/Frankie “Five Angels” Pentangeli moment with Mr. Epstein like in Godfather II. Perhaps in the end he chose wisely.
" New, lawful immigrants come here for Liberty and free enterprise."
And your educational system does everything it can to turn them into bitter enemies of the people you already have. Many evade the brainwashing, but a vast number do not. It is a deliberate attempt to create jealous tribes.
The evil of this system can seem astonishing, to a foreigner who understands what he is seeing. I was frankly shocked, almost two decades ago, and it has just gotten worse, much worse.
gilbar said...
He said that criminalizing sex with teenage girls was a cultural aberration and that at times in history it was perfectly acceptable
He's got a point!
read this book once (LOTS of people Swear it's ALL TRUE, in fact; they'd KILL YOU if you said it wasn't) And in this book, the Main Character had sex with a (in Fact, MARRIED!) a teenage girl (in FACT, with a Nine year old). . . But, it was All Okay, on account of because, they'd been married for a couple of years already by that point.
This book was All Full of moral stuff, about how you should only wipe your ass with your left hand; and that you should kill any Jews hiding behind rocks and trees (In Fact! the book said, that the rocks and tress would help you: It was sort of SciFi ish)
It was pretty nice here in the US when it was only 160 million. Lots of open space and woods near cities. Few “no trespassing” signs.
I wonder if he had a doula help him to hang himself with a sheet off of a bunkbed.
Otto said...
Cheap journalism. The NYT is becoming a rag paper.
There's something to be said for historical imagination. A lot of today's important moral truths are entertainment and vanity.
With the normalization of transgender spectrum indoctrination and corruption, social progress has left children as viable targets. I wonder if a judge with a sympathetic orientation would be willing to come out and force liberal sanction of child love.
I wonder if he had a doula help him to hang himself with a sheet off of a bunkbed
A death dealer is ethically committed to honor Pro-Choice.
Blogger AAT said...
That's right. Having sex with teenage girls is probably a gateway aberration to slavery and human sacrifice. Older American men should only have sex with boys or older women. THOSE ARE OUR CULTURAL NORMS YOU FUCKING PERVERTS!
Most of the important moral truths today are preserved by men. Women are always discovering new ones.
narciso said...
I think the main point is what once was properly condemned is now celebrated
https://mobile.twitter.com/julie_kelly2/status/1160971919061110785
And what was exalted is now looked upon,
Achillies - I think in this booming economy a nation of 325 million could prob add another 2 million without skipping a beat. why you are so sure they will all be dems
Steve, I assume you are OK with no welfare for illegals. Right ? Right ? Right ?
Phidippus said...
steve uhr said: "I think in this booming economy a nation of 325 million could prob add another 2 million without skipping a beat."
Two million who? Singaporeans? Hong Kong Chinese? Germans? Norwegians? Canadians?
The problem is we have an ~1000 mile border with a third-world narcostate, which itself has a southern border through which invaders (some of whom come from Africa-- what did they do, swim?) from other third-world narcostates pretty much freely travel. And head, invariably, north.
If you want to fix that booming economy, especially the part that poorer American citizens participate in, let 'em all in.
And they (the ones who are coming in from the south) actually nearly always do vote Democrat.
In principle, perhaps we could, but have no obligation to, absorb 2M or so productive, legal, immigrants from non-hellhole countries. Surely you do not imagine that this is the outcome that the lefty open-borders enthusiasts have in mind, do you?
Milwaukie guy said...
He didn't squeal on the big boys and he leaves a legacy of justifications. He is a NAMBLA martyr.
Polygamy is next, because diversity.
Teenage girls don’t have fully developed brains. There are reasons for these cultural norms. It’s not a “gateway,” it’s wrong in itself.
No more redneck jokes. At least they married them.
EDH said...
JEFFREY EPSTEIN WANTED TO FREEZE HIS HEAD AND PENIS AFTER DYING: REPORT
Newsweek BY SHANE CROUCHER ON 8/1/19
The bizarre pseudoscientific obsessions of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, currently awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors, are under the microscope after he reportedly wanted to freeze his head and penis after dying.
According to The New York Times, Epstein, 66, is interested in the controversial transhumanism movement, which believes advanced technologies should be used to modify and enhance humans' physical capabilities.
One unnamed transhumanist who had conversations with Epstein told the Times about his aspiration to freeze body parts after death using cryonics, a pseudoscience whose proponents claim it will eventually be possible to resurrect frozen people.
The publication also reported that Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 of soliciting a minor for prostitution and made to register as a sex offender, wanted to seed the human race with his DNA by impregnating up to 20 women at a time at his Zorra Ranch in New Mexico.
World’s briefest deposition: Do you, Jeffrey Epstein, have an egg-shaped penis?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7nyWOzR-1L0
Amadeus 48 said...
"What might he have told me?"
Epstein was a world class manipulator. He would have told Stewart only those things that served the cause of Epstein. I'm pretty sure the book would be self serving and nothing like Byron's memoirs.....Epstein got that right about sex with teen age girls. It wasn't so long ago that the audience at the Oscars rose to their feet to give a child rapist a standing ovation. Every generation creates their own sexual mores, but Hollywood is its own place and time. They like to think that they're very advanced, but they're just different and worse than the rest of us.
A good test, for any moral truth, is to ask whether it was discovered by a woman.
Many moral truths are tied to the nagging instinct.
EDH: "JEFFREY EPSTEIN WANTED TO FREEZE HIS HEAD AND PENIS AFTER DYING: REPORT"
You can tell Newsweek has really gone down hill by the redundancy in this headline.
To which would you ascribe the greater degree of difficulty: garroting yourself with a prison sheet or having sex with thousands of underaged girls on your own private island?.....I think it's quite possible that Epstein was depressed and had sufficient imagination and drive to figure out a way to commit suicide. Still, it does seem that there must have been some underhanded dealings suborned in order to enable the act....Nothing in his life so became him as his way of leaving it.
Hmmm -
The published material is uncovering more and more.
That, plus speculation below. How much to credit this? Who knows.
What is certain is that these people all had unusual friends and contacts.
http://toresays.com/2019/07/07/exclusive-photos-epstein-who-was-blocking-the-unsealing/
Some names mentioned - Jeff Bezos, Brin and Page and Schmidt (Google), Myhrvold (Microsoft, etc.), Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker.
wildswan said...
I hate to think what teen-age girls would develop as moral norms but probably they would make fun and handsome guys and the latest clothes and giggling a human right. But the norms would never include being handed over to fat old men who can't get women on their own because for one thing they don't want women, they want children, and for another they are abusive. Jeffrey Epstein took the worst eras worst morality as his own and in the end the worst eras worst morality is the way he died.
What's haunting about all these sex scandals is how they got away with it with so many for so long. Crosby drugged and raped dozens of women. I don't know what the body count was with Weinstein, but his victims included some of the best known, best connected women in the world. These were women who came from rich families and who had their own publicists and lawyers. Yet he was able to get away with raping them and doing it over a period of decades. Epstein was involved with thousands of girls and implicated some of the richest and/or most influential people in the world in his crimes.....It's kind of mind boggling. My heart goes out to Anthony Weiner. He's about the only well know sex criminal who didn't get away with much or for too long.
Trump won't be caught up in Jeffrey Epstein's scandals because he would never have let someone else run the show. He would have fired Epstein in ten minutes; and in fact he banned him from Mar-A-Lago. Besides Trump doesn't drink and drug which is what makes orgies exciting and he likes women, not little girls.
I started to write a comment that said, "religious fundamentalists have a clear consistent way of addressing these: they oppose homosexual activity as opposed to God's law, and they oppose sex with teenage girls as opposed to God's law." But as I wrote that I realized that I could not actually defend the second part of this proposition. Do fundamentalist Christians, or conservative Jews, or strict adherents of Islam actually have a scriptural basis for opposing sex with teenage girls? I guess they would all agree that sex outside of marriage was proscribed. But do they all (any) oppose marriage to teenage girls? (I ask this sincerely, I don't know the answer.)
John henry said...
16 year olds can marry in Wisconsin
9 year olds can marry in Washington, Idaho and some other states.
With parental or judicial consent.
Per Wikipedia.
As I said at Chicago Boyz, if the girls had been of legal age it would have been no big deal. Embarrassing if it came out but not much more. The Queen would not have been pleased with Prince Andrew cavorting with a 22 year old. He's cavorted in the past, she has not been pleased and nothing has come of it. Tell Bill Clinton that if he doesn't come up with $500 not to tell Hilary about some 21 year old bimbo and he'll tell you very presidentially to fuck off.
But when the girls are below the legal age, in some of these Epstein cases, significant jail terms can result. How much would a billionaire be willing to pay to not serve 10 years in the pokey? A lot more than $500, you betcha.
If the girls were for a honeypot/extortion scheme it only works if the girls are underage.
It may not be fair to go to jail for 10 years for a 16 year old, sexually mature girl.
But try telling that to the judge and see how many years it gets you shaved off your sentence.
replying to AAT who said: "It was pretty nice here in the US when it was only 160 million."
I have a strong reaction against this kind of argument. Life in the 1950s was in almost all material ways worse than life today. I was alive then. We (my upper middle class family) had 4 (black and white) channels on our (one) TV. We had no internet. We had one car with no sound system, and no airbags, and no ability to accelerate beyond 60 mph. We never ate out (away from home). In the aggregate, we had much higher incidence of poverty, of undernutrition, of disease; we were less well educated; we never had "child-care" except from our parents.
Anyone who really believes that this life was "pretty nice" can re-create much of it: cut your cable, cut your internet, stop eating away from home, stop taking vacations except to visit family, live with one family car; quit one of your two parent jobs. And I bet no one, not one single person, would take me up on this challenge.
It would be easier to hang yourself with your dick.
Speaking of which, I heard an interesting anecdote on Sunday's No Agenda podcast. On thursday they had played some audio from a deposition where some lawyers were asking Epstein if he had an "egg shaped penis" His lawyer objected so they read someone's description of his penis as being wide at the base and "pointed" (their word) at the tip. Epstein and his lawyers walked out.
Between then and yesterday, one of the show's producers (as they call listeners) sent a note that he was a tattooist/piercer/body modification for a living. This kind of penis decsribes someone who uses a penis vacuum pump to enlarge his penis. Apparently this kind of result takes some serious long term, one might almost say excessive, usage.
Just another data point in the Epstein tale.
Perhaps one of our medico's can opine? Or perhaps Franki who seems to have a store of medical knowledge.
I see EDH beat me to it with the Egg shaped penis deposition. And with a video clip!
But you did not have the reason for it. So nyah, nyah, nyah.
(Just kidding)
How about safe streets, dependable employment, a degree of social piece, intact families,
Stewart, who practiced law before switching to journalism, has written lots of books but only one bio. Rick Rescorla. He was never going to write Epstein's bio. And as a gay man Epstein's teen blond harem would do nothing for him.
Roughcoat said...
Well, I was a child in the fifties ... lower middle class, family of 6 in a 2-bedroom tenement apartment with 1 bath, countless cockroaches, occasional rats, crazy incoherently yelling neighbors from Ireland, Eastern Europe, and Scandinavia ... building heated by a coal burning furnace that intermittently emitted poison gas forcing our evacuation ... 10 yards across the alley from my bedroom window was a noisy factory ... b&w TV often with broken picture tubes, no vacations except to visit grandparents at Christmas and Thanksgiving, battered used car, no meals out except once in while at local hamburger stand, and ...
And I loved it. Fondest memories. Loved every single minute of it. Nobody told me were hard up so I didn't know it. Very happy childhood.
There's a lot to be said for everyone you loved still being alive..
R.J. Chatt said...
According to Jewish tradition, sexual relations are only allowed within marriage. Epstein was full of shit and everyone knew that. While the author might feel some guilt or regret over a missed opportunity I doubt the world is missing out or would have gotten anything worthwhile from him talking to Epstein
Your dishonesty in your caricature of us is just like all you pieces of shit. You can't argue in good faith because everyone knows you are full of shit.
We have no problem with say a Canadian style immigration system. Apply in your country legally. Come here. Support yourself for a few years. Obey the law. You are totally welcome to come.
But you do not want that.
You want millions of random poor people to invade our country that you can treat like slaves and vote for democrats.
I will never allow you or your friends to have power over us.
Stewart is lucky he didn't take up Epstein's offer to write the biography- that is a close brush with sui.....er......death.
Crazy World said...
What a pathetic sad man, wth happened to him to inflict his perversion on soooooooooo many?
I recognize the name Osso Negro, but don’t recall his general posting tone so maybe he was being facetious, but what I thought as I read him was, “defending sex trafficking to own the cons.”
AAT’s comment is about crowding and access to nature. Elbow room, not modern technology. Though as some here have pointed out, modern technology has its downsides. Cutting the cord yourself won’t change what needs changing and would be a case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
So this is the real life versions of elites hinting teenage girls?
The Hunt 2: Underage Boogaloo
Is that the game the elites were playing?
Burn it all down.
Spread the ashes.
Salt the earth where it had stood.
"This kind of penis decsribes someone who uses a penis vacuum pump to enlarge his penis.”
That would explain the fixation on teenage girls.
To play devil’s advocate, an argument could be made that Epstein was right.
In the law, we have malum in se and malum prohibitum. Traditionally, throughout much of the world, murder has been considered malum in se, while consensual sex with post pubescent teenaged girls only recently, in the last century or so, become malum prohibitum In parts of the western world. On the flip side, male homosexuality has really only been tolerated in that segment of the population for roughly half a century. In much of the Muslim world today, homosexuality is still a capital offense, while marriage, and thus sex, with post pubescent teenaged girls is just fine. And one of their Prophet’s brides wasn’t even that old. I think if you think that consensual sex with underaged post pubescent girls is evil, you have to accept the corollary, that Islam, as a religion is evil. And, given the moral relativism of the left, that means that engaging in sex with underaged post pubescent girls is not malum in se but merely malum prohibitum - something that isn’t intrinsically bad, but rather just something that society has chosen to outlaw.
Western society can now afford to outlaw most sex with underaged girls, regardless of consent, because we no longer have to breed our females shortly after menarche, when they can have children, in order to perpetuate the species. In my family that line seems to have been in the late 19th century. My grandparents were all born in the 1890s, and most of their siblings survived to adulthood. Not so with their parents’ generation, born shortly after the Civil War. We have a four sided gravestone from that generation, for the four brothers to my great grandfather who all died in Augusts when they were under two. Much of the country didn’t get there until the early 20th Century, and parts of the world are just getting there now. If it takes 8-10 kids to perpetrate the species, and life spans averaged 40 or so, waiting until 18 or so for sex is a luxury that few could afford. Thanks to modern medicine, vaccines, etc, we now can. We can also, as a society afford homosexuality, which effectively takes the individuals out of the breeding pool, when, in past ages we couldn’t.
Just a reminder here, I wasn’t giving personal opinion here, but rather just playing devil’s advocate for Epstein.
Narr said...
Polygamy! Save us from polygamy!
One of my favorite comedy series is The Saga of Warren Jeffs. Apparently this guy is so dangerous and important that major networks devote hours of their time to reporting on his life and misdeeds. (This may merely reflect that little that was newsworthy happened during the Obama years, so I've seen fewer Jeffs shows in recently.)
Teenage girls may not have fully developed brains, but considering how many adults lack fully developed brains . . .
Girls are on their own, but they can handle it!
Calypso Facto said...
"I was struck by how little information Mr. Epstein had actually provided.... That was the last I heard from him."
Facebook update: James Stewart marked himself safe from Arkancide.
Bruce @ 8:12am,
What you said was completely reasonable, and could have formed part of a reasonable discussion of this issue.
Unfortunately we no longer live in an era of reasonable discussion.
Todd said...
You will get much less jail time and fewer negative consequences today as a 30 year old woman having sex with a 14 year old boy (or girl) than a man having sex with an underage girl. Cause "girl power!".
Sure, Epstein was a pig but let us NOT forget all the other men and WOMEN enablers that supported / enabled him.
Shame he was suicided before he had a chance to talk (WHO did NOT see that coming?). Maybe one or two of the FBI agents that raided his island saved some of the incriminating stuff before it all accidentally got burned/lost/eaten by the dog...
My grandfather was born in 1875, his older brother was born in 1874 and the older brother married in 1894 to a girl born in 1891, ages 20 and 13. This was in rural Ky where the people lived on farms, that 13 year old girl was old enough and no doubt already had most of the rural skills such as cooking, canning, quilting and gardening that would be required of a backwoods nineteenth century farm family. They went on to have a bunch of children and one of their great granddaughters became Jefferson County Judge/Executive and later ran for governor of Ky.
https://louisville.edu/ur/ucomm/mags/summer99/cover_story.html
"He said that criminalizing sex with teenage girls was a cultural aberration and that at times in history it was perfectly acceptable"
People used to regularly die painful and debilitating deaths before the age of 30 too, but I didn't see him volunteering for that particular privilege.
Reading between the lines, it looks like Stewart found Epstein to be banal and unworthy of his notoriety, and he was right to direct his professional attention to more interesting subjects.
He's right. Pedophilia is a trans-social orientation. The bitter clingers are standing in the way of social progress.
Sammy Finkelman said...
Not too much that was true.. That almost certainly wasn't true about Elon Musk.
And it wasn't true that other people told him their secrets.
Cause "girl power!"
No, that's not at all why. It's because every time this topic comes up all the dudes start grinning and saying Man I just WISH Ms. Sexypants had asked me to stay after school, hell yeah!
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13460
|
__label__cc
| 0.733894
| 0.266106
|
Research Projects Summary
YourDigitalSelf
Explainable Rankings
Decentralized Collaborative Filtering
RelaxedQ
Associate Professor, Undergraduate Director
CoRE 324, Busch Campus
amelie@cs.rutgers.edu
Mailing Address: CS Dept, Rutgers University
110 Frelinghuysen Rd
Office Tel: +1 848 445 8324
My main research interests are in Data Management, specifically Personal Information Management, Explainable Rankings, Data Integration,Top-k Query Processing, and Data Corroboration.
Amélie Marian is an Associate Professor in the Computer Science Department at Rutgers University. Her research interests are in Personal Information Management, Explainable Rankings, Data Integration, Top-k Query Processing, and Data Corroboration. Amélie received her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Columbia University in 2005. From March 1999 to August 2000, Amélie was a member of the VERSO project at INRIA-Rocquencourt. She received B.S. and M.S. degrees from Université Paris Dauphine, France in 1998 and 1999, respectively. She is the recipient of a Microsoft Live Labs Award (2006), three Google Research Awards (2008, 2010, and 2012) and an NSF CAREER award (2009).
Here are some current research projects. A complete list of research projects can be found on the Research page.
Connecting, Searching, and Understanding your Personal Digital Traces
Towards Explainable and Transparent Ranking Functions
Privacy-aware Personal Recommendations
June 2019: Our Paper on “Metrics for Explainable Ranking Functions,” with Abraham Gale was accepted in the EARS SIGIR 2019 workshop
May 2019: Our Paper on “Searching Heterogeneous Personal Digital Traces,” with Daniela Vianna, Valia Kalokyri, Alex Borgida, and Thu Nguyen was accepted in ASIS&T 2019
CS Undergraduate / Social Media
January 2019: Yes, I am /u/marian_rucs
For problems or questions about this site, please contact help@cs.rutgers.edu
Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback form.
Copyright ©2020, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. All rights reserved.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13463
|
__label__wiki
| 0.683922
| 0.683922
|
Grease Musical Music! Archive
Grease is a musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Production history - Adaptations - Synopsis. 5 Jun - 4 min - Uploaded by CaLLxm3xG0d I do not own anything. Copyright of Paramount Pictures. B= boy/ Danny G=Girl/ Sandy B: both G. 24 Nov - 12 min - Uploaded by MsMojo Top 10 Greatest Grease Songs // Subscribe: we're taking a look at the most memorable.
14 Oct - 3 min - Uploaded by MemoriesAreVerySad Grease The Musical-You Better Shape Up Hpe You Enjoy) Subscribe Please ) i'm Going. 30 Oct - 4 min - Uploaded by FrenchFriesNSoda have fun awesome song buy it % like guarantee well idk. 21 Nov - 3 min - Uploaded by pillerguri Well, this car could be systematic, hydromatic, ultramatic Why couldn't it be Greased Lightnin.
Grease Musical. By Music You're the One That I Want - High School Music Band. Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee - High School Music Band.
Grease Musical. By Music Factory. • 24 songs. Play on Spotify. 1. Sandy. 2: 2. You Are the One That I Want. 3. Hopelessly Devoted to You.
Funny, frank and featuring the hit songs “Greased Lightnin',” “You're The One That I Want,” and “Summer Nights”, Grease follows the journey of Danny and. a '50s Rock 'n' Roll musical in 2 acts, 15 scenes: Book, Music and Lyrics by Grease is a class reunion flashback to the "days that were" in the fabulous fifties. Act One. Alma Mater – Miss Lynch, Patty, Eugene and Company; Alma Mater ( Parody) – Pink Ladies and Burger Palace Boys; *Summer Nights – Sandy, Danny .
Ranker Music Bring out your inner Danny and Sandy with Grease duets " Summer Nights" and "You're the One That I Want." Other good Grease songs from the musical soundtrack include "Greased Lightnin'," "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee,". This musical about American high schoolers features music in the rock 'n roll style of the s and is the basis for the film starring John Travolta and. “Summer Nights”: The song, in both the movie and the stage musical, is a duet sung by Sandy and Danny with other cast members chiming in.
As Fox preps a for-TV revival, Michael Callahan looks at what made Grease musical about a bunch of ne'er-do-well high-schoolers with that music as the. Grease (Musical, Original) opened in New York City Feb 14, and played through Apr 13, Album · · 20 Songs. Available with an Apple Music subscription. Try it free.
Check out Grease the Musical by High School Music Band on Amazon Music. Stream ad-free or purchase CD's and MP3s now on Full Length Musical, Comedy / 9m, 8f. Note on Digital Perusal: Samuel French's new digital perusal process grants easy, digital access to music perusals while. Grease The Musical. 33K likes. Now playing at the historic Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto. Don't miss our celebrity guests: George Canyon, Michelle.
Highly choreographed with a driving beat – Grease will transport you to the golden age of fun with this thrilling musical of Greasers, fast cars, true love, and a little dab of Brylcreem. Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.
Welcome to the singing and dancing world of "Grease," the most successful movie musical of all time. A wholesome exchange student (Olivia Newton-John) and.
Right off the bat, Music Mountain Theatre's production of “Grease” lets you know you're in for a night of terrific singing. The show opens with the. 【 Analysis of music in the film Grease Essay 】 from best writers of West Side Story is a perfect example of a musical where choreography and music helps “ Summer Nights” () is the first song in the film, Grease, that. Find composition details, parts / movement information and albums that contain performances of Grease, musical on AllMusic.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, PM Presented by: Progressive Concert Productions A Tribute to the musical Grease and the Music of the 50s and 60s.
A Co-Production with Maine State Music Theatre! Grease the Musical steps back in time to Rydell High's senior class of duck-tailed, hot-rodding " Burger.
The film Grease became a pop music phenomenon sending five songs into the specifically for the film version of Grease and not included in the stage musical. John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, and the Grease Cast - "Summer Nights" John Travolta and the Grease Cast - "Greased Lightnin'".
“Grease” is the word for the Fox execs who were impressed by the ratings NBC's live broadcast of The Sound of Music brought in last year.
Bozeman High School Music and Theatre Department Presents Grease the Musical, School Version by Book, Music Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and. 'GREASE', celebrating 40 years of the smash hit movie which taught the ' Grease Is The Word', 'Summer Nights', 'Hopelessly Devoted To. For the first time in Canada, Grease The Musical will get the iconic re-energize Grease, deepening our appreciation for the music of the era.
on Pinterest. | See more ideas about Grease musical, Musical theatre and Musicals. Grease: Beauty School Drop-out Halloween Costume Idea. Kathy Harding .. Grease - Summer Nights - song lyrics, music lyrics, songs, song quotes,. Grease "Grease Soundtrack - Look At Me I`m Sandra Dee Lyrics. Look at me. Disc: 1. 1. Grease - Frankie Valli. 2. Summer Nights - John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John. 3. Hopelessly Devoted To You - Olivia Newton-John. 4. You're The One. Grease. Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs Book, Music and Lyrics by Warren Casey; Full Length Musical, Comedy, Drama, s; 9M, 8F. Here is Rydell.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13466
|
__label__cc
| 0.709177
| 0.290823
|
Featured / antietamscornfield / Leave a comment
Those men of the 105th New York Infantry retreating back into the corn had no way to know that their dead and wounded comrades lying just beyond the deadly Cornfield’s southern fence represented the high-water mark of the Union I Corps’ effort to reach the Dunker Church...
Reaching the fence, the 6th Georgia had restored the South’s hold on the vital Cornfield only to find itself in a dire position. Facing threats in front and right, as the enemy advanced the Georgians suddenly realized they were in a tremendous Union vise that was about to literally squeeze the regiment to death.
An original regiment in the storied “Iron Brigade,” the 19th Indiana is perhaps best known for its role during the opening hours of the Battle of Gettysburg, which has for too long overshadowed its actions in Antietam’s deadly Cornfield…
The Cornfield Casualty Top Ten
Featured / antietamscornfield / 5 Comments
Nearing the end of 2018, we’ll be bombarded by the annual parade of “top ten” lists counting down everything from the year’s news events to songs and online fads. For those of us interested in understanding and preserving the events of the Civil War and Antietam’s Cornfield, here’s our own such list – the Cornfield casualty top ten.
Featured / antietamscornfield / 1 Comment
Farming the Cornfield: D. R. Miller’s 1862 Harvest of Death
With the sun glistening off rainwater on the tall, waving cornstalks this clear September morning, David Miller could have no way of knowing that soon his cornfield would become the most dangerous place to be on earth. By David A. Welker Tuesday, September 2nd, 1862 dawned bright and clear on the rolling hills of western … Continue reading Farming the Cornfield: D. R. Miller’s 1862 Harvest of Death
Buffalo in the Cornfield: The 21st New York at Antietam
By David A. Welker The 21st New York Infantry Regiment was born in Buffalo, New York’s old Court House on the evening of April 13, 1861. War fever was high that night—the day before Confederate forces had fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston harbor—and some 102 men volunteered their services to New York State for … Continue reading Buffalo in the Cornfield: The 21st New York at Antietam
Claimed by the Cornfield: Georgia’s Colonel Marcellus Douglass
With his brigade locked in a nearly point-blank fight on the southern end of Antietam’s Cornfield, Colonel Douglass had already been wounded seven times but remained in command. Then an eighth Union Minie ball suddenly found him… By David A. Welker Marcellus Douglass was born in Thomaston, Georgia on October 5th, 1820. Little is known … Continue reading Claimed by the Cornfield: Georgia’s Colonel Marcellus Douglass
Cowards in the Cornfield? (Part Two): The Complicated Story of Virginia’s General John R. Jones
When General J. R. Jones quickly relinquished command at the prospect of marching his division into Antietam’s Cornfield, his fellow Southern officers began whispering the word “coward” behind his back. But even this firestorm of controversy couldn’t prepare Jones for what awaited him when his postwar “indiscretions” became known. By David A. Welker John … Continue reading Cowards in the Cornfield? (Part Two): The Complicated Story of Virginia’s General John R. Jones
Cowards in the Cornfield?: The Sorry Story of Colonel William Christian
Amidst a firestorm of Confederate shells, just as his brigade was heading into the hell of Antietam’s Cornfield, Colonel William Christian suddenly muttered “I’ve always had a great fear of shelling.” And with that, he simply vanished… By David A. Welker William Henry Christian was born on April 9th 1825 in Utica, New York. Although … Continue reading Cowards in the Cornfield?: The Sorry Story of Colonel William Christian
The 21st Georgia: An Unexpected Mission in Antietam’s East Woods
As the 21st Georgia’s battle-tested fighters settled into positions behind the rocks and trees in the southern end of the East Woods, they knew that another Yankee advance would soon enough seek to drive them from their new position. What they didn’t understand was just how important holding this place was for a Confederate victory at Antietam…
The 90th Pennsylvania Infantry in the Cornfield: “Solitary and alone, we gave and took our medicine”
“For God’s sake, come and help us out…!” begged the new head of Hartsuff’s Brigade and without a pause, Colonel Lyle had the 90th Pennsylvania marching forward into the swirling inferno of Antietam’s Cornfield. By David A. Welker The 90th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment was recruited exclusively within the city of Philadelphia. Originally designated the 2nd … Continue reading The 90th Pennsylvania Infantry in the Cornfield: “Solitary and alone, we gave and took our medicine”
The 1st Texas Infantry in the Cornfield: “Slipping the Bridle”
Barely two dozen yards ahead lay the northern end of the Cornfield. At that moment it must have entered the minds of the men of the 1st Texas that it might just be possible to break the Yankees’ hold on this spot, if only they could reach it in time… By David A. Welker The … Continue reading The 1st Texas Infantry in the Cornfield: “Slipping the Bridle”
Captain Von Bachelle and his canine friend sacrifice all in the Cornfield
You may have heard the story of Werner Von Bachelle and his beloved dog, who shared their lives and met their respective fates in Antietam’s Cornfield. But do you know their experiences in the month and hours before marching together into the Cornfield? Here is their shared story… By David A. Welker Werner Von Bachelle … Continue reading Captain Von Bachelle and his canine friend sacrifice all in the Cornfield
The 97th New York Infantry in the Cornfield
This is the excerpt for your very first post.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13467
|
__label__wiki
| 0.853911
| 0.853911
|
Evaluation of biomass yield and nutritional quality of oats–vetch mixtures at different harvesting stage under residual moisture in Fogera District, Ethiopia
Eshetie Alemu Molla1,
Berhanu Alemu Wondimagegn1 &
Yeshambel Mekuriaw Chekol2
This study was conducted in Fogera District, north western Ethiopia, to evaluate the effect of harvesting stages on biomass yield and nutritive value of oat–vetch mixtures under residual moisture. The experimental plots were prepared thoroughly by plowing the land before sowing. The experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement having two factors with three replications. The first factor, factor A, comprises a four combinations of two forage species (oats and vetches) having two varieties each. The two oats varieties used were CI-8237 and CI-8251, represented as (O1) and (O2) and the two vetch varieties, Vicia villosa and Vicia dasycarpa, represented as V1 and V2, respectively. The second factor, harvesting stage, had three levels which follows the three physiological stages of oat varieties as flag leaf stage (HS1), milk stage (HS2) and dough stage (HS3) in the mixtures. Agronomic performance and forage biomass yield were recorded. Chemical compositions of the forage such as crude protein (CP), ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose were determined. Data were analyzed with general linear model procedure of SAS (version 9.1; 2008).
Results indicated that harvesting stages significantly (P < 0.001) affected most of the agronomic parameters in oats varieties, whereas plant height and number of branches were significant (P < 0.05) in vetch varieties. Significantly higher (P < 0.001) plant height, number of leaves per plant and leaf to stem ratio) were obtained in variety oats CI-8237. Dry matter yield (DMY) and chemical compositions of the forage were significantly affected (P < 0.001) by harvesting stages. More vigor and higher number of branches were recorded in V. villosa, but higher plant height was obtained in V. dasycarpa. The highest mean DMY (4.99 t/ha) and CP yield (0.81 t/ha) were recorded at harvesting stage two (HS2). However, the lowest DMY (3.42 t/ha) was obtained at harvesting stage one. Relatively, the optimum DMY (6.16 t/ha) with maximum CP yield (0.92 t/ha) was recorded from mixture of CI-8237 + V. villosa at harvesting stage two. The fiber components were increased with advanced stage of growth, but CP and ash contents were decreased as the age of the plant matures.
Production of CI-8237 + V. villosa mixture harvested at harvesting stage two would be more beneficial to produce optimum yield and nutritive value and could be recommended in the study area.
Ethiopia has a huge livestock population with an estimated 57.83 million cattle, 28.89 million sheep, 29.70 million goats, 7.88 million donkeys, 2.08 million horses, 0.41 million mules and 1.23 million camels [1]. The sector plays an important socioeconomic role in food security, generating additional cash income at household levels and also provides export earnings [2]. However, the contribution is still low compared to the potentials expected from the sector. Many factors are constraining the development of this sector, among which feed scarcity in terms of quantity and quality are the major ones in almost all parts of the country [3].
Development interventions encouraging adoption of forage legumes will achieve a double advantage of enhancing the livelihoods of rural households and at the same time prevent or mitigate land degradation [4]. Therefore, improved forage production and devising strategies to increase their productivity are mandatory in order to improve animal production and productivity in the country. Growing of forages after harvesting of food crops using residual moisture is assumed to be the best strategy to alleviate land scarcity problems. Moreover, this system is becoming increasingly considered to improve the soil health. Harvesting time of the associated forage crops, however, poses many problems to the farmers to manage the mixtures [5]. It is also reported that grasses are sown mixed with legumes to be used as a climbing frame for the legumes and to increase the bulk of feed produced [6]. The productivity of oats and vetch mixtures are known to be superior to either of the pure stands in yield and quality [7]. Vetch is the most important and widely used annual forage legume in the highland farming systems of the country under different production strategies as it grows well on different soil types [8]. Oats is also a well-adapted fodder crop used as energy source for livestock [9]. In the mixtures, oats can provide support for climbing vetch, improve light interception through the canopy, facilitate mechanical harvesting, and reduce rotting of vetch hay. However, limited information is available on the performance of oats/vetch mixture grown using residual moisture as affected by harvesting stage in the Fogera plain. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to evaluate agronomic performance and chemical composition of oats/vetch mixtures at different harvesting stages.
Description of the study area
The study was conducted in Fogera district Northwest Ethiopia located 625 km North West of Addis Ababa. The geographical location is between 11°58′N latitude and 37°41′E longitude. The climate of the area is characterized by warm temperature with unimodal rainfall type. It is predominantly classified as moist Woina-dega in agro-ecology. The mean minimum and maximum temperatures are 11.48 °C and 27.3 °C, respectively. The annual rainfall of the area ranged from 1103 to 2400 mm with the main rainy season usually extending from May to September. The topography of the district comprises 76% flatlands, 11% mountains and hills, and 13% valley bottom lands [10]. The dominant soil type is black clay soil (65%) and the rest 20%, 12%, and 3% are brown, red and gray, respectively. In terms of land use pattern, an estimated 64% of the area is cultivated with annual and perennial crops, while the area under grazing and browsing, forests and shrubs, settlements and wastelands account for about 15, 1.8, 8 and 11.2%, respectively. The total area of the District is estimated to be 117,414 ha [11].
Land preparation and experimental design
The experimental plots were prepared thoroughly by plowing the land before sowing. The experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial arrangement with three replications. The two factors were the four mixtures (factor A) of the two oat varieties (O1 and O2) and the two vetch varieties (V1 and V2) and the three harvesting stages (factor B) (flag leaf stage: HS1), (milk stage: HS2) and (dough stage: HS3). So the experiment had a 4 × 3 factorial combinations with three replications. The oats varieties used were CI-8237 and CI-8251 and vetch species were Vicia villosa and Vicia dasycarpa. The seed proportions were oats 25% + 75% vetch which is based on the recommended sole seed rates of 80 and 25 kg/ha for oats and vetch, respectively. The plot size was 2 m × 3 m, and the spacing between replications and plots was 1.5 and 0.5 m, respectively [12]. Animal manure was applied in equal amount on all plots.
Sampling procedures and data collection
The plant height for each species was determined by measuring the height of ten randomly selected plants from ground level to the tip of the plant, and their average was recorded [12]. Number of leaves per plant for oats and number of branches per plant for vetch were recorded at each harvesting stage by taking 10 plants from each plot. Leaf to stem ratios for oats at each harvesting stage was measured and calculated for each plot on dry matter basis. For measuring plant height and DM accumulation over the growing period, ten plants of each species were harvested from ground level from each plot every 20 days interval starting from the 20th day of plant growth [13]. Harvesting for biomass yield and nutritional analysis were taken at three different stages viz., flag leaf stage (HS1), milk stage (HS2) and dough stage (HS3) following the physiological stages of oats. Total fresh weight of mixtures in each plot was weighed from samples taken from an area of a 1 m × 1 m quadrate to estimate fresh biomass yield. The samples were chopped and thoroughly mixed. A 200 g sub sample was taken and dried in a forced draft oven at a temperature of 105 °C overnight for dry matter yield determination.
The total ash and crude protein contents were determined according to the procedures described by [14]. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were analyzed following the procedures described by [15]. The crude protein yield (CPY) (t/ha) was determined by multiplying DMY by CP percentage.
The data were analyzed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure of [16]. Mean treatment comparisons were done using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) for variables in which F-values declared a significant difference and differences were considered statistically significant at 5% level.
The statistical model used was: \(Y_{ijk} = \mu + r_{i} + A_{j} + B_{k} + \left( {AB} \right)_{jk} + e_{ijk} ,\)where Yijk is the response variable; μ, over all mean; ri is the ith replication effect; Aj is the jth factor effect (harvesting stage 1_3); Bk is the kth factor effect (variety combinations 1_4); (AB)jk is the jkth interaction effect (harvesting stage × Variety combinations); eijk is the random error.
Agronomic performance of oat and vetch varieties
Plant height of oat varieties and vetch species
Plant height in oats was affected by both harvesting stages and varieties (Table 1). However, their interactions were not significant (P > 0.05). Plant height of oats at HS2 and HS3 were significantly higher than HS1, but statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was not observed between HS2 and HS3. The current study was supported by Shoaib et al. [17] who indicated that harvesting stage is the most important factors which affect plant physiology in terms of plant height. But Berhanu et al. [18] reported higher values (111.5–118 cm) at the 80th day of harvesting compared to the results of the current study. This higher variation in plant height might be attributed by factors such as season and soil type which can positively affect this character. On the other hand, plant height was significantly (P < 0.001) affected by varieties of oats with higher values recorded for CI-8237 compared to CI-8251. The variation in plant height may be attributed to variation in genetic make-up, soil type, season and adaptability of the varieties to different environmental conditions.
Table 1 Plant height (cm) for oats varieties and vetch species
Harvesting stages and species also had significant effect on vetch plant height but interaction of the two factors was not significant. The lowest vetch plant height was recorded at HS1, but differences were not observed between HS2 and HS3. Higher plant height was recorded for V. dasycarpa as compared to V. villosa. The variation in plant height between the two vetch species might be due to their species differences and growth habit. The current result agrees with the finding of Gezahegn et al. [19] who reported taller plant height for V. dasycarpa followed by V. villosa and Vicia atropurpurea. Similarly, Desalegn and Hassen [20] stated that Vicia sativa was the shortest vetch species having an average height of 81 cm and V. dasycarpa was the tallest (130 cm) followed by V. villosa and V. atropurpurea (126 cm and 115 cm), respectively, using monoculture cultivation.
Number of leaves per plant and leaf to stem ratio for oat varieties
Significant variation was observed in number of leaves per plant by varietal mixture and harvesting stage as main effects, but no significant difference was observed due to their interactions (Table 2). In this case, the highest number of leaves per tiller (5.03) was recorded at HS3 and the least at HS1 (4.38). Oats variety CI-8237 produced the highest (P < 0.001) number of leaves per tiller (5.21) compared to oats variety CI-8251 (4.34) (Table 2).
Table 2 Number of leaves per plant and leaf to stem ratio for oats varieties at different harvesting stages
The current study was in line with Berhanu et al. [18] who reported the highest and lowest number of leaves per plant in oats to be 5.15 and 4.58, respectively.
Leaf to stem ratio was affected by the main and interaction effects. Based on this result, the highest leaf to stem ratio was recorded at HS1 (1.03) followed by HS2 (0.92) and the lowest value was obtained at HS3 (0.72). The current result indicated that leaf to stem ratio decreased with increasing age which agrees with the work of Berhanu et al. [18] who reported the highest leaf to stem ratio at HS1. The reason might be the loss of leaves as the plants become more matured. The results of the current study indicated that leaf to stem ratio in both oats varieties decreased with the delay in harvesting stages. The higher (P < 0.001) leaf to stem ratio was recorded in CI-8237 compared to CI-8251 (Table 2).
Number of branches per plant for vetch species
A number of branches per plant in vetch were affected by both harvesting stages and species as shown in Table 3. An increasing number of branches per plant were recorded with harvesting stage. As age of the plant is increasing, there is possibility for emergence of new branches.
Table 3 Number of branches/vetch plant in oat–vetch mixtures at different cutting times
The current study showed higher number of branches per plant at HS3. But HS2 showed similar values with HS1 and HS3 (Table 3). On the other hand, V. villosa had higher number of branches than V. dasycarpa (Table 3). The current result was supported by Gezahegn et al. [19] who reported that V. dasycarpa and V. villosa giving the highest branches per plant.
Changes in dry matter accumulation and plant height of oats varieties
DM accumulation and plant height of oats varieties are presented in Table 4. The result showed that the increase in DM accumulation and growth in height during the twentieth and fortieth day of sampling was generally low compared to the rest of the sampling stages. Significant differences were not observed between the two oats varieties during the initial stage of growth. The rate of DM accumulation and growth in height were not significant at the 20th and the 40th sampling days. Change of DM accumulation had no significant variation between the two oats varieties at the 60th sampling days. However, after 40th day, the rate of DM accumulation and growth in height was increased with faster rates in both oats varieties. The result was in agreement with Negash et al. [21] who stated that plant height has a main contribution in green fodder and dry matter yield.
Table 4 Dry matter accumulation and plant height of oats varieties at different growth stages
The current result indicated that plant height at 60th, 80th and 100th day of growth was higher in oat variety CI-8237 compared to CI-8251. On the other hand, higher DM accumulation was obtained at the 80th and the 100th day of growth for oats variety CI-8237 compared to CI-8251 (Table 4). The result of the current study was found to be in line with Berhanu et al. [18] who reported similar values of dry matter accumulation and plant height in similar oat–vetch mixed experiments.
Changes in dry matter accumulation and plant height of vetch species
In the current study, DM accumulation and plant height were similar between the two vetch varieties during the early stages of vegetative growth, except DM accumulation at the 20th sampling day (Table 5). With regard to DM accumulation, significant (P < 0.05) variation was observed between the two vetch varieties at the 20th, 80th, and the 100th days of harvest, but the values for the 40th and the 60th days were found to be similar.
Table 5 Dry matter accumulation and plant height of vetch species at different growth stages
The current result also indicated higher DM accumulation for V. villosa than V. dasycarpa at the 80th and 100th sampling days. In the current study, similar plant height values were observed at the different cutting times for both vetch species except the 80th day at which V. dasycarpa gave higher values than V. villosa (Table 5).
The possible reason for higher DM accumulation for V. villosa than V. dasycarpa might be due to the higher branching abilities observed in V. villosa compared to V. dasycarpa. This result was in line with Gezahegn et al. [19] who obtained similar results among the vetch species during the initial growth stage.
Dry matter yield of oat and vetch mixtures
The dry matter yield (DMY) of mixtures were significantly (P < 0.001) affected both by main effects and their interactions (Table 6). Dry matter yield was higher at HS2 (4.99 t/ha), whereas the lowest dry matter yield (3.42 t/ha) was obtained at HS1. The lower DMY at HS1 for mixtures could be due to lower DM accumulation per plant which is expected at early stage of growth. The reason for highest DMY at HS2 could be due to the highest tiller number, leaf formation, leaf elongation, stem development and the maximum plant vegetative growth attended at this stage. The current result was conformed to McDonald et al. [22] who stated that stage of maturity of forages at harvesting stage is the most important factor that influences the DMY and nutritional quality. However, the current result was lower than the findings of Berhanu et al. [18] who obtained the lowest total herbage yield (4.1 t/ha) at HS1 and increased with increase in harvesting days under rain fed condition. Different scholars [23,24,25] reported different results with the current study indicating an increase in DM yield with delayed cutting time. The variation observed between the current study and the earlier works might be due to climatic, season and location differences which could affect the performance of different plant species differently.
Table 6 Dry matter yield (t/ha) of oats–vetch mixtures at different harvesting
When the values of mixture are considered, higher mean DMY (5.09 t/ha) was obtained in the mixture of CI-8237 + V. villosa followed by CI-8237 + V. dasycarpa (4.5 t/ha) and CI-8251 + V. villosa (3.66 t/ha), respectively, whereas the lowest mean DMY (3.22 t/ha) was recorded in the mixture of CI-8251 + V. dasycarpa (Table 6). In the present study, those varieties with higher dry matter accumulation and morphological performance in the growing period gave better DM yield. Hence, better plant vigor tended to produce higher herbage yield as compared to less vigorous varieties.
In case of interaction effect, the highest DMY (6.16 t/ha) was recorded for CI-8237 + V. villosa mixtures at HS2 (Table 6). The lowest DMY (2.76 t/ha) was obtained from CI-8251 + V. dasycarpa mixtures at HS1 and HS3. The results of the current study were supported by Gezahegn et al. [19] who reported that DMY is affected by genetic and environmental conditions at different forage harvesting stages. This result was also in line with the reports of Desalegn and Hassen [20] who obtained the highest dry matter yield of 3.64 t/ha from V. villosa which was found to be the best adaptive vetch species among the four vetch species tested by the author. Other studies by Bimrew et al. [26] and Genet et al. [27] showed that the dry matter yield was increased with an increase in harvesting days in Desho grass.
Nutritional quality of oat and vetch mixtures
Crude protein contents of oat–vetch mixtures at different harvesting stages
The mean crude protein content was significantly (P < 0.001) affected by harvesting stages and the interaction effects (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among oat–vetch mixtures. Higher (P < 0.001) crude protein percent was obtained at HS1 and lower (P < 0.001) value at HS3 (Table 7). The possible reason for higher CP content at HS1 could be plants accumulated higher amounts of CP at early stages of growth and declines due to the dilution of the CP content by an increase in structural carbohydrate as plants advanced in age. On the other hand, the lowest CP recorded at HS3 might be the reduction of leaves due to shattering of leaves in vetch species.
Table 7 Crude protein content (%) of oats–vetch mixtures at different harvesting stage
The current result of crude protein percent is in line with Berhanu et al. [18] who reported a decreasing trend in crude protein with increase in harvesting stages in oat and vetch mixtures. Similarly, Dura et al. [28] reported higher CP contents in purely sown legumes than in cereals. Scholars [26, 27] also reported that in Desho grass, the CP content was decreased as the age of plants advanced. In case of interaction effect, the highest CP (21.38%) was obtained from the mixture of CI-8251 + V. dasycarpa at HS1. The high CP value obtained in mixed forages of the current study is supported by Berhanu et al. [18] who reported that mixtures of forage up to 25–50% legume produced more quality forage and yield per unit area than purely sown forages. Befekadu and Yunus [29] suggested that the maximum CP concentration was recorded in the highest proportion of legume plants and Fantahun [30] also reported that the highest quality forage obtained from oat with legume mixtures. Gezahegn [31] reported 18% CP in oats–vetch mixture, and Starks et al. [32] reported 26% CP in case of pure stand vetch.
Crude protein yield of oat and vetch mixtures
Crude protein yield was affected (P < 0.001) by harvesting stages, mixtures and their interactions (Table 8).
Table 8 Crude protein yield (t/ha) for oat–vetch mixtures at different harvesting stages
The highest mean crude protein yield (0.81 t/ha) was recorded at HS2 followed by HS1 (0.66 t/ha) and the least (0.61 t/ha) was obtained at HS3 (Table 8). In the current study, the low CP yield recorded at later harvesting ages might be due to the differences in varieties (oat and vetch) as well as the loss of leaves and the increment of the cell wall constituents which negatively affect crude protein yield. Geleti [33] suggested that CPY is the product of total dry matter yield and CP concentration in the plant which can be substantiated by the values obtained from CP percent and the dry mater yield obtained from each treatment in Tables 6 and 7. Because of this fact, the amount of CPY was reduced at HS3. The crude protein yield (CPY) showed significance difference (P < 0.001) among treatments with the highest CPY obtained from CI-8237 + V. villosa and the least recorded from CI-8251 + V. dasycarpa (Table 8). The current result agrees with Diriba and Vaars [34] who suggested higher CPY being an indicative of importance of the forages. Gezahegn [31] also stated genetic characteristics being the basis for variation in nutritive values that determine production, utilization and the various management practices.
Total ash content of oats/vetch mixtures
Total ash content was significantly affected (P < 0.001) by harvesting stages (Table 9). However, there was no any significant difference (P > 0.05) among the treatment mixtures as well as their interaction. Significantly higher (P < 0.001) ash content was recorded at HS1. A reducing trend in ash content was recorded from HS1 to HS3. However, HS2 and HS3 were not statistically different from each other.
Table 9 Ash content (%) of oats–vetch mixtures at different harvesting stages
The ash content obtained in this study was in agreement with Diriba and Vaars [34] who reported that mineral contents of plants declined during the maturing process due to natural dilution and translocation of nutrients from vegetative part to the root system. McDonald et al. [22] also reported that mineral concentration declines with age and influenced by soil type, soil nutrient levels and seasonal conditions. However, the results of the current study disagree with the results of Yehalem [35] who reported an increase in total ash contents with advancing plant maturity. In general, variation in concentration of minerals in forages can be induced by factors like varieties, plant developmental stage, morphological fractions, climatic conditions, soil characteristics and fertilization regime [19, 36].
Fiber and lignin contents
Neutral detergent fiber content
Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content was affected (P < 0.001) both by main effects and their interactions (Table 10). The highest NDF content (54.89%) was recorded at HS3 and the lowest value (45.98%) at HS1. The result showed that the NDF content was increased with delayed harvesting stage from HS1 to HS3.
Table 10 Neutral detergent fiber content (%) of oats–vetch mixtures at different harvesting stages
This increase in NDF content with advancing maturity was also reported by other authors [17, 26, 35, 37, 38]. This might be due to an increase in fiber content which could be accompanied by a decrease in CP content associated with an increase in the proportion of lignified structural tissue at later stage of growth. The highest NDF was recorded from the mixture of CI-8237 + V. villosa, but the values for CI-8237 + V. dasycarpa (O1V2), CI-8251 + V. villosa (O2V1) and CI-8251 + V. dasycarpa (O2V2) were statistically similar (Table 10). The significant NDF value in one mixture could be due to the genetic make-up of the mixture varieties.
Acid detergent fiber content
Acid detergent fiber was significantly affected (P < 0.001) by harvesting stages and (P < 0.01) due to mixtures, but not their interactions (Table 11).
Table 11 Acid detergent fiber content (%) oats–vetch mixtures at different harvesting stages
Based on this result, treatments harvested at HS3 gave the highest ADF content (38.72%) compared to the rest of the harvesting stages (HS2 and HS3) with the lowest mean NDF value (33.37%) recorded at HS1 (Table 11). This result shows that ADF content was increased with advancing maturity. The ADF value in the current study was in line with the findings of Berhanu et al. [18] who reported 40.68% NDF value ranging from 33.09 to 44.97 at different harvesting days in case of oat and vetch mixtures. The highest ADF concentration produced at late harvesting stage might be due to the decrease in leaf to stem proportion and an increase in cell wall lignifications which may lead to raised ADF concentration at an advanced growth stage. Likewise, Bimrew et al. [26] and Cetin and Turk [38] reported that the highest ADF value was recorded at late harvesting period. On the other hand, in the current study, the highest ADF value was recorded for CI-8251 + V. dasycarpa, but CI-8237 + V. villosa gave statistically similar values.
Acid detergent lignin content
Acid detergent lignin (ADL) was significantly (P < 0.001) affected by harvesting stages, but mixtures and their interactions did not show significant effect on this parameter (Table 12). The highest (11.87%) and lowest (7.92%) mean ADL contents were recorded at HS3 and HS1, respectively.
Table 12 Acid detergent lignin content (%) of oats–vetch mixtures at different harvesting stages
Generally, the current result showed that ADL content was increased with advancing maturity. This could be due to rapid lignifications as the result of concentration of structural carbohydrates at advanced age of plant growth. The present result was in line with other findings which reported higher lignin contents with prolonged growth stages [22, 27, 39].
Based on the current result, all agronomic parameters, biomass yield and nutritional value were affected by harvesting stages. The different oats varieties and vetch species in this study also showed variations in most measured traits due to differences in genetic, seasonal and environmental factors. Plant height, leaf number and leaf to stem ratio were recorded to be higher for oats CI-8237 resulting in higher dry matter accumulation rate over the growing period. In case of vetch species, a higher number of branches were recorded in V. villosa compared to V. dasycarpa, whereas higher plant height was recorded in V. dasycarpa. Therefore, CI-8237 and V. villosa combination performed better in most agronomic and nutritional parameters at harvesting stage two (milk stage) and it is recommended for fodder production in similar agro-ecology using the residual moisture to fill the dry season feed shortage (through conserved forage) and improve livestock productivity and enhance food security.
ADF:
acid detergent fiber
ADL:
acid detergent lignin
AOAC:
association of Official Analytical Chemists
crude protein
CPY:
crude protein yield
CSA:
central Statistical Agency
coefficient of variation
GLM:
general linear model
harvesting stage
NDF:
neutral detergent fiber
RCBD:
randomized complete block design
SAS:
statistical analysis system
CSA. Agricultural sample survey volume II: report on livestock and livestock characteristics (Private peasant holdings). Central Statistics Authority (CSA), Statistical Bulletin 583. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2016.
Asresie A, Zemedu L. Contribution of livestock sector in ethiopian economy: a review. Adv Life Sci Technol. 2015;29:79–91.
Alemayehu M, Getnet A. The evaluation of forage seed production in Ethiopia. In: Assefa G, Dejene M, Hanson J, Anemut G, Mengistu S, Mengistu A, editors. Forage seed research and development in Ethiopia. Addis Ababa: Ethiopia Institute of Agricultural Research; 2012. p. 15–32.
Menale K. Economic and environmental benefits of forage legume cereal intercropping in the mixed farming system: a case study in West Gojam, Ethiopia. 2011. http://www.edri.org.et/Resources/Working_Papers/ED.of_Forage_Legume.pdf.
Nadeem M, Ansar M, Anwar A, Hussain A, Khan S. Performance of winter cereal–legumes fodder mixtures and their pure stand at different growth stages under rainfed conditions of Pothowar. J Agric Res. 2010;48:181–91.
Matt A, Geoffrey B, Robert S, Leah R. Grass–legume proportions in forage seed mixtures and effects on herbage yield and weed abundance. Agron J. 2013;105:1–67.
Erol A, Kaplan M, Kizilsimsek M. Oats (Avena sativa): common vetch (Vicia sativa) mixtures grown on a low-input basis for a sustainable agriculture. Trop Grassl. 2009;43:191–6.
Getnet A, Tekleyohanes B, Lemma G, Mesfin D, Diriba G. Major herbaceous forage legumes: some achievements in species and varietal evaluation in Ethiopia. In: Kemal A, Seid A, Surendra B, Gemechu K, Rajendra M, Khaled M, editors. Food and forage legumes of Ethiopia: progress and prospects. Proceedings of the work shop on food and forage legumes, 22–26 September 2003, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2003.
Mengistu S. Forage development for sheep and goats. Sheep and goat production handbook for Ethiopia. Ethiopia Sheep and Goat Productivity Improvement Program. 2008.
IPMS (Improving Productivity and Market Success of Ethiopian Farmers). IPMS ATLAS 2008, Fogera woreda. 2008.
Fogera Agricultural and Natural Resource Office (FANRO). Annual statistical data of planning and monitoring team, Fogera. 2016.
Akililu M, Alemayehu M. Measurements in pasture and forage cropping systems. Technical manual 18, EIAR, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2007; p. 41.
Getnet A. Feed resource assessment and evaluation of forage yield, quality and intake of oats and vetches grown in pure stand and mixtures in the highlands of Ethiopia. M.Sc. thesis, Uppsala. 1999; p. 1–26.
AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists). Official methods of analysis. 15th ed. USA. 1990.
Van Soest PJ, Robertson JB, Lewis BA. Meal on performance and carcass characteristics of methods for dietary fiber, neutral detergent fiber and finishing Awassi lambs. Trop Anim Health Prod. 1991;42:293–300.
SAS (Statistical Analysis Software). Statistical analysis for science, software release 9.1. Cary: SAS Institute Inc.; 2008.
Shoaib M, Ayub M, Zamir M, Akhtar MJ. Dry matter yield of oat–Egyptian clover mixture under varying proportions and different growth stages of oat. Int J Agric Biol. 2013;15(4):673–9.
Berhanu A, Melaku S, Prasad NK. Effects of varying seed proportions and harvesting stages on biological compatibility and forage yield of oats (Avena sativa L.) and vetch (Vicia villosa R.) mixtures. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 2007; 19:12. Retrieved August 24, 2017, from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd19/1/alem19012.htm.
Gezahegn K, Getnet A, Alemayehu M, Fekede F. Forage nutritive values of vetch species and their accessions grown under nitosol and vertisol conditions in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Livestock research for rural development. 2013; 26. Retrieved November 10, 2016, from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd26/1/kebe26020.htm.
Desalegn K, Wasihun H. Evaluation of biomass yield and nutritional value of different species of vetch (Vicia). Acad J Nutr. 2015;4(3):99–105. https://doi.org/10.5829/idosi.ajn.2015.4.3.96130.
Negash D, Animut G, Urgie M, Mengistu S. Evaluation of forage yield and soil characterization of oats (Avena sativa) grown in mixture with vetch (Vicia villosa) with or without phosphorus fertilization in East shoa Zone, Ethiopia. Acad Res J Agric Sci Res. 2017;5(3):219–29. https://doi.org/10.14662/ARJASR2017.022
McDonald P, Edward RA, Greenhalgh JFD, Morgan GA. Animal nutrition. 6th ed. Pearson Educational Limited: Edinburgh; 2002. p. 544.
Ayub M, Tanveer A, Nadeem MA, Tahir M, Ibrahim M. Effect of seed proportion and nitrogen application on forage yield and nutritive value of barley–pea mixture harvested at different times. Pak J Life Soc Sci. 2008;6(2):135–9.
Ammar H, Lopez S, Andres S. Influence of maturity stage of forage grasses and leguminous on their chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility. Options Mediterr. 2010;92:199–203.
Atis I, Konuskan O, Duru M, Gozubenli H, Yilmaz S. Effect of harvesting time on yield, composition and forage quality of some forage sorghum cultivars. Int J Agric Biol. 2012;14:879–86.
Bimrew A, Solomon D, Taye T, Firew T, Jane W. Effects of altitude and harvesting days on morphological characteristics, yield and nutritive value of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) in Ethiopia. Ph.D. dissertation of Jima University, 2016.
Genet T, Bimrew A, Yeshambel M. Effects of harvesting age and spacing on plant characteristics, chemical composition and yield of desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin.) in the highlands of Ethiopia. Trop Grassl. 2017;5(2):77–84.
Dura K, Aleksandar M, Branko M, Sanja V, Nenad D. Common vetch–wheat intercropping: haylage yield and quality depending on sowing rates. Afr J Biotechnol. 2012;11(30):7637–42.
Befekadu C, Yunus A. Evaluation of biomass yield and growth performance of alfalfa and oat cultivars in the High Land of Arsi, Ethiopia. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 2015; 27: Article #114. Retrieved January 2018, from http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd27/6/befe27114.html.
Fantahun D. The effect of variety and seed proportions on yield, nutritional quality and compatibility of oats and vetch mixtures. M.Sc. thesis, Addis Ababa University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Ethiopia. 2016.
Gezahegn K. Evaluation of vetch species for yield, yield components and herbage quality in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Acad Res J Agric Sci Res. 2016;4:264–78. https://doi.org/10.14662/ARJASR2016.034.
Starks PJ, Zhao D, Philips WA, Coleman SW. Herbage mass, nutritive value and canopy spectral reflectance of Bermuda grass. Grass Forage Sci. 2006;61:101111.
Geleti D. Agronomic and nutritional evaluation of selected forage legumes and locally available feedstuff, and characterization of forage and dairy innovation systems in Bako and Nekemte Peri-Urban Areas, Oromia, Ethiopia. Ph.D. dissertation, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. 2014.
Diriba G, Vaars R. Productivity of panicum coloratum under varying stages of harvest, low level of nitrogen fertilizer and in combination with stylosanthes during establishment year. M.Sc. thesis, Alemaya University, Ethiopia. 2000.
Yehalem D. Effect of stage of harvesting on botanical composition of selected natural pasture for optimum hay production at Andassa, North Western Ethiopia. M.Sc. thesis, Alemaya University, Ethiopia. 2004; p. 78.
Jukenvicius S, Sabiene N. The content of mineral elements in some grasses and legumes. Ekologija. 2007;53:44–52.
Kitaba A, Tamir B. Effect of harvesting stage and nutrient levels on nutritive values of natural pasture in central highlands of Ethiopia. Agric Trop Subtrop. 2007;40(1):7–12.
Cetin I, Turk M. The effects of different harvest times on forage yield and quality of some vetch (Vicia spp.) species. Suleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops, Isparta, Turkey, 2016; p. 251–256.
Ansah T, Osafo ELK, Hanne HH. Herbage yield and chemical composition of four varieties of Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) grass harvested at three different days after planting. Agric Biol J N Am. 2010;1(5):923–9.
EA contributed in research proposal writing, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation and article writing. BA contributed in research proposal writing and article writing. YM contributed in research proposal and article writing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Authors’ information
Eshet is M.Sc. holder in animal nutrition and feed processing, currently working in Tach Gaynt district of Trade and Industry Office. Berhanu an Assistant Professor of Animal Feeds and Nutrition, currently teaching and conducting research in the area of animal feeds and feeding, animal production and productivity improvement in Ethiopia. Yeshambel is an Associate Professor of Animal Feeds and Nutrition, currently teaching and conducting research in the area of animal feeds and feeding, animal production and productivity improvement in Ethiopia.
The first author acknowledges Holeta Agriculture Research center and Debre Berhan Research Center for their support in the analysis of the feed chemical composition analysis.
Availability of supporting data
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Ethical approval and consent to participate
Tach Gaynt District of Trade Industry Office, North Gondar Zone.
Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural and Natural Resource, Debre Markos University, P.O. Box 269, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
Eshetie Alemu Molla
& Berhanu Alemu Wondimagegn
Department of Animal Production and Technology, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 5501, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Yeshambel Mekuriaw Chekol
Search for Eshetie Alemu Molla in:
Search for Berhanu Alemu Wondimagegn in:
Search for Yeshambel Mekuriaw Chekol in:
Correspondence to Yeshambel Mekuriaw Chekol.
Molla, E.A., Wondimagegn, B.A. & Chekol, Y.M. Evaluation of biomass yield and nutritional quality of oats–vetch mixtures at different harvesting stage under residual moisture in Fogera District, Ethiopia. Agric & Food Secur 7, 88 (2018) doi:10.1186/s40066-018-0240-y
Legume and grass
Residual moisture
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13469
|
__label__wiki
| 0.810223
| 0.810223
|
Air Herald
People & World
Iran started injecting uranium gas into more than 1.000 centrifuges this midnight
Get Free Solar System Quotes in Kern County, California
Activist involved in anti-government protests in Hong Kong has been shot by police during a clash
Ultra Keto Slim Australia – Major Discounts on the top Weight Loss Keto Supplement
Former French president, Jacques Chirac, dies at 86
Deadly California Hepatitis A Outbreak Could Last Years
@AirHerald_ california, hepatitis A, hepatitis A outbreak, homeless, los angeles, medical care, san diego, vaccine October 6, 2017
The nation’s second largest hepatitis A outbreak in the last 20 years could keep going for months, if not even years, according to health officials
There are at least 569 people who have been infected so far while 17 others have died of the virus since November in San Diego, Santa Cruz and Los Angeles.
Medical epidemiologist, Dr. Monique Foster, told reporters that this outbreak could linger in spite of the prevention efforts.
“It’s not unusual for them to last quite some time — usually over a year, one to two years,” Foster said.
As expected, this forecast has got health officials all over the state of California worried, and even in states where there haven’t yet been cases.
Many are starting to offer vaccines to their homeless people, as they are consider to be more at risk. Doctors also say that those with hepatitis A could travel and infect people in a new community without even realizing it, creating more outbreaks.
Hepatitis A is most commonly transmitted through contaminated food. Unsanitary conditions make it more likely to spread. California’s outbreak is spreading from person to person, especially in homeless communities.
“The general population — if you’re not in one of those specific risk groups — is at very low risk, and we’re not recommending vaccinations,” he said.
People & World /
Kenya is the 3rd African country that outs out new malaria vaccine
The Kennedy Family Buries Yet Another Family Member
Women in Saudi Arabia Are Now Allowed to Travel Independently Without a Male Guardian’s Permission
Malaysia Is Planning To Send Plastic Waste Back To Foreign Nations
Man quits his job to build beds for children in need and his charity is now taking off
‹ Google Pixel 2 Takes Top Spot From iPhone 8 Plus › Trump Administration demands border wall deal from the Congress
Celebrity chef and restaurateur, Carl Ruiz, dies at 44
Trump says he knows how to cut San Francisco’s homeless population in half, but California doesn’t see the same solutions
US job growth likely slowed in August, but gains are enough to support the economy
UltraMax Testo Capsules at special Prices
© Air Herald 2020
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13471
|
__label__cc
| 0.589345
| 0.410655
|
Crow Pass Crossing
Alaska Sports Blog
PLAAY
Directors’ Awards
Airport Gallery
Healthy Heroes
⇒ Navigate SiteThe Hall – Home – Mission – Organization – Sponsors – Support Us – Merchandise – In the News – Crow Pass Crossing Teach – Alaska Sports Blog – PLAAY – Archives Honor – Inductees – Selection Process – Your Voice – Directors’ Awards – Athlete of the Week – Candidates – Airport Gallery Inspire – Healthy Futures – Healthy Heroes Blog – Alaska Sports Blog – About – Athletes Healthy Futures PLAAY
Alaska Sports Hall of Fame
https://twitter.com/AKsportshall/lists/ashof-twitter-feed
Hickel changes sweaters but stays in CWHL with Calgary
Anchorage’s Zoe Hickel is on her way to the Calgary Inferno in a move she hopes will help her find her way back to the Clarkson Cup final in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League. The 25-year-old free agent will reunite with her former University of Minnesota Duluth coach Shannon Miller, who recently took over as… Read more »
Will Norris remain king? Mt Marathon men’s Top 10 predictions
– By Matias Saari, Alaska Sports Blog Contributor Picking the top-10 for the men’s race at Mount Marathon is a crapshoot as perhaps 20 guys are capable of achieving that result. Standing out from the crowd are the course record holder, a couple of pros sponsored by Salomon, the “Gang of Four” mountain fanatics, a 40-something… Read more »
Holley proves himself in CFL as one of Alaska’s gridiron greats
Anchorage’s Caleb Holley isn’t satisfied with just being the first Alaskan in 20 years to play in the Canadian Football League. He’s leaving his mark. The third-year wide receiver with the Saskatchewan Roughriders recently reached the 100-reception milestone in 37 games Holley, of East High fame, has also racked up 1,381 yards and seven touchdowns…. Read more »
Lasher keeps Australian pro team in striking distance of lead
Anchorage’s Colter Lasher scored 22 points to lead Geraldton to a 96-88 win over East Perth and complete the season sweep in Australia’s State Basketball League. The rookie forward improved his player ranking five points from his first game of the series, thanks to in part to a season-high six steals. Lasher, of Dimond High… Read more »
Williams named Portuguese All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year
Travante Williams of Anchorage was an absolute game changer in his first season in the Portuguese League. A reliable scorer and relentless defender, the 6-foot-4 forward helped Oliveirense run the table in the playoffs en route to winning the league title. The league crown was just one of the many honors in this Alaskan’s superb… Read more »
Dunbar, Updike earn top-15 finishes at USATF Championships
Kodiak’s Trevor Dunbar and Ketchikan’s Isaac Updike were among the country’s best track and field stars to compete on the national stage at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. Dunbar, of Kodiak High fame, was 12th among 19 finishers in the men’s 5,000 meters, crossing in 13 minutes, 46.20 seconds. The former NCAA… Read more »
Baker closes door for Tulsa Drillers, picks up 6th save of year
As a relief pitcher, Dylan Baker of Juneau never knows when or if he’ll enter a game. Sometimes the situation changes at a moment’s notice. That’s what happened when the Tulsa Drillers beat the Northwest Arkansas Naturals 4-3 in Double-A Texas League action. Trailing 3-1 entering the eighth inning, Tulsa exploded for three runs to… Read more »
Homza scores winning run for minor-league team in Arizona
Anchorage’s Jonny Homza reached base three times and scored the winning run in the top of the ninth inning to lift the San Diego Padres rookie-level team to a 12-11 win over the Mariners in the Arizona League. The 19-year-old hit cleanup and played catcher the whole way, throwing out his first baserunner in this… Read more »
Wilcox posts 2nd-fastest time ever at Navad 1000 in Switzerland
Anchorage’s Lael Wilcox made history at the Navad 1000 in Switzerland as she pedaled her bike faster than any woman has in the event’s four-year history. This year she finished second overall with a time that would have been good enough to win in each of the previous three years. The Navad 1000 is a… Read more »
Griffin part of Opals team headed to China for World Cup tuneup
Before heading off to the World Cup in September, Eagle River’s Kelsey Griffin and the Australia Opals will make a stop in China for a four-nation tournament. The 6-foot-2 forward will lead the world’s fourth-ranked team in action against No. 8 Serbia, No. 10 China and No. 15 Argentina starting July 9 as a tuneup… Read more »
© 2020 Alaska Sports Hall Of Fame.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13474
|
__label__wiki
| 0.814725
| 0.814725
|
We use cookies to help ensure the best experience on our website. Privacy Policy
Animal Legal Defense Fund homepage
Animals Used in Research
Animals' Legal Status
Stop the Hunt
Farmed Animals Suffer in Cruel Experiments for Meat Industry
The New York Times just released the shocking results of an investigation of outrageous cruelty to animals used in taxpayer-funded experiments. The experiments attempt to create farmed animals who yield more meat, cost less to produce, and have more offspring. This unregulated research benefits the meat industry’s quest to sell more meat, but the animals pay for it dearly.
The U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (MARC), funded by your tax dollars through the USDA, seeks to genetically manipulate animals to increase the animal agriculture industry’s bottom line. The animals used in these disturbing experiments are largely unprotected; federal laws generally do not protect farmed animals from mistreatment or being used in inhumane research.
Animal Production in Exchange for Animal Well-Being
For ten years, MARC has been trying to create sheep that require less effort on the part of the farmer (i.e., can survive without costly barns) by making sheep give birth alone in open fields, where baby lambs are often abandoned by their mothers and killed by starvation, weather, or torn apart by coyotes. One quarter to one third of the lambs die.
And for nearly thirty years, the facility has been genetically manipulating cows, who do not naturally have litters, to produce twins. 95% of female twins were deformed, and the death rate of twin calves was four times higher than single calves. These animals don’t even receive basic care. Thousands have starved and died from exposure to bad weather, and hundreds have died from mastitis, a painful and easily treatable udder infection.
Researchers without veterinary or medical degrees operate on and euthanize these animals. A MARC scientist was quoted as saying, “A vet has no business coming in and telling you how to [operate on animals].” MARC currently has only one veterinarian on staff, and that person and others have complained repeatedly to managers about a failure to fully consider the pain that animals suffer during experiments.
No Oversight for Animal Experiments
No federal laws govern the treatment of farmed animals used for experimentation. The Animal Welfare Act, which provides minimal protections for animals used in experiments and held in captivity, exempts the farmed animals used in experiments at MARC. Additionally, the USDA reportedly fails to enforce its own rules, which require careful scrutiny of experiments by a review committee. It also does not require MARC to keep records for treatment of all the animals. And, until now, the public had no idea that the government spends tens of millions of dollars to help the meat industry complete these horrific experiments that have caused pain and suffering to thousands of animals.
Do not economically support the industry that drives these experiments; instead opt for a plant-based diet.
Inform family and friends about the issue.
Sign the Change.org petition to stop these experiments.
Support ALDF in our work to fight abuses at factory farms, work with legislators to strengthen laws protecting farmed animals, and assist prosecutors handling cruelty cases.
Exposing Animal Abusers: Update on the Animal Welfare Blackout
In early 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) purged tens of thousands of important documents related to animal welfare from the agency’s website. The purged inspection reports documented violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
Federal Appeals Court Reinstates Lawsuit Challenging USDA Secrecy on Animal Welfare Act Records
Animal protection coalition wins important victory in fight to restore animal welfare databases
Animal Legal Defense Fund Lawsuit Shuts Down Florida Backyard Slaughter Operations
Court rules slaughter operations violate state animal cruelty and slaughter laws.
Join Us. Sign up for our newsletter
The Animal Legal Defense Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our EIN number is 94-2681680. The Animal Legal Defense Fund is rated four-stars by Charity Navigator, is a Platinum Level GuideStar Exchange participant, a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity, and an Independent Charity Seal of Excellence awardee, ensuring that we meet the highest standards of accountability, efficiency, and impact. For intellectual property information and terms of use, visit our Intellectual Property Terms of Use page. For privacy policy and ad & cookie policy information, visit our Privacy Policy pages.
Animal Legal Defense Fund, National Headquarters
525 East Cotati Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931
(707) 795-2533 | info@aldf.org
To update your payment information, visit our Member Center.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13476
|
__label__cc
| 0.731751
| 0.268249
|
Dance ‘n’ Luv Series
Holiday Luv series
Free E-read Apps
Ancient Women of Power from Collaborating Authors Natalie G. Owens and Zee Monodee
Posted on May 30, 2013 by Alicia & Roy Street
Please welcome my friends Natalie G. Owens and Zee Monodee. They’re here to talk about their paranormal romance — INESCAPABLE. The fact that they collaborate is as intriguing as the novel, since Zee lives on the island of Mauritius, in the southern Indian Ocean, and Natalie lives on the Mediterranean island of Malta.
1 – What inspired you to write paranormal romance novels?
Nat: I think it was a combination of things. First, there were my favorite shows on TV, most of which involved at least elements of the paranormal, if not having this as the main focus. Second, I always nurtured a love of history, mysteries and everything gothic. It all came to a head when thinking up plot ideas which always seemed to steer me toward writing about magical and supernatural realms.
Zee: I’ve always loved the paranormal. I mean, magic and all that? Magical creatures that can do things that are out of this world? I’ve always had a very active imagination and it’s no surprise that this took me down the ‘magical what if’ route. My forte is characters in a family/relationship setting; Natalie’s is the gothic and horror-style world building. We worked with our strengths and PNR sounded like the perfect bet.
2- What paranormal movies/shows/books do you like?
Nat: As far as books are concerned, I love the classics, as well as thrillers, mysteries, and romance, sometimes but not always with hints of paranormal. Some favorite writers: Jon Trace, Elizabeth Kostova (The Historian), Amanda Quick (Arcane Society series), Bram Stoker (Dracula), Edgar Allan Poe. TV: I used to be a huge—and I mean huge—fan of the Highlander movies and series when they first came out (kinda tells you how old I am, lol). Today, there’s much fodder for the imagination coming from the small screen—shows like The Dead Zone, Fringe, Charmed, Persons of Interest; these are just a few of my absolute favorites. Movies: Eagle Eye, Wanted, Carrie, Jumper, The Devil’s Advocate, The Shining, Dracula, The Sixth Sense, The Others, Constantine, Sleepy Hollow, From Hell, The Woman in Black, Flatliners…shall I go on? I could… :-).
Zee: LOL. Don’t get me started on Supernatural! I have watched every episode of that show, can quote you lines from every season. We got Season 1 quite late on TV here, so I got addicted rather recently. Then we cancelled satellite and I was left reeling. But a couple years later, my cousin sent me DVDs of the remaining seasons. I watched Seasons 2-6 in 2 weeks. No kidding. I just couldn’t get enough! There’s not just the eye candy in there (Jensen Ackles and my TV husband, Jared Padalecki) but the myths and arcs are absolutely riveting. Natalie and I are going for that same kind of series premise and arc for Eternelles. I was also a die-hard fan of Charmed; I cried during the series finale. A few people who have read Inescapable so far say there’s a huge family/relationship-oriented vibe exactly like in Charmed in the series, combined with the strong female protagonists and the mysterious and yummy heroes. In movies, I love myth-type storylines like Constantine, Legion, The Covenant (pure eye candy there, I’ll admit, lol). But I’m not one for horror, not the haunted house/ghost/evil spirits kind.
And books, there’s Christopher Pike, that I loved as a teen. Grown-up books – I absolutely love Janni Nell’s Allegra Fairweather, Paranormal Investigator series. Sam Cheever’s Tweener series, about a half angel, half demon heroine. Christine Feehan’s Ghostwalker series. I have Nalini Singh, Karen Marie Moning, and Kim Harrison on my TBR pile.
3- Where/when does you novel take place?
Nat: Although our main characters have lived a very long time, the story takes place in present day in the fictional town of Shadow Bridge—totally our fabrication. Or is it?
Zee: Yes, the time period is present day, and the setting is Shadow Bridge. We tried to base the town on an existing locale, but I’d say what came out became our very own, unique world. Imagine any small town America locale in a rural-type county with lots of prairies and open areas. Not cowboy land, though, so not the Midwest. We placed Shadow Bridge on the US East coast, halfway between New York and Washington, DC. Now, like every small town, you have a community there. People who live in apparent harmony, but small tensions lie beneath the surface, nevertheless. Shadow Bridge is all that, and more. It’s a microcosm of the supernatural world, with very few, if any, humans living there. Most of the action takes place in this town, though we have branched to New York in Inescapable, and the next books in the series will travel to the Middle East and Old Europe towns like Budapest and Prague.
4- Tell us a little about the characters and story.
Nat: My character is Sera Dionysios, who is roughly 125 years old. At least, that’s how long she’s been under Adri’s care—ever since the day she dropped into the older woman’s arms as a baby wrapped in flames. Neither of them burned or came out with a scratch from that experience. Sera’s origins remain mysterious, but it has been deduced she has both phoenix and gypsy blood. Thanks to Rafe Harcourt, she is also part vampyre, or, as she sees herself, part monster.
Sera’s “love” (and “hate”) interest is Rafe Harcourt, a vampyre overlord who is half French and half Saracen. Born in the twelfth century to a mother who’s been shamed among her people, he has a very difficult childhood, until he is taken in and practically raised by an enigmatic Italian man called Virgilio Manera. Eventually, Rafe is turned by Manera. In the early 20th century, Rafe sees Sera and, despite the fact that she’s engaged to another man, his obsession with her grows until he sees no other option but to possess her.…
Zee: Mine are Adrasteia ‘Adri’ Dionysos, and Desmond ‘Des’ Roxburgh.
Adri was born 2,900 years ago in Ancient Greece. She’s the unlikely daughter a human maenad bore for Greek god of wine and revelry, Dionysos. Dionysos would’ve sacrificed her on the altar of his greatness right after her birth, but Zeus stepped in to save her, and raised her as his own on Olympus. But 100 years later, they had a falling out after a pesky family quarrel that involved Ares, Zeus son and Adri’s foster brother. Surviving more than anything as courtesan over the centuries on Earth, she gains new purpose the day a flaming bundle appears in her arms in the stables of her French chateau in 1887. The baby girl becomes her reason to live, and Adri takes this motherhood job a tad too seriously at times…
Des Roxburgh is her love interest. Des is a mysterious creature; the only one of his kind, he admits, though no one knows what that ‘kind’ would be. Adri has suspicions he could be part demon… It turns out he is older than her, even, because he admits to have been there to witness the closing of the portal that sealed Evil behind its doors a long, very long time ago. Why is Des here now, and what does he want? This is what Adri needs to find out, before her treacherous heart surrenders everything she is to him.
In the middle of all this – and Rafe stepping in to ‘claim’ Sera as his – a prophecy is uncovered, and it puts Sera at the heart of a plot to unlock the portal that should never be breached. A race against time starts to keep Evil from winning after being confined for millennia behind that closed door.
5- Needless to say, I’m no stranger to writing with a partner. Tell us about yourselves and your collaboration.
Nat: Zee and I have been friends for a long time, way back when my almost 4-year-old son wasn’t even an idea and her son, who is now 10, was fresh out of diapers. We’ve been through some challenges together, and connected on so many levels. Despite being from different countries and cultures, life as a woman, mother, wife and author was the same for us. Eventually, the suggestion that we should write something together came naturally. I knew Zee’s talent and also, her incredible work ethic. To me, it was a no-brainer. So, one day, we started toying with the idea that became “Eternelles”. It took us about 10 months to create the series bible, character profiles, and the outline of the first “season”, meaning the first three books in the series.
Zee: It does feel like ages, innit? Wow… Yes, the years have passed before we knew it, and every day that came saw our friendship and the sisterly bond between us deepening. It was unbelievable how much we think alike and conceive of a ‘successful’ future in the same terms.
I’ve always loved Natalie’s voice. She has a unique way of writing that brings such beautiful imagery to mind… I’ll shamelessly admit I wanted that kind of strength in one of my works, but poetic voice is not my strength at all. I’m more action and emotions. Then it struck me how the best of both worlds would be to combine our strengths, by co-writing something. At the time, both of us were looking at ambiguous futures with publishers, and Natalie had decided to take the plunge into self-publishing. I wanted that kind of freedom, too. So it was a no-brainer to join forces and self pub our story.
And it was so amazing how much we thought alike – for example, whenever we brainstormed our respective plots, one of us would make a suggestion and the other would find that idea as an extension of her own mind. We just had to exploit such a connection!
Find INESCAPABLE at:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/13UwYCw
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/10yRjt7
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/16JmZV6
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/17zvEHx
Kobo: http://bit.ly/18nTRBV
iBookstore: http://bit.ly/ZMs7nB
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Authors, Natalie G. Owens, paranormal romance, Zee Monodee | 8 Comments
Authors Give Back Blog Hop
The WG2E Street Team Authors are proud to be a part of Bestselling author Brenda Novak’s Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research. It’s been going on all month and winds down May 31. Throughout the event they hold special one-day auctions, and the WG2E Street Team Authors donation auction is today, May 28!
Up for grabs is a Kindle Paperwhite ($119. value) that comes pre-loaded with over 40 e-books by WG2E Street Team authors covering a wide range of genres, from suspense, romance, and young adult to fantasy, science fiction, paranormal and horror. Tossed into the package is a cool wall charger. (Total value $259)
This was masterminded by Rhonda Hopkins, whose wonderful Authors Give Back series is something you should definitely check out. She and Greg Carrico decided we ought to make it more fun for our readers with an added Blog Hop and Giveaway of Amazon gift cards and some free e-books. You can check that out here and here.
WG2E Street Team authors involved: E.C. Adams, Meredith Bond, Fabio Bueno, Gregory Carrico, Rhonda Hopkins, C.C. MacKenzie, Nana Malone, Faith Moritmer, Stacey Joy Netzel, Natalie Owens, D.D. Scott, Sheila Seabrook, Lily Silver, Christina Teatreault, Kiru Taye, Tamara Ward — and of course Alicia & Roy Street 🙂
Posted in Alicia Street | Tagged blog hop, Brenda Novak Auction, prizes, WG2E | 3 Comments
Authors and Readers Connecting
Alicia is at the WG2E blog today asking some questions about the ways authors and readers connect through social media. Hop on over there and join the conversation!
Posted in Alicia Street | Tagged Alicia Street, Authors, readers
The Gatsby Game—A Real Hollywood Mystery (with a Real Jazz Soundtrack)
Posted on May 8, 2013 by Alicia & Roy Street
To celebrate the new film of The Great Gatsby, and the fact that the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic has claimed the #1 spot on the Amazon Bestseller list (thanks in part to the Stephen Colbert Book Club), my friend Anne R. Allen is hitting the blog trail talking about The Gatsby Game, her super fabulous mystery based not only on Fitzgerald’s book, but on a real-life Gatsby figure from her past.
Take it away, Anne . . .
We’ve been hearing about the upcoming Leo DiCaprio film of The Great Gatsby for what seems like forever, but finally it’s making its debut this month.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/great-gatsby-sneak-peek-trailer-gma-exclusive-18875523
I’m definitely going to see it when it makes its way to the Central Coast of California, since the book inspired my own novel The Gatsby Game. But I’m not sure I’m going to love it. I can’t figure out why the producers decided to make the greatest novel of the Jazz Age into a film with…no jazz.
Apparently it’s going to have a hip-hop soundtrack produced by Jay-Z. All props to Mr. Z, but I’m afraid his music isn’t likely to convey the elegant sophistication of Gatsby’s era.
When I wrote my own book about my Gatsby-obsessed anti-hero, Alistair Milbourne, I often listened to big band jazz to brainstorm plot ideas.
Alistair is a charming, self-destructive loser who tries to live as if he’s a character in an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Although the story is set in the 1970s, Alistair inhabits his own private, imaginary Jazz Age.
Alistair was inspired by David Whiting, a man I knew in college—who died mysteriously on the set of the Burt Reynolds movie, the Man Who Loved Cat Dancing. It sparked an international scandal that’s been called one of the “10 Most Notorious Sex Scandals in Hollywood History.”
http://www.nerve.com/entertainment/2009/10/12/top-10-most-notorious-sex-scandals-in-hollywood-history?page=3
The mystery of David’s death has never been solved, but I’ve always had a theory of how it might have happened.
The only thing I have from David is a note he left in my college dorm room. It says, “While you were out, you had a visitor…wearing spats, and a straw boater, perhaps, and humming a Cole Porter tune…maybe the ghost of Jay Gatsby?” That note plays an important part in the book’s plot.
I ran across it when I was cleaning out papers a couple of years ago. It brought a vivid memory of David. He was always humming those tunes—so completely anachronistic in the days of psychedelic rock and roll. As I read it, David’s image came to me in perfect clarity—with all his theatrical charm, narcissism, and the tragic pain that always showed just under the surface.
That was when I knew I had to write his story—and listening to Cole Porter helped me keep in touch with the memories—especially the iconic Ella Fitzgerald recording of the Cole Porter songbook from 1956.
The music itself appears in several scenes in my book. When the narrator, Nicky Conway (yeah, a little homage to Fitzgerald’s Nick Carroway there) first meets Alistair, she finds him charming but evasive. He’s constantly bursting into song to avoid conversation. As he drives her away from her Bryn Mawr dorm to who-knows-where, he responds to each of her questions by singing another line from You’re the Top—appearing to compliment her while he’s bullying her into silence.
Later, when she introduces him to her über-wealthy relatives, she finds Alistair romancing her (very married) aunt to the tune of Begin the Beguine. Throughout the story, Nicky is never quite sure how much Beguining Alistair gets up to with her aunt—and/or if some Beguining is going on with her uncle as well.
Alistair often retreats into silliness, using clever puns and wordplay to avoid real communication. I imagine him as one of the “silly gigolos” Cole Porter talks about in Anything Goes. I could also imagine Alistair responding to Nicky’s pleas for more intimacy with the line from It’s Too Darn Hot: “Mr. Pants, for romance, with his cutie pie, is not.”
As I played that 1950s recording, I realized it might have been a favorite of Alistair’s mother, whom I imagined as a kind of high-class hooker. Alistair’s primary relationship is always his love/hate enmeshment with his mother—whom he calls “the Gorgon.”
She made him into her surrogate partner whenever she was between “employers,” which is why he dresses and behaves like a member of her generation instead of his own. The rest of the time, she abandoned him in expensive boarding schools where he rubbed elbows with the children of the glittering ultra-rich that Fitzgerald and Cole Porter wrote about—perhaps triggering Alistair’s compulsive social climbing.
In the end, the Gorgon doesn’t even pay for Alistair’s funeral—as David’s mother did not—and he becomes a tragic figure in spite of the whimsical persona he invented for himself.
The honest, direct perfection of Ella Fitzgerald’s voice combined with Cole Porter’s lyrics convey to me that same tragicomic reality.
Somehow I don’t think songs like Jay Z-‘s “I love girls, girls, girls” will express that same subtle ambiguity.
I totally agree, Anne! I can’t imagine The Great Gatsby without the wonderful music of that era. I have the collection of Ella singing Cole, too, and it’s one of my favorite CDs.
The Gatsby Game is available in ebook from Amazon US or Amazon UK on Barnes and Noble for NOOK, and Kobo and in paper in the US and the UK.
Until the end of May, it will be on sale for 99c for Nook and Kindle!
Anne R. Allen is the author of six comic mysteries and a nonfiction guide for authors co-written with Catherine Ryan Hyde. Anne blogs with NYT bestselling author, Ruth Harris at http://annerallen.blogspot.com. Their blog was named one of Writers Digest’s Best 101 Websites for Writers for 2012.
Posted in Alicia Street | Tagged Anne R. Allen, Authors, ebook, Gatsby, mystery | 3 Comments
Bouquet of Books
We’ve joined with a fantastic group of Indie Romance authors for another Book Lovers Buffet –– the Bouquet Of Books Sale May 1-3
All books are 99 cents. 124 participating authors. You’ll find us on the Contemporary page, and the Mystery/Suspense page.
Twenty-two gift cards will be up for grabs!
See you there. 🙂
Posted in Alicia Street, Roy Street | Tagged Book Sale, prizes, romance novels | 19 Comments
Alicia Street & Roy Street
WE ARE DAPHNE DU MAURIER AWARD WINNING AUTHORS OF ROMANCE, MYSTERY/SUSPENSE AND PARANORMAL GENRES.
Get updates on our latest books
FREE SAMPLER FROM AUTHORS’ BILLBOARD!
Tweet Alicia!
Tweet Roy!
NO E-READER?
GET YOUR FREE APPS HERE
Alicia’s Editing service
Click to help a stray animal
I’ve Been featured on Big Al’s Books and Pals
Copyright 2012 © Alicia Street © Roy Street All rights reserved.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13478
|
__label__cc
| 0.597311
| 0.402689
|
Jump to 2020 Partners Meeting Info
Since 2002, mosquito net campaigns in Africa have delivered tens of millions of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) under the leadership of African Ministries of Health and National Malaria Control Programs. Many other campaigns are being planned by Ministries of Health across Africa to help end malaria deaths, and to meet the challenge to cover every man, woman, and child at risk for malaria with a mosquito net.
Taking on this challenge is the Alliance for Malaria Prevention (AMP), a multi-sectorial partnership within Roll Back Malaria supporting countries, in collaboration with working groups, to achieve Global Malaria Targets and the 2030 SDGs.
See where and when bed nets are being distributed.
View Data >
View data on the number of nets delivered to each country on a worldwide basis.
View Maps & Quarterly Reports >
Access AMP’s toolkit, a foundation for planning and executing a mass ITN distribution campaign.
AMP working groups cover a range of relevant issues.
Find out how AMP has been supporting individual countries.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13481
|
__label__wiki
| 0.596454
| 0.596454
|
Mobil 1 returns to WRC with Toyota
Posted by Mobil 1 on March 16, 2017
Mobil 1 has enjoyed a successful return to the FIA World Rally Championship with Toyota, scoring victory in just its second race back in the series.
Mobil 1 teamed up with Toyota Gazoo Racing upon the latter’s return to the WRC after 19 years away, with Mobil 1 Racing Oil being used in the Toyota Yaris WRC. Mobil 1 branding will also appear on the drivers’ race suits through 2017.
After scoring a podium finish on debut in Monte Carlo, Toyota hit the top step of the podium at the second round of the year in Sweden as Jari-Matti Latvala claimed an impressive victory.
“The Mobil 1 brand got its start in rally racing nearly 40 years ago, and we are thrilled to return to our roots by partnering with Toyota Gazoo Racing as they also return to the WRC this year,” said Kai Decker, global motorsports and sponsorship manager at ExxonMobil Fuels, Lubricants and Specialties Marketing Company.
“This is an excellent opportunity for us to continue building on our collaborative and successful relationship with Toyota.”
“The WRC is the pinnacle of rally racing and we value the support from Mobil 1 to help make sure Toyota Yaris WRC engines are operating at peak performance,” added Shigehisa Kitazawa, general manager, Motorsport Marketing Division, at Toyota.
“The Toyota Yaris WRC represents a new generation of world rally cars, and we welcome both the challenges and opportunities our team will face this year. These challenges and opportunities contribute to making the best cars for our everyday consumers.”
ExxonMobil global motorsports technology manager Bruce Crawley believes that the WRC is the perfect series in which to develop Mobil 1’s products due to the extreme nature of the tests involved.
“The Yaris WRC is an impressive rally car, and it is exciting to see Toyota and Mobil 1 motor oil return to rally racing this year,” Crawley said.
“The extreme and demanding conditions that are encountered during the WRC require a high-performance lubricant like Mobil 1 motor oil. Mobil 1 has been designed to withstand extremely high operating temperatures and is proven to protect at engine temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and in the most challenging environments.”
» Courtney Grabs Second To Start Year
» Truck Stops Win a Jacket Competition Winner
» Introducing Mobil 1 Boost Mobile Racing
» Go with Mobil Winners
» Repco Trade 95th Birthday Competition Winners
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13482
|
__label__wiki
| 0.776882
| 0.776882
|
The Funday Pawpet Show
Jerkass Has a Point
Mini Boss
Ugly Hero, Good-Looking Villain
Trope, Love Tropes, Superhero Tropes, Dating Catwoman
Dating Catwoman
"We conducted our courtship on rooftops and fire escapes. A strange flirtation, a hide and seek, a game of cat and mouse..."
—Catwoman, Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?
When the hero of the show and one of the antagonists have a romantic tone, either as subtext, or, less commonly, right out in the open. This allows a degree of tension into the relationship, and as long as you make sure the antagonist is less of a "villain", we're allowed to root for them.
Their slightly different senses of morality will conveniently keep things from progressing too quickly out of the writers' grasps; and sometimes they won't move much at all, since the character may not be as fun if they go straight. The same concerns about getting rid of the dramatic tension that fuel Will They or Won't They? apply here.
Compare Go-Karting with Bowser, Loves My Alter Ego, or Capulet Counterpart. Almost always a part of Villainesses Want Heroes. May lead to The Masquerade Will Kill Your Dating Life if the pairing is ultimately incompatible or too unstable. The one-sided version of this may be a Villainous Crush. See Foe Yay for the less explicit version of this, and Fatal Attraction when it's more dangerous.
Has nothing to do with dating a Catgirl. Usually.
Examples of Dating Catwoman include:
The Trope Codifiers in anime and manga are Arsene Lupin the III and Fujiko Mine, a Gentleman Thief and a Classy Cat Burglar who are Friends with Benefits AND often rivals for the same goals and MacGuffins. Lupin is VERY aware of Fujiko's Chronic Backstabbing Disorder, but rarely if ever can he resist getting tail from her...
Kaitou Saint Tail and Asuka Jr.; in this case, the lead, a Phantom Thief that steals back stolen items, is the Catwoman-ish one.
Since Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne is heavily inspired by Kaitou Saint Tail, Jeanne also has a romance with her main rival, Chiaki aka Sinbad. Jeanne and her boy were justified in the manga: It turns out that the two are, in fact, Adam and Eve.
And both them hearken back to the original Japanese heroic thief-girl and her policeman pursuer in Cat's Eye.
The usual tone is subverted in Tokyo Mew Mew, where the romantic hero and villain are... a Genki Girl and a Bratty Half-Pint, each the "annoying kid" of their team.
Dokkoida combines this with the Unwanted Harem; the male superhero, his (female) Rival, and all the supervillains (who are almost all female) all live in the same apartment building and hang out together when disguised as Muggles.
In UFO Robo Grendizer -one of the Mazinger Z sequels-, Duke was engaged to Rubina, daughter of Big Bad. They loved each other. However he did not think they could be together again after what the Vegans had done to his homeworld.
Aimi/Shadow Lady and Bright in the manga Shadow Lady.
Dragon Ball Z does this twice, though both times the aftermath is shown rather than the circumstances of their falling in love. The first to do this is Bulma, who, over the course of three years, has a relationship with former warrior prince and The Starscream to the previous Big Bad Vegeta. Interesting in that a time traveller tells the hero this will happen before it does, which knocks him on his ass. The second instance is Krillin, who falls in love with former troubled enemy cyborg #18. After a time skip of seven years, it's shown that they got married and had a kid (remember, cyborg, not android...). In both cases the relationships contribute to a Heel Face Turn (though #18 arguably had already essentially switched sides by then; it was more of a Loner Face Turn), and both formerly villainous parties act the same way: they don't show it much, but they actually care.
In Special Duty Combat Unit Shinesman, Matsumoto, a young businessman who is secretly a superhero protecting the Earth, accidentally sees a bare skin of Princess Sheena, one of the villains from the Planet Voice who are trying to conquer the Earth. Due to the rule of Planet Voice that whoever sees bareskin of the royalty must either die or marry the royalty, Matsumoto and Sheena start dating, unaware of each other's secret identity.
In the manga, Sheena didn't exist, so this incident happened between Matsumoto and Sasaki/Prince Hope instead. Sasaki definitely embraces the 'kill him' option until the very end of the manga, when he tells Matsumoto he's changed his mind.
This is largely the point of the romance between the primary Official Couple in Wedding Peach, who are directly inspired by Romeo and Juliet which would make them fit the Star-Crossed Lovers trope but luckily everything ends up ending well for them.
Team Chef Sai Saici and Plucky Girl Cécile (the sister of Gundam Fighter Hans Holgar) in G Gundam. Causes less problems than most examples, since Hans is no mortal enemy, but a decent, friendly Worthy Opponent in a sports tournament.
Happens in Red Garden when Kate ends up dating Hervé, a member of the family responsible for the wild men she and the other girls fight. She's oblivious about his real role in things, but he knows hers from the very start.
Gundam ZZ has an unusual situation wherein the Lady of War Big Bad, Haman Karn, grows attracted the much younger hero Judau Ashta. Judau displays some degree of concern for Haman, although how much of it was a romantic interest is open to debate. Judging by how the ladies get interested in him...
Superior has this as its premise. It opens with the Demon Queen, Sheila, falling in love with the hero sent to vanquish her, Exa. She conceals her true identity - although he suspects, he cannot bring himself to confront her and doesn't want to believe it.
There are hints that Hayato has some form of romantic attraction (or at least deep respect for) Keith Violet in Project ARMS, although it seems to be mostly one-sided. Keith Green also falls for Katsumi, although again it's one-sided (she has no idea.
Ruby and Courtney from Pokémon Special form a strange relationship as time goes on, eventually leading them to team up against Kyogre and Groudon. Ruby does eventually care for her in a platonic manner, but Courtney definitely feels something stronger for him. Kinda creepy considering he's 11 and she's assumedly in her late-teens/early twenties. Heck, she even went so far as researching his background! (Though that did lead to her discovering information that made realize all that his father sacrificed for his sake).
Sankt Kaiser Olivie Segbrecht and Hegemon Klaus Ingvalt of Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha. Despite being rulers of opposing sides in the Ancient Belkan War, Klaus was enamoured with Olivie, and his regret of failing protect to her in the end was so strong that the rare descendant who would inherit his traits could feel it over the centuries.
Bizarre example in The Lucifer and Biscuit Hammer, where the two people are technically on the same side at the present due to an Enemy Mine, but nevertheless one wants to destroy the world and the other wants to save it.
Snake Knight: If, at the very end, I win and stop the two of you [from destroying the world], would you go out with me?
Lizard Knight: I... I'll think about it.
By the end of the series, the relationship between the Lizard Knight and the Princess becomes something akin to this when he decides that he won't let her destroy the world because he loves her. She's actually happy that he's trying to stop her.
Rangiku isn't the main character of Bleach, but she can be easily seen as being in love with Gin, her childhood friend who is following Aizen, the main antagonist of the series. And Gin loves her as well.
Umineko no Naku Koro ni has Battler Ushiromiya and Beatrice, whose romantic undertones are there, but not quite strong or obvious. However, in the end, it turns out that not only are they romantically involved (in a way), but the romance between them is basically the cause of everything that happens in the series. Possibly subverted, since Beatrice is not actually the real antagonist, but a faux one (although Battler believed she was the real antagonist for most of the series)
In Robotech, the Zentraudi ace pilot Miriya Parino falls in love with Terran ace pilot Max Sterling, after literally engaging in several duels and stalking him with intent to murder. They marry and have a child, Dana, who goes on to pull something of the same thing with the Robotech Master ace pilot Zor Prime (a clone of the original superintellect Zor).
Naturally, the Trope Namer and most famous example (which is pictured above) is the romantic tension between Catwoman and Batman. The Earth-2 versions of the characters actually married and had a kid, the original Huntress. Why bother stealing when you're married to a multimillionaire? The main versions became a couple too, and Bruce even revealed his identity to her and she moved into the mansion with him. The relationship didn't last, but they both developed a respect for each other and Batman mostly looks the other way when Catwoman does her thing.
However, after recent events, things have gone a bit more interesting with the two. Continuing to dance around one another constantly to the point of a nearly functional relationship, then to a distant one due to fear of repercussions from their knowledge of one another's identity, the couple have certainly reheated things a bit since Bruce's return to the present... long story. Regardless, she has even accompanied him on his international travels to establish Batman Inc. Maybe not a perfect relationship, but hey.
Unfortunately for those who may have enjoyed it, all that Character Development in their relationship has been set back to square one with the 2011 DC Universe reboot, in which Catwoman has no idea who Batman is behind the mask (although she suspects he knows who she is). Doesn't stop her from having costumed sex with him though.
Funnily enough, the whole 'dating Catwoman' trait stems from the fact that Batman himself has a weakness for villainesses, which he acknowledged in Batman R.I.P. His relationship with Talia al Ghul in the main continuity (where they have a son together) is similar with his relationship with Catwoman.
In Gotham City Sirens, it was mentioned that Catwoman and Talia are probably the only two women Batman has truly loved. It's not surprising that both of them are villainesses.
Very explicit in one standalone strip called "Date Night", Batman catches Catwoman in the middle of a robbery and chases her through various romantic locations including a flower stall and a fancy restaurant, all the while Catwoman is talking and flirting with him as if they were actually on a date. When he finally catches her, they briefly fight and she leaves him tied up and dangling upside down from a fire escape, kisses him goodnight and runs away.
In Batman the Dark Knight after the 2011 reboot, Bruce is attracted to Jaina Hudson, but becomes suspicious of her after new villainess White Rabbit issues the same "Catch me if you can" flirtatious challenge Jaina made in their first meeting. His suspicions are debunked when the White Rabbit shows up on the radar while he is on a date with Jaina. It turns out he was right after all, since Jaina has the power to split herself into two people -- her normal self and the White Rabbit.
Spider-Man and the Black Cat fit this one like a glove, though that relationship took second place to Mary Jane, who Spidey eventually married.
Though that particular possibility has now been reopened, due to a recent (and much-hated) Cosmic Retcon. Furthermore, Felicia actually stated on more the one occasion that Peter's marriage vows meant absolutely nothing to her. The second she sees an opportunity to talk him out of his tights, she's taking it.
Captain America dating Diamondback, a member of the Serpent Society (a group of snake-themed supervillains). This is a somewhat defanged (no pun intended) instance, as Diamondback offered to drop crime for him practically in their first meeting. (Not that she came off all that convincing, but...)
Iron Man and Madame Masque/Whitney Frost. Then again, it's not surprising considering the number of paramours Tony's had over the years. It came to the point where Frost masqueraded as Tony's personal secretary after they first broke up and resumed their relationship once her cover was blown.
Also, he eventually got into a relationship with Black Widow, a former enemy.
And Masque hooked up with The Hood.
Captain Atom wound up marrying Plastique, a former Quebecois terrorist with explosive powers. Appropriately, in Justice League Unlimited she died in his arms.
Silver Age Marvel Comics tended to see this pop up a great deal with heroines and manly-man opponents -- e.g. the Fantastic 4's Sue Storm to the Sub-Mariner (while he was a functional villain), or the Scarlet Witch towards Arkon (who later dated Storm, but his relationship with the X-Men was on friendlier terms). Arguably, this resulted less in creating interesting tension than just creating a less effective heroine.
The Mighty Thor and The Enchantress (Amora), a goddess of Asgard, who spent years hatching plans to harass and seduce the god of thunder. He eventually relented and had a brief romantic relationship with her.
The Golden Age of Comic Books Green Lantern, Alan Scott, not only fell in love with the villainess Thorn, he had children with her. Then again, he did fall in love with her good personality, Rose. His second wife, the Harlequin, also started out as one of his adversaries, although she was long reformed and retired by the time they married.
Making this trope happen is actually the entire reason Harlequin turned to crime. She wanted to catch Lantern's eye, and decided that donning a sexy costume and alternately stealing things and teaming up with him would be the best way to attract his attention.
Likewise, the Silver Age Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, had Carol Ferris (whose Star Sapphire personality made frequent appearances) as a long-time love interest.
Reversed in the case of Ray Palmer, the Silver Age Atom. His wife Jean Loring became the villain Eclipso after their marriage and divorce... and after she went nuts and killed Sue Dibny and Jack Drake.
His successor as Atom, Ryan Choi was dating Giganta. It was apparently a serious enough relationship that she took vengeance on his murderer.
DC Comics's Roy Harper (a.k.a. Speedy/Arsenal/Red Arrow/whatever they're calling him this week) was sent in to seduce batshit insane assassin Cheshire to get enough evidence to take her in. However, they fell in love with each other and Roy realized he wouldn't be able to do it and walked out... not knowing Cheshire was pregnant. Cheshire herself didn't find out who Roy was until it was all said and done, and then arranged for Roy to get permanent custody of Lian. Cheshire is also the victim of emotional blackmail because Mockingbird put her on the Secret Six by threatening Lian with an explosive device he supposedly implanted.
Of course she DID conceive a replacement child in order to get out of the Six with no hesitation.
Captain Dynamo and Chrysalis from Dynamo 5
Daredevil has virtually made a career out of this trope. Elektra, Typhoid Mary... he never seems to learn.
While the Black Widow had long reformed when she got involved with Daredevil, her previous relationship with Hawkeye had an element of this for a time, between his Heel Face Turn and hers.
Superboy (1990s clone version) dated New Goddess Knockout, under the impression she was a well-meaning thrillseeker, rather than a murderous sociopath.
Superman had a sexual relationship with New Goddess Amazing Grace. And Maxima. Oh, and he married the Kandorian Lyla (he had amnesia).
Witchblade bearer and cop Sara Pezzini and Darkness bearer and Mafioso Jackie Estacado are rivals in their professional and supernatural lives, but as of First Born they have a daughter, Hope, together.
When inept superheroine Empowered met Thugboy, the love of her life, she was tied to a chair and he was part of the gang holding the hostage she was attempting to rescue for ransom. He whispered a few words of encouragement into her ear... and pulled her out of the way when one of her idiot teammates brought the building down. Empowered then lets herself get captured by his gang several more times just to have an excuse to keep seeing him. He does a Heel Face Turn a few chapters later.
In Johnny Saturn, Johnny Saturn I is married to Persephone, the daughter of Saturn's arch-enemy, Dr. Synn. Persephone is morally ambiguous, and as likely to use her powers to aid her father as her husband.
Subverted with the Ireyon in Paperinik New Adventures - she comes onto our masked hero because she thinks he is Fantomius, her old flame, whose style and equipment Donald uses for regular superheroing. Donald isn't that interested, and vaguely annoyed she thinks he is as old as his grandpa. (She, on the other hand, is Really Seven Hundred Years Old.)
Greyshirt of Tomorrow Stories has Lapis Lazuli. He really does love her, but, well... if they ever got together in any meaningful way, she'd probably kill him the second it went sour. Even she thinks so.
Huntress and Catman had an on and off relationship ever since they fought for the first time. While it never got further than intense Foe Yay, they still cared deeply for one another. Huntress never stopped hoping Catman would be redeemed, and Catman for his part appreciated it even though he believed he was beyond redemption. Recently Catman enacted a ridiculously complicated scheme to make Huntress give up on him because he wanted her to be happy with someone else. Catman had just been through a Trauma Conga Line that convinced him that he didn't deserve anyone's love, least of all Huntress'.
Zorro and Lady Rawhide in Topps Zorro series.
The Spirit has at least three - Silk Satin, Sand Saref, and P'Gell.
In Final Crisis, Snapper Carr hooks up with the Cheetah.
Detective Conan Boys Love Fanworks are full of this, since the most popular pairing is between the title character Conan Edogawa/Shinichi Kudo and his Phantom Thief rival Kaitou Kid. Alternately Kid can also be paired with his other biggest rival Saguru Hakuba or even Conan's best friend and fellow detective Heiji Hattori, though they've never met. This also applies to the rare times when Kid and Shinichi's fathers get paired up.
Not just the yaoi. Even if a character in Detective Conan isn't a detective or affiliated with the police, they still usually have a thing for following the law, which means that pretty much any pairing involving Kaito is this, including his canon pairing.
Happens a lot in Pokémon fanfiction, where it seems like every generation has had at least one popular ship pairing a rival (or even villain) up with a hero. The ready supply of attractive villains probably has something to do with this.
This is very common in Death Note fanworks which has pairings such as Light (Kira, a Knight Templar Serial Killer Killer) and L (the detective trying to catch him), Mello and Near (a mafia lord and a detective who are rivals), L and B (a detective and a Serial Killer), Naomi and B (again, a detective and a Serial Killer), even Light and Misa (which has the dynamic I'll kill you if you are no longer useful / I'll kill you if you cheat on me) In fact Mello x Matt is the only popular ship in the Death Note fandom where both parties are completely on the same side and aren't trying to kill each other.
Light/Kira and L is the most popular ship. Here's a few examples of Dating Catwoman in fanworks with Kira and L: A Cure for Love, Constant Temptation, I Won't Say, Office Politics, The Prince of Death
All You Need Is Love ships Light and Naomi.
The Incredibles: Mirage and Mr. Incredible (though the extent of their relationship is very unclear). Of course, the fact that Mirage ends up apparently turning good anyway and helping the protagonists makes it more questionable.
Really only a partial example; they were never really in a relationship (Mr. Incredible already being married), but their flirtatious banter, while standard for superheroes, did have strong subtext of being an emotional affair on his part.
One of the DVD extras is an explicit reference to this trope: In the background info on the Supers, there's an audio clip where The Casanova Gamma Jack describes how difficult it is to fight attractive female supervillains.
Subverted a bit in that Gamma Jack is also implied to be a superhuman supremacist and thus not a nice person at all.
Out of Sight involved a romance between George Clooney's gentleman bank-robber character Jack Foley, and Jennifer Lopez's US Marshal character Karen Sisco. Notably, in a change from the novel, Karen appears to deliberately plant an escape artist in Jack's prison transport so she can keep chasing him.
D.E.B.S.: both the short and full-length versions of this film center around a secret agent's forbidden Les Yay romance with a supervillainess.
Amy: If you'll excuse me, I have a date with the devil.
The Thomas Crown Affair.
Most James Bond movies include some sexual tension with any female antagonists present (or at least the attractive ones), but in most cases, it's either part of the villains' plan to kill Bond, or the ladies became good when the Big Bad mistreated or betrayed them. From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, and Live and Let Die are the only ones where the henchwoman genuinely becomes a love interest.
Batman Returns, which makes Catwoman a good bit more sympathetic, if somewhat more insane (she's more in the crime business to get revenge on her murdering boss and knows she can't live with herself when it's over).
Catwoman has Catwoman and Tom Lone, though it's more between her "good" civilian side (when she tries to make moves on him as Catwoman, she is rejected to "I'm already seeing someone").
Batman XXX has Batman and Robin "dating" Catwoman.
Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler definitely have an air of UST and Irene kissed him at one point (though he was drugged). Most Holmes adaptations follow this portrayal, although the original Irene Adler of "A Scandal In Bohemia" was technically not a criminal.
In the second film, they kiss again and arrange a dinner date. Holmes is later shown to be quite despondent over her death at the hands of Moriarty, and adds revenge to his motives for going after him.
This would have been the premise of the unmade Romance of The Pink Panther, which was ultimately scuppered after lead actor/co-writer Peter Sellers died: Inspector Clouseau falls in love with a woman who's actually the Classy Cat Burglar he's trying to capture.
The plot of Entrapment is based almost completely on this trope.
Warren Peace, an Anti-Hero type character in Sky High is a product of such a pairing.
In "Everlost" and its sequels, Nick and Miss Mary Hightower. One of the best played examples of this I've seen.
Vaintè and Kerrick in West of Eden.
Corran Horn and Mirax Terrick of X Wing Series. He's a former space cop turned pilot. She's a smuggler. His father was the one who finally landed her father in jail. Still, she's a smuggler on the Rebellion's side, is like a sister to his commanding officer, and doesn't smuggle anything too nasty. They make it work. Even if her father objects strongly.
Luke and Mara in The Thrawn Trilogy and, of course, Hand of Thrawn. He's the last of the Jedi, she's the former personal assassin of the Emperor who wiped out the Jedi. Then he rebuilds the Jedi and she becomes second in command of one of the largest criminal organizations in the galaxy. Of course, despite the Jedi theoretically being keepers of law and order, said criminal organization ends up being one of their most reliable allies and gets less and less criminal as time goes on.
And of course, their son Ben may perhaps become involved with a Sith girl, Vestara Khai. There's certainly high amounts of UST. Bear in mind that the Jedi and Sith have existed largely for the specific purpose of opposing each other for thousands of years, and ultimately the conflict dates to before either order actually existed.
There's the fan-favorite of the demon Crowley and the angel Aziraphale in Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman's Good Omens. They're Mistaken for Gay in the book, and Word of God is that they end up sharing a cottage in South Downs. Not quite a textbook example, as by the time of the book they've decided they have more in common with one another than either of them has with his respective boss, and have an Arrangement. In addition, this is more like Asexual Life Partners, due to the very nature of angels and demons.
Played straight with Anathema, who's a witch, and Newt, who's a witch-hunter, albeit a not-very-enthusiastic one.
Technically, Newt is a Witch-Finder. And... well, he found himself a witch.
John Taylor, from the Nightside novels, had a brief affair with Bad Penny, an assassin-for-hire. Upon his return from London, they wind up trying to kill each other.
Charles and Emma Darwin, in the book of that name.
In Real Life, though, they were friendly with each other.
Statonian Envoy Rhodney Antilles and RMM Agent Melanie Horquetza in Stationery Voyagers. It helps that Lord Abberwadd treats the Voyagers more as rebellious children than as actual enemies.
The Scarlet Pimpernel: Sir Percy and Marguerite Blakeney lived estranged for a year (during which the latter fell in love with his alter ego) before Marguerite's Heel Realization and redemption.
In Harry Harrison's The Stainless Steel Rat series, the first novel that introduces Angelina gets like this. At first, Jim only wishes to catch her for his boss Inskipp. After all, it's not a very good idea to have a crazy murderess flying around in a giant battleship. After he foils her initial plot, she tries to kill him. He then gets a disguise and finds her again, running a con on another planet. While in this disguise, he starts to see a different side of her. He saves her from an assassin, and they end up spending the night together. She later reveals that she knew who he was but didn't care anymore. After some psychiatric help to remove her homicidal tendencies, they end up getting married (although it's literally a Shotgun Wedding), thus the following novels no longer fit this trope.
Tawnos and Ashnod from The Brothers' War (Magic the Gathering) are in love, despite being generals on the opposing sides in a war.
The only woman Hercule Poirot comes closest to being romantically involved with, is a highly skilled jewel thief.
In The Three Musketeers, d'Artagnan dates Milady for a while. And really, he is the one who lies to her.
Lymond Chronicles ... Where to begin? There is the cringe-inducing tension between Lymond and ex-from-Hell Margaret. And his night with Joleta, where it is typically ambiguous who is seducing whom. ("There is such a thing as seducing in hate".) And perhaps Guzel.... And.... And....
In Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead" the hatred between critic Dominique Frankon and architect Howard Roark becomes proverbial, and newspaper commentators compare it to "A Medieval vendetta". She writes articles condemning his buildings and uses all her charm to dissuade people from giving him a job. Nobody knows (though they live in New York City and are both much in the public eye) that they spend their nights together. In bed she tells him what she had done that day to destroy his career, and he laughs - knowing this is her way of showing that she really loves him.
In Rand's Atlas Shrugged the protagonist Dagny Taggart spends half the book searching for a man she calls "The Destroyer" and "The Most Dangerous Man Who Ever Lived", vowing to save the world from him. When she finally finds him (the famous John Galt), she falls in love with him at first sight, but still tries all she can to thwart him for another quarter of the book. (Rand's posthumously published Journals include a planned scene where she actually hands him over to the police and then bursts out crying when he is taken away; in the actual book, she only pretends to do it in order to save his life).
In Jack Vance's Lyonesse trilogy, the protagonist Aillas falls in love with the haughty viking-like maiden Tatzel while being a slave at her father's castle. He escapes, comes back as a warrior king, kidnaps her and undergoes many adventures together with her, saving her life several times. Throughout he acts as the perfect gentleman, not taking advantage of his power over her. At one moment she actually offers him sexual favors in exchange for her liberty - but Aillas, wanting a love she is unwilling and unable to give him, declines the offer and sets her free anyway. Finally, when Aillas brings his army to assault the castle, Tatzel takes up a bow and arrow and dies among the last-ditch defenders. The victorious Aillas sadly refuses to look for "the body of the valiant maiden" among the scorched bodies in the ruins of the castle, and goes on to find another and more rewarding love.
Almost every Sherlock Holmes work not by Arthur Conan Doyle, from professional novels to amateur fanfics, has this crop up between Holmes and Irene Adler, to varying degrees of intensity and success.
Dark Angel has Max and Logan meet after she steals his priceless Egyptian cat statue. He's the rich-hero-by-night ("eyes only") and she ends up helping him solve crime
Mountie Fraser's doomed love affair with bank robber Victoria in Due South.
Captain Picard and archaeologist/thief Vash in Star Trek the Next Generation.
Also Captain Sisko and Kasidy Yates in Deep Space Nine (Although the fact that Kasidy was a smuggler doing business with The Maquis was as swiftly ignored as it was tacked on).
Xena and Ares?
With some squick, since it is strongly implied that he is her real father. (You know those Olympians.)
Jack and Nina from Twenty Four. Though all tension is gone from Jack's end and replaced with genuine hatred once Nina kills his wife.
The Clark/Lana relationship on Smallville treads the line of this trope as Lana grows ever more ruthless and driven. Of course, this version of Clark is hardly the Big Blue Boy Scout, either.
And in the three episodes Alicia appears in, the Clark/Alicia relationship is this trope too.
Nikita. Michael and Nikita are on opposite sides, but used to work together. Sometimes it's subtext - their inability to kill each other - but sometimes not so much.
By the end of the first season, Michael's switched sides, so this trope no longer applies.
Phoebe Halliwell and Cole Turner on Charmed, although initially he was just trying to seduce her so he could kill her, He eventually turned good...for a while...
Heroes...Mohinder and Eden, Sylar and Elle (at least at first), Matt and Daphne, Lydia and Samuel; it goes on forever, thanks to the show's Heel Face Revolving Door.
In NCIS Ziva had a relationship with a crooked, alcoholic Mossad agent. It failed, spectacularly.
In Stargate SG-1, Daniel Jackson met Vala Mal Doran when she attempted to steal the Earth ship Prometheus. An undeniable attraction began soon after. In at least one timeline, they eventually got together before falling victim to a literal Reset Button.
In a Farscape connection; Aeryn Sun (also played by Claudia Black) tried to kill John Crichton (played by Ben Browder who'd go on to SG-1 as well, where the fact that he and Jackson's actor Michael Shanks resemble each other was brought up a few times). They worked out their issues and eventually married and had a child.
Helen Magnus and John Druitt of Sanctuary. They were engaged until Druitt acquired an Enemy Within and became Jack the Ripper. Now he alternates between helping and tormenting Magnus, but admits he still loves her. A recent episode implied she feels the same way.
Nate and Sophie's pre-series relationship on Leverage...even though he remained faithful to his wife and she believes he was never really tempted.
CJ and Danny from The West Wing are a mild version of this: she is the White House press secretary, he is the chief White House correspondent from the Washington Post. Her loyalty is completely with the president and protecting him from his political enemies, and he refuses to neglect his duty to report accurately and to inform the public of as much as he can find out, two sets of interests which of course come into conflict quite frequently. They mainly have an up-and-down cycle of trying to date, pissing each other off, giving each other the cold shoulder, trying to date again, breaking up because of ethics worries, being unable to resist each other, deceiving each other again and fighting over it, ad infinitum.
Jack and Juliet from Lost. They started to develop feelings for each other before Juliet's Heel Face Turn. Then later, in the 1970's time travel sequence, Sawyer and Juliet. Although, by this time Juliet is a full Face and Sawyer's intentions are always questionable. You could also argue Kate and Sawyer considering Sawyer's many Face Heel Turn and Heel Face Turn turns.
John Connor and Cameron in The Sarah Connor Chronicles. He's the future savior of mankind, destined to save humanity from a race of machines. She is part of that race of machines, and originally programmed to assassinate him. Though reprogrammed to be one of the good guys, it doesn't always stick... Sexual tension ensues. And how.
Xev and Prince, Lexx.
Prince: Do you still feel anything for me?
Xev: A little.
Prince: You shouldn't.
Party Animals: Ashika, a Tory MP candidate, and Scott, a lobbyist turned campaign manager for her Labour opponent. After a lot of UST, they do fall in love and sleep together but at the end of the series she's convinced, wrongly but with good reason, that he's leaked the photos that cost her the seat.
Servalan and Avon. The blatant flirting and occasional bouts of passionate kissing move this one out of the realms of subtext, but it's still not really a relationship because neither of them trusts the other any further than they could throw a cake underwater.
Emma and Olly from The Thick of It. Well. He's working for the Secretary of State for Social Affairs and Citizenship, she's working for the shadow Dosac secretary. But then their bosses know about their relationship and his at least actively encourages it -just so Olly can leak policies to Emma, or know of hers. It also works the other way round. However, it's not clear that they actually even like each other...
While they are not the lead characters in Battlestar Galactica Reimagined, the relationship of Captain Karl "Helo" Agathon and a Cylon copy of Lt. Sharon Valerii is suitably star-crossed. And despite the attempted gang-rape, demotions in rank, distrust, and Presidential baby-stealing, they are, as of the midpoint of season four, fairly happily married.
Until Boomer shows up...
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Buffy/Spike and, to a lesser extent, Buffy/Angel (the latter applies only when Angel actually does something evil, which doesn't happen a lot).
Most of Xander's love interests turn out to be demons. He even nearly married Anya, who created a universe in which Xander died twice during her first appearance.
The mighty Les Yay subtext of Buffy/Faith.
Not just Buffy either. She actually does Xander after several prods about whether Buffy has (not to mention she tries to rape him when he doesn't want to have sex with her), and she wants to know what Angel was like. Faith later tries to get into his pants counting on him going evil because of it (in her words, she intended to stretch out that 'moment of happiness' into a long weekend) before it becomes a strong, non sexual friendship during her Heel Face Turn. And she teases Spike over what she or Buffy could do to him, then later they discuss sex and it's hinted they did it.
And there was one episode when Oz was into that other werewolf.
On Angel, Wesley and Lilah Morgan. Angel/Eve. (Lorne made them do it!) Angel/ Bad Girl of the WeekFaith in season 3 and (arguably) Gwen Raiden.
For all the animosity between them, Firefly's Mal and Saffron do manage to show a teensy, tiny bit of affection toward one another - when they aren't Pistol-Whipping each other or leaving the other party naked to die in the middle of a desert. And don't forget, they technically are married.
Who hasn't she married?
Pops up in Dollhouse with the brief interaction between Bennett Halverson and Topher Brink. Both of them are hammered hard by their various Geeky Turn Ons even before they meet each other (Topher considers Bennett a supreme genius, and Bennett has a massive crush on Topher) and there's several adorable moments between them, including one where Topher ends up implying to Bennett without saying anything that he thinks she's beautiful, and has a priceless embarrassed reaction. In fact, Topher says she would have been perfect, except for the fact that she's insane and wants to brutally torture and murder Echo for leaving her to die. Kinda kills the relationship....
And yet somehow, they're back to flirting in her next appearance, until something even more drastic comes to kill their relationship.
In The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Napoleon Solo apparently has an ongoing flirtation with Angelique, an agent of THRUSH.
Gil Grissom and Lady Heather in CSI.
Omen of Dark Oracle, a recurring antagonist, nursed a fairly serious crush on Cally, one of the protagonists, throughout its run. Whether he was just using her initially is up in the air, although by the end he cared enough to take a bullet for her.
Power Rangers in Space: Zhane the Silver Ranger with Astronema. Yes, the main antagonist. The romance lasts just one episode, spoiled by another battle. Later on after the Luke, I Am Your Sister reveal, Andros the Red Ranger invokes My Sister Is Off-Limits retroactively.
Power Rangers Time Force has another one-episode version: Lucas the Blue Ranger is a ladies' man, and Nadira falls for him after she discovers some love poetry he's written. This is unfortunately one-sided, as she's Daddy's Little Villain and said Daddy Ransik is an Overprotective Dad; after Ransik puts Lucas through some Twerp Sweating he panics and starts going "Please Dump Me!" By the way, that poetry that Lucas wrote was actually for his car. They do seem to get together post-season, though, once Nadira and Ransik have both made Heel Face Turns.
In Power Rangers Ninja Storm Dustin with Marah, but she ends up betraying him after considering a Heel Face Turn. When she and her sister bail on Lothor for real at the end of the series, she's quick to ask Cam if Dustin still has a crush on her. Cam says they can talk about once they're out of the exploding spaceship.
There are shades of this in Power Rangers Dino Thunder, with Tommy sharing an attraction with Principal Randall... who is really Elsa in disguise.
In Babylon 5, Vir Cotto helps Narns escape the Centauri occupation while his ditzy fiancee Lyndisty fondly remembers killing entire villages.
By series 6 of Doctor Who, the Doctor became romantically involved with a convicted murderer and psychopath raised to assassinate him. She succeeds more than once, but he keeps coming back for more.
Gary and Anna Alphas, though neither of them have any real contempt for each other, and are more close friends than anything else.
Jack Bristow and Irina Derevko on Alias. Even though she was a KGB sleeper agent who posed as his wife and constantly walked through the Heel Face Revolving Door, they clearly wanted to debrief each other quite badly.
Complicated by the very real betrayals on Irina's part, not just the original swallow mission, but multiple subsequent betrayals of both her 'husband' and their daughter. Her attraction to Jack is clear...but what is not clear is whether it could ever have overcome her Rambaldi addiction.
Kono's mystery boyfriend on Hawaii Five-0 has turned out to be Adam Noshimura, the heir to Honolulu's Yakuza clan.
Blondie's "X Offender" is about a prostitute who falls in love with the police officer who busts her.
In the rock/metal opera project Aina: Days of Riding Doom, Syrius and Orianna fall deeply in love, despite being commanders of opposing sides in the war. And half-brother and half-sister. Not that they know it, to be fair.
Kirby Krackle's song "Then Again, Maybe Not" is sung from the point of view of a superhero who is a little tired of fighting his arch-nemesis, and suggesting that grabbing some Mexican food and flirty conversation would be a better idea.
Newspaper Comics
Krazy Kat and Ignatz Mouse refer to each other as enemies, but Krazy is madly in love with Ignatz and harbors the delusion that he returns these feelings. This is made more complicated by occasional hints that this might not really be a delusion.
Sly Cooper and Carmelita Fox. He's a heroic Gentleman Thief, she's a dedicated police officer. It's kind of one-sided to start with, but she softens up in the climax of each game, then gets really angry when Sly slips away.
At least until the third game, where they actually hook up for good at the end. Sly willingly gives up his life of crime and all of his friends, saves her life, and fakes a convincing amnesia act to let her justify it.
Turns out that your love interest in Quest for Glory IV game is a powerful vampire known as The Dark Master who wants to resurrect the local Eldritch Abomination.
The situation with Silk Fox and the player (either gender) in Jade Empire starts out looking like this, before a variety of revelations related to the Gambit Pileup point out that she is most definitely a good guy.
Knuckles and Rouge from Sonic the Hedgehog fit this trope very nicely, especially in Sonic X.
Alex, the only real Love Interest in the Bastard of Kosigan series is also the brains behind one of the main villain's operation. Though, due to the story's Black and Grey Morality, she shows up much more on the grey side of the scale than the French, the Inquisition, or the witches, so perhaps she and Mordred aren't actually villains after all.
In Harvest Moon - Magical Melody you can marry your rival, Jamie, who is always the opposite gender from you. Considering that in the original Japanese, there were rival marriages much like most of the rest of the series for all the other bachelor(ettes), you and your rival are the true pairing. Sadly, however, your game ends if you marry them, and you can't even find all the magical notes.
Harvest Moon DS Cute also provided the option of marrying Gentleman Thief Skye.
MegaMan Volnutt and Tron Bonne in Mega Man Legends.
Leon Kennedy and Ada Wong of the Resident Evil series alternate between teaming up and pointing weapons at each other. All while oozing so much Unresolved Sexual Tension into the air that it could be cut with the proverbial knife.
Kohaku in Tsukihime during her route. During the same route, there was a little with Akiha as well, but Shiki decided that their relationship didn't depend on blood. But for the main thing, it's the only way that Kohaku actually gets to have a happy ending. In the rest, she either continues bottling up her emotions (canon personality) dies or loses her memory, perhaps intentionally.
In Assassin's Creed, the Assassin Altair and the Templar Maria end up falling in love, despite being enemies. This is shown in Assassin's Creed II, where Desmond even has a memory of their child being conceived, and Altair's Codex contains a hand-drawn portrait of her.
Worth noting that Maria actually switched allegiances in Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines, and canonically the romance came afterwards.
Otacon and Sniper Wolf in Metal Gear Solid.
The Warden and Morrigan in Dragon Age.
A Female Mage!Warden and ex-Templar Alistair.
Mage!Hawke and Fenris, or Templar-aligned Hawke and Anders or Merrill in Dragon Age II.
The Ship Tease between Templar!Carver and Merrill, as well as Circle!Bethany and Sebastian Vael.
Garen and Katarina in League of Legends, who quite literally got matched via a dating service, yet are champions of opposing countries.
Pokémon fandom is quite prone to this with the female player characters and the male antagonists, be they rival or villain. Especially in the fourth and fifth generations: Silver and N both get shipped with both player characters for their respective games, while Cyrus/Dawn is easily one of the most popular pairings for the Sinnoh games, despite the obvious issues.
Commander Shepard (Alliance) and Miranda Lawson (Cerberus) in Mass Effect 2.
Evil Inc.: Captain Heroic and Miss Match. There was also an affair between Commander Heroic and Flame long ago, and lately Lightning Lady and Elastic Man have developed a relationship.
Rip Haywire, with Rip and Cobra.
Denny Levens was a retired inventions supplier for the mob. When he learned that the Hebbleskin Gang was behind some purchases, he got out of the business. His past hobbies don't make him a threat to Candi directly; but the fact that she marries a Hebbleskin deserter makes her enemies want her dead even more.
Girl Genius: Baron Klaus Wulfenbach has canonical amorous history with Lucrezia Mongfish a.k.a. the Other. That's pretty solidly in the past, though; she's used creepily familiar terminology and physicality, but he was clearly not responding and anyway she does that to everyone.
A better example: The Baron's son Gilgamesh and main heroine Agatha Heterodyne, with the dramatic twist that though they're both noble and heroic, circumstances keep putting them on the opposite side. And it was about four (real-life, not webcomic) years between their scenes together. Damn you, Foglios!
Umlaut House: Liz and Dr. Sappho, Eliza and Dr. Sisyphus.
In Casey and Andy, Jenn has been crushing on Quantum Cop for ages, and it recently turned out that her feelings were reciprocated (just in case their time-traveling daughter from the future wasn't proof enough..) Complicating their relationship is that he is literally The Perfect Cop, while she's an International Jewel Thief. He doesn't seem to mind much, though.
The reader doesn't find out that Jenn is a crook until nearly the end of the strip, although Quantum Cop figured it out years earlier. The author did plant clues for a really long time.
Early on in Sluggy Freelance Torg has this situation when he develops a crush on Val, who is revealed to be a vampire. Torg inevitably has to kill her.
And then there was his promise to marry Oasis...a promise he intended to keep. (One only wonders how Zoe's death will affect that...)
In Erfworld, Wanda and Jillian arguably had such a relationship at one point.
It must be said the Wanda was simply using magic to manipulate Jillian into being her unwitting servant.
Their relationship was...complex.
Nor was it unwilling either...
In Everyday Heroes, Jane first sets eyes on Mr. Mighty when he's guarding a house that she's trying to rob. She tries to ambush him from behind; since he's invulnerable and she's not, this doesn't work well.
The Order of the Stick got Elan and Therkla, though it was unrequited on Therkla's part (Elan is completely devoted to Haley).
Roy and Miko were canonically attracted to each other at different points, and the author had originally intended them to be love interests, but quickly realized that it wasn't happening. Only a partial example, because the attraction was before they became enemies (and even when Miko was an antagonist, she wasn't actually evil).
Deconstructed with Durkon and Hilgya. They were attracted to each other, and seemed to be coasting towards a Relationship Upgrade, but their differences in alignment proved irreconcilable. Another problem was that Hilgya was technically still married to someone else Their breakup was considered the series' first major Tear Jerker
In The Adventures of Dr. McNinja, Dr. McNinja and Hortense. They used to be dating, but broke up... then meet up again where she's trying to stop Doc from saving the world. Of course, it turns out to be Doc's parents trying to get the two back together. Later, she's revealed to be working with King Radical, but there's still some romantic tension between the two.
Super Stupor demonstrates this one played pretty straight...except that it's the morning after.
Bob the Angry Flower once went out of his way to hunt a beautiful international diamond thief just so he could ask her out. Their relationship turned out to be a lot less hot than most on this page.
Lightbringer, a web comic by Linkara, gives us the issue Masks, where Lightbringer's girlfriend Sandy is revealed to be the the Scarlet Baroness, who's Hannibal Lecture on Secret Identity Identity actually throws Lightbringer off guard forcing his sidekick into pulling a Get a Hold of Yourself, Man!. Also it's the issue where Chad Rocco, fellow That Guy With The Glasses contributor joins in.
In Dubious Company, Mary thinks she is this with Elly. Elly highly disagrees.
Fan speculation suggests this might end up being the situation for Questionable Content Marigold and Dale, who play on opposing sides in World of Warcraft.
What's New with Phil and Dixie once explored this in Magic the Gathering-based soap opera comic.
In Jet Dream, Harmony Thunder (back when she was Jack Thunder) had this type of relationship with the mercenary Raven Red. Harmony's sex change puts further strain on the relationship.
One of Shadow of the Templar's main plots is the developing relationship between FBI agent Simon Drake and Gentleman Thief Jeremy Archer.
The Rocket of Legion of Nothing wooed Ghostwoman during WWII, when he was fighting for the US and she was a Nazi Superspy. Unsurprisingly, this was the topic of the first LoN fan-fic.
Los Hermanos, a member of the Global Guardians PBEM Universe is having a torrid affair with Brigit, the daughter of Lord Doom via one of his copy bodies.
In Chaos Fighters II-Cyberion Strike, Etliz, a wanted criminal and Etlisk, one of the police officers tasked to catch her and her comrades go as far as an actual date after Etliz was saved from getting naked when Etlisk put a final blow which stops clothing damage on her. a subversion occurs when she pulls a Heel Face Turn later on.
According to their actors, The Nostalgia Chick and The Nostalgia Critic. Neither of them are heroes or villains in the traditional sense, but their Foe Yay and Not So Different-ness are off the charts.
In The Guild, Codex finds herself getting intimately involved with the leader of her guild's villainous rivals.
Eric had sex with Sister in Mall Fight 3, and remains on good terms with her. As much as one can be with Sister.
In an episode of Batman Beyond, Terry McGinnis meets and starts to fall for a girl named Melanie...who turned out to be Ten of the Royal Flush Gang. As the gang is arrested, Terry asks Bruce, "this kinda thing ever happen to you?" Bruce smiles. "Let tell me you about a woman named Selina Kyle..." Eventually the girl leaves her family's gang and even manages to get a regular job and lifestyle, unfortunately Terry is with someone else by then. As a conciliatory note, the end of the episode reveals that her actions convinced her brother to leave the gang as well so she's not entirely alone.
In one episode Bruce is shown disconsolately flicking through pictures of ALL his hot female adversaries - Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and others - and the scene suggests he at some point in his career has been attracted to all of them.
Danny and Valerie on Danny Phantom. Although in this case, only he realized it; Valerie didn't find out Danny's secret identity until the Grand Finale, long after their relationship ended (ironically, for It's Not You, It's My Enemies reasons).
Parodied on The Simpsons, when Bart has a Radioactive Man comic book in which the hero marries "Larva Girl". The issue's title is "To betroth a foe!"
Until she eventually converted to his side, Blackarachnia and Silverbolt had this kind of relationship in Transformers: Beast Wars. True, she was originally a Maximal converted to the enemy's side via Brainwashing, but still...
Blackarachnia: I like being a bad girl. And you know something else? Somewhere deep beneath this squeaky clean armor-plating of yours, I think you like it too, hmm?
To bring Blackarachnia into Transformers Animated, she became Optimus Prime's Catwoman. Or, at least she will be when she gets over getting left behind.
Jake and Rose on American Dragon Jake Long. Before Rose learned of Jake's Secret Identity, she was also his Lois Lane and his Girl Next Door.
Aeon Flux and Trevor Goodchild, of course. Though which of these is the villain is debatable.
In X-Men Evolution, Kitty/Shadowcat of the X-Men and Lance/Avalanche of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants got together during the second season, though unlike most cases the villain in question was acting much more noble than previously, and the relationship lead to a considerable amount of character development for him later. He'd previously tried to kill her early on the show, but many found his genuine attempts to straighten his act some time later sweet.
Keeping on the X-Men theme, Wolverine and the X-Men does this with Nightcrawler and the Scarlet Witch. However the relationship between them is difficult to define. Kurt cares about her and tries to steer her on the right path, yet never openly admits he cares about her as anything more then a friend. Wanda herself does love Kurt and it's admitted as such, but its hard trying to date an X-Man when your father's ideology directly opposes theirs. Wanda throughout the first season struggles between the loyalty to her father and her crush on Kurt, in the end Nightcrawler's charm finally seeps through and she rejects her father partly because of Kurt's influence, mostly because he was willing to sacrifice other mutants to achieve his ultimate goal. Before anyone thinks this is completely out of the blue, there is actually a universe in the Marvel Multiverse where Kurt and Wanda did get together and they have a girl named Nocturne. Then again Nightcrawler has often been portrayed as having a strange ability to attract women like flies to a bug lamp; In one of his miniseries Beast even notes that he's jealous since there both blue, furry, and look like demons yet he can't get a girl and Kurt, at the time, had three girls after him.
Dave and Princess Irmaplotz in Dave the Barbarian.
The Venture Brothers has murder machines extraordinaire Brock Samson and Molotov Cocktease back when they were both secret agents.
Rusty tries to invoke this with Dr Girlfriend, but she isn't interested.
Dr Girlfriend attempts to invoke this on Brock, he's not interested (He think she's a post-ops transsexual).
Dr. Orpheus also wants to get in on this trope. When lobbying for his own archenemy, he requests an attractive redhead to maximize the possibility of UST.
Spy Groove. Spy #1 finds himself falling for Sierra Nevada, who's brilliant, gorgeous and evil.
The old Sunbow G.I. Joe series had an episode with Joe computer specialist Mainframe falling in love with Dreadnok Zarana while the latter was undercover infiltrating GI Joe headquarters. In a rare example of continuity, this relationship became significant in a later episode.
In COPS, COP Sgt. Mace and cat-burglar Nightshade had a romantic relationship despite being on opposite sides of the law.
Teen Titans: Cyborg starts dating Jinx when he goes undercover at the HIVE Academy, although it's the flirtatious Kid Flash who starts Jinx down the road to her Heel Face Turn.
El Tigre featured the titular character and Black Cuervo. The two dated twice, though they did so for their own personal reasons. Whereas Manny Rivera/El Tigre became disenchanted with her when he discovered she was just using him, Black Cuervo in turn developed a hopeless crush on him. Matters are made worse when Manny's best friend, Frida Suárez, is rivals (and not of the friendly kind) with Black Cuervo's civilian persona Zoe Aves... with whom Manny seems to get along fine. Cue Love Triangle.
As a bonus, Black Cuervo's mother and grandmother (Voltura and Lady Gobbler) have had their own failed relationships with El Tigre's dad and grandfather (White Pantera and Puma Loco) in the past. Generation Xerox played straight.
Justice League: In one episode while he's being held prisoner by the Injustice League, one of Batman's moves to disrupt their unity is to seduce Cheetah...What is it with Bruce Wayne and cats, anyway?
A hint is dropped at the end of Unlimited's series finale, when Giganta turns to kiss Flash before running away like the rest of the surviving villains. This plot thread was carried over to the official tie-in comic, where she faked a Heel Face Turn in order to woo the Flash, who simply thought she had legitimately reformed. After finding out that Flash had a date with reporter Linda Park, Giganta gave up the charade and tried to kill them both.
Darkwing Duck had the titular hero falling for 'evil businesswoman' Morgana, though she easily Heel Face Turned for both of the schemes she was in on because she felt the same way.
She pretty quickly went straight after falling for Darkwing, too. She even knew his secret identity by season three.
On Word Girl, kid villain Tobey is rather explicit about his crush on the titular superheroine. She continually rebuffs him, though reluctantly admits she enjoyed herself when he once tricked her into spending the day with him.
On The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, paranormal exterminator Hoss Delgado winds up dating Eris, goddess of chaos.
Rex and Circe from Generator Rex. And both are finding out the hard way just how much heartache it can cause.
Breach kind of forces her way into this trope with Rex.
Batman the Brave And The Bold naturally has this between Batman and Catwoman in several episodes. One even has them become a crimefighting team, having a child, retiring and finally dying together. However, it was all just a book written by Alfred.
Talia al-Ghul is depicted as a teenager in this version. Robin flirts with her in her first appearance, but she shoots him down. In her next she frees Batman from a Death Trap, and when he asks why, she kisses him. He takes it stoically. "I see."
One episode also has Jonah Hex hooking up with Lashina, depicted here as a henchwoman of Mongul and Mongal.
In Superman the Animated Series brainwashed Superman and Lashina of the Female Furies.
On Archer, Mallory Archer, head of ISIS, has been having an affair with Nikolai Jakov, head of the KGB, for forty years, going all the way back to their field agent days.
In Krypto the Superdog, the whole Batman/Catwoman thing even extends to their respective pets, Ace the Bathound and Isis the cat.
Young Justice has Red Arrow marrying the Dragon Lady assassin Cheshire after his fall from grace. The two quickly split up due to Cheshire's refusal to give up her life of crime, but not before Roy gets her pregnant.
The Spectacular Spider Man has the usual heavy flirting (and one kiss) between Spider-Man and Black Cat. However, they part on less friendly terms after she blames him for her father, who is Uncle Ben's killer, refusing to break out of jail.
Surprisingly, this has in fact happened. Of course, neither person was evil, unless you think political pundits and strategists are evil (an entirely valid position), in which case both are. American political strategists Mary Matalin (a Republican, and quite conservative) and James Carville (a Democrat, and liberal enough) faced each other across several elections in The Eighties, culminating in the 1992 campaign (in which Carville engineered Bill Clinton's winning strategy), still regularly appear across from one another on political debate shows, and call one another arch-enemies. They not only dated, but are married (getting hitched in 1993) and the proud parents of two daughters. They understandably do not talk politics at home.
Australian politics (as of March 2012): there are those who ship Julia Gillard (Labor Prime Minister) with Tony Abbott (Coalition Leader of the Opposition). There is even RPF for it. Not likely to eventuate, as Abbott is happily married (and takes his vows very seriously) and Gillard is unmarried but partnered, but if it ever did it would be a clear case of Heroes Want Redheads.
Julius Caesar and Cleopatra VII's famous affair, which took place while Rome and Egypt were geopolitical rivals.
Retrieved from "https://allthetropes.fandom.com/wiki/Dating_Catwoman?oldid=352443"
Love Tropes
Superhero Tropes
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13483
|
__label__wiki
| 0.737254
| 0.737254
|
Trope, Older Than Steam, Evil Tropes,
Eviler Than Thou
"It's not just about power, it's also about how far you're willing to debase yourself before feeling bad. I ripped off my own living flesh so that I wouldn't have to admit weakness. You're strictly little league compared to that. That right there? That's the difference between bonafide true Evil with a capital "E" and your whiny "evil, but for a good cause," crap. One gets to be the butch, and one gets to be the bitch -- Bitch."
—Xykon, The Order of the Stick: Start of Darkness
In the Big Bad business, There Can Be Only One, and it had better not be you when I'm Eviler than Thou.
Two Villains are rivals, each wreaking havoc in their own special way. For instance, one is direct and violent, while the other is a cowardly but clever schemer. Or one is selfish and the other is a Well-Intentioned Extremist. Each one has the potential to be the one and only Big Bad. The poor Heroes are caught in the middle between two completely different threats, and have to be flexible enough to stop both.
As the two villains plot, their Evil Plans will begin to collide and interfere with each other. If they meet, they will have the same reaction every time: the other villain is a disgrace to villainy's good name (or bad name, or...well, you know what we mean). The sneaky one thinks the violent one is a dumb brute, while the violent one thinks the sneaky one is pathetic. They may team up against the heroes for a while (each planning to double-cross the other), but usually they go for each other's throats, and the cross-fire threatens to destroy the world.
Whichever villain wins will rub it in with a cackling "The Reason You Suck" Speech about how the other villain is deficient. "People think you're scary, but deep down you're just a dumb thug." Or, "All your plotting and scheming has come to nothing when facing a real man who just fights." This is usually the end of the less horrible one. If they survive, they will often be so shocked at what the other one is planning that they team up with the heroes in an Enemy Mine. "I always thought I was doing right - this guy is just a selfish monster!" Or, "I only wanted to steal money, but his mad utopian schemes could doom the world!" This doesn't mean they reform, though.
Often, the heroes (and the writers) will ponder at length which villain is worse morally, with An Aesop. Usually, the moral is about avoiding either of two extremes (for instance, pragmatic heroes dealing with a selfish villain and a fanatic villain).
Some villains collide, but some stories just have their contrasting plots pass each other by. Or one of the villains may be more of a comic-relief distraction from the more threatening one, which does not necessarily mean that the comic relief one is less evil.
Anti Heroes (Type IV or V) and Anti Villains generally have another villain around who is eviler. Contrast Arson, Murder, and Admiration, Holier Than Thou, More Hero Than Thou and A Lighter Shade of Grey. The villain claiming to be Eviler than Thou is showing that sometimes it's not true that Even Evil Has Standards, while the villain they're claiming to be worse than (if it's true and the other villain proudly agrees) may be a straight example of Even Evil Has Standards.
Examples of Eviler Than Thou include:
Mayuri Kurotsuchi VS Szayel-Aporro Granz in Bleach, though it is less an "Eviler Than Thou" moment so much as "More Crazy Prepared Than Thou".
Though Mayuri's Hannibal Lecture is all about what he sees as the unscientific nature of Szayel's way of thinking. "More Mad Scientific Than Thou"?
Magic Knight Rayearth II has the girls fending off three invading nations that are all plotting against each other.
Done all the time in Inuyasha. Naraku is constantly employing lesser villains to help him out and ultimately they die, sometimes due to his direct influence. Seemingly subverted when Naraku is absorbed and seemingly killed by Moryumaru, but later on we find out Naraku let Moryumaru absorb him so he (Naraku) could absorb Moryumaru from the inside-out, proving anew Naraku is Eviler than Thou.
Furthermore the plot of the second movie, Naraku is killed during the opening credits, but it turns out it's a ploy to lure the film's main villain out of hiding so Naraku can kill her and steal her powers, and thus he returns at the climax alive and well.
El Hazard the Magnificent World: Jinnai joins the heroes at the last possible moment due to an Enemy Mine situation -- whereas the Phantom Tribe want to destroy the world, he wants to save the world so that he still has a chance of ruling it someday.
In Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch, the mercenary Black Beauty Sisters agree to work for both Gackto and Michel so that they can gain powerful humanoid forms. Both times, they plot against their superiors as soon as they get enough power (although in the second season of the anime, their betrayal comes out of a Heel Face Turn rather than greed, as opposed to the manga). They're quickly found out both times before they can do anything. Gackto is nice enough just to turn them back into fish. Michel, however, absorbs their souls in the anime; he has a much worse punishment in the manga.
The duel between Yami Bakura and Yami Marik in Yu-Gi-Oh. Marik wants the three Egyptian God Cards for his own purposes, but Bakura is after the Millennium Items for his own purposes, and Marik has the Millennium Rod. They try to work together, but when Marik's evil alter-ego takes over his body, Bakura teams up with Marik's good half to defeat his evil half with the rod as his reward. Unfortunately for Bakura, Yami Marik turns out to be Eviler Than Thou.
For that season anyway. Turns out later on that Yami Bakura was Eviler than everyone, it just took about "another two hundred bloody episodes" before he got his chance to show it ...or, as the case would be, even remembered it.
A minor example in the first season would be Maximillion Pegasus and Bandit Keith Howard. Pegasus is the Big Bad of the season, a Corrupt Corporate Executive, Gentleman Snarker, and Squishy Wizard who desires to resurrect his wife via Black Magic. Keith's a thug who infiltrated the tournament and beats people up to take their Star Chips and advance to the finals; his goal is to defeat Pegasus, who once beat him in an exhibition match. The two never directly clash, with Keith being beaten by Joey in the semi-finals, but he certainly makes for an excellent Foil to Pegasus, with his Smug Snakery highlighting Pegasus' Magnificent Bastardry.
And then Pegasus ends up on the receiving end of this trope after he's defeated by Yugi, as Bakura tracks him down, defeats him in a quick mental duel, and takes his Millennium Eye.
Yu-Gi-Oh GX has Yubel vs Amon. Considering this is the first time in the franchise since the above Bakura vs Marik example that two villains turned on each other, it's a great Crowning Moment of Awesome - the gimmick of the two, the Sacred Beasts vs Exodia, doesn't hurt either. Yubel turns out to be Eviler than Amon, but we find out during the duel Amon is a Well-Intentioned Extremist who believes Utopia Justifies the Means, so perhaps he isn't really evil...
Goes along with the Sorting Algorithm of Evil in Kinnikuman and its sequel Kinnikuman Nisei / Ultimate Muscle. At first, there's the Zangyaku/Brutal Choujin, who have no shame in fighting dirty. Of course, they don't kill unless they absolutely have to. Then we get the Akuma/Demon Choujin, who fight to kill but have a strong sense of friendship and morals. Then we get the Perfect Choujin, who feel they can do whatever they want provided their "rules" such as "Never lose, use weapons, or show emotion" don't forbid it. Then we now have the Jikan/Time Choujin, who don't even care if they mess up history to achieve their nefarious goals.
Lone Wolf and Cub has Abe-no-Kaii making a pretty good try at this trope, what with his willingness to poison a whole river just to kill Itto, or leaves poisoned spikes on the ground to kill Itto, not to mention his tendency to drink urine for no particular reason. Culminates in his accidentally flooding all of Edo, probably killing thousands. The regular evil, Retsudo Yagyu, eventually sets him up for suicide after Kaii betrays Yagyu.
The current battle between the newly-reincarnated Griffith and Emperor Ganishka in Berserk qualifies as this.
Black Lagoon: caps off its Hansel and Gretel arc with a confrontation between insane child-mercenary Hansel and charismatic mafia queen Balalaika. Balalaika uses snipers to effortlessly fell the psychopath and then delivers a crushing Hannibal Lecture to him as he bleeds to death on the floor in front of her.
Baccano! finishes off the Flying Pussyfoot incident with a train-top show-off between the Ax Crazy Psycho for Hire Ladd Russo and the Ax Crazy Awesome Sociopathic Hero Claire Stanfield. In this case it's not so much Eviler than Thou as Crazier Than Thou.
In addition, in the DVD bonus episodes, Ladd and Claire both separately have Crazier-Than-Thou showdowns with Talkative Loon Graham Spector.
And then Claire gets into a Crazier-Than-Thou match with Psychopathic Manchild Christopher Shouldered in the Light Novels. (For those wondering, by the way: nobody is crazier than Claire.)
The epic match between Ryo Mashiba vs. Ryuuhei Sawamura in Hajime no Ippo. They even let off lines like "If Mashiba is a demon, then Sawamura is the devil himself". Naturally, the match involves lots of brutal cheating on both sides. In the match however, Mashiba practically loses the veneer of humanity he had and proceeds to lay down a savage beating on Sawamura, gloating over the fact that his bloodlust is back and that he silenced his own fandom with his cruel actions. Mashiba gets disqualified for it, making Sawamura the winner, but technically Mashiba was the better boxer.
Madara and Kabuto spent most of the Fourth Ninja War Arc competing for the Big Bad position of Naruto. Madara was presented as the traditional Big Bad and had far more influence over the story than Kabuto, but Kabuto had a trump card over him, along with the Story-Breaker Power of Edo Tensei. Now, however, the conflict seems resolved: Kabuto has lost his trump card over Tobi and must end Edo Tensei in order to free himself from Izanami, so he has been bumped down to Tobi's Evil Genius.
This isn't really touched by the actual villains in Death Note, but in the manga, Rem really starts to see the Knight Templar's good points when a Corrupt Corporate Executive obtains his Artifact of Doom.
Many have tried to manipulate Johan Liebert for their own means. Johan, who is widely considered to be the poster boy for the Complete Monster trope, shows these people that Evil Is Not a Toy. He follows along with them to achieve his own plans but as soon as they have served their purpose, he disposes of them without a second thought.
The X-Men comic book and movies contrast William Stryker, a bigoted clergyman who thinks mutants are animals, with Magneto, a mutant supremacist who thinks mutants should enslave humans (or separate themselves from humans, or just kill the humans; Magneto's opinions on what to do with normal humans vary from time to time and writer to writer, and that's not even getting into his periodic Heel Face Turns). The parallels with white supremacists and minority racists are very much open.
It's a textbook abused-becomes-the-abuser Aesop with Magneto, as he's a Holocaust survivor. The Red Skull once even said that they weren't that different.
In The Movie Stryker is a General Ripper, which temporarily leads to an Enemy Mine situation for the two mutant factions.
In the Tintin book Flight 714, the Big Bad and an eccentric billionaire argue under the influence of a Truth Serum about who's the most ruthless of them.
In the recent Green Lantern storyline "Rage of the Red Lanterns", the Red Lantern Corps pulls this on the Sinestro Corps by interrupting the Sinestro Corps battle with the GLs to free Sinestro and slaughtering both sides.
The Black Lantern Corps have forced all of the other seven corps to work together just to survive.
In the Spider-Man story Goblins at the Gate the Hobgoblin (Roderick Kingsley) thinks he's manipulating the Green Goblin (Norman Osborn) to free him from prison and help him defeat Spider-Man, before he executes a takeover of Osborn's business empire. Turns out Osborn knew Kingsley was trying to use him and was just playing along to find out if Kingsley really had any blackmail material on him- and has managed to take over all of Kingsley's business empire instead. How was he able to carry it off so quickly? Easy:
Norman: I'm Norman Osborn.
Fellow Spider-Man villain Mr. Negative feels no one can approach him when it comes to evil or good, because he is both in equally ridiculous proportion. He subscribes to a philosophy that because his alter ego Mr. Li is as kind as a saint, this makes his evil as Mr. Negative all the more despicable, and vice versa. In being both, he is greater than any who is but one.
As proved by Alexander Luthor's fate at the end of Infinite Crisis, no matter what cosmic scale genocide or Crisis a DCU villain has carried out, the most dangerous villain is still a psychopath in a purple suit. Cross him at your peril.
While responding to fan mail in his Dark Reign tie-in, Venom said:
Venom: I know I'm not the nicest guy on the Earth, but try to compare me with the rest of my team. Daken has to kill four people per day to count it as good, Bullseye once killed a kitty that got struck on a tree just to prove he can, Norman Osborn seduced his son's girlfriend, and Ares is fricking GOD OF WAR. Next to them I'm looking like Tom Hanks.
Whole point of Resurrection from Star Wars Tales #9 - Sith cultists clone Darth Maul to make him fight Darth Vader, because they believe Vader has too much good inside him to be Palpatine's apprentice. This could be a Secret Test of Character, schemed by Palpatine to find out if Vader is evil enough as well.
In the Teen Titans storyline "The Judas Contract", Slade quickly realized that his own Dragon Terra was far more evil and dangerous than him. His plan to bring down the Titans from within went off without a hitch thanks to her prowess, but immediately fell apart the moment she got pissed off at him.
Relatively early on in Archie Comics Sonic the Hedgehog, Mammoth Mogul proved himself eviler than Enerjak (who was more or less the Big Bad of the Knuckles spin-off) by using the Sword of Acorns to steal his powers, reducing him to a frail old man, all while giving him "The Reason You Suck" Speech.
Near the end of Grant Morrison's run on the pre-reboot Batman's books, Oberson Sexton AKA: The Joker playing hero shows Doctor Hurt why he's pathetic with a line of dominoes and an Ironic Echo of what hurt said to him.
In The Official Fanfiction University of Middle-Earth, Morgoth and Sauron constantly fight over this.
At one point during Queen of All Oni, Ikazuki proves himself eviler than Jade, due to his greater experience (and arguably the fact that he's a full-blooded Oni, compared to Jade's hybrid status), and quickly assumes control of the Shadow Hand, forcing her to serve him.
In the Death Note fic Constant Temptation Beyond somehow manages to make Kira look like a decent human being.
In the Death Note fic A Cure for Love when Misa approaches the terrorist organization Astraea for help they are not at all impressed and if not for Rem they would have killed her. However most of Astraea's members Squee like rabid fanboys when they meet Light, the original Kira. Light himself is less than impressed with them and takes issue that they used his name and his powers to target innocents.
In The Rocketeer, Mob boss Eddie Valentine turns on his partner, actor Neville Sinclair, the moment he learns the latter's scheme is to turn the rocket-pack over to the Nazis. "I might not make an honest buck, but I'm one hundred percent American!" (In real life, some American Mafia dons actually used their personal ties in Sicily and Italy to help out the Allied invasion -- which might have been patriotism or might simply have been a case of "enemy of my enemy" thinking, as Mussolini was really hard on La Cosa Nostra, viewing it as a rival to his power.)
Another real life example, during WWII the US government asked the Mafia for help in order to uncover Nazi spies, or preventing them from sabotaging the production of ships which were necessary to keep up the support for Great Britain.
A major plot element in The Ninth Gate is that two very rich and rather nasty people—a Satanist and a guy who just wants the power—are both after a book believed capable of summoning the devil. Ultimately this leads to an epic scene in which the latter crashes the former's black mass, kills her in plain sight of the other cultists, and gives a rant basically saying "You Satanists are amateurs, only I understand the true power of this book" while they flee in terror.
Balkan: Look around, what do you see? A bunch of buffoons in fancy dress. You think the Prince of Darkness would deign to manifest himself before the likes of you? He never has and he never will!
The "black" Predators in Predators are bigger, nastier and somehow even uglier than the classic green Preds. Instead of hunting humans on their own turf, they kidnap human warriors to hunt them on a "game preserve" planet, in between torturing the classic ones they've captured.
In The Dark Knight Saga, The Joker constantly berates small-time crooks mobsters for being petty and shallow enough to care only about profit while ignoring loftier ideals of Evil:
You and your kind, all you care about is money. This city deserves a better class of criminal. And I'm gonna give it to them!
In The Elric Saga, Stormbringer compares himself to Elric immediately after killing and devouring Elric's soul. "Farewell friend. I was a thousand times more evil than thou." Despite Elric being an anti-hero, having destroyed his homeland and most everyone in it, partnering with entities of chaos, conveniently falling 'in love' with every major female character in The Multiverse and generally being an amoral prick should constitute him evil enough for comparison. Possibly the Trope Namer?
Stormbringer is eviler than Elric though - Stormbringer is basically a demon forged into the shape of a sword, and has often been a corrupting influence on Elric.
The novel and play Les Misérables contrasts the selfish thief Thenardier with the fanatic Inspector Javert, Javert representing the dark side of law, Thenardier criminality and chaos.
Of course, Javert isn't really a bad guy at all, he's a Designated Villain with Anti-Villain traits, which makes it not very hard for Thenardier to be Eviler Than Him.
In other words, Javert = Lawful Neutral, Thenardier = Chaotic Evil.
The early Harry Potter books contrast the all-consuming evil of Voldemort with the petty, selfish bullying of Draco Malfoy. In later books the misguided and corrupt Ministry of Magic, personified especially by Dolores Umbridge, takes over as secondary villain.
Harry Potter contrasts the 1940s-era Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald (a Knight Templar who believed Wizards should oppress Muggles for the Muggles' "own good") with the series's perennial antagonist Lord Voldemort (a deranged terrorist who thinks Muggles should just be killed). At the end, its a guy who thought he was doing the right thing (Who felt remorse later in life and spent his entire prison sentence wondering if he was right or not), versus someone who's just in it for power and the Evluz. Three guesses who wins.
However, when the two meet, Grindelwald is an old, powerless man who has been in prison for almost sixty years, pondering whether he was doing the right thing. Grindelwald in his prime could conceivably have been a match for Voldemort in terms of power and wickedness.
And Grindelwald refuses to give Voldemort the information he wants, and laughs at him despite knowing that Voldemort would kill him. Given that he was entirely at Voldemort's nonexistent mercy, that's pretty impressive.
In Tigana, two wizards from different foreign lands have each conquered nearly half of the land where the story is set. One is simply a sadistic bully. The other has more redeeming qualities, but causes his subjects even more misery by crushing an entire province to avenge his son's death there. Not merely crushing; he seeks to obliterate all memory that it has ever existed, and renamed it after its most hated rival.
Animorphs had Visser Three and Visser One. Visser One was in charge, but Visser Three did the micromanagement and was who the heroes dealt with most often. Nevertheless, on more than one occasion, they had to stop Visser Three from getting promoted, because his tactics would have been worse.
And they were. In the arc leading up to Visser One's death and Visser Three's promotion, especially in Visser, Esplin proves himself to be far and away eviler than Edriss. Stupider, but definitely eviler.
In the Chaotic Evil versus Lawful Evil showdown, may we present Psycho for Hire John Dread and Corrupt Corporate Executive Felix Jongleur from Tad Williams' Otherland? Fight, boys!
The sixth book of the Incarnations of Immortality series is told from the point of view of the villain of the previous books. Twice, he ends up having to battle other villains for the job of being Satan. Oddly enough, he wins, at least in part, because he isn't as evil as they are - he has friends who are willing to help him, while his rivals don't.
Recurring theme in the Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher. In the first book, Complete Monster Kord is contrasted with Well-Intentioned Extremist Fidelias. It is even explicitly spelled out in one dialogue, where someone concludes that the latter is more dangerous than the former.
In later books, we see contrast between High Lord Aquitainus and High Lord Kalarus, and ultimately between all of the human(oid) villains and the Vord.
Mordeth in The Wheel of Time series compared to the Dark One.
In Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files, Harry has several possible Big Bads who want the pleasure of either killing him or having him join them: Cold blooded fallen angels, Well-Intentioned Extremist/Lawful Stupid other wizards, devious vampires, and secret societies. Thus far the fallen angels are probably in the lead, but given that the Black Council has barely acted overtly at this point it seems the likely favorite.
Especially as it's been implied that there may be some Denarians in the Black Council.
While William Walker and Doctor Alice Hong from S.M. Stirling's Island in The Sea of Time trilogy are not exactly rivals they do have a conversation about this. Walker argues that while Hong tortures people in an extraordinarily sadistic fashion compared to the normal methods of killing he employs, he is far more evil than she is because of the sheer volume of people he kills. While Hong and her priestesses have tortured hundreds of people to death Walker's armies have slaughtered tens of thousands of people in his campaigns of conquest. Hong concedes that Walker is right.
Whats most amusing is that this instance of "Eviler than Thou" is actually Walker giving Hong a peptalk. She is feeling a little down what with being a horrible monster who castrates people without anesthetics and gets off on it. He gives her a speech about how he is ten thousand times worse than her and feels nothing because he is an Ubermensch, and that she should be too. She feels a little better after this hilariously twisted exchange.
Marching Through Georgia, the first installment of Stirling's Drakaverse series, has the sadistic, slaveholding Draka face off against Nazi Germany, whom the Draka see both as a strategic threat and as barbarians for murdering people in concentration camps rather than putting them to good use. The book gives many readers the uneasy feeling of wanting the Nazis to win once the Draka philosophy is outlined.
Friday the 13 th: Hell Lake contrasts two serial killers, one based on Richard Ramirez and the other based on Ted Bundy.
In The Prefect by Alastair Reynolds, Panoply's only hope is to defeat an evil super intelligent AI is to enlist another super intelligent AI who is merely bad, insane and bent on vengeance ..maybe.
Degrassi, in its third and fourth seasons, contrasted Jay (a sociopathic criminal mastermind) with Rick (an unstable maniac who beat his girlfriend). When their schemes collided, Jay turned out to be Eviler than Thou -- but Rick got more dangerous as Jay backed him into a corner. The sixth season has contrasted Drake (a violent gang leader) with Peter (a sleazy operator who was born to blackmail and frame people). So far, their schemes have not collided.
Bennet and Sylar were villains in the first season of Heroes, Sylar being a sociopathic power cannibal, and Bennet a "for the greater good" kidnapping Government Conspiracy-employed Magnificent Bastard. Sylar eventually proved the greater threat thanks to the former's Start of Darkness and Morality Pet daughter.
Linderman and Sylar could be considered the two driving villains of the show's first season. Linderman being The Faceless Anti-Villain, wanting to do "good"; and Sylar the ever present Implacable Man. They never meet or intersect, but Linderman's plot for world renewal hinged on Sylar (or two other people) exploding in New York. His reasons for being so sure this would happen were sketchy.
On the other hand, Sylar was given a sympathetic Start of Darkness episode, too, in which we got to meet him as the gentle and nerdy Gabriel Gray before Chandra Suresh put all that talk about an Evolutionary Imperative into his head. In another episode, we got to meet Gabriel's neurotic mother. And even Sylar was horrified at the idea of becoming an Exploding Man and wiping out millions of lives. As evil villains go, he's not completely without redeeming qualities. The third season of Heroes will show if he comes out Eviler than Thou when pitted against other homicidal superpowered villains, or if he effects a Heel Face Turn.
Of course, Sylar's doubts about destroying New York last for about ten minutes before he's out pursuing exploding powers, laughing as Peter is about to explode, and preventing Hiro from stopping the Exploding Peter. I don't think we can really think of Sylar as being all that sympathetic.
And now, Season Three has brought us Arthur Petrelli, whose plan seems pretty much certain to literally blow up the world... and who has effortlessly defeated most of the other villains on the show. It's gotten to the point where a villain has defeated at least as many evildoers as the actual heroes!
It would seem that Sylar has won the Eviler than Thou contest. Arthur Petrelli lost due to a bad case of bullet to the brain, courtesy of Sylar.
The second part of Season Three has Sylar (still a super-powered egomaniac following his own whims) versus Danko (a non-powered, highly disciplined government agent acting on orders from the President). Sylar turns out to eviller this time too. We should perhaps just accept that you cannot out-evil Sylar...
New Big Bad Samuel seems to be giving him a run for his money, though...
In Doctor Who, the Master teams up with an evil alien in all five stories of Season Eight. With two exceptions, he proves himself Eviler Than They. The exceptions: he agrees to help the Doctor destroy Axos in The Claws of Axos, and he gets completely owned by Azal in The Daemons.
In "The Five Doctors" the Master teams up with the Cybermen, whose intentions to kill him later are clear to the audience from the beginning of the partnership. They never get a chance to, though, as he leads them directly into a death trap. Ironically, in this example the Master is actually on the Doctor's side, until he finally gets sick of the fact that none of the Doctors - not exactly without just cause - refuse to believe him.
In "The End of Time", Rassilon proves to be even more evil than the Master. Heck, Rassilon turned out to be responsible for driving the Master towards villainy, as part of a plan to escape the Time War and achieve godhood.
Has happened more than once in Power Rangers.
Lord Zedd versus Count Dregon in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers season 3.
The rivalry between Lord Zedd and the Machine Empire in Power Rangers Zeo.
The Dino Thunder / Ninja Storm Reunion Show ends with the Villain Team-Up breaking down and the two main villains fighting. Mesogog wins by hitting Lothor with his psychic Agony Beam and...turning him into an action figure. "Very collectible."
Power Rangers Operation Overdrive has no less than four villain factions fighting each other as well as the Rangers: Flurious, Moltor, Kandor and the Fear Cats.
The vampires Angelus and Spike during the second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Angelus, the more sadistic of the two, tried to drag the world into Hell, but was defeated when Spike and Buffy teamed up against him. Ironically, Angelus and Spike both underwent a Heel Face Turn (although at different times) from Buffy's arch-enemy to Buffy's ally and even lover. Both were karmically "punished" by regaining their souls (and thus their conscience and ability to feel guilt), and both underwent a sort of Karmic Death: Angel was swallowed by the demon Acathla and spent centuries in hell, while Spike became the show's Anti-Villain Butt Monkey, suffering numerous humiliations and beatdowns and (worst of all) Badass Decay. (In fact, he was the original trope namer for that last one.)
Stargate SG-1 has the Goa'uld System Lords who are all completely evil, but will often fight against each other for territory or other things.
It was implied for a while that Yu might not be as bad as the others, but that never seemed to go anywhere.
It wasn't that Yu was less bad, he was just getting old and senile, and was easier to manipulate, so the Tok'ra used it to their advantage. That, and Yu actually had the most to gain by helping Earth. Notably he was the only System Lord remaining from the time of Anubis's banishment for instance, and the only current one to refuse his assent to readmit him - even for the price of removing the Tau'ri and potentially angering the others. Plus he was much less megalomaniacal, not desiring galactic conquest and not particularly interested in events outside his area of the galaxy, which included Earth.
Yu was seemingly not quite as bad as the rest even before the senility kicked in, though; he was a ruthless tyrant like every System Lord, but he still played things straight when negotiating with the Tau'ri despite their being "inferior" humans. And it was at least implied that he led the call for Anubis's original banishment in part because Anubis was too extreme even by System Lord standards. Also, Yu become noticeably more megalomaniacal after his senility set in; the first time he explicitly declared himself a god (despite having, unlike every other known Goa'uld, taken on the persona of a real historical figure instead of a god) was shortly after the viewers were informed that Yu was senile.
Before he appears on the show, Daniel does explain that during his time on Earth, Yu never took the role of an actual god. He was, especially by Goa'uld standards, a relatively positive figure in Earth history, as well.
And then there's Anubis. The guy who was supposedly way too evil even for the Goa'uld. The Goa'uld System Lords enslaved the galaxy and were extreme egomaniacs. Anubis was Dangerously Genre Savvy and his ultimate goal was to erase all life in the entire galaxy. And he was smart enough to trick Oma into letting him ascend. Furthermore, he made a lot of Goa'uld (including System Lords) work for him. And crushed the rest of them, including most of Yu's fleet.
Before Anubis, we had Sokar, who was really into that Satan thing.
The Criminal Minds episode "The Last Word" had a pair serial killers essentially in competition with one another. They were pretty much polar opposites - The Mill Creek Killer was handsome, suave, secretive, killed upper-class women during the day, and did... stuff to the bodies, while The Hollow Man was disheveled, not that pleasant, craved attention, and hunted prostitutes at night (shooting them from afar, so he didn't have to go near them).
An episode of Masters of Horror had two serial killers (one who picked up and murdered hitchhikers, and another who posed as a hitchhiker and killed anyone who picked him up) in competition with each other.
In Kamen Rider OOO, Kazari ultimately ends up being this to the other four Greeed, being the most ruthless and evil of them all. Ironically, Dr. Maki, a mere human, ultimately performs a One-Winged Angel transformation into a Greeed and proves himself to be eviler than Kazari by ripping out all his intact Cores and leaving him to die. In the backstory, the Original OOO turned out to be this to the Greeed.
Scorpius to Crais in Farscape. In fact, it is Scorpius's bullying of Crais that leads the latter to his Heel Face Turn and Heroic Sacrifice.
An ongoing contest between all the factions in Warhammer 40000. Except possibly the Orks, who mostly seem to be in it for the laughs.
And the Tau, who are trying to be better than everyone else and failing with depressing regularity.
The Tau being good guys is pretty much Common Knowledge at this point. At best, they aren't always genocidal, but the re-education, mass sterilization, and mind control aspects of their culture tend to get overlooked by people that aren't familiar with their lore. They just don't seem to work as well as antagonists, so the Expanded Universe tends to overlook them.
Special mention goes to Fabius Bile, who may have accomplished the highly impressive task of being eviler than the Chaos Gods. As he puts it, "The Dark Gods and their slaves have nothing more to offer me now, but I have far more to offer them."
Abaddon also seems to enjoy showing off just how much of a nice guy he isn't, by doing things like destroying an entire ship because its captain pissed him off and killing a slave for looking at him. It's like he had the Villain Ball welded to his armour.
Well duh, how else do you explain all the failures?
Tyranids and Orks, two of the greatest threats to the galaxy, are currently duking it out as one of the hive fleets got diverted by an Inquisitor... straight into one of the largest and fightiest Ork empires in the galaxy. Unfortunately for the rest of the known universe, when the conflict is finally over, the surviving force will be insanely powerful - the Tyranids will have absorbed the Orks' DNA and so will make new and more powerful creatures, and any surviving Orks will have been so strengthened by the fight that they will probably go on an unstoppable rampage through the galaxy. Nice Job Breaking It, Hero.
There's also the epic, eternal Blood War between baatezu (Lawful Evil) and tanar'ri (Chaotic Evil) in Dungeons and Dragons over which of them best exhibits capital "E" evil. Of course, the yugoloths (Neutral Evil) milk this for all it's worth. This has gone on to the point that the critters on the Good side of the table sit back and watch instead of doing anything active to combat it.
Of course, some supplements imply that without the Blood War, the devils and demons would be able to present a unified front against the forces of good, which would be a Very Bad Thing.
The 4th edition of Dungeons and Dragons downplays the Demon/Devil rivalry in favor of the God/Primordial rivalry, but since devils are fallen angels who overthrew their god, and demons are corrupted primordials, a semblance of it still exists. The contrasts between the two are further magnified, though, with demons being the violent destroyers of existence and devils being the clever schemers out to corrupt people.
The Blood War is referenced in Manual of the Planes: it's been put on hold, not stopped. The devils want to make sure that it's at a time of their choosing. On the other side of the Material Plane, each demon lord would gleefully shred devils by the score, but the first one to make a move will return (if he returns) to find his layer has been divided among his rivals, who took advantage of his back being turned. Of course, an attack on certain Abyssal sites, such as Twelvetrees, by devils (or PCs pretending to be devils) could light the tinder before you can say "Fireball".
Another 4e example would be the battle between the God of War, Bane, and the God of Savagery, Gruumsh. Bane is a strict, disciplined soldier who believes in The Spartan Way, while Gruumsh is the living embodiment of unbridled Unstoppable Rage. Gruumsh want's Bane's title. The kicker is that the other gods, even the good ones, recognize that Bane is truly the more evil(he plans on getting rid of that nasty little free will problem, and sponsor Gruumsh against him, figuring that if nothing else, they'd keep each other occupied.
In Exalted, the setting faces three kinds of cosmic danger: The Fair Folk, who want to assimilate the world into the sea of primal chaos that spawned it; the demonic Yozis, who want to conquer and rule the world (Which, in all fairness, they created); and the Neverborn, who want to unmake the world into perfect nothingness. The three forces haven't clashed significantly (In fact, the Fair Folk and the Neverborn worked together once) in the history of the setting, but considering their single-minded focus and the fact that in a few years any of them will have the power to accomplish their objectives, a big showdown is inevitable.
Well...almost inevitable, considering that the non-evil (well, not-really-all-that-evil) Solars are likely to cause some hiccups.
Older Than Steam: This goes at least as far back as King Lear by William Shakespeare, which contrasts Lear's two spoiled daughters with Gloucester's embittered bastard son Edmund. They eventually team up, all planning to double-cross each other -- but Edmund, who has had to struggle for everything, turns out to be smarter and meaner.
In Akira Kurosawa's Ran, the Setting Update of King Lear, Lady Kaeda plays the same role, but is even more evil than Edmund, as it turns out that the daimyo in the role of Lear destroyed her entire family when she was little, and she's been in it for revenge for decades.
A humorous example of this trope occurs in the play and film Arsenic and Old Lace, where the "good" murderers, the Brewster sisters, are contrasted with the bad murderer, their Ax Crazy nephew Jonathan. After losing an argument with his lackey about which has the highest body count, Jonathan replies with, "Well, that can easily be taken care of," and prepares to kill again immediately.
In the Metal Gear universe, there's a conflict between the so-called "terrorists" with literally noble intentions, and the politicians with treacherous, manipulative intentions. Villains such as Big Boss, Liquid Snake/Ocelot, and Solidus Snake formed their own terrorist organizations to free the world's soldiers from the real villains, the manipulative politicians, particularly The Patriots (aka, the La-Li-Lu-Le-Lo). This forces Solid Snake and his friends to form a third side to combat the threat of both sets of villains, so that they could save the world from the war of two ideologies.
For an extra layer, the Patriots themselves were originally created to combat an even older group of world controlling politicians.
Bioshock features a background conflict between the objectivist Knight Templar Andrew Ryan, who goes to great and terrible lengths in an attempt to preserve his utopia, and the scheming mobster Frank Fontaine, who's just trying to claw his way to the top in the name of money and power.
The sequel also shows that Ryan also faced opposition from collectivist cult leader and enemy of free will Sofia Lamb.
The villains of the Star Control series are the two races of Ur-Quan: The green Kzer-Za, who swept around one half of the galaxy enslaving every living thing. (with the ultimate intention of sealing them on their respective homeworlds in impenetrable bubbles. They would also allow relative freedom if your race agreed to serve them as battle thralls.) And the black Kohr-Ah, who swept around the galaxy killing every living thing. Once both met at the opposite end of the galaxy, they were both going to fight it out to decide whose approach is "better".
Even better yet, both approaches are supposed to be for your own good! The Ur-Quan were originally part of The Sentient Milieu, which accidentally stumbled upon the most evil species ever, the Dnyarri, telepaths so powerful that a single individual could utterly dominate the minds of an entire solar system. The Ur-Quan barely managed to free themselves from the Dnyarri's control by a fluke and destroy them after millennia of the most horrible abuse imaginable.
To clarify the "for your own good" statement: While both Ur-Quan are extremely paranoid after said horrible abuse, the Kzer-Za don't want to kill everything, deciding that universal enslavement was enough to ensure that nobody could ever enslave the Ur-Quan, or anyone else, again. (That sounds strange, but the Kzer-Za see themselves as fair masters and usually do not permit their subjects to harm each other. Compared to every other "bad guy" race in the game, and even some of your allies, they seemed downright beneficent. They remind me of my mother more than anything else.) The Kohr-Ah just have a few screws loose, and outright state that, since they believe in reincarnation, by killing every non-Ur-Quan race in the galaxy, they are doing them a favor by giving them a chance to be reborn as Ur-Quan.
A rare example when a mediocre villain invoked much more disgust and ire than the major one. I'm referring, of course, to the Druuge. Unlike the Ur-Quan who, despite their omnicidal/totalitarian tendencies, retained a strict code of honour and had thorough and near-commiserable motivation, the Druuge were nothing but greedy heartless dregs.
Not strictly evil, but in Dragon Age Origins, upon being told that the man before you is a veteran of many battles, you can reply as follows:
Warden Hundreds have died in my wake. You're just a statistic to me.
Kuja, Garland and Queen Brahne in Final Fantasy IX all come into conflict with each other over who gets to be the main villain. Brahne and Kuja work together until she betrays him and he kills her, and Kuja is Garland's servant until he overthrows him.
In World of Warcraft the forces of Illidan and The Burning Legion are in conflict in the Burning Crusade expansion. Indeed, a large part of Illidan's perceived Orcus on His Throne behavior can be attributed to the fact that his citadel is being besieged by Legion forces.
The Drakkari trolls are being invaded by Scourge forces in Wrath of the Lich King. This is especially notable in Drak'Tharon Keep, where players directly get in the middle of battle between the two factions.
Yogg-Saron and Arthas are theoretically in conflict, though it's not very clearly represented in game.
The Nerubians were driven from their homes by both the Scourge and Yogg-Saron's servants, and according to the guide are evil, cruel, and xenophobic. However, in their current state they aren't interesting in picking fights with anyone else and are perfectly willing to work with players.
Dissidia Final Fantasy has three factions within the villains - those who want to rule the world, those who want to destroy it, and those who are doing their own thing and don't care about the other two factions. Though the heroes spend most of the time in the spotlight, we see hints of the various villains making plays for power against each other.
Team Aqua and Team Magma in Pokémon Emerald, Aqua wanting to flood the world and Magma wanting to expand the landscape.
Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow has this all over the place. The Big Bad orders Dario, the brute, and Dmitrii, the schemer, to compete for the position of Big Bad; Dario winds up dead and Dmitrii goes on to kill the Big Bad and become the Big Bad himself, albeit only briefly. Unless, of course, the hero does it first.
Halo: The Flood, led by the Gravemind, and the Covenant, led by the Prophet of Truth. in Halo 3, the heroes manage to stop Truth's plan to destroy the galaxy, which plays into the hands of Gravemind's plan to infect the galaxy.
Truth: I shall become a god!
Gravemind: You will be food.
Most games with a Karma Meter will end up with something like this if the player chooses the Evil end of the spectrum - for example, Knights of the Old Republic ends, if you choose to go Dark, with the Sith Lord Revan facing off against his old apprentice Malak, whereas KotOR 2 has the evil Sith Lord Jedi Exile (again, if you decide to go that way) fighting Darth Traya- formerly known as Kreia- in the ruins of the world she destroyed in the backstory to prove there's nothing more she can teach her.
Strangely, while it does have Dark and Light endings, The Force Unleashed plays this straight both ways. The Dark Side Starkiller ultimately proves eviler than Darth Vader, but then the Emperor ends up being eviler than them. Though ultimately, as the expanded What If Dark Side storyline is to be believed, Starkiller manages to one up the Emperor and Vader by corrupting Luke Skywalker, something that the other two never managed in the real timeline.
Fate Stay Night loves this trope. Firstly, there's Caster getting shown up by Gilgamesh (who serves Kotomine) in Fate, followed later by the plot of Unlimited Blade Works, with Caster trying (and failing) to out-evil Kotomine, who is himself out-competed by Gilgamesh (though mostly because of a self-caused Villain Ball moment). Finally, in Heaven's Feel, Kotomine, Zouken and Dark Sakura end up in a three-way villain free-for-all after Gilgamesh and Caster are defeated by Dark Sakura, with Zouken partially controlling Sakura before he is all but killed by Kotomine and later finished off by Dark Sakura. Dark Sakura also all but kills Kotomine in the process, but as the True Ending reveals, he is still left as the last standing and his plan is again the one that Shirou has to thwart.
No matter what, however, Shinji is always on the losing side of villain showdowns. Always.
In Okage: Shadow King, a good deal of the game is spent helping Evil King Stan beat up the Fake Evil Kings to reclaim his title.
Appears within the Dwarf Fortress fandom, as many of the players dream up greater and more monstrous ways to abuse the Dwarves, Goblins, Elves, cats, and pretty much everything else. One of the most well-known examples being a plan to drain an entire ocean in order to capture mermaids, simply because crafts made from their bones are very valuable.
In Starcraft II, this is one possible Alternate Character Interpretation for the relationship between the Overmind and the Fallen One (the other possibility being a case of Good All Along). Thus far we've only been given teases about it being a future plotline, but what is known is that the latter tried to use the former for his own ends, and the former pulled off a Thanatos Gambit to stop him.
In Mario Super Sluggers, Bowser and King K. Rool have absolutely terrible play chemistry when on the same team.
In God of War, we have Chaotic Evil Kratos against the Lawful Evil Jerkass Gods. Take your pick.
Exterminatus Now: Daemonically possessed toaster < Blasphemy.
In Adventurers, Khrima and Eternion got into this a lot, dueling for the role of Final Boss. While Khrima had been around longer, Eternion was the eviler of the two, and Genre Savvy Khrima was quite annoyed by the other's attempt to capitalize on that and force him into an Enemy Mine with the heroes. Ultimately, the trope is subverted, as the heroes defeat Eternion and then fight Khrima.
During the "Love Potion PART 2" arc of Sluggy Freelance, Yandere assassin Oasis comes into conflict with demon possessed Gwynn. The demon K'Z'K proves eviler.
When Riff first meets Evil Mastermind Minion Master, they face off in a 'Madder Scientist Than Thou', until he bribes Bun-bun to show he's Eviler.
Riff: He doubted my scienceness!
The quote at the top of the page pretty much sums up the Xykon/Redcloak relationship from The Order of the Stick, as seen in Start of Darkness. It is used to end a crushing "The Reason You Suck" Speech by Evil Overlord Xykon as he makes it clear to his second-in-command, Well-Intentioned Extremist Redcloak, what the pecking order of Evil is between the two.
More recently, in the main comic, Co-Dragons Redcloak and Tsukiko -- who already had a strong rivalry -- finally went head to head and... well, suffice to say, Redcloak's the only Dragon again.
In Nodwick (Yeagar's pupils arc) Count Repugsive was kicked out of his own castle by "someone more evil".
In Sinfest, Lil' Evil scorns the villains of fiction as less evil.
Michelle Clore and Terrence in Kate Modern. One is a high-ranking member of an evil secret society, the other a psychopathic loan shark.
LifesBlood Labs, the evil corporation from LG 15 The Resistance, along with the good old Order of Dederah, the Ancient Conspiracy from Lonelygirl15 who don't take kindly to their new rivals. LBL don't exactly do anything to endear themselves to the Order either, as Sarah notes:
Sarah: They're so bad that they're stealing from the bad guys! That's like taking candy from a baby. Who is totally evil!
Garrelf and Beardbeard of Dorf Quest both get declared the ultimate villains of the plot when things hit the fan and they end up on opposite sides.
Avatar: The Last Airbender has never been subtle about this. Its first season quickly introduced rivals Prince Zuko and Admiral Zhao. With Zhao's Karmic Death in the season finale and Zuko's cemented status as Not So Different Anti-Villain, it became a subject of great debate as to which Season 2 villain would prove the most threatening: Ozai's Dragon Princess Azula, or the Evil Chancellor Long Feng (most bets were against a Power Trio of teenaged girls). The two eventually teamed up in the second season finale, each and planning to double-cross the other, but the charismatic and sociopathic princess ended up the unequaled victor, which she made clear Breaking Speech style.
Although this is arguably a subversion, in that we've known who the string-puller has been the entire show, but he didn't get active until season 3, in which he tops them all by giving his daughter his old position. Not that he needs it anymore, as he's just declared himself absolute ruler of the world.
Well, it's not just that he has bigger motivations, it is that his plan is more grandiose: Ozai is going to be the absolute ruler of the world by burning all of the Earth Kingdom to the ground with a giant wave of fire. Next to that, capturing the Avatar or taking over the capitol looks like nothing.
Who's more evil between the father and his daughter is still up in the air, since Ozai's Moral Event Horizon act mentioned above was first suggested by Azula.
Well considering Ozai raised her that way, it really isn't all that surprising.
In Yin Yang Yo!, Carl the Evil Cockroach Wizard and his brother Herman get along just as badly as the two main protagonists. Carl retains magical abilities and makes use of planned out schemes, while Herman retains colossal strength (contrasts with his ant-like size) and prefers to use brute strength to achieve victory. Naturally, the two have worked together (albeit forcibly) on occasion to take on Yin and Yang, but their extreme dislike of being within two feet of each other always leads to their failure.
Played with with Carl and the Night Master - Carl helped the heroes defeat the Night Master, because he stole Carl's ideas.
This is done with a rare subtlety in Transformers: Beast Wars amongst the Predacons, with a nice contrast between Megatron and Tarantulas. Rather than fighting outright, the two do the best to bend the other to their own purposes. Don't think for a second that it's just between the two of them, though. Blackarachnia's also a major player, and other contenders come and go from the game over the course of the series, but that'd be telling.
Just in Beast Wars? Starscream and Megatron acted like this all the time in G1 (and any number of alternate continuities). In general, the Autobots always teamed up with Megatron after he'd inevitably been betrayed by Starscream, because Starscream's ambition was pretty much limitless.
In Dungeons and Dragons, Venger and Tiamat were at each other's throats just as often as they fought the heroes.
Speaking of D&D, in Re Boot, Megabyte and Hexadecimal could basically be considered Lawful Evil and Chaotic Neutral. They were constantly trying to get one over on each other, and it was revealed near the end of the second season that they were, in fact, siblings. In the end, Megabyte got a Karmic Death Megabyte took over Mainframe, while Hexadecimal did a Heel Face Turn and Heroic Sacrifice. A subversion occurs with Daemon, who is more powerful than both of them, yet not very evil at all and considers her apocalyptic goal to be "bringing peace to the net".
Of course, that result depends on whether or not you consider the ending of 'My two Bobs' to be canon. The ending of the season 4 finale is...a desperate cliffhanger at best in this regard. You KNOW that one is a fake, but just how fake, and who? Most people don't even count anything that happens after the third season since they've never seen it.
The original-flavored one's the fake; he's Megabyte in disguise. Season 4 does end on a desperate cliffhanger, but "My Two Bobs" ain't it -- there's other episodes!
My Two Bobs was split into four episodes for broadcast. You're thinking of Crouching Bi-Nome, Hidden Virus which is the final part of My Two Bobs.
In Shadow Raiders, Blokk and Lamprey were constantly vying for power as the Beast Planet's sole Dragon, even though they served the same master both functioned as Big Bads. Blokk was overt and militaristic, Lamprey used subtle political manipulations to destroy target worlds from within. Eventually, Blokk was killed in battle and Lamprey may have survived the season 2 battle.
Of course being just parts of The Beast, they can just be replace.
In Codename: Kids Next Door: Operation: Z.E.R.O., Grandfather's first act after getting his memories back is to banish Father for being too ineffectual and not evil enough.
Doubly subverted (but not a Double Subversion) in Invader Zim. Tak isn't Eviler than Zim, she's merely more competent (Tak at least tries to Hannibal Lecture him, but Zim just continues screaming), and Zim doesn't form an Enemy Mine with Dib because he's disgusted by her methods, but because she's stealing his job.
Kim Possible, "A Sitch in Time" had Dr. Drakken, Duff Killigan, and Monkey Fist team up with Shego against Team Possible. During the course of the movie, Shego betrayed the other villains by stealing the Time Monkey Idol for herself, took over the world, and made herself the supreme one. Bad girl.
In The Powerpuff Girls, Mojo Jojo and Him end up in this kind of contest, attempting to show the Rowdyruff Boys who's the better father. In the end, the Boys decide they're both pathetic and go out to fight the Powerpuff Girls on their own.
Also, the girls were once defeated by an alien, who was using some of Mojo's ideas. When Mojo realized the alien was actually achieving everything he always wanted to, he went berserk, beat the tar out of him, and forced him to admit that he's more evil.
Total Drama World Tour gives us this little gem from Alejandro:
"Compared to me? Heather's a saint."
And Alejandro himself compared to Chris.
On Jimmy Two Shoes, this is the relationship every member of the Heinous family has with their offspring. When Lucius VI is unfrozen, the first thing he does is chastise Lucius VII for not making everyone miserable enough.
In the DCAU crossover episode between Superman the Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures, Lex Luthor discovers that making a deal with The Joker, and then trying to betray the Monster Clown when the latter failed to kill Superman for him, is a very bad idea. [1].
Also in the DCAU, while Darkseid doesn't show up anywhere near as much as most other villains like Lex Luthor or Gorilla Grodd, when he does show up, there is no question as to the Big Bad is.
Turtles Forever. The 2003 Shredder is this when compared with his 1987 counterpart and Krang. At first, 1987 Shredder hoped they could form a Big Bad Duumvirate with him... then he discovered Ch'rell was murderously violent and Karai's involvement allowed him to take over the Technodrome, and all of 1987 Shredder/Krang's assets, upgrade them to his own means, and use them in a plan to destroy the entire Multiverse. The 2003 Shredder considers the '87 villains incompetent and worthless, and eventually has them imprisoned when he can't stand them any longer (except Bebop and Rocksteady, who he allows to serve him).
Filmations Ghostbusters has at least two episodes featuring Big Evil trying to usurp Prime Evil's status as the main Big Bad. The first episode even had Jessica commenting that Big Evil makes Prime Evil seem to be a good guy. Both episodes invoked the Enemy Mine trope by having Prime Evil teaming up with the heroes against Big Evil.
An episode of Family Guy featured Lois seducing Meg's boyfriend. After getting caught, Lois goes to apologize, but drops hints that she's better looking and if she really wanted him, she could have him. Meg responds with this type of speech.
Meg: You think this is about looks? We do things that you wouldn't be able to crawl back from. I'm talking about power tools. [rips out one of her own teeth] He hangs me from the shower with your old bras and we laugh at you. [throws the bloody tooth in Lois' face]
Doofenshmirtz goes through this twice in Phineas and Ferb, first when Agent P gets reassigned to the Regurgitator, making the OWCA drop Doofenshmirtz down to a "minor threat". He's extremely offended by this and decides to take care of it... only to realize how bad the Regurgitator really is, and starts working for him (hey, the job came with maternity leave). Of course, being as incompetent as he is, his incompetence actually defeats the Regurgitator, puts him in jail and his threat level goes back to normal.
Later said word for word by Doofenshmirtz to his more evil counterpart in Across the 2nd Dimension.
In Potsworth and Company, one knows the villain who replaced the Big Bad is the eviler one when the heroes resort into tricking the Bigger Bad into firing him and rehiring the original Big Bad.
In prison, serial killer Joel Rifkin once got into a fight with mass murderer Colin Ferguson. The brawl was apparently set off by this exchange:
Ferguson: "I wiped out six devils, and you only killed women."
Rifkin: "Yeah, but I had more victims."
When they shared adjoining cells, serial killers Edmund Kemper and Herbert Mullin (who were active in the same area, at around the same time) constantly bickered, argued, and belittled each other. As an article on Mullin put it:
"Both Mullin and Kemper viewed their own killing rampages as missions, and thought the other was a heathen. Mullin killed to save the world from earthquakes, and despised Kemper as a brutish sex maniac. In turn, Kemper said that Mullin "was just a cold-blooded killer... killing everyone he saw for no good reason." Kemper thought he was the one with the social statement, making a "demonstration to the authorities of Santa Cruz" by killing the young women society treasured the most. Together, the lumbering Kemper and diminutive Mullin must have looked like the Laurel and Hardy of multiple murder."
↑ It results in Joker taking Lex hostage, and then using a LexCorp developed bomber to attack Metropolis, specifically destroying buildings owned by Luthor. Which, as pointed out by Superman, apparently make up around half of all the buildings in Metropolis
Retrieved from "https://allthetropes.fandom.com/wiki/Eviler_Than_Thou?oldid=181853"
Older Than Steam
Evil Tropes
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13484
|
__label__cc
| 0.629291
| 0.370709
|
Intermarché Super and Hyper Markets Dole
The Intermarché stores in Dole, France are two of more than 1800 stores in the Intermarché franchise. Both the Intermarché Super, located downtown and Intermarché Hyper Les Epenottes are owned by members of the Manzoni family. Phillipe Manzoni, the owner of the Dole Intermarché Hyper, is the former President of ITM Alimentaire, the food logistics division of Les Mousquetaires group, the parent company of Intermarché.
When ARCA provided the stores with an ROI analysis for automating their cash operations, these visionary owners understood the potential benefits. Both Intermarche Dole locations decided to implement ARCA cash solutions to streamline their operations.
Customer Story (PDF)
Time-consuming cash processes were keeping cashiers in the cash room and away from the sales floor.
One of 18 checkout lanes at Intermarché Hyper in Dole, France
With successful stores, came large volumes of money to manage. Cashiers and supervisors were spending a significant amount of time in the cash room counting, sorting, and balancing instead of serving customers. Management knew staff time would be better spent on the sales floor interacting with customers and delivering an excellent store experience.
Manzoni envisioned the highest level of customer service in the Intermarché Hyper store. He saw value in returning to traditional handcraft food preparations but in a modern market setting. For instance, the store ages its own Comté, the signature cheese of the region. The wheels of cheese are on display in beautiful glass cases that make the cheese department a feature of the store. The butchery is a full service counter with butchers offering meats cut to order and counseling on the best cuts for customers needs. The seafood area of the market, has an impressive selection of seafood and also offers fresh fish which is smoked right in the store.
Artisan offerings and a premier service culture requires the full attention of the entire staff to deliver the best service from the beginning to the end of the store experience. Once ARCA demonstrated the return on investment for automating back office cash handling, the owners were very interested in the benefits the solution offered.
Valerie Palio, the store’s Cashier Manager could see the potential time and money savings. “I came to the ARCA solution for two reasons. The first, cash register errors. The second was time. Cashiers took a long time to count (tills) in the morning and the evening… These are the reasons why I wanted another more sustainable and secure solution for the money that still flows through us.”
The Intermarché Hyper also offered a lobby coin system as a convenience to its customers. Since the store owns the coin system, they wanted to make use of the coin for their own tills. But separating and counting such a large volume of mixed coin was extremely time-consuming for cashiers. They needed a solution that could help them manage this coin and avoid the fees that CIT charged to pick up the coin and process it.
When ARCA provided the stores with an ROI analysis for automating their cash operations, these visionary owners understood the potential benefits. Both Intermarché Dole locations decided to implement ARCA cash solutions to streamline their operations.
Eliminate manual cash processes to save time and money, reduce errors and get staff out on the sales floor with customers.
"For the cashiers it was a small revolution."
The Dole Intermarché Hyper wanted to reduce the amount of time cashiers spent counting and balancing tills and to decrease balancing errors they were having. Palio explained, “(Cashiers) have trouble counting their cash registers when there is a lot of change, which has often resulted in errors.”
The store was on a floating system which meant the cashiers did not check tills daily against the point of sale system but only at the end of the week. “Before, each cashier had a box with €200 in, which was assigned to her every week, and she handed it in with the €200 at the end of the week.” said Palio.
Even with a floating till system, Intermarché could clearly see the benefit of cash automation. Palio manages 40 people including cashiers. Cashiers were spending a significant amount of time counting cash at the start and end of the day as well as resolving numerous errors. The cashier manager knew the ARCA solution would be a more sustainable and secure way for the store to manage cash.
Significant time and money savings that they used to add additional checkout lanes.
ARCA's solution resulted in two new checkout lanes and four self-checkouts.
The ARCA solutions have allowed both Dole stores to reduce their operational expenses. The stores have been able to redirect those savings toward new service offerings. The time and money savings at the Intermarche Hyper location were equivalent to one full-time employee. With those savings, they invested in two new cashier checkout lanes and four self-checkouts. Even the Intermarche Super location, with only seven checkout lanes, realized substantial time and money savings to support the solution.
Thanks to the ARCA solution, they were able to save 30 minutes per cashier per day, a total of 16 hours of labor time, every day. “For the cashiers it was a small revolution, no more boxes to count. They would arrive in the morning; they would pick up an empty box that they would fill from a machine.“ said Palio, describing the streamlined till issue process. “Of course, the box is just right, we don’t need to recount it back, we were saving a lot of time.” she added.
In explaining the new end of day process, Palio said, “In the evening, at closing time, of course, all they had to do was deposit their cash float in the machine and the counting was done automatically.” This was a dramatically different experience for cashiers who had been accustomed to spending a lot of time resolving balancing errors. She also enjoys the added security the solution offers, “The fact that the cashiers empty their boxes every night in the machine and we can transfer the banknotes to a secure bag is a security for the staff and for the company because the sealed bag is delivered directly by CIT to the bank.”
One important factor in their decision to implement the ARCA solution was the coin recycling technology. The coin recycler tipped the balance because it allowed them to count and sort the lobby coin efficiently for use in their tills. Their cashiers no longer had to spend a lot of time managing the lobby coin inventory and the store could further save on fees for CIT coin processing and frequent pickups.
Palio remarked that her life is easier with accurate till balancing and happy cashiers. She said she has more time to focus on managing her cashiers and assisting with other activities throughout the store.
The ARCA solution has streamlined operations for both Dole stores and allowed them to redirect resources they used to spend on cash handling, to investments that enhance the customer experience. They have experienced the improved operational efficiency they hoped for and enjoy the additional benefits of happier staff and exceptional customer service.
E.Leclerc Saint-Paul-les-Romans
Intermarché Mirecourt
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13487
|
__label__wiki
| 0.566657
| 0.566657
|
Lian (Harvard GSD M.Arch.I)
I graduated in 2013, but still live-blog here once in a while.
Live Blog - Preston Scott Cohen, "Successive Architecture"
By Lian Chikako Chang
Apr 23, '13 6:41 PM EST
Hi Archinect,
We're in full Piper tonight for a historic event, the Walter Gropius Lecture, delivered by our Chair of Architecture, Preston Scott Cohen. [I'll add a link to the video when it's posted; this blog post is just the low-budget teaser for a must-watch blockbuster film.]
[Photo op with a succession: Gerald McCue, Harry Cobb, Rafael Moneo, Mack Scogin, Jorge Silvetti, Toshiko Mori, Preston Scott Cohen]
[Black on black on black]
6:41: Dean Mohsen calls things to order. "As you've already witnessed, this is an emotional occasion, a family occasion, a moment of intimacy and friendship and...it's hard to make this introduction."
"We just had a photo of the chairs of architecture. I'm of course delighted to be making this introduction, but also sad. Preston Scott Cohen is the Gerald McCue Professor of Architecture, and we're honored that Gerry is also here. Scott was the first chair that I appointed here, and I've known him since...almost his student days. He managed to bring Peter Eisenman, Daniel Libeskind, [etc.], and...managed to create quite a scene here.
He's collaborated with a lot of people, many of whom are here, but one who is not--the late Robin Evans--whose work had [a lot of resonances with] Scott's own work. Scott's always been interested in things that are not so straightforward, not so direct, and not so rational. So for him, in Contested Symmetries, he has been interested in the notions of contestation, anomalies, and imbalances, held in a certain moment. This is apparent in the Tel Aviv Museum, in which the central space--Lightfall--is an inversion, held together against the balance of the galleries.
Scott is one of a few people who have gone through the education here, investigated something [deep] to the discipline and gone on to practice in a manner that is true to those investigations while also being faculty here. His work in teaching has been central, especially in the core [of the M.Arch.I]; I don't know of anywhere else in the country where work of this quality is produced at the end of the first semester, and that is to your credit, Scott.
There is a book, to be out soon with Erika Naginski, The Return of Nature. I'm hoping that now that Scott is not going to be chair for a little while, he will continue to lead us through his ideas, teaching, his arguments--and God knows, he does know how to argue. ...Would you join me in welcoming Preston Scott Cohen.
6:51: Thank you. I will now try to turn over to the talk, which is hard for me, after that introduction, which was really moving to me. Thank you.
Digital instruments are effectively capable of displacing authorship: authorial will, composition, and artistry. Computation is attractive to us because it reaches beyond...to other spheres, lending architecture greater relevance. But more attractive still is how it [aligns architecture with] important discourses of contemporary art.
20th century art: questioning authorship. Warhol cleverly made an analogy to Fordist production. Art becomes a theory of art; cultivating the author instead of forms and techniques, it participates in something larger, and more overtly political.
Even more important, which we don't like to admit, is that association with artistic projects of the avant-garde, such as pop...this relationship establishes architecture among the other disciplines [legitimizing it in institutions]. But this [artistry] has too often limited itself to the façade cladding, not the structural, or the social impacts of architecture.
The distinction between façade and structure has to do with vertical succession--the skyscraper of the 19th century, as you all know--the elevator, and steel... Only its composition can be controlled by single authors. The building as the city defines it must be a different thing. Spaces piled vertically almost always produce a single building. While horizontal series are one of the foundational forms of urbanization, this vertical piling is [the realm of architecture.]
...Thus for all the spatial and social ambitions of modern architecture, the schisms of succession end up relegating architecture's social role to spaces of shallow relief. [Sad.] Tafuri...Venturi, Scott Brown...Koolhaas' bigness, is similar to Tafuri. The envelope--what's left of architecture. And today's parametric envelopes, managing quantitative effects (like heat gain) while producing qualitative effects. Architecture for all intents and purposes might as well disappear.
The interest tonight is to understand what the new reality means for architecture. One of the themes I propose, which will seem too extreme, I know, is that vertical succession now qualifies all buildings, large and small alike.
For example, what about the trope of expressing the inside on the outside? It didn't always take the best form. ...The argument here is that vertical succession is one of the primary protagonists of the architectural medium of our time.
What are its qualities? The one-after-the-otherness. ...But I digress; it was not always this way. Before the elevator, you had the piano nobile. ...Once the elevator arrived, ceremonial stairs became different or could..disappear completely. A single front door on the front facade proliferated; the elevator became the new front door. Plans such as the Beaux Arts articulated horizontal succession. Space in a modern building are...free to represent non-sequentiality, or horizontal succession.
Given how the project of the Farnese began... the moment the architect emerges... when Michelangelo took over from Sangallo, [he dealt with both horizontal and vertical succession.] What interests me is how he handled the question of the horizontal. It is indicative of a new architectural response to the city. The building could expand or contract a bay or two without consequence, without a sense of the whole. Michaelangelo reasserts an idea of the whole with [the ornament marking the center of the building at the entrance] and the combinations of series of pilasters...pairing, again and again, to generate this possible expansion and contraction.
If we can say that Michelangelo put seriality and succession in conflict and resolved it in the vertical axis, then it is obviously with symmetry and seriality that he did so horizontally. His most subtle contraction is the central void; the unexpected depth to the facade that he introduces there. The absence of a window which makes the space between the central columns seem larger, even though it's in fact smaller...[the modern extension of this thinking, Scott implies, is in the Villa Savoye.]
Here [Corb] we have an architect who gave up the ground floor--gave it over to the city, which he made into a garden. ...He singularizes the top as penthouse, turning the old hierarchy on its head. In contrast, the one story building does not suffer this contradiction: it is coextensive with the city. The one story building is urban form itself. It is inseparable from it.
A building is a building; it is one. They aggregate or can have [overlapping] programs, but it is one. It is bound and delimited. The many is formlessness, unauthored, the sprawl, the field of one stories. Or it can be authored, but only in fragments.
The argument I'd like to make is that architecture needs to author the disintegration of architecture. ...It must content with the way the discrete building comes to terms with unauthored horizontal succession. It must deal with the problem of the ground or the entrance level. How does architecture, which is a medium, meet the city, which is not a medium? Does architecture treat the ground floor as the city, or as medium?
Here we have a small building, acting as if it were a house, or a small skyscraper--he drew it in a field.
Leaving aside all these one stories. I offer three possibilities to deal with the problem: 1. to negate, 2. to exaggerate, 3. to mime vertical succession.
1. To negate. Louis Sullivan. It is well known that he called for floor to floor stacking to be vitiated by the base, the top, the verticality [spanning between]. Less well known is the cellular sense of being in the building. [The walls are thick.] The sense in the interior is less about being in a chamber somewhere in the air, and more about being placed along the vertical stalk.
Mies gives way to the stacking of horizontality. Though [he unites the form], the floors threatened to [take over].
For Saarinen, the building is all middle. You slip in through the columns. The tower is set down a few steps, to suggest that the building arises from below, as if it could just keep going.
As a footnote to this giant order of vertically successive architecture. I wanted to show you this idea--the giant order stack--that has played out. This tends to spectacularize, and I'll say trivialize, the notion of piling.
Now, 2. to exaggerate. FL Wright's Guggenheim in NYC. Wright manages to resynthesize multiple paradigms of the museum. First, it is caught between being multiple rooms, and one room--one gallery. It is caught between being a display, and a place where the spectators are on display, like a diorama.
It is also caught between being an enfilade on one side, and a picture gallery on the other.
MAD's slabs in Mississauga, Ontario, rotate. They turn the notion of stacking into the whole building. No two units are alike and it produces diversity in a way--relentless differentiation, very uncommon in highrise buildings. All of this is baked (parametrically) into the structure's layout.
In order to understand 3. miming vertical succession. Bramante's Santa Maria presso San Satiro. This is the building represented by the trompe l'oeuil. As you move through the experience you have the experience of a space compressed or decompressed. The trompe l'oeuil mimics not only the space that isn't there, but the process of spatial compression itself. It mimics something pressing in from the other side. Obviously, the street is not actually pushing the street in. But pretending that it is active--as we do here sometimes--this is one way to understand what the trompe l'oeuil is doing. One would have thought there was space--deep space--in which the clergy would be seated. But it isn't there. It's a fundamental betrayal.
This relates to another analogy, which is important to set up the end of this game.
As we move in the building, we oscillate between seeing something frontally and seeing something obliquely. What we have in San Satiro is an instance in which architecture imitates painting in the way it imitates architecture. This brings us to the question of the medium, but we have to turn to a different medium to establish an analogy. In the 20th century we can through an analogy with film, which effectively succeeds painterly perspective.
One of the most obvious parallels is that when the plans of a multi-level building are presented in a book, one after the each other on successive pages, the flipping of the pages can create a primitive form of a film. The flip-book. Nice idea, but the analogy is only convincing for one type of building: the sky scraper. But...this whole analogy doesn't hold up, because in the succession almost nothing happens. Things may come and go but the plans are essentially the same. The variations would rarely reach even the minimal transformation necessary for a narrative in film.
But what about surveillance footage? Both are non-narrative, and the site remains fixed except for incidental changes. Warhol's Sleep. He replaced the filmic depiction of events with real-time, a premonition of surveillance footage. It is non-narrative duration, without a definitive beginning or end. The flipbook creates...[a non-narrative film], but Warhol helped us to understand. The flicker (changes from floor to floor) is because Warhol wanted to make sure we knew the film was running.
While Saarinen allowed verticality and horizontality to flicker, Cobb made no concession to the stacking within; it is a purely exteriorized object, emphasized by its skewed, notched plan. This makes the plan shape look like a die-cut profile, as if the extrusion has clipped rather than capped ends. It's as if one of the (mullions?) on the Seagram Building was blown up to become the entire building.
At this point it is important to recognize that extrusion, when horizontal, is not successive architecture...it is not required to be organized according to [horizontality] and the structure does not have to be informed by it either.
There is another example that I want to bring to your attention. ...
..Look at this again. If there could be a plan of the Guggenheim [playing a film of a horizontal section sweeping up the building]. it would be the fulfillment of the flip book, like conventional film. Defining continuous narrative development.
This idea, of being cut: Renaissance plans were conceived of as cut, rather than drawn...the plan is not generative. Corbusier's idea was very radical, that it would become generative. We have a generative plan in a few special buildings. Or sectioning in the anatomical model. Those are the plans of the Guggenheim.
Here we have Chris Marker's la Jetée. He makes...a series of stills, variously paced, with one motion picture section. It takes succession to its extreme.
The closest architectural project to la Jetée is Koolhaas' Karlsruhe. Like an architectural montage--the plans are like time travel. We have Corbusian plans, and even a hypostyle, the Beaux Arts, a tholos (circular). Koolhaas moves architecture closer to avant-garde film.
There are others that are more explicit and allegorical. Koolhaas' 'The House in Bordeaux,' ...necessitated in this case by the fact that the client was disabled.
Or this one: the dream house. It's a dream only for them--for Venturi, Scott Brown--because it's a decorated shed. Even for the house, where the inside and outside are most capable of being unified, and are unified, by their surbanity--why does it have to behave like a building, like architecture?
For Koolhaas...it is the city. His [favorite] building, the Downtown Athletic Club, is unlike any other. Koolhaas pretends it's a typical skyscraper, but this is a slight of hand. He keeps for himself a tactic that allows himself to assert an author by manipulating the medium, through vertical succession. The wild adjacencies are anything but unauthored. He proves to be at pains to create uniqueness, even though he argues against it.
As an epilogue, I'd like to present a case, astonishingly close to home, which I believe epitomizes many of these conditions. The Round House is in Somerville...a few hundred feet to where we were all locked down. It's a wooden Sullivan, a house on its own, a house behaving like a small building. It is entirely centralized, so much that it insists, the way Harry Cobb would have, that there is no entrance at all. The problem is that with a form like this, the door creates a hierarchy against the building's claim of no hierarchy. It fixes the building to its surroundings, betraying the idea that the building is non-oriented.
Let's start that this is first and foremost a cylinder. The door intrudes--it comes in from below. So much that when the windows fall in their tracks, we even witness a profile which seems to be the tracks that the windows slide in. But the alternating pattern represents more than stacking--it also represents rotation and the vertical access. More importantly, it obfuscates the door.
This is the pattern that would allow the door to be absorbed, somehow, into the pattern. This pattern of windows is insistently non-hierarchical, and if we assume the rotation implicit in this pattern, it implies a stacking.
Now we see the window that is displaced upwards by the door--it becomes an anomaly.
Also in the plan: it is adjusted so that you enter as if in the middle, just as in any stacked building [when you effectively enter via the elevators].
Now we look at the idea of moving it along. the building would be raised so that you drift in under it--except for the fact that it wouldn't be a disc. The building would have to take a new form to be true to two principles at once. This building is the vernacular, the building on the ground; but also, the pilotis building that is raised; and finally, it is the surface building that combines the two without having to choose between them.
Altogether, tonight, I intended to offer a series of observations. And perhaps I should not draw these to a conclusion. We could ask if these phenomena--the phenomenon of succession--will continue to exist, or whether it will turn out to be a historical episode. I would say that we can't know in the final analysis, what will succeed succession. Whether there will be one day an architecture...without floors...I would say that there will always be interest in mining familiar things to [imagine things that don't exist]. The perpetuation of the search for solutions...will never be fully realized. After all, it is only the unfulfilled promise that holds the promise that will go on and on. Thank you very much. [standing ovation]
8:02: Mohsen: One thing that I would say; I was wonderfully surprised by some of the argument, because it seemed that for the first time I see you argue strongly for the performative in the sense of Chris Marker or the idea of the scene, setting, the cut between one scene and the other. It's about the performative dimension of the interior which is not to do with the form, but the performance, or the juxtaposition of experiences. On the one hand, you're arguing for form, but on the other, it seemed to me, you're arging for the performative--the duration, of watching the five hours of sleep, of my body to the performance and my participation of it. That becomes very different from the articulation of form in its own internality.
PSC: I like very much your perception of this, and that it brings us so close. ...For a long time I found the most compelling aspects of architecture to be invested in these characteristics. The staircase, which is a motivating feature in so many projects, and in pedagogy. [Demanding the architect to think both ways--performatively and geometrically]. So we have some problems to solve--I don't think I talked enough about a very interior, deep space--but it's the most important to architectural education.
Question from Matthew Waxman: It seems that you read successiveness from the exterior, whether in Hancock or Sullivan. In either case, the presence of the ground--how the building meets the ground--is important. I'm wondering how you'd speculate on the ground imposing order from the exterior? Could the ground, or the order or successiveness of the city, take a part in shaping the successiveness of the building?
PSC: Hm, hm, Matt. I'm imagining the Hancock tower, wrapping, taking the whole ground with it...[laughter]...We tried that in one of my studios...[laughter]...We took Beaux-Arts buildings and twisted them, took up the ground...and it didn't work. [laughter]...
I would hope, as in the Villa Savoye, that the building re-imposes the interior. Skyscrapers can't do this, but all the other buildings that have caught the virus of succession can deal with it in many different ways.
Mohsen: What about the relation to the city? The ground floor is different from the others by virtue of its relation to the city.
PSC: It doesn't do very much, ultimately...Though there is the question of the penthouse, which Corbusier knew, that that is how the hierarchy would ultimately be. But...hm...I'm going to have to give this more thought. We could have some coarser grain change...but this isn't really a talk about tall buildings, as funny as that might seem. The tall building is just the instigator for the problems that all buildings have.
MM: Harry, do you have any...?
Harry Cobb: You just used a word that wasn't in your talk. Sequential. Successive is very different from sequential. I assume you used "successive" to emphasize the non-hierarchical nature. When you say "sequence," I assume there's a hierarchy and I can only assume the theme of your talk has deeply embedded in it that the abolition of hierarchy is a crucial evolution in architecture.
PSC: Absolutely. When I showed the Beaux-Arts plan, I wanted to be clear that the sequentiality is still there; that was a very different world.
Harry Cobb: Do you equate the abolition of hierarchy with the abolition of architecture?
PSC: No, when we fight again succession--recompose it, restructure it--when it's still there but work with it some other way, that's authorship, and architecture. Without that it is just relentless succession. You are a successive architect, obviously; like what Warhol did.
Mohsen: Thank you so very much. [Standing ovation.]
[And then, my classmates Fareez Giga and Hal Wuertz take the podium to present a roast of the chair, which is traditional for outgoing chairs, as well as selections of some more heartfelt reflections from students about Scott's impact on our education and relationship with architecture.]
[The movie speculated on what Scott will do with himself after he steps down as chair: sell architectural fragments/models on a TV shopping channel.]
PSC: Thank you! It's too much for one person to bear, it's so over the top. And you all are going on so much farther than I'll be able to go--and I know that's how so many of the faculty here feel, that it's about where you all are going. Thank you.
Bravo, Scott. It was a lecture worthy of your tenure as chair.
[Scott's roast - Fareez Giga, James Martin, and others.]
toasteroven
History · Contact
Love the shout out to the round house. Another local building (in JP) that might be of interest:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_at_17_Cranston_Streetm
http://radioboston.wbur.org/2012/04/05/jp-house
Apr 23, 13 11:17 pm
Lian Chikako Chang
I loved that too! An unexpected and delightful end to the lecture. I pass by that house often.
Thayer-D
This lecture is everything I don't miss about architecture school. Here's a sampling:
"The argument I'd like to make is that architecture needs to author the disintegration of architecture. ..." - This makes no sense, but did anyone bother questioning this?
"How does architecture, which is a medium, meet the city, which is not a medium? Does architecture treat the ground floor as the city, or as medium?" - Kind of depends on a little bit more than a made up paradigm, no questions please.
"Digital instruments are effectively capable of displacing authorship: authorial will, composition, and artistry." - Again, if you say so...
"Computation is attractive to us because it reaches beyond...to other spheres, lending architecture greater relevance." To whom does 'computation' lend archtiecture greater relevance?
"Architecture for all intents and purposes might as well disappear" ???
Don't get me wrong, I've seen this game played for years and am equally aware of the rules, the main one being, don't question any premis. Like kids at Coachella when asked about what they think of non-existant bands with made up names and they play along not wanting to be seen as a country bumpkin. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/23/kimmel-coachella-lie-witness-news_n_3137809.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular)
What continually fascinates me is that the same logic that questions our government's illegal wars and corporate malfeasance seems to go out the window when playing this game that most of our great institutions pass of as archtiectural education. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Apr 24, 13 4:48 am
@thayer - my understanding is that the first point is essentially that buildings are objects in the landscape (even if you are playing the whole transparency and public/private games by shifting location of the envelope, bringing outside program inside, etc...- i.e. 'disintegration') and must come to terms with its surroundings - essentially a jab at the "soft systems" people who do a lot of self-serving parametric objects devoid of context. he then says that computation is seductive, but the way it is used (in academia) tends to strips away authorship and in turn, responsibility (I put the data in and this is what came out! boom!).
then he goes on to discuss the difficulty of making tall buildings that aren't shitty.
As far as lectures go, this wasn't that opaque.
Apr 24, 13 10:06 am
It would be nice if architects could speak in a way that dosen't require insider knowledge of all the games being played, but thanks for the translation, it makes a little more sense now.
woah! he's stepping down? is someone slated to fill the position?
Just to add that it's not quite fair to Scott to get picky about exact wordings as reported here--the live blog is a paraphrase, necessarily with omissions and mistakes.
For example, one aspect of the lecture that I'm not sure I was able to capture was Scott's point about authorship. Implicit to his argument was a suggestion that we should get rid of authorship. Not to just let go of authorship thoughtlessly by riding the wild pony [my words] of digital tools, but to do so in a particular way. I would describe this in terms of trying to invest the building design itself with authorship--maybe a Kahn-type argument about "what does the building want," but more fraught and complicated than that. A building design has a number of things it wants to be, but it has to negotiate contexts and circumstances that push it in different directions; and its own desires also push the building in opposing ways. Rather than let one desire steamroll over the others, or try to pretend these competing interests don't exist, the way I understand the argument is that we should find ways to allow designs to express these tensions, all the way from its massing/parti/programming to its structural resolution, materiality, ornament, and detailing.
@uhhhhh: yes, it seems that someone is slated to fill the position.
Apr 24, 13 2:35 pm
In all my experience with Scott, he has never been one to use difficult language to obscure a point, to hide from criticism, or to camouflage a contentious argument amongst a wall of theory, but always to unfold the implications of ideas in a conversational manner. Jargon-y language is sometimes necessary—an hour-long lecture can't contain the same information as a 300-page tome, and footnotes aren't very conducive to conversation—and it is far less often a sign of insidious charlatanry that it is of an enthusiasm and velocity of thought. Scott's personal enthusiasm for architecture (and discussing architecture) and his depth of insight were undeniable.
(btw, Mario Carpo's writing is a good introductory source for the historic roles of authorship within the discipline of architecture)
Donna Sink
Excellent liveblog, as always, and thank you Lian for the further clarification in the comments.
Also the roast looks hilarious. This would have been a fun event to attend.
Back to Entry List...
Lectures and exhibitions, news and events, now primarily from the Bay Area! Please note that all live blogs are abridged and approximate. If you want to see exactly what happened, in many cases a video of the event is posted online by the event's hosts.
Other blogs affiliated with Harvard University:
Greener Grass
Exploring the black box of real estate
Big Character Poster
andreas viglakis
Harvard GSD Landscape Architecture (Andrew)
A Hottish Take on the Future of Environmental Technologies in Buildings
A Conversation with Courtney Sharpe and Cara Michell, Black in Design conference organizers
How Frank Gehry, who doesn't know how to use a computer, started Gehry Technologies
Live Blog: Bethany Lang: Ugly Data Duckling: Grooming Messy Data With Policies and Procedures
Live Blog: Kristi-Lynn Jacovino, Using Data to Influence Your UX Decisions
Live Blog - Cole Nussbaumer, "Storytelling with Data"
Live Blog: ACSA 103 Opening Plenary
Live Blog: LA Times architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne at UC Berkeley
Live Blog - San Francisco NERT Training, Class 2
Live Blog - San Francisco Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT) Training
Ai Weiwei is @Large on Alcatraz
Live Blog: W. Gavin Robb, "Roots Run Deep: A Tomb for Manfredo Tafuri" (M.Arch thesis)
Live Blog: Anya Domlesky, "HOT ROT: A Breakdown Manual" (MLA thesis)
Live Blog - Marian Dörk, "From Bird's-eye Views to Street-Level Data Exploration: Taking Text for a Stroll"
Live Blog - Mauricio Giraldo, "NYPL Labs Building Inspector" at Bocoup's OpenVis Conf
Live Blog - Robert Simmon, "Subtleties of Color" at Bocoup's OpenVis Conf
Live Blog - Andy Kirk, "The Design of Nothing: Null, Zero, Blank" at Bocoup's OpenVis Conf
Live Blog - Jen Christiansen, "Visualizing Science," at Bocoup's OpenVis Conf
Live Blog - Kennedy Elliot, "Coding for the News," at Bocoup OpenVis Conf
Live Blog - Mike Bostok from the New York Times, at Bocoup OpenVis Conf
Live Blog - Eric Fischer, "Mapping Billions of Dots" at Bocoup OpenVis Conf
Yestermorrow Design/Build for Public Interest
Review - GSD's "Platform 6: A Year of Research through Studio Work, Theses, Lectures, Exhibitions and Events"
Live Blog - Manuel Castells, "The Space of Autonomy: Cyberspace and Urban Space in Networked Social Movements"
Live Blog - Christopher Glaisek and Bruce Kuwabara on Waterfront Toronto
Review - "If You Build It," directed by Patrick Creadon
Live Blog - Kyle Bergman and John Connell in conversation
Live Blog - Futures Past: Design and the Machine (Mindell, Steenson, Theodore, Galison)
Update - GSD African American Student Union and Dean Mohsen comment on Kanye West Visit
VIDEO - Kanye stops by studio to talk about architecture with students
Live Blog - Mohsen Mostafavi in Conversation with Nicholas Negroponte
Live Blog - Walid Raad and Theaster Gates in Conversation, with Mohsen Mostafavi, "On Art and Cities"
Live Blog - Robert Wilson, Sensory Media Platform
Live Blog - Craig Edward Dykers, The Psychology of Space and the Moving Body
Live Blog - Panel Discussion: Frontiers of Design Criticism
Live Blog - Dorie Clark, "Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future"
Useless Architectures: Interview with 2013 SOM Prize Winner James Leng
Live Blog - Sylvia Lavin and Eric Owen Moss
Graduation: final post as a Harvard GSD M.Arch.I school blogger
New Haven/Yale School of Architecture
Live Blog - John David Todd, "Sometimes alone. Mostly with others" (M.Arch.I thesis)
Live Blog - M.Arch.I thesis reviews...pictures
Live Blog - Ceri Edmunds, "Consolidation: The suburban shopping mall as a paradigm of public space."
Live Blog - Trey Kirk, "Seattle Public Library and Courthouse"
Live Blog - Drew Cowdrey, "Contemporary Asylum" (M.Arch.I Thesis Review)
Live Blog - Fareez Giga, "Nonsense" (M.Arch.I thesis review)
Live Blog - Cathleen McGuigan, "Women and the Changing World of Architecture"
Iñaki Ábalos appointed Chair of Architecture at Harvard GSD
Live Blog - Techniques: James Carpenter and TriPyramid, "Extending Collaboration"
Live Blog - Rahul Mehrotra, KUMBH MELA: Mapping the Ephemeral City
PETITION: Recognize Denise Scott Brown for her work in Robert Venturi's 1991 Prize
Me-moji.com: an online photobooth and gallery to share your emoji (emoticon) faces!
Co-Host 'ARCHITECT Live' with Stephen Chung, AIA
Live Blog - Zaha Hadid
Live Blog - GSD Alternative Careers Panel
Defending Your Life--and other stuff
Thesis FINISHED! (Drawn out: performances of mundane inhabitation)
Thesis: Drawn out: performances of mundane inhabitation
Comment: I know that Steve Jobs wasn’t God: That’s the whole point
Video - GSD Conference on Design I: Liminal Objects - Design and the Museum
Live Blog - Iñaki Ábalos, 'Thermodynamism and Architecture'
Live Blog - Toyo Ito, "What Was Metabolism? Reflections on the Life of Kiyonori Kikutake"
Live Blog - Aggregate and Ed Eigen
Live Blog - Kengo Kuma, "After March 11th"
Live Blog - Günther Vogt, "City as Territory as Landscape"
Thesis: is performance in architecture like the performance of a machine, or a theater?
Thesis: unaccomplished performances (video)
Live Blog - George Lakoff, "The Brain's Politics"
Live Blog - Jürgen Mayer H., "pre.text / vor.wand"
Economic Considerations Regarding the Future of the Architecture Profession
ContemPLAY: Adventures in full-scale digital fabrication (interview with Sophie Wilkin from McGill)
A Single Surface, Multiple Players: Design and Construction of the Stair for the BSA Space
Live Blog: Marikka Trotter and K. Michael Hays
Live Blog: Scott Cohen and Nader Tehrani, "my house is better than your house"
Live Blog: Margaret Livingstone, "What Art can tell us about the Brain"
note to incoming GSD and Career Discovery students about housing
video: Marc Simmons, you talk pretty
Live Blog: One Harvard: Lectures that Last
Live Blog: George Baird
Wide Open: Young designers discuss their professional horizons and architecture’s future
Live Blog: Rosalind Williams, "Infrastructure of Lived Experience"
Apeira: architectural speculation
Comment: GPS-based social networking, or the death of the flaneur
Live Blog: Rem Koolhaas
Live Blog: "Ethics of the Urban: the City and the Spaces of the Political"
Live Blog: Saskia Sassen, "Immigrants and Citizens in the Global City"
Live Blog: Samuel Klein, "Future of Civic Participation: Lessons from the cult of Wikipedians"
Live Blog: Richard Sennett, "The Architecture of Cooperation"
Live Blog: “Design Technologies as Agents of Change,” with Bock, Seletsky, Oxman, Rocker, and Bechthold.
Live Blog: Philip Glass
Live Blog: Tom Stocky (from Facebook) at MIT Media Lab
Live Blog: Patrik Schumacher
Live Blog: Diana Balmori and Joel Sanders on Landscape and Architecture
Live Blog: Preston Scott Cohen speaks with Nicolai Ouroussoff about his new Herta and Paul Amir Building, at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art
final work...finally!
one week left!
Finals...
Live Blog: Wang Shu, Geometry and Narrative of Natural Form
Midterm work: systems, not forms.
Live Blog: Stan Allen and Preston Scott Cohen
Live Blog: The Core of Architecture’s Discourse Now: A New Generation of Scholar Critics Speak Out
Kinesthesia - M.Arch.I first year project
Happy Birthday, GSD! And you too, Harvard.
Live Blog: Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi / Evolutionary Infrastructure
On Making and Learning Architecture: a conversation with Danielle Etzler (video)
Live Blog: Why Latin America, Why now?
The Bridge Towers at the I-95/George Washington Bridge in NYC (Site Visit)
Flatland: an installation at Gund Hall by Casey Hughes with Hiroshi Jacobs
Weiss/Manfredi studio at the BMW Guggenheim Lab
Live Blog: Janette Sadik-Khan, Comissioner of NYC Department of Trasportation
Live Blog: Naginski, Jarzombek, Savage, and Wodiczko on Memory, Vision, and Practice
Tennis, not architecture.
Schmancy new website for the GSD
Arigatou gozaimasu, Mohsen-sama!
Gund Hall is Naked
Slow summer...slummer
On Loyalties Divided (re: sacking of Michael Jemtrud at McGill)
things of unusual beauty (x rays of my broken bones)
Live Blog: Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron
Korean Dance-Off and Cory Booker
In which I question David Brooks on his support of the GOP budget. Read Brooks' reply.
Letter from "Harvard Design School" re: Ai Weiwei
Sparking Social Change (Maurice Cox, Marshall Ganz, Duarte Morais)
Live Blog: Ryue Nishizawa...at MIT
The Cognitive Science of Embodiment and the Place of Architecture Today: a conversation with Alberto Pérez-Gómez
Live Blog: Eclipse of Beauty, vol. II
Great shame upon our family.
GSD M.Arch.I Q+A
Live Blog: Junya Ishigami in Piper
Nicholas Kristof Win-a-Trip finalist, UVA architecture student Hannah Silver!
On Fukushima
They can't stop me from live blogging this one: The Eclipse of Beauty
Conversation with U Michigan's Architecture Program Chair
Vito Acconci, again and again
Hamlet on the Red Line
Mubarak steps down.
YESNOYESNO.net
Deciphering Tracks
The coyote is always more humiliated than harmed by his failures.
Not the GSD
MB DRO ROSHI
100 hours to go.
Edward Norton -- seriously??
Better than Gund.
Martin and Kipnis: What Good Can Architecture Do?
Ten signs that the GSD has ruined me
Campus Catalyst: MASS weighs in at World Architecture Festival
On the function of folly
Live Blogging Bjarke Ingels with Preston Scott Cohen
Krieger: "reports of our demise have been greatly exaggerated"
midterm
On the Flagship with Preston Scott
In defense of homasote
Lessons from the Superfly Machine
The GSD took my desk away and all I got are these crummy drafting dots.
It's not about the words this time
Bicycles in Montreal
Three States of Hors d'oeuvres
He said they should be rough.
To the ends of the earth...and back
China!
School's out!
Richard Meier Model Museum
Game on.
GSD LECTURE SERIES NAMING ALGORITHM CRACKED!
In Which Elizabeth Diller Accuses Us of Being Modernist
What should I ask Rafael Moneo?
details and grass and jobs
Thickened Wall: Mission (more or less) accomplished!
Three things I love about the GSD.
Yes, James, it was utopia.
the field trip was a success.
Thickened Wall
Aggregate 21 days
Um, hello
really advanced kindergarten
The Return of Nature
Open House Edition, Part Two
Open House Edition, Part One
Second Project Done.
"Psychoanalysis with twenty people on the couch at once"
Project 1 done. Project 2 starting.
This makes me very happy.
My first project = your comic relief
God bless Geeks
Butterflybelly
Greetings from Gund
You know that a PhD student will never just give the short answer.
Hello Archinect!
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13489
|
__label__cc
| 0.74374
| 0.25626
|
Past Production Photos
Full Disclosure Comedy
Henley Rose
About Yellow Rose Productions
Posted on February 15, 2015 Posted By: yellowroseCategories: Blog
Our mission is “to be a theatre company that creates an environment in which both the performers and the audience can participate and recognize truth. We want to re-examine our world in order to increase empathy and grow together. Through these connections, we are able to realize the application to the relationships through which we impact our world.”
When Kerri and I started discussing what we wanted our mission statement to be for Yellow Rose Productions and what we wanted to focus our work on, we kept coming back to a few main ideas. That of “participation,” which I wrote about in my last post, “truth,” and “recognition.” When we first started working on Princess Cut, these things helped guide our storytelling.
Initially, Princess Cut seems to tell a story that many of us feel very far removed from. Sex trafficking is something that often gets put in a category of something that only happens in other countries or movies, like Taken. One of our goals is to combat this distance people feel from trafficking and reveal how very close to home these stories are.
There is an undeniable need to face the “truth” in issues surrounding trafficking and how women are viewed worldwide. We see this in so many events worldwide, from the kidnapping of Nigerian school girls, the rants we heard from Elliot Rodger, to the #YesAllWomen responses that came forward via social media.
Through the story we tell with Princess Cut, we hope to begin a conversation centered around sex trafficking and domestic abuse, in addition to how we see women, talk about women, and treat women. Each of us can “recognize” ourselves or someone we love in these stories of abuse and suffering. These issues are much closer than a lot of us care to think, and it is our hope, as Yellow Rose Productions, that we bring together people who are passionate about finding a way to end these atrocities.
-Danielle
The mission of Yellow Rose Productions is to produce theatre that creates an environment in which both the performers and the audience can participate and recognize truth. Yellow Rose Productions strives to create experiences that cultivate empathy for all fellow human beings, and that give each person a chance to reflect on the relationships in their own lives and the way they personally impact the world surrounding them.
Blogs, News and Reviews
Final performances of PRINCESS CUT: A YOUNG GIRL’S REALITY INSIDE A TENNESSEE SEX RING
First Annual Henley Rose Playwright Competition for Women’s Staged Reading Series
A look back on 2015 with Yellow Rose Productions
Review of “Princess Cut” at FringeNYC by Theatre is Easy
Review of “Princess Cut” at FringeNYC by Cinema Stage
Knoxville Mercury on “Princess Cut” and Yellow Rose Productions
Inside of Knoxville on “Princess Cut” going to FringeNYC
“Princess Cut” FringeNYC Kickstarter
A donation to Yellow Rose would make our day!
As we travel and perform, we have expenses of course. Every little bit helps as we tell our stories and reach new audiences!
© 2020 Yellow Rose Productions. & Destination Graphic
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13494
|
__label__wiki
| 0.896144
| 0.896144
|
White Students Attack Black Female School President in Albany with Racist Tweets
Thomas L. Scott
Kori Dobbs, 17, center, with her sister Camille Dobbs, 14, left, and their mother Selina Dobbs on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at their home in Albany, N.Y. (Cindy Schultz / Times Union)
Not long after Kori Dobbs, an African-American student at Albany High School, was elected senior class president in September, she became the target of racially charged tweets.
Albany High School is approximately 54 percent Black and 23 percent white.
Four white students were given three days of in-school suspensions yesterday for sending insensitive tweets, school officials told The Albany Times Union.
Dobbs brought the issue to the attention of the school last Friday because it had gone too far. The officials looked at screen shots of the insensitive tweets and determined that they violated the schools code of conduct.
“ I just couldn’t take the cyber bullying anymore and had to tell someone,” she told The Times Union. “I was really upset and sad.”
Dobbs and three of her friends used the campaign slogan “Unify Albany High” when they ran for student offices in late September. When they won, racist comments began to appear on Twitter.
Some tweeted that the senior prom theme would be ghetto and would serve malt liquor.
When the school encouraged a black out to show school spirit, Christopher Kissane, one of the white students given an in-school suspension, said he might “step it up a little and do blackface,” according to rawstory.com.
Kissane, who was the only student who spoke publicly, said that he wasn’t racist and that his “joke” was in reference to the TV sitcom, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadephia,” The Times Union reported.
“It was done in a joking, satirical manner and was not meant to be offensive to anybody,” he said.
His father, Richard Kissane, who has been teaching at Albany High School for 32 years, told The Times Union that offensive language is common among the students. Richard doesn’t believe his son has done anything wrong. According to him, it seems that the nature of the tweets mirrors the culture of the school
“There are a lot of racial undercurrents in the building,” he said. “The stuff I hear in class and in the hallway I find very offensive. I report offenses, and most of the time they are disregarded.”
racism in school
Previous articleThousands Flee Nigerian Town After Suspected Boko Haram Threat
Next articleRay Rice Reinstated, But Who Will Take Him? Wife Says Elevator Incident Served Higher Purpose
A ‘Lapse in Judgment’: Long Island School District Defends Teacher Under Fire for Comparing Black Students to Monkeys
Study: Biased Principals Are Why Black Students Are Four Times as Likely as White Ones to Be Suspended for the Same Behaviors
Angels vs. Devils: Georgia Substitute Teacher Gets the Boot After Outraged Parents Say Black Students Were Labeled with Racist List
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13497
|
__label__cc
| 0.657575
| 0.342425
|
Age differences in attitudes toward menopause and estrogen replacement therapy
Peggy J. Wagner, Sharon C Kuhn, Jeannine L. Petry, Suzanne F. Talbert
The purpose of the present study was to develop and test attitude scales for menopause and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) using 116 college-aged and 136 mid-aged women. Factor scores indicate that mid-aged women view menopause in a more benign fashion than college-aged women and are more likely to view ERT as positive while recognizing side effects. Restricted variability on ERT attitude items suggests limited knowledge or opinions and a need for education across ages. Women's perceptions of ERT are in terms of a solution for immediate relief of symptoms in contrast to current medical recommendations that emphasize ERT as long-term disease prevention therapy.
Women and Health
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Wagner, P. J., Kuhn, S. C., Petry, J. L., & Talbert, S. F. (1996). Age differences in attitudes toward menopause and estrogen replacement therapy. Women and Health, 23(4), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1300/J013v23n04_01
Age differences in attitudes toward menopause and estrogen replacement therapy. / Wagner, Peggy J.; Kuhn, Sharon C; Petry, Jeannine L.; Talbert, Suzanne F.
In: Women and Health, Vol. 23, No. 4, 01.01.1996, p. 1-16.
Wagner, PJ, Kuhn, SC, Petry, JL & Talbert, SF 1996, 'Age differences in attitudes toward menopause and estrogen replacement therapy', Women and Health, vol. 23, no. 4, pp. 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1300/J013v23n04_01
Wagner PJ, Kuhn SC, Petry JL, Talbert SF. Age differences in attitudes toward menopause and estrogen replacement therapy. Women and Health. 1996 Jan 1;23(4):1-16. https://doi.org/10.1300/J013v23n04_01
Wagner, Peggy J. ; Kuhn, Sharon C ; Petry, Jeannine L. ; Talbert, Suzanne F. / Age differences in attitudes toward menopause and estrogen replacement therapy. In: Women and Health. 1996 ; Vol. 23, No. 4. pp. 1-16.
@article{c2ce3aa9a2f9498e9226da400660dd93,
title = "Age differences in attitudes toward menopause and estrogen replacement therapy",
abstract = "The purpose of the present study was to develop and test attitude scales for menopause and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) using 116 college-aged and 136 mid-aged women. Factor scores indicate that mid-aged women view menopause in a more benign fashion than college-aged women and are more likely to view ERT as positive while recognizing side effects. Restricted variability on ERT attitude items suggests limited knowledge or opinions and a need for education across ages. Women's perceptions of ERT are in terms of a solution for immediate relief of symptoms in contrast to current medical recommendations that emphasize ERT as long-term disease prevention therapy.",
author = "Wagner, {Peggy J.} and Kuhn, {Sharon C} and Petry, {Jeannine L.} and Talbert, {Suzanne F.}",
pages = "1--16",
journal = "Women and Health",
T1 - Age differences in attitudes toward menopause and estrogen replacement therapy
AU - Wagner, Peggy J.
AU - Kuhn, Sharon C
AU - Petry, Jeannine L.
AU - Talbert, Suzanne F.
N2 - The purpose of the present study was to develop and test attitude scales for menopause and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) using 116 college-aged and 136 mid-aged women. Factor scores indicate that mid-aged women view menopause in a more benign fashion than college-aged women and are more likely to view ERT as positive while recognizing side effects. Restricted variability on ERT attitude items suggests limited knowledge or opinions and a need for education across ages. Women's perceptions of ERT are in terms of a solution for immediate relief of symptoms in contrast to current medical recommendations that emphasize ERT as long-term disease prevention therapy.
AB - The purpose of the present study was to develop and test attitude scales for menopause and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) using 116 college-aged and 136 mid-aged women. Factor scores indicate that mid-aged women view menopause in a more benign fashion than college-aged women and are more likely to view ERT as positive while recognizing side effects. Restricted variability on ERT attitude items suggests limited knowledge or opinions and a need for education across ages. Women's perceptions of ERT are in terms of a solution for immediate relief of symptoms in contrast to current medical recommendations that emphasize ERT as long-term disease prevention therapy.
JO - Women and Health
JF - Women and Health
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13500
|
__label__cc
| 0.510918
| 0.489082
|
Bates Dates
The Bates Family
Bates Family Adds Sound Engineer
The Bates Family is proud to announce a new addition to their ministry team. His name is Jason Miner, he will be the groups sound engineer. Tim Bates stated "I'm am thrilled that Jason will be assuming this role for…
"That Day" Climbs to #43 In The Singing News Charts
The Bates Family have learned that their current single "That Day" has climbed to the #43 spot on the Singing News charts for the month of March. The song written by Tim Bates reminds the listener of what it was…
Miracle Tour Kicks Off In January..
The award winning Bates Family is proud to announce the start of their NEW tour...."The Miracle Tour" The tour is beginning in January and running through November. This tour will be focusing on the miracle of LaDonna's return to the…
Bates Family Wins Diamond Award
On Tuesday night November 1st the Bates Family received a Diamond Award during the Diamond Award Ceremony for Favorite Short Video Of The Year with their song "Louder Than The Nails" at the annual Creekside Convention that takes place at…
LaDonna's Surgery Scheduled.
We received a call from LaDonna's doctor and her surgery to put the bone flap back in is scheduled for September 1st. He is over joyed that her progress has been nothing short of a miracle. Please stand with us…
"Goin To Heaven Someday" Hits Charts.
The Bates Family has learned that their current radio release "Goin To Heaven Someday" has hit the charts in two different major gospel music publications. SGN Scoops Magazine it posted at #29 and the Singing News Magazine at #61. We…
Bates Family Nominated In Top 5 For The Diamond Awards.
We have learned that the Bates Family have now made it to the Top 5 nominations for this years Diamond Awards in two categories, Sunrise Trio of The Year, Short Video of The Year. Now we have to make it…
Bates Family To Take A Sabbatical From Touring
After much prayer and deliberation The Bates Family has decided to stop touring indefinitely due to LaDonna's stroke. Tim Bates stated" I'm not sure when we will resume touring at this point, it's all depending on how LaDonna's rehab is…
LaDonna Suffers Major Stroke
On 6/20 at 3am LaDonna suffered a major stroke and was life lined to Hershey Medical in Hershey, PA. The stroke damaged the left front side of her brain which impacts her speech and mobility on her right side. Please…
Bates Family Nominated For Three Diamond Awards.
The Bates Family have learned that they have been selected in the Top 10 nominations for the Prestigious Diamond Awards in 3 categories.
1) Sunrise Trio Of The Year
2) Album Of The Year- Louder Than The Nails
3) Short…
New Single " Goin To Heaven Someday" Hits Radio.
The Bates Family has released their third single off of the "That Day" project entitled " Goin To Heaven Someday" The digital downloads have already been sent and the hard copy of the Hey Y'all Media Compilation 2016 Vol.2 is…
Bates Family To Appear On Dish Network.
The Bates Family has learned that they will be making their debut appearance on the Great American Gospel show found on the Dish Network on The Blue Highway channel #73 on February 28th at 9am est. The Great American Gospel…
« First ‹ Prev 1 2 3 4 Next › Last »
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13501
|
__label__cc
| 0.719602
| 0.280398
|
Buy Coffee from Caffe Vita
Seattle’s “wild child” of coffee culture since 1995, Caffe Vita perfectly captures the spirit of the city: a blend of tradition, modernity, and edginess. Roasting on artsy Capitol Hill in a building decorated by a large colorful mural, Vita recently celebrated their 20th anniversary of serving up their brand of brew to Seattle and beyond: Vita operates a roastery/cafe in Los Angeles and one in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Talk about expanding the market!
But like all great members of the avant-garde, Vita is deeply rooted in Seattle’s coffee history. Owner Mike McConnell gives credit to Espresso Vivace’s David Schomer (famous for inventing and popularizing latte “art") for passing on his knowledge and pushing him to venture into the coffee business on his own. A true local, McConnell discovered Seattle coffee in the 80s, as a teenager, and remembers saving up his money to drink espresso as a rag-tag teen in the high-end Nordstrom coffee bar. Cool kid meets tradition-- the Vita theme— continues even up to the vintage roasters they use, carefully developing the flavor profile of their coffees. These coffees, bought direct trade whenever possible, represent Vita’s commitment to supporting local coffee agriculture and transparency of origin.
With an expansive array of roasts, Caffe Vita has something for everyone: chocolate-forward medium blends, darker espresso blends, and, every so often, sweet single origins with tasting notes like honey and orange guava. Their coffees rotate seasonally, adding lots of variety to their coffee menu: you’ll see up-and-coming growers from spots as diverse as Uganda, Peru, Mexico, Congo, alongside more traditional Brazil and Ethiopia. Let Vita’s logo, an Italian clown holding a coffee up, serve as a reminder: while Vita takes the business of coffee very seriously, you, the audience, should simply be enjoying yourself.
Coffees from Caffe Vita have been reviewed 383 times,
with an average rating of 4 out of 5. ★★★★★
Get a hand-picked selection of artisan coffees like this
delivered fresh to your home with our Coffee Subscription Plans,
or browse our unique gifts for coffee lovers.
#832 Peru Rancho Sabancaya
Caramel, Cinnamon, Tobacco
#203 Luna French Roast
Vanilla, Fig, Dark Chocolate
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13503
|
__label__wiki
| 0.500108
| 0.500108
|
9K Likes
Twitter 16K Followers
The Influence of Anti-Racist Scholarship-Activism on Evergreen College
Helen Pluckrose and James A. Lindsay
Core Tenets of Anti-Racist Scholarship-Activism.
Racism exists today in both traditional and modern forms
Racism is an institutionalized, multilayered, multilevel system that distributes unequal power and resources between white people and people of color, as socially identified, and disproportionately benefits whites.
All members of society are socialized to participate in the system of racism, albeit in varied social locations.
All white people benefit from racism regardless of intentions.
No-one chose to be socialized into racism so no-one is bad, but no-one is neutral.
To not act against racism is to support racism.
Racism must be continually identified, analyzed and challenged. No-one is ever done.
The question is not Did racism take place? but rather How did racism manifest in that situation?
The racial status quo is comfortable for most whites. Therefore, anything that maintains white comfort is suspect.
The racially oppressed have a more intimate insight via experiential knowledge into the system of race than their racial oppressors. However, white professors will be seen as having more legitimacy, thus positionality must be intentionally engaged.
Resistance is a predictable reaction to anti-racist education and must be explicitly and strategically addressed.
These are the core tenets developed by scholar-activists Heather Bruce, Robin DiAngelo, Gyda Swaney (Salish) and Amie Thurber at the National Race and Pedagogy Conference at Puget Sound University. In the accompanying film, they are announced as guidance for Evergreen State College’s equity plans 573 days before its infamous campus meltdown. Anyone with a religious background will notice that they read very much like a creed.
In fact, that’s exactly what they are. In that this list is composed of statements of unquestionable beliefs accompanied by sacred vows of action, this is creedal by definition. Taken together, these professions comprise a vast, overarching and cohesive system, which is meant to explain how society is structured, how knowledge is formed, and how people work, while providing a moral framework for revolutionizing society, in accordance with an idealized concept of justice. In short, these statements declare and reiterate a commitment to a particular mythology and a doctrine forwarded to service it.
This belief system worked its way into Evergreen State College and destroyed all that it once stood for. In the first installation of a two-part documentary embedded here, filmmaker Mike Nayna examines the ideological fervor that took root there with an aim to explaining how this could have happened at one of the most liberal higher education colleges in the world. He explores the applied postmodern conception of society, as we have called it, and seeks to comprehend and communicate how it and its accompanying moral imperative were able to take hold of a collegiate administration and overrule Evergreen’s commitment to academic freedom, open-ended experimental pedagogies and unparalleled professorial autonomy.
At the center of the Evergreen saga are two of its former tenured biology professors: Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying. These two—also married to one another—made the heroic mistake of seeing the problem unfolding in real time and attempting to address it. Nayna’s Evergreen documentary interviews Weinstein and Heying and interweaves their experiences with footage from within Evergreen, in order to show how an experimental liberal college in the Pacific Northwest could be overrun by this sort of impassioned preaching, bizarre rituals, group chanting and mob outrage. This serves as the backstory for what has made Evergreen most famous, the turmoil that followed Weinstein’s decision to take a stand against it as it crept onto the scene.
Nayna also sets out to clarify where these ideas originated. Among the progenitors of these ideas, Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility (and the academic paper that preceded it by seven years) is a particularly influential text within the discourse analysis branch of critical race theory. Set alongside Peggy MacIntosh’s White Privilege and Barbara Applebaum’s White Complicity, it closes the door on any possibility of arguing against a critical conception of society, as outlined in the confessional creed above. These ideas form a web of theory that understands society as being constructed by a pervasive racial bias, which needs to be continuously uncovered and addressed.
Together, these three ideas shut out the possibility of engaging this theoretical web in good faith unless one agrees with it. MacIntosh’s conception of privilege contains the idea that it always seeks to maintain and justify itself. Applebaum’s notion of complicity insists that remaining silent or stepping away when confronted with what these theoretical priests call racism is to be complicit in racism. Similarly, according to DiAngelo, disagreement indicates a form of fragility:
“Socialized into a deeply internalized sense of superiority that we either are unaware of or can never admit to ourselves, we become highly fragile in conversations about race. We consider a challenge to our racial worldviews as a challenge to our very identities as good, moral people. Thus, we perceive any attempt to connect us to the system of racism as an unsettling and unfair moral offense. The smallest amount of racial stress is intolerable—the mere suggestion that being white has meaning often triggers a range of defensive responses. These include emotions such as anger, fear and guilt and behaviors such as argumentation, silence and withdrawal from the stress-inducing situation.”
If disagreeing, remaining silent and going away are all behaviors which indicate fragility, complicity and privilege, it becomes clear that the only way for a white person not to be fragile or complicit around the subject of racism is to remain present and positively affirm the creed being offered by the hucksters professing this theoretical faith. Far from a benign doctrine of equality and justice, this requires them to agree to the assertion that, by virtue of their inherently privileged identities, their racial worldviews are inherently racist and uphold a system of racism. This is precisely what Nayna shows to have begun to be instituted at Evergreen college. For those who know the story, it was this ideology posing as theory that led to the bizarre and frightening group behavior that came to a dangerous peak after Professor Weinstein objected to a day of racial segregation.
Are DiAngelo and other academics focused on these concepts of problematic whiteness correct about this? Is society in general and Evergreen College in particular dominated by systems of racism, which disadvantage people of color? Are white people who feel very sure they are not harboring deep-rooted racial assumptions they need to dig out of themselves and reflect about publicly (including on their self-evaluations to be further evaluated by university administrators) simply being obstructive due to a need to preserve their own sense of themselves as good, moral people? Do they support racism by failing to divine its presence in every interaction between white people and people of color and within themselves? Must their resistance be countered rigorously with insistence? With anger? With punishment? With violence? All of those responses appear in Nayna’s documentary, and far from being collegiate, these are profoundly fundamentalist attitudes, which have more in common with the behaviors of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church (which infamously protested military funerals as a way of standing against gay rights) than with a liberal higher education—or education at all, for that matter.
Already, many people who have seen this first half of Nayna’s fresh take on the Evergreen story have commented with feelings of bewilderment, alarm and even physical revulsion. The Maoist struggle sessions have been referred to repeatedly by people who would know how bad they were, but how much should we worry about this? Could the events at Evergreen College not simply be one case of collective ideological madness?
It is certainly one very clear example of a problem that we would argue is making itself felt much more widely in universities and activism and increasingly in employment and education. The very purpose of universities is to produce knowledge to be of use in various industries and institutions in society and this seems to be happening with this kind of scholarship into race. Meanwhile, it is entirely unclear that an intense focus on race decreases racism. While surveys show a rapid decrease in racist attitudes throughout white populations in the US over the last few decades, diversity training, which seeks to make people more aware of racial issues, actually seems to make them worse. Our concerns therefore start with the fact that this theoretical faith is deeply embedded in seemingly legitimate scholarship, contains within its own framework the impossibility of legitimate disagreement and is expanding beyond the problem of its systematic institutional incorporation in our institutions of higher education to wider society.
For a deeper understanding of DiAngelo’s White Fragility, these two accessible breakdowns by Jonathan Church give a good grounding in its methodological problems and proselytizing nature.
If you enjoy our articles, be a part of our growth and help us produce more writing for you:
Evergreen College
Helen Pluckrose is an exile from the humanities with research interests in late medieval/early modern religious writing by and about women. She is editor-in-chief of Areo. Helen took part in the "grievance studies" probe and her upcoming book with James Lindsay, Cynical Theories, looks at the evolution of postmodern thought in scholarship and activism.
James A. Lindsay
James Lindsay has a doctorate in math and background in physics. He is the author of five books and his essays have appeared in TIME, Scientific American, and The Philosophers’ Magazine. He led the "grievance studies affair" probe and his forthcoming book with Helen Pluckrose, Cynical Theories, looks at the evolution of postmodern thought in scholarship and activism.
Women Must Become Dangerous: A Response to R. O. Kwon
Rebecca Christiansen
In Praise of Stoicism: Derren Brown’s Happy. Book Review.
Iona Italia
Matt McManus
Why Civil Partnerships are Sacred to Progressives
Jimmy Nicholls
India’s Descent into Authoritarianism
Zubin Madon
Reflexive Fallibility and the Weaknesses of the Social Sciences
Sukhayl Niyazov
In Defence of Ideology
Logan Chipkin
Jordan Peterson Is Not Entirely Wrong about “Postmodern Neo-Marxism”
Jonathan Church
In Praise of Proportionality: How the Courts Will Save Us From the Wackiest of the Woke
Elizabeth Finne
Is France Charlie?
Aristophanes says:
Folks: the horrible has already happened and it seems, increasingly, a generational issue due to the death (mostly) of education in depth in the U.S. Due to that fact, charlatans dominate teaching and public discourse. They, like Mr. Trump — whom many of them despise — are the used car salespeople of critical thinking and rational discourse. They attack all who disagree — and if you need grades from them (or money or employment), you must cleave to their ideology. This has produced at least two generations of young people, many of whom know nothing of actual history. Rather, they know a kind of People Magazine version: purified by political correctness and a lack of critical thinking or intellectual risk-taking.
These young (and no longer so young) folks, more and more, control the sources of funding for all kinds of endeavors — science, the arts, academia. This means that the access to the funding to undertake anything that questions the politically correct ideology is controlled by persons whose thinking is dominated by that ideology. Try applying for a grant and/or grant sponsor. Your project will need to pass the litmus test of having reached out to (what the politically correct call) “feminists”, all “persons of color” — and likely be one that involves well more than 50% non-white non-males — with a chunk of the other 50% being males who are non-white and identify themselves by gender preferences. This kind of stupidity, rather than eradicating gender-bias, misogyny and racism, actually encourages it by making an inspection of projects based upon whether they contain specified (politically correct) classes of people the sine qua non of funding such projects (or hiring decisions, candidates for office, etc.).
By doing that, the skills and talent of individuals becomes secondary to the persons genetic, physical and social characteristics. Imagine being on sports team where the choice of who to pitch is based not upon the ability to put the ball across the plate in a way that avoids it getting hit by the batter — but on the gender or pigmentation or other physical characteristics of the pitcher. Imagine that also for opera singers, surgeons, musicians, painters — you get the picture?
When confronted with a grant request with a broad appeal (international) from an online publication that reaches each of the “communities” (a word these institutions and individuals love to use), a project which involved judging submissions without any identifiers, yet led to the selection of all males (not all white, but a large majority of white males) across the spectrum of ages and locations around the world, the institution denied sponsorship and told the submitters they needed “diversity” training and needed to re-do their project using different “branding/marketing” for the project (to reach the groups the sponsor approves of).
The question arises: even if one “reaches out” to all of these “communities” but, in a completely screened selection process, only ends up choosing males who entered the competition — should it not receive grant sponsorship based upon the sponsor’s displeasure with the apparent gender and pigmentation of the finalists?
My guess is the crowd we are talking about will say, yes, you should not be using the quality of the work submitted as the selection criteria. Instead, you need to break down the submissions by the categories (the sponsor approves of) in order to have persons from their preferred categories x, y, z, etc., as finalists — even if the submissions from persons who fall into each of those categories do not meet the standards of the judge or judges. Or, they may say that you need a different panel of judges — judges from each of the politically correct communities. It is to be seriously doubted that judges who look for the highest quality in submissions they review are, eo ipso, going to choose a diverse group of finalists when the judging is completely screened from any identifiers of the applicants. (Unless, of course, the politically correct crowd believes they each have a special power — much like a Turing-test — to select the pigmentation and gender of a person based solely upon viewing some work product by that person — and if they do have that power, then when they choose such persons over others based upon an initial first preference for work by a particular gender or pigmentation, is that precisely the bias they allegedly want to eliminate?)
This is the exact opposite of the future Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was hoping for — and one created by a form of uncritical thinking and defective practice that will never achieve Dr. King’s dream. Sadly, this shift to a world dominated by this distorted thought and practice – and the destruction of any critical study of history from first hand sources of all kinds (not just those deemed “safe” or “politically correct”) with a replacement of critique by “isms”– leads directly to totalitarianism. Look around. It ain’t just the U.S.
A happy future.
Pingback: How The Ideology Of "Radical Subjectivity" Is Infecting Every Aspect Of Your Life - Sovereign Nations
Pingback: Watch this AWESOME Free Film on Critical Race Theory, and Swallow the Red Pill
Pingback: Grievance Scholars Expose the Trojan Horse of Social Justice in Faith & Academics - Sovereign Nations
Pingback: Listening at the Great Awokening : EphBlog
Pingback: Intersectionality Is Discrimination Redefined - Do-Op
Not a Bot says:
People need to research things they read like the author’s contributing to emags like Areo. The authors of this story were called out by the NYT as publishing numerous false papers. Check it out on the internet by typing in their names (as given in the next paragraph).
Helen Pluckrose and James A. Lindsay shared their input in essay form about Post Modernism and I gave positive response but this essay on Evergreen which keeps popping up on Areo does no good to help matters about racism and only serves to fuel the fire.
Excellent piece and I look forward to the documentary but feel one point should be amended. The statement:
“For those who know the story, it was this ideology posing as theory that led to the bizarre and frightening group behavior that came to a dangerous peak after Professor Weinstein objected to a day of racial segregation.” is technically accurate in a chronological sense and is the general perception but Professor Weinstein has pointed out its’ misleading and incomplete, albeit it unintentionally.
It’s better amended thusly:
>”For those who know the story, it was this ideology posing as theory that led to the bizarre and frightening group behavior that came to a dangerous peak after Professor Weinstein objected to its use to justify sweeping changes to university governance and introduce race-based hiring procedures. His objections significantly pre-dated the day of segregation and it was significantly after the day of segregation that the protests were instigated and used as an excuse to eliminate him as a source of opposition to those changes.”<
Bartleby says:
Did anyone else notice that the woman in the video reading the “core tenets” does not even know how the word tenet is spelled/pronounced?
It’s amateur hour, folks. It’s like we’re all watching a play by lunatics and pretending the actors are not insane.
Paul Neubauer says:
My reading of these tenets is that there is no possible end game. That is, the only solution offered against racism is to stop being white.
Or stop being non-white.
Jason Halen says:
The bottom line is that this is my world and you people should count yourself blessed to be allowed to live in it.
herplederple says:
Instead of constantly ßitching about the field, why don’t you point-by-point debunk it? Scrolling through the list at the top I was thinking to myself “ok great, here’s a nice concise list of the crit theory’s basic tenants, a perfect opportunity to refute each one, but I see a pic of Bret Weinstein at the top, so my guess is the article will be just another whiny therapy session.”
Gary Taylor says:
Crit Theory is horseshit for one simple reason: it is unfalsifiable. That’s it. That’s all any adult needs to know.
The fact that it is wrapped up in $10 words by people less educated than me is not relevant. The fact that racism exists (and it does) is also not relevant, because Crit Theory offers almost nothing insightful, measurable or falsifiable on that important topic.
Crit Theory is unfalsifiabe nonsense for semi-educated poseurs.
Eusebius of Olympia says:
This is becoming a tired hobby horse to keep trotting out. Evergreen is a unique problem child unto itself and both sides here have exhausted me to the point of numbness with their exaggerated sense of self-importance. No, Evergreen is not a canary in the coal mine. No, I am not feeling the groundswell of some techtonic sea change in our institutions. Evergreen has always been a freak of nature and will likely remain one, if it manages to remain anything at all. Can we move on please…
I suppose Yale is a unique problem child as well. How about Covington Catholic? I am friends with radical race ideologues on FB and even after the whole video was released they still hold those kids guilty. We can’t move on, because the canoe has left the dock and the racist race baiters hold the paddles.
Congratulations, you took the “Atheism is a religion” and replaced it with the humanities so original.
++To not act against racism is to support racism++
That actually means, that everyone who doesn’t agree with youryour conclusions, is racist.
Maybe. But is it wrong?
Oops. I posted this below the wrong post, and I don’t seem to be able to delete it.Sorry.
If the goal in these rules is to reduce racism (which I doubt), then these rules will fail by design.
The rules implicitly concede one racial group are obviously have more moral capacity than the other, and that the other lack the capacity to every achieve such moral capacity.
The reality of why racism is bad, is that is a denial of the individual.
The above rules deny every person of every race their individuality – and are thus the worst kind of racism.
Bijan says:
I am looking for a robust scholarly critique of Critical Whiteness Studies. Would anyone know of any academic work in this field?
4M says:
The now-deceased Leftist scholar Judith Stein wrote some great critiques of whiteness: https://www.dissentmagazine.org/blog/judith-stein-historian-obituary-1940-2017
Adolph Reed, Vivek Chibber, Kenneth Warren, and Walter Ben Michaels have also critiqued it in varying degrees from Leftist/Marxist stance.
I think it’s pretty obvious critical whiteness theory is purely transitional in that it is riding shotgun on feelings of sinfulness from vestigial Christianity. Without this sin/guilt, the whole thing falls apart.
Ironically the thing that stands out more than anything else is the racism of this supposedly ant–racist creed.
Phil Major says:
You can’t be racist against white people, didn’t you know? Since SJWs completely ignore what racism is, they can define it however they like, and now they roll with “prejudice plus power” with the assumption that “white = power” regardless of the context or whether or not the white person wields any power or harbors any prejudice.
No, if you treat people differently based on their race, offering advantages to some based on their race, and disadvantages to others based on their race, you’re only racist if you mix up the order of races in their victimhood hierarchy.
Wait – a bunch of white women just stood up and tried to define racism? And insisted it’s an always-and-everywhere phenomenon?
If they honestly believe that, then why didn’t they resign their posts and publicly campaign for a Woman of Colour to replace them? Seriously? Why not?
Kurt Kurt says:
I had the privilege ( was it white???lol) to have an online discussion with the newly appointed Director of Libraries at MIT , Chris Bourg. In her inauguration speech ( it is online) Chris mentioned how we have to get more POC in the field that is mostly white. I called him out and asked ” Then why did you, a white person take the job? Were there no suitable POC candidates? Image the statement you would make if upon taking the job you quit and state ” thank you but no thank you , I want the job to go to a POC”. Chris knew she was caught and to her credit replied but it was evident in her reply she knew she was stumped. I’d bet my house she is still the director at MIT.
Yep. Still there 4 years later.
It’s hard to take these people seriously. They are just poseurs.
Tom E. Bergman says:
Behold the pathological racist vindictive clouds of swarming gnats hovering in the air, poised to strike at anything that has the scent of ( white ) sin.
The medieval inquisition has reawakened and the vicious self righteous inquisitors hold the match in their trembling fingers and can’t wait to burn the whole heretical edifice down.
people always make a big deal about the racism benefits all white people receive, but at this point in history those annual racism benefit checks have dwindled to about $3.75 each. most of us don’t even bother cashing them. most of us don’t even bother cashing them.
I would nominate Helen and James for a bravery award if there was one.
In Christianity there is sin but there is also forgiveness. In the racism racket you can never be forgiven: your whiteness is your sin and can never be erased. At a time when so much progress has been made, when blacks have occupied the highest positions in government and military, when all Jim Crow laws have been swept away, and when inter-racial marriages have been rising, this ideology claims that racism is worse than ever, is ubiquitous. Yet they never offer any evidence for this claim. It is simply asserted. Some of the “proof” has to do with police violence against blacks but statistics show that in an encounter with police (an arrest) a white criminal is actually more likely to be killed (percentagewise). Other that this mythology, it is all assumptions and claims.
Shivviness says:
Unsure that I agree with that. Penance in the Social Justice religion takes the form of guilty parties admitting their wrongdoing publicly and other acts of self-abasement.
Questioning any of this dogma, as the authors have, is perceived as the worst kind of heresy and will give rise to public shaming and accusations of racism
«All white people benefit from racism regardless of intentions.» Pure Nazi statement, sorry. Friedrich Hayek was right, only targets are changed, Jews for Hitler, urban population for Pol Pot, Whites for modern “academics”
Leave a Reply to Aristophanes Cancel reply
Read by Topic
Academia Alt-Right Art Conservatism Culture Democracy Donald Trump Economics Education Environmentalism Evolutionary Psychology Feature Feminism Freedom of Expression Free Expression Free Speech Gender Higher Education History Human Nature Human Rights Identity Politics Immigration Intersectionality Islam Islamism Letter Liberalism Media Mental Health Philosophy Political Correctness Political Polarization Politics Postmodernism Psychology Race Racism Regressive Left Religion Science Social Justice Social Media Terrorism Women's Rights
New to Areo
An Ode To The Ghost Rider: Neil Peart’s Journey Reaches An End
Raising an Athenian
Robin Cox on The Ten Books Every Leftist Should Know: A Reply to Dennis Prager
Ideology or just bizarre? 10 dumbfounding gender studies courses on tap this semester | The College Fix on Academic Grievance Studies and the Corruption of Scholarship
Ted on The Ten Books Every Leftist Should Know: A Reply to Dennis Prager
chasbo2 on The Ten Books Every Leftist Should Know: A Reply to Dennis Prager
Will on The Ten Books Every Leftist Should Know: A Reply to Dennis Prager
Ray Andrews on The Ten Books Every Leftist Should Know: A Reply to Dennis Prager
Battle of Ideas
From Under
What's in the Works
Read from our Vault
AreoMagazine.com uses cookies. To find out more, as well as how to remove or block these, see here: Our Policy
2016– 2019 © Areo Magazine
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13509
|
__label__wiki
| 0.789292
| 0.789292
|
mainPeople & Places
Pacific War Uncensored
The Pacific War Uncensored, A War Correspondent’s Unvarnished Account Of The Fight Against Japan
by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]
Originally published on:
AeroScale
The Pacific War Uncensored
A War Correspondent’s Unvarnished Account Of The Fight Against Japan.
By Harold Guard with John Tring
ISBN: 978-1-61200-0640
Publisher Casemate
Those born on the day World War Two ended are now of retirement age. The stories of their parents and relatives who endured that horrible war are passing with them. Fortunately for those who try to understand that world catastrophe, there has been great progress over the past few decades in documenting the stories of those who were there. Mr. John Tring is the grandson of Mr. Harold Guard, whose memoirs are this book. Although Mr. Guard passed away in 1986, he left a rich treasure trove of papers and journals and tapes of his experiences. Mr. Tring grew up with occasional glimpses into his grandfather’s works, and decided to bring to us what his grandfather would not – or could not.
My copy is a soft cover unedited version. It does not have as many pages nor photographs as advertised for the hardback copy to be released in October. The chapters within are:
* Introduction
* Osiris
* Pre-War Hong Kong
* Singapore Defence
* Attack on Singapore
* Up Country in Malaya
* Escape From Singapore
* Escape From Java
* Australia
* Townsville
* Port Moresby
* The Northern Territories
* Wau (Wow)
* The War In New Guinea, Hans Christian Anderson and General MacArthur
* Lae Landings
* Passage to India
* The Fortune Teller Was Right
* Retuning Home
* Post-War
- Epilogue
Pre-War, Mid-War, Post-War
Mr. Guard was a submariner in the Royal Navy. At age 16 he joined to be an engine room artificer during World War One. He was aboard K13 when it sank off Scotland. He continued aboard subs, even when the Royal Navy attacked the Communist fleet at Kotlin Island in 1917. He was aboard the new O class Osiris when its engine exploded in 1929. He suffered leg damage that invalided him out of the service. While in the hospital he was visited by a Queen’s Army schoolmistress who he had met in Hong Kong. She was his future wife, Marie. His injured leg was worsened by a drunken escapade and Mr. Guard spent the rest of his life with a stiff leg. It made him very noticeable, especially slogging through battlefields!
Mr. Guard tried a few jobs before becoming a reporter for the United Press in 1934. In that capacity he did very well. He became an acclaimed journalist, and established the United Press in India. You'll read how he also broke many stories, including a 1936 cocaine smuggling ring between China and the United States. The news agency was involved in keeping an eye on Germans in Hong Kong and helped with their roundup when war began. Mr. Guard interviewed Baron Ernst Von Rasmunsen, a Nazi Party Minister who fell out of favor with Hitler, and offered Hitler’s plans for war. Years later he was first to write of the passing of President Roosevelt in 1945.
Another story he broke was the King of England’s affair with Mrs. Simpson. Being British, and being that British newspapers suppressed the story, Mr. Guard was something of a rebellious outcast. As such he was iconoclastic of English aristocracy. During the war he wrote a less than appealing article after an exclusive interview with General MacArthur, noting the general came wearing a black silk kimono, rambled about Hannibal, and talked about everything except the war he was fighting. In the CBI he annoyed General Stillwell. Lord Mountbatten, whom had trained aboard Mr. Guard’s submarine in the 1920s, got along well with the hobbling journalist.
After the war he also crossed swords with Winston Churchill and other British notables. During this time he covered the founding of the United Nations, the state of Israel, and the rebellions throughout Europe’s colonies. Later he managed as a globe roving reporter with full travel access provided by the Royal Air Force.
Mr. Guard retired somewhat disillusioned with the direction that the news industry was taking, implying a lack of objectivity and the promotion of agendas over honest reporting. What he would think of the theater of the absurd we call news can only be imagined.
Unvarnished Account
Mr. Guard had a front line view of the war. He was in Hong Kong when the Sino-Japanese war began, and watched with alarm those developments after Hitler ignited Europe.
Some interesting events on the international stage were recorded by Guard, covered up, perhaps, by recently expired censorship rules; in 1939 Royal Navy Osiris submarines were suffering a rash of engine failures. It was traced to lubrication oil. Britain suspected sabotage and the RN sent HMS Dorsetshire to intercept Japanese liner Tatsuta Maru in mid-Pacific. Boarding parties arrested 60 American citizens and imprisoned them in Hong Kong! They were all of German extraction and worked for the Standard Oil Company, which supplied engine oil to the RN in Hong Kong. Apparently they found out that English intelligence was on to them and tried to flee to Japan.
As war seemed imminent the United Press removed itself from Hong Kong to Singapore. From Singapore Mr. Guard toured the front lines of Malaya as the Japanese stormed down the peninsula. He had previously witnessed maneuvers illuminating the fallacy that the jungle was impregnable. Some British officers granted him "off the record" information, after which he wrote about the mismanagement of Singapore’s defenses. While officialdom was trying to hush up the real situation, Mr. Guard sent honest dispatches. He even notified the commanders of a large Japanese invasion fleet prior to the invasion; and was mocked by them. Later he gleaned a great deal of knowledge from an Admiral Glassford, who put a different light on the humiliating British defeat.
In February he escaped Singapore, under fire, aboard a small tender. Java was his next stop, though not for long. Seeking the real story at the front, he stumbled into a house where Japanese troops were looting and vandalizing, and later drove at night through a column of advancing Japanese troops, mistakenly thinking them Allied troops, yelling and gesturing at them to clear the road! As Japan stormed Java he learned of American heavy bombers and the Allied naval forces, including the disastrous Battle of the Java Sea.
He escaped Java aboard a B-17 to Australia. Once down-under he set to work writing of the continuing crisis. The authorities “gutted” his accounts of the fights for Java and Singapore. He then spent time covering the war in northern Australia and eventually moved to New Guinea. There he toured the Australian defenses of the Kokoda Trail, flew bombing missions with the storied USAAF 22nd Bomb Group in B-26s against Lae, Rabual and other hornets nests, witnessing first hand attacks by Zeros and flak. Later he flew in troop transports, slogged through swamps fighting on the ground, flew in B-24s, and a host of other tip-of-the-spear adventures. One such action was catching a ride in a bomber attacking the Japanese convoy in what became the battle of the Bismark Sea. Further, he documented the survival of pilots downed in the jungle, one being attacked by crocodiles.
A popular aspect of his writings were the attention he paid to his wife and daughter, his peers, associates, and of course, the soldiers , sailors, Marines and airmen he profiled. One in particular, American pilot Shanty O'Neil, was prominent in his stories. Shanty survived those early missions against the Japanese, amassing over 600 combat hours. Then the Air Force decided to send him home. During his going away party, he accidentally ate lye, surviving, yet returning home with severe injuries as serious as those that he avoided in combat.
Mr. Guard's stories earned him acclaim as “One of the best four reporters in the pacific.” Again, he had brushes with censors and restricted stories. Although he wrote all of the dispatches concerning the Battle of the Coral Seas, he felt sorry for his competitors and sent them the slightly reworked story, under their own names. UP asked him why he couldn’t write a story as well as so-and-so with the rival new agency!
Eventually, Guard was forced to India by UP. He did not want to go because of unrest there. India was almost to rebellion, in fact many Indians enlisted to fight with the Japanese! While in India his adventures continued, as did his leg problem. It was injured by a Japanese bomb splinter in Malaya and became inflamed. His stint in the hospital was notable as he was considered a curiosity by American medical personnel due to his seemingly immunity to tropical disease. While stationed in India, he flew off of USS Saratoga in a bomber piloted by Cmdr. “Jumpin’ Joe” Clifton. He also operated off of a RN carrier.
Guard’s writing was not always popular. He wrote of Indian and Malaysian undermining of the British war effort. He wrote of the ineffective defenses and plans for Malaya. After showing up the authorities a few times they initially became suspicious of him. A humorous account is that he was suspected of passing secrets just by writing about a leg of pork, which the British commanders thought was a hidden message!
After the war one of his travels took him into Eastern Europe where he was under surveillance by the Soviets, and was somewhat involved in smuggling the mother of an anti-communist expatriate out of Hungary.
Today we have a great deal of information. Mr. Guard did too, yet some is curious. After the war he interviewed General Percival, the commander of Singapore. The general gave his side of the disaster, which Guard wrote about, yet was not published, and criticized by Churchill. Guard claimed that the Japanese well outnumbered the defenders of Singapore, although in reality the defenders outnumbered the Japanese 3-to-1!
In another example, Mr. Guard misstated the date of the Battle of the Bismark Sea by several months.
There are no maps in this work. There are over a dozen photographs. These are black and white and of various quality. Most are candid photographs of Mr. Guard, friends, soldiers, and groups.
All in all this is a very interesting book. Anybody interested in the colonial life in Asia between the wars should find this very enlightening. Life under gathering war clouds is also interesting. Some of the insights are not well known even today. This book is Mr. Guard’s personal recollections and experiences. His bias and pros and cons concerning people and events make this work all the more fascinating. It would have been interesting had he been interviewed instead of his memoir being written long after his passing.
This book was very enjoyable. I learned a good deal and enjoyed another view of events outside of official histories. Stories like this, from personal recollections, are a great addition to the official histories we have had for the first several post-war decades. They shed light on some events and support others. I highly recommend this book.
Highs: Interesting stories and viewpoints. New stories not encountered in other histories.
Lows: Some photographs are fuzzy.
Verdict: A unique personal account of the Second World War, and pre- and post-colonial Asia.
Scale: Other
Mfg. ID: ISBN: 978-1-61200-0640
Suggested Retail: $32.95
Our Thanks to Casemate Publishing!
View This Item | View Vendor Homepage | More Reviews
About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR)
FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES
I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art. My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling! My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...
Copyright ©2020 text by Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]. All rights reserved.
21 Members online: Andy120, bison126, callmehobbes, canismalus, Catsrcool, eMan, eurekaxxl, Foxtrot1, Frenchy, Golikell, Hederstierna, knewton, kunjuro, Martinvidas, NobleRot, padawan_82, smydi01, southpier, Vodnik, yeahwiggie (1 hidden user)
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13513
|
__label__wiki
| 0.802656
| 0.802656
|
Not an actual photo of SMU DataArts. shutterstock. com.
SMU’s Arts Research Center Just Got Bigger And Better – And It’s Got A New Name
by Jerome Weeks 16 Aug 2018
When it started six years ago, SMU’s National Center for Arts Research already had the largest arts database in America; it would eventually draw on such sources as the NEA, the League of American Orchestras and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies to analyze how cultural institutions work, how they benefit communities, how they can work better. Now NCAR is merging with the Philadelphia-based research center DataArts. The new center, called SMU DataArts, has the potential to be a global leader in cultural research.
Since 2012, NCAR has made headlines with studies on such issues as the gender gap among art museum directors. Or whether grants by the National Endowment for the Arts benefit only the wealthy. It’s also delved into what significance arts leadership has with the success or failure of cultural institutions. It’s provided online diagnostic tools like the Arts Vibrancy Index – which measures communities across the U.S. based on a dozen factors such as the number of arts groups per capita and a city’s public support for its cultural offerings.
In doing all this, the SMU center has had a full-time staff of only four people. Now, in merging with DataArts, NCAR will gain 22 employees. The new SMU DataArts center will be headquartered in Dallas with an office in Philly. DataArts started there in 2006 as the Cultural Data Project, and by 2013, its data collection efforts had spread to 13 states.
Zannie Voss, the founding director of NCAR, will head up the newly christened center, which is being given major support from Bloomberg Philanthropies as well as Dallas arts patrons. DataArts and NCAR had been working together since NCAR’s beginning, Voss says, but now they’ll be able to “marry” their data platforms. The merger means SMU DataArts will be able to turn around its studies more quickly, she says, and improve its online tools for arts managers and grantmakers. It’ll provide more precise data and will be able to research deeper areas of both academic and practical value.
Zannie Voss, professor of arts management at SMU and director of SMU DataArts. Photo: courtesy of SMU
“No one else is looking at the financial and operating health of arts institutions to the extent that we are,” Voss says. “Ultimately, we want to be able to create a national culture of data-driven decision-making. And by engaging in this together, we can collectively advance that goal in a much more effective way.”
Voss says one research topic SMU DataArts is looking into is whether arts districts actually benefit the arts groups that are in them. Another project is creating a spatial model of arts goers and businesses situated near theaters and museums. Urban density is generally a boon for cultural institutions: It provides more ‘close-in’ audience members, which is beneficial because attendance drops off drastically with longer commutes – or even when artsgoers just have to cross a bridge. But urban density can also create barriers – like parking or higher housing costs. Which factors affect different arts scenes – and how much?
Voss says, with its research, SMU DataArts could influence not only cultural policy decisions but even urban planning.
The full release:
SMU’s National Center for Arts Research and DataArts to Merge
SMU DataArts Will Become National Hub for Data Resources, Analysis and Education for Nonprofit Arts and Culture Sector
DALLAS (SMU) August 16, 2018 – SMU announces the merger of its National Center for Arts Research (NCAR), a leading provider of evidence-based insights on the nonprofit arts and cultural industry, with DataArts, the respected Philadelphia-based resource for in-depth data about U.S. nonprofit arts, culture and humanities organizations, effective immediately. The two are joining forces to strengthen the national arts and cultural community through data, the knowledge that can be generated from it, and the resources to use it.
The combined entity, SMU DataArts, will integrate the strengths and capabilities of both organizations, which have been closely collaborating since 2012. The merger will continue the core operations of both organizations and build on their existing successful programs. NCAR’s research expertise, its partnerships with other data providers, and the resources of a major research university will be combined with DataArts’ existing data collection platform and relationships with arts organizations and grantmakers. SMU DataArts aims to make data useful and accessible to all in the arts and culture field, illuminating strengths, challenges and opportunities for individual arts organizations and for the sector as a whole, to help ensure long-term stability.
Since its founding, NCAR has integrated national data on arts organizations and their communities to provide evidence-based insights and tools to arts leaders as well as groundbreaking research on the impact and viability of the nonprofit cultural industry. NCAR’s research is available free of charge to arts leaders, funders, policymakers, researchers and the general public. Its findings and tools have been accessed nearly 100,000 times by users from all 50 U.S. states and 166 countries. Its Key Intangible Performance Indicators (KIPI) Dashboard, a free online diagnostic tool launched in July 2016, has attracted more than 7,600 unique users.
DataArts, a non-profit organization, created and manages the widely used Cultural Data Profile, an annually updated national data set covering the financial and programmatic activity of 12,000 U.S. cultural nonprofits. Data and insights drawn from the Cultural Data Profile are used by grantmakers to steward their investments; by research institutions such as SMU to identify trends and develop findings about the sector; and by cultural institutions to improve their financial and programmatic operations. In the last year alone, DataArts users have produced 5,500 reports using their data and have registered more than 1,500 times for training sessions, webinars and online courses to develop their data skills.
“SMU DataArts is a natural extension of the mission of our university and our investment in data excellence,” SMU President R. Gerald Turner said. “By combining the highest levels of academic research with widely accessible education and training programs serving the nonprofit arts industry, we can more effectively contribute data and knowledge to the arts and culture field. This merger will create new connections between SMU and cultural organizations in every part of the country.”
Bloomberg Philanthropies is rallying behind the merger with major support for SMU DataArts’ first three years of operations. In addition to the gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the one-time costs associated with creating the combined entity are funded in part by leading contributions from SMU DataArts board members and respected Dallas philanthropists Donna Wilhelm, Melissa and Trevor Fetter, and Diane and Hal Brierley, all of whom have been major supporters of NCAR since its inception. Additional gifts for transition expenses have been made by the Better Together Fund and The Greater Philadelphia Nonprofit Repositioning Fund.
SMU DataArts will be led by Dr. Zannie Voss, founding director of NCAR and SMU professor of arts management and arts entrepreneurship. SMU DataArts’ headquarters will operate at SMU in Dallas, with an office in Philadelphia, and will be a part of SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts. Arin Sullivan, formerly vice president, director of programs and products at DataArts, will serve as deputy director of the new combined organization. SMU’s Cox School of Business will provide substantial partnership through additional research and data management expertise for the new entity.
“Our collective vision is to build a culture of data-driven decision making for those who want to see the arts and culture sector thrive,” said Dr. Voss. “With similar missions, shared stakeholders and complementary strengths and capabilities, we are confident that we can be more effective and of greater service to the field by uniting. I could not be more thrilled and honored to be joining forces with DataArts.”
“I joined the DataArts board specifically because I believe that a healthy cultural sector is one of the underpinnings of America’s political, economic and social welfare,” said Rich Mintz, DataArts board chair. “DataArts and NCAR were already doing great work both separately and collaboratively to help cultural institutions better understand how to operate efficiently and meet the needs of their constituents. Bringing them together into one organization will enable them to support arts and cultural leaders even more effectively with data, resources and insights that increase impact.”
ABOUT SMU
SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU’s alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in seven degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, communities and the world.
ABOUT NCAR
Established in 2012, the National Center for Arts Research at SMU (NCAR) provides evidence-based insights that stimulate the health and impact of the nonprofit arts and cultural industry and profession, equips leaders with tools and insights that strengthen communities, and shines a light on the relevancy of arts to drive engagement and expand participation in communities across the country. NCAR integrates data from DataArts’ Cultural Data Profile and other national and government sources such as Theatre Communications Group, the League of American Orchestras, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Census Bureau, and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. It assesses the industry from multiple perspectives, including sector/art form, geography, and size of the organization, and it determines what drives health from the organization’s conditions and its community’s characteristics. Recent publications include white papers on ways to improve working capital health, dispelling the myth that the arts are elitist, and diversity and equity in the arts, as well as reports on the health of the U.S. arts and cultural sector. NCAR also offers the KIPI Dashboard, a free online diagnostic tool that allows arts organizations to benchmark their individual performance in nine finance and operations categories against their peers.
ABOUT DATAARTS
DataArts, formerly the Cultural Data Project, was founded in 2004 to bring the language and leverage of data to the business of culture. The Cultural Data Profile (CDP) is DataArts’ flagship service, which thousands of cultural nonprofits use annually to report their financial and programmatic information. DataArts serves as an important catalyst for data-driven decision making, resulting in stronger management for arts and cultural organizations, better informed funding policy for grant makers, and a rich information resource for advocates and researchers. In 2018, DataArts launched the Everyday Data initiative, partnering with arts and cultural organizations to share case studies of how data has helped transform their work. Examples include Sones de México, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, and DanceWorks Chicago.
DataArts
Jerome Weeks
National Center for Arts Research
SMU DataArts
Zannie Voss
About Jerome Weeks
Jerome Weeks is the Senior Arts Reporter/Producer for KERA. Previously at The Dallas Morning News, he was the book columnist for 10 years and the drama critic for 10 years before that. His writing has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Salon, Los Angeles Times, Newsday, American Theatre and Men’s Vogue magazines. View more about Jerome Weeks.
Related Events (4)
THROUGH 18MAR 2020
The Dreamer / Parallel Universe: The Works of Armando Sebastian
@ Latino Cultural Center
The Dreamer/Parallel Universe: The Works of Armando Sebastian On view: Janu...
THROUGH 26JAN 2020
Some Illustrator! Pictures by Melissa Sweet
@ Irving Arts Center
This exhibition features original works of art created by acclaimed author a...
THROUGH 30JUN 2020
Puente Nuevo by Justin Favela
@ Amon Carter Museum of American Art
The museum asked up and coming contemporary artist Justin Favela to create a...
Art: Video & Installations
THROUGH 31JUL 2021
James Surls, Seven and Seven Flower (1998)
Upon entering the museum after the reopening in September 2019, visitors wil...
Art: Sculpture
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13514
|
__label__cc
| 0.561456
| 0.438544
|
Home / Jay Taylor Media / Dollar Weakness Could Be the Catalyst Commodities Are Looking For
Dollar Weakness Could Be the Catalyst Commodities Are Looking For
Frank Holmes 10 days ago Jay Taylor Media
Frank Holmes
It’s that time of year again! Near the start of every year, I share with you our ever-popular Periodic Table of Commodity Returns, now updated to reflect the final results of 2019. To view the interactive table and download a copy of your own, click here. Commodities as a whole had a mostly positive 2019, returning 16.53 percent as measured by the S&P GSCI. This far surpasses the five-year average of about negative 11.52 percent, between 2014 and 2018. Precious metals were responsible for much of the growth. For the third straight year, and for the fourth time in six years, palladium was the top-performing commodity. The metal, used widely in the production of catalytic converters, increased an incredible 54.21 percent to end 2019 at ,912 an ounce, a slightly higher price than gold’s
Frank Holmes considers the following as important: Bitcoin, Commodities, Frank Holmes, negative-yielding debt, News, Palladium, safe haven investments, US dollar decline
Peak Prosperity writes Daily Digest 1/18 – Finding the Future in Radical Rural America, Stocks Have Rarely Been This Quiet
Peak Prosperity writes VIDEO: The Fed’s Evil Juggernaut
Peak Prosperity writes Daily Digest 1/17 – Good News Friday: Teen Discovered New Planet 6.9 Times Bigger Than Earth, World’s Last Known ‘Dinosaur Trees’ Saved
Mises Institute writes Could Trump’s Next Fed Chair Be A “Goldbug?”
It’s that time of year again! Near the start of every year, I share with you our ever-popular Periodic Table of Commodity Returns, now updated to reflect the final results of 2019. To view the interactive table and download a copy of your own, click here.
Commodities as a whole had a mostly positive 2019, returning 16.53 percent as measured by the S&P GSCI. This far surpasses the five-year average of about negative 11.52 percent, between 2014 and 2018.
Precious metals were responsible for much of the growth. For the third straight year, and for the fourth time in six years, palladium was the top-performing commodity. The metal, used widely in the production of catalytic converters, increased an incredible 54.21 percent to end 2019 at $1,912 an ounce, a slightly higher price than gold’s all-time high set in September 2011.
As was the case in past years, palladium benefited from mounting global demand to curb emissions from gasoline-burning engines. It’s also among the world’s scarcest precious metals, mined primarily in Russia and South Africa, which means supply will potentially remain in deficit for years to come.
Having broken above $2,000 an ounce earlier in the week, palladium in now forecast by Citi analysts to hit $2,500 by the middle of this year.
Gold Price Up in Four out of Every Five Years
Gold, meanwhile, had its best year since 2010, climbing as much as 18.31 percent. The yellow metal’s role as an exceptional store of value shined brightly in the second half of the year when the pool of negative-yielding debt around the world began to skyrocket, eventually topping out at around $17 trillion in August. On the news this week that Iran launched a counterstrike against U.S.-occupied military bases in Iraq, the safe haven briefly broke above $1,600 an ounce for the first time since April 2013.
In the past two decades, gold has helped investors limit market volatility and portfolio losses. Between 2000 and 2019, the precious metal’s average annual price was down in only four years. Put another way, gold was up on average in four out of every five years—a remarkable track record.
Safe haven-seeking investors around the world piled into gold-backed ETFs in 2019, making it the best year on record for gold holdings. Assets under management (AUM) in gold bullion ETFs expanded 37 percent from the previous year, adding $19.2 billion, or 400 tonnes, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). During the fourth quarter, total holdings hit a jaw-dropping 2,900 tonnes, the equivalent of 102 million ounces, which is the most on record.
As of the end of this week, gold looks slightly overbought on a relative strength basis, meaning a correction wouldn’t be such a bad thing and in fact expected.
Has the Greenback Peaked?
Short of escalating tensions in the Middle East or a pullback in stocks, the catalyst for higher gold prices—and, indeed, commodity prices in general—may very well be a substantial weakening of the U.S. dollar. On Tuesday, the U.S. Dollar Index experienced a “death cross,” a bearish signal that takes places when an asset’s 50-day moving average crosses below its 200-day moving average. We haven’t seen this from the greenback since May 2017.
Other firms and analysts have recently made the case that the dollar is ready to decline in 2020, which would give gold and other hard assets the room to gain momentum. Below are just three such forecasts from the past couple of weeks:
“Our view is that the dollar is ready to decline in 2020 and will be encouraged to do so as negative interest rates abroad turn less negative while the Fed holds pat (or cuts)… In the event of an unlikely recession in 2020, U.S. fiscal and monetary policy will turn sharply expansionary, the dollar will decline further, and gold will do well.”
~Murenbeeld & Co., January 3
“We expect that U.S. dollar weakness will likely characterize global financial markets throughout 2020… A weaker dollar is always good news for commodity prices. We are particularly bullish gold at this point. Gold is a direct play on a weaker dollar and could also benefit from any major flare-up in geopolitical tensions.”
~Alpine Macro, January 6
“Starting 2020, the key setup from a macro perspective is the confirmed top in the U.S. Dollar Index as well as the U.S. Trade-Weighted Broad Dollar Index… The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has broken below the 97 support to trigger the bearish implication of the June-December topping pattern (head-and-shoulders top) and the U.S. Trade-Weighted Broad Dollar Index has broken below the early-November 2019 low as well as the 200-day moving average to confirm a similar topping pattern to the DXY.”
~CLSA, January 7
Bitcoin as a Safe Haven Asset
Gold isn’t the only asset that responded positively to geopolitical uncertainty involving Iran. The price of bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market cap, surged on the news that President Donald Trump had ordered a strike on Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, before commenting that the U.S. was targeting as many as 52 sites in Iran.
From January 2, the day before the strike, to January 8, when Trump announced that Iran appeared to be “standing down,” bitcoin traded up as much as 21 percent to its highest level in six weeks. In addition, there were reports that local bitcoin sellers in Iran were charging three times the market rate in response to the threat of war with the U.S.
Google searches for “bitcoin” were also up. Cointelegraph reports that the search term “bitcoin Iran” exploded more than 4,450 percent in the seven days through January 8.
All of this tells me that bitcoin continues to mature as an asset, and that investors and savers increasingly trust it as a store of value in times of uncertainty.
Looking for the inside scoop on mining companies? Click here to read U.S. Global Investors portfolio manager Ralph Aldis’ interview with MoneyShow and get his favorite mining picks for 2020!
This week spot gold closed at $1,562.34, up $10.14 per ounce, or 0.65 percent. Gold stocks, as measured by the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, ended the week lower by 2.63 percent. The S&P/TSX Venture Index came in off just 0.87 percent. The U.S. Trade-Weighted Dollar rose 0.53 percent.
Jan-7 Eurozone CPI Core YoY 1.3% 1.3% 1.3%
Jan-7 Durable Goods Orders -2.0% -2.1% -2.0%
Jan-8 ADP Employment Change 160k 202k 124k
Jan-9 Initial Jobless Claims 220k 214k 223k
Jan-10 Change in Nonfarm Payrolls 160k 145k 256k
Jan-14 CPI YoY 2.4% — 2.1%
Jan-15 PPI Final Demand YoY 1.3% — 1.1%
Jan-16 Germany CPI YoY 1.5% — 1.5%
Jan-16 Initial Jobless Claims 220k — 214k
Jan-16 China Retail Sales YoY 7.9% — 8.0%
Jan-17 CPI Core YoY 1.3% — 1.3%
Jan-17 Housing Starts 1380k — 1365k
The best performing metal this week was palladium, up 6.48 percent, notching its best weekly advance since June. While global car sales are weak, loadings for their catalytic converters are going up with regulatory requirements.Gold traders and analysts were spilt on their outlook for the yellow metal next week after this week saw big price swings due to U.S.-Iran tensions escalating then subsiding. Gold futures swung between gains and losses on Friday as traders assessed slower-than-expected hiring and wage growth against low unemployment. Bloomberg reports that nonfarm payrolls rose 145,000, below expectations of 256,000, and average hourly earnings climbed 2.9 percent – the first below 3 percent reading since July 2018.
The Perth Mint reported that gold coin and minted bar sales in December totaled 78,912 ounces – a big jump from November’s 54,261 ounces. BullionVault said the number of first-time precious metals investors using the service grew 25 percent to a two-year high in 2019. The growth was led by clients in the Eurozone. The Royal Mint announced that its bullion division saw a 572 percent boost in sales revenue and a fivefold increase in the average order value over the past weekend compared with the prior weekend, reports Bloomberg. Turkey’s gold reserves rose $2.4 billion from the previous week to bring the central bank’s holdings to $27.5 billion as of January 3.
Newmont Goldcorp announced on Monday that it is streamlining its name after last year’s megamerger with Goldcorp. The company will now go by simply Newmont, and has promised shareholders a 79 percent increase in its quarterly dividend. Centamin reported that its fourth quarter gold output at the Sukari mine was up 51 percent from the same period last year for a total of 158,387 ounces. The company said its 2019 total gold production was up 2 percent from the previous year. Bloomberg reports that Sibanye Gold Ltd has exercised its option to buy an additional 168 million shares in DRDGold to take controlling shareholding interest in the surface-tailings producer.
The worst performing metal this week was platinum, down just 0.28 percent on somewhat of a choppy trading week for the metal. Spot gold surged as much as 2.4 percent on Tuesday to cross the $1,600 an ounce mark for the first time since 2013 after news of the U.S. killing a top Iranian general spurred a retaliatory strike on U.S. interests. Geopolitical tensions are historically positive for the yellow metal as it is seen as a perceived safe haven asset. Relations between the U.S. and Iran cooled later in the week and gold subsequently fell back toward $1,540 an ounce. David Govett, head of precious metals trading at Marex Spectron Group, says the “focus will now return to economic drivers as opposed to conflict worries.”
The All India Gems and Jewellery Domestic Council said this week that the total business volume of gems and jewellery industry has posted a 30 percent decline in terms of demand over the last six months. Chairman Anantha Padmanabhan claims that due to the increase in customs duty, goods and services tax there was an increase in gold smuggling and customers are opting to purchase gold instead from neighboring countries.
Evolution Mining forecasts that its gold production for the full year will be at the low end of 725,000 to 775,000 ounces. The miner reported second quarter all in sustaining costs rose 9.9 percent year-over-year to A$1,069.
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. said in a note this week that gold is a better hedge than oil in the Iranian crisis. “History shows that under most outcomes gold will likely rally to well beyond current levels. This is consistent with our previous research which shows that being long gold is a better hedge to such geopolitical risks.” The bank added that “additional escalation in U.S.-Iranian tensions could further boost gold prices.” According to Citigroup, spot gold prices might breach $1,625 an ounce this quarter due to elevated geopolitical risks sending investors to seek tail risk hedges.
Brazil plans to allow mining in Amazonian indigenous reserves. Bento Albuquerque, a Navy admiral, told Bloomberg News in an interview that “a majority of the 600 indigenous communities want this” and “nothing is more damaging to the environment than illegal activity.” Although a negative step toward protecting Amazonian lands, the new bill aims to reduce illegal mining, which is more harmful than legal mining operations. The Amazon Geo-Referenced Socio-Environmental Information Network estimates that there are 453 wildcat mines in the Amazon already.
Scottie Resources Corp. announced positive drill results this week at its Bow Property in British Columbia. Highlights include a drill hole with 73.32 grams per ton of gold and 71.01 grams per ton of silver over a 4.38 meter length. Just days after the results were released, Scottie announced a $2 million private placement financing with Eric Sprott.
2019 was a great year for jobs, but it was also the worst since 2011. Friday data was released showing that employers added 145,000 jobs in December, down from 266,000 in November. Bloomberg’s Reade Pickert writes “the broader picture of a slowdown is in line with what many economists expected in the 11th year of the record-long U.S. expansion, with fading stimulus from tax cuts and headwinds from tariff uncertainty also weighing on hiring.” Pickert adds that a slowdown in jobs growth could weigh on President Trump’s re-election chances.
According to HSBC Holdings, there will be more joy for bond bulls in 2020 as sovereign bonds have smashed expectations in the last ten years. Steven Major, global head of fixed income research, says “low-for-longer interest rates are a reality, no longer a forecast.” In a Bloomberg Opinion piece, Brian Chappatta writes that the bond market looks incredibly expensive as the 30-year Treasury yield is just a few months removed from its all-time low of 1.9 percent. Chappatta cites the “Sherman Ratio”, which shows the amount of yield investors receive for each unit of duration, and it is close to the lowest level ever. This means it would take a smaller move higher in interest rates to wipe out the income return on a fund tracking the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Chappatta says the corporate bond market is “truly frightening” as the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate Bond Index hit a record-low yield-to-duration ratio that week after a relentless decline in 2019.
Tax shield investors are piling into funds that plan to take advantage of “opportunity zone” tax incentives that were introduced in the late-2017 tax overhaul signed by President Trump. Investors added $2.26 billion into funds, a 51 percent jump from December, reports Bloomberg. Noah Buhayar writes that opportunity zones were once heralded as a novel way to help distressed parts of the U.S., but they are now being slammed as a “government boondoggle.” The perks of such investing are being used to “juice potential investment returns in luxury developments” and “reports have shown that politically connected investors influenced the selection of zones to benefit themselves.” Meanwhile, an increasing number of hospital bankruptcies have left sick and injured with nowhere to go for treatment. According to data compiled by Bloomberg, at least 30 hospitals entered bankruptcy in 2019 as Americans are leaving rural areas in favor of urban centers. The American Hospital Association calculated that payments from Medicare and Medicaid lagged costs by $76.6 billion in 2018, leaving hospitals struggling to make up for the difference in government reimbursements.
Index Summary
The major market indices finished mixed this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.66 percent. The S&P 500 Stock Index rose 0.96 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.75 percent. The Russell 2000 small capitalization index lost 0.22 percent this week.
The Hang Seng Composite gained 0.88 percent this week; while Taiwan was down 0.71 percent and the KOSPI rose 1.38 percent.
The 10-year Treasury bond yield rose 3 basis points to 1.82 percent.
By Frank Holmes
CEO and Chief Investment Officer
U.S. Global Investors
You can read the entire article at http://www.usfunds.com/investor-library/investor-alert/dollar-weakness-could-be-the-catalyst-commodities-are-looking-for/
Bitcoin Commodities Frank Holmes negative-yielding debt News Palladium safe haven investments US dollar decline 2020-01-11
Tags Bitcoin Commodities Frank Holmes negative-yielding debt News Palladium safe haven investments US dollar decline
About Frank Holmes
Previous Taking The Leap Into The Unknown
Next 409Ks, 90% Gains, The Fed and Darth Vader’s Warning
Refugees in Texas
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13515
|
__label__cc
| 0.615836
| 0.384164
|
Summary: Continues on after This Left Feels Right: Forks… follow Bella to Volterra and the road to discovery as she learns about her connection with Damon and finally faces the Cullens.
He was not overly alarmed when the summons arrived in the post.
The slightly yellowed parchment sealed with the classic red wax bearing the Volturi crest was not an unfamiliar missive to Carlisle Cullen. About once every half-century or so, his old friend would contact him and invite him and his family across the pond for a visit. He always politely declined and Aro would instead send one of his ambassadors to follow up with them, often times the snarky young Salvatore who enjoyed needling his children – Edward in particular – and their life would continue on its merry path.
With a weary sigh, Carlisle opened the missive but frowned reading it. It was worded far more formally than usual and with the tone of an order rather than an offer. Still, Carlisle went into his study and picked up the phone, dialing the long distant number to his old friend.
After being placed on hold by the human receptionist currently under their employ, Aro graced the other line with an airy, “Ah Carlisle. I’ve been expecting your call.”
“Aro,” Carlisle greeted neutrally. “I’m afraid I must once again send my regrets to your invitation. My family is in a delicate transition period and it would be unwise for us to travel at this time.”
“For shame, Carlisle. I’m afraid it is I who must send regrets for the invitation, as you referred to it, is nothing such. I am not requesting your presence, I am demanding it.”
“Demanding?” Carlisle frowned, his mind flying to the repercussions of that one word. He found himself wishing Alice was there to consult with, but she and Jasper had left earlier to go hunting. “I’m afraid I do not understand, old friend.”
Aro’s chuckle was drenched in dark amusement and Carlisle rather felt like he was the butt of a joke he was not privy to. “I am not contacting you as your old friend, Carlisle. I am contacting you as the king whom you owe fealty to, as do all of our kind. You will come to Volterra and you will bring your so-called family. This is not a request lightly made, but an order justly given. You have until the end of the month. If you do not come… Well, let us not visit such a path, old friend.”
There was a click as Aro hung up.
Carlisle stared at the phone in his hand before limply hanging up when the dial tone announced the cut line. His vampire mind raced at dizzying speeds, calculating the meaning of this summons and Aro’s cold reception. He always knew the Volturi did not approve of their lifestyle choices, but they’d never interfered before and he was curious as to the reason they’d concern themselves presently.
For that’s what he presumed the summons to be about – their diet and their entwined lives with the humans. It could be nothing else, he determined, for his family observed the laws and always flew under the radar, both from the Volturi and the humans.
His mind touched on the image of the human girl he’d left behind and reminded him that, no… they had not always observed the Volturi laws. But Alice and Edward were adamant about the decision to leave, certain it would be safer for Bella and for them. He was certain their gifts gave truth to those claims and therefore dismissed the vague idea of the Volturi learning of her. There was no way the Volturi could have learned about her and her forbidden knowledge. No, there was no danger there, he assured himself. They’d simply have to avoid contact with Aro, and he was certain his friendship with him would aid in that endeavor.
He would just have to talk with Alice and cajole Edward out of his room. He’d been sulking ever since they’d left Forks, though the departure had been at his insistence. They’d have to snap him out of his funk if they were going to survive the trip to Italy – his gift would be a necessity in navigating their way out of whatever sort of dilemma they’d inadvertently found themselves in.
But Carlisle was positive they would make it out unscathed. His faith and confidence in his family’s collective gifts and his certainty of their innocence was absolute. They would go to Volterra and be able to leave within the day, he was sure.
The sort of curveballs life threw at a person was funny, Bella decided as Damon’s fingers trailed up the bare skin over her lower back, tracing her spine in a delicate design. It tickled lightly and she squirmed with a smothered giggle, Damon’s chest answering with a deep, lazy chuckle. The satisfied rumble against her cheek was unfathomably comforting and made her arms tighten around his middle, hugging his naked body even more into her own.
A curveball like losing your virginity to a man you barely knew while thousands of feet up in the air…
Pressing her lips into Damon’s neck, Bella smiled at the memory.
For so long she’d been chained by her insecurities. Even before meeting Edward, Bella had always felt a sense of inadequacy when she compared herself to her peers. It was not unnatural, though, to be insecure by the differences found between oneself and others, especially for a young teenage girl forced to grow up faster than her friends. Bella had always been unable to relate to them.
At first, it’d been a relief to find Edward and his family. For so long Bella had stumbled through life with a vague sense of something more on the horizon, something other than prom or the next big party that others her age concerned themselves with. Then Edward had come into her life with his intense stares and honeyed eyes, his silver tongue lulling her into the throes of first love even as she unknowingly surrendered her self-identity to him.
The constant kid gloves he’d treated her with, the patronizing way he’d blow off her opinion, and the secrets he kept – purely for her safety, he insisted – all of that underscored just how little he truly valued her.
Then, after she had blindly ignored all the Lifetime movie channel signs of an emotionally abusive relationship, he’d taken her out into the woods after her birthday fiasco and opened a Pandora’s box of ugly truths. What had struck her the hardest that evening wasn’t necessarily the poisoned words he’d spilled like acid across her heart, but the ease of which he uttered them.
From high upon the pedestal she’d placed him, Edward had more or less stuck his foot to her cheek and stomped her already fragile self-esteem into the ground until Bella collapsed in his wake, the glittering shards of her broken self scattering into the night. She’d lost herself that evening; lost herself the instant she’d met him, she’d come to realize after time.
To her shame, she’d let grief claim her so wholly she’d nearly needed to be hospitalized. That alone should’ve been enough to indicate how unhealthy her dependency on Edward had been, but it wasn’t until the introduction of another mythical creature into her life that she’d snapped out of it.
Jake had been a great friend, but also a crutch she’d used to limp through the days after Edward and his family tossed her away. When he’d started avoiding her, Bella’s anger had not only been at the loss of someone she considered a friend, but also the loss of the placebo effect his company offered. But when she confronted him, slapping Paul’s arrogant face only to be faced with a giant sized wolf, Bella’s already complicated life became that much more interesting.
It hadn’t been Jake that had freed her of grief and introduced her to indignant fury; it’d been the pack’s most volatile member, Paul. Where others treated her like a child at best and as a mental patient at worst, Paul had treated her with the same disrespect and caustic humor he bestowed upon everyone.
“Oh cry me a fucking river, vampire girl. You think you’re the only one who’s ever been dumped by her ex in a douche bag way? Wake up, princess – ain’t nothing special or different about you other than the fact that your ex sparkles like a fucking disco ball in the sunlight.”
Her initial response had been the classic knee-jerk reaction to say that he was wrong – he just didn’t understand. But Paul maintained his position and the seed had been planted. With each passing meeting with him and the wolf pack, Bella dissected her relationship with Edward apart until she saw clearly the weed of his love in her heart. Paul was right. She wasn’t special, not in this at least. In this instance, Edward was just like any other dick boyfriend who’d grown bored and abandoned his girl in the cruelest way possible to save face with himself.
With Paul’s help, Bella grew stronger, her anger brighter. Then Victoria started her games and Bella knew the psycho vampire would eventually find her way through the wolves and get her misplaced revenge. Bella was going to die, soon she knew, and with the acceptance of the brevity of her life came a sort of freedom.
She went through a sort of abbreviated version of the stages of grief. She skipped denial and leapt straight into anger and with Paul’s influence, she lingered there. The only guilt she felt was for the delusional wolves who seemed to think they could stop anyone and anything. She felt bad that she’d be their first official causality and her guilt revolved more around the fact that they’d suffer her loss hard.
Her anger smothered her depression and she knew bargaining would be useless against a deranged vampire, so all that was left was acceptance and that came almost hand-in-hand with her anger. She railed against her fate as easily as she accepted the inevitability of it.
But where her fury truly burned brightest wasn’t on the certainty of her death, but on her apparent stupidity in getting involved with Edward in the first place. Hindsight had hardened her into a bitter bitch when it came to the Cullens. She wanted nothing more than for them to suffer for their actions against her, each and every one of them.
In the end, though, she knew they would get off scott free. There was no way to find them, let alone hold them accountable for their crimes. After one night of lamenting such to Paul, it’d been his idea to take out her aggression against the Cullens on their perfect little house. He’d even offered to come with her despite the treaty, but she’d opted to go alone, unwilling for even him to see the vulnerability lingering underneath all her rage. She was done with being weak; it was time to find her strength.
And thank goodness she told him not to come because the day she took her dad’s baseball bat and cracked the Cullen home open like a piñata, she received a true treat.
Damon Salvatore. His name alone made her body hum and she stretched lazily against him.
Their attraction had been instant though she’d attempted to cover it with snark. Come to find out it’d been a fruitless endeavor, because the one thing she quickly learned about Damon was that when he saw something he wanted, he went for it.
And for some reason, he wanted her.
He’d more or less kidnapped her, willing though she’d been. After his revelation about another race of vampires and his offer to turn her, it’d been a whirlwind of steamy kisses, compelling her father, a dodgy phone call to the wolves and then they were off on a plane to Italy.
There’d been some disclosure early on during the flight, Damon giving her a vague explanation of who he was and his role within the Volturi. He hadn’t said it in so many words, but he’d alluded to a similar heartbreak as her own and their instant kinship had only grown into a stronger form of affection. He’d held her hand the whole time, explaining the things Edward had left her to suffer in ignorance of, his nimble fingers leaving a trail of fire up and down her arm. Even that simple touch had her shivering with desire and Damon smirking at her suggestively like the playful devil he was.
“So…” he said after a brief pause. “Shall we join the mile high club?”
Though he’d said it as one would passively remark upon the weather, Bella knew there’d been a genuineness hidden behind the playfulness. She couldn’t fault him for it too – ever since that kiss back in Forks and those stolen, lingering ones he kept pressing to her neck or shoulders, Bella’d been a lit fuse about to combust. Damon was not unaffected as well, his ice blue eyes fixing on her with the same intensity as a starving man looking at a buffet.
Again, that wild freedom acceptance afforded her reared its head. Despite his sincere plan to turn her once greeting the Volturi Kings, Bella knew her safety wasn’t completely assured. Nothing was ever black and white when it came to the supernatural, so while she accepted Damon would do what he could, he wasn’t infallible and she recognized that she could still be making her way to certain death.
And really, she didn’t want to die a virgin.
“Sounds like fun,” she’d thrown back just as casually, a smile tugging her lips upwards when he gave her a sharp double-take.
He’d treated her to another one of his penetrating looks. The way they were able to communicate without speaking was almost unnerving, but Bella used her eyes to tell him, yes – she was being absolutely serious, and no – she wasn’t accepting his delicious offer out of some misplaced sense of gratitude.
Damon’s head tilted as he took in her sincerity even if it was tainted by the jitters of knowing she was about to give it up to a near stranger in a public place. Oddly, the idea was particularly scintillating and Bella shivered lightly at the images her mind conjured.
A now familiar devilish smile slowly bloomed and Damon slipped his arm around her, bending his head to her ear to murmur, “Follow me, piccina. I’ll show you how to really fly.”
Lost in his arms in the cramped confines of the airplane bathroom, their limbs wrapped around each other even as they occasionally bumped an elbow or their head, Bella had not simply learned to fly, but had been set soaring. Despite the unglamorous location there’d been a certain romanticism to their first time having sex. Bella had blushed and moved with the awkward stiltedness of a virgin and Damon had compensated her willing but nervous movements with confident and reassuring touches. His hands, fingers, lips and tongue all had a language of their own, each caress of them setting her at ease even as it wound her up.
The image of him standing between her naked thighs, staring down at her with an uncharacteristically soft smile seared itself into her mind. When he entered her with a patient but persistent movement, a tiny part of her heart had broken off and implanted itself within him.
There was a vulnerability to sex, Bella discovered. No matter the blatant passion and basic urge to simply get off, there was a certain trust the act inspired. So when Damon closed his eyes and averted his face, there’d been no hesitation on her part to place her trembling hand on his cheek and redirect him back to her, smiling reassuringly when she saw what he’d been trying to hide. Dark veins surrounded his eyes which took on a red hue, his teeth elongated – the face of a true vampire meant to inspire fear.
Instead, she’d felt warmth and acceptance. Damon was a vampire – soon she would be too – it seemed silly to shy away from it. Slowly, she’d brought her hand up and gently touched a finger to one of his fangs causing Damon to hiss at the sensitiveness, his thrusting faltering before picking up a needy speed.
“Fuck,” he’d growled, and everything within Bella had clenched tight until she felt his hand slip between them and rub directly above where they connected. It was like dropping a glass vase – she’d clenched even tighter around him and then shattered within his arms, only vaguely aware of his fangs sinking delicately into her neck and the pressure that came from him sucking deeply, drinking her blood.
Afterwards he’d seemed unsure of his actions and her reception to them – though he covered the emotion up with a casual nonchalance that would’ve fooled anyone else. But Bella had only thought it natural. It’d felt right to be with Damon that way, not only sexually, but for him to bite her, mark her.
Claim her.
At present, Damon’s hand slipped beneath the sheet that covered them, his hand gripping the curve of her ass and pulling her suggestively against his arousal. Bella smothered her smile into his shoulder and thought about how nice it was to be unashamedly passionate with someone. There was not a surface in the Volturi castle Damon hadn’t taken her against (or tried to – sometimes they were interrupted). They’d become somewhat of a running joke within the castle. Members of the guard would compare notes on where they’d caught them together and in what various state of undress they’d been in – a competition of sorts that had amused even the Kings.
Bella remembered her first meeting with Aro, Caius and Marcus with a hint of fondness. For all her worry, it’d gone remarkably well. Aro had been intrigued by her silent mind and Caius had been entirely too amused by her bloodthirsty anger for the Cullens, as well as pleased that she’d handed him the opportunity to take the pious coven to task. Even Marcus, who she knew to be nothing more than a husk of a man after the loss of his mate, had cracked the tiniest sliver of a smile at them. His eyes had flicked between her and Damon, a small light igniting behind his empty gaze when the latter had let out an impressive growl at Demetri’s offer to turn her.
After the initial meeting and acceptance, Damon had wasted no time in taking her to his preferred guest room and fucking her senseless, turning her in the process.
At last a vampire, Bella finally knew peace. She’d never wanted to be turned simply for love, but because she truly thought that vampire life was for her – and how right she’d been. She’d taken to her new life with an ease and gusto that had Damon damn near panting behind her, always wanting her.
And she was always happy to give herself to him. In fact, since her change, it’d been damn near impossible to leave him alone and she felt a bit like a cat in heat. Bella had no trouble adjusting to her vampire instincts, letting her lust for Damon take over whenever she felt the urge (which was nearly every second), but when they first had sex after her change, even she was unsettled when she’d sunk her teeth into his neck mid-orgasm, Damon mirroring her at the same exact moment. She’d been mildly confused afterward, though not apologetic, and she suspected Damon knew more than the pat answer he gave her being a young vampire unable to control herself. After all, he’d bitten her too, and he was far from a young vampire.
But she’d let it slide, way more focused on the imminent arrival of the Cullens and just entirely too happy that Damon seemed to want her as much as she wanted him. In fact, his desire for her had also increased with her change. He’d become damn near possessive of her, constantly making sure she smelled of him. He’d even tore off Demetri’s arm when the guard had offered to let Bella use him to slake her lust. There’d been not an ounce of desire in her for anyone but Damon and she’d been prepared to jokingly write him off, but Damon had moved so quickly he’d been but a blur even to her new vampire eyes.
“Mine,” he’d impressively growled, tossing Demetri’s severed arm down the hall. The guard had made an immediate escape and Damon had turned to Bella, his chest heaving deeply and his eyes red and underscored with black veins.
“Mine,” he’d hissed again, moving to her and pushing her up against the wall. She’d moaned welcomingly as he’d slipped their clothes aside and found himself in her, fucking her out in the open where anyone could come across them. She hadn’t minded, even almost wished someone would see them, because as much as he liked to proclaim her as his, she was constantly doing the same.
Damon may have the need to drench her in his scent, but something within her was deeply satisfied with the knowledge that she always returned the favor. It was her fingers that gave him his sex hair, her teeth that left a mark on his neck. He carried it proudly, always uncovered for all to see. She did the same with his and they were constantly refreshing them as they healed, so much so that the wound started to scar a silvery white that shone like a beckon on their perfect skin.
Yes, something was definitely going on there, Bella was sure of it, but her thoughts scattered again as Damon’s hand continued to trail over her naked body.
“You know,” he murmured, pressing open-mouthed kisses along her collarbone. “We haven’t visited the library yet.”
The extra emphasis on the word visit left no doubt to what he was insinuating. “Well, that truly is a shame,” she smiled, twisting over him and trailing her fingers down until she wrapped them around his arousal. He rewarded her with a moaning gasp that had her stomach clenching in desire. She wondered if there would ever come a time when she didn’t want him and decided likely not. “There’s some studying I’ve been dying to do,” she whispered, bending down and licking her mark on his neck.
He smirked up at her. “Sounds like my kind of subject, piccina.”
And without even bothering with grabbing clothes to change into, Damon wrapped them up in their sheets and whisked her giggling self away to the library.
For some studying. Some much needed… studying.
The Volturi Castle was much as Carlisle’s perfect memory recalled even if the hospitality was somewhat colder than usual.
There was a stirring of unease in the back of his mind when Jane and Alec smiled at him and his family; their expressions implied that they were in on some joke and Carlisle’s earlier certainty at their safety wavered as he began to worry they were at the butt of it.
“I can’t see anything,” Alice whispered, a small hint of uncertainty behind the words. “It’s completely blank like something is blocking my visions. Something I can’t see around.”
Jane’s smile had widened and when Edward chimed in with a moody, “Their thoughts are blocked,” and Alec snickered, Carlisle’s worry increased tenfold.
“Jane, Alec,” he called to them quietly as they followed them to the thrown room where Aro insisted on having public meetings. “We have traveled a long way on order from Aro – won’t you please enlighten us on the meaning behind our summons?”
“No, Carlisle,” Jane smiled gleefully, a truly terrifying sight. “We won’t tell you. You will have to speak with the Masters as it is their business, not our own, that brings you here.”
“Come now, Jane,” Carlisle said in his most reasonable tone. “We are all friends here. There is no call for formality.”
Her eyes burned coldly. “I see no friends here, Carlisle and I suggest you keep your tongue until you are bidden to speak.”
He fell silent with a worrisome sigh, looking to each member of his family with what he hoped was a reassuring expression. They all seemed to accept the false sense of security he offered, all except Jasper. The blonde haired vampire wore a stony expression and walked with military precision, his eyes continuously scanning for anything he could deem a threat.
Turning from his family, Carlisle followed Jane and Alec into the thrown room, all casual chatter halting at their entrance.
“Master,” Jane smiled to Aro. “The Cullens have finally arrived.”
“Ah yes, thank you dear one,” Aro gifted Jane with a polite smile that had her preening before he turned back to the Cullens. “Carlisle, old friend! Any longer and I would have suspected you were reluctant to follow through with your summons. Suspected that perhaps you and your little family,” he sneered the word, “had something to hide.”
“Aro, Caius, Marcus,” Carlisle inclined his head to each king before addressing Aro solely. “Of course my family and I have nothing to hide and we are indeed confused about your strongly worded invitation.”
Aro tsk’d reprovingly. “Is that so, Carlisle? I find myself… disappointed. If you had perhaps confessed your sins you may have been granted some leniency, but alas, it wounds me so to hear such lies from your mouth.”
Frowning, Carlisle said, “Lies, Aro? What lies have I spoken here today?”
Snorting, Caius leaned forward with a growl. “Do not play innocent with us, Carlisle. Charges have been brought forward against you and your coven. You have broken the law and justice will be served today.”
Fear gripped him as the image of a human girl flashed behind his mind. He knew his family thought of Bella too because they at once started shifting awkwardly, Edward sitting up from his morose slouch and taking a more interested expression in the proceedings.
“I believe we have the right to face our accuser,” Carlisle stalled as fear for his family and the girl they left behind finally took root.
“Why I’m so glad you remembered that, Carlisle,” Aro fairly giggled. “Jane, be a dear and go fetch our friends so that Carlisle and his little family may understand the gravity of their situation.”
Jane smiled. “Yes master.”
“Oh and Jane, dearest – be sure to approach cautiously. Our friend won’t take kindly to the interruption of his claim, as I am sure he is currently reaffirming.”
“Yes,” she smirked in amusement. “He seems to want to reaffirm it often and as publicly as possible.”
“Oh to be young again,” Aro said dreamily, a dark twinkle in his eye.
Carlisle tightened his arm around his wife and for the first time since talking to Aro over the phone and receiving the demand for their presence, he felt a very real tendril of fear for himself and his family.
While he’d initially been furious at her interruption, Damon couldn’t help but smirk gleefully at Jane as he followed her into the throne room. He’d sent Bella off to freshen up, but only after securing her explicit promise not to shower. He wanted his scent to be unmistakable and overpowering. Damon himself refused to make himself decent. In fact, he only donned a pair of black slacks and a half-buttoned black shirt before following Jane, his feet bare as he wandered through the castle.
Truly, Damon couldn’t fault Bella a few moments to compose herself. While she had reflected the same malicious eagerness he’d felt at the news of the Cullens arriving, the upcoming meeting would weigh far more heavily on her than him.
And that fact alone set him even more on edge, ready to tear and render those responsible for her pain.
As they approached the doors, he overtook Jane and slammed them open carelessly.
“You rang?” he deadpanned.
Aro shot him an indulgent look of amusement. “Damon! But where is your better half?”
Smirking, his eyes swept over the Cullens not even bothering to hide his loathing for them. “She needed a moment to freshen up, Aro. I’m sure you understand – woman…” he gave a mocking roll of his eyes.
“Ah yes,” Aro clapped. “They can be so demanding. We shall get started without her as I’m sure you’re eager to give your testimony and then return to your… previous activities.”
Bella’s flushed face mid-orgasm flashed in his mind and he felt himself twitch in his pants. “Most eager,” he admitted.
“Damon,” Carlisle finally interrupted his peaceful voice already irritating him. “It’s been a while.”
“Not long enough,” he said bluntly and then deciding to lay it all out in the open so that he and Bella could get back to their favorite workout, he stated, “I’ve brought testimony to your kings that you and your little family have broken the law.”
With a quiet gulp, Carlisle said, “Whatever do you mean, Damon? We have always obeyed the laws of our kind.”
Snorting, Damon said bluntly, “Oh so that hot little brunette I ran into in Forks wasn’t your little human pet? Because she seemed to know a lot about you and your kind.”
Their reaction was instant, growls and protests overlapping shameful admittance and pleas for Bella’s safety. Jasper was notably silent, his expression stoic as he made no attempt to confirm or deny the accusation.
“Control yourselves,” Caius snarled. “Though they may seem informal let it be clear that these charges are very real and have already been confirmed. This trial is a formality. We already know of your guilt and you will suffer accordingly.
“What did you do with her? Where is Bella?” Edward foolishly snarled.
Damon grinned in anticipation. “What didn’t I do with her…” he trailed off with a suggestive lift of his brow.
Edward roared in anger and went to leap, but Jasper’s quick moving saved the boy from the beating Damon would’ve delivered. Damon gave a sigh of disappointment, but quickly cheered up. There was time for that yet.
“Please,” Esme spoke up. “Please do not harm her. We will take her with us and ensure that law will be upheld. She won’t tell anyone about us.”
Aro tilted his head at her. “And will you change her?”
“Absolutely not,” Edward objected. “I won’t damn her soul.”
Damon snorted. “Then you’re a fool… and too late anyways.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“What the fuck do you think I mean, Emo-ward?” Damon sneered. “You may be incapable of upholding the law, but I am not. She’s already been taken care of.”
They gasped in horror. “You – you killed her?” Alice whimpered.
“Yes,” he said matter-of-factly. “Yes I did – and how delicious she was too.”
Edward roared and dropped to his knees, dry sobbing his denial.
Fucking pansy, Damon thought. Here he was, thinking the so-called love of his life was murdered and instead of fucking taking care of business he collapsed like some sort of drama queen about to deliver a woeful soliloquy.
“She was never yours to have,” Damon found himself saying. “You didn’t deserve her.”
Jasper tilted his head at him curiously, but before he was able to speak, a new voice rang out, “Boy, it’s more depressing than a funeral in here. Who died?”
Oh she is just perfect, Damon grinned to himself, knowing that she was very well aware of what had been taking place.
“Bella!” Alice beamed and Edward stared at her like some sort of angel.
This angel’s halo is held up by horns, Damon thought as she swayed her hips while sauntering towards him. She was a delicious picture of innocent and vixen, the intoxicating combination making him harden faster than a thirteen year old boy just hitting puberty.
I will never have enough of her, the idea struck him damn near stupid. He would always want her with an intensity that bordered on obsessive compulsive and he’d love every single minute of their eternity together for it. Fuck yeah, he thought as she slipped beside him, her entire side pressing into him. The contact was enough to quench the need to have her again. Barely.
“Ah Isabella! There you are, dearest! Come, come – do give us your testimony against the Cullens,” Aro beamed looking absolutely delighted.
“Testimony,” Esme frowned.
“Why yes, Esme. Damon gave account of your crimes, but it is Isabella formerly lodging the complaint.”
“But why, Bella? Why would you do this to us?” Alice frowned.
Bella snorted. “Why not? Truly, I haven’t done anything to you – it’s your own actions that have brought you here.”
“How could you say that? Do you not realize the implications of your actions?” Alice balked.
Damon felt Isabella stiffen beside him and had to suppress a rumbling growl. “Do not,” she bit out, “talk to me like some sort of errant child. I know exactly what I’ve done by giving the Volturi my statement and it is no more than you deserve.”
“Bella,” Esme whimpered, but his girl remained unmoved.
“No,” she cut her off. “You don’t get to play the part of the wounded mother. You all left me alone, a mere human in the supernatural world to fend for herself. It was only a matter of time before Victoria found me, started playing a game of cat and mouse. I was lucky that Damon found me. If it wasn’t for him, I’d be dead by now.”
“You’re welcome,” he said snidely.
“Please, we didn’t know,” Esme stuttered. “Edward wanted to protect you, protect your soul, so we left. We didn’t know!”
Bella tilted her head, her eyes sliding over to Jasper accusingly. “Maybe you didn’t, but some of you should’ve known better.”
Jasper looked to the floor, the only acknowledgment he would give her of the truth of her words.
“Bella,” Edward finally breathed, coming out of his stupor. “My Bella.”
What little restraint Damon had reserved snapped. Pulling her tightly to him, he let out an impressive snarl and hissed, “Not yours. She was never yours, little boy.”
Satisfaction filled him as Edward drew back like the coward he was, but it was only a second later that the tween vampire made another mistake.
“She’s my mate,” Edward insisted. “The law doesn’t apply to mates. Release her to me and we’ll protect her. I’ll protect you, Bella.”
They said when anger took hold of most people, they saw in red. But Damon’s vision lacked that particular hue as a fury unmatched by anything he’d ever felt in the past assailed him. White – white heat flared across his vision and for just a second, he saw nothing, heard nothing as every single one of his sense honed onto the foolish boy trying to steal his mate. She was his.
Before he could take action, Isabella’s hand slipped into his and the white fire eased out of his gaze to be replaced by a warm contentment at feeling her so fully pressed against him. Mine, he purred inwardly, his hand curling around hers. All mine.
“She is not your mate,” a gruff whisper sounded.
All eyes went to Marcus who rarely, if ever, spoke at such proceedings.
“Your bond was superficial and has already severed on her end. You cling to it like a child clutches a security blanket. She is not yours, Edward Cullen.”
“But she is – she’s my mate!”
Damon growled and only managed to spit out one word, “Mine.”
“Ah yes,” Aro interjected. “You see? Isabella is quite settled as Damon’s mate. Indeed, you can confirm his claim with anyone here in the castle as we’ve all witnessed their amorous embraces at one time or another.”
Oh yes, Damon smirked. Let’s throw some oil on that fire.
“Indeed,” Marcus concurred dryly before turning unusually harsh eyes unto Edward. “You do not get to bandy the word mate around so blithely, child. Even if she was your mate, your actions would have killed you both, not to mention added an extra special kind of cruelty to your treatment of her. Her bond with you and your family is dead – her bond with Damon, however, is pure. They are mates.”
“No,” Edward gasped in denial, once again held back by Jasper who remained wisely silent.
“Yes,” Isabella said firmly. “I am Damon’s and he is mine. Deal with it.”
Damon stood proudly. He’d known, of course – a vampire of his age didn’t live that long without learning about the phenomenon of mates, unlikely though it was to find one. Their kind could fall in love often and with many, but there was only one person they could ever have the mate bond with and pure logistics made it almost impossible for one his age to have found her already. It was like some kind of horror fairytale… two vampires riding off into eternity together.
Found his mate he had and Damon would never let her go. She was nothing like Katherine or Elena, both of whom demanded he change to fit their own needs or ideals. No, Isabella didn’t expect change; she inspired it. And though he’d yet to admit it to anyone but himself, he knew he loved her so completely it bordered on indecenct.
He was, however, mildly surprised by her easy acceptance of the fact that they were mates. He’d been trying to keep the information from her, not because he didn’t trust her, but because he well remembered the confusing time of being a newly made vampire. He’d only wanted to make her transition into immortality as easy as possible and then lay it all out for her later.
But he should’ve known better. She’d been giving him suspicious looks for some time and she was far more observant than most gave her credit for, not to mention she hadn’t behaved much like the average newly transitioned vampire. Perhaps it was the benefit of being sired by one’s mate…
Whatever the fact, her easy and open acceptance of him had Damon wanting to bend her over Aro’s throne and ravish her for a week straight. Maybe two.
From across the way, Jasper lifted a brow at him and Damon shrugged unrepentantly, his hand slipping down to Bella’s ass.
“They’re telling the truth…” Jasper murmured to the family. “Their emotions are entwined. They are mated.”
“You can feel them?” Alice groused. “Why can’t I see anything, or Edward hear anyone?”
“You saucy little minx,” Damon breathed into her ear, his eyes catching Edward’s in an unspoken challenge.
Bella tilted her head to give him better access and he obligingly planted searing kisses to her neck, his tongue snaking out over his mark.
“What?” she asked in faux innocence, her words slightly breathless as he continued his ministrations. “I’ve always liked Jasper better than the others – he never lied even if he did act like a pussy-whipped little bitch.”
“Bella!” Carlisle gasped, affronted.
“Be still my beating heart,” Damon moaned against her neck. He didn’t think either of them would be able to hold out much longer. Newly mated vampires were always, well… ridiculously horny. And Damon didn’t care for the way Dickward continuously eyed her. They’d have to leave or he’d likely kill the lot of them and then Aro would pout for at least a century, bitching about losing the talented ones.
Jasper shot her a wry smirk. “Well thanks I suppose, darlin’.”
Bella gave him a lazy shrug. “Don’t mention it.”
“Wait,” Alice’s annoyingly perky voice sliced through the moment. “What does liking Jasper have anything to do with Edward and my gift not working?”
Damon rolled his eyes. “It has everything to do with it. She likes Jasper, so she isn’t blocking him.”
Good lord, it wasn’t fucking rocket science.
“Bella isn’t blocking him? But she’s just a human,” Rosalie interjected with a hint of derision.
“Wow,” Bella scoffed. “I guess it’s true what they say about blondes – certainly not known for their smarts. Hey Rosie… how do you drown a blonde? Put a scratch ‘n sniff sticker at the bottom of a pool! Start scratching, bitch.”
“Why you little – !”
Before anyone knew it, Rosalie was flying through the air and it took everything within Damon to keep him from intercepting the vapid little twat knowing that his woman could more than handle herself. Plus, the expression on their faces alone would be worth the struggle of his inaction.
Sure enough, Bella moved quicker than even they could see and had Rosalie pinned to the floor, her fingers curled around the blonde’s throat in a silent threat.
“Go ahead – make my day,” she hissed before sitting up some and giving Damon a blinding smile. “I’ve always wanted to say that!”
“Good job, piccina,” he smirked even though having her far away in a room full of potential threats made his skin itch. “Now come over here and give me some sugar, sweetness.”
“You – you – you turned her! You damned her soul. You killed my Bella! You monster!” Edward screeched and this time his melodramatics were enough to escape Jasper’s capable hold and Damon decided enough was really enough. He had better things to do… like maybe having Isabella pin him to the ground and make his day.
In a move that bespoke his unhurried ease, Damon met the boy’s charge with his bare foot, his hands snapping out to wrap around Dickward’s wrists, gripping tightly as he brought his foot back and kicked the boy with all of his strength. Edward’s body went flying backwards, his arms still in Damon’s unyielding grip.
“There now,” he said simply, spinning one of Edward’s arms around like one would a baseball bat. The image reminded him of meeting Bella for the first time, her anger glorious as she swung her bat and took the Cullens’ house to task. The memory alone had him stiffening in aching want and he decided that as fun as it was toying with these fools, there were simply better things he could be using his time for.
“Alright, listen up you little shit,” Damon said, still twirling Edward’s arms around as the boy’s family rushed to his aid. “One, of course I fucking turned her – she’s my mate, my vulnerable, human mate. I’m not as cruel as you; I’d never let her suffer her a mortal life in the immortal world. Two, her soul is just fine – I have the pleasure of touching it everyday, thank you very much. Three, I only killed her a little bit so get that sand out of your vagina. Four, yes I am a monster – I thought this was already established? And fucking five, she’s my Bella – not yours or anyone else’s. I hear you try to claim my mate again and this will look like a fucking paper cut by the time I’m through with you.”
Damon threw Edward’s arms to the side, his lip curling in disgust at the boy’s whimpering.
“Fucking pussy,” Bella murmured, coming up beside him and molding her body to his once more.
“God, you’re so fucking hot, piccina,” he nearly moaned, his arms wrapping around her. He’d reached his limit. No more toying with the Cullens. He needed this over with so he could whisk her away and ravage her.
“Let’s finish this, Aro,” Damon said, his voice low and guttural as he fought his desire. Bella seemed to like his tone and lightly purred against him; it did nothing to alleviate his predicament.
“Yes, yes,” Aro said, practically salivating at what he knew was to come. “As you see, Cullens, there is no doubt that you broke the law and let this young one suffer great stress at your carelessness. You have wronged the mate of one of the Volturi, though he bears not the name or crest. What say you for yourselves, Cullens?”
“Well clearly there’s no need for punishment as the girl has been turned,” Rosalie sneered at Bella and Damon’s lip lifted in a silent snarl.
Caius interjected before Aro. “Yes, but not by any of you. You all would have left her indefinitely. The fact remains you broke the law; it hardly matters that Damon fixed the issue before you could.”
“Too right, brother. The law was indeed broken and punishment must be meted,” Aro nodded sagely.
“Get on with it then,” Damon growled as Bella’s hands slipped into his hair and lightly scratched his scalp.
“Ah, young love! There’s nothing quite like a newly mated pair, is there, my friends?” Aro sighed happily to the room.
“It’s not fair,” Edward was mumbling as Carlisle helped fuse his arms back on. “I loved her – I left because I loved her.”
“You ditched her in the woods after emotionally tearing her apart – that does not speak of love to me. You don’t even know what love is,” Damon lightly sneered.
“Whatever your reasons, child,” Aro spoke. “It hardly matters. It has been proven that you and your family knowingly and willfully broke our most sacred law. Now you must suffer the consequences. Join us, or die for your crime. But before you decide, know this, Cullens – your life here will be much different than the farce you portray to the world and to yourselves.”
“Come on, Damon… let’s finish up studying,” Bella pressed her lips to his ear, her teeth grazing his earlobe.
He shuddered. “Don’t you want to hear the ruling, piccina?”
She eyed the family of Cold Ones like one examines a bug on the bottom of their shoe. “No. They are nothing to me now. Not one of them truly loved me so they certainly won’t die for me. The cowards will choose life here and then I will convince Jane to make their stay more… pleasant. There’s no need to stay and listen to them bemoaning their fate though they are the makers of it. I’m bored with them, Damon… entertain me.”
Damon smirked and hoisted her up around his waist, her legs wrapping around him as his hands found her ass and gave a delightful squeeze. “Well you heard the lady…” he leaned forward in a mock aside to Carlisle and company. “Hope you enjoy your stay,” he said insincerely before giving Isabella’s ass a playful smack as he sped out of the room, her girly giggling trailing after them.
“You know, piccina,” he began thoughtfully. “I’m not sure you’ve seen the gardens in its entirety…”
“Is that so?” she nibbled on his ear.
“Oh yes, Isabella,” he rumbled.
“Then take me to the gardena, Damon… and then take me in the garden.”
He shivered against, his rising lust a force of nature on its own.
“Yes,” he hissed against her. “I won’t rest until I’ve had you on everywhere, piccina. Every city in every country on every continent.”
She swatted his ass. “Good thing we have eternity. Get to it, mister.”
He sped off to the gardens, not even noticing the rapid footfalls of the nearby vampires evacuating the area.
(A/N): So there it is… hope you like it! Please do let me know what you think. I may MAY do one more of them going to Mystic Falls, but if I do, it won’t be until Thirsty us finished…
30 thoughts on “This Left Feels Right: Volterra”
LMAO not even noticing the rapid footfalls of the of the nearby vampires evacuating the area. I guess no voyeurs?
This is so freaking ducking awesome!! You captured the two of them perfectly, and the little glimpses you gave was hot enough to imagine the lemons. List of favorites anyone?
andrewpine says:
Well thirsty is finished so get with it Chica;-) if we all beg really long and hard could this turn into a complete story????
meridiean says:
Ducking perfect!! I loved it!! I loved how you made Bella somewhat less disgusted by Jasper than by the rest of them – nice touch. Loved Bella’s reasoning, too, that they’d naturally opt to stay with the Volturi rather than die…and the nearby vampires evacuating the area…TOO FUNNY!! 😀
loved it! pussy Cullens….. lol I love how you left them alive to possibly a future annoyance in a hopefully (future) continuation. hehehe loved the idea of Damon claiming Bella in every square inch of the castle. 🙂
Love it and i hope you do more Bella/Damon 🙂
rainn74 says:
I’m so happy for this update! I just love the two of them together and I always look forward to the emails from you, and Kittyinaz as well. My favorite part “Start scratching bitch” lOl. Poor Rose, so self centered and dumb. I’m really looking forward for their trip to Mystic Falls, and Thirsty as well. YOU ROCK!
Kym says:
Excellent… I can’t wait for more
Seriously loved it- amazingly well written.
I’d really love to see a Mystic Falls chapter- Bella meeting Stefan should be interesting never mind Elena and the gang.
Claire Smith says:
YES!! Perfect, absolutely effing perfect. Can’t wait for Mystic Falls, some of the people there are in for a very rude awakening. Thank you sooo much.
I absolutely love it and I hope you do write another of them going to Mystic. Please update soon.
Of course I went to bed early last night so I just saw the update this morning. LOVED it. So happy that D/B both got happy endings…..in many ways. LOL
I like the idea of you have the 3 chapters….Forks, Volterra, Mystic Falls. Seems like a good fit to me since it covers the major things everyone would like to know. I’d love if the mystic falls chapter had just a little bit more about the Cullen’s reaction to their punishment but I’m more interested in perhaps Bella getting to stake katherine. That’d be fun.
I can wait until Thirsty’s over though…
On another note, you seem to have a love for Jasper…….maybe you could write a story with him as a main character when Thirsty is done. 🙂
I do love me some Jasper! I’m incapable of hating on him and I am thinking I may do a story with him soon. Just need an idea that hasn’t been done yet, lol! Thanks for your review!
I know what you mean….hating on Jasper is hard and so is finding something original for a storyline . . .
You know…..a crossover that still has a twilight pairing (like B/J) doesn’t happen that often . . . like maybe an abandoned Bella vampire somehow joins the avengers . . . and somehow crosses paths with Jasper again . . .
LOL . . .you’ve got me started on Avenger/Twilight crossovers but they are really pretty scarce
procompsognatus says:
It worth waiting! Thank you very much! Mystic Falls and Stefan – it will be interesting. And idea of Jasper as main character – I like it too. We may wait if you need time.
I loved this update/continuation! Those two are perfect together. I love your version of Bella. She’s still herself but stronger and snarkier. I loved her “go ahead… Make my day” lines. Hoping and looking forward to a Mystic Falls continuation.
Freakin Awesome. Love her tearing into Rosalie. Jasper is my fav of them all too.
Wow, this was seriously awesome and funny as hell. The line “Three, I only killed her a little bit so get that sand out of your vagina.” Just about killed me 😀
Truly hoping you do decide to continue this some time in the future, I love how you have Bella dn Damon in this 🙂
Pingback: New Post 6/11/14 | Fanfiction Minions
What a Nice update to the one-shot! I really enjoyed it! I loved Bella’s “Go ahead, make my day!” and Damon’s snarky inner thoughts about her making his day had be grinning from ear to ear. Such a Damon thing to think!
Loved the smack down and tongue lashing Damon gave Eddie..”I only killed her a little bit.” will probably be one of my favorite quotes ever!
It’s rather amusing that they enjoy putting their sex life on display and the last bit “Take me to the garden and then take me in the garden.” made me giggle and I laughed outright when I read “He sped off to the gardens, not even noticing the rapid footfalls of the nearby vampires evacuating the area.” Priceless! 🙂
Job well done, Bertie!
I loved it and you wrote them perfectly. I can’t wait for the Mystic Falls chapter I think that gang needs put in there place and Bella is just the person to do it.
I have no idea how I missed this post but I am sure happy I found it! I really hope you decide to have them go to Mystic Falls. Because I would love to see how Bella reacts to the gang back home. Especially how she reacts to Stefan and Elena. Stefan because he is almost an Eddie clone, and Elena because god I just can’t stand her lol
Vampirelady13 says:
I like it thank you
Wow, you completely knocked it out of the park with this one hon! FANTASTIC WRITING! I truly adore the characters & plot you have created here and haven’t laughed so much in ages!
Please, please, please, please give us more from these two along with Jasper (who hopefully ditches the Cullen’s)! ;o)
razeus1 says:
I couldn’t stop giggle/snorting, this was just too much freaking fun!! I hope you expand on this, I love your humor!
Msmalloryreads says:
I laughed out loud and woke the hubby up. Seriously funny. I laugh every time I read this. Keep it going please.
TeAire says:
Can’t wait to see his the Mystic Falls group handles them
simonedmcintyre says:
So….um…… Thisty is finished……… PLEASE DO MYSTIC FALLLS THE FATE OF THE WORLD IS DEPENDENT ON IT PPPLLLEEEAAASSSEEE….. ^.^
bearygirl says:
Loved it, thanks for sharing. Hope you do a chapter in Mystic Falls.
Really enjoying my rainy-day reread! Now…on to part 3 – new for me! 😀
Oh how much I love the last sentence! 😀 😀 Nothing worse than horny Damon and Bella 😀
When I think about it, most of them are their character, Bella is different, but I suppose in a good way, because most of the time she is kind of annoying git… Damon is just Damon and for that I adore him! 😀 Great story 🙂
Leave a Reply to Kittyinaz Cancel reply
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13522
|
__label__wiki
| 0.557154
| 0.557154
|
What is Greenfield Development Corporation?
Founded in 1971, Greenfield began as a landholding company, with vast tracts of land in its portfolio. Thousands of hectares in various strategic areas, from the north as far as Bataan and to the south up to Calamba, allowed Greenfield to emerge as one of the leading developers in the country today.
With more than 22-hectares of prime commercial property in Mandaluyong situated within the 110-hectare industrial quadrangle, Greenfield’s modest beginnings at commercial development began with what was then known as EDSA Crossing. Developed in the early 1970’s as a mixed-use commercial complex with a wet and dry goods market, the old EDSA Central quickly established itself as an accessible hub for various kinds of commerce. In 1998, Greenfield ventured into another commercial center in the growth center of Santa Rosa with the development of Paseo Commercial Center. Dubbed as the outlet mall of the south, Paseo provides a lifestyle center alternative to the regular boxed up malls.
Greenfield also delved into residential developments, with Hillsborough Subdivision Muntinlupa City in 1988, Southwoods Residences, Carmona in 1994, Lexington Garden Village, Pasig City opened in 1997, San Antonio Heights and San Rafael Estates in Sto. Tomas, Batangas in 1998, and the 600-hectare Maunong property now known as Ayala Greenfield Estates developed in the year 1999. In 2004, it launched the now completed 40-storey Soho Central Condominium with the Century Properties and Meridien Group. Its latest offering in 2007, the Pramana Residential Park sought to reinvent suburban living by devoting over half of the community to parks & playgrounds, wide open spaces and tree-lined roads.
What makes Twin Oaks Place different from other high-rise residential condominiums?
Twin Oaks Place (TOP) is GDC’s flagship project in the high end residential condominium market. It is located at the heart of town at the center of established CBD’s of Makati, Fort Bonifacio and Ortigas. Moreover, it is the start of GDC’s development of its Greenfield District – the 22-hectare property situated along EDSA and Shaw Boulevard.
On top of its superior location, TOP also incorporates designs that make it a cut above the rest such as:
Floor-to-floor height of 3.2 meters versus industry standard of 2.8 meters
45% glass ratio as compared to the industry standard of 30% to 35%
Integrated with 7,500 sqm of retail commercial space (3,250 sqm for TOP and 3,250 sqm for SOHO Central)
Aside from its top-of-the-line design and finishes, it is also the country’s “First Future Ready Home”.
What makes Twin Oaks Place the “First Future Ready Home”?
TOP uses a fiber-to-the-home design via its fiber optic backbone and lateral wirings as compared to the copper wiring of other real estate condominium buildings. As such, TOP residents will be able to avail of the following:
Higher internet bandwidth connection (up to 1GB per second)
Bandwidth can be upgraded as the technology becomes available
High resolution video conferencing (Telepresence)
Modern appliances which utilize fiber optic technology can be installed in the units to provide special features such as controlling it “on the go” via the internet.
When is the turn-over date for Twin Oaks Place Tower 1?
The expected turn-over date is May 2014.
How many floors are there in TOP Tower 1?
There are 43 floors in Twin Oaks Place with five basement levels. Of the 43 floors, three of which are commercial and retail areas; two floors for the amenities, and 38 floors of residential condominium units.
How many units are there per floor?
There are 20 units per floors that totals to 760 condominium units.
What is the soundproof rating of the residential units?
The soundproofing of a building is measured by Sound Transfer Coefficient (STC). STC rating of the unit’s walls, floors and ceiling is 44 while the STC of the unit’s tempered glass is 32.
What is the Greenfield District?
The Greenfield District covers a 22-hectare parcel of land in the 110-hectare industrial quadrangle of Mandaluyong, wherein an ecologically sensible masterpiece will soon rise. Complete with features and facilities only found in modern cities, the future Pasig-Mandaluyong Central Business District is a synthesis of superior convenience and functionality, high technology and safety, with high rise buildings amidst refreshing greenery. Unique to this district are the following attributes:
All building will be interconnected via overhead walkways.
Basement parking of buildings will be interconnected either on the 1st or 2nd basement level.
Over 40% will be dedicated to parks, roadways and open spaces.
Buildings will have a minimum distance of 14 meters from each other.
It is the country’s first “Smart and Connected District”.
What makes the Greenfield District the “First Smart and Connected District”?
All estimated 30 buildings to be built in the Greenfield District will feature fiber optic technologies similar to Twin Oaks Place.
What are the sizes of the units?
For the flat units, the sizes are as follows:
Standard: 31.52 sqm
Executive Studio: 31.01 sqm
Premium: 35.55 sqm
One-Bedroom: 39.52 sqm and 47.32 sqm
For the Lofts, the sizes are as follows:
One-Bedroom Loft: 55 sqm – 57 sqm
Two-Bedroom Loft: 70 sqm – 77 sqm
What are the locations near Twin Oaks Place?
It is just a five-minute drive away from important places such as private schools, churches, hospitals, banks and the Mandaluyong Police Station and Fire Department. It is also near several favorite spots such as shopping malls, hotels, recreational areas, golf courses and country clubs.
TURN-OVER UNIT:
STANDARD STUDIO UNIT:
PREMIUM STUDIO UNIT:
ONE BEDROOM FLAT:
ONE BEDROOM LOFT:
Contact Numbers:(required)
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13524
|
__label__wiki
| 0.51877
| 0.51877
|
Home > Wheen O'Books > How England Saved Europe: The Story of the Great War ( 1793-1815
How England Saved Europe: The Story of the Great War ( 1793-1815) Volume IV - Waterloo and St. Helena
by Fitchett, W.H
£6.75 shipping to USA
Wheen O'Books
London, Smith Elder & Co, 1902;. Second impression. Hardback. Very good condition. In Four Volumes. Volume Four only. 424pp with portraits, Maps and facsimile of letter from the Duke to Lord Beresford. Red covers with gilt medallion & title on the front & on sunned spine. Foredge untrimmed, Top edge gilt. Small mark on front cover. .
Bookseller: Wheen O'Books (GB)
Bookseller Inventory #: 22023
Title: How England Saved Europe: The Story of the Great War ( 1793-1815) Volume IV - Waterloo and St. Helena
Author: Fitchett, W.H
Publisher: London, Smith Elder & Co, 1902;
Keywords: Great War MIlitary Waterloo History European History
Bookseller catalogs: History;
Military & Military History
top edge gilt
Top edge gilt refers to the practice of applying gold or a gold-like finish to the top of the text block (the edges the...[more]
The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...[more]
sunned
Damage done to a book cover or dust jacket caused by exposure to direct sunlight. Very strong fluorescent light can cause...[more]
An exact copy of an original work. In books, it refers to a copy or reproduction, as accurate as possible, of an original...[more]
Glimpses Of World History
Glimpses of World History, a book written by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1934, is a panoramic sweep of the history of humankind. It is a collection of 196 letters on world history written from various prisons in British India between 1930-1933. The letters were written to his young daughter Indira, and was meant to introduce her to world history. The letters start off with one he sends to his daughter on her birthday....
Liberty and Tyranny
Levin- Mark R
Conservative talk radio's fastest-growing superstar is also a New York Times bestselling phenomenon: the author of the groundbreaking critique of the Supreme Court, Men in Black , and the deeply personal dog lover's memoir Rescuing Sprite , Mark R. Levin now delivers the book that characterizes both his devotion to his more than 5 million listeners and his love of our country and the legacy of our Founding Fathers: Liberty and Tyranny is Mark R. Levin's clarion call to conservative America, a new manifesto for the conservative movement for the 21st century. In the face of the modern liberal assault on Constitution-based values, an attack that has steadily snowballed since President Roosevelt's New Deal of the 1930s and resulted in a federal government that is a massive, unaccountable conglomerate, the time for re-enforcing the intellectual and practical case for conservatism is now . Conservative beliefs in individual freedoms do in the end stand for liberty for all Americans, while liberal dictates lead to the breakdown of civilized society -- in short, tyranny. Looking back to look to the future, Levin writes "conservatism is the antidote to tyranny precisely because its principles are our founding principles." And in a series of powerful essays, Levin lays out how conservatives can counter the liberal corrosion that has filtered into every timely issue affecting our daily lives, from the economy to health care, global warming, immigration, and more -- and illustrates how change, as seen through the conservative lens, is always prudent, and always an enhancement to individual freedom. As provocative, well-reasoned, robust, and informed as his on-air commentary, Levin's narrative will galvanize readers to begin a new era in conservative thinking and action. Liberty and Tyranny provides a philosophical, historical, and practical framework for revitalizing the conservative vision and ensuring the preservation of American society....
Low Intensity Operations
Frank Kitson
Join the Bibliophiles' Club today and start saving 10% on every book you buy on Biblio.co.uk.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13527
|
__label__cc
| 0.508413
| 0.491587
|
Share Ahlam Shibli: Trackers
Emily Speers Mears
Ahlam Shibli, Trackers no. 72, 2005, silver print, courtesy of the artist and Max Wigram Gallery, London
Ahlam Shibli: Trackers
Max Wigram Gallery
July 14–September 16, 2006
As Ahlam Shibli’s exhibition opened in London, Israel and Hizbullah were declaring open war on each other over the capture of two and the killing of eight Israeli soldiers, which made for ironically serendipitous timing for viewing the artist’s images of the Israeli soldiers’ colleagues embracing. Shibli’s particular twist is that the soldiers she depicts are Bedouin, employed by the Israel Defense Forces primarily as trackers.
Her series of eighty-five black-and-white and color photographs depicts the soldiers — all volunteers; conscription is not enforced for the Bedouin within the Israeli state — as they start their training, go home on leave, and graduate. (It took Shibli seven months to obtain permission to shoot.) Looking at some of the photographs, it is impossible not to think of Rineke Dijkstra or Adi Nes for the fact that the boys pictured look so young, vulnerable, and sexy. Desire and war go hand in hand, as Jean Genet — among others — would attest to, and Shibli’s images fit neatly into the ongoing dramatic tension between the two.The Palestinian artist, born in Galilee and living in Haifa, captures face-on headshots of pouting boys smeared in camouflage grease,more laid-back portraits of the same boys in states of pure boredom or exhaustion, resting their heads against each other’s shoulders as they shelter from a simulated grenade attack, and others of them standing awkwardly, still in uniform, alongside their mothers at home. One soldier runs along a dirt road, his shoulders hunched, cupping a grenade in his hands as if trying to win an egg-and-spoon race — indeed in most of these photographs the boys look as though they could be taking part in some elaborate game or theatre.
Ahlam Shibli, Trackers no. 57, 2005, digital print, courtesy of the artist and Max Wigram Gallery, London
Shibli’s shots of the boys together, loaded as their interactions are with gawky adolescent wariness and their desperate need to assert themselves, are particularly striking. In one photo- graph, two of the boys clasp hands and bring each other close; the looks on their faces display an unreadable combination of affection, attraction, domination, and contempt. Shibli has a Magnum photographer’s eye for a captivating photograph with just the right amount of punctum and studium, and many of the images in the series are bang on in their simultaneous fascination with the doubled Other side, and cool detachment from it.
In nos. 20 and 22 in the series a group of boys, home for the weekend, whirl through the desert on horseback and far into the distance, as if trying to escape their weekday lives, kicking up a trail of dust as they do. Number 23 shows a boy standing with his horse,his pose softened and relaxed. Shibli notes that ownership of these animals is the boys’ way back into their Bedouin identities, a means of reintegrating themselves into the desert lives that they betray by working for the occupiers. At the end of their three years’ service they’re given money for the downpayment on a house — these houses, some still being built, are photographed here amid the general dilapidation of the Negev, and with their high walls and air of isolation they sum up the perversity of the situation perfectly.
As well as showing the geography of the area, Shibli also takes still lifes of gravestones and the local graveyard with a few plastic chairs set up in it, of walls displaying photographs of soldiers inside the trackers’ houses, and the tents in the training camp — all of these displayed according to category. It is the photographs of the boys themselves, however, that remain the most desperately compelling. In her seminal book The Body in Pain (1985), Elaine Scarry charted how war is played out on the human body,and imagery plays an essential role in this process (for one textbook example, see the near-absence in the western media of images of dead or injured “Coalition” soldiers). These Bedouin trackers’ bodies, like those of every soldier, are so attractive because they are so easily blown up, torn apart, debilitated — or, as in the current context of Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, captured, an act possibly more devastating to an iconography than mere violence. And this immanent fate is an essential part of their appeal.
Next: How’s Business: Abdul Raheem
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13528
|
__label__cc
| 0.712842
| 0.287158
|
Asharis: Assemble
The Modern Xylatus Stalks Through A Desolate Landscape That May Not Actually Exist
Aqeeda
Dr. Shabir Ally
Hafiz Mahmut
Sheikh Atabek Shukurov
The Sultans Jester
Wahhabism & Salafism
Scholars Or Charlatans? Akram Nadwi is the Author of Confusion
By mmmclmru February 4, 2016
By The Sultan’s Jester
I very often get people asking me about which scholars, classes and lectures I recommend. The enquiry always fills me with dread: those who have proffered such a question are usually on a journey to become more ‘practising’ in the Islamic faith, and with the best of intentions they allocate their time and money to the industry that has grown up around ‘seeking knowledge’ and ‘Islamic classes’. These poor seekers are in a very dangerous position: they are obviously at a crossroads in their life and are wanting to make a change. Hence they are both emotionally and intellectually vulnerable and malleable. This is the very same reason why an inordinate number of Western and other youth who have joined extremist groups are those who have gone from being ‘non-practising’ to ‘practising’ Muslims suddenly – usually too suddenly: the hungry man is easily fed poison.
It is a lamentable fact that the overwhelming bulk of institutes, classes and above all scholars, which are after the allegiance, money and time of Muslims, are of a dreadfully poor nature. The singular skill of the majority of ‘Islamic’ speakers and teachers is the ability to read Arabic in addition to generous publicity and funding from their institutes and from interests abroad (frequently Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries).
Regrettably, the problem is not confined to a small segment of Muslim scholars, and just as how many of those ‘speaking for’ atheists in the public sphere, such as Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens, are an embarrassment to civility and scholarship, as is often recognised by atheists themselves, Muslims have the same, or rather worse affliction of being subjected to ‘popularisers’ and teachers of religion who display such woeful knowledge and coherence that they serve as both a deterrent to non-Muslims and a handicap to believers.
After being brought the following talk by the famous UK scholar Dr Akram Nadwi, I was astonished at the egregious errors committed in the name of not only religion but also at the affront to the vocation of teaching. Needless to say, people will be offended, but forewarning the laity is of far greater importance, since the sheer number of errors and points of confusion presented by this well-known scholar, who has been attached to various institutes as well as being prolific in teaching courses, was truly horrifying. We are all lacking in some subjects, and I myself do not try to give public talks on subjects I am not competent in (which are many in number), but Sheikh Nadwi illustrates the cavalier attitude of nearly all of his colleagues: although he is clearly at a loss about Islamic philosophy and even on occasion his own specialist subject (Arabic), he nonetheless employs offhand statements and critiques of everything from linguistics to logic, as well as what is par for the course with Muslim scholars nowadays – an unbearable amount of fact less emotional blackmail and amateur theatrics. But he is not to be singled out: virtually all Islamic scholars think this appellation of ‘scholar’ is a ‘Carte Blanche’ to opine about everything from how to make love to your partner to Quantum Mechanics. They have made full use of the public’s ignorance of the less than comprehensive syllabus under which such individuals are schooled.
Since I am constantly asked about ‘scholars’ and ‘courses’ by readers and students, I am forced to demonstrate the degree of incompetence displayed in just a short part of what I believe was a paid course. Having used Sheikh Nadwi as an egregious example, the sad reality is that I could have used very many others. It ails our community that so many of our Muslim youth will throw away precious years of their lives and efforts in the service of the misinformation that irresponsible and vainglorious scholars spread about so carelessly. I hope that some of you can watch this and be warned and hence be on your guard against these dangerous individuals who offer all kinds of incorrect or inappropriate instruction under the guise of ‘scholars’.
I have included the video and the ‘timestamps’ of when the problems I wish to discuss take place.
‘Surah Mulk’, a talk by Dr Akram Nadwi
At 7.42 minutes, Sheikh Akram Nadwi says that The Quran wasn’t sent to Greece, Rome or China and those who had philosophy and knowledge. The reason for that is so that they can come to Quran without philosophy. [But Quran speaks about why it was sent to illiterate people, we will see what it says below]
9.37: He says one of the conditions of Quran is that it is for ummis i.e. illiterate people.
10.00: Come to the Quran with no knowledge.
Right from the outset, Shiekh Akram Nadwi demonstrates the type of incoherent doublespeak which characterises many if not most ‘Islamic’ talks: at the beginning he commendably says that there are two things needed to obtain the blessings of the Quran;
Repeatedly, at 31.00, and again at 37.15 and 46.10, he tells people that they must ‘think’ and even that they will go to Hell for not making use of their God given intellectual faculties. This would be hugely beneficial, but as with the use of science by such speakers, it is merely a ploy – for how is it that he says that you have to think and analyse the Quran and yet comes back to say that you shouldn’t use your own understanding? This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. He says that you have to understand it as the salaf (first three or so generations) understood it. What this actually means is that you should in fact never think about it but just read what the salaf said about these verses and just accept that. So what was the point of all that prior mention of ‘thinking’ and ‘understanding’? As with many speakers and scholars, it is merely to give the semblance of intellectuality and critical thinking to Western Muslim youth, who long to frame their faith in these terms. But Dr Nadwi has no intention of encouraging people to actually think about the Quran:
At 8.47 minutes:
He says ‘they want to put their understanding upon Quran’. Here he contradicts himself again. What are people who have come to this talk meant to think? First he says ‘think and understand’, then here he says don’t ‘put your own understanding’. So whose understanding am I supposed to take, and what manner of Orwellian doublespeak is this? He is in fact trying to say; ‘take the understanding of salaf as explained by our chosen scholars (in his case, Salafi archfiend Ibn Taimia, and he has done another lecture/course about taking only the principles of Ibn Taimia in understanding the Quran). So, his message is perhaps more plainly;
‘Quran is sent so you can think about it. But you are not allowed to understand it in your own way, but only by the understanding of Ibn Taimia‘
So why do public speakers such as Sheikh Nadwi not just say that instead of trying to seduce the audience with faux rationalism?
He says, most offensively, that the reason why the Quran wasn’t sent to Greece (and other places such as China), was because they had ‘philosophy’ and other knowledge, which is ‘bad’. Rather, according to him (for it certainly isn’t according to God), the Quran has to be sent to illiterate people so they can understand it, since philosophy will block your understanding, and he even states frankly that illiteracy is the desired condition to receive the Quran (see later).
Of course, as a Salafi partisan and admirer of Ibn Taimia, Dr Nadwi is militantly opposed to the philosophers. But even the most committed partisan has to question the logic of punishing whole nations of Greeks, Chinese and Romans for the fact that they had some practitioners of philosophy, in effect making philosophy like or in fact worse than ‘Original Sin’. Furthermore, it means that the practice of ‘philosophy’ (Dr Nadwi never makes clear what he means by this word and just a moment ago he was alternating between rationalism and blind adherence to the salaf) is worse, according to Sheikh Nadwi, than child murder and idol worship – since God could send the Quran to a nation of Meccan polytheists who practiced infanticide but resolutely not to Greek Philosophers. This is shocking to say the least.
What is really disturbing is that ‘philosophy’, in the usage of the Greeks (and indeed the Islamic ‘Falsafa’) included everything from Physics and Mathematics to poetry and musical theory. Is Sheikh Nadwi saying all of these are reprehensible in the opinion of God? Furthermore, what do the Chinese, whom he similarly condemns as being unworthy of Gods guidance, mean by ‘philosophy’? Is there an equivalent word in their language and could he be mistaking Confucian ethics for a system of metaphysics? Not knowing these things is not a problem – but condemning a whole nation or race whilst not knowing them is egregious. And how do Chinese or Greek viewers feel about this unwarranted disparagement of their civilizational contributions?
This is in fact completely unacceptable – but let’s look at the Quran for clarifications as to the reason of why it was sent to illiterate people;
And this [Qur’an] is a Book We have revealed [which is] blessed, so follow it and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.
[We revealed it] lest you say, “The Scripture was only sent down to two groups before us, but we were of their study unaware,”
Or lest you say, “If only the Scripture had been revealed to us, we would have been better guided than they.” So there has [now] come to you a clear evidence from your Lord and a guidance and mercy. Then who is more unjust than one who denies the verses of Allah and turns away from them? We will recompense those who turn away from Our verses with the worst of punishment for their having turned away. 6; 155-157
So the reason is that for others, including the Greeks (who were very largely Christians and not ‘philosophers’ by this time), God has already sent them a book and guidance. God sent the Quran to Quraish because they didn’t have any guidance beforehand…nothing to do with illiteracy or philosophy. Where did Akram Nadwi get this from, other than his inveterate Salafi antipathy to Philosophy and reason?
Let’s see what Imam Tabari, who died 310 hijra (so he is one of these ‘salaf’ that Dr Nadwi insists on so much) said about this issue (from his ‘tafseer’ (exegesis of Quran) volume 10, page 6 – follow in red):
‘‘The best interpretation of the verse according to me is the one which says; this is book is blessed, we’ve revealed it to you to so you cannot say ”the Book was revealed only to two groups before us”! And these two groups God mentioned, and mentioned that he sent his book to his Prophet Muhammad so mushriks [polytheists, specifically of Mecca] won’t be able to to say; We didn’t get any book to follow, nor have we been ordered nor forbidden from anything. So there is no proof against us about the things we do and don’t do. That’s because God didn’t send us a prophet and a book. So proof can be only against two groups who have got a book before us, Jews and Christians…’
Further Tabari mentioned the Sahaba (companions of the Prophet) and Tabein (successors of those companions) from whom this interpretation narrated.
Just see the rest of the pages I have scanned here. The very same thing is mentioned in ‘Tafseer ibn Katheer’, ‘Tafseer Qurtubi’, ‘Durr Manthoor’ and others. So Dr Nadwi was on the one hand insisting his audience jettison their reason and intellect and follow the salaf, but when these same salaf did not prove opportune to disparage his hated ‘Greeks’ and ‘philosophers’, he disregarded them in turn, even when they were Salafist favourites such as Ibn Katheer and Qurtubi. This is most disingenuous and partisan in the extreme, made worse by his obstinate refusal to acknowledge his conflicting interests and sectarian affiliation (i.e Salafism), which is clearly colouring all he has said from the outset.
This, namely gaining scholarly knowledge, is the very reason that people pay and give their time to attend such courses – but this information was substituted with an extremist and incoherent diatribe against philosophers. That, of course, is Dr Nadwi’s (and all Salafis) prerogative – but it cannot be at the expense of fragrant misrepresentation of the Quran and classical Islam. In any case, why was the Quran was revealed to the illiterate Quraish? According to Dr Nadwi because they can understand it because they don’t have philosophy as others do. But according to God and all of the Muslim scholars, because others had their books and Prophets. But the Quraish didn’t. That is why God sent a book and a Prophet to them – so that they cannot complain that they didn’t get any.
Sadly, Akram Nadwi is blissfully ignorant that by the seventh century, most Greeks and Romans were in fact Christian. He is confused about the Classical period and the flourishing of Greek philosophy in Socrates time and the much later revelation of the Quran, after the fall of the western Roman Empire and some three centuries after Rome (and Greece) embraced Christianity. But that was long before the Quran. As for the history of religion in China, I hazard to say Dr Nadwi should say nothing as he can be expected to be similarly uninformed and careless.
Rumi is a Kaafir!?
9.00 Sheikh Nadwi, tells us that the famous Persian poet and mystic Jalal ad Din Rumi is desirous of re-writing the Quran. He appears to be saying that Rumi accepted the challenge of God about (re)writing the Quran.
Having followed Salafist protocol and immediately, with his first breath, bashed ‘philosophers’ and rationalists, Sheikh Nadwi scarcely pauses before he moves on to their preferred next target – the Sufis.
I am aware of no statement by Rumi nor any other authority in Islam (apart from of course the militantly anathematising branch of the Wahhabo-Salafis, amongst which many of the Deobandis must regrettably be counted too) which says that Rumi attempted to take up the challenges of God and write or rewrite the Quran or something like it:
Here, for instance, are the three challenges of God:
Say, “If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants.” 17;88
Or do they say, “He invented it”? Say, “Then bring ten surahs like it that have been invented and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allah , if you should be truthful.” 10;13
And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah , if you should be truthful. 2;23
Or do they say [about the Prophet], “He invented it?” Say, “Then bring forth a surah like it and call upon [for assistance] whomever you can besides Allah , if you should be truthful.” 10;38
Rumi never wanted to rewrite the Quran any more than Shakespeare is guilty of rewriting the Bible just for having been eloquent. His book of ”Masnawi Ma’nawi” is a collection of wise stories, and nothing to do with accepting the challenge of God. We can’t tell what Akram Nadwi means by this statement but he is at the very least dangerously irresponsible – sadly, many teachers, especially of the salafist variety, do their best to channel their eager students minds and energies towards their own sectarian debates and prejudices – Nadwi has done this by shoe horning in a highly offensive statement about Rumi and by strong inference, Sufism.
Therein lies my contention – people come to these types of talks because they don’t have knowledge and do not know what is Islam’s approach to science or philosophy or who Rumi is. In the space of just ten minutes, Sheikh Nadwi grossly misinforms his audience about these and more, dangerously in line with his sectarian affiliation to the violently anti-Sufi Ibn Taimia. Sadly, Salafis love to glorify Ibn Taimia and insult Sufis anyhow and anytime they can.
God versus the Scholars?
9.37 Dr Nadwi says that one of the conditions of Quran is that it is for ummis i.e. illiterate people.
10.00: ‘come to Quran with no knowledge’.
So, in order to understand Quran, he explicitly states that there are two conditions: 1. Be illiterate 2. Have no knowledge
I’ve explained why the Quran was revealed to the Quraish. Most of the Quraish were illiterate so that is why Quran uses the appellation ‘illiterate’, but it wasn’t a condition of understanding it. Dr Nadwi is worryingly confused and I can only think what the audience will make of this.
The Quran says;
Say, “Believe in it or do not believe. Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it – when it is recited to them, they fall upon their faces in prostration, 17;107
God is essentially saying; O illiterate guys, believe in it or don’t believe, but those who are not illiterate, who were given knowledge before the Quran was sent, when it is read to them, they fall upon their faces in prostration.
So what God is saying is exactly opposite to what Sheikh Nadwi says. I.e. being illiterate is not something glorious, and having knowledge is not something bad. Also God says;
And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge. 29;43
According to God, the condition of understanding the examples of the Quran is to have knowledge. Regrettably, this infatuation with illiteracy is common amongst scholars. It likely has its origin in the spurious argument that the Prophet Muhammad was illiterate and hence incapable of composing the Quran. Since Muslims contend that the Quran is not amenable to human composition or even alteration, the illiteracy (or lack thereof) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is of no consequence to the Quran’s authenticity. The anti-rationalist streak which Nadwi and Ibn Taimia represent has found its fullest flowering in anathematising the poor Greeks and Chinese for their sciences and now even the glorification of illiteracy – are they seriously insinuating that had the Prophet wished to learn to read he could not have done so, thereby denigrating him benath a huge segment of mankind? And in any case, there are compelling proofs that the Prophet could read (it would have been little use for him to see the ‘Preserved Tablet’ for example if he couldn’t).
It also shows how grossly out of touch people like Dr Nadwi are with the norms and temperaments of the societies in which they ply their ill trade – advertising the alleged illiteracy of the Prophet (pbuh) or Sahabah without context is not exactly going to endear them to modern non-Muslims or even Muslims. These types of banal utterances are often supplemented with apocryphal stories of Umar (RA) burning or destroying libraries.
Millions of People are Equal to God in his Attribute, So Everyone Goes to Paradise…Except God, Because He Didn’t Do What He Said He Would (i.e Guide Us)
10.50 Sheikh Nadwi says that ‘no language can contain the word of God beside Arabic’.
Unfortunately, there are only two possibilities from what he said, both of which are completely wrong:
The ‘Word of God’, which is his Attribute, can be contained only in the Arabic language of the Jahili (pre-Islamic or ”ignorant”) period
The message of God about guidance only can be expressed in Arabic of Jahili time.
I hope Dr Nadwi and his cohorts will give me some latitude here, since he in a most uncouth and unqualified way accused Rumi of trying to disseminate a rival and an edit of the Quran: If Akram Nadwi means it is the first possibility, then this is shirk or associating partners with God in his unique attributes. That is because we Muslims say that no one equals any of the Attributes of God. But if you accept what Sheikh Nadwi said then all of the Jahili [pre-Islamic Arabs] including Abu Jahl, Abu Lahab and others equal God in His Attribute of ‘Speech’ and they can say something similar to the Quran. If it is the second one, then people who didn’t speak in Jahili Arabic (including people of our time) are excused from accountability because they don’t understand the guidance of God – and no other language including Arabic (of the non-Jahili variety) can express the guidance. Which is bizarre.
Lest there be any misunderstanding, at 13.00, Dr Nadwi says that one of the ‘conditions of the Quran’ is that people must have Arabic language. These types of unqualified and confusing statements are exactly what teachers are supposed to be removing, not perpetuating. This very obviously makes no sense because most of the people who live by and follow the message of the Quran, including Arabs, are not able to understand Quranic Arabic. So what was the point of this incoherent aside?
Also, if no language can contain the guidance or ‘words’ of God, then is Akram Nadwi saying that the Torah, Injeel, Ten Commandments and Zaboor etc were all not the word of God? Surely this is manifest nonsense?
Inventing More Conditions and Barriers to Understanding the Quran
13.10: Dr Nadwi claims that a condition of understanding the Quran is that you have to understand that you are from the family of Ibrahim (the Prophet Abraham).
As far as I know 99% of people are unaware of this issue nor have any way of finding out if they are from his family, nor are likely to be related to the Prophet Abraham etc etc. So does it mean that they don’t understand the Quran? Also, where is there this condition? Why did the Prophet not encourage the people to assume that they are the ‘family’ of Abraham? Also, if someone is not Jewish or Arabian, will he not understand Quran? So, only the family of Abraham understand Quran. But not all of his family, but only those who know that they are related to Ibrahim. Do we accept this?
God said that the Quran is for everyone, including those not from the family of Abraham. If Dr Nadwi is being ‘metaphorical’, which it seems, then what is the point of confusing people like this, and telling them they are ‘the family of Abraham’, when clearly most people or at least many, are not?
Regrettably, many people just take these kinds of statements from scholars at face value and parrot them. Hence, for their time and money, they have neither gained knowledge nor the tools of critical thinking, thus becoming exactly like those types of blind respondents that are chastised in Islam and The Quran repeatedly.
Make Up ‘Principles’ as You Go
14.38 Dr Nadwi asserts that ‘a sign’ of understanding the Quran is that you cry.
This is another statement that the keen student just takes on board but it is emotional posturing and clearly devoid of any value. The student’s enthusiasm is not even rewarded with a feel good song or chant but simply hollow diatribe. It is well known that the Sahaba wouldn’t cry at or upon understanding the Quran. Dr Nadwi is using one verse which is describing a specific occasion of a Christian delegation who came to the Prophet and cried – but he is generalising it to everyone. Why do this? Does it mean that millions of great scholars who understand the Quran but didn’t cry in fact never really understood it?
Why carry on making up principles for no reason? To get a rise out of the audience? But that is the job of the Televangelist, the Politician or a Southern Baptist Preacher on a funding drive: scholars are there to teach and instruct, not to engage in inappropriate emotional masturbation of the audience. Yet as anyone who has attended enough of these talks and has any part of his brain engaged knows, that is their main constituent.
You Have to be Ignorant, You Have to Have Knowledge, But Don’t Have Knowledge…Huh?!
In a way it is ‘fortunate’ that the recurring motif of this talk is the vacillating and contradictory definition of and relationship with ‘knowledge’, since it characterises most Islamic teaching and polemics nowadays; continuously talking about ‘what makes sense’ and ‘logic’, and then conspicuously failing to apply them to their own favourite scholars, narrations or hadith. Imam Razi likened those who use intellect to persuade people of the truth of Islam and then demand that upon becoming Muslim the critical faculties are abandoned, to tricksters who invalidate the very proof by which they attested Islam.
15.21: He quotes a verse where God says; The ones who have been given a knowledge before it [i.e. before the Quran]…
The previous verse is the one that he uses to ‘prove’ that you have to cry if you understand the Quran. But previously he said that a condition of understanding Quran is that you must not have ‘knowledge’. Here you see he is quoting the verse which says that the ones who have been given knowledge before it [The Quran]…then he uses their crying as a sign of them understanding…how come? Which is ‘right’ – not having knowledge in order to understand the Quran, or crying?
Or rather, more pertinently, what is the point of this confusing and contradictory diversion?
Did Abraham Disobey God?
21.36; Sheikh Nadwi says that Abraham explained the foundation of religion and Moses came to explain the sharia (i.e the rules or rituals), and that the Quran explained both.
Again, this is simply absurd as it means that the people before Abraham had no part of religion (neither foundation nor rules), and that people before Moses were not practicing at all. So what did the prophet Noah bring? What did Prophet Yusuf, and others, practise?
Whatever Sheikh Nadwi means by this, do these kinds of strange and inappropriate statements contribute anything to the enlightenment of the audience. Yet we see that his prolegomena is simply littered with such utterances. This is extremely common in Islamic lectures but virtually unheard of in secular and academic ones, and contributes no small part to the degeneracy of learning in Islamic studies we see today.
Also, it is very well known that each single one of the Prophets used to pray – and praying is sharia or ‘rules’ anyway, so this statement is pointless and factually incorrect (even an incorrect statement can have merit if it is made in the service of a point). Actually, the prophet Abraham prayed twice a day before Moses, so Dr Nadwi has erred completely.
God also mentioned some of the issues that were sent to the Prophet Abraham, so why doesn’t Dr Nadwi teach this, plainly stated in the Quran, rather than his completely inaccurate and grossly confusing remarks on the prophets? Unless it is because salafis are fond, along with Philosophers and Sufis, of impugning enormities to the Prophets too – Sheikh Nadwi’s perennial favourite Ibn Taimia insisted on the ‘Satanic Verses’ incident for example.
Or has he not been informed of what was in the scriptures of Moses. And [of] Abraham, who fulfilled [his obligations] – That no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives. And that his effort is going to be seen -53; 35-40
Dr Nadwi Suddenly Embraces Philosophy (But Keeps Insulting Philosophers Anyway)
Having slandered the poor Greeks and even the Chinese, I was concerned that the more recent Western philosophers had escaped censure. No matter, Dr Nadwi has come choice comments about them too, but sadly, these are no better informed than his earlier asides at ‘philosophy’.
40.18: He says that ‘philosophers struggle to prove their own existence, as there is no proof for it’ [emphasis mine]. He then rubbishes Descartes (and Al Ghazzali, whose work Dr Nadwi, in a sad overreach of competence, deigns to teach) and refutes the statement ”I think there for I exist”. He says ‘this statement is incorrect because it is ”A is A because A is A” and that the correct statement is; ”I think that’s why God is there”.
This is Dr Nadwi’s alarming and embarrassing attempt at constructing a logical Syllogism or as it is known in Islam ‘mantiq’
At 40.40, he astonishes both man and beast by claiming that there is no argument that proves you exist (let alone God or the universe).
Even the most die-hard Solipsist would be alarmed at this and needless to say, this bizarre ejaculation has no basis in Islam. Nor does Dr Nadwi make any attempt to legitimise it (for which we are thankful).
42.48 He says; ‘I am a small thinker, it proves there is a bigger thinker [he means God]’.
Here are his points again for those, understandably, too alarmed or confused to apprehend them the first time:
Philosophers cannot ‘prove themselves’
‘I think, therefore I exist’ is in fact wrong
‘I think, therefore God exists’ is the right formulation.
This, yet again, is the proof and result of Muslim scholar’s hostile and inconsistent usage of reason and ‘logic’ (or ‘mantiq’). Dr Nadwi’s role model and the man he is wont to promote at courses and seminars, the aforementioned Ibn Taimia, is well known for his voluminous (as in it is literally many volumes) ‘refutation’ of ‘Greek’ logic. Sheikh Nadwi goes one further and uses it in one of the most bizarre ways I can ever recall being committed to ‘YouTube’ (and anyone familiar with that outlet will no doubt be aware of the severe violations therein). It is unsurprising – arguments about whether logic should be taught on the syllabus raged at the very founding of Deoband, which is where Nadwi seems to have been educated. On the evidence of Sheikh Nadwi, it seems they decided to teach it after all, but badly.
First of all just see how easily Ibn Sina (the latin ‘Avicenna’) (detested by Nadwi and Salafis but a giant in the field of logic) proves his own existence – follow the text below in red: Just look at yourself! Do you get distracted from your existence? … Do you get headless about your own existence? Do you deny yourself? According to me, any brainy person doesn’t do that! Even the sleepy person, while dreaming and drunken person while he is drunk don’t get headless about their own existence!
But it seems Dr Nadwi follows teachings from strange sophistic Greek philosophers and Ibn Taimia, who believe in a humanoid god and deny everything and anything, including that you exist. Perhaps that’s what led Dr Nadwi to say he cannot prove his own existence.
As for his philosophic/logical, er, ‘formula’, ”I think that’s why I exist”, he formulated this as ”A is A because A is A”
With respect, that is totally absurd.
The correct formula of what Descartes said is ”A is B, that’s why A is C”.
And that is a correct ‘analogy’. If Dr Nadwi had studied mantiq or logic then he would know that it is first type of ”Antijah” because it is; ”A is B, and every B is C, that is why A is C”.
That is considered the strongest type of ”Burhan” (proof) in logic.
There is no problem with Sheikh Nadwi being naïve of logic (indeed, proclaiming reason and logic to be forbidden and to be the same as inviting the punishment of God on your whole nation and race does predispose one to lack of competence in said subjects) but then what compels Dr Nadwi to continuously speak about issues he has no clue about?
As for his own novel fabrication of ”I think that’s why God exists” and the reason for that is that someone made me to do this act… regrettably, this is just as absurd, because God also acts, according to Dr Nadwi’s formulation; ”God acts, therefore some other God exists” because someone made him to act. In Islamic logical or mantiq terms, it is the fourth type of burhan but with incorrect ”Kubra”.
Also, if Dr Nadwi believes that there is no proof that he exists, it is absurd to appeal to his own thinking (of which he is sceptical) as ‘proof’ of the existence of God. Or even to be thinking. You simply mustn’t say things like this, and especially not in this day and age when religion is ridiculed and under attack.
Sheikh Nadwi’s association with IERA is well known and it is sad that both he and they are fond of engaging in these kind of amateurish and embarrassing ‘philosophical’ comments, which go down well on the poor youth who have been handicapped by these individuals own teachings, which display open hostility towards logic and reason, but which they then wheel out to seduce these same youngsters by showing them that they have the ‘answers’ to the atheists and for the issues of God’s existence and such. Rather, Sheikh Nadwi’s comments are a Godsend to atheists, and crassly stated to boot.
What is sad is that Sheikh Nadwi and others from the Salafi movement have anathematised the genuine scientists, philosophers and logicians of Islam (and everyone else, with Dr Nadwi boldly asserting above that the Quran was withheld from the Greeks and Chinese as well as the Romans on account of their engagement with Philosophy) but then in an occult and underhand way, they appropriate their ideas to gain fame and legitimacy for themselves. However, their lack of even rudimentary competence is galling.
I have hardly studied any logic or mantiq, but I found Sheikh Nadwi’s comments buttock-clenchingly embarrassing. How much more so the more savvy members of the audience or God forbid, non-Muslim philosophers?
Having Vanquished the Philosophers, Dr Nadwi Turns His Attention to God
42.48 he says; ‘I am a small thinker – it proves there is a bigger thinker’.
47.06 he says; ‘God is not arrogant’.
Here Dr Nadwi has in fact started to get engaged into the kinds of heretical issues that he was concerned that Jalal ad din Rumi was: again, I hate to point this out, but the fact that the laity is being accosted with ideas that could lead them to into disbelief forbids me from giving Dr Nadwi a pass as a dilettante in Islamic Theology – and that would be a generous assessment. Yet this is no way restricts him and numerous others from offering courses on these subjects. Let us immunise ourselves with these dreadful errors:
God is ”A Bigger Thinker”.
God is not arrogant
As for God ‘thinking’, this is considered kufr or ‘disbelief’ according to Maturidis and Ash’aris, the two orthodox schools of creed in Islam (for which Dr Nadwi has publicly stated that he, a Salafi, cares not). But Dr Nadwi as a follower of Ibn Taimia, who deviates from such orthodoxy in the most pronounced ways, is presumably coming at this from the anthropomorphist belief that humans are created in the image of God, so it is perhaps unsurprising that he would say that a human is small thinking animal, so God is big thinking animal. But this is completely inexcusable.
Having removed the obstacles of reason, intellect and Sufism, Dr Nadwi nakedly indoctrinates the uninitiated listeners into his own idiosyncratic and heterodox theology – but is too dishonest to do it with openness or consent, as scholarship and teaching mandate.
Concerning God not being ‘Arrogant’, he has also been utterly careless. In Surah Hashr; 23, God says that he is ”Mutakabbir”. This means…yes, you guessed it, ‘arrogant’. This is reiterated as well in many hadeeths (e.g of Bukhari): “Arrogance is my izar, so anyone tries to share it with me I destroy him and I don’t care!’’
Dr Nadwi has poor knowledge of attributes of God. This is sadly an extremely common affliction of Muslim scholars in the UK and elsewhere, who concern themselves only with their narrow sectarian interests and a preoccupation with hadith to the expense of virtually everything else. But Sheikh Nadwi’s degree of being ill informed is exceeded by his ambition: he has spoken on so many topics and with so little accuracy that it is simply unacceptable. And it begs the question; if he is willing to opine on philosophy, logic, theology and the fate of bygone nations without adequate background, what exactly is he specialised in, and why not stick to this?
Confusing Arabic
Again, this is another alarming attribute of those who purport to ‘teach’ Islam: I said before that their principle skill is very often only the ability to read Arabic, but in fact the degree to which their audience is unable to apprehend common errors in even said Arabic, means there is a total lack of quality control. One expects better of Sheikh Nadwi, but once again, his statements will leave the students grasping:
52.23 he says; the Arabic word ”Mulk” cannot be translated by a single word. Further, he says; ”Mulk” means ”controlling” and ”possession” – so it is ‘ruler’, ‘owner’. He made two points;
Mulk cannot be translated by a single word
Mulk means ”ruling” and ”owning”
The correct thing is there are two different words, both have the same root letters; Meem, Lam, Kaf. But one is ‘Mulk’ and the second is ‘Milk’. Mulk means ‘kingdom’, so ‘Malik’, which means ‘king’, comes from this root. ‘Milk’ means ‘ownership’. So ‘Maalik’, which means ‘owner’, comes from this root.
From the ‘Mufradat’ of Raghib. Follow in red (if you want to);
You can say ”Malik” of people, but you cannot say ”Malik” of things. Some of the scholars said; ”Malik” is a name of anyone who is in charge/ruling…Thus, ”Milk” is more general than ”Mulk”…
So Dr Nadwi made two errors;
He was unable to distinguish between two different words and thought that both are same therefore he included the meaning of both of them into one word which is ”Mulk”.
He said that ”Mulk” is more perfect. It is exactly the other way according to the language and to the scholars.
55.28 minutes he says; ”Fa’eel” form is for ‘permanent condition’.
”Fa’eel” has several meanings (and not only the one which he mentioned which was ”permanent and continuous”):
Having the condition in a high level, such as; Shareeb, Sameet.
Has the meaning of ism Maf’ool with the meaning of ‘a short time period’, exactly the opposite to what Dr Nadwi stated.
‘Sajeen’ means jailed person and ‘Jareeh’ means injured person. Neither of them are permanent as Sheikh Nadwi said. So the Jareeh is very temporary.
Of course, anyone can make a mistake, but this degree of laxity in everything from facts to theology to even the Arabic language (in which Dr Nadwi has his PhD) is not becoming. Arabic is complex and I do not lightly highlight these errors as many could do the same to me. But in combination with the brash and poorly researched remarks which his introduction is littered with, I sadly see a stereotypical ‘Islamic course’, which is high in emotive posturing and sectarian indoctrination and astonishingly poor in information content and accuracy. Dr Nadwi is also, and I apologise for singling him out (but he is one of the most well-funded and well known), another exemplar of the woefully common tendency of scholars and teachers who don’t mind lecturing without double or fact -checking what they are going to teach. And I must be blunt; that proves that they don’t respect the students who entrust them with their Islamic education in good faith.
I hope the numerous examples within such a short talk serve to show the readers the dangers of channelling ones enthusiasm and finances into courses and lectures without being sufficiently critical and employing ones intellectual faculties. I think that the readers can also now see that virtually all of these errors, omissions and occasional slanders by Sheikh Nadwi did not in fact require any Islamic knowledge to apprehend. If one employs such examples, and is not ashamed of using ones God given gifts of intellection, one can be relatively, but never completely, protected from what has become a shamefully exploitative ‘Islamic courses’ industry in the UK and elsewhere.
Posted in Anthropomorphism Corrected, Apologetics & Dawah, Aqeeda, Arabic & Tajweed, Politics & Activism, Wahhabism & Salafism
132 thoughts on “Scholars Or Charlatans? Akram Nadwi is the Author of Confusion”
Who needs enemies with “friends” like Dr Nadwi. It almost seems as if he’s trying to dull the Muslim brain.
Taha
Okay, I didn’t read all of it, and only watched the bit of the video you were commenting on. I feel like you missed his point though:
By that I mean:
It is clear that “their own understanding” means imposing one’s own biases/philosophies upon the Qur’an. So he is not really contradicting himself at all. Yeah his english is not great but it doesn’t seem he says what you think he is saying.
mmmclmru
So what is ones ‘understanding’ if not your opinions and biases and philosophies? Anyways, I gave you plenty of examples.
And so God denying the Greeks and the Chinese the Qur’an for practising philosophy is fine is it? No problems with that?
And what is philosophy if not understanding and knowledge?
Come on, please wake up. Such egregious errors and even racial condemnation and collective punishment and still you are making excuses.
BTW, are the excuses only for Nadwi why not all of the people he condemned as well? Do Muslims make excuses for philosophers and Ibn Sina etc or just Nadwi and Co?
I think it’s not really accurate to say that greek philosophy is mere “understanding” “opinion” and “bias”. There is a difference between the simple thinking of the desert nomad and an Aristotelian philosopher. He’s simply saying that the absence of such a sophisticated system of thought (which is not really how the common person thinks) allowed them to see the Qur’an more clearly. You may not agree, but this vitriolic over-reading into his words is not fair and it makes you incorrect too. You have also said that this is racial condemnation, but his words did not have a racial motive at all…
seasonsfoodcouk
“Think about what it” is not the same as a free license to give whatever meaning to clear Arabic language. You need to learn the basics of rhetoric because your whole garbage article is based on a strawman.
And the strawman is…?
Please don’t keep us guessing! And where do I find this dictionary of ‘clear Arabic language’ please?
I don’t understand you guys. It seems you post to feel like you took ‘action’. But wouldn’t it make you feel much better and help people more if you actually included some information or an argument in there?
Someone non-Muslim told me once that most of Muslim apologetics is really bad because the people involved in it think that if you say something, anything, then you win. But they are not equipped to actually understand or process what has been said, to appraise or judge it. At the time, I berated him for being an Islamophobe, but as I’ve grown up, I can see he has a point.
How do you know that without watching OR reading it?!
I said, I did not read “all of it” (implying I read the relevant bits of it) and only watched the “relevant bits” (=/=none)
Clearly me simply asking questions seems to really bother you. Can you calm down. Literally 90% of your post is just you calling me stupid. Moving on to the substance.
“Do you think every single person in Roman Empire was a literate master philosopher? You or Nadwi ever study these issues? If God can’t explain these philosophical things then how did Greeks become so philosophical that they don’t deserve Qur’an anymore in the first place?
Is it because Aristotle is a better teacher than God?
So two options: if Qur’an can only be given to non philosophical people because they will need complicated explanation, then should have been given to Greeks as most people according to you are not philosophical.
If most Greeks ARE philosophical then how come Greeks could teach whole nation something that God can’t?
Choose one.
Or third option: you and Nadwi are idiots who introduced this new thing into Islam that Qur’an is not for Philosophers and Romans but only illiterate child killing Mushriks.”
When I was talking about greek philosophers i clearly pointed out that they were the best and the brightest. Read what I am about to say very carefully: Because they were in such a position, they would have presented logical arguments to the Prophet, which the Qur’an would have had to reply to. This would have necessitated the usage of philosophical arguments. Clearly, the average greek was not going to be able to grasp these arguments. So then the dialogue would be aimed at a small fraction of the population where outsiders to the philosophical tradition (most people) would not even be able to understand just because of the vocabulary.
“On top of that you seem like you never even read Qur’an. You think it is full of ‘simple’ things. If you say so. But if it is so simple then why do your Salafi friends insist we need tafsir and hadith to understand it? And why did Nadwi say we needed understanding of Salaf and should stick to principles of Ibn Taimia to understand it?”
I did not say that at all. The Qur’an uses simple arguments, this is a GOOD thing. The design argument is a simple argument, that does not make it an invalid one. It is present in the Qur’an. You can write whole books about it. What’s great about these arguments is that it allows for further philosophical reflection according to the ability of the reader, but what is there can be understood by most. The Qur’an’s arguments are rich but not obfuscated by philosophical language.
“Simple enough for ‘95%’ and illiterate people to understand or we need tafsirs and hadith and principles to understand it? Also, how are you going to understand these hadith and tafsir books if you are illiterate like jahili Arabs you guys are praising so much?”
For Qur’anic argumentation, I don’t think you need historical context present in hadith. Its all there in the text.
“On top of all this dumbness, you are telling us that Nadwi knows that they were Christians. Is it like he knows about Roman philosophers, the ones that don’t exist? And the Chinese ‘philosophers’? Typical Salafi garbage – keep asking rubbish questions but don’t answer anything yourself.”
I dunno, never studied Chinese and Byzantine education in the 7th century
“And you didn’t answer: having philosophy is bigger obstacle to receiving Qur’an than being Mushriks and killing babies? Just keep posting nonsense without ever clarifying or answering isn’t it?”
These two are unrelated issues. To summarize (for the third time), the Qur’an arguing with philosophers will lead to philosophical arguments in ayahs that would not have been understandable by the lay man. But if you have a mushrik killing a baby, the verse that tells them to stop killing babies is understandable by everyone.
bediuzzamansaidnursi123
This is getting ridiculous
Either accept what mmmclmru has to say and leave it at that or continuing debating and never reaching any answers you so wish to seek.
I’m pretty sure Islam asks you to explore more important issues such as your relationship with Allah (just an example) so preoccupy yourself with those matters rather than debating over the Qur’an and your ‘issues’ regarding as to which people it was revealed to. It’s trivial at the very least.
That’s because you ARE stupid.
I wish I could dedicate 100% of the response to calling you stupid. It still wouldn’t do you justice.
Your are just chatting rubbish and deluding yourself that you are intellectual and able to have a dialogue.
In fact you are so galactically banal that you comment on things without reading them.
You had your chance to have a dialogue and ‘learn’ as you claim but not only were you unable to respond to any of my points, you couldn’t even make any of your own. Just wasting mine and the poor readers time.
I had to say everything 4 times and even Catholic Commentator tried to get it through to you but no avail.
Nadwi: Quran not given to Greeks because of philosophy
You: Good! Because everyone can understand that child murder is bad!
And Nadwi never said Qur’an should not engage in philosophical arguments. He just said Greeks didn’t get it because of Philosophy. Yet most Greeks were not philosophers so…? Oh I forgot: YOU DIDN’T WATCH IT!
You total plonker!
Just go away and stop wasting our time with your garbage Salafi apologetics. When you reach some kind of level to have a dialogue then come back. Or better don’t. Keep studying from Nadwi. You two are an excellent fit for each other.
Oh, and blocked.
You had plenty of chances.
Not related to the topic, but I am interested in your view. Do you ever feel that philosophizing has led some Muslim theologians to some un-Qur’anic doctrines? For example (if al-ghazali’s view is representative) Ash’ari thoughts on morality and God. They “solve” the problem of evil by just saying that morality is inapplicable to God, that does not seem to coincide with the moral nature of God in the Qur’an. Wouldn’t it be better in that case to simply try accept the text rather than follow pure reason? I am not saying that philosophy is bad per se, but it can lead to some strange conclusions that become enshrined in orthodoxy.
Yeah, you see, this is why philosophy is good – how do you know what’s relavent without reading or watching the whole thing?
I went to a lot of trouble to watch and analyse and reference. Then I wrote 15 pages or so. But you are here to ‘learn’ but don’t want to actually watch or read. How does it look?
Even then I don’t mind, but you raised this utterly silly point: use your brain for God’s sake: So Qur’an wasn’t revealed to Greeks because they had ‘preconceptions’? Is that what he’s saying? Think.
So is it better to be polytheists and child killers like jahili Arabs?
Isn’t polytheism a ‘preconception’? Does being illiterate make you a ‘blank slate’?
So whatever you and Nadwi are talking about is unadulterated nonsense since if God shouldn’t reveal Qur’an to Chinese and Greeks for having ‘philosophy’ how come he gave it to child killing polytheist jahili Arabs?
Yet we didn’t even discuss what God meant by ‘knowledge’ being needed to understand Qur’an. What does God mean by ‘knowledge’?
Is it not being able to read and burying your daughter alive?
On top of that, Greeks at the time of Qur’an were not ‘philosophers’ but CHRISTIANS. Nadwi doesn’t even know that. Christians also don’t deserve guidance is it?
Romans at that time were Catholics and anyway when were the Romans EVER ‘Philosophers’? Who is the Roman Aristotle. So just give Nadwi Carte Blanche to talk crap why don’t you. I already mentioned all of that and also the Chinese ‘philosophers’ in the article.
Basically according to your logic: polytheism and jahilism and killing kids = better than philosophy so thus they ‘deserve’ Quran.
Salafi thinking.
I think you’re misunderstanding my position. I did not say that philosophy was bad. I said that sending the Qur’an to a culture with an advanced philosophical tradition may be a bad idea (basically agreeing with the shaykh). Think about this. The Qur’an engages in argumentation with its opponents. It argues with them in a way that it would strike their opponents effectively. For example, appealing to creation in nature (plants growing etc) to show that God has the power to raise the dead. This argument is understandable by everyone.
You think following the text doesn’t lead to strange conclusions?
Did you read the Qur’an?
Try taking it all literally and then see what happens.
Sorry, last reply got cut off
Now imagine that the Qur’an was sent to the greeks, with their active philosophical tradition, where philosophers would have been the brightest of the population. Naturally the Qur’an would have to engage with them. This would mean the argumentation in the Qur’an would have been reply to complex philosophical arguments rather than just appealing to the common-sense of the average man. In other words, that means the Qur’an would have to also reply in philosophical arguments and language in order to not be beaten by greek philosophers. The ayahs in the Qur’an would thus speak in length about substances, modes, etc ,etc and all this stuff that honestly cannot be understood by maybe 95% of the population. The Qur’an then becomes *inaccessible*, and many don’t have the philosophical mind to get their head around the arguments fully! Ofcourse, you could say, now then, people can go and learn philosophy just like nowadays people have to learn the arabic language to understand the Qur’an, but learning arabic is not like learning philosophy. Languages are easier to grasp, naturally just requiring a lot of memorization and basic grammar, while a lot of people just can’t get their heads around philosophy. I find philosophy very interesting and useful, but some I know just can’t get their heads around it.
So it is clear why a greek philosophical Qur’an may be a bad idea. I would rather prefer a Qur’an that argues over common-sense assumptions of your average man, and then allow us to contemplate on it further philosophically if we are inclined to it.
Note: When I say philosophy I don’t mean critical thinking in general but a very specific methodology ie. kalaam and the likes.
Kid, you ain’t got a position nor a point to understand.
I tried to explain but you are just a waffler. You annoyed me with your egregious nonsense. My usual policy is to simply ban people who comment without watching/reading. I should have applied it. But because you made a drama about ‘wanting to learn’ I wasted my time. Sheesh.
Please go and join Nadwi and people like that and don’t waste our time with your pseudo intellectual rubbish.
Your position is that of a foolish partisan who will keep making excuses for his favourite scholars no matter how absurd his points. This is why people get put off religion.
On top of that you were talking rubbish about Asharis but unable to answer what I said and unwilling to state your own position. But we can all see what your position is.
You insist on being foolish plus you impugned God and Qur’an and harm the readers with your foolish statements so I’m sorry, but you need a harsh reply:
Kiddo, you think God is only capable of explaining things to uneducated people? Is it too hard for God to explain to Aristotle and normal people at the same time? Is Plato ‘smarter’ than God then?
Do you think every single person in Roman Empire was a literate master philosopher? You or Nadwi ever study these issues? So just stop talking nonsense about things you don’t know.
If God can’t explain these philosophical things then how did Greeks become so philosophical that they don’t deserve Qur’an anymore in the first place?
Basically you just proved what atheists say that religious books are for people who are illiterate or don’t know anything.
Which is it then?
Or option three again, you and Nadwi are stupid and God sent a guidance and a favour that can guide educated and uneducated, Greek, Chinese or Martian people because he is God and he is the best of those who teach.
Look, I know you feel bad that Qur’an is not aimed at silly people like you and Nadwi.
But tough.
God said explicitly you need knowledge and aql to understand Qur’an. Sad for you two but that’s life.
So if anything, Quran is not for people like you guys who make up obstacles and principles to get in between it and the people.
That is funny if you think about it.
And also: we today are definitely not jahili Arabs and have an even richer ‘philosophical tradition’, as well as science, than Greeks. So according to your ‘logic’ Qur’an is DEFINITELY not for us then.
So God messed up. He didn’t realise that there would be literate and scientific people in the future (even though they were there in Prophets time and before too). Let’s all apostate. The End.
Seriously, why don’t you and Nadwi go and work for the militant atheists? You can help them a lot.
Also, how is it Greek citizens fault that they had a philosophical tradition? So they don’t deserve Quranic guidance because of where they are born or who their ancestors are?
It’s like Original Sin but worse then?
Poor Greeks and Romans get no guidance from God because Aristotle did philosophy.
And yet neither you nor Nadwi proved that philosophy is bad in the first place.
Like your idol Nadwi you also invented a brand new principle that Qur’an is aimed at people who don’t have philosophy and are ‘simple’ like ‘95%’ of people. But God forgot to mention that in Qur’an and left it to you to work out is it? When he says to use intellect in 100 plus places he messed up isn’t it?
And why are you assuming that 95% of people are unable to understand like you and Nadwi? This is exactly like Salafis believing in the Bedouins version of Islam.
But God forgot to say in Qur’an ‘Hey guys, this book is for simple people who are 95% and don’t have philosophy or knowledge. That’s why I didn’t give it to Greeks! Also, polytheism is not knowledge!’
BTW, how come God accused them people of following their fathers who were ignorant in the Quran if they had no knowledge and were blank slates? Did he mean Greeks again?
Like I said, did you ever read Qur’an or is it just like this, commenting without reading?
Definitely the latter.
Typical way of Salafis to destroy the religion. We saw a good example here.
So you and Nadwi know which parts of Aristotle the Catholics of 7th Century accepted do you? Since they had that ‘rich tradition’?
And God refusing to guide people based on their ancestors.
And God never saying that philosophy is bad in the first place. No answers
Just excellent logic.
Like I said, just offer these statements to atheists and enemies of religion and they will take them gratefully.
Also, Arabic language being easy and anyone can learn it and Philosophy being hard: where did you get this from?
Just another principle you made up isn’t it? Of course you love Nadwi – you are even worse than him for making up baseless nonsense and then trying to say that is Islam.
Arabic – if it is so easy, how come Nadwi made so many mistakes then?
Oh, I forgot, you didn’t watch/read it!
Just commenting to confuse people isn’t it?
In reality, different people find different things easy. Science is easy for Ibn Sina but hard for Mozart. Piano is easy for Mozart but hard for me etc.
Obviously philosophy is impossible for you and Nadwi.
But then don’t try and make it that whatever you hate, God hates also, and doesn’t guide the people who practice it etc.
Where did God say that?
Have some shame before inventing principles on behalf of God.
I hate dumb Salafi apologists and footballers. But I don’t make up stories that Qur’an is not for them.
But I am very grateful to you: the author said that Salafis just lie and make up principles to say whatever THEY don’t like is haraam, bad, God hates it etc.
So you proved his point: Qur’an ITSELF said why it wasn’t given to Greeks, said why it was given to Jahilis and said knowledge and aql is glorious.
All of that is in the Qur’an and his article.
You read neither of them I think.
But you ignored all of that and gave us your theories about linguistics and philosophy, all of which is nonsense and against Qur’an.
So you proved his point just BEAUTIFULLY.
But if modernists just make up principles like you guys and ignore Qur’an then they a kaafir according to you people.
Also, for your comment here (only quoting the first line):
“Yeah, you see, this is why philosophy is good – how do you know what’s relavent without reading or watching the whole thing? ..
Maybe you are trying to misunderstand his / my points? Do you not think he knows doesn’t know this:
“On top of that, Greeks at the time of Qur’an were not ‘philosophers’ but CHRISTIANS.”
Obviously… Just like how the average greek before christianity was a pagan. But they had philosophers in their midst, and a rich philosophical tradition, and that has to be accounted for.
Hermes Trismegistus
just lately I read a salafi quoting Akram Nadwi as stating that Islam respects women, except that “Greek philosophy inspired” scholars twisted Islam interpretation to belittle women because that’s what the Greeks did (??????!!!)
this is so messed up, but it’s very common and I know a lot of salafis are very hostile to Rumi, to the point stating may he roasted in jahannam & slandered him as homosexual or immoral while citing from kuffar orientalists’ work that bashed him as a ”proof”.
Jalaluddin Rumi is a Hanafi Maturidi scholar, a headmaster of madrassa his whole life, his father was direct disciple of Fakhruddin Ar-Razi. Though I’d honestly & seriously being critical to Rumi’s ability in hadith, based on his writings, only ignorant dishonest haters will bash “Maznavi” as kufr (without actually reading it ofc). I have read Maznavi from A to Z, it’s actually a collection of stories — be it from Quran, Hadiths, Sahabas, saliheen, awliya, or folk stories and parables — wise stories to teach you some wisdom and ma’rifa.
but what can you expect from simpleton literalists to understand the depth of philosophy or mysticism — i.e. the ones who interpret “east or west, there is face of God” as ”oh God has a face”. you can’t expect a bedouin to run a spaceship.
the only thing I can respect from Nadwi is the fact he wrote Al Muhaddithat, biography of around 7000 female hadith scholars. while emphasizing that women of that era were active & influential in public sphere, from scholars to judges and entrepreneurs. (give credit when credit is due)
The Literalist approach is something most Muslims take nowadays. This certainly makes us also prone to the dangers of extremism.
Just how have we reached this point?
Sorry, you can’t give him credit for that book.
It doesn’t exist nor was ever published. Just an ‘intro’
Scholars often just ‘cut and paste’ from books of biographies and then claim to have ‘written’ a book but Nadwi didn’t even do that.
There are no great female hadith scholars. You already know that since none of the famous hadith scholars are women.
Also, Rumi being weak in hadith: who says? Muhaditheen or Hanafis?
According to Muhaditheen everyone but them is ‘weak’.
BTW, women not being famous hadith scholars is bad only for Salafis.
Why should women care about that.
Just ask Nadwi: please show us any hadith collection by even one of these 70,000 female hadith scholars.
Female Islamic scholars were not stupid and charlatans like Nadwi
Catholic Commentator
@Taha
“There is a difference between the simple thinking of the desert nomad and an Aristotelian philosopher.”
Rather insulting for desert nomads, I find … You speak like a neo-colonialist white supremacist.
I think you’re perpetually confusing how people were just before Islam came and how people were just after.
You should concentrate on the wonderful state they were in just after, rather than whatever sorry state they were just before.
People like you always seem to long for a return to Jahiliah.
“Wouldn’t it be better in that case to simply try accept the text rather than follow pure reason?”
Acceptance against reason is hyprocritical, extremist and unnatural (and condemned both in Christianity and Islam). And what is “pure” reason ? You seem to prefer “impure” reason, reason mixed with uncontrolled emotion perhaps ?
Here we go again. I am not talking about their aptitude over “common reasoning” as all men do. I think all men have that same ability. But the greeks had their philosophical tradition (which is different from an average person’s “thinking” – otherwise everyone would just “know” philosophy) which led them to conclusions that may have contradicted the Qur’an. Some ash’ari theology does not seem to sit well with anyone who wants to just accept what the Qur’an says. I am not saying that philosophy is bad, it can be used to reach conclusions already present in revelation
If you are that much interested in philosophy and Islamic theology, I recommend you read the works of Majid Fakhry and the like to gain a clearer understanding of the issues. It’s always best to have a sound understanding of a topic (especially theology) before delving into it on an online comments section.
Peace be upon you.
Could you point out why you disagree? I am here to learn.
You know, the world is full of people who claim they want to accept Qur’an literally and not impose their understanding, that they got confused by Asharis and nonsense like that.
But I never met anyone who takes Qur’an literally.
Qur’an says Allah forgets (like humans), has a soul and and breathes.
Do you accept it?
If they are ‘mysteries’ like his ‘hand’ and ‘foot’ and shin and we should accept without asking, then Trinity is also a ‘mystery’.
Do you accept it without asking then?
Well that’s not really my point. Do you believe that, like the Ash’aris, if God were to send righteous believing people to hell for eternal and excruciating torture, that would be just?
The Ash’ari and the Maturidi Schools
By Nuh Keller
The tenets of faith of Ahl Al Sunna orthodoxy are given here in the same order as they appear in traditional Ash’ari references such as the Matn al-Sanusiyya and others. For more than a thousand years, such works have been learned at an early age by virtually all Maliki and Shafi’I scholars, by many Hanafis, particularly in the Near East, and by some Hanbalis – all of whom were taught that attainment of this knowledge was personally obligatory upon every Muslim, and who knew it simply as Islam, not Ash’arism.
The Maturidis mostly followed the Hanafi school of law and predominated in the lands beyond the Oxus in central Asia. Their tenets have not been given a separate treatment because according to Imam Taj al-Din al-Subki, they do not differ from the Ash’aris except on six questions, which excluding merely verbal differences are;
(1) Ash’aris believe that if God willed He could in principle punish the obedient and reward the disobedient, since He is free do anything, however He has promised though revelation to reward the obedient and punish the disobedient; while the Maturidis believe that he must in principles reward the obedient and punish the disobedient, and that His doing the opposite is absurd;
(2) Ash’aris believe that man is responsible to believe in God because of revelation, not merely because he is endowed with human reason, and that he has no responsibility prior to revelation, while Maturidis believe that man is responsible to believe in God even before revelation, by the mere fact of having reason;
(3) Ash’aris believe that divine attributes of agency such as creation, giviging life, giving death, resurrection the dead and so forth, are temporal; while the Maturidis believe they all are manifestations of a single beginnglessly eternal attribute termed “existentiation” (takwin);
(4) Ash’aris believe that God’s own beginninglessly eternal speech may be heard, while the Maturidis believe it may not;
(5) Most Ash’aris believe that in principle God may impose moral obligations that man cannot endure, while Maturidies believe this impossible; though both agree that in practice He never does;
(6) Ash’aris hold two views about the possibility of prophets committing lesser sins that are not sordid: the first being that they are possiblie for them to absentmindedly commit, while the second it that they are not. The Maturidis say this is impossible, and that they are divinely protected from both enormities and lesser sins, a position that Taj al-Subki concurs with (Tabaqat al Shafi’iyya al kubra, 3.386-388)
Also, a new book has been published (translation of an Arabic work) that outlines the entire Ash‘ari Creed.
Ahl al-Sunna : The Ash’aris – The Testimony and Proofs of the Scholars https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/9079294225/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_SZOTwb2SW8ZBZ
Perhaps you may find your answers in here.
Excellent! This book looks juicy. But I need to eat through my current book list before buying any thing else. Such is life 😦
Thanks for the quotes, but they don’t actually touch on what I was asking. Could you please tell me if al-ghazali’s position is indicatory of mainstream Ash’arism? I am told it is, but I don’t know. Here is what al-Ghazali said:
So basically because we are God’s property (no objection here) it is not unjust for Him to inflict evil on us without due compensation or justification.
Well I’m not an Ash‘ari (Maturidi is my Creed) and the topic you’re delving into is very advanced. The answer you seek lies with another source.
Recommended reading: Risala Al Qushayri
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://privat.bahnhof.se/wb449823/00_DATA/Kutub/English/Qushayri_Risala.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjD8-ie3uHKAhXBGw8KHW4MB9QQFggbMAA&usg=AFQjCNE6dI51f3oykNnPtDGhhyshACfwag
This monumental work by Imam Al Qushayri (986-1074) is something I think that every Muslim should read. It’s practically an encyclopaedia of Sufism; biographies of the great saints + explanations of the Sufi path without any controversy. No doubt, this work defended Sufism whilst influencing Al Ghazali in the following century to popularise it on a mass scale.
Salafis really don’t want people to read this at all for whatever sectarian reason. I can assure you this though: No perennialism in this work!
The book “Sufism for non-sufis” by Sherman Jackson based on Ibn Ata’illah is also recommended.
@Taha : Yes I have read that Ash’ari view, saying basically God cannot be unjust because He is alone in universal supremacy therefore has no judge. “He will not be asked of what He does, but they will be asked” (Quran). (but just in case I’m mistaken, I’m open to correction!)
I’m not aware of that but the Muhaddithat was quite a buzz several years ago & it is said to be several volumes of encyclopaedia series by Nadwi. Not just an ”intro book” but yes I’ve read the intro book. LOL I’m not aware the encyclopaedia actually exists or not.
Female hadith narrators & scholars existed. As Suyuti and Ibn Hajar was recorded to have quarter of their teachers, females, around 70 if I recall correctly. They’re just not ”famous”. Not every great scholars should be famous. During collonial era, female scholarship & their history are suppressed. We don’t live in that era so we can’t conclude ”greatness” with being famous.
As for Rumi, I only conclude that from directly reading his works. Read Fihi ma Fihi & it’s filled with many strange scary hadiths, I can’t get around my head if Rasulullah or sahaba had actually done or said that.
(On unrelated note, Rumi’s indirect teacher, Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi is actually muhaddith but of course this fact was hidden by sectarian scholars :P)
Ibn Arabi was a scholar in Hadith! His contributions lie mainly in the field of Hadith Qudsi.
His Hadith collection is available on Amazon
Divine Sayings: 101 Hadith Qudsi – The Mishkat Al-Anwar of Ibn ‘Arabi https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1905937032/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_B3WTwbMMTX4QR
What’s more concerning is that coming out of the Colonial era, is the Islamic civilisation in a permanent decline? We’re not producing scientists, architects, artists etc. Even traditional fields such as poetry and literature are dying out. There’s that severe mistrust between Muslims and the West that inhibits any cooperation in the long term. Sad to say but women’s role in Islam has been eradicated from an academic point of view. It’s highly unlikely we will get females becoming masters in any Islamic science for the foreseeable future.
So where is the famous collection by female hadith scholars and the female version of Abu Dawood, Zuhri, Imam Muslim and Bukhari?
Are they hiding? And why did colonial powers suppress the female hadith scholars only? Is there any special reason for that?
You are mistaking the hadith NARRATORS with hadith SCHOLARS.
It is just feminism isn’t it? Whatever men do women have to do also. Why can’t the female scholars have their own specialist subjects and own specific contribution? Do you know what some of the great hadith scholars said about women? You wouldn’t be so proud to have women numbered amongst them if you did.
I don’t know about your country, but here, Muslim women are very naive. Salafi Scholars do a lot of talks about ‘women’ and the girls easily get excited. That’s why they do these talks. To attract female audience and to make money. Go and study what fatwas Nadwi and Salafis have about women and their rights before you fall for it.
Writing a book about female hadith ‘scholars’ and then narrating all those hadith and fatwas from Ibn Taimia about women have no choice in marriage or sex etc. You think that’s honoring women?
It is just a way to make women attracted to the Salafi way. If you want to find out the Salafis ‘women’s rights’ in action, try going to live in their countries or even better under DAESH and see how much rights and honours they give.
Job of women is not to be gullible when men start telling stories.
Even the Non-Muslim guys will tell the girls they are ‘feminist’ to attract them. But unlike Salafis, at least it’s kind of true in the case of many English guys.
Harsh responses but very true answers
It has to be said that Muslim women (not all of them of course) are really confused and so gullible to anyone propagating whatever version of Islam. Just look at those young girls going to the Middle East just to marry a terrorising, genocidal maniac after undergoing brainwashing. Hardly romantic is it? But then again, these women aren’t allowed to interact with decent, honest living men back home because Scholar X said so and we have to do follow him (never a her) no matter what.
Aside from that, there are many female NARRATORS in Hadith but very few female SCHOALRS in our history. By including women, Islamic organisations gain that type of legitimacy to represent Islam that they so often seek = Support, money, authority etc.
People are told the opposite of this so they feel that Muslims aren’t so oppressive or backwards as Atheists and the like make it out to be. However, they aren’t presented with the facts but just basically do Taqleed without doing any checks. And this is why Liberals and Feminists can also easily attract women just as the Salafis can do.
You know, when each side talks about women’s ‘rights’…
Muslim women, with the way its going, are never going to excel in any Islamic field. The segregation, below par education (education in Islam was much better in the 16th century than it is now – what a shame) and the weird fatwas that scholars use e.g. FGM to somehow seem to be adhering to the ‘correct’ Islamic way (and ignore everyone else)
Excellent points.
Well put. It SHOULD be expanded to an article.
And BTW Hermes, all of Muhaditheen say that FGM is WAAJIB. Including all the Shafi, Hanbali and Maliki female ones, = most of them.
Are you still proud of them then?
I’m not saying all of this applies to your BTW, but Salafis classes are full of girls who get attracted to them by this kind of crap.
Then they get brainwashed and exploited. Just look at IERA and Hamza Tzortzis – who is a ‘student’ of Nadwi. Please go and see how they are ‘honoring’ women with misyar etc and you will see why v they do these types of talks and books.
moe123456789
you said: “And BTW Hermes, all of Muhaditheen say that FGM is WAAJIB. Including all the Shafi, Hanbali and Maliki female ones, = most of them.”
Why are your feelings hur by “FGM”, but not by male circumcision?
Are you on PCP dude? When did you see me talk about my feelings.
Did you miss that day in school where they tell you about the man bits and the female bits? So is chopping off a woman’s clitoris the same as removing a foreskin? WTF?!
Male circumcision isn’t compulsory in Islam EITHER but that was just a dumb comment. Please go and study about the anatomy, nerve supply and sexual function of the foreskin and clitoris.
Or just ask a girl.
”FGM” does not necessarily consist of cutting the the clitoris off. There are several stages. Forget about that.
Also, you didn’t substantiate your interpretation of the story of Gog and Magog by referencing any classical scholars. You’re quick to cite classical sources to refute Wahabis, but you don’t want to do the same with non-Muslims attacking Islam.
**radio silence**
About what you idiot?
You don’t have to reply back about FGM and by the way, all of the ones the Salafis like you recommend involve the Clitoris – just see what Ibn Taymiyya and Ibn Baz etc said about it. We did a full article about that here, but I have to reply back to your crap?
So you lied about FGM and now want to ‘forget about it?’
Male circumcision is as bad as female you claim. Prove it. You woman mutilating sack of crap. Let’s see someone chop off ‘just’ the tip of your penis and then see how you like it. You probably don’t have one on the evidence here though.
Whose talking about Gog and Magog? Are you mad?
I already gave you enough advice on that when you emailed me like a mental person but you are just a confused and if I may say, astonishingly dense person, and simply didn’t understand it.
And you did this before: do you think that people don’t have anything better to do than reply to your garbage?
I took the trouble of emailing you answers despite the fact that I could see that you were clearly a troubled individual.
Check your tone kiddo: don’t even dream that you are in a position to dialogue with me or anyone else who isn’t mental. Post crap here again and I will shame you by posting your emails and shaming you.
I am not trying to have a dialogue, I just want classical sources that agree with what you’re saying about Gog and Magog.
I don’t give a damn about FGM (but you’re right, I was wrong about it, I thought wahabis were against cutting the clitoris). FGM or not doesn’t make Islam untrue.
mmmclmru, you should be an actor in an Indian drama because you’re such a drama queen
So you admit you are a moron? That’s good.
You clearly watch a lot of that Indian drama shite and its probably your main education. Now get lost you cyber stalking prat. I wrote plenty to you about Gog and Magog and you understood NOTHING, so you had your chance. Just to show you how dumb you are: how would the scholars who said Gog and Magog were the Mongols be classical you idiot? Do you know when the Mongols came? Was it in the ‘classical’ period? Fool.
And since you are asking about Gog and Magog here, which has nothing to do with it, do you want me to publish your emails so that the readers can see how dumb you are and have a context for the discussion?
I admit I made a mistake about the FGM thing. That’s it, stop making a drama out of it by calling me a moron… where is your akhlaq?
Forget about the classical or non-classical thing, those are just words. I don’t want to play games by crying about words. What I asked is simple: what did the early scholars thought about these verses. Did they understand them in the same manner Salafis do today? Or do they have the same understanding you have.
If you want to give some context, it would be very beneficial if you made a separate article on this by publishing my emails (and correcting the mistakes I made because I was not concentrated). Or, you can post the video made by the guy and refute it.
It would be better to defend the Qur’an against claims that it is not the word of God than to defend it against Muslims who misunderstands it (the latter is an issue but the former is WORST)
Yeah, I defended it but you didn’t understand. That’s your problem. Go ask the Salafis whose Quran translations and hadith methodology you insisted on when I answered. I don’t defend stuff I don’t agree with.
When someone else has a problems with Gog and Magog, I can answer them. I neither post nor refute self evidently garbage videos like that. I posted plenty about how following Salafi methodology and hadith teachings will lead to doubts and problems. You want to insist on following it and then want me to explain it. That’s stupid. I showed you what Quran said about Gog and Magog. You insisted ‘but what about ahad hadith, what about scholars, CERTAIN tafsirs (again, Salafis favourite Tafseer Ibn Kathir etc)’. So you have the same methodology as Islamphobes and Salafis: can’t find what you want in the Quran so just ‘falsify’ Quran with hadith, tafseer etc. I don’t have that opinion or that problem.
”CERTAIN tafsirs (again, Salafis favourite Tafseer Ibn Kathir etc)”
”So you have the same methodology as Islamphobes and Salafis”
You misunderstood me. I am asking for references in NON-SALAFI sources. In sources written by scholars who adhere to the Hanafi mustalah of hadith.
Yeah and I’m ignoring you as per your failure to understand or respond to any of my points in my email, which I explained to you at length. Now feel free to get lost or reply back properly and systematically to my points. This ain’t a game where you make demands but don’t have to do anything and I’m on trial kiddo.
ok I’ll respond by sending you an email.
You had plenty of chances kiddo.
”Now feel free to get lost or reply back properly and systematically to my points”
Then they get brainwashed and exploited. Just look at IERA and Hamza Tzortzis – who is a ‘student’ of Nadwi. Please go and see how they are ‘honoring’ women with misyar etc and you will see why they do these types of talks and books.
With all this being said, maybe an article needs to be written regarding this matter. It would certainly be much needed.
Salafis want women for their own ends
Feminists want women for their own ends
Where exactly do we go from here? Seems like a battle for the hearts and minds of women. And one that is being lost each passing day…
In defence of Muslim women, let me add something that I have noticed over and over again. Whenever I encounter a new Muslim site run and owned by a Muslim man, 99% of the time it will be the usual (mostly Christianophobic) garbage making you wonder if the site is real or just a fake created by professional Islamophobes.
But if it’s owned by a Muslim woman (it’s usually a small personal blog), 99% of the time it will be a heartfelt, moving piece that will leave you thinking favorably of Islam and Muslims.
A few years ago, through a marriage bureau I met a Muslim woman from Algeria. When she told me she was a practicing Muslim, I asked her why she didn’t a use a Muslim dating service, she answered that she didn’t want a Muslim partner, that Muslim men were too stupid and rude!
@bediuzzamansaidnursi123
Perhaps Salafis and feminists will unite ?
They agree on many things – for example, on making a normal heterosexual life impossible for common people.
According to Sheikh Imran Hosein, there’s a certain hadith that has Nabi Muhammad predicting a time when “the she-slave will give birth to her mistress”, meaning that the elite will use sex only for pleasure, leaving the drudgery of child-bearing to the slaves.
Thank you for your reply
Regardless of whatever Salafis or Feminists are sprouting out these days, ultimately it’s the normal Muslims who suffer at the end of the day. But that’s the issue: If you’re not willing to think, prepare to become a slave. People are turning into Islam into something that it isn’t and that is the surest pathway to chaos. Muslims aren’t even taught what love is, never mind being romantic. By the teenage years, the problems become evident. In comes the extremist thinking. You get the point.
As regards to that Hadith you mentioned, there are many interpretations to it. The one interpretation I’m always hearing is that it will be mother’s who will give birth to children who will then grow up and treat them like slaves. Are we not going down that path today???
Also, its nice to interact with an honest Christian who shows no bias towards Islam.
Too true.
They destroy heterosexual unions and then complain that people are gay and don’t get married!
Personally, I think abortion is far worse because the victim is completely innocent.
I cannot think of a situation where parents “treated like slaves by their children” didn’t do a lot to deserve it. Usually it’s the extreme liberal-permissive type of parent.
I know of rather unpleasant and not very intelligent parents, but who at least know how to ensure respect from their children.
That reminds me of yet another hadith, where (already in the Prophet’s time!) some companion of Nabi Muhammad remarked how some children were really nasty to their parents, to which the Prophet answered that Allah was punishing the parents in this world.
Interesting points
In the liberal world children now grow up in, they’re encouraged to be individuals and their egos allowed to go wild without any restriction. Parents are totally unprepared for this (especially immigrant families)
Hence why that interpretation of the Hadith is seen as the preeminent understanding.
It’s also important to note that Al Ghazali realised that a child growing up naturally bothers satisfying only itself and never others. Therefore, a child should be ingrained with etiquette, manners etc. to turn onself into a well rounded individual for his/her benefit as well general society. A bit of Sufi psychology there.
Liberals are slaves to their children. Too true.
“Read what I am about to say very carefully”
Hmm … you cannot be bothered to read the texts you are talking about (Qur’an, this blog article) and yet demand our utmost attention. Aren’t you over-rating yourself a little bit ?
neuralminstrel
It seems to me that Taha thinks Allah doesn’t reveal scripture to lands endowed with philosophers because it’s impossible to address deep philosophical considerations without getting commoners confused.
Seriously? Allah is Allah, you know? And Allah revealed the Qur’an, didn’t He? Methinks it’s worth a read through a philosophical lens. 😛
He’s just a time wasting waffler. It is what happens when you send Salafis to Western University. You get the worst of both.
What was just supposed to be a conversation became you being enraged over a disagreement.
Heres a tip: if you pride yourself in critical thinking then actually try to address the points of your critics rather that calling them stupid and talking over them. As yet i have not seen why I am wrong (no doubt you will reply with “thats because youre stupid” or some incredulity like “are you saying that arabs deserved the quran more” which is a strawman).
I dont even know/care about the specifics of salafism, i have clearly stated that i like and find philosophy useful (for some reason everyone here thinks they know what I believe about philisophy better than I do), I am just using common sense to tell you that the quran should appeal to both the philosopher and the layman, which you disagree with for no apparent reason.
But please keep doing what you are doing, verbally vomiting on 99% of muslim scholars for no reason except that you disagree with them
Uhhhh…Didn’t you make a big drama about how you were ‘out’? So why are you back.
Basically, you are just doing what all people who are dumb but want to appear clever do: not able to respond to any of the points but claiming that in fact YOU were not responded to. Fortunately, people can read (which according to you and your favourite scholar makes them unworthy to be Muslims. WTH?!).
Yeah. You don’t care about Salafis. That’s why you’re going to ALL this trouble to defend them. But unfortunately, you aren’t even on a level to dialogue. You just keep spamming the same rubbish. I mean, after being humiliated soooooooo many times about commenting WITHOUT WATCHING OR READING THE ARTICLES…you still didn’t read it or watch it. Being shameless is actually a requirement for ‘intellectual’ Muslims. We saw that with Nadwi. Look, you aren’t intelligent or well informed enough to get involved in this at all. Everyone saw that except you. Of course if you accepted that then you would realise that you are really really stupid, so I get it. It’s gentler on the ego to keep running around in circles and posting after making a big song and dance about how you are leaving. Sadly, people like you are an excellent argument against free higher education. Basically, universities are full of people who should not be there.
I know someone gave you a place in uni and now you think you are smart. I’ll let you in on a secret: you aren’t. They just want people’s fees dude. I’m guessing you are in humanities. Full of dense people sadly.
Oh, and I told you that you were banned for wasting time, not addressing the points and not even watching the video already.
Are you trying not to be able to read to be more deserving of the Qur’an is it?
LOL bro the discussion does not even pertain to what you wrote in the article. I know, I read it! Ok man im out. Just take a breather and chill out for a second. You are not actually responding to what I wrote! LOL whatever I am actually out. No drama pls
Do everyone a favour and stop commenting. Out precious brain cells are going to waste…
I think Shaykh Nuh Keller is making a comparison between latter-day Ash’aris and Maturidis. That is to say, I think there are more differences to be found when considering these schools in their earlier stages. The views on “good (hasan)” and “bad (qabih)” (and basically the role of reason in general) seem to be fairly different if you look into the past. So one may make the case that these schools, in their “authentic” forms, may actually have a greater difference than you see in the Shaykh’s description.
Thanks for that knowledge
I was just trying to illustrate the key differences between the two theological schools but you’re contribution is welcome
For the record, I am not highlighting extra differences for nothing. I think it’s important for people to know that it is in fact an orthodox position that we are allowed to use our heads. The problem with these latter-day developments which disparage reason is that they give credence to people who want to bash you over the head with hadiths, along with the resultant fiqh, which don’t make sense.
@neuralminstrel, no this is not true. There are no differences between early and latter-day both Asharis and Maturidis unless ‘latter-day’ means 20th century or something like this. Just to make it clear, there are differences between Asharis and Maturidis but that has nothing to do with the time of the scholars. The Ashari and Maturidi scholars did not change their beliefs- There might have been individual positions. Everything else is a myth.
@Purani
I’m referring to developments in at least the last two centuries. Compare, for instance, the opinion on hasan and qabih given in Qamar al-Aqmār ʿalā Nūr al-Anwār with the opinion in Mizan al-usul fi nata’ij al-‘uqul.
Regardless of whatever has been said, both the Asharis and Maturidis are the accepted schools in Sunni Islam. We may dispute on some matters and make mistakes but alas, this is human nature. May Allah forgive us and rectify our states.
I can agree there. There is no guarantee for original beliefs when it comes to the last century but also for the 19th century in many cases. Especially when it is about Indian scholars. Initially I thought you meant Hanafi scholars like Nasafi, Ibn Abidin, Ibn Hummam and so on left the original Maturidi path.
As bediuzzamansaidnursi123 pointed out both Ashari and Maturidi theologies are accepted and every attempt to make a fundamental difference between them is an attempt to compromise Sunni Islam and thus Islam itself.
In this hasan-qabh/’problem of evil’ issue the most important thing to note is that the result of the Ashari and Maturidi belief is the same. Asharis emphasise the Omnipotence of God and therefore do not negate the impossibility of evil acts by God through His intrinsic Nature.
The main problem with the Mu’tazilah is the issue of free will. To solve the problem of evil they have to declare evil acts as being independently created from God which solves the problem of evil but crushes the Almightiness and Oneness of God.
That is why I have to reject the statement that Mu’tazilah are more reliable than Asharis. The Imam of Tawhid Abu Mansur al Maturidi would not have accepted this under no circumstances. This issue is the main problem with Mu’tazilah unlike the common opinion it was the creation of the Quran or even ‘rationalism’.
That is completely correct. Lately they came together against Hanbalis/Salafis. But differences are big and arguments were taking place even at Imam Razis’ time.
According to earliest Maturidis, Asharis are not even as correct as Mu’tazzila. So according to them, Mu’tazzila are more reliable than Asharis.
Just look at books of Imam Ashari and Imam Maturidi. First issue, Asharism is not by Ashari but his students. You will straight away notice from their writings that Maturidi is using rationalist approach to aqeeda and Ashari is answering everything by hadith whether it makes sense or not.
It was students of Ashari that sorted out the issues. Or tried to.
“…Thus, (al-Ash’ari’s) approach was perfected and became one of the best speculative disciplines and religious sciences. However, the forms of its arguments are, at times, not technically perfect), because the scholars (of al-Ash’ari’s time) were simple and the science of logic which probes arguments and examines syllogisms had not yet made its appearance in Islam. Even if some of it had existed, the theologians would not have used it, because it was so closely related to the philosophical sciences, which are altogether different from the beliefs of the religious law and were, therefore, avoided by them.”
Source: Ibn Khaldun’s Al Muqaddima (translated by Franz Rosenthal)
It backs up mmmclmru’s view that Asharism as we know it developed after Imam Ashari himself.
Nonetheless, its interesting to hear what one of our great scholars have had to say on this matter
“The anthropomorphists (mujassimah) did something similar in affirming that
God has a body but not one like (ordinary human) bodies. The word “body” is not used in connection with (God) in the Muslim religio-legal tradition, but they were emboldened in their statement by the fact that they affirmed the (literal) existence of these plain statements. They did not restrict themselves to them, but went deeper into the matter and affirmed the corporeality (of God).They assumed something like (what has just been mentioned) concerning (the meaning of corporeality). They (wanted to) free (God from human attributes) by the contradictory, nonsensical statement, “A body not like (ordinary human) bodies.” But in the language of the Arabs, body is something that has depth and is limited.
Other interpretations, such as the one that (body) is something persisting in itself, or is something composed of the elements, and other things, reflect the technical terms of speculative theology, through which (the theologians) want to get at anothermeaning than that indicated by the language. Thus, the anthropomorphists are more involved (than others) in innovation, and, indeed, in unbelief. They assume puzzling attributes for God which suggest deficiency (on His part) and which are not mentioned in either the Word of God or that of His Prophet.”
Source – Ibn Khaldun’s Al Muqaddima (again). It contains a wealth of knowledge. A rare gem covering pretty much every science known at the time of the Berber scholar.
Please note his warning about the anthropomorphists and how they are misled from the true path.
The question is were there differences that significantly mattered for belief? Is the belief of Asharis faulty according to Maturidis and vice versa? If this was the case it would be an important matter. This would harm the integrity of the Islamic belief system and cannot be simply acknowledged without taking serious measures to solve the problem.
I am aware of the differences between Asharis and Maturidis and also about the way the early Ashari scholars where talking. They used to emphasise that the Sifat have to be accepted without explaining. So they used to say that Allah is on the Throne and Allah has hands. But they always clearly stated that God is not a bodily entity and that ‘above’ has nothing to do with spatial directions nor that the “Hands” are bodily parts. The later Asharis did not maintain reciting this Sifat. The Salafis or many Hanbalis/Shafiis on the other hand used to say “a body but not like ours” or “Hands but not like ours”. There is a huge difference between these two. It is a difference between belief and blasphemy.
Therefore I say that we should discuss about the differences but keep in mind that the fundamental agreed-upon basis for Islamic theology has to uphold and not carelessly overridden.
Again, that is nonsense. You just made takfir on al Mutazzila and accused them of engaging in Shirk. That was stupid. You never studied nay of their own books before doing that did you? Do you think they really said that acts are created independently from God? So who made these acts, a second god?
Regarding the argument that Rasulullah(SAW) was literate how would you interpret the ayat:
Chapter (29) sūrat l-ʿankabūt (The Spider)
Sahih International: And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt.
Pickthall: And thou (O Muhammad) wast not a reader of any scripture before it, nor didst thou write it with thy right hand, for then might those have doubted, who follow falsehood.
Yusuf Ali: And thou wast not (able) to recite a Book before this (Book came), nor art thou (able) to transcribe it with thy right hand: In that case, indeed, would the talkers of vanities have doubted.
Where do any of those say he was illiterate?
If I say to you ‘you never read the Bible’, does that mean you are illiterate.
Also, if you are illiterate at one stage in your life, like we all were, does it mean you stay that way.
So if we don’t think and use our brain, Qur’an nor anything else will help us.
Did you also notice that none of those translations even agree with each other?
As I’ve picked up from the teachings of Said Nursi, an analogy (common feature in his Risale-i-Nur) is needed here.
Say you read a medical textbook. You read some facts about how to treat particular diseases in a detailed manner in how to spot them, what causes them, how to get rid of them etc. But you only read it once and not with an instructor to check your understanding. Will you then go around and start diagnosing people with diseases? No, you wouldn’t even dare! You would have to study a 6 year course + get a degree or something to prove your credentials. People would also have to recognise your credentials as well in order to trust you.
But then why would you do so with the Qur’an and Hadith?! Is that not more crazy? Are you not playing around with someone faith? The arrogance of some people to just jump straight in to Islamic sources is just baffling. Yet again, it highlights ignorance prevailing and the ability to pick and choose without reasoning and any understanding of the language (ARABIC, not English). Generally, Muslims don’t bother to do background checks = anyone is a scholar.
So I don’t need to even interpret it. Rather, you need to read it properly.
Also, you think that ‘Sahih International’ by Saudi is an acceptable translation of Qur’an?
Simple question for all you guys:
If RasoolAllah wanted to learn to read, could he? If yes then that’s it and if not then you just insulted his intelligence (Salafis are proud of that kind of stuff).
Supplemental question for people of brain: when Prophet saw preserved tablet, could he read it?
Or was it by ‘ESP’? In which case, what was the point of showing him then?
“It is what happens when you send Salafis to Western University. You get the
worst of both.”
That reminds me of another thing : this Taha over here is perhaps the same
Taha who owns a Muslim blog and describes himself as a student in biochemistry or
something like that. If so, that would demonstrate yet another gigantic inconsistency
in his Salafi thinking. Many Salafis say they hate “Greek philosophy” and love “modern science”
but this doesn’t make any sense.
Modern science is modern philosophy in action, and modern philosophy is mostly “Greek”
philosophy – it came back with the Renaissance, forcing the “semitic” component of
Christianity to move out.
Denouncing the dangers of “Greek philosophy” is an intellectually defensible position-
indeed, many “perennialists” could fit that description.
But if one wishes to go that path, one should be consistent and denounce equally all
the problems with modern science : harm to the environment, uncontrolled tendencies to serve totalitarian
ends or oppression, to feed anti-religious sentiment, etc.
This alone is enough to prove that all that “Qur’an confirmed by modern science” stuff
is nonsense. Modern science is not there to “confirm” religion – it will either be corrected
and saved by some religion, or it will eventually lead to the total destruction
of a civilization too absorbed in it.
This is indeed an enormous defamation of the great European scientists beginning from Sir Isaac Newton to say that their achievement is due to the anti-empiricist, anti-rationalist methaphysical empty talk practiced by the Greek philosophers. This is a revisionist attack on science.
But I am not saying there were no good thinkers and scientists among the Greeks.
I completely agree with you. Unfortunately what we have just said is above the head of most Salafists.
You hit precisely touching points!
However, the fact of the matter is that most Muslims (regardless of whoever they’re affiliated with) do not bother to study these types of knowledge. Each sect will offer their own view regarding philosophy and its associated branches (often a negative view) and the person informed will just take it face value and see philosophy as nothing more than a “heresy” and just dismiss it as a tool of the West to attack Islam.
I was discouraged from taking philosophy because someone told me I had to study proper theology before I did so. That being said, I realised that NO MUSLIM studies proper theology before the age of 16 (in the UK) and going by this logic, will never be able to study philosophy because of not learning theology first. (I’m hoping to become a Historian insha’Allah so it doesn’t matter too much in my case)
This approach is not going to work in the long term. Too easily are Muslims confused and dehumanised by modern sciences which can easily be solved with proper study and reflection. Unfortunately, when Muslims, who grow up in a narrow minded view of Islam, the world, the sciences etc., start questioning the religion over issues that could have been dealt with if proper education was a priority, can end up becoming a Literalist or even become atheists.
Sadly, this is never the case – almost like sinking further and further into a quagmire.
No it ISN’T. You have the same mental issue as Salafis and their insane hatred for Aristotle etc.
Have you studied this stuff AT ALL? If not control yourself.
What we call ‘modern science’ is very much based on the Greek heritage. Literally NO academic on planet Earth denies this. Neither did the scientists of the enlightenment. And certainly not Newton – who spent more time on Alchemy and philosophy as well as hermetics and theology than science. So is Islamic science indebted to the Greeks. Show me the Islamic scientists not indebted to the Greeks such as Plato and Aristotle.
And where are you getting this crap about metaphysics being empty from? Maturidi mentioned Aristotle several times by name in his Kitab ut Tawhid. Don’t get so fanatical based on nothing.
First question: did you read Aristotle or Plato? If you did, you would know that Aristole talks a lot about empiricism and what is wrong with it. All of the Islamic scientists from Al Kindi, Haythami, Ibn Sina everyone are children and disciples of his. All are idiots according to you.
Renaissance artists and scientists in Europe were OPEN about their admiration for the Greeks and their debt to them. Historians talk about how the Greek heritage was preserved and passed back into Europe by Muslims. How do you not know this?
Ziyad Shaikh
You are either very stupid that you don’t understand that when Akram Nadwi’s speaks of approaching the Quran in an “ummi” manner, his reference is to an approach that is not clouded with preconceived notions. Or you are so filled with hatred for Akram Nadwi that you mendaciously twist his words, and attribute opinions to him that are not voiced by him in the lecture.
If you were familiar with Shaykh’s approach to teaching you wouldn’t have waffled on about him dumbing things down. If anything he tries to actively engage his students to study the Quran, ponder over it, and learn Arabic to be able to access the message directly. How many of his books have you read? How many lectures have you listened to?
Your hatred and arrogance are shocking. May God guide you to the straight path and give you the sense to respect scholars of the deen, instead of cowardly attacking them from behind the anonymity of the internet and a pseudonym. Man up, or shut up!
Uh, THAT’S all you can come up with?
I was going to trash this comment as it is information free and it is obvious you didn’t watch or read the article either. But then I thought what better way of illustrating the rip off that constitutes Nadwi and other scholars lectures than by showing the hideous level of defence and learning offered by the very people who attend them!
So… Sheikh Nadwi puts this tripe out there for all to see but we are supposed to know how he (not Islam or Arabic but he) uses these terms from his other lectures? BTW, you lied anyway as he didn’t use ‘ummi‘ in any other way anyway – anyone whom saw the lecture can see that. You just commented to defend your Sheikh without reading or watching didn’t you? Otherwise you would know that there are already two other articles on this site exposing his hideous errors in other lectures! And yet you are challenging us about how much more of his nonsense we have endured! LOL!
Also, so now you have to be Hafiz of Nadwi before watching his lectures is it?!
And he encourages you to learn Arabic. Does he now? How come you can’t address his schoolboy errors in Arabic before telling us he ‘teaches’ it? Don’t you have to study or know something yourself before ‘teaching’ it? Is that why you ignored all of the Arabic errors that were pointed out. And they were BAD ones…
Also, giving your actual name before making an argument as you claim – is it an Islamic position? Salafis always come out with this crap ‘give us your name!’. For what? So things aren’t true unless you give your name? Funny!
I like how you were unable to respond to any of the points – including his Kufri statements such as denying the attribute of God and saying that God ‘thinks’ – which is kufr according to Maturidis, Asharis and even Salafis! But of course, as his student, you won’t be able to answer any of that will you?
Just posting to feel like you did something isn’t it? But it is just hollow and pathetic posing isn’t it, like Nadwi himself?
Favourite Celebrity Scholar defending at its clearest!
An excellent analysis of this sort of modern Muslim thinking has been written by Mohammed Ghilan. It’s mainly about “political” fatwas but it deals with that celebrity status that Muslims are elevating their Shaykhs and Imams to which is an innovation in itself.
“Finally, not everything needs a fatwa. We may claim that we do not have a clergy in Islam in the same way as Catholics have a Pope and a Vatican Church. But the fact is, too many of us have voluntarily surrendered our moral judgment on matters such as the taking of innocent human life to the discretion of scholars we emotionally attached ourselves to. The respect and adoration scholars get cannot be at the expense of doing or saying what is right and speaking against what is wrong. We should not hesitate to hold our scholars and preachers accountable when we see them pandering to tyrannical rulers.”
See rest of article here:
http://mohamedghilan.com/2014/08/25/muslim-scholars-troubling-political-fatwas/
lookingfortruth1
salam o alaikum
I have been reading your articles for well over 6 months now, they were the main reason I left ahmadiyyat. You really showed me an insight to the beauty of Islam. However, I am always eager to push these beautiful ideas in a non-attacking way. Yes we can criticize but it should not be an attacking game. At the end of the day, we have to help these people. I have many salafist friends that I do work on, but it does take time.
I would suggest that this sort of work should be publicized and talked about more, why cant we talk about the beautiful quranic and Islamic values, promote these and shut down the concepts that lead to hatred or violence. I’m also a fan of hamza yusuf but his work against the traditionalist and narrow-minded interpretations of salafis and others are not enough. The thing is with me at the moment is that I’m only 18 and I hope there are people out that support my way of thinking and I will allow criticism to be pointed at me. But I find it difficult to side with one madhab and spend the rest of my life defending it’s weaknesses. But if we promote a peaceful and logical islam, then I am sure most people would be attracted to our methodology.
I truly believe that this sort of work will really be helpful to a lot of muslims living today. We should show the the true essence and the true moral values within islam that have been stolen by individuals and largely ignored by the ummah.
I would love to hear back from you.
Thanks so much for this comment – it is much appreciated.
You made some very interesting points – especially as regards madhabs and about what is the Islam we SHOULD be promoting. No doubt what so-called Sunni Muslims are promoting at the moment is not worthy to be followed by Muslims let alone anyone else. Similarly, Hamza Yusuf and others are playing games – rational when it suits them, text when it suits them. It is just like the Salafis actually a lot of the time.
Insha’Allah I will reply back with some more details about the madhabs and how to deal with Salafis soon!
Saeed B
Assalamu Alaykum
mmmclmru , your articles are interesting, but do you really have to refer to those who post comments that disagree with you as “stupid” or “idiot” ? Try to decrease your condescending tone when replying to detractors, and it will be much more effective.
a non-Sunni reader from the USA
alaikum salaam
which one is more harmful btw? admin’s harsh tone telling some people to get reality check…. or attributing crap to islam?
since you’re not Sunni, not too long ago here a person claming himself Shia deceptively, while openly stating support to ISIS and declaring takfir. what are you supposed to call that?
I will say that sometimes mmmclru does come off a little hostile sometimes when it’s unneeded, but that’s evidently because of the crap he has to deal with–I’d lose patience too. I won’t deny that sometimes the stupidity he has to deal with a lot of the time would be absolutely hilarious if it weren’t so sad.
(also, ‘murican represent!)
Cos, ‘Murricah!
There are only two types of forums/blogs dealing with controversial subjects.
The first type is the sectarian type, dedicated to a many-voiced monologue between members of a same sect , members who agree on mostly everything.
The second type is the open type. By definition it must allow for a reasonable level of insult, and it is the hardest to manage.
There is no such thing as a category in-between those two.
People intending to tell others how to run controversial blogs could perhaps manage a controversial blog of their own before starting to teach others on how to be “more effective”.
Well summed up
Most people only like to be on forums where they can agree on a subject and share in their ignorance together. An “Orthodoxy” of whatever sort will be agreed upon.
When they enter open ended forums, they’re effectively scandalised by what they will view as “heterodox” views being proclaimed. This usually leads to covert, sly attacks on the author or contributer e.g. mmmclmru to try and discredit them WHILST at the same time importing their own sectarian views onto these open forums. People who are interested in these contentious issues are then easily swayed into false/ignorant/misleading arguments.
You see this quite a lot on this website.
Having seen many comments and some down right ignorant statements about Greek philosophy, let it be known that the Golden Age of Islam, which produced Scientists, (Muslim) Philosophers, Artists, Humanists etc. ALL derived their knowledge from the Islamic sources (Qur’an, Hadith etc.) and the translation of foreign works/philosophies (Greek, Indian, Chinese etc.). The Arabs understood these works and based their own ideas of them. Eventually, these works reentered Renaissance Europe but with improvements/additions made by Islamic civilisation.
Therefore, regardless of what anyone says about Greek philosophy itself, it is something we are indebted to as modern science bases itself of that.
Here is a download link to a fantastic work dedicated to documenting the Golden Age of Islam
Lost History – The Enduring Legacy of Muslim Scientists, Thinkers and Artists
https://archive.org/download/04isart/04isart.pdf
So what does allah mean when he says to bring a verse or chapter like it, surly it cannot be linguistic.
So have u got an idea of what allah may of had mean by that?
Jazaks
Taken from Said Nursi’s ‘The Words, 20th Word” – it discusses a lot of the miraculous aspects of the Qur’an including its linguistics and eloquence
“If you are in doubt concerning what We have sent down on Our servant, then bring a sura like it and call your helpers and witnesses, other than God, if you are truthful.” (2:23)
The verse, directed to humanity and jinn, briefly means:
If you think a human being wrote the Qur’an, let one of your unlettered people, as Muhammad ﷺ is unlettered, produce something similar. If he cannot, send your most famous writers or scholars. If they cannot, let them work together and call upon
all their history, “deities,” scientists, philosophers, sociologists, theologians, and writers to produce something similar. If they cannot, let them try leaving aside the miraculous and inimitable aspects of its meaning to produce a work of equal eloquence in word order and composition.
By: “Then bring 10 suras like it, contrived” (11:13),
The Qur’an means:
What you write does not have to be true. But if
you still cannot match the Qur’an’s length, produce only 10 chapters. If you cannot do that, produce only one chapter. If you cannot do that, produce only a short chapter. If you cannot do that—whichyou cannot—although such inability will put your honor, religion, nationality, lives, and property at risk,
you will die humiliated.
Moreover, as stated in: “Then
fear the Fire, whose fuel is people and stones”(2:24), you and your idols will spend eternity in Hell. Having understood your eight degrees of inability, what else can you do but admit eight times that the Qur’an is a miracle?
As for silencing, consider: There cannot be and
is no need for any other exposition after that of the Qur’an, as well as:
“Therefore remind. By Your Lord’s blessing you (Oh Muhammad) are not a soothsayer, neither possessed. Or do they say: “He is a poet for whom we await what fate will bring?” Say: “Wait. I shall be waiting with you.”
Or do their intellects bid them to do this? Or are they an insolent, rebellious people? Or do they say: “He has invented it?” Nay, but they do not believe.Then let them bring a discourse like it, if they speak truly. Or were they created out of nothing? Or are they the creators? Or did they create the heavens and Earth? Nay, but they do not have sure belief. Or are your Lord’s treasuries in their keeping? Or are they the watching registrars? Or do they have a ladder whereon they listen? Then let any of them that listened bring a clear authority. Or does He have daughters, and they sons? Or do you ask them for a wage, and so they are weighed down with debt? Or is the Unseen in their keeping, and so they are writing it down? Or do they intend a plot? But those who disbelieve, are they the outwitted? Or have they a god, other than God? Glory be to God, above that
which they associate. (52:29-43)
If you are interested in further reading, here is the PDF link to Nursi’s exposition of the Qur’an in his view
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/sgia/imeis/07_Mirculous.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwic8Kz10ZHLAhWDxRQKHe74AooQFggaMAA&usg=AFQjCNErRR09mMVI8sWNOb2XFBK4oCSWeg
I hope I have helped 🙂
Echoing a comment I saw on Shaykh Atabek’s Facebook timeline: does anyone here know of a sīra text that is free from strange (according to Māturīdīs) matters?
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Muhammad-Messenger-Hajjah-Amina-Adil/dp/1930409117&ved=0ahUKEwjznaSD1b7LAhXL7RQKHW_UCHwQFggbMAA&usg=AFQjCNGjUXPWBh1UOE7olmpk6MjXQOhpIQ
This is a Seerah produced by Naqshbandis under the guidance of Shaykh Hisham Kabbani (Hanafi-Maturidis). A very long piece of work, I have found nothing controversial at all so far so fully recommend it.
Jazakallahu khayr. I’ve personally been warming up to the Nazimiyya. For a while, I didn’t understand them, but I think I’m beginning to make sense of their way.
Here’s some notes from a lecture the Shaikh done with regards to Rumi’s Masnavi. Reading this article you would think the Shaikh hates the great Rumi when it’s in fact the reverse. Shaikh Akram’s farther Abul Hassan al Nadwi also wrote a book (The revivers of the islamic faith) and talked in depth about Rumi and his poems, the good and the Islamically untenable. One common thread is they are honest and respectful unlike your article. I’ve been trying to find a place that is not like the dawahman but I guess the Internet will continue to produce ‘refutations’ like yours.
Okay, so saying that Rumi is trying to rival the Qur’an (*sans proof or explanation) is ‘honest and respectful’?
Also, you know that what people’s dads say isn’t proof of anything? Since most of Nadwi type guys think that the Prophets parents were disbelievers (*they weren’t) is that a proof of his beliefs? Stupid.
Stop trying this emotional blackmail you deranged fanboy!
Once again, timewasters who fail to address a single point. Sadly typical of those who waste time and money on these Sheikh ‘concerts’.
You forgot to show any examples of ‘disrespect’ and ‘dishonesty’ in the article either. Assuming Nadwi is worthy of any respect.
Keep looking for a place – but you already found it with Nadwi, so why lie?
I removed your link since you gave no proof apart from ‘read these notes’ = free advertising, which we don’t do here.
Jukti
You are a filthy disgusting infidel. Just take care you don’t display your real identity. Someone’s gonna do a Salman Taseer with you. Just saying.
Wow you really are disrespectful. You can call me a fanboy etc which is disappointing. You call the Shaikh a charlatan with a questiona mark and then critque a video. My primary point to you is that the Shaikh is a scholar. I have given you notes which you said we’re advertising. If you clicked on the link you would of seen it was a Google drive document. Therein you would of found a scholar whom you call a salafi teaching the Masnavi, explaining what is good and just and what is ambiguous and at best and egregious. His father, Abul Hassan Al Nadwi (who I believe was a Naqshabandi sufi) has written a book which does the aforementioned in a more articulate and academic manner. The ‘salafi’ shaikh’s sufi father’s book is called ‘The revivers of the Islamic faith’.
Now you’re probably waiting for the bit where I show you your ‘mistakes’ and talk about Quran and Sunnah. Nope!!! You can find your own mistakes. Next time you want to call a scholar who is as well rounded and educated as Shaikh Akram, makes sure you actually read his stuff.
Lastly your article although well argued just reads like a typical online salafi refutation. And your insults on me being deranged and a fanboy reads like a typical dawahman guy. See we’ve finally got a scholar who is orthodox and who hasn’t been through the schools of Al Saud, giving good lectures on Sufism and Tassawuf and yet he gets called a charlatan by someone who hasn’t even read simple lecture notes on the Masnavi by said scholar. Last time I spoke to a salafi brother about Rumi; he said ‘isn’t he the guy that invented the twirling around’. If only he went to the Shaikh’s class!
From a deranged fanboy apparently 😲
If you want to know my real identity so badly, you can just ask your momma! I know her pretty well.
I’m leaving this comment up so the guy who though you were a ”great guy’and wanted to have tea with you can learn some important life lessons.
Although, Muslims hardly ever learn the easy way isn’t it?
I’m getting really angry. Ban me so that I cannot write. I don’t want to read anything from you bastards anymore.
You are the worst of mankind.
Jukti's Dad
Son, this is why we never tried to get you a job with any of our friends company networks or tried to get you married to any of their daughters. You simply didn’t learn the first rule of social interaction which is to ignore those who you don’t know how to play with. As a result you remain hopelessly unemployed and single to this date with no sign of improvement.
Please come home and stop embarassing us further.
Your identity-proof Dad 😀
Shaam
I’m quite happy to respect either opinion. I don’t feel like I am knowledgable enough to judge Sh. Akram, I like scholars who agree with him and I like scholars that disagree too.
I think however that the way you have spoken in this comment section has been with extreme disrespect.
‘If you want to know my real identity so badly, you can just ask your momma!’
Really? Is this how muslims speak to each other?
You vile hypocrite!
You DARE to correct me and insinuate that Muslims don’t speak ‘like that’ (crypto-takfir) and say NOTHING about the comment mine was in response to:
‘You are a filthy disgusting infidel. Just take care you don’t display your real identity. Someone’s gonna do a Salman Taseer with you. Just saying‘.
But I’M the one getting told off for ‘extreme disrespect’ for telling that guy to ask his mum!
Typical Nadwi fanboys – calling someone kaafir and giving an open death threat – no stress. Respond, and adab police comes out! Honestly, how can you even talk about Islam!
BTW if you hate bad language so much ask your Sheikhs, like Nadwi, why they say that Prophet told people to ‘bite’ their father’s penis (or in another narration, to suck it) Allah forbid!
Also, if you are ‘not able to judge Sheikhs’ then why aren’t you an atheist or pagan or something? How did you judge all those atheist scientist or the Ope if you are not ‘knowledgeable enough’. You Twit. If you don’t have brain to decide about religion, why are you even Muslim? Nadwi – is he like God to you, so don’t question him is it?
saify
Akram Nadwi did not write the book on the Female Scholars, he merely translated it and now he claims to be an author. There is a big deception going on, where the youth is ‘enlightened’ into the New World Order by scholar merchants, who sell their souls for a piece of the world. Think, easy fame, ready made institutions and hard drive marketing to get a scholar who English is barely tangible to write a book in a language that is not his forte. Such scholars want to make it difficult for the youth to ‘think’ by constantly drilling into them ‘pay us and we’ll guide you’, into an enlightment not short of mind control. This is big business and a lot of money is involved in these institutions.
Leave a Reply to Jukti Cancel reply
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13530
|
__label__wiki
| 0.674932
| 0.674932
|
All posts tagged story
Tau Zero by Poul Anderson (1970)
One of the most dazzling, mind-boggling and genuinely gripping novels I’ve ever read.
The story is set in the future, after the customary nuclear war which happens in so many futurestories. The twist on this one is that, after the radiation died down, the world’s powers agreed under something referred to as ‘the Covenant’ to put Sweden in charge, handing over all nuclear devices to a country big enough to manage them and keep the peace, but small enough not to have any global ambitions of her own.
Thus liberated from war, humanity – again, as in so many of these optimistic futurestories from the 1950s and 60s – has focused its efforts on space exploration using the handy new ‘ion drive’ which has been discovered, along with something called ‘Bussard engines’, helped along by elaborate ‘scoopfield webs’ to create ‘magnetohydrodynamic fields’.
Reaction mass entered the fire chamber. Thermonuclear generators energised the furious electric arcs that stripped those atoms down to ions; the magnetic fields that separated positive and negative particles; the forces that focused them into beams; the pulses that lashed them to ever higher velocities as they sped down the rings of the thrust tubes, until they emerged scarcely less fast than light itself.
The idea is that the webs are extended ‘nets’ a kilometre or so wide, which drag in all the hydrogen atoms which exist in low density in space, charging and channeling them towards the ‘drive’ which strips them to ions and thrusts them fiercely out the back of the ship – hence driving it forward.
Several voyages of exploration have already been undertaken to the nearest star systems in space ships which use these drives to travel near the speed of light, and fast-moving ‘probes’ have been sent to all the nearest star systems.
One of these probes reached the star system Centauri and now, acting on its information, a large spaceship, the Leonora Christine, is taking off on a journey to see if the third planet orbiting round Centauri really is habitable, as the probe suggests, and could be settled by ‘man’.
Einstein’s theory of relativity suggests that as any object approaches the speed of light, its experience of time slows down. The plan is for the Leonora Christine to accelerate for a couple of years towards near light speed, travel at that speed for a year, then slow down for a couple of years.
Five years there, whereupon they will either a) stay if the planet is habitable b) return, if it is not. Due to this time dilation effect those on the expedition will only age twelve years or so, while 43 or more years will pass back on earth (p.49).
(Time dilation is a key feature of Joe Haldeman’s novel, The Forever War, in which the protagonist keeps returning from tours of duty off-world to discover major changes in terrestrial society have taken place in his absence: it is, therefore, a form of one-way time travel.)
The Leonora Christine carries no fewer than fifty passengers, a cross-section of scientists, engineers, biologists and so on. Unlike any other spaceship I’ve read of it is large enough to house a gym, a theatre, a canteen and a swimming pool!
Two strands
Tau Zero is made up of two very different types of discourse. It is (apparently) a classic of ‘hard’ sci fi because not three pages go by without Anderson explaining in daunting technical detail the process workings of the ion drive, or the scoopnets, explaining the ratio of hydrogen atoms in space, or how the theory of relativity works, and so on. Not only are there sizeable chunks of uncompromising scientific information every few pages, but understanding them is key to the plot and narrative.
Starlike burned the hydrogen fusion, aft of the Bussard module that focused the electromagnetism which contained it. A titanic gas-laser effect aimed photons themselves in a beam whose reaction pushed the ship forward – and which would have vaporised any solid body it struck. The process was not 100 percent efficient. But most of the stray energy went to ionise the hydrogen which escaped nuclear combustion. These protons and electrons, together with the fusion products, were also hurled backward by the force fields, a gale of plasma adding its own increment of momentum. (p.40)
But at the same time, or regularly interspersed with the tech passages, are the passages describing the ‘human interest’ side of the journey, which is full of clichés and stereotypes, a kind of Peyton Place in space. To be more specific, the book was first published in instalments in 1967 and it has a very 1960s mindset. Anderson projects idealistic 1960s talk about ‘free love’ into a future in which adults have no moral qualms about ‘sleeping around’.
Before they leave, the novel opens with a pair of characters in a garden in Stockholm walking and having dinner and then the woman, Ingrid Lindgren, proposes to the man, Charles Reymont, that they become a couple. During all the adventures that follow, there is a continual exchanging of partners among the 25 men and 25 women on board, with little passages set aside for flirtations and guytalk about the girls or womentalk about the boys.
When a partnership ends one of the couple moves out, the other moves in with a room-mate of the same sex for a period, or immediately moves in with their new partner. It’s like wife-swapping in space. In a key moment of the plot, the ship’s resident astronomer, a short ugly anti-social and smelly man, becomes so depressed that he can no longer function. At which point Ingrid tactfully gets rid of the concerned captain and officers and… sleeps with him. So sex is deployed ‘tactically’ as a form of therapy.
He admired the sight of her. Unclad, she could never be called boyish. The curves of her breasts and flank were subtler than ordinary, but they were integral with the rest of her – not stuccoed on, as with too many women – and when she moved, they flowed. So did the light along her skin which had the hue of the hills around San Francisco Bay in their summer, and the light in her hair, which had the smell of every summer day that ever was on earth. (p.62)
From a feminist perspective, it is striking how the 25 women aboard the ship are a) all scientists and experts in their fields b) are not passive sex objects, but very active in deciding who they want to partner with and why. One of the two strong characters in the narrative is a woman, Ingred Lindgren.
Captain Lars Telander
Ingrid Lindgren, steely disciplined first officer
Charles Reymont, takes over command when the ship hits crisis
Boris Fedoroff, Chief Engineer
Norbert Williams, American chemist
Chi-Yuen Ai-Ling, Planetologist
Emma Glassgold, molecular biologist
Jane Sadler, Canadian bio-technician
Machinist Johann Freiwald
Astronomer Elof Nilsson
Navigation Officer, Auguste Boudreau
Biosystems Chief Pereira
Margarita Jimenes
Iwamoto Tetsuo
Hussein Sadek
Yeshu ben-Zvi
Mohandas Chidambaran
Phra Takh
Kato M’Botu
Thus the ship’s progress proceeds smoothly, while the crew discuss decorating the canteen and common rooms, paint murals and have numerous affairs. Five years is a long time to pass in a confined ship. And meanwhile the effects of travelling ever closer to light speed create unusual effects and, to be honest, I was wondering what all the fuss was about this book.
When Leonora Christine attained a substantial fraction of light speed, its optical effects became clear to the unaided sight. Her velocity and that of the rays from a star added vectorially; the result was aberration. Except for whatever lay dead aft or ahead, the apparent position changed. Constellations grew lopsided, grew grotesque, and melted, as their members crawled across the dark. More and more, the stars thinned out behind the ship and crowded before her. (p.45)
Anderson gives us a couple of pages introducing the tau equation. This defines the ‘interdependence of space, time, matter, and energy’, If v is the velocity of the spaceship, and c the velocity of light, then tau equals the square root of 1 minus v² divided by c². In other words the closer the ship’s velocity, v, gets to the speed of light, c (186,00 miles per second), then v² divided by c² gets closer and closer to 1; therefore 1 minus something which is getting closer to 1 gets closer and closer to 0; and the square root of that number similarly approaches closer and closer to zero.
Or to put it another way, the closer tau gets to zero the faster the ship is flying, the greater its mass, and the slower the people inside it experience time, relative to the rest of the ‘static’ universe.
The plot kicks in
So the narrative trundles amiably along for the first 60 or so pages, interspersing passages of dauntingly technical exposition with the petty jealousies, love affairs and squabbles of the human characters, until…
The ship passes through an unanticipated gas cloud, just solid enough to possibly destroy her, at the very least do damage – due to the enormous speed she’s now flying at which effects her mass.
Captain Telander listens to his experts feverishly calculating what impact will mean but ultimately they have to batten down the hatches, make themselves secure and hope for the best, impact happening on page 75 of this 190-page long book.
In the event the ship survives but the technicians quickly discover that impact has knocked out the decelerating engines. Now, much worse, the technicians explain to the captain and the lead officers, First Officer Lindgren and the man responsible for crew discipline, Reymont, the terrible catch-22 they’re stuck in.
In order to investigate what’s happened to the decellerator engines, the technicians would have to go to the rear of the ship and investigate manually. Unfortunately, they would be vaporised in nano-seconds by the super-powerful ion drive if they got anywhere near it. Therefore, no-one can investigate what’s wrong with the decelerator engine until the accelerator engine is turned off.
But here’s the catch: the ship is travelling so close to the speed of light that, if they turned the accelerator engines off, the crew would all be killed in moments. Why? Because the ship is constantly being bombarded by hydrogen atoms found in small amounts throughout space. At the moment the accelerator engines and scoopfield webs are directing these atoms away from the ship and down into the ion drive. The ion drive protects the ship. The moment it is turned off, these hydrogen atoms will suddenly be bombarding the ship’s hull and, because of the speed it is going at, the effect will be to split the hydrogen atoms releasing gamma rays. The gamma rays will penetrate the hull and fry all the humans inside in moments.
Thus they cannot stop. They are doomed to continue accelerating forever or until they all die.
It is at this point that the way Anderson has introduced us to quite a few named characters, and shown them bickering, explaining abstruse theory, getting drunk and getting laid begins to show its benefits. Because the rest of the novel consists of a series of revelations about the logical implications of their plight and, if these were just explained in tech speak they would be pretty flat and dull: the drama, the grip of the novel derives from the way the matrix of characters he’s developed respond to each new revelation: getting drunk, feeling suicidal, determined to tough it out, relationships fall apart, new relationships are formed. In and of themselves these human interest passages are hardly Tolstoy, but they are vital for the novel’s success because they dramatise each new twist in the story and, as the characters discuss the implications, the time spent reading their dialogue and thoughts helps the reader, also, to process and assimilate the story’s mind-blowing logic.
A series of unfortunate incidents
Basically what happens is there is a series of four or five further revelations which confirm the astronauts in their plight, but expand it beyond their, or our, wildest imaginings.
At first the captain and engineer come up with a plan of sorts. They know, or suspect, that between galaxies the density of hydrogen atoms in the ether falls off. If they can motor beyond our galaxy they can find a place where the hydrogen density of space is so minute that they can afford to turn off the ion drive and repair the decelerator.
This is discussed in detail, with dialogue working through both the technical aspects and also the emotional consequences. Many of the crew had anticipated returning to earth to be reunited with at least some members of their family. Now that has gone for good. As has the original plan of exploring an earth-style planet.
And so we are given some mind-blowing descriptions of the ship deliberately accelerating in order to pass right through the galaxy and beyond. But unfortunately, the scientists then discover that the space between galaxies is not thin enough to protect them. Also there is another catch-22. In order to travel out of the galaxy they have had to increase speed. But now they are flying everso close to the speed of light, the risk posed by turning off the ion drive and exposing themselves to the stray hydrogen atoms in space has become greater. The faster they go in order to find space thin enough to stop in, the thinner that space has to become.
The astronomers now come to the conclusion that space is still to full of hydrogen atoms in the sectors which contain clusters of galaxies. They decide to increase the ship’s velocity even more in order not just to leave our galaxy, but to get clear of our entire family of galaxies. This they calculate, will take another year or so at present velocities.
Thus it is that the book moves forward by presenting a new problem, the scientists suggest a solution which involves travelling faster and further, the crew is told and slowly gets used to the idea, as do we, via various conversations and attitudes and emotional responses. But when that goal is attained, it turns out there is another problem, and so the tension and the narrative drive of the book is relentlessly ratcheted up.
And of course, the further they travel and the closer to light speed, the more the tau effect predicts that time slows down for them, or, to put it another way, time speeds up for the rest of the universe. Early on in the post-disaster section, the crew assemble to celebrate the fact that a hundred years have passed back on earth: everyone they knew is dead. It is a sombre assembly with heavy drinking, casual sex, melancholy thoughts.
But by the time we get to the bit where they have flown clear of the galaxy only to be disappointed to find that inter-galactic space is too full of hydrogen for them to stop, by this stage they realise that thousands of years have passed back on earth.
By the time they fly free of the entire cluster of galaxies, they know that tens of thousands of years have passed. And eventually, as their tau approaches closer and closer to zero, they realise that millions of years have passed (one million is passed n page 136).
For when they do eventually fly beyond our entire family of galaxies they encounter another problem which is discovering that empty space is now too dispersed to allow them to decelerate. Even if they turn off the ion drive and fix the decelerating engine, there isn’t enough matter in truly empty space for the engine to latch on to and use as fuel to slow them (p.147).
Thus they decide to continue onwards, letting their acceleration, and mass, increase until they find a part of space with just the right conditions.
The accessible mass of the whole galactic clan that was her goal proved inadequate to brake her velocity. Therefore she did not try. Instead, she used what she swallowed to drive forward all the faster. She traversed the domain of this second clan – with no attempt at manual control, simply spearing through a number of its member galaxies – in two days. On the far side, again into hollow space, she fell free. The stretch to the next attainable clan was on the order of another hundred million light-years. She made the passage in about a week. (p.151)
On they fly at incomprehensible speed, while various human interest stories unfurl between the ship’s crew, until they (and the reader) reach the blasé condition of feeling the ship’s hull rattle and hum for a few moments and a character will say, ‘There goes another galaxy’.
Now if this was a J.G. Ballard novel, they’d all have gone mad and started eating each other by now. Anderson’s take on human psychology is much more bland and optimistic. Some of the crew get a bit depressed, but nothing some casual sex, or a project to redecorate the canteen can’t fix.
The main ‘human’ part of the narrative describes the way the ship’s ‘constable’, Charles Reymont who we met back on the opening pages, takes effective control from the captain. Initially this is basic psychology, Charles realising it will help discipline best if the captain becomes an aloof figure beyond criticism or reproach while he, Charles, imposes discipline, structure and purpose – allotting the crew tasks and missions to perform to maintain their morale, and letting them hate or resent him for it if they will. But over time the captain really does lose the ability to decide anything and Charles becomes the ship’s dictator. This is complicated by the fact that he discovers the woman who had suggested they become a couple, Ingrid, in someone else’s bed though she swears she was only doing it for therapeutic purposes. They split up and Charles pairs off with the Chinese planetologist, Chi-Yuen Ai-Ling, leading to a number of sexy descriptions of her naked body. But Ingrid continues to hold a torch for him and he for her. That’s the spine of the ‘human interest’ part of the novel.
Hundreds of millions of years have passed and indeed, in the last 40 pages or so a character lets slips that it must be over a billion years since they left earth.
it’s at this stage that the book becomes truly visionary. For, after some delay and conferring with colleagues, the astronomer comes to the captain and Reymont and Lindgren to announce that… the universe itself is changing. The galaxies they are flying through no longer contain fit young stars. Increasingly what they’re seeing through their astronomical instruments (not the naked eye) is that the galaxies are made of low intensity red dwarfs.
The universe is running down.
So many billion years have passed – one character estimates one hundred billion years (p.170) that they have travelled far into ‘the future’ and are witnessing the end of the universe. The stars are going out and the actual space of the universe is contracting.
Anderson’s vision is based on the theory that the universe began in a big bang, has and will expand for billions of years but will eventually reach a stage where the initial blast of energy from the bang is so dispersed that it is countered by the cumulative gravity of all the matter in the universe – which will stop it expanding and make it slowly and then with ever-increasing speed, hurtle towards a ‘Big Crunch’ when all the matter in the universe returns to the primal singularity.
Face with this haunting, terrifying fact, the scientists again make calculations and act on a hunch. They guess that the singularity won’t actually become a minute particle but will be shrouded in ‘en enormous hydrogen envelope’ (p.175), the simplest chemical, and calculate that the ship will be flying so fast that it will survive the Big Crunch and live on to witness the creation of the next universe.
‘The outer part of that envelope may not be too hot or radiant or dense for us. Space will be small enough, though, that we can circle around and around the monobloc as a kind of satellite. When it blows up and space starts to expand again, we’ll spiral out ourselves.’ (Reymont, p.175)
And this is what happens. Anderson gives a mind bogging description of the ship reaching such an infinitesimal value of tau that it flies right through the Big Crunch and out into the new universe which explodes outwards (pp.181-3).
Indeed it is travelling so fast, and time outside is moving so fast, that they can chose how many billions of years into the history of the new universe they want to stop (p.184). A quick calculation suggests that it took about 10 billion years for a plenty like earth to come into being and establish the conditions for life to evolve, and so they calculate their deceleration to take place that far into the future of this new universe.
And this is what they do, and the last few pages cut to Reymont and Ingrid, the lovers we met in the opening pages falling dreamily in love, now lying under a tree on a planet which has an earth-like atmosphere but blue vegetation, three moons and all sorts of weird fauna and flora, as they plan their lives together (pp.188-190)
We left plausibility behind a long time ago. Instead the book turns into an absolutely gripping rollercoaster of a ride, one of the most genuinely mind-blowing and gripping stories I’ve ever read. What a trip!
the foregoing summary may give the impression the story is told in language as clear as an instruction manual, but this would be wrong.
Putting the plot to one side, one of the most striking features of Tau Zero is its prose style – an odd and ungainly variant of standard English which makes you pause on every page.
Leonora Christine was nearing the third year of her journey, or the tenth year as the stars counted time, when grief came upon her. (p.63)
Anderson was born in America (in 1926) but his mother took him as a boy to live in Denmark where she’d originally come from, until the outbreak of war forced them to return. For this or the general fact of growing up in an immigrant Scandinavian family, Anderson’s English is oddly stilted and phrased. It often sounds like it’s been translated from a Norse saga.
She gave him cheerful greeting as he entered. (p.52)
They would live out their lives, and belike their children and grandchildren too (p.53)
He stood moveless (p.58)
Nor would he have stopped to dress, had he been abed. (p.64)
Telander must perforce smile a bit as he went out the door. (p.69)
Fedoroff spoke. His words fell contemptuous. (p.80)
He clapped the navigator’s back in friendly wise. (p.159)
She rested elbow on head, forehead on hand. (p.161)
Every pages has sentences containing odd kinks away from natural English. As a small example it’s typified by the way Anderson refers throughout the story not to the ship’s ‘crew’, but to its folk. Another consistent quirk is the way people don’t experience emotions or psychological states, these, in the form of abstract nouns, come over them.
Soberness had come upon her. (p.100)
Dismay sprang forth on Williams. (p.105)
Anger still upbore the biologist. (p.106)
Dismay shivered in her. (p.116)
Hardness fell from him. (p.125)
Weight grabbed at Reymont. (.167)
Sometimes he achieves a kind of incongruous poetry by accident.
Footsteps thudded in the mumble of energies. (p.70)
Ingrid Lindgren regarded him for a time that shivered. (p.71)
The ship jeered at him in her tone of distant lightnings. (p.84)
Sometimes it makes the already challenging technical explanations just that little bit more impenetrable.
Then again, maybe this slightly alien English helps to create a sense of mild dislocation which is not inappropriate for a science fiction story, especially one which takes us right to the edge of the universe and then beyond!
Tau Zero on Amazon
1899 A Story of the Days To Come by H.G. Wells – set in the same future London as The Sleeper Wakes, Denton and Elizabeth defy her wealthy family in order to marry, fall into poverty, and experience life as serfs in the Underground city run by the sinister Labour Corps
1904 The Food of the Gods and How It Came to Earth by H.G. Wells – scientists invent a compound which makes plants, animals and humans grow to giant size, prompting giant humans to rebel against the ‘little people’
1906 In the Days of the Comet by H.G. Wells – a comet passes through earth’s atmosphere and brings about ‘the Great Change’, inaugurating an era of wisdom and fairness, as told by narrator Willie Leadford
1908 The War in the Air by H.G. Wells – Bert Smallways, a bicycle-repairman from Kent, gets caught up in the outbreak of the war in the air which brings Western civilisation to an end
1952 Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov – two long stories which continue the future history of the Foundation set up by psychohistorian Hari Seldon as it faces attack by an Imperial general, and then the menace of the mysterious mutant known only as ‘the Mule’
1953 Earthman, Come Home by James Blish – the adventures of New York City, a self-contained space city which wanders the galaxy 2,000 years hence powered by spindizzy technology
1953 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – a masterpiece, a terrifying anticipation of a future when books are banned and professional firemen are paid to track down stashes of forbidden books and burn them
1953 Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke a thrilling narrative involving the ‘Overlords’ who arrive from space to supervise mankind’s transition to the next stage in its evolution
1956 They Shall Have Stars by James Blish – explains the invention – in the near future – of the anti-death drugs and the spindizzy technology which allow the human race to colonise the galaxy
1957 The Black Cloud by Fred Hoyle – a vast cloud of gas heads into the solar system, blocking out heat and light from the sun with cataclysmic consequences on Earth, until a small band of maverick astronomers discovers that the cloud contains intelligence and can be communicated with
1959 The Triumph of Time by James Blish – concluding story of Blish’s Okie tetralogy in which Amalfi and his friends are present at the end of the universe
1961 A Fall of Moondust by Arthur C. Clarke a pleasure tourbus on the moon is sucked down into a sink of moondust, sparking a race against time to rescue the trapped crew and passengers
1962 A Life For The Stars by James Blish – third in the Okie series about cities which can fly through space, focusing on the coming of age of kidnapped earther, young Crispin DeFord, aboard New York
1962 The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick In an alternative future America lost the Second World War and has been partitioned between Japan and Nazi Germany. The narrative follows a motley crew of characters including a dealer in antique Americana, a German spy who warns a Japanese official about a looming surprise German attack, and a woman determined to track down the reclusive author of a hit book which describes an alternative future in which America won the Second World War
1963 Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle French journalist Ulysse Mérou accompanies Professor Antelle on a two-year space flight to the star Betelgeuse, where they land on an earth-like plane to discover that humans and apes have evolved here, but the apes are the intelligent, technology-controlling species while the humans are mute beasts
1968 2001: A Space Odyssey a panoramic narrative which starts with aliens stimulating evolution among the first ape-men and ends with a spaceman being transformed into galactic consciousness
1968 Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick In 1992 androids are almost indistinguishable from humans except by trained bounty hunters like Rick Deckard who is paid to track down and ‘retire’ escaped andys
1969 Ubik by Philip K. Dick In 1992 the world is threatened by mutants with psionic powers who are combated by ‘inertials’. The novel focuses on the weird alternative world experienced by a group of inertials after a catastrophe on the moon
1970 Tau Zero by Poul Anderson – spaceship Leonora Christine leaves earth with a crew of fifty to discover if humans can colonise any of the planets orbiting the star Beta Virginis, but when its deceleration engines are damaged, the crew realise they need to exit the galaxy altogether in order to find space with low enough radiation to fix the engines, and then a series of unfortunate events mean they find themselves forced to accelerate faster and faster, effectively travelling through time as well as space until they witness the end of the entire universe
1973 Rendezvous With Rama by Arthur C. Clarke – in 2031 a 50-kilometre long object of alien origin enters the solar system, so the crew of the spaceship Endeavour are sent to explore it
1974 Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said by Philip K. Dick – America after the Second World War has become an authoritarian state. The story concerns popular TV host Jason Taverner who is plunged into an alternative version of this world in which he is no longer a rich entertainer but down on the streets among the ‘ordinaries’ and on the run from the police. Why? And how can he get back to his storyline?
1974 The Forever War by Joe Haldeman The story of William Mandella who is recruited into special forces fighting the Taurans, a hostile species who attack Earth outposts, successive tours of duty requiring interstellar journeys during which centuries pass on Earth, so that each of his return visits to the home planet show us society’s massive transformations over the course of the thousand years the war lasts.
1982 2010: Odyssey Two by Arthur C. Clarke – Heywood Floyd joins a Russian spaceship on a two-year journey to Jupiter to a) reclaim the abandoned Discovery and b) investigate the monolith on Japetus
1984 Neuromancer by William Gibson – burnt-out cyberspace cowboy Case is lured by ex-hooker Molly into a mission led by ex-army colonel Armitage to penetrate the secretive corporation, Tessier-Ashpool at the bidding of the vast and powerful artificial intelligence, Wintermute
1986 Burning Chrome by William Gibson – ten short stories, three or four set in Gibson’s ‘Sprawl’ universe, the others ranging across sci-fi possibilities, from a kind of horror story to one about a failing Russian space station
1986 Count Zero by William Gibson –
1987 2061: Odyssey Three by Arthur C. Clarke – Spaceship Galaxy is hijacked and forced to land on Europa, moon of the former Jupiter, in a ‘thriller’ notable for Clarke’s descriptions of the bizarre landscapes of Halley’s Comet and Europa
1988 Mona Lisa Overdrive by William Gibson – third of Gibson’s ‘Sprawl’ trilogy in which street-kid Mona is sold by her pimp to crooks who give her plastic surgery to make her look like global simstim star Angie Marshall who they plan to kidnap but is herself on a quest to find her missing boyfriend, Bobby Newmark, one-time Count Zero, while the daughter of a Japanese ganster who’s sent her to London for safekeeping is abducted by Molly Millions, a lead character in Neuromancer
1990 The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling – in an alternative history Charles Babbage’s early computer, instead of being left as a paper theory, was actually built, drastically changing British society, so that by 1855 it is led by a party of industrialists and scientists who use databases and secret police to keep the population under control
Posted in Books, Novel, Science Fiction
Tagged 1967, 1970, Auguste Boudreau, book, Boris Fedoroff, Bussard engines, Captain Lars Telander, Centauri, Charles Reymont, Chi-Yuen Ai-Ling, Einstein, Elof Nilsson, Emma Glassgold, future, gamma rays, hard sci fi, Hussein Sadek, hydrogen, Ingrid Lindgren, ion drive, Iwamoto Tetsuo, J.G. Ballard, Jane Sadler, Johann Freiwald, Kato M'Botu, Leonora Christine, magnetohydrodynamic fields, Margarita Jimenes, Mohandas Chidambaran, narrative, Norbert Williams, novel, nuclear war, Pereira, Phra Takh, Poul Anderson, science fiction, scoopfield webs, space travel, speed of light, Stockholm, story, Sweden, Tau, Tau Zero, the Covenant, theory of relativity, time dilation, Yeshu ben-Zvi
https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2019/03/20/tau-zero-poul-anderson/
Jailbird by Kurt Vonnegut (1979)
The most embarrassing thing to me about this autobiography, surely, is its unbroken chain of proofs that I was never a serious man. I have been in a lot of trouble over the years, but that was all accidental. Never have I risked my life, or even my comfort, in the service of mankind. Shame on me. (p.178)
This is Vonnegut’s ninth novel, published 27 years after his first, Player Piano (1952).
A hell of a lot had happened in those years – most of the 1950s, the entire 1960s and most of the 1970s – sex and drugs and rock and roll, the swinging sixties, hippies, glam rock, prog rock, punk – the Vietnam War with all its student protests segueing into the Killing Fields in Cambodia, the assassination of the Kennedys and Martin Luther King, the Civil Rights Movement morphing into the Black Panthers and Black Power, the entire Space Age from Sputnik through the moon landings to the Space Shuttle, the oil crisis, Watergate and the discrediting of the American presidency.
Reading Vonnegut’s novels in sequence is like following him and his country on an enormous bender, and then waking up dazed and incredibly hungover the morning after.
A return to sobriety
That’s how reading Jailbird feels (at first, anyway). In comparison with the freaky experimentalism of Slaughterhouse-Five (1969) and of his most fragmented and experimental novel, Breakfast of Champions (1973) which comes complete with Vonnegut’s own illustrations – and unlike the knackered sci-fi of the dystopian novel Slapstick (1976), Jailbird seems like a return to sobriety and convention.
For example, unlike those three novels whose texts are split up into fragmented sections and paragraphs by asterisks or arrows, garnished with illustrations, packed with digressions, including the author’s speculations about his own characters – Jailbird is visually a return to convention, the prose arranged without gimmicks into consecutive paragraphs, themselves grouped into 23 normal-length chapters (unlike the page or half-page-long chapters of its predecessors). Jailbird looks like a normal book.
The long preface
And it does indeed turn out to be a much more conventional read, in tone, mood and style. This is signalled by the thirty-page preface.
Vonnegut hadn’t been shy of writing prefaces to his novels which, as the 60s turned into the 70s, had contained more and more personal, almost intimate, information (for example, about his mother’s suicide and his own depression).
In striking contrast to the ‘letting it all hang out’ approach of those introductions, the introduction to 1979’s Jailbird is strikingly serious and earnest. In tones close to that of a history book or journalistic feature, it recounts the story of the Cuyahoga Bridge Massacre, in which, in 1894, peaceful and mostly female protesters outside an iron works which had laid off their menfolk for rejecting a pay cut, were shot down by freelance ‘security men’ brought in from outside the state.
The link to the rest of the book is that one of the sons of the brutal Scottish immigrant who owned the iron works – Daniel McCone – who was, therefore, responsible for the massacre, is Alexander Hamilton McCone. Well-meaning and well educated Alexander had tried to intervene to break up the protest but is forced to watch the massacre take place, nonetheless.
This results in him withdrawing to live as a traumatised recluse cut off from society, from even his own wife and daughter, by an extreme stammer. His only company is a young boy, the son of the McCone family’s cook and chauffeur Walter F. Starbuck. In return for keeping him company, Alexander promises to send the lad to Harvard when he grows up.
And Jailbird turns out to be the story of Walter F. Starbuck’s life, as told by himself.
First person memoir
In this respect it is like the first-person memoirs which make up Mother Night, Cat’s Cradle and Slapstick. In all of these an ageing man (66 at the time of writing, p.47) looks back over his life from a current situation in which it is drawing to an end. Use of this retrospective point of view means the narrative can jump around from scene to scene, can set up expectations of the future, can signpost major incidents coming up numerous times before actually getting round to describing them.
And it leaves the narrator free to lard the text with his own comments, thoughts and interpretations, something Vonnegut was very inclined to do in those earlier books.
So this memoir or biography is being written by by Walter F. Starbuck.
Right on the first page he gives us the straightforward chronology of his life (just as he did the life of Billy Pilgrim on page one of Slaughterhouse-Five). He was born in 1913, went to Harvard in 1931, got his first government job in 1938. In 1945 he was sent to Germany ‘to oversee the feeding and housing of the American, British, French, and Russian delegations to the War Crimes Trials’ (p.51) and ends up spending four years in Germany.
In 1946 he married a Jewish translator he met in Germany and quickly had a son from whom he is estranged. In 1953 he was sacked from the federal government and ended up helping his wife with her interior decoration company throughout the 1960s. In 1970 he was offered a job in the Nixon White House, and in 1975 tried and convicted of involvement in the Watergate conspiracies, followed by early release from prison in 1977.
Somewhere in the blurbs for the book it says that this is Vonnegut’s Watergate novel but that is wildly misleading. That makes you think you’re going to be taken into the labyrinthine complexities of the Watergate conspiracies, meet the various bad guys in the Nixon administration, maybe there will be some thriller-style suspense and uncovering of new evidence.
Imagine how thrilling and exciting a write like Robert Harris would make a thriller about Watergate.
But nothing could be further from the truth. Jailbird is neither thrilling nor exciting, it is weird and – the temptation is to say ‘surreal’, but really it is nonsensical in the Edward Lear sense of putting nonsensical, non-sequitur and bizarre ideas together to see what effect they give.
RAMJAC Corps
Thus throughout the book we keep hearing that almost any company you can think of is being bought up by the huge and anonymous RAMJAC Corporation. It is only at the end of the book that we realise RAMJAC is run by one of Starbuck’s old girlfriends, in fact one of the only four women he’s ever loved, Mary Kathleen O’Looney. She lives as a bag lady on the streets of New York, wearing enormous black trainers in which she keeps all her legal documentation, and carrying six stuffed filthy bags around. She stinks, her hair is falling out and she is physically disgusting as Starbuck discovers the day after he is released from prison and a friend hails him in the street.
O’Looney hears his name, grabs hold of his hand, refuses to let go, and takes him down into her secret hideaway in a disused train station beneath Manhattan (to be precise, an abandoned locomotive repair shop beneath Grand Central Station). She reveals that she is the CEO of RAMJAC Corp and sends instructions by mail to the lawyer who administers her wishes under the pseudonym of Mrs Jack Graham. These are verified by including fingerprints of all her fingers and thumbs. This means that criminals who have learned about this system, try to kidnap her and cut off her hands in order to use the fingerprints to steal her money. This is not as paranoid as it sounds: one time she was staying in a hotel suite in Nicaragua waited on only by Mormons, the only people she trusts. She met a woman whose husband had just died of amoebic dysentry and put her up in her rooms, while she (Mary) went to make arrangements to ship the body home.
When she came back the Mormon had been murdered – and both her hands cut off and stolen (p.217).
In the couple of days after being released from prison Starbuck receives kindly treatment from a number of people – a prison guard, the chauffeur who brings him into Manhattan, a waiter at a restaurant, the owner of a deep fat frying joint, and so on.
Chatting to the disgusting, half-bald, filthy O’Looney he mentions their names only to have her straightaway write a letter to her executive lawyer, Arpad Leen, instructing that these eight people (including Starbuck himself) be immediately made Vice Presidents of various divisions of RAMJAC Corps, and that’s how the book ends, with a party attended by this random selection of eight guys who now find themselves executives in a massive American corporation.
Starbuck himself ends up as Executive Vice-President of the Down Home Records Division of the RAMJAC Corporation, along with Clyde Carter the prison guard, Cleveland Lawes the limousine driver, Dr Israel Edel the night clerk at the Arapahoe Hotel, Frank Ubriaco owner of the Coffee Shop who once deep-fat-fried his own hand when his expensive watch fell off into the fryer and on impulse he reached in to get it – all Vice presidents of one bit or another of the multinational corporation.
Hopefully, this summary of the RAMJAC/O’Looney thread of the novel shows you that this is not a book about Watergate, nor a thriller, nor really a conventional novel at all.
Satire or ridicule?
And it’s not really a satire on corporate America. A satire usually aims to undermine its target by making accurate, insightful hits on it. Inventing the idea that the most powerful corporation in America is run by a baglady hiding out in a derelict station under Manhattan isn’t really satirising corporate America, it is ridiculing it. This book – maybe all Vonnegut’s books – are less satires than ridicules.
In his view the whole world is so absurd and nonsensical that ridiculing it is the only rational response – including ridiculing the very idea of being a writer and writing novels (which is why I think I like Breakfast of Champions best of the seven novels I’ve read). There is no subtlety or insight to it.
I will say further, as an officer of an enormous international conglomerate, that nobody who is doing well in this economy ever even wonders what is really going on.
We are chimpanzees. We are orangutans. (p.123)
This is not satire. It is the despairing ridicule of a man who has given up trying to understand.
The Watergate theme, such as it is, is limited to the following. Starbuck tells us that back in the 1950s he was called on to testify about communists in government. Before the famous House Un-American Activities Committee Starbuck lists a number of colleagues who he knows were communists in the 1930s buthave changed their views and present no threat to the American people. Among these he mistakenly includes a colleague named Leland Clewes. Clewes in fact had never been a communist and tries to clear his name.
Starbuck explains that the young assistant to Senator Joe McCarthy, one Richard Milhous Nixon, then spends two years hounding and investigating Clewes and eventually getting him convicted and sent to jail. This drew Nixon into the public eye. In a roundabout way, then, Starbuck takes the blame for having made Nixon’s career. This is why, a long time later, Starbuck finds himself offered a job at the Nixon White House. Nixon one day remembered his name, asked his aides what Starbuck was doing, wondered if he’d accept a lowly job.
This nothing job is ‘President’s special advisor on youth affairs’ (p.46). Starbuck was given a windowless room in the basement of the White House (‘a sub-basement in the Executive Office Building’), from where he churned out some 200 reports over five years about youth activities, none of which were ever read by anyone. Salary: $36,000 pa.
Starbuck’s sole connection with any of the Watergate conspiracy was twofold. Throughout his time there he could hear people stomping about upstairs. One day he coughed loudly and immediately there was a rumpus down the stairs and a couple of senior staffers burst in demanding to know whether he’d been listening in on their conversations. They then tested the soundproofing, with one of them shouting and swearing upstairs, while another one stood in Starbuck’s office until he was satisfied that even shouting didn’t travel through the floorboards and he could never have heard anything.
And then, in 1975, when police came to search the White House, some of the guilty staffers came rushing downstairs with several crates packed with cash. These were illegal donations to Nixon’s re-election campaign, which they thought they could stash in Starbuck’s out-of-the-way office. But the cops searched even down here, found it, arrested Starbuck, and that was what he was tried and convicted and sent to gaol for, conspiracy to hide, defraud, illegal contributions etc.
So you see, the book offers little or no insight into Watergate or Nixon, or the intricacies of the conspiracy (there is one scene where Starbuck attends a meeting of the entire cabinet, seated far away, the lowest of the low, and chain smoking so much that Nixon makes a joke about him – that is Starbuck’s one and only encounter and anecdote about Nixon pp.61-62. He takes the opportunity to name a number of the men around the table who would end up in prison. But it isn’t an insight or exploration or explanation of the Nixon White House. It is one joke and a list of names).
It’s more as if Starbuck is an innocent bystander, an inoffensive drone right on the periphery of the administration who gets sent to prison because the bad guys stashed some hot money in his office and he was too dutiful to reveal their names. This could have been the basis of a comedy if the rest of the book wasn’t so weird and nonsensical, and about so much else.
For example, there is much more about is wife Ruth, her history, how they met and their life together, than there is about politics. Jewish, Ruth had been hidden for the first part of the war, but then discovered and sent to a concentration camp which she survived to be liberated by the Americans and Starbuck met her only hours after they had been requisitioned by an American army unit which needed a translator at a checkpoint. Starbuck himself requisitioned her, took her to a good hotel, fed her up, and employed her as a translator for his work with the War Trials. He takes ten or so pages to describe their work in some detail, to paint a picture of her earnest pessimism, and the determination with which she sets up an interior design company once they return to American in 1949.
Kilgore Trout
Trout was, by this stage, a well known recurrent figure in Vonnegut’s fiction, maybe his most eminent creation, having appeared in Breakfast of Champions, God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, and Slaughterhouse-Five. In Champions he is one of the two major protagonists and we learn a lot about his life. He is definitely a ‘real person’. So it comes as a surprise in Jailbird to learn that Trout is in fact one of the pseudonyms of a fellow prison at the gaol where Starbuck serves his two year sentence, in fact the only ‘lifer’ in the Federal Minimum Security Adult Correctional Facility near Finletter Air Force Base, Georgia. His real name is Dr Robert Fender and he has a doctorate is in veterinary science. While in prison, Fender also writes science fiction novels under another pseudonym, Frank X. Barlow (p.67).
I have seen the way Trout’s character changes in different novels as an example of Vonnegut’s use of ‘unreliable narrators’, but I think it’s far bigger than that. If we agree that Vonnegut’s strategy goes far beyond ‘satire’ into the realm I’ve described as ‘ridicule’, then Jailbird‘s revealing that Kilgore Trout in fact doesn’t exist, is another example of Vonnegut’s full-spectrum ridiculing of all stable and sensible ideas about fiction. It is an example of his ‘nonsense’ approach to fiction.
One strategy Vonnegut retains from earlier books, especially Breakfast of Champions, is that the narrator summarises entire novels or stories by Trout. The result is that, instead of having to read an entire trout novel, you can simply read the narrator’s one or two-page summary which are much zippier, funnier or wackier.
There are other echoes of earlier techniques as well. You know I said that Jailbird looks more conventional in the sense that the prose is arranged into consecutive paragraphs and the chapters are a sensible length (unlike all three of his previous novels). Yes, but he redeploys the catchphrase. In Slaughterhouse many paragraphs or anecdotes ended with the phrase ‘So it goes’. Here it is ‘And so on’. Similarly, it doesn’t happen often, but every now and then Vonnegut just inserts a one-word paragraph saying ‘Peace’. Just to remind us that the same wacky nonsensicalist of the earlier experimental books is still there, lurking.
And the spirit of the nonsensicalist emerges more and more as the book progresses. There is an extended description of the night in 1931 he took the ‘Yankee clock heiress’ Sarah Wyatt to dinner at the swanky Hotel Arapahoe in Manhattan. Partly because he remembers it all when, having just been released from prison in 1977, Starbuck returns to the same hotel to see it much reduced, shabby and dingy and half boarded up. In fact, the receptionist tells him, the entire area where the restaurant used to be has been converted into a porn movie cinema which specialises in gay porn, many of the movies climaxing with scenes of anal fisting, something which, unsurprisingly, shocks and horrifies the narrator (p.130).
When he expresses an opinion, Starbuck just sounds dazed at what his country has come to.
Mary Kathleen O’Looney wasn’t the only shopping-bag lady in the United States of America. There were tens of thousands of them in major cities throughout the country. Ragged regiments of them had been produced accidentally, and to imaginable purpose, by the great engine of the economy. Another part of the machine was spitting out unrepentant murderers ten years old, and dope fiends, and child batterers and many other bad things. People claimed to be investigating. Unspecified repairs were to be made at some future time. (p.151)
He’s obviously been thinking, or reading, about the celebrated case of the Italian-born American anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti who were controversially convicted of murdering a guard and a paymaster during the April 15, 1920 armed robbery of the Slater and Morrill Shoe Company in Braintree, Massachusetts. They were both executed in the electric chair just after midnight on August 23, 1927.
Vonnegut refers to them in the preface to the book, and the preface ends with a quote from Nicola Sacco writing to his 13-year-old son Dante, a quote which went on to be turned into a song, and rallying cry for the Socialist cause in America.
Help the weak ones that cry for help, help the prosecuted and the victim, because they are your better friends; they are the comrades that fight and fall as your father and Bartolo fought and fell yesterday for the conquest of the joy of freedom for all the poor workers. In this struggle of life you will find more love and you will be loved.
Towards the end of the book, the narrative stops altogether while Vonnegut gives an extended summary of the events surrounding the supposed crimes, trial and execution of the pair. This chimes with the fact that Starbuck, although a Harvard man, was himself a student activist, and an actual member of the communist party.
This is par for the course in Vonnegut’s novels all of which contain large chunks of random subject matter thrown in from all sides. It’s part of what makes them surprisingly chewy and dense.
But it’s difficult to reconcile this apparent earnestness about Sacco and Vanzetti and the anarchist / socialist cause – the totally straight description of the 1894 Cuyahoga Bridge Massacre (fictional, although based on similar worker killings which took place around that time), and descriptions of Starbuck’s own student activism (it was while editing a communist student paper at Harvard that he first met the beautiful and idealistic Mary Kathleen O’Toole) — with the helpless nonsensicality of the main plot i.e. the way a ruined baglady turns out to be running the largest corporation in America. It doesn’t cohere. It’a as if they’re from different worlds – the serious, and the utterly nonsensical.
The nonsense is entertaining and sometimes funny but the trouble is it makes all his ‘serious’ criticisms of America or war or capitalism tremendously easy to ignore, take with a pinch of salt, and dismiss.
In the epilogue Starbuck describes how, soon after being made Executive Vice-President of the Down Home Records Division of the RAMJAC Corporation, he goes to see Mary Kathleen O’Looney in her secret base under grand Central Station and discovers her in a very poor way. In fact she dies in his arms. The epilogue then describes how Starbuck disposes of her body secretly and doesn’t tell anyone. RAMJAC Corporation continues for another two years before the discovery of its CEO’s demise is finally made. At which point Starbuck is taken to court once again, and convicted of not reporting her death, fraud etc.
The book ends with a party given for him by all the other vice-presidents, which has the effect of tying up any loose strands of the ‘plot’, before he is scheduled to be sent back to the slammer. And that is the story of this inveterate jailbird.
Jailbird on Amazon
Kurt Vonnegut reviews
The Sirens of Titan (1959)
Mother Night (1962)
Cat’s Cradle (1963)
Slaughterhouse-Five (1969)
Breakfast of Champions (1973)
Slapstick (1976)
Jailbird (1979)
1974 Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said by Philip K. Dick – America after the Second World War is a police state but the story is about popular TV host Jason Taverner who is plunged into an alternative version of this world where he is no longer a rich entertainer but down on the streets among the ‘ordinaries’ and on the run from the police. Why? And how can he get back to his storyline?
1987 2061: Odyssey Three by Arthur C. Clarke* – Spaceship Galaxy is hijacked and forced to land on Europa, moon of the former Jupiter, in a ‘thriller’ notable for Clarke’s descriptions of the bizarre landscapes of Halley’s Comet and Europa
by Simon on January 23, 2019 • Permalink
Posted in America, Books, Novel
Tagged Alexander Hamilton McCone, America, anal fisting, anarchism, Arpad Leen, Cleveland Lawes, Clyde Carter, Cuyahoga Bridge Massacre, Dr Robert Fender, fiction, Frank Ubriaco, Germany, Grand Central Station, Harvard, Harvard University, Hotel Arapahoe, House Un-American Activities Committee, Israel Edel, Jailbird, Joe McCarthy, Kilgore Trout, Leland Clewes, Manhattan, Mary Kathleen O'Looney, Mormons, Mrs Jack Graham, Nazi, Nicola Sacco, novel, politics, RAMJAC Corps, Richard Milhous Nixon, Richard Nixon, Sacco and Vanzetti, Sarah Wyatt, satire, story, Vonnegut, Walter F. Starbuck, War Crimes Trials, Watergate, White House
Posted by Simon on January 23, 2019
https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2019/01/23/jailbird-kurt-vonnegut/
Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said by Philip K. Dick (1974)
What can I tell him? Jason Taverner asked himself as he sat mutely facing the police general. The total reality as I know it? That is hard to do, he realised, because I really do not comprehend it myself. (p.119)
It is 1988 and Jason Taverner is the host of the immensely successful Jason Taverner Show which attracts 30 million viewers to its regular Tuesday evening slot. On this particular evening he’s featured guest star gorgeous, red-haired Heather Hart with whom he just happens to be having an affair, sharing his jet-set lifestyle, although she is impatient for him to actually marry her so they can settle down, have kids etc.
Part of their success is down to the fact that they are sixes. It is not explained, more hinted at in stray references, that sixes were genetically imprinted with superior genetic qualities, and that his happened at his birth, back in the 1940s (rather implausibly).
Jason and Heather complete another chart-topping show and are on board their Rolls Royce jet rocket (!) shooting up over Los Angeles when he gets a call from an ex, Marilyn Mason, a little flit of a thing who begged for help getting into show business, who he wangled a few auditions, and who he slept with him rather a lot before tiring of her. Heather is furious at the call, but Marilyn screeches down the phone that she’ll kill herself if he doesn’t visit her NOW, so Jason says we better go and check she’s OK.
Jason has barely got down into her flat before Marilyn, furious at having been dumped and ignored for six months, throws a bag at him containing ‘the gelatin-like Callisto cuddle sponge with its fifty feeding tubes’.
There’s no explanation of what this thing is or where it comes from, simply that the feeding tubes swiftly enter the human body and kill if not counter-acted. Jason has the presence of mind to grab a nearby bottle of alcohol and pour it onto the creature which falls off him, onto the floor, dead. But it leaves its feeding tubes inside him, and he passes out. He regains consciousness on a hospital gurney being rushed to an operating theatre with Heather peering over him, weeping, and then he blacks out.
The alternative world
All this happens in just the first chapter. In chapter two Jason wakes up and the world has changed. He awakens in a seedy motel room to discover that nobody knows who he is. In this world there is no Jason Taverner Show on TV, the motel manager has never heard of him, nobody has heard of him. When he phones his agent, then his producer, both say they’ve never heard of him and put the phone down.
He also has no ID cards and now, for the first time, we begin to learn about the world of 1988, namely it is some sort of military dictatorship. All across America identity checkpoints run by the national guard or the police pop up at random to check people’s ID cards. If you don’t have one or have a forged one, you are sent off to a Forced Labour Camp (FLC).
So, while he is still reeling from the fact that nobody recognises him, Jason is all-too-aware that down here, in the world of the ‘ordinary’ people, he needs ID cards fast. Luckily, he’s wearing the same clothes he had on when Marilyn attacked him which, conveniently enough, contained a big wad of cash. Now he bribes the desk clerk, Ed Pricem, to recommend a forger. The clerk (who, in a casual aside, mentions that he is a telepath – putting us in mind of the universe of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?).
Ed the desk clerk takes Jason through darkened streets into Watts which was, when Dick was writing, a slum. In a darkened garage Ed introduces Jason to a very young woman, Kathy Nelson, maybe only 17 or 18 (she eventually tells us she’s 19), who takes him to her workshop and turns out to be a master forger.
Here commences the troubled relationship which last for the next third or so of the book, for Kathy has impressive mental problems. Initially the conversation is fairly rational and, while she’s making him the forged IDs (he needs half a dozen in this police state) they recap a bit of future history, namely how there was some kind of Insurrection led by sixes like Jason, but it was repressed and most of the sixes were rounded up and shot and the government became even more repressive.
(In what I presume is a humorous / paranoid reference to the student unrest of the time the book was written, the early 70s, the narrative informs us that all universities have prison walls round them. Any students or lecturers caught escaping are sent to forced labour camps. Later we are told that up to 10,000! students at Stanford were massacred in one particular police action back during the Insurrection.)
(In another throwaway reference, we learn that Congress passed a bill led by someone called Tidman to solve ‘the race problem’ by restricting black couples to only one child. Over the generations this will or has hugely reduced their numbers. So much so that black people are now endangered and it is a crime to hurt them, p.29.)
But Kathy is odd, very odd. She’s convinced that her husband, Jack, is in a forced labour camp but approves of her sleeping with other men, something they discuss at length. She confesses that she was placed in a mental hospital for eight weeks. She is convinced she met a number of famous celebrities there, and slept with them.
Then she reveals that she is a great forger but embeds electronic tagging devices into her forged documents and tips off the police about the customers. Why? Because the police have promised her that if she helps them catch enough criminals, they’ll release her husband, Jack. (Later, when we meet her police controller, McNulty, he tells Jason that all this is a delusion: Kathy’s husband is in fact dead, died in a car crash, but she hasn’t got over it.)
Kathy insists that Jason – tall, handsome, confident – sleeps with her, which he is initially cheerfully in favour of until he begins to grasp how nuts she is. This is forcibly demonstrated when he takes her to a (terrible) restaurant of her choosing and when she doesn’t get her way, falls off her chair onto the floor screaming at the top of her voice. Till the waiters throw them out.
Walking back to Kathy’s flat, Jason manages to give her the slip. He phones his partner back in ‘the real world’, Heather Hart, on her personal vidphone but of course she’s never heard of him. He pesters her with several calls despite her repeatedly hanging up, and freaks her out with his intimate knowledge of her anatomy (she has a false tooth she calls Andy, p.58) and all her phone numbers. But he has clearly erupted into a parallel universe in which he was never born, never existed. Nobody knows him.
Puzzling this over Jason almost immediately walks into a pop-up police checkpoint. Paranoia and fear while they check the papers Kathy just made him. But they pass. Grudgingly the ‘pols’ let him go. But the checkpoint has given Kathy time to catch up and find him and once again he finds himself, immensely reluctantly, walking back to her flat. Here is horrified to find Kathy’s ‘control’, Inspector McNulty waiting for both of them. McNulty, in the way of scary totalitarian cops in this kind of fiction, now becomes politely but firmly interested in Jason and asks him along to the station.
There he makes him wait while the cops search the (global) database for him. By mistake the machine spits out the details of a ‘Jason Taverner’ born about the same year, but in the mid-West to farmers, a very ugly redneck. Thinking on his feet, Jason claims to be the same guy and makes up a story about him running away from the farm and using his grandfather’s inheritance to get comprehensive plastic surgery.
Yeeeees, McNulty says, staring at him, not really believing it. After several false releases – being let go then called back for ‘a few more questions’, which ratchet up the pressure – Jason finally gets to walk away. He had to hand all of his ID papers over to McNulty to be triple-checked, but the cops handed him a week-long total pass (a ‘pol-pass’) in exchange. So he has a week to figure out what the hell is going on, which gives the novel a sense of urgency and a clear timeframe.
So the first hundred pages of Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said are set in an America of the future which has become a police state (what Jason calls ‘a betrayal state, p.58) in which a genetically engineered man has made himself a successful career as a rich and famous TV star. But, after a near-fatal experience, he wakes up in a parallel universe where he appears never to have existed, is thrown down among the plebs, the ‘ordinaries’, stripped of his wealth and fame, and experiences life on the run.
Part two introduces new characters, namely McNulty’s boss, Police General Felix Buckman. He scares and intimidates McNulty, who tells him about this Tavern guy they just picked up. By this stage McNulty has discovered that the mid-West story is a fake. What puzzles him is that ‘Taverner’ has no records of any kind.
‘Jason Taverner doesn’t exist.’ (p.82)
Buckman is intrigued but has to cope with his no-good, drug addict, bondage addict sister, Alys who has, yet again, got past the guards and into his office where he finds her sleeping off another dose of something.
He wakes he up and gives her a sound telling off for being an addict.We learn that she paid for the removal of the ‘responsibility’ parts of her brain, leaving her just the pleasure centres, which she stimulates by ‘diddling’ (presumably masturbating) all day long.
Jason, with a week to find out what the hell is going on, takes an air taxi to Las Vegas hoping to find a woman whose pad he can crash in, maybe a woman he knew in the other life. Sure enough he has barely settled himself at the bar of ‘the Nellie Melba room of the Drake’s Arms’ in Las Vegas (p.85) than he spies an old flame of his, Ruth Rae. Knowing her sex addiction, he finds it easy enough to chat her up and soon they head back to her place, first for championship sex, and then for a long discussion about love and, unexpectedly, the power of grief.
But then the police burst in, having detected Jason via the microtransmitter the slipped into his clothes.
He is transported in a police ‘quibble’ (Dick’s humorous word for car or transport) back to LA, to the 469th Precinct Police Station, where he is ushered into the rather luxurious room of General Buckman. Buckman is one of only a handful of police generals in the country. Clever, he proceeds to bluff Jason that he is a seven (Jason didn’t even know sevens existed, but Buckman knows enough about the head of the research programme which developed the sixes to bluff him), trying to get him to spill the beans about the plot or conspiracy which he is convinced Jason must be involved in.
Eventually Buckman comes to believe that Jason really doesn’t know what he’s doing in this dimension. He decides to let him go, but to tag and trail him. Next morning Jason walks free into the LA sunlight (and the thick traffic pollution).
Someone calls his name. It is Alys Buckman, six foot, dressed in leathers with a metal chain. Where’s the whip, Jason thinks. Clearly she is visually meant to look like a bondage dominatrix. Alys explains she’s Buckman’s twin sister. She hates him. She tells him he has a microtransmitter and – surreally – a minute nuclear bomb – embedded on his person. She removes both with a kit she has. She flies him in her quibble (these ascend vertically and, apparently, have rotor blades) to the general’s luxury mansion which she shares with him. On the way she says she knows who he is! She is a big fan! She has two of his long playing records in the back of the quibble!
My God! Maybe she knows how to get back to his own world.
But, immensely frustratingly, Alys refuses to answer any of his questions, instead politely offering him some mescaline (‘Harvey’s yellow Number One, imported from Switzerland’, p.134) and, as he begins to trip out, fills the time with what appears to be a series of inconsequential chatter. She shows him her brother’s rare and precious stamps, his collection of snuff boxes.
As Jason’s trip reaches extremes Alys realises he’s too far in and offers to go get some thorazine to counter the mescaline. Jason staggers to the record player and, through his hallucinations, manages to get one of his records out of its sleeve and turn on the record player and drop the needle with a bump onto the play-in groove, but…. there’s just static. There’s nothing on the records. They’re blank! (p.144)
Jason staggers upstairs, looking for Alys and then, to his horror, opens a bedroom and finds… her leather clothes and stilettoes on the floor and inside them, wearing them, a long, long-dead shrivelled corpse! Horrified, he blunders, half falls down the steps, across the lawn of the mansion and to the guard by the gate. His drugged slurred speech alerts the guard who runs inside – he hears a shout – and the guard comes running back after him, letting off a few shots from his laser gun, obviously thinking Jason murdered his employer, before running back inside.
This gives time for Jason to escape from the grounds and blunder into a young woman just getting into her ‘flipflap’. Yes, flipflap. Like Kurt Vonnegut, you have the strong feeling that Dick, by now, in the early 70s, has taken enough drugs, written enough fantasy sci-fi books, to realise that he can make up anything, say anything, the more ludicrous the better – and people just as stoned as him will lap it up!
So he begs for a lift in this young lady’s flipflap and, although reluctant, she (name: Mary Anne Dominic) lets him fly her downtown (so she can post the ceramic pots she makes for a living) then they go to a coffee shop.
Jason is trying to make sense of Alys’s fate. For a start how come she knew who he was, the only person in this world to do so? But then again, how come the records were blank?
While he’s thinking out loud the young woman he’s sort of kidnapped picks up on the fact that he thinks he’s a famous TV star and singer and says, ‘Shall I go see if they’ve got any of your songs on the jukebox?’
To his amazement they have, and she puts a coin in the machine to play it. What? And the people in the café start to recognise him, applaud when the song ends, and some shy kids come up asking for an autograph. It’s all coming back, the ‘normal’ world he lives in, bit by bit, faster and faster.
Jason says goodbye to Mary Anne (after she has insisted on giving him one of her most beautiful deep blue pots, carefully wrapped) and sets off to see Heather.
On the way he speculates darkly: maybe the reality is that he’s an unknown pauper living in a crappy motel and it’s the drug which Alys gave him which takes him out of that world and into the world of fame. Maybe the world of fame is the drug-induced fantasy, which he needs Alys to regularly supply him the drugs to experience?
Meanwhile we cut back to the cops back at the death scene of Alys. The LA police forensic scientist says Alys died from an experimental new drug. There follows a long pseudo-scientific explanation that the drug suspends the brain’s ability to distinguish between fixed blocs of time and space i.e. the ability to compartmentalise events into before and after, and to compartmentalise space into separate, well, spaces. In a bit of a leap, they claim the drug allows more than one reality to exist at once, and in a further leap, that this leads to multiple universes existing at the same time. Alys’s use of the drug created an alternative universe into which Jason was pulled.
I.e it was all her fault. Jason’s entire experience of being pulled into this alternative universe in which he was never born – is solely the result of Alys’s trip on a new experimental drug.
I admit to being disappointed. I thought it was going to be something to do with toxins release by ‘the Callisto cuddle sponge’. Remember that, back at the start?
Now a newly confident Jason phones up Heather and – she recognises him! Darling where have you been, I’ve been so worried etc. But when he flies to her flat to meet her neither of them refer to the incident with Marilyn Mason. What? Last thing we saw in that universe, he was being rushed into surgery with Heather crying her eyes out? Did it not happen? Or has Dick now got bored of it and not bothered to link it to how his narrative has ended up?
To me the complete lack of follow-up to the Caliisto sponge scene doesn’t say anything about Dick’s clever manipulation of reality, it says everything about how he and his tripped-out readers don’t really care about logic or consequences or coherence,as long as the narrative contains loads of gee whizz references to drugs and the police state.
In a nutshell Alys took an entirely new, made-up drug, and this had the entirely made-up effect of dragging Jason (and Buckminster and everyone else around her) into her fantasy in which Jason had never existed. Until she died – at which point the ‘real’ world started flooding back. I still don’t understand this. Why him, why Jason? What is the meaning of the records which won’t play?
Anyway, now a completely new plotline kicks off. Backat police headquarters Buckman’s Machiavellian adviser points out that Alys’s suicide will make the gutter press snoop around, and that Buckman’s incestuous relationship with her is bound to come out, and that this will give his enemies and rivals among the four or so other Police Generals the opportunity to get him demoted or sacked.
Instead, Buckman had better get his retaliation in first, by concocting a scandalous story which somehow implicates them – the other generals. What they need to do is present Alys’s death as a murder resulting from some great conspiracy into which he can drag his rivals, ideally involving some high level, public figure who will divert attention away from the incest.
And it is at just this moment that the latest file on Jason Taverner is placed on Buckman’s desk. The perfect fall guy! They’ll say Taverner was driven mad with jealousy when he discovered that Alys had been having a lesbian love affair with his own long-term partner, Heather Hart, went round and murdered her. The security cop saw him at the scene. The police coroner can be ordered to change the evidence to do whatever it takes to incriminate Taverner.
They agree this plan and make a public announcement they’re seeking Taverner on a warrant for murder. Taverner has just arrived at Heather’s empty apartment feeling mighty happy to have his old life back when Heather storms in waving the newspaper with its front page headline about her and Alys (they did in fact have a lesbian affair) and the cops wanting to arrest them both. Jason and Heather argue and have tantrums and then realise there’s nothing to be done but hand themselves in.
Having read four Dick novels in a row, one of the subtler threads or similarities between them is how passive his protagonists are. Frank Frink just accepts it when he’s arrested. Juliana shrugs when she finds out she’s living in a parallel universe. Rick Deckard undergoes mad experiences including inexplicable hallucinations, but ends up chatting sensibly with his wife. Joe Chin has moments of panic in Ubik but by and large functions efficiently and logically, despite finding out he has died and is being kept in cryogenic storage.
Similarly, at every moment when the cops confront him Jason Taverner… just gives up and goes meekly. There’s something very underpowered about Dick’s protagonists. They passively submit to weird hallucinations, mad revelations and terrifying time travel parallel universes.
Maybe the central protagonist has to remain calm and rational, in order to allow the weirdness to really come out.
I’ve also noticed that Dick’s books tend to get to what is definitely the end of the story… and then have an extra bit tacked on afterwards.
On paper (and in the movie) Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? should end when Deckard ‘retires’ the last of the six androids he has been tasking with killing. Sure enough he goes home to see his wife. But then there is an extra and completely unnecessary chapter where he flies north into the radioactive wilderness and finds himself climbing the hill and somehow changing into Wilbur Mercer. And then a further extra bit, when Deckard finds the live toad and takes it home to his wife.
Same here. Having made the reasonably rational decision to frame Taverner for his sister’s death, Buckman then flies home. Job done, game over, right? But in the event he finds himself crying, torn by an impulse to go back and rescind the arrest warrant for Taverner.
Instead he pull up (i.e. descends to) an automated gas station in the middle of nowhere. One other quibble is there, its owner a smartly dressed black guy, pacing up and down as he waits for his quibble to be topped up with gas. On impulse Buckman takes a piece of police notepaper and draws a heart with an arrow through it and gives it to the black man. The black man looks at it, looks at Buckman, looks at the paper again, then lets it drop and blow away. Buckman gets back into his quibble and flies off.
OK, so far so far out, man. There’s still ten or so pages of text left so you’d expect to return to the plot, right?
But no. Buckman cries more tears, veers his quibble round and goes back to the gas station. Black guy is still there. This time they talk, and the black guy turns out to be remarkably perceptive, realising Buckman is in a weird emotional state, sympathises, gives him his card, says ‘Call me sometime’. Buckman gets back in his quibble and this time does fly back to his fine home.
What was that about? Is Dick playing with the format of the novel by consistently adding these overspill sections (rather as he plays with various conventions in this novel by dropping characters and forgetting loose ends – e.g. ‘the gelatin-like Callisto cuddle sponge with its fifty feeding tubes’)? Is he screwing with our heads, man?
The four novels of Dick’s I’ve read all feature drugs as a common-or-garden, accepted element in the societies he describes.
Even in The Man in the High Castle, supposedly set in a parallel 1962, not only do some of the the characters (Frank Frink) smoke marijuana cigarettes, but these are commercially available i.e. not illegal.
In Ubik the owner of the half-life moratorium casually offers Runciter amphetamines when he looks like he needs pepping up, not as some illicit substance but as a perfectly ordinary element of polite society.
In this novel the cops not only smoke weed but offer Jason a joint after they arrest him. McNulty’s boss mentions that he should take some amphetamine.
And then there’s Dick’s prolonged portrayal of a mescaline trip at the police general’s mansion.
At the time (the late 1960s, man) I think this familiarity with drugs, drug paraphernalia and experiences and risks, gained Dick a vast audience among students and dropouts, and a reputation as a prophet of the alternative culture. So cool, man.
45 years later America is hooked on opioids which result in 122,000 deaths in 2015, not to mention the massive worldwide organised crime associated with heroin and cocaine trafficking. Only the relatively young and naive can any more think that any form of drugs is cool.
Sex doesn’t have the centrality in Dick’s work that it does in many other writers. It comes across as more of a plot device than an end in itself, designed to amplify the more important ideas around it such as fractured identity, altered mental states, parallel universes, and the general unreliability of ‘reality’ – whatever that is.
What’s interesting is the way the sexual element becomes more overt as you track these novels from the early 1960s through to the mid-1970s.
Following the trend, sex plays a bigger role in this story than all previous ones. The fact that he’s had sex with so many different women marks Jason as a product of the Hugh Hefner Playboy era. The introduction of Alys in particular, the leather-clad bondage girl, reminds me of all the leatherclad cartoon women from the 1950s.
But Dick piles on the perversion by having Alys and Buckman (whose name, if you replace the B with an F, would become more counter-cultural and, like, subversive,man) be not only twins but incestuous. really incestuous. So incestuous that they have had a son, Barney, who they’s packed off to boarding school in Florida. Weird enough for you, man?
And it is Alys who introduces Jason to the idea that there is a matrix or ‘grid’ of people who all go online to make mass phone calls at the same time, during which they live out their sexual fantasies. Alys explains that this can quickly become an addiction and that you can tell the people who are addicted to it by the way they look aged and drained. Nowadays, of course, we call this the internet.
Although the story is meant to be about a parallel world brought about by someone’s fantasies, it would not be hard to do an entry-level feminist critique of the narrative to bring out the way it is a picaresque story in which a tall, handsome rich man encounters a whole succession of women who represent different female stereotypes:
mature girlfriend Heather who wants to marry and have his babies
psychotic 19-year-old Kathy, with her undeveloped body (she laments her lack of bust) and paranoid possessiveness
Alys the six-foot, bondage lesbian
Mary Anne Domenico, the plain, sensitive, ‘artistic’ virgin
When Jason gets to Heather’s flat at the end, after what we can all agree has been a very trying two days, she’s out and he finds her faithful maid, Susie, at work. So he sidles up, slips his arm around her and grips ‘her firm right boob’ (p.178), behaviour which would see him arrested and sent to prison these days.
Dick fans may see Flow My Tears as a highly artful exploration of themes of identity, reality and mental illness. #metoo activists might not be wrong to see Jason Taverner as a forerunner of Harvey Weinstein.
In the same way as sex becomes a more dominant theme, over these four novels I’ve noticed the way Dick’s characters swear more and more. I’m not sure anyone swears in The Man in the High Castle (1962), whereas only 12 years later pretty much everyone is saying ‘fuck’.
‘Do you think I’m a CF, a celebrity fucker?’ (Kathy, p.55)
‘Don’t use that “I don’t give a fuck” tone with me.’ (Jason, p.58)
‘Fuck off,’ said Ruth Rae (p.101)
‘In what fucking way?’ he said, harshly. (Jason, p.104)
Isn’t it possible they’ll fuck up all down the line? (Jason thinking about the cops, p.107)
Her face glowed hotly and she said, ‘That motherfucker!’ (Alys, p.135)
‘Nowhere Nuthin’ Fuck-Up’ (Jason’s most recent hit, p.155)
‘We’ll kill you in the end, you miserable murdering motherfucker.’ (General Buckman, p.188)
Not just ‘fuck’, but a lot of the character use the cool groovy slang of the late 60s, early 70s.
‘Can you lay a joint on this brother?’ (a Jesus-freak cop, p. 114)
a freak thing (Ruth Rae p.103)
‘If you dig what I mean’ (Ruth Rae p.104)
‘If you split now…’ (Ruth Rae p.106)
‘Can’t you hold your hit, man?’ (Alys, p.140)
‘Please don’t freak, I won’t hurt you.’ (Jason, p.152)
‘You’re really far out,’ Mary Anne said enthusiastically.’ (p.156)
‘Let’s get it on’, he said. (p.178)
‘It’s OK. I can dig it.’ (the unnamed black guy, p.197)
Yeah baby, lay some skin on me, let’s stick it the Man, tell it like it is, right on sister.
It’s tricky to know whether Dick thought he was just updating his prose style and dialogue to reflect the way people were speaking in 1973 – or whether he was satirising the way people were speaking in 1973.
He’s certainly satirising the shallowness of TV and and the mind-boggling inanity of pop music – like the pretty crude joke that Jason’s most recent hit song, the one which Mary Anne puts on in the café as ‘his’ reality starts to flood back, is titled ‘Nowhere Nuthin’ Fuck-Up’. But then, what modern writer doesn’t satirise TV for its inanity? It’s a cliché of 20th century post-war fiction.
Either way, whatever the motivation, it’s another of the attitudes which – along with the glamorising of drugs and the hero’s casual expectation that he can sleep with any woman he wants to – make the novel seem such a period piece.
This sense – that a lot of the plot and comment is dated late-60s, early-70s satire – was hugely confirmed for me when, in a minor scene, the cops go to Ruth Rae’s apartment building to arrest Jason but break into the wrong room. Before they discover this they tiptoe across a wall-to-wall carpet depicting Richard M. Nixon’s ascent into heaven as God’s Second Begotten Son (p.108)
Over-excited satire of Richard Nixon belongs to a specific time and place which most people alive do not now remember or understand (he resigned the presidency in August 1974, presumably a little after this novel was published, and a long, long 45 years ago.) This really gross satire reminds me of Hunter S. Thompson’s obsession with Nixon in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971) and the way Thompson devoted an entire book to Nixon’s re-election campaign, Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72.
This detail made me realise how much Dick was writing for a very specific audience, addressing the pressing social, cultural and political issues of his day which seemed to be caught up in a really seismic crisis – and therefore how, at least on the level of his attitudes to politics, sex and drugs, his books are not prescient and prophetic but rather backward-looking and dated. Can you dig it, man?
Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said Wikipedia article
Philip K. Dick Wikipedia article
Philip K. Dick reviews
The Man in the High Castle (1962) In an alternative future America lost the Second World War and has been partitioned between Japan and Nazi Germany. The narrative follows a motley crew of characters including a dealer in antique Americana, a German spy who warns Japanese officials the Germans are planning a surprise attack, and a woman determined to track down the reclusive author of a hit book which describes an alternative future in which America won the Second World War
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) n 1992 androids are almost indistinguishable from humans except by trained bounty hunters like Rick Deckard who is paid to track down and ‘retire’ escaped andys
Ubik (1969) In 1992 the world is threatened by mutants with psionic powers who are combated by ‘inertials’. The novel focuses on the weird alternative world experienced by a group of inertials after a catastrophe on the moon
Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said (1974) America after the Second World War is a police state but the story is about popular TV host Jason Taverner who is plunged into an alternative version of this world where he is no longer a rich entertainer but down on the streets among the ‘ordinaries’ and on the run from the police. Why? And how can he get back to his storyline?
1904 The Food of the Gods and How It Came to Earth by H.G. Wells – scientists invent a compound which makes plants, animals and humans grow to giant size, leading the human giants to rebel against the ‘little people’
1906 In the Days of the Comet by H.G. Wells – a comet trailing gasses through earth’s atmosphere brings about ‘the Great Change’, inaugurating an era of wisdom and fairness, as told by narrator Willie Leadford
1952 Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov – the Foundation set up by psychohistorian Hari Seldon faces attack by an Imperial general, and then the menace of the mysterious mutant known as ‘the Mule’
1953 Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke – a thrilling tale of the Overlords who arrive from space to supervise mankind’s transition to the next stage in its evolution
1961 A Fall of Moondust by Arthur C. Clarke – a pleasure tourbus on the moon is sucked down into a sink of quicksand-like moondust, sparking a race against time to rescue the trapped crew and passengers
1968 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke – panoramic narrative which starts with aliens stimulating evolution among the first ape-men and ends with a spaceman transformed into a galactic consciousness
Posted in America, American literature, Books, Novel, Science Fiction
Tagged 1974, 1988, alternative reality, Alys Buckman, bondage, Callisto cuddle sponge, drugs, Ed Pricem, flipflap, Flow My Tears The Policeman Said, Forced Labour Camp, fuck, hallucination, Heather Hart, incest, Inspector McNulty, Jason Taverner, Jason Taverner Show, Kathy Nelson, Las Vegas, lesbian, Los Angeles, marijuana, Marilyn Mason, Mary Anne Dominic, mescaline, military dictatorship, narrative, novel, Philip K. Dick, quibble, reality, Richard M. Nixon, Rolls Royce, Ruth Rae, science fiction, sex, story, student unrest, swearing, vidphone
https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2019/01/12/flow-my-tears-the-policeman-said-philip-k-dick/
Ubik by Philip K. Dick (1969)
His revulsion became, all at once, a weird nebulous panic. (p.88)
Ubik is set in the same year as Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, 1992, although it is a different 1992 (itself making a point about ramifying realities and fissiparous futures). Instead of androids, this future is plagued by telepaths, telepaths who can read your mind and some which can predict the future.
The telepaths – known collectively as psis – have become such a menace that companies have grown up which offer the services of anti-telepaths, human mutants who also have psionic mind powers, but of a purely negative kind, to counteract them. The businesses are known as anti-psi prudence organisations; the anti-telepaths are known as ‘inertials’.
Types of telepaths include: teeps, kineticists, precogs, resurrectors and animists (p.22).
One of these prudence organisations is Runciter Associates, run by ageing Glen Runciter. His people irritate him by ringing him early one morning to tell him they’ve lost track of ‘the top telepath in the Sol system’, S. Dole Melipone. He is the only known telepath who can generate ‘68.2 blr units of telepathic aura’. Melipone is employed by Ray Hollis, who runs an organisation for psis and is by way of being the book’s baddy.
Runciter immediately flies to Zürich to consult his dead wife, Ella, who is kept in a state of suspended animation – in ‘cold-pac’ – at the Beloved Brethren Moratorium run by Herbert Schoenheit von Vogelsang. Family members who have passed away can be kept in cryogenic storage and you can ‘wake’ them and communicate with their brain patterns via special headphones, the ‘electronic communing equipment’ (p.223).
In the event, Ella’s thoughts are hijacked by a dead person being kept in a casket next to hers, Jory Miller. Because he’s younger, Jory’s cerebronic patterns are stronger than hers. Runciter is outraged and demands his wife be moved to a secure unit.
These half-deads are, the reader reflects, yet another kind of altered consciousness, Dick’s main theme – as are, of course, the florid range of telepaths and inertials we meet throughout the book. Other kinds of minds.
Runciter Associates had sent one of their own telepaths, G.G. Ashwood to the hotel where Melipone was last seen. Now Ashwood turns up at the flat of the chronically impoverished Runciter Associates employee, Joe Chip.
Ashwood has brought a new find, a girl of about 17 who has a spectacular new power. She seems to be able to rearrange the past in order to suit the needs of the present. I.e. if she sees something she or someone else wants to change she has the power, not to travel in person, but to send her mind back into the past to alter the course of events in order to change the present to suit. She proves this by showing Joe the initial evaluation of her which he carried out and which was very unfavourable. In the narrative we just read she had slowly stripped off to get ready for a shower, which swayed Joe towards giving her a more favourable valuation. This – the stripping version – is version two of events. She went back and changed everything that happened from the moment she came into his apartment.
Joe doesn’t believe it. To prove it Pat gets out of her blouse the valuation he wrote for her in the first course of events. It’s his writing, alright. It appears to be true that she can go back in time and alter the course of events. Wow.
All this has happens in the first 40 or so pages of this 230-page-long novel. As usual Dick has plunged us not only into a story, but into a densely imagined world of wonders where weird elements are not just everyday but so taken for granted that they’re given typically American nicknames.
The futureness of it all is created and reinforced by a raft of gadgets and gizmos in the brave new world of 1992.
Runciter obviously travels to Switzerland and back super-fast, maybe via rocket. The existence of rockets is confirmed when Runciter takes his team of inertials to Luna (the moon) by the company rocket, Pratfall II.
Runciter’s hovertaxi drops him on the roof of his company building, from where he takes a ‘descent chute’ down to the fifth floor.
People don’t have newspapers, they have ‘pape machines on whose screen they scan through today’s headlines and, if an article takes their fancy, ask the ‘pape machine to print it off so it can be read. (Reading this in 2019 you wonder why Dick didn’t make the logical connection and just have people read the whole article off the screen? Why bother with cumbersome printing? I guess the culture-wide tradition of reading from paper was too all-encompassing for even Dick to see beyond.)
People talk via vidphone (as they also do in Android).
Money has stopped being in dollars and is now counted in poscreds.
For weaponry people carry laser tubes (as they do in Android).
The main plot concerns a client, Stanton Mick, a billionaire who is developing a new hyperspace drive on the moon. He suspects his operation has been infiltrated by psis from Hollis’s organisation. The fear is that they will carry out industrial espionage, getting into his scientists’ minds, stealing all the secrets, possibly sabotaging the project.
So he sends a secretary, Miss Wirt, to ask Runciter Associates to send up a team of their best inertials to counter the psis.
It all has a broadly comic tone. The inertials Runciter assembles are a strikingly random ill-matched bunch of freaks wearing deliberately kooky outfits – the red triangular glasses, the fashionable elastic bands which push a woman’s breasts together – who even their employer, Runciter, finds it hard to take seriously.
They fly to the moon (in one hour) and are ushered by Stanton Mick’s people into the underground rooms of the lunar base. The bizarre figure of Micks, with waist-length white hair, appears, but they’ve barely begun discussing arrangements before Mick inexplicably floats up to the ceiling and explodes.
Many of the inertials are injured, Runciter fatally. Joe takes charge and carries Runciter’s body with another anti-psi, along with the rest of them they escape in a lift up to the surface, make it to the spaceship, and blast off, leaving Joe wondering: if the entire ‘job’ was a set-up by Hollis, why did he let them get away?
The novel is surprisingly funny. Or obviously funny at unexpected moments. One humorous element is Dick’s fondness for improbable-verging-on-grotesque businesses. I noted it in the Van Ness Animal repair shop in Androids and here it surfaces in the Beloved Brethren Moratorium and its unctuous Teutonic owner.
The rundown of the eleven inertials who go to the moon is a parade of grotesques in outlandish costumes, done for broadly comic effect.
There’s another thread of broad comedy running through the text in that, in the future, many basic household functions and implements – such as a door, a shower, a bath – require cash payments up front before functioning. You have to slip a nickel or a dime or twenty cents into the slot before they’ll work. This need dogs Joe Chip wherever he goes because Joe, a shambles of a man, is permanently hard-up, with the result that doors won’t open for him, coffee dispensers won’t serve him, showers don’t operate, and so on, so that he is continually begging everyone around him for spare nickels and dimes, which becomes a kind of catchphrase or repeated failing.
The plot so far led me to expect that there would be all kinds of cat and mouse, psi-chasing shenanigans between inertials and psis on the moon base. But this turns out tobe a complete red herring. From this point onwards the novel is about something completely different.
Immediately after the fake Stanton Mick bomb explodes, Runciter’s team all hurry back to the rocket and blast off back for earth.
And begin to notice what turns out to be The Big Theme of the second half of the book. Everything starts ageing and retrogressing. The cigarettes crumble in their hands. Coins seem out of date. The ship’s computer rejects information from the yellow pages when they try and phone the moratorium number.
They fly direct to the Beloved Brethren Moratorium in order to get Runciter’s body into a cold-pac as soon as possible, to preserve whatever is left of his consciousness and there is fuss and comic business with the funereal Herbert Schoenheit von Vogelsang, who insists on playing heavy classical music (Beethoven, Verdi) till they yell at him to turn it off.
But things are retrogressing. Joe stays the night at the moratorium hotel and in the morning is horrified to discover one his fellow inertials, Wendy Wright, turned into a dried-out mummy. She had obviously come to see him in the night but maybe be stricken by some sort of physical degeneration and crawled to the closet where she curled up and atrophied.
Joe flies back to New York where he finds a meeting of the inertials being led by Al Hammond. They have all noticed that their cigarettes are always too old to smoke. They get their money out and lay it on the table only to discover that Runciter’s head has replaced Washington on all the coins and notes. One of the inertials has a box of matches they bought weeks ago which carries an advertisement featuring Runciter’s face and telling them he is selling a product from a corporate HQ in Des Moines.
Joe takes Al from the meeting to his office where the remains of Wendy are in a plastic bag. They confer feverishly about the situation then decide to pick a city at random. Baltimore. They fly to Baltimore and visit a store at random. The woman in front of them at the checkout complains that everything she’s bought from the store is either dying or dead. Al and Joe check out the packs of cigarettes; all of them crumble in their fingers. Something is ageing the world. Something that aged Wendy to death.
They pick a carton totally at random from a huge pile of cigarette cartons and, when they open it, there’s a message from Runciter inside, telling them the situation is critical, he must get in touch with them, apologising about Wendy. What the hell is going on? There seem to be two forces, one in which everything is ageing, another in which Runciter is taking over the world, or revealing aspects of it (money, vidphone, products).
Joe takes a punt and buys a brand new tape recorder from the store. They fly back to New York. By the time they hand the tape recorder over to Runciter Associates’ chief technician the recorder has morphed into an old tape-driven version, at least 40 years old. Al looks at the instruction booklet and it claims the machine was ‘Made by Runciter of Zürich’ which has a North American office in Des Moines, Iowa. It’s as if lots of bits of Runciterness are leaking into this world. How? Why?
They take a lift back to the meeting room where they left the others, but on the way Al has visions of the lift itself reverting to a 1910s metal frame elevator complete with elevator guy. He is phasing back and forth between the present and a degenerated past. As they walk the corridor towards the meeting room Al fades. He asks to go into the men’s room where they find a graffito:
JUMP IN THE URINAL AND STAND ON YOUR HEAD
I’M THE ONE THAT’S ALIVE. YOU’RE ALL DEAD
The lights go out. Joe hears Al’s voice fading. He’s going the way of Wendy and begs Joe to leave. There is a terrifying page which takes us inside Al’s head to experience the sense of the entire present world turning to a barren desert of rocks and ice.
The conference room is empty. The other inertials have split. The big TV screen broadcasts a news announcement of the death of Runciter and a big funeral to be held at the Simple Shepherd Mortuary in his home town of des Moines. This cuts to a message for a product named Ubik, followed by a message from Runciter himself, saying that he knew he was going to be assassinated on the moon, thanks to some company preconfigs. He knew this deterioration would set in (though he doesn’t explain why) and says he posted an aerosol of Ubik which Joe can use to spray around him and stave off the decay.
Joe, the reader notices, is taking all this very calmly. Dick’s characters generally do. When they have nervous breakdowns it’s not because of the weird stuff that happens in the stories. Anyway, Joe ponders: the graffiti in the men’s room implied that Runciter is alive and that somehow all the other inertials are dead. Maybe the bomb on the moon killed all of them save Runciter and he somehow managed to get them all into cold-pacs. Maybe this is what being half-dead feels like, like the world carries on but rots and regresses until eventually it’s just the bleak desert which Al saw.
But that theory is contradicted by this TV newscast which, along with the text of the matchbox ads, appears to show that Runciter genuinely is dead. Only answer is to get to des Moines for this supposed funeral.
Joe takes a hovertaxi back to his apartment building. Here there is an extended passage where Joe discovers that every single element in his apartment has regressed – the fridge, phone, TV, everything have ceased to be their shiny plastic 1992 editions and gone back to the 50s, 40s and 30s.
When he exits the apartment (held up, as usual by the front door demanding its nickel) he is scared of taking the lift in case the same thing happens to him as happened to Al, so he walks down the stairs. By the time he gets to the front door it has an old fashioned electric buzzer. There’s a package in his post cubby hole but it doesn’t contain the Ubik spray Runciter promised, but Ubik Liver and Kidney Balm, some old-fashioned snake oil.
The substance designed to reverse the regressive change process has itself regressed. (p.145)
His car has reverted back into a petrol and combustion engine car. He’s never driven one before. A key ring is in his pocket with the ignition key in it so he starts it up and hesitantly drives towards the nearest airport.
By the time Joe gets to the airfield it is lined with old hangars and all the planes have propellers. In the time it takes to be directed towards some flyers who might be prepared to take him to Des Moines these have degenerated further to biplanes. the quaintly dressed pilots a) look at his outlandish (futuristic) clothes b) reject his unknown (to them) money and c) agree to fly him in exchange for his 1939 LaSalle motor. But when Joe takes them to see it it has regressed further to a black 1920 Model-A Ford (p.149).
The pilot isn’t interested in the car but notices the bottle of Ubik on the passenger seat. It has regressed since Joe left it to an apparently rare ointment – Elixir of Ubik – in a vintage bottle. Looking at it closely Joe sees the label has changed and there’s another message from Runciter:
Don’t do it Joe. There’s another way.
Keep trying. You’ll find it. Lots of luck.
The pilot says he’ll fly Joe to Des Moines in exchange. Weird though all this regressing has been, it has in a sense been easy enough to grasp – the world is moving backwards in time relative to one privileged character who remains the same and observes it rationally.
Next day he arrives at Des Moines airfield more or less in one piece, struggles (as always; it is his signature schtick) to find a nickel to use in the payphone, rings the Simple Shepherd Mortuary to be told that the service for Runciter has started, to be followed by a lying in state.
Joe finds all the other inertials who had been to the moon and were involved in the blast attending the funeral. They all crowd round him and it’s immediately obvious that they too have experienced the regression. They all see the same ‘reality’ as him, namely – from a newspaper he saw – that it is 13 September 1939 i.e. the Second World War has just broken out.
They confer and agree that they need to keep together. But one of them, Edie, had returned to her hotel in town feeling ‘tired’. they jump into the two available cars to get to the hotel and help her. On the way Joe is pulled over by a motorbike cop who writes out a citation. When he reads it, Joe sees it is in Runciter’s handwriting, warning him that Pat is… and then stops. At the bottom is an ad for a druggist, Archer’s Drug Store.
Joe enters the nearest shop and asks where the druggist is. The owner points across the road. Joe realises the building is pulsing in and out of time. For moments he can see it as an automated shop from 1992. Then it reverts to an era even before 1939. In one of its old moments he enters and asks the shop assistant for a jar of Ubik. On the label is yet another message from Runciter, warning that Pat is lying, Pat the time changer may be behind all of this.
Joe goes onto the hotel foyer and confronts Pat with the part of the message on the traffic violation at which moment his world explodes. It is dark, darkness which slowly resolves to grey streaks, and he can hear voices concerned for him. Basically he is dying and disintegrating just like Wendy and Al did. Pat accompanies him as he slowly, agonisingly makes his way up the stairs to the room he’s been allotted, taunting him all the way. Joe realises she is really evil. She was sent by Hollis to infiltrate Runciter Associates and kill them all, but this is a horrible way to do it.
The chapter describing this is really horrible, with an acute description of what feels like a heart attack only much worse – the sheer agony of trying to lift his feet and move one step further is nightmarish to read – and made ten times worse by Pat’s cold, heartless, taunting of him at, literally, every effortful gasping step of the way.
But when he finally, just about makes it into the room, and collapses to the floor, prepared to shrivel into a bag of dusty bones… Runciter is there and sprays him with wonder-working Ubik, at which he is almost immediately restored to normal life and function!
Runciter explains his view of the situation. Ashwood, Melipone, Mick and Hollis have been conspiring for months, maybe longer to lure them to Luna and blow them up. Now they are using Pat to transport them back in time. Why stop at 1939? Because that’s as far back as Pat’s powers extend.
Joe doesn’t believe him. In a complex dialogue Joe forces Runciter to admit that all the inertials were killed in the bomb explosion. They were quickly stored in cold-pacs. Pat herself was mortally wounded and is in a cold-pac. Runciter admits that he is sitting in the lobby of the Beloved Brethren Moratorium while Joe is in a cold-pac. Reluctantly, Runciter admits that the sense of atrophy and decline, things ageing and falling to pieces – they’re all common features of what all ‘half-lives’ experience, a mournful sense of decay.
And the regression in time? Initially Runciter tells him that is the work of Pat’s half-life mind taking them as far back as she can go. But, Joe asks, who is sometimes killing them, sometimes making it worse? Joe doesn’t believe it’s Hollis and his gang. It’s too arbitrary, too malicious for that. An almost childish delight in breaking and fixing, like a kids pulling wings off a fly. He nags Runciter into admitting that he, Runciter, doesn’t know what’s going on. He’s left all these useful messages and yet… he can’t actually save or improve the situation.
Runciter breaks off contact and the text cuts to him sitting in the lobby taking off the apparatus which lets you talk to the half-lives. And back to Joe in the fake 1939. There’s a knock at the door and one of the gang of inertias, Don Denny is there with an old-time doctor. Joe tells the doc he doesn’t need his help, but the doc inspects him anyway, while Joe tells Denny what he’s learned and what Runciter told him.
Denny tells him they’re all going to die. Even Pat. He just came from Pat expiring on the stairs. She seemed surprised. Yes, says Joe, she thinks she’s doing this, but she isn’t. She’s in the cold-pacs like all of them. Joe persuades Denny to use up what’s left of the Ubik spray, might do him some good. Denny sprays himself and when the nimbus of aerosol disappears, it isn’t Denny at all. there stands some gawky, misshapen teenage kids. He tells them his name is Jory, Jory Miller.
He is the gawky crude teenager who was in the cold-pac next to Runciter’s wife who invaded her thought patterns near the start of the book. Now he’s doing it to all of them.
There now follows an elaborate game as Jory gets rid of the doctor and explains that everything, everything he sees about him, was created by he, Jory. He eats the other half-lives, he consumes them, he has eaten all Joe’s colleagues. Joe attacks Jory but Jory sinks his teeth into his hand and tells him he is invulnerable. Joe turns and tries to escape out the hotel room, down the stairs, hails a cab in the street. Asks the cab to cruise around town and then out of town.
Joe knows that creating this world and keeping it stable costs Jory a lot of effort. He wants to make it hard. Cruising round they come across a pretty young woman. Joe kerb crawls her and says he’d like to take her to dinner. He is beginning to feel tired again, and cold, signs that the Ubik is wearing off. The young lady is kind and courteous and compassionate whenhe begins to fade and look rough. And then she announces that she is Ella Runciter, Ralph’s wife. She has been fighting a long war against Jory ever since he arrived in the moratorium.
She gives him a certificate for a lifetime supply of Ubik which he can get at any of two pharmacies in town. She says she is soon to be reborn (reborn? there’s a whole new angle) and wants him, Joe, to take over as Ralph’s sleeping partner, the person he comes to consult. They stop the cab. She gets out and bids adieu.
Hugely relieved, Joe gets the cab to drive to the first pharmacist. But almost as soon as he’s inside he realises the pharmacist is a version of Jory, who quietly gloats that he has ‘reverted’ all the Ubik in the store back to its 1930s version, pure snake oil, useless for healing. He hands him a jar of the useless stuff. Joe bends all his heart and soul and spirit on trying to force the thing to regenerate back to 1992, to be the proper Ubik, bending every nerve to make it so.
He fails. He gives up. He walks out the store. He is now feeling weak again. Oh no he’s going to have to go through the appalling weakness and cold he experienced back in the hotel when Pat was taunting him. He lies down on the bench at a bus shelter.
And a pretty woman bends over him and offers him a can of up to date, effective Ubik. She sprays it on him and she comes back to life. She is a representative of the manufacturer. She gives him a plausible sounding explanation of how it is a biochemical agent which retards the inevitable fading effects of being in a cold-pac on half life. ‘Hey, you want to go to dinner?’ he asks her. ‘Next time,’ she promises and fades away.
Throughout the book every chapter has started with a spoof little advert text selling Ubik as a wonder product, a brand of beer or coffee, a type of brassiere which pushes up and shapes those boobs, Ubik hair conditioner, Ubik sleeping pills.
On one level these read to me like the kind of satirical spoof ads you get in late 1960s comedy movies, Woody Allen films and suchlike, the knockabout spirit of the original M*A*S*H movie (1970), taking the mickey out of grotesque American consumer culture.
But quite obviously, on another level, Ubik is portrayed as some kind of magic force all the way through the novel. The entirely biochemical explanation the young lady gives at the end is not quite enough to explain the imaginative force it has had in the text. So it comes as no surprise when the epigraph to the short final chapter reads.
I am Ubik. Before the universe was, I am. I made the suns. I made the worlds. I created the lives and the places they inhabit; I move them here, I put them there. They go as I say, they do as I tell them. I am the word and my name is never spoken, the name which no one knows. I am called Ubik, but that is not my name. I am. I shall always be. (p.223)
So is Ubik just a chemical compound created by Ella Runciter within the world of the cold-pacs (and it’s pretty hard to see how that would be physically possible seeing as their bodies are completely static)? Or is it meant to be some shape-shifting force which stands – within the half-life world – for God?
To be honest, by this stage of the novel, on the penultimate page, I was too exhausted by the continually shifting realities of the previous 221 pages to care. That kind of point blank interpretation seems to me to be dead and stultifying.
What makes the novel live is the extraordinary and apparently endless succession of surprises it pulls on you. It is the narrative dynamic which appeals and works. Stopping to think about the logic of the plot or the symbolism for very long tends, in my experience, to make the whole house of cards collapse.
Futures and pasts
Both Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and Ubik are set in 1992, a giddy 24 years from when they were written. Dick predicted that by then we’d have hovercars, colonies on the moon and Mars, lasertubes, androids and telepaths.
In the real world 1992 was notable for the UK General Election which was won by John Major who went on to govern Britain for five years and is most remembered for setting up a traffic cones hotline.
Thus the difference between the dazzling techno-worlds of science fiction – and between Philip K. Dick’s deliriously proliferating alternative worlds – and the big grey underpants of reality.
Ubik on Amazon
Ubik Wikipedia article
The Man in the High Castle (1962) (1962) In an alternative future America lost the Second World War and has been partitioned between Japan and Nazi Germany. The narrative follows a motley crew of characters including a dealer in antique Americana, a German spy who warns a Japanese official about a looming surprise German attack, and a woman determined to track down the reclusive author of a hit book which describes an alternative future in which America won the Second World War
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) In 1992 androids are almost indistinguishable from humans except by trained bounty hunters like Rick Deckard who is paid to track down and ‘retire’ escaped andys
Ubik (1969) In 1992 the world is threatened by mutants with psionic powers who are combated by ‘inertials’ but the novel focuses on the weird alternative world experienced by a group of inertials after a catastrophe on the moon
Flow My Tears, The Policeman Said (1974)
1906 In the Days of the Comet by H.G. Wells – a comet trails gasses through earth’s atmosphere which bring about ‘the Great Change’, inaugurating an era of wisdom and fairness, as told by narrator Willie Leadford
1968 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke – panoramic narrative which starts with aliens stimulating evolution among the first ape-men and ends with a spaceman transformed into galactic consciousness
Posted in America, Books, Novel, Science Fiction
Tagged 'pape machine, 1920 Model-A Ford, 1939 LaSalle auto, 1969, 1992, anti-psi prudence organisations, anti-telepaths, Baltimore, Beloved Brethren Moratorium, book, cold-pac, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Don Denny, Elixir of Ubik, Ella Runciter, G.G. Ashwood, Glen Runciter, Herbert Schoenheit von Vogelsang, hovertaxi, inertials, Joe Chip, Jory Miller, kineticists, laser tubes, Luna, Miss Wirt, narrative, novel, Philip K. Dick, poscreds, Pratfall II, precogs, preconfigs, psis, Ray Hollis, resurrectors and animists, Runciter Associates, S. Dole Melipone, sci fi, science fiction, Second World War, Stanton Mick, story, teeps, telepaths, Ubik, Ubik Liver and Kidney Balm, Van Ness Animal Repair Shop, vidphone, Wendy Wright, Zurich
https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2019/01/11/ubik-philip-k-dick/
The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells (1897)
[Huxter] extended his hand; it seemed to meet something in mid-air, and he drew it back with a sharp exclamation. ‘I wish you’d keep your fingers out of my eye,’ said the aerial voice, in a tone of savage expostulation. ‘The fact is, I’m all here – head, hands, legs, and all the rest of it, but it happens I’m invisible. It’s a confounded nuisance, but I am. That’s no reason why I should be poked to pieces by every stupid bumpkin in Iping, is it?’ (Chapter 7)
The invisible man in Iping
Since we know the title of the book is The Invisible Man there’s not much mystery about the stranger who turns up one winter night at a West Sussex inn (the Coach and Horses) and books a room, wearing a heavy overcoat with the lapels turned up, a hat and big black glasses, gloves and with the few bits of his skin which ought to be exposed, wrapped in bandages. Not much mystery at all.
The early part of the story is played for laughs, as Wells describes the rural character and foibles of the inhabitants of Iping, the little village the man has come to – snooping Mrs Hall the landlady, bluff Mr Hall, Mr and Mrs Brimstone the vicar and his wife, Teddy Henfrey the clock repair man, and so on.
Mr Cuss the local physician pays a courtesy call on the stranger and is terrified when an apparently empty sleeve reaches out to him and invisible fingers tweak his nose. He flees. Mr and Mrs Bunting are puzzled when someone breaks into the vicarage to steal money from the housekeeping box; they can see a candle being lit and the back door open and shut, but can’t see any burglar. When Mr and Mrs Hall go into the lodger’s apparently empty room they are horrified to see chairs and pillows suddenly levitating of their own accord, as the invisible man tries to frighten them off.
The vicarage burglary (which the invisible man did, indeed, perform: he’s run out of money) takes place the night before Whitsun Monday. This is the day of a big fair in Iping, with itinerant stallholders, a merry-go-round, coconut shies and so on thronging the village high street.
Wells has set it on this date so that there is a big crowd to witness all the shenanigans: the local magistrate and policeman try to serve a warrant on the invisible man for suspected involvement in the burglary, which leads to an impressive bar-room brawl during which the invisible man takes off all his clothes and flees, the rumpus attracting a large crowd of fair-goers.
Once safely out of Iping, the invisible man comes across a tramp, Marvel, in a country lane. He terrifies the man into going to Iping, ordering him to fetch the clothes, bandages, hat, sunglasses and so on that he (Mr Invisible) left behind at the inn. In particular, the invisible man wants the precious volumes of his ‘diary’ in which he’s been making records of his attempts to undo whatever ill-fated experiment it was that made him invisible in the first place.
There is a comic scene where Mr Invisible corners Cuss and Bunting in the small pub parlour and forces them, by threatening them with a poker, to take off their trousers and jackets, which he bundles up and runs off to hand over to Marvel who he told to wait in Iping churchyard.
Meanwhile, the tramp had been spotted breaking into the invisible man’s room by the landlord, landlady, and their faithful friends, and an even bigger hue and cry been raised as half the village chases after him. But these pursuers are felled one by one by the invisible man tripping them up or bundling them over, allowing the tramp to get clean away with his bundles of clothes and books.
All this takes up the first hundred or so pages of the book, during which we are introduced to a sizeable cast of yokels, all of whom are played for laughs, with Wells humorously recreating the lumbering Sussex dialect:
Mrs Wadgers, the blacksmith
Mr Jaggers, the cobbler
Mr Shuckleforth, the magistrate
Mrs Huxter
young Archie Harker
Old Fletcher, whitewashing his front room ceiling
Bobby Jaffers, the village constable
Mr Gibbins, the local amateur naturalist, out botanising on the Downs
Thomas Marvel, the tramp who the invisible man bullies into fetching his things from Iping
But there is also a dark strain running beneath the comedy. When he bullies the tramp to go to Iping to reclaim his belongings, the villagers’ ongoing obtuseness eventually drives the invisible man mad with frustration and, instead of fleeing, he goes on a rampage of destruction.
From the moment when the Invisible Man screamed with rage and Mr. Bunting made his memorable flight up the village, it became impossible to give a consecutive account of affairs in Iping. Possibly the Invisible Man’s original intention was simply to cover Marvel’s retreat with the clothes and books. But his temper, at no time very good, seems to have gone completely at some chance blow, and forthwith he set to smiting and overthrowing, for the mere satisfaction of hurting.
You must figure the street full of running figures, of doors slamming and fights for hiding-places. You must figure the tumult suddenly striking on the unstable equilibrium of old Fletcher’s planks and two chairs – with cataclysmic results. You must figure an appalled couple caught dismally in a swing. And then the whole tumultuous rush has passed and the Iping street with its gauds and flags is deserted save for the still raging unseen, and littered with coconuts, overthrown canvas screens, and the scattered stock in trade of a sweetstuff stall. Everywhere there is a sound of closing shutters and shoving bolts, and the only visible humanity is an occasional flitting eye under a raised eyebrow in the corner of a window pane.
The Invisible Man amused himself for a little while by breaking all the windows in the ‘Coach and Horses’, and then he thrust a street lamp through the parlour window of Mrs. Gribble. He it must have been who cut the telegraph wire to Adderdean just beyond Higgins’ cottage on the Adderdean road. And after that, as his peculiar qualities allowed, he passed out of human perceptions altogether, and he was neither heard, seen, nor felt in Iping any more. He vanished absolutely. (Chapter 12)
It feels like a rural Ealing Comedy, a sort of Titfield Thunderbolt vision of charming Sussex rural life, and Wells even describes it using proto-cinematic techniques – the repeated use of the phrase ‘you must figure’ working like cuts to different camera angles on the mayhem the invisible man has caused.
The fight at the Jolly Cricketers
Having escaped Iping, and reclaimed all his belongings, the invisible man bullies the tramp along the road towards the coastal town of Port Stowe. Here there is another fight. Marvel escapes the man’s clutches long enough to seek refuge in another pub, the Jolly Cricketers, begging the landlord and his handful of customers to protect him. They lock Marvel in a backroom but then hear the back door being forced open and enter the room to see Marvel being strangely pulled backwards as if by invisible hands.
Unfortunately, though, one of the customers is an American, and Americans (apparently), unlike the Brits in the story, freely carry side-arms. Marvel breaks free of his invisible assailant and the American fires his revolver in a spray pattern covering the small courtyard.
Then there is… silence. He has escaped!
The invisible man reveals himself
Meanwhile, up at a villa on the hill above the Jolly Cricketers, one Dr Kemp is working late into the night. Finally going to bed, he notices a blood spot on the linoleum. And then blood on the handle of his bedroom door. And then that his bedsheets have been ripped. It is the invisible man!
But imagine the scene when the invisible man looks at the intruder and realises that he knows Kemp. They were medical students together.
Mr Invisible tells Kemp who he is, the man who’s been in all the newspapers and causing the rumpus down the hill. His name is Griffin.
‘I’m an Invisible Man. It’s no foolishness, and no magic. I really am an Invisible Man. And I want your help. I don’t want to hurt you, but if you behave like a frantic rustic, I must. Don’t you remember me, Kemp? Griffin, of University College?’
‘Let me get up,’ said Kemp. ‘I’ll stop where I am. And let me sit quiet for a minute.’
He sat up and felt his neck.
‘I am Griffin, of University College, and I have made myself invisible. I am just an ordinary man – a man you have known – made invisible.’
‘Griffin?’ said Kemp.
‘Griffin,’ answered the Voice. (Chapter 17)
It takes a long time for Griffin to persuade Kemp that he exists, and that he is invisible, that it isn’t hypnosis or some trick.
Finally, Kemp fetches him food, then lets him sleep. And in the morning there is the big Explanation Scene – like you get in all these kinds of books – the scene where Griffin explains ‘how it all happened’.
Griffin explains how, as a student, he set himself to investigate the properties of matter. He started with common knowledge about light, how it is refracted or reflected by solid objects – and then takes these basic facts and extrapolates them to human cells, themselves mostly made of water and, individually, under a microscope, quite transparent. And so on, until Griffin has persuaded us that one dark and stormy night, he made the fateful discovery of how to make the agglomeration of translucent cells which is a human being – invisible!
But the book is not subtitled ‘A Grotesque Romance’ for nothing. This second half of the book is distinctly different from the first half. Whereas it had mostly been rural hi-jinks in part one, now Wells goes out of his way to make Griffin a repellent disagreeable and angry man.
It seems Griffin loathed and resented being forced to teach in some provincial college to make a living. He loathed his superior who was always sniffing around his experiments. He stole money from his father so he could take rooms in a shabby lodging house in London. But it turns out, in fact, not to have been his father’s money, and, unable to repay it, his father committed suicide. This prompted no remorse in Griffin – the reverse – he vents a bitter diatribe about having to return to the village of his birth for his father’s funeral, his indifference to his memory, his contempt for his one-time girlfriend.
Wells paints Griffin as a type of the sneeringly superior loner, the kind of Raskolnikov-anarchist figure which haunted late 19th century fiction.
Griffin tells Kemp how he worked day and night till he arrived at the brink of the successful experiment. First he makes a wad of cotton wool invisible. Then a stray street cat. And then he takes the potion and exposes himself to the ray which makes him invisible, too.
At this very moment, his landlord comes banging on the door shouting for the rent. Now invisible, Griffin hides and watches the Jewish landlord and his thuggish stepsons break down the door to his room and search it in puzzlement. As soon as they’re gone, he makes a pile of his unneeded papers, straw and bedding and sets it alight. ‘You burned the house down?’ asks Kemp, shocked. ‘Yes, what of it?’ replies Griffin, with typical unconcern.
Wells could have gone a number of ways on this, the elaboration of his fantasy.
His protagonist could have been a naive and innocent experimenter whose experiment went wrong, condemning him to lifelong invisibility and drawing on our sympathy.
Or he could have continued the essentially comic vein of the first half.
Instead there are increasing shades of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in the figure of the demented scientist, feverishly working with homemade equipment in a remote garret, a loner shunned by the world and turning violently against it. The debt to Stevenson is reinforced by the way the transformation to invisibility is horribly painful – just like Jekyll’s transformations into Hyde.
‘It was all horrible. I had not expected the suffering. A night of racking anguish, sickness and fainting. I set my teeth, though my skin was presently afire, all my body afire; but I lay there like grim death. I understood now how it was the cat had howled until I chloroformed it. Lucky it was I lived alone and untended in my room. There were times when I sobbed and groaned and talked. But I stuck to it…. I became insensible and woke languid in the darkness.
‘The pain had passed. I thought I was killing myself and I did not care. I shall never forget that dawn, and the strange horror of seeing that my hands had become as clouded glass, and watching them grow clearer and thinner as the day went by, until at last I could see the sickly disorder of my room through them, though I closed my transparent eyelids. My limbs became glassy, the bones and arteries faded, vanished, and the little white nerves went last. I gritted my teeth and stayed there to the end. At last only the dead tips of the fingernails remained, pallid and white, and the brown stain of some acid upon my fingers.’ (Chapter 20)
The invisible man abroad in London
The three chapters which recount the invisible man’s adventures in London, after he’s burned down his lodgings, are breathlessly exciting.
It is winter and Griffin quickly discovers all the disadvantages of being invisible. One – he is instantly freezing cold. Two – people and vehicles can’t see him and so are continually banging into him. Three – his feet get muddy and so leave footprints. A couple of street urchins spot these muddy footprints appearing as if by magic as Griffin heads towards Bloomsbury, and they raise a chase after them.
The invisible man is quickly realising that to be invisible is to be chased.
He makes his escape into a department store on Tottenham Court Road, hides, waits till it’s closed up, then feeds and sleeps. Woken by the dawn, he chooses clothes to wear, a wig and a fake nose in an effort to cover every inch of his skin. But he is seen by the shop staff who are opening up, and there is another chase which only ends when Griffin strips naked again and slips out a side door.
Again, it is freezing and Griffin gets muddy feet. Worse, snow falling settles on him, creating a ghostly outline. He hurries towards Drury Lane where there are theatrical costumiers and there is a prolonged scene where he sneaks into the shabby, rundown shop of a costumier, who begins to suspect someone is following him around. This is an intensely imagined and claustrophobic sequence as the increasingly scared man grabs a poker and tries to identify his invisible spectre. It climaxes in a struggle and in which Griffin knocks the shopkeeper unconscious and ties him up. Then selects clothes, hat, bandages, a fake nose, a wig, a hat and sunglasses and once again emerges on the street.
By now Griffin has realised that a busy city is no place for an invisible man, and he makes his plans to decamp down to rural Sussex, stealing money, acquiring luggage and booking a train ticket. And that is where part one of the story commenced, with his arrival in Iping.
So the story is now back in the present: Griffin tells an awestruck Kemp that he has thought long and hard about the advantages invisibility give him and they are really only twofold: the ability to creep up on people and the ability to escape.
It shocked me that he draws the conclusion that the chief conclusion of these capacities will be the ability to kill. To assassinate. To institute a reign of terror!
Dr Kemp has listened to this long, long telling of Griffin’s story with mounting impatience. Because we, the readers, know that the previous evening, after Griffin had finally gone to sleep, Kemp had sent a note to his neighbour, Colonel Adye, to come with the police.
Now they arrive, are let into the house by the maid, and enter the downstairs. Griffin hears them and realises Kemp has betrayed him. They fight, Griffin pushes Kemp out of the way, bounds down the stairs, knocks over Colonel Adye and runs out the front door.
Kempt and Adye now raise the alarm and organise the police. Proclamations are issued. Posters are distributed. All householders are ordered to lock their doors. Trains are to seal their carriages. All police are to go armed and to begin to beat the bounds within a twenty mile radius. The Invisible Man is on the loose!
The first person narrator explains to us how the evidence of the next 24 hours is patchy, but it appears that Griffin nonetheless got hold of food and rested. However, he then murders a man, a harmless Mr Wicksteed, whose body is found near a gravel pit with the head stove in by an iron bar.
Then Kemp’s housemaid, terrified, brings him a scribbled note the invisible man gave her out of thin air:
You have been amazingly energetic and clever, though what you stand to gain by it I cannot imagine. You are against me. For a whole day you have chased me; you have tried to rob me of a night’s rest. But I have had food in spite of you, I have slept in spite of you, and the game is only beginning. The game is only beginning. There is nothing for it, but to start the Terror. This announces the first day of the Terror. Port Burdock is no longer under the Queen, tell your Colonel of Police, and the rest of them; it is under me – the Terror! This is day one of year one of the new epoch—the Epoch of the Invisible Man. I am Invisible Man the First. To begin with the rule will be easy. The first day there will be one execution for the sake of example – a man named Kemp. Death starts for him to-day. He may lock himself away, hide himself away, get guards about him, put on armour if he likes – Death, the unseen Death, is coming. Let him take precautions; it will impress my people. Death starts from the pillar box by midday. The letter will fall in as the postman comes along, then off! The game begins. Death starts. Help him not, my people, lest Death fall upon you also. To-day Kemp is to die. (Chapter 27)
It is difficult what to make of this note, and of the way the plot had developed. We are now a long long way from the comical yokels at the Coach and Horses. The word ‘grotesque’ seems to fit not only the story, but the weird way in which Wells handles it. Griffin has now gone more or less mad.
Moments after receiving the note, Kemp’s house is under siege from unseen hands wielding rocks to smash in the windows and then an axe to smash open the wooden blinds. The narrative has turned into the trope of ‘the besieged house’, which appears in so many subsequent horror and zombie movies.
Kemp and his maid rush round trying to lock all the doors and windows but still the relentless smashing proceeds all the way round the ground floor. Colonel Adye approaches with two policemen and is let into the house by the front door, at the same moment that Griffin breaks in through the back. There is a prolonged fight, with policemen lashing out with pokers. Adye goes out the front to fetch help but is confronted by the invisible man. He pulls a revolver but Griffin wrestles it off him and fires, killing him. Kemp sees all this from an upstairs window. The story has long ago stopped being remotely funny.
Griffin renews his assault on the house and Kemp flees out the back door, running like a maniac downhill into Port Stowe, yelling at everyone that the invisible man is coming!!!. Children run screaming into their homes, mothers bolt front doors – but some workmen laying pipes are slow to react and Grifffin blunders into several of them in his mad pursuit of Kemp.
Once again, being invisible seems to boil down to being pursued, except this time Griffin is not the prey but the hunter.
But, having bumped into a crowd of them, the various tram-men and navvies join in the chase and suddenly Kemp realises they far outnumber his pursuer. Kemp stops, turns and is immediately punched to the floor but, as Griffin aims other blows, the navvies and tram-men are on him, seizing his arms, wrestling him to the ground and then there is a good deal of kicking – with navvies’ steel-capped boots. ‘Enough, enough,’ cries Kemp and kneels by the space where Griffin seems to be.
And then a marvellous thing happens. And although Wells’s psychology, plotting and characterisation may be a little haywire, forced and simplistic throughout this problematic text – he still has a gift for the uncanny, conceiving the weird, imagining the wonderful with great power and conviction.
For the mob has beaten Griffith to death and now… his body reappears. Before the amazed eyes of the crowd that have gathered round the body, Griffin’s invisibility wears off.
Suddenly an old woman, peering under the arm of the big navvy, screamed sharply. ‘Looky there!’ she said, and thrust out a wrinkled finger.
And looking where she pointed, everyone saw, faint and transparent as though it was made of glass, so that veins and arteries and bones and nerves could be distinguished, the outline of a hand, a hand limp and prone. It grew clouded and opaque even as they stared.
‘Hullo!’ cried the constable. ‘Here’s his feet a-showing!’
And so, slowly, beginning at his hands and feet and creeping along his limbs to the vital centres of his body, that strange change continued. It was like the slow spreading of a poison. First came the little white nerves, a hazy grey sketch of a limb, then the glassy bones and intricate arteries, then the flesh and skin, first a faint fogginess, and then growing rapidly dense and opaque. Presently they could see his crushed chest and his shoulders, and the dim outline of his drawn and battered features.
When at last the crowd made way for Kemp to stand erect, there lay, naked and pitiful on the ground, the bruised and broken body of a young man about thirty. His hair and brow were white – not grey with age, but white with the whiteness of albinism – and his eyes were like garnets. His hands were clenched, his eyes wide open, and his expression was one of anger and dismay.
‘Cover his face!’ said a man. ‘For Gawd’s sake, cover that face!’ and three little children, pushing forward through the crowd, were suddenly twisted round and sent packing off again. (Chapter 28)
It is one of the oddities of these older books that they can combine being quite preposterous, ridiculous and melodramatic with suddenly, being oddly touching and moving.
The Invisible Man may, on many levels, be twaddle or, more accurately, schoolboy fiction on the Sherlock Holmes level, with a pseudo-scientific kink. But there’s no denying Wells had this great gift for the economical, precise and incredibly vivid description of the marvellous and strange and amazing.
Apparently, the immensely serious modernist poet T.S. Eliot wrote that Wells’s description of the sun rising and shedding its dazzling light across the surface of the moon (in The First Men in the Moon) was ‘quite unforgettable’. The time traveller’s vision of the deserted beach under a dying sun a million years hence has stayed with me ever since I first read it forty years ago.
And although the Invisible Man is a less successful book than either of those, although it is a strange mish-mash of the broadly comical and the grimly homicidal – just the same it, too, contains images of uncanny power.
The Invisible Man online
Other H.G. Wells reviews
1895 The Time Machine – the unnamed inventor and time traveller tells his dinner party guests the story of his adventure among the Eloi and the Morlocks in the year 802,701
1896 The Island of Doctor Moreau – Edward Prendick is stranded on a remote island where he discovers the ‘owner’, Dr Gustave Moreau, is experimentally creating human-animal hybrids
1897 The Invisible Man – an embittered young scientist, Griffin, makes himself invisible, starting with comic capers in a Sussex village, and ending with demented murders
1899 When The Sleeper Wakes/The Sleeper Wakes – Graham awakes in the year 2100 to find himself at the centre of a revolution to overthrow the repressive society of the future
1899 A Story of the Days To Come – set in the same London of the future described in The Sleeper Wakes, Denton and Elizabeth fall in love but descend into poverty, and experience life as serfs in the Underground city run by the sinister Labour Corps
1901 The First Men in the Moon – Mr Bedford and Mr Cavor use the invention of ‘Cavorite’ to fly to the moon and discover the underground civilisation of the Selenites
1904 The Food of the Gods and How It Came to Earth – two scientists invent a compound which makes plants, animals and humans grow to giant size, leading to a giants’ rebellion against the ‘little people’
1906 In the Days of the Comet – a passing comet trails gasses through earth’s atmosphere which bring about ‘the Great Change’, inaugurating an era of wisdom and fairness, as told by narrator Willie Leadford
1908 The War in the Air – Bert Smallways, a bicycle-repairman from Bun Hill in Kent, manages by accident to be an eye-witness to the outbreak of the war in the air which brings Western civilisation to an end
1914 The World Set Free – A history of the future in which the devastation of an atomic war leads to the creation of a World Government, told via a number of characters who are central to the change
1921 We by Evgeny Zamyatin – like everyone else in the dystopian future of OneState, D-503 lives life according to the Table of Hours until I-330 wakens him to the truth
Posted in Adventure, Books, Novel, Science Fiction
Tagged 1897, A Grotesque Romance, Colonel Adye, Dr Kemp, fiction, Griffin, H.G. Wells, novel, optics, Science, science fantasy, science fiction, scientific romance, story, T.S. Eliot, The Invisible Man, West Sussex
https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2018/09/23/the-invisible-man-h-g-wells/
Tripwire by Lee Child (1999)
Novels of all types begin with a plot or fabula – a series of logically and chronologically related events, usually involving the same or a related set of characters. The author then creates from this a story, whereby different elements of the fabula are deployed in ways to create suspense, or irony, or mystery.
One of the main pleasures of reading a novel is working your way through the story back towards the fabula underlying it. In detective and thriller novels, this has become the main element of the text Whodunnit, and why?
The fabula
Thirty years ago in the Vietnam War, a U.S. helicopter pilot named Victor Hobie is sent on a mission, carrying a couple of military policemen to collect a notorious crooked American soldier, Carl Allen from a remote part of the jungle. The chopper is shot down and crashes, killing all on board except the criminal Allen who, however, has half his arm chopped off by a rotor blade and half his face burned by kerosene.
In a very bad way, Allen nonetheless swaps dog tags with the nearest body (as it happens, the tags of the pilot, Victor Hobie) and crawls off into the jungle.
Weeks later he is picked up by a U.S. patrol more dead than alive and taken to hospital. But as soon as he is half way mended, he breaks out of the hospital and makes his way, first of all to the secret location in the countryside where he had buried his stash of cash and other valuables; then uses this to buy his way through native villages across Vietnam, into Cambodia and then across the border into Thailand.
Thai doctors fix a prosthetic attachment to his stump of an arm, and he chooses a stainless steel hook. Not much can be done for his half-burned face. Eventually, Allen returns to the States and uses his assets to set himself up in business as a lender of last resort, using intimidation tactics to terrify his debtors.
Thirty years later he has established a respectable front organisation, Cayman Corporate Trust, with swish offices on the 88th floor of the World Trade Centre. He has adopted the name of the man whose dog tags he stole, Hobie, along with a grim nickname, ‘Hook’.
The trigger of the plot is that a man named Chester Stone has inherited the cinema film and projector company set up by his grandfather and expanded by his father, but which is now running into big trouble. Stone needs a loan of a million dollars to tide him over for six weeks until some new business comes in. Stone’s finance director points him towards Hobie, so Stone goes to meet him and takes out a loan, signing over some of the shares in the company as security.
What Stone doesn’t know is that Hobie plans to take over his entire company, by force and physical intimidation if necessary, and then demolish all the properties, factories and so on which it owns along the Long Island shore – and develop it as prime real estate land.
Hobie / Allen’s plan is complicated by the fact that he has been tipped off that someone has been snooping around the U.S. Army’s forensic facility in Hawaii, asking questions about Victor Hobie. And that, as part of the ongoing repatriation programme of U.S. military corpses, the army has just gotten round to crating up and shipping home the bodies from the site of the long-ago helicopter crash, delayed for so long partly because the Vietnamese authorities drove a hard bargain, demanding money for access, and partly because of its inaccessible location.
Hobie is tipped off about both of these situations, which threaten to unmask him and reveal his fake identity to the authorities. That is the meaning of the title, Tripwire. For thirty years Hobie has had in place a set of two ‘tripwires’ which would force him to bolt – the shipment of the bodies from Vietnam, and anybody snooping in Hawaii. Now both tripwires have been triggered at the same time.
His assistant, Tony, begs him to carry out the long-held plan, to liquidate his assets and flee the country, adopting a new identity. But Hobie is mesmerised by his project to fleece Stone, liquidate the Stone company, and sell of the Long Shore property at a vast profit. He wants to complete this last, grand plan.
And so he doesn’t hesitate to take Stone’s wife, Marilyn, hostage, along with the pretty woman estate agent who Marilyn had invited to come and value her and Chester’s house.
This is the long, complicated back story which Jack Reacher (and the reader) has to unravel, starting with a trigger incident and then slowly working back through clues and investigations.
When we meet Reacher he is happily digging holes for swimming pools in Key West in Florida, hard exercise which has made his six foot five body even more formidable and fit. In the evenings he works as ‘muscle’ in a strip bar where the girls, unsurprisingly, are attracted by his size and strength and chivalrous nature. He looks, one of them says, ‘like a condom crammed with walnuts’ (p.23).
In the opening scene a private investigator, name of Costello, comes to the bar asking after a ‘Jack Reacher’. He’s been sent by a Mrs Jacob. Reacher tells him he’s never heard of Reacher or Jacobs. Later Reacher discovers Costello’s body, shot in the face with his fingertips cut off.
Intrigued, Reacher figures Costello must have been a retired cop, from New York by his accent, and with typical ‘Reacher luck’ rings around New York precincts till he is answered by a jaded old cop who says, ‘Sure, Costello, yeah he retired and set up as an investigator to pay off his alimony’ – and helpfully hands over the name and address of Costello’s office.
So Reacher’s Quest begins. He gets a plane to New York and goes to Costello’s office, only to find the door swinging open (as so many doors swing handily open in Reacher’s adventures) and the secretary’s computer handily left on. He uses it to get the address of the client ‘Mrs Jacob’ who Costello had mentioned, hires a car and motors out to her house.
To discover that ‘Mrs Jacob’ is none other than Jodie Garber, daughter of Reacher’s own mentor in the Military Police, Colonel Leon Garber. He knew her when she was an already-beautiful 15-year-old and he 24. Now she is a beautiful 29-year-old, in fact ‘achingly beautiful’ (p.81). Named Jacob because she married a man named Jacob, though she is now conveniently divorced and single again.
Reacher turns up as she is hosting a funeral party for her Dad who has just passed away from heart disease. Lots of Army top brass and officials who Reacher mixes with, embarrassed about his casual Key West clothes.
Once the guests leave Jodie and Reacher do some catching up. She explains that her dad had asked her to find Reacher, because he was involved in a case but, becoming increasingly poorly, needed his best M.P. to help him. Hence she commissioned Costello to find Reacher. Ah so.
But they have barely got chatting before two armed men try to shoot them. Reacher being Reacher handles the situation and he and Jodie roar off in her car. Now she is On The Quest, too. Now she is On The Team.
Reacher always assembles small teams, usually with one male sidekick, and always with a nubile and available woman who he ends up sleeping with. In Make Me it was investigator Chang, who he sleeps with. In Killing Floor it was Police Officer Roscoe, who he sleeps with. In this book it is attractive Wall Street lawyer Jodie Jacob, who… he sleeps with.
(‘Sleep with’ doesn’t really convey the sense of frenzied physical activity which the books tastefully hint at. In several of them there are fleeting references to the woman straddling Reacher. Given that he is six foot five of solid muscle trained to kill in 20 different ways, I can imagine that riding him is the only way to avoid serious physical injury.)
Jodie and Reacher go visit her father’s heart doctor whose receptionist tells them he was always chatting to old Mr Hobie, another patient with heart disease, in the waiting room. So, following this tip, off they go to interview Mr and Mrs Hobie, who tell them that, Yes, they asked the colonel to help them find the remains of their son. He was a model son, a medal-winning soldier and yet for all these years the Army has refused to confirm he is dead. So they are hoping against hope that he is still alive in Vietnam somewhere.
The Hobies had come across a researcher who they paid eighteen thousand dollars to track their son down and who came back with a photo of a gaunt fifty year old man in U.S. combat fatigues apparently in a Vietnam prisoner of war camp. The bounty hunter asked for more money to fund an expedition to liberate him.
Reacher takes Jodie to meet this guy, Rutter, who turns out to be a con artist, who had rigged up the photo in the New York botanical gardens amid tropical plants. Reacher beats the crap out of Rutter, takes his gun and his car and all the cash he has, half to repay the Hobies what he swindled them out of, half to fund what is now Reacher’s Quest.
Thrillers generally have information instead of psychology. Characters don’t develop much, but they often take you to interesting places, and explore interesting subjects. In fact, many thrillers contain at their core a sort of Wikipedia level of basic information on the chosen topic or subject area.
In this case the novel includes extensive information about what happened to the American Missing In Action in the Vietnam War. Using his wartime credentials, and the fact he’s with the daughter of the widely respected Colonel Leon Garber, Reacher blags his way into first the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, and then on to the military Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii, a special facility that identifies the forensic remains of U.S. soldiers.
At the latter Reacher meets up with his old mentor, General Nash Newman, a forensic anthropologist (p.412). Threaded throughout the book we have had descriptions of the bodies of the American soldiers killed in that helicopter crash all those years earlier, being transported from the jungle to a military airport, being loaded aboard a U.S. Air Force plane with full military honours, and flown to Hawaii.
It is here that there is a memorable scene as Newman invites Reacher to study the seven bodies from the helicopter crash, reduced pretty much to charred skeletons, and figure out the puzzle.
The scene features the nearest thing to emotion in a Reacher novel, namely horror at the precise way each of the seven was dismembered, crushed or burned to death as the chopper crashed.
But it is also a Sherlock Holmes-level of close examination and deduction. We follow Reacher as he examines each of the bodies in turn before realising that the truth is staring him in the face — there are seven bodies but fifteen hands. The survivor had his hand chopped off in the disaster. They are looking for a one-armed man.
Meanwhile back in the World Trade Centre, the torture continues. Two policemen follow up a clue and go up to Hobie’s offices on the 88th floor, where they discover that Hobie is holding Chester, Marilyn and the state agent woman hostage. Hobie and Tony immediately get the drop on the cops, disarm and handcuff them.
Hook Hobie is a psychopath. He takes the woman cop into the bathroom of the swish offices, and tortures her to death to the terror of the other hostages. Chester and Marilyn have bought some time by telling Hobie that the remaining share certificates are held in trust, and can only be handed over with a lawyer as witness.
It’s hardly high feminism in action, but it’s worth pointing out that Marilyn, Chester’s wife, from the get-go is much more tough-minded, focused and practical than her lily-livered husband. While he goes into catatonic shock after being kidnapped, Marilyn becomes a classic Lee Child character, devising strategies to try and redeem the situation. It is she who persuades Hobie to let Sheryl, the estate agent whose nose Hobie had violently smashed, to be taken to hospital.
Grudgingly (and improbably) Hobie consents. Tony drives her to the nearest hospital, drumming into her that if she calls the cops Chester and Marilyn will be killed. She does this, putting off the cops, claiming her broken nose was an accident. But she also follows Marilyn’s instructions and alerts a law firm Marilyn knows, to expect a strange call.
Marilyn tells Hobie she is calling the law firm which must be witness to signing over all the share certificates to Stone’s company. Prepared for the call, the lawyer at the other end says they’re reluctant to do anything in this situation, she should really contact the police etc.
Hobie is standing right by Marilyn and can hear everything she says, so it’s like the scene you’ve seen in hundreds of TV shows and movies where the hostage has to say things which appear anodyne to the bad guy listening, but signal her real intent to the people at the other end of the line.
The climactic shootout
Jodie’s firm tell her she has been booked in for a big business meeting about the liquidation of a multi-million dollar company, and so she and Reacher hasten back from Hawaii mulling over what they’ve learned about the helicopter crash and the likely fate of Victor Hobie.
After having more sex at her Manhattan apartment, and freshening up, Reacher drops Jodie at the World Trade Centre. It is here, on the 88th floor, at Hobie’s offices, that the climax of the novel comes.
In the lift Jodie meets the private detective hired by the law firm Marilyn had contacted. The two of them walk into a trap in Hobie’s office, are disarmed, beaten up a little, and plonked on the sofa next to Chester and Marilyn.
All through the novel Hobie has been kept informed of the researches of Reacher. It was, after all, Hobie’s goons who killed Costello and then, following the same paper trail from Costello’s office that Reacher found, had tried to break in and kidnap Jodie – only to have Reacher save her life and scoot her away.
Hobie also has a paid snitch at the Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii, who tips him off about Reacher’s visit. So for some time Hobie has known that Reacher was on his scent. Now he holds his razor sharp hook against Jodie’s pretty face and tells her to phone Reacher and ask him to meet her there.
Knowing something is wrong, Reacher says he’s still in St Louis and it will take him some time to get there. OK, says Jodie. Hobie hears all this and settles down to wait. Unbeknown to him Reacher is still just outside the World Trade Centre. He bluffs his way past security in the standard Reacher style, and takes the lift to the 88th floor. Takes out the hall bulb so it’s dark in the hallway, and buzzes to say there’s a delivery.
Now throughout this final stage of the story, Hobie has been accompanied only by his fixer, Tony, and another tough guy. The tough guy opens the door and Reacher immediately attacks him, disarms him, pushes him over to the wall and breaks his neck. Using a fire axe he chops his lower arm off, then arranges the body, with severed hand next to it, carefully on the floor, and ducks down behind the reception desk to wait.
Noticing the tough guy’s absence, Hobie himself comes out to the reception area but still holding Jodie by his hook with a shotgun in the other hand. Hobie freezes when he sees the dismembered body, overcome with traumatic memories of the helicopter crash exactly as Reacher had hoped.
But Jodie is entirely blocking his face so Reacher can’t get in a shot. Tony the fixer follows carrying a shotgun and, walking clear of the other two, Reacher has a clear shot and shoots his head off with his handgun. This makes Hobie turn, scoop up the shotgun and before Reacher can re-aim, fire a huge, scattergun blast at the reception desk Reacher’s hiding behind, which blows into smithereens.
Reacher is aware of terrible pain in his head and blood pouring down his face. Jodie tells him he has a nail sticking out of his forehead. After a minute’s stand-off, Jodie ushes backwards against Hobie who trips over the corpse on the floor and shoots the other barrel of the shotgun accidentally into the corpse.
Blood flies everywhere. That’s the two barrels of the shotgun used up, so Hobie scoops out of his pocket one of the little handguns he had confiscated off the cop-turned-investigator who had accompanied Jodie to the meeting.
He holds this gun against Jodie’s side. It is a classic movie standoff with Hobie knowing that if he kills Jodie, Reacher will immediately shoot him, but if Reacher tries to shoot Hobie, Hobie will kill Jodie. Impasse.
The two protagonists weigh the situation and discuss it like pros, like all the characters in Reacher novels who spend their entire lives calculating odds and making plans.
‘I’ll shoot her,’ Allen said.
Reacher shook his head again. The pain was fearsome. It was building stronger and spreading behind both his eyes.
‘You won’t shoot her,’ he said. ‘Think about it, Allen. You’re a selfish piece of shit. The way you are, you’re always number one. You shoot her, I’ll shoot you. You’re twelve feet away from me. I’m aiming at your head. You pull your trigger, I’ll pull mine. She dies, you die one-hundredth of a second later. You won’t shoot me either because, you line up on me you go down before you’re even half way there. Think about it. Impasse.’
He stared at him through the pain and the gloom. A classic standoff. (p.521)
The impasse is broken by Jodie who suddenly kicks back against Hobie, giving Reacher just time enough to pull up his gun. Hobie beats him to it by a fraction of a second, fires and hits Reacher full in the chest but Reacher still has the momentum to fire a shot which, with typical Reacher luck, blows Hobie’s head to smithereens.
Days later Reacher regains consciousness in hospital. The doctors have removed the nail and other debris from his head. And it turns out that all that pool building in Key West has built up his musculature to such a peak of toughness that the bullet’s momentum was slowed and it only bruised a rib.
Captain America. Superman. Jack Reacher.
Jack Reacher novels as ternary systems
A binary numeral system has two values, represented as 0 and 1. A binary system has two states, off and on. A ternary system has three states.
Calculating plans As in the other Jack Reacher novels, all the characters spend most of their time calculating what to do next, coming up with plans and schemes.
‘We were chased and attacked there, but nobody out here is paying any attention to us.’
‘You been checking?’ she asked, alarmed.
‘I’m always checking,’ he said. (p. 352)
The other guy was busy calculating the odds. (p.29)
Hobie moved his arm and tapped a little rhythm on the desktop with the point of his hook. Thought hard, and nodded again, decisively. (p.57)
Then he made his second great breakthrough. Similar to the first. It was a process of deep radical thought. A response to a problem. (p.130)
There was silence on the line again. Just the same faint hiss, and breathing. Like the old woman was thinking. Like she needed time to adjust to some new considerations. (p.136)
Hobie nodded, vaguely. He was thinking hard. (p.139)
It was a good plan, almost worked. (p.181)
Reacher changed his plan. (p.287)
Tony laughed. Jodie looked from him to Hobie. She saw that they were very nearly at the end of some long process. (p.495)
Lee Child characters view life as a sequence of problems, to be thought through and solved. Have a problem = unhappy. Have a plan = happy.
He could see Gerber’s problem. In the middle of something, health failing, unwilling to abandon an obligation, needing help. (p.93)
Jodie was the problem. (p.104)
‘Those two assholes playing at being my enforcers will be no problem.’ (p.141)
‘What about this Reacher guy? He’s still a loose end.’
Hobie shrugged in his chair. ‘I’ve got a separate plan for him.’ (p.141)
They paused in the hot Missouri sunshine after they paid off the cab and agreed on how to do it. (p.313)
Hobie has put in place a plan for what to do if the secret of his false identity ever comes out.
When he discovers Mrs Jacob is on his trail he dispatches men to kill her.
He devises a plan to take Chester Stone’s company off him.
Chester, meanwhile, is devising a plan to keep his company afloat.
For her part, Marilyn Stone, sensing the financial trouble her husband is in, devises a plan to sell their house – hence the presence of the estate agent.
And then reacts to the plight of being kidnapped not with panic, but with a series of strategems intended to wrest some control and agency back to her and her husband.
And so on, throughout the text. There is no end to the characters’ scheming and planning.
Binary Therefore, you could say that, for the purpose of these stories, all Lee Child characters operate in a binary system, having just two mental states: problem – where they are confronted with a situation, complexities, barriers – or plan – a solution, a way forward which manages the problem.
Child has Reacher reflect that this simple-minded vision of life as a sequence of problems requiring planning and solving stems from his upbringing in the Army, which gave him a very binary view of life.
His own career had been locked tight inside the service itself, where things were always simple, either happening or not happening, good or bad, legal or not legal. (p.474)
And, in a later passage, we are also shown how Reacher’s obsession with planning everything out, about thinking in terms of strategic advantage, combat and victory, is also the legacy of his army training.
Combat is about time and space and opposing forces. Like a huge four-dimensional diagram… Stay calm and plan. (p.508)
Stage 1: analyse threat. Stage 2: implement plan. OK. But I think there is another, third, element.
Shrugging I couldn’t help noticing that the characters are always shrugging. I began to underline the word ‘shrug’ and realised that it occurs on almost every page, sometimes twice a page.
DeWitt just shrugged. (p.374)
DeWitt shrugged. (p.376)
DeWitt just shrugged again. (p.378)
Why? In practice there’s a variety of reasons, but at its simplest it’s because a character doesn’t know what to do or say next.
She looked up at him, astonished. ‘But why?’
He shrugged. (p.91)
McBannerman shrugged and looked blank. (p.122)
‘OK,’ she said. ‘Where to first?’
Reacher shrugged. This was not his area of expertise. (p.149)
‘But when? How?’
He shrugged. ‘Maybe early one morning…’ (p.277)
‘I need to call somebody’s lawyer.’
The doctor looked at her and shrugged. (p.319)
‘Why list them as missing?’
Major Conrad shrugged. (p.327)
‘And what do we tell ourselves? That we were attacked by a ghost?’
He shrugged and made no reply. (p.359)
‘Why would she say she walked into a door if it was really a car wreck?’
O’Hallinen shrugged. ‘Don’t know.’ (p.361)
‘So what are you going to do?’ she asked.
‘About what?’
‘About the future?’
He shrugged again. ‘I don’t know.’ (p.449)
‘Are you going to look for Hobie?’
He shrugged again. ‘Maybe.’ (p.466)
Why do characters shrug on every page?
I realised it is often a third ‘state’ to add to the ‘Problem / Plan’ dyad. It denotes a moment when a character is presented with a question or challenge which they can’t, at that moment, process. Which doesn’t fit with any existing plan or strategem. Which needs to be processed in order to generate a new plan. Or, quite often, a question which the character hasn’t considered yet. Or a question the character is deliberately not answering.
Whatever the precise motivation, it represents a kind of third state, intermediate between 1. being faced with a threatening problem, and 2. coming up with a planned solution. Neither 1 nor 0, it is in between. Neither yes nor no, it is the ‘maybe’ state.
Thus Lee Child characters can be said to exist in one of three possible states.
Problem – where they’re presented with a challenge or threat, long-term strategic or physical and immediate
Plan – where they have devised a plan to solve the problem
Shrug – the intermediate stage, where a character has a problem but hasn’t yet formulated a plan, or is simply batting the problem aside
(In fact, rereading the shrug moments, I realise there’s an alternative explanation to some of the shrugs. They are a response to elements which are outside of the current game. What is Reacher going to do after he’s solved the Hobie mystery, Jodie asks. Reacher shrugs, because that is a scenario beyond the current game, outside current concerns. Not relevant. Ignore. This is particularly true of poor Chester Stone who is kidnapped and beaten up and stripped early in the story, held prisoner in Hobie’s office and does nothing but shrug whenever anyone talks to him or asks him a question. His persistent shrugging indicates that he is hors de combat.
‘You ready?’ she asked.
Chester shrugged. ‘For what?’ (p.481)
Also, there might be a lot of shrugging for the same reason that all the characters are described simply as ‘saying’ things – he said, she said. Because Child is deliberately reducing all verbs (and lots of human variety) down to a bare minimum.)
Pauses Quite often in the novels, characters pause.
She gazed at the photograph for a long moment, something in her face. (p.96)
They paused a beat… (p. 296)
She was quiet for a beat. Amazed. (p.357)
She was silent for a moment. (p.495)
Child uses a handful of distinctive phrases to describe this moment, a long pause, a long moment, occasionally stretching out to the verge of discomfort (i.e. making the other person in the conversation uncomfortable).
The long pauses struck me as another marker for when a character hasn’t yet formulated a plan. Remember the old icons you used to get on Microsoft computers where a timer or an hourglass icon jiggled for a few seconds while a programme opened or closed or saved.
That’s what the pauses indicate a character is doing in a Jack Reacher novel. Processing information. Preparing another plan.
Tripwire (Jack Reacher, Book 3) on Amazon
Tripwire Wikipedia article
Reviews of other Jack Reacher novels
Killing Floor (Jack Reacher 1)
Tripwire (Jack Reacher 3)
One Shot (Jack Reacher 9)
The Hard Way (Jack Reacher 10)
Make Me (Jack Reacher 20)
Elements of a Jack Reacher novel
by Simon on August 5, 2018 • Permalink
Posted in America, Books, Thriller
Tagged 'Hook' Hobie, 1999, Cambodia, Carl Allen, Cayman Corporate Trust, Central Identification Laboratory, Chester Stone, Dr McBannerman, fabula, Florida, Hawaii, Jodie Garber, Key West, Lee Child, Leon Garber, Marilyn Stone, Mrs Jacob, Nash Newman, National Personnel Records Center, novel, plot, St. Louis, story, Thailand, the Vietnam War, Tripwire, Victor Hobie, World Trade Centre
Posted by Simon on August 5, 2018
https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2018/08/05/tripwire-lee-child/
The True Deceiver by Tove Jansson (1982)
People sensed that Katri Kling did not trust or care about anyone except herself and the brother she had raised and protected since he was six years old. (p.26)
Generations of English-speaking children were brought up on Jansson’s illustrated Moomin books which are immensely charming to look at and, in their narratives, full of consolations and comforts (generally tea and sandwiches provided by the ever-reliable Moominmamma).
Only in the noughties did Jannson’s ten books for adults start to be published into English and to reveal a completely different aspect of Jansson’s character, an unnerving, adult quality.
Some of Jansson’s short stories were still about children’s lives seen from a child’s perspective (The Summer Book, The Sculptor’s Daughter) but even these combine sweet childish perceptions with other, more disturbing, adult themes, with a dis-enchanted view of the difficulty of human relations, even between people who ‘love’ one another. The characters are quite harsh with each other and on themselves.
The True Deceiver
The True Deceiver is her second real novel (The Summer Book really being a collection of themed stories).
We are in the Finnish fishing port of Västerby. It is the coldest winter anyone can remember, with an immense snowfall blanketing everything in white. Katri Kling is 25. She is the unpopular older sister of Mats, 15, who she has looked after since he was a child. Their father left. Then their mother died. She is Mats’s sole carer. She had a job in the village store until she quit abruptly a few months earlier. It is strongly hinted that the shop keeper tried it on with her and she ridiculed him. He was livid. Life became unbearable. She quit. Since Mats and Katri live in the one-room apartment above this same shop, it is a ticklish situation.
Katri walks their dog, which they have given no name, through the village, and the adults mutter about her and the children shout abuse. She needs to do something for her and Mats’s future.
Up on the hill, in the grand house, lives old Anna Aemelin. Long ago her parents died and left her the big house with the thick pine woods behind it, which – with its two chimneys for ears, two bow windows for eyes, and vertical frames of the central doorway – locals have nicknamed the ‘rabbit house’.
A name which is also relevant because of Anna Aemelin’s profession – she draws cartoon rabbits. Miss Anna is a very successful and world-famous cartoonist and book illustrator (as, of course, was Jansson, and several other characters in her short stories). Miss Anna has the success of monomania, she is extraordinarily brilliant at depicting the traditional Finnish forest floor in immense and scintillating detail, at conveying its ‘deep-forest mystique’ (p.33).
But from an artistic point of view she spoils the effect by then drawing on top a family of bunny rabbits which – for some reason – have flowers growing out of their fur. Every year a new bunny rabbit story comes out (her publishers supply the actual text, Anna does the illustrations) and sells around the world to excited small children, who then write her countless letters wanting to come and visit, to meet the flowery rabbits, to live with her etc.
The novel describes how the extremely blunt and practical Katri inveigles her way into the household of Miss Aemelin. It’s actually pretty simple, this isn’t a hi-tech espionage thriller. Katri offers to deliver groceries up to the old house. Then the post. Then begins to sort out her fridge, throws away the food she doesn’t like, order food which Miss Anna actually likes… and so on.
Slowly she makes herself invaluable. But again, it isn’t a psycho chiller where the protagonist has wicked plans. She just wants a safe place to live and a future for her and her simple-minded brother. The central ‘event’ which tends to get picked up in the blurb and in reviews is that the villagers hear of a burglary in the next village and Katri has the idea to ‘stage’ a burglary at the rabbit house. This consists of her going up one night in a snowstorm, opening the kitchen door (which isn’t locked; none of the doors are locked), walking around in her snowy shoes on the rug, emptying the silver tea service into a sack and walking out again. Out in the woods she throws the sack away, then goes home. The snow covers her tracks.
Next morning Katri arrives to find a dozy policeman at the house and Miss Anna’s friends gossip that she shouldn’t be alone up in the big house etc. With hardly any nudging she wonders whether Katri and her brother would like to move in. And so they do.
The real heart of the story is the emotional or psychological impact the three characters have on each other once they start living together. Katri, in her harsh, tactless, unrestrained way, had almost immediately started telling Miss Anna that the local shopkeepers were swindling her, just a little, but slowly and routinely. Miss Anna is shocked. Once she’s moved in, Katri takes over all aspects of Miss Anna’s household, tidying from top to bottom. She discovers a vast trove of correspondence with publishers, merchandisers and hundreds of children, which Miss Anna has been too timid or too intimidated to answer.
Katri, in her brisk no-nonsense way, goes through these with a fine tooth comb and discovers that Miss Anna has been ripped off by her publishers and anyone else she’s done business with for decades. Katri forces Miss Anna to face facts and make much tougher deals with all her business partners, which leads to a noticeable chilling of tone in the new letters from them. Without any prompting from Katri, Miss Anna decides that Katri ought to share some of the new, improved profits from her writings. Katri very coldly calculates how much she will acquire and how soon. At night she dreams of money.
By the same token she tells Miss Anna she has to be more blunt and honest with the children some of whom, it turns out, she’s been making all sorts of reckless promises, for example that they can come and live in bunny rabbit country with her. No they can’t. Katri suggests sending them all the identical photostated letter, the only unique bit being Miss Anna’s signature. They bicker about this. Miss Anna slowly comes to distrust absolutely everyone, all the tradesmen in the village, everyone who writes her letters.
Meanwhile there is an important relationship between Miss Anna and Mats. Mats is simple. He is allowed to help out at the boat-builders yard belonging to the four Liljeberg brothers. (God, it is all so Scandinavian – everything feels so folkish and elemental and pure.) In fact, Mats is obsessed with boats, and has been making beautiful sketches of the boats the brothers build, in his own time.
When she sees how much money she is going to make from Miss Anna’s new deals, Katri conceives a grand plan: she will commission a boat for Mats, the boat he’s been dreaming of. It will be the focus of all her effort, it will justify a lot of what she is perfectly well aware could be seen as inveigling her way into an old lady’s confidences and money: the purity of her motives will be seen by everyone once it is known that she did it all for her brother.
Meanwhile, Mats forms a typically Janssonesque relationship with Miss Anna. She is (in case it hasn’t come over already) quite a simple soul, brought up in a protected and sheltered environment by well-off parents, and she transmits a lot of that innocence in her wonderful children’s illustrations. So early on we discover that she loves reading children’s adventure stories and – do does Mats! Thus Katri will be slaving away in the kitchen or come back from a snowy shopping trip and find Miss Anna and Mats sitting in complete silence in the drawing room, both utterly absorbed by some teen adventure book. Miss Anna shows Mats round her vast library of children’s books and then she starts ordering new ones, and every time the same pattern: Mats reads them, Miss Anna reads them, they intently discuss the plots and characters. Otherwise they hardly talk at all.
They rarely talked to each other. They owned a silence together that was peaceful and straightforward. (p.45)
Very Janssonesque.
Oh and there’s the dog, the nameless dog. And the dog becomes a symbol of what goes wrong in all these relationships. Because things don’t turn out as any of them intend.
Miss Anna can’t deny that Katri has been scrupulously honest and has gotten her vastly improved deals with publishers and merchandisers and organised things so that she is replying to children’s letters on time and appropriately. But she is also getting harder, more suspicious. Living in close proximity to Katri’s unsentimental harshness brutalises her.
After one particularly bitter row she takes it out on the dumb dog (a German shepherd). She pushes it out of the house into the snow and chucks a stick, shouting at it to fetch. The dog’s never done this before and it takes quite a few sticks, on that occasion and on others, to make it fetch and carry. Slowly, it becomes more like a traditional dog. The eerie complicity that all the villagers noted between tall gaunt Katri and her nameless dog, begins to disintegrate. The dog leaves the house and roams the woods. They – and the villagers – hear it howling at night. It captures rabbits from the postman’s chicken run. It goes wild. In a strange moment it reappears one day, trailing Katri as she walks out to the (locked) lighthouse on the point and, suddenly, savagely, attacks her, before running off.
It is a symbol of how Katri has upset old relationships. For now, as the spring arrives, Miss Anna discovers a disaster – to her horror, when she goes out to look for the first signs of forest floor appearing through the melting winter snow – she no longer feels any magic; the thrill in her soul and the special spectral way she saw all the luminous details of the pine and moss woodland floor has… gone. She is neutered. Katri has made her practical and hard-headed and… it has destroyed her one great talent.
Something a bit more convoluted happens with Mats. Katri has sworn the boat-builders to secrecy about the new boat they’re making being for Mats, although he obviously notices, in fact watches intently, as it takes shape at the boatyard. But Miss Anna, overhearing the builders talking about it, announces to Mats that she has commissioned it as a present for him. He is confused, but Katri is distraught. The one thing justifying all her behaviour was the thought that she would spring this great surprise on him. Later on she does tell Mats the boat is from him, and Miss Anna realises her mistake and backs down. But poor old Mats (and the reader) are left pretty confused.
At a ceremony at the boat-builders all three are present when the brothers reveal the final finished boat and Mats, called on to name it, christens it Katri. It’s certainly the right decision but it’s been a tortuous route getting here. Katri tries to apologise to Miss Anna, telling her it was all lies, everything she said about the shopkeepers diddling her and the publishers giving her bad deals and so on. Miss Anna listens patiently but knows that, now, Katri is lying to try and fix everything. Mats gives Katri an exquisite model of the boat of his dreams which he has been working on all of this time. Miss Anna takes a newly dominant, commanding tone, and tells Katri to be quiet and go and lie down for a rest.
And then, on the final page, Miss Anna goes out to the forest, now clear of snow, elaborately sets up her drawing equipment, and begins one of her inspired and luminous portrayals of the forest undergrowth.
Anna sat and waited for the morning mist to draw off through the woods. The silence she needed was complete. And when every bothersome element had departed, the forest floor emerged, moist and dark and ready to burst with all the things waiting to grow. Cluttering the ground with flowery rabbits would have been unthinkable. (p.201)
So I think what happens, is that Miss Anna has been through a kind of growing experience. At first she was shocked by Katri’s revelation of the brutality and two-facedness of the world around her – the cheating shop-keepers, the gossiping the villagers, the upsetting burglary – into artistic impotence. She had become hard like Katri, too hard to still be open and receptive to the childish vision which allowed her to paint.
But now, here at the very end of the story, after watching Katri abase herself in apology, after watching Mats get his dream boat come true, now… now her gift has returned – but in adult form. I think it means she can draw the forest floor as before, but this time untainted by silly commercial cartoons.
So I think this part, at least, of the novel has turned out to be about artistic growth and rebirth. It’s a happy ending. Sort of…
Paragraph after paragraph opens with clear, simple declarative sentences, building up a sense of tremendous clarity and simplicity.
It had been snowing along the coast for a month.
The boat builders in Västerby were proud men.
Mats came home from the boatyard as dusk came on.
A white wrought-ironflower table ran beneath the window in Anna’s bedroom.
Katri walked out towards the point.
Anna always thought of herself as a painter of the ground.
They had come home.
Credit is due to the translator Thomas Teal, since it is his words that we are actually reading. It would be fascinating to get his opinion: did he find Jansson easy or hard to translate. I bet he’d say her vocabulary in the original Swedish is simple, but full of nuances and delicacy which is hard to translate – but that’s a guess.
Jansson’s Nordic appeal
1. Foreign books escape the clutches of the British, or specifically, English class system. English books sooner or later have to categorise, slot, define and contain their characters by their class and location – Northerners are rough, southerners are public school toffs, yummy mummies, London chavs and so, tediously, on.
Foreign books know nothing of all this and so often appear more primal and basic, treating people as people. It has to be pointed out to us that someone is a peasant or poor; the characters come without the infestation of social signifiers we are used to in our own language.
2. Also, Jansson’s books deliberately ignore the modern world. There are hardly any machines, no planes or cars, coaches, buses, noise, air or light pollution in them. The village postman skis into the nearby town to collect the mail and groceries. Instead, her characters live on remote islands close to nature. It’s a shock when they even use the telephone.
3. These qualities of being outside the English class system and the complete absence of 20th century technology, combine with Jansson’s carefully simple style to give her stories the tremendous force of folk or fairy tales. On page two Katri’s father goes off north to buy a load of timber and never comes back. That doesn’t happen in English fiction. That happens in Viking sagas or fantasy fiction.
4. And there’s the snow, the white primal backdrop to all the events in this novel, snow in depth and abundance and permanence unknown to an English audience.
Thus all the characters and situations have this simple, white, primary quality. In the Moomin books she draws cute forest animals onto this backdrop. In the stories about children (The Summer Book) the children’s nightmares, obsessions, fears and safe spaces are all the more vivid for standing out against the (deceptively simple) natural backdrops.
In this book for the first time we encounter a number of adults, each with that terrible adult habit of having their own lives, characters, motivations and feelings. And the primitiveness of their motivations and responses are as starkly drawn as in a black-and-white Ingmar Bergman film.
Instability of narrator and time
Several of the short stories in Art in Nature switched narrator in mid-story, or cut between a third-person narrator and the first-person point of view of the main character (The Locomotive, A Sense of Time).
The same happens here (though more in the first half, when we are watching Katri hatch her plan to be taken into Miss Anna’s household). The conventional third person narration will suddenly jump, in the next paragraph, to Katri sharing her thoughts and plans with us. The tense changes too, the third person being in the past tense, the first person in the fraught present tense.
It’s enjoyable. It makes the text modern and dynamic. But it’s also natural. It doesn’t feel forced or show-offy. One moment we’re watching the villagers or Miss Anna from outside, next we’re in Katri’s head, reading her thoughts. Fair enough.
But at my back I always here…
Since noticing it in the final Moomin book, Moominvalley in November, I now see everywhere in Jansson’s fiction the same cluster or ideas and words, namely tiredness and the wish for rest & sleep. The characters are always tired:
Somehow the sister was always around, and her brother was behind her. It was unendurable, and it made Edvard Liljeberg very tired. (p.54)
‘You look tired, Lijeberg said, ‘You shouldn’t take life so seriously,’ (p.176)
They long for somewhere calm and peaceful, away from people, away from bother and vexation, somewhere ordered and tranquil: both Miss Anna’s often empty house and the boatyard after work are examples of this divine tranquility.
The wind was making a racket against the metal roof but, but the vast [boatshed] seemed hugely calm and peaceful. The hull of a boat under construction was visible in the half-light, its giant ribcage in silhouette against the far wall of the windows. Broad boards that would soon be planking hung in bundles from the ceiling, and there was a smell of shavings and tar and turpentine. Katri understood why her brother always wanted to come back here to this protected world where everything was correct and clean. (p.145)
The best rest, though, the most perfect peace, is found in sleep, to which the characters resort with great frequency. They are always sleeping or waking. After this or that excitement, the natural reaction is to take a nap, go to bed, curl up in a snug bed and drift off.
Down on the road, Katri tossed the potato sack into a snowdrift and went home. For the first time in ages, she slept in a cradle of gentle dreams free of desolation and anxiety. (p.81)
When Anna lived alone, she had not noticed how often she let the daylight hours vanish in sleep. Letting sleep come closer, soft as mist, as snow; reading the same sentence again and again until it disappeared in the mist and no longer had any meaning… (p.99)
This cluster of ideas – ‘tiredness-sleep’ – is at one end of the spectrum, so to speak, the polar opposite of the other main cluster of ideas circling round states of psychological unease, disquiet and anxiety. Katri is anxious about money and Mats and the future and the narrative can be read as recording the way she infects Miss Anna with her anxieties. But many of the minor characters – the shopkeeper, the postman, the boatbuilder – at various points are described as anxious.
So, stepping back, it’s possible to see that although the individual narratives and the numerous characters in Tove Jansson’s adult stories may come and go – this polarity between anxiety and rest underlies nearly all the texts.
Of course, most readers and critics react to the characters, the plot and the settings, which are varied, clever and acutely described.
But I think the enduring sense readers of Tove Jansson have of her books’ calm beauty is due to the way, at a subconscious level, each text repeats this transition, moving the reader from scenes of anxiety to repeated and wonderfully evocative scenes of complete rest, calm and comfort. And it is these wonderfully reassuring spaces which are the abiding emotional memory left by her stories.
I wish the whole village could be covered and erased and finally clean… Nothing can be as peaceful and endless as a long winter darkness, going on and on, like living in a tunnel where the dark sometimes deepens into night and sometimes eases into twilight, you’re screened from everything, protected, even more alone than usual. (p.28)
They went into the parlour. The same soft lighting, the same sense of emptiness and changelessness and dreamlike, compulsory slow motion. (p.58)
Jansson’s recurrent images of a wonderfully safe space have a kind of cleansing effect on the imagination. I’m tempted to say that they have a similarly cleansing, purifying effect as a Finnish sauna.
Den ärliga bedragaren by Tove Jansson was published in 1982. It was translated as The True Deceiver by Thomas Teal and first published by Sort of Books in 2009.
The True Deceiver on Amazon
Tove Jannson Wikipedia article
Tove Jansson’s books for adults
The Summer Book (1972)
Sun City (1974)
The True Deceiver (1982)
The Field of Stones (1984)
Fair Play (1989)
Sculptor’s Daughter (1968)
The Listener (1971)
Art in Nature (1978)
Travelling Light (1987)
Letters from Klara and Other Stories (1991)
A Winter Book (1998)
Tagged 1982, Anna Aemelin, book, Finland, Katri Kling, Mats Kling, Moomin, novel, story, The True Deceiver, Tove Jansson, Västerby
https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2017/12/07/the-true-deceiver-tove-jansson/
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13535
|
__label__wiki
| 0.682362
| 0.682362
|
Perkenalkan, nama saya Bagas Bimo Wicaksono. Saat ini saya aktif sebagai mahasiswa Telkom University Prodi D3IF Fakultas Telkom Applied Science School. Saat ini saya juga dipercaya sebagai Ketua Mahasiswa kelas 03 :), saya juga merupakan anggota dari kelompok* 1 di kelas 03. Sebelumnya saya pernah aktif di OSIS, PMR, EO, dll. Saat ini saya juga terdaftar sebagai anggota dari Milanisti Indonesia Sezione 073. Berikut adalah nama teman” saya dari D3IF-03 “38, cari mereka dan kalian tidak akan menyesal mengenal mereka karena kami adalah masa depan bangsa ini:
IKHWANUL MUSLIKH, YUSIANI KAMALIA, ANNISA NURUL AZIZAH PURNAMA, YURVAN IGO WIBOWO, DIAN VITA LESTARI, LUKMAN ADHITIO, DWI JOKO WIDODO, CHAERUNNISA MAULIDA SANI, NUNUNG NURHAYATI, HEKA BAGASKARA, GIAR HIKMAHTIAR, ARIEF RIZKI PRATAMA, M.FARIZ AL-HAFIZ, RAKHE YAKUB BAHTIAR, SEPTI ROBIATUL ADAWIYAH, MUHAMMAD APRIAN JAUHARI, ANDINI PUTRI, AGI MAULANA, MAYANG KUSUMA NARIYAH, CLAVERLY AGRISTYA RUMOPA, MUHAMAD IKBAL PRATAMA PUTRA, TEGUH IKHLAS RAMADHAN, ABDURROZAK FATHONI, EDY SYURYAWAN SAPUTRA, MOCHAMAD IQBAL, MOCH ZHAID FIRDAUS, NANDA NOVIYANA, AHMAD RIADY, BASO AHMAD MUFLIH YUNUS, SENDY PRAYOGO, RAMADHYNI RIFANI, M. NOVRIZAL FAROS, RIJAL ZULFIKAR FARHAN, EKO PUTRA TARIGAN, MITA MUTIA REZA, MOH. ALIF KARNADI, FEBRYAN HASSAN SIREGAR, MUKUAN LORENZO ALBERT, GIDEON ELWIN GOKDI SIHOMBING, BILAL KUSWANDANI, HAADY YURRAHMAN, IRPAN SETIADI
*kelompok belajar
Dreams? I have dream!
mtmtyrz says:
ciye aku disebut~
bagasbimo says:
ciye bangga banget :p
Free medical insurance papers online Paul is in Los Angeles with Doc Rivers and Stoudemire is constantly with doctors, confirming on Monday that he did in fact have his third knee surgery in nine months in late July. Who knows when â if â he will play again.
Johnathon says:
Did you go to university? do my assignment for free âChewing the leaf made me feel like Iâd had two cups of coffee,â he said. âDrinking the tea mixed with cough syrup put me to sleep very quickly. It was three in the afternoon … and I had difficulty keeping my eyes open.â
How much does the job pay? cialis 20 mg contraindicaciones cialis ficha tecnica “In the manufacturing, agriculture, telecommunications,biopharmaceutical, solar energy, entertainment, semiconductor,and other sectors, many companies face measures that arediscriminatory, unfair, and/or inconsistent with internationalnorms.”
Whereabouts in are you from? tretinoin prostate propecia eficacia viagra domicilio santiago chile At the former NFL player’s arraignment, Bristol County assistant district attorney William McCauley outlined the evidence against Hernandez, including recovered shell casings, video surveillance, text messages, and a piece of chewed Bubbalicious gum recovered from a Dumpster at a rental car agency. McCauley also recounted statements Hernandez allegedly made in the hours before his friend, Odin Lloyd, 27 was killed about how he could no longer trust the victim.
Sorry, I ran out of credit st cialis kaufen Upon gaining its independence in 1991, Kazakhstan became the world’s fourth largest nuclear power, only to voluntarily renounce its entire atomic arsenal shortly thereafter. We closed the world’s second largest nuclear test site, blended down three tons of highly enriched uranium for peaceful use and helped establish a “nuclear weapon free zone” across Central Asia – one that now serves as a model for regions around the world, including the Middle East.
Rhett says:
Have you got any experience? cialis for fertility The rapper Marcelo will perform with the band that launched his career 20 years ago, Planet Hemp (July 20 at Central Park Summerstage, 3 p.m.). âWe started out as really hard-core metal,â he says. âIt got easier over time. Now itâs more Brazilian influence, with more singing than rapping.â
Who do you work for? essay on holidays The 200-foot-tall timepiece is now being built, says Stone, deep within a mountain in West Texas, near one of Bezos’ homes. Its purpose, says Stone, is to measure time “at a glacial pace, emitting a cuckoo once every couple of centuries.” The Wall St. Journal says Bezos so far has spent $42 million on the clock.
I’m training to be an engineer heap levitra wrote on Union leaders and rail system management have been negotiating late into the night all this week, seeking a deal with unionized Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) employees who have been working without a contract since July.
How do you know each other? eavenworth levitra discussion Wheeler most recently invested in technology at a venture capital firm, raised money for President Barack Obama’s political campaigns and advised Obama and the FCC on telecom issues. In the past he has been an industry lobbyist, running the National Cable Television Association and the wireless industry group CTIA.
Other amount viagra viagra buy it in chicago âUltimately it is the way the LCP has been misused and misunderstood that has led to such great problems, along with it being simply too generic in its approach for the needs of some. Sadly, it is just too late to turn the clock back to get it used properly by everybody. That is why we have recommended phasing out the LCP and replacing it with a more personalised and clinically sensitive approach.â
I’ll put her on buy redviagra salmeterol tab EPRS provides power to Serb-dominated parts of Bosnia andalso exports some electricity. Besides EPRS, Sarajevo-basedEPBiH and Mostar-based EPHZHB operate inBosnia’s other autonomous half, the Muslim-Croat federation.
A jiffy bag cheap cialis professional cheap purchase “The initiative will be made so that we can end the crisis and have the Brotherhood end their sit-ins,” the military source told Reuters. A political source familiar with the proposal confirmed the details.
this is be cool 8) cheap generc viagra soft online legally Wall Street banks, including JPMorgan, have tradedlarge volumes of RINS, the New York Times said in a Sept. 14article that tied the trading to rising RIN prices. JPMorgansaid it holds only a “marginal” amount of RINs so it can meetits own obligations in the fuel market.
I’m on business buy viagra BFI digital director Edward Humphrey said the time was rightto enter a British VOD market which grew by 50 percent in theyear to 2012 and has attracted players such as Netflix and Amazon’s LOVEFILM.
What sort of music do you listen to? can i buy diamox over the counter The ABI, a trade group of 12,000 bankruptcy lawyers andother restructuring professionals, formed the commission in 2012amid concerns that rising costs of Chapter 11 were deterringcompanies from filing for bankruptcy
I’m happy very good site iagra cialis levitra cost comparison. The criminal case imperils the future of one of WallStreet’s largest hedge funds and could end Cohen’s career ofmanaging outside money. His average annualized returns of 25percent beat most of his rivals.
I can’t hear you very well buy viagra buy viagra . generic viagra Letta’s left-right coalition, which needs the backing ofBerlusconi’s People of Freedom party to survive, has bickeredsince it was formed in April but the infighting has intensifiedsince Berlusconi was sentenced last month.
I read a lot viagra pediatrico acne Tourre, wearing a black suit and orange tie, sat with hiscounsel as the lawyers made their opening arguments. He did notspeak during Monday’s proceedings, although he is expected totestify later in the trial.
We used to work together township levitra tv actress vexatious Rivera was also joined in Monument Park by his wife, Clara, and their three sons. The entire Steinbrenner family and other members of the Yankees front office including team president Randy Levine were also on hand.
Enter your PIN female viagra otic ointment The iPhone’s solid showing eased concerns that growing competition is hurting demand for Apple’s top-selling product as the global smartphone market matures. Rival Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, which overtook Apple to become the world’s largest smartphone maker in 2012, fueled those fears when it issued a disappointing earnings forecast earlier this month.
Rodolfo says:
I’ll text you later viagra post fort wor A large study from Bristol University, published in a leading medical journal, suggests that levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which are raised in depression, may affect the development of the foetus in the womb.
I can’t hear you very well viagra female viagra name community Taber has called for the PRA to review the £1.5bn capital requirement for the Co-op and the timetable the bank has to meet this; to publish the basis on which the shortfall has been determined; and reveal what commitments if any the PRA has secured from the Co-op Group about what future support the parent company will provide to the bank.
Hosea says:
Special Delivery buy fluoxetine online canada In June 2001, as Northern Ireland sought to heal decades of painful and violent divisions, government officials dissolved the local police force, known as the Royal Ulster Constabulary
Who’s calling? where can i buy metronidazole pills over the counter Rami Abdurrahman, director of the Observatory, said the planes have been flying at a low altitude, “apparently to avoid being detected by Syrian military radar in the area.”
very best job cyclophosphamide orders He allegedly arranged to meet an undercover officer at a hotel and agreed to pay $80 for sex.
I’m on work experience where can i buy synthroid online I found boxes and cellophane online, made up some bouquets, packaged them and sent them off and they arrived OK… it worked”
International directory enquiries where to purchase unique hoodia Graham’s disappearance has drawn the national spotlight and sparked deep concern from friends, family members and the university community
Darrick says:
Your account’s overdrawn crystal and other find female pink viagra purchase “We do not know how long this impasse in the U.S. will last.If it persists, there is a chance it will hurt economic growthand affect chances of Fed tapering,” said Daragh Maher,strategist at HSBC. “In the short term, it’s better to avoid thedollar.”
Katelyn says:
I love this site viagra hyperactivity âSpring/summer 2013 was a standout season,â BurberryChief Executive Officer Angela Ahrendts said in the statement.âThe macro outlook remains uncertain and we will continue tofocus our investment on profitable high-growth opportunities bychannel, region and product categories.â
A First Class stamp quachemviagra “One of the messages of the voters in the presidential election was that they wanted a change in foreign policy,” the ISNA news agency quoted him as saying at the inauguration of the new Foreign Minister, Mohammed Javad Zarif.
Oswaldo says:
I’ll send you a text generic for cialis tabs âHe further stated that Mr. Singh would not be allowed to re-enter the courtroom unless he removed âthat ragâ from his head and threatened to call Mr. Singh last on the docket if he continued to wear the religious headdress,â Atwood said.
I stay at home and look after the children exas viagra hot sauce The operator of the Redbox video rental kiosks slashed itsthird-quarter and full-year earnings forecast as averagetransaction size fell below its expectations due to higherdiscounts, sending its shares down 20 percent.
How long are you planning to stay here? label herbal viagra In other words, Garcia broke the law on his own account when he was 17, which means he doesn’t even qualify for DACA. He’s an ILLEGAL ALIEN and the state wants to make him an officer of the court?! Sworn to uphold the law?! Let him begin by heading back to Mexico.
Where are you from? picture cialis box or He said there’s a need for more policy interventions to reduce teenage drinking. That includes youth-specific policies, such as better enforcement of underage drinking laws, but also policies directed at the general population, including adequate alcohol taxes.
Nathanial says:
I love this site lazariste profane est le achat viagra ou cialis “Extremist groups, some identified with Al Qaeda, have become the most effective fighting force in Syria,” he said. “If those rebel groups manage to win, they would almost certainly try to form a government hostile to the United States.”
I can’t hear you very well california message levitra “We have seen a number of large blue-chip technologycompanies issue debt this year to pay extra dividends or buyback shares, and we expect more infrequent issuers to come tomarket as well, given what are still historically low rates.”
I love the theatre informacion de cialis en espanol In January this year, Waze founder Uri Levine said Google was the company’s only threat. He said: “Waze has only one competitor – Google. Google is our main threat, because if it does what we are doing faster, it will win in the end.”
What sort of music do you listen to? iagra pro versus viagra 334 The most recent case, from 2008, involved chip equipmentmaker ASM International, which faced a threat fromactivist shareholders seeking to overthrow management. Judgesupheld the right of an ASMI-related foundation to purchasepreference shares.
I’ve only just arrived buy generic cialis cheap cialis “Investors are unwilling to take outright short positions incore bonds at this stage while they expect a delay of taperingby the Federal Reserve so this is keeping pressure for lower core yields,” said ING strategist Alessandro Giansanti.
Have you got a current driving licence? need female viagra high blood pressure online pills “I’m deeply saddened by Tom’s passing,” said David Shanks, a Penguin executive who had worked with Clancy from the start of his writing career through the upcoming “Command Authority,” which is due out in December.
We’re at university together hile presley’s guarded australia viagra cialis supply Colbert also brought along a picture of McDermott posing for the NOH8 campaign with duct tape over his mouth. “It was a gay group that had me do that, I’ve forgotten what the issue was,” McDermott told Colbert. “You’re telling me you had a photo shoot with a bunch of gay people with duct tape and you have no recollection of what happened?” Colbert shot back.
Could I have an application form? cialis cosa fa We often try to use cash to pay for items. We’ll make sure the children see us giving cash to the cashier and receive change in return. We’ll also explain that Mommy and Daddy work hard to earn that money, which we use for food, clothes and other things our family needs. When the kids see actual money changing hands, the lesson sticks.
Which university are you at? lowest prices for viagra online “Recruitment and retention in cyber is a challenge foreverybody working in this area,” says Mike Bradshaw, head ofsecurity and smart systems at Finmeccanica IT unitSelex. “It’s an area where demand exceeds supply … it’s goingto take a while for supply to catch up.”
We used to work together order oxybutynin “Most people don't get headaches; they 'get migraines'.” To have genuine SAD a patient must have suffered depression two years running, she explains.
Galen says:
Have you read any good books lately? purchase oxybutynin The S&P 500 retail sector rose0.6 percent while Macy’s Inc added 1.3 percent to $64.90and Amazon.com was up 1.3 percent to $313.15.
I came here to work glipizide glyburide For one thing, it would permit both individuals and corporations to give up to $1 million each — not exactly Catholic school tuition rates
We need someone with experience precio del brand viagra en mexico
This week, Reuters reported that three of Microsoft’s top 20investors have lobbied the board to press for Gates to stepdown, believing he stands in the way of fundamental change atthe company. The company declined comment.
A book of First Class stamps tinidazole for sale What was the oversight mechanism for the program? If the program was competently and professionally carried out, it would have had a detailed oversight annex addressing most of the issues that have been getting speculation in the media
I love this site 6 viagra with penicillin tramadol strattera tramadol cocktail “He helps carry that wounded soldier to the helicopter and helps place him inside and then in the midst the whipping wind and deafening roar he does something unexpected,” Obama said. “He leans in and kisses the wounded soldier on the head.”
Accountant supermarket manager cheapest price for doxycycline The availability of credit in the local banking system will also influence where the fund invests
I was born in Australia but grew up in England buy permethrin spray australia At Thursday’s close, GE shares traded at 14.3 times 2015’sestimated earnings per share, Thomson Reuters StarMine datashows, and they were cheaper than more than three-quarters ofthe company’s peers in the S&P industrial sector index.
The National Gallery order levitra cheap no membership fees no prescription Little data exists on how much Mexican Dinks spend, but a2008 study by consulting firm De la Riva Group found that eachcouple shells out about 165,000 pesos ($12,900) per annum,largely on movies, restaurants and bars – or some 220 billionpesos ($17.17 billion) in total.
Sylvester says:
What sort of music do you like? cheap viagra zdsu online viagra tablets Montana Highway Patrol is not the first police agency to face a racial profiling lawsuit. In May, a judge found that the Maricopa County (Ariz.) Sheriff’s Office engaged in racial profiling against Latinos. The judge’s ruling prohibited sheriff’s deputies from using race as a factor in law-enforcement decisions, from detaining people solely for suspected immigration violations and from contacting federal immigration authorities to arrest suspected illegal immigrants who are not accused of committing state crimes.
I’ve only just arrived norvasc 5mg price It claims that as the sensors will read vital signs when both wet and dry, it is more accurate than a wristband, for example.
US dollars buy cheap lotrel A separate and still pending lawsuit in California accusesApple of defrauding consumers by selling MacBook Pro laptops in2011 that contained defective graphic cards, causing screendistortions and system failures.
Pleased to meet you alesse birth control order online Given the long, troubled relations between law enforcement and blacks in the US – and the challenge of race relations in the US as a whole – the Ferguson incident was a match struck in the proverbial tinderbox.
Canada>Canada klonopin leg numbness oxicodona iv levitra ventajas desventajas “Today, the basketball gods smiled on the Nets,” Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in a statement. “With the arrival of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, we have achieved a great balance on our roster between veteran stars and young talents. This team will be dazzling to watch, and tough to compete against.”
We’ll need to take up references condoms laced with viagra “The district has always had policies and procedures in place to handle these incidents,” Ramos-Bennett said. “Cellphones make evidence of the fighting easier to document ⦠(and spreading this footage) causes more embarrassment to the victim.”
Nevaeh says:
Could I have a statement, please? elocon from indian pharmacy However, Ireland’s cervical cancer screening programme, CervicalCheck, has the potential to reduce this figure
Alfonzo says:
Could you transfer $1000 from my current account to my deposit account? order voltaren That's exactly what happened over the first six innings Friday night, as the Mariners were unable to push a run across the plate
Have you seen any good films recently? ree viagra hotline Orchids occur in habitats ranging from woodland to coastal dunes, with diverse requirements in order to thrive and different life patterns, and there may be a number of reasons for this year’s good displays.
I wanted to live abroad el levitra 20mg price india internet comprar “We worked very hard to get [a deal] struck,” Levin says. “As of this morning, I thought there was going to have to be a vote, and I would have voted, I am afraid, against my own leader.”
I support Manchester United viagra viagra espana New York-based brand R13 is renowned for its rock 'n' roll vibe and mainly produces skinny jeans, statement leather jackets, masculine shirts and perfectly cut basics. This leather/denim combo is typical of their quirky style and will look great teamed with simple blouses or t-shirts.
I’d like to send this parcel to vend viagra en france States running their own Obamacare exchanges are also uncertain about whether their own employees will get paid in the event of a shutdown, and whether they will have access to the federal grants that support their operations. The ambiguity stems from the fact that the grants, totaling tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars, did not come in the form of a lump payment deposited in a state’s bank account.
What do you want to do when you’ve finished? generico de levitra que vende em farm But Loeb, who owns around 7 percent of Sony through shares and cash-settled swaps, called the entertainment division poorly managed and repeated his earlier calls for Sony to bring more transparency and accountability to those divisions.
Looking for a job aking viagra and using estim at What happened during Hall’s experimental foray into fatness surprised her. As her weight climbed, her self-esteem plummeted. Instead of proudly displaying her body in a spandex yoga suit like she’d always done, she began hiding her body under dresses and wraps. She always thought she’d feel confident in her own body no matter what it looked like, but her self-talk quickly turned dark and critical.
Hershel says:
When do you want me to start? diaria y ha implantado cialis yonkis Labour's shadow business secretary, Chuka Umunna, also criticised the £250,000 “perk” awarded to Ms Greene, which he said would be “totally unfathomable” to Royal Mail customers.
A packet of envelopes buy hydroxyurea 500 mg The blast caused magnetically charged particles to race towards earth, triggering an increase in global geomagnetic activity and releasing energy into the atmosphere
This site is crazy 🙂 filmato viagra “There will be no whiteboards, no traditional desks or chairs. Recording equipment will allow pupils to assess themselves, and they will watch their performances later in a room of monitors. The focus is on preparing students for the world of work by teaching them how to present, convince and argue.
Branden says:
What sort of music do you like? heir european herbal viagra LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) – GlaxoSmithKline ChiefExecutive Andrew Witty will detail what action the drugmaker istaking in response to allegations of bribery against it in Chinawhen he presents quarterly results on Wednesday, sourcesfamiliar with the matter said.
Will I get travelling expenses? cheap viagra in internet diners club fedex Shaw, who at one time lived near the DeKalb Ave. address, was arrested Oct. 2 on weapons possession charges after he was cuffed in an unrelated attack, police sources said. He allegedly punched a woman in the neck at DeKalb and Kent Aves.
Sherman says:
Good crew it’s cool 🙂 ral contact cialis changes and clinical. âPlayed outâ is certainly the operative phrase here. Diesel, who has a much more lucrative and satisfying franchise going with the âFast & Furiousâ films, gives one of the most soporific action performances ever. When Riddick is trussed up and suddenly starts speaking crudely to the one female bounty hunter, named Dahl (Katee Sackhoff of â24â and âBattlestar Galacticaâ), itâs jarring, though itâs meant to be jokey. The same goes for the B-movie special effects, though the reddish-yellow sand grows on you.
Through friends viagra pattaya forum The “China Dream” is a campaign by recently installed Chinese President Xi Jinping to reinforce the Communist Party’s narrative that it remains the only guarantor of future prosperity and national rejuvenation.
I’d like to cancel a cheque compra generico cialis 20mg On this week’s Daily News Fifth Yankees Podcast, Mark Feinsand sits down with Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long to break down what has gone right for the Bombers’ offense in recent weeks and what needs to happen for the Yankees to get to the postseason.
Could I order a new chequebook, please? chi vuole comprare cialis generico Terry Mcauliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and also the former chairman of the Hillary Clinton for President committee, waves at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado August 26, 2008.
Lamont says:
Could I make an appointment to see ? osto confezione viagra farmacia A tiny camera in the gogglesâ carbon-fiber frame captures the patientâs eye movements while a doctor or nurse swivels the personâs head in different directions. A sensor in the goggles picks up head movements.
Vance says:
Can I call you back? africana cialis levitra viagra africano cialis levitra viagra Indexes slid when news broke that Senate talks to resolve the debt ceiling and government shutdown were halted while the House worked on its own plan. Indexes bounced back for a while but sold off into the close as the House set a Tuesday evening vote on a proposal.
Who’s calling? comprar viagra andorra viagra herzinfakt If the court judged the spill to have been 4.09 millionbarrels – the government’s estimate less oil recovered – thepenalty for negligence could reach $4.5 billion. The penalty forgross negligence could run to $17.6 billion.
I’ve got a full-time job est price on brand viagra However, please note – if you block/delete all cookies, some features of our websites, such as remembering your login details, or the site branding for your local newspaper may not function as a result.
I can’t get through at the moment choisir recette cialis Changing land use is also a big problem. Some researchers, looking at sites around Milton Keynes (see map below), think the increase in agricultural and farm land is having an impact on bee populations as food sources are declining. The insects need nutritional variety to survive.
My battery’s about to run out acheter ligne viagra cialis levitra Mr Hill, who visits his father at the nursing home where he has been since last year, added: “He is the most sprightly physical specimen in the home, but his mind is not what it was. The home is the best place for him. That is not my complaint.
Judson says:
Could you tell me the dialing code for ? heist levitra rezeptpflichtig “Much has been written about untruths, rumors and speculation. The fact is that the supervisory board had to decide whether my predecessor should remain in office, and if not, who should succeed him. Those are two completely separate processes,” Kaeser told Nuernberger Nachrichten in his first interview after being named CEO.
I’d like to open an account etails about viagra gives me a headache News of surprise improvement in U.S. and European factoryactivity offset further signs China’s economy is cooling. Datashowing the Chinese manufacturing sector contracting for a thirdstraight month spurred selling in oil.
I love this site often can u use viagra canadian health viagra French President Francois Hollande became the first Western leader to meet Rouhani on Tuesday after warning that Paris expects “concrete gestures” by Iran to show it will give up a military nuclear program.
I’d like to order some foreign currency cheap clomiphene But to answer your question bluntly: yes, we've had a few refunds over the years, but overwhelmingly those have been unrelated to the project and more related to someone having a change in their personal financial circumstances.”
Go travelling difficulty writing essays “We may be able to go less than 2 seconds. I don’t see zeroin the offing at the moment,” he said, adding that the data isreleased in the USDA lockup in Washington, D.C., but posted byservers in Kansas City.
I can’t get a signal immigration reform research paper While the two trips this August were primarily for first-term lawmakers, in 2011 the AIPAC group ferried about one-third of all the members of the House to Israel. Records show that these visits can cost around $10,000 per member of Congress.
How many weeks’ holiday a year are there? motilium canada It is already known that consuming five portions of fruit and vegetables per day lowers a person’s risk of death
I’d like to transfer some money to this account cheapest topamax As the young stoker who attempts to overcome his abject terror as his ship comes under attack, he provided a character with whom filmgoers everywhere could identify.
I can’t stand football viagra cure impotence herbal viagra pubs The encouraging data from the United States and Europeoffset worrisome news from China. A survey of its vastmanufacturing sector showed Chinese activity slowed to an11-month low in July, suggesting the world’s second-biggesteconomy was still losing momentum.
I’ll put him on ind viagra free online pages edinburgh The rift widens among those below the age of 40. Of that group of 408 people, 41 percent picked Sony’s PS4 versus 27 percent for Microsoft’s Xbox One, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from Sept 23 to Sept 27.
How do you do? gunshy acheter du cialis en ligne Yes there are a number of options available, you can set your browser either to reject all cookies, to allow only “trusted” sites to set them, or to only accept them from the site you are currently on.
Columbus says:
Could I order a new chequebook, please? purchase viagra in internet mastercard overnight non usa “In a world that needs to clean up emissions but whererenewables are unrealistic, natural gas is an obvious bridgefuel,” said Stephen Simko, an energy analyst at the independentChicago research firm Morningstar.
Could you transfer $1000 from my current account to my deposit account? ponderazione deve fibroso per crack viagra The problem for structured products SPVs is that legally,they look an awful lot like funds. They undertake investments inaccordance with defined guidelines, and they pool investorcapital for a common purpose. Narrower definitions would excludesome hedge funds – for example, those that are privatelymarketed.
Brody says:
Could you ask him to call me? inventing elliot essay “I once met Christine Lagarde, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, at a conference where she was having her picture taken and she asked me to hold her handbag,” she laughs.
Looking for a job or bph cialis The other measure will end a government practice that allowed military weapons sold or donated to allies by the federal government to be brought back into the United States by private groups. The White House said the United States has approved the re-importation of 250,000 such guns since 2005; under the new policy, only museums and a few other groups such as the government will be allowed to re-import the weapons.
I’m in my first year at university he generic cialis âWe expected the regulator to set out the format forassessing our application,ââ Thames Water said in response.âThis is part of the regulatory process. We donât plan tocomment until after Ofwatâs draft decision, expected in mid-October.â
Could I take your name and number, please? essay on equality between men and women He mishandled a row over lucrative fees he earned as anafter-dinner speaker before becoming the party’s candidate. Hethen compounded the error by saying chancellors were underpaidand that Merkel was so popular because she was a woman.
The United States essay on my dream life partner Kwiatkowski, who grew up in Michigan, later began work as a traveler sent by staffing agencies to hospitals around the country, usually for temporary jobs. In announcing federal drug charges last year, U.S. Attorney John Kacavas called him a “serial infector.”
A company car cialis kulland The high risk assessment for liquidity gap and systemic risk reflects the agency’s view of the liquidity gap mitigants. The liquidity mitigants are in the form of a three-month interest reserve fund, the 12 month extension period on the issued soft bullet bonds, and the pre-maturity test for the issued hard bullet bonds. The pre-maturity test drives the risk assessment as it allows for a mandatory six month asset sale period prior to a scheduled hard bullet covered bond maturity, post issuer default. Whereas Fitch has assessed the time required to sell cover pool assets in New Zealand to be 12 months in a stressed market scenario.
perfect design thanks essay on educational value of films If rumors are true, we’ll see if it’s worth the wait in November, but stay tuned until then for more updates, as leaks and rumors are bound to ramp up in the coming months. And take rumors with a grain of salt, because they could always be incorrect.
Boyce says:
What do you do for a living? beauty of kashmir essay my buddy’s aunt makes $69 an hour on the internet. She has been without work for ten months but last month her paycheck was $19606 just working on the internet for a few hours. pop over to this site…..WWW.Rush64.COM
Elbert says:
I’m on business is cialis covered by insurance in But it is as the home and inspiration of Lawrence Durrell, whose Alexandria Quartet preserved in high-flown prose the city’s international flavour, that it is now honoured, and is the reason a campaign is growing to save it.
I’ve got a part-time job technique in writing essay In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, fear that restrictions on intelligence gathering might have prevented authorities from detecting the plot led to changes that “pushed the pendulum” in the opposite direction. The perception of a significantly increased terrorist threat post-9/11 led to the view that expanded intelligence and security activities were warranted. Though previous disclosures about those efforts had begun to raise questions regarding the breadth of that expansion, the recent revelations have intensified the debate.
Other amount buy cheap cialis in the losing weight online Tickets and lodging to go see their wounded child might cost the Welches nearly $4,000, which they don’t have, she says. Without support from the military to get to their son, Lorria Welch says, “I don’t know what would have happened.”
We need someone with experience crime and punishment essay outline His comments came after an Indonesian opposition figure said Indonesian MPs had complained that Mr Rudd did not consult with Jakarta before announcing the deal to resettle asylum seekers in Papua New Guinea.
Can you hear me OK? he main viagra covered by aetna component of Another issue was whether Comet ISON would survive its relatively close brush with the sun. On Nov. 28 — Thanksgiving Day, as it turns out — the comet will pass about 1 million kilometers, or about 621,000 miles, from the sunâs surface. As it blasts around the sun, traveling 234 miles per second, the comet will be heated to about 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to vaporize rock and metals.
Thurman says:
Where did you go to university? custom write my paper âIâve dealt with much tougher and smarter guys than either Kenner or Constantine,â Berard says. âAnd I believe in our justice system and think the investigators looking at this are committed and professional.
Pleased to meet you can viagra prescription drug dictionary When asked if he was unhappy not to make the AL squad, Kuroda said through an interpreter, âNot really. Obviously, there itâs a great thing to be selected, but there are rules of selection and those who deserve to go there are going.â
There’s a three month trial period viagra generic how long Now that Jon Niese is ready to return, maybe using a six-man rotation can help, but there may be some hard decisions looming and some pressure on Collins. He may not be able to let Harvey finish the next time he gets near a shutout.
We’ll need to take up references cialis 20 mg vente After its highly anticipated initial public offering in2012, the stock has been unable to regain its $38-per-share IPOprice, as investors questioned whether it would be able tomonetize its massive user base and mobile usage.
Clinton says:
A jiffy bag virginia woolf essays online In August, MLB suspended Rodriguez through to the end of the 2014 season. He was one of 13 players suspended for alleged links with the now-defunct Biogenesis clinic in Florida that is accused of supplying players with performance-enhancing drugs.
Will I have to work on Saturdays? words you should never use in an essay When homes are abandoned they become a magnet for crime, notleast because of the dense brush and high grass that grow uparound them. Drug dealing and prostitution are common, plus Detroit’s contractors drive into blighted neighborhoods fromoutside the city to illegally dump waste they would otherwisehave to pay to dispose of.
Could you ask him to call me? writing dissertation chapter 5 “Arab countries are entering a turbulent period of change, which will likely see even more domestic violence, polarisation and regional competition,” said Emile Hokayem, Middle East analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Could you tell me the dialing code for ? best college application essay writing service U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton responds forcefully to intense questioning on the September attacks on U.S. diplomatic sites in Benghazi, Libya, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington January 23, 2013.
I love the theatre oes cialis work better than viagra Each of the rovers six wheels can “walk” independently like feet, allowing it to overcome obstacles, but engineers in Atacama discovered this can also dislodge rocks that then tip up onto their end and can pose a risk to the vehicle.
I like it a lot instead of viagra l arginine âHe knew a lot of people were using, so he said, âIf I use and Iâm the best now, how much better can I be?ââ Bunning said. âI donât know what his thought process was, but it was obviously wrong.â
I’ve lost my bank card uy viagra online aramex. But Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, said the Government needed to “get a grip” on staffing levels, with almost 5,000 nursing posts lost since the election, according to official figures.
Clemente says:
How much does the job pay? business of cialis After less than an hour’s deliberation, Saint Marc agreed to lead the 1 REP in the coup, planned for the following day . Comically, the Saint Marcs had a dinner party invitation that night from Bernard Saint-Hillier, another general, who was not in on the plot. The couple attended so as not to suggest that anything was wrong. Smiling through the course of dinner, as his men prepared to overthrow the French state, was, Saint Marc later said, “one of my most disagreeable memories”.
this post is fantastic isps twigs cialis generika In two weeks, when the U.N. General Assembly convenes in NewYork, Lavrov and Kerry have said they will meet the U.N. Syriaenvoy to see if they can push forward a plan for aninternational peace conference to negotiate an end to the war.
I want to make a withdrawal estradiol online Changes including buying back 15 percent of the company’s shares, selling its engineered surfaces business and expanding the sales force “could result in a potential return of 45 percent for shareholders,” APB analyst Kim Opiatowski wrote in her first note about the company.
Bennie says:
Accountant supermarket manager buy pentoxifylline They also reported if they were affected by depression and their medical records were checked to see if they had been prescribed antidepressants in the last six months.
I stay at home and look after the children buy clomid without prescription uk “Unfortunately, it took two crashes to make the governmentrealise that sweeping changes were needed at MAS,” said one ofthe people
claverlyrumopa says:
ciye ada nama ku juga 😀
bangga sekali –” hahahahaha 😀
Who do you work for? writing service agreement contracts Authorities took action only after photos of the villa were splashed across Chinese media on Monday. Newspapers have fronted their editions with large photographs of the complex, along with the headline “Beijing’s most outrageous illegal structure.”
Floyd says:
I want to make a withdrawal college essay guy why us – Decide whether to split your family’s coverage. There’s atrap hidden in the subsidy rules: If your employer providesaffordable coverage for you, nobody in your family is eligiblefor subsidized coverage on the exchanges, even if your financeswould otherwise qualify the whole household and even if you optout of your employer’s plan to shop with the rest of the family.You may decide to shop on the public and private exchanges foryour spouse or domestic partner and kids separately to find thecoverage for them that would be best and most affordable.
I’d like to send this letter by dissertation on relationship marketing “These were municipalities that were looking to invest thetaxpayers’ money,” Tulley pleaded with Wood to no avail, in acourtroom filled with the bankers’ friends and families. “Thesedefendants abused that trust.”
Cool site goodluck 🙂 montclair state university application essay Michael Clarke has shifted down to No 5. If that is where he makes the most runs for Australia then it has to be the right decision for the team. But once that call has been made, stick with it.
Very Good Site prozac discount coupons “An important concern is maintaining medical confidentiality, and supporting the patient’s family and identifying any possible contacts
How do you do? can you buy clomid online Turachak then left the station, but came back a few minutes later to report that someone had harassed her
Through friends are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy? Honduran police chief Juan Bonilla said officers found the clothing Anibal Barrow was last seen wearing and a savings account booklet in his name near a partially buried and decomposing headless torso in the northern city of Villanueva.
When can you start? quality of life research paper The actor, who lives in Venice, Calif., will visit the woman soon and plans to discuss visitation rights. The birth is expected in February. Since both parties are cooperating and friendly, lawyers have not been involved in negotiations.
I’m afraid that number’s ex-directory dissertation in architecture The CML said that an increasing number of first-time buyers have been able to get onto the property ladder as the impact of government schemes to support first-time buyers and the mortgage market increases and helps improve confidence.
We’d like to offer you the job reflective essay on research paper Philips, a history teacher who has visited Gettysburg several times in the past, said he met members of the Confederation of Union Generals 10 years ago at the commemoration. “I was invited to join as an (aide-de-camp) to Major General John F. Reynolds. Wilcox was with General Reynolds when he was killed at Gettysburg on the first day of the battle.”
Emmitt says:
Would you like a receipt? research papers on communication Tuesday’s total was the biggest first-day haul for a game in the Rockstar Games series by a longshot. The prior installment in the 15-year-old franchise pulled in $310 million in its first day, according to Edward Williams at BMO Capital Markets. He attributed the success to solid buzz for the game, but also the much wider installed base of PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 videogame consoles compared with when GTA IV launched.
Greenwood says:
History article writing services email The positive trend during the quarter in S&P’s ratingsstands in sharp contrast to the high pace of downgrades thatanother major credit agency, Moody’s Investors Service,followed. Last week, Moody’s said it expects many moredowngrades in the year, as well, as the economic recoveryremains slow and many local and state governments continue toconfront budget challenges.
I love this site buy hydrochlorothiazide A 2011 investigative report found that almost 200 teachers and principals at 44 schools had cheated
Could you ask him to call me? betamethasone 1 ointment170 “Our findings have implications for governments and international bodies worldwide
Have you seen any good films recently? hire writer The polls indicate that economic matters are foremost in voters' minds – 57% are worried about wages and working conditions; 57% are worried about security in old age; and 17% are anxious about spying on internet traffic by the intelligence agencies.
Genesis says:
I do some voluntary work thesis on parental involvement âSometimes you have to get through the hard to get to the good,â she said. âI think that helped me, getting past the hurt of Brooks leaving and being able to see all that was clear in Chris.â
Efren says:
Could I ask who’s calling? essay writing essentials “The Defense Ministry gets hacked every day, but all they do is watch and then after the fact simply report that there has been an attack,” said an outside contractor for the ministry, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of discussing the issue.
A few months buy 60 pills anafranil fast shipping Sure, it cost him $60 million but this is Phil Jackson we’re talking about it
We’d like to invite you for an interview ghostwriter services us The hearing today also covered the issue of sequestration and the top military officers said they were worried that the impending budget cuts could hamper national security efforts, specifically deterring any aggression from North Korea.
Good crew it’s cool 🙂 essay contests for high schoolers There were people who didn’t like those unserious mop-head haircuts The Beatles sported. And rock-and-roll sure caused some headaches among parents who preferred to put their Lawrence Welk vinyls on the turntable. Some of those ’60s protest songs might have ruffled the feathers of what was then called the Older Generation. And I have a memory of listening to “Cocaine,” by Eric Clapton, and my friend’s father walking into the living room with a scowl, saying: “I don’t like it. It glorifies a drug.”
Which university are you at? can t write essays “People should try to avoid being in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day between noon and 3pm. Replenishing fluids is really important as everyone runs the risk of becoming relatively dehydrated in this heat and everyone should be particularly careful to take extra liquids – cold tap water is ideal – at regular intervals.”
I’m happy very good site three point thesis “What would be the harm to the city’s interest?” counteredRhodes. The judge said he would give Jones Day until theafternoon to come up with a coherent argument on why the dataroom should remain closed to all but those who agree not todisclose its contents.
good material thanks order homework When he took office, he said he would continue hispredecessor’s savings programme, but also vowed to put Siemensback on an “even keel”, end years of continual restructuring anddo away with a focus on short-sighted margin targets.
I’m interested in this position essay about life of pi It claimed that its Maxx phone has the best battery life of any LTE phone on the market. It can be used for as long as 48 hours without being charged, compared with a previous version of the device which boasted 32 hours of battery life.
How much notice do you have to give? buy best compare and contrast essay Despite their differing views, Wyden and Murkowski havejoined together to ask the department to clarify thecircumstances in which it would modify of revoke applicationsthat have already been granted in a letter to Secretary ofEnergy Ernest Moniz.
RiDJIg http://www.y7YwKx7Pm6OnyJvolbcwrWdoEnRF29pb.com
I’m a member of a gym ventolin uk dose “Right now the husband has his gym equipment in there and every day she stubs her toe and it is an obstacle course to get dressed in the morning,” Roach said. “She is the president of a company — she doesn’t have time for that — and he [her husband] is like ‘I don’t want to move that.’ So I came in and I help marriages. … I help the husband and the wife.”
I love this site paroxetine withdrawal symptoms uk His 5,000-square-foot, contemporary-style home sits on 9 1/2 acres overlooking Chilmark Pond and the Atlantic Ocean, according to the Vineyard Gazette. The private master suite has a den, porch, outdoor shower, his and her bathrooms and access to a gym. The house has an open floor plan with views of the ocean and the pond from the living and dining rooms and the kitchen. It also has a small basketball court, the newspaper reported.
Yes, I play the guitar accutane uk side effects The secret to carrying off the trend effortlessly is to remember to keep it sophisticated. Think fine detailing and a demure silhouette over an over the top plunging neck or super high hemline.We love the intricate floral adornments and mesh fabric on Paula's figure hugging Tolentino creation.
Emery says:
Is it convenient to talk at the moment? essays articles science service man Lahoud, who masterminded an attempt last year to merge withBritain’s BAE Systems to forge the world’s largest armsmaker, said EADS still aimed to surpass U.S. rival Boeing but acknowledged the focus would be on commercial aerospace.
Incorrect PIN propecia uk “You'll hear an awful lot of things talked [about] especially on the internet where you get some quite sensationalist people that say it's 10 times greater risk, but that's not 10 times greater chance of getting the illness, because genetics is only one small part of the story. It's the life you live, it's the things you do, it's the stuff that happens to you.”
Photography order clomid online uk But Dr Harries himself is an interim chair, as is the Chief Executive Andrew Morgan; Heart asked with so many people at the time not appointed in a permanent capacity – how could staff and patients have any confidence in the organisation that it will be turned around by the Autumn.
Go travelling cheapest propecia prescription uk In a survey of more than 1,000 people, the McGraw Hill Federal Credit Union found that 36 percent of respondents said they spend at least two hours a day either worrying about their finances or handling them. (The survey took place in the spring just before taxes were due, which might account for such a large portion of the day spent on money matters.)
I can’t get through at the moment cost quetiapine uk
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2nd R), who is also leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, shakes hands with voters during his stumping tour in Tokyo July 4, 2013, at the start day of campaign the July 21 Upper house election.
What do you do for a living? clomiphene uk That’s because there’s only so many job apps anyone can fill out before giving up and with 60% of new jobs created in this recovery being part time slim pickings out there for sure. Back to the recovery available 24/7 on all channels
Please wait high school requirements for stanford You know, those 5 deferments he received for Vietnam because of his “asthma” that he never mentioned in his own memoirs. The “asthma” that still allowed him to play football in high-school and college and to even be a lifeguard.
Wonderfull great site can a gp prescribe accutane uk U.S. District Court Judge Rosemary M. Collyer made the comment at a hearing on a government motion to dismiss the case. The suit was filed by relatives of the three men killed in the drone strikes, charging that the attacks violated the U.S. Constitution. It names as defendants then-Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, then-CIA Director David Petraeus and two commanders in the military’s Special Operations forces, and seeks unspecified compensatory damages.
Withdraw cash where to buy prozac uk Littlehampton Gazette provides news, events and sport features from the Littlehampton area. For the best up to date information relating to Littlehampton and the surrounding areas visit us at Littlehampton Gazette regularly or bookmark this page.
It’s serious effexor lawsuit uk Chock-full of inside jokes and obscure references to the many characters, creatures and times that The Doctor has encountered over the years, the discussion would prove to be a whacky and strange trip down memory lane, punctuated by die-hard fan excitement that could be seen in the droves of cosplaying Doctors in attendance.
I like watching football cheapest alli in uk South Korea’s Defense Ministry says its secrets are safe. Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said officials were unaware of McAfee’s study, but added that it’s technically impossible to have lost classified reports because computers with military intelligence are not connected to the Internet. When accessing the Web, military officials use different computers disconnected from the internal military server, he said.
I’m in a band paroxetine uk The takeover has seemed more and more plausible in the weekssince Verizon’s whopping deal, which appears to have whettedinvestor appetite for more and shown rivals like AT&T howmuch long-dated bond financing they can lock in at fixed rates.
perfect design thanks buy accutane online uk This change in sentiment was catalyzed by the financial crises in Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America in the late 1990âs and early 2000âs, and by what many in these regions regarded as the Westâs inadequate and poorly designed responses. With their trust in bilateral assistance and multilateral institutions such as the International Monetary Fund shaken, emerging-market economies â led by those in Asia â embarked on a sustained drive toward greater financial self-reliance.
Which year are you in? clomid uk success rates But when the market began to weaken in 2007, Fairfax began notching up investment gains, pulling in billion-dollar profits in 2007 and 2008. Then with markets still reeling and other investors licking their wounds, Watsa started to plow money back into equities, bringing another strong year in 2009.
Ferdinand says:
I’m not working at the moment is accutane legal in the uk “The problem I have with this is that teaching hospitals, which did poorly in this report, tend to have more complicated patients,” said Dr. Richard Besser, chief health medical editor for ABC News. “More complicated patients will tend to be in the hospital longer. Community hospitals, which did better in this report, often refer their more complicated cases elsewhere.”
I’ll text you later bupropion uk buy The rub is that we often take convenience too far. “Look at the technology of agriculture taken to an extreme — where we have industrialized farms that are not good for the environment or animals or nourishment,” he says. “Look at a country full of people who have had such convenient access to calories that theyâre addicted, obese, and sick.” He likens this agricultural nightmare to our unhealthy obsession with internet numbers like retweets and likes and followers and friends.
How many would you like? buy quetiapine uk Unlike other famous daughters who seemingly fell into the field after their dadsâ careers thrust them into the spotlight, Abby was attracted to acting from a young age and was eager to get in the media biz from college.
Will I have to work shifts? finasteride 5mg uk
Only problem is it covers only the first half of the trading day. You used to post a proper end-of-day market report for the Japanese market. But I don’t believe I’ve seen one since the end of June.
Very funny pictures accutane cream uk Argentina hopes the Obama administration will ask the U.S.Solicitor General to present arguments to the U.S. Supreme Courton whether the case merits the court’s attention after a lowercourt ruled in favor of bondholders who will not accept reducedpayments under a restructuring agreement.
Incomeppc says:
A law firm gabapentin for sale uk Glenarm came to wider public attention earlier this year when severe late winter blizzards enveloped farms in the surrounding hills in a thick blanket of snow, killing thousands of livestock and cutting off many families for days.
I like it a lot buy ventolin inhalers online uk At one point, while discussing how his alleged victim Hannaford Bros. supermarket chain will pay millions for new security, Kalinin says: “They would better pay us not to hack them again,” according to the indictment. Another alleged conspirator said that he used Google News alerts to track when his hacks were discovered.
How do you spell that? alli discount prices uk Equity markets worldwide rallied strongly last week afterthe Fed decided not to trim down its quantitative easingprogramme, but the euphoria was short-lived as investors startedto see the Fed’s decision as a sign that U.S. economy was losingsteam.
I’m training to be an engineer paroxetine for sale uk Other products that were made by Hostess before the shutdown, including Wonder Bread, Drake’s snacks and other brands of bread, were purchased by other bidders during the auction overseen by the bankruptcy court. The details of when those products will return to shelves are not yet available.
i’m fine good work quetiapine cost uk
The highway passes through the national forest and Nez Perce tribal land, and the American Indian group contends the route isnât appropriate and the shipments could cause irreparable harm to its peopleâs traditional cultural and treaty rights.
I love this site can you get accutane in the uk Arias, 33, a former waitress from California, was convicted in May of killing her ex-boyfriend, Travis Alexander, following a sensational five-month trial that captured attention in the United States with its tale of a soft-spoken young woman accused of such a brutal crime.
I’m interested in this position generic fluconazole uk Despite Alexis’ history, weaknesses in federal laws aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally ill and criminals enabled him to clear a background check and obtain a shotgun that he used in the shooting from a Northern Virginia gun shop.
Terrell says:
Special Delivery wellbutrin buy online uk One debt-buying company was required to reverse 8,550negative credit reports it had made to credit reporting bureauson New Yorkers, and is prohibited from collecting on $3.2million in payday loans, it added. All five companies will nowbe banned from collecting on payday loans from New Yorkers.
When can you start? fluoxetine order online uk The new SAP fund stands out for its size, which puts it in aleague with firms such as Bain Capital, Battery Ventures,Canaan, and Lightspeed Venture partners, which raised funds inthe $600-million-range this year. While smaller than the handfulof $1 billion-plus venture funds raised by players such as NewEnterprise Associates, SAP’s $650 million would still put SAP inthe top 10.
Your account’s overdrawn gabapentin cost uk âEach year, you are hungry for it,â Manning said Friday. âAnd yeah, I am hungry for my third. And as a team, Iâm hungry for each player. You want everybody to have that experience . . . That feeling is contagious, it is something that you desire each year.â
I want to report a tamoxifen suppliers uk Warner’s appearance caught out a lot of the crowd and the jeers were only started as he reached the crease. Three runs from the opening over from Rogers, who now faces Broad from the Brian Statham End.
Myles says:
We went to university together purchase nolvadex uk Although it was not clear if weather played a role in the crash, Kukuchka said there were severe thunderstorms in the area Saturday night. The coroner and police said rough weather contributed to the difficulty of the search; the wreckage was located shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday.
Jonny was here prozac uk side effects ATLANTA â Can’t get enough shuteye? Nearly 9 million U.S. adults resort to prescription sleeping pills â and most are white, female, educated or 50 or older, according to the first government study of its kind.
Would you like a receipt? alli refill 120 uk “I think he’s more likely than not to look at president. That’s a decision that doesn’t have to be made with any finality until the midterms,” said Matt Mackowiak, a Republican communications strategist. “If you read between the lines, this is not a guy who is going to ride off into the sunset.”
Remove card buy diclofenac uk
Obama had hoped to personally iron out the deal with otherleaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summitin Indonesia this week, but was forced to cancel at the lastminute because of the U.S. government shutdown.
good material thanks wellbutrin for sale uk Look closely and you'll notice it isn't just a standard white skin tight dress. No, this one has pretty scary looking spikes and studs on the shoulders – funny how something so potentially dangerous glints in the sunlight like innocent beading. Let's hope nobody crosses Chloe on this night out – all she'd have to do is gently lean on them and she'd gauge a massive hole in their arm.
Do you know the address? buy alli weight loss pills uk The scale of the Ottoman empire's achievements was made possible by reconciling secular politics with Islam – balancing the demands of the religious establishment with the ambitions of the sultans and the army. For the Ottomans this was the Kanun; a secular legal system that co-existed with religious law or Sharia.
A book of First Class stamps buy finasteride uk * Chairman Ben Bernanke said the Fed will continue to pursuean accommodative monetary policy for now as inflation remainslow and the employment rate may be overstating the health of thelabor market.
What’s the last date I can post this to to arrive in time for Christmas? avanafil release date uk
The mass of data allowed the US to monitor what was happening in the surrounding area as commandos went from floor to floor, killing three of bin Laden’s guards and then the terror leader himself.
I have my own business buy bupropion online uk The operation was launched in the same area where militants ambushed and killed eight soldiers on Monday in one of the deadliest attacks on Tunisian security forces in decades. The gunmen slit the throats of some of their victims.
I’ve been made redundant citalopram online uk “The enduring appeal of the Superdry brand and the improvements and extensions to the ranges, in particular the progress made in womenswear, gives me confidence that there are significant opportunities for growth across all channels and geographies.
When do you want me to start? generic finasteride online uk Netanyahu said Syria had carried out a “crime against humanity” by killing innocent civilians with chemical weapons and that Syria’s ally Iran, which is at odds with the West over its nuclear program, was watching to see how the world acted.
Broderick says:
Can you hear me OK? buy diclofenac sodium uk “I think the important thing is what [are] the results of the long- term studies. What is the increase in iron stores in babies down the road?” said Stone. “If [delayed cord clamping] is associated to larger birth weight, is it [also] going to mean better neurological development?”
Go travelling generic finasteride online uk Binz termed himself a “pragmatic problem solver” who would “work across regional, philosophical and party lines to make regulatory decisions that work best for our nation’s energy consumers and market participants.”
I read a lot sertraline liquid form uk
Iraq is still undecided whether to carry out fullmaintenance on its Basra oil export terminals in September, fouroil officials said. (Additional reporting by Jessica Jaganathan and Luke Pachymuthuin Singapore; Editing by Jason Neely)
Jasper says:
Incorrect PIN order clomid online uk Facebook is rolling out Graph Search, a tool that lets users find specific information about their friends using filters. For example, users can search for friends in London who like yoga, or photos from a certain month.
Thanks for calling clomid uk nhs “Obama Hands Off” reads a red poster featuring a portrait of the U.S. leader photoshopped with the style of heavy beard favored by ultra-conservative Islamists. “Obama supports the terrorists,” declares a banner strung between lamp posts.
I’m doing a phd in chemistry bupropion uk buy
The Confederations Cup, a global soccer tournament Brazil hosted this summer, brought victory for the home team but also millions of protesters into the streets. They were angry that the national wealth is going to build sports stadiums â for that tournament, next yearâs World Cup and the 2016 Olympics â rather than improving the hardscrabble life of the working poor.
Are you a student? buy propecia 1mg online uk “Scottish Labour have proposed a National Care Service which would fully integrate hospital and home or community care in a way that the government’s proposals just don’t tackle. As the Bill progresses through Parliament it is vital that the SNP take on board the views of those working at the forefront of healthcare delivery and others to ensure the delivery of a system that radically improves the current approach.”
Who would I report to? zoloft buy uk Some 15,000 retail bondholders will lose as much as 60 per cent of their savings as the Co-op plans to convert their holdings to equity in the bank, which will be listed on the London Stock Exchange, to raise £500m. The Co-op group will inject a further £1bn, half of which will come from the sale of its insurance businesses.
Your account’s overdrawn cheap propecia online uk For women with less severe morning sickness, doctors generally recommend such steps as eating smaller meals throughout the day so that the stomach is never empty, keeping crackers and other simple foods by the bed to nibble on before getting out of bed and avoiding very hot foods, which tend to give off stronger odors than colder foods. They also recommend that women avoid fatty, spicy or acidic foods, which tend to create more stomach upset.
Is there ? cheap fluconazole uk Analysts expect S&P 500 companies’ second-quarter earningsto have grown 2.8 percent from a year earlier, with revenue up1.5 percent, data from Thomson Reuters showed. Cintas Corp is expected to report after the close.
Johnie says:
I quite like cooking sertraline uk reviews Look, donât get me wrong. Iâve worked with hundreds of attorneys over the decades. I have great respect for the field. Besides, some of my best friends are lawyers. No kidding. But, with rare exception, we donât let them run our companies and they probably shouldnât be running our nation, either.
I’m on a course at the moment accutane acne uk Would these cars have met each other back in the day? Almost certainly, since 30-98s and Bentleys were overwhelmingly purchased by wealthy sporting motorists and often used for racing. After a spectator injury at the Kop hillclimb in 1925, there’d been a ban on speed testing and racing on UK public roads, so private venues such as Brooklands and Shelsley Walsh became Meccas of motorsport.
Hold the line, please venlafaxine buy uk Thomson Reuters found an inconsistent level of knowledge regarding the CCIRC among financial industry stakeholders in Canada. Many of those interviewed voiced calls for just such a mechanism to be dedicated specifically to the financial services industry, apparently unaware that one already existed in the form of the CCIRC.
I’m on holiday how much does tamoxifen cost uk Day, one of the nation’s most highly decorated servicemen since Gen. Douglas MacArthur and later a tireless advocate for veterans’ rights, died Saturday surrounded by family at his home in Shalimar, after a long illness, Doris Day said.
There’s a three month trial period zithromax medicines uk Dozens of police and emergency vehicles surrounded the complex in southeast Washington, which is about a mile south of the U.S. Capitol. Helicopters circled the headquarters with some touching down on the building’s roof.
We’d like to invite you for an interview getting accutane uk
About 2,000 U.S. infants died from SIDS in 2010 and the rate has been flat for the past few years. Causes are unknown, but circumstances that increase risks include premature birth, parents’ smoking and sleeping on soft surfaces with pillows and blankets. Many doctors think bed-sharing is risky because sleeping parents could roll onto infants, or they could get tangled in loose bedding.
Hello good day finasteride 5mg uk But the GOP lawmakers who have been trying for a year to shed more light on the attack said much remains in the dark. They say the American public still does not know why the department under former secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton falsely blamed the attack on an anti-Islam video and denied it was a terrorist attack.
I’ve got a full-time job clomiphene patient.co.uk
If that was the preordained script, YES voices didnât follow it. If anything, YES low-keyed this media spectacle. The magnitude, and bizarre nature, of Rodriguez being hit with a 211-game suspension by Bud Selig in the afternoon and returning to the big leagues in Chicago that night was apparent. Of course, YES did not ignore this, but there was no sense of urgency or drama in the coverage. It didnât feel special.
Where do you live? zoloft uk equivalent In 1995, while pitching for the Seattle Mariners, I saw Mariano pitch against us during the American League Division Series. He came into Game 2 in the 12th inning and pitched 3 1 / 3 innings of shutout ball, striking out five to earn the win.
I’ve just graduated azithromycin buy online uk In 2009, Cidade de Deus became the second favela in Rio to be “pacified” as part of a government programme to improve safety and security by increasing the police presence in poorer communities.
Where’s the nearest cash machine? cymbalta buy online uk This is a type of cookie which is collected by Adobe Flash media player (it is also called a Local Shared Object) – a piece of software you may already have on your electronic device to help you watch online videos and listen to podcasts.
I can’t get a dialling tone good vocabulary words for an essay “It means a lot to me when people enjoyed it and when it was a part of their childhood,” he added. “It’s cool when you see people revert back for a quick second to middle school, and they’re like, ‘Oh, man! I remember. …’ It’s really great to me that our work is still with people after 10 years.”
Mya says:
A book of First Class stamps can your gp prescribe clomid uk “When all the interviews are done, we will meet with the commissioner’s office and we’ll try to work something out,” Weiner said. “Our players that deserve the suspensions, we’ll try to cope with their suspensions. Our players that don’t deserve suspensions, we will argue that they don’t deserve a suspension. And I hope we have success. We may not have success on every single player, but I hope we have a fair amount of success.”
Is this a temporary or permanent position? clomid and nolvadex for sale uk Zimmerman left the courthouse as a free man. The NAACP has called for the Justice Department to open a civil rights case against Zimmerman. Though the department has a history of using federal civil rights law in an effort to convict defendants who've previously been acquitted in state cases, it's not always easy. The department said in a statement Sunday afternoon that it's looking into the case to determine whether federal civil rights charges should be filed.
A financial advisor where to buy clomid online uk I used this site to plan a trip to South America and I loved how the Pintrips software allowed me to âpinâ itineraries on various sites to compare later on. After I checked out what Iâd pinned, I then had to option to use a variety of sites to find even more flights using the same itinerary.
Have you got a telephone directory? cheap alli diet pills uk “If we decide a new CEO has the same commitment that SteveBallmer had, then we will go forward with the transition,” YahooSenior Vice President of Search Products Laurie Mann is quotedas testifying in the court filings.
I hate shopping propecia cost per month uk “Take advantage of the fresh ocean air while lounging and sipping local wines on the grand terrace with open air fire pits and ocean views,” during your stay at La Chaumiere suggested BedabdBreakfast.com. Situated at the estuary of the Seine, the nine-room inn sits halfway between the quaint French towns of Honfleur and Deauville in the Normandy region.
I’m on business alli to buy uk
On Sunday Mr Clegg said that while his comments on free schools contradict government policies it was not a damaging conflict. “It’s an open, grown up difference. It’s not a crisis,” he said.
Could you ask her to call me? fluconazole amazon.co.uk It is not without irony that Astley Castle in Warwickshire, which is nearly 1,000 years-old, has won the 2013 Riba Stirling Prize – an award for contemporary architecture. The reason it has done so is because of the way in which the architects, Witherford Watson Mann, have sensitively brought the building up to date and back to life.
Very interesting tale get propecia online uk The U.S. International Trade Commission in June banned theimport or sale of the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad 3G and iPad 23G distributed by AT&T Inc, saying the devices infringed apatent owned by the South Korean electronics giant.
We’d like to invite you for an interview can you get accutane in the uk In carrying out its licensing role and assessing the new licence application in Gloucestershire, Natural England has had regard to guidance from Government derived from the bTB control policy and supplementary advice from Defra’s Chief Veterinary Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser.
I’d like to cancel a cheque propecia online uk The government, which has hired Goldman Sachs and UBS to drum up interest in the share sale, said Royal Mailplanned to pay a final dividend next July totalling 133 millionpounds. Had the company been listed for the full year, it wouldhave paid a total of 200 million.
Which university are you at? buy zoloft uk It is very rare for women to be gored during the annual festival since most of the runners are men. Javier Solano, a San Fermin expert working for national broadcaster TVE, said records showed only two other women had been injured by gorings in the recent history of the fiesta.
What sort of music do you listen to? propecia uk price boots
The Australian gold miner reiterated it would focus onslashing costs and boosting production from its lowest costmines, as it looks to shore up cashflow and fend off anotherdowngrade in its credit rating.
The National Gallery ap language essays Public broadcasting will take America back to school Saturday with its second annual âAmerican Graduate Day,â a seven-hour on-air and online event that aims to stem the nationâs alarming dropout rate.
How much notice do you have to give? wellbutrin uk 2015 On this week’s edition of the Daily News Fifth Yankees Podcast, Mark Feinsand sits down with Robinson Cano to discuss next week’s All-Star Game, his participation – and hopeful redemption – in the Home Run Derby, as well as what the Yankees have to do in the second half to reach October. … plus much more!
Could you tell me my balance, please? pfizer zithromax uk The fiscal reform has created an awkward political balancingact for Pena Nieto. The smorgasbord of measures seeks toeliminate taxbreaks and loopholes while raising taxes oneverything from the rich to dog food and sugary drinks.
There’s a three month trial period buy finasteride 1mg uk The singer’s “Beyhive” may be going through some changes, but the star exuded her usual fabulousness rocking denim short-shorts, a loose “Name Brand” tank, a pair of aviator shades and a gold headband.
Kermit says:
US dollars price propecia uk âYou know, folks, I was walking in here and I always look for the acorns to start falling, how pretty it truly is,â he said. âI thought today: how nice it is to have the acorns fall and still be unbeaten?â
Gloomy tales comparison/contrast essay rubric The U.S. and China introduced a new round of sanctions against North Korea at the United Nations that the U.S. said would significantly impede the development of Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs, in response to its test last month of an atomic bomb.
I’m on work experience cost clomid uk Clarkson won “American Idol” in 2002, the show’s first year. She is one of the most successful winners of the show with songs such as “My Life Would Suck Without You” and “Since U Been Gone,” and has won three Grammy awards, including best pop album for “Stronger.”
Can I use your phone? citalopram 10mg buy uk On Monday night, Ms Lewthwaite's grandmother, Elizabeth Allen, 86, of County Down in Northern Ireland, was said by a friend to be “deeply distressed” by suggestions her granddaughter had been involved in the attack.
Sheldon says:
I’d like to withdraw $100, please effexor xr uk “I don’t think RBS and Lloyds have got the same issues interms of immediate capital requirements – I don’t think that’swhat the market is saying… the news out of Barclays today hasjust given the sector a bit of a shakeout,” Basi said.
A company car finasteride 5 mg uk As in the case of heterosexual “love marriages” that parents oppose because they object to the groom's caste or religion, parents frequently file false kidnapping and abduction charges even though their daughters have left home voluntarily in a bid to pressure — or even force them — to come home.
About a year buy imitrex uk âItâs not uncommon at this point to find cattle that are five miles from where they should be,â he said. âWhich doesnât seem like a lot, but to drift five miles in a storm â thatâs a lot.â
Who would I report to? buy finasteride 5mg uk Where once officials projected the basin could hold nearly 100 billion gallons â ready for distribution with the flip of a pump switch â the reserve is now only about one-tenth of that, according to officials.
Woodrow says:
Where do you come from? alli uk price boots The head of the U.S. central bank will probably seek to usehis testimony to Congress on monetary policy to calm the nervesof jittery investors worried about life without the Fed’s $85billion in monthly bond purchases.
I work for myself compare alli prices uk According to Ofcom, the average download speed in Essex is currently 11.5Mbps, while 12.5 percent receive less than 2Mbps. BT will contribute £11.7 million towards the project, while Essex County Council will pay £6.46 million, a figure that has been matched by BDUK.
I’ll put him on fluoxetine prescription uk
Hopes for a turnaround at Metro have boosted its shares inrecent weeks and they have also been helped by speculation thatHaniel, the family-owned conglomerate firm that also owns a bigstake in Metro, could sell drugs distributor Celesio,potentially freeing it up to invest more in Metro.
Dwain says:
I like watching TV purchase propecia uk Bank of America’s stock is up 23% this year. Financial firms have been among the biggest winners in the market rally this year despite concerns about rising interest rates and the debt ceiling drama.
Can I call you back? buy venlafaxine online uk This is why this Cinders not only got the prince but also the career. Mariella, the hard-working and self-disciplined guest at the ball, knew that if she indulged a second more, the coach would turn into a pumpkin.
I need to charge up my phone finasteride 5mg uk So, those rates are going to stay there for “some while” are they. Is that a new legal term? “Draghi said there was no discussion of the ECB adopting an economic threshold as a trigger.” That way they can just do what ever they want when ever they want. I just adore that they are being so transparent. At least the ECB is telling you ahead of time what is going to happen. They will jack up the interest rate as soon as people get more money in their pocket and take it from them. They will loan you money to get you on your feet, so they can harvest your work product if you become successful.
I’m doing a phd in chemistry alli price comparison uk âUnless the city is on the brink of financial ruin and needs to close the center immediately to stay afloat, there was no need to go about it this way,â Peralta added. âItâs disrespectful and mean-spirited.â
I hate shopping essay writing tests Last week, Israel’s Cabinet approved a Yesh Atid plan to gradually end the automatic draft exemptions to ultra-Orthodox seminary students and require all to register for service. Yaakov Peri, the minister who headed the drive, called the proposed legislation historic, telling The Associated Press that it takes into consideration “the importance of learning the Torah and the obligation to serve in the army.”
Where do you study? online pharmacy uk ventolin
The company also said it expected to have $1.5 billion inoverall cash liquidity at year’s end. Despite there-organization of the home section, Chief Financial Officer KenHannah said capital expenditures would return to the much lowerlevels of the past.
Rikky says:
Do you play any instruments? gabapentin online uk A super stylish twist on a traditional structured coat and one of AW13's key trends, an oversized cape is a must-have for the new season, with the likes of Valentino, Mulberry and Raoul all reinventing the traditional topper. What's more, camel is the colour to invest in this season, as it was almost ubiquitous on the winter catwalks, and is a super chic alternative to black.
An envelope escitalopram online uk Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said on Wednesday that, on average, ads now account for 5 percent or one in 20 “stories” in the newsfeed. That ratio could now provide a baseline for calculating success, prompting other Web companies to raise the frequency of ads in their streams.
I’d like to cancel a cheque diclofenac gel uk boots In return for its pledge to ‘message’ its monetary policyintentions clearly, Washington managed to ensure that the textcontained no binding fiscal targets, saying that consolidationshould be “calibrated” to economic conditions.
Have you got any ? gaia thesis So, if nothing else, the Red Sox appear to have provided the Yankees a very good blueprint for turning around a down season fraught with injuries into a re-visiting of October in just one year, especially if they get an extra financial windfall from a lengthy suspension of Alex Rodriguez.
Jonny was here accutane purchase online uk
Motsamai Motlhamme, deputy head of industrial relations atSouth Africa’s Chamber of Mines, which is negotiating on behalfof the producers, said: “There are a couple of issues that stillneed to be ironed out. The parties will reconvene on Monday.”
What’s the last date I can post this to to arrive in time for Christmas? duloxetine buy online uk Hundreds of millions of records are pouring into local, state and even regional databases, the report says, and only five states – Arkansas, Maine New Hampshire, Utah and Vermont – have restrictions on the scanners. Some police departments store the records indefinitely.
Good crew it’s cool 🙂 zithromax uk buy
Minutes after the results were announced, cars and motorcycles on the streets of Bamako honked their horns and Keita’s supporters outside his house chanted “IBK” “IBK” “IBK,” the initials he is universally known by.
Jeffry says:
No, I’m not particularly sporty cheap finasteride uk
Even those who make a living getting new moms into shape applauded Kate. “I’m thrilled that she went out there like that, because we never see real mommy tummies,” said Helene Byrne, a personal trainer in Oakland, Calif., who specializes in pre- and post-natal exercise. “When you see a magazine or photos of new celebrity moms, they’re Photoshopped. They’re fake! They’re a big lie!”
I’m in my first year at university purchase azithromycin uk “The real story here is the real economy, not the data collection. We expect (TIPS) breakevens to rise but if there continues to be a headwind due to the situation in Washington, that will keep inflation expectations low,” Barclays’ Pond said.
How much will it cost to send this letter to ? paxil uk buy * Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd : The company reported onWednesday a 56 percent decline in third-quarter profit due tolower realized metal prices as well as a maintenance shutdown atits Kittila mine in Finland and raised its full-year productionforecast.
How much is a Second Class stamp? accutane in the uk It’s easy to lambast Italy and their form of government, but they’re just following the rules of the democratic process in place there. The problem is when it is someone’s personal agenda that is driving the discord, cloaked as important issues for the country, at the expense of the people. It is then that we look with envy at totalitarian governments who don’t need to put with these sort of problems and just order things through to law. But on balance, it’s better to live in a country like Italy, with government paralysis, than a totalitarian country without freedom.
Can I take your number? accutane tablets uk The timeline sheds some new light on a mysterious case that left a trail of unsolved killings around the country. FBI spokesman Eric Gonzalez said the goal of releasing the information is to identify victims who remain unknown, and provide some closure to their families.
Sorry, you must have the wrong number buy escitalopram online uk
“Consolidation may help regain pricing power in a verycompetitive industry,” Morgan Stanley analysts wrote. (Additional reporting by Rhys Jones and Paul Sandle in London,Andreas Cremer in Frankfurt and Liana Baker in New York; Editingby David Stamp)
What’s the last date I can post this to to arrive in time for Christmas? sertraline maximum dosage uk On point three Gartenstein-Ross notes that al-Shiri wrote in November 2011 about the Shi’a, “Kill them wherever they are … because they are disbelievers and are forbidden to enter the entire Arabian Peninsula.” Furthermore:
What sort of music do you like? bupropion for sale uk “Cloud 9” was the simple tweet from a proud Troy. Hodgson was still enthusing yesterday. “I’m delighted for the player. It can’t be easy for him, can it? 80,000 people, a game we had to win, but he played like a veteran and scored a wonder goal.”
Chance says:
It’s a bad line seroquel xr uk By allowing home umpires, a concept ICC chief executive Dave Richardson has said he is open to debating, you would automatically give the game's ruling body a pool of 12 men to choose from for every game, meaning everyone would stay fresh.
Winfred says:
The manager diclofenac potassium uk “It's regrettable for them that they are getting the raft of the gay fury and all of this. But at the same time, it will be them and other Russian companies like them who will then go back to the Russian government to argue for our case and support our case,” he told BBC Russian.
I’d like to take the job citalopram price uk The news comes out of nowhere because Bulaga was able to finish the scrimmage. He reported a problem with one of his knees after the action, and tests continued to be performed on Sunday. Bulaga was moved from right tackle to left tackle this offseason, and his transition was reportedly going well. Bulaga has missed 11 games over the last two seasons due to injury.
Will I be paid weekly or monthly? eradication of child labour essay The researchers also warn that their findings may not apply to all smokers, because only 15 percent of the people included in their survey had a bachelor’s degree or more education and most had their first child at a fairly young age.
Good crew it’s cool 🙂 franchise business plan “Got a little bit of the velocity back and the pitch command was pretty well,” he said. “I still don’t have a 100 percent of my legs. I backed off a bit in the second trying to throw some balls down in the zone.”
I’ve just started at propecia price uk “An application was submitted to Cade in accordance withregulatory procedure for a sale, but there remain various otherrequirements before the sale can be concluded,” Director ofCorporate Affairs Ana Bizzotto said in an email to Reuters.
I support Manchester United thesis/family “Everybody talks about the rising middle class, growingurbanisation of the labour force. Even more important is theformalisation of the labour force which is creating morecontributors to pension funds,” said Eliot Pence, who heads theAfrica practice at U.S. advisory firm McLarty Associates.
There’s a three month trial period essay about good customer service After opening up 31-year-old Miss Luckettâs bowel, surgeons failed to secure the stitching and her condition progressively worsened to the point where her partner, John Humphries, claims she almost died.
Eblanned says:
I’m sorry, I’m not interested writing a timed essay KKR expressed disappointment with Sonneborn’s decision butpraised his contribution to the firm. A spokeswoman did notelaborate on the 43-year-old executive’s new challenge but saidhe would serve as a senior adviser to the firm.
An envelope gabapentin for sale uk * Apple Inc sold 9 million new iPhones during theirfirst three days in stores after China joined the list of launchcountries for the first time, prompting the company to issue arosier financial forecast.
Have you got a current driving licence? adult education essays But in the past three years, resource nationalism hasdisappeared from the agenda. Rather than trying to imposetougher terms on oil and gas companies, most countries are nowcompeting to attract investment by offering reductions inroyalties and lower tax rates.
Some First Class stamps why get a college degree essay Assessing the risk posed to aquatic organisms by the discharge of certain steroids and pharmaceutical products into waterways is often based on a belief that as the compounds degrade, the ecological risks naturally decline. But there’s growing sentiment that once in the environment, some of these bioactive organic compounds may transform in a way that makes their presumed impact less certain.
How much does the job pay? satirical essay Yahoo Chief Executive Marissa Mayer pointed to improvementsin user traffic to the company’s various Web destinations andsaid the increasing usage would start to show up in Yahoo’srevenue growth in the coming year.
What part of do you come from? research paper writing methodology Why it’s good for you: Avocado is known to contain heart-healthy fats, but it’s also a rich source of nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, E and K, B vitamins, folic acid and potassium. The fiber and protein in avocado also helps keep you fuller longer, and the fats help the body absorb carotenoids, which protect against cell damage, like beta-carotene and lycopene from other foods.
Ambrose says:
I’d like to pay this cheque in, please term papers and essays “It is obvious that the Taliban want freedom to operate and their version of sharia imposed in at least the parts where they have influence,” said Ayesha Siddiqa, a defense and security analyst, based in Islamabad.
Goodboy says:
Where’s the postbox? medical school personal statement The drawings, exhibited at the Queen's Gallery of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, are being shown alongside the very latest medical imagery such as a “beautiful, illuminated 3D model of the human heart, which reflects the fact that Leonardo got a glass-maker to blow and carve a 3D image in glass of the human heart”.
The United States original term papers for sale It would mean fewer assets going to ZUS, forcing thegovernment to find more money from its budget to ensure currentpensions are financed. Not having to spend this money on ZUS wasa major attraction of the original plan because the governmentneeds to find ways of reducing its budget deficit.
The line’s engaged essay writing service american writers Mr Patriota is the first cabinet member to resign his post since a flurry of ministers left Ms Rousseff’s government in her first year in office in 2011, including former Chief of Staff Antonio Palocci.
Arlie says:
Very interesting tale year 7 essay writing skills In an ironic twist, one of the journalists who attended the small gathering had secretly recorded the 82-year-old press baron, who was attempting to show his support for his scandal-tainted team of journalists.
Would you like a receipt? essay healthy life Amazon shares rose 1.2 percent to $295.72 in morning tradingThursday and earlier touched a record $295.88. On Wednesday theyreached a high of $293.34. (Reporting by Alistair Barr; Editing by Gerald E. McCormick)
How much were you paid in your last job? best book review writer “This means people who have been mis-sold PPI lose out twice: first at the hands of the bank and secondly from the claims firms because they don’t get the full compensation they deserve.”
Which university are you at? websites on essays âIâve had calls with the Secret Service, Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice and none of them can tell me whatâs happening because of the ongoing investigation,â Weilau added.
Canada>Canada essay journey by bus The S&P Municipal Bond Puerto Rico index declined 8.88 percent in August, compared with a 1.68 percent loss in the S&P National AMT-Free Municipal Bond Index. The Puerto Rico index is down 17.4 percent so far in 2013.
I’d like , please dedication for dissertation The Dow Jones industrial average gained 62.03 points,or 0.41 percent, to end at 15,191.70. The Standard & Poor’s 500Index rose 13.45 points, or 0.80 percent, to 1,695.00.The Nasdaq Composite Index gained 46.50 points, or 1.23percent, to 3,817.98.
Stanton says:
Very Good Site cholera essay The detection of the additive raised concerns that it maystill be in the supply chain after drug maker Merck & Co halted sales of Zilmax, the top-selling zilpaterol-basedadditive, on Aug. 16 amidst concerns about its impact on animalhealth.
In tens, please (ten pound notes) english essay help online At the time of his capture, U.S. officials said the plan wasto keep al-Liby on board the ship for weeks so the HIG couldextract as much intelligence as possible about al Qaeda plans,personnel and operations.
Do you need a work permit? family essay In remarks to an agriculture conference after her interview, George said the Fed could start tapering bond purchases at its policy meeting in September, with the goal of ending all bond purchases in the first half of 2014.
I can’t stand football physical therapist research paper The long separations have inevitably placed a burden on Tania, who admits that life can be tough looking after three young children on her own for much of the year. Her only help is a part-time nanny who comes in three mornings a week to get Rhianna ready for school while Tania deals with the twins.
Felton says:
Very Good Site buy essay writing “She’s in very good spirits. She’s greeting everyone. She thanked her medical team, she thanks all of you who are praying for her. She’s in very good spirits, so the next medical report will come at midday tomorrow,” said Alfredo Scoccimarro.
How many more years do you have to go? the cold war essays A Democrat hasn’t won any of Texas’ 29 statewide offices since 1994, the nation’s longest streak of single-party dominance. But Hispanics accounted for two-thirds of Texas’ population growth over the past decade and now make up 35 percent of its population. They tend to vote Democratic, with Obama capturing 71 percent of the Latino vote nationwide last year.
I’ll put her on jfk profiles in courage essay contest “The measures for optimising the portfolio and reducingcosts are largely on track,” Siemens said on Thursday, whichanalysts interpreted as an indication that some parts of theprogramme may be falling short.
Fifa55 says:
Have you got a current driving licence? essay on customs and traditions WASHINGTON â The State Department on Thursday warned Americans not to travel to Pakistan and ordered nonessential government personnel to leave the U.S. Consulate in Lahore because of a specific threat to that diplomatic mission.
Is there ? essay 9 11 attack During Tuesday’s session, traders held off making big betsgiven the political uncertainty, which overshadowed some keycorporate earnings. Selling accelerated during the afternoonafter Senator Richard Durbin said Senate negotiations had beensuspended until House Speaker John Boehner can work out a fiscalplan that can proceed in the House of Representatives.
I’d like some euros government thesis “I formally announce that I will be writing a rule-43 report to draw attention to the Minister for Transport of the very dangers caused by the fact that vehicles, be they private, commercial or public are legally able to drive on tyres without restriction on age and by reason of age are potentially in a perilous condition which there is no realistic means of detecting.”
A financial advisor do i underline the title of my own essay It’s also hard to pin down how much permission the U.S. has from foreign governments to conduct these strikes. Pakistan, for example, routinely condemns the drone strikes, but Pakistani officials admit they’ve authorized a few, and it’s widely believed most of the strikes are conducted with at least tacit approval if not active involvement.
What’s the interest rate on this account? we were soldiers essay Early signs include a sudden onset of vision distortion and blurring in the centre of a person’s vision. The test for AMD is simple, quick and non-invasive – it can take place as part of a routine eye exam at any optician.
magic story very thanks best writing services company Having failed to find out in advance how much customers andvoters would be prepared to transform the energy system,politicians and the energy industry have instead embarked on agiant real-world experiment in which bills will keep risinguntil the public says “enough”.
Very Good Site past present and future essay Their Delft intarsia-knit dress (below)is to die for but, sadly, coming in at well over £2000, any dress from this coveted collection is quite the style investment.So we've hand-picked our favourite look-a-likes from the high street for your shopping pleasure. Pair Asos's beautiful scarf-print mini dress with cute ankle boots and a thick coat for a winter look that will last you right through to spring.
What sort of music do you like? are girls too mean to each other essay A spokesman for the Operation Grange team said detectives now had a far more detailed understanding of the times when an abduction could have taken place and this had given the statements from two witnesses particular significance.
Can you hear me OK? my diary essay “This is a program where there’s not enough people beinghelped,” Christy Romero, special inspector general for SIGTARP,told Reuters. “Ultimately, the Treasury needs to make good onits promise that TARP is not just a bailout for the largestfinancial institutions but it will also help bailouthomeowners.”
Photography i need someone help on my lab report Most gas plants, which emit half as much CO2 as coal, run ata loss across Europe, Reuters figures show, and emissionscertificates would have to cost around 45 euros per tonne inorder to make gas more profitable than coal for electricitygeneration.
I’d like to order some foreign currency write an essay on my dream school At the behest of city lawyers, Orr refused to answer questions about any communication with the state. The Detroit chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees filed a request with the court Wednesday to force Orr and other witnesses to testify on communications from before the filing.
This is the job description research paper writer The tiny Balkan country, which became independent in 2006,has no oil production, but based on unprocessed and fragmenteddata, it could cover its oil and gas needs from own resources,the ministry had earlier said.
Benito says:
The United States the help essay questions Northstar, established in Indonesia in 2003, is one ofSoutheast Asia’s home-grown buyout firms and is facing risingcompetition from global rivals like KKR & Co andBlackstone Group, both of which have moved teams into theregion in the last year.
I’d like to open an account define chemosynthesis Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio lauded Gregoryâs pliability when New England signed him last August. Belichick praised his instincts. He came on board after six seasons in San Diego, enjoying the highs of tracking down the likes of tailback LaDainian Tomlinson in practice and the low of being suspended for violating the leagueâs performance-enhancing drug policy.
Would you like a receipt? rogerian essay on gun control “Our numbers also suggest that Cruz is now viewed more broadly as the leader of the Republican Party,” Jensen said. “When asked whether they trust Cruz or GOP leader Mitch McConnell more, Cruz wins out.”
I’m unemployed pay someone to do your homework Her White House career started in January 1961 with JFK’s inauguration. In an autobiography, she wrote that at the start of the Kennedy years “a woman reporter at the White House was generally assumed to be little more than a specialized society columnist and I did my share of ‘Jackie watching,’ keeping tabs on daughter Caroline and reporting on what the first lady wore to lunch on a given day.”
We went to university together malaysia assignment helper Macau is the only place in China where nationals are legally allowed to gamble in casinos. Traditionally reliant on “big whale” spenders who drop up to 1 million yuan ($163,000) per bet, Macau’s casinos are now seeing rapid growth from the “mass market” crowd who come primarily to gamble but are increasing their spend on retail, dining and five-star hotels.
I’d like to pay this in, please african american history essay * South Africa’s Standard Bank is in advanced talksto sell its London commodity trading business to its biggestshareholder Industrial and Commercial Bank of China,a person familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.
Recorded Delivery effect of junk food essay In a campaign video posted online, Ms. Cheney, a former official of both the State Department and USAID, has said there needs to be a new generation of GOP leaders. Ms. Cheney is 46 years old; Sen. Enzi is 69.
I’d like to take the job hotel rwanda summary essay When lettuce is cut it attempts to heal the cut by sealing it to keep moisture in, but if a processing facility has contaminated water that sealing process could also seal in some contaminants into the leaf, making them more difficult to wash away, Doyle said.
Could you transfer $1000 from my current account to my deposit account? report writing pay Fans are kept on their toes by the “Exit Through the Gift Shop” artist. Every morning, Banksy posts a picture of the latest in his month-long “exhibition,” with a tantalizing clue as to its location. Cryptic hints like “Downtown,” “Westside,” and “Midtown” have accompanied the images, leaving Banksy aficionados to do some detective work.
I’ve just graduated review of essay writing services Sound familiar? Thatâs how the 2008 financial crisis began,too. Leaders are right to worry about the possibility of abanking crisis in China. But instead of focusing their ire onshadow bankers, they should raise benchmark interest rates inorder to reduce the amount of credit flowing to dodgy loansthrough the formal banking sector. The threat to Chinaâsfinancial system is right there — out in the open — notlurking in the shadows.
What do you do for a living? phd thesis work plan Raikkonen is currently fourth in the world drivers’ championships behind second-placed Alonso and leader Sebastian Vettel, who is on course to claim his fourth straight world title and is 53 points clear with seven of the 19 races left.
What company are you calling from? essayer de ne pas rire 2 Wal-Mart now expects overall sales to be up between 2percent and 3 percent for the fiscal year, down from an earlierforecast of a rise of 5 percent to 6 percent. The retailer alsocut its profit outlook by 10 cents per share, to a range of$5.10 to $5.30.
Erasmo says:
Your account’s overdrawn spatial order essay writing That’s a suggestion Shannon Watterson gives everyone. Watterson, a 24-year-old public relations executive in Boston, recalls that about a dozen years ago, she, her sister and their parents went on a vacation with her maternal grandparents to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The area is beautiful, she says, but the cabin chosen by the grandparents wasn’t exactly optimal.
Arlen says:
I don’t like pubs civil service essay books But the royal aide said the prince's estate does not pay capital gains tax because he “doesn't have access to the capital gains. The capital gains are all reinvested in the duchy for future dukes”.
Sorry, I ran out of credit essay criminal justice system “We can’t miss this opportunity. If we don’t go for it, weare really hopeless,” said Francois Piquet, head of OuestNormandie Energies Marines, a public firm which promotes thepotential of marine energies.
Can I use your phone? can you help me with my essay Southcoast recommends that people get vaccinated as soon as the flu season vaccine becomes available in their community. Flu seasons are unpredictable and can begin as early as October. It takes about two weeks after you receive the flu shot for a vaccine to become fully active in the body and provide protection against the flu. Southcoast is also asking visitors to refrain from visiting the hospital if they are sick. If you must come to the hospital while you are sick, you will be asked to wear a mask, which will be provided at no charge at each of the main entrances and Emergency Department entrances.
Agustin says:
Where’s the nearest cash machine? type your paper online The half-way point of the series saw the bakers and their bakes crumble. The showstopper brief was to bake a biscuit tower, over 30cm tall. Frances Quinn’s heavenly haberdashery creation of buttons and beads looked terribly unstable, and with just one minute to go, while Mel Giedroyc was measuring its height, it went down, collapsed, in a dramatic timberrrrr! moment. Mel was left holding it together with one finger while Frances, and the viewer, were left heartbroken. But to see the teacher-ish look of disapproval on judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry’s faces, when Frances presented her pile of sweet rubble, was priceless.
How much notice do you have to give? chemistry homework help free Turkey’s armed forces, the second largest in NATO, were fordecades the self-appointed guardians of Turkey’s secular order,carrying out three coups between 1960 and 1980 and pressuring anIslamist-led government out of power in 1997.
Jamel says:
I like watching football essay checking software Around £120m would also be provided in 2015/16 to fund the integration of health and social care services. Personal care and concessionary bus fares for the elderly, prescription medications, and access to higher education would also all remain free for Scottish residents.
I wanted to live abroad thesis and dissertation difference I couldnât help but remind him that for someone who claims not to remember details of his career â a career that resulted in 311 wins, three ERA titles, five strikeout titles, three Cy Young Awards and the highest vote plurality of anyone elected to the Hall of Fame â he didnât lack for memories about his first All-Star Game. Rather, they flowed like fine wine.
Is it convenient to talk at the moment? essay hotel management Cellphone snapshots of Hannah posted on the site on Monday night and a history of chats documented before the kidnapping – with a 10-day gap that began the day she was last seen – appeared to support the postings’ authenticity.
Stolen credit card cornell johnson mba essay The “Global Slavery Index” report by the Walk Free Foundation ranked 162 countries by estimating the number of people in each nation affected by a range of practices including forced and bonded labor, human trafficking, forced marriages, and the use of children in the military.
I’m sorry, she’s essay on responsibilities of a citizen The potential financial upside for the industry â and New York dairy farmers â is obvious. With virtually no revenue just five years ago, it now generates nearly 40 percent of the $6.5 billion in annual U.S. yogurt sales. There are 28 plants upstate in what Businessweek magazine calls âthe Silicon Valley of yogurt.â
We need someone with qualifications dada essay Her secret? ‘I have a chart in the kitchen. They get stars and stickers for eating up well and doing their chores and being polite and kind. Sometimes I threaten to take a star away – they cry, “No! Sorry, Mummy!”
I don’t like pubs cover page to research paper Strategic Advisers is part of Fidelity’s $451 billion global asset allocation division. PAS is the largest mutual fund advisory wrap program in the managed accounts industry with $104 billion in assets under management at the end of June.
Alden says:
I’d like to pay this cheque in, please persuasive essay for highschool students Since then, the Sheikha and the Museums Authority have picked up works by Picasso, Damien Hirst and others, while engaging in a massive museum-building project in the Qatari capital Doha, Rappolt said.
We used to work together essay about my school friends In the early planning, the administration aimed to createnew healthcare markets that would make shopping for insurance assimple as buying an airline ticket online. But repeated delaysand technical difficulties mean the new sites in many stateswon’t have all of their functions ready in the first weeks, atthe earliest.
Who would I report to? a short essay on environment Obviously that's not the case with Givenchy's Antigona tote, seen here in a brilliant red, at £1325 it's quite an investment. But check out Zara's rectangle shopper (below), it's clean lines and sleek exterior give a really classic feminine feel.
I’d like some euros business plans for dummies The researchers also urged software makers to move away from the Diffie-Hellman and RSA standards, to support ECC at all points in a network and to retrofit older encryption methods with ECC “wrappers.”
Will I get travelling expenses? high school thesis statement GOS, however, are water-soluble. That means when beans soak in water, some of these carbs leach out. For canned beans, tossing the canning liquid and rinsing the beans well before use may help reduce their GOS load. For dry beans and lentils, soaking for a few hours before cooking may have a similar effect. Research suggests that at least 25 percent of GOS are removed when discarding dry beans’ soaking water. Therefore, if you cook dry beans or lentils directly in a soup or chili, the gassy carbs will be retained in the final product.
Excellent work, Nice Design medical research paper outline A creative family home is shaped by the children as well as the grown-ups who live there. At its best it can be an experimental and all-inclusive project. And anyone with children knows it is also a work in progress. These are some of the lessons I have learnt over the past 10 years while raising my daughter, Olive, and also in researching my book, Creative Family Home. I visited 13 homes in countries including Germany, Denmark, Spain and Britain, where families have worked together to create inspiring spaces that suit the way they live.
What sort of work do you do? writing public service job applications LONDON, Aug 5 (Reuters) – HSBC posted lower thanexpected earnings on Monday and said it might have to pay $1.6billion in damages over a U.S. lawsuit, reviving concerns overlegacy issues and growth prospects at Europe’s biggest bank.
I’m interested in quotations essay my last day school The Republicans have said they will only agree to the stop-gap budget measures needed to get the government back up and running if the White House agrees to delay the President’s flagship public healthcare scheme by a year.
Toney says:
Could you ask her to call me? essay on co education is a better system of education Apple did not break out separate sales figures for the 5S and 5C. The 5C, which starts at $199 with a contract, offers a touch ID that scans a user’s fingerprint to unlock the phone. The 5C starts at $99 and comes in five colors.
I came here to work writing essays about yourself While PayPal is marching ahead with its digital wallet plans, Google is going back to the drawing board. The search giant failed to take digital payments mainstream, so can PayPal pick up where it left off?
Booker says:
In tens, please (ten pound notes) essay help for free In common with other housebuilders, Taylor Wimpey has suffered from the credit crunch, which caused banks to hold back on granting mortgages as they attempted to reduce their exposure to bad debts and rebuild the reserves they hold against future problems.
A First Class stamp essay writing on global warming “Defaulting on a federal student loan has serious consequences,” Rohit Chopra, the bureau’s student loan ombudsman, said in the report. “Unlike other consumer credit, borrowers in default on a federal student loan might see their tax refund taken and their wages garnished without a court order.”
What part of do you come from? essay cheat sites “I was stuck behind Jenson for most of the race but I tried to give him some pressure and I noticed he was running out of his tires and I started getting closer and closer and I decided to pass him,” the former McLaren driver said.
I’ll send you a text about me paragraphs Vich, the pig trapper, showed a large trap on a remote partof his farm that resembles a livestock pen but is rigged withwires along the ground. He baits the trap with corn in hopes thepigs will trip the wire and slam the door behind them.
Not in at the moment an i buy cheap essays Winter highlights include ski resorts in Hokkaido but more easily reached is the Olympic area Nagano. Here day trips, including passes, can be booked in the railway station information centre. A winter side trip can be made to nearby Yudanaka, where the host at the Uotoshi Ryokan spoke English, and presented a breakfast of dreams: 12 different beautiful and delicious dishes. Close by, after a short forest walk, you can watch snow macaque monkeys disport in the hot spring.
I’m sorry, I’m not interested c programming homework help “People wanted to see the real boats and crew sail, handlingand puffs on the water, and at the same time wanted to have aidsto interpretation such as lay lines, mark circles and advantagelines showing who’s ahead and behind,” Honey said.
Where’s the nearest cash machine? medical school application essay The New York-based Aviva unit, which needs Lawsky’sapproval, represents less than 3 percent of Aviva’s U.S.operations, the statement said. The company plans to merge thatbusiness with Presidential Life, Athene’s larger and strongerNew York company.
Whereabouts in are you from? what did i learn in english class essay The bank has to make sure any bonds it sells would help itsleverage ratio under the UK rules. To do this, the bonds wouldhave to count towards Tier 1 capital, the key measure of abank’s financial strength. Similar bonds Barclays has sold,known as CoCos, have been classed as Tier 2 capital.
Go travelling judge essay “While our oil production is currently restricted by gasexport issues in both Vietnam and the UK, this has limitedimpact on the long term value of those fields. Plans are inplace to address these issues,” Chief Executive Simon Lockettsaid.
Directory enquiries best essay editing service When your child starts high school, it’s time to give him the power of plastic. Up until now, he’s been relatively sheltered. He can’t do much damage to an investment account that you supervise or a savings account he can only contribute to, not withdraw from. A debit card does carry some dangers, particularly overdraft or out-of-network ATM fees. Be sure to choose a credit union that refunds out-of-network surcharges – or explain the importance of using the right ATM and let your kid learn – and opt out of overdraft protection.
I’d like to send this parcel to writing help for high school students Ernie Banks might get his only chance to bat against Whitey Ford. Pete Rose could show Ray Fosse and the rest of the American League how baseball was played in the National League. And Carl Hubbell could introduce his screwball to the American League in spectacular fashion, striking out Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and three other future Hall of Famers in a row in 1934 with a pitch none of them had seen before.
Where do you study? research paper guidelines high school Though he did not impose a new sentence, Baugh went ahead with the unusual hearing. The hearing began at 1:40 p.m., and Baugh announced that he had decided on Thursday, before the Supreme Court intervened, to cancel the hearing he intended to hold aimed at re-sentencing Rambold.
When do you want me to start? eassay written “She’s such a decent and honest lady you feel so bad for her. She wasn’t employed,” Zahra Ashif, who started the Facebook thread, told AP. “The point is that (Walde) is not here so he can’t be arrested, but after that point did he not have any courtesy to get in touch? ⦠For them life has gone on, but what about these kids?”
Jarvis says:
Please call back later hey essay The shutdown of the U.S. government appeared likely to dragon for another week and possibly longer as lawmakers consumedday three of the shutdown on Thursday with a stalling game, andwith no end in sight until the next crisis hits Washingtonaround Oct. 17.
I’m only getting an answering machine satellite essay A capsule wardrobe item that looks super cool all year round, just team with black skinnies and biker boots in winter before swapping to cut-off denim shorts and a plain tee like Khloe Kardashian here come summer.
I’ll put him on online phd thesis mahatma gandhi university Compared with non-bank traders such as Vitol, Glencore, Gunvor and Mercuria, the banks’ physical operationshave always been relatively small in most markets and aregetting progressively smaller as regulations tighten.
Have you seen any good films recently? cctv essay “Given expectations of further interest rate increases overthe near to medium term, we expect TMT issuers to considerpre-financing 2014 maturities and/or buyback programs well inadvance,” said Danish Agboatwala, credit strategist at Barclays.
We’re at university together college life essays âThirteen is enough,â says Dana Delany, whoâs starred in several hit broadcast shows. Her most recent, âBody of Proof,â finished its run with a 13-episode season that she calls âjust right.â
I’ll put him on write essay my favourite t.v show Reproductive medical technology will always be high profile because we are pushing back the frontiers of medical science, and the public needs time to understand and form an opinion when confronted with new techniques.
Looking for a job story of stuff essay No one else was harmed, and the police are not treating it as a criminal investigation. A spokesman said:Â âInquiries are at an early stage and the deaths are being treated as unexplained at this time.â
I’d like to cancel this standing order college essay writing samples The vote in the House of Representatives came despite an earlier White House statement promising that Mr Obama would veto any resolution that delayed his signature first-term legislative achievement.
Heriberto says:
Withdraw cash sun essay Today's flatpack lithium batteries pack a lot of oomph into a very small package. If that oomph gets out all at once, it's not at all surprising that explosions and third degree burns are the result. And the more we pack into these tiny powerhouses, the bigger the explosions are going to get.
I’d like , please essay of motivation His testimony and those of others were part of the defense statement given by Chi Susheng, a lawyer for Li Xiang, another of the six accused. Chi posted the testimonies online, where they have gotten little attention.
Could you ask him to call me? past papers intermediate part 2 After Figueiredo’s meeting this week with U.S. nationalsecurity adviser Susan Rice, Washington issued a statementsaying that recent reports had raised “legitimate questions forour friends and allies” about U.S. intelligence.
Do you play any instruments? listhesis l5 s1 Known for her persistent style of questioning, Thomas was most recognized for her work with United Press International, and covered nine presidents over her long career. She started as a copy girl at the Washington Daily News, moving to what was then called the United Press in 1943.
A staff restaurant ap english argument essay prompts He is seen by some as a courageous whistleblower, by others as a traitor who wilfully endangered US forces and their allies. Either way, his harsh treatment to date by the US authorities will surely go down as one of the more shameful episodes in that nation’s history.
This site is crazy 🙂 write my paper homework Gunfire and explosions from battles there often sound acrossthe frontline fence. Some wounded Syrians who have reached theboundary have been treated at the Israeli field hospital andthen sent back. Others are transported to hospitals in Israel.
I work for a publishers good experience essay The White House was supported by several senior members of Congress, including the Republican chairs of the Intelligence and Armed Services committees who had written a letter urging colleagues to reject the amendment.
Could you ask him to call me? climate change man made write my argumentative paper “When his eyes and my eyes met, he started taunting me and telling come closer,” Haji recalled. “Telling me in Swahili, ‘come, come.’ As if it was a joke to him. This whole thing was a joke to him.”
Could I ask who’s calling? essay on celebrations The biggest driver of federal spending — health care programs – is rising more slowly than in the past, according to a new report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. But a New Year’s Day law that permanently extended the George W. Bush-era tax cuts for the vast majority of Americans is projected to drive borrowing from outside investors to 100 percent of the economy by 2038. Previous projections showed the debt drifting down to 52 percent of GDP by that time.
Hello There. I discovered your weblog the use of msn. This is a
really neatly written article. I will be sure to bookmark iit and
return to read extra of your useful info. Thanks for thee
post. I’ll definitwly return.
I work with computers essay on athletics This week NASA announced a do-or-die mission to get at least one of those wheels moving and save the $600 million project, which launched in 2009 has already confirmed 134 planets and identified nearly 3,200 potential ones.
Where are you calling from? finance term paper “After our first dress rehearsal in the costumes with the crew, publicists, performers etc watching us, I walked out of the Barclay Center shaking and crying. Thankfully, my best friends, Kelly and Kerri, happened to be NYC to visit me.”
Could you send me an application form? berkeley phd thesis But Hiroki Shimazu, senior market economist for SMBC NikkoSecurities in Tokyo, said jobs growth of around 180,000 andupward revisions to the July and August numbers could promptspeculation about the Fed reducing stimulus in December.
How many are there in a book? english critical essays âAlthough we work well with the Conservatives, our two parties still have differences of opinion – some strongly held. And looking to the future, there are aspects of schools policy currently affected by the priorities of the Conservative Party which I would not want to see continue.â
Very funny pictures essay on being quiet The happy pair said “I do” in front of about 120 guests including Rzeznik’s famed bandmates. “The whole thing was just about family and friends. It was really beautiful and romantic,” Rzeznik said.
Whereabouts are you from? accounting internship experience essay The study suggests that the DNA evidence that previously dated the common ancestor more recently was misleading. Another possible explanation is that teeth began to change more rapidly in modern humans, or that the teeth began to change before the species split. However, Gomez-Robles notes that neither of those hypotheses are supported by evolution, which most scientists generally accept to be fact.
Fritz says:
Can I call you back? copy essays âEvery time I had a birthday, I would just be a little bit sad,â she admitted to OK!. âYou donât mind clicking over another number when youâve got something inside you growing that youâve always dreamed about.â
What qualifications have you got? earning money online His lawyer said the 70-year-old came to the United States in July 2001 because he lost a large part of his life savings in business investments in a cable company and a car wash that failed, and because of hardships in El Salvador following earthquakes that year.
Why did you come to ? famous short essays Rouhani on Friday appointed Ali Akbar Salehi, Iran’s previous foreign minister, to take over the AEOI. Salehi, who once headed the agency, is seen as a pragmatist, as opposed to the more hardline Abbasi-Davani.
I’m about to run out of credit soccer essays It’s not the first time Calderoli has been under fire for racist remarks: In 2006, he was forced to resign as a minister in Silvio Berlusconi’s government after he wore a T-shirt on state-run television featuring one of the Prophet Muhammad cartoons that had inflamed the Muslim world.
Cool site goodluck 🙂 essay about my holiday in penang The construction boom on Hengqin, just a 10-minute drivefrom Macau, comes at a time when mega-resorts are beingdeveloped in Asia in places like Taiwan, South Korea, thePhilippines and Vietnam to tap the region’s growing ranks ofwealthy tourists.
I can’t get a signal thesis on water quality analysis The hackers used the data to access accounts and withdraw money, or sold it to middlemen who hawked the information through online forums and other venues, indictments unsealed Thursday in Manhattan and New Jersey said.
I’ve got a full-time job search research paper MADRID, Sept 25 (Reuters) – Foreign investors are preparingbids for the property management units of several Spanish banks,hoping to break decisively into a real estate market that hasbrought few bargain housing deals for funds even after fiveyears of a price slump.
Hobert says:
Where’s the postbox? powerpoint services It was repetitive, friends. Friends: it was repetitive. He’d settled on two key phrases: “Britain can do better than this” and “A race to the top”. And do you know what he did? I’ll tell you what he did. He repeated the two key phrases. He repeated the two key phrases throughout the speech. Again and again – and again and again. Friends: that’s what Ed Miliband did.
Could I make an appointment to see ? people are becoming more materialistic essay But House Speaker John Boehner says he will not bring forth a measure without the support of a majority of the Republican caucus and that’s left the body in limbo. Many conservatives say they oppose any measure that would offer a path to citizenship and have expressed concerns about immigrants receiving new federal benefits.
A First Class stamp creating the future we want essay “I hope he makes us better, a lot better,” the Yankee skipper added. “You’re able to split up your lefties a little bit too, putting him in the middle. Hopefully it helps our lineup.”
What do you want to do when you’ve finished? essay edit services Research by Anchor found that “ageist attitudes” are “endemic” in the workplace, with two fifths of young Britons aged 18-24 saying there aren’t enough jobs for older people to be in work. “Casual ageism has no place in today’s society,” added Ms Ashcroft. “Over 60s in England are active, energetic and make valued contributions to successful businesses all over the country.
Elvin says:
The National Gallery i should do my homework now Hellweg has teamed up with former Max Bahr chief Dirk Moehrle and is in advanced talks to buy 73 Max Bahr stores for more than 100 million euros ($136.6 million), sources familiar with the transaction told Reuters earlier on Thursday.
What are the hours of work? primary source essay Three men, aged 80, 74 and one in his 50s, were living in the garage in a room with double locks on the door and a single chair, Houston police spokesman Kees Smith said. There was no toilet and no beds, police said.
Will I get paid for overtime? essay on mobiles 2. Make the bread crumb topping: In a bowl, combine the butter and bread crumbs. Use a rubber spatula to mix them until they form a paste. Stir in the Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses. Mix in the thyme, salt, and pepper.
I’m afraid that number’s ex-directory vygotsky essay * Canadian Natural Resources Ltd : The independentoil producer has been ordered to drain a lake on the site of itsnorthern Alberta oil sands project so that contamination on thelake’s bottom, from a leak that has been spilling tar-likebitumen for months, can be cleaned up.
I’d like to pay this in, please why we write essay A search on Amazon reveals 19,670 baking books, with Paul Hollywood’s Bread topping the charts (121,000 copies sold), and his new book, Pies & Puds (published later this month), expected to sell even more. Philip Stone, charts editor of The Bookseller magazine, says Bake Off has had a “radical effect on the UK book market”. In the first half of this year, 17 baking cookbooks sold more than 10,000 copies; while in 2008 that figure was just one.
I’m sorry, I’m not interested how to order a research paper Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Gehad El-Haddad challenged Kerry's interpretation of Morsi’s removal from office and accused the Obama administration of being “complicit in the military coup.”
On another call cheap labor essay The Chatanooga VW plant has proven to be a vital proving ground for the UAW, as a successful organizing push could make it easier for the union to gain support at other plants such as the Nissan assembly plant in Canton, Miss., and a Mercedes-Benz plant in Alabama. Both are Right-to-Work states.
No, I’m not particularly sporty relationship between human and nature essay The budget impasse began ten days ago when Republicans initially said they would support a stopgap funding measure without an agreement to delay or defund Obama’s signature health care law. Republicans have moved on from that demand and are now seeking broader fiscal reforms on taxes and entitlement programs.
Just over two years forensic science research papers Sales at U.S. retailers, including Costco Wholesale Corp, and L Brands Inc, the company that runsVictoria’s Secret, suggest that overall U.S. consumer spendingis improving while discretionary spending may remain underpressure.
I’m a member of a gym controversial essays on abortion Meanwhile, an A-Rod spokesman told The News Saturday night in reference to a possible plea deal that ânobody from Alexâs team has made any such comments, and as we have said before, we are respecting the process and following the procedures as outlined in the joint agreement.”
Canada>Canada military resume writing service The number of households falling behind on their mortgage payments dropped to its lowest level since autumn 2008 in the second quarter of the year. At the end of June, a total of 157,700 mortgages, equivalent to 1.4% of all loans, were in arrears of 2.5% or more of the balance.
Another service? five paragraph essay lesson plan As they did on Thursday, those crews will attach a winch line to Orion and tow it into the amphibious ship’s well deck, a compartment that can be deliberately flooded. Then the well deck will be drained, allowing the astronauts to step out of the capsule.
Sorry, you must have the wrong number law school personal statement essays “I was seriously thinking of shorting Microsoft,” says hedge fund manager Whitney Tilson, who also runs investment conferences at which Ubben has spoken. “But his Microsoft presentation talked me out of it. It was a very compelling contrarian take.”
What do you do? write my reearch paper The universities' research warned if game companies did not create restraints for players and their games grew in popularity, Western governments might have no choice but to follow Asia and limit usage.
I went to traveling essay “One in 10 hospitals is already operating without enough staff as the Government wastes billions on a damaging back office re-organisation. Six months after the Francis Report, it is simply unacceptable that the Government has failed to take any action on minimum staffing levels. This is further proof you can’t trust David Cameron with the NHS.”
Which year are you in? how to buy a term paper online A new Florida law requires navigators to have trainingprovided by the federal government and for them to befingerprinted, with background checks conducted by the FloridaDepartment of Law Enforcement.
What’s your number? problem in research paper KAPAA â The Kapaa Warriors followed up a five-set victory over the Menehune of Waimea Saturday night with another five-game thriller Tuesday, this time dropping the Kauai High Red Raiders at Bernice Hundley Gym 25-22, 25-23, 16-25, 12-25, 15-13.
Have you got a telephone directory? lord of the flies comparison essay Western and Arab mediators and some senior Egyptian government officials have been trying to persuade the army to avoid using force against the protesters, who at times can number as much as tens of thousands.
An estate agents buy resume “We have every intention of continuing that policy in theinterests of Canadian consumers and the broad Canadian public,including proceeding with the auction as we have laid out forsome time,” Harper told reporters in Miramichi, New Brunswick.
I’d like to cancel this standing order narrative essay rubric common core âI think thatâs the pink elephant in the room,â Rodriguez said, referring to the remaining $100 million the Yankees owe him on his $275 million deal. âI think we all agree that we want to get rid of PEDs; thatâs a must. All the players, we feel that way. But when all this stuff is going on in the background, and people are finding creative ways to cancel your contract, thatâs concerning for present (players) and I think it should be concerning for future players, as well.â
Do you like it here? social service essay for students Health officials in Iowa and Nebraska on Tuesday identified prepackaged salad mix as the source of a severe stomach bug that sickened hundreds of people in both states, but federal authorities said it’s not clear whether cyclospora outbreaks elsewhere in the U.S. are also linked to that produce.
I didn’t go to university personal statements for residency Vehicles lined up along the highway into Yarnell well before the evacuation order was lifted at 9 a.m. Monday. Authorities checked everyone’s identification to prove their residency so they could have a couple days to sift through the ashes of their homes before the area opens to the public Wednesday.
A few months can i buy a research paper without getting caught This comes from our ad serving technology and is used to track how many times you have seen a particular ad on our sites, so that you don’t just see one advert but an even spread. This information is not used by us for any other type of audience recording or monitoring.
Not available at the moment the life of pi essay For years, horror films ârepresented for the movie industry a genre thatâs much maligned, rarely gets good reviews, but audiences love them,â says Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com.
I really like swimming methods for research paper Shamblee, who has a background in healthcare advocacy, said the state is not offering trainees lessons in how to counter potential opponents who might approach them at schools, churches or other places they set up tables. They are being advised not to engage in potentially inflammatory talk at all, but simply provide factual information about how to get health insurance through the exchange.
Filiberto says:
Yes, I play the guitar essay on save nature save future “The improvement was made under the old company, products were introduced to the market on Nov. 1, 2012 prior to the company’s liquidation and prior to the sale of assets to the new owners,” said Arnold, who declined to comment about what methods were used to extend shelf life.
Where are you from? creative writing essay scholarships Today Mrs Seale, 54, who said she had found laughing gascanisters strewn across a ruined carpet, urged other parents tomake their children check privacy settings on social media websitesbefore they even consider advertising parties online.
Very funny pictures paid to write essay The bill also proposes to submit Apollo 11 for consideration as a World Heritage Site to the the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This would happen no later than one year after the site receives historic park status with the United States government.
Will I get paid for overtime? citing in research paper Bank health checks by the European Central Bank are acritical step in establishing a single banking framework for theeuro zone, giving credibility to ECB supervision and paving theway for the bloc to cooperate on saving bust banks.
I’d like to open an account an unforgettable trip essay Lampert, who took control of Sears in 2005 after engineering its purchase by discount-retailer Kmart Holdings Corp., then took the helm as CEO in February, is struggling to turn aroundthe retailer. The former hedge fund manager has seen sales slide as losses topped $4 billion in the last two years.
I’m doing a phd in chemistry narrative and descriptive essay The agreements on political association and free trade which Ukraine, to the dismay of its former Soviet master Russia, is hoping to sign with the EU will require the backing and subsequent ratification of all 28 member states.
I came here to study sailing to byzantium analysis essay “The president is desperate to get rid of the sequester,”Boehner said. “Our message will remain clear: until thepresident agrees to better cuts and reforms that help grow theeconomy and put us on path to a balanced budget, his sequester -the sequester he himself proposed, insisted on, and signed intolaw – stays in place.”
I’m in a band breast tomosynthesis When the girls didnât recognize LaBeouf, they told him to leave, but the actor kept on filming. Hearing the commotion, a passer-by intervened only to have the Hollywood bad boy start turn the camera on him.
Would you like a receipt? effects of smoking on teenagers essay Financial spreadbetters predicted Britain’s FTSE 100 will open 15 to 23 points lower, or as much as 0.3 percent;Germany’s DAX will open 13 to 27 points lower, alsodown as much as 0.3 percent; and France’s CAC 40 willopen 12 to 22 points lower, or as much as 0.6 percent.
I’m unemployed essay on value of community service Let’s just create a mixture of Ebola, Rabies and the Spanish Flu into a nice viral package for the world while we’re at it. Why stop at a super killer H7N9 bird flu virus that can wipe out humanity? Screw it. Let’s turn it up a notch.
My battery’s about to run out image segmentation thesis It’s not easy growing up in the spotlight, and no one knows that better than these child stars who have all, at one time or another, gone off the deep end. Check out which former kid celebrities have…
Very interesting tale help writing spanish essays Mr Neil insisted that, unlike taxation, minimum pricing targeted “problem drink” and “problem drinkers”, adding: “The problem drink is cheap booze, cheap vodka, cheap cider… and that's where the impact of minimum unit pricing will be.
We’re at university together essay on child abuse in modern society “Intel’s announcements demonstrate they will try to defendtheir turf against ARM-based servers and specialty processors,”said Pat Moorhead, an analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. “Upuntil today, it was a bit of a guessing game for Intel thattoday has at least 95-percent server market share.”
Is there ? climate change and global warming essay The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association donated $125,000 in recognition of the event’s $55 million impact on the state economy, he said. But Sun ‘n Fun, a nonprofit focused on aviation education, is still struggling to pay the rest of the tab.
Do you know what extension he’s on? owl thesis Both portfolios beat the average return of hedge funds,which slipped 0.73 percent in August, as well as the Standard &Poor’s Index, which fell 3.3 percent. The gains were welcomenews for the fund family after two years of heavy losses shrunkthe once enormous size of the Advantage Funds.
I’ve been cut off gender role essays ”We set ourselves a challenging target of aiming to ensure that 70% of the badger population was removed during the pilot. The chief veterinary officer (CVO) has advised that the 60% reduction this year will deliver clear disease benefits as part of a four-year cull.”
Wonderfull great site science assignment help Dr Jorg Hoffmann, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales, said: “According to health records one case had received a single measles vaccine but none had had any doses of the MMR vaccine.
Could you ask her to call me? kid math problems Their own documented words totally contradict anyone’s stated and knowingly fabricated position that multiple Arab nations, in the days leading up to the Six Day War, in 1967, had not threatened the very existence of the State of Israel and organized the immense might of all the Arab armies to not only physically annihilate the State of Israel, but to quote their own words, (see below): “Wipe Israel off the map”.
We’re at university together buying an essay paper Scotland Yard’s bribery probe, opened in 2011, is part of a widespread investigation of alleged media wrongdoing that has largely focused on News Corp’s U.K. papers. Dozens of journalists have been arrested in the investigations and some have been charged with crimes relating to bribery and phone hacking. Mr. Murdoch has publicly apologized for any wrongdoing at his papers and called the scandal a “major black eye” for the company.
An accountancy practice allison taylor dissertation Also downgraded were Governors State University to ‘Baa1’from ‘A3,’ affecting $23 million of its University FacilitiesSystem Revenue Bonds and Certificates of Participation, andNortheastern Illinois University, cut to ‘Baa1’ from ‘A3,’affecting $63 million of University Facilities System RevenueBonds and Certificates of Participation.
I don’t like pubs racial discrimination in the workplace essay “As Canadians, we’re kind of known for going for the bronze,” said Iain Klugman, who runs the Communitech incubator at the heart of Waterloo’s startup scene. “But BlackBerry showed us we could have big ideas. They introduced this community to the world.”
Best Site good looking essay about saving planet earth Under Senate rules, Cruz must yield the floor for a procedural vote on Wednesday when Democrats and many Republicans are expected to band together to begin moving the must-do spending bill toward passage, likely on Sunday.
A law firm paper writing services for college students “It’s an important thing that those reports be accurate, and since the information is coming from a variety of sources, we’re building the metrics, verifying and making sure that it’s right,” she said.
US dollars slavery research paper âDwayne [Johnson] is a nice guy and we knew each other from when we both worked out at Woodland Hillsâ Equinox gym,â he recalls. âHaving The Rock and Hercules working out created a little bit of a stir for people, but they were cool.â
I’ve got a full-time job cloud computing security research papers Baseball caps are a strange trend. Back in the 1990s there was a mad craze for trucker caps (remember?) and team branded caps are still popular here and there, but it's not our usual choice of head gear.
I’ve got a very weak signal reflective essay assignment Ranbaxy is one of the largest Indian drug makers by sales. It was taken over by Daiichi Sankyo Co. of Japan from its founders, the Singh family, in 2008, just months before the first alerts were issued.
I’m about to run out of credit technology is good essay “I’m a great believer … that U.S. foreign policy should be about individuals,” Power told the refugee students in New York, who came from Tibet, Sudan, China, Iran, Russia and elsewhere. “Every time we make decisions as a government we should think about people like you and the countries that you came from.”
I’d like to withdraw $100, please essay for communication Chairman Frank Lucas said the legislation on food stamps,formally named Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),would be the second part of any talks with the Senate on a newU.S. farm law costing $100 billion a year.
I study here generation y essay The relief left oil hovering at a 3-1/2 month highat just over $109 a barrel and though copper – usuallyclosely attuned to China’s fortunes – gave up its initial gains,the Australian dollar climbed 0.4 percent to $0.9087.
Could I have a statement, please? free compare and contrast essay In the “Tonara Free Zone” users can download hundreds offree interactive scores, mainly for the piano and primarilyclassical. In addition, thousands of music scores from everygenre are available in the Tonara Store.
One moment, please financial statement analysis paper The administration said in a statement that the program’s 32ACOs, which served 670,000 Medicare beneficiaries, managed torestrain cost growth to 0.3 percent overall, less than half the0.8 percent growth for similar beneficiaries not served by ACOs.
Can I use your phone? advantages and disadvantages of co education essay The Finnish firm said the money would be due to Elop following his agreement to immediately stand down alongside the announcement of the deal, and that Microsoft would pay approximately 70 percent of the total.
Directory enquiries math problems with answers “When hospitals unnecessarily admit Medicare patients for short inpatient stays when the appropriate treatment would be outpatient or observation care, they improperly boost hospital profits at significant expense to taxpayers and patients,” said Susan J. Waddell, special agent in charge of the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
What do you do? north korea thesis Not even a year after Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc along the Jersey Shore, disaster struck again as a raging fire fueled by powerful 30 mph winds blazed through the famed Seaside Park boardwalk on Se…
I’d like to take the job essay writing band 6 The deaths in Qatar, as well as in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, have shone a light on the huge migration from the landlocked Himalayan nation that got going during a 10-year civil war and has only accelerated since.
How much notice do you have to give? research papers on slavery The downward trend in jobless claims has helped shape the view of Federal Reserve officials that the labor market is improving, and has helped fuel market expectations the U.S. central bank will start reducing a massive bond buying program at a policy meeting next week.
magic story very thanks essay literary term Spain, where Vodafone has struggled throughout the downturn,was down 10.6 percent and Italy down 17.6 percent, as customerssought to save money by making fewer calls and retaining olderhandsets, and as rivals stepped up competition.
I’d like to withdraw $100, please buy original research papers U.S. copyright once assured an author a reasonable period of ownership of his works after which they passed into public ownership. In the 1970′s greedy copyright owners, many being large publishing empires, askd for and were given almost unlimited extensions of exclusive rights. Since, every time something’s “rights” would expire, there is another lawyer arguing and getting another extension.
Your account’s overdrawn written essays online âWeâre still at the brainstorming phase to come up with ways to provide higher level of assurance for the integrity of our products, and thatâs going to be a key part of our response,â Arkin said. He noted that the company was in the process of looking for anomalous check-in activity on its code repositories and for other things that might seem out of place.
Could I order a new chequebook, please? cruel angel thesis lyric A Cerulli Associates report from last fall predicted the market share of the four largest firms would decline to 34.2 percent by the end of 2014. That’s a projected drop of roughly 7 percentage points from the end of 2011, as adviser teams depart.
What company are you calling from? thesis servicing co uk The billionaire investor said Monday on Twitter that he holds 61 million shares in Talisman, making him the company’s largest shareholder. He says he may have conversations with its management regarding its strategic alternatives and board seats. That would make Icahn
Free medical insurance research paper published The soda ban “would help save lives, and we are confidentthe Appeals court will uphold the Board of Health’s rule,” hesaid in a statement, noting that excessive soda consumption islinked to obesity and diabetes, which kill at least 5,000 NewYorkers each year.
How do you spell that? ingilizce essay When serial entrepreneur S. Mohan co-founded Bollywoodstreaming site Spuul in Singapore, for example, he expectedIndia to be about five years behind the diaspora in moredeveloped countries in using the service. “I was surprised bythe timing in India,” Mohan said. “I was told it would takelonger to become aware about streaming, that there wouldn’t beenough WiFi or 3G. But I found that if you have a smart deviceyou were hungry for content.”
Insert your card essay about jobs in the future So the software is generally the same that comes on Google’s Nexus devices and Experience phones. Because the phone is sold through carriers for now, there can be some carrier apps installed. I have an AT&T model Moto X and there is barely a hint of AT&T on the phone. I found three pre-installed apps: myAT&T for account management and AT&T Address Book, which I simply ignored and Visual Voicemail. The Quickoffice app is also pre-installed but I suspect that’s a Motorola decision because it’s also present on the Verizon Moto X.
I want to make a withdrawal research paper outline apa style We now live in a world where, at least for those of us in advanced economies, our lives are under the sway of large organizations. We depend on lots of infrastructure that we don’t think about much unless it starts working badly or abuses us: road and transportation systems, water and power utilities, communications and information networks, payment systems, food and clothing providers, to name a few. Many of us also work either directly for large companies or provide services to them. As Doug Smith pointed out in his book On Value and Values, place, as in the community you lived in, provided your most important relationships. Now once you get outside your immediate family, we increasingly interact with other people through networks, organizations, and markets.
I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name data analysis in thesis Burke, an outspoken lawyer who has represented more than 200 sexual assault victims, has said the academy tried to sweep the case under the rug to protect its reputation. The academy and an NCIS agent have said an investigation was vigorously pursued.
What line of work are you in? martin luther king dissertation Archaeologist Nicolaus Seefield found the gravesite in an “artificial cave,” which he explains to LiveScience had likely functioned as a water reservoir before the burial “since the cave’s floor was perfectly clean.”
I read a lot research proposal definition The study by the University of Texas found that people are virtually unaware that their eyes and brains are scanning someone’s body in an attempt to identify them when facial clues aren’t enough.
I work with computers ancient egypt essay The BMW i3 is protected by a three-year, unlimited mileage vehicle warranty plus an eight-year, 100,000 mile battery warranty. The battery is also included in the price of the car negating a separate lease charge for battery, which is the case some electric vehicles.
This is your employment contract online dissertation Occasionally the protagonist is a woman who may or may not be going mad – cue psychedelic hallucinations – or who is troubled by hints of the supernatural, precognition, or devil-worshipping conspiracies (The Perfume of the Lady in Black, Murder to the Tune of Seven Black Notes, All the Colours of the Dark).
Could you ask him to call me? racism in schools essay Inmates refused breakfast and lunch at two-thirds of the state’s 33 prisons and at all four private prisons that hold California inmates in other states, said Terry Thornton, a spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
I don’t like pubs online essay writing competition 2014 A woman who was one of two teenage participants in a killing spree that left 11 people dead 55 years ago and became the basis of the movie “Badlands” starring Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen has been critically injured in a crash, western Michigan authorities said Tuesday.
We went to university together radiology technician essay Sir Peter’s appearance was his first before a Holyrood committee since his appointment as permanent secretary in 2010. He has faced repeated accusations of politically partisan behaviour by appearing to back Alex Salmond’s separatist agenda.
I’m not working at the moment research paper on water analysis Over the weekend, thousands of young pilgrims, many from neighboring countries and some from as far away as China, flocked to Rio’s sunny seaside during the weekend and endured long lines to visit the city’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf mountain, a giant granite monolith.
Wonderfull great site exchange rates essay “As always with Apple, expectations on systematic breakthrough hardware innovations are irrational,” said Forrester analyst Thomas Husson said. “Apple is good at inventing new products and at maximizing profitability of its product range over time through software innovations and clever marketing.”
Marcelino says:
What do you study? arranged marriage essay conclusion The indictment suggested as well that the government probe into insider trading is far from over, alluding to Cohen’s having hired an employee from a fund despite a warning that the person was part of that fund’s “insider trading group.”
I want to make a withdrawal the crucible thesis statement Both the private and public sectors have been under pressurefrom frequent labour unrest, which has resulted inabove-inflation wage settlements of 7.9 percent in the firsthalf of this year from 7.6 percent in 2012.
Cecil says:
It’s a bad line perfect research paper “The ED (enforcement directorate) has investigated theWal-Mart case and has forwarded its report to the RBI for adecision by the RBI in the matter,” said an enforcementdirectorate official who is not authorised to speak to the mediaand declined to be identified.
History term paper reference page Still, about one third of all ER visits involve alcohol in some way, and beer and malt liquor dominated in this particular study, so to improve your chances, perhaps reach for a refreshing glass of wine instead.Â
Could you tell me the dialing code for ? self evaluation essays “It’s no wonder many political leaders, and I don’t exclude myself, have lost the trust of our people,” Papandreou said, in the most affecting passage of his talk. “When riot police have to protect parliaments, a scene that is increasingly common around the world, there is something wrong with our democracies.”
Have you got a current driving licence? personality essay introduction Fred often cites âpattern recognitionâ as the main job of a venture capitalist, and I think I got a pretty good sense of Fredâs pattern: he understands the mechanism behind a company or technology, and figures out whether his firm can help that company grow. In this interview, he’s an insightful and persuasive defender of the interests of the tech industry, because he very sincerely believes in its ability to do good for people.
Sorry, you must have the wrong number research papers on human resource “Policymakers have been so worried about trying to keepgrowth going, they’ve eased all the kind of stimulus levers buthave done that at the expense of structural reforms,” said RobSubbaraman, chief Asia economist at Nomura in Singapore. “That’scoming back to bite them.
I’d like to open a business account essay writing 2014 Undated University of Leicester handout photo of a stone frieze, which may have been from a choir stall, which was discovered during an excavation of the car park behind council offices in Leicester, made available Wednesday Sept. 12, 2012. (AP Photo/ University of Leicester)
I love this site buy essay papers online cheap We can probably assume that Her Majesty, great-grandmother of William and Kate’s baby, won’t be getting out the needle and thread and dressmaking scissors and Kate won’t be knitting. Nor will she be leaving the child in the care of nannies for months on end. Indeed William himself, at his mother’s insistence, accompanied her and Prince Charles on a six-week visit to the Antipodes when he was nine months old.
We’re at university together dubliners essays BGA chief executive James Hallett accused the government of ignoring the advice of its own advisory committee to consider setting up a replacement scheme targeting workers from non-EU countries such as the Ukraine.
Will I get travelling expenses? economics assignment help An HMA acquisition, which the market had been anticipating,would be the second big merger announced in the sector in asmany months. Faced with declining patient admissions and risingbad debts, companies are struggling to shore up their financesas they await an expected influx of newly insured patientsbeginning next year under healthcare reform.
Very Good Site page separator for thesis To the left were the Nets officials in chairs, minus Mikhail Prokhorov. On the right was Dolan, who helped announce Wednesday that the Garden and Barclays Center are co-hosting the 2015 All-Star Game.
Have you got any experience? tattoos research paper The charging documents and affidavit were filed Friday by Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney Ben Krakowka. They provide the most details released to date on what happened between the morning of July 8, when Cramer’s wife reported him and his son missing, and late that night, when Cramer was arrested in an Anaconda gas station washing blood off his clothes and body.
A few months out of sight out of mind essay PRIVATE EQUITY firms in Asia Pacific are increasingly payingspecial dividends to themselves funded by refinancing debt ofthe businesses they own, a development that is being fuelled byfrothy credit markets and sluggish prospects for “exit” sales.
Looking for a job free essay paper on in harm’s way Yahoo’s earnings report includes Alibaba’s financial results from the previous quarter. Alibaba’s first quarter results stood in sharp contrast to Yahoo’s own performance during the second quarter, with the Web portal reporting stagnant revenue and a sharp decline in prices for its display ads.
Irea says:
I sing in a choir john f kennedy essay contest But when the same infected animals were given a “drug-like compound”, they survived the 12 weeks with no sign of the brain dying. The chemical also caused side-effects including weight loss and diabetes.
Can I call you back? thesis statement on abraham lincoln Bridget reveals her anxieties about leaving children Mabel, five, and Billy, eight, with the notorious womaniser, recalling an incident when he dropped them off three hours later to school and used a maybe syrup-covered fork to brush her daughter’s hair.
Who’s calling? thesis statement for frankenstein essay For a second, the viewer may forget about the tongue contorting, outrageously dressed twerker she’s been lately. But it’s not long before the “We Can’t Stop” singer returns to her raunchy maneuvers, even while crooning about love loss.
I’ve got a full-time job socioeconomic status and crime In February 1997, following the accident, Wisconsin Centralagreed to federal safety inspection directives to roll outwidespread improvements to its tracks, railroad cars andlocomotives. For example, it agreed to spend at least 30 percentmore on track improvements.
I quite like cooking college application essay harvard The surge has raised suspicions about what is driving the influx, amid claims that illegal immigrants have learned they can attempt to get asylum by using a few key words — namely, by claiming they have a “credible fear” of drug cartels.
I’m about to run out of credit find master thesis Berlusconi probably wonât be incarcerated for this case,according to Andrea Castaldo, a criminal lawyer and professor atthe University of Salerno. The four-year prison sentence may bereduced to one year due to a law against prison overcrowding.His penalty will be probably be revised into community serviceor house arrest, due to extenuations including the leniencyaccorded to criminals over the age of 70.
I’m from England help with writing essays for college applications “It’s virtually impossible to sit there and track a person all day,” said Kelly Barnett, a union official who represents probation officers doing GPS tracking in Michigan. Barnett said that while officers see value in the monitoring, such programs also give “a false sense of security to the community.”
On another call assignment help in australia Trayvon Martin’s mother said a juror’s comment that George Zimmerman “got away with murder” was “devastating” to hear, but Zimmerman’s lawyer said today that the woman’s comments showed her to be a “model juror.”
I’d like to cancel a cheque college essay review services Much of the high cost, Gulzad says, goes to Afghans working in major Western embassies who are able to issue under-the-counter visas, although foreign diplomats scoff at the possibility of that happening given strict controls in place.
Gaylord says:
Could I ask who’s calling? metaphysics essays Under the deal, Activision said it would buy back 429 million shares from Vivendi for $5.83 billion. As part of the terms, an investor group led by Activision CEO Bobby Kotick and Co-Chairman Brian Kelly will separately purchase about 172 million Activision shares from Vivendi for $2.34 billion.
Could you give me some smaller notes? math tests Not every disagreement will break up a marriage, of course.One partner works a couple of extra years while the other onedoesn’t – happens all the time. But how can you solvedifferences that run deeper, short of a retirement trip to Renofor a quickie divorce? Here are some thoughts.
Alphonse says:
Will I get paid for overtime? write a narrative essay for me However, he added that the changes observed in glaciers in East Antarctica needed further investigation against the backdrop of likely increases in both atmospheric and ocean temperatures caused by climate change.
I’m interested in help my assignment In addition to the ethical questions surrounding autonomy, online chat streams are awash with debates over whether the surgery reduces sensitivity in the penis. While you would think this would be difficult to prove, as either you are circumcised or you aren’t (and therefore don’t know any different), an extraordinary number of online commenters claim to have been circumcised as adults and say they’ve found no loss of sensitivity. Others passionately disagree.
How do you spell that? catcher in the rye literary analysis essay “She’s doing fine,” Wathen told ABC News. She’s easily spotted in a herd, with a light brown coat on most of her body but striped legs. However, she blends in socially with the other animals. “She’s still like a child, so she just runs and plays around,” said Wathen. “The other animals treat her like a member of the herd.”
Hello good day writing essay techniques Fourteen people were rescued after the Super Puma L2helicopter, made by EADS unit Eurocopter, came down -the fourth incident in the area involving different models ofthe widely-used aircraft in just over four years.
Cooler111 says:
Sorry, I ran out of credit write an essay about my friends The watchdog has received 43 cases in two years since taking over responsibility for the investigations following a raft of complaints from a police group and community groups over the use of the powers. Anti-terrorist officers were told to expect to conduct at least two such stops during a shift, according to papers lodged with an employment tribunal.
I’m only getting an answering machine research papers for sale apa format Paul Richardson is going to play in the NFL. He has great speed and understands the offense. He’s a veteran who can separate and make his quarterback’s life easier. The Sun Devils have to know that Richardson, who has 31 receptions for 621 yards, is going to try and go vertical, especially after Notre Dame exploited Robert Nelson on the fade route over and over and over again while Graham failed to adjust.
I can’t hear you very well chrismas essay But the two people with knowledge of Michael Dell’s and Silver Lake’s plans said on Tuesday that any decision to increase the offer would be taken jointly and that both parties have decided there will not be any bump in their $13.65 per share offer.
Could you ask her to call me? pecking order theory essay Amazing, When will this foolishness stop, Of course we don’t know who did it,All are to blame…I am tired of it all and wash my hands of it, If they want to kill each other until there is no more let them,When there are none left to fight round up the leaders stand them up and shoot them all,Furthermore stop sending Billions no Trillions to these people, And take care of our own starving, Homeless, Jobless people.
When do you want me to start? referencing research paper They contend that keeping private the initial discussionswith regulators spares companies the heartburn of putting outfinancials and then being prevented from elaborating on them dueto “quiet period” rules. Those rules prevent company executivesfrom making public statements related to information in thefiling.
In a meeting editing college essays “It seems like every time women looked up from doing their laundry of helping children with their homework, the Texas Legislature is right there taking aim at them again,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Over the past few years, more than 50 women’s health centers have been shut down.”
I study here case study writer Other candidates with strong showings in polls includefour-time mayoral candidate and accountant Tom Barrow, formerstate representative Lisa Howze, state representative FredDurhal, former Detroit corporation counsel Krystal Crittendonand state representative John Olumba.
Alton says:
I saw your advert in the paper completed essays “Italy is too slow in giving the green light to foreigninvestments, while uncertainties in the way fiscal rules areapplied and the length of judicial trials also keep foreigninvestors away,” said Sandro De Poli, head of General Electric in Italy and a member of the advisory committee togetherwith Eni.
Yes, I play the guitar medical school essay writing services The technique requires precise pointing, which was accomplished by three spinning wheels to control the telescope’s motion up and down, left and right and side to side. Kepler also had a fourth spare wheel, but that was put into service after a previous wheel failure in July 2012.
Isreal says:
I’m interested in how does music affect plant growth research paper Cuban told jurors on Monday that he had heard in April 2004 of a possible connection between Mamma.com and a known stock swindler, the late Irving Kott, in a phone call from an investigator with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
I don’t like pubs essay on pakistani women (g) to report at least every 90 days to the Security Council on its work and on the implementation of this resolution, with its observations and recommendations, in particular on ways to strengthen the effectiveness of the measures imposed by this resolution;
Directory enquiries help writing finance paper Those issues included Hernandez’s one-game suspension for failing a marijuana test; involvement in a bar fight that police records say left a man injured (no charges were filed); and being questioned as a witness in a shooting.
I’d like to order some foreign currency montaigne essays online Sinai is home to a range of militant groups, some linked to al-Qaeda, and while state media have not connected the killings to the Brotherhood, it has added to the sense of crisis, says the BBC Jeremy Bowen.
I’d like to send this parcel to buy essay outline Manning’s lawyers, who had portrayed him as naive but wellintentioned, were expected to ask Judge Colonel Denise Lind forleniency. They argued that the soldier’s aim had been to provokea broader debate on U.S. military policy, not to harm anyone.
Special Delivery citations essay Although the government argues the benefits of strong pesticides outweigh the hazards if properly managed, the school food poisoning tragedy underlined criticism such controls are virtually ignored on the ground.
Would you like a receipt? thesis statement middle school Moaz al-Agha, a senior member of the Islamist al-SahabaBrigades, said the U.S.-Russian deal to destroy Assad’s chemicalweapons arsenal that reduced the likelihood of a U.S. strikeshowed the SNC was powerless.
I’m in a band essay writing for beginners More specifically, elements of that infrastructure will include IBMâs SmartCloud for Government hosted at the IBM Federal Data Center, SmartCloud for Enterprise (SCE) commercial offerings, IBM AIX integrated cloud hosting services, and SAP Application Hosting.
Could I borrow your phone, please? research paper world war 2 The number of votes per citizen has also been cut from four to one. The main Islamist and populist opposition is boycotting the election in protest at this, saying it will prevent it forming a majority in parliament.
Could you give me some smaller notes? essay on inflation
All the figures are good,it’s a cut price VW though,isn’t it, i know!, it’s supposed to be a separate company but,come on, it’s a veritable VW button fest inside,none the less, it will sell,just one detail comment,if your going to fit twin exhausts,make sure the exhaust boxes are tucked up out of sight!,makes the Chrome tail pipes look like after market add ons.
I never went to university write an essay for me online Conway, whose strike in the 1-1 draw with Burnley in April wrapped up the title, was not included in Mackay’s 25-man Premier League squad list last week – a decision Mackay says was in the 28-year-old’s best interests.
Special Delivery buy an extended essay In an August 1 letter sent to the Maryland Department of Insurance, Aetna said the state’s requirement for rate reductions off its proposed prices would lead it to operate at a loss. The rate reductions include products from Aetna and Coventry Health Care, which it bought this spring.
Jewell says:
I went to companies that use total quality management “Ahead of the presidential elections, Azerbaijan is trying to project an image of a country which respects human rights. But the reality could not be more different,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
Until August essays for gmat My initial column on Snowden was predicated on the belief that, really, nothing he revealed was new. Didnât members of Congress know all this stuff and hadnât much of it leaked? Yes, thatâs largely true. But my mouth is agape at the sheer size of these data-gathering programs â a cascade of news stories that leads me to conclude that this very column was known to the NSA before it was to my editors.
Jerrell says:
I’m a member of a gym thesis mining jobs It is not the first time that tension between ethnic Russians and migrants from the Caucasus has spilled over into violence. In 2010 police sealed off a square near the Kremlin amid rioting following the murder of another ethnic Russian.
A company car essay exemples I reckon “refresh” was code for “shift some white, southern, public-school-educated males”. No wonder Monday’s cull was called “The Night of the Long Drives”.
Which university are you at? write my essay yahoo The Bank of England's base rate is currently at an historic low of 0.5%. Recent comments from Mark Carney, the new Bank governor, suggest that bank base rates are not likely to rise any time soon, and current market expectations are that they will increase to about 1.9% by 2017.
Get a job dissertation writing services uk âAlthough the preference is for dedicated devices, we see the opportunity for hybrid ultramobile to marry the functionality of a PC and the form factor of the tablet. Users that have to balance work and play will find that the advantage of buying and carrying one device outweighs the compromise in the full experience that single devices can deliver, Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner, said in a statement. âUsers who are not limited by their disposable income will likely have a basic tablet as a companion device to their ultramobile on which most of their consumption activities will take place.â
I’m interested in this position gatsby american dream essay “Money presented the case as a successful case of transition, but it was not,” said Drescher. “When the boy was around 15, he transitioned back to a boy and married a woman. But at 38, he committed suicide.”
Another service? theme of kingship in macbeth essay “The surpassing American national interest is in a stable Egypt friendly to the United States and our interests in the region,” said a former senior U.S. official who spoke on condition that he not be identified. Ending the aid to Egypt “would compromise our relationship and those interests.”
Very interesting tale black death essays Since they debuted, the luxury lashes have been “doing well,” Kre-at founder Taylor Babaian said. “I created them more as art pieces,” she said, adding that she’s “gratefully surprised” by their popularity.
Bertram says:
What line of work are you in? dental hygiene essay Ireland’s 2-year-old coalition government has won plaudits from troika creditors for its success in slashing deficits, but the government still is spending at least 10 billion euros ($13.35 billion)annually more than it collects in taxes. Ireland last year posted a deficit exceeding 8 percent of gross domestic product but hopes, with two more years of cutting and taxing, to reach the EU’s official deficit limit of 3 percent by 2015.
What’s the exchange rate for euros? interesting essay starters When Sandra Bullock stepped out earlier this evening in this stunning strapless gown by J.Mendel and chic Roger Vivier heels, we were reminded of why we love her. Not only does she take sartorial risks that pay off, she also looks one hundred percent like Hollywood royalty (especially with King Clooney at her side).
Could I order a new chequebook, please? essay on my neighbour in hindi The city has been trying to redevelop the Empire Stores since 2002, when Mayor Bloomberg and George Pataki announced plans for the park. An official request for proposals was released in September 2012.
I’m not working at the moment writing high school essays Obama said he wants to let a civil liberties representativeweigh in on the court’s deliberations to ensure an adversarialvoice is heard. The court, authorized under the ForeignIntelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, has been criticized foressentially rubber stamping the U.S. government’s requests tosearch through Americans’ electronic records.
There’s a three month trial period social inequality essay Jonny Howson’s long-range effort in the opening period was enough to settle an utterly forgettable encounter at the Britannia Stadium and the relief gleaned from what was just the third away win in the Premier League since Hughton took over in the summer of 2012 was clear.
Adalberto says:
Have you seen any good films recently? essay writing styles With the United States supplying Egypt with $1.3 billion in military aid each year and the United Arab Emirates having pledged $3 billion to the new administration, the countries may be able to help force a compromise with Qatar’s help.
Randal says:
I work with computers thesis on renewable energy âThe amount of money they have is finite. If you take half a billion dollars and use if for one purpose, it is sucking money that could be used in other places of the system,â said Jacob Morris, an opponent of the plan to convert seven floors of book stacks in the 42nd St. library into a new circulating branch.
Your cash is being counted essay on my neighbour in hindi Nechelput will continue in his role as finance director for GSK China and will remain based there. News last week that Nechelput had been stopped from leaving China sparked concern about the scale of the probe facing GSK, although GSK said he had not been questioned or detained by authorities.
Photography thesis editing services A fading sun hangs over Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Ark., 80 miles northwest of Little Rock, on a Sunday evening in July, and Weeks, driving Rex Ryanâs F-250 Super Duty Ford, cruises up the gravel path that leads to his motherâs house on an 80-acre farm.
Sorry, you must have the wrong number qualitative essay In the past, only a small handful of professionals were known for having expertise in municipal restructuring. But a recent slew of Chapter 9 filings has yielded many new faces, and Detroit’s bankruptcy will only continue that trend.
I was made redundant two months ago how to write papers for master The Oct. 1 debut of the exchanges was marred by technicalglitches that have kept many from signing on and makingpurchases. Those unable to sign up online can call a toll-freetelephone number as an alternative.
I love the theatre help in writing college essays “Mr. Hernandez slammed the door and relocked it behind him,” the records read. “Mr. Hernandez did not ask officers whose death was being investigated. Mr. Hernandez’s demeanor did not indicate any concern for the death of any person.”
Could you tell me my balance, please? cause of child abuse-essay The company has also sought out new strategies to breathenew life into the department store business model, squeezed inrecent decades by the fashion and luxury brands it sells rollingout their own stores.
Could I have a statement, please? digital thesis The statements âare part of a long-standing maliciouscampaign by Mr. Spitzer, through the publication of false anddefamatory statements, to discredit Mr. Greenberg and damage Mr.Greenbergâs reputation and career, while attempting to bolsterMr. Spitzerâs own reputation and career,â Greenberg said in hiscomplaint.
good material thanks argumentative research paper Sarah was disbelieved by the Home Office and refused asylum here. That, too, happens to many of the women we work with. She had become pregnant while waiting for her asylum claim to be decided, with a man who seemed to have ‘taken pity’ on her vulnerable situation. But once her case was refused, she was thrown into detention. Although many British people are unaware of the fact, women who have sought asylum can be locked up for any amount of time in the UK.
How long are you planning to stay here? executive resume writing service seattle Abu Sakkar shows me scars from 14 different bullet wounds on his body. “We're under siege, it's been two years now,” he says. “Videos from the Shabiha [government militia] show many more terrible things than what I did. You weren't too bothered. There wasn't much of a media fanfare. You didn't care. You suffer a fraction of what we suffered and you'll do what I did and more.”
What’s the current interest rate for personal loans? online writing program Barclays’ 12 million current account customers have been urged to switch to other banks and building societies after the bank scored just four out of 100 points in a test for honesty and customer service.
Colby says:
Nice to meet you romeo and juliet research paper More than half of global tin goes into solder used in electronics, to make circuit boards for products ranging fromsmartphones to tablets produced by firms such as Blackberry and LG Electronics. Tin is also widely usedin food packaging as a protective coating to line containers.
Is this a temporary or permanent position? me in ten years essay The still unidentified victim, who testified against Sandusky, was abused in August 2001. Six months earlier, the ex-coach was seen raping a boy in the locker room showers by graduate assistant Mike McQueary.
Until August essays on french revolution The Giants and Broncos wonât play again until 2017 when Peyton will be 41 and Eli will be 36. By then, Peyton figures to be retired, although thatâs no guarantee, not the way he loves to play. But assuming he decides doing 50 commercials a year is enough to satisfy his competitive streak and he is gone from the game in a year or two, Sundayâs game will be the last in the trilogy â unless they meet again in February in the next couple of years. Manning vs. Manning in the Super Bowl would make last seasonâs Harbaugh Bowl the JV Game.
Bennett says:
Directory enquiries stonehenge research paper At one point a fishing ship came into contact with them but left without providing assistance. A Canadian cargo ship came along and offered supplies, but when they pulled up alongside it, the vessels bumped and the smaller ship sustained even more damage.
I’d like to withdraw $100, please hate crime research paper Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Manchester City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Eliseo says:
Could you ask her to call me? online homework service The coach said, âIâll sit down and talk to the quarterbacks and ultimately thatâs whoâs telling the quarterback, so when the guys come in, they talk to me. I tell you guys who the quarterback is, but at no time is it a one-man show. Itâs always a team decision.â
What’s the exchange rate for euros? essay on obamacare But the Iranian electorate have a track record of stunning the world — and they did it again this summer. Against all odds, they turned out in large numbers and dared the Iranian conservatives to cheat again — as they did in 2009.
Looking for a job dissertation report on marketing The administration appears intent on keeping its links with the Egyptian military, said Robert Satloff, executive director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “The strategy is to maintain the military assistance at its current pace and current level,” he said.
I’d like to tell you about a change of address best college essays book MLB officials would not speak for attribution about its investigation. The league used about 30 people full time in its fact-gathering, another person familiar with the process said Tuesday, also on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.
Where’s the postbox? write my essay biz reviews Data showed investors were willing to pay more forprotection against a slide in the S&P 500 now than three monthsdown the road. On Wednesday, the spread between the VIX and3-month VIX futures briefly hit its lowest since late2011 at around negative 2.
A few months toefl essay correction service Freeman completed just 43-of-94 passes for 571 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in three games this season. But the schism between quarterback and coach seemed to be as much about personal dysfunction than anything happening on the field.
Will I have to work shifts? thesis executive summary The goal of the marine mammals survey is to record the abundance of bowhead, gray, minke, fin and beluga whales plus other marine mammals in areas of potential oil and natural gas development, said NOAA Fisheries marine mammal scientist Megan Ferguson in an announcement.
What company are you calling from? mla handbook for writers of research papers 7th edition paperback “Those queues are a primary source of security concern because stationary traffic – particularly soft-sided traffic – are a primary target for the clandestines trying to get through the border.”
A law firm cheap writing services uk In the case of Machado, Wieters, Longoria and Price, they were all top-5 selections. Ellsbury and Buchholz were taken 23rd and 42nd in the 2005 draft, a year the Red Sox had five of the top 57 selections thanks to compensatory picks for departing free agents.
Through friends david foster wallace consider the lobster and other essays The Smart Stick offers similar functionality to GoogleâsChrome Cast but is hardly being positioned as a competitor to the search giantâsdongle. The Smart Stick connects only toSony TVs from 2013 onwards and at $149.99 is five times the price of Googleâsoffering.
Incorrect PIN abstract section of a research paper Atkins will lead a design joint-venture with Spanish consultancy Typsa for the FAST consortium, led by Spanish construction group FCC, which is responsible for lines 4,5, and 6, representing just over a third of the track. The other consortium members are Samsung, train builder Alstom, infrastructure group Strukton and civil engineer Freyssinet.
Cleveland says:
Will I get travelling expenses? making essay In another front page from Murdoch’s News Corp stable, Rudd and top lieutenants were shown as the hapless Naziguards from the 1960s “Hogan’s Heroes” television show, whileanother greeted a high-profile recruit to Rudd and Labor’scentre-left cause with the headline “Send in the Clown”.
We need someone with qualifications are custom essay services legal Louisville Cardinals guard Kevin Ware, who suffered one of the most gruesome injuries in the history of basketball during an Elite Eight match-up against Duke last spring, is now healthy enough to dunk a basketball, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Sorry, I’m busy at the moment pattern of term paper Diplomats say the more than 16,000 peacekeepers are struggling with equipment problems, poor training of some contingents and the reluctance of some governments like Egypt to send their soldiers into dangerous areas.
How many more years do you have to go? writer evultion Holder also announced this week that the Justice Department would investigate whether Zimmerman could be charged under federal civil rights laws, which would require evidence that he harbored racial animosity against Martin. Most legal experts say that will be a difficult charge to bring, leaving Martin’s supporters to concentrate on trying to change stand-your-ground laws.
Barbera says:
Do you know the number for ? proud to be a pakistani essay This is not a handbook for murderers, but a study of the licence to thrill. As its subtitle suggests, it tells “the story of a national obsession”: how, over the past two centuries, the British have reacted to the changing circumstances of murder and developed it into a form of entertainment.
I’d like to take the job romeo character analysis essay The last time Reynolds ate a cooked, hot meal was seven years ago. She went from eating and loving Chinese buffets and McDonald’s to creating her own recipes using only raw products. One of her recipes is a cold soup that is made from a bag of spinach, a bundle of herbs and an entire lettuce. As healthy as her meals sound, Reynolds admits that switching over to a raw diet is not easy and requires a lot of discipline.
I didn’t go to university greek mythology essays Tokyo-based Honda said it received complaints recently that the airbag opened unnecessarily in the 2003 and 2004 model year Odyssey and the 2003 Acura MDX because the computer chip for airbag deployment was responding to electrical interference.
I love the theatre custom-essay.net NEW YORK – The Dow and S&P 500 rose on Wednesday as Republicans and Democrats in Congress showed early signs of a possible break in the impasse, and U.S. President Barack Obama invited both sides for talks about ending the government shutdown, now in its ninth day.
What do you do? writing service personal statement Defense chiefs from Southeast Asian nations agree with White House concerns that a failure to punish Bashar Assad for reportedly conducting a chemical attack will give license to other world leaders to do the same, according to Pentagon officials.
Children with disabilities thesis statement 6th grade When a couple joins the program, they pay $50 a month for 10 months or until they get pregnant. The money is pooled together into a nonprofit fund that includes money from other couples that joined Glow First in the same month. At the end of the 10-month period, the fund is divided equally among the women who could not get pregnant. The money is sent directly to the fertility clinics of the women’s choice and can be used for fertility treatments.
Where are you calling from? english essay writing service Aniston invited a stock of celeb friends to their Bel Air mansion for a birthday celebration Saturday in honor of her man. Guests included couples Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi, Tobey Maguire and Jennifer Meyer, Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell, Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney, and Jason Bateman and his wife Amanda Anka.
Insert your card pay for research Spencer called new television projects as “Nancy projects,” in reference to former CBS Television Studios President Nancy Tellem whom Microsoft hired a year ago as head of entertainment and digital media.
Would you like a receipt? hercules essay The health and finance ministers spent the summer looking at the problems the NHS faced and came up with a figure. The result – £570m – exactly the three-year package of extra investment announced today.
Antwan says:
A company car level 5 essay writing Planned Parenthood New York announced endorsement of Christine Quinn for New York City mayor. For her part, Quinn opened the door to providing emergency contraception to NYC schoolkids as young as 11.
I do some voluntary work practice sat essay questions Based on the Fed’s own forecasts, unemployment will not reach the central bank’s 6.5 percent threshold at which rate hikes might be considered until the middle of 2015. Even that goal post could shift.
Could I ask who’s calling? essay help hub Tylenol’s maker, Johnson & Johnson, said the warning will appear on the cap of each new bottle of Extra Strength Tylenol sold in the United States starting in October, and on most other Tylenol bottles in coming months, the news service said.
Thanks for calling stewardship essay “However, the written list of items that she provided to us â and the value she assigned to those items â is inconsistent with the list and descriptions of items removed that was prepared by the employees who did the work, and with the list and values of missing items provided by the homeowner herself as recorded in an earlier telephone conversation with one of our representatives,” Thorne wrote. “In a meeting with me in my office, I indicated to the homeowner that we wanted to compensate her but would have to look further into the differences in the lists. We heard nothing more from her or otherwise about this situation until being contacted by a local television station, which subsequently broadcast a story that, from our perspective, did not accurately reflect the facts or the good faith actions of the First National Bank to resolve the situation.”
Hilton says:
International directory enquiries use of footnotes in research paper There are lots of problems caused by how profit-biased the recovery has been. For one, income accruing to capital-owners is less likely to recycle quickly back through the economy and generate demand (as evidence, see the huge amount of idle cash balances on corporate balance sheets in recent years). If a larger share of income growth had translated into wage-growth, this would have sparked more self-generating demand and improved the recovery. From a political economy perspective, the rapid recovery of corporate profits has also likely led to less urgency from a potential ally in asking for more macroeconomic stimulus (corporate business, which, remember, strongly supported the Recovery Act).
Where do you come from? chivalry research paper âTo me, he had absolutely no interest in being in the business,â said an executive who worked with Eliot Spitzer. âHe had this amazing portfolio to play with, and all he wanted to do was be on TV,â the executive added, referring to his turns as a host and commentator on CNN, Current TV and NY1.
It’s funny goodluck 1000 words essay In an interview with Esquire magazine, who named her the Woman of Summer 2011, Upton dishes on her favorite assets. “I don’t really know what the appeal is about… boobs. But I do know that when I was in junior high, I used to be made fun of — for being flat-chested. Everyone would go, ‘She’s not pretty! She doesn’t have boobs!’ So I always had boob envy. And when finally I went through my growth spurt, and they appeared, and I just… I loved them.’
How much notice do you have to give? 50 essay The melting ice is also changing the timing each summer of huge blooms of phytoplankton that form the base of the Arctic food chain, which may shorten the season for the blooms, causing ripples all the way up the food chain to fish, seabirds and marine mammals such as seals and whales.
I’d like to send this parcel to the academic essay Nenshi, 41-year-old Harvard graduate and former McKinsey &Co consultant, won a national profile for his response to thefloods that swamped large parts of the city of 1.1 million inCanada’s costliest natural disaster.
I’m a partner in the best moment in my life essay Zytiga is already recommended by NICE but Jevtana wasrejected as not being cost-effective. The agency has yet to giveits verdict on Xofigo, which is on sale in the United States butnot yet launched in Europe.
It’s a bad line thesis plural dictionary Since that 2001 season, well, there have been a hundred excuses. Injuries, lack of depth, payroll dumps, managerial panic. Itâs not just that the Mets start the post-All-Star schedule poorly, which they do. They finish terribly, disgracefully.
Another service? essay writing about my home Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country – bigger than all of Western Europe – and not all major provincial cities have direct flights to the main hubs of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Flights between the Amazonian city of Manaus to the southern city of Porto Alegre, for example, often take nine hours or more with several layovers.
Edison says:
I have my own business thesis essays AMISOM said the airport, home to a growing number of passenger flights since African troops and Somali government forces flushed al Shabaab rebels from their bases in the capital two years ago, would resume operations shortly.
I’d like , please best buy cover letter Pujols spent 11 seasons in St. Louis before signing with the Angels prior to the 2012 season. Clark, 57, played three of his 18 seasons in St. Louis and was part of National League pennant-winning teams in 1985 and 1987.
I’ve been cut off tripartite thesis The defendants, who are said to have been operating out of New Jersey’s Mercer and Middlesex counties, are named as Russians Vladimir Drinkman, Aleksander Kalinin, Roman Kotov and Dmitriy Smilianets, and Ukrainian Mikhail Rytikov. The men are charged with taking part in a computer hacking conspiracy and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Russians are facing multiple counts of unauthorized computer access and wire fraud.
The United States emerson essay the poet Officials did not rule out further private placements ofsales tax revenue bonds, known as COFINA bonds, this year andsaid they would only issue debt in the $3.7 trillion municipalbond market if conditions improved significantly.
How much were you paid in your last job? essay about banking concept of education Societe Generale was first to suffer the effects of thisrelative value turnaround when it struggled to convince accountsto buy into its aggressively priced EUR1bn 4% 10-year vanillaTier 2 bullet in May. The deal emerged only two weeks after UBSoffered nearly 150bp more for a USD1.5bn 10-year non-callfive-year low-trigger CoCo.
On another call an unlucky day in my life essay Speaking of the Farm Bill, any answers as to why subsidies to farmers continue; but SNAP must be cut? Talk about illogical conclusions. Stop paying farmers to grow what people can’t afford to buy! Let them starve good and proper – ALL OF THEM!
I’ve just graduated citation and bibliography The Justice Department, and particularly lawyers in the office of U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara in the Southern District of New York, have sought to dust off the rarely used law and bring cases against banks accused of fraud.
I love this site thomas malthus essay on the principle of population Bobby Valentine will attest to that. He was only the Red Sox manager in 2012 because Cheringtonâs first choice, Dale Sveum, was rejected by the Red Sox hierarchy. As such, he was not Cheringtonâs guy, and the two co-existed under strained conditions. But Cherington was also not the GM for Valentine that he has been for John Farrell, who is his guy, going back to 2007-2010 when Farrell was the Red Sox pitching coach and Cherington was assistant GM. When Valentine arrived at spring training in 2012, his shortstop was career utility man Mike Aviles. Then, in the last week of spring training, his closer, Andrew Bailey, whom Cherington had obtained from the Aâs for outfielder Josh Reddick, hurt his thumb and was lost for the season.
A few months writing my paper Just Retirement, another finance firm specialising in older customers, estimates two-thirds of householders aged over 65 – a group made up of six million individuals – own more than £100,000 in property equity.
The National Gallery golden orchid essay An administration official who spoke on background with U.S. News characterized the dissent as a drop in the bucket, but acknowledged that some schools face a difficult adjustment after not updating their offerings in decades. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the official noted, made some policy changes to allow flexibility for schools worried about making sandwiches with one piece of bread, among other culinary dilemmas, by allowing protein and grain servings to average out over a week.
I like watching TV thesis journalism Russia has been the Syrian government’s most powerful backerduring the conflict, using its veto power as a permanent U.N.Security Council member three times – with China – to blockWestern-backed resolutions meant to mount pressure on Assad.
What do you study? environment essays Rohan Holt, 39, a laid-off bus driver from Long Island, was equally stunned when he got through the first three minutes of the stress test only to stumble on the second part of the test â climbing for five minutes while wearing a weighted vest.
A law firm documentary photo essay “But those two shutdowns came right at the end of the quarter, whereas this one is starting on the first day of a new quarter. When the shutdown ends, Federal employees will receive their back pay and, as a result, some of the activity and spending that doesn’t take place at the start of the fourth quarter will still take place before the end of the year.”
Photography welcome essay Nevertheless, even Vodafone Germany – which holds about 33 percent market share – dropped a 10 euro 4G surcharge on its high-end contracts when it overhauled its pricing last October. However, it cut 3G prices at the same time so the superfast service remains dearer.
Thanks funny site essay on my aim in life for class 8 Media investment service GroupM UK founds that women are more likely to click on paid search returns than men, and the likelihood of doing so increases in proportion with the age of the individual.
What do you do for a living? short essay on terrorism in pakistan The U.S. regulator alleged the fund was entering trades inthe last 10 seconds of trading in a manner designed to exertupward pressure on the settlement prices. The practice is knownas “banging the close.”
International directory enquiries best online homework help While there appears to be an orchestrated campaign, as exemplified by the piece in this newspaper last Thursday written by the chairman of Premiership Rugby, Quentin Smith, claiming that the six-country European tournament as we know it is over, this proposition does not stand up.
US dollars langston hughes and the harlem renaissance essay The White House has left open the possibility that Obama and Rouhani could meet – at least for a handshake on the U.N. sidelines – later on Tuesday. Even a fleeting encounter would be important given that it would be the first face-to-face contact between U.S. and Iranian heads of government since before the 1979 Islamic revolution that ousted the U.S.-backed shah.
When do you want me to start? michel de montaigne essays Most if not all the arrests took place within a couple of days of last week’s capture of Silk Road’s alleged mastermind, Ross Ulbricht, in San Francisco, suggesting that authorities may now be busy unraveling the network of drug dealers who made fortunes peddling illicit substances through the site.
I’m on a course at the moment christopher marlowe research paper What she sees in the trenches is that while foreclosures are down, more families are resorting to short sales – a sale for less than what is owed on the property – to minimize the damage. And because investors have bought homes instead of individuals, some communities have seen homeownership decline and renting rise, she said.
How do you do? how do i write a reflective essay Mark Garnier, a Conservative member of the cross-party parliamentary committee on banks, also voiced doubt: “TSB is certainly not the answer. We want entrepreneurs to come into the marketplace and start opening banks.”
We need someone with experience medical personal statements While the company has long aspired to make its BlackBerry 10operating system the No. 3 smartphone platform in the market,the latest industry data indicates that Microsoft Corp’s Windows Phone platform is in fact more likely to clinchthat spot as its devices continue to gain ground.
Isaiah says:
I like watching football mother tongue essay Speculators turned net long in 30-year bond futures for the first time since the beginning of the year. They had anet long by 15,934 contracts on Tuesday, which was the highestlevel of net longs since late April. This compared with a netshort of 1,788 a week ago.
What sort of music do you listen to? essay writing on my house In speaking about her own sense of her Jewishness, Alderman points to a facet of the identity that all sides agree on — “study and learning.” She adds, “I think we come from a fascinating tradition, with so much to read and know about. And it's learning and thinking about that which imparts Jewishness over many, many years.”
I really like swimming narrative essay about a favorite childhood memory When Karp and his partner at Raymond James Financial Inc heard the news, they designed a web page featuring anascending plane silhouetted against an orange sky and fullyellow sun, aiming for some 1,500 pilots in southern Florida.
Could I take your name and number, please? homework in college A: Excitement! At fancy dinner parties, people will burntheir fingers because they are so excited just to move theirfood around on a salt block. They want to touch it. There is atactility and an immediacy to having this giant white hot blockof 600-million-year-old salt on a table that turns us all intoapes. It’s just this gorgeous, luminous thing.
I’ve got a full-time job essay title maker First quarterly results fell in three of four businesssegments. Cargill’s animal protein unit – which had been understress in the past year amid a 60-year low in the U.S. cattlesupply and high feed costs – posted a rise due to improvedmargins, the company said.
I have my own business speech outline buying s Sperling, who worked on tax reform and job creation measuresduring his White House tenure, was “was central to designingpolicies to help support the housing recovery and was a drivingforce behind our manufacturing agenda and our efforts to attractjobs and investment to the United States,” Obama said.
Where’s the nearest cash machine? buy college papers For now, though, at least some cap-tapping fears appear tohave lessened now as the market has tightened back in over 100bpin the past few weeks, according to the Barclays high-yieldindex. And some bankers estimate that upcoming M&A deals have atleast 100bp of cap room available.
I’d like some euros resume critique “Our aim is clearly to grow the networks business in a profitable way,” he said in a call to investors. “It is a cash-generating business where we can invest into the future growth.”
A Second Class stamp essay for money MP: Iâd be telling them to do exactly what they are doing. I donât think thereâs any other option. Someone wrote up an analogy saying imagine the situation was reversed and a Democratic House said to a Republican president that we want to double the minimum wage or enact a sweeping gun control law or we throw the country into default. The underlying tactics being used here is totally irresponsible and canât be accepted by any president. The only way it ends is that House Republicans decide itâs in their interest to be for a borrowing extension or they donât decide that and the speaker gets there using Democratic votes.
I’ve got a full-time job alcoholism essays Opinions over when the political standoff over the budgetmight end and the extent of potential damage to the economy varied, but most commentators agreed around the idea that theimpasse would keep the government closed for about a week.
Can I call you back? facebook research paper As many as 7 million Americans are expected to sign up for health coverage via the new exchanges for 2014. Another 8 million are expected to receive benefits through an expansion of the government’s Medicaid program for the poor.
In a meeting narrative essay prompts for 4th grade “Naturally, it is a disappointment for us that Anthony has decided his future lies away from the GB Boxing programme but he departs with our very best regards and we wish him every success in his future career.
How would you like the money? cause and effect essay on fast food Alex Hanna and his partner, Yon Hudson, were among those who went to court after initially being denied a marriage license in Santa Fe County, before a district judge ordered the county clerk to issue licenses to same-sex couples.
I’d like to send this to multiplication math problems Blumont, which previously was involved in the packaging,property and investment sectors, started investing last year ina number of companies in such sectors as iron ore, coal, gold,uranium and copper.
I’d like to open a business account thesis on branding Two of Mexico’s largest airlines were running about two flights an hour from Acapulco’s still-flooded international airport Tuesday, with priority for those with tickets, the elderly and families with young children.
Snoopy says:
I’d like , please past dissertation In the first half of this year, U.S. railroads moved 178,000 carloads of crude oil. That’s double the number during the same period last year and 33 times more than during the same period in 2009. The Railway Association of Canada estimates that as many as 140,000 carloads of crude oil will be shipped on Canada’s tracks this year, up from 500 carloads in 2009.
I’d like some euros essays about careers Despite the two ongoing investigations before the CAO and years of independent complaints, IFC’s South Asia communications head Minakshi Seth says the World Bank Group has not divested at all from APPL “nor [is divestment] planned.”
I’ll send you a text meningitis essay “Iran’s goal is to cause problems… there is no doubt something unstable about them… may God prevent us from falling victim to their evil,” Brennan said he was told by the king, according to a cable released by WikiLeaks.
We need someone with qualifications cover letter for a research paper âBail is not supposed to be a punishment. The concern is risk of flight and whether the person presents a danger to the community,â he said, adding that ârequests for relaxation of bail conditions are commonplace. And as a music lover myself, I think this was kind and appropriate.â
Have you read any good books lately? mba essay writing service india The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan’s preliminary reading on the overall index of consumer sentiment fell to 76.8 in September, the lowest since April. That was below August’s 82.1 and the 82.0 reading economists had expected this month.
Reynaldo says:
Is there ? causes of global recession essays The government said Serco had agreed to co-operate with anaudit of all its contracts and it had asked the Serious FraudOffice to consider carrying out an investigation into G4S whichdeclined to allow a further review into the tagging deal.
It’s OK essay on my role model is mahatma gandhi A Shell spokeswoman said on Wednesday the company began workthis week on the shut-in which will cut off 55,000 barrels ofoil equivalent per day of production. A statement said the Augerplatform “should restart in the fourth quarter of 2013.”
Incorrect PIN diasthesis The researchers estimated that around 664,000 people had dementia in the UK in 1991. Based on these findings, and taking into account that people are living longer, the researchers estimated that around 884,000 people would have dementia in 2011, or around 8 in every 100 people aged 65 and older.
Manual says:
Thanks funny site poverty essays Because the skin under your eyes is so thin, the underlying blood vessels can be more obvious. When these blood vessels become inflamed (from stress, crying, or not enough sleep), it shows on your face as dark or puffy areas under your eyes.
I stay at home and look after the children graduate admission essays Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua Ehresman, another of Manning’s superiors, described the analyst’s work as superior. “He was our best analyst by far. Most soldiers, you would have to spell it out. He would come up with exactly what you were looking for,” Ehresman said.
Could I make an appointment to see ? research papers on foreign direct investment
Castro’s statement came after Knight bravely delivered a victim’s impact statement telling the man who tormented her for more than a decade that “I will live on, but you will die a little every day.”
We’re at university together essay about importance of reading books “Some segments of the economy are turning around faster than others, resulting in positive but moderate growth. The biggest uncertainties remain the pace of business spending, the improvements in consumer spending power and the impact of slower global growth on U.S. exports,” said Ken Goldstein, an economist at The Conference Board.
I’ve just started at motivation in the workplace dissertation In Maryland, for example, the state reported reading about 29 million plates between January and May of last year. Of that number, about 60,000 — or roughly 1 in every 500 license plates — were suspicious. The main offenses: a suspended or revoked registration, or a violation of the state’s emissions inspection program, altogether accounting for 97 percent of alerts.
What company are you calling from? professional development essay One elderly witness, an admitted former drug dealer, was so used to prison time he brought a plastic bag with him to court with socks and underwear “in case he got locked back up for what he said on the stand,” a court official told ABC News.
Insufficient funds premium writing service “This is a program where there’s not enough people beinghelped,” Christy Romero, special inspector general for SIGTARP,told Reuters. “Ultimately, the Treasury needs to make good onits promise that TARP is not just a bailout for the largestfinancial institutions but it will also help bailouthomeowners.”
It’s OK high school essay writing tips Kathryn Spica, a mutual fund analyst for Morningstar inChicago, said valuing Facebook has been a common problem formany fund managers. As with other young Web companies, it hasnot been clear how well the young company could monetize theheavy traffic to its site.
Another year paper help writing Although the Brotherhood remains a legal organisation, this may soon change. On Monday, a judicial panel set up by Egypt’s military-backed interim government supported a legal challenge to the organisation’s status as an NGO, recommending that it be dissolved.
I work with computers online thesis statement checker So the news out of USAMRIID that a handful of monkeys were successfully treated up to five days after they were infected with Ebola is welcome indeed. If Ebola does, in fact, become an airborne virus, it’s great to know that there might, in fact, be a potential emergency treatment on the horizon.
Another year well written essay buy Mainly non-Arab tribes took up arms in Darfur in 2003 against Bashir’s Arab-dominated government, complaining of neglect and discrimination. The conflict has killed more than 200,000 people and displaced about 2 million, according to human rights groups and U.N. officials.
Wallace says:
I work for a publishers nursing admissions essay Egypt also last month hosted an experts’ meeting to study the impact of the dam on Egypt and Sudan, the two downstream Nile states. The foreign ministry said Cairo’s proposed meeting was going to discuss that study, but gave no further details.
I’m self-employed essay on my favourite leader subhash chandra bose She split with Rousseff’s Workers Party in 2009 over policy differences and joined the Green Party. She ran for president in 2010 and won a surprising 20 million first-round votes, but it wasn’t enough to get on the second-round ballot.
I never went to university student writing paper Brokerage MKM Partners raised its price target on thetelecom network equipment maker’s stock to $3.75 from $2.60,saying the management could prove that its restructuring plansare achievable. Goldman Sachs also raised its price target onAlcatel Lucent’s Paris-listed shares.
Sorry, you must have the wrong number essays on current affairs 2012 The Chancellor will chalk up the retreat as one of his notable victories after refusing to shift tack in the face of pressure from the Bretton Woods institution, which until April had supported his fiscal plans.
We used to work together essay on service In effect, the court stated that if the government wished to modify loans, it could only do so via an eminent domain proceeding of precisely the sort now being contemplated in Richmond. Brandeis didnât think this a particularly controversial point; he made no effort to defend it or explain his reasoning because it was an established doctrine.
Could you tell me the number for ? cheating research paper The first quarter is typically a flush time for Detroit’sgeneral fund due to summer property tax collections, the reportsaid. Orr also made the decision to skip $44 million in forecastpayments to its two public pension funds, while continuing tomake payments on outstanding bonds and interest-rate swapagreements that he considers to be secured debt, as well as forretiree healthcare and for certain “important vendors.”
Can you hear me OK? how i do my homework 9gag The Affordable Care Act will make it possible for people to buy insurance who could not previously afford it, particularly those with chronic medical conditions. The average subsidy for a family to buy coverage on the exchange will be $2,672, which would reduce the cost of buying insurance by 32 percent, according to a report issued last week by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
Could I ask who’s calling? intercultural interview questions McKinsey & Co., a management consulting firm that advises many of the world’s largest companies, was the toughest interviewer for the third year in a row, according to Glassdoor. Candidates reported up to 9 rounds of interviews, with tests ranging from case studies to a math exam that one candidate compared to the dreaded GMAT.
I’ll send you a text research paper verbs Knowing the level of speculative positions in essential in amarket where LME trading volumes last year in aluminiumderivatives was more than 30 times higher than industrial demandfor the metal, Mukhamedshin said.
Goodsam says:
I do some voluntary work custompapers com NOTES: The Orioles will activate Wei-Yin Chen (oblique strain) from the disabled list to start Wednesday night. Texas will counter with right-hander Josh Lindblom, who will be making his first start since June 20. … Texas RHP Colby Lewis threw live batting practice Tuesday in his bid to return from offseason surgery on his right arm. “Overall, I felt great,” Lewis said, although he acknowledged he needs to improve his arm strength. … Beltre has six HRs in his last 11 games at Camden Yards.
I enjoy travelling outstanding dissertations in linguistics UKIP came second at the 2009 European elections, behind the Conservatives, and has high hopes of winning the highest number of MEPs in the UK on the back of a strong showing in this year's local elections.
Orval says:
Yes, I love it! making a thesis statement for a research paper This film follows the stars through that tour, focusing mostly on what happened backstage. Most of that revolved around Taylor, who comes off as needy, self-centered and occasionally deluded, yet in the end realistic and resilient.
We’d like to invite you for an interview best essay writing service website “She’s right,” she says. “People should stop buying trashy fashion.” Instead, Temperley says they ought to save up and buy a few high quality items. “If you pick your clothes carefully, they will last a long time, which means it can be worth spending a bit more in order to get a higher quality of clothing.”
Sorry, you must have the wrong number essay on my town in english On this week’s Daily News Fifth Yankees Podcast, Mark Feinsand is joined by WFAN’s Sweeny Murti during the final day of the season at Yankee Stadium as they talk about Mariano Rivera’s emotional Bronx farewell.
I can’t get a dialling tone best books on essay writing The region known as the Wood River Valley once depended on mining, but now tourism fuels the economy that was jump-started in 1936 with the construction of the ski resort in Sun Valley. The valley is crisscrossed by all-season recreation trails and gated subdivisions of log mansions and luxury homes that border the Sawtooth National Forest.
What sort of work do you do? college application essay nyu (Phys.org) âComputer models are used to inform policy decisions about energy, but existing models are generally “black boxes” that don’t show how they work, making it impossible for anyone to replicate …
I’d like to open an account essay writing service in melbourne Manufacturing grew in June and July, but this spurt of activity, largely down to a turnaround in machinery and steel production, was not enough to offset falls dating back to last year when the government’s austerity policies were hitting consumer confidence and the euro crisis was at its height.
We used to work together water pollution essay “By giving us a better understanding of the quality of life of women and men as they age, this new index can help us focus our attention on where things are going well and where we have to make improvements,” she said in a statement.
I can’t get through at the moment the test by angelica gibbs essay Yemen, one of the poorest Arab countries, is the base for Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), one of the most active branches of the network founded by Osama bin Laden. Militants have launched attacks from there against the West.
I’ve lost my bank card costa rica research paper “As vacancies rise and unemployment falls further, it is the duty of companies, especially big business, to take on local young people – not immediately take the option of recruiting from abroad,” Mr Hancock told the Daily Mail.
Is this a temporary or permanent position? essay on personal statement “I've been struggling for a few months with glandular fever so I rested well and came out strongly,” said the 19-year-old. “I wasn't expecting to do that well but a lot of hard training and help has got me here.
We work together celebration of christmas essay JOHANNESBURG, Sept 29 (Reuters) – Striking South Africanworkers at mines operated by Anglo American Platinum kept the company guessing about whether they will call off thestoppage at a rally on Monday.
Have you got any ? voip research papers In January, China extended a $1.5 billion loan to Sudan via state-run China Development Bank CHDB.UL to help shore up public finances and the Sudanese economy, which shrank 10 percent last year, according to World Bank data.
real beauty page temple university admissions essay As many as 4,550 of the more than 50,000 plant species in the Amazon will likely disappear because of land-use changes and habitat loss within the next 40 years, according to a new study by two Wake Forest University researchers.
Where’s the postbox? dankwoord thesis The dollar slipped on concern the shutdown would furtherdelay the U.S. Federal Reserve’s plans to start scaling back itsmonetary stimulus. The dollar fell to a near eight-month lowagainst a basket of six currencies and hit a 1-1/2-yearlow against the safe-haven Swiss franc.
I can’t get a signal organizing research papers In 1996, a federal judge stopped enforcement of the law because no rules had been adopted that allowed a girl to seek permission from the courts to undergo an abortion without notifying her parents. It has been the subject of legal sparring ever since.
An envelope scarlet letter essay And yet for all the innovation, the modular factory looks like any other construction site, with welders, carpenters and drywall workers building apartments as they might outdoors â except their 930 modules will end up being configured into 363 units, from studios to three-bedroom, depending on how many modules are fused.
Could you send me an application form? written essay buy Ji Zhongxing was arrested on Monday for allegedly setting off a home-made bomb at Beijing's international airport on 20 July. Mr Ji says authorities failed to help him to seek justice against security guards who allegedly crippled him during a fight.
Thanks for calling model essays for ielts Glenn Booraem, Vanguard’s head of proxy voting, declined to discuss votes at individual companies and downplayed the overall significance of the switched votes on directors. He said it “just means with the passage of an additional year of both behavior and engagement, we reached a different voting conclusion.”
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13538
|
__label__wiki
| 0.623592
| 0.623592
|
Bali + The Creative Sojourn
Tag: Broadway
The Tail Of Bob Fosse: A Dancer’s Dark Path From Bali To Broadway
ACT I – OVERTURE
Bob Fosse knew, from a very early age, that he was different. While his friends were happy spending their days playing in the forest, carefully combing each other for fleas and flinging their own excrement around with wild abandon, Bob wanted more. Much more.
He knew he wasn’t cut out for a country life but just couldn’t put his dissatisfaction into words. That didn’t change as he grew up. No matter how hard he tried, the words just wouldn’t come.
“Give up,” his uncle Cheetah (who was so named not because of any striking resemblance to Tarzan’s sidekick but for his inability to play poker without cheating) snapped irritably at him one day. “You can’t talk. You’re a monkey. What do you think this is, Planet Of The Apes?”
Bob just looked forlorn and flicked his tail in that way monkeys do when they’re left without a snappy aside.
It was yet another example of the mysteries in his life, of which there were many. His reaction, or lack of, to his own kind, for example.
Girl monkeys just didn’t do it for him. Neither did boy monkeys, not that there’s anything wrong with that. Instead, what really knocked him sideways were the tourist girls who wandered the Monkey Forest. But only a certain type of tourist girl – tall, lean, willowy. Who moved with an effortless grace and fluidity. He found them incredibly sensual although he had no idea why.
He wanted to get to know them, talk to them, find out their names, their hopes and dreams and aspirations. Then he wanted to work them relentlessly, from morning to night, treat them harshly until their spirits broke, then rebuild them as efficient, highly-disciplined dancers until they looked at him with respect and a strange kind of dependent, twisted love.
Again, he had no idea why. It just seemed like a good idea.
Then, one day, he had an epiphany. While wandering the city, he stole through an open window into a hotel room. It took his breath away. It was sumptuous, not a word he’d been able to use with much frequency in the Monkey Forest. The curtains, throw pillows and other soft furnishings were of the finest brocade,, Magazines and coffee table books were all over the room, not just on the coffee table, an effect he found bold and ever so slightly rebellious.
Bob Fosse with his lawyer, Dr Gonzo
On one wall was a large screen television. Below, a DVD player. He waved a remote around, pressing buttons until the room was flooded with sound.
The screen leapt to life. Song, dance, bentwood chairs dragged across highly-polished floors, hip rolls, finger snaps. Jazz hands, oh how he loved jazz hands. He tried out the moves, tentatively at first then with increasing confidence and found them strangely familiar. The music bumped and grinded, the songs were sexy and provocative. But, most of all, the cast were dressed exactly as he envisaged those tall, willowy tourist girls in his imagination. It was like this movie was plugged directly into his subconscious, beaming his imagination onto the hotel room wall.
The effect was staggering. He knew not just how to do the stuff on the screen. He could improve on it, make it better. Maybe a few more crescent jumps, for a start. But he could work on the details later.
Bob Fosse recognised there and then that he had to get out of Ubud. The stifling provincial atmosphere was holding him back, smothering his creativity.
If he had to see one more production of Oklahoma or Carousel, he’d screech. And bare his incisors. And don’t even mention Michael Bennett. Bob had ventured to the other side of the Monkey Forest to catch Bennett’s latest production and was, quite frankly, bored. Who wants to see a bunch a dancers standing around talking?
Dance was so much more. Dance was sex. You sweated and groaned, contorted your body into strange positions, opened yourself up in every sense of the word. It was a marathon effort and, when you reached the end, when the excitement and applause reached its peak, it exploded in your head and heart. And you slumped exhausted and thought about doing it all over again. But better.
In a moment of clarity, Bob Fosse knew his future lay far from the Monkey Forest and Ubud. The Big City beckoned. He had the name and it was time he did something with it. It was no coincidence, he thought, that the Monkey Forest Road was one-way and it led straight out of town (if you turned left at Starbucks).
At the local markets, he rummaged around until he found black pants and a shirt, which fit his lean frame perfectly. In the mirror, the combination looked OK but it needed more. Bob was already prematurely bald, though barely out of adolescence; a bowler hat would help but, even in cosmopolitan Ubud, it was too tall an order.
He had to settle for a ratty fez he unearthed in the bargain bin of a thrift store, which gives a pretty good idea of exactly how ratty it was. It was made of brocade like the furnishings in the hotel room, which he took as a good omen. A matching brocade vest completed the look.
Bob examined himself in a full length mirror. He tipped his fez rakishly forward on his forehead and lit a cigarette; Bob habitually chain-smoked which, for a simian covered in body hair, had its pitfalls. The brocade wouldn’t be so flammable.
It was just right. He rolled his hips and snapped his fingers. Applause thundered in his head. He was ready.
Bob Fosse recounts his tumultuous life to his Boswell
So Bob Fosse left Ubud, hitching a ride towards his fame and fortune. In his hometown, he was a very small monkey in a very big forest but, once he reached Kuta, well, he soon released that being different had its advantages.
Chicks dug him, they hung on his every word and, on Ladies Nights, when the 50,000 Rupiah arak cocktails flowed like the brackish brown sludge that passed for water in the garbage-choked rivers (which is to say, not very well), they loved him even more. He was a monkey, sure, but a naughty monkey and chicks went crazy for that sort of thing.
He woke the next morning in a small, hot hotel room, with an agonising headache akin to a slim-bladed knife relentlessly probing his eyeballs. His mouth felt like the bottom of an Asian palm civet’s cage. It couldn’t get any worse than this, could it?
Then he noticed he was almost squashed between two naked Finnish backpackers. Memories of the previous night, a procession of crowded noisy nightclubs, raucous laughter, flirting, smouldering gazes, and how he’d drunkenly acted out every last dance move from the “Cell Block Tango” while improvising his own improvements.
As drunk as he was, he recognised he didn’t have blood in his veins so much as glitter.
Bob Fosse grinned a thin, humourless grin and slapped the closest sinuous rump within reach. They didn’t have tails but he could get used to that.
“Wake up, sweet cheeks. There’s lots of work to do,” he growled and lit the first cigarette of the day. The amphetamines could wait till later.
One of the twins, he couldn’t remember which one, woke slowly and favoured him with a lazy smile. She scratched Bob behind the ear. He could get used to that as well.
As told to David Latta. © words and photos David Latta 2014
Author davidlattaPosted on August 31, 2014 August 31, 2014 Categories Bali, Fiction, WritingTags Bob Fosse, Broadway, Cell Block Tango, Chicago, Choreography, Dance, Kuta, Monkey Forest, UbudLeave a comment on The Tail Of Bob Fosse: A Dancer’s Dark Path From Bali To Broadway
Confounding Expectations: The Moose Espresso Bar Redefines What It Means To Be A Cafe
Breakfast At Petitenget: French Toast and Marigold Brightness Colours Bali’s Most Popular Holiday Festival
Mind Games at Michi: A Place Of Tropical Noir Dreams In Ubud, Bali
Get Your Motor Running: Taking Stock of Bali’s Motoring Catalogue of Weird and Wonderful Delights
davidlatta on Sun, Sand And Seriously Good T…
maria on Sun, Sand And Seriously Good T…
davidlatta on Mind Games at Michi: A Place O…
des on Mind Games at Michi: A Place O…
Roy on Want To Write, Won’t Write, Ca…
Bali + The Creative Sojourn Blog at WordPress.com.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13539
|
__label__wiki
| 0.76454
| 0.76454
|
in Baseball Canada , Junior Team
Baseball Canada reveals invitees for Junior National Team Selection Camp
OTTAWA- Baseball Canada is pleased to announce the names of 22 athletes invited to the Junior National Team’s (U18) Selection Camp set to take place in Lismore, Australia from August 21 - 26.
Selection Camp will help determine the 20-player roster that will represent Canada at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U18 Baseball World Cup in Gijang, South Korea from August 30 – September 8.
In Lismore, Canada will face the Australian U18 side in a six-game exhibition series as both countries prepare for the world championships.
“Selection Camp will allow the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate players in a competitive environment before making final roster decisions,” said Head Coach, Greg Hamilton. “We’re fortunate to partner with Team Australia who always field a competitive team and for use of their baseball facilities in Lismore.”
All 22 players named to the roster have participated in previous events with the Junior National Team program.
-Eight players named to the roster including OF Dasan Brown (Oakville, ON), C/1B Owen Diodati (Niagara Falls, ON), LHP Antoine Jean (Montréal, QC), RHP Theo Millas (Burnaby, BC), LHP Connor O’Halloran (Mississauga, ON), C Raphaël Pelletier (Mascouche, QC), INF TJ Schofield-Sam (Brampton, ON) and OF Cesar Valero (Calgary, AB) helped Canada win a bronze medal at the 2018 COPABE U-18 Pan Am Championships in Panama.
-Seven players named to the roster were selected in the 2019 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. They include Dasan Brown (3rd round/Blue Jays), TJ Schofield-Sam (12th round/Athletics), Antoine Jean (17th round/Twins), Raphaël Pelletier (25th round/Rangers), Eli Saul (29th round/Rangers), Owen Diodati (29th round/Blue Jays) and Ryan Leitch (29th round/Reds).
-Of the seven MLB Draft selections, Brown and Schofield-Sam have since signed professional contracts and have begun their pro careers with their respective organizations.
-Head Coach Greg Hamilton (Ottawa, ON) leads the coaching staff that includes Chris Begg (Uxbridge, ON), Hyung Cho (Scarborough, ON) and Robert Fatal (Boucherville, QC).
Selection Camp Roster
Selection Camp Schedule
Follow the Junior National Team:
Stars honoured at the 18th Baseball Canada Awards Banquet and Fundraiser.
Baseball Canada announces 2020 Calendar of Events.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!.
2010 - 2019: A decade of unprecedented success for national teams.
JOB POSTING: Administrative Coordinator, Men’s National Teams.
Baseball Canada takes the pledge of the Responsible Coaching Movement.
Soroka captures 2019 Tip O'Neill Award.
Baseball Canada Tweets
Tweets by baseballcanada
Major League Baseball continues to be a significant contributor to the growth and development of Baseball Canada and its associated programs. Events such as the World Baseball Classic provide exposure for Canada’s top professional players while generating invaluable media coverage and associated revenue for developmental programming initiatives such as Winter Ball and National Championship tournaments. Visit them at: www.mlb.com
More Partners +
Download the Rally Cap App!
SheIS, Take the Pledge Today!
Baseball Canada Strategic Planning Document (2019-2023)
Responsible Coaching Movement
MLB Canadians
Cal Quantrill
Current MLB Team: San Diego Padres
Hometown: Port Hope, Ontario
COACH INITIATION BASEBALL
Umpire of the Week
Coach Certification
Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Academy
Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD)
What is LTAD?
Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) is a systemic approach being developed and adopted by Baseball Canada to maximize a participant's potential and involvement in our sport. The LTAD framework aims to define optimal training, competition and recovery throughout an athlete's career to enable him / her to reach his / her full potential in baseball and as an athlete.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13540
|
__label__wiki
| 0.977023
| 0.977023
|
Seattle Seahawks & NFL News
Seahawks elect team captains for 2013 season
By Stephen Cohen on September 5, 2013 at 3:06 PM
Quarterback Russell Wilson, defensive end Red Bryant and linebacker Heath Farwell are your Seahawks captains for 2013.
Head coach Pete Carroll announced the honors via Twitter on Thursday before the team heads to Carolina to take on the Panthers in the season-opener Sunday. Here’s the tweet:
Congrats to our 2013 team captains, as elected by our players! Russell Wilson, Red Bryant & Heath Farwell! #GoHawks
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) September 5, 2013
Entering his second season, Wilson has emerged as the Seahawk’s undisputed leader on offense. All he has to do now is follow-up a rookie year in which he tied Peyton Manning’s rookie record for touchdown passes and led the Hawks to the NFC Divisional Playoffs. One of the NFL’s sensational young signal-callers, Wilson has quickly become a national star, appearing on the covers of ESPN The Magazine and Sports Illustrated in August.
Bryant will serve as the defensive captain for the second season in a row. A fan favorite, the sixth-year man out of Texas A&M is one the longest-tenured members of the Seahawks, starting the past two years. The Hawks’ fourth-round pick in the 2008 draft has been a solid — if unheralded — contributor along the defensive front.
Farwell was a co-captain of the special teams unit with Michael Robinson last year, but takes sole ownership of the role after Robinson’s Aug. 30 release. Entering his third year with Seattle — after six with the Minnesota Vikings — Farwell has never started a game on defense, but his contributions to the coverage units make him an invaluable member of the team.
Visit seattlepi.com for more Seattle news. Contact reporter Stephen Cohen at stephencohen@seattlepi.com or @scohencopy
Seattle Seahawks & NFL News Search
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13544
|
__label__cc
| 0.691659
| 0.308341
|
BlaiseLucey.com
Musings on Modern Media
Libboo: A New Social Media Platform that Might Actually Help Authors
Blaise Lucey For Writers August 28, 2013 May 17, 2014 4 Minutes
When it comes to social media for authors, I’m skeptical at best. The average conversion rate for B2B companies on social media is 1.6 percent and they’re selling a solution to some kind of problem.
Authors are selling a commoditized experience, something that depends on recommendations – word-of-mouth – more than anything else.
In part, that’s what intrigues me so much about Libboo, a new company that is trying to help authors promote their work through “advocacy marketing.”
Libboo offers authors the power to reward their most passionate readers – the ones who recommend your book to their friends – and has the data analytics tools to monitor just who recommends the stuff and how they’re doing it.
It’s a bold step in the emerging world of social commerce. I recently had an email interview with Michael Boezi, Vice President of Strategy, to learn more about the solution and what Libboo hopes to achieve.
1. What’s Libboo’s goal? How can it help authors?
Libboo is focused on helping authors build their community of readers through advocacy marketing. We make no distinction between traditionally published authors and professionally self-published authors. A good book is a good book—it just needs a fair shot at finding its audience in a very crowded market.
2. How does an author join Libboo? How much does it cost?
Today, authors apply for inclusion on the platform. We are looking for authors that are a good match for Libboo—those who not only have a professional product, but also are eager to connect directly with their readers. In the future, we intend to stop acting as gatekeepers ourselves and turn over the curation process to the real tastemakers—the readers.
We are currently running a Pay-What-You-Want pricing “experiment,” to help us determine the value of the platform to authors. We’ll run this probably through the end of the year. Authors can choose their own price—and get to keep that price forever—so there’s very little risk to give us a try right now.
3. What’s the process for uploading a book to Libboo? Is that a gateway to online retail locations, such as Amazon, or is it an exclusive partnership with Libboo?
It’s very easy. We don’t require any transfer of rights to the author’s (or publisher’s) intellectual property. Authors choose whether or not to upload an ePub file for preview purposes—and to gift copies as rewards to readers who win campaigns. But an ePub file is not required in order to participate.
Libboo offers gateways to any retail location that the author chooses. The most common, as you might imagine, is Amazon. Though it’s early, we have a good clickthrough rate to stores. It’s not surprising, really. Our influential readers are bringing in the “right” customers—they are, in effect, hand-picked. This is such a better, more effective way to identify potential customers. It cuts through the noise.
4. How does Libboo monitor the most engaged readers of an author’s book?
We are data guys. When authors run campaigns for their books on the Libboo platform, it brings activity in to the site. Then we watch, using a complex set of social psychology algorithms to analyze the behavioral data to determine how, where, and why the book is shared online. All this data is presented to the author in real-time, in an easy-to-read analytics dashboard.
5. Libboo seems like it could be a powerful tool in helping authors market their work, with the help of their readers… but what if a self-published author has no readers? How can Libboo help with the discovery process?
This problem exists for authors of all types, not just self-published authors. Even publishers can’t help with this—they ceded direct contact with their customers to bookstores long ago.
Starting from zero is always difficult. But all it takes is a few people to get it started. If they each bring in a few new potential readers, and then they in turn each bring in a few, you can see a quick growth by orders of magnitude. Again, it’s about identifying the right customers, not just spraying a message widely and hoping that it connects with someone.
6. What kind of rewards do readers get for building “Buzz?”
The most common reward that authors set is free copies of the eBook, and that works effectively. But it’s fun to see some of the other creative ideas, such as offering to write a guest blog post, a Skype session with the author, or even naming a character in the author’s next book!
7. Do you see any viable partnerships with a reader network like GoodReads in the future? How do you see Libboo interacting with Amazon and/or publishers in the future?
Definitely. But first, our goal is to become essential to authors. They are the ones who are the most underserved in the current system. Once we are established as the go-to place to build your community of readers, then we’ll see retailers and other book networks wanting to take part.
Today, GoodReads is a great source of authors for us, and almost every one of our participating authors has a link to Amazon. So we’re already there, in a way—even without a formal partnership.
8. Anything else to add?
Though we are still in the early stages, we’re growing quickly and starting to show significant results. So far, 4,500 readers have brought in nearly 350,000 unique book “discoveries.” Who in the industry can do that, especially for unknown authors?
We have almost 200 participating authors now—you can be next!
If you’re interested in advocacy marketing, submit your work to Libboo.com.
Michael Boezi is a long-time publishing veteran and Libboo’s Vice President / Minister of Strategy. He has helped hundreds of authors realize their ideas, from concept to completion, over a variety of roles. He is an Independent Advisor and Content Strategist, specializing in helping authors and publishers make the Shift to Digital. He is a Columnist and Writer for The EdTech Times, featuring The Good Content Series. He served as VP of Content and Community at Flat World Knowledge, an EdTech startup in the textbook realm. Before that, he cut his teeth as an editor at major players like Pearson Education and John Wiley & Sons.
He writes a blog about current issues and trends in the publishing industry, which you can find at michaelboezi.com, along with a full portfolio and more detail on consulting services for content creators, content owners, and investors. Connect with him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Google+.
advocacy marketing
libboo
Published by Blaise Lucey
View all posts by Blaise Lucey
Published August 28, 2013 May 17, 2014
Previous Post Why Authors Shouldn’t Pay for Social Media Services
Next Post Forget Facebook, Your Band Needs Email Marketing
Get new writing from Blaise via email!
Enter your email address to get new writing, tech, and music updates from Blaise.
Tweetables!
RT @CharlieZvible: @semil Wow - you’re right, big ramp in startup lay-off announcements last few months (AlphaSense data). https://t.co/d25… 1 week ago
RT @cats_cursed: https://t.co/K4OVH30Fyu 1 week ago
Follow @blaiselucey00
Archives Select Month December 2019 December 2017 July 2017 May 2017 April 2017 December 2016 July 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 November 2015 July 2015 June 2015 February 2015 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 June 2010 May 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 November 2009 September 2009 July 2009 March 2009
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13558
|
__label__cc
| 0.654607
| 0.345393
|
by Alex Wright
For decades, traditional market research was the de facto method of understanding behaviour, superseding instinct. Our powers of cognition – attention, processing, memory, reflexive and rational thought – have not changed. While it’s tempting to view the world today as more complex, this is how every previous generation has felt.
What can’t be disputed though, is that the range, availability and accessibility of products, services and media was certainly less complex. The average supermarket now stocks more than 40,000 products. In the 1990s it was less than 10,000. At the same time, the proliferation of content access points, hubs and platforms have fragmented the opportunities for brands to get in front of their customers.
Behind all of this change and disruption is the knowledge that while behaviour is predictable, decision making is not.
In addition to this, our behaviour online doesn’t necessarily translate to real-life behaviour in the real world. We may post a picture of a beautiful salad on Instagram and omit the side of fries that we tucked into off camera. Without context, information is arbitrary and the same applies to data. It’s only by examining the information through a human lens and selecting the most appropriate datasets that useful insights can be established and specific brand challenges addressed.
Brands that understand behaviour can better influence decision-making. This key insight was the basis for a discussion on a recent Campaign webinar with Campaign’s Global Tech Editor, Omar Oakes, Blis’ Head of Insights Alex Wright and Francois Brugiere Brand Marketing Manager for Activia UK.
Key takeaways from the “Real-world intelligence: how the world eats” report, unpicked the interplay between consumers visiting large global brands in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector across Australia, Singapore, UK and US. Our accompanying infographic demonstrates how these QSRs saw high rates of crossover outside of their direct segment competitors and how levels of loyalty are impacted by population density.
Taking a deep dive into Activia’s Light & Free yoghurt, Francois and his team used the insights gained through observing consumer behaviour and leveraged their audience’s favourite brands and passion points, bringing them to life in the real world, through music and art. They recognised that, while demographic data is a useful indicator of behaviour, what age you are is no longer a strong enough predictor of activity.
“If you want to see how a lion hunts, don’t go to the zoo, go to the jungle.”
In such a promiscuous market, these distinctions helped differentiate the product and drove the year’s most innovative launch. For Activia, the importance of driving loyalty was secondary to ensuring high frequency and getting the product in front of as many consumers as possible. Using new media models enabled the brand to talk to the audience in more nuanced ways that appealed directly to their passions and interests.
By focusing attention on what consumers do in the real world, brands can answer the questions they need to resolve, utilising different sources at different stages of a marketing strategy.
To hear the discussion in full click here.
Head of Insight | Blis Alex has spent a decade working in insight roles across a diverse range of media owners in radio, print and cinema, and most recently at OMD International where he was the EMEA Insight Lead on the Google account. Alex uses this perspective to understand the role mobile location data can play in audience profiling.
Share this insight
2020 is coming: Predictions for the next decade
The perfect mix: how a pub crawl sparked PHD’s 2019 Golden Shaker victory
The holidays are here! Take a cue from Thanksgiving grocery visits
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13561
|
__label__cc
| 0.650531
| 0.349469
|
Lovers by Blodeuedd
As a Royal Princess of Illyria Oleana knew her duties. Be pretty, be nice and marry well. But mostly marry the one her parents told her too. This she did not mind as she had been betrothed since childhood to a prince from a neighboring prince. She had loved him always. He had given her her first kiss and told her that she was more beautiful than the Goddess herself. He was all she thought about and she could not wait for their wedding day, which was a year away. So when Prince Alric told her about his plan she jumped at the chance. Sure she knew it was foolish to meet him without a chaperone, but she loved him, and they were to be married. Also, she had these longings in her body that could not be stilled.
With the help of a two maids Oleana was given servant clothes and helped out of the palace. The rest she knew herself and she hurried as quickly as her legs could take her. Her heart was in her throat and she was shivering from anticipation. Then there he was, waiting for her by the little pond, he smiled and gathered her in his arm. She melted into them and he kissed her fears away. He coaxed her toward the water and after having dipped her toe she nodded and followed him. He kissed her gently as he worked the clothes off her. He whispered promises in her ear and how he would make it even better come their wedding day. She shivered again, this time from his hand brushing past her breast, and she wanted to be his every way possible.
Oleana remembered their first night together with a smile on her lips, the second night made her blush. She looked up and saw him enter the Hall together with his parents. But why did they all look so upset? The words barely reached her as she stared. What? Now her parents looked at her.
“But I was with Alric!” She shouted and her father groaned.
“He was been away in a diplomatic mission for 3 months,” he said and slapped her across the face. “How dare you betray your family like this!?”
She did not see much behind a veil of hair and the tears ran down her cheeks. She searched for Alric and saw the smirk in his face, and then the look he gave her sister..her sister?! She was ruined and he, she twisted her hands. He would not get away with this. That she swore as guards took her away.
Eh, I was not that inspired
", "url": "https://blodeuedd83.livejournal.com/159784.html", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/Blodeuedd/AbstractFantasyWallpapers29.jpg" }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Flower maiden", "image": "https://l-userpic.livejournal.com/115892121/7313507" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Journal blodeuedd83", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://blodeuedd83.livejournal.com", "contentUrl": "https://l-userpic.livejournal.com/115892106/7313507" } } }
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13564
|
__label__cc
| 0.521286
| 0.478714
|
Top 5 Reflections from TWIN Global by Cameron Smith, Bennett Day School CEO
The image capturing the spirit of TWIN: Wanderer above the Sea of Fog, Caspar David Friedrich, 1818, Hamburger Kunsthalle
by Cameron Smith
A 2020 presidential candidate; the founder of Moon Express; and the author of The Facebook Effect… These are just a few of the fascinating people I met at TWIN Global 2018 in Chicago. I also learned about the coming “symbiosis between machine intelligence and human creativity” -- the Humachine! -- from the head of SAP’s Innovation Center in Germany. Mind. Blown.
This was my first time attending TWIN ( The World Innovation Network) -- “an invitation-only community of innovation and growth leaders from across sectors and geographies”. It is headed by its Chairman and Co-Founder, Professor Robert Wolcott of the Kellogg School of Management. The theme of TWIN Global 2018 was Horizons: Re-envisioning Business, Society, and Self in the 21st Century.
As a PK-12 school founder and the CEO at Bennett Day School in Chicago, with “exponential times” now clearly staring down our students, I was enthralled and inspired to be in company with luminaries gathered from across the globe. Here are my Top 5 Reflections from this year’s TWIN Global Summit:
1) We must shift from ‘Learn, Do, Retire’ to ‘Learn, Do; Learn, Do; Rest; Repeat’.
I first attended a session on Automation and the Future of Work. About thirty people were gathered from around the world with expertise in artificial intelligence, human capital and talent, big data, and more. There are 133 million roles that will be created by artificial intelligence, but 75 million will be displaced by 2022. With technology advancing more quickly every day, our K12 students need to be prepared to be lifelong learners, constantly retraining themselves. You can’t just go to school, PreK to 20 (through college), and expect that knowledge to last a lifetime. Those days are gone!
Session leaders here included Ravin Jesuthasan, Managing Director, Willis Towers Watson / co-author of Reinventing Jobs; Gary Bolles, Chairman of Singularity University; and Chris Gebhardt of Stir Strategy and Story.
2) Know Thy Purpose.
Most of us have gazed up at the stars at some point and wondered in a greater sense, “Why?” Bring that search for meaning down to your day-to-day as you go about your work or daily routine. Some of us seek purpose in our work and seek to impact society more broadly. An example shared by a delegate was AirBnB: the mission at AirBnB is to democratize travel, not just to enable people to make income renting out a spare bedroom. In the context of Bennett Day School, our purpose is to advance creativity and innovation in education while cultivating lifelong learners and leaders. That relates to #1 above too.
3) Don’t confuse Activity with Productivity.
This reflection is from Harry Kraemer, former CEO of Baxter: Don’t confuse activity with productivity. It is easy these days to get buried in email or distracted by device notifications. You might feel productive getting through those, but if you actually paused each day to think about what went well, what didn’t, and what you wanted to accomplish tomorrow, you’d more effectively set yourself up for success. Harry said he has been doing that nightly for over 30 years and it has made an impactful difference.
I connected with this reflection by Harry Kraemer, and those shared earlier by Gary Bolles in our Future of Work session. We keep a digital portfolio of our students’ work at Bennett Day, allowing us to pause and reflect on where they’ve been in order to know where we venture together next. Even more to the point, we focus on project-based, competency-based education versus seat time. We don’t confuse activity with productivity in our learning organization. Those two things need to be unbundled in education.
4) Non-Experts Disrupt Industries.
This reflection comes from Naveen Jain, the founder of Intelius and Infospace, who is currently the founder of Moon Express and Viome. Naveen is working on big ideas, including mining minerals from outer space and ‘making illness optional’. He said that he has been able to make an impact in many different sectors because he is a non-expert who can change and challenge the status quo. You still need experts of course to assess where you’ve been; to identify the problems in the way of change; and then to be part of the team to go make change happen.
I connected with this reflection much in the way I started Bennett Day School, at first as a non-expert in education. I’d never worked in a school. While I had been a private equity investor in the education sector, I knew that I wanted real-world, learning-by-doing for my kids, and I wouldn’t rest until I had created that. Contrary to Naveen’s comments, at least in my own experience, experts will come along for the journey once the path and resources become clear to pursue a different or better way to do something, but getting experts on board in developing that path is key.
5) Education Needs a Reboot.
The chat on Artificial Life by Steen Rasmussen with Kristina Korsholm was fascinating. In the same way your arm heals from a cut, what if you tore your jacket sleeve and it could repair itself because it was made of non-living material with properties we associate with life, like self-repair? Or just think, could we eliminate pollution if even synthetic waste could decompose like organic matter?
Steen said, ‘schools and universities need to reinvent themselves as they were from when we were farmers and industrial workers’. No doubt, if we want to be prepared for advances like he has in mind. The traditional school algorithm treating students as vessels to be filled with a set body of knowledge is outdated. Graduates will encounter a different world outside the classroom that no longer values test scores and quantitative measures of achievement as highly as creativity and independent thought.
In another session, Stephanie Pace-Marshall, the founder of Illinois Math and Science Academy, reminded us, “don’t build a school, build ‘a lab for imagination and curiosity” -- I loved that. At Bennett Day in Chicago, we are reinventing even what it means to be a lab in the K12 realm via a partnership with Northwestern University to further K12 research and development together alongside our students and teachers. The schools and universities that Steen mentioned need to work together -- that is an important last reflection for me that relates to the Horizons theme from TWIN Global. We cannot compartmentalize K12 education, post-secondary, and work. Let’s reboot them, together.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13565
|
__label__cc
| 0.54354
| 0.45646
|
Enterprise Software Development with Java
Enterprise grade Java.
You'll read about Conferences, Java User Groups, Java, Integration, Reactive, Microservices and other technologies.
Two TCKs for Eclipse - What is really in it for Open Source?
08:45 Wednesday, July 31, 2013 Posted by Unknown No comments:
eclipse, java, jcp, TCK
Back in May Oracle awarded a Compatibility Testing Scholarship to the Eclipse Foundation. This got some attention in media during the last days and I just wanted to make sure that I shine some light on the whole process and the action in detail. What does look like a simple and honest gift on first sight actually has more aspects in it. But lets start at the beginning:
Technology Compatibility Kit
Covered by the Java Community Process (JCP) both Java as a language and the various platforms on top (Java SE, Java EE, Java ME) are developed. Each JSR (Java Specification Request) includes an EG (Expert Group) a bunch of documents and of course a reference implementation (RI) and a corresponding TCK (Technology Compatibility Kit). The TCK can be executed against implementations and checks them for compliance with the specification. So it basically is the code equivalent of the specification document. Most TCKs consist of a bunch of test cases as well as a "test harness" which executes the tests. If there is a TCK per JSR it is safe to assume that there are at least as many TCKs available as we have active JSRs in the JCP. But that is only a theoretical thought. Practically there aren't. At least not publicly avaiable. Besides JBatch, CDI and Bean Validation I can't think of much more. And those are only part of the Java EE platform which has at least 28 specifications. The majority of TCKs unfortunately is under lock and key at Oracle. But why? The main reason for this is that the TCKs are also used as a tools for the platform certification. Successfully running a TCK against an implementation proves it's correctness and with that somehow it's compliance.
What does platform certification actually mean?
The platform compatibility is an excellent advert for products. The Java EE compatibility list is a Who-is-Who of the Java EE server market. If you're not on that list with your product you basically don't have a chance of being recognized. With Apache Tomcat being the only known exception to that rule. But what does it take to get the certification? For Java EE there is the Java EE Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) which probably consists of little more than the sum of the individual TCKs. Honestly I have not seen it. You have to become a licensee of Oracle to get access to it. And this is exactly where it is starting to become expensive. I do not know how expensive exactly but once you payed you can access the CTS through the Java Partner Engineering web site. There is only one alternative way of getting hands on the CTS. Going through the Compatibility Testing Scholarship Program which is a way for non-profit organizations and individuals to apply for a free-of-charge CTS. The requests are judged by a review board. There is a PDF out there which explains how this process exactly works. Beside the ASF various other organizations and individuals gained access to individual TCKs and CTS as of today. Now that you know about the basic program and certification it is easier to look at the details for the two Eclipse projects that has been granted a CTS Scholarship. I need to preface the following with a little disclaimer. I only can draw my conclusions from what is publicly known. I don't have any insights or further information on the reasons behind. It might be much simpler than what I came up with ...
EclipseLink - the JPA Reference Implementation
According to press release from early May Oracle demonstrates its "commitment to Java developers and the open source community" by granting access to two TCKs and related support services to the Eclipse Foundation. Time to start wondering. Wasn't EclipseLink the RI for JPA? What exactly are they doing if not building the TCK for JPA themselves, right? Why do they need a license?
EclipseLink has its roots in TopLink. Anyone who knows the history of TopLink knows that this is a relatively old product that belonged to WebGain before it has been acquired by Oracle. WebGain was a strong Eclipse supporter and even a member on the Board of Directors back in 2002. Only five years after its acquisition by Oracle TopLink was donated to the Eclipse Foundation and has been there ever since. EclipseLink is available under the EPL 1.0. The project itself does not contain the TCK. A difficult situation for a RI. Looking at the list of committers isn't really exciting. 30 people. And only one non-Oracle. Why do I believe that this team actually owns the TCK (Oracle internally) and even develops it? Strictly speaking, EclipseLink has a license that doesn't fit the TCK licensing rules. Granting the Scholarship license here simply corrects some legal issues in that constellation.
Virgo - the Java EE Web Profile Server
But for Virgo the granted license really makes a difference, right? Maybe. Virgo is the former Spring dm server which was donated to the Eclipse Foundation by SpringSource back in 2010. The list of committers paints a different picture than the TopLink list. It is not just SAP behind every name. Committers spread equally among three companies. SAP, Pivotal and Tasktop Technologies. The latter has an interesting management board. Former SpringSource COO Neelan Choksi and Rod Johnson himself are members. This might indicate that Pivotal has a little more influence on the project than SAP. Anyway, both companies are most likely not big Oracle buddies. The scholarship license isn't a gift for them obviously. In fact, Virgo is already Java EE 6 certified. However, under another name. The SAP NetWeaver Cloud has built its Java EE 6 Web Profile offering on Virgo. So SAP has probably acquired a license from Oracle and certified Virgo themselves. I don't know for sure but someone could have come up with the idea that it is cheaper to use an already certified server instead of paying the annual royalties year by year. Given the fact that the Eclipse Foundation is a non-profit organization it was easy to apply for the Scholarship program to get this sorted. At least in this case there is a positive side-effect. Virgo now has the chance of becoming another Java EE certified server. SAP already has proven that it is possible. Sooner of later the community will earn the profit by probably having a new EE 7 certified OSS server.
But it is a positive sum below the line, right?
Two new projects gained access to the TCK of the specification they are implementing. That is positive. Looking at the total sum of publicly available TCKs it is still frustrating. Especially in the EclipseLink case it is frustrating because the TCKs may not at all be available in public. An elongated discussion on the JPA mailing list from last year discuss this problem a bit and illustrates the drawbacks. Although it is getting better with the changes made by the JSR-348. We're still not there. In fact I expect that the TCKs are available to all interested parties. This would improve quality of the specifications and the reference implementations by finding holes in the specs and also inadequately tested areas of RIs. Both will prevent many errors from affecting users. As key part of JSR 358 is the work done towards a new licensing model for TCKs. An accompanying Java.net project contains all the discussion materials and is publicly accessible. Everyone is free to join the discussion and express his or her opinion. The Observer mailing list is available to any registered java.net user. If you're interested in the view of CloudBees, Red Hat and IBM onto licensing issues you can find some more material on the presentations page. Oracle itself proposes to proceed with standard TCK licensing models in the future version of the JCP:
"TCKs for all future JSRs must be made available for certification and branding purposes under one or more of the Approved Open Source Licenses and / or a Standard Commercial TCK License. The TCK for all future non-umbrella JSRs must be made available to all Participants in the relevant RI open source project under a standard JCP Community TCK License. " (Source: Oracle's Proposal for JSR 358, PDF, pages 15 +16)
That would be a step in the right direction and would truly help the open source community. If the granted TCKs are a gift or not: It simply isn't enough to cure today's problems. We need a general change if it should be better in the future.
Reactive Microservices Architecture
JavaOne article Java EE conference review microservices jsf maven netbeans Docker eclipse HoJ packtpub security DI enterprise cloud java7 performance google apache development devoxx doag jcp software development software quality components ix books JavaEE8 JavaLand Lagom devoxxuk javausergroups jbcra programming Java8 Java9 JavaLand4Kids adopt-a-jsr
Two TCKs for Eclipse - What is really in it for Op...
Island News - New German Java Blog
1935 days of twitter
Review: "Oracle WebLogic Server 12c - Distinctive ...
Running Awestruct with Asciidoc on Windows with JR...
The Heroes of Java: Kevlin Henney
Experts Training on JSF 2.2 with @EdBurns in Berli...
Copyright © 2016 Enterprise Software Development with Java | Powered by Blogger
The thoughts expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and not affiliated with Red Hat or any former employer.
Non-original pictures and artwork are thumbnails that click through to their original sources.
Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Oracle
and/or its affiliates. Other product and service names might be trademarks of other companies.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13570
|
__label__wiki
| 0.533919
| 0.533919
|
More of the Ludicrous: Judith Curry's Eye-Catching Merchants of Doubt
Talk about ludicrous. While Anthony Watts and his WUWT followers are obsessed with a ship stuck in ice, with 16 of the past 47 articles devoted to that subject, I see that Judith Curry has gone into full-on science denying mode with her weekend "things that caught her eye".
Just look at what has caught her eye. It's a short "who's who" of Merchants of Doubt. (Archived here.)
Richard Lindzen - fake sceptics are disorganised
The first thing that caught Judith's eye was a puff piece on Richard Lindzen, who has "gone emeritus" at MIT. In the article it has such gaffes as this:
Judging by where we are now, he appears to have a point; so far, 150 years of burning fossil fuels in large quantities has had a relatively minimal effect on the climate. By some measurements, there is now more CO2 in the atmosphere than there has been at any time in the past 15 million years. Yet since the advent of the Industrial Revolution, the average global temperature has risen by, at most, 1 degree Celsius, or 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
Relatively minimal effect? If you call global surface temperatures rising faster than ever and on pace to rise ten times faster than in 65 million years as "relatively minimal" - right! How's this for a "relatively minimal effect" - blue and green is where we've been and red is where we are heading:
Adapted from Jos Hagelaars
John McLean - of "2011 temperatures will be lower than 1956" infamy
Next Judith says that John McLean's article in the Age "caught her eye". This is the same John McLean who co-authored the thoroughly discredited paper about ENSO and who predicted, in 2011, that surface temperatures in 2011 would drop to or below those of 1956! Judith quoted this paragraph (just in case you doubted how far she's slithered):
The reality is that the IPCC is in effect little more than a UN-sponsored lobby group, created specifically to investigate and push the ”man-made warming” line. With no similar organisations to examine other potential causes of climate change, it’s only the IPCC voice that is heard. But the IPCC’s voice isn’t heard in context and with all the necessary caveats; it’s distorted via the UNFCCC and others who imply that the IPCC is the sole scientific authority on climate matters.
Goodness only knows why The Age gave John McLean a voice. It doesn't make a habit of giving column space to cranks. The article is archived here. No point encouraging The Age. It is just a muted conspiracy theory about the UN and the IPCC playing a giant hoax on the human race. (Are all fake sceptics sexist? I hate to admit it, but I reckon women have something to do with "keeping the coal-fires burning". It's not all man-made.)
Pat Michaels - science is "flashy" therefore wrong
Next Judith hails professional disinformer Pat Michaels, who writes an article with no substance and lots of innuendo - re-published on the Cato Institute website. He's arguing that because the flashy journals publish flashy research, then denier research doesn't get a guernsey or some such nonsense. His logic goes like this:
Science and Nature are biased to the flashy
Pat Michaels sorted the climate articles in these journals into piles and decided that most climate articles were "worse".
Therefore, he argues, all climate papers are biased into "worse"
Therefore, he argues, this "creates horrific effects, especially when the issues are policy-related."
Empty nonsense. No-one but the Judith Curry's of the world would promote Pat Michaels gumpf.
David Gelernter likens science to the Catholic Church of the 16th century
Can it get more ludicrous? Yes, indeed. Judith's eye got caught on an article in CommentaryMagazine by David Gelernter. (Judith left her reading glasses behind and called him David Gelemter, twice). David is a computer scientist working at Yale. He was attempting to wax philosophical about the human brain or the mind and how it's different from a computer. Fair enough - it is. But the wax melts and runs randomly in weird directions when David writes a lot of stuff and nonsense like this:
That science should face crises in the early 21st century is inevitable. Power corrupts, and science today is the Catholic Church around the start of the 16th century: used to having its own way and dealing with heretics by excommunication, not argument.
Science deals with heretics by excommunication? I guess Judith is feeling the pain of heresy.
Science needs reasoned argument and constant skepticism and open-mindedness. But our leading universities have dedicated themselves to stamping them out—at least in all political areas. We routinely provide superb technical educations in science, mathematics, and technology to brilliant undergraduates and doctoral students. But if those same students have been taught since kindergarten that you are not permitted to question the doctrine of man-made global warming, or the line that men and women are interchangeable, or the multiculturalist idea that all cultures and nations are equally good (except for Western nations and cultures, which are worse), how will they ever become reasonable, skeptical scientists? They’ve been reared on the idea that questioning official doctrine is wrong, gauche, just unacceptable in polite society. (And if you are president of Harvard, it can get you fired.)
I bet that para got Judith all tingly, especially the bit about "the doctrine of man-made global warming" - which is kinda funny since it shows how gauche is David Gelernter. Now I don't know anything about the main contention of David Gelernter, but I did come across a blog article that had a different take on the events he is so up in arms about:
Finally, have a look at this piece, in Commentary by Yale computer scientist David Gelernter. It’s a long and angry rant about materialist approaches to consciousness and philosophy of mind. The part that really jumped at me is this, which I’ll quote at length:
(I'll skip over most of the quote - and just post these bits. You can read the full article here:)
the chaos was on display in the ugliness occasioned by the publication of Thomas Nagel’s Mind & Cosmos in 2012....Nagel was immediately set on and (symbolically) beaten to death by all the leading punks, bullies, and hangers-on of the philosophical underworld. Attacking Darwin is the sin against the Holy Ghost that pious scientists are taught never to forgive.
And here is how Jason Rosenhouse sees it:
From reading that description, you could be forgiven for not realizing that the actual sequence of events surrounding Nagel’s book was this:
Nagel published his book.
Various knowledgeable people wrote critical reviews of the book, in which they pointed out the many flaws in Nagel’s arguments.
Whiny right-wingers likened this to a lynch mob that beat Nagel to death (if only symbolically).
Actual lynch mobs were in the habit of torturing and murdering people. Nagel’s critics merely wrote essays suggesting that he wrote a bad book. Those behaviors do not seem comparable to me.
Why do so few academics want anything to do with modern conservatism? Because being a conservative nowadays requires denying reality, and having a sense of victimization so profound that seeing your book criticized is the same as being lynched. That’s why.
Remind you of anyone? Fake sceptics often complain long and loudly that they are wronged for rejecting science. Judith Curry herself, you may recall, complained that "Hotwhopper's interpretation of pretty much anything I say is IMO ludicrous." This despite the fact that I unwittingly said pretty much the same as Bart Verheggen about which Judith apparently had no complaint.
Just look at the Lindzen puff piece above for another example.
A need to generate fear, in Lindzen’s telling, is what’s driving the apocalyptic rhetoric heard from many climate scientists and their media allies. “The idea was, to engage the public you needed an event . . . not just a Sputnik—a drought, a storm, a sand demon. You know, something you could latch onto. [Climate scientists] carefully arranged a congressional hearing. And they arranged for [James] Hansen [author of Storms of My Grandchildren, and one of the leading global warming “alarmists”] to come and say something vague that would somehow relate a heat wave or a drought to global warming.” (This theme, by the way, is developed to characteristic extremes in the late Michael Crichton’s entertaining 2004 novel State of Fear, in which environmental activists engineer a series of fake “natural” disasters to sow fear over global warming.)
Lindzen also says that the “consensus”—the oft-heard contention that “virtually all” climate scientists believe in catastrophic, anthropogenic global warming—is overblown, primarily for structural reasons. “When you have an issue that is somewhat bogus, the opposition is always scattered and without resources,” he explains. “But the environmental movement is highly organized. There are hundreds of NGOs. To coordinate these hundreds, they quickly organized the Climate Action Network, the central body on climate. There would be, I think, actual meetings to tell them what the party line is for the year, and so on.” Skeptics, on the other hand, are more scattered across disciplines and continents. As such, they have a much harder time getting their message across.
Lindzen is arguing, I think, it's not logical at all - that "bogus" science is better organised than fake sceptics' "science". (Like ecologists and biologists are better organised than creationists. And round-earthers are better organised than flat-earthers. And immunologists are better organised than anti-vaxxers.) What he probably means is that most fake sceptics don't do science therefore they don't feature much in the scientific literature. He uses words like "bogus" and "apocalyptic" and argues that fake sceptics can't get access to funding. And he implies that the Climate Action Network leads the science, instead of responding to the science.
To Bob Tisdale - thanks for the magical oceans hypothesis
Next to last, Judith thanks Bob Tisdale for his careful analysis underpinning his magical ocean hypothesis and his rejection of the greenhouse effect. She doesn't use those words, but since that's what Bob is all about, that's what she is thanking him for.
Climate Science and Eugenics
To cap it off, in the comments Judith links to this article by Ben Pile, in which he compares climate scientists to "eugenicists of mid 20th Century Europe and America", writing: "Ben Pile has a very interesting addition to the scientist-advocacy debate."
Yeah - about as interesting as an article by dilettante "interpreter of interpretations" James Delingpole. (I've written about Ben Pile's fantastic hypotheses before.)
On Merchants of Doubt
Finally and fittingly, the last thing that caught Judith's eye is Merchants of Doubt (as are all the previous people who caught Judith's eye). Judith is flummoxed by the fact (saying "I kid you not") that Jeff Skoll is making a film about Merchants of Doubt. Why is she "not kidding you"? She doesn't say, as usual, leaving it up to the imagination of her coterie of fans. Judith is a latecomer to that news.
If you were waiting for Judith Curry to inject some balance to counter the false balance - she disappointed.
Th-th-th-that's all folks!
Labels: Ben Pile, Bob Tisdale, David Gelernter, denier weirdness, Jason Rosenhouse, Jeff Skoll, John McLean, Judith Curry, Merchants of Doubt, Pat Michaels, Patrick J Michaels, Richard Lindzen
Nick January 5, 2014 at 8:34 PM
Ghastly stuff. You'll need a good scrub down after visiting that septic tank, Sou.
Imagine a credentialled senior scientist, someone taught to gather and analyse, endorsing McLean or Tisdale, who are genuinely ill-intentioned and aggressively deluded but above all trivially wrong. Curry's never had the wit to correct them.
McLean has been digging the same hole for himself over and over on the IPCC's aims for years, lying that it's not within their remit to investigate other causes of global warming . He is the dumbest of 'skeptics'. The only person more stupid is he/she at The Age that OKed his piece.
The 'eugenics/climate science parallel' fantasy thing is old and stupid trolling. [Years ago the delightful rorter Sen. George Brandis filibustered in the Oz senate chamber with the Greens=Nazis loathsomeness]. But it's an 'interesting addition' for Curry? Sheesh...
What is wrong with Curry? She's become so utterly stupid. Why?
Maintaining her fanbase, simple as that.
Lars Karlsson January 5, 2014 at 11:08 PM
Yes, before she started blogging not many people knew who she was or cared about what she thought.
Those few who knew and cared where mainly her peers: wellinformed and intelligent people.
Now the situation is the opposite.
I don't think it's simply about maintaining her fanbase. I think she has similar political views as her fanbase and so is motivated to promoting articles that espouse those views.
Ludicrous! Seriously, it's 10^21 joules per year Judith so deal with it. Stop with the emotion and victimization. It just sounds silly.
Still laughing that she's thankful toward Bob, who can't understand that energy conserves. One night, for masochistic fun, I went through Bob's presentations. What scientist in their right mind could praise that purposely disubfirmung junk? He cherry picks temperature endpoints befire and after an El Nino event to create a step function and says "see, it's all El Nino." Then he surmises that the energy from El Ninos come "naturally" by magic. He also never addresses how temps rise during La Ninas. It's so obviously wrong, you can't use the word science in the same sentence.
Lars Karlsson January 5, 2014 at 9:52 PM
Here is Pielke Sr on Tisdale's blog ("I’m Retiring from Full-Time Climate Change Blogging"):
rpielke says:
Hi Bob – Best wishes! I hope you do keep active to the extent you can as you have made very major contributions to climate research. Your work really should be funded by the NSF or other such grant awarding organizations. I suggest giving that some thought! :-)
Roger Sr.
I really wonder what "very major contributions" Pielke Sr has in mind...
That's funny Lars, but also sad. Also funny are my misspellings - I'll not post via my phone again. Should have been "purposely misinforming junk" - although disubfirmung sounds more like what Bob does. Also, "cherry picks temperature endpoints before and after" not "befire"
Time for the discipline's professional scientists and their organisations to censure Curry for her unprofessional behaviour. Continued silence is simply tacit permission for her anti-science crusade.
Bernard J.
Hi Sou,
I think you've misreported what Michaels is actually saying. (It's far dumber than that.)
His argument goes summat like this...
Of 115 articles published on climate science, 92 said that the situation was worse than previously thought, and only 9 said there were grounds for optimism.
That proves, to Michaels, that policymakers should now be ignoring the IPCC, which is a literature review, as he has shown that the literature is biased.
See how it works; if the journals report that the latest science reports a worse prognosis than previously thought, this proves that the journals are biased, so policymakers can happily vote for tax cuts for the oil and gas industry. QED.
I guess that in the opposite scenario, that there was a preponderance of articles saying that the prognosis was better, as doubtless there is in the "Orange County Register", then this would lead Michaels to the conclusion that policymakers can happily vote for tax cuts for oil and gas.
In the case of no bias at all, or in the case of the day of the week having a "d" in it, you guessed it, tax cuts for the Koch Bros is the best policy response.
Thanks are due to JC for bringing this important insight to wider attention.
Sou January 6, 2014 at 2:37 AM
idunno, I read it again and I think you're right.
So if Pat Michaels read the British Medical Journal, which is after all quite "flashy", and found that out of 115 articles on SARS, 83 were discussing its lethal effects ("worse"), 23 were "neutral" (eg discussing the structure of the virus) and 9 were "better" (eg showing it's not readily transmitted) then that would show publication bias and have some "pretty nasty consequences" and "horrific effects" when it came to public policy.
Dumb Scientist January 6, 2014 at 4:32 AM
Prof. Curry's antics bore me, but Sou raises an interesting question regarding sexism and climate contrarians. I also noticed this correlation, most recently in entry #73(c) in my contrarian index. I thought economart was rude to me, before I saw how much worse he treated Cara Hernandez. Who ordered the misogyny?
Also, your recent tussle with "Karen" reminds me of entry #7, "Jane Q. Public" who is the most prolific contrarian I've encountered. Here's another of Jane's gems:
"... men should take some responsibility for birth control (condoms or whatever), but to trick somebody in that manner and then try to hold them responsible is one of the most despicable acts I can imagine. In general I would call it worse than rape because, again in general, it will have longer and more profound, tangible effect. ..." [Jane Q. Public, 2012-08-20]
Jane seems to claim that child support payments are more profound and last longer than psychological scars, which instantly vanish after 18 years (right?). My personal reaction involved the world's smallest violin, but I'm curious to see what women think about these two questions:
1. Was Jane's statement misogynist?
2. Do you think Jane is a woman in real life?
George Montgomery January 6, 2014 at 3:22 PM
JC's (Curry not Christ) piece is an example of Morton's Demon which demon stands at the trapdoor to her senses and lets in those 'things that catch her eye' that agree with her beliefs while deflecting those that do not. Not a good demon to have if you're a scientist.
John Mashey January 6, 2014 at 6:45 PM
George: by any chance the same G.M who commented over at WUWT on Salby?
'For more inspiration, Josh, check out Murray’s rating on Rate My Professor'
Laying aside any pretences, see Curry's latest.
http://judithcurry.com/2014/01/06/ipcc-ar5-weakens-the-case-for-agw/
The comments correspondence with miker613 from 9.23, 7 Jan even has a longtime devotee like climatereason questioning the honesty of her brokerage.
Thanks, idunno. Judith Curry's decline is accelerating faster than seas are rising - and she's no longer trying to hide it. She's going out in a blaze of ingloriousness. Maybe she's looking for a job with the GWPF or the Heartland Institute.
That one's a weekend task and it could be worth the effort. On a quick read it's going to be easy to pull it to bits, but will take some time.
The Precautionary Principle in Atlanta, Georgia
How Expert is Arctic Climate Expert Judith Curry?
How to improve Alexa Rankings, or not: An Alexa Ra...
Denier weirdness: Anthony Watts is working through...
More denier weirdness @wattsupwiththat - How much ...
Willis Eschenbach wonders how bad is global warmin...
Bob Tisdale's perspective on baselines
Anthony Watts forgot to satire tag justthefactswuw...
Have your say - open thread
Twisting Patterns of Peer Review
WUWT: Moguls on the Winter Olympics
Anthony Watts "heading for a mini-ice age" and quo...
How much CO2 can the atmosphere take?
Resurrecting Fred Singer and the MWP at WUWT
Playing plagiarist games at WUWT
It's hotting up all over the world (but what about...
Vincent Gray is back with more nuttery at the WUWT...
Viv Forbes, coal company director, sez it's not re...
Pausing for Curry: A note on her hiatus...
Is Judith Curry a "slayer"?
Alec Rawls selects his science: It's the Sun!
Finally, if a "bit too late" - Anthony Watts talks...
Denier Don Easterbrook and his mate Dismal David D...
A refined comment policy
Unbalanced at WUWT: Earth's Energy Budget
Recycling Arctic cyclones at WUWT
The Gallop
Anthony Watts takes on Kevin Trenberth and loses b...
Running (tree) rings around Anthony Watts - Ignora...
Maurice Newman: A Self-Portrait of an Utter Nutter...
Hoity Toity Christopher Monckton sez the Earth is ...
Ira Glickstein's denialist stew: Mix a bit of phys...
Breaking news: BBC gets science from scientists
Gobbling up or Spitting Out Bob Tisdale's ENSO Lef...
A sign of the (hot) times...Heat wave forecasts fr...
Science deniers are consistently inconsistent...
Why are alarmists denying ...er what?
It's hard to set all time cold records in a warmin...
Are climate disinformers like Anthony Watts more l...
Something Really Obvious: Wondering Willis Eschenb...
Willis Eschenbach wonders about CERES
Australia's hottest year was no freak event: human...
Matt Ridley goes to Serengeti and tells big fat li...
Cooked Goose: Brandon Shollenberger has a severe c...
Quote of the Week at WUWT: Taking Precautions with...
What's his Agenda? Anthony Watts lets Tim Ball run...
More of the Ludicrous: Judith Curry's Eye-Catching...
2013 the fourth hottest year in the UAH record
Bob Tisdale asks the wrong people the wrong questi...
Reflections - with Carl Sagan
WUWT Weather Games: Coldest day since 1974 vs hott...
Monckton emits a silent scream - and gets the IPCC...
On a clear sunny day in East Antarctica...
Jim Steele, science denier, gets lost in Florida's...
Anthony Watts, most blessed and ethical profession...
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13573
|
__label__wiki
| 0.68212
| 0.68212
|
Industry news and education for inkjet printing
SHOP LEXJET.com
Category: Case Studies & Profiles
Find out who’s doing what and how they did it with wide format inkjet printing with profiles of outstanding projects and imaging professionals of all stripes.
Posted on December 23, 2019 January 3, 2020 by Jennifer Corn Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
2019 International Photographic Competition Winners Recognized
Congratulations to the 2019 International Photographic Competition winners. Earlier this summer, the top images were selected from the PPA District Sunset Print Award recipients:
1st Place – Brian Castle “Sins Broken Chains”
2nd Place – Kimberly Smith “Owl Always Kneed You”
3rd Place – Brooke Kasper “Solitary Journey”
Each year, the judges award the top three prints that best embody the 12 Elements of Merit. This year’s district winners included everything from a rocky rush of water in Kari Douma’s “Just Around the River Bend” to a burgeoning chemist in Vanessa Longuski’s “Science.” As always, the talent at the district level makes it difficult for the judges selecting the National IPC winners.
Castle, who took third place in last year’s event, was once again inspired by a dream. “I dropped to my knees and prayed, this light came from above and Archangel Michael came and loaned me his wings to rip the chains apart so we could ascend to Heaven,” he says. What he didn’t expect was to be so personally affected by the photo shoot. “What did people go through back in Biblical days when they were chained like this? I teared up, it was emotional, I couldn’t hold it back,” he says.
Smith, who consistently finishes with district and national wins, had a most unusual image serve as the inspiration for her 2019 entry. “I had to have a knee MRI and they sent me home with the disk,” she says. “As I’m going through them, I noticed one of them looked like an owl.” She combined an image of a tree from a previous photography session and the base image from the MRI into an artistic image of an owl and her owlet. She won the PPA Southwest District award, subsequently leading to her second-place national finish.
Kasper says her award-winning image is extremely personal. While she may be on her own “Solitary Journey,” she has a strong faith in God, so she knows she is never truly alone. “We all have our own personal stories, and this one represents how I’m charting my course,” she says. “We may feel abandoned and alone at times, but we are surrounded by so many wonderful memories of people and things that have given us strength, even in solitude.”
Along with an engraved crystal trophy, the winners also receive cash prizes: $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. The awards for the winning photographers will be presented at Imaging USA – Nashville in January.
We want to thank all the participants in the 2019 Sunset Print Awards. You can see these and other winners on our newly redesigned Sunset Print Awards site. If you are interested in the 2020 Sunset Print Awards, have your chairperson fill out the application. The Sunset Print Award is offered to those competitions judging a minimum of 150 printed entries.
Posted on December 17, 2019 December 17, 2019 by Jennifer Corn Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
Prints That Win: Sins Broken Chains
Last year, Kingsport, Tenn., photographer Brian Castle not only won a PPA Southeast District award for his portrait “Heaven’s Hands of Hope,” but he also took third place in the 2018 IPC awards, in which he saw stiff competition from all of the District PPA Sunset Print Award winners. Because he had such a personal connection to his 2018 award-winning image, Castle wasn’t sure if he could surpass it in 2019.
As it turns out, he not only exceeded his 2018 accomplishments, he blew them out of the water. He once again took home a Sunset Print Award for PPA Southeast District Portrait with “Sins Broken Chains” and, after the judging was finished at the 2019 IPC, it was revealed that Castle would take first place in this year’s competition.
“I was a handler at this year’s competition, so I put each of the competition images on the turntables for the judges,” he says. “It was a neat experience to see the live judging, especially since my image received a ‘Unanimous Loan’ from all five judges.”
Like his previous image, “Sins Broken Chains” came to him in a dream. “In the dream, I was in a dungeon with a family member who couldn’t get free of the shackles,” he says. “I dropped to my knees and prayed, this light came from above and Archangel Michael came and loaned me his wings to rip the chains apart so we could ascend to Heaven.”
To recreate the dream for his photo shoot, he knew it was going to take the right setting, light, staging and props. The day of the shoot was a true family affair. “My whole family was helping: my wife, my mom and dad,” Castle says. “My dad taught me how to shoot on a film camera, so who better to have on-site than someone who has experience and who can set up the lights.”
Castle says the actual shoot took about nine hours from setting up to costuming and makeup, as well as additional action shots to get the chains breaking. “We rented the basement of an abandoned department store, originally built in the 1920s,” he says. “I borrowed the pants from a local theater group, I bought a brand-new white t-shirt, ripped it with a razor and dyed it with teabags. I took theater makeup and smudged it all over to give me a dirty look.”
As he was shackled for the shoot, Castle had an unexpected emotional reaction. “I had these big logging chains attached to me and I had this quarter-inch plate shackle around my wrist, all I could think was ‘What did people go through back in Biblical days when they were chained like this?’ I teared up, it was emotional, I couldn’t hold it back,” he says. “The chains were so heavy, and they wore my arms and shoulders out. I felt the pain a little bit.”
One thing Castle has learned over the years is that it’s important to get every angle, light setting or version of a shot while the scene is set. “For example, to capture the broken chain, my dad whipped the chains and I photographed it several different ways to make sure I had enough for the image,” Castle says. “Newer photographers don’t know to get those extra shots. Through competitions, I’ve learned to think about editing before I’m through shooting, that way if I missed something, I can get it then and won’t need to redo it, later.”
Castle has accomplished quite a few things in 2019. Not only did he receive the top prize in the Sunset Print Awards competition for the first time, but he also completed his first two photography degrees: Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman. “Now I am going for the Master Artist degree,” he says.
Castle says he uses the Sunset Bright Velvet Rag on his Canon PRO-4000 because the paper came highly recommended by fellow Sunset winner Kimberly Smith. “Kim told me about it, and I want every piece to be printed on Velvet Rag; I love it. I will never go to another fine art paper,” he says. “I know LexJet sells other brands, but that Velvet Rag produces more accurate colors, and it’s not as expensive.”
He also travels around the country for speaking engagements where he shares his experiences and success stories. “I travel from Memphis to Atlanta and from Florida to Virginia and I always mention LexJet and the papers,” he says. “I tell them ‘when you buy from LexJet, you’re not just buying the printer and the paper, you’re buying their customer service, too.’”
With another Sunset Print Award-winning image and a first-place finish in 2019, it seems that Brian Castle’s work really is the stuff of dreams.
Posted on December 9, 2019 December 4, 2019 by Jennifer Corn Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
10 Customer Print Projects that Inspired in 2019
From floor-to-ceiling murals to thought-proving graphics for a children’s art center, LexJet customers printed some awesome – and awe-inspiring – images in 2019. Here are a few examples of what our creative and innovative customers designed throughout the year:
University Brings Football History to Life with Extreme AquaVinyl When it was time for the University at Buffalo to celebrate 100 years of football history, Kris Miller turned to LexJet for help designing the 35-foot by 10-foot mural that was the centerpiece graphic. “I’m not a professional installer, so whatever I use has to be easy to work with and install,” Miller says. READ MORE
Mixing Up the Painting Process with Canvas & Coating Combining oil painting and wide-format printing, San Francisco photo retoucher Leonard Gordon has his Surrealist-style artwork printed on Sunset by Fredrix Canvas, then protected with Sunset Satin Coating. Then he added additional texture with oil paints. “That’s what’s giving the painting depth. It’s all about bringing out the color of the print itself,” he says. READ MORE
GeoJango Maps: Bringing the World (of Maps) to Everybody Debbie Dennison at GeoJango Maps is excited to share her passion for maps with the world. Using HP Everyday Instant-dry Satin Photo Paper on their HP printers, Dennison and the team did a tremendous amount of research before deciding which products to use. “We’ve done a lot of testing with different inks, printing methods, and materials, and we’ve found the right ones. The customers are thrilled with the results,” says Dennison. READ MORE
New Exhibit Takes Flight with Floor-to-Ceiling Murals Inspired by an over-sized book by James Audubon, Nel Fetherling at the Field Museum in Chicago wanted to “go big” for an exhibition showcasing Audubon’s 19th-century work. Fetherling and her team printed six 14-foot x 75-inch wall murals as well as one for the entryway using LexJet Print-N-Stick Fabric. “The colors were so brilliant,” Fetherling says. “Our designer was skeptical, but after we printed it, she said the colors were almost better than the actual illustrations.” READ MORE
What They’re Saying: HP Optimal Gloss Air GRP – ‘It Really Shines’ Husband and wife team Rick and Connie Rhind Robey, of SpeedPro Imaging in Silver Spring, Md., had the opportunity to use HP Optimal Gloss Air GRP and HP Gloss Polymeric Overlaminate on storage spaces of downtown Kensington, Md., businesses. “I loved the high-quality look of the images,” Connie says. “It’s important that the final piece looks great and the artist loves it. It really shines in the high-end market place.” READ MORE
C’est Magnifique! Turning Antique French Postcards into Wall Art Photographer David Humphreys was tasked with turning old French postcards into 5-foot by 8-foot canvas murals for off-campus housing at Louisiana State University. Knowing he would need a 60-inch wide printer to accommodate the width of the images. Humphreys bought a Canon PRO-6000 and he’s pleased with the results. “The printer is incredible. It’s user-friendly and did a beautiful job,” he says. “Now I’m doing a lot of larger images for other people because of the 60-inch capability.” READ MORE
Artist Jonathon Romain Creates a Colorful World for Children Jonathon Romain and his wife purchased an old school in Peoria, Ill., to build the Romain Arts & Culture Community Center where they hosted their first summer program where kids could talk about issues that affect them and then create murals to present to the local school superintendent. “Each one of the children received a smaller framed copy of images to take home to their family and friends,” he says. READ MORE
Sunset Photo Metallic Paper Beats Aluminum for Gallery Exhibit Hollywood director Blair Hayes wanted to create a new exhibit called Light of Future Past, from his movie-site images. He originally set out to print them on brushed aluminum for a sleek, modern look, but the bright gallery lights bounced off the aluminum and muddied the colors. Turning to Chris Glassman at Casual Graphics for suggestions, they settled on Sunset Photo Metallic Paper. “They stated to me that if it weren’t for Casual Graphics, the show would not have happened due to the lighting issues,” says Glassman. “I must state that if it wasn’t for the LexJet media, I wouldn’t have been able to provide a cost-effective alternative solution to aluminum prints.” READ MORE
Bringing Children’s Books to Life with Wall Decals John Etienne of Wall Adventure, offers activity books with matching fabric wall decals that are ideal for children’s spaces. He prints the decals on LexJet Print-N-Stick Fabric on his Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-Series PRO-4000S. “My customers love the products. The colors on the fabric are bright. The combination of printer and fabric is working well,” he says. READ MORE
Real Color Design Partners with EPSON for Marvel-ous Results Alex Costa, of Real Color Design in Torrance, Calif., works closely with Marvel, WB, DC Comics and other studios. With a customer base like that, there is no margin for error. To meet the demands of qualifying as an authorized print resource, Costa and his team work with a fleet of EPSON printers. “We’ve been with Epson since the beginning,” he says. “Currently, we use the SureColor F6200 (dye-sub), SureColor S80600 (solvent) and SureColor P10000 (aqueous)”. READ MORE
Do you have a story you’d like to share on the LexJet blog? Email us your projects and you could be featured in 2020!
Posted on November 22, 2019 December 5, 2019 by Jennifer Corn Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
Prints That Win: Owl Always Kneed You
Muskogee, Okla., photographer Kimberly Smith is no stranger to the Sunset Print Awards. 2019 saw Smith win back-to-back-to-back awards during the PPA SW competition. “I printed everything that I entered this year on Sunset Bright Velvet Rag, even the album that I created,” she says.
“Owl Always Kneed You” by Kimberly Smith
Having previously scored wins with portraits, this year, Smith’s image “Owl Always Kneed You” was tops in the Artist category and won second place during IPC. According to IPC rules, the purpose of this (Artist) competition is to allow the entrant to demonstrate his or her artistic skills.
Drawing inspiration from the most unusual of sources, the idea for Smith’s award-winning image came to her after a routine medical procedure. “I had to have a knee MRI and they sent me home with the disk,” she says. “As I’m going through them, I noticed one of them looked like an owl.” She combined an image of a tree from a previous photography session and the base image from the MRI into an artistic image of an owl and her owlet.
Not content to have seven individual prints in the competition, Smith also created an album, complete with a leather cover, a satin ribbon, and 10 lay-flat images, all printed on her favorite Sunset media, Bright Velvet Rag.
“The story was inspired by my daughter and our dog, Sophie, who’s nine now. One day, I noticed she looked so old,” she says. “I knew that I had pictures of Sophie from when she was a puppy and my youngest daughter went off to college last year. I was sobbing putting the album together. That’s my dog and my baby.”
Smith’s works continue to garner praise at the highest levels of competition. Some of her other awards include the ASP Gold Medallion, which is presented to the American Society of Photographers Loan entry, judged by a separate panel of jurors to be the very best image in exhibition. PPA has awarded her the Gold Medal and named her a Diamond Artist.
Between competitions, Smith continues to teach at the Texas School as well as conducting workshops at her studio in Oklahoma or traveling across the country. “I’ve had people fly me in to teach in private workshops,” she says.
With such an eventful 2019, what does Smith expect out of 2020? “I’m excited,” she says. “I think it will be a great year.”
Posted on November 8, 2019 December 5, 2019 by Jennifer Corn Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
Prints That Win: Solitary Journey
Plano, Texas photographer Brooke Kasper jumped into photography in the most unusual way. With a background in painting, she was spending her days working as a graphic artist. That is until her mother died. “I quit cold turkey and picked up a camera. It will be 15 years on Dec. 4,” Kasper says. “To heal, I went out and shot everything I could with the camera. It was an inauspicious start to a photography career.”
Her work often conveys a heavy message through symbolism and the somber technique known as low-key photography. “I use ropes a lot in my imagery,” Kasper says. “They represent the ties that bind.”
Kasper’s photograph “Solitary Journey” won the Southwest PPA District and placed 3rd in the National competition held this summer. Her award-winning image is rife with symbolism. “We all have our own personal stories, and this one represents how I’m charting my course,” she says. “We may feel abandoned and alone at times, but we are surrounded by so many wonderful memories of people and things that have given us strength, even in solitude.”
Kasper adds personal and tangible items to her photoshoots. “If it’s not on the set, it doesn’t get added,” she says. “The lantern is in the center and represents God, who is an important light at the center of my life. My mother’s picture is also in it, as are other things that are important to me.”
Studying the image closely, the story begins to unfold of just how lonely the journey of life can be. “Above my mom’s photo is her old bible and a compass that is pointing to true north, which is what God represents to me,” Kasper says. “Then you have the ropes. I put in the mouse as an homage to my husband. There’s another lantern but the light is out. There’s only one light that guides me ever since my mom died.”
Many photographers may find it unnerving to enter such a personal piece into a competition. For Kasper, it was about healing and finding peace. “You can’t always verbalize your woes, but you can find an outlet, and that’s what I’ve done,” she says. “The greatest honor is when someone wants to know the story behind the image, and they are moved when they see it. If I’ve reached someone, what better compliment is there?”
Jumping into photography like she did, Kasper relies on the Dallas PPA and Professional Photographers of America (PPA), as well as her mentors for support and guidance. Her merits and degrees include Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Master of Photography, and Photographic Craftsman.
Through it all, she’s been inspired by – and learned from – David Edmondson. “David is a good friend and one of the most phenomenal people, inside and out. He has taught me how to be an artist and keep those characteristics in my life. That’s the most important thing to me,” she says. “There were times when I wanted to quit, but David is the one who encouraged me to go on. We share a strong faith and it means so much to know he has my back.”
Kasper is adamant that all photos should be physical, not just an image on a computer screen. “I don’t think it’s really completed until you print it,” she says. For her low-key images, Kasper prefers a satin photo paper, like Sunset Photo eSatin 300g, to ensure the fine details are captured with every print.
The popularity of local, state and national PPA competitions isn’t slowing down and Kasper believes that is because photographers are pushed to be better. “You have to keep moving forward, keep reinventing yourself. If you’re not getting better, you’re stagnant.”
Posted on October 17, 2019 by Jennifer Corn Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
Real Color Design Partners with EPSON for Marvel-ous Results
Real Color Design, in Torrance, Calif., has been printing fine art reproductions for years. In 2008, it became an authorized print house for Warner Brothers Studios and they also hold the licenses to print images for Marvel, DC and other well-known studios in California. “Ninety percent of what we do today is related to the studios. Our customers are licensed with Marvel, WB, DC Comics, Dynamite studio,” says print manager, Alex Costa.
With a customer base like that, there is no margin for error. To meet the demands of qualifying as an authorized print resource, Costa and his team work with a fleet of EPSON printers. “We’ve been with Epson since the beginning,” he says. “Currently, we use the SureColor F6200 (dye-sub), SureColor S80600 (solvent) and SureColor P10000 (aqueous) and on occasion, we still use our old 9880.”
Given the wide breadth of Epson technology available, Costa and his team can offer diverse prints to their customers. “We do archival fine art on Hahnemühle, Sunset Velvet Rag and canvas, for dye-sub, we do aluminum prints on Chromaluxe as well as wood and sometimes fabric,” he says.
One of Real Color Designs’ largest customers is Sideshow Collectables. When they got their license to print, they realized right away that they couldn’t just use any printer, they had to find an authorized resource. “They came and met with us, and we helped them build from nothing to getting their print program up and running,” Costa says. “From mock-ups to introducing them to new materials, we’re there with them from conception to design to print.”
It’s that partnership with their customers that has helped Real Color Designs work with some of the most renowned high-end art gallery and collectibles companies around the world. “We were approached by Castle Fine Art, a gallery that is part of a major chain of over 50 galleries in the UK and Europe, that includes Halcyon Gallery which displays great artists like Picasso,” he says.
Relationship building and delivering results has helped Costa and the team create a name for themselves in an industry that demands perfection. “When Castle came to us, they said, ‘We want to start working with you because we’ve seen your work with Marvel.’ We are getting into the high, high-end fine art,” he says. “Right now, we are working with artist Domingo Zapata. They’re going to release a whole new line of prints and we’re working with them the same way we do with Sideshow.”
Costa says that they treat their customers the way they are treated by LexJet. “We see the customer as a partner, the way LexJet has worked with us since we started our business relationship in 2011. Stuart Haddow [LexJet sales specialist] sees us as a partner and tries to work stuff out, figure out our needs.”
The partnership relies on trust. Costa puts his trust in EPSON because he knows the quality that his customers and licensees demand. He puts his trust in LexJet to work with him on existing products and help him find new products that will excite his customers. His customers put their trust in him to create high-end art pieces that look like they stepped right off of a movie set or just out of a comic book.
Monday through Friday 8 AM - 8 PM Eastern
Case Studies & Profiles
Promotions & Rebates
Canon Announces New Mail-in Rebates on PRO-Series Printers
For Flexibility, Privacy & Design, Squid Delivers for this Texas Printer
Make 2020 the Year You Reach Your Profit Goals
Jennifer Corn on Decisions, Decisions: Choosing the Right EPSON S-Series Printer
daniel balducci on Decisions, Decisions: Choosing the Right EPSON S-Series Printer
Shellie Terry on Q&A: Working with Colors on Epson’s P-Series Printers
Shop by My List
Ink Compatibility Tool
© 2019 LexJet Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13576
|
__label__cc
| 0.632194
| 0.367806
|
Home LIFESTYLE & HEALTH
LIFESTYLE Lifestyle is the interests, conclusions, practices, and behavioral introductions of an individual, gathering, or culture.[1][2] The term was presented by Austrian therapist Alfred Adler with the significance of "a man's fundamental character as built up ahead of schedule in childhood"[3], for instance in his 1929 book "The Case of Miss R.". The more extensive feeling of lifestyle as a "way or style of living" has been recorded since 1961.[4] Lifestyle is a mix of deciding elusive or substantial elements. Unmistakable components relate particularly to statistic factors, i.e. a person's statistic profile, though impalpable variables concern the mental parts of an individual, for example, individual esteems, inclinations, and viewpoints.
A country domain has diverse lifestyles contrasted with a urban city. Area is critical even inside a urban extension. The idea of the area in which a man dwells influences the arrangement of lifestyles accessible to that individual because of contrasts between different neighborhoods' degrees of abundance and nearness to normal and social situations. For instance, in zones inside a closeness to the ocean, a surf culture or lifestyle can frequently be available.
Health is the capacity of a natural framework to get, change over, designate, circulate, and use the vitality with most extreme productivity. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized human health in a more extensive sense in its 1948 constitution as "a condition of finish physical, mental, and social prosperity and not just the nonappearance of ailment or infirmity."[1][2] This definition has been liable to debate, specifically as lacking operational esteem, the uncertainty in creating strong health methodologies, and in light of the issue made by utilization of "finish", which makes it for all intents and purposes difficult to achieve.[3][4][5] Other definitions have been proposed, among which a current definition that connects health and individual fulfillment.
Magazinos Agancy - July 4, 2019
Overeating Changes Our Brains to Make Dieting Hard
Rakhi – The festival and a symbol of friendship
Milkweed Planting In Major Cities, Help Save Monarchs
LIFESTYLE & HEALTH Magazinos Agancy - June 22, 2019
In the previous two decades, the ruler butterfly populace east of the Rocky Mountains has declined by 87 percent. That is expected partially to the way that the main...
Brain Health Supplements Don’t Work, New Study Shows
Americans and others around the globe have gone progressively to dietary enhancements so as to keep up or safeguard their brain health. An ongoing report found that a fourth of...
In excess of 40 tombs dab the southeastern corner of the Pamir level, a desert scene at almost 10,000 feet height in far western China's high mountains. Covered with...
High Levels of ‘Bad’ Cholesterol Tied to Early-Onset Alzheimer’s
LIFESTYLE & HEALTH Magazinos Agancy - May 30, 2019
The greater part of us realize that elevated amounts of "awful" cholesterol in our blood can expand our risk of creating cardiovascular issues. Presently, another examination gives us another...
Bacterial Resistance Pass Antibiotic Between Themselves in Just Hours
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics can spread among microorganisms in only two hours, reports a group of scientists. The finding, however disturbing, could likewise prompt better approaches to treat bacterial...
What’s up with all this wild, weird weather — and is it linked to...
It absolutely has been a wild — and destructive — couple of weeks for weather. Since the first and 23rd of May, 340 tornadoes have spun up over the...
"The ladies' winter is here. The stop has arrived," cautions a Game of Thrones spoof about people office temperatures inclinations. On the off chance that you have a Y chromosome,...
Processed Foods, Regardless Of Nutrition, Still Cause Weight Gain
You likely previously had an inclination you should avoid the candy machine for an evening nibble. Be that as it may, it turns out ultra-processed foods are far more...
On Islands, Tons of Plastic Trash Is Likely Buried Beneath the Sands
We as a whole realize our plastic issue is wild. Up until now, people have delivered more than 8.3 billion metric huge amounts of plastic, and that number is...
Pandas Are More Like Carnivores Than You Think
LIFESTYLE & HEALTH Magazinos Agancy - May 6, 2019
Ok, goliath pandas. Beside their notoriety for being, admirably, not the most keen colored pencils in the container, they're most intently connected with crunching only on bamboo. Be that...
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13577
|
__label__cc
| 0.682238
| 0.317762
|
Is this blue or red? Identifying a crystal specimen
Our new online course is a (Victorian) Sensation!
Is this the rarest fish in the world?
Nicholson’s blue
Xray diffraction
By Dr Tacye Phillipson
Senior Curator of Science
We were recently moving our chemical and related collections into new storage at the National Museums Collection Centre and updating the locations of all the specimens – one of the many behind the scenes, day to day activities which go on in a museum. Most of the time, matching up the numbers clearly marked on the specimens with our records was a straightforward task, but some needed detective work.
The mysterious crystals in the collection.
This large growth of crystals in particular caught my eye as needing some thought. There was a century-old display label next to it, which said “Salt, crystallised. Obtained by evaporation of sea water in the salt pans at Grand Turk, West Indies.” Yet the specimen definitely didn’t look like sea salt to me. So what was it? It did have a paper label stuck to the specimen, which had once had the number on it, but it too had become coloured blue and wasn’t exactly legible, not even under ultraviolet light, which helps us read some faded labels.
The discoloured label.
I spent a while on our computerised database trying to see if our chemical collections contained any blue crystals – but unfortunately the colour isn’t often noted in our older records, just the chemical name. What chemicals are that navy blue colour?
Samples of indigo, Prussian blue and Nicholson’s Blue in the National Museums Scotland collections.
My first thought was Prussian blue, used as a pigment in art and in photography, the blue of blueprints. We also have dark blues in indigo and some of the artificial pigments, including Nicholson’s blue. Unfortunately none of them seem to form crystals like these.
It was time to call in some help. Peter Davidson, our Senior Curator of Mineralogy, kindly agreed to run this through our X-ray diffraction apparatus. This is a powerful tool, developed by William and Lawrence Bragg, who were awarded the 1915 Nobel Prize, to probe inside a crystal and investigate the arrangement of atoms within it. In looking closely at the crystal to find a tiny loose piece for analysis, I noticed that the blue colour was only a surface coating, and it seemed to be amber coloured inside. Curiouser and curiouser.
Blueprint for the Forth Railway Bridge, one of set of twelve drawings, 1880s. Part of National Museums Scotland collections.
Thinking some more – it really did look like Prussian blue – I suggested that Peter looked first for a match with potassium ferrocyanide or potassium ferricyanide, known respectively as yellow and red prussiate of potash, which are chemicals closely related to Prussian blue and might have formed it in a reaction over the last 140 years. Success! He found potassium ferricyanide was a close match for this specimen. Returning to our catalogue I found our only specimen of potassium ferricyanide has number T.1876.48.1 ‘Group of Crystals of red prussiate of potash’ and looking again at that illegible label I can convince myself of a 76 and 8 in the right places and possibly a 4. The surface of this must have oxidised to Prussian blue over time.
So finally I had the great satisfaction of identifying this crystal as ‘red’ against the evidence of our eyes. Just a little part of what curators do all day.
This specimen is not planned for display at the moment but if you want to find out about X-ray diffraction and crystallography come and visit our new Enquire gallery opening in summer 2016.
- Posted 7th September 2015
Philip Bradfield
A most interesting article
It would be helpful to have the chemical “name” and formula (whether molecular or ionic) ( and crystal structure ) of Prussian Blue, to compare with those of the ( now confirmed) potassium ferricyanide
cf your comment
“Thinking some more – it really did look like Prussian blue – I suggested that Peter looked first for a match with potassium ferrocyanide or potassium ferricyanide, known respectively as yellow and red prussiate of potash, which are chemicals closely related to Prussian blue and might have formed it in a reaction over the last 140 years.”
erstwhile physicist/crystallographer
Post by Dr Tacye Phillipson
Flora and Jane Sang: The unsung heroines of calculation
Sharks, satellites and science
Cables and Cat Memes: Finding Everyday Maths in Museums
What links the results of medical trials, telescopes and the shape of a pine cone? Sounds like the start of…
By Katie Oldfield
Top 5 favourite Tim Peake moments
On 18 June 2016 British European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Tim Peake returned to planet Earth. He had spent six months…
By Dr Haileigh Robertson
Courting controversy in the museum
This blog has been co-written with Dr Klaus Staubermann, Principal Curator of Technology. In 2016 National Museums Scotland opened a new…
By Sam Alberti
World Smile Day: ten faces found in museum objects
Today is World Smile Day, a day devoted to smiles and kind acts throughout the world. Taking place annually on…
By Hazel Saunderson
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13578
|
__label__cc
| 0.542904
| 0.457096
|
10 Amazing Things to Do near Camp Lejeune
Nov 5, 2018 | 0
By Carla Olivo, USMC Spouse
Coastal North Carolina has abundant sea and wildlife, and some great beaches! But there is only so much that the Marine Corps Community Services can do for you. So here are some suggestions for when you have exhausted the MCCS Camp Lejeune list of things to do near Jacksonville.
#1 Lejeune Memorial Gardens
Home to the Beirut Memorial, the Onslow Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Montford Point Marine Memorial, and 9/11 Memorial Beam from the World Trade Center, Lejeune Memorial Gardens is a ‘must-see’ local attraction. Located at Montford Landing Road and Lejeune Boulevard, the site includes space for future memorials including the Corpsmen Memorial. Several trails wind through the beautiful gardens.
#2 WILMINGTON RAILROAD MUSEUM
The Wilmington Railroad Museum seeks to preserve the area’s railroading history for future generations. Enjoy model and life-sized engines and take a ride on a miniature Thomas the Tank Engine. The Museum also hosts toddler story time during the week. Birthday parties can be booked in their red caboose.
#3 FORT MACON STATE PARK
Less than 2 hours from Camp Lejeune, Fort Macon State Park will appeal to history buffs and outdoor lovers alike. Completed in 1834 to fortify coastal vulnerabilities identified during the War of 1812, it was actively manned during the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War II. Additionally, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and hiking are all permitted on site.
#4 Check out the Wild Horses
Cape Lookout National Seashore is a collection of the southern barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks. Shackleford Banks has been home to the area’s wild horses for centuries. The horses are fabled to have survived a European shipwreck offshore, but historians are still not certain how they got to the island. The Seashore also boasts Cape Lookout Lighthouse built in 1859. All guests over 44” tall are welcome to climb the 207 steps (12 stories) to the top. Both Cape Lookout and Shackleford Banks are only accessible via passenger ferry or private boat.
#5 TOPSAIL ISLAND
Topsail is only 35 minutes
from Jacksonville, but it feels like a world away! Make a day of the 26-mile long Topsail Island which is home to three separate towns: North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital in Surf City is open for tours on Thursday and Saturday afternoons. Additionally, surfboard and kayak rentals are available at 50 South Surf Shop for those looking to get a workout in while they play.
#6 MISSILES AND MORE MUSEUM
If your kids are into pirates, this museum may be one of their favorites. Check out Operation Bumblebee, the Navy’s secret missile program that operated on Topsail Island in the 1940s. Today, this popular museum on Channel Blvd is dedicated to local heritage and military history.
#7 NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is not to be missed! In addition to aquatic life, it also houses animatronic dinosaurs and a new butterfly house. Annual membership is reciprocal with all NC Aquarium locations and the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro.
#8 ENJOY MORE SEA LIFE
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a popular and manageable destination for parents with smaller children. In addition to the sea life indoors, there is a large play area and nature trails outdoors. They also book birthday parties!
#9 Visit Freedom Fountain
This unique water feature has 54 jets: 50 for each state, three for the three branches of government, and one large one symbolizing freedom. This is an excellent place for photos. In the evening, the fountain becomes a patriotic landmark as the falling water Is lit up red, white and blue.
#10 Lynnwood Park Zoo
A unique animal park spread over 10 acres of land, the zoo features more than 80 animal exhibits, with a broad range of species – mammals, reptiles, birds, and others. Some of the most popular mammals are zebra, grey fox, wallaby, and pygmy goat.
Leave a review of your Camp Lejeune or New River base housing for your fellow Marine families.
PCSgrades.com is a community of military and veteran families helping each other with our most significant relocation needs through trusted reviews. Help us help each other and submit your reviews today. Together, we can truly make a difference!
Carla Olivo has garnered numerous TV industry awards including the Associated Press award for Spot News Reporting, and Documentary Reporting. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, a retired USMC Lt. Colonel and their two children. Carla Olivo
Director Strategic Communications
PreviousSo, You’re Thinking About Military Retirement
Next9 Awesome Military Discounts, Just in Time for Veterans Day!
Newly PCSed to Camp Lejeune, New River, or Cherry Point? We’ve got you covered!
Fun Day Trips from Jacksonville NC
Why I Love Being Stationed at Camp Lejeune
Moving to MCAS Cherry Point, NC?
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13581
|
__label__wiki
| 0.565127
| 0.565127
|
D-I Men
D-I Women
D-III Men
D-III Women
USCHO.com
Mobile »
Women's College Hockey
2019-20 Penn State Nittany Lions
Thread: 2019-20 Penn State Nittany Lions
ZedLeppelin
The coast on the right
Time to look ahead to 2019-20...
Penn State only lost three players to graduation after the 2018-19 season, so 2019-20 won't be a huge rebuilding project for Jeff Kampersal and his staff, thankfully. They lost two forwards and a defender, but they're getting three forwards and a defender in the upcoming freshman class (according to https://collegecommitments.com/Commi...x?x7cq9=FEMALE). I don't know how accurate that list is (the list includes a player who is joining Penn State's club team, not the D-1 program), but these are the D-1 players they have for Penn State in 2019-20:
Mallory Uihlein - D - 5' 7" - Edina High School, MN
Rachel Weiss - F - 5' 7" - Pursuit of Excellence Academy, BC
Julie Gough - F - 5' 8" - Durham Jr. Lightning, Ontario
Mikayla Lantto - F - 5' 9" - Detroit Belle Tire U19, MI
I haven't researched these incoming players' names into the ground, so I don't know anything substantial about any of them.
-- Mallory Uihlein's Edina high school team just won its third-straight Minnesota AA state championship, and Uihlein was named to the all-tournament team. Penn State's defense is intact minus Kelsey Crow, and will be in good shape if Uihlein shows up ready to be a D-1 defender.
-- Rachel Weiss's team just won its second-consecutive Canadian Sport School Hockey League division championship after an undefeated season, its third straight season in the division championship game.
-- Julie Gough was the MVP of her high school co-ed hockey team in both 2016 and 2017, where she was a multi-sport athlete. She was an alternate captain on her PWHL team this season. She plays both ends of the ice, so Kampersal will have options for using her at Penn State.
-- Mikayla Lantto's team just won the 2019 MAHA state championship and will play in the USA Hockey U19 national tournament next month in California. They made it to the USA Hockey U19 championship game last season, but lost to Shattuck-St. Mary's.
The biggest hole to fill in 2019-20 is the one in the defense left by the graduation of senior captain Kelsey Crow. The defense will be a young group again (one senior, one junior, four sophomores, one freshman). They were a good group in 2018-19, and could be a great group in 2019-20 if they work hard again.
Not to overstate the obvious, but scoring is the bigger problem to solve overall, and that includes on the power play. Shot counts are there, aggression in the crease is there, battling for rebounds is there, but goals aren't there. Sure, it's nice to have a Natalie Heising on the roster, but it isn't enough, so hopefully that gets worked out. This 2019-20 team has all the potential to be the best Penn State team since moving to D-1.
Re: 2019-20 Penn State Nittany Lions
Cornell is in the Final Four and Penn State should have beat them.
Crow was a great Captain, but Penn State did beat RIT without her when she missed that one game. Rolph missed about ten games too.
Originally Posted by Reddington
A win against Cornell was there for the taking, for sure. Still, a 3-3 OT tie against the #4 team (at the time) is a keeper, and Penn State managed to score two power play goals against them, and power play goals weren't exactly a given for Penn State.
I never did hear what Morgan Rolph's injury was in January, but it ended her season. I remember she didn't look good being helped off the ice. I hope she's okay and is able to be back for 2019-20. As long as she is, the defense only lost Crow, and they're getting Mallory Uihlein from Edina. I'm hoping Uihlein is as good as her team has been the last few years.
Jessica Adolfsson has been named to the Swedish National Team for the IIHF Women's World Championships in Espoo, Finland, April 4-14:
https://gopsusports.com/news/2019/3/...pionships.aspx
I can't let go of 2018-19 without a little griping about how the CHA does a tournament. The current midweek championship tournament format sucks, with all games being played in Buffalo, NY, four days after playing a two-game weekend series to end the regular season.
Let teams finish their regular season games and then give them the usual week off. The following weekend, go back to the old format of best-of-three quarterfinals at school arenas. Then, after another week off, you can move the rest of the tournament to Buffalo the following weekend for the semifinals and championship game (I'd much rather see the whole thing played at conference school arenas, however you want to figure the hosting out).
That way, nobody has to worry about playing five games in a week to win a championship, everyone gets a week of rest before the tournament, and the semifinals and championship will actually showcase the top teams at their best, not tired as hell. Try to imagine Lindenwood finishing a season with two games at Syracuse one weekend, traveling home to Missouri, then having to turn around and be in Buffalo three days later for the CHA banquet the night before the tournament starts - and be tournament-ready the next day.
How was attendance at the 2019 CHA championship game under this wonderful new format? A whopping 231 fans - for a conference championship game. That's embarrassing.
Last edited by ZedLeppelin; 03-21-2019 at 05:46 PM.
Originally Posted by ZedLeppelin
Hmm. 562 attended the year before when it was Saturday afternoon.
The U.S. Women's National Team will get the services of Penn State's equipment manager, Logan Fischer, next week in Finland for the IIHF Championship tournament (where Penn State's Jessica Adolfsson will be suiting up for the Swedish National Team):
https://teamusa.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1008229
agfire
Fairbnks, AK
That's great. None of he players can contribute but equipment manager is in, makes sense
Originally Posted by agfire
That's great. None of the players can contribute but equipment manager is in, makes sense
Penn State got Logan Fischer from Team USA - they're very familiar with him. This IIHF gig isn't something new for Fischer.
https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/s...ipment-manager
Last edited by ZedLeppelin; 03-31-2019 at 06:22 AM.
Senior captain Kelsey Crow was recognized at last night's Penn State Student Awards ceremony:
https://gopsusports.com/news/2019/4/...ns-oswald.aspx
Nice on Crow! That's quite the award. Any news of any transfers on Robert Morris, Penn State, Syracuse or Mercyhurst? RiT apparently has some going on according to another thread.
I haven't heard anything about transfers anywhere in the CHA, and especially not at Penn State. The whole vibe around the Penn State women's hockey program is so much better under Jeff Kampersal's staff, so I'd be really surprised if anyone wanted to transfer out. I don't know what's going on at RIT, after all the improvement they showed this past season. If players jump ship, the new coach must be a real piece of work.
At the IIHF Women's World Championship today, Penn State freshman and Team Sweden defender Jessica Adolfsson logged 23:27 of ice time and put four shots on goal in a 2-1 shootout loss to Germany. She tied for most shots on the team and was third in ice time for Team Sweden.
Short and sweet, but here's a video clip of one of Penn State freshman Jessica Adolfsson's shots against Team Germany yesterday at the IIHF Women's World Championship:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRxp...ature=youtu.be
Well, Jessica Adolfsson and Team Sweden are done at the IIHF tournament after a pretty dismal showing, something that's becoming too familiar for a team that should be a lot better than it is. Here's a good article from this past summer talking about some of the issues they face:
https://www.theicegarden.com/2018/7/...ns-hockey-sdhl
Since there's no real news coming out of Penn State, here's a look back at one of my favorite videos from the 2018-19 season - the player cam after the sweep of Lindenwood:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5Dd5E-0x8I
Penn State's Allison Coomey won the well-deserved 2019 AHCA Women's Ice Hockey Assistant Coach Award (scroll to the bottom):
https://ahcahockey.com/news/1819/0118awa.php
The BU coach is the quip king, it is no wonder they went to him for comments on Coomey. Nice award for her.
According to collegecommitments.com, it looks like Penn State is set for goalies for a while. The bench will look like this in the next few seasons:
2019-20: Jenna Brenneman (senior), Chantal Burke (junior), Cam Leonard (redshirt sophomore)
2020-21: Chantal Burke (senior), Cam Leonard (redshirt junior), Josie Bothun (freshman from Forest Lake High School)
2021-22: Cam Leonard (redshirt senior), Josie Bothun (sophomore), Annie Spring (freshman from Chicago Mission U19)
2022-23: Josie Bothun (junior), Annie Spring (sophomore), Katelyn Desa (freshman Boston Jr. Eagles)
Goodwrench
The superstar will not be a backup. Dad will transfer her in a heartbeat.
Quick Navigation Women's College Hockey Top
USCHO.com Fan Forum Hall of Fame
Men's Division I
Men's Division II and III
Score Updates
Club Hockey
College Hockey Alumni
USCHO Cafe
Other College Hockey Websites
Copyright ©1996-2019 USCHO.com. All rights reserved.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13584
|
__label__cc
| 0.51495
| 0.48505
|
Republicans Odds to Win White House Now Tied with Democrats
By Anthony Bennett | Aug, 7th 2019 | 2 mins
For most of the 2020 presidential election cycle, there’s been a curious anomaly: Donald Trump is the favorite, but the Democrats are slightly favored over the Republicans. That changed today, with the Republicans and Democrats currently sitting even at -110.
Trump Unexpectedly Strong
A new Emerson poll came out showing signs of a Trump comeback against all comers.
Trump leads the national popular vote when pitted against every candidate but Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders; even losing the popular vote against those two, he’s above the 46% share that propelled him to an Electoral College victory.
While Emerson didn’t deliver all good news (he loses elector-rich Texas to both candidates), it’s a sign that he can beat most of the Democrats and survive even the strongest ones.
Democrats Without a Clear Leader
Part of Donald Trump’s hold on pole position had been that he’s faced a revolving door of number-one contenders.
As we’ve noted, it’s hard to predict anyone can beat Trump when you can’t say with certainty that anyone in particular will appear on the ballot against him, and with more than six months until Iowa, we’ve already seen three different frontrunners.
Prior to Biden’s announcement, Sanders led the field significantly in the polls and odds, and held this lead even as Biden formally entered the race and took the polling lead.
Biden, in turn, held the lead in the odds until a disastrous first-debate performance featuring an unrebutted call-out from Kamala Harris, propelling her to the top spot and challenging even his best odds.
Once Biden returned the favor in the following debate, however, Harris tumbled and Biden regained the top spot, though he’s currently sitting at +700. Meanwhile, the internecine conflict between Democrats is giving the Republican election apparatus a head start in messaging.
There’s a good chance, absent an earth-shaking revelation, that these odds remain where they are for some time.
With Donald Trump’s support and opposition relatively unaffected by most of the news cycle, oddsmakers are likely skittish about adjusting the odds too much with uncertainty on the Democratic side.
Follow along with the weekly rundown of the 2020 odds where we also break down the shifts in the 'winning party' market.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13589
|
__label__cc
| 0.744606
| 0.255394
|
New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson weaves a delicate tale of murder and mystery in the first book of a striking new series, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and E. Lockhart.
Ellingham Academy is a famous private school in Vermont for the brightest thinkers, inventors, and artists. It was founded by Albert Ellingham, an early twentieth century tycoon, who wanted to make a wonderful place full of riddles, twisting pathways, and gardens. “A place,” he said, “where learning is a game.”
Shortly after the school opened, his wife and daughter were kidnapped. The only real clue was a mocking riddle listing methods of murder, signed with the frightening pseudonym “Truly, Devious.” It became one of the great unsolved crimes of American history.
True-crime aficionado Stevie Bell is set to begin her first year at Ellingham Academy, and she has an ambitious plan: She will solve this cold case. That is, she will solve the case when she gets a grip on her demanding new school life and her housemates: the inventor, the novelist, the actor, the artist, and the jokester. But something strange is happening. Truly Devious makes a surprise return, and death revisits Ellingham Academy. The past has crawled out of its grave. Someone has gotten away with murder.
The two interwoven mysteries of this first book in the Truly Devious series dovetail brilliantly, and Stevie Bell will continue her relentless quest for the murderers in books two and three.
Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2018 * Junior Library Guild Selection * 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Nomination * 2019 ALA's Best Fiction for Young Adults Nomination * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books 2018 * Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fiction 2018 * 2018 Nerdy Book Club Young Adult Winner * Seventeen Best YA Book of 2018
Katherine Tegen Books
sullivanjw , 09/06/2019
Reluctant Reader Approved
Even though it ended on a cliffhanger I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Autumn❤️📚 , 12/30/2018
Can’t wait for the next one!!!
DSquared1977 , 08/30/2019
Do not buy until she writes the ending!!
This book would be five stars if it ended. It is a complete cliffhanger! Not acceptable in a book.
More Books by Maureen Johnson
13 Little Blue Envelopes
Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy
The Last Little Blue Envelope
The Vanishing Stair
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13590
|
__label__wiki
| 0.528314
| 0.528314
|
Activists Protest Spectra Energy Pipeline Project
By Paul Burton, WBZ-TVBy Paul Burton November 7, 2015 at 11:30 pm
Filed Under:Paul Burton, pipeline protest, Spectra Energy, West Roxbury
BOSTON (CBS) — Dozens rallied on Washington and Grove streets in West Roxbury to continue their protests and stop construction of a natural gas pipeline project already underway.
“We don’t need it and we don’t want it! We want to shut it down,” resident Nancy Wilson said.
Activists protest a Spectra Energy pipeline project in West Roxbury. (WBZ-TV)
Residents who live in the area say the West Roxbury Lateral puts their lives in danger and they want the project terminated. The Spectra Energy pipeline project involves building a natural gas pipeline through Dedham and West Roxbury.
“This pipeline goes right up this street and stopping by the quarry where the blasting takes place, which has caused damage to homes for years here,” resident Paul Corn said.
Activists hold a rally protesting a Spectra Energy pipeline project in West Roxbury on Saturday. (WBZ-TV)
The rally lasted about two hours, and protest organizers say they plan to rally every week to try and block the project.
“If someone wants to come into our community and do something, they need to be willing to come in and endanger their lives, family, and friends and they are not willing to do that,” resident Pamela Miles said.
The federally-approved project has drawn concerns from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and many federal officials.
Paul Burton is a general assignment reporter for WBZ-TV News.More from Paul Burton
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13595
|
__label__cc
| 0.588977
| 0.411023
|
Bowhouse Dental > Meet the Team
Dr Edward Masheder
Principal Dentist. GDC No. 74842
Edward graduated from Dundee University in 1998 and has since built up an extensive experience in all aspects of dental care. After spending time working as a maxillo-facial surgery house officer in hospitals in and around Bristol, Edward furthered his knowledge and gained the highly respected MFDS qualification awarded from the royal college of surgeons, Edinburgh in 2004.
Meet Edward
Dr David Madruga
Dental Implant Surgeon. GDC No. 104892
Dr Madruga qualified as a Dental Surgeon at the University Complutense of Madrid in 2006.
He has worked in several practices in the UK since 2006, taking care of NHS, Private and Denplan patients and successfully helped to develop several Conscious Sedation/Implant referral centres across the country.
Richard Masheder
Richard has been working at Bow House for over a year as Practice Manager. He is responsible along with his team to putting on a dazzling show of care and entertainment for the patients, even the most nervous patients that attend are transformed in to enjoying a visit to the dentist.
Bow House is a joy to work at. We have fantastic patients from all walks of life.
Meet Richard
Dr Marta Suarez
Practice Limited to Endodontics. GDC No. 141652
LDS (Barcelona) MSc Endodontics (Barcelona) MIADR
GDC 141652
Marta obtained her Bachelor degree in dentistry from the international Univesity of Catalonia(Barcelona) in 2005. In 2007, she also completed an MSc in Endodontics after two years post-graduate study in Barcelona.
Meet Marta
Dr Gerard Balague
Practice Limited to Periodontology. GDC No. 100898
DDS MSC Bio Med MSc Implantology PG Cert Forensic Science
GDC: 100898
Dr Gerard Balague graduated as a dentist from the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (Spain) in 2005.
Gerard helps our patients who have severe gum and bone problems and has a very gentle caring manner.
Meet Gerard
Dr Nirav Dalia
Associate Dentist. GDC No. 288711
Nirav's treatment philosophy is to provide quality dentistry with a patient-centered approach. He is passionate about taking time and care to give you the results you deserve, whilst also ensuring the long-term health of your mouth.
Meet Nirav
Karen Ward
Hygienist. GDC No. 4773
Smita Mistry
Smita qualified in 1990 from Eastman’s Dental Hospital in London, has become a Multi Award Winning Dental Care Professional.
Clinically she has worked continuously ever since 1990, which demonstrates and proves how much she enjoys her valuable role as a dental hygienist in Dentistry.
Meet Smita
Senior Dental Nurse
Holly heads up the implant clinic at Bow house and is a highly trained and experienced nurse working alongside Edward for over 15 years.
Holly is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of dental care and can help patients when discussing treatment and their options.
Apart from Dentistry Holly loves her little miniature sausage dog called 'Dudley'.
Meet Holly
Vicky Messenger
Vicky has been working at Bow House for a number of years, and has recently qualified in her certificate in dental nursing along with Rebakah. She is a valued member of our team, and enjoys working alongside Dr Rachel Keir.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13596
|
__label__cc
| 0.507991
| 0.492009
|
Review: Tough Guy (Game Changers #3) by Rachel Reid
They have nothing in common—so why does Ryan feel most like himself whenever he’s with Fabian?
Pro hockey star Ryan Price may be an enforcer, but off the ice he struggles with anxiety. Recently traded to the Toronto Guardians, he’s determined to make a fresh start in the city’s dynamic LGBTQ Village. The last thing he expects to stumble upon in his new neighborhood is a blast from his past in the fabulous form of Fabian Salah.
Aspiring musician Fabian loathes hockey. But that doesn’t stop him from being attracted to a certain burly, ginger-bearded defenseman. He hasn’t forgotten the kiss they almost shared back in high school, and it’s clear the chemistry between them has only intensified.
Fabian is more than happy to be Ryan’s guide to the gay scene in Toronto. Between dance clubs and art exhibits—and the most amazing sex—Ryan’s starting to feel something he hasn’t experienced in a long time: joy. But playing the role of the heavy on the ice has taken its toll on his body and mind, and a future with Fabian may mean hanging up his skates for good.
Honestly, I intended to wait to read this until closer to its release but I am currently muddled in a reading desert complete with tumbleweeds and the occasional snake so... I needed a slam dunk.
AND that's what Reid delivered in the third of the Game Changers series which, by the way, was completely different in tone to its predecessors. I found myself impressed with Reid's range and ability to straddle the line between sweet and meaty. Let it be known, I'm not averse to closeted characters and Ryan is in no way wearing Pride boxers in the locker room but it was a nice change of pace to have a hockey player who doesn't morph into a closet monster at the drop of a hat.
"You're a giant, orange teddy bear with deep pockets!"
Tough Guy features a ginger gentle giant that will pull on the heartstrings of even the most callous of readers. Ryan struggles with anxiety and body image issues both of which run deep. My heart broke for him more than once and I appreciated that the magic peen panacea wasn't trotted out. All his life he's found it difficult to connect with people both personally and professionally which has landed him on the trading block multiple times.
Was it possible for your heart to hold on to a ridiculous crush for thirteen years?
Which is how he lands in Toronto and with a little help from the serendipity gods has a chance run in with his high school crush, Fabian, or should I say a second chance run in? Full disclosure, I'm kind of a sucker for the unrequited love being requited trope especially when both parties were moony over each other.
"There's always been something about you. I've always been drawn to you. Is that weird?"
Ryan considered it. "I don't know. But I feel the same way."
Fabian is Ryan's polar opposite: femme, confident, extroverted and loves the spotlight. He's an emerging local singer/songwriter who at one point was chosen for the Toronto Symphony. In short, super talented, super adorable, gives zero fucks what anyone thinks of him and, needless to say, has to carry the bulk of the lets get reacquainted portion of the relationship early on for obvious reasons. The scales do balance with Ryan treating Fabian like he's the center of the universe and Fabian's almost preternatural ability to temper Ryan's mental health issues which is a must for me as a romance reader with a squishy marshmallow center.
The relationship evolves realistically and Ryan's angst was offset by Fabian's easy-breeziness coupled with their obvious chemistry. However, while they are enamored of each other Tough Guy is considerably less sexy than the other books in the series. It's more of a quiet sexiness with one BAJANGAJANG scene that was worthy of a reread. For science. Which proved my hypothesis that jazz hands and some primal... vocalizations really enhance the experience. True story.
Also, Tough Guy's secondary characters were on point! All of them. They were fantastic and fun including a certain Russian who makes a couple of appearances which you know I was 100% on board with. #1-FAN
If you're a fan of the series, sports romance, opposites attract, second chances or someone who can appreciate a significant size difference in their reads then give Tough Guy a whirl. I, for one, am hoping these two turn up again as the series continues.
p.s. It can probably be read as a standalone, though I would never recommend that. Because Ilya.
p.p.s. Sorry. I talked a lot about a Rachel Reid book. Again.
An ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Posted by Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ on Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Labels: Carina Press, Femme, Gentle Giant, ginger mc, hockey players, MANTIES, Mental Health, Opposites Attract, Optimist King's Wench, Rachel Reid, Reviews, Second Chances, size difference, Sports
Review: Angels Sing (Daddy Dearest #2) by Eli East...
Blog Tour + Giveaway: But by the Grace of Dog by A...
Review: World Turned Upside Down by Elyse Springer...
Blog Tour + Giveaway: Unfettered by Kate Hawthorne...
Release Blitz + Giveaway: No Place Like Home by An...
Blog Tour + Giveaway: Roxy's Recovery by Kim Breyo...
Tag Team Review: 9 Willow Street by Nell Iris
Release Blitz + Giveaway: A Broken Winter by Kale ...
Review: Tough Guy (Game Changers #3) by Rachel Rei...
Release Blitz + Giveaway: Hearts of Magic (Chevali...
Review: That Time I... Survived My Teens by Craig...
Blog Tour: Adore (On My Knees Duet #2) by Ella Jam...
Blog Tour + Giveaway: Soft Limits: A Deviations No...
Blog Tour + Giveaway: The Shifter's Shotgun Mating...
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13598
|
__label__wiki
| 0.962564
| 0.962564
|
Dentsu Webchutney names Gautam Reghunath as its new CEO
In his new role, Reghunath will continue to report into Sidharth Rao…
January 13, 2020, 14:07 IST
Dentsu Webchutney, the creatively-led digital agency from the house of Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN), has named Gautam Reghunath as its new chief executive officer (CEO).
The announcement comes after DAN India announced the elevation of Sidharth Rao as chairman, Happy mcgarrybowen (HMB) India and chairman, Dentsu Webchutney – last week.
“Gautam’s remarkable and much-deserved rise from within the ranks of Dentsu Webchutney is one of my favourite stories from the agency’s 20-year-old legacy. He started out as a junior servicing executive in 2010 and earned his stripes through sheer hard work and creative brilliance. He is a homegrown leader, someone whose impact on our people and business is unparalleled. Nothing exemplifies this better than our success with Bangalore - an office that he built from ground zero to the stature it commands, now. He understands our history," Rao said.
"Dentsu Webchutney started the digital advertising market in India as we know it. Our incredible client roster with some of the most globally consequential companies gives us a foundation to continue industry-leading creative work across branches in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Gurgaon. Sidharth is a tough act to follow. But he remains a keen advisor, well-wisher and a mentor I’m thrilled to have as we take on our biggest years of growth," Reghunath said.
Prior to this, Reghunath was executive vice president (EVP) and branch head for Dentsu Webchutney, Bangalore. In his new role, Reghunath will continue to report Rao and will now lead the agency, nationwide.
Sidharth Rao
McGarryBowen
Gautam Reghunath
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13599
|
__label__wiki
| 0.68974
| 0.68974
|
Triptich
Malcolm Dedman
Browse Works
Four Psalms
The New Jerusalem
Two Motets
Prelude and Fugue
Healing the Planet, orchestral version
Children of South Africa
The Song of the Child
These Fruitless Strifes
Our Rainbow Nation
Concerto for Viola and Orchestra
Time Passes By
Le Maître sans Baton
Invocation to Unity
Universal Mysteries
Thoughts of Spring
Strange Landing
Durban Beaches
Written in 2017, Triptych is a duet for two saxophones lasting around 8¼ minutes. Each player has two saxophones to play: the first plays alto and soprano whereas the second plays baritone and tenor.
The title refers to the common definition of triptych as referring to a work of art (usually a panel painting) that is divided into three sections. In the case of a panel painting, these sections are hinged together. In the case of this duet, there are three main parts: Allegro, Andante and another Allegro played without a break.
Much of the music circles around a few notes and the opening Allegro begins with two notes for alto saxophone and just one for the baritone. Gradually more notes are added until short thematic material starts to emerge. The rhythms are mainly irregular, with much of this section being in 7/8 time. The theme is expanded in a slower central interlude.
The Andante section is for soprano and baritone instruments and again only two, then three notes are boldly stated. The three notes become an ostinato and gradually the music moves forward expressively. The rhythms are generally much simpler, with most of the section being in 3/4 time.
The final Allegro is in a bouncy 6/8 time for soprano and tenor instruments, with a theme centring around 4 notes, and then gradually expanding. A short Andante reminds us of the central section and, later, a fragment of the opening section is stated, before the piece accelerates to an exciting conclusion.
View Score
Seconds:
Total Number of Instruments:
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13603
|
__label__wiki
| 0.896899
| 0.896899
|
Home » News » BT cash ‘hugely negative’ for Scottish broadband, minister claims
BT cash ‘hugely negative’ for Scottish broadband, minister claims
Tom Rodgers Wednesday, 9 August, 2017
A BT plan to lay down £600 million to cover 99% of the UK with broadband risks ruining competition, a Scottish government minister has claimed.
Scotland’s Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said in a letter to UK Secretary of State for Digital Karen Bradley that the investment “risks entrenching, even extending, BT’s monopoly position in rural areas”.
“That would be a hugely negative outcome and one that would serve to undermine and frustrate the Scottish government’s digital ambitions,” he wrote.
Mr Ewing seems to believe the BT plans would jeopardise the Scottish government’s own ideas on how to get to 100% broadband coverage.
Political rivals have been quick to denounce Mr Ewing’s claims.
Scottish Liberal Democrat connectivity spokesperson Mike Rumbles MSP accused the Scottish Government of “getting its excuses in early”.
The Scottish Government know they will struggle to fulfil their manifesto promise of 30Mbps for every home and business in Scotland by 2021. That is why they are getting their excuses in early.
Any failure can be blamed on the UK Government, rather than admitting that it is time the Scottish Government put their hands in their pockets instead of relying on Broadband Development UK.
BT laid out plans last month to invest up to £600 million in broadband infrastructure. It says everyone in the UK would be able to get broadband speeds of at least 10Mbps by 2020.
Ofcom says around 1.4 million homes in the UK can not get 10Mbps.
In June analysts reported that standard broadband, the old ADSL technology which promised download speeds of up to 17Mbps, had finally been overtaken by fibre broadband.
By: Tom Rodgers
Tom is a tech journalist and former Editor at BroadbandDeals.co.uk.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13604
|
__label__wiki
| 0.719356
| 0.719356
|
In March 2007, the Erie County Republican Party unanimously endorsed Chris Collins as its candidate for County Executive. After two Giambra terms, replete with cheap politicking and fiscal disasters, Collins seemed to be a successful guy with novel ideas on how to take the county forward. He pledged to reform county government, rebuild our economy, and restore jobs. I predicted that he would win as early as April of that year.
During the campaign, it was revealed that Collins had loaned money to an East Side slumlord and the debt went bad. When that happened, Collins could have foreclosed and re-sold the properties, or write it off and let them rot. Collins chose the latter, and it’s indicative of his complete lack of any empathy or engagement on urban issues.
He did win, and within the first 12 hours he pledged to hire a “Six Sigma black belt” at tremendous public expense to implement what average people call “common sense”. He eventually hired six-figure Six Sigma people. He even hired someone at over $100,000 to determine how to use county space. But he was doing good, simple things, too. Things that didn’t need million-dollar consultants. However, in looking back on his first 100 days, there was a lot of stuff I liked.
By July 2008, top people were leaving his administration. By August, it was becoming clear that Collins wasn’t one of us. He was one of them. Let’s call it the dictatorship of the bureaucrats – elected officials and their hangers-on cutting petty deals over petty things, rather than addressing the big picture and providing this region with a vision.
Here, we are run by people like Brown and Casey, who are busy trying to engineer a party-political coup (and failing), or by people like Chris Collins who sweats the small stuff just fine (GPS in cars, running government “like a business”), but doesn’t really have any sort of overall vision for what he wants WNY to become. Brown and Casey are hacky members of a cliquey politburo; Collins is bureaucrat-in-chief.
He managed to do an end run around a sleepy legislature to get rid of Tim Kennedy’s Apprenticeship Law. Under the law, companies bidding on county-funded construction work over a certain dollar amount had to maintain and participate in a state-certified apprenticeship program to teach young workers a trade. As a commenter below notes, the program “demonstrates a commitment from a contractor the willingness to invest in our own area’s youth. Also, the program provides for the base and structure that will allow for a competent, unbiased and impartial approach to ensure that when a graduate of the program earns the title of journeyman that they are indeed schooled in all of the requisite work a person with that title should be able to perform within a specified jurisdiction. Finally, the law would ensure that New York State and local residents had a better chance of being employed on county projects. The law was in fact largely passed due the discovery of circa 10 illegal workers being found performing asbestos removal in the Rath Building after the award of a contract to do the work to an out of town contractor.”
People like Chris Collins and Carl Paladino vehemently opposed the law for a reason and a pretext – the reason was that it helped keep private-sector union trades strong, which is anathema to Buffalo’s puny plutocrats. The pretext was that it drove up the cost of this sort of work. Yet as far as anyone can tell, there doesn’t seem to have been some sudden surge in construction since – and due to its – repeal. It’s part of the contemporary Republican ethos to destroy any protection for workers, whether it be good benefits, a living wage, and collective bargaining rights – the right of management and owners to dictate the terms of employment as an adhesion contract with absolutely zero regulation over wages and conditions; a reversion to the days of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.
Taxes. Chris Collins pledged to lower them. Even today, he rails against job-killing high taxes. Are you totally incensed by Mark Poloncarz’s proposed 2013 budget, which includes a 3.4% property tax hike? Then Chris Collins’ October 2008 3.6% tax hike proposal must have really made you angry. You must have been even more outraged with what happened later on, when he ended up demanding a 4.8% tax hike. Collins started cutting programs that help the urban poor and diverting money to fixing up suburban roads, calling them a quality of life issue. It was soon revealed that Collins kept a $16 million Medicaid liability off the books.
In the meantime, there was no explanation why 10 months’ worth of Six Sigma implementation at great public cost had not resulted in any palpable cost savings. The Democratic legislature amended Collins’ proposed budget to change its priorities and decrease the tax hike. Collins claims that Six Sigma saved a couple million dollars. Never has that claim been audited, reviewed, or backed up with any facts or evidence. By all accounts, it cost taxpayers a couple million dollars, and few people know that Collins isn’t even certified as a Six Sigma anything. It’s as if government was being run by a malevolent, trendy management tome.
In the end, it was a choice between a Collins-backed 4.8% property tax hike, and the Legislature’s 0.0% hike. A Supreme Court Justice ruled that taxes would go up 1.6%. Chris Collins didn’t just raise your taxes, he went to court to make sure he could do it.
Meanwhile, you’ve probably heard Collins rail against the Obama stimulus, a collection of tax cuts and appropriations for public works; Keynesian pump-priming to address a growing crisis of falling economic demand. Back in 2009, however, Collins sang the stimulus’ praises.
“As County Executive, I believe strongly that infrastructure improvements are critical to the growth of Erie County,” said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. “At a time when county resources are scarce, a possible injection of federal dollars could have a tremendous impact on Erie County’s aging and neglected infrastructure. Funding for even a fraction of these projects would represent a significant investment in our community, the opportunity to hire thousands of local workers, and reduce our need for capital borrowing in the future.”
Senator Schumer made sure that the county received $750,000 in stimulus funding to balance the budget and offset Medicaid expenses. When all was said and done, Collins has $41 million in Obama stimulus money to thank for padding the county’s coffers. Money that was intended to be used to help spur demand and create jobs was instead shunted – like Giambra’s tobacco settlement money – into one-shot salves for budgetary shortfalls. He was downright cavalier about sitting on a pool of free money that was supposed to be put into the economy.
Unlike in his private business affairs, County Executive Collins was subject to financial oversight. This was not something he enjoyed, and he pushed vindictive cuts to the Comptroller’s office, which would have laid waste to any meaningful accountability for what Collins was doing.
Frankly, someone should ask Collins’ former spokesman, Stefan Mychajliw – who is now himself running for County Comptroller – what he thinks about what Collins tried to do to then-Comptroller Poloncarz’s office’s ability to do its job.
In April 2009, Collins completely disregarded an effort to implement a regional framework for planning and growth in a region where we have sprawl without population growth. Again- a lack of vision in favor of bureaucratic stasis. But his gamesmanship became epic, whereby the Legislature would legally override a Collins veto, and Collins would respond by simply jettisoning democratic procedure aside and declaring the override “null and void”.
Throughout his administration, Chris Collins was fighting the Justice Department, which demanded that the county improve conditions in its jails. 2009 brought a legislative election, and Collins was set on jury-rigging the system in order to ensure that the second half of his term would be less litigious. He hired Kathy Konst as part of a ploy to leave the (D) line unoccupied. Collins pick Dino Fudoli went to court to keep his Democratic opponent’s name off the ballot. Fundamentally undemocratic gamesmanship, and it should taint Collins and Fudoli in perpetuity. Hell, Collins used an official Twitter account for electioneering purposes.
Collins’ proposed 2010 budget played with the numbers to keep taxes steady, but no spending was cut. None.
Most of you will remember his horrible thing Collins said, calling Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver the “anti-Christ”. It wasn’t the first time he used it, and it was a theme that Carl Paladino picked up on the following year, with similar electoral effect. Even though Collins had a good 2009 election, it didn’t make him happy; it made him angry. But as 2010 began, Erie County finally settled its disputes over payments to ECMC. Soon after that, Collins conspired with the Mayor’s people and Pigeon’s people to obtain a de facto Republican majority on the Legislature. All it took was Barbara Miller-Williams, Christina Bove, and Tim Kennedy to agree to join a so-called “reform coalition”, which reformed nothing. Except hirings and firings. Tim Kennedy did this in spite of Collins’ destruction of his beloved Apprenticeship Law, in order to secure the Independence Party line and be elevated to the State Senate.
In January 2010, Collins was again caught with his foot in his mouth, having asked Republican fundraiser Laura Montante Zaepfel to give him a “lapdance” before she could get to her seat at the State of the State address. Next on his agenda was to take away day care benefits from the working poor in Buffalo and WNY. But we did finally get rid of the Convention Center’s FailSign.
When not declaring legislative veto overrides “null and void”, Collins decided simply to refuse to fund things he didn’t like. Nevertheless, in running government like a failing, closely-held business, Collins created new jobs for pet projects, didn’t cut spending overall, and was facing a massive 2011 deficit. At least he had a compliant, but horribly run legislature.
Collins then turned his ire towards the culturals, and this teed off the central theme of the 2011 County Executive race. The budget process in late 2010 was uglier than ever, and more shenanigan-laden than usual.
Six Sigma – Collins claims it worked. How did it work? The control board granted the county about $1.1 million in efficiency grants to set the program up. Six Sigma salaries: just over $470,000. Six Sigma fringe (60%): Just over $280,000. Vendors (5 vendors, including UB): Just over $610,000. TOTAL: Just over $1.37 million. How much did it save? You can hear the crickets chirping.
Debating Kathy Hochul, Collins blasted the Obama administration for “picking winners and losers” by having the government take GM and Chrysler bankrupt and using public money to invest in those companies and effectively bailing them out. By doing so, about a million jobs were directly saved, keeping the economy from going from recession to depressionary spiral. But Collins didn’t have a problem using the Erie County IDA to pick winners and losers, did he? That uses public money to help private business. He even went so far as to reward Paladino crony Rus Thompson with a sweetheart IDA loan for his cement truck business. Must be nice to have friends on the IDA like Chris Collins and his neighbor, Jane Corwin’s husband. At the CVB, Collins withheld funding until he packed it with his hand-picked people – after that, he increased its budget. For real. Under Collins, the IDA specialized in granting money and tax breaks to businesses that didn’t create many jobs, moved businesses around from town to town.
When Chris Lee got caught shirtless on Craigslist, soliciting dates from people not his wife, a scramble to replace him ensued. David Bellavia had a deal that he would be next when Lee was done. Lee was done. Yet Chris Collins and Carl Paladino tried to intimidate Bellavia out of the race. It was like something out of Goodfellas.
2011 saw Collins and Poloncarz do battle. As usual, Collins and the Republicans cut a deal with Mayor Brown in an effort to depress city turnout. In July 2011, Collins got caught marching at the front of the July 4th parade in Lancaster – even ahead of the flag and veterans. When polls showed that Collins wasn’t doing well, he called the polls a pack of lies. He went out of his way to say that downstate was no friend of upstate’s. Don’t forget that Collins got caught parking illegally several times – including using a spot reserved for the disabled.
And Collins left a mess. In July 2012, Poloncarz revealed,
In the first six months of my term alone, we have identified more than $50 million in unanticipated expense and declining revenue projections not included in Mr. Collins’ 2012 Budget or Four-Year Financial Plan – many of which he, in all likelihood, knew about but failed to address and chose to hide from me as comptroller, the legislature and even the control board.
After leaving office, Collins was caught using his Rath Building office to hold private business meetings to intimidate investors. In July 2012, Collins basically said that people don’t die from breast and prostate cancer anymore. Seriously. He disrespectfully refused to debate his primary opponent. He apparently bought Facebook likes. Collins is a big backer of the Ryan budget. Collins has not released any of his tax returns to the voters.
Chris Collins can say “Barack Obama” and “Nancy Pelosi” every minute of every hour. He can pretend to be some conservative Republican who will somehow magically work with people across the aisle – something he only did locally when he could derive some short-term political benefit therefrom; something he only did when he could exert control over them and the legislative process through his proxy, Barbara Miller-Williams. Kathy Hochul’s record stands on its own merits. So does Chris Collins’ record, such as it is.
In the end, Chris Collins did not reform county government – in fact, he resisted and blocked reforms almost routinely (another “r”); he did not rebuild the local economy, but ensured that stimulus funds were hoarded to artificially improve his balance sheet; and he did not reduce – but raised – taxes.
Tags: Chris Collins, NY-27
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13608
|
__label__wiki
| 0.506216
| 0.506216
|
Paying tribute to our community of translators
Let's thank them for making PrestaShop available worldwide
Alex Even
Each month we’ve been presenting the top contributors to our translation project on Crowdin, in the “Do you Speak PrestaShop?” reports. It’s nice, interesting and all… but we wanted to do more! The people behind PrestaShop translations deserve a real tribute. When you think about it, translators are the ones who, thanks to their hard work, make it possible for PrestaShop to reach new countries, and for merchants to sell cross-border. It’s HUGE!
Highlighting the translators’ involvement
Until now, with the monthly reports, we publish a top 10 of the most active translators each month. We think it’s better to give you the big picture. We started tracking the number of words translated, to see how it evolved. Translators are contributing continuously, word by word, string by string, to PrestaShop.
So here it is, you can view the ranking of top translators, and see how much they contributed to PrestaShop! Let’s thank them for their dedication!
Visit the translators page
The translators page is divided into two major sections:
The ranking of top translators
The language progression
With the underlying idea to give visibility to the community of translators, and show what these contributions mean: it’s more and more languages for PrestaShop merchants. That’s the magic of open-source!
Top translators
The ranking of translators displays the top translators based on the number of words translated, starting from the 1st of July (that’s about when we opened the translation project for the 1.7 version).
Translators are ranked according to the following categories:
Words translated
500-2,500 Traveller
2500-5000 Backpacker
5000-8500 Adventurer
8,500-20000 Explorer
> 20,000 Pioneer
Check out the translator’s page to see in which category you are!
Are you a top translator? Then you might want to add a link to your website, your Github account or your twitter account. Contact us with the information you’d like to share with the world!
Ongoing translations
Below the ranking of translators, you’ll see the ongoing translations, as available on our Crowdin project. To let you know about the languages that are still being completed, and to show you how it evolves.
Remember, the PrestaShop translation project is open to anyone, so don’t hesitate to join if you are a polyglot!
The translator page is updated every Monday so you can see the evolution on a weekly basis.
What do you think? Any feedback or question? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment!
translation i18n l10n contribute
Alex Even Product Manager @ PrestaShop
GitHub Forum Crowdin Twitter
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13609
|
__label__wiki
| 0.787582
| 0.787582
|
Guessing game begins on Irene insured losses
Hurricane Irene is expected to have caused substantial property losses, though figures are still hard to come by because of uncertainty about wind damage, catastrophe modeling company Eqecat said on Monday
Scott Olson/Getty Images
By Ben Berkowitz
NEW YORK – Hurricane Irene is expected to have caused substantial property losses, though figures are still hard to come by because of uncertainty about wind damage, catastrophe modeling company Eqecat said on Monday.
Shares in some of the world’s largest reinsurers rose in early trading, though, as traders assumed insurers would make it through the storm more cheaply than had been feared.
Millions of people throughout the northeastern United States were in the dark and flooded, particularly in rural Vermont and suburban New Jersey. Totaling those losses is expected to take time, as the process of figuring out how many of the affected actually had government-backed flood insurance.
By some accounts the insured losses in the Carolinas were as little as US$200-million after the storm made landfall there Saturday, but impacts appear to have been far worse as the storm made its way up the coast.
“Irene is a major event and will be responsible for significant levels of insured losses to property and people,” Eqecat said in a loss report early Monday morning. It expects to have more figures later in the day.
Prior to the hurricane, some had feared Irene could be a US$10-billion event or more. Analysts and insurance executives suggested something north of US$15-billion could bring a structural change to the insurance market, pushing prices higher around the world after three years of weakness.
It is unclear if Irene can hit that market. Between the Caribbean and the Carolinas, Eqecat has estimated losses of no more than US$1-billion. Its competitor AIR Worldwide has forecast losses of US$1.1-billion just for the Caribbean, though. The third key player in catastrophe modeling for the insurance industry, RMS, has not weighed in with a figure yet.
Shares in the world’s top three reinsurers — Munich Re, Swiss Re and Hannover Re — rose 3% as analysts said they did not expect any losses to force a change to 2011 estimates.
This year has already been the most expensive for natural disasters in the history of the world, mostly because of the costs of the March earthquake in Japan.
WatchConservatives savage 'disastrous' Liberal policy over cancelled Energy East pipeline
Golf Town swinging back against industry headwinds
Quebec's Dutil family buys back steelmaker Canam Group from U.S. private equity firm
WatchPunishing Iran economically right now will not advance Canada's interest: Bessma Momani
Head of Canada's biggest pension fund warns on rush to illiquid assets
IMF trims global economic outlook but softens risk warnings
World's richest 2,000 people hold more than poorest 4.6 billion combined, says Oxfam report
Car sales may be slumping, but policy could give electric vehicles and the auto industry a charge
White House considering changes to law banning U.S. companies from paying bribes overseas
Gap backs away from plan to spin off Old Navy after its performance deteriorates
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13613
|
__label__wiki
| 0.750636
| 0.750636
|
Gravel Road to IV’s and Bandages
Sophomores experience dramatic ATV accident
Annabelle Lynch, Contributer
“I thought I was in an alternate universe,” sophomore Olivia Pelliccia said.
Pelliccia and her two best friends, sophomores Abbie Campbell and Zara Diedel, were involved in a serious ATV accident on May 26, 2017.
The accident happened at Campbell’s lake house in Shell Knob, Missouri just one week into the 2017 summer break. The night of the 26th, the girls went driving around the neighborhood for fun when joking around took a negative turn. Diedel was driving when the vehicle lost traction, spun out of control, and flipped on the gravel road with all three girls flying out of it.
The incident landed all three girls up in the hospital that night. Diedel had the worst of the injuries and was admitted to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri for a full week. She had a broken femur and fractured pelvis on the opposite side. Campbell had cuts on the top of her feet; they were worse than the doctors anticipated and got infected. That infection landed her back in the hospital just 24 hours after she was released. Pelliccia was released after the doctors cleaned up her road rash.
The three were all in a great amount of shock right when it happened. As a result of that adrenaline, Campbell lifted her family’s four-seater ATV off both her legs and stood up to look for a phone. She got to one of the girls’s working phones to call for help.
“I thought I was in a dream,” Campbell said.
The girls were most scared by different parts of the experience.
“This happened because of me and I was just glad they weren’t the ones who got it the worse,” Diedel said.
For Pelliccia, she explained that thinking about the worst possible effects that the accident could have had, scared her the most.
“I think it’s scary thinking about the potential that the wreck could have had because people die from these things,” Pelliccia said. “We are considered lucky that the outcome wasn’t worse and none of us are going to have permanent damages that will affect us the rest of our lives.”
Campbell couldn’t stop thinking about the amount of pain they endured.
“What scared me the most was how much pain they were in and how hurt they were,” Campbell said.
All three of the girls agreed that the accident still impacts them today, some more than others. Diedel has had five surgeries since the accident and still has trouble walking nine months later. On a mental and emotional level, she shared that the accident does not bother her so much, but for Campbell that was not the case.
“Emotionally, it actually kind of affected me a lot, right after the accident I would have nightmares about it and every time I closed my eyes, my mind went back to the scene,” Campbell said.
Her scars are now one of her biggest insecurities.
Since the accident, the girls share how it brought them even closer than they already were.
“Not only did you have someone there who went through the same thing but you also had someone who you could talk with and they would actually understand what you were saying,” Campbell said.
All three agreed that having each other through it all made each situation and each mountain they had to climb just a little easier.
Diedel, Campbell and Pelliccia were all asked what they had learned from the accident and each said they now know when to not push the limits and to be a little more careful. Not one of them ever imagined something like this happening to them.
“People always think things like ‘Oh it’s not going to happen to me’ and then it does,” Pelliccia said.
She also explained how people should not assume bad things will never happen.
The accident came as big surprise to the girls and their families.
“It still takes my breath away,” Campbell said.
The girls will never forget the accident or what they went through to overcome it.
Abbie Campbell
Annabelle Lynch
ATV Accident
blue valley west
Olivia Pelliccia
Zara Diedel
Jaguar Jump Up Assembly
Class Day 2019
Crimson Cat’s Summer Show
Jags compete in the track meet at Mill Valley
Athletes sign to extend careers in college
Thoughts on Two Late Arrivals
All About W.E.S.T Club
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13615
|
__label__wiki
| 0.738123
| 0.738123
|
New Steering Group, Victorian Hubs, News and more
You are here: Home / News / Uncategorized / New Steering Group, Victorian Hubs, News and more
Your next update from the Coalition for Community Energy (C4CE) is here.
Community energy continues to have a high profile since the huge success of the Community Energy Congress. The Victorian Government has just announced an important new initiative supporting community energy in three regional locations. The media continues to see community energy as popular and newsworthy – and what a great story it makes, from the $24 million invested in community energy in Australia to-date to the stories coming out of dozens of towns, villages and suburbs around Australia.
Communities are starting to find their rightful place at the centre of the energy transition in this country.
C4CE has a new Steering Group. We only had nine nominations for nine positions, so there was no need for elections. Read on to meet the new team and more.
Nicky & Manny
Secretariat for C4CE
Victorian Community Power Hubs Announcement
The Victorian Government has announced it will provide $110,00 funding over a two year period to establishment three pilot Community Power Hubs in Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley.
The Community Power Hubs will assist the community in accessing the skills and expertise required to develop and deliver community-based renewable energy projects.
The Community Power Hubs will be hosted by a local not-for-profit or social enterprise organisation that works to co-ordinate and facilitate the development and expansion of community energy in each geographic area while helping to build capacity and skills.
See the Sustainability Victoria website for more detail and read this article by Nicky Ison for further insights into these Hubs. While the application deadline is coming up fast, if there is any way C4CE can assist potential applicants please feel free to get in touch at secretariat@c4ce.net.au.
Meet the new C4CE Steering Group!
Following the great success of Community Energy Congress 2017, C4CE has also appointed its new Steering Group! C4CE thanks all outgoing Steering Group members and looks forward to what comes next with this talented and committed group of community energy leaders.
Meet the 2017 – 2019 C4CE Steering Group team:
Adrian Ford – Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG)
Formerly a corporate lawyer with strong business development experience in Australia and the UK, Adrian is currently completing a PhD on renewable energy policy at the University of Melbourne. Adrian is an active member of the Surf Coast Energy Group and the Victorian Community Solar Alliance, and brings to strong strategic development, sector collaboration and project management skills to C4CE.
Gavin Ashley – Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL)
Gavin heads up MEFL’s consultancy operations and takes a lead role in supporting community energy projects, including Zero Net Energy Town (Z-NET) and more recently a 2MW community solar project in Wodonga. Following his first year as a C4CE steering group member, Gavin will continue to bring his own and MEFL’s broader stakeholder relations, communications reach and project delivery roles to further the objectives of C4CE and looks forward to a significant ongoing role in the community energy movement.
Heather Smith – CORENA
Heather is an electrical engineer and has been both an industrial energy efficiency consultant and a climate change policy maker in her career. After many years in state government Heather has moved on to focus on community energy. She is a Churchill Fellow, recently returned from looking at the role of community energy around the world in provoking change and defining each country’s energy transition. Through her increased involvement with C4CE, Heather aims to be at the heart of South Australia’s community energy sector while providing a good state connection to national activities.
Donna Luckman – Alternative Technology Association (ATA)
As CEO of the ATA, Donna brings over 20 years experience working for government, not-for-profit and research organisations, as well as extensive networks in the sustainability and community energy sector. Donna and ATA aim to lend their strong organisational management skills to C4CE, while leveraging ATA’s national membership and communications reach to assist supporting the sector.
Declan Kuch – Pingala
Declan is a research fellow at UNSW who has been working in, researching and writing about energy and climate issues since 2005. Declan also works with Pingala to find host sites and build its community of supporters. Through C4CE, Declan aims to help build a community legal support strategy that will enable relevant, effective, timely advice that avoids the costly fees of corporate practice.
Vikki McLeod – Zero Emissions Noosa
Vikki has 30 years experience in the energy supply industry as an electrical engineer before specialising in energy and climate change policy work across a range of government, industry and community groups including Brisbane City Council, the Australian, Victorian and NT Governments, Senior Adviser to the Leader of Australian Democrats, and Clean Energy Council. Vikki likes to see opportunities rather than barriers and and looks forward to bringing her extensive experience to C4CE.
Taryn Lane – Hepburn Wind
Taryn has been the Community Manager of Australia’s first community-owned cooperative wind farm Hepburn Wind for more than six years part-time, delivering industry best community engagement around wind energy. Taryn conducts research around the emerging community energy sector in Australia and has led or co-authored a range of State, Federal and ARENA funded studies in to community energy. Taryn has been involved with C4CE since it’s 2014 inception, and is the current Chair of C4CE and would like to continue to support this emerging organisation over the coming years.
Tom Nockolds – Community Power Agency
Tom has devoted his professional and volunteering life to community energy since 2013. He is a founding member of Pingala, where he has played a leading role in developing one of Australia’s pioneering community solar projects. As a member of the team at Community Power Agency, Tom has a comprehensive knowledge of community energy in Australia and has been heavily involved in delivering secretariat services to the C4CE Steering Group meetings and providing administrative services to support the membership and operation of the organisation. Tom brings a combination of practical experience in delivering community energy projects, coupled with a commercial background in the IT and legal industries, and extensive governance experience.
Angela Johnstone – Energy Locals
Angela began her community energy journey as a volunteer at Pingala where she was proud to contribute to the Young Henry’s brewery project (and enabling solar powered beer!). With a background in biofuels and bioplastics, electronic waste recycling, business sector sustainability, Angela now works full time in community energy with ethical retailer Energy Locals. Angela looks forward to bringing her financial modelling and project delivery skills in to the C4CE network and helping to promote collective knowledge sharing across the sector.
Australian community energy news
You might have noticed there’s been a lot of great media coverage of community energy recently. Check it out:
Comprehensive coverage of community energy investment
Climate Media Centre have pulled together data on how much money has been invested into community energy. Coverage included:
ABC Facebook video
ABC online story
News.com.au article
Fifth estate article
Hepburn Advocate article.
Renewables Roadshow
The Guardian has produced a series of videos and articles showcasing community energy projects across Canberra, New South Wales and Victoria.
Community Energy for Goulburn – DA Approval
Community Energy for Goulburn got their development application approved, check out the great coverage in the Goulburn Post.
Voices of Community Energy
There’s a new podcast in town and it’s all about community energy. There’s some great stories already online, so get in there and listen to the people who’ve had the vision, struggled the struggle and achieved meaningful change in their communities. Please ‘like’ the facebook page or voce.net.au
More Congress Videos
You can find more videos from the Congress on the Outputs Page and also on the C4CE YouTube channel.
This sure beats watching coverage of the federal budget! Top up your inspiration and watch some of these videos today.
2017 C4CE Steering Group nominations are now open C4CE News – Z-NET & community energy projects across the country
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13616
|
__label__wiki
| 0.744144
| 0.744144
|
Toronto Raptors tie franchise record for 3-pointers in a game, defeating Miami Heat 125-104
The Raptors will be without Kawhi Leonard today as they take on the Heat, a team making a late push for one of the Eastern Conference's final playoff spots
https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/NBA_Global_CMS_image_storage/1f/66/irvgotti_1cfldr6xwy73t1tkyk0ey4t3wq.jpg?t=1317723801&w=500
By Kyle Irving @KyleIrv_
Kyle Lowry [NBA Getty Images] https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/NBA_Global_CMS_image_storage/4f/30/lowry-ftrjpg_8qoxlqi8p38g1hbucu7c69eyl.jpg?t=1768939489&w=500
The Toronto Raptors took care of business in Miami, defeating the Heat 125-104.
They converted a franchise record-tying 21 3-pointers in the win as Kyle Lowry (6 3PM), Danny Green (5 3PM), Patrick McCaw (3 3PM) and Norman Powell (3 3PM) were all feeling it from long range.
The Raptors advance to 48-19 while the Heat fall to 31-35, snapping a four game win streak.
If you missed any of the action, we had you covered below with highlights, updates and more from the game.
Toronto Raptors at Miami Heat
Preview | Box score | Play-by-play
Final: Raptors 125, Heat 104
5:58 p.m. - The Raptors close out to win decisively, 125-104. They converted a franchise record-tying 21 made 3-pointers to handle the Heat. Kyle Lowry was fantastic, stepping up in Kawhi Leonard's absence with 24 points and 10 assists. Pascal Siakam scored 20 points and Norman Powell chipped in 15 points off the bench.
For the Heat, Bam Adebayo was a beast all game long with 19 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Dwyane Wade finished with 15 points, four assists and three steals.
5:40 p.m. - Another made three for Kyle Lowry! He puts the Raptors back up by 16 points, 105-89, with just over eight minutes left in the contest. Toronto has now hit a season-high 19 3-pointers.
HEAT CHECK pic.twitter.com/BAGDCiVE4A
- Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 10, 2019
5:31 p.m. - Kyle Lowry does not want to let this one slip away. He scored five quick points to start the fourth quarter as the Raptors lead 99-85 just two minutes into the final frame. Lowry now has 21 points to go with nine assists and four boards.
End of third quarter: Raptors 91, Heat 79
5:20 p.m. - The Raptors lead 91-79 after three quarters. Miami made a late push to end the third and cut into Toronto's lead. Pascal Siakam leads all scorers with 20 points in the game.
5:14 p.m. - The lead is up to 17 as Toronto leads 87-70 with 2:37 left in the third. All five starters are in double-figures and Danny Green has now hit five 3-pointers in the game. They're shooting efficiently from the field (57.4 percent) and from beyond the arc (55.2 percent) while locking down on defence, preventing the Heat from making a comeback so far.
5:04 p.m. - The Raptors are starting to pull away as they lead the Heat 82-66. They've converted 16 3-pointers already and there is still 8:11 to play in the third quarter.
Can't St👌🏽p! pic.twitter.com/wFdll19676
Halftime: Raptors 68, Heat 54
4:40 p.m. - The Raptors end the half on a 14-3 run to take a 68-54 lead! They buried four consecutive 3-pointers in the run with Patrick McCaw burying two and Serge Ibaka and Danny Green knocking down one apiece.
Green's 12 points on four 3-pointers is tied with Pascal Siakam's 12 points for a team-high. The Raptors are doing a great job sharing the ball with 19 assists on 24 field goals.
For the Heat, Bam Adebayo has a team-high 10 points with Dwyane Wade chipping in nine points off the bench.
Clickin'. #RTZ
Green/Skills - 12p
Baka/KLow - 10p pic.twitter.com/yXZpps6aPA
4:31 p.m. - And now its Kyle Lowry who is given a technical foul for arguing a foul call on a missed fast break dunk from Justise Winslow. The Raptors lead 50-47 with 3:43 remaining in the half. Nick Nurse takes a timeout to try and calm things down.
4:25 p.m. - The Heat trail 48-43 after a steal and thunderous throw down from Bam Adebayo. Adebayo was given a technical foul for hanging on the rim, but Lowry missed the technical free throw. There is just over five minutes remaining in the second quarter.
End of first quarter: Raptors 32, Heat 27
4:05 p.m. - 3-point shooting has been the difference maker so far in this one. The Raptors lead 32-27 after one quarter shooting 7-for-10 from 3-point land. The Heat remain competitive by shooting 50.0 percent from the field with Dwyane Wade's five points off the bench helping their cause.
3:58 p.m. - Toronto extends their lead to 24-15 as Danny Green is starting to heat up. He's 2-for-2 from beyond the arc to get things going early for the Raptors.
3:48 p.m. - The Raptors lead the Heat 16-10 at the firs timeout. Both Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry are red hot out of the gate - Siakam has five points while Lowry has six points and two assists.
Raptors Basketball pic.twitter.com/qEic5u1slf
3:00 p.m. - The Raptors will start Patrick McCaw in Kawhi Leonard's place. This will be McCaw's first start with the Raptors. They'll go with the usuals other than that - Kyle Lowry, Danny Green, Pascal Siakam and Serge Ibaka.
2:49 p.m. - The Heat will start Justise Winslow, Dion Waiters, Josh Richardson, Kelly Olynyk and Bam Adebayo.
Starting 5 on the floor today! pic.twitter.com/fZFlCfARRG
- Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 10, 2019
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13617
|
__label__cc
| 0.737546
| 0.262454
|
Spectrum TV TM from Spectrum
99 /mo
Home > New York > Spectrum TV Yorkville, NY
Exciting Reasons to Buy Spectrum TV in Yorkville, NY!
You have a lot of different options of how you watch TV, but if you want the single largest selection of channels and On Demand options, there’s no better choice than Spectrum TV in Yorkville NY . Here are the top 10 reasons why you need to be using Spectum TV.
Reason #1. Over 200 available channels
You simply won’t find a larger array of live TV channels than with Spectrum TV in Yorkville New York. You get access to over 200 TV channels, including all the top sports, entertainment, news and lifestyle channels. In addition, you can subscribe to numerous premium movie channels and a great assortment of international and multicultural programming. In fact, all the following categories and genres of programming are waiting for you with Spectrum TV in Yorkville NY:
Kids programming
Entertainment Channels
Reason #2. All the best movie channels
Spectrum TV in Yorkville, NY offers you access to the most popular premium movie channels, including: HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz, Starz Encore, and The Movie Channel.
Reason #3. Free HD
Not only are you getting 200+ channels, you’re also getting many of those channels in full HD, which is 6 times crisper and sharper than SD. If you’re watching a sports game for example, you can watch the game on the HD version of the channel and get all the action in even more vibrant detail. Watching your favorite programs on Spectrum TV in pure HD gives you an experience unlike anything else. HD can transform your viewing experience in so many ways, and these are just a few examples:
You can enjoy TV programs in 1080p resolution, which is the same quality as Blu-Ray
Live sports in pure HD is a heavenly experience in itself. The crystal clear picture quality, brilliant slow motion effects, and stunning images leave you spellbound
HD picture quality gives you unprecedented look into the minutest aspects of pictures. For instance, you can notice the smallest of wrinkles on your favorite star, small twitches in facial expressions that you would have missed in SD video, etc.
HD is not about picture quality alone. High definition also applies for audio. The HD audio offers such a superb audio detail that you will hear sounds from instruments that you didn’t even know existed in the songs you have been hearing for years.
You can watch HD programs on your wide screen television sets, without experiencing any pixilation or break in image quality
Reason #4. Over 10,000 On Demand Choices
There’s no other live TV provider that also provides as many On Demand choices. Spectrum Cable TV in Yorkville offers you 10,000+ On Demand choices, with over half of them absolutely free. That’s the case with Primetime On Demand, for example, where you get access to TV shows appearing during primetime absolutely free. This is a great feature to have if you work late hours, and can’t watch a show during regular primetime hours. You can just watch it later, whenever you have time, for no additional cost.
Reason #5. Digital Video Recorder
The Spectrum DVR enables you to record a single show or a full series – the choice is up to you. You can use the Digital Video Recorder to record up to 8 shows at one time, on up to 4 different TVs in your home. You can pause, rewind or stop live TV shows and fast-forward through older shows and movies. For live TV, the DVR is indispensable.
Here’s just one great example: say that you want to watch a football game at night, but it starts late and you have to get up early the next day for work. You have two options, depending on your viewer preferences. You could record the full game and watch it the next day or the next weekend – whenever you have time. But you could also start watching the game on live TV and then simply pause it until you have time to finish watching it. This combines the best of both worlds – the drama and excitement of live TV, and the ease and convenience of stopping, pausing and rewinding to fit your personal schedule.
Reason #6. Spectrum Pay-Per-View
In addition to all the On Demand viewing options, you also get access to Spectrum Pay-Per-View, which gives you the opportunity to watch events, specials and performances. This is a particular favorite for people who like to watch sporting events like UFC or boxing matches. It’s also a favorite way to watch important entertainment events, such as rock concerts by world-famous bands.
Reason #7. Affordable bundle pricing
One great way to make Spectrum TV even more budget-friendly is by taking advantage of the three Triple Play packages – Triple Play Select, Triple Play Silver and Triple Play Gold. Consider that, as a standalone offering, Triple Play Select would cost $64.99 per month. But if you bundle it as part of a Triple Play package, you can get it for just $49.99 per month. That’s an amazing price savings.
Reason #8. Spectrum TV App
Once you start bundling services, you also make each of them more powerful. Consider the example of combining Spectrum TV and Spectrum Internet. Once you’ve created a home Wi-Fi network, you can then download the Spectrum TV app to any of your mobile devices. By opening up the app and logging in, you then get the ability to watch 170+ channels from anywhere in your home. Moreover, you also get 60+ channels as an on-the-go offering.
Think about how much viewing freedom this opens up for you. It means you have the option of watching live TV from a tablet in your bedroom. Or you could just as easily watch live TV from a kitchen in your home. Imagine getting ready to watch the big game on TV – your kids could be watching the pre-game festivities on the TV in the living room while you also tune in from the kitchen as you prepare some snacks or a meal while watching TV on a tablet.
The on-the-go feature is even more exciting. It’s a way to take 60 TV channels with you, wherever you go. So imagine going on vacation and having access to all these TV channels in your hotel room! Or imagine going on a business trip and being able to keep up with all of your sports teams from home!
Reason #9. No contracts or hidden fees
If you thought you had to sign a contract to enjoy Cable TV, think again. Yes, that’s right, there are no contracts or hidden fees. And, even better, if you are currently stuck in a contract, Spectrum will buy it out, up to a total of $500 in early-termination fees. That makes it extraordinarily easy to quit and transfer to Time Warner Cable as your TV provider in Yorkville, New York.
Reason #10. Great international packages available
For many families, the ability to get international packages (e.g. Spanish-language packages) or culturally diverse TV channels (BET, Univision, Telemundo) are an added benefit. These channels make a great add-on to an already stellar lineup of TV programming options.
For the best combination of live and On Demand content, Spectrum Cable TV is simply unbeatable. It’s the best combination of choice, value, and options that you can get. It combines the very best in live television with the very best in On Demand programming. And it layers on some innovative features, like the Spectrum TV app, to make this a best-in-class Internet service.
Call and order a Spectrum TV Package for Yorkville, NY today
Check availability of Spectrum TV in nearby towns:
New York Mills NY Whitesboro NY Utica NY New Hartford NY Marcy NY Washington Mills NY Oriskany NY Clark Mills NY Chadwicks NY Westmoreland NY Holland Patent NY Clayville NY Frankfort NY Rome NY Barneveld NY Ilion NY Waterville NY Vernon NY Newport NY Bridgewater NY Prospect NY Cold Brook NY Mohawk NY Oriskany Falls NY Middleville NY
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13619
|
__label__wiki
| 0.64198
| 0.64198
|
About CAHME
CAHME in the News
CHEA Recognition
Case Competitions
CAHME Dawn Gideon Scholarship
CAHME Tim Campbell Scholarship Honorarium
CAHME / Judy Baar Topinka Scholarship
ACHE Career Resource Center
CAHME/Wharton Research Data Services Faculty Grant
Quality and Safety Standards Development
Program Testimonials
Accreditation Actions
Spring 2019 Actions
Standards Update 2018
Fall 2018 Actions
AUPHA
CAHME Awards Program
Enhanced Benchmarking
CAHME Mentoring Circle
Public Release of Data
CAHME Candidacy Process
CAHME Bootcamp
eAccreditation
CAHME Fellowship Program
HCO Testimonials
Search for an Accredited Program
AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS
Getting to 100
CAHME Resources & Reports
Health Sector Resources
Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions
Fellow Responsibilities
Fellow Recruitment and Selection
Fellowship Program Application
Fellow Testimonials
Announcing the CAHME Scholarship Award Winners for 2020
CAHME Publicist Awards January 9, 2020 January 9, 2020
Along with our partner foundations, we take great pride in recognizing deserving students through CAHME’s scholarship program.
It is my honor to share with you this year’s winners of the CAHME/Dawn Gideon Foundation Scholarship, the CAHME/Tim Campbell Scholarship and the CAHME/Judy Baar Topinka Foundation Scholarship for Health Policy.
Monica Avila is the recipient of the 2020 CAHME/Dawn Gideon Foundation Scholarship. The $2,000 scholarship is named for Dawn Gideon, a graduate of a CAHME-accredited program at the University of Pittsburgh, who devoted her career to helping healthcare organizations succeed.
As a young researcher and public health advocate, Avila’s passion for cancer prevention and volunteerism stems from growing up in New Mexico, where she witnessed, firsthand, the limited access to medical screenings, medical care and research. Her interest in preventive medicine grew stronger while studying as an undergrad at the University of New Mexico. Her work surrounding the tumor environment in inflammatory breast cancer, which disproportionately affected African American women, earned her departmental honors as well as the title of a Congressional Scholar for research in the Department of Biochemistry and Biology.
Avila interned at several health clinics as well as the New Mexico Department of Health. Ultimately she ran a health campaign in Cuzco, Peru, giving imprisoned women access to cervical cancer screenings.
Avila remains focused on finding effective ways to recruit eligible participants for national cancer trials to help attain equal access to first-line therapies.
Monica Avila was nominated by Gretchen Gemeinhardt, PhD, MBA, FACHE of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health. Avila is pursuing a MPH degree.
Rodricka Brice-Curry is the recipient of the 2020 CAHME/Tim Campbell Scholarship. The $2,000 scholarship honors Tim Campbell, a business leader and CAHME board member, who believed that true success is measured through relationships that help others reach their full potential.
Brice-Curry realized the importance of compassion at a young age when she began helping others through community service. This inspired her to join the Air Force later in life, where she strongly identifies with “Service before Self,” one of the core values of the branch.
Serving in the Air Force provides her with the opportunity to fulfill her commitment of service beyond her local community by helping people all around the world. She also serves as a Certified Respiratory Therapist at Langley Air Force Base and was recently named Volunteer of the Year in her Medical Group for accumulating over 300 hours of community service, while working with several community and faith-based organizations. The happily married mother of one (born on Christmas of 2018) has aligned her professional career goal – to work in hospital administration – with her ambition to become an Air Force-commissioned officer.
Rodricka Brice-Curry was nominated by Tami Swenson, PhD, Assistant Professor, Master of the Public Health Program and Master of the Healthcare Administration Program at Des Moines University. Brice-Curry is pursuing a MHA degree.
Kashay Webb is the recipient of the 2020 CAHME/Judy Baar Topinka Foundation Scholarship. The scholarship awards $2,000 to a graduate student in healthcare management education at a CAHME-accredited program active in health policy. Judy Baar Topinka served as a legislator, state treasurer for an unprecedented three terms and the Illinois comptroller for one term until her untimely death at the beginning of her second term. She was noted as an advocate for the health and welfare of the residents of Illinois.
Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, Webb saw how health disparities can keep people from thriving and dedicated her time to improving the health status for underserved, disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.
Webb served as the Special Projects Administrator of St. Mary’s Outreach Center, a local Baltimore organization supporting hundreds of economically vulnerable, older adults. She also led the deployment of a customized software program, which improved the efficiency of operations and client services at the center.
As the Co-Vice President of Public Policy for the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Webb has tailored her coalition relationships and legislative priorities to focus on health policy issues. She recently championed the passage of a Maryland Hospital Patient Bill of Rights to ensure that all patients receive a list of their 24 legal rights to provide additional protection for vulnerable hospital patients.
Webb interned at the University of Maryland Medical Center, where she conducted an institution-wide diversity and inclusion assessment to evaluate the extent to which UMMC meets national cultural and linguistic standards. Her findings serve as the basis for diversity initiatives in the FY20 strategic plan.
Kashay Webb was nominated by Mark J. Bittle, DrPH, MBA, FACHE of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Master of Health Administration Program. Webb is pursing a MHA degree.
These students reflect our mission of advancing the quality of healthcare management education. I hope you join me as we celebrate the recipients at the CAHME Awards Luncheon on March 22, 2020, at 12 p.m. in Chicago, Illinois, held during ACHE’s Annual Congress. For tickets to the award ceremony, go to: https://www.cahme.org/
Anthony Stanowski, DHA, FACHE
CAHME
← Another Successful Year for CAHME in 2019
CAHME and Wharton Research Data Services Announce Recipient of 2020 Empirical Research Award →
");};
• Why CAHME is important to Students
• Search for an Accredited Program
Meet the Blue Ribbon Panel >
"); }else if (uStr.indexOf(DawnsUrl) > -1){ document.write("
Application Info »
");}else if (uStr.indexOf(JudysUrl) > -1){ document.write("
Judy Baar Topinka FAQs »
"); }else if (uStr.indexOf(TimsUrl) > -1){ document.write("
Award Applications
To recognize excellence in graduate
healthcare management education within
CAHME accredited programs in partnership
with other health care organizations.
HQS NAHQ PPT Presentation
• Why CAHME is Important to Programs
• How CAHME benefits University Programs
• SelfStudy Handbook 2017
• Candidacy Application Handbook
Meet the CANON Blue Ribbon Panel
Meet the WRDS Blue Ribbon Panel
Read Student Testimonial »
• Why CAHME is Important to Organizations
• Policies and Procedures
Copyright © 2020 CAHME | 301-298-1820 | info@cahme.org
For correspondence, send to
Spring House, PA 19477
By using CAHME.org, you hereby consent to our disclaimer and agree to its terms and CAHME privacy policy.
See our Procedures for Requesting Removal of Infringing Material.
If you require any more information or have any questions about our site's disclaimer(s), please feel free to contact us.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13621
|
__label__wiki
| 0.740241
| 0.740241
|
Gods and generals »
Gods and generals: The Civil War Trilogy, Book 1
Civil War trilogy (Jeff Shaara) volume 1.
Green Hills - Adult Fiction has 2
Fiction Shaara
1996. 1st ed. Ballantine Books, 498 p. ; 24 cm. English
2000 OverDrive Random House Publishing Group English
The New York Times bestselling prequel to the Pulitzer Prize-winning classic The Killer Angels In this brilliantly written epic novel, Jeff Shaara traces the lives, passions, and careers of the great military leaders from the first gathering clouds of the Civil War. Here is Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, a hopelessly by-the-book military instructor and devout Christian who becomes the greatest commander of the Civil War; Winfield Scott Hancock, a captain of quartermasters who quickly establishes himself as one of the finest leaders of the Union army; Joshua Chamberlain, who gives up his promising academic career and goes on to become one of the most heroic soldiers in American history; and Robert E. Lee, never believing until too late that a civil war would ever truly come to pass. Profound in its insights into the minds and hearts of those who fought in the war, Gods and Generals creates a vivid portrait of the soldiers, the battlefields, and the tumultuous times that forever shaped the nation.
Generals -- Southern States -- Fiction
Jackson, Stonewall
Jackson, Stonewall, -- 1824-1863 -- Fiction
Shaara, Michael.Killer angels.
28407cdd-c874-84c5-598f-9cef1ea36ee7
shaara jeff
Shaara, Michael.
The New York Times bestselling prequel to the Pulitzer Prize–winning classic The Killer Angels
In this brilliantly written epic novel, Jeff Shaara traces the lives, passions, and careers of the great military leaders from the first gathering clouds of the Civil War. Here is Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, a hopelessly by-the-book military instructor and devout Christian who becomes the greatest commander of the Civil War; Winfield Scott Hancock, a captain of quartermasters who quickly establishes himself as one of the finest leaders of the Union army; Joshua Chamberlain, who gives up his promising academic career and goes on to become one of the most heroic soldiers in American history; and Robert E. Lee, never believing until too late that a civil war would ever truly come to pass. Profound in its insights into the minds and hearts of those who fought in the war, Gods and Generals creates a vivid portrait of the soldiers, the battlefields, and the tumultuous times that forever shaped the nation.
BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Jeff Shaara's Blaze of Glory.
overdrive:3e17701d-376b-4e87-9f3a-65525269a913 -1 Online OverDrive Collection Online OverDrive eBook eBook 1 false true OverDrive Adobe EPUB eBook, Kindle Book, OverDrive Read Checked Out
ils:CARL0000084053 35192047149863 Green Hills - Adult Fiction Fiction Shaara 1 false false On Shelf GH
ils:CARL0000084053 35192044241440 Main Library - Adult Fiction Fiction Shaara 1 false false On Shelf MN
overdrive:3e17701d-376b-4e87-9f3a-65525269a913 eBook eBook English Random House Publishing Group 2000
ils:CARL0000084053 Book Books 1st ed. English Ballantine Books, 1996. 498 p. ; 24 cm.
overdrive:3e17701d-376b-4e87-9f3a-65525269a913 -1 Checked Out Checked Out false false true false false false
Civil War trilogy
Civil War trilogy|1
Gods and Generals The Civil War Trilogy, Book 1
Gods and generals / by Jeff Shaara
The Civil War Trilogy, Book 1
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13624
|
__label__cc
| 0.701852
| 0.298148
|
Code Talker Medals /
Pueblo of Acoma Tribe Code Talkers Bronze Medal 3 Inch
https://catalog.usmint.gov/pueblo-of-acoma-tribe-code-talkers-bronze-medal-3-inch-CK4.html
Bronze duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Pueblo of Acoma Tribe Code Talkers
Beautiful addition to any collection for the military history enthusiast
Measures 3 inches in diameter
Item Number: CK4
Mintage Limit: None
Product Limit: None
Household Order Limit: None
The large, 3 Inch Pueblo of Acoma Tribe Code Talkers Bronze Medal makes a perfect gift or piece for your own collection.
This medal is a bronze duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Pueblo of Acoma Tribe Code Talkers at a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Building on November 20, 2013, in recognition of their dedication and valor. The medal measures three inches in diameter.
The obverse design features a Pueblo of Acoma Code Talker scouting the area during his tour of duty in the South Pacific. Inscriptions are “PUEBLO OF ACOMA” and “CODE TALKERS.”
The reverse design features the Pueblo of Acoma flag. Included on the flag are an antelope (at the top center); a road runner, a turkey, a parrot, oak and mustard seeds (to the left); and an eagle, a sun, a bear, a pumpkin, and red and yellow corn (to the right). In the center (bottom to top) are water, Abraham Lincoln's Cane of Authority presented to the tribe in 1864, Pueblo of Acoma Sky City Village and wind. Inscriptions are “WORLD WAR II” and “ACT OF CONGRESS 2008.”
Obverse/Reverse – Donna Weaver
Obverse Engraver – Michael Gaudioso
Reverse Engraver – Renata Gordon
Struck Under Authority of:
Public Law 110-420
Place Minted:
Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
90% Copper & 10% Zinc
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13625
|
__label__cc
| 0.714511
| 0.285489
|
Day 15: Relationship Failure: She’s Come Undone
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to feel as if a part of me is coming undone within at least two personalities of me as my mind within my relationship in that I feel as if I’ve become the lie in liability, where when I’m around my friends, I have confidence and a sense of assurance with/as myself however limited it may be, but then the moment my partner walks into the picture, it’s as if my mind goes into freeze mode as I attempt to teeter back and forth for pretend sake when really what’s happening within me is I hear my backchat saying, ‘she’s come undone’, which is me as the picture personality that I’ve accepted myself to be.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to exist as two personality designs, both of which exist within my relationship as one being when I’m alone with my partner as the ‘love personality’ and the other one as who I am when I’m alone with friends as the ‘enjoying friends personality’, and when the two intermingle, it’s as if two worlds are colliding and I don’t know which one to hold onto or even if really want either one.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to deny the existence of myself as a personality to my partner and my friends when secretly I realize that I’m not really fooling anyone except myself within a point of self-dishonesty and self-denial.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to become obsessed and possessed in living the demons as me as the pictures in my mind of how I always believed and desired life and relationships to be even if it meant dishonesty towards another – instead of realizing that the picture in my mind as the demon/personality was put there by me as a way of avoiding me as who I really am beneath all the pain I’ve absorbed into and as me through fear and denial of myself as who I am in seeing that I am responsible for/ how here exists within this world of pain, suffering and hate and downright disregard to/towards life. I stop. I breathe.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to believe that the sexual energy in the beginning of a relationship and/or encounter was anything other than the want/desire to have sexual intercourse as a way of maintaining me as a mind consciousness system.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to presume the energy friction related to having sex with someone as being something that is worthy of building my whole life around as well as the future lives of children.
I forgive myself that I did not see and realize that the initial ‘feeling of love’ was and is Not practical nor sustaining. as I’ve seen and walked the energy of ‘love’ before and thus I realize that ‘love’ as it exists within this world cannot and will not last as an effective platform to begin a relationship into an agreement that will ultimately provide self-honest support between two human beings, nor does it offer any measure of sustainability of 2getherness as one within and/as a union to be one of intimacy, tenderness and communication.
I forgive myself for wanting to create myself into a love story that I heard stories about and/or saw in pictures, which I then added emotions and feelings to and created my own mind illusion surrounding the idea of a Love Story, thus only creating illusions as mind masturbation which can never be real within what is actually real within our physical reality.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing myself to create life as a reaLIEty of lies – instead of life walked in honesty to self as all as one as equal.
I forgive myself for the moments of resisting physical touch because I felt threatened by inadequacies that I had accepted as real according to an idea of myself within my mind based upon pictures that I gave myself based upon a principle born in self-dishonesty, self-loathing and self-hate.
I forgive myself for blaming others for how I perceive myself to be experiencing myself through the direction as the mind as consciousness as judgments, justifications, victimization and according to events/scenario’s within my life in which I’ve reacted to/towards.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to forget about the most important part of any relationship/agreement, that being first and foremost to breathe and direct myself in and as self-honesty and always according to what’s best for All.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to become angry and resentful towards my partner when I’d get a sick feeling within my solar plexus and blame him for how I was experiencing myself in regret and embarrassment for denying and suppressing any point of self expression to emerge in an attempt to get my own attention so to stop what I was putting myself as my physical body as me through in self-abusive behavior in and as mind participation.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to feel guilty and shameful in believing that I let my partner down when in fact it is Not possible to let one single individual ‘down’, it is only possible to let myself down by abdicating myself from life itself by Not standing up and facing me in self-honesty and calling out my own bullshit – and to STOP – Breathe and align myself through Self-Corrective Application Walking – because life is not about what’s best for one, Life is about what’s best for All.
Art By Ann Van den Broeck
I commit to stopping myself from excusing/validating and/or justifying internal reactions towards another and to always bring it back to self in taking self-responsibility in the moment.
I commit myself to making peace within myself through self-forgiveness and within self-honesty wherein I may direct myself in assisting all living beings in ways that are practical and best for all life and thus the foundation of all relationships in all ways.
I commit myself to getting self-honest with my mind as me to create and establish a relationship with myself wherein I remain an aware occupant of myself and to move myself as a point of change within and as my physical reality in a way that will result in what is best for all relationships as that which is best for and as all life.
“I commit myself to put all trust in right relationships where I will play the part of one pole to make sure that no uneven polarity is created through which life will be imprisoned to the illusions of energetic consciousness to make sure that life as the physical is respected and supported as it was intended as the dominion that was given.” Bernard Poolman
Visit the followoing Blog for Support with Relationships and Self Forgiveness:
Day 13: Failed Relationships
By Creation’s Journey to Life
This entry was posted on April 29, 2012, in Uncategorized and tagged advertising, bernardpoolman, breakup, breakups, commitment, desire, Desteni, divorce, Eqafe, failed, happiness, human, love woes, movie, polarity, relationship, skills, vulnerability.
Day 14: Savagery “A Cutting Tradition”
22 April 2012 – 100,000 women undergo brutal genital mutilation illegally in Britain (and some of the victims are as young as TEN) UK MEDICS FILMED THE OFFERING FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION yet, Not one person has been prosecuted for any offences.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to avoid looking at who I am and what it is that I’m accepting and allowing within how/what exists within our world.
I forgive myself that I haven’t seen/realized and understood that the abuse that exists within our world is not an isolated event and/or just a news story but is an actual experience that someone is going through and could have and may easily happen to anyone, thus it is the responsibility of each one of us walking this earth to walk in the shoes of another and bring about a solution that will end All abuse once and for All.
I forgive myself for ‘acts of tradition’ which are a clear message to humanity how/what exists within the secret minds of men as consciousness.
I forgive myself for wanting to ‘turn the other cheek’ in denying the fact that I am responsible for the numerous and unspeakable acts happening daily within our world to countless numbers of living beings.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed acts of genital mutilation to be done upon the physical body within this world to those who have no voice and are helpless in stopping the savagery being done unto them.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to ignore what’s really going on within this world while I sought to earn money, spend money and have the most money, thus not realizing that money has been my God and the Only God of this reality.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to avoid seeing within the pain of the female Muslims who are left scarred for life through genital mutilation with the goal being for the female to be unable to have orgasms and to be left with a diminished (or total loss of) sexual appetite, thus to further the hold of control and abuse.
Art By: Joe Kou
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to point fingers in anger and blame toward those committing acts of mutilation for the sake of making money to survive within our corrupt money system – instead of seeing/realizing and understanding that in my supporting our current money system I am thus supporting acts of mutilation as well as it is as all atrocity – the symptom of a diseased capitalistic and greedy world. I stop. I breathe.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to ‘hope’ things will get better when in fact I really have no idea the magnitude of suffering occurring in the lives of women and children daily and thus I must Stop and consider that hope is an illusion within the mind that isn’t real and that what is required is an actual real practical physical solution.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to gripe and complain but then look away from our world in shame and disgust and finally retreat in distractions and fear in not knowing what I as one person can do to change what is here – instead I see/realize and understand that what I can do is to face myself in self-honesty within what is here and direct myself to stand in support of an Equal Money System which will be the key in bringing an end to acts of terror and will create heaven on earth for all living beings.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to believe that in order to stop acts of terror requires a fight when in fact the real solution of Equal Money requires one vote from us each one to bring about a world where all decisions are based upon what is best for all.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed suffering of the young to go silenced within my own fear of standing up and saying STOP – No More.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself as the mind of consciousness to betray and abuse children in the name of religion and culture and self-interest and greed for the love of money and in fear of survival – Instead of asking questions and never stopping until a solution of equality brings an end to all abuse, slavery, corruption and control – because None are Free until All Are Free.
I commit myself to Never stopping until a system of equality exists wherein all life will exist in dignity.
I commit myself to assisting in bringing forth a world where No child suffers.
I commit myself to walking the process of self as the Journey to Life til all are walking the path of equality.
I commit myself to standing up for and as all life in stopping the nature of man as consciousness and allowing mankind to birth itself from the physical in and as an expression of life as all as one as equal.
“I commit myself to speak out and to publish and reveal in every way possible all the ways that the brainwashing and mind-control work till all wake up to the fact that all have denied life and have fallen in the trap of the money god that use rules and forgiveness that do not support life, but only support those that love the money god.” Bernard Poolman
“I commit myself to stop the money god through knowing myself as life and knowing what I have allowed as the personality so that I may correct and restore this world to its former glory before I as man arrived here.” – Bernard Poolman
I commit myself to Stand One and Equal as these Words.
This entry was posted on April 28, 2012, in Uncategorized and tagged 'acts of tradition', 'women', Britain, British, consciousness, Daily Mail, Desteni, Eqafe, Equal Money, Equal Money System, genital mutilation, Savagery "A Cutting Tradition", The London Sunday Times, UK, young girls.
Day 13: Oil and Water Don’t Mix
LOOMING CRISIS: OFFICIALS CLOSE GULF WATERS TO SHRIMPING AS REPORTS OF DEFORMED SEAFOOD INTENSIFY
2 Years Later after 205 million gallons of oil and 2 million gallons of toxic dispersant and now – widespread reports of visibly sick and deformed seafood. Again, reports are, there is a ‘full blown crisis’ coming out of the Gulf of Mexico.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to agree that’s it’s ok to rape and drill in the water of our earth in search for energy/money without questioning All possible outcomes and/or results of our actions and reasoning’s for doing so.
Art By: Matti Freeman
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing our current world systems of greed and self-interest which thrive off the chase to have money and power no matter the cost towards that which is given to us freely from the water, nature, animals and earth.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed without question the injection of hazardous materials to be impregnated into living organisms with no common sense understanding as to what the consequences of such actions will result in to those depending on life within the abused environment.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to see atrocities such as the gulf oil spill and then turn a blind eye toward distractions of a more entertaining nature, thus never following through with a sustainable solution and/or a correction for all living beings threatened and/or murdered due to the negligence of the human nature of man through the direction of and as the mind as consciousness.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to blame the major oil companies and/or the governments for the actions that caused the spill instead of seeing/realizing and understanding that atrocities as this are symptoms of the disease of capitalism within our current money system where life is disregarded in the name of profit.
I commit myself to stand within and as a point of self-responsibility and accountability in investigating and supporting a system that will bring about a world where all life is valued and supported wherein all living beings have a say in how and what is brought into the environment of which they depend upon to survive.
I commit myself to stopping the use of all products which have a toxic affect upon our earth, water and air within our environment and to in self-honesty see/realize and understand that that which I allow to be done unto another, I am actually allowing to be done unto me, thus in self-honesty I see/realize and understand that that which is best for me is best for all and as such I support an Equal Money System which supports what’s best for All.
This entry was posted on April 27, 2012, in Uncategorized and tagged BP disaster, capitalism, deformaties, Desteni, elite, Eqafe, Equal Money, Equal Money System, gulf, gulf of mexico, money, oil spill, seafood, shrimp.
Day 12: Woman on Top
Guarding:
I forgive myself that throughout my life I’ve often defined myself as a ‘woman on top’, wherein I took pride in displaying lack of emotions and feelings and/or giving the impression within my relationships that I could live with or without them, when if fact what I’d become was suppressed within myself, scared of being emotionally hurt, so to protect myself, I built a wall and guarded myself within an idea that ‘I’ was the one ‘in control’ of my relationships, and haha, no one could hurt me.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to be a loner who didn’t need and/or want for anyone, because that way no one could break the shell on the outside of me which I used to protect what I was existing as within myself which was sadness, loneliness and a suppressed expression of self.
I forgive myself for always being the first to walk away from a relationship in an attempt to ease the pain of a breakup which I feared was bound to happen so I prepared myself constantly from the possibility of emotional pain.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to define myself as a ‘woman on top’, meaning how my life was moving in how I was directing my world, which actually meant existing in control/ego and fear.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to derive a sense of strength and power within the starting point/view of being one of opinion which charged my ego.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to always want, desire and need to be right with regards to insight, knowledge and/or information that I obtained through life experiences and, the women within my family that has gone before me.
I forgive myself that I haven’t allowed myself to realize that the mind’s ego will always look for validation, conformation, respect and agreement from others because the mind’s ego cannot exist without others agreeing with it’s existence – that being of my opinion and my point of view.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to find insult with people/my partner/relationships who tell me to ‘calm down’.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to believe that I was mentally stable and strong, when in fact, all I’ve accomplished within that belief is to separate myself from my physical body and thus avoiding real intimacy within and as self.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed money as a point of ‘relieving’ myself from the guilt in how I see myself as not providing enough to/for my relationships financially, so I sought ways to make earn/money to compensate myself to feel emotionally better.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to cause financial hardships through the pattern of gambling as a way to win money to pay for unexpected expensives and to make myself feel better for my lack of contributing money to the relationships – unless and/or when I didn’t win – which then compounded the already suppressed point further wherein I became distant and withdrawn from my partner within guilt of having spent money we didn’t really have to spend.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to ‘guard’ my relationship with money as a motive for manifesting a time loop for myself which was triggered by jealousy in an illusion of control in which I reacted to in belief that I was able to ‘control’ and direct myself through the point.
Jealousy and the Illusion of Control
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to be on guard and manipulated within points of jealousy and the illusion of control.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to exist within a self defined category of the mind as polarity friction in and as conflict between what is right and what is wrong.
I forgive myself that I accepted and allowed myself to be and become an emotional feeling demonic entity that I for a moment allowed to completely take over the experience of myself within a point of jealousy and the illusion and control.
I forgive myself that I hadn’t allowed myself to see/realize and understand that when jealousy exist the illusion of control exist.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to become grouchy and irritable to/towards my relationship due to my dishonesty in not sharing the truth of what was going on within me because I feared they will walk away from me in their life.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to try and manifest and create into reality my wants, needs and desires which was the starting point behind the illusion of control.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed jealousy to drive me – instead of me seeing/realizing and understanding the core point being that of inferiority and superiority manifested within my relationship with myself.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to want to control my mind, my body, my world, my money, and relationships by using wants. needs and desires to obtain that which I seek control of/within and as.
i forgive myself for accepting and allowing the resonant nature of my most intimate relationships to influence me through my mind as jealousy.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing myself to for a moment exist within an energetic outflow of a demonic nature as jealousy.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing myself to fall and time loop a point because I believed I was able to ‘control’ myself when I saw the trigger point of jealousy and even when it ignited an energetic outflow, I was sure I would be able to ‘control’ and direct myself – instead of stopping, breathing and directing myself in self-honesty.
I forgive myself that I accepted and allowed myself to believe the direction of my mind in the belief that I was trying to defend and protect my relationship when really I was trying to control my relationships within the context of how wanted them to be as well as how I wanted ‘me’ to be in relationship with that being.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to exist within a pattern of self righteousness.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to participate within wants, needs and desires toward existence as a whole wherein I wanted to be equal and one in and with existence when in fact I was existing within inferiority/superiority.
When and as I see myself existing within the pattern of jealousy within the illusion of control – I Stop. I Breathe. I see/realize and understand the pattern of control as I’ve existed as it before – I direct me here within and as all as one as equal.
When and as I see myself existing within the pattern of self righteousness, I see/realize and understand that I’ve walked the path of self righteousness far to long and it is time to stop and forgive myself and re-design myself here breathing according to what’s best for all.
I commit myself to investigating myself and my world within self-honesty and self-diligence in seeing/realizing and understanding myself within everything and as all here.
I commit myself to creating life on earth in a manner where woman and children and men and boys and animals, nature, earth, wind and water, All Living beings are of like expressions living proof that equality is the key to all cells of and as Self.
I commit myself to me in accepting and allowing the expression of me within and as self honesty to emerge as who I am as all as one as equal.
“I commit myself to recreate money as the root of all evil as the root of life that we may realize that it is not about what we create, it is about what value we give what we create and thus we can give money the value of life equally and use it as the way to bring to each other what is best for all life.” Bernard Poolman
This entry was posted on April 26, 2012, in Uncategorized and tagged Desteni, Desteni Wiki, ego, Equal Money, equality, guilt, illusion of contro, inferiority, jealousy, loneliness, power, sadness, superiority, woman on top.
Day 11: Blood Money or Equal Money
I’ve been educating myself with reading books on Government and Politics and as I was researching a topic on the internet I stumbled upon the following chart below. Have a look at the breakdown of what the average American household buys with their monthly income, based on government data from December 2011.
How People Spend Their Money (Stats)
The average household spends about 14% total for both gas and food and 32% for housing. Already that’s 46% of one’s monthly income which doesn’t include utilities and dining out expenses totaling 11%, which means we’ve just spent almost 60% of our monthly income. Factor in Doctors, hospitals and prescriptions, as well as car payments, car repairs, public transportation and furniture and other household items and/or maintenance, (there is actually plenty more spent on household appliances due to poor quality products with a built in expiration date) and also add in the price for caring for our pets.
Now we’ve spent a little over 80% of our monthly income. You can see by the chart where the rest of the money is going, and honestly, most are paying more on housing and much less on food than is suggested in the chart. There is barely, if any left over for proper child care – while both parents are working themselves to death, (if they’re lucky to have a job) and, there is absolutely no money left for tuition to educate our future generations.
These are the facts of life we’re existing as. Yet, some have the greedy idea that an Equal Money System isn’t the Solution. Of course, the one’s who don’t agree with Equal Money, already have to much money and/or have an agenda that is self-interest motivated.
“One out of two Americans … are living either in or near poverty. That means 150 million Americans, half of us.” — Tavis Smiley
We’re not even talking about the serious level of atrocity existing in third world countries that have been stripped of everything through the governments, banks and the elite who we’ve accepted and allowed to rule our lives.
The majority of us are not rich, are struggling and have far less than what an Equal Money System will provide for each one of us.
In other words – we can no longer deny it – it’s time to stand up as One Man, One Vote in support of an Equal Money System.
With Equal Money, one will only work a 4 year conscription, will have a home, food, clothes, clean water, utilities, the ability to properly care for your animals, the internet, a car, healthcare and, will receive an education.
The Goal of Equal Money is to bring forth for everyone a quality of life worthy of living, giving and expressing. No more stress. No more struggle. No more hating on your neighbor for having more than yourself, because everything will be distributed according to what’s best for all which includes the utmost care and respect for our planet Earth.
Artwork By: Rozelle Destonian De Lange
I forgive myself for taking for granted the things that money buys like clean water and a warm bed while many have never had either.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to believe that the whole reason for being here is to work to make money to pay bills to survive and then to die.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to accept life any way it comes as long as I can find someone to take care of me with a roof over my head and food to eat.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to be a dreamer of the mind as money in accepting the direction of ego, self-interest and greed.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to become irritated for other peoples lack of common sense and lack of support in that they don’t/won’t see/realize and understand that our earth requires us to pay attention in gentleness to how we’re abusing it – instead I see/realize and understand that what I perceive in another exists within me.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to project myself onto others wherein I have held onto a point of victimization as how I existed and in doing so I have victimized all life here.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to think there’s something wrong with me because I feel fed up with what’s accepted and allowed here to the point that I want to tell others to stop it, forgive it, or fuck off. I stop. I breathe.
I forgive myself for the times when I doubt humanities ability to change as I see/realize and understand that within that I’m accepting a point of doubt to/towards myself.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed a point of disEase to exist within me as the mind as consciousness, a machine that I accepted as me and allowed infused within and as my physical body.
I forgive myself for the laws of the land that I’ve accepted and allowed which are abusing and raping our earth because I didn’t see and understand that through relationships and actions governed by those whom I’ve given power and therefore I abdicated myself from life as I looked past the abuse that I’ve seen but denied. I stop. I breath. I stand in support of and as all life in full commitment to assisting life as all as one as equal.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to take things personally as a way of justifying and manipulating myself through distraction techniques as a way of avoiding facing myself and taking self-responsibility for how our world currently exists.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to support a system that thrives upon the blood lost at the hands of those possessed in believing they must fight to have it all no matter the cost all in the name of money.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing myself to love the smell and rewards of money never considering whose died torturous deaths just so I can have fuel for my car.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to go uneducated about the history of our world in how we’ve reached the point wherein we don’t/won’t question the blood baths and loss of lives we’re all responsible for in our search for resources wherein we kill so that we may live to have more than another
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to blame and point fingers at others for how and why suffering exists instead of realizing that that’s how my mind has used me against myself to keep me complacent further avoiding actual action of stopping myself from self-honest change from the inside out.
I forgive myself for not realizing how my relationship with money is defining my reality and how the word real is actually the word relationship yet instead of me being a place safe for life, I’ve become a parasite in the name of money and I forgive myself that I’ve not had the courage and.or inner strength and steadfastness to bring sanity to the relationships on earth through which I have defined life. This I commit myself to so that life may be birthed from and as the physical.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to create from a starting point of fear of loss instead of realizing that my creation is equal to and one as me and thus I cannot lose my creation because my creation is me. I accept and support myself to stand in support of a quality of life befitting of and as all life.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing myself to fall into the money pit wherein I existed in and as self-interest and greed as I chased after desires of the ego where the more money I made the more money I wanted and the more I feared losing it the more obsessed I became, thus remained trapped in cycles of energy illusions of up and down and up and down – instead of seeing/realizing and understanding that the mind will take me on as many rides as I accept and allow. I stop. I breathe. I No longer accept money as the God of me.
I forgive myself for waiting on my mind to decide for me to make a real change because that’s not going to happen. I see/realize and understand that equality is not part of my/our pre-programming and the decision to be self-responsible for/to myself as well as the world/earth/all so as to actually walk myself as the change that is required is going to require that I forgive, direct and move myself in and as self-honesty and self-corrective application according to what’s best for all. I commit myself to and as this – til it is done.
I commit myself to stopping and breathing and forgiving me, breathing and forgiving me when and as I sense doubt as me.
I commit myself to bringing everything back to self in seeing/realizing and understanding that in order to assist our earth/world effectively, I must first assist myself through consistent self-honest directive application and self-corrective actions as self so as to be able to assist others for us all to stand together equal and one to create heaven on earth through an Equal Money System.
I commit myself to honoring earth by facing me in self-honesty and forgiving myself till I see/realize and understand that all and everything here is a reflection of me showing me that we will not stop til all living beings are equally supported in dignity.
I commit myself to step out of ego into and as self-honesty and stand up for that which has always been here as life as all living organisms and cells until all living beings are supported as equals in living expression.
I commit myself to earth as life as the only relationship possible as it is the only relationship that is real.
I commit myself in agreement with life in supporting earth for a future for and as our children.
“I commit myself to restore common sense to earth that the relationship with food can become one of life where the human can understand that food is in fact also an expression of a life form on earth that reach its happiness through its giving of itself that we may live.” – Bernard Poolman
“I commit myself to blow the minds of those who have engraved death into them as ego and self interest and individuality so that they may yet wake up to what is really here as life as the physical.” – Bernard Poolman
I commit myself to standing one and equal as these words.
Join Us – Investigate Equal Money
This entry was posted on April 25, 2012, in Uncategorized and tagged Bureau of Labor Statistics, Desteni, elite, Eqafe, Equal Money, Equal Money System, food price index, food prices, gas prices, government spending, high cost of gas, money.
Day 10: Ways and Means of Money
Everyone has a story. When you hear or read someone’s story, it’s usually very easy to see yourself within it. The most common point within everyone’s story is each one’s ‘ways and means’ of making money in order to survive. My story and your story are individually different, yet, they’re the same. We’re both trying to survive and in order to survive, we have to do what? Have a way and the means to earn Money.
It’s the very core and nature of who and what we’ve become. Everyone’s doing it – trying to survive. You have your way and I have mine, but at the end of the day, we’re all the same. Existing in and as a never ending rat race toward an invisible finish line ending only in death. The odd thing is, we more often will blame anything and everything for the ways and means we go about trying to survive – except for the Inequality within and as our Current Capitalistic Money System.
Consider we don’t have to exist this Way – Commit yourself to investigating an actual Solution: Equal Money.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing myself to constantly think about how I gotta change my way of living cause the blues is all I see as I struggle to give meaning to how and why I’m here.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to believe that I can’t change the ways and means in how I exist day in and day out searching/seeking to find a piece of myself in all that I have to finish before I can punch the time clock and go home.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to become possessed and obsessed with myself for the things I’ve not done today and for the ways I behave just to make it through the day to earn the means to survive the ways of barely surviving.
I forgive myself for the things I’ve done as a means of supporting myself within a system that weighs one against the other in comparing who has what, who’s done the most and who is winning.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing myself to always search for the way and meaning of myself through my God as Money.
I forgive myself for seeing the struggle of my neighbor and instead of assisting and supporting them I judged and gossiped about the fact that they didn’t have enough money to feed their children and I ridiculed them for not having a better paying job – instead of realizing that the pain and suffering of another reflects us Every-Body as who we are through and as the very blood/life running through our veins in all that we’ve denied and abdicated ourselves from as life as the means and the way to bring an end to pain and suffering and to act accordingly in producing the results for and as a life where all living being exist in dignity in respect to/as and of life itself of which we are all equally responsible for.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to become so caught up in the illusion of life and of living through money that I didn’t see the how human beings are suffering and starving even if they’re right in front of me.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to become so accustomed to working and paying bills that I didn’t stop to consider that life is Not supposed to be this way.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to ‘not have the time’ as I passed by another instead of seeing/realizing and understanding that in my ‘lack of time state of mind’ as I passed another by, I am actually passing by the reflections/parts of me.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to exist within a parasitic nature where I’ve become dependent upon relationships according to how the relationship assists me in surviving within this GODFORSAKEN world.
I forgive myself that I haven’t allowed myself to see/realize and understand that in allowing Money to Manipulate me, I will manipulate myself and others within my world.
I forgive myself for existing every day in the hopes of finding a better job instead of realizing that life is an expression – Not a JOB.
I forgive myself that I haven’t allowed myself to see/realize and understand that in being a slave to money, then money will become the slavery of the world.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to define who I am and how others will act toward me according to the amount of money I have.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to be trapped and enslaved and controlled in an abusive relationship with Money.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to see the world and not see me, therefore I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to be directed as consciousness – instead of me directing me within and as self-honesty in seeing/realizing and understanding that there is No other choice but to Stand In The Way of consciousness and Stopping the Means through which consciousness moves as the mind and manipulates through and as our Current Money System as the Deadliest Act Allowed and Followed of All Time as the Ways and Means of Ego, Corruption and Greed.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to in my fight for survival constantly compete in conflict with others and in doing so only considering what’s best for me instead of considering What’s Best for All. I Stop. I Breathe.
I forgive myself that I hadn’t allowed myself to see, realize and understand the extent of which competition and conflict exist within our world in and as our current money system wherein the distribution of inequality is based upon profit and gain in the Ways we are stripping our Earth of it’s Life Giving Means.
Art By Anna Brix Thomsen
I commit myself to stop worrying about what I’ve perceived as my problems, my money, my life, and my relationships and instead I commit myself to directing myself to considering and educating myself to see/realize and understand what is really going on within this entire world and humanity as a whole.
I commit myself to daily writing, self-forgiveness, walking and accumulating myself in an effective manner, supporting others as a living example in and as creating a world that’s best for all.
I commit myself to walking solutions that consider everyone and everything and to focus on that which will make a difference to the Life of Humanity.
I commit myself to stopping fear and standing in support of nature, earth, water and plants through and as gratefulness.
I commit myself to earth myself that I may be rebirthed to life and live my life as the extension of the earth as the hand of my maker that see that all life is given equally from the storehouse of life which is the earth. – Bernard Poolman
This entry was posted on April 24, 2012, in Uncategorized and tagged 'Equal rights for women', 'jobs', 'women', 'womens shelters', career, Desteni, elite, employment, Eqafe, Equal Money, equality, leaders, mothers.
Day 9: Matters of The Heart and Soul are Paved In Money
I used to believe that when I died I was going to heaven – the idea was that in order to make the journey, I required a ‘soul’ – which I connected with my heart area as being the place where the invisible thing, (the soul) was located. I didn’t realize then that the context of my belief was paved in matters of money because my ideas/beliefs/hopes and dreams for a life that I’d have waiting for myself after I die was within a belief rooted as the very foundation in which I’ve existed as as I’ve walked this earth.
The very relationship I defined myself to according to how I struggled in my numerous attempts to survive within our current world/money system, is all the same game… In my mind – the heaven I envisioned was rich in money with streets of gold and castles of silver protected by pearly gates.
It’s all quite absurd to me now, not only that I believed in a nice cozy heaven, but that the only way I was able to see a future for myself in such a heaven, was the same as envisioning a future for myself here on earth – of which there isn’t one, without money. It’s an interesting challenge for self and a worthwhile journey – to become aware of and be able to through self-forgiveness, and in self-honesty – stop the delusions of the mind. Join Us
Art By Matti Freeman
I forgive myself for always having to have money in order to see a future for myself here on earth as well as a made-up illusion called heaven as consciousness.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing myself to focus on money so much that I never saw how I was existing with no self integrity and/or self value.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing myself to believe that when a person dies their ‘soul’ become a ‘spirit’ and is thus only then separated from their body.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to within the soul construct fear to change, so much so that I’ve avoided changing because I didn’t want to give something/someone up for fear something might happen if I give it/them up and then I won’t Feel the same so in fact I fear Not Feeling.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing others interpretations of the bible to determine who I am – instead I stop. I breathe – I forgive myself and release the enslavement of mind control.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to believe that my soul rises to God after death to be judged on where it will go next, (Heaven or Hell) – instead of seeing, realizing and understanding how it doesn’t make sense as the bible refers to the soul as being the mind and as such I have proved to myself how the mind as consciousness is not and cannot be trusted in it’s direction for and as life because life here as it currently exists is experienced as a place of immense suffering, pain and atrocity – Instead I Stop. I Breathe. I stand and direct myself in and as self-honesty according to the principle of what’s best for all.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing the beliefs/opinions of others unto myself of which I had no clue or understanding of.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to use justification as a defense mechanism through fear of being wrong.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to believe that the soul was the heart of me as self – instead of realizing that the soul of this existence rests Only in the hands of those with Money.
I forgive myself that I have accepted and allowed myself to fall into the trap of love of the heart and everlasting light – instead of realizing that the I acceptance of that begins in the mind as thoughts and manifests results as feelings and emotions within my physical body which is actually fear, suppression and self-denial and, an abdication of and as all life itself.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to deny that Money Is the backbone and reason for every religious doctrine existent and practiced.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to become angry and judge old people as dumb and stupid for their beliefs and sayings of ‘bless his soul’ – instead of seeing, realizing and understanding them to be what’s left of a being as the life long living sign and a deadly give away as the reason why something here is amiss proving the mind as consciousness is crippling and must be stopped immediately through self-forgiveness.
I forgive myself that I accepted and allowed myself to believe that I was a good soul because I worked my ass off to provide for my children when in fact I was existing within an energetic high of and as the Ego.
I forgive myself that I accepted and allowed myself to always strive for love, light and positivity instead of realizing that what I was really striving for was to become, have and be more than others.
I forgive myself that I accepted and allowed myself to constantly only think about myself making money and what did I had to do next in order to do what I wanted to do which was really what I wanted to buy and/or what I thought I needed wherein I became so consumed that I didn’t even hear my own children telling me to slow down, breathe, and see and hear them.
I forgive myself for accepting and allowing myself to be blinded by the light of consciousness wherein I was consumed with hurrying and thoughts of ‘I have to get this done’ so I can hurry and experience that, all within the starting point of energy consumed with wanting and desiring more.
I forgive myself that I accepted and allowed myself to convince myself within the polarity point of good/bad in telling myself that my intensions were good when in fact they were only paved in the energy of getting/having and seeking to make more money.
I forgive myself for deceiving myself into believing that I wanted everyone to experience bountifulness when in fact I secretly existed in greedy plans of having, needing and getting more than others.
I forgive myself that I’ve accepted and allowed myself to be selfish, impatient and insecure wherein I make mistakes, and was out of control, and, have been at times hard to handle and, where within it all, the core starting point was my fear of losing and/or not being able to have enough money to provide the best for my babies.
I forgive myself that I accepted and allowed myself to accept something/someone into my heart that was suppose to save me – instead of seeing, realizing and understanding that in doing so I was denying life and denying my right to exist as life. I stop. I breathe. I direct me in and as self-honesty – I forgive myself.
I commit myself to facing the parts of me as my mind that I avoid the most in fear of who I’ve become so that I can forgive that which I’ve accepted and allowed and direct myself out of self-denial and into supporting all living beings in bringing forth a solution where all living beings exist within a dignified manner of living.
I commit myself to assist and support in any way necessary to bring about a world where All life is honored and Not one living being is left to cry out in hunger and fear and where a child’s expression is not silenced but instead is allowed to be heard all around the world.
I commit myself within and as this one life as me in self-honesty as who I am within and as my physical body to support our physical earth in seeing who we are capable of being in our acceptance and allowance of and as an Equal Money System for all Living beings.
I commit myself to walking my process in gentleness in forgiving/releasing all I am within the need of wanting to be special so that I may see who I am free from fear and definition and thus stand in and as a solid foundation of support of and as all here within the matters of earth and all life as all as one as equal.
I commit myself to focus on a one world system where all living beings are recognized as Equal.
I commit myself to the common sense that no saviour can ever change the world or make it a place worthy of life, only me as human can do that. Bernard Poolman
Fortunately, the Soul has been removed – though, the responsibility is in the hands of each individual being to identify and release self from ongoing patterns through self-forgiveness. For further perspective in understanding how the soul construct was placed into and designed to control mankind the following is suggested:
What was the Soul Construct and why did it exist?
Chakras, The Soul and Astral Projection
The Heart of Love
Please visit Desteni Forum with any questions
This entry was posted on April 23, 2012, in Uncategorized and tagged child, children, consciousness, Desteni, education, enlightenment, Eqafe, Equal Money, heart, light, love, soul, Spirituality.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13628
|
__label__wiki
| 0.504676
| 0.504676
|
ADHD characteristics: I. Concurrent co-morbidity patterns in children & adolescents
Josephine Elia1,2,
Paul Ambrosini3 &
Wade Berrettini2
342 Caucasian subjects with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were recruited from pediatric and behavioral health clinics for a genetic study. Concurrent comorbidity was assessed to characterize the clinical profile of this cohort.
Subjects 6 to 18 years were diagnosed with the Schedule for Affective Disorders & Schizophrenia for School aged Children (K-SADS-P IVR).
The most prevalent diagnoses co-occurring with ADHD were Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) (40.6%), Minor Depression/Dysthymia (MDDD) (21.6%), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) (15.2%). In Inattentive ADHD (n = 106), 20.8% had MDDD, 20.8% ODD, and 18.6% GAD; in Hyperactive ADHD (n = 31) 41.9% had ODD, 22.2% GAD, and 19.4% MDDD. In Combined ADHD, (n = 203), 50.7% had ODD, 22.7% MDDD and 12.4% GAD. MDDD and GAD were equally prevalent in the ADHD subtypes but, ODD was significantly more common among Combined and Hyperactive ADHD compared to Inattentive ADHD. The data suggested a subsample of Irritable prepubertal children exhibiting a diagnostic triad of ODD, Combined ADHD, and MDDD may account for the over diagnosing of Bipolar Disorder.
Almost 2/3rd of ADHD children have impairing comorbid diagnoses; Hyperactive ADHD represents less than 10% of an ADHD sample; ODD is primarily associated with Hyperactive and Combined ADHD; and, MDDD may be a significant morbidity for ADHD youths from clinical samples.
The primary goal of this report is to characterize the concurrent comorbidy patterns identified in a clinical sample of ADHD subjects recruited for this genetic study. If more homogenous comorbid ADHD subtypes are identified, there is the potential for their validation through their genetic characteristics. In any assessment of psychopathology using standardized diagnostic interview schedules, comorbidity is the rule however it is infrequently considered in genetic studies. Concurrent comorbidity means the disorders are present at the same time of assessment as opposed to lifetime comorbidity which implies at any time over one's life. Comorbidity also can be classified into two broad patterns, homotypic or heterotypic [1]. These characteristics refer, respectively, to the continuity of a diagnostic pattern or the emergence of different diagnostic patterns over a lifetime. For ADHD these types of comorbidity could be represented by residual ADHD in adults or the emergence of an affective syndrome at some time in the course of ADHD. The relevance of these issues for the present study is that the focus of the genetic analysis of ADHD must consider the comorbid patterns of ADHD itself. It may be that the "true" syndrome is actually reflected by a specific comorbid pattern [2]. Only by more clearly defining the ADHD construct will there be any success in identifying true genetic/biological markers for this disorder [3].
Reports of comorbidity in ADHD include both community and clinic samples. These are not compatible patient pools because of the biased referral patterns and the increased rates of disorder in any clinical group. Furthermore, only with a general population sample can a true base rate of a disorder be calculated and comorbid excessive identified [2]. Reported comorbid rates in ADHD are substantial [4] yet prevalence figures frequently reflect epidemiological samples or life times rates within clinical groups. Other large clinical samples such as the MTA study [5] only included those with ADHD combined subtype ages 7 to 9.9. Nonetheless over 2/3rd of the MTA sample had concurrent comorbid disorders identified with a parental DISC interview.
Angold et al's [1] extensive review of community studies of comorbidity quantify the excess rates of comorbid conditions in ADHD by calculating the odds ratio of the major co-occurring disorders. They noted that the odds ratios for ADHD-ODD/CD, ADHD-depression, and ADHD-anxiety were 10.7, 5.5, and 3.0 respectively, suggesting that comorbidity is not due to referral bias that might be expected in clinical samples. Mood disorders may be high in preadolescent ADHD regardless of referral source [6] and this may be a heterotypic comorbid pattern particularly in girls [7]. However, case ascertainment, definitions and assessment methodology, and comparison control groups chosen must be considered in order to understand the true significance of these findings.
Comorbidity rates are dependent on the assessment methodology. In assessing ADHD children Biederman's group [6, 8] has relied on the K-SADS-E [9] that measures current and life time disorders. The DISC utilized in the MTA study [10] measures past 6 months for all disorders except for CD which is for 12 months. The DICA measures current and lifetime rates; however this distinction is not differentiated in published reports [11, 12]. Various symptom rating scales such as the CBCL (rates symptoms now or within past 6 months) or the Devereux Scales of Mental Disorders (measures symptoms during past four weeks) [13] have also been utilized to evaluate ADHD comorbidity. Some clinical studies have used combinations of diagnostic interviews and rating scales [14, 15]. Adult and follow-up studies of ADHD have followed a similar pattern using combinations of diagnostic and rating instruments which again assess current, lifetime, or time specific intervals. Introducing genetic data to validate comorbid ADHD subtypes therefore, must be clear about the qualitative aspect of the comorbid data set. The genetic associations thus may be on a heterotypic/homotypic or concurrent/lifetime pattern.
This report describes participants from an ongoing ADHD genetic study aiming to recruiting 500 parents/child triads with one or more ADHD probands. The sample currently consists of 342 children and adolescents from 302 families (33 families with 2 siblings and 6 families with 3 siblings for a total of 342 children). All subjects were North-American of European descent. Other groups were excluded because haplotype frequencies can vary substantially across major world populations [16] lowering power of the study to detect genetic association if multiple groups were included. This protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Boards of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Parents provided consent and children assent.
Families were recruited from general pediatric clinics as well as behavioral health clinics in the Philadelphia area. Phone screenings were conducted to verify initial inclusion criteria of age range between 6 and 18, presence of ADHD symptoms, Caucasian of European descent, availability and willingness to participate in a genetic study from both biological parents. Phone screenings also identified exclusionary criteria that included prematurity (< 36 weeks), mental retardation, major medical (excluding asthma) neurological disorders (e.g. seizures, fetal alcohol syndrome, plumbism) and neuropsychiatric disorders such as pervasive developmental disorder, psychoses, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder with symptoms starting prior to ADHD or where ADHD symptoms occurred primarily during depressed episodes. All anxiety disorders were included. Children with documented IQ scores < 75 were excluded as were children with histories suggestive of mental retardation or inability to comprehend or complete the K-SADS.
Subjects who passed the phone screen proceeded with the K-SADS evaluation. Twelve subjects were excluded from the study after completing the diagnostic interview: Three subjects did not have impairing ADHD symptoms, 2 subjects met ADHD criteria primarily during a Major Depression and 2 subjects during a Generalized Anxiety Disorder, 1 subject with ADHD and Adjustment Disorder thought to significantly contribute to ADHD symptoms, 1 subject with ADHD and mild psychotic symptoms, 1 subject each with Cyclothymia, Bipolar Disorder and absence seizures. Siblings meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were also invited to participate in the study, but their participation was not required.
A child psychiatrist (JE) assessed diagnostic status by administering a K-SADS P-IVR interview to the parent(s) and child separately [9]. This semi-structured interview provides diagnoses occurring within the last twelve months of the present episode (PE) and for the last week (LW). It is keyed to the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) [17] for those syndromes similar in youths and adults. All other diagnoses are DSM IIIR/IV [18] based and were made excluding the DSM diagnostic hierarchical requirements. The K-SADS-P IVR diagnostic domain is listed in Table 1. The primary diagnostician was trained in the K-SADS administration by a clinician (PJA) with extensive experience with this semi-structured interview. Intraclass correlations (ICC) between these raters for the diagnostic symptoms of the major disorders was assessed through videotape reviews. All ICC values were highly significant with the following ranges: affective disorders 0.74 – 0.85; anxiety disorder 0.75 – 0.92; ADHD: 0.82; ODD: 0.80.
Table 1 Diagnostic domain of K-SADS IVR
The K-SADS IVR records Irritability as a symptom independent of Depressed Mood. Irritability/Anger (subjective) was added as a third primary symptom of major depression to verify whether it was synonymous to depressed mood. This allows diagnosing an "Irritable Affective Disorder" which is a RDC or DSM defined depressive disorder where irritability replaces depressed mood or pervasive anhedonia as the cardinal symptom. For this study, Minor Depression (MD) and Dysthymic Disorder (DD) are combined into a variable labeled MDDD. Additional overall diagnostic variables were created for Any Anxiety Disorder (AnyAD) and for Any Depressive Disorder (AnyDep). The four main ADHD subtypes are labeled ADDI (Inattentive ADHD), ADDH (Hyperactive ADHD), ADDC (Combined ADHD), and ADDN (ADHD NOS).
Cognitive ability was quantified by reviewing reports of past IQ assessments. Children not previously tested were administered the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI). IQ scores are available for 241 subjects (70.5% of the sample). Socioeconomic status (SES) was calculated on 314 families (91.8%) by Hollingshead 4 factor scale [19]. Other pertinent data collected included proband prenatal and birth history, parental and teacher rated SWAN ADHD scales [20], and parental self report ADHD ratings. Bloods were also drawn from both parents and ADHD probands for genotyping.
Chi-square with continuity correction, Fisher exact probability, or binomial tests were used to analyze observed frequency or dichotomous data. Analysis of variance was used to test mean difference among continuous variables. All analyses were two tailed. Corrections for multiple comparisons were not made as the data analysis was exploratory in nature; significant p values were set equal to or less than 0.05. All analyses were done with SPSS 15.0.
The sample consists of 342 Caucasian patients all with a current diagnosis of ADHD. Within the sample there are 31 sibling pairs and 6 triple sibling groups comprising 62 and 18 patients respectively. This is approximately 24% of the sample. Twins or triplets were not included. Birth weight range was 5.5–12 lbs (mean 7.9 lbs; SD 1.1). IQ scores ranged from 77 to 147 (mean 110.2, SD 14.2; median 109.0). The mean SES raw score was 47.9 (SD 11.1) with a range from 18 to 66. The mean SES class was 2.0 (SD 0.9). None of these demographic parameters differed among the three main ADHD subtypes.
The subject's sex and age characteristics are shown in Table 2. Although there are significantly more boys (72%) than girls (28%) in each of the three main subtypes, their mean ages within each subtype are similar. The ADDI subjects were significantly older than those in the ADDH and ADDC groups regardless of sex (F = 8.9, df = 5, p < 0.00). The proportion of the three main ADHD subtypes was not evenly distributed. There was a greater percent of the Combined subtype (ADDC) (59.4%), than Inattentive subtype (ADDI) (31.0%) which also was more frequent than the Hyperactive subtype (ADDH) (9.1%). Two subjects (0.6%) were diagnosed with ADDN. More boys and fewer girls were in the ADDH group compared to the ADDI group (x2 = 4.5, df = 2, p = 0.033). The sex ratios were not significantly different in other comparisons between the ADDC vs ADDH or the ADDC vs ADDI.
Table 2 Gender and age characteristics of ADHD sample
Tables 3, 4, 5 and 6 lists the concurrent co-morbid patterns within the sample. It only includes those diagnoses present. Diagnoses not present also reflect the clinical pattern of these subjects. In the Affective Disorders there were neither concurrent cases of endogenous, psychotic, irritable Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), nor any Depressive Disorder NOS. There were no cases of any Bipolar Disorder except Cyclothymia. There were no concurrent Eating Disorders or Anxiety Disorder NOS. All Behavior Disorders were present except Disruptive Behavior Disorder NOS. No Psychoses, Other Disorders, or Adjustment Disorders occurred concurrently with ADHD. Diagnostic patterns differed minimally between those present in the last year (PE) versus the last week (LW). Fifteen of 20 MDD subjects (8 recovered, 5 remitted to MDDD; 5 remained active; 1 had a recurrent MD, and 1 remitted to baseline DD) and 6 of 8 PTSD subjects were no longer fully symptomatic from the PE to the LW evaluation. As noted previously, actively depressed or manic patients were excluded at intake.
Table 3 Comorbid Anxiety Disorders in Affective Disordersa
Table 4 Comorbid Behavior Disorders in Affective Disordersa
Table 5 Comorbidity among Anxiety Disordersa
Table 6 Comorbid Anxiety Disorders in Behavior Disordersa
In the sample as a whole, the most prevalent co-occurring diagnoses were Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD:139, 40.6%), Minor Depression/Dysthmic Disorder (MDDD:74, 21.6%), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD:52, 15.2%). This pattern however varied when co-morbid patterns were considered in the three individual diagnostic groups (i.e., mood, anxiety, behavior). Among the MDDD group (n = 74), the most prevalent diagnoses were ODD (48, 64.9%), ADDC (46, 62.2%), and GAD (19, 25.7%). 32.2% of the total sample had at least one anxiety disorder. Among those with AnyAD (n = 110), the most common disorders were ADDC (63, 57.3%), GAD (52: 47.3%), and ODD (48: 43.6%). 30% (33) of the AnyAD group had MDDD. Those with ODD (n = 139) most commonly had ADDC (103: 74.1%), MDDD (48: 34.5%), and GAD (24: 17.4%). There were no significant sex differences in any of these diagnostic frequency patterns except that Separation Anxiety (SA) was more common in girls than boys (13.7% vs 4.5%, x2 = 7.6, df = 1, p = .004).
Within the three main ADHD subtypes, the three most prevalent comorbid patterns also varied. In ADDI (n = 106), 20.8% had MDDD, 20.8% has ODD, and 18.6% had GAD. The most common diagnostic patterns in ADDH (n = 31) were ODD (41.9%), GAD (22.6%), and MDDD (19.4%). In ADDC (n = 203), the most prevalent disorders were ODD (50.7%), MDDD (22.7%), and GAD (12.3%). Within these three ADHD subtypes, MDDD and GAD were equally prevalent. However, ODD was significantly more prevalent in those with ADDC (50.7%) and ADDH (41.9%) compared to those with ADDI (20.8%). ODD was equally prevalent in those with ADDC and ADDH. Of all comorbid diagnoses, only ODD exhibited a different prevalence among the 3 ADHD subtypes.
The mean number of concurrent comorbid diagnoses in the total sample is 2.1, inclusive of ADHD. 36.3% (124) had only ADHD, 33.3% (114) had ADHD with one additional disorder, 18.7% (64) had two disorders, 8.2% (28) had three disorders, 2.9% (10) had four disorders, and two patients (0.6%) had five additional disorders besides ADHD. ODD occurred alone in 51.8% (59), GAD in 13.2% (15), and MDDD in 12.3% (14) of those with one additional diagnosis. 34.2% (39) only had AnyAD co-occurring with ADHD. In those with two or more additional diagnoses (n = 104), ODD occurred in 76.9% (80), MDDD in 57.7% (60), and GAD in 35.6%, (37). If Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Cyclothymia (CYCLO) are also included with the MDDD cohort, ODD and Any Affective Disorder co-occur in 54 cases which are 15.8% of the entire sample but represents 51.9% (54/104) of those with 3 or more diagnoses. All affective disorders (except Cyclothymia), GAD, SA and SPD were significantly more prevalent in those with 3 or more diagnoses compared to those with only 2 diagnoses. In the pure ADHD sample (124), the rate of ADDI was 35.5%(44), ADDH 9.7%(12), and ADDC 54.8%(68). This proportional pattern of ADHD subtypes was similar to that of the remaining group with 2 or more diagnoses.
Subjects with Panic Disorder (PD) were the youngest (mean age 8.0) but there were only 2 cases. Subjects with SA and ADDH were the next youngest diagnostic groups (mean age 8.5). The oldest diagnostic group was the Substance Abuse Disorder/Substance Dependence (SAB/SD) patients (mean age 16.5). Patients with SA or ADDH were significantly younger than those patients without these diagnoses. Those with SP, ADDI, ADDC, and SAB/SD were significantly older than those without these diagnoses. There were no significant age differences between the boys and girls in any diagnostic group except for the boys with SP being older than the girls with SP (12.6 vs 10.2). However, there were only two girls with SP. The ADDH group were significantly younger than either the ADDC or ADDI subjects (F = 21.7, df = 2, p = 0.00).
Given the high prevalence of ODD, the sample was dichotomized into those with or without ODD and comorbid characteristics reanalyzed. Those subjects with ODD were significantly more likely to have MDDD, SPD, ADDC and significantly less likely to have ADDI. Within the Affective Disorder group, the significant correlation with ODD was predominantly driven by DD, IDD, and IMD. 64.9% (48/74) of MDDD subjects had ODD versus 34.0% of those without MDDD (x2 = 21.7, df = 1, p = 0.00).
Because the symptom of Irritability has taken center stage in the comorbid diagnostic pattern of ADHD and Bipolar Disorder in preadolescent children, its comorbid characteristics were analyzed in this sample. 66 subjects (81.8% prepubertal; 18.2% adolescent) either had subjective (from the Depressive K-SADS module) or overt (from the Mania module) Irritability. This represents 19.3% of the entire sample of ADHD subjects. Only 7 subjects had concurrent subjective and overt Irritability. Irritability was significantly associated with all of the Affective Disorder subtypes. In the Anxiety Disorder group, it was significantly associated with Avoidant Disorder; and, in the Behavior Disorder group it was significantly associated with ODD and ADDC. Within the Irritable group, 66.7% (44/66) have MDDD, 71.2% (47/66) have ADDC, and 80.3% (53/66) have ODD. This specific comorbid triad (i.e., MDDD, ODD, ADDC) represents 10.8% (37/342) of the entire sample. 31 of these 37 cases (83.8%) are those with symptomatic Irritability. These 31 cases represent almost half of those with Irritability (31/66, 47.0%).
Although the comorbid frequencies in this report do not reflect a naturalistic sample, these diagnostic patterns are quite similar to prior clinical studies reflecting diagnoses endorsed by both child and parent informants. This data set however includes the broadest age range and the most extensive description of concurrent comorbidity of any study which is based on summary data from both the parent and child regardless of the subject's age.
Over 1/3rd of cases had pure ADHD. These findings are similar to those reported in the MTA study, based on parental DISC reports, in a comparable clinical cohort which reported a 31.8%, 6 month prevalence rate of pure ADHD, although from a younger age (mean age 8.5 years; range 7.0 to 9.9) and mixed racial sample of only ADDC subjects [10]. The proportion of pure ADHD cases within the ADDC sample from this study was 33.5% (68/203). Our data does diverge from a report in a general Swedish school age population that suggested that pure ADHD was rare [21]. This stands out as increased rates of comorbidity are expected in a clinic sample such as this. However, the Swedish group had a small sample of ADHD subjects, including children with various developmental disabilities who were excluded from this study.
ADDH represents less than 10% of the total sample of ADHD subjects. This rate is lower than reported epidemiological frequencies yet ADDH was still the least prevalent of the three subtypes in such samples [22, 23]. In a clinical outpatient sample assessing lifetime comorbidity from Biederman's group [24], the ADHD subtype frequencies were almost identical to those reported in this study (ADDC: 61% vs 59%; ADDI: 30% vs 31%; ADDC: 9% vs 9%, respectively). The age pattern was also similar as the ADDI were the oldest, the ADDH the youngest while the ADDC were intermediate in age. The male/female ratio was approximately 3 to 1 in each study for the total sample, ADDI and ADDC.
ADDH and ADDC are dominated by ODD with a 49.6% (116/234) combined comorbidity rate while ADDI has a more uniform comorbid pattern among affective, anxious, and behavior syndromes. ODD pervasiveness in ADDH/ADDC is further seen as it is the overwhelming comorbidity occurring in nearly 70% (51/74) of those with only one additional diagnosis. Affective and Anxious disorders only co-occur as a second diagnosis in approximately 6.8% and 23.0% respectively of the combined ADDH/ADDC subtypes with one additional diagnosis. These co-occurrence patterns between ADHD and affective, anxious and behavior disorders partially validate Angold's analysis [1] which noted a more highly significant odds ratio pairing between ADHD and CD/ODD than ADHD and Depressive or ADHD and Anxiety disorders. His analysis however did not differentiate among the ADHD subtypes and analyzed epidemiological samples. The pairing of affective, anxious and behavior disorders significantly differed between the ADD and ADDH/ADDC in this clinical sample since AnyAD (x2 = 9.6, df = 1, p = 0.002,) and AnyDep (x2 = 4.9, df = 1, p = 0.028) were likely paired with ADD while ODD (x2 = 22.1, df = 1, p = 0.00) was more likely paired with ADDH/ADDC.
The high co-occurrence of an affective disorder with ADHD is reported in numerous settings [25, 26] and in a 5 year prospective outcome study of ADHD girls [7], yet most of these studies refer to life time or prospective co-occurrence. The high prevalence of concurrent MDDD in this cohort is significant particularly since actively depressed cases were excluded from this study as was low birth weight which in itself could account for higher rates of depression in girls [27]. It suggests that Minor Depression and Dysthmia may be a more significant morbid factor in the disability of ADHD. The higher prevalence of affective disturbances in females was not noted here but this pattern emerges by the early teen years which is older than the mean age of this sample [28].
The finding that Irritability as a symptom was highly associated with MDDD and ODD is not surprising since it is part of the diagnostic domain of Affective Disorders and ODD [29]. Angold et al have shown the significant co-occurrence of these diagnoses with ADHD [1]. However what seems unique here is the greater likelihood of it occurring in the preadolescent child linked with a diagnostic triad of MDDD, ODD, and ADDC. This finding compliments the previously reported link of Irritability with ODD, MDDD and ADHD in a group of depressed and anxious adolescents [30]. Vance et al. [31] have also noted that ADDC and DD significantly predicted ODD symptomatology in a sample of preadolescent ADDC children chosen to exclude comorbid MDD.
In the present sample of 342 subjects, Irritability occurred in 20% (54/272) of the preadolescents and in 17% (12/70) of the adolescent subjects. However within the Irritable subjects themselves, 81.8% (54/66) were preadolescents. It may be that it is this concurrent comorbid triad with irritability is being over diagnosed as the prepubertal Bipolar child. This data set's exclusion of Bipolarity only adds more weight to this hypothesis. Whether this subset of ADHD patients represents an enriched future Bipolar core can only be evaluated through follow-up studies. Nonetheless, there are current reports identifying ODD and ADHD are more prevalent in youths with Irritable Bipolar NOS [32].
This clinical sample does not represent the general population of clinically referred ADHD youths since the study required the participation of both biological parents and it was limited to Caucasians. Its comorbid patterns could diverge from ADHD youths growing up in less-intact families as well as ethnically mixed ADHD samples. However, this approach was necessitated by the primary genetic aims of this study. The young mean age also implies that many subjects have not passed through syndrome specific age of onset time frames. This was most notable in the same sex prevalence of MDDD. The sample also excluded obvious active cases of both Major Depressive and Bipolar disorders so it can not further elucidate characteristics of the Bipolar/ADHD debate.
The majority of the K-SADS IVR interviews were completed by one rater which could introduce an information collection bias to this data set. Also, the K-SADS does not diagnoses learning disorders which can be co-morbid in 20–25% of ADHD subjects [33].
Almost 2/3rd of ADHD children have at least one additional impairing diagnosis. It is all too easy to overlook this pattern and focus treatment solely on ADHD. As noted in the MTA study, specific treatment combinations may be more efficacious in certain comorbid patterns [10]. It also is clear that ADDC is the most prevalent ADHD subtype in clinical cohorts while ADDI is the most prevalent in epidemiological samples [22, 23].
The comorbidities described here reflect that occurring within a selected ADHD sample chosen for a genetic analysis. It would be inappropriate therefore to interpret these rates suggesting they are "true" comorbid patterns in other disorders since the rate of ADHD is 100% within every diagnosis recorded in this data set.
The clinician should be aware that Minor Depression/Dysthymia is common in ADHD and not be quick to dismiss dysphoric states as adverse events of stimulant treatment or the demoralization of having a significantly debilitating illness.
The concurrent comorbid pattern displayed by this ADHD cohort generally corresponds with previously reported ADHD clinical samples. This suggests this data set is sufficiently representative of the ADHD clinical population to serve as a valid sample for genetic analysis. Concurrent comorbid analysis of the ADHD population may allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the vicissitude of this syndrome and assist in identifying potential endophenotypes. Phenotyping data from this study has been submitted to the NIMH repository. Genotyping data will also be submitted upon completion of study.
Angold A, Costello EJ, Erkanli A: Comorbidity. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines. 1999, 40 (1): 57-87. 10.1017/S0021963098003448.
Caron C, Rutter M: Comorbidity in child psychopathology: concepts, issues and research strategies. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines. 1991, 32 (7): 1063-1080. 10.1111/j.1469-7610.1991.tb00350.x.
van Praag HM: Over the mainstream: diagnostic requirements for biological psychiatric research. Psychiatry Res. 1997, 72 (3): 201-212. 10.1016/S0165-1781(97)00103-0.
Barkley RA: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment. 2006, New York , Guilford Press, 3rd Edition
Group MTAC: A 14-month randomized clinical trial of treatment strategies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The MTA Cooperative Group. Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1999, 56 (12): 1073-1086. 10.1001/archpsyc.56.12.1073.
Busch B, Biederman J, Cohen LG, Sayer JM, Monuteaux MC, Mick E, Zallen B, Faraone SV: Correlates of ADHD among children in pediatric and psychiatric clinics. Psychiatr Serv. 2002, 53 (9): 1103-1111. 10.1176/appi.ps.53.9.1103.
Biederman J, Monuteaux MC, Mick E, Spencer T, Wilens TE, Klein KL, Price JE, Faraone SV: Psychopathology in females with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a controlled, five-year prospective study. Biol Psychiatry. 2006, 60 (10): 1098-1105. 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.02.031.
Biederman J, Faraone S, Milberger S, Guite J, Mick E, Chen L, Mennin D, Marrs A, Ouellette C, Moore P, Spencer T, Norman D, Wilens T, Kraus I, Perrin J: A prospective 4-year follow-up study of attention-deficit hyperactivity and related disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1996, 53 (5): 437-446.
Ambrosini PJ: Historical development and present status of the schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school-age children (K-SADS). J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2000, 39 (1): 49-58. 10.1097/00004583-200001000-00016.
Jensen PS, Hinshaw SP, Kraemer HC, Lenora N, Newcorn JH, Abikoff HB, March JS, Arnold LE, Cantwell DP, Conners CK, Elliott GR, Greenhill LL, Hechtman L, Hoza B, Pelham WE, Severe JB, Swanson JM, Wells KC, Wigal T, Vitiello B: ADHD comorbidity findings from the MTA study: comparing comorbid subgroups. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2001, 40 (2): 147-158. 10.1097/00004583-200102000-00009.
Eiraldi RB, Power TJ, Nezu CM: Patterns of comorbidity associated with subtypes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among 6- to 12-year-old children. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1997, 36 (4): 503-514. 10.1097/00004583-199704000-00013.
Willcutt EG, Pennington BF, Chhabildas NA, Friedman MC, Alexander J: Psychiatric comorbidity associated with DSM-IV ADHD in a nonreferred sample of twins. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1999, 38 (11): 1355-1362. 10.1097/00004583-199911000-00009.
Eiraldi RB, Power TJ, Karustis JL, Goldstein SG: Assessing ADHD and comorbid disorders in children: the Child Behavior Checklist and the Devereux Scales of Mental Disorders. Journal of clinical child psychology. 2000, 29 (1): 3-16. 10.1207/S15374424jccp2901_2.
Power TJ, Costigan TE, Eiraldi RB, Leff SS: Variations in anxiety and depression as a function of ADHD subtypes defined by DSM-IV: do subtype differences exist or not?. Journal of abnormal child psychology. 2004, 32 (1): 27-37. 10.1023/B:JACP.0000007578.30863.93.
Takahashi K, Miyawaki D, Suzuki F, Mamoto A, Matsushima N, Tsuji H, Horino A, Ballas PA, Kiriike N: Hyperactivity and comorbidity in Japanese children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences. 2007, 61 (3): 255-262. 10.1111/j.1440-1819.2007.01651.x.
Chang FM, Kidd JR, Livak KJ, Pakstis AJ, Kidd KK: The world-wide distribution of allele frequencies at the human dopamine D4 receptor locus. Hum Genet. 1996, 98 (1): 91-101. 10.1007/s004390050166.
Spitzer RL, Endicott J, Robins E: Research diagnostic criteria: rationale and reliability. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1978, 35 (6): 773-782.
Association AP: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. DSM-IV. 1994, Washington, DC , American Psychiatric Association, 4th
Hollingshead AB: Four Factor Index of Social Status. 1975, New Haven
Hay DA, Bennett KS, Levy F, Sergeant J, Swanson J: A twin study of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder dimensions rated by the strengths and weaknesses of ADHD-symptoms and normal-behavior (SWAN) scale. Biol Psychiatry. 2007, 61 (5): 700-705. 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.04.040.
Kadesjo B, Gillberg C: The comorbidity of ADHD in the general population of Swedish school-age children. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2001, 42 (4): 487-492. 10.1017/S0021963001007090.
Froehlich TE, Lanphear BP, Epstein JN, Barbaresi WJ, Katusic SK, Kahn RS: Prevalence, recognition, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a national sample of US children. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2007, 161 (9): 857-864. 10.1001/archpedi.161.9.857.
Smalley SL, McGough JJ, Moilanen IK, Loo SK, Taanila A, Ebeling H, Hurtig T, Kaakinen M, Humphrey LA, McCracken JT, Varilo T, Yang MH, Nelson SF, Peltonen L, Jarvelin MR: Prevalence and psychiatric comorbidity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in an adolescent Finnish population. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007, 46 (12): 1575-1583.
Faraone SV, Biederman J, Weber W, Russell RL: Psychiatric, neuropsychological, and psychosocial features of DSM-IV subtypes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: results from a clinically referred sample. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1998, 37 (2): 185-193. 10.1097/00004583-199802000-00011.
Biederman J, Munir K, Knee D, Armentano M, Autor S, Waternaux C, Tsuang M: High rate of affective disorders in probands with attention deficit disorder and in their relatives: a controlled family study. Am J Psychiatry. 1987, 144 (3): 330-333.
Biederman J, Faraone SV, Keenan K, Tsuang MT: Evidence of familial association between attention deficit disorder and major affective disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1991, 48 (7): 633-642.
Costello EJ, Worthman C, Erkanli A, Angold A: Prediction from low birth weight to female adolescent depression: a test of competing hypotheses. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007, 64 (3): 338-344. 10.1001/archpsyc.64.3.338.
Wade TJ, Cairney J, Pevalin DJ: Emergence of gender differences in depression during adolescence: national panel results from three countries. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2002, 41 (2): 190-198. 10.1097/00004583-200202000-00013.
Mick E, Spencer T, Wozniak J, Biederman J: Heterogeneity of irritability in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder subjects with and without mood disorders. Biol Psychiatry. 2005, 58 (7): 576-582. 10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.05.037.
Ambrosini PJ, Myers GM, Bianchi MD, Metz C: Irritable and depressed mood: Are they synonymous?: San Diego, CA.1997, American Psychiatric Association, 187.
Vance A, Sanders M, Arduca Y: Dysthymic disorder contributes to oppositional defiant behaviour in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, combined type (ADHD-CT). J Affect Disord. 2005, 86 (2-3): 329-333. 10.1016/j.jad.2005.03.007.
Masi G, Perugi G, Millepiedi S, Mucci M, Pari C, Pfanner C, Berloffa S, Toni C: Clinical implications of DSM-IV subtyping of bipolar disorders in referred children and adolescents. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007, 46 (10): 1299-1306. 10.1097/chi.0b013e3180f62eba.
Pliszka SR: Patterns of psychiatric comorbidity with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2000, 9 (3): 525-40, vii.
This research is supported by NIMH (K23MH066275-01), CTR(UL1-RR-024134). We want to thank all participating families, the referring clinicians and Tamika Scott, research coordinator.
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Josephine Elia
Department of Psychiatry, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
& Wade Berrettini
Department of Psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Paul Ambrosini
Search for Josephine Elia in:
Search for Paul Ambrosini in:
Search for Wade Berrettini in:
Correspondence to Josephine Elia.
JE participated in study design, subject recruitment, phenotype ascertainment, data analyses and interpretation. PJA participated in study design, data analyses and interpretation. WB participated in study design, data analyses and interpretation. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Elia, J., Ambrosini, P. & Berrettini, W. ADHD characteristics: I. Concurrent co-morbidity patterns in children & adolescents. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2, 15 (2008) doi:10.1186/1753-2000-2-15
Generalize Anxiety Disorder
ADHD Symptom
ADHD Child
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13634
|
__label__wiki
| 0.618322
| 0.618322
|
Stephen Marley: Revelation Pt. 1 “The Root of Life”
Seven-time Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter, Stephen Marley, is set to release his third solo project, Revelation Pt 1: The Root of Life from Ghetto Youths/Tuff Gong/Universal Republic on May 24.
According to the artist the album was conceived as a celebration and preservation for roots rock reggae and ensures that the music’s regal template is maintained throughout the 21st century.
Anchored in reggae’s drum and bass backbeat, The Root of Life is described as an organic and richly textured sound through its 14 tracks, which Marley says makes it a true body of work that delivers powerful messages and encouragement for the struggling masses.
In describing the some of the tracks, the producers note that Old Slaves depicts the harrowing residual effect of slavery; She Knows Now evokes the sorrow of rejection; False Friends conveys the disappointment of knowing these people; a lovers-rock tradition there is the duet No Cigarette Smoking with Melanie Fiona; to the final track Now I Know, a contemplative song about moving on.
The first single Jah Army, features Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley and Buju Banton over a one-drop rhythm with lyrics to rally the troops. “Whether it’s in the music or our life, get it together man, the Gideon is on,” declares Marley.
Conceived as a two part project, The Root of Life will be followed by the release of Revelation Pt 2: The Fruit of Life, due in fall of 2011, which will feature an array of styles that have emanated from reggae’s core.
“Reggae music has influenced hip hop and so many other kinds of music,” Marley reasons. “The Fruit of Life will be more open, eclectic kind of record. There will be songs for the club, dancehall reggae will be there, love songs in there, but it will remain conscious good music that you can always take something positive from.”
Having recently completed a cross-country tour to launch this album, Marley will also see exclusive distribution for the vinyl version of The Root of Life from VP Records.
Source: Jamaica Observer
Posted in Celebrities, Entertainment, Music, Reviews
Tags: Buju Banton, Damian Marley, False Friends, Ghetto Youths, jah Army, Jr. Gong, Melanie Fiona, No Cigarette Smoking, Now I Know, Old Slaves, Reggae, Revelation Pt 1, She Knows Now, Stephen Marley, The Fruit of Life, The Root of Life, Tuff Gong, Universal Republic, VP Records
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13639
|
__label__cc
| 0.736049
| 0.263951
|
#CoughDidItFirst
A Batman/Catwoman Cat-Tales/DC Comics Infographic
Everyone is excited about Bruce’s proposal in Batman 24 and Selina’s answer hitting the comic shops today in Batman 32. As HQ for what I’m fairly sure is the longest-running Batman/Catwoman series on the web, we here at Cat-Tales are also quite spectacularly excited… Though it should be noted while others are exclaiming “It’s about damn time,” Cat-Tales readers (and its creator) are more apt to be heard murmuring “Well yes, of course, but… what took you so long?”
If you’d like to share but don’t like the long, narrow format, there is a landscape version. Enjoy.
Posted in cat-tales, dc comics | Tagged batman and catwoman having sex, batman proposes to catwoman, batman reveals identity to catwoman, infographic, milestones, OH good you're caught up. Now we can have some fun., You're welcome. | 4 Comments »
Halloween Reading List #TrickorTreat
There’s a lot of Halloween in Gotham, all Gothams, and Cat-Tales is no exception. We have a lot of doors to knock on, so let’s get started…
The first, Trick or Treat, is an early tale, short and lighthearted as the early stories are–but like the early stories, what often passed unnoticed as a bit of fluff became exponentially significant later on. Bruce and Selina have not been dating that long in Trick or Treat, and discoveries are still being made–such as Bruce’s devotion to Sherlock Holmes. The Folklore Museum is having a costume party on Halloween night, but of course so is Jonathan Crane.
The Gorey-inspired cover by Lady Dien is said to be Chris Dee’s favorite.
Far more macabre, from guest writer Wanders Nowhere is the Batman v. Dracula like no other – and with a significantly higher body count – Capes and Bats.
Is it over? Whew! Less blood in this one. The New Black is not set over Halloween, contains no monsters or deaths by excessive blood loss. It did drop on October 31, 2006 however, and since it keeps getting passed over for On this day tweets, we wanted to include it. Bruce Wayne is dating Selina Kyle, Claudia Muffington is with Harvey Dent, beware debutantes at the Iceberg, rogues are becoming the new black.
Finally, Spontaneous Generation, the suspense tale that may cross into horror when Poison Ivy, “going through changes” that seemed like a character arc, stumbled into magic gone sideways in the previous tale and suddenly, inexplicably, found herself transformed.
Posted in cat-tales | Tagged batman vs dracula, bruce and selina, edward gorey, halloween, horror, poison ivy, suspense | Leave a Comment »
The Boat, the Street and What Batman Rebirth Is Really About
(Contains spoilers for Batman 79)
It’s Batman Day, an event I often ignore in the spirit of hard drinkers sitting out New Years Eve, but this year, in light of Batman 79, I am going to break a rule and speak publicly about what Tom King is doing before he’s finished doing it. Specifically the “We met on a boat”/“We met on the street” debate that’s been inserted into every major event in King’s batcat romance: First Bruce references the boat from the first Catwoman appearance in Batman #1 in 1940, Selina responds with the street, alluding to the 1986 reboot Year One. Year One is known for introducing a darker, grittier continuity but fewer people grasp the cynical and corrosive nature of its approach which was mistaken for sophisticated mature content at the time. (That’s not an off-topic aside. Put a pin in it; it will be important later.)
First, as mother said, if you can’t say something nice… I can be genuinely complimentary about one aspect of this debate’s resolution in Batman 79: The Meta. Tom King nails meta like a mind honed in counterintelligence; it’s absolutely masterful. Batman 78, featuring the boat on the opening page, came out first chronologically, in the real world, before 79, just as the 1940’s boat meeting came out decades before Year One.
The Batman/Catwoman first meetings championed by Bruce and Selina are featured on the first pages of Batman 78 and 79, and there’s a rather nifty bit of meta.
Batman 79, out a week later and featuring the street, contains an editor’s note above the street-related conversation, informing readers that this issue occurred before the events of Batman 77, i.e. like Year One it comes out later than other stories chronologically, in the real world, and writers are flicking on Editorial God Mode to say “No, no, it really happened before other things that you’ve already read, ‘cause we can do that.” That’s rather a nice bit of meta lawyering bullshit to make everybody right “from a certain point of view,” as Obi Wan says. It is bullshit, but it’s clever bullshit. So well done, Mr. King.
The resolution of this squabble is also quite brilliant on a meta level. Bruce acknowledges that the street happened first and explains that’s exactly why it doesn’t count: he was not yet Batman, she was not Catwoman. It wasn’t until the boat when “my truth met your truth.” Very nice, but that’s not the ultimate destination. He goes on: “Maybe I’m more (than that truth)…Maybe we can meet again. Here. Now.” And they agree “We met on the beach.”
And that, folks, is what we call Rebirth. The first meeting in Batman #1, dead. The Bruce and Selina of Year One, dead. And “After what’s happened” as Bruce says, rising from the ashes of those dead continuities, something new is born. This is the new Batman, the new Catwoman and a new “batcat.” Welcome to 2019.
That concludes the “something nice.” Now let’s talk about the problem. This is some beautiful, elegant meta, but an awful lot of people who read comic books cannot see past the crudest and most literal reading of the biggest picture on the page. What they see is Miller’s appalling vision of Selina on Page 1 as the price of admission to this issue. You shall not pass into the beautiful episode that contains the consummation of the new batcat partnership without acknowledging/accepting the abomination. The meta introduces that creature to reject it, but the people in most need of that message are able to see it validated.
And that is a problem because “rebirth” literally means Renaissance. Do you know why Christopher Nolan’s Bruce and Selina end up in Florence, Italy at the end of The Dark Knight Rises?
Christopher Nolan’s Bruce and Selina are last seen in Florence, Italy, the cradle of the Renaissance.
Because it’s the cradle of the Renaissance, the Age of LIGHT that follows the Dark Ages. That’s where you take a Bruce Wayne that has finally evolved past the Gothic nightmare existence he’s been trapped in: a Batman “as sick as the villains he fights,” a Batman operating out of psychosis instead of selflessness, motivated solely by anger and hate not because he wants to prevent other people suffering the way he did, a Batman who fights because he hates the criminal in front of him not because he loves the city behind him, and the mother of all Simon-simple, you-cannot-believe-these-people-thought-they-were-writing-sophisticated-stories-for-adults ideas: “Bruce Wayne is the mask.” Them’s the Dark Ages, folks. “Heroes are sick and not noble” is a medieval mind at the cellular level, and calling the reboot REBIRTH says you are moving on from that.
It says you’re moving on from ‘Might makes right’ and ‘Hope is a lie,’ everyone is born in sin, corrupt and corruptible; tomorrow will be no better than today and there is nothing we can do to make it better. People are no damn good, life is shit and then we die. In the rain.
And that appears to be exactly what Tom King is setting up. Batman’s rebirth is bathed in sunlight…
…And the Gotham described in these pages and what we’ve seen of the City of Bane encapsulates the Batman universe built on the rock of Frank Miller: “Everyone” sees Gotham as “a flood of chaos,” “a cesspit,” “endless crime waves,” or to use my own phrase: Mordor with street lights. An absurd level of violence and cruelty for cruelty’s sake that shatters suspension of disbelief in its ludicrous extremes. And the I-got-mine view of humanity DC has espoused since the Crisis reboot: “So what if people die, if villains ruin their lives. What if they’re all slaves kept in fear… No one gives a damn.”
… Well, nobody gives a damn except for Green-Shirt Guy, the bat-badass fanboy we all know who thinks it’s awesome that Batman is now a completely homicidal sadistic psychopath. This is what has taken over Gotham and what Rebirth Bat/Cat are going to fight and reclaim their city from.
(I mean that. Holy shit. Tom, if you see this, it would be an honor to buy you a steak dinner and a very, very good scotch for what you’ve laid out here.)
But back to the problem: Rebirth Selina is still stuck with being that creature from the street in her past, and the problem with that is you cannot bring Dark Ages ignorance with you into the Renaissance. Either you accept that the Earth revolves around the sun—you accept that the Church was wrong, you were taught wrong and everybody you know and admire and wanted to be when you grew up was fucking wrong— or you don’t. And if you don’t, eppur si muove, it doesn’t change the reality that the Earth does in fact move around the sun and those cynical, fear-based I-got-mine values that have taken over a lot more than Gotham really aren’t working out too well.
The batcat-loving world isn’t going to care, of course. They got their Bruce/Selina relationship back on track and a maxi series where King’s romance will hold center stage in January 2020. If they perceive an ideological price, I doubt they’ll give a damn. Writing Cat-Tales I scratched the itch years ago, so I have some Bat-braincells relatively unaffected by these beautiful pages. I see what I see.
And I’m truly sorry it’s not a completely unqualified rave, because I believe Tom King is a tremendous writer who takes bold risks and sees them through and shares aspects of himself that few artists dare, and most of the time he does it for an audience a chunk of whom has no idea what’s going on. King is an extraordinary person and an extraordinary writer. He’s brought that talent and sensibility to Batcat, and that’s unspeakably wonderful. These two issues are fucking beautiful, and the motifs and melodies of this love song he is composing is, I believe, going to be epoch-making when he’s done.
Happy Batman Day, Tom King, Clay Mann, Jamie Rich and DC Comics. You’re doing a big thing, maybe not perfectly but you’re doing it damn well. It takes courage your Bat would be proud of.
Posted in dc comics, general | Tagged Batman 79, Batman 80, batman day, Batman Rebirth, Batman Year One, catwoman origin, Tom King, we met on a boat/we met on the street | Leave a Comment »
Interesting Times
A serial killer is terrorizing Gotham, and when Mrs. Wayne left off, Gordon thought there was finally a break in the case, thanks to Oracle. As the FBI, GCPD and Batman close in on their prey…
Oswald Cobblepot has things to do. The focus shifts from the manhunt to a simple nightclub owner trying to manage his business while the city is scared stiff.
Mrs. Wayne Part 3: Interesting Times is now available on the main Cat-Tales website and mobile-friendly mirror Cat-Tales.mobi
Posted in cat-tales | Tagged batman and catwoman, bruce and selina's honeymoon, gotham serial killer, Mrs Wayne by Chris Dee, oswald cobblepot | Leave a Comment »
The View from One Police Plaza
“We got our wedding bells. Now we have to pay for them…
the universe bites back.”
“The Wedding happened. Everyone rejoice. But this is the Bat+Cat wedding.
All hell has to break loose somewhere…”
“Turning a Chaos God sane for the duration was going to have consequences.”
Bruce and Selina began their married life together in chapter 1 of Mrs. Wayne in a uniquely Bat-honeymoon contrived to protect Batman’s identity. Remaining in Gotham undercover as the jetsetting thieves Tommy Pearl and Colette while Bruce and Selina are off the grid in some remote Scottish castle, Batman is still able to patrol–which is lucky, for in the last moments of the chapter, a dead body appeared and the killings are only beginning.
In Chapter 2, the focus shifts to the 14th Floor of One Police Plaza–i.e. Commissioner Gordon’s office–as we begin a day in the life of Gotham’s Finest which is about to become a lot more.
Mrs. Wayne Chapter 2: One-PP is now available on the Cat-Tales website and mobile-friendly mirror Cat-Tales.mobi.
Posted in cat-tales, dc comics | Tagged bruce and selina's honeymoon, commissioner gordon, Mrs Wayne by Chris Dee, serial killer in Gotham | Leave a Comment »
Sorry, Gotham Times, It Was Very Much Meant to Be
Cat-Tales readers were rightly confident that when the advertised wedding tale Ever Fixed echoed the ominous New York Times headline that spoiled Tom King’s headfake on a batcat wedding, history would not repeat itself. The day the Times story broke, Chris Dee tweeted a message that she’d never broken faith with her readers
A message for the #Batcat Community from Chris Dee regarding #Batman50, the spoilers in the New York Times, and Cat-Tales. pic.twitter.com/xP0sasr3D5
— Cat-Tales by Chris Dee (@cattales0) July 1, 2018
and that 17 years buys some leeway. The wedding did come off without too many hitches, but the mystery of that headline was not explained.
The first chapter of the new tale finds the World’s Greatest Detective delving into the case, but he’ll only get so far before a deadlier mystery presents itself.
The murders are only beginning, and Chapter 2 is coming soon.
Bruce and Selina begin their married life together, but a killer stalks Gotham in the first post-wedding tale: Cat-Tale 76: Mrs. Wayne
Posted in cat-tales, dc comics | Tagged batman and catwoman, bruce and selina's honeymoon, serial killer in Gotham | 1 Comment »
It’s International Women’s Day and the Series that Fought Back for Catwoman Turns 18
March 8, 2001, Selina Kyle “put her true self on a public stage and let the contrast speak for itself.”
That’s how it’s stated in the most recent story Ever Fixed, just weeks before the series reached the age of majority as the men of DC Comics recapitulated their commitment to an origin that roots the character in poverty and exploitation.
It also happens to be International Women’s Day, a fitting marker for the series that fought back when Catwoman was stripped of her dignity and the privileged background and education that made her Bruce Wayne’s equal.
As is our practice at Cat-Tales, we’re celebrating a milestone with gifts for our readers: the ebook and pdf release of Gifts and Ever Fixed, that’s Cat-Tales 74 and 75 or parts 2 and 3 of the long-awaited Batcat wedding arc at catwoman-cattales.com
Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle marry in Cat-Tales 74: Gifts and Cat-Tales 75: Ever Fixed by Chris Dee, available as ebooks and print-quality pdfs at catwoman-cattales.com
But more importantly, we’re reminding readers and would-be readers there is a better Catwoman origin out there that rejects DC’s nostalgie de la boue and gives Selina a worthy motivation for being a thief, a motivation grounded in the same basic human needs as set Bruce on his path.
Cattitude by Chris Dee is available for download as an ebook, print-quality pdf and audio book read by the incomparable Caroline Sharp.
Posted in cat-tales, dc comics, general | Tagged caroline sharp, cat-tales anniversary, cattitude by chris dee, catwoman origin, international women's day | Leave a Comment »
Batman and Catwoman Tie the Knot on the Anniversary of Bruce’s Proposal
“The moment we’ve been waiting for. Bruce deserves this wedding. Selina deserves this wedding. We deserve this wedding. And that’s what we’re gonna get, god damn it.” – Cat-Tales Forum
Years before Tom King had Bruce on one knee proposing with Bat-brevity, the long-running Cat-Tales series #CoughDidItFirst at the conclusion of Wayne Rises. The proposal story, which began in the wake of the Dark Knight Rises giving its Bruce and Selina a Happily Ever After in Florence Italy, wrapped up on January 30, 2013.
If King’s bait and switch accomplished nothing else, it did prompt Cat-Tales scribe Chris Dee to get her Bruce and Selina marching down the aisle. The wedding arc began in earnest with The Engagement Party
establishing in a ruthless one-shot that while DC scribes may be afraid of Bruce Wayne’s world of privilege, Cat-Tales is not. The tale introduced a society writer a la Dominick Dunne who has flitted throughout the story, determined to use Bruce and Selina’s wedding for his comeback novel, and delivering a well deserved education to the likes of Joelle Jones, “denizens of Bludhaven outlet malls” who think wedding dresses on this level are bought off the rack for $28k (assuming the bride pays instead of breaking in through a sewer and rolling around on the floor of the shop.)
What Ford’s ultimate role in the story may be remains to be seen, but he is a prime suspect in the Gotham Times headline mirroring the New York Times Spoiler of Batman 50: Sorry, Bruce, It Wasn’t Meant to Be
It’s a testament to the trust Chris Dee has built up with her readers that, despite the years of head fakes from DC Comics, no one lost faith (too much) that Cat-Tales would deliver what it promised.
The last chapter saw Selina survive the murder attempts that have stalked her through the bridal plans and discover who was really behind them, and the story concludes in Ever Fixed Part 4: Just Us.
Though we should mention that the mystery of the Times headline has not been tied up, and Dee indicated on social media that the arc itself continues for 2 more stories. As with Tom King (Uh oh), the wedding is at the half-way mark.
Posted in cat-tales, dc comics | Tagged batman 50, Batman and Catwoman's wedding, batrimony, bruce wayne proposes, Tom King | Comments Off on Batman and Catwoman Tie the Knot on the Anniversary of Bruce’s Proposal
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13642
|
__label__cc
| 0.6558
| 0.3442
|
A New Play by the Human Story Theatre
15th December '17
"I’ve been an actor for 17 years. Wanting to have more control and ‘job satisfaction’ in my life, I set up Human Story Theatre with my close friend Gaye Poole, 15 months ago. As an emerging charity we have yet to have core-funding. So in addition to our ‘earning a crust’ acting work, we run Human Story Theatre in our spare time. It’s a full-time job, so our life-work balance is a little squew-whiff!
Human stories was precisely what we wanted to collect and portray when we started HST and we’ve been overwhelmed with people’s openness in sharing their personal experiences for our first three shows. We only tour new writing with a health and social care at heart and thus far have tackled Dementia, Loneliness and Breast Cancer. For DRY our new show touring in ‘Dry January' we have been particularly touched at people’s willingness to talk about the usually taboo subject of alcohol. We were commissioned by the NHS Central South to write DRY for public information reasons i.e. the detrimental health effects on middle age, middle class drinkers in particular is becoming a huge problem for our health services. Gaye says: “This isn’t a play that preaches but we hope it is a play that raises as many questions as chuckles.”
Most actors have to wear a variety of working ‘hats’ and Gaye and I met ten years ago while wearing our ‘medical role-play hats’. Together we work as role-players and facilitators in teaching communication skills to various medical students and professionals. Straddling the two worlds of make believe and the real life certainly crystallised the idea of Human Story Theatre which has become the perfect vehicle for our concerns regarding health and social care. We would like to help our communities in some way and as actors and a writer the tools available to us are to convey important messages in theatre form.
For DRY we’ve partnered with Turning Point UK and Al-Anon who will be present at our post-show Q&As, providing information and support to our audiences. Turning Point have hubs all over Oxfordshire and Al-Anon Family Groups provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking."
Learn more about this awesome cause on Human Story Theatre's crowdfunding campaign page:
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13644
|
__label__wiki
| 0.857541
| 0.857541
|
Home > Volume 94 Issue 44 > Career Ladder: Julia Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink
Volume 94 Issue 44 | p. 32
Issue Date: November 7, 2016
Career Ladder: Julia Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink
A love for science lit the path for this Science journal editor
By Taylor C. Hood
Department: Career & Employment
Keywords: Julia Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink, Science magazine, careers
Credit: Courtesy of Julia Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink
Always curious
Growing up in Germany, Julia Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink was fascinated by nature and enjoyed exploring the forest. “I never had a science kit that I can remember,” she says. Science didn’t catch her eye until high school as she began to think about her future. For years she dreamed of becoming an archaeologist, but later her interest turned toward the chemical sciences.
Taking a leap in education
Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink began her undergraduate studies in biochemistry at the Free University of Berlin but later switched to chemistry with mineralogy as a second major. After two years, she decided that studying in another country would be exciting, and she received a grant that allowed her to study in England for a year at the University of Cambridge. While there, she was offered the chance to jump directly into the Ph.D. program. “I didn’t have the sort of foundation that other people had, but relished the opportunity of starting my Ph.D. early.”
Changing interests
After finishing her Ph.D. on the properties of nanoscale particles, Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink began a postdoc at the University of Sussex in nanoscience. She quickly realized that nanoscience research didn’t capture her imagination anymore. “To do well in research, you have to identify a question and have a desire to answer it, which can take years of focused effort.” She had interests in other subjects and considered changing fields to explore other areas. That’s when she switched to a biochemistry postdoc at University College London (UCL).
Leaving research for publishing
During her postdoc at UCL, Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink stumbled across a job posting for an editor at Science and was curious about how a journal works from the inside. She got the job and immediately realized it was the right fit. “It combines all that I love about science: the fascinating new insights, the connections between them, and the tools that scientists are developing—and I get to learn about these things every day.”
Moving up with Science
After four years of editing research papers at the cutting edge of numerous fields, Fahrenkamp-Uppenbrink was promoted to senior editor for Science’s Insights team, where she invites and edits scientist-written commentaries, oversees their publication, and occasionally writes her own pieces. She loves working with scientists to present their complex ideas in ways that can be understood by those inside and outside the scientific community. “I feel fortunate to be able to do this job and work with my fantastic colleagues both here in the U.K. and in our Washington, D.C., office.”
Know a chemist with an interesting career path? Tell C&EN about it at cenm.ag/careerladder.
Check C&ENJobs for the latest job listings, as well as featured videos on what chemists do.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13651
|
__label__cc
| 0.656025
| 0.343975
|
Warren Gives Event
Establish A Fund
CFOWC AT WORK
DeFrees Family Memorial Fund
Grant Recipient Letters
Second Harvest Launches Back Pack Fund at Community Foundation
August 29, 2016 Written by cfowc
Pictured left to right: CFOWC Board Member Murray McComas , Karen Seggi of Second Harvest, CFOWC Executive Director John Lasher, CFOWC Board Member Bob Crowley
Karen Seggi, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank recently visited Warren to establish the Second Harvest Back Pack Fund at the Community Foundation of Warren County. According to Seggi, “Interest in supporting the Back Pack Program in the Warren County School District continues to grow every year. Creating this fund will provide a place where people who want to invest in the long-term growth of the program can make donations.”
“So many children in Warren County have benefited from the Back Pack Program,” noted John Lasher, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Warren County. “We are pleased that Second Harvest is taking this step to help bring greater visibility to the program and to help insure its long-term health.”
Contributions to the fund are invested for long-term growth. The income from the investments is one of the sources of revenue available to provide a portion of the program’s annual budget. “Direct support of the program as well as contributions to the fund are both necessary to insure long-term success of this effort in Warren County. There is immediate need and we have a number of fund raising efforts around that,” Seggi commented. “This program is also part of our long-term strategy to serve children and families in need. The growth of the fund will help sustain that effort over the years.”
Since its inception the Back Pack Program has provided over 53,000 meals for students in grades K thru 5. Each back pack contains nutritious meals and snacks for the weekend for the student, plus items to share with the family. The back packs are provided discretely to students receiving free or reduced lunch. “The extra items allow each student to contribute to his or her family. We feel that is an important feature of the program, building a sense of responsibility and self-esteem in each individual.”
Second Harvest delivers pallets of food to the former Allegheny Valley School in Clarendon, where the back packs are assembled. In previous years each school in the District took a turn packing the items, with volunteers from the Retired Teachers Association and the community helping. This year Second Harvest held an event to pack all the back packs for the first semester of school in one day. A similar program in January packed all the backpacks needed for the second semester. This event included a competition between local service clubs to see which club could pack the fastest.
This year Second Harvest plans to launch a special program, the Holiday Back Pack Program to provide extra meals and snacks at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter for students in grades K thru 5.
“The Community Foundation is proud to provide a way for Second Harvest to prepare for the long term needs of the Back Pack Program,” Lasher commented. “This fund and others like it at the Foundation are designed to help young people of Warren County who are living with need. Efforts such as this are so important to improving the quality of life for Warren County’s young people.”
For more information about the Back Pack Program, or Second Harvest visit NWPAFoodBank.org.
Community, Education, Health
Dr. Albert B. Cecchini Memorial Scholarship Awarded
Sheffield Area Ecumenical Food Pantry Receives $15,000 Grant
of Warren County
310 2nd Avenue, Suite 1
Warren, PA 16365
Donate To Funds
Warren Gives
© 2018 Community Foundation Of Warren County, All Rights Reserved | Powered by Critical Syntax
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13654
|
__label__cc
| 0.746345
| 0.253655
|
Who are the Chaikuni?
Our Special Alliance
Why We Work
Intercultural Education
Human and Nature Rights
What is Permaculture?
Our Stand & The Challenge
Our Strategies & Work
Home » Who We Are » Our Local Partners
FORMABIAP
FORMABIAP is the educational arm of AIDESEP, with a focus on intercultural bilingualism within the Public Institute of Higher Education of Loreto (ISEPL). AIDESEP (Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana) is one of the national indigenous organizations and aims to work towards the just development of the Peruvian Amazon. It represents 1500 indigenous communities, 68 federations and nine regional associations. The program aims to address the cultural and linguistic needs of native boys and girls. It wants to create a new generation of indigenous people who exercise their individual and collective rights, and defend their territories sustainably, according to the principles of autonomy and self-determination. The Sui Sui Program works in close relationship with FORMABIAP as a partner, and they share not only the same compound but often the same ideas.
Chaikuni has supported the Sui Sui Program since 2014.
OEPIAP
Organización de Estudiantes de los Pueblos IndÃgenas de la Amazonia Peruana (OEPIAP) is a nonprofit indigenous association founded in 2003 representing students from the Peruvian Amazon at higher (technical) and university levels who study in Iquitos. OEPIAP represents over 100 students and 13 indigenous peoples. Its strategic objectives, as defined in its institutional blueprint, are to:
Guarantee and improve access to higher (technical) education and university for indigenous students,
Guarantee adequate living conditions and nutrition for indigenous students studying in Iquitos,
Guarantee academic monitoring and improvement of indigenous students, and
Ensure the acceptance and improved visibility of indigenous student issues in the region of Loreto.
Chaikuni has supported OEPIAP since 2014 through the educational Sui Sui Program.
FECONAT
Federacion de Comunidades Nativas del Alto Tigre (Federation of Native Communities of the Upper Tiger River) is the organization of the indigenous Kichwa people of the Upper Tigre (Loreto department) in the extreme northwest of Peru. It represents 20 communities of the Kichwa (Quechua) ethnic group. The Federation was formed in 1991 from the indigenous movement in the Upper Tiger as a response to the need to defend their integrity, territory, culture and tradition and to affirm self-determination and self-development, especially against the presence of local oil activity. FECONAT is part of the regional representative organization ORPIO (Organizacion Regional de los Pueblos Indigenas del Oriente) and the national organization AIDESEP. Since the beginning of 2015, FECONAT has been presided over by Fernando Chuje Ruiz, a Kichwa leader of more than 15 years’ experience renowned for his high values.
Chaikuni has empowered this organization since 2014.
TRES UNIDOS
Tres Unidos is a small community situated on the Nanay river about two hours from the center of Iquitos. It was founded in 1988 and currently has around 152 inhabitants from 45 different families. Tres Unidos is the closest community to Chaikuni’s permaculture center. The people of Tres Unidos are dedicated mostly to farming their land, where the main crops are cassava and plantains. Another major influence on the local economy is the village’s close proximity and relationship with our sister organization, the Temple of the Way of Light, a traditional Amazonian healing center.
Our collaboration with Tres Unidos has been ongoing for many years. Before the foundation of the Chaikuni Institute, the Temple financially supported many local events, bought products from local farmers, and paid school teachers’ salaries and the wages of locals employed by the Temple. Chaikuni’s present relationship with Tres Unidos is based on an exchange of knowledge and experience in the area of sustainable development.
An opportunity for inspired giving in support of a new vision for a thriving and sustainable Amazon Rainforest.
The Amazon Continues Burning
Dry toilets in the Amazon: Sustainable Solutions for Basic Needs
Special Report: The Black Snake of Peru’s Amazon – The North Peruvian Pipeline
© 2019 Chaikuni Institute. All Rights Reserved.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13657
|
__label__wiki
| 0.632933
| 0.632933
|
Classifieds/Legals
Liberty Life
Those Who Served Liberty County arrests Long County News
Time to Recycle It! and Shred It! for the good of Liberty
Project Reach GANG, Inc., goes to Atlanta
Bradwell Institute named Unified Champion School
Become a storm spotter
Liberty sheriff’s bloodhound team earns certification
Blue Tide basketball fall to rival Panthers
Donnell Woods Memorial Tournament set for Saturday
“Help! My daughter wants to play football!”
Blue Tide girls fall, boys rally late against Tattnall
Long County recreation 12U soccer girls win district, make first trip to state meet
Courier Virtual Reality Channel
VIDEO: Larry Baker sworn into office as Walthourville mayor
VIDEO: Liberty Co. Sheriff's Office address child exploitation case
VIDEO: Four dead in car crash involving stolen vehicle
VIDEO: Liberty Humane Shelter asks for donations
VIDEO: Hinesville has Christmas parade
‘Marriage Story’ well-crafted tale loaded with heartbreak
We are never alone because God is with us
Grandparents should allow father’s visitation with child
Hinesville law enforcement losing a hero
Not so fast there amigo!
VIDEO: Fort Stewart holds Christmas tree lighting
VIDEO: Ft. Stewart holds Thanksgiving feast for soldiers
VIDEO: 3rd Infantry Division memorializes deceased soldier
VIDEO: Winn Hospital holds drive-through flu-shot clinic
Army accident investigated
Local public notices State public notices Place a classified ad
Weather service begins sending alerts to smartphones
Steve Karnowski
Updated: July 1, 2012, 3 p.m.
MINNEAPOLIS — Millions of smartphone users have begun receiving text messages about severe weather from a sophisticated government system that can send a blanket warning to mobile devices in the path of a dangerous storm.
The National Weather Service’s new Wireless Emergency Alerts system offers a new way to warn Americans about menacing weather, even if they are nowhere near a television, radio or storm sirens.
Started Thursday, the system notifies people about approaching tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards and other threats. When a warning is issued for a specific county, a message of no more than 90 characters will cause late-model smartphones in that area to sound a special tone and vibrate.
Users do not have to sign up for the service or pay for the text message. And people who prefer not to get the warnings can opt out of the system.
“These alerts will make sure people are aware of any impending danger and provide them with the information needed so they can be safe until the threat is over,” said Amy Storey, spokeswoman for CTIA-The Wireless Association, an industry trade group that helped set up the system.
The system does not yet work with all smartphones or in all areas. It is part of a broader alert network the Federal Emergency Management Agency launched in April that can also send public-safety warnings from the president and participating state and local governments. But the weather service estimates that more than 90 percent of the messages will be about storms.
The weather warnings will include tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis, flash floods, extreme winds, blizzards and ice and dust storms.
Designers were concerned about overloading users with too much information, so they deliberately limited the messages to warnings, not watches, and excluded severe thunderstorm warnings, weather service spokeswoman Susan Buchanan said.
Wireless carriers serving almost 97 percent of U.S. subscribers have agreed to participate, including the biggest nationwide companies — AT&T Inc., Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel Corp. and T-Mobile USA. Each of the four offers at least some phones capable of receiving emergency alerts, with more on the way.
Sprint, Verizon and T-Mobile say they offer the service nationwide. AT&T only offers it in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Portland, Ore., at the moment. Spokesman Michael Balmoris said the company will add additional markets over time but declined to say which ones or when.
Government officials don’t have a good handle on exactly how many capable devices are already in use, but Damon Penn, assistant administrator for national continuity programs at FEMA, said the number is probably in the millions.
He said smartphone users should check with their carriers to find out whether service is available and if their device is able to use it. He said many people own phones equipped to get the new alerts but don’t know it yet.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13667
|
__label__cc
| 0.684474
| 0.315526
|
Early Modern and Digital History
HIST1P50: Co-Operative Historical Projects 2018
HIST2P26: Intro to Digital History
HIST2P26 Blog
HIST3P31: The Historian’s Toolbox
Living the “Regimen Sanitatis Salernitanum” – Eli Cohen
Praying the Divine Offices – Jessica Linzel
Interests and Major Projects
I am currently working on a manuscript about homicide in early modern Italy, centered around a selection of 700 criminal trials for homicide dating from 1600-1700 – about a 1/10 sample of the total volume from across the century in the northern province of Bologna, Italy. This study is important because Bologna, as the northern capital of the papal state, was as developed as states came in seventeenth century Europe, yet suffered rising rates of violence throughout the century. Despite having negotiated with papal representatives to forge an unstable peace in the early years of the century, Bologna’s elite nobility returned to the vendetta and revenge-as-politics in the middle of the century, creating a maelstrom of violence that affected all of Bologna’s population.
The return to revenge-based violence has much to do with the destabilization of local norms in the wake of the “Great Plague” of 1630, the worst round of bubonic to hit north Italy, which left up to 50% of the population dead in place such as Parma and Venice, and 25% in and around Bologna. Despite centuries of experience with plague and a well-developed machinery of communication and quarantine, the Italian cities including Bologna were unable to ward off plague; meanwhile, the papal government and its highly-politicized criminal court moved during the epidemic to expand their authority and further repress local privileges and statuses. In the wake of the plague the dream of a peaceful society was shattered – Bolognese artisans and labourers found themselves in a world bereft of stable hierarchies and lashed out against the elites who sought to preserve their positions, and elites scrambled to increase their holdings of property and wealth in the wake of so much death. In that environment the elite families turned against each other and against the officers of the papal court and violence began to surge.
By the 1650s the situation was grave and should be considered a civil war fought in the streets and countryside of Bologna. Nobles killed one another, and killed judges of the criminal court who attempted to punish them for it; commoners fought for robbery, romance and revenge, and civil order disappeared. It was only with the mass exile of noble heads of household in the latter half of the 1660s that some semblance of quietude returned to the streets. By the end of the century homicide rates were at parity with those at the beginning of the century, but despite this rapid drop north Italy cannot be said to have participated in the large-scale decline of violence that seems to have occurred elsewhere in Europe around the same time.
Site built by Colin Rose | DIVI by Elegant Themes | (C) 2017 Colin Rose
Weekly Outline
Week 1: September 5th
Introduction to Brock, to History, to this class.
Syllabus Review
Week 2: September 12th
Brainstorming: What does a historian do?
In-class writing assignment (due in SAKAI by midnight).
Lab: Library Visit. Meet in TH269J for class trip to visit the library.
Week 3: September 19
Reading Like a Historian
What are primary sources?
What is a “peer reviewed article”
How do we read history books?
In-class reading materials on SAKAI Resources.
Lab: Visit to David Sharron in the Rare Books Room
History and the Web:
Brainstorm: History on the Web
How to make a historical website using WordPress at Brock.
In-class reading materials on SAKAI Resources
Group work lab: Project Proposals
Students will discuss their ideas for their group projects and at the end of lab email prof. Rose a brief (1 page) proposal. This proposal should include the topic, a division of labour plan, and a first idea of what each part of the project might show.
Week 5: October 3
History as a Conversation
Public Histories
Academic Histories
Politics and History
Readings from SAKAI
Group Work Lab: Writing and Editing workshop
Each part of your project requires small and focused pieces of writing. Today we’ll identify those needs and spend dedicated time on writing for a public digital exhibit.
Reading Week October 9-13
Students may wish to visit some fascinating history conferences in St Catharines this week. Ask Prof. Rose for details.
Week 6: October 17
Organizing Historical Projects:
Databases and Bibliographies
Citation for Historians
Lab: Visit to Rare Books Room
In this week students should input their chosen primary sources into their source bibliography, including all digital content and metadata information.
Mapping History: GIS and StoryMaps
Types of Data and Metadata
Introduction to ArcGIS online
Lab: Making StoryMaps with ArcGIS Online.
Historical Maps as Historical Sources
How to find Maps?
How to read maps?
Introduction to Storymaps
Historical Maps and how to find them
Lab: Georeferencing Historical Maps
Week 9: November 7
Writing History for Different Audiences
Term paper workshop
Best practices for writing history on the web
Readings: “History Essay Guidelines” on SAKAI Resources.
Do you think there are any other sources you could use for your group project that you’ve missed? Now is a good time to have a last dig into the archive.
Week 10: November 14
Public History: Digital Content Sharing
Digital photogalleries
Readings on SAKAI Resources
Group project Lab: Project Outline
In this lab students should draft for Prof. Rose an outline of their group project’s progress. It will include a plan for completion and revision as a group as well as an outline of the division of labour.
History Exams Study Workshop (Visit from BUHS?)
Expectations for exams
Best tips for how to succeed at Brock exams.
Lab: Group work on project.
Week 12: November 28 / Dec 5?
End of term review
Writing Workshop for Final Reflective Paper
Course Components and Grading
Short Writing Assignment: 5%
In Week 2, we will have an in-class writing workshop in which students will brainstorm the question “What do historians do?”. Students will write individual 2 page responses in the second hour of class.
Group Project: 60%
The group exhibit project has three parts:
– A Website about the history of Niagara (20%)
– A StoryMap about St Catharines’ historical downtown( 20%)
– A Photo-Document Gallery about St Catharines people between the world wars. (20%)
Students will work together to plan and develop these three parts. I am open to discussions about how they organize their shared workload. So a group may wish to have one or two people focus entirely on each part of the project, and then bring them all together at the end. In this case an individual student might have their contribution be worth the 60% portion of their grade. Or you may wish to tackle each part together one after another, in which case an individual student would have a grade made up of all three parts (3×20% individual grade= 60%).
Final Written Assignment: 15%
At the end of the course you will write a four-page paper reflecting on your experience in this course. Further details will be discussed in class as we progress.
Attendance and Participation: 20%
This is a small, intensive learning course. It is important to come and bring all of your questions and ideas with you. I will not assign a great deal of outside reading because we are going to read together in class and talk about what we are reading. This 20% includes your efforts to work constructively with your fellow researchers.
Course Policies and Resources
Course Communications:
Most course communications should be via your official Brock email address to mine (crose@brocku.ca) or in person. I strongly encourage students to drop into my office hours if they have any questions or concerns about the course or about the study of History at Brock generally. Otherwise you can feel free to make an appointment to see me outside of my usual office hour times.
I prefer to be called “Prof. Rose” in person and in email. If you have a preferred title or pronoun, please do not hesitate to let me know in person or in writing. I will use it without question
Late Submission Policy:
This course works with the suggested Brock late penalty of 5% per day, unless accompanied by medical documentation. See Medical Exemption Policy and the medical health certificate at http://www.brocku.ca/health-services/policies/exemption
Much better than taking a late penalty is to arrange an extension with Prof. Rose in advance of the assignment’s due date. This requires students to be aware of their workload and to manage their time effectively. If you think that you will not be able to complete an assignment on time, please contact Prof. Rose and request an extension. I will grant extensions for medical / personal emergencies on short notice.
My policy on extensions is this: I will grant an extension equal to the length of time you contact me ahead of the due-date up to one week, i.e. one or more week’s notice will give you an extension of one week, while one day will give you a one-day extension. Please note that requests for extensions should be framed to put me in the most sympathetic mood possible. “Dr. Rose, I have other assignments due that week and I don’t think I will be able to complete yours” is not going to put me in a good mood. Think strategically here.
Relationship between attendance and grades:
Students are expected to attend all classes and must submit all assignments in order to pass this course.
Important dates: (check the section on sessional or important dates in the relevant online University calendar at http://brocku.ca/webcal/)
November 6 is the date for withdrawal from the course without academic penalty.
October 30 is the date you will be notified of 15% of your course grade.
October 9-13 is/are the scheduled reading week(s).
December 5 and 6 are set aside for makeup days due to holidays.
December 5 and 6 are set aside for designated reading days (these may be used to cover classes missed because of adverse weather).
December 7-20 are set aside for formal examination periods.
Academic Integrity:
Statement for undergraduate courses
Academic misconduct is a serious offence. The principle of academic integrity, particularly of doing one’s own work, documenting properly (including use of quotation marks, appropriate paraphrasing and referencing/citation), collaborating appropriately, and avoiding misrepresentation, is a core principle in university study. Students should consult Section VII, “Academic Misconduct”, in the “Academic Regulations and University Polices” entry in the Undergraduate Calendar, available at http://brocku.ca/webcal to view a fuller description of prohibited actions, and the procedures and penalties.
Intellectual Property Notice:
All slides, presentations, handouts, tests, exams, and other course materials created by the instructor in this course are the intellectual property of the instructor. A student who publicly posts or sells an instructor’s work, without the instructor’s express consent, may be charged with misconduct under Brock’s Academic Integrity Policy and/or Code of Conduct, and may also face adverse legal consequences for infringement of intellectual property rights.
Academic Accommodation:
As part of Brock University’s commitment to a respectful work and learning environment, the University will make every reasonable effort to accommodate all members of the university community with disabilities. If you require academic accommodations related to a documented disability to participate in this course, you are encouraged to contact Services for Students with Disabilities in the Student Development Centre (4th floor Schmon Tower, ex. 3240). You are also encouraged to discuss any accommodations with the instructor well in advance of due dates and scheduled assessments.
Academic Accommodation due to Religious Obligations:
Brock University acknowledges the pluralistic nature of the undergraduate and graduate communities such that accommodations will be made for students who, by reason of religious obligation, must miss an examination, test, assignment deadline, laboratory or other compulsory academic event. Students requesting academic accommodation on the basis of religious obligation should make a formal, written request to their instructor(s) for alternative dates and/or means of satisfying requirements.
Medical Exemption Policy:
The University requires that a student be medically examined in Health Services, or by an off-campus physician prior to an absence due to medical reasons from an exam, lab, test, quiz, seminar, assignment, etc. The Medical Certificate can be found at: http://www.brocku.ca/health-services/policies/exemption
Welcome to Brock University!
In this course we are going to learn about the city and community around us with the skills and tools of historians. As historians we’ll work together on an exhibit about the Niagara region in the mid-twentieth century (1919-1964). The end goal of the course is for groups of students to publish a pair of digital exhibits about the Niagara Region in the early twentieth century that will have a website, an interactive map, and an online photo-document gallery.
I want this course to help you succeed in all of your courses here at Brock.
We’re going to meet in a large group for two hours on Wednesdays at 10:00am.
History at Brock offers you a lot of flexible skills and tools! We’ll talk about how these skills can help you do well in all of your courses here at Brock.
Reading and writing are important parts of doing well at university. We are going to learn how to do them well for both university assignments and public audiences.
We’ll also have various visitors to help us navigate the first year of university and its challenges.
There are only twenty-odd people in our class, so I am excited to get to work closely with you all! At Brock we emphasize talking about ideas and learning skills together, so we will work together on how to present ideas and arguments to professors and colleagues in person.
Smaller Group Seminars:
In smaller groups we will use these skills to make our digital exhibits and work on some historical skills. Some weeks we’ll visit the library and its rare book room. We will learn how to work with original historical documents to create effective narrative, analysis and argument.
When we are not working directly with historical documents, we’ll work in computer labs on the different steps of our group projects. At the end of the semester we’ll put the different parts together and publish the results.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13669
|
__label__cc
| 0.618345
| 0.381655
|
Infectious Diseases Fellowship (Florida)
Mayo Clinic's Infectious Diseases Fellowship in Jacksonville, Florida, provides a well-rounded educational experience through a careful balance of didactic instruction and direct patient care. The training program is two years long.
The program provides fellows with a comprehensive knowledge base that prepares them to independently care for patients with infectious diseases caused by various pathogens. The well-organized, effective curriculum also provides direct clinical experience and progressive responsibility for patient management.
Fellows rotate through two inpatient hospital services and three outpatient clinics, in addition to tuberculosis and antimicrobial stewardship rotations.
See a sample block rotation schedule.
Within the first three months of training, fellows spend one month studying basic clinical microbiology, gaining hands-on experience in:
Antimicrobial assay techniques
Diagnostic serologic tests
General and anaerobic bacteriology, including blood culturing, antibiotic susceptibility testing, antibiotic assay methods, and immunofluorescent diagnostic studies
Molecular biology techniques, including polymerase chain reaction and DNA probing
Performance of Gram stains and other stain techniques on selected specimens
Setup of biological specimens for cultures
Techniques used in the virology, mycology, mycobacteriology, and parasitology laboratories
Explore the services, including clinical microbiology, that Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology staff provides for both Mayo Clinic patients and referred samples. You can also learn more about Mayo Clinic Laboratories, which is Mayo's reference laboratory.
General infectious diseases service
The general infectious diseases service provides consultation to all Mayo Clinic inpatient medical and surgical services.
Infectious diseases fellows gain experience in the diagnosis and management of:
Community-acquired and nosocomial infection
Surgical infections and other communicable infections
More unusual conditions or infections, such as fever of unknown origin, parasitic infections, and endemic mycoses
Bone marrow transplant patients
Intensive care unit patients
Hematology/oncology diseases
Orthopedic infectious diseases
Infectious diseases fellows may spend elective time gaining additional research and clinical experiences in:
International experience through the Mayo International Health Program
Off-campus clinical rotations
Pediatric infectious diseases
Transplant infectious diseases
Specialists at Mayo Clinic Transplant Center perform about 1,000 transplants each year. Mayo's transplant program is one of the largest in the U.S. and ranks among the best in terms of survival rates of patients and organs.
The transplant program at Mayo Clinic integrates services for patients and brings the collective knowledge of all Mayo specialists to bear on the most difficult transplant problems. Mayo's transplant infectious diseases service is an integral member of a multidisciplinary team caring for all solid-organ and bone marrow transplant patients.
Infectious diseases fellows develop skills in evaluating the febrile transplant patient, treating and preventing opportunistic infections, and using various means for preventing infection in this patient population.
Outpatient clinic and infection control
Fellows rotate for four weeks at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, in the Travel and Tropical Medicine Clinic to learn about pre-travel management and post-travel evaluation in travelers who return ill.
Fellows also receive infection control and antimicrobial stewardship didactic and hands-on experience during these four weeks and are expected to complete the Infectious Diseases Society of America's online Infection Control Course during this time.
Continuity clinic
During the two-year fellowship, trainees participate in regular continuity clinics in the ambulatory setting, including:
Regular outpatient infectious diseases consultations
Ongoing care of patients so that you can learn the natural history of infection
Fellowship training includes extensive experience in the medical, psychological, and social aspects of infection with HIV and AIDS. Fellows learn to manage the longitudinal changes of AIDS.
Didactic training
Infectious diseases fellows participate in various individual conferences each year, including:
Bimonthly journal club alternately focusing on HIV and general infectious diseases topics with an emphasis on critical evaluation of recent literature
Weekly clinical case conferences involving current inpatient and outpatient cases
Monthly Mayo multi-site case teleconference
HIV lecture series
Monthly infectious diseases research conference
Fundamentals of Clinical and Translational Science (FunCaTS) Program, with all fellows completing the FunCaTS Program during their microbiology month
Fellows are encouraged to participate in research projects under the mentorship of Mayo consulting staff. Research opportunities at Mayo Clinic are diverse and outstanding, and they include opportunities for clinical studies and laboratory-based projects.
Fellows may participate in clinical research by using the extensive electronic medical record and clinical databases that are available. The microbiology laboratory offers research opportunities using in vitro techniques.
Find out more about research in the Division of Infectious Diseases.
Fellowship protocols are reviewed and approved by the Division of Infectious Diseases Research Committee and the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board. Fellows are encouraged to present research results at national infectious diseases meetings and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.
Learn more about research resources at Mayo Clinic.
Call frequency
The call schedule varies by rotation. Mayo Clinic complies fully with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education rules.
Performance of all fellows is monitored carefully during the entire course of the Infectious Diseases Fellowship. Fellows are formally evaluated using a number of sources, including multisource evaluations, Simulation Center and in-training examinations, which are reviewed by the program director as well as the clinical competency committee. Fellows also evaluate the faculty to ensure that their educational needs are being met.
The Infectious Diseases Fellowship undergoes an annual internal evaluation by Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Faculty development is monitored, and all faculty members are encouraged to participate in development programs that would enhance their ability to teach, mentor, and provide feedback.
Academics ▸ Residencies and Fellowships ▸ Infectious Diseases Fellowship (Florida) ▸ Curriculum
Stipend and Benefits
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13670
|
__label__cc
| 0.613067
| 0.386933
|
Sensitive Words
Drawing the News
Netizen Voices
Information Revolution
CDT Bookshelf
Chinese Police Quash Protest Over Land Rights
Posted by Sophie Beach | Mar 31, 2011
While much media attention has focused on the ongoing crackdown on Chinese activists and writers, another protest has been crushed in a village in Yunnan Province. About 2000 villagers have been protesting for the past five days against their forced relocation to make way for a hydroelectric plant; paramilitary police dispersed the protesters today, according to the Wall Street Journal:
The villagers set roadblocks, physically harassed officials and damaged government vehicles in Suijiang County in the southwestern province of Yunnan before being dispersed by paramilitary police on Tuesday afternoon, the officials said.
More than a dozen police were injured, they said. No demonstrators were hurt, said a local-government spokeswoman, who agreed to be identified only by her surname, Wu. The reports of injuries couldn’t be independently confirmed.
The protest was one several examples of civil unrest triggered by land disputes in China, where farmers increasingly are being forced to relocate to make way for housing, golf courses or large infrastructure projects.
Suijiang County is on the border between Yunnan and Sichuan province. It is near the Jinsha River site of the Xiangjiaba Hydroelectric Station, which is designed to be one of China’s largest.
International Rivers provides more information on the Jinsha River dams and the threats they pose to local communities:
The Jinsha River (or “River of Golden Sands”) is the name of the 2,300-kilometer section of the Yangtze River from Yushu in Qinghai Province to Yibin in Sichuan. Here the river carves a string of grand canyons, home to diverse ethnic minority groups and some of China’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The Jinsha River is also at the heart of one of the largest hydropower development areas in the world. Planned hydropower output in this area is equal to about ten times the power produced by the Three Gorges Dam alone. There are about twelve dams in the works for the lower and middle Jinsha River …. In addition, major tributaries to the Jinsha River are also being dammed: six dams are planned on the Min River, seventeen on the Dadu River, and twenty-one on the Yalong River.
The Jinsha River dams will alter the natural hydrology of the river, threaten fish and local incomes dependent on those fisheries, and inundate millions of acres of farmland and forest, including areas of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site. To make matters worse, the lower Jinsha River dams are being built in a national protection zone for several species of endangered fish. As many as 360,000 people could be displaced to make way for the dams, including the entire city of Zhaotong. The dams are located in earthquake zones, which pose huge risks to local inhabitants should landslides or cracks in the dams occur.
Categories : Politics,Society,The Great Divide,Top Article
Tags :forced demolitions,Hydropower,land disputes,land rights,protests,Yunnan
Chinese Supporters of HK Protests Under Pressure
HK Pro-democracy Activists and Lawmakers Arrested
Protesters Clash With Police in Hong Kong Suburb
HK Protests: Expanding Focus, Sustained Momentum
Thousands in Wuhan Protest Against Waste Incineration
In Tweets: Protesters Seize HK Legislature
1989: Background Reading
30 Years Ago: Beijing Reports Arrest of 11 Protesters
30 Years Ago: Beijing Spring
30 Years Ago: A Lesson in Polite Protest
CCP Aggressively Guards Claim to May 4th Legacy
Minireview: 2018 in Censorship (Oct-Dec)
Minireview: 2018 in Censorship (Jan-Oct)
CDT Features
Leaked Propaganda Directives
Detained in Xinjiang
Feminism in China
China's Surveillance State
SUPPORT CDT
Photo: 19 Jan 2020, by Etan Liam chinadigitaltimes.net/2020/01/photo-… https://t.co/xlzdSOfQoT
CDT Daily News Updates 01/18/2020 - eepurl.com/gQe4Mf
China's Birthrate Hits Record Low, Sharpening Economic Concerns chinadigitaltimes.net/2020/01/chinas…
Photo: The Writer, by Gauthier DELECROIX - 郭chinadigitaltimes.net/2020/01/photo-…7e6p https://t.co/D0eBIADcGN
Follow @CDT
Xu Zhiyong: The Last Ten Years
Google and China: A Round-Up of News and Opinions
River Crab Archive: Tibet Mine Landslide and More
Historical Tremors
Google Ads 1
CDT EBOOKS
Anti-censorship Tools
Click on the image to download Firefly for circumvention
Receive Daily News Updates!
Download the CDT APP
Website by Statecreative
CDT is a non-profit media site, and we need your support. Your contribution will help us provide more translations, breaking news, and other content you love.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13683
|
__label__cc
| 0.74244
| 0.25756
|
The Joining of Heaven & Earth
The Medieval Pilgrimage Roads
to Santiago de Compostela
Great Portals
Aragonese Camino
Tours Road
Limoges Road
Puy Road
Toulouse Road
Cinematograph
Cinematograph Sculpture
Cinematograph Roads
August 13 2009 December 9 2017
Thereupon, on the route that through Saint-Leonard stretches towards Santiago, the most worthy remains of the Blessed Mary Magdalene must first of all be rightly worshipped by the pilgrims
Mary Magdalene was the medieval world’s most emblematic saint. However it wasn’t until the sixth century that the saint assumed a specific identity and subsequently an important role in Christian theology.
It was Pope Gregory the Great who consolidated under a single identity three seperate women of the Gospel texts. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus he identified as the same woman named Mary Magdalene discoverer of the empty tomb after the Crucifixion and first witness to the Resurrection.
Unifying these with the nameless woman condemned as a sinner by Simon the pharisee and redeemed by the act of washing the feet of Christ with her tears, an immensely potent figure was created.
“Noli me tangere – do not touch me for I am not yet ascended to my father”, these were the celebrated words ascribed to Jesus when Mary Magdalene came upon him after finding his tomb empty.
Mary Magdalene was both the archetypal sinner redeemed and through her devotion a symbol for nothing less than the Christian Church. She was known as the Apostle to the Apostles.
In the eleventh century the Benedictine abbey of Vézelay in Burgundy declared possession of her relics. This was a contentious claim since the legend of Mary Magdalene told of her journey after the Pentecost from Palestine to Provence, where she had ended her days as a hermit. In order to justify the presence of her relics at Vézelay the legend was embellished further by the involvement of one of the heroes of the epic Chansons de Geste, Girart Comte de Roussillon.
Girart had founded the abbey at Vézelay in the ninth century. The new account told of how he had brought with him Mary Magdalene’s mortal remains in order to preserve them from the hands of the Saracens who were then ravaging Provence..
The abbey’s claim to possess the relics was endorsed by papal confirmation in 1058. The massive size of the church at Vézelay is an indication of the large numbers of pilgrims who came to there in hope of miraculous cures and the remission of their sins.
Sacrifice of Isaac
Pingback: The relics of many saints were revealed by various signs « The Joining of Heaven & Earth
Pingback: Arriving from the region of Jerusalem, they went by sea as far as the country of Provence « The Joining of Heaven & Earth
Pingback: Bosom of Abraham « The Joining of Heaven & Earth
Pingback: Apparition of Christ to Saint Thomas « The Joining of Heaven & Earth
Pingback: How the relics of blessed Mary Magdalene came to the French town of Vézelay ought to be commented on briefly « The Joining of Heaven & Earth
Pingback: The church of Vézelay is known and shining unto the ends of the earth and eminent all over the world « The Joining of Heaven & Earth
Pingback: Sangüesa « The Joining of Heaven & Earth
Pingback: The Compostelan Saints: the Saintly Remains on this Road « The Joining of Heaven & Earth
Pingback: Chansons de Geste | The Joining of Heaven & Earth
Pingback: The Pilgrimage Roads | The Joining of Heaven & Earth
Pingback: La Charité-sur-Loire | The Joining of Heaven & Earth
p_yty g_owne says:
Fabulous, what a webpage it is! This webpage provides helpful facts to us, keep it up.
All content © Art Symbol 2020
COMPOSTELA: The Joining of Heaven & Earth
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13688
|
__label__wiki
| 0.973709
| 0.973709
|
Anywhere in Wellington
In Carterton
In Kapiti Coast
In Lower Hutt
In Masterton
In Porirua
In South Wairarapa
In Upper Hutt
In Wellington City
20° & SUNNY ON TUESDAY 21 JANUARY IN WELLINGTON
'My Dad Wrote a Porno' World Tour 2020
The hilarious anti-erotica podcast is heading to Wellington.
Gardens Magic 2020
Wellington's free multi-evening concert series returns for 2020.
Go down the rabbit hole and into the curious history of Alice's adventures in Wonderland through film, puppetry, CGI and more.
Suffrage in Stitches
This 300-metre-long work celebrates the people who supported the original suffrage movement.
Guy Ritchie returns to his roots with a riotous crime caper filled with cockney slang, caricatures and c-bombs.
Variety for Fireys
This variety show will be a wild one-of-a-kind night with a slew of Wellington's best writers, poets, comedians and musicians.
You Should Be Dancing
San Fran comes to life for one night only, playing all the tracks you secretly hide from your friends.
Fete-Nat
Taste wines from all over the world at this free pop-up.
Eat The Film: Stand By Me
Dishes and cocktails inspired by the classic 1980s coming of age tale.
The classic American novel gets a sharp, savvy and soulful new adaptation, with Greta Gerwig at the helm and Saoirse Ronan leading the cast.
THE WELLINGTON
Home News Guides Events Restaurants Cafes Bars Pubs Shops
Opening before this year's Tokyo Olympics, the park will also feature a Yoshi ride, a Mushroom Kingdom and Bowser’s Castle.
When Super Mario Kart first rolled onto Super Nintendo consoles back in 1992, it came with 20 inventive courses and endless hours of fun. Nearly three decades later, the game has become a beloved phenomenon — not just speeding through desert tracks and rainbow roads, but onto Google Maps and mobile phones, and also into reality. The hugely popular game's next stop? Theme parks.
Although an exact opening date hasn't yet been announced, by July this year you'll be able to enjoy a real-life Mario Kart experience as part of the first-ever Super Nintendo World. Initially announced back in 2017, the new site is joining Universal Studios in Osaka — and it's due to launch before this year's Tokyo Olympics, which run from July 24–August 9.
Just what Super Nintendo World will entail has been a source of mystery over the past few years, but details are slowly being unveiled. Yes, Mario Kart features as part of a new ride, with Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative and Vice Chairman Universal Parks & Resorts, calling the racing component "a new kind of attraction". Exactly what that means is yet to be revealed; however it's safe to assume that fans will be able to strap into some kind of moving kart. What else could a Mario Kart ride feature?
Osaka's Super Nintendo World will also take over multiple levels — fitting for a gaming-themed space — and recreate the brand's popular characters and themes, complete with other rides, restaurants and shops. Expect Mario and Mario-related characters to feature heavily, with Universal Studios confirming that it'll boast a Yoshi ride, a Mushroom Kingdom, Peach's Castle and Bowser's Castle.
"Think of Super Nintendo World as a life-size, living video game where you become one of the characters," explained Thierry Coup, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Universal Creative. "You're not just playing the game; you're living the game, you're living the adventure."
With that in mind, the theme park will introduce wearable wrist bands, called Power Up Bands — which'll connect to a special app and allow patrons to interact with the site using their arms, hands and bodies. That mightn't sound all that exciting, but the bands will enable you to collect coins just like Mario does in the Super Mario games. Like the red-capped plumber, you'll also be able to hit question blocks to do reveal more coins. And there'll be collectible items to gather, such as character stamps, which you'll find after achieving various goals. The stamps will also earn you even more coins — so you really will be basically playing Super Mario in real life. You will have to buy a Power Up Band separate to your entry ticket to enjoy that element of the park, though.
While it doesn't give away a whole lot, Universal Studios has also released a new Super Nintendo World song and music video with Charli XCX and Galantis, which they say "showcases the activities based on the real and interactive experiences available at Super Nintendo World". For now, all other specifics remain sparse; however given that Nintendo's game stable includes everything from Donkey Kong to Tetris and The Legend of Zelda, there's plenty more to play with. Our suggestions: real-life Tetris, where you move bricks around in person, or a Donkey Kong water ride that uses the game's iconic aquatic music.
Can't make it to Japan any time soon? Universal Studios is also planning Super Nintendo Worlds for its other parks in Hollywood, Orlando and in Singapore. The latter was just announced last year, and is set to open by 2025.
When Super Nintendo World launches at Universal Studios Osaka, it'll join Japan's growing list of pop culture-themed attractions — including the towering Godzilla and Gundam statues, a forthcoming Godzilla attraction that you'll be able to zipline into, the existing Studio Ghibli Museum, the in-progress Studio Ghibli theme park, Tokyo Disney Resort in general and the Japanese park's upcoming Toy Story hotel, to name just a few.
On the international theme park scene, it's also a great time to live out your love for your favourite films, shows and games. As well as all of the above, both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in the US opened Star Wars theme park zones last year, a Star Wars hotel is also coming to Walt Disney World in 2021, and a Marvel hotel is slated for Disneyland Paris.
Super Nintendo World is slated to open at Universal Studios Osaka in July 2020.
Top image: Super Nintendo World 'We Are Born to Play' by Galantis ft. Charli XCX.
Published on January 15, 2020 by Sarah Ward
David Attenborough's Latest Nature Documentary Will Screen in Cinemas Down Under
Jared Leto Turns Into a Vampire in the First Trailer for 'Spider-Man' Spinoff 'Morbius'
Daniel Radcliffe Fights for Survival with Guns Bolted to His Hands in the OTT Trailer for 'Guns Akimbo'
Spotify Is Now Creating Personalised Playlists for Pets
Lord Howe Island Has Been Named One of the Best Places to Visit in 2020 by Lonely Planet
You'll Soon Be Able to Stream 21 Studio Ghibli Films on Netflix
The Best Things to Do in Wellington This Week
Four Things You Didn't Know You Could Do on New Zealand's Mt Ruapehu in Summer
The Ten Best Vintage Stores in Wellington
'Joker' Leads the Way to This Year's Oscars with 11 Nominations
The Best Cafes for Working or Studying in Wellington
23 Asian Kitchen
K & K Cambodian Food Caravan
Indian Alley
BambuchiSan
Noah's Ark Teahouse
Lambton Quay
Townhouse Ramen
The Ribz Shak
Abrakebabra
Chooky's Pub & Pantry
The Puffin
Night Flower
Honey Badger Saloon
1154 Pastaria
El Culo Del Mundo
European Winter Festival Snowboxx Is Coming to New Zealand
The Ten Best Films of 2019
Ten Must-Visit Places to Plan Your 2020 Travel Adventures Around
Ten Golden Globe-Winning Films and TV Shows to Add to Your 2019 Must-Watch List
You Can Play 'Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?' on Google Earth Right Now
A Museum Dedicated to Dachshunds Has Opened in Germany
Wellington Lantern Festival 2020
Bushfire Support Fundraiser
Poetry In Motion - Cable Car Edition
Great Big Waterfront Clean-Up
The Old Bailey's Bottomless Brunch
'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' Quiz Night
Whanau Drop-in — Finale: Bouquet
Pipitea
The Borough's Bottomless Brunch
Prawn-a-geddon
St Johns Igloo Village
Auckland Arts & Entertainment
Brisbane Arts & Entertainment
Melbourne Arts & Entertainment
Sydney Arts & Entertainment
Wellington Arts & Entertainment
EXPLORE WELLINGTON
Wellington Restaurants
Wellington Cafes
Wellington Bars
Wellington Pubs
Wellington Shops
Wellington Things to do
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13690
|
__label__wiki
| 0.945684
| 0.945684
|
Campaign by Dynamic Church Planting International
Charlotte C donated $250 on 1/15/2020
Doug & Kris P donated $75 on 1/15/2020
Kevin M donated $22 on 1/15/2020
David & Lisa Lewis donated $200 on 1/15/2020
Roy K donated $200 on 1/14/2020
LS Lewis donated $75 on 1/14/2020
Jim can help plant many churches
Joshua B donated $100 on 1/7/2020
BRUCE M donated $600 on 1/3/2020
2020 donation
Larry & Shelby B donated $300 on 1/3/2020
Carolee V donated $93 on 1/3/2020
gary g donated $40 on 1/2/2020
David Uhle donated $50 on 1/2/2020
Mike Tucker donated $200 on 1/1/2020
Stephanie Hayes donated $1000 on 12/31/2019
Dale and Carol Pettit donated $1000 on 12/30/2019
Deidre, it is thrilling to be along on this journey with you as you share the Gospel with so many around the world.
Lucia M donated $50 on 12/30/2019
Peter and Cheri donated $100 on 12/30/2019
Year End Special gift.
North S donated $1100 on 12/30/2019
Support Steve Barrett Support Brandon Becker Support Paul and Cathy Becker Support Jim Bouck Support Jessica Carter Support Jay and Karen Devers Support Emmanuel Donkoh Support Sam Douglass Support Lance and Janice Fricke Support David Godoy Support Steve Goldberg Support Eric Helmbold Support Deidre Holliday Support James Kalikwembe Support Scott Kirk Support Laura Labraten Support Scott Last Support Chris McKinney Support Otoniel Mendoza Support Ramon Mendoza Support Ollis Mozon Support Victor Pulido Support Brittney Ridgway Support Jeffrey Smith Support Robert Tomaschek Support Stephany West Support Aaron Wolfe Support Finishing the First Million
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13692
|
__label__wiki
| 0.588965
| 0.588965
|
About Connie
Connie Speaking / Presenting
Just Fine The Way They Are
The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton
Thank You Very Much Captain Ericsson!
When Esther Morris Headed West
The Legend of Strap Buckner
Wicked Jack
Reviews of Connie’s Books
By Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge
Edith Wharton, author of Ethan Frome, The House of Mirth, and other acclaimed novels, was born into a wealthy New York City family during the Gilded Age. In fact, she was a Jones of “keeping up with the Joneses” fame. This anecdote opens Woodridge’s biography of an astonishing life. Beginning in childhood, Edith found ways to escape from society’s and her family’s expectations and follow an unconventional, creative path. Unhappily married and eventually divorced, she surrounded herself with the cultural creatives of her day, mostly male friends. To escape the obligations of New York City high society, she spent much of her life in Paris and was recognized by the French government for her work establishing four charities during World War I. Her literary and personal life, her witty and incisive correspondence, her fondness for automobiles and small dogs–all are detailed in this vibrant account of a woman well ahead of her time. Includes photographs, a bibliography, source notes, and an index.
Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge has written and published 5 non-fiction picture books for children, as well as articles and stories for Highlights for Children and Cricket. Her most recent book entitled Just Fine the Way They Are (Caulkins Creek/Boyd Mills Press) tells the story of how dirt roads turned into our present day interstate system.
“Any dreamy or bookish girl who once loved ‘Harriet the Spy’ should immediately take up this lively new biography…the author brings to life Wharton’s joy, consuming energy and ability to turn adversity into fuel and hunger… I like to picture girls lying on the beach reading this appealing book and receiving its secret message: stop i-chatting and posting on people’s walls — it’s time to write your first novel!” – Katie Roiphe, New York Times Book Review, August 15, 2010
“… In this thoroughly researched, humanizing biography, Wooldridge writes with lively specifics about both the author and her time…Wooldridge’s skillful integration of Wharton’s literary and personal lives includes matter-of-fact, detailed accounts of her intense relationships with numerous “bachelor friends,” pictured among the many archival photos. …[A] well-rounded, handsomely illustrated portrait, which will find an enduring place on classroom and library shelves” – Booklist, STARRED review, Oct. 1, 2010
“Glimpses into her “imagining” sessions as a child and the heartache caused by a broken affair as a middle-aged woman create a vibrant and often endearing portrait of Wharton.” – School Library Journal review, September 2010
“…a useful study that might lead sophisticated young readers to Wharton’s novels.” – Kirkus Reviews, July 2010
Edith Wharton Review, Spring 2011
“This book deserves serious consideration.”—VOYA, The Voice of Youth Advocates
Steve Goddard’s History Wire review, November 15, 2010
YA Fiction author Sara Zarr’s 2010 Reading Report
The Biographer’s Craft, Sept. 1, 2010, review
London Book Festival – Winner of the Best Biography Category
Young Adult Library Services Association – 2011 YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award Nominee
Amelia Bloomer Project’s Recommended Titles for 2011, part of the Feminist Task Force of the American Library Association’s Social Responsibility Round Table
“Wooldridge has written a truly compelling story here, making Wharton a real person who came from a complicated family and grew up in truly fascinating times.” – ChasingRay.com, August 30, 2010
Connie’s Posts Related to Edith Wharton
Published by Clarion Books, August 2010
Juvenile Non-Fiction (Grades 7 & up)
ISBN#9780547236308
>> Other Books by Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge
© 2020 Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge. All Rights Reserved Internet Presence by: Main Street Marketing
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13693
|
__label__wiki
| 0.506009
| 0.506009
|
Vena Solutions
Welcome to the Finance Playook
The Finance Playbook
Streamline Your Budgeting & Planning
Maximize Your Revenue Growth
Improve Reporting and Decision Making
Accelerate Your Month-End Close
Meet Changing Regulatory Requirements
Automate All Your Spreadsheet Processes
Discover Vena Solutions
Upcoming Webinars + Events
The Finance Playbook » Vena in the News » Digital Transformation in Finance Will be Built on Excel
Digital Transformation in Finance Will be Built on Excel
March 21, 2018 Don Mal
This article originally appeared in Accounting Today.
It’s been fashionable of late to consider, if not accept as fact, the idea that Microsoft Excel, the trusty workhorse of accountants globally, is becoming outdated. But before you add spreadsheets to the pantheon of obsolete IT, I’d suggest you consider a few facts.
Earlier this year, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) announced it will be eliminating its own, proprietary spreadsheet tool with — wait for it — Microsoft Excel.
This isn’t just notable because it means the next generation of CPAs will literally be using Excel as a gateway to joining the profession. It flies directly in the face of all the accepted “wisdom” that spreadsheets, and Excel in particular, deserves to die a quick death.
You’ve no doubt heard the arguments, that Excel spreadsheets:
Keep information in silos;
Are too manual and time-consuming to manage;
Lack important analytics, workflow or collaboration features;
Are prone to the most basic human errors; and
Can get out of control with different versions all circulating over email.
Courtesy: Microsoft
I’ll address some of those concerns in a minute, but first, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to get a better understanding of why Excel has proven so difficult to displace, despite all the other technologies that have followed them.
Excel’s enduring appeal explained
Spreadsheets have been a staple of the profession because they’re simple to use and read at a glance. It’s important to remember that they are also “digital,” even if we tend to associate the term with more complicated applications.
In fact, Wired published an article last year headlined, "Worried About Robots Taking Your Job? Learn Spreadsheets," which summarized a study by the Brookings Institution on the use of digital tools between 2002 and today. The findings suggested that knowledge of tools like Microsoft Excel are a stepping stone to long-term careers:
Nearly two-thirds of new jobs created since 2010 required high or medium digital skills, the report says. That shift is problematic given America’s long-established deficit in basic digital skills, such as familiarity with spreadsheets or other workplace software, where US workers score well below other those from other advanced economies. Overall, the Brookings report suggests the window of opportunity for workers without basic digital skills or a college degree is closing.
Much like the AICPA’s decision to bring Excel to those taking its exam, the Brookings study shows spreadsheet skills won’t be disappearing anytime soon. They are not necessarily “basic” skills either, in some cases.
Just look at the agendas of CPA Australia’s ‘Unlock Excel’ series of conferences, which are delving into new approaches to data visualization, budgeting, variance analysis and more.
A recent article in InTheBlack magazine, meanwhile, shows how business professionals are using more recent versions of Excel to do 3D mapping of data, advanced forecasting in conjunction with Microsoft’s Power BI, and getting ahead of everything from inventory requirements to potential service failures.
“New features have transformed Excel into a business intelligence tool with some surprising and very powerful applications,” the author concluded.
These aren’t isolated examples. Just a few months ago a post on CFO Innovation called ‘Excel Isn’t Dead: How To Use The Venerable Spreadsheet For Forecasting’ walked through a detailed approach to taking historical data and applying the Trend function to get a set of numbers that multiple people in an organization can trust.
To put it another way, Excel spreadsheets might be a good example of what Harvard Law School professor Jonathan Zittrain has described as “generative technology,” which he defines as tools that allow third parties to innovate upon without any gate-keeping. When you can use something as a foundation for solving a wide range of problems, it’s no wonder it becomes the de facto standard for an entire profession.
The ultimate anti-spreadsheet rebuttal
Despite all this evidence to the contrary, spreadsheet naysayers tend to get a lot of attention. A case in point came late last year, when the Wall Street Journal published a story suggesting CFOs were doing away with Excel. The comments from readers afterwards were vitriolic, to say the least.
Among all the responses, however, there was a very thoughtful take by Bloomberg columnist Nir Kaissar, which bears repeating as we look to the goals behind any digital transformation initiative:
“By requiring users to load and organize data, Excel forces them to make decisions about how to slice and calculate it. Sure, companies can outsource those judgments to specialized software. But by doing so, they’re also outsourcing much of the thinking,” Kaissar said. “And by design, that thinking isn’t always readily apparent in specialized software. Some critical assumptions and calculations run behind the scenes, forgotten and seldom challenged. Excel, on the other hand, is an open book. There’s nowhere to hide in its iconic cells.”
What Kaissar doesn’t talk about as much is what you can discover beyond those iconic cells when you connect spreadsheets to applications that are designed to synthesize information and make it ready for analysis.
Think of it this way: Digital transformation shouldn’t just be a quest to make us work faster, or get more done. It’s not merely a matter of connecting more readily with customers, partners and other members of our teams.
Excel and finance transformation: strange but perfect bedfellows
Digital transformation should allow us to make smarter, more data-driven decisions that lead to better outcomes.
This ties in directly with the aspiration of most finance and accounting professionals in 2018: to be more involved in guiding and shaping the strategy within their organization. That in itself represents a major change for those working in CFO roles, or as members of the CFO team.
These are people who readily acknowledge the need to take better advantage of the technologies that are emerging to help them be more successful, but to transform with digital technologies that represent an entirely new paradigm is probably a little overwhelming. It could explain why, a few months ago, a survey of U.K. finance teams on IT Pro Portal showed four out of five finance managers feel “left behind” in terms of digital transformation.
Nobody needs to be left behind. You can meet them halfway, with technologies they know and understand like Excel.
You can start with a conversation about what questions you need to be investigating through data, and what kind of data you have available right now.
Next, you can look at how that information is collected, stored and managed in things like Excel, e-mail and a host of other tools.
Then, you need to look at how to layer new ways of analyzing data that don’t require some of your most knowledgeable, talented people to start from scratch, but instead make them feel empowered.
In many industries, the only buzzword more popular than digital transformation is “customer experience.” In other words, how do your customers think and feel about the journey they take with you as they make a purchase and afterwards?
Digital transformation has to look at the “internal” customer experience, where you don’t take away the things that employees have relied upon and try to force-fit a new experience. You build up their capabilities from a position of strength and familiarity.
As the shift to data-driven thinking continues, digital transformation will be seen as a means to an end, and the discussion won’t focus on the tools. It will look at the people on the team, and leaders won’t talk about whether they need spreadsheet skills or not but whether their thinking brings value or not.
CPAs deserve to be given every opportunity to excel — even if that means hanging onto Excel.
Don is a co-founder of Vena and former CEO. During his time as CEO, Don acted as the company's chief ambassador, a lead spokesperson, advisor and advocate for the company on industry matters, business strategy and key customer relationships. Prior to co-founding Vena, Don led the North American sales teams for Clarity Systems, an IBM Company. He then led global sales for Cognos FSR at IBM before co-founding Vena. Don holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Management and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from the Schulich School of Business.
More Content by Don Mal
Previous Flipbook
Private Equity Floods Vena with $115-million
JMI Equity and existing backer Centana Growth lead a new round of financing, valuing the scale-up at more t...
JMI Equity and existing backer Centana Growth lead a new round of financing, valuing the scale-up at more than $300-million.
See More Great Resources at The Finance Playbook
© Vena Solutions - FP&A Software that Works the Way You Think
info@venasolutions.com
LinkedIn Twitter YouTube Facebook
Financial Close Management
The Vena Approach
The Vena Experience
Vena Nation Conference
Customer Exchange
Copyright | Private Policy
Copyright © Vena Solutions. All rights reserved.
Finance Process Solutions
Reporting & Data Analytics
Revenue Performance Management
Delivering Success
Self Serve Resources
Finance Process Management Must Reads
Meet Our Customers
Customer Exchange Tour
Webinar & Resources
Why Vena
Why Vena?
Finance Process Must Reads
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13694
|
__label__wiki
| 0.710483
| 0.710483
|
Home›Newsroom›Hallmark Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Gift Wrap
Hallmark Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Gift Wrap
Company credited with inventing decorative gift wrap during holiday season in 1917
There are no videos associated with this entry.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Nov. 6, 2017) — This holiday season, Hallmark is celebrating the 100th anniversary of gift wrap. The company is credited with founding the modern-day gift wrap industry in Kansas City during the Christmas season in 1917.
“Gift wrap, or gift dressing as it was called, in the early 20th century was very simple,” said Samantha Bradbeer, historian, Hallmark Cards, Inc. “People often used brown packaging paper or newspaper to wrap their gifts. Retailers, like Hallmark, sold green, red or white tissue paper, and if there were designs, they were typical holiday icons such as holly or wreaths.”
At Christmastime 1917, Hallmark sold out of the traditional tissue paper at its Halls store in the heart of Kansas City, Mo. Rollie B. Hall, founder J.C. Hall’s older brother, searched the company’s manufacturing plant and found recently imported French envelope liners that were brightly colored and highly stylized. The company sold the liners as gift wrap for 10 cents a piece and quickly sold out. The following year, Halls stocked up heavily and sold out once again.
“The brothers knew they had a hit on their hands, so they began designing and manufacturing their own gift wrap shortly thereafter,” said Bradbeer. “Gift wrap is the first product Hallmark made that was a departure from greeting cards.”
Over the years, Hallmark continued to innovate new products to help people wrap their gifts. In the 1930s, Hallmark tested Hall Sheen ribbon, a ribbon that stuck to itself and gift wrap when moistened, making it easier than ever to add a ribbon to a gift. The company later marketed the product in the 1950s. Hallmark introduced ribbon reels in the 50s, bright yarn ties, pom-pom bows, and super-wide ribbon in the 60s, and in 1987, gift bags made their first appearance on store shelves. Curl cascade ribbons, ribbons that are curled and gathered together, were invented in 1994. Hallmark began including sound and fiber-optic light technology in bags and gift card boxes in the mid-to-late 2000s.
The newest innovation from Hallmark was introduced just this year – the card pocket. This sleeve lines the inside of most gift bags and provides a space to place the greeting card so it no longer falls to the bottom of a gift bag or gets lost in the tissue paper.
“It’s exciting to look at our history and see popular trends in gift wrap over the last 100 years,” said Mary Emanuel, creative director of gift wrap, Hallmark Cards, Inc. “Gift wrap is very much a fashion-based category. People want the gift to be a reflection of their personal style or the recipient’s style. Our colors and patterns are rooted in trends. For example, we saw a lot of bright non-traditional holiday colors in the 60s and 70s.”
In addition to product innovation, Hallmark also changed the way gift wrap was marketed to retailers and customers. In the 1930s-1940s, Hallmark began advertising gift wrap on Tony Wons’ radio program, Tony’s Scrapbook and in Hallmark’s Handy Book for retailers. Between 1956-1969, Hallmark began actively promoting gift wrap by hosting workshops across the country. A gift stylist affectionately known as Kaye King, represented by several different women, would tour the nation giving demonstrations in stores, on television and to women’s groups and conventions. An estimated 200,000 viewers saw King perform her “pretty miracles” with paper and ribbon in The Art of Gift Wrapping, a 23-minute film in 1958 and Your Flair for Gift Wrapping, a 15-minute film in 1968. The Art of Gift Wrapping manuals were also available at retail locations that carried Hallmark products.
Today, Hallmark showcases its newest collections of gift wrap through social media, utilizing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube to inspire people with creative gift wrapping ideas. Hallmark’s Ideas & Inspiration section features a video series called Giftology that includes easy-to-follow how-to videos demonstrating simple gift wrapping techniques. Think.Make.Share, a blog from the creative studios at Hallmark, also regularly hosts workshops where Hallmark artists and designers develop new and innovative ways to use gift wrap for a variety of occasions.
“Hallmark is committed to helping people emotionally connect with one another,” said Emanuel. “Our cards and gifts help people build stronger relationships with the people they love. It’s incredibly special to know that our gift wrap has been a part of so many meaningful moments over the last 100 years.”
To commemorate this anniversary, Hallmark artists drew inspiration from four original gift wrap prints from nearly 100 years ago, reimagined them, and created four new wrapping paper designs that are sold together this holiday in a special edition four-pack. Shoppers can find this four-pack along with all Hallmark gift wrap at Hallmark Gold Crown Stores, Hallmark.com, and thousands of other retailers across the U.S.
To see the top moments in Hallmark’s gift wrap history, visit the Hallmark YouTube channel.
JiaoJiao Shen
jiaojiao.shen@hallmark.com
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13698
|
__label__wiki
| 0.795069
| 0.795069
|
Country Music Covers of Landslide
by steve ‐ August 15, 2018
photo: YouTube
Watch these two country music covers of "Landslide" and compare to the original version by Fleetwood Mac.
Here are 2 Country Music Covers of Landslide followed by the original version by Fleetwood Mac. See if you like the Dixie Chicks and Madde Poppe covers of the song as much as the original tune.
Dixie Chicks Landslide Music Video
Madde Poppe Cover of Landslide
Maddie Poppe sang her cover of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac at the American Idol Finale in front of a live audience and Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on American Idol 2018. Maddie went on to win the competition and performed a mix of country, rock and pop songs.
Feetwood Mac Landslide
The original version of “Landslide” was written by Stevie Nicks and performed by Fleetwood Mac. Enjoy the original music video below.
Hope you enjoyed three very different performances of this classic Fleetwood Mac song.
Remember to “share” this with other music fans.
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13702
|
__label__cc
| 0.728572
| 0.271428
|
CPL Poker Podcast
"Their rapport is reminiscent to that of Chris Cosenza and Scott Long in the Ante Up PokerCast. " Ante Up: Your Poker Magazine, May 2012, page 37
Straight Flush Poker Tour
Edgy Podcast Reviews
Poker Player Newspaper
Best of Music Shows
Home Game Resources
HomeMidnight Blue Friday and other news (some of it is better)
Midnight Blue Friday and other news (some of it is better)
July 1, 2011 June 18, 2014 cplpokerpodcast Uncategorized
First came Black Friday on April 15th – the seizing and shutting down (to U.S. Players) of the top three internet poker sites including the CPL’s favorite: FullTilt Poker.
Now, we have what we are calling “Midnight Blue Friday”. We thought that was better than “Black Friday II” and for those not in the know – Midnight Blue (depending on material and lighting) is nearly indistinguishable from black. Midnight Blue Friday is the closing of the State of MN which, in turn, has shuttered Running Aces and
Canterbury Park. Since both facilities are regulated by the Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) and MRC is now closed due to the state shutdown there is no immediate oversight available. The same holds true for their card rooms. Even though both Running Aces and Canterbury Park fully cover all of the associated regulatory and oversight costs in their fees structures, and, even though they are all paid up through July – they have been shuttered. While only about a score of state workers provide that direct oversight (and have been laid off) the impact of the closure will put more than 2000 non-state employees out of a job (dealers, food service workers, custodial staff, horse wranglers, jockeys, etc.).
On a potential upside – they both had court hearings today and are awaiting rulings which may get them reopened on the basis that they’ve already paid for services and cover all of their own costs in fees.
In other news….it’s good news/bad news for Full Tilt Poker. On the bad news end, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) has suspended Full Tilt Poker’s gaming license and ordered the site to suspend all operations. This was done on June 29. Full Tilt’s site currently has a notice stating: “System Update. We apologise but the system is currently down. Please check back later.” More bad news is that the suspension precludes Full Tilt from, “Allow(ing) existing customers to withdraw funds that are held in their accounts.” This ban and others remain in effect until an AGCC hearing scheduled for July 26. If FullTilt did not have the stature, size and reputation it had (one which has been severely buffeted in the last two+ months) it might not survive such turmoil. It, still, may not survive this. PokerStars and Isle of Mann licensing control commission issued statements noting that PokerStars is still operating and licensed.
The possibly brighter news for FullTilt is that they appear to have found a buyer to take majority stake in the company. Reports conflict on the exact amount of the purchase, but the sale is meant to cover the roughly $150 million owed to U.S. players. FullTilt executives apparently also believe there will be enough money to cover a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice that will be in the hundreds of million dollars range. The deal is tentative awaiting the hoped-for settlement which is expected to be reached in mid to late July. We imagine the AGCC actions and outcome of that issue will also play a key part in this.
← CPL Poker Podcast Episode 112
Lions beat Horses – Midnight Blue continues →
Follow CPL Poker Podcast on WordPress.com
RSS Podcast Episode Feed
Episode 190–Don’t Forget About Us
Episode 189 – The Lost Episode…Almost
Episode 188–Interview with Jeremy Darling
Episode 187–Poker Resolutions 2016
Episode 186-Best of Music 2015
“Like” the CPL Poker Podcast
Archives Select Month December 2016 (1) June 2016 (1) April 2016 (1) January 2016 (1) December 2015 (1) November 2015 (2) October 2015 (1) August 2015 (2) July 2015 (1) May 2015 (2) April 2015 (1) March 2015 (3) February 2015 (4) January 2015 (3) December 2014 (2) November 2014 (1) October 2014 (1) August 2014 (1) July 2014 (1) June 2014 (2) May 2014 (3) April 2014 (2) March 2014 (1) February 2014 (4) January 2014 (7) December 2013 (2) November 2013 (2) October 2013 (4) September 2013 (7) August 2013 (5) July 2013 (7) June 2013 (2) May 2013 (5) April 2013 (4) March 2013 (5) February 2013 (3) January 2013 (3) December 2012 (6) November 2012 (5) October 2012 (7) September 2012 (8) August 2012 (1) July 2012 (10) June 2012 (7) May 2012 (10) April 2012 (8) March 2012 (2) February 2012 (6) January 2012 (7) December 2011 (5) November 2011 (2) October 2011 (2) September 2011 (6) August 2011 (5) July 2011 (8) June 2011 (5) May 2011 (6) April 2011 (10) March 2011 (3) February 2011 (9) January 2011 (9) December 2010 (9) November 2010 (9) October 2010 (6) September 2010 (5) August 2010 (1) July 2010 (8) June 2010 (5) May 2010 (5) April 2010 (7) March 2010 (5) February 2010 (9) November 2009 (1)
Best of Music (6)
Casino Review (2)
Classic Repost (1)
CPL History (1)
Hand of the Week (23)
Listener Reach Out (4)
On The Clock (4)
Poker News (24)
Poker On Demand (6)
Poker Resolutions (1)
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13706
|
__label__cc
| 0.587179
| 0.412821
|
Aaron Carter Is Stealing Art Again | Accused Of Pedophilia Too
DJ Qualls Comes Out | Thanks Fans For Support
Batman Starring Robert Pattinson Got Robert Downey Jr Excited
Oscars 2020 Will Go Hostless Yet Again
By Talha Waseem Last updated Jan 15, 2020
Another year, another hostless Oscars. The 92nd Academy Awards will go hostless yet again as ABC president announced in front of the press. While speaking at the Television Critics Association, Karey Burke revealed that Oscars 2020 will have “no traditional host this year.” So, is going hostless better than this year’s Golden Globes 2020 where Ricky Gervais held an awkward and rather political hosting?
Related: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Will Return To Host Golden Globes 2021
Hostless 2020 Oscars Coming On February 9
According to what The Hollywood Reporter is talking about, it was in March Creative Space where they interviewed Burke and asked about the upcoming awards. Back then, the president claimed that the channel was in a discussion with the Oscars and was pleased to see the ratings of the previous hostless awards. Therefore, it was apparent since then that ABC would move to do another such event the next time as well.
“Odds are you’ll see us repeating what we consider to be a successful formula.”
The Oscars 2020 will bring on Lynette Howell Taylor and Stephanie Allain to produce the event. Interestingly, they are also two of the nominations featuring in the show itself. Last year, Kevin Hart stepped down from Oscars after his old tweets resurfaced the Internet. Apparently, the future host of that show had expressed homophobic sentiments and anti-gay terminologies. After stepping down, the Academy decided it was better to go without a host rather than bringing on someone else.
Karey said that the Academy promised that the show will be three hours long only. Since that is the main goal now, the producers decided that it is better to go hostless. This way the show will be able to shed more light over presenters and the winners as well.
In the previous years, we have seen Jon Stewart, Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Kimmel, Hugh Jackman, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin host the show. It is only recently that the awards have decided on going hostless. Oscar 2020 will now follow the steps of the previous show.
AwardsOscar HostOscarsoscars 2020
Talha Waseem 308 posts
Talha has written for a number of different media platforms. His content is published in Nerve Center, Indus News, where he writes about Science and Technology, and in Parhlo where he wrote about politics, news and daily trends.
He favours the rule of "live, and let live" and stresses on the need for an empathic society.
Sabrina Carpenter and Griffin Gluck Golden Globes 2020 Look
One Direction Reunion in 2020 Without Zayn Malik
Grammys 2020 Nominations Are Out And Feature Worthy Celebrities
Adam Sandler’s Reaction to Missing Out On Oscar Nomination 2020
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13712
|
__label__wiki
| 0.704886
| 0.704886
|
Episode 1108: The Way Out
December 3, 2017 Gordon Russell, September 1970kaiju, t of the s, wednesdayDanny Horn
“Sebastian, I don’t understand your vision at all!”
“Barnabas, everything is happening so quickly!” Julia says, which just goes to show you how wrong a person can be.
So I’m sorry, but this is one of those episodes where I just hate the world and everything in it. Yesterday’s episode was a weird, dreamlike fugue state that escaped from a black box theater and savaged its keepers, and tomorrow’s is the big crash-bang Everybody Dies finale, but today is Wednesday, and nothing ever happens on a Wednesday.
Except that it’s Maggie’s last episode, although Maggie isn’t a big deal anymore anyway. She was one of the three leads in the Parallel Time story a few months ago, and she’s the female lead for the new House of Dark Shadows movie which was just released, so you would imagine that she’d take an important role in the current Turn of the Screw-based storyline, on account of she’s the children’s governess and that’s how The Turn of the Screw is supposed to work. The whole story is about the governess; doing T of the S without a governess is like doing an Agatha Christie murder mystery without a detective, where the murderer just keeps killing people until they get bored and decide to stop.
But Maggie hardly knows anything about what’s happened to the children; she’s just letting Quint and Miss Jessel do whatever they want, while she goes and plays Mina Harker with an offstage Dracula. So that’s all been kind of a damp fizzle, and now she’s driving off into the sunset, where she can get her hair done and then move forward with her life.
There are only four characters in today’s episode, none of them really prepared to do anything consequential. We’re just getting to the rousing finale of this storyline, and it feels like everyone’s vacated.
As for the main players, the children are upstairs polishing their skis, Quentin’s been buried alive, Daphne is crying and Gerard is plotting. We’ll catch up with them tomorrow, but everyone else is gone.
Roxanne’s chained up in a coffin behind the bookcase, Professor Stokes is in Europe, Roger is god knows where, Willie is fretting about Roxanne, and Carolyn, Elizabeth and Mrs. Johnson are missing presumed possessed. At this near-climactic crisis point, the Collins family has basically just given up, leaving Barnabas and Julia to comb through old diaries, in lieu of anything useful they can do.
“Barnabas, I found something in the original Quentin’s diary,” Julia says. “It worries me.” This is not a promising opener.
Barnabas flips through the book. “Well, why should this worry you?” he says. “It’s nothing but blank pages.”
“Yes, but look at the last entry! It’s on this date — this very day, in 1840!”
Barnabas is trying to follow. “You think the original Quentin Collins died on this date?”
“But that wouldn’t have any meaning for our Quentin.”
Julia frowns. “Maybe it would, maybe it wouldn’t, but I have a terrible feeling that it might.”
So that’s where we are right now. Dr. Julia Hoffman has analyzed the situation, and she suspects that Quentin’s great grand-uncle died exactly one hundred and thirty years ago. This doesn’t help them find Quentin or advance the plot in any way, but she decided to take forty seconds of national television to issue an FYI. When the most interesting character in the history of fiction is reduced to sitting in the eye of the storm and researching anniversaries, then I think it’s time to re-evaluate what’s happening on this program.
Meanwhile, Maggie’s in her room at Collinwood, drifting off to sleep. She’s dying, kind of, thanks to some frequent plasma leaks on behalf of Roxanne, the fiendish vampire who’s currently chained up in a closet. Roxanne’s been sending her urgent dream-telegrams asking for assistance, but her sort-of boyfriend Sebastian is making sure she doesn’t go anywhere she shouldn’t. I wish I could think of a way to make this recap interesting, but nothing is really presenting itself. Life is like that, sometimes.
So I don’t know, maybe they should destroy Collinwood after all. The show was way better when it was Barnabas and Julia walking around in the future, dodging falling sculpture and strangling sheriffs. Everything since then has just been a drag, one slow step after another towards a climax that hardly changes anything.
I mean, we’re technically supposed to be afraid for Collinwood and the Collins family, but we haven’t seen them put up any kind of a fight, so it’s hard to get worked up about it. Liz, David and Carolyn have all been possessed, and they’re not even working together; they’ve all wandered off in different directions. Roger’s been completely absent, Quentin’s been mooning over the scent of lilacs, and nobody’s done anything the least bit helpful.
This would have felt threatening, if there were any real emotional stakes in protecting the status quo, but it just feels empty. I have way more feelings about Gerard than I do about anybody in the Collins family, and they’re mostly positive. If he’s going to usher in an age of catastrophe, then I don’t personally see any reason to try and stop him.
So the only thing to do is say goodbye to Kathryn Leigh Scott, who’s been on the show since episode 1 and is beloved by all. I honestly can’t think of an example of anyone saying anything negative about her work on Dark Shadows. She’s not always been given good material, but she’s done her best with whatever she had.
Maggie was the lead attraction in episode 250, one of my all-time favorites, where she was on-screen basically the entire time, trying to convince Willie to kill the sleeping vampire in the basement. Her appealing performance made Barnabas’ villainy work, and she’s a mostly-unsung hero for her work in getting the audience to accept the show’s swerve into the supernatural.
And then there’s Josette, who basically did the same thing for Barnabas’ origin story. I’m on record for not really liking Josette as a character — I think she’s spoiled and dull, and hardly ever makes a competent choice. But somehow, I’m not tempted to blame Kathryn for the performance, in the way that I absolutely blame Alexandra Moltke for making Vicki dull and annoying. Josette was always defined by her tragedy — the girl who threw herself off Widow’s Hill, and into legend — and there’s only so much you can do.
And then there’s Kitty Soames from 1897, who I absolutely adored. They finally gave Kathryn a bad-girl role — not a supernatural villain, but a drawing-room comedy golddigger, running her own personal storyline that had very little to do with anything else. Kitty was her diva role, written for her as a special present from the production staff, and I think it was her best.
So I don’t know why they didn’t give her any decent character work after that; I have no theories. She was an occasional visitor during the Leviathan storyline, and she was back in good-girl victim mode in Parallel Time — and then completely sidelined over the last two months, when Maggie should have had a leading role in The Return of the Turn of the Screw.
It’s easy to track the progress of the four major kaiju on the show — Jonathan Frid, Grayson Hall, Lara Parker and David Selby. Each of them showed up in a minor role, and quickly dominated everything happening around them. Barnabas, Julia, Angelique and Quentin forced their way into the saga of the Collins family, and basically took over — the outsiders replacing the core family. That’s why the Collins family is represented in the current storyline by Barnabas, Julia and Quentin, while the “real” family is scattered and absent.
But Kathryn Leigh Scott wasn’t a discovery, as the kaiju were. She was just always there, reliable and appealing, capable of more but rarely given the chance to prove it.
It was her choice to leave, of course; they didn’t always use her well, but they weren’t dumb enough to fire her. Kathryn was getting married and moving to Paris, so Dan and the writers gave her an exit — sending Maggie to Windcliff again, to recuperate after her second bout as vampire chow.
Kathryn figured that she’d be back someday — she and her husband would come home from their soujourn in Paris, and she could return as Maggie, sprung from Windcliff, straight into whatever supernatural nonsense the show was doing at the time. In her 1986 memoir, My Scrapbook Memories of Dark Shadows, she says that she was stunned to learn from a newspaper that the show was cancelled. For Kathryn, at least, the writing wasn’t on the wall yet; she didn’t realize that Dark Shadows only had another six months to run.
After tomorrow’s season finale, we never return to Collinwood in the present day; the show takes us to various iterations of the 1840s, and leaves us there. So Elizabeth, Roger, Carolyn, David, Quentin and the rest of the 1970 cast just fade away, with no meaningful closure. They just go on, presumably, freed from their demons and living to fight another day.
But they gave Maggie an ending, or at least an interesting place to stay. Roxanne, who’d taken Maggie’s place as the new object of Barnabas’ affection, would just get packed into a box in the closet and forgotten. Maggie deserved more, and it’s a mark of respect for her character that she got her own personalized big finish.
“I just realized,” she says, as a sympathetic stranger drives her to the airport, “that if we keep going like this, we’ll never see Collinwood again, or any of the people I love.” The driver tries to reassure her, but she’s right. She won’t see those people again, and neither will we, after tomorrow. We’re all going to Windcliff, eventually; Maggie Evans is just getting a head start.
Tomorrow: The Last Straw.
When Maggie wakes up screaming from her dream, we can see past the edge of the set, and somebody’s hand waving.
Barnabas says, “I know that, Quentin — uh, Sebastian!”
The story of what happens to Maggie Evans and Sebastian Shaw at Windcliff is told in a 2012 Big Finish audio play, Dreaming of the Water. Her return to Collinsport is revealed in The Ghost Watcher, and then she’s in a bunch of stories from 2014 on, including Beyond the Grave, The Harvest of Souls, and most recently And Red All Over.
Dark Shadows Every Day readers can get a 25% discount on Big Finish’s Dark Shadows audiobooks range, by using the code DSED25OFF when you check out. This offer is valid until Dec 31, 2017.
← Episode 1107: You Must Stop What Is Happening Episode 1109: The Last Straw →
36 thoughts on “Episode 1108: The Way Out”
We do see the present day briefly in 1198, but it’s a five minute scene where Joan Bennett puts on her Elizabeth clothes and the drawing room and foyer are redressed for modern day (so basically a quick touch up because it usually had a timeless feel to it).
That second to last image where Sebastian is driving Maggie to Windcliff, that scene was always perplexing — what is that white and yellowy-orange thing on the hub of the steering wheel, a fried egg sunny-side up? Then watching the episode one more time, I realized it was just a design on Maggie’s dress, kind of an old lady’s dress actually. And that head scarf, typical for the 1950s into the early 1960s, but certainly out of fashion by 1970. Such an odd choice for a closing scene, since the actress playing Maggie was so fashion conscious in real life and even a clothes designer in her own right.
Since this is Kathryn Leigh Scott’s final episode, it’s worth mentioning that she brought onto the show the unique look provided by Junior Sophisticates. This past summer, The Collinsport Historical Society unearthed a 1970 interview detailing how this came to be:
http://www.collinsporthistoricalsociety.com/2017/07/kathryn-leigh-scott-and-junior.html
Thanks for posting this article, Prisoner.
“On a recent whirlwind visit to Birmingham, Alabama, for the Antique Charity Auction Fair, she made seven personal appearances, including a visit to the mayor to accept the key to the city, and all her luggage went on board the plane in one leather satchel and a dress-bag containing one dress.”
I attended the antique show in Birmingham back in ’69. I was 12 years old at the time. Kathryn was the first celebrity I ever met. DS associate producer George DiCenzo was with her on the trip. She signed autograph pictures, plus gave out View Masters featuring the Dark Shadows storyline about vampire Angelique attacking Barnabas and the Diablos calling Nicholas Blair back home.
I didn’t notice much about the outfit she was wearing, but my dad and I both noticed that she was showing off her gams big time.
“she says that she was stunned to learn from a newspaper that the show was cancelled. For Kathryn, at least, the writing wasn’t on the wall yet; she didn’t realize that Dark Shadows only had another six months to run.”
I figured anyone over the age of 13, even if they hadn’t abandoned the show, would realize the gig was up. Down to two writers and floundering plot-lines should have been a clue.
I remember reading that Maggie last seen going to Windcliff was an injoke with Dan Curtis, that Kathryn would be crazy to leave the show.
Jason B. ❤⌛️ (@JasonXHowe) says:
And the show is over. Kinda. It’s all downhill from here (though I’ll admit 1840 has its moments, it feels more like repeats that have all the good scenes cut out).
There’s a reason there’s no emotional stakes here. We know how the show works. There is a disaster and Barnabas and Julia go back in time to fix it.
We know everything’s going to be alright in the end. Present-day is just a stopover until another time trip. Present-day members of the family don’t grow, don’t change, or have any lasting relationships. Dark Shadows has become an adventure story rather than a soap opera.
I don’t know. I was in my senior year in High School and I didn’t know it had been cancelled until they announced it in TV Guide.
DS was a product of a turbulent time in my life. My Dad remarried the June of1966 and we moved into my stepmother’s house. I got to see the end of Never Too Young and started watching DS from episode 1. I remember Vicki on the train to Collinsport and Burke Devlin being on that same train. For my senior year, my dad got a new job in a new city where I knew no one. I graduated from HS in June 1971 and went off to college in September. Ending in 1971 worked into my life in an odd way. For the entire run of the show, I got out of school in time to catch DS. It got me through some difficult times of trying to adjust to a new family and was one constant thing in my life. The timing for both the beginning and ending happened to fit into the changes in my life and I was truly shocked to hear it was ending. It had always been there. Barnabas would go from being a vampire to not being one and back again. Julia and her unrequited love for him. Angelique with HER unrequited love for him and her unending attempts to have him love her and destroying any and everything when she didn’t get her way.
I loved KLS and Maggie from the start and when Maggie left, it left a big hole in the show for me. At 17 I didn’t realize how marginalized her character had become. All I knew was the character I loved was gone.
I have often wondered if KLS had known the show only had 6 months left, would she have stayed, if for no other reason than loyalty. She was an actor I liked playing characters I liked. I even have sympathy and compassion for Josette, who lived by the rules of her time, never tried to hurt anyone and really never wished ill on those who hurt her, yet got so thoroughly screwed by Angelique and forces she (Josette) didn’t know about and couldn’t control. Jeremiah pretty much announces he’d rather be dead than married to her. Angelique marries the man Josette loves, and Josette wishes them well. Barnabas speaks in half truths about having to live in a world of darkness and she is so desperate that she buys into the dream. When she finds out that the cost is turning into a blood thirsty murderer, she kills herself rather than become that.Or possibly falls accidentally trying to get away from Barnabas and so she DOESN’T turn into a blood thirsty monster. Then, as per the early part of the show, she sticks around and tries to protect the Collins family out of some sense of duty. So, yeah, I feel for Josette.
KLS did the best she could with parts that had less and less substance. I will never forget her trying to kill Barnabas in the early part of the his story. I will always remember when Joe came to her, after being controlled by Vampire Angelique and Maggie remembered her victimization by Barnabas. I remember Kitty Soames and even Governess Rachel.
Mostly I thank her for keeping the flame of DS for so many years. I read her books on the show and they brought back a time in my life when it was important. Thanks KLS for being on the show. I missed you in the last six months.!
What happened to Sebastian’s dramatical bite marks? He’s back in his collarless top, with not even a nibble on his nape. At least he could have had a turtleneck.
Frankly, at this point I’ll be glad to see this promised destruction; J&B obviously won’t be preventing it, so let’s just get it done. It’d be nice to have them get Liz and the rest out of the way of the cataclysm; well, at least they got Maggie out. (Say, did anybody call the fire brigade about Rose Cottage burning? Hope it hasn’t started a wildfire or anything.)
Yet another ‘happened this very day in 1840’ moment…(sigh) these coincidences are just too convenient for me.
Don’t get the “children’s clothes” thing, except as padding a few minutes into the show, since Gerard obviously took them away to drop them off on his own anyway. (You want something done right, do it yourself.)
Great cliffhanger, though – loving that Barnabas has only TWO possibilities, either Quentin’s a prisoner or he’s been (Dunnnn-dunnn) – Buried Alive! Couldn’t have gone to the Blue Whale for a short one, or run down to the liquor store because he’s out of brandy. (But then, that heartbeat is coming from the portrait, unless there’s a raccoon in the attic.)
So we say farewell to KLS – I will miss what she brought to Dark Shadows, from the wonderful chemistry with Joel Crothers and all the facets of ‘early’ Maggie, doomed Josette, sweet Rachel, Kitty, and still more Maggie (only blander), Kathryn always tried to give something interesting to watch – which isn’t always easy going if you’re playing the “good” character. And the show lost something I think it would never really get back.
I love KLS, too, but 20/20 hindsight is a bitch. Maggie was played out and we had an unbelievably fresh new governess in Kate Jackson, who had the kind of soft face that made us want to look at her more and more. And 1840 is fun, damn it, starting from tomorrow’s episode on. (It’s not 1897 but what is?) Like Percys Owner, back in 1970-’71 I had no clue DS was doomed until TV Guide delivered the awful news. There was still the potential for more monsters, more time periods… if not as you’ve often pointed out more interesting romances. (Probably the most damning thing is that opposite Lara Parker, Frid was a block of wood. She plainly had to conjure up an image of a great lover in her own own pretty head.)
Barnabas must have been a fantastic lover. It’s a shame most of the history between him and Angelique is just story for her to cling on to and for him to regret. Lara’s novel Angelique’s Descent, and the audiobook reading Big Finish released, fills in a few of the details but there’s still room for more stories of their dalliances on Martinique.
The books are 99% fantastic. Angélique’s Descent doesn’t even feel like it’s violating what the show showed us.
I’ve only watched the show in reruns; I didn’t catch it live. From my binge-watching perspective, I found Maggie a lot more interesting than Daphne, though the writing has a lot to do with it.
Danny, I don’t know if you were going for that emotion, but that’s a truly touching and beautifully bittersweet end to your column.
That last scene with Maggie in the convertible really moved me and was the best minute of the entire storyline. For me, it was like a little minute of poetry somehow. It felt lonely and promising at the same time, and it kind of reminded me of the way Vicki arrived on the train in 1966, only in reverse. But both scenes — traveling in the lonely night, not knowing what’s ahead — evoke real emotion in me. Something like a sad longing.
It was a very rare send-off for a DS character, who usually either met a violent end with little subsequent remorse or they’d simply just not be there anymore. So I think you’re right when you say that might have been based in part or whole to affection for KLS.
The first time I saw KLS’s final scene in the convertible, I didn’t realize it was her final episode as the fan magazines in 1970 had not reported this. I kept expecting that she and Sebastian would be in an accident since (quite often) the show didn’t bring a car into the studio unless there was going to be a car crash.
A side note: We will see the 1970 characters of Barnabas, Prof. Stokes, Carolyn, and Quentin in a short couple of scenes that airs on an upcoming episode.
There are also those 2 minutes or so with Elizabeth, Barnabas, and Julia in the Collinwood foyer and drawing room of 1971.
KLS’ turn as governess Rachel Drummond in 1897 doesn’t get nearly enough appreciation. She had a past right out of Dickens, a personality similar to Jane Eyre and spunk borrowed from Anne of Green Gables.
KLS’ final episode bothered and moved me in ways a nine-year-old couldn’t explain. As the governess Maggie, she was the protector of the children, a force for good in a mansion overrun with lunatics. Her struggle against Ghost Quentin for David’s soul in the Fall of Collinwood story is one of the single best moments in the series for me.
Now, when I re-watch the show, I typically stop here. Nothing that came after interests me.
Agree with all of you about the lovely and talented Kathryn Leigh Scott. Maggie wasn’t Kaiju but she was the warm heart of the show. Her romance with Joe was the only believable love affair Dark Shadows ever produced and their tragic ending was heartbreaking. Her relationship with her father, Sam was loving and – real. Even her friendship with Willie rang true, despite the fact that they were both suffering Barnabas’ tortures for most of it.
As Josette, she completely convinced me that she was in love with Barnabas and her final scenes leading up to the jump from Widow’s Hill were hauntingly sad.
We owe a great debt to KLS and even though she doesn’t always spring to mind when wething of the show’s Greats, her performances were every bit as important to the success of the show.
Yes, heartbreaking is definitely the word for Maggie and Joe. That’s one reason why I’ll never consider the Big Finish stories canon, because I reject a universe in which there’s no hope of a reconciliation between Joe and Maggie.
There’s Joe and Maggie in the Big Finish story …And Red All Over, the one where Mitch Ryan returns as Burke Devlin. They even put Joel Crothers into it, by “copying and pasting” his voice from the show.
Jay Barry says:
She does become Mrs Maggie Haskell you know.
Well, that’s good to know.
Joe and Maggie get married Melissa.
John Hammes says:
Episode 70 (September 1966) is a favorite, an early episode capturing the mood and flavor of what the series would eventually become, though clearly no one at the time could have imagined. At show’s end, Kathryn Leigh Scott descending as Josette’s ghost (accompanied by theremin) is moving and memorable as anything they did 1967 forward. The outdoor scenes with David taking Vicki to the Old House are filmed very well, and that theme with four main notes playing throughout (The “four-note theme”… does it even have a name?) makes it all the more effective.
Maggie Evans was an early crush. Future viewers will probably say the same.
John Hammes: I also love Episode 70. I know Willie, Barnabas and the coffin was a pivotal moment, but Josette coming out of the portrait was also magnificent and laid the groundwork for everything else.
I wish they could have somehow kept a least some of that ethereal mystery feeling that episode conveyed. Their first ghost appearance remains my favorite.
My second favorite is Quentin laughing at the top of the stairs after driving everyone out of Collinwood.
Episode 70 is both pivotal and memorable. It’s the first appearance of the Old House, but there’s also a great scene at the beginning with some great ambiguity involving an altercation between an eavesdropping David and Matthew Morgan, who catches him out. While David’s claims that Matthew hurt him are consistent with previous lies David has told (he’s accused Vicki of hurting him when we saw nothing of the sort), but Matthew has been behaving highly erratic (thinking that killing Burke Devlin is the right thing to do), so the truth is unknown.
Denny Lambea says:
Maggie never went to Wyncliff. She was never victimized by Roxanne. Sebastian never left NY. There is nothing behind the bookcase…no coffin …no Roxanne. Gerard and Daphne never haunted Collinwood. I know this because Elizabeth told us (after J and B returned from 1840) that there had never been such a peaceful summer (autumn?) at Collinwood! I myself witnessed Randall Drew FRY his vampire sis Roxy in a crypt in 1840. Maggie is like…grading papers right now up in Davids room. Or… am I the only one who thinks this?
Or……am I the one they sent to Wyncliff/Wyndcliffe/Windcliff/Winclif ?
How many lights do you see?
THERE ARE FOUR LIGHTS.
Well, if you’re at Windcliff, you’re in a different wing than the one I’M in… 😉
I hope none of you mind my dramatic recitation of “London Bridge.”
“Warm and cosy winter” is the line, I believe. Shouldn’t there be dozens of little Quentin, Tad, and Desmond descendants polluting the mansion when they return?
Denny did you bump your head somewhere?
Thank you all for clearing up my confusion and restoring my sanity. I now know what I must do. I broke into the Wyndcliffe records office and there is NO evidence of Maggie being admitted here in Sept.1970! We are prisoners of a diabolical conspiracy, Will get help,
Will come back for you, Will find out whose behind all this…
I thought she had a great relationship with her dad Sam Evans. She always looked out for his welfare.
Maggie was completely loving about everything. I hated to see her constantly put in circumstances which would drive the average person batshit crazy resulting in permanent residence in the funny farm. I am happy that she ultimately does end up marrying Joel.
Leave a Reply to William Cancel reply
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13713
|
__label__wiki
| 0.706226
| 0.706226
|
Startseite Human Biology: An Evolutionary and Biocultural Perspective
Human Biology: An Evolutionary and Biocultural Perspective
Franz M. Wuketits, Francisco J. Ayala, Franz M. Wuketits, Francisco J. Ayala
"I have had difficulty explaining the difference between biological anthropology and physical anthropology to my colleagues and students. This book will make it easier." --Wenda Trevathan, Ph.D., New Mexico State University
Categories: Biology
Verlag: Wiley-VCH
evolutionary448
homo191
organisms151
fossil142
fossils101
erectus95
molecular92
henke86
morphological80
evodevo79
australopithecus79
populations76
genes75
phylogenetic70
genetics68
sapiens67
primates66
evolutionary theory63
neanderthals61
pleistocene58
evol56
diversity56
morphology54
insects52
phenotypic51
habilis50
darwinian48
comparative48
wolpoff48
myr48
henke and rothe48
genus47
paranthropus47
gould46
neanderthal46
hominin44
wilson44
adaptive42
fossil record42
developmental biology41
evolutionary thinking41
darwinism38
ruse38
hominins37
homo erectus37
hominid37
mammals37
mayr35
taxa33
controversies33
proteins33
Microbial Biotechnology: Fundamentals of Applied Microbiology
Alexander N. Glazer, Hiroshi Nikaido
Floratorium
Joanne Oppenheim
Handbook of Evolution
Franz M. Wuketits
Francisco J. Ayala
Evolutionary Anthropology
2005, 6 Issues
S. Stinson, B. Bogin, R. Huss-Ashmore, D. O’Rourke (Eds.)
K. M. Weiss, A. V. Buchanan
Genetics and the Logic of Evolution
I. K. Bradbury
The Biosphere, Second Edition
ISBN 0-471-98549-X
K. J. McNamara, J. Long
The Evolution Revolution
Volume 2:
The Evolution of Living Systems
(Including Hominids)
Franz M. Wuketits and Francisco J. Ayala
Prof. Dr. Franz M. Wuketits
Institut für Wissenschaftstheorie
Sensengasse 8
Prof. Dr. Francisco J. Ayala
321 Steinhaus Hall
All books published by Wiley-VCH are
carefully produced. Nevertheless, editors,
authors, and publisher do not warrant the
information contained in these books,
including this book, to be free of errors.
Readers are advised to keep in mind that
statements, data, illustrations, procedural
details or other items may inadvertently be
Library of Congress Card No.: applied for
A catalogue record for this book is available
from the British Library.
Bibliographic information published by
Die Deutsche Bibliothek
Die Deutsche Bibliothek lists this publication
in the Deutsche Nationalbibliografie;
detailed bibliographic data is available in the
internet at http://dnb.ddb.de.
© 2005 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co.
KGaA, Weinheim
All rights reserved (including those of
translation in other languages). No part of
this book may be reproduced in any form –
nor transmitted or translated into a machine
language without written permission from
the publishers. Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this book, even when not
specifically marked as such, are not to be
considered unprotected by law.
Printed in the Federal Republic of Germany
Cover Design SCHULZ Grafik-Design,
Fußgönheim
Composition Manuela Treindl, Laaber
Printing Strauss GmbH, Mörlenbach
Bookbinding Litges & Dopf Buchbinderei
GmbH, Heppenheim
ISBN-10 3-527-30838-5
The Evolution of Organisms: A Synopsis
Biological Diversity and Evolution 1
Evolutionary Theory 4
The Evidence for Evolution: Paleontology 4
Comparative Anatomy, Biogeography, Embryology
Molecular Biology 9
Genetics of Evolution 11
Variation and Mutation 12
Genetic Equilibrium and Genetic Change 13
Natural Selection 15
Sexual Selection and Kin Selection 17
The Origin of Species 18
Adaptive Radiation 20
Rapid or Quantum Speciation 21
Evolutionary History 21
Punctuational Evolution 23
Molecular Evolution 24
The Evolution Controversies: An Overview
Michael Ruse
Introduction 27
The History of Evolutionism 28
Origin of Life 31
Human Sociobiology 37
The Creationist Controversy 40
Handbook of Evolution, Vol. 2: The Evolution of Living Systems (Including Hominids)
Edited by Franz M. Wuketits and Francisco J. Ayala
Copyright © 2005 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Conclusions 43
The Effects of Complex Social Life on Evolution and Biodiversity
Sociality and Rate of Evolution 48
Sociality, Success, and Dominance 51
The Theory of Biological Evolution: Historical and Philosophical Aspects
“Forerunners” of Darwin 58
What is an Evolutionary Theory and Who was the First Evolutionary
Theorist? 63
Obstacles to Evolutionary Thinking 67
Charles Darwin (1809–1882): The Theory of Natural Selection 73
Darwin and After Darwin 78
Evolutionary Developmental Biology
Gerd B. Müller
Historical Roots 89
Agenda and Concepts 92
The Origin of Developmental Systems 93
Evolution of the Developmental Repertoire 93
The Evolutionary Modification of Developmental Processes 94
The Patterns of Phenotypic Variation 95
The Origin of Phenotypic Novelty 95
The Organization of the Phenotype 96
The Environment–Development–Evolution Interaction 97
Research Programs and Methods 97
The Comparative Morphology Program 98
The Epigenetic and Experimental Program 98
The Evolutionary Developmental Genetics Program 99
The Theoretical Biology Program 101
Practical and Theoretical Integration 103
Prospects 105
Human Biological Evolution
Winfried Henke
Introduction to the Issue 118
Human Biological Evolution: a Current Review 131
Emergence of Primates 131
The First Hominins: Ardipithecus, Australopithecus, Paranthropus
Historical Outlines of Discovery and Fossil Evidence 142
Chronological and Geographical Distribution 148
Morphological Patterns, Phylogenetic Relationship, and Paleoecology
The Earliest Evidence of the Genus Homo 160
Homo rudolfensis and Homo habilis (s. str.) 161
Morphological Patterns, Phylogenetic Relationships, and Paleoecology
Lower and Middle Pleistocene Homo 168
Homo erectus (incl. Homo ergaster) 168
Geographical and Chronological Distribution 170
Upper Pleistocene Human Evolution 181
How Many Species? 181
Multiregional Model versus Recent African Origin 184
Morphological Patterns and Paleoecology 188
The Role of the Neanderthals 192
Characteristic ‘Neanderthal’ Morphology 193
Paleoecological Remarks on the Neanderthals 197
Neanderthal aDNA Sequences and the Origin of Modern Humans
Molecules and the Origin of Recent Humankind 201
Concluding Remarks 207
Evolution on a Restless Planet: Were Environmental Variability and
Environmental Change Major Drivers of Human Evolution? 223
Peter J. Richerson, Robert L. Bettinger, and Robert Boyd
The Evolution of Cenozoic Environments 225
Climate and the Evolution of Large Brains and Cultural Artifacts 227
Learning and Social Learning as Responses to Variability Selection 230
Internal Constraints on the Evolution of Human Culture 232
Preadaptations 232
Functional Constraints 233
Cultural Diversification 233
Cultural Evolution in the Late Pleistocene and Holocene 234
Holocene Climates and the Origins of Agriculture 234
Geographic Regulation of Rates of Holocene Progress 234
Collapses of Civilizations and Other Holocene Events 235
Anthropogenic Effects on Climate Evolution 236
Conclusions 237
The Human Impact
Bernhard Verbeek
How an Extraterrestrial Would Perceive Modern Humans
Pre-established Harmony 246
The Progress of Civilization 248
Ecology and the Human Being 249
Evolution of Sustainability 252
Back to the Past 253
Culture: Evolution at a Meta Level 255
Genome and Culture 256
How Do We Learn Culture? 260
Evolutionarily Formed Learning Dispositions 262
The Ecological–Social Dilemma 264
Sustainability Through Faka-Tonga 265
Cultural Comparison 266
The Power of Constraints 268
Critical Phase of Evolution 269
The present volume of the Handbook is devoted to biological evolution, i.e., the
evolution of living systems, including hominids. This is an enormous topic. The
evolution of organisms has been studied by means of various concepts and
methods applied in different fields of scientific research, virtually comprising all
biological disciplines, from comparative anatomy to genetics, from biogeography
to molecular biology. In addition, evolutionists make use of results in disciplines
like biophysics, biochemistry, geology, climatology, etc. Thus, evolutionary biology
relies on a vast amount of data and can be regarded as an extensive interdisciplinary
approach. However, it should not be misunderstood as a mere accumulation of
“facts”. First and foremost, it is a comprehensive theory of life’s history on the
Earth and the overwhelming diversity of organisms, both extant and extinct.
The editors and authors of this volume aim to give a synopsis of the most
important data, concepts and theoretical reflections in evolutionary biology. The
intention is not to give a full account of our present knowledge of biological evolution
in all its details. This would not be possible, anyway, in one volume. What is probably
more interesting to the reader is a presentation of some basic ideas and “facts”,
and, even more, of the implications of evolutionary thinking for a comprehensive
modern world view. In this sense, the eight chapters of the volume are to be
understood as parts of a mosaic. Their authors present and discuss different aspects
of the biological theory of evolution, tackle problems and controversial issues, and
point to “open questions”. As the reader will notice, the theory of biological evolution
consists of many “subtheories” and is not yet a finished case (as science never is).
While nobody can seriously doubt that evolution occurs, the questions “Why?” and
“How?” still require some deeper analyses and leave room for speculation. The
conceptual framework for evolutionary biology is Charles Darwin’s theory of natural
selection. However, as the altmeister himself was well aware, the theory needed
some improvement. In the meantime, much work has indeed been done and the
results of evolutionary research are astounding. However, we cannot yet rest our
Chapter 1 presents a synopsis of biological evolution. It summarizes the empirical
evidence for evolution, the genetic basis of evolutionary change, the meaning of
selection (in its different expressions), ideas of mode and tempo in evolution, and
molecular evolution. In Chapter 2, Michael Ruse critically reviews some evolution
controversies (including the sociobiology debate and the controversy surrounding
evolutionism versus creationism). Edward O. Wilson’s contribution (Chapter 3) is
a discussion of the evolutionary meaning of complex social systems. Although not
an original paper (it was first published in 1991), it is still fresh and lucid, and
helps our understanding of some important aspects of biological evolution.
Chapter 4 is a brief presentation of the history and philosophy of evolutionary
thinking in biology. It reconstructs the very idea of evolution, the main (philosophical) obstacles to evolutionism, and Darwin’s theory and its ramifications in
the 20th century. In Chapter 5, Gerd B. Müller gives an account of the comparatively
new discipline of evolutionary developmental biology, its empirical background,
agenda and concepts, research programs, and its meaning for a deeper understanding of evolutionary change. Chapter 6, by Winfried Henke, provides a
comprehensive compilation and discussion of current ideas of human evolution.
This chapter can also serve as an introduction to biological systematics and
taxonomy, and its relevance in the context of evolutionary theory. In Chapter 7,
Peter J. Richerson and his co-authors pose the question whether environmental
variability and environmental change were major motors of human evolution, and
reach some interesting conclusions. The human impact on evolutionary change is
the topic of Chapter 8. Bernhard Verbeek discusses the question to what extent the
emergence and evolutionary development of humans has changed the face of our
planet.
Clearly, evolutionary biology includes many other aspects that are of some interest.
However, we hope that the selection of topics presented and discussed in these
chapters will serve as a guide to one of the most fascinating adventures of our
intellectual history, and will invite readers to further reflection and discussion.
Moreover, we hope that this volume will give the impression of evolutionary biology
as a discipline “in flux”. It is not by chance that human evolution is given so much
space in the present volume. The future of our own and many other species will
depend, to a considerable extent, on our understanding of – and attitude towards –
evolutionary history and the meaning of biodiversity. We want to encourage readers
to think about the importance of evolution and evolutionary biology in our
institutions of higher education.
Our thanks go to the contributors of this volume who, despite their many other
obligations, found time and energy to write and – in some cases – even to rewrite
“their chapters”. Also, we want to express our thanks to the staff of Wiley-VCH
(Weinheim), particularly to Dr. Waltraut Wüst for her characteristic patience and
constant encouragement.
Franz M. Wuketits, Vienna (Austria)
Francisco J. Ayala, Irvine, CA (USA)
Prof. Dr. Robert L. Bettinger
One Shields Avenue
Prof. Dr. Peter Richerson
Department of Environmental
Prof. Dr. Michael Ruse
156B Dodd Hall
Prof. Dr. Robert Boyd
375 Portola Plaza
Prof. Dr. Bernhard Verbeek
University of Dortmund, FB 3, Biology
Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6
Prof. Dr. Winfried Henke
Institute of Anthropology
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Prof. Edward O. Wilson
Museum of Comparative Zoology
Prof. Dr. Dr. Gerd B. Müller
Biozentrum
Althanstrasse 14
Biological Diversity and Evolution
The diversity of life is staggering. More than two million existing species of plants
and animals have been named and described: many more remain to be discovered,
at least ten million according to most estimates. What is impressive is not just the
numbers but also the incredible heterogeneity in size, shape, and ways of life: from
lowly bacteria, less than one thousandth of a millimeter in diameter, to the stately
sequoias of California, rising 100 meters above the ground and weighing several
thousand tons; from microorganisms living in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park at temperatures near the boiling point of water, some like Pyrolobus fumarii
able to grow at more than 100 °C, to fungi and algae thriving on the ice masses of
Antarctica and in saline pools at –23 °C; from the strange wormlike creatures
discovered in dark ocean depths thousands of meters below the surface, to spiders
and larkspur existing on Mt. Everest more than 6600 meters above sea level.
These variations on life are the outcome of the evolutionary process. All organisms
are related by descent from common ancestors. Humans and other mammals are
descended from shrew-like creatures that lived more than 150 million years ago;
mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes share as ancestors small wormlike creatures that lived in the world’s oceans 600 million years ago; plants and
animals are derived from bacteria-like microorganisms that originated more than
three billion years ago. Because of biological evolution, lineages of organisms change
through time; diversity arises because lineages that descend from common ancestors
diverge through the generations as they become adapted to different ways of life.
Charles Darwin argued that organisms come about by evolution, and he provided
a scientific explanation, essentially correct but incomplete, of how evolution occurs
and why it is that organisms have features – such as wings, eyes, and kidneys –
clearly structured to serve specific functions. Natural selection was the fundamental
concept in his explanation. Genetics, a science born in the 20th century, revealed
in detail how natural selection works and led to the development of the modern
theory of evolution. Since the 1960s a related scientific discipline, molecular biology,
1 The Evolution of Organisms: A Synopsis
has enormously advanced knowledge of biological evolution and has made it possible
to investigate detailed problems that seemed completely out of reach a few years
earlier – for example, how similar the genes of humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas
are (they differ in about 2% of their DNA).
The evolution of organisms, i.e., their common descent with modification from
simple ancestors that lived many million years ago, is at the core of genetics,
biochemistry, neurobiology, physiology, ecology, and other biological disciplines
and makes sense of the emergence of new infectious diseases and other matters of
public health. The evolution of organisms is universally accepted by biological
scientists. “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution”
(Dobzhansky 1973).
I present a summary of some central tenets of the theory of biological evolution.
The processes by which planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe form and change
over time are a type of ‘evolution’, but in a different sense. In both instances there
is change over time, but the processes are quite different, and I do not discuss the
evolution of the universe. The evolution of the hominids, the lineage that leads to
our own species is treated separately in this volume.
A distinction must be drawn at the outset between the questions (1) whether and
(2) how biological evolution happened. The first refers to the finding, now supported
by an overwhelming body of evidence, that descent with modification has occurred
during some 3.5 billion years of earth’s history. The second refers to the theory
explaining how those changes came about. The mechanisms accounting for these
changes are still undergoing investigation; the currently favored theory is an
extensively modified version of Darwinian natural selection.
Natural selection was proposed by Darwin primarily to account for the adaptive
organization of living beings: it is a process that promotes or maintains adaptation
and thus gives the appearance of purpose or design. Evolutionary change through
time and evolutionary diversification (multiplication of species) are not directly
promoted by natural selection, but they often ensue as byproducts of natural
selection as it fosters adaptation to different environments. Darwin’s theory of
natural selection is summarized in the Origin of Species as follows:
As many more individuals are produced than can possibly survive, there must
in every case be a struggle for existence, either one individual with another
of the same species, or with the individuals of distinct species, or with the
physical conditions of life. … Can it, then, be thought improbable, seeing that
variations useful to man have undoubtedly occurred, that other variations
useful in some way to each being in the great and complex battle of life,
should sometimes occur in the course of thousands of generations? If such
do occur, can we doubt (remembering that many more individuals are born
than can possibly survive) that individuals having any advantage, however
slight, over others, would have the best chance of surviving and of procreating
their kind? On the other hand, we may feel sure that any variation in the least
degree injurious would be rigidly destroyed. This preservation of favorable
variations and the rejection of injurious variations, I call Natural Selection.
1.1 Biological Diversity and Evolution
The most serious difficulty facing Darwin’s evolutionary theory was the lack of an
adequate theory of inheritance that would account for the preservation through the
generations of the variations on which natural selection was supposed to act.
Contemporary theories of ‘blending inheritance’ proposed that the characteristics
of parents became averaged in the offspring. As Darwin became aware, blending
inheritance could not account for the conservation of variations, because halving
the differences among variant offspring would rapidly reduce the original variation
to the average of the already existing characteristics.
Mendelian genetics provided the missing link in Darwin’s argument. About the
time the Origin of Species was published, the Augustinian monk Gregor Mendel
was performing a long series of experiments with peas in the garden of his
monastery in Brünn (now Brno, Czech Republic). These experiments and the
analysis of their results are an example of masterly scientific method. Mendel’s
theory accounts for biological inheritance through particulate factors (genes)
inherited one from each parent, which do not mix or blend but segregate in the
formation of the sex cells, or gametes. Mendel’s discoveries, however, remained
unknown to Darwin and, indeed, did not become generally known until 1900, when
they were simultaneously rediscovered by three scientists.
The rediscovery in 1900 of Mendel’s theory of heredity ushered in an emphasis
on the role of heredity in evolution. In the 1920s and 1930s the theoretical work of
geneticists demonstrated, first, that continuous variation (in such characteristics
as size, number of eggs laid, and the like) could be explained by Mendel’s laws; and
second, that natural selection acting cumulatively on small variations could yield
major evolutionary changes in form and function. Distinguished members of this
group of theoretical geneticists were R. A. Fisher and J. B. S. Haldane in Britain
and Sewall Wright in the United States. Their work had a limited impact on
contemporary biologists because it was almost exclusively theoretical, formulated
in mathematical language, and with little empirical corroboration. A major
breakthrough came in 1937 with the publication of Genetics and the Origin of Species
by Theodosius Dobzhansky, who advanced a reasonably comprehensive account
of the evolutionary process in genetic terms, laced with experimental evidence
supporting the theoretical argument. Other writers who importantly contributed
to the formulation of the synthetic theory were the zoologists Ernst Mayr and Sir
Julian Huxley, the paleontologist George G. Simpson, and the botanist George
Ledyard Stebbins. By 1950, acceptance of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural
selection was universal among biologists, and the synthetic theory had become
widely adopted.
Since 1950, the most important line of investigation has been the application of
molecular biology to evolutionary studies. In 1953 James Watson and Francis Crick
discovered the structure of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), the hereditary material
contained in the chromosomes of every cell’s nucleus. The genetic information is
contained within the sequence of components (nucleotides) that make up the long
chain-like DNA molecules, very much in the same manner as semantic information
is contained in the sequence of letters in an English text. This information
determines the sequence of amino acids in the proteins, including the enzymes
that carry out the organism’s life processes. Comparisons of the amino acid
sequences of proteins in different species provides quantitatively precise measures
of species divergence, a considerable improvement over the typically qualitative
evaluations obtained by comparative anatomy and other evolutionary subdisciplines.
Three different, though related, issues have been the main subjects of evolutionary
investigations: (1) the fact of evolution; that is, that organisms are related by common
descent with modification; (2) evolutionary history; that is, the details of when
lineages split from one another and of the changes that occurred in each lineage;
and (3) the mechanisms or processes by which evolutionary change occurs.
The fact of evolution is the most fundamental issue and the one established with
utmost certainty. Darwin gathered much evidence in its support, but evidence has
accumulated continuously ever since, derived from all biological disciplines. The
second and third issues go much beyond the general affirmation that organisms
evolve. The theory of evolution seeks to ascertain the evolutionary relationships
between particular organisms and the events of evolutionary history, as well as to
explain how and why evolution takes place. These are matters of active scientific
investigation. Many conclusions are well established; for example, that the
chimpanzee and gorilla are more closely related to humans than any of these three
species is to the baboon or other monkeys; and that natural selection explains the
adaptive configuration of such features as the human eye and the wings of birds.
Some other matters are less certain, others are conjectural, and still others – such
as precisely when life originated on earth and the characteristics of the first living
things – remain largely unresolved.
The Evidence for Evolution: Paleontology
That organisms are related by common descent with modification has been
demonstrated by evidence from paleontology, comparative anatomy, biogeography,
embryology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, and other biological disciplines. The
idea first emerged from observations of systematic changes in the succession of
fossil remains found in a sequence of layered rocks. Such layers are now known to
have a cumulative thickness of many scores of kilometers and to represent at least
3.5 billion years of geological time. The general sequence of fossils from bottom
upward in layered rocks had been recognized before Darwin perceived that the
observed progression of biological forms strongly implied common descent. The
farther back into the past one looked, the less the fossils resembled recent forms,
the more the various lineages merged, and the broader the implications of a common
ancestry appeared.
1.3 The Evidence for Evolution: Paleontology
Paleontology, however, was still a rudimentary science in Darwin’s time, and
large parts of the geological succession of stratified rocks were unknown or
inadequately studied. Darwin, therefore, worried about the rarity of truly intermediate forms. Although gaps in the paleontological record remain even now, many
have been filled by the researches of paleontologists since Darwin’s time. Hundreds
of thousands of fossil organisms found in well dated rock sequences represent a
succession of forms through time and manifest many evolutionary transitions.
Microbial life of the simplest type (i.e., prokaryotes, which are cells whose nuclear
matter is not bounded by a nuclear membrane) was already in existence more than
three billion years ago. The oldest evidence suggesting the existence of more complex
organisms (i.e., eukaryotic cells with a true nucleus) has been discovered in fossils
that had been sealed in flinty rocks approximately 1.4 billion years old. More
advanced forms like true algae, fungi, higher plants, and animals have been found
only in younger geological strata. Table 1.1 presents the order in which progressively
complex forms of life appeared.
The sequence of observed forms and the fact that all except the first are constructed
from the same basic cellular type strongly imply that all the major categories of life
(including plants, algae, and fungi) have a common ancestry in the first eukaryotic
cell. Moreover, there have been so many discoveries of intermediate forms between
fish and amphibians, between amphibians and reptiles, between reptiles and
mammals, and even along the primate line of descent from apes to humans, that it
is often difficult to identify categorically along the line when the transition occurs
from one to another particular genus or from one to another particular species.
Nearly all fossils can be regarded as intermediates in some sense; they are life forms
that come between ancestral forms that preceded them and those that followed.
The fossil record thus provides compelling evidence of systematic change through
time – of descent with modification. From this consistent body of evidence it can
be predicted that no reversals will be found in future paleontological studies. That
is, amphibians will not appear before fishes nor mammals before reptiles, and no
complex life will occur in the geological record before the oldest eukaryotic cells.
Table 1.1 Order in which progressively complex forms of animal life appeared.
Microbial (prokaryotic cells)
Complex (eukaryotic cells)
First multicellular animals
Shell-bearing animals
Vertebrates (simple fishes)
Nonhuman primates
Earliest apes
Earliest hominids
Homo sapiens (modern humans)
Millions of years since first known appearance (approximate)
0.15 (150 000 years)
That prediction has been upheld by the evidence that has accumulated thus far: no
reversals have been found.
Inferences about common descent derived from paleontology have been reinforced
by comparative anatomy. The skeletons of humans, dogs, whales, and bats are
strikingly similar, despite the different ways of life led by these animals and the
diversity of environments in which they have flourished. The correspondence, bone
by bone, can be observed in every part of the body, including the limbs: a person
writes, a dog runs, a whale swims, and a bird flies with structures built of the same
bones (Figure 1.1). Scientists call such structures homologous and have concurred
that they are best explained by common descent. Comparative anatomists investigate
such homologies, not only in bone structure but also in other parts of the body as
well, working out relationships from degrees of similarity. Their conclusions provide
important inferences about the details of evolutionary history that can be tested by
comparisons with the sequence of ancestral forms in the paleontological record.
The mammalian ear and jaw offer an example in which paleontology and
comparative anatomy combine to show common ancestry through transitional
stages. The lower jaws of mammals contain only one bone, whereas those of reptiles
have several. The other bones in the reptile jaw are homologous with bones now
found in the mammalian ear. What function could these bones have had during
intermediate stages? Paleontologists have now discovered intermediate forms of
mammal-like reptiles (Therapsida) with a double jaw joint – one composed of the
bones that persist in mammalian jaws, the other consisting of bones that eventually
became the hammer and anvil of the mammalian ear. Similar examples are
numerous.
Biogeography also has contributed evidence for common descent. The diversity
of life is stupendous. Approximately 250 thousand species of living plants, 100
thousand species of fungi, and 1.5 million species of animals and microorganisms
have been described and named, each occupying its own peculiar ecological setting
or niche, and the census is far from complete. Some species, such as human beings
and our companion the dog, can live under a wide range of environmental
conditions. Others are amazingly specialized. One species of the fungus Laboulbenia
grows exclusively on the rear portion of the covering wings of a single species of
beetle (Aphaenops cronei) found only in some caves of southern France. The larvae
of the fly Drosophila carcinophila can develop only in specialized grooves beneath
the flaps of the third pair of oral appendages of the land crab Gecarcinus ruricola,
which is found only on certain Caribbean islands.
How can we make intelligible the colossal diversity of living beings and the
existence of such extraordinary, seemingly whimsical creatures as Laboulbenia,
Drosophila carcinophila, and others? Why are island groups like the Galapagos
inhabited by forms similar to those on the nearest mainland but belonging to
different species? Why is the indigenous life so different on different continents?
Figure 1.1 The forelimbs of four species of vertebrate animals. Although the limbs
are used for different functions (writing, running, swimming, flying), the bones and
their organization are similar, reflecting their derivation from a common ancestor.
Creationists contend that the curious facts of biogeography result from the
occurrence of special creation events. A scientific hypothesis proposes that biological
diversity results from an evolutionary process whereby the descendants of local or
migrant predecessors became adapted to their diverse environments. A testable
corollary of this hypothesis is that present forms and local fossils should show
homologous attributes indicating how one is derived from the other. Also, there
should be evidence that forms without an established local ancestry had migrated
into the locality. Wherever such tests have been carried out, these conditions have
been confirmed. A good example is provided by the mammalian populations of
North and South America, where strikingly different endemic forms evolved in
isolation until the emergence of the isthmus of Panama approximately three million
years ago. Thereafter, the armadillo, porcupine, and opossum – mammals of South
American origin – were able to migrate to North America along with many other
species of plants and animals, while the placental mountain lion and other North
American species made their way across the isthmus to the south.
The evidence that Darwin found for the influence of geographical distribution
on the evolution of organisms has become stronger with advancing knowledge.
For example, approximately 2000 species of flies belonging to the genus Drosophila
are now found throughout the world. About one-quarter of them live only in Hawaii.
More than a thousand species of snails and other land mollusks are also only found
in Hawaii. The natural explanation for the occurrence of such great diversity among
closely similar forms is that the differences resulted from adaptive colonization of
isolated environments by animals with a common ancestry. The Hawaiian islands
are far from and were never attached to any mainland or other islands, and they
have had few colonizers. Organisms that reached these islands found many
unoccupied ecological niches where they could then undergo separate evolutionary
diversifications. No mammals other than one bat species lived on the Hawaiian
islands when the first human settlers arrived; very many other kinds of plants and
animals were also absent. The scientific explanation is that these kinds of organisms
never reached the islands because of their great geographic isolation, while those
that reached there multiplied in kind, because of the absence of related organisms
that would compete for resources.
The vagaries of biogeography cannot be attributed to environmental peculiarities
alone. The Hawaiian islands are no better than other Pacific islands for the survival
of Drosophila, nor are they less hospitable than other parts of the world for many
organisms not indigenous to them. For example, pigs and goats multiplied in Hawaii
after their introduction by humans. The general observation is that all sorts of
organisms are absent from places well suited to their occupancy. The animals and
plants vary from continent to continent and from island to island in a distribution
pattern consistent with colonization and evolutionary change, rather than being
simply responsive to the conditions of place.
Embryology, the study of biological development from the time of conception, is
another source of independent evidence for common descent. Barnacles, for
instance, are sedentary crustaceans with little apparent similarity to such other
crustaceans as lobsters, shrimps, or copepods. Yet barnacles pass through a free-
swimming larval stage, in which they look unmistakably like other crustacean larvae.
The similarity of larval stages supports the conclusion that all crustaceans have
homologous parts and a common ancestry. Human and other mammalian embryos
pass through a stage during which they have unmistakable but useless grooves
similar to gill slits found in fishes – evidence that they and the other vertebrates
shared remote ancestors that respired with the aid of gills.
The substantiation of common descent that emerges from all the foregoing lines
of evidence has been validated and reinforced by the discoveries of molecular biology,
a biological discipline that emerged in the mid-20th century. This new discipline
has unveiled the nature of the hereditary material and the workings of organisms
at the level of enzymes and other molecules. Molecular biology provides very detailed
and convincing evidence for biological evolution.
The hereditary material, DNA, and the enzymes that govern all life processes
hold information about an organism’s ancestry. This information has made it
possible to reconstruct evolutionary events that were previously unknown and to
confirm and adjust the view of events that already were known. The precision with
which events of evolution can be reconstructed is one reason the evidence from
molecular biology is so compelling. Another reason is that molecular evolution
has shown all living organisms, from bacteria to humans, to be related by descent
from common ancestors.
The molecular components of organisms exhibit a remarkable uniformity in the
nature of the components as well as in the ways in which they are assembled and
used. In all bacteria, plants, animals, and humans, the DNA is made up of the
same four component nucleotides, although many other nucleotides exist, and all
of the various proteins are synthesized from different combinations and sequences
of the same 20 amino acids, although several hundred other amino acids do exist.
The genetic code by which the information contained in the nuclear DNA is translated into proteins is everywhere the same. Similar metabolic pathways are used by
the most diverse organisms to produce energy and to construct the cell components.
This unity reveals the genetic continuity and common ancestry of all organisms.
There is no other rational way to account for their molecular uniformity when
numerous alternative structures are equally likely. The genetic code may serve as
an example. Each particular sequence of three nucleotides in the nuclear DNA acts
as a pattern, or code, for the production of exactly the same amino acid in all
organisms. This is no more necessary than it is for a language to use a particular
combination of letters to represent a particular reality. If it is found that many
different combinations of letters, such as ‘planet’, ‘tree’, ‘woman’, are used with
identical meanings in a number of different books, one can be sure that the
languages used in those books are of common origin.
Genes and proteins are long molecules that contain information in the sequence
of their components in much the same way as sentences of the English language
contain information in the sequence of their letters and words. The sequences that
make up the genes are passed on from parents to offspring, identical except for
occasional changes introduced by mutations. The similarity between the sequences
is evidence that they derive from a common ancestral sequence; the differences
reflect the time elapsed since they started to diverge and thus make it possible to
reconstruct the evolutionary history of the organisms that carry the sequences. To
illustrate, assume that two books are being compared; both books are 200 pages
long and contain the same number of chapters. Closer examination reveals that
the two books are identical page for page and word for word, except that an occasional
word – say one in 100 – is different. The two books cannot have been written
independently; either one has been copied from the other or both have been copied,
directly or indirectly, from the same original book. Similarly, if each nucleotide is
represented by one letter, the complete sequence of nucleotides in the DNA of a
higher organism would require several hundred books of hundreds of pages, with
several thousand letters on each page. When the ‘pages’ (or sequence of nucleotides)
in these ‘books’ (organisms) are examined one by one, the correspondence in the
‘letters’ (nucleotides) gives unmistakable evidence of common origin.
Two arguments attest to evolution. Using the alphabet analogy, the first argument
says that languages that use the same dictionary – the same genetic code and the
same 20 amino acids – cannot be of independent origin. The second argument,
concerning similarity in the sequence of nucleotides in the DNA or the sequence
of amino acids in the proteins, says that books with very similar texts cannot be of
independent origin.
The evidence of evolution revealed by molecular biology goes one step further.
The degree of similarity in the sequence of nucleotides or of amino acids can be
precisely quantified. For example, cytochrome c (a protein) of humans and
chimpanzees consists of the same 104 amino acids in exactly the same order; but
differs from that of rhesus monkeys by one amino acid, from that of horses by 11
amino acids, and from that of tuna by 21 amino acids. The degree of similarity
reflects the recentness of common ancestry. Thus, the inferences from comparative
anatomy and other disciplines concerning evolutionary history can be tested in
molecular studies of DNA and proteins by examining their sequences of nucleotides
and amino acids.
The authority of this kind of test is overwhelming; each of the thousands of
genes and thousands of proteins contained in an organism provides an independent
test of that organism’s evolutionary history. Not all possible tests have been
performed, but many hundreds have been done, and not one has given evidence
contrary to evolution. There is probably no other notion in any field of science that
has been as extensively tested and as thoroughly corroborated as the evolutionary
origin of living organisms. There is no reason to doubt the evolutionary theory of
the origin of organisms any more than to doubt the heliocentric theory of the
rotations of the planets around the sun.
1.4 Genetics of Evolution
Genetics of Evolution
The central argument of Darwin’s theory of evolution starts from the existence of
hereditary variation. Experience with animal and plant breeding demonstrates that
variations can be developed that are useful to humans. So, reasoned Darwin,
variations must occur in nature that are favorable or useful in some way to the
organism itself in the struggle for existence. Favorable variations are ones that
increase chances for survival and procreation. These advantageous variations are
preserved and multiplied from generation to generation at the expense of less
advantageous ones in the process known as natural selection. The outcome of the
process is an organism that is well adapted to its environment, and evolution often
occurs as a consequence.
Biological evolution is the process of change and diversification of living things
over time, and it affects all aspects of their lives – morphology, physiology, behavior,
and ecology. Underlying these changes are changes in the hereditary materials.
Hence, in genetic terms, evolution consists of changes in the organism’s hereditary
Natural selection, then, can be defined as the differential reproduction of
alternative hereditary variants, determined by the fact that some variants increase
the likelihood that the organisms having them will survive and reproduce more
successfully than will organisms carrying alternative variants. Selection may be
due to differences in survival, in fertility, in rate of development, in mating success,
or in any other aspect of the life cycle. All of these differences can be incorporated
under the term ‘differential reproduction’, because all result in natural selection to
the extent that they affect the number of progeny an organism leaves.
Darwin explained that competition for limited resources results in the survival
of the most effective competitors. But natural selection may occur not only as a
result of competition but also as an effect of some aspect of the physical environment, such as inclement weather. Moreover, natural selection would occur even if
all the members of a population died at the same age, if some of them produced
more offspring than others. Natural selection is quantified by a measure called
Darwinian fitness, or relative fitness. Fitness in this sense is the relative probability
that a hereditary characteristic will be reproduced; that is, the degree of fitness is a
measure of the reproductive efficiency of the characteristic.
Evolution can be seen as a two-step process. First, hereditary variation takes place;
second, selection occurs of those genetic variants that will be passed on most
effectively to the following generations. Hereditary variation also entails two
mechanisms: the spontaneous mutation of one variant to another, and the sexual
process that recombines those variants to form a multitude of variations.
The gene pool of a species is the sum total of all of the genes and combinations
of genes that occur in all organisms of the same species. The necessity of hereditary
variation for evolutionary change to occur can be understood in terms of the gene
pool. Assume, for instance, that at the gene locus that codes for the human MN
blood groups, there is no variation; only the M form exists in all individuals.
Evolution of the MN blood groups cannot take place in such a population, since
the allelic frequencies have no opportunity to change from generation to generation.
On the other hand, in populations in which both forms M and N are present,
evolutionary change is possible.
The more genetic variation that exists in a population, the greater the opportunity
for evolution to occur. As the number of genes that are variable increases and as
the number of forms of each gene becomes greater, the likelihood that some forms
will change in frequency at the expense of their alternates grows. The British
geneticist R. A. Fisher mathematically demonstrated a direct correlation between
the amount of genetic variation in a population and the rate of evolutionary change
by natural selection. This demonstration is embodied in his fundamental theorem
of natural selection: “The rate of increase in fitness of any organism at any time is
equal to its genetic variance in fitness at that time.” This theorem has been confirmed
experimentally. Because a population’s potential for evolving is determined by its
genetic variation, evolutionists are interested in discovering the extent of such
variation in natural populations. Techniques for determining genetic variation have
been used to investigate numerous species of plants and animals. Typically, insects
and other invertebrates are more varied genetically than mammals and other
vertebrates; and plants bred by outcrossing exhibit more variation than those bred
by self-pollination. But the amount of genetic variation is in any case astounding.
Every individual represents a unique genetic configuration that will never be
repeated again. The enormous reservoir of genetic variation in natural populations
provides virtually unlimited opportunities for evolutionary change in response to
environmental constraints and the needs of the organisms, beyond the new
variations that arise every generation by the process of mutation, which I discuss
Variation and Mutation
There are more than two million known species, which are widely diverse in size,
shape, and ways of life, as well as in the DNA sequences that contain their genetic
information. What has produced the pervasive genetic variation within natural
populations and the genetic differences among species?
The information encoded in the nucleotide sequence of DNA is, as a rule, faithfully
reproduced during replication, so that each replication results in two DNA molecules
that are identical to each other and to the parent molecule. But, occasionally
‘mistakes’, or mutations, occur in the DNA molecule during replication, so that
daughter cells differ from the parent cells in at least one of the letters in the DNA
sequence. A mutation first appears on a single cell of an organism, but it is passed
on to all cells descended from the first. Mutations can be classified into two
categories: gene, or point, mutations, which affect only a few letters (nucleotides)
within a gene; and chromosomal mutations, which either change the number of
chromosomes or change the number or arrangement of genes on a chromosome.
(Chromosomes are the elongated structures that store the DNA of each cell.)
Gene mutations can occur spontaneously; that is, without being intentionally
caused by humans. They can also be artificially induced by ultraviolet light,
X irradiation, and other high-frequency types of radiation, as well as by exposure to
certain mutagenic chemicals, such as mustard gas. The consequences of gene
mutations may range from negligible to lethal. Some have a small or undetectable
effect on the organism’s ability to survive and reproduce, because no essential
biological functions are altered. But when the active site of an enzyme or some
other essential function is affected, the impact may be severe.
Newly arisen mutations are more likely to be harmful than beneficial to their
carriers, because mutations are random events with respect to adaptation; that is,
their occurrence is independent of any possible consequences. Harmful mutations
are eliminated or kept in check by natural selection. Occasionally, however, a new
mutation may increase the organism’s adaptation. The probability of such an event’s
happening is greater when organisms colonize a new territory or when environmental changes confront a population with new challenges. In these situations,
the established adaptation of a population is less than optimal, and there is greater
opportunity for new mutations to be better adaptive. This is so because the
consequences of mutations depend on the environment. Increased melanin
pigmentation may be advantageous to inhabitants of tropical Africa, where dark
skin protects them from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation; but it is not beneficial in
Scandinavia, where the intensity of sunlight is low and light skin facilitates the
synthesis of vitamin D.
Mutation rates are low, but new mutants appear continuously in nature, because
there are many individuals in every species and many genes in every individual.
The process of mutation provides each generation with many new genetic variations.
More important yet is the storage of variation, the results of past mutations, in
each organism. Thus, it is not surprising to see that when new environmental
challenges arise, species are able to adapt to them. More than 200 insect and rodent
species, for example, have developed resistance to the pesticide DDT in different
parts of the world where spraying has been intense. Although the insects had never
before encountered this synthetic compound, they adapted to it rapidly by means
of mutations that allowed them to survive in its presence. Similarly, many species
of moths and butterflies in industrialized regions have shown an increase in the
frequency of individuals with dark wings in response to environmental pollution,
an adaptation known as industrial melanism. The examples can be multiplied at
Genetic Equilibrium and Genetic Change
The genetic variation present in natural populations of organisms is sorted out in
new ways in each generation by the process of sexual reproduction. But heredity by
itself does not change gene frequencies. This principle is formally stated by the
Hardy–Weinberg law, an algebraic equation that describes the genetic equilibrium
in a population. In the simplest instance, there are two alleles, A and a, at a gene
locus, so that three genotypes are possible, AA, Aa, and aa. If the frequencies of
the two alleles in the population are p and q, respectively, the equilibrium frequencies
of the three genotypes are given by (p + q)2 = p2 + 2 p q + q2 for AA, Aa, and aa,
respectively. The genotype equilibrium frequencies for any number of alleles are
derived in the same way.
The Hardy–Weinberg law assumes that gene frequencies remain constant from
generation to generation – that there is no gene mutation or natural selection and
that populations are very large. But these assumptions are not correct; indeed, if
they were, evolution could not occur. Why, then, is the Hardy–Weinberg law
significant if its assumptions do not hold true in nature? The answer is that the
Hardy–Weinberg law plays in evolutionary studies a role similar to that of Newton’s
first law of motion in mechanics. Newton’s first law says that a body not acted upon
by a net external force remains at rest or maintains a constant velocity. In fact,
there are always external forces acting upon physical objects (gravity, for example),
but the first law provides the starting point for the application of other laws. Similarly,
organisms are subject to mutation, selection, and other processes that change gene
frequencies, and the effects of these processes are calculated by using the Hardy–
Weinberg law as the starting point. There are four processes of gene frequency
change: mutation, migration, drift, and natural selection.
The allelic variations that make evolution possible are generated by the process
of mutation; but new mutations change gene frequencies very slowly, since mutation
rates are low. Moreover, gene mutations are reversible. Changes in gene frequencies
due to mutation occur, therefore, very slowly. In any case, allelic frequencies usually
are not in mutational equilibrium, because some alleles are favored over others by
natural selection. The equilibrium frequencies are then decided by the interaction
between mutation and selection, with selection usually having the greater consequence.
I have already discussed the process of mutation. Migration, or gene flow, takes
place when individuals migrate from one population to another and interbreed
with its members. The genetic makeup of populations changes locally whenever
different populations intermingle. In general, the greater the difference in allele
frequencies between the resident and the migrant individuals and the larger the
number of migrants, the greater effect the migrants have in changing the genetic
constitution of the resident population.
Moreover, gene frequencies can change from one generation to another by a
process of pure chance known as genetic drift. This occurs because populations
are finite in numbers, and thus the frequency of a gene may change in the following
generation by accidents of sampling, just as it is possible to get more or fewer than
50 heads in 100 throws of a coin simply by chance. The magnitude of the gene
frequency changes due to genetic drift is inversely related to the size of the
population: the larger the number of reproducing individuals, the smaller the effects
of genetic drift. The effects of genetic drift in changing gene frequencies from one
generation to the next are small in most natural populations, which generally consist
of thousands of reproducing individuals. The effects over many generations are
more important. Genetic drift can have important evolutionary consequences when
1.5 Natural Selection
a new population becomes established by only a few individuals, as in the
colonization of islands and lakes. This is one reason why species in neighboring
islands, such as those in the Hawaiian archipelago, are often more heterogeneous
than species in comparable continental areas adjacent to one another.
The phrase ‘natural selection’ was used by Darwin to refer to any reproductive bias
favoring some hereditary variants over others. He proposed that natural selection
promotes the adaptation of organisms to the environments in which they live
because the organisms carrying such useful variants would leave more descendants
than those lacking them. The modern concept of natural selection derives directly
from Darwin’s but is defined precisely in mathematical terms as a statistical bias
favoring some genetic variants over their alternates (the measure to quantify natural
selection is called fitness). Hereditary variants, favorable or not to the organisms,
arise by mutation. Unfavorable ones are eventually eliminated by natural selection;
their carriers leave no descendants or leave fewer than those carrying alternative
variants. Favorable mutations accumulate over the generations. The process
continues indefinitely because the environments that organisms live in are forever
changing. Environments change physically – in their climate, physical configuration,
and so on – but also biologically, because the predators, parasites, and competitors
with which an organism interacts are themselves evolving.
If mutation, migration, and drift were the only processes of evolutionary change,
the organization of living things would gradually disintegrate, because they are
random processes with respect to adaptation. These three processes change gene
frequencies without regard for the consequences that such changes may have on
the ability of the organisms to survive and reproduce. The effects of such processes
alone would be analogous to those of a mechanic who changed parts in an
automobile engine at random, with no regard for the role of the parts in the engine.
Natural selection keeps the disorganizing effects of mutation and other processes
in check, because it multiplies beneficial mutations and eliminates harmful ones.
But natural selection accounts not only for the preservation and improvement of
the organization of living beings but also for their diversity. In different localities
or in different circumstances, natural selection favors different traits, precisely those
that make the organisms well adapted to their particular circumstances and ways
The effects of natural selection can be studied by measuring the ensuing changes
in gene frequencies; but they can also be explored by examining changes on the
observable characteristics – or phenotypes – of individuals in a population.
Distribution scales of phenotypic traits such as height, weight, number of progeny,
or longevity typically show greater numbers of individuals with intermediate values
and fewer and fewer toward the extremes (the so-called normal distribution). When
individuals with intermediate phenotypes are favored and extreme phenotypes are
selected against, the selection is said to be stabilizing. The range and distribution
of phenotypes then remains approximately the same from one generation to another.
Stabilizing selection is very common. The individuals that survive and reproduce
more successfully are those that have intermediate phenotypic values. Mortality
among newborn infants, for example, is highest when they are either very small or
very large; infants of intermediate size have a greater chance of surviving.
But the distribution of phenotypes in a population sometimes changes systematically in a particular direction. The physical and biological aspects of the environment are continuously changing, and over long periods of time the changes may
be substantial. The climate and even the configuration of the land or water vary
incessantly. Changes also take place in the biotic conditions; that is, in the other
organisms present, whether predators, prey, parasites, or competitors. Genetic
changes occur as a consequence, because the genotypic fitnesses may be shifted so
that different sets of variants are favored. The opportunity for directional selection
also arises when organisms colonize new environments where the conditions are
different from those of their original habitat. The process of directional selection
often takes place in spurts. The replacement of one genetic constitution for another
changes the genotypic fitnesses of genes for other traits, which in turn stimulates
additional changes, and so on in a cascade of consequences.
The nearly universal success of artificial selection and the rapid response of natural
populations to new environmental challenges are evidence that existing variation
provides the necessary materials for directional selection, as Darwin already
explained. More generally, human actions have been an important stimulus to this
type of selection. Mankind transforms the environments of many organisms, which
rapidly respond to the new environmental challenges through directional selection.
Well known instances are the many cases of insect resistance to pesticides, synthetic
substances not present in the natural environment. Whenever a new insecticide is
first applied to control a pest, the results are encouraging, because a small amount
of the insecticide is sufficient to bring the pest organism under control. As time
passes, however, the amount required to achieve a certain level of control must be
increased again and again, until finally it becomes ineffective or economically
impractical. This occurs because organisms become resistant to the pesticide
through directional selection. Resistance of the housefly, Musca domestica, to DDT
was first reported in 1947. Resistance to one or more pesticides has now been
recorded in more than 100 species of insects.
Sustained directional selection leads to major changes in morphology and ways
of life over geologic time. Evolutionary changes that persist in a more-or-less
continuous fashion over long periods of time are known as evolutionary trends.
Directional evolutionary changes increased the cranial capacity of the human lineage
from Australopithecus afarensis, human ancestors who lived four million years ago,
with a small brain weighing somewhat less than one pound, to Homo sapiens,
modern humans with a brain three and a half times as large. The more-or-less
gradual increase in size during the evolution of the horse family from 50 million
years ago to modern times is another of the many well studied examples of
directional selection.
1.6 Sexual Selection and Kin Selection
Two or more divergent traits in an environment may be favored simultaneously,
which is called diversifying selection. No natural environment is homogeneous;
rather, the environment of any plant or animal population is a mosaic consisting of
more-or-less dissimilar subenvironments. There is heterogeneity with respect to
climate, food resources, and living space. Also, the heterogeneity may be temporal,
with change occurring over time, as well as spatial, with dissimilarity found in
different areas. Species cope with environmental heterogeneity in diverse ways.
One strategy is the selection of a generalist genotype that is well adapted to all of
the subenvironments encountered by the species. Another strategy is genetic
polymorphism, the selection of a diversified gene pool that yields different genetic
makeups, each adapted to a specific subenvironment.
Sexual Selection and Kin Selection
One important factor in reproduction is mutual attraction between the sexes. The
males and females of many animal species are fairly similar in size and shape
except for the sexual organs and secondary sexual characteristics such as the
mammary glands of female mammals. There are, however, species in which the
sexes exhibit striking dimorphism. Particularly in birds and mammals, the males
are often larger and stronger, more brightly colored, or endowed with conspicuous
adornments. But bright colors make animals more visible to predators; for example,
the long plumage of peacocks and birds of paradise and the enormous antlers of
aged male deer are cumbersome loads at best. Darwin knew that natural selection
could not be expected to favor the evolution of disadvantageous traits, and he was
able to offer a solution to this problem. He proposed that such traits arise by ‘sexual
selection’, which “depends not on a struggle for existence in relation to other organic
beings or to external conditions, but on a struggle between the individuals of one
sex, generally the males, for the possession of the other sex.” Thus, the colored
plumage of the males in some bird species makes them more attractive to their
females, which more than compensates for their increased visibility to potential
predators. Sexual selection is a topic of intensive research at present.
The apparent altruistic behavior of many animals is, like some manifestations of
sexual selection, a trait that at first seems incompatible with the theory of natural
selection. Altruism is a form of behavior that benefits other individuals at the expense
of the one that performs the action; the fitness of the altruist is diminished by its
behavior, whereas individuals that act selfishly benefit from it at no cost to
themselves. Accordingly, it might be expected that natural selection would foster
the development of selfish behavior and eliminate altruism. This conclusion is not
so compelling when it is noticed that the beneficiaries of altruistic behavior are
usually relatives. They all carry the same genes, including the genes that promote
altruistic behavior. Altruism may evolve by kin selection, which is simply a type of
natural selection in which relatives are taken into consideration when evaluating
an individual’s fitness.
Kin selection is explained as follows. Natural selection favors genes that increase
the reproductive success of their carriers, but it is not necessary that all individuals
with a given genetic makeup have higher reproductive success. It suffices that
carriers of the genotype reproduce more successfully on average than those
possessing alternative genotypes. A parent shares half its genes with each progeny,
so a gene that promotes parental altruism is favored by selection if the behavior’s
cost to the parent is less than half its average benefits to the progeny. Such a gene
will be more likely to increase in frequency through the generations than an
alternative gene that does not promote parental care. The parent spends some energy
caring for the progeny because it increases the reproductive success of the parent’s
genes. But kin selection extends beyond the relationship between parents and their
offspring. It facilitates the development of altruistic behavior when the energy
invested, or the risk incurred, by an individual is compensated in excess by the
benefits ensuing to relatives.
In many species of primates (as well as in other animals), altruism also occurs
among unrelated individuals when the behavior is reciprocal and the altruist’s costs
are smaller than the benefits to the recipient. This reciprocal altruism is found, for
example, in the mutual grooming of chimpanzees as they clean each other of lice
and other pests. Another example appears in flocks of birds that post sentinels to
warn of danger. One crow sitting in a tree watching for predators, while the rest of
the flock forages, incurs a small loss by not feeding, but this is well compensated
by the protection it receives when it itself forages and others of the flock stand
guard.
The Origin of Species
Darwin sought to explain the splendid diversity of the living world: thousands of
organisms of the most diverse kinds, from lowly worms to spectacular birds of
paradise, from yeasts and molds to oaks and orchids. His Origin of Species is a
sustained argument showing that the diversity of organisms and their characteristics
can be explained as the result of natural processes. As Darwin noted, different
species may come about as the result of gradual adaptation to environments that
are continuously changing in time and differ from place to place. Natural selection
favors different characteristics in different situations.
In everyday experience we identify different kinds of organisms by their
appearance. Everyone knows that people belong to the human species and are
different from cats and dogs, which in turn are different from each other. There
are differences among people, as well as among cats and dogs; but individuals of
the same species are considerably more similar among themselves than they are to
individuals of other species. But there is more to it than that: a bulldog, a terrier,
and a golden retriever are very different in appearance, but they are all dogs because
they can interbreed. People can also interbreed with one another, and so can cats,
but people cannot interbreed with dogs or cats, nor these with each other. It is,
1.7 The Origin of Species
then, clear that although species are usually identified by appearance, there is
something basic, of great biological significance, behind similarity of appearance;
namely, that individuals of a species are able to interbreed with one another but
not with members of other species. This is expressed in the following definition:
species are groups of interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively
isolated from other such groups.
The ability to interbreed is of great evolutionary importance, because it determines
that species are independent evolutionary units. Genetic changes originate in single
individuals; they can spread by natural selection to all members of the species but
not to individuals of other species. Thus, individuals of a species share a common
gene pool that is not shared by individuals of other species, because they are
reproductively isolated.
Although the criterion for deciding whether individuals belong to the same species
is clear, there may be ambiguity in practice for two reasons. One is lack of knowledge:
it may not be known for certain whether individuals living in different sites below
to the same species, because it is not known whether they can naturally interbreed.
The other reason for ambiguity is rooted in the nature of evolution as a gradual
process. Two geographically separate populations that at one time were members
of the same species later may have diverged into two different species. Since the
process is gradual, there is no particular point at which it is possible to say that the
two populations have become two different species. It is an interesting curiosity
that some antievolutionists have referred to the existence of species intermediates
as evidence against evolution; quite the contrary, such intermediates are precisely
A similar kind of ambiguity arises with respect to organisms living at different
times. There is no way to test whether or not today’s humans could interbreed with
those who lived thousands of years ago. It seems reasonable that living people, or
living cats, would be able to interbreed with people, or cats, exactly like those that
lived a few generations earlier. But what about the ancestors removed by one
thousand or one million generations? The ancestors of modern humans that lived
one million years ago (about 50 thousand generations) are classified in the species
Homo erectus, whereas present-day humans are classified in a different species,
Homo sapiens, because those ancestors were quite different from us in appearance
and thus it seems reasonable to conclude that interbreeding could not have occurred
with modern-like humans. But there is no exact time at which Homo erectus became
Homo sapiens. It would not be appropriate to classify remote human ancestors and
modern humans in the same species just because the changes from one generation
to the next are small. It is useful to distinguish between the two groups by means
of different species names, just as it is useful to give different names to childhood,
adolescence, and adulthood, even though there is no one moment at which an
individual passes from one to the next. Biologists distinguish species in organisms
that lived at different times by means of a commonsense rule: if two organisms
differ from each other about as much as two living individuals belonging to two
different species differ today, they are classified into separate species and given
different names.
Bacteria and blue-green algae do not reproduce sexually, but by fission. Organisms
that lack sexual reproduction are classified into different species according to criteria
such as external morphology, chemical and physiological properties, and genetic
constitution. The definition of species given above applies only to organisms able
to interbreed.
Since species are groups of populations reproductively isolated form one another,
asking about the origin of a species is equivalent to asking how reproductive isolation
arises between populations. Two theories have been advanced to answer this
question. One theory considers isolation as an accidental byproduct of genetic
divergence. Populations that become genetically less and less alike (as a consequence, for example, of adaptation to different environments) may eventually be
unable to interbreed because their gene pools are disharmonious. The other theory
regards isolation as a product of natural selection. Whenever hybrid individuals
are less fit than nonhybrids, natural selection directly promotes the development
of reproductive isolation. This occurs because genetic variants interfering with
hybridization have greater fitness than those favoring hybridization, given that the
latter are often present in poorly fit hybrids. Scientists have shown that these two
theories of the origin of reproductive isolation are not mutually exclusive.
Adaptive Radiation
The geographic separation of populations derived from common ancestors may
continue long enough that the populations become completely differentiated species
before coming together again. As the separated populations continue evolving
independently, morphological differences may arise. Examples of adaptive radiation
are common in archipelagos far removed from the mainland. The Galapagos Islands
are about 600 miles off the west coast of South America. When Darwin arrived
there in 1835, he discovered many species not found anywhere else in the world –
for example, 14 species of finch (known as Darwin’s finches). These passerine birds
have adapted to a diversity of habitats and diets, some feeding mostly on plants,
others exclusively on insects. The various shapes of their bills are clearly adapted to
probing, grasping, biting, or crushing – the diverse ways in which these different
Galapagos species obtain their food. The explanation for such diversity (which is
not found in finches from the continental mainland) is that the ancestor of
Galapagos finches arrived in the islands before other kinds of birds and encountered
an abundance of unoccupied ecological opportunities. The finches underwent
adaptive radiation, evolving a variety of species with ways of life capable of exploiting
niches that in continental faunas are exploited by different kinds of birds.
Striking examples of adaptive radiation occur in the Hawaiian Islands. The
archipelago consists of several volcanic islands, ranging from less than one million
to more than ten million years in age, far away from any continent or other large islands. An astounding number of plant and animal species of certain kinds exist in
the islands while many other kinds are lacking. Among the species that have evolved
in the islands, there are about two dozen (about one-third of them now extinct) of
1.8 Evolutionary History
honeycreepers, birds of the family Drepanididae, all derived from a single immigrant
form. In fact, all but one of Hawaii’s 71 native bird species are endemic; that is, they
have evolved there and are found nowhere else. More than 90% of the native species
of the hundreds of flowering plants, land mollusks, and insects in Hawaii are also
endemic, as are two-thirds of the 168 species of ferns. About one-fourth of the world’s
total number of known species of Drosophila flies (more than 500) are native Hawaiian species. The species of Drosophila in Hawaii have diverged by adaptive radiation
from one or a few colonizers, which encountered an assortment of ecological
opportunities that in other lands are occupied by different groups of flies or insects.
Rapid or Quantum Speciation
Examples of rapid speciation are also known in many organisms. Instances of
rapid speciation are sometimes called quantum or saltational speciation. An
important form of quantum speciation occurs as a result of polyploidy, which is
the multiplication of entire sets of chromosomes. This can happen in a single
generation, for example, if meiosis fails so that an individual’s gametes have two
sets of chromosomes, rather than only one. If a male and a female gamete, each
with two sets of chromosomes, combine, the resulting individual will have four
sets, rather than two sets, of chromosomes. A typical (diploid) organism carries in
the nucleus of each cell two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent;
a polyploid organism has several sets of chromosomes. Many cultivated plants are
polyploid: bananas have three sets of chromosomes, potatoes have four, bread wheat
has six, some strawberries have eight. All major groups of plants have natural
polyploid species, but they are most common among flowering plants (angiosperms), of which about 47% are polyploids.
In animals, polyploidy is relatively rare because it disrupts the balance between
chromosomes involved in the determination of sex. But polyploid species are found
in hermaphroditic animals (individuals having both male and female organs), which
include snails and earthworms, as well as in forms with parthenogenetic females
(which produce viable progeny without fertilization), such as some beetles, sow
bugs, goldfish, and salamanders.
It is possible to look at two sides of evolution: one, called anagenesis, refers to
changes that occur within a lineage; the other, called cladogenesis, refers to the
split of a lineage into two or more separate lineages. Anagenetic evolution has,
over the last four million years more than tripled the size of the human brain; in
the lineage of the horse, it has reduced the number of toes from four to one.
Cladogenetic evolution has produced the extraordinary diversity of the living world,
with more than two million species of animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms.
The evolution of all living organisms, or of a subset of them, can be represented
as a tree, with branches that divide into two or more as time progresses. Such trees
are called phylogenies. Their branches represent evolving lineages, some of which
eventually die out while others have persisted to the present time. Evolutionists are
interested in the history of life and hence in the topology, or configuration, of
evolution’s trees. They also want to know the anagenetic changes along lineages
and the timing of important events.
Tree relationships are ascertained by means of several complementary sources
of evidence. First, there is the fossil record, which provides definitive evidence of
relationships among some groups of organisms, but is far from complete and often
seriously deficient. Second, there is comparative anatomy, the comparative study
of living forms; and the related disciplines of comparative embryology, cytology,
ethology, biogeography, and others. In recent years the comparative study of
informational macromolecules – proteins and nucleic acids – has become a powerful
tool for the study of evolution’s history. We saw earlier how the results from these
disciplines demonstrate that evolution has occurred. Advanced methods have now
been developed to reconstruct evolution’s history.
These methods make it possible to identify whether the correspondence of
features in different organisms is due to inheritance from a common ancestor,
which is called homology. The forelimbs of humans, whales, dogs, and bats are
homologous. The skeletons of these limbs are all constructed of bones arranged
according to the same pattern because they derive from an ancestor with similarly
arranged forelimbs (Figure 1.1). Correspondence of features due to similarity of
function but not related to common descent is termed analogy. The wings of birds
and of flies are analogous. Their wings are not modified versions of a structure
present in a common ancestor but rather have developed independently as
adaptations enabling them to fly.
Homology can be recognized not only between different organisms but also
between repetitive structures of the same organism. This has been called serial
homology. There is serial homology, for example, between the arms and legs of
humans, among the seven cervical vertebrae of mammals, and among the branches
or leaves of a tree. The jointed appendages of arthropods are elaborate examples of
serial homology. Crayfish have 19 pairs of appendages, all built according to the
same basic pattern but serving diverse functions – sensing, chewing, food handling,
walking, mating, egg carrying, and swimming. Serial homologies are not useful in
reconstructing the phylogenetic relationships of organisms, but they are an
important dimension of the evolutionary process.
Relationships in some sense akin to those between serial homologs exist at the
molecular level between genes and proteins derived from ancestral gene duplications. The genes coding the various hemoglobin chains are an example. About 500
million years ago a chromosome segment carrying the gene encoding hemoglobin
became duplicated, so that the genes in the different segments thereafter evolved
in somewhat different ways, one eventually giving rise to the modern gene coding
for α hemoglobin, the other for β hemoglobin. The β hemoglobin gene became
duplicated again about 200 million years ago, giving rise to the γ (fetal) hemoglobin
1.9 Punctuational Evolution
gene. The α, β, and γ hemoglobin genes are homologous: similarities in their DNA
sequences occur because they are modified descendants of a single ancestral
sequence.
Punctuational Evolution
Morphological evolution is a more-or-less gradual process, as shown by the fossil
record. Major evolutionary changes are usually due to a building up over the ages
of relatively small changes. But the fossil record is often discontinuous, so that it
fails to manifest the gradual transition from one form to another. Fossil strata are
separated by sharp boundaries; accumulation of fossils within a geologic deposit
(stratum) is fairly constant over time, but the transition from one stratum to another
may involve gaps of tens of thousands of years. Different species, characterized by
small but discontinuous morphological changes, typically appear at the boundaries
between strata, whereas the fossils within a stratum exhibit little morphological
variation. This is not to say that the transition from one stratum to another always
involves sudden changes in morphology; on the contrary, fossil forms often persist
virtually unchanged through several geologic strata, each representing millions of
Paleontologists attributed the apparent morphological discontinuities in the fossil
record to the discontinuity of the sediments; that is, to substantial time gaps
encompassed in the boundaries between strata. The assumption was that, if the
fossil deposits were more continuous, they would show a more gradual transition
of forms. Even so, morphological evolution would not always keep progressing
gradually, because some forms, at least, remain unchanged for extremely long times.
Examples are the lineages known as living fossils: the lamp shell Lingula, a genus
of brachiopod that appears to have remained essentially unchanged since the
Ordovician Period, some 450 million years ago; or the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus),
a reptile that has shown little morphological evolution for nearly 200 million years
since the early Mesozoic.
According to some paleontologists, however, the frequent discontinuities in the
fossil record are not artifacts created by gaps in the record, but rather reflect the
true nature of morphological evolution, which happens in sudden bursts associated
with the formation of new species. The lack of morphological evolution, or stasis,
of lineages such as Lingula and Sphenodon is in turn due to lack of speciation within
those lineages. The proposition that morphological evolution is jerky, with most
morphological change occurring during the brief speciation events and virtually
no change during the subsequent existence of the species, is known as the
punctuated equilibrium model of morphological evolution. Most evolutionists,
however, agree that evolution is on the whole gradual, rather than discontinuous.
Molecular biology has made possible the comparative study of proteins and nucleic
acid, DNA, which is the repository of hereditary (and therefore, evolutionary)
information. The relationship of proteins to DNA is so immediate that they closely
reflect the hereditary information. This reflection is not perfect, because the genetic
code is redundant and, consequently, some differences in DNA do not yield
differences in the synthesized proteins. Moreover, it is not complete, because a
large fraction of the DNA (about 90% in many organisms) does not code for
proteins. Nevertheless, proteins are so closely related to the information contained
in the DNA that they, as well as the nucleic acids, are called informational
macromolecules.
Nucleic acids and proteins are linear molecules made up of sequences of units –
nucleotides in nucleic acids, amino acids in proteins – which retain considerable
amounts of evolutionary information. Comparing two macromolecules establishes
the number of their units that are different. Because evolution usually occurs by
changing one unit at a time, the number of differences is an indication of the
recentness of common ancestry. Changes in evolutionary rates may create difficulties, but macromolecular studies have two notable advantages over comparative
anatomy and other classical disciplines. One is that the information is more readily
quantifiable. The number of units that are different is precisely established when
the sequence of units is known for a given macromolecule in different organisms.
The other advantage is that comparisons can be made even between very different
sorts of organisms. There is very little that comparative anatomy can say when
organisms as diverse as yeasts, pine trees, and human beings are compared; but
there are homologous DNA and protein molecules that can be compared among
all three (Figure 1.2).
Informational macromolecules provide information not only about the topology
of evolutionary history (that is, the configuration of evolutionary trees), but also
about the amount of genetic change that has occurred in any given branch. It might
seem at first that determining the number of changes in a branch would be
impossible for proteins and nucleic acids, because it would require comparison of
molecules from organisms that lived in the past with those from living organisms.
But this determination can actually be made using elaborate methods developed
by scientists who investigate the evolution of DNA and proteins.
One conspicuous attribute of molecular evolution is that differences between
homologous molecules can readily be quantified and expressed as, for example,
proportions of nucleotides or amino acids that have changed. Rates of evolutionary
change can therefore be more precisely established with respect to DNA or proteins
than with respect to morphological traits. Studies of molecular evolution rates have
led to the proposition that macromolecules evolve as fairly accurate ‘clocks’. If the
rate of evolution of a protein or gene were approximately the same in the evolutionary
lineages leading to different species, proteins and DNA sequences would provide a
molecular clock of evolution. The sequences could then be used to reconstruct not
1.10 Molecular Evolution
Figure 1.2 Evolutionary tree of 20 diverse organisms, ranging from the human,
through the horse, chicken, and snake, to moth and yeast. This tree is based
on the amino acid sequences of a small protein, cytochrome c. Although the
evolutionary relationships are not all accurate, it is remarkable that they can be
determined by examining a single protein. A more nearly correct evolutionary
tree can be constructed by combining data for several proteins.
only the topology of the evolutionary tree but also the time when the various
branching events occurred.
The molecular evolutionary clock is not a metronomic clock, like a watch or
other timepiece that measures time exactly, but a stochastic clock like that of
radioactive decay. In a stochastic clock, the probability of a certain amount of change
is constant, although some variation occurs in the actual amount of change.
Over fairly long periods of time, a stochastic clock is quite accurate. The enormous
potential of the molecular evolutionary clock lies in the fact that each gene or protein
is a separate clock. Each clock ‘ticks’ at a different rate – the rate of evolution
characteristic of a particular gene or protein, but each of the thousands and
thousands of genes or proteins provides an independent measure of the same
evolutionary events.
Evolutionists have found that the amount of variation observed in the evolution
of DNA and proteins is greater than is expected from a stochastic clock; in other
words, the clock is inaccurate. The discrepancies in evolutionary rates along different
lineages are not excessively large, however. It turns out that it is possible to time
phylogenetic events with as much accuracy as may be desired; but more genes or
proteins (about two to four times as many) must be examined than would be required
if the clock were stochastically accurate. The average rates obtained for several DNA
sequences or proteins taken together become a fairly precise clock, particularly
when many species are investigated (Figure 1.3).
Figure 1.3 Differences in DNA composition vs. paleontological time. The total
number of differences for seven proteins (cytochrome c, fibrinopeptides A and
B, hemoglobins α and β, myoglobin, and insulin C-peptide) were calculated
for comparisons between pairs of species whose ancestors diverged at the
time indicated. The solid line was drawn from the origin to the outermost
point. The fit between the observed number of differences and the expected
number (as determined by the solid line) is fairly good in general. However, in
the primates (points below the diagonal at lower left) protein evolution seems
to have occurred at a slower rate than in most other organisms.
Evolutionary theorizing has been controversial from its birth in the eighteenth
century. No sooner had people like the Englishman Erasmus Darwin (1794–1796)
and the Frenchman Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck (1809) started putting forwards ideas
of upward organic development, than the critics started to launch their counterattacks. The greatest biologist of the age, George Cuvier (1813), was a leader of the
critique, arguing that evolution is a false, pernicious doctrine, religiously unacceptable, politically dangerous, and ideologically suspect. Things did not change
during the nineteenth century. Charles Darwin, the grandson of Erasmus, rightly
known as the father of evolution, published his great work On the Origin of Species,
in which he argued for the mechanism of natural selection, in 1859. Only a year
later, Darwin’s great supporter Thomas Henry Huxley found himself debating the
forces of reaction and status quo: first the comparative anatomist and paleontologist
Richard Owen, and then publicly the Bishop of Oxford, Samuel Wilberforce (Ruse
2000b). In the twentieth century, evolution continued to be controversial. Notoriously
in 1929 in the state of Tennessee a school teacher, John Thomas Scopes, was
prosecuted for teaching evolution, and although his conviction was overturned on
appeal, it had a chilling effect on evolutionary ideas, particularly in schools (Larson
1997). It was not indeed until the 1960s and 1970s that evolution started to find its
way back into textbooks in the United States. In the last part of the twentieth century,
evolution certainly throve in universities and museums, but still it continued a
source of much controversy. There was a court case in the state of Arkansas in
1981, and then as the millennium drew to an end, more and more voices were
raised against evolution. Noteworthy were such people as the Berkeley lawyer Phillip
Johnson and the Notre Dame philosopher Alvin Plantinga (Ruse 2000a). But even
within the halls of evolutionism itself there was much controversy, with people like
the Harvard entomologist and sociobiologist Edward O. Wilson (1975) on the one
side arguing for an extension of evolutionary ideas to our own species, and his
colleagues at Harvard the geneticist Richard Lewontin (1977) and the paleontologist
2 The Evolution Controversies: An Overview
Stephen Jay Gould (1980) on the other side arguing that such extensions are
scientifically unwarranted and morally dubious.
In this brief overview I cannot hope to cover all the controversies that follow
evolutionists at the beginning of a new century. I therefore confine my discussion
to some five controversies, hoping thereby to give the reader a good sense not only
of the debates, but also of the excitement that surrounds one of the most important,
if controversial, ideas of our time. I start with a vigorous debate about the history of
Darwinism itself. This is revealing not just for the past but also for our understanding
of the present. Next, I move to some of the debate and discussions about origin-oflife studies. I then move to central issues to do with natural selection. This is followed
by extensions to humankind. I conclude with the attacks from without, particularly
by today’s enthusiasts for so-called Intelligent Design.
The History of Evolutionism
I begin with discussion of a controversy that is not so much about or within
evolutionary theory itself, but rather about the history of evolutionism. As was said
at the beginning, evolutionary theory is a child of the eighteenth century (Ruse
1999a). It was then that discoveries of the fossil record and of strange organisms
and the like started to persuade people to think that the Genesis-based account of
origins is not correct (Rudwick 1972). Rather, we must suppose that organisms
came by a natural process of development from primitive forms. However, from
the beginning, all would agree evolutionary theory was very much more than just a
straight scientific theory. The early evolutionists, Erasmus Darwin in Britain and
Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck in France, had strong ideological axes to grind (Ruse
1996, 1999b). They were enthusiasts of the chief secular philosophy or ideology of
the age: progress. They believed that humans, unaided, can improve their knowledge, and through this their social conditions. Darwin and Lamarck and other
early evolutionists took this ideology and read it into the biological world. Metaphorically, they saw evolutionary development as a progressive rise from the
primitive to the complex, from the monad to the man, as they used to say. Then
generally, in good circular fashion, they read their biological progressivism back
into culture, thinking that they had justified their overall ideology!
Expectedly, the great critics of evolution – notably Georges Cuvier (1813) in France
and Adam Sedgwick (1833) in England – opposed not only the factual basis of
evolution, which to be frank was not very great, but also the ideological underpinnings. Cuvier and Sedgwick and others were keen Protestants, and as such
they saw progressivism striking directly at their central theological commitment to
a Providential God: to a world where we humans can effect no lasting changes on
our own but can seek salvation only by appealing to God for His mercy and his
Evolutionary theory in those early days was therefore less a genuine scientific
theory and more a kind of pseudoscience or secular religion. And this is the way
2.2 The History of Evolutionism
that it persisted at least until the time of Charles Darwin. In the Origin of Species,
published in 1859, Darwin put forward a much firmer (than hitherto understood)
empirical base for evolutionary change, appealing right across the spectrum of the
biological world: instinct, paleontology, biogeography, anatomy, embryology,
systematics, and more. Thus he supported his belief in a gradual process of descent.
Conversely, he used this belief in a gradual process of descent to illuminate problems
in the various subdisciplines of the biological sciences. In short, it was Darwin’s
hope that the Origin of Species would provide a new paradigm of research – biology
under the umbrella of evolution (Ruse 1999a).
However, this was not to be. Darwin’s great supporters (notably Thomas Henry
Huxley) had little interest in making a functioning professional science out of
Darwinism. They were not interested in evolutionary problems at an experimental
level, being much more concerned with broad-scale issues to do with morphology
and paleontology (Desmond 1994, 1997). And as all agree, for a long while after the
Origin was published, evolutionary biology became not very Darwinian at all. Indeed,
it owed far more to the transcendental idealistic morphology coming out of Germany,
reaching back ultimately to the Naturphilosophen, than to anything to be found in
the Origin of Species (Richards 1992; Nyhart 1995). It is at this point that we start to
enter into controversy. I argue that what happened after the Origin was little more
than a disaster from the point of view of science. Evolutionary biology was hijacked
by others, notably Ernst Haeckel in Germany and Herbert Spencer and his followers
in England (and then in America). It remained as it has long been: a kind secular
religion, an alternative to Christianity. As a science, it became (or rather stayed)
thoroughly second-rate.
All agree that now there was a science of evolutionary biology, but it was a kind of
evolutionary morphology, which was increasingly pushed out of the universities, if
indeed it ever got in them, and became a museum subject. Evolution was much
more a kind of popular science than anything else, and because it turned out that
trying to trace phylogenies using evolutionary morphology and embryology ended
in paradox more often than not, the best young biologists of the age turned
increasingly away from evolutionary problems. They took up other issues like
cytology, embryology, and ultimately in the twentieth century, genetics. People like
William Bateson, the English Mendelian, and Thomas Hunt Morgan, the great
American fruit fly geneticist, started life as evolutionary biologists but found that
the subject was getting them nowhere. So they turned to richer and more fertile
I argue that this situation continued until the 1920s and even into the 1930s.
Evolutionary biology was a second-rate subject, not one for a top-quality university
mind. Students were steered away from it. It was only after the population
geneticists, notably R. A. Fisher and J. B. S. Haldane in England and Sewall Wright
in America, had put genetics on a firm evolutionary basis from a theoretical point
of view that it was possible to develop evolutionary theory as a university-based,
mature, professional science (Provine 1971). This finally occurred in the 1930s and
1940s, thanks particularly to the labors of such people as Theodosius Dobzhansky
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13717
|
__label__cc
| 0.626002
| 0.373998
|
Gallery — Tufte
Gallery Items tagged Tufte
Edward Tufte is a pioneer in the field of data visualization, and his works have inspired the creation of two LaTeX classes for books and handouts, along with other style elements often present in LaTeX documents. Checkout a selection below.
Example of the Tufte-handout style
This handout template is developed by the Tufte-LaTeX Developers, designed to produce handouts according to the style of Edward R. Tufte. This style is characterized by narrow main-text column and wide right margin (containing references, notes, table and figure captions, even small figures), giving the light, clean, and elegant look. For further information, see https://tufte-latex.github.io/tufte-latex/. This template was originally published on ShareLaTeX and subsequently moved to Overleaf in October 2019.
Uploaded from ShareLaTeX
Book design inspired by Edward Tufte
Edward Tufte is a pioneer in the field of data visualization, and his works inspired the creation of two LaTeX classes for books and handouts. Here we present the excellent sample book produced by the The Tufte-LaTeX Developers pre-loaded into Overleaf (formerly writeLaTeX) for you to use as a starting point for your own work. Simply click the button above to use Overleaf to create and edit your article - there's nothing to install and no sign up required. When you're finished, use our integrated publish to figshare option to publish your work freely online. Click here if you'd like to try the corresponding Tufte handout design on Overleaf. PS: If you're new to LaTeX, our free online LaTeX course covers all the steps you need to get you started.
Example by The Tufte-LaTeX Developers
Handout design inspired by Edward Tufte
Edward Tufte is a pioneer in the field of data visualization, and his works inspired the creation of two LaTeX classes for books and handouts. Here we present the excellent sample handout produced by the The Tufte-LaTeX Developers pre-loaded into Overleaf (formerly writeLaTeX) for you to use as a starting point for your own work. Simply click on the button above to use Overleaf to create and edit your handout - there's nothing to install and no sign up required. When you're finished, why not use our integrated publish to figshare option to publish your work freely online. Click here if you'd like to try the corresponding Tufte book design on Overleaf. PS: If you're new to LaTeX, our free online LaTeX course covers all the steps you need to get you started.
A Tufte-Style Book with VDQI Title and Contents Page
This is a modified version of the Tufte Book example, but with the title page and the contents page resembling Tufte's VDQI book, using Kevin Godby's code from this thread.
Example by The Tufte-LaTeX Developers with modifications
Lab Notes Template
Laboratory Notes Template by Mikhail Klassen, April 2013, Contributions from Sarah Mount, May 2014. This version of the template is based on the tuft-latex class.
Sarah Mount
Sprint Beyond the Book (2016)
Emerging technologies continue to transform the ways we collect, synthesize, disseminate, and consume information. These advances present both hazards and opportunities for the future of scholarly publication and communication. During this book sprint—presented by the Center for Science and the Imagination at Arizona State University and the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) and embedded in SSP’s 2016 annual meeting in Vancouver—we discussed issues of increasing scholarly impact and accessibility, wondered whether computers can make scholarly contributions that warrant co-authorship, speculated about what forms scholarly books may take in the future, and more. Tackling ambitious and often ambiguous questions like these requires a diverse group of thinkers and writers and an innovative approach to writing. The book sprint method provides this innovation. Throughout the annual meeting, we held six miniature book sprints. During each sprint, we convened a group of four to six writers to tackle one of six big questions. Each sprint began with a facilitated conversation, followed by time for our writers to reflect and compose a piece of writing inspired by the conversation. Each piece was composed on Overleaf using this template specially created for this undertaking. Conferences like the SSP annual meeting and scholarly publications themselves are often undergirded by spontaneous, inspiring, thought-provoking conversations among colleagues and collaborators, but those conversations are rarely captured and shared, and are often clouded in memory, even for the participants. The book sprint process hopefully absorbs some of the kismet and energy of those initial conversations, right at the start of a big idea, and makes it part of a more durable intellectual product—and a possible springboard for additional conversations in a broader range of times and places. The work would not have been possible without the contributions of our four core sprinters—Madeline Ashby, Annalee Newitz, Roopika Risam, and Ido Roll—who participated in every session, and the many SSP members who participated in the individual sprints and shared their expertise. All of our content is free to read at http://sprintbeyondthebook.com, and free to download and share under a Creative Commons license.
Created collaboratively in 72 hours at SSP2016 — see PDF for full author and contributor lists
Sprint Beyond the Book - Template
This is the writing template for the ``Sprint Beyond the Book'' sessions at SSP 2016. We invite you to join our team of science fiction authors, scholars, digital publishers, journalists, and technologists to write, edit, assemble and publish a book about the future of scholarly publishing on-the-fly in 72 hours. We will employ a variety of collaborative technologies and explore the idea of writing as a performance. In order to pull off this ambitious plan, we need your help! Please stop by to help brainstorm, write, or edit contributions. Each concurrent session will confront participants with different provocation about the future of scholarly publishing. Find out more about the sessions on the SSP 2016 website.
John Hammersley and Mary Anne Baynes
Example of dynamic figure generation from raw data files
Visualization of chemical experiment data with Tufte style axes, which demonstrates the ability of LaTeX to dynamically generate figures from raw data files. This plot uses two data files and does some calculations in pgfplots to standardise them. It shows 'scan rate normalised cyclic voltammograms', and could more generally be used for 'cyclic voltammetry' results. Original source: http://pgfplots.net/tikz/examples/cyclic-voltammetry/
#solo13digital: What should the scientific record look like in the digital age?
Digital publishing unarguably has brought about many advantages for the dissemination of research findings. The distribution of research papers --- a format which has been used to present original data during the past 350 years --- has become faster, more affordable, longer lasting and content can be customised by the reader as publications can be assessed individually. Yet, these are incremental innovations --- a pdf remains a linear narrative, contextualised in a manner that demands human interpretation. This fundamental and largely unchanged workflow often leads to suboptimal presentation of data within publications or even omission of making data publicly available. In addition, the unique potentials of digital technologies in terms of enhancing, curating and commenting content are barely being tapped. We will discuss the impact of collaborative and dynamic authoring and publishing technologies and contemplate on what we think of as scholarly output of individual researchers. At the same time we will embark on our own collaborative authoring project and produce live session notes using writelatex.com --- everyone’s input is more than welcome!
SpotOn London 2013 Session Participants
HandoutHomework AssignmentMathBiberBibLaTeXDynamic FiguresNewsletterResearch DiaryBookSociety for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) 2016
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13718
|
__label__wiki
| 0.883302
| 0.883302
|
Tag Archives: Chitrasena Dance Cokpany
Thrills and spills: the year in dance
Posted on December 29, 2015 by deborahjones2012
We’ll get to the year’s most interesting work and dancers shortly but 2015 was also notable for offstage developments, particularly at Australia’s three leading classical companies, The Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet and West Australian Ballet. So let’s begin there.
The national company
At The Australian Ballet, David McAllister became the company’s longest-serving artistic director, surpassing Maina Gielgud’s 14-year reign. McAllister took over in July 2001 after the relatively brief tenure of Ross Stretton, who cut his time at the AB short to go to the Royal Ballet in London. McAllister was named to the post while he was still dancing, although retirement followed swiftly. It was a huge leap of faith on the part of the AB board as he had had no leadership experience but it is now emphatically his company. Of the AB’s current roster of 68 dancers, only two were members of the company before 2001 and two joined in 2001.
In another big first, this year McAllister put himself forward to stage a new production of The Sleeping Beauty. He had previously staged only a handful of minor pieces. The production is thought to have cost about $2 million and in a dazzling feat of fundraising, about 70 per cent came from 2000 or so ballet-lovers giving sums ranging from $100 to $50,000 or more. Audiences flocked to it, several dancers in Sydney were given career-changing opportunities and despite reservations from some critics (including me) about some aspects of the production, it must be counted a significant success for McAllister and The Australian Ballet.
McAllister shows absolutely no sign of becoming jaded and it wouldn’t surprise one to see him celebrate his 20th anniversary in the job in 2021.
The state companies
Queensland Ballet was the real surprise package of the year from a backstage perspective, making the position of its high-profile CEO Anna Marsden redundant. The announcement was made on July 9 and was supposed to take effect from September 1 but Marsden was quickly out of the picture. On July 29 QB’s chair, Brett Clark, said in a statement the company would appoint an executive director, whose role would be to enable the vision of artistic director Li Cunxin and drive operations. Dilshani Weerasinghe, previously the company’s development director, was announced as acting executive director but she was soon the board’s permanent choice.
I spoke at length to Clark in early December about the move, very shortly after the company’s announcement that the Queensland Government would give QB an extra $1.2 million annually (bringing its contribution to $2.7 million annually) to support an increase in dancer numbers (an additional eight by 2020), expansion of its headquarters, increased international touring and a greater number of performances. In 2016 QB will have 31 company members and seven young artists.
The announcement by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk also contained news of a $5 million gift from the Melbourne-based Ian Potter Foundation, earmarked for improvements to the company’s facilities at the Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane’s West End.
Clark said negotiations regarding both announcements had been “a long work in progress”. He said specific goals were for QB to be seen as a “powerhouse in the Asia-Pacific region” and to perform more frequently in regional Queensland. Touring to Sydney and Melbourne was not on the cards. “I think the AB services Sydney and Melbourne extremely well. They’re an amazing company.”
Clark declined to speak about the working relationship between Li and Marsden. He said, however, it had become “apparent that for us to get agreed goals and visions, it needed to be an artistic director-led strategy”. He said an executive director can have input into strategy and vision but the core role is to support the board and the company, “and in the case of Queensland Ballet, the artistic director on his or her vision for the company”. He also said that “Dilshani reports through Li to the board”.
Clark acknowledged Marsden’s role in QB’s rapid growth since Li became artistic director in 2011. He also said: “We needed Li’s vision and strategy leading the way forward.”
Clark would not discuss what went on behind the scenes but the implication is clear. Although Marsden was a key player in QB’s revival of fortunes following the departure of previous artistic director François Klaus, a structure in which both CEO and artistic director reported to the board created tension. The board chose Li.
I approached Marsden but she did not wish to comment.
West Australian Ballet will also be under new management next year following the announcement on December 14 that its CEO, Steven Roth, will be leaving in February to work with Scottish Ballet. Roth joined WAB in 2007 when the company had 19 very unhappy dancers who were agitating for the right to strike over their pay and conditions. (Their accommodation in His Majesty’s Theatre, where the company mainly performs, was limited to one studio and cramped production and administration space.) The dancers prevailed: the West Australian Government upped its funding and WAB now has 32 company members and eight young artists. One of the great achievements of Roth’s tenure can be seen in WAB’s gleaming State Ballet Centre in the Perth suburb of Maylands; another is the increase in the company’s operating revenue from $3.2 million in 2007 to $10 million in 2015.
Interestingly, Roth goes to Glasgow-based Scottish Ballet, the country’s national company, as executive director. That company already has a CEO – Christopher Hampson, who is also the company’s artistic director. He added CEO duties earlier this year after the sudden departure of chief executive Cindy Sughrue. In June Scotland’s Herald newspaper reported: “Scottish Ballet will now also begin a search for an executive director who will sit on the national company’s board and report to Hampson, with a remit for ‘clear focus on strategic vision and commercial success’.”
The Herald also reported Scottish Ballet’s chairman, Norman Murray, as saying “the board had undertaken a review of how the company was run, with aid from consultants, and believed it should be ‘artistically led’.”
ONSTAGE – CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY
There are, I admit, a lot of gaps: no 2015 Melbourne Festival, no 2015 Adelaide Festival, no 2015 Dance Massive (Melbourne), although I had already seen one or two things on that program. I mention this because I travelled a fair bit in 2015 but not to everywhere or everything. My list doesn’t leave these things out because there was nothing of note, but because I wasn’t there. Adelaide would have been my big chance to see – at long last – Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet but that is now impossible. Cedar Lake’s financial backer closed the company not long after Adelaide. At Melbourne I could have caught up with the latest work from Batsheva, which I’ve seen regularly at Australian arts festivals, but no.
And a work that I reviewed reasonably strictly on first seeing it makes the list for its daring and its dancers. While I have issues with some of the dramaturgy in The Australian Ballet’s new Sleeping Beauty it is nevertheless a considerable achievement that provided three artists with role debuts that saw each immediately promoted to the next rank.
The productions are in the order in which I saw them and the performers in alphabetical order. The list is heavily skewed towards ballet because that’s the way the year panned out for me.
The best of the best? A Sleeping Beauty double: Alexei Ratmansky’s back-to-Petipa production for American Ballet Theatre and La Scala; and Benedicte Bemet’s dazzling debut as Aurora for The Australian Ballet.
Nothing to Lose, Force Majeure, Sydney Festival, January
Force Majeure founder Kate Champion has now moved on, leaving the company in new hands. Nothing to Lose, made with activist Kelli Jean Drinkwater, was a great farewell piece. It put the following propositions on stage: that fat people should not hide away, that they should be heard, that they are entitled to make choices, that they may actually like the way they are, and, by god, they can and will dance.
Puncture, Legs on the Wall, FORM Dance Projects, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Sydney Festival, January
Puncture started with “Hello” and ended with “I love you”. Is there anything more life-affirming? Six couples collided, grappled, touched, fought, flew, supported, changed partners, argued and loved. Choreographer Kathryn Puie evoked the formalities of Elizabethan court dance, the uniformity of line dancing, the romance of the waltz, the zing of the tango, the group spirit of folk and much more, but ultimately the dance was about body against body, skin against skin; sometimes restrained, sometimes tender, sometimes wild.
Mozart Dances, Mark Morris Dance Group, Perth International Arts Festival, February
In this seemingly carefree work Morris offered principles of profound beauty, not in a didactic way but with simplicity and grace. In Mozart Dances men and women were equal, each was an individual, there was strength to be gained from one another and there was belief in the power of love and joy.
Quintett, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney, March
The first cast was more balletic, the second more ferocious in this thrilling, heart-catching William Forsythe work. Not many companies are allowed to do it; Sydney Dance Company did it proud.
Chloe Leong and David Mack in Quintett. Photo: Peter Greig
The Sleeping Beauty, American Ballet Theatre, New York, May
Alexei Ratmansky’s production took us as nearly as possible back to what the original 1890 audience would have seen: super-lavish setting, strong mime and many intimate, modest details. The physicality looked startlingly different. Instead of height and bravura there was refinement and great charm. For both men and women there was a great deal of petit allegro; low, laser-sharp, extremely swift footwork that sparkled. It was as virtuosic, or more so, than today’s emphatic gestures and much more intricate and sophisticated.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, choreographed by Liam Scarlett, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Auckland, September
What a gorgeous production! Designed by New Zealander Tracy Grant Lord and choreographed by hotter-than-hot Brit Liam Scarlett, this co-pro between Royal New Zealand Ballet and Queensland Ballet was funny, sexy and ravishing to behold. Brisbane sees it in April.
Hayley Dennison in Liam Scarlett’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Royal New Zealand Ballet. Photo: Stephen A’Court
The Sleeping Beauty, The Australian Ballet, Melbourne and Sydney, September and December
Gabriela Tylesova’s design, which drank deeply of Baroque and rococo influences, was almost absurdly beautiful. Tylesova revelled in saturated colours, flounces upon ruffles, embellishments, beads, crystals and feathers. There were columns, chandeliers and romantic vistas. She created an eye-filling, mouth-watering fantasy world that threw out a huge challenge to David McAllister: match this if you can, buddy. Well, he asked for it. There have been a few rumblings about the design being oppressively opulent but this greatest of ballet scores can bear the weight. It invites and deserves a magnificent mise en scène. It also requires storytelling that can fill the space and amplify the music. It’s in the latter sphere that Beauty doesn’t fully succeed despite the involvement of Lucas Jervies, a choreographer and director working as McAllister’s sounding board and adviser. It was extremely cheering, though, to see many very fine performances through the ranks and exciting role debuts (see below).
Ochres, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney, November
It was a joy to see Ochres revived at Carriageworks with a dynamic new generation of dancers. Not that it was exactly the work originally choreographed by Stephen Page and Bernadette Walong-Sene, nor should it be. Dance texts are particularly susceptible to change and Bangarra has developed greatly since the early 1990s. This revival was in the spirit of the original rather than a faithful dusting off of the old steps. The company called it a re-imagining and it looked wonderful. Bangarra has a unique aesthetic based on the connection with Indigenous ceremony and the land. It’s extraordinarily beautiful and invigorating.
Cinderella, choreographed by Jayne Smeulders, West Australian Ballet, Perth, December
How many full-length, mainstage classical ballets choreographed by women were there on Australian stages this year? Just the one I think, Jayne Smeulders’s Cinderella. She reworked her 2011 production to advantage and scored a huge hit with Perth audiences. See: it can be done.
Coppélia, choreographed by Maina Gielgud for Christine Walsh’s Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, Melbourne, December
There was quite a lot of new choreography and loads of rearranging but basically Gielgud’s production was a staging rather than a new work. But what a beauty. It was hard to believe this was a student production, so high were its standards. The young dancers were not just technically assured, they gave terrifically engaged and engaging performances, working seamlessly with the delightful guest artists from Tokyo Ballet, Maria Kawatani and Arata Miyagawa. Christine Walsh designed the many costumes, all of them splendid.
Stella Abrera, Giselle, American Ballet Theatre, New York, May
Abrera’s warmth and simplicity informed every moment of her performance; there wasn’t a thing that didn’t feel genuine. The mad scene tore at the heart. As she loses her reason Giselle re-enacts the plucking of flower petals, which earlier had quieted her anxiety about Albrecht – he loves me, he loves me not, he loves me. Now there was no anticipation or light. Abrera shook her head piteously. He doesn’t love me. (Abrera was at that time an ABT soloist; she was promoted to principal – very belatedly in the opinion of many – at the end of June.)
Veronica Part, Stella Abrera and Vladimir Shklyarov in Giselle. Photo: MIRA
Benedicte Bemet, debut as Aurora, The Australian Ballet, Sydney, December
Quite simply one of the most exciting nights in the theatre, ever. Bemet, just 21, had the dew and radiance of youth, purity and joy in her dancing and was beyond fearless. You know how you almost always get butterflies when Aurora nears those balances and promenades in the Rose Adagio? Not so here. Bemet was absolutely in the moment and so was her audience. The balances were extraordinary, the crowd went wild, and Bemet just went from strength to strength. She went on as a coryphée and shortly afterwards was promoted to soloist. To be honest, it wouldn’t have surprised me if David McAllister had bounded on to the stage to make her a principal artist on the spot. But she has plenty of time for that.
Brett Chynoweth, Puck in The Dream, debut as Prince Désiré, The Australian Ballet, Sydney, May and December
Chynoweth is one of The Australian Ballet’s finest male technicians – he is fast, sleek, has fabulous feet and exciting elevation. This, however, is not what makes him so interesting. He is a passionate, poetic man who connects deeply with his roles and therefore with the audience. As Désiré his longing for love was palpable, and earlier in the year his Puck was a marvel of pyrotechnics and other-worldly humour. He is now, rightfully, a senior artist.
Brett Chenoweth as Puck in The Dream. Photo: Daniel Boud
Alina Cojocaru, Aurora, Queensland Ballet, Brisbane, October
She radiated light and joy from a tiny body that gave the impression not only of being buoyed by the music but indivisible from it. Her dancing was brilliant, each moment etched with great precision, yet everything felt as if it were the inspiration of that moment. Most potent of all was her warm generosity, seen in abundant, open-hearted gestures and an intense gaze that encompassed the entire theatre.
Thaji Dias, Dancing for the Gods, Chitrasena Dance Company, Sydney Festival, January
I got my first, and so far only, view of Thaji Dias during this year’s Sydney Festival. She is a ravishing artist, dancing in the Kandyan style from Sri Lanka with megawatts of charisma. The dance was dramatic and seductive and Dias’s command of it exhilarating with her divinely articulated wrists, rippling shoulders, jaunty strides, the deepest and plushest plies and the liveliest eyes.
Sylvie Guillem, Life in Progress, Sydney, August
At 50 Guillem left the stage on her own terms with an intensely personal program that showed her as a peerless exponent of works by some of contemporary ballet’s biggest names. Not for Guillem a nostalgic look back to her storied classical career. She was known as the most daring, searching and original ballerina of her generation, one whose astounding physical gifts and ferocious individuality were a game-changer in the art. But that was then. Her farewell program celebrated Guillem in the here and now, with new and recent work.
Robyn Hendricks, debut in Symphonic Variations, debut as Aurora, The Australian Ballet, Sydney, April and December
Hendricks is something of a late bloomer but no less valuable for that. Her willowy body gives her a regal air and she also seems a little unknowable, qualities that of course make one intensely aware of her. She looked serenely beautiful in the first cast of Symphonic Variations; as Aurora she was a queen in the making: watchful, elegant, sophisticated and lusciously aware of her suitors. She was promoted to senior artist immediately after her debut.
Aka Kondo, Cristiano Martino, Robyn Hendricks and Amber Scott in Symphonic Variations. Photo: Daniel Boud
Xavier Le Roy, Self Untitled, Carriageworks, Sydney, November
Xavier Le Roy’s 1998 solo Self Unfinished had particular resonance at the time of viewing, days after the terrorist attacks on Paris, summoning thoughts of the fragility of life, the resilience of the human spirit, the truth that we exist only at this moment, right now, and that we are all in it together. He didn’t make a big thing of it, but Le Roy’s piece had a strong sense of erasing the invisible barrier between audience and performer. He intrigued, delighted and provoked during a performance of quite intimacy.
Natalia Osipova/Steven McRae, Giselle, American Ballet Theatre, New York, May
Osipova’s Giselle had London aflame last year and this year had the New York audience entranced and exhilarated. She tore through the ballet with a passion, leaping higher, turning more quickly and covering ground more voraciously than any other. Osipova is a risk-taking dancer. She fell heavily towards the end of her final solo and took several agonising seconds to recover enough to stand. She limped back to the centre and resumed dancing, finishing the ballet not only courageously but with melting beauty. The clarity and complexity of McRae’s acting was wonderful. He gave not just the broad picture but made every moment vivid, fresh, illuminating and dramatically coherent. His dancing, it goes without saying, was full of brilliance without being bombastic. But there was no more riveting moment than one of complete stillness, when Albrecht heard the distant horns of the Royal hunting party and understood the chaos to come.
Kristina Chan, Conform, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney, December
“I am interested in what it means to be a man in this modern day,” Chan wrote in the program note to Conform, part of the annual New Breed program. She has a sombre view. When we first saw her men – there was an all-male cast of eight – they visibly buckled under the weight of expectation. They were either desperately alone with their thoughts or they fell in with the majority, losing individuality but absorbing the power of the pack. Conform was beautifully structured, vibrated with repressed emotion and had a very strong, pulsating and often ominous score by James Brown. It should be a keeper.
Justin Peck, Rōdē,ō, New York City Ballet, May
We haven’t seen a step of Peck’s in Australia as far as I know and it’s about time someone did something about it. His Rōdē,ō: Four Dance Episodes, to the music of Aaron Copland, is wondrous. (Don’t ask me about the odd accents in the title; perhaps Peck wanted to differentiate it from Agnes de Mille’s 1942 Rodeo, to this music.) A piece for 15 men and one fabulous woman, it surprises, invigorates and enchants at every turn. Peck, still dancing as a soloist with New York City Ballet, has the magic touch. This apparently abstract ballet is packed with ideas, relationships and really zingy choreography. NYCB probably doesn’t want to let it go just yet because it premiered only in February this year, but can someone please beg?
Posted in Dance | Tagged Alexei Ratmansky, Alina Cojocaru, American Ballet Theatre, Anastasia Palaszczuk, Anna Marsden, Arata Miyagawa, Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Benedicte Bemet, Bernadette Walong-Sene, Brett Clark, Chitrasena Dance Cokpany, Christine Walsh, Christopher Hampson, Cindy Sughrue, David McAllister, Dilshani Weerasinghe, Force Majeure, FORM Dance Projects, Gabriela Tylesova, Jayne Smeulders, Justin Peck, Kate Champion, Kathryn Puie, Kelli Jean Drinkwater, Kristsina Chan, Legs on the Wall, Li Cunxin, Liam Scarlett, Lucas Jervies, Maina Gielgud, Maria Kawatani, Mark Morris Dance Group, Natalia Osipova, New York City Ballet, Norman Murray, Perth International Arts Festival, Pretty Chynoweth, Robyn Hendricks, Ross Stretton, Royal New Zealand Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Stella Abrera, Stephen Page, Steven McRae, Steven Roth, Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Festival, Sylvie Guillem, Thai Dias, The Australian Ballet, Tokyo Ballet, Tracy Grant Lord, West Australian Ballet, William Forsythe, Xavier Le Roy | 4 Replies
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13720
|
__label__cc
| 0.680354
| 0.319646
|
WSUebook (1)
Wayne Open Book Collection (1)
Wayne State University eBooks (1)
Emigration and immigration (1)
Ethnic relations (1)
Immigrants--Israel (1)
Jews, American (1)
Jews, American--Israel (1)
SOCIAL SCIENCE / Emigration & Immigration (1)
SOCIAL SCIENCE / Jewish Studies (1)
Zionism--United States (1)
Wayne State University Press (1)
Language: eng Collection: Wayne State University eBooks Coverage: United States Subject: Emigration and immigration Subject: SOCIAL SCIENCE / Emigration & Immigration Language: eng Subject: SOCIAL SCIENCE / Emigration & Immigration Subject: Immigrants
American aliya: portrait of an innovative migration movement
The major focus is on the who, when, and where of American immigration to Israel, but it is the "why" of this aliya which constitutes the core of the book. Waxman analyzes the relationship between Zionism, aliya, and the Jewish experience. Chapters include "Zion in Jewish culture," a synopsis of Zionism through the years, and "American Jewry and the land of Israel in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries," an account of proto-Zionist ideas and movements in early America.
Chaim I. Wa…
|
cc/2020-05/en_middle_0042.json.gz/line13724
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.